Kiwiland Season IV: Done & Dusted

In the words of the Just for Laughs Festival: "Mommy (*sniff)... It's over!" Yes, just like that, another season has come and gone. I have been a most naughty blogger, keeping my HUGE audience holding their breath for some fresh blogtivity. Well you can all breath easy; here it is. This one is a mash up of the last couple months: the engagement party, Wellington adventures a parental arrival and end of season celebrations.

This was the most action packed winter I've ever had, with responsibilities through the roof and emotions running high. There were amazing, joyous moments with friends, and then there was the shock and loss. You have to take the bad to appreciate the good.

To Judy, my mentor and friend: goodbye for now and good luck in your future endeavours.

To my beautiful, strong, inspirational Grand-Maman: Je t'aime and I will see you in the next world.

Snuggling up to Derek and Barbara.

Canadian sandwich! w/ the lovely Erica.

Ski shot with the party planners, Will & Michelle. Thanks guys!

Four crazies in a Wellington-ion phone booth. w/ Bryan & Erin.

A very large and delicious breakfast indeed.

Parentals in Queenstown! Uh-oh.

Chinese miner's living.

Hiking, no wait, sorry: tramping, as they say in kiwi.

My love for him only grows.

Remarkable to see you here!

Princesses and prince of to the End of Season "Ties & Tiaras" at the Peak.

Just another day in paradise.

The lovely ladies of the Remarkables!

Jovio sandwich. I look like a smurf.

Engagement party crew! See y'all next year!

Once again, I can't take the credit for any of these photos. You'll be pleased to know I have replaced my camera and will be able to post my very own photos again!

Cheers to Leah, Erica, Jovio, Cara and Mum & Dad for your photography talents.

On Top of the World

We went for a hike. I grumbled about being tired. He said he had something that would make me feel better. "Is it drugs?", I said. "Nope, close your eyes," he replied.

Not quite a story to tell the grand children. Although by then, I'm sure not much will shock!

Needless to say, I said yes. Here's to forever.

Cheers to Nando,  our friendly photographer up at Remarks.

Olympic Fever

How many people get to dress in costume at work? Never mind the fact that we get paid to ski and forget that we're living in paradise; I got to be a lumberjack for a day. 

As much as I would like to say that this is a daily occurrence, it was actually to celebrate the opening ceremonies of the London 2012 olympics. One might ask themselves what dressing up like a lumberjack has to do with the olympics. To that I say: everything. In fact, beavers, giant flags and moose are also crucial to representing Canada at it's finest. 

Mr. Lumberjack (Erica), tall american dork (Derek) and Mrs. Lumberjack.

Beaver! A rare sight in Kiwiland.

Where is your cigarette, frenchy?

The rare redheaded moose. Awe inspiring.

The olympic effort.

Team Canada.

Sadly, my camera has stopped working, so a huge thanks to Erica for these photos!

Holiday Madness

It's just been one of those months when you keep your head down and keep moving forward. Things haven't all quite gone the way I would like them to in my professional life, but I'm thankful for the love and friendship I receive daily.

Since our opening day at the mountain we've gotten very little snow, but this hasn't stopped the masses from crowding our runs! The holidays have been ever so busy and I'm pretty sure I speak for everyone I work with when I say: "PLEASE MAKE IT STOP!" Our pockets will be full of money and our ski boot clad feet will be sore... then the fun begins!

As if we've had no fun so far. I will stop complaining now and tell the truth: in between the busy, hair pulling moments, I've laughed, watched people bungie jump naked and drank delicious wine. Life is still so good.

Group photo just before opening day.

Arrival at the office.

Watching the carnage at Bungie Night.

Pete taking the plunge.

With a bit of coaxing (none at all), Brie and Val jump naked.

Grey day at the lake with the ducks.

Becs having a go at the painfully sour candy I could not bring myself to finish.

She didn't finish it.

Our ever trusty driver and my work partner in crime: Derek.

I remember why it's all worth it when we have mornings like this. It was my first red sunrise of the season, my favourite part about getting up so early. After fidgeting with the settings on my camera, I got a few worthy shots, though I must say, they still don't do it justice.

Home Away From Home: Peri in NZ, season four

We're back for round four in gorgeous Queenstown, New Zealand, embarking on consecutive winter number eight. Still getting a kick out of shivering, apparently!

This year, we're fortunate enough to have moved straight into a house with a great friend and be picked up from the airport by new ones; Erin and Bryan, colleagues from Japan, greeted us fresh off the plane.

We spent a few fun filled days with them, showing them around town and trying to give them the real QT experience. This would not be complete without a two for one curry dinner and night of bar hopping. We played pool, saw the roof open at Winnies, danced like fools and toasted our friendship with Jager Bombs. Classic Queenstown. Highlight of the night? All the idiots in the bar who thought Bryan was Zack Galifianakis.

A new one for us: Gill took us on a scenic drive to Glenorchy, on the far end of lake Wakatipu. Just when you think the views could not get any better, New Zealand out does itself. A postcard at every turn.

Unlike last season, we're scheduled to start on time this winter. Coronet Peak has already opened, and Remarks is due to follow this Saturday. Fingers crossed.

View from our home in Fernhill.

Sexy Segnorita.

The ever lovely couple: Bryan & Erin

Shot.

Always fun with the Fun Zone King: Jack.

Tearing up the stage at Winnies.

Wait. Is that... Zack Galifianakis?

Gill, Pete, Bryan, Erin & K. Lovely bunch, if I can say so myself.

Spot the cheater.

Weird water trees.

Restored heritage boathouse in heavenly lighting.

Possum fur is so hot right now.

A few of my fave instructors.

Group photo of the Remarks Crew gathering for the Queenstown Times.

Couldn't resist. Don't forget to check out their racks, I hear they're the best.