2 Weeks to go!

Tara Sage · Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 10:51 pm Post subject: 2 Weeks to go!

Hi all

Just thought would fill you in with progress.

Its been mad hers Nutcase

Last day at work today Razz

We fly in 13 days, so all a bit manic, shipping company coming next week and 2 parties this weekend one for us and one for the kids.

Not long to go and we are all so excited we just can't wait.

Will be on line for a bit longer!

Take Care All and good luck with all your plans

susanlin · Posted: Fri Jul 09, 2004 11:41 pm Post subject: 2 weeks to go

Hi Tara!

I know exactly how you must be feeling 'cos I was in your position 3 months ago! I am so glad it is 3 months on! I honestly don't feel I could go through the stress again, particularly the emotional rollercoaster I have been on and off! Still riding it but it isn't quite so erratic at the moment! I love NZ and Christchurch is wonderful. I am settling a bit more now though I do still have strong pangs of homesickness.

You sound very excited - I was too but my excitement was shortlived when the wave of homesickness washed over me absolutely drowning me! My advice to everyone who is about to make the big move - don't expect too much too soon (as I did) and be prepared to feel emotions that you have never experienced before!

I don't regret coming here - it truly is a wonderful place even without Marks & Spencers - but I just wish someone had warned me beforehand tto expect the unexpected!

Good luck and keep in touch.

Sue

PS - bring your woollies, nice fashionable winter coat (you won't find one here!) and stacks and stacks of your favourite toiletries. Take one last trip around Ikea, Next, Argos and Debenhams and say your fond goodbyes! My suffering continues - not quite got over the loss yet.....

michelle · Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 2:27 am Post subject:

Good luck Tara, it will be me in 2 months time.

Where are you going ?

Keep us updated.

Michelle

Tara Sage · Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 2:50 am Post subject:

Michelle

We are moving to Rangiora near CHCH, well thats where we are heading. Hubby got job in CHCH!
Good Luck with your last two months, we are really excited but totally exhausted with all the arrangements etc.

Tara

michelle · Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 3:26 am Post subject:

Feel in limbo at the moment as we haven't set an exact date because it depends on the completion date of the house. Need a date to work towards.

Have started packing, clearing out etc and sorted shippers. Tearing my hair out at how the simplest things take for ever to do.

Oh well have no doubt that in the long run it will all be worth.

Good luck, keep us updated, its good to hear from people as they settle in.

Michelle

PS Sue, have already started stocking up on toiletries, did the IKEA sale and have bought enough shoes to set up a shop.

Moorf · Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 4:22 am Post subject:

Hey - at least you guys have jobs (or partners with one!!) Hmmm

We're off in 10 weeks and have nothing to go to!!

Oh well.... maybe I'll do a carpentry course out there Laughing

michelle · Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 4:44 am Post subject:

Well one half of us has and that half is convinced the other half wont get a job and we will be home in 6 months !

Moorf, where are you heading to ? have you spoken to people about job oppotunities. Nobody seems to take Richard seriously, think they get lots of enquiries from overseas and then people never turnup, keep saying you wont have a problem get in touch when you arrive. Have you found the same ? ]

He is going to blitz them this weekend and tell them we are arriving soon and can he now have a job please

Anyway if all else fails its "cucumbers r us"

Michelle

Moorf · Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 5:26 am Post subject:

Hi Michelle - we have only contacted one or two people in the Chch area (where we are heading ... initially!) as we too had heard that we would get little respone/interest until we were actually there.

And, true to form, those that we have contacted either haven't replied

or have replied to say "see you when you get here".

That's fine by us - we've already decided to take it easy for the first 2 months or so - in fact we have decided to apply for a "Visitors Visa" which will give us the max 9 months in NZ instead of the "no visa" route of just 6 months and having to apply for extra 3 months when there. It's only about 50quid extra I think....

I haven't ruled out our laminated floor showcase 'Cumbers-R-Us store in Doubtless Bay yet cool

We'll be travelling all over NZ once we arrive so we shall have to meet up and scare our respective hubbies about our new venture Laughing

michelle · Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 5:40 am Post subject:

We will be in Auckland from late sept, so do let us know when you are going to be there. I will have sussed out good cucumber suppliers by then!

I suppose its good to know that everyone is getting the same "wait till you get here" line. Well its not good but at least you don't think its just you.

Richard, who is a worrier like me, isn't the slightest bit worried about not finding work if you follow that. One of our friends who has been out there for a few years has said you have to be prepared to accept a job that might not be ideal at first but it gets you into the job market.

Good idea about the 9 month visa, gives you a bit more time.

Michelle

Moorf · Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 5:49 am Post subject:

We land at Auckland on 22nd Sept!!

We may stay there a couple of nights to aclimatise so I'll ring ahead so you can get the kettle on !!

Nice One

michelle · Posted: Sat Jul 10, 2004 8:39 am Post subject:

Its a pity we are not all going to Auckland, but Christchurch is a great place.

Moorf
Kettle will be on ..... if we have one! if not its a beer at the Loaded Hog on the waterfront if its still there after 8 years !

Michelle

Peter Mowbray · Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 11:32 am Post subject:

Goodluck Michelle!
Peter.

michelle · Posted: Tue Jul 13, 2004 7:36 pm Post subject:

Thanks Peter and welcome. I think we all need a bit of luck in this whole process, its taken 8 years of talking and planning to get to this stage and more than a few hurdles to get over. It finally feels like we are almost there.

Tara, how is it going ????

Michelle

kiwi · Valued Member Joined: 02 Apr 2004 Posts: 126

Michelle, you coming down for the BBQ in chch nov 13th?

Hope so!

safe trip ladies....and hope it is everything you wanted and more when you get here.

Nic

michelle · Posted: Wed Jul 14, 2004 11:36 pm Post subject:

Hi

Thanks for the invite, would love to but not sure if we will be able to make it for the weekend. Keep me up todate with the plans and if we can we will be there.

Michelle