Wow, 6 long months. Our lives still feel like they are in a bit of an upheaval. However, I am finally realizing that we are happy here, and the most important thing is that we are all together. I really felt a lot better after my rant. And as time has gone on the past month or so, we are starting to feel nearly settled, in the house, and in the state of mind.
We are making friends, really good friends. We love our neighbors and have quite a few friends from church or other random places. We are hosting some couples at our house Saturday night and going out with others on Friday night. People drop in, call, or invite me /us over! I guess I was too unhappy to realize it, but actually I have made more good friends in a shorter amount of time than any other time in my life. But now I see it, and I am grateful. Bottom line is that we are home. It is starting to feel like we are a part of things here and that we are needed, loved, and appreciated. And we in turn feel the same for many people here.
Lately I have been busy painting the kids rooms and some furniture. Probably by next week I should have a little tour of our casa. Laine started dance class last week. It is a great little studio in the Fred Caterson Reserve. It is basically in the forest with a little park for Gabe to play in while we wait, which couldn't be more convenient for our situation. It is close enough for me to ride my bike, which I was planning on doing if I hadn't remember at 3:26 that she had dance at 3:30. We were late, and Gabe wore two different shoes, one of which was an old pink croc that used to be Laine's. This sort of thing happens all of the time, and I didn't even notice he was wearing two different shoes since he has worn that combo before. Then when other people are laughing and giggling at how funny it is, I stop and realize that it probably looks quite silly to other organized moms. We don't mind. Little Gabe has such a self confidence at 1 that he proudly parades around town in his pink crocs, whether it is one or both. Okay, that or he has a cheap and lazy mum...
I know, not the best picture...
I got to go to the Sydney Good Food and Wine show this past weekend which was great! I saw Gordan Ramsay live, which I thought would be the turning point in my career. I had visions of being selected out of the audience, wowing him with my wit and charm, and Gordon saying he'd be damned if he let me get away! My people would be in touch with his people... It didn't happen and I was so over it I didn't even bother waiting around to meet him at the book signing. I'll pave my own way Gordan, thanks anyway. The rest of the show was incredible and I picked up some fabulous foods I'd never heard of like Lemon Myrtle infused Macadamia Oil, genuine Aussie style.
yeah, the picture doesn't really capture this one either. it's my only proof!
This really is such a cool, cool city, and Ben and I had a new resolve to take advantage of all it has to offer while we are here. Anyone want to join us in our quest?
We are making friends, really good friends. We love our neighbors and have quite a few friends from church or other random places. We are hosting some couples at our house Saturday night and going out with others on Friday night. People drop in, call, or invite me /us over! I guess I was too unhappy to realize it, but actually I have made more good friends in a shorter amount of time than any other time in my life. But now I see it, and I am grateful. Bottom line is that we are home. It is starting to feel like we are a part of things here and that we are needed, loved, and appreciated. And we in turn feel the same for many people here.
Lately I have been busy painting the kids rooms and some furniture. Probably by next week I should have a little tour of our casa. Laine started dance class last week. It is a great little studio in the Fred Caterson Reserve. It is basically in the forest with a little park for Gabe to play in while we wait, which couldn't be more convenient for our situation. It is close enough for me to ride my bike, which I was planning on doing if I hadn't remember at 3:26 that she had dance at 3:30. We were late, and Gabe wore two different shoes, one of which was an old pink croc that used to be Laine's. This sort of thing happens all of the time, and I didn't even notice he was wearing two different shoes since he has worn that combo before. Then when other people are laughing and giggling at how funny it is, I stop and realize that it probably looks quite silly to other organized moms. We don't mind. Little Gabe has such a self confidence at 1 that he proudly parades around town in his pink crocs, whether it is one or both. Okay, that or he has a cheap and lazy mum...
I know, not the best picture...I got to go to the Sydney Good Food and Wine show this past weekend which was great! I saw Gordan Ramsay live, which I thought would be the turning point in my career. I had visions of being selected out of the audience, wowing him with my wit and charm, and Gordon saying he'd be damned if he let me get away! My people would be in touch with his people... It didn't happen and I was so over it I didn't even bother waiting around to meet him at the book signing. I'll pave my own way Gordan, thanks anyway. The rest of the show was incredible and I picked up some fabulous foods I'd never heard of like Lemon Myrtle infused Macadamia Oil, genuine Aussie style.
yeah, the picture doesn't really capture this one either. it's my only proof!This really is such a cool, cool city, and Ben and I had a new resolve to take advantage of all it has to offer while we are here. Anyone want to join us in our quest?
12 comments:
Nat, I'll be there tomorrow...I wish!!! If you can get us out of med school loans I'll buy a ticket Australia and hang out with you, how fun would that be?!
I'm so glad you're feeling at home, I bet its been hard and long but now that part is over and you can move forward, way to go!
I am so glad that you are finally feeling like you can call Australia home. 6 months is actually pretty fast especially since you are on the other side of the world! Way to go! By the way, I think Gordon Ramsay was just intimidated by you and didn't want you to steal his thunder. :)
Isn't it crazy how one minute we feel so alone and frustrated and the next minute we realize how blessed we are and where we belong. I think you're amazing! Six months is no time at all! I'm not surprised that people are drawn to you like a magnet--you're so fun!
Love the new comment requester above, you are so funny. So glad that you are settling in. Love the story of Gabe's pink croc. Hayden has shown up to pick Hallie up from school in some pretty ridiculous getups. There has been the dress up clothes, and the swimsuits, and the time where she had no shoes on and so I had to carry both her and Jaxton 1/4 a mile up the street. Even organized moms have disorganized moments, unless they are total robots.
Loved the new blog and your post was hilarious! I was laughing so hard at the pink crocs...Gabey is so good. Sounds like the dance lessons are fun for both kids! Glad you are finally feeling welcome there. Wish we could drop in!
Good onya, Nat! Glad to hear that you're doing well - I hope I can write the same in 6 months (even though I'm in the US). Have you checked out Paddy's Market on Saturday yet? A GREAT place to get neat local art, crafts, clothes & stuff for kids. I LOVE it!!!
BTW - you're better than Gordon!
I'm so glad that you're happier! Cai wore mis-matched shoes almost everyday the whole year of kindergarten:) I think of it differently; it's not that I'm not an organized mom, it's that I focus on what's important and don't stress about the rest. Love your new template!
I'm so glad to hear that things are looking up and it's feeling more like home. I can't wait to experience living somewhere 7 whole months :)
I think the mismatched shoes are cute. Pink and all. Australia! It's so awesome you are loving it. You are a positive person that makes every situation you are in a good one. I love that about you. I seriously wish we lived on the same street as you guys. You are so my stlye! I love layed back people!
Pretty soon Hot Garlic will be on The food Network! Watch out Gordan!
i am really, really trying to talk my parents and ansen into a 2011 (hopefully we can afford it by then) vaca to new zealand/australia. first new zealand and their time share and then a week at the riley's. i keep telling them you've got plenty of room and we'd have a tour guide.
anyway, so glad you're feeling settled. everytime i read your blog i'm seriously moved with desire to find a job there or new zealand. ansen says i could never actually do it, but i really think i could for a set amount of time. 6 months . . . i can't believe it's already been that long!
I like the new BLOG, cute. Anyways, I am so glad to hear that Gabey has so much confidence...that's important. Ha ha, and yes I am VERY intereted in coming to Sydney to visit.
By the way, your new background is so cute and much easier to read your posts! Thanks
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