Birthday Celebrations

We've had birthday celebrations here this week, Harry became a teenager! Great birthday fun but its a bit sad not to be sharing it with family and even sadder no birthday pictures with Dennis (our cat).

We got Dennis before Harry was born and every year I've always taken photos of Harry opening his present, with Dennis always there amongst the wrapping paper. Or trying to open the presents for Harry. Sadly we had to have Dennis put to sleep last year he was old and his kidneys were failing. He had monthly injections and had to take tablets every day for most of the last year of his life - he lived much longer than expected. We knew at some point we'd have to make the dreadful decision to say good bye but it didn't make it any easier when the time came. It still makes me cry thinking about it now.

Dennis was one of the family and we all still miss him!

What I like about New Zealand

Week 8 in New Zealand, it's almost feeling like home. I had so many emails since my last blog people sympathising with me, encouraging me and others telling me to get a grip or "pull yourself together you dozy mare". I also had some tips like listen to Radio one on-line, I never thought of that but that's exactly what i'm doing right now. The disappointing thing is Chris Moyles isn't on, its Vernon Kaye. Then another one saying look on the bright side, "you might not be able to share a bottle of wine with Jodie but at least you get the bottle to yourself" Good point! Thanks to everyone who sent me emails.

To balance out last times home sick post I thought I'd think about the things I like about living here:

I like not having to wear a coat in winter

I like that there are so many flowers and trees even though its winter

I like having the sea right across the road from my house

I like Kiwis (the people) - everyone is so friendly

I like seeing Pukeko's - strange birds that look funny when they run

I like living close to one of my best friends

I like the fact that the telly is so rubbish we hardly have it on.

I like paying less for petrol

I like seeing palm trees along the side of the road as I drive to work

I like the thought that this is winter but its almost as warm as the UK in summer

I like Hells Pizza

And I think when summer comes there'll be even more 'likes'!

Home Sick

New Zealand is a fantastic place, its got great beaches, amazing countryside, its clean, there are loads of sparrows and the people are so friendly but...I'm homesick!

I miss sharing a bottle of wine with Jodie

I miss having tea with my mum and dad on a Thursday

I miss having coffee, lunch and dinner with friends

I miss having my horoscopes read by Hayley each day at work

I miss my lovely friends at work

I miss seeing familiar faces when I'm walking in the shopping centres or down the street

I miss listening to Chris Moyles on the radio on the way to work

I miss chatting to friends at Harry's cricket match each week and I miss Carol and Graham's bacon sandwiches

I miss Sainsbury's, I know very sad of me but its hard work shopping here the brands aren't familiar, there isn't quite as much choice and it seems really expensive but I think thats because it looks more in dollars (there's approx $2.60 to a £1)!

In saying all that I am glad I'm here I think we will have a fantastic life here...but right now I just miss home!

Dolphin Safari

It hasn't been all work whilst we've been here we've had time to do some fun things too...

Last week Harry and I went on a Dolphin and Whale Safari setting off from Auckland Harbour. It was a beautiful sunny day but with a chilly sea breeze, we spent most of the four and half hour boat ride sat at the front of the boat...it took us about two hours to thaw out when we got back.

The safari was run by Explore NZ on the day we sailed there was a 95% chance of seeing dolphins and a 75% chance of seeing whales, with the promise that if you didn't see any you would get a voucher for another trip.

We were out about 40 minutes before we spotted the first pod of dolphins. They swam alongside the boat for ages, we had a great view from the front of the boat. We saw another two pods of dolphins and some penguins but although one of the crew thought they saw a whale in the distance the rest of us didn't. That was a bit disappointing I've seen dolphins in the wild before but never a whale. But the captain of the boat gave us all a voucher for another trip because we hadn't seen any whales - so we get to take another trip out sometime soon.

Last Saturday Harry and Darren went to watch the All Blacks play Australia in the first match of the tri-nations, it was a sell out so they were lucky to get tickets. And the All Blacks won - our new team except when they're playing England!

A room with a view

I've finally found the perfect home - well almost perfect. After looking around lots of properties I was about to compromise on the area I wanted to live in and start looking in other areas. I thought one final look on trademe, the website kiwis use to advertise everything, just to check if there are any new listings...and there it was my dream house!

I rang the real estate agents to arrange to view it as soon as I could and fell in love. It has views to die for (see the pics). It's right on the waterfront looking over the sea and with just a glimpse of sky tower. After a little dance of joy I signed for it immediately. It was a little over budget but I was sure Darren wouldn't mind.

And now here I am sat looking out over the water. Our furniture is on its way from the UK so at the moment the house is very sparsely furnished and we're making use of cardboard boxes for a tv stand and coffee table. Hopefully our things should arrive on the 15 August so not too long to wait.

Although the house is lovely its not really made for the cold weather, no double glazing, no insulation and no central heating. We've spent our nights snuggled up under throws and hot water bottles in the beds. Its not for long though the winter isn't very long in New Zealand and certainly nothing like as cold.

So now we have the house I can enrol Harry into school when they re-open next week after the holidays. Another hurdle complete.

Next step a job for me...