On the job hunt

I posted a few resumes yesterday on seek.co.nz and lo and behold a few calls have come in this am. One was from a headhunter in Wellington who wanted to meet with me on Monday- I've pushed that back a week. One was from the searcher for a 3 month term in Nelson- he's getting back to me with details on that. And finally the Auckland recruiter is looking into possibilities. I may be on the move shortly... I am short work attire, and unfortunately will have to go shopping once I do nail down a job and find out the suitable attire for the place.

On the job hunt...

I obtained a cell phone today, a prepaid vodafone. (Process: purchase phone and sim card which has your phone number attached). There are two main cell company choices in NZ, or so it appears. Vodafone and Telecom. I went with Vodafone, which everyone I ran into seemed to be recommending. The things that have confused me about it so far are that I seem to be able to receive phone calls and texts for free. It seems like they are losing 1/2 their revenue opportunities, but anyway. It sort of also appears voice mail is a pretty good deal. You don't have to hook up and opt in, like back home. Of course, maybe this is made up for by the high calling out rates.

I also started the fun process of sending out resumes today. Fun! I haven't entirely decided if I actually want to start looking for a job just yet. I'll just wait and see if anything comes back. If not, I may do a bit of travelling around with a few folks that I've met here so far.

I called CIBC to attempt to transfer funds to my newly opened NZ bank account, which is what my NZ bank account who specialize in migrant banking indicated I should do. CIBC informed me I can only transfer funds from a branch in Canada. Isn't THAT helpful, when I couldn't set up a NZ bank account until I was in NZ. I'll follow up with my home branch on that front and hope the national branch was wrong. (I happen to have transferred funds via fax to another financial institution, so I'm a little grumpy with CIBC). Other Canadians have indicated that BMO is the most user friendly bank for travelling abroad. Too bad I don't use BMO, if that is true.

Interesting NZ facts that I've learned so far:

1) They do not use pennies. They round off to the nearest coin- I believe it is 5 cents.
2) Their currency appear to be the same colours, for the most part, as Canadian notes. E.g. - $20s are green, $5s are blue, etc.
3) Their crosswalks are sort of wierd. At the large intersections the traffic stops from all four directions, and pedestrians can cross diagonally.
4) I don't want to drive here. I can't seem to figure out which way to look for oncoming traffic.
5) They have ALL sorts of fruits. Funny looking prickly looking things. And lots of fruit crossed with other types of fruit creating strange sorts of fruit.
6) Books are EXTREMELY expensive here. I couldn't afford to keep my book habit here. Paperbacks alone seem to start at around $15-22.

The people do seem to be pretty friendly and helpful, so far, in Auckland. A young fellow stopped me on the street seeking some sponsorship for some sport team. As I wasn't planning on helping him the guy immediately behind me asked him what it was for and looked interested in helping him out. Also, when I failed to notice the fire truck coming through a red light at me, a fellow on a cell phone gave me a warning. Nice of him, wasn't it!

Winter has been pretty nice, so far, my three days here. It has yet to rain, and hasn't been too cold. Folks back home who have to go to through the -40 winter would be jealous. Although our hostel is none too warm in the evening. Brr... Sleep in polar fleece, I've learned.

As to the one think I keep meaning to check, I keep forgetting, so I can't verify that the water turns the opposite direction from home. Stay posted.

27/28

I had a lovely day yesterday, strolling a bit to learn a little of Auckland. In the evening I met up with a whole bunch of other solo travellers- mostly from the UK and we visited a bar made of ice. Although it was neat, the price was slightly crazy. I don't think I would visit again.

Today I completed the all important task of applying for a tax number. I also set up a bank account, and visited the grocery store for the first time. Tomorrow I need to aquire a cell phone and arrange to have some funds deposited into my new NZ bank account. Exciting stuff. I should also start thinking about the job hunt, but maybe in another day or two.

Arrived in Auckland

Greetings from Auckland, NZ.

Getting here:
The journey started late Saturday afternoon when my parents, brother and I drove to Saskatoon. We left there just before 5am Sunday and I caught my flight to Calgary, where after a very short layover I caught my flight to LAX. I must say, however, that my immediate impressions of LAX were not very favourable. The multiple people that I stopped to ask for directions were not at all helpful- including the Air Canada agent, who walked away from me mid sentence and did not return to her terminal. I would recommend that they get scrolling information on their arrivals and departures board to assist those people with nice long layovers who aren't assisted by the board , and also helpful little map sites that so many other airports have showing which carriers are at which terminals. Anyhow, I made it through my ~10 + hour layover. I finished my Nicholas Sparks book (which I highly recommend), and got a good way through my final book for the airport. I also had a grand time listening to mp3s. I met a few great folks sitting waiting. Their good conversation helped to pass the last few hours of waiting.

My impressions of Air NZ were extremely favourable. The food was fantastic. The legroom was ample. Each seat has its own personal controls- selections including music, TV, movies, as well as games and other background, and the ever fun to watch progress map of NZ. We also all were provided our own blanket and pillow- which was great. I watched the 8 below or whatever it was called movie (the one about the sled dogs in antarctica)- pushing away the tempation to watch LOTR yet again. Then it was supper time. And then I napped. The plane was pretty full so I was rather thankful for the window seat. Also rather thankful for the jacket I carried on as the xtra pillow. The NZ airport was well signed, and the folks were helpful. I wonder if I saw a rugby player- or someone else famous- as people were soliciting autographs. He looked like an athlete of some kind, at any rate. It was funny to discover that some of the folks here like to tag on "love", or is it "luv" on the end of their sentences. E.g.- Go over there, luv. The airbus shuttle to the hostel was nice and easy, although the driver was having a great time making fun of beancounters, who are "nothing but trouble." I am now drafting this email, and it is now 3 hours to hostel checkin. I really feel like a shower!!

I have nothing on the agenda for today, other than adapting to New Zealand time. Which probably means a short nap, and an early bed time, but not sleeping all day. And definitely going for a walk. I love getting the feeling of a city by going for a walk. Our breakfast was at something like 2:30am our time, so my clock is definitely not straight. (Ooh, the thrill of saying "our" time, meaning NZ time... I'm temporarily at home in kiwiland, and I am now a little excited... It took a quite a while, I guess for the excitement to strike.) Or maybe it is just that I am tired. But It still feels like I've been up for hours and hours, even though I must have slept 6 or 8 hours on the plane. Or maybe it just feels like the end of a 12 or more hour work day, sort of surreal, if you know what I mean, other fellow late workers.

Tomorrow's agenda includes an orientation - helping me apply for a tax number etc. Getting down to business, a little more. So I think I'll just enjoy today.

Packing

Well the time has almost come for my departure to Auckland. Yes, of late I've had the fun of packing. That pile of things I intended to bring has had to shrink by ~ 3/4 in order to fit into my 60 L backpack. What I learned- a 75 L backpack would have been about perfect for my secondaryl thoughts about what I need. Nevertheless, the 60L will have to do. It weights 25-30 lbs depending on the scale's accuracy. It contains important things- running shoes, the essentials, almost a weeks worth of pants- a mix of dress and casual, as well as just over a week of shirts, a swimsuit, a hat, pjs, flipflops, and a few important toiletry things. (Note that I also point out that annoying bag I bought to contain toiletries was far too space consuming. I had to switch to 2 ziploc bags.) Time will tell whether I overpacked, or not. Also whether I packed the proper mix of attire. The pack (see photo) was purchased online. Rah rah, whatever the former employer's online personal assistant was called- oh yes, thirstymuse, that was it.

My flight departs from Saskatoon tomorrow at ~6:30 am, so mom and dad and my brother and I are heading to Saskatoon today. I arrive in Auckland ~5 something am on the 27th. NZ is 18 hours ahead of us, so that will be ~30 hours of travel. (A good chunk of it is at LAX airport).

I also overshopped on books to occupy myself on the long wait in LAX. If any of them don't catch my fancy, they will not complete my journey. My selections include a Nicholas Sparks book "Three Weeks with my brother", Victoria Hislops' "The Island", and Nelofer Pazira's "A Bed of Red Flowers." My initial plan was to bring a tote bag in addition to the pack, and while my change of clothes and books did fit into that, I realized that if I wanted to run around Auckland with it, I would have nowhere to put everything in it. As such, I depart not only with my 60L backpack, but with a duffel bag containing the stuff from my tote bag, as well as my tote bag to take out later.

Prongs wants a trade

The word on the wire (actually the Edmonton Sun) is that Prongs wants a trade. He played great this year, but no player is ever as important as a team. The best OILERS are OILERS who want to be OILERS. Here's to those men- let's build a team of them.

More- I have time on my hands

Your Dominant Intelligence is Linguistic Intelligence

You are excellent with words and language. You explain yourself well. An elegant speaker, you can converse well with anyone on the fly. You are also good at remembering information and convicing someone of your point of view. A master of creative phrasing and unique words, you enjoy expanding your vocabulary. You would make a fantastic poet, journalist, writer, teacher, lawyer, politician, or translator.

What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

Your #1 Match: ISTJ

The Duty Fulfiller You are responsible, reliable, and hardworking - you get the job done. You prefer productive hobbies, like woodworking or knittings. Quiet and serious, you are well prepared for whatever life hands you. Conservative and down-to-earth, you hardly ever do anything crazy. You would make a great business executive, accountant, or lawyer.

Your #2 Match: ISTP

The Mechanic You are calm and collected, even in the most difficult of situations. A person of action and self-direction, you love being independent. To outsiders yous eem impulsive, surprising, and unpredictable. You are good at understanding how all things work, except for people. You would make an excellent pilot, forensic pathologist, or athlete.

What's Your Personality Type?

You Should Learn French

C'est super! You appreciate the finer things in life... wine, art, cheese, love affairs. You are definitely a Parisian at heart. You just need your tongue to catch up...

What Language Should You Learn?

You Should Visit Costa Rica

Costa Rica is the perfect place for you to get in touch with your inner beach bum. Relax on the beach, go for a bit of surfing, or try to communicate with the monkeys in the jungle!

What Latin American Country Should You Visit?

If you have time on your hands...

I discovered this funny list of blog quizzes on a friend's blog. Colin would laugh at my answer to this one:

You Should Try Skydiving

Don't look before you leap And you'll become a hardcore extreme sports addict

What Extreme Sport Should You Try?

Game 7- the OIL run ends

I ended up in Edmonton on the night of OILERS game 7. So yes, my mom and I did obtain tickets to the coliseum for the Family Fun Party. The tickets sold out, and so we were 2 of ~15,000. It was nice to be surrounded by others who’d watched this amazing team overcome obstacles this marvellous playoff run. It was nice to be with so many others who were likewise both sad, and proud when they lost.

The OILERS made the playoffs in their 2nd last game of the season. They were the 8th seed in the west and up against the best team in the league- Detroit. Despite their game 1 double OT loss, they beat the Wings- the “best“ team in the league. They moved on to challenge San Jose. Although they were down 2-0 in the series, they rebounded and defeated the Sharks . The next series they not only battled the Ducks- but also a terrible bout of flu. On came the Canes, and late in game 1 they lost their star goalie to injury. Backup Ty Conkin made an unfortunate mistake which cost a goal, and the game was lost. Despite having a difficult season, and although he hadn’t played since March 1st, Jussi Markkanen played very well in goal for the remainder of the series… But still, the Oil were down 3-1 to the Canes. They battled back to even the series at 3. But the Canes didn’t back down and the OIL fell to defeat in game 7. The hometown hero Fernando Pisani who played so great in the series scored the lone goal in a 3-1 loss (however note that the 3 goals included an empty netter). Canes young goalie Cam Ward made a stellar save off Pisani to keep the one goal lead late in the 3rd. The OIL had over come all obstacles, save one. They were crushed. It was no surprise to see very sad faces, and tears. They believed they would overcome, and they fell just short. The cup was “just out of reach”, as the Edmonton Journal put it. Nevertheless, I am so proud of this hockey team.

With the 15,000 I stood and sang “Oh Canada” at the start of the game along with the CBC broadcast, and although Paul L. was not there and it was not a home game, I got the shivers. It was a special tradition the city started. After the game was over, I cheered when the CBC screen flashed the OILERS fan standing behind their bench with the “Thanks Oilers” sign. There were a lot of positives out of the playoffs. The way they lost it was the hardest. They came as close as they could come, but fell short. Yet there is no shame to fail when attempting great things, if you gave it your all. As we walked out of the coliseum, the OILERS fans who had beaten us out were driving by with their flags still up, and their horns honking. They were honouring their hockey team, and their fellow fans in their great city- who had done their country proud. Although it still hurts today to lose it in such a close manner, I am proud of their big run. Well done team, community, and country.

"It's not the critic who counts, nor the one who points out how the strong man stumbled or how the doer of deeds might have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the areana; whose face is marred with the sweat and dust and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs adn comes up short again and again; who knows the great enthusiams, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy cause and who, at best knows the triumph of high achievement and who at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly so that this place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat." - Theodore Roosevelt

As a shirt sported by many in the City of Champions in the past week states "Loyal to the Oil". Indeed. In the dark years of the mid 1990s, and today.
….

Misc.

I’ve been silent for a while as I’ve been away from computer access. Here is a brief summary of the things I have to say:

1) The photo is of my “nieces“. This was my first time meeting Nala- the kitty. Her size is misleading, she has the heart of a giant. They are cuties- don’t you agree?
2) If you are ever in the Kelowna area, I HIGHLY recommend the Greek House Restaurant. The technical address is Lake Country, which is not too far out of Kelowna towards Vernon. I had the mousakka, and it was fabulous. For a reasonable price (around $14.95) my dinner included pita bread, amazing potatoes, rice, and greek salad. All were tasty. The service was also fabulous. The leftovers were also good the next day.
3) If you ever happen to stop in Hinton, I would caution you about staying at the Twin Pine Motor Inn. The price was $119 for our room. The roof leaked all over my bed. Fun! The walls were also paper thin. Interestingly, we stayed cheaper in the Fantasyland in Edmonton on our way home- where the walls were neither paper thin, nor did the roof leak!
4) Housing in Kelowna is rather pricey compared to Regina!
5) Driving from Regina to the North Battleford area does not prepare you very well for other parts of the country such as the route of Jasper through Kelowna where there are numerous curves in the road. I was a little off on my estimate that 200 kms should take less than 2 hours. Also- big trucks seem to like to drive fast around those curves!
6) I hope Kelowna drivers are good on ice or that it doesn’t get icy there… Lots of stop signs at the bottom of large hills. That kind of thing. I’m not sure I’d be prepared for an icy day driving there!
7) Baby black bears are cute! We saw 3 with their mom on the Maligne Lake road in Jasper park.
8) After the Oilers game 1 I had tried to post that “Just for the record, I think the Oil should play Markanen”, however it didn’t post due to technical difficulties. I stand by my assessment, and am pleased with how well he has played. The OIL have a huge task ahead of them. I hope they can do it. If they can’t, it might remind me of Kevin Lowe quoting Wayne Gretzkey in his book “ Champions”… “We were all dejected and down. We walked by the Islanders dressing room. They were celebrating and their guys had ice packs on their shoulders, their jaws, their knees… We realized then what they had done to win. We said to each other, ‘Hey, now we know what it takes. You gotta put your face in front of slapshots, take a punch in the face, you gotta sacrifice- that’s what winning is.’ ” (Gretzky was commenting on the OILERS finals loss to the Islanders in 1981). I hope the OIL have already learned that lesson. The odds are long, but if any team can do it, it is the Oilers. They’ve already gone from being an 8th place team to a Stanley Cup finalist, came back from being down two games in a previous series, played through a terrible bought of the flu, and scored the NHL’s only shorthanded game winning goal in the finals.
9) I really liked John Spencer’s character (Leo) on the West Wing. He made a comment somewhere in season 5 or season 6 about why he left the private sector. (ie: why he was in political life). It resonated with me.
10) On that note, Amazon and Chapters online are great for those dwelling in rural areas. I found West Wing 6 on one or the other and it arrived in the mail within a few days.

Cup finals- game 1

The Oil came out strong, but give the Canes credit. They are a very likeable team to watch and showed a lot of resiliency coming back from being down by 3 goals to take the lead. (They do have Oil blood- such as Doug Weight and Whitney. I'm sure that helps!) I was also impressed by the Oiler efforts late in the 3rd. Give credit to the Canes goalie- he stole the game with several pretty good saves.

My favourite OILER played fairly well tonight. Mr. Moreau. Mr. Try. Who else is on my OIL favourites list, you might ask? Well, obviously Captain Canada- Mr. Smyth, as well as Mr. Torres- and yes, although he can be frustrating- Mr. Hemsky. He did score a pretty one tonight.

I feel terrible for Bergeron. He not only knocked the Cane player into Mr. Roloson, but also didn't get back in the play early enough on the 4th Cane goal. I also feel bad for Mr. Conklin. I hope they move forward and learn from those experiences.

Mac T said after the game that Rolly is out for the series. He was a huge part of getting the OIL through the first 3. But the OIL are a team, and they will have to be more than ever before to be successful this round. With adversity comes both challenge and opportunity. Win or lose, if they play like a team, I will continue to be so proud of my OILER boys, win or lose. Don't count them out. I hope they will show that when things are tough, they will not quit.

Go OILERS GO!

Oilers fans everywhere

Tomorrow is the big game, and fans in many places of the world are excited for the puck to drop.

View some OILERS fans from around the world at http://www.edmontonoilers.com/news/index.php?id=488&type=feature and click on places.