Dodgy Crockett: King of the Wild Frontier. C'est moi.
You might think I am joking, but I kid you not. I have taken over Montmorency (I am in the inner circle now, so I just call it Monty). I walk, I mark. I walk some more, I mark some more. YES! It's been an interesting week have the family around again. Paul and Suzanne have been walking in the mornings looking at homes and I have taken the opportunity to mark every branch or tree, or mailbox for that matter along the way. I need the people of Oz to understand that I have arrived and I am a force to be reckoned with while I am out and about.
On Thursday, the family and I headed to a local park similar to Lick Creek. I was not allowed off the leash, but I enjoyed it regardless. I heard many new sounds and saw many new sites. I saw an ant. Let me just tell you, they say everything is bigger in Texas, but goodness...all I can say is "that is not an ant, THIS is an ant." It was the size of small human's pinky finger I would say. NO THANK YOU. I ran the other direction.
I did manage to ask the small humans what they think so far of life in Oz. Medium said "Good" and small said "Fun." Simple. I like that.
Now, as I sit in the living room while the rest of the family sleeps, I can reflect on my time as Dodgy Crockett. I have so much more to explore and conquer. I look forward to really getting to know the lorikeets (rainbow colored birds; google them!) I intend to have a convo with the local Kookaburra to find out what is so damn funny. Clearly I am missing the joke there. And perhaps I will chase a bunny or two at the farm soon.
King of the Wild Frontier. That is me for sure.
Word of the Day: Ta. It means thank you.
Ta for reading my blog.
Dodge out.
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Wednesday, May 28, 2014
Speak Texan To Me
A series of first only seems appropriate for this blog considering I had a series of lasts when we left Texas.
Today was a busy first day down under. It started with a very long walk through the neighborhood to locate Ian's new school. Imagine my surprise when I found out that the first bell in the morning rings at 9 am, not 7:50 as it did it CStat.
Upon return to the house and after a whole lot of ironing, Paul and I headed to the bank to set up a new account. To my former students- you would appreciate hearing me ask questions that may have seemed silly to the banker (although she was incredibly friendly) but I had to ask them to be sure I understood how things worked.
After the accounts were established we headed straight to get our new cell phone accounts established. My number is unusual...and it will take me awhile to remember it and learn how to dial (once again being naive to the ways things work down here.) The experience while setting up the new phone accounts was highlighted by the employee mimicking an American accent. It wasn't quite "sing to me in Texan" but it may have well been. It was so bad that I didn't even realize what he was attempting to do until he told me that was his best effort. So, I suppose this is what Paul went through over and over again while in Texas. I gave him an odd look. He also talked about how aggressive American women are...not the best way to win me as a customer. Next time I will wear my boots and give him a good kick in the shin. I can give into the stereotypes if he insists. And yes, I did bring my cowboy boots.
While grabbing a bite to eat (meat pie again) I actually said pardon in a French accent to a lady. Clearly I am confused by the lack of familiarity and for some reason thought I was in France again.
In all, this day brought a new sense of relief. I felt better about life (probably due to the 12 hours of sleep I had.) I felt welcomed by the Aussies for the most part. I was excited to explore the neighborhood and even felt like I might get used to driving here. I was able to watch some of the Spurs game and the boys were able to watch Sam and Cat. Little familiarities made the day more comfortable and appreciating the baby steps showed me that I can adjust.
For years I have taught students to get out of their comfort zones and explore the "flatness" that is the world...to search for the things that make us unique and yet make us different as well. Today was the first day that I have had that chance in a long time.
On a final note, I dreamt that I left Texas A&M College Station to relocate to TAMU Kingsville. I guess my mind is telling me that I have moved south. Of course, it's a bit further that I ever anticipated.
Today was a busy first day down under. It started with a very long walk through the neighborhood to locate Ian's new school. Imagine my surprise when I found out that the first bell in the morning rings at 9 am, not 7:50 as it did it CStat.
Upon return to the house and after a whole lot of ironing, Paul and I headed to the bank to set up a new account. To my former students- you would appreciate hearing me ask questions that may have seemed silly to the banker (although she was incredibly friendly) but I had to ask them to be sure I understood how things worked.
After the accounts were established we headed straight to get our new cell phone accounts established. My number is unusual...and it will take me awhile to remember it and learn how to dial (once again being naive to the ways things work down here.) The experience while setting up the new phone accounts was highlighted by the employee mimicking an American accent. It wasn't quite "sing to me in Texan" but it may have well been. It was so bad that I didn't even realize what he was attempting to do until he told me that was his best effort. So, I suppose this is what Paul went through over and over again while in Texas. I gave him an odd look. He also talked about how aggressive American women are...not the best way to win me as a customer. Next time I will wear my boots and give him a good kick in the shin. I can give into the stereotypes if he insists. And yes, I did bring my cowboy boots.
While grabbing a bite to eat (meat pie again) I actually said pardon in a French accent to a lady. Clearly I am confused by the lack of familiarity and for some reason thought I was in France again.
In all, this day brought a new sense of relief. I felt better about life (probably due to the 12 hours of sleep I had.) I felt welcomed by the Aussies for the most part. I was excited to explore the neighborhood and even felt like I might get used to driving here. I was able to watch some of the Spurs game and the boys were able to watch Sam and Cat. Little familiarities made the day more comfortable and appreciating the baby steps showed me that I can adjust.
For years I have taught students to get out of their comfort zones and explore the "flatness" that is the world...to search for the things that make us unique and yet make us different as well. Today was the first day that I have had that chance in a long time.
On a final note, I dreamt that I left Texas A&M College Station to relocate to TAMU Kingsville. I guess my mind is telling me that I have moved south. Of course, it's a bit further that I ever anticipated.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Dodge with a Blog: Like a Boomerang They Came Back
Captain's Log, star date 270514.
I can't. I just can't. I looked out the window and I saw something amazing. I wish I could explain the feeling I had, but I just can't.
What I saw was legend-wait for it cause I am not lactose intolerant- dary!!!!
Paul. AKA the Food Provider.
Suzanne. AKA the Baby Carrier.
Ian. AKA the Medium Human.
Evan. AKA the Little Human.
THEY ARRIVED.
I covered them in licks and I am not embarrassed to say that I cried. Maybe a lot.
I went on two walks with them. Showed them the neighborhood. Introduced them to the noisy magpies. And allowed them to pet me.
Life does not get much better.
Happy. Tail wag.
Dodge out.
I can't. I just can't. I looked out the window and I saw something amazing. I wish I could explain the feeling I had, but I just can't.
What I saw was legend-wait for it cause I am not lactose intolerant- dary!!!!
Paul. AKA the Food Provider.
Suzanne. AKA the Baby Carrier.
Ian. AKA the Medium Human.
Evan. AKA the Little Human.
THEY ARRIVED.
I covered them in licks and I am not embarrassed to say that I cried. Maybe a lot.
I went on two walks with them. Showed them the neighborhood. Introduced them to the noisy magpies. And allowed them to pet me.
Life does not get much better.
Happy. Tail wag.
Dodge out.
Sleep is Overrated
We have arrived. Two jet planes and lots of jet lag and we have managed to stay awake through the day. We left Texas at 10 pm on Sunday night. And arrived in Brisbane at 5 am on Tuesday morning. Oddly enough, when we left Dallas it was raining, similar to the weather on my last day of work at Texas A&M (see the previous blog titled The Storm.) The weather matched my mood. I literally bawled like a baby while saying goodbye to my brother Steve. So much so that the TSA agents felt sorry for me. I continued to cry on the plane. The movie (Saving Mr. Banks) settled me down (it's about Disney after all.) Ian and Evan were asleep pretty much from take off and remained so for about 8 hours. I slept on and off...but that is pretty typical when you are concerned about your kids and how they are doing. People have asked me about traveling that far with two kids. I have made the trip now 8 times, and 4 of those have been with the kids. It just seems normal to me now, I have gotten past the "eeeeewwww" stage of planes germs and how the boys seem to find all of them.
We arrived in Brisbane and we all seemed pretty content to walk as much as we could after the 15 hour flight from Texas. We then flew to Melbourne, we gathered our 7 bags, 2 car seats, and 4 carry ons and proceeded with Paul's parents to their home. Once again it was raining...and once again it matched my mood.
Then came the moment we had been waiting for...the time to reunite with our Dodge. He cried and cried and licked and wagged and wiggled (Dodger, not Paul) and we were so happy to hug him.
It was still raining outside and it was at that moment of seeing Dodge and cuddling with him that my tears started flowing again. Seeing him reminded me that this was not just a visit. He was the reminder that we had just walked away from our great life in Texas and relocated to the other side of the world.
We all showered and walked down to Were St for a pie (meat pie that is.) Dodge even went along and showed us that he is now part of the Were St crowd. It rained and rained.
But a funny thing happened later this afternoon...the sun came out. It ended up being a beautiful afternoon.
I can't really try to understand how I feel today because I am so tired. Every time I start to have a moment of thinking I can't handle this, I remind myself that I need to wait to decide how I feel.
Sleep is not actually overrated. I anticipate we will sleep very well tonight and wake up tomorrow ready to conquer the next steps.
We arrived in Brisbane and we all seemed pretty content to walk as much as we could after the 15 hour flight from Texas. We then flew to Melbourne, we gathered our 7 bags, 2 car seats, and 4 carry ons and proceeded with Paul's parents to their home. Once again it was raining...and once again it matched my mood.
Then came the moment we had been waiting for...the time to reunite with our Dodge. He cried and cried and licked and wagged and wiggled (Dodger, not Paul) and we were so happy to hug him.
It was still raining outside and it was at that moment of seeing Dodge and cuddling with him that my tears started flowing again. Seeing him reminded me that this was not just a visit. He was the reminder that we had just walked away from our great life in Texas and relocated to the other side of the world.
We all showered and walked down to Were St for a pie (meat pie that is.) Dodge even went along and showed us that he is now part of the Were St crowd. It rained and rained.
But a funny thing happened later this afternoon...the sun came out. It ended up being a beautiful afternoon.
I can't really try to understand how I feel today because I am so tired. Every time I start to have a moment of thinking I can't handle this, I remind myself that I need to wait to decide how I feel.
Sleep is not actually overrated. I anticipate we will sleep very well tonight and wake up tomorrow ready to conquer the next steps.
Sunday, May 25, 2014
Dodge with a Blog: Agent 00Dodge
Captain's Log, still trying to figure out the date but don't really care anymore.
My Dodgy senses are tingling. I have been spying on the Food Provider's Baby Carrier (aka Heather) and I have been testing my theory.
Theory: Paul, Suzanne and the boys are on their way. FPBC is willing to do whatever it takes so that they come.
Test: I pooped on the porch.
Results: FPBC cleaned it up and then proceeded to take me on a walk.
Possible next test ideas: crawl in bed with her and insist that she cuddle me, demand that she make me sausage rolls by herding her into the kitchen, bark at the garbage truck until she gives me a treat to hush me up. Stay tuned.
Dodge out.
My Dodgy senses are tingling. I have been spying on the Food Provider's Baby Carrier (aka Heather) and I have been testing my theory.
Theory: Paul, Suzanne and the boys are on their way. FPBC is willing to do whatever it takes so that they come.
Test: I pooped on the porch.
Results: FPBC cleaned it up and then proceeded to take me on a walk.
Possible next test ideas: crawl in bed with her and insist that she cuddle me, demand that she make me sausage rolls by herding her into the kitchen, bark at the garbage truck until she gives me a treat to hush me up. Stay tuned.
Dodge out.
Je Suis Pret vs Je Ne Suis Pas Pret
Tonight we leave. Tonight we will board the plane and head to the Southern Hemisphere. While I can say I am ready, I am not 100% sure that I am but there is nothing I can do now. I need to see the dog and I know that he is waiting there for us. The past week has gone from rough to great. Last Monday and Tuesday the movers were at our house. It was pretty uneventful. They came, they saw, they packed, they left. I sat, sat some more...read a little, watched a little, sat around. I thought- yes je suis pret (I am ready.) On Tuesday night, we had a sleep over in our master bedroom with the boys. It was the last night in the house and we all wanted to be together. This was the house we had brought both babies home to.
Wednesday resulted in the closing of the house. While we were waiting we had a visitor at the house. I took it as a sign to get the heck out of the house...it was a five foot rat snake. Not poisonous but he was hanging out in our front garden. It was enough for me to say adios and jump in the car. Although I can joke about it all now, there were a lot of tears that day on my part. When we drove out of Aggieland I thought that I would not be able to stop crying. I cried until I fell asleep and woke up feeling much better. I thought again je suis pret. I could do this.
We arrived in Dallas to visit family and began the last weekend of eating in Texas. Steaks, turkey, sweet potato soufflé, dressing, chili dogs, Mexican food, BBQ, sweet tea, beer biscuits, and lots and lots of good drinks. Every time the food was served I said je suis pret. It was all delicious and we had a great time hanging out in big D.
These feelings continue to swing back and forth. One moment I think I will be fine with it, and the next I am thinking there is no way I can do this. I suppose this is what getting out of your comfort zone means. Regardless of if one is ready or not, it can be a good thing.
It is happening. But today, je ne suis pas pret. But off we go anyways. My next blog will happen from Oz. Prayers are appreciated during this time.
Wednesday resulted in the closing of the house. While we were waiting we had a visitor at the house. I took it as a sign to get the heck out of the house...it was a five foot rat snake. Not poisonous but he was hanging out in our front garden. It was enough for me to say adios and jump in the car. Although I can joke about it all now, there were a lot of tears that day on my part. When we drove out of Aggieland I thought that I would not be able to stop crying. I cried until I fell asleep and woke up feeling much better. I thought again je suis pret. I could do this.
We arrived in Dallas to visit family and began the last weekend of eating in Texas. Steaks, turkey, sweet potato soufflé, dressing, chili dogs, Mexican food, BBQ, sweet tea, beer biscuits, and lots and lots of good drinks. Every time the food was served I said je suis pret. It was all delicious and we had a great time hanging out in big D.
These feelings continue to swing back and forth. One moment I think I will be fine with it, and the next I am thinking there is no way I can do this. I suppose this is what getting out of your comfort zone means. Regardless of if one is ready or not, it can be a good thing.
It is happening. But today, je ne suis pas pret. But off we go anyways. My next blog will happen from Oz. Prayers are appreciated during this time.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Spirit of Aggieland
It's the Spirit of Aggieland...
Tonight we said our final goodbyes to dear friends. Many could not make it but sent messages. It's hard to believe that 14 years ago we started our adventures here in Aggieland. As Paul and I were discussing our time here we started talking about our Top 10 moments in Aggieland. We will probably think of a million more because it has been a wild ride!
10. The first really big game that Paul was on the sidelines for at Kyle- we beat Notre Dame in 2001! We just saw Coach Slocum the other night and he greeted Paul with a great big smile.
9. Eating dinner on Good Friday with Babs and George at Olive Garden. What were the former President and First Lady doing eating there?? We were a poor grad student and newly employed staff member at TAMU. That is what we could afford! We had no idea we would be in that company. That Olive Garden burned down.
8. After TAMU beat #1 ranked OU we went to Zapatos and had trash can nachos. The Sooners fans were awesome and joined us! A great night! This was when Reggie came off the bench as a fish and the "let him play" campaign started.
7. Bridgette Ingram asking Paul to sing Happy Birthday in Australian to her. We still talk about this so clearly it is still important!
6. Halloween parties, birthday parties and tail gates. Wigs, baby bjorns, solo cups, pink dinosaurs- so many great memories with great people!
5. The 2012 football season. All of it including Johnny Heisman and Johnny Hangover and the new tv that followed.
4. Pre-game and half-times in Neetum. This includes hanging with 41, seeing what tactics the team had before each game (depending on each diffident coach), walking out behind the team sometimes, and of course NAPS!
3. Working and playing with the greatest friends we could ask for! These people became our family.
2. The adoption of our sweet Dodge from God's Little Creatures.
1. The birth of our children.
CStat and Aggieland have been A&Mazing. We lived here as boyfriend and girlfriend, as a fiancé to each other, as husband and wife, and as mother and father. It will always be our home and we will miss it! Thanks for the memories!
From the outside looking in, you can't understand it and from the inside looking out you can't explain it.
You just have to experience Aggieland.
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