So I deleted my last post because it was just embarrassing. Isn't it great just to be able to delete things that you do wrong? If I could I would delete 1992. And my decision to do engineering at university. And getting beaten up on British Rail. And several of my ex-girlfriends. Maybe that film The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind got it right.
All well here. I went to several events at the Melbourne Writers Festival last week. Mostly Australian authors because I am immersing myself in Australian books in an effort to understand this country. And it is a very strange place. An Australian author was describing Australia's fascination with America and likened it to meeting your cousin. America looks a lot like Australia but as you get closer and get to know it you see there are little differences that seem odd. And it is the same coming back to Autsralia after being away so long - everything is familiar but just a little bit different.
I am having trouble getting used to the Australian "she'll be right, mate" attitude, which just looks like unprofessionalism to someone who has been in the northern hemisphere for so long. Australians seem to start every phrase with "Oh, look," shorten everything and use the definite article to describe parts of themselves. For example if you ask someone how they are, they might say, "Oh look, I'm alright, the leg is playin' up a bit, the arm is feeling a bit better, but I'm looking forward to my hollies. What are you doing for Chrissie. Bought any pressies yet?" And what is it with Abba? Everywhere I go they play Abba. In the subway stations - Abba. In cafes - Abba. In supermarkets - Abba. At Hannah and Sam's school the bell rings to tell them that it is time for classes to start or that lunchtime is over. And they give a two minute warning that the bell is about to go by playing...Abba. Every day. And the film Mamma Mia has just been released here. Enough!
On the other hand, I had forgotten how friendly everyone is. People on checkouts or behind counters in stores keep asking me how I am and what am I doing today or how has my day been. Rachel went to get her Australian driver's licence last week and was overwhelmed by how fast the process was and how friendly everyone behind the counter was. The contrast with the New York DMV was overwhelming. Rite Aid should send all their staff to Australia for lessons in how to deal with customers.
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Im laughing hysterically, rohan. No, you shouldnt have studied engineering, you should have studied literature and become a famous satirical writer...mmmm....not too late, with that gift of writing and expressionism that you never fail to give us! think about it.
all is well on the home front, lorenzo LOVES pre-k and mateo HATES 3rd grade.....our homework in the inclusion class so far outranks any of the other classes, especially the classes which havent even brought home homework yet...
Im getting HUGE, I will have to post some piks again!
I get that friendliness factor; spending a holiday in the south, I was completely disarmed by the extreme politeness of everyone and the moment I realized that Ive been in NYC too long was when I began to think something was wrong with THESE people for being so sickingly friendly all the time!!
Ive seen sally and gavin a lot, their new sitting post is the aoc directly across from our apt and I can usually spot them a few times a week...ran in to you, kathy, finally, yesterday!! you all look great!
still hot here, yesterday was 90....I felt like it was 120F.
I have to run, we still miss you and the family and Lily like crazy!!!!
love Kristen
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