Some Accomplishments

1. V has a job.  Hooray for income!

2. Health insurance

3. Library Card 

4. Walked to the dog park and back on my own without getting lost!

5. Bank Account

Looks like I'm well on my way to settling in.  Or at least, off to a good start.  I'm still trying to prove to Australia that yes I can have my license here; I have been driving for 12 years.  They want proof of consecutive driving years, not just my current license.  Did you know it takes an Australian 3 years to get a full drivers license?  And it's darn expensive too.

Movies!

The first mornings I was here, I had Jet Lag and was waking up at 4:45 am.  That is before the sun, but not before the birds.  Turn up your sound and listen to "Sounds at 5 am in Sydney".  Thankfully I now sleep later.  It does sound like a jungle here though.  All those pretty birds around here also make a pretty racket.  And that Kookaburra?  He's laughing because it's 5 am.

One of my favorite things we have done is get up in the mornings and walk along the beach.  I took my camera with me on the first morning and wanted to share the experience especially with all those who I hear are getting snowed in.  This is just minutes from our house.  Come for a short walk with the family along the beach!

Australia Day

Yesterday was Australia Day, which is a big national holiday here.  We went over to a fun party to celebrate and ate Thai style Calamari, several salads, pesto grilled chicken, cheese and fruit, and cream filled desserts.  It was nice to meet some new people.  I was shocked I even met an Aussie who is a George Bush fan.  Very fun night.  Plus we managed to stay up late enough that I FINALLY was able to sleep past 5 am this morning.  Hooray!  

Pictures speak a thousand words

Of course we didn't make it here without some trouble from security. We had one way tickets and bits of computer parts packed in our bags; it was a given. Security people are some of the pettiest people while at the same time some of the most inept at their jobs. But for now, lets skip over the airport hassles with security. I finally got some photos uploaded. Here's some pretty pictures. OOh. Ah.

This a view of downtown Sydney as we flew into Sydney Airport.  Can you spot the Opera House?

This is the beach closest to our house.  We went for a walk here on our first full day in Australia.

Recap

Hi!  Well things got really busy before I left, so I have lots to post about and nothing posted.  :)

Sunday night we had a lovely dinner at the house.  V started cooking for it on Saturday with a live lobster and it just got better from there.  Mom and Dad were a great help with the cooking, cleaning and decorating to make the evening really enjoyable.    

Monday of course was Martin Luther King day, which meant a lot of things were closed.  But I spent most of the day packing the trailer and a last weigh of the suitcases.  We went out to eat Mexican for dinner and I got the Texas burrito.  As soon as mom send the picture (hint, hint) I will how you exactly how big burritos in America can be.  I'm going to miss Mexican restaurants, but luckily V got a Mexican cookbook for Christmas.  

Tuesday we were up very early, with all of our luggage in tow and many layers of clothing on.  Luckily it was very cold in Oklahoma so the layers of clothing were keeping us very warm.  The true reason we were wearing so many layers was not because it was cold though.  With our limited luggage, we were trying to take as much as possible, so we layered up!  I wore 6 layers on top, tank tops, T-shirts, 2 long sleeve shirts, a light jacket, a thick jacket, and a cloak of red velvet.  I also was wearing 2 pair of blue jeans, a belt, a hat, and hiking boots.  V was also wearing multiple layers on top and bottom, most notably a large black bathrobe.  

So, that gets us to the airport.  I'm going to go eat lunch before continuing.  But know we're here safe and sound.   

Down to the wire

(From Draft)

It's my last full day in Oklahoma. We leave tomorrow morning for the first flight. Had a great, bittersweet day yesterday. Church was great as always, but I'm really going to miss it and all the great people I know and care for there. It was hard saying good-bye for a while. You take for granted when you see people regularly that all will be fine when you see them next.

All I can say is thank goodness I'm coming back in July!

And then there were 5...

Time is flying by. Friends coming to visit, lunch with friends, errands all around town 'cause I don't want a library book 3 years overdue.

Monday is Martin Luther King day. Which is great, except all government places will be closed so I have to get things like mailing anything, a new drivers license, library stuff, etc. done by today! EEk!

Stress is already building. Time for another cup of tea.

Countdown -7 days to go

Ladies and Gents -We have a winner! Why am I not suprised that a musical reference would be easily picked out by you Logan. :)

Oasis -"Half the World Away" is a great song. But, back in my high school days I considered Texas half a world away from Oklahoma. Now, I guess my world has gotten a bit bigger.

Thanks for reading everyone. It's not always easy staying in touch with friends, so I hope this makes it a little easier. I know I love reading y'alls blogs -those of you who haven't turned to the dark side of facebook.

Progress is being made -I have 2 suitcases fully packed now. Gosh, I took more with me when I moved to a shared dormroom in college. Waaay more. (Even tho my Dad told me I didn't need anything but some clothes and a pencil!)

Gotta go enjoy my last week in the good ole US of A!
PS. Logan, Can you e-mail me your address please? Gotta send your prize.
PPS. Also, anyone who wants postcards from Australia please e-mail me your address please and I will do my very best!

The Journey Begins

It's time. My visa has finally come through. My stuff is nearly packed. And, my dogs are already on their way to Australia. The big day approaches for us rapidly -January 22.

So, as promised a blog so I can share the wierd, wonderful, and everyday happenings of life half a world away and upside down. I don't have much to share right now, but I wanted to get all set up before things get too busy to play with fonts and colors.

Right now I'm working on fitting my life into 3 suitcases and a carry-on, a total of 172 lbs. Everything is suprisingly heavy. My winter coat weighs 4 lbs, and even most of my suitcases weigh between 9-15 lbs empty!

Ps. If you know where the inspiration came from for my blog address, be the first to comment and I'll send you a prize!