What's all this? Susan is starting yet another blog that she'll probably not keep up with? Refreshing!

Hi there! :) I've decided to start keeping a blog again, seeing as the next year is going to be be-zonkers.

Most of you will know this already, but for the scant few who don't, we are MOVING BACK TO AUSTRALIA! *cue fanfare* Rather than continue to say "we'll do it one day", we bit the bullet way back in April and bought some one-tickets for a reasonable price. The past six months have seen me happily dreaming about what life will be like in 2013 for us; the past one month has seen an increase of panic and empty boxes and trips to Goodwill in an effort to donate 90% of our belongings.

"When are you flying out?"

We're heading out on January 18th, and due to the wonders of time travel, will arrive one day later, on January 20th. Our current apartment lease expires in two weeks, so we're actually going to stay with John and Mary from November to January. Just in time for the holidays. :)

"Are you excited?"

Just a little. ;)

"Don't Addy and Aaron have to be citizens?"

Technically no. Aaron's applying for permanent residency (much the way I did - though he'll be staying here for another 5-7 months depending on how long his visa takes), but Addy should have dual citizenship by the time we are ready to leave.

"Waiwaiwait. Aaron's not going with you?"

Not to start with. Believe me, it's not how we pictured it either, and it's far from ideal. But from what we understand, it's a little shady (and maybe not even possible) for him to come over on a Tourist visa, then immediately apply for PR. Plus, if he does come over and has to wait six months or more to be able to work, that's one income we're missing. We're not money-grubbing people, but we need two incomes. If Aaron's able to work non-stop and live in his truck (again, far from ideal), he can make a huge dent in his student loans, which have been a real monkey on his back for the past decade.

Honestly I was really mad when he first approached the topic, and we've had several discussions about it, but ultimately we've decided it's the most feasible option right now, sucky though it is. I've told him he needs to be in Australia no later than October 15, 2013 (our 8th wedding anniversary), and he said he will be. :)

"Where will you live?"

To begin with, we'll live in Bordertown, South Australia, with my parents. Being that Aaron won't be around for a bit, I'll probably find something there for Addy and me to rent while we wait for him :)

"You should move to Adelaide/Murray Bridge/Melbourne!"

Maybe, maybe and maybe. All three are on our shortlist, though we will exhaust all possibilities in Adelaide first.

I'm starting this blog so I can record what's going on for the next three months. It's similar to a travel journal I guess. Let me know if there are any topics you want me to cover, or any questions you want answered :)