Erin Mccullough - Winner !
MMM
Me, Michael and Marmite again!!!!!!!!
MARMITE , BRING THIS KIWI HOME..........PLEASE
well, what do you know, third time lucky!!!!!!
Marmite, I decided to come home months ago after being away for 18 years. I'm coming home because I want to live among people who care about others, where the environment is safe and clean, where you can buy Marmite at the supermarket, and to create myself a future, and be close to my family.
Why would I want Marmite to Bring me Home???? thats easy............It would be an honor for me to represent Marmite and New Zealand, and therefore represent what being a Kiwi is all about.........sticking together and soothing with optimism as well as being proud of our roots, and generous and kind to others, these are just a few of our natural Kiwi qualities that have been shining through thanks to Marmites great idea.
I hope the powers that be will consider me to be one of the lucky 100 Kiwis on that plane home to celebrate 100 yummy years of Marmite......
THANKS TO ALL WHO HAVE SUPPORTED ME AND THANKS TO MARMITE FOR EXISTING!!!!!
MARMITE , BRING THIS KIWI HOME..........PLEASE
OK when i go to post this and it tells me i'm not logged on, it will be the third time in a row that i've spent half an hour to write it then lost it...........twice already.....maybe i'll be lucky the third time. I'll try with this small mess first and if it works out i'll rewrite and send my plea to Marmite.
A QUIET MOMENT ON THE COUCH 3
This is me and Mike trying to look mean......... COME ON MARMITE.....,,,,,!!!!!!!!! BRING ERIN HOME......!!!!!!!!!!
31 October 10 at 12:37pm
Vote 624 from Team Jamie Morris. You and Michael are 'way mean'. Hope you bring Erin and Michael home Marmite! Best wishes!!!
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31 October 10 at 1:36pm
Thanks for all your comments and support Erin, you've been wonderful. i really hope your and your gorgeous Michael make it home for chrissy this year. All the very very best and take loads of care x :)
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31 October 10 at 7:45pm
Haha Erin, you're too lovely to look mean. Nice try though.
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A QUIET MOMENT ON THE COUCH 2
I took about 20 photos of us with me holding the camera......Michael has obviously decided he wants to be a star.........a MARMITE STAR!!!!! Michael and I have been together for 11 years, he's been through thick and thin with me. Everythone thinks I'm stupid to pay 2200euro to send him home, but where I go he goes........
31 October 10 at 9:46am
You're not stupid Erin ... & all us cats 'n dogs out here love you for it ... I am praying / hoping / wishing / whatever one can do - that you are on that plane flying into Auckland on the 8th. You're obviously one courageous kiwi. Thanks for all your support & comments during the comp.
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A QUIET MOMENT ON THE COUCH
Me and Michael cuddeling ........with Marmite of course!!!
THANKYOU TO EVERYONE
Hello everyone,
I'm not sure if I will be able to comment again so..............
I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who have supported and voted for me...it's a fantastic feeling. A special thank you to my friend Craig who actually got me on to the comp!!!
Only a New Zealand company could ever dream up a competition like this, with such generosity -100 plane tickets- I take my hat off to Marmite!!!!
Fingers crossed......hoping for the best.....
THANK YOU
31 October 10 at 1:20am
Good luck with the outcome of the competition. Leah Swan's birthday is tomorrow if you have time to throw her a birthday wish. Bon Voyage.
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31 October 10 at 6:11am
WoW... I've just logged on and can't believe how many people are supporting me!!! a Special Thanks to all my Aunties and Uncles who I see have even troubled themselves to egg me on it's FANTASTIC !!!!!!!To tell the truth that is one reason that I'm coming home...I've been without my family for 18 years, nobody cares about you as much as FAMILY does, and a few close friends of course. This little bird is ready to fly home to the safety and warmth of her family............HELP ME OUT MARMITE!!!!
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31 October 10 at 6:16am
Tom, you are welcome to visit anytime, Singapore isn't too far anyway, and you are used to long haul trips!!!!!!
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HAVING FUN WITH MARMITE
I've been babysitting again and while the cats away(thats Olivers Italian Mum) the mice can play(thats us Kiwis).......and the Little Man was a lot less camera shy this time!!!!HE LOVES MARMITE , the taste for Marmite is handed down from generation to generation even though far away from the homeland!!!
30 October 10 at 6:09am
That's My Little Man! We've just confirmed our flights home for Christmas and it'll be Oliver's first visit to New Zealand (despite him quite obviously being a real Kiwi Kid). Can't wait to see you there Erin!
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30 October 10 at 7:05am
Hehe what a cutie! That big jar should keep him going for a while!
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MICHAEL IS OFFENDED
Well guys, you wouldn't believe it but Michael is peeved because I've not posted any photos of him lately.........he's more stubborn than I am, and wont let me take any pics of him at all now!!!!!! I managed to get a shot of his and Marmites reflections instead........he even has his back to us.......
HOW TO SPEAK NEW ZILLIND
This is a guide of how to speak New Zilland, it will be useful to all those expats returning home, a refreshers course for those that have been out of the country for a while....
LUNCH IS READY!!!
While Marmiting on my pc I have been Marmiting on toast!!!!!! Marmite on toast is the perfect meal suggestion.....other than being TASTY and DELICIOUS, its HEALTHY and NUTRITIONAL, and another plus is how QUICK and EASY it is too prepare...........I'm a traditional kiwi girl tOAST SMOTHERED WITH BUTTER AND mARMITE IS THE BEST!!!!
30 October 10 at 2:39am
Ciao Erin, allora ci siamo quasi! Naturalmente prima ke tu parta organizziamo qualcosa x salutarci!
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30 October 10 at 6:10am
Marmite on Toast on a PIZZA plate - what will those Italians say!
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...THANKS
I can only say Thank you Marmite for the opportunity you have given me, if I cant convince you guys at Marmite to Bring Me Home I've had a great time anyway and have learnt many things ..........
....I've improved my computer skills
....got to know fellow Kiwis in my same situation
.......realised how many people want to see the back of me here ...!!!!!!.../care about me...!!!
......rienforced my belief that Kiwis are the BEST
.....WHAT ELSE CAN i SAY ??????
MARMITE YOU ARE THE BEES KNEES AND CAN YOU PLEASE BRING ME BACK????
29 October 10 at 8:05pm
Hear hear! To the Lovely People at Marmite, please please please consider Erin as a very worthy entrant to make that flight home to New Zealand. She is not interested in getting back for a holiday, she is not just wanting a junket home. After far too long away from Aotearoa she is going home for good, on a one way flight. Erin’s case is why you invented this competition. Thanks
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30 October 10 at 12:25am
Good idea Simon!!!!!!! I've put the toast on just this minute.......
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30 October 10 at 12:32am
#581 - can you get to 600 votes by tomorrow?
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BUSY TONIGHT???????
I just couldn't resist posting this......sounds tasty,even the Chinese understand Marmite........today is thursday so I'll be there, will you?????
29 October 10 at 12:54am
Is Chicken flavoured Marmite a new product from Sanitarium?
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29 October 10 at 1:52am
Chicken Marmite and Noodles (number 672 on the menu) ... that's just crazy.
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ITALY vs. NEW ZEALAND
These two fantastic countries are very similar BUT very different..... SIMILAR because they are practically the same size(without Sisily), and are surrounded by water. .... Turn New Zealand upside down and join it together, you got Italy!!!!!! DIFFERENT Because Italy has almost 60 million people whereas in New Zealand there are just over 4 million!!! DIFFERENT BECAUSE THE ITALIANS DON'T UNDERSTAND MARMITE..........we'll have to work on that.......
29 October 10 at 12:40am
You will get to see the real deal soon enough x. Very creative pic by the way.
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29 October 10 at 12:47am
DIFFERENT as one must be very patient here in Italy (although in general the Italians aren’t) especially with respect to the bureaucracy which is enough to tear your hair out at times - you won’t be surprised to learn that Italians loose two weeks of every working year waiting in queues, filling out forms, documents and requests for that ever elusive “permesso” for one thing or the other – (I am sure this time doubles if you are a foreigner in Italy), so this is not something you will miss - it is definitely much much easier to get things done in New Zealand.
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29 October 10 at 9:33am
Very clever - you are a chip off the old block. Hope next time you see NZ it is the right way up!
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ANOTHER SABOTAGE......
The Statue of David in Florence, has been "dressed" by the group of Marmite Extremists who seem intent about spreading the news about Marmite's qualities across Italy...........The Police are investigating all New Zealand passport holders...................PLEASE BRING ME BACK MARMITE.....before they do!!!!!
28 October 10 at 7:59pm
Well said Craig, couldnt agree more, Erery im sure marmite will concider this.
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28 October 10 at 9:28pm
Erin you get my vote..... No. 560. Love the David. He is not at risk of getting obese with a Marmite diet. Keep up the interesting Posts. You desererve to come home. Love Aunty Estelle
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29 October 10 at 12:43am
am pleased to see that your posted the CENSORED version of David
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DEDICATED TO MUM AND DAD
What more can you say.......
28 October 10 at 4:31am
HI Berry, I have been reading through all the other entries posted by your fellow Marmiteers here on this website and there are certainly a lot of talented and creative people out there. It is also clear that a lot of people have a lot of time on their hands to work on their postings and entries. Considering all the tasks you have had to do to prepare for Michael’s journey to New Zealand as well as your own, coupled with the fact that you have been working non-stop for the past several months, time hasn’t been something you have had a lot of, but despite all this I am confident that your Marmite entry is definitely one of the most genuine here and I hope the Marmite Powers-That-Be are able to see this.
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29 October 10 at 12:36am
how true is that!!!!!!!!!!poor old Dad!!!!
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MARMITE ON TOAST
YUM YUM YUM
27 October 10 at 12:41pm
Hey Erin, I remember this show, good old Lana Cokroft and Steve Parr, anyway heres 521 for you, I hope you get back to WGTN for Christmas!
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27 October 10 at 10:11pm
horrible and cold up here, might have to have some marmite on toast to keep the flu and cold away.
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28 October 10 at 12:26am
#536 good luck Erin! I hope we both make it and get to meet at the airport, i'm really curious to hear about life in Italy!
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LAST DAY OF WORK TODAY...!!!!
Well, that's it...........I took Marmite to work today in honour of it being my last day....!!!!!!!!!!! I smuggled Marmite into the breakfast room in the hotel where I work........It looks quite at home on the buffet..!!!!!!!!
28 October 10 at 12:14am
I hope you didn't leave the Marmite there when you finished your last shift!
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28 October 10 at 3:00am
Did all the italians finish off your last precious Jar? At least you can get some more when you get back home! what about the rest of us stuck here in Italy? And the Italians can't even understand Marmite! Where is their culture I ask you?
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What a day today....
Well today 's weather reminded me of good old Wellington, I even took Marmite out for a ride....
27 October 10 at 1:39am
Is that a NZ Police Siren on top of the car? Hopefully you're a bit closer to home, m'dear ...! Paul of London
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27 October 10 at 1:58am
Its a ladder on top of a red Telecom car , my next door neighbour!
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27 October 10 at 5:10am
I think Paul is referring to the Marmite jar...
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Ready to go??????????
NO................
So lets have a look at what I must do before I leave Italy......................................
1. Paint my appartment.
2. Spread the word about Marmite.
3. Give away all my stuff.
4. Send back whatever I want to keep.
5. Sell my scooter.
6. sell my car.
7. Spread the word even more about Marmite.
8. Hope and pray that Marmite picks me.
9. Have a massive Marmity Leaving Party YIPPEE
10. Last but not least a one way plane ticket (hopefully with Air Marmite)
26 October 10 at 1:21am
Vote #489 from Imogen and me. Haven't checked in with you for a while - the votes are going well!! Practically 500!! Well done you!! I hope I get to fly Air Marmite too!! You can pick me up on your way!!
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...WoW....
Marmite has become so big that it has had to start up it's very own airline company, that way they can move it all over the globe............and Marmite can use this plane to Bring The Kiwis Home......full of 100 lucky Marmiters!!!!!!!!
26 October 10 at 12:46am
Well done Berry, I am feeling very confident that you'll too be on Flight Marmite AM01 back to Wellington #488
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26 October 10 at 12:51am
Berry - I have one more vote left today, who do you recommend I give it too?
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26 October 10 at 1:03am
true! i often think about the logistics of flying 100 people on the same day, sounds really tricky!
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ANOTHER SABOTAGE......
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
26 October 10 at 1:04am
Thanks Vicky, thanks Sash....!!!! Back in Feb I decided to return home and programmed Michaels preparation and documents around leaving in Dec, I need him to leave before me and of course you know about the 30 days quarantine....
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26 October 10 at 9:28am
When there's a will, there's a way! I hope everything falls into place for you and Michael. He's such a cutie!
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26 October 10 at 5:42pm
haha - I do like this leaning tower! Pisa should be so lucky to have NZ Marmite in bulk.
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MICHAELS FRIEND TOMMY...
I used to have 2 cats. Years ago I thought Mike was lonely so I got a kitten, and called him Tommy......only to find out that Tommy was a girl.......they Marmited together always, and were best friends. Unfortunately poor little Tommy got sick and went to heaven.......since then Mike has never been the same, now that we are going back home I might have to find another friend for Mike to Marmite with......
25 October 10 at 4:29am
A vote from a fellow wellingtonian is being sent your way. Good luck
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26 October 10 at 5:43pm
Hello Michael and friend. You are both looking very cute.
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Frustrated......
TIME IS RUNNING OUT BUT MY COMPUTER IS DRIVING ME CRAZY I MAY THROW IT OFF THE BALCONY.......
To look at someone's profile to vote it is taking soo long its driving me crazy, I just wrote something to post (took me half an hour) and It wouldn't let me upload saying I wasn't logged in.............I think this site is soo full of people MARMITING that it is going in tilt.........or maybe it's my internet connection which is useless.........whatever it is ITS MAKING ME CRAZY
25 October 10 at 5:52am
Watch out all you unsuspecting passers-bys under Erin's apartment - you might get a computer on your head! Sort of like George Clooney and the Piano: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UjtwCf5WWUU
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PLEASE SEND ME HOME MARMITE...
Michaels trip is fixed, but he will need me back in New Zealand, he doesn't know the language or the local customs.....he will be lost without me. Please help me Marmite, I need to go back!!!!!!!
24 October 10 at 7:39am
Vote 442 coming your way Erin.Got carried away there!!!!!
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24 October 10 at 12:45pm
Was just thinking it must be really easy for a cat to say 'Ciao' - it's so close to miaow! The Kiwis will think he's very friendly saying hi to them all the time. Bless him. Even our animals have got their paws crossed for Michael and his mum.
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24 October 10 at 10:36pm
Hi Erin, thank you for voting for us!! You've become one of my family's favourite's (that's my sister above!) We're all animal lovers too, so good luck, hope you are on that flight with Micheal!!
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"THE CREATION OF MARMITE"
No, Michelangelo wasn't a Marmite fan, Marmite didn't exist in his era The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel has been sabotaged by Marmite Fanatics.......!!!!!!
24 October 10 at 5:02am
actually, some historians claim that Michaelangelo's helpers used to bring him cheese and marmite sandwiches to keep him going during the 7 years it took him to paint the chapel. It's on Wikipedia, have a look. #437
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24 October 10 at 7:34am
At last ... we have a believable explanation for the electricity between those 2 reaching hands ... is dynamic Marmite once again
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27 October 10 at 10:48am
nice one.....goes with "in the beginning" vid on Leah's page....grin
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.......I'M JUST PRACTISING......
The other day I explained to Mike the details about our move, he doesn't like the idea of being separated from me very much.......he didn't come up and sit on my lap tonight, instead he's cuddled in his basket.........................he must be practising being on his own for a bit...............
23 October 10 at 11:45am
Aww if you put some Marmite on his white patches I'm sure you could sneak him onboard?? My last vote for you and Mike :)
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24 October 10 at 1:08am
Do you think that I've not thought of that already? He likes being all black............
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WHY YOU SHOULD SEND ME HOME........
Why have I been away so long? I guess I wanted to see things, To see the world. Well I've seen it, done it, and lived it....... But then I looked around and saw nothing, I was empty. I had seen it, done it, and lived it....... And what else? So I thought and realised what was missing, My Family. What is the point in seeing it, doing it, living it If you can't Be with those who Love you, unconditionally. For many years I've done without, not understanding The importance. But now I know, and only want To see it, do it, and live it with them. PLEASE SEND ME HOME TO MY LOVELY FAMILY
22 October 10 at 11:08am
Yeeee...ah Erin I'm the 400th voter for you ... I know what you mean and all the best for getting home ... Michael doesn't want to be going home alone now does he?
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22 October 10 at 11:14am
The photo was taken on Mum & Dads 40th Wedding Anniversary, four years ago.........thats me being an idiot!!!
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22 October 10 at 11:27am
Michael goes on his own then is in quarantine for 30 days........I explained it to him the other day, he hasn't taken the news very well.......he hasn't touched Marmite since I broke the news to him...poor thing, I'm actually quite worried. Thanks Judi...
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Taking-the-lid-off-Marmite
This article makes interesting reading.......go to stuff.co.nz then 'food and wine' which is in the 'life and style' section, then look for the article named "Taking-the-lid-off-Marmite"..............
22 October 10 at 5:19am
Your votes are going great guns!! Great blogging!! xx
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22 October 10 at 6:41am
Hi Erin,no vote left today but I will be back tomorrow.xo
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Chilling out in the sun...2
I prefer this photo actually.......
21 October 10 at 10:27am
wow...THANKS to everyone who has been backing me up, feels great. This fantastic idea that Mr. Marmite had to Bring Home The Kiwis is " bringing out the best " in everyone, and makes me proud to be a Kiwi!!!!!!!!! MARMITE YOU ARE THE BEST...!!!
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21 October 10 at 11:57am
Hi Erin. Vote 381 here from a Jamie Morris whanau member. Cute moggy, isn't he Marmite? Ka kite ano.
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21 October 10 at 1:04pm
Slipping another few votes from the Angela Smith camp. Michael is too cool for school! Let's get him to is new home with his Mum!
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Chilling out in the sun...
There was Mike just chilling out on the balcony, leaving open a great photo opportunity......oops, can't fit them both in the pic.......
I'M SORRY MARMITE......
To Mr. Marmite,
I am offering my sincere apologies for not wishing you a Happy Birthday......It just slipped my mind.... How can I ever make it up to you? I'll start by wishing you Happy Birthday now.
HAPPY 100 YEAR BIRTHDAY TO THE BEST, MOST WONDERFUL PIECE OF KIWI INNOVATION THAT HAS OF WILL EVER EXIST............AND ALL MY BEST WISHES FOR THE NEXT 100 YEARS OF PRODUCTION, SUCCESS AND WORLDWIDE INVASION.....
TANTISSIMI AUGURI ....
BUON COMPLEANNO MARMITE..
P.S. MARMITE YOU ARE THE BEST THING SINCE SLICED BREAD!!!!!!
21 October 10 at 5:38am
is that a biiiig jar of marmtie or has micheal got really small.
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21 October 10 at 11:27am
No Simon, Michael never gets small, he just gets older and wiser.....That is my master photography shaping up nicely, kind of an optical illusion...
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I JUST CAN'T RESIST
I was going to take the day off Marmiting today. But I just couldn't resist, the computer is like a magnet, irresistable........just like MARMITE.... YOU ARE .IRRESISTABLE MARMITE..!!!!!!!!!! The weather is getting wintery (feels like I'm already back in Wellington), and the car is still at the mechanics so I'm using my scooter to get round, it's just as well I've not sold it yet......and it's just as well I've still got some Marmite left...... I took this pic on the way home from work yesterday...
19 October 10 at 12:51am
you will want to be home for a summer xmas then!!
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19 October 10 at 1:57am
The Mediterrannean Sea is like a bath tub compared with the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans surrounding New Zealand.......
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...I'M GETTING WORRIED.....2
...sorry, pushed the button without finishing ...
...so I need to fix the car to be able to sell it, spending 600euro......oh well....
4. Washing machine broke, 50euro to get fixed! .....oh well, at least I can wash for my remaining time here!!!!!
PLUS, it's costing me 2150euro to get Michael there, not to mention NZ$1500 for his quarantine.......
MARMITE Please help me out...............
MARMITE Please pay for my ticket home.....
MARMITE .....................please..............
17 October 10 at 7:30am
It's great to hear the stories, you have me and my crews support!...Keep em coming! :)
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17 October 10 at 11:29pm
~318 for you & Michael. Be staunch & keep smiling!
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18 October 10 at 12:56am
#322 from Imogen and me! I hope you and Michael get home - all us Wellingtonians could do with a vino sitting in the sunshine down on the Quay!! I wonder if Quayside is still there down by Shed 5 - used to love those places!! :-D
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...I'M GETTING WORRIED.....
I've had some bad luck lately.
1. Car accident in September NOT MY FAULT and untimely to say the least. The after effects are costing me an arm and a leg doctors, physiotherapy, not working..etc..oh well, I'll get $$$ but not until next year....
2. I split up with my boyfriend ( have been living together for 3 years) leaving me to pay the rent on my own for my remaining months here.....oh well, at least I'm FREE...
3. My car is on the blink, turned out to be something in the head gasget.......600euro,.....just think that I'm trying to sell it
18 October 10 at 3:45am
Hello Erin. Hoping you and Michael get back to Wellington very, very soon (like with Marmite at Christmas). Take care and best wishes. Vote 323 from a Jamie Morris supporter (from Ctn).
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I'M HUNGRY............
.........IT MIGHT BE TIME FOR A MIDNIGHT SNACK.....!!!!! I got the habit from my Dad, creeping to the kitchen while everyone is asleep, careful not to make the cupboards squeek, or to bang the plate on the bench......... .......then out with the Marmite.......oh yummmmm .....
19 October 10 at 1:50am
Yum! that looks so good and it's making me so hungry right now :)
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.......I'M JUST PRACTISING......
I caught Michael practicing Rugby, he has his own rugby ball. I put the green blanket down (to make it feel like a real field), and he tackles himself for the ball........as cats do......... He is an Italian cat remember and is used to a football......
17 October 10 at 2:07am
Thanks for your words of support Nelly, I'm worried about him, he isn't a spring chicken and it is a long flight...
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19 October 10 at 1:51am
he is so cute... I'm a sucker for Cat photos... I miss having a cat so much!! I hope you and Michael get home this year.
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20 October 10 at 4:15am
We'll get home one way or another, I'm worried though, I wonder how to get on the "faves list", everyone else is on it except me.......
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I'M READY
Well Michael is almost ready to go, he's got his passport, I'm almost finished organizing his transport, but hey do you think they will let him into New Zealand with that look on his face??????? All we need now is my ticket home.........PLEASE MARMITE PLEASE SEND ME HOME.........
16 October 10 at 6:32am
Hi Erin, Kitty pics get me every time....what a cutie! :)
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16 October 10 at 9:23am
hei Erin nn mi sono dimenticata di te :D !!!! RAGAZZI/E VOTATE ERIN !!!!!!!
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THINGS THAT I'LL MISS ........
I'm babysitting today for my Kiwi friend's little boy Oliver, he LOVES Marmite.......Well I thought I would be able to get a good photo of him marmiting, but kids never seem to do the right pose at the right moment....... He is adorable isn't he, even though he refused to look at the camera!!!
14 October 10 at 7:15pm
HI Erin. Thanks for supporting my sister Lisa. I really like your blog page here is a vote i hope you also make it on the plane. Good luck!
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SORRY DAD....
Sorry Dad I don't mean to embarrace you but couldn't find a most appropriate pic to illustrate how wonderful New Zealand is. Where else in the world can you get this close to nature, to see and touch native animals in clean and protected habitats..??????Certainly not in Europe, thats for sure......unless you count the numerous cats around the Colosseum in Rome....
13 October 10 at 5:07pm
Embarrassment indeed, I have one of you in the same situation! Dad
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14 October 10 at 10:33pm
Hi Sash, if we get to win I'll show you the pic of me!!!!!!!!
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YOU BRING OUT THE DEVIL IN ME.........
Just being close to the Marmite jar brings out his strong and firery character.......
12 October 10 at 11:22pm
Hi Erin, good luck in getting home, today you have my vote because we're both from Wellington and currently both living in Italy...plus I love your page, it's awesome!
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13 October 10 at 1:06am
Your cat looks like he owns his marmite, you better be careful trying to get some off him for your breakie! He is very cute though :)
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14 October 10 at 10:19pm
Have done my daily duty and voted...methinks you owe me a dinner and noy just a marmite sarnie !!!
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MARMITE ALL OVER...
Does anyone want to buy me a tee-shirt?????........I would like this one please....http://www.mrvintage.co.nz/shop/WOMENS/T-SHIRTS/MARMITE+WOS+T-SHIRT.html.......If no one gets it for me I'll have to spread marmite all over me to keep me warm, they say its a good insulator and in Italy its getting chilly now.....
PURE ADDICTION
Keep it up Dad, they say that for the Over 65's , it does wonders for big tummies and flabby bums....!!!!!
11 October 10 at 10:57pm
I must say Mary, you've got the coolest name, good on you I hope you get to see your Little Man for Christmas!
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18 October 10 at 10:22am
Oh what sweet pics of your Dad. Obviously a true marmite fan Sounds like you really need that flight home, good luck from one lover of Wellington to another!
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MUSTS.....
Being away from home can be frustrating as we all know, you need friends or anything familiar that makes you feel secure......and MARMITE is no exception, he needs company as well..........
8 October 10 at 11:01am
Never move house without Marmite and a Edmonds Cookbook.
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11 October 10 at 11:01pm
Yeah the only problem is translating the Edmonds ingredients which are tipically Kiwi into Italian, lets just say that you have to experiment a little...!!
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...THANKS
THANK YOU to everyone that has voted for me and hopefully will vote for me again, I cant believe how much my begging people to vote works out......I must say that I can't wait.....I WISH I WAS ALREADY THERE..............can't wait can't wait can't wait....I'm getting ready, and getting excited, really excited..........oh my goodness I'm having a HAPPY ATTACK...
aaaAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHhhh..............
MARMITE YOU ARE...
..SUPER
...SUPER SMOOTH
..SUPER SLEEK
..SUPER SUCCULENT
..SUPER TO SMELL
..SUPER TO EAT
..SUPERDUPER....
.....oops, got to go to work!!!!!bye for now!!!
8 October 10 at 4:16am
change the word "EAT" to "DRINK" and you could also be describing a lovely pint of Guinness...mmmmm 50 votes in 4 days, that is good going! At this rate you'll have, err, umm, around 500 votes by the end of the competiton
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15 October 10 at 5:41am
Looking good, hope u will still b here for my birth day, may be u could give me a jar of marmite.
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...It's MY Marmite.......
It's not enough that I'm paying for his plane ticket for New Zealand, he also runs off with the last jar of MARMITE...!!!!PLEASE...PLEASE...PLEASE MARMITE.....PLEASE SEND ME HOME SO MY LOVELY CAT WONT BE ALONE...!!!!! (hey, that rhymes)
5 October 10 at 9:19am
Ahhhhh I LOVE kitty cats! What a cute wee house... I'm your # 102! :)
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6 October 10 at 5:30am
Cool house Erin, has it's kiwi touch it looks like greenstone...
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6 October 10 at 5:54am
Thanks for supporting my mate Leah...here's a vote today
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THINGS FOR SALE......
After 16 years here in Italy I've accumulated loads of stuff, and now its time to sell.........everything......the departure date is nearing and it's time to get organized!!!!!!I'm selling my trusty scooter 50cc that I've had for 10 years..........hope that I find a good home for it....
4 October 10 at 10:23am
Hope the Marmite Jar doesn't fall off next time you ride it.
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4 October 10 at 10:35pm
She's had a boyfriend or two fall of the back along the way ;-)
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11 October 10 at 11:02pm
HAHAHA Mr. Smith, you've always got something smart to say.....
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THINGS THAT I'LL MISS ........
Frank Sinatra used to dream about it........I love having a White Christmas, don't care what anyone says, Christmas day in the snow is special...!!!!.....
...me too.....
Whenever I have it, Michael has to have it!!!!!
What's for dinner tonight?????????
My favorite pasta dish of course......
A POINT IN MY FAVOUR......
Something occurred to me that is indeed troubling......I've been looking over the other contestants' profiles, voting etc and all I can see are people that want a holiday home, there's nothing wrong with that ,don't get me wrong....BUT my case is different!!!! I need to win the trip home because I'M COMING BACK TO STAY!!! ........If New Zealand is the Best, why are you all living overseas?
3 October 10 at 12:48am
Hey Erin, you have my vote for today! I'm heading home for good too... but I only if I finish my PhD in time... if not, I'll have to come back to France just to defend and then I'll be on my way back home! I can't wait. Best of luck getting home :)
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3 October 10 at 3:55am
Hi Kim, better get your head into the books then kiddo!!!!!I hope u manage to get everything done in time and if everything goes to plan, we'll see each other on the plane!!!!!.........fingers crossed...thanks for the support!
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4 October 10 at 10:40pm
A very valid point you have there Berry - I hope that the Marmite-Powers-That-Be take this into consideration
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.......I'M JUST PRACTISING......
Here's MICHAEL.... He insists that he's just practicing the trip to New Zealand by sitting in the cage.....you know how it is. I think he's getting excited.......
2 October 10 at 3:07am
It must have been hard to find a cat box the same branding colours as Marmite!
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6 October 10 at 10:22pm
It'll be good if we could sit next to each other on the plane - only my box is a lot bigger than your little cage. Love the colour - mine's just unpainted plywood.
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FRIENDS LIKE ME LIKE MARMITE
...................
12 October 10 at 6:36am
here is another vote for you Berry, but disappointed that we are going to lose our babysitter - Oliver is going to miss you
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13 October 10 at 12:08am
I will miss you three as well......Why dont you come home as well????????I can babysit Oliver in New Zealand as well!!!!!
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13 October 10 at 2:13am
I'm voting for you as well Erin.... you sooooo deserve to get back to Wellington and besides, the rumour on the street is the Italians are getting a bit fed up with you eating all their wonderful Marmite!
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FRIENDS LIKE ME LIKE MARMITE
I'll have to introduce my friend Craig 100% KIWI, his fantastic wife Eleonora 100% ITALIAN, and their gorgeous little man Oliver 50% KIWI 50% ITALIAN. Craig LOVES Marmite (he's my Marmite dealer as he returns home frequently), Eleonora is not a Marmite fan even though Craig tries to tempt her, she's Italian and as I've already explained, they don't understand M.....Little Oliver takes after his Dad, he LOVES Marmite just like a true Kiwi!!!!!!!!!!
30 September 10 at 9:53am
Nice to see this family, have heard much about them from the parents!! Bella Bella
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MICHAEL
He's my best mate....
30 September 10 at 1:03am
Hi Lisa, its called a bidee ("be-daye" in KIWI), every house in Italy has one in their bathroom. It's used for personal hygiene, like after you've been to the toilet, or been 'between the sheets', or just to freshen up......being like a hand basin but sitting level, its handy to wash your feet as well. Actually I don't know what I'd do without one, even MIKE uses it to cool off on hot summer days!!!!!!!!!
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2 October 10 at 3:10am
What did we ever do without a bidet! I recommend you all give it a go on your next trip to Italy - don't be shy, have a try!
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2 October 10 at 3:23am
Thanks Erin! I thought that might have been its use. I used it to wash my feet while I was in Italy. I just wasn't sure if I was being weird or not. If I ever get my own place I think I will put one of these in the bathrooms.
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Spaghetti and Marmite
Courtesy of Nigella Lawson:
Serves 4
350-380g dried spaghetti
50g unsalted butter
1 tsp Marmite
freshly grated parmesan cheese, for serving
Cook the spaghetti in plenty of boiling salted water. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan and add the Marmite and 1 tablespoon of the pasta water. Mix thoroughly to dissolve, then pour over the drained spaghetti. Serve with plenty of grated parmesan cheese.
24 September 10 at 3:44am
Well done Berry! What could be more perfect for a Kiwi living in Italy!
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Michael, Milan and Marmite
I guess that in order for anyone to understand my reasons for wanting to return home,
they should know me a little better....
....this is my story...
I live in Italy, in a summer beach resort called Rimini, have actually been in Italy since 1994.....time flies when you are having fun, sixteen years have come and gone in a flash. But I originally left New Zealand two years earlier than that, way back in 1992 when The Exponents were first wondering what ever happened to Tracey. I went to London on the almost obligatory 2 year work holiday for Kiwis, Ozzies, South Africans, Canadians...all under the age of 26 and surprised at how small the world is when they meet someone who went to primary school with them down at the local Red Lion.
I wasn't travelling alone, I left NZ with my then boyfriend, following other friends already in the UK (many of whom are still here in Italy just like me). London was fabulous and I’d recommend it to everyone, but after a year and a half I'd had enough so I packed my trusty Mac Pac and got a ticket for Lisbon. It was a great experience travelling on my own on the cheapest and slowest trains and my only sustenance from marmite sandies (of course I had a jar with me) and water (I did manage to get a few beers in sometimes), hostels, art galleries, museums, palaces, vineyards. After Portugal I travelled through Spain and France and after two months of backpacking it was time to visit my kiwi friends who had found work for the summer in Italy.
...WoW..ITALY!
I too decided to stay and work for the summer. I liked it here, so different with so much to see and do and so I found work in the mountains for the winter babysitting of all things (despite the fact that I hated kids at the time) but coped very well if I do say so myself! I took advantage of the situation to learn Italian.....the only way to learn a language is to live it!!!!
Well, I certainly wasn't ready to go back to New Zealand yet, when I think back over all these years it’s almost like there has been a supreme force that has kept me here, a type of magnet..... So I returned to Rimini for another summer season......and another, and another..........and another then 16 years later and I am still here!
For the first 2 years I was here working illegally, but through a general amnesty I managed to get a work permit and not have to hide at the sight of the police.
I really don’t want to bore anyone with all the ins and outs of my life here in Italy, although I have thought of writing an autobiography....
Other than learning a language, I’ve lived a culture with traditions that us kiwis can only dream about.
Dealing with Italian bureaucracy !!!!!! Waiting in queues for hours, going to different council offices on wild goose chases, never go anywhere empty handed cos' there’s always some tax or charges to pay.... for them its normal, but if you are a Kiwi "it’s just a have" (as my Dad say's), and without logic.
I've worked my ar8e off, as they say, for others. Then, being the ambitious Capricorn that I am, have even owned and run my own businesses here (another reason for my intimacy with Italian bureaucracy). With the first business, my business partner ripped me off but fortunately I managed to recuperate my investment over 2 years with the help of a lawyer. With the second, it was more like the state that ripped me off, so many taxes and middlemen to pay, I’d never been so poor.... so it was back to the grindstone, working for others.
Love stories?.....yeah I’ve had a few important ones, but never tied the knot, although it is my dream to get married on a deserted beach paradise with sand caressing my bare feet and daisy chains around my neck......DREAMS ARE FREE (that’s what Mum say's).......but time's running out as soon I will be 40!!!!!!! Although Italians are the most hospitable people, there are only a few who would welcome a foreigner to marry their son who no doubt still lives their parents despite being well into their 30’s.
I've lived in Milan for a year and a half, worked winter ski season's, travelled throughout Italy extensively, and seen most of Europe.
Now one of the big reasons that I would like Marmite to shout me home is that I also have a cat, Michael, he's 11 years old and he's the best thing since sliced bread with Marmite. Michael is coming back to New Zealand with me and would you believe that the cost of his ticket and all the quarantine regulations that go with it, his ticket costs more than double what mine does! I have spent all my money on Michael’s flights to New Zealand therefore please vote for Michael and I so I can get home too!
When I say to an Italian where I’m from, they don't hesitate to tell me that it's their dream to go to New Zealand.....the funny thing is that whenever I’ve been back in New Zealand, they all tell me it's their dream to live in Italy.....it’s a no win situation. My experience is that the grass on the other side of the fence is no greener, taller, or tasty than it is on this side, just different - sorry mate, don’t delude yourself!!!
It took me a long time to make to a final decision to return to my roots. I guess I’ve arrived at the point in my life (nearly 40 remember) when I’ve had to ask myself WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE??? When the answer is NOTHING, it’s time to make a change. In Italy, there's not much future for the Italians let alone little old me, I’ve given all of myself, heart and soul over these years, while receiving nothing in return other than being older and wiser. That’s why I'm coming back home, I hope to create myself a future, something that seems increasingly difficult to achieve in Europe, at least for someone on their own like me.
Some of the credit for the decision goes to my family, without them realising it. I'd have to twist around the saying "you don’t know what you have until you lose it"......UNTIL YOU FIND IT YOU DONT KNOW WHAT YOU'VE BEEN MISSING. That’s one of the things I’ve learnt here in Italy, the importance of having a family around you. My family is in New Zealand so how did I ever cope without them around me?
I'M READY FOR YOU NEW ZEALAND.........ARE YOU READY FOR ME?????
P.S. As much as I’ve tried I can’t get Italians to like marmite, they just don't understand it.......all the more for me. Maybe it has something to do with the fact that the word MARMITE is pronounced differently and means 'exhaust pipe' in Italian!
4 October 10 at 10:36pm
Hello Anna, haven't heard from you in a while! All cool down there in Rome?
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6 October 10 at 5:28am
Hi Craig, all's good, Oliver is gorgeous!! Will up to visit you next year:)
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8 October 10 at 8:56pm
Have now voted to send one of my good friends thousands of miles around the world so I will probably never see her again Oh life is cruel....... alex
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13 October 10 at 12:13am
Don't worry babe, real friends are never far away, you and your beautiful family will always be in my thoughts and in my heart.........I can always come back to Italy for a holiday!!!!
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30 October 10 at 9:11am
Writing this for Erin's Nana who just turned 92 - she misses Erin as does her two favourite Aunties. Christmas is about family and it is sad when a family member has been away for so many. GO MARMITE YOU ARE PART OF THE KIWI FAMILY TOO.
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634 votes
Judging
Sure, you may have 100,000 facebook friends to vote for you but it doesn’t necessarily mean you’re on the plane. It’s a quality, then quantity rule round here. We’ll be making our decision based on originality and creativity, how well your entry fits with the values of the Marmite brand, then popularity.
31 October 10 at 7:47pm
Look at Michael checking out the Marmite. Good luck Erin. You have been great support throughout this competition. It has been fun reading your posts, learning about Italian bathrooms, and seeing what you and Michael are up too. Good Luck Erin, you deserve a ticket home. x
Report this comment31 October 10 at 10:51pm
Hi Erin, just one last comment to wish you luck in being reunited with Michael in New Zealand. I know Michael means the world to you and you are quite right - where you go, he goes! By the way, he's one handsome cat. He'll impress the Kiwi kittys with his good looks and Italian accent with ease!
Report this comment31 October 10 at 11:30pm
A final goodbye from me...good luck to Michael for his big adventure woof woof...Ciao
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