Last Day of Work

Well today is my last day of work after seven long years. I thought I would feel more sad but I don't think it's really hit me. I guess I have been wanting to leave for some time as I just wasn't challenged anymore. I will miss all the people in my team though who are great people and made my working at Centro a much more enjoyable experience. I'm looking forward now to enjoying being a stay at home mum in China and having more time to myself when Lachy is a kinder. That's until the next baby comes along of course! But as I'm not pregnant yet that won't be for a while.

About to head off for my farewell lunch and then having a farewell party in a month's time at Strike Bowling in Prahran. Should be a good night. And I have an hour booked in the karaoke room! Everybody knows how I love to sing!

Still no strong offers on the house to be rented. I really thought we would have had some more definite offers and I wonder if we have the rent too high. I guess I will just give it a couple of more weeks. I wasn't planning on moving out of the house for a few more weeks anyway. And can always extend that if needed. But as I won't be getting paid it would be nice to get the house rented sooner than later. Jase is doing ok in Shanghai and moves into the new apartment on Tuesday. He is just trying to negotiate a driver. He's a natural salesman so I'm sure he'll work out some good deal.

Anyway time to go so stay tuned!

Getting by on my Own

Wow its been a while since I last wrote. Jase has been in Shanghai now for two weeks and I've been doing the single mum thing back in Australia. It's hard work. My hats go out to all the single parents out there. As I'm still working I have to do all the drop offs and picks ups from childcare on my own plus get Lachy up in the morning and get dinner at night. Most nights Lachy hasn't got to bed until 9pm and by the time I unwind, clean up, check emails, pack etc I'm not in bed until 11pm and asleep until midnight. I finish work in two weeks though so that should help. I can't complain too much as Lachy has been really good. We are just having some difficulty with his toileting which has gone slightly backwards! Oh well I guess it could be worse. It's just so frustrating.

Looks like Jase has found us a place to live Pudong, a place called Yanlord Town. It has 4 bedrooms and is on the 17th floor. They have agreed to get some new furniture. Hopefully the landlord signs the contract tonight. I really hope we get it as the location is ideal. And I could walk to many nearby amenities as well Century Park where I could go for a run. It's also in between the kindergarten and school we are looking to send Lachlan. So just over 9 weeks to go for me until we join Jase in Shanghai. It is still so weird and surreal. But i guess that's to be expected.

Three Weeks to Go

Oh my god. I can't believe it is only three weeks till Jase leaves for Shanghai! We still haven't sold the car which is a pain as it may mean we are out-of-pocket by about a grand. Will have to hope someone buys it soon.

Also had confirmation of Lachy's schooling which is great. He will initially be attending kindergarten 2 days a week, possibly 3 depending on how he goes. They teach 2 days in Chinese and 3 in English which will be interesting for him. I'm sure he'll pick up the Chinese really quickly. In fact he already pronounces some Chinese words better than English! He still doesn't understand that we are moving to a new country, new house and new school and that Jase will be away from us for a couple of months. I think its probably better I don't bring it up as it might make him more distressed. He just so loves it where he is at childcare and has heaps of friends there. I just hope he has that in Shanghai too.

We had a successful day last Thursday doing packing and this Thursday will be taking most of our stuff up to mum and dad's property where we bought a shipping container. Also need to book in for vaccinations etc. Still not sure when I am finishing work. Was hoping they may let me finish in June but pay me for an extra month. But still haven't heard. Would like to find out soon though as it sort of dictates when I will move out of the house.

Busy Packing....

We have finally appointed a real estate agent to look after our house while we are in Shanghai for three years. They are called the Professionals and think we could get $450 per week for the house, which would be great as it would help cover 90% of the mortgage. We have also put our beautiful Suburu Impreza on carsales.com.au. I'm very sad to be selling it but we sort of have to as its on Jase's novated lease.

This weekend will see us doing more packing. We also have a farewell dinner with Jase's family tomorrow night with his sisters and parents but not the kids, so that should be nice. Also started getting more RSVPs for our farewell party in a few weeks. We have decided to have it at home and do the catering ourselves to save some money. We are having an Asian theme and I am going to organise Sushi and California Rolls, Spring Rolls, Dumpling etc. We are even supplying Asian themed beers. Should be a good night and I am looking forward to seeing all my friends and family together before we head off.