4 month update
 

On the 8th July it will be four months since we landed in Perth.

In that four months Mr PP is now on his second job, I temped for an agency (actually working for them) and now have a full time position for a large company.

We are very happy living in Freo and are renting a house - the agency said they are happy to extend our tenancy for at least another 12 months when our 6 month contract is up - good job as I love living here.

I don't miss England at all but miss my friends and family to the point that it hurts, yet the thought of living in England again makes me feel quite sick:confused: - god knows why I feel like that as I never hated England?.

I have my 'God I am in Australia' moments when I am playing a particular record that reminds me of my pre visa days when I would scour the internet for a 'way in' and I can't believe that we are here - especially when I see parrots/dolphins etc.

Sometimes when I am walking down the street completely at home, I will have a moment where I realise just how far away I am from everyone I know/love and I panic.

I have been ill for the past 8 weeks - since I entered the Aussie workforce, swollen glands, sore throat, bad chest - you name it.

Having made some good friends with my work colleagues - English and Aussie, I can honestly say that I enjoy socialising with them out of work as well as in, something I never thought I would say.

Being a person who never enjoyed shopping, I don't miss anything like that from the UK - well I do miss my TV soaps but then I was a soap addict in the UK so I suppose that will never change! Vicar of Dibley and Wild at Heart gives me a good TV 'fix' if nothing else.:lol:

I have started to zoom in on anything British and can tune in to a British record - even if I hear it played in the distance. I can spot our flag a mile away and get quite upset that I can't visualise English money anymore - I guess I want to connect in some way to where I come from - a sort of invisible connection that makes me feel secure.

Having been a 'busy' person in England that would run fast and move heaven and earth to catch the next train, I am now someone that will see that I have only 3 minutes to catch the next train (3 minutes in the UK - my god I dreamt of having 3 minutes to get my train in England!), I will just say 'yeah, nah' kind of thing and wait for the next one:lol: Christ knows where I got that from, I would never be so laid back in England!

I reckon Australia comes with a package - missing your people till you cry, feeling somewhat un-anchored in your surroundings, homing in on anything English and at the same time, taking several steps back in your general speed of doing things and becoming quite laid back.

I wouldn't have done anything differently though, it has been a massive learning curve for us both.

Mr PP has less responsibility in his job and I have considerably more - we both have a social life and our bloody cat has gained a kg in weight and now weighs in at 8 kgs!!

We do far more here than we did in England - I think we were geographically disadvantaged before and as we both love the sea, we lived too far away yet couldn't afford to move there. With Freo, it just works for us, perhaps it might not be as good if we lived somewhere else, I don't know - but Freo works for us.

I am shocked at the intensity of the emotions I have experienced but if there is one thing that I am certain of, and that is I can't see me living anywhere else.

I will shortly have enough money to fly home for a surprise visit for Dad - next year I am planning but who knows, I will just rock up in his local:sneaky:.

But one bit of advice I will give and that is if you have just moved here, take one day at a time and be kind to yourself.

Rebuilding your new life does in no way happen overnight, your whole immune system needs time to adjust and a life takes time to build and you will experience inefficiency/bad service here just like you will anywhere else.

Australia is not ever going to become the racist free, violence free, drug free utopia you might be looking for. The 'better life' you are seeking will either be better or just different, but it really is the same shit but shinier bucket and as for me, well I always did like shinier things in my life;)

Cold, wet weather might be replaced for less cold, less wet weather that will chill you equally to the bone once acclimatised.

Going outside will mean putting suncream on, sunnies and a hat and skin cancer checks are part of life and when you want to see a doctor, you will pay to do so. Although personally speaking, the standard of medical care we receive here is far higher than we did where we lived before.

I like going in to a shop and being asked how I am, I don't think they always mean it but for a person that hates shopping, a friendly face and helpful attitude can mean a huge difference to someone like me.

That's it really, I had never been to Perth and it was a huge gamble moving here but yes, for us it has worked.

By christ it isn't easy and the feeling of vulnerability has never left me but for now I have a house I love, a job I love and good friends - the rest I take day by day.

I am hoping to get some articles published and have just been granted my Australian press pass - so for me, I am having more opportunities here and as for Mr PP, well he said he has never been happier.

Be prepared for change, for stress, for things to not always be as you expected and for some,things to be the same - as in human nature.

It might work for you and it might not, but if you go with an open mind then whatever you decide will be right for you in the end.

Now I must go, I killed myself in yoga yesterday and it is hurting to breathe:eek:

Re: 4 month update
 

Hi PP,

Love your post - open, honest and great to hear you are getting on so well.

Hope you both continue to settle in as successfully as you've started.

Colin

Re: 4 month update
 

;) so happy for you mate.

Re: 4 month update
 

Cheers guys.

I think when you are in the UK you can only imagine how it will be like, nothing can prepare you for the emotions, ones that never occured to you.

It certainly has been a learning curve - I never realised I had it in me.:lol:

Re: 4 month update
 

Just love your honesty and talking from the heart PP.
So glad things are working out for you.
May it long continue:D
Plants

Re: 4 month update
 

4 months already;) time flies when you're having fun.

Great success you are having PP, long may it continue:thumbup:

Re: 4 month update
 

Well, there was a time when it never looked like your update from Oz would ever happen and here it is and full of optimism. What a difference a year makes Sam :D.

Love your idea of surprising your Dad, make sure you have someone on standby with a seat for him though lol.

And tell Gordon, if he wants to impress the ladies this summer, he's going to have cut back on the Snappy Tom :lol:.

Gill

Re: 4 month update
 

Are you a journalist? You said you wanted to get some articles published. I hope that you do because your post was a pleasure to read and beautifully written.

Re: 4 month update
 

I can't believe the physical effects of migrating - my immune system was the last thing I would have thought about. I would say now that taking care of your health is the first and foremost priority when you make this move.:eek:

Time bloody does fly, I cant believe I shall be 41 in August, last birthday we never even had the visa.:eek:

Gordon and his Snappy Tom, he won't eat anything else. He is so distressed when we leave him alone though, I would like to get another cat but Mr PP will take some persuading.

I used to do freelance stuff for a vet journal in the UK, and some work experience for my local paper and managed to get my Press pass.

I am just thrilled to get my Aussie press pass and have a few articles in mind, I am not sure if they would like my style of writing as it is very different here, but I can only try.:o

Re: 4 month update
 

Great inspiring post Professional Princess. I've read many of your posts in the past, and am glad things are working out for you. Gives me hope for when I get there. :)

Re: 4 month update
 

God there were times when we didnt think we would ever get here and loads of times where we nearly cancelled everything after waiting 19 months for the visa application alone.

I remember sitting at home being out of work (self employed) and sitting at my pc for hours on end to seek ways of applying.

Certain records take me back to those moments - 'Usher' is one of them, I can't listen to it now. :eek:

Re: 4 month update
 

[ [/QUOTE]

Interseting and accurate post that Princess- well done on progress made to date.

Your right, the only things you will ever miss are family and friends.

I aint going back to "shitty britty" for sure.

It is worth all the stress in the end..

Dave

Re: 4 month update
 

It is so hard for me to explain, I loved London and didnt hate the UK yet the thought of living there again horrifies me, it feels wrong and I don't know why either. I started to 'shut down' my life there for some time prior to our migration so perhaps I detached myself a while ago and that is the reason.

But when I see my Dad or family/friends - the urge to go and see them is incredibly strong - but only for a short while.

I just have more to do here - or perhaps just different things to do that suit me better than the UK - who knows?

I am fiercely proud of being British, I still harbour anger over the London bombings and remember saying 'what have they done to our London'.

That's it really, it will always be 'My London' and I hate anyone that poses a threat to it.

I just don't want to live there anymore. - God I sound confused.:eek:

Re: 4 month update
 

Hi PP, Thats a great update I am so so happy for you sounds like your really enjoying yourself now :thumbsup:
I still have to wait before I can make my final move but I am soooooooooo looking forward to it :D
Maybe even see you out there.

Re: 4 month update
 

That's for sure, how good would it be to meet up for a beer!:thumbsup:

How long do you reckon it will be before you move then?

Re: 4 month update
 

That would be great, since your in Fremantle all ready theres loads of nice places there for beer :thumbsup:
I recon its going to take me to End on Jan start of Feb 09 to save up the rest of the cash I want so got to wait until then unfortunatley. I was over there in Feb this year wish I had stayed and not come back to UK, but you live and learn, had to validate ASAP.

I was reading through some PM's from 3 years ago I found on PiP the other day, cant believe it has taken this long to get where we wanted to be. I guess the best things come to those who wait.

Re: 4 month update
 

I remember those days of PiP, and going to the expos at Sandown racecourse trying to get all the info. I will never forget my first expo, getting excited at what I now know was complete tosh.

My god, the journey that we take to get here - you could make a book out of it for all of us I reckon.:lol:

Re: 4 month update
 

OMG Yeah, but I had a bad experience at the Expos, they basically told me I had no chance of getting to OZ. :frown: But they obviously didnt know how determined I was :thumbsup:

Re: 4 month update
 

Can I join you both for a beer too :) when I eventually get there?

Re: 4 month update
 

Wow! These updates are like London buses, you wait for ages, then 3 great ones come along at once:thumbup::lol:

Great update PP & thanks for the advice at the end. Will try to remember that when we finally get there:thumbsup:

Re: 4 month update
 

Now I must go, I killed myself in yoga yesterday and it is hurting to breathe:eek:[/QUOTE]

PP, I know you didn't kill yourself doing yoga, you killed yourself looking at that guys one-eyed trouser snake.

Great post as usual. I hope you and Mr PP continue to have a great time in your new life.
All the best, keep the blogs coming:thumbsup:

Tracy:eek:

Re: 4 month update
 

Hi PP, fab posts really enjoyed reading about your journey. Hoping to be in Perth by Xmas and i'm currently collecting quotes etc etc. Is renting with an animal a problem (not referring to OH, but our dog!). Keep us up-dated and I hope you continue to love your exciting new life in Oz.

Cheers Caroline

Re: 4 month update
 

Mr PP was told he had no chance, I used to sit up at my pc until the early hours of the morning researching and when I was out of work I would spend all day looking for a way in, we would hit a brick wall, start again and so forth.

Hell yes, it will be one big fat pint of beer - well earned as well.

Just don't underestimate how ill you could be through this, the stress starts long before you move, your body and immune system become run down months before you go and you 'run on empty' and then when you do get to Australia, if you are unlucky then it catches up with you. Oh how I wished I had looked after myself better prior to going - both physically and mentally - it would have paid dividends.

PP, I know you didn't kill yourself doing yoga, you killed yourself looking at that guys one-eyed trouser snake.

Great post as usual. I hope you and Mr PP continue to have a great time in your new life.
All the best, keep the blogs coming:thumbsup:

Tracy:eek:[/QUOTE]

I am dreading the trouser snake on Saturday, my friend is coming with me and has threatened to play hoops with it should it surface again.

I do believe it is easier if you have a cat and they asked if ours was an indoor one as neighbours can take offence to cats crapping in their garden.

My Gordon however is getting increasingly distressed at being left alone, something he never did in the UK - perhaps I can feel another cat coming!

Re: 4 month update
 

Fab post, glad things are goinmg well,youve finally got over the lurgys.
ATB
Kat xxx

Re: 4 month update
 

Hey PP, long time no speak. Have just been thinking of the stress we all went through to get the visas. Glad to hear that it's all working out for you, and you have safely landed in Freo, which I love! Have you done the prison tour? It's cool!

Good luck to you chuck!

Kez x:thumbsup:

Re: 4 month update
 

Lurgy still hanging around:eek: just had heaps of blood tests but the doc is certain its glandular fever - so I shall just wait and see. Dad said I had it when I was little but I dont remember.


Yes how time has flown :D I keep meaning to do the prison tour, I love Freo and cant imagine living anywhere else. Everything on my doorstep, no need for taxis or anything - I love it.

Re: 4 month update
 

I told ya didn`t I!!:rofl:

Re: 4 month update
 

Yes you did, even before we had visited there:lol:

There we were, all set to put a deposit on a place in Warnbro and end up in another agents being driven round Freo by the Estate Agent.

:lol:

Re: 4 month update
 

[QUOTE=Professional Princess;6546152]Mr PP was told he had no chance, I used to sit up at my pc until the early hours of the morning researching and when I was out of work I would spend all day looking for a way in, we would hit a brick wall, start again and so forth.


QUOTE]

You mean spend all hours on the PC chatting on BE;)

Re: 4 month update
 

I am so excited - Gordon is appearing on 'Pet of the Week' this Saturday at 4.30pm on Channel 9.

I sent it in ages ago with his story and a photo and Ive had an email from the TV company saying that he has been picked to go on TV.:thumbsup:

Re: 4 month update
 

You are without doubt, mad as a hatter!

I will watch avidly.

Re: 4 month update
 

:lol:

Re: 4 month update
 

I have set a reminder on my phone!

Will you be appearing in this blockbuster?

Re: 4 month update
 

Oh no it is just something on TV once a week where they show a selection of pets and the viewers have to vote for pet of the week - I think.

I just wrote about Gordon and sent in a piccie of him with his Anzac flag.:thumbsup:

Re: 4 month update
 

PP. Your a darling. Tried to repay K, but they'll not let me so dont think I've forget you.:wub:

Re: 4 month update
 

(big hug Framac):wub:

I am having a bad day today, I rather stupidly played my Mums favourite song and I cannot believe how much it affected me - I spent over an hour crying - how sad is that!

Today has been a day where I have been missing those that I am closest to, I get those days and ride them out but today has just been quite hard.

It is one of those days where you could do with a hug so hard that it crushes your ribs - those sort of hugs always help.:(

Re: 4 month update
 

Heres ones huge hug for you


((((((((((OOOOOOOOO))))))))))))

Hope your feeling better this morning

Love
Plants:)

Re: 4 month update
 

This was today Im afraid :(

Im working tomorrow so that should keep me busy. :)

Thanks Plants :wub:

Re: 4 month update
 

Love your posts PP.

Read Ginger Diaries last week - Brilliant!!!

Re: 4 month update
 

How silly do I feel about Gordon? Well I was emailed by Channel 9 that Gordon will be appearing on 'Pet of the Week' on Talk to the Animals. I got so excited and watched it and he wasn't on.

Then I checked the email again and I had got the date wrong, he was on TV the week before!:mad:

I dont think he won, but if anyone watches that program and saw it a couple of weeks ago, Gordon was the one with the Aussie flag on his neck.:thumbsup:

Gordon has a girlfriend called 'Lottie', she sits outside our window 'talking' to him. Mr PP caught her looking through our gate last week to see if Gordon was by the window.

I am so going to let her in when I see her again.:wub: