Walking with Foreign Souls

You know, the other day I decided to go for a run. Now, I’ve never been much of a runner. I thought it would help clear my head so I could focus and make a few important decisions.

Well it worked, but not in the way I would have expected it to. As I started running, my head began overloading with thoughts, uncertainties, confusion, and was doing the opposite of what I had hoped. The harder and more focused I was, the worse it got.

However, when I slowed down and began headed in a new direction, I felt better. I would try once again to push my pace, or to go back to my original destination, but it all would come back. Eventually, I decided I didn’t care where I ended up, or how long it would take me to get there.

I came onto a grassy green park by the Manawatu River, threw my shoes off and dug my toes into the grass. I sat down in complete satisfaction looking around me, this is where I was suppose to be.

There was a white gazebo in front of a sparkling river, running trails, happy dogs, and the sun was shining, this place was perfect.

 (Not the actual Gazebo for those calling me on my BS)

I realized that when I was focused on exactly where I wanted to end up, that that’s all I could see. Rather, when I slowed down and had no end in mind, everything I saw was amazing.

I took my time enjoying myself in the park, digging my feet into the mud, dancing, and fiddling with sticks. Still in the moment, I was pushing myself to make decisions, and felt rushed to get back into the rat race.

With a shoe in each hand, I walked up to the edge of the river, and one by one, threw them into the current. They gave me blisters. I never liked running, or being in a rush to go somewhere I didn’t want to be (especially considering the larger scale of my “life”).

Now the moral is, not to throw your shoes in the river, but to be true to yourself. There is a difference between the path you are meant to take and the path you think you’re supposed to take.

I encourage you to live life like a journey, to enjoy the adventure and each step along the way. Not to take life or dreams for granted. We can learn something amazing every day, and to try new things.

Pick it up, Put it Down, Pick it Up, Put it Down. Ya learn something new every day.

It's easy to get out of blogging when you don't do it... I regret not writing more over the last several months. When I write I realize how amazing life is, all you have to do is step back. I've learned so much!

I've picked up fire poi, and have since performed and several events including the World Squash Tournament! Our club won best club of the year 2010! I've been slowly learning a few more songs on the guitar, I'm a better surfer. Tricks of professionalism, general management, and leadership. Hopefully found a few more perplexing pieces to the puzzle of "Men".

I've been worried that I've been moving backwards, rather than forwards... or worse, stagnation! lol, I'll never be stagnate. The trick for me will be balance, somehow achieving my needs (Maslow's hierarchy), and let my spirit roam free. I must accept who I am, and what I want out of life. Then let things form around me to help me achieve it.

I want to get a Canon SLR again, and video... and travel the world, show it off! There is so much to see!

Hmmm.... My cheese is still moving... maybe it's a living culture

So, it seems that my cheese keeps on moving. I suppose if I stay in one place and try to spot my cheese without following it, I'm defeating the purpose. I'm known for making sporadic major changes in my life, and for once, I thought I'd try taking forever to make a decision and span it out to do things properly... Got my sniffer out, wiskers twitching, WHERE's MY CHEESE!!! :P

My friend Jordan is also making some major life decisions right now, after a long talk, we decided to jump into the car, drive to the store, and find our cheese. I bought 2-3 types myself, so did he, with some cheese crackers and had a feast. Love blue cheese, and sundried tomato cheese, motzerella, smoked cheese, most anything branded Kapiti cheese, cottege cheese, string cheese....Hmm... maybe I just love too many cheeses? Mac N Cheese anyone? ... 4 cheese pasta?

I'm trying to analyze it all. dead end.

Ya know, the minute my life became breezy here in New Zealand, the last thing I did was sit down and write about it. Shoot, I hardly took photos, just in the moment. Pure satisfaction. The Massey Fire Crew has become my family, and I've realized that I'm now a grown up (of sorts).

I've begun to define myself as an adult, and realized I'm not your everyday person. It'd drive me mad! I MUST TRAVEL, I must experience life, I am a nomad. I love people, more than anything. Money is a tool, nothing more, but it is important to keep on reserve. You shouldn't be held back in life by something as trivial as money.

When my Fire Club Family left, off to see the world and make the most of themselves, I found myself lost. Like I belong in a place that no longer exists, I think we all feel that way. None of us were ready to go our own ways, but the time was here. I can't wait to see where life takes them, lets make each other proud, be the people we mean to become.



Don't let fear hold you back. Let your heart guide you, your intuition steer you,  your soul balance you, and your legs drive you forward. There is nothing accept a self perplexed bubble, which I assure you stretches, that comes between you and the world around you.

Who Moved my Cheese

Time passes by so quickly, it's hard to believe nearly 5 months have passed without me blogging. To be honest, it's probably because I've been quite comfortable living a day-to-day life. Don't get me wrong, I still surf and I've been getting into fire spinning over the last couple of months. Pretty sweet stuff.

Hmmm, but there is something missing, not quite sure what it is yet...   Oh, I know, my cheese is missing. Have you seen it?

I have no idea what direction life will take me, maybe I'll stay in Palmy forever.... probably not. :P  It's a great life, but I crave adventure. That's just who I am!

If you could do anything, what would you do?  Post a comment below!! Go on, do it!

Childhood thoughts

Being a grown up isn't as easy as I thought it would be. When I was a child I knew that when I grew up, I would know everything just like grown ups do. No matter what they said or did, we idolized it. Looking back, the problems and concerns I had as a child seem so miniscule. I use to be afraid of a monster under my bed, even still I have to keep my feet covered at night. Our concerns as children are just as important as when we are adults, they help decide what kind of people we will be as we face life.

The Black Dog

Over the last month, I've lost everything. We'll skip the details, cause I've wallowed in it long enough. Time to move on. To start over. Again. I've found it hard to seek out what still inspires me, what motivates me. It seems like nothing anymore. I've had to take a deep look at myself. Patrick Ellverton seems to know what I'm talking about, the black dog. Mission: Tame it!

Walking Backwards

No matter how much you think you know about life, how much you've seen or done, there's always an unexpected surprise around the corner. I've decided to live my life, to do everything I possibly can with it.

If you haven't heard, Murphy has been following me around, making sure I abide by his laws. Over the last month I've had my apple laptop and digital SLR camera stolen. I've discovered I don't know anything about the people I lived with, and all of a sudden my life changed... From the night of the theft,  I no longer lived in that home, and ended up changing jobs. I guess I'm still partially un-employed. I've been so frazzled I left my ipod in a restroom, and got later lost two blocks from home. I must have been on some other planet, cause I ended up crossing the street four times, and walked backwards two blocks from where I started.

...   Life's confusing.

Relativity

We often wish we had what others did, something bigger, better or different. Even those who have the biggest and the best though, want something more. That's life. The trick is, wanting what you've got. I miss home like I never would've imagined. I've got everything I could have hoped for here in New Zealand, except for them. I miss you guys. I talk to friends and family, and they all wish to be traveling and doing what I do, funny that.

I'd love to give you a bit more wisdom... I guess we all have our worries, our problems, no matter the size or day. It's all relative.

Quilt of Memories

Today it finally hit me, my friend Berned is going home to Germany. After two and a half years in New Zealand, we've shared so many memories, so many friends, our dear friend Paula- Our crabby old pink Mitsubishi Mirage. I've kept the key to her, and will never forget when Berned and I took her out for one last go at the beach.

Let's just say, anything you've ever wanted to do to a car, we did it to her! Drove her into the ocean, pulled the e-break at full speed, zooming down the beach, launched er off the dunes, opened beer bottles with the seat belts (of course we weren't driving).

Paula was how I really got to know Berned, a co-owned car with first German guy I've ever met. So excessively "German," I learned to simply cut out any explanation, nicknaming him "The German." We'll maybe being excessively stereotypical isn't quite fair for explanatory purposes, but it made him very difficult to get along with. His bizarre behaviors, complaining, quick explanations, and laughter held under stern glare took some getting use to. I've grown to love his humor, especially when other people can't tell when he is or isn't serious, and poking out a smile whenever possible. I've come to really appreciate him for who he is, and love his crazy personality, a best friend.

Despite a wild going away party involving mulled wine and burning sugary liquor... it hadn't hit me that he was leaving until tonight. I can never refuse the offer of cheap stuff from an international leaving the country. I've come to find myself showered in the memories these international students shared with New Zealand and our friends here, through the items they leave behind.

I bought a car this week that has likely seen more of these island roads than I have, and the maps I'm given are well worn. Marked up with the exciting destinations that will now be the digital photos shared with our future families. Many of my clothes, furniture, and tools have had many owners and put to good use. We take care of the things we have, and pre-loved items share their adventures with me. when I look at the items all around me, they all have a history, and remind me of the incredible journey we are on.

I face many fears, of being alone, or forgotten amongst the memories. This dream life is not over for me, its more than just an OE (Overseas Experience), it's my life. It's wonderful, and I'm so afraid of loosing it.

I'm being swept up in this giant quilt, ancient time lines of experience and knowledge. I can't help but wonder what challenge the future will bring. I'm cuddled up by a warm fire, wrapped in the wisdom of the world hoping I can make patches as beautiful as the ones around me.

I will miss my friend, but our memories live on in this beautiful time line quilt.

Riches

I spend so much time deciding, who am I? I can be anyone I want to be. Thats a lot of pressure, what if I mess up? What if I spend all my time trying to be someone I am not? Is that possible?

We are taught to respect money as the highest thrown. Until I understood this about, I was so good at getting it. I dream of being rich, being able to spend on anything I want. Thats just what money is though, something you can spend on anything you want, and thats what we do everyday. If you are buying something you don't want, STOP. What's the point? America IS one of the richest countries in the world, why do we think we need more money? It's funny, money itself drives us mad. Wanting so badly to want something else to spend on.

I had been fighting with the idea that I would focus my working career on making large amounts of money, and be able to change the world with it. It doesn't work that way, at least not for me. If your focus is on changing the world, start there, not with money. Pick the goal, and the tools will begin to appear to help you achieve it.


Why is it we so badly want money? To make us happy? Happiness is what we should find in our everyday lives, in the people we spend our time with, and the work we invest ourselves into. Our short lives are for us to live, to enjoy or hate, really that choice is up to each of us.

I've found my small budget in New Zealand limiting, and frightening. For such a small amount though, I volunteer my time in the outdoor pursuits I enjoy and in turn, pay nothing. The best parts of my life, money couldn't possibly buy. A supportive family, a loving boyfriend, a sunny day, and loving friends who always help each other.

I fear these are the riches I take for granted, as the wealthy do their money. I don't ever want to live a meaningless life, take anyone for granted, or be selfish or forgotten. I want to love and share freely, and to enjoy every day of my life.

These moments are the riches we spend our whole lives chasing, sometimes forgetting they can't be bought.

I think I know who I am, a hippie, a dreamer, who hopes to change the world.

Kathrine was deemed queen of Isla de Capri, an imaginary island made from water bottles, this pump bottle was the first piece : )

Who am I, Who are you?

If someone asks you, who are you? What would you say? You'll stop and try to analyze what it is that person really wants to hear. It's a big question you'll spend your while life trying to answer.

Of course we want strangers to think the best of us, unless of course you hope to never see them again.

Some people spend their whole lives trying to fit into mainstream society, to cover up mishaps and blemishes, but it is those very things that make us the people we are.

Who am I? I started thinking about that as I was staring at a manikin at work. I hate manakins, but I liked that one. I feel the same way about fire hydrants, either I love it or hate it (usually really like them). I've paraglided, surfed, climbed, but I'm afraid of balloons. You that moment when you're just waiting for it to pop! I love ramen noodles, the rain, and chinese market gardens. Clean Freak. Giving blood makes me black out. I travel. I am a perfectionist with ambition and drive. Love to fall asleep to good movies. Busy makes me happy.


I could go on for age about the quirkeyness we develop and prefer to call "finding ourselves..."

So Who are you?

 

This photo was taken at Boundary Stream Reserve on a volunteer trip with the Department of Conservation, New Zealand

Thinkin Out Loud

I think about my blog all the time, about what I want to write to you. I hope to say something inspiring or tell you about the adventures I've been on. Anyone can ramble on about one thing or another, and I try to focus the topics of my blog back to the journey I've put myself into.

Now I'll be honest, I'm lost. lol   No idea where I am, and slight confusion as to where I've been. My main goal was to come to New Zealand where I aspired to surf, climb, and make the most of my life.  I am in the place where I've been reborn.

As you would expect, upon my return things are different than I remember. The main difference being that I've Finally entered into the real world, away from academia and models of idealism. My head is filled with grandeur ideas and that I am meant to change the world. Here I am, now how do I change it? What am I suppose to change? Is it really my job to change it? Does it even need changing?

It's nice that I've come across the time to contemplate such things, I'm eager to do something! My flatmate who is an inspirational musician told me that if I'm passionate about something, than I should go for it, and I agree. The problem is that I'm passionate about life, and everything that makes it up! I can't spread myself too thin, but I can't concentrate myself so much that I'm blinded from the rest.

There are three areas of interest that I'm particularly motivated by: Leading Edge of Science especially to do with Wildlife, The Art of Expression- Photography and Communications, Business- the Art of Management and Entrepreneurship. It may sound like I've broken it down nicely, but these are three huge areas of interest that just begin to overlap.

Then I want to prioritize, what's most important to me?  Love, Work, Education, Friends, New Zealand, Family, Conservation, Fun, Traveling...? Just to name a few. It seems each drives me in a new direction. I could just let life happen around me, but I don't just want to go with the flow, I want to help decide where. By now you're probably thinking I think to much, lol... I shouldn't worry so much. It's important to me though. If I'm going to be passionate and put my efforts into something, I want to do it properly. I have the drive and energy to make a big difference in this world, and I want to be able to give back to the people who've helped me so much.

I think BIG.

My mom always tells me, it'll all work out. It does too. I want to make the most of my life.

Satisfaction of Life

"A traveler does not know where he is going, but a tourist does not know where he has been." -Global Gypsy

So I continue this journey into adulthood, trying to sort out my life. I have so much ambition and still seek the idealism taught in university. Though I realize that there is an enormous grey zone beyond this that makes up reality, I belive that harnessing this power of ambition is what drives society in any direction. I want to create a tidal wave that shakes the planet, where we no longer fear recession and the inability to buy unnecessary things, but rather seek satisfaction in the work we are passionate about.

We endure constant change in life and within ourselves, from that we are able to seek the treasures of this short life, and take those golden moments where others also find their passion. In any given moment each and every one of us can bring passion into our lives, and to the lives of others.

Perhaps Sheryl Crow said it best, "It's not having what you want, its wanting what you've got."

 The more materialism you have, often the more difficult happiness becomes. I first learned this on my travels to Ecuador. Some of these people were the poorest I've ever met, and the happiest. From the time I've spent with a people from all walks of life, I find that those more down to earth are better in tune with themselves.

 Commercials and advertising confuse us, selling not a product, but the idea that you can buy happiness when you purchase it. Beautiful people, cars, and clothing make us look better, happier right?  This illusion is toxic to the American society, and makes us loose sight of what it really means to be happy.

I've found a transitional niche in life, I only work about 20 hours a week (If I'm Lucky). The rest of it I ended up volunteering to the surf club, climbing wall, environmental causes... and to friends. So I've managed to make my hobbies entirely inexpensive by investing time INTO them, not AT THEM. Perhaps its a fluke, but its the most rewarding job I'll never be paid for. 

I find myself fighting to find balance in my own life, its so easy to follow main stream society. I suppose it comes down to values, find what you value most and build your life around it.

I want to give, to give everything and have nothing. People are everything, and I could never give enough to help someone find happiness in their own life, for good. We each have to take the steps towards our everyday happiness. It can be found anywhere, it's everywhere around us. Life is a roller-coaster, its time you enjoyed it!

These photos are from a bouldering trip with the Massey Alpine Club out at Lynn Hill. Many of the climbers have never climbed outdoors, never a better time to start!

Finding My Cheese

I told myself that with this blog, Journey, I'd try not to make things so "Sugar Lollipop and Dandy." Life is a journey, and a roller coaster. I find that we make time to photograph and remember the moments we enjoy in life, like finding this awesome rusted old car on the beach. We try to forget the things that bring us down, like the poor guy who lost this vehicle, and that there was absolutely no surf for the surfboard. Rather, I like to remember that it was a beautiful sunny day at the beach and in good company.

Now I'm sure you're thinking that if the worst of my problems is no surf, than what could possibly go wrong...   I'm riding up to the peak of the roller coaster, and I fear the unknown. It's a steep climb, and I'm loving it, but what goes up, must come down...

What could possibly come next? I fear the unknown, I have no idea what sharp turns will alter the path of my future. Will I stay in New Zealand? Will I get a job that pays me? Will I be swallowed up by student loans and wage slave the rest of my way through life. I'm afraid, because my eyes are opened to see the vast world before me, and endless possibilities.

 I've got to be realistic, I couldn't possibly keep up this lifestyle? What's going to happen? I've begun to close my eyes because I know the cart is about to drop or turn, fall off the track. Whats the worst that could happen? I Don't Know??!?!?

I surge onward to the unknown, surfing the beaches of New Zealand, making friends, and taking a risk- to live life...

This week I...

This week I: Organized Intro to Surf Weekend, BBQ at my house, ran in Relay for Life (200K all together), Voted Climbing Wall Officer, Fixed my Bike, couches for climbing wall, designed logo for surf club sweatshirts, liaised with important people, belaying workshop, invite to do research with Kia, and brought a group ...of people along the Tongariro Crossing in stayed in the awesome MUAC hut!!!

 

Here we are at Himatangi Beach, susin out what the waves are dishin up!

Massey Alpine Club out at the Relay for Life event. We just finished a 24 hour run where we completed over 200k, and ranked in the top 15% for placement. It was awesome! I spent the whole next day sleeping.

Twister with Gettes and Jester's Pies

You wouldn't believe me even if I told you... Excuses as to why I haven't caught you all up with my blog. So I'll just stick to the usual excuse, which is no lie, "You never know what's going to happen in New Zealand!"

I've done so much since I've been here already! So yes, in fact I was playing twister with a gette and got a free pie from a jester, whom I was later responsible for making fly off a balance board (land surf board). Whoops!  I've been surfing, climbing, high-lining, slacklining, rafting, kayaking, tramping, backpacking, exploring caves, and swimming in the most spectacular places on the planet. 

So having said that, I'm sorry I haven't spent the time to tell you all about it until now. Sleep is overrated right?

 

I told you, you wouldn't believe me... I guess I'll have to let the pics speak for themselves...

These Scenery Pics are from Able Tasman National Park, South Island New Zealand. I met up with a couple of backpackers in Nelson who decided to hitchhike with me to the top of the track and we'd do it together. We spent four days hiking along the Coastal Track, and I'd take another two weeks just to sit on the beach and play in the crystal blue waters. It was Spectacular!!

Kayakers make their way in and out of the coves hoping to catch a glimpse of the marine life in this beautiful sanctuary. 

 

Backpacking across the beach in a light rain shower... gotta get clean somehow!

These guys are my buddies, Chris and Katrein, the king and queen of Isla de Capri (an imaginary island we were going to create using bottles- we've already sorted out politics, dubbed "Lord of the Pineapples" and sorted a population plan for the island... now all we need to do is build it. Lol...We hitched and completed Able Tasman together!

 

You never know who you'll meet in a hostle. We're actually in a VW bus, one of the first touring vehicles in New Zealand, and just behind us there is a GIANT JINGA SET! The guy in the white had is  "Lord of the Pinapples," otherwise known as Brian.

I spent the holiday with my true love!  HAPPY VALENTINES DAY NEW ZEALAND!!!

Have I convinced you to come and see me yet? I've got a flat now, a job working at Kathmandu (outdoors store), and full access to surf equipment. Look forward to seeing you!

Valenties with True Love

Able Tasman- Coastal Track, 4 day hike!

COMING SOON!! Valentines

70 Couch Surfers Over Two Volcanos

So I've really left you guys hangin over the past few weeks, what can I say I've been having fun!

About two weeks ago now I decided to take off for the weekend because an uncertain "fish" (see reference previous blog) made last minute plans. Of course, then so did I!
Nearly 6pm already, I stuffed a large pack with anything that would deem me "self sufficient," hopped on a bike, and rode to the edge of town. After a quick chat with a lady at the gas station, she insisted that I stored my bike in the back for safer keeping. I was just going to hide it in a bush somewhere?!? lol

So I quickly threw my thumb out, not quite sure how to pronounce the name of the city I was going to, and I was off.

(I was talking to someone about hitching and just realized that I've probably ridden with over 200 people here in NZ)

I managed to get most of the way to the Tongariro crossing with my final hitch for he day, (I DO NOT HITCH AT NIGHT). I had him drop me off at a crossroads in Tongariro National Park where I'd attempt to finish my trip in the morning. My plan was to meet up with a group of Couch Surfers and do the Tongariro Crossing in the morning, only problem was that they were leaving at 7:30 am. oh yeah, and I didn't know any of them. lol

The night sky was full of shining stars in the dark sky, and the full moon came out and lit up the world once more. I threw up a tent in the native bush, and the landscape, came alive. The agave plants shook with life, and little critters, hedgehogs and bats, rodents, and a chorus of birds made the music of the night. Grinning from ear to ear, I realized, this is freedom.

In the morning, I quickly packed up my tent to throw a thumb out on an empty road. Sure enough, the minute I got there, a car stopped on the side and took me on my way.

Now I wasn't sure whether I'd be able to reach the village before the CS'ers left for the trail head. After giving it a good go, I realized my chances were better to meet them at the trail, though I wasn't sure which end they would start from. I walked along the road way for a while before I came by a shuttle station to the trail head.

Making a quick decision, I decided I had to guess the trailhead 50/50, and would hike it either way. Luckily I was able to leave my huge pack with the shuttle service and take a more reasonable day bag.

Off I went, and believe it or not, I found the CS'ers (thus the title lol). It isn't easy to coordinate that many people, so I give em dibbs! Car load after car load, they arrived.

... to be Continued

A Bigger Fish!

There's always a Guy, lol:

Sometimes, much more often than you like to admit to yourself, there is a special"someone else" who tends to influence the things you do. Now that can get complicated when you don't have a job, a house, or any set plans. Even more so if you're a bum at his house, lol.

Then reality hits. We'll keep it short and sweet, more doors just opened up and I'm lookin' for a bigger fish!

Hold in There!!

Hey Guys, just got back from traveling in the south island. Did a four day trek in Able Tasman on the costal track. I hitched all over the last week and a half and just getting settled into "uni life". I can't wait to tell you all about my adventure!

True Love

You know, when I left New Zealand last January, the heart break I felt was best described to me as terrible break up. I had been living in this beautiful country for a year now, and every day of it, woken up with a huge smile on my face, so happy to be hear. It was the best time of my life, and I just didn't see it coming. Time to go back to reality, my home in the USA. My vacation was over, and I cried the whole way home.

I was reluctant to get on the plane, and loved to tell my friends that they would have to drag me back kicking and screaming. I promised myself I'd come back to her. I loved everything about her. But now it was over. It was fun while it lasted, I wasn't ready for it to be over, but there was nothing I could do about it.

A year later, I kept my promise, both to New Zealand and to myself. I'm so very happy to be here, I love her deeply. It's different now, I knew it would be. I lost her once, and I'm so scared it'll happen again. I've been working desperately to get my working holiday, and will continue working towards residency. I've never felt more at home, I've never loved so deeply.

In Short...

I hitchiked to the Tongariro Crossing, Camped under a full moon and Stars in the National Park, Hiked Ngauruhoe Volcano to the rim, then between it and Roruapehu Volcano, Dodged a Killer Boulder at 40km/hr, Danced the Conga with 30+ CouchSurfers, Soaked up the Natural Hotsprings in Taupo, and made many New Friends Along The way.... it was a good weekend.

Usin' the Thumb

Right at the last moment, I decided to get outta here for the weekend. Palmerston North is so much quieter in the summer than I ever remember it. Probably because us rowdy travelers were always off on some adventure.

At first, my plan was to head to the South Island, but due to a "Wicked Awesome" ACDC concert, there wasn't a hostle or ferry available for about a week. So instead I headed North. It was already nearing 6pm, granted there was tons of light, but I figured I'd stick my thumb out and just see how far I could get.

I remembered seeing something about a CouchSurfing event and hiking the Tongariro Crossing, and hoped I might join them. After a quick phone call, I took a quick shower, stuffed my pack, and took off on my bike! Granted, it only had a couple of working gears, and my pack was so large I couldn't look up straight. I pedaled as fast as I could to the edge of town, stashed my bike, and pulled out a thumb.

The Journey Begins...

When I choose the name for this blog, Journey, I really meant it. I felt that it was important to distinguish this next chapter of my life away from my "Treasure Box." Simply because it is so much more than a goodie bag.

I think about writing in this blog every day, what do I want to tell you? There is always something... Apparently there was a German tourist leaving New Zealand who tried to smuggle 40 exotic lizards back home on an airline... in his pants. Who'd of thought?

Like I said though, there is so much more to this than just the fun stuff. I'm here in New Zealand on a 90 day tourist visa. Only three months! That scares me so bad, it would break my heart to leave again. It's like some crazy love affair that I can't get enough of. I want it and I need it, this country breathes life into me. If you are at all familiar with my first travels here, you'll know what I am talking about. I've been slacklining, and rafting, and kayaking, and highlining. And to be honest... I've only begun to have fun!

I've spent the last several days focusing strictly on job hunting for opportunities in Ecological Research in the field. I'm a bit disheartened since there are so many opportunities back in Montana, and yet they are so hard to find here. Really it's all about who you know, so that's where I begin. Networking. It's so easy to meet people here, and to get the "scoop." Some part of me just agreed that everything is perfect in NZ, and that I will have nothing to worry about at all. No problem with the jobs.

I've been here nearly a week, and no job. For some reason I'm astounded, considering I haven't sent out a single CV. I suppose that's how spoiled I've been. Shame on me :) I suppose I'm testing out the waters to see whats out there before I jump on board full speed.

I've somehow got to overcome my fears, that I won't make it here. I'm treading in new waters. Happy to have a couple of great friends here to help. I really owe them a TON! Thank you Jackson, and Thank You Phil!!

It's scary not knowing what's going to happen. I know what I want... thats a good start. I just don't know how to get it, or in what order to place my priorities. I'm so torn between staying in Palmerston North with my friends, and going off to start some awesome career with wildlife.

To be honest, I really just want to play! To have a blast! and to stay. My degree will take me a long ways here, especially with my experience. I just have to find the right job.



It looks like I'll be heading to the South Island for a couple of weeks before university starts up here in Palmerston North. Who knows!

If anyone happens to come across a great NZ opportunity for me, Please Don't be Shy!

Thanks Guys!

New Zealand- Taking it all in

It's hard to understand the meaning of "reality," unless you take the time to step away from it. What does it mean when someone says, "that's just life." It seems that this reality is a series of expectations that we put upon our selves and others to create the world that we know. If you've ever traveled, you may notice that this set of expectations changes.


So what happens when the far off visit is more than a simple vacation, but a new reality? You start looking at it differently. Behaviors and expectations are different yet.

I've been having a phenomenal time in New Zealand, it's been mind blowing! In just two days, I've rafted, kayaked twice, gone high-lining, slack lined a few times, found wild plums, camped with a BBQ dinner, and played with my new blow dart gun. I've only been in the country for 2 1/2 days!

Jet lag is still getting me, so I am exhausted right now. So many stories to tell already, and so much to think about.

What do I want to do with my life?

I must let a million thoughts lay to rest as my eyes are too heavy to tell you more.

Good Night

Scattered Thoughts and Overwhelming Excitement

Well the title kinda says it all. I can't believe I'm here, truely. It's even more beautiful than i remember. Flowers everywhere, the temperature is just Perfect. I spent the day visiting the Botanical Gardens, the Exotic Bird Sanctuary, and walking- drenched by the rain. I've never been happier!


No idea what the weekend will bring, kayaking? Surfing? Tramping? Road Trip? All possibilities. Who knows! Lovin' Life!

Into the Wild

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods,
There is a rapture on the lonely shore,
There is society, where none intrudes,
By the deep sea, and music in its roar:
I love not man the less, but Nature more.

Lord Byron, Childe Harold's Pilgrimage