Living on Retail Overload

When we began this journey of moving to Australia I didn't realize the tremendous amount of hard work it would take.  I underestimated the amount of time sorting through every possession and deciding what to do with it.  And, I underestimated the energy it would take on the other end (down under) to replace some of the usual items.  (Secretly, I was kind of looking forward to this)  When I was in the mobile phone store the manager jokingly said: "you must be on retail overload!"  This has become no joke!  I'm so grateful for the house and contents we moved into shortly after arriving.  I can't imagine what it would have been like if we would of had to adjust to living in another country and try to find a house, furnish it, buy cars, and eat!  I think the eating part would have taken priority.  The amount of stress in all the shopping could have pushed me over the edge...or further down the hill!  We have learned we have at least 3 months before we need to find a more permanent place to live.  In the mean time, we can move at more relaxed pace of accumulation!!!  I'm hoping this next week to locate another car.  Then move on to more important things...xbox, home theater system, TV, etc! (kidding) One thing I hope I am learning; to be content no matter what the circumstance!  Time will tell. 

I have a feeling that there are some of you who would just love to have this "problem" and would be willing to help, well, we have a guest room and you're welcome anytime.  Just let us know when to pick you up at the airport! Any takers?

P.S. The picture has nothing to do with this post other than I thought our friends from the US would enjoy it.  BTW, we already have our pet Kangaroo!

TV in the Land of OZ

Okay, when we moved to Australia I didn't think we'd have so many American TV shows.  I thought I had left the land of CSI, CSI Miami, NCIS, Bones, America's Next Top Model, 2 1/2 Men, The Big Bang Theory, Wife Swap, and on and on and on!!!  We even have our choice of: Australia's Got Talent, The Amazing Race Australia, The Biggest Loser Australian, Dancing with the Stars, and of course the AFL (Australian Football League).  We have ABC, the Australian Broadcasting Company and another broadcaster uses the NBC theme music for their nightly news.  At any given time we can watch German news casts, Italian news casts, Indian News Casts, Romanian News casts...you name the country or language and we can watch it (can't understand it, but we can watch it) even Urdu!!! It's amazing to realize how much the US has influenced the land of OZ.  For the most part Australian's get the understanding of America and Americans through TV and Movies.  Hmmm, we just hope that doesn't become an issue for us...would hate to find out people here think I'm like Charlie Sheen!

A Royal Evening!!!

OK, this post may just mean I need to hand in my man badge...!  Last Friday night here in Australia was the wedding of Kate and William.  It's interesting being in a country that is a part of the Common Wealth and experiencing such an event.  Being a male and from a former Colony, I didn't really see what the big deal was.  I knew it was captivating a lot of attention here by the commercials and TV specials being aired WEEKS before.  Then, Ruthann announces to me her desire to host a Royal Wedding Party!  WHAT???  This meant I needed to find refuge somewhere else.  So, I thought I had plans to eat out with a friend and then go to his house a "play" Mac computers (he had just seen the light and entered into ownership of an Mac desktop).  Earlier in the day I rang him to find out more details and when I asked about tea time (supper) he replied: "Well, we're eating at your house!"  Unbeknown to me the plans had changed.  I was about to experience a Royal Wedding!!!  

Shortly before the ladies and one guy were to arrive I sensed Ruthann getting ready to explore a possibility!  As she came out of the bedroom, I gazed upon not the normal run of the mill, we're having people over attire, but Ruthann dressed to kill: Pearl necklace, dangling earrings, sleek blue dress, and high heels. (Sorry to burst some of your bubbles that thought this is the way Ruthann always dresses for tea!)  She was stunning!  At that point I looked down at my tattered jeans and T-shirt and wondered if my life was about to change?  As you can see from the picture I was able to locate the tuxedo shirt and tie with very little effort...the tiara was a little harder to find!  I still had on my jeans.  As people arrived I was designated as the doorman and soon the party was off and running!  In the crowd were two ladies who immigrated to Australia from England, two Canadians, and two Australian's.  The one thing that really did save the night was the food.  Each lady brought a "plate to share." Fortunately, each lady loaded some awesome food to each plate!  Shortly after the meal and the wedding had commenced it became exceedingly clear that my personal commentary on the whole Royal Extravaganza wasn't appreciated...so Ralph and I made our exit.  When we returned to the house, we arrived just as the wedding was over and dessert was being served: SCORE!  Seriously, I am really grateful Ruthann had this time of sharing this event and making some good friends.  My closing comment to this post is very simple and directed at Prince Harry:  ELOPE!