Jul 15, 2021The Transition TripWhen the job offer finally came through, I gave myself permission to breathe again. That oppressive feeling of being in a situation that fills you with disgust and you just can’t save face for anymore — unclench the fist, exhale the CO2. The burden shifts from mental health survival mode…8 min read8 min read
Mar 2, 2021Champions of the Heaphy TrackIt’s down to the last minute. The huts are booked but little else. We scrabble together the last of the plans and forget everything until the moment we have to pull it out again. I rush to work on Friday afternoon but my only real intention for the day is…12 min read12 min read
May 27, 2020Springing in and out of COVIDThe anticipation around opening up the country has all the bubbles talking. On the day of the announcement, 4/20, the whole country tuned in. The big prize for moving to level 3, takeaways! …6 min read6 min read
May 16, 2020The spectrum of Covid governanceIn the first two weeks New Zealand would jump from 100 to 1100 cases. In a similar window of time the US would jump from 1 to 5 hundred thousand cases. Week 2 of the global surge and the whole world watched with horror as the stats exploded. …5 min read5 min read
May 8, 2020Locking down on CovidIts not until after dinner that night that I finally get time to sit and just absorb the current news to understand the state of affairs. California isn’t a hotspot anymore. The whole country is shutting down. One episode of Rachel Maddow and another segment of Democracy Now and my…6 min read6 min read
Apr 12, 2020Rowin down the RiverBefore the end of days, we have one more thing scheduled after WOMAD. 7 of us are going to take one last breath of natures beauty with a 3 day paddle down the Whanganui River. All the awareness of social distancing is coming into the civic psyche so some time…7 min read7 min read
Apr 11, 2020The last of the good ole daysIn February, I start to resettle back into a weekly routine. Circus classes in rope and contortion on Monday’s and Wednesday’s, either a swim or a rock climbing session with friends on Tuesdays, and a sprinkling of happy hours and dinner dates to fill in any gaps of undedicated time…6 min read6 min read
Apr 10, 2020At the turn of a decadeThe end of 2019 was a blur. They call it silly season here. Everyone makes the most of the nice weather. Every weekend is booked out. I find myself inviting friends over to what would be the most epic of Thanksgiving dinners. 25 pounds of turkey costs $120 here but…6 min read6 min read
Dec 31, 2019Miles on the MilfordPack your bag. Check it twice. Question the needs versus wants, over preparation packing choices and finally catch that cab to the airport. We were off to Queenstown. A one hour flight to a 2 hour car ride to a one hour boat ride to the top of the track…Travel8 min readTravel8 min read
May 24, 2019Home Sweet HomeMt. Victoria. It’s one of the city’s most fortunate neighborhoods with afternoon sun and a swarm of bars and entertainment at the bottom of the hill. This is the view from my front porch. Every morning at the beginning of my commute, I start here. At the base of Marjoriebanks…6 min read6 min read
