Another boring day in work with no actual work to do. Luckily I had a supply of biscuits, chocolate santas, and crisps to keep me amused. I have to say the most productive thing I did today was scratch my name into each of my 3 pencils.

Hogmanay tonight (or new years eve as they call it here). I was kind of hoping we could go away up north to the beach town of Waipu. It's where all the scottish folks landed when they came over on the boat to NZ. Anyway, there're having a highland games on new years day which I though would have been kind of cool to go to. Could always drive up on the day, although somehow I think we'll be a bit too hungover for that. I dunno how I'll cope being hungover and having no irn bru!!!

Well, thats christmas over and done with. It passed a bit quickly for my liking. I didn't get a chance to feel christmassy at all. Some presents, a few days off, and then back to work. I got some nice presents though. A swanky new phone which you can surf the net from, some nice tops, some smelly stuff, and the usual chocolate. We had nice weather too. We went to my boyfriends parents place in the Bay of Plenty. They live in the countryside, so it was a very relaxing few days. Going for walks with the dog and going to the beach (beautiful soft, white sand...). The weather is a bit warmer down there too, so I got a wee bit sunburnt. Very pleasant few days. They were also getting rid of their old spa pool, so we dug it out and cleaned it off, and are just waiting for them to drive it up to Auckland in their trailer. Looking forward to getting that installed!

It's supposed to be summer here. We're supposed to be on the beach, throwing another shrimp on the barbie. Instead we're decked out in winter woolies, huddling round the heater as NZ struggles with it's worse december weather ever. We've had pounding rain every day and freezing winds. On Sunday we had hail stones as big as marbles. Yesterday Auckland was home to a mini tornado. Not good.

Also not good is the fact that I'm in work over christmas and new year. I'm used to having around 3 weeks off around then and sitting on my backside eating pringles. Intead I'll be in work twiddling my thumbs. It's very quiet. Most people are off, and the ones who are here don't have enough work to keep busy. I'm reading up on software testing techniques though, so that will keep me occupied for a bit.

The good news is that I've finally got some plane tickets booked for a visit home. Also bringing the boyfriend to introduce him to the parents and to show him the delights of Bellshill. We're going via Brisbane, Singapre and Dubai, with a few days in each place. Should be good!

Was interesting coming into work this morning. Quite a few people in santa suits. I haven't been able to get into the spirit of things really. Mostly because I've been too stressed getting presents and getting permits and stuff sorted for staying in the country. Getting a wee bit excited today though......it is christmas eve! Here comes Santa Claus.....here comes Santa Claus.....la la la la la

P.S For anyone watching GMTV the other morning when they were broadcasting from Auckland....they guy in the big scotland hat with the glasses who had the camera right on him was my friend Stuart!