this blog is not about good grammar by the way

I've had alot of spare time on my hands lately. I've been filling the spaces in with music and books and food. I just finished reading Catch a Fire by Timothy White. It's a in depth bio of Bob Marley. It's a great read for those savvy readers out there. It goes pretty in depth into Jamaican politics and the rise of reggae music with it, and brings out all the strange and power powerful aspects of a man not fully understood my many who wear his face on their t-shirts. Amid political and social chaos this street fighting kid from the ghetto heard his calling and followed.

Music has been keeping me company for the past couple months....lately its been.

Bret Dennen

Pete Yorn

Michael Franti and Spearhead

Ben Kweller

Death Cab

Bob Marley

Band of Horses

Fat Freddy's Drop

I finally bought my ticket to Australia! Ill be taking off next month on the 21st to Sydney to meet up with my cousin Christina. I can't wait to have a break from work and see the place for a bit. It's only a short trip, then its back to the grind.

hooray for free internet

I rode the train into downtown Auckland for the long weekend and have been wandering aimlessly around the city drinking coffee and wearing holes in my sandals. It takes me about two months to completely trash a nice pair of sandals or as they say here "jandals," a term which I have not sucomb to using. I have officially walked the entirety of downtown. So here are a list of some of my favorite places to go.

• High Street: one giant gradually sloping stone street lined with coffee shops, book stores and vintage clothing stores. this place was made for those who really want to buy those mean looking leather boots in the window go, or in my case those that really want to buy those mean looking leather boots in the window but leave the shop because it would cost my food for four months. High s.t is good for shopping if you have the money or in my case enjoying a good book and coffee and doing some people watching. much money and many hours have been spent on this st.
• Real Groovy music store. Real Groovy is the music junkies heaven. From records to cassettes to Peachy Keen vintage clothing. this place cool....
• One of my favorite places for sure is the Tea Room. It's on Karangahape rd....Its a tea room/radio station/art gallery/tattoo parlor check it out! http://www.kfmradio.co.nz/
• Hands down the best coffee shop is Fraser's in Mt. Eden, small little place on the corner of mt eden road with a real laid back vibe and good looking staff! and good coffee!

Its been eight months now. sometimes it seams like I've been here ten years, at others it feels like i stepped off the plane ten hours ago. Its been a whirlwind of emotions. Ive become attached to this county and too its people. Home is pulling strong from one direction and Aoetearoa is pulling strong from the other. It's going to be a bittersweet goodbye for sure. One conclusion I have reached is I need to see more of the world. Getting far away from everyone and everything you know really makes you feel small and insignificant. it also widens your'e eyes to how flipping brilliant the world is and how sheltered we are when we stay confined to the comfort and normality of home. I already know when i get home ill be itching to hit the road again, not because ill get tired of home or the people but because I know for sure there is so much shit out there waiting to blow my mind and theres no reason why i shouldn't check it out

i am itching to get home though. I miss asheville. I miss my friends and family. i miss my damn bed!!! soon. get the rocks ready, im ready to climb. get the trails ready, im ready to ride. get the mtns ready, im ready to camp. get the ears open, im ready to tell stories!