I didn't expect to experience culture shock at all.  Its only New Zealand!  And I have been here before.  But knowing that this time its my home I've been battling it out with something I've since learnt is culture shock.  The ups are really good, and I start to feel settled, but the downs are really low and I'm miserable - everything seems such hard work.  We've had a run of bad luck since we arrived.  I was pinning my hopes on arriving to NZ after such a dreadful time in the UK and it being the answer to our prayers.  Instead we've had the same levels of stress, but in different ways.  Things have levelled out now, admittedly, now we've made a final move, the phones/internet are sorted, the electricity and gas are sorted, etc.  I got my permit and within  a couple of days got a job.  I don't think Auckland was the best place to settle.  I keep having huge pangs of homesickness which I didn't expect.  We received a bill from the insurance company of the car I hit, $23,000 dollars.  We now have to fight that amount because it seems very unfair.  Another hurdle to cross, another battle to put energy into.  Steve has urged me to think of the positives because I keep losing myself  to the negatives.  Steve says $23,000 is a small price tag compared with the life of Moons and I.  He'd rather pay that than anything happen to us.  I know what he's saying. 

Its just one of those times, when everything seems hard work and I miss my friends and even my family!  The weather is cold and miserable, I've got a cold.  Pips eczema has flared up so her face and neck look dreadful, poor little mite.  On a good side, I bought them both Care Bears today and they were both equally as excited.  I love seeing their little faces light up with unexpected surprises! 

Ah well, will push on and see where I am in a couple of months!