All Hail the French's!

Ok, so undoubtedly you all have been wondering where I've been. After all, it's been a while since my last post. And yes, I am in no way kidding myself into thinking that this is more about me (or Jason for that matter) than it is about getting more pictures of the kids! Sorry, there are none to be found here, but I promise to start clicking and uploading more soon - hopefully tomorrow. In the meantime, I suppose an explanation is in order.

First, I've been very busy. The holidays are among us. Since everything is quite expensive here and I have to order online to get the things we need shipped in, that means that I cannot be my usual procrastinating self and wait until the last minute. As those of you know who have received their photo books, I've been a busy bee. Unfortunately, most of my time spent online searching for the right gifts ends with a few gifts (not nearly what I need) and a few laughs (I'm easily sidetracked). So while I've been online, I haven't concentrated on blog or email much at all.

Also (and how should I put this without worrying the beejeesus out of everyone?), I've been in a funk. I say funk because saying I've been depressed sounds, well, depressing. We were inundated with tons of information when we moved here about what to expect. The psychologists put out lots of info on what I like to refer to as the "cycle" of emotions on moving to Alice Springs. At first you're definitely on a high just from excitement alone. It's exciting moving to a new place, meeting new people, doing new things. Then comes that place on the chart (there actually was a chart) where the inclining line of excitement humps and becomes the declining line of depression. I woke up one morning and said "yep I'm there". Much like "stop the adventure I'm ready to get off". It's a point where you realize that while everything is fun, it's still basically all the same just with a lot more hassle - new = hassle. So essentially, I walked around in my funk for awhile. Doesn't really feel like the holidays, but I have the pressure of the holidays. Have great new friends but miss the old. That kind of stuff.

Anyway, I'm feeling better now. Probably not 100%, but much better so no worries from any of you! (Did I mention that's like the Australian motto "No Worries" - it's true everyone says it) But isn't it funny how the strangest things can perk you up? Two days ago we received our commissary shipment from Japan (ordering American groceries to be mailed free of charge from one of our commissaries in Japan is one of our perks). As Jason and I were loading our many boxes of groceries in the car, I noticed a sign on the door of the APO that simply said something to the affect of "Property of the Australian Government". For some reason this hit my funk like a ton of bricks - all but shattering it. I am really in another country. And despite the fact that a very rude man gave me a parking ticket that day and talked condescendingly to me, it's been a great experience so far. They are all so wonderful. And it's all so beautiful. And I should be enjoying it not stressing it. Then we get home and unload our treasure (and yes, it's a treasure when you consider you don't know when you'll see your next Chessmen cookie and, oh look, there's some in your box) and the next thing you know, I'm eating an egg and cheese sandwich with, wait for it.......Kraft mayonnaise! And the next day, I had a turkey sandwich with, wait for it........French's mustard! And the last of my funk went tumbling.