The earth quake

Some of you have emailed about the earth quake.

It was a 6.8 magnitude quake, occuring near Gisborne in the north island. Blenheim is a long way from there, so although I felt the quake about 9 last night, it didn't feel like a big one. The extensive damage is not in the Blenheim area.

For further info, read: http://www.stuff.co.nz/4332596a10.html
or look at other articles on http://www.stuff.co.nz

As Christmas approaches...

I've been naughty again in the frequency of my posts. This is in large part due to the excitement of Shortland Street, a NZ soap which starts at 7pm. I have been rushing home from work to make sure I could be there by 7, so haven't had much time. Now Shorters is done until after the NY so I have time to update this once again...

Back in NZ. I didn't mention the array of wildlife spotted in Canada including many deer, mountain sheep (unfortunately not the more elusive mountain goat- I'm still waiting to see one of those...), coyotes, and a moose.

There isn't so much wildlife in NZ, but upon my return I've been having to battle the local insect life. I had quite a number of spiders in my bathroom when I returned from Canada (as I discovered when one descended on its web right in front of me when I was in the shower- as I screamed and made a fuss- it ascended rather quickly.) Anyway, I had to battle the spiders. First I nicely relocated them back outdoors, but within a day or 2 the 2 I'd relocated had found there way back inside. In a lack of oversight, I left the bathroom light on one evening (kiwis don't use window screens) and so returned to find all sorts of insects in the place. Not just spiders!!! I again went on the attack, this time with shoes and other such smushing devices. That will teach me to forget I'm in NZ. Don't leave the window open with the light on at night!! I shut the window, relocated most of the spiders and dealt with the pests. I thought my insect woes were over... But it got even better the next day- when I found a large snail that had come up through the plumbing. Finally now, I think most of the creatures are gone, although I do have one resident daddy long legs in the kitchen, who can stay there as long as he stays up the wall and not down around my face. I also discovered a nasty large black creature calling on the roof this morning. Not wanting him to fall on me, or me to smush large messy creature on the nice painted ceiling, I decided to see if he has disappeared by the time I get home tonight.

It was good to get back to the sun and summer of Nz after the winter-ish-ness of my visit to Canada. I loved the feeling of walking between terminals at the Auckland airport and feeling the air. it just felt different- and a good different. I'm not so keen about the gale force winds wind in my home at Tua Marina. My poor pot plants are not fareing so well. My herb garden has died, and my tomato plant keeps snapping off and leaving not much more than stalk. It needs to be hardy to survive the ever present wind.

Work has been very hectic upon my return... Things do seem to pile up in a 3 + week absence, unfortuately. Many folk here are taking off the Christmas period, but I expect to mostly only take the stats off to enable me to hopefully begin to catch up. (Fingers crossed...)

I had a consult with the oral surgeon today... Unfortunately my bottom ones have to come out- and that will happen in February for a tidy cost of $1350 GST included. The top ones can't easily come out (damaging other teeth if they do) so they shall be staying for the great hope that they will not cause trouble in the future. I was referred in I think October, my appointment was in December, and surgery in February. Much quicker than the timeline in Regina- when I was planning on getting them out before I left, but couldn't due to the time line. Also cheaper than Canada. But unfortunately unlike in Canada I do not have a drug plan. I've been advised to book a week off work. I'm REALLY not looking forward to it.

I started my half marathon training today. The 30 minute run sure did tire me out. I have a long way to go towards getting back in shape...

Not much else new and exciting. I renewed my first car registration for a tidy sum of less than $200. I also got a quote on my car insurance from another company than my current insurer- and was surprised to see that I can get it almost 1/3 cheaper!! I guess it can pay to shop around- but too bad I've paid almost a year already at the high rate.

That's it for now. Until next time...

December in Marlborough

I've been back a couple of weeks already from my visit to Canada. It was great to see family, and the 3 days I spent in Regina weren't long- but it was good to get to catch up with a few people. For those of you I saw, it was really good, and for those it didn't work out, I was thinking of you just the same.

The flight back was surprisingly good. The biggest excitement was getting selected in Edmonton for a random search. I was hoping to be able to catch a bit of the Riders game in the Vancouver airport. The international terminal is quite nice with several big TVs- but they were all showing NFL football. Not the Grey Cup. I could sneak one place where I could see through the glass into the US departures food court to see the big tv, but I pretty much missed the game. I am however pleased to hear the results... Go RIDERS. :) The flight back on the 777 from Vancouver was great. I again had no one in the middle seat, and a really interesting doctor was sitting on the aisle. We had a good chat. Plus I managed to sleep in excess of 6 hours, which is GREAT for me on the plane, although somehow I still feel sleepy. This is because I keep waking up at 5/ 6/ 630 before I actually get up. I'm sure one day I'll adjust to the small 19 hour time difference.

I'm back but must run. Heading out to the Sounds for the weekend. I'll try and post again on NZ life again, soon.

Greetings from Turtle Lake, Saskatchewan

I've arrived in Canada after a 16 month absence. The trip itself consisted of a $45 cab ride from home to the airport. They checked my luggage through to Vancouver- and I discovered that the person working there had been to Saskatchewan! She loved Saskatoon berry pies. How very exciting to discover a traveller who knew of SK, instead of just BC. My flight to Auckland was on one of the tiny planes Blenheim is known for- 10 rows, 21 seats, and I endeed up in the very back of the plane with the only 3 row seat in the plane. The poor man beside me got the middle and he was crushed between myself and the other fellow. It was the skinny plane without overhead lockers, and also I think without a lavaratory. Anyhow, I arrived in Auckland without incident, and made my way following the blue line to the International terminal. I wandered up to the shopping area, and finally through the gates. This was the first time I travelled with the new security "liquids/ gels" thing in action. I had a ziplock bag with my stuff ready- and though I went... (Although I did manage to leave my handbag at security - but only for a minute or 2 before I realized my load seemed a little too light.)

When I finally went to my particular gate, I discovered that I was to be on the inaugural flight from Vancouver to LA. I figured this out rather quickly, as I walked in to be handed a cocktail made of manuka honey and maple syrup, and was also handed a waffle with maple syrup. The room was decorated with maple trees and a ton of fake snow... I pity the cleaners. Anyway, eventually we made it onto the plane where I was delighted to discover there was no one sitting next to me. HURRAY!!! The flight crew was quite excited about it being the first flight, and the airline as well. They gave us presents (unfortunately not thinking of those with connecting flights, it contained lotions and gels...) They also provided free beverages during the flight. This wasn't overused due to a period of extended turbulence. I managed to sleep a bit, and finally the 13 + hour flight drew to an end as we landed in Vancouver.

I waited a seeming age for my backpack to finally come through, and then proceeded through customs and rechecked it. And then it was Canada- where I quickly proceeded to have some long awaiting for rootbeer (but not until after watching the Maori ceremony- as there were important folks on the inaugural flight, including folks on a trade delegation).

I decided to treat myself to one of those back massages, and again discovered another difference of being back in Canada- needing to add tax and tip. After an hour or two further of nice chatting with other young travellers from NZ and India, I was in Edmonton- where my brother picked me up. We went to Moxies for dinner- and I loved the non-stop pop! I forgot about that as well... And finally we made it home to mom and dads about 2am.

I've had a pretty relaxing few days since then, have visited some family and started trying to decide what clothing, shoes and handbags will be making the journey back to NZ with me.

Last night I was delighted to watch the election results and see that a change is coming. I only wish I would have been here to work on the campaign.

The snow began to fall last night during the election results. There are a solid few inches now, I'd say.

Temps havent been too bad- in the -2 neighbourhood right now, but it still feels cold for me. That said, the internal house temperature is so great and toasty warm! :)

Tomorrow mom dad and Shawn and I leave for Kelowna BC, (about a 15 hour drive)- to visit my older brother and his wife & her family.

After that, a stop in Regina, which was my home for 10 + years, is to come.

Other initial readjustments to Canada-
orange cheddar cheese
YUM YUM perogies
Call display & telemarketer

Counting down...

In a week and a day I depart for Canada for 3 weeks, and I'm starting to get a little excited... despite the nasty flight...

This time it's leave Blenheim in the afternoon, arrive in Auckland for a few hour layover, and then its the flight direct to Vancouver (HURRAY- bypassing the nasty LAX airport- so it can't be TOO nasty), for another number of hour layover, finally arriving in Edmonton something like 5 hours after I left. The wonders of time zones. :)

I've been terribly unprolific in my posting, in large part having nothing to report... Just this weekend the weather finally has taken a turn for the better- although the high winds have continued. There have been a few more earth quakes, one waking me up early in the morning- i think it may have been Monday or tuesday.

It just occured to me it is Halloween next week. This is not at all a big thing in NZ, just as others have said are other "American" holidays that are money making schemes, such as Valentines Day. To each country their own, I suppose- in Canada we certainly don't celebate Guy Fawkes, or whatever it is called.

I'm still liking living in the country, having made the adjustment from living with 4 flatties in a big house, to what I've got now. No regrets on moving so far.

The NZ civil elections are over. As mentioned in a prior post- these are done by post, and I think turn out was somewhere in the 40-50% range. I wonder what it is back home- ie if the post versus personal methods has an impact on turnout, so to speak.

I failed to mention in my previous post the very untimely demise of the All Blacks in world cup rugby. The pain was just too great in the hearts of many many New Zealanders. They lost to France, before making it anywhere. Some knock the single elimination- and there is some merit to the argument- but in my view a big team has to be able to win the big games- because that is what enables them to hold the "big team" banner. Not just playing well throughout the years between world cups.

I'm missing hockey like you wouldn't believe over here, and am not even doing a stellar job following results via websites- because it would just make me want to watch- and the options for watching here are pretty much nil. I'll have to take up rugby more so. I seem to enjoy it most of the NZ sports so far, much more than cricket (yawn...), or women's netball, or yaughting.

hmm... Some things from home you miss instantly (aka perogies)- and some things from home it takes a while to note are missing. No creamsicles here, although I must say the yummy cornetto things so distracted me it took me all this time to find out they were missing. Even if it is winter, i think I'll have one when I get back.

Back home the Saskatchewan election is on, and I am so remorseful to be missing it!! A special best wishes go out to LAURA ROSS running in Regina Qu'Appelle Valley, and to Jeremy Harrison in my parents riding of Meadow Lake. All you Saskies out there, please remember to vote... (My plea...)

Wind, rain, and foul weather...

It has not felt like the topp of the south at all of late...



Rain, wind, more rain, more wind... But I was delighted to have a bit of thunder and lightening on the weekend. It was kind of like home- although kind of not... There was not a big hot day with buildups and the like, it was just a plain old rainy overcast day.



I'm loving the new flat in the country and the joys of living alone. I'm trying to be a bit of a gardener- I have a tomato and some herbs growing. The basil has pretty much croaked. I'll blame the wind... (Gusts have been up to 120 km/h, so yes, I think it's a realistic blame...)



There was quite the jolt perhaps it was last week, as in the strongest earth quake that I've felt so far. It was 5. something, down at hanmer. That's in the neighbourhood of a few hour drive south. The wine glasses shook, and the bathroom was shaking. They're still novelties for me, although obviously not so much for kiwis who've been here for a long time...



I'm starting to get a bit excited about my visit to Canada- less than a month to go!!

Interesting tidbits about kiwi culture... They like strange things- like beetroot and eggs on their burgers.

They tend to actually pronounce their "t"s, unlike us Saskatchewanians who pronounce water like "wadder". They tend to tack on rs to words ending in vowels, if the word is followed by another word starting with a vowel. Example: Rita is in Canada becomes Riter is in Canada.

I'm under attack by a rather pesky mosquito. I leave this post to win the battle.

Civic elections in NZ...

Interesting and QUITE different than back home. When I voted in the civic elections in Regina, I would make my way to the polling station on election day for my area and mark my boxes for mayor, and for my regions councilor, as well as for school board trustee- either private or separate.

In NZ, I was at Phil's when he received his info booklet in the mail! It contains a voting ballot thing, and instructions of how many people to vote for for council, as well as for mayor, and for if memory serves the health board. The health board, I believe was preferrential voting, whereas the others were normal voting- with a certain number of votes. I think it was something like 7 for Nelson, or maybe it was 11. There doesn't seem to be the same idea about regional rep. within the city. The package also included photos and brief statements from all of the candidates. The voters have until a certain date to post back their ballots... Quite different from the system back home...

I also recently registered for a physican. It is quite impossible to find a doctor in Blenheim taking new patients. I called all of them about 4 or 5 months ago and found this to be the case when I was trying to get my health documents completed for immigration. At that time I was referred to a Medical Centre who dealth nicely with me- however that centre has since closed. The district health board, or whatever it is called here referred me to Picton- and hence I'll have to drive to Picton- the neighbouring town for any physican visits... Physican shortages clearly don't just occur in Canada.

I had no problems finding a dentist, a hairdresser, or an optometrist and appointment times for all of these were between a day and a week... (Not the 6 months I needed in advance for my great dentist back home.)

Thoughts...

It was a little over a year ago that my former city of Regina lost one of its own to a battle with cancer. I had met her through my work as a Chartered Accountant. I didn't know her well, but I remember laughing with her over our challenging to pronouce names, and I remember how she called me when I passed my CA exam to congratulate me. I remember reading that in her obit it said not to weep for her, but to remember her with laughter. She may not have been world famous, but to me she represented something incredibly important... She showed that one person can make a difference. Sometimes there are those things that happen to you in just a moment of time that stay with you for a long time... She was just a person I'd met through my profession, and yet her outlook on life, her laughter, and her kindness stay with me.

I've often thought that reading a book of Encounters would be so encouraging... to be reminded about the things that matter- and to be reminded that one person- CAN make a difference.

There was the lovely woman in her late 80s flying alone from Vancouver to Regina to attend a family reunion. She was so lovely and full of joy- and totally made me regret my earlier thought that I wished the window seat would have remained empty so I could move out of the middle... In a few moments- she made me happier to be alive...

In Blenheim on one cold morning, an elderly woman stopped to pick me up when I was walking to work. She again shared a little of her story- she was living alone after losing her husband in his 60s, something like 20 years earlier. She had never been able to replace him- but that didn't mean she didn't make the most out of life...

I've been reflecting a little about the year + that I've spent in NZ. ... My first home was Nelson, and the sign outside of town when you drive in "Live the Day" really represented that place for me. It was in Nelson that I overcame my fear of heights by riding up in an airplane and doing a tandem sky dive from 15,000 feet. It was in Nelson that I came to love the sea that I was once so afraid of. It was the beautiful Rocks Road and Tahuna beach that encouraged me to start the running phase that ultimately resulted in me finishing my first half marathon... It was in Nelson that I found my home away from home...

But things change, and due to the presentation of an excellent work opportunity here, I made the difficult decision to move to Blenheim just over 7 months ago. It hasn't been an easy move. I've found it difficult to meet people in this town so far, and I miss the sea and the town that my heart loves... Yet when I reflect on those examples that I've previously mentioned, I know that I haven't yet made the best of the opportunity that is still before me. I continue forth, and shall endeavour to make the most of it...

Another week or two...

More unprolific blogging... sorry, my esteemed readers... :)

My big life update, I am shifting house in less than 2 weeks. I will leave the house with 4 others in Witherlea, complete with the lovely backyard and pool for a cute one bedroom cottage in the livestyle block areas outside of Blenheim. I'll be living alone again for the first time in years, but I'm really looking forward to it. I was fortunate to find another place to live in the high demand Blenheim!! NZ has quite a high housing purchase price as well. The median home price compared to average median earnings was 8:1, if memory from reading the paper on the weekend serves. That was higher than the UK which was somewhere around 7, and the US which I think was somewhere in the 4-5 range. Home prices have risen dramatically in recent years in NZ, however the past few months have been more slow. We shall see if it is a seasonal trend and in response to interest rate hikes, or if it is something more.

On the work front, things continue to be busy!!

Lots of the Canadian mates have been back to Canada or are heading back shortly. I seem to be the last of the lot, with my flight booked for November. I'm one of the few missing Canadian summer and NZ winter... blame that on a June 30 fiscal year end at work.

Interesting tidbit on the NZ political system. People here are obligated to register on the voters list. (Or the Maori roll). You can check your status on the list by reviewing a website, I think I read in the documents that came to the house saying no one at this address was currently registered. Permanent residents and citizens can both vote.

It is starting to feel a bit like spring. My freckles have come out... I didn't think I got freckles. I shall blame the NZ sun!

I tried one of the NZ delicacies the other day. Whitebait patties. Whitebait are tiny little fish- think about the size of minnows. They were cooked up in an egg like patty- and you eat the whole thing, eyes and all. It definitely was NOT my favourite food, but I did give it a taste. Of all the non-fish seafood that I've tried here, the only one I don't mind is scallops. Lamb has grown on me, after a yummy roast we had on the weekend.

Until next time...

Sunny days in Blenheim

The days have gotten long enough that I can't put it off any longer. I've started my every other day morning jogs. I must say it is substantially harder than 6 months ago. It's starting again at square number 1. :)

I went and watched the Tasman Makos on the weekend. I was pleasantly surprised with how large the crowd was, and it was a great sunny day. They didn't play so great, and lost. We headed out for coffee in Picton on Sunday. I love that place. :)

Another busy week at work as I continue to work on year end.

The bad blogging continues...

I took my car in for it's first warrant, and service- the cost was to the tune of around $280. I was pleasantly surprised to get my car back all clean and vaccumed inside! That doesn't happen at home. They were much more informal at the dealership than back home. I had to take the car back for further warranty work, and they told me that hadn't had time to work on the invoice- so would post it out to me later. My question was "do you have my address?" - because unlike old Bennet Dunlop back in Sask- they don't log you in the computer every time you come to visit.

We spent last weekend down in the sounds and I had my first taste of oysters (vote- thumbs down!), as well as scallops (surprisingly- despite my giant fear, they weren't at all bad.) We spent the day on the water Sunday and I ended up getting a sunburn on my face. I guess it is time to whip out the sun screen again- but I relish this sign of spring!! It was a very nice weekend to spend with friends.

Work continues to be very busy... Fiscal year end, and I'm the accountant- so I'm not entirely surprised. I'm very much looking forward to my time off when I return to Canada in November.

Tuesday night was the lunar eclipse. I don't recall ever watching one before- so I thought it was rather interesting! I took some photos and as I didn't hold the camera still enough, it appeared that there was a bright comet in the night sky. At such times, a tripod would have come in handy!

I was reading the Otago Daily Times the other day at lunch and was pleasantly surprised to find a little section on the activities in the NZ Parliament. It was a great summary- I wish the Express had the same. (local Marlborough paper).

This weekend I'm going to the Tasman Makos rugby game. Apparently the season is almost over, and here I was barely aware it had started!

Have a good weekend everyone- and a big happy birthday to Shawn, if you're reading this!

More bad blogging...

Okay, I'm a very unprolific blogger... Again- work has been busy and I just haven't got a lot to report...

My criminal record check FINALLY came back from Canada and that has been sent off to immigration. I got a NZ credit card, complete with a PIN number so I can use it without signing- how exciting! I went to my first "B" party for a friend's birthday- kiwi's are quite big on the dress up themes. :) I take my car in for a warrant this coming week- another first for this Canadian gal. I also felt my first earth quake- I think it was on Thursday afternoon- so I think it was this one: http://www.geonet.org.nz/earthquake/quakes/2780892g.html

I'll add a few more NZ photos for y'all to browse. The first one is a Nelson sunset, and the second is the golden sand at Kaiteri out towards Abel Tasman from Nelson.

Terribly unprolific blogging...

Blame my first fiscal year end, with me at the helm... from the client side of things, rather than the auditors...

On a positive note, our new office has the GREATEST view of sunsets. There have been very many cool sunset evenings, in the few short weeks that we've been here. I'll have to remember to bring in my cameras.

I was chatting with a few Blenheim locals about how nice the weather has been for winter. They disagree- there has been too much rain. I don't mind the rain- as it prevents the frosts in the morning. Plus the days are so short its dark when I get up and come home from work, so I don't mind the rain.

Kiwis seem to like having "theme" parties. I attended a friends 40th recently, and the theme was things starting with the letter B. I went as a political figure. And no not the US President either. :)

Still no signs of a criminal check from Canada. Time = 5.5 months and counting! So much for the 120 days they tell you. hopefully it isn't lost in the mail or something... I only have another 10 months to get one, and at this rate, it isn't looking too promising. :)

Until next time...

Another week in Blenheim...

And we've only had 1 Frost! It was a beautiful weekend, and I spent it in the Sounds. Nothing else too exciting to report. I did go out and buy the new Harry Potter book (30$). I bet it was cheaper back in NA.

There is a LOT of talk about the high NZ dollar right now. http://www.stuff.co.nz/4138258a10.html

Not much else to report, but I'll post a few photos. This is the beautiful Abel tasman.

Couple Photos...

The All Blacks- the Haka!! :)

And the great views of Kaikoura

A weekend in Christchurch

I was in CHCH for about 3 hours a few weeks ago for work, but I was keen to do a little shopping and of course to see the All Blacks and hopefully discover something to take the place of my Oil (well- not quite replace, as they will never be replaced... but a place to channel my sports fan energies).

I ended up forgetting to bring flat shoes... This I realized as we were barely out of Blenheim. My feet paid the price and so I didn't end up feeling much like shopping. My 2 must do stores weren't in the central strip that I was shopping in- those being Esprit & Portmans. Anyway- that was good on the money front.

I was trying to rate Christchurch in my order of favourite-ness with Auckland and Welly... I think Auckland continues to be my favourite place to visit- if only because Devonport is such a lovely place. Plus I've spent enough time there to suss out the shopping spots, and I like all the volcanoes, and the sea. I can't stand the traffic... I visited Welly on a foul weekend so it was hard to come to a good conclusion about it, but I don't think I enjoyed it as much as Auckland. I need to visit in better weather to come to a more strong conclusion. Christchurch doesn't have the sea as close- meaning it drops in my order of favouriteness. None of them compete, in my view, with the top of the south.

Phil & I had a nice winter-y soup for lunch, and we ate at a wonderful Italian place for supper. Yum!! Then off to the game. It was no where as near as cold as expected. Definitely NOT like a fall Riders game, but I think we lucked out a bit on the weather. The seats are also more comfortable than the Riders benches, let it be said. The game was a rather boring one until about the 70 minute mark. Only penalties had been scored- no tries. Thankfully it got slightly more entertaining after that. The haka was great at the start, and seeing a game live, but with my weak knowledge of rugby I did miss the commentary. The All Blacks played the first bit very sloppy; they looked like they knew they would win- even though they didn't look that good. They finally turned it up enough to win. Some say it is good to win by just enough, but I'd rather see them play hard all game. We made our own fun cruising through town with All Blacks flags and noise makers. Celebrating- even though there wasn't that much to celebrate in terms of the game.

I liked all the number of old buildings in CHCH and all the trees and parks, as well as the trams.
It'll be fun to visit again.

On the work front, we're into our new office. How exciting. We were super crammed in our old little temporary office- plus its a short walk from my "free" parking spot.

Winter in Blenheim...

Update on the immigration front... Still no criminal check after 5 months of waiting. Luckily immigration processed my work visa/permit form as my old working holiday was coming through a close so my new visa goes through to the end of June.

I had a great time a few weekends ago attending a Canada Day party back in Nelson with a number of other Canadians... It was a good time, and good to chat with a few others... A good reminder of home.

The days are finally getting longer which is exciting! The other day I decided to walk to work as the morning was quite nice- but ended up in the pouring rain on the way home. 45 minutes walking in it. Fun!

Phil & I had a nice day fishing on the weekend, heading out to the outer sounds farther than I've been before. I caught my first Tarakihi fish, which was quite good eating.

I'm turning into a real kiwi now. I've went out and bought my first thermals in quite some time... Yes indeed- today I'm sporting a lovely pair of long johns and an undershirt. They were a flashy 50% off... so it was a good time to buy. I also admit I tried to teach myself to knit on the weekend with limited success. I managed to get the wool onto one needle, but I couldn't figure out how to take the next step. Now I'll need to get some kiwi gal to show me the way...

We're heading out to the All Blacks game in CHCH this weekend. I'm looking forward to the time out of Blenheim- and also very much looking forward to seeing the haka!! After losing to the Aussies on Canada day, the All Blacks need to turn it up a bit.

My sony camera didn't last me very long... I got it close to the end of my time at KPMG... and it's already dead. So yesterday I bought a discounted one at Dick Smith. I can't wait to try it out! :)

Winter produce prices are definitely here. Prices for produce seem to be MUCH more seasonal than back home. I paid nearly $9 for 3 peppers the other night. My favourite tomatoes are in the $8.99/kg range at the moment so I'm not buying as many as I would like...

For those interested in the price of petrol, it's currently about $1.56. Diesel is around a $1, but again you then have to paid RUCs (road user charges) on top of that.

Until next time....

Blenheim in late June...

The days are getting longer again... Oh hurray! There have been a few dramatically chilly mornings here- at least by Blenheim standards. It was -5 the other day! I've decided that instead of the hassle of scraping my car, walking to work is a better option... (if I get out of bed early enough...) :) It only takes 45 minutes, and the other day I got a ride from a random elderly woman who passed me walking in the cold. Some of the Blenheim folks appear rather friendly...

I've managed to procure 2 "car scrapers". One is like a credit card that comes from the petrol stations... The other, my lovely friend Mandie managed to find at Bunnings... It's actually a plastic paint scraper- but they don't seem to have the real thing here.

I keep making exciting discoveries on differences here. Twist in lightbulbs are very rare... Push in ones are more the norm... Also tacks are called something entirely different. I can't remember the name. Tacks here are usually things you put down carpet with.

On the immigration front, immigration has issued my visa/permit and I shall soon have my passport back. Hopefully my criminal check will come in the next bit so they can do my residency... This would be very good, as my medical will expire eventually and I'll have to go spend a further $350 to get it done again... 4.5 months and counting on the criminal record check front...

It's Canada day this weekend and I'm keen to meet up with some other Canadians back in Nelson... There are a few of us over here.

Brr... in Blenheim

We've definitely begun to approach winter with the shortest day of the year pending. BRRRR. But- I'm happy to report that my co-worker managed to track down a car windscreen scraper. I think it might actually be a paint scraper- but it will do the trick! I have no burning desire to bring out water and pour it on the window, as so many of the local folk here do. I think I'm residing in a much warmer house than the lovely old villa of last winter. Hurray! It's still COLD! But with a warm fire that I've yet to have to light, things are going fine on that front.

There was some drama in Blenheim on Monday- when a plane was diverted from Wellington. It was a littler one carrying 17 passengers- and when it went to land in Welly the landing gear wouldn't go down- so they flew the 20 minutes to Blenheim and circled in the air to burn off fuel before doing a belly landing. They indicated landing in Blenheim would cause less disruption to plane traffic than in Welly. I flew to Christchurch last week on one of those little planes. They have two seats per row with an aisle down the middle- so yes EVERYONE gets a window seat. The co-pilot person does the safety demos- and you can see right into the cockpit. Anyhow, things turned out well- they made it down safely. The passengers had the option of bussing out to another centre for a flight, or a ferry. I think you'd have to go for the plane option- time to get back on the horse before fear sets in too deeply.

On Saturday evening the All Blacks played Canada's rugby team. Did you even know Canada had a rugby team? I watched the first half in a pub with a bunch of Canadians and it was great fun when we scored a try! HURRAY!!! It was a football like interception- I have no idea what the rugby term is- if there even is one. The score was very respectible in the first half, the Canadians scored 13 points and were down by only about 20. The All Blacks turned things around a bit and ended up winning something like 65-13. But a jolly good show for the Canadian team who were definitely underdogs!!

On the immigration front, still no criminal check. I've obtained travel insurance past the end of my current one. And NZ immigration shall be looking at my work visa/permit, instead of residency within the next week- before I'm expired. :)

I'm looking forward to days getting longer... :) It's almost that time.

A few photos... again

The law from the north, and the southern man. from team KiCan in the Great Marlborough Treasure Hunt.

Rita and I standing in our tipi... (see posts from several months back... Surprisingly un-smoky from the inside, where we toasted marshmallows).

Just a random NZ sunset, of which there are so many beautiful ones.

Heading towards the shortest day of the year- still yet to procure a windshield scraper- luckily no heavy frosts yet- warming the car with defrost on high for a few minutes- combined with the wipers has worked so far ... But as grandpa used to say "when the days begin to lengthen, the cold begins to strengthen." It's been quite nice temperature wise here so far.

Another update...

It was a stat holiday yesterday- the last for 99 days- or so I am told. It was "Queens Birthday". It was great to have a 3 day weekend.

I went in the Great Marlborough treasure hunt on the weekend. It was a one day amazing race like competition. There was an international theme and our team of 4 travelled out to Seddon, the Waiaru valley, and Picton as we made it to the 9 locations- by following a series of clues. Cool activies included doing a Samoan happy dance, and separating lavender into little bags. Our team was dressed up to represent the points of the Globe. I was a Canadian mountie from the north- stay tuned for photos... Our mascot was a travelling gnome. We didn't win any of the prizes- which were amazingly large for a town of Blenheims size... thanks to the generous sponsorship of Harvey Norman. Good times ! I would definitely do that again!!

update on the immigration files- they are awaiting my criminal check- they want it by the 25th of June. I sent it out 4 months ago this week. It takes a long time, clearly!!

We're heading into winter. But so far only one light frost. I think I heard it was the warmest May on record.

I recently was pleased to aquire a tire pressure guage- only to later learn that all the gas (er I mean petrol) stations have them on the air hoses. Convenient... this explains why they were so hard to find! :)

Differences in vocabulary continue to creep up... Read "full stop" for period. And that's that for this episode....

I rush off to art class now.

Another update...

My unprolific posting continues....

You would be shocked how many vocabulary and pronunciation differences continue to crop up. Car tires being spelled "tyre", seeing "learnt" appear in many a newspaper article, Herefords being spelled (Hair-eh-ford), etc.

An update from the immigration related files. It took a meagre month plus for the finger printing unit to reply via email that they haven't yet processed my application- apologising for the delay in responding. Current wait times are apparently 4 months. I'm over 3 now. I have put in an application for a general work/ visa. I've also recently submitted my residency form missing the record check; I'll have to forward that when I get it. I'm only 1 month away from my current visa expiring, so here is hoping I hear something back on this front soon!

The days are getting shorter here... and colder. My flattie was scraping her car wind shield (wind screen as they are known here) with a credit card. I can't seem to track down a real ice scraper. Blenheim does get frosts so it would come in handy. Now I've finally tracked down a pressure guage for my car tires at the car stuff store, only to find out that the guages are at all the air spots at the gas (err, I mean petrol) stations... :) Gas prices, for your interest are currently in the neighbourhood of $1.51 for regular. I can't recall offhand the diesel prices.

In the news, there had been several earthquakes overnight in the region. They didn't wake me up so I'm unaware if I felt them.

I can't recall if I've posted much about the vehicle rego process. Things are interesting here. Insurance is not mandatory (although there have been recent discussions about whether making this mandatory would help crack down on the "boy racer" problem that has been rather prevalent in the papers.) There are 2 types you can get, basically- 3rd party, and full. I've had various friends have trouble as they weren't covered by full insurance. Insurance discounts at the company I'm insured with (AMI) can be as high as 60% based on your driver record. I wish I had one here in NZ to save some cash...

When you get stopped by the police here you don't get asked for your registration - because it sits attached to the wind screen. When you sell your car- the plates are attached to it and you simply pay a fee of something like $10 to change ownership. The actual reg. carries with the vehicle. (I was lucky- my reg on the car I bought goes all the way to Jan 08!) Reg's are typically renewed for 6 month periods- luckily my car owner predecessors appeared to have gone for the one year option. The other thing mandatory here is a WOF (warrant of fitness). Depending on the age of your vehicle you have to get these every 6 months or year. They are mechanical checks for safety- and again these are attached to the wind screen for all the world to see. There are quite a number of foreign (esp Japanese) imports on the road here. The used car market seems much larger than back home- maybe because leasing/buying new cars just doesn't seem to happen as much here.

If you drive diesels, you also have to get RUCs (road user charges)- kilometers- which you can buy by the thousand at the post shop. The diesel price is lower than petrol- but it is partially offset by this charge...

In new and exciting news, the day of the Marlborough great treature hunt is quickly approaching. It should be great fun!! Hopefully the weather cooperates...

Until next time.

Unprolific blogging...

Okay- so I've been really really bad at posting...

First a wee update on the immigration tales...

I finally made it in to get my immigration medical form completed complete with urine test, blood test, and other standard tests. My birth certificate came impressively quickly from Saskatchewan (under 3 weeks!!!) and I have the proper one with both parents names... I continue to wait for my criminal check. They have not replied to my last 2 queries. All I know is that when I first inquired it was going to take about 4 months. It has been about 3. As such i didn't have time to get my residency application in before my visa expired. I have since put in an application for a general work visa/ permit. They sent me a text telling me they will get back to me within 60 days. Here is hoping. I'm in no great mood to leave the country...

I spent last weekend in Nelson... visiting the lovely Rabbit Island for the first time, as well as the market and going for a great walk to Tahuna beach with the girlfriends. I miss that walk so much... It was my running route- and I find it much harder to get motivated to run in landlocked Blenheim....


I'm into the watercolours now. I paid $50 for a special paintbrush, so I'm hoping I get into it hard core... :)

Ooh- this is a call for fun costume ideas for a team of 4. We're entering www.treasurehunt.co.nz - the Marlborough Treasure Hunt. Our team is kican (kiwi-canadian) ...Help with any sort of exciting costume ideas would be much appreciated.

Until next time...

More politics...

Isn't it interesting... . From stuff.co.nz:
"A bill that would have allowed shops to open on Good Friday and Easter Sunday was defeated 84-37 on its second reading in Parliament last night."

Another little interesting tidbit for Saskatchewanians reading this. The boys and girls here wear uniforms at school. You often spot the boys in knee socks and shorts, with a sweater - usually a school crest is contained as well. The girls more often are in skirts. I'm told that the highest forms (sort of like grades) don't actually have to wear uniforms, but the youngin's do. Apparently it is due to the british ties- which seem much stronger here than in good old Sask.

Today I spent $326 on medical tests to support my immigration NZ application... Blood/xray and checkup- all in the course of an hour. Impressive rate/hour, yes no?? There appears to be a wee bit of a doc (as in GP) shortage in Blenheim as well. I went to the accident clinic- but it is closing in a few months... As the paper noted yesterday it will leave a bit of a hole, and hopefully they will find ways to fill it elsewhere.

Another update...

Reading the Edmonton Sun tells me Facebook is the latest craze:
http://www.edmontonsun.com/News/Edmonton/2007/05/01/4146248.html

It hasn't taken off in NZ, however, if my friends list is any indication.

I didn't update after the Anzac service last week. It was rather similar to certain Canadian services, lots of people attended. The NZ anthem was played, the mayor spoke, a hymn was sung, the Last Post was played, wreaths were laid, a prayer was said. It was a little strange to not be BBRR freezing cold throughout the ceremony, instead having to step into the shade with the sun overhead.

But things have taken a turn towards fall/ winter here... Much to my chagrin. The morning runs are a thing of the past. This past weekend we spent in the sounds, but Saturday was a rainy day, as was yesterday, as was apparently overnight. (Although I didn't hear anything.)

In the news in NZ, one of the hot areas of debate has been the Anti smacking bill- the issue of physical discipline of children has been raised. The proposed amendment - late breaking- is as follows: the Police have the discretion not to prosecute complaints against a parent of a child or person in the place of a parent of a child in relation to an offence involving the use of force against a child, where the offence is considered to be so inconsequential that there is no public interest in proceeding with a prosecution." (From stuff.co.nz)

Dog's are heros too. Read a story http://www.stuff.co.nz/4044905a11.html

The ever political issue in SK - day light savings, is flying through in this country- with an extension coming. Daylight saving will start a week earlier, on the last Sunday in September, and will end on the first Sunday in April, two weeks later than at present.
Internal Affairs Minister Rick Barker said regulations were being drawn up - a law change is not needed - to ensure changes would take effect this year.

I continue the fun of trying to collect all of the required docs for immigration nz. For anyone who might be trying in the future- a full birth cert including parents names is required, not the little one...

Until next time...

More fun in the sounds, and on Anzac Day

This weekend in the sounds was VERY, (let me say that again!) VERY cool... It was a beautiful, sunny day, the water was calm... and unexpectedly we got to see many, many dolphins. They like to play in the wake behind the boat, so we got a great closeup view, as you can see!! It was so fun watching them jump around and play!! I also attach a photo of a very cool looking thresher shark who was surprisingly unthreatening looking- for a shark.

When I first arrived in NZ I remember being offended that there was no mention of Remembrance Day. What I didn't realize at the time (bad Kelly!) was that NZ commemorates their vetrans on a different day - that day being Anzac day- April 25. Our friends at wikipedia note the following:

"In 1915 Australian and New Zealand soldiers formed part of the Allied expedition that set out to capture the Gallipoli peninsula to open the way to the Black Sea for the Allied navies. The plan was to capture Istanbul, capital of the Ottoman Empire and an ally of Germany. They landed at Gallipoli on 25 April, meeting fierce resistance. The date, 25 April, was officially named ANZAC Day in 1916." (see more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anzac_day)

I bought my poppy the other day. They don't seem to sell them everywhere here, like in Canada- but instead it was actually people set up on the street. They are also made out of felt, with a little sticker saying something to the effect of "welfare fund" and vetrans.

Something interesting about Blenheim- for a city of 20,000- there are no traffic lights. Traffic is controlled by roundabouts... which are, by the way, great inventions!!!

Another update...

So again I've been a little late and lazy on my postings...

Easter long weekend is especially long in NZ as both Good Friday and Easter Monday are stats. There was a lot of press and discussion, as most stores are specifically forbidden from opening on certain of the holiday days and this causes some controversy. I certainly don't have the rules straight. Everything was pretty much closed Friday, and all the grocery stores etc. as well on Sunday. Certain areas can get exemptions- if they are for example touristy. Certain of the days are also "no advertising" days, which means no ads on radio or TV... The news is a full hour long, and you see a lot more shows in your day... Interesting concept anyway.

Some friends from Nelson came in for part of the weekend and on in Blenheim was the airshow (which I didn't go to, although the planes flew over our house anyway, and I saw them from that perspective). We went on a little walk on the Monday to the Sawtooth gorge, I'll post a few photos from that hike. Note tiny Rita & Karl standing at the bottom of the gorge mouth.

And I'll post another one from the sounds, where I again spent this past weekend.

Not a lot else new to update you all on. It's getting to be winter here, which doesn't excite me a lot. :) My running has tapered off as I find it difficult to get up and head out in the dark. It may be time for a gym membership for the winter months... We'll see.

A few more photos...

Well, it's Easter weekend. A few differences from back in Canada - both the Friday and Monday are holidays. And I also believe one of the days might be one of those "blackout" days in NZ- where there is no advertising on radio or TV. I don't believe those days exist back in Canada- at least that I remember.

Today Blenheim had a Market Day- which meant lots of stalls along Market street and various of the others. It reminded me of the lovely Nelson market, which I miss so much! I did pick up a $10 bargain cookbook, as well as a nut mixture and some veggies. Good deals. :)

And the photos- a couple of shots of Picton, as promised, as well as me trying to capture (but failing) two amazingly beautiful moments in the sounds last weekend. (One was some beautiful light, and the other was a thick rainbow).

Another week...

This past weekend I made the big journey (90 minute drive) to Nelson to catch up with some friends and to visit the markets and to do a little window shopping. I'm in the market for a tent, and was looking at a sale now that the winter is coming... Didn't buy anything at this point, however.

Then it was on to the sounds for more fishing. I attach a real cool photo with more to follow at some point, most likely.

I've managed to catch myself a cold for the first time in quite a while. I'm rather looking forward to the day it ends!

Interesting results in the Quebec elections... It was good to see the PQ come in third!

A wee update

Wow, talk about un-prolific posting... sorry- sorry...

Last weekend I went to the Havelock Mussel festival where I ... did not eat any mussels. Mark the flattie had made us some that week so I didn't feel the need to try them again. I did however find some other yummy non-mussel -y food, so that was good.

This weekend some friends were in town to complete the "Grape Ride", a 101 km bide ride finishing at one of the vineyards near town. It was great to catch up with some of them, and it was also my first weekend that I've spent in Blenheim since moving here. Being in that environment really made me want to do some more race type stuff- like another half marathon, perhaps! It was also the first weekend I took a dip in the pool at the house, and BRRR was it cold. :) We visited some beach about 15 or so minutes out of Blenheim- it was more rugged and rocky than Tahuna back in Nelson. Sunday we visited the markets in blenheim which are not nearly as big as Nelson- but I will return there to get fresh produce in the future, for sure. We also ventured out to Picton for part of the day and did a little walk up to the top of some hill for a great view of the place. I love Picton! :) We also ate on this ship, that maybe crashed or maybe something broke, or something and is now a restaurant. Picton (the small town of 5000) is much more touristy than Blenheim since it is where the ferrys land- so we played tourists and wandered the shops. There was a really great art shop- making me wish I had buckets of money to purchase some. :) I only purchased a few magazines...

I'll try and post a few photos of Picton in the next while.

Driving photos...

For your interest... check out NZ roads...

First is the train track through the roundabout (we have one of these in Blenheim too). Second is a one way bridge (of which there are a plenty!) however this one you also get to share with a train!! These were both on the main road down the west coast, so this gives you a little sense of what driving in NZ is like.

I've also included a pic of me next to a "holiday tree", only they are everywhere here.

Another update

Last week saw me try mussels as one of the flatties cooked them up.  I did NOT try the raw oysters he also brought home...

 

The weekend saw us take out the new car all the way down to Hokitika for the Wild Foods festival. I didn't eat too wildly- just possum. No huhu grubs, or beetles for me... No crocodile either.  I did find PEROGIES!!! for the first time in NZ.  How exciting!  And the 3L V6 did an impressive about 28 mpg.  Not so bad, I'd say for all the curves.  Weather was fantastic, lots of people out, and we came back via Punakaki.  I'll try and post a few pics about the crazy one way bridges, and the bridges that share the road with the train, and the roundabouts with train tracks. :)

---

Share your photos with the people who matter at Yahoo! Canada Photos

A few more photos...

Me at the finish line for the half, Auckland the city of sails, and Sam the beautiful at the beach on Christmas Day

A few photos...

I've been bad at posting photos so here are a few... The Malbourough Sounds... including me fishing.

Fishing...

My first week in Malborough has come and gone. I've settled into my new flat, gone for a run, have begun the new job, and have begun figuring out how to drive on left side of the road.

 

I spend the weekend in the Sounds, where I caught my first fish ever!  Snapper is on the menu for my supper tonight.    The weather was fantastic and it was a great weekend out there.  I'll try and get some photos posted eventually.

---

Now you can have a huge leap forward in email: get the new Yahoo! Mail.

Kayaking in the Abel tasman...

I tried to post this yesterday but for some reason it didn't work... Here it is again.

On Tuesday my friend Rita and I departed for a few days of camping in the Abel Tasman. We rented a tandem kayak from Southern Exposure, and packed it all up. (and went through the "test" to determine we were competent enough to do our trip, of course- after all the safety info.)

After that, we kayaked over to Anchorage Bay... The waves in the mad mile were rather nasty. They were coming right into us, so for all our hard efforts we weren't moving very fast. Needless to say- it was fantastic to arrive. We pitched our tent around 3, and made some dinner. It's a great little campsite with everyone moving in and out usually by the day. The sky was clear at night, and amazing... So many stars, and Orion's belt was clearly visible.

Rita and I did a little walk to a lookout the following day, and I had a number of dips in the sea. Yesterday evening we went on a little evening walk and saw the glow worms, as well as some very large beetle like creatures, which I think were called Wetas. I didn't scream!! We also saw the cool I forget what that basically look like sparks in the sand. (the evening was dark enough to see it.) We also visited with some neighbours who had started a fire.

Today we had a leisurely breakfast, and kayaked back with the waves. Hurray... Still feeling rather tired... And rather full of sandfly bites. :) But the weather was great, and it was a fantastic mini holiday. It's hard to describe the amazing colour of the water, and the great golden sand... Worth every bit of the hard paddles. :)

Kiwi fun...

This week has been a week of a lot of firsts... Including my first time getting a pedicure.  This was today... Very nice. :) 

 

I also picked up my car papers and strolled on over to the something or other, where they viewed my Saskatchewan drivers license and changed registration ownership to me... Yes, interestingly here in NZ you keep the plates and WOF (warrant of fitness) that come on the car, and just fill out a form to change from one owner to another.

 

I then strolled on down to AMI to buy insurance.  This is novel for me, as of course in Saskatchewan we all use SGI for insurance. I didn't feel like shopping around, but have heard good things about AMI, and they have a great commercial about smiles... I was delighted to learn that even without discount the insurance piece is only ~$650.  And if you have a clean record for 5 years you can get a 60% discount!!   Quite big.  I then strolled over to AA to buy that here, and again found it was cheaper than I remembered in Canada at only ~$77.  (The great thing here, too, is that quoted prices include taxes... Even on the cars you buy.)  Nice.  :)

 

Now I get to go pick up the car, getting ready for my big move over to Blenheim on the weekend. I contacted the landlord and he'll be able to drop me off keys.

 

My time in Nelson winds down.  How I've loved this place...

---

Share your photos with the people who matter at Yahoo! Canada Photos

Another wee update...

Time chugs on and my time in Nelson draws to a close in under a week.  A week from today I'll be living in Blenheim and on my first day at the new job.

 

This weekend I tried a few cool things that were going on in Nelson.  Saturday night was Sealord's Night with the Stars, a very cool outdoor show, with a variety of opera and classical talent.  It was really enjoyable, and although rain threatened, it held off.  The price??  An affordable 10 dollars.  Really, really enjoyed it.  Attendance, I have no idea... Maybe 1000, maybe less, maybe more.

 

Yesterday the flatties and I went out to the Brightwater Wine & Food Festival. I must say, that ciabatta bread with feta & roasted red pepper, and the one with tomato & basil were absolutely delicious!!!

 

In the "getting ready to move" front, I finally went out and bought a car.  (After much agonizing... and I mean MUCH!!! And also much reading of the car buyers guide, and much internet shopping!!!)   A 1996 Toyota Camry GLX, green in colour.  The nice salesman took me for a very long drive, which was good practise in terms of getting comfortable with the car- as well as beginning to get comfortable on the left side of the road... I kept hitting the windshield wipers instead of the signal, since it is in the wrong place. :)   I ended up buying from a dealer, due in large part to the convenience. And because it was as close to what I wanted as I could find... (was kind of after a corolla, but this was 2nd choice.)  After they get the WOF (aka warrant of fitness) on the car, I'll be able to pick it up. (Well, I'll have to go and get insurance first...)  A further delay from pick up will be caused as my friend Rita and I are planning a 3 day camp trip in the beautiful abel tasman area over the next couple of days.   Too bad my digital camera conked out...  I shall have to shell out on a few disposables, I think...

 

 

---

All new Yahoo! Mail

---

Get news delivered. Enjoy RSS feeds right on your Mail page.

A little Kelly update

So... First things first...

 

I'm done work in Nelson officially!!  Time has absolutely flown here and my days in the sun shine here are on the decline.

 

On to the half marathon-

I caught a ride to Westport with a bunch of the former employment gang Friday night.  We were up and to the grounds by 7 to catch the bus to the half marathon start sight.  I tell you that bus ride seemed very long- it was going to be a LONG 21 kms...  Imagine something like 2500 runners assembled on a road... It was quite the sight.   We set off slowly, slowly, slowly across the start line.  But only after squeezing to let a cop car through.   Anticipating my slow time I had attempted to push myself to the back of the pack. This was aided by the wee path we created for the cop car.  The sun was out early and it was quite warm- was very happy to encounter the water/ sponge station which must have been at about kms 3 or 4.  Very happy to see them every same distance interval.  The first 12 kms went quite well.  There were some ups and downs which were a little hard for me who trained only over the flat.  I also found the lack of my normal route a bit of a challenge. The first bit was quite scenic, right along the Buller river.  At half I was way ahead of my practise and normal 8 kms extrapolated time, however I started feeling it for about the next 6 kms.  So very happy the sun went under a cloud for a good part of the next bit.  Happy for all of the road signs that were a nice distraction.  Happy for the runners who happened to run beside me at the same pace, if only for a time.  Impressed by the speedy walkers who went blowing by!!  Very happy to see the 3kms sign left. At what I thought was about 2kms picked up the pace to try and put on a finish...   Running past town quite happy to hear the claps and cheering realizing the finish line must be in sight...  Being sprayed by water right near the end- lovely... Finally- turning off the street and towards the finish. Going through the shoot, getting the medal, and stretching and off to find the rest of the crew I travelled from Nelson with.    Enjoying the afternoon out in the sun in good company... Being so pleased to have finished...  And hurting the next days... oh yes. :)  But it was worth it... I finished in a personal best of 2.40 far ahead of my practise times.  Slow for the runners, and in the bottom 150 or so of around 1400, but fantastic for me... who couldn't comfortably do the Centre of NZ climb when I moved here, or run for 5 minutes.  Special thanks to Michelle for driving, Bev my roommate and encourager, Rita for the energy to start my runs one fine Sunday morning a few months ago, and Shaz and Amanda for suggesting the Buller when back in December I threw out the idea of running one.

 

We toured the pancake rocks before returning on Sunday.  Or should I say punakaki? (spelled wrong, perhaps??)  I love the sea... I love the sea... I love the sea...

 

And a few comments now on the immigration business, for anyone thinking of doing NZ.  First- if you're here more than a year you need a NZ drivers license.  This means you need to have proof you've had your drivers license for over 2 years. IF you're from Alberta with a multi year license this is easy.  If you're from Saskatchewan it means requesting things from back in Saskatchewan...

 

Also- for the canadian criminal check I today visited the Nelson PD and got led back into the fingerprinting room to get my prints taken. Exciting!  :)  Now I get to sent them off to Ottawa... the website says it can take 150 days... A bit of a hold up to the immigration process- you see- so do it early!

 

---

All new Yahoo! Mail

---

Get news delivered. Enjoy RSS feeds right on your Mail page.

Another update

I accepted an accounting position in Blenheim NZ so will be making my way there in the next couple of weeks, and soon will be calling some new place there home... Stay tuned.

 

On the weekend my friends Rita and Karl and I headed out for an overnight camping trip to some campground north of Takaka in the Golden Bay area. It was lovely!  Moonlight across the bay, a clear night with stars, the sounds of waves crashing... Absolutely wonderful...  (Although my tummy doesn't exactly love driving over the curves of the Takaka hill very much.)

 

In other interesting learning about NZ news, it doesn't appear basements are overly popular here. A large number of homes are built without them, and I can't think off hand of anyone who has one.

 

Less than a week away until the half marthon. YIKES!!!

---

Make free worldwide PC-to-PC calls. Try the new Yahoo! Canada Messenger with Voice

ANother weekend

It was a long weekend this weekend... it being Nelson Anniversary today.

 

I took a shuttle out to Blenheim (population ~20,000) a 90 minute drive to the east of Nelson.  It's a hotter part of the country- and is famous for it's wines growing in the area.  It doesn't have the sea so it lacks a bit of the charm Nelson has on that front, but there are some nice walking trails and a river running through the town.  I explored it quite a lot on foot... Again, like Nelson many of the shops are closed on the weekends.  Town was rather dead on the weekend.

 

I also had the opportunity to visit Picton, where the ferries come in.  It's much smaller than Blenheim, but I absolutely LOVED it... (Also busier- with tourists and open shops.)  Sitting at the water reminded me so much of the peaceful relaxation that I had on the last day of my holiday on horseback in beautiful Waterton Alberta... Like beautiful Tahuna beach, a place I could visit every day and never tire of.

 

Today was half marathon training day.  Like the website recommended this weekend was the big distance weekend.  It's only 2 weeks away!   I ran the distance of the half... albeit over the flat... It was in the sun.  I learned a hat may come in handy.  The last 4 kms were a little slow.  My goal is to finish the half... I really hope I can...   A lot of progress has been made over the last 4 months since I started jogging.  It's been good- but my poor feet are looking forward to a drop in the kms. :) 

 

 

 

 

---

All new Yahoo! Mail -

---

Get a sneak peak at messages with a handy reading pane.

Another week...

Last Sunday I tried another New Zealand first- freshly caught snapper wing caught by a friend of mine. It was quite good- and I ate surprisingly a lot!

 

I'm writing this from an internet caf in Blenheim, NZ, population ~20,000.  I've received a job offer here and came to scope out the town a bit.  So far, so good.

 

In other news, ER started playing this week, and I was pleasantly surprised with the first episode. The story line of Lucca and Abby and the baby was fantastic.  I haven't enjoyed ER so much in many years.  The Amazing Race has also started airing a few weeks back.  Grey's Anatomy is still too come- and they tempt us with "coming soon."

 

Managed to see the comet this week.  IT was quite low on the horizon and not super visible, but it was still neat to see.

 

 Also went for another nice ocean swim on Rocks Road. Fantastic...   Should I move to blenheim I'm going to miss being so very close to the sea.

 

dance classes start up again soon and I don't want to miss them. I've also been invited into a small private class as one of the folks is missing a partner.  I like mad want to enter, however if I do move it won't be so easy. 

---

Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. Go to Yahoo! Answers.

Another weekend

Well...  the 3 weeks of jogging off are finally wearing down. I'm starting to feel nearly normal doing my 8 kms, which is good.  The half is only 3 weeks away!!!

 

I spent last night in something very Saskatchewanian, so it was ironic that I came all the way here to do it... Two friends and I had a lovely mellow girl's evening last night at Tipi Stay in Upper Moutere.  We ended up meeting a lovely couple also staying at the same place.  He was a chef and whipped us up fantastic pasta and salad for supper.  We played skip-bo and badminton, and then moved into our 3 bed tipi- started the fire and toasted marshmallows from our beds.  It was surprisingly not smoky!!   It was a cool place to stay, and I'd like to go back for a couple of nights... very mellow. A nice getaway and so close to Nelson!

---

Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. Go to Yahoo! Answers.

A few new things...

My new  years resolution, as I may have mentioned, was to try something new every week...  From sleeping under the stars on NYs eve, to going to an outdoor movie in Botanics Park last night, it has been going good.  This weekend a couple of friends and I are booked into stay in a tipi on Saturday night at a little place called "Tipi Stay" in Upper Moutere on the way to Motueka!  It's funny that I come all the way to NZ to stay in a tipi...

 

I can't wait to see what other fun things trying something new will bring...

 

On the job front, I'm two interviews in- waiting to hear whether I would get the nod on either of those fronts. I'm not feeling it's too promising, but you never know.

---

Ask a question on any topic and get answers from real people. Go to Yahoo! Answers.

Kiwi language...

It's always rather interesting when a group of Canadians and kiwis get together, such as at our flat a couple of times this week for supper.  Whether it be discussing the different versions of "cards" that we play, or discussing differences in language...

 

I heard a new one... Our pronunciation of "t"s appearing in the middle of words is often more like a "d".  Think about it and it is true... Contrast rattle and rat. 

It is quite interesting how language (at least the first one) is second nature, and you don't think about things phonetically- or how you would have to if you were just learning a language.  Sometimes I feel like I'm learning a new language, but it's just kiwi speak... And there are a diversity of kiwi accents.  The folks in the Nelson areas drop the "r"s, much like the part of the US which has "harvard" university- as an American couple we met when out for supper one night pointed out...  There are so many different sayings it is continually interesting... Plus the different way of saying things.  I love it... :)

 

The training for the half marathon continues... Actually I must say I've been rather naughty and taken about 3 weeks on a very light load. Things just didn't happen so well over the Christmas week and then I injured myself and was off about a week and then it rained about a week and puppy sitting which was a convenient excuse.  I've done a lot more walking over the past bit than running.  I did my first 8kms this am and decided to crank it up and double the run.  The next 4km were sweet, my time improved and I felt great.  I felt I was "in the zone"...  however this was only until I turned back and had to run into a rather strong wind the next 2kms... It wiped me out and definitely ruled out the possibility of going any more than 16kms today...   I'm done puppy sitting on Tuesday which should make the training life much easier... (Although I'm still not REALLY looking forward to the early morning awakenings to head out for my 8kms.)

 

A few friends and I went for a walk on the beach last night.  It was timed perfectly between the rain showers...  It is really that spot that got me into the jogging bit.  It's worth a wee run, just for the chance to stand there for 5 minutes.   It's a special place and I love it every time...  This hasn't faded in my 6 months in Nelson.

---

The best gets better. See why everyone is raving about the All-new Yahoo! Mail.

Another update

I know, I know... I'm bad at updating the old blog of late...

 

I'm still puppy sitting Sam.  My flatmate gets home soon.  I forgot that dogs are a little more responsibility than cats, but now I remember.

 

Last weekend I went out to the golden sands of Kaiteriteri with some friends, and had a nice beach day, complete with some ice cream.  We also stopped in at a place to watch "goat milking", only it was actually sheep and we weren't there at the right time so missed seeing that as well.

 

This week was really good as I got to see my first 2 friends in New Zealand, as both were in Nelson this week.  It was great to see them both.

 

Nelson weather has been Atypically rainy this week, hampering the 1/2 marathon training bit...  Hopefully it will turn soon as I need to get back to the jogging!!!  Only a month until 1/2 marathon day...

 

---

Make free worldwide PC-to-PC calls. Try the new Yahoo! Canada Messenger with Voice

My New Years

I had planned on having a quiet NYs in Nelson, however at the last moment received an invite to go out to my flatmate's boyfriend's friend's bach (aka cabin/cottage) in the Marlborough Sounds.  It was simply lovely... We were picked up by Phil and his boat and boated out to the Bach around noon on NYs eve.  It was amazing scenery, although I must say the kiwis roads are something else...  As Di drove out to where we parked prior to meeting up to catch the boat, my tummy started acting up a bit. Curve, followed by curve, followed by another curve all the way! :)  Anyhow it was a great bit of time.  A great bach, great people, and great scenery... Great weather too. I actually spent the first day of the NY sleeping under the stars... It's pretty hard to beat that... 

One of the men had a good time scouting out the rocks down by the jetty- he showed me little crabs, pointed out the jelly fishes, and the rock oysters... There were different shells too, than at Tahuna beach...  A fantastic NY, and I'm looking forward to 2007!

__________________________________________________
Do You Yahoo!?
Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around
http://mail.yahoo.com