One of the hardest things about living in New Zealand is the amount of things that you leave behind. There was definitely some purging that needed to be done in my closet and room. I don't deny that but sometimes I think of all the craft supplies that I've lost in the shuffle. Granted, I bought art supplies that I never used. However, being in New Zealand without a job makes me want to do some art projects. The problem is that we have debt that needs to be erased thanks to Mr. 2 years deferred payment. I need a job to help with the payments but nothing is working, should I just apply to the job in Mitre 10? So buying art supplies that I may be able to turn into a viable business front may not be the best road to walk down. I would like to take a night class that deals with woodworking or painting or drawing but is that the responsible thing to do?
Settling into a new place and a new country takes time and I'm slowly getting there. I'm feeling more comfortable being in New Zealand. I'm trying to transition but sometimes I'll get stuck on something and it feels like I'm back to square one. Sometimes I still do compare but I realize that our living situation could be so much more worse than where we are at. We are in a wonderful place to raise children, a nice country with nice neigbors. Still, if I was in America, we wouldn't have had to spend so much money on getting house necessities because I already had them. The bed, the drawers, the towels, the kitchen utensils, the whole works. I would have a job! I had my art supplies with me, I was able to decorate things for the girls. I was happy to give them something that I created for them. I hate having to look at a piece of wood, acrylic paints and brushes and thinking that the prices are too much. Would it have been easier for Gordon to have moved to the States? Probably not because he has a good, steady job here in the Air Force.
Making friends is not easy for such a quiet, shy, introverted girl like me. I consider that I'm putting myself out on a limb by just saying hi to other church parishners or walking into a swimming pool area all by myself. I had a viable support network back home full of friends and family. While I do have support from my in-laws, it can't substitute the feelings I have for my family. Its like getting a new addition to the family with their own attitudes and outlooks, it takes a while to get used to. Sometimes I just want to be over this whole feeling of being an outsider looking in. I want friends that I can go talk to and have days with so I don't get resentful when Gordon goes and plays golf so many times during the week or has to go on a trip. I wish that I could go on week long trips with ladies.
A feeling of inadequacy washes over me now. I'm not gifted at knitting or embroidery or sewing like ladies here in New Zealand are. I can't make clothes for my children. The only things I can knit are baby blankets and scarfs. Gordon loves me for who I am but I feel like a square peg trying to be put into a round hole. I'm not a single girl anymore, I'm a married woman. My bracket of friends have changed, except for those I have in the states. My best friend is thousands of miles away and I can only talk to her twice a month and my family once a week. I can barely make conversation with Gordon's mom when she's visiting. What I can do is paint wood, make crude and childish drawings, work on a computer, make scrapbook designs and dream big.
I should love me but inevitably we all compare ourselves to the people around us and I feel inadequate. I can't make cakes from scratch and I prefer macaroni and cheese from a box. I hate bugs in my house while people have learned to live with it here. Gordon never asked me to be anyone else, he took me at face value. Gordon doesn't understand why I don't love me, its not a default from my family its a default in my wiring.
I want to feel needed the way it was back home. I was Aunt Nene, Nene, the girl who would come and help out if she could. The girl who watched the twins and Dax so Ali and Paul could go out for date night. My Mom and I went to Popejoy to watch musicals and enjoy time with each other. I feel like I've lost a part of myself, something that defined a part of who I was. That made me Nedra and the girl that Gordon fell in love with. Gordon loves me, he needs me to love and support him. I guess he needs me to cook healthy meals for him and make sure he doesn't drink too much or get angry when the golf ball doesn't go where he wants it to go. I do know that I can't live without him. He's filled a part of me that was empty. I just wish we could have both been Americans or New Zealanders. I guess its going to take some more time, which I have plenty of. I think that I may just buy a couple of paints and some wood and decorate them. Its time to do something constructive.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Blah week but good weekend
So I know that I left a couple of days last week out of my blog. Last Friday wasn't anything special because it consisted of Gordon piddling around with the garden. He put up the rest of our garden edging for the side garden as well as digging out some more ground. I spent most of the day inside. I planted some little seedlings but it looks like they don't want to bloom so I may have to start from scratch, again. It can get frustrating because I really want to have some nice color on the side. There are punnets for sale at the home improvement shops but growing from seeds is cheaper. I'll just pile that old soil into the side garden and see what happens. I've been thinking that a nice, wildflower section would look nice inbetween the prim and proper sections. I'm still debating whether I should plant my Alstromeria in the side garden and whether I want to buy another to add more beautiful color.
Last Saturday, Gordon got pulled into playing for the Feilding Cricket team. I told him to go and play because he probably needed the practice. He ended-up helping them win the game with his excellent batting skills. I spent that day doing some scrapbooking at a creative memories workshop. If Gordon was going to do something he liked I figured I should too, plus I had to stay in town to pick him up after his game. I did go to a little bagel restaurant called 'Holley Bagels". They made a great bagel sandwich, I think its my new favorite restaurant. Afterwards I made my way to the scrapbook session. I was able to make some more headway with my pictures. I'm doing a little book of my cousin Michele's wedding and that just needs some paper, stickers and captions to be completed. I also worked on my trip to New Zealand from last March. I'm all the way to Huka falls, it makes me feel a bit accomplished. Some of the pictures don't need altering so I put them in the little photo book as is. It looks like I'm making some good headway with those numerous pictures, hehe.
Sunday was my day to give my little mini-sermon. From the passage I was given, I was able to tell about how God is like a parent to us and trying to steer us in the direction. When we stray from the path he can be kind and give us a warning that what we are doing is not good, like with Jonah and Nineveh. That was the passage I had. I was able to tell a little story of my own that related to the passage and the message I delivered. Everyone said that I did a good job and Gordon said he was proud of me. It was fun to give my perspective on the passage but I don't think I'm going to be a pastor anytime soon. I was nice, clear and articulate though. That college public speaking class has come in handy over the years. The church picnic was supposed to be at Kowhai park but...it was raining again! They were going to go the McDonalds in Wanganui instead. Gordon and I ended-up going to the McDonalds in Bulls instead since he said that I deserved a treat for such a good job in church. I never noticed how good fries taste when your drinking a shake, I think a found a fantastically tasting, weird combination for myself.
Monday was a public holiday for the region, Wellington Anniversary day. Apparently each region has a day like this where they got off. Auckland has its Anniversary day right after Wellington. Gordon was talking about taking me to the beach but he doesn't know the region's beaches very well. We decided to see what Kowhai park was all about so we packed a picnic and went to Wanganui. If Ainsley, Sierra, and Dax were with us they would have been flipping out when they saw the park. It was a child's playing paradise! There was a huge octopus with swings on his arms. A merry-go-round that looked like a carousel, a water play area, a whale slide, a huge tree house play structure, a flying fox....You get the picture, the place was decked out! I decided that was one of the parks that I'll be taking the kids to when they are older. We did some strolling and found a whole bunck of other things including a skate park, go-karts, bumper boats and mini-putt. There was a little area that had a mini-train operated by the Wanganui Lions club and it went around an extra play area that had a pirate ship and castle to walk around in. Gordon and I took a walk after our lunch to settle everything down since my tummy was upset. After we left Wanganui we went to go get some ice cream from Sanson since it was just 5 minutes away from Bulls. I had Caramel Toffee and Apricot, not one of my best combos, and Gordon had his Goody Goody gum drops ice cream.
The rest of the week was pretty quiet. I really didn't do anything worth writing about. I did find the Export Meat Warehouse which has better deals on meat than Pak'n'Save so that was a bonus! We also spent some of our time at the pool excercising and having fun tossing our tennis ball. Gordon spent a lot of his days practicing with the Base team for Interbase Cricket this week. It looks like with all the walking and pool fun we've been having has been keeping him in shape so he's done really well at the practices.
Saturday was a bit boring because Gordon wanted to do projects around the house before he left on Saturday. One thing that we did do was clear-off the guest bedroom because Gordon's mom has come for a visit while Gordon is away. Luckily I have some meals planned so it should be smooth sailing. There's always lulls in conversation where your not sure what to say but she's an easy-going woman so I don't mind as much. If Roger was here the silences would be filled-up with him talking.
Sunday, Gordon was off bright and early to go to Interbase Cricket and I had the whole place to myself. I did a couple loads of laundry, pruned the veggie garden and cleaned the bathroom and vacuumed. It was a busy Sunday and Monday I guess. I also went to the library to get some more books to read. This week I want to try and make my own linen spray for the clothes when I hang them to dry outside. Whenever I bring them in they have a weird funky smell that I want to get rid off. It looks quite easy to do all you need is water, essential oil and vodka/ethanol. I'm feeling very crafty and ingenious right about now. I also want to try and make our own soap to see if we can save money on that too. There's a cute little idea from Martha Stewart about heart shaped soaps with little candy sayings on them. Martha always seems to use expensive things though, doesn't she? She's definitely not the poor womans handy crafter.
Its been a bit lonely without Gordon at night. I don't sleep as well when he's not in the bed with me. I can always count on him to stop me from rolling onto my back which I've been trying to avoid lately. He'll be back on Friday though so that's good and we're supposed to go to a birthday party that evening so it should be fun.
Everyone have a good week and drink some hot cocoa for me!
Last Saturday, Gordon got pulled into playing for the Feilding Cricket team. I told him to go and play because he probably needed the practice. He ended-up helping them win the game with his excellent batting skills. I spent that day doing some scrapbooking at a creative memories workshop. If Gordon was going to do something he liked I figured I should too, plus I had to stay in town to pick him up after his game. I did go to a little bagel restaurant called 'Holley Bagels". They made a great bagel sandwich, I think its my new favorite restaurant. Afterwards I made my way to the scrapbook session. I was able to make some more headway with my pictures. I'm doing a little book of my cousin Michele's wedding and that just needs some paper, stickers and captions to be completed. I also worked on my trip to New Zealand from last March. I'm all the way to Huka falls, it makes me feel a bit accomplished. Some of the pictures don't need altering so I put them in the little photo book as is. It looks like I'm making some good headway with those numerous pictures, hehe.
Sunday was my day to give my little mini-sermon. From the passage I was given, I was able to tell about how God is like a parent to us and trying to steer us in the direction. When we stray from the path he can be kind and give us a warning that what we are doing is not good, like with Jonah and Nineveh. That was the passage I had. I was able to tell a little story of my own that related to the passage and the message I delivered. Everyone said that I did a good job and Gordon said he was proud of me. It was fun to give my perspective on the passage but I don't think I'm going to be a pastor anytime soon. I was nice, clear and articulate though. That college public speaking class has come in handy over the years. The church picnic was supposed to be at Kowhai park but...it was raining again! They were going to go the McDonalds in Wanganui instead. Gordon and I ended-up going to the McDonalds in Bulls instead since he said that I deserved a treat for such a good job in church. I never noticed how good fries taste when your drinking a shake, I think a found a fantastically tasting, weird combination for myself.
Monday was a public holiday for the region, Wellington Anniversary day. Apparently each region has a day like this where they got off. Auckland has its Anniversary day right after Wellington. Gordon was talking about taking me to the beach but he doesn't know the region's beaches very well. We decided to see what Kowhai park was all about so we packed a picnic and went to Wanganui. If Ainsley, Sierra, and Dax were with us they would have been flipping out when they saw the park. It was a child's playing paradise! There was a huge octopus with swings on his arms. A merry-go-round that looked like a carousel, a water play area, a whale slide, a huge tree house play structure, a flying fox....You get the picture, the place was decked out! I decided that was one of the parks that I'll be taking the kids to when they are older. We did some strolling and found a whole bunck of other things including a skate park, go-karts, bumper boats and mini-putt. There was a little area that had a mini-train operated by the Wanganui Lions club and it went around an extra play area that had a pirate ship and castle to walk around in. Gordon and I took a walk after our lunch to settle everything down since my tummy was upset. After we left Wanganui we went to go get some ice cream from Sanson since it was just 5 minutes away from Bulls. I had Caramel Toffee and Apricot, not one of my best combos, and Gordon had his Goody Goody gum drops ice cream.
The rest of the week was pretty quiet. I really didn't do anything worth writing about. I did find the Export Meat Warehouse which has better deals on meat than Pak'n'Save so that was a bonus! We also spent some of our time at the pool excercising and having fun tossing our tennis ball. Gordon spent a lot of his days practicing with the Base team for Interbase Cricket this week. It looks like with all the walking and pool fun we've been having has been keeping him in shape so he's done really well at the practices.
Saturday was a bit boring because Gordon wanted to do projects around the house before he left on Saturday. One thing that we did do was clear-off the guest bedroom because Gordon's mom has come for a visit while Gordon is away. Luckily I have some meals planned so it should be smooth sailing. There's always lulls in conversation where your not sure what to say but she's an easy-going woman so I don't mind as much. If Roger was here the silences would be filled-up with him talking.
Sunday, Gordon was off bright and early to go to Interbase Cricket and I had the whole place to myself. I did a couple loads of laundry, pruned the veggie garden and cleaned the bathroom and vacuumed. It was a busy Sunday and Monday I guess. I also went to the library to get some more books to read. This week I want to try and make my own linen spray for the clothes when I hang them to dry outside. Whenever I bring them in they have a weird funky smell that I want to get rid off. It looks quite easy to do all you need is water, essential oil and vodka/ethanol. I'm feeling very crafty and ingenious right about now. I also want to try and make our own soap to see if we can save money on that too. There's a cute little idea from Martha Stewart about heart shaped soaps with little candy sayings on them. Martha always seems to use expensive things though, doesn't she? She's definitely not the poor womans handy crafter.
Its been a bit lonely without Gordon at night. I don't sleep as well when he's not in the bed with me. I can always count on him to stop me from rolling onto my back which I've been trying to avoid lately. He'll be back on Friday though so that's good and we're supposed to go to a birthday party that evening so it should be fun.
Everyone have a good week and drink some hot cocoa for me!
Monday, January 19, 2009
Night shift weeks should be more exciting
Another week and another list of no job prospects. I do feel good about the Kiwi Can leadership application I made out. I really do hope that I make the short list of applicants. It would just be super. I'm trying to put all my effort into getting this job. You deal with children from 5-15 at different schools teaching them good values and healthy life practices to use. That doesn't mean that I haven't been trying with my other applications because I have. Its just that I think this job would be so ideal for me. My friend Patty gave me a good idea too about renting out my services as a scrapbooker for people who want a scrapbook but not the motivation or creativity. I'm looking into it; I'm just not sure how to pimp myself out because of my lack of friends here. If it was New Mexico, I don't think that I would have a problem.
This week was night shift which meant that Gordon got to spend the day with me. Monday started with, what else, golf. That's the round where I told Gordon he needs to cool down and not worry about Interbase golf. He also forgot to call his parents on Sunday so he had to call them Monday morning. I usually remind him to call but I fell asleep at 8:30 that night and stayed asleep the rest of the night! Its nice not having to cook as much because Gordon isn't at home, a good break, but I shouldn't get used to it.
Gordon decided to take me to Virginia Lake again. This time though, we packed the picnic and not the blanket. We chose a bench to eat at so the ducks couldn't get so much access to us. I was able to feed them the little bread crusts and crushed crackers that we had. Gordon and I had a good time watching all the little birdies in the aviary. There were some cockatiels trying to get under a partition in the enclosures. One actually got through but the others didn't take his lead so they were stuck on the other side. We also saw ten baby duckies, they had grown since we saw them last. I think we spent a lot of time just watching the birds in the aviary. We also took a walk around the lake and ran into the duck/bird thing that reminded me of a dog. He always wags his tail and sometimes it sounds like he's panting. Maybe its just adaptive behavior from watching dogs around the park. After lunch, Gordon read his book and I worked on my Kiwi Can application along with my mini-sermon for Sunday. I got the application finished and most of the sermon completed. We had some ice cream before we left for Bulls. Mine was Banana Chocolate Chip with Passion Fruit ice cream and Gordon just got Banana Chocolate Chip. Gordon doesn't seem to like to mix his ice cream flavors.
Wednesday I had a doctor appt. It was for that test that all women hate, you know what I'm taking about. The one you have to get every year-3 years or so. I decided to suck it up and be a big girl though. It wasn't so bad and the nurse was nice to try and talk to me to get me to relax. Gordon went to go play the Ohakea club day so I didn't get to see much of him until he came home late, late that night. Apparently he did do well though and got two free golf balls out of the deal.
Thursday I got myself a hair cut. The ends really needed trimming and I was looking at something different. So I cut my hair short! It's an okay style but I really do miss my stylist back home. She really knew how to work with my hair and what was okay and what was not. My hair doesn't look like a disaster or anything but it could have been done better at the front. Oh well, just means I have time to grow it out again. It is a lot easier to work with in the summer now though and I don't have piles of hair making my neck and back sweat. We also went into town to get the car's Warrent of Fitness. We did a drive-through thing and it all went smoothly. We also got some more garden edging for my side garden of the house. My little seedlings haven't popped-up yet, except for a cosmo, but I'm being patient. We also looked at trellis' for the cucumbers because they need something to grow up on.
Our trip to the grocery store was pretty good. I was so happy because we got out of there with only having to spend $118. That's the lowest yet. I guess that just means that my pantry is really well-stocked finally. I found that I have a lot of ground beef in the freezer and need to start working on chicken. We also are saving money because of the garden now. The green beans are ready to be picked and so are a number of other veggies. We pick them as we eat them that way we don't have too much in the fridge. I still have a whole zucchini that needs to be taken care of, sliced and diced.
That's it for now. See you all next week!
This week was night shift which meant that Gordon got to spend the day with me. Monday started with, what else, golf. That's the round where I told Gordon he needs to cool down and not worry about Interbase golf. He also forgot to call his parents on Sunday so he had to call them Monday morning. I usually remind him to call but I fell asleep at 8:30 that night and stayed asleep the rest of the night! Its nice not having to cook as much because Gordon isn't at home, a good break, but I shouldn't get used to it.
Gordon decided to take me to Virginia Lake again. This time though, we packed the picnic and not the blanket. We chose a bench to eat at so the ducks couldn't get so much access to us. I was able to feed them the little bread crusts and crushed crackers that we had. Gordon and I had a good time watching all the little birdies in the aviary. There were some cockatiels trying to get under a partition in the enclosures. One actually got through but the others didn't take his lead so they were stuck on the other side. We also saw ten baby duckies, they had grown since we saw them last. I think we spent a lot of time just watching the birds in the aviary. We also took a walk around the lake and ran into the duck/bird thing that reminded me of a dog. He always wags his tail and sometimes it sounds like he's panting. Maybe its just adaptive behavior from watching dogs around the park. After lunch, Gordon read his book and I worked on my Kiwi Can application along with my mini-sermon for Sunday. I got the application finished and most of the sermon completed. We had some ice cream before we left for Bulls. Mine was Banana Chocolate Chip with Passion Fruit ice cream and Gordon just got Banana Chocolate Chip. Gordon doesn't seem to like to mix his ice cream flavors.
Wednesday I had a doctor appt. It was for that test that all women hate, you know what I'm taking about. The one you have to get every year-3 years or so. I decided to suck it up and be a big girl though. It wasn't so bad and the nurse was nice to try and talk to me to get me to relax. Gordon went to go play the Ohakea club day so I didn't get to see much of him until he came home late, late that night. Apparently he did do well though and got two free golf balls out of the deal.
Thursday I got myself a hair cut. The ends really needed trimming and I was looking at something different. So I cut my hair short! It's an okay style but I really do miss my stylist back home. She really knew how to work with my hair and what was okay and what was not. My hair doesn't look like a disaster or anything but it could have been done better at the front. Oh well, just means I have time to grow it out again. It is a lot easier to work with in the summer now though and I don't have piles of hair making my neck and back sweat. We also went into town to get the car's Warrent of Fitness. We did a drive-through thing and it all went smoothly. We also got some more garden edging for my side garden of the house. My little seedlings haven't popped-up yet, except for a cosmo, but I'm being patient. We also looked at trellis' for the cucumbers because they need something to grow up on.
Our trip to the grocery store was pretty good. I was so happy because we got out of there with only having to spend $118. That's the lowest yet. I guess that just means that my pantry is really well-stocked finally. I found that I have a lot of ground beef in the freezer and need to start working on chicken. We also are saving money because of the garden now. The green beans are ready to be picked and so are a number of other veggies. We pick them as we eat them that way we don't have too much in the fridge. I still have a whole zucchini that needs to be taken care of, sliced and diced.
That's it for now. See you all next week!
Monday, January 12, 2009
He can be grumpy when playing golf
What a boring week I've had! It's always that way when your used to having your husband around for so much vacation time. That's okay. I have been doing things to occupy my time. This blog may be short, compared to the others, because of my week back to being at home.
Gordon was working during the day which meant that I had lots of time to myself. I tried to occupy it with watching more Powerpuff girls and my recorded shows. My Monday and Tuesday consisted of tv and something else but I can't remember what. I've been trying to be more economical with food but it seems that you can't get out of the store without spending at least $120. Before any of you have a hernia from knowing I spend that much at the grocery store, just know that things are more expensive over here. For 2.24 pounds of chicken I'm paying at least 15-20 dollars. Don't even get me started on the price of cheese and yogurt. The cheapest things is fruit and veggies which I keep loading up on to stay nutritious and healthy. Things are a lot different here in the Zealand but I'm acclimating to the expense of it all, hehe.
Wednesday I was a bit more adventurous and went into town. I decided that I was going to see a movie. I was looking at "Bedtime Stories" but it started at 10:30 and I was still at the house so I decided to go and see "Twilight". I've read the first two books. I'm going to try and go to the library to borrow the third book to read. The movie was very nice and I enjoyed it very much, they did a very good job adapting it to the big screen. I've decided that if I'm going to see a movie, its going to be on Tuesdays because that's when they have discounted ticket prices. Saving two dollars is a big deal right now. I also did our grocery shopping and registered for a library card, it was a big day!
Thursday and Friday are a big blur right now; they seem to have molded together that I don't remember what I did on each day. I do know that I did get some cleaning done and reorganizing. Gordon put together the metal shelf in the guest room and now all my scrapbook supplies have a home! I did get a bit upset because I dropped my big box of photos with my first trip to New Zealand in it and they went everywhere. Fortunately, since they were grouped in certain containers, they were easy to put back together but I don't think I got the order right. Thank goodness I kept a journal of my trip! I did some major zucchini carnage by shredding and chopping them and freezing them into little baggies for use later.
Our pastor stopped by as well. That mini-sermon I signed-up for, well it looks like I'm going to be giving it this Sunday. I'm a bit nervous but I think that I can do the task. My passage is from Jonah 3:1-5,10. I'm going to talk about how God is merciful and compassionate when dealing out judgement at times. I can't wait to see what everyone else will talk about in their verse.
I did make a major mistake one day. I watched the movie "Atonement" and I was a little enthralled by it but in the end I hated it. I'm sorry to those of you who liked the movie, it just wasn't my cup of tea. So much sadness and despair not to mention that brief shot of a child getting raped by an older man. I think that I've become sensitized due to the New Zealand PSA's. They are so brutal and I hate watching them which makes me want to see good things, not sadness and despair. It was a good story full of regret and what not but like I said, not my cup of tea. I told Gordon that I'm becoming like my Grandma, he said I was just a loving person who doesn't like to see that kind of thing.
Saturday was me alone at home doing chores while Gordon went to go play golf with a buddy at Rangitikei. I got a lot done but there is still more that needs to be done. I also put away all the Christmas decorations until next year. I felt very accomplished on Saturday and I was able to call my Mom too. I had spare time so why not? It was a bit drizzly and overcast outside so no chance of gardening. Gordon had a good day of golf, apparently one of his best scores.
Sunday we went to church, we missed the last two services because we were out of town. The mini-sermons were very nice. I'm hoping that I do a good job with mine. I'm going to talk about how God is like a parent, He sometimes gives us a warning before He decides to dole out the punishment. We were supposed to go to the Mt Lees reserve for a picnic but the cold and overcast weather had the church going to plan B. So, inbetween, Gordon and I walked down to Woolworths to do some grocery shopping. We came back to have an indoor lunch with those who wanted to at the back of the church in the little welcoming room. We also got to see a movie, "Cheaper by the Dozen", I really like that movie. We even got some ice cream out of the deal.
Gordon is trying to get serious about his golfing which has me a little concerned. I don't mind him playing because it gives me more chances to get exercise but he does have a tendency to get a bit "frustrated". When he's really peeved, he likes to throw the clubs across the fairway. He wants to make the interbase golf team. Which is why I haven't been going with him to the course lately, his temper when he gets a shot wrong. I think that he's putting too much stress on himself to make this team. I finally told him that he should just play and getting onto the team be secondary. It may be that he doesn't make the team this year but he can work for next year. I know from being too tense during my swing that its better too relax otherwise you don't play as well. Golf is a game of relaxation rather than frustration.
So, that's about it. Sorry that I'm posting so late. Gordon is on night shift this week which means I get him during the days, sometimes. I'll tell you all about it next week. Everyone have a great week and weekend. I may get to go to the beach this weekend, yippee!
Gordon was working during the day which meant that I had lots of time to myself. I tried to occupy it with watching more Powerpuff girls and my recorded shows. My Monday and Tuesday consisted of tv and something else but I can't remember what. I've been trying to be more economical with food but it seems that you can't get out of the store without spending at least $120. Before any of you have a hernia from knowing I spend that much at the grocery store, just know that things are more expensive over here. For 2.24 pounds of chicken I'm paying at least 15-20 dollars. Don't even get me started on the price of cheese and yogurt. The cheapest things is fruit and veggies which I keep loading up on to stay nutritious and healthy. Things are a lot different here in the Zealand but I'm acclimating to the expense of it all, hehe.
Wednesday I was a bit more adventurous and went into town. I decided that I was going to see a movie. I was looking at "Bedtime Stories" but it started at 10:30 and I was still at the house so I decided to go and see "Twilight". I've read the first two books. I'm going to try and go to the library to borrow the third book to read. The movie was very nice and I enjoyed it very much, they did a very good job adapting it to the big screen. I've decided that if I'm going to see a movie, its going to be on Tuesdays because that's when they have discounted ticket prices. Saving two dollars is a big deal right now. I also did our grocery shopping and registered for a library card, it was a big day!
Thursday and Friday are a big blur right now; they seem to have molded together that I don't remember what I did on each day. I do know that I did get some cleaning done and reorganizing. Gordon put together the metal shelf in the guest room and now all my scrapbook supplies have a home! I did get a bit upset because I dropped my big box of photos with my first trip to New Zealand in it and they went everywhere. Fortunately, since they were grouped in certain containers, they were easy to put back together but I don't think I got the order right. Thank goodness I kept a journal of my trip! I did some major zucchini carnage by shredding and chopping them and freezing them into little baggies for use later.
Our pastor stopped by as well. That mini-sermon I signed-up for, well it looks like I'm going to be giving it this Sunday. I'm a bit nervous but I think that I can do the task. My passage is from Jonah 3:1-5,10. I'm going to talk about how God is merciful and compassionate when dealing out judgement at times. I can't wait to see what everyone else will talk about in their verse.
I did make a major mistake one day. I watched the movie "Atonement" and I was a little enthralled by it but in the end I hated it. I'm sorry to those of you who liked the movie, it just wasn't my cup of tea. So much sadness and despair not to mention that brief shot of a child getting raped by an older man. I think that I've become sensitized due to the New Zealand PSA's. They are so brutal and I hate watching them which makes me want to see good things, not sadness and despair. It was a good story full of regret and what not but like I said, not my cup of tea. I told Gordon that I'm becoming like my Grandma, he said I was just a loving person who doesn't like to see that kind of thing.
Saturday was me alone at home doing chores while Gordon went to go play golf with a buddy at Rangitikei. I got a lot done but there is still more that needs to be done. I also put away all the Christmas decorations until next year. I felt very accomplished on Saturday and I was able to call my Mom too. I had spare time so why not? It was a bit drizzly and overcast outside so no chance of gardening. Gordon had a good day of golf, apparently one of his best scores.
Sunday we went to church, we missed the last two services because we were out of town. The mini-sermons were very nice. I'm hoping that I do a good job with mine. I'm going to talk about how God is like a parent, He sometimes gives us a warning before He decides to dole out the punishment. We were supposed to go to the Mt Lees reserve for a picnic but the cold and overcast weather had the church going to plan B. So, inbetween, Gordon and I walked down to Woolworths to do some grocery shopping. We came back to have an indoor lunch with those who wanted to at the back of the church in the little welcoming room. We also got to see a movie, "Cheaper by the Dozen", I really like that movie. We even got some ice cream out of the deal.
Gordon is trying to get serious about his golfing which has me a little concerned. I don't mind him playing because it gives me more chances to get exercise but he does have a tendency to get a bit "frustrated". When he's really peeved, he likes to throw the clubs across the fairway. He wants to make the interbase golf team. Which is why I haven't been going with him to the course lately, his temper when he gets a shot wrong. I think that he's putting too much stress on himself to make this team. I finally told him that he should just play and getting onto the team be secondary. It may be that he doesn't make the team this year but he can work for next year. I know from being too tense during my swing that its better too relax otherwise you don't play as well. Golf is a game of relaxation rather than frustration.
So, that's about it. Sorry that I'm posting so late. Gordon is on night shift this week which means I get him during the days, sometimes. I'll tell you all about it next week. Everyone have a great week and weekend. I may get to go to the beach this weekend, yippee!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
The start of something...good?
A
hh, its time for me to get all confused again about what year I have to write down when putting the date on things. I do like the start of the New Year for the most part. It kinda makes me sad because I have to wait a whole year until my birthday comes around again, hehe. The New Year was lots of fun though with Gordon and I making some resolutions, which will be at the end of this post.
Well, since we got back the day before New Year's Eve, Gordon and I didn't have much planned for celebrating our first New Year's together. There was a party being hosted by one of his friends and he was saying he could probably get himself invited but it wasn't such a big deal to me so we didn't bother with it. We spent New Years at home, that's right just me and him together. Gordon ended the year with a round of golf while I stayed home trying to write my previous blog but not finding the right words to exactly capture my Christmas holidays. I ended up catching up on all the shows that I recorded while we were away. It was mostly "Powerpuff Girls" episodes, yes I watch them. I also attacked the zucchini plant, we're in an on-going battle but I will prove victorious! We took a swim at the base pool for my portion of exercise and then we did some grocery shopping because we were in dire need of fresh food. We spent the rest of the evening relaxing and chilling. I'm kinda hoping that our year will be like our evening
, no big worries. There was a party happening next door so we knew when New Year's had come and shared our first kiss of 2009.
The next day, Gordon asked whether I wanted to go to the beach or on a picnic in some gardens at Wanganui. We opted for the picnic in the gardens and made our way to Wanganui which is about the same distance away as Palmerston North, just in the opposite direction. The name of the gardens were called Victoria and it had a huge lake in the middle of it called Virginia. Gordon and I were ready for our picnic with our blanket and sandwiches and even some fruit. The one thing we weren't prepared for was the ducks! The water fowl on the lake must be very used to people feeding them because as soon as we sat down we were surrounded! I had to spend some of the lunch time chasing them away. There was one duck who was trying to get very cosy with us and bit Gordon's shoes and my purse! But we did enjoy ourselves and we even got in a little reading time. I saw one of the native birds in the little marsh edges of the lake called Pukekoes. They have this long, stick legs that help them to not sink in the mud and they look so funny running around. We saw a mamma getting bits of bread and taking it back to its baby to eat, aww. My first meal of the New Year consisted of mac'n'cheese with zucchini, carrots and sliced hot dog. I know, I'm such a gourmand, hehe.
The day before we left, Gordon decided to mow the lawns. It took him about half a day because we have so much grass to take care of. I spent some of the time deleting shows I recorded and watched. I also spent some time getting my pots taken care of. I replanted my little rose shrub and gerbera daisy, both gifts, into bigger pots to give them room to grow and also our little rogue pumpkin plant. That inspired Gordon to make a trip to Mitre 10 so we could get his tomato plants and some garden things. I needed some more potting soil for my pots and seed m
ix to make my flower seeds grown. I decided to start from scratch with my seedling flowers because they had spent so long in those little containers. Guess I'm not cut-out to use yogurt cartons as flower pots. We got some edging for the side garden Gordon is making me as well as the soils, tomato food and plants. I also got my alstromeria plant that Gordon had promised to get me. We came back and Gordon worked on the tomatoes while I worked on potting my alstromeria. It's going to be so beautiful when it blooms! After our big day in the garden we went for another swim at the base pool and then had dinner later.
That Saturday was our big trip to New Plymouth to see the festival of lights at Pukekura park. We had rain all the way from Bulls to New Plymouth and when we got to the holiday park it looked like it was just starting to clear up. Gordon also made a couple of stops to check-out golf courses on the way. Gordon and I went to the City Centre, they spell center differently here, to have a bite to eat and look at the shops. Something remarkable happened there, I wasn't moved to buy anything! I saw a sweet hand-held mandoline as well as an apple slicer/corer that I would absolutely love but knew that we need to save our money and pay-off that darn credit card! We went back to the holiday park to have a bit of a rest before we went to go have dinner and then go to the park. We found a curry place close to the park and had some good curry
as well as naan. When we got to the park we had tons of time to waste so Gordon and I checked out all the park had to offer. There's the main bridge on the lake that was sponsored by a man in the 1800's that Gordon took my picture on. I read later that the said man was found drowned underneath the bridge later, a bit grim. We were too late to go and enjoy the little zoo they had in the park but we walked up the huge hill to it anyways and saw a mamma duck with her babies on the side of the steep hill. They have a huge amphitheatre type area that is used for concerts and things, kinda like the concert area at the Rio Grande Zoo. Gordon and I explored every square inch of that the park and took a rest in the kids play area. They had some concerts going on for the festival. One was with a group called "The Mermaids" and they sang 80's, 90's and now hits. I recognized most of the songs! The other was a type of folksy group called "Pink Champagne". It was lots of fun.
At about 8:30 the lights in the park come on and Gordon and I explored the park all over again! We tried in vain to find this infamous water wheel but it wasn't until the end of the evening that we stumbled upon it! The lights were so beautiful and pretty everywhere, it made me feel lucky to be with Gordon sharing that moment.
I told him that we should make New Plymouth our family tradition, if we're going to be staying in New Zealand for awhile why not? Gordon always talks about his family trips and things so I think its time we make some traditions of our own that we can share with our children.
The next day, on the way back to Bulls, we stopped for a round of golf at Stratford. We also were able to see Mt. Egmont/Taranaki since the low front had finally moved out. I didn't take a picture but I will next time. I only walked with Gordon for 9 holes and then spent the rest of the time reading my book and knitting. Its tough to be around Gordon when he gets upset when he doesn't play a shot right. Just as I'm too hard on my self-image, Gordon is too hard on himself with golf. We all have our vices that we need to work on. It was a nice trip home and I ended-up taking a nap on the way. It was a nice trip to New Plymouth, now I can see why it was picked as the best place to live in the world! We'll definitely have to go back to enjoy it all over again with more time as well.
We spent Monday, after Gordon got off work, doing garden things while there was still daylight. I got another zucchini. I now have some recipes to use them for like oven chips and breads so baking will be had one of these days of the week. I seeded some trays with five types of flowers; I have five more that need to be done today. Gordon worked on putting down the weed mat down for the side garden and then filled it with alternate layers of compost and dirt. It's a good thing too because my bulbs definitely need to be transplanted soon, they are sprouting beautifully. We then watched the news while we ate dinner and spent most of the evening with the tv off and just talking. It was a good day.
Still no news on the job front. I was almost brave enough to apply for a job at a local cafe yesterday but I chickened out at the last minute. Building up courage to walk into a place and inquire about jobs seems so scary to me. Then I ask myself, would I be happy doing something like that for a part of my life? I mean, money is money right but if you're not happy with what you are doing then it generally can show through your demeanor. At least I have my gardening, it makes me feel peaceful and my cares float away while I'm taking care of something else. Gardening definitely makes me feel rooted here. There's a great saying from a book I have about moving that says "Bloom where you're planted" and it definitely feels like I'm starting to bloom, despite lack of a job. I think that all couples go through a time of financial unrest, its only the really organized supercouples who don't get caught in the trap. It's only making us stronger as a couple though and not breaking us apart. Which always reaffirms my belief that Gordon and I were meant to be together all along.
We'll see what the future holds and Gordon and I are trying to sell stuff we don't need on Trademe. I've even started thinking about selling some of my tea sets to see if we can get some extra money. I mean, what if my girls really don't care for tea sets and I don't really have a place to put them right now? We'll see though, I'm definitely not selling my princess dolls or snow globes! I'll find a place for them if I have to make bookcases myself!
Anyways, I hope that everyone has made some kind of resolution for the New Year. Some people say that resolutions are useless and they make you feel bad when you don't complete them or fall off the wagon. I like to think of them as goals, objectives your trying to reach to make yourself or someone else feel better. So, here are my resolutions for the New Year:
1) Have passport and SS changed to my married name! (Lazy girl, hehe)
2) Lose some weight before having a baby
3) Be as fit as possible to have a baby
4) Get at least 2 scrapbooks finished
5) Visit home
I also have some resolutions for Gordon and me:
1) Pay off the credit card!!! (I'm going to get it paid off, mark my words!)
2) Try and pay the GE bill off early (Think of the interest we'll save)
3) Live within our means (I'm slowly getting there)
4) Work on having a baby! (Gordon is starting to dream about babies too)
5) Improve our green thumb
6) Learn to make nutritious, economic meals (even if it is just sausages and mash)
Everyone have a great week and enjoy the pictures!
hh, its time for me to get all confused again about what year I have to write down when putting the date on things. I do like the start of the New Year for the most part. It kinda makes me sad because I have to wait a whole year until my birthday comes around again, hehe. The New Year was lots of fun though with Gordon and I making some resolutions, which will be at the end of this post. Well, since we got back the day before New Year's Eve, Gordon and I didn't have much planned for celebrating our first New Year's together. There was a party being hosted by one of his friends and he was saying he could probably get himself invited but it wasn't such a big deal to me so we didn't bother with it. We spent New Years at home, that's right just me and him together. Gordon ended the year with a round of golf while I stayed home trying to write my previous blog but not finding the right words to exactly capture my Christmas holidays. I ended up catching up on all the shows that I recorded while we were away. It was mostly "Powerpuff Girls" episodes, yes I watch them. I also attacked the zucchini plant, we're in an on-going battle but I will prove victorious! We took a swim at the base pool for my portion of exercise and then we did some grocery shopping because we were in dire need of fresh food. We spent the rest of the evening relaxing and chilling. I'm kinda hoping that our year will be like our evening
, no big worries. There was a party happening next door so we knew when New Year's had come and shared our first kiss of 2009. The next day, Gordon asked whether I wanted to go to the beach or on a picnic in some gardens at Wanganui. We opted for the picnic in the gardens and made our way to Wanganui which is about the same distance away as Palmerston North, just in the opposite direction. The name of the gardens were called Victoria and it had a huge lake in the middle of it called Virginia. Gordon and I were ready for our picnic with our blanket and sandwiches and even some fruit. The one thing we weren't prepared for was the ducks! The water fowl on the lake must be very used to people feeding them because as soon as we sat down we were surrounded! I had to spend some of the lunch time chasing them away. There was one duck who was trying to get very cosy with us and bit Gordon's shoes and my purse! But we did enjoy ourselves and we even got in a little reading time. I saw one of the native birds in the little marsh edges of the lake called Pukekoes. They have this long, stick legs that help them to not sink in the mud and they look so funny running around. We saw a mamma getting bits of bread and taking it back to its baby to eat, aww. My first meal of the New Year consisted of mac'n'cheese with zucchini, carrots and sliced hot dog. I know, I'm such a gourmand, hehe.
The day before we left, Gordon decided to mow the lawns. It took him about half a day because we have so much grass to take care of. I spent some of the time deleting shows I recorded and watched. I also spent some time getting my pots taken care of. I replanted my little rose shrub and gerbera daisy, both gifts, into bigger pots to give them room to grow and also our little rogue pumpkin plant. That inspired Gordon to make a trip to Mitre 10 so we could get his tomato plants and some garden things. I needed some more potting soil for my pots and seed m
ix to make my flower seeds grown. I decided to start from scratch with my seedling flowers because they had spent so long in those little containers. Guess I'm not cut-out to use yogurt cartons as flower pots. We got some edging for the side garden Gordon is making me as well as the soils, tomato food and plants. I also got my alstromeria plant that Gordon had promised to get me. We came back and Gordon worked on the tomatoes while I worked on potting my alstromeria. It's going to be so beautiful when it blooms! After our big day in the garden we went for another swim at the base pool and then had dinner later. That Saturday was our big trip to New Plymouth to see the festival of lights at Pukekura park. We had rain all the way from Bulls to New Plymouth and when we got to the holiday park it looked like it was just starting to clear up. Gordon also made a couple of stops to check-out golf courses on the way. Gordon and I went to the City Centre, they spell center differently here, to have a bite to eat and look at the shops. Something remarkable happened there, I wasn't moved to buy anything! I saw a sweet hand-held mandoline as well as an apple slicer/corer that I would absolutely love but knew that we need to save our money and pay-off that darn credit card! We went back to the holiday park to have a bit of a rest before we went to go have dinner and then go to the park. We found a curry place close to the park and had some good curry
as well as naan. When we got to the park we had tons of time to waste so Gordon and I checked out all the park had to offer. There's the main bridge on the lake that was sponsored by a man in the 1800's that Gordon took my picture on. I read later that the said man was found drowned underneath the bridge later, a bit grim. We were too late to go and enjoy the little zoo they had in the park but we walked up the huge hill to it anyways and saw a mamma duck with her babies on the side of the steep hill. They have a huge amphitheatre type area that is used for concerts and things, kinda like the concert area at the Rio Grande Zoo. Gordon and I explored every square inch of that the park and took a rest in the kids play area. They had some concerts going on for the festival. One was with a group called "The Mermaids" and they sang 80's, 90's and now hits. I recognized most of the songs! The other was a type of folksy group called "Pink Champagne". It was lots of fun. At about 8:30 the lights in the park come on and Gordon and I explored the park all over again! We tried in vain to find this infamous water wheel but it wasn't until the end of the evening that we stumbled upon it! The lights were so beautiful and pretty everywhere, it made me feel lucky to be with Gordon sharing that moment.
I told him that we should make New Plymouth our family tradition, if we're going to be staying in New Zealand for awhile why not? Gordon always talks about his family trips and things so I think its time we make some traditions of our own that we can share with our children. The next day, on the way back to Bulls, we stopped for a round of golf at Stratford. We also were able to see Mt. Egmont/Taranaki since the low front had finally moved out. I didn't take a picture but I will next time. I only walked with Gordon for 9 holes and then spent the rest of the time reading my book and knitting. Its tough to be around Gordon when he gets upset when he doesn't play a shot right. Just as I'm too hard on my self-image, Gordon is too hard on himself with golf. We all have our vices that we need to work on. It was a nice trip home and I ended-up taking a nap on the way. It was a nice trip to New Plymouth, now I can see why it was picked as the best place to live in the world! We'll definitely have to go back to enjoy it all over again with more time as well.
We spent Monday, after Gordon got off work, doing garden things while there was still daylight. I got another zucchini. I now have some recipes to use them for like oven chips and breads so baking will be had one of these days of the week. I seeded some trays with five types of flowers; I have five more that need to be done today. Gordon worked on putting down the weed mat down for the side garden and then filled it with alternate layers of compost and dirt. It's a good thing too because my bulbs definitely need to be transplanted soon, they are sprouting beautifully. We then watched the news while we ate dinner and spent most of the evening with the tv off and just talking. It was a good day.
Still no news on the job front. I was almost brave enough to apply for a job at a local cafe yesterday but I chickened out at the last minute. Building up courage to walk into a place and inquire about jobs seems so scary to me. Then I ask myself, would I be happy doing something like that for a part of my life? I mean, money is money right but if you're not happy with what you are doing then it generally can show through your demeanor. At least I have my gardening, it makes me feel peaceful and my cares float away while I'm taking care of something else. Gardening definitely makes me feel rooted here. There's a great saying from a book I have about moving that says "Bloom where you're planted" and it definitely feels like I'm starting to bloom, despite lack of a job. I think that all couples go through a time of financial unrest, its only the really organized supercouples who don't get caught in the trap. It's only making us stronger as a couple though and not breaking us apart. Which always reaffirms my belief that Gordon and I were meant to be together all along.
We'll see what the future holds and Gordon and I are trying to sell stuff we don't need on Trademe. I've even started thinking about selling some of my tea sets to see if we can get some extra money. I mean, what if my girls really don't care for tea sets and I don't really have a place to put them right now? We'll see though, I'm definitely not selling my princess dolls or snow globes! I'll find a place for them if I have to make bookcases myself!
Anyways, I hope that everyone has made some kind of resolution for the New Year. Some people say that resolutions are useless and they make you feel bad when you don't complete them or fall off the wagon. I like to think of them as goals, objectives your trying to reach to make yourself or someone else feel better. So, here are my resolutions for the New Year:
1) Have passport and SS changed to my married name! (Lazy girl, hehe)
2) Lose some weight before having a baby
3) Be as fit as possible to have a baby
4) Get at least 2 scrapbooks finished
5) Visit home
I also have some resolutions for Gordon and me:
1) Pay off the credit card!!! (I'm going to get it paid off, mark my words!)
2) Try and pay the GE bill off early (Think of the interest we'll save)
3) Live within our means (I'm slowly getting there)
4) Work on having a baby! (Gordon is starting to dream about babies too)
5) Improve our green thumb
6) Learn to make nutritious, economic meals (even if it is just sausages and mash)
Everyone have a great week and enjoy the pictures!
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