Kia Ora! (that’s NZ Maori for “Hello”). Ya, I know, I can’t pull it off but I’m trying.
So life around here can be summed up in one word…..ADJUSTMENT!
Let’s put it in the form of WIAW with Jen.
I knew this was coming. Lots of adjusting. Adjusting to time change, lack of connection (no phone, just computer), no driving, conversion tables, daily routine, etc. But you know what? It’s a blessing! Learning to just take it in and live more simple.
Like…….. hanging my laundry out in the sun to dry.
Like…….. walking to the market and stopping to smell the roses.
Like……..waking up at 5am to bright sunshine out my window.
Like…….finding my favorites (foods that is). Thanks Lou for suggesting PIKO.
You better believe I found Kombucha!
Like……. converting everything into Kilojoules, grams, Celsius, and Kilometers.
Like…….baking in a totally different kitchen with totally different settings.
GF Muesli Socca Biscuits…….Recipe to come.
Like……. feeling your first earthquake! Actually, two earth quakes! My mother in law said there were 2 in the last two days, yet I never felt them. Let’s hope it stays that way.
I feel somewhat disconnected from a busy routine right now. That’s a major adjustment. One that I knew God wanted me to embrace yet I had no idea what it would look like. Now I kinda know what it means. It means adjusting to more REAL time. Real time connecting FACE to FACE with my family, with my husband, with my faith, with nature, with MYSELF.
Days 7-11 of my THANKFUL BOARD (I almost forgot)……
allowing the sails to ADJUST.
What have you been “adjusting” to lately?
Cheers,
LC
Disconnecting is fabulous. Enjoy it. Savor it. I disconnect on a regular basis- sometimes it’s because I’m away, sometimes it’s because I’m out living life. Then I miss my peeps/info sources/internet frittering and I come back briefly. I think that it’s healthy to do that. Love that you are smelling the roses along your journey <3
i agree. Being here and without a phone or car has a been a big change and a good one. Time to slow down, disconnect at times, and just be with family. Thank you for always reminding me Deb. Hey when do you leave for Japan?
That trip isn’t til middle of April. Ironically, I’m watching Japanese TV right now though as I have awesome public TV with my rabbit ears (no satellite or cable or anything for us!)…it’s so fun. Love listening to their news and the show that tries to help me count to ten LOL.
Oh, Lindsay, I’m so happy that you’re embracing change and savoring the simple pleasures that come along with it! I think it’s pretty awesome that you’ve been given the opportunity to live in NZ for awhile. Life is a one-time journey! Why not seize every chance we’re given to grow and learn through new experiences? 🙂
Enjoy some early morning sunshine for me! <3
oh i will friend. I am constantly reminded that this is a blessing to embrace! all the little adjustments! Wish you were here. Lots of fresh local goats milk/yogurt too! hehe.
Seriously sounds exciting! Life is an adventure 🙂 can’t wait to see more of NZ!!
it is! adventure is lead us to new heights! Cheers!
Im so happy to see you are adjusting so well to your new life it looks gorgeous there & I cant wait to see where this journey takes you! Honestly im so jealous of your sunshine its been rainy here the past few days its so much easier to be cheerful when you wake up to that!!
oh thank you Kate. I will bottle up this sunshine and goodness and send it right over! cheers!
Wow…adjustments for sure! I read this a few days ago and have been thinking about you a lot since and came back to comment. 🙂 I think it’s so brave and neat that you and James stepped out to step away, essentially, from life for a while by taking this extended trip and refocusing together. So excited for what God’s going to do in your lives, truly – I can’t wait to hear the stories of what he has done. 🙂
Lately I’ve been adjusting to life back with the in-laws (although they just left for a 3 week trip so it’s not been a true adjustment) and life with less work. That part’s okay as long as that’s God’s plan and not me being lazy to do the work to get more clients, but it means I need to be more mindful of what I’m doing in my off-time. And I have plenty of it! Thinking of volunteering somewhere or being more intentional to connect with friends mid-day, especially at home with little babies! 😀
Adjustment – so hard, but so needed. Often accompanied by conflict, which is tough, but creates movement in our stories and can lead to great things! Love you friend; hi to you both from us both!
Friend, your words bring SO MUCH comfort to my heart right now. I think God sent you to be my little sister in christ pen pal. Well you and Lindsay W. hehe. I am definitely ready for movement, Gods movement. Surrendering it all!
I hope you find this time to precious yourself. Loving on others and volunteering, you have the heart to do this SO WELL!
Hugs from Down Under.
Glad you are settling in. I am sure the adjustments aren’t the easiest–but wow, making memories must be awesome 🙂
memories indeed. And stories to tell forever! i’ve embarassed myself plenty already. Its okay to laugh at ourselves though.
😉
p.s.
Hope you are feeling better after today. HUGS from afar!
Sounds like your adjustments go well and into a good direction. Hope it’ll stay that way! 🙂
me too! adjustments can be a good growth opportunity. Right? How are you feeling these days?
It is official….Billy and I will be moving next door to you guys sometime next week:) I am loving hearing about your experience! Keep it coming!
sounds good! how about a long winter break, right? its warm here and you can run on the beach.
🙂
p.s.
plus lots of good candy.
Looks like New Zealand is turning out to be quite the adventure. I remember studying abroad in Italy and all I wanted was a jar of peanut butter, but it seems other countries aren’t as peanut obsessed as the US! Hope you learn and grow to love your new home 🙂
definitely not as processed adn still cheap! so thats a plus! haha. I am growing to love it day by day. soaking it in while i can. Thanks Melissa!
What an exciting adventure your on! While adjusting can be difficult at times, remember to enjoy the journey. And ill be praying for you that things go smoothly =)
thank you thank you sarah. I love those prayers. And i will definitley remember to enjoy the journey. <3
I’m so happy you found Kombucha! 🙂 So glad to see so many fun and new things that you’re discovering.
yes!! hooray for all the little discoveries.
What an adjustment my friend!!! But a gorgeous one if I do say so!! You’re a very lucky lady to be able to be there when you choose 🙂
I couldn’t imagine all the changes you must have to adjust too, it will be interesting to see when you get the hang of everything as “normal” you know?
For me…well, I’m officially “retired” from any work or contracts, and I’m adjusting, just working the business with Ryan and doing Life Coaching through I heart…..this is FAB!
xxoo
Oh that is AWESOME to hear friend. SUPER excited for your next adventure/adjustment. You are doing great things and I am happy to part of it. xoxo
It looks like you are taking everything in stride. Now that you have found your grocery store you should be pretty much set right:)
yes, love it! a good market, our little gym, a running route, and the post office. pretty simple now!
😉
I would say my life goes through periods (moments) of adjustments. It sounds like you are making great adjustments with your move!! So glad that things are slowling starting to adjust for you 😉
I am still adjusting to the cold weather we have now!
i know you gals are adjusting to a lot. Work, wedding, etc. Its a good adjustment, just busy right? Praying that you get some slow time soon! keep me posted. please. xoxo
I’m sure it’s an adjustment! My friend just got back from New Zealand (her honeymoon!) and said it’s gorgeous though:)
she did?! she should have stayed longer! haha. Glad she enjoyed its beauty.
I’ve been adjusting to the ever changing schedule of clients. I try not to take these adjustments personally, but rather look at it as part of the job. It happens and I need to flow with it. Plus, I need to stop being so sensitive sometimes. LOL!
oh man, been there Katie. Totally comes with the holidays too, ya know? It will be good in the end. <3
i’ve been adjusting to the end of the quarter and a slowing down of life. as much as i need the stress and fast-pace to end, it still feels like i’m coming from a sprint to a dead stop. kinda weird and i feel like i need a cool-down lap!
i feel ya! thats how we were. Dead stop can be good! lay down and relax friend. xoxo
So much adjusting! But I love that you’re looking at it as a blessing because that’s exactly what it is. 🙂 I wish I could walk with you to the market and stop to smell the roses. I’m afraid my schedule this week is a 180 of that, but I have Friday off and hope to embrace some stillness. 🙂 Love you!
you would love it Dorry. I think Billy needs a trip here, don’t you? hope you get some rest soon. Praying for you.
Honestly Linds, when I think of you (as I often do!) THIS is the life I envision you living. Peacefully frolicking through fields of flowers as you hang your clothes out to dry and sip on kombucha. As difficult as transitions can be, I know this change is going to bring nothing but beauty in to your life!
me too friend, me too! simple and peaceful. I like that! I think you would too.
oh I love you and I’m so insanely jealous of all those pictures. Specifically of the sunshine. And that grocery store. Will you ask James when he goes on a ride to take pictures along the way (tell him I’m making him do the worlds slowest recovery ride ever to get fabulous photos to get me through the snowy Canadian winter!).
Love love love!!!! Enjoy relaxing in the sunshine 🙂
yes for sure! he’s gonna take his flip on rides. it will be so cool! wish you were here friend.
Making a change and then adjusting is very hard for me… but I really like how you are approaching all of this. Quite inspiring!
it is hard, but we have the support to do it. right? 🙂
Wow! It looks beautiful there! I was so confused with the oven when I went to Ireland, I just put it on the middle, haha!
haha, thats totally what i did. put it in the middle.
I’ve been missing hanging our clothes to dry… they just don’t dry as quickly in the cold (you know, less than 70 degrees, lol!) so I’ve been using the dryer more regularly. The sunshine smell just can’t be beat though! I’m glad you’re adjusting so well in such a short time! <3
can we just capture sunshine in a bottle? that would be a great smell! oh, remind me at then end of this trip to bring you back LOADS of marmite. K? Hows the massage business? ANy more clients? You should do a giveaway for local on your blog!
Yes and YES on the Marmite! 😉 And as far as massage, I’m just waiting on that pesky license to arrive in the mail (got confirmation it will be no later than next week!) before I take on any more clients… and a local massage giveaway is a GREAT idea! I’ll definitely put some thought into that one! 🙂
Sunrise at 5am?! That’s perfect for early morning running! The sun doesn’t come up here until about 7.30am right now…not so good! 😛
God is guiding your path, and I can’t wait to see what He has in store for you in NZ! 🙂 Praying for you guys always <3
thank you Emma. I love those prayers. Let me know how your running is going. Is the injury all gone?
Wow, I love this. What a life to be living, right? 🙂 Just gotta take it one day at a time.
How’s J feeling (knee, workouts, relaxing)?? Hope you guys are both feeling caught up with time, sleep, and energy!
I’m RE-adjusting to post-vacay life. Yesterday and today have finally felt normal, but COLD. hah, dangit.
his knee is better! have PRP therapy it has been less swollen. thats progress! and he ran today!!
post vacay is HARD but at least you have the holidays to keep your mind off it. hehe
So glad you found some goodies @ Piko! Ummm, where do you usually hang your washing?! Or do you just use a tumble dryer?
Oh I am glad it is sunny in Chch, save some for me 🙂 Daylight savings is so good in NZ… the summer nights go on forever and ever (more time to drink wine in the sun!)
Ha, didn’t think about having to convert to the metric system, that must be super confusing, you poor think – a bit of brain gym for ya.
Muesli socca biscuits (these are like scones right?) sound goooooood!
Stay away earthquakes… I felt a BIG one when I was over in May, home alone with Misty and I freaked, didn’t know what to do! My Mum says they are very small now (hard to imagine the Feb one… arrrgh don’t want to imagine, freaky).
If you need any other “tips” you know where I am 🙂
yes, kinda like scones. More dense. So good with a little jam too! oh and you know i am now hooked on PIKO!! yea!
So nice to read your update and that you are EMBRACING the adjustments.
Amazing that it’s that sunny outside at 5AM… jealous!!
i know, even 4:45am! but in the winter its not light til 8:45am. Thats when we could sleep all day. haha
Sure does sound like a lot of adjustments. Must be so exciting though.
its an exciting and challenging time, i like it though. Makes take a step back and just go with it. You know how that is.
😉
i’m behind on commenting, but i’m so happy you guys made it safely there! NZ is one of my favorite places in the world. so excited for your adventures to come 🙂
I think you should come visit your favorite place again. God’s creation is so evident here! gorgeous!
Please post that recipe soon!!!
you got it! will do it this weekend for sure. 😛
I have enough trouble adjusting to the cooler weather over here – any change or alteration in routine throws me for a loop, I must admit.
I wish I could be as flexible and zen as you are!
xxx
haha, i agree. It takes a good month doesn’t it? Hope it warms up there for you!!
I know it’s stressful, but you two will definitely come out on top with this move! I thought moving to TN was crazy…at least I didn’t have to deal with all the changing in the conversions…dang. Sounds fun and hard. Life is constantly changing, but it’s in how we adjust to that change. You will get there my friend. You know if you need anything, I’m right here for you!
believe it or not, i’m not too stressed. Just a lot of change, good change. Ya? But thank you. I know I can always count on you for such support. Hope you are not too overwhelmed today! email me updates when you can!
Lindsay! I’ve been thinking of you during these past few days. So excited for you and James…and this new adventure!
oh thank you! wish we could have seen you in SF during our layover. Next time for sure.
I love that we all get to follow along as you cross the globe. Thanks for letting us live vicariously! Enjoy the change of pace – I find so often that God speaks in the silence and quiet moments. Listen and enjoy His presence.
yes, he sure does! I just need to listen more closely. Thank you for that sweet reminder friend.
oh wow! definitely lots of adjustments for you dear friend. it sounds like an incredible adventure though and i am excited to follow this next step in your journey 🙂 lately just adjusting to the colder temps and a few weeks away from my pup as she is spending a little vacation with her “grandpa” back in KY till I get home for Christmas 🙂
Thank you friend! I am hoping to stay connected with you all too. Oh enjoy the solitude time. I know its hard without the pups. xoxo
Ahhhh so true — life is constantly adjusting! It feels so wonderful to let the busyness go and just “be.” I am definitely working on that! I’m adjusting to many things right now… and need to just trust God with it all… if you know what I mean =)
yes! its hard to let God do his “thang” sometimes and be still. totally get that, but its just what we need too.
I am so so glad to hear that you made it safely and that you are starting to adjust. Just take your time and soak it all in. You deserve to relax and reasses. You deserve this Lindsay!
I will! thank you for reminding me this Rachelle. YOu always know what to say to me. SO grateful for you! xoxo
I can only imagine all the adjustments you’re facing right now. Just wanted to say I think you are handling them swimmingly.
oh thank you Tina. You are the best cheerleader! you know that right? xoxo
Is it summer time in NZ?! All of your photos look so BRIGHT and sunny! I was praying for you and the hubs again this morning. I know you will love the new adjustments- you can do this!! 🙂
it is summer. just the start of it too! Allie, I know I say this a lot., but thank you for prayers.
I definitely think that readjusting to a not-so-busy life is difficult. I mean…people probably roll their eyes at me for this…but it’s not always easy to not have a lot of responsibilities outside of the house. We define ourselves by our work, so when the work isn’t there…well, sometimes we have to look inside ourselves to figure out how to define our lives. Have fun settling in to your new home!
Steph, you just said my every thought! thank you for these words, they truly give me encouragement.
I’m honestly a little jealous of this “new” adjusted lifestyle of yours – I could really use more disconnection, more face-to-face time with friends, family, my husband, my faith. You’re going to evolve and change in such amazing ways during your time in NZ, I’m so happy for you!!
well if i knew, i would have grabbed you and scott and taken you with us! There is still time to come!
When I moved this summer, I was actually really excited to make these adjustments. Norally, I’m all about my routine, but it was great being pushed into a new one. Good luck!!
yes, i agree. we needed this push…or rather SLAP. haha. Agreed!
So many changes. I do hope you are stopping to smell the roses though. So much to take in and enjoy I would think.
oh man, all the roses smell amazing! its the little things in life, right?
Loved all of these pics!! We need a tour of your living quarters!
I’ve been adjusting to “show life” and not teaching my evening classes because of rehearsal. I don’t like it. Can’t wait for this show to be over!
you are such a rock star! i know this will be good when its all put together. And you will have your evening classes back. Can we see you in the play? Tell Travis to video!
gosh i so miss living in australia and going to new markets!!!! i would love to come visit you guys – if only i could get a 2 week vacation 🙂 cant wait to read all about your baking experiences in NZ.
2 week vacations are a must….come!
New food, new place, new cultures, there is definitely a whole lot of new going on for you! Is it crazy that I’m a little jealous? Moving to a new place is definitely scary, but it’s always such an amazing adventure!
not at all, i think its a good challenge. One i like to tackle. Thats why i love traveling. It brings us out of our routines, thank GOD!
I LOVE every single thing about this adjustment period for you, it’s a fresh start, a new way of living, a new way of connecting with your family but also with your online family here too. This honestly sounds like quite a dream of an opportunity and I hope one day to have the same opportunity, in some capacity! NZ looks beautiful btw!! What’s the weather like there?
Freshness is a great word! i’ll take it. Weather is sunny right now, high in the 60-70’s. xoxo
I love seeing new posts!
I’m so glad you are adjusting!! What a rarity tho to have to be so disconnected…that’s hard. But enjoy it! Use the time to enjoy yourself, the hubs and the fam : ). Oh and how crazy…2 earthquakes!
Lots of love to you!!
it is a rarity. HOw did we not do this before? Just shows how much we need it. HOw’s fall in your beautiful town?
LOVE THIS! I was nodding along the whole way. Laundry outside, sun up at ALL hours. I am so glad you are exploring and adjusting so well. This is awesome. It’s great seeing how you are doing!!
i bet you did nod! man, i wish we were here together. Running, markets, etc. Wanna move again? hehe
Ooh fresh air dried laundry always smells so good, I miss the summer already! And that health store is so cool, what a gem! I think you’re adjusting great, you’ve only been there for a short while and yet you have an awesome positive attitude 🙂 So glad you’re getting to experience life down unda!
thanks Alex. You are so kind and full of great encouragement as always! <3
It will take time but you will get there! Ok… sorry if I missed a post or big announcement but are you just there for a while or did you guys move permanently? All the best on your new adventure.. how ever long it might be! 🙂
We are down here for 3 months or so. Adventure for sure! God is showing us a lot these days, good thing too.
It sounds like a great opportunity to really simplify your life and slow down. That is so important for certain times in our lives, and to be able to handle it well it difficult! Glad your adjusting right in, and that market looks wonderful, it sounds like they have plenty of GF options for you which is so great.
yes, i think we all need a good year of it! simplify and just be. Well said Katie.
It sounds wonderful…a great excuse to slow down as you said and be in the moment. You have right approach too, that it’s an adventure!! The colors in the photos are so vibrant, maybe because we are heading quickly into dreary winter around here 🙁
yes! i hope i can continue this slowness come march! we need it, ya know?
I am glad you are adjusting love, it will take time ; )
I hope you have a wonderful day! <3 xoxo
adn time we have! thankfully.
This reminds me of when I studied abroad in Spain….hanging the clothes, walking to the market, not being able to understand the food labels…but at the same time, it was so fun to be out of my element and experiencing new things.
I’m glad you found kombucha!!
I don’t know if I’ve been really adjusting…although, my husband is in school and not working…that’s definitely been a change of pace and life…he’s studying a lot, too. I’m proud of him, though, but am SO looking forward to graduation…in 3 years!
I think it is fun! a new challenge which i want to embrace! You should be proud of your hubs. What a great man, so focused!