http://britishexpats.com/blogs/perthfect/ en-us Webligo BlogHoster Hey everyone! We have been here in erm ..not so sunny Perth a week now.  It's mostly bucketed it down, with the odd hail, thunder and lightning thrown in for good measure.  Today has been mostly dry, and it's brightened all of our spirits. The house we are in is very nice,(the living area itself is the size of the shoebox ) the twins have been in the pool twice until their little bottoms have turned blue, but it just had to be done. (me? I'm far too sensible for all that malarky)! We've been so busy, we've sorted bank accounts (Westpac are the freindliest bunch of bankers we have ever met), swwapped my driving licence (I was worried that I'd fail the eye test, but I got tips from #2 after her medical), we have a joyous morning wasted, erm I mean spent at Centrelink - Jeese - I get goosebumps just thinking about going back there! Ugh !  OH has met two recruitment agencies, both have been really friendly and helpful and have been impressed with his cv (resume) and work file with his bit n bobs in (not literally). We've bought a car (it's the size of a whale n a bit of a banger but we have to start somewhere right)? Yay - I'm happy to report I got my own way with the sat nav and it's been a god-send on the whole. (Unless OH turms it off declaring it doesnt know what its doing! - We are calling her Kylie). Just waiting for our TFN (Tax File Number) and medicare are the only "biggies" left to sort. The kids have been very good on the whole, it's not been easy for them, hanging around all these boring places and the weather been poo. But we've tried to keep them entertained. So glad we have had the opportunity to makeour first BE friends - Irishbloo n family - thank you XXX We went to a park (Neil Simpson?) near Lake Joondalup, and the kids fed the birds, the parrots came and landed on us all and took the seeds out of our hands, it was quite an experience, (especially when the little b****ers were a little too enthusiastic). Ooo - OH managed to light the BBQ last night, he cooked some bangers for the kids in 2 jumpers and a coat whilst we watched from inside, there was a gigantic spider web avec big hairy and weird coloured spider in the centre - the web spanned across the side of the house to trhe fence n I took a picture of it before it creeped me out. We havent been sleeping too well (understandably I think) it's been so blimmin cold on a night in the house, the houses are just not made for cold weather - you can actually see light all the way the front door. We've been trying to stay awake during the day, and have been going to bed late so we can get to sleep. Mentally?- I had one of the saddest moments of my life at the airport, saying goodbye to my best friend - (my sister was sensible and said goodbye to us at the shoebox) but ......... on the other side, when we flew over Perth and I saw the city out of my window - I also had a lump in my throat, so happy to finally get here. That memory will stay with me forever.  We all cheered and clapped when we landed. Now? Well I feel a bit in limbo really - not that I'm unhappy, just unsettled - I think I'll be happier when we are down in Padbury, and nearer to finding a more permanent rental, and of course OH a job and kids in school would be great, but hey, I can be patient, one small step at a time right!? Anyway - UK is now known as Blighty and I definately can now start calling Australia home, and this makes me very very very happy. :o) http://britishexpats.com/blogs/perthfect/6925/ Well this time tomorrow we'll be on that plane heading for Dubai. We're all packed, I'm sat looking at 10 bulging cases, and there's a few last bits (like the clothes we are in at the moment) to go in. We've deep cleaned the shoebox and so its just the utilities to ring in the morning for us to leave this place conciounce clear. I've been OK really - we said goodbye to OH's family last night, and I went through the motions, I nipped into work today to borrow their large scales to weigh all the luggage - we have 234 kilo's so far. I have found that the best thing to do is to make these goodbye's as quick as possible. Recovery time is more3 than halved. I haven't managed to disuade my sister from coming to the airport, she said she was ccoming whether i liked it or not and it was tough! Ah well - lets hope its quick and painless (ish). So my bloggin freinds, I guess this is it - the last entry in my visa rollercoaster blog. What a ride we've had, with breath-taking high's and stomach churning lows, but we've had to go through it all to get here where we are today.  No doubt our story is similar to thousand's of other's and I really do empathise with everyone who's been through it, or is about to. Sincere best wishes to everyone - especially you half dozen that read this drivel I spout on my blog. Thanks so much especially to Professional Princess, Jules, Annette, icemocha (you soon babe), fly , Irishbloo and many more - your kind words have kept me going through my darkest times. I'll see you on the other side. Hugs to you all! Sal (aka Perthfect) XXX http://britishexpats.com/blogs/perthfect/6903/ I finished work on Thursday - I was fine until the boss started to cry - we hugged and kissed and promised to keep in touch - I then went to pick up OH and had to pull-over and had a good sob! I felt better for it, and OH think's I'm being so soft for crying. Tsk! Friday was the last day at school for the kids. They got loads of lovely and personal presents and folders, picture's and photo's - it was lovely for them. The twins got small "Tiger Tim"s in school uniform (class celebrity) and their teacher wrote us a lovely personal card saying how lovely our kids are, and her personal email address to keep in touch. My friend couldnt come to school because she couldnt bear to say goodbye, but has txt me loads. Again, I've had to have a good cry in the car on my own. #1 was very emotional when she left, and for most of the evening. I tried to tell her that that's the sad bit over - we have the exciting bit to look forward to now. I have been to my best friends house on Thursday night - again, we'd both been holding it in for ages n we had a good cuddle and cry (or wail) I found a lovely photo of us (mind you it has got me doing "bunny-ears" fingers behind her head), and I've bought a lovely frame and wrapped it up. I'm gonna give it to her at the airport. :o) Tonight we've had our family party, it was kinda subdued (my family not really party people) we took loads of photo's but I was kinda detached, as to be honest we're not really a close knit bunch, apart from my little brother - who had to leave early as his little girl was ill and not happy at all. I walked him to the car and we had a hug and cry - I told him that I loved him, something I've never done before, but wanted him to know, I'm sure he knows already but I had to tell him anyway. #2 complained of tummy ache and was spectacularly sick. Poor little thing. She fell asleep in the car and so I put her straight to bed, I hope she'll be OK tomorrow. We've visited some close friends this morning, more tomorrow. We're more or less all packed up now, just a little to go, then deep clean on Monday.  Tomorrow's task will be to persuade my sister that she really doesn't want to come to the airport with us, I'd much rather say our goodbyes here, and it will be at least a 3 hour round trip for her and very traumatic. It's her that will have to drive all the way back upset. Anyway - I am drained, so my mattress awaits - 3 sleeps, 2 days to go until we fly. Night night, sleep tight, make sure the bed bugs dont bite, if they do, take off your shoe, and wack them 'til they're black and blue! http://britishexpats.com/blogs/perthfect/6900/ Yesterday was a bit of a mixed bag really - me n my boss decided to spend the morning chatting rather than working, I am so lucky to have found them, it's just a shame I've only managed to work there less than 6 months, I can quite honestly say it's the best place I've ever worked, they are friendly, funny, and I feel like I've known them forever. It's my last day today and I just know I'm going to cry. Anyway, yesterday after finishing work, I couldnt get round the end of the driveway at work as it was being blocked by a van (parked illegally) and I managed to scrape the back door on the galaxy! I'm so bloody annoyed with myself - I really dont think my friend will want it now, n no doubt the value has just plummeted. Grrr - what a muppet I am!! We went out last night, all expenses paid meal n drinks at OH's restaurant. Just us 2 and 2 more close friends. It was really nice, apart from the fact that most of past and present staff came to join us whilst we were eating - not a problem in itself, but call me old fashioned but I'd personally wait to be invited. I think word had got around that the boss' were paying so people were helping themself to wine and whatever else they could get their hands on!!  The boss' PA gave me her email address, she is so lovely and knows what we have been through with #2 daughter - she cried last night but I managed to hold it in, then I have somehow managed to lose her address! Again - so annoyed with myself ! She has mine so hopefully she'll get in touch. Still suffering from insomnia, we've only got a bit of packing to do this weekend, oh yes, and sell the car, but apart from that all done!  I seem to have volunteered last night to visit various people with the kids, when I'd promised myself that I'd make everyone visit us - that'll be the champagne's fault then uh!!? http://britishexpats.com/blogs/perthfect/6895/ It's 2am here in the UK and guess what? Yep..... I can't sleep. I have now gone into a mini-panic that in ONE WEEK we'll be emmigrating to Australia! Jesus, I never thought I'd be saying that! I've been analysing how I feel about it, and have come to the conclusion that the sinking feeling that I've been getting in the pit of my stomach when I awake in the morning is, in fact, PANIC!  This isnt the usual sort of panic mind you, you know the sort where you're frantically  running around like a headless chicken sort of panic (or should I say headless chook)? Oh no, this type of panic is a sneaky little fecker, that is quite cunning, and just linger's in your sub-concious without you really noticing its there, then up it creeps and pokes you in the ribs with its hard pointy little finger! I am now collecting and writing down all the possible telephone numbers we might need on arrival JUST in case my phone doesnt work. Paranoya is also getting ITS grubby little pointy fingers aimed at my ribs too I think!? We have a nice row of suitcases already lined up in the shoebox living room, that due to the size of the said shoebox, is now doubling up as a table , chairs, and a mini-roundabout for the kids. Anyway, me n my two friends panic and paranoya have things to do ......... Laters. http://britishexpats.com/blogs/perthfect/6892/ Yesterday it was the kids summer school disco - they were adamant about going, they love to dance. Instead of the usual DJ (Dazzling Darren n his dead pan antics) it was a snoop doggy dog wannabe,  peak cap teetering just on top of his fro, and at a who played HIS own favourite songs, whilst busting moves and spinnig uncontrolably - he even threw in the odd moonwalk - whilst illegibaly singing along - out of breath. Heee-hheeeee !! Owww!! Most of the kids just stared at him, slack jawed, just wanting a bit of High School Musical or the such like. "What's your name cute thing" ? He asked the headmistress - "Mrs Parker" ! she said sternly, so she was known as Preeeteeee Parker for the rest of the evening. (She was NOT amused)! Well, I have less than a week left at work, I love my boss to bits but FFS if we have another conversation where he insits I must be bricking it with only X amount of days to go, I wont be held responsible for my actions! He was very quiet and nice to me for the rest of the morning - jeese it's just not like him,  I dont think he swore at me once!!!?? What a b*stard!  :o) http://britishexpats.com/blogs/perthfect/6890/ We paid our last rent cheque this morning - just the two weeks, it's now only 13 sleeps to go!  Kids finish school next week. NEXT WEEK! I can't believe I'm saying that really!!?? There isn't much left to do around the shoebox, a deep clean of kitchen and bathroom and of course making sure that we leave it in as good as condition as we can.  I want to leave the UK with my conciounce in tact.  I'm finding myself lacking concentration, everyone keeps telling us how brave we are being - ending up in 2 weeks time at the other side of the world, with just us and our cases - I really don't think the gravity of what we are doing has actually properly sunk in?  Maybe it will hit me later, nearer the time, after we arrive or even a few months down the line?? Who knows? I'm seeing my friend on Sunday evening to see if she wants the car, that's the only thing really I have to sort out.  I am now worrying I've missed something catastrophic that I haven't done!?? Umnnhh? We are trying to fit in seeing everyone before we leave, we've been invited out, to parties, people are coming to see us, but what is apparent is absence of supposed friends, close friends, that we thought would be making the effort to see us that haven't? We have decided not to chase anyone, if we mean anything to them, they will come, but if not, then they aren't as precious as we thought they were? We are still applying for jobs for OH, and he's itching to get back into things. Last night the sky box eventually packed up on us ...ah well, we have to get used to poor TV I guess, the only annoying thing was it was my TV night! Tuesday consist of The One Show, Eastenders, Holby City, then at the moment it's Personal Affairs which takes us up until 10pm. I love to curl up with my duvet and just have some "me" time. Instead I had to actually talk to OH after at least an hour of buggering about with the TV before I eventually gave up. Hey-ho - something else for this weekend's tip run I guess. I'm still feeling quite strong mentally - mind you my twin sister isnt back from her holiday's until Monday, the she's back up to Scotland for a couple of days then back down to "spend some quality time with us all before we leave her forever"! What joy!  I wonder sometimes what quality time actually mean's? I dont think me or anyone else realises it's quality time until after the event do they? My sister's "Quality time" = her spoiling the kids and crying! Pah!   http://britishexpats.com/blogs/perthfect/6886/ Well I've ahd a really good weekend thanks guys - I've had a"CAN-DO" attitude and have been busy busy busy. I've acheived so much, and my job list is down to half a page - good going that uh?! I had a really good cry in the bath tonight, it's been coming for a while now, and I feel beter for it TBH. It can't do anygood to bottle up these things can it, the shoebox it getting barer by the day, and the cases are getting fuller, and I can't wait to get on that plane, although, a part of me will always be in this place, Yorkshire, in the hills, the tree's, the valley's, the dry stone wall's and the cow's. OK, so not as much in the cows as you might think, but you get what I mean....  I have bee searching for a poem about emigration, to sum up the way I'm feeling at the moment - but I just can't - so forgive my ameturish attempt at poetry... here goes... Although I am about to depoart on the biggest journey of my lfe I am thinking is it all about me, the mother, the sister, the wife? Do I care not for the peoplebehind  that I leave? About the hills where I've gown, about the flowers and the tree's? But yes I do care, for this place is a part of me, Like the accent in my voice, and the way I greet thee, Although I have travelled far and wide This is where I am from, and this I can't deny I am leaving for good,I know this for sure, But yet I am not sad, nor glad, but pure in the knowledge of the deed I am doing for my kids For my husband, our future and this is why I did what I did I hope we find a new home to settle, A new job, school and yet another new kettle,     http://britishexpats.com/blogs/perthfect/6874/ It's 05.30 at the moment and I've been awake since 4am at least.  We had such a busy day yesterday you'd of thought I'd need at least a marching band through the bedroom to wake me, but unfortunately not. I had the day off work yesterday so we could take #2 to the eye hospital, her eye's are still improving and are just border-line that she still needs glasses (yay) BUT...her eye that the pupil is oval in, is slightly off centre, so they would like to do more tests to make sure it's nothing more sinister (Boo) so I explained our impeding emmigration and they will write us a letter to take with us, so we can follow-on her monitoring in Aus. So guess what? Srprise suprise .... I can't help but worry about it! Grr - I'm gonna have a serious word with myself later. We then went into town and got rid of some jewellery that we no longer need. Amongts it was OH's wedding ring (now don't gasp in disbelief - the ring, although very nice, was "D" shape, but not flat against his finger, so allsort's of dirt, soap and pastry were getting stuck underneath it and making his finger sore, as well as being slightly too small for him. It wouldve cost more to alter it than to buy him another, so that's what we did! He promised he'd never take it off and it looks lovely. Went shopping, various pick-up's and drop-off's at school, then we were invited to a BBQ with friends (they have a HUGE house and garden n our kids get on well with each-other) So we had a lovely time, and walked home - cross country which took us about an hour. Blimey aren't cow's big when you get close up to them?! Everyone found it hilarious when I was talking to one who seemed to be in solitary confinment from the rest of the herd, and it proceding to glare at me and urinate in response! Tsk! Kid's got to bed about 9.30 - tut tut - on a school day as well! So they are all fast asleep now... I wish I was! In other new's, noboday seem's to want the stuff I'm putting on ebay! Grr! My friend is gonna buy the car from me (Yay) , we've paid for all the accomodation now, my normally unemotional mum broke down in tears the other night, I was moaning about my sister and the leaving do scenario, and she just said "Oh Perthfect, I can't believe you're going, I'm just trying to convince myself you're just going on holiday"!  I tried to hold it in, but we did have a hug and shed a tear. The rest of the visit was "lump-in-throat" and with watery eye's. My little brother rang yesterday, and it's been decided! We're having a family bash on the Saturday tea-time before we leave on the Tuesday. God it's gonna be horrendous! We're having it here in the shoebox unless I can convince Mum to have it there? Right, I must try and get some sleep, otherwise I'll be even more disagreeable than normal! (Difficult I know) http://britishexpats.com/blogs/perthfect/6866/ 3 weeks to go ..... I'm still feeling pretty calm about everything, I think it's mainly due to having a good night's sleep last night.  I was feeling more panicky over the weekend - but a few more jobs ticked off the list and I'm feeling much more composed. Both my mother and my boss reckon that we'll be back - but I'm sure we will make it work, life is what you makee it right? I'm gonna enjoy proving them wrong. We've trasferred som money to our Oz bank account today - no more cash coming in to our UK one's so it feel's like we have a toe-hold on our new lives in Australia now. I'm off up to my mum's tonight to sort out all the kid's Premium Bonds - we will cash theem in and open up an Australian bank account for them when we get there.  I am 100% commited to making it work - and feeling quite confident and serene at the moment. (Don't say it - it won't last). Will speak to her about leaving do (thanks PP - you've made me think about it if nothing else)!? X In other new's, #2 has another appointment at the eye hospital on Wednesday - bless her, the best we can hope for is that she won't need them any more, but I've done a "Do It Yourself" eye examination and I'm sure one eye is a lot weaker then the other - maybe when if we end up settling in some remote outpost it might be my next career choice - saw off some jam-jar bottom's and  with my orthodontic antics of last week (tooth fairy) then surely Robert's your Mother's Brother!?  How can I fail!? :o) http://britishexpats.com/blogs/perthfect/6861/