I don’t know whether it is foolish to post here again seeing as it has been so long. I kinda lost the blogging urge because I felt I didn’t have anything interesting to say (did I ever really?). But when I look back over the London posts, it’s such a lovely record of the time there that I feel a bit sad that I don’t have it for this first year spent in Sydney.
So things are puttering along pretty well. Got through my first year of uni practically unscathed and with good marks. Still loving living with Tom in our cute little studio in a great neighbourhood. Did some lovely holidays to the Hunter Valley, back to Brisbane and the big one, New Zealand in December.
But if I am honest, I don’t really *LOVE* Sydney. It’s a pretty place with its dazzling harbour and often brilliant blue skies over sandy beaches. But the vibe of the place is a little – I don’t know – shallow, busy, superficial. I guess I am just a bit sick of Aussie culture and its insane/inane obsession with interest rates, what the RBA is doing, property prices, etc. Maybe I have selective memory, but there certainly isn’t such a national obsession with such things in the UK or Europe (well, The Netherlands at least).
But what makes me more annoyed is the fact that I suffer from such a case of “The Grass Is Greener” syndrome. I pined for Australia at times while in the UK (especially near the end and in winter) but now I find myself longing for the culture of Europe and UK. Don’t get me wrong, I love seeing our Aussie friends and family but they are all in Brisbane really so sometimes it can feel a little lonely in Sydney when you are so close but so far from the ones you love. I have made a few friends through uni and Tom through work. And of course it takes time to build friendships and if I am honest, I haven’t “put myself out there” to meet new people.
Despite my complaining/whingeing (what’s new)…I think the decision to move to Sydney was the right one. We just have to make the most of the positives and play down the negatives. (I mean, gosh, we are so very privileged to live the life we do when so many people never get the chance). Hmm, maybe this blog is good for that…if I have a big spew out about whingey things it makes me see what a nong I am being and bring some perspective to the situation! Lose-win!
On a lighter note, we have some friends heading down from Brisbane next weekend for a trip to the Hunter Valley! Yay! Should be very fun! I am back to uni this week and I have been looking forward to that for ages (remind me of this thought when I am struggling to finish 3 assignments in 1 night).
I also might have some more work as a medical receptionist at a clinic near uni. My 4 hours a week as a medical typist really isn’t cutting it financially so it would be a boon to get some more work hours that fit in with uni. We have essentially been living off one income here in Sydney. I didn’t think it would be possible, but we have managed this year to do so and still enjoy many luxuries like eating out and running a car.
I also tried yoga for the first time last week. It was amazing despite my inflexible body finding it quite tough. Afterwards, I felt like I was walking on a cloud – so light! So I finally tried yoga after talking about it for so long and it was fantastic. Must do more of this…you know, doing rather than talking!
Anyways, I’ll leave this disjointed post at that and hopefully will get my posting groove back to write a little more smoothly in the near future! Cheers!
I am still reading (in my reader!) so nice to see a post from you- I did a double take.
Blogging comes in spurts- sometimes you are into it, sometimes you are not.
Sounds as if things are going well for you despite your “grass is always greener” comments- I think we all feel that way. Like, I love Japan and my life here but wonder if I would have a more “present” father for my kids if we lived in Australia since recently Shun`s work hours have been insane, and he usually gets in after 1am leaving us no time for just “us” or even really time for him to spend with the boys except in the mornings and Shun is REALLY NOT A MORNING PERSON.
Have fun at the Hunter Valley!