Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow

I'm back in Australia after a brief "whirlwind" visit home for birthdays (Tim's, Bethany's and a preemptive one for me), Easter and some work related things. If you discount the 48 hours spent in travel, I spent a little over 10 days in North America (1 1/2 of those days in Montreal) and we packed about as much into my brief return as possible. Nancy was ready for me to return to Brisbane because she had to work pretty hard; trying to keep the social calender on track, but it was so refreshing to see friends and family - even briefly. I especially want to say "Thank You" to those who participated in my preemptive 50th birthday - I will elaborate more on the "turning 50" experience in a future installment.


Being back home created an interesting context for me to use in processing what's been going on lately. I am sure that people with military experience can readily identify with what I'm feeling because they have been on "leave", knowing that an extended separation was impending. It's a very different sort of feeling knowing that you're not going to see the the people you are having Easter lunch with, a cup of java in a Starbucks or a quiet dinner in your home, etc. for the next 2 months - no matter what. What's strange is that often not seeing someone for several months is the normal course of business but somehow, thinking that you could see them if you wanted to / needed to, seems to make a difference. I've been trying to think through this in terms of whether I am as intentional as I could be in relationships and this assignment has made me realize, I'm not. Alright - that's it for the introspective part.

I have sprinkled a few pictures into the blog of my new "home" so that people can get a lay of the land regarding the Portside area. Yesterday, I walked from my apartment down to the City Cat dock at Brett's Wharf and took a ride into the Central Business District (Eagle Street Landing) for my run - really convenient and sort of fun. The place I live has stuff like a grocery store, bakery, movie theater, cafes and restaurants, wine shop, laundry service, gym, video rental (if you want a real Australian video to watch, pick up the T.V. show "Kath and Kim" on DVD (if you can find it) or a new movie featuring Shane Jacobson - the Australian equivalent to Larry the Cable Guy - in character as Kenny, the Porta-John technician. Caution, there are some bad words used in these videos) - all within walking distance. Between my run, the City Cat ride and walking around yesterday, I got a nice sunburn to tend to.


As you can tell, Nancy did a good job of adding the personal touch to my furnished apartment. Now I get to see how good I am at the bachelor life after a 29 year hiatus. So far - so good. I have set up an office in the 2nd bedroom and that is a bit of a disaster but by the end of today (Sunday), I should have it under control. As you can see by the picture of Nancy and I having our first meal here - I'm living a pretty elegant lifestyle!

O.K. - I'll close with a bit of cultural stuff. I'm living in a city of 2.4 million people and yesterday I walk down to the local Network Video shop and want to rent "Kenny". I have a piece of mail that was sent to my apartment and my Michigan driver's license - that's it. I can't remember my work telephone number, nor can I remember my cell phone number so they tell me just to let them know the next time I come in - "No worries". I pay with cash (they don't have a credit card number from me) and away I go with 4 of their movies. Interesting!