Ask Steph

I was asked a while back if I thought it was worth it, immigrating to Australia. I wrote back to my friends, and published a long sad story on this blog at the time. I discussed the things I missed about South Africa, and the things I really didn't miss. I discussed the reasons why I love Australia, and that ultimately, I noted that I was still in that middle ground. Unable to go back , because I couldn't, and wouldn't want to go back. And not quite yet settled enough in my new home to say that it was worth moving. It's a really unpleasant no-mans-land . And one that you really cannot relate to, or understand in the slightest unless you have been there. I am please to say however , that a mere 10 months on , and 2 months ahead of schedule , I am quite well and truly no longer on the fence.

As a South African, it's really easy to take for granted the number of Public Holidays that the country has. Sometimes it can seem like they all blur into this mass of unproductive hours that cost the country time and money. For me, it has taken an immigration, and watching an ANZAC Day Parade to fully appreciate the meaning behind the holidays in South Africa. We don't make a big deal out of the holidays in South Africa.  Freedom Day, coming up now on Saturday the 27th April is a celebration of our first democratic and fair elections. Do we really feel that celebration ? Is it just another Braai Day , or long weekend? Why do we not make a massive deal out of our bloodless revolution? I watched the ANZAC Parade today , in my small town , about an hour's drive out of the Melbourne City Centre. It was in no way , as massive as the Melbourne City ANZAC service and Parade where thousands of people line the streets of the city to watch thousands of Veterans, the curren...

So sometimes I am just blown away by random statistics. And sometimes , I am just blown away by the seemingly random, but actually good to know little factoids that feature in my line of work. Like the fact that there are just on 23 million small businesses in America 1 -  a small business being one that employs between 0 and 20 people. I would assume 0 means it's just the owner by his lonesome doing the work, otherwise, is Casper helping out ? This number blows my mind because I currently live in a country with a total population not far off that number. In fact the statisticians officially predicted we'd be over the 23 million mark at 9:57 pm last night . or so I am told by the news media. And I come from a country ( South Africa) with a population just shy of double that amount - South Africa was at 51 million people as at the 2011 census. Where 12 million people in total live in Gauteng, which is the financial hub and powerhouse of the country. And here's Am...

And it was fun while it lasted. I can honestly conclude that winter is definitely setting in. We've had rain for the last 4 days straight - and much cooler temperatures than the mid to high 30's of February and intermittently in March. And this morning - the heating actually turned on in the house. Brrr. No wonder I felt cold when I woke up , it was cold! Time to haul out the winter bedding , and re-arrange the heaters, possibly situate one right next to my desk  and start evaluating my sunlight needs. Winter here in Melbourne is so grey and miserable. And I am one of those people who just battle so much with the lack of sunlight. I've learnt these last 3 years . I need to get out at least once a day during the daylight. I need to be active . And I need to have a slew of social engagements that keep my mind occupied and distracted. So it's a good thing that work is taking off like a rocket - my calendar fills up almost 2 weeks in advance these days ... and I see...

I am a very happy person this week. This week has landed me 2 exceptional experiences - both of which are firmly cementing in my mind that coming to live, and work in Australia was the best decision we made. I cannot wait to apply for citizenship. Don't get me wrong - my heart aches endlessly for my family and friends back in South Africa, I will miss and lament those gorgeous African Highveld thunderstorms and sunsets . I just cannot get away from our enormous good fortune in this wonderful country though. Firstly - I've had some really good news about being accepted into a program called GAP - sponsored in the most part by the State Government of Victoria . Which helps businesses to identify marketing opportunities and do research into the American or Chinese markets. Second - I've had the unforeseen pleasure of applying for an American visa as a result of the first bit of good news - and was cheerfully surprised at how streamlined the process is . Entirely online...

Amazing how when you think your life is boring that the Universe, Murphy or whatever higher power mythology you subscribe to suddenly takes things into a different direction.

Just one small tip for a newly arrived immigrant to Australia : start making friends early on . Go out and meet people, join clubs , find a hobby , chat to the people that you meet through other people. Chat with the Mums at your kids school. Rugby tackle the lady who drops off your post if you have to. You will need them. Women need a gaggle of helpers when they get a haircut . Particularly dramatic changes from very long to short. It's a traumatic thing. What we don't need is a husband who tells us it will make us look fatter than what we already are. Seriously.