One of my big worries about coming back to Australia was Nina.  I was thinking she may find it difficult and I was expecting that she would be a little bit unsettled by the move.  I had prepared myself for more tantrums, unsettled sleep and a very clingy child.  I was certainly worried for nothing.  She has been sleeping great, all through the night and back to hour naps each day often more.  I don’t think she’s chucked a tantrum since we got here (miracle) and not clingy either.  In fact I have watched her play happily with Jane and Gem and other children.  Jane even picks her up.  This astounded me as she has never let anyone pick her up.   Today we were waiting in line at the cash register and Nina was sitting calmly in the stroller holding her new swimmers.  Another mother looks at her while her kids grab at everything and says, “my kids would never do that, she’s amazing.”  I realised just a month ago I was saying the exact same thing.  I don’t really no why but it seems the move has had the total opposite effect to what I was expecting.  I am very grateful.  It sure makes this all a lot easier.

I also got a call from a job I applied for and they offered me an interview in January.  I am not 100% sure I want this job or that I will even get it but I am very grateful to have an interview at least.  Possibility is sure better than nothing.

I am very grateful to be staying at Jane and John’s house.  It is such a beautiful place and looking out over the trees in every direction is very calming.  They have also been very gracious listening to me talk endlessly about all that I am struggling with right now.  I am sure I sound like a broken record but they never make me feel like that.  And I sure am becoming more and more at peace as I talk it through and they share their stories.

I am reading Anne Lamott again.  I think I pick her up every time I come here but I always find her comforting.  I think everyone says this and I guess this is her gift but she reminds me so much of myself and can relate to almost everything she says.  It is very comforting to not realise how universal our struggles really are so I am grateful for Anne Lamott.  And today I even realised I could listen to Anne Lamott on my Iphone at the gym.  Yes I have one now, I inherited Martin’s old one when he got a new one.  I am actually quite enjoying it and was very grateful today when I realised I could listen to Anne and many other people I like while at the gym.  It sure makes the time go faster.