…click here to read a disclaimer of sorts…
Hello, lovely readers, and welcome to my blog ♥ Yes, this blog is called “Practically Perfect”, but trust me when I say that we are far from it!
Me and our son Joe – taken about 5 days after he was born
My name is Jenny Tucker and I’m a first-time American mum and nurse who’s moved to New Zealand. My husband Chris {a university professor} and I moved here in May 2010 for his job, and we’re loving the new experiences and travel. Our son, Joseph Ezra {Joe}, was born on the 14th of June 2011. In my spare time, I like to read, go on walks, hang out with friends, watch documentaries, and spend time with my boys!
I took up blogging back in December 2006 as a way to keep family and friends updated on what we were doing. It’s evolved since then and I’ve met some amazing people through the interwebs. The ability to “meet” others around the world and learn about how they live life is probably one of my favorite parts about having a blog. Since having Joe, I’ve found that blogging is even more valuable and is a great way to get advice and support.
I like to write about things that interest me: Joe, cooking, photography, travel, life as an ex-pat, and finding cool NZ-based business and products. I’m happy to answer questions that other ex-pats or potential ex-pats might have about life in New Zealand {email me at mrs(dot)practicallyperfect(at)gmail(dot)com} but do keep in mind that it might take me a few days to respond. But I promise that I will get back to you – I know how great it is to have a sounding board on the opposite side of the world when you’re preparing to move!
Hey,
Found your blog while doing a search for graham crackers and nillas in NZ. We just moved to the South Island a couple weeks ago. Our American supply of nillas and graham crackers just ran out and I am very sad they don’t carry these products here. My almost three year old loves them!
Oh, I’m a midwestern girl too. I grew up in Nebraska. Moved to NZ from Alabama though.
Hello Jenny!
I found your blog from expatfocus – very nice reading. My wife and I are ready for
a move such as you and Chris did. Currently living in Lexington, KY with kids and would appreciate your advice in making the transition to NZ. With both of you from the states and now living and working in NZ – an ideal resource, been there done that! Looking forward to feedback. Thanks – Robert.
PS – congratulations on having your son Joe.
Hey. This is Sam and I just wanted you guys to know that I have my own shop now: Sam Snead’s House of Whiskey. Please have a look and check our Facebook also:). Hope to see you soon..
Hi Jenny,
I was just google-ing a Fatso alternative (none found, sadly) when I stumbled onto a link to your blog. I read and responded to your Fatso entry and then read some more. It started sounding so much like us!!! Then I thought, I MUST contact this person! Then I realised that you are an American nurse who just had a Baby. Hmmmmm….starting to sound familiar. Couldn’t find your hubbies name on the blog, so rang up my hubbie…sure enough! The “Chris and Jenny” from the philosophy dept. do indeed have a baby named JOE!
HOW FUNNY! I think it is providential as I’ve been meaning to email you for MONTHS!!!! We MUST get together. As a “Philosophy Widow” with children I hope I can offer some of the same support that was offered me when I first started having babies. Perhaps you feel differently…but I have found that there is a culture all its own to being the wife of an academic. Feel free to email me at the address above when you have a moment. The kids are now on holiday and our days are much less structured. We’d love to have you and Joe come to us or we could meet you in the City. Whatever you’re feeling up to. Oooh, just realised….are you back to work???? ANyway, before I say good-bye…you MUST check out _Confessions of a Coffee Group Drop Out_ by Eleanor Black. SHe’s a friend of ours and has just published her first book. It’s a bit cynical…but GREAT for busting the perfectionist myths surrounding parenthood these days!!!! Cheers! Kaila