May The Odds Be Ever In Your Favor

After 24 days of being here, we have finally found a home (to rent). I had previously written about the difference in viewing homes here vs back at home. Now, to elaborate more on the actual application process. In College Station, we had rented a few apartments. The last two homes we owned, however. The process to rent here was more similar to the process to purchase there. We needed an application and points (IDs, etc.) which is very usual. We also included a letter from ourselves to explain that we had just relocated. We included one letter of reference for Dodger (thanks Emma and Tony!) Yes, you read that correctly. A letter of reference for the dog. It was between that and a doggie resume, and there are only so many ways you can state how awesome a dog is on a resume.

Once we submitted the application, we received a requests for email addresses of our former realtor and our former supervisors. This led to a request from the agent here to them for a reference letter. Our realtor/builder discussed the sale of our home, the condition it was in, and what (if any) damage Dodger had caused. In all honestly, Dodger is not the one I have ever worried about. The kids cause more damage that he would ever consider. Our supervisors received a request as a testimony to our character to ensure that we would make good, reliable tenants.

Yesterday, we were pleased to receive the "offer" of the home. We had a week to decide. We knew right away however that we wanted it. The location and price can't be beat in a city of this size. We can walk to the cafes where we can grab a coffee, we can meet the grandparents at the park or the football oval, and we can walk to four family members homes (making it easy to have a few drinks with dinner when invited over). We move in on July 20.

So, in this case the odds were in our favor.

The odds have also been in the favor of Ian this week who had a "transition" day at his school. He had a great day and really wanted to return for day 2. But considering he just finished first grade in the states, he needs a break. He will start term 3 on July 14. He will have six more months of grade 1. I am hoping he won't grow bored. He indicated that he made several friends which was quite apparent when we were walking out and many of the students were saying "bye Ian." Ian just said "bye" in his cool way and kept walking.

While Ian was at school, Evan went to the leisure center to attend a class. Too bad they told us the wrong time. He was really looking forward to the class (football, soccer, and basketball). I felt so horrible for him. He was fine however when he was able to have a swim and then later head to the library.

As far as the odds not being in our favor...let's talk about the tv. I can't figure out when things are on, even with the guide. It might say 11:30 am, but that could mean anytime it seems. Last night I was watching Jimmy Fallon which was to start at a particular time, but in actuality it was already on. They also have random times for the shows such as 11:02-12:20. And finally, a show will end, an advertisement will come on indicating what is coming on next, and then it will cut into another show. No sense at all I say.

In other news, I am homesick and really just want to sit down and have lunch with my work friends. That would make it seem like a normal day to me. It's odd to check my email and not have 50 million awaiting a response. No one calls, no one writes. It's quite different when you have spent so much time replying to emails and answering calls to having none of it. This probably sounds nice to some of those I use to work with. But my mind is numb from not being used.

Oddities and Things

To those who have traveled as part of the international immersion experiences, we always talk about getting out of your comfort zone and exploring other countries with an open mind. Normally, we spend time looking at both our own culture as well as the culture of the country we will be visiting to determined that might be considered "odd" or unusual.

For those of you familiar with the Nacirema exercise, you will remember that the culture that used "hogs hair" and moved it around their mouths in the great mouth ritual seemed like an odd culture and if I recall correctly, most of you responded with an "ewwww." You all were also quick to pass judgement when we used our student trip leaders in the Albatross simulation. How dare the men lead the way and sit on chairs while the women sat on the ground and fed the men. Who knew that in reality the Nacirema were the Americans using their toothbrushes everyday and the Albatross valued women above all else (they are the only ones pure enough to sit on the land, touch the food, and had to be led in the event that some tribe was out to get them...the men were after all expendable in that particular culture.)

So, let me reflect on the oddities that I have seen since arriving here. Granted, it is an English speaking country with seemingly similar culture aspects as us in the states. However, when viewed through my cultural lens I can tell you there are still a view things I find odd. 

1. Round abouts. I get what they are and I understand that they are supposed to help traffic flow, but whenever I approach one while I am driving I get sweaty palms. How will I know when to go, and what if I get STUCK? For those of you who travelled to Paris, you will recall the round about surround the Arc de Triomphe. We would watch the cars drive around and around and wonder why there were no accidents. I am not driving around those type of round abouts, but sure enough they seem that way regardless. 

2. Aussie Rules Football. Imagine my view. No helmets, no pads. Just men (who in all honesty look rather small and not too athletic) running around "hitting" a ball (I have no clue what you call this) and kicking, and tackling, and bleeding...I don't understand it and I have yet to find any passion for it. This Saturday the Sealey boys will begin their Aussie Rules lessons. Maybe they can teach me a thing or two. 

3. The word "ripper" was used this week to describe our new car. They did a "ripper" of a job on the dash (it has a small scratch as it was a executive car). I told the guy I would have to get use to that word. He told me in Oz it is a good thing. 

4. Tea and coffee are served every ten minutes. I am not complaining about this, but it is different. I am on board with this concept. 

5. House viewing. Seriously odd. We are looking for a rental currently. This past Saturday we drove to our first viewing. It was scheduled from 10:00-10:15 and everyone was invited. There were about 20 cars there and everyone proceeded through the very small home at the same time. Worse yet is the reality that you are competing with these people for the house. It has a certain Hunger Games feeling to it...as though you should stake your claim and fight to the death. More efficient for the realtors? Yes. But trampling through a house with 40 other strangers is odd. 

I could perhaps write a new Nacirema called Ailartsua for you all to use in class. Something certainly to consider. What simple things might you as students at Texas A&M be used to that these Aussies would find odd? Let me know. 

Dodge With A Blog Down Under: Rollin' With My Homies

Captain's Log 08062014

Today was a day of days in my life. Let me first start off by explaining that Rob is home. Praise be as I am now back to my usual number of walks per day. I think some have forgotten how important I am (I am looking at you Paul Sealey) and that I am the Captain of this mission. 

Normal day for me- I woke up. Explored the house. Did my business outside. The others left to go to the "pool" and the "gym"- but whatever. I am over that now. Because it is what followed that was so spectacular. 

After lunch, I was able to get into the large voyager that picked me up from that place a few weeks ago and brought me to the house I am calling home. But, it is where I sat that is so important. Little humans sat in the very back. Not me. I sat in the second row. YES. You read that right. This was followed by a spectacular ride in the vehicle, a great walk along a river filled with ducks and other odd birds, more walking, socializing with other dogs and a view sniffs along the way. It was overall a great experience. And then it got better. My pups in the homeland will understand me when I say that I was rollin' with my homies. I was able to PUT MY HEAD OUT THE WINDOW. Do you understand the words that I am typing? Hang my head out the window. Tongue out. Ears flapping in the wind. 

Best. Day. Ever. At least until tomorrow. 

Dodge out. 

Parlez-vous Texan?

This morning I had a very different experience at the gym. Many of you were interested in the experience I had last week at the gym. My lack of ability to make friends perhaps had you concerned.

This morning however was a bit different. While waiting to enter the studio, the instructor came around and took up our tickets for the class. She looked at me and said that she had not seen me before. And then...I spoke. She immediately asked me where I was from, to which the next girl came and sat down next to me and inquired the same thing. They asked what I was doing here and how long I anticipated staying. I let them know where I was living (Monty). One of the women inquired as to if I had children and if so, where they would be going to school. When I replied with "Monty South" she showed more excitement than I had seen out of any other Aussies. She too had gone to school there. This was followed by another women then proceeding to get involved in the conversation by asking me where I was from. Again, I replied "Texas"- she was shocked. She stated to me that she had just talked to her friend who is a teacher at Monty South who had indicated that she had been told she would have a new student from Texas joining her grade 1 class and that he evidently has "the cutest little accent." In fact, this particular teacher was in the gym at the same time.

This was far from the high school experience I had last week. And what made the experience even better was that as I walked into Body Pump I clearly knew where the equipment was located and had no problems getting set up. I was really pleased at the end of the class when the guy next to me told his girlfriend "well, at least we made the others in the class look good." Maybe I can blend in and look like an experienced local.

Yes if you ask nicely I will speak Texan for you. I might say "bless your heart" and might even ask "how y'all doin?" I did say "let me scoot this over" today but I have not said "I'm fixin to" in about 10 years (I think). But in the end, it's all just my way of engaging in conversation. Today, I am very appreciative to the women who were interested in who I was just by the fact that I was an unfamiliar face. That is true southern hospitality (I am farther south than I have ever been before).

Perhaps this old gal can make friends. Let's see what this week brings...

And for those of you who need a lesson in Texan- I can share a view things with you. I won't lie that before we moved over here that I asked Paul how I was to order a soda. We say "what kind of Coke do you have?" But for those of you who don't understand what I am asking here- I want to know what type of sodas you have. This could mean you reply with Coke, Diet Coke, Dr. Pepper, Diet Dr. Pepper, Sprite- but regardless I will order a Diet. Coke. Lesson of the day.

For more info on things Texans say visit:http://yestotexas.com/14-things-all-texans-have-said-at-least-once/

Thanks and Gig'Em!

Blame It On Texas

Students and staff at Texas A&M- this one is for you.

Each fall we had new students arrive on campus. We would find upperclassmen to help the students transition into the university. A mentor, an orientation counselor, a peer instructor...it occurred to me today that this idea could be beneficial to life in general.

Today I headed to Eltham Leisure Center to participate in a group fitness class (Body Pump for those of you who go to Gold's Gym). I sat there outside of the classroom wondering where the equipment in the room was (I would later find out it was hidden in closets). I asked one of the ladies sitting if she could let me know where it all was. Straight forward. She answered. Not really a conversation.

I walked into the class and got all of my equipment out and set up in the back of the classroom. I watched others in the class chat and talk about life; many of them knew one another and seemed to have play dates set up afterwards with their children. It was the first time I felt extremely lonely and homesick. I was sad that I had not a single familiar face or a friend. And then the realization hit me of the fact that I really don't have friends here outside of those I have through Paul (which are mostly the family and who have been helpful). I missed my friends back in Texas who would understand my lingo and understand my desire to chat like a proud Texan. The people in the class seemed to look at me oddly, as though we were back in high school and I was not at the cool kids table. My Adidas gear certainly fit in, but my Texas A&M sweatshirt did not. Regardless, when the music started I knew what would happen next because the Body Pump classes are standard across the world. So, at that point in time I had a bit of familiarity. It did not stop me however from considering the fact that what I was going through is very similar to what our university students go through each fall when they arrive as new fish on the campus. Scared, lonely, unfamiliar with the lingo and worried to say much for fear of offending someone. But then they get into their classes and clubs and start learning and hopefully meet one person who will help them along. Perhaps those who are still working at the university will take what I say into consideration and remember what a difference a friendly hello (or howdy) can make and just what one simple statement of "I can help you" means. I can personally tell the students and staff at Texas A&M that I would certainly appreciate a mentor, orientation counselor, DG leader, peer instructor, or tutor to help, but that is not how life works. I wonder if you all back at Texas A&M will feel bad for me and think about how I perhaps helped you find your way at some point. Don't. That is not why I wrote this. I can take care of myself and will figure things out. But I wanted to take time and reflect on this so that you all will know that I understand just how much the fish will fully appreciate your help and guidance when the fall semester comes around.

And by the way- after class I drove home. My arms and legs were sore but I was determined to do something to make me feel in control of my situation. One day, I intend to find a way to help others moving to this area become familiar with their surroundings.

Now- to those who will understand me when I say this:

Blame it on Texas.
Don't blame it on me.
I am what I am, and that's who I'm gonna be.
You can say what you want to say, about my insanity.
Blame it on Texas.
Don't blame it on me.
-Mark Chestnutt

Dodge With a Blog Down Under: Oh Where Has My Rob Gone

I whimper, I sigh, I wait.

Where has my Rob gone? New Zealand. Where is that and when does he come back?

I sleep.

I eat.

I poo.

I sleep some more.

I wait. For my Rob.

Come home Rob. I need you. My W-A-L-K-S have been lacking.

The Kookaburra laugh just doesn't make me smile when you are away.

The Lorikeets annoy me when you are not there to calm them while I do my business.

The treats are tasteless.

Food Provider and Baby Carrier come and go. Little humans jump on me.

I need my Rob.

Come home.

Dodge sadly out.

Old, But I'm Not That Old. Young, But I'm Not That Bold.

The transition over the last week has been an interesting one at least. As mentioned previously, we had set up bank accounts and phones first. We next had to take care of health insurance. This required completing a few forms, and then heading to the insurance office at the local mall. We handed the paperwork over along with copies of passports and birth certificates and just like that- we were covered.  It's a bit odd thinking that I have no job but have health insurance. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday consisted of normal weekend types of activities. Otherwise, I lose track of the days and have no idea what day of the week it actually is. We headed off to Healesville Sanctuary where we were able to get close to kangaroos and wallabies and enjoyed a relaxing day strolling through the sanctuary which certainly does not feel like a zoo.

By Monday morning it was time to get back to work on the next steps for us to getting settled. First, we headed to the closest leisure center (gym) to join. This was followed by a trip to the realtor to find out about a few of the local rentals. I am happy to report that we have an "inspection" set up for this Saturday for a rental property with a large yard that welcomes dogs.

Later on Monday we headed back to the gym where Paul got a workout in and I attended a group fitness class. The boys swam with their grandmother and in all, we came out refreshed and exhausted.

Transitions have required baby steps and in some ways resemble a check list of items to take care of each day. The changes make me feel old and young all of the same time. Like a kid that is not sure what to do next and then an adult who is proud of accomplishing something during the day.

I have also made several observations over the past few days. Americans are called arrogant, self centered, and loud. I hate to break this news to the world,  but I think you find arrogant, self centered, and loud people every where you go to some extent. Perhaps the Europeans are not loud, but every country does have proud citizens (perhaps leading others to believe they are arrogant and self-centered). The Aussies seem to be more like the Americans than the Europeans for the most part, outside of tea time. They are quite keen to purchase things made in Australia to support the locals and the economy here. It makes sense and reminds me of the "Made in America" campaign. They are very proud of their country and want to support it as much as they can.

I don't feel the need to quiet my voice here as I do in Europe. No one gives me dirty looks for speaking as we normally do in Texas (unless I shout out "howdy!")

In all, I would say that the Aussies are the more fun version of the British and maybe even the Americans (not as competitive as bigger is not always better). Not as stuck up (a perception of the British but probably not a reality), easy going, and happy to have the royals for the soul purpose of having the Queen's birthday off as a holiday. They seem to have a more youthful approach to life, enjoying it to the fullest and taking it easy.