Well I have to keep reminding myself that its only 5 days until Christmas day, no signs of snow yet! It is so weird, I don’t think I’ll ever get used to having a Summer Christmas. This is the time of year that I really wish I was home, but that’s only because I want the picture postcard Christmas of snow covered hills and trees, in reality it will probably rain! The weather here has been lovely, been up to 32 degrees so far, they have forecast 34 on Christmas day – phew! Not sure if we will do a BBQ in the sun or close the blinds, turn the aircon on high to make it cold and have a ‘British’ Christmas with the traditional roast.
We may have to explore applying for permanent residency in May as the government are looking at taking the tax relief off overseas residents brought over to Australia to work, it will equate to a 20% pay cut for Steve which is not good as it is one of the most expensive places in the world to live here. If we were permanent residents here it would give Steve the opportunity to work for any company, at the moment he is tied to his company as they sponsored our visa, and also it would get Ellie in to University at Australian citizen prices which is about $3000 dollars per year rather than the overseas students rate which is about 3 times more expensive! If we applied for residency before Tom leaves uni he would also be on our visa which means he could work in Aus also. It’s not to say we intend to stay here permanently, it would give us the flexibility to work in both countries, whichever suits, and we could have dual citizenship once we have been here 4 years. It’s something we will have to think about and take advice on in the next few months I think.
My job is going ok, I feel a lot more settled now, our new manager is great and we are getting new staff in the new year, so hopefully the service will continue to grow and improve. I am on hols for 3 weeks (some unpaid) whilst the boys are here, only working boxing day as they will be at the cricket and it’s double pay!
We finally have new tenants in our house, the previous ones left at short notice, but at our request as there was some difficulties obtaining the rent for the past 2 months. The new people are just a couple with a small dog and have signed for 18 months, so by that time we should know what our future holds.
Hope you all have a lovely Christmas and happy new year!
December 22, 2011 at 11:43 am
Hi Gill,
Glad all going well at the moment for you all.. Yeh, 34 degree’s on Christmas day dose not seem right, although we are predicted to be around 15 degree’s here…
We had a little flurry of snow earlier but all clear now and very mild..
Looks like Ellie is getting a bit like you, more than 1 job on the go…
Seems residency will suite you all down to the ground, best of both worlds.
Have a great Christmas with the family and hope 2012 brings you all much joy and success..
Take care
Margaret xx
December 22, 2011 at 7:50 pm
Hi Gill
Glad you all well and that you are enjoying the SUNSHINE, we can’t complain at least we haven’t got the snow and ice like last year.
Glad the job is going ok for you and Ellie, lets hope she makes the right choice after the hols. I’m at home now till the 10th January we finished for the hols yesterday yipee.
I dont blame you thinking of applying for residency it will leave you with more options.
Be in touch soon have a lovely Christmas and hope 2012 brings you all what you wish for.
Take care
Love Kath
December 23, 2011 at 1:23 pm
Hi Gill,
Sounds like you all truly settled and happy in aus. Have a lovely christmas and a fantastic new year.
Love Trudyxxx
January 1, 2012 at 9:21 pm
Hey, get much more info from blog than when we talk on the phone. Hopefully when I’m in France we can chat every week. Things sound great and Ellie seems to be well and truly settled x