7.10.2013
Diverse News Items
Hello! After too long, I've redesigned my portfolio website. There's plenty of new stuff to look at, so please have a look.
Also! Last week I got engaged to my lovely ladyfriend. This supersedes the previous news in importance.
2.21.2012
Re: Track Title
Hey y'all. Still just truckin' along here in sunny Nelson. Got myself registered with the government for taxation, and I've started full time work at Morrison St. Cafe in town. It's going well so far; I'm fond of my coworkers and most of the customers, and I think I'm picking up on the way things work fairly quickly. My fellow employees are all very helpful, and I'm working out all the idiosyncrasies of the till and that kinda thing. Gonna be busy busy busy from now on, which is good, because we need to start saving money. As I've written, New Zealand happens to be an expensive place to live! Also helpful is the fact that I get to take one meal a day at work, and the food is wonderful. Even in a city of good food like Nelson, old Morrison stands a cut above. In short, I'm doin' fine. Corina and I are feeling generally low stress, and we're getting our ducks in a row. I'm out for now, but wanted to drop the quick update. How are you?
Love you lots.
- noel
2.07.2012
Notes From the Shire
Hi, everybody! I think, given the number of posts I've made to this blog in the last five weeks, and the obviously large gaps between the timestamps on said posts, that a greater effort must be made at this endeavor. That's alright. I could say I've been too busy, but honestly I've just been having too much fun. Also, I've drifted into a period of (perhaps deserved) laziness.
Summer is in full effect here. The weekend was a bit overcast, but nothing to hamper most outdoor activities. Other than those couple days, though, I'm finding that Nelson lives up to its reputation as the city with New Zealand's most sunshine hours.
It was great to spend the weekend with Corina's friends and family. Yesterday was the Waitangi Day holiday, and we went for a trip to the beach with Damien, Celia, and Ozzy, followed by a picnic. Then Corina and I deep-cleaned some of the house and had fish tacos for dinner. All told, it was a wonderful end to the weekend.
It's basically always beautiful here, and although the sun is dangerously bright - sunscreen is obligatory for white white men like me - it's cool in the shade at most times. I've spent lots of time outside, jogging in the mornings, and venturing around in the afternoon.
Last week, Corina and I walked down to the ports, and I was excited to see all of the boats moored there. There were some larger fishing boats, some sizable catamarans and trimarans, but also some sailboats not much larger than Dad's Cape Dory back home. I think it'd be a blast to go out for a ride on one of those, and I think he'd feel the same. Corina also took me on a walk along the river away from the ocean, up into the Maitai Valley. It was beautiful! There are so many wonderful things to see in Nelson, and as it turns out, a change of scenery is usually within walking distance.
I've still got some time to putter around and look at stuff. In just under two weeks, though, I start my job at the Morrison St. Cafe in town. I'm very excited about this; after having applied to a few jobs in which I had little real interest, and failing to attain them, it feels great to have been hired at a place I enjoy. I'm not sold on the idea of full-time service work, but that's alright. It's a great spot, and everyone there seems very welcoming.
I also recently completed a bit of light design work for a cafe here, and I've got some small stuff brewing back home. Overall, things are on the up-and-up.
I began to feel well settled for the first time last week, and the feeling is growing. I think establishing the basics of life in a new place - job, bank account, new acquaintances - fill in the gaps and lead on this change in mood. And, as the constant, I am extremely happy to be with Corina.
I had a dream last night that we packed up and left in the morning. It made me feel very unhappy, which is a good sign. There's still a lot left for me to experience, and I continue to feel grateful for the opportunity to be here.
I'm learning, with Corina's help, to take it easy and just try to live well in a new place. She's done a very good job so far of pushing me along.
Hope you're all well. I understand that most of you are experiencing winter right now, and I apologize for gloating, but I would recommend being here, rather than there. Miss yas.
Summer is in full effect here. The weekend was a bit overcast, but nothing to hamper most outdoor activities. Other than those couple days, though, I'm finding that Nelson lives up to its reputation as the city with New Zealand's most sunshine hours.
It was great to spend the weekend with Corina's friends and family. Yesterday was the Waitangi Day holiday, and we went for a trip to the beach with Damien, Celia, and Ozzy, followed by a picnic. Then Corina and I deep-cleaned some of the house and had fish tacos for dinner. All told, it was a wonderful end to the weekend.
It's basically always beautiful here, and although the sun is dangerously bright - sunscreen is obligatory for white white men like me - it's cool in the shade at most times. I've spent lots of time outside, jogging in the mornings, and venturing around in the afternoon.
Last week, Corina and I walked down to the ports, and I was excited to see all of the boats moored there. There were some larger fishing boats, some sizable catamarans and trimarans, but also some sailboats not much larger than Dad's Cape Dory back home. I think it'd be a blast to go out for a ride on one of those, and I think he'd feel the same. Corina also took me on a walk along the river away from the ocean, up into the Maitai Valley. It was beautiful! There are so many wonderful things to see in Nelson, and as it turns out, a change of scenery is usually within walking distance.
I've still got some time to putter around and look at stuff. In just under two weeks, though, I start my job at the Morrison St. Cafe in town. I'm very excited about this; after having applied to a few jobs in which I had little real interest, and failing to attain them, it feels great to have been hired at a place I enjoy. I'm not sold on the idea of full-time service work, but that's alright. It's a great spot, and everyone there seems very welcoming.
I also recently completed a bit of light design work for a cafe here, and I've got some small stuff brewing back home. Overall, things are on the up-and-up.
I began to feel well settled for the first time last week, and the feeling is growing. I think establishing the basics of life in a new place - job, bank account, new acquaintances - fill in the gaps and lead on this change in mood. And, as the constant, I am extremely happy to be with Corina.
I had a dream last night that we packed up and left in the morning. It made me feel very unhappy, which is a good sign. There's still a lot left for me to experience, and I continue to feel grateful for the opportunity to be here.
I'm learning, with Corina's help, to take it easy and just try to live well in a new place. She's done a very good job so far of pushing me along.
Hope you're all well. I understand that most of you are experiencing winter right now, and I apologize for gloating, but I would recommend being here, rather than there. Miss yas.
1.20.2012
The Amazing Lew Zealand
Hey, all. Wow! Three weeks and I'm already bad about keeping this up. Sorry if you're checking on it frequently. I'm not, evidently.
I'm still trying to get my footing here in Nelson. It's interesting how, when I had planned this all out, I sort of expected to get off the plane, land a good job, and resume life as normal - normal in this case being an approximation of life in Minneapolis. It's taking a bit longer than that.
First off, as a disclaimer, I'd like to say that I'm unaccustomed to writing about myself. Or, more specifically, writing about myself in a way that details the day-to-day stuff. In a way, when one writes, one is always writing about oneself. Anyway, I find it hard to establish tone sometimes, as my thoughts on the events of my life tend to vary; I'm a waffler when it comes to describing the merits of any given day of my life, and I can sound quite unimpressed at times when I'm hitting the roof with joy. I think I've been hesitating to write out of apprehension that what I say - or the way in which I put it down - will cause worry. Uh, basically, I'm having a blast, so don't worry when I tell you that:
I haven't found a job, which is the main stressor in my life. I've had one interview for the several jobs to which I've applied, and had a trial run for same this afternoon. It's a barista position at Zumo, my favorite Nelson coffee shop. I went in about an hour ago and made some coffees for the manager. She seemed very nice, but was cryptic about her thoughts on my efforts. I'm aware that I made what looked like some rookie mistakes when I was messing around behind the bar pulling shots, but the drink that I presented at the end was a good one. I think. She said they'll be calling back some of the more promising candidates for some actual trial time, making coffee for customers and working the register and things. I left unsure of whether to expect a call. As Corina's pointed out, if they're interested, great; if they're not, well, there are plenty of other jobs.
I'm glad that I've moved to a new place well prepared. It's occurred to me that I've never moved anywhere outside of the Twin Cities until this point, so it stands to reason that there's unexpected nervousness to be felt. I've enjoyed the time that I've been here, but I don't know whether I expected it to feel so different from the last time I was here. Then, I was on vacation, and on a generous budget, but I had my entire life in Minneapolis to return to. There are many things to do to keep oneself entertained in Nelson, but this doesn't feel like vacation, because it isn't. I'm not sure precisely when that hit me, but now that is has, the shift of mindset has really helped me. This is no dire situation, I just have to keep trying and keep applying.
And, of course, although I miss you all - and I really do, doubly so since I got to see so many of you over the holidays - I am with Corina, and that fills my heart. I'm not kidding, my lady is fantastic.
There's a whole bunch of everyday stuff that continues to blow me away, too. Did you know that there are places in the world where you can get up in the morning, have a cup of coffee, run a couple kilometers to the beach, on THE PACIFIC OCEAN, swim in it, run back home, shower, and have another cup of coffee? If you're unemployed, anyway, or a very early riser, and you have an hour and a half every morning to monkey around like that. (Did you also know that the ocean can be very cold in the morning?) I've been trying to do this about three times a week, and it makes my entire day better. I'm out and about exploring a little, and that feels good. I'm feeling a small but growing sense of propriety in this place, and that's vital for adaptation.
You might also be interested to know that the sun here is very bright, and very hot, and in the summertime it sticks around for a long time. The sun is A Thing, and demands consideration: despite all the sunblock with which I coat myself daily, my freckles are starting to connect. I wake up around eight, when the sun hits the bedroom window, and owing also to Corina's schedule, usually go to bed shortly after the sun sets. Getting exercise and closing the day well-sunned leaves me nicely tired.
In short, I've been leading a very charmed life these past three weeks. I'd like some work, please, to shake that up a bit, but I can't really complain about much of anything. I've started a personal project, which has kept my mind occupied, and I've already read several books, but there's something about working for others - and not just the pay, although that grants a sense of accomplishment - that revitalizes me more than most things.
I hope all of you are well. I understand that the weather in Minneapolis has finally become January-standard horrendous, so my sympathy lies with all of ya. Feel free to write me if you like! I've heard from lots of you, and I appreciate it. Stay warm, Northern Hemispherers.
I'm still trying to get my footing here in Nelson. It's interesting how, when I had planned this all out, I sort of expected to get off the plane, land a good job, and resume life as normal - normal in this case being an approximation of life in Minneapolis. It's taking a bit longer than that.
First off, as a disclaimer, I'd like to say that I'm unaccustomed to writing about myself. Or, more specifically, writing about myself in a way that details the day-to-day stuff. In a way, when one writes, one is always writing about oneself. Anyway, I find it hard to establish tone sometimes, as my thoughts on the events of my life tend to vary; I'm a waffler when it comes to describing the merits of any given day of my life, and I can sound quite unimpressed at times when I'm hitting the roof with joy. I think I've been hesitating to write out of apprehension that what I say - or the way in which I put it down - will cause worry. Uh, basically, I'm having a blast, so don't worry when I tell you that:
I haven't found a job, which is the main stressor in my life. I've had one interview for the several jobs to which I've applied, and had a trial run for same this afternoon. It's a barista position at Zumo, my favorite Nelson coffee shop. I went in about an hour ago and made some coffees for the manager. She seemed very nice, but was cryptic about her thoughts on my efforts. I'm aware that I made what looked like some rookie mistakes when I was messing around behind the bar pulling shots, but the drink that I presented at the end was a good one. I think. She said they'll be calling back some of the more promising candidates for some actual trial time, making coffee for customers and working the register and things. I left unsure of whether to expect a call. As Corina's pointed out, if they're interested, great; if they're not, well, there are plenty of other jobs.
I'm glad that I've moved to a new place well prepared. It's occurred to me that I've never moved anywhere outside of the Twin Cities until this point, so it stands to reason that there's unexpected nervousness to be felt. I've enjoyed the time that I've been here, but I don't know whether I expected it to feel so different from the last time I was here. Then, I was on vacation, and on a generous budget, but I had my entire life in Minneapolis to return to. There are many things to do to keep oneself entertained in Nelson, but this doesn't feel like vacation, because it isn't. I'm not sure precisely when that hit me, but now that is has, the shift of mindset has really helped me. This is no dire situation, I just have to keep trying and keep applying.
And, of course, although I miss you all - and I really do, doubly so since I got to see so many of you over the holidays - I am with Corina, and that fills my heart. I'm not kidding, my lady is fantastic.
There's a whole bunch of everyday stuff that continues to blow me away, too. Did you know that there are places in the world where you can get up in the morning, have a cup of coffee, run a couple kilometers to the beach, on THE PACIFIC OCEAN, swim in it, run back home, shower, and have another cup of coffee? If you're unemployed, anyway, or a very early riser, and you have an hour and a half every morning to monkey around like that. (Did you also know that the ocean can be very cold in the morning?) I've been trying to do this about three times a week, and it makes my entire day better. I'm out and about exploring a little, and that feels good. I'm feeling a small but growing sense of propriety in this place, and that's vital for adaptation.
You might also be interested to know that the sun here is very bright, and very hot, and in the summertime it sticks around for a long time. The sun is A Thing, and demands consideration: despite all the sunblock with which I coat myself daily, my freckles are starting to connect. I wake up around eight, when the sun hits the bedroom window, and owing also to Corina's schedule, usually go to bed shortly after the sun sets. Getting exercise and closing the day well-sunned leaves me nicely tired.
In short, I've been leading a very charmed life these past three weeks. I'd like some work, please, to shake that up a bit, but I can't really complain about much of anything. I've started a personal project, which has kept my mind occupied, and I've already read several books, but there's something about working for others - and not just the pay, although that grants a sense of accomplishment - that revitalizes me more than most things.
I hope all of you are well. I understand that the weather in Minneapolis has finally become January-standard horrendous, so my sympathy lies with all of ya. Feel free to write me if you like! I've heard from lots of you, and I appreciate it. Stay warm, Northern Hemispherers.
1.11.2012
Out there and havin' fun, in the warm California New Zealand sun.
Hello! How are you!
I've been in Nelson now for almost two weeks. I've had a very easygoing life so far. Most days, I get up whenever the sun hits our bedroom windows (usually 830 or 900), head downstairs, start up my laptop, and put the coffee pot on the stove. After a cup of coffee and some time to check my email, I drink a glass of water, stretch, and put on my running shoes. Then I head around the corner from our little house on Washington Rd. and jog up the hill on Arrow St. to Quebec Rd.
Today, I took the camera with me to document my regular walk/run up to the cliffs and back. It's incredibly convenient, as my path makes a loop that spits me out, via a walkway parallel to the street, back onto Washington Rd. about four blocks from our house. That said, the origin of these photos isn't that interesting - I'm running up a big hill and back down the other side - but the scenery is great. On the way up, there's a great view of Nelson. As Quebec Rd. curves toward the top of the hill and I'm heading roughly west (I think), the trees open up to a slice of the ocean. And finally, after I hit the top, the water is in full view as I make my way back down the hill.
Presented below is a mini photo documentary of my path.
The view up Arrow St.
Curving onto Quebec Rd.
A view of the group of apartments where we live.
Some views of Nelson from about halfway up the hill.
Some views from Quebec Rd., facing away from the water.
At the end of Quebec Rd., some shots from the crest of Princes Dr.
Looking down the hill on Princes Dr. This is where I'm going next. It's steep enough that I kinda roll my ankles if I try to run straight down it. Being from Minneapolis, I am not used to hills like these.
More shots of progress down the hill.
The turn down to
here, the walkway that leads back to Washington Rd., where we live.
Washington Rd.
A picture of our, uh, apartment complex. We live in a unit that comprises maaaaybe a quarter of this.
Home! A view of our little courtyard. It looks a lot nicer when we've extended that flash new umbrella we bought over the weekend.
And that's about that. I'm getting back into running, and it's gotten a lot easier since I started over a week ago. Getting to the top of the hill and seeing the ocean is a huge motivator; I'm not much of a photographer, but the view is majestic.
Other than that, there's not a whole lot to report. I've started applying to jobs, and I've got one small freelance project going back in Minnesota. I've been spending the rest of my time getting some exercise, reading, drawing, and enjoying Corina's company. I'm happy! Now I just need to start making some money.
Hope you're all well. Feel free to comment on this if you're reading it, or write me an email or a note on the Facebook. Miss you guys.
I've been in Nelson now for almost two weeks. I've had a very easygoing life so far. Most days, I get up whenever the sun hits our bedroom windows (usually 830 or 900), head downstairs, start up my laptop, and put the coffee pot on the stove. After a cup of coffee and some time to check my email, I drink a glass of water, stretch, and put on my running shoes. Then I head around the corner from our little house on Washington Rd. and jog up the hill on Arrow St. to Quebec Rd.
Today, I took the camera with me to document my regular walk/run up to the cliffs and back. It's incredibly convenient, as my path makes a loop that spits me out, via a walkway parallel to the street, back onto Washington Rd. about four blocks from our house. That said, the origin of these photos isn't that interesting - I'm running up a big hill and back down the other side - but the scenery is great. On the way up, there's a great view of Nelson. As Quebec Rd. curves toward the top of the hill and I'm heading roughly west (I think), the trees open up to a slice of the ocean. And finally, after I hit the top, the water is in full view as I make my way back down the hill.
Presented below is a mini photo documentary of my path.
The view up Arrow St.
Curving onto Quebec Rd.
A view of the group of apartments where we live.
Some views of Nelson from about halfway up the hill.
Some views from Quebec Rd., facing away from the water.
At the end of Quebec Rd., some shots from the crest of Princes Dr.
Looking down the hill on Princes Dr. This is where I'm going next. It's steep enough that I kinda roll my ankles if I try to run straight down it. Being from Minneapolis, I am not used to hills like these.
More shots of progress down the hill.
The turn down to
here, the walkway that leads back to Washington Rd., where we live.
Washington Rd.
A picture of our, uh, apartment complex. We live in a unit that comprises maaaaybe a quarter of this.
Home! A view of our little courtyard. It looks a lot nicer when we've extended that flash new umbrella we bought over the weekend.
And that's about that. I'm getting back into running, and it's gotten a lot easier since I started over a week ago. Getting to the top of the hill and seeing the ocean is a huge motivator; I'm not much of a photographer, but the view is majestic.
Other than that, there's not a whole lot to report. I've started applying to jobs, and I've got one small freelance project going back in Minnesota. I've been spending the rest of my time getting some exercise, reading, drawing, and enjoying Corina's company. I'm happy! Now I just need to start making some money.
Hope you're all well. Feel free to comment on this if you're reading it, or write me an email or a note on the Facebook. Miss you guys.
1.04.2012
Sunshine
It's a beautiful day in Nelson. The first one we've had since I arrived, actually. It's nothing but clear blue skies as far as I can see. I can't find cause to complain either way, really; I've loved the overcast, spottily rainy weather we've had the last four days, but it's great to see old Nelson as bright and cheerful as it was the last time I visited.
I went for a run this morning, and it was more arduous than I'd expected. I guess I should clarify: as Corina and I are living in an area called Washington Valley, the only non-hilly direction I can take when leaving the house leads me straight into town. As such, I headed up into the hills around the house, and as a result, my "run" was pretty intermittent. Turns out cycling uses muscles far different from hill climbing, and I wore myself out very quickly trying to travel at any speed faster than a walk. Certainly got my heart rate up for a good thirty minutes, though.
I'm easing into life here. I feel as though I'm continually experiencing deja vu, I guess mostly as a result of having dreamed of being here for so long. That said, I do have many awakening moments throughout each day, when I think to look around and then realize that this place really is different from Minneapolis.
For one, I'll have to wake up pretty soon and find myself employment. One thing I'd conveniently forgotten is that everything here is bought at a premium. I'm not worried about it, but the rate at which one must spend money here is a good motivator to continue the search for work.
For two, more interestingly, we just don't have this kind of landscape back home. There are familiar trees for certain, but they mingle with huge ferns and palms and tall grasses all the way up the hill. I'll take photos of all of this, I promise; right now, you'll have to settle for a shot of the view from our couch.
For three, the insects are strange. Our courtyard is covered (without hyperbole, yes, covered) at certain times of the day with these tiny bugs whose backs are covered in a tuft of fur that looks like dandelion seeds. Their backs are arched like those plastic carnival toy frogs with the tab on their backs, the ones you can make hop across the room; and if you put your finger at their backs, they hop in the same way. They also have a habit of hopping from the trees and the roof, and plummet straight down at the ground. At first I confused them for raindrops. They're completely harmless, and I get a big kick out of them. Also, less impressively, there are flies. Lots and lots and lots of flies. The windows here don't have screens, so if we want a breeze to pass through the house, we have to accept the presence of a few extra tenants. (It's alright, though - Corina keeps a big can of Raid at hand.)
Not much else to report yet, really. Everyone here has been warm and welcoming, and I'm grateful for that. I'm happy here, and excited to see what happens in the next week. Hope you're all well.
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