The Good, The Bad and the Unexpected.

Hello All,

It has taken me a while to write again, I know. It's all been about this:

The Love File.

For those who are unfamiliar with the infamous 'Love File', it is a declaration of mine and Dave's love - in the form of paper evidence, receipts, leases, bank statements and anything that has both our name on it. Officially known as Temporary Onshore Partner Visa Subclass 820.

It actually like having another full time job. I have spent everynight of the last few weeks scanning everything in, and now creating a slick document of all our evidence, annotated with glorious stories of 'How we go food shopping together at Iceland' etc etc.

And, for the second time since arriving in Australia, I had to pee in a cup.

I have just come back from my Visa Medical, where they literally poke and prod you, take your blood, xray your chest and order you around like you are one of many other 'cattle' applicants trying to stay longer in Australia.

It was horrible, degrading and everyone there clearly hates their job and foreigners.  And annoyingly, I have to go back again this week for more fun. The staff were just so rude, the place was so busy, you are really just a number in a sea of people from all over the world - and you can tell everyone was just frustrated with having to speak slowly, clearly and loudly to everyone for whom English isn't their first language.

And with more bad news which will effect our application yesterday - things are at an all time stress-high, as we were supposed to lodge our application next week.

Just have to hold onto the thought that when me and Dave are finally allowed to live and work in the same country for more than 6 months together - it will be worth it. Like we are asking for so much.

Anyways, moan over.

Some good stuff - we had an awesome Christmas in July! For those who were confused by the pictures on Facebook - in an expat thing were it feels more like the UK winter, ie its a bit grey and coldish, so we celebrate an English style Christmas!

We cooked an epic roast dinner with all the trimmings for 7 of our friends, with deserts, cheeses and mulled wine - yum yum! And lots of games for good measure!

Last weekend we went to Dave's nephews 6th birthday party at McDonalds. 15 screaming, sugar fuelled kid with a love of Spiderman and Batman made for an interesting morning!

But check out this Kids cool hair:

Spider-tastic!

Dave and the Birthday Boy Ryan!

The Vanderbyls - Leanne, Matty, Ryan and Michael

And finally (if you made it to the end!) A HUGE THANK YOU to Miss Joanne Gold who was the first person to get her Stat Dec via post to us!! And of course for the lovely additional post and kind words. A prize will be on its way to you shortly!!

And a massive thank you to my lovely mummy for all her hard work for me and getting me everything I need and all in good time!  You're a superstar!! xx

And thank you Laura Bowman for her lovely Parisian postcard!!

I love and miss you all lots - its been a strange, long road but i think we're getting there (almost a That 70s Show quote!).

Here's a lovely picture of our cool new photo display at home for you too. Ahhh.

Right, should go and practise my ballet for tomorrow!

Love love love to all, enjoy the opening ceremony of the Olympics - we're getting up at 5am Saturday to enjoy it too!

Hev xxxxxx

Australia Research

Hello lovelies,

I know I have been a bit slack the last few months. I blame the new job, the flat and trying to start a new life in a foreign country.

So, okay, I am learning lots of new things about Australia all the time.

And I think I'm getting into it.

Last night was the final of the State of Origin series.
Its a huge deal between Queenslanders and New South Wales.

These are the states in case you're wondering.

http://www.couriermail.com.au/sport/nrl/keep-an-eye-on-the-state-of-origin-decider-as-we-provide-updates-as-it-happens/story-e6frepbx-1226417163009

So, basically, its like a game of rugby - except they call it football. They call football, soccer. Strange.

Its massively popular and the State of Origin is a big 'football' series of 3 matches again QLD and NSW - but the teams are made up of premium club players who were born in these states. Hence the name.

It means that during the rest of the year, you play alongside your bessie mates for the Broncos or whatever, and then for SOF - you become mortal enemies.

And it is a brutal games to watch. They run and and down the pitch, scoring 'Trys' and kicking the ball inebetween the posts. Whilst the other team tackle you to the ground and every opportunity.

So injuries are common:

Broken bones/faces
Fractured bones/faces
Black eyes
Knocked out teeth
Head gashes
General cuts/brusing/blood etc etc

So it's a very violent sport and there is always a big punch up on the pitch too.

So last night, I watched a full match (a first) donned my Maroons spirit (for QLD) and we won the 7th consectutive State of Origin, on home turf, at Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane.

Other things I am still learing:

• No matter where I look, personalised numberplates are still around, still terrible and just scream 'small penis' for them combined with fancy cars. Brains on a Lotus was a new high(or low)light of mine.
• Australians think that they are worse off than they are. They all think they are poor. Minimum wage is $17 an hour and not many people are on that.
• Shopping in Australia is bad. No high street chains like in the US or Europe. This means no:

Topshop, H&M, Zara, Primark, Urban Outfitters, Uni qlo, M&S, New Look etc etc.

Fashion is tres different to the northern hemisphere. Think, short, see-through and slutty. That may be harsh but thats all thats in the shops in the summer time!

I have also learnt (majorly), that it does get cold in Australia. In the office, I am tres cold. Its warm in the sun still, but in the shade/office/home its chilly. QLD in particular, doesn't have heating anywhere, as its supposed to be a hot climate. Wish I bought my gloves and boots over now!

Australia also love Masterchef (its kind of addicitve viewing), with its glamourous format and mouth watering meals....and they don't really have many celebrities. And if they are Australian, some are quite quiet about it.

Celebrities are: Lara Bingle (the girl of the Tourism Australia Advert), Miranda Kerr, Delta Goodrem, Keith Urban (married to Nicole Kidman and famous in the US) and anyone that has been on any tv show in the last XX years. Weird.

And the general approach to going abroad seems to be on a Contiki Tour. I assume this is prepaid, preoganised tours around Europe - thinking they get the European experience. Strange.

And I still dont like Vegemite. But at least you can still buy Marmite, Twiglets, Ritze Crackers Yorkshire pudding mix, mushy peas, Caramal Wafers - the gold and red lunch box ones, Edinbugh Castle Rock, English Toffee, Polos and a weird variety of imported English things at a hugely inflated rate. No chocolate covered hobnobs though :(

Anyways, best get back to work - enjoy my research and write soon!

Muchos Love xxxxx

Hello lovelies!!

I know I know, it has been far too long!

In truth, I have been in a whirlwind this last month. 

Work has been going really well but very busy with our Mater Little Miracles 5ks fun run on June 3rd. It was a great event, with around 2400 registrations - all raising money for premature babies and children with rare diseases/complications that treated at the Mater Childrens Hospital in Brisbane.

So a cause worth working hard for! It was a lot of fun, and I was the stage manager on the day - working with the likes of Scooby-doo, Dora the explorer, Pebo & Dagwood the clowns and Alison from the Today Show.

All in all a great day - a huge event - have made around $100k and we got on the state news too!

The Mater Little Miracles 5ks at South Bank

And I have made it into the paper again, twice! Although no Heather Murphy of England this time...me and Amie at the Laruche Charity Auction for Mater Little Miracles.

Amie and I at the Laruche Art Auction

I have also been helping out Nadia and the girls in our team for the Climb for Cancer event - Brisbanes first stair climb - all raising money for Prostate Cancer research at the Mater.

I didn't actually climb, although I might next year!

And for the long weekend (the Queens birthday - yes we get the day off!) Me and Dave booked a private cabin at the Whispering Valley in the Sunshine Coast hinterland. it was gorgeous! http://www.whisperingvalley.com.au/

We had a king size bed, spa bath, fireplace, stunning views and kookaburras!

was a well deserved/needed break after such a whirlwind at work!

As for our usual, we have signed up for the Brisbane Running Festival on August 5th to run the 10kms - now thats a challenge for us! Have run a few 5kms practises in the evenings, but my oh my - Brisbane is hilly and my lungs hurt! 

But we also want to do the 10kms in the Bridge to Brisbane in September - the biggest fun run in Queensland.

And we are still doing our weekly yoga - and i had my first ballet class this week! It was quite hard so I'm going to start the beginners intro class from July 12th - as i can't remember anything from ballet as a kid. Got me ballet shoes though and am raring to go! Even watched Billy Elliott and Black Swan yesterday as inspiration!

And Dave made a super yummy cheese and bacon quiche and a delicious Cadburys chocolate cake with strawberries. Yummo!

I am a lucky English Rose.

Hope you are all well and i hope to see you all on Skype soon!

And a very happy 20th birthday to my lil bro Joe - can't believe you're 20 already!!

Muchos love xxxxxx

Sizzle Sizzle.

Good Morning All!

I realise that its been a while since I've written anything. So here's a catch up.

1) Work - I have now completed my 2nd week of work at the Mater Foundation as a fundraising co-ordinator for community fundraising. It has been a whirlwind 2 weeks, but pretty cool. I feel like I've been living in the office as there's so much to do and a lot has happened in my 2 weeks there. But it s great opportunity and we are working towards the Brisbane 5ks family fun run in June, which will be a really great event! So this makes me happy!

I also learnt how to do a proper Aussie Sausage Sizzle at work the other day, as we had a staff BBQ to promote our event. All run by women too! Controversial for the Aussie Barbie!

2) A few weeks ago we had Anzac Day. This is a day of remembrance for anyone that has ever fought in a war (particularly the World Wars and on behalf of the English). With a particular focus on Galipolli. It also starts with a dawn (4am) service, which is hugely popular with people of all ages (I'd have thought the early start would put people off), you eat Anzac Biscuits (oaty like homemade Hobnobs), play 2-up (heads and tails with gambling bets) and have the day off to drink. Strange way to remember I think. It also makes you very tired for the whole day.

It made me think about how unpatriotic we are in the UK. But I guess we have been in too many wars to remember everyone that ever took part. We'd be marching forever. It was an interesting experience, and as with every public holiday here in Oz - everythings shut except pubs.

3) Matts 4th Pirate Party! We went down the Gold Coast the other week to celebrate Dave's nephews 4th birthday (the picture above is us with Ryan). I think we looked quite the part as pirates - always a good theme! We got him a mini quad bike - which was a huge hit with all the kids! We also made a neon blue and green 'jelly sea', with frogs and sea snakes inside with an orange jelly island! Sugar-tastic!

4) Last weekend, we woke up to this.
Apparently Labor day is a day for the unions to march and then go to the pub. Again, another day where everything is shut except for pubs. They do have a lot of public holidays here, where the main purpose seems to be just have a drink. We attempted a bike ride this day - along the river, over to Kangeroo Point and by the Story Bridge - but one of the bikes was pretty rubbish and the pedal kept falling off. So we had to walk the bikes back :(

Other Notes:

Even though its supposed to be Autumn and Winter in June - its still 26 degrees in the day. People have started wearing coats to work - how funny is that?! One of the women at work said that it was getting harder to wake up in the morning...try -1 love. Then you can complain.

Otherwise, I have just been working really hard, not had a lot of time for much else! We are trialing different yoga schools around us - to see what ones we can go to and what we like. I didn't realise that the first session would feel like I was being tortured! I didn't think it would be hard exercise, but it is. It makes you hurt in places you didn't know existed.

Even though things are good work wise and I'm much happier to be in a job I enjoy - it's still hard being away from everyone - knowing that I'm missing out on birthdays, Ellies Hen nights and the big day next weekend. It's a shame that Australia is so far away, and the time difference makes it hard to be able to chat to people all the time. So don't forget me!!

Mothers Day in Oz tomorrow, so we're back down the coast for a family lunch and then the weekends over! How does it happen so quickly?

Anyways, love to all, Hev xxxxxx

Sunny Coast Adventures!

Dave and I on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland

Hello everyone!

Well, what a week! So I accepted the job offer at the Mater Foundation as a Fundraising Coordinator, which is a fantastic opportunity to learn lots more about fundraising - especially events!

So its a great start to build on my career, gain some extremely valuable experience and to start my life properly!

And to top it all off, we had a lovely (if not a bit wet!) weekend camping on the Sunshine Coast, just north of Brisbane!

We started the weekend exploring the coast, with a trip to the tres famous Eumundi Markets. We always love to eat and explore our way through every market we can get our hands on! It was a little bit wet at first, with my legs covered in specs of mud before we left the car park...but it did get a bit nicer. Although my thongs (flip flops!) had seen better days and had to be thrown away after stinky Happy (the car) out.

We spent a bit of time at Noosa - mainly trying to find a car park space, truely atrocious facilities! But is a really cute little town - kinda a small vibe like Byron and nice and chilled, even though it was still the school holidays. And the ice cream shop at the very end of the street past the information centre comes HIGHLY recommended!

Penis Mangrove

This picture is of one of the many mangroves as found around the beaches. I tend to think that most of them look like they are growing large penises. Dave doesn't share this idea, but I think there's the proof.

We ended up camping at Ocean Trailer Tourist Site - a Top Rated Site...I personally wouldn't give it this grand title. It had nice view, yes. But it was also right by the main road, had poor lighting, staff that really weren't bothered that we even turned up and the camp area (not that you can really call it that) was surrounded by dog poo.

And it rained. All night.

But we did have a nice time, it was an intriguing place, really in the middle of nowhere really - in between Landsborough and Maleny - of which neither town had much to offer and everything shut at 4pm anyway. Except the bottle shop (off license), luckily.

There were quite a few old folk that appeared to have been living in the park for quite some time, a thought that I couldn't comprehend - living in a rundown caravan park, with shared facilities and constant mosquitos...I guess not everyone in Australia is rich.

But it was good for one night, and the Sunday we spent looking around Monteville - the local tourist destination. Famous for quaint boutiques, buildings and gift shops and boy are there loads!

We found some really obscure ones like the Irish and Scottish shop, which sold tourist tack from Ireland and Scotland, despite being so very far away. But they also sold Polos and Love hearts which I thought was nice.

Mainly it was a place to indulge in snacks, shopping and scenery, which we did. We did try to go to a few view points early in the morning, to discover that we had gone straight into a cloud! Apparently the views are otherwise stunning... Dave and I have already begun our dream retirement house planning here!

And on the way back home, we went via Marochydore - Dave always laughs when I try to pronounce places in Australia. Half of them are stolen from England like Newcastle, Ipswich and Stafford.  The other half are complicated, 'Australian' names like Woolloongabba, Mudgeeraba and Wagga Wagga (really not said how you think it would be!).

So he gets a kick out of my learning Australian ways...its really not the same language at all.

Anyways, so the beach here was really pretty, out of the way and with actual shells! A few anyways - this appears to be a rare thing, unlike Kent, as all the beaches are just sand...so not much chance for shell collecting...so I took this opportunity and filled Daves hat with cool looking shells, which will most likely be used to decorate a small bowl in the guest toilet. Good use.

Anyways, I shall leave you all with this beautiful picture of the Sunshine Hinterland at Monteville - Australia is greener than you think eh?

Love to all and thanks to Laura, Sass, Max and Jack for our fabulous postcards, of which are on our fridge! We shall look forward to more in the future!

Much love, Hev xxxx

Happy Easter and other good news...

Happy Easter to everyone at home love Hev & Currie

My Easter Sandcastle 

At Burleigh Point

Nobbys Beach

Easter Bunnies!!

G'day everyone! I trust you all had a lovely Easter Break!

I certainly did..was a beautiful weekend - so hot and sunny, which is unusual for this time of year apparently, so we got some beach time in. We had our own sandcastle competition, played grip ball - which Dave then work up all achey, haha!

We spent it on the Gold Coast and just swam, ate, went to the beach and caught up with friends and family which was great! We had a nice big Easter bbq with Daves family, where we scored lots of choccie easter bunnies! And we played 'football' (rugby) with the kids in the garden - they are such fast little things!

And we caught up with Mandy, Eloise & Brant, Jan and Ali, so very social.

I was so happy to see Ali again! We met in Buenos Aires in Dec 2010 and hung out the whole time we were there, before i flew to Sydney for christmas and new year - so it was soo lovely to catch up and see her, as when I left I didn't think I'd see her for years, if ever again. Life is funny like that.

And Eloise and Brant told us they are going to move to Melbourne, which would be so good for them, and we are expecting the engagement party invite in the post very shortly, with the wedding in New Zealand next year, so lots to look forward too.

This week we are looking into doing yoga classes, for general fitness and flexibility, after the doctor told me my back was horribly inflexible for my age, and it could lead to back problems...so I shall attempt to touch my toes...its been too long.

Hopefully we are going camping this weekend on the Sunshine Coast with Tori and Jay - another couple friend who have recently got engaged - theres going to be a lot of dresses to buy! And we should be able to catch up wit Sabina as well, a friend we met last year in Oz who took me to the Sunshine Coast for the awesome Eumundi Markets and my first Cold Rock Ice cream!

So all is going well...I have a number of personal projects to work on, such as knitting - still a learning process, and a personal guide to living in London for Jen, Jess and Sabina, who are all heading for a UK adventure this year.

All I can say is - London, BEWARE!!

Oh and I also made Vietnamese fresh spring rolls (also known as the Fantastic Summer Rolls in the Cay Tre), which are super yum! We are def getting into the cooking again, last night, we made a chicken and veggie curry pie - an Aussie staple.

And on the final note, for those who knew I was going for it, I GOT THE JOB!!

This makes me VERY happy, as it is a permanent, full time job with a childrens charity as a Fundraising Coordinator - which is alot of events work which will be fun! My first project is working on the Brisbane 5km fun run, so im very excited!

Also it starts on $60k + super (which is a 9% salary increase for you pension) +tax benefits (for an NGO) - this equates to: £39k a year, plus my pension which work pay for...how amazing is that?!?

So its a great opportunity in alot of ways!

I hope this is the turning point for everything.

So i hope you are all well, and yes - to those who have mentioned it, a Skype date is def in order!

Much love xxxxxx 

Cups, Ross, Jobs and other 4 letter words...

Well, I haven’t written for a while. So it might be a long and hopefully interesting one.

Let me take you back a few weeks.

I had to pee in a cup. With the doctor standing outside the door, listening to me. That was a little weird. Then the next doctor laid me down and tried to feel my organs, whilst commenting on every scar, piercing, weird anomalies that he could see. That was quite weird too. Apparently my first temping experience required a full medical, including drugs and alcohol.

Turns out I am fit and healthy, with an incredibly inflexible back, which can be sorted out by stretching in front of the telling, pulling a towel around my feet.

So, this tells you that I am currently temping at the moment, as a receptionist. Having never done reception work, but having seen it be done, I felt that it can’t be that hard and it’s a good starting point for earning some cash. So I signed up for a 2 week contract with a services and resources company (even after 2 weeks I still can’t figure out what they do).

Once again I seemed to work again with a self indulgent young lass who went to the solarium and had a manicure done in her lunch hour, as standard.

So am glad to be out on the road again, with another company up until Easter, where the journey is much more scenic and enjoyable, I have a lot more time to myself and they actually have a resident snake catcher and procedure on site. And I get greeted by big old lizards on my way in.

So that’s the work front, scattered with a few interviews that I am eagerly awaiting information from – fingers crossed, not many charities are willing or understanding enough to even offer me an interview with my visa type at the moment, so I have all my fingers and toes crossed for this one.

Otherwise, we had a grand old time Ross Noble, at the QPAC in Brisbane the other week. HE.WAS.AWESOME. I love him, he’s soooo funny! I did have to go all the way to Australia to see him. It was worth it. The stage was a montage of brightly colourful, crazy objects – to reflect his mind methinks. And he was on top form, with his wit as sharp as ever, using the audience, random gifts and tales, woven into a confused but comfortable rug of comedy. They should use that for the dvd.

Ross Noble always reminds me of sitting on the sofa, in the Mouse House in Kingston, laughing until we cried with Elliott, whilst the others wandered in and out, not really sure of what to make of it! Ah, those days, can’t believe they have gone so quickly.

In other news:

Personalised Numberplate Update

I have actually seen some killer ones this week, but haven’t noted them all down and can’t remember them all, but here’s some of this weeks most memorable best –

SQUISHY

B GREAT

BADMAN

BEATS

SEXY

4 DAD

I need to start taking lots of pictures of these, they do appear to be everywhere and some of them are pretty ridiculous.

Today:

I woke up with an early interview, as you do, followed by a 5km cycle stint in our gym (apparently this only burns like 60 odd calories, so not impressed by this discovery – it does not make me think the gym is worthwhile), followed by a dip in the pool (this was my big toe, then with almost sub-zero pool temperatures, decided it was against my health), followed by a bus to work, where I am now.

I am also tres excited about the long Easter weekend ahead of us! Although it may be a little manic with catch ups! We are heading down to the Gold Coast Thursday night for a surprise 30^th birthday and to catch up with Daves family and Matt – along with a whole host of friends. Then I shall come back up Saturday to meet up with Ali, who I haven’t seen since we were in Buenos Aires together in December 2010. Crazy! She’s flying up from Melbourne for the weekend so can’t wait to catch up with her! And then back down to the coast for Easter Sunday and Monday for a bit more family/beach time. Phew!

Then I am either back in the world of unemployment for a while, of (fingers crossed) in an actual job.

I have also been a little bit homesick this week for a few reasons. The first, was Ellies Hen Do in Ireland, with all the lovely ladies. I am sad to have missed this and will be even sadder to be missing the wedding in May. It sounds beautiful and I’m sure it will be an incredible day.

The second, more recent, family events taking a turn for the unexpected (in my eyes anyway). I am truly gutted by this outcome, and really wish I could be there for everyone and to understand.

And finally, it is the Sass’s 13^th birthday! My little sister, now catching up with me and still making me look short – even though I’m not! Have a wicked day and look out for the parcel in the post J xxx

If anyone wants a Skype date, that would be lovely! It is now a 9 hour time difference and you can find me at: thisisheathermurphy if you have not already found me.

Miss and love you all lots, have a great Easter, eat chocolate, be sick and look for bunnies. xxxxxxx

A long, weird week.

G'day!

Well, it has been a busy week hasn't it?!

So, the dragon lady became even more dragon like, with her fiery rage breathing over those around her. So after slight consideration...I left. Even though it was a charity I wanted to work for morally, to gain more experience and hopefully start a career over here, I have now seen that there isn't really an opportunity here.

So now I am with a recruitment agency and temping as a receptionist from next week until Easter. So at least I shall have a bit of money coming in which is awesome of course.

In my time off I have been very active in the pool, researching into my potential future career of working with children and taking in the sites of Roma Street Parklands.

It truly is beautiful, a huge, exotic park full of lizards, multicoloured flowers and artworks.

http://www.romastreetparkland.com

You just can't get this kinda stuff in the UK!

And finally...the ordeal of the sofa ordering is over! A painful, late night trip to ikea and we finally chose one. It only took an entire week of researching, sitting on and looking at a million sofas!

But this one is a 3 seated chaise langue and it will be nice to finally have somewhere to sit!

And I got paid for my last job, yay! First thing I bought was fresh herbs for the kitchen. I must be getting old!

So as I drink earl grey tea from the union jack mug, I feel a little bit English still, Nd don't worry, I still sound it completely! I can't hide it, I speak too nicely!

And it's really nice to be more settled, which will be celebrated in the city with some after work drinks...after a hard day of swimming, garden walking and shopping!

A happy first year annivesary to sarah and macca, cant believe its been a year since that wonderful wedding in Thailand. A big happy birthday to Miss Bell, who entered the Quarter of a Century Club this week, a bug happy birthday to my Paparoo who shall enjoy a surprise weekend courtesy of the lovely Shelley, and of course, Happy Mothers Day to my lovely Mum.

Love to all and I look forward to the postcards.


Xxxx

The Dragons Guide to Telemarketing...

Good Moro everyone.

I can now announce that we are currently in our new abode, in the glorious suburbs of Spring Hill in Brisbane and that I am now in a new job, just one week in.

I can also announce, that I am working for a dragon.

It is true. I have never met anyone more dragon like - even the name resembles a dragon. So I am still looking for something better. It is for a children's charity that I really wanted to work for, and it is within fundraising, but it is telemarketing. So, by telemarketing nature, it sucks.

It is simply just selling raffle tickets to members of the public, who have bought them before. Most of them are on their deathbed- or at least their pensions - and also like to give lots of money to the animals, not necessarily children.

So you can imagine how much fun it is trying to persuade people to buy these things, with huge targets over my head each week, and numerous hang ups.

So I shall try again.

However, being Australia, it is the highest paid job I have ever had, at $26.48 an hour for a full time week. This equates to around $50k gross a year. For a charity.

So I guess I cant complain too much! But it is 12-8 weekdays and 9-5 Saturdays....booo!!

Anyways, back to the flat...its pretty good actually! Its huge, in comparison with our London abode, and the balcony is about the size of our flat - which makes a complete difference to the last which was the width of one person. And we have an en suite with an extra toilet room by the kitchen. Weird.

So we are pretty happy to be in our own place, right near the city and with a pool and sauna in the complex...which is a very nice way to wake up! And of course, we have done the obligatory trip to Ikea! We now have fish shaped ice, homemade ice lollies and a big toy dragon, as well as some less fun stuff.

I have also been currently thinking my career move whilst over here, and have decided that when my visa permits, I shall do the TAFE Certificate 3 in Child Services, so then I can work with children and get trained to be an Art/Play therapist. Which I think would be really rewarding. So fingers crossed with this plan!

Otherwise, we've been pretty busy with work, sorting the flat out etc.

We went for a walk around Roma Street Parklands yesterday, which is the most stunning city park I have ever seen that isn't a botanical garden! And they have big lizards everywhere that run on their back legs when you get near them! Amazing!

Personalised Plates Update:

GOD SPD
ROBERT

The list just keeps getting bigger!

So that is about all for now!

The weather is still pretty hot, around 29-31 degrees in the day, with a few tropical showers every now and then, but generally nice and sunny!

I have sent around our new address to those who have requested it, so I shall look forward to all our postcards!

Much love xxxx

A new chapter, a new leaf.

It has come to my attention that I need to be more positive. Generally speaking, I don't consider myself to be too negative (of course I love the odd moan like the next English person), just the last 3 weeks have been quite up and down.

Having said this, we just heard back from a failed application for a flat we really wanted. Dave was pretty devastated. Annoyingly, theres nothing more we can do, as we put in our application just like everyone else and made it to the final two. And lost. Its annoying. We just want to move to Brisbane and have our own space!

Cest la vie. The search continues. Guess this week might not be as lucky as we hoped.

But I do have my fingers crossed for a job interview I went for last week...

Other than this, the big news in Australia at the moment is....POLITICS.

I'm not a huge fan of politics, especially when I know very little about it over here. I'm sure it hasn't been huge news elsewhere, but here, it took over the weekend for the polls on monday morning.

The Gill vs K-Rudd. A story of backstabbing and betrayal within one party, supposed to be sorted out by the poll this morning. Any change? Probably not. The Gill won, to the publics dismay and the politicians jobs are safe once more. Hurrah! All of this whilst cutting in and out of The Oscars red carpet moments.

Finally, an Oscars show I can watch without falling asleep at stupid'o'clock, as the coverage starts in the day and finishes mid afternoon. Great for the unemployed!

And, to keep you up to date on the current personalised number plate affair, check these out:

DAS HOT
DUMI 3
GLASGO
BAD A55
CUT 17
TRU 2 ME
5EVIL
5ARAH
MEL 99
S7OLEN
BUBLES
JST 4 US
RAW
BEKS
I O U
GT 4 ME
MAD OOX
FRUIT

And this is just in the last week, commuting to and from Brisbane with Dave! Nutters..

More news updates:

It has been raining quite a lot the last few days, so much so I thought the pool would overflow and it is now full of twigs.

We went to Toris 30th bday pool party last weekend (in the said rain), of which Eloise and Brants amazing, huge, chocolate and cherry penis cake went down a storm! As did the Brazilian BBQ, which really was just a big coal BBQ cooked by a Brazilian guy (which was amazing). The coals was a major talking point for the Aussies, as they all use gas BBQs and they couldn't believe how good it was. Well duh!

I have now become the house-person in the relationship, whilst I'm unemployed. After Daves hard work for 6 months, the tables have now turned! At least I can do the housework in a bikini, inbetween sunbathing and dips in the pool. However, at least he never had to iron the business shirts...pain in the bum.

And thats that really for now.

Still flat hunting, fingers crossed on the job, still trying to tan and reading copious amounts of
Marina Lewycka - she wrote "A Short History of Tractors in Ukranian", "Two Caravans" and "We are all Made of Glue" - my current read. She's brilliant.

Hope alls well at home, enjoy the sunshine!

Much love xxx

The day I met Batman, and jumping spiders.

 

Dear Readers, This is the day I met Batman. And Dave did too.

This day, was Movie World Day! The Gold Coast has a host of theme parks and Dave treated us to the Super Saver Passes! This means we get unlimited entry until the end of Oz financial year in June, Woop Woop! This means Movie World (where they actually film things like Scooby Doo!), Wet'n'Wild (they have film screenings outside in the pool!) and Sea World (More later...)

It was quite typical, that despite almost non stop sunshine and heat since our arrival, that it would chuck it down with rain the one day we try to have a day out! It was a treat for all our flat hunting an job hunting efforts - as it truely is an effort over here.

Despite the rain, it was good fun, and I am safe in the knowledge that I can return at anytime! Especially for those frozen bananas covered in chocolate - sounds weird, but really is amazing!

In other news, I have been reunited with my iMac, which is awesome. However the lack of decent internet is quite insulting to the Mac as it cannot be used in its fullest glory. I really dont know how anyone gets things done in this country - it was hard to send a 15mb PDF document earlier via email. Gee Wiz!! Oh and if anyone fore future shipping wants a recomendation: www.cargoforce.com were really good, cheaper than everyone and did door-to-door (Kent - QLD) in less than a week.

Also, Australian drivers are actual nutters (of course Dave isn't though-I'm beginning to believe that he's actually not that Australian anymore!). They all have a death wish and are crazy dangerous. Everyone seems to have an arrogant air about them. Must be all the money they are all rolling in.

And the spot-the -tragic-tatoo count is at an all time high! I must start trying to document these, its so lame, its kinda amazing-which leads me to my next segment...

...Personalised number plates. Of course, they exist in the UK, but not to the extent of here. They a few hundred dollars to have one, and they are the most ridiculous thing on most of the cars. My current faves have been:

Mr Ice (Truely, deeply, wanky)

Closer (err...no thanks)

I shall keep a tally of all the 'good' ones I see..maybe for some inspiration, haha!

Last night we went to Tropfest - the worlds largest short film festival - which was really cool. We saw it at Surfers Paradise, right on the beach, with some quaint, gross and interesting films! They show it all live in areas across Australia, with Sydney being the main one, with all the celebs, but it was chucking it down with rain so haha! Such a great idea though, loving the outdoor cinema culture here.

Our second installment for theme park fun was Sea World!! This is more of a family orientated day out, with lots of sea creatures to look at, shows and some rides..but I absolutely loved it! My favourites were:

The Sea Lion fish detectives show, the jet ski rollar coaster, the dolphin show and seeing baby penguins. As well as stroking big old Rays and the underground aqaurium:

Oh, and just in case you were wondering...spiders in Australia can jump. I witnessed one jump onto Daves back whilst in the pool, and then later coming out to taunt me whilst I was reading. They are only little ones, but yes, they take a leap when threatened. Insane. Why would anyone create spiders that can fly and jump?!? Should cross reference this one also.

And a big Happy Birthday to Elliott, who is on a much smaller rock than I, but with much faster internet ;)

And mine and Daves thoughts go out to Sarah and James McBurney after their sad loss <3

For the time being, I am just applying for jobs, reading copius amounts in an attempt to get into Holiday Mode, before the world of work arrives in the future. This includes updating my steadily growing tan. A work in progress.

So anyways, Im going to hop to the sun and get my bake on!

Much love to all xxx



One week later...

So now I have been in Oz for 1 week. And what a hectic and weird week it has been.

For a start, the jet lag and temperature difference (along with the extremely loud birds) mean that I wake up at 5am, everyday. In London, this time would be deadly, but here, it's a way of life. The earlier you get up, the more stuff you can get down before it hits 30 degrees. and everyone is active on the Gold Coast, with people walking, running and cycling before work along the beach. Its a beautiful time of day.

Secondly, the Gold Coast is a rather uneventful place. The beaches are beautiful and the people have a reputation for being trashy. This is amplified by the fact that virtually everyone, young and old, has terrible, terrible tattoos on display. Really tacky, badly done, for all to see. Im in awe of it all. And apart from these beaches, there really is not anything to do. Luckily, Daves parents have a nice pool and view.

This is why we are looking for places in Brisbane. The renters market out here isn't brilliant. Its more expensive than London, and further out from the CBD. It's all about buying. If only. Fingers crossed, I'll go crazy on the GC otherwise.

We had our 1st anniversary this week, which we had a nice and very windy picnic by Tullabudgerra Creek. This was followed by an awkward event at home, which made me realise just how archaic some Australian views are. Especially with the older generation and their views on a woman's place within the home. Glad the modern woman doesn't have to conform to this way of life.

I have also been educated on the ins and outs of certain people, if you get my drift. It appears that there is also a lot of sexual promiscuity, as a way of normal life, with boob jobs, fake tans and high expectations be oming commonplace. A completely different world to what I'm used to. A world where it is all about boys, numbers, careers, what you drive and what you earn.

I'm also getting to grips with the fact that 1 banana is 2 dollars, around £1.20ish and that if you work for a mining company, people my age can earn 200,000 dollars a year. And they waste it. They don't appreciate what they earn and how ridiculous wages can be here.

As George Clooney states in The Descendants, "just because we live in paradise, doesn't mean we don't go through the same s*it". Or something to that effect. Its truly a different world out here, not just England in the sun. Everything is so strange. But I guess I need a bit more than a week to get used to it!

So, for the time being, we're still flat hunting, job hunting etc. At least the suns still shining on my ever so pale skin!

Much love to all, and many thanks for the snow messages and pics!

Our pics to follow...enjoy. Xx

From one extreme to the other..

So, I feel like I have started my Australian education into this way of life.

We walked off the plane into 25 degrees, at night, from -4 at Heathrow the previous day. We have also learnt that we missed the snow by 1 day. I think this is a great thing as all flights were grounded, however, as many of you know - Dave was devastated. But we really appreciated all your messages and pictures for us!

Anyways. The first proper day in Australia, began with a big old family 'barbie', (BBQ), which was delicious, and a great chance to meet all of Daves family. Ranging from ages 3-90. Amazing. We then jumped in the pool to play with Daves nephews Ryan and Matty-who can run circles around you and ask you questions at the same time! But they're very sweet kids.

I also saw my first Australian spider, protecting Grahams (Daves Dad) veggie patch from the flies. And he is pretty big, but he has stayed in the same spot for 3 days so I'm not too worried. I shall also cross reference this spider to see if he's dangerous in my Guide To Australian Spiders - my Christmas presant from my brother Adam. I'll have to get back to you on that one.

And I'm nearly all sorted out in my paperwork-got Australian bank accounts, Medicare (like the NHS that you pay for as you use it, not out of your salary) and my Tax File Number (National Insurance). So getting a job should be that tiny bit easier! Fingers crossed.

But it's a beatiful place we're staying at, with a pool in the garden, which leads down to the river where you can fish, catch crabs and see the local black swans and baby ducks swimming by. Its a truely beautiful view. I am under the impression that a lot of people here take their lifestyle and good fortune for granted. Its amazing and everyones so blase about it. Its totally normal for them, and yet I walk around with my mouth wide open, looking up at the sky, unable to believe its another beautiful, sunny day, with no clouds, and being told that it will actually last. Virtually unheard of in the UK.

However, I have found a few annoyances in Australia already. Mainly trying to purchase the internet. It really is behind the times in comparison to home.

1-It's super expensive. You can still pruchase internet based on your useage in KB. Again, unheard of.
2-This is how all internet is sold, not on speed, but on the amount of data you use per month.
3-Home wireless internet isn't that common, that cheap, or that fast. Fast internet here is considered 8mb download. I laughed at this.
4-Purchasing a decent microsim for the iPad 2 has proved quite tricky. The advertise it, but no one stocks it. Silly.

Anyways, these are indeed trivial things, but this blog is about education as well as experience. I wanted to show everyone the realities of living over here in comparison to the UK.

One thing I was really pleased to find was that you can acutally purchase cheap shoes and clothes here! This was a genuine concern and I am happy that not everything is crazy expensive!

So whilst sorting things out, we are just lying by the pool, splashing around, Dave dreaming of snow!

Anyways, this is my first, slightly jetlagged post.

The adventure continues tomorrow with mine and Daves 1 year anniversary.
The best year of my life :)

Muchos love xxx

The English Rose is Australia Bound.

So...the bags are packed (to bursting point), most of the goodbyes have been made and the alarm is set. As is our supply of wintercoats, scarves, flip flops and sun cream. From one extreme to the other.


It's a weird feeling, knowing that less than 12 hours, we'll be at the airport, having said our final goodbyes...not knowing when you're going to see these same faces again.


This past week has been a roller-coaster, sorting everything out, socialising, being visited and doing all the visiting. But its an exciting prospect, knowing that in a couple of days, I'll be on hot Australian soil, getting used to the heat, the accent and Vegemite (NEVER!!!!).


But I have always been surrounded by amazing people - and everyone has been so supportive, with kind words, handmade cards and gifts, visits from foreign lands, going out with a bang in London etc. It's been pretty hectic and I have definitely have my anxious moments, but I know its the right thing for us.. and of course, Australia makes a great holiday destination - so save those precious English pennies!!


So we fly at 10.55am from Heathrow tomorrow morning, and arrive 7.30pm Saturday, Australia time. It's 'How, for now', but we'll see you on Skype (this is heather murphy) and keep an eye out for my 'living in Australia' updates and tips!


Much love and thank you to all my closest family and friends, I shall miss you all!!!! xxx