Just to let everyone know that I've arrived back in Auckland, safe and sound. Slept for a better part of the flight, which is a good thing. I thought that I might have trouble at customs but they moved me right thru. Beautiful sunrise as I walked from bus stop to Parnell. Thanks to everyone for making my stay enjoyable. More photos to follow..... [View Full Entry]

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I'm getting behind on these entries so I'm just going to start tossing photos up here and let you figure it out for yourself. This Bachelor Party I organized from New Zealand. We had a poker dealer come in and entertain the guys for the night. No, there were no dancers or crazy drinking at this party. Night went off without a hitch and was the last restful day of my time state side. ha [View Full Entry]

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Saturday after picking up the ref/freezer for the housewarming/reception I headed out to Seattle to visit Chris and Eric (and Jim and Melinda too). PS. Thanks mom for the girly WSU Cougar key chain and license plate they went well in Husky land. Caught up with Chris and Eric. Headed down to the Ram for beer, burgers and a Mariners game. Sunday was a bike ride down to Lake Washington for Sea Doo water and air show. I left early and caught up with Jim and Melinda. Melinda prepared a wonderful dinner that was not lamb! NZ is great but too [View Full Entry]

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In the fashion of all good barbeques the weather was uncooperative. We had some of the worst wind and rain of the year that day. No worries moved the party inside and partied on. Had an eclectic group from work, IEP and kiwi friends. The big show was to be the fireworks but ended up to be a big much ado about nothing. Marcos and I had just warmed up and used about a third of the box’s contents when the overzealous New Zealand police arrived in their van. They swooped in like the DEA on a Columbian Drug Lord’s [View Full Entry]

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Fireworks started a day early here, but tomorrow will be the big event. Stocked up on traditional american July 4th foods. Firework s are in the house ready to go... Wowzers.... [View Full Entry]

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Couple weeks ago I went with Sarah and her soccer team to a match between North Carolina University girl’s soccer team and New Zealand’s National women’s team. I had to go in style and sport the NC logo for the third string girls, go USA. In the end the good guys, or should I say girls pulled out a 1-0 win over the husky New Zealand women, we’re talking Iowa corn fed girls here. This is officially my 100th blog. Blah blah ha ha….. What a long journey and it just keeps going. For those of you not in the [View Full Entry]

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Did I tell you I’m the Social Club Pres for my office of 245 people? Well it was a nomination I wasn’t looking for and didn’t particularly desire, but having a kick ass time (though it is consuming a fair amount of extra free time). My current pet project is the Mid Winter Office Party. Budget: $145 per person…. That’s enough money for one awesome night. Theme is Casino Royale. We’ve rented the ballroom at one of Auckland’s top hotels. Waiters will circulate through the room serving alcohol and canapés while we drink, dance and gamble the night away (we’re [View Full Entry]

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Ten months in and no end in sight. I don’t find a need to write as often, but felt it was worth dropping in for a few. First off there’s only one photo this time because my camera is on its last legs and I’m so over trying to document the ridiculous locations and situations I find myself these days. This plastic bottle of Tui beer is a special little memento. Its three siblings started me down and interesting road nine months ago at that All Black's game. This bottle will never be opened by me; you might say it [View Full Entry]

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Had to get out of town and get back to nature. Actually, I think I’d been looking for an excuse to get some driving in for the last few weeks. Walking and public transportation is great, but every once in a while you need to feel you’re in control of the speed. Headed for the Coromandel Peninsula - two hour drive east of Auckland - Friday after work. Not much to add beyond what’s written in the photos. The Coromandel is more a summer beach destination than a winter spot. Small communities that have little to offer (i.e. dinning, bar, [View Full Entry]

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I’m writing this after just a few minutes of being in for the evening Friday/Saturday night 3:35am. For the second time in as many weekends I’ve had to stand between a humiliated friend and a group of hooligans on queen Street. I should be asleep but am too strung out to sleep. Last weekend it was Hamish and George, this weekend was a guy (who was kind of looking for trouble) and his girlfriend from Portland that needed a person to stand between them and a group of 7 or 8 Maori. If I keep this up I’ll be the one [View Full Entry]

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