perhaps one of Pickle's least favorite tasks, but he's handled it well, and he was actually genuinely excited to look for his wedding ring. In fact, we're going back tomorrow to visit his top choice...just to be sure it's "the one" ;) Other than that, we've been pretty busy working, with a first wave of assessments to mark and my dissertation still looming. The other day, after a long weekend of shopping, I woke up to this little message highlighted at the end of Chapter 4.....apologies for the curse word, but it kinda made my morning :) |
Well, I don't have any particular adventures to talk about today, but thought I'd share a quick update on what we've been up to. First of all, our household goods finally arrived! They were delayed for about a month because of the west coast labor disputes in the U.S. It's nice to have some things to make the apartment our own, although we've been just fine living out of our suitcases for months, so it's not that we really needed anything that showed up. I will say though, after being "just fine" sleeping on a sofa bed all this time, our king-size bed was the most welcome cushy, comfy, fluffy, cloud-like pillow of happiness I could ever imagine! Anyway, we don't have everything unpacked yet, but we've come a long way. We're trying to sell the 30-ton monster of a black leather sofa that we shipped halfway around the world on Gumtree (as this unwelcome obstacle is currently monopolizing our main room and kitchen area), but we've unpacked a lot and contained most of the extraneous stuff (i.e., clothes we're too lazy to unpack because we'd just as soon continue wearing the same pair of jeans, 7 tops and a hoodie for the next several months) in what has become our designated "storage" room. While unpacking my suitcases (admittedly, not one that just arrived but one that I'd brought with me over 3 months ago when I came to Sydney and had not completely unpacked yet...no joke about the clothes), I stumbled across a heartwarming surprise from my mom and dad. They'd signed this little book and stowed it away it in one of my shoes. They even included a photo on the last page of the first time I got on the bus to go off to school by myself... I'd say Pickle and I have done pretty well with such a big transition. There have been plenty of stresses (job searching in higher ed., the entire visa process, telling our families we'd be moving to the other side of the planet, selling both of our vehicles and a lot of our belongings, Pickle having to come over first and being apart for the holidays, leaving our dog Mika with my parents, saying goodbye to friends and family, apartment hunting, getting established here and navigating a new context and culture), and I think we've handled them like champs as a team, but I will say it hasn't always been easy. We'd been so busy having fun and exploring our new city that, while of course we missed our families, it was easy to keep preoccupied. Now that we've settled down a bit, we do get a little homesick from time to time. It's a tough decision to move so far away without a date of return, especially when you're as close to family as we are. You know there will be heartache, but you are fueled by excitement and the spirit of adventure. We both value the experiences we're having and are grateful for this amazing opportunity. We're both glad that we chose to embrace it. But we do love and miss our families dearly. ...And when your parents slip a little emotional time bomb into your luggage for you to stumble upon three months later on a rainy day, you inevitably tear up ;( Besides unpacking, arranging (and crying like a kid away at camp for the first time - thanks, mom 'n' dad) we've been using our weekend time to tackle some wedding stuff, making reservations, shopping, etc. My sister is getting married in about a month and a half, so we're super pumped for that (also it just occurred to me how soon this was coming up as I checked the calendar to verify this!) and our wedding is July 6 (which seemed like far enough away before I said that about my sis's wedding, and now I think I'd better wrap up this post and get to work!) Anyway, we have been making progress on the wedding planning. Shopping is Hopefully we'll have re-homed our extra sofa soon, and I'll post a little tour of the new place when I get a chance for everyone back home. Right now, I think I'll go make a countdown to the weddings!! Much love,
4 Comments
Diane/Mom/MiL
3/4/2015 06:05:55 am
I would say that team "Smickel" is doing a great job of working together and being supportive of each other as you experience life's joys and obstacles. It's very stressful to move so far away, adjust to new jobs, and plan a wedding!!!! Luckily, you both have family who love you, miss you, and would go to the ends of the earth ( well, Hawaii, anyway) for you:-) I was going to end with a "deep and inspirational" quote, but this one made me smile! ** "When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money." ** Take care!
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Mom Denise
4/4/2015 09:59:35 pm
I just keep reading this over and over. We love your team work as well as respect and love for each other. Diane said it best, we would do anything for you, and miss and love you both. We're glad we can Skype with you - that helps - but can't wait for the weddings!
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Mom Denise
4/4/2015 10:03:50 pm
Aaron, Kerry and I both understand your comment - it takes a special love to tolerate the shopping experiences.
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Kerry
6/4/2015 07:58:01 am
*sniffles* Only fuzzy animals and yummy food from now on, please :( I would give anything to pull a double shift at ULTA with Jamie right now. haa Only 6 more weeks!!!
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AuthorsJamison Lorraine Archives
November 2016
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