We're not in Kansas anymore...

After so much - months of separation, loads of tears and frustration, an exceptionally humbling amount of love and support from friends near and far, Paul and I have finally realized our dream of being together. The morning of Thursday, 6 November 2014, I finally arrived safe and sound in Adelaide and into the arms of my beloved husband. Surprisingly to me, I've actually almost not had any jet lag since I arrived. Paul took off work the day that I arrived and Friday, and on Saturday while he went to work I spent the day unpacking and nesting into my new home. I cannot begin to tell you how incredible it is to finally be able to unpack. I've been pretty much living out of suitcases and keeping things packed away for over 3 years, so this is amazing. I've also been really enjoying having Paul show me around my new city - but it is weird to not know a soul besides Paul here, in the place where I now live. The last time I had this happen was about 26 years ago when I first arrived in New England. It is also hard to comprehend that it is the Christmas season. All the decorations are up, the commercials are on TV, and the stores are going mad with holiday-themed displays. But when you're wandering around in shorts and a t-shirt and its 99 degrees farenheit, it is just plain weird and incomprehensible that it is the Holiday season (unless you're from Florida or some other continuously warm place, but I'm from frigid New England). I think one of the oddest things about being here is how similar it actually is to America. There are a ton of American companies with a presence here, including Target and Kmart - which are the same, but not. For example, Target here doesn't carry things like storage cupboards or shelves that you assemble yourself. The trees are weird - the pine trees look really weird.

They put their takeaway Chinese food soy sauce in little containers that look like fish (which I think is kinda cool, actually).

They have signs in the pavement saying things like "Wouldn't it be wonderful if there was a bin to put your trash in? Oh wait - there's one right here!"

Apparently the coffee shop I'm in has no set closing time - they said they usually wrap up around 7:30pm, but if it is busy, they'll stay here until midnight. Never see that in America! But of course the best part, is seeing my husband - and the smile I get every time he looks at me (and yes, that is his new lunchbox, and he is over the moon with it).

But I'd be lying if I didn't say one of the absolute best parts is living less than a 90 second walk from the beach....We live on the "locals" beach, the one that is popular, but the tourists don't really know about - and it is amazing.

But above all, just being with my husband is the best. I've had a job interview (in my preferred field), and am waiting to hear if I've made it to the next level - fingers crossed! One day at a time, adjusting to a new culture and rejoicing in my life. Welcome to OZ!