Not much to really report to you blog stalkers….it’s been pretty routine around here lately.
Last night was “date night” so I made the trip to Julie’s work building and waited for her to trudge out for an evening together. It rained last night, the first time in the three plus weeks we’ve been here, and the winds picked up and blew the litter all about CBD. Rather than getting caught out in the elements waiting to find a cab (even though cabs are plentiful and easy to find) we hopped the light rail in front of her building and headed to The Star. We goofed off there for a bit, had some Pad Thai, and got home relatively early for some much needed sleep.
In the three weeks I’ve been here I’ve had occasion to speak to multiple Aussies and have been particularly interested in their perceptions of America. The “gun rights” debate that is always main stage in American media confuses people that haven’t been to the states. I get the impression that people here assume there are gun toting Americans everywhere you go… you know, people walking around armed. It’s funny because one of the chief complaints the Aussies have concerns the stereotypical American view of life down under. Television commercials and movies have falsely informed the US populace that Aussies walk around prospecting for gold with a gigantic can of Fosters in one hand and a shrimp to toss on the barbie in the other. Not really a shocker that the media has created a false narrative in both directions. For the record, I don’t think I’ve even seen a Fosters or a shrimp on the barbie since I arrived.
One IMPORTANT distinction for my fellow Americans… Australia has very strict gun laws and as a result they don’t have the senseless mass shooting tragedies that have become far too common in the US. They simply don’t understand why gun rights (owning automatic weapons and banana clips) is tolerated in the states. Neither do I, nor do most people capable of higher reasoning.
On a personal note, I’ve been working hard to get my knees and legs in better condition for the past few weeks. I have an hour long stretching regimen every morning followed by a 30 minute strengthening program. I am already reaping significant dividends that have made me more mobile and cut the pain back significantly. It’s been a welcome change.
Big weekend on the horizon for us. Whale watching Saturday morning; an Aussie Rules Football game on Saturday night (Go Swans); a trip to the local mega mall on Sunday morning; dinner with Julie’s work mate and his spouse on Sunday night. It’l be good to have a busy, fun-filled weekend.
Finally, all the kids back home are doing well. Connor has been hanging in Portland for over a week. He’s got a good job interview in Bend when he gets back there later this week. Brandon is banging away on summer school and doing well. Jenna is working additional shifts at her hostess job while she waits for her big break. It’ll come. Dan is wrapping up his studies in Chicago and anxious for it to come to and end. Our container ship shipment of household goods arrives next week -- pictures of the family are in one of the boxes!
That’s it blog stalkers. Weather is here, wish you were all beautiful.
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