Hello, It's been awhile since I added my two cents. I wanted to give an overview to a day in the life for me and the kids. Mike being at work makes it easy enough to picture what his day is like but for the kids and I it is a bit different. Everyday, I usually have lots of things that I need to figure out and take care of. I have a similar list to before we left home except it is in reverse order. At the end of the day I don't know where the time has gone and I can't figure out why I haven't accomplished more. Every day is usually very busy, running to the store to pick up something else we realize we need, going to the bank to apply for new services, or try to figure out what we need, credit cards, etc. Searching for a car and house was time consuming to say the least and all the bits and bobs that go with that, insurance, registration, bla. bla, bla, you get the idea. I always have tons of new things I need to figure out, and lots of paper work to fill out. The registration packages for the school (x3) is like writing a novel. Figuring out everything here,like how internet is sold, is just that little bit different that it takes quite a bit of time to sort it all. So, I spend about half of everyday managing that kind of junk. Also everyday, I try to find something for the kids and I to do, whether it's just a trip to the beach or a walk around the neighbourhood we are staying in. It's definately a priority to get out and do something everyday. For instance, the other day we went for coffee and a trip in to town to the apple store. Doesn't sound like much, but it's a nice way to explore to city and get to know where we live. The kids like to do things like that and it keeps them from going stir crazy We also spend quite a bit of time with best friend Kylie. If we are going to the beach or to kings park we will often invite her or we get invited for a swim or a shopping trip or, like today, a swim in her pool and lunch! Can't wait, 33 degrees today. She has just gone above and beyond to help us settle in. I'm so thankful to have found such a fast friend and such a good, thoughful person to boot. She has taken a lot of time out of her very busy life with friends and family and with young kids to incorporate us into her life. All in all we are very busy and pretty happy with our life thus far. We are trying to keep a bit of holiday atmosphere just so we don't get bogged down with stuff. There can be a lot of it just because there are so many little mundane things to do and the kids don't have many options just now.
We are too late to register in school this year. We only got an address with 10 days of school left so unfortunately we will have to wait until the new year starts to begin school. The kids are pretty disappointed. They were looking forward to having something to do and hoping to meet some people. However, now that we know what community we are living in I can start registering them in some community events, like the surf club and gymnastics for Keva. Having an address will really change things for us. One of the big lures for us with this house, and why we were willing to pay a premium, is it's proximity to alot of things to do. We are two blocks from the beach, but we are also two blocks from the bike path, we have a nature reserve across the street, golf course nearby and the Hillaries Marina a 3 minute bike ride away. That is what we were really looking for. Access to an active lifestyle right outside our door. Moving day is tomorrow!! Believe it or not I will miss our current location. It is just fantastic to be able to walk downtown or walk around these neighbourhoods and grab great bubble tea in china town and walk to the grocery store or the art gallery. I won't miss the drunks or the screaming at all hours but it has been a great way to get to know the city and a great experience.
Driving on the "wrong " side of the road was a fairly easy transition. After the third time driving or so most of the white knuckling was over. With two exceptions. First, every time I get into the car I get in on the wrong side to drive away. Very embarrasing when I'm by myself at the gas station or the store. I have to pretend I'm getting something out from under the seat! Secondly, when I am driving in parking lots with no other cars around, I always end up drifting to the other side and get confused when I have to turn into a lane. Traffic is good, it keeps you going in the right direction! GPS is alsao a lifesaver. You don't have to worry about where you are or where you have to go, you can just concentrate on driving and following directions. I know the quadrant we are living in and the quadrant we are moving into a little bit now and often don't need the GPS foor directions. It does notify you of speed cameras and red light cameras so it will always come in handy. It also tells you where gas stations are and restaurants(even which type of food) and points of interest. I just love it and will never go without a GPS again, not ever. Amazing device.It has definately been a team effort, the kids are reading the signs and repeat what the GPS has told me. It's been a lot of fun. The boys are anxious to try , but I'm still a little tentative about it. The roads are thinner and I always feel like I have cars coming at me all the time. You have to be quick and have quick reflexes. It's very much like what you see on TV with European driving. I always feel like it's zippy, thats the best way to describe it. Plus, I LOVE our new car and have a fierce protectivness towards it. We may have to look into a junker for the boys!
I hope this helps those who were wondering what our day to day looks like.
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