New Semester

Well now,

Winter is in full swing and I find myself on the first day of a brand new semester. With the new semester comes all the turmoil and dramatic flavor that university brings. I will admit that I am not looking forward to the drone of sarcastic professors and the infinite backfire I receive from being in a program dominated by woman, but in the end, I must picture the brass ring.

So, I will soldier along like a grunt in the jungle, always keeping my final goal in the back of my head. As long as my grades and the money holds out, I can endure the scrapes and lacerations that are sure to ensue.

So my readers, I will continue along the road I have selected and my dreams of the distant shores of New Zealand will still keep my warm during these harsh Canadian winter.

Fin.

Fighting off that loving feeling

Fighting off that loving feeling The anxiety, I do admit, has finally met the insides of my head. With more and more assignments being piled onto my plate, I feel an escape is in order. As I have tried to impress my skeptics by producing immaculate works of art, I have found that I have been sagging in other sectors. What can one do to impress all and live up the expectations of one’s own soul? 

I do admit that I have been sidetracked by a recent stint with the flu bug (yes, I actually got sick and that doesn’t happen very often) and this flu virus has placed my last two weeks in complete turmoil. I was thinking that the Thanksgiving holiday would relieve some pressure to the growing madness, yet I have learned that my refuge has now been cast down. I would be taking three days to myself then one day to volunteer for the national election. The national election is the first form of employment I have been offered since my relocation to this godless rock. So, it is easy to say that I was somehow confused by the concept that I had a project presentation on the same day I was to be out of school, doing my national duty. After a heated debate with my professor, I just explained that with the absence of funds, there would simply be an absence of school. This is much the case since no income and high expenses never helps a student.  

Anyhow, I know that almost every student has these types of snags and I was happy to think that I had overcome all these futile aggravations. Yet for some reason, I decide to go back to school and live this life all over again. I guess I can only cure myself for such a lifestyle. If only education was free and one could live the life of learning with now afterthoughts of where ones next meal would come from or where one would sleep that night.  

It is funny how the under skilled and unemployed has their education served to them on a silver platter, free of charge and an able bodied semi-employed person must scratch a living to progress in the lie that is the American/Canadian dream. I long for the world that does not judge a person on his or her wallet, but judges on the merit and principal of one’s beliefs. Wow, was I just expressing the thought of revolution? No, I guess I was expressing the thought of a new structure and a new way of thinking. Yes my friends, as the central theme to this blog, New Zealand.  

I have grown tired of the political stance that my once mighty country has taken. I am annoyed by a conservative government that has dragged out good name through the mud of America. I long for the days where I was proud to be a Canadian, where I would walk with my head held high in any state without the fear of those unknown gunning for my essence. Now days, I feel more like an America. When one feels like an American, there are simply only two options. One must kill oneself, or retreat to a more favorable setting. Now I was not the one for ending my young life since, well I have too much fun with this body. I long for relocation, to the island shores of NZ.

XBase - New Zealand 2007

I was looking forward to having a nice long shower, then several hours of rack time in a nice soft bed, or something of the sort. My long journey had run me ragged and I was unable to secure a good night rest for the duration of my journey. I smelled, well I am not fully sure if I did smell but after 24 hours without a shower, I know I was not smelling my best.

It was early, and I took the elevator with Angela to the second floor of the Base Backpackers Hostel and attempted to check-in. We attempted, however we did not succeed. It would turn out that check-in did not occur until later that afternoon (2 or 3 pm to be exact) and we were doomed to wait until the rooms had been cleared out. Angela and I promptly checked our luggage at the desk. I and purchased a generous helping of Internet time via some sort of card system, and I surfed the Internet to pass the time.

I called my mother to let her know that I had arrived safely, and I also called Siobhan to arrange for a time to meet and hang out. I had six hours to kill before I was to meet Siobhan at 1pm. The hours went quickly; I walked the neighboring streets with Angela and took in a few shops. I was amazed (again) at the infrastructure of Auckland. The beautiful paved roads, the fresh painted lines, street signs that actually marked the name of the street. This place was nothing like Ottawa.


I love the fact that all prices listed in NZ shops are the actual price and you don’t have to calculate the GST. Angela and I located the local grocery stories and corner stores (dairy) for our supplies. The morning was enjoyable and I finally fell asleep for a wondrous 45 minutes on the lobby couch. All in all, I say my six hours were well spent. I met a new friend, explored a little of my surroundings, called my mother, and purchased apple juice. Not bad, not bad at all.

To the Pacific - New Zealand 2007

Finally, the time had come.

I was approaching the last leg of my trip. I could see my destination in the back of my mind. Auckland was only thirteen hours away. What the heck was I going to do for thirteen hours on a plane? I really hoped I could get some sleep and maybe read my new book. Sure, that would get me through the hours. Maybe I could listen to my MP3 player as well, considering I had already listened to the play list over and over again.

I felt a little apprehension about my next experience. The Pacific Ocean was a very large place and there aren’t many places to land in case of emergency. I again cursed myself for being such a coward and I assured myself that everything would be alright. I settled my nerves and eat the rest of my crisps.

The announcement went over the airwaves, “Flight 26 is now boarding at Gate 121”. Just like the cattle that we were, people flocked to the gate entrance only to be halted by a rather intimidating young man with a stern look on his face. “Now calling Business Class passengers only, I repeat Business Class passengers only”. So we waited. Finally, some twenty minutes later, section A was called and I mad my way through the plank to meet smiling Qantas employees on the other side.

My seat was no surprise, since I had picked my seat ahead of time and always ensured that I would obtain a window seat. I took my seat and a few minutes later, the elderly couple joined me to both our delight. We again started chatting about planes, Australia, New Zealand, and Auckland.

Finally, the last passenger was on board and the enormous door was closed and secured. We all fastened our seat belts and watched the safety demonstration from the overly attractive flight attendants.

Our captain received the okay to depart and we made our way to the airstrip. With a mighty roar, our jumbo jet was thrust into the heavens and again I kept my eyes to the window as I watched the lights of LA fade. Night had fallen on California and I could only make out shapes as our flight made the way to the Pacific Ocean and …adventure.