Getting my life back...

I definitely feel like life is getting back to normal, after months and months of upheaval. I don't mind admitting I feel exhausted, which I think is just my body going "it's ok to relax now". Aside from a disastrous moving day where I fell down the stairs and badly injured myself, I love my new flat. It is nicknamed 'The Bach' because it looks like a old holiday home that someone just thought 'hey, let's whack an extra room on here!'. The floor slopes, and it's going to be cold and draughty (like most Wellington homes), but the pros definitely outweight the cons. I am 3 mins to the beach, and I can see the ocean from my living room. Ok, so you have to peer through the trees, but my landlord has promised to get the trees trimmed so the view will be spectacular. My view

I also have the benefit of having a pet that I don't have to pay for - the neighbours cat thinks my place is hers, and miaows outside loudly until I let her in. She's very affectionate so I am still getting my quota of kitty cuddles. I have nicknamed her Tinkerbell as her owners have very wisely fitted her with 3 bells so you can hear her coming for miles. There's lots of native birds around here, and we don't need to lose anymore.

'Angela's house is MY house...'

Here's a couple more pics - this spectacular sunset is taken from my kitchen, which has the best view.

Work is fine, there are a couple of permanent jobs I am going for within Internal Affairs. Neither of them I am very keen on, but with the job market being in the state it is in, I will take what I can get.

I am still going along to Island Bay Presbyterian, which is good, but also a challenge. It is a very traditional church, and most people have gone there their entire lives. It needs a little bit of a shake-up...a gentle one anyway : )

Happy New Year!

Well folks, it's hard to believe 2009 has rolled around so damn fast!

I haven't been up to a great deal since coming back to NZ. Trying to find a job has been my main concern, and that has been so frustrating. Mostly it's just because it's a crappy time of year to be looking, and it doesn't help I am pretty much only looking for govt jobs - which are notoriously slow in their processes. So I am hoping things will get done a little faster in the New Year. The good news is, that there are lots of decent jobs out there, and I am quite optimistic that one will be mine soon.

I've been to Wgtn a number of times - once to see Chelsea putting in a superb performance as baby Jesus in a church play - and have caught up old friends which is always great. I went out with some of my 'bestest girls' and we figured the last time we were together was probably Fiona's engagement party way back in '05! Life eh? Jackie is home from the UK for the xmas hols so I got to catch up with her too, and we are all hoping that she will come back for keeps later on this year.

hanging out with my mate Jesus (aka Chelsea)

Chelsea with Mum Fiona, and Jackie

Ann-Maree, Kara, Monique, Moi & Rebecca

Even Wanganui has given me some entertainment. I know, who'd have thunk it! We watched Mahe Drysdale take on Olaf Tufte in a rowing race on the Whanganui river. Mahe lost, but who cares? The man is a legend.

I also went to see a dinner theatre version of 'Allo 'Allo, which was so funny, as you'd expect. You were given a french passport at the door and had to carry it with you at all times to show the 'nazis'. The best passport was my aunty Linda who was given the identity of a young male body builder...

There was lots of audience participation, with plenty of embarassed people being hauled up to help with the silly songs and dances. I never get picked though - perhaps they can tell I wouldn't find it embarassing, and have a dazzling repetoire of silly songs and dances already? We also threw a Mamma Mia party (oddly enough my Dad decided to take himself off to James Bond that night) so I am all prepared for Abba singstar challenges in the future.

Otherwise I have morphed into Nigella Lawson, domestic goddess. I have uncovered hidden talents as a baker, dog trainer, gardener, and party planner. The next time you see me I shall be traipsing around twittering about the early flowering of the rhodendrons, and going orgasmic over a new focaccia bread recipe...how tragic! I'd better find work quickly then : )

mmmm look viewers, banana loaf! Isn't it just sooooooooo scrummy?

Christmas and New Years was pretty quiet, just spent with the whanau. But it was awesome to be back in that lovely low-key vibe of bbq's, the beach, and sunny weather - barring the boxing day sales/cemetary circuit motorbike racing madness. Oh and I love that if you AREN'T wearing jandals (that's flip-flops for you non kiwis) everyone stares at you like you are a social pariah. Which is as it should be.

And yes, that is a christmas pudding on my head. We Emmetts have NO shame.