Exploring the Land of the Long White Cloud

We have sprung ahead so now the time difference between us and most of you is 4 hours (and a day) rather than 5 so we're on the way to easier timing for phone calls and skype! Once you guys fall back it's only 3 (and a day) hours. We've been thinking of that stress scale that you are shown in personnel planning classes in school or at lunch and learn sessions about reducing stress - we've been hitting a lot of the majors lately - Dustin losing his job and starting a new one, taking on a mortgage, upcoming move, me starting a new job, then going back to June some major travel and weddings - we're hoping that once we have moved we'll stop ticking so many off. Although I did look at it recently and home renovations are on the list... So the next few weeks (or 25 sleeps to be exact) may add to the stress but we're hoping our organized preparation will keep it to low levels. I mean we have moved before (as I mentioned last time, 8 times in the last 7 years......

This is a tale about first-time home buyers. It's complete with frustration, excitement, heated negotiations and ultimately a happy ending. Ok so I guess I already gave it away. We bought a house! During the last several weeks we've been through the ringer and back, more than once. But this part starts just under 3 weeks ago... On Father's day we had our usual open home plan for the early afternoon. There were 4 houses on the agenda this particular day. The first two were rather uninspiring but the third gave us pause as we walked into the backyard and heard birds singing and a babbling brook. The house itself is old with some updates made in the 90's/00's but overall not an amazing interior. This isn't too different to most houses in our price range though. So began our veiled infatuation... We returned the next day after work for Dustin to crawl around under the house and in the attic. We had another visit with a plumber to double check some things. Then...

It's extremely apt that spring is on the way because we are really in line with some new beginnings going on. I start a new job on Monday! It's with a small company that makes websites and software and guess what? They want someone to organize them! Among other tasks. Sounds like it will be a great fit and the office is in town about equal distance from the sea and this lovely, huge park. Perfect lunch-hour stroll territory. We are still on the house hunt. We've looked at over 25 places by now and this week have seen one that is warranting a second/closer look . This is only the second one we've been to more than once. That last one just didn't thrill as much on the second visit so we didn't go further. But this one Dustin is going to crawl around in the attic and crawlspace to examine it further. So, will be deciding in the next few days if we want to offer on it. The last time we actually were home shopping would have been just before we got married, in ...

We have been back for about 2.5 weeks now and getting back into the chilly life. As I type, I am cuddled up in one of the Cowichan sweaters my mom made for us. Must be hard to imagine for those of you in the Lower Mainland experiencing a hot, dry stretch of summer! When we got back there was a few weeks of papers to catch up on so this is what we missed: Yep, that warrants a half page in our paper. Yes you all are groaning that I am even going to contrast this with a story we saw while we were back in BC. But I couldn't help it.... "Three against one fight was over traffic incident" In other news, we have finalized the process for residency - for now. But the great news is that it's basically sorted and if we are allowed to stay here as long as we want. There is one more process in 2 years but it's not as intensive as this past application. Yay! This means we can vote, we're eligible for health coverage, we can contribute to the superannua...

I imagine the recent earthquake near Wellington may just be reported as "6.5 earthquake in New Zealand" so for anyone who is worried, we are ok. We definitely felt it but it wasn't very strong up where we are. We were at a friend's house and Dustin actually had to alert us to the eearthquake - none of us really noticed it. But once we stopped moving you could feel it and we could see power lines shaking! It lasted for a good fifteen seconds. I had felt one early Sunday morning as well that was minor here but still went for for 15-20 seconds. I am due to head to Wellington for a conference on Friday though, so awaiting an email this week to update whether it's still a go. The hotel it's booked at was one that was closed apparently due to the shake. Anyways, just keeping you up to date that we're safe and sound.

Ok I know 2 hardly qualifies as a barrage but I was playing around online today and found a site that you can make free photo collages on so wanted to share these! If you want to have fun collage-ing too then head to  http://www.photovisi.com/

The madness of the travel and the flights have got the best of me so I am off sick today with a crummy head cold. That does give me time to post some photos though! I don't have a lot of energy for storytelling but will let the pictures tell the tale. I'll start at the start... What's a trip to Canada without bears? That was the first one I've seen for real though. Wedding flowers - arranged by us girls! On our way back from the salon... Whoomp there it is. Oh Squamish! Driving range antics Winery antics The next wedding Cheeky cake topper! All these men got married in pink socks. We were ready to siesta by the time we got to Cabo Mark's dog with an overly large tongue 4th of July rooftop fireworks in Cabo The house we rented in La Paz for a 2 night trip And how 'bout those papayas! Boat trip day. This is where we waited for lunc...