04 April 2008

We love Friday nights

So it is Friday night again. I love leaving early enough to drive in the driveway and meet the kids getting off the bus. This week has been a good one, quiet, but good. Our week is starting to feel more like a routine now that we have been here over two months. Monday nights are quiet, nothing happens. Tuesday, Sam had hockey practice from 5 - 6pm, Dan's is the same night from 7 - 9pm. Abby and I enjoy a girl's night. Wednesday afternoon my school is done at 2:20pm so I leave to get the kids and take them to McKay Stables where they are learning to care for and ride horses. Then the night is free. Thursday night I go to pottery, which is awesome! Then we go to the weekend again.
This weekend we are leaving Saturday to go to Dunedin. Mid afternoon we will leave Pukerau, drive along the coast and picnic on the beach. Sam has a wet suit if the opportunity arises. We plan to see the blue penguins come in Saturday evening out at the peninsula. 8am Sunday morning we will go cheer on Sam's hockey team as they are in their first tournament. Dan is coaching the team.
For tonight we will hang out, watch TV (we just bought one), do laundry, vacuum and just enjoy the night. We have noticed that life here is more relaxed. Perhaps it has been a deliberate choice on our part, but we have really noticed that family time is important here. The "extras" are not important here. We continue to live intentionally, doing more and having less.
Just a quick update, until next time,
Samantha

4 comments:

Unknown said...

I agree with you about life being more relaxed in NZ. Here,(US) life is so busy. People rush around everywhere, never really taking time to smell the daisies, contemplate their navels or whatever. Many stores are open 24 hours and only close on Christmas Day. Makes for a lot of stress and very little family time.

Anonymous said...

Playing cards together is what our families always do whenever we meet up......good conversation, great laughs. Have you taught anyone down there euchre, or other typical Canadian card games? Have you learned any new games?

Shawn and Tanya

Anonymous said...

Wow! Your week and the activities sound so cool! Go hockey!! That's so awesome Abby and Sam are learning how to ride horses!! That's so cool! I love the philosophy!

Anonymous said...

The year we spent in NZ felt like a step back in time. The stores closed on Saturdays at noon. There was no 24 hour shopping. People were so friendly - we were always recognized because of the small population in Southland. The pace was a peaceful reprieve. Our year working abroad was a highlight in our lives.
e&f