Gday dawgs ,just checking in from the city of eternal sunshine . A lots gone down in the last few weeks but once again this isn’t the right forum for complete reveals . We’ve crossed over the 2 year mark and are approaching 3 years in LA. I guess the magic question is when ? When do we decide that we stay or go . It’s a decision we haven’t answered . The next 6 months will be critical on making lasting decisions . Eventually the worth of staying longer will have to be measured on a lot of fronts , it’ll be tough either way .
We’ve established a good group of friends that can be totally relied upon . It took a while to connect ,but socially we feel secure .Its another stage that we’ve completed ,it’s also another key pillar on calling a place home . The kids are also well settled ,with their own posse of buddies to hang with . It takes more than friends though , family will always be an issue, so is the cost of living and the ability to earn , they are major obstacles , not to mention the pay per use health system and the potential for costly and necessary college fees .Now that I’m working the reality of only 2 weeks annual leave is starting to sink in , trips back to Australia have to be shorter and probably less frequent . As I’ve said before the work life balance is slewed differently here .The kids long term ability to achieve and make a life for themselves will be tougher here , education is critical . There’s an entrepreneurial risk taking vibe that is more prevalent in LA , it creates optimism , it’s definitely a lure that keeps you hanging in just a little longer . If you make it you can really make it .
You miss the beauty , the greenery , the space , the escape of Australia , but you also have to come to terms with the things that you’ve found and the things you see daily , I haven’t yet taken them for granted . The sunsets , the ocean life , the incredible weather , Check out this photo from my drivers window on the way to work on Monday night .
It’s an almost everyday event that always captures my attention. I drive to work through the only hill south of LA and everyday I feel like I’m driving through MtMartha or RedHill , only for just a moment 
It’s really LA ……The walk to the beach daily to check the surf out ….and yes it’s been near flat for 2 months until yesterday, but shit look at it ….. you can get used to it .
The very active , body conscious outdoors lifestyle is hard to beat …
The cultural differences will always exist . The other day at work I was educating a couple of personal trainers on swearing and Aussie humour . I showed one guy a Facebook clip on the paddle pop lion selling meth in his ice creams that have done the rounds . ( I’ve shared this with many of you ) …it didn’t translate , I think he thought we were total Neanderthals ,with a crass offensive shtick . I’m learning that I have to be more circumspect , sensitivities are heightened in US life .
As the days get shorter and the end of the year nears , the reality of another Christmas away from Australia will dawn .I’m guessing if we are here for Christmas 2020 we might be here for a long time yet . The future is nigh …… where will it take us ?
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