One month in

I'm not entirely sure who reads this blog ( I know KB does). I think I'll keep writing it as a sort of semi public journal. A way to process my thoughts and experiences of transitioning back to Oz and chronicling experiences of being a full time student at College.

I've read in several re-entry books that it can take 6-12 months to transition back. Other friends say it's more like TWO YEARS! So I can expect this to take a while. I am finding the hardest thing about Aussie culture to get used to again is the constant putting down we seem to do, but passed off as just a joke. Another tough aspect is the noise levels when we have meals or any large gathering - it is usually so loud it's difficult to hear the person across the table. Maybe I am just more sensitive to noise now. I start feeling anxious and overwhelmed.

Was feeling somewhat overwhelmed by the course but it's too late to drop down to 3/4 load ( doing only 3 subjects per semester rather than 4) . Missed the deadline to change by 1 day. Oh well, guess that means I need to depend a lot more on God to get me through and that's not a bad thing.

Made a few friends at College. But the texture is different. I don't have the same emotional resources to give anymore - so am choosing carefully who I shall befriend ( in a deep way).  Last time I was here, I think I knew most people's names by this time in the semester ( week 3). This time around, I find I hit my capacity for meeting new people a lot sooner. If I've had a significant conversation with a person, then of course I remember them without the name tag ( we have to wear a name tag all through this term, but usually don't wear it on the weekends, at which point I stick with only the people whose names I DO know!).

Tonight, I went to a Beatnix concert ( Beatles cover band where a friend is one of the singers, he's normally Paul McCartney). Went by myself as no one at College was interested (way beyond their time, and it's barely in mine, but I heard it a lot growing up) . I knew that Andrew and Voula ( College buddies from 2002) would be there so I just took a taxi. I wished I had someone to go with, but it was nice that I had the freedom to just hop in a cab and go without thinking through what people might think of me for going out on my own and returning late at night. Had a great night, dancing away in the sidelines, chatting to my friends afterwards. Now I am too wired to go to bed!
Word on the street is that a group is going dancing to Retro next Friday night - they play 'retro' music, which means stuff from the 80s which is when I was a teen! So right up my alley- it's been a long time since I went dancing. I am going to investigate into Ceroc dance classes nearby and as long as I can borrow someone's car, I can get there and back. I need my creative outlets.

Would appreciate your prayers( anyone reading this!) re transition back to Oz, life as a full time student and struggling a bit with singleness too.