Mail.
Today’s mail included Christmas cards from the Bach’s and the Merrill’s! Yay! Thank you guys. Makes me happy.

Fashionisto.
Ty has been worrying more about what clothes he is wearing. Several times he has said, “I am going to go change.” And he comes downstairs in plaid shorts and a collared shirt (often with the collar popped like Papa and Uncle Rickey). Before Christmas he would get dressed up, brush his teeth, and put on a dab of Jay’s cologne if he thought we would run into Santa. Tonight we are going to the marina for dinner (been a long rough week at work for both Jay and I so we thought dinner, wine, and fresh air would do us good), and this is what he came downstairs in. So stinking cute.

Weekend Plans.
We decided that we are going to go somewhere fun this weekend to do a little more exploring. We are going to drive up the Sunshine Coast a ways and stay at a dinosaur hotel Saturday night – Palmer Coolum Resort. Clive Palmer is one of the richest men in Australia and he spared no expense making a dinosaur park and hotel. It might be cheesy, but I think Ty will get a kick out of it. Sunday we are going to the Australia Zoo (this one’s for you, Ann). This topic is to be continued…

Boat.
Buying a boat in Australia is no easy task, but like most things here, we are chipping away at everything that needs to happen. Jay was able to get his marine drivers license today. The mechanical inspection was done on the boat today and quite a few things need repaired or replaced (mainly just due to it being an 8 year old boat). The mechanic seemed to think it would still be a good deal (and a really nice boat), so we will probably move forward. Next step is to negotiate some of the repair costs out of the original offer. Assuming we agree, it will take a couple days to wire the money. So….I am keeping my fingers crossed that we will have it by next weekend.

Jay also put an offer out on a Seapen. He talked to the guys at the Seapen factory and figures we can replace/refurbish a lot on it and still come out under market value for them. So looking good on that end.

Bachelor.
I know you were all losing as much sleep as I was over not being able to watch my favorite smut TV show – The Bachelor. You will all be relieved to know that I found out (all by myself!!) that I can buy a Season Pass to season 18 of The Bachelor on iTunes for $15. Done! I did log an official complaint with Watch ABC that I thought it was ridiculous that free television programming now comes with a cost (or impossible to purchase in some locations) just to make me feel better. But what made me feel most happy (and avoided me having to go see a psychiatrist) was being able to watch an episode last night. I just watched the “get to know Juan Pablo” episode last night, and am planning on watching the first real episode tonight or tomorrow. I know, I know, you don’t really care. :). But I had to give you an update and close the loop on that bit of drama.