First year in San Diego
28th Dec, 2016
Today marks one whole year that we’ve been living in America.
I’ve sounded like a broken record to those I speak to on a daily basis, but it really does blow my mind that it’s been a whole year. A whole year since I saw an Australian sunrise. Breathed Australian air. Been surrounded by Australian accents. Was in the country I grew up in. It’s… surreal. I’m sure anyone who has moved overseas can attest to what I’m saying, but up and leaving your place of birth is somewhat indescribable.
We all know 2016 has been a pretty rough year in many aspects of life (with Carrie Fisher being the latest casualty – damnit, universe!) but for the Anderson’s, it’s had some pretty good times. Most notably, the introduction of Alex -our little American- into our little family dynamic. Let’s hope 2017 can be even greater.
There are so many more things I still have yet to do in this country. From boring things such as getting an SSN, to exciting things such as taking a road trip to neighbouring states. Now we’re settling into our new family dynamic, finding our grounding a bit better in the country (refurnishing a home after a big move like this takes a long time, yo!) and hopefully figuring out our distant future -rather than just the immediate future- things should become easier.
I’m so fortunate to have met my ‘MomBitches‘ back when Charlie was ~2 months old. Having three of them living in San Diego has made the transition a lot less lonely; I don’t know how I would’ve coped without being able to meet some people I knew for outings that were Charlie-friendly. Also having 80-ish within the States alone has helped me find my feet so much. I don’t know what I did to deserve such an amazing group of women.
Random tidbits
- Not yet met an American that pronounces Australia “properly”.
- Lack of public health-care might be shitty, but the care provided is higher quality and the system for an appointment is so much more efficient.
- So. Much. Junk mail.
- The difference between English’s is hard to change to.
- Water tastes like shit and stains all of our dishes. But I think that’s mostly the area of San Diego we’re in…
- Assumptions are always made that I know what I’m doing (e.g.: etiquette).
- No sounds at the crosswalk is extremely frustrating.
- I was asked if I came from England twice (maybe three times) as many times as if I was Australian. Once if I came from NZ.
- Kids play outside a lot more than I expected based on my expectations of obesity.
- There’s a subscription box for everything.
- I can’t stop saying ‘capsicum’, ‘nappy’, ‘bin’ or ‘ta’ (as “thank you”). I have learnt to quickly correct myself after met with a confused look from any of these, though.
- People rarely use their indicators and speed limits feel like more of a ‘suggestion’ rather than a requirement.
- Lack of roundabouts is irritating but the one I have found is SO WRONG because you go AROUND THE WRONG WAY.
- Strangers are a lot friendlier. But that could be the accent sweetening the conversation for said stranger…
- In regards to the accent, people hardly ever hear my name correctly when I say it for them. Starbucks cups have been a good source of amusement.
- I really miss being surrounded by Australian accents.
- I also really miss V drinks, BBQ Shapes and Time Out chocolates.
- Amazon Prime is the fucking bees knees.
So I’ve been umming and ahhing about making a separate section on my website for more personal posts and I thought a 1-year commemoration would be a good place as any to get started. I was previously using Tumblr, but I don’t feel like it worked out the way I wanted it to. So we’ll see how things go.
