I can’t believe our time here is almost up here. We’ve got close three weeks left in New Zealand and only two and a half until Ironman NZ. Whoa!! Where did time go? What the heck did I even do here? Haha. Oh yes, I remember. The checklist.
You see, I had a “tentative” checklist here in NZ. I thought it would be fun to make one but there was absolutely no pressure to accomplish them all. But you know what? Looks like I came pretty darn close.
NZ Checklist…
-
Road trip to North Island and back – check
-
Visit Vineyards and go wine tasting- check and still have a few left
-
Day trips to the surrounding ports, country side, etc.- check
-
Ride the Ferry across the Marlborough sounds- check x 2
-
Visit family-check
-
Go to several Farmer’s Markets-check
-
Enjoy cooking local food- check (lamb, lamb, and more lamb)
-
Go see the Emirates racing boat in the Viaduct Harbor–check
-
Weekend Trip to Queenstown- not in the budget but that’s okay. Next year!
-
Meet up with a few international bloggers-check and I hope to meet one more soon.
-
Finish Healthy Bites eBook- check, yea!! see the side bar!
-
RELAX- check
-
Take care of each other-check
-
Smile-check
-
Take care of myself- check… in progress.
I think that last one has been the hardest to realize. How do I take care of myself when I don’t even know how? Well, two and half month’s into this trip and I finally realized how. Or at least HOW to START…
By Letting Go of guilt….
By reaching out to others…
By disconnecting from the world….
By reconnecting with ME…..
By praying….
God sure knows how to answer prayers in HIS own way, and this trip has reconfirmed that. I’ve got 3 weeks left here and I plan on surrendering those moments to God and letting Him do the magic. Those QUIET, BEAUTIFUL, PEACEFUL moments. 
And on a lighter not, here’s a look at some classic NZ Food and Training Food from our time here in NEW ZEALAND. Let’s do it WIAW Style, yes?
Thanks Jen for letting me join the Club this week!
All Homemade and New Zealand made with Love
Okay I didn’t make the ice cream but that is the brand that the hubs’ uncle sells at his local ice cream stand. Too cute!
Oh, I almost forgot. My last “check-list” item for New Zealand actually came from the hubs. He’s requested we make his favorite childhood treat.
Yo-Yo’s!!!!!
I think I’ll use this recipe. Wish me luck!
Do you have a life check list? How’s your “progress”?
Cheers,
LC
A Few Snippets from My devotional – Letters from God:
“When anxiety attempts to wedge its way into your thoughts, remind yourself that i am your SHEPHARD. The bottom line is that i am taking care of you; therefore you needn’t be afraid of anything.”
Oh gosh, I am like comment #127 today. :/
Just wanted to say ‘HI” and taking notes on how to take care of yourself. I needed a reminder! 🙂
we all need that reminder friend. And you, as a mom and wife, need that more than ever! hugs from NZ!
Linds – I can’t believe your time there is coming to an end, but then I think back to before Christmas and it seems y’all have been gone for quite a while. 🙂 I hope you can enjoy the remaining time there and connect with YOU so that you feel refreshed and ready to tackle life back in Austin. all the food in this post looks amazing! Makes me want to move to NZ…or maybe just have you as my personal chef.
i know, time flys! and now you are leaving. what a crazy journey. Oh friend, i sure hope i get to see you before you do go!! when can i call you?
Love that your check list is going so well!
i might have to add to it soon just for kicks!
What are those two delicious photos of right under the ice cream? Whatever it is, it looks DELISH and I want some…pretty please. I have a mental checklist, but should probably put it on paper to make it “for reals”! Ciao bella!
does that checklist involve moving to austin? 😉
Lindsay, I think you did awesomely well on your checklist! And what you said about how to approach the last point – I absolutely agree with that. You’ve made some great points there, and I aim for those as well.
Enjoy the last three weeks! Time is always going by so fast … (Although, sometimes it’s nice it’s going by like that. ;))
well you are always an inspiration to me and a great reminder to TAKE care of myself. so thank you Kath.
Hard to believe it’s already coming to an end! I’ve so enjoyed getting to experience NZ by proxy, but I know watching your coming adventures will be just as fun.
Congrats on making some incredible progress on that list, too. Mine doesn’t have near enough checks on it!
thanks Alyse. I hope the journey continues back in Austin with more of these moments, ya know?
How’d those yo-yos turn out?! The rest of those eats have got my appetite stirring – melted cheese, creamy things, a big bowl of (??) deliciousness!
It’s been amazing to see photos and “watch” you guys have so many adventures in such a short time. When I travel (move to?) NZ, I’m bringing you along fo sho! 😉
if you bring me, i’ll make yo-yo’s for our trip, k? We will be back next year for sure. So you and D can come!
Great Eats! (as usual) I’m glad you got to try out local fare. I love experimenting with new cuisines; that’s part of the fun in traveling. (It doesn’t hurt that I really really really like lamb.)
oh me too me too! lambaholic maybe? haha, jk. But it’s so delicious here.
Whoa, can’t believe it’s almost time for the big NZ ironman! That went by fast (of course it went fast for me, I just read your blog a few times a week from Oklahoma and call it good, haha). Wow. So excited you were able to experience so many things off of your list. It sounds like being there was a good thing for you both. Also, I had never heard of yo-yos. Gonna have to check them out.
it has been good Katherine and we are so thankful that GOd blessed us with this time. Now, get thee to YO-YO’s!
This time has gone by in the blink of an eye… so quick!!!
i know, but at least you get your marmite sooner. hehe.
I just can’t wait to see YOU! I could use a Lindsay hug right about now… I’m not contagious anymore, promise! 😉
time flies eh?
glad to see you have your ebook ready to roll…i’ve purchased it and can’t wait to try them out!!
hope you enjoy your last few weeks in nz and that hubs rocks the IM!!!
thank you Audrey! it means so much to have your support. I hope we get to meet someday soon! let me know how you like the ebook too.
Hey Lindsay!!
a BIG congrats on finishing your e-book… that’s exciting!!
It seems like it was only yesterday that I read your posted about you guys deciding to move to NZ.. time really does fly by! Glad to see your embracing your time and taking care of yourself. Every little bit counts.
Silly question, but how did you get that egg looking so perfect?! haha
Nice to connect again!
i know, crazy how the time just goes. And now i want more. Oh and the egg, i microwaved it in a bowl. 20 seconds at a time. hehe.
Gosh time really has flown by!!! It feels like it was just 3 weeks ago that you left Amurrica. And you have accomplished so much! It makes me happy and proud that many of those accomplishments have been fun 🙂 those goals are good for the soul, no pressure and no guilt.
so good to play catch up with you friend. WIsh you were here with me in kiwi land. I know we’d have a blast. Think you will be coming back soon?? or austin??
I love the snippit from your devotional – that’s a keeper! I don’t have a check-list, which is actually weird when I think about it (I’m a list person!), but I love that you had one for NZ. =)
you already have an amazing life check list done. I am impressed!
What’s in your oatmeal? And what kind of cake is that?
My life list is getting done. I mean, not very well but small steps.
well, there is lots in the oatmeal. coconut, full fat greek yogurt, berries, sunflower butter, and more! and the cake is my chia recovery cake. Microwavable. Posted the recipe monday. Gotta try it Jules!
This was an amazing post Lindsay. Giving yourself up to God is so important as he is always there for us and why we are here. I need to make a fun checklist for just little stuff here in Tampa!
“Often licked, never beaten”- I love that!
i know, best line ever! makes you want to buy all the ice cream, right? and whats the update on tampa vs. austin
???
I don’t have a life checklist…i can’t think that far ahead…but i do have a list of things i want to accomplish this year. They are posted on my inspiration board to keep me motivated.
P.s. did you ever go visit the hot springs at rotorua???? They are pretty magnificent
oh we are going by there tomorrow!! We love the hot springs. BEAUTIFUL!!
I need to create a life check list as I do not have the greatest memory so it would help me to stay on track. and taking care of ourselves is a tough one, even for us. but since we are going through so much lately we are really trying hard to put ourselves first 🙂
HUGS
you need to! you both are so giving, but you are the most important! i wish i could come spoil you. xxoo
Ice cream is essential for optimal training 😉
I didn’t know you had the eBook for healthy bites, I will have to check that out!
oh please do! and let me know whatcha think. The ice cream here is unreal, like cream of the crop unreal!!
Oh man, talk about an accomplished checklist. 🙂 Man oh man. And your E-book?????? How exciting!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m so happy for you! I need to learn from you and follow in your footsteps about taking care of myself.
I can’t believe you only have three weeks left. Craziness. Love ya Linds! Thanks for being my daily inspiration!
you are my daily inspiration! i can’t wait to get back to flat kitty. He’s waiting for us. hehe. Love you friend!
rockstar on the checklist! 🙂 I can’t believe you are almost done there but I can’t wait for you to come home! (haha I say that like you guys returning to Austin will put us back in the same country!). Hmm, I don’t have a life list- maybe I need to start one. Hawaii was on there and it seems that dream might come true! I’d really like to try surfing…in Hawaii!
well i think you will be surfing before you ski! EEEK!!! and please.. come to austin!
Dang girl. Loks like you’re all done there. Everything is checked off the list. Time to come home. 😉
I’ll take a yo-yo please. Thanks.
well no, i thought you were suppose to come here and i was gonna find you a man. So get to it!
oh my gosh I am SO out of the loop!! An e-book on your healthy bites?! I LOVE it!! Way to conquer your goals lady!
Oh we are all out of the loop at times, eh? hehe. Good to hear from you! fill me in on your loop!
I’m doing really well! I’m just working on a bid to The Cheerleading WORLDS at the moment. So, I’ve been training a lot and i’m back blogging at my new home www.siobhanmccarthy.ca!
Glad to be back in your loop friend! 🙂
oh wow!!! so cool friend. I will be reading up!
The last check mark is the most important!
It’s crazy yalls adventure is almost over. Love all of the pics of course!
Miss you <3
yes, i agree it is. how have you been doing with that yourself?
🙂
sounds like you made pretty darn good use of your time over there!!
i tried. But now i want to soak up what time i have left. Sad face. 🙁
you did great with that list
I am a fan of lists myself…I think that the last line you have should be at the top of your list…:)
well it definitely was the most important on the list. Just took me longer to realize. 🙂
Wow! Didn’t you just get there? Love that quote from your devotional. I needed to hear that today. Thanks! 🙂
We got here thanksgiving. Crazy, eh? And i love that devotional too! Glad it helped.
That last quote is beautiful and comforting. It totally encourages the self-love and care, which I know you’ve been working hard on. Is it from the Bible or your own journaling?
it’s actually from the devotional JESUS CALLING: Letters from GOD. AMAZING book. It’s by sarah young. It’s all God’s letters to us each day. I adore it, each every one!
CONGRATS on your ebook! Checking it out now! So the questions remains, where in the states do you return?! 🙂
Oh for now its Austin but who knows where we will end up. You better come visit though!
Aw, love the devotional- Lots of prayer goin’ on over here these days and that was a wonderful reminder as always. 🙂 Kudos on killing your list! I love that feeling.
i’ve never prayed so much in my life here. Probably a good thing too! oxox
Cannot believe it’s really been three months. I feel like you’ve grown so much as well even as a couple in this journey. What an experience. I am thinking of you during these final weeks. keep the eye on the prize!
Your checklist is fantastic – so happy you were able to do so much!
thank you Nichole. Eye on the prize for sure! and you know we will be back, so you must come then!!
I can’t believe it’s almost time for you to leave – but I’m really glad you are learning to take care of yourself too. I’m totally on pins and needles for the triathlon too – I have a good feeling about it!
oh that means a lot Laura. We need all the good feelings we can get. Thank you for cheering for us!
Wow woman look at you and your goals… you demolished them! You have done so much there and that is just wonderful 🙂 I am sure you must be excited to go home though!
i will be excited to come home, but not too the lifestyle. I need to remember this pace for sure. Slower. 😉
I need a checklist…
Meanwhile I think I will pilfer your list of “To Dos” or “How to Starts” taking care of yourself and post them somewhere. Or tattoo them on my forehead in reverse writing so everytime I brushed my teeth….
oh ya, i like the to-starts idea. and then a KICK in the ARSE list too. Right?
Wow you’ve done so many cool things during your time abroad!! I bet you’re getting excited to come home though, Texas misses you and the hubs! 🙂 Oh and that ice cream cone he’s holding is making me ravenous…I know what I’m gonna be having for dessert tonight! 😉
the ice cream here is unreal! i want to take it home with us. I can bring you some to GALVESTON!!! yippeee!
Holy checklist domination! Y’all have done such a wonderful job maximizing on your time in NZ and making the rest of us very very jealous 😉
well when in Rome, right? It’s the little things that add up and make it special. Right?
Not going to lie…I can’t wait for you to get back..told ya, I’m addicted to those Healthy Bites 😉
I love seeing all of the different foods from NZ! I hope that you do take the time you need for yourself- just to kind of sit back & enjoy your life. I know how hard that can be sometimes..I feel like we are always go go go that it’s hard to just take a breather. I’m thinking of you!!
healthy bites misses you friend. And thank you for these words, i need to remember them for sure! so do you.
I think “Taking Care of Each Other” deserves a DOUBLE check!! Sounds like you guys are doing so well! But come home for sure! (to Asheville.)
oh i am trying hard for asheville. If i give you the hubs’ email, wanna bug him about it? hehe.
i love this post! so glad you accomplished with peace 🙂 all that you hoped to. what an experience you will take with you and never forget. i hope james does well 🙂
and i hope we get to come back next year for more. I think we all need this kind of “break,” ya know?
You’ve done so much in a pretty short time frame…. SO stoked we got to meet up too 🙂
Ha, Yo Yo’s (or I know them as Melting Moments) one of my Dad’s favourites… I am SO going to tweak a healthier version, fun!
Looking after oneself is always a work-in-progress, no? Living, learning, loving x
james said melting moments don’t have a custard filling. Oh gosh, he’s so technical.
Thanks for the love LOU and I loved meeting you. Let’s do it again, shall we?
looks like you have really lived up your time in NZ! way to go…looks like a blast. and so excited for your Healthy Bites ebook!
thanks Trisha, means a lot! It’s good to hear from you. Hope all is well!
Mmmm, you guys got ice cream?! YUM! I was it was warm enough here for ice cream. What flavor did you get?!
Also, I loved reading this post… it seems like you are growing a lot personally ! <3
rum raisin! and hokey pokey. It’s a New Zealand Flavor. SO GOOD!
ahhh! love the little ice cream stand…toooo cute! i hope that you and the hubs enjoy the rest of the time in NZ and that Ironman NZ is amazing! I am excited to look into getting your healthy bites e-cookbook. I linked your pb&j recipe just now in my post because i am becoming so obsessed with healthy bites!!!
oh and let me know how more of your bites turn out!
Funny how time just flies!!! You sure accomplished a lot since you’ve been there. You should totally be proud of yourself 🙂
i can’t believe it either. Now i just need a PAUSE button.
What a wonderful reflective post Lindsay. I truly cannot believe your time in NZ is coming to a close but I do know for a fact that you have made the best of it. You have grown a lot and I am very proud of you for taking care of yourself. 🙂 I think making self check lists is incredibly important and is something I could definitely improve on in my own life.
you almost made me cry there. Your support and words of encouragement have made it complete. really!
i love that last quote about not being afraid. so often i find myself afraid of failing but i need to keep remembering the fact that i am being taken care of (by my family, my friends, j, and myself). in times of extreme anxiety i feel like i’m holding onto a ledge, about to fall down. however, i need to open my eyes, loosen my grip, and realize i have a whole group of people reaching up to catch me!
i’m so glad that you’re learning to take care of yourself … and that you made the e-book! 🙂
oh friend, we are so similar. i think we often feel like we have to be strong and hold on for dear life, but in fact we are fragile and it’s okay to let go. Yes?
Wow….those 3 months seemed to fly by! I am horrible at keeping checklists! I start them all the time, then they get thrown to the side by something new that peeks my interest. I guess if I were to have one, “following thru with things” would be at the top! And if I had a travels checklist, I would add NZ to the top! Sounds like such fun.
BTW, loved your snippet today. I’ve been repeating “Let Go, Let GOD” lately. Now if only I would listen to myself (or him)!
i love your check list, so important. And NZ is definitely a good keeper! COme on down!
p.s.
I repeat the same thing. FREEING!
Wow, that three months flew! I didn’t realize either that it was that brief (brief, in the grand scheme of things, that is!). Are you coming back to Austin?? I might actually be heading there in the next couple months…would be awesome if you’re back then 😉 (and I am excited for James’ IM! He is going to do awesome, I just know it! I’m praying for you guys!)
Oh that would make my homecoming even more bliss! please come to austin!!
I cannot believe how fast your NZ time is coming to a close!! I feel like you just got there, but at the same time – I have LOVED seeing you experience life SO MUCH while there, it’s awesome. I also love that you’re working on focusing on yourself more while there too, that is so very important, my friend.
maybe i shouldn’t leave until you and Jo come visit. WINE TASTING!!
p.s.
thanks for your support the whole way through.
You are such an inspiration! The letting go part is the hardest, but once you do it feels so freeing. I need to do another round of that soon. I’m letting things pole up mentally and that becomes overwhelming fast! Enjoy your last few weeks! Oh and I want some yo-yos!
I totally get that. Maybe we need to meet up when i get back and let go together, k?
Wow—time flies! I hope you enjoy your last 3 weeks!
I don’t have a life checklist…but I like the idea. I should work on that…
i’m going to enjoy all the good local FOOD! oh and i will miss it so.
Whoho! Congrats on getting so much accomplished!!! 😀 Hope you have a wonderful day!
thank you Gen. Do you have a Brazil check list?
You’re right – it seems like you were JUST packing up in Tx and heading out!! So what’s after New Zealand then? Back to Texas?
Its kind of funny that it seems so easy to take care of other people and throw ourselves into fix-it/caregiver mode, but when it comes to OURSELVES, it’s like “why would I deserve that?” I’m workin on it right there with you Linds!
We are working on it together Erika! I know you have had it rough, but what a humbling experience, yes?
I love mini bucket lists, my roommates and I have just started a final one for our last few months of school together. It makes life more exciting and adventurous and its always great to hold yourself accountable and look back on everything you accomplished. You two packed in so many amazing things into your time there!
oh will you post it!? I love those kind of bucket lists. I can’t believe you graduate soon!
So exciting to see everything you’ve done there already! Can’t believe it has gone by so quickly – enjoy the last few weeks!
🙂
i know… what the heck? where did time go. I still need visitors. 😛
Your checklist makes me smile. I love the last 3 items you have on there and so glad to see them checked off. What an amazing opportunity you guys have had there!
i just wish i had longer. I am getting used to this pace of life. And i need visitors…..ahem. 😉
It’s so great to hear that you were able to relax and both of you were able to heal!
Big on my checklist right now are to pass my certified personal training exam (studying is NOT going well…) and to find a job that is better than serving… and to actually find some TRUE happiness…
If you need help with studying, let me know! I know you can do this. Exciting!
I may have to take you up on that offer! I’m having an especially hard time on things like muscle imbalances.
glad you’ve accomplished so much in NZ… sounds like you’re taking good care of yourself and enjoying your time there!!! good luck with those yo-yo’s 🙂
do you have a good yo-yo recipe? I gonna do my best “shannon the baker” attempt!
Look at you, kicking some major to-do list butt! What a freaking adventure, and the big day is so close…
Anyway, I also have a bunch of daily/weekly lists, but nothing really long-term at this point. While I should–I know this–I’m not quite sure what I would include. Rather than set myself up for disappointment, I’m still weighing out my options 😉
and i don’t want to leave. I don’t think i can handle the real world anymore. haha, okay i just don’t wanna.
no need for life checklists, but i do think you accomplished a huge one. UM …. the BOOK!!
That checklist is awesome – and makes me kinda jealous! It sounds like you have had an amazing time in NZ. Where are you going next? Back to Austin?
yep, back to good old ATX. It will be a pleasant return… I hope.
🙂
i don’t have a life checklist, but now i think i might start one! your time in NZ went by so quickly! you are heading back to TX in a month? tell your hubby i said “what up”!
i keep asking him about you. Are you ok? How’s life? Your brother. EMAIL!!! xxoo
As usual, I love this post!!! I can’t believe how close the IM is!! How is the hubby doing? Does he start tapering soon?
I love the idea of a checklist…I have tons of little lists – but they are the necessary things to get me through each day/week, not necessarily focused on the big picture (or to enjoy things!). I feel the need to make one after reading yours =)
i bet you have a running goals check list, yes? One you will dominate I am sure. and Yes, the hubs tapers after this weekend. I think thats going to be the hardest part. haha.
I don’t necessarily have a “checlist” but I kind of make a mental note of everything that I want to do in the future. And I love your checklist and all of the places you visited – makes me want to go to New Zealand a bit, myself. ^^
Oops *checklist ^^;
maybe you need to add NZ on that future checklist friend. I could help you with that. hehe.
wow, you KILLED your goals! Nice job!!! So I’m out of the loop. I didn’t realize you were leaving NZ?!?!
we will be going back to the states for the tri season, then probably back here again for NZ summer/US winter. Nomads i tell ya! 😉