Nov 18, 2007

Not Home Alone




I am here in Sydney, once again completely alone. Ben {and Jason Norton} left for Perth this morning. They have been working a lot, and also took a day trip to Auckland over Saturday and returned Sunday morningish. Needless to say I have been by myself a lot, my thoughts turn to some of you {Ashleigh, Stacey} who would KILL to be here ALONE, reading a book {as I usually am -The Devil in the White City if anyone is interested}. However, being alone does NOT suit me at all! I will be here until tomorrow all to my lonesome, and even travel home by myself a day ahead of the boys. I will take travel by myself however, over traveling with kids!



Anyway, I do doubt you would trade me if you knew ALL of what it entailed. Driving yourself from house to house hoping you don't get killed or kill someone else as you adjust to life on the other side of the road. Okay, I am being totally histrionic, it is not that bad. The worst part about it is simply that I find it difficult to judge the proximity of closeness to cars and other objects. I also turn on the windshield wipers each and every time I try to signal to turn. Even when I do manage to remember that the blinker is on the other side, I turn it the opposite of what I am intending.



The other day I was in Ben's office relating some of my small "hardships" since arriving here to this cute older lady. She laughed this throaty, guttural laugh and practically yelled, "Oh, you poor Wretch!". As a social courteousy I did not spew my drink and laugh out loud in her face, but I was DYING laughing to myself and looking around for someone to think they was as hilarious as I found it. I was sad to find myself alone and thought back to the many, MANY times I have been alone overseas without anyone to go, "did you just see that? Did that really just happen? Did she really just call me a Poor Wretch?!"



I gave the Koreans a similar experience once when Laine was just an infant and She and I were on board a bus bound for Ben's office. The bus became increasingly packed with each stop until I was nearly crushed in back. I tried to weave through the crowds with Laine in her car seat, in anticipation of reaching my stop. Once I got to my stop I found the the door was closing much to quickly and I was going to miss it and be taken to the next stop. I needed some quick action, so I hurled Laine's car seat in between the closing door to stop it. Everything in the entire city seemed to stop as all heads turned and the only audible sound was that of the gasps as people stared, Did that foreigner woman just put her infant seat in the door to stop it from closing?! Did I really just see that?! Yes, you did, and I got off the bus, Laine was of course fine as she was never in jeopardy in the first place. I still think of it and laugh and laugh.



Okay...Hugs and kisses to my kids, who are home with a new "Mommy" each day! I miss them so, SO bad! Ben's Mom had them last week, then Kristine and Jordan over the weekend, and now Katie. Thanks you guys so much! I can't imagine doing all of what I am doing while schlepping the kids around too!

13 comments:

Mel said...

I am with you about being alone. I will go on business trips with Carl and be alone during the day. I don't like it so much. Did you have much luck finding a place to live? You are very brave, I don't know if I could take my 2 kids and go to a foreign country and having people calling me a wretch :) You are awesome!!

Englishfam said...

Nat, I was TOTALLY relating about laughing at the locals! Some of the things the Brits say are absolutely hilarious. I think it's even funnier when old people say things. As for the driving, I too eventually got the hang of it. I am impressed that you were willing to drive right away though! It freaked me out for about 2 months. My hardest thing was when you had to turn right or left it would always screw me up which lane I was supposed to turn into! I haven't talked to Ashleigh about Logan yet. I think it all depends mainly on your schedule, since you are the one that will be leaving in a matter of weeks!! Sorry you are alone, that really is a bummer. I want to see pics of your new place if you found one!

Mel said...

By the way I love your house in Herriman. Very tastifully done. I would by it if I were moving :)

Nicole said...

You are so funny. I am selfishly glad you are living abroad again as the stories are so humerous. I love the "not for you, for Korean girl only!" or "no touchy!" The new house looks awesome! Travel home safe, and yes, I also am so excited about beading at Christmas!!

Gaengy said...

I agree Nat you are totally brave. I have always wondered how you got to be so brave, because I am right there with motherboy. By the way Kristine is not happy with Laine, she only wants Jordan! Katie says its her own fault for bringing competition! She chose to go it alone. Have a safe flight and see you soon

Gaengy said...

I agree Nat you are totally brave. I have always wondered how you got to be so brave, because I am right there with motherboy. By the way Kristine is not happy with Laine, she only wants Jordan! Katie says its her own fault for bringing competition! She chose to go it alone. Have a safe flight and see you soon

Jenni said...

So we haven't even seen each other in about six years and when we did see each other it was on double dates and stuff but this post made me want to fly to Australia to keep you company and share this adventure with you. You are so brave and I don't think many people would be so great about moving to a foreign country with two little kids away from family.
I am so glad we got in touch in the blogging world because I can't wait to read about all your future adventures in Australia!

Ashleigh said...

I find it so hard to understand that a mom doesn't, at times, love to be alone. I love people and social life, but I love to be alone. I went with Ansen to Florida last year on a business trip and I loved it when he was in CPE classes and I was at the pool reading all by myself. Ahh, I guess I'm a weirdo. Anyway, love the hilarious experiences. As for Logan . . . talked to Lisa and Katie about 13-14? Was that already known to be a bad time? Also, our friends' sister lives in your ward. I'll talk to you about it when you get back. Travel safe.

pop pop said...

Sounds like a fun adventure. How many people have invited you over for shrimp on your first trip?

Jennifer said...

So sad you're alone right now, but so happy your family will be in Australia! That is so exciting! Yes, please give our CONGRATULATIONS to Ben for us. I know you've lived in more countries than me (Taiwan is my 4th), but don't you find after time that the things that drive you absolutely crazy become endearing? I sure hope I'll feel that way someday about driving here at least- ha! We hope you have a wonderful time there, and if we ever make it down under, we'll for sure hook up!

Matt and Allyson said...

Ben and Natalie, congrats on your new adventure. Matt is espcially thrilled for your move. He LOVED Australia! Good Luck with finding a home and returning home safely. Happy Thanksgiving! Check our fam out at croshawcrew.blogspot

The Wells Family said...

You crack me up! I had to call my sister and tell her about your "poor wretch" story! She was laughing hysterically because "wretch" has been her 'word' for too long. Don't ask me where she got it or even if it is a good word to say??!? I am glad you are enjoying a new culture! You inspire me....still!

Lindsay said...

Wow, Sydney...You are so BRAVE!! I thought going to New York was big. You are much, much more adventurous than I! But think of the experiences you have had (Korea) and WILL have. I wish I could be more like you!

 
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