Two dogs

Yes these are two of my favorite dogs, but I only have so many pictures of them up because they are hilarious dog statues.  They are usually not so still, but we took them on a walk and play time in the park, so at least Tango was too tired to move too much, plus, she will mostly do whatever Isabel asks of her.  As does Acadia.  So when she says "pose in exactly the same way", they do.  

Alana's Birthday

Happy Birthday Alana!  We had a great day of celebration, mostly revolving around eating (notably brunch at a nice Cajun restaurant, and Joe's homemade chili) and drinking beer (New Belgium!). After enjoying the company of a handful of great people at dinner, the evening concluded as it usually does in this house, with a little dance party.  

Aren't the Kiwi's adorable?

Set

More pre-trip updates. The ticket from Australia to New Zealand is officially purchased.  I've found out some good spots to visit and things to do from my Kiwi housemate. Waterproof hiking shoes should be on their way. Learned a few key kiwi phrases, such as "tramping" (backpacking) and "walking" instead of hiking.  Either you go on a day walk, or an overnight tramp.  So I guess I bought waterproof walking shoes.  I feel like I am in the  "Set" stage of the 'Ready, Set, Go' scenario.

Getting ready

Today is the day that I seriously began preparing for my trip. I started the packing process, which means I pulled a lot of stuff out and it's now all on my bedroom floor.  I also chatted with my parents, my sister and brother-in-law discussing travel plans.  To wrap up the day two housemates and I watched the movie "Whale Rider".  The number of times I said "I'm going there!" may have been overly abundant.

Also in preparation of my trip, and because it's fun, more playing with the camera!

Portrait of a drippy candle.

"The Palace"

After a series of delays: trying to warm up in the chill morning, feeding cats, and getting a flat tire, Isabel, Ian and I set off for a partial day of climbing in the Poudre Canyon.  It was our first time at “The Palace”, a rock formation on the north side of the river that indeed resembles the turrets and towers of a castle.  We got in a few climbs each and I experimented with my new camera.   When the sun was shining on us, the weather was perfect, but it got a little chilly as the sun set, mostly causing a problem with the fingers as I climbed.  It is difficult to climb with numb fingers.  Tango acquired some war paint and we left to a fantastic sunset and crossed the river again for the drive down the canyon.   

Post Thanksgiving

The day started with a breakfast of left-overs and waffles, then off to play with the cats and duckies.    

Re-uniting with the college friends!  Well most of them anyway...

Sunsets in Colorado are so beautiful.

Thanksgiving

While it is sad that I missed Thanksgiving with my family, it was great to share it with all the other "orphans" living in the area.  My new tent was delivered yesterday, I am very excited to try it, in the out-of-doors this time! 

New tent, ready to camp in Australia!

I must say, I really enjoy a whole day, (plus the days beforehand) preparing a meal for people.  Especially when there are great people to hang out with throughout the process.  We soaked the turkey in a brine of salt, water and beer for a few days, then basted it in butter, herbs and beer.  Decadent.  The advantage to having a non-family Thanksgiving is that it is ok to try out some slight variations on the classics, there are no family traditions to uphold.  I made the stuffing with pumpernickel bread, which may not have been the best I've ever had, but it was cool looking at least! It is interesting to think what you consider to be the most important dishes for Thanksgiving.  I woke up last night in a bit of a panic because I realized that I had not thought of apple sauce and nobody was going to bring some.  We also had to make a run to the store at about eleven this morning to buy potatoes to mash.  Our Kiwi housemate asked if we could roast them, but there are just some things that have to stay at least mostly the same.  Mashed potatoes might not be the best in everyone's book, but they hold gravy really nicely.  I admit the pie count was a little lacking, mostly because I got about a quarter of the way through making my pumpkin pie.  Luckily we had plenty of sweet things to follow up our meal for those that could shove in another morsel, and two really beautiful homemade pies to contribute to the Thanksgiving feel. And what is better than fresh pie with left over Thanksgiving dinner? 

Turkey prep took a couple days letting it brine, well worth it.  

While we had to explain a lot of the Thanksgiving traditions to our Kiwi housemates, they did a great job of contributing.  A lot of interesting observations were made, such as "is that why the ovens are so big in America? To fit a turkey?"  The turkey and the centerpiece would not have been nearly as beautiful, or as beautifully documented were it not for Alana's artistic touches.     

The final product. 

Pet Sitting

Rabbits, ducks and cats 

And don't forget the fishes!

Surrogate owner. 

Post Three, "Day Three"

I have not yet decided whether I am going to post a new entry every day.  I know that it might become impossible while adventuring Down Under, but I could at least write something everyday, and post it in a group.  As I haven't yet decided, I'd best keep on my streak.  Though it's technically not the third day anymore, I haven't fallen asleep yet, so it still counts for me.

In this vein, I will talk about putting effort into what you do.  My Gramma once told me that she was so impressed by how I was always able to make things happen for myself, putting myself in amazing places with amazing people, doing amazing things.  I will not argue with the quality of the people I've met, the places I've lived, or the things that I have been able to do.  However, I've always struggled with that comment, because I also don't feel like I've made those things happen for myself, rather, that many have fallen into my lap.  Have I really worked hard for anything in my life?

Working hard at something doesn't necessarily equate to a memory of hardship.  Effort is measured neither by success or by pain (except perhaps on that 24th mile of the marathon).  Do not turn away from struggle. It may seem to not be worth the effort right now, but some day, the strain will be forgotten, and the accomplishment remains.

I will commit to working hard on this blog, or at least working at it, and not to turn away because it is too mentally difficult.

Warmth

As the season progresses toward winter in the northern hemisphere, a certain chill permeates everything.  Even when the temperature in the house is no different than it would have been in earlier months, I can never seem to rid my ankles and lower legs of a slightly uncomfortable coldness.  My mom can tell you it's hereditary.  Those trend setters in the eighties had it figured out.  Leg warmers. This time of year starts my existence of perpetually seeking warmth.  I bring hot water bottles to bed.  I wear sweaters over turtle necks.  I only wear wool socks.  This year I'm lucky, I'm escaping the worst of the winter by going to the southern hemisphere.

Tonight was an evening of great depth of warmth, analogous to snuggling in a down sleeping bag while camping on a cold evening.  Outside was dark and frigid, our house was lit with white strings of lights, heated by aromatic stove-top dinner preparations.  Happy music set the tone.  As is often the case, most of the warmth came from the company.  The collective of housemates, all together and able to enjoy the evening together for the first time in weeks.  It is incredible the bond and affection that exists among a group of people who, for the most part, have met, and lived together for only three and a half months.  There isn't much I wouldn't do for them.  Including, apparently, taking a bite out of a stick of butter because it would make one of them "feel less stressed".  Happy to oblige.  Soon the arrival of two guests, older friends this time, from another realm of my life.  Though I had not seen them since about those same three and a half months, there is a certain unique comfort and familiarity from consorting with old friends. Finally the arrival of two brand new friends, who brought beer and bread and a whole lot of laughter, both in their appreciation of everyone else's jokes, and due to their own humor.  The dinner was as delicious as it smelled, the laughter was as genuine as it sounded.

My original purpose for this blog was to record and share my experiences while traveling abroad.  But I don't want these moments to be forgotten or unappreciated, even if I'm still at home. I don't care if it's cheesy or cliche to use lyrics to express feelings, it seems hypocritical that quoting poetry can be sophisticated, while doing the same with song lyrics is cheap.  So, to quote a musical poet, "you're already home where you feel loved."*  Tonight was one of those nights that I felt, truly and fully, at home.  I can't say that I am excited to leave it.  Sure, I'm thrilled and grateful to be able to take a couple month vacation to spend time with most of the members of my amazing family in a new and incredible place.  I also won't forget where I am and who I'm with, right here, right now.

*In case you don't know, from The Head and The Heart, 'Lost in My Mind'.

Coins

It is a tribute to human optimism that people get excited when they pick up a dime off the ground.  'I just got an extra dime!' They don't think about all the dimes, quarters, and other coins that they have lost over the years.  But then maybe you are that person who has found more coins than you have have lost.  Well done.