All my paperwork has finally came through yesterday, so I can now just get on with the job in and whilst finishing my practice audit plan, which will take 6 months. This week has been really interesting. It’s amazing how simpler the job is, yet it is so different. Please see the link below for those of you who have asked me what my job entails.
www.depoiconsult.com
Mark’s work is going really well. He has started the networking and next week leaves his beautiful wife home alone whilst he lives it up in Brisbane. I am very jealous as the weather is very good up there at the moment (22C) and I’d love a swim. Mark’s traveling does not end there, as I’m sure those of you on facebook will have noticed. On the 18th and 19th August he is off to Sydney and at the beginning of October he is off to Perth for a week.
I on the other hand have been working hard on my social life over here. I have started climbing again, which though the wall is limited is great fun and fantastic to get back on the wall. I have also started running again, as its not to hilly over here so my leg problems do not seem to have reappeared yet. I hope to take part in the 20Km run from the city to the bay (Glenelg) in early October. I have also been researching social sport clubs, as they appear very popular over here. On the social side of things now that we have enough plates and cutlery again we have our first dinner party on Friday which I think we are both looking forward to, for two reasons because of the company and the chance to use some of the kitchen gadgets for the first time.
Thursday, July 29, 2010
2 months after marriage how is life?
All my paperwork has finally came through yesterday, so I can now just get on with the job in and whilst finishing my practice audit plan, which will take 6 months. This week has been really interesting. It’s amazing how simpler the job is, yet it is so different. Please see the link below for those of you who have asked me what my job entails.
www.depoiconsult.com
Mark’s work is going really well. He has started the networking and next week leaves his beautiful wife home alone whilst he lives it up in Brisbane. I am very jealous as the weather is very good up there at the moment (22C) and I’d love a swim. Mark’s traveling does not end there, as I’m sure those of you on facebook will have noticed. On the 18th and 19th August he is off to Sydney and at the beginning of October he is off to Perth for a week.
I on the other hand have been working hard on my social life over here. I have started climbing again, which though the wall is limited is great fun and fantastic to get back on the wall. I have also started running again, as its not to hilly over here so my leg problems do not seem to have reappeared yet. I hope to take part in the 20Km run from the city to the bay (Glenelg) in early October. I have also been researching social sport clubs, as they appear very popular over here. On the social side of things now that we have enough plates and cutlery again we have our first dinner party on Friday which I think we are both looking forward to, for two reasons because of the company and the chance to use some of the kitchen gadgets for the first time.
www.depoiconsult.com
Mark’s work is going really well. He has started the networking and next week leaves his beautiful wife home alone whilst he lives it up in Brisbane. I am very jealous as the weather is very good up there at the moment (22C) and I’d love a swim. Mark’s traveling does not end there, as I’m sure those of you on facebook will have noticed. On the 18th and 19th August he is off to Sydney and at the beginning of October he is off to Perth for a week.
I on the other hand have been working hard on my social life over here. I have started climbing again, which though the wall is limited is great fun and fantastic to get back on the wall. I have also started running again, as its not to hilly over here so my leg problems do not seem to have reappeared yet. I hope to take part in the 20Km run from the city to the bay (Glenelg) in early October. I have also been researching social sport clubs, as they appear very popular over here. On the social side of things now that we have enough plates and cutlery again we have our first dinner party on Friday which I think we are both looking forward to, for two reasons because of the company and the chance to use some of the kitchen gadgets for the first time.
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
One month down the line
Well we have been here for one month now, and what a roller-coaster of a ride it has been so far. We have now sorted out a place to live and Mark is settling in well to life over here. Though I have to say I’m still finding it really difficult. Mark and his work friends have been great and are really helping me. I just hope now that things have been sorted out at work, I can really begin to settle in (Third first day tomorrow).
This weekend and last week has really helped me with the settling process. This Friday Mark and I found ourselves out with Lynne, John and Liz, which ended in a very late and drunken night. It was little being back at University when I found myself walking through Adelaide at 3 am in the morning. My findings of the evening were that good bars can been found in Adelaide with good beer and whiskey and live music, a fantastic combination I think you would agree.
Saturday as a result of Friday was spent getting over the worst hangover we have both experienced in a long time. For me the last time has to be at a party in Wigan or a night out in Chester. We did manage to get ourselves out to the Germany village, outside Adelaide (Hahndorf). It was lovely it was like walking through Christmas markets in November and fully of shops my parents would love.
Today we drove down to Victor Harbour and picked up some good wine on the way down. During our visit to Victor Harbour we walked across the bridge to Garnet Island where we got attacked by birds and saw Whales.
This weekend and last week has really helped me with the settling process. This Friday Mark and I found ourselves out with Lynne, John and Liz, which ended in a very late and drunken night. It was little being back at University when I found myself walking through Adelaide at 3 am in the morning. My findings of the evening were that good bars can been found in Adelaide with good beer and whiskey and live music, a fantastic combination I think you would agree.
Saturday as a result of Friday was spent getting over the worst hangover we have both experienced in a long time. For me the last time has to be at a party in Wigan or a night out in Chester. We did manage to get ourselves out to the Germany village, outside Adelaide (Hahndorf). It was lovely it was like walking through Christmas markets in November and fully of shops my parents would love.
Today we drove down to Victor Harbour and picked up some good wine on the way down. During our visit to Victor Harbour we walked across the bridge to Garnet Island where we got attacked by birds and saw Whales.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Things were finally coming together
With a week of work under my belt and Marks first pay slips in the bank things were finally coming together at the end of last week. So during the weekend we spent the time getting the house sorted and exploring Adelaide.
Saturday 17/07/10
Saturday was spent seeing around Adelaide and visiting the well-known Market. Between completing some household errands, like buying Marks new work transport (a road bike) and me a hoover. For those of you who have just thought what Mark gets a bike and Claire gets a hoover, do not panic. We have also been research my new piano and I have finally won the argument Mum. I will be getting an upright piano (when everything is sorted and paid for). I won the argument the best way I know with Mark; I physically had to demonstrate to him the sound differences. I loved it I got to play loads of pianos and keyboards. The music shop we went to was fantastic, they have an entire floor dedicated to guitars and another one pianos, Ben and Ian you would have loved it. The visit to the market was amazing. It was a complete overhaul to the senses, but if you ever find yourself in Adelaide it’s worth a visit, there is some fantastic food to be had (Gaz you were close in our thoughts, we thought you would have been in your element).
Sunday 18/07/10
Though it appears that Australian’s don’t do lie ins (we have now been woken up on a Sunday morning by a tree cutter and this Sunday a street cleaner) we managed to turn over and catch those necessary extra hours of sleep needed on a Sunday morning. As the heavens had decided to stay open all day, we did the boring married thing. We went to the shopping centre to fill our kitchen with those necessary male gadgets need to encourage the male of the partnership to help with some of the household tasks.
Monday 19/07/10
Was the start of the week routine, we got up as normal and sat down to breakfast. Things were normal and calm until I saw a black spot on the kitchen wall. When I looked a little closer I noticed the 8 legs. This would have been fine in the UK but as I know I could be bitten by spiders over here, I was not going any closer. Which meant it was left to Mark to identify the creature invading my home. Mark identified the spider, as being a red back spider, as Mark is always telling me to watch out for these spiders there was no way it was staying in my home, or being put outside. Therefore my knight in shining armour had to go against his instinct and flattered the spider to its death with my work shoe.
Following a full day at work, I was picked up from home by one of Marks colleague (Lynne) to take me climbing. It was great fun, and it was lovely to finally do something I know about and it being like the UK, though great climbing partners were missed. The wall isn’t much as it’s the only one in Adelaide, but it does the job when you can’t get out on the real stuff. The one bug bear of mine was that they appear to have an obsession with the quick release systems. It was a good laugh though, as it gave me a chance to get to know Marks work colleagues without him, as he chickened out. Though I have a feeling his work colleagues will not let it lay until Mark gives climbing a go (ha ha).
Tuesday 20/07/10
Things were obvious going too well for me, as Tuesday turned out to be a difficult day. I was minding my own business at work, getting on with my necessary training when I was ask to come into the management office and was informed that the rest of my necessary paperwork had still not come through. Which meant I would be unable to continue my training until this paperwork appears. For this reason I find myself once again doing the waiting game at home. As you can image this was not a good day for me or Mark. I’ve really had enough to be honest. Why is it so difficult, to work. All I want to do is get on with the job I have been offered. Fingers crossed it will be sorted soon, and I can get back to work and get on with settling in to life over here. As you can image this upset at work is really not helping my settling in process. On a positive note though I have been given the all clear to book our flights home for Christmas, we hope to get this done as soon as the credit cards come through. So bring on the New Year eve plans.
Saturday 17/07/10
Saturday was spent seeing around Adelaide and visiting the well-known Market. Between completing some household errands, like buying Marks new work transport (a road bike) and me a hoover. For those of you who have just thought what Mark gets a bike and Claire gets a hoover, do not panic. We have also been research my new piano and I have finally won the argument Mum. I will be getting an upright piano (when everything is sorted and paid for). I won the argument the best way I know with Mark; I physically had to demonstrate to him the sound differences. I loved it I got to play loads of pianos and keyboards. The music shop we went to was fantastic, they have an entire floor dedicated to guitars and another one pianos, Ben and Ian you would have loved it. The visit to the market was amazing. It was a complete overhaul to the senses, but if you ever find yourself in Adelaide it’s worth a visit, there is some fantastic food to be had (Gaz you were close in our thoughts, we thought you would have been in your element).
Sunday 18/07/10
Though it appears that Australian’s don’t do lie ins (we have now been woken up on a Sunday morning by a tree cutter and this Sunday a street cleaner) we managed to turn over and catch those necessary extra hours of sleep needed on a Sunday morning. As the heavens had decided to stay open all day, we did the boring married thing. We went to the shopping centre to fill our kitchen with those necessary male gadgets need to encourage the male of the partnership to help with some of the household tasks.
Monday 19/07/10
Was the start of the week routine, we got up as normal and sat down to breakfast. Things were normal and calm until I saw a black spot on the kitchen wall. When I looked a little closer I noticed the 8 legs. This would have been fine in the UK but as I know I could be bitten by spiders over here, I was not going any closer. Which meant it was left to Mark to identify the creature invading my home. Mark identified the spider, as being a red back spider, as Mark is always telling me to watch out for these spiders there was no way it was staying in my home, or being put outside. Therefore my knight in shining armour had to go against his instinct and flattered the spider to its death with my work shoe.
Following a full day at work, I was picked up from home by one of Marks colleague (Lynne) to take me climbing. It was great fun, and it was lovely to finally do something I know about and it being like the UK, though great climbing partners were missed. The wall isn’t much as it’s the only one in Adelaide, but it does the job when you can’t get out on the real stuff. The one bug bear of mine was that they appear to have an obsession with the quick release systems. It was a good laugh though, as it gave me a chance to get to know Marks work colleagues without him, as he chickened out. Though I have a feeling his work colleagues will not let it lay until Mark gives climbing a go (ha ha).
Tuesday 20/07/10
Things were obvious going too well for me, as Tuesday turned out to be a difficult day. I was minding my own business at work, getting on with my necessary training when I was ask to come into the management office and was informed that the rest of my necessary paperwork had still not come through. Which meant I would be unable to continue my training until this paperwork appears. For this reason I find myself once again doing the waiting game at home. As you can image this was not a good day for me or Mark. I’ve really had enough to be honest. Why is it so difficult, to work. All I want to do is get on with the job I have been offered. Fingers crossed it will be sorted soon, and I can get back to work and get on with settling in to life over here. As you can image this upset at work is really not helping my settling in process. On a positive note though I have been given the all clear to book our flights home for Christmas, we hope to get this done as soon as the credit cards come through. So bring on the New Year eve plans.
Friday, July 16, 2010
Feeling like normal
Well after the first attempt to begin work, I started work on 12th July. I have now completed my first week with my new company.he company building is very light and air and my colleagues are very welcoming. Though I am feeling very tired I feel very inspired and full of energy to get my teeth into the work load and get going, with some suggestions of my own to give. Though I am aware its going to be hard work, I'm really looking forward to it.
Last night was last night shopping so Mark and I went to the shopping centre to get a few more items for our new house. We now finally have a T.V. and entertainment system. We have had to collect items one at a time, whilst we get the money together. Next on my list is a Hoover but they don't have Henry's over here. :-( Hopefully we will have our house together soon, as we get paid every fortnight and then the barrel-Farrell hotel will be open for business.
We finally have our visa cards today so I hope we will be about to sort out the internet and phone line soon. With things finally coming back to normal, I'm feeling a little more settled. Though still wishing you all were a little closer. We have been looking into coming home for Christmas today though costs are very high. So if any of you have any idea's for cheaper flights let us know, I just want to come home for Christmas.
This weekend I think will be spend getting a few more things sorted and taking it easy. On the search for a cheap mode of transport for Mark (BIKE) and research into local food markets and new piano's. Really looking forward to it. The weekend is starting in style with a steak dinner and wine cooked by my fantastic husband.
Last night was last night shopping so Mark and I went to the shopping centre to get a few more items for our new house. We now finally have a T.V. and entertainment system. We have had to collect items one at a time, whilst we get the money together. Next on my list is a Hoover but they don't have Henry's over here. :-( Hopefully we will have our house together soon, as we get paid every fortnight and then the barrel-Farrell hotel will be open for business.
We finally have our visa cards today so I hope we will be about to sort out the internet and phone line soon. With things finally coming back to normal, I'm feeling a little more settled. Though still wishing you all were a little closer. We have been looking into coming home for Christmas today though costs are very high. So if any of you have any idea's for cheaper flights let us know, I just want to come home for Christmas.
This weekend I think will be spend getting a few more things sorted and taking it easy. On the search for a cheap mode of transport for Mark (BIKE) and research into local food markets and new piano's. Really looking forward to it. The weekend is starting in style with a steak dinner and wine cooked by my fantastic husband.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Becoming a Soil Scientist
Well following my issues with registration, I found myself with another week off, so to pass the time I hitched a ride to Kangaroo Island with Mark, his work colleague and wife. We spent Thursday and Friday collecting over a 150 soil samples for John’s project.
Considering we spent two days collecting soil, we had a really nice time. The sun was shining and we managed to spend some quality time together and had a great laugh with John and his wife Liz. Our evenings were spent in good company, with good food and fantastic wines. We also paid the little penguins of Penneshaw a visit…
Liz and John also taught us a new game to add to our collection, which at this moment we can’t remember the name of (we’ll get back to you on that one). We enjoyed the game so much that a small tournament was played throughout the weekend.
Two days of toil in the fields was followed by two long days of relaxation, following a little issue about getting home.
Saturday 10/07/2010
9 a.m. – We were informed that all ferries to and from the Island had been cancelled till future notice due to bad weather. At this point we were a little worried as I had to get to work on Monday morning, following the previous Monday’s events. For this reason we headed to the airport to establish my exit options. Once all this had been sorted we head off on our trip around the Island.
We began our day trip at a lavender farm. We then drove the length of the Island (200 Km), passing a nice beach on the way to see the remarkable rocks and the Admirals Arch where we saw lots of seals. Breath taking literally; it was so windy it reminded us of South Stack (Holyhead).
Sunday 11/07/2010
The day started with a trip to the ferry office to check on sailings, thank goodness it was all back to normal. This meant that our day could continued as planned, so we began our day with a visit to a local honey farm (I’m now having honey on toast most mornings, very good).
This visit was shortly followed with a visit to a beach, yet another winery (this could quiet easily become a hobby of ours) and an animal park called Paul’s Place, which was a little odd to begin with (lied back). It was great fun though and we saw so many animals. I think our favourite were the kangaroos and the koala Lou. After the sunset in a bay I renamed Rhoscolyn we got on the boat to come home, tired but well relaxed and happy.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
A relaxing weekend
Our weekend has been rather laid back, which makes a change. We’ve been to Mount Lofty and to Clare Valley to sample the wines. I have to say they were very good. I recommend a visit there if you every find yourselves this way and have a driver (Mark was mine). We did the normal tourists thing and stop in a village with my name so that I could have a photo take with the sign (sad I know). When discussing his weekend with his work colleagues they thought nothing of the day trip to Clare which took 2 hours. Over here those do not appear to be a long journey at all.
We also finally managed to take some photos of our new car a Hyundi Getz, which for some reason unknown to me, we’ve called Harry.
Monday morning came around quickly and I set off to work for the first time in 3 weeks. However I did not stay long as some of my paperwork has not come through yet and without this paperwork I’m not able to work. Though these issues should be sorted out by Wednesday and I should be back in work on Monday morning at the latest, fingers crossed. For this reason I have found myself with another day off and keeping myself busy, with sorting out day to day things, joining the library and walking around my local area. Mark and I finally brought a T.V. today (a small one for the bedroom, as Mark wants something different in the living room, but that will have to wait, until the money situation is sorted out) only because he doesn’t want to miss the grand prix on Sunday.
We also finally managed to take some photos of our new car a Hyundi Getz, which for some reason unknown to me, we’ve called Harry.
Monday morning came around quickly and I set off to work for the first time in 3 weeks. However I did not stay long as some of my paperwork has not come through yet and without this paperwork I’m not able to work. Though these issues should be sorted out by Wednesday and I should be back in work on Monday morning at the latest, fingers crossed. For this reason I have found myself with another day off and keeping myself busy, with sorting out day to day things, joining the library and walking around my local area. Mark and I finally brought a T.V. today (a small one for the bedroom, as Mark wants something different in the living room, but that will have to wait, until the money situation is sorted out) only because he doesn’t want to miss the grand prix on Sunday.
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Day two at the new house, the weekend was begun in true weekend style, a lay in. Though this did not help my home sickness as it gave me time to think (not good for me at the moment, I’m finding I need to keep myself busy), after a good cry and a big hug from my lovely husband we headed out so that I could show Mark our local shopping centre and to sock our kitchen cupboards up with the necessary items. During our adventure to the shopping centre we found a very handy card shop (for those all important birthday cards etc) and some very nice cafes. We have also spent the morning taking some pictures of the house and new furniture to show you all (I’ll remember to take car photos tomorrow).
This afternoon we head out into the Adelaide Hills. We found the Koala centre (17$ per Adult, something I think left to birthdays or to take visitors) and Mount Lofty. Where I have to say there are amazing views of the city. We stayed here till night fall. During our visit to Mount Lofty we met some very helpful English people (they have lived here for 5 ½ years) who updated Mark on where to go for camera items and me on the more important things like where to eat out, public transport and health insurance. Here are just a few of the photos we took. Please follow links to Marks Flickr page for the others when he processes them after his proper computer gets here.
This afternoon we head out into the Adelaide Hills. We found the Koala centre (17$ per Adult, something I think left to birthdays or to take visitors) and Mount Lofty. Where I have to say there are amazing views of the city. We stayed here till night fall. During our visit to Mount Lofty we met some very helpful English people (they have lived here for 5 ½ years) who updated Mark on where to go for camera items and me on the more important things like where to eat out, public transport and health insurance. Here are just a few of the photos we took. Please follow links to Marks Flickr page for the others when he processes them after his proper computer gets here.
Friday, July 2, 2010
The Bears have moved into their new home
What a couple of days.
We got the keys on Wednesday to our new home. However we were unable to move in until Friday as we had a few issues with gaining credit because of not being in the country for long. Anyway after a lot of paperwork and talking to the bank manager nicely we managed to get the money and the furniture was delivered on Friday at 8.30 am.
On Thursday Mark begun his new job, which left me waiting in for the delivery of our new fridge freezer, washing machine and microwave (which all seem more expensive over here, then again it may just be because either of us have every needed to buy any of these items). The delivery arrived, so after checking the items I locked up and head off to our new shopping centre which is just around the corner. Everything was good so well until I came home and was handing back to the granny flat to pack and clean, when I locked my car keys in the car (our only set) I had not just locked them in but my phone, purse, computer, lunch, coat, jumper well you can image. There I am standing on my own in a country I'd only been in a week with no way of contacting anyone.
No need to worry those the Australian's seem to have a things for mate-ship which resulted in me finding a nice neighbour who calmed me down and my local corner shop just happened to me a key cutter, so in I trotted to find a locksmith who could help. Lucky for me the shop keeper knew just the man and he came to my rescue within 30 minutes.
Friday - I had to be up and out by 7am as the furniture guy was arriving between 7.30 and 9am. They arrived at 8.30. They left at 9am and my landlady turned up at 9.30am with a pumper and a guy to fit the garage door. They all left around 11am, and my head was fired so, with a sigh of relief I started unpacking the kitchen items so I could make myself breakfast before starting on the rest of the house. I worked from 11.30 till 9pm, with some help from Mark when he came home from work, to get the house in order. We hope to take some pictures tomorrow, to put on the blog. All I can say now, is I need a large glass of wine or 2, a good meal, a hot bath and bed for the bear.
We got the keys on Wednesday to our new home. However we were unable to move in until Friday as we had a few issues with gaining credit because of not being in the country for long. Anyway after a lot of paperwork and talking to the bank manager nicely we managed to get the money and the furniture was delivered on Friday at 8.30 am.
On Thursday Mark begun his new job, which left me waiting in for the delivery of our new fridge freezer, washing machine and microwave (which all seem more expensive over here, then again it may just be because either of us have every needed to buy any of these items). The delivery arrived, so after checking the items I locked up and head off to our new shopping centre which is just around the corner. Everything was good so well until I came home and was handing back to the granny flat to pack and clean, when I locked my car keys in the car (our only set) I had not just locked them in but my phone, purse, computer, lunch, coat, jumper well you can image. There I am standing on my own in a country I'd only been in a week with no way of contacting anyone.
No need to worry those the Australian's seem to have a things for mate-ship which resulted in me finding a nice neighbour who calmed me down and my local corner shop just happened to me a key cutter, so in I trotted to find a locksmith who could help. Lucky for me the shop keeper knew just the man and he came to my rescue within 30 minutes.
Friday - I had to be up and out by 7am as the furniture guy was arriving between 7.30 and 9am. They arrived at 8.30. They left at 9am and my landlady turned up at 9.30am with a pumper and a guy to fit the garage door. They all left around 11am, and my head was fired so, with a sigh of relief I started unpacking the kitchen items so I could make myself breakfast before starting on the rest of the house. I worked from 11.30 till 9pm, with some help from Mark when he came home from work, to get the house in order. We hope to take some pictures tomorrow, to put on the blog. All I can say now, is I need a large glass of wine or 2, a good meal, a hot bath and bed for the bear.
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