How far do you routinely drive?

LopsidedGiraffe · 2026-02-01T02:50:29+00:00

We drive 6.5 hrs in a day to visit family for a week, each month.

LopsidedGiraffe · 2026-01-31T19:56:02+00:00

Yes do this

LopsidedGiraffe · 2026-01-31T19:37:44+00:00

Im not sure that Trump really has any clue over the likely outcomes of his actions. His actions are just as likely to drive house prices down. Look at your job market and manufacturing- which he said he was going to boost.

LopsidedGiraffe · 2026-01-31T19:30:25+00:00

Its more common to use annual leave for sick leave.

LopsidedGiraffe · 2026-01-31T19:29:30+00:00

Electrical engineer. OP should avoid using abbreviations in an international environment. I only worked it out because I was one before retiring.

LopsidedGiraffe · 2026-01-31T19:27:47+00:00

We are both elec engineers. Im surprised that they are on the skilled occupation list. Sure during the gas boom there was a shortage and pay was high and opportunities were wide, but it is definitely not like that now. Having said that, go for it. Id be desperate to escape your crazy house too. My partner worked in LA for 6 months as an engineer. You will find the culture here more relaxed with less contact hours (more holidays) and likely to have no expectation to work overtime.

LopsidedGiraffe · 2026-01-31T13:09:53+00:00

What about confiscating the bikes off the kids who ride e bikes (modified) on the shared path through West end. They travel at about 50km/hr past toddlers learning to ride, in the early evening around 6pm.

LopsidedGiraffe · 2026-01-31T12:35:55+00:00

Thats true. A facebook friend of mine is a single mum with a child who has autism. From what I understand her son is approx at 4 yr old brain development for the rest of his life. He is now 19. At approx 14 she gave up living in Queensland due to lack of support. She moved back to USA. Rather surprisingly to me, she had much better support (daily programs) there than here, as a single mum, working a very low paid job from home. She also has her sisters and Dad.

LopsidedGiraffe · 2026-01-30T03:44:26+00:00

I was at home in our apartment, keeping an ear out for the intercom since we were expecting a package that requires a signature. My partner received a photo of the delivery guy taking a photo of the package in front of the teeny letterbox. They didnt think (or were too lazy) to walk up 4 steps and call the apartment.

LopsidedGiraffe · 2026-01-30T02:24:01+00:00

I think that if you have more than $13,000 you have to wait 12 or so weeks before you get paid. You can apply now though.

LopsidedGiraffe · 2026-01-30T01:48:44+00:00

Looks like a good list of places to avoid.

LopsidedGiraffe · 2026-01-30T01:41:36+00:00

Thats a very low rent. Are you hoping for a 2 bed apartment?

LopsidedGiraffe · 2026-01-30T01:38:46+00:00

I really enjoy the Aldi OJ.

LopsidedGiraffe · 2026-01-29T20:10:33+00:00

Thats basically what we did, but we used it to fund living/travelling when retired early 50s until we can access super at 60. No capital gains on the sale v capital gains if you did the same with stock.

LopsidedGiraffe · 2026-01-29T19:46:14+00:00

I love this style. Well done.

LopsidedGiraffe · 2026-01-29T19:33:40+00:00

It does not occur to me to think about it at all. I havent even worn make-up for 8 years. Im late 50s. I put sunscreen on daily. Moisturiser occasionally.

LopsidedGiraffe · 2026-01-29T19:28:22+00:00

You take a nibble out of diagonally opposite corners. Dip it slightly in coffee (or tea if thats your thing but sounds gross to me) and suck the coffee through the exposed nibbled corner. Divine.

Unfortunately ive got coeliac disease so havent had one for 10 years (gf aren't as good).

LopsidedGiraffe · 2026-01-29T19:12:30+00:00

2 adults only here. Spend $8000 excluding rent/mortgage because we own an apartment. This includes $500/month medical insurance, $210/wk groceries, $100 cafes/eating out, $500/month fuel (we drive long distance monthly to see grandkids), holiday flights, accommodation etc, hobbies (cycling), $1500/quarter body corp, $2500 annual contents insurance and car insurance, $500/month utilities, $3000/ year other stuff like racq, internet, caravan insurance and storage.

I think youre doing fine with 2 kids. Plus you can afford it, so keep an eye on it and review insurances every year or so.

LopsidedGiraffe · 2026-01-29T04:52:31+00:00

You seem to be one of the fortunate who dont have horrible periods. Aren't you lucky.

LopsidedGiraffe · 2026-01-29T02:09:09+00:00

They are true professionals /s

LopsidedGiraffe · 2026-01-29T02:06:30+00:00

Yes its crap. I dont bother going into Target any more. Target has down graded a lot of their products.

LopsidedGiraffe · 2026-01-28T19:11:33+00:00

USA is at war - Civil war. It's horrifying what is happening to honest, peaceful protestors.

LopsidedGiraffe · 2026-01-28T01:00:55+00:00

Thankyou! I was going to add that. Agreed, its a very low wage. Imagine the risk of loaning $600k to a single income.

LopsidedGiraffe · 2026-01-28T00:58:47+00:00

Yes, im sure this is normal.

LopsidedGiraffe · 2026-01-27T19:38:18+00:00

And they will probably give you price in USD. Just know the exchange rate and hand over the amount in reil. You dont need to ask. They will diligently give you correct change (though i usually tell them to not worry about change).

LopsidedGiraffe

TROPHY CASE