Hilton`s update - first 5 months in Oz!
Apr 12th 2006, 11:32 am
#1
Hilton`s
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Gold Coast
Posts: 332
Hilton`s update - first 5 months in Oz!
Well we have been in Oz for 5 months now and I thought I would let anybody who is interested know how we are getting on.
Myself, my husband and 2 sons aged 15 and 17 at the time arrived in Oz middle of Nov 05. We spent a week with my husbands brother and his family in Brisbane and then a week with my best friend from England who happens to now be living in Helensvale on the Gold Coast.
When we first arrived I felt sick to the stomach and couldn`t believe what we had done. I think a lot of it was pure guilt as we had had a terrible time before we left, what with all of our goodbyes and the boys were distraught saying bye to all of their friends. I don`t think I could plysically eat for 2 weeks. Unfortunately that didn`t last! lol!
Anyway Mick, my husband got offered a job in the 2nd week and so started work almost immediately which was a stroke of luck.
We found a house to buy in the 2nd week as well which I know is quick but we didn`t want to waste too much money on renting. Anyway, we ended up renting a unit on a complex for 7 weeks as the people we bought the house from didn`t want to move out until the 12th Jan 06.
Anyway, we carried on as best as we could but all the time I was feeling really guilty about the boys not making friends, because they were on school holiday until Jan so didn`t have any chance to meet anybody.
Jan 12th finally came and we moved into our new house and we were all more settled but I just still was unhappy deep down and wasn`t sure if I wanted to be here or not. The boys settled into school okay although my eldest had a bad time at the beginning of Feb when it was his 18th birthday and he was really upset and so that upset all of us. Anyway I think I reacted wrong and was pushing them to make friends and we had this huge row and they told me to stop worrying about them and that the friends they had in England they had taken years to make and it was going to take time over here as well. They were of course, so right. I stopped worrying so much and "Bob`s your uncle" they are now going out with friends and the oldest one often stays round friends houses and their social lives seem to be getting better by the week.
My husband has always loved it here in Oz but if any of us are not happy then of course he worries like hell but if we are okay then so is he.
I am still finding it difficult to get work here as you do seem to need a certificate to do anything but something will come up eventually and where before, I just worried continually, I don`t now and I love it here.
You just can`t beat the weather, I know it`s not everything but waking up to bright sunshine sure beats grey miserable clouds and you can actually plan days out or just lounging in the garden and it is good to know pretty much for sure that the sun will be shining and even if it`s not it won`t be cold.
The people have been so friendly and welcoming and we haven`t encountered one bit of pom bashing as they call it. I know it could happen but I also know that you are going to encounter nasty people wherever in the world you live.
I`m also smiling from ear to ear at the moment as our swimming pool was finished yesterday and we had a day around it today, from 6am this morning until 6pm tonight. Now, in the UK we would have to have a lottery win to own what we have got here in Oz!
So, for now I`m very happy and long may this feeling continue!!!
Tracey x
Myself, my husband and 2 sons aged 15 and 17 at the time arrived in Oz middle of Nov 05. We spent a week with my husbands brother and his family in Brisbane and then a week with my best friend from England who happens to now be living in Helensvale on the Gold Coast.
When we first arrived I felt sick to the stomach and couldn`t believe what we had done. I think a lot of it was pure guilt as we had had a terrible time before we left, what with all of our goodbyes and the boys were distraught saying bye to all of their friends. I don`t think I could plysically eat for 2 weeks. Unfortunately that didn`t last! lol!
Anyway Mick, my husband got offered a job in the 2nd week and so started work almost immediately which was a stroke of luck.
We found a house to buy in the 2nd week as well which I know is quick but we didn`t want to waste too much money on renting. Anyway, we ended up renting a unit on a complex for 7 weeks as the people we bought the house from didn`t want to move out until the 12th Jan 06.
Anyway, we carried on as best as we could but all the time I was feeling really guilty about the boys not making friends, because they were on school holiday until Jan so didn`t have any chance to meet anybody.
Jan 12th finally came and we moved into our new house and we were all more settled but I just still was unhappy deep down and wasn`t sure if I wanted to be here or not. The boys settled into school okay although my eldest had a bad time at the beginning of Feb when it was his 18th birthday and he was really upset and so that upset all of us. Anyway I think I reacted wrong and was pushing them to make friends and we had this huge row and they told me to stop worrying about them and that the friends they had in England they had taken years to make and it was going to take time over here as well. They were of course, so right. I stopped worrying so much and "Bob`s your uncle" they are now going out with friends and the oldest one often stays round friends houses and their social lives seem to be getting better by the week.
My husband has always loved it here in Oz but if any of us are not happy then of course he worries like hell but if we are okay then so is he.
I am still finding it difficult to get work here as you do seem to need a certificate to do anything but something will come up eventually and where before, I just worried continually, I don`t now and I love it here.
You just can`t beat the weather, I know it`s not everything but waking up to bright sunshine sure beats grey miserable clouds and you can actually plan days out or just lounging in the garden and it is good to know pretty much for sure that the sun will be shining and even if it`s not it won`t be cold.
The people have been so friendly and welcoming and we haven`t encountered one bit of pom bashing as they call it. I know it could happen but I also know that you are going to encounter nasty people wherever in the world you live.
I`m also smiling from ear to ear at the moment as our swimming pool was finished yesterday and we had a day around it today, from 6am this morning until 6pm tonight. Now, in the UK we would have to have a lottery win to own what we have got here in Oz!
So, for now I`m very happy and long may this feeling continue!!!
Tracey x
Apr 12th 2006, 11:38 am
#2
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 975
Re: Hilton`s update - first 5 months in Oz!
Tracey,
What a lovely read, I raced through it the first time because I was worried that you were going to say the boys didnt settle. So glad that they have.
I know exactly what you mean about the guilt over the children, isnt wonderful 5 months down the line when they are so happy. I know what you mean about the blue skies too, I open my bedroom blinds before I go to sleep so that when I wake up I am looking out to trees, birds and blue sky.
Hope you find work soon, we have had the same problem although the other way round, I found full time work early on but my husband is still hunting 6 months down the line.
Sharon
What a lovely read, I raced through it the first time because I was worried that you were going to say the boys didnt settle. So glad that they have.
I know exactly what you mean about the guilt over the children, isnt wonderful 5 months down the line when they are so happy. I know what you mean about the blue skies too, I open my bedroom blinds before I go to sleep so that when I wake up I am looking out to trees, birds and blue sky.
Hope you find work soon, we have had the same problem although the other way round, I found full time work early on but my husband is still hunting 6 months down the line.
Sharon
Apr 12th 2006, 11:38 am
#3
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: Hampshire, UK
Posts: 191
Re: Hilton`s update - first 5 months in Oz!
Originally Posted by Hilton`s
Well we have been in Oz for 5 months now and I thought I would let anybody who is interested know how we are getting on.
Myself, my husband and 2 sons aged 15 and 17 at the time arrived in Oz middle of Nov 05. We spent a week with my husbands brother and his family in Brisbane and then a week with my best friend from England who happens to now be living in Helensvale on the Gold Coast.
When we first arrived I felt sick to the stomach and couldn`t believe what we had done. I think a lot of it was pure guilt as we had had a terrible time before we left, what with all of our goodbyes and the boys were distraught saying bye to all of their friends. I don`t think I could plysically eat for 2 weeks. Unfortunately that didn`t last! lol!
Anyway Mick, my husband got offered a job in the 2nd week and so started work almost immediately which was a stroke of luck.
We found a house to buy in the 2nd week as well which I know is quick but we didn`t want to waste too much money on renting. Anyway, we ended up renting a unit on a complex for 7 weeks as the people we bought the house from didn`t want to move out until the 12th Jan 06.
Anyway, we carried on as best as we could but all the time I was feeling really guilty about the boys not making friends, because they were on school holiday until Jan so didn`t have any chance to meet anybody.
Jan 12th finally came and we moved into our new house and we were all more settled but I just still was unhappy deep down and wasn`t sure if I wanted to be here or not. The boys settled into school okay although my eldest had a bad time at the beginning of Feb when it was his 18th birthday and he was really upset and so that upset all of us. Anyway I think I reacted wrong and was pushing them to make friends and we had this huge row and they told me to stop worrying about them and that the friends they had in England they had taken years to make and it was going to take time over here as well. They were of course, so right. I stopped worrying so much and "Bob`s your uncle" they are now going out with friends and the oldest one often stays round friends houses and their social lives seem to be getting better by the week.
My husband has always loved it here in Oz but if any of us are not happy then of course he worries like hell but if we are okay then so is he.
I am still finding it difficult to get work here as you do seem to need a certificate to do anything but something will come up eventually and where before, I just worried continually, I don`t now and I love it here.
You just can`t beat the weather, I know it`s not everything but waking up to bright sunshine sure beats grey miserable clouds and you can actually plan days out or just lounging in the garden and it is good to know pretty much for sure that the sun will be shining and even if it`s not it won`t be cold.
The people have been so friendly and welcoming and we haven`t encountered one bit of pom bashing as they call it. I know it could happen but I also know that you are going to encounter nasty people wherever in the world you live.
I`m also smiling from ear to ear at the moment as our swimming pool was finished yesterday and we had a day around it today, from 6am this morning until 6pm tonight. Now, in the UK we would have to have a lottery win to own what we have got here in Oz!
So, for now I`m very happy and long may this feeling continue!!!
Tracey x
Myself, my husband and 2 sons aged 15 and 17 at the time arrived in Oz middle of Nov 05. We spent a week with my husbands brother and his family in Brisbane and then a week with my best friend from England who happens to now be living in Helensvale on the Gold Coast.
When we first arrived I felt sick to the stomach and couldn`t believe what we had done. I think a lot of it was pure guilt as we had had a terrible time before we left, what with all of our goodbyes and the boys were distraught saying bye to all of their friends. I don`t think I could plysically eat for 2 weeks. Unfortunately that didn`t last! lol!
Anyway Mick, my husband got offered a job in the 2nd week and so started work almost immediately which was a stroke of luck.
We found a house to buy in the 2nd week as well which I know is quick but we didn`t want to waste too much money on renting. Anyway, we ended up renting a unit on a complex for 7 weeks as the people we bought the house from didn`t want to move out until the 12th Jan 06.
Anyway, we carried on as best as we could but all the time I was feeling really guilty about the boys not making friends, because they were on school holiday until Jan so didn`t have any chance to meet anybody.
Jan 12th finally came and we moved into our new house and we were all more settled but I just still was unhappy deep down and wasn`t sure if I wanted to be here or not. The boys settled into school okay although my eldest had a bad time at the beginning of Feb when it was his 18th birthday and he was really upset and so that upset all of us. Anyway I think I reacted wrong and was pushing them to make friends and we had this huge row and they told me to stop worrying about them and that the friends they had in England they had taken years to make and it was going to take time over here as well. They were of course, so right. I stopped worrying so much and "Bob`s your uncle" they are now going out with friends and the oldest one often stays round friends houses and their social lives seem to be getting better by the week.
My husband has always loved it here in Oz but if any of us are not happy then of course he worries like hell but if we are okay then so is he.
I am still finding it difficult to get work here as you do seem to need a certificate to do anything but something will come up eventually and where before, I just worried continually, I don`t now and I love it here.
You just can`t beat the weather, I know it`s not everything but waking up to bright sunshine sure beats grey miserable clouds and you can actually plan days out or just lounging in the garden and it is good to know pretty much for sure that the sun will be shining and even if it`s not it won`t be cold.
The people have been so friendly and welcoming and we haven`t encountered one bit of pom bashing as they call it. I know it could happen but I also know that you are going to encounter nasty people wherever in the world you live.
I`m also smiling from ear to ear at the moment as our swimming pool was finished yesterday and we had a day around it today, from 6am this morning until 6pm tonight. Now, in the UK we would have to have a lottery win to own what we have got here in Oz!
So, for now I`m very happy and long may this feeling continue!!!
Tracey x
Apr 12th 2006, 11:45 am
#4
Living the Dream!
Joined: Sep 2005
Location: Cleveland
Posts: 6,515
Re: Hilton`s update - first 5 months in Oz!
Lovely post tracey...glad things are settling down now and your boys are enjoying it too! Still waiting for spring to arrive here in the UK, its like winter up here in Manchester...but at least its not raining.............yet! 
Love Jackie x
Love Jackie x
Apr 12th 2006, 11:50 am
#5
Hilton`s
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Gold Coast
Posts: 332
Re: Hilton`s update - first 5 months in Oz!
Originally Posted by chattyshazza
Tracey,
What a lovely read, I raced through it the first time because I was worried that you were going to say the boys didnt settle. So glad that they have.
I know exactly what you mean about the guilt over the children, isnt wonderful 5 months down the line when they are so happy. I know what you mean about the blue skies too, I open my bedroom blinds before I go to sleep so that when I wake up I am looking out to trees, birds and blue sky.
Hope you find work soon, we have had the same problem although the other way round, I found full time work early on but my husband is still hunting 6 months down the line.
Sharon
What a lovely read, I raced through it the first time because I was worried that you were going to say the boys didnt settle. So glad that they have.
I know exactly what you mean about the guilt over the children, isnt wonderful 5 months down the line when they are so happy. I know what you mean about the blue skies too, I open my bedroom blinds before I go to sleep so that when I wake up I am looking out to trees, birds and blue sky.
Hope you find work soon, we have had the same problem although the other way round, I found full time work early on but my husband is still hunting 6 months down the line.
Sharon
I really feel as if I was one big stressball but now that the boys have settled more I feel as if a weight has been lifted. The stupid thing is that they weren`t complaining in the first place!!
I will keep my fingers crossed that your husband finds work soon.
Tracey x
Apr 12th 2006, 11:54 am
#6
Living the Dream!
Joined: Sep 2005
Location: Cleveland
Posts: 6,515
Re: Hilton`s update - first 5 months in Oz!
Originally Posted by Hilton`s
Hiya Sharon,
I really feel as if I was one big stressball but now that the boys have settled more I feel as if a weight has been lifted. The stupid thing is that they weren`t complaining in the first place!!
I will keep my fingers crossed that your husband finds work soon.
Tracey x
I really feel as if I was one big stressball but now that the boys have settled more I feel as if a weight has been lifted. The stupid thing is that they weren`t complaining in the first place!!
I will keep my fingers crossed that your husband finds work soon.
Tracey x
ps. Sharon, I hope your hubby finds work too as well. x
Apr 12th 2006, 11:59 am
#7
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 4,365
Re: Hilton`s update - first 5 months in Oz!
Originally Posted by Hilton`s
Hiya Sharon,
I really feel as if I was one big stressball but now that the boys have settled more I feel as if a weight has been lifted. The stupid thing is that they weren`t complaining in the first place!!
I will keep my fingers crossed that your husband finds work soon.
Tracey x
I really feel as if I was one big stressball but now that the boys have settled more I feel as if a weight has been lifted. The stupid thing is that they weren`t complaining in the first place!!
I will keep my fingers crossed that your husband finds work soon.
Tracey x
Crap being a mum at times innit
I think our worst fear is if our kids are unhappy , and of course their probably coping better than we think
Apr 12th 2006, 12:32 pm
#8
Hilton`s
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Gold Coast
Posts: 332
Re: Hilton`s update - first 5 months in Oz!
Originally Posted by Mrs JFW
Tracey can I ask you about the price of houses. I spend ages trawling through realestate.com looking at all the gorgeous properties (that I won't be able to afford). I just wondered, did you look at those websites before you went and are they a true reflection of property prices or can you still find lovely properties at a cheaper price than you see on the websites? Thanks muchly, love Jackie x
ps. Sharon, I hope your hubby finds work too as well. x
ps. Sharon, I hope your hubby finds work too as well. x
Oh yes, we lived on the net looking at realestate.com and I would say that what you see on the websites is a true reflection of what the prices are but there are still the odd bargains to be had. It just depends what you are able to pay and where you want to be. Also how desperate the vendors are to sell!
Hope this helps.
Tracey x
Apr 12th 2006, 12:33 pm
#9
Hilton`s
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2004
Location: Gold Coast
Posts: 332
Re: Hilton`s update - first 5 months in Oz!
Originally Posted by Margaret2
Crap being a mum at times innit I think our worst fear is if our kids are unhappy , and of course their probably coping better than we think
I think our worst fear is if our kids are unhappy , and of course their probably coping better than we think Tracey x
Apr 12th 2006, 1:19 pm
#10
Living the Dream!
Joined: Sep 2005
Location: Cleveland
Posts: 6,515
Re: Hilton`s update - first 5 months in Oz!
Originally Posted by Hilton`s
Hiya Jackie,
Oh yes, we lived on the net looking at realestate.com and I would say that what you see on the websites is a true reflection of what the prices are but there are still the odd bargains to be had. It just depends what you are able to pay and where you want to be. Also how desperate the vendors are to sell!
Hope this helps.
Tracey x
Oh yes, we lived on the net looking at realestate.com and I would say that what you see on the websites is a true reflection of what the prices are but there are still the odd bargains to be had. It just depends what you are able to pay and where you want to be. Also how desperate the vendors are to sell!
Hope this helps.
Tracey x
Some of the properties are gorgeous! I actually love the queenslanders!
Apr 12th 2006, 1:32 pm
#11
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Joined: Aug 2004
Location: in a place near the river and the sea where the sun always shines
Posts: 3,155
Re: Hilton`s update - first 5 months in Oz!
Originally Posted by Hilton`s
Well we have been in Oz for 5 months now and I thought I would let anybody who is interested know how we are getting on.
Myself, my husband and 2 sons aged 15 and 17 at the time arrived in Oz middle of Nov 05. We spent a week with my husbands brother and his family in Brisbane and then a week with my best friend from England who happens to now be living in Helensvale on the Gold Coast.
When we first arrived I felt sick to the stomach and couldn`t believe what we had done. I think a lot of it was pure guilt as we had had a terrible time before we left, what with all of our goodbyes and the boys were distraught saying bye to all of their friends. I don`t think I could plysically eat for 2 weeks. Unfortunately that didn`t last! lol!
Anyway Mick, my husband got offered a job in the 2nd week and so started work almost immediately which was a stroke of luck.
We found a house to buy in the 2nd week as well which I know is quick but we didn`t want to waste too much money on renting. Anyway, we ended up renting a unit on a complex for 7 weeks as the people we bought the house from didn`t want to move out until the 12th Jan 06.
Anyway, we carried on as best as we could but all the time I was feeling really guilty about the boys not making friends, because they were on school holiday until Jan so didn`t have any chance to meet anybody.
Jan 12th finally came and we moved into our new house and we were all more settled but I just still was unhappy deep down and wasn`t sure if I wanted to be here or not. The boys settled into school okay although my eldest had a bad time at the beginning of Feb when it was his 18th birthday and he was really upset and so that upset all of us. Anyway I think I reacted wrong and was pushing them to make friends and we had this huge row and they told me to stop worrying about them and that the friends they had in England they had taken years to make and it was going to take time over here as well. They were of course, so right. I stopped worrying so much and "Bob`s your uncle" they are now going out with friends and the oldest one often stays round friends houses and their social lives seem to be getting better by the week.
My husband has always loved it here in Oz but if any of us are not happy then of course he worries like hell but if we are okay then so is he.
I am still finding it difficult to get work here as you do seem to need a certificate to do anything but something will come up eventually and where before, I just worried continually, I don`t now and I love it here.
You just can`t beat the weather, I know it`s not everything but waking up to bright sunshine sure beats grey miserable clouds and you can actually plan days out or just lounging in the garden and it is good to know pretty much for sure that the sun will be shining and even if it`s not it won`t be cold.
The people have been so friendly and welcoming and we haven`t encountered one bit of pom bashing as they call it. I know it could happen but I also know that you are going to encounter nasty people wherever in the world you live.
I`m also smiling from ear to ear at the moment as our swimming pool was finished yesterday and we had a day around it today, from 6am this morning until 6pm tonight. Now, in the UK we would have to have a lottery win to own what we have got here in Oz!
So, for now I`m very happy and long may this feeling continue!!!
Tracey x
Myself, my husband and 2 sons aged 15 and 17 at the time arrived in Oz middle of Nov 05. We spent a week with my husbands brother and his family in Brisbane and then a week with my best friend from England who happens to now be living in Helensvale on the Gold Coast.
When we first arrived I felt sick to the stomach and couldn`t believe what we had done. I think a lot of it was pure guilt as we had had a terrible time before we left, what with all of our goodbyes and the boys were distraught saying bye to all of their friends. I don`t think I could plysically eat for 2 weeks. Unfortunately that didn`t last! lol!
Anyway Mick, my husband got offered a job in the 2nd week and so started work almost immediately which was a stroke of luck.
We found a house to buy in the 2nd week as well which I know is quick but we didn`t want to waste too much money on renting. Anyway, we ended up renting a unit on a complex for 7 weeks as the people we bought the house from didn`t want to move out until the 12th Jan 06.
Anyway, we carried on as best as we could but all the time I was feeling really guilty about the boys not making friends, because they were on school holiday until Jan so didn`t have any chance to meet anybody.
Jan 12th finally came and we moved into our new house and we were all more settled but I just still was unhappy deep down and wasn`t sure if I wanted to be here or not. The boys settled into school okay although my eldest had a bad time at the beginning of Feb when it was his 18th birthday and he was really upset and so that upset all of us. Anyway I think I reacted wrong and was pushing them to make friends and we had this huge row and they told me to stop worrying about them and that the friends they had in England they had taken years to make and it was going to take time over here as well. They were of course, so right. I stopped worrying so much and "Bob`s your uncle" they are now going out with friends and the oldest one often stays round friends houses and their social lives seem to be getting better by the week.
My husband has always loved it here in Oz but if any of us are not happy then of course he worries like hell but if we are okay then so is he.
I am still finding it difficult to get work here as you do seem to need a certificate to do anything but something will come up eventually and where before, I just worried continually, I don`t now and I love it here.
You just can`t beat the weather, I know it`s not everything but waking up to bright sunshine sure beats grey miserable clouds and you can actually plan days out or just lounging in the garden and it is good to know pretty much for sure that the sun will be shining and even if it`s not it won`t be cold.
The people have been so friendly and welcoming and we haven`t encountered one bit of pom bashing as they call it. I know it could happen but I also know that you are going to encounter nasty people wherever in the world you live.
I`m also smiling from ear to ear at the moment as our swimming pool was finished yesterday and we had a day around it today, from 6am this morning until 6pm tonight. Now, in the UK we would have to have a lottery win to own what we have got here in Oz!
So, for now I`m very happy and long may this feeling continue!!!
Tracey x
Apr 12th 2006, 2:13 pm
#12
Chocoholic
Joined: Apr 2005
Location: Betchworth, Surrey.
Posts: 2,899
Re: Hilton`s update - first 5 months in Oz!
Glad to hear you are settling in well Tracy
Can I ask whereabouts you are living?
I've got kids of a similar age so it's good to hear your kids are enjoying it all.
Julie. x
Can I ask whereabouts you are living?
I've got kids of a similar age so it's good to hear your kids are enjoying it all.
Julie. x
Apr 12th 2006, 3:42 pm
#13
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Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Eltham, Victoria
Posts: 425
Re: Hilton`s update - first 5 months in Oz!
That was a lovely post to read I too have 2 boys 15 and 17 and am absolutely consumed with guilt about taking them away from their friends here.
I'm so happy to hear that your boys have settled in well, and well done on finding a house so quickly
Lorraine.
I too have 2 boys 15 and 17 and am absolutely consumed with guilt about taking them away from their friends here.I'm so happy to hear that your boys have settled in well, and well done on finding a house so quickly
Lorraine.
Apr 12th 2006, 7:23 pm
#14
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Joined: Mar 2004
Location: Ellenbrook WA
Posts: 809
Re: Hilton`s update - first 5 months in Oz!
Thankyou for your great post. I am so glad your kids have settled well and are all enjoying your new lives, all the best for your future.
Nicky x
Nicky x
Apr 12th 2006, 10:30 pm
#15
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Joined: May 2003
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Posts: 3,353
Re: Hilton`s update - first 5 months in Oz!
Originally Posted by Hilton`s
Well we have been in Oz for 5 months now and I thought I would let anybody who is interested know how we are getting on.
Myself, my husband and 2 sons aged 15 and 17 at the time arrived in Oz middle of Nov 05. We spent a week with my husbands brother and his family in Brisbane and then a week with my best friend from England who happens to now be living in Helensvale on the Gold Coast.
When we first arrived I felt sick to the stomach and couldn`t believe what we had done. I think a lot of it was pure guilt as we had had a terrible time before we left, what with all of our goodbyes and the boys were distraught saying bye to all of their friends. I don`t think I could plysically eat for 2 weeks. Unfortunately that didn`t last! lol!
Anyway Mick, my husband got offered a job in the 2nd week and so started work almost immediately which was a stroke of luck.
We found a house to buy in the 2nd week as well which I know is quick but we didn`t want to waste too much money on renting. Anyway, we ended up renting a unit on a complex for 7 weeks as the people we bought the house from didn`t want to move out until the 12th Jan 06.
Anyway, we carried on as best as we could but all the time I was feeling really guilty about the boys not making friends, because they were on school holiday until Jan so didn`t have any chance to meet anybody.
Jan 12th finally came and we moved into our new house and we were all more settled but I just still was unhappy deep down and wasn`t sure if I wanted to be here or not. The boys settled into school okay although my eldest had a bad time at the beginning of Feb when it was his 18th birthday and he was really upset and so that upset all of us. Anyway I think I reacted wrong and was pushing them to make friends and we had this huge row and they told me to stop worrying about them and that the friends they had in England they had taken years to make and it was going to take time over here as well. They were of course, so right. I stopped worrying so much and "Bob`s your uncle" they are now going out with friends and the oldest one often stays round friends houses and their social lives seem to be getting better by the week.
My husband has always loved it here in Oz but if any of us are not happy then of course he worries like hell but if we are okay then so is he.
I am still finding it difficult to get work here as you do seem to need a certificate to do anything but something will come up eventually and where before, I just worried continually, I don`t now and I love it here.
You just can`t beat the weather, I know it`s not everything but waking up to bright sunshine sure beats grey miserable clouds and you can actually plan days out or just lounging in the garden and it is good to know pretty much for sure that the sun will be shining and even if it`s not it won`t be cold.
The people have been so friendly and welcoming and we haven`t encountered one bit of pom bashing as they call it. I know it could happen but I also know that you are going to encounter nasty people wherever in the world you live.
I`m also smiling from ear to ear at the moment as our swimming pool was finished yesterday and we had a day around it today, from 6am this morning until 6pm tonight. Now, in the UK we would have to have a lottery win to own what we have got here in Oz!
So, for now I`m very happy and long may this feeling continue!!!
Tracey x
Myself, my husband and 2 sons aged 15 and 17 at the time arrived in Oz middle of Nov 05. We spent a week with my husbands brother and his family in Brisbane and then a week with my best friend from England who happens to now be living in Helensvale on the Gold Coast.
When we first arrived I felt sick to the stomach and couldn`t believe what we had done. I think a lot of it was pure guilt as we had had a terrible time before we left, what with all of our goodbyes and the boys were distraught saying bye to all of their friends. I don`t think I could plysically eat for 2 weeks. Unfortunately that didn`t last! lol!
Anyway Mick, my husband got offered a job in the 2nd week and so started work almost immediately which was a stroke of luck.
We found a house to buy in the 2nd week as well which I know is quick but we didn`t want to waste too much money on renting. Anyway, we ended up renting a unit on a complex for 7 weeks as the people we bought the house from didn`t want to move out until the 12th Jan 06.
Anyway, we carried on as best as we could but all the time I was feeling really guilty about the boys not making friends, because they were on school holiday until Jan so didn`t have any chance to meet anybody.
Jan 12th finally came and we moved into our new house and we were all more settled but I just still was unhappy deep down and wasn`t sure if I wanted to be here or not. The boys settled into school okay although my eldest had a bad time at the beginning of Feb when it was his 18th birthday and he was really upset and so that upset all of us. Anyway I think I reacted wrong and was pushing them to make friends and we had this huge row and they told me to stop worrying about them and that the friends they had in England they had taken years to make and it was going to take time over here as well. They were of course, so right. I stopped worrying so much and "Bob`s your uncle" they are now going out with friends and the oldest one often stays round friends houses and their social lives seem to be getting better by the week.
My husband has always loved it here in Oz but if any of us are not happy then of course he worries like hell but if we are okay then so is he.
I am still finding it difficult to get work here as you do seem to need a certificate to do anything but something will come up eventually and where before, I just worried continually, I don`t now and I love it here.
You just can`t beat the weather, I know it`s not everything but waking up to bright sunshine sure beats grey miserable clouds and you can actually plan days out or just lounging in the garden and it is good to know pretty much for sure that the sun will be shining and even if it`s not it won`t be cold.
The people have been so friendly and welcoming and we haven`t encountered one bit of pom bashing as they call it. I know it could happen but I also know that you are going to encounter nasty people wherever in the world you live.
I`m also smiling from ear to ear at the moment as our swimming pool was finished yesterday and we had a day around it today, from 6am this morning until 6pm tonight. Now, in the UK we would have to have a lottery win to own what we have got here in Oz!
So, for now I`m very happy and long may this feeling continue!!!
Tracey x
Sorry I have not been in touch, but I have had my parents over from the UK. Glad to hear that all is well with you.
Will give you a ring soon.
love debsxx
