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Published: August 12th 2008
It seems so long ago that I boarded the plane in PDX bound for Auckland, NZ. Little did I expect to be here two years later and less likely did I expect to find myself intending to stay even longer.
This journey of world and self discovery and identity searching began oh so long ago… Where and when it began it’s difficult to say. Perhaps it was reading incessantly from the National Geographic and Encyclopedias during home school days. Then again it could have been that postcard from my third grade school teacher Miss Anderly who traveled to Australia and NZ the summer prior to the start of school. Maybe it was Mr. Estrada my fifth grade teacher who gave me the gift of realizing everything in this world is within our reach - if we believe and expect it. Maybe it was the desire for more discovery that kept me going back for more university classes (punishment). Without a doubt it was the support of people like Teresia, mom, and an endless list of people that saw my vision and encouraged me on. There was the “Hero’s Journey” to Europe - my first real striking out into the world
Fooling Around With An Astronaut
Taken at The Stardome Last Weekendfor myself. Then my Chicago eye opening experiences that I still look back at with great appreciation but trepidation. Maybe it’s just that inborn desire to see what is over the horizon that runs strong in my American heritage. But at the end of the day it comes down to a decision that this is my way of living consciously in the moment and enjoying life for what it is… a chance to be myself. I know, I know… lot’s of drivel coming from me, but hey this is my blog so I guess you’ll just have to deal with it - I’m feeling a bit nostalgic.
Anyway back to New Zealand. I can’t help but think all that has gone on during these last two years and laugh. It’s a coup! I’ve spent a lot of time living fast, furious, on the edge and with a few exceptions always pushing my limits. The change in me is apparent rereading my initial entries and comparing it to the progression over these 24 months. PS. this living has not come cheaply so I can't recommend it for everyone.
My restlessness recently set in but not in the way I was expecting. Rather than packing up into my two backpacks and venturing off into the sunset, I found myself not wanting to leave NZ - rather I made a very conscious and calculated strategic decision to find a more challenging job. Which, to my surprise I found within a few days of setting my mind on this new course. This, my two year anniversary week in NZ and with my first employer SKM, is my last week with SKM. I’m moving on to a great opportunity with a company called The Building Intelligence Group. http://www.thebuildingintelligencegroup.co.nz/
In true pendulum fashion I keep swinging one direction to the other, but gradually I’m scoping in on where I’m directing my life. I feel like I have a good balance in life for one of the first times ever - professional, passion and pursuits.
Yes, again I apologize for the less than travelblog quality entry… but I felt like writing this at a quiet moment and this is what came out. This coming weekend I go to Tonga. I’ll take photos and hopefully will bring back some great photos to make up for this entry. I’ve also joined a basketball league which should add additional photos of mayhem.
Anyway for you loyal readers and especially for you loyal comment submitters thanks for the last two years. I’m looking forward to the next two and hope you stick with my blog entries during that time. I guarantee some good stuff to come.
All my best AmeriKiwi wishes.
PS. I want to mention and thank my adoptede NZ family Stephanie, Hamish and George for making me feel so welcome in this great country... I wouldn't be the person I am today without their high jinks, support and friendship. My thanks also to Marcos for being a great friend, flatmate and dive buddy (don't trust your oxygen tanks to just anyone when diving).
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Uncle Cliff
non-member comment
Stay There
stay in NZ. that part of the world has a future. America has became old world bypassed by the multinational corporations. NZ will be the food basket for the Far East. Auzzie will be the raw materials commodities source for the booming economies there. America's future has been cast by the Neocons and Bush. War and more war with the Middle East and the Muslim religion. McCain/Bush will drag America into an invasion of Iran withing 2 years, requiring the draft of all men under the age of 40. Stay there, live long and prosper.