Note: Originally written 9-11-2022 (late & edited bc I didn't press Publish)

Have you ever had the highest expectation of something and it didn't meet your standard or hopes at all?

That's what happened to me.

Entering my mid-20s (some time ago) it was always #1 on my bucketlist to visit the South Island of New Zealand. People had spoken so highly of it and I've always been drawn to nature - particularly lakes and mountains. 

I guess I could say I've been chasing mountains my whole life. It has been such a blessing (and a bit of a fluke) that I've seen the Swiss Alps of Switzerland, the dangerously beautiful volcanoes of the Philippines and Hawaii, and the ice cold Rockies of Canada. 

In October 2022 with a close crew, a dream came true to fly down to Queenstown for a couple of life-changing days. But not in the way that you would think. I was expecting good vibes and instagrammable-yet-candid moments caught on camera to share on social media. I expected to document the scenery and absorb all the inspiration to go back home feeling propelled to do crazy things. I expected adventure through the best hikes and the most beautiful bridges to walk across with tired but willing mates. 

You know what ended up happening?

All that, and more. I loved it so much there that I actually wanted to stay. What the frick?? I wanted a change in DP not a change in hometown! 

I actually wanted to relocate my whole life even temporarily. For once I didn't think about work, anyone with me or anyone at home. I was so drawn to staying put in NZ and that was not supposed to happen. I started planning in my head where I would live, how I would earn my rent, and how I would break it to my family and friends. 

It was crazy. For once, I wanted something for myself and it wasn't even a comfortable or easy thing. It felt both selfish, but also necessary. Idk if I'm making any sense but I felt a change in me. Stuff you NZ, I actually like you.

It'd be nice to cruise through life with highlights and picture-perfect moments. But maybe... just maybe... we're meant to be challenged, stretched and caught off guard to really think of the life we actually want to live. At least for this chapter/episode of our life, what are we willing to do (or try) to pursue something that could be really good for us?

Smiling at life's surprises for all of us, 

Raiimz 

---

DVD Extras (27-07-2023 answers)

Fav song right now - Nights like this by Kehlani 

Last show I watched - The Witcher S3

Last WNBA game I watched - Las Vegas Aces v Chicago Sky 

Something I need to do - Change my phone plan 

Something I am struggling with - Jetlag 

Something that made me laugh recently - Mez's Cho Chang accent/re-enactment

Best thing I ate today - Fresh fruit at work yooo incl. pineapples, rockmelon, watermelon, melon *drools*