Kelly Ashley

Today marks one year* since I left my comfortable job and apartment full of college friends in NYC, to move across the world with a boy I fell in love with and had only known for 8 months.

Truth.

I moved from New York to New Zealand in search of new beginnings, and although my path and route has changed drastically from what I had planned on this day one year ago, I can confidently say that I have never been happier and healthier than I am right now.

I have always been a planner. I love the art of organization and the feeling of success when something you’ve spent time and energy meticulously outlining comes together.

To stop planning, reclaim spontaneity, and accept change, was just what I needed.

Following my study abroad in college, I longed to expand my travels and international experiences. The proud feeling I get when given the opportunity to list the places I’ve been to date and the ever-growing list of places I plan to visit is like no other.

So to find a new side of the world, in tandem with a new side of myself, and to get to know myself better - my interests, desires, goals, dreams, wishes - has been is wonderful.

I now live in another beautiful place, and am figuring out my route from here as spontaneously as possible.

And yes, I’m still in love with that boy.

Life is good.

*As noted in my previous post, I arrived in New Zealand on July 1, 2010 but left NYC on June 29, 2010. June 30th was lost in the time warp.

As previously mentioned, on July 1 I moved to Wanaka, New Zealand. After boy finished his snowboard and ski instructor training course, we traveled New Zealand and have now landed in the Kings Beach neighborhood of Lake Tahoe, California…

and boy is working at NorthStar.

Being a New York native, thus far living in California is what I expected. The people are laid back, bohemian, friendly, and most moved here for a change of pace/lifestyle/scenery/environment.

We are surrounded by eccentric boutiques, cafes, restaurants and stores and today it started snowing which finally made it feel like Christmas time.

Life is good.

I haven’t updated this site in a month, but there’s good reason for it: On July 1st I moved to New Zealand.

Yes, to New Zealand from NYC.

Boy came here to do a snowboard instructors training course, and when I was offered to tag along I couldn’t say no.

We are in Lake Wanaka - a beautiful mountain town that surrounds New Zealand’s fourth-largest lake.

The town is very focused on being eco-friendly and using locally produced food, products and services, showcased through the organization Sustainable Wanaka and Wanaka Wasterbusters.

Wanaka’s mountain views, complimented by the views from the popular ski/board haven Treble Cone are absolutely gorgeous.

Our accommodation is amazing.

My overall demeanor is much more relaxed, as is my blood pressure. I’m sleeping in, reading, taking long walks, thinking, planning, snowboarding, cooking, babysitting, volunteering and appreciating each day.

Life is good.