Ahhh.....it has been a while and a lot has happened. We got back to NZ at the beginning of February and I had a week or so off before starting work at the Campbell Institute, my lovely new workplace.

The last few weeks in Japan were crazy busy. A few weeks before coming back to NZ, we went down to Kyoto for Seiji's cousin's wedding (absolutely beautiful) and a really great family reunion. Then a couple of weeks before coming back, I went to Thailand to give a presentation on learner autonomy and self-study using websites. It went really well, but I was feeling pretty tired and a bit ill. Am guessing that was as a result of being a few weeks pregnant, which I found out a few days before starting my new teaching job.

We stayed with my wonderful parents for about 6 weeks after coming back, which was wonderful as all I could do was work and sleep, due to first trimester / new job tiredness.

We moved into our new place on March 10th and have been really enjoying the place - native birds outside out windows (tuis and kereru mainly), a tiny view of Wellington harbour from my upstairs bedroom, and lovely neighbours for Rai to play with (three kids!). There's even a sheep living about 100 metres away. It is completely still and quiet at night, and the oxygen in the air (from all the native bush around) is intoxicating.

We have been enjoying New Zealand too with a trip up to Taumarunui early on, and a lovely stay with Susan in Nelson over Easter weekend.

Second trimester now and I am finally getting some energy back and my groove on.

Had a great weekend last weekend - went to a tea house called Martha's Pantry last Saturday and had high tea with some lovely ladies. Went to the movie "Boy" on Thursday. Feeling a bit more sociable - book club next week and maybe an attendance at the Wellington Community choir.

I really want to catch up with more people and especially see people at Massey.

I love New Zealand. I have just been watching Country Calendar with Rai (all about Bendigo Station and Shrek the Sheep). Soon, I'll take Rai to a birthday party, then pop to Porirua to pick up some furniture I bought off Trade Me, and a nice lunch, (all by myself!), at Pataka gallery.

Life is good ; )