The Good Old GGA

As most of you know, we are back home in Goderich. About 2 weeks ago now, there were a couple of reasons of why it would be a good idea to go back and so, we surprised our families and walked in on Christmas morning. We had a great time and don't regret our decision one bit.

I still haven't slept for a full night but word is that Nic slept until 1 pm this afternoon. I was away having a wedding dress fitting and ordering my bridesmaid dresses. I was way prepared because I thought I'd be in Australia. This was the first day Nic had nothing to do, so he totally took advantage of the sleep. Tomorrow will be my day. This is the first day in 6 months that we haven't been together. He's currently at his parent's house (watching hockey I assume) and I actually kind of miss him. Turns out I also missed driving on the right side of the road. I had to double check that I was in the correct lane about 4 times today.

The last 2 weeks we actually went back towards Brisbane. We sold Herb to an Italian couple who I really liked, but I think they will have mega trouble with the van. The guy emailed Nic asking him how to put up the window. Herb is a touchy fellow and this guy may not have the "touch". Herb ended up paying for our trip AND we didn't have to pay a dollar more to return home at Christmas. We got our flights for the same price, we just had to pay a switching date fee that would have been there no matter what day we changed too. We were very lucky as the first 3 respresentatives told us it would be another 1200 for each of us. We kept getting disconnected which is why we didn't end up paying. It was all meant to be. We stayed in the Gold Coast for the last week before our flight and had great weather. The flight home was TERRIBLE. The 13 hour flight from Auckland to Vancouver, Nic sat adjacent to a man who had a bad cold. He sounded like a Walrus, and coincidentally, he looked like one too. He had a thick, white moustache and hacked away all night. By the end of the flight, I thought Nic was going to shove a sock in his mouth. We maybe slept 2 hours on that flight. Vancouver to Toronto consisted of screaming children and was super cold. We didn't sleep at all. However, we made it home safe and sound.

We walked into my parent's house in the morning and they cried- so I think they were happy. I guess Dad had just finished telling Mom that they were going to have their most boring Christmas yet. The look on Phil's face was priceless. Next, we knew Nic's family was celebrating at his Grandmother's house, so we walked in there. Nic's Mom hands down had the best reaction. She yelled "Nicholas" and we had his parents and Grandmother crying- we were 5 for 5. Since then, we've had stuff on the go everyday. Haven't washed our clothes yet, unpacked or really slept. I am excited for things to settle. My sister and her family are up from Ottawa and Anna is the cutest baby. Easily the happiest baby out of my niece and nephew pool. I've actually been waking her up in the night so I have something to do- which is feeding her. She doesn't mind. Currently, I am watching my nephew Ryan. It's 9:23 pm and he insisted on eating soup which is all over my mother's hardwood floor. I probably should put him into bed soon, but he appears to be having a riveting conversation with Grandpa.

Nic and I will be staying at my parent's farm for the next little bit as his house is rented out. Dad has 6 rounds of chemo and Mom has been supplying round the clock care to him. If you have a cold/flu/anything viral- don't visit- but healthy visitors are welcomed gladly. Nic and I should prove to be a good help around here. I am going to start applying to teach in Ontario and Nic's got a couple of things on the go. Waterloo Board is hiring 50 Occasional Teachers in January- unfortunately, my criminal record check won't be in by the closing date and other than that, no lists are open. So, I'll probably be doing loads of volunteering.

My eyes are getting heavy and I want my sister's kid in bed before she & her husband get home. It doesn't even feel like I was away and I haven't even seen my friends yet. I was so happy to be around my dinner table with my parents, siblings, and nieces and nephews for Christmas- jet lag and all I would do it again. So very glad we moved to Oz, made great friends, memories and got good experience. Depending how long I am unemployed for, we could be off to New Zealand... but I won't be getting on that flight for another 10 months- I'd rather be unemployed.

We're onto a new chapter and don't really know where we'll end up, but we only want each other as van room mates. 2010- it's been a slice.