Sunshine Through Winter

I thought I'd show you what's making news here in New Plymouth lately:

So it may not make for the most interesting reading but I'd choose no "news" over "body found in vehicle" or "two shot in deadly gang rivalry" any day.

Seeing this story really made us feel justified about some of our reasons for moving: Why it's silly that we fret about "rush minutes" here delaying us a few minutes on an eight minute commute

Today is Dustin's last day with the tree management company and tomorrow he has a bit of safety training with his new job. Luckily for him he seems to be recovering alright from his bout with hand foot and mouth disease. Not to be confused with hoof and mouth disease which affects those with cloven-hooves. No, hand foot and mouth is apparently quite common in children here as it's similar to a chicken pox kind of virus. But we're still scratching our heads as to how he got it - the only link is that a guy he works with had it a couple weeks ago so somehow there must have been some interaction that transferred it. The doctor also was baffled. What happened was he had a fever and vomiting last Saturday and then felt ok with a terrible sore throat on Sunday. Monday came around and he went to work but midway through the day he got spots on his hands and the fellow who had it before was there and told him that's how his started. So off the to doctor where they just confirmed that's likely what it is and gave him an info sheet. Not much can be done so it runs its course which - according to the info sheet - includes painful blisters on hands, feet and in your mouth. They aren't supposed to itch but his hands were madly itching all Monday evening - so much so that little sleep was had by either of us.

He was home Tuesday and Wednesday and the symptoms seem to be fading. He's been feeling fine but the worry he was contagious kept him home - though on Monday the doctor didn't seem to be worried he was contagious anymore. So, certainly weird to battle new sickness without knowing how to deal with it best.

I have an interview with the hospital next week so I am really hoping I catch some success finally! It's a casual position but technically so was my tenure as a postie that kept me working solid for six months. Even if it really is a couple days a week covering absence or something, hey, I'll take it. Not to mention I can walk over! So if you blow out any candles, or have a run of good luck - send some my way! :)

Because, I really believe that things work out they way they are meant to. Case in point: an apartment we applied for back in March isn't far from where we ended up. However, the cul-de-sac that it's located on has been shut down recently for road works. The closure is supposed to be about 2 months long according to the sign but gosh what a headache it would be because I haven't seen any other way to access the road and there are blockades up! We had no clue that was planned when we applied and yes we were disappointed to not get it but the couple days of disappointment outweigh two months of parking about a block away from home and having to carry groceries, surfboards, etc back and forth from the car - in the middle of winter no less where storms are not unheard of... sure we've had a week of sun and blue skies but before that was rain and the forecast is for rain.

So, whatever ends up working, I have faith it will lead us to where we are meant to be.

Now, I better go have some hot water with apple cider vinegar just to ensure that I keep up my immunity!