…and we are moving to sunny Queensland to live on the Gold Coast.
After the sudden death of my father, my surprising ADHD diagnosis, 300+ job rejections in Melbourne, and Bryce’s nan passing away, it’s time for a change.
I was born in Penrith, NSW and have lived on the Mornington Peninsula since I was 12.
Bryce always jokes how he fell in love with a ‘Westie’ – him being a ‘Shire’ boy (Bryce grew up not too far from me in Cronulla, NSW).
I had a one years’ stint in Banff, Canada – a postcard country I’d happily move back to if I could.
But I have called Melbourne home for a long time.
I didn’t think I’d leave it again.
Not to say that this move is forever – I’m talking to you, Mum!
The four of us have also been sick for months. Me more than anyone.
After I was hospitalised with the flu, we also had conjunctivitis, gastro, HFM disease and general colds.
Melbourne’s cold and often unpredictable weather, and childcare sickness, haven’t helped.
I know kids get sick in childcare in Queensland, but hopefully, the warmer weather will reduce the number.
Another reason for the move is Bryce’s pop, who now lives alone.
We can keep him company while renting out my house in Melbourne, which will hopefully save us some money.
I’m also now officially a landlord!
I also want to experience as much as possible (within our financial means) as a family without significant disruptions when Tate and Levi eventually start school.
It will be good for the twins to spend more time getting use to being around water, pools and beaches as well.
I don’t particularly do too well in the heat, so that will be a real test.
However, I do like the idea of waking up early, to warm weather and pounding the pavement in my pale, ghostly complexion and Melbourne winter weight!
I’ll surely stand out amongst the fit, tanned people up north.
Besides packing up my entire household, which has been extremely overwhelming.
It’s leaving my family.
My mum, dad and sister are my backbone.
My sister is the sparkle to my soul, my mum does more for me than I deserve, and my dad took me in as his own and gave me a fruitful life.
Oh, and let’s not forget Marli and Murphy 💛
As I said, this move is not a forever move.
In fact, I’d love to live in Thailand for a year as well as the UK (sooo, if you are hiring and live in the UK or Thailand, reach out!)
Making the long drive up to the Gold Coast on my own with Levi, Tate and Sonny (our border collie) will guarantee that I will cry the entire journey.
I am making a pitstop into Penrith for a few days.
Two of my favourite people, my grandparents, still live there, and the twins and I will spend a few days with them after Nan’s two heart surgeries.
Then it’s on to the GC!
The sadness and apprehension has yet to set in.
However, I’m excited to travel, live in the sun and start fresh after a difficult year.
In the spirit of reconciliation, Her Second Shift acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today
Wishing you all the best for your move to Gold Coast. I have only lived in GC for a 1.5 years now and absolutely loving it. The water is really nice and so much to do. Some days are very hot but you all will get used to it!!
All the best with your move and I would have loved to have met you before you left as I live in Cranbourne East which isn’t far from where you have lived. You and Bryce and your gorgeous boys deserve all the happiness in the world and I hope that your move goes well and look forward to reading about it and I hope you are all happy in the GC.
I’m Penrith born also. I’ve lived back in Sydney for a couple years now and I hate it here. Qld is calling my name also it’s where my support network is (my parents) coffs coast was my home for 12 years before I moved back to Sydney, a move is overwhelming let alone a big move like that but I wish you and your family the best and I hope it’s a good change for you! I’m sure the change will do wonders it’s a beautiful place to be when I visit I never want to come back to Sydney! Good luck Hun you’ll smash it 😊
Hi Kayla, thank you for sharing and for the love. I’m looking forward to passing back through Penrith to see my grandparents. I’m always curious at the town as well – things change so very often there and Penrith is now HUGE! x
You will love it here weather in summer is fantastic. Walking early down the beach is great.
Thank you, Jacinta. How’s the humidity? And the crime? That’s what people keep telling me! To me, crime is everywhere, but the heat – that is something that will take some getting used to x
So excited for you guys!
I left Gippsland in 2000 after finishing high school and moved to the GC for 3 years, had the time of my life. 24 years on, moved around every state in this country, currently in Cairns and my boy and I are moving to the Sunshine Coast. I am terrified, particularly my son moving schools – so I love you are doing this while your boys are little! All the very best, look forward to your next adventure.
Funnily enough, Casey, we were planning on moving towards Cairns before Bryce lost his grandmother, so we could have been neighbours! Even so, the Sunshine Coast isn’t too far from the GC. Good luck with your move!
Good luck to you all, it may just be what you need some sun on your faces, it will defiantly help brighten the gloomy days we all have at times. Never feel guilty about leaving anyone behind, you have your life to live now with your boys and Bryce. You will make new friends, especially with boys going nursery and school, the sun always makes people feel happier and friendly. I wish I had the get up and go, good luck to you and your family lovely lady you deserve happiness 🥰
Thanks, Jules. Changing friendship groups is always the hardest, especially as an adult. Thank you for all the love! x
Woohoo welcome to the GC Liss! Been here since 2007 now. If you need a familiar face for a walk or a cuppa – you can find me on socials – Siobhan from FCCC class of 06! <3
What a small world! x
If you see her give her a big hug from me. Gonna miss her face so much xxx
Hello lovely
Winter weight is nothing to be ashamed of as I’m still carrying my baby weight….my daughter is almost 20!!
I hope this move helps you to heal both physically and mentally. It’s so hard to leave family behind (my sister and nieces live in a different state) bit they are always a phone call, face time or short plane ride away!
Take the time you need for plenty of self care for you Mumma!
Wishing you all the best with your move! Safe travels and sending many positive vibes out into the Universe for you and your little family xx
Great advice, thank you, Rachel x
Wishing you all the very best Melissa. I’m sure it will be an amazing time for you. We moved from the UK to Auckland NZ when our children were 18 and 13. Best thing we ever did. Then 5 years ago me and Hub took early retirement and moved to Brisbane. My daughter had moved here with her partner. She was then diagnosed with crohns and a hip tumour. So we wanted to be able to support her. My son and daughter in law still live in NZ. We are fortunate to have any grandchildren so If you ever want surrogates grandparents I’m more than happy to oblige LOL. As for the weather in QLD you do acclimatise and now I would struggle to live anywhere else.
Hi Lorraine. Thank you very much! I am looking forward to the transition!
Wishing you and your beautiful family everything good and wonderful that life offers. You certainly deserve it!
This is lovely, thank you, Sharon x
Congratulations to you all on your warmer move up north!
Have a blast along the way and enjoy creating new and positive memories.
Road trip memories! Thank you, Jenn x
Welcome to sunny Queensland.
Hope your new venture will make a good change for you all. It’s a much nicer environment up here (hence all the new arrivals). It will take a bit to acclimatise but Jan/Feb are the worst – just make sure you have aircon for the humidity.
The boys could start Nipper training in a couple of years which is a great sport & good friendships.
Hope you enjoy your new life. Drive safely.
It seems like everyone is making the move up North at the minute. Thank you for the advice about the humidity, it certainly has me worried!
I wish you all well for the move. We had a sea change when my kids were a little older than yours and we loved it. We eventually moved back to Melbs to be with family but it was move we needed to do for us as a family to grow and find ourselves.
I love this – thank you! x
My family and I are moving next year (2x adults. 1x 11 year old and 1×4 year old) before they start primary and high school, for similar reasons. Melbourne weather is unpredictable, we both don’t enjoy the cold, and prefer the warmer weather. We are desperate for a new fresh start. We have always been in Victoria. Born and raised. But as we get closer to next year I’m more excited. We’re doing Xmas this year up their and will be looking at schools while we’re there.
Sounds similar to us. You’ll have to let me know what schools look good 🙂
Have the best tome! We did the same for 2 years and moved back for our families in melbourne where we had family! But it is a life style change, and i hope all goes well! Perfect time for the boys
Thank you, Paige. I am all moved out but it will be nice once we are settled x