Nearly Christmas already?!

Posted on Thursday 13 December 2007 at 03:50 - Post Comment

Can you believe that it will soon be a year since we left the UK?  I certainly can't.  The time has just ripped past.  We bought our Chrissy tree last weekend, and although it's great to have and all that, we're still struggling to get into the Christmas spirit.  I mean, the daily average temps of 24 degrees that we've had this past week means it just doesn't feel like Christmas!  However, it does make us a feel a little smug, on hearing that it was -4 in Essex last night .

Been a bit lax again on the blog front, but there's just been so much going on (and I'm growing lazier by the day!!).  Whilst mum and dad were still here we had out last weekend in Hanmer, and that was fantastic.  Stayed at a little rental thingy at the Top Ten Holiday Park and it worked out just fine.  Mum and dad got the bus up on the Friday afternoon with no probs, whilst T and I went off for my work Christmas bash.  As there weren't a massive number of us (around 25 including partners) we had a 60's themed party at my boss' house, and it was bloody brilliant!  Toni and I went as Elvis and Priscilla, and had to walk into the city in our get-up to go to the pick up point.  It was hilarious!  T was getting wolf whistles, people were beeping their car horns as they passed, and all the people we walked past were smiling or would say something, or do an Elvis impersonation!  The party itself was also a cracker, with the usual suspects turning up in the form of 'really drunk man', 'really drunk woman', 'crying girl' and 'the lairy drunken idiot' (the cause of 'crying girl's'  appearance).  For once, I was none of these people, and actually kept everything on track in the drinking stakes.  Amazing really, as there was literally a wheel-barrow full of booze to keep us all fuelled up!  We finally headed off home at about half one in the morning, and decided against going on to a club.  And thank goodness for that, as otherwise I would never have managed to get up at 8am to leave for Hanmer at 9!

Once we got up there, suitably recovered, we found mum and dad out enjoying the sunshine, and having a thoroughly relaxing time.  We headed off for a walk through the forest, then had lunch at the bakery before heading for an afternoon of relaxation in the pools.  Only thing was, the weather was SO hot (27 degrees) that you didn't really want to get INTO hot pools - you wanted cold ones!  Still, we had a lovely relaxing time, and after 3 hours or so we then headed back to get ready to go ou for dinner.  As it was our last weekend with them, mum and dad took us out for a really great meal where it was just one of those evenings that went so well.  We had a really relaxed, leisurely meal and some great conversation - just the way it should be.

The next day mum and T went to the spa and had a treatment or two, whilst dad and I went and did some exploring.  We found our way down to the big river that runs through 'thrillseekers canyon' and it was great.  After collecting the ladies, suitably relaxed from their treatments, we had a pint to say goodbye and then headed off towards home. The plan was to stop off at one of the vineyards on the way home to have a little taste, and get something to eat.  This didn't go to plan as the two we stopped at were both chocka, and so we ended up stopping at a brew pub called 'Brew Moon' instead.  Turned out to be great though - dad and I highly reccommend the IPA.

That evening was another night out for a feast, as we went to the New York Steakhouse.  It was lovely, and a fitting way to spend our last evening all together.  The following morning T said her goodbyes and headed off to work, and I took mum and dad to the airport.  It was an emotional farewell, but seeing as we had already made plans for their next trip it eased the pain a little.

With them gone, our lives now got a little more settled, and we grabbed the opportunity to get back into a steady routine.  There's still loads to do here at the house, such as paintings, mirrors and shelving to be put up, so that should take care of any spare time.

T is approaching the end of her teaching contract, with no work to go to at present.  We are working hard towards turning this around, but it's a little bit of a worry right now.  Still, something will come along and I'm sure it'll all turn out for the best.

Regarding our immigration paperwork - well, since our enthusiastic gushing that our EOI had been selected - absolutely NOTHING has happened.  This is more than a little worrying, as the 'Silly Season' (Christmas summer holidays) are now on us so the whole place is basically on holiday. Getting anything done is a challenge, let alone encouraging people to get a hurry on with an immigration case.  Still, we (as ever!) have a plan B, and we are having all the required documentation concerning visas etc sent over to us from the UK.  As soon as it arrives I will approach immigration in person to arrange a work visa and we will then take things from there.  This will then bridge the gap between current visa expiry and getting residency.  We hope.  Ah well, it's in the lap of the the NZ Gods now, so what will be will be.

Believe it or not, I will soon be doing a Triathlon.  What do you mean, 'really'?  I am no longer the fat unfit tub'o'lard I used to be you know.  I am now a fat, slightly fitter tub'o'lard .  Anyway, this triathlon is a 250m swim, followed by a 20km cycle ride, and then a 4km run.  In the grand scheme of things it's a little baby even when compared to the big endurance events here, but for me it's going to be a real challenge.  To train for it I have been running, cycling and just this weekend started mountain biking.  That was seriously wicked, and I'll be doing loads more of that as I had the best time.

Great news on the T front - she recently put 7 of her paintings in a gallery at Eastgate mall called Gallery One.  1 week later, she's sold 4 of them!  This has really been a great result and we were both so chuffed.  With her substantial 'winnings' she went and booked a hair appointment and has now gone a beautiful summer blonde.  You go girl!

 Well, summer is well and truly here now, and the temperatures are around the 20+ mark every day.  Predictions are for a long hot summer, and all we can say to that is 'Bring it on!'.  Christmas in the sunshine - weird, but I reckon we'll cope.  Just.