Epilogue

Today marks six months since we left Australia.  And the truth is, I still think about it every single day.  I miss the beach, and my apartment.  I miss our friends and the stunning natural beauty.  I miss the sunshine, and the harbour.

Our last family photo in front of our apartment.  On our way to the airport. 3 July 2011

And even though I am happy with the decision we made to move to the UK, there have been times when my husband and I have asked ourselves, "Why did we ever leave Australia?"

When we first considered moving to the UK I wondered if having a second expat experience would in some way diminish my memories of Australia.  I can now answer definitively-no, it will not.  No matter how many places I live or how much I travel, I will always look back on our time in Australia as sort of magical. 

It really is a "Lucky Country" and I feel lucky to have called it home for over two years.

Aussie Gift Guide

It seems that July is the perfect time for American expats to head home for a holiday.  It's a chance to escape winter in Australia and soak up some North American summer.  Americans are off school for the summer and most Aussie schools have a 2-3 week holiday break in July.

Annual home leave is a nice little perk that most expats enjoy.  A chance to reconnect with family and friends back in America.  And many of us want to bring gifts to all those people to let them know that even though we live on the other side of the world we haven't forgotten about them.

One can only buy so many stuffed koalas and coin purses made from kangaroo scrotum.  That's why I have put together the following Aussie Gift Guide.  There's a little something for everyone.

For Her:

An Oroton Bag
These beauties are designed in Australia and sold in boutiques around Oz and Europe.  As far as I know they are not widely available in the US.  A great gift for someone special.  They also sell key fobs and umbrellas if you're looking for something less expensive.

Von Treskow Coin Jewelry
This collection featuring Aussie coins that have been turned into necklaces, bracelets and earrings is one of my favourite things.  They're beautiful and wearable and Australian without being cheesy.

Ken Done Hoodie
These hoodies are nicer than your typical souvenir shop sweatshirts.  The colours are fun and Done's signature kangaroo silhouette is eye catching.

Havianas Aussie Beaches Flip Flops
Of course, in Australia they call them thongs.  These sport a small metal charm in the shape of Australia and they have the names of popular Aussie beaches printed on the sole.  So cute!  And everyone loves Havianas.

For Him:

Australian Wine
My favourite bottle shop is the Australian Wine Centre near Circular Quay.  They are helpful and have a great selection.  They will even package up your purchase in a box that can be checked as luggage on any major airline. 

Havianas (see above)
In addition to the Beaches version, Havianas also come with an Aussie Flag on the strap.

Bush Hat
These kangaroo leather bush hats are fun, and the Squashy collection are easy to pack in your suitcase.

Photography Prints
Ken Ducan has some amazing photographs of this beautiful country.  One of his prints (or a less expensive calendar or book) would make a great gift.

For Kids:

Between the Flags Gear
This shop benefits the Australian surf lifesavers, so you can feel good about shopping here.  Plenty of cute kids swimmers, hats, and towels.  Great sales in June- I saw lots of items for only $5 each! 

Candy by Sticky
This shop in The Rocks is a big hit with kids.  I picked up the cutest candy with a tiny koala on each piece.  Packaged in cellophane bags they make great little give aways for friends at home.

Anything from Paddy's Market
Paddy's Market (in Chinatown) is the place to go for cheap souvenirs.  If you need 30 pencil sets with Aussie animals on them, you'll find it at Paddy's.  They also have bags, towels, t-shirts and, strangely, a huge selection of trashy lingerie.  But that's another post.  Paddy's is a good place to go if you need to buy cheap gifts in bulk.

Animalz
These beautiful little wooden toys are designed in Australia.  The Aussie pouch, containing an echidna, koala and wombat is my favourite.

For Yourself:

Now that I'm back in the U.S., the one thing I wish I had more of is video.  I found a 45 second video of Balmoral on my phone today and watched it over and over.  I would love to be able to look back at quick snippets of our life in Sydney.  It would be the best gift of all.



Jenny

Dear Australia

I don't want to leave you- with your sunshine and white sand beaches and happy people and tall white gum trees.

I want more time to watch my kids run around Rocky Point Island and stare out at the sea and think about how lucky I am to have landed in this lucky country for 2 years.

I want to ride on the green and yellow ferry, marvel at how the sea and the sky could possibly be so blue and stare at the sparkling white sails of the Opera House as we pull into Circular Quay. 

I want to stop by the kiosk and stroll along The Esplanade holding my husband's hand and just freeze time for a moment.  I don't want to say goodbye.

We will come back some day.  It won't be the same, but I'll remember.  I'll show my daughter where she learned to ride a bike and my son where he spent so many afternoons digging in the sand.  And I'll tell my baby, "You were born here."

Thank you, Australia, for being our home.  I will miss you.  Only one week left.

Photo:Vincent Lai

With love,
Jenny

Unraveling a Life

Tasmanian Sunrise

Our time left here in Australia can now be measured in weeks instead of months.  We'll be gone before the eggs in my refrigerator expire.  It's surreal to think that I  have to begin to unravel the life I've spent the past 2 years creating.

Squeeze in a couple last trips.

Sort through our belongings and decide what to take, what to sell, what to toss.  

Close out our accounts and memberships.  

Say good-bye to all the people we've come to love here. 

Even the kids are starting to feel the tension of being torn between two lives on two continents.  Someone once said that beginnings are always scary, endings are always sad, but it's what's in between that counts.

I just wish the in between could last a little longer.

Did you vote today over at Circle of Moms?  2 little clicks is all it takes!

We Made It

Our whole family has landed in the US and I am happy to report that the flight was an absolute piece of cake.  I was a bit worried about the baby but he was an angel and slept for 10 hours on my lap.  I think we are all getting used to these long haul flights.  Of course, being in Business Class didn't hurt . . . .

Upon arrival the customs line at LAX was unbelievably long.  It's embarrassing that the US doesn't have a better system for this.  Tired travelers were crawling along through the queue at a snail's pace.  Some kind agent spotted us with our three pajamma'd kiddos and heaps of luggage and pulled us over to the airline crew line.  Hooray! Of course there was some sort of mix-up and United had us listed as "no-boards" but the agent was pretty efficient and cleared it all up relatively quickly.  Then, as he was checking our passports, he called for the Little Buddy to look up at him.  Right at that moment the kid sneezed the biggest, greenest, snottiest sneeze ever.  That's my boy. 

And so here we are, back in beautiful sunny southern California.  The weather is gorgeous and I am reminded why I loved living here.  It not Sydney, but it is beautiful.

Valentine's Day is right around the corner and for the first time in like 18 years I won't be spending it with my love.  He's at Harvard filling his brain with important stuff and I'm here visiting and running around to doctors and dentists and schools and shops.  I miss him.  It's going to be a long 4 weeks.

xx

We Need a Little Christmas

I have to admit, I haven't been much in the Christmas spirit this year.  Maybe it's because I'm in Australia and it's the middle of summer.  Maybe it's because I'm so far away from my family and friends. 

But finally tonight, on Christmas Eve, it hit me.  We went to church and listened to the beautiful Christmas carols and heard the story of the first Christmas again.  And it finally felt like Christmas when I realized that tomorrow morning, no matter where you are, the whole weary world rejoices. 

Happy Christmas!

I'm re-posting these two videos that have been floating around the internet this week.  The first I found on Natasha's blog.  It's such a beautiful version of the Christmas story presented by the children of St. Paul's Church in New Zealand.  I first saw the bottom one on Erin's blog.  It's a cute modern-day take on Christmas.  Both made me smile while reminding me of the real meaning of the holiday.  I hope you enjoy them!

Independence Day

I spent my childhood in small town Wisconsin where they really know how to celebrate Independence Day. Everyone- the whole town- would head down to Riverside Park for a boat parade, food, fun, and of course, fireworks. We'd dress up in red, white and blue and wave little flags around. One year my friend Laurie and I dressed alike in matching blue pedal pushers, red shirts and sailor hats. (Mom- you must have a photo of that somewhere!) After the fireworks, we'd go home to our own little show, with Chinese Lanterns, Firecrackers, Sparklers and those little black snakes that grew mysteriously when lit. We'd hear neighbor kids setting off bottle rockets late into the night. It was just how you would picture the 4th of July in small town middle America, and it was perfect.

When my own kids were old enough we had a few traditions of our own in California- pool parties, BBQs, fireworks and an annual bike parade through town.


This year, for the first time in my life, I am not in the USA for the 4th. And even though there were no parades and no big fireworks shows we did celebrate in our own little way. I cooked up some ribs in the crock pot and then we went down to the beach to light sparklers (which they sell in the grocery store here). The Little Princess wore red, white and blue. And we all celebrated America- our home sweet home.

Best Deal in Town

To all our friends and family back in the U.S.

Available:
Beautiful private guest room with built in wardrobe, marble ensuite and sunny courtyard. Directly opposite gorgeous harbour beach with easy access to cafes and public transport. Currently accepting bookings.

We accept the following forms of payment:
Reese's Peanut Butter Cups
Jet Puff Marshmallows
Sweet Baby Rays BBQ Sauce
Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning packets
Italian Dressing seasoning packets
Honey Maid Graham Crackers
Girl Scout Cookies
Bounce Sheets
Glide Floss
Tide to Go Sticks
Nestle Toll House Semi Sweet chips
Clorox Bleach Pens
Red Vines
Dial Gold Bar Soap
Trident Gum (with xylitol)
Children's Motrin
Tylenol Jr. Melt Aways
Goldfish crackers
Crest toothpaste
Jello Pudding mix
Did I mention Reese's Peanut Butter Cups?

Any takers?

Such a Good Old Boy

One of the hardest things about moving to the other side of the world was leaving our beloved yellow lab behind. We knew he would be well cared for and loved by Grandma and Grandpa, but the four of us would miss him terribly.


There has never been a more loyal, loving dog than Smiling Riley. When we brought him home from the breeder at 6 weeks old he was the size of a football. I loved to carry him around and cuddle him. He slept happily in our bed at night.

At only 6 months old he was diagnosed with hip displaysia (bad breeder!). He underwent major surgery to repair both hips. It was his only chance at a full life. He deserved it.

As he grew Riley became a gentle giant, tipping the scales at 100 pounds! He had a bark deep enough to scare off the annoying door to door solicitors, deep soulful eyes, and a tail that could clear a coffee table in 2 quick swoops. We had to upgrade to a king size bed to make room for him!

We decided to share the Riley love. He became a certified Therapy Pet through the Delta Society. He listened while inner city kids read to him during after school programs and he brought smiles to lonely people in nursing homes who had outlived all their friends and relatives.


When the Little Princess was born in 2003, we were worried about how Riley would adjust. Would he be jealous of this new creature in our family? Not at all. He became her third parent- sticking his nose into the bassinet to check on her at night. Standing at my side of the bed, nudging my arm when I didn't respond fast enough to her cries. It was quite amazing.


And as our family grew, Riley always managed to fit in perfectly. He endured ear pulling, and tail grabbing. He was a constant pillow and cheerful playmate. He staked out his spot beneath the highchair and I never had to sweep up so much as a stray Cheerio. Good dog!


Riley's health was not as reliable as his disposition. He bounced back from ear infections, allergies, and multiple surgeries including the removal of a 2 pound cancerous tumor. He just kept defying the odds. Everyone was always amazed at his ability to recover from what seemed to be life threatening conditions.

(Riley sporting the t-shirt he wore for months while healing from major surgery).

But last week we got the sad news that Riley's health problems had finally taken their toll on him. He was just days shy of his 11th birthday. He will be missed terribly by all of us. I'm sure someday we will make room for another dog in our home, but no other dog will ever take his place in my heart.

A couple photos from our last visit with Riley.

Thanks Easter Bunny

At 6:00 in the morning we were awakened by excited children announcing that the Easter Bunny came through again this year and left a clue about where to find their baskets. We rolled out of bed (even though it was only 6 am) and followed them around the house as they eagerly read the clues and finally discovered the big prize under the kitchen sink. Thanks Easter Bunny!


Easter is a huge 4 day weekend in Australia. Sadly, it is mostly secular. And sadly, the selection of Easter candy is basically limited to Cadbury chocolate eggs. No peeps, no (gasp) Reece's Peanut Butter Cups, no big bags full of Jelly Bellys or Hersheys candy coated eggs in pastel colors. I haven't even seen the Easter variety of M&Ms here. Luckily for us, our awesome rellies in the US sent care packages containing everything we needed to make it a "traditional" American Easter. Thanks Easter Bunny! Happy Aussie Easter- Oy Oy Oy!

Half Way There

When we signed up to come to Australia we agreed to stay for 2 years. It's hard to believe, but as of this week, we are half way there. March 9th will mark our one year Expat Anniversary!


One year ago we loaded our little kids into those comfy lay flat business class seats and prayed they'd sleep on the plane. We arrived in Sydney with all those suitcases and relied on the kindness of airline employees to help us get it all through customs. I remember the van driver giving the kids little koala keychains and the excitement of seeing for the first time our beautiful apartment all set up and waiting for us.


In the year that has passed between then and now we have changed so much. Our kids have made that long haul flight across the Pacific 5 times. I've done it with them by myself and we've done it in coach and we all survived! I feel confident I could travel anywhere with them, and I won't let fear of a long flight stop me from showing them the world.


When we arrived in Australia we knew no one. It seemed like such a grand adventure for the four of us. But it didn't take long to find friends- real friends. Other expats, coworkers, classmates and even a few true Aussies. I couldn't imagine this experience without them.


There has not been one day during the past year that I woke up and regretted coming to Australia. Sure, I miss "home", our American friends and family, and Boar's Head turkey from the Italia Deli. But I am so thankful to have this opportunity to live in another country, meet new people, immerse myself in another culture and see this amazing part of the world. This coming year we plan to TRAVEL! There is so much we want to see and do before we leave this beautiful country.

This week also marks another important half-way point for us. I am now half way through my third pregnancy. Our "tie-breaker" baby will be born right here in Australia in early August. The adventure continues!

Home Sweet Second Home

We're back. We all arrived in Australia early Friday morning with Grammy in tow. As usual, the kids were fabulous on the flight for 13 and a half hours, then melted down 30 minutes before landing. They've made this flight across the Pacific 5 times now, so I knew what to expect. But it is a little embarrassing when your 3 yr old starts crying for his headphones after the seat belt sign has been turned on. I'm sure the people around me were wishing I hadn't packed those headphones up so early. Oh well.

It's a little surreal having a life on two continents. When we were home, in our own house, with our own stuff, surrounded by family and friends we've known for years it really felt like home. I was reminded how much I love Southern California. (And the weather was perfect)!

Here are a few photos from our time at Disneyland, which I do believe is the happiest place on Earth.




But now that we are back in beautiful Australia I can't help but appreciate this amazing opportunity we've been given here. We're settling back in to the routine that has become our new life. We're seeing our new friends and realizing how blessed we've been to have met such wonderful people here. And of course, we've been playing at the beach.

Sure, I'm sad to leave my family and friends and behind. Especially because we aren't sure when our next trip to the US will be. But being back in Australia feels like being home, too. And I can't help but be happy to be here.

My American Holiday

Wow- time flies! We've been back in the U.S. for 2 weeks and are having a wonderful holiday. We survived the economy class flight and, in truth, it really wasn't bad. The jet lag was bad- really bad- especially for the kids. But everyone has adjusted and we are all enjoying a beautiful California winter. I love the warm sunny days and crisp cool nights. California winter is the best.

Of course, seeing our friends and family has been the highlight of our trip. It's so wonderful to see all the people we've been missing for the past 9 months!

I've also been shopping like crazy. Costco, Nordstrom, Trader Joes, Target- oh, how I've missed you. On my first trip to the grocery store and found three 12 packs of diet coke for $6.00. Seriously that's 36 cans of diet coke for $6.00. Anyone in Australia will understand my excitement at this amazing find.

Two weeks down, two weeks to go. Still on the agenda: visiting, playing, lunching, shopping, and Disneyland!

Two of my favorite Christmas photos- because I just can't post without photos.

Thanksgiving Top ten

The top 10 things I learned by hosting an American Thanksgiving in Australia

10. German engineering isn't all it's cracked up to be.
Our apartment has these high-end German appliances. The oven is slightly larger than a shoebox. No self respecting turkey could possibly fit in there. That's why we had to take it outside and throw the turkeys on the barbie. That evil oven persisted to heat unevenly and burn a beautiful pan of Pioneer Woman dinner rolls. Even the fancy microwave-that-also-doubles-as-a-second-oven cooked at warp speed but luckily no damage was done. In the battle of me vs the German appliances I think I came out on top. But oh how I miss you, Viking range.

9. Don't be afraid to substitute.
So what if they don't sell evaporated milk, Crisco or pumpkin puree at Woolies? A dedicated American baker like my awesome friend Cristina won't let that stop her from making the most delicious pumpkin pie you've ever tasted. Really, it's not Thanksgiving without pumpkin pie.


8. eBay + IKEA + my friend's cupboards + the internet = a lovely Thanksgiving table.
It's true that as of last month I had exactly 8 dinner plates, 5 glasses and not a single tablecloth. But somehow I managed to host a sit down dinner for 20 people yesterday. And it was quite lovely, if I do say so myself. I made the table runners with this gorgeous Amy Butler fabric and found these cute printable decorations at Paper and Cake.


7. Native Australian flowers are beautiful.


6. Having a back-up meat thermometer (or helpful neighbors) is a good idea.
Grilling turkey is a nerve-wracking experience. Keeping the temperature steady and dealing with the wind was challenging. Right at the critical moment our electronic meat thermometer malfunctioned. We were all so thankful when our neighbors showed up with not 1 but 2 meat thermometers! And the turkeys were cooked to perfection.


5. They don't eat turkey in the Czech Republic.
I employed a lovely young woman to help with the prep and clean up during our celebration. She's from the Czech Republic and here on a work-holiday visa. She had never tasted turkey before! Her verdict? "Like chicken but drier." I think she liked the pumpkin pie better.

4. Celebrating Thanksgiving in Spring is strange, but has its advantages.
After standing over a hot barbie with a cold beer all afternoon and stuffing ourselves with rich Thanksgiving foods, we headed down to the beach. The dads tossed the football around, the moms had a chat, and the kids splashed in the waves.


3. Be prepared to spend a small fortune if you want a fresh turkey.
Aussies love ham. Ham on the bone, champagne ham, honey roasted, you name it. They do not seem to have the same fondness for turkey. Most delis don't even have sliced turkey. You won't find a fresh whole turkey at the supermarket. I ordered 2 turkeys from our local butcher- at $17.95 a kilo. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Costco will open in Sydney and I'll be able to get a turkey there next year for one tenth the price!

2. Include a little taste of home.
We put this candy corn my mom sent to good use. You can never have too many desserts!


1. Having wonderful friends makes it a little easier to be so far away from family.
I have so much to be thankful for!

Missing my Sissy

I am one of those lucky people who is blessed with an amazing sister. I don't deserve her, but I got her! And for the past 2 and a half weeks I have had the pleasure of having her and my fabulous brother-in-law here in Australia. I LOVE those two!


We had so much fun. And now, things seems a little empty, a little lonely, a little too quiet.


So glad we're going home for Christmas- because I am already missing my sissy!

184 Days

Exactly 6 months ago today we arrived in Australia. 184 days.
Since then we've had our first American visitor, and taken our first trip back home.
We've been to the Blue Mountains and Shoal Bay. We've taken bushwalks and cliffwalks, seen the zoo and museums and so many beautiful beaches. We've mastered the public transporation system and become used to driving on the other side of the road. We've found a church, a school, a babysitter, and some favorite restaurants.
We've made friends.
We've made a home.
It's strange to think that 25% of our projected time here has passed. I find myself wondering if we'll have time to see everything, do everything, experience everything Australia has to offer.
The Little Princess asked me last night, "After we move back to America, will we still visit Australia?". I hope so.
Today is a reminder to myself to enjoy our time here, because it's not going to last forever.


And that, at least, is good news for the Little Buddy who still asks me once a week, "Why are we in 'Stralia?"

Celebrating America

I've always loved the 4th of July. As a child, I'd dress in red, white and blue and head down to the lake with my family to watch the boat parade and fireworks show. We'd light Chinese Lanterns, bottle rockets, firecrackers and sparklers in the front yard. My favorite were those little black lumps that mysteriously grew into snakes and left charred marks on the asphalt. We swam in the pool, ate corn on the cob and of course, had homemade apple pie.

I want my kids to have those memories. So, we came home for the 4th of July. Bright and early on the 4th, we joined in the community bike parade. Thankfully my dear friend decorated bikes for my kids so they were able to join the sea of red, white, and blue streaming down the street. It was a sight to see. It was also a great place to find familiar faces, share welcoming hugs and get a good dose of American Pride.









Later we met more friends for an amazing BBQ featuring a tour through the American south. You have not lived until you've eaten pulled pork smothered with coleslaw. Yumm!

Then, off to a pool party, a fireworks show and finally, sparklers in the front yard. Just the way the 4th of July should be. It doesn't matter if I live on the other side of the world. I love America!






Head over to I Heart Faces for more patriotic stories.

Tea for Two

Today I had the pleasure of taking my mum to tea. Just the two of us. No crying two year old, no Little Princess jabbering away. Just us grown up women spending some time together.



Having my mum here in Australia has made me realize how much I appreciate her. I am so glad she is healthy and able to travel to the other side of the world to visit us. I marvel at her memory when she shares stories about my childhood or her own. I'm grateful for her helpful hands and kind heart.

And so today it was so nice to take the time to just sit down together and enjoy a cup of tea. The view was beautiful, the finger sandwiches were lovely, but our time together was the best treat of all. Just me and my mum and a cup of tea.

Surfs Up

It's Autumn here (not Fall) and the stormy weather has brought some big waves to Sydney beaches. This weekend we drove out to Manly (our closest ocean beach) and were impressed by the huge surf which closed the beach.

When we returned home we were surprised to see surf at Balmoral (the typically calm harbour beach right in front of our apartment).

Surfers off Rocky Point Island at Balmoral Beach



Sunday we headed out to Bondi for the first time and watched heaps of people surfing the big waves out there as well. Check out this cool ocean pool for lap swimming.



Bondi Beach



I'm sitting on the balcony typing, watching the sunrise and listening to the waves hit the shore while waiting for the Woolies guy to bring my groceries. (I have completely given up going into Aussie grocery stores. It's better this way). Life is good. And, to top it off, this time tomorrow I will be heading to the airport to pick up my mom. No wonder I'm smiling.