Tax can definitely be taxing!

Hi all,

Admin and boring practicalities prevailed today. Firstly, we had to return the rental car to Avis in Castle Hill. Secondly, we had to visit a tax office in Sydney to apply for a tax file number so that we are able to enjoy as many of our hard earned dollars as we are entitled to. Thirdly, we had to go to the bank to collect our visa cards (i have ordered mine in pink and Nathan's in black!). Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Nathan needed to purchase the 'native orchids' design set of stamps, (the local post office is simply not prestigious enough to offer them).

After a fairly leisurely morning, Nathan drove the rental car and I followed him in the Mazda, with the new sat nav system all ready to go in case he lost me. No conking out and no bumps, (though I did have to perform a six point turn as I navigated my way out of the car park). I did not hover over an imaginary clutch today so things must be improving! Although the windscreen wipers lurched across the windscreen-every time I went right or left.

An hour later, we returned and pulled up in the hotel car park. As I opened the door, I noticed that there was something black and squashed on the floor. As I bent down to examine it further, I discovered that it was my purse! I couldn't believe it. It must have fallen out of my handbag as I had got into the Mazda an hour earlier. There it lay, waiting for me patiently to pick it up. Nothing was missing. I cannot decide whether I am lucky that I found it or unlucky that I dropped it in the first place. I guess I'll go with the former since that is a more optimistic outlook. And I do want to be a 'glass half full' person as opposed to a 'glass half empty' misery. Talking of glasses, Nathan and I spent this evening wandering over to the liquor store. I needed wine! I am currently supping a rather nice sparkling rose - not bad at $7 a bottle (about £4). While we were there, we perused the shelves to compare prices with the UK; this habit has become annoyingly addictive. Anyway, Nathan was over the moon. Whiskey prices did not vary an awful lot from the UK. This means that he does not have to give up his scotch. I wouldn't mind betting that the cost of pipe and slippers is comparable too! We paid for the wine, which was put in a brown paper bag. Suddenly my guilty pleasure seemed like a sin and we left the store feeling like tramps on the Special Brew.

Anyway, a slight detour there- sorry. Back to the tasks in hand. We took a train ride into the city and walked to the bank, we collected our gender stereotype colour Visa cards and hunted for the Post Office and Tax Office. The walk from the bank to the tax office was a good mile and a half. Thongs are not ideal for long walks across the city - UK readers, please note that I am referring to flip flops not underwear. We were not suffering with wedgies, we were suffering with chafed toes. Even Nathan, with his $99 sandals, was suffering! We eventually arrived and then had to sit at computers and complete the applications online. That took ages. The poor kids were bored to tears so I promised them a meatball and cheese subway - they're easily pleased. But of course, where is a subway when you need one. More chafing and blisters as we trekked across the city trying to find the famous sandwich outlet. After a painfully long time, we found one. A chicken sub has never tasted so good!!!

We received the agenda for the induction days today. There are 31 teachers starting
 this year. The teaching staff  in its entirety totals a whopping 250!
Whoop whoop!