OH MY GOODNESS.
I’m moving to New Zealand today.
I AM MOVING TO NEW ZEALAND TODAY!!
Actually, I’m leaving in just a couple hours. I’ve been ridiculously busy the last few days with things, but this kind of monumental life changing event deserves some reflection.
Of course I am moving mostly because of my relationship with Kepa. He is now my fiance and being apart from him is just terrible! But I’m also moving because I’ve always wanted to move to New Zealand. You can ask my real life friends. I was researching ways to move to New Zealand even before I met Kepa. A few years ago I almost applied for a visa and went. For some reason I’ve always had a strong desire to go there and live there.
Actually visiting New Zealand in January only solidified that desire. I love the United States and there is no place like it in the world. There is no place I will ever love as much as my home state of Tennessee. That will always be my true home, and yet, I’m completely drawn to this entirely different place.
I’m drawn to the beautiful landscapes:
![Beach on Waiheke Island [349/365]](http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2785/4327518040_f336b8b80b.jpg)
![Lake Taupo Sunset [342/365]](http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4323452600_b38e9bab71.jpg)
I’m drawn to the adventure:
I’m drawn to the outdoor activity:
I’m drawn to the people (hehe):
![Last Day Out [362/365]](http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4004/4361272219_cba429b2ba.jpg)
There is a lot to love about New Zealand. It’s a great place.
I’m excited about how life will be there. I’m excited that I will be able to start completely FRESH. I can start from day one with healthy habits living the lifestyle I want. I won’t be held back by family, my past, my old bad habits – none of it. The excuses will be gone. It’s a chance to start completely new in a beautiful place with someone I love. How lucky am I to be taking this leap into something new?
I’m not going to romanticize the situation though. I know I’m going to get homesick. I know I’m going to get frustrated. I’m definitely going to get frustrated trying to plan a wedding in Tennessee. I’m going to get confused and do things the wrong way. I’m going to miss my friends and family and the places that I love from the USA. I’m going to miss how inexpensive everything is. I’m going to miss certain foods and things you can’t get in New Zealand. I’ve lived in a foreign country before, so I know the process. Even if you speak the same language you will encounter cultural differences and other issues. No place is perfect.
Yet despite all of those things I know that this will be an amazing experience. I can’t really predict my future (besides the getting married part), but I know it’s going to be amazing.
Thank you all for reading my blog and supporting me in those amazing adventures. I never expected these things to all really be happening to me and I’m so grateful that they are and that I’m able to share them with such a large group of amazing people.
I can’t wait to get settled in New Zealand and build some new healthy habits and finally get rid of the last of this weight. I’m ready for that. I’m ready for my new body and my new life. I’m ready for my new adventure. I’m ready.
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{ 50 comments }
It’s all and adventure and you will take them all in very Mary strides. Going to enjoy the trip as you share on the blog. :-)
WOW! That’s a big move! Good luck and have a great time. :)
Lisa´s last [type] ..Veggie Pasta Salad Recipe
Best of Luck to you! Such an exciting time in your life. :)
Can’t wait to stalk you on your continued journey!
Jen, a priorfatgirl´s last [type] ..banoatmeal
Yay!! That’s it…just YAY!!!
KCLAnderson (Karen)´s last [type] ..Is Competition Always Good
I’ve always wanted to go to New Zealand. It will be an amazing experience living there I’m sure! Have a safe journey across the sea! :)
Gina´s last [type] ..Living a Double Life
Wishing you the best of life that NZ has to offer:)
Karen@WaistingTime´s last [type] ..The Day the Spoons Disappeared
Have a super fantastic safe trip there and WOW, what a great adventure! A fresh start sounds absolutely wonderful.
Suzanne´s last [type] ..Dear Fitness Bloggers
SO exciting! I can’t wait to read all about what’s to come!
This is so exciting! You’re living my dream. Ever since I studied there I’ve wanted to go back. I’m so happy for your big move, your engagement. Whew, lots going on for you. Good luck with the move!
Tracey @ I’m Not Superhuman´s last [type] ..This One Time- On the Oregon Trail…
And the adventure continues! It was meant to be. My god, those pics are beautiful! I so want to go visit!!!!!! Plus, the Lord of the Rings movies were made there! :-) I read those books when I was just in my teens…. & they live on too!
Jody – Fit at 52´s last [type] ..Homemade Pickle Recipe!
What a life you’ve got. Congrats and enjoy all the things New Zealand and your new life have to offer you!
Lisa @ I’m an Okie´s last [type] ..Flashback Friday- The Awkward Years
amazing.
so excited for you and looking forward to reading and keeping up with you on this next chapter of your life!
xxxxxx
amanda´s last [type] ..Busy
NewZealand, what a great country and what a great way of living. Great for you!
Have a safe journey. Can’t wait to read your reports from New Zealand…
Best of Luck on the move!!! Enjoy every second!
Ashley @Getting Stronger, Burning Fat´s last [type] ..Eat This- Not That
Your adventure is amazing. Enjoy New Zealand. :)
Art´s last [type] ..Stuff and whatnots
Wow! I didn’t know that you’d always wanted to go to nz before kepa, and that you almost went. I thought that even the first time, you went because of him. How strange that you randomly wanted to go there when he was there all along..maybe you subconciously knew that the man you were going to be with was living there? Reincarnation? Lol. I dunno. Its just so coincidental. Is it really expensive in nz? You said you would miss how inexpensive things are. Although you do come from a cheap area..the places you’ve lived seem even cheaper than nh, which is cheaper than boston, which is cheaper than sf. :) just curious. Anyway it will be very fun to read your blog about being in NZ and have a great trip over!
merri´s last [type] ..A Moment of Culturalness – Dead Certain Play
Have a safe flight and an amazing time in NZ! Moving overseas is so exciting! I’ve done it before when I moved to the US from Europe for a year. It’s such a great experience.
I’m looking forward to your posts and beautiful pictures of NZ, I’ve always wanted to visit!
Hi Mary
Follow your blog all the time – Love it! I’m a New Zealander who just moved to Auckland a few months ago actually – if you ever need girl time etc, let me know. Would love to meet you, and be apart of you settling in to this beautiful country :)
Take care and have a safe trip!!!
Hi Kate!
That would be amazing! I would love to get out on my own a bit and make some friends. We should definitely do something in the next couple weeks! Can’t wait!
YAY!! Safe flight Mary! I can’t wait until you start posting about all of your NZ adventures. Cheers!!!
Melissa @ Journey to Marvelous´s last [type] ..Back On The Food Tracking Wagon and Rollin’ Along
And so the adventure continues! I wish you well and I look forward to reading all about the journey.
Since I’ve moved to Australia I’ve NEVER looked back. There have been moments in time…but what I’ve sorted for myself is that I finally feel like I have MY life. It’s an amazing adventure..so excited for November :)
Michelle@eatingjourney´s last [type] ..Falling On Gravel
Prayed you would have traveling blessings and safety. Good luck and God Bless the two of you always.
I’m so excited for you, and I can’t wait to read all about your adventures!
Janet´s last [type] ..Silent- Steady- and Still Here
Looking forward to seeing you in our fair land, Mary! :-D
Marshmallow´s last [type] ..Kek- Through the eyes of others
Moving to another country is always hard – the change, adapting to the culture, missing people… but the reward on the other hand is worth it. It opens your mind, you learn so much and cultural differences make it hard – but they open your mind and view on things as well. I would never wanna miss that.
The leaving part is the hardest – but you have someone, your fince waiting for you there!! how good does it get?
I’ve always had a thing for NZ myself, – yet I’ve never been there (yet). So keep on blogging about it, please ;-)
I just love your guys story – it’s so beautiful and romantic… it’s amazing what the both of you have achieved – it’s inspiring… all the best over there.
I will definitely keep blogging and sharing photos. I love this place and I’m so excited to be living here!
Thank you!
Wow! How exciting!! Those pictures are beautiful.
I have always been interested in New Zealand and sometimes dream of what it would be like to move there short term. YOU are doing that!!! So crazy. So cool! Can’t wait to follow on your adventure.
Jenn´s last [type] ..This Way or That Whey
HOORAY! Super duper happy for you. Have a wonderful year abroad! You are now an expat!
Send me a postcard if you get the chance to!
Jess´s last [type] ..The Mindless Eating Abyss
Ever since I saw Lord of the RIngs I’ve wanted to go to New Zealand (I bet a lot of people got the idea to go there via those films!). What a great adventure you’re embarking on! Safe travels.
janedog´s last [type] ..Home again- home again- jiggity jig
HAVE FUN. As someone who’s been living in a different country for 2.5 years, I can safely say it’s one of the best learning experiences you’ll ever have. Love it! And try and hop across the shores and visit Australia while you’re so, so close! :)
YAYYYYY!!! You are so majorly inspiring. I hope that you know that. And good luck!! I can’t wait to read all about it. xoxo
marzipan´s last [type] ..Rogue or Broke- An Interview with Fire Starter Danielle LaPorte
Congratulations!! Funny, New Zealand is one of the top two places I would like to visit, Norway being the other!
Good luck, Mary. I hope your flight is painless! This is such a fabulous opportunity for you – and I look forward to hearing all about how things go in NZ. They’re going to be good – your positive attitude will see to that.
Jude
Ten pounds´s last [type] ..Style mishaps in the sun- Part 2- the insects
I’m ready and excited to hear all about your new life in a new land. Enjoy!
That is so exciting! I haven’t ever lived in another country but New Zealand is by far one of the most beautiful places in the world. I can’t wait to see all the photos of the landscapes and people!
Diana @ frontyardfoodie´s last [type] ..Pregger Pic Week 37……Full Term!
I just found your blog and I will be subscribing. I love your approach to things. How exciting to make such a big life change, but you embrace it fully. You know it will be hard, but that it will also be worth it. I love everything about your attitude. You seem like such a beautiful person.
I love the feeling of new adventure and the excitement that comes with it. Right now, I’m extremely excited about a 30 Days of Self-Reflection for Self-Love I will be starting on my blog in September. There are so many emotions coursing through me right now. I know it doesn’t quite compare to moving somewhere so new, but I guess I’m saying I can imagine how much more crazy you’re feeling with everything. Oh, and I would be honored if you checked out my site and the 30 days thing. I think its something you would be interested in from the positivity you like to share. http://www.faithfitnessfun.com/30-days-of-self-love/
Looking forward to following you in this next exciting chapter of your life!
Gorgeous post – good luck cant wait to read allll about it :D
You just SOUND amazing! I know you’re already there safe and sound, thanks for FB! Have a BLAST!
Nicole, RD´s last [type] ..Salsa Sunday & Label Reading
that’s so exciting!!! if you make it over to Aussie-land, i’ll be more than happy to offer a few pointers:)
Angela (the diet book junkie)´s last [type] ..exercise withdrawal sucks
Have a great time – and I can’t wait to read more about your adventures!
Destination:Athlete´s last [type] ..hallelujah!
So exciting!
I moved to Auckland from Toronto in April 2009 and I absolutely LOVE it here. I miss my family and I miss my friends – anyone would – but I’ve made some great new friends and Skype does wonders to help soothe homesickness.
What part of NZ are you moving to? You’re coming over at a good time. We’re just getting towards the end of winter and the weather is just going to keep getting nicer. Perfect for walking around and exploring your new home. (And the hills in most places will definitely give you a bit of a workout while doing that!) I’m not a NZ genius by any stretch, but am happy to help with any questions, if I can – as another North American living down here. :)
Hey Danielle!
I’m living in South Auckland. It’s pretty nice weather temperature wise, but since I just came from 100+ degrees I’M FREEZING!! But I’m enjoying walking and exploring a bit anyway.
Thanks for the encouragement! I’m very excited to be here! :)
She’s already there!
Glad you made it safely. Please enjoy yourself as much as you can. Any challenges will only make you stronger and open your mind even more.
Good luck to you and Kepa as you start this new chapter in your lives!
Early´s last [type] ..Finally
Since your in New Zealand, you should check out flight of the Conchords for a laugh. Quirky tv show about a rock band from New Zealand. :)
This is the first part of your NEW life! You will be happy, healthy and with the man you love!
The past will always be a part of you, but it will no longer hold you back.
Much love for your adventure!
Sana´s last [type] ..HLS My Story of Summits
Hooray for big adventures! Have fun and can’t wait to see how if the accent gets you :)
shauna´s last [type] ..Get your sht together
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