Certification in Two Countries: To Keep or Not to Keep?

That is the question.

Hi, folks!

When moving abroad, people who work in the Allied Health field want to know if it is worthwhile not only transferring credentials internationally, but also maintaining professional certification and license to practice in their home country.

When I moved to America, I renewed my certification and membership with Speech Pathology Australia (SPA) each year. Since moving back to Australia, I have maintained my certification with the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) and renewed my Florida state licensure.

Feeding Time on Siesta Key 
Florida, USA
Photo taken by Maree Richardson

Downside:

• Expensive! It costs me about $937 AUD ($647 USD) per year to maintain all three  certifications/licenses.
• Time consuming to update professional development hours and check progress toward compliance for three certifications/licenses. After I complete a training course, I login to three different websites to enter the information, as each association has their own requirements.

Upside:

• Freedom of moving between countries and being allowed to work right away. This makes it easier to find a job and reduces financial stress. You don’t have to repeat the laborious and costly application process for certification. You're ready to go!
• Although expensive, certification/license fees are due at different times of the year, which means you can budget and don’t have to "fork out" all the money at once. SPA fees are due by end of June, whereas ASHA and Florida state license fees are due by end of December.
• You can apply the same professional development hours to all certifications/licenses. For example, speechpathology.com offers unlimited, online continuing education courses which are recognised by all three professional associations who I am certified/licensed with. 

So, is it worth it? 

For now, yes. The advantages currently outweigh the disadvantages.

I’m interested to hear your thoughts on this topic. Feel free to comment below.

Cheers!

Maree

Where Did We Move To?

Hi, folks!

The previous post about packing up our first home finished on the ultimate cliff-hanger ...

Where did we move to?

Many people asked for Part Two of the series, so without further ado, let's "spill the beans". We have moved across the other side of the world again, this time to ...

The Land Down Under!

G'Day from Queensland, Australia
Photo taken by Gregory Richardson (drone photography).

Although Australia is my home country, it will take some time to adjust. After living in America for 6 years, the first few weeks back in Australia felt like a foreign country.

Initial musings about moving back to my homeland:

- Everyone has an accent, and it sounds really bogan! During our first week back, we were in a restaurant in Brisbane and I made a quiet comment about the two blokes sitting at the table next to us: “Hey, I think they’re from Australia ...”, forgetting that we were no longer in America. 

- My accent is a hybrid. It sounds really confused! For those new to the blog, I work as a Speech Language Pathologist, and part of my job is to help children articulate their speech sounds correctly. Thus, while living in America, I had been consciously trying to make my “R’s” strong and my vowels long. Now I have to retrain my own articulation skills to sound Aussie again!

- Jacaranda trees are stunning! I’ve never truly appreciated them until now. For my international friends, Jacaranda’s are large trees that bloom gorgeous, purple flowers in October/November; Springtime in the Southern Hemisphere.

Jacaranda Trees
Photo taken by Gregory Richardson.

- Upon starting a new job in Australia, I’m steadily learning about the changes in the healthcare system over the past few years, including the nationwide roll out of the National Disability Insurance Scheme. Understanding healthcare systems in two countries can be overwhelming.

- You know how foreigners suppose that Australian animals are out to kill ya? Now I understand their point of view - our spiders are huge! A couple of weeks ago, we visited the local Botanic Gardens and were greeted with a nightmarish mass of entangled webs and spiders the size of an outstretched hand. There are memes made of this stuff!

- Never had I ever been stung by a blue bottle until, you guessed it ... now. Last weekend the little blighter wrapped its tentacle around my ankle and hung on for all it was worth. Ouch!

- Cricket is a strange sport. With field positions like "Silly Mid Off" and "Short Leg", and test matches that last up to 5 days, no wonder why Robin Williams said: "Cricket is basically Baseball on Valium". I took Greg to his first ever live cricket match and he enjoyed tolerated it for 3 hours. We agreed this was a pretty good innings for his first experience. 

Greg's First Cricket Match
Photo taken by random crowd member.

- Aussie sangas (sausages) are amazing! So are plain mince pies with tomato sauce (ketchup). 

- I have complained about Australia’s high income tax rates. Goodbye, pay check!

- It’s easy to find vacant beaches all to yourself with sand that stretches as far as the eye can see.

To our friends and family:  if you’re up Queensland way or fancy taking that bucket list trip to The Land Down Under, feel free to drop in! As Paul Hogan once said, we might even "slip an extra shrimp on the barbie" for ya.

Cheers!


Maree

Life Update 2019

Hi, folks!

It has been awhile since I've updated you on my whereabouts. The last time was in 2017, and the time before that was in 2015.  Apparently I like odd numbers.

We are still in Florida, enjoying the sunshine, palm trees, and occasional hurricane. In 2017, Hurricane Irma, the strongest hurricane in terms of maximum sustained winds in the Atlantic, unbecomingly graced us with her presence. We evacuated our home for a few days, and then returned to repair the damage and clean up the debris.

Surprised Greg with a picnic in the spot where he proposed a few years ago.
Location: Sarasota, Florida, USA
Photo credit: camera, tripod and 10-sec timer. 

In 2017, Greg underwent spinal surgery. The hospital health care team had him up and walking that same day, and he has since recovered well, accompanied by a cute little tail (scar) on his lower back. I have also had ongoing lower back issues, so we are both taking life a little slower these days. Yoga, stretching, and hiking have become our new best friends. While we're on the topic of surgery, I recently had all four wisdom teeth removed. Fun times!

My journey as a Speech Language Pathologist transitioned to a school-based setting. If you're interested, here are links to read about how to transfer degrees/licenses internationally and obtaining state licensure in America. I'm currently placed at an Elementary (Primary) School and Preschool, providing assessment and therapy for the communication needs of school-aged children from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds. Learning to cater to varying needs in small-group settings, rather than on an individual basis, has been a challenge. A shorter commute, an opportunity to brush up on my Spanish skills, and developing relationships with my sweet kiddo's has been a blessing. Oh, and the school holiday schedule is a bonus. 😉

A couple of 2017 highlights included a fleeting trip to Australia to visit family, friends, and a special mother-daughter trip to Tasmania, Australia. In December of that year I officially became a U.S. Citizen, and am now honored to officially call myself a dual citizen of Australia and America. If interested, you can read about my transition from Resident to Citizen. 

Location: Honeymoon Bay, Tasmania, Australia
Photo credit: Maree Richardson

2018 was the year of adventure: a road trip through the Wild West, hiking various National Parks and Monuments in Texas and New Mexico; a bridesmaid for my bestie's wedding; a wonderful mother-daughter trip through the forests, oceans, and delectable wine country in south-west Western Australia; roughed it through our "first-timers" #vanlife trip through the breathtakingly beautiful National Parks of California and Oregon. Wow - what a year!

Aside from traveling, we renovated our guest bathroom. Our house was built in 1958, so the original tiling was ... mature. We started with the intention of completing the entire renovation by ourselves. Too high of expectations, perhaps? An enormous thanks to my colleagues' husband, who helped us finish the drywall and tiling - what a legend! The guest bathroom is now sparkling, modern, and minimalist. It's our favorite room in the house!

BEFORE Bathroom Remodel

AFTER Bathroom Remodel

Now, we find ourselves in the depths of 2019. We spent New Years with family in Wagga Wagga, Australia, followed by an awe-inspiring trip to Thailand. I'm continuing to learn and work as a Speech Language Pathologist in the local school system. Greg is continuing to work as an I.T. Consultant for an international company. We attended a beautiful Greek/Italian wedding, and are completing some minor repair jobs around the house.

Bring on the rest of 2019!

Please feel free to reach out to me with any comments or questions regarding working and/or living abroad, transferring degrees/licenses internationally, travelling around America, or just to say "G'day!". I would LOVE to connect with more friendly faces. 😊

Have a great day,

Maree

Florida's National Parks

Hi, folks!

One aspect I love most about the U.S. is its National Park system.  I am borderline obsessed!  I have read Lonely Planet USA's National Parks from front-to-back, and love to daydream about potential National Park trips to take during my work holidays and long weekends.

Florida is home to three (3) U.S. National Parks, which will be the focus of this post.

On a long weekend in January I attended a one-day work conference in Miami, and spent the following two days down south to explore the following:     

Biscayne National Park

Biscayne National Park is 95% underwater, and thus holds the record as the largest marine park in the National Park system.  There is a short, paved walkway and boardwalk alongside the water, although to really appreciate the beauty of this park, it is best to get out on the water, whether that be by boat, kayak, paddle board, snorkel or dive.  Entrance to this park is free!

I spent one day at Biscayne National Park, and took a boat tour to Boca Chita Key.  The guides were very knowledgeable and taught us lots of fun facts about the parks' ecosystems, and also about the somewhat dark history of Boca Chita Key and its lighthouse.  We were given an hour to walk around the Key and climb the stairs to the top of the lighthouse.  The view from the top was amazing!  The wind was so strong that it blew my sunglasses off!  You could also see the stunning Miami skyline in the distance.  I would love to return to this park someday to snorkel/dive the coral reef.

View from the Lighthouse - Boca Chita Key - Biscayne National Park
Photo taken by Maree Richardson

Top of the Lighthouse - Boca Chita Key - Biscayne National Park
Photo taken by Maree Richardson

Miami Skyline from Boca Chita Key - Biscayne National Park
Photo taken by Maree Richardson

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S.  The wetlands cover a large portion of southern Florida, and are home to many plant and wildlife species including the Florida panther, the manatee, and of course, the American alligator and crocodile.  Additionally, the Burmese Python, an invasive species, are said to roam these waters. 

I took the Shark Valley entrance and spent one day at Everglades National Park.  It was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, so entrance was free that day, however it is usually $25 per vehicle.  I biked the 15 mile trail and was astonished at the number of alligators sunning themselves on the side of the road.  Never had I been that close to wild gators before!

In my opinion, the right-side of the trail (if you're looking at it from the Visitor's Center) was the most scenic with a larger variety of plants and visible wildlife.  At the half-way point there is an Observation Tower.  Most people returned the same way they came, however I was curious to see what was on the left/opposite side of the trail.  I had most of it to myself ... for a reason.  This side was long and challenging, with numerous twists and bends.  I rode into a strong wind and felt lactic acid building up in my legs.  At one point I thought that the Visitor's Center should be around the next corner, however was disheartened to see the mile marker on the road indicating I still had 5 miles to go.  Needless to say, I made it to the end, but it certainly tested my physical and mental abilities! 

Sorry, Mum! Look how close the alligators were to the road.
Everglades National Park. Photo taken by Maree Richardson.

Staring Competition! Everglades National Park.
Photo taken by Maree Richardson.

Soaking up the Sunshine. Everglades National Park.
Photo taken by Maree Richardson. 

Dry Tortugas National Park 
I have not yet been to Dry Tortugas National Park, but it is on my list!  It is approximately 72 miles offshore, thus is only accessible by boat, ferry or seaplane.  A couple of years ago we were in Key West and had planned to take the ferry across, however the weather did not cooperate.  Guess I'll have to save it for another day ...


Have you been to any of Florida's National Parks?  What was your experience like?

Also, if anyone has any tips for visiting Dry Tortugas National Park, please let me know. 😊


Have a great week!


Maree

10 Things I Have Learnt Living Overseas

Hi, folks!

Here is my raw and brutally honest review of things I have learnt living and working overseas.


1. The longest period I spent away from Australia without visiting was just over 12 months.  Upon returning, I felt like a foreigner in my home country.  I wandered around feeling like a naive tourist, and commented on the strong Aussie accent of passersby that I once used to have.

2. Speaking of accents, mine keeps changing! Australians say I sound American, Americans say I sound British/South African/New Zealand/German/French - some days I am unsure where I belong.  My career in Speech Language Pathology most likely contributes to my accent change, because I need to be understood by the children and parents I serve, and teach my clients how to produce sounds and words according to their dialect.  Slowly converting American children to Australians, one accent at a time ... Just kidding! 😉 When I first touch base in Australia, my friends and family say I sound really American, and make fun of me for "taking a shower to get cleaner and feel better".  However, after a day or two of immersion into my Aussie culture, I soon fall back into "taking a showa to get cleana and feel betta, maaaaaate".

3. TIP: Prepare a "catch phrase" or clever response for those times when people ask "Where are you from?".  Sometimes I feel like saying "I'm from Antarctica with the polar bears", just to really stump them.  Only on rare occasions do unfamiliar people guess my accent correctly. 

4. I love trying new foods from all different cultures.  Whenever we go on a date night, Greg and I usually choose an ethnic restaurant.  However, sometimes I have those days where I just crave a good ol' Aussie vegemite sanga.

5. Americans LOVE Australians.  They love our laid-back attitudes and accents.  We are associated with iconic legends like Steve Irwin "The Crocodile Hunter", and Paul Hogan's catch phrase "Put a shrimp on the barbie".  They also think we are tough and strong, having to deal with all of the dangerous animals that are apparently out to kill us ... please, America, have you forgotten about your brown bears and alligators?? 😉

South Beach, Miami. Photo taken by Maree Richardson.

6. TIP: Remember and/or practice entering your bank account details for your home country on a regular basis.  On one of my visits to Australia, there was an uncomfortable moment where I forgot my bank account number and password.  After entering it incorrectly a number of times, I was locked out of my bank account.  I called a representative who asked me a bunch of questions including my secret questions.  Turns out I must have answered them incorrectly, also.  After a series of hesitant "okay"'s and "a-huh"'s from the representative, she said she could not assist me at that time and suggested that I visit a branch to sort it out.  Long story short, I visited a branch and was served by the most lovely and understanding bank employee who helped me renew everything.

7. People in other countries often talk about how friendly and happy Aussies are, but I had never noticed this concept until I had been away for over 12 months.  The lady who helped me at the bank branch (from the prior story) spoke to me like a friend, and I left the bank feeling calm, warm and fuzzy (not usually how banks make one feel).  When visiting Tasmania for the first time, and aimlessly getting lost around the streets of Launceston, a friendly person working in the street stopped what he was doing, and took time out of his day to ask if we needed help and gave us directions.  So kind! 

8. It's OK to talk to strangers on planes.  This tends to happen more when I am flying by myself.  You know within the first couple of minutes of making "small talk" with the person sitting beside you whether they are in for a chat or prefer to be left in peace.  I strongly believe you can learn something from everyone you meet in life, whether they stay in your life for 5 minutes, 5 years, or forever.  In the words of Dr. Seuss, "You can learn something new everyday if you listen".

Started out strangers, ended up friends!  Rocky Mountain National Park.
Photo taken by Colorado Sightseers.  

9. Be prepared to translate everything - vocabulary; measurements; dress sizes; humor.  My temperature conversion skills from Celsius to Fahrenheit are improving, but I still use the Converter App on my phone at times.  You will often hear short pauses in my conversation when I am thinking about my audience and which word I need to use - "boot" or "trunk", "bonnet" or "hood", "jumper" or "sweater", "Autumn" or "Fall", "Primary" or "Elementary", "thongs" or "flip flops" - you get the point.  When someone asks me for my dress size, I have to convert Australian sizes to American sizes and vice versa.  There's even jokes and phrases I sometimes use that cause a confused expression on my communication partner's face, which I then have to explain what it means, and by then it has lost all meaning and humor.

10. You will STRONGLY appreciate spending time with your friends and family.  Having a specific, often short, time to spend with my best friends and family means that I am totally invested in them.  We truly make the most of quality time together and it never goes to waste (often at the expense of little to no sleep!) but the memories made are always totally worth it.  Quality over quantity.


Who can relate?


From the utterly confused and happily exhausted,


Maree

2017 in Review - Happy New Year!

Happy New Year, Friends!

Here is a brief update of our 2017.

It was a “rocky start” for us. The herniated discs in Greg’s lower spine worsened.  He ended up having back surgery in May. We were slow-going for awhile, however, with physio appointments and at-home stretches and strengthening exercises, Greg is much improved. 

Career-wise, I transitioned to working for the local School Board as a Speech Language Pathologist. I'm currently stationed at 3 different schools, and enjoy the variety of working with preschool and elementary/primary aged children.  The School Holidays will be a bonus, too! 😉

Hurricane Irma pummeled through the Caribbean and into Florida in September. We evacuated our house and drove up to Alabama to wait it out. It was a bit nerve racking waving goodbye to our house and not knowing what it would look like when we got back. Fortunately, the storm veered to the right and avoided a direct hit in our area. Our hearts go out to all those who did not fare so well.

We visited the Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee for a second time. This place holds a special place in our hearts.  I also spent one week exploring the beautiful Australian state of Tasmania with my Mum.  We experienced some of the clearest waters, cleanest air, untouched nature and the most diverse geography.  Tassie is bloody beautiful, mate!

Honeymoon Bay, Tasmania, Australia.  Image captured by Maree Richardson.

To top the year off, I officially became a dual Australian-American Citizen. After 4 long years the wait (and paperwork!) has finally come to an end and a new chapter begins.  You can read more about this in my next post. 😊

Have a great week!

Maree

Top 10 Things to Do and See in Sarasota

Hey, folks!

Having lived in Sarasota, Florida for the past 4 years, I believe it is time to share my favorite things to do and see in this beautiful part of the state.  

1. Siesta Key Beach - Voted the best beach in America in 2011 and 2017 on the annual Dr. Beach list, you will be greeted by sparkling, turquoise waters that are as warm as a bathtub in the Summer, and a blanket of powder-white sand made of quartz.  If you compare Siesta Key sand to talcum powder, it is difficult to tell the difference!  Reflecting the sun, this powdery sand stays cool under your feet all year long.  The area has recently been updated with a huge concession stand, numerous grills ("BBQ's"), and a playground for the kiddos.  While spending time on this beautiful beach, prepare to witness some of the most dramatic sunsets you have ever seen!

Siesta Key Beach - Captured by Maree's Mum

2. Turtle Beach - This lesser-known beach is directly south of Siesta Key.  It boasts peace and quiet away from the crowds, particularly if you walk a couple of miles north from the main entrance.  The sands are coarse and grey, and the waves are a little bigger than nearby beaches - well, as big as waves can get in the calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico. 😉  The turtle nesting season stretches from as early as May, to as late as October.  There are usually hundreds of protected turtle nests dotted along this beach - a gentle reminder of just how magical our ocean life and animal kingdom is!  

3. Myakka State Park - Sarasota does not only offer some of the best beaches in America, but is also the home to state parks and wetlands.  These places are excellent for biking and hiking, and you are almost guaranteed to spot alligators at Myakka.  Gators are beautifully intimidating creatures.  Keep your distance!  Insider tip: bring your camera with a zoom-lens for some epic photos. 😊  There is a boardwalk over the lake, and a canopy walkway with a vertical stairway that takes you above the treeline for incredible views.  The airboat is a fun way to cruise around the lake to spot some birds and gators.  From our experience, some of the more remote hiking trails are poorly signed, with just a few inconspicuous paint marks on trees every few hundred meters.  Thus, if you attempt one of these, it's critical that you keep track of landmarks to avoid getting lost.

Myakka State Park - Captured by Maree Richardson

4. Kayaking around Lido Key and the Mangroves at South Lido County Park - Rent a kayak and paddle through the shallow mangrove tunnels.  You will see crabs scuttling, fish swimming, and a variety of birds.  Insider tip: bring your bug repellent ("mozzie spray")!  Also, bring your lunch, a cold beer, a fishing pole, and life is goooooood!

5. Marie Selby Botanical Gardens - This is the place for plant lovers.  It features thousands of orchards and bromeliads, an abundance of tropical plants, a butterfly garden, and a koi fish pond.  Bring a picnic blanket, a good book, and bask under a shady tree with views overlooking Sarasota Bay.

6. St. Armands Circle, Ringling Causeway Bridge and Lido Key - This major bridge crosses over Sarasota Bay, connecting you from Downtown Sarasota to St. Armands Circle, Lido Key and beyond.  There is a walking/running path on either side of the bridge which offers some spectacular views of the area.  St. Armands Circle boasts world-class restaurants and high-end shopping (a.k.a. "window shopping" for me!).  Just a short walk and you'll find yourself at the beautiful Lido Key Beach, which offers powdery-white sand and clear waters.

7. Downtown Historic District - We don't often make it downtown, although always thank ourselves for making the effort when we do.  Each corner is alive with art, culture, and passion.  You can't help but stroll around with a smile on your face as you consume all of the colors, positive vibes, and quaint store fronts.  Additionally, the cinema with the cheapest tickets in town is located here, so this is the place to go to catch that new flick you've been dying to see.     

8. Sarasota Jungle Gardens - Are you an animal-lover?  If so, than this is the place for you!  You can hand-feed flamingos that elegantly stroll around the gardens.  Unexpectedly, they don't sound as pretty as they look - they honk like pigs!  Feeling bold?  You might have the opportunity to hold a snake, lizard, baby alligator, or a bird.  Some of the most colorful parrots and macaws I have ever seen reside here.  The entry fee can add up if you have a large family or group of people, so utilize their great teacher and student discounts!

Sarasota Jungle Gardens - Captured by Maree's Mum

9. Sarasota Bayfront and Bayfront Park - If you are heading downtown, to Lido Key, or to the Jungle Gardens, you must stop by this stunning location.  We love to take a break and hang out here.  Take a walk around the park, sit on a wooden swing and listen to the water peacefully lapping on the rocks, have a drink at O'Leary's Tiki Bar & Grill, and take a picture with your sweetheart in front of the "Unconditional Surrender" statue, also known as the "Kissing Statue". 😘

   

10. Ringling Museum of Art, Ringling Circus Museum, and the Ca'd'Zan - The Ringling Museum of the American Circus was the first to document the history of this form of entertainment.  Sarasota was where the circus members stayed during the Winter months.  Learn about the history of the Circus and explore the endless costumes and memorabilia.  Nearby sits the grand Ca'd'Zan mansion.  Take a tour of the inside, or simply wander around the outside to admire the intricate designs and size of this place.  Insider secret: Greg proposed to me at this place!  

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Did I say 10? Whoops! Here is a bonus:

11. Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium - Struck a rainy day? Not to fear, the aquarium is here!  Mote Marine is a not-for-profit, marine research organization that helps to protect our oceans and conducts ongoing wildlife conservation and research programs.  Meet the vast array of marine life, including huge sea turtles and manatees! 

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A Sarasota Sunset - Image Captured by Maree Richardson

So, there you have it.  The "inside scoop" to Sarasota.  Whether you're here for one day, one week, or one year, I hope you enjoy your time exploring this inspirational place.


Have a great week!


Maree

Trick #2: Smart Phone Rewards

G'day folks,

You know that little device you hold in your hand/pocket that does just about nearly everything?  Not only can your smart phone take quality photos, message/call anybody around the world at any time, and allow you to spend way to much time on social media, it can also make you money! 💲

In a previous post I shared my top 10 "tricks" for pursuing a work and travel life. Today, I am going to explore another one of those "tricks" in more detail: Smart Phone Rewards.

Greg (hubby) has a Samsung Note 5, and we use Samsung Pay at any check-out that will accept it. 

Tip: if a cashier says "our machines don't accept that", always try it! From our experience, many cashiers don't realize their credit card machines accept Samsung Pay and are pleasantly surprised when they see that it works. 😏   

It may seem like a humbug to research and learn about how to pay with your phone, but you will reap solid rewards.

To put it into perspective, for using Samsung Pay (which is free to use!) over a short period of time, we received a $50 reward to use towards anything we want, anywhere we want.  It paid for one weeks' worth of groceries and a bottle of Whiskey. Win! 

Another example: last weekend we received a $5 voucher thanks to Samsung Pay, and used it at the hairdressers to pay for half of Greg's haircut.  Hey, every bit counts, right?! 😉


Who else uses their smart phone to pay for items?  If so, which country do you use it in?


Have a great week!


Maree

Trick #1: Rent your Spare Room

Hi folks,

Do you love to travel but don't have the money? Do you have a spare room in your house? If your answer is yes, then read on!

In a previous post I shared my top 10 "tricks" for pursuing a work and travel life. Today, I am going to explore one of those "tricks" in more detail: Rent Your Spare Room.

One of our New Years resolutions was to become Airbnb hosts. My husband and I pondered this thought for months, unsure whether it was the "right thing" for us. However, here we are, 6 months of hosting later, and loving it! 

There are many people like you who are thinking about becoming Airbnb hosts, however are unsure when to/if you should "take the plunge". From our experience, here is what you need to know:

How?

It's as easy as 1, 2, 3!  

1. Clean your spare room. Keep the big things (e.g., furniture, etc); relocate/discard the small things (e.g., knick-knacks, personal items, etc). 

2. Update your spare room. Think about what vibe, what atmosphere, you want your guests to experience. Be inspired from where you live. For example, we live 10 minutes from the beach, so our guest room is decked out with yellow/blue/white hues, seashells, beach towels, and ocean artwork.

3. List away! Yes, you are ready to create your listing! Go to the Airbnb website. Click on the Become a Host tab and then click on Host a Home from the drop-down menu. Click the red box Get Started and follow the prompts.

• Quick Tip! As well as supplying nice bed linen and bath towels/washers, it is polite to supply toiletries for your guest to use such as shampoo and soap. Your weary travelers will thank you! We also supply tea/coffee (and sometimes baked goods) for breakfast, and leave a jar of chocolates in the guest room as a sweet treat. First impressions last, right?! 😉 

Hanging out with some of our lovely Airbnb guests.

Benefits:      

• Meet interesting people from all over the world! Many of our guests have been fellow-minded travelers, visitors, vacationers, and professionals. We have hosted guests from Argentina, Jamaica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Italy, France, Germany, Russia, Ukraine, and New Zealand, not to mention many guests from different states within the U.S.A. 
• Try new foods! With some long-term guests, we have shared stories over a home-made meal or two, made by us or our guests who have wanted to share a piece of their home state/country. 
• Learn new languages! After hosting multiple international guests, we have learned some new words and phrases. We now know how to say "thank you" in Russian!
• Earn extra cash to fuel your passions! The money you receive enables you to save money for that dream trip, to put towards home maintenance projects, or whatever your passion may be. 
• Play with pets! We allow pets, and have loved getting to meet some furry friends that our guests have brought with them.   
• Bonding experience! Clean the guest room/space with your spouse or friend.

Challenges:

• Presenting with a friendly, flexible, and approachable demeanor. This comes naturally for us, however for others it may not.   
• Being comfortable with unfamiliar people in your home. To be honest, we genuinely miss having some of our long-term guests in our home. They felt like family! 

Still unsure? 

• Work full-time? Don't have time? Not a problem! You can choose how often you want guests. We both work other full-time jobs, and I have a long commute to work each day, so we chose to have a day/night in between guests which allows us plenty of time to clean and prepare. We actually enjoy the "break" away from our professional jobs.
• What if a guest damages my property? Fortunately, you are covered for up to $1,000,000 with the Airbnb Host Guarantee to protect your home and belongings. 
• What if a guest hurts themselves on my property? Airbnb has Host Protection Insurance to protect you from liability. 
• I don't want sketchy people! Guest and host information is verified, including government photo I.D., phone numbers, and email. 
• What if a guest is disrespectful and disobeys my house rules? Both guest and host write a review at the end of their stay, so it is in everyone's best interest to be mutually respectful and obey the rules.
• I don't want guests in my house during the week I am away. You can block out dates on your calendar when you don't want guests.  

"Welcome to [our] house" ~ Flo Rida 

Further questions? Don't hesitate to ask! 

I would love to hear from you all about your Airbnb experiences, as guest or host.

Cheers!

Maree

How to Plan a Trip to "The Smokies"

Hey folks,

When planning a trip away, I usually like to explore new places that I have never been to before. However, when hubby suggested returning to "The Smokies", I did not think twice!

The Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee is the only place we have returned to for vacation. We are forever grateful to the Tennessee State legislature for the free entrance to the park. Yes, you heard me, FREE! Here are my tips for planning a trip to "The Smokies".

Sunrise at The Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Look how stunning she is...and the view isn't too bad either!
 Image captured by Maree Richardson.

Accommodation:

We have stayed in Kear's mountain cabins near Gatlinburg for both of our trips. After extensive searches on many accommodation websites (AirBnb.com; HomeAway.com; Hotels.com, etc.) we came to the conclusion that these are the best "bang for your buck". For a little over $100 per night, you can stay in your own private log cabin with spectacular views of Mt. Leconte, perhaps the best views in the area. Many of these cabins also have a hot tub on the balcony to soak in after a long day hiking. Most amenities are included such as a washer, dryer, and full kitchen so you can save $ by cooking at home and enjoying dinner with world class mountain views.

Kear's Mountain Cabins. All images captured by Maree Richardson.

Hiking:

There are a tremendous amount of hikes available in "The Smokies". So many, that it is impossible to accomplish them all in one trip. It is best to hike in the early morning or late afternoon when there is less foot traffic. Here is a list of the hikes we have completed so far in order of preference:

1) Porter's Creek Trail - follows a beautiful flowing stream with large boulders and small waterfalls; spectacular creek views and sounds; lots of wildflowers and butterflies; lesser known = minimal people on the trail (quiet); moderate hike due to long distance and unpaved trail; ~ 4 miles round trip.

Porter's Creek Trail. Footage taken by Maree Richardson. 
Press "play" and turn your sound on!  

2) Grotto Falls - the only waterfall in the park that you can walk behind; popular = lots of people on the trail; easy-moderate hike due to short distance and unpaved trail; ~ 2.6 miles round trip.

Grotto Falls. Image captured by Gregory Richardson.

3) Abrams Falls - waterfall with large volume of water; less people than Grotto Falls but more people than Porter's Creek Trail = not many people on the trail; moderate hike due to long distance and unpaved trail; ~ 5.2 miles round trip.

Abrams Falls. Image captured by Maree Richardson.

4) Laurel Falls - 80-foot waterfall; paved footpath; very popular hike = lots of people on the trail; easy hike due to short distance and paved trail; ~ 2.3 miles round trip.

Laurel Falls.   

5) Noah "Bud" Ogle Nature Trail - view a historic farm house and barn, and learn about how people lived in this area in the 1800's; easy hike due to short distance; ~ 1.0 mile round trip.

Noah "Bud" Ogle Farm. Image captured by Maree Richardson.

Other Attractions Worth Seeing:

A) Clingman's Dome: This is the highest point in "The Smokies" and the highest point in Tennessee. From the parking lot, it is a short 0.5 mile, although very steep, hike to the top. If weather permits, the views are mesmerizing! If not, you cannot see past 100 meters or so. The picture below shows our view in August 2015 versus June 2017, the difference being pure luck with the weather.

Clingman's Dome August 2015.

Clingman's Dome June 2017.
Both images captured by Maree Richardson.

B) Moonshine Tasting: In Downtown Gatlinburg your will find Sugarland's Distilling Company. You can sample different flavors of moonshine and purchase your favorite/s to take home.  

Sugarland Moonshine. Image captured by Maree Richardson.

If you are planning a trip to "The Smokies", I hope you found some of the above information helpful. There is no guessing why it is America's most visited national park.

Sometimes all you need is to adjust your altitude. 😊


Happy Hiking,


Maree

The Traveling Career Woman

Hi folks,

Some of us want to be career women. Some of us want to be traveling women. But, what about those who want to work AND travel. Can we be both?

Today's post is inspired by an Instagram post from Ladies Gone Global. I cannot praise their post enough! Ladies Gone Global also has a website, if you want to check them out.

I admit that I have been victim to scrolling through my Instagram feed and have been "sucked in" to the idealistic fantasy that to be "free", you must give up everything (your house, your car, your work) and live a nomadic lifestyle, forever hopping from one place to the next. Lucky for me, my idealistic mind is complemented by my husband's realistic mind.

What does "freedom" mean to you? For me, being "free" is to be able to do what is best for YOU. To work, live, and travel how YOU want to. You can be inspired and influenced by others, but don't let yourself be controlled or pushed by them.

I have a home-base and work full-time, and travel during my work holidays and/or take the Paid Time Off I have earned to do so. Not sure how this would work for you? Here are my "tricks" for being able to pursue a work and travel life:

1. Take advantage of your work holidays/annual leave/paid vacation/PTO. I love planning trips away that coincide with my work holidays. Fortunately, my work follows the local School District calendar meaning I get time off for public holidays and portions of the school holidays.

Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee, USA. August 2015. We visited the Smoky Mountains on my 5 day break in between my works' Summer Program ending and the new School Year beginning.  

2. Rent your spare room. This past month, my husband and I decided to rent our spare bedroom on AirBnB. Wow! If you have been considering doing this, you should do it. We have met some really interesting people and have been able to share stories with fellow-minded travelers who have stayed with us from all over the world. The money we made last month covered our mortgage, taxes, and electricity, meaning we can save more $$ from our regular 9-5 day jobs to put towards retirement and our "travel fund" for future adventures!

3. Take advantage of your smart phone's rewards. My husband has a Samsung Note5 smart phone, and uses Samsung Pay to pay for our groceries and other items. Just for using Samsung Pay (which is free) we received a $50 reward to use towards anything. So, we bought groceries and a bottle of Whiskey for FREE. Winning!

4. Sell stuff you don't need. We have sold a bunch of stuff that we don't need. I sell gently used clothes that I haven't worn in a while on Poshmark (a free App you can download on your smart phone). My husband sold a bunch of his University textbooks on Amazon. Other sites we have used in the past include Craigslist (USA), Gumtree (Australia), and eBay (USA and Australia).

5. Be mindful of your spending habits. I'm sure you've all heard this plenty of times before. But I urge you to really think about it. Do you really need that pretty dress in the shop window? Or, would you rather put that money towards a plane trip to The Bahamas, or towards your entry fee and hiking gear for The Grand Canyon?

6. Pack your lunch to work. Another phrase you've probably all heard before. But seriously, you save a lot in the long term. My husband and I usually cook a big dinner and then take the leftovers with us to work the next day. Super easy and the food usually tastes better the next day as the flavors have had time to soak in. Yum! Plus, home cooking is healthier for you than take out. Win win!

7. Don't forget to explore close to home! Traveling doesn't always mean buying an expensive plane ticket for a long flight to the other side of the world. It can simply mean getting in the car and driving to the town next door. When my husband and I feel burnt out at work, it's usually not that we're burnt out, but that we need to GET OUT. You can Google "hiking trails", "state parks", or "beaches" close to you and find new places to explore right outside your back door! Sometimes a quick weekend getaway is all you need to find inspiration to get through another week of work.

One Saturday in February 2017 we drove 1hr north to explore Ybor City, Fort De Soto Park, and fish off of the Skyway Bridge. Florida, U.S.A.

8. Travel Therapy. If you work in the allied health industry then you are in luck. In the USA, there are many agencies that offer travel therapy contracts all around the States. Assignments can be anywhere from 3 months to 12 months long. I have not yet been directly involved in this, however, work colleagues and online acquaintances have spoken about how they loved being able to explore different parts of the States and earn money at the same time.

What I do have direct experience with is the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) that enables the credentials of Speech Language Pathologist's trained in Australia, USA, Canada, Ireland, England, and New Zealand to be recognized and work in each other's respective countries. For more information about this, read my post titled Transferring SLP Credentials Internationally.

9. Moments and memories. When traveling, be present and in the moment. Take pictures. When we travel, we hardly ever buy things aside from transportation and accommodation (the necessities). We choose specific nights to eat out at restaurants, and then cook food where we are staying the remainder of the time. Our photos and memories are usually our most prized possessions from trips. Plus, you can make cool artwork out of your photos, such as canvas prints to display around your home, or coffee table books filled with photos and captions of your favorite places you have visited.

10. Use credit cards with frequent flyer rewards. There are many credit card companies that offer rewards that are geared towards the frequent traveler. Two cards that we use and have benefited greatly from are the Chase Sapphire Preferred and the United MileagePlus Explorer credit cards (both have a USD $95 year fee that is waved the first year). As a signup incentive, both cards offer a bonus mileage of 40-60 thousand miles/points, depending on the promotion they are running at the time.

The MileagePlus Explorer earns miles that can primarily be redeemed for award tickets on United flights while the Sapphire Preferred earns points that can be redeemed for statement credits or transferred to a number of travel partners, including United. In both cases, we are able to use the points and miles to purchase discounted airfares and travel accommodations.

Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA. August 2016. We hiked around Zion and Bryce Canyon National Parks in Utah during my 5 day work holiday break. Perhaps my favorite trip we have taken to date! 

We love to explore and experience new things, both near and far. We also love our careers and the work we do. So, we combine the two the best we can. We work so we have money to travel. We travel so we have inspiration for work.

The bottom line is, do what's best for you. 😊

Cheers,

Maree

The Shy Shoe Shopper

Hi folks,

Here's a shout-out to teacher's and therapist's who are on their feet all day, every day!

The content of this post has a different "vibe" to my other posts - shopping for shoes. Some of you may squeal with delight when you hear this phrase. Others may dread the thought. I'm in the latter group. Ever since I was a little girl, I have always had long, skinny feet that have trouble fitting in shoes. My shoes would be filled with insoles, heel pads and slip guards. In addition, my feet "rolled in" badly so I had to find shoes that would fit my orthotics. My feet would often be in pain and blisters were frequent. I guess you could say I developed an aversion to shoes over time. If I could get away with wearing sneakers/joggers/runners all day, every day, I would. However, that is not realistic as sneakers are perceived to be too casual for some work environments, and of course, too casual for formal occasions like weddings. 😉

The other caveat is that I love wearing cute clothes! I find it fun to choose a different outfit each day for work that is cute yet comfortable. My outfits are on point, until it comes to adding shoes...

After 2 years working full-time in a preschool/outpatient facility, my poor feet are feeling the burden of walking, running, jumping, and playing hide-and-seek with toddlers and young children, all day, every day. I used to buy cheap $10 - $20 flats which soon wore out and became smelly. I did not want to be known as the "stinky Speechie". My mother believed in purchasing good quality running shoes when I was younger, as I was the "sporty type" all throughout school and wore running shoes almost daily. It has only just dawned on me that the shoes I wear to work everyday should be treated like those running shoes. For work. For travel. Even Dr. Seuss believed that feet are important:

"You have BRAINS in your HEAD.

You have FEET in your SHOES.

You can STEER yourself in 

any direction you CHOOSE."

~ Dr. Seuss

So, today, here I am at my computer Googling "comfortable shoes for work" and "recommended shoes for teachers". I am coming across many brand names I have never heard of before, but am slowly getting used to some of the lingo. So far, the best online site that someone told me about is 6pm.com, which I'm sure many of you have heard of. It looks like they stock a huge variety of brands that are selling at discounted prices, and shipping is FREE (yay!).

In the meantime, I am making a resolution to look after my feet and invest in a good quality pair of shoes for work and travel. I currently have a bunch of items in my cart, and am trying to narrow it down to two. Teacher's and therapist's, what shoes do you recommend? Are there any brands that you swear by?

Have a great week!

Maree

Update and Happy New Year!

Hey, folks!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! It has been quite some time since I last wrote a blog post, and what a better day to start writing than New Years Day, right?!  I thought I would update you on where life and work has taken me over the past two years.

At the beginning of 2015, I was awarded my national and state licensure to work as a Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) in Florida, U.S.A. Here are the links to read about how to transfer degrees/licenses internationally and obtaining state licensure in America.

For the past two years I have been working in a preschool/outpatient facility, providing therapy for the communication and feeding needs of children with a range of complex communication needs. This role has been both challenging yet rewarding, and the experiences I have obtained have been immeasurable on both a professional and personal level.

My Permanent Residency status is now unconditional, and I am ready to apply for my U.S. Citizenship in March of 2017 so that I can become a Dual Citizen of Australia and America. As anyone who has moved internationally would know, the road to Citizenship is a long and grueling process, but I am hopeful the results will be all worth it! Here is the link to read about the different types of U.S. Visa's you need for work and travel.

My husband and I have been blessed to have had the opportunities/time to travel, both locally and internationally, over the past two years. Destinations have included China, South Korea, Australia, The Smoky Mountains (Tennessee), Key West (Florida), Zion National Park (Utah), Bryce Canyon National Park (Utah), and our most recent camping trip along the Southeast coast through the states of South Carolina and Georgia.  Despite back injuries, we have really taken a liking to hiking and exploring The Great Outdoors, which I hope we continue to do throughout the New Year.  

Please feel free to reach out to me with any comments or questions regarding working internationally, transferring degrees/licenses internationally, or just to say "hi". I would LOVE to connect with more friendly faces who are travelling along this weirdly enjoyable journey called "life".  In the meantime, as I reflect back on the year that was, here is my favorite photo from 2016:

Zion National Park, Utah, U.S.A. 

Sending peace, love, and happiness to you all in 2017,

Maree