This is it...

Olivia: Knock, knock

SC: Who's there?

Olivia: It's Olivia

SC: Olivia who?

Olivia: Olivia Jackson, 

I'M IN SOUTH CAROLINA!!!

Yes, it's official... I am home! I'm just a tad early but it was time. I have loved every second of being overseas. I can't imagine the detail in which it has changed me and shaped who I will continue to become. What I have been taught I could not have learned at any university, by either parent, or by my closest and wisest friend. There are some things that are only learned by new experiences, a globalized outlook, and stepping wayyyyyy out of the box. The people I met taught me more about my own country than I ever knew, in addition to the rest of the world! From New Zealand to Sweden, we've talked about politics, lifestyles, healthcare and habits. 

The non-Australians and I learned to drive on the wrong ;) or left side of the road together, what kebabs are, what it means to be crook, to hate mozzies, to go to the op shop, to conversationally use the word reckon, what pashing is, who Poms are, and what it means to receive a prezzy, all in the land of Oz. I remember, I spent my first month staring at the Aussie's like they were speaking a different language! Hah! But I learned in due time, thanks to Maca, Cat and my boys. 

To you Aussies, and Kiwis, THANK YOU! Thank you for teaching me, being patient with me, and putting up with me when I asked "Y'all don't have that here??" I can't imagine how annoying that was ;) You guys are my family and I hope that I have taught you a few things as well... we Americans aren't alllll bad! 

I have no doubt I will be back before you know it. I can't wait to see y'all again, you have impacted my life in more ways than you can imagine. Please come up to South Carolina! I promise we will treat you right and give you an experience of a lifetime as well - each of you have an open invitation for life. 

Opening pressies :)

Thanks Mags and Rhian! I love you so much!

Last glass of (legal) wine...

Going away bbq - some of the most

amazing people I will ever meet

Saying goodbye to my home from

July 2009 - May 2010

Mooloolaba, QLD, Australia

Miss you Rhian :(

VARSITY 66 ROOMIES!!!

Closest I have ever gotten to 

having brothers - I will miss it

Alrighty. USA, here I come

Flight 007 anyone??

Fortunately there was no James Bond action

"This Is It"

Tribute, Michael Jackson

Two girls I will never ever forget

Let's do it!

 I LOVE VAustralia - best airline ever

Buhbye Brisbane! See you soon!

Last picture of Australia -

North Stradbrooke Island

Isn't it incredible..?

And airplane food... awesome ;)

Nighty night, time to get on LA time

Hello Cali, it's been awhile

Gate 66... Varsity 66... already missing you!

MOMMY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

For those of you who didn't know I was coming home, don't feel too left out because this was only planned two weeks ago. I just decided it was time, talked to the parentals and booked my plane tickets. Sooooo because it was semi spur-of-the-moment... I decided to surprise a few people :)

Surprise Jessi!

Jessi and me at Carolina!!! :D

And Jordi!!! :D:D

And Lauren!!! :D:D:D

KREE!!!:D:D:D:D

Wait, didn't I see you everyday in Belgium??

Oh wait... skype!

I love you so much!

Missed you Jonathan!

Timing was pretty much unbeatable for coming home... the weekend before was Maca's unbelievable birthday weekend and the weekend after arrival was Bethany's Clemson Graduation. Not only  is the graduation itself very exciting, it meant the family was down to visit!!!! YAY! Aaand Mother's Day!

SISTA - LAUREL!

Hadn't seen each other since Feb '09

So many reunions!

Mama #2 :)

ETHAN!!

YUMM

Congratulations Bethany!

First Mother's Day in a decade with all

three girls - love you mama!

Well... seeing as this is the end of my Australia trip, I guess this is the end of my blog. I may post one or two more but time will tell. I hope you have all enjoyed reading as much as I have enjoyed writing. It hasn't been easy but I will always be thankful for a weekly record of the year of my life abroad. I am sure this summer will be jam-packed, as it has already begun so but I can't wait to see my South Carolinians as time goes. Now that I'm back in the country, it shouldn't be quite as difficult. As far as my Aussies, Kiwis, Sweds, Finns, Austrians, and Turks go... Thank you thank you thank you for changing my life forever. I can't wait to meet again :)

If you ever want to catch up write me on facebook or email me at jacksonolivia2@gmail.com

Happy 21st Maca!!!!!!!

This week was so busy, which in my world means, SO GOOD! Everything from start to finish was awesome.

 

Last Monday, my good friend Cat (#1 female boxer in QLD ;) ) took me to her work… this was super exciting because she works for the government with the police!! She answers 000 (911) calls and controls the radio to direct the police cars. How cool is that??? Com co.? This was way cool for me – thank you so much for an awesome visit Kitty!

FOUR screens at once!

SO legit ;)

 

I took full advantage of the beach during the week. The weather is getting cooler so not too much longer will I be able to lie on the sand and bask in the sun. I will certainly miss it… I also spent Tuesday packing my 20kg (44lb) sea mail package. It’ll take three months to get home – perfect timing.

 

Have fun Sailing!!!

Wednesday morning, Mags and I headed to the Eumundi Markets. She had never been but you may remember Maca and I going in August – they are one of the best markets I have ever been to. We shopped around a bit but purchased little. They had lots of free samples – my FAV!

It was all about Macaela from Thursday to Saturday when the birthday celebrations began. Because her birthday was coming up, she got four free tickets to the Comedy Club in Brisbane!  It was Maca, Simon, Mags and I and we had a great time! Maca’s bday was Friday the 30^th of April so we popped some bubbly at midnight :D

 

Yes, I brought my own toast.

Not weird.

The group :)

He swallowed the balloon whole...

and then my a very inappropriate joke about 

his sister to all the guys in the club...

Two and two anyone?

YAY MAC!

Working their "magic poses" haha

Bubbly!

When we got back to the coast on Friday, set up began. “When I get an idea of what I want, I don’t stop until I get there,” Macaela French. And that is a fact – she had the perfect picture of how she wanted her birthday to look like and go down, and we didn’t stop until it got there. We took over Simon’s house and tennis courts and had the whole family together setting up tables, chairs, lanterns, fairy lights, etc. And it was stunning. The party was Saturday night and everything turned out perfectly! There were around 60 people there and we mingled, ate, and drank the night away. There was not a single drama, everything from the place cards to guests fell right into place.

The official maid of honor/PA :)

Yes, I took Mac to Subway for her bday

lunch... it was by request!

Rockin' 21

And setting up begins!!!

Not as easy as it appears

Lanterns!

Getting ready :)

My hair stayed like this for 

about 5 minutes...

Complete :)

My two favorite Aussie boys on the planet

Roomies!

The bday girl and me :D

I LOVE YOU MAC!

The hardest project of my life!

Everything was stunning

Mac and Sim cutting the cake :)

Parties ova!

Opening pressies:

21 scratchies!!!

Too much helium

Macaela (Maca) has meant so much to me in my time in Australia - she has been with me through thick and thin, excitement and illness. She is incredibly understanding and patient. She loves doing things for others and teaching us how to do things :) She has taught me SO much in my time here - she is truly irreplaceable. I am so thankful for such an incredible life-long friendship. I love you Mac!

 

We had a BLAST celebrating her birth! It came flawlessly together, for which we were all thankful! 

Just because I can't get enough :)

Not much more to announce here – still missing you all terribly… hope to talk soon! Love you love you love you