Yesterday I started answering some of the many Frequently Asked Questions we have answered over the last few months, when we attempt to explain what we are doing next year. Here are some answers to more of the FAQ’s
What about your job(s)?
As you may know, the Country Boy is a stay at home dad, 3 days per week and works the other 2. He is planning to resign (and has already told his boss – other wise I wouldn’t be writing this post) in mid October so that he can have a few weeks to do some house fixing and organisation.
I work full time at a public high school in Western Sydney. One of the benefits of working here is that I am able to take leave without pay for up to 12 months and still keep my job at the same school. So I have taken leave. If we love it on the farm I can relinquish my job, and if we find farm life is not for us then I can return in 2013.
I know that we are extremely lucky to have this to fall back on. We both tend to be rather cautious and this “back up” certainly gives us peace of mind!
What will you do down there?
We are not really sure. I hope to pick up some casual teaching at either of the 2 towns within driving distance of the farm. CB will help his father out on the farm, and has also been told that he can pick up work around some of the other properties in the area.
Part of our hope is to spend less time working and more time as a family. CB wants to grow lots of vegetables and I am looking forward to having time and space to resume some of my craft hobbies.
What about the kids and school?
There is a great 2 teacher school in the local village (about 5 minutes away). Hannah will go there and be one of four kids in 2nd class. Sometimes she is excited about the move, but at other times she is sad about leaving her friends and school. We anticipate that she will have difficulty with the initial adjustment more than the other two, but are confident that she will cope well.
Meg will go to preschool (also in the village) for 2 days per week. We have heard good things about the preschool and she is a tough, resilient little girl, so we feel confident she will be fine. Toby, of course, will be too young to do either. He is already proving to be an outdoor kid, and we hope that he (and the girls) will enjoy the additional space.
What are you doing with your house in the mountains?
We will rent it out. (That one was short and easy)
What about your family? Won’t you miss them?
Yes, of course I will. We live close to my family and see them several times a week. My parents care for our kids when CB works. This is not a reason not to go. We will miss all our family and friends a lot, but are hoping for lots of visits, and we plan to visit the mountains regularly too!
What about CB’s family?
As I have mentioned CB’s parents live on and run the farm. They have never placed any expectation that one of their children should return to the farm. At the same time they seem to be quite excited at the prospect of us moving back, even for 12 months. While we are there, they are planning to take a big trip around northern Australia. CB will look after the farm in their absence. We are really pleased that we are able to help them out and give them a well deserved break!
What about church?
Well there is a church in the village, as well as several in the 2 towns near by. We are confident we will find somewhere to call home.
Why are you blogging about this?
I am sure that this change is going to provide lots of challenges and thought provoking moments. I enjoy writing, and see this as an opportunity to keep up with friends and family, and share my experiences with a broader audiences. I don’t know where this is going, but the “journey” will be fun (now I sound like a reality show contestant). If you enjoy my blog, please share it around, comment, or become a “follower”. I am learning a lot as I go and I love to receive feedback.
Have you got any other questions? Any advice? Please comment below!
lol Daisy, i've been trying to nut it out too lol Galong maybe? lol
We just did the tree change and moved from Sydney to the Country 3mths ago. Huge leap of faith, but we figured why not, if we fall flat we'll just move back in a year or so. So far, we are loving it!!! My son went from a school with 900+ kids to one with 110 (big change) but he loves it. Just wanted to wish you good luck with your move (it's crazy stressful I know!) …will be following how you get on.
You know, I have a feeling you are moving quite close to where I am…
If you ever wanna catch up or have a "country" blog meet please email me!!!
daisyrooandtwo@gmail.com
Thanks kate. We are getting more excited each week as it comes closer. I love the idea that we are showing our kids how to take good risks, and that it's ok not to always know exactly what will happen!
I am loving reading about your impending move…. there is something so exciting about taking a leap of faith and trying something totally new!
Love the fact you are preparing to take the risk Jo and Craig. Sure, Penny & Jon will miss you, but think of the joy you are giving to Craig's parents. And it's great that they will have a chance to go away and explore Australia!
Thanks Margaret! We are very excited overall. Every change has it's good and bad parts, but I hope this one is mainly good!