G'day and welcome to Oz

I have neglected my blog lately because I was bidding adieu to my family; traveling to see friends; and then moving to Adelaide, Australia -- my own personal Bizarro World, where the veneer is familiar but below the surface is a whole new world. I am learning what food is available in grocery stores; what size clothing I wear here; why people put sausages in a slice of bread rather than a bun; being annoyed at the Internet; and mostly, TRYING to figure out what on earth these people are saying! The accent is cute, yes, (is it condescending to call it "cute"?) but many of the expressions are completely beyond me! We'll get into those later. I just wanted to announce that I'm back!

And now I'm going to go watch "Brothers & Sisters." I think I might like this show. This is the third time I've watched it and so I guess it is becoming a habit.

eh? speak up!

I received a letter today, addressed to me, advertising 2 hearing aids for the price of 1! I have also received an offer for a senior rate on a magazine I subscribe to. That's what I get for giving my address as a community where only 55+ year olds can buy homes.

So join me at Sun City's CVS pharmacy on Tuesday and I'll give you one of my hearing aids.

books books books

I have taken a job at a bookstore. I need a bit of money and a bit of human interaction while I wait in Arizona for my imminent move to Australia. And so for the last 4 days, I have been shelving books, selling books, helping customers find books, smelling books, wishing I had more time to read books! It's actually an enjoyable job, and I am glad to be doing it. And very happy that I can take books home to read for free, and buy others for a healthy discount. :-)

Except ... that I feel like I have never worn shoes before. The first day, after 8 hours on my feet, my toes were screaming! If only the job required flip-flops, all I have worn for the last 4 months.

And finally, a special HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my mom. 59. Can you imagine? Ha. Love you, mom!

i am not topless

I just looked at my site and my profile pic looks like I could be sitting there topless looking out at the online world. But I'd like to say that I'm wearing a black tank top, obviously hidden under my hair. I will change that photo when I get my Mac back from the shop, where it is being given a new battery and a fresh, more stain-resistant keyboard cover.

v-formation

I have a lifelong fascination with Canada geese -- not to mention a selfish connection to them as I claim the word "Canada." So when I heard some honking the other day I was so happy to look up and see about 7 geese flying low overhead, in v-formation. It's only October and they've already come to Arizona for the winter. True snowbirds? :-)

(photo credit Rune Werner Molnes)

cremation lottery!

My dad received a letter today with this enticement on the front of the envelope: “Win a pre-paid cremation!” I wonder if there is anywhere else in the world outside of this retirement community of Sun City, Arizona, where the inevitability of death is treated so lightly.



(I should note the disclaimer at the end of the sales letter: "Please accept our apologies if this letter has reached you at a time of seriuos illness or death in your family.")

While I shop and walk and go about business in Sun City, I am continually feeling my age — my young age, that is. A delivery person bringing flowers on the day I turned 36 (thanks Kev!) commented to me: “Aren’t you too young to live here?” Why yes, I am, and while that birthday seemed older than others to me, I was glad to know I am still very young to some people!

the world is my oyster

Why, then the world’s mine oyster,
Which I with sword will open.

— "The Merry Wives of Windsor," William Shakespeare


The last four months have flown. Packed up life in Singapore to move to a temporary home in Arizona; visited relatives in Kentucky; spent a month in Australia, where Kevin and I bought a house; and now I'm back in the Arizona desert to do some writing, do some packing, and make a few bucks before I join Kev in Adelaide.

I've neglected writing, and neglected keeping in touch with friends and family, so I'll try to keep everyone updated with my occasional musings on this site (don't want to pay for the .mac site anymore). Join me here when you have time!