We've been Aussie-fied

So, can't get rid of us now.
We're Aussies.

I even welled up at our ceremony yesterday morning. I guess if you know me well, that won't come as much of a surprise because I'm a sook (I'll translate: that's Aussie for cry baby). It was a lovely ceremony, but our two normally angelic children were uncharacteristically ornery. Like "I just told a teenager you can't stay out past 8pm" ornery. Like "I've just eaten that raging bull's lunch" ornery. Our friends Naomi and Steve were there to celebrate the occasion with us, and their little girl was so well behaved. Somehow Zoe got even more mad when I'd tell her to sit nicely like Charlotte.

But hey, they still gave us the certificates.

This is how I KNOW I'm a true blue Aussie:

* I no longer stop for pedestrians or jaywalkers (when in the car)
* I say cot/pram/how're ya going/sook
* I love the heat. It was 27 degrees one day last week (down from 35ish) and I was thinking "ooooooh, hmmmmm, yaaaah, too cool for a water park. Better go to a playground instead. 27 man. TWENTY SEVEN.
* I live in thongs. (the shoes, Canucks, not the underwear)
* I love the outdoors -- parks, playgrounds, the beach, and can enjoy these all year round.


How I know that I.AM.CANADIAN

* I still say "gas". Gas for the car. Gas mower. Gas station. Been here 5 years and can't say petrol.
* Still frugal and won't buy anything unless it's on sale or I ask for a discount (or use a coupon)
* Obviously my "American" accent gives it away. Whenever I'm oot and aboot people always ask me.
* I will say "sorry" if you bump into me.