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