amy's round the world site

Life Update

Moving can be a difficult time, whether it is from one house to another, another town, another state, or in our case even further. The first couple of months were eye-opening. "I'm REALLY HERE!" and even now it's still just sinking in. I am so relieved that our hard work and sacrifice has brought us to a place that we already love. I don't know if it's the weather (cold), the food, the environment or the release of nerves but I've lost at least 25 lbs since we arrived 4 months ago. My clothes have been falling off of me! I had to get them altered.

Greg and I celebrated our engagement anniversary yesterday. It took me back to what we were doing last year at this time. I was organizing my photo exhibit and getting ready to move. I came home from grocery shopping and couldn't find Greg to help me unload the car. When I finished filling the fridge I found him upstairs on the balcony armed with his laptop and a bottle of wine with two glasses watching the sunset. We sat and watched the most beautiful sunset, I picked up my camera and took a few shots of Greg. He was so happy and relaxed. When the mosquitoes caught our scent we retreated inside. That's when he asked me to marry him. I have never found someone that suits me so well. He's my best friend and I can't wait to spend everyday of the rest of my life with him. Today I'm celebrating that.

Greg has been humoring me and my yarn/knitting obsession. My obsession has recently expanded into other crafts such as sewing and embroidery. Although I currently have a healthy yarn stash I am embarrassed to say that I've got my eye on other gorgeous yarns here and abroad. I think it's time for a mail order. In order to get this obsession under control I have decided to take up yet another hobby... spinning. No, this doesn't include a bicycle. It does include a spinning wheel and several kilos of fibers. I have enrolled in a spinning class starting this coming Thursday.

While Greg and I were in Canada we took a American Sign Language class. Greg is a language nut, so I thought he would love it, however I never imagined that I would like it as much as I do. While we only took the class for 6 weeks, I grasped enough of the language to know that I wanted to learn much more. Just one month after taking the class I met another SXSW attendee and we discovered that we both new signing, although she was much more advanced. Since then I have made another friendship through signing. While attending a knitting group I met a woman who speaks NZ sign and I've enrolled for courses in NZ sign. Many of the signs are borrowed from American sign, or other sign languages, but every country's signing is different. A few weekends ago I helped a Japanese Deaf signer get his skis and rental agreement at the ski lift we were at. I spent much of the time saying "Sorry" because it was one of the few words I could remember. lol.

The four letter word: I've been thinking about what I WANT to do. Although I work keeping our home, I am looking forward to what other forms of work I might like to do. I don't want to speculate too much but I think my work future may include being my own boss.

The wedding plans are coming along nicely. I have recently booked our photographer who is talented, helpful and very friendly Tony Stewart: http://www.photoshots.co.nz/ The other candidate had beautiful photography but did not interview very well as she looked like a cat in a bathtub and couldn't wait to leave. I've interviewed a few officials to marry us (here they are called "Celebrant"), one of which told me that our ideas weren't good and that we should do it her way even though she said she could do whatever we wanted. btw, she's not getting the job. I'm thinking about how many things I want to do myself, i.e. Cake, Make-up, Hair, Music, Flowers, Clothing. It's a big job. Where is the balance between what I can do sanely and what I can't and shouldn't? Knowing me: I can't do the hair. Everything else is do-able. maybe. =D It will all come together... I've picked out the dress so it can't be bad. Now if we can just pick a venue.... I need a car.

Silence Broken

Over the last four months you might have noticed my journal has been pretty quiet. I found the criticism and negative comments from a select few, to what I think is a creative outlet, a bit overwhelming and hard to understand. After giving it some serious thought I am going to attempt not to let it bother me (which I've been trying to do all along) and continue blogging without taking notice should comments arise again.

today's meditation: Writing is an art form, even if it is only an online blog. I will no longer be silenced or dissuaded by intimidation.

Would you like some photos with that?

I've just finished washing my hair of refried beans and rice, figuratively. After four nights working at the Mexican restaurant, I've quit. Dealing with management with control issues and bad manners was just what I needed as a wake-up call to be-my-own-boss. This way I can treat my employees, me, with the respect they deserve. Greg and I had been discussing this career move for a while. I was going to continue working on a part-time basis and try starting my photography business. Since I've quit this messy and unfulfilling job, we've decided that I should just concentrate on making the business a go instead. Sure, extra income would be good, but I don't want my dignity to suffer just to have a few extra bucks. I'll look for photography work instead.

What surprised me was my reaction to what was going on. I think, in the past, I would have let a manager insult me in front of the rest of the staff (yes, this happened here on my third night), however I didn't. After this incident happened I composed my shocked self and spoke directly to the owner-who made the comments. I told her that I found her criticism not-constructive, inappropriate in public, and specifically unfounded. She was way out of line & I am not used to being treated this way. Is it possible that my age, traveling, and being unemployed for so long has changed me into some sort of zen-being? Nah, but I have found that I am more mellowed by the experiences I have had in the last couple of years.

Starting the business has been difficult. For one thing, the NZ government has divisions to help first time entrepreneurs, however I am not eligible to get help until our residency comes through. This paperwork, last I heard was to be stamped & returned on May 10th, it's now the 13th. Just biding my time. It's also difficult to get motivated. Hmm, knitting and making lunch/dinner/grocery shopping or calling around and networking? Fortunately there is a meeting of industry photographers on monday & I'll be attending. Also fortunately for me, there is a bridal expo next weekend which will help with two things: networking and figuring stuff out for the wedding. Things are starting to look good.

Texikiwi

Around Easter-time Greg and I went to eat at a Mexican restaurant down the street. Believe me, this is a find. There are just five Mexican restaurants in all of Christchurch, in a city of 350,000 people and at least one thai food place on every intersection. The food was very good however predictably un-spicy. Greg and I promptly finished the bottle of hot sauce they had on the table and asked for something more spicy. Out came "Ay Carumba" habanero Salsa. While this wasn't HOT by Texas standards, we were impressed with the nice kick it had. We read the label and saw this it was made by a mexikiwi, a Mexican who moved to New Zealand and resides here in Christchurch. I commented to the owner of the restaurant that the sauce was very good and that I make some myself. "Do you know where I might find some jalapenos in Christchurch?" I asked. "No, but you might give this guy Alejandro a call. He makes the Ay Carumba sauce and would probably know where you might find some."

I gave Alejandro a call a few days later (over Easter weekend) and left a message. I wanted to use the little, yet conversational Spanish that I know, but felt awkward and just spoke english.

Two weeks roll by and I'm thinking that Alejandro is pretentious and too snooty to call a salsa fan back, then out of the blue the phone rings. Guess who? Alejandro and I talk for nearly 30 minutes about salsa, immigrating, the film industry, where to find various chillies in NZ (or the lack thereof). I'm totally stoked because he's asked me to come over and make some mexican food with him, and teach me how to make stuff-like salsa! Yum.

Also, after turning down a job at a camera shop (selling picture frames) I got a part-time job working at the Mexican restaurant. Greg and I were eating there this week (cheap mon/tues specials) and I inquired if they filled the waitress position that I applied for the week before. The owner, Pat, recognized me and suddenly looked very happy. When filling out the application I felt over qualified. Experience: yes, I have some, Other skills/life experience that would aid in your job duties: Native Texan, keen on mexican food/cooking, speak some spanish. References (in NZ): no. This is why I was so confused when I didn't get a call.

"You're that American girl! I've been looking for your application. I've been trying to get a hold of you. When can you start?" she said. Answer: Saturday

a.k.a. our home

This is the first chance since we left Austin on March 23rd? that I've had time to leisurely check my e-mail and update everyone on what is going on with us.

So, I'm writing you from what will be our office.It is a small white room (maybe 8' x 8') with lots of LIGHT! It faces southeast so it gets a bit of morning sun, but not full-on. In this room we have our phone and my computer, and now a folding camping "captain's" chair. No desk yet.

The rest of the flat consists of a master bedroom (slightly larger by a foot or two each way, I think), a bathroom-tiny (with vanity/sink), a separate toilet room (very tiny), a living room that is a decent size (with north facing windows which are apparently essential in NZ), and last but not least a smallish kitchen which overlooks the living room. Everything minus the carpets is WHITE. The owners just spent a few months re-modeling the entire flat... The curtains, the paint, the carpet, even the sink and vanity look new, a new range, a dish drawer (small dishwasher that pulls open like a drawer, very cool). The only thing that is even remotely old is the front loading washer which gave us quite a surprise the first day we moved in. We had just finished loading the fridge in the kitchen the day before and I went to clean the filter in the WM. I put another load in and came back a few minutes later to find water pouring out of the WM. It was nearly to the carpet and all of the kitchen was absolutely soaked! I scrambled to save to carpet... then it hit me... We don't even have a mop! Greg ran to the landlord's place in the front to get a mop & a half an hour later we just had it dry enough for the bed delivery person to drop off the bed. What timing!

The other day I was in the shower when I heard Greg in the kitchen. *WHAM!* "Oh, CRAP!" then nothing. I came running thinking that Greg had fell and broken something (like his head) and I found Greg standing, gobsmacked staring at a floor full of soda. He had opened the fridge door and a fizzy pop exploded when it fell out. It was EVERYWHERE. It took me an hour to wipe all the surfaces and mop the floor (again, this time with a mop that we now own-which sucks and I'm taking it back). The floor is freakin' spotless now.

We have found that there are several things missing from our diet that we would easily find on the shelf in North America:
1. Shredded Wheat is available, but only if you are willing to sell your soul.
2. Grape Nuts are even more dear.
3. Dr. Pepper, I need my prune juice!
4. Blue Bell Ice Cream, of course
5. Fresh Jalapenos & Habaneros & Chipotle & any other SW US pepper
6. Crumbly Goat Cheese
7. Tomatillos (Green Tomatoes)
8. any decent tortillas

Other things we are missing:
1. Good yarn and yarn supplies
2. Unscented Fabric Softener
3. Lotion infused tissues and unscented tissues

Things we are NOT missing:
1. Thai food - you can't throw a stick without hitting at least one Thai restaurant here.
2. "Gourmet Pizzas" - Sure, they're great! But I'd rather make them at home.
3. Any other Asian food - The high population of Asians here insures us of good quality, high quantity Asian restaurants.

Considering the amount of sheep in New Zealand I am appalled at the lack of knitting accessories and quality wool. I am determined that I will have to start spinning it myself if I don't find something soon!

Greg and I rented a car the first week and a half we were here, trying to find a descent place to live and before that temporarily stay at. Once we moved our luggage in we returned the car. Now we are busing it. Eventually we will buy a car for out of town trips, but so far it's pretty convenient to just catch a bus. And we are located so close to town that we can walk easily to the city centre when we need to (15 min walk.) Grocery store and shops are only a few blocks away (also on the bus stop if you can't carry a ton of groceries, etc).

Greg got his temporary work visa (not to be confused with the residency we have already applied for) so he can work now if they choose. It looks like he'll be starting on April 26th, Wednesday just following ANZAC Day. When he starts work I'll also be looking for a job. Until then, we are going to enjoy setting up and exploring this new place we call home.

Land of the Long White Cloud

Aotearoa: The Land of the Long White Cloud, a.k.a. New Zealand. Greg and I had a pleasant trip (ok, the flights may have been a tad bit uncomfortable) getting to NZ. I was a little fragile in health after meeting thousands of people from all over the world at SXSW music/film/interactive festival. After a long week of (Greg) selling the car and house and coordinating reliable movers to come pick up and pack our stuff and me working 10-15 hour days, returning to sleep, uploading photos in a furious pace, and occasionally eating the odd hot dog for dinner, we were ready for a break.

We arrived on Friday morning (left on Wednesday, hey, were did Thursday go?) and this bleary-eyed pair went to navigate the wrong side of the road in a stick shift Ford. We spent the first 3 days in Akaroa de-compressing. It's where I spent a month last year when I first arrived. We've found temporary accommodation until after Greg's interview tomorrow. We are finally getting Greg's trousers hemmed and his shirt ironed! It's all coming together. What's funny? Last time I left to go travel I was scared stiff... This time I am not sure if it's the company or the experience, but the only nerves I had were months ago. It's all great! we're loving it here and the weather's as we expected... some rain, some sun, all beautiful.

more news when I have some.

When it rains...

It's pouring outside and inside today. Outside it's just water, but here inside the house our plans change dramatically on what seems like a DAILY basis. Two weeks ago Greg and I talked about attending what is my favorite Music/Film/Interactive festival: SXSW. It's not JUST going to the festival...I miss the Tex-Mex and the comfort of friends. After a stress-filled three months living with the in-laws AND there being no word (or even a case officer assigned) on our immigration application, we decided to take the plunge and go to New Zealand so I can start working, we can continue living and Greg can see the country we are planning on immigrating to.

New Year, New Photos

After weeks of sorting through all of them, we have finally posted my newest photos. You can find the USA trip photos in the photo gallery here, make sure you find the newest Stanley photos as well!

Greg has also implemented the RSS feed and is soon to complete a few more features.

In my quest to busy myself, I have enrolled in some classes which start on Monday. The next few months are going to be rather busy, which I like. Here's a list of the classes: Swim Fit (stroke improvement) twice a week, Yoga, Pilates, Pottery, American Sign Language (with Greg) and one Indian cooking class next month. In addition to that I have just found out that Victoria has a Film Festival which will be held the end of this month. I signed up today to be a photographer for the week long event. And I won't be able to sluff off my Museum duties either. It's going to be a busy month, just what I've been waiting for after a rather rough holiday season.

We are still waiting to hear from NZ immigration, which should be around the end of January for an interview and then another month before a thumbs up or down.

Patriotism, today's definition

I've never liked the connotations that go along with the word "expat". When Greg and I tell people that we are moving abroad they often think that we are renouncing our citizenship. I think this is due to the origins of the word "expatriate".

Many people these days move around the world and as they do the term expat (or expatriate) gets applied. Greg and I wondered one day what the clear definition of the word meant. I knew the definition in the general sense, but not what the dictionary said. We started out by looking at the first dictionary we found.

Webster's Dictionary circa 1919 defines expatriate as: v.t. to drive from one's country.

Soon Greg found another couple of dictionaries and we continued our research.

In the Concise Oxford Dictionary, 4th Edition from 1951, the definition of expatriate - v.t. Banish; (refl.) emigrate; (Law of Nations, refl.) renounce citizenship.

Highroads Dictionary in 1951 states: expatriate - banished, to send out of one's country.

This definition is pretty negative sounding for this word. I don't particularly care for it being applied to me.

In Webster's Seventh New Collegiate Dictionary, from 1967, expatriate is defined as: to drive into exile: Banish; to Withdraw (oneself) from residence in or allegiance to one's native country; to leave one's native country, to renounce allegiance ito one's native country.

It's getting slightly better now, but the "Banish" and "to Withdraw from allegiance to one's native country" isn't why I'm leaving. It's true that the politics in the U.S. leave something to be desired, but it's not my intent. "To leave one's native country" is now an option.

After running out of dictionaries in the house, we turned our attention to more up to date sources:
Merriam-Webster's online Dictionary now defines it as: to withdraw (oneself) from residence in or allegiance to one's native country; BANISH, EXILE intransitive senses : to leave one's native country to live elsewhere; also : to renounce allegiance to one's native country
adj. - living in a foreign land

Dictionary.com:
v. tr.
1. To send into exile. See Synonyms at banish.
2. To remove (oneself) from residence in one's native land.
v. intr.
1. To give up residence in one's homeland.
2. To renounce allegiance to one's homeland.
n. (-t, -t)
1. One who has taken up residence in a foreign country.
2. One who has renounced one's native land.
adj. (-t, -t)
Residing in a foreign country

Interesting how much language can change with the times. Instead of originally being forced out or banished from your own country (as it still is in the transitive verb sense) now expatriate has taken on a new meaning of "residing in a foreign country".

Most Americans have a strong sense of pride in their country. I think this maybe something to do with how U.S. schools and government have ritualized the flag as we were children at the start of school, before games, etc. The U.S. is not the only country to instill a strong pride in their country. Greg had told me about an article he read two years ago that stated "I was very surprised at the very strong reaction to seeing their national flag, and the young visitors were almost in tears when they spotted their flag (homesick after 2 weeks)." Full link here http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/cn.html

One of the reasons I dislike the word expatriate are the definitions of words so closely related to it. Patriotism, n. love for or devotion to one's country. If we added an "ex" on the front of patriotism, would that make the definition: a lack of devotion to one's country? That's hardly fair.

All of this has come to mind because my father now thinks that because I am going to be living abroad, that I must dislike the U.S. and that I am also unpatriotic (adj: showing lack of love for your country). Really, all I want is to be (as Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English reprinted in 2003 simply states): Expatriate: n. someone who lives in a foreign country. I am not giving anything up.

Entering The Black Canyon

http://www.nationalparks.org/PlanYourParkTrip/PhotoContest-About.shtml

The Black Canyon
Originally uploaded by amyrtw.

The Photo, just submitted to the US National Parks Photo Contest (deadline Dec 15, 2005), was taken in the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park in Colorado. It's just one of ten of mine that have been entered and that I'm very excited about. (crosses fingers)

The main update is that I've been very busy keeping busy. I am volunteering for the Royal BC Museum photographing volunteers at work. Today was my first day. I photographed a wheelchair bound woman doing data entry for the BC Archives. Not terribly interesting work, but important none-the-less.

I have also been researching and contacting galleries and photographers in the hope of finding more volunteer/learning opportunities for myself. I have this free time, mind as well put it to good use.

Since I have just finished the work for the contest, this now means that I will have time to get the photos from the past two months up, i.e. the US Trip Photos. I am attending regular meetings of the Victoria Camera Club who share their photographs, critique, submit to contests, have outings, have speakers, and so on. The club is a fun get-together of like minded people.

If you'd like to see photos I'm posting up on flickr click the photo to see them.