So i have itchy feet.

I'm really, really wanting to travel right now. I'm not sure if it's additional work and wedding stress that's pushing me to want to find some amazing secluded beach, but i want to.

It's funny looking back on things in life. Compared to my colleagues (and just in general) i'm still young, but i feel old these days. I realized something recently. Not all that long ago, i had a simple goal - i wanted to speak 3 languages by the time i am 30 fluently. And while i'm not 30 yet i feel like i'm moving backwards in my progress towards this goal. I need to figure out how to fix it, but short of moving somewhere where another language is spoken fluently, i'm at a loss.

Of course though there are still trips here in New Zealand i want to do (and i really want to do the Cook Islands, which isn't New Zealand but in my American-centric view ie "everywhere is relatively close" it's relevant). The Hawkes Bay and Marlborough seem beautiful - as does going up to Cape Reinga. I think my job is probably the main thing thats holding me back at the moment. Well, time to be more specific. But i am going to do my best to change that. Afterall i'm the only person who can.

It's a little over a year (a year and 3 months to be exact) since we bought our house. It's funny how the more time you spend in a place the more things you notice about it. The same holds true for our house. We're now noticing little things we didn't before (like masking tape still lining a door where a shoddy quick paint job was done). Well it's prompting us to finally make a few changes to our house. I guess like any proud house owners there comes a time when you should start with the renovations.

Our first project, which actually took ages, was removing the pot bellied stove and bricked area. This was a random corner right as you walk in, which however charming, did not really fit. Anyway we removed the brick and Matt put up jib-board and we've made it into a new desk area (complete with modified desk so that Matt and i can both have our computers there).

Before



After



These probably aren't the best photos, but you get the idea.

The most recent project was the living room. We have beautiful maitai wooden floors running throughout the house, but in the living room and bedrooms there's carpet. So we moved everything out of the living room and then got someone to come in and sand and polish the floorboards. What a difference.

Before



After



We are really pleased with the results!

The next project is work under the house. With our wedding now less than 3 months away there are deadlines looming.

The other great thing about our house that i thought i'd share is our garden. It's spectacular - here's a few pics to prove it - http://www.flickr.com/photos/wireddream/sets/72157625269570293/

Anyways, that's all for now. x