Back to life, back to reality

Reality has set in. I’m currently sitting on a big pink pillow, typing on my computer, which is sitting on my coffee table, because there is nothing left to sit on or type at. All the chairs are gone, the table I used as a desk for so long is gone, and clothes sit on the floor with me, because there is nothing to put them in. Everything is gone….or almost. I still have those random odds and ends that you are always left with when moving, like dishes, movies, a filing cabinet, an awesome pumpkin that blows up to be 4” big, stuff that you once loved or still love, but no one wants.

I have to mention that a few tears were shed today. It’s the first time I have cried since starting to purge the apartment of my possessions a week and a half ago. Cade witnessed it, and I tried to be strong, but as I watched his family haul pretty much the rest of my stuff off I couldn't’ help but break down a bit. The realization of me leaving hit. Watching the big items leave, like my couch and bed were easy, I did not purchase either and therefore did not have much emotional attachment to them. Things I picked out or purchased myself were the hardest to part with. I know its just stuff, and I can always replace it, but it is still sad to see it go. There are a few things I am keeping, but not taking to Australia. Instead those items will go to Conroe and sit in a closet for a few years until I figure out what to do with them (or until my dad throws it all away). I know its silly, but there are some things I just can't part with. For now, I’m glad Cade’s family were the ones who ended up taking a good portion of my materialistic objects. I at least have the comfort in knowing that (hopefully) my old belongings will be taken care of and appreciated.

I don’t think many people understand how hard it is to get rid of everything you own. Let me tell you, it is hard. Obviously, this is what I wanted and I in no way regret my decision to move to Australia. I am still as excited about it as I ever was, but can’t help but say I will miss some of the physical items I had to sell and give up to get there. All I know is one person in particular better appreciate what I am doing to get to the land down under!

Obnoxious American? Yes please!

Impulse buys, gotta love them! I think everyone will agree that these were a fantastic impulse buy. While standing in line at Joann’s, my wandering eyes fell on these bad boys. I bought two and am seriously thinking of going back for more. After making my purchase I thought to myself, how awesome it would be to have these little gems when I am living in Australia surrounded by crazy Aussies? I could wear them on so many occasions, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, a random Tuesday, pretty much anytime!!

So does this mean I am going to be that obnoxious American who proudly displays and talks about how awesome their country is? That person who other people silently, or not so silently, think “if you like it so much then why don’t you go back!” I think the answer is yes and no. America is great, but I love experiencing other cultures and being reminded that more waits outside our borders, especially cultures that were built up out of a penal colony. I’m sure I will talk a lot about America and all of its glory, and people (Adam) will get sick of me, but tough the USA is in my blood and passport.

I am pretty positive there will be no mistaking me for anything other than an American over there, but just to be sure, I’ll kick off my shoes and show off my bad-a socks. It also has to be said that I fully plan on integrating into the convict culture, and I have been trying to decide what type of criminal I’m going to be. If you have any suggestions or good ideas, I’m open!

Need a pair of beautiful American flag socks? I found them for $1/ea at Joann’s on N. Mopac. If there are any American’s in Australia who feel they need a pair let me know and I’ll hand deliver them in about a month!

P.S. When I showed Adsy my awesome find he made fun of me, and then asked me to get him a pair. Yeah, first socks then green card!

Driving; manual style!

Cross another item off the bucket list!

That item is learning to drive a manual car. It seems like such a small, irrelevant, and somewhat silly thing to have on a "things to do before I die" type of list, but learning to drive a manual car has been something I have wanted to do for a very long time.

It all started when I watched my dad power down the autobahn in a lovely rented German car. I was extremely impressed and a tad jealous. He was driving a car that even if I wanted to I could not drive. When asked how he learned this magical skill he replied ever so casually, "all tractors are manual". Cool. (Both Barbie Girl and Duane worked on farms growing up; thank goodness they got out of Iowa.)

Anyway, as time went on I often forgot about my desire to learn the ancient art of manual driving and would only be reminded when someone told me they could do it or a situation called for it. I feel like everyone (or most) have been in that awkward circumstance where out of a group only one person knows how to drive a standard. We had such an occasion on my first trip to Australia. We rented an automatic car, but instead the car rental people gave us a manual. Thank goodness one of the girls in the group could actually drive it. She had to drive the whole length of New Zealand's south island. It was one of those moments when I thought to myself, "I really should learn to do this, and then I could be that heroic girl who saves the day/trip."

Well ladies and gentlemen the day has arrived. Not really, but it is soon approaching. For the small fee of Sonic limeades, my friend Libby is teaching me the rules of the manual road. The first lesson included learning the gear shift, the clutch, what happens when you let the clutch out too fast, what happens when you don't give the car gas, and etc. The second lesson started with an overview of the first lesson and then it was out on the open (circle around the mall) road for me! We did a few loops around the mall where I did stall out a few times and get one honk, but then we ventured out into a nearby neighborhood. As a final test to my acquired driving skills Libby let me drive her home, which included getting on two very busy roads; 360 and Mopac. Eeek! I made it home and was so proud I made Libby take a picture of me!

Obviously I’m no where near totally comfortable driving a standard on my own and my driving lessons will have to continue when I move over to Australia. I have already hired a lovely young man to help me with my task. He’ll help teach me the rules of the Australian road and getting used to having the gear shift on the left side instead of the right. Everything is so backwards and upside down! I don’t think it will be too hard or complicated; the real problem is where will I find a Sonic to pay Adsy in limeades?