It’s a Brand New Car!

(No game show required.)

 

We are now the proud “owners” of a brand new Toyota Yaris.  Michael did all the investigation and legwork on obtaining the lease, so he gets all the credit.  He is also the only one of us brave enough to drive it (so far).  I have never been so excited to be a passenger in a car in my life!  I know it’s difficult for you Californians to conceive of a land or a time without cars, but we’re living in it, and things are…er…”interesting” without one.  The Yaris actually has quite a roomy interior, which you’d never guess from the outside.  Also, I think we can all agree that it is a friendly looking car.  I’ve named ours “Doug.”  Michael doesn’t know that yet, but I’ll bet you dollars to donuts he comes around.

I continue to be surprised by the willingness with which the Australian Roads and Transit Authority will give you a driver’s license.  You basically have to show them your US license and then just ask nicely.  It’s as if no one told them that we drive on the other side of the road.  Now, I’m not saying you should have to demonstrate your parallel parking skills or anything, but you’d think the whole right side/left side distinction would come up at some point in the process.  As in, “Welcome to Australia, here is your driver’s license and a friendly reminder not to drive on the right side of the road.”

The mind boggles.

At any rate, we now have a car at our disposal and a driver’s license apiece.  Please ensure your seat belts are fastened and your tray tables are secured and locked in their upright position.  Look out Australia!

    

The Old Girl’s Still Got It

Hey everybody! I got a job!  I know some of you (for example those related to me by blood and/or those married to me) were beginning to worry that it might never happen.  Well, you can all go ahead and breathe a collective sigh of relief.  Heck, I’ll join you.  It’ll be nice to have something to do for a change.

Beginning next week, you will be dealing with my new professional persona “Legal Counsel for Capgemini Australia Pty Ltd” (not to be confused with the my recent “hausfrau-dog-minding-gardener” alter ego).  For the nitty-gritty on Capgemini go to http://www.au.capgemini.com/.  I’ll be joining a small in-house legal department in their Sydney office.  The people I’ve met in the office seem nice and appear to enjoy their work.  I’m assured that weekends are respected and, while I’m skeptical by nature, I’m willing to give them the benefit of the doubt.

Other benefits include NOT having a blackberry and casual Fridays!  Yay!  Just when I thought I’d have to start wearing grown-up clothes every day of the week.

I’m sure there will be enthralling updates aplenty in the coming days, but for the present I think we can all agree that it’s just nice that I have a job.