Yesterday, a car seat (capsule, here in Aus.) installation company came to the house to install seats properly for Aussie standards in our new car. The Man wasn't comfortable with the tightness of the seats on his install and they do not have the same LATCH system we have. Ummm...they don't have it at all and we aren't used to that. Nor do the seats come with the center clip on the seat belts. (Yes, they have "for hire" services to do this all over, some set up a couple days a week at the hospital parking lot, the baby supply stores, etc. yeah, $120 later, I really appreciate more stopping in to local fire departments in Richmond, VA for free car seat checks!) Oh, and this is our second paid installation as when we purchased the seat it was in our temporary car and then we thought it was law to have it done and get your little installation certificate for the glove box...
So, Christian, cute young guy still driving on a new license indicated by the "P" sticker on his car...does his thing, shows me some tricks I didn't already know and spent the time to measure the kids in the seats for proper seat belt shoulder strap adjustment. We could have had Huckleberry Boy forward facing because by Aussie age and weight requirements(How many kilo's is he? Me, I don't know...)but have chosen to keep him rear facing until one year. American style.
He comes inside to fill out paperwork and call in my debit card which they call "savings" here.I am used to debiting from my checking, and I can't even explain why it is like this here. I can't remember, don't care. I just tell them savings and put in my pin. Christian asks if he can wash his hands. I point out the loo.
Cute Christian leaves, I go into the bathroom and immediately notice that there is "brown stuff" all over the edge of the sink, the cold water handle, and the white hand towel. I run for the front door so I can explain....but he is gone and I am...MORTIFIED and AMUSED. It is funny.
"Lucy, you have some explaining to do!" Miss Muffin has been using her clothes and not her napkin a lot lately and I have been on her case reminding her to use her napkin, wash her hands, etc. That morning she had a new "Big Tedz" cookie that is half dipped in chocolate. I had the New Aussie bosses wife here for a sympathy visit right up until the time Car Seat Installer came and Viv had eaten it and gone to wash her hands. I thought nothing of this, I was just glad she did it.
I then decide to call the company, speak to the same receptionist I spoke to when I arranged service. I said, "You have to call Christian and tell him..." She was cracking up.
There you have it. Just another day in the life of an American mom in Australia.
Cheers!
Val
P.S. The sun is out for a visit. :) and we have a visitor from Richmond, Virginia, Cougar Hockey Team Member and FBI Agent coming to see us this weekend. So excited to fraternize with someone from home!!
SO WHEN ARE YOU COMING TO AUSTRALIA? Some little things to keep you on the in:( Bear with me if I am repeating)
"Give Way" means YIELD. It drives me crazy for some reason since one word word does it so efficiently.
We went to a mall on a late Saturday afternoon and all of the stores were closing. It was approx. 5:00. Put a real damper on my imagined shopping spree. Call ahead for store hours.
Car dealerships are open M-F to about 5,too. Head on over Car Salesman, this is the life. Plenty of time to surf, bush walk, not work or sell cars:) Balance.
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