Have some K for yet another beautifully written update PP!
Some great word of advice for those of us still trying to settle too!
Can't believe you have been there a year already though, time flies!
Happy Anniversary

Ive been a bit tearful today, last year I could say 'I saw my Dad 10 months ago'

Now I havent seen my Dad for a year and thats a hard concept.

Oh well, all part of the emotional rollercoaster I guess.

Mr PP and I are having a nice meal tonight for our wedding anniversary

Thanks for your honest, heartfelt post PP. I've followed many of your threads/posts and have come to think of you as a very kindhearted person, with a love and respect for people and animals.

I miss my family terribly, and am set to go back in July for good. Hubby, on the other hand quite likes it here now, so I can see some interesting conversations over the next few weeks. I ride a daily rollercoaster of emotions.

You said in another post that you've started voluntary work at a wildlife centre. I'd love to do the same, but I've only got about 4 hours a week to spare. I really would like to do something of value with that time, and I have a passion for animals so it would be time well spent. I live in Secret Harbour, do you know of anywhere locally that takes volunteers for a couple of hours a week?

Thanks.

Heljinder,

If you type in Seek & Volunteer in Google the first hit is a website similar to a recruitment site where you can search for volunteer opportunties throughout Australia via your postcode.

HTH's.

Great, thanks for that!

Fantastic post PP. You are an inspiration to me.

I loved reading that update...thankyou!

It keeps me going reading everyones updates, and its even better when you're so happy! Congrats on your 1st year and may there be many more happy years to come for you both! Lucy

Thank you for the kind comments everyone.

My Dad called me last night to say his phone company are going to stop his free calls to Australia, he sounded so upset.

Ive told him to look into other companies that offer similar. It keeps us both going knowing that he can (and does) call me almost every night.

I cannot emphasise how important telephone calls are - when you speak to someone frequently, it not only keeps up the contact but it is a huge comfort thing in your own mind hearing their voices all the time.

People in the past have made comments on how much time I spend on this site (BE).

What they dont get is that because Mr PP works long hours, I spend alot of time on my own, I did in the UK as well as my friends didnt live near me.

I dont spend quite so much time on my own here but I view some of the people on this site as my friends - some I have met and some I havent but the help and support I have had from people on here is priceless.

So don't feel guilty about still needing forums like BE as an outlet. It is just another way of keeping in contact with your friends and during homesickness phases, my god that is helpful. Although do keep a realistic view of some of the posts - as in it doesnt always help to read MBTUK threads as it might not be beneficial to your current state of mind.

I do love living here, I hate missing my Dad and I hate the ache I sometimes wake up with - that ache of missing people.

But I have slowly built my comfort zone and I know we dont have much money (well none really after mortgage is paid) but I am proud of what we have achieved.

The REAL test is dealing with the emotions that come with emigrating and it isn't easy.

I am getting there though.

Sam, has your Dad tried Telediscount? They charge 1p a minute to call Aus (at least they used to)
Think the website is
www.telediscount.co.uk
Give it a try!

He is with Tiscali at the moment and gets free calls but Im sure they are not the only provider with this kind of offer.

Hes going to shop around though.

Hey Sam!!! Can't believe it's been a year already, congrats to both of you on your first year and wedding anniversary!
You made me think i should do my "10 yrs here" update... but somehow i know i might not get around to it for a while lol
Now, put that camera to good use and show us the photos on FB
Tez x

Great post, enjoyed reading it.

bj

It's hard here PP, not all it is cracked up to be and you have to work at it. I understand where your coming from I miss my Mum. People don't realise how hard it is to migrate until they have done it. You have and your doing great.

Take care

lace xx

I would love to go back and visit Dad and everyone, just havent got the spare cash to do so.

I don't miss the UK whatsoever but I know l have to be happy where I live and if that means moving away from family then so be it.

I guess that when I lived in the UK I didnt see family that much really, I was never in to shopping and couldnt care a jot for Tesco etc.

But yes, it is very difficult sometimes and you have to 'sort your own mind' out on a daily basis to prioritise worries/concerns and the various emotions that occasionally give you a kicking.

If you live in Secret Harbour, I suggest you go to:
a) the volunteer centre in Rockingham
b) the volunteer centre in Mandurah
c) Marapana Wildlife Park across the road of you (sort of)
d) speek to the vet in Secret Harbour (Ennis ave) or any other vet in the area eg David in Port Kennedy or Dr Bruce Moore on Safety Bay road who is the vet who looks after the wildlife in Rockingham as far as I know. http://www.warnbrovet.com.au/ On his website he writes:
Dr. Moore has also greatly contributed to his community in animal welfare, animal rescue and wildlife care.