It has been awhile since I've updated you on my whereabouts. The last time was in 2017, and the time before that was in 2015. Apparently I like odd numbers.
We are still in Florida, enjoying the sunshine, palm trees, and occasional hurricane. In 2017, Hurricane Irma, the strongest hurricane in terms of maximum sustained winds in the Atlantic, unbecomingly graced us with her presence. We evacuated our home for a few days, and then returned to repair the damage and clean up the debris.
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| Surprised Greg with a picnic in the spot where he proposed a few years ago. Location: Sarasota, Florida, USA Photo credit: camera, tripod and 10-sec timer. |
In 2017, Greg underwent spinal surgery. The hospital health care team had him up and walking that same day, and he has since recovered well, accompanied by a cute little tail (scar) on his lower back. I have also had ongoing lower back issues, so we are both taking life a little slower these days. Yoga, stretching, and hiking have become our new best friends. While we're on the topic of surgery, I recently had all four wisdom teeth removed. Fun times!
My journey as a Speech Language Pathologist transitioned to a school-based setting. If you're interested, here are links to read about how to transfer degrees/licenses internationally and obtaining state licensure in America. I'm currently placed at an Elementary (Primary) School and Preschool, providing assessment and therapy for the communication needs of school-aged children from diverse and disadvantaged backgrounds. Learning to cater to varying needs in small-group settings, rather than on an individual basis, has been a challenge. A shorter commute, an opportunity to brush up on my Spanish skills, and developing relationships with my sweet kiddo's has been a blessing. Oh, and the school holiday schedule is a bonus. 😉
A couple of 2017 highlights included a fleeting trip to Australia to visit family, friends, and a special mother-daughter trip to Tasmania, Australia. In December of that year I officially became a U.S. Citizen, and am now honored to officially call myself a dual citizen of Australia and America. If interested, you can read about my transition from Resident to Citizen.
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| Location: Honeymoon Bay, Tasmania, Australia Photo credit: Maree Richardson |
2018 was the year of adventure: a road trip through the Wild West, hiking various National Parks and Monuments in Texas and New Mexico; a bridesmaid for my bestie's wedding; a wonderful mother-daughter trip through the forests, oceans, and delectable wine country in south-west Western Australia; roughed it through our "first-timers" #vanlife trip through the breathtakingly beautiful National Parks of California and Oregon. Wow - what a year!
Aside from traveling, we renovated our guest bathroom. Our house was built in 1958, so the original tiling was ... mature. We started with the intention of completing the entire renovation by ourselves. Too high of expectations, perhaps? An enormous thanks to my colleagues' husband, who helped us finish the drywall and tiling - what a legend! The guest bathroom is now sparkling, modern, and minimalist. It's our favorite room in the house!
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| BEFORE Bathroom Remodel |
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| AFTER Bathroom Remodel |
Now, we find ourselves in the depths of 2019. We spent New Years with family in Wagga Wagga, Australia, followed by an awe-inspiring trip to Thailand. I'm continuing to learn and work as a Speech Language Pathologist in the local school system. Greg is continuing to work as an I.T. Consultant for an international company. We attended a beautiful Greek/Italian wedding, and are completing some minor repair jobs around the house.
Bring on the rest of 2019!
Please feel free to reach out to me with any comments or questions regarding working and/or living abroad, transferring degrees/licenses internationally, travelling around America, or just to say "G'day!". I would LOVE to connect with more friendly faces. 😊
Have a great day,
Maree
