Two days from now, we will have been in New Zealand for 1 month. In that amount of time, we have opened a bank account, purchased a vehicle, traveled over 1200 kilometers (about 750 miles), cooked 2 stir-frys, nearly kidnapped 3 dogs and 2 cats, secured gainful employment and our own cozy, 3 bedroom cottage. On top of all that, our new boss owns an airbrushed hot rod and TWO boats (one named Desperado). So, by association, we're doing pretty darn good.
In all seriousness, we are doing really well, and during our New Year's Eve introspection, while the other 300 residents of Fox Glacier were out ringing in the New Year with black beer and merriment, we enjoyed a quiet evening in our cozy home, looking back on our time here so far, and being thankful to have each other and to have had such a smooth start to our new adventure. And out of this reflection sprang a valuable realization. Neither of us are professional travelers. Our lack of preparation could be described by some as "intrepid" or "cavalier", while others may use words like "idiotic" and "stupid." Both have their due place, and we knew we were walking blindly into a new land. We were well aware of the fact that we could fail miserably and fall squarely on our optimistic faces (as we are fully aware that the opportunity for that to happen is ever-present).
What we want to pass on to all of the loyal millions that are following this blog in the hopeful light of the New Year is that opportunity is always one act away. So in the coming year, if you find yourself anxiously toeing the choppy waters of change, just go for the belly-flop. We promise you won't drown*.
In the words of our friend Christopher Igwe Blaze Werimegbe, "You will never achieve your dreams, so dream big." When you translate it back to Akan it sounds a lot more positive, but you get the idea.
Now we'll leave you with some inspirational pictures of Professor Luna Snerpus, who never gave up on her dreams. We miss you and love you all, and wish you a Happy New Year!
*We can not guarantee that you will not drown after attempting the aforementioned belly-flop. The Emerald Smaug will not be held liable for any redness, rashes or ruin resulting from any belly-flops, back-busters, can openers or cannonballs performed after reading the blog.
Professor Luna Snerpus went on her first solo adventure in Conifer Colorado yesterday. She went out the open window and found her way to the garage. Lucky for her Pawpaw noticed she was missing before the Foxes, Bob Cat, and Mountain Lion noticed her prescense. She is safe and sound back inside the Palace.
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