So, maybe our stuff is in Australia, maybe it isn't. I don't know!! I just want it. Lilly needs her rails on her bed so she won't continue to fall out. We have pillows lining the bed but she just pushes those out of her way. At least we had a comforter to throw on the floor for her to land on.
Lilly and I took the train into Melbourne this week to go to the Melbourne Museum. It was a good time. Lilly enjoyed the large space to run around. I might have learned a thing or two. We didn't get to all the areas so we'll definately have to go back.
I know it's short but hopefully I'll have more time soon. I only have 4 minutes left on the library computer and if I don't send this now, it will be gone forever.
Have a good one!!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
We have a home . . .
We moved in yesterday! We are renting furniture so we have beds and linens, a few plates and pots and pans and a television to go with the couches. The television might spoil us a bit as we weren't planning on purchasing a t.v.
And so, now we just have to minimally stock our place until our stuff gets here and we can overfill it. Hopefully we'll have some time tonight to get it - we need a trashcan.
Did I mention that we don't have the electricity turned on? I couldn't tell you how cold it was last night or how early it gets dark. Not fun. But we have a place and after 8 weeks of living out of the car, I don't have to any more. But I am still living out of my suitcase.
Have a good one!
And so, now we just have to minimally stock our place until our stuff gets here and we can overfill it. Hopefully we'll have some time tonight to get it - we need a trashcan.
Did I mention that we don't have the electricity turned on? I couldn't tell you how cold it was last night or how early it gets dark. Not fun. But we have a place and after 8 weeks of living out of the car, I don't have to any more. But I am still living out of my suitcase.
Have a good one!
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Our belongings are where?
We think they are on a ship in California. They should have been here and going through customs. Hmmmm . . . We don't know when we will get our stuff, no one can really answer that question.
As for the weekend we went to the house Seth stayed at for the month and watched a footy. That would be Australian Rules Football. They are in the playoffs and the final game will be at the end of the month for the season. I talked to my brother and he said Columbus has a team and there is a league. I found it entertaining. The sport is a cross between football, rugby and volleyball. There is no protective gear worn by anyone except for mouth guards.
Sunday we went to a market downtown. It was pretty cool. They had fruit and veggie stands as well as every type of souvenir possible. Things were a bit cheaper than at the grocery stores. It was nice and we were even able to take a tram down. Later in the evening we had dinner at Seth's supervisor's house. They are Americans and we might be staying at their house later this week.
Which brings me to the house search. We have put in an offer for a townhouse. We are renting but they sometimes take offers instead of paying full rent. So, we are trying. If this one doesn't go through we will check out some more houses later this week and see what becomes available. Hopefully we'll find something before the beginning of next week. Ford will pay for renting furnishings until our stuff arrives. Which is at least a start.
Have a good one!
As for the weekend we went to the house Seth stayed at for the month and watched a footy. That would be Australian Rules Football. They are in the playoffs and the final game will be at the end of the month for the season. I talked to my brother and he said Columbus has a team and there is a league. I found it entertaining. The sport is a cross between football, rugby and volleyball. There is no protective gear worn by anyone except for mouth guards.
Sunday we went to a market downtown. It was pretty cool. They had fruit and veggie stands as well as every type of souvenir possible. Things were a bit cheaper than at the grocery stores. It was nice and we were even able to take a tram down. Later in the evening we had dinner at Seth's supervisor's house. They are Americans and we might be staying at their house later this week.
Which brings me to the house search. We have put in an offer for a townhouse. We are renting but they sometimes take offers instead of paying full rent. So, we are trying. If this one doesn't go through we will check out some more houses later this week and see what becomes available. Hopefully we'll find something before the beginning of next week. Ford will pay for renting furnishings until our stuff arrives. Which is at least a start.
Have a good one!
Let's look for a place to live . . .
All I have to say is that we looked at a lot of houses. Some were decent, and some not so much. I frowned upon the houses where the 'seperate toilet' meant the toilet was in a different part of the house (sometimes practically outside). Now I know that is pretty common, I might have to deal with it.
In the grand scheme of things, while we want to find a place sooner than later, we did find out today (the 4th) that our stuff hasn't even left the U.S. Don't ask.
I did have a driving lesson today. Rather amusing but I do feel a little more comfortable about the roads. I actually drove when we went looking at another house. I used to think that the Michigan left turn was weird but now it isn't as odd when you do a hook turn in the city. You actually get all the way to the left and turn right across all lanes of traffic.
Lilly is sick again and all we can get from her is that her stomach hurts. Hopefully it'll pass quickly.
Have a good one!
In the grand scheme of things, while we want to find a place sooner than later, we did find out today (the 4th) that our stuff hasn't even left the U.S. Don't ask.
I did have a driving lesson today. Rather amusing but I do feel a little more comfortable about the roads. I actually drove when we went looking at another house. I used to think that the Michigan left turn was weird but now it isn't as odd when you do a hook turn in the city. You actually get all the way to the left and turn right across all lanes of traffic.
Lilly is sick again and all we can get from her is that her stomach hurts. Hopefully it'll pass quickly.
Have a good one!
Our first trip to the city . . .
Seth had some stuff to do in the city so we hopped on the train. It was a very easy process and we purchased 5 day passes to be used whenever they are needed. Seth had to pick up his passport and get copies of ours. Then he had a meeting about the taxes here. We walked torwards his meeting thinking we would just stop and find a sandwich shop but we waited too long and then didn't see anything. We ended up eating at Hungry Jack's which is Burger King. I'll have to take a picture of the sign because it is the same sign and they have a whopper, I just don't know why they can't call it Burger King.
Lilly and I just wandered around while Seth was in his meeting. We were in a type of mall that was several blocks long. There were a lot of boutiques with very expensive clothes. I was looking at jeans for Lilly and choked up when I saw they were $62. Sorry, Lilly, I don't care how cute they were, you aren't getting them.
We headed back to our apartment in the afternoon (with a quick treat from Baskin Robins). Lilly and I took a short nap and Seth ran to the grocery to get a couple more things for dinner. Overall it was a nice relaxing evening. Tomorrow we will begin our search for a house. Wish us luck!!
Have a good one!
Lilly and I just wandered around while Seth was in his meeting. We were in a type of mall that was several blocks long. There were a lot of boutiques with very expensive clothes. I was looking at jeans for Lilly and choked up when I saw they were $62. Sorry, Lilly, I don't care how cute they were, you aren't getting them.
We headed back to our apartment in the afternoon (with a quick treat from Baskin Robins). Lilly and I took a short nap and Seth ran to the grocery to get a couple more things for dinner. Overall it was a nice relaxing evening. Tomorrow we will begin our search for a house. Wish us luck!!
Have a good one!
Our first full day . . .
We didn't do anything after we arrived in Melbourne yesterday. Just went to the house Seth had stayed at and gathered some of his things, had a quick lunch and called my mom. We went to our “serviced apartment” where we will be staying for the next 10 days and Lilly and I got baths and showers. For dinner Seth went and picked up chinese from the Yummy Palace. It wasn't so yummy but Seth said he had eaten better Chinese.
We ended up sleeping about 12 hours and then got up and moving. We needed some groceries in a big way. We headed to a Safeway and grabbed some staples. I was warned that prices were much higher here. I was still in a bit of sticker shock to see $4.29/kg for bananas. We forgot to check what we had to cook with as far as pots and pans for our stove so we stocked up on snacks.
We rested for a couple of hours and then headed to the mall. We needed to get Lilly some diapers and we need to find her a new potty seat. We went to Target in the mall and it had most of the same things except no food and no cleaning supplies that I saw.
We took Lilly to the house where Seth stayed for the month and they watched her so Seth and I could go our for our anniversary. We went to a really cool street that was very busy for a Sunday night. We had Italian and then went to a sweet shop and got a little treat. I have to mention that Seth rocks because he got me BILLY JOEL tickets!!!!!!! Sorry cousin E, I already told Seth I would take him.
Have a good one!
We ended up sleeping about 12 hours and then got up and moving. We needed some groceries in a big way. We headed to a Safeway and grabbed some staples. I was warned that prices were much higher here. I was still in a bit of sticker shock to see $4.29/kg for bananas. We forgot to check what we had to cook with as far as pots and pans for our stove so we stocked up on snacks.
We rested for a couple of hours and then headed to the mall. We needed to get Lilly some diapers and we need to find her a new potty seat. We went to Target in the mall and it had most of the same things except no food and no cleaning supplies that I saw.
We took Lilly to the house where Seth stayed for the month and they watched her so Seth and I could go our for our anniversary. We went to a really cool street that was very busy for a Sunday night. We had Italian and then went to a sweet shop and got a little treat. I have to mention that Seth rocks because he got me BILLY JOEL tickets!!!!!!! Sorry cousin E, I already told Seth I would take him.
Have a good one!
To travel with a 2 ½ year old . . .
>If you have ever traveled with a toddler, you must know the feeling of anxiety before the trip. Will they throw a tantrum while everyone is sleeping? Will they blow our their diaper during a long stretch of turbulance? Will they requre their barf bag as well as the barf bags of everyone in your row and the row behind you? Those of you that know me well know that I make up stuff to worry about, so I had my make-believe anxiety on top of the “I'm traveling with a 2 ½ year old by myself” anxiety.
So our journey began with a trip to the airport. We were later than scheduled due to a stop at the bank to deposit the check for our sold Escape. The bank couldn't help so that was a small glitch, not a good start. But, not to let this stop us, I came up with a back-up plan and we got to the airport.
The two large vehicles pulled into short term parking and we all piled out – me, Lilly, my brother and sister-in-law and their six week old twins, my cousin E and her two little girls plus seven pieces of luggage, an umbrella stroller and a car seat.
In to check-in which I couldn't figure out the computerized system. Someone came to help and when I told him I was going to Australia he told me to skip the computer and he would help me out. He then proceeded to tell me my luggage would go through all the way to Melbourne – he had quickly become my best friend!
Next were the good-byes which were tearful and dramatic. Not to mention the strange older couple who dodged cousin E to get a closer look at the babies. The family waved as I tried to get through security. I am sure they were standing there laughing as I tried to fit all my carry-ons, blankie, Mr. Lammy and shoes through the scanning machine. Lilly really didn't want to take off her shoes, she fought me every time.
Off to St. Louis – on a commuter plane so one carry-on coulnd't go with us. No biggie, it was only and hour and a half long flight. I don't remember anything exciting, just that Lilly was ready to land after about ten minutes in the air and then fell asleep 5 minutes before landing.
St. Louis terminal – my kid was hungry and the only snacks you get on planes these days are the ones you pay for. So I stopped at the only vendor I saw – Starbucks and got a muffin and a banana.
Off to San Fran – 4 hour flight. An employee saw me with Lilly and brought me up to check in earlier than my allotted check in group (much to the dismay of some passengers). As I was trying to board the plane the check in person stopped me and said my carry-on was too big and it would have to go under the plane. Ok, there was plenty of stuff in the other bag for Lilly to do. Get in, get settled and a very large man sits next to me. Not too big of a deal until we start to taxi and he plops his arm across the arm rest and falls asleep complete with snoring. Inquisitive Lilly - “What's he doing? What's that noise?” Both of these questions are asked about 7 times. Lilly wasn't interested in the movie Horton Hears a Who and was content to watch the Wiggles for the 100
San Fran terminal – up to this point getting everything around was a struggle but we made it and weren't too stressed. Then came San Fran. I was unsure where the international terminal was located so I asked. The guy told me to just go to the deadend and turn right, that would take me right where I needed to go and it isn't too far. Sigh, not too far but FAR!! I couldn't tell you how far it was, but I was pushing Lilly and pulling a suitcase with a car seat attached not to mention the heavy piece of luggage over my shoulder. Get to the desk to check in and I'm the only one there, which is odd. I ask if I am late but I'm told that it's fine. They weighed my carry-on and told me it was too heavy, it would have to be checked (apparently the weight limit is 7 kg, mine was 14.4 kg, I was not about to let her weigh the bag over my shoulder!!). So now I still had the storller but I was somehow going to have to carry the car seat. As I stepped away from the desk, the lady said I would need to proceed directly to the gate, I said sure. I heard some frantic communication – not in English and the lady whisked by and said she would have to help me – they were boarding. The lady pushed the stroller while I carried everything else and we rushed off to security. Throw everything onto the belt, take off Lilly's shoes, my shoes, fold the stroller, push the car seat through, take off my belt (I still set off the alarm because I had a piece of metal from the car seat in my pocket), gather everything from the belt, put on Lilly's shoes, open the stroller, throw Lilly into the stroller (she was not ahppy that I was not the one pushing) and run down the terminal. Weh we finally got to the gate, which was the last one in the terminal, most people still had not boarded but I was herded up to the front and showed through the door. Some guy called me back so I could fold the stroller and then I was pushed back through. Was all that really necessary?
Onto the plane where we were in row 62 out of 66ish. Yeah me, as I was close to the bathrooms. This flight had awesome entertainments – I totally recommend flying Air New Zealand. We had individual screens and everything was on demand. There were even games that I didn't even look at although I saw other people playing several different card games. Lilly fell asleep about an hour into the flight and she slept a long time, most of it was even in her car seat. I watched a couple of movies and ate Lillly's meal and part of mine. Fell asleep for a bit and then Lilly wanted to sleep on my lap which she did and was fine. Lilly woke up for breakfast and watched a couple videos but overall was pretty quite. Did I mention this leg of the journey was almost 13 hours? It was difficult on my bum but not too stressful.
>Now Auckland. I asked a guy what I would have to do if I was continueing on to Melbourne. He gave me all sorts of directions. I just hoped I would remember them. There was no stroller when I got off the plane, I asked about it and they said it would be in baggage claim, my look of panic had no effect on the worker and I said I was continuing on and she just said maybe it was put with the other luggage. We got off the plane and looked for the correct signs (I didn't have any idea of how long it would be until the next flight, my boarding pass didn't have another time). So I asked questions, followed directions, went this way and that, up and down stairs, through more security and ended up at a gate of passengers about to board a plane going to Melbourne. I asked the lady at the desk if I needed another boarding pass and she looked at my other one and said I was in the wrong place and my plane wasn't listed on the board because it was too early. I would have to go back through where I had just come from and I don't know what she said after that, I was sweating and really mad that no one knew what I was supposed to do. I talked to two other people before someone finally told me that I would be boarding the same plane I had just gotten off, at the same gate in another hour and a half.
Lilly and I went and sat at the gate since I didn't have any of the correct currency to buy anything to eat and ate M&M's and teddy grahams. We played some games and finally got on the air plane, I was allowed to board first since I had a young child with me. The entire plane was loaded and they made the announcement that we would be delayed an hour so they could replace the brakes. Awesome! Poor Lilly was starving and they came around with some cookies that I could tell she didn't like but she ate them anyway.
In order to finally end this entry, I'll just say that customs and immigration was a breeze. My stroller was at the end of the journey, all my luggage made it. No one questioned me and I was finally able to see Seth. There was a very good reunion with Lilly and Seth and she even let him pick her up. We briefly lost Mr. Lammy on the way to the car but I made Seth go back and find him and all was well again.
So all my fears at the beginning of the journey turned out to be silly. Lilly was a wonderful traveler and we had many compliments on how well she behaved. I was very happy with that and I wish that the everything had run that smoothly. Overall, I shouldn't complain but I am VERY happy that part of the journey is over!
Have a good one!!
So our journey began with a trip to the airport. We were later than scheduled due to a stop at the bank to deposit the check for our sold Escape. The bank couldn't help so that was a small glitch, not a good start. But, not to let this stop us, I came up with a back-up plan and we got to the airport.
The two large vehicles pulled into short term parking and we all piled out – me, Lilly, my brother and sister-in-law and their six week old twins, my cousin E and her two little girls plus seven pieces of luggage, an umbrella stroller and a car seat.
In to check-in which I couldn't figure out the computerized system. Someone came to help and when I told him I was going to Australia he told me to skip the computer and he would help me out. He then proceeded to tell me my luggage would go through all the way to Melbourne – he had quickly become my best friend!
Next were the good-byes which were tearful and dramatic. Not to mention the strange older couple who dodged cousin E to get a closer look at the babies. The family waved as I tried to get through security. I am sure they were standing there laughing as I tried to fit all my carry-ons, blankie, Mr. Lammy and shoes through the scanning machine. Lilly really didn't want to take off her shoes, she fought me every time.
Off to St. Louis – on a commuter plane so one carry-on coulnd't go with us. No biggie, it was only and hour and a half long flight. I don't remember anything exciting, just that Lilly was ready to land after about ten minutes in the air and then fell asleep 5 minutes before landing.
St. Louis terminal – my kid was hungry and the only snacks you get on planes these days are the ones you pay for. So I stopped at the only vendor I saw – Starbucks and got a muffin and a banana.
Off to San Fran – 4 hour flight. An employee saw me with Lilly and brought me up to check in earlier than my allotted check in group (much to the dismay of some passengers). As I was trying to board the plane the check in person stopped me and said my carry-on was too big and it would have to go under the plane. Ok, there was plenty of stuff in the other bag for Lilly to do. Get in, get settled and a very large man sits next to me. Not too big of a deal until we start to taxi and he plops his arm across the arm rest and falls asleep complete with snoring. Inquisitive Lilly - “What's he doing? What's that noise?” Both of these questions are asked about 7 times. Lilly wasn't interested in the movie Horton Hears a Who and was content to watch the Wiggles for the 100
San Fran terminal – up to this point getting everything around was a struggle but we made it and weren't too stressed. Then came San Fran. I was unsure where the international terminal was located so I asked. The guy told me to just go to the deadend and turn right, that would take me right where I needed to go and it isn't too far. Sigh, not too far but FAR!! I couldn't tell you how far it was, but I was pushing Lilly and pulling a suitcase with a car seat attached not to mention the heavy piece of luggage over my shoulder. Get to the desk to check in and I'm the only one there, which is odd. I ask if I am late but I'm told that it's fine. They weighed my carry-on and told me it was too heavy, it would have to be checked (apparently the weight limit is 7 kg, mine was 14.4 kg, I was not about to let her weigh the bag over my shoulder!!). So now I still had the storller but I was somehow going to have to carry the car seat. As I stepped away from the desk, the lady said I would need to proceed directly to the gate, I said sure. I heard some frantic communication – not in English and the lady whisked by and said she would have to help me – they were boarding. The lady pushed the stroller while I carried everything else and we rushed off to security. Throw everything onto the belt, take off Lilly's shoes, my shoes, fold the stroller, push the car seat through, take off my belt (I still set off the alarm because I had a piece of metal from the car seat in my pocket), gather everything from the belt, put on Lilly's shoes, open the stroller, throw Lilly into the stroller (she was not ahppy that I was not the one pushing) and run down the terminal. Weh we finally got to the gate, which was the last one in the terminal, most people still had not boarded but I was herded up to the front and showed through the door. Some guy called me back so I could fold the stroller and then I was pushed back through. Was all that really necessary?
Onto the plane where we were in row 62 out of 66ish. Yeah me, as I was close to the bathrooms. This flight had awesome entertainments – I totally recommend flying Air New Zealand. We had individual screens and everything was on demand. There were even games that I didn't even look at although I saw other people playing several different card games. Lilly fell asleep about an hour into the flight and she slept a long time, most of it was even in her car seat. I watched a couple of movies and ate Lillly's meal and part of mine. Fell asleep for a bit and then Lilly wanted to sleep on my lap which she did and was fine. Lilly woke up for breakfast and watched a couple videos but overall was pretty quite. Did I mention this leg of the journey was almost 13 hours? It was difficult on my bum but not too stressful.
>Now Auckland. I asked a guy what I would have to do if I was continueing on to Melbourne. He gave me all sorts of directions. I just hoped I would remember them. There was no stroller when I got off the plane, I asked about it and they said it would be in baggage claim, my look of panic had no effect on the worker and I said I was continuing on and she just said maybe it was put with the other luggage. We got off the plane and looked for the correct signs (I didn't have any idea of how long it would be until the next flight, my boarding pass didn't have another time). So I asked questions, followed directions, went this way and that, up and down stairs, through more security and ended up at a gate of passengers about to board a plane going to Melbourne. I asked the lady at the desk if I needed another boarding pass and she looked at my other one and said I was in the wrong place and my plane wasn't listed on the board because it was too early. I would have to go back through where I had just come from and I don't know what she said after that, I was sweating and really mad that no one knew what I was supposed to do. I talked to two other people before someone finally told me that I would be boarding the same plane I had just gotten off, at the same gate in another hour and a half.
Lilly and I went and sat at the gate since I didn't have any of the correct currency to buy anything to eat and ate M&M's and teddy grahams. We played some games and finally got on the air plane, I was allowed to board first since I had a young child with me. The entire plane was loaded and they made the announcement that we would be delayed an hour so they could replace the brakes. Awesome! Poor Lilly was starving and they came around with some cookies that I could tell she didn't like but she ate them anyway.
In order to finally end this entry, I'll just say that customs and immigration was a breeze. My stroller was at the end of the journey, all my luggage made it. No one questioned me and I was finally able to see Seth. There was a very good reunion with Lilly and Seth and she even let him pick her up. We briefly lost Mr. Lammy on the way to the car but I made Seth go back and find him and all was well again.
So all my fears at the beginning of the journey turned out to be silly. Lilly was a wonderful traveler and we had many compliments on how well she behaved. I was very happy with that and I wish that the everything had run that smoothly. Overall, I shouldn't complain but I am VERY happy that part of the journey is over!
Have a good one!!
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