First Days of School

St. Ursula's College

We DID it!  We made it through the first two days of school.  I didn't think it would be a big deal.  The kids were excited about making new friends. 
We had completed the enrollment interviews, so the kids were somewhat familiar with their campuses and were happy about the school choices we had made. 
Uniforms, school shoes (unfortunately not very attractive), backpacks, and lunch boxes had all been purchased. 
Booklists (school supply lists) were bought, including some different items... A4 display folders, document wallets, 30cm ruler, exercise books, Break Through! The Bible for Catholics, slimpick wallet, A4 binder book, Australian Pocket Oxford Dictionary.  Understand all that?  Luckily we were able to take the booklists to the local "News Store" and they would get all the supplies together for us, and then give a 5% discount for purchase.  What a great deal...we received a discount and were able to figure out what all the items were using the process of elimination when we compared each product to the items on the list. 
I thought I/we were all ready to go. 
As we all packed into the car to begin another phase of this adventure, I realized I was NOT ready.  I lost it.  The kids have been out of a traditional school for the last 8 months, by my side the entire time, and I thought I was ready for them to be back in the routine.  WRONG!  This day was far more emotional than any first day of kindergarten.  I was leaving my children at new schools in a new country and they did not know a single child.  YIKES!  I also realized how much I was going to miss them. 

Day 1, with the girls in their "sport" uniform

First, we drove to Sacred Heart, Will's new school, which is very close to our home.  His school is quite different than the schools to which we are accustomed.  Every grade level is in it's own building, and all the doors open to the outdoors.  Another different aspect is that there is not a cafeteria. All the students each lunch at the same time and they eat outdoors, sitting on the bleachers, picnic tables, or anywhere they can find a spot.  The Tuck Shop, which is very similar to a concession stand, is located in the large shed (covered basketball court) and is only open 3 days a week.   We walked Will up the sidewalk and into his new classroom.  There were excited children all around, getting name tags and choosing a desk.  His teacher greeted him by name and immediately introduced him to another boy, his "partner", but I wasn't ready to leave.  As I looked at Will to say goodbye, tears began to form for both of us.  I quickly gave him a hug and left.  Ouch!  That was tough. 
We then headed across town to St. Ursula's College.  I think it is called a college because it is also a boarding school.  The first day of school for the girls was a day of orientation for new students, so parents were invited to stay for the initial orientation.  As we sat and listened to all the information, I looked over and Maggie was in tears.  She had been so excited, and now tears.  UGH! As all the parents began leaving, Maggie pleaded with me to stay. 
I stayed for most of the morning.  I went on the tour of the school, which is similar to Will's with the various buildings and all doors being outside.  After the tour, I assured Maggie that she would be okay and I left...in tears.  As I was leaving, one of the administrators with whom we had our interview assured me that she would make sure the girls were okay.  I was only gone for an hour when it was time to pick up Grace (short day for the older girls).  I arrived at her school and there was a big smile on her face!  She got in the car and talked nonstop about the great day she had.  A couple hours later we went back to get Maggie.  Smile.  She was thrilled that she had made three new friends and had a wonderful afternoon.  Finally, we went to get Will. Once we got him, he informed us that he too had a great day and made several new friends.  He even learned the popular playground game of handball.  A little like four-square for us oldies.  Another boy even told Will that he was really good!

Handball

Handball











So HAPPY everyone had a good day.  Whew!  It was a rough one for this mom. 
Today we woke up and everyone was happy to go to school.  No tears!  Grace started her classes and likes some better than others.  Maggie continued to make new friends.  Will enjoyed some more handball.  Success!

St. Ursula's school uniform (from their website)

Day 2.  How do our girls match up with their uniforms?  Do they look like "Ursies"?  Pretty good, we think!

So thankful for welcoming schools, caring teachers and administrators, and our wonderful happy kids!
-Tricia


Happy Australia Day!

Today, Monday the 26th, was Australia Day.  It's the official national day of Australia, and commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet of British Ships arriving at Port Jackson, New South Wales, and the raising of the Flag of Great Britain.
As we've experienced with everything Australian, it all feels very familiar, with just enough differences to keep us confused.  As it seems, this holiday is similar to our 4th of July (Independence Day), with the differences being a little less patriotism, and a lot more alcohol.  (Hard to believe, I know)
A colleague at the hospital told me it's "just an excuse for everyone to party and get pissed".  That's drunk for you "Yanks", as we're known.
Honestly, though, all we saw were big groups of families having a good time, celebrating, picnicking, relaxing, and enjoying good company.

Our day started lazily, as this was my first day off in 7 days.  Not complaining, as work is becoming quite fun, and I told Tricia "I could just as easily go to work again today".
So we eased out of the house about 10:30 and headed to Yeppoon's main beach, where there was an all day beach party.  And although hot, the weather was great for summer.

It felt very similar to the "4th on Broadway" celebrations in Lubbock, as there were booths, goods for sale, carnival rides, face painting, carnival-type food including Fairy Floss (cotton candy), and a main stage with acts going on all day.

Again, though, a few differences...
We made it just in time to see the judging of the sand castle competition.  None of that in West Texas, unless it's lake mud.

 We watched the progress of the chalk-art competition.










We saw the rowing competition just off the beach.

And we saw the parade of sailboats from the marina.

After walking along the beach and dipping our feet in the ocean, we moved on up to the amphitheater where we watched a few bands, ate an Icy (slush), and had some lunch.  Will had a corn dog, of course (called a "Dagwood Dog"), and the rest of us had Thai food from a food truck.
The afternoon was really hot (38 degrees today!), so after lunch, we headed back to the house to swim in the pool for a while, then take a nap.

After resting, we loaded back in our "wagon", and made our way back to the main beach just in time for the magic and juggling acts on the main stage. 

After the "magic", there was a great band called Club 28.  From James Brown to AC/DC, they were really entertaining, and kept our toes tapping.  Some braver people danced, but the kids told us we were forbidden.  Wouldn't want to embarrass them!  The band even played a song some might recognize.

Next was the Australian National Anthem.  It's a bit surreal to be in another country when they sing the national anthem.  But I must admit I'm growing to love this country.
After that, the countdown to the fireworks.

I believe we've had a proper Australia Day!

Now it's off to bed, because tomorrow is the kids' first day of school.  Uniforms and backpacks are ready!

So, in Aussie style, three cheers for the country that has taken us in as visitors, "aliens", and adventurers!
Hip Hip... Hooray!
Hip Hip... Hooray!
Hip Hip... Hooray!

Big Deal or No Big Deal

Summer ticks on down under...
I've had one week of work, and I'm looking forward greatly to learning all of the differences between U.S. medicine and Australia medicine. So far, the paperwork has been my stumbling block.  No better or worse here, just different. But I'm still pretty clueless, so I'll avoid that subject for now.

I thought it would be fun to reflect on our move from Texas to Queensland, enjoy a little humor, and play a little game of Big Deal or No Big Deal.  Before we moved, there were differences we thought would be a Big Deal or No Big Deal.  Since we arrived, all of that has changed.  So here we go...

No Big Deal:  Driving on the left side of the road.  A little practice, and it's a snap.
Big Deal:  Walking across the road.  Here, you look right for the first half, and left for the other half.
   The next time you cross the road, think about it!

No Big Deal:  Steering wheel on the right side of the car.
Big Deal:  Turn signal on the right side of the steering wheel.  After a couple times accidentally using the wipers to signal a turn, you start to learn.  Until the next day, when you do it again.

No Big Deal:  Snakes and spiders.  I know it's only been a month, but we haven't seen a thing.
Big Deal:  Flying foxes.  By day, they sleep in the trees by the creek.  In the evening, they come out by the thousands!  And they're huge!  And carry diseases!

No Big Deal:  Grocery shopping.  Woolworths is no United, but it's good enough.
Big Deal:  Finding ways to substitute ingredients here with what we would use in the States.  Tricia will probably write more about that sometime.  (What's a capsicum?  Bell pepper.)

Big Deal:  No Hershey's chocolate.  You don't think you'd miss it, but you would.  You would.
No Big Deal:  No root beer.  They have "sarsaparilla".  It's close enough.  And the candy shop sells cans of Dr. Pepper.  Woo hoo!

No Big Deal:  No U.S. TV, unless you want reruns of Friends.  Although we did find the Tonight Show. Occasionally we fascinate ourselves with a show about a little old Australian veterinarian, and we try in bits to watch Cricket (which is ALWAYS on).  But we have found a way to watch current U.S. TV online.  And we're actually reading books now!  That's a big plus!
Big Deal:  No DVR.  It's available, but we don't have it at our place.  I hate commercials.

No Big Deal:  Not many quick places to grab food, and even less with drive-thrus.  We're loving the "take away" option, to go eat at by the beach or at home.
Big Deal:  Most places do not have fountain drinks.  It's all here, just in bottles or cans.  Oh for a good Coke on ice from a fountain!

No Big Deal:  The weather.  It's hot and humid, but with the breeze coming off the ocean, it is actually quite nice.  In church, the windows are open, there's no air-con, and it's just fine.
Big Deal:  No thunder!  It'll probably come, but as yet it's rained several times without a hint of thunder or lightning.  Maggie is loving that!

No Big Deal:  Living in an apartment.  Big enough, safe, covered parking, nice pool, barbecue grills, and directly across the street from the beach.
Big Deal:  Did I mention across the street from the beach?  Remember, look right, then left, then cross over to the beach.

There's a lot more on our horizon, from travel to school to work to sports, etc., so I'm sure we'll have more to add to the list.  For now, I'll leave you with pictures of some of the local wildlife.
Cheers,
Peter

Flying fox (from a very safe distance!)



Magpie (feed it, and you'll have an annoying friend for life)

Masked lapwing

Galah (my favorites)