Welcome to The Land Down Under

Hello from Sydney!!

We made it.  Flight was pleasant, although I'm sure those feelings will wear off when we travel back to the States every three months.  We already have our trip booked for the first week in October, so it made our goodbyes that much easier.  Thanks to all our family and friends for making the effort in seeing us before we left.  

Had to make one last stop to Forth Worth.  Where my heart belongs.  

Our last day in Dallas…dropped off our car at carmax, lunch at Tolousse with Ronnie's dad, brother, step sister, and my sister, highland park soda fountain for classic milkshakes (you can't get more American than that), and final goodbyes. My sis then drove us to the airport with 10 bags in tow.  

Literally within 2 minutes of our cab dropping us off in front of our place in Kirribilli, a young and rather handsome gentleman introduced himself to us.  I guess it's not everyday that a local is hopping out of a cabbie with 10 bags!  He quickly proceeded to ask if we had arrived from the States, which to my response was "Just how did you know?!" in a sarcastic tone.  Maybe it was the accents? Or just the obnoxious amount of things?  He kindly replied, "It was just the twinkle in your eye."  

Then, ten minutes later as we were moving our bags in and tinkering with the three doors (with three separate keys I might add) to get into our place, our next door neighbors stopped by to greet us!  They are a lovely young couple, native to Australia.  We explained our situation, that our shipment of furniture wouldn't arrive for another two and a half weeks due to a back up in Panama (crazy I know)….and that we were about to head to the local Target and stock up on basic supplies.  We then said our goodbyes and they offered us to stop by anytime if we needed anything.  Five minutes later, a knock on the door…our neighbors again offering us to use their spare bed set!!! They apologized for not thinking about it in the first place and insisted moving it in right away.  Of course, we were taken back and somewhat hesitant, not used to the very kind gesture.  Our last next door neighbors in Dallas would go out of their way to not make eye contact or smile.  Just another way that God has shown himself in this journey…

On Sunday, we took a taxi to the local mall to shop at Target, Big W (equivalent to WalMart), and Woolworths (major grocery store).  We couldn't get used to the idea that you just took one cart in and out of each store and on to the next with your purchased goods.  Pretty convenient.  Due to the jet lag, we crashed at 6 pm and slept for a full 12 hours!  

Monday was Ronnie's first day of work at the Sydney office…or so we thought!  His boss was nice enough to let him have the day off to get everything organized (thanks Jenny!)…and boy is there a lot.  Ronnie has been so on top of things (surprise, surprise), but we still seem to be running into kinks.  Ronnie's dad explained it this way "If it was easy, they wouldn't call it an international assignment."  We now have an Australian bank account, prepaid local phones, but still not internet connection at home.  That has been the killer for us, since we are relying solely on wifi to communicate via skye and FaceTime.  They are supposed to come out today and fix the problem, but we aren't very hopeful…the initial set up took three weeks time to get an appointment, which we were prepared for and scheduled it a month ago so it would be installed when we arrived.  Then, when it didn't work, we called tech support and they determined that a technician would have to come out…"I have no idea when they will be able to come…we will TRY calling them and MAYBE they will call us back."  I guess we will have to adapt to the no sense of urgency attitude haha.  Don't you know this drives Ronnie nuts.  O well, looking forward to a balance….we will feel more accomplished when we get something done and appreciate it more!  

In the meantime, we will have to rely on sidewalk cafes and starbucks for our internet needs!

A ten minute walk in our neighborhood led us to Luna Park, a well known carnival on the waters edge.  Not too shabby of a view.  

Then, Ronnie picked up dinner from the local butcher shop and market.  Lamb rump with a homemade moroccan rub, baked potatoes, and a fresh tossed balsamic salad was on the menu.  And to our surprise, the outdated fan generated oven turned out to do its job.  

Still can't get over waking up to this view everyday.  The first sunrise and sunset over the harbor…

And the daily commute…I think we could get used to this.

Writing this post from the royal botanical gardens. Crazy birds walking around.  Sunny, 65 degree Sydney day.  

All for now!

Kels

Saying our Goodbyes

What we have been up to lately....

Last day of work. Bittersweet. Going to miss my Baylor co-workers! Retiring my navy scrubs for now.

Reuniting with Teddy after our two week house hunting trip to Sydney. Thanks for keeping him, Grammy and Gramps! I can't imagine going three months without seeing him this time around..

  

Weekend getaway with friends to Horseshoe Bay, where all of my favorite childhood memories are. The trip wouldn't be complete without a day spent at the Yacht Club and a stop at Blue Bonnet Cafe. 

I was lucky enough to spend a few days with each of my grandparents..all to myself!  We missed Ronnie, but he has this thing called a job that I guess is pretty important..

First stop, Abilene to see Mema and Grandad.  My Aunt and Uncle were generous enough to drive in for dinner one night amidst their busy schedules and we made the rounds to see special extended family and a close friend. I always enjoy my time in the town my mom grew up and the house she was raised in.  So many wonderful memories there.  Our family dog, Abby, has been well taken care of in Abilene. She is in love with Grandad and will not leave his sight. 

Then, I was off to Denton to visit my Gappy.  We had so much fun together exploring..shopping around town square, ice cream at an old fashioned soda fountain, visiting her hometown of Aubrey and my grandpa's gravesite, and seeing the movie Brave. We got her webcam set up so we can communicate easier, but the highlight of the trip was my sewing and ironing lesson.  Gappy got a kick out of the fact that I had no idea where to begin when threading a needle....hopefully I can do her proud and practice my domestic skills that I have learned from her through the years!

Our hometown of Austin was the next stop!  We were able to celebrate the birthday girl, Ronnie's mother. Charley grilled out and we had a yummy meal at home. Lots of laughs and love.  Also, they always make sure I can go to my favorite childhood places..this time it was margs and enchiladas at Mesa Rosa. I guess you could call me a "spoiled brat".

 We also had the privilege of celebrating Grandma and Grandpa Scherwin's 56th anniversary!  They came all the way from Chicago...and his Aunt Cheryl and Uncle Mike made an appearance too.  It was so nice to visit with them on the patio and enjoy the new pool at Ron and Becky's.  We watched home videos that Ronnie's grandparents brought of their own wedding and their kids growing up...transferred from an 8-track to VHS to DVD.  Pretty amazing.  We also celebrated Ron's birthday a little early..he is sporting his bday gifts from us in the pic below. What a stud.

Girls trip to San Antonio!  Always a second home for me with the Kirk family.

Happy Fourth of July from Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie!  What a great way to spend the day...with close family, the horse races, and an amazing firework show after!  

Have I mentioned that we have great friends?! Well, we do. And leaving has made us realize it even more.  They threw us a "Bon Voyage" party in Uptown, complete with a mexican dinner, private trolley ride for a couple of hours, and night out.  The night was full of cheers and special touches...koala cupcakes made by my sis, personalized koozies, glow sticks, American and Australian flags, and vintage Texas postcards that everyone filled out with a goodbye note and their contact info.  

Packing, packing, and more packing. This time, the movers boxed up the rest of our belongings that will be going to a storage unit in Dallas.  We turned in our keys and said goodbye to our apartment that we loved. Currently homeless and living out of two suitcases each. Thanks to our friends who graciously offered to take us in for the week..and share their beds, food, and space. Sold our car that Ronnie has been driving since we started dating. Said goodbye to Teddy until October when he will be allowed to come and be released from quarantine.  Mean Aussie government...why can't they follow America and let all of the diseases come into their country?! 

Saying our goodbyes......I hate goodbyes.  I would rather, "See you later!".  Maybe I am in denial? I don't know. Whatever it is, Ronnie and I are both ready to get there and settle into our new home.  We have been talking about it for so many months in anticipation, that we are anxious to just take the leap already!!  We will be leaving DFW Friday night and arrive in Sydney on Sunday (the day that Bieber arrives..omg!). Until then, keep us in your prayers for smooth and safe travels.


Cheers!