[Surfer Chick]

Nearly went last October, dogs were booked on the flight. Then house feel through. The last few days Martin has been saying things that have not added up, so we went through it all again.

Two years ago the house prices were so much lower than they are now and but the UK prices haven't gone up the same, therefore we won't be as well off now. The main thing though is that we were both moving for different reasons.

I was going because I realised you don't have to live in the place you were born, we would be mortgage free and have land and animals etc, we would live in a beautiful country with warmer weather, I thought my daughters would thive there. I had persuaded myself that I could not live my life waiting for my mum and dad to get frail so I could look after them.

Martin also wanted better weather, closer to great activities, beautiful countryside, etc. But his main reasons for going was to be much better off financially and because he was running away I won't go into what it was but (this will make you laugh) one of the things was his mother!

I'm sad and won't even contemplate visiting NZ for many years to come, kids are cheering, my mother collapsed with relieve and we're now planning ahead.

Its been a journey and glad I've gone through it, but feeling a little strange at the moment. One thing I have learnt is that you have to make sure your going for the right reasons.

[jo b]

Surferchick.

things happen for a reason don't they that's why your house fell through.

Many if us are going for exactly the same reasons as you were. Bigger house, no mortgage, land, as they don't make it any more in the UK :laugh , hoping our children will thrive.

But really is it the material monster that has crept up on us to make us want or seem to need those things?? I don't know the answer to that but I am so glad that you found your answers closer to home before you made the leap.

Sincere best wishes to you and yours and please contiinue to visit the forum

All ther best

Jo

[Diny]

Surferchick

Things most certainly do happen for a reason. Although sometimes it's difficult to see and/or understand.

Sometimes what we think we're missing is there right in front of us, thankfully you found this out before 'the crunch'.

I think you're very sinsible to postpone/cancel your NZ plans. They're obviously not right for you at this moment .... who knows, you may wish to walk that path again one day.

We're moving to NZ for alot of the reasons you mentioned (however good weather wasn't one of them :no ). Who knows how things will work out for us, or anybody else on this forum. We have to go with our gut feelings. Yours are obviously telling you to stay put. Good on you. Take a deep breath and look forward to whatever lies ahead for you and your family.

Diny

[sarahw]

Good luck for the future & I agree with Diny - could have been a lot worse to uproot the family to the other end of the world & then realise it was wrong!

Take care

[Surfer Chick]

I have wrote a massive bit and just lost it :evil:

When we were talking Martin said about going in the future, I think we go now or not at all. Because Catherine (12) was already turning against the idea and I will not leave my children.

I have also told my mum and I could not muck her about like that, my parents came round very quickly to the idea of NZ for our sakes and were arranging all the pensions so they could visit every year.

Going to NZ would widen our horizons in many ways but would also narrow them in many others, I would love to visit lots of places but would have to visit home as a priority and we all know how expensive that is!

[chips]

Oh poo surferchick, i have been following your treads for many a months with great interest.
I am glad you have worked things through, and have come to an agreement.
One thing you are dead right on that i would like to pick up is the "mortage free" thinking. Has anyone managed it? We have just brought a house in the far north which is supposed to be one of the cheapest places. When we looked last year we could have picked up 10 acres with a 3 bedroomed house on it for under $100,000. Now there's very little for under $200,000 with anything more than 2 acres. Mortages aren't large it's the interest that's the killer.
My hear felt good wishes to you and yours surfer chick- Chips

[Glenda]

Hi Surfer Chick,

Sorry things did not work out. We all want to do what is best for our kids but sometimes they feel they know best ... at least they are happy staying in the UK. Can see how it will also be a relief for your parents ... and will be to both your bank accounts in that respect.

You've been trying to make a dream become a reality for two years and it is sure to be a strange feeling at first. How about trying to find another dream, another aim in life ... for example, a holiday somewhere different or an Open University course? It may help. :?

Good luck for the future. :smile