Monday, March 29, 2010

3 Times - I Repeat...3 Times


During our 20 months in Australia Jenny has been given a breathalyzer test 3 times! Makes you wonder what's going on down under. The first time was way back in February 2009 when she was pulled over along the Great Ocean Road, while driving with her in-laws, for speeding! While taking the breathalyzer test she was so nervous that she couldn't blow enough air into the machine. Fortunately, she got off with a stern warning, and a reminder that in Victoria the speed limit is 100 kph (62 mph). The best thing about being pulled over with in-laws is that they remind you the entire rest of the trip that "the police have your number!"

The second time happened the day after we were meant to leave Australia to return to the states. Interesting because after 18 months of using her mobile whilst driving, she found out that it's illegal to do so in Melbourne and is in fact very dangerous, at least according to the three officers that surrounded the car. She must have looked very suspicious in a mini-van with four children. The officers were amazed that in Texas it is allowed and asked "Don't they know how dangerous it is?" Still concerned they asked her to take a breathalyzer test. She failed to breath long enough to fully register, but graciously was again let off with a warning because the officer liked Americans and he had always heard that "You Don't Mess with Texas!"

The third time happened the last Friday of March, whilst driving home from a birthday party. This time she wasn't pulled over for any particular driving offense, but rather was randomly selected for the test! Again, a mini-van full of kids in the middle of the afternoon must have appeared really sketchy. Once again, Jenny failed to breath long enough for the test to register, but in another stroke of good luck she was allowed to drive on.

Jenny decided that she needs to take things into her own hands in order to avoid future embarrassing "non-registers"and therefore is working with this amazing machine, which apparently is found in nearly all pubs in Australia, to increase here her lung capacity.

Friday, March 26, 2010

Crazy Hair Day

In March, before the end of term 1 the kids had crazy hair day at Wesley. This was Colin's go at crazy hair. Brilliant!


As part of the kids' curriculum they were able to take Japanese during their time in Australia and the symbols on Colin's neck and arm mean friendship and strength.

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

We Still Call Australia Home

Brighton Beach - March 13, 2010