Happy New Year one and all! hope you've all had a really good one! I saw 2011 before most of you, seeing as I'm in the future, and it was blooming good!

We got a train into the City to watch the fireworks, it was really good, flipping firing from every skyscraper, I've not seen fireworks like that before, we managed to do it all for free too, we took out own wine in little plastic bottles, got on the free train and sat in the park during the celebrations. I'm not usually a big fan of New Years but this one is def one to remember! I called my Mum and Dad which must have been a bit strange for them seeing as they still had 11hours to go, they got in the spirit anyway!

Frauke had a job trial starting at 8am on new years day, ooh I didn't envy her that, but she did it, did really well and got the job! Well done love! Jamie and myself went to visit her and had ourselves a steak sarnie in the process to show our support! She's been working there all this week so far, but the shop where I work has been closed so I've been home being a bum for the start of 2011. I missed the shop today, I walked along to see if it was open, but was well and truely closed which is a shame as I was just in the mood for a good chit chat with Pat!

I found out today that I have managed to snaffle myself a job in New Zealand! I started job hunting a few days ago, and I got the news today that someone actually wants me! haha! It's at this really remote hotel in Arthur's Pass not too far from Christchurch, I get paid a wage but also get my accomadation and meals for free! So I'll save and make money at the same time! Def what is needed, I checked my account yesterday and had a little tear in my eye at the amount I've managed to spend! ouch.

..so anyway..this job! I'm not entirely sure what my duties are, it was advertised as office assistant, but when they looked through my CV they said they could utilise a few of my skills (whatever they are), I don't have to wear a unirorm as it's pretty casual, but flipping heck the views look amazing! The hotel is situated right next to a snowy mountain and surrounded by a lake! take a look yourself www.bealeyhotel.co.nz

I think I'll work there for about 2 months then have a bit of a wander around the rest of NZ in my last month before heading to Fiji!

I head to Sydney on Thurs which is a bit of bad timing really seeing as it's Frauke's Birthday that day, but never mind, these things happen, I'm sure we'll have a good old celebrate before I leave. I'll miss Melbourne, it's become a bit of a second home for me here and I'll miss John and Dan and Jamie and Frauke too, it's been so lovely living with all of them, having a little family here, especially when Isla was born and Christmas, having them really helped! awwww!

I have 4 days in Sydney before I head to NZ, which looks like it's going to be fun, I spent a good few weeks there before and I'm going to be staying at the same hostel (good old 790) Lisa is there working on a tall ship doing trips around the harbour, she says I can come aboard! yes! i don't think I'm allowed to dress up as a pirate as she does. nevermind.

Anyway, I'll hopefully be in NZ for the next one, can't wait to get moving again!

take care, love to you all and Happy New Year!xxxxxxxxx