Friday I'm in Love

Always fantastic to hear that song playing on the correct day of the week, as it was this afternoon at the post office when I dropped off the Tony Hawks package bound for New Zealand. 

Another lie-in this morning, but the body slowly adjusting to this strange jet lag.  It makes sense that it has taken a bit of time when you consider you have flown essentially around the world - 47,000 km or so from Halifax to Toronto to Hong Kong to Melbourne to Bali to Auckland/Whangarei to Queenstown to Auckland to Sydney to Vancouver to Toronto to Halifax.  Oof.  And lived to survive and report on an extraordinary little trip and addition to the memories.

A lot of time spent thinking throughout - a lot of it devoted to the excellent concept of the "Bach" and how it might be implemented here.  The Jennings Settlement idea remains intriguing, but the Robbie Burns Day struggles to express the rationale for it were notable, and at this time of year it is hard not to reflect on the real possibilities of significant future changes to the working status.  Whether now is the time remains to be seen, unless a place pops up that is truly perfect.  The stark reality that Antarctica c/would be jeopardized by such a purchase is legitimate cause for hesitancy.

The thoughts this morning seemed to center on the completion of 2017, the 2-3 month escape in 2018, followed by a seeing out of that year into 2019.  Then a clean break in the Spring, an escape to celebrate the 40th abroad, and perchance the summer start of the MFA writing program as the excuse for departure.

It is a plan that brings a lot together.  It calls for some continuity of purpose for the moment, along with a bit more focus on personal cost management, but still allows for the Bach acquisition if a cheaper alternative to the current condo can be found.  And if work and circumstances alter to trigger changes/deferrals, then that's fine as well.

Friday.  Off for a scotch.  Missed the notation of Burns on here - having slept through the Loose Cannon lunch in favour of some home-cooked Haggis and Talisker for supper.  There was 'twa wives a consummate classic.  More to come, on the Grenada (Gre-nay-da) booking in eight short weeks, and otherwise.

The Next One

Back.  And as always, two notable side-effects of the return.  The need to plan the next voyage, and the restlessness involved in sitting in one place for an extended period of time.

It is a slow process, and I feel tired.  But having weighed up so many options for the next one, I am increasingly liking the look of the Rex at Grenada.  Pourquoi pas?

Time to head home for groceries and a nap.  Or more likely a nap and then groceries.  Fading. 

Pinot

Have failed miserably at the early resolutions, but there is time.  Have committed to Tangier on my return I think, which is something.  Watching the scenes out of Queenstown today, and the family life of tomorrow, and the mountains and hopefully stars...  How to decide.  The strength of mind to do it and know it to be true.  It will work.  What a day, and to see and be that close to her. To take the ends of a piece of paper and bring them close together before they part.  It would never work.  But to see how frazzled brilliance and beauty looks up close... Any price.

To work on the running next week.  Ta.

Any Chance of a Start?

As Christy would say, by jaysus I have one got.

The fireworks were timed perfectly.  The need to capture them by photo came and went, with a smile. It will get easier.  Some initial resolutions for January, which should be fairly easy given the holiday and the Burns:

1. No Twitter.  Just don't.
2. Facebook (and phone) use as moderate as possible.
3. 7 minutes.  Never miss 2 days in a row.
4. Running.  Do it.  Let's see what you've got.
5. Get out of bed when your alarm goes off.
6. Write (and finish) one story for the CBC contest.
7. No fast food.  No pop.  Fresh groceries.
8. Alcohol... Tough month to cut back.  Be reasonable?
9. Water.  Early and often.

That's enough.  Check back on the 31st.  It has been written.