Home

I made it home after a long, long 12/12/12. Late flights, full planes, rushing through airports, the usual fun filled international travel routine. But thankfully customs liked me and I sped right through. Guess by then I wasn't looking like too much of a threat - well, except maybe to the eyes! I don't think anyone can come off a long haul flight looking good. I almost got excited in Auckland because the Hobbit plane was at the gate. Turns out it was at the next gate, not mine. Oh well! When I finally hit NC, I was ready to drop. It was fabulous seeing mom, and the dogs went ballistic when I got to the house. They really did miss me! I'm freezing my ass off of course, but it's going to be good to see family & friends after a month away. Of course, given the opportunity, I'd go back in an instant! I LOVED New Zealand. I knew I would, but, man, I had no idea how much. It's such an amazing and beautiful place - country & people. Such a diverse yet harmonious blend of cultures and lifestyles. Lets just say that the US could take a few pointers. Not that it will, but one can hope, right?

Ok, I've still got about a zillion photos... Today I'll share some flowers. Lots of those there (being it was summer), and beautiful. And easy access cause they are on my phone. Yeah, being lazy, but I feel like I've been hit by a truck. Is that jet lag??

The Weta Cave & Workshop 'tour'

To follow up the amazing holiday party, I figured I should see a little of the other side of Weta - the Weta Workshop and attached museum/shop the Weta Cave. The Workshop makes things for film and television. It is the original foundation of the Weta VFX empire (I can't think of a better description really...) and is a really cool place to visit. They don't do true tours as the projects they work on tend to be very much under wraps, but the Cave has a great sampling of things they have done, and the Window into the Workshop tour is great as it walks you through the whole process of making props and costumes and creatures (& more!) from start to finish. And the props/costumes/creatures are unreal in their realism... No photos allowed on that tour, but you can take all you like in the Cave.

Wow. Just Wow...

So last night I accompanied Kristie to her company holiday party. She works for Weta Digital. A visual effects company that does (and has done a lot of) work for film & television. They are probably most well known for Lord of the Rings and Avatar, but after last night, I'd say they should be best known for their company parties. As they seem to say here: Legend. The theme was, well, you figure it out!