Our Book
Saturday 26th January 2008
at 03:58pm
The Once in a Lifetime Fan
“Because at some point you have to stop living the life you’ve fallen into and start living the life you want.”
Our future may not yet be certain but one thing is for sure; our book is being written so you’d better look forward to it. It’ll centre on the beauty that is life and the ability that we all have, to do what we want, if we’re big enough to get out there and do it for ourselves.
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It’ll talk alot more about the reasons I became a fan of the Green Bay Packers in the first place. What it was like growing up without access to the team and my desires to grab anything “NFL” that I could get my hands on. (The attached picture is when i was 15 years old. I have been saving it for the right post all of this time.)
I’ll also write about the planning process, the ups and downs and the reasons we decided that now was the right time to take this trip. This will include the realisation that I hadn’t fulfilled the desires of my younger self to do the things I promised him that I would. It’ll also include the idea that I had finally come to terms with the fact that the things I wanted in life were never going to be gifted to me by another person, or coming flying out of a magical, genie filled bottle.
Perhaps the most detailed parts of what I plan to write though, centre on the experience itself and the things I didn’t dare write about here on the site:
• The struggle of being away from all family, friends and regular routines
• The difficulty we faced in the first few days as we fumbled our way through an empty downtown
• Having to set up a home and buy things that we already owned but couldn’t bring with us
• The challenges Kelly and I faced, as parents, with the realisation that things may in fact be a lot more difficult than we first anticipated
• The number of times, through the first 6 weeks at least, that Qantas was only a phone call away
• The road trips, game days and what went on before and after
Sure, we had a ton of fun, for the most part it was the time of our lives. In some of the harder times though it was incredibly difficult. Kelly and I have come out of this, I believe, alot stronger than when we came in. We did something for ourselves that alot of people don’t and I’m proud of both of us for that.
Apart from the obvious Packer related story line, our journey and the lessons we learned as a husband and wife, mother and father will be included also.
I’ve learned alot about being an individual since we arrived. About, quite literally “living the life you want, not the life you’ve fallen into”. I believe I’m a better husband, a better father and a better friend. I’m certainly less focused on material things and I appreciate firsthand the things that Kelly does for the three of us that I would never have seen if our lives had stayed the same.
Kelly, despite being comfortable with the life we were already living has learned that as a family unit, good or bad, you can get through whatever life lays before you. She has learned that obstacles don’t come down to “I can’t do it” they come down to “how can I do it?” I don’t know that Kelly could have been a better Mother than before we left. She is certainly stronger as a result of the travel though.
Since Ben was born the four of us have never been together for as long as we have over the last 6 months. I’m hoping that one day, our children, how ever many there end up being, will look back on this trip as the guidance they need in their lives to pursue their dreams and experience everything that life has to offer.
The idea, the decision, the plan and the experiences along the way have been some of the best of our lives. When you throw in details of what turned out to be an incredible season of football, the game day commentary, our day to day experiences here in Green Bay, the people we met, the things we did and a complete budget from Visa applications to excess baggage costs on the way home, you can see there’s plenty, if not too much, for us to write about.
Both Kelly and I look forward to sharing the story with you all in its full fledged, sometimes difficult, usually happy, fun-loving and carefree entirety.
Make you sure you leave a comment, send us an email or join the mailing list so I can keep you posted re: its release.
(See link on the noticeboard if you need to find this again easily)
Comments
Sun 27th Jan 08
at 11:13pm
G’day mate,
Can I get my copy autographed? I’ll pay extra! I want Kelly, Ben and Luc to sign it to....please! Looking forward to that book.
Sun 27th Jan 08
at 11:39pm
G’day Mate from Bolton, Lancashire, UK
I have been following your ‘story’ on the web site since I discovered it by chance a few weeks ago.
Great effort on your part in every way!!
Please let me know when your book is out and that you can post to UK. You will have to sort out payment details but I suggest Pay Pal if possible.
I have followed the NFL for many years initially on the radio on American Forces Radio. I follow the teams with great quarter backs so Miami Dolphins (Marino) Denver Broncos (Elway) and GBP (Favre) have been the teams I have followed with great interest.
Now AFRTS no longer give live NFL commentary I listen via internet radio and the “live” internet websites for most of the NFL games.
I have been to many parts of South Africa, Oz and New Zealand numerous times watching Test cricket and visiting friends and realtions. So have been to the SCG.
I visited a great mate in Toongabbie (a railway station or two up from Parramatta as you most likely know!!) not all that long ago.
Enjoy the rest of your time in the USA and have a safe trip back to Oz
Cheers
Robin
Sun 27th Jan 08
at 11:50pm
Bring on the book !!
Maybe a movie also ???
Mon 28th Jan 08
at 03:34am
I wish you and your family only the best! Thanks for taking the rest of us along for the ride. I can’t wait for the book. Good luck and....GO PACKERS!
Mon 28th Jan 08
at 04:16am
On ya, Wayne!
I’m an Aussie living in Atlanta and have read and mightily enjoyed this blog since day one, but never commented till now.
One reason is: the Atlanta Falcons. Embarrassing! ‘Enuff said!
Wayne, I think you’re maybe the best example of the reason Americans tend to like Australians. Sure, there are the occasional yobbos visiting here that spoil it for the rest of us, but on the whole the people here like the people there. The way you’ve impressed your friends and neighbors in Green Bay tells the whole tale. You’re a great Aussie ambassador.
And: I’m most impressed with your family, starting with your wife. Wow. She’s gotta be something special, and you’re a lucky bloke to have her and your great kids. I bet you feel that even more now than when you were living your “normal” life in Sydney.
I haven’t seen too many comments along these lines, but I have to tell you that you write beautifully, too. Very evocative, crisp and clean, and with a strong personality. My uncle is the author Bryce Courtenay so while I’m admittedly no expert, I think that the family connection allows me to comment with a tiny bit of authority? Maybe?
To sum up, I wish you and yours remarkable and overwhelming success and am sorry only that I never got to meet you in person. Safe travels home, and if you get up the North Shore to St. Ives, kiss the ground once for me, please!
Mon 28th Jan 08
at 04:45am
Please let me know when your book comes out.
I am a Packer fan living on a small horse ranch in
southeastern Wisconsin. As you have visited our state,
I hope to visit your country in the future. God’s
blessings to your family. Rich Albrecht
Mon 28th Jan 08
at 06:31am
I am really looking forward to reading your book...after weeks of reading your blog I feel like I know you, Kelly, and the boys.
Health and happiness to you and your family as you continue the next leg of your journey in life.
Erin
Mon 28th Jan 08
at 06:33am
Wayne - great story. Again, it could only have been done in Green Bay - where the town (and the state of Wisconsin) thinks about the Packers 24/7. You might have been lost in the shuffle of one of the NFL’s bigger cities - Go Packers - let’s get a Super Bowl next year!!
All the best!
Mon 28th Jan 08
at 06:52am
Ah, Wayne and Kelly! What a glorious and fun ride it has been! You’ve made this one of the most memorable Packer seasons yet - next year just won’t be the same! But i can guarantee we’ll be thinking of you every step of the way.
It’s been our great pleasure to get to know you all and forge a great friendship, to see for ourselves what genuine and lovely people you are, to watch your boys change before our eyes, and to share in some of this excitement with you. You’ve made quite an impact, on us and many others. Of course, we’re looking forward to your fabulous book because as i’ve told you, you certainly have a grand way with words.
My heart is already heavy thinking that you will be leaving in just less than one week. But, that being said, we can anticipate a fabulous vacation in Australia with locals to guide us! 
You know we love you!
Tezza and Robbo
Mon 28th Jan 08
at 08:06am
Wayne and Kelly, I hope you know what an inspiration you are to sooo many. We met by chance, but ultimatley I think it was fate. For the hundreds of people that have “met” you through this website, they have shared your dream. For the hundreds of people that have met you in person, you’ve shared your dream and allowed us to become part of it. Thank you! Thank you for reminding us that dreams really can come true if you truly believe.
Both of you, Ben and Lucas have filled our family with some wonderful memories that we will always cherish. We won’t say “good-bye” this week, we’ll just say “see you later”...Tom was online today looking for flights and hotels to Sydney. Maybe for our shared birthday 
!
Thank you for sharing your story with us and we’ll look for your book in the Packer Pro shop!!!!
Safe journey home.
The Rollingsxoxox
Mon 28th Jan 08
at 09:07am
I read your posts all season. I just loved reading them. Will you continue your site? I hope so. I will watch for your book. Have a safe trip back home.
Mon 28th Jan 08
at 12:17pm
I have been so lucky to follow you along as you were able to enjoy a great Packer season. I kept hoping as I was freezing at the NFC Championship game that I would run into you! I wish! I look forward to getting my hands on your book as soon as it is available! Good luck on your travels home. Green Bay will not be as great as it was while you were here.
Mon 28th Jan 08
at 01:24pm
Whenever I think of this season, I will think of you and your lovely family. I have read all your posts from the beginning. I look forward to your book and just want to thank you for your insight and inspiration. God Bless and safe travels.
Mon 28th Jan 08
at 02:17pm
Wishing you a safe trip home.
Jennifer
Mon 28th Jan 08
at 09:56pm
Will be looking forward to your book. Hope it will be readily available throughout the country, as from the comments on your blogs, you have many fans around the U.S., if not the world. Good luck and Godspeed and enjoy your “normal” life!! You may have to make this trip again one day so the boys will understand what it was all about. Thanks for taking us along on your ride!!!
Tue 29th Jan 08
at 01:29am
Wayne, Kelly, and the Boys-
Long time reader first time writer, I have been following your story since the beginning and it has been nothing short of incredible. I share Wayne’s love of the Pack, but your journey has provided me with much more and has touched me inside. Thanks for sharing your lives with us and I do look forward to your book. Safe travels to you and Godspeed!
Tue 29th Jan 08
at 02:05am
Wayne, Kelly, Ben & Luc, Thanks again for the incredible ride. You were great keeping up with your blogs and from the responses you will not have to worry about us reading your blogs & responding. You have touched so many lives on your journey as so many have touched your lives.Your book will be a big seller.God bless & keep you safe on your journey home.
Tue 29th Jan 08
at 03:51am
Thank you so much for sharing your adventure with us! I live in Athens, Georgia (the University of Georgia Bulldogs adopted the Packers “G” for their helmets--or maybe it was the other way around, I’m not sure). My husband is from Wisconsin and has been a fan since he was a little boy. As a girl in the 1960s, I grew up in Dallas, Texas during the glory days of the Cowboys, so Jim and I still have a friendly rivalry going. But I love the Pack--they’re so *real*. Our dream is to go to a game someday--we’ve never been to Green Bay! Enjoy life, God bless you and your family--can’t wait to read your book!
--Donna
Tue 29th Jan 08
at 04:15am
The frozen ball of snow sitting in the pit of my stomach since last Sunday evening is finally starting to melt. I was able to look at the sports section of the Press Gazette and will allow ESPN to breifly come across my tv screen, although I still look away whenever anything football comes up.
What an amazing year and what an amazing tale you and your family will be able to relate for decades to come. Your book will be a hit in two countries for sure. You’ll have to at least come back for the book release and autograph signing!
It was great meeting you and your wife. Someone said you made a great Aussie ambassador and I couldn’t agree more. You are both very genuine, polite, personable people and if that is a typical trait for your part of the world, it must be a fantastic place to live. My list of ultimate vacations now includes Sydney Australia.
Your boys are going to soon be of football playing age. Maybe you can start a Pop Warner Football League back home. That could lead to something larger and you could become the Curly Lambeau of the International Football League’s “Sydney Wallabies”!
Good luck in whatever you do. You’ll be successful at anything you choose.
G’day!
Doug
Tue 29th Jan 08
at 05:49am
I have enjoyed reading your blog everyday. I too feel like I know you, even though we never met. Best of luck to you and your family and i look forward to continue reading your blog every Sunday. Can’t wait for the book to come out.
God’s speed to you all.
Tue 29th Jan 08
at 08:06am
Hey guys! Happy Australia Day weekend!!
Just returned to the office after the long weekend - took Freddie down for a swim on the beach, he loves it and I’m sure can’t wait to splash around with Ben and Luc…
Rach and I can’t wait to have you back in the country too - I’m sure your folks will be at the airport 24 hrs before you land but if you do need a hand at all let us know we’d be more than happy to help(make sure you do let us know when you are due to arrive...)
Reubs, Rach and Freddie
Tue 29th Jan 08
at 02:27pm
Thanks for the story of an amazing year. Best of luck to you and your family. Go Pack!
Tue 29th Jan 08
at 08:59pm
hey, man it is amazing that you would leave every thing to come to a small town like Green Bay. This is why i love this city i was born and raised here and i have lived here for 21 years now and there is nothing like the Packers. I just have to ask you what was the best away stadium and is there any other fans like Green Bay Packer fans?
Tue 29th Jan 08
at 09:59pm
I have followed your story since day one and lived your dream along with you, safe travels home and thanks so much to you and your family for living a dream that some of us only dare to dream about..........
Tue 29th Jan 08
at 10:43pm
Knowing this day would eventually come, I am still sad to see that you and your family are leaving. It seems like it was only yesterday that you guys arrived! Safe travels to you and your family. I know you’ll be very busy getting your life back to normal when you get home but I hope you find time to finish your book. I can’t wait to read it!