Why did we come to Australia?

Aud here....It’s nearly the end of February 2008 and we have had nothing but rain, rain and more rain. It’s amazing how much Brisbane looks like every other city when it’s dark and grey. The rain was needed but it is time to Stop now but the rain isn’t listening. And at least we haven’t been flooded like only an hour ++ up the road.

So whether it is related to the weather or just a phase Jack has started Grade 1 and is making an impression unfortunately it is the wrong impression – yes, he is clever and he is reading and writing and his numbers are great but as soon as he gets out of the class all rules leave his head and he follows whatever the naughtiest boy is doing and gets caught doing it – and then to top it all off – lies to us about it. It’s driving us mad – how can he go from being a normal mischievous 5 year old to some devil child as soon as he goes into school.

I am sure it will improve, he just needs to get used to having rules again, last year in prep they were pretty much let away with everything – all the kids are adjusting, its not just Jack but sitting down to dinner and having the phone ring and finding out what he was really up to that day from his teacher…not good for digestion.

But on another note we have some visitors arriving tomorrow – Mart and Daz. They have had three weeks holiday in Bali to prepare for us because we are sure to not stop talking for the whole two weeks they are here. And then like buses when they leave two days later we have Gosia here for a weekend – she is doing some drug deals in Melbourne and so changed her schedule to come say hello – so we are delighted. The more visitors the better – we feel less out of it and yes we made the decision to come here but its not our fault we have such good friends and family that we are missing!

I am five weeks into a fitness class, twice a week and a high protein diet (more meat ahhh!!!!) but although I haven’t actually lost weight my body shape is starting to change and that is the main aim. I should have done this years ago, but excuses after excuses later, I am at last putting the effort in and should be able to be more active once it is part of my routine. Jack is starting in Joeys (pre cubs and scouts) soon and that should hopefully burn off lots of energy, help him understand this concept of rules and hopefully make some more friends.

But as it nears our first year of being in Australia I do wonder whether the upheaval and the move has been worth it - it has lots of great things here mostly to do with the environment and space but they will never make up for a lifetime of connections with people but things change all the time so while we plan for the future – I am going to enjoy what’s happening right now!!!!