Queenstown holidays and personal thoughts

I hope everyone had the kind of holidays memories are made of. I’ve had a lot of time to reflect over the past few weeks and that is really what the holidays are about. The Christmases where I was the most irritated with family, struggling with getting around in the snow and ice, and having random things go wrong are some of the most memorable. Whether I like it or not all that running around highlights the fact that it is all worth it to spend time with the people I love. It is worth laughing uncontrollably at that fact that in simply trying to close the rental van’s trunk full of luggage my ever-strong sister managed to dent it and we all proceeded, unsuccessfully, to fix the dent with suction cups in 0 degree weather (2004). For all the New Years Eve nights that I spent either partying with friends in Montana (and inevitably crying – don’t ask why!) or with family wishing I was doing something more exciting, I now see them all as treasured times.

I spent most of my life living in the daydream of what my life could be if all the right pieces fell into place. I thought I daydreamed a lot as a child and teenager, but I took that fantasy world to a whole new level in my 20’s. I daydreamed every moment I had about somehow coming across enough money to make everything easier or getting the job of my dreams or winning the lottery. With my imagination I took those daydreams beyond reason creating a whole imaginary life. The reason I am sharing something so personal is that this year, for a variety of reasons, I am striving to “awake” from this daydreaming life and actually focus more on living my real life. I have had so much fun, lived enough experiences for several lives, traveled, been in love, been in pain, struggled, and thrived. Rather than relishing in this amazing life I’ve been half awake in it dreaming of an easy answer to all the inevitable struggles we face.

Zach and I didn’t have much this Christmas. Over the past few years Zach has taught me to appreciate the holiday more, but I still like buying presents most of all. On Christmas Eve we were downtown running an errand when it hit me. Despite having no money I couldn’t bear not having a couple of presents in the stockings. So, we both dug into pockets of our U.S. bank accounts to scrape together a little cash for present buying and wondered around for a half an hour looking for little gifts. Honestly, though I only had $30 to spend, it was exhilarating. That evening Zach’s chef (from a temp job) generously gave us a bunch of food and some beer she had so we could make food for the holiday. She’d seen my Facebook post about us being poor and offered up her extras. Talk about generosity! We can survive perfectly fine, but she wanted us to have something a little special.



Christmas day we partied with our housing complex enjoying a barbecue and the company of Irish, British, Brazilians, and I believe some other nationalities. A little bit of alcohol makes language barriers somehow not matter and before you know it you’re laughing and talking.

Unfortunately during the last couple weeks, when we’ve had the most time off, it’s been raining almost daily. It was supposed to be a dry summer, and still might be, but right now it’s wet. I cannot complain as we’ve already hiked more than we have the past three years combined, but rainy days made it tough to get outdoors. That being said we took advantage of any moments of sun. We continue to find more amazing hikes and have even started running along the trail to town. Getting back into running is tough, but always worth it. We also steal sunny afternoons for laundry because it’s so much cheaper to dry our clothes on the line rather than paying for a mediocre drier. I like what it does to the clothes as well – maybe I’m a bit of a hippy after all.



Zach got the details for our catering job only about a day before New Years Eve. As it turned out they wanted a four-course dinner starting with canapés. Though there was a little stress surrounding the budget (or lack thereof) causing a case of sticker-shock for the dinner hosts Zach worked everything out explaining the price of filet mignon for 16 people as well as the preparation required for such a meal. It is the first time I’ve ever helped Zach in the kitchen professionally. I just did what he told me to while also presenting the food to the guests. I was amazed at how well Zach juggled all the tasks while putting each course out with seamless timing. There are some recipes we would adjust in the future, but all in all the night went amazingly well. The hosts ended up inviting us to join the party and crash at their place. We politely declined, but were touched. I am ever more in awe of Zach’s skills. We headed home leaving the guests with a clean kitchen, a strawberry rhubarb crumble finishing in the oven, and bourbon vanilla whipped cream on the table. As we sat bundled (it was cold) on the deck of our housing complex overlooking the lake it struck midnight. We were one of the first places in the world to ring in the new year. In the distance we could see the reflection of the downtown fireworks show on the night sky. The mountains loomed around us and the air was crisp. Another perfect New Years Eve.

This week Zach is back to working four shifts though I am still waiting for more work. I am now doing some regular wedding coordination and this weekend I am helping my caterer with an all day birthday event. I finished writing her website yesterday and will be working on creating business templates for her later this month. Tonight we are going out to dinner for the first time since we arrived in early November using a gift certificate Zach’s chef, Kim, gave us when his temp work with her ended. She is the same person who gave us dinner for Christmas Eve – a shining example of New Zealand friendliness, though I think Kim is just an especially good person regardless.

With debts to pay we may need to work more soon so the focus right now is the fun in freedom. Summer is in full swing I am giddy to explore more hikes, swim in all the lakes, and bask in my freedom. I know living this life will likely never happen again and, though we are poor, we are richer than most. For however long we are here I will appreciate what we have right now which is beautiful surroundings for endless exploration. (Side note: I have had momentary bits of painful jealousy when hearing about all the snow in Montana and the hours my dad has spent skiing on Big Mountain) ☺



Thanks to everyone who sent Christmas cards; it’s more mail than we usually got back home, which is more appreciated than you all know. Thank you also to my mom and sisters for the packages. I realize this blog took a bit of a personal direction, but I guess that is just my nature. Now it’s time for me to get out and enjoy a rainy run. This next holiday is my favorite – Valentine’s Day! I wish you all the happiest Valentine’s Day season. A season of loving all the people that you love and making sure you let them all know!