Margie the Great

Margie, the most wonderful woman in the world, saw my blog post a few months ago and she had brought back some Kiwi soap from New Zealand and that sweet thing gave up her Kiwi soap to me. ME!

CAN ANYONE BE A BIGGER ANGEL THAT THAT?

No, they can't. It was selfless and made me tear up just a little that someone would do that for me. Give up a treasure. She has to be the most wonderful woman in the Whole Wide World.

That's the way she rolls (pretty awesome isn't it?), and NO, you can't have her.

Look at Macy

Isn't she cute? This is Macy Jennifer - the baby that I got for my birthday. OK, the baby that was born on my birthday. Brandon & Lizzie did a good job of making her didn't they?

New Zealand Day 10: In need of a shower - again.

Well we were up until 11 o'clock packing for the trip back.  We began our day just 5 short hours later at were at the Wellington Airport at 4 am.  We hopped on a flight to Brisbane check this photo out from the plane.  It was really pretty.  Then from Brisbane to LAX.   We only got two seats to ourselves this time, so it wasn't as comfortable, but I have to say.  Quantas has the absolutely best service I've ever had on an airline.  SERIOUSLY.  If it is ever an option to fly Quantas I highly recommend them.  I also managed to get me some Sea Bands to help with the motion sickness - so much better than last time.  I won't ever get on a plane without them again.

In LA all the restaurants were closed due to health code violations - RATS.  Nice huh?  Customs was a breeze, but we had 3 gate changes before we got out of LA.  Due to the lack of food we were extremely hungry when we landed in DFW.   The boys greeted me with warm and very long hugs and kisses and claiming to have missed Mommy.  Mason took me straight to a restaurant and boy did that improve my mood.   

I had the most awesome time.  Pictures do not do the country justice.  It was beautiful, the food was wonderful.  It was great to see everyone.  Amy looked wonderful, the new baby is adorable.  Tom is growing into such a wonderful boy.  Brice is very lucky to have such a wonderful family.

Brandon and Lizzie are just getting started in the married life and expecting a baby, which is due on my birthday.  I'm excited about that.  Lizzie is a wonderful addition to the gang and I really like her.  Susan is looking wonderful and both Susan and Tony get a big THANK YOU! for letting us  stay and were wonderful hosts.  

New Zealand Day 9: The market

Nelson has a wonderful market on Saturdays.  It has rows and rows of many booths with all sorts of homemade products.  From jewelry, wool items, homemade soaps, wood works, and clay and potter items.  We wandered thru most of the morning.  Mom got a wonderful necklace.  Lizzie got some garden art and a few paintings for the house.  I wish we could have had Amy join us, but with the new baby she kept close to home.

  

We also went   to the WOW Museum.  World of Wearble Art  You have to check out the picture above.  The dress is made up entirely of Q-Tips.  I'm serious.  You couldn't take pictures in the section with the fashions, but you wouldn't believe it.  Toilet paper gowns.  Icing, pig bras.  It was bizarre and really cool.  Got on a quick flight back to Wellington to get ready to come home.

New Zealand Day 8: Anzac Day

Most things were closed in the morning so we went to Happy Valley Adventures.  We drove to the top and Susan and Lizzie rode the skywire.  Stehle was all gung-ho at the begining, but chickened out/had a total panic attack after being put in the chair.  She did apparently grow an affection to the kind gentleman that was operating the ride.  Ladies, Fletcher is a retired dairy farmer, which apparently makes him rich.  He is not married, no girlfriend, is not gay and owns his own home and 220 acres.  He was really nice.

We did a little shopping, went to Cable Bay Cafe and had an amazing view.  We had an all around really fun time.

New Zealand Day 7: Traveling to Nelson

We took the Interislander Ferry from the North Islands thru the Sounds to the South Island.  From Picton we drove to Nelson.  On the way we stopped for the toilet.  There was a beautiful old church and a pub in this little group of buildings.  Well, you know me I grab my camera and start taking pictures.  

While doing this I got snuck up on.  All of  a sudden I turn and there is this old and very drunk dude standing next to me. I say dude, but he was probably 60 with long grey hair past his shoulders and he says:

Him:  I'm the preacher at this church, were you looking for a sermon?

Me:  No we were just using the toilet.

Him:  Where are you from?

Me:  Texas

Him (staring at my boobs):  I always heard things were bigger down in Texas, now I know why.

The conversation went down hill from here.  Offering drinks, coffee, anything to get us to stay around.  We hurried and piled into the car and finished our trip to Nelson.  We had a lovely dinner and packed it in for the night.  But my "Texas sized boobs" were the highlight of the day.

New Zealand Day 6: Petone, Paua Shells & Setting up House

This may sound like a lot, but it was a good day.  Mom, Stehle & I took off for shopping in Petone.  We had much success.  We found a great little bookstore.  I found a jewelry store, I know there was something else, but in all the excitement I've forgotten.  Mom had picked up a cold and we couldn't hang out with the new baby this day. 

After shopping & lunch, we walked down another beach close to my aunt's house and picked up paua shells.  We had great success at that too.  Now I just have to clean and polish them and I'll have something - maybe a cool soap dish.  I also got some cool shots of the beach and some surfers.

Our cousin Brandon & his fabulous pregnant wife Lizzie moved into their new house so we took off for a little unpacking.  Before we left we had the whole house unpacked and set up.  Pregnant people again cleaning up on the getting stuff thing.   

New Zealand Day 5: The Ferry & Pokie

So my sister and I headed over to downtown Wellington to do some shopping.  I found some great stuff for the kids and  my husband.  We went out for the evening with our cousin Brice to a little pub in Petone.  We ate and SURPRISE slot/poker machines are legal and in a lot of pubs in New Zealand.  I love Vegas - so this was a nice surprise.  Mostly we sat around and talked and had a few drinks.  My sister and I played for a little while and just about broke even.   

The cab ride home was another story - never get in a cab with a gassy Indian cab driver.  Especially if the windows are up.

New Zealand Day 4: Hysterical Giggles & Dribbles

Day 4 we hiked to Butterfly Creek.  I may have touched on this in an earlier post, but we walked up a mountain - they call it a hill, but it was a mountain, trust me.  It was suppose to take 1 hour & 20 minutes, but it took a lot longer.  I'm not sure if that was because we were out of shape, or my mother decided we had to take pictures every 30 feet or so.  

Anyhow, we made it to Butterfly Creek (that is up a mountain and back down) and sat down to eat our lunch.  All was going well, the tastey sandwiches were yummy.  We were eating dessert, when Honey - a young golden Lab - came by and ate mother's dessert.  We all laughed so hard we couldn't talk or breathe, however I think my sister wet her pants - or maybe just "dribbled" a little.  

My sister and I took off for our Aunt's a different direction on the way home (that would be over the mountain and back down again), it was dark, humid and the trail was very narrow in places, but we made it and this time in the allotted time so I think it was the picture taking that took so long the first time.  

My legs hurt, my kness hurt, everything hurt, but I got some absolutely beautiful pictures.

New Zealand Day 3: Rumituka

I learned a few things on this day.

1.  Never sit on the cliff side of the car when anyone else is driving over a big hill (especially Susan). &  2.  When Stehle says I'm hungry, feed her immediately.   

On this day I also experienced a first.  

Driving in a car on the wrong side of the road.  Yes, I drove a car with a right hand drive on the left side of the road.  OMG - How much fun is that?  Pretty much.  Especially when your sister is in the front seat freaking out because she keeps saying I'm too close to the edge.  Its a control thing - I was not driving too close.  I'm a good driver, even if I am a girl.

We went to Martinboro, Greytown.  Did some shopping.  Blah, Blah, Blah.  

New Zealand Day 2: Sea Glass

My sister and I discovered a wonderful thing on Friday when we got to New Zealand - Sea Glass.  We spent hours on the beach just down from my aunt's house picking it up.  We picked up a huge amount over the next few days.  I brought home a bunch - just need to figure out what to do with it.  

On Friday night/Saturday morning we got a some rain showers and were blessed with the most fabulous rainbow right out in the bay.

We also had a big family dinner.  It was great to see everyone together.   Lizzie even got a hand and foot rub.  Pregnant women just clean up don't they?

Traveling & Day1: In need of a shower.

This should really be titled DELAYED.    We were delayed  1.5 hours in Dallas, then 3 hours in LA & 1 hour in Auckland.  Our flight from LA to Auckland included a call for a doctor only about 200 miles into the flight. We all turned and looked at each other and groaned and just knew that we would be turning around and heading back for LA.  Our 9 o'clock flight had already been delayed 3 hours and we actually took off at 12:30 LA time so not one was really excited to hear this over the intercom.  

Apparently some lady up front had a suitcase fall on her from the overhead bin.   A doctor from the "cheap seats" went up front and was then rewarded with business class seats.  We (my mom) quickly claimed the seats and my mom, sister and I were all lucky enough to have grabbed 3 seats a piece for the flight over so there was a little sleep gotten by all.

We made a new New Zealand friend in the airport.  He helped us tremendously getting thru the Auckland airport to get to our Wellington Flight.  Thank you Des!   

I've never needed a shower more than after all that airport and airplane.  We managed to hang around and stay up until our bedtime.  What an incredible view from the front deck at Susan's (our Aunt) deck.  Also the view our bedroom.  The big surprise of the day came from Amy, my cousin Brice's wife.  She delivered her second child while we were in the air.  Although I feel like "Auntie Dijea", I am only a second cousin to cute little Pippa.  Here's a little shot of Susan and her first grand-daughter.

Don't forget to check out my photo blog, there will be tons of New Zealand photos popping up there.

Hello from New Zealand

I don't even know where to start and I only have a minute on the library's computer, but I have to say this place is awesome. We are staying at my aunts and out the window of our bedroom is the most beautiful view of the ocean. Every evening we watch the sunset over the bay. The full moon over the ocean is unbelieveable.

My sister and I have been hunting sea glass most mornings and have aquired quite a large collection. We went on a 10 -15 killometer bush walk yesterday. We have entiled it "Giggles & Dribbles", but that is a whole other post. We have enjoyed coffee overlooking the sea at Chocolate Dayz Cafe and today are exploring Wellington - and shopping a little.

I have to say - YOU NEED MORE THAN XANAX TO GET THROUGH THAT FLIGHT. That's another post as well.

And I'm out-of-here, almost

So I wake up this morning feeling like I sucked on a blow torch.  I do manage to get in-touch of my doctor and he fits me in.  Thank you Dr. P.  I get an antibiotic shot and a Z-pack.  My backside is killing me from the shot though.

I'm packed!  The suitcase is only 40 lbs.  Yea!  So I'm 10 lbs under the limit - although when I lift it it feels more like 60.  I've got a very small carry on and a huge tote/purse.  I should be good.  I also have 7 GB of memory cards so expect pictures.  What you don't see here will show up on my photo blog by the end of the month.  Maybe even while I'm there if I can swing a computer somewhere.  

I am watching my beloved STARS and they are not having the best of evenings.  My husband is at the game, my parents are in my kids beds and my kids are in mine.  I'm about to crawl in there with them.  Pray for a safe trip for me and I'm looking forward to sharing when I get home, so get ready.

Trip Freak Out #563

Even though I have all the clothes in the suitcase, I'm still feeling "unprepared".  Its not that I'm leaving the kids, although I will miss them like crazy, because I know my husband will take good care of them.  Probably forget their medicine, but he'll take good care of them.  Not because the little kitten had an accident and is hobbling around the house.  Not because I have to spend 19 1/2 hours (or some other ungodly amount of time) in a giant tin tube either.  Its not that I'll be in another hemisphere either, but least they speak English in New Zealand.

I just won't have any control over anything.  Is that scary or what?  I won't have control over what's happening at home, I can't just "go home" if there is an emergency.  At some point, either my mom, my sister or myself will probably be offended by something the other one does.  More of a "too much togetherness" than anything or maybe "too many expectations".  I handle things really good at the time they are happening, its the anticipation of events that freak me out.

Well, I can't wait for the rest of the freak-outs before I leave on Wednesday.  I'm off to go get everything I've forgotten so far.

I'm going to New Zealand!

Holy Cr*p!  I'm leaving the country in two weeks.  TWO WEEKS.  I don't even have my clothes completely together, I'm going to another hemisphere and it is another season.  I'm leaving my children for way longer than I ever have, I'm going to go into withdrawal for a little wee one hug.  I may get used to sleeping in a bed without snoring.  I might not be able to find stuff I will eat.  Maybe I'll find too much stuff to eat.  AAAAGGGGHHHH!  I'm freaking out. 

Not really, I'm looking forward to it.  But I will miss my kids & maybe my husband.  OK honey, I will miss you too.  That part before was just my lame attempt at humor.

My husband is going to play video games every moment - oh he already does that.  But he'll now have to do laundry in between sessions.  HA!  And he'll have to make lunches. HA!  He'll even have to go to the grocery store.  HA!  Will he survive unscathed?  It probably won't even phase him.  I'll probably worry for nothing.  But hey, that's what I'm good at.

Do you think I'll survive the trip without throwing up on a plane or a ferry?

 

I can't make a decision by myself.

I'm going to New Zealand in April.  I'm  not exactly sure how I'm going to manage that long traveling.  It will take about 21 hours to get where I am going and the longest actual flight is 13 hours.  13 hours in a plane over the ocean.  Personally, I don't think they have enough Xanax for me to make it without a panic attack, but I've notified the manufacturer and hopefully it will be in by April.  

Ha! Ha!

Seriously - Here is my dilemma.  I always have a dilemma don't you know.  I have two digital cameras.  One is a nice little Cannon Power Shot - its great for snapshots, but not those over-the-top photos you hope to get.  The other is a Nikon Coolpix - its a little older but when I bought it, it was 1 step under the digital SLR.  It has a lot of options not available in the point and shoot.  Unfortunately both are rechargeable batteries.  If I buy an extra battery - which one do I get it for?  I'm torn.  The Nikon is heavy and I won't want to carry it all the time, but it will take really awesome landscapes and when your hiking or on the ferry I guess that's the camera I should have.  Suggestions?

My mother, sister and I are off to visit family over there.  I have an aunt and 3 cousins and 1 1/2 second cousins.  the 1/2 is not born yet it will arrive around the time we get there.  OOOHHH!  Baby alert.  I love newborns.  They are all wrinkly and bald.  Bald babies are the cutest - its a fact.  

Back to the camera - I always seem to lose my train of thought in some random tangent.  My other option is to buy another camera that uses disposable batteries.  I just don't know.