One year today
 

One year in Christchurch today. Strange to reflect on a whole year that really only felt like a month of two.

Absolutely loving it. Didn't think after spending a life time in London that I could 'love' a place but me and ChCh got it going on!

Still working at the same company I joined a year ago and now manage the team I started in. Stressful but the days just fly and I always look forward going back to work on Mondays. Started my own company that's now really becoming a full time job with 3 permanent staff but it's paying off very nicely.

Been a very good week. My residency came through on Tuesday and the house purchase finally closed on Wednesday. I can't wait to get my builder's hat on and start renovating under the strict eyes of the girlfriend :blink:

We've put an offer on a 'bach' in Hanmer so really hoping that goes well for us. It might just be the best year I've ever had in my life if that works out too.

And I have to admit. Before I came to NZ and read this forum daily to try and learn from others experiences and with the posts being mostly negative, I didn't exactly came here in a good frame of mind. I'm so glad I paid the negative chorus no mind (in the end). It's been the best move I made since leaving university 10 years ago.

I don't socialise with Brits or others that constantly yearn for 'home' or moan about NZ. I always and kindly point them in the direction of the airport.

Bar my accent and a few quirks, as far as I'm concerned I'm a honorary Kiwi

And loving it!

Re: One year today
 

Excellent :thumbup: Nice to hear from a settler who looks forwards and not backwards....;)
The "moaners" can be useful as long as you categorize them....

Re: One year today
 

Love this post, thank you for putting it up. It's great to hear how much you enjoy life in NZ

Re: One year today
 

Good on ya Gez, living the Kiwi dream :thumbup:

Good luck with the bach in Hanmer, let us know the outcome!

We've been in Chch now for two years and love it. Battered and bruised as she is I still admire the snow capped mountains on a winters day, the way the Port Hills look in the sunshine and driving over the Waimak bridge admiring how blue the river is on my way home from work :wub:

Re: One year today
 

Just wondering what your categories are and which particular category this particular 'moaner' fits into :unsure:

Re: One year today
 

Your in the "happy people" category...like me! ;)

Re: One year today
 

Really? I'm a bloomin' miserable cow :nod:

Great that you're loving it Gez.

Re: One year today
 

Fab update. I need to do an update soon. I live hour outside chch :)