I had my first wobble this week.
It wasn’t so much an oh-my-goodness-I’ve-moved-to-the-other-side-of-the-world wobble as it was a damn-these-hormones-and-the-long-list-of-things-to-do-and-why-isn’t-there-any-chocolate-in-the-house wobble.
But it was a wobble, nonetheless.
So I did what any self-respecting woman would do in that situation. I drank too much wine, cried a lot and had an early night.
Here are some other things that have happened this week.
The wonderful happy-making tide of postcards, letters and New Home cards has continued. The mantelpiece in DorkySon’s room is creaking under the weight of them, and they make us all smile every time we walk past.
A beautifully wrapped parcel arrived in the mailbox. It was addressed to DorkySon, and when he’d carefully peeled away the layers of tissue paper and ribbon, he found a copy of Dixie O’Day’s Life in the Fast Lane. It’s a wonderful new book, written and illustrated by Clara Vulliamy and Shirley Hughes, and when Clara saw me wondering aloud on Twitter whether it was available yet in Australia, she took it upon herself to send DorkySon a signed copy. DorkySon was beyond thrilled.
Another mystery parcel arrived. This one was packed full of British treats – Marmite, Irn Bru, PG Tips, Monster Munch, Cadbury’s Buttons – exactly the kind of things you might long for if you were living in a new country and having a wobbly day. I am bowled over by the epic generosity of the blogging friends back in the UK who organised it, especially Helen at Actually Mummy, who tracked down the Aussie-based ‘British Sweets and Treats’ site.
In fact, I am bowled over by it all. By the generosity of friends – some of whom I’ve known for years, some of whom I have met only once or twice, and some of whom I have never actually met. The fact that those people would take time out of their day to make such kind gestures, to help us feel settled and happy in our new country is just lovely.
I have written a lot on here in the last few weeks about how friendly and welcoming the people of Hobart have been. But this week has reminded me of the kindness and sweetness that we already had in our lives. It has reminded me how hard other people have worked to make this transition as wobble-free as possible.
We are so lucky.
Thank you.
Dorkymum | Stories from Tasmania 
What a feelgood post…lovely! Glad you’re settling in well. I’d be a lot more ‘wobbly’ than you during this adjustment period 🙂 x
Folk are lovely aren’t they? And I bet they’re missing you as much as you’re missing them xx
It’s hard moving country because although you find lots of lovely new things you’ll always be missing others and even if you were to return it will be the same believe it or not.
Have a great weekend, we’re hunting down our postcard for Tom on Saturday but ssshhhh – it’s a surprise 😉
Aww Helen chose very well, glad it raised a smile! And how lovely of the author to send Tom such a lovely gift! Xx
Oh Ruth. What a difference kindnesses can make to our day. Lovely. I owe you an email. Can’t wait to finally meet! J x
I too had an epic bundle of love delivered this week for my birthday. It’s an incredible feeling 🙂 I’m so glad that you like your gift and that it’s given you the boost you needed. Much love x
Geographical distance is no barrier for friendship and love – hope the wobble has gone x
OHHH what a brilliant parcel – I am going to look for that and send something to my friend that lives in Sydney!
Am so glad you like the package. Hope you are all settling in well. It can be so hard making such a big move but am sure it will make for a wonderful future x
you’ve reminded me of all the wobbles I had when I first moved to France 3 years ago. I would say it took a good year to really settle in, and I definitely now think of France as home now. What lovely people to send you those things. Good luck with everything x
I am loving reading your blog lately, we are perhaps at the beginning of a similar adventure and the wobbles scare me silly!! so glad to read you have some fab support, think that is what makes it easier right?
Oh Ruth I hope you’re feeling less wibbly wobbly now.I think you’re all very brave so it’s all justified.
Ahh that’s amazing – you have some super friends 🙂
Glad the wobble passed and you are enjoying your treats. They are well deserved. xxx
Oh wobbles. They suck. But how lovely is fun stuff in the mail! although I’ve no idea what Irn Bru is, haha
Aw, lovely! Lois loved that book, it’s gorgeous. Can’t believe you didn’t have chocolate in the house….
No chocolate in the house is a terrible thing on those wobble occasions. At least you had wine.
Belated big hugs for the wobbles…. wobbling is very upsetting no matter what the wobble is about. So glad you have/ are receiving so much love and support from everyone who cares about you/loves you. And be super kind to yourself as well… even if these were hormonal wobbles, you have still been through a wappingly big change! X
There will be wobbles from time to time, I am sure… But with all the people out here that love you, you have lots of support. Lots of us in all sorts of time zones have Viber! Just find the right time zone and call! xox
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