Who Framed Roger Rabbit? ...what?

I'd say not too much has been going on in the last several days, but really, how can not too much be going on when your just into your first month of living in a new country?

Everyday is a new one, right. Lots to learn. I had been so focused on employment that I forgot to enjoy life for a moment. I can certainly do both. So, my focus right now is to get ready for these craft markets that I have signed up for and hope those go well and that one of the many places I've given a resume to will get back to me soon. And in the mean time, I will drop on an application a day. If nothing reasonable comes up in the next 10 days, then I will go pick fruit somewhere. which is A-ok. I am hopeful, though.

I've been swimming three times this week - that's right, 3x. It's been so glorious to be in H20 again. Practice with the local tri club is at an early 6am, in a large 50 meter outside pool and it's winter weather right now - Hawaii style. Meaning I'm FREEZING with the temperature reading 20 degrees C = ~70 degrees F. Pool is heated :) Oh my gosh, it was so WEIRD swimming WITH people in a pool. And having some level of instruction...in kiwi english. Just the presence of others improved my swimming right away, I think. Then we had to do these sets of 100 meters all out. The last time I swam with my heartrate so high and jell-o-esque arms was probably in high school swim practice. But really, I didn't know what I was doing back then. And I still don't.

These practice and this pool are totally taking me back to my childhood swimming with the Maple Ridge neighborhood summer swim league...I think mostly because I froze my butt off in the early mornings as well. I remember one relay race, I was supposed to swim breast stroke and I dove into the pool and swam freestyle all out. Bursted into tears when we were done cause the team got disqualified, of course. Oops.

I went mountian biking in my backyard Whakarewarewa Forest with Byrdie and three of her friends (all guys and really good - and Byrdie is super good, too). It was soo great. I think I improved 152%. These tracks, aka trails, are so long and varied and fun and it's like everything I've learned can be applied more effieciently to these longer courses. Everything is just clicking so nicely. Again, like the swimming, being in the presence of other people - especially people who have no idea of my skill level, really brings my skill level to another level - maybe a subconscious desire to not keep people waiting...(?)

Byrdie got new curtains put in and the installer gave her all the extra fabric. In less than 24 hrs, she made 8 matching seat cusions, and two tablecloths. Inspiring. Byrdie's house is like an inspiration box - as is her way of living. worthy of it's own post. soon soon.

It's funny all the inspiration around me. I love all these childhood memories and feelings as well that are coming back to me that had seemed to be gone and lost forever. I forgot how much I was in awe of the concept of volcanos and would watch them on the news with pure interest and joy. Now, I'm surrounded my underground thermal energy.

It's like magic having a childhood joy being reawakened.

I was making an earring yesterday, haha, and my strangest memory yet - I got a flashback to that guy and Roger Rabbit sitting in the movie theatre hiding from the bad guys...remember?? yeah, that was weird. I just checked - that movie came out in 1988...oooh my that was a looong time ago.

ok, a yummy GF dessert recipe coming soon! best if you like ginger :) can be made un-gf too for those it doesn't bother.