Hazelnut

Well, I stuck this picture of where the job offers are up on the wall, took the bull by the horns and told myself if I wanted to make the most of this potential chance to emigrate I blooming well better stop being such a wuss, pull on my big girl knickers and deal with things.

I'm pleased to report it worked. Course went much better and I strangled a couple of long term fear demons in the process. Thanks for the support.

On the way back down by BeechTree, on Flickr

Woodlea

You must have been stood next to the Rainbow Warrior Monument for that shot?

Justcol

A few photos to remind you of whats waiting for you

Justcol

more

Justcol

and finally

Hazelnut

You're wonderful. Thank you. Those pictures exemplify why we want to move. We're both excited about Christmas being warm rather than all about mud, slush and too cold to do anything during the enforced lay off.

I don't remember but MrH says there was a memorial near the spot. I suspect he was looking around and saw it while waiting for me to finish being all arty with the camera.

Our central heating failed and flooded the dining room this weekend so we're practicing for NZ with just two wood burning stoves to heat the whole house in zero to minus three temps and strong winds.

Pom_Chch

Lovely day for a stroll on the beach yesterday. Love how blue the sky is and the turquoise of the ocean

Keep going Hazelnut, you can do this!!!

Stormer999

Never a doubt !

Hazelnut

Very tired and internet a bit ropey due to weather but dropping in to say I sat and PASSED my big exams. I am SO EXCITED!!!!

Thanks for the moral support when I needed it. Going to lick this last course into shape now, assessment for that is in February.

Edited to add we fixed the central heating, sorted out the resulting hole in the wall and put the skirting board back and, best of all, my Dad is out of the medical hospital and in a rehab hospital near my mother. I saw him ten days ago and he knew me but wasn't sure what was happening or where he was but he's perked up a bit now he's on rehab.

scrubbedexpat094

That's excellent news. Congratulations to you. So pleased to hear that your dad is getting better.

Hazelnut

I still can't fathom why there's a roller skating cow on one of JustCol's pictures though...

scrubbedexpat094

It's actually on a skateboard and even the animals go in for extreme sports here.

Hazelnut

although, oh my goodness, no-one tell the ponies that if I manage to bring one over

Damson

Just spotted this and wanted to say a big WELL DONE Hazelnut on passing. Glad other hurdles in your life are sorting themselves too. Get well soon to Hazelnut's dad!!!

Hazelnut

I survived the course and my portfolio of theoretical and practical assignments was passed yesterday

Just need to pass the final exam day (both theory and practical elements) on 16th March and my 2.5yrs of retraining is DONE. I'm devoting evenings and weekends to practising and rehearsing for exam day but it could go either way.

If I pass I'll have three qualifications (vocational and academic) that are all relevant to my new career plus a *lot* of evidence to submit for membership of equivalent, professional body in NZ.

The sad balance is that my parents have deteriorated so badly in the last month that they need to be urgently rehoused into sheltered accommodation and we can't find any. I'm currently spending a lot of time driving 350 miles each way to speak to medics, social services and care homes. I'm desperately hoping we can move them within the next six months so they are safe in case we have the chance to move.