trouble..

I can't seem to upload images on my blog. Frustrating. So, back to picasa I go, and hello. Crazy stuff. Such is life I guess.

So... now I can go nuts! :)

saturday morning coffee..

Stumped... I keep trying to upload a picture of the view we didn't quite get this morning, while sipping away at our coffees, eating the decadent brioche, filled with chocolate, and berries.
No wonder I'm feeling as full as I am now... though several hours later.

Ains and I were up there for ages today... yaking about all there is to yak about. Was good to catch up with her. Jackie was off doing her training today, so didn't get up there with us. Poor thing had to be at the airport before 6 this morning, though, in retrospect - the girl was off to Brisbain for the day. How classic does that sound. Yeah.... I was in Australia for the day. hahahaha. Love it. She's super excited about her new job, and just raves about the training. Sounds like she's with a great bunch of people. She's all excited about the idea of a flat trip. Yes... we're off somewhere sunny. hahahaa.... of course, all way too poor to go anywhere just yet! Vanuatu isn't going anywhere though... of course, don't want to head that way during hurricane season. So, it can wait. There is always melbourne for a weekend. :)

Feels like it's nap time in my world, and I know I need to just make the most of these moments when they stumble along. If I don't sleep when I feel like it, I'm going to regret it next week.
Blurry eyed, and sniffly. Hay fever season is here with great gusto. That's what happens when you get such a mild winter. Shame about the lack of snow for all the skiing enthusiasts, but I don't think many people are minding the spring like weather already - and I know the lambs are loving it. Looked gorgeous with the lambs and daffodils out while I was driving around.

Right.... since I can't figure out the computer, guess I'll go snooze for abit, and tackle it all later on today.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

shades of...

So... as I was driving up to Blenheim, the beloved coast just outside of Kaikoura put on quite a display for me. It was a great night..... peaceful, but I was still super tired from the 4am airport trip the day before. Hence the evening photo really. I should have been in Blenheim by this time. hahaha.

Arrived home late this afternoon - driving back from the West Coast, which is just like another world. It really is something else. So green...and, well.... wet!

It rained pretty much the whole time I was there, and the whole drive home....
I guess that means that I don't have to wash the car tomorrow though? The inside is a dissaster area though, to put it nicely.
I think I may have shocked Jackie when she got into it before. By the end of the week I honestly feel like my life is beyond controlling, and I just kind of give up, figuring I can deal with the mess when I get home.
Guess that means that I had better deal with it tomorrow. The idea that I may try and take off on the next week with it being the same is just insane! :)

The last week away was probably the toughest. No idea why, really? I got kind of grumpy - at least the most grumpy that I've felt on the job, though I think it was all just me being lonely, and not enjoying the idea of being away all of next week as well. Crazy how I let myself get wound up about something that wasn't even here yet though!

Feeling much better now that I'm home, and I know that I get to curl up into my very own bed tonight.... with my pillows.... and, I get to sleep until I want to get up too. :) and to top it all off even more..... I get to go up the hill and have my breakfast fix. Ahhhhhh... the simple things in life really do make it ALL GOOD!

I did try and play around with my camera while zooming around. It was a little more rushed than normal. I guess driving down the coast was an interesting way to do it. Missed not heading off to see Greg in Hanmer. Would have enjoyed a soak in the hot pools, that's for sure!

I'm up in Nelson again in 3 weeks, so will go through Hanmer on my way back then. My boss is coming up with me, which should be interesting. Good thing he and I get on quite well. I'm sure we'll have a good time while he's down.

Right..... I've got to go sleep. The plot must be found before I can wander up the hill tomorrow. Think I'll be going on my lonesome tomorrow too. Jackie is off to Oz for the day. HAHAHA!
Madness.

toodles

flax flowers

Was up on the hill catching the sunset, and just having a romp around.... the blue sky just set these flowers off..... so New Zealand.

Tawhi....

Yes... I think he's pretty damn cute!

woweeee

5 weeks later, and I finally have my computer back, up and running!!! I actually got it back on Monday - alas.... plugged it in, and got all excited, only to discover that it wouldn't work. hahaha... the madness. How do these things happen to me - I ask you!
I was up in Wellington on Tuesday.... which was another crazy day too.... they had overbooked my flight, and tried to tell me that I was going to have to buy another plane ticket. Tried very hard to get my head around that one. Insanity! :)
Anyway.... on Wednesday I called the computer place to see what was going on, only to be told that it hadn't even been looked at yet. ARHG! I was beginning to loose my patience... what little I have!
From there on, I was calling every 3 hours to check in. Classic really. Picked it up this morning.... only to discover there was one more bug to be sorted... so in I went again. This time I got to hang around to watch as they fixed it.

Anyway... here I sit.... keyboard in hand, and feeling much better... knowing I can once again communicate with the wild and wacky world!

Not only that.... but I've just downloaded all the pics that I've taken on my new camera! Watch out world!!!

So.... for your viewing pleasure..

Smile guys.

spaster....

Just got home to the farm.... ahhhhhh, the smell of the green grass, the dog, the meowing cats, the bleeting goats, and the galloping horses.....followed by manic sneezing! :)
Loving it..... plus the belly shaking laughter from hanging out with my crazy brothers, sisters-in law, and parents. It is such a funny family to be part of, and one that seems to be growing at a rapid rate. Mind you, I'm also the only single one amongst the lot! :) Joys!

So.... will try and get some pics up here while I have a computer to use. Crazy trying to catch up on emails - so just not going to try.... 6thousand sitting there waiting for my attention. hahahahaha. I don't think so.

very quickly before I crash..... most important thing.... my nephew is so super cute, and well behaved with the cutest smile and laugh.....

Life is good!

Be blessed.

a little nuts

actually.... that's a complete lie. I was more than a little nuts over the weekend.

I still haven't got my computer back, which is driving me crazy.... this poor little laptop of mine just can't cope with being online, and writing is such a slow long process. Shouldn't complain, because it is still better than nothing! :)

So... this weekend you might think that I would think about a new computer, which has gone through my head a few times, but instead... it was a new camera that grabbed my attention! I've been wiaiting for ever to get one, and it took much to decide whether I would go for a digital or get a trusty old 35mm? I ended up going for a nice Nikon SLR, which I've had fun playing with today. Went up the hill yesterday to try and catch a sunset. Today it was off to the beach, which wasn't exceptional stuff, but got one of a couple of kids that I do like.
So - will have to wait for the computer to come back, and then I can get them up and on here! :)

That's it from me.... hope everyone is well. I'll hopefully be back up this week?! Heading to the farm on Friday to meet my nephew, and play with the horses. I've been promised a ride on Tui. Can't wait!! :)

AAAARRRRRHHHHHGGGGGG!!!

My computer blew up!

Last wednesday I came home after running round all morning, turned on my trustly PC to have it suddenly start beeping at me. What kind of beep you ask? Only fair since it was the question I was asked by everyone that I told: It was a constant, same pitch, no change in rhythm.... makes it sound like a musical instrument... what it was was a HUGE pain in the butt!I'm now trying to do this one my poor, old laptop, which, while still working, which is a step up from my other computer... just won't cut the mustard! :) It will be another 7 days before I'm likely to even hear what is wrong with my computer, up to 5 weeks before I may return fixed. So.... this may be it for a while. As much as it drives me nuts, the speed of the turtle is too much for me to take. lol. So.... till next time folks, I'll leave you with the thought that I'm a n internet junkie minus my fix. Imagine what I'll be like when I get my computer back! :) YAY! Bring it on! Oh.... and I've looked at laptops, and wondered... but keep seeing a Canadian plane ticket is going to have to come first. This is just character building before I get there. And for miss Tab; we need to catch up. Vancouver has won! Come Feb next year, you should have a list of fab cafes, theatres, and any other spots you can think of for us to go and explore! Watch out Vancouver... it's bound to be madness. Maybe you could keep your ears peeled for anyone looking for a flatmate? Exciting stuff!

Blessings!

spring clean?

Was quite the productive day, perhaps just in comparison to yesterday? Took the car in for a service early this morning, and was given a rather nice brand new pulsar to drive around for the morning. Of course... didn't actually go very far in it. :) Did meet Jacx for a coffee, which was all good. Actually, it's going to be a silly social week again. Meeting Candïce for breakfast tomorrow, lunch with Greg on Thursday, breakfast with Rae on Friday, and then out to get my haircut and catch up with Victoria. Whew....

Started to go through things today.... after talking to mum about flights home in August - figure I had probably better start to think about things that I may want to leave at home? Quite a thought, really. What to do with everything when I've gone? Do I just get rid of it all? Or do I store things away? Crazy thought! Started to just go through paper... amazing how it just gathers....So... got the fire going, and burnt old letters, even valentines. hehehe. Funny to find things like that. :) Feels good to have a clean out though. I think there are really only a few things that I'll take up to Mum and Dad that I would like to keep - in fact, may even have shipped over to Canada at a later stage?

Found an old Canadian friend online tonight... and had a very quick chat. He's now living in Japan, having got married 6 months ago to a Japaness girl. Loving it over there... now teaching english. He thought I should think about living in Victoria, which is where he is from. It's another place that has crossed my mind... and almost appeals more than Vancouver. More research required I guess. I'm relieved that this is all still feeling so comfortable now. That I can start the whole process and have that thing to look forward to. Now, just need to get ahold of Nig and sort out where and when we'll be meeting up! He was supposed to be calling last weekend - but didn't hear anything. Maybe this weekend? Was thinking about going out to Akaroa to stay with Jimbo and Kym on Friday night. Haven't really caught up with them in ages! In fact, have yet to see their place over there... and if the weather stays like this... will be perfect to be holed up in front of the fire playing board games.

Right... need to go find my bed. Somewhere under everything....

yipeeeeeeee

rainy monday

Was a fairly sucessful day.... if you look at it from a slackers perspective. I did get my reports finished for last week, which was the main task for the day, which kind of explained why I was still so tired. Last week was pretty busy!

So... I mucked around, did laundry, wrote some emails, dreamed about kayaking in Alaska and looked at kitset homes. :) What better way to spend a rainy Monday?

Ains came home in a grump, so she's been hiding away in her room. She really struggles with her morning shifts - so good thing she's working tomorrow afternoon. :) I have to remember to take my car in for a service early tomorrow morning. They are supposed to be giving me a car to use while it's all being done - but when I made the appointment the guy seemed awfully distracted, so just hoping that all works out.

No big plans for tomorrow either. Guess I had better get organised for the following week away up North. Book places to stay, and make all the appointments. It's funny.... the weeks at home are getting busier, which is all good. Got an email from the boss today asking me to make an appointment with a "tough nut". Wasn't sure how I was meant to feel about that one right now. Meanwhile... also a note telling me to go and explore the New Worlds around here. Yipeeeee.

Oh - catching with with Jacx tomorrow.... coffee sometime. Haven't really seen her in over a week... the joys of feeling out of it when I get back. She left a huge long message filling me in on everything that happened last week... birthday's galour, and all sorts. hehe. Quite funny.
Sometimes it's just easier not to try and catch up though. Mike is beating me in the social butterfly stakes right now.... rubbed it in by sending a txt at almost 3am to say he had just gotten home. hahaha. ben and I had just stopped talking.... doesn't worry me, but in the morning, Ben wanted revenge, so we sent one to wake up Mike. :) hahaha... the child in us all.

Actually... was so good to catch up with ben this weekend! Just one of those guys that I can be around, and not have any walls up. I am who I am, and while I know that I freaked him out recently.. and I know I didn't manage to answer all his questions well, he just left it, and told me he would be here for me. It means a huge amount to me. We were going to call Gordie while he was here to try and track him down, and find out when he was coming home - but didn't get around to it. Kind of good on the timing... I'm pretty sure he'll be home after Christmas, so Ben and he will be able to hang out again. We were talking about when we met, and how long it's been since Gordie left the other day... amazing how quickly time flies... but also very cool the way we just kind of slotted into eachothers lives. Ben's declared that I'll just have to be the "canadian hangout" for all their climbing adventures. Promising... but I wonder when he'll get his butt over there to see me? No matter... we always seem to be able to just pick up where we left off when we do see eachother.

We went and saw "A good woman" on Sunday. I won ben over with the fact that Scarlet Johansen was in the movie. That should have put me off! Her acting skills were pretty dissapointing!!! Couldn't quite believe it.... in her saddest scene, I just laughed! Oscars witt did prevail through it all though.

Ahhhhh.... starting to feel more relaxed... not sure if it's the vegie stew, the apple rolley polley, or just the fact that today was easy and I had good company? Who cares!

Bonuit

home is....

where I seem to make a huge mess, and then run out the door again. :)

Got home after 7 last night.... after a mostly beautiful drive home. Lindis pass was all grand, and the sunset through Geraldine was perfect. Of course, as soon as the sun started going down, I got sleepy.

My night in Arrowtown was pretty cool. Found a very nice cosey pub to have dinner in - only because the restaurant I wanted to go to was totally full... so they pointed me in the direction of the pub where I could order from the restaurant, which was all good.
The pub; 'behind the blue door' has a great fire place, and comfy, cosey leather arm chairs that you can just fall into and while away the evening with a good local red, and book to read.
Of course, by Thursday nights on my weeks away I'm really craving company... so I sat at the bar, and chatted to the bartender. The cottage that I stayed at; shades
was very cute and cosey. It was a freezing cold night, and I ended up keeping the heater on the lowest setting all night - which is something I normally hate doing. I don't enjoy waking up to a stuffy room....
There was a pretty impressive frost the next morning.... the car frozen shut, puddles all frozen over. Just fresh and alive kinda day. The drive over the crown range was spectacular... and since I didn't have a morning meeting I just kind of cruised my way around. Arrived in Wanaka and sat by the lake to do some paper work. Blissssss.
So, today has been spent cleaning up... doing the laundry and cleaning my room, which I always seem to leave in a state. ben is supposed to be up today.... waiting for him to get here so we can go out for lunch - but haven't heard anything. I'm getting hungry too. May give up on waiting!
He's supposed to be staying tonight... figured he may want some floor space. :)

Anyway... better go hang out the last load of washing.

Till next time..... keep your toes warm.

into the sunset.....

So, I should be packed by now, with everything totally organised for the next week. Unfortunatly that's not the case right now.
I didn't sleep much last night, and have had a sore back all afternoon. Can't quite figure out what's up with that. Anyway... it's become totally obvious how tired I am, and how it so totally effects the way I think in a rational way.(as rare as it may be). My state of mind or being is not a fun place to reside at this present moment.
Everything gets blown way out of preportion, for no reason, other than... it just can.

Fun, huh!

On that note - I've decided to give up on the work, and hey, even though it's only 7pm. I'm going to crawl into bed. Maybe read for abit, and then SLEEP. :)

I refuse to take this crazy attitude away with me this week. Hope everyone has a gorgeous week!

goodnight world.... goodbye silliness.

nerves

My boss arrives tomorrow morning in time for us to do a presentation at 10. EICK!
For some reason the combination of having him here, and having to do the presentation just makes my stomach flop around in the most peculiar way!

So.... the BIG question that continues to float around my head.....

WHAT DO I WEAR??

No idea... but I guess I'll find something.

More importantly, I managed to go and get the car washed, and all spiffy looking - which was something that's been annoying me. Much like my room. I seem to get home, throw everything around, do all the washing that I can, and then leave again in a whirlwind. Sounds ever so romantic (HA!) but in actual fact, I will go crazy if by the end of this week my room does not improve drastically. Like I want to actually be able to curl up on my window seat with my new book and read to my hearts content while basking in the sunlight - otherwise, what is the point of having this gorgeous window seat!

No big plans for this week, although thinking a movie on Tuesday with the girls. There are a few new artsy ones that have come out....
I almost finished the painting this morning. Want to play around with that some more, and maybe start the next one. Bit annoyed at how the mountains turned out.... but unsure of how to fix it without making a bigger mess? Ahhhh.... fun stuff though.

So, till tomorrow......

May the sun always shine on your back.

moments....

One of my most favouritest pictures of the man in the chair.... looking beyond thoughtful. I guess it's one of those moments where you realise how truly unique NZ is, when you come out of the bush, having spent some days tramping in the bush.... and there in the middle of nowhere is an arm chair. :)
I am so looking forward to catching up with this boy. Haven't heard from him in ages... he didn't even reply to my birthday message... but I'm guessing that he's touring around Europe with his parents right now? Who knows.... but I guess I'll hear from him soon enough. He sounds confused about the Christmas plans. I don't think he really cares where we are, or for how long provided he gets time to do some serious snowboarding. I guess I'm going to have to learn pretty damn quickly, or be left in the cold.
So, time to start looking at tickets, and figuring it all out.... wohoooo! :)

Nikki rang a few times last weekend, while I wasn't around, so I had better give her a call tomorrow to catch up and see how everything is over yonder in Vancouver. Maybe she'll have some wise words for me? :) They are going to be in Calgary for Christmas... so we may have to start the trip there, and make our way to Vancouver afterwards? Imagine they will probably fly over... and I still really want to drive over the Rockies. So beautiful!

I guess this is what will get me through this year.....

"When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude."

nother weekend

This has been the scene lately while I've been driving around. This week it was up north, but on the way home I drove through Lewis Pass and stoped in at Hanmer to see Greg. Rained ALOT until I got there... and then suddenly you could see all the stars. It was quite beautiful. Mde it to Hanmer just before I got too sleepy. It had been a long day, and I'm so glad that Greg lives where he does. :)

We went to a pretty cool asian place up there for dinner. He'd been out at a work do the night before and was zonked, but we still managed to stay up till quite late, yaking about everything - as we do.

The next morning I walked up Conical hill... which has awesome views of the mountains around that area. There was even some snow up there for me to play in.... and loads of ice. Almost slipped over on the way down, which would have been all exciting.
Was the perfect way to start the day.... especially after all the driving the day before. Was a super sunny day, and perfect for driving home.

No big plans for this weekend. I'm supposed to be heading over to another Greg's place for dinner... oh, and to see his new house which he's been living in since Easter. It's been that long since I last caught up with him. He claims that he's now a brilliant little chef, and so volunteered to cook dinner... I'm to bring the wine. We shall see. We made the arrangements 2 weeks ago... what are the chances that it happens? :)
Other than that... some sleep... breakfast on the hill tomorrow, and I started a painting tonight, so I guess I'll play around with that tomorrow.

Mike is off to the slopes early tomorrow... no doubt I'll get messages saying how absolutely fabulous the powder is, and how super gorgeous the day is. He's taken a week off to snowboard which just sounds too brilliant. Actually - I think he may have timed it with school holidays, which would be no good. Wonder if he thought about that one?

Anyway.... for now... adios

sweet sounds....

Sitting here... a Tuesday night, where I was AT HOME! :) Yay for holidays, and not having Bible school. That kind of sounds all wrong, doesn't it. I do enjoy it, but when the holidays roll round, it's good to know that you can be at home doing absolutely nothing if you choose.
I'm kind of curious about the rugby game being played in the cold, deep south - but not enough to get worried if I don't find out what the score was before I crash.
The city has turned itself black and white in an effort to get behind the All Blacks. Kind of funny to see so much complete unity and passion for a rugby team, and why is it when they are playing the Lions? Could it be the fact that England won the world cup, and many of the players are here to prove they are still the world champions? Who knows... but I'm in blown away by the efforts that have gone into the black and white campaign. Every school you drive past has a HUGE sign with ALL BLACKS on it in some way or other, which is quite cute... quite sick too! hehehe do we get this passionate about the fact that Campbell just won the US open? What about Team NZ over in Europe and the races they won over the weekend?
New Zealand will always be a Rugby Head country... and while it's not a bad thing, it can get to you the way the nation stops for a game. (Of course, the benefits of being able to go grocery shoping when everyone is firmly planted in front of a television set is nice.)

It's been a quiet week. They often are when I'm at home. I headed into town to see John. He was flapping around, so I had to jokingly ask if I could have my job back. He just laughed and asked if I could finish the things I hadn't done before I left. Was I free that afternoon to get things sorted? I know I miss the interaction and silly banter that gets thrown between us, and just the people contact... talking on the phone to people who want to talk to me. I never realised how bruising it can be to ones ego. Am I not a sales person after all?

There are certainly some issues that I have with this new company, but I'm not so naive as to think that there is a "perfect" company out there. But surely I'm not going to keep finding the companies that can't provide you with the simple things?!

The joys....

No more moaning... the doctor tomorrow to try and sort out the bigger things. :) While I'm beyond freaked at the idea of going in there and explaining things, I'm more scared at the prospect of letting things get worse. Will there be another opportunity?

I lost my keys today. Something that is not typical of me - not to really loose them, and have to turn the house upside down in an effort to find them. It made me loose my head. It was awful, and so pitiful at the same time. A sign of things? I hope not!

"Twenty years from now you will be more dissapointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." Mark Twain

tales of frost....

Zippy, Bungle and I made it home.... after much driving......

Oh- Zippy would of course by my imaginary friend, who is stuck in the car as a permenent fixture now. Poor thing. And, well, Bungle is the car itself.

It was an interesting journey... not bad... not great... though Dunedin is growing on me. It was amazing driving down to Balclutha.... even just outside of Dunedin - the frost was so heavy... the trees looked gorgeous... the road was pretty icy in some parts... only managed to skid once, no doubt at the most inopportune moment in the whole trip, but survived - as did Bungle. I just loved the whole look when driving through the valleys.... the trees, covered in frost, had a pink hue about them which was gorgeous with the sky in the background. Of course... didn't see much of the sky blue, but when you caught it.... luscious.
Drove through lots of cloud up in the higher mountains.... between Roxborough and Alexandra, couldn't see much of anything, but looking behind you, when you drove out of it, looked amazing.
So mysterious.

By the time I got to Ashburton last night I was feeling super sleepy, and the roads all got rather straight - which is not good timing at all. I made it home around 8 to light the fire and cook up some yummy soup.

today.... catch up on paper work.

side note...

I forgot.....

Mike got back... baring gifts......

the funny boy was sending me txts after I asked him to bring back perfume from duty free... as any real girl would.
He found the stuff in a market over there... and then wondered and worried if it was the real thing, would it smell ok?
He ends up buying the real stuff from duty free just in case.

It was the cutest thing to see him armed with all the smelley stuff...... he ended up getting a couple of different ones at the market... one smells like bananas. Figure they must use it to attract the monkeys into the markets for the tourists. All important part of an authentic holiday in Bali?!

It was very cool anyway.... sounded like he had a fantastic time over there... and is looking forward to his next holiday on the islands. Guess that may be where he heads instead of to the freezing Canada....
Tough choice.... not! hehe... but that's just me.


oh... was sent this one today.... it was similar to something I had read once before....

"Love is not about finding the right person, but about creating a right relationship. It's not about how much love you have in the beginning, but how much love you build till the end."

Wise words.... the other one was something like

It's not about finding the perfect person, but about finding it within yourself to love the imperfect perfectly.

before I run off... again

I seem to be slightly flaky these days..... especially when it comes to sitting down to do a post.

I'm thinking about taking the old trusty laptop with me this week.... but whether or not I actually get it online is another question - whether it will be worth trying is another thing completely.

I still haven't packed... hehehe.... though I have got everything ready to go into the car. Let the fun begin! I'm not taking nearly as much "stuff" as I did last time. I can't see the point. So, taking some trusty favourites. :)

Been an interesting weekend... nothing mind blowing.... more revealing to me, myself and I. That, and I've been kinda sick in bed. Got some nasty cough thing going down. Joys. Caught up with old flatmate Catherine on Sat.... a bunch of the girls went out for brunch which was hillarious. Never know what kind of conversation you are going to have when in the company of those ones. We've all kinda said that there are no boundaries, which makes for zaninessssss... and of course, I'm sure I saw the people at the table behind us squirm!
That's not really the aim, but to talk about everything - that is. And all important to us.

The day before I had breakfast with E and Rae. Early start to the day.... after a late night with Jacx... talk about a social week! It's hard work catching up with everyone after you've been away for two weeks. I had kind of hoped that I would be on the west coast catching up with Benny - but thinking I may do thta on the way home this week instead. Although I really want to drive up through Lindis Pass.... If I can time it at sunset I will be super happy!! :) It's such an ever changing place, with the light just making the scenery. Wish I had a camera for this one.... might even find some snow?!

I don't think I've even written since the long weekend away.

Wellington was a blast in lots of ways....
I had a very swanky dinner with Shane, which was a nice surprise. Of course I felt revolting and kinda out of place after tramping around the city since early that morning.... buying a hat, cause man it was miserable weather! So... sporting some smelley clothes, sneakers, and hat hair... the perfect atire for such an event. Shane just laughed at me, and told me not to worry about it.
So.... good to catch up with him that night. and yummy food!!!
May have to take Mike along there one day - or just tell him where it is?!
Sunday was spent trapsing between churches, which was all fun and games... Shane's mum ended up in hospital that day, so didn't see him again.... hopefully she's doing all better now.
Instead - I lost my cell phone. Talk about nutter!
You suddenly feel very out of it - not having your main source of communication. No txts, no phone calls.... seemed to equal no love at that stage.
Anyway..... went for a cruise on the waterfront after church... which was awesome. Enjoyed getting out on the water. I had thought about going kayaking - but wasn't dressed for it, while the water was the most calm I'd seen it. Next time.
The boat was kinda cool.... and the scenery was nice.... I love just getting out on the water - and not having to do any work to be out there was all good.
Spent a couple of days wondering around Te Papa too. Got to see the exhibition which was the purpose of the whole exercise. YAY. some very cool drawings to check out there... and I did leave feeling cultured. hehehe.... I'm easily pleased.
Also inspired.

The rest of my time was spent wondering... soaking in the sights, smells and sounds....
I realised I don't spend a great deal of time in city centres. Christchurch kind of elludes me... there is no real need to go down there... so I don't. And yet, I hate malls... so where do I spend my time? On the hill I guess.
It was fun people watching.... and I did catch up with Sally for lunch on Monday which was brilliant. She's just gorgeous... and so great to spend some quick time with. We chatted away, found some good coffeee.... and yaked about Ains. Ains is wanting to head to Thailand with Sally next year... we just laughed about the idea. I don't know what Ains would do somewhere like that? between the 3 of us, we're all such different travelers. I told Sally I wouldn't be able to do it.... she understood....
Hey - I'm all for Canada anyway.... not thinking beyond Christmas.
Actually... need to get in touch with Nigel too... and find out what's going on with him. Last txt was just see you at Christmas.
I think Mike may have piked on that one... he's focused on buying the house, which is all good for him. Oh well, I guess. Should still catch up with Julie, Bethany and Sarah somewhere along the way, somehow?!
and then I guess stay with Nicky and Dave in Vancouver. I had better get in touch with Cairns and Feo to let them know I'll be there.

Enough prattle....... I'd better get things sorted here. The kitchen is a dump. as is my room. and I know I need sleep.

Let the emotional rollercoaster stop here.... I don't think I want to take it with me on this trip.