8 months on
Feb 22nd 2008, 10:24 am
#1
Im a woomaaan
Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1,978
8 months on
Well it`s been 8 months now since we arrived in Perth and I thought I`d a wee update. I won`t go in to all the mundane stuff but I just want to use this to underline how far the journey has taken us.
We rented to begin with in Warnbro and we loved it, daughter was very happy in her school and settled well. We have now bought a house in Port Kennedy (the suburb next to Warnbro) and are very happy here, daughter started at the local HIgh School and loves it. Hubby is in his second job but that is more about him finding his way after leaving the Navy than anything to do with Oz.
We were used to moving about and we didn`t have any close family within 100 mile radius of where we were in UK, so I didn`t expect to have too many problems settling in. I still phone the relatives every couple of weeks, so not much change there.
One thing I will say is that when you get on the plane, you breathe a sigh of relief and say "Oh thank God all the hassle is over" and you laugh to each other and grin inanely remembering the stomach churning worry of the visa process and putting your life in order. Now that is the point where someone should have slapped me across the chops and told me to wake up and stop being such a silly bitch. Of course it doesn`t stop, if anything it starts again with such a scarey intensity you feel phsically sick, you hit the ground running looking for rental, gp`s, sorting tax files, banks and medicare, buying furniture (I never thought I`d ever be sick of shopping - until those first few weeks here). You feel emotional but you can`t say why, nothing is familiar and you don`t even know what type of loo roll is best or where to go for certain things it all seems overwhelming and a bit daunting - this is where you ask yourself "what have I done?" It all takes an emotional toll and you really have to be kind to yourself, slow down, turn round and look at how much you have achieved and be proud of that.
I don`t feel homesick, I just miss the familiarity but I know that will come in time, I`ve made some very good friends, both Pommies and Ozzies and as they say here in Oz - it`s all good.
We rented to begin with in Warnbro and we loved it, daughter was very happy in her school and settled well. We have now bought a house in Port Kennedy (the suburb next to Warnbro) and are very happy here, daughter started at the local HIgh School and loves it. Hubby is in his second job but that is more about him finding his way after leaving the Navy than anything to do with Oz.
We were used to moving about and we didn`t have any close family within 100 mile radius of where we were in UK, so I didn`t expect to have too many problems settling in. I still phone the relatives every couple of weeks, so not much change there.
One thing I will say is that when you get on the plane, you breathe a sigh of relief and say "Oh thank God all the hassle is over" and you laugh to each other and grin inanely remembering the stomach churning worry of the visa process and putting your life in order. Now that is the point where someone should have slapped me across the chops and told me to wake up and stop being such a silly bitch. Of course it doesn`t stop, if anything it starts again with such a scarey intensity you feel phsically sick, you hit the ground running looking for rental, gp`s, sorting tax files, banks and medicare, buying furniture (I never thought I`d ever be sick of shopping - until those first few weeks here). You feel emotional but you can`t say why, nothing is familiar and you don`t even know what type of loo roll is best or where to go for certain things it all seems overwhelming and a bit daunting - this is where you ask yourself "what have I done?" It all takes an emotional toll and you really have to be kind to yourself, slow down, turn round and look at how much you have achieved and be proud of that.
I don`t feel homesick, I just miss the familiarity but I know that will come in time, I`ve made some very good friends, both Pommies and Ozzies and as they say here in Oz - it`s all good.
Feb 22nd 2008, 12:13 pm
#2
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: Living in Melbourne and loving it!
Posts: 837
Re: 8 months on
Well it`s been 8 months now since we arrived in Perth and I thought I`d a wee update. I won`t go in to all the mundane stuff but I just want to use this to underline how far the journey has taken us.
We rented to begin with in Warnbro and we loved it, daughter was very happy in her school and settled well. We have now bought a house in Port Kennedy (the suburb next to Warnbro) and are very happy here, daughter started at the local HIgh School and loves it. Hubby is in his second job but that is more about him finding his way after leaving the Navy than anything to do with Oz.
We were used to moving about and we didn`t have any close family within 100 mile radius of where we were in UK, so I didn`t expect to have too many problems settling in. I still phone the relatives every couple of weeks, so not much change there.
One thing I will say is that when you get on the plane, you breathe a sigh of relief and say "Oh thank God all the hassle is over" and you laugh to each other and grin inanely remembering the stomach churning worry of the visa process and putting your life in order. Now that is the point where someone should have slapped me across the chops and told me to wake up and stop being such a silly bitch. Of course it doesn`t stop, if anything it starts again with such a scarey intensity you feel phsically sick, you hit the ground running looking for rental, gp`s, sorting tax files, banks and medicare, buying furniture (I never thought I`d ever be sick of shopping - until those first few weeks here). You feel emotional but you can`t say why, nothing is familiar and you don`t even know what type of loo roll is best or where to go for certain things it all seems overwhelming and a bit daunting - this is where you ask yourself "what have I done?" It all takes an emotional toll and you really have to be kind to yourself, slow down, turn round and look at how much you have achieved and be proud of that.
I don`t feel homesick, I just miss the familiarity but I know that will come in time, I`ve made some very good friends, both Pommies and Ozzies and as they say here in Oz - it`s all good.
We rented to begin with in Warnbro and we loved it, daughter was very happy in her school and settled well. We have now bought a house in Port Kennedy (the suburb next to Warnbro) and are very happy here, daughter started at the local HIgh School and loves it. Hubby is in his second job but that is more about him finding his way after leaving the Navy than anything to do with Oz.
We were used to moving about and we didn`t have any close family within 100 mile radius of where we were in UK, so I didn`t expect to have too many problems settling in. I still phone the relatives every couple of weeks, so not much change there.
One thing I will say is that when you get on the plane, you breathe a sigh of relief and say "Oh thank God all the hassle is over" and you laugh to each other and grin inanely remembering the stomach churning worry of the visa process and putting your life in order. Now that is the point where someone should have slapped me across the chops and told me to wake up and stop being such a silly bitch. Of course it doesn`t stop, if anything it starts again with such a scarey intensity you feel phsically sick, you hit the ground running looking for rental, gp`s, sorting tax files, banks and medicare, buying furniture (I never thought I`d ever be sick of shopping - until those first few weeks here). You feel emotional but you can`t say why, nothing is familiar and you don`t even know what type of loo roll is best or where to go for certain things it all seems overwhelming and a bit daunting - this is where you ask yourself "what have I done?" It all takes an emotional toll and you really have to be kind to yourself, slow down, turn round and look at how much you have achieved and be proud of that.
I don`t feel homesick, I just miss the familiarity but I know that will come in time, I`ve made some very good friends, both Pommies and Ozzies and as they say here in Oz - it`s all good.
We are leaving Germany on 15th April and must say the stress is a killer. Hubby has just finished his 22 in Brit Army, so like you have contact with relatives maybe two weeks a year so do not believe family will be a big issue. I am in a panic about stepping into the REAL world (Oz UK would be no different) as we will now have to grow up and make decisions for ourselves and not have our lives mapped out, schools, med, house etc sorted for us each time we move. Leaving Mum (Army) will be hard but we are also looking forward to the challenge of a real life but its very scarey
The exchange rate is a killer at the moment so our lump sum will take a bashing!. We will rent a well because our house in UK has not sold yet!!!!.
Thanks for sharing, you being forces can understand our unique perspective. We have moved all over the world and have not lived in UK for 11 years so familiar things are not the norm (although the good old NAAFI is there in times of crisis!!!).
Good luck to you and please keep posting as I will read with intrest all your posts which will be of great help.
We are off to Melbourne (family there) and have visited a number of times but no jobs yet and I am sure you can understand my husband is dreading the outside world!
Cheryl
Feb 22nd 2008, 12:15 pm
#3
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: Leeds
Posts: 316
Re: 8 months on
a honest and frank post.... thank you
We all focus so much on getting there what with visa's, meds, blxxdy trying to sell your home - just making the commitment to go, that I suppose those of us who haven't made it there yet try not to think to much of the crap we are going to face when we get there. I enjoy reading posts, such as yours, that keep it real, whilst trying to keep a mental note of all those things to do when we hit the ground running lol
We all focus so much on getting there what with visa's, meds, blxxdy trying to sell your home - just making the commitment to go, that I suppose those of us who haven't made it there yet try not to think to much of the crap we are going to face when we get there. I enjoy reading posts, such as yours, that keep it real, whilst trying to keep a mental note of all those things to do when we hit the ground running lol
Feb 22nd 2008, 7:27 pm
#4
here and staying
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: happy in the hills of Perth......
Posts: 4,351
Re: 8 months on
Glad its still going well Chris
We will get together soon, have been doing some extra hours at work to get some money in
typical!
so not been around much
We will get together soon, have been doing some extra hours at work to get some money in
typical!so not been around much
Feb 23rd 2008, 12:51 am
#5
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2007
Location: Sunshine Coast, Queensland.
Posts: 2,141
Re: 8 months on
Nice post, funny... i went through the loo roll senario too!
And kitchen roll, isn't bread expensive etc..
As for the plane thing, i was that Anxious to deal with it i went into an extreme level of calmness, as i knew at the first freakout i would lose it and want to get of the plane (& we all know that couldnt happen). The kids were good, slept most of the flight all bar about 6hrs of the 20... so not bad really.
good luck mate
S-j xx
And kitchen roll, isn't bread expensive etc.. As for the plane thing, i was that Anxious to deal with it i went into an extreme level of calmness, as i knew at the first freakout i would lose it and want to get of the plane (& we all know that couldnt happen). The kids were good, slept most of the flight all bar about 6hrs of the 20... so not bad really.
good luck mate
S-j xx
Feb 23rd 2008, 5:18 am
#6
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jun 2007
Location: Tropical North QLD
Posts: 21,434
Re: 8 months on
Lovely update!
Feb 23rd 2008, 8:01 am
#7
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2007
Location: Warner, brisbane
Posts: 519
Re: 8 months on
What an honest post, I should imagine 'hit the ground running' sums it up perfectly. Well I hope you have decided on the toilet roll now, I cannot imagine what it must feel like to start over and not know where to get things etc. It must be very scarey. I hope you settle quickly and continue to enjoy. This is such a major thing to do for all of us.
Well done.
Well done.
Feb 23rd 2008, 1:42 pm
#8
egghead4+becky
Joined: Jul 2006
Location: was newport now sunny Bundy
Posts: 797
Re: 8 months on
hi there
god, my emotions are all over the place at the moment and i guess they are only gonna get worse. it sounds like you are coping really well, i love you sense of humour
good luck in the future
bec
god, my emotions are all over the place at the moment and i guess they are only gonna get worse. it sounds like you are coping really well, i love you sense of humour
good luck in the future
bec
Feb 23rd 2008, 11:56 pm
#9
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2005
Location: Durham
Posts: 1,558
Re: 8 months on
Well it`s been 8 months now since we arrived in Perth and I thought I`d a wee update. I won`t go in to all the mundane stuff but I just want to use this to underline how far the journey has taken us.
We rented to begin with in Warnbro and we loved it, daughter was very happy in her school and settled well. We have now bought a house in Port Kennedy (the suburb next to Warnbro) and are very happy here, daughter started at the local HIgh School and loves it. Hubby is in his second job but that is more about him finding his way after leaving the Navy than anything to do with Oz.
We were used to moving about and we didn`t have any close family within 100 mile radius of where we were in UK, so I didn`t expect to have too many problems settling in. I still phone the relatives every couple of weeks, so not much change there.
One thing I will say is that when you get on the plane, you breathe a sigh of relief and say "Oh thank God all the hassle is over" and you laugh to each other and grin inanely remembering the stomach churning worry of the visa process and putting your life in order. Now that is the point where someone should have slapped me across the chops and told me to wake up and stop being such a silly bitch. Of course it doesn`t stop, if anything it starts again with such a scarey intensity you feel phsically sick, you hit the ground running looking for rental, gp`s, sorting tax files, banks and medicare, buying furniture (I never thought I`d ever be sick of shopping - until those first few weeks here). You feel emotional but you can`t say why, nothing is familiar and you don`t even know what type of loo roll is best or where to go for certain things it all seems overwhelming and a bit daunting - this is where you ask yourself "what have I done?" It all takes an emotional toll and you really have to be kind to yourself, slow down, turn round and look at how much you have achieved and be proud of that.
I don`t feel homesick, I just miss the familiarity but I know that will come in time, I`ve made some very good friends, both Pommies and Ozzies and as they say here in Oz - it`s all good.
We rented to begin with in Warnbro and we loved it, daughter was very happy in her school and settled well. We have now bought a house in Port Kennedy (the suburb next to Warnbro) and are very happy here, daughter started at the local HIgh School and loves it. Hubby is in his second job but that is more about him finding his way after leaving the Navy than anything to do with Oz.
We were used to moving about and we didn`t have any close family within 100 mile radius of where we were in UK, so I didn`t expect to have too many problems settling in. I still phone the relatives every couple of weeks, so not much change there.
One thing I will say is that when you get on the plane, you breathe a sigh of relief and say "Oh thank God all the hassle is over" and you laugh to each other and grin inanely remembering the stomach churning worry of the visa process and putting your life in order. Now that is the point where someone should have slapped me across the chops and told me to wake up and stop being such a silly bitch. Of course it doesn`t stop, if anything it starts again with such a scarey intensity you feel phsically sick, you hit the ground running looking for rental, gp`s, sorting tax files, banks and medicare, buying furniture (I never thought I`d ever be sick of shopping - until those first few weeks here). You feel emotional but you can`t say why, nothing is familiar and you don`t even know what type of loo roll is best or where to go for certain things it all seems overwhelming and a bit daunting - this is where you ask yourself "what have I done?" It all takes an emotional toll and you really have to be kind to yourself, slow down, turn round and look at how much you have achieved and be proud of that.
I don`t feel homesick, I just miss the familiarity but I know that will come in time, I`ve made some very good friends, both Pommies and Ozzies and as they say here in Oz - it`s all good.
Take care
Lynne x
