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Shanda Ives
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Love the pictures, I could feel the nervousness just looking at them, knowing what was in store for you!
You are doing a great job of improving your work. I for one enjoy going through my favorite bloggers' first posts and seeing the difference the years make as they grow and improve. Some of them seem fresher and more honest in their earlier posts. So don't be too hard on yourself, although I do understand what you're saying.
I see your blog as quality work, with so much thought and effort put into it. I'm glad it has become a valuable outlet for you as it entertains and teaches your readers! xo
Commented Feb 11, 2014 on Regrets from Early Blogging Days at The Plunge Down Under
Regrets from Early Blogging Days
Expat Blog Challenge Day 11 "I wish that when I started my blog I had…" Regrets are a specialty of mine. R is forever encouraging me to quit fretting over the past and move on. Thanks to today's prompt, however, I get to indulge in some regrets. My friend Shanda was the first person I knew w...
Okay, I did laugh at a few details, I used to think that 19 was oh so grown up but I guess we are at the age now to realize that it's such a young age, so vulnerable, making mistakes and having to figure out what to do all alone! You made it through stronger and better!
Commented Feb 10, 2014 on Stranded and Crying in Miami at The Plunge Down Under
Stranded and Crying in Miami
Author's Note: This post was updated on February 6 by my dad (see the ending!) Expat Challenge Day 5: Have some fun with the following prompt: I was at the airport, and... The moment the boarding call came for my flight from Miami International Airport to Quito, Ecuador's Mariscal Sucre, I re...
You have gone through so much with this latest move, but I continue to be astounded by how well you all have adjusted and made the most of your experience, even though it wasn't easy.
Commented Feb 10, 2014 on To Move or Not to Move? (Overseas That Is) at The Plunge Down Under
To Move or Not to Move? (Overseas That Is)
There were mornings just after we moved to Melbourne that I didn't want to get out of bed. I had never felt that way before in all of my nearly forty years. There were far too many nights when the last thing I said, just before collapsing into an exhausted sleep, was: "It's all your fault. Yo...
So fascinating! I loved the part about the passion fruit and how you like to let the juice run.....
Commented Feb 10, 2014 on Notes from my Australian Pantry at The Plunge Down Under
Notes from my Australian Pantry
Expat Challenge Day 7 (Updated Version) Since moving abroad, my pantry looks different because… When I think about my pantry in Melbourne, the first thing that comes to mind is vegemite. We have had a jar of it sitting in our pantry most months since we moved here, but that's not because w...
Absolutely, this would be the hardest thing for me, too. I loved reading this and the comments as I sit by the window and see snow everywhere! LOL
Commented Feb 10, 2014 on Seasonal Hemisphere Disorder at The Plunge Down Under
Seasonal Hemisphere Disorder
Day 8 of the Expat Blog Challenge (created by the genius Cristin at Opal Hearted Country) "I will never get used to ..." The answer to this prompt is so obvious that at first I didn't see it. I sat at my writing table and thought for many minutes. I checked facebook for possible inspiration....
Wonderful, thoughtful post. I love how you were able to look back through all the years and experiences and come to so many good illustrations to prove your points. I remember you mentioning the English reaction to children when you were living there, I can imagine when you have several little ones yourself how stressful it would be to do anything in public!
Commented Feb 10, 2014 on The Dreaded Expat Syndrome at The Plunge Down Under
The Dreaded Expat Syndrome
Expat Challenge Day 9: Respond to the following quote: "Expat Syndrome’ is a condition whereby many expatriates see mostly either the best of their own nationality & the worst of the locals, or see the opposite.” -T Crossley (Note to readers: This is a longer post than normal. Pour your...
Christie, I also laughed at your punch line. :) What a delightful, family filled post of little but oh so important moments!
Commented Feb 10, 2014 on A Day in Photos at The Plunge Down Under
A Day in Photos
Expat Blog Challenge Day 10: A run-of-the-mill Monday in pictures 6.30am Coffee, a flat white with an extra shot of espresso. It's darker than I would like outside. 6.45am. I re-open all of the windows. The lack of screens has been a recurring comment in this blog challenge. About half of...
Such a story to tell for your family history! Glad it all worked out eventually, and that you were still able to go on your adventure.
Commented Jan 27, 2014 on Down and Out Down Under at The Plunge Down Under
Down and Out Down Under
I can't think of a good time for a broken bone, or for three broken bones for that matter. How about one hour after you have landed on the other side of the world? Or how about just twelve short hours before you are scheduled to board a plane for New Zealand? It started off so innocently. F...
Beautiful! And such fun for everyone. I still can't believe your poor Dad. What a good example of going with the flow, and looking for the silver linings.
Commented Jan 27, 2014 on Post Cards from New Zealand at The Plunge Down Under
Post Cards from New Zealand
I have already told our primary story about New Zealand--the one about my dad breaking three bones fifteen hours before our plane was scheduled to take off for Queenstown (if you missed the story, you can read it here). He insisted that we go ahead as planned with our trip, and since we are a f...
Hi Christie! I just opened up my new laptop this morning, it's fresh out of the box. Your site is the first one I've visited, and this is the first typing I've done on it, to stop by your blog and say HELLO. All the pictures are stunning, my favorite one was the third. xo
Commented Jan 27, 2014 on Postcards from Queenstown: Relishing the Beauty at The Plunge Down Under
Postcards from Queenstown: Relishing the Beauty
Very few words in this post. Instead just a handful of my favorite photos from our four days in Queenstown, New Zealand. I hope you enjoy them. If you like, feel free to nominate your favorite one in the comments section below.
It will be different when you leave Australia b/c you just don't know when or if you will be back. So I can see how it would be sad. You've done such a great job at meeting people and putting yourself out there, I admire that so much about you!
Commented Sep 6, 2012 on Thoughts on Friendship, Grief, and Loss Across the Seas at The Plunge Down Under
Thoughts on Friendship, Grief, and Loss Across the Seas
Last night I stuck my head in a bedroom door to say goodnight to one of the children, and I discovered a tear-stained face, most unusual for this particular child. I immediately knew the cause, however. Just a couple of hours before we had said our good-byes to a German exchange student who...
Happy Father's day, Ross! Christie, this was a great post...loved all the pictures. I think my kids would like using that juicer and the pancakes look deliciously perfect, with ice cream no less!
The photos of Ross with the kids are priceless.
Commented Sep 6, 2012 on Father's Day, Properly Celebrated at The Plunge Down Under
Father's Day, Properly Celebrated
Sunday was Father's Day in Australia. I must confess to not really doing much for Ross the past two years. In 2010 we were in the throes of relocating our household to the other side of the world. I am pretty sure he was in a different hemisphere than we were on the North American father's da...
Christie, I am so so sorry about your friend. You wrote beautifully about her. My sympathy goes out to you and her family. Thinking of you!
Commented Sep 6, 2012 on In Memory of a Friend at The Plunge Down Under
In Memory of a Friend
A few days ago when I first began writing about friendship, grief, and loss across the seas, I had no idea that I would wake up the next morning to the kind of news that is never welcome. Noticing the name of a friend of mine in the subject line of an email made my heart sink. A quick scan of t...
I love this post. Especially the picture of YOU. The sunrises are lovely and a feast for my eyes....I'm glad Cameron knows to keep his distance. And I can echo your last remarks. School mornings are quite hectic. xoxo
Commented May 1, 2012 on Sunrise on Four Mile Beach at The Plunge Down Under
Sunrise on Four Mile Beach
Sunrises are not something that I know much about, especially when I'm on vacation. This past weekend, however, I managed to witness no fewer than three of them, thanks in part to the end of daylight savings the previous weekend and this year's school schedule. It took me all of February and M...
Very nice post. I chuckled over the "dentist's dream" comment.....
Commented May 1, 2012 on The Fourth Time's a Charm at The Plunge Down Under
The Fourth Time's a Charm
I'm grateful to my dad for contributing yet another post. We sure hate to see my parents leave tomorrow, but are thankful to have enjoyed a wonderful visit with them during the past two weeks. I entitled my previous blog "Lake Australia," due primarily to the many days (and centimeters) of rain...
Another fascinating post. I read every word with interest. The beautiful blue of the water and sky are what stood out to me the most. I love the family picture, you look happy and cute.
Yes. I understand. The camera helps us to see the good, the beautiful, and that there STILL are blessings around us, even with worry in our hearts. I've always admired your wonderful Grandma. I hope and pray she is feeling better and that you continue to find peace in such a hard time. You & your Grandma are close in heart, despite the distance in miles........
Commented May 1, 2012 on Autumn in Full Swing at The Plunge Down Under
Autumn in Full Swing
We have had a beautiful run of near-perfect weather the past few weeks. In the middle of the day it feels like summer, but the trees have not been fooled, and it is no longer possible to ignore the departure of summer. Yesterday I spent a few hours outdoors enjoying the sun, but mostly worryin...
Worth the calories? Sounds delicious. I see little Sophie has left you a comment, I smiled. Grace does that now and then on my site, too. Hi Sophie! You're as cute as ever!
Hugs, my friend....your photos are so beautiful. Thank you.
Commented May 1, 2012 on Anzac Day at The Plunge Down Under
Anzac Day
It's Anzac Day today, and what a wet, wintry one it has been so far. We had grand ideas of going into the city as a family to participate in the celebrations and memorials, but since doing so meant braving torrential rain in the pre-dawn hours, we settled last night for sleeping in and having f...
I LOVE all the pictures, especially the one of the family panning for gold, with the older man also in the picture; so dear. I hope he found some gold. I also liked the quote, "Better to wear out shoes than sheets." Very nice, well-written post, my friend!
Commented May 1, 2012 on Visiting Sovereign Hill, a Victorian Gold Rush Site at The Plunge Down Under
Visiting Sovereign Hill, a Victorian Gold Rush Site
In the aftermath of Anzac Day, it seems appropriate to consider the history of the settling of Australia. From what I have absorbed over the past two years, I have come up with my own, very short version. It undoubtedly contains errors and gross generalizations, but for what it is worth, I'll ...
So special!!!
Commented Apr 12, 2012 on Happy Birthday to Four at The Plunge Down Under
Happy Birthday to Four
Not only do Ross and Gretchen share the same birthday month, they each had a daughter born in the month of March, with the end result that four of them celebrate a birthday within the space of fifteen days. What else were we to do but celebrate with some special treats. Happy Birthday to Alissa...
Poor Tamika, how did she make out with her hearing?
Sorry to say, I had a little chuckle over the traffic violation! Yikes!
Commented Apr 12, 2012 on Farewell at The Plunge Down Under
Farewell
Our last set of summer visitors have come and gone, and all of us, kids included, can hardly believe that we are approaching Term I holidays. The cousins have certainly enjoyed one another's company, and I do think one of the favorite memories, for my kids at least, will be the homework session...
Yes, I got teary eyed, too. It's all so sweet...the rose, the bee, but especially your happy birthday girlie.
Commented Apr 12, 2012 on A Rose, a Bee and a Birthday Girl at The Plunge Down Under
A Rose, a Bee and a Birthday Girl
Yesterday I stole a few minutes from a day filled with mundane household chores to spend in the garden with my camera. Today we marked the final celebration of Sophie's birthday with a party for a few of her friends. I hope you enjoy the photos from both days.
GORGEOUS and STUNNING!
Commented Apr 12, 2012 on Color Burst at The Plunge Down Under
Color Burst
On this glorious autumn day it seems fitting to share a few favorite photos I have collected around the neighborhood over the past week or so. C has caught the photography bug, and he has been on the prowl for likely suspects to fill the frame. I'll include a few of his shots toward the end of...
James is as adorable as ever. What a great day for the boys!
Commented Apr 12, 2012 on One Excited Boy and His First Ever Athletics Day at The Plunge Down Under
One Excited Boy and His First Ever Athletics Day
Last year when I wrote about Cameron's first Athletics Day Carnival, I was worried that I had overstated the importance of sport in school life in Australia. I have since discovered that far from overstating the case, I had only just begun my own education into the important role of all types o...
I had to chuckle over those language phrases, especially "having a pash". (???)
Your food pictures (and ideas) are wonderful, Christie! Yum!
Commented Apr 12, 2012 on Food and Language Round Up at The Plunge Down Under
Food and Language Round Up
For this post I have a smattering of pictures of recent favorite foods for lunchtime, and a handful of new phrases that brought a smile to my face when I heard them. Pizza with walnuts, blue cheese, figs, fresh mozzarella, and a drizzle of olive oil. I am indebted to my sister-in-law Karin for ...
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