An Apology

First of all: a belated Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all! I’m so sorry to have left everyone hanging. At first, it was a case of not having my own computer to dedicate time writing on; then when I finally did get one, the backlog of posts seemed too enormous to tackle. I felt an obligation to fill in the blanks, but as with all things procrastination (that annoying vice of mine) the backlog grew and grew to the point where it inhibited my writing all together. So, with the sage advice of a good friend, I’ve decided to skip such details and instead chosen to reign in a new year with new beginnings.

That’s not to say you’ll miss out on a lot, but for extracts on time passed by I point you in the direction of McCee’s faithful blog. She has been much more dedicated than I at scribbling down our every adventure thus far. I do intend to one day fill in those gaps from my point of view, but for now, we’ll all have to settle on skipping ahead two months in time.

Yes! Two months! We’ve been here two months now; crazy how time flies. During that time we’ve surveyed Manhattan, become familiar with the layout, and can now navigate our way around like old pros. There is the odd occasion, upon hearing our accent, that we are mistaken for part-time tourists. But for the most part, we blend in as everyday New Yorkers.

We’ve seen many of the sites New York has to offer, experienced some Broadway shows, moved from Manhattan to the more affordable and spacious New Jersey, had our first snow since we arrived (just yesterday!) and are about to share our first birthdays together in a foreign land!

Many adventures have been had that I’m eager to document, but it’s more important that I get down the here and now. We’ve settled into a steady routine for the time being but don’t worry – there are still many adventures ahead. Trips to Saratoga, Washington DC, Chicago and Florida are all coming up!

So stay tuned readers – coz I’m back!

The Farewell

November 19th: our last Saturday in New Zealand.

For our final farewell we organised a picnic gathering of friends and family. McCee chose Western Springs as the destination - a place where we had spent many a sunny day throughout our relationship. The weather gods shined on us once more and blessed the occasion with a warm, sun-filled day.

The flow of people steadily streamed through and by 2pm we had more people arrive than we ever expected. They included a various assortment of high school, university and work friends. Even the odd twitter-borne friends came to tweet us off on our adventure.

It was great catching up with people I hadn’t seen in a while, though the fact it took a farewell - the last chance to see someone - made me a little sad. I hope our friendships will stand the test of international distance. There and then, I vowed to make a better effort at keeping in touch and have faith this blog will bridge the communication gap!

With good food, good weather, and good company, we couldn’t have wished for a more perfect final celebration. And what better way to commemorate an event than with fantastic photos to cement our memories! My trusty photographer brother, Roscoe Vision Photography, took some amazing shots throughout the day that will be forever cherished.

November 19th: the last day we would see a lot of our friends for a long time.

Stay in touch everyone ~ ♥

Counting Down

With one week to go ‘til take off I thought I’d better update you all on what’s the haps. As you’ll know if you’ve read some of my earlier posts, McCee and I were set to land in New York and move in to a house-sitting situation looking after flying squirrels. It was an ideal position to be in having somewhere to live for 2-and-a-half weeks rent free while we found our feet. But bad news everybody! The owner isn’t going away anymore and the house sit has fallen through. *sigh* there will be no posts, no cute photos, of flying squirrels. You’ll all just have to settle for ordinary Central Park squirrels I’m afraid (just realised they’ll be hibernating…CAN’T I CATCH A BREAK?!) xD

After receiving the news we snapped into APARTMENT HUNT MODE. I scoured multiple apartment and sublet sites, looking for somewhere furnished and within our price range. A shortlist of potentials was made, then McCee and I went through them contacting some places and eliminating fugly others that were never really going to make the cut.

Within a couple of days we were in serious contact with two leads. But after acquiring one place’s address and doing some sleuthing we deduced it was too dodge for our liking. So we went with the other who had trusty reviews and an accessible Facebook account to stalk (Landlord Insanity Potential: Minimal ; Real Person: Check). Our new home’s location? A townhouse in Chelsea, Manhattan, NYC! Classy~

I never imagined that we could secure a place before arriving and I’m happy we’ve avoided dealing with that headache. What really surprised me was how fast we found a place! Though I’ll reserve my elation for when we actually see the room.

Reality is setting in and it’s filling me with an uncomfortable mix of nerves, excitement, sadness, hesitance and impatience. Some serious conflicts jumbling around my head and stomach right now! But as I said to McCee just this morning, “You can’t have great change without great sadness. Something has to be left behind.” It’s scary and unfamiliar but it helps you grow. We’ll be able to look back, proud at our leap of faith and empowered with the confidence to take more leaps. And who knows, maybe that leap will be the start of something amazing and we’ll shout from the Manhattan rooftops, “We made it!!”

7 Days ~

(via remembrr)

miccee:

Since we decided to move, I have had this song in my head pretty much constantly. Was going to upload the original West Side Story version, but since Glee did it so recently… couldn’t help myself! (Two birds, one stone so to speak!)

The Last Step

Monday afternoon we were off to IEP for the mandatory pre-departure meeting. Once there we got to see other people who were off to the USA, though some were on different programs. We also bumped into fellow tweeter and traveller Jade who is off to New York today for just over 3 months. EXCITING!!

The information at the meeting mostly involved things we already knew, but we did pick up a few handy facts (such as avoid Greyhound buses when travelling interstate if you can). After the presentation we were given our packs that included shirts, paperwork, chocolate and Lonely Planet travel guides (we exchanged one of our USA guides for a Canada one – no point in having two USA!).

With the pre-departure meeting behind us, all that’s left now is to get on a plane. From here on this adventure is our own!

12 days left ~ 

Countries that DON’T use the metric system. Get with it USA!

(also, just realised NZ doesn’t feature on this map. WTF RUDE!)

A YEAR IN NEW YORK

The Interview

On Wednesday morning McCee and I headed to the U.S. Embassy in Auckland for our interview with the U.S. Consulate. This was the final step in the visa process where we took our paperwork and prepared to be scrutinized. The reality is: it’s all a breeze.

We arrived on the 3rd floor of an inner-city building and were met with an intimidating setup akin to airport security. An officer greeted us, asked for our passports, and asked for our scheduled interview times. We handed over our bags, wallets, cellphones (switched off) and walked through a metal detector.

Next we were herded to the end of a line; there were quite a few people applying for visas it seemed. We were heading towards a Non-Immigrant Visa counter and once there we handed over our paperwork. The man on the other side expertly sifted through my papers, took the ones he needed, and discarded the rest back to me. My fingerprints (both hands) were recorded using a digital scanner. He then proceeded to stamp, scribble and scan some things then pointed me to a sitting area where people were awaiting their interviews.

I joined McCee at that stage and waited. The interviews were being held at counters right in front of us so we could hear all the Q and A’s being exchanged. One man made the foolish mistake of saying “I’m going to visit my girlfriend”. Our IEP sponsor warned us of such no-no’s. The interviewer proceeded to grill the man: “Do you intend to marry her?” “Maybe one day!” – ugh! Further grave-digging. He wasn’t granted a visa and was told to do some other things that I didn’t catch. So why is that such a big no-no you ask? Well, the States don’t exactly want to be granting visas to people if there’s a chance they’re going over there with no intention to leave – e.g. marrying girlfriends. Silly goose~!

McCee was up before me and was asked about her university, graduation dates, and where she was going in the States. Minor hiccup when she replied “We’re going to New York”. The interviewer immediately pounced: “Who’s WE?” Whoops~! It was no biggie as she charmingly explained it away and pointed in my direction (LOL). My turn proved less difficult. I was simply asked where I was going and when I was leaving. Piece of cake!

We felt elated as we left; it was all over and done with. All that was left now was to attend a pre-departure meeting at IEP with others heading to the USA, and then jump on a plane and go! 22 November couldn’t come fast enough!! I just hope that severe weather eases up and actually lets us land o_0

Watch this space~

"When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money."

- Susan Heller

EMPIRE STATE OF MIND

Moving Impossible: Sunday

We treated ourselves to a well-earned sleep-in that Sunday morning. Or at least it felt like it; these days a sleep-in for my body is anything after 8 a.m.! Either way, I was well rested for the day ahead. The house was near-empty, but still a mess, and we were still waiting anxiously over the Trade Me auctions, hoping our big items would sell and be picked up. Everything had to be out by that night!

First on the agenda however was our beloved Zebby: our precious baby who we’ve watched grow from a tiny wee kitten to a full grown cat. Knowing that we wouldn’t be able to take him with us on our overseas journeys, we sought a home for him with either friends or family.

But with both mine and McCee’s families owning pets already, and none of our friends keen to adopt, we were forced to lose him forever to strangers by listing him on Trade Me. Here’s what I wrote about Zebby in the description:

This guy is quite the character. Zebedee is his full name but he goes by Zebby. He’s adventurous, curious and has a lot of spirit. A wild imagination serves him well and sees him galloping around the house frequently.

While he may seem distant at times, this is just for show. Deep down he’s a big softie and loves his cuddles. He’ll be there waiting for you when you get home from work and will shower you with loving nudges. Affection is strictly at his discretion however, but it makes it more special when he does let his guard down to show you he loves you.

A warm spot at the foot of your bed is where he likes to sleep; he is much like a dog in the sense he’ll follow you wherever you go. He’ll give you a few goodnight kisses before promptly resting at your feet – no matter how much room there is on the bed, he’ll always want to keep near you.

Some may say he has a pampered diet. He enjoys a handful of biscuits and a spot of milk for breakfast then a Fancy Feast for dinner. He’ll more than likely sneer at any other wet meat – we’ve had no luck with the larger Chef’s or Whiskas cans as they go a bit funky in the fridge after first use. Indulgent? Perhaps. But nothing that’ll break the bank.

He is neutered, flea/worm treated, and micro-chipped. We have taken very good care of him. This cat was born toilet trained – literally! Our first night with him he knew exactly what to do and we’ve never had to teach him anything. He enjoys the outdoors but is very much an indoor cat overnight. In fact, it is preferred he stays inside overnight as to avoid any (mis)adventures he may have.

We love our Zebby very much but we are moving to America and will be travelling from there onwards for an unknown length of time. Zebby can’t come with us and it breaks our hearts. We have tried family and friends but no one has a place for him. So we hope you will have a big enough heart to take in this little guy and love him as we have loved him.

He’ll come with some of his belongings so he has some familiar things in his new surroundings (bowls, toys, a pillow he’s claimed as his), and any food for him we have left over. Zebby deserves the very best home so if you’re ready to welcome a new member into your family, please get in touch.

We hated the idea of shipping Zebby off to strangers – unable to track his growth and maybe one day take him back as our own (unrealistically selfish, I know). We put off listing him as long as possible, but within minutes of posting we had people interested. I was quite surprised to see such keen adoptees as there were a number of cats that had been up there for a few days.

As this was Labour Weekend we decided to invite people over on the work-free Monday knowing that it’d be the best chance for everyone to see Zebby. The first woman quickly fell in love and declared “I want him! Can I have him?” Awkward…we’re screening people here lady, we aint giving away our baby willy-nilly!! (Though, to be fair, she did seem lovely).

The next woman was a bit more abrasive. I didn’t warm to her at all. And when I told her ideally we’d want to hold on to him until our last day in the house, she picked up a fuss and said “Well I’d only really be able to take him home today” … Goodbye.

The last potential Zebby-adopters were a young family with a 2-year old daughter. They had just bought a house in Beach Haven they were renovating which meant they weren’t moving out anytime soon. We were sitting on the front lawn enjoying the sun, McCee on guitar and me reading, when they showed up and joined us. Zebby was roaming around, not taking too kindly to all these strangers showing up by this point, keeping his distance. We got to chatting with the couple, lovely people, who told us about the various animals on their big jungle of a property. It sounded fantastic and a great place Zebby would love to explore. McCee and I gave each other knowing looks. Then, just to seal the deal, their daughter picked a flower from the lawn and put it in front of Zebby. Naaaawwww ~!! SOLD.

So this was the family we were taking him to that Sunday morning. We got his things ready (bowls, toys, left-over food) and put him in his cage. I drived while McCee sat in the back with him (we tend to let him out of his cage while driving). Needless to say there were lots of tears shed on the trip over.

We arrived at the house and walked down a pathway that featured two rabbits in separate cages. At the front door there was an open enclosure that was home to another rabbit and a turtle. Zebby’s new dad got the turtle out of his pond and put him on land. The rabbit swiftly hopped over to greet his turtle friend. CUTE!!

Inside we let Zebby out of his cage and he quickly set about nervously exploring. A yellow canary started letting out alarm-squawks but Zebby was too busy dealing with his own fears. Meanwhile we got a view of the wild land that would soon become his playground. We also had a look at some axolotls and their hundreds of baby eggs that this couple just casually happened to own as well. I hope I can have so many pets one day!!

After spending quite some time there we knew we had to be off – lots to do. We almost weren’t able to give Zebby goodbye hugs since the explorer found a hiding place in a cluttered storage room where no-one could find him. Luckily, after much coaxing, Zebby let out a few faint meows that helped us pinpoint his location to drag him out. Hugs and kisses were abound and we left him in the good care of his new owners. We knew he’d grow to love this place so we were as happy as we could be letting him go.

Back home it was the little things that reminded us of him; we knew we wouldn’t get a warm welcome coming home and reversing out the driveway our “keep an eye out for Zebby” mentality had no relevance anymore. But there was much to do around the house that kept such emptiness and depression at bay.

We began packing our belongings into the car with McCee making trips back and forth from the house to her Aunt and Uncle’s. While she was gone I would prepare the next load and clean, clean, clean. Our Trade Me auctions all had success by this stage, so we were expecting pick-ups throughout the day. They all went without a hitch, and though we were somewhat bitter about the prices they sold for, we were mostly happy to have them off our backs.

It was a long day and the sun was out in full force compounding the exhaustion. We were working well into the night, but come nightfall everything was done. I was beyond amazed as I was sure we’d have to come back the following evening to finish the job. We both felt odd; even in emptiness this was our house, our home. But we said our goodbyes and headed over to our temporary living situation where all I wanted to do was CRASH.

This was our Moving Impossible Weekend – made possible. Long days, hard work, little rest. These posts don’t do any of it justice, merely offering a glimpse. One thing is for sure though: I am NOT doing this again. I am so glad to now be living out of a suitcase and am in no hurry to settle and amass more things to tie us down. If moving is a bitch, then moving to another country is a raging c*nt (*gasp* !!) ~ …srsly…

It’s been a full-on past couple of weeks that have flown by. But now I predict these next three weeks will slow down a little, the calm before the OVERSEAS ADVENTURE. Oh how I wish it would speed up now though…

Come back for more ~

Moving Impossible: Saturday

Wow. What an exhausting weekend! Where do I even begin… ?

As you (should) know, McCee and I have had the majority of our belongings listed on good ol’ Kiwi auction site Trade Me for the past 6 weeks or so in preparation for moving out of our house at the end of October. McCee’s Uncle and Aunty graciously offered to put a roof over our heads for our final three weeks in NZ, giving us the chance to save on rent/bills money. SO LUCKY.

Through Trade Me we managed to sell most of our big items yet we still had a lot of smaller curios that didn’t really warrant their own online listing. We knew we’d have to have a garage sale and scheduled it for Saturday 29 October – a.k.a. our last Saturday at our beloved home. You could call it leaving things to the last minute but the fact of the matter is we still needed to use a lot of the items we intended to sell, right up until we left.

The week before the sale was busy with McCee and I working disjointed hours. Dinners (and hence cooking/cleaning) were held late in the night leaving us with little spare time in the evenings to prepare. Come Friday night not much had been achieved and the long week had left us tired. McCee put in a solid effort price-tagging the mass of kitchenware (her domain), I prepared the clothing and other knick-knacks, then we called it a night and vowed to make an early start the next morning.

 A vicious alarm clock blaring radio static was met with much disdain at 6 a.m. but we forced ourselves awake knowing we had much to do. The sky did not look forgiving but the forecast predicted sun with light showers – clearly the sun would shine in our favour? We trudged our belongings onto the front lawn atop spread out sheets; the grass was dewy but this was sure to be temporary.

In the middle of our organising our first customers arrived, a full hour earlier than the listed 8 a.m. start. Damn these bargain-hunter types; a unique breed in themselves whose qualities include over-eager punctuality among other things… We weren’t ready but that didn’t bother them as they perused our wares while we continued to bring box loads of items out. Then, another flaw in our preparations became apparent – we had no change, no notes, no coins, and no float to speak of. IDIOTS. Luckily for us the early-arrivers, in true bargain-hunter style, predominantly carried coinage. Bless ~

I quickly whipped up some street signs while the customer levels were low and took off around the neighbourhood to strap them around street posts used to the abuse. In the middle of one sign-posting my parents, en route to help with the sale, spotted me and gave a honk. The weather did not look like it was going to hold and shortly after I got back the clouds let rip on our sale. We made-do with what we had and covered what needed to be covered with sheets. The weather stumped us for a while – do we hope for the best and wait for it to pass, or do we move the items? Regardless, the wet weather succeeded in getting rid of the few customers lingering around.

We decided to squeeze everything under the cramped car port; shelter was shelter. After it was all moved the Weather Gods continued their laughter at our expense by letting the sun come out and play. BITCH. The sale stayed under the carport but with the sun out we were able to spread things around the driveway a little more.

The day became hot and dragged on while fewer people came to purchase our belongings. A tidy profit was made, but nothing to sing and dance about, and we were still left with a pile of stuff that couldn’t come with us to our temporary home. We resigned ourselves to having another garage sale next weekend, location: my parents’ house. Hopefully we’ll have more luck in the Dirty South! Haha.

After a gruelling day filled with rain, heat, and little food, my night was spent shipping the remaining wares to my parents’ house. My only reprieve that night was a meal from Burgerfuel that was enjoyed sitting on the floor. Having failed to sell our fridge/freezer, washing machine, and gigantic bed, we listed them as one-day auctions on Trade Me for ridiculously low prices. These big items absolutely had to go that weekend as we were not about to fork out the costs to ship them (not that we had anywhere to ship them to!).

Exhausted from a long Saturday I couldn’t wait to just collapse with McCee and spend our last night with Zebby, our beloved cat who would be taken to his new owners the next day. With so much going on I completely forgot this was Halloween Weekend and that people were out and about celebrating in costume. Despite that, I was out like a light (uncommon for me) and had a well-deserved rest knowing there was yet another big day ahead of me.

Come back to find out how our Sunday went in our Moving Impossible Weekend Saga ~!

NZ to LA (Air NZ) ; LA to NY (DELTA) . :-)