finally there. finally here

It's been a while (as per usual), but that's because things have finally started moving, and - at long last - I'm in New Zealand.

I've started doing some training at my new workplace in preparation for a start date of January 5th 2009 and all appears to be going well so far. There's plenty to learn and investigate, and it's vital preparation for when I start work proper. It also doesn't hurt to meet my future colleagues and attempt to integrate into the work environment. Anyway, so far so good, and everyone has gone out of their way to be friendly and helpful.

This has been interspersed with living in a bach, sussing out Sumner and Redcliffs (where we're hoping to live), searching for accomodation for when we all finally get over here, and checking out the local schools. Oh, and getting as much local knowledge as possible.

Of course, things can't be totally perfect, and we (as a family) still aren't completely sorted with regards to our residency. NZIS as *still* stalling over Maddie's medicals, and we're having to harras the already over-helpful and appreciative-of-our-plight consultants at York Hospital for even more information.

I've had to come over on a work permit rather than residency, so as ever we're nearly there, but as ever not quite there yet.

Video Skype has been my salvation in the lonely weeks that I've been away, but I'm desperately looking forward to getting back home on the 30th October and giving the girls a long and well-missed cuddle.