Arrival

Wow, so much to say!
First, we made it with all luggage, no customs problems, no car issues.
Second this place is amazing, even flying around on a partly cloudy day you could see that.
Third, the books didn't exaggerate how nice the people are. We already got one invite to stay at person's house and our car rental offered to help me buy a car from the local dealerships(not from his fleet).
Fourth, the summer to winter thing is a bit brutal. It felt amazing to walk out of the hot airport, but walking into the cold cottage is another story. I'll have to document the fireplace that functions for looks only.
Fifth, it's just amazing so far. It's starting to sink in how long I'll be here now that all the travel worries are done. I can't wait to go skiing. Well off to unpack some more

It's beginning to look a lot like... well winter.

Call us crazy, well specifically me.
I love spring, the warmth, the longer days. I've got a four day weekend starting.
Riding the bike(motor), hiking, sitting in sun, drinking in the sun, sleeping... in the sun.
But I noticed a feeling about 2 months ago.
Stronger than ever I felt it.
Nostalgia? Sadness?
I'd walk into a "post ski season sale" and feel.... well in a word, mopey.
I'm always torn as the days get longer and the tempartures wamer, sure I can run/hike/hike/camp/climb more. But what about the snowboarding. Honestly the longer days of April make me feel like post work skiing more than ever and that's when most resorts shut down.
Alas. the restless souls that make up the royal "we" have decided to move to the Southern Hemisphere. I didn't even have to develop this evil genius plan.
"Genius Plan" you ask...
It's May.. um 21st....
The average NW resort has dwindled to a 20-30" base and a 50-80" summit. I've earned my turns at paradise and again soon at hood.
But what does my wistful eyes see when researching NZ season passes. 80cm base (30" for you yanks) and a record early open.
To which I can only respond %)#)$ WHY CAN'T WE LEAVE SOONER?!?
My little understanding of things says things happen for a reason.

So America, see you later.
New Zealand, see you soon, alas not soon enough.Oh, and welcome to the 70 day "season" of snowboarding.

Getting ready to travel

Julie has her Leave of Absence secured
Bryce has gotten his manager to agree to a ~6 month LOA and agree to ask for more if I request it.
We've got our travel gadgetry:
Super cool lap-top with good wireless and a built in web cam
get Skype, we used it tonight to talk/ video-chat with Denise in Saudi and it's super cool! It'll be the most common tool we'll use to reach you.
Unlocked Quad band phone that will take sim cards from anywhere else in the world(except Japan because the don't use GSM, sim card, technology). This will facilitate some phone conversations though we'll probably try to focus on using skype.
Tickets look like they're even cheaper now than they've been. That and our short-term savings looks like it could sustain us for a while even if the job market doesn't pan out.
I'm freaking amped...

Goals

So I don't beleive in N.Y. Resolutions.
I read someone quoted as saying they're a procrastinators excuse and while I'm the ultimate procrastinator I don't partake. I like to pick any day to make a change.
However it just so happens to be the 4th and I'm thinking of goals. I'm going to keep the published ones limited to physical goals.
My life has changed a lot since the last time I really made a goal list. I decided to start the climbing that I've always wanted to do last year but I haven't truly made a goal list...
So here I go...
Use ellipses less in my online posting... J/k
Run a new type of race, I've ran two 1/2 marathons now. I've improved and want to continue to improve but need a new challenge. See below post...
Get a stamp on my passport Julie encouraged me to finally get my passport, now it's time to use it. The worlds an amazing place, or so I've read and heard.
Snowboard my rear off 360s, boxes, big air grabs, exiting a super pipe and carving the Nat(sh). A late start of the season is no excuse to not hit 40, and why aren't I hiking more once the lifts stop.
Climbing is my summer snowboarding That means train, study, get better, stronger, faster, etc. I need another volcanic summit this year.