Red, White & Blue

I was out doing a bit of shopping today, and one of the stores that I went to is playing up a US theme as they give away trips to New York, so there are United States flags hanging all around the store, manequins wearing red, white, & blue plastic hats and clothing, etc. I found myself smiling and thinking it was rather a nice theme, which quickly seemed weird to me, because I swear, prior to living in Australia for this long, had I seen this same theme anywhere else, I think I would have thought it silly, and possibly even felt slightly annoyed with it.
I don't feel that I've ever been un-patriotic about the US exactly, but prior to moving here, I certainly wasn't publicly announcing my love and pride of my country. So it is an interesting and unexpected emotional transformation regarding my home country that is taking place while we live down here. Oh, and my mom always puts US flag stickers on the envelopes she sends us, which did not go unmentioned here in our apartment earlier this month :) I think I might have even kissed the sticker!

On the topic of the US, we had dinner this week with 2 fellow yankees - a couple that Andy met playing frisbee. They have been living here in Melbourne for almost 2 years and will be moving back to the states this July. Even more by chance, it is likely that they will be moving to Portland. So we had a good time (aka: they couldn't shut us up!) telling them all about our Top 435 Things We Love About Portland. It was also so great to chat with them about our similar experiences with the trials of moving here - we covered everything from pre-move chest x-rays and doctor examinations to trying to figure out how the heck to rent an apartment in Melbourne. It felt really nice to laugh about so much of it with them.

Our house in Portland re-rented quickly, which was fantastic news. The new tenants have signed a 1-year lease that will go into May of 2009. We're thinking/hoping this will work out well in relation to our anticipated move back date of May or June 2009. Trusting the care of our home to complete strangers and a property management company that we don't feel 100% satisfied with has been somewhat difficult - it continues to be a lesson on not being in control. Quite frankly, I'm discovering that I'm not so good at that. I'm thinking some of you readers of this blog already knew that.

Well, I think that's about enough insight into the psyche of Christy Sweany for tonight. Hope you are all well. How about that Obama rally in Portland, eh?! The pictures we saw really made us miss Portland even more - we miss the bubble!

Cheers!

Christy

"Off the bus, mate."

Greetings from Australia. Not a whole lot to report, but some fun pictures to share. We've attended 2 Australian Rules Football ('Footy') games, taken some pictures of our neighborhood, and completed a 35km, 3 day/2 night backpack trip as volunteers with a high school outdoor education group at Wilson's Promontory National Park. We had heard nothing but amazing testimonials about Wilson's Prom since our arrival here in Melbourne, particularly when people learned about our love of the outdoors, and our first visit certainly left us impressed. It was interesting, in multiple forms, to complete this trip with 2 teaching staff and 7 Grade 9 & 10 students - what a trip back in time to the world of being a teenager! Did we really used to act like that?!

We saw our 1st poisonous snake since living here - a baby tiger snake, which our teacher guides were quick to point out that, although quite small, had venom poisonous enough to deliver a fatal bite. I stayed quite clear, and was thankful that I was wearing my protective hiking gators, even though they definitely are not the most stylish.

Hoping all is well for everyone. Be well-

xoxoxo
Love, Christy

April Happening I forgot to write about

Hi again.
I forgot one of the other most weird things that happened to me just last week.
As I was coming home from my book group dinner on Thursday night, I came across a young man passed out on the sidewalk of a fairly busy street. There was vomit all over the sidewalk and him. His wallet and mobile phone were falling out of his pockets. Drunkards passing by in cars were yelling out at him and taking his picture. There were 2 guys there trying to rouse him, and he was responding slightly, but mostly just in drunken moans. I debated calling an ambulance for him, and finally did, as I knew that later, as I lay in bed, I would probably regret it if I didn't make sure he was in safe hands. So I hung around and waited for the ambulance to arrive. One of the 2 guys that had been helping out waited with me, and we had a nice chat. He's here from Chile on a working holiday for a few months. The whole experience made me feel very adult.

Christy

Taxi-driver update and New Zealand here we come (anyone care to join us?)

Hi all.
I read in the paper today that the taxi-drivers had removed their shirts to symbolize their vulnerability. So that mystery is now solved.

In response to a deal that was just too good to pass up, Andy and I purchased flights from Melbourne to Christchurch, NZ for both of us round-trip for $467. So we will be back in New Zealand October 15 - 22. I already know for sure that we'll be making a trip to Queenstown for bungee-jumping (Andy will be doing the jumping, not me!). Anyone interested in joining us in NZ for a week, please don't hesitate!


Cheers!

Christy