Repatriation Update

We have now been back in Australia for two months and thought I would provide an update on where we are at with our repatriation and also what we are finding easy and what we are struggling with.

The current 'State of Play' is as follows:

We are in our old house and we are spending a lot of time getting it back to a state we are happy with after 7 years of tenants. I think the 'green garden' bin will be full for many months to come.  We still have little, to no, furniture and the minimalist life is starting to grow on me - much easier to keep clean.  But in the next few weeks when our sea shipment arrives, it will be like a game of tetris trying to find a home for everything.  I think some storage may be required……… 

Our air shipment finally arrived after a ridiculous amount of time in transit - all due to Covid but it was a welcome sight.  There was obviously a bit of a 'juggle' of boxes on the Bangalore end and we ended up with some odd things here and a few requested items missing but we're coping ok with what we have.  We managed to have a box of Max's toys and some Australia Day decorations - essential items ?

The boys started school in mid July and, after an anxious start, have started to make friends and feel more comfortable with life at St Andrews in the city.  Sometimes we forget how much these two have had to go through and even though we continue to have the teenage tantrums, we are very proud of what they have achieved and how they have handled themselves.  Both are playing sport for the school (Max playing rugby and Jack playing soccer) and they have both rejoined their old Aussie Rules club and loving being back out there running around.

With QLD borders closed I have been unable to go to QLD to see my parents and when they needed me the most in the last couple of weeks, I couldn't be there DTC !  I promise that as soon as the borders open again, I will be on the next plane for a visit!!

OK, so what are we struggling with?

• Telstra and no broadband internet……. it is an ongoing saga that continues to haunt us.  With all 4 of us trying to use the 'dongle' it is painful to say the least.
• No furniture - sleeping on the floor and having to fight for a spot on the lounge room floor is becoming tiresome
• Cost of things - not sure I will ever get used to that one.  I am still stuck in 2013 prices…...
• The cold - 7 years of mild/no winters has made us soft.  Moving back in winter was not such a great idea for us softies.

And, what are we enjoying?

• Everything else really !
• Our home - it's taking time to fix things and get back in to the rhythm but I am loving being back in our house and neighbourhood now.
• Some wonderful 'catchups' with friends.  We can't wait to return the favour and be able to have some friends over too and not have them 'stand' …..
• Driving - oh how I love to drive around and be independent. 
• The wonderful variety and quality of food available and cooking in my kitchen again.
• Supermarket shopping - no one will understand this unless they have had to rely on supermarket shopping in India !!
• Wine, wine, wine (and the variety of beer for Mike)
• Organised school and club sport
• Running outside - I'm struggling with it but loving it at the same time
• The fresh air and those GLORIOUS blue Australian skies !

Our big news is that Mike has a job starting Monday which is a huge relief and was against all odds and expectations.  So that is a great way to finish this blog, and you may hear my 'yell with excitement' tomorrow when I have the house all to myself for the first time in months !!

Hope you're all staying safe in these crazy and scary times.

Proper Uniforms !!

Morning Run skies

Jack is out there somewhere

Winners are grinners