Friday, September 16, 2011

Looking back over 2011

So - it's nearly the end of 2011. Good Grief. That means in January, I'll have been in the States for 4 years. Yikes!
Looking back, its been a crazy, scary and fascinating time. Dean and I have celebrated seven years of marriage, been made redundant (or laid off as they say here), started a new business, weathered the shite economy (only just!), sold our home in Wellington, and added a new addition to our family this year (just a puppy, people - don't get too excited - her name is Reese, she's a Manchester Terrier x with Chihuahua and she's 2yrs old.)


Sit, Stay, Reese!
I've met some lovely new friends (That's you, Megan, Marguerite, Lori and Mickey!) and have discovered the joys of a drinking spiced rum on the dock of our local pirate bar. www.piraterepublicbar.com
Rum on the dock of the Pirate Bar


We've hosted friends and family: Mum and Dad, My sister, Paula, Steve and Thomas from Orangebox, Aaron and Malcolm on their way to shoot stuff in Alabama, and Emerson Lyon.  I also managed to catch up with Hong Kong based Sue Doris in LA where we stayed with EJ.
I have learnt more than I care to about US politics, corruption and Teabaggers, and I admit it -  I have a crush on political commentators Bill Maher and Anderson Cooper.
Splinter Studios on set

TRAVELS
I've been lucky enough to have visited Dallas, TX and New York City on the back of jobs we've had in for Splinter Studios.

Dean and I have also been to Jamaica a few times for the Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, where I've worked as a travel coordinator and sponsorship sales manager.

Kauai, Hawaii
Where else are we wanting to go to in the near future? To visit our friends in Kauai, Hawaii - looks a lot like home, and I miss those mountains!

I still think New Zealand is the most gorgeous place on the planet - biased opinion I know. Kiwi's really don't know how good they have it, and whilst I'm enjoying this grand adventure,  I'm looking forward to settling down in my little piece of NZ paradise sometime soon (no plans yet, but working on it!)


2011 has been a crazy ride, and one I'm ready to get off. I'm looking forward with anticipation to 2012 and wonder what new people, opportunities and adventures the new year will bring to us all.