[Michelle and Richard]

In pieces today, just said goodbye to friends and know there is worse to come this week. House is in chaos trying to sort stuff for shipping and the 8 weeks until the container arrives. Feel as though we are utterly mad, leaving good jobs, stable income, friends family, security.

All along I have wanted to do this and get back to NZ and now I am faltering at the last hurdle.

No real point to this post but it just helps to write it.

Michelle

[Moorf]

Oh Michelle - I know just how you are feeling - just got back from Italy last night - disastrous trip, won't go into detail, and now later today we are making the 7hr drive to N.Wales to attend my grandmothers funeral - she died the day we left for Italy.... our NZ adventure has really lost it's shine recently and I am left wondering whether we are doing the right thing.

Once back from Wales we'll have 10 days to sort out near enough EVERYTHING... :(

[Michelle and Richard]

Hi Moorf

Sorry to read your post, I think we become so preoccupied with this whole thing and then something happens to bring you crashing back down. As much as we all want to be yeahhhh we are off to live in NZ the reality is just stress and upset some days.

In my heart I know its the right thing to be doing but the cold reality is that you are moving everything half way around the world and leaving behind the security, however boring and mundane, of your current life.

Numerous people have said what an adventure and I suppose it is but at the moment it just seems like upset and chaos.

Thinking of you and sending you our sympathies

Michelle and Richard

[veronica]

It is a big adventure but dont loose sight of the fact that it's reversable if you choose it to be. At the stage you are at you just have to go forward and just sort of let things dissolve behind you until you are in a more settled state and have leisure to think about them. I felt terrible about leaving my mum and dad who are elderly but I am in contact with them every week and love them just as much from here. I will be flying home in February and when I come back here I will again have a return ticket. try reading this its my "put things in perspective" thing http://www.urwin.info/conrad/desiderata.htm

Seriously though you have to come out with an open mind and forward thinking if you are going to succeed, let yourself be excited.

[Moorf]

I think you hit the nail on the head with this veronica let yourself be excited

I think I have been feeling a little guilty about being excited now that I am around the family more... it's hard to blabber on and on when you know that those you are talking to are dreading your departure... so I realise now that I have been suppressing the urge to talk about it so much (perhaps the reason I post on here so much too - only outlet).

The death of my grandmother has compounded this need to keep schtum, my father has lost his mother and in 2 weeks time I shall leave too..

It's hard, but you are right, I really need to focus on the future and get back that excitement... I think that once I get on that plane I shall relax alot more..

Thank you veronica - that really helped.

Moorf

[Michelle and Richard]

Thanks Veronica

Will be glad to get this week over, I can't understand why going back to place that I have longed to return to for so long is causing me so much stress. My parents have been fantastic and that is almost making it harder because their support has been so consistent. They are planning a trip out in Jan but at the moment they live a few houses away.

Last day at work tomorrow, leaving do and yet more packing tuesday and then its 2 days of shipping before all the really dreaded goodbyes.

Moorf, when I get on that plane I think I will relax and the odd glass or 3 of wine will help me do it nicely.

Michelle

[Diny]

These comments have really hit home. We've been thinking about this move for the last 15 years. It is now a reality, as soon as the house sells we're off !!!

So .... why do I feel this way? That constant churning in the stomach, the floods of tears ..... the blind panic. That awful knowledge that one day soon we're going to have to endure those heart breaking goodbyes.

We have a very comfortable life here, nice house, nice part of the countryside, kids in a good school, family 5 mins away, lifelong friends close at hand ............. some people would kill for what we have at the moment.

However, all of the above feelings are going to be put down to nerves. The 15 years of 'dreaming' are now a reality and I can't help wondering whether it'll be safer to keep it all as a dream - will reality be as good.

The simple answer is ......... who knows?

In all the uncertainty that's crashing through every part of me at the moment, there's 2 FACTS that can't be ignored:

1. If we don't go, the minute our visas become void will be the minute we start regretting it. How many times have you had somebody tell you ... "we had a chance to go years ago but we decided to stay ...... we really wish we had gone".

2. Auckland airport has a departure lounge aswell as arrival. Nothing is set in stone. If the reality turns pear shaped - we can always say be gave it our best shot.

So why am I still whacking myself?

[evelynne_r]

Hello guys,

Some interesting comments and I have every sympathy with you all.

However, just to add my tuppence worth... It'd be more worrying if you weren't anxious and having second thoughts. That shows that you appreciate emigrating isn't always easy and that there will be challenges for you to face. If you weren't worried, concerned etc, it would suggest you're looking at NZ through rose-coloured spectacles, and the challenges will be more of a shock.

Good luck to you all anyway.

Evelynne

[eric_amanda]

Hello all

I am sorry Moorf to hear of your loss, but I agree that you should not feel guilty about being excited. The comments here are true that just because you are moving to NZ now, does not mean that you cannot move back to the UK in the future as Michelle has already done in the past.

We found certain goodbyes very difficult, particularly me with my best friend and leaving everybody who had come to see us off at the airport was difficult, particularly because we had to stay focused with 3 young ones to look after aswell.

We had some bad news last week also that Eric's mum had been taken into hospital. She has not been in good health in recent years and so it was a little upseting that we were so far away and could do nothing. She has since returned home and has been advisd to take it easy, but I can't help wondering if having us stay for a month and our departure didin't help the matter.

On a more positive note my parents who 'were definately not coming to visit' are now planning a trip toward the end of next year. Its funny how opinions change once your gone.

Ultimately though even with our family and friends at the other side of the world and with 3 young children (who we are having no help with) we are still finding life here in NZ good, and are thinking that we may stay, although it is early days. The lifestyle here is a BIG selling point and it makes me feel good that my children will grow up in such a wonderful country.

My best wishes go out to you all who are about to make the trip out. The next few weeks will be difficult, but well worth it. At least you can sit back and enjoy the flight!!

Amanda

[Tara Sage]

Moorf

Hi hunny ((((((BIG HUG)))))) I am sorry to hear about your Grandmother.


A similar thing happened to me before we left, My Great Uncle died two weeks before we left and my Nan was in hospital in a very bad way. I had to deal with these things in the last few weeks which was hard ad I just wanted to keep going at a hundred miles an hour with MY plans and it bought me back to reality with a bump.

leaving my best mate was torture floods and floods of tears :wah :wah and there have been a few more since we arrived. However this is my life and I only get one shot at it and I am sure that I don't want to live it thinking "what if"

I keep in touch with my mate daily by text and e-mail and the family too, but there are no regrets.

We are having a ball setting up a new and very exciting one for My family.

Chin up hunny :D

[markkellaway]

Hi Moorf,

Very sorry to hear about your loss, I know how hard it is, my Dad died the day before we went to NZ in May.

At times like this it's important to keep the reasons for making the move at the front of your mind, otherwise the doubts will get you. The uncertainty is, I'm sure, a worry for us all but hey, if it was all plain sailing none of us would have "met". :nice1

Good luck with the next couple of weeks, and take heart that your concerns are not yours alone, we all feel them. I haven't even planned a date for the move yet and I'm worried!! ;)

Cheers,

Mark. :D

[Dianne42]

2. Auckland airport has a departure lounge aswell as arrival. Nothing is set in stone. If the reality turns pear shaped - we can always say be gave it our best shot.


This is the bit to think about. We all have a fabulous adventure ahead, no matter what happens, and we have the ability to come back if we want or need to. Now, just HOW lucky are we? Be positive guys - shout out loud "I am going on a fabulous adventure!!!!!!!!!!!" at least every hour - it helps :yes

Dianne

[Raeven]

Hi, Michelle,

I hope you are feeling better about things now that a day or two has passed. Your feelings just go to show what a world of difference there is between dreaming about living in NZ and actually going off to live in NZ. As Evelynne pointed out, it would be more troubling if you weren't going through this process!

I've decided the reason this part is so hard is because you're completely focused on what you're leaving behind and giving up to make the move, but have not yet reached the point where there is anything specific to look forward to. You can look at your family, friends, house and job and see very real, concrete things that are dear to you. But all the reasons you've chosen to move remain in the abstract.. just the idea of a new life isn't much to get excited about yet. And there is so much unknown... you have no idea what sort of house you'll live in, what sort of work you'll do or what dear friends you'll make. How scary is that?

You're doing great -- just keep putting one foot in front of the other and all will be well!

Moorf, I am so sorry to hear of your grandmother. It really hits home how far away we will all be when a loved one passes away. I hope you are able to regain your footing once you're back from Wales and caught up in all the chaos of getting over to NZ -- we're all thinking of you and wishing you the best!

Huggggsss to both, Rae

[jesselyn]

hi moorf,

sorry to hear about your grandma... hugs...

God bless,
jes

[jesselyn]

i dunno why but seeing all the posts here made me think of this poem...


ROAD LESS TRAVELED

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth

Then took the other as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim
Because it was grassy and wanted wear
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same

And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet, knowing how way leads onto way
I doubted if I should ever come back

I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence
Two roads diverged in a wood
And I took the one less traveled by
And that has made all the difference

Robert Frost


umm do i make sense? anyways, to michelle and to all of us - Good luck and God bless!

if we don't try, we will never know...

hugs everyone...
jes

[Diny]

In a twisted kind of way - your 'sadness' makes me feel better.

Let me qualify that remark before I get strung up. What I really mean is that it's good to know that there are folks out there who know exactly what I'm going through. Knowing that these feelings I'm having are natural is a great comfort.

I thought I was being a chicken liver whimp - and that would never do.

How about one heck of a big get together in a few months time somewhere in NZ. Stick a pin in the map and arrange a date. Would be interesting to hear all of our comments and worries once we have a few months under our belts.

Besides ..... any excuse for a knees up.

Diny

[Moorf]

I am truly touched by all your posts and thoughts... thank you.

I am going to think "adventure" whenever I feel down and, like Diny, do find alot of comfort knowing that others are feeling the same emotions.

Thanks guys, and a big meet up sounds like a fab idea :nice1

How's it going Michelle? When exactly do you fly out??

[Michelle and Richard]

Hi everyone and thanks for your posts.

Dinny, it is good to know that others feel the same way as you, not in an awful way but just that you then know you are not the only one going mad.

I know its right, I have been there before but the last time we knew it was temporary and this time its so much more final but yes Auckland airport does have a departure lounge.

Its the only child thing with me, Amanda we have talked about this before but its awful and I can't see a way through it at the moment.

Moorf, we have had bereavements to deal with recently, its a horrible part of life and even worse when you are just about to move so far away. I saw the awful situation when we were out there last time when a colleague had to make 3 journeys between the UK and NZ within the space of 2 weeks.

Rae, I will keep putting one foot in front of the other and try try try to stop worrying about steps possibly years down the line that might never happen.

Jessyln, great poem. I dont have a poem but i do have this "what we regret in most in life are the chances we never took" only came from "Frasier" but I do like it.

We fly 14th to Singapore for 3 nights, am planning a couple of weeks in NZ before I start work to remind ourselves exactly of why we have made this move and then I start work 4th Oct.

Thanks to you all, its been a great help. I am convinced that this is the right thing but please just get me over the next week !

Michelle

[veronica]

if you want another encouraging saying
"if you don't risk anything you risk everything"

[Tara Sage]

Hi all,

Whilst we are on encouraging sayings my best mate gave me a card the day I told her I was coming to NZ and in it she wrote

"Life can only be understood backwards; it has to be lived forwards"

She gave me the card on 22nd March and it's in my box of treasured things that I had to bring with me on the plane.

[Diny]

That's very profound........ I'll use that one.

[Moorf]

How's it going Michelle.... counting day your days with you! :yes

Really, really feeling the pressure now although seem to be coping quite well with it at present.... big jugs of Pimms and a sense of humour help!

Keep talking to us and keeping yourself sane!

Moorf

[justin.g.s]

How do you feel. Sometimes I think I need to light a candle stand up and address the room.

" Hello my name is Justin Syphers and I am a New Zealand-aholic."

"HI JUSTIN."

"You see it has taken over my life, consumes my thoughts, I spend fitful nights tossing a turning, asking my self are you nuts."

"And then I wake up, run over the lists of why it makes sence."
"I have an addiction."

:clap :clap "Good job Justin" :clap :clap

:clap :clap "Admitting that you have a problem is the first step to recovery, we are here to help." :clap :clap

:wah :wah "Thanks, it nice to know your not alone" :wah :wah

"Go on little buddy, just let it out,were here to help."

[Moorf]

LMAO...

[Craig]

Just wanted to say a big thank you to everybody for the above posts.

Nothing is more reassuring than knowing I'm not the only one having these doubts.

That's it really just wanted to say THANK YOU :nice1

Moorf: We're really sorry to hear about your loss x

Justine

[Annierobrigado]

our sympathies and prayers go to you and your family. losing any member of the family is painful and i hope even if you continue to grieve for your grandmum you won't lose sight of God's blessings for you. :angel

New Zealand for you! hope you find order in the chaos.

annie

[Annierobrigado]

Feel as though we are utterly mad, leaving good jobs, stable income, friends family, security.

All along I have wanted to do this and get back to NZ and now I am faltering at the last hurdle.

Just sending you my cheers and bits of encouragement :yes
You are with Richard and your kids, so half of the madness is solved. and when you are in nz, it'll give your other family members and friends a reason to take their vacation in new zealand, hey hey! :laugh
(That's what my friends and cousins said when they heard we were processing our migration stuff. we're nowhere near your level yet, but it's nice to anticipate ;) )

Godspeed. We'll see you when we get there!

annie

[Michelle and Richard]

Well the shippers have been and done their stuff, pretty painless really but then nerves, well I feel like I'm losing the plot but nearly there !

Thanks to all for the messages, its a huge help.

Michelle

[Tara Sage]

Hang in there michelle it is all worth it congrats on the packing you are nearly there.

Big deep breaths and a big smile and remember why you are doing it

Take Care

[Daniel Park]

Hi all,

Yup, some of the same feelings we're having: like tearing our folks away from their new granddaughter (that's a toughy); will I get a job?; whoa, do we really have to go round the world to find where we want to be?; will I see my Gran ever again?; will we make friends there?; will we be back on the next plane?

If you'll permit a digression (it is a Friday...) one of the best pieces of advice I ever got was from an experienced old hand when I was training to be a teacher... she said that if you have low expectations of the kids, your experiences will tend to live down to those expectations, but if you always maintain high expectations of them you'll find that they respond to you much more positively. She was right, as it happens.

Now, I'm not a natural optimist (an optimist is never pleasantly surprised, I once read) but I'm definitely trying to apply her advice to the NZ process, despite all the frustrations and hard, hard work it'll be and all the hoops that we've yet to jump through.

Ok, so I haven't actually booked that ticket yet but we've been determined to give it a try since 1999 when we first went there and fell in love with the place.

And now it's got to such a stage that we've bored all our friends and relations rigid with talking about NZ and if we don't give it a go, we'll always, always be asking "what if?"

It's surely better to live one's life regretting the things one has done, rather than the things one hasn't.

Fortune favours the brave, so they say.

Dan

[Moorf]

Yep, the "what if" scenario has always ruled our thoughts.. I'm a total pessimist - which means I'm always pleasantly surprised (well, mostly!).

My only remaining grandmother, in particular, is very supportive of our move as they were going to move to Oz back in the '60s but my mother cried for 3 days as she had just had me (LATE '60's obviously! :uhoh ) and didn't want them to leave... and they didn't. They regret it so much now that they don't want us to miss out... perhaps we're living their dream for them.... who knows.

I lost my other grandmother just 2 weeks ago. We were due to visit her before we left and it would have been this week. Life never works out as planned - I am beginning to realise this - and being a control freak this has really hit home. To the point where I really need to "let go" and let what will be happen... perhaps NZ will help me in this.

I have now just found out that my Auntie has cancer - I am really being put to the test with this move. :( Today started out just fine - had the "excited butterflies" but after packing a few more boxes and having my sis-in-law round to lunch I;m heading downhill again :? Can't really control it.. I just hope that I have the "excited butterflies" when boarding the plane :nice1

Just called Singapore Airlines (who we are travelling with) and they are recommending checking in 4 hours before departure (from Heathrow) due to new security procedures..... just thought those leaving soon might be interested.... may be same for other airlines.

Plus, was advised that you can put in a "request" for a particular seat prior to check in (on the phone) - not guaranteed but first dibs if you get there early!!

Well, that's my "how I feel" input for the day - NEXT BOX TO PACK... *sigh*

Moorf

[Michelle and Richard]

Hi all

Well how do I feel today ??????

House sold yeahhhhhhh, bank account looking very healthy yeahhhhhh. Richard left job MAAAAAADDDDDDDDDness. Cried when I left my hairdresser( well I have known her for 8 years) nearly cried when the shippers left (well I have known them for 2 days ) and sobbed when I left my baby boy ( 4 legged cat variety) after 13 years.

So I'm feeling tearfull about anything and also quite worse for a bottle of 2 of wine ! This is one hell of a roller coaster but how many of us have been told "go for it" "I wish we had done it" "live your dreams" etc

Have to remember why we started this whole process as in we wanted a better life and 6 years ago almost to the day I was diagnosed with cancer and immediately wrote myself off so just pleased that I am in a position to sieze this opportunity and go for it. Actually the wine is talking now so i'm off to my floor, have sold the bed and the house it went in .

Michelle

[eric_amanda]

You guys really do make me cry, you are really going through the mill aren't you? BIG HUGS to you all.

We have been here just over four weeks now, and I just keep telling myself 'the worst is over' 'it can only get better'. The fact is we have settled in very well and even think we have found a house to buy and things really don't seem to have been as difficult as they could have been with 3 young children.

Just think in a couple of months you could be just as settled!

Best wishes

Amanda

[jesselyn]

michelle and amanda,
wtg! :clap

moorf,
good luck with packing :nice1

dan,
when you are already settled in NZ (take note i said when and not if ;) ), you can invite your folks and gran to come and visit...

hugs everyone...
jes :angel

[Moorf]

Ok, my feelings today - quite positive really - the packing etc is helpng to keep mind off worries. Heart keeps fluttering ! Becoming ever more aware that we shoud have sorted docs etc a week ago or so.... :?

[kiwi]

see you next week...I can say that now!

(stomach just took a lurch..heee hhaah)

Nic

[Moorf]

Todays Report - we are going at it "hammer and tongs" (and the packing too! :laugh :laugh :oops: ).

It's alll feeling a little surreal - hate to say it but been close to tears on a few occasions for no apparent reason. Have had sleeping tabs from Docs as just can't sleep... thank god they work with a bottle of red!!! :laugh


Off to accountants tomorrow to get him to take photocopies of important original docs and he can then also certify the copies. etc etc... van arriving to take larger boxes and beds etc to storage on Thurs! Leaving do on Thurs night - I didn't really want one but I wasn't going to get away with it apparently...

Have been quiet on the forum as, quite franky, the most I have to deal with is emotions...! Any other questions I have about NZ will be answered when I touch down in Chch at 2pm ish on 23rd.. and I will meet my new dear friend Nicky who will escort us to the Sumner Beach apartments which, if the photo's she kindly sent us are anything to go by, look FAB!! Can't wait!

So, as you can see - a more positive day today... !! :D

Hope Michelle's journey is going okay - she's on her way! :hopeso

[Tara Sage]

Hang in there Moorf

The emotions are high and mine didn't improve for a few weeks after I arrived I was still crying for no reason???!! (well I didn't know why)

Enjoy your party we had one it was really good fun and surprisingly no tears from me just all our guests.

It's a big adventure and you are living it!!

Have a great flight and hope to see you in a couple of weeks and yes Nicky is Fab!!

[Moorf]

Well, it's now Thursday.... the day of the leaving party :(

Will be spending all day with a transit - to-ing and fro-ing from storage - and then later out with our friends and family for a goodbye dinner. Really hope there are no speeches! :wah

Feeling sick, sick, sick. Shoulders are so tight they are round my ears, tetchy, stressed and wishing for all the world that I could be enjoying this !!! A year ago I'd have given my right arm to be where we are now - and now it's here it's awful (but luckily I still have my right arm!!). :laugh

I wish I could go to sleep now and wake up on Monday morning!!

Moorf

[Diny]

I've got stomach knots just reading your post !! Actually, it's quite comforting for me to hear what you're going through. Not that I'm a sadistic swine who's revelling in your anguish .... no - but because I'm a couple of months off going and I'm already going through similar emotions. I don't think I've slept a full night for weeks (mind you - there's some good tv progs on at 3 am - I now know how to gut Italian sardines!!).

I also think you are very brave having a leaving do. A few people have suggested one for us and I really don't think I could cope. I've actually hatched abit of an evil plan in my head ....... to tell folks we're leaving on a date which is actually a day or so after we actually leave. That way I could phone from Heathrow and say goodbye. Would be easier for me but I think I would break a few hearts if I did that. Yep - a great big yellow streak running right down my back !!!!!

Enjoy the party, enjoy your last few days in the mother country - and enjoy the adventure.

Diny

[bbq]

Well, it's now Thursday.... the day of the leaving party :(

Will be spending all day with a transit - to-ing and fro-ing from storage - and then later out with our friends and family for a goodbye dinner. Really hope there are no speeches! :wah

Feeling sick, sick, sick. Shoulders are so tight they are round my ears, tetchy, stressed and wishing for all the world that I could be enjoying this !!! A year ago I'd have given my right arm to be where we are now - and now it's here it's awful (but luckily I still have my right arm!!). :laugh

I wish I could go to sleep now and wake up on Monday morning!!

Moorf

Have a fab party Moorf, and hope everything goes well for you.

take care

alex :nice1

[Raeven]

I'm a couple of months off going and I'm already going through similar emotions. I don't think I've slept a full night for weeks (mind you - there's some good tv progs on at 3 am - I now know how to gut Italian sardines!!).

I've actually hatched abit of an evil plan in my head ....... to tell folks we're leaving on a date which is actually a day or so after we actually leave. That way I could phone from Heathrow and say goodbye. Would be easier for me but I think I would break a few hearts if I did that. Yep - a great big yellow streak running right down my back !!!!!Diny

Hi, Diny,

We appear to have similar reactions to this type of stress.. I don't know how to gut Italian sardines, but stale episodes of Green Acres at 3 a.m. are becoming my norm... you know, that pig was really funny!! My DH, who could sleep blissfully in a Cuban mobile home through hurricane season, has only just learned to leave me be if I happen to fall asleep in front of the tv on the living room sofa because if he wakes me up to take me to bed, I'm up for the rest of the night. Like Moorf, I'm off to the doc soon for some sleeping aids!!

Love your idea to avoid the leaving do! I have friends already making noises and I just don't think I can face it. Don't mind small gatherings with individual sets of friends, but I don't think I can handle a large gathering of family and friends. It would almost feel like a wake, where you are the subject of the big send-off but didn't have the benefit of being dead. Eeeeaaauuugggghhh. (Moorf, don't read this!!)

Anyway, we'll all get through this somehow.. some with more grace and dignity than others.. Hmmmm. I just learned that half a teaspoon of cinnamon a day will stablize your mood. Think I'm going to go give that a try!!

All the best, Rae

[bbq]

Hi Raeven, Diny, others?

If I get a visa, I am planning a great big bash for all my friends. We are having it in the phone box at the end of the high Street. ;)

Seriously, I hope whatever you decide to do works for you

cheers

alex

[SoCal Gal]

May I suggest cinnamon toast with your late-night "Green Acres" viewing? All kidding aside, my feelings are mixed in with that other thread about "Strange Reaction". I have a scared/nervous/anxious feeling in my stomach about reaction of friends/co-workers and neighbors when we tell them, which won't be until we put out the "For Sale" sign. I think we are going to get a lot of "Why???" and then, perhaps the cold shoulder from people because we haven't kept them abreast of our dreams for the past year....like we betrayed them with the secret of planning a move to NZ. I don't know, but that may be some of the reaction from people, that we just can't put our finger on. Our move is a betrayal of trust somehow? I picture my neighbor's reaction, and we are very friendly now, but who knows? I mean, it's not like we decided in a day to move the next day, and I think that is what people will be leary of. Hope this makes sense, I'm only on my third cup of coffee! :cool

[Diny]

So Cal gal - it makes perfect sense - you make some very valid points.

Rae - I think we are on the same wavelength. Middle of the night viewing isn't so bad - however, we don't get re-runs of Greenacres (thankfully). I'm waiting for the Waltons to be shown .... heck I loved that programme.

I too have a husband who could sleep on a barbed wire fence in a snow storm - he too has learnt to 'let sleeping dogs lie'. He's become pretty damn good at reading the signs - bless him.

It will all be worth it in the end, one heck of a meet-up (regardlss of north or south) would be a good idea. With plenty of notice for all concerned we could make it a heck of a bash - and we can look back at these times and laugh (well, that's the plan anyway).

Keep your posts coming Rae - they are always interesting and well written.

Diny

[Annierobrigado]

hello rae, diny, moorf, everybody,

this thread sounds like a graduation ceremony. being a faculty member of a college of medicine here in the phils we always attend these ceremonies and witness how our students pass on from fledgling, unsure of themselves fresh college graduates to poised, confident and excited young doctors ready to take on the real world. somehow going from one country to another and taking on a new life is like graduation, sad to leave many friends behind, but eager to make new ones in the new life.

here's a song for you, you might know the tune, but the lyrics mean a lot too. the song was popularized by ms diana ross

souls in the wind must learn how to bend
see how the stars hold on to the end
valley. mountain there is a fountain
washes our fears all away
...
if we hold on together
i know our dreams will never die
dreams see us through to forever
when clouds roll by for you and i.

it's not complete, but i think it says what we all feel about making the move to nz. you have your family, and you have friends. the rest is up to you.

annie

[Moorf]

My update for how I am feeling.... today is Friday....

Had our leaving do last night - I nearly chickened out but, as usual, once there it was great - I loved the comparison to a wake :roll: it is very true - all these people saying nice things about you and you do wonder if they would cry quite THAT hard round your grave!!!

So, with a huge hangover we carried on packing up things today... we now have dinner sorted for Fri, Sat and Sun nights :laugh - good old parents.

I have to say that the leaving do really did make a huge difference to how I feel.... it's really given us a boost and we didn't come away feeling down or miserable or anything (just very very spinny bedroom :? ). And today we feel like we're on the "other side" - as if we have emerged from months of stress and waiting - I'd thoroughlly recommend a leaving bash (and that is from someone who was VERY against it initially!!!)

Just a few more bits and pieces to pack / bin / burn / store / donate and then we're ready to rock and roll!!

Here endeth my feelings on today!

Moorf

[Diny]

Wow - a complete U-turn regarding the leaving do then.

So you would recommend one? You certainly sound alot less 'should we/shouldn't we today - good on you.

Your last weekend in UK before the big move. Enjoy it and relax.

All the best - and I hope the hangover has gone.


Diny

[Dave & Sandra]

Well, here I am sitting in my Dad's with the major hurdle over and done with. Solicitor called at 10 this morning to say they had received the money for the house and it is now winging it's way to Palmerston North to pay off our $189,000 bridging loan :clap

I am totally exhausted having spent all day Thursday cleaning the house and getting rid of the last of the rubbish. My poor Dad was such a help I couldn't have managed without him and he turns 78 in 2 weeks. I feel a bit guilty and had to make him sit down as he was beginning to look fragile. We haven't been that close with our neighbours, but they have been good and it was a very tearful farewell - I hate leaving places. Gave them a bottle of champagne and told them to crack it when I land in PN.

I just seem to have collapsed and barely stir myself from the sofa. The stress and sheer hard work of doing it alone has affected me more than I realised. Now that the adrenaline doesn't have to keep pumping I've got nothing left to keep me going. I aint so young anymore and tend to forget it.

The only fly in the ointment is my brother, who I love dearly, but has now created a big problem. He was going to buy my car for my nephew so that was one problem solved. Said nephew has committed a huge sin, brother is fuming and now will not buy my car for him. It's all very well but he only let me know 3 days ago. And originally the neighbours said they were interested but it's too late now for them to sell their's and buy mine.

There always has to be a little spanner in the works somewhere. :( I'm going to have to sell it cheaply at the weekend as I don't want to have to saddle my Dad with the problem.

Called Golden Arrow to check on my cat who is fine. He's had his last checks with the vet and starts his big adventure tomorrow. Flying from Manchester to Heathrow and then via LA to Auckland and PN. He will be more well travelled than some humans. :laugh

Will you California girls give him a wave as he passes by. :mrgreen:

[Raeven]

Hi, Sandra,

You got it -- consider the cat waved at!!

Your last arrangements gave me a little shiver of anticipation for you, a lump in my throat and a tiny tear in my eye. You've handled everything so well, it's an example for us all!! What a lovely idea, the champagne for the neighbors, and your dad helping out was very poignant. I'm full of emotion for you!!

Glad you can now veg out on the sofa and look forward to your own departure, soon back in your husband's arms and getting settled in your new home -- which we know you are going to love!!! Can't wait to hear how it all is from the other side. Give yourself a big pat on the back. You've done beautifully!!

Huuuuuuuugggggggsssssssss, Rae

[Moorf]

Diny, I would certainly recommend a leaving do now! What a change eh! I can't put my finger on it, but I think it has something to do with having seen everyone, it's like a relief that you haven't missed anyone out and they have all had a chance to say goodbye...

It's also a good chance to really talk to people about the trip .. it's the focus of the evening so you don't feel like a total bore waffling on and on about NZ :laugh .... I don't know about others but I have tended to avoid the subject recently as I don't want to appear to be boasting or anything :oops:

BTW - my best friends hubby used to work on the rigs until a year or so ago so I know how you're feeling.. I used to get the phone calls!! :laugh

[Diny]

Well Moorf, you came out the other side of a leaving party with a positive attitude - we'll see how the land lies nearer the time.

Today has been a bugger of a day for me - emotionally speaking. Woke this morning feeling dreadful, sore throat, cold sweats, aching from head to toe, upset tummy - the full monty. Mum phoned me just after breakfast (like every day of life), she was concerned that I wasn't feeling well insisted on coming around to 'do things' for me and to take the boys for a couple of hours so I could veg out.

Basically ..... how the heck am I going to manage without my Mum. Of course the 'nuts and bolts' of everyday life will be easy, if you're not well enough to do the ironing - well do it tomorrow, it's as simple as that. What I mean is ........ no matter what age you are, when you feel poorly there's no one quite like your Mum is there? I've been left with that hollow, sick feeling and have to admit that today definately falls into the category of a 'what the hell are you doing' day.

Then, to top it all, one of my lovely brothers (who has recently been through a devestatingly sad period of his life) called round to see me. He was on his way to a black tie 21st birthday ball, and decided to drop by on his way to collect his girlfriend to show me his new dinner suit. OK - pretty run of the mill, boring stuff for anybody reading this, but today the realisation that I will no longer be a part of this comfortable, family routine hit me like a charging rhino.

When I feel better (and stop looking like something the dog did 6 days ago), I know I shall be on a positive keel again. Pakeha Boy is away, Mum, Dad, sister and other brother would be sad if they knew I was feeling like this so hey guys - you've drawn the short straw for tonight.

Ah bugger what they say .... I'm pretty damn sure you CAN find solace at the bottom of a wine glass. Give me an hour and I'll be able to let you know one way or the other.

Diny

[veronica]

OK Diny, keep your chin up. I know that feeling from long ago when the kids were small and we were in Perth. we couldn't afford to ring home to much (it was 20 odd years ago) so we used to have a system where we would dial up and let the phone ring twice. then mum would do the same back. that way it didn't cost anything but let each other know we were thinking of them. did mean we never answered the phone til it rang 3 times. It is hard and it doesn't matter how old you get, for normal families there is no one like your mum and dad. it is true, email, cheaper phone calls and travel being cheaper (comparatively) make it much easier to keep in touch. We buy the rate saver phone cards for $20 and although it is a hassle dialling all the nos. it does make it easier to keep track of the phone calls home moneywise take care Veronica

[Diny]

Thanks for those kind words.

I love the telephone ringing twice system. We've used that before to signal such things as getting home safely, ready to be collected - even to say the coast is clear :eek . However, adopting the same system from the other side of the planet - wow - incredible. I bet there were times you had to physically restrain yourselves from snatching that phone up !!

Actually feel abit better since I poured my heart out in the above posting, and ..... hold on ........yeah ..........yeah there it is ...... floating around at the bottom of this glass ....... solace !!!!!!!

Diny

[Moorf]

Ok, 2 days to go, and all I can say is................ I don't need laxatives :oops:

[veronica]

Imodium for the plane journey then :laugh

[MelissaLG]

Will you California girls give him a wave as he passes by. :mrgreen:

Sandra, :yes Absolutely! I will be thinking of him and you over the next few days! Once you get to Palmy, and after you have had a chance to catch your breath and spend some time with hubby, let us know how everything is going!

Moorf, so glad to know the party was such a lift for your spirits! Can't wait to hear how the trip goes. And don't worry about your car...it'll probably kill you to sell it cheap this weekend, but once you get on that plane you won't care anymore! You are almost on your way! Yeah! :nice1

Melissa

[Moorf]

Sunday - midday.

Taxi arrives to take us to Heathrow tomorrow at 4pm and I really wish it would just come NOW... everything is done (except I do have to try and crush my hairdryer into the case somehow - and a few more pairs of shoes if I can manage it :oops:) ... all goodbyes done, storage done (well, couple of more things to shove in there tomorrow) and that's it... now it is just waiting, waiting, waiting... staying at Hol Inn at Heathrow on Monday night - flight on Tuesday 6pm ish - have found out that you can check in REALLY early for Singapore Air flights hence getting there night before so we're guaranteed there bright and early.... i.e we can check in at 1pm for our 6.40pm flight... :nice1

Well, this time next week I shall be posting from Christchurch... WOW!

Moorf

[Diny]

Heck .... I bet you're really experiencing the 'manhole pinhole' syndrome at the moment. (please send PM if you don't know what that means).

You can check in with Singapore Airline up to 72 hours before you fly by going online to their website. You probably already know that though.

Here's counting ...........

Diny

[Moorf]

I checked out the internet check-in a while back.. we don't qualify

1 Eligibility
Passengers must be current members of Singapore Airlines PPS Club, KrisFlyer programme or have purchased a ticket through the Singapore Airlines website as a registered user. Passengers must have a valid ticket. Internet Check-in is available between 48 hours and 2 hours before departure time. Internet Check-in is available for all ticket types.




we bought our ticket via agent :roll:

Oh well...

[Diny]

Bummer - never mind. You're in heaps of time. Get to airport early, check in, dump the luggage then do a session of people watching while you wait. Plenty of bars and places to eat - have fun !!!!

Diny

[Moorf]

Yep, got our books sorted and will find our "spot" with coffee on tap!

See you when you get here :nice1

Moorf

[Annierobrigado]

it is true, email, cheaper phone calls and travel being cheaper (comparatively) make it much easier to keep in touch. We buy the rate saver phone cards for $20 and although it is a hassle dialling all the nos. it does make it easier to keep track of the phone calls home moneywise take care Veronica

hello veronica, diny, moorf, sandra, everybody

i am thinking now, (and maybe jes, jinkee and the others too),is the short message system available on the cellphone popular too in new zealand or the uk? here in the philippines, we do test messaging. costs only PhP 1.00 to send quick, quirky messages and so easy to keep in touch. examples:

"gud am. wr on d way 2 ur hse 2dy. wl u b in?"

reply: "yup. com arnd 1030. brng fud, k?"

"k c u"

did you understand the text language? it's been said that the philippines is the sms or texting capital of the world. giant cellphone company NOKIA is very happy with us, because almost everybody has a cellphone, and now its so easy to find people, keep in touch, greet everyone happy birthday, or send a reminder to a group.

f onli uk wud ff d trend. r overc's txt msg cost only P15 wch s rufly 0.50 cnts NZ. u nid 2 lern 2 use d kpad. ;)

:laugh :laugh :laugh

we also send smilies over the phone. the usual is :-) or => or (",)


cheers
annie

[veronica]

I can assure you the uk does follow th texting trend, the skill and speed the kids can text with is amazing.

[Moorf]

Oh yes, we do plenty of texting here in the UK - I am sure that NZ won't be any different!

Not a huge fan of mobiles myself... if I'm out I'm OUT! :laugh

[Michelle and Richard]

Seeing as I started this thread I thought its timeI posted again..

So how do I feel, well its 11 20 pm and I'm wide awake, mind racing. Terified excited at the same time. Didn't have leving do had 2 weeks of continual goodbyes, don't do it get it over in one night if you can. Worse still we flew from the airport I have worked at for 17 years so couldn't escpape from it there. Sandra I was like you with my dad, I felt awful he was helping me to do the one thing he really didn't want me to do. My mum and dad were brilliant. One tip if they are thinking of making the trip out get it booked before you leave, it was easier to say see you in 4 months than see you ...... whenever.

Might try and get some sleep now or will be totally shattered for whatever tomorrow holds !

Michelle

[Moorf]

Right, logging off now .. taxi here in 50 mins....

Off to Heathrow... woohooooo - the journey begins!!

:wah :clap :wah :clap

[Annierobrigado]

I can assure you the uk does follow th texting trend, the skill and speed the kids can text with is amazing.

hi veronica

i know, isnt it amazing what kids can do now? they can even text without looking at the keypad! and they can do this all night and all day! now if only they can apply the same dedication and skill to their lessons... :no

that's nice to hear to have texting in NZ. it's cost saving :cool

annie

[jesselyn]

dont think nokia is happy with me :? - i still have 3210 :eek :oops: :mrgreen: umm dont want to part with my tinkerbell logo yet :no

will definitely buy a tri-band (maybe 6600 :hopeso ) before i fly to NZ :nice1

jes :angel

[jesselyn]

oh! im a slow texter :oops: :uhoh

jes :angel

[Annierobrigado]

jes!

and here i just said the philippines is the texting capital of asia? the world?

don't worry, 6600 can give you tinkerbell and peter pan and wendy all in one.

good luck with you!

cheers
annie

[jesselyn]

its still true annie :yes however it doesnt apply to me :no lol

will really buy a new one :hopeso ;)

jes :angel

[Annierobrigado]

yup. then again, if you get a new one your nephew might claim it also?
that means you have to take him with you!

:laugh :laugh :eek

annie

[jesselyn]

nephew is interested in 3210 :? however i told him, i wont be able to pay the pool table that he wants if i buy a new cellphone ;)
umm he told me to buy a new case instead so that others will think it is a new phone :laugh lol

jes :angel

[Annierobrigado]

hello jes

:laugh :laugh :laugh

that could be one trick...

annie