The time has come. Some days I have called it "dooms day" but others I say, "I am ready to be home". We approach the end of what has been an extremely memorable adventure for our family. My head is spinning with a multitude of emotions: sadness, joy, anxiety, fear, excitement, etc. All to be expected I suppose. I am extremely grateful for the opportunity our family has been given to come live in another country but even better to live in Australia. What an awesome place to live. If you ever have the chance, I would definitely recommend visiting. Unfortunately, we didn't make it to the Eastern side but I have heard great things from many people. Hopefully we will have the chance to come back and explore what we didn't see.
I will take with me many things which I have learned here about myself, about the culture here, and yes..all of the crazy lingo. :) We will dearly miss our good friend Timmie, who I am thankful that we were able to have the time we had. We've got nothing but love Timmie! And thank you to my new friends Lauren and Erin. Erin--I am so thankful you stopped me to ask me about my "Bob" stroller. Who knew the "bob" would bring us together! ha! I will miss our walks, talks, and laughs together. oh and we can't forget the good food and wine. :) We will have to continue that on Skype!
Lauren--Thank you for ALL of your help and kindness. oh and for teaching me all of the Australian phrases such as "put the pram in the boot"! The kids will surely miss you as well. Please stay in touch.
Brandi (Roomie)--I am SOO glad I got to come see your home in Malaysia but most importantly your beautiful baby boy. It was so awesome to see you as always. Now--Hurry up and move back to Texas!!!!
Thank you Grumps and Sass for coming to see us. It was so nice to have family here with us for an "Aussie" Christmas. I hope you left here with very fond memories and that the "long" flight was worth it! :)
I will post our last pictures up on Picasa from the past few weeks. We will be back in Texas on Jan 4th. It will be 2010 here in about 8 hours so I wish you an early Happy New Years from down under and hope nothing but the best for all of you in 2010. We can't wait to reunite with you all!!!! Texas here we come...
G-day Mates!
Godspeed,
Laura
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Friday, December 4, 2009
November is gone, Summer is HERE!
I just dropped my mom off at the airport. It really hit me once we started driving away and I came home to the empty bedroom where she stayed. I felt quite sad. We really had a good time and enjoyed having her here so much. It is really nice to share this experience with family and will be a treasured memory for all of us. We were able to make a short trip down to Margaret River, which is a wine region down south. It really is beautiful there and was refreshing to have a change in scenery. We were able to go to a few vineyards and tried some excellent wine. I couldn't do too many vineyards since I was driving! :) They also have a few brewery's around, which I know Paul will try out when we go back in a few weeks. You can't get much better than having beach and vineyards in one place! I think my mom would live there if she could! I have posted the pictures on Picasa Web albums. Thanks for everything mom!!! Love you!
Paul has almost been gone a month now, so we are very eager to have him home. He should be home in a few days. Luckily, his project is now pretty much over so he only has to work about another week and a half in the office and then he is off until we leave Australia. His parents come very soon and we are really looking forward to spending Christmas with them over here! For those of you that don't already know, after much thought and consideration, Paul decided to turn down the offer here for a job as well as the other opportunities in Singapore and Malaysia. He has worked so hard since we have been out of college and achieved so much in that time, but is quite burned out now. As I said in the previous post, the Houston office is quite dead right now, so it will give him an opportunity to have some down time and get some sparkle back. It was a VERY difficult decision especially since I have enjoyed it here so much with the kids. Our quality of life is great here with regards to raising a family. But, Paul needs to go home and I can understand that. There still is a lot of work in Australia and in Asia, so who knows, we just might be back. Never say never. Now that we made the decision I am REALLY excited to get back to family, friends, my dog, my bed and pillow, my grocery stores, my kitchen, etc. etc. This last month will hopefully be really great b/c Paul will get to relax and enjoy Australia a bit before we head back. I am going to take surfing lessons and do some paddle-boarding. I am dying to take kite-surfing lessons, but it is REALLY expensive and not worth it if you aren't going to continue doing it. We are going to try and get some snorkeling in and I would love to do some scuba diving, but it has been a LONG time. probably too long. I would probably have to take some refresher courses.
It doesn't really feel like Christmas here. Yes, it is summer now and hot, which is part of the reason, but there just isn't a Christmas feel like there is back home. I am missing all of the traditions and spirit we have for Christmas and I am feeling homesick for probably the first time since we have left Texas. There is an event called "Carols By Candlelight" which everyone gathers at a park near downtown and sings Christmas carols with candles, which will be lead by some kind of band or choir. It sounds really nice and we plan to attend. Apparently, on Christmas day Australians have lunch with family and then everyone heads to the beach. Very strange!!! I read that it snowed in Houston today! I can't believe it! We seem to always miss it when this rare occurrence happens. The kids were sad they missed it. If anyone took pictures, please send them to us!!!
This week we found out that our house got broken into. Fortunately, they just broke the window to Graces room where the lock was and unlocked the window. Our house alarm went off and I guess it spooked them b/c they didn't enter the house or take anything. I kind of figured this might happen with us being gone for so long but I was still quite upset about it. As most of you know, we have had some issues with our neighborhood. I am sure many people noticed we were gone b/c the kids and I are always out front usually. My neighbor saw 2 guys running from the woods behind our house and get into a car, so it had to have been them. So, Paul and I are definitely looking at moving when we get back. If our house were to sell before we find a house, we may even rent for awhile until we can figure out the best area of Houston to live in.
I hope everyone is doing well and the start to your holiday season is going well. We will miss seeing you over the holidays but look forward to seeing you in January! Our flight gets in on Monday, January 4th.
Stay warm!!! We have our AC on in the house! It was about 95 today!
Lots of Love,
Laura
Paul has almost been gone a month now, so we are very eager to have him home. He should be home in a few days. Luckily, his project is now pretty much over so he only has to work about another week and a half in the office and then he is off until we leave Australia. His parents come very soon and we are really looking forward to spending Christmas with them over here! For those of you that don't already know, after much thought and consideration, Paul decided to turn down the offer here for a job as well as the other opportunities in Singapore and Malaysia. He has worked so hard since we have been out of college and achieved so much in that time, but is quite burned out now. As I said in the previous post, the Houston office is quite dead right now, so it will give him an opportunity to have some down time and get some sparkle back. It was a VERY difficult decision especially since I have enjoyed it here so much with the kids. Our quality of life is great here with regards to raising a family. But, Paul needs to go home and I can understand that. There still is a lot of work in Australia and in Asia, so who knows, we just might be back. Never say never. Now that we made the decision I am REALLY excited to get back to family, friends, my dog, my bed and pillow, my grocery stores, my kitchen, etc. etc. This last month will hopefully be really great b/c Paul will get to relax and enjoy Australia a bit before we head back. I am going to take surfing lessons and do some paddle-boarding. I am dying to take kite-surfing lessons, but it is REALLY expensive and not worth it if you aren't going to continue doing it. We are going to try and get some snorkeling in and I would love to do some scuba diving, but it has been a LONG time. probably too long. I would probably have to take some refresher courses.
It doesn't really feel like Christmas here. Yes, it is summer now and hot, which is part of the reason, but there just isn't a Christmas feel like there is back home. I am missing all of the traditions and spirit we have for Christmas and I am feeling homesick for probably the first time since we have left Texas. There is an event called "Carols By Candlelight" which everyone gathers at a park near downtown and sings Christmas carols with candles, which will be lead by some kind of band or choir. It sounds really nice and we plan to attend. Apparently, on Christmas day Australians have lunch with family and then everyone heads to the beach. Very strange!!! I read that it snowed in Houston today! I can't believe it! We seem to always miss it when this rare occurrence happens. The kids were sad they missed it. If anyone took pictures, please send them to us!!!
This week we found out that our house got broken into. Fortunately, they just broke the window to Graces room where the lock was and unlocked the window. Our house alarm went off and I guess it spooked them b/c they didn't enter the house or take anything. I kind of figured this might happen with us being gone for so long but I was still quite upset about it. As most of you know, we have had some issues with our neighborhood. I am sure many people noticed we were gone b/c the kids and I are always out front usually. My neighbor saw 2 guys running from the woods behind our house and get into a car, so it had to have been them. So, Paul and I are definitely looking at moving when we get back. If our house were to sell before we find a house, we may even rent for awhile until we can figure out the best area of Houston to live in.
I hope everyone is doing well and the start to your holiday season is going well. We will miss seeing you over the holidays but look forward to seeing you in January! Our flight gets in on Monday, January 4th.
Stay warm!!! We have our AC on in the house! It was about 95 today!
Lots of Love,
Laura
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Whale Watching.
I forgot to mention in the previous blog that we were able to go whale watching out of Fremantle, which is South of Perth. The humpback whales are migrating through Perth right now through November. The beginning was awesome. The swells were fairly large and the boat ride was fun for the kids. Then my stomach started to turn and I completely had to run to the bathroom as the boat was knocking me from side to side. When I returned, David was holding a barf bag as well as Gracie. It never entered my mind that Grace would get sick!! Poor little thing. Paul was juggling both of them and Emily was eating a snack just enjoying the ride. My friend Erin and her family went and she was throwing up and nursing her baby at the same time! The boat stopped as the whales were spotted. David was bound and determined to see the whales so he went on the upper deck with Paul and took his bag along with him. He was a trooper. I couldn't move and stayed below. We got very lucky because a mom and her calf were breeching just outside the window on the side of the boat I was sitting on. If you don't already know, breeching is when the whale dives deep and jumps completely out of the water. It was quite rare to see a mom and calf doing it together. It was really awesome even though we were sick. I wish I could have taken some pictures but we were very occupied and it was just too difficult. On the way back we were going with the ocean instead of against it so we were finally feeling much better. Apparently the day before it was like glass! Go figure. It was a rather unusually rough day at sea when we went. Next time we will take pills or something! It was well worth it though. Emily and Paul are meant to be at sea!
Today I actually saw a pod of whales out in the water from our house. The water was completley flat and a beautiful turqouise today. It was really pretty. The whales were pretty far out but it was still cool to see.
Living here I am reminded why I majored in Marine Biology. I do love everything about the ocean and love being so near it.
Today I actually saw a pod of whales out in the water from our house. The water was completley flat and a beautiful turqouise today. It was really pretty. The whales were pretty far out but it was still cool to see.
Living here I am reminded why I majored in Marine Biology. I do love everything about the ocean and love being so near it.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Summer is near!
Spring is coming to a close and summer is near! October was a good month. Paul returned from offshore and we were so happy to have him home. All three of the kids wouldn't stay off of Paul his first day back. Grace gets a little jealous and was pushing David and Emily off of him. She is a rascal! :)
Victor flew in from Malaysia the weekend after Paul returned and it was so great! Paul had no idea he was coming so when he walked into the kitchen Friday morning, he was quite surprised. Paul and Vic went to rent some boogie boards and so we all went to the beach the first day. The water is still quite cold so it was so funny to watch them squeal and take the plunge. They got the hang of it and finally caught some waves. Of course David had no problems swimming. Kids are immune to cold water apparently. For Paul's b-day I got him SUP lessons. Paul had really been wanting to try SUP (Stand Up Paddle boarding), so he, Victor, Tim, and Lauren went out and took lessons in the Swan River. They really liked it and fell in the first few times but got the hang of it. There are conflicting stories of who fell in the most and least. It is a great workout apparently and they even have fitness classes on the boards. I am going to try it out very soon. Paul and Vic rented some boards on Sunday and took them out in the surf to try and catch some waves. We went to a protected area by a groin so the waves weren't too large but unfortunately the waves were a little too small but they had fun anyway. It is hilarious to watch them from a distance fall off the board when they lose their balance.
We also had friends over for dinner and cake to celebrate Paul's birthday. It was nice. I made pulled pork sandwiches. We hadn't had bbq in a long time. We miss Texas BBQ for sure. It was a great weekend and Paul really had a nice time. Thanks Vic for everything!!!
We just had an Australian Halloween and it was a little strange. They don't really do trick or treating here. Some people do it and some don't. Paul and I were on a mission to let the kids trick or treat and so Paul took the kids out anyway and went to a few houses. I think they got 3 pieces of candy in total. They trick or treat early as well! Before sunset. Anyway, the kids still had fun I suppose. David was the only one who knew the difference. At least we tried right? I told Paul that even if he is offshore for Thanksgiving, I am still making a dinner somehow. I don't want to lose any traditions being over here!
Then, just recently our friend Rudy who is temporarily in Malaysia as well flew over to see us. He actually lives right down from the street from us in Houston, so it is so bizarre for us to meet up in another country when usually he walks to our house. Welcome to the engineering world! It was a really nice visit and he was very happy to come to cooler temperatures and to eat some pork! ha ha. Thanks Rudy...
Paul is in London right now finishing up his Global Explorers program. He started it a year ago and this was the last trip. London is where the cooperate headquarters are so they met with all of the big wigs in the company. If you don't already know, Global Explorers is a program that Acergy created in order to seek out potential candidates that will be a future asset to the company. There are many cooperate positions that will come available as people will be retiring so they are beginning to look and see who might fit to fill those positions. About 2 people per region were chosen to be a part of this program and Paul was one from the Houston region. I am very proud of him and it is a great honor. So he has travelled to Scotland, Sweden, and now London. All 3 trips have been a lot of fun for him but also taught him a lot about himself and his work. It has been a good experience for him. His last day in London is today so he will be home tomorrow. Talk about a long trip for 4 days!! The last part of the program is to make a poster of yourself and tell the cooperates about yourself, your potentials, your successes, your future goals, etc. I am very curious to see how it went!! I am sure he did great. I am just so proud of him.
As of right now Paul has been offered to take a position in Perth on the next project which would last 2-3 years. He also has been approached to take a job in KL, Malaysia or Singapore. It has been a little overwhelming as these are amazing opportunities for his career but at the same time we have reasons to come home to Houston. We have to sacrifice with either decision we make. Paul's bosses and colleagues from the company strongly emphasize to never say "no" to opportunities like this and that he is crazy to go back to Houston as the industry is really booming on this side of the world. There isn't a lot going on in the Houston office, but that is enticing to Paul b/c he would be able to have some down time and reflect on where he wants to go with his career. It is a very difficult decision and we have to discuss it more. I am open to all of the options. For me, it has been an amazing experience to live overseas but I do miss home and family. It feels like Catch 22! I just keep praying about it and hopefully God will steer us in the right direction. We will keep you posted!!
The great news is that summer is near and in 2 weeks my mom is coming to visit and then Paul's parents come for Christmas. WE CAN"T WAIT! it is going to be so nice to have family here to share all of this with. I really look forward to it.
I posted pictures on picassa from October. Hope you are all doing well! We send our love from aussie land.
Laura
Victor flew in from Malaysia the weekend after Paul returned and it was so great! Paul had no idea he was coming so when he walked into the kitchen Friday morning, he was quite surprised. Paul and Vic went to rent some boogie boards and so we all went to the beach the first day. The water is still quite cold so it was so funny to watch them squeal and take the plunge. They got the hang of it and finally caught some waves. Of course David had no problems swimming. Kids are immune to cold water apparently. For Paul's b-day I got him SUP lessons. Paul had really been wanting to try SUP (Stand Up Paddle boarding), so he, Victor, Tim, and Lauren went out and took lessons in the Swan River. They really liked it and fell in the first few times but got the hang of it. There are conflicting stories of who fell in the most and least. It is a great workout apparently and they even have fitness classes on the boards. I am going to try it out very soon. Paul and Vic rented some boards on Sunday and took them out in the surf to try and catch some waves. We went to a protected area by a groin so the waves weren't too large but unfortunately the waves were a little too small but they had fun anyway. It is hilarious to watch them from a distance fall off the board when they lose their balance.
We also had friends over for dinner and cake to celebrate Paul's birthday. It was nice. I made pulled pork sandwiches. We hadn't had bbq in a long time. We miss Texas BBQ for sure. It was a great weekend and Paul really had a nice time. Thanks Vic for everything!!!
We just had an Australian Halloween and it was a little strange. They don't really do trick or treating here. Some people do it and some don't. Paul and I were on a mission to let the kids trick or treat and so Paul took the kids out anyway and went to a few houses. I think they got 3 pieces of candy in total. They trick or treat early as well! Before sunset. Anyway, the kids still had fun I suppose. David was the only one who knew the difference. At least we tried right? I told Paul that even if he is offshore for Thanksgiving, I am still making a dinner somehow. I don't want to lose any traditions being over here!
Then, just recently our friend Rudy who is temporarily in Malaysia as well flew over to see us. He actually lives right down from the street from us in Houston, so it is so bizarre for us to meet up in another country when usually he walks to our house. Welcome to the engineering world! It was a really nice visit and he was very happy to come to cooler temperatures and to eat some pork! ha ha. Thanks Rudy...
Paul is in London right now finishing up his Global Explorers program. He started it a year ago and this was the last trip. London is where the cooperate headquarters are so they met with all of the big wigs in the company. If you don't already know, Global Explorers is a program that Acergy created in order to seek out potential candidates that will be a future asset to the company. There are many cooperate positions that will come available as people will be retiring so they are beginning to look and see who might fit to fill those positions. About 2 people per region were chosen to be a part of this program and Paul was one from the Houston region. I am very proud of him and it is a great honor. So he has travelled to Scotland, Sweden, and now London. All 3 trips have been a lot of fun for him but also taught him a lot about himself and his work. It has been a good experience for him. His last day in London is today so he will be home tomorrow. Talk about a long trip for 4 days!! The last part of the program is to make a poster of yourself and tell the cooperates about yourself, your potentials, your successes, your future goals, etc. I am very curious to see how it went!! I am sure he did great. I am just so proud of him.
As of right now Paul has been offered to take a position in Perth on the next project which would last 2-3 years. He also has been approached to take a job in KL, Malaysia or Singapore. It has been a little overwhelming as these are amazing opportunities for his career but at the same time we have reasons to come home to Houston. We have to sacrifice with either decision we make. Paul's bosses and colleagues from the company strongly emphasize to never say "no" to opportunities like this and that he is crazy to go back to Houston as the industry is really booming on this side of the world. There isn't a lot going on in the Houston office, but that is enticing to Paul b/c he would be able to have some down time and reflect on where he wants to go with his career. It is a very difficult decision and we have to discuss it more. I am open to all of the options. For me, it has been an amazing experience to live overseas but I do miss home and family. It feels like Catch 22! I just keep praying about it and hopefully God will steer us in the right direction. We will keep you posted!!
The great news is that summer is near and in 2 weeks my mom is coming to visit and then Paul's parents come for Christmas. WE CAN"T WAIT! it is going to be so nice to have family here to share all of this with. I really look forward to it.
I posted pictures on picassa from October. Hope you are all doing well! We send our love from aussie land.
Laura
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Almost there!
Well, the 3 weeks are almost up. It has been quite difficult but I feel somewhat proud that I made it through alone and held it together. I am ready for a massage, hair cut, manicure, facial, etc... :)
The kids are soo excited to see Paul again. Tomorrow is Paul's birthday so David keeps thinking we are getting birthday cake tomorrow even though Paul isn't here. So funny. Anything to get his hands on something sweet. Just like his mommy. Paul can't wait to see us as well. It has also been hard on him. He has been quite busy and working long hours on the boat, so that helps him keep his mind off being away.
I just booked a whale watching tour for us to do this weekend. The kids are super excited about that. There are quite a few humpbacks here right now, so we should be able to spot a few. We will be sure to take some photos.
I hope we can all keep skyping. It is really nice to see and talk to all of you.
Until next time..
Laura
The kids are soo excited to see Paul again. Tomorrow is Paul's birthday so David keeps thinking we are getting birthday cake tomorrow even though Paul isn't here. So funny. Anything to get his hands on something sweet. Just like his mommy. Paul can't wait to see us as well. It has also been hard on him. He has been quite busy and working long hours on the boat, so that helps him keep his mind off being away.
I just booked a whale watching tour for us to do this weekend. The kids are super excited about that. There are quite a few humpbacks here right now, so we should be able to spot a few. We will be sure to take some photos.
I hope we can all keep skyping. It is really nice to see and talk to all of you.
Until next time..
Laura
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Finally some nice weather!!!
Today is awesome. We have blue skies and the sun is shining. It has actually been like this for a week now. People are actually laying out in swimsuits on the beach. Many even dare to swim in the frigid cold waters. My son David being one of them. It doesn't seem to bother him. I actually had to plunge in today to save his frisbee. It took my breath away. I haven't moved that fast in a long time. I came out soaking wet but got the frisbee. Whoo hoo! The water is fairly calm and today I have seen jet ski's, kayak's, a couple of yacht's, fishing boats, and sailboats right off the beach. Really nice to see although I wish I was on one of those yachts! :) I keep asking Paul why his company hasn't provided some type of boat for us. Isn't it a necessity here? House, Car, Boat...I think it should be in the contract. :) ha ha.
Paul is still offshore. He returns on October 15th. We are about half way there. The kids mark off the days on a little calander we made. Some days have been rough and others better. I have learned that a few beers at night help. ha ha ha. I am trying to stay busy with the kids and it is pretty easy to do now that the weather is good. We have activities we signed up for during the week and the kids are really enjoying that. I have met a few moms from Houston at a mom's and tots playgroup, so that has been nice. We went on a day road trip with Tim and Lauren last weekend and that was nice. I actually saw kangaroo crossing signs everywhere and quite a few dead kangaroos on the side of the road. :( Hope I never run into that situation! Tim and Lauren are now in Hawaii and won't return until after Paul gets back. Yes, they left me all alone. just kidding timmie. They seem to be loving it and don't seem eager to come back home. His friend is doing the Ironman triathlon there. Maybe I should start training so I can go to Hawaii?? :) I just planned out our itenerary for December, which is when summer starts here and I am REALLY excited about it. We are going to do as much as we can b/c Paul is taking a few weeks of vacation then. I can't wait.
I just spoke with Paul yesterday and his boss said that as soon as this project is over they will begin another one and maybe want Paul to help out in the beginning. So, that would put us here until the beginning of February. It isn't for certain yet, but likely. I will keep you posted.
I have really been enjoying skyping with everyone. It is very comforting and doesn't make me feel so far away! I better go look after my little ones now. Hope you are all doing well and we miss everyone very much.
Lots of Love,
Laura
Paul is still offshore. He returns on October 15th. We are about half way there. The kids mark off the days on a little calander we made. Some days have been rough and others better. I have learned that a few beers at night help. ha ha ha. I am trying to stay busy with the kids and it is pretty easy to do now that the weather is good. We have activities we signed up for during the week and the kids are really enjoying that. I have met a few moms from Houston at a mom's and tots playgroup, so that has been nice. We went on a day road trip with Tim and Lauren last weekend and that was nice. I actually saw kangaroo crossing signs everywhere and quite a few dead kangaroos on the side of the road. :( Hope I never run into that situation! Tim and Lauren are now in Hawaii and won't return until after Paul gets back. Yes, they left me all alone. just kidding timmie. They seem to be loving it and don't seem eager to come back home. His friend is doing the Ironman triathlon there. Maybe I should start training so I can go to Hawaii?? :) I just planned out our itenerary for December, which is when summer starts here and I am REALLY excited about it. We are going to do as much as we can b/c Paul is taking a few weeks of vacation then. I can't wait.
I just spoke with Paul yesterday and his boss said that as soon as this project is over they will begin another one and maybe want Paul to help out in the beginning. So, that would put us here until the beginning of February. It isn't for certain yet, but likely. I will keep you posted.
I have really been enjoying skyping with everyone. It is very comforting and doesn't make me feel so far away! I better go look after my little ones now. Hope you are all doing well and we miss everyone very much.
Lots of Love,
Laura
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
I just have to mention how awesome it is to be here with our great friend Timmie. We have also befriended his girlfriend Lauren, who is really awesome and has been SOOO helpful to us here. We really appreciate everything they have done. They even babysat for us! (only made us pay them 100.00) ha ha ha...just kidding. We just have to figure out a way to get them to move to Houston when we leave! :) Brandi--no worries your still number 1
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
