BadgeIsBack

It's amazing what you can learn from the military - remember they have been in the planning and ops games since Genghis Khan used an elephant (or something). Forget the Yanks for the time being. There's lots of things people do that come from the military in some way.

Theres only 2 professions, soldiers and women, someone once said.

A lot of people are very anti-military but its taught me more than I'd ever learn in industry - lots of stuff they don't teach anymore, anywhere, if that makes sense. Flexibillity and initiative, tolerance and self-discipline, when to be a maverick and take control, when to show a bit of respect and hold back..show a bit of humility, diplomacy and patience. Its really helped as a migrant.

A mate of mine calls his wife 'Chief' too. Now we know he means, "boss" no doubt about it.

BadgeIsBack

What, so you know my wife is available?! I can't remember if you're a bloke or not.

I love my wife. She is a God[ess] in my books. One in a million. And she is so talented. I smile everytime I see her walk into a room I am already in. I have no idea what she sees in me.

CasG

The fact that you polish her boots!?

Ransi

He must be on a promise...

CasG

Polish my boots, and I'll call you to attention

Ransi

Helmet more like...

CasG

pmsl

She want to see her face in it!!

TeresaG

Thanks for all those replies everyone.

Its great to hear such positive responses and to read about what you all find so wonderful about Australia. Its making me look forward to our adventure even more.

BadgeIsBack

I polish my own helmet, it's all greasy, gooey and covered in muck.

I have more than one.

One is for wildfire, one is for structural, one is for chainsawing, one is for on horseback, there are many more.

Ransi

Bloody luck Mrs.Thatsnotquiteright

BadgeIsBack

Some people would class the first one as being insular, etc. I think it is great- my view is that most Aussies frankly know on which side their bread is buttered. There's no need to hold a bloody inquiry into the rights or wrongs of that conclusion: you don't have to go overseas to be proud or happy or content with your lot or maybe think it is probably the best.

I find that feral ocker Aussies, (they are hoons, not so nice, behind a wheel) are a lot nicer people than chavs.

iPom

I really would be clueless if I'd met any chavs or hoons (unless you count my BIL ) but I really think you get out what you put in. There are some 'interesting' looking people up here but they always surprise me by being absolutely lovely people when we chat. They KNOW it's beautiful up here and they know they've got it pretty good, as you say. It's just an acceptance of that fact, I find... bread buttered and all that. I don't find it insular at all.
When I'm on the lookout up the road and tourists pull up, and they ask if I'm from nearby, and I tell them I live here, they always say how lucky I am... and I have to agree (although there was little luck involved actually)

Shakmaty

At ease, private

iPom

Or not!

Pollyana

Pleeease Dear Badge, don't post things like that when I have been in the pub since lunchtime! The Bloke is currently swearing at me for laughing so much I fell off the chair