Sally Simpson

I have thought about what I have wanted to say so many times it is not true. In the end, I decided that my privacy & that of those associated with me, wins over.
It has not been easy for us since our move here. Despite having lived abroad before, we still went through huge stress during this move & if our relationship had basically not been so strong, I have little doubt that we would not have survived it.
The whole process, from visa application, selling house, shipping/moving & resettling. it is immensely stressful, the best & worst of rollercoasters ever!
To those yet to make the move, be prepared & keep the lines of communication open. I thought we knew better, having been through the process previously but we paid the price for our naivety.

My lovely fil died a week after we arrived. It was a terrible experience. My OH went back for 2 weeks but it was terrible not to be there. It's a price we have paid for being here.

I had an employment offer before we arrived but my OH had months of unemployment & then had to work away from home for 6 months before he was lucky enought to get a position closer to where we live. He has recently changed jobs for the better () but we are both very grateful for him being given that first break in Aus.

In October last year I had an emergency admission to hospital with breathing difficulties. Severe stridor is an issue I have had for many years, following a car accident when I was 19. So, apart from the obvious stress of an emergency admission, I was not too concerned, only to later learn that my thyroid was enlarged & obstructing my airway.
I went to Brisbane for treatment, because I wanted a head & neck specialist who knew what he was doing. We do not have one where I live & access to specialist services is something that people should consider when deciding where to live. It can be very costly to get the care that you need & don't forget the additional costs associated with having a family member with you & having to be away from your closest family at a time of great need.
These are things to be considered when thinking about a move.

The cost of living is escalating here, in Far North QLD more than anywhere. Transport costs have shot through the roof & this has been reflected in prices.

I am writing this in wet season, & at this time of year more than any other, I feel very unsettled. I find the grey, overcast skies very hard to deal with, just as I did in the UK. In the winter, I love it!
My children are happy that we made the move & that is worth a lot. I am probably the least settled of us all but I have no yearning for the UK, I am just not sure that Cairns is for me.

To those thinking of making the move, my advice is to be realistic about the cost of living here & the current economy. IMO, & based on recent experience, you need to have considerable savings in the bank for the unexpected, be it a trip back to the UK for a bereavement, or unforseen medical expenses.

I am hugely grateful to all the people that I have met through BE who gave me immense support & practical help, whilst undergoing my surgery & follow-up treatment. It has been fabulous & I love you all & you know who you are FB friends!
This site can be amazing & it can cause great pain. You have to decide for yourself how to use it & that in itself can be a big learning curve! However, as a resource, it is invaluable!

So, I have been here in Aus for over 2 years & here on BE for not yet 4 years & so I have earned a ramble I reckon!
If you stuck it out thus far, thank you!
Overall this has been a good move for us but it has not been an easy start & I don't think this is atypical. Yes, some people make the move, get great job offers, make tons of lovely friends etc etc but for many the reality requires a lot more effort & heartache.
Be realistic & don't give up, sometimes the good things in life need to be worked for!

Mrs Kiwi

Hi Sally,

your story sounds similar in some ways to mine: especially the family illness back in the UK, and the not quite feeling like where you are is home yet.

You're absolutely right about the heartache involved. Well done for describing it so well and giving a well rounded update.

Good luck in the future hun. XX

Keith Moon

Cheers Sal, stay well and healthy, nice update......

Keith

LINZI

Good luck to the future

Sally Simpson

Thanks folks!
I have re-read my post several times & think it sounds rather gloomy. It wasn't meant to be. We have met some wonderful people since moving here & have had some really good times. I think unfortunately, especially since going through the thyroid cancer, I think I am a little worn down with how hard life can be at times. That said, I am positive that 2011 can only get better.
Besides, I have a fab weekendin Adelaide with some lovely ladies to look forward to. What else could a girl want?????

curly

Great read Sally

Even though obviously we keep in touch via fb I never knew you weren't sure about Cairns!

lancastrian48

A good honest posting- cheers

Alfresco

Lovely update Sally.

The sun will shine up there soon.

Icarus

A good honest update , thanks for sharing .

Keep smilin .

moneypenny20

You'll get 'there' hon. It's a case of some sunshine, months of feeling well, and everything will feel lighter, including the purse. I didn't do a five year update, it would have been too much like hard work, don't think I'll be doing a six year one either

Have a blast down in Adelaide and get back home to a new healthy start.

Carbery

Great, honest update from a great honest lady I had the pleasure of meeting in Port Douglas last year. Hope your future is as bright as your smile Sal and with a strong 3 man family behind you I am sure whatever decisions you make for your future will be the right ones.

paulry

A heartfelt update Sally, thanks for sharing it. Well done to you and your family, you've all been through so much. I hope things get brighter and brighter for you

Kapri

Same here!

Sally, I hope things settle down now and that the next 2 years are good ones

Sally Simpson

Thanks guys. I feel very sure that things will improve

chris and farideh

Great up date Sally, have you decided where you would like to move to if given the chance?