She's on Fire

Wow. It had been a long time since I made a blog entry. Sorry everyone. I have been so busy, and as my previous post shows, I was away in Rarotonga for awhile.
It's so weird seeing Vancouver everywhere. The world really does have all eyes on Van/Whistler at the moment. I was in the casino last night, and on a gigantic screen they were showing olympic photage and the sea of people wearing red and white, and canadian flags everywhere. I will admit, I do kinda wish I was home just to participate in all the festivities, but I am 100% glad that I am in New Zealand. So happy that Canada is doing so well and getting lots gold medals. I've got all my kiwi friends rooting for Canada :)

Let me tell you, while I was in Raro, I was home sick for AUCKLAND. Not for BC, but Auckland. I love being here so much, it has become home now.

I DON'T WANT TO LEAVE

Just a short journey away

Rarotonga, Cook Islands. As I had posted about earlier, I booked myself a little vacation inside my vacation to go see the Cook Islands. I was really excited to go, however about 5 days before I left, the Cook Islands were hit hard by a cyclone. I was freaking out and constantly updating the news to see what was going on. Thankfully the cyclone bypassed Rarotonga, but it devestated Aitutaki, a near by island. After hearing that Raro was ok, I let myself be excited again.

The Cook Islands flag.

The hostel I stayed at. It was called International Backpackers. It was run by a husband and wife in their 70's, and their daughter. They all live there, as well as their 6 year old granddaughter. It was cheap, very cheap. So it was ideal for me, but you really get what you pay for. While the people were lovely, it was not the cleanest place ever. The noise was awful. I'd wake up at about 7am to the owner sawing, drilling, banging, etc. BUT, if you're looking for cheap, I would recommend it. Plus, the beach was actually a 3 minute walk down the road.

The sunsets were pretty gorgeous.

It was beautiful. but unfortunately I was sick the entire time, and got cold sores and imbitago all around my mouth. It was rather disgusting. I ended up leaving a couple days early. Which was fine with me. While it was beautiful, there really isn't that much to do unless you have money to spend, or are there with your signifigant other. It's very much a romantic island.

It really was a lovely island, and such friendly people.

100.

I have been in New Zealand for 100 days. It feels like 10.

ps. i love motorcycles =)

Well I wanted something better man, I wished for something new

Well. It's been 3 months today since I stepped off that plane and entered New Zealand. What a life changing 3 months it has been. Never in my life have my emotions gone this crazy. I have cried, been so lost and come so close to just giving up and going home. But once that subsided, I laughed, loved and experienced true happiness. I've met people that picked me up when I was so close to crashing down. Those people I will remember for the rest of my life. I've made peace with issues that were keeping me down back home, and really let go and just lived.

I've realized now that from the moment I stepped off the plane, my life is forever changed. I have a real connection with New Zealand. A large piece of my heart is here now. It's not just that I'm travelling around, I actually LIVE here. I live in a house, pay bills, know that New Market has the cheapest meat, but Countdown has my favorite rice cakes, and "Cookie Time" cookies are the best in the world. Most importantly, I have friends. People that make me laugh, smile and remind me everyday how much I love it here. So I find myself asking this question "How do you just go home?" I know that I miss everyone back home, and I've got this amazing crazy summer ahead of me, but I can't help but wonder.. am I going to have a lingering feeling in my heart wishing I was still in New Zealand. Who really knows.

What I do know is that coming to New Zealand is the best decision I have ever made, and the best thing that has happened to me. I've always told myself that there is a reason why I was drawn to New Zealand. Maybe it's not that I'll meet the guy of my dreams ( Which myself, and most other people thought, and MAYBE will still happen, never know :) ) but maybe it's that being here will make me stronger, happier, and just be the person I'm supposed to be.

Well, I think that's enough self reflection for now, but.. Best 3 months of my life.

This photo pretty much sums up the happiness I've been feeling lately.

It was 100% caught in the moment. I love it.