It's been a week since my girlfriend left Dirty Duners, and is safe back home in Sweden, enjoying the spring.
It was a trip having her here, travelling around New Zealand, showing her the sights, and making memories together. The last bit is the most important bit of it. I've travelled around a fair bit, but mainly by myself, so I don't have a whole lot of people to share my memories with. I do now :D
It's pretty empty now without her here, it's colder in sleeping by myself again, and just a bit less fun when I'm done with school. It's shitty feeling this way, but it makes me happy knowing there is someone that can make me feel this way. If that makes any sense.
However, I'm not going to bore you with all the touchy feely stuff.
Instead, I have some good news! My upper body is getting stronger, and my hands are getting some nice calluses, which makes climbing a lot easier and a bit more fun.
I've been climbing almost every weekend, and every time it gets better and better. I feel more and more confident up in the tree. However, I did have a pretty nerve racking moment last weekend. I was at the top of the tree, maybe 15m or so, and then a hard gust of wind hit the tree and almost threw me off my little perch. What would of happened if I fell? I would of fallen about 10cm, and maybe hit my knee against the tree, so nothing serious. I'm always roped, and never take any stupid chances at those heights. If I fell the whole 15m, I might survive, but I don't know if I would walk again, or even be able to move anything below my neck. Hence, I'm always roped in.
And the past two weeks, we've been up in Orokonui Ecosanctuary felling exotic trees and hanging out. This was pretty exhausting, since we had to carry our chainsaws through the thick bush, on some gnarly slopes. Not a lot of giggling was going on when walking in and out of the work sit. This Tuesday was an exception though, which turned into a climbing day, since we didn't get a hold of the workers there, and couldn't get in through the gates.
Actually, before I keep on going, I want to tell you a bit about Orokonui.
Orokonui is an ecosanctuary where they have only native flora and fauna, and it is heavily protected! I mean that there is a 8.7km long fence that goes around the sanctuary and is fully pest proof. The only pest they have in the sanctuary is mice, but they're working on solving that. But nothing vicious like stoke or possum. Yes, these aren't vicious like a lion, but for the kiwi bird, and other flightless birds, they're a real threat. It's taken some time, but now they have a borderline pest free sanctuary. It took some time, but it's paying off. Kiwi's and other native birds are mating and repopulating the area.
I got to see a kiwi bird and pet a tuatara lizard while there, which was pretty cool. Also got to see a takeha bird.
So, back to the main story/event.
I almost got into a fist fight with a classmate. Over a lunchbox...
Here's what happened:
After the climbing day, we started to pack up, and we four people left, fixing our ropes and cutting some excess sheath off to make our ropes tighter and nicer to climb on. So, three of us did it, and then the four did it last. He didn't cut the rope the way you should be cutting it. He was crushing the knife through it, instead of just making a back and forth action to get a nice clean cut. We were using my lunch box as a cutting board (I've had one for YEARS using it as a cutting board, so I know what it can withstand). He ends up breaking through the lid, and he just laughs about it. It's a nice box, and I was kind of bummed when it happened. I say it was unnecessary and if he's going to buy me a new one. His reply, "No, need to have a cry about it." I'm pretty shocked that that's how he chooses to respond. I just say it was unnecessary, and the box was expensive. He says he'll buy me one, or two even. Some how, he gets defensive and asks if I want to make something about it. He challenges me to a fight. Over this, when he was in the wrong. I say something along the lines of it's okay, and make my leave. The other two there were pretty surprised how quickly it escalated.
Anyway, I'm going to tell my teachers about it, after some encouragement from my classmates, just so they know what happened.
THAT is the exact type of person I really try to avoid. Someone trying to be a "man" by fighting. Admit that you fucked up! Simple as that! Oh, here's the real icing on the cake. He's 40 years old. I'll let you think about that a while...
In fact, don't bother, it just isn't worth it.
I have some studying to right now! So, I will do just that!
Toodles y'all!
Saturday, May 23, 2015
Sunday, April 26, 2015
Atrocities!
Yup, that's it, I will admit that I am atrocious at writing this blog.
And I am really sorry for that!
A lot has happened since I last wrote, and I can't decide on where/when to start...
Let's start with my girlfriend has come all the way down to New Zealand to see what kind of tree hugger I've become.
Once she landed I we dropped off her bags at my place, and we did a small tour of Dunedin in the car that we hired for our road trip (that has already been mind you).
And to sum up her feelings, or as I put it, the word of the day/week/month/trip is "Wow." Actually, it's more like "Woooow," with a massive grin on her face. I made sure to do most of the driving, to make sure she got the most of it. Sadly, she wasn't ready for the windy roads that connect all the cities here in wondering NZ, since on the first day, we need to buy some motion sickness pills for her to coup with it all.
For those who don't know, we drove from Dunedin to Manapouri via the Catlins and touristic scenic route, then we did a day trip to Milford Sound, then to Queenstown where we went nucking futs with fun activities, up to Mt. Cook for a short hike (we also spent a night in a tent, which was never repeated because the wee little one got too cold), doubled back to Wanaka, up the West Coast, drove through Arthurs Pass, Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura, Christchurch, aaaaaand finally back to Dunedin.
I have to admit, it was a lot of driving. Like...a lot. But it was totally worth it, and I would do it all again in a heart beat :D
Little Sia was a real trooper doing a canyoning trip, bungee jump, and camping. All these things were new to her, but she went through all of it like a champ! Really proud of her!
And also, one thing that I was surprised (actually not) was the que that's formed outside of Ferg Burger pretty much all the time now! We actually booked a burger at 08:00 to be picked up at 17:00. I remember when I could just saunter in and order a burger. Something really epic though, they haven't spent a dime on advertising. That is how good they are!
Franz Josef glacier has pretty much disappeared as well. A friend shared a photo of us from way back in 2008, and it just slammed into your face saying, "Yo, I'm a fucking glacier. So, fuck you." Now it's like the really shy guy at school, peaking around the corner "Hey guys, is it safe to come out now?" So sad. But that's the way it goes I guess.
After we came back to Dirty Duners, my missus made a move on up to the North Island to see what was happening up there. She's currently up there now, and slowly making her way back.
Once she's back, she'll spend another two weeks here in Dunedin before heading back to the beautiful spring that is going on in Sweden.
And speaking of spring, the weather down here before she arrived was pretty sweet. Our class did a trip to Dansey's Pass where we climbed and pruned trees for four days. It was a lot of work. And I have to admit, there were moments where I had some anal leakage going on, because we were so high up. And also, that's when I got to start using a chainsaw up in the tree! Mind you, I was about 30 meters up when I actually started it, so it was nice and safe. Or something like that. I did have supervision, and have two roping points, far apart as well. What does that mean? If I cut one of the ropes, the other one will take my weight. If not, it would have a long way down to think about my mistakes. One thing I learned while climbing with a chainsaw is that it's pretty damn tough, and not very fun at all. Cutting stuff in the tree was great, and descending was fine, but having to actually climb with the chainsaw wasn't all too much fun. You can check out the photos here. As per usual, you won't see any of me, but nobody takes photos of the photographer.
After my missus had left for the North Island, we got to use the bigger chainsaws, but on the ground. This isn't anything new to me, but I'm far from an expert. So getting proper instructions from professionals made all the difference, as with watching the more experienced people as well. Now my chainsaw technique is way better than before, but still needs some perfection. Also got to learn how to sharpen a chainsaw as well, which is a pretty handy skill to have.
This up coming week we're going to be getting into the more serious stuff, which will be felling. Ie, bringing down full grown trees in a controlled manor. I'm really looking forward to this, why? Not to sure. It could be the "destructive" part of it. Toppling over a big tree, a "man vs nature" kind of thing.
Ok folks, I have assignments that I need to do, and prepare for tomorrow.
Have a good one! Maybe I should be doing a vlog instead?
And I am really sorry for that!
A lot has happened since I last wrote, and I can't decide on where/when to start...
Let's start with my girlfriend has come all the way down to New Zealand to see what kind of tree hugger I've become.
Once she landed I we dropped off her bags at my place, and we did a small tour of Dunedin in the car that we hired for our road trip (that has already been mind you).
And to sum up her feelings, or as I put it, the word of the day/week/month/trip is "Wow." Actually, it's more like "Woooow," with a massive grin on her face. I made sure to do most of the driving, to make sure she got the most of it. Sadly, she wasn't ready for the windy roads that connect all the cities here in wondering NZ, since on the first day, we need to buy some motion sickness pills for her to coup with it all.
For those who don't know, we drove from Dunedin to Manapouri via the Catlins and touristic scenic route, then we did a day trip to Milford Sound, then to Queenstown where we went nucking futs with fun activities, up to Mt. Cook for a short hike (we also spent a night in a tent, which was never repeated because the wee little one got too cold), doubled back to Wanaka, up the West Coast, drove through Arthurs Pass, Hanmer Springs, Kaikoura, Christchurch, aaaaaand finally back to Dunedin.
I have to admit, it was a lot of driving. Like...a lot. But it was totally worth it, and I would do it all again in a heart beat :D
Little Sia was a real trooper doing a canyoning trip, bungee jump, and camping. All these things were new to her, but she went through all of it like a champ! Really proud of her!
And also, one thing that I was surprised (actually not) was the que that's formed outside of Ferg Burger pretty much all the time now! We actually booked a burger at 08:00 to be picked up at 17:00. I remember when I could just saunter in and order a burger. Something really epic though, they haven't spent a dime on advertising. That is how good they are!
Franz Josef glacier has pretty much disappeared as well. A friend shared a photo of us from way back in 2008, and it just slammed into your face saying, "Yo, I'm a fucking glacier. So, fuck you." Now it's like the really shy guy at school, peaking around the corner "Hey guys, is it safe to come out now?" So sad. But that's the way it goes I guess.
After we came back to Dirty Duners, my missus made a move on up to the North Island to see what was happening up there. She's currently up there now, and slowly making her way back.
Once she's back, she'll spend another two weeks here in Dunedin before heading back to the beautiful spring that is going on in Sweden.
And speaking of spring, the weather down here before she arrived was pretty sweet. Our class did a trip to Dansey's Pass where we climbed and pruned trees for four days. It was a lot of work. And I have to admit, there were moments where I had some anal leakage going on, because we were so high up. And also, that's when I got to start using a chainsaw up in the tree! Mind you, I was about 30 meters up when I actually started it, so it was nice and safe. Or something like that. I did have supervision, and have two roping points, far apart as well. What does that mean? If I cut one of the ropes, the other one will take my weight. If not, it would have a long way down to think about my mistakes. One thing I learned while climbing with a chainsaw is that it's pretty damn tough, and not very fun at all. Cutting stuff in the tree was great, and descending was fine, but having to actually climb with the chainsaw wasn't all too much fun. You can check out the photos here. As per usual, you won't see any of me, but nobody takes photos of the photographer.
After my missus had left for the North Island, we got to use the bigger chainsaws, but on the ground. This isn't anything new to me, but I'm far from an expert. So getting proper instructions from professionals made all the difference, as with watching the more experienced people as well. Now my chainsaw technique is way better than before, but still needs some perfection. Also got to learn how to sharpen a chainsaw as well, which is a pretty handy skill to have.
This up coming week we're going to be getting into the more serious stuff, which will be felling. Ie, bringing down full grown trees in a controlled manor. I'm really looking forward to this, why? Not to sure. It could be the "destructive" part of it. Toppling over a big tree, a "man vs nature" kind of thing.
Ok folks, I have assignments that I need to do, and prepare for tomorrow.
Have a good one! Maybe I should be doing a vlog instead?
Saturday, March 7, 2015
How sad...
I'm incredibly sorry for taking so long to write this post!
I've been both busy, and lazy, resulting in the ever so well known unproductive me.
What's the juicy news? I love my course! It's everything that I expected it to be, and more!
I'm three weeks in, and it feels like 3 months. and I mean that in a good way, of course. It reminds me a bit of when I was in the army, actually. How you hang out with the same group of people, and are doing so many things together.
First two weeks were full of theory, preparing us mentally for what could go wrong by learning first-aid, which knots to use, along with the main do's and don'ts when climbing in the tree. One main thing, is don't fall. Pretty obvious, and the main way of not falling is by always being roped in by at least one point.
This past week has pretty much only been physically intensive, since this is when we were learning how to climb up the tree. With this though, I've torn up my hands a bit. Maybe not torn, but I have some nice rope burns on both my hands. Wear gloves Chris! Yeah, that is a bit of terrible idea. The gloves get stuck in the knots I use, and with other knots, it can leave it "open" and then if something happens, I'll have a beautiful free fall to the ever so reliant, and solid ground. So, I'd prefer to use my bare hands. That's not to say I haven't tried using gloves, only to see them be destroyed in three days after buying them. So it almost feels pointless to buy any, maybe I just need to find a more durable pair.
To add to my injuries, it seems like I've developed some tennis elbow in my left arm from doing intense thrusting in the movements I need to use to climb up the tree. Have figure out a way to minimise using that specific climbing technique, to a less strain-full one. Lucky for me there are several ways to climb a tree, only problem with those techniques is that money is involved for the equipment required. Which leads me to another aspect I enjoy about the course: the whole technical aspect of getting up the tree. The fun tools and toys that there are out there. Primarily the knots though.
Since the start of the course, I haven't learned too many knots that I didn't know from before, but the one I have learned, which is called knut, I love it! It's a very smart friction hitch, which instantly bites when pulled, and opens once pushed. This is a knot used to ascend and descend the tree, and makes the process a lot more graceful and not as exhausting.
It's not all fun and games climbing up the trees though, we also need to remember 5 new trees every week. And by that, I mean I have to remember their botanical name, common name, which family they belong to, and of course, what they look like.
Remembering the names isn't too hard, but it's remembering them in the long run that I'm more concerned about. Coming to a work site, and finding the right tree to cut down. Yes, I know, it's only the third week, but nonetheless, it's something I'm concerned about. I just need to practice more.
Aside from school, not a whole lot is happening. I've been registered with a recruitment firm, which will offer me part-time work during the weekends.
Next weekend though, hopefully I'll make it all the way to Hokitika, for the wild food festival. Not sure how I'm going to go about it yet, since I don't have a car. I'm thinking hitchhiking, but I would be cutting it pretty close for when I try to make my way back for Monday. We'll see what I can do.
Ok, it's late for me on this side of the world. I'm going to go now.
I'll try and get better at posting more!
I've been both busy, and lazy, resulting in the ever so well known unproductive me.
What's the juicy news? I love my course! It's everything that I expected it to be, and more!
I'm three weeks in, and it feels like 3 months. and I mean that in a good way, of course. It reminds me a bit of when I was in the army, actually. How you hang out with the same group of people, and are doing so many things together.
First two weeks were full of theory, preparing us mentally for what could go wrong by learning first-aid, which knots to use, along with the main do's and don'ts when climbing in the tree. One main thing, is don't fall. Pretty obvious, and the main way of not falling is by always being roped in by at least one point.
This past week has pretty much only been physically intensive, since this is when we were learning how to climb up the tree. With this though, I've torn up my hands a bit. Maybe not torn, but I have some nice rope burns on both my hands. Wear gloves Chris! Yeah, that is a bit of terrible idea. The gloves get stuck in the knots I use, and with other knots, it can leave it "open" and then if something happens, I'll have a beautiful free fall to the ever so reliant, and solid ground. So, I'd prefer to use my bare hands. That's not to say I haven't tried using gloves, only to see them be destroyed in three days after buying them. So it almost feels pointless to buy any, maybe I just need to find a more durable pair.
To add to my injuries, it seems like I've developed some tennis elbow in my left arm from doing intense thrusting in the movements I need to use to climb up the tree. Have figure out a way to minimise using that specific climbing technique, to a less strain-full one. Lucky for me there are several ways to climb a tree, only problem with those techniques is that money is involved for the equipment required. Which leads me to another aspect I enjoy about the course: the whole technical aspect of getting up the tree. The fun tools and toys that there are out there. Primarily the knots though.
Since the start of the course, I haven't learned too many knots that I didn't know from before, but the one I have learned, which is called knut, I love it! It's a very smart friction hitch, which instantly bites when pulled, and opens once pushed. This is a knot used to ascend and descend the tree, and makes the process a lot more graceful and not as exhausting.
It's not all fun and games climbing up the trees though, we also need to remember 5 new trees every week. And by that, I mean I have to remember their botanical name, common name, which family they belong to, and of course, what they look like.
Remembering the names isn't too hard, but it's remembering them in the long run that I'm more concerned about. Coming to a work site, and finding the right tree to cut down. Yes, I know, it's only the third week, but nonetheless, it's something I'm concerned about. I just need to practice more.
Aside from school, not a whole lot is happening. I've been registered with a recruitment firm, which will offer me part-time work during the weekends.
Next weekend though, hopefully I'll make it all the way to Hokitika, for the wild food festival. Not sure how I'm going to go about it yet, since I don't have a car. I'm thinking hitchhiking, but I would be cutting it pretty close for when I try to make my way back for Monday. We'll see what I can do.
Ok, it's late for me on this side of the world. I'm going to go now.
I'll try and get better at posting more!
Wednesday, February 18, 2015
First Incident
Hi all. I'm starting to realise that I won't be very consistent with my entries, sorry about that.
I'm pretty knackered from it all so far, because we've been pretty full on with everything, so I'll give you the news in broad strokes.
School has finally started, and it feels right. It feels really good!
My teachers/lecturers are solid dudes, and so it seems for my classmates. We're a mixed bunch, but we're all down for getting dirty and don't mind the occasional scratch. Some have years of experience hanging up in the trees, they only lack the experience, so now their getting a proper formal training. Then there are complete noobs like myself.
I got all of my equipment today to start climbing the trees, now I just need some extra safety gear to make it all official. Otherwise, I'm ready to go!
We played paintball yesterday as well, which was fun. But a quite different from what I was used to playing, but fun nonetheless.
I busted my hand a bit, and was a worried that I got a hairline fracture, but I had it all checked out, and there's no problem with it. Got a cut or two my legs, but nothing serious.
Ok, that's it for now, but just wanted to throw up a flag to say I'm good, and pumped for more!
See'ya!
I'm pretty knackered from it all so far, because we've been pretty full on with everything, so I'll give you the news in broad strokes.
School has finally started, and it feels right. It feels really good!
My teachers/lecturers are solid dudes, and so it seems for my classmates. We're a mixed bunch, but we're all down for getting dirty and don't mind the occasional scratch. Some have years of experience hanging up in the trees, they only lack the experience, so now their getting a proper formal training. Then there are complete noobs like myself.
I got all of my equipment today to start climbing the trees, now I just need some extra safety gear to make it all official. Otherwise, I'm ready to go!
We played paintball yesterday as well, which was fun. But a quite different from what I was used to playing, but fun nonetheless.
I busted my hand a bit, and was a worried that I got a hairline fracture, but I had it all checked out, and there's no problem with it. Got a cut or two my legs, but nothing serious.
Ok, that's it for now, but just wanted to throw up a flag to say I'm good, and pumped for more!
See'ya!
Monday, February 9, 2015
Day 1 is over
As I wrote in yesterday's entry, today was the big one: Orientation Day.
I woke up early enough to get nice and ready for the up coming onslaught of the unknown, and it was great!
I walked to the student administration center, arrived 15 minutes early, and discovered I was in the wrong building completely!
After being escorted to the correct room, where there were already a fair bit of students, I knew I was on the right path. A few minutes later, a larger group of students descended into the room, and it became quickly apparent that I was going to be a minority. Not in the racial sense, but the nationality sense. We were 16 different nationalities, with the majority being German and Chinese (there was one other Swede there).
The Germans quickly congregated together and formed their own little group. Something I've seen all too many times happen. It's actually quite amazing.
It's not a German thing, it's a comforting thing. Hanging with people from your own country, and can speak the same language, etc. I get it.
What was of interest though, was one of the two Englishmen there, who was also going to be studying Arboriculture! I was told I was the only international student, but I guess they forgot one. Oh, well.
Once, we all got together, we had a briefing on what to expect from the school and New Zealand, and a little get-to-know-each-other exercise, where we stood up and gave brief explanation of who we are, and what we're going to be studying. It felt like high school, or like when you arrive to a new school. Which essentially we did, but I have to admit, it feels odd doing it when I'm 31 years old.
It was nice, because otherwise I wouldn't of known there was another Swede in the group. When we started to talk, it was weird speaking to someone in Swedish, in person. I've either talked on the phone, or via Skype, which isn't the same thing. I can't explain it, but it just feels different.
Once we did our song and dance infront of each other, we were given a guided tour of the school, and were treated to a nice lunch. After which we got more information about Dunedin and what to be expecting in the near future.
When all that was done, our respective course teachers came and collected us to show us around our specific, as they call it, schools.
I was given this same tour two weeks earlier when I asked what course material I needed, so I didn't learn too much more. And that tour didn't take all too long, so me and my new classmate went off to buy some of the course material we were told to buy, and along the way two other people from the orientation joined us, and we went for beers after we bought our course material. Which, I must add, is only two books (plus an optional one!). So three in total. Not bad.
My classmate was talking about how expensive it was, and I have to admit, it isn't cheap. But I quickly countered with that we should be happy that we're not studying to become doctors, or anything involving a lot of science (engineers, medicine, etc) where you have to buy a TON of books! He quickly agreed, and felt pretty good that we only need two books for our course.
While we were having our beers, we shared stories about ourselves, things we wouldn't guess about the other, and I told them about my kayaking experience at Hagaparken. If you haven't been told it, too bad, I'm not going to write about it. It's too good of story to just publish like that!
It's a story I need to tell you, so much gets lost in text.
And so, speaking of getting lost, I'm going to get lost in my dreams, and get ready for the morrow!
I woke up early enough to get nice and ready for the up coming onslaught of the unknown, and it was great!
I walked to the student administration center, arrived 15 minutes early, and discovered I was in the wrong building completely!
After being escorted to the correct room, where there were already a fair bit of students, I knew I was on the right path. A few minutes later, a larger group of students descended into the room, and it became quickly apparent that I was going to be a minority. Not in the racial sense, but the nationality sense. We were 16 different nationalities, with the majority being German and Chinese (there was one other Swede there).
The Germans quickly congregated together and formed their own little group. Something I've seen all too many times happen. It's actually quite amazing.
It's not a German thing, it's a comforting thing. Hanging with people from your own country, and can speak the same language, etc. I get it.
What was of interest though, was one of the two Englishmen there, who was also going to be studying Arboriculture! I was told I was the only international student, but I guess they forgot one. Oh, well.
Once, we all got together, we had a briefing on what to expect from the school and New Zealand, and a little get-to-know-each-other exercise, where we stood up and gave brief explanation of who we are, and what we're going to be studying. It felt like high school, or like when you arrive to a new school. Which essentially we did, but I have to admit, it feels odd doing it when I'm 31 years old.
It was nice, because otherwise I wouldn't of known there was another Swede in the group. When we started to talk, it was weird speaking to someone in Swedish, in person. I've either talked on the phone, or via Skype, which isn't the same thing. I can't explain it, but it just feels different.
Once we did our song and dance infront of each other, we were given a guided tour of the school, and were treated to a nice lunch. After which we got more information about Dunedin and what to be expecting in the near future.
When all that was done, our respective course teachers came and collected us to show us around our specific, as they call it, schools.
I was given this same tour two weeks earlier when I asked what course material I needed, so I didn't learn too much more. And that tour didn't take all too long, so me and my new classmate went off to buy some of the course material we were told to buy, and along the way two other people from the orientation joined us, and we went for beers after we bought our course material. Which, I must add, is only two books (plus an optional one!). So three in total. Not bad.
My classmate was talking about how expensive it was, and I have to admit, it isn't cheap. But I quickly countered with that we should be happy that we're not studying to become doctors, or anything involving a lot of science (engineers, medicine, etc) where you have to buy a TON of books! He quickly agreed, and felt pretty good that we only need two books for our course.
While we were having our beers, we shared stories about ourselves, things we wouldn't guess about the other, and I told them about my kayaking experience at Hagaparken. If you haven't been told it, too bad, I'm not going to write about it. It's too good of story to just publish like that!
It's a story I need to tell you, so much gets lost in text.
And so, speaking of getting lost, I'm going to get lost in my dreams, and get ready for the morrow!
Sunday, February 8, 2015
I am a viking...
...this is what my flatmate thought I said, when I actually said "I went out biking."
Quite an interesting, non-provoked statement if you ask me. Just walk into a room, and say "I am a viking," and then just leave. Don't wear anything viking related. Just walk in, make the statement, while having the 1000 yard stare, and then just turn to leave the room. Wonder how the room would react.
Any who, I'm drinking a beer, and watching "The Little Death" on the side. Won't say anything about it, except it's an Australian comedy with a lot of the cast from "The Elegant Gentleman's Guide to Knife Fighting." I might of recommended it to you, if not, then I am now :D
So, it's been a while since I last wrote something up here, so I'll bring you up to speed!
Let's start with the juicy bit! Sosa (aka my girlfriend)
It is going well with us, but I won't lie, it is pretty difficult. I don't even know where to begin on this topic. We chat via Facebook Messenger all the time, and Skype on a regular basis, and still, that one important bit is missing: the physical contact. I'm not talking about the sexual aspect of it (although, that does play a small factor in it) but more of the smaller things, like holding hands, a kiss good night, or a small pat. You all know what I'm talking about! If not, then in some odd way, I envy you! Yet, I don't, because you don't know what you're missing!
Gah! On the bright side of things, we're both counting down (with the help of apps) until we meet again, which will be down here in New Zealand! And I fully think that it's great that we're counting down, and not counting up. Even better, after she's left, we'll be counting down again till we meet again!
All I can say is that it's a beautiful time to be alive with regards to the available forms of communications. We can talk (not chat) either via mobile phone, Skype, or even Facebook (which uses Skype technology). And when it comes to simple text messaging, we have a plethora of options!
Speaking of communications, my new flatmate! He's pretty easy going, without a doubt. Although, I am starting to realise that he's keen on keeping it a simple business arrangement. How does that feel? Feels alright I guess. He lives a pretty simple live: work, school, child and World of Warcraft. Anything past that, he's not all that interested in getting into. He's been burned more than I have from what I've understood. It'll be good, and I'm not too worried about it. He comes off as a solid dude, as long as you're not a complete jackass to him, which I'm not, so it should be good.
Any who, we'll see how it all plays out.
Either which way, the room I have is very spacious. I don't feel cramped at all, and I have all the storage space I need. Also, I have unlimited internet and it's pretty well situated relative to school and other necessities.
Otherwise, I've been sussing everything out. I got my forklift license, applied for various jobs, and been biking a bit. And the biking here is amazing! Killer climbs, which will destroy your legs if you're not used to it, but the views you get from all that climbing, worth every second of pain.
Even on the crappier days that I've been out, the views have been astounding.
One main grief I have about it, are the quality of the roads. They're not exactly the same standard as what it is like in Sweden. Here the roads are a bit rougher, so they're a bit harder to bike on. There's more resistance and also a bit bumpier. It'll just take some getting used to, that's all! Also, need to remember that I haven't biked continuously since September/October, so I'm a bit out of shape compared to then.
It's now Sunday for me, and probably for you as well, however, tomorrow will be the big day for me. The start of my new course! Well, technically no, it's actually the orientation week, but it'll be good to get it all going either way!
So, it's late for me, and I need to go to bed so I'm ready prepped and ready to go!
Good night, all of you! And we'll be in touch!
Quite an interesting, non-provoked statement if you ask me. Just walk into a room, and say "I am a viking," and then just leave. Don't wear anything viking related. Just walk in, make the statement, while having the 1000 yard stare, and then just turn to leave the room. Wonder how the room would react.
Any who, I'm drinking a beer, and watching "The Little Death" on the side. Won't say anything about it, except it's an Australian comedy with a lot of the cast from "The Elegant Gentleman's Guide to Knife Fighting." I might of recommended it to you, if not, then I am now :D
So, it's been a while since I last wrote something up here, so I'll bring you up to speed!
Let's start with the juicy bit! Sosa (aka my girlfriend)
It is going well with us, but I won't lie, it is pretty difficult. I don't even know where to begin on this topic. We chat via Facebook Messenger all the time, and Skype on a regular basis, and still, that one important bit is missing: the physical contact. I'm not talking about the sexual aspect of it (although, that does play a small factor in it) but more of the smaller things, like holding hands, a kiss good night, or a small pat. You all know what I'm talking about! If not, then in some odd way, I envy you! Yet, I don't, because you don't know what you're missing!
Gah! On the bright side of things, we're both counting down (with the help of apps) until we meet again, which will be down here in New Zealand! And I fully think that it's great that we're counting down, and not counting up. Even better, after she's left, we'll be counting down again till we meet again!
All I can say is that it's a beautiful time to be alive with regards to the available forms of communications. We can talk (not chat) either via mobile phone, Skype, or even Facebook (which uses Skype technology). And when it comes to simple text messaging, we have a plethora of options!
Speaking of communications, my new flatmate! He's pretty easy going, without a doubt. Although, I am starting to realise that he's keen on keeping it a simple business arrangement. How does that feel? Feels alright I guess. He lives a pretty simple live: work, school, child and World of Warcraft. Anything past that, he's not all that interested in getting into. He's been burned more than I have from what I've understood. It'll be good, and I'm not too worried about it. He comes off as a solid dude, as long as you're not a complete jackass to him, which I'm not, so it should be good.
Any who, we'll see how it all plays out.
Either which way, the room I have is very spacious. I don't feel cramped at all, and I have all the storage space I need. Also, I have unlimited internet and it's pretty well situated relative to school and other necessities.
Otherwise, I've been sussing everything out. I got my forklift license, applied for various jobs, and been biking a bit. And the biking here is amazing! Killer climbs, which will destroy your legs if you're not used to it, but the views you get from all that climbing, worth every second of pain.
Even on the crappier days that I've been out, the views have been astounding.
One main grief I have about it, are the quality of the roads. They're not exactly the same standard as what it is like in Sweden. Here the roads are a bit rougher, so they're a bit harder to bike on. There's more resistance and also a bit bumpier. It'll just take some getting used to, that's all! Also, need to remember that I haven't biked continuously since September/October, so I'm a bit out of shape compared to then.
It's now Sunday for me, and probably for you as well, however, tomorrow will be the big day for me. The start of my new course! Well, technically no, it's actually the orientation week, but it'll be good to get it all going either way!
So, it's late for me, and I need to go to bed so I'm ready prepped and ready to go!
Good night, all of you! And we'll be in touch!
Wednesday, January 28, 2015
Wrong Side of Le'Road
Finally got my New Zealand drivers license! Yay!
And it was 30 NZD cheaper than I had expected, which is always great!
I only have a temporary one, and the official one will be sent in the mail, which means that I'll have three different drivers licenses! Not all that bad I'll have to admit, but yes I know, there a few of you out there who have more, and more exotic ones too!
Main reasons for me wanting to get the NZ one is so I don't have to carry around my passport around anymore. It'll make identification a lot easier.
And want to hear something really weird? On all of the web pages that I've checked out when it comes to having an international drivers license, it has to be translated by some authorized agency for it to be fully accepted. And you know what, I don't have any translations or international drivers license, and yet I'm getting accepted left, right and center!
Anyway, I'm not complaining. I saved money on not having to have anything translated, but it does make you wonder.
Scored my student ID the other day as well, and that granted me access to the university gym, which is quite impressive! A lot of options on how to keep oneself fit.
And speaking of keeping oneself fit, I have walked more than 10 km everyday or every other day since I've gotten here. Summary of all that work? Dunedin has a shit ton of hills. It's nuts, but I still love it!
Don't have a lot to say today...besides all my walking and sorting out small errands, not a lot is happening.
Hopefully soon enough though!
And it was 30 NZD cheaper than I had expected, which is always great!
I only have a temporary one, and the official one will be sent in the mail, which means that I'll have three different drivers licenses! Not all that bad I'll have to admit, but yes I know, there a few of you out there who have more, and more exotic ones too!
Main reasons for me wanting to get the NZ one is so I don't have to carry around my passport around anymore. It'll make identification a lot easier.
And want to hear something really weird? On all of the web pages that I've checked out when it comes to having an international drivers license, it has to be translated by some authorized agency for it to be fully accepted. And you know what, I don't have any translations or international drivers license, and yet I'm getting accepted left, right and center!
Anyway, I'm not complaining. I saved money on not having to have anything translated, but it does make you wonder.
Scored my student ID the other day as well, and that granted me access to the university gym, which is quite impressive! A lot of options on how to keep oneself fit.
And speaking of keeping oneself fit, I have walked more than 10 km everyday or every other day since I've gotten here. Summary of all that work? Dunedin has a shit ton of hills. It's nuts, but I still love it!
Don't have a lot to say today...besides all my walking and sorting out small errands, not a lot is happening.
Hopefully soon enough though!
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