I wanted to take the chance while I have internet to get an update “out there” about how the big move has gone!
If you’re new around here, a quick update to bring you up to speed: My family moved to Chiba, Japan in May 2012 for my husband’s work. He’s a research scientist, and part of being a research scientist, is to get some overseas experience after you’ve finished your PhD. So, he did that in Japan for 4 years. In April, the kids and I moved to Cairns, Australia to live with my in-laws for 3 months while the kids started at primary school, and Ben finished up work and life in Japan. Finally, on July 1st, we all moved to Melbourne for his new job.
First up, we are loving life here. The kids are enjoying school and doing well, likewise for my husband and his new job. I am loving it here as well! Our house is in a wonderful location, it’s a lovely home, and the incredible natural light is definitely my favourite part. And of course the best part of my life now is meeting online friends, going to sewing days, and shopping at Amitie (only a few minutes away from me!). Ahhh, so much fun!
What’s not so fun? Still no internet. Short version is we were told we could get cable, but turned out we couldn’t. Ordered broadband, they gave the courier the wrong address to deliver the modem to. Finally arrived only for it not to connect. So a tech is coming out today to check the line, etc and hopefully get some answers, if not a connection! It’s frustrating, when I need the internet to email and blog and send newsletters, nevermind Netflix and YouTube needs 😉
We’ve been able to get some access either by hotspotting our phones (goodbye mobile data…) and also purchasing day passes to a local wifi hotspot (ironically from our provider’s main competition!!), but there’s only so much you can do when you’re not sure when you’ll next have internet access on the computer. Which is why there was no newsletter this week, and why the linky for the second quarter of the Modern HST Sampler QAL still hasn’t happened, and why I’m slow replying to emails. As a perfectionist, this drives me nuts, but deep breathing and lots of sewing (in that glorious natural light!) has helped. As has picking up English paper piecing – nothing like being forced to slow down and thus making the most of it with a slow project.
So, that’s where we are at. You can be sure to hear me yelling with joy whenever the internet is finally happening! And finally, thank you for all the sweet words and messages of support and kind thoughts and sympathy (and patience!) through this all! You guys seriously rock! Which reminds me, I passed over 5000 followers on Instagram this week, so I’m celebrating by throwing a big party – get 25% off storewide. Either in my store or on Etsy, using the code BHQ5k! Ends tomorrow.
Ros says
Glad it’s all going well so far! Melbourne is the best!
We tried to set my inlaws up with internet before we left to make skype etc easier and it was an absolute disaster – the company completely buggered it up in every way possible. Their processes are just bizarre. I totally understand your annoyance and the worst part is you have no control over when their people decide when to show up and actually do anything. GAH. I could go on and on…in the end we cancelled the lot and have been happy enough with facetime using mobile data and sending messages and pics via whats app. Obviously that solution won’t work for you guys, so I hope you get it sorted asap xx
Margaret (margiestitcher) says
good to read the move went well and you are all happily settled in your new home, trust internet will soon be up and running for you, made my block 14 yesterday
Vicki says
Glad you are loving Melbourne 😀
I am also a Melb lady out West. Lol
Alyce says
Yay Melbz!
Carolyn says
Ah Alice, I follow you from South Africa and it has so intrigued me how well you have coped in a country soooo different to what you have been used to. Nevertheless it has been a fantastic experience. Enjoy the natural light which I take so much for granted and the wide open spaces and hope you get your internet sorted soon!
Alyce says
By quilting, that’s how 😉 But yes, absolutely fantastic to have experienced.
Carolyn says
Sorry that should have been Alyce (Grr predictive text)!!!
Alyce says
Haha, so used to it!
Anorina says
Glad you’re move has gone well (except for the connection problem that is). Yay for great light and slow sewing.
We visit Melbourne once or twice each year to visit Stu’s family. We will have to arrange a catch-up next time we’re there.
Alyce says
Ooh yes please!
Carla says
Oh dear. I have all that to look forward to in August. We have boxes packed ready to go to the holiday house in Warrnambool, but when we get there we will have no internet as well as no fridge, among other things. I hope the gas and water are connected or I will be cold and smelly!
Alyce says
Cold, smelly, and hungry?! 😉 Ooh dear, good luck with all that.
Puppilalla says
Hi Alyce, I can relate to the connection – phone – wi-fi odyssee =) I think it is the same everywhere, no matter where you are in the world. Good luck getting settled.
Alyce says
Sigh, yes, telcos are the same everywhere!
DeborahGun says
Well in a way I am glad it is not just here that everything takes so long to sort out! No, really I am so glad you are all settling in so well. How wonderful that you already have a community to connect to 🙂
Alyce says
Haha, thanks 😛 Ah it’s always the way, there has to be something not go to plan, right?! If it all worked, how boring would it be?! EYE ROLL.
Honoria says
Bless your heart! It must be heaven to finally be settled. I hope there is no moving in your near future!
I’m amazed at how you manage to keep your wonderful blog going and run your busy home life as well.
Cheers!
Alyce says
Ha, I don’t, when there’s no internet! But thank you x
Carole @ From My Carolina Home says
Congratulations on both the move and the follower milestone!
Alyce says
Thanks Carole!
Chris Dodsley @made by ChrissieD says
I feel your pain and totally relate to the perfectionist who’s circumstances mean they can’t be perfect, I’d be on the ceiling. Hope everything comes together for you today and you can start to settle into your new life fully 😀
Alyce says
Thanks, Chris! It’s been a season of patience, that’s for sure! And lots of sewing, so I guess that’s been the silver lining. Plenty of time to enjoy my new sewing corner with its glorious natural light!
Teje says
Hi Alyce! Good to hear you have settled in and everything (except internet) is fine. Hope that will be working soon as well. We just finished a work that turned out disaster and like a prison. Now I start to feel better and working with new quilt and epp diamonds helps. Looking for to start a new season with you and my other quilter friends! x Teje
Alyce says
Thanks, Teje! Happy to report we’re back in action now, hurray! It sounds like we are now at the same stage – new quilts, and EPP for me too!
LeeAnna Paylor says
You should work for tourism! I want to move there now! We do need to move, my husband has his Ph.d too but in engineering. Wish we were there, with sunshine and nice people. LeeAnna at not afraid of color in Maryland
Alyce says
Well, it’s also winter now, so it IS cold and occasionally rainy and cloudy, and windy!
leanne says
Oh yay – so glad you’ve moved to Melbourne – I saw a photo of you in Melbourne last weekend and thought you were lucky to be visiting !!!! hope the internet happens soon and have fun living in that wonderful city 🙂
Alyce says
Nope, I’m a local now! Although I still have moments of squealing, “Oh my goodness, it’s just soooo Melbourne!” Sooo, I guess I’m a touristy local for now 😉