Tuesday, 28 December 2010
6 weeks in!
Wow that time went in a blur!
After 2 weeks we managed to secure a long term rental (THANK GOD!!) panicing slightly only having 3 weeks holiday let plus starting work in week 2 !!
Anyway got the keys and moved out just in time :)
Thank goodness for Garage sales :) Have got so many bargains and good quality things too, only things we've bought new are washing machine, tv & small table. Furniture seems very expensive so every penny counts at the moment.
Settled straight into work, but had the usual waiting before being handed a project of my own so a bit bored making things up to do! Should make the most of it though as I'm going to be very busy by the looks of it!
Was sent to Sydney for a day, very tiring as there and back in a day - thank goodness thats not the norm! Didnt see a lot but did sit on the right side of the plane to get a view of the Opera House :)
Since I've just been working & doing Garage sales! Poor kids!!
Thankfully Christmas so can fully relax!
Xmas was strange as it was so warm, Jen was ill so could not do what we planned (i.e. beach) so just sat around reading - which was really nice being able to relax properly!!! Jen soon picked up after seeing her pressies :)
Boxing day was spent at friends, however as weather turned again we couldnt sit poolside :( Ah well.. Company was really nice and i think it picked Pete up a bit.
Tues after we went to Gorge Wildlife Park to finally do some touristy things and hold a Koala!!! YEY :)
Was soo excited. They are so laid back, light and very very soft!! Loved it - certainly a moment to remember and I actually feel like I've arrived in Oz!!
Very good day, followed by a visit to the biggest rocking horse :)
An amazing day was topped off by seeing Dolphins on my dog walk! At sunset, it was beautiful!!! Love this place :)
After 2 weeks we managed to secure a long term rental (THANK GOD!!) panicing slightly only having 3 weeks holiday let plus starting work in week 2 !!
Anyway got the keys and moved out just in time :)
Thank goodness for Garage sales :) Have got so many bargains and good quality things too, only things we've bought new are washing machine, tv & small table. Furniture seems very expensive so every penny counts at the moment.
Settled straight into work, but had the usual waiting before being handed a project of my own so a bit bored making things up to do! Should make the most of it though as I'm going to be very busy by the looks of it!
Was sent to Sydney for a day, very tiring as there and back in a day - thank goodness thats not the norm! Didnt see a lot but did sit on the right side of the plane to get a view of the Opera House :)
Since I've just been working & doing Garage sales! Poor kids!!
Thankfully Christmas so can fully relax!
Xmas was strange as it was so warm, Jen was ill so could not do what we planned (i.e. beach) so just sat around reading - which was really nice being able to relax properly!!! Jen soon picked up after seeing her pressies :)
Boxing day was spent at friends, however as weather turned again we couldnt sit poolside :( Ah well.. Company was really nice and i think it picked Pete up a bit.
Tues after we went to Gorge Wildlife Park to finally do some touristy things and hold a Koala!!! YEY :)
Was soo excited. They are so laid back, light and very very soft!! Loved it - certainly a moment to remember and I actually feel like I've arrived in Oz!!
Very good day, followed by a visit to the biggest rocking horse :)
An amazing day was topped off by seeing Dolphins on my dog walk! At sunset, it was beautiful!!! Love this place :)
Saturday, 13 November 2010
We've landed!
Hi all, well we've landed!
It was a strange day, no thanks to the council who no longer collect bulky items without charge had to start the day with 3 trips to the skip! Quick rush around. said goodbye to a good friend and handed over my house keys - oddly this was a really emotional event as it was final...we're on our way.
Had a final supper with my mum and brothers near Windsor so obviously had a few tears to share with mum, actually it was Jennah's fault as she said "Dont worry nan, they're happy tears!" That's it I just couldnt hold the tears in then!
Drove to LHR with butterflies as suddenly remembered that I do not like flying PLUS this is really happening! Faired quite well at check in, no tears actually, got a bit aprehensive when we were told we only had 20kg (plus 5kg gift!) but thank goodness I printed off my e-mail from singapore airlines stating we could have 40kg! Very worried about weights (we packed / unpacked / weighed and repacked god knows how many times!!) but in the end we were under by 1KG! PHEW :)
We were a bit cheaky with the hand luggage (and to be honest really wish we had just 1 bag each!).
The tears came again when we said our final goodbyes at the security gates, but then rush/unpack/repack/find seats/departure lounge/rush/called on - and we're off!
Feel like a Zombie but all in all the flight through Singapore was faultless (thank goodness) given the current issues around the A380!! Happy to have seen the Himalayan Mountain tops!! (Will attach photo when I can!)
Kids did well but sadly Jen got quarantined as she felt sick when we landed
Bless her she thought she was going to see Keira!
Arrived at Arcacia Rentals and now just settling in. Met our first few spiders already - which is good as it reinforced my point that the kids shouldnt leave clothes on the floor! Brandon soon learnt after having a bath
Feeling a bit scared and overwhelmed by it all - even when we were leaving the airport it did not seem real! i think that is done to the fact that all of this has happened so quickly.
It was a strange day, no thanks to the council who no longer collect bulky items without charge had to start the day with 3 trips to the skip! Quick rush around. said goodbye to a good friend and handed over my house keys - oddly this was a really emotional event as it was final...we're on our way.
Had a final supper with my mum and brothers near Windsor so obviously had a few tears to share with mum, actually it was Jennah's fault as she said "Dont worry nan, they're happy tears!" That's it I just couldnt hold the tears in then!
Drove to LHR with butterflies as suddenly remembered that I do not like flying PLUS this is really happening! Faired quite well at check in, no tears actually, got a bit aprehensive when we were told we only had 20kg (plus 5kg gift!) but thank goodness I printed off my e-mail from singapore airlines stating we could have 40kg! Very worried about weights (we packed / unpacked / weighed and repacked god knows how many times!!) but in the end we were under by 1KG! PHEW :)
We were a bit cheaky with the hand luggage (and to be honest really wish we had just 1 bag each!).
The tears came again when we said our final goodbyes at the security gates, but then rush/unpack/repack/find seats/departure lounge/rush/called on - and we're off!
Feel like a Zombie but all in all the flight through Singapore was faultless (thank goodness) given the current issues around the A380!! Happy to have seen the Himalayan Mountain tops!! (Will attach photo when I can!)
Kids did well but sadly Jen got quarantined as she felt sick when we landed
Bless her she thought she was going to see Keira!
Arrived at Arcacia Rentals and now just settling in. Met our first few spiders already - which is good as it reinforced my point that the kids shouldnt leave clothes on the floor! Brandon soon learnt after having a bath
Feeling a bit scared and overwhelmed by it all - even when we were leaving the airport it did not seem real! i think that is done to the fact that all of this has happened so quickly.
Monday, 8 November 2010
update
Just a quick update.
We are now residing in an empty house which is quite scary! Managed to get rid of everything through house clearance & ebay, not for a great deal but at least it's gone!
I'm completely stuffed having spend the last week having goodbye meals and eating out every day! Now really fed up with eating out! Plus I must have added a dress size :0/
Nevermind - all good except the 'Goodbye' bit!
My puppy dog leaves us this afternoon so I'm gonna have a few tears :(
Suddenly remembered that I dont like flying (especially thanks to Quantas to reminding me why!) and getting a bit anxious now.
Despite everything we have done - its an odd feeling, still has not really sunk in that we're going, been asked if I'm excited, but havent had time to think about that really! Too much to plan and get right before I can be excited!!
so long for now
Von
We are now residing in an empty house which is quite scary! Managed to get rid of everything through house clearance & ebay, not for a great deal but at least it's gone!
I'm completely stuffed having spend the last week having goodbye meals and eating out every day! Now really fed up with eating out! Plus I must have added a dress size :0/
Nevermind - all good except the 'Goodbye' bit!
My puppy dog leaves us this afternoon so I'm gonna have a few tears :(
Suddenly remembered that I dont like flying (especially thanks to Quantas to reminding me why!) and getting a bit anxious now.
Despite everything we have done - its an odd feeling, still has not really sunk in that we're going, been asked if I'm excited, but havent had time to think about that really! Too much to plan and get right before I can be excited!!
so long for now
Von
Thursday, 4 November 2010
One week left :0/
Well with all these leaving dinners I'm going to gain a dress size!!
had our House Clearance Sat and managed to get rid of quite a bit - also sofa's were taken away so having to resort to cushions / beanbag & camping chairs!! Not fun but for a good cause!
Rest of left overs are on e-bay so fingers crossed it will all go - if not = freecycle or dump!
This time next week Keira will be in Melbourne and we'll be on our way to LHR :)
Things have calmed down a little at least, but just worried about finding a rental when we get there. but sure we'll be fine!
had our House Clearance Sat and managed to get rid of quite a bit - also sofa's were taken away so having to resort to cushions / beanbag & camping chairs!! Not fun but for a good cause!
Rest of left overs are on e-bay so fingers crossed it will all go - if not = freecycle or dump!
This time next week Keira will be in Melbourne and we'll be on our way to LHR :)
Things have calmed down a little at least, but just worried about finding a rental when we get there. but sure we'll be fine!
Saturday, 23 October 2010
A final farewell
My brother and I took time out to spread dads ashes together on top of the Westbury White Horse. Apart from being extremely cold and windy (!) we had great views over Wiltshire and said our final goodbye to dad which will be complete if I get a clear night and send up a lantern with the following poem:
"Into the freedom of wind and sunshine
we let you go
Into the dance of the stars and the planets
we let you go
Into the winds breath and the hands of the star maker
we let you go
We love you, we miss you, we want you to be happy
Go safely, go dancing, go running home."
Love you dad xxx
"Into the freedom of wind and sunshine
we let you go
Into the dance of the stars and the planets
we let you go
Into the winds breath and the hands of the star maker
we let you go
We love you, we miss you, we want you to be happy
Go safely, go dancing, go running home."
Love you dad xxx
Leaving Party
Had a week of goodbyes already :(
Girly lunch with Emma & Chloe which was really nice - managed to hold myself together...just!
Jennah was very sad leaving school and some of her friends also upset - this I could NOT handle and ended up in tears too! anyway we soon forgot tears as we had a party to organise.
So after an odd day of saying goodbye to my boss, collecting dads ashes and decorating the local pub for an early halloween party I finally had the chance to let off some steam!
Girly lunch with Emma & Chloe which was really nice - managed to hold myself together...just!
Jennah was very sad leaving school and some of her friends also upset - this I could NOT handle and ended up in tears too! anyway we soon forgot tears as we had a party to organise.
So after an odd day of saying goodbye to my boss, collecting dads ashes and decorating the local pub for an early halloween party I finally had the chance to let off some steam!
Tuesday, 19 October 2010
Removals!
Well it's the eve before the heart of our home makes its journey 'down under'! it's an amazingly big step, have not stopped smiling to myself over the last couple of days :0D
However it does mean THIS IS REAL!!! We are really on our way.
However it does mean THIS IS REAL!!! We are really on our way.
Thursday, 14 October 2010
Stamp!
Well we have our Passports returned with the Ozy Permanent residency stamp on them! :) Woohoo!!!
Monday, 4 October 2010
VISA !!!!!
OMG we have the VISA approved!!!!
My head is spinning I have so much to do! First things first = tell everyone :)
Party is booked for the 22nd and we're looking at the 2nd week in November to fly out!!! AAARRRGGGGHHHH
it's all too real now....soooo excited, no way I can work lmao :)
My head is spinning I have so much to do! First things first = tell everyone :)
Party is booked for the 22nd and we're looking at the 2nd week in November to fly out!!! AAARRRGGGGHHHH
it's all too real now....soooo excited, no way I can work lmao :)
Thursday, 16 September 2010
10 Year mark
Wow, 10th Wedding Anniversary today!
Cant figure out where the time has gone, but we have squeezed a lot in :)
Must be an emotional blob at the moment as I cried over my card!???
(Was a nice card though!)
Here's to the next 10 my love, a new journey awaits us xxxxxxxx
Cant figure out where the time has gone, but we have squeezed a lot in :)
Must be an emotional blob at the moment as I cried over my card!???
(Was a nice card though!)
Here's to the next 10 my love, a new journey awaits us xxxxxxxx
Wednesday, 15 September 2010
An Emotional time
Sat watching 'Wanted Down Under' and I'm a complete mess!
So excited about the move but just thinking about saying goodbye is really tugging at my heart-strings.
It's going to be so hard, but I'm happy that we're going to get a chance to say goodbye properly and have a party with everyone (once we know for sure!!).
So many things going around my head, happy, sad, anxious, excited.
I know we are doing the right thing.
As a reminder to myself I went to Oxford Street in London on Monday and it was so depressing - Grey, Noisey, Dirty and looking very sad for itself as lots of roadworks. Plus on the way home I ended up having to sit on an arm rest on the last train because it was so busy - fair enough this was because of a festival, but not the first time I've had to stand/sit in an awkward place on the train!
Another reminder - I left London at 13:20 and got back at 16:30!!
Here's to the '30 minute city' :)
So excited about the move but just thinking about saying goodbye is really tugging at my heart-strings.
It's going to be so hard, but I'm happy that we're going to get a chance to say goodbye properly and have a party with everyone (once we know for sure!!).
So many things going around my head, happy, sad, anxious, excited.
I know we are doing the right thing.
As a reminder to myself I went to Oxford Street in London on Monday and it was so depressing - Grey, Noisey, Dirty and looking very sad for itself as lots of roadworks. Plus on the way home I ended up having to sit on an arm rest on the last train because it was so busy - fair enough this was because of a festival, but not the first time I've had to stand/sit in an awkward place on the train!
Another reminder - I left London at 13:20 and got back at 16:30!!
Here's to the '30 minute city' :)
Hobby
All set and ready to go...with a new hobby.
Decided to treat myself to a professional DSLR Camera and a couple of lenses as [hopefully] I will have time to myself when we move!!
It will be great to continue what I loved at school and really get involved with the science of Photography.
My intention is to also join a camera club as an excuse to make new friends and explore my new home :)
As I get going I'll be sure to load up my pics on my blog.
... New life...New hobby GREAT!
Decided to treat myself to a professional DSLR Camera and a couple of lenses as [hopefully] I will have time to myself when we move!!
It will be great to continue what I loved at school and really get involved with the science of Photography.
My intention is to also join a camera club as an excuse to make new friends and explore my new home :)
As I get going I'll be sure to load up my pics on my blog.
... New life...New hobby GREAT!
Friday, 10 September 2010
Meds
Being poked n prodded for meds but really excited as this is a major step for visa!! Woooo :0D
Sent from my iPhone
Thursday, 26 August 2010
Healthcheck time!!
Finally heard from immi!!
Have to send a few documents plus get our Healthcheck done :0D
Woohoo - looks like we may well be on our way end of Oct!!!
Now I'm getting anxious :0/
Have to send a few documents plus get our Healthcheck done :0D
Woohoo - looks like we may well be on our way end of Oct!!!
Now I'm getting anxious :0/
Sunday, 22 August 2010
DIY #1
Well having a need to do something - I cracked on with sorting the bathroom out! I've made a small dent in the 'to-do' list anyway!
Saturday, 14 August 2010
Limbo game
Well immi have taken their money (3 weeks ago) plus my nomination has been approved!!
Still waiting for confirmation, receipt & allocation of case worker, but informed this 'should' be in the next week or two!!
Fingers crossed we hear something soon, it is very hard to do anything, cant plan, hand in notice or get rid of anything until we know for sure what's going on! Plus difficult when people ask "so when are you going then!??"
We'll know soon enough I hope :0\
Still waiting for confirmation, receipt & allocation of case worker, but informed this 'should' be in the next week or two!!
Fingers crossed we hear something soon, it is very hard to do anything, cant plan, hand in notice or get rid of anything until we know for sure what's going on! Plus difficult when people ask "so when are you going then!??"
We'll know soon enough I hope :0\
Second Honeymoon
We've just had a well deserved break from things. Pete & I went on our 2nd honeymoon to Egypt while my mum took the kids to Cyprus! Needless to say it was great, read plenty, relaxed and got a good dose of sun :) At Cairo we were informed that at 5pm it was 46'c!!! No wonder we rushed to get back on the bus ;)
Kids on hols
Kids on hols
Sunday, 11 July 2010
Application
Right police certificates are back so have completed and double checked the formal visa application !!
All set and ready to post tomorrow!!! Now just have to sit back and wait :)
All set and ready to post tomorrow!!! Now just have to sit back and wait :)
Friday, 2 July 2010
Police Certificates
Right a small step closer, have sent off the application to the police today :)
Only problem is it could take up to 20 days to get back!? just hope it is here before we go away!!!
Only problem is it could take up to 20 days to get back!? just hope it is here before we go away!!!
Monday, 14 June 2010
My dear dad
Sadly my dad passed away at the weekend, just a few days before his 64th birthday.
I have never had so many different emotions all at once!!
So much to do.
I have to say I am so glad that I am here to go through this with my family close by and have involvement in the arrangements, not only that but extremely glad that I had a week with my dad before he passed.
You've just walked on ahead of me
And I've got to understand
You must release the ones you love
And let go of their hand.
I try and cope the best I can
But I'm missing you so much
If I could only see you
And once more feel your touch.
Yes, you've just walked on ahead of me
Don't worry I'll be fine
But now and then I swear I feel
Your hand slip into mine
Wednesday, 9 June 2010
Stage 2
OMG! Stage 2 sent off by CQR (Employee Nomination)!!!!
Wont be long before I have to send off my bits! ARRGGGHH
Wont be long before I have to send off my bits! ARRGGGHH
Tuesday, 1 June 2010
Monday, 31 May 2010
A Hard decision
Sadly we have decided to re-home Kandy :(
This was not an easy decision as she is very much part of the family and I'm sure she'd love running on the beaches in Oz!
We feel that the move will unsettle her too much and it will make it really difficult for us to secure a rental with 2 dogs, plus the actual expense in getting 2 dogs down to Oz!
Have put the word out and already have a couple of families potentially interested.
Hope to have a trial run soon which will mean she is well settled and happy before we move.
xxx
Wednesday, 26 May 2010
Stage 1 - Nomination
Well CQR have completed Stage 1 of the Visa application process!
Getting very real now :0)
Getting very real now :0)
Sunday, 16 May 2010
location, location
Having looked at various areas we're all but set on Hallett Cove (unless the chaps at CQR really advise otherwise!). The area looks pretty, near a beach, 5 mins from a sandy beach, house prices very good (to buy & rent) and a joint primary & secondary school that looks really good too!
Obviously until we get there we wont really know for sure! But getting a good vibe from HC :)
Sunday, 9 May 2010
Informed
Well the hardest job done. I have finally had the opportunity to tell dad and he has taken it well. Both parents really happy for us which really helps with things mentally. Although the goodbyes will be hard, I have their blessing which is great and makes the whole process a lot easier!
Saturday, 8 May 2010
Location
Have been researching into areas to live!
Think we have decided on Hallett Cove. The school looks good and has some very good reviews on PIA, nice uniform etc...
Prices of property are good and of course near to the beach and new shopping centre!
We have a target, feel a bit better about things.
Watch this space! :)
Think we have decided on Hallett Cove. The school looks good and has some very good reviews on PIA, nice uniform etc...
Prices of property are good and of course near to the beach and new shopping centre!
We have a target, feel a bit better about things.
Watch this space! :)
Thursday, 6 May 2010
Offer!
OMG I have an offer!!!! Sooo excited and scared. Very confusing! Could happen very fast!!!! Woooo
Sent from my iPhone
Monday, 26 April 2010
Friday, 23 April 2010
Getting the ball rolling
Having a company view the house today, hope we can get a good price range.
0% should give us a bit more room to move at least!
Watch this space :)
0% should give us a bit more room to move at least!
Watch this space :)
Waiting game
Thanks to the recruitment agency they were not informed of our full situation.
Relocation now needs t o be part of the offer which I hope they can help out with!
Because of this I have to wait another week (while Directors talk face to face) before I hear anything of a formal offer!
Grrr stupid agency! Plus they also put me forward at the lowest rate - how stupid!! Oh well I guess I wouldnt even be given the opportunity without them...
Wait n see now - hope they dont change their mind because of it ... lots of fingers crossed at the mo :)
Relocation now needs t o be part of the offer which I hope they can help out with!
Because of this I have to wait another week (while Directors talk face to face) before I hear anything of a formal offer!
Grrr stupid agency! Plus they also put me forward at the lowest rate - how stupid!! Oh well I guess I wouldnt even be given the opportunity without them...
Wait n see now - hope they dont change their mind because of it ... lots of fingers crossed at the mo :)
Friday, 16 April 2010
Job
OMG I got the job!!!! Things going quicker than expected. Have concall to clarify things next week. Jobs a goodun so can't wait to start !
Sent from my iPhone
Wednesday, 14 April 2010
2 days to go
Right - now really crapping myself!
Have 2 sleeps til my 'Big Day' and just hope to god I dont mess it up!
I have had butterflies since Monday, partly cause I'm scared I'll mess it up and partly cause I'm scared I'll be offered the job and will be working toward a new life!!
Read up on some articles on Poms In Oz and made me realise that this is a good decision, although very scary! I feel my heart is there already!
Wish me LOTS of Luck :)
Have 2 sleeps til my 'Big Day' and just hope to god I dont mess it up!
I have had butterflies since Monday, partly cause I'm scared I'll mess it up and partly cause I'm scared I'll be offered the job and will be working toward a new life!!
Read up on some articles on Poms In Oz and made me realise that this is a good decision, although very scary! I feel my heart is there already!
Wish me LOTS of Luck :)
Saturday, 3 April 2010
Potential
Really getting exciting. I have had my Skype Interview with David (had to get up at 5am to get ready for a 6am video conference! Yuck) it went really well and I soon got a response from Greg stating that they are due a Management meeting to discuss recruitment further.
Well that has now happened and they want to see me for the final leg!
Fingers crossed all goes well - we could be 'down there' much sooner than we thought!! :)
Well that has now happened and they want to see me for the final leg!
Fingers crossed all goes well - we could be 'down there' much sooner than we thought!! :)
Tuesday, 16 March 2010
Sunday, 7 March 2010
Emigrate Expo
Managed to pick up a few details and sat in seminar. Sadly (?) didn't learn anything new so must be on the right track! Not a lot there really get more from tinternet, though nice to chat through some questions face to face.
Happy I have the right category for skills assessment :0)
Happy I have the right category for skills assessment :0)
Sent from my iPhone
Friday, 26 February 2010
Visa investigations
Blimey this is a minefield!
Have a couple of options on the cards...
Sadly best case scenario is that we move 2013, with overall objective to move by 2014 purely because of costs involved.
Damn I'm so impatient!
Have a couple of options on the cards...
Sadly best case scenario is that we move 2013, with overall objective to move by 2014 purely because of costs involved.
Damn I'm so impatient!
The decision
Early feb had the chat with Pete on whether we should include Australia as a valid option.
We'd discussed emigration before but originally considered the states, for a number of reasons, yet I had my reservations, one of which the chance of getting a visa.
After seeing many 'Wanted Down Under' show I decided Australia would be worth a shot!
I had to do some arm twisting and investigations into the music industry in order to persuade the OH! But it didnt take long!
I also took time to investigate the jobs market to gauge the standard salary and job security, came across www.seek.com and wrote to a couple of agents for their opinion.
I was amazed that Talent International wanted to put my cv forward for a role! I was encouraged to see the company had an office in Oxford but were recruiting for Adelaide.
This prompted some research into Adelaide and I joined the 'poms in Adelaide' forum.
Proved to be a good choice I think as it is described as a large town rather than a city, we have the beach, hills and city life to look forward to...so Adelaide it is!
We'd discussed emigration before but originally considered the states, for a number of reasons, yet I had my reservations, one of which the chance of getting a visa.
After seeing many 'Wanted Down Under' show I decided Australia would be worth a shot!
I had to do some arm twisting and investigations into the music industry in order to persuade the OH! But it didnt take long!
I also took time to investigate the jobs market to gauge the standard salary and job security, came across www.seek.com and wrote to a couple of agents for their opinion.
I was amazed that Talent International wanted to put my cv forward for a role! I was encouraged to see the company had an office in Oxford but were recruiting for Adelaide.
This prompted some research into Adelaide and I joined the 'poms in Adelaide' forum.
Proved to be a good choice I think as it is described as a large town rather than a city, we have the beach, hills and city life to look forward to...so Adelaide it is!
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