Changing Seasons

I arrived in New Zealand exactly 3 years ago today. Strange feeling in a way, looking back. When I first came I really did believe it would be for a year. I was ready to move on from the job I had until then, and thought this was be a fun adventure, a chance to see a new part of the world, make new friends, do some new stuff, and occasionally get paid since I had a work visa. But I have been told all my life that I am not the only one making plans for my life, and I'd say my venture to the Southern Hemisphere is an excellent example of the truth in that.

Little could I know that my 3-day a week temporary job at an electric company where I felt completely out of my league would turn into a full-time permanent job offer where I was part of a tight-knit family-like team, and have gained enough knowledge to be able to join in team debates and help run a major project impacting a large portion of the company. One of my co-workers enjoys training me on all things electrical and says he is crediting it all to my electrical engineering degree :) Other teams joke that it is a good thing I joined the team so someone could keep the guys in line. They are certain that if I talk fast enough and put on my twang, nobody has a chance of arguing with me.

I also would not have guessed that I would become such an involved member of the music community here. In my time here I have been fortunate to have many unexpected opportunities. I met a world-traveled singer and got to be her accompanist. I was the lead keyboardist for a professional theater production of Phantom of the Opera which ran for 4 weeks and nearly beat the major cities at their own game in terms of attendance and popularity. I have given concerts and have fantastic students. I have learned much and appreciate how much I still have to learn. My current project is one of Bach's Brandenburg's concertos, to be performed with the Taranaki Symphony Orchestra in November. While I have often dreamed of the opportunity to perform with an orchestra as a soloist, I did not expect to be able to so soon in my musical career. It is an exciting honor, and the 70-measure harpsichord cadenza will keep me busy practicing right until concert day!

Probably most importantly, I have made lifelong friends and have several adopted families here. I think no matter how much you love your job or how many exciting adventures you have, having loved ones near is the most important. No family can ever replace your family, but having someone who is happy to give you a hug on the tough days, and being invited for things like birthday and holiday celebrations mean more than those making the invitation might know.

I'm not actually sure why I called this post "Changing Seasons." I think I intended to write about the weather, or something, but this is what came out so I will share it.

My first night in New Zealand was spent in downtown Auckland at a hostel, next to a bar that was having a onesie party. It took me 5 min to figure out how to work the electrical plug and got grumpy at the young fella working the front desk for not giving me an extra blanket, but I made it through.
Tonight I've got a cobbler and meatloaf in the oven, with a wonderful piano studio and plenty of space (and blankets haha).

Hope all of you are well. Love and blessings.
D