Dawes Family in New Zealand

Two Weeks, Lots Of Fun

It’s been a fast two weeks for sure, but massively rewarding and enjoyable, never ever thought I would say that about the school holidays!

Bethany and I have had an absolute blast the last two weeks, I have truly enjoyed it so much as normally I would have been working, stressing over the worry of childcare and worrying over the stress of guilt. This time round it was all plain and easy sailing ahead.

Sadly we do not have a camera at the moment, it’s driving me insane! It stopped working on our recent trip away at Castlepoint, and the latest update from the place we bought it is that despite having it in their workshop for 4 weeks they haven’t even looked at it yet – so annoying! We have missed so many lovely camera moments.

The first week was filled with spending quality time together, playing games and having fun at home. Bethany had a friend over for a few hours and they happily played. We also went and met friends for lunches, and whilst in Wellington did some Christmas shopping (remember its never too early to shop when you have to send things to the UK in October!). We went to see Marmaduke at the cinema one day too which was really fantastic, a movie all about dogs, our favourite! We have also had a birthday party and many trips to playgrounds.

This week we spent time at Swish Dish creatively having fun, although I was a bit miffed that we were 13 minutes late getting back to the car and was greeted with a parking ticket! Also this week a friend of Bethany’s from school came with us to Zealandia. We had a lovely walk, enjoyed the boat ride and had fun in the exhibition, ending it with lunch at the cafe. To end the week we went to see Zappo & Zappolina who were doing face painting and balloons nearby, Zappolina travels down from Auckland to attend the events here, so we always make sure we meet up.

My official study date has started, and all my stuff is here. I was lucky enough to get my pack early before the school holidays which gave me a few days to go through it all. I have just completed an online course over the last two weeks which in itself was rewarding. From next week once Bethany is back at school I can really get my teeth into it, and I am really looking forward to it. I am yet to work out if I will be able to create a home and work balance…

As I have had some time since finishing work I made it my mission to get rid of some things we have accumulating space in our home with the help of Trade Me. It’s been like having a full time job, searching out items, photographing (on our phone), measuring, listing, and then packing and posting when sales complete. Some days I would have 10 parcels to put together. I really do like Trade Me but more as a buyer than a seller, the fees to list and sell are quite high, I was putting on some of Bethany’s clothes for a few dollars, by the time I would add a photo at 75 cents and then a success fee when selling it was hardly worth it, but making up for it was the happy people at the other side who get to give something we have loved a longer life.

I have actually quite enjoyed the whole Trade Me experience this last month and it has given me something to focus on whilst bringing in a few extra dollars too. I have also met some really nice people, even one who I have made quite good friends with. One day I delivered something to a lady who had fallen and broken her leg whilst carrying her baby and she was so overwhelmed that I had made the effort to take it to her whilst sitting on her sofa that she had a little extra gift for me. We also sold Bethany’s old scooter, we really didn’t do a thorough check and sadly we were contacted and emailed photos a few days later to say it was damaged. I felt awful, I emailed the buyer with many apologies and refunded some of the money, but he was an absolute lovely person and a joy to deal with, making a great recovery out of our mistake. But then in the last few days as we are nearing the end of what could have been the easiest money maker in a long time we have the people who feel they just want to mess you around and never pay. One person in particular has got quite awful about the whole thing despite after 3 weeks of not paying!!

Its the weekend now and only a few days before Bethany goes back to school. I will really really miss her very much, we have so much fun when together and I am so proud to say she is my gorgeous little best friend. Sometimes being a little silly as us adults are whilst getting something from a cupboard I hit my head quite hard, and spontaneously cried like a child, I felt really silly and quite ashamed that I had acted the way I had in front of Bethany, but she took it all in her stride and helped me get better giving me words of advice and turning the tables. Adorable.

An exciting time ahead, studies to complete and then travel to be had. For the first time in a very long time I have never been happier, making us all enjoy life more.