Nat & Chrissi

Baby Bump

2011-06-14T00:26:00.001-07:00

Here is a little pic to show the progress of baby bump. I wanted to update more about pregnancy and stuff but its been a busy couple months and now that I am finally finished with uni I can play around and share more.
I did have a bit where I was all freaked out because baby is usually pretty active then for like a week or so there was nothing, and couple that with my non-exist pregnant symptoms I got a little freaked out. My mom had a still birth so its just always on my mind that no matter how far along I am, there really isnt a "safe" zone. But everything was all good at my last OB appt. Baby is very active and HR is about 145bpm. I also have a big sono on Friday which I am really excited about because they do it for like an hour and check all the organs and chambers of heart and stuff like that. We can also find out sex but not sure if we will be doing that, even though Nat wants to know--I still dont want to. I want it to be a surprize. I guess I will decide Friday morning. I will be sure to give an update then...

Otherwise Nat and I are doing well. He is gone for work for the next couple months so that sorta sucks, but I am glad he loves his job and he is doing so well! I am so proud of him. I am all finished with nursing school, just have to get all my paperwork together to send in for my registration and I will start applying for grad programs in august. I should know by Sept/oct if I am accepted and if not I will apply for jobs instead...I think I will start working part time in february sometime. Until then I will just stay at Fitness First as receptionist. Its decent pay for what it is.

well i love you all...talk soon!

a snapshot of the bub....awe.....

2011-05-04T23:33:00.000-07:00

Nats New Ute

2011-01-05T00:13:00.000-08:00

Its not Purple...its MAROON!

Christmas for Nat

2011-01-04T23:57:00.000-08:00

For those who couldn't see Nat open his gift. All in the Christmas spirit!

Kisses and Hugs

2010-09-04T03:12:00.000-07:00

So I am going to assume that my avid readers are anxiously sitting and waiting for my grandious blog entry about my life. Well here it is, but I warn you, its really not THAT spectacular.
Hmm, where to begin? Well I am currently taking a mental break from thinking about this stupid assignment. Its a really difficult assignment, but its also very simple. I think I am overthinking it so I am letting all the information I have read sink in so I can sit down and write it in my own words, although it will sound like its for the layman, it will show understanding right? Its actually not that bad of an assignment and really interesting, but the lecturer and tutor basically told us that more than half of last semester students failed, so there is that added amount of stress and pressure. Although I now think they were just trying to scare us, or speaking to the "not so bright" population. Its been a really full on semester compared to last semester. I barely remember last semester!! Its like a haze.
But on to the fun stuff!! I finished prac more than a week ago. BY FAR the best prac I have ever had. My facilitator was one of those people that loved to teach and very motivated to give us every oppurtunity to learn during the four weeks. She had a great rapport with the nurses and it made such a difference to their reception towards us. The other girls I was with were very bright and enthusiastic which just hyped up the morale and confidence to get stuck into it. I was on an ICU ward, which is very different from a general ward. The patients were way more complex and interesting. Its funny, the last couple semesters they talk about how to do certain cares, then you get on placement and its nothing like that. But this ward really put all the theory and information into practice so it all started to click. The culture within the ward was very fun, relaxed yet focused and extrememly knowledgable. The nurses were brilliant!! They were so willing ot challenge our critical thinking and to share their knowledge and give us oppurtunities to do what we had talked about. It has really made me think about going straight into ICU because I had such a great experience there. I asked the nurses on the ward and it was sorta 50/50 whether to start out in ward to get experience or go straight into ICU. Its different kind of nursing i think. I really like the one on one with the patient and sorta a more controlled environment. I of course developed my favorite patient and followed him up until last day. I only had him one day, but he was lovely so I would stop by and check on his progress. The last day I got a hug from his wife with tears and a genuine thank you...so fantastic!! There were also some trajedies and sad stories and deaths. Fortunately I dealt with all that very well, so I am confident I would be a great ICU nurse. Who knows though...I still have a couple more pracs to go. SO far I have liked them all for different reason, and thats a good sign!!
Its already more than halfway through this semester, then I will be off till February next year. I really dont like these long breaks, I fear I will forget everything I learned. I would really like to get a job though. I want to have some experience under my belt, even if its working for a nursing home or something. I think that will help me develop my skills further and be more prepared in the future, and PASS THE TIME!! I worked last summer and it really helped to have a little income and something to do.
I had a great girls night last night with Fliss, Sarah, Cort, Carol and Becks. They are a great group of girls that I would like to get to know better, but just havent really had the oppurtunities. I have hung out with them 3-4 times. I think if I start going to church at Metro then I will see them more often, its just doing it, ya know? Other than them, I have made some other good friendships with girls from uni. Its nice to be connected, I think it makes a major difference in my life.
Marriage is fine, no big dramas. We have been unsuccessful in our pursuits to get pregnant, but now thats on hiatus because of Carols wedding. I am not going to promise not to be with child, but I also dont really want to be 8 months pregnant on my last weeks of uni. I guess we will wait a little longer. I am not so sure I am ready yet anyway, but I dont think I ever will be...so if it happens it happens. Nat has been busy at work and taking some trips to do training. I think its good for him to get away and have a little change of scenery and job responsibilities. He really likes his job and his bosses which I think makes a big difference. He has been given some challenging projects that he really enjoys. So as long as he is happy and the company is happy with him, we will be here in Australia (or wherever else they might send him).
We got our house in east peoria rented out. Vanessa, Hope, Steve and Arron worked really hard to get it ready for new tenants. I dont know what I would have done if I didnt have them. The new renters arent moving in till mid septemeber but we have deposit and signed lease and Hope seems to think they will be a good fit and take good care of it. I am just glad I have someone else paying the mortgage. I think we would have preferred to sell it and get out from under it, but I am happy to still have it to fall back on =)
I think thats about it. I really need to upload my sydney pics. I am trying to put together a video slide show but just havent had time yet. I might attempt that tonight, but highly doubt it.
love you all
c.ALIce

THANK YOU NANA!!!

2010-07-15T20:52:00.000-07:00

Two words

2010-04-21T22:47:00.000-07:00

I rock....

chrissi alice

The neverending list

2009-12-07T03:04:00.001-08:00

Cravings are weird when you cant just run to store and pick it up...the current list.
Gardettos
Hersheys syrup
Double stuffed Oreos
Lucky charms
Candy corn
Cracker jacks
Fruit roll ups
Ranch dip
Cheddar and sour cream chips
Banana peppers
Velveeta cheese
Larosas wing sauce
Sturkey spice
Sturkey dressing
Gold bond powder
Cream of wheat
Easy cheese
Honeycomb
Chocolate jello cook and serve
Chex mix
Caramel topping
Bisquick
Aunt jemima syrup
... It's the curse of wanting what you can't have.

Best thing about Australia? Great exotic fruit. Good produce. There just isn't the same variety as there is in the states. Weird the things you miss. What are your favorite foods that you eat all the time?

chrissi alice

Better late than never

2009-11-26T04:12:00.001-08:00

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! love you all and will miss you this holiday season. ;)

chrissi alice

2009-11-04T23:05:00.001-08:00

I doubt you can read it. It's called HAIR ARTZ. a MOBILE HAIR SALON. seriously!!! I tried to get pic. But obviously unsuccessful but it's sorta proof it exists if you take my word for it ;)!!

chrissi alice

How cute

2009-11-03T23:10:00.001-08:00

I love my baby. Nat loves that she is on the bushes.

chrissi alice

Aussie word of the day

2009-10-15T00:23:00.001-07:00

Todays word: JUMPER

ANSWER to yesterdays phrase: flat out means "busy" sometimes it ends with other funniness like "flat out like a dog on lino" picture a dog trying to run on linolieum..dog on lino. Or "flat out like a drinking lizard". Now imagine a drunk lizard. Most people just say "flat out"

chrissi alice

Aussie phrase of day

2009-10-14T02:39:00.001-07:00

It really isn't any fun If you guys, other than Carol..thanks btw, don't try to guess!

Todays phrase:
Flat out

Answer to arvo: used as a shortened word for "afternoon". It's too much effort to say afternoon!! Cause Aussies lingo is basically cutting word in half and adding a "y" or "o" at end.

chrissi alice

Aussie Word of the day

2009-10-13T06:25:00.001-07:00

Arvo.
Do u know what it means? Take a gander...

Answer to "chuckin' a sickie" is what Americans coin as "playing hookey" callin in sick even though u r not.

chrissi alice

Guess that Aussie phrase

2009-10-12T02:50:00.001-07:00

Chuckin' a sickie

chrissi alice

Eventful week

2009-10-04T01:31:00.000-07:00

Carol was saying that I don't post enough pictures so here goes. Aunt Faith (Mother in law's sister) came into Brisbane this week. It was actually perfect timing because I was on semester break so I could entertain her. It was such a treat to have her here. She reminds me A LOT of Hope, so it was like having Hope here. It was also nice to have family here. She arrived on Tuesday but I had to stay home Wednesday to wait for routine inspection of property. Thursday I went to pick her up at her hotel and we went shopping at outlet malls by the airport. After some detours (gps and construction don't mix!) we FINALLY got to the DFO (Direct Factory Outlets). It was the first time I have really gone shopping and found anything i liked. Faith (being just like Hope) wouldn't let me pay for anything, although I was prepared to buy. I feel in love with this dress but it unfortunately didnt have my size. I am debating going to buy smaller size and figure out a way to fix into it. =) Its awesome dress.
So all day Thursday we were shopping, but never got much farther than DFO. We then went to pick up Nat and work and went back to our house and then out to dinner at Nandos!! We love Nandos--(www.nandos.com.au). When we dropped her off at the hotel, she gave us a care package...chocolate is not good to send cause it melts, but when you come on plane, its perfectly fine!! I got Cracker Jacks (was craving caramel popcorn); milkduds; reese cups; peanut m&ms; candy corn (yummy!! and FUNNY when you give to dogs hahhaha); some sloppy joe mix and other seasoning; Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing Mix (cause ranch here tastes like mayonnaise); and TUPPERWARE!! I am so excited to have Tupperware (or rather Rubbermaid) that closes...awesomeness.
Friday Faith and I got together for lunch and went to Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary (www.koala.net). It was the first time I have seen Koalas upclose and actually got to hold one...for like 2 minutes, enough time for them to take a picture. They are like babies. They grab on to you like your the momma and are really soft, but dont smell so good. They are so LAZY!! They were all either sleeping or eating...but they all had a different look to them, mainly reminded me of bunch of old men.

We also got up close and personal with a few other animals.

That was an eventful day! We also drove around a bit to where Faith used to live so she could reminisce. Again, went to pick Nat up at work and went out to dinner at Lone Star, yum. I wanted to go to a nice place that we had found, but we don't get out much so it was Lone Star. We came back home and skyped with Hope, Faith, Nat and me. It was nice to see mom. I wish she could have been here!!

Saturday Nat slept in a bit (i try but I don't get past 6:30am)--he wasn't feeling well so I figured he needed to sleep it off. I think he has allergies or something, or the remnants of the dust storm last week. Faith treated us to the Story Bridge Climb. (www.storybridgeadventureclimb.com.au) We met up for lunch at SouthBank -- basically a Brisbane beach in the city with markets, street performers and food court. It was pretty muggy though. We caught the ferry (water bus) to the climb. I took a couple pics of the city so you get an idea of what it looks like. The river is like a snake so it winds around. It really is a pretty city. Hard to believe that there are 14 million people in Brisbane alone, when Faith lived here 15 years ago, there was only 14 million in entire COUNTRY of Australia. Its rumoured that 10,000 migrate to Bribane A WEEK...growing pains coming soon?? Sorta sad, give it a couple years and it will be more like New York than Cincinnati (future blog, I am making a list of similarities between Cincinnati and Brisbane). Nat and I agreed that we really felt like TOURISTS this weekend.

THIS IS THE STORY BRIDGE THAT WE CLIMBED:

And finally, here is a pic of my "aussie-wanna-be" husband. These hats are surprizingly popular and I must admit, it is pretty cool. But I am convinced that i am much cuter in it than he is.

I think that is it for now. i am going to try to take some pictures at school this week so you can see where I go everyday. Basically I am trying to prove Carol wrong and flooding you with images! =)

Love you all!!
c.ALIce

Koalas

2009-10-02T15:12:00.001-07:00

Aren't they cute?

chrissi alice

Dust to dust

2009-09-22T23:30:00.000-07:00

It's like a thunderstorm without the rain and in place of rain is dust. Cover your mouth and eyes cause it sucks to have dust there. It's my first ever, kinda cool.
It's like a thick fog where you can't see much of anything but it's not fog. It's dust.

chrissi alice

Video of Girls and Nat

2009-09-14T13:29:00.000-07:00

Check out video at http://alycepaige.blogspot.com/

Girls arrived safely. Read all about it on other blog!

Home sweet home

2009-09-13T22:35:00.000-07:00

Long time coming but the girls are finally here safe an sound!!!

chrissi alice

Down to the hours

2009-09-13T20:31:00.000-07:00

On way to airport to pick up girls. Whoo Hoo!!

chrissi alice

Almost

2009-09-12T02:01:00.001-07:00

The girls are almost here. We will pick them up from the airport on Monday afternoon. We went out today and got food, bowls, toys and treats. There was this adorable puppy at puppy store that was hard to resist bringing home. Can't wait for girls to get here cause hopefully the puppy-wanting phase will go away!!

chrissi alice

Countdown

2009-09-09T15:16:00.000-07:00

FOUR MORE DAYS!!!

chrissi alice

Bioscience midterm

2009-09-07T04:39:00.001-07:00

Missed more than I thought I did so little disappointed but better than most...82.5. 33 out of 40.

chrissi alice

2009-08-28T19:37:00.001-07:00

Looks like chipotle. Acts like chipotle. NOT CHIPOTLE!!!

chrissi alice

Check it out...

2009-08-19T03:45:00.001-07:00

http://www.dogwalks.com.au/cpg/thumbnails.php?album=182

album of our girls while in quarantine.

Things to write home about!

2009-08-03T03:29:00.000-07:00

Today we got a call from moving company and apparently our shipment will be delivered on WEDNESDAY!! I am SO freaking excited to sleep in my bed. I am hoping and praying that everything comes undamaged. I am also anxious for knives that cut and clothes and shoes. It will be an AWESOME day. We did end up getting 35% reimbursement from moving company for the long delay...I haven't seen the money in my account yet, but they said it was coming.
Also, we are DAYS away from the girls being here in Australia. They leave Monroe Ohio on August 11th and get to Sydney on August 14th. PLEASE PRAY that Quarantine doesn't raise their daily per Diem until after they are finished with 30 day stay. Right now it is $30.10/day for both dogs and they are "threatening" to raise rates to $73/day in August (but apparently they have been saying that for 2 years) --- which is NOT what we budgeted for and would double our quarantine expense. They will be delivered here on September 14 and I cant imagine how exciting it will be!!
When they get here it will be final and permanent. They make house feel like home.
School has been going well. I am trying really hard to keep up and learn everything I need to learn and retain all the information. It has seriously taken over my life. Nat has been very supportive and has even taken me to the movies nearly every weekend. Its a nice break for us to have a date night and we enjoy the cinema.

Well thats it..i am pathetic and am in bed by 9-9:30pm (5:30AM comes too soon!!)

Love you all
Chrissi

ok ok i slack i slack...

2009-07-20T03:39:00.000-07:00

there is really no good excuse for not updating our blog. no good excuse at all. I could run down some key moments for you.
1. LOVE that my mom is now on Skype--her camera sucks and we need to practice waiting for the delay and not talking over each other...but its very cool! WAY TO GO MOM!!
2. LOVE skyping with sisters and in-laws. Its always a pleasure to chat with everyone. Even if its just sitting and staring at Cheryl giving Etta lovin' -- it still makes my day!
3. Unfortuantely skyping will be limited now because of school, but still available early on Wed (your tues night) and Fri (your thurs night) and of course the weekends.
4. Found out today in class that after my first semester of Clinical I will be awarded a certificate and I will be able to get a job within aged care...yeah...paying job! Fingers crossed anyway.
5. Hung out with a REALLY cool girl...Felicity...and am missing other cool girl...DANIELLE (are you EVER coming back!!?)
6. Nat loves his job, has time-consuming project right now that requires him to work over the weekends and stays late at work, but he enjoys it. He is an awesome hubby...especially with helping around the house.
7. Nat started playing sand volleyball on Tuesday nights. I warmed up with him last week and was WORE OUT after like 10 minutes. It took me the next 45 minutes to stop wheezing.
8. Speaking of wheezing..we FINALLY got a vacuum cleaner this weekend. It was WAY overdue. I had been wheezing since Fluke got here, and even after he left...but I am way better now that we have vacuumed the house and the couch. Of course we got a Dyson, but considering no name vacuums were $250, spending $370 was worth it for knowing you had a good one. It was marked down over 50%. Here in AU they prefer canister/barrel vacuum so preferring upright worked in our favor. Nat would have preferred barrel, but I preferred the price!
9. I am waiting for the month where money isnt tight.
10. First day of school was good. I think I will like my Clinical Practice 1 class. Lecturer is super funny and easy to understand. Tomorrow will be the test--PHARMACOLOGY!!! shoot me now! I had always heard horror stories...just start praying now!
11. We havent really had any great adventures lately...I went to Gold Coast with Cheryl (Nat's boss' wife) to see whales, to no avail, but we were at the beach so that was good enough for me. She also introduced me to an outlet mall...now if only #9 would get settled.
12. Found out last week that our shipment wont be delivered until mid-August. We are disgruntled. It was supposed to be AT THE MOST 3 months...and now it is going into 5 months. I would really like some new selection of clothes. I am tired of wearing the same outfits. NOT TO MENTION MY BED!!! I know we talk about it alot...but compared to what we have now...I want to sleep through the night. At this rate, the girls will get here BEFORE the bed. What is really frustrating is that the shipment has past all the checkpoints, and now its just sitting in Melbourne until July 30, then it will get sent here and not get here till around Aug 10--THEN they schedule delivery...UGH!
13. Girls had their vet appointment on Thursday last week. Blood work and external parasite check. Vet seems to think Etta has fleas which could delay her arrival...so please please please let it not be fleas!!! We miss our girls TERRIBLY! Nat was TOO close to buying puppy this weekend...I must monitor our mall visits to stay away from pet stores. less than 30 days and they will be in AU, less than 60 days and they will be HERE!! I hope time flies!
14. Write comments. I like to know you are reading.
15. I cant think of anything else right now...plus I have to get to bed so I can rise and shine tomorrow am. Tuesdays are going to suck...i have class from 8-9AM then 3-5PM...I guess I need to learn how to study somewhere in the middle.
16. Love you all!!
17. Miss you all!!
18. Bye.

Geting Better...

2009-07-05T03:01:00.001-07:00

So tonight I made chocolate chip cookies from scratch. They arent bad but would be SO much better with real chocolate chips. At least this time they are gooey and not hard as rocks! Flour lesson learned! I also made Chicken Divan and it was awesome!! The cheese is a little different, but overall it tastes the same...so I guess I will be ok here.
I went to to Tupperware party on Saturday afternoon, after I talked to mom, Cheryl Carol Hope and Steve on Skype. It was pretty good. Always awkward meeting people for the first time. After the party I stuck around a little longer and had some good conversation with Sarah, Felicity and Wendy. I think that was more fun than the party. I ended up getting home later than I intended, but I also put myself out there. Monday night there is a group of girls (from same general group) to that going to see a movie. Felicity is a God-send, as well as Hans and Danielle. I wish Danielle was here to play with us. I am hoping that there is a woman's bible study/small group that I can get involved in. So far so good...met two girls...and they are both awesome!
I have been having this issue with DirecTV. We left DirecTV connected so Cheryl and Carol could use it. They pay the monthly but its in our name. Well they decided they didnt want it anymore so we needed to cancel it. They wanted to charge me $280 cancellation fee. It was RIDICULOUS. I wouldnt recommend them to anyone. It took me like 3 phone calls, and 5 emails (apparently they took me seriously when I asked for the address to report them to BBB). They cancelled my service on Friday night (even though I had not asked them to) and I got an email this morning saying that they wouldnt charge the early cancellation fee. I explained to them that I moved out of the country and they STILL refused to waive it. It finally got sent to a "specialist" that "apparently" waived it. We will see with our final bill! The emails were pretty heated. I could not fathom a company refusing to waive a cancellation fee, especially since they couldnt provide service. They just kept telling me that we signed a contract. In one email they said "we must assume that they (being me) have considered all other options and circumstances that might transpire while they are still under commitment." Thats right, because when I signed up I looked into my magic crystal ball and said "oh yes, we will be here in 2 years..." RETARDED!! Anyway, in the end I "apparently" got the fee waived...so YEAH!
Nat has been pretty hermit-ish the last couple weekends. We tend to stay home and veg out. Not all that bad, but there is so much to see and do. He does work all week so it is sorta his only time to unwind, so I understand.
Also I would like to introduce you to FLUKE. He was rescued from a pound on Friday. He was to be euthanized so we saved his life. He is absolutely adorable and very gentle and calm. He has made himself right at home. I am not sure what kind of dog he is, but definately some kelpie (AU Sheep dog). We are supposed to have him up to 6 weeks or until someone adopts him but I am very allergic to him. I have to call the lady tomorrow and tell her she will have to take him back. I have been drugged up on anti-histamines and asthma meds (and using inhaler 4+ times a day, which is unusual) plus my nose is a mess. He has a lot of dander and I cant bear it! I hate to give him back, but I cant breathe and I kind of need that. Hopefully she can find someone else that can take him.

well i think that is it for now! The girls will be leaving USA in 6 weeks! HOPEFULLY we will get out crate in 2 weeks and I start school in 2 weeks (OH DEAR!!)
Love you all!!

Mrs. P

Mini-Update

2009-06-29T03:46:00.000-07:00

I guess I have been sorta slacking in the blogging category. Last week was pretty busy but other than that I really have no good excuse. I will say that i was waiting around for Nat to contribute but I have a feeling we would be waiting a long time.
Its been pretty lazy around here. Weekends are set aside for resting and grocery shopping for the most part. And visited pet stores to see the cute puppies. I swear if they weren't $900/each we would already have a house full. As for school, I finally got my class times and with all the lectures, tutorials and labs I have a total of 12 class times for 5 classes. Time to start living at QUT!! I passed my first aid class on Friday so I am geared up and prepared for first semester of nursing school. I have about 21 days until my first day. I love to countdown! I will need to buy some books, approximately $900AU worth. That is NO FUN! We still have a couple more months before the expenses slow down. We will be ok it seems, hopefully, as long as financial aid goes through, otherwise I have no idea how I am going to afford $9000AU a semester!! God will provide if need be. He has been very generous up until this point. I have some prayers out there that have the ear of God. I am working on myself...just taking a little discipline.
I am excited about nursing, but also a little timid. Its been a long time since I had to study and retain information. I am worried my brain is dead.
Nat really seems to like his job. They are giving him challenging puzzles for him to figure out which makes it fun for him. He really likes to figure things out, I on the other hand get a little lost when he tried to explain it to me.
Our crate is in Melbourne and will be there for another 10-15 days and then (fingers crossed) we will have our shipment. Nat returned some final paperwork today so we should be good to have it delivered in the next couple weeks. I am SO excited for my bed!! The girls wont be here till Mid-September and we miss them terribly!! I am not sure we can go another weekend staring at adorable puppies without bringing one home...MUST BE STRONG!!
We had some EXCITING news on the homefront. Congratulations are in order for a special someone. We of course are thrilled, but sorta bummed we wont be there to experience it. If you are reading...CONGRATS.
We had a great conversation with Hope and Steve on Sunday. Its becoming a routine event. We dont mind at all. I am hoping that my mom gets her skype set up this weekend while my sisters are there so we can video chat with her as well VERY soon.
I have been trying my hand at cooking. Its quite annoying that they dont have anything pre-packaged (such as cookies, crescent rolls, biscuits, pizza dough, etc) and I have to resort to make everything from scratch. The difficulty is that we are metric system and most of the recipes I have found here in Au use ml and g...I am not sure how to convert 150g into cups. My first experience with pizza dough was not so great and the cookies were a DISASTER. Note to self: use all purpose flour as opposed to self-rising...there really is a difference!!
I was blessed last week with bunches of care packages. Hope sent us several care packages with books and gum. My sisters FINALLY got around to mailing my list...they kept saying they would mail it when I stopped adding things. So I am perfectly content with my ranch dip packets, gum, dressing and spices. I am rather surprized they got through customs!! YEAH!! I am good with koolaid for eternity!! SO much better than tang!
Well I cant think of anything else to write about. If you want to know about anything specific feel free to ask on comments and I will respond. Its hard sometimes to know what to write about when it seems so mundane to me.
Love you all
Chrissi

Nothing Special

2009-06-15T05:05:00.000-07:00

I fear that writing here too much ends up being quite redundant. I supposed there are new interesting things going on in life but nothing worthy of blogging about..cause who really cares about broken dishwasher and lack of water pressure. Who has ever heard of a "water saving shower head" -- doesn't that defeat the purpose?
I have been having itches to get into a good bible study. Nat has been reading non-stop for weeks and I figure its something I can do while I wait for SOMEONE to call me back on all my job applications. Plus, like I said, an itching (or urge is probably a better word). I read Carols blog and now I am a bit scared that HE will ask me to give something up and turn my world upside down...I guess that is what HE is supposed to do.
I have been trying to figure out my potential class schedule. I dont get to actually "fight" for them until June 24. It sorta sucks because I was thinking that I could cram all my classes into 2-3 days and then not have to go up to campus (hour busride) everyday...but doesnt look like its going to work out for me. From what I see, I will have to be there everyday. Funny about those nursing classes...its a lecture, a tutoring session and a lab...so for 5 classes I have 12 class periods. Cant turn back now.
So this weekend we are going on a trip with Natalie to Mt. Tamborine. I think it will be awesome! Another hiking adventure. We were lazy this past weekend, sitting around the house and going shopping (with our eyes).
We got a nice surprize last week by getting a call from dad (Ken). It was nice to hear a familiar voice and I think Ken was desperate to know about Nat's work...since Nat is a HUGE slacker and wont blog. He was doing so well! I also got to Skype with my sisters, chat online with Vanessa and Skype with Hope and Steve. A good week I would say of being loved from all angles. Also a shout out to Hope for saving us from starvation--you really are the BEST mother-in-law EVER! I would send you a thank you card, but card stores here are LAME and only have really BAD generic thank you cards or birthday cards...where is a Hallmark when you need one?
Hans and Danielle are off to the states. Before they left, she gave me a couple places in Brisbane that may sell "american" things. Like Dr.Pepper and Cherry Coke...and Chocolate made by hersheys. I am going to go on a little adventure tomorrow to see what they have. I figured out the bus route and I am planning on braving it. I would take the car, but I dont really like driving downtown plus its a small fortune to park. This grand mall also is rumored to have a starbucks...who am i kidding, thats all i really want. An hour bus ride for a Caramel White Chocolate Mocha (hey I have to WALK to bus stop so that will burn all the calories off--right?)
I have to ride the bus up there (downtown Brisbane City) again wednesday to get Hep B shot II -- just trying to get used to it. I also want to drop my resume off to a couple places in the mall at Browns Plains (opposite direction, closer to home) just to fare the bus trip there as well.
I have like 35 days till school starts...it is not coming fast enough, but I am sure when it gets here I will wish it wasnt. I am planning on looking into summer courses as well (just to get a head start and get some classes out of the way)--we will see when the time comes.
Our crate was supposed to dock in Melbourne today, but they havent updated our tracking so we are not sure if it has. I am hoping that it doesnt have to sit in quarantine for 3 months or something crazy because that would SUCK! I am hoping (crossing fingers really tightly) that we will get it by July 1 and everythign will be in good condition. nat and I really miss our girls. We still have about 3 months until they will be here with us. I saw them on Skype while talking to my sisters and ETTA is FAT. She must be a nervous eater (mother like daughter)--I am really worried because she needs to weigh under (or VERY close to) 30 lbs to travel, and she is pushing way past that. Anyone want to help Cheryl help Etta lose weight? (ie, take my dogs for walks). That is SUCH a funny request. =) hahah
Well I cant think of anything else...love you all.

Chrissi

Three Day Weekend

2009-06-08T16:09:00.000-07:00

Nat was off work on Monday so we got to spend a three-day weekend together. On Saturday we trimmed up the brush in the yard (as much as we could for now). It looks so much prettier when there is definition between the bushes. After that we decided to go on an adventure. Since we are utterly broke, we had to do something cheap. We drove up to Brisbane Forest to go for a trail walk. it was still pretty slushy from all the rain we have been having, but nice none the less. The clerk lady was very helpful with giving us some suggestions on where to go for good trails and good camping. It was a short walk, but still a couple miles.
Sunday was a lazy day. I think Nat slept till noon or something crazy and we went grocery shopping...that was pretty much it. We sit and watch alot of tv, and I am pretty sure I have maxed out my quota of Will and Grace (3 day marathon!! =)) Nat has been on a reading kick, so that doesnt leave much for adventure. I had my reading kick of the century and I have gotten half way through Angels and Demons and just cant finish it. I hope our children get their attitude for reading from their dad, cause I think books are boring. =)
Yesterday (Monday) we went to the Ipswich Nature Center at Queen's Park. We went with our new found friends Hans and Danielle. They really are super cool... They are leaving this week to go back to the states for a couple months. I am jealous that she will be eating mexican crack dip -- thats the only thing that really makes me question my choice to move here....no crack dip...or any good mexican food (i guess the border is a little too far for them to cross!) Too bad I am not an asian food lover....if so, I would be in heaven.
Anyway...I was hoping to finally see my first koala but was disappointed. We did however see lots of lizards and kangeroos of various sizes (and names, but they all looked like kangeroos). We had some good fun with a talking bird (cockatoo) that was very amusing and liked to show off, and apparently really liked to get "scratched", or that was the only thing it knew how to say. I swear if Etta and Sadie could talk that is what they would say too! We had nice conversation and walked through the park and a japanese garden and hung out a bit at the cafe. I am posting some pics below for you to see. I have no idea the names of most of these animals but they are all LAZY!! I wasnt sure if it was nap-time or if all Aussie Animals are just lazy!
Last week I finally got all my paperwork finished for QUT...well at least enough to be accepted with idea of classes. I am going tomorrow to get my Hep-B vaccination and student ID. I also have to have First Aid Certification so I need to sign up for that as well. Its still more than a month off before I even start. I have tried to get a job, but I havent heard much back from the prospects. I think this week I am going to finish up my aussie resume and go fill out some applications. I think it would be fun to work at movie theatre or something like that. It will be easier now that I have some sort of idea when my classes will be. It will be nice to make a little money on my own, hopefully it will help with tuition…cause its not cheap. Luckily its only a 2 year program. I am not for sure how we are going to afford it without financial aid, and that is still up in the air as far as what we can get (if anything). I really hate how money rules life…even when you think you have it all settled it creeps back up on you and kicks your butt.
Nat and I have been living without the use of credit cards, which makes it very difficult. We have been very lucky to make it this far this month. I think it may be a blessing in disguise that we have been denied for every credit card we have applied for. It definitely makes us feel like losers, but at the same time it’s a tough lesson in budgeting. The first couple months are definitely the hardest, but I guess I am becoming a better cook because of it.
We really really really miss our girls. We still have another 3 months before we get them in the country. They most likely wont get delivered to us here in Brisbane until Mid September. Our crate however should be here within the month. Have I mentioned how I WANT MY BED!!! This cheap bed is crap. I would like to sleep THROUGH the night. I swear I wake up every 45 minutes to hour. All well—I can survive couple more weeks.
Well I am getting off here and going to be productive and good housewife.

For u

2009-06-02T03:03:00.000-07:00

Ask and you shall recieve

chrissi alice

TOLD YOU IT WAS RED!

flying insects on faces...time flies

2009-05-31T02:47:00.000-07:00

It feels like I have been in Australia for years. I am still finding my bearings as far as whats near or far and what I like and dont like. Its hard to believe its barely been a month. just at three weeks or so. In the time I have been here, we have found a house, bought a car, met some new friends and are finally getting in to some kind of routine. I am sure there will be much more adjusting to come, but for now, we are settled more than I would have expected.
Last week I made it a point to apply for jobs--from graphic design to grocery clerk. Nothing yet, but I am learning that aussies take their sweet ol' time doing anything. There is definately no rush. I think getting a job will be good for me to get out of the house. I have become quite domesticated. Each morning we wake up around 7am. I cook Nat breakfast, fix his lunch and send him off to work. You would think I would go back to bed, but I dont. The remainder of the day consists of cleaning, dishes, laundry and the dreaded ironing. I barely watch tv -- unless the 24 hour music channel counts (its what MTV is SUPPOSED to be!!) Somehow I fill my day with stuff to do. I retouch pictures, make lots of lists...i would do a devotion or two, but I think my bible is on a boat!
speaking of our stuff. We are hoping to get it within the next 3-4 weeks. It will be SO SO SO SO awesome to sleep in my bed. I slept on the couch last week because I wanted to NOT wake up with a neck cramp and a back ache! I LOVE MY BED!! I am hoping that it did not get destroyed! If it does, I guess Nats check next month will be going towards a bed! Its a little adjustment getting paid once a month. We had so many expenses right up front that we are living the next couple weeks without doing much of anything. We eat in every night...which is cheaper, and experimental. I made some buttered spaghetti last week that Nat LOVED. I am a pretty good (and sometimes creative) cook. I am pretty basic though. Spaghetti, chicken, potato soup (food of the poor!) and more spaghetti! I am looking for some recipes. I forgot to bring all my recipe books back with Cheryl. One day I am sure I will get them back.
Last week I went up to QUT to make sure everything was in order to start school. I had waited on giving back my offer letter because I wanted to have our new address and phone numbers. Apparently in order to officially be accepted indefinately and move on to the next steps of enrollments (ie classes, id, etc) I need to pay my first semester up front. Cause I have $10,000 just laying around. I talked to financial aid and they said not to worry about it, but I talk to other people and they say I must have all first semester cash in hand. I have applied to financial aid, but I guess it wont go through until i get enrolled...vicious backwards cycle! I am hoping I find someone to talk to that knows what they are talking about -- and SOON before I miss out on technicalities. I have been doubting my purpose in going into nursing, but I was encouraged from my other blog. I guess I just feel hormonal.
We have met some great people. We met Hans and Danielle through an online forum and had dinner with them. It was so much fun. We had so much in common and I am sure we will hang out again. There schedule for the next 3 months is filled with trips and arrangements but hopefully when they get back we can reconnect. I also had lunch with Natalie (friend of Robbie Ballmeyer). She is super sweet and I think she can really broaden our horizons as far as things to do. There is alot to do here, but it takes money one way or another--if just in gas money. Nat and I did drive down to Gold Coast on Saturday. It was a beautiful drive. They were having a blues concert near the beach. The ocean of course was beautiful but REALLY cold and windy. I am sure its not usually like that, but we were on the beach for about 5 minutes. Gold Coast I guess is sorta like Miami (although I wouldnt know)-- there are lots of really nice houses inside bays with their boats parked at their front doors (which was all water). I thought of how Ken and Vanessa would LOVE it there. The water was blue and sparkling. i am sure we will spend more time there when it warms up a bit. There is still so much more to discover inside Brisbane. The city life is very active. i am anxious to go to southport and ride the ferris wheel. I am hoping that we dont get into so much a routine with not spending money that we dont find all the adventures that dont take any money. We will get there I am sure.
I would tell you of all our adventures when we start really having some. I am not sure that writing about moving the desk and going grocery shopping is very entertaining. I am very happy to have internet though. I had so much catching up to do with the business. its like 9pm on sunday and I am pretty tired already. I have some errands to run this week..going to get Hep B shot, filling out some applications and paperwork with QUT, finish retouching wedding pics. i will be taking a First Aid Certification class in mid-June. granted I have the money to pay for it! The next couple months will be better, just the first month hit us hard with having to put down deposit and first month's rent and buy appliances and basic essentials (like food and laundry detergent).
Nat and I have been going on walks around the subdivision. We went one day in the rain and we were SOAKED when we got home, but it was awesome...and we went one day in the dark (cause it gets dark when Nat gets home). I have ventured out once. I was trying to figure out how long it would take me to walk to bus stop...20 minutes. Not too bad...all subdivision. Nat claims there is a much quicker route, but it involves paths rather than roads and I like to stick to roads until I walk it with him 3 or 4 times. I dont have gps for walking!
well i guess i am off here for now. Nat really should blog more...he is quite the slacker.
love you all. hope all is well with you.
Chrissi

Gold coast

2009-05-29T23:23:00.000-07:00

chrissi alice

Finally

2009-05-27T04:43:00.000-07:00

Finally got Internet. I will post blog tomorrow. Not much to report but I'll do my best.

chrissi alice

Checking 'em off the list...

2009-05-16T01:59:00.000-07:00

Last night we bought a car, pending financing. It was necessary expense because Nat will have to give up the company Ute on Monday. We probably wont get it till sometime next week, hopefully Tuesday. Its a Toyota Corolla Hatchback. nothing fancy, but will get us where we need to go. Friday was exhausting. We signed for house, got out licenses, picked up credit cards at bank, bought car...and I am sure other tidbits in between. It felt like we ran non-stop all day.
today we slept in a bit. Then went over to the house to check it out. It will need a major overhaul in cleaning...but I guess that is my job next week. Our appliances got delivered today but we wont have electricity until Monday (although agent said it would still be on). I was supposed to have lunch plans with Natalie on Monday, but had to cancel because someone needs to be there for electric guy, anytime from 1-6pm. Our fridge is too tall, so we will have to figure that out. Luckily the cabinets are able to be finagled. While waiting for appliances, we ran to get some lunch and bought a mattress. it is comfortable enough and was pretty cheap. Loaded it up in the Ute and went back to house. After appliances came we went shopping and to run a couple errands. We had to return stuff we bought last weekend because our lovely owners left us so much to work with till our stuff arrives. We went to KMart and had to buy so much crap. Mainly cleaning supplies so that I can tackle that job this week. We also got sheets for the new mattress. We will still have to wait until mid-July for the rest of our stuff. We will be moved in by Wednesday, but its nice to have hotel until then.
Tonight we are going to see Angels and Demons at the cinema. I am excited about it. I read half the book, yet Nat read it all in the last couple days...i am such a slacker.
Tomorrow we are going to go to Ikea and try to find a cheap bed frame. We opted not to buy the boxspring (ensemble) and to get a cheap slat bed from IKEA. Slowly but surely things are falling into place and we are getting settled. Can you believe I have only been here for 10 days? Amazing what you can do in a month between the two of us! Hopefully next month we wont have quite as many off hand expenses and can make due until our stuff gets here.
Its Nats turn to write...with requests for work related experiences that I cant answer. I will be happy to be in the routine of life for a bit.
Funny story...i am not thrilled about driving. Its not bad, but I am procrastinating as long as possible. Nat today forced me to drive. He wanted me to drive to our next destination, but I opted to just drive within the quiet subdivision. I think he was relieved I didnt get out into traffic. I think he was stressing a bit. I didnt hit anything, and its rather easy to get a hang out with rotaries and driving on the wrong side. Its more of where you are in your lane that is a bit tricky. So like him, I hugged the left side of the road...at least now he knows how i feel when he drives!! =) Ill get it soon enough, but I think i would rather learn in a compact car instead of a Ute (which feels more like a semi-truck).

Love you all...we are off to the movies!
Chrissi

What you have all been waiting for....

2009-05-16T00:30:00.001-07:00

TGIF

2009-05-14T15:14:00.001-07:00

Hello all! I guess I have a lot of catching up to do!
last weekend we shopped around for cars and got rough idea on furniture. Ill try to recount this week, although the days are running into each other. We went to IKEA and got some essentials that we have but on a boat somewhere on the Pacific. SO we go some dishes, pots and pans, measuring cups, oven mitts...it really is amazing what you need in JUST the kitchen. Imagine the list..cleaning supplies, bathroom, bedroom, closet, kitchen, etc etc! Some stuff we have coming, but I think we learned from this experience what is necessary asap. Regardless we got some essentials cheap to hold us over till Mid-July.

Monday
We were supposed to meet up with owners for dinner. But they had to cancel, which was a total bummer but I totally understood. So all in all, we received from them 5 pc sectional couch, 7-seater dining room table, 2 bar stools, some yard equipment and desk. What started out as table and chairs, ended up being alot of what we needed furniture wise. They got the tile, carpet and couch cleaned for us. I dont think I did anything too interesting this day. I watched a really cheesy horror flick and looked for jobs online plus called around to all the car dealerships. nat and i went out sunday to lots to get some options, out of about 10 we saw on sunday in lot, 6 were sold by 2pm on Monday---UGH UGH UGH. I did finally find one that i like that we put deposit down to see on saturday. What is really cool is that they will actually bring the car to you! at least we have something secured until we can make it there (EVERYTHING closes at 5-5:30 so it makes it sorta IMPOSSIBLE) In lieu of dinner plans, nat and i got hungry jacks (i am SO sick of eating out!!!)

Tuesday
Tonight we had dinner plans with people from Hastings Deering. The girl Nat is replacing is 6 weeks from busting and it was her farewell party. We went to Cactus Jacks, a "mexican" restaurant. It was no Margaritas or El Rancho Grande. I am wondering if those places actually exist!! It was decent food nonetheless. I walked up to the mall today just to walk around. It is quite the hike up a hill. I took pictures that I am going to post. We got to Cactus Jacks around 7 and didnt leave till nearly 10:30...Aussies can TALK!! It was great! There was rarely a dull moment in the conversation and although I didnt work with them, I felt somewhat included.

Wednesday
I was supposed to go to QUT and have the beginning of my Hep B shots for school and I was also going to get my student id and take care of anything else I needed to do. I cancelled. I only had about $50 left and it would easily be over $100 day with the fee for shot as well as taxi. I opted to wait to figure out bus system when I get to house, since I will be coming and going from there. Apparently its very confusing. I have lunch plans with Natalie on Monday so hopefully she can help me out. In lieu of QUT I watched Biggest Loser with my sisters...how awesome right? We got on skype video call and they set the camera right in front of the tv. It was nice to "hang out" with them. Much better that visiting QUT!!
For dinner Nat and I ordered pizza hut. I was sorely disappointed. Nothing here tastes the same. I am about to crawl into a hole of not eating cause its not worth it. That is the main reason why I am SO excited to have kitchen so I can start cooking what I know I will like (and it wont cost me a fortune!) There are definately things I miss. Wings...with good sauce. Ranch dressing that doesnt taste like honey mustard horseradish. hamburgers with MEAT. familiar cheese. crack dip. even the coke tastes funny. Maybe it is all mental, but it matters to my brain. I got strawberry sundae from McD---smelt like old mans stinky underarm. (funny side story, as i sat down to eat my sundae, a little girl was playing hide and seek with kids in next room over (playroom) and then they started sticking their tongues out at her. No kidding, that girl leaned back and haulked a loogie on the window...like 3 times. After that i vowed not to eat stinky strawberry sundaes in the presence of spitting children.)

Thursday
Yesterday I went out on my own and went shopping. I had to run errands and go to bank, look for mattress and appliances. I have been extremely frugal. I compare all the prices from one store to the next and try to haggle. Last night (stores open late on Thursdays so Nat could go shopping with me) we finally got all the necessity appliances. I think we got a really good deal compared to the competition, plus the sales guy was super nice and lenient! Check that off the list. We are desperate for a mattress. They are so hard to shop for. It has been way overdue finding a mattress. We would otherwise be sleeping on the couch/floor. I got an email from owners of house...consider for a moment how unbelievablely cool this is.

Hi Chrissy and Nat,

We finally got everything packed up and have arrived safely in Hervey Bay, but I just wanted to let you know that you wont have to worry too much about buying kitchen stuff as we have left you a few things to get you started.

* Crockery & cutlery
* glassware
* Pots and 1 pan
* Plastic containers
* A roasting dish and roasting trays
* Iron and Ironing board
* mop & bucket
* Various washing buckets
* cooking utensils
* Foils and glad wraps
* toilet brushes & toilet bins
* TOilet paper basket
* hand held vaccum and extension cord
* 2 x heavy duty extension cords in the garage

I tried to keep everything at least matched. If you dont need many of the items, you can just toss them in the trash. Anything we have left behind is for your use and not part of your lease contract.

We have also left you a bottle of Northern Territory Brew. (as we are not drinking anymore)
Im not sure what this one tastes like, it was an unwanted gift.

ANything else you need, just let us know.

Thanks again,

Lisa and Dean

Seriously!!! So now we get to go back to IKEA and return most everything we bought. Honestly I will need to see most of it to know what exactly it is. How cool though! So much of the stuff we need and some stuff we didn't even think about. highlight of my day! Last night I put my resume into a couple places. Photography jobs are more prevalent here so hopefully that will work out to give me something to do until i start school in July. Overall Thursday was very successful.

Friday (so far)
Today Nat and I get to go sign for our new house! I am SO excited to get out of this hotel room. It hasnt been bad, but I just know what the house looks like and I want to be there! WE sign for house, go get AU licenses, pick up credit cards from bank, finish mattress shopping and possibly go car shopping. Finding a car is priority this weekend since Monday will be the final day Nat will have car provided by company. We have car secured to look and appointment tomorrow morning that I think will work. It really is a daunting task to find a decent car for a reasonable price. They dont have quite the selection or competition as in the states. 1999 cars are going for over $10,000. I think we may go see Angels and Demons tonight, but that highly depends on if we find a car, because if we do, we will be taking me driving on side roads before I bring that bad boy home! So I am off to get dressed and go check out some furniture stores to compare mattress prices more diligently. I need to write them all down and try to remember if I thought they were comfy. Nat will be coming home early at noon so that we can run all these errands.

Tomorrow we have more car shopping and hopefully mattress finding. Our appliances will be delivered and hopefully we will have mattress by Monday so we can move out of this hotel into HOME!!

I am really trying to be good. Life has been sorta hectic but I dont think its going to get any better.
love you all
Mrs. P

beautiful and boorrringgg

2009-05-11T05:14:00.000-07:00

so the house hunt is over and i can't car shop on my own. Nat goes to work at like 7.30am and gets home about 5.30pm. i am usually up before him in the morning and cant get back to sleep...yeah I know...totally out of character,but I imagine its like getting up at noon in the states =). Today I called around to car dealerships to see if the cars we looked at yesterday in the lots were still available. out of say 10 cars we considered, 6 were already sold. The car turnover is mind-blowing. Fortunately they have a deposit deal where you put down deposit of like $50 to hold the car so they wont sell it before you actually get a chance to see it. One cool aspect though is that they will actually bring the car you are interested in to your doorstep. Bad part about car shopping is that the dealerships close PRECISELY at 5pm. They do not mess around with closing time. Actually almost everything closes at 5pm...the mall, some grocery stores, department stores. There are few things to do after 6pm (and its dark by then too).
nat and i ran quickly to the grocery store at 6.55pm, it closed at 7pm. When we left, they practically had all the lights turned out and were prepared to lock the doors. Closing time is no funny business here. So nightlife is far and few between. I am not sure exactly what an aussie does when they get home from work and cant go shopping.
Its interesting to live in an environment that for the most part is very non-materialistic. There is just not a focus on it at all. They are also VERY enviromentally conscious. They just lifted the ban of using water to wash car or water yard, or anything else "wasteful" -- they have recycle pick up like US but I am sure here that they recycle bin is bigger than normal trash lol...
So Nat and I were really looking forward to dinner tonight, but unfortunately they cancelled on us. I can understand though, they are leaving on Wednesday and still have a lot to do, but I guess there were alot of setbacks today. Tomorrow we are going for mexican...i am sure it will not be anything like in US. I highly doubt they have crack dip, or even mexicans for that matter...would be QUITE the hike for them.
I have made lunch plans with Natalie, a friend of Robbie Ballmeyer. We finally communicated today and made plans. I am SO excited to meet her. She seems like she will be SO much fun to hang out with. What Aussie wouldnt be fun?!?!? They are so incredibly laid back and friendly. I am going to have to learn to be nice!!! I think she will be a great asset when it comes to decorating the new house. IKEA here we come!
So, I thought that selling everything was so liberating, but didnt realize all the esssentials we had to have. Our stuff wont get here till early July and it has everything for our kitchen..plates, cups, silverware, utencils. we have NOTHING. we went to IKEA and got some essentials. I am thinking on the way home we will have twice as much as we came with...i guess you can never get rid of all the STUFF.
It really is beautiful here. Every sunset is amazing and the sky seems like its so close. The moom seems bigger, the stars brighter...oh funny, imagine a sky WITHOUT orion! I really am on the other side of the world!
Love you much....
Chrissi

Social Life, etc

2009-05-09T02:31:00.000-07:00

Today Nat and I decided to get up early and go car shopping. Nat currently has a loaner car from Hastings Deering but we really need to invest in our own car. We are having some issues at the moment. 1. There are not really any cars under $13-15,000. 2. We dont have that kind of money on hand. 3. They arent super keen on giving loans out to people like us. So we are sorta in a perdicament. I am sure we can figure something out, but it is becoming quite the hassle. I was hoping not to spend that kind of money on a car we will have for only 2 years, but its sort of a necessity.
After a couple hours daydreaming about what we couldnt afford we had an appointment to meet with the owners of the house again today. They are moving to Cairns and are packing up. It is unusual to have contact with the owners. Most transactions would go through the agent/property manager. We had a great chat with them the first time we met them and this time was no different. Again we were there for over 2 hours. They are attempting to get rid of some of their furniture, ie dining table, end tables, couch...and we were obliged to take it off their hands! =) We ended up with table with 6 chairs, 2 bar stools, 5 lazyboys (sorta like detachable sectional), tv stand, and one large and one small trendy coffee tables. We are negotiating for the fridge so we wont have to buy one of those (they dont come standard in AU). Overall it was a good deal. We went furniture shopping after we left and were relieved to have taken care of some big purchases without even having much of a hassle. I think they were relieved to get rid of them.
While chatting, we were discussing different locations that we should go and visit. Lisa (the wife) started making us a list. We arranged to have dinner on Monday night, where she promises a more defined list of local and New Zealand must-go-to spots. They really are a great couple and I hope we find more couple like them that arent moving far far away. They are very close to our age and are very trendy. He has worked as a graphic designer and currently makes these amazing cravings out of wood. Their house and all its decor (including furniture) fit right into my tastes and I can totally see how I will decorate. We sign our lease next Friday and then we can move in right away. We are trying to figure out our options of sleeping arrangements until our boat brings over our belongings.
So dinner plans on Monday with Lisa and Dean. Dinner plans on Tuesday with people from Nat's work. Campus visit to QUT on Wednesday. Thursday, no plans but I am sure shopping is involved. Friday sign for new house. Last night we had dinner at John's house (Nat's boss). We will still have hotel until following wednesday, so that will give us time to make arrangements for whatever we might need. We have more of a social life here than in the states!
I have a connection here through a friend that spent some time here in Brisbane a couple years ago. I am hoping to get together with her and be great friends! She has offered to be my tour guide. I am hoping also that she will be a great asset in finding a church home. She graduated from Cincinnati Bible Seminary and I am pretty sure her dad is in ministry here in Brisbane at a Baptist church, but I am SURE that it is structured WAY different than what I grew up with.
I feel like I may be leaving out some details, but I cant remember what I have emailed to my sisters and what I have wrote here. All well, I cant give ALL the details. I am outta here now, Nat and I are on our way to dinner and movie (Star Trek---what am I thinking?!?!?!).
Love you all....
Mrs. P

Future abode

2009-05-08T21:10:00.001-07:00

chrissi alice

Perks

2009-05-08T14:05:00.000-07:00

Some quick thoughts.
About House:
Apparently AU has bold criminals that walk into your house to steal from you WHILE you are still there so having a house in a great suburb on a quiet cul-de-sac and an alarm system makes all the difference. Plus they have a sorta doggie door already...its for cats, but I am hoping that the dogs fit through it. The house is AWESOME!! It is a little more expensive than I would really care for, but it stays within our budget..hell it is our budget! We will be paying $400/week but in comparison to all the other houses that were going for $350, it is a STEAL.
There was a house yesterday for $340 that was about 50 years old and EVERYTHING was pink...floors, carpets, walls, tubs....EVERYTHING. Looked a little rundown. Our house is surrounded by parks, even a dog park, have security system, a little over 3 years old, tile throughout with a THEATRE room...no kidding!! its like a four bedroom with 2 baths and a deck in back. There is a public park across the street that has a community grill/barbie which means its practically ours =) The house is absolutely PERFECT!! It is a little out of the way deep within a suburb that only has one windy road in and a mile or so hike from bus (although most people drive to stop). It is secure, quiet, newer....perfect!! plus they move out on May 13, so we can move in anytime after that.
Grocery Shopping:
Groceries are still expensive! It's ok a little once u realize it's by kilo not pound --kilo equals about 2 pounds. Will take a little getting used to but at least now I know what stores to go to now. Cheryl was a great help in leading me in the right direction. I didnt buy much because there is not much room in our itty bitty fridge. At least Nat will have some lunch for next week.

2009-05-08T14:01:00.000-07:00

Some things to consider.
1. If this is winter, I am hestitant of summer weather and DEFINATELY need to invest in shorts and skirts and throw away all my sweatshirts/security blankets.
2. Nat is miserable without me...coke and beer is all he has -- sounds like a bad Springer Episode.
3. If you want to stop drinking coke, move to AU. $3 for 20oz. Also, stop eating...$9 for sandwiches is sorta ridiculous. Also, dont smoke, you;ll go broke at nearly $10/pack. I imagine there arent many Aussies that eat out often, and if they do, they are millionaires.
4. There is a bird outside our villa that sounds like a chainsaw cutting up a small child.
5. No Koala sightings yet...crickey!
6. It is a new feeling when you get stared at while you talk...I wonder if aussies think US accents are as cool as we think aussie accents are. if they do, i wont conform and stay strong with US accent, just to be loved!
7. I had grocery shopping plans with Nat's boss's wife, Cheryl. At least I didnt have to WALK!! it seems a little better when you realize its $5/kg..which is about 2 pounds...that will take a little getting used to.
8. TV...hmm, honestly I dont think I will be watching much. They have weird sense of humor.
9. MUSIC...no hiphop, top 40...from what I have heard, its all sorta electronic emo....all well, at least I have Etta James on my IPOD.
10. I love my IPhone. It makes me feel "connected"

We got a House!!

2009-05-08T05:41:00.000-07:00

So today the torture of looking for a house ended. We got a house! 10 days ago I went to a house inspection. I walked in and I knew right away this was the house. The house has a bit of a walk to the nearest bust stop - about a km away, but its the best house that I had gone thru. I don't have pictures yet, but will definitely put some pictures up next week after we sign and can get moved in.
So anyway, I put the offer in the day after i went thru the inspection and ended up not hearing anything back from the Realtor. I wasn't sure what was going on so called them back on Tuesday after the holiday. They told me that we were the only offer, and they where just waiting to get confirmation from the owner. So Chrissi lands on Wednesday and since they still hadn't made a decision on the house, I called up the Realtor and asked if we could set up another inspection so that I could take Chrissi through it. If she didn't like it we would just forget about the offer. Well I get a call back on Wednesday night and the owners want to meet us and show us through the house personally on Thursday. So the next day i'm talking to my co-workers about this and they say this is highly unusual.(what about this move, or Chrissi and I is?)
So Thursday comes, and since we don't know if the house is for sure yet we have a couple more inspections scheduled just in case the other doesn't work. Well we get to those houses and It was really great, cause it gave Chrissi a chance to see some of the Junk that is available and for the price its really junk. Well, we finally get to the house with the owners about 5:30. It really is a great house - its way more house then we need 4 bedrooms, 2 baths, projection screen room ( its all set up minus the projector darn it they are taking it with them!) But for the price its in our price range, its the best looking house that I had seen, nice yard with dog park close. Across the street is another park with a stainless steel gas/electric grill that is free of use for anyone. Anyway we ended up talking with the owners for 2 hours. They are a super nice couple and i wish they where not moving away as they are defenitaly someone that we could be friends with. So as we leave i'm still trying to talk the house up to Chrissi, and she looks and me and says "you don't have to keep selling me on the house, i feel totally at east that it will be our home." So i call up the Realtor and say we are still very interested in the house and want our offer to continue. I get a call back today at 10 that the offer was accepted by the owners (YEAH DO THE DANCE). So after 3 weeks and prob 500km of driving we got a house. I can't put in words how happy i am to not have to look for a house anymore. It wasn't so much stressful as just starting to get worrisome that we wouldn't find something in time and would possibly have to stay in the hotel longer.
Now we have to find a car. But that can't be anywhere near as hard as buying a house(right?).

Anyway, work has been really wonderful. I love my co-workers, and i'm really excited to be using the knowledge i have, yet still learning something everyday. Its a bit overwhelming as there is alot that they do that isn't how i learned it or how the system was set up to run, but I was expecting that and I know this is going to be a great experience for me.

Anyway I'm off to bed long day tomorrow going to meet the owners again to talk about some of there furniture they don't' want to haul away, that we just might buy, plus we are car shopping, wish us luck!

Addy
21 Watheroo Pl, Parkinson QLD 4115

Chrissi's First Days

2009-05-06T19:54:00.000-07:00

I left Cincinnati at 4:50pm on Monday night. From there I flew to LA, then to Auckland and finally to Brisbane. The flights were not bad at all. Cin to LA was REALLY bumpy and I was the middle seat on a full plan next to a lady that leaned on me to sleep. I honestly have never had a stranger try to sleep on me, its rather strange. LA to Auckland was good flight. I had reserved the exit row window seat. When Nat reserved his tickets, exit row wasnt available so he opted to upgrade to business for $300. Must have been one helluva deal that day because when I tried it was only a mere $900 (mind you I only paid $950 round trip to AU). I didnt have anyone next to me. I am sorta surprized, it would seem to me that those seats would go fast. New Zealand Airport is beautiful...couches and big comfy chairs...brillant! Up to this point I had only took about a 4 hour nap on plane from LA to NZ but for some reason I wasnt all that tired. Finally I got on my last flight, seat was the same, window exit row with no neighbors.
I landed in Brisbane about ten minutes early at 10:45AM on Wednesday. It didnt take too long to get through customs. I had to get name fixed on visa and got caught with Cadbury Eggs in my suitcase. If the lady wasnt so nice, those would have been $1000 Cadbury Eggs!! When they ask you if you have any food, chocolate counts!! I wasn't thinking about my checked luggage. I finally got through in about 10 minutes and saw Nat. He was so cute. I am not sure at this point if I could really express my thrill, being that I think I was half braindead.
First in car...
riding in the "drivers seat" but being a passenger is not that bad, but definately takes some getting used to. nat hugs the left side of the lane, so I always feel like I am going to go straight into the car next to us. He is a good driver though. I guess I will be ok driving, but I think it will be a while until I get the chance because I cant drive the company car, and honestly I am excited about taking the bus! They have 500 brand new buses and everyday business people populate them, so it does not have that US taboo.
Nat drive me to the same scenic point he initially went to. It is crazy to really see the way the city is laid out. It like no other city I know. It looks flat from above, but its rather hilly. It is literally like looking at a map in 3D (without the labels of course). Things seem farther away then they actually are. Driving through the city reminds me of LA. There are tons of mom and pop shops, cafes, and boutique stores. There are not very many places that have those big open strip malls like Northwoods (IL) or Tri-County (OH). I imagine its more like Clifton or a MUCH LARGER Tremont. After the scenic route we made our way back to hotel/villa. I dropped off my stuff and then we were off to run some errands.
Basically we went to the mall. Opened up new account at bank, change all my USD to AUD. (I am going to need a change purse!! -- $1, $2 and .50, .20, .10, .05 are all coins...) After that we got some food at the mall, some ok pasta, then went to VodaFone to get me a phone. Unfortunately they said he had to wait 3 months before he can add anyone to his plan. Dont fret though, they called this morning and got approved to add me on. Today I get to go pick up my phone. While at the mall, Nat got a call from agent about a house he really likes. We have appointment to see it today with the owners (which i guess is a good sign).
After the mall, we drove to the house Nat really likes. It is in Parkinson and seems like forever away from anything. It is beautiful though. Nestled deep inside of a quiet more upscale neighborhood. It is a little walk from bus station, but after research we found it was about hour commute (which I am prepared for). Its not that bad, only 15 minutes longer than other locations we have looked into. It is not walking distance from anything, but is surrounded by parks and walking trails. We will see what happens. Today we are going to go see about 3 other locations. Pray we find something soon that is within our budget and that we can move into asap.
It gets dark in AU around 5:00pm (that is also when EVERYTHING, even the mall, closes)...so around 6pm I was exhausted. Nat forced me to stay up until 8pm, and I barely made it. I woke up around 7am. I think I am good with the jetlag.
Now today...there are more adventures,but I am not sure I have time to write about them, so I will have to write in a bit. Funny stories to come...so stay tuned!!

Mrs. P

Lost for words..

2009-05-03T08:21:00.000-07:00

Apparently NAT has had a loss for words. Sorta sucks cause I (and many other people) loved his rants and raves about daily living. Once I get there, I will try to kick him into gear, but I have a feeling I will just be adding something else to my list.

Today is my last full day in OHIO. I am going out to lunch with my sister and a couple girlfriends. Then off to my favorite treat! BLUE ICE CREAM!! If you have never had Kings Island Blue Ice Cream, then you are definately missing out! My girlfriends and I got season passes so that we could get blue ice cream whenever we wanted over the summer. It brings back so many great memories. After BLUE ICE CREAM, i MUST finish packing. I have most of the stuff I need packed, but I still have some stuff to cram in there. I dont think I will have a problem, I am pretty good at being able to let things go.

Tomorrow I get to spend the whole day with Carol. She has a Dr. appt and then we will have lunch and be to the airport by like 2:30. My plane leaves at 4:50 from Cincinnati and I will arrive in Brisbane at 10am on Wednesday. Thats when this adventure REALLY begins. I think I have covered all the loose ends here in the states. I will not take my cell phone with me, so delete me from your phone books. I am sure I will post a new number on the blog (to the right) so you know how to find me.

I am anxious, sad, scared, and thrilled all at the same time. I am thinking life will settle down here soon enough and get into some kind of rhythm, but maybe not...doesnt matter I guess. It was been great to be able to come "home" before I left the country. I like spending time with my friends and family and it was long overdue! From now on, they have to come see me...=)

Ill write more later...hopefully Nat will log on here and tell you about his adventerous first week of work. Keep your fingers crossed.

Mrs.P

Update

2009-04-28T19:50:00.000-07:00

nat has been a little slacker about his online journal. we really havent even gotten to talk to each other. i will be relieved when I am there with him. He says he goes to work at like 7:30am and does get home till sometimes as late as 6:30pm. I am sure that wears him out, add on the time change and all the adjusting he gets to bed by like 9 or 10. funny though, cause that is alot of sleep for nat!
i am trying to tie up loose ends here at home and making sure that I have everything I may need before I go. I must admit that the more my list grows, the less room I have in my suitcase...time to consolidate, again. I am anxious to get there and help him find a place to live and just be able to make some solid decisions together. I have so much to do here, and yet still more to do there. Especially with school and making sure everything is in order for me to begin on July 20. I may have to come back to the states sometime in June, but that is yet to be determined. Please pray for that unknown situation that GOD will work everything out in HIS infinite plan.
5 days until I leave...and the days keep getting shorter and shorter. On the plus side, I will be going out with some girlies on sunday to endulge in some blue ice cream from kings island. by far my favorite treat that I have not been able to have for nearly 3 years. It will taste phenomenal!! It will be a great adieu.
I have been helping Cheryl finish her to-do list in order to sell the house. funny thing is that the more I mark off the list, the longer the list gets! She is really hoping to be able to sell the house because it is such a burden on her financially, which affects her emotionally, physically and mentally. Use your prayer chains to request that GOD be powerful and faithful in rescuing her. I really think that she may consider moving to AU if she can get out of her strongholds here. I just want her to have that adventure. If not, I think that selling the house is the first step to her life in a new direction that will allow her freedom to live more freely. So AU or US, I just want her to be happy.
Well i am going to get to bed. this time next week I will be having lunch with my hubby in Brisbane!! First thing on the agenda...beach!
love you all --- post some comments so I know you are actually reading!! Otherwise I may feel the need to quit posting!!! =)
Mrs. P

Days 3, 4, and 5

2009-04-25T23:31:00.000-07:00

So the last few days haven't been near as exciting, though I feel I've gotten a lot more comfortable with driving and suburbs of Brisbane.

Friday was pretty relaxing, I did not have anything planned exp to go see 1 house at 3:30 in the afternoon. In the morning I did some shopping and a bit of driving around just to try to get more comfortable not only with driving up also with the surrounding area. At 3:30 i drove out to see the first house on my schedule. I showed up 30 minutes early as i had no idea how long it was going to take to show up and where the house was. Once I got there a did a little walking around and it was a nice location up on a hill will a view of the Brisbane Skyline in the Distance. So at 3:30 i go up the door, didn't see anyone around but never know they could have gotten there while I was walking. No luck, as I'm waiting another person looking at rentals also showed up. They filled me in on how "fun" looking for houses are while we wait, finally at 10 ten 4 I left with no Agent showing up. Come to find out this is normal behavior over here. With so many people looking for rentals/houses and not that many choices around its allows the Realtor to be quite unreliable.
After my first failure in the house hunt decided to go out for a bit of a drive and find something to eat somewhere beside my hotel restaurant. So i drove and drove in the suburbs for the next hour and half with no luck. All i found where Hungry Jacks (Burger Kings) and McDonald's. Come to find out later that there aren't many places out around here and have to go to the city to find them or there just aren't many like in the states on every corner.. So with my second failure of the day i ended up back the hotel restaurant at $50 a plate. I've vowed that this is my last time eating there as its just WAY to expensive. I'll be broke before Chrissi gets here.
Saturday, I woke up early again. Been getting tired around 8:30 most nights and I'm up between 4 and 5 most mornings. After looking online at houses again I decided I wanted to go driving even though I don't have any inspections times, just to see the houses to see if they are even worth getting a Realtor for inspections. I got to about 5 and then my GPS battery died so had to return back to the hotel. Just a note the houses i did get a chance to drive by I liked every single one of them, they are in great locations and look like decent houses from the outside.
I got a little date time with Chrissi on Video chat, though she was about falling asleep on me, it was great to see her and get a chance to talk to her, we might not be able too again until next weekend because now my work week starts.
At 4 PM on Saturday, John and his wife picked me up for the Barbie being put on by Johns boss Ian. there where about 10 people at the cookout including wife's/husbands of some of my future co-workers. It was a great night of drinking beer, eating fantastic food, and just great conversation. I was home sometime after 11. I'm really looking forward to going to work on Monday. I've been pretty lucky to once again fall in with some really great people to work with/for. But not it was time for bed and tomorrow was going to be a long day of driving around looking at 30 houses that I had selected to take a look at before calling up the Realtor.
So I woke up Sunday got to catch the Cardinals beat up on the Cubbies - boy that Albert Pujols guy is something else. I was then out the door with my computer, GPS, and a list of 30 houses to track down. The next 8 hours where spend driving and driving and driving. The more I drive the more comfortable I get. And after it was all said and done i got my list of 30 down to 12 potential houses to take a look at. So I'm excited about some of the houses - just hope they are available soon so can feel like i'm really over here and not just in a hotel room.
Tomorrow is a big day. First day in the office and I'm really excited. 10 more days and Chrissi is here which is even more exciting as then I'll get to share all of this with her.
Till next time.

Day 2 - Lets Go Shopping

2009-04-23T17:25:00.001-07:00

So let me start off by saying they do things quite a bit different over here. In the states if you want to rent/buy a house, you drive around looking for for sale/rent signs. Maybe get online to get an idea of what is out there. Here they don't do the sign thing at all. If you want to find a house you need to go online and look at what is available, or go to each individual real estate office to get their rental lists. Now your thinking OK, I will just go to the main office and get all of there listings, or maybe talk to an agent and they can help me with all listings, even those for other agents - like in the states. Here they do not do that.
If you want to look at whats available in city A - you need to go to city A's real estate office and get there listings and they only know about city A and the listings with their company.
So once you have either driven around to all the offices or tried to look online at there listings, you can then start application process, but wait no you can't. In Australia they have a law that you have to physically view a house before you can even start an application process, OK that makes sense why won't i want to look at a house before i rent it. But, and there is always a but, you can't just call up the agent and say take me to these lists of houses so i can look at them. You call up the agent and they tell you (have all told me) there are no viewings scheduled, but they will phone me when some our scheduled. From what i understand of the process, viewings are like 15 minutes at a time at a house, and there might be 10-20 people there looking at a specific property. then you have to put in an offer/application with anyone else that might want it and if your lucky you might get a house.
So I went into this thinking great i'll be able to drive around check out some houses, look at a bunch before Chrissi gets here, and ended up instead being Chrissi and I looking at houses over Skype video chat trying to set up some viewing times to look at houses.
Houses viewed = 0
Houses scheduled to viewed = 1
Houses waiting call back from Realtor = 15

So I kinda jumped ahead of myself a little bit. My day started off with John picking me up and taking me to the car rental company to pick up my car. I take my time getting int he car so John can take off, i don't need any added pressure of him following me or watching me screw up! I drive out of the parking lot and right away I screw up pulling out of the parking lot on the right side instead of the left. But that was really the extend of my troubles, Once you are driving on the other side of the road and also driving on the other side of the car it becomes a bit easier. Though i will tell you i went to the right side of the car at least 5 times when going to the drive away. I felt a bit foolish opening the passenger door, closing it and walking around to the other side. Also, once in the car and reaching for the seat belt on my left shoulder, when its on my right shoulder instead. The Mirrors are also ALL in the wrong place, its just going to take some time to get use to where i am in the car.

After my failure at house shopping i decided to go to the "mile" and try to see about a car. This was just like any other car lot experience. Though I will say my experiences there where a lot easier. I found a couple of potentials, though they move inventory so fast(so they say) that the cars I liked yesterday might not be there tomorrow. But at least I was able to drive around a bit and get a better feel for the land.

Tomorrow is another day.
NAT

Itty Bitty...

2009-04-22T17:05:00.000-07:00

What Nat is calling home until I get there...

Pics of Brisbane

2009-04-22T17:04:00.000-07:00

Also some driving pics, these aren't to great, but I was shocked how green it is plus all the trees make me happy.

Nat's First Day

2009-04-22T16:57:00.000-07:00

Day 1 - and No i am not doing this every day!

So I arrived on Monday at ORD at 1PM for my 4:30 flight. Didn't expect to get there in under 3 hours from my moms so my long day started out to be a bit longer. Not much excitment on the first leg from ORD to LAX other then the first book i had with me got finished.
Arrived at LAX and went directly to the Air New Zealand counter to find out how much it would cost to upgrade my seat from the Cattle yard.
So for $300 extra i could get a lazy boy seat in there Premium Economy area. With little hesitation I took it. My lay over was only about an hour so no sooner did I get in the terminal and i was heading twords my seat. So i get on the plane show my ticket to the flight attendant and he says - oh you know where your going, upstairs. I was like what? and he points upstairs. Really only one word can explain the next 15 hours of my trip - AWESOMENESS! Free movies, free beer, fantastic food, and no one sitting next to me. It was worth every penny to upgrade. I was able to extend out the time i was awake and sleep soundly during Australia night time.
My lay over in Auckland was very minimal and the flight from Auckland to Brisbane was also very uneventful.

I arrived in Brisbane at 7:30AM Brisbane time on Wednesday the 22nd. Everything is smooth sailing until I'm sitting there waiting for my luggage and I see a sniffing dog making its trek around the facility. (checking for quarantine items etc) Long story short the dog smelled something in my bag, and I about had a heart attack. Chrissi had bought some beef jerky for me for the trip and I had it in my carry on bag. I had just thrown it away, as I wasn't allowed to carry it through customs. Luckily for me I had nothing left in my carry on and by 8:15 i had my bags and was sitting in the Car with John my new boss heading out of Brisbane.

John took me around Brisbane a bit to get a feel for the city, plus ran me on a few errands that I needed to get done today. Set up a bank account - which ended up being a huge hassle, but at least it is done now. Then into the office to get some paper work started and to meet some of my new co-workers. this took until about 2pm when Johns boss dropped me off at the mall.

At the mall i was on a hunt for a cell phone company. The next 3 hours where a total nightmare. 2 of the company's won't even talk to me until i had been in Australia for at least a month. a 3rd company wanted to charge me $900 for a pay as you go phone. Finally I got to the last company who most have felt some pity for me because they somehow made it all work out. I felt having a phone was very important to have with all of the house/car searching i would be doing over the next few weeks. I'm very grateful that it all fell into place.

I got back to my hotel/suite around 5 took a shower and wanted nothing else but to fall asleep, but my day was not over yet. John picked me up around 5:30 to take me to his house for dinner. His plan was to try to keep me up as long as possible to help me get on Brisbane time. I had a lovely dinner with John and his family, they are incredibly nice people, he is going to make working here that much easier. One note about John, he is Gethro Gibbs from NCIS. He has about a 20 foot sail boat in his back yard that he built from Scratch. the craftsman ship was truly amazing.
I got back to my hotel room around 8 and was asleep at 8:05 I was pretty much the walking dead the last couple hours. I awoke this morning around 6 feeling pretty refreshed, thought i know today is going to be another exciting day. I will get my first driving experience and the hunting for houses begins. Wish me luck!

Nat Arrived

2009-04-22T07:33:00.001-07:00

Just wanted everyone to know that Nat arrived safely in Brisbane. Brisbane is 13 hours ahead of Illinois time, so it is currently around 12:30am on Thursday there. His new phone number is (with country code) 011-61-4-1626-5280.
It costs too much to text internationally but his email at flednat@gmail.com is active if you want to drop him a line.

Mrs. P

Reality setting in...

2009-04-20T18:55:00.000-07:00

Last week was so much fun! It was so nice to really spend time with people. Although it was a bit hectic, I was actually really bummed to go home. I have a lot of projects here that I need to attend to before I move across the world. I was also left with a 2 page list of things to do before I leave!! Somehow Nat planned that perfectly. Its not too bad, I got the majority of what I could get done finished today.
The reality of the move is starting to set in, especially with Nat in the air. It is definately a different kind of longing when you know you cant just pick up the phoneto get a hold of someone. How did the world survive without cell phones?? He was starting to get more nervous today so I think it is finally sinking in for him. I sorta wish I could have gone with him, but I think it was best for me to stay to make sure everything was good to go. So I officially have 13 days till I get on a plane. I got word from Queensland University of Technology that I was accepted into their nursing program. It is very much like the one I was going to go to here where I recieve my Bachelors degree in a 2-year program. So once I land, I will need to find a place to live, scope out the school and get registered for classes that start on JULY 20!! So my dream of sitting on the beach all day will be merely a pipe dream, and I will have to hit the books HARD, because I dont remember the last time I studied!! There is a long story that got me to the point to take up nursing...its just weird where life takes you and how is molds you, even before you are fully aware of it.
I am excited about the opportunity in Nat and my life. I think it will only make us stronger and more in love with each other (if that is possible =)) i am sure there will be some challenges, but I wouldn't want to experience with anyone else. He truly is the man of my dreams and no one compares. This time we will find our way on our own, not that we didn't before, but now its really just the two of us.
I am not sure where this road will lead, but I trust the Nat would only make such a drastic change if he was confident it was the best decision for both of us. It comforting to know I have that kind of strength standing next to me. I figure if we can remodel a house, build a house and live with in-laws within the first couple years of marriage and still love each other more than ever...then we can do anything!!
Love you all...
Mrs. P

Nat's Last Day

2009-04-15T06:34:00.000-07:00

So today is Nat's last day at Accenture. He has really enjoyed working there and i can imagine thought he would be there until he retired. This opportunity to move to Australia was too good to pass up and the timing was perfect. He went out with some people from work last night and seemed to have a great time. I know he will miss the friends he has made at Accenture. Hopefully some will take him up on his offer to come to Australia.

Nat has less than a week left in the USA. By next Wednesday he will be in Australia, soaking up the sun and trying to find us a place to live! He is very excited, like a toddler at Christmas. Its rather endearing. Hastings Deering is providing up to 4 weeks of housing which is nice because Nat doesnt have to live in a hotel, and they are also providing a company car for a couple weeks. I am a little hesitant of driving in AU, I have a hard enough time on the right side of the road, moreorless the left...so maybe it will be good for me!! =)

I have applied to a couple nursing programs, but havent heard anything back yet. Classes dont start until July so hopefully I will get there in enough time to get organized. I am feeling so at peace and calm with this move that it seems almost surreal. Nat and I both are barely nervous, but more anxious to get there. I am not sure our family really realizes that we are not moving to just another state, but another COUNTRY. I know my sisters will love the adventure of coming to visit, another notch in their world-travelling belt.

Overall everything has gone very smoothly. Our possessions have boarded ship and will be delivered Mid-June, and the girls (dogs) have booked their flight for Aug 11 so we will see them in Mid-September. Now all we have to do is fine a place to live! I can imagine it will be much easier once we get there. I just dont want to rush into it.

I appreciate all the avid readers, so few i know. But I am hoping once we get to AU and wont be able to talk to people as freely that this blog will be more active with all the adventures of Nat and Chrissi.

Mrs. P

Update

2009-04-03T08:44:00.000-07:00

I have been asked to provide an update...so here goes.

Nat finally got his visa approved and everything is set in stone now. What surprized me was that it took less than 2 weeks instead of 2 months. Nat is currently in Peoria and he will be there on and off till he leaves on April 20. I leave May 4, I have a wedding scheduled for May 2 so I need to stay for that. thats only 31 days away!! but it seems like a lifetime away.

I am trying to arrange dates with everyone before I go. Travelling to Peoria and to KY to see my mom and trying to touch base with all my friends here..that is a full time job all its itself. On top of that, my kitchen repaint turned into a kitchen remodel, so this house is a mess and I can hardly stand it anymore. The vacuum is broken and in the shop and the neighbors vacuum sucks...so I am seriously on the verge of going to buy one just so I can have a clean house!!

The kitchen should be done by middle of next week...if all goes as I plan =)...well a girl can dream. I am painting the bathroom today and then Ill have to paint the kitchen and the cabinets...good thing I dont have a job!

We sold our car last week so we have been trying to arrange transportation everywhere...which makes visiting outside the vicinity a bit more challenging. We also exchanged our flat screen for plumbing work for my sister...it ended up being a good deal...though there are still things to do. The moving company came out last week to take our bed and a few boxes. We really didnt realize how SMALL the container was...not much more than the bed really fit. I am totally missing my bed though...so is my back and my sanity! Only 3 months till i get it back!! oh dear.

I was telling a friend today that the original idea of moving was fine with me and the painful waiting game. Then there was the excitement of it all coming together, and the liberation of selling all the debt-consumed junk in our lives. After the thrill of acceptance, it was nose to the grindstone to get everything set in stone. A little bit of reality set in, now its the final touches and even more sinking in...and then waiting for that day to fly away. Finally I am getting a little nervous and apprehensive...oh crap, what did I just agree to?? Starting over is always scary, but I have never been that far away from family. I believe the mothers are having a harder time with it then they put off...especially mine. They will be fine, we will be fine...change is inevitable.

I sent off my applications to nursing school in AU. Hopefully I can start classes as early as July Semester...pray hard!! i cant say I am a shoe in...but I hope I am. Although it might be nice to get a job somewhere!

I get the feeling that Nat doesnt consider this a 2 year stint. He is not rushing to conclusions, but he makes subtle remarks that makes me think he may never leave AU. Lets start with the 2 years and go from there...its cute though, he already has all these mini-vacations planned for us...Fiji, Soloman, Barrier Reef, Sydney. So I guess I can consider it a 2 year honeymoon! (But he is NOT getting out of taking me to ITALY!)

My sisters (and sister in law) have already started planning their vacations. I am thinking if I can get friend/family to come once a month, I will adjust better...=) So start planning your trips! I would love to give everyone the opportunity to be able to visit. I will definately have to scope out some killer spots.

So i guess right now its just tying up loose ends and making sure we have everything taken care of before we board the planes. I am super excited for Nat, he has talked about having an opportunity like this since I met him. He is adorable, like a little kid with a new shiny toy. He really is this amazing man and I am blessed beyond measure. You should be jealous!

Move to Australia Details

2009-02-28T09:16:00.000-08:00

(Nat)I'll start a few months back. A co-worker(Bruce)of mine went on vacation to Australia. Bruce is a long time employee of Caterpillar and use to provide training to dealers worldwide. While he was in Australia he met up with some old contacts he had with a Caterpillar dealer Hastings Deering (in Brisbane). While talking, the dealer mentioned that they needed someone to fill a role with a job very similiar to what Bruce and I do. Bruce gave them my name as he knew that I enjoyed traveling and had told him that I would love to work in a dealer environment some day. Well a few days later I got an email from the dealer basically asking if I would be interested in hearing about the job. At that time I didn't think anything of it, but told him I would be interested in communicating more. This was around the beginning of January.
Fast forward 2 months we communicated some more about the opportunity and at the start of this week they came to me with an offer for a job. The offer was very similar financially to what I am making now, but Chrissi and I felt that if we were going to move all the way around the world we would need a little bit more. So we counter-offered. Thursday night around 2AM they came back with everything I had asked for in my counter offer.
Chrissi and I have been talking about the job and felt that the timing was perfect for us and that it was just to great an opportunity to turn down, so we accepted the job. So as of right now we are working on getting our visa's and preparing a relocation - which the dealer is going to pay for everything. We are a bit of a daze right now because it seems to have happened very fast.
The timing for all of this just seems so unreal. If this offer would have come 6 months ago while we were living in Peoria we never would have been able to do this.
Our move from Peoria to Cincy opened the door for this opportunity to happen. Also the bad economy has allowed us to have someone rent our house for at least 2 years. We had originally signed a 1 year lease with them, but they had plans of building a new house this year - but because of the economy they are going to wait another year before they start. Hopefully that will allow the housing market to recover so we can sell our house at that time or if the job doesn't work out we will have a place to return to if needed. Though I honestly don't see this happening instead will find us selling our house in a few years.
We are extremely excited about this move, though like I said earlier we are in a daze that this happened so fast. We are expecting to move in Mid-May/Early June. We are basically selling everything we own to make that trip cheaper. So if you anyone interested in a '07 Honda Accord for around $15,000/OBO or desks, tables, stereo equipment, kitchen appliances...lots of DVDS and Books...let us know!!
Thank you all for your prayers and support. We are truly blessed to have family that allows us to be adventurous and seemingly crazy but loves us all the same.
Hope that fills in the blanks some.
Nat and Chrissi

Its Official!!!

2008-08-29T11:40:00.001-07:00

So we are officially moving to Cincinnati. We need to be out of our house by the 15th...of september!! So we will be packing and getting a u-haul and be moved into cheryl's house by then. My last day here at the Journal Star is September 12th. We will be renting out the house to a couple for a year that is building a new house in the spring, but sold their old house. So that is awesome for us because we have someone pay our mortgage so we can move, and when we sell next year we wont have to worry about the capital gain and will have way more equity in it to invest into new house. I am seriously dumbfounded about how seamless and quick this has been. We decided LESS than 2 weeks ago. It is a slight burden off my shoulders, but it will be alot better once I get to there and can settle in a bit.
As far as my job, I am thinking I will probably go in and talk to Mesh and give them my application and start there October 1. I dont anticipate having an issue, plus I know there is money to be made, especially during the holidays. I also talked to the photographer here in Peoria and he is going to give me some mentoring to help me get started there--and maybe we can come up with some other arrangements for me to do some weddings on the side...most likely the more long-distance ones...who knows! I am pretty flexible right now and I life like that. It will be interesting to see if I like serving again, or if i would prefer the more 9-5 gig (although now I dont care so much for it). It will also test my marriage because Nat will be working days, and me nights and weekends (most likely) and I will have to sacrifice some quality time with him till i figure some things out. But as long as I am bringing in some money, I dont think he will mind.
I am very excited to see everyone this weekend. Especially Abbi, since I havent seen her in over 2 years...girl! that is way too long! I think Abbi really needs some friend love!
Of course Nats family is very shocked and scared and disappointed. But I seriously agree with Nat that this is a good move for us in a lot of ways. We will have to live with Cheryl for more than a year, but we will see how that pans out. It will take some adjusting, but I think it will be awesome! nat has plans for remodeling, etc..
Thats all i know for now....and I am still trying to adjust and get things done...it is going to be a BUSY, STRESSFUl couple weeks!!

love you all
Mrs. P

Hello

2008-07-02T08:45:00.001-07:00

I am so excited that we are going to Kentucky this weekend. I need a vacation from Illinois to spend time with my family. Ken and Nat are making great progress on the duplex. They need to finish the hardwood, and trim and they also need the countertops, toilets, appliances installed...so they are VERY close to being finished. That is basically Nats life right now...either working on Duplex or trying to finish our house. one day--he is be stir crazy cause he wont have anything to do....but I am sure there will ALWAYS be a list!!
I am still content for the most part at PJS. It definately has its moments but overall its steady and easy. We have been trying to get our debt paid off...it jsut seems to never stop. I just want a large check to come to me, I can jsut imagine all the things we could do and be able to help others if we werent throwing all our money into the past. all well...thus is life.
Life has been pretty normal. I am excited to spend time with josh and brin when they get in town. I havent been to a pflederer family function in a while...i kinda miss them!

if anything interesting or exciting happens. Ill let you know!
Chrissi

Can You Believe It?

2008-05-27T11:56:00.001-07:00

Can you believe that Nat and I have been married for over two years?!!??!? We celebrated our 2 Year Wedding Anniversary last week on May 20. Time flies so fast, and although its only been 2 years, I feel we have only grown closer and stronger.

We bought a new house in September 2007, and have been working on it to finish since then! We spent all weekend trying to finish it, but kept running into snags and although we got ALOT accomplished...we didnt finish anything! Just like having a place of your own eh? The work is never done!

Nat is awesome as always. He got a new job at work as support manager, and he is still doing all his previous duties. I really think he likes his job. He is also still going to school to get his bachelors finished. He should be done in May 2009 (crossing fingers)
I have my days where i like my job at PJS. Right now it is easy consistent money and its not hard work, just frustrating. I am looking into getting my photography business off the ground...i figure its one thing i am good at and i like to make my own schedule. Guess we will see how long it takes me to get that accomplished ( i am not so good with getting goals accomplished...i am quite the procrastinator).

The girls are growing up -- and getting lazier day by day....they will be three years old in september. Shyla is a bit older, i believe she will be 9 or 10 in june.

Nat and I are considering children...i guess we will see how long it takes for that to come about. its exciting and scary and overwhelming but thrilling and oh you know, lots of mixed emotions..

well that is about it for us. Ill try to keep you more updated, although i am not sure anyone even reads this blog anymore.

Love you all
Mr and Mrs P

New Year, New You

2007-02-06T09:02:00.000-08:00

I think that is my ultimate motto for this year. For some reason I just feel like 2007 is a year of growth and drastic change. Granted last year had its fill of change, this is change also in a great direction. i have some resolutions that I am pretty determined to accomplish and one has already come to fruition.
I officially start my NEW JOB at Peoria Journal Star on February 12th. I am excited and scared, basic emotion for the start of any new job. I will be a Production Artist, which basically designs ads for clients. Its monday through friday 8:30-4:45 which will take some adjustment, but they are paying me enough to make it worth my while. I just hope I make it through the 90 day probation period because this job is meant to help with some other resolutions (namely paying off some debt). We are trying to get our heads on straight before we commit to having kids, so alot of the resolutions have to do with that, but its a couple steps in the right direction.

Mrs. P

Nothing too exciting

2006-12-30T19:37:00.000-08:00

Life is pretty drab. Nat works, I work two jobs and we hang out every once in a while. Christmas was nice. I was great to see Nessa and Joel and go see my family. It was also exhausting, I am anxious for life to get back to "normal." I like my job but its unfortunate that its only part time so I had to go get another job at Walmart. There is some stigma there--Nat says I am a snob...i guess i just think i am better than cashier at walmart at 28, but still-- what else am i going to do?
we have been working around the house. Hardwood and tile look awesome, but still those finishing touches take forever...will we ever be truly finished? Graber is helping us with the bathroom. Thankfully we have two, otherwise we would smell REALLY bad!!
It was unfortunate the passing of Dwayne Stuber, I know he was a great man. I think I am still a little bit of an avoider when it comes to death, being my dad passed in May. It was hard not to have his presence at Thanksgiving and Christmas, but I think we all did pretty well considering.
Nat has been applying for different positions within Accenture. I think he is looking for something new but wants to continue within Accenture. I miss home (cincinnati) every now and again. Its hard to be away from everyone that i love and care for and missing there lives...them having babies and buying houses. I feel like i am missing out on everything and losing touch with them slowly but surely. It sucks to be here sometimes and not have anyone to hang out with. Granted I keep myself busy with work, but thats mainly cause I have nothing else to do. I am at a loss and dont really know what to do with my life from here. I figured by this time in my life I would have it all figured out, and it sucks sometimes not to know where to go from here.
well thats about it. hope you all have had a great holiday. until the next time i sit and share....
Chrissi

On the homefront

2006-10-17T13:06:00.000-07:00

so nat and i have been busy around here. We pulled up the vinyl anf carpet and replaced it with tile and hardwood. It looks beautiful. nothing too exciting going on. I quit my job with virtuallnk and am now working part time for a photographer (www.onastudio.com). It is definately more up my alley as far as what I want to do and not nearly the stress or turmoil of virtuallnk. Nat is still working for Accenture and loves it. Its nice to have a job you really enjoy and I am glad he has that. No plans of children yet, although i know the grandparents are anxious. They have waited this long...they can stand to wait a bit longer.
I wish there was something spectacular to say, but nothing comes to mind. So until then.....

Mr and Mrs P

JAMAICAIN ME CRAZY~~~

2006-07-26T16:10:00.000-07:00

Hello all
Long time i know. Just wanted to give you a slight update. I dont even think people read this blog so i am going to make it short and sweet. We have been great. Went to Jamaica last week. My friend Jen got married and I was her photographer, now is time to go through all the pictures and tweek them a bit. OH FUN. I actually like working in photoshop, but would rather do it as a hobby rather than a job. I have ventured into something new and i hope it to be very successful. I am started a home-based multi-level marketing called ARBONNE. you can find out more information online at www.arbonne.com I have yet to come across anyone that hasnt had a successful business (granted they DO it). The Product line is INCREDIBLE. Its a botanical swiss formulated skin care line. They also have other products such as anti-aging (biggest seller and best investment) a mens line, baby line, anti-acne line, vitamins, weight loss and makeup. I am trying to organize some parties for my start months and if anyone is interested please contact me. Ill keep you updated about how that is going. If you want to read more in depth about me go to http://alycepaige.blogspot.com
Thats all for now
BIG LOVE
Mrs. P

oh married life

2006-07-05T19:34:00.000-07:00

i always thought i would love being married, and of course i was right. I am usually right about what i thought i would want...i said USUALLY!
Nat is wonderful. Half the time i dont know how he puts up with me. I am a girl, through and through, with the random girlish spats. I am independant through and through too, so its hard sometimes, but we manage well. Yet to get into a fight, though we do have little tantrums sometimes (more like him putting up with my tantrums).
I have been working alot lately and trying to get all my projects till septemeber done this month. I think i can actually do it, we will see.two week from today that we go to Jamaica. I am excited. It will be so much fun and a much needed vacation i think. a laid back event in the sun. I am most excited to show off my man!!
we have had some drama lately. went down to visit my mom in KY last weekend and Etta and Sadie BOTH got bit by a snake. They were all swollen and miserable. One of those times when i wish i could've been there to protect them, but they love to run the woods and i cant keep up.
Speaking of running though (btw the girls are MUCH better)...Nat and I have started a running regime. we are using an eight-week plan to get to the point where we can run 30 minutes straight...i do believe he is in better shape than i am. Gotta start somewhere though right?
well mom and steve bought a new house. we get to go see it this weekend. we are also going car shopping hoping to find a 4 door car at the same monthly payment that we are paying now. need more space with all the girls. we really like camrys, accords, passats and well we can drool over the acura that we cant afford. trying to get our finances in order so we will be financially secure later in life...anyone have any suggestions? email us! or post a comment.
going to hang out with erin and alex on friday night..some friends from accenture. they are fun to hang out with, its exciting to have options.
i would still like to get involved into a volleyball league, but we havent been too proactive about that lately...anyone want to play with us?
well....i think thats it.
love you all
Mrs. P

We finally finished

2006-06-23T06:36:00.000-07:00

Well we finally finished the fence!! oh it is beautiful!! if i ever find the time in the day to take a picture i will post it here. I am so proud of us. We make a great team. So now is the issue of getting back to normal. Its been over a month and I still havent had the oppurtunity to finished the thank you notes. I feel like i am never going to get my head above water.
We are trying to get outta debt. Start our lives off right and not end up like many other families. Last night we took a leap forward. slowly but surely we will kick this debt out and BY GOD we will not be in this position again in the future. I have had my financial problems, made my bad decisions, but no regrets. I wouldnt be where i am now with my train of thought about money if I had never experienced the troubles.
Life is good. We are keeping ourselves busy. Getting out of the house, visiting and getting to know the family. I have a feeling for the first while that it will only be family as people i know.
I have met some great ladies and love everyone. i started a bible study with ruth ann, which is nice because it gets in involved somewhere. I am not one to sit around and be passive, i like to be doing things.
So we have a couple other house-altering projects in mind. But he assured they wont be a glimmer in our minds until we get some financial stuff taken care of and we will not go into debt to do any of them. pinky swear!
Well, thats about it i guess.
Talk to you soon
Mr.Mrs>P

Married Life

2006-05-28T16:27:00.000-07:00

First off, we want to thank EVERYONE that celebrated our marriage with us. Both receptions went great, very casual, laid back and fun. We got to see people that we dont see very often and also reconnected with people we havent seen in a long time. We appreciate the effort (or rather expertise) of our party planners, Cheryl and Ruth Ann and also the generosity of those that helped tremendously in the preparations (Carol, Todd, Ken, Hope, Steve, Jim and Jackie.) The wedding day was perfect!! Not a cloud in the sky and absolutely BEAUTIFUL!!! Perfect for us, able to have a small intimate ceremony was awesome for us. I am sorry that everyone could not have been there, but it would not have been the same.
I am in awe of everyone's generosity and love. I truly have the best family and have married into one as well...could life be better?
We are spending the next week building a fence. It is a lot of fun. Both of us are pretty handy to have around and we both enjoy building things. The best part is that we can just let the puppies out the door and not have to sit out there with them or tie them up. It will be great for us in a lot of ways. No worries about getting home at a certain time or standing out in below 10 degree weather waiting for them to potty when all they want to do is play in the snow. Life will be awesome!!
I am going to try to keep this pretty updated, but who knows, not very much interesting goes on around here once life gets back to normal.
Well Love you all
Chrissi and Nat

Our Story

2006-04-14T13:54:00.000-07:00

People always say that when you are searching for the love of your life, it will come when you least expect it. WE are here to confirm the truth in that.

CHrissi moved to Los ANgeles California in May of 2005. It was an oppurtunity to “find herself,” but also an oppurtunity to find an adventure beyond cincinnati ohio. Los Angeles was not what she expected and she was ultimately unhappy. She decided to move back to Cincinnati less than three months later. Although while she was in la, she found the best of friends in vanessa. While in the process of settling affairs in Los Angeles, Vanessa’s brother had planned a trip to Los ANgeles for vacation. Chrissi and Nat met before going to an etta james and buddy guy concert at the hollywood bowl. That week they spent many nights talking until the early morning about anything and everything. Nothing romantic, it was just like they had known each other for a lifetime. Throughout that week, chrissi was subtly noticing his character and began slowly to respect and admire his person. Nat on the other hand was totally enamored by chrissi, but couldn’t possibly tell her , what would be the odds?
So a week later and many fun times had, Nat was a day away from flying home to peoria, illinois and chrissi was planning her drive back cross-country to cincinnati.
Monday, August 1st, 2005, nat offered to drive chrissi back. He loves to drive and was willing to leave a day early and miss his flight to drive cross-country with Chrissi. Chrissi took advantage of the prompt invitation and decided to drive back with him. Somewhere between Los ANgeles and Peoria, Nat claims that chrissi hit him over the head with a 2X4, because after 30 hours of driving, we were totally in love with each other.
So plans changed quite unexpectedly and with no warning. THen Chrissi made arrangements to take a risk on the newfound romance and move to tremont, illinois. apparently that wasnt such a bad decision.
ON CHristmas Eve, Nat proposed and CHrissi (without hesitation) said yes.. now we are planning our future together. And in celebration of that, we wanted to invite everyone we know to celebrate with us. We are proud to be where we are and look forward to what lies ahead.

Our Lives

2006-04-14T13:35:00.000-07:00

Just wanted to tell you a little bit about whats going on in our lives. Chrissi is currently living in Cincinnati to prepare for the big day and Nat is living in Tremont, Illinois.
Nat works for Accenture. I am not really sure all the details but basically he is contracted through CAT for software support. Chrissi graduated from University of Cincinnati/DAAP with a degree in photography and electronic media. She currently works from home as a graphic designer for Virtuallnk, Inc.
We will be living in Tremont after the wedding and taking care of our adorable dogs.

Shyla, the mother-hen

Etta the Evil Princess

Sadie the Cuddling Baby Girl.

We are very happy together and cant wait to be married. Yeah!
We plan to be more social when we move back to Tremont. I think it will tough at first, but worth it.
Here are a couple more pictures of us from Christmas, sorry there arent any more recent ones, but neither one of us like to have our pictures taken. =)