Memorial Day and Don't Ask Don't Tell

Way back in the day I went through a phase of attending the dawn ceremony for ANZAC Day - Memorial Day is almost the equivalent of ANZAC Day but I don't feel quite the same about it (for obvious reasons).  When I briefly lived in San Fran I did attend one ANZAC Day Service, it wasn't at dawn so didn't have quite the same feel about it.  Still April 25 never passes me by without a thought, and neither does Memorial Day - take the girl outta the Army but not the Army outta the girl.
This year I have been privileged to have met someone who is not only an ex.service member but is a key figure in the fight against Don't Ask Don't Tell.  I have mentioned Zoe before.  In a huge victory for gay and lesbian service members, and as a testament to the hard work of people like Zoe, the House of Representatives voted, on Thursday May 27, to Repeal Don't Ask Don't Tell.  In quite a remarkable turn of events for me it so happened that on the day I had my work laptop open and Zoe instant messaged me to tell me the House was about to vote, I got online and was able to watch the vote live.  I felt nervous as I watched the yay and nay votes tally......can't imagine how people like Zoe felt.  A chunk of the Museum is dedicated to gays and lesbians who have served and there are a number of biographical books in there as well.  While I am not yet a US citizen and have never served with the US forces I do support the right of gays and lesbians to serve openly (well jeeze, while in the early days I never really overtly had that right and went quietly about my business it was a compromise that was never sustainable and I quietly celebrated as the NZ Armed Services let go of a law that had no place being there in the first place!).  So while today is mainly about those who have fallen, I think it is also about those who have continued to fight, within their own ranks, for what is right (I am not going to argue the merits of whether or not there should be Armed Services at all, that is an entirely different debate).  The fight isn't over yet but it is, for me, quite startling to find myself sitting next to someone at the center of the debate and to hear first hand how passionate and committed people are to making things right.....

Memorial Weekend and new toys

It's Memorial Weekend, this is similar to ANZAC day.  Because I live in the equivalent of Nelson it's also the weekend where floods of tourists arrive to play on the boardwalk and lounge on the beach.  I have become as parochial as any Santa Cruzian, I don't mind that they come share the beach etc etc but road rules still apply as does common courtesy when walking down the street....just because you are filled up on junk food (gobsmacking amounts of junk food I might add) and on holeeeday doesn't mean you can't engage your brain every now and then....or does it?  Enuf said.
I've had three workouts since arriving back......arrrrrrrrgh.  Timely reminder that the body is a temple and temples get grumpy if you neglect them.  So I am back to creating my routines, eating right, not drinking and working with acupuncture boy to get everything back in balance.  And yes, I know, it's all relative and I can still run 16 miles, but but but.

I have also succumbed to the lure of the I-Pad.  I could justify the hell out of it but really it came down to realizing that when I start traveling for work it's not realistic to take my Mac AND my work computer and I like to play on the internet in the evenings (versus watching TV).......so not a good look to be playing on the work computer - I-Pad is the perfect thing.  Also prompted by my finally contacting my telco provider about having trouble texting.....long short story, need a new phone so have had to fork out for a new Blackberry Storm - made me a little grumpy so my reward for sucking it up was the I-Pad (see how my mind works).
This week I am going to spend time sorting out work stuff.  I've really got nothing to do on a daily basis as my backfill is being as outstanding at the job as I expected.  I really do care about this team and feel very happy that they have someone who will take them to the next level and look after their interests - it was/is a bloody tough job but hugely rewarding on those days you get it right.  I am hopeful my next job proves to be the same - it will be good for me to be thrown outside my comfort zone again, as long as I don't find myself arriving at the level of my incompetence.....
Off to Marcia's for dinner this evening (town is so clogged up I'm gonna walk - 30/45mins - over rather than drive as it took Michelle a ridiculous amount of time to do what should have been a 10 min drive).  It's a lovely evening and I've had a good work out so it will be nice to have the walk as well.....smell the roses and all that!

Had to be done......

Queenstown, The Ledge, May 2010

Home

Uneventful flight.......preceded the night before by a lovely dinner out with Rose, Jo and Pauline.....followed by a spa in the rain.  The spa has a long long history; Rose having it all those years ago when I flatted with her in New Windsor (affectionately known as "Heart Break Hotel" as a succession of us camped out there post girlie trauma of the moment) this in the early 2000s - so that pool has a lot of stories to tell, none of which I am going to share here and only a third of which I probably know about.  Rose and Jo have built this lovely garden setting that has the spa nicely tucked in behind a little wall of vegetation....grotto like.  Of course that didn't stop us needing to put up a big umbrella while the rain bucketed down.  Last brekkie with Helen on Wednesday then lounged around waiting for my flight.
Interesting now there is a second level of security at Auckland airport (maybe there was last time but I don't recall it working like this).  First round gets you into the international lounge then you do a second round before you go into the US flight lounge.  They were checking names against some list (I assume the no fly list) but I did think it odd that while we went through the x-ray machine again they still didn't make us take our shoes and belts off (which is standard in the US for all air travel......I found internal travel in NZ to be incredibly low stress comparatively - different atmosphere too, here it always seems so much tenser...for obvious reasons, so not so much a criticism as a comment).
I slept on the plane after watching Boy.  I wasn't sure if I was going to like it or not, I did.  It is funny in a tragic way - unlike Once Were Warriors the underlying tragedy, neglect and violence is disguised in the humour.  It's definitely a kiwi story and worth watching.
Arrived back to a lovely sunny day and Michelle's shiny new (well almost new) car.  I love my little house, even if it won't be mine much longer, and very excited to start chatting to Irene about moving dates etc etc etc.
Work from home tomorrow....not thinking about it....not sure what I will be doing.....last week at Cisco, sending farewell emails maybe?

Last day in NZ

I fly out for San Fran at 7:30pm tonight.....it's been a great few weeks.  I've flown 8 times since I landed and have concluded Air NZ is a great, friendly airline - even if I've mostly sat down fallen asleep and woken as I've landed.
It's been great to catchup with so many people, some planned, some spontaneous and some "new" to my world.  Last year when I visited I had been more hesitant about getting out, less sure about seeing people, this year it's been totally different.  It's been fascinating to catchup on people's lives and realize how much mine has changed and what a different space I am in.  Interestingly I think everyone is hitting the same types of challenges and opportunities.  A lot of folk have hit career and personal moments focused on "what next" - recognizing that my friends (and family for that matter) are smart, go-get people who are driven to take on new and exciting challenges.  It's just not always clear what to do next but everyone is asking themselves similar questions.
I have a lockup here (it contains not much beyond the museum collection and a few personal items not sold a few years back).  I had thought it might be strange to visit (and I certainly didn't unpack anything so much as look in).  As it turned out the anticipation was far more stressful than the actual opening of the door (helped by the discovery that I have a huge credit as I'd overpaid on the rental for several months).  Everything was secure, dry and safe - not that I could have done much if it hadn't been.  I will have to think on what to do with the contents, but not today, for now I am content to know that the things are there when I am ready to decide.
I feel incredibly fortunate.  As much as I've loved visiting NZ California beckons.  I am ready to take on my new set of challenges.  In thinking about the new job I am more than awed by the possibilities but, more than that, realize that it's the share scale and scope of the US that works for me.  The idea that professionally opportunities abound and can take multiple forms.  Opportunities exist in NZ of course, but they are limited and more constrained in scope and scale.  It remains a beautiful country and having covered it very nearly from top to tail I am filled up with wonderful images.  But mostly it is the people.  I have had such warm, engaging and positive times with folk.  All of whom have reflected back lovely things to me.
It's been grand, now I have marathons to run; a new job to learn; a home to find and untold other adventures to create  - none of which detracts from how much I appreciate friends and family here and look forward to folk stopping by next time they are passing through!

Auckland and weather closing in

Landed in Auckland Sunday having enjoyed a fun evening at a birthday party on Saturday evening, nice company and, yet again, the inevitable casual meeting of old pals!
Landed in Auckland and Rose and Jo picked me up from Auckland airport (plane was delayed half an hour, worked for me I promptly fell asleep and was most happy to get the added sleep).  Girls whisked me off to a very cool new cafe/motorcycle seller located in an old warehouse.  It was a very cool surprise as there were some great old motorcycles.  Afterwards we went to Sales-St which is a very funky bar - there are some great venues in NZ and I am amazed at the size of them.
Today I visited with Tee and here little girl Milly.  Was lovely to see Tee again and, of course, enjoy her home cooking.  Quiet evening tonight then visiting with Gwenda tomorrow before she flys out to China then dinner with a Wellington pal who is in town (and I met at Saturday's party). I fly out Wednesday and I can feel myself shifting to thinking more about next steps in California - much helped by the weather here turning to crap....mostly the weather here has been great, if not cold....but the rain has me pining for a California summer I have to say.

Last day in Wellington

Today is my last day in Wellington.  Yesterday I flew to Nelson for the day (the weather here was crap but Nelson really turned it on, gorgeous sunny day).  I met up with an old school friend that I haven't since we were 18.  We didn't immediately recognize each other at the airport (although really she's hardly changed) so stood staring at one another for a while until we both clicked.....then it was off and chattering for the rest of the day.  Of course we each remembered different things from our teen years (although both vividly recall the amount of partying that was done).  Rebecca also had news of other school friends so it was interesting to hear what people have been doing.   Apart from sitting outside in the sun at this cute cottage in an old colonial home (eating lunch and drinking wine) we also went to the Wearable Art Museum.  This was very cool and cleverly set up so you sit down and watch the costumes/clothes roll past you....not unlike the actual show!
Landed back in Wellington and was picked up at the airport and headed out to drinks with a group of folk that informally come together every three weeks.  Great fun and met some old faces as well.  Andrea, Flis and I then went to diner and......karaoke.....this was hilarious.  Andrea can sing and belted out several songs.  Ended up being a very late night (or should I say early morning).
Mum and I are off adventuring today then I am off to a party this evening with another old friend.  Going to keep this evening quiet, in fact as of today back to the no drinking regime as I've been a little neglectful and will, undoubtedly, pay the price when I next see Case.
Auckland tomorrow, three days of adventuring then back to life as I round out my time at Cisco and launch myself into the next new thing.

Whirl wind of adventures

Queenstown was a blast.....the house was beautiful, in a lovely setting and a delight to stay in - made all the more fun as I brought the "cook" with me!
Of course adventures were at hand and this is me launching myself off the bungy at the top of the gondolas.  Dude told me to run at it and launch myself off the platform - seems I'm good at following instructions.  Can't fault the view, really is spectacular.

Also did this which is this very cool tour through the trees via a series of flying foxes.  Takes about two hours and along the way the guides give you a little eco lesson.  It was fun to do and grand to be up in the trees....bloody cold though, even though we were bundled up.
Did the Shotover Jet boats as well and soaked in the tubs overlooking the river.
It was interesting to be in Queenstown after all these years and amazing to note the number of non-kiwis working the tourist sites.

Travelled through to Arrowtown as well.  The Fall colours were lovely.  I can't say I really remember seeing Fall look like this as a child but it was definitely a gorgeous time of year to be visiting.
Back to Wellington and I felt so guilty about not having done any running that I took myself off around the bays and ran 16miles (nearly 26km).....the longest run I've done to date.  Had me feel so much better about myself!
Have continued to catch up with old friends and work colleagues., including a 7am breakfast this morning (what was I thinking?). Head to Nelson tomorrow for the day to see an old school friend....who I haven't seen since we were 18 years old.  She sent me an email a few weeks back and I figured since I was in Wellington I could swing a 35min flight for the day.
Got some other catchups between now and Sunday when I head back to Auckland.  Having a grand time and not yet thinking too hard about the new job!

Queenstown

So Wellington has been a whirl of catching up with folk and bumping into even more folk in the street that I am now planning lunches with......small town.  Out running met two people I know, even smaller town than I remember.  It was a lovely run, 22.5km so a big'un but all around the south coast and around Oriental Bay, really lovely.  Couple of hills to start but nothing unmanageable.  Heading out again for dinner tonight to a very nice restaurant that has been around for years and seems to survive the ups and downs of the economy.  Have drunk more wine since landing than I have in a VERY long time.
Fly to Queenstown on an early morning flight tomorrow (well 915 so not too early I guess).  Going to be roughing it of course!  There's a very cool video that takes you on a tour of the house as well.  The house is Karen and Brice's, they were building it when I was living with them in New Mexico.  Sweetly I look around and see all the furniture etc etc that I used to live with on the Ranch.....they shipped it all over when it came time to furnish.  Really looking forward to the trip.  In Queenstown for four days and will update on the adventures to be had in the next blog.
Started raining here today but weather is oddly warm.  Must get back to chores....stop avoiding packing!

Wellington

Arrived yesterday afternoon......almost had a bloody heart attack at the taxi fare from Grey Lyn to Auckland Airport.  Bloody hell!  Got on the plane, doors closed and so did my eyes, landed, doors opened and so did my eyes.  I love that flight Auckland Wellington, it's perfect cat nap time.
Mum and Kathy met me at the airport in the "truck" - seriously, K and J now have a truck that they can use to carry stuff (well the Saab isn't so practical for home renovation projects).  Quiet night in then up at 6am to go to the gym with Janine.  Cute little set up at the end of her street.  Of course was then challenged to modify my program to be kgs not lbs.....yikes I think Case got some of the conversions wrong because no way I could lift some of the weights he had written down (before I left we spent one of our sessions writing out a program for me to do while I am here, he is determined I don't go backwards and I know if I don't do it it will all just hurt when I get back!!!!).
Now I am lounging on the day bed at J & Ks, sunny streaming in the window, it's a long day when you get up at 6am.
Out for dinner tonight with a pal and been steadily filling the Calendar.
And wow, new job sent me a link this morning to a website that's for new hires to look around to prepare for the first few months with "the firm".  I'm quite impressed I have to say.  It seems like they do alot to give you the tools you need and set you up for success, then you just gotta do it.  It's also good to get some insight into how the next while will run.  I'm still amused that I've applied for a job, got it but then when folk so what will you be doing, where will you be working all I can say is "I'm not sure".  I definitely have a better sense of how the process works but won't know what my first job is for a while nor where it will be.  Just as well I deal well with uncertainty, it will all become clear, eventually!

Wellington bound

I head off to Wellington today having had a very pleasant time in Auckland.  Loved Yol and O's lil ranch, 10 acres I think with the biggest bull I have ever seen (which we herded into a new paddock....glad it was compliant as didn't fancy my odds if he decided he wasn't going to be happy).  Drinks out on Saturday were fun with many old faces there to chat too.  By 11 pm I was feeling shattered as it had been along day.
Sunday up early to head out for a trail run with Gwenda. This proved to be very lovely as we ran through bush (uphill and down) pausing mid-run to sit on the beach before turning around to head back to the cars. 10ks all up I think so a nice way to get the heart rate up without killing myself.  After that we went to a very lovely cafe on Takapuna beach, great views although very busy as it was mothers day.  The afternoon was spent watching a DVD and generally lounging around with Rose.....foot elevated, being waited on of course.  In the evening we headed out to Ingrid and Margaret's for dinner and interesting conversation.  They have bought a very sweet villa, very livable as it is but packed with potential and, of course, given it is NZ, plans are well underway around how to change things to make it even more livable!
Stayed up late with Rose chatting so having a leisurely morning with Poppy (Rose and Jo's dog) laying next to me on the bed.....she stayed in doors with me last night, special treat as usually she sleeps outside, and is continuing to indulge in sleeping on the big bed.

Landed!

Most uneventful trip although delighted to have had three seats to myself on the plane so that I could lay down and get some sleep.......most happy as I really could lay flat!
One notable moment was Rose arriving at the airport on crutches!!!! Apart from the fact it was 5:45am (now that's a pal) I hadn't registered that the sprained ankle has turned into a broken one.  Owwwww makes my joints ache to even think about it.
Anyhoo arrived back at Ms Peel (Rose and Jo's house) to have several cups of very strong coffee and Poppy (the dog) happily lounging in my lap (I hear you sobbing Michelle, she is as cute as ever btw).  Jo eventually surfaced and I chatted to her for a while before I headed off to the supermarket to spend outrageous amounts of money on.........not much.  Doesn't help that the nearest supermarket is at the pricer end of the spectrum, but wow either my tastes have got very expensive (yes yes I hear the laughter) or this town has - and that is saying something from someone who lives in California where the cost of living ain't exactly cheap. 
Pal Leah (who I haven't seen in maybe 7 years) came and picked me up and we headed over to "The Shore", chattering away before heading to lunch (yum sashimi).  Lovely to see her, not much changed and great to catch up on life.
Got home and headed out for a run.  Got lost of course, forgot cars DON'T have to stop for pedestrians except under very specific circumstances (i.e. traffic lights and ped crossings) AND look right then left before crossing the road.  Needless to say I got more than one adrenalin surge as I was reminded of these things.  I had to ask for directions twice (oh the bliss of only having to ask once and people knowing what the hell I was saying - never under estimate the ease of your native tongue).
Today (apart from clearly being awake at 5am - earlier truth be told but I stayed in bed as long as I could having stayed up as late as I could) off to breakfast with another pal then heading out to Odessa and Yolanta's lil "ranch" and then someones birthday drinks in the evening (I am the token "visitor from America".........I expect they will be most disappointed when they register I don't have an American accent and am not, at least for now, an American at all).  Tomrorrow, trail run.......followed by recovery I expect.

A fond farewell

Dear Santa Cruz

We are breaking up; it’s time for me to leave you.  We’ve had a strange relationship.  You with your beach town feel, surfing, hippy, tourist culture offset by that quirky university crowd and those very wealthy dotcomers (I am simply going to ignore the wasters…..there are more than a few of them, you really should think hard about who you hang out with).  I couldn’t fault your beautiful beaches, restaurants and some of the fab people I’ve met along the way.   Once I found it, I loved that gym too and my boys (Marc and Case), they might come with me, we will see.  But really, it is you; our time is done.  I was only ever visiting and need to head back into the big city.  You were very patient with me while I rebuilt my world, tried to figure out what to do next; finding me that little attic room tucked behind the hoarders house and with the most fantastic roomie.  Took care of me again when the little cottage arrived (well Michelle had a hand in that) and, of course that job, that unexpected job with the company I’d never heard of (Cisco wasn’t it?).  The cottage brought a new roomie too and the sweetest landlords.   Throughout it all I had my rideshare, I’ll miss her, but not the daily commute over the 17.  I’ve survived it all of course and the world looks entirely different than it did 3 years ago, yeah can you believe it, that’s how long it’s been. 

I do want to thank you though, I had no idea you were such a famous little town, everywhere I went people knew Santa Cruz (I hope you didn’t think me too mean always calling you Santa Crazy).

I am telling you this now because I want to give you time to adjust.  I am heading off for three weeks and when I come back there is going to be a lot of change.  I start my new job in June, I’ll stumble through the geography in the early weeks – yes I’ll be in the San Francisco office, too far to commute every day and then I might end up travelling four days a week, so I wouldn’t be seeing much of you anyway, even less than I do now.  I’ll have a new roomie so that changes too; brings new and different things into my world.  I’ll need to make more effort to catch up with the few pals that live here (well Michelle and Marcia, but things are changing for them too and that’s what social media is all about isn’t it?).

I guess you aren’t surprised but I’m glad we talked.  I at least wanted you to know that you’d been important in my life. I won’t forget you and might even come visit some time, the motorbike would enjoy the ride. I’ll never be able to visit nor think about you without feeling grateful you were here.  Life could have gone differently these past years.  Just goes to show sometimes all it takes is the right space and the will to keep moving forward One.Step.At.A.Time.

Nashville has been flooded out!

Country Music Hall of Fame pre. the flood.....

Country Music Hall of Fame post the flood.....

The angle isn't quite the same but you get the idea!  During the half marathon we ran down towards the museum then in front of it....so if we'd been running last weekend we would have needed waders!  Sadly too all the downtown honky tonk area is flooded too!   Glad I saw it when I did.