Tootsie

So Matt, did you move to Scotland Island? I am thinking of making the move there too as I LOVE it, but can see issues

Well 99.99.99% of things have changed since the 80's would you not agree.......

Well that is very decent, hardly a major effort, and about average for a Sydney commute. And you are lucky enough to live in a fabulous part of the world.

Poor you! I hate Melbourne. But if I had to live there, I would head to the Eastern suburbs or if you don't mind the long commute, head out to somewhere like Sorrento.

Hello Well I don't like Hornsby itself to live in; but Hornsby Heights is nice, as is Galston. There there are some excellent schools in the area for both boys and girls. https://www.schoolchoice.com.au

???? It is certainly NOT....... "pretty much in the middle of nowhere" And it is a lot closer to the work location than the Central Coast - where the OP was thinking about anyway And nor is it a fair trek to the city or beach. How you actually been there? Or did you just look at a map? It is 40 minutes on the train from Berowra station, to the Sydney city central business district. And 40 minutes by car to the Central Coast Beaches, unless you want to hire a boat and visit one of the secluded beaches along the Berowra Creek. Or you can swim at the nearby Marramarra Creek or Fishponds And there is some excellent schools just 15 minutes away in the Hornsby area. Loads of things to do and see in the area (swimming, boating, bushwalking, fishing, trail bike circuit, wildlife), and an extremely safe place to raise children. Totally disagree with your comments.

Personally I would choose the Gold Coast. Much more interesting things to see and do for teenagers.

Read an article last year about a couple living in far North Queensland who were being woken up each night my noises from their attic. Turns out there were about five very large pythons living up there and it was mating season.

Well most normal people love their pets as family members. To tell someone to rehome their pet when they are already anxious or indecisive about bringing them - is pretty insensitive advice. You don't tend to just rehome them unless you can help it (i.e.) the cat is very old and won't cope with the trip Some councils like North Sydney council are stricter than others. Our local council just requires desexing, microchipping and registration. Which is sensible for anyone who cares for a cat anyway. Personally from what I have seen, humans do more damage to wildlife that cats do. For example : chopping down trees and areas wildlife live in, to build roads and houses. Or polluting the waterways. I have taken five cats through rentals and let them out during the day wearing bells, you can hear them coming from a mile off, and they cannot get close to wildlife. They have all lived to grand old ages. Even in a rental, you can easily put up a cat run in the garden to stop them wandering.

Lucky lucky you Apart from never being able to find a decent parking spot easily...........I LOVE Manly. It has such a great energetic vibe to it. Did the Shelly Beach to Manly Beach walk recently, and it was so pretty. I love the cafe Banana Blossom (Asian salads) there, and I go to a yoga centre there too It would be my second choice over Bilgola Christian - as a matter of interest, how long does it take you on average to get to work each day?

I wish. I start work at 7am

Seriously!! What terrible advice.

Yes that is cheap. I did not think I could fast, as I am a greedy guts with food. But it makes me feel so good (energetic and alert), so I keep doing it. I got into the bad habit of buying takeaway breakfast most days for $10.00 to $30.00 - which is a lot to spend on one meal - hence now I am saving small fortune each week with fasting.

Well swim in the pool then! Which is what I suggested in the first place.

I have actually started Intermittent Fasting (for health reasons) and fast to 1pm each day. Usually go 16 - 18 hours fasting. Save a fortune on food