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
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Monday, September 14, 2009
Video of Girls and Nat
Check out video at http://alycepaige.blogspot.com/
Girls arrived safely. Read all about it on other blog!
Girls arrived safely. Read all about it on other blog!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Almost
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
Wednesday, September 09, 2009
Monday, September 07, 2009
Bioscience midterm
Missed more than I thought I did so little disappointed but better than most...82.5. 33 out of 40.
chrissi alice
chrissi alice
Friday, August 28, 2009
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Check it out...
http://www.dogwalks.com.au/cpg/thumbnails.php?album=182
album of our girls while in quarantine.
album of our girls while in quarantine.
Monday, August 03, 2009
Things to write home about!
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
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
Monday, July 20, 2009
ok ok i slack i slack...
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.
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.
Sunday, July 05, 2009
Geting Better...
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
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
Monday, June 29, 2009
Mini-Update
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
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
Monday, June 15, 2009
Nothing Special
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
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
Monday, June 08, 2009
Three Day Weekend
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.
Tuesday, June 02, 2009
Sunday, May 31, 2009
flying insects on faces...time flies
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
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
Friday, May 29, 2009
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
Finally
Finally got Internet. I will post blog tomorrow. Not much to report but I'll do my best.
chrissi alice
chrissi alice
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Checking 'em off the list...
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
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
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