Finally in Shanghai

Hey There. We'll it's been a while since I wrote. We are finally in China. All in all the flight was pretty good although just before I left I developed the cold from hell. I still have it a bit and am hoping Lachy doesn't get it. Luckily Jase flew over with me as 10.5 hours on the plane on my own the way I was feeling wouldn't have been good!

The weather is extremely humid at the moment. It was a bit of a shock and Lachy also didn't like it but he is starting to get used to it. The apartment is awesome and Jase did a great job. Heaps bigger and more modern than thought. It has 4 bedrooms, dining, living room, kitchen, 2 bathrooms, a maids room and is basically the size of our house and home in Australia, although being an apartment doesn't feel like it. Lachy likes his new bedroom. Today is my first day on my own as Jase has gone to work. It feels a bit weird. I am just hanging out at the complex today and will take Lachy to the pool and playgrounds and for a ride on his bike. I might even walk up to the local shopping centre so he can have an icecream. Yesterday we went shopping at City Shop and the local Carrefour for some basics. It was interesting seeing all the live produce in the supermarket. I think it will take time getting used to everything as eveything or most things are in mandarin.

Anyway will update soon....

5 Weeks to Go!

Hey well it's been a while since I wrote last. Much has happened. The air frieght was packed yesterday so I am left with the bare essentials until I move out of the house on the 28 July. Yes and we did finally find a tenant. A couple in their early 60's with no kids or pets. They are building around the corner and want to be in our house for up to 18 months which is great.

Things have been a tad stressful with me finding out Lachy has a mild to moderate speech delay as well as possible social behaviour issues. I am hoping his behaviour is more the result of the move to China and Jase now having been away from us for over 6 weeks that has made him unsettled rather than a more serious ADD type diagonosis. Must admit the thought of finding good speech therapists and child psychologists in Shanghai is daunting. He has been so defiant lately. I feel like I am constantly disciplining him. And his has developed this habit that gets him attention which is growling like a tiger. Topical cause we just took him to The Lion King but he seems to be doing it more and more when he is angry with me or doesn't get his own way. Outbursts are not unusual as well. It has me worried. Although admittedly he was like a new child tonight after Jase skyped us. I am thinking of aksing Jase to fly back for a week so we make the move to China together. I think he will be a lot more settled.

Anyway Jase has now moved into our apartment in Yanlord Town and its half furnished. The remaining furniture should arrive by the time I get there in mid August. He has been pretty stressed but coping ok. I think he wonders if we have done the right thing moving to China now with Lachy. I just hope its better in one way as I can spend more one on one time with him as I won't be working...

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.