Quick Updates

Quick updates.....

Benji is taking math and science at TAFE. The math is presenting little to no challenge in spite of his lack of "book math" over the years. He's jumped into 10th grade math as if he's been practicing everyday for years. Science has been a bit more of a challenge because of the number of essays required but he's not having any real trouble. He incredibly self motivated and we're quite proud of him:) Next semester he'll take English, Australian History (I have visions of him knowing more Australian History than American History!) and Computers.

Kelsey has been working on a "Really, Really Free Market". She's been marketing it extensively and will be interviewed for the radio sometime this week. According to the facebook page, over 300 people plan to attend!

Ben is back from Chile'. I'm hopping mad that Bechtel sent him there just after the big earthquake (there were also aftershocks everyday!). I do notice that Bechtel doesn't ask my opinion on much so I just keep my mouth shut. He was gone for nearly a month this time and we missed him terribly.

Benji and I went to Deepwater National Park to camp with one of the homeschooling groups. Benji, Sean, Jordan and Eden spent the majority of time playing D&D. I spent the majority of the time sweating and reading....usually at the same time. The water temperature was perfect though I think everyone else was wishing for bigger, funner waves. I saw my first huntsman spider. I had seen photos of them before but nothing really prepared me for how big it was in person.

I've been organizing some activities for the Bechtel wives here in Brisbane and have met some really nice people. We're meeting weekly for coffee and periodically for lunch or dinner. Saturday night we went to the Albion Comedy Club and had a very enjoyable evening. If I wasn't ready for bed by 8:30 every night then I would enjoy things like that more. By the time the last comedian performed, I was having difficulty paying attention because I was so sleepy.

Autumn has arrived and with it...rain. The rain isn't constant but it does seem to prevent me from actually getting any laundry done. My toes are cold=( and I might be the only person already missing summer.

We've been in Brisbane for a year now. It's been forever and it's been only days. I still love it here but am looking forward to seeing my friends and family in the States soon.

Grocery shopping is still a thorn in my side. I hate it with a passion that knows no bounds. Dragging the groceries home in my little trolley is so tiresome. It's heavy and it seems like I always "just" miss the bus and have to wait for the next one.

People still stink. I've made no progress with my imaginary "Take a Bath Brisbane" campaign. Walking down Queen Street is a sensory experience that I've learned to tolerate. I keep hoping that my nose will just calm down.

We still haven't found any fantastic restaurants which is just as well since eating out is quite expensive. The Farmer's markets are divine though so we have great food here at home even with my limited cooking skills. Mangoes, pineapple, oranges....they are so amazing. And the organic bananas we buy at Northey Street are like candy!

I've conquered the public transport system. I can get where I want to go pretty easily. I used to get lost so often that there wasn't any use in handing me a map or letting me lead.....now I'm so proud to say that on weekends-Ben follows me. And, in spite of my hesitation to try it, I am able to drive here. I don't like it but then again, I didn't like driving in the States either.