This was MEANT to be included in the last blog..

After reading the last blog, Alex and I quickly realized there were a few other things that we forgot to mention.


-Meant to-  "meant to" is now something that I find myself saying daily..haha..  ex. "Is she meant to be here today?" " Is this meant to go over there?"  "Those toys are meant to go in that box." 
Oh yes, family and friends...do not be surprised if you hear me saying "meant to."


-partners-  Now, in the US, we think of same-sex relationships when we hear the term, "partners."  However, in Australia, it is used when you are referring to your husband/wife or boyfriend/girlfriend. I cannot lie, it was strange at first....but I am getting used to it, and may even have to stop myself from accidentally saying it in the US...haha...  It is also a bit confusing..because when someone refers to their significant other as their partner, you do not know if they are married or not..and there have been many occasions when I have had to clarify that Alex is not my husband... lol..


-rubbish-  You will not hear "trash," "trash can," or "garbage."  You will hear "rubbish" or "bin."
 ex. "Where is the rubbish bin?"  "Can you put this in the bin?" "Pick up all of the rubbish from the floor."


-Vegemite-   Yes, I have tried Vegemite. I must say, that I had not personally heard of it until I moved to Australia.  Hmmm...I'm trying to think of a way to describe it...haha...I think I'll just sound like a 5 year old and tell you that it is, in my opinion, "nasty."  I cannot think of anything else that I have tasted, to compare it to... It is certainly different.


-sun-  Australia is very "SunSmart" and every child in centres or schools has to wear a hat before playing outside....Also in child care centers, children have to put on sunscreen.  This was definitely news to me...and yes, the adults have to model this as well. In fact, overall, I find it much more common to see adults wearing hats in Australia, than in the US.
  And if you ever visit, you WILL want to wear sunscreen.  People keep asking me how hot it is...but it's not very hot where we live. However, when it is a sunny day...you will BURN if you do not put on sunscreen.  If you plan to be outside for more than an hour, you better put on sunscreen! (And this is completely aside from the fact that I already believe in daily use of sunscreen)


-tasty cheese-  Oh tasty cheese...where do I begin. I am not a cheese connoisseur..so bear with me.
   Tasty cheese is on everything as much as cheddar cheese is in the US. Now, Alex and I both only like mild tasting cheese, such as: mozzarella, American cheddar, Colby,...  We do not like Swiss cheese, feta cheese..etc.   Let me tell you that tasty cheese tastes NOTHING like American cheddar cheese...haha...  So be aware that if you eat in Australia, you will see "tasty cheese" on a menu..and it will not taste like cheddar. To us, it is simply.. NOT tasty.

How ya goin?

Okay, so here are a whole bunch of random words, phrases, and other things that we've learned while living in Australia.  Remember that I work with children, so there are plenty that relate to that.
Also, please note that I am NOT trying to offend anyone....I'm just sharing some things that we've learned out here. :)



-How ya goin? = How are you doing?
-Can I have a go? = Can I have a turn?

-Chrissy = Christmas
-chook = chicken
-prawn = shrimp
-wee = pee  and kids and adults will say, "I have to make a wee."
-dummy = pacifier
-torch = flashlight
-biscuit = cookie
-lollies = candy
-texta = markers
-skipping rope/skipper = jump rope
-marker = permanent marker
-mozzie = mosquito
-taa = thanks?
-trolley = basket
-carpark = parking lot
-holiday = vacation
-ladybirds = lady bugs
-barbie = bbq  :)
-zed = the letter z



-Everybody says, "heaps"...This is heaps of fun! You need heaps of glue on that paper....

-Everybody says, "keen." ...I'm keen to...

-Everybody says, "reckin" and yes, everyone says, "no worries" and "mate"

-Another common phrase, "Good on ya"

-You'll also hear, "cheeky" and "bloody"

-I also hear, "A bit of..." alot... "I need a bit of paint." ...etc.  and also, "stuff it"

-Hamish and Andy = funny comedians

-Don't ask for a restroom...people will look at you like you are crazy.. they say "toilet." I'm going to the toilet.. lol..

-Tim Tams......holy moly Australian love their Tim Tams (note: we like them too)  But if there is a Tim Tam sale at the grocery store...LOOK OUT...the shelves will be cleared!

-Yes, it does get cold. And yes, there are places where it snows.

-I will try to write about the food in another blog...but let's just say it's very plain, and it all tastes the same no matter where you go.

-Instant coffee - you don't brew a pot of coffee in your home or in hotels.... you boil a cup of water and add instant coffee.

-Most of the baby dolls that I have seen in childcare centers have "private parts." Maybe those are becoming more popular in the US, but I haven't seen dolls like that before..

-Yes you drive on the left side of the road...and yes, it is weird at first. But what really takes time to get used to is the right hand steering.

-Really random, but we have yet to find furniture polish sold anywhere.?? haha

-The government issued a plastic bag ban...so we've bought bags and take them to the grocery store with us..

-Most people have been very nice to us and like to have a quick chat.

-Australia is a beautiful country to visit!

Australia....

Alex suggested that I start a blog. I was hesitant...but, I'm going to give it a go. 
I'll write a few things about life in Australia..and we'll see if I actually keep up with this whole blogging thing..haha.  My friend, Jenn, has been blogging while she lives in South Korea..and she does hers beautifully. Warning: if you have high expectations, then you probably do not want to bother reading anything that I write..haha..