christmas greetings 2015

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2015 was significantly more laid back than last year as we settled comfortably into life here in New Zealand.

Seth was invited to speak at the All Things Open conference in North Carolina. As a contributor to OpenSource.com he was able to visit Red Hat.

Jess began running classes under her own MakerBox brand. She has been partnering with schools, the local observatory, and is working on a global, collaborative project with FabLab Wellington for 2016.

We have had plenty of joint adventures, too. We visited the United States in March on a whirlwind tour of Pittsburgh, Virginia, Maryland, and DC. During our visit we enjoyed eating pierogies and catching up with friends and family. Jess was inspired by friends in Pittsburgh to apply for an art grant upon returning to Wellington and our proposal was approved. We will be exhibiting our installation art piece sometime around April in Palmerston North.

Wednesday has become an increasingly cuddly and talkative kitty with her own share of adventures. She has been diligently keeping the house safe from other furry beasts that might wish to take over our territory.

Seth just signed his contract at Weta for 2016 and we are beginning the residency process. A residency visa will allow us to remain in New Zealand long-term even if Seth chooses to leave Weta in the future. Fingers crossed that our application is approved.

Update: Two days before Christmas Jess happily accepted a part time administrator role with StraNdZ, a ministry of the Anglican Church of New Zealand.  She will be working four hours a week beginning January 18th.  This new role will allow her to continue teaching through MakerBox and hopefully help her hone her organisational skills.









And now for the uncooperative kitty.



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