The party is over, the house is clean and I survived. Our Labour weekend started early, Thursday, due to Gordon having stand-down time for being in Australia and having to work on the weekend there. I actually drove a good portion from Bulls to Tirau and there were some hairy, hairpin turns on the “Desert Road” whilst raining buckets but we got through it. The week leading up to Labour day weekend was nice and quiet and Gordon and I enjoyed the time together.
It’s very weird but ever since he came back we’ve been talking more and more. Not about relevant things to do with being married but random things as well. It must mean that we are growing in our relationship to be able to converse more easily. I find it very relaxing and easy. There are times when I am too timid to say something but I’m starting to get a lot better about asking him things. That’s the way a marriage should grow though, growing and changing with one another builds the relationship rather than tearing it apart.
Gordon and I didn’t have to do anything for the party, it was all pre-arranged via Kylie and Christine. The only thing that was required of us was to be present and say “thank you”. However, I wanted to help a little so I made cowboy cookies and banana coconut muffins to help with dessert. I made the cookies on Wednesday and discovered my immediate need for a handheld blender due to the fact that I stirred everything by hand. That Friday we got out of everyone’s way and went into Rotorua. We made a stop at Spotlight and Harvey Norman’s to take advantage of the sales they were having. Then we went to the Government gardens where there was a driving range. I found that with the ease of a tee I could always hit the ball. It was a little difficult to hit the ball off the ground due to the range being Astroturf and I usually tear the grass up a little when I’m taking a shot. Gordon did very well though and all of his shots were stellar. We then had some well-deserved Subway and made short work of our lunch. Afterwards we took a trip to Skyline Skyrides to go luging! Due to an off-hand comment that I made as we passed it, we decided that it would be fun to go luging after our hard work-out at hitting golf balls. We did three rides, two times I beat Gordon and then Gordon beat me at the last ride. It was kind of special because that is one of the things that we did when I first came to New Zealand. Now we were doing it as a married couple!
Saturday was spent at the Tirau golf club. We had a mixed pot of weather that couldn’t make up its mind. One minute it was beautiful and clear and then the next it was a torrential downpour. New Zealand could give New Mexico weather a run for its money. At the end we were a bit cold and wet. My lack of golfing made me exhausted after only half the holes and some very steep hills. Gordon had a great game and I was a little upset about my form, a tendency to swing to the right. Uncle Norm and Aunt Linda (Christine’s side of the family) arrived that day for the party. They got to sleep in the caravan out in front of the house. We had a family game of Scattergories that evening with everyone. I came out the leader with Gordon in a close second. Apparently it was the use of my American vernacular that helped me to win the game.
Sunday was the big day. We actually got up at about 10 o’clock and I was ready by 12pm. However, the party didn’t start until 4pm. A whole ton of people showed up to the house before the party and Christine’s relatives, Gordon and I had to play host. Christine and Kylie were setting-up the hall and Roger was at the shop. I actually had to call my mother at that time so I had a brief respite. I don’t think that I did much though. It was mostly Norman, Linda and Gordon doing the hosting. Many people came who I didn’t know at all. It was nice to meet them, it was a lot of Roger and Christine’s friends along with family who were at the party. Two of Gordon’s friends from Whangarei were able to make it and I got the meet them. The weather was much the same with more showers than sunshine. At one point it even hailed!
The hall was very festive with smattering of New Zealand and American flags. The wedding video was shown on the wall of the hall. The video was a little low due to the fact that our ceremony was outside and there was a bit of wind to toy with the voices. Everybody seemed to be able to hear the ceremony though. We then were all corralled into an adjoining room where we had dinner and dessert. The toast that Roger made at the rehearsal dinner was given, Gordon gave a speech thanking everyone and I was able to read the heartfelt speech my sister gave at the wedding reception. We also had a cake cutting for everyone to see. Gordon and I held the newest member of the Schofield family, Brylie, as well. She seemed very fascinated with Gordon and he was a bit with her. He was telling me he couldn’t believe how small her hands were. After dinner, dessert, and then coffee & tea (that’s when my cookies and muffins were served) we went back to the house for more partying. I had gotten some rum for my baking and was able to use it as well with my coke that I had that evening up at the house.
Overall, it was really nice to meet everyone and see the people I would be going to parties for and spending some holidays with. Christmas will be with Roger’s side of the family. I also got a lot of questions about how I was finding New Zealand and what I thought about the weather. I really don’t mind New Zealand weather at all and told them that living here took some adjusting. It was a nice night and I was tipsy so I didn’t mind talking to all the new people. A lot of people had to leave the party early due to driving home for the night or to somewhere to sleep for the night. Sometimes I felt a little out of place or just some arm attachment to Gordon due to the fact that they knew him and shared stories with him that I didn’t know. Everyone was very welcoming and nice though. It’s always that way when meeting new people, you don’t really share a common thread until something in the conversation pops-ups and you’re able to talk.
I still feel a bit out of place with Gordon’s immediate family right now as well. It feels like I’ve reverted to my shy state when I’m around them which was never the case before. It may be the praise that they give to me on a daily basis when we visit; I was always too humble for my own good. Kylie is such a good daughter to them and Gordon is a great son. In my own eyes, I feel like I’m not the daughter-in-law that I should be. It must be me adjusting to being part of a new family. They work in a different way than mine and learning to operate within that takes some getting used to. It’s like when Gordon and I were learning to live together; I should look at this the same way. I’ve learned to accept more praise from him and not berate myself when he does. Change and adjusting and coping and learning seem to be my lot in life for the time being, living in a whole new culture and country. Hopefully, I’ll be able to reduce that soon to just learning and changing. Learning about how to be a good wife and mother and changing as a couple due to life’s surprises. It will be nice when I feel more at home in New Zealand and the Schofields’ house. You can’t rush these things but sometimes I end-up wishing that I could.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Little Sprouts
I must be a newlywed because I'm so glad that Gordon is back from Australia! He came home last night at about 7:30 and the rest of the night we cuddled. I did survive without him here but it was painful to go to bed alone each night. Whenever he's here my mind is at ease and not so wound-up. I swear that I would check the locks on the house at least three times each night, chalk it up to my paranoia of someone breaking in. My cooking also reverted back to being a college student. When I don't have someone else to cook for my cooking degrades to grilled sandwiches and ramen noodles. After a couple days of that I got a couple of meals together for some variety. I find that I like using bell peppers a lot now because they are easy to cut and use. My favorite now is English Muffin pizzas which are so easy to make and each person can customize their own little pizzas. I bought some more to make for a dinner this week for Gordon.
In the realm of gardening I've had a little bit of success! I'm not sure if my all of my egg carton seeds will sprout but I have three little sprouts of marigold coming from one egg carton. Then my cornflower, I called it a coneflower last time, is sprouting beautifully. There are so many cute little sprouts. I also have some little aster seedlings popping up. I always feel like I've accomplished something by growing plants from seeds. I have some other plants that I need to plant after I get back from Labour Day weekend. I'm kinda worried about my little seedlings and leaving them alone for the weekend. I'm sure if I put a lot of water in the trays then they'll be okay. I work so hard to make sure my plants are okay, it's one of the things that I'm good at.
I got my haircut this week as well. It took me awhile to encourage myself to walk in and get an appointment but I finally did it. I took some length off of it, about 1 1/2 inches, and got a little bit of layering. I can't believe that my hair has gotten so long. This haircut has reduced some of the pull that my thick hair was having on my scalp so that feels great! I guess the key is making sure to make thick hair layered a bit to reduce the weight it has on your head if your going to have it long. I haven't had long hair since I was a little girl.
I went to the same church again and was introduced to some very friendly and nice people. They kept asking me questions about where I was from and what I did and whatnot. One girl works at the McDonalds in Bulls and took my number so we can go have coffee sometime. She lives in Fielding but her Mom attends the church in Marton. I also made contact with some Creative Memories consultants so now I have scrapbooking workshops to attend which is super-awesome! I'm going to try and go to one tonight, its from 7-10. Gordon teased me and said that I finally made a friend.
I'm feeling a bit more at ease here in New Zealand. I did do my American duty and vote in the elections via absentee ballot. Right now my ballot is making its way back to the States. Oh, I wanted to wish my friend Jen a Happy Birthday. For some reason I was thinking that it was her husband's birthday but my friend Patty reminded me that it was Jen. There are elections set to take place here in New Zealand in November as well. We'll see who wins this time around whether it's National or Labour. It really is small potatoes compared to America but I still think that this election is important as well.
The big upcoming event is the party that Roger and Christine are putting on for Gordon and me. Apparently the guest count is about 50-60 people. I had no problem being the center of attention for the wedding but for some reason I'm terrified this time around. It's probably because I don't like to be the center of attention and there will be a lot of people that I don't know. Since being in New Zealand, I've regressed into my shyness. I'm slowly coming out of it but it will take some more time. I'm sure there will be a lot of the same questions so I better get ready to repeat myself lots of times. It should be a good time though and Gordon will be there which will make it better. I have no idea what they have planned other than the fact Gordon and I are supposed to show-up. It's nice that they've decided to do this. I'll let everyone know how it goes and I'll take my camera to make sure I get some pictures. I'm still working on Thank You's so don't think I've forgotten about any of you. I'm just slow, a work in progress, but they should be on their way soon. We do have to save up money for stamps though because they're about 1.50 a postcard to send to the States. Have a great week!
In the realm of gardening I've had a little bit of success! I'm not sure if my all of my egg carton seeds will sprout but I have three little sprouts of marigold coming from one egg carton. Then my cornflower, I called it a coneflower last time, is sprouting beautifully. There are so many cute little sprouts. I also have some little aster seedlings popping up. I always feel like I've accomplished something by growing plants from seeds. I have some other plants that I need to plant after I get back from Labour Day weekend. I'm kinda worried about my little seedlings and leaving them alone for the weekend. I'm sure if I put a lot of water in the trays then they'll be okay. I work so hard to make sure my plants are okay, it's one of the things that I'm good at.
I got my haircut this week as well. It took me awhile to encourage myself to walk in and get an appointment but I finally did it. I took some length off of it, about 1 1/2 inches, and got a little bit of layering. I can't believe that my hair has gotten so long. This haircut has reduced some of the pull that my thick hair was having on my scalp so that feels great! I guess the key is making sure to make thick hair layered a bit to reduce the weight it has on your head if your going to have it long. I haven't had long hair since I was a little girl.
I went to the same church again and was introduced to some very friendly and nice people. They kept asking me questions about where I was from and what I did and whatnot. One girl works at the McDonalds in Bulls and took my number so we can go have coffee sometime. She lives in Fielding but her Mom attends the church in Marton. I also made contact with some Creative Memories consultants so now I have scrapbooking workshops to attend which is super-awesome! I'm going to try and go to one tonight, its from 7-10. Gordon teased me and said that I finally made a friend.
I'm feeling a bit more at ease here in New Zealand. I did do my American duty and vote in the elections via absentee ballot. Right now my ballot is making its way back to the States. Oh, I wanted to wish my friend Jen a Happy Birthday. For some reason I was thinking that it was her husband's birthday but my friend Patty reminded me that it was Jen. There are elections set to take place here in New Zealand in November as well. We'll see who wins this time around whether it's National or Labour. It really is small potatoes compared to America but I still think that this election is important as well.
The big upcoming event is the party that Roger and Christine are putting on for Gordon and me. Apparently the guest count is about 50-60 people. I had no problem being the center of attention for the wedding but for some reason I'm terrified this time around. It's probably because I don't like to be the center of attention and there will be a lot of people that I don't know. Since being in New Zealand, I've regressed into my shyness. I'm slowly coming out of it but it will take some more time. I'm sure there will be a lot of the same questions so I better get ready to repeat myself lots of times. It should be a good time though and Gordon will be there which will make it better. I have no idea what they have planned other than the fact Gordon and I are supposed to show-up. It's nice that they've decided to do this. I'll let everyone know how it goes and I'll take my camera to make sure I get some pictures. I'm still working on Thank You's so don't think I've forgotten about any of you. I'm just slow, a work in progress, but they should be on their way soon. We do have to save up money for stamps though because they're about 1.50 a postcard to send to the States. Have a great week!
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Waiting for an interview
October 13, 2008:
I'm actually winging it today on my blog, no pre-constructed blog to post. Gordon is off in Australia right now working with the helicopters for an exercise with the Aussies. The first days without him here has been kind of rough. It's left a gaping hole in my social life because I don't get to interact with him for a week. It's also made me realize how much I need to branch out and find some friends so I won't be so lonely next time. Gordon does have to take a couple of away trips this year, interbase golf/cricket, bush exercises, etc.
I haven't been a lump on the log though, I've done some things. I talk a walk everyday to break the boredom to the main street of Bulls. I'm planning on finally getting my hair cut, which it desperately needs! This may sound boring but that's what my life is right now. I plan on trying The Mothered Goose restaurant one day this week since it's the one place I've never been. It's nice to walk down the streets and get a little change in scenery. I've worked on planting my seed packets this Sunday. I don't know if I put too much topsoil on them but I think the water pats down the soil. So far, I've planted seeds for asters, marigolds, coneflowers, nigella, and poppies. A lot of annuals I know but I can't resist their beauty. Let's hope in two weeks or so they start sprouting. The weather has started getting a bit nicer. Last week was full of rain and wind but the weekend cleared up considerably and now it warm and clear. I may have to switch to a short-sleeve tee because of the heat today. I've left the vegetable garden for Gordon since that is his pride and joy right now. The compost needs to be turned over again to let everything decompose evenly on top.
I went to a traditional Presbyterian church for a change of pace from the other churches we were trying. I've resigned myself to the fact that a Baptist church out here is out of the question. Everybody here is a Church of England or branch thereof follower. Presbyterian doesn't seem too bad and I really enjoyed the service. It actually reminded me of the Sombra Del Monte church I went to back home. I was feeling really homesick yesterday, due to Gordon not being here to occupy my mind, and I think I was led to this church to tell me it was going to be okay. One lady stopped me after the service to talk to me and see where I'm from and stuff. It was really nice and comforting, funny how a nice act from a stranger can brighten your day.
I've started applying for jobs. So far, there's been no luck. I feel totally out of my element here in Palmerston North. This is mostly an agricultural industry area, the niche for conservation is small. I'll keep trying to find a job, even if it doesn't utilize biology. Going back to school looks better and better but I would have to be a citizen to be eligible for a lot of the scholarships and financial assistant. To each his own I guess. Well, that's about it for this installment. I hope everyone is enjoying fall and the Balloon Fiesta and everything that is fallish. It's one of my favorite seasons, next to spring. I like it when its not too hot and not too cold.
I'm actually winging it today on my blog, no pre-constructed blog to post. Gordon is off in Australia right now working with the helicopters for an exercise with the Aussies. The first days without him here has been kind of rough. It's left a gaping hole in my social life because I don't get to interact with him for a week. It's also made me realize how much I need to branch out and find some friends so I won't be so lonely next time. Gordon does have to take a couple of away trips this year, interbase golf/cricket, bush exercises, etc.
I haven't been a lump on the log though, I've done some things. I talk a walk everyday to break the boredom to the main street of Bulls. I'm planning on finally getting my hair cut, which it desperately needs! This may sound boring but that's what my life is right now. I plan on trying The Mothered Goose restaurant one day this week since it's the one place I've never been. It's nice to walk down the streets and get a little change in scenery. I've worked on planting my seed packets this Sunday. I don't know if I put too much topsoil on them but I think the water pats down the soil. So far, I've planted seeds for asters, marigolds, coneflowers, nigella, and poppies. A lot of annuals I know but I can't resist their beauty. Let's hope in two weeks or so they start sprouting. The weather has started getting a bit nicer. Last week was full of rain and wind but the weekend cleared up considerably and now it warm and clear. I may have to switch to a short-sleeve tee because of the heat today. I've left the vegetable garden for Gordon since that is his pride and joy right now. The compost needs to be turned over again to let everything decompose evenly on top.
I went to a traditional Presbyterian church for a change of pace from the other churches we were trying. I've resigned myself to the fact that a Baptist church out here is out of the question. Everybody here is a Church of England or branch thereof follower. Presbyterian doesn't seem too bad and I really enjoyed the service. It actually reminded me of the Sombra Del Monte church I went to back home. I was feeling really homesick yesterday, due to Gordon not being here to occupy my mind, and I think I was led to this church to tell me it was going to be okay. One lady stopped me after the service to talk to me and see where I'm from and stuff. It was really nice and comforting, funny how a nice act from a stranger can brighten your day.
I've started applying for jobs. So far, there's been no luck. I feel totally out of my element here in Palmerston North. This is mostly an agricultural industry area, the niche for conservation is small. I'll keep trying to find a job, even if it doesn't utilize biology. Going back to school looks better and better but I would have to be a citizen to be eligible for a lot of the scholarships and financial assistant. To each his own I guess. Well, that's about it for this installment. I hope everyone is enjoying fall and the Balloon Fiesta and everything that is fallish. It's one of my favorite seasons, next to spring. I like it when its not too hot and not too cold.
Sunday, October 5, 2008
October 5, 2008
October 5, 2008:
It looks like I get a couple of more days with Gordon. They’ve delayed his trip until Friday now. I’ve decided that I would like to stay at home while he is away. As much as taking a bus to Tirau and seeing a Scottish Ball is appealing, I think that finding activities for me to do around here would be better. I’ve been driving on the roads for a week now and the only hard thing to do is remember the speed limit. The ease that I’ve found with driving has been nice. Every nice I’ll slip and turn my windshield wipers on when I meant to put my blinker on. I am starting to get lonely because of the absence of my social outlets like scrapbooking and being with friends. I’ll find something though and be back to the old Nedra.
Gordon’s parents visited on Monday and I found myself struggling with trying to accommodate them. I guess that I’ve been in my own groove around the house that a disruption, even a welcomed visit, leaves me a bit flustered. The social rules are certainly more relaxed then what I’m used to so there was a bit of bruised ego on my side. The only thing I was really upset with was that they left sugar in the sink and I found a line of ants making their way to and from the sweet stuff. A can of Raid took care of them though and I cleaned the counter before using it again.
Cooking is coming along nicely. I’ve made some progress on touching raw meat. I still can only touch ground beef and coated beef, raw chicken still makes me gag. Well, I chose a recipe that allowed the chicken to be coated and I was able to coat them using tongs and a container I had, we don’t have any plastic bags right now for shaking and baking. I’ll be looking up a couple of recipes on kraftfoods.com again to supplement what I have planned. We have at least one dish with a curry flavor, chicken and rice once a week. Like I said, Gordon is a curry fiend.
We’ve both been fighting off some spring colds that have developed. My symptoms are a bit different than his. He has a runny nose and congestion. I’ve been nauseous for the past couple of days. I think it may be my body still adjusting to the diet out here, nothing else. Gordon is off to Oktoberfest right now with his friends Scotty and Radders. I’ll be picking them up tonight more than likely since it’s raining outside right now and very windy. He would have taken me but he was afraid it might be a little too crude for me, a bunch of Air Force men drunk would be good for a single girl but not a married one.
It looks like I get a couple of more days with Gordon. They’ve delayed his trip until Friday now. I’ve decided that I would like to stay at home while he is away. As much as taking a bus to Tirau and seeing a Scottish Ball is appealing, I think that finding activities for me to do around here would be better. I’ve been driving on the roads for a week now and the only hard thing to do is remember the speed limit. The ease that I’ve found with driving has been nice. Every nice I’ll slip and turn my windshield wipers on when I meant to put my blinker on. I am starting to get lonely because of the absence of my social outlets like scrapbooking and being with friends. I’ll find something though and be back to the old Nedra.
Gordon’s parents visited on Monday and I found myself struggling with trying to accommodate them. I guess that I’ve been in my own groove around the house that a disruption, even a welcomed visit, leaves me a bit flustered. The social rules are certainly more relaxed then what I’m used to so there was a bit of bruised ego on my side. The only thing I was really upset with was that they left sugar in the sink and I found a line of ants making their way to and from the sweet stuff. A can of Raid took care of them though and I cleaned the counter before using it again.
Cooking is coming along nicely. I’ve made some progress on touching raw meat. I still can only touch ground beef and coated beef, raw chicken still makes me gag. Well, I chose a recipe that allowed the chicken to be coated and I was able to coat them using tongs and a container I had, we don’t have any plastic bags right now for shaking and baking. I’ll be looking up a couple of recipes on kraftfoods.com again to supplement what I have planned. We have at least one dish with a curry flavor, chicken and rice once a week. Like I said, Gordon is a curry fiend.
We’ve both been fighting off some spring colds that have developed. My symptoms are a bit different than his. He has a runny nose and congestion. I’ve been nauseous for the past couple of days. I think it may be my body still adjusting to the diet out here, nothing else. Gordon is off to Oktoberfest right now with his friends Scotty and Radders. I’ll be picking them up tonight more than likely since it’s raining outside right now and very windy. He would have taken me but he was afraid it might be a little too crude for me, a bunch of Air Force men drunk would be good for a single girl but not a married one.
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