BrownEyedGal

Hi Ozblueskies I am thinking with a similar view to yourself about moving to Brisbane. I'm currently working casual as hospital admin and know that the skills are transferable. I think Brisbane may a different lifestyle to Sydney. I actually want to enjoy doing things, not feeling so tired that I spend my free time at home. Yes, I would definitely value some insight form our PIO members. BEGal

Love that Bobj Mr Adams reflections are certainly current and I found myself chuckling!! Although I don't carry a stick, I always have a can of flyspray at hand. But maybe a good stick would be better. BEGal

That is actually really interesting. I'm travelling back to the UK in a few weeks and usually suffer really bad jet lag. So the melatonin tip is great - I'll look out for some tablets. Yes, I use vaseline, Vicks vapour rub - put that all over, especially my chest and arms as well as a really good moisturiser or the nappy rash cream, Bepanthen. My skin gets so dry on these long haul trips. I do eat most of the onboard meals but leave the snacks and alcohol out. May have to cut back on those. I don't eat anything on the stop-over, just drink water and do lots of walking around. Unfortunately I don't get use of the airport lounges:(

Ooh seriously that's awesome news..congratulations on the dream job. I probably would have gone for Finnish as I know a tiny bit of Hungarian and apparently the languages are linked..but yay EU citizenship will be a great outcome! So how do you manage your jet-lag?

Oh no BadgerLady! I am seriously going to miss your daily writings. I am in awe and envy of how you manage to achieve all of this. I've been looking into buying camper vans and seeing what jobs can I do..unfortunately nothing seems to marry up at the moment. What's happening in Finland? Do you speak/know any Finnish? Will you come over to the UK for a visit? Questions, questions.. I really hope you keep us updated. BEGal

Yep. Its the most annoying thing. I agree, I usually get, 'where do you come from?' or 'I meant, where do your parents come from?' as well as the 'where do you live?' I find it amusing at times, so I generally give a vague answer or the weirdest and strange response just to mix it up a little. Personally I find a person more interesting if they don't ask those questions, as it means that they don't need to 'pin' you anywhere on their mental map and come up with a stereotype in my opinion. I guessing you have travelled a fair bit with your dad as being a practical nomad seems to suit you? BEGal

Hi BadgerLady What make of campervan do you have - reading your daily updates, I imagine its fairly robust? I'm enjoying reading your posts. BEGal

Thank you for the update McJim. I too am looking to move to Brissie in the future, so it's nice to see your outcome. Lets us know how you do in a few months time. Take care...BEGal

Can't say it enough..CHILDCARE..if you can get the relevant paperwork/certificates together, you can look into running a family day care OR offering pick up and collect services for working parents, taking children to extracurricular activities - there's so much there that parents would like some help with. This is something I do, as well as working in the industry. I just love it. You can do volunteer work as Pom Queen said, and start networking your relevant skills. There are so many things that we are time poor with that to find someone who can help you move or pack or look after your pets..any of those things that you think, if only I could - hence airtasker etc. Happy hunting..BEGal

Oh dear Emj, I'm sorry you feel this way. I feel you should try somewhere else. Although I have never lived in the Goldcoast area, I do know the heat and mozzies would drive me insane. Not knowing your line of work or your partner's - is there a chance you can transfer your role? Making Australian friends can be very difficult and for me even now I can't count any on one hand. However a majority of people I met and deal with everyday are nice and solid citizens. So far, I like where I am but recognise there are areas of Australian life I just don't get - I just put that in my 'too hard basket' and move on. Just from reading your post, I think you said it - that area is not for you, the country girl - try somewhere else. Get opinions from members on this site as to actual locations that may be more suitable and then make informed decisions. You can go home anytime and know you gave it your best shot. Wishing you the best.

Hi BadgerLady I'm really interested in your report. Its interesting your actions and the acceptance of a PO box too. How does that work for voting? I will look forward to your next report..BEGal

I originally made a decision to travel here for a holiday in 2004. I tried every which way to get over here but at that time the restrictions were too hard. I fell in love with Perth and had a great time there. A couple of Australian boyfriends and several years later, I am here. I enjoy it and the lifestyle. I do miss home, (UK & Europe) badly, but I try to go back every year for 6 weeks to 3 months, except for this year as I am going to NZ. I don't see myself going back anytime soon but I won't be buying property here, I can buy something small in the UK, much more affordable

Hi Stacey When are you here and where will you be staying? BEGal

UPDATE I received my letter this week to invite me for my Ceremony and Pledge, in less than two weeks at Lane Cove...yeehaa!!! Almost 6 months but very happy. BEGal

Thank you Bungo, Marisa, Pom Queen & Parley Thank god for these forums. I never imagined the day I would be ever involved in a car accident. So this is me walking or rather limping around in the dark for information. Yes I have seen those adverts and thought that I had to go to a solicitor so thanks Marisa for the link. I have many concerns at the moment but because I am paying for private treatment here in the UK, I am wondering if I can still claim, some or a portion? My Osteo will be providing me with a letter to state what's happened and I have one from my UK Dr. I am going to try walking in the swimming pool today and I have 'encouraged' myself to do lots of walking but only around my building or with family and friends. I feel so freaking fragile, and extremely anxious of so many things. I don't like these feelings and sometimes they take over and I end up just staying indoors. I never realised how fast people go! and I'm afraid they will knock me over. Like you PomQueen, I just want to be 'put right' - not interested in the money, only what it can provide for me medically and employment. I was due to work as soon as I arrived back home in Sydney, but no childcare centre will take me with my issues. So I've lost definite and potential work and we know without an income, life is hard.

Thank you Country Vic and Skani The information is much appreciated...BEGal

Hi All I'll keep this brief. I was knocked over as a pedestrian by a vehicle attempting an illegal u-turn. This was in Chatswood in July - several hours before I was due to fly to the UK. I am just asking for opinions and advice in undertaking a civil suit as the police state they have no further involvement as no bones were broken. Yeah right, my body and mind are in wreck mode and I have a hairline neck fracture. I can barely walk with the pain and am taking codeine by the handful. I'm seeing the Drs here in the UK, (and not having a good time of it I'm afraid) and am having private osteopath sessions. Some family reunion I'm having. I have the driver's details and he admitted guilt to the police officer. The officer stated that he will be given infringement notices - I don't know what these are and am assuming they are like charges? Any recommendations, help, advice would be appreciated for legal matters; but what would be even better is advice to help with the pain, I can't take codeine forever. Thanks everyone - I have kept this short. BEGal

Yep. Huntsmen etc are the usual suspects. Under slides, in sandboxes, in the sheds, on the walls, etc. But spiders aren't the only insects to be concerned with. A fascinating thing happened one day..the children noticed some weird insect flying, crawling up the wall. After calling out to them in a loud, (but not scared shitless voice), I got them to move away. Why are kids never scared of these things? Anyhow it turned out to be some kind of massive wasp carrying a 'dead' baby huntsman spider up and down the wall looking for the air brick. Yuck..it tried for ages to get the thing dragged down to its hidey hole in an air brick. But the spider wasn't dead, it had been paralysed by the wasp. My god those wasps are strong, it would not let it go and tried every which way to get it into a hole in the airbrick. Very determined as this went on for most of the morning. Fascinating but ugly. There is one child who will be the next David Attenborough - he loves all types of insects - I wish I was a brave as him...!

If you live North Shore or Northern Beaches, then its an hour or more commute either by public transport or ferry. Areas are varied but Avalon, (which is Northern Beaches), or Manly. Upmarket and maybe a tad expensive - you have to think trade off for beach areas. Bondi, Bronte, Coogee, Clovelly, DeeWhy - just some names for you to research. I'm sure others will give more info.

Urgh..I am no fan of spiders. Just tonight for the first time ever, there were 2 - I think - baby huntsman right by my front door. They got sprayed, after I rushed in petrified. When you work in childcare, you are forever checking every piece of equipment for spiders, with the childrens help - cannot afford for a child to be bitten.

Hi Gillybelle I think we will need more info to help you. Where in city is hubby working; does he want to travel by public transport or car? There a heaps of buses to city but if he works odd hours then buses may not be good I imagine. Parking in the city is the pits. Maryrose02 is pretty knowledgeable on areas - but I have a feeling if you want a good beach area, then there aren't many train stations. BEGal

Oh wow! That's a difficult situation to be in. However with your fiancee, not really giving you a choice i.e. "...holiday in WA every year but that isn't enough anymore, she wants to be with the rest of her family all year round not just for a month." That sounds like a future splitsville. She's homesick to be with them, which as you said is understandable as she is close to them. If she was willing to compromise by visiting for a few months every year then great, you both have something to work with. Sometimes a person gets fixated. What do her family say to her? The more she wants to go, the more you will see that you are giving up many things especially as it appears you have worked hard to get to where you are now. Yes, yes you are both young and have time on your side etc, but you are dealing with now. I believe in research, research, research and have many conversations with your partner, so that you can both reach a compromise. Does it have to be Perth - are there better opportunities on a better visa to Australia - she can fly regularly interstate to visit family. A pain yes but only a few hours or a day to get to wherever. Maybe better work opportunities in Sydney or Brisbane for you and maybe her - not sure what she does. It will take some time but at least you can suss out a few things from this site. Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Bah! I dislike Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha..however have to suck it up with one of them again. Was going to fly Finnair, but then read reviews of them elsewhere and changed my mind. Have flown with most of the airlines. I would never fly Cathay Pacific again, seats are so tiny. So it will be Singapore (very expensive), Emirates (a tad less than very expensive) or Etihad, (expensive). Overall, I like Emirates though, as they give a decent service. I choose these ones as they fly to Manchester. You think you have a choice of airlines but in reality no, all this code share stuff makes it kind of irrelevant. I guess these days, I go for safety and comfort rather than cheap. Its quite expensive buying tickets this end though? Off to pay for my ticket tomorrow