Oh boy, where has the time gone. Yes, one year ago today I landed in NZ. The time has gone slow, slow, quick, quick, slow. All quite surreal and strange. Still feels like a holiday in many ways, work is still a mystery and there are still things I haven't fathomed, about work or the country for that matter.
I think I managed to settle in quite well, I did enjoy those early months of exploration by foot and bus. However, I missed Adam beyond belief and if the move here taught me anything it was how much he means to me. So life changed in many ways when he arrived in July, (though he was a moping nightmare for some time), mainly by getting a car and exploring on a much wider scale.
We certainly have explored and inspired kiwis who haven't seen that much of their country to get out there. It is wonderful, full of all kinds of scenery and delights. We have enjoyed our adventures and have many more planned, plus we need to get to see Australia soon as well.
It hasn't all been plain sailing and there have been nightmare moments, but that is life in general I guess. I do miss friends and family. It kind of hits me in a wave every now and again - very hormonal for sure. I feel sad, lonely, guilty and miserable all at the same time, and yet love my life and the chances I have created.
I have changed enormously, particularly in regards to work. No more is the crazed workaholic career focused mad woman on the loose (where did it get me, after all). I live for my days off, adventures, exploration, new sites and so on. I never (OK mainly a little bit at times) take work home and can (usually) walk out after a shift without any concerns or worries.
My feelings about work are quite mixed and as I'm on my second glass of bubbly I don't think I'll expand on those right now.
Our latest trip to the south island and embarking on the Routeburn Tramp is one example of how much I've changed. I wouldn't consider doing something like that unless I felt fit enough and ready. I knew I wasn't but did it any way. And I did do it, sometimes without any style or grace but I did it, and if you asked me now I would say I loved, loved, loved it. I considered this while away......Is the idea to do something and look/feel great doing it, or should you just do it. Do you feel any different.....I don't think I've explained that very well, for further discussion please phone me.
Finally I must say a huge, huge thank you to all who have written, phoned, emailed, commented on flickr photos, been at the end of the phone, skyped, facebooked, etc. All forms of communication are vital, appreciated and at times a life saver. Post is a particular favourite and I have loved writing to you folks, I hope you have enjoyed the letters
As to how long we are going to be here.......still an unknown quantity, difficult to maintain our Disneyland Paris addiction at this distance.....So watch this space. I can however, now say 'I've done it' as opposed to the 'I was going to do that' so all is good.
