A couple of weekends ago, whilst driving to Bunnings (an Australian hardware superstore) on an emergency plumbing mission, my iPod randomly started playing, Mad World* and I found myself on the side of the road gulping through heaving tears of overwhelmed exhaustion.
Enough!
The outburst, obviously necessary, lasted a short while and I soon pulled myself together enough to finish my journey and mission. We now have a working washing machine, not to mention transformers for all our ‘asian plugs’, a high pressure hose, paint, glue and a compost bin for the back yard…my personal version of retail therapy!
Yes, finally, we have moved from our temporary accommodation into a place to call our own, at least for a little while. Despite our best efforts and a close call, we didn’t find a home to buy. Then our ‘stuff’ arrived from Lao prompting the need for a quick decision so, for now, we are shacking up in a cheap and cheerful rental house with lots of bedrooms, creaky pipes and sloping floors and a possum living in the ceiling (though some nights I think perhaps it is an elephant or family of hippos hosting an all night rave up there).
As it happens the place has a lovely energy about it, despite being old and full of ‘personality’. We are on a quiet street with lots of lovely neighbours. The kids now have scooters (even little Chilli) and spend hours cruising up and down the footpaths, to the park, shops, school… with me traipsing along behind carrying all the bags/ hats/ groceries… I am calling it ‘exercise’ rather than slavery!
It is five months since we found out our family was moving back to Australia. Since then I have spent every waking moment, ‘in transition’, managing the practicalities as well as trying my best to guide my daughters through the emotional upheaval. It has been tough and often very lonely. I have wondered more than once if this was the right thing to do (not that we really had a choice in the matter).
Well, I am done with all that now. This is our new life. It is a very different life to the one we knew in Lao (Footpaths for goodness sake) but it is still interesting and privileged and full of opportunities for adventure.
It is time for me to get back to living… dreaming, growing and finding my fabulous!
I am going to start today with something completely frivolous and self indulgent… a long overdue visit to the hairdresser!
__________
Thanks for reading. Happy Fabulous.
* Mad World by Tears for Fears
44andafourth 
Welcome back! You are going to look incredible after the hairdresser and with time, things will settle. I hope the good cry released some tension. Sending “Good Vibrations” from the States.
XO
Thanks beautiful lady. Looking forward to starting my new beginning.
I can’t even begin to imagine how it must feel to uproot like that , but I had a bit of a lump in my throat reading your last few post. But boy o boy, watch out Brisbane, Miss Pip is back!
Good to have you back girl! Place you’ve landed in sounds rather magical… xxxxx