Sundays are my favourite. They often involve a sleep in, a clean-up of the house, bacon for breakfast, and some sort of outdoor adventure. Today included all of those ingredients!

Amazing how at times when you really really need something... it arrives!

Yesterday was a long day. I did hard, grueling work for 7 hours while nursing a very intense cold. I was soaking wet, cold, sweaty, dirty and sniffly. I came home hopeful to hear about a job that I had interviewed for, twice, and really hoped I got and would be starting today. An email told me that I didn't get it. "You have great character... but you're leaving in 8 months... very sorry... best of luck". Bummer.

I didn't realize how much I had wanted this job and had anticipated getting it, until I didn't get it. Rejection. Poo. That never feels good. Plus, I need some money. And I'm sick. Yuck! And a bit bored. Being broke means less crazy, random outings with friends. Oh, ya, I guess less friends also results in that as well. I am trying to say that last night I was a little "under the weather" both emotionally and physically (Ahhhhhh CHOOO, sniffle)

But sometimes life treats you. Sometimes it looks at you, takes a little pity and says, 

a 6am snuggle with my man before he went off to work
a fun photo from a friend to say she's thinking of me
a 2+ hour skype date that allowed laughter to make me feel less ill
SUNSHINE!!
a "tripod" love affair message
a facebook message from my globe-trotting father saying all is well
enough sunshine on my deck to sit, read, write, soak up the rays and listen to Citizen Cope

Sometimes its more about the small things than anything else. If you can just keep appreciating and celebrating all your small blessings and joys, eventually, they turn into big blessings and joys! And, well, isn't that the ultimate goal? 

I am smiling today!

When travelling, on a budget, you count every penny you spend (or in New Zealand's case, evey ten cent piece, as they geniously cut out pennies).  You spend hours researching the cheapest hostel you can find, the cheapest cup of coffee that isn't from a scuzzy shop, the most cost-effective entertainment for yourself (aka walking around). So, frivolous shopping for things like, a new pair of pants, a second jacket or purse, or even another bra, just isn't on your radar. (well, in my case, it is on my radar, but I have to work hard to push it down so far that I can mentally and physically ignore it) 

So after four months of backpacking and traveling around on a very strict budget... you would think I would be used to this no nonsense, no need, no spending lifestyle. WRONG. Now that we have a home, and I am becoming acquainted with my new neighbourhood, I just so happen to notice that in my free time, AFTER I've sat on my couch and browsed the internet with my fourth cup of tea, and AFTER I've curled up on a chair with my hot water bottle and read a few chapters in my recent book, and AFTER I've rummaged around our home and tidied things up, and AFTER I've had my workout in the gym downstairs (can you tell I have a LOT of free time?) I...want...to...shop!!!

However, I'm not completely naieve. I am fully aware that the more items I buy, the more items I then have to take home with me at the end of the trip...and my bag is already ridiculously heavy and stuffed to the max. 

There's also the issue of lack of job security.. aka.. neither Luke nor I know exactly where our next pay cheque will come from, and how much it will be. 

Annnd, there is that small issue of the fact that right now our main goal is to work as much as possible to save as much as possible to extend our year-long plus plus holiday for as long as possible. So spending money on things I don't need... doesn't really fall into the "saving money" category.

Sooo.. in order to satisfy this need to shop... I have found a new love... GROCERY SHOPPING.

Food is essential, and consumable, and yum! So, although we are still living primarily on a rotating schedule of pasta, rice, potatoes, pasta, rice, potatoes... we have introduced more veggies and fruits into our diet (yay) and seem to constantly be running out of milk (probably due to an exceptionally large coffee intake) so... every chance I get... off to New World I go. Probably every two or three days. (its about a 10 minute walk, so there's a wee bit of exercise in there too.. bingo!) It's so fun looking through all the aisles and looking for the best looking product for the lowest price. I suppose having all this free time and not giving myself a time restriction while I'm enjoying my grocery shop has led to this new obsession. 

May my stress levels stay forever this low and my diet not forever this boring. 

Now I'm off to unpack my groceries :-D

Sweet Dea

It would appear, that late at night, when the whole world (or at least my apartment) is drifting off to sleep, my brain transforms into a genius. I swear to you the ideas I come up with at these random hours are not far from some of the most intricate, impressive, awesome ideas I have ever thought of myself. 

I have a few theories as to why:

a) I often read before bed, and as I tend to reach for "inspirational" novels, I am more likely to be inspired by my fiction and non-fiction heroes late at night

b) My brain has always had a hard time turning off. I can recall being the age of six and hearing my aunt attempt to guide me on a journey called "Deanna... relax your mind... just stop thinking for ONE minute" I figure my brain is afraid that one day I'll perfect this technique and it will no longer be in control... therefore it needs to bring out it's best, most 5-star, A-game work to ensure that I stay at its mercy

c) I probably ate too many cookies past 8pm so I'm wired on sugar, or I drank too much water and am unhappily anticipating my five wake ups throughout the night because of it

Whether my theories are themselves genius, or of simply mere mortal status, I'm gunna stick to my gut on this one. And what does every genius idea need?? An outlet..

TA DA - welcome to Sweet Dea's Ramblings :-)

I apologize in advance if you find any of my ramblings rude, boring, a little too-much-info ... but just know that this is my creative free space.. where I will let my thoughts flow free!! 

And now that I am living in one place, will hopefully be working soon, am living four blocks from the mesmerizing and thought-provoking OCEAN and possess a New Zealand library card... you can trust there will be some unique Sweet Dea ramblings to come!!

Cheerio

Sweet Dea

Star #1 - After a lot of time spent searching about and thinking about, Luke and I now have a place to call home. It doesn't have a lot to offer in the way of furniture, but we don't need much and we are very very happy to be here!! It's in a town called Mount Maunganui.  
Star #2 - As we moved into our new home yesterday, we have been in search of a few essential pieces, such as a bed and some other household items. Yesterday we spent the day searching out garage sales and thrift stores and really managed to get almost everything we need for under $100!!! It really puts prices in perspective.. who needs brand new overpriced items!? Not travelers!
Star #3 - My sister confirmed today that she has gotten the time off work and will be meeting up with us here in New Zealand! Who knows what we'll get up to or where we'll end up.. but I am ecstatic to have a visitor!! Now... how to convince her its a good idea to bring Bandit...
My wish is that Luke and I manage to get a bit of luck in the job department. We have arrived in a touristy, resort-type town with loads of shops and cafes and restaurants...in the winter. Therefore.. not many places are hiring. But we are applying everywhere possible and talking to everyone we meet.. so fingers crossed something good will come our way soon!!! :)