A Sprinkling of Stories

It is nice to know that when I am absent in my blogging I have people that will remind me of my negligence.  In all reality, I like to write when I am inspired to do so and I haven’t found a subject to blab about.  So, while I’m itching to write, I still don’t have a solid topic to entertain you’s with.  This blog I feel might be a bit all over the place with random thoughts and observations.

Observations and Stories of Aussie Land:

1. I live in the suburbs.  Suburbia is suburbia the world over.  Homes.  Lawns.  Shops.  More cars.  Less public transport.  Something really sweet about the suburbs here are the uniqueness of the homes in the neighborhoods.  Unlike the States, every home here has its own unique look.  There isn’t the repeat floor plans and carbon copy exteriors found so commonly found back home.  It’s funny because some people like to joke how “communist” Australia is but really the U.S.’s suburbia suggests the blasé uniformity of communism more. (Wow.  See random sidenote!) I enjoy the beauty of suburban neighborhoods here.  Creeks and foliage dot the landscape too.  I like my current home.  The only major strike against it is the fact that I have to travel about an hour to the city center, to visit Tara or Lisa or other mates.  Also, the nearest train station is a fifteen minute drive.
2. By now, I rarely “hear” accents.  But there are a few things that give away I’m living in the next continent over.  Aussies’ like using the word “proper” or “properly.” As in, that is a proper car or I exercised properly.  Also, the word “can’t” sounds very British.  And of course there is the shortening of every word possible.  Rego for registration.  Scripts for prescriptions.  Raw raw raw for etcetera etcetera etcetera.  It makes for quite a few moments of “you are speaking English, right?”
3. I no longer am nervous about driving “backwards” here.  It is quite natural for me to whip around on the left side.  However, autopilot does catch me out. Just last week, I was deep in my thoughts pulling out of the post office parking lot.  I immediately turned right into the nearest lane.  Snapping out of my daydreaming came abruptly when I realized I was going to be playing chicken with a few cars  in the matter of seconds.  With a quick over the shoulder glance I swerved dramatically to the left lanes. Thankfully no cars inhibited my unconventional entry!!! 
4. My other car adventure involved the three little Mulcahy boys and me.  We were driving to and from the city last Wednesday to deliver keys to Jason that he needed for his car.  I proceeded to twice exit incorrectly from the motorway, both times after I had just hung up my mobile from talking with Jason (by the way using your mobile while you’re driving unless it is handless is illegal in Sydney…).  The phone call distracted me enough that I was unable to multi-task following the signs of where I needed to go.  Perfect example of why mobiles are banned for use while driving!!!  The second incorrect exit took me in the under city tunnel instead of over the Sydney Harbor Bridge.  I landed out into the heart of Sydney’s Red Light district, King’s Cross.  I jokingly quipped to Jason on the phone, who was giving me directions back to his place of work, that I was giving his boys an “education.”  Luckily, Jason upholds the Aussie values of easygoingness and a great sense of humor!  I had to fight downtown traffic all my way back to where I was suppose to be in The Rocks district of Sydney’s CBD.  People walked faster than I was driving.  The little ones took it well, even after I told them in a very stressed out tone that I couldn’t talk to them until I figured out where I was going.  Don't worry they were rewarded in Easter chocolate and lunch with Daddy!
5. I continue to bond with my little charges.  Hamish has blessed me with a couple true cuddles of late.  He fully puts his little arms around my neck and nuzzles his head into my shoulder, as I hug him back.  Of course this is usually right after I rescue him from the boredom of his crib or play pen, so I'm not sure if it is out of love as much as it is glee from being released from his current prison!  It makes my day every time anyway!  Matt and Andy continue to surprise me with their moments of little boy vulnerability and sweetness.  I don’t think I’ve been told or tell any boys I love them as much as we tell it to each other!  Andy’s preschool teachers told me the other day when I picked him up that he talks about me all the time.  Absolutely that tidbit lit up my face for the rest of the day.  I’ve gotten in the habit of not turning on the radio for my rides with the boys because they always have stories and observations of their worlds.  Andy asked me on Friday, “Joy, what do satellites do?”  Yeah.  He’s three.  How do you explain what satellites do in language a 3 year old understands?  How does he even know what satellites are in the first place?  After I explained to the best of my ability about the ones that orbit the earth in space, he then goes on to clarify that he was talking about the ones on towers.  Yeah.  Sweet.  Our conversation carried us all the way home!
6. A large part of my life this last month has been figuring out how this whole seriously committed relationship thing works.  So far I’ve decided it makes me very happy and it keeps me on my toes!! …the more the effort, the greater the reward J For those of you who read my blog but I’m not lucky enough to talk to regularly, here is the rap sheet on my wonderful Aussie partner in crime.  His name is Kreton Israel.  No, he isn’t Jewish….rather half Greek, half Lebanese and full Australian, as we say.  He does speak Greek with his mum!  He currently is doing his Honours Year at Uni in Maths (sort of equivalent to Masters but still a bit different).  We met through our friends Tara and Riaaz the first time I was in Australia.  There are many, many things I am attracted to about him but I won’t make anyone puke with too many girly gushings.  A few attributes that come to mind almost immediately are his intelligence (helloooo Maths!), his logical/sensory perspective of the world (often very different from my own!), his strength, boyish grin, humor, and his deep care for people.  He treats me well and I’ve discovered new things about myself through being with him (like my need for breathe mints and my unreal constant restroom usage...better that than peeing my pants I say!!!!).  Now I’m sure all of you are thinking “when do we get to meet this fabulous catch with a gorgeous Aussie accent?”  Hopefully someday!

While I am certainly enjoying my time here, I do think of my dear ones back home often, wishing to teleport back for weddings, graduations, proms, girls' nights, chats about the mystery of life, raw raw raw….I find I am incredibly blessed to have many places to be at once, with many people with whom love is shared.  Home is a wondrously transient entity for me.  It’s built upon my kindred spirits, my loves.

Please fill free to bring “home” to me anyway you possibly can!  Skype, letters, emails, calls, Facebook messages, texts, VISITS are all much appreciated!

XoXo Your Joy!

P.S. A special note to Joshy and Becky.  May you be blessed in your love and may it continually flow out, working wonder in those around you.  Congratulations in your very soon marriage kick off day!!!!!