"Not all who wander are aimless. Especially not those who seek truth beyond tradition, beyond definition, beyond the image."

Wednesday, July 5

An Update (for the mother!)


OKAY! Here I am! My mother has been hinting at me that she's ready for an update and I suppose it's over-due.
Since the last time, Phil came to Christchurch to run the half-marathon (he needed a break from the full ones!) and we finally got to see his race. We had a blast chasing him around (in our car), with map in hand trying to beat him to any given point. We may have been in a car, but damn it was tough keeping up with him! He came 22nd overall---way to go Phil! Just being at the event was amazing and so motivating. I'm really looking forward to running one someday--perhaps I'll talk the big bro, aunt and uncle into it! The weekend after Phil's visit, me and molly took a trip back to Wellington to have one last horray before Phil left us for good. The plane ride over was beautiful! So much snow! It was great being back at the flat (though there were lots of new faces!) and the first night we managed to stay up for 3 world cup games (1am, 4am, 7am)--needless to say, we were sleeping until about 5pm. It was a bit emotional when the crew dropped us off at the airport--we're missing our little Pom already :(. Life in Christchurch is going well. It's been freezing and we actually had a really great snow a few weeks ago. The city was white as and I was like a little kid while we were driving to work. We have a great view of the mountains on our way to work and it seems to make me say "ahhh" everyday. The job itself is pretty good. The days typically fly by, the people are cool, and I actually have to use my brain--so all in all, it's good stuff. Soccer is great and I'm so excited to be playing again! One of the teams I play for is full of 15-16 year olds so it's a bit painful playing for them---I just can't relate to that age anymore!! But the other team is a bit older and sweet as. The flat is great--but as of today, we no longer have a kitty. Aaron's ex girlfriend took her in the "divorce" and I couldn't be sadder. But other then that, it's great. Last week, a Sarah F and a Connor P came to visit and we had a great few days with them. I think me and sarah are offically addicted to the casino after our night there (I played blackjack for hours and broke even. It was too fun!)! Aaron introduced us one drunken night to the Eye-Toy on his playstation and that entertained us for hours!! I think we were all SUPER sore the next day! I would highly suggest playing this any time you are drunk! Molly went home on saturday for her wedding and she'll be gone for about 3 weeks. So, I'm left to fend for myself for a few weeks---can't wait to hear all about the wedding and see my beanie in her dress. I'm sure she's just stunning. After we dropped molly at the airport, me, sarah and connor took a drive towards the mountains until we were surrounded by snow! It was fabulous!! We even got out and had a bit of a play in it---though it wasn't quite wet enough to make a snowman. I've been doing my best to follow the worldcup--even if it means waking up at crazy hours. Kind of like how it was 4 years ago! This morning me and Cristina (the German girl we met at the hostel) met up at 6:45 and went to a German cafe for the game. Tough loss. Events that are yet to come---I think friday I may be going out with some girls from the soccer team, then saturday me and the girls from the hostel are off to the ALL BLACKS game!! WHOO!! Super excited about that one! Then, who knows after that. Another week of work and then maybe a little weekend trip to somewhere with snow. I'll try to do better about keeping this up to date!

Johnny, congrats on graduation! I can't believe you're graduating! It seems like yesterday when we were were all in the back seat driving to our next summer destination---and you're feet weren't able to touch the ground (come to think of it, neither were mine!). Hope all is well on the homefront!

(It's killing me to not mention the most exciting news of all!! Can someone please let me know if the secret is out to everyone yet so I can spill it all!!!!!!?????)

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

If the BIG news your asking about involves your Aunt G, yes the news is out. If not I want to know what it is! :)

Anonymous said...

Well, thanks for the update! I do feel connected again. Of course if you weren't so darn far I'd jump right back on a plane. Yes, the news is out! Have her tell you the story about how they told the kids. Quite fun. We will miss you at the graduation this weekend.

Anonymous said...

Hi. I wonder if you'll believe me if I tell you that every day I think of the things I'd tell you if I was talking to you. I'm so used to spilling my guts, getting advice, venting, laughing... It's been a long year without you. Sometimes I have a conversation with you in my head and I feel like I know what you'd say- it helps cause the imaginary you really keeps me in line! Why haven't I been in touch? I really don't know. I guess every time I think to email 1) I don't, and 2)I just want you back here to be at the other end whenever I pick up the phone.
So... for now I guess this will suffice and I miss you too much to hold off any longer.
A) I got a kitten. I can't believe you're missing the true baby phase but you'll love him all the same when you get back. he's three months old. And orange ;)
B) Katie got a puppy. He's a boxer. He's cute. And a handful. He's three months old.
C) Speaking of babies... Hold your breath for this one... I'M GONNA BE AN AUNT! Laura is due on january 10th. I know. I can't believe it either. I've NEVER seen two people so happy or so much in love, I've learned A LOT from them this year.
D) I miss you okay? When you're done conquering the other side of the world, get back here and let me hear your voice every day. I can't stand not sharing my life with you and being really up to date on what you're excited about!
E) I think I grew up. I think Cliff and I are being given the school. I think I have tremendously insane amounts of responsibility and can't believe it. This is my fifth year of teaching...
F) Ok, I have to go but I wanted you to know how much I miss you- even if I forget to tell you. I think about you every day and wonder how things are going and Katie and I talk about how excited we are to see you again. Take care of yourself, give my love to Molly, and let me know the second you're back in this country- i'll be on a plane within the week ;)

Love you,
Jo