[shakes Magic 8 Ball]

Ha!

This was the story of my Internet life in NZ. Nope, can't have Netflix. Can't watch movies on Amazon Instant. Can't use Google.com (!!!!) It was a little weird. 

Traveling, sure, I expect hiccups in Internet performance. But living somewhere for over a year without movies? That was rough. Since ours was only a sabbatical (i.e. we weren't going to live in Christchurch forever,) we bought only the necessities. Everyone had a bed and our kitchen had (most of) what we needed. But we didn't have a DVD player*, nor did our computers like playing DVDs that weren't manufactured in the US. 

Basically, we missed a lot. Thanks, Netflix.




*LOTS of movie rental spots in Chch, though. That was a nice throwback.

Wow. 

Christmas in New Zealand. I don't remember why I took this screen shot, but it really epitomizes how backward Christmas was for me in New Zealand. I think that happens no matter where you go: holidays and festivities really anchor your life, for better or for worse. 

Santa's still in his suit. The tree is an evergreen. It's probably 30 degrees. Celsius! For kiwis, this image is normal. And Christchurch kiwis had a lovely Christmas last year.

For me, it was all wrong. Don't get me wrong: kiwis make a GREAT Christmas: barbeque and water toys, trips to the beach and kids roaming the streets in packs. Our neighbors invited us for a great feast, and the company was wonderful. It was a perfect summer day.


There were lights and presents and songs (including "Let it Snow" and "It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas," no less,) but it just didn't feel like Christmas. Too hot, too sunny, too much summer. Our tree was pathetic. 


for me, it marked the low point of our sabbatical. I was literally upside down. I imagine Aussie and Kiwi expats must feel similarly on December 25th up here. 

So, that's your shot. Enjoy! (I like this. It's like the Magic 8 Ball. SURPRISE!)

I take lots of screen shots. Too many, really. Every few weeks, when my desktop is cluttered, I throw all my screen shots into a screen shot folder. It's a nice little snapshot into what is important or hilarious to me. 

Here's an example:

That's 1977 talking to us via FaceTime after his Seattle interviews. We were in New Zealand, and I needed to remember that I had a partner in the whole parenting thing. Love hearts are the best.

I'll post a screen shot a week until I forget to post one. Then I'll apologize and get all sappy, and start over.

You have been warned.