Big Changes, Same Blog

Hey all,

If you are reading this post, then you are somehow connecting to my blog through a blogroll or some other type of automatic linking thingamabob. I probably told you to use it, and I probably have no idea what it is.

Sorry 'bout that.

Do you forgive me yet?

Right, so the thing is, I've decided to take creative control of my blog and switch platforms, from Blogger.com to WordPress.org. I've spent an embarrassing amount of time today (>8 hours!) making the exceedingly frustrating (and slightly expensive) switch.

If you are viewing this now, here, reading these words... you'll no longer get my future blog posts!

The travesty!

No more photos like this:

So what I need you to do, is

A) Bear with me, I really don't know what I'm doing...
B) Send me helpful hints about WordPress...
and at the very least
C) head over to www.thebikewife.com where you will find an entirely differently formatted website, but the same old me. Please subscribe from there to keep up with current posts and shenanigans.

And again, thanks for putting up with me!

We Won't Be Homeless.

No, "we won't be homeless" isn't just the mantra I've been repeating to myself for the last month. Now it's actually a fact. We found a new place, which fits most of my oh so picky criteria. (You know, things like "safe" and "quiet" and "under $5k/month".)

Except for all the stress, it's actually awesome that we found our new spot when we did. There will be no rent overlap, Scott and I have most of next weekend off work to move, and our buddy with a massive van is out of town and lending it to us while he is gone. We're pretty stoked.

So last time we moved, I posted pictures of how basically every single room in the house was an upgrade. This time, I've just snapped a few pictures of the new house to highlight my favorite parts...

These are phone quality photos, by the way. In real life, everything ins't so... grainy.

Anyways, below is the kitchen. Which is neat. Its big enough (with gas hobs and a full size oven!), bright and cheerful with a nice view of the hills, but get serious- what is awesome this photo is that heat stove!!!! It's a pellet stove, so no bothering with starting and stoking fires. Just flick it on and its churning out magic economy priced heat in no-time.

Also, I like the open plan of the living room, which is where I'm standing. Stairs go up to the right to the bedrooms and bathroom, and stairs go down to the left to the garage and bike room.

Next up, the bathroom. Our last two places have had the oh-so-kiwi bathroom (the one with the bath) and then toilet room. The one with the... well, you get it. This is definitely handy when guests are staying, but on the other hand can be a bit of a pain. I like washing my hands immediately... etc. and basically just enjoy the American-ness of an all-inclusive bathroom.

 But even better- the shower. The water pressure. It's. Devine.

The garage is twice as large as the one we have now, as is the bike room- but I thought pictures of these things are a bit boring. The yard is small like our old one- but so much more useful. Mainly because now we have a deck! It's over the garage, providing a neat view of the neighborhood.

The thing is, I was too lazy to get a good picture of the patio because it was raining outside and I didn't want to get my feet wet. So there's a mediocre phone picture of the entertaining space from an awkward angle taken out the living room window.

Last but not least, we have a bit of the view. No, it's not the old one.

That's the old one...

Ya'll may think we're certifiable, but we traded that in for a view of the hills. Maybe only something a couple of mountain bikers would find just as beautiful.

View from the kitchen window

So there you have it. I met all the critical criteria and a few of the bonuses. We have: 

a) A good location- heck there's mountain bike trails that start out the door and its on a quiet street. 

b) An affordable price. It's $40/week more than our old house... but just the amount of money we save in petrol will cover this cost increase.

c) A garage. It's a double.

d) A heat source. Refer to picture #1! Plus there's heaters in each bedroom!!!

e) A decent kitchen. Check.

f) The extras... Nooo, there's not double pane windows or insulation. This is still NZ! But, private outdoor space, yes! Sunny, not really. Dishwasher, well it's broken but might get fixed. Internal access garage, yes! Laundry away from living space, yes! Off street parking, yes! Nice neighbors, we think so! Decent water pressure, YES! Earthquake repairs done... NO. This is yet another property that has a clause in the lease basically stating we will have to go when it's their turn for repairs. Lucky for us, they're nowhere close yet.

So we are happy with our decision. We can both commute to work via bike, and are much closer to friends and great mountain bike trails. Now, we have 8 days to make this happen (oh, and work full time) (oh, and celebrate my birthday) (and pack) before we leave for the States!

An Incomplete (and somewhat incoherent) Guide to: Healthcare in New Zealand

When we first got to New Zealand, I kept getting sick. Just little colds and other afflictions, but back to back viruses can really get to you. I don't know if it's actually a fact or not, but I've decided I was sick a lot because I didn't have the antibodies to fight any of the germs on this side of the world. It makes sense that you develop antibodies over time and can eventually resist circulating strains of illness in your community. But being on the other, bottom left corner side of the world, I apparently have the immune system of a newborn.

So I should have a few immunities 16 months later, right?  Well, it seems I'm collecting ALL the antibodies. Like a game of Monopoly, I'm collecting them all. I've got full sets of antibodies and I'm looking into how to put a hotel on them and charge rent. For the record, Scott's got none. He never gets sick. He's losing at Viral Monopoly.

(Read between the lines- I'm sick again.)

Anyways, that's my segue into another discussion (er, monologue) about healthcare in New Zealand. As I've mentioned before, according to my page views and stats, all you mystery readers really care about is a) How to move to New Zealand and b) Nursing/Healthcare in New Zealand. (Oddly, it's not baby ducks.) So lets talk again about the latter. And if you haven't caught up on Nursing in New Zealand Part 1 and Part 2, go do that. Otherwise don't pass go, and don't even think about collecting $200.

The Role of the GP in NZ Healthcare

Wow. I don't really know where to start and I obviously don't know everything about this topic. But here's what I do know. As a nurse and solid member of middle class America, I did not have a GP. If I had a medical problem I either saw a specialist (dermatologist, gynecologist) or I went to Prompt Care. I don't think this is the ideal method of healthcare for young Americans, but I know its what everyone my age did. I don't think a generally healthy 20-something female with no major medical issues could even get a GP. In fact, if I remember right, a lot of GPs were leaving the practice because of the rising rates of malpractice insurance, increased MediCare denial, etc.

So, uh, here's a contrast… nearly every person has a GP here. (Ok, Scott technically doesn't have one, but see above- he's collected no viruses, illnesses, or other medical problems.) I've got one and I've seen her several times, although each time she kind of pretends she doesn't remember me even though we also work together…

Anyways. Just about everyone has a GP. Also, you can usually get a same or next day appointment with your GP or another doctor at the practice. There is a charge for each visit to your GP, which you can avoid by going to Emergency and waiting 2-6 hours. (Hello downside of socialized medicine.) They will see you for free, and then bark at you for not going to your GP for a measly sore throat. (And then they will talk about you being a time waster behind your back, I promise.) The charge for seeing a GP is lower for enrolled patients. The government kicks in some money each time the GP sees an enrolled patient- promotion of continuity of care. Non-residents like us, and tourists, can't enroll. But we can still see the GP for a slightly higher cost.

An interesting thing about GPs here (to me anyways) is that everybody and their mother seems to be one. I know several in my personal life (as opposed to a grand total of zero back home). Also, they're not exactly up on any proverbial doctor pedestal. Not to say they aren't respected- they are- but as both a nurse and as a client I find GPs extremely easy to talk to. I've never felt rushed or ignored. I haven't really met any that consider themselves God's Gift to whatever.

Older Person's Health

At 65 years old, a person can be assessed by Older Person's Health (this organization may have a different name outside of Canterbury). This assessment comes via a recommendation by the GP. Once this assessment has been done, the GP can organize (at no cost):

- Rest Home level care
- Respite Care for a few days or weeks (both for patients who feel like they need extra help, but also just for family members who need a loved one looked after because they need a break!!)
- Rehabilitation
- Palliative Care (Hospice)
- Psychiatric evaluation and care
- Walkers, commodes, shower/wall handles, ramps, wheelchairs, etc.
- "Never Alone" alarms (like the commercial, I've fallen and I can't get up!…) to summon an ambulance. I think there is a yearly fee for this, but many people qualify for this to be waived.
- Meals on Wheels
- In-home help for just about everything:

• Medication management: Forgetful elderly people living alone need not be forced into care because they can't remember when/what meds to take. Someone can come in 1-3 times every day and administer medications.
• House cleaning 1-2 hours per week.
• Grocery shopping, pharmacy trips, etc, 1-2 hours per week.
• Dressing, showering, teeth cleaning, etc. (ADLs)
• Wound care, dressing changes, etc.

There is even a free 8 week cooking course called Senior Chef for people over 65 who want to improve their cooking skills and confidence in the kitchen. They are taught easy and healthy recipes and cooking techniques for 1-2 people. 

The elderly population is a bit more of my specialty, both here and in personal interest, however let's not minimize what socialized healthcare can do for other populations:

What else does your tax payer dollar get you in regards to healthcare? (as in… what's free?)

Maternity:

• All costs of required tests (ultrasounds, glucose tests, etc.)
• A midwife who organizes all appointments, meets with you several times, and is available for questions 24/7.
• All emergency visits and treatments while pregnant (visits to ED or the 24 Hour Surgery for things like PV bleeding, hyperemesis, lack of fetal movement, etc.)
• Giving birth, unless you book in a fancy shmancy private hospital.
• Follow up appointments including those for any complications.

Children:

• After the birth of your child, you will visit or be visited multiple times by a Plunket nurse. They are available by phone for advice 24/7. They make sure you are getting on with things like development, breastfeeding, sleeping, early childhood nutrition, etc. They have endless resources. They have FREE parenting classes, play groups, and can find you things like car seats at very little cost. 
• All visits to the GP, ED, 24 Hour Surgery, etc. are FREE to all children (NZ or other) under 6 years of age 24/7/365.

ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation):

The ACC is funded by "people’s earnings, businesses’ payrolls, petrol and fees from vehicle licensing, as well as Government funding". The ACC covers the cost to any person, NZ or tourist, who is injured and requires medical care in New Zealand. If you seek care in a private institution, the ACC will pay for a percentage of your care. If you are treated at the public hospital, or if they are too full to take you and you are instructed to go to a private institution, your full hospital bill is covered.

Broke your leg in 4 places while snowboarding for the first time? And actually it happened while you were walking to the bathroom and you weren't even snowboarding? And actually, come to think of it, you were walking backwards, showing off, because you were drunk, and you fell down the stairs and it was definitely your own fault?

No worries, ACC's got your back. (Although they'd probably prefer you sober up and take some pride in yourself, mate.)

The cost of follow ups with your GP, prescriptions, etc. are at a reduced cost, with ACC subsidizing a percentage of these bills.

The Cost of Prescription Medications:

• The cost of all subsidized prescription medication is $5. The catch: the medication you need must be subsidized by the government. Some medications are partially subsidized, and some not at all. One of my colleagues recently told me about their patient who was visiting from Europe. They had forgotten a medication at home which was pretty vital. This particular med is not subsidized in New Zealand, and was going to cost the patient $140/month. This was in no way because they were a tourist. They were angry.
• All subsidized medications for children under 6 are free.
• Over the counter (OTC) medications such as aspirin, Claritin, etc. are a lot more expensive than in the States. Ibuprofen 60 tablets is going to cost you about $20. But, if you go see your GP, they can write you a script for OTC medications. Viola! $5.

Made it this far? I commend you! Here's a photo of a recent sunrise…

BTW: No portion of this incoherent "guide" is actually a guide to you or anyone else.
Remember what they say about free advice: you get what you pay for!
And, I'm human. So there's probably some mistakes in here. Feel free to correct me.

Other Bits and Pieces that I find interesting:

• Gum, lozenges, and patches for smoking cessation can be attained for only $5. A pack of cigarettes costs $17.20. And the percentage of smokers is going down - currently at 15%, down from 21% in 2006. I feel like people in NZ understand that they are expected to take responsibility for themselves, and many of them do.
• The prevalence of Type II Diabetes is 11.0% of the population, right on par with America (10.9%). NZ is ranked 3rd in the world for adult obesity (behind the recently dethroned America at #2, and Mexico #1).
• Despite having a socialized system, NZ spends much less on healthcare per person than the US.
• Because of the ACC, there is no litigation surrounding accidents (your trampoline broke my back, now pay me $200,000; that fender-bender gave me whiplash, now I have PTSD and am suing you for $2 million in "pain and suffering"). Because there is no litigation, my car insurance costs $26/month. 

I feel like this may have gotten a bit ramble-y. Let's blame it on my non-subsidized intake of Benadryl and generic cough medicine. I think it's time for me to return to killing brain cells with Netflix. Now don't you wish I just posted about bikes and ducks? 

Hurricanes, Homesickness, and Honesty

So we're having another hurricane today. It's becoming a routine thing, like grocery shopping day or garbage day (crap, that's today too. Rubbish bins and hurricanes- awesome combo.) Anyways, Cyclone Lusi has actually been downgraded to a mere "tropical storm", the winds are only 50km/hr and my roof is only leaking in 4 different spots. So what's to complain about?

There's just nothing to do (besides housework), so I thought, hey- great time to update that online story telling thing you never update anymore. But the problem is this… usually I have an idea for a post, or I've recently done something cool. But I scrolled through my photos and- nope!- haven't done anything cool since the last time I posted. I've worked a lot, including night shift, which I mentioned once wasn't that bad and I must have been delirious from night shift because it is that bad and it ruins all my fun.

So here I am, finally sleeping at night again, finally cleaning up and breathing deep after having 4 months of visitors, and finally sitting down to relax. There's a cyclone outside so I can't ride (had an awesome one yesterday though) and Scott's off at a bike race. Yes, he's nuts. So in the quiet of the living room, with only the trees slapping the windows and the flickering lights to comfort me- what am I thinking about? What should I write about?

I think to myself: it's sunny in California right now. You're missing a friend's wedding next weekend. It's spring time, the grass is green and everything has that awesome almost summer smell. Babies are growing up and have never met you. The race season is about to start and you're missing your favorite race, again. You're going to miss St. Patrick's Day festivities in a place where you can bike to the Irish pub and Guinness will be affordable.

I think to myself: I wish I were home.

I wrote an article for Expats Blog back in March 2013 about homesickness. I talked about eating healthy and staying active, and surrounding oneself with happy people. Although I don't exactly disagree with what I wrote then, I will be the first to say that my words came from a place of ignorance. I had been in New Zealand for 10 weeks. That's nothing. That's an extended vacation. And with that in mind, I'll admit now that my homesickness is likely different at 15 months than for someone who's been away 5 years. Or 10.

But it's very real now. It's tangible and sometimes it's ugly. It sneaks up when somebody innocently asks me about where I came from or what I miss. I miss everything!, I want to scream, even though that's not true at all. Sometimes the longing for home is literally painful, right inside my soul, like I've lost a beloved pet or even a friend. Other days it's more like longing or lust- like I'm 13 again, and thinking about that cute boy (California) all day while I do my homework and piano lessons. Harmless.

In 12 weeks we're going home - actually to several places in California and Oregon that have been or feel like home to us. It's just for a visit, 33 days that will probably fly by all too quickly. I'm so excited, but I'm also scared.

What if it's different than I remembered? What if the burritos actually don't appeal anymore? What if the salads aren't as fresh as I recall? What if I hate the fashion there as much as I do here? What if everything seems expensive? Or worse- feels cheap? What if my favorite restaurants are closed? What if the beer somehow doesn't taste amazing (ok, Im not really worried about that one)… but what if these experiences that I am so excited about don't live up to the pedestal I've put them on? What if my friends have moved on? What if they've changed? What if I've changed?

Assuming all of these fears are for naught, and every moment is amazing- then what? What if I want to move home immediately? Where would we go, what would we do? What is the plan? There is no plan.

And so, these thoughts flurry around my head, like raindrops from a hurricane. Smashing around, creating waves and deluges of thoughts and expectations. Happy drops and sad drops. All amounting to a flood of emotion.

I think it may have all started when we purchased our tickets to come home. That's surely when the anticipation began, and the memories started bouncing back. We have to do this, I can't wait to do that. We have to go there, we have to see them. And not long after we bought the tickets, 4 months worth of Californians started visiting, bringing wonderful tokens of life back home with them. Reminders of what we have to look forward to, but also of what we chose to leave behind.

Let me make something clear though. This choice to move in New Zealand has arguably been the best decision of my life. (Well, second best. Love you, babe.) I am living in another country. Not visiting, not working temporarily. And by living I mean truly experiencing- making friends, seeing the country, learning traditions, accepting the shortcomings.

Homesickness, no matter how deep and sometimes agonizing, still only gets to be a fraction of my experience. I think it's important that I keep trying to come to terms with it's existence, and that I recognize it is just a challenging but unavoidable "side effect" of getting to experience life away from California. It's not a reflection at all on New Zealand, it's a reflection of how great life was at home.

Chico

Ashland

Benicia

Fort Bragg

The Summer That Almost Wasn't

So I know I'm a bit spoiled. We've done a bunch of really cool stuff this summer (re: best day ever). The bikes have been ridden, the car has been road tripped, the beer hath been drankith. There's nothing really missing from our typical summer here, right?

Well there is one thing. Not that you can really tell from the pictures I post (because I cherry pick the good ones, obviously)… but one key component of summer has been dearly missed. The freaking sun. Especially the warm version of it.

The first in a montage of deceivingly summer-esque photos.

It is now late February, which means it is the southern hemisphere equivalent of late August. Which means summer is a) almost over apparently, and b) should be peaking or should have peaked in temperature.

We had a day in January that was 31 degrees (88 F). But it was so windy that it was miserable. Every other day was approximately 15-22 (59-72 F). Is this even the same country we were in last summer?

Don't let that shiny thing at the top of the picture fool you!

Sure, the slightly cooler weather is actually better for bike riding. And ok, last year's amazing weather was actually considered a long-term drought and became a national emergency. But it had nothing on the desert status of California this winter. It was lovely. And I miss it.

I've probably only worn shorts 5 times this summer. And I was probably cold 3 of those times. I haven't left the house without a jacket once, and I leave my puffy Arcteryx in the car because I hate being cold. My little dress collection is collecting dust, which I think is prompting Scott to look at one-way tickets back to California.

Castle Hill. I was soooo cold when I took this picture about 2 weeks ago. I was in shorts and it was horrible.

But you know what the worst part about all of this freezing nonexistent summer has been? I'm getting soft. I was on a road ride on Sunday and I was moaning to myself about how hot it was. I was getting sunburnt (for the first time since winter) and my single water bottle wasn't enough. I really, really wanted to be loving it, but it was awfully uncomfortable.

It was 22 degrees! A balmy 72 for those of you in the northern hemisphere. It was definitely humid, but come on… thats a crisp winter day in Hawaii!

Our view. Are you coming to visit yet?? Bring your parka!

Ok, I have another admission. Today it was 33 (92ish). I almost died. I skipped the gym, refused to ride, poured myself an ice cold glass of rose, and contemplated filling the tub with ice water.

Don't worry, it's meant to drop back to 20 tomorrow (of course), so I can resume my normal winging about how cold it is and how we're not having a summer. Or rather, how summer happened today. Started this morning, and ended this evening. If you blinked, you missed summer in New Zealand. I'm going to die when we visit Chico this July.

View from my road ride where I nearly died of heat mild weather exhaustion.

Which brings me to our holiday back home. It's coming up soon-ish. About 4 months! We've booked nearly the whole thing up with family time and road trips. We're excited to play "tourists" in California and Oregon, and tick off a few things we never got to do when we were there. Even if it's a mild summer though, it's going to be a shock to our systems! I seriously can't wait.

One last thing- look at this little hedgehog I saw in the yard last week! How cute is he!?

Recent Photos Including The Best Day Ever

Yeah, I know. Its been almost a month again. It won't happen again. (It might happen again.) Anyways, how about a bike-y catch up?

Mainly, between work, we've been spending a lot of time in Queenstown. We were there over the holidays with my parents and there again with a visiting friend. Its starting to feel a little bit like home.

Scott enjoying some secret Qtown trails over the holidays.

All this time spent in Queenstown has meant a lot of time (and, er..., money) spend riding downhill bikes. Qtown has a gondola which bikers are allowed to ride for half a day or whole day use. The trails are built for downhill mountain biking, meaning they are constructed by mountain bikers. There are lots of jumps and drops and features, which makes it really fun and fairly unique. For those of you non-bikers out there, its similar to the summer bike parks created at resorts like Whistler and North Star. When I tell most people about it, they just say "you guys are crazy."

Queenstown itself also has an awesome vibe that we really enjoy. Although there's more tourists than residents (probably 5:1, at least), there is still a communal feeling that isn't too manufactured. Spending so much time there meant establishing our favorite spots, with the clear winner being the Atlas Beer Cafe. Atlas is basically the hangout of every mountain biker and self respecting beer drinker. I get nostalgic just thinking about it….

The biggest treat however, probably wasn't even all that time drinking beer or even the gondola. Our visiting friend recently got his pilot's license, and he was keen to go for a fly! We sure had the right friend come and visit. So we got a practically private chartered tour around the mountains and glaciers neighboring Queenstown!

Queenstown arial view

Braided river

Zipping between glaciers!

So, usually when you get to go fly around New Zealand in a Cessna at 8am, that is the best your day is going to get. But on this particular day, we went straight from the airport to the Shotover River, and jumped on a jet boat. Ohmygosh what fun! I'm sort of a thill seeker- but more in the do it myself on a bike kind of way, not the jump out of an airplane way. With jet boating, you are in no way "controlling" the thrill, so I was a bit skeptical. But our buddy was pretty keen to go, and my curiosity got the best of me. It's expensive, but if you've got a little extra cash to spend on holiday- definitely do it! It's a blast! We went through the Shotover Jetboat people and it was incredible. They go so fast, get so close to the canyon walls, and can rip through water only a few inches deep! 

The Shotover River- a shot of the canyon we ripped through!

But wait, our day of awesomeness wasn't over yet! By 1pm we had already gone flying and jet boating. Just to ensure all the adrenaline possible was spent up, we got half day downhill passes on the gondola and rode bikes from 2-6pm. And the weather was magic!

Shot of Scott and Rusty (lower right) on a new trail. Thats the lake above- not the sky!

Its hard to pay attention to trails with a view like that one!

Hubby catching some air

Second to my wedding day, this was definitely a contender for the Best Day Ever!

But don't you worry, only a mere 4 days later, the guys were out to get me again with not your average bike ride. This time we were in the mountains inland of Christchurch, in hunt of scree.

Scree is the gravel-like rock that is found on a slope (usually mountain side) and is formed by the general decomposition of rock faces and cliffs. In Craigieburn, the tops of the mountains (above treelike) are pretty much all scree.

Why would we look for scree? They can't possibly build trails on scree. It erodes too quickly and changes with wind, snow, rain, etc. It can't possibly have any traction, as it is basically just large gravel on a steep embankment. So why would we look for scree?

To ride straight down it, of course.

Hike-a-bike from tree-line to the top of the scree slope.

We finally got there. (Those are more scree slopes in the distance.)

So I don't feel like there's any way I can convey the steepness of this scree slope. When Scott told me that I could do it and I would be just fine, I figured it must not be that steep. Gawwwwwd, I was wrong. I stood at the top in fear. Wishing for whiskey. Or a time machine. But I was told I would be fine- so I would be, right? (I should make a blog spin off called All the times my husband tried to kill me.)

My instructions were as follows: Get going, point straight, don't touch the brakes. You'll be right.

Right.

So I definitely hit the brakes way too much, which I admit is the reason for all of my slow motion crashes. Being terrified takes practice, people. But I did it (mostly) and Scott got my picture to prove it. Of course, it doesn't look half as steep here as it felt. Thats how it always goes.

Another photo of me in front, Scott behind, for perspective:

So that's what we've been up to lately. We now have a 2 week break between guests (one unexpectedly had to cancel her trip). Scott is up in Nelson at the Dodzy Memorial Enduro. This race sold out all of it's 300 entries in a crazy 4 minutes! So needless to say he is extremely excited. I was unfortunate and did not make it under the wire. I have a big road ride planned for tomorrow though, weather permitting… and hell, maybe I'll even find time to post again!

Preparing for a Kiwi Christmas

First and foremost, my parents arrive in Christchurch in 2 days. How crazy is that?! They're in Wellington right now, and its nearly killing me (and them too, I am sure) that they are a 1 hour plane ride away. I seriously can't wait until Friday!

In preparation for their arrival, and my favorite holiday, I've been trying to make things around here just a little more festive. But of course there has to be a problem. There's a few, actually.

1. Christmas shopping is impossible in New Zealand. When you're an expat, 90% of the people you need/want to buy for are overseas. Shipping is costly, so you really want to be positive they're going to like freaking love whatever you spent several hours wages just on shipping. Plus, how long can you stretch out the New Zealand thing? Like, after t-shits, tea towels, soap… what can you get that is small and shippable, yet hopefully slightly appreciated? This leaves online shopping (oh, Amazon), which is incredibly impersonal but so much more likely to result in a gift that gets used/appreciated/not put in a bottom drawer.

2. (Ok this isn't a problem, but it's worth mentioning) Christmas in the summer is weird. I know, I know. We signed up for this. It should actually be really awesome. Christmas barbie on the beach? Festive picnic in the park? 16 hours of light instead of like, 9. Thats practically more Christmas. But listening to Jingle Bells and White Christmas and Let it Snow - because all of those are on loop in our malls, just like yours - it's just weird. Maybe its also because I've been working non-stop, but there just isn't a Christmas vibe.

3. The tree. Its pretty common here to have a fake Christmas Tree. They're stupid expensive ($100 for a cheapie, $500+ for a decent one) and in my opinion they're also just stupid. So we bought a real tree. $40. Deal. Turns out there's a glitch (of course there's a glitch). New Zealand does not make, sell, or appreciate a live Christmas Tree stand. Like the kind you pour water into and screw into the trunk of the tree. I know Americans know the thing. It. Does. Not. Exist. In the local hardware store (like a Lowe's) I got laughed at. Their honest suggestion? River rocks in a bucket and she'll be right.

Right.

So we have the tree and we have the bucket. We don't have the rocks. But we have a sweet live tree leaning against the corner of the living room, and that's festive right?

Bucket good and hidden by presents!

The rest of the festivities around the house:

Ok, I just read this and realized it sounds a bit negative. I am way too excited to be negative. So I hope you'll take it as just a little holiday winge (Kiwi slang alert) because really things are fantastic. Can't wait for Friday!

One Year

Today is the day. We've been in New Zealand for one year.

I planned on writing a longer piece, a reflection, a personal time capsule. But as I find more and more often, I have so many other interests. I had things to do today. Scott raced (and won!) another downhill race in the park. I enjoyed another beautiful summer day. I cleaned a bit and prepared a little for my parent's visit in 5 days. And in an hour or so, we're going to the movies.

Life is blissfuly full. As Im sure my interested readers have noticed, I sometimes have a hard time being timely with my posts. I absolutely intend to keep writing, for the 4 of you out there that care, and for myself. But sometimes weeks go by where I just don't find the time… and I think thats a sign that we've made a life here in New Zealand.

So I do hope to write something meaningful and reflective at some point. It's actually supposed to rain tomorrow. Maybe then. But for now, I'll leave you with what I posted to my Facebook this morning. A summary of my feelings:

While staring off into space this morning, contemplating the ridiculous juxtaposition of my Christmas tree against the sunny ocean, I realized… Today is the 1 year anniversary of our move to New Zealand. How does time go by SO fast? What an incredible life and perspective altering year of growth and challenges and frustrations and happiness. I am grateful.

Well, that was fast...

While at work on Monday we missed a mail parcel. There was a note to come pick up a package at the post office. I hadn't ordered anything recently, and Scott's birthday is coming up- so I figured it was an early birthday arrival.

A side note about the post shops in New Zealand. They are everywhere. In a complete contradiction to my California hometown where there was one official post office, there is a post shop in almost every suburb of Christchurch. I'm sure that some of the larger 'burbs have two. There are four post shops within a 10 minute drive of our house. There are two types: the one is a post shop in the mall or as a part of another business- and there you can send your mail, buy lotto tickets, etc. At the larger post office though, the options are endless! Here you can have your PO Box, pay your cellphone bill, do your banking (if you belong to KiwiBank), get your passport photos taken, exchange your foreign currency, get travel insurance, register your car, apply for your tax number …oh, and send and receive mail. If you can't tell, I'm really impressed by the post shop services. And at mine, there's rarely even a line.

Ok, back to our parcel. Since I figured it was an early birthday gift for Scott I was a bit slack on getting down to the post shop. His birthday isn't for another 13 days (not that he's counting), so what's the rush?

Then on Wednesday morning I got an email from the Immigration Office New Zealand. It began like this, "Dear Kristen, Congratulations on your recent acceptance for a work visa…"

Right then it clicked what the parcel at the post shop was! Our visas got processed! The immigration website states an average of 24 days for processing so I wasn't even beginning to worry yet about our applications since it had only been 12 days. Needless to say I rushed down to pick up the package, and there they were:

P.S.: Scott is still annoyed this was not a birthday package

Ok, I know… they're not much to look at. But what a relief! And they got processed on November 6. A one week turn around. Impressive, guys!

So here's the one thing. As I explained before, we applied for 5 year work visas. Basically, we wanted the maximum time allowance to figure out a plan. But as it turns out, we were granted 3-year work visas. Good to go 'til November 6, 2016.

Although it wasn't our goal, I feel really good about it. By then we will have been in New Zealand just a month shy of 4 years. That's nearly double our original intentions. We can, of course, come home earlier than then. We still have time to figure things out. Actually… our goal was to get work visas. So the goal has been accomplished. And we got a year longer than the majority of folks get.

I'd like to think that by 2016 we'll be ready to put some roots down somewhere.

But no promises.

Fascinat…ing

For the last 30 minutes I've been Googling How to wear a fascinator. Right. From America and don't know what a fascinator is?

Oh, you do. You just didn't know those silly royal hats had a name.

Fascinator. 

Fascinator.

Fascinator (his and hers?)
Images Via

So why is this Yank trying to figure out how to pin a bizarre little hat on to her very non-royal hair? Well! Next week is Cup Week. And for those of you who are still totally confused (me)…

New Zealand Cup Week is an annual event held in Christchurch, a spring festival involving horse races, (NZ) fashion, agriculture and entertainment. And hopefully food. And apparently, lots of booze.

This year one of my co-workers organized for about 30 of us girls (and one token bloke) to go out for champagne brunch and then get a lift to the horse races. The most common comment I've heard from past attendees is "I know we went to the races, but I don't remember seeing a horse." It's not that they didn't see a horse… it's that they don't remember it. If you get my drift.

There is a fashion show/competition at the races. The 3rd photo above (of him and her) is of last year's fashion winners. She kind of reminds me of the mad hatter, but I clearly don't appreciate Kiwi fashion. So part of the mandatory rules of Cup Day (besides getting drunk) is dressing the part. Most girls drop a few hundred dollars, at least, on a new dress and shoes and head adornments. This is just not an option for me. But I was informed today (4 days prior, mind you) that a fascinator is compulsory... Right.

So I bought the smallest one I could find. Its black, with a few little feathers sticking out of it. I have no idea how I'm going to attach it to my head. Hence the Googling. And the other thing I've now learned (damn Google) is that fascinators are generally huge, and it's possible I bought one meant for a child. Fantastic.

The mall is 40 minutes away on a traffic-free day, and I work every day until Cup Day anyways. Looks like my wee little fascinator and boring old dress out of the closet won't be winning any high fashion awards this year.

Stay tuned for photos. Mocking encouraged.

Guy Fawkes and the Failed Gunpowder Plot of 1605

So back in England, in 1605 -when the assassination of monarchs was a bit more straight forward- a chap named Guy Fawkes stockpiled heaps and heaps of gunpowder in the cellar below the House of Lords. He and his cohorts were in the business of offing King James I, who had the audacity to not be Catholic, and therefore needed to be off-ed.

To make a short story shorter, someone tipped off the local authorities and early on the morning of November 5, 1605 they cruised on down to see the gunpowder stash. And who's shift was it to be the guard? Poor 'ol Guy. So with a "trial" consisting of questioning and torture (has anything changed? jk! jk!) he finally confessed and was set to be hung on January 31. On the big day, he jumped off the scaffolding where his noose was hanging (where were those guards?) and broke his neck, avoiding the public humiliation of the scheduled execution.

On the evening of November 5, 1605, King James I encouraged his countrymen to celebrate his escape from assassination. Tradition has continued since the day of the discovery, and now- 408 years later- Guy Fawkes Day is still celebrated in England… and apparently New Zealand, or as I'm starting to think of it "New Zengland". The tradition now is to build a bonfire on the beach, and build a scarecrow like "Guy" who gets burned in the fire (historically inaccurate!!!). Also, everyone lights off their own fireworks, and in big cities a large fireworks display is put on. Guy Fawkes Day has also become known as Bonfire Day, Fireworks Day, and Plot Night.

Driving around Christchurch, I noticed heaps of advertisements for fireworks for sale, but somehow missed this whole Guy Fawkes thing. I figured they were just on sale early for New Years (how would I know?!)… then I noticed they were only on sale for 3 days, up to November 5th. Odd. Still, I didn't dig any deeper until a doctor at work asked if I was going to partake in Fireworks Day. Say what? So then she proceeded to tell me the whole saga (she's British), and explain how we celebrate now. I'm still a bit stuck on how "Fireworks Day" is a thing. Could New Zealand be any cooler?

So last night was Guy Fawkes Fire Works Plot Day Night. The big to-do happens on New Brighton Beach. Although New Brighton is only a 15 minute drive from here, we opted to head 5 minutes down the hill to Sumner. New Brighton was doing the whole big firework thing at the pier, accompanied by James Bond music (your guess is as good as mine… if Guy Fawkes channeled a little James Bond, we wouldn't be having this holiday). The beach at Sumner has a good view of the New Brighton pier though, so we opted out of James Bond night, and met up with some friends and our own fireworks.

Turns out $25NZD will get you a pretty decent sized box of fireworks- although most of them were kind of the wimpy kid kind. Scott did buy the box that said "Family Pack" on it… oops.

Our buddies brought some decent mortars and roman candles (which definitely did not result in fireworks fights, because that would be unsafe) and some people on the beach had gotten ahold of some real deal fireworks. For about 2 hours, the shoreline was nothing but pops and bangs of explosives, which I'm sure the local dogs were thrilled about.

The big fireworks display on the pier was pretty dang impressive, but too far away to take a decent photo of. All of the fireworks pictures are just the "little" ones you can buy in the grocery store (3 days each year!) And nobody built a "Guy" to burn. How disappointing!

So it's no 4th of July… but theres a similar feel and its the closest I'm gonna get (since obviously New Zealand isn't exactly independent of England- ha!). So I'll take it!