Popular Post DXB2OZ Posted July 1, 2015 Popular Post Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 It's quite funny how fate works. Picked up hubby at the airport on Sunday morning, so our first anniversary started the same way as our arrival in Oz - driving away from Melbourne airport.Things that are different a year later:1. We knew the way. Weren't trying to follow maps/google maps, not mowing whether that funny kink was just a bend or would send you on route to Gippsland. (still not quite sure where that is)2. Driving our own car. One we have chosen. 3. Driving to our own home, filled with our own memories.4. Stopped at the supermarket on the way home for a quick shop. We could do that. We now know where our best local supermarket is and are familiar with the layout (although I still haven't found toothpicks). More than that, we know which brands we like, where the cost points are - buying toilet paper no longer requires a 20 minute debate involving Google, calculators and a fair amount of argument. Choosing sausages no longer sends me into an emotional turmoil because I know which ones the kids like, which ones we like and which ones to avoid.5. As it happens we didn't need to put in petrol, but if we had that would have been ok too. No longer the terrifying exercise it once was, I know how to open that little door thingy (no, I neither now nor care what it is called), unscrew the cap and put in the right amount of petrol so it doesn't spill out all over my shoes - the last one never actually happened, but I lived in terror.6. Had dinner with friends. Ok, they were here when we arrived, but we have started to make some more. I have people to phone and text and share random stuff with. That is very special.7. We now both have jobs (yes, I signed my employment contract on Tuesday)! We work with good people. There are obviously still stresses, but that is a huge relief. Am loving the social aspect of work (more people to talk to).8. Have a semi understanding of the public transport system. Take the train to work each day, could take a tram, but enjoy the walk from Flinders Street station along the Yarra.9. Am building up a good selection of scarves, hats and gloves and have my eye on a fabulous winter coat as mine looks annoyingly practical.10. Have a Labrador. Have significantly dropped housekeeping standards, but enjoying walking out and about in the neighbourhood, roaming the dog beach and park, meeting other people, chatting to random strangers while the dogs tussle and romp around our feet.11. Found a good hairdresser. Ladies - you will appreciate the significance of this. It is critically important!!12. Haven't seen a huntsman for 6 months!Life isn't wildly exciting, but it is nice. It isn't easy but it is comfortable. The kids have made friends and settled at school. We are making friends and settling at work. We are where you hope your average one year old will be - starting to walk, starting to talk and starting to feed itself. We can get ourselves around, we are establishing social interaction and we are finding our favourite haunts and food markets.Most importantly, we are happy. Did we make the right decision - probably, you can never be sure. Would we make the same decision again - definitely. 21 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
monsta Posted July 1, 2015 Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 That's great news!I like the way you ended your post! It's good for people to know that moving to Australia can be a wonderful move, but Aussie isn't perfect.When people decide to make the move, they become so negative about RSA. I keep saying to them, "don't be negative about RSA! your daily grind is pretty similar regardless of which country you live in!"I always think the change is much more of a step up if you arrive here from India or Thailand. Which just goes to show how good many things still are in RSA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mara Posted July 1, 2015 Report Share Posted July 1, 2015 You will find toothpicks amongst the party stuff, go figure, I had to ask to find them! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SML Posted July 2, 2015 Report Share Posted July 2, 2015 Thanks for posting! So happy you guys are settling well! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Magenta Posted July 3, 2015 Report Share Posted July 3, 2015 Such a lovely post DXB2OZ. I think at the beginning everything is so new and confusing and everything you do or buy takes so much extra thought and research than in SA. As time goes by, it all gets easier and more familiar. I am 6 months in and cannot believe how time flys by! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DXB2OZ Posted July 5, 2015 Author Report Share Posted July 5, 2015 Mara, my world is now complete. Looked in the party section and there were toothpicks next to the birthday candles. Go figure.Your place in heaven will always be assured. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mara Posted July 5, 2015 Report Share Posted July 5, 2015 You are most welcome Sheesh, all those little stupid things that fill my head... filed away for use another day! I do hope you will be joining us later this month at the meet up? http://www.saaustralia.org/index.php/topic/45286-saaus-melbourne-meet/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rozellem Posted July 5, 2015 Report Share Posted July 5, 2015 You will find toothpicks amongst the party stuff, go figure, I had to ask to find them!Ja, of course! You use floss to remove trapped food from between your teeth, and toothpicks to spear little frikkadels at a party. Simple as that Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eva Posted July 5, 2015 Report Share Posted July 5, 2015 what a wonderful post! so happy for you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HansaPlease Posted July 6, 2015 Report Share Posted July 6, 2015 Serious question: Where else would you find toothpicks other than the party aisle? I think I've been here too long and have been indoctrinated.Happy 1 year - I enjoyed your post and am glad things are working out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AndreaL Posted July 7, 2015 Report Share Posted July 7, 2015 Great to hear Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SurferMan Posted July 7, 2015 Report Share Posted July 7, 2015 Don't you okes know how to use a fish or chicken bone to pick your teeth? Where are your manners! :jester: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HennetteC Posted August 17, 2015 Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 Thank you so much for reminding me of the light that awaits me at the end of the tunnel!I am having it 'easy' as my husband is an ex-Zimbo and has been in Australia for almost 30 years; I therefore do not have to struggle with the big setting-up issues, but this means that I have more time to navel gaze in between trawling the daily job alerts and waiting at the phone for that elusive call to a job interview that never comes ...PS I would put toothpicks next to the brooms and mops as they are perfect for digging out dirt from narrow grooves/slots.PPS Did I mention that I became an instant expert on local cleaning materials? My beloved had spent more than three years with me in Cape Town and we moved back to a house that had been trashed by the (Aussie) tenant. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedPanda Posted August 17, 2015 Report Share Posted August 17, 2015 Welcome to the forum HennetteC! About the toothpicks, hehehe...I'm too impatient for stuff like that, if the groove is formed by things that stay like that permanently then it's very likely I'll just fill it with something(silicone, crack filler, whatever is appropriate) and be done with it.But good luck with the house, I can only imagine it feels very unwelcoming to get it like that. On the other hand, it forces you personally to get to know every nook and cranny, and 'leave your trail' all over the house. Which might actually help you to feel like you belong there much faster? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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