blargh (and some glaciers)

[rickstemm]

Ok, I'll update to the best of my ability. In all honesty I am tiring of traveling despite how great things are. Stefan and I are on the road with his van, so I have good company and depndable transportation. The south part of the South Island is the most beautiful scenery I've seen yet. But in truth, I can't wait to get back to friends, family,

Comments

still able to reference movies, though...

[anonymous]

I'm glad you can still refer to silly cinematic scenes. You know that we all love you and want you to return safely and soon. All those you love will be here for you, and we will all feed you (we will take turns).

Be well, and remember who you are and why you went. We all believe in you.

C

Carry on, my wayward son

[jpfed]

Think nothing of the depressing nature of your post. There's no need for apology. I know I couldn't have left the people I was close to for three months. I had a hard enough time leaving one of the people I was close to for one month :).

To me, meaning is effect or influence. When we have loneliness hanging over our heads, even spectacular things can have no effect on us, if they have no effect on our loneliness.

If you remain in NZ for another month, then I hope that your coming experiences can have some significance for you. We will keep you company as best we can for now, and we will warmly welcome you when you come home. I hope (without unrealistic expectation) that you can gain enough reassurance from this that homesickness does not dominate your experience. You will, in the end, get what you need. Enjoy what you can in the interim.

Perservering

[rickstemm]

Thank you both. Celeste, my love, I know I need to finish this and will be well rewareded when I return, so I shall finish and shall return. Jerry, I am glad you understand, and I am trying to change my focus so I enjoy the present, as I will be in the future I am thinking of soon. I might as well try to gain from my experiences, since I will have them whether I like it or not. The contact with you all does indeed alleviate the loniliness, and your posts are especially helpful. The last one was hilarious and really gave me a lift when I needed it. Thanks guys. Home will be good.

[anonymous]

well rick, happy thanksgiving! we sure missed having you here. we had your baby picture with the football on the dining room buffet so we felt your prescence. there seems to be a lot more leftovers for some reason this year, hmmm? your thoughts are what make thanksgiving one of my most favorite holidays, having family around and how wonderful that is. most of them had a chance to read your entry and really enjoyed hearing from you. we're looking forward to greg's starting his tmj treatment with lots of hope attached the doctor seems so confident that she's found the reason that we're placing quite a bit of hope in this treatment. the xrays confirmed what she thought was the cause of his headaches so here's hoping i hope you're in good health and look forward to another thanksgiving when you're home we will be truly thankful for that love your family

thanksgiving

[rickstemm]

Thanks so much for the post. I was really down on Thanksgiving, and it's because I missed the family keenly then. Thanksgiving was always one of my favorite holidays, and I wish I could have been there to share the stories I have and hear about everyone else's life. I'll be thankful to be home, as well, and I'll spend a large part of the Christmas and New Year season enjoying the company of my family, being welcomed back, and giving what I can. I miss everyone, and travel has reminded me how important the people in your life are and how good it is to treat them well and make your time with them good. See you all soon.

hey

[anonymous]

rick, i know we havn't talked in a while, but I thought i'd let you know, you are really late for work man. -steve