So it’s been over two months since I was last here. Two months in which I have really struggled. And for some reason I always shy away from the one thing that often helps me in hard times – writing. If I’m completely honest too I do fall into the trap of wanting to portray a very shiny happy image of life here. Many people articulate that they wish they could have a similar opportunity or words to the effect of how lucky we are to have the opportunity to live overseas, so I always feel like I’m moaning if I’m not Pollyanna all the time!
I completely underestimated how much I’d been looking forward to going back to New Zealand at Christmastime, how good it was to be in the company of my family and friends who have known me for a long time, how nice it was to just physically be in my home country. Coming back to Winchester was a huge jolt and the terrible winter we’ve had did not help one bit. I can officially say I am totally over snow! My daughters on the other hand have found a new calling…
In the midst of it all I started my next paper, which has been going well, and I have started a very small job. I’m working at a local preschool with 2 to 3 year olds. It’s only four hours per day, four days per week so it fits in very well with the girls and my study. I’m not sure whether it will continue once we get to the end of the school year in June but I wanted to give it a go. Because of all the snow days I’ve only worked for two days but so far so good 🙂
Richard heads off to Belgium this afternoon, back next Thursday in time for us to catch Sting and Paul Simon in concert in DC. One of those experiences which we could have only had by being here so I will finish with that positive note!
Take care everyone. Hope you are all well and big happy birthday to Molly and James – thinking of you lots and sending lots of birthday wishes xxx
Good to see you back Christina xxx
Thanks 🙂
You did not fool us here in NZ we knew it would be tough, and are glad once again to open up your blog and find your smiling face beaming out at us.
Uncle Joe will be knocked out with his snowboard bunny nieces. Hang in there.
Love Mum
Thanks Mum – love you xxx
Dear sweet friend, we be there for you no matter how far away you are! All my love xx
And love to you too xxx
Chrissy. Once again I admire your honesty and openness in this latest blog. While I am sure there are many wonderful times, like any of us who have spent long periods of time away from those who know and love us best, I know that despite these, it’s also hard being away from our real home. And that it’s hardest when we’ve just been back for a little while and then return to being away again. You are doing an amazing job on all fronts. Good for you. Jacqui xx
Thanks Jacqui 🙂 Always good to have your comments. Hope you and the family are well.
Yah..Glad you are feeling more positive Chrissy but appreciate that each and every day can be a strugggle. Ive got the opposite ..my little family have gone and left me behind so it is a huge blow to not have my adored Grandaughter and daughter and “son in law” nearby. Its just me and the brick wall and the same stressful job….. but I couldnt be more proud of Jacinta and all that she has achieved. She is pursuing her little nuclear families dreams but ofcourse it is a big hole in my life to me. Chin up Chrissy. We love you . Jen xxxxx
Hi Jen – thanks for your message. I hope you are doing ok – it must be very hard for you. Looks like J, V and T are settling well. Maybe we need to get you over here for a holiday somehow 🙂 Thinking of you and sending lots of love.
So great to see you back Chrissy. Thank you. T x
You were a big part of it Toni 🙂
Living the life you live comes with many great things but like all things at a cost from time to time too. Hang in there and take comfort into the fact that we know and understand it isn’t easy creating so many homes away from home. It takes real courage to do what you are doing. Warm cuddles to keep you all warm.
Thanks Miss Cynthia 🙂 I guess you see the ups and downs all the time. Hope the wedding planning is going well.
Only my little sister could look so stylish and beautiful in freezing temperatures:) Lovely to see your latest post and it’s great to re-read all the older ones and see how much the girls have grown and how many fantastic experiences you have had “On the Croad”. Have a great time at Sting and Paul Sim on!!
Love Helen
“I’ve got nothing to do today but smile.” – Paul Simon
Thanks Helen. Great to talk the other day xxx