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marcia
16th November 2008, 07:44 PM
Well 2 years down the line yesterday (didn't have chance to post sooooooo busy sorting out camp stuff for the boys and baking and going racing etc) I can remember our leaving day like it was yesterday, and the day we arrived at Palmy to be welcomed by a lovely group of people from this forum. But in other ways it feels like we've been here forever.

Not going to ramble on for long really - it hasn't been an easy journey, having to get a job offer to even be able to apply, then waiting for the paperwork for that offer to actually be sent seemed to take forever - would just say that if you want it enough just keep trying, and be patient.

We've definatly made the best decision for our family, the boys love it here, have some really good friends, are happy at school, much more carefree than in the uk. They certainly don't want to return to the uk, and the littlest one doesn't really remember any thing about the Uk now (he was almost 3 when we arrived) Kevs job is very 'cruisy', not bringing in a huge wage but with no mortgage we manage fine, the hours fit in, he brings the boys home from school at 4.00, and we have loads of time together (when hes not in his mancave :D) as a family.

We have a lovely home, with land, no way could we have afforded the same in the Uk. We have loads of really good friends over here, and its nice now after being here for 2 years to actually say to them...... 'do you remember when we.............'

The few things we miss, certain foods like oxtail soup, walkers crisps, won't kill us. The hardest is missing family and friends, not being able to just pop in to see them, or pick up the phone/skype without wondering first what time it is there. Having to say goodbye after they've visited is horrid, and I worry about what will happen as my parents get too old to come out. But they support our decision to come, everyone who has been has said we made the right choice.

I am happy to say that I certainly class New Zealand as home - though i do forget sometimes and say 'back home' refering to the uk.

Moving here isn't the best thing for everyone, but we feel it certainly was for us. :bluebanana

mgbridges
16th November 2008, 07:54 PM
What a wonderful post Marcia and its how I hope to feel in another 9mths time. Its great to know that you feel at 'home' in NZ, long may your happiness continue.

Anneliese

shakyle2906
16th November 2008, 08:07 PM
Lovely post Marcia!

Another 6mths for us to hit the 2yr mark - and we like you, love it here!

Sharon
x

benandclare
16th November 2008, 08:11 PM
Super post :nice1

StevieD
16th November 2008, 08:13 PM
Marcia, Kev and boys... you have put it in a nutshell, we feel the same way, all the best from us lot up here in Cambridge.

That weekend when the boys were building the bonfire near the racecourse seem soooo far away. But here we all are - settled in a land on the underside of the world..... amazing.

mgf
16th November 2008, 08:23 PM
good post marcie. I hope I feel the same after two years in working on 9 months so have a way to go. I have been on the emotional roller coaster ride. Oldest daughter wants to return back home after she finishes up secondary school and attend uni "back home". So take each day at a time.

Caroline and Dave
16th November 2008, 09:49 PM
The few things we miss, certain foods like oxtail soup, walkers crisps, won't kill us.

Glad to hear you are doing so well Marcia.
Re the crisps, I know they're more expensive, but for a special occasion(Xmas etc) you can get the genuine article from here and they deliver.

http://www.bramptins.co.nz/shop/crisps-and-snacks/

I do love walkers crisps and have picked up a couple of packets from the Browns bay store which is near us

peebles16
16th November 2008, 09:54 PM
Oh what a lovely post Marcia and hope in 2 years we are just as happy and settled :nice1

Karenx

Sam B
16th November 2008, 10:00 PM
Yay - glad to hear you sounding so happy and settled.

marcia
16th November 2008, 10:34 PM
Glad to hear you are doing so well Marcia.
Re the crisps, I know they're more expensive, but for a special occasion(Xmas etc) you can get the genuine article from here and they deliver.

http://www.bramptins.co.nz/shop/crisps-and-snacks/

I do love walkers crisps and have picked up a couple of packets from the Browns bay store which is near us



We have a brit shop in Palmy and we do buy stuff from there for the treats - the boys both had birthdays and on their birthday list was 'anything from the Brit shop'. But still not found oxtail soup!!!!!! getting to know the lady in shop a bit now so may put a request in when shes next got a container load coming.

Jo Jo
16th November 2008, 10:37 PM
Two years already??? Congratulations!

JandM
17th November 2008, 01:57 AM
Congratulations. :)

Scotty69
17th November 2008, 02:12 AM
Great post :nice1

thewoodies
17th November 2008, 06:01 AM
great post - cant wait to get there :cheers

LesleyS
17th November 2008, 09:50 AM
Time flies Marcia, I remember the first post you made way back when. You definitely made the right decision for you and your family xx

Carey
17th November 2008, 10:05 AM
Great to hear all so positive. Carry on enjoying being here!

Moorf
17th November 2008, 11:26 AM
Wow, those two years have flow-un by!! :D

Great post Marcia, here's to many more :cheers

*fee*
17th November 2008, 12:10 PM
Hi how lovely to read such a positive post .....I have just returned to the UK after visiting NZ and can see why you love it so much :)

Tia Maria
17th November 2008, 12:24 PM
Great post Marcia, sounds like you've got the work/life thing sorted!

Cheers

Tia

Bergita
17th November 2008, 12:31 PM
Lovely post, thanks.

wilson182
17th November 2008, 02:50 PM
Nice post Marcia, thanks for keeping us updated.

Familyofmonkeys
17th November 2008, 06:43 PM
Yay for two years :raebanana

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