Waging war on ants, and books, and other...

Okay, so I'm still having an ant problem. I've sprayed all visible previous entrance sites - and they appear to be all clear- no more signs of ants... but I still have ants indoors. They were crawling on my bed and in my bedding. I went to pour a glass of water and there was even an ant in there. Grr. I was getting tired of ants. I've started to try another method- I bought one of those "raid" every 5 minute dispensors and put it in the bathroom. It's done a super find job of dropping those ants in their tracks. Hurray. I have noticed ants crawling up through cracks in the wood floors. I have also noted ants crawling on the ceiling. I think the ants live under and perhaps above the house. Hopefully they'll stay there more as I continue to battle them!!

I read a few books over the Christmas period. The one that really stood out as very interesting was "The Life of Pi"- what a tale and interesting read... it was, as one review indicated, a page turner.

So yes, I've had a Christmas break. I spent a few days in the Marlborough Sounds where the weather was fine, but windy. Little Allie had a great time exploring- but I think she now has her "trouble" hat on.

I arrived home after about 4 days away to find my garden has taken off. The volunteer pumpkin which was a tiny wee plant has probably doubled in size and has a nice sized blossom. Now 2 of my tomato plants have baby tomatoes on them. My petunias or is it pansies have exploded in colour. A rose has opened in the back yard and is looking absolutely lovely. The marigolds are looking rather ill still, and one of the silver beets has died, but all in all- quite impressed so far with the progress!

Christmas songs

Did you ever notice how many Christmas carols are geared towards a cold weather Christmas? It's hard to get in the feeling of the season here in summer. (Not that it's felt like summer - at least for more than a day or two in a row).

Chesnuts roasting on an open fire,
Santa & his sleigh
Jingle bells

The list goes on...

I'm feeling a wee bit homesick this Christmas. But it'll be fun to see whether little Allie likes her Christmas present- which is a new play tunnel/ scratch post. She's now up to 1.85kg & has turned quite hyper at times. She was just tearing through the house moments ago- but now she has mellowed and is sitting in the window watching the world go by. (Which isn't that exciting on my quiet street).

The Italians are coming

It was officially announced this past week for Rugby World cup, Nelson will host the Italian team. They will also play 2 games here- one against the US and one against some yet to be determined European team. The rugby following here has the same intensity as the hockey following back home so it'll be good to be in on the excitement!

I just got back from taking Allie to the vet for a checkup. She got to have another set of shots, lucky girl! She behaved so very well with only a little squirming during the physical exam, and a bit of crying in the car. She's now peacefully napping.

Wow, Christmas time is coming. The plan is to spend the 25th through 28th in the sounds before returning to work on the 29th.

We're getting our first warm weather of the season. It was 25 yesterday, but I think hotter in my old uninsulated house.

I continue to battle the ants. They discovered the cat food yesterday so I had to relocate it, and so far they haven't discovered the new bit yet. I DO NOT enjoy ants...

In other news, I bought a bike off trademe and picked it up this week. I haven't actually ridden a bike much since the days mom and dad bought Shawn and I new bmxs. We must have been 8 or so. Once that was outgrown, I've only been on them a handfull of times: Rental bikes in Ireland, a borrowed bike on a wine tour in blenheim where I totally held up the group, and for a short bike ride around the track in Nelson on my old flatties bike. We'll see how we go- I'd like to get out on it this weekend except that the weather is forecasting buckets of rain.

I decided to finally start playing the stock market game. When I first moved to NZ interest rates were so high that I couldn't pass up fixed interest investments. Them having dropped about 5% or more, I thought it was finally time. I signed up with ASB so I could do self directed trades- on either the ASX or the NSX. My first investment is on the ASX. In the next month or so I'll make another investment after I get around to doing some research.

Less than a week until Christmas. Wishing you all a very good one.

The adventuerer & other things

It was a busy week last week with month end stuff on the go, which means usually some later working evenings.

I had my first "rental property" inspection on Friday. I'm with an agent and they sent a letter about a week in advance saying they'd be here about 10am on friday. I left a note on the door and the counter telling them to be careful not to let Allie out! When I returned home from work at lunch on Friday to feed her I found a calender from them and a note saying the place was looking great. I didn't think it was looking great- probably more just lived in. I wonder what they were expecting. I also asked them to look at the cold water tap- which you have to turn so hard to get it on that I tend to avoid using it. It's equally as hard to turn off. We'll see if they manage to do anything about it.

On Friday night we took little Allie on her first big adventure to the Sounds. She travelled reasonably well in both the car and on the boat and settled in quite comfortably to the bach. She found new places to explore, and new "toys" to play with. All was good. Saturday I took her out for a short stroll on her harness- which she has finally gotten the hang of. I was proud of her as she strolled around exploring- for the first 4 or 5 times she was on it, she didn't budge. Today the trip back did not impress her at all. She did well in the boat again, but got grumpy on the car ride back and cried enough times I felt like a horrible cat owner. Of course, she was fine, just being a little dramatic. Once she got home, the cage door was opened, and she crawled right into the snugglepuss pink bed which is the single most expensive item I've purchased for her. It took her tiredness from travel to discover it, but she looked so cute in it. Hopefully it's a new favourite for her. She's now up from her nap, and is once again looking to get hyper and start tearing through the house.

I went and bought a pack of 12 marigolds today and they're now planted in front of the house in the "weed" bed. I've tore up half of the weeks, and think perhaps that some of them are actually herbs that have gone out of control. One smelled a lot like lemon- I wonder if it was lemon thyme.

Last week I also sprayed about $12 worth of the $16 bottle of ant spray around the outside of the house in the hopes that it would help me gain the upper hand on the nasty ants which have been taking over the place. Initially I had only noticed them in Allie's room- which they now seem to have vacated. But annoyingly they're taking up residence in my room- I find them in my bedding and crawling all over. They're occasionally in the bathroom- but this is usually worst when I leave the windows open. I also put out some bait stations. Hopefully it'll have helped, but I think I may exhaust this bottle of spray this week and need to go purchase more. The one good thing is they hadn't taken control of the kitchen just yet.

Christmas times a coming, and it doesn't feel like it for this Northern hemisphere girl. First off, its no where near as commercial here. Secondly its the middle of summer and there isn't the same sort of light/ decoration phase. Thirdly- the season isn't right for all the Christmas carols. No snow. No sleighbells. No sleigh. That said, I'm not sad to be missing the -30 weather settling in over Saskatchewan right now. We haven't had much summer weather yet but it was warm today- it must have been low to mid 20s.

I'm not planning on taking much off for holidays over the Christmas period. One day perhaps, as my new second kitten is due to arrive just before the new year. This kitten already knows Allie- and I hope they'll get along well.

The mighty hunter

This is what little Allie thinks she is. She likes to chase various things. She's really turned more energetic in the past week. Tearing through the house, she is...jumping on things, knocking things off the coffee table, repeatedly knocking the lamp off the night table in the bedroom. Oh- and hunting and chasing things. She is a mighty hunter as she does a cute little half waddle/ stalk after one of her toys with bells. I think the mouse would have escaped, in real life. She's had a number of visitors now- which I think- makes her happy. She's a people cat. She's also starting to venture close to the door where she usually meets me when I get home. She started to walk out today so I put on her harness and took her out. Then she didn't feel like venturing far. Just outside the doorway seemed enough.

It's been a week of rain, rain, rain. (or at least showers). If memory serves, it rained Monday and Tuesday and Wednesday and Thursday and Friday. And today. Good thing I got a chance to cut the grass yesterday. I've had enough of rain... My exercise regime it taking a hit. I'm not motivated when I wake up at 6am and hear the rain.

Speaking of 6am- it's hard to sleep past this these days. Little Allie has figured out this is the time I wake up on a work day and she doesn't differentiate between weekday and weekend. She just knows that I'm not out of bed- and tries to encourage me. This is easier for her to do these days as she's now grown and is strong enough to leap onto the bed herself. She's a good jumper now so she has the freedom to come and go as she pleases.

I really confused her yesterday. I tried putting her moist food into a different bowl than her hard food at supper time. I showed her, or so I thought. It got around to my bed time and I heard crying coming from the kitchen. The poor girl thought I had forgotten to feed her. I showed her again the other bowl with food and this time she found it, ate hungrily, and was ready for bed.

I've been chatting with a few folk about the rental market in Nelson. It's so hard to find a quality place at an affordable rate. I was reading that insulation wasn't required before 1978. And even then, lots of houses are built without wall insulation. Crazy... What houses are about on the rental market are often not very warm. I moved into a house with a heat pump but with lots of windows and no insulation at all... Hot hot on a warm day, and it'll be cold cold in winter... Not that we've had many hot days at all. Maybe one or two days of spring like weather in recent memory. But the days are very nice and long. Hopefully the weather gets it together over Christmas anyway.

In other house news, I have an ant problem. They seem to have abandoned bedroom #2- Allie's room. She may scare them off as she tears after them and jumps on them. But they have discovered my bedroom and this doesn't make me happy. I washed my sheets and there is dead ant residue on them. Yuck. I went and bought ant bait traps this weekend. Also ant spray- I need to go treat the outdoors once the rain is over and the grass dries.

Now note- I sort of feel a bit guilty about buying this ant bait as I've just finished reading Janet Frame's "Moana Minim and the Smell of the Sun". It's a book about an ant on her first journey out. Poor little ants... Nevertheless, I wouldn't bother them if they didn't come inside.

Wowzers, Nelson town is starting to get the holiday rush... I got a parking ticket on Sat am when I headed into the markets. $12 is the going rate. I'm glad I'm done my Christmas shopping now.

Back to work tomorrow. I don't feel I have had a break anyway- since I was there a bit on Saturday and today. At least that's an anomoly, not like back in my early CA training days.

Another week.

And it's month end again. My it seems to come around far too fast.

I've now had little Allie for a week and a half. She's such a cute little girl. She is usually doing 1 of 4 things: Sleeping, playing, cuddling, or eating. She tears through the house when she's in hyper mode. Everything is a toy! But she's equally as fun when she's in snuggle mode- then she is very keen to be held or petted. She has generally stopped waking me up in the middle of the night for a snuggle now, which is nice.

I'm almost fully furnished in my wee house now. Just waiting on a head board to be delivered so that it can be put up between the bed and the window. The current hazard is always hitting the blinds when I turn over.

It's been a couple of rainy days after what was the most stunning Sunday. I've been back again jogging for 2 weeks- but not for the last 2 days. Hoping it finds up so I can keep it up!

Is it funny to say I'm sad that poor kitten has only had one specific visitor to visit her since I've got her? She was to have two visitors the weekend I got her, but neither ended up making it and I was sad. She loves people, so I sort of wish more people who were planning on visiting would make it around to keep her entertained and happy.

We took her outside on the harness on the weekend and she wasn't very impressed. Big world, bright lights. She cowered. I'm hoping she'll learn "I can only go outside on my harness". She isn't overly keen at the moment, although she stands at the glass door and looks out when I leave or come home.

A weekend at home

Friday I had taken the day off work. I had such a productive day doing all sorts of errands and tasks: 1) taking shoes to the cobbler 2) taking the dry cleaning 3) taking clothing for alterations 4) taking old clothing to the sallies 5) some Christmas shopping 6) cutting the lawn, etc. I felt so productive. Little girl arrived on a 4:50pm flight from Auckland. I eagerly waited for the time to arrive and picked her up at the cargo spot. I walked her to my car and started the drive home. She meowed a bit during the short ride from the airport. She was already lonely. Upon arriving home she explored her room- bedroom #2 of my house- very carefully. I showed her some food and water and her litter box and toys. Then I picked her up because she was yawning. She decided to have a nap on my lap- so I couldn't move for a while. When she woked up she did a bit more playing around and then it was bed time. She slept most of the night, although she did wake me up a couple of times for some attention. Sometimes the anticipation is more exciting than the real event, but not in this case. We had the weekend to settle in and she is now quite comfortable roaming through the house. It took her a day and me much worry but she started eating. She sleeps and rests quite a lot but when she's not sleeping she is tearing about playing. She really likes her mouse toys- she has managed to lose all the little ones. In typical cat fashion she also likes things that aren't so pricy as toys- a container of my lip balm, my exercise ball, my yoga mat. Poor girl is now spending her days alone- with a visit at lunch time- due to work. I feel so guilty leaving the little attention seeker alone (despite the fact I know she sleeps away a good part of the day). This is why kitten #2 will be arriving in less than a month so they can keep each other company.

It was difficult to name the wee girl. Her name is Lilac Lady of Grace, and the breeder had called her Chelsey, but I settled for something different- Allie. Not after any Allie in particular- it just seemed to suit her.

Counting down...

Kitten #1 arrives from Auckland on Friday- I'm very much looking forward to it. When I was 17 I decided against vet school but said I would instead be a pet owner. Excepting my office fighting fish that I had for nearly a year- I've taken 13 years to get to my pet ownership goal. My little lilac girl will be flying down from Auckland. A few weeks later I'll go and pick up my little blue girl. Stay tuned for photos...

Mid November

Another week has come and gone. My it was a busy one at work with month end. It's been about 3 years for me working in corporate accounting in industry as opposed to external audit- and I'm still not sure what I think about the cycle of reporting month after month after month. But I certainly don't miss the hours and travel that came with auditing.

I've started running again this week, thinking of possibly gearing up for the Buller half. I haven't done a half marathon since my first one during my first year in NZ back in 2007. At that time I didn't think I'd ever do one again, but I think it might be a good goal to gear up for to stay motivated.

I'm settling into my new home. The rental market in Nelson is rather tough- first there is a lack of reasonably priced rental properties on the market- and secondly they go very quickly when they do appear. I do miss living in my beautiful waterfront apartment which was so wonderfully double glazed and warm- but I'm also very glad I took my new cute wee house, as I've kept an eye out since I moved here and have seen nothing else what would have worked. THis place should be a good home for my new wee kittens- and that was reason enough to move. (And of course, its cheaper than life on the waterfront too!)

The countdown is on...

I've put my deposits down on 2 kittens. Girl #1 is a beautiful lilac girl- she is coming from a breeder in Auckland around the end of the month. Girl #2 is a cute little blue girl- she is coming from a local breeder in the sounds- she's ready to come home on 19th December. So yes- it's been a long time since I looked forward to Christmas as much as I do these Christmas kittens.

In other news, my bed arrived last week so I've been getting decent sleeps! How very exciting. I also found some bedside cabinets on trademe on the weekend and was delighted to see a buy now price- I got them & picked them up- meaning my unpacking is largely complete. Yay.

I also found a workaround to my terrible water pressure. I can't remember if I talked about the trickle of water that comes out of my shower. I was having a real issue getting shampoo out of my hair. Normally I would put my head under the tap- however the bath has those annoying double taps and the hot and cold are too far apart to use that method- I'd either freeze or burn. I recently shelled out about $9 on a bucket- which I now fill from the taps and dump over myself- reminiscent to sauna days. This is so much more effective- and a bit of an arm workout every day that what the bath came with.

I tried cutting my grass with my electric lawnmower for the first time on the weekend. I need to hone my technique- seriously - I kept trying to flip the heavy extension cord to avoid cutting it- and then would let off the safety switch and it would die- again and again. Also- the catcher is rather small- and my lease indicates I have to pick up clippings. I had to empty it about 6 times on my wee lawn. Hopefully next time will be easier...I need to work on technique. :)

I am largely settled into the new flat. I've got an ant problem- only I didn't recognize them as ants. They look different and smaller than the black ants I know of. I must go on the hunt for ant bait. I have no idea what it will look like.

So for the first time since I've been in NZ I actually had trick or treaters. This is not a very celebrated holiday in NZ- at all. I got 5 kids- which almost exhausted the one bag of candy I had bought. However- the strange event celebrated shortly after Halloween down here is Guy Fawkes day- which basically involves setting off a bunch of fireworks. This fellow apparently wanted to blow up the Parliament buildings- so I thought it was strange to be celebrating him. But according to this website: http://www.nzine.co.nz/features/guyfawkes.html?PTPFrom=%2Findex.html what is actually being celebrated is the safety of the king. I'm not sure why Guy gets all the attention then- it should be Kings Day or something, instead.

I bought mandarins today after reading something on someone's facebook about Christmas oranges. I really miss the Canadian boxes of oranges at Christmas. It doesn't feel like that time of year approaching really- in the middle of summer. I'm glad I'm not running up to -30 weather and tax/ busy season these days at this time of year. Instead- bring on summer!

A week in..

So I've been a week + in my new house. I'm still sleeping on the couch, although the furniture place tell me the new bed will be delivered tomorrow. It had better be- I think my back will be happy to try the new one. Hopefully tomorrow- fingers crossed...

It was Halloween yesterday- which isn't nearly as big of a holiday here as it is back home. For the first time in NZ, I've actually had trick or treaters- 5 came to my new house. I'm in a bit of a family area. I had only bought one packet of candy as I didn't expect I'd need it- but thankfully it lasted through the 5.

I went for a big run this am. It seemed very big since I've taken a several week break- and really almost a 6 week break since serious jogging. I'm tired now and I'm sure I'll feel it tomorrow- but it felt pretty good out there running along the beach (I'm glad my new house is still close to lovely Tahuna beach).

I'm dangerously close to selecting another kitten. I've been looking and looking and looking and emailing breeder after breeder after breeder. I didn't really want to get 2 from the same local breeder as I was looking for more colour diversity. I may have found the lilac girl I was looking for, stay tuned.

Today I visited my former flattie Jill and her new beautiful 11 week old burmese kitten- "William"- a new brother for Milo & George. He's very, very bold and outgoing- typical to other burmese babies that I've seen. I'm glad Milo was also happy to see me. I've missed the boys- it's been almost a year since I lived with them.

In other news - I bought a couple of tomato plants and herbs to plant at the new place. We'll see if they take off. Last time I tried tomatos was living in the wind at Tua Marina. They didn't grow great.

Moving...

Remind me not to do so again, anytime soon. Ugg, what as process- and this is even before I've got heaps of furniture to move. Next time will be fun! Or not...

Anyway, I'm into my new place having slept here one night so far- on the couch. I'm still awaiting the new bed.

Furniture wise, I've got a kitchen table (trademe), a coffee table (Grahams trading), various cheap $15 each book shelf cubes or 3s, and a few shelves (Mitre 10 and Grahams). Still in much demand: bedside tables. Perhaps also a dresser.

I need to go hunting for a big long cord for my electric lawnmower so I can cut the grass- which 1 week into the tenancy is already too long.

I'm about 70% unpacked at this stage. Some critical things like the cell phone charger are still missing... And if my clothes look yucky- I don't know where the iron is- and I don't have an ironing board.

Almost into month end again- it's been rather busy at work and here the fun almost begins again.

In cat news, I went to visit my kitten this weekend. I am not decided at this point behind a slightly older blue girl ready before Christmas, and a beautiful spunky younger little girl not ready until the NY. Stay tuned.... Still no final call on kitten #2.

That's a wee update. Better get back to unpacking...

On the look...

I need furnishings. I did find a bit of success on the weekend. I ordered a Sleepyhead bed which should be delivered to the new home in about 2 weeks- I can't wait. It felt so comfy in the bed shop, will it be so in real life? I've also purchased a wee glass table with 4 chairs on trademe. New so far I've found a toaster, a small cutlery set, and a vaccum. I also have a couch & love seat which I was given... Lots of other things to aquire... Moving day is Saturday- the forecast is not good for Wednesday through Friday.

I've also been packing- not fun at all... You wouldn't think I have THAT much stuff, but I surprise myself. I arrived with 1 backpack just about 3 1/4 years ago. I have so much more than that now.

I'm also 99% convinced I need 2 kittens- not one so the first one doesn't get lonely. I'm really keen to see pics of the litter and find out which kitten will be mine. I'm also on the hunt for kitten number 2. Birman or ragdoll, that is the question... It would be great to get #2 about the same time as #1- which should be in December.

This & That

Stephen Harper made the cover of the Nelson Mail for his musical performance. I was very impressed to see the Nelson Mail pick it up- even though it was only a small box on the front page. Read more about his performance here http://www.charlesadler.com/2009/10/-the-ballad-of-stephen-ringo-harper.html

Back in Canada hockey season has started, and so far I'm liking what I'm reading about my Edmonton Oilers... Yes I still subscribe to an internet feed that sends me daily links of articles where they are mentioned. Not quite the same as watching the game but at least it helps me feel like I'm in touch.

Work has been busy, busy this week with month end. I like being busy much more than being not busy- but wouldn't it be nice to be just the right amount of busy instead of too busy?

Check out my future kitten: http://www.kenepurrfect.co.nz/Ragdoll%20Kittens%20For%20Sale.htm Of course I don't know which is mine- they are only babies- but looking forward to meeting her. :) I've found a few deals on kitten stuff on trade me, so have picked it up- even though kitten won't arrive for a few more months.

I start moving next weekend. This weekend I need to start finding furnishings for the new house. Next weekend will involve moving and hopefully more finding furnishings. Then comes the fun with changing addresses and cleaning the apartment. I need to not move so often, I've decided...

News...

Well, it's bucketing cats and dogs in Nelson. But only since Monday- so I suppose I shouldn't complain. I'm definitely not built for a rainy climate though- this much is clear...

And on to the news- I am on the move! I've given notice at my wonderful waterfront apartment and will be moving to a much older & no sea view pet friendly flat in Tahuna. And yes- a few months down the road- a pet will be joining me. I've ordered a cat from a breeder. Looking forward to living with a cat again. :) This also means shopping, shopping and more shopping as I've been residing in a furnished place to date.

In kiwi news...

NZ PM John Key was "forced to go cap in hand to the residence of the Australian ambassador to the UN for a wash this morning after water to his hotel was cut off. Autralian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd got more than he bargained for when he woke to find a queue of unwashed kiwis waiting to use his bathroom." This important news was reported in Today's Nelson Mail (referencing AAP.)

Also in the news, the long running programs in NZ, Days of Our Lives and the Young and The Restless will no longer be screened by TNV from the end of the month. They've been televised here for nearly 30 years... (My old soap, All My Children has not been televised here. Despite years of watching, I don't really miss it...) But I wish they would bring the Bachelorette and Biggest Loser back to NZ TV!

It's been a while...

I learned something new today- New Zealand isn't part of the 7 continents. It's part of the region known as Australasia/ Oceania though. Strange... You'd think every piece of land would be part of one continent or the other. Apparently not, at least according to a few web resources.

It was a lovely day today- one of those days you're thankful to live in the sunny Nelson region. I went for a short run to the beach. I still want to gear up for a half marathon later in the year- although my training schedule hasn't been going stellar. I had a great 90 minute jog last Sunday, was out of town most of last week, and hence didn't get back out until today.

I'm thinking very strongly of moving. Since my flattie moved out my current accomodation is rather expensive. And I'm thinking very strongly of getting a ragdoll kitten- which means a move from my current "no pets" accomodation. This might actually need to be 2 ragdoll kittens since they apparently need a high amount of company. The reason I'm into this breed is that they make ideal indoor pets. In Nelson its very common for houses to have catdoors and cats to run wild and jump over the fence into the neighbours garden, but these cats make better indoor pets. They're also supposed to be affectionate, docile, and placid- and not too high maintenance grooming wise given their longer coat. Read a bit about the breed here: http://fanciers.com/breed-faqs/ragdoll-faq.html

On the flat hunt front, not much luck. I'm keeping an eye out for places that allow pets, in a decent price range, and with a heat pump. I'm not seeing much... Wish me luck, and stay tuned on my kitten & accomodation status...

Bits of this and that

I went to a cat show in Wellington on the weekend. There were plenty of certain breeds, and few of others. I really admired the ruddy Abyssinian. Overall, I also liked the birmans and the ragdolls.

I found Doritos in NZ. Someone is trying to sell 1 bag for at least $20 on trademe- see the auction here http://www.trademe.co.nz/Home-living/Lifestyle/Food/Other/auction-240166320.htm

Top Cat Model.

I've just voted for my former flatmate- flatcat, or whatever you'd like to call him.
The SPCA and Lonely Miaow are having a NZ Next Top Cat Model Contest . Contests across NZ entered hundreds of cats. My former flatcat was chosen as one of the 10 finalists- how exciting.
So please - kiwi residents- visit the website- and vote for the George. :)

I just went for another run today- that is 3 runs in 3 days. Yikes. Or should I say- ouch. Slowly phasing in- under 5 kms- and its still not easy. I'm keen to enter another half marathon in a few months. Which one should I enter- any good ideas out there?

Random things...

Another weekend has come and gone. Yesterday I farewell-ed my flatmate of the past few months- the lovely Erica. She has returned to the US for a 5 week holiday- and when she returns it will not be to sunny Nelson but to a new position in Auckland. I'm going to enjoy the solitary living for a wee while- but then I must decide about whether I can justify the cost of continuing to live here alone, or whether to look for another flatmate, or whether to move somewhere else cheaper. I'm not at all sure what I'll decide-but nor am I an a real hurry to decide- so stay tuned on that decision.

When I was in Canada I brought back a few of my favourite travel purchases- a small watercolour postcard from Venice and a pretty one from St Paul in France. The glass and frame for Venice survived, but not for St Paul. After carefully measuring the thing to see what size of frame I needed to buy- and concluding I wouldn't find one with a matting that would fit, I decided I had best go with an 8 X 10 and the white matting I'd used in the last frame. I went to the Warehouse and picked up a cheap frame that advertised to be 8 X 10. When I tried to slip in my photo- it didn't fit. A measuring revealed both the external and internal dimensions to be smaller than 8 X 10. And not a recognizable size either- no 5 X 7- but some obscure dimension. I'll have to storm back with my receipt and tape measure sometime soon and get a refund to look for something that will fit.

I tried another run this morning narrowly beating the storm. I have real problems with my 2nd toenails- even in 5 kms, they get pretty sore. When I did the half marathon back in 2007 they fell off. Last year when I did my 10kms they got really thick and yucky. Today I ran with blister plasters on 2 nasty blisters I obtained when walking to work in new shoes on Friday without any pain. I wonder if these wonderful blister plasters would help alleviate my second toe problems that come from running.

Ooh- and some interesting news that I can't believe I missed. (I'm sure it was announced when I was in Canada). From November you will not be able to talk on a cell phone (unless hands free, I believe) or text when driving.

Monday tomorrow. Boy the weekends seem to whirl by much more quickly than the equivalent amount of weekday.

A carrot diet...

I returned from Canada about 10 lbs heavier than when I left. Yikes. This week I started an attempt to eat slightly healthier, snack less, exercise more, etc. Certain days have gone well- and certain days (like today- with a morning tea attended) have gone worse! I went for only one run this week and walked to work one day. Next week I'm into month end again- always a busy time at work and with extended hours I've found it difficult to make time for other things, but I'll need to make an effort!

I notice I mis-labelled one of my photos from last post (the danger of only looking at the thumbnail size photo when posting it). It is not Peyto Lake, its actually the view of Lake Louise from the Big Beehive- that gives you a sense of how far uphill the walk was...

I am so thankful to have had the Canada trip. Not only because I was so desparately in need of a break from work. I had an ongoing cold that lingered for about 3 months- but it disappeared my first week in Canada. It was also nice to get some 30s plus weather, spend time in the mountains (such a special place), and of course have time with family and friends.

I'm feeling slightly strange upon returning to NZ. After my family visited several months ago I felt strangely lonely- the most lonely I have felt- pretty much in my time in NZ. I feel a same sort of that sense yet again. I'm here, I live here- but I'm not grounded here. And that feels a little bit strange. It's hard to explain what I mean... I feel a bit torn between two places- a little of each, but fully none of either.

I went to the optometrist last week to finally replace my quickly declining spectacles. I brought some home from Matthews to think about but nothing jumped out at me at all - and when you're spending that sort of $, you want to like them! Eventually I tried another place, and found the pair I wanted at OPSM. It's been about a week and a half since I ordered them (cost at a 25% discount- $628)- can't wait for them to arrive! The perscription is different than my current one- and the coating on the current one is coming off so bad that they look permanently dirty. Hopefully- I'll be wearing the new ones soon.

I've now been a permanent resident in NZ for more than 2 years. This allowed me to apply for my indefinite returning residents visa- which would allow me to come and go as I please without any requirements to stay here for certain amounts of time each year. It'll be good to finally get that process completed. This visa application fee was $140. One of the cheaper parts of the process.

A strong majority vote that smacking should not be an offense

87.6% of NZ respondents voted no to the question "Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a criminal offense in New Zealand"in a recent citizen initiated referendum. Although the results are non binding, the government has indicated that although they don't intend to change the law, they are looking into an appropriate response to factor in people's opinions.

A few photos...

Peyto Lake, Horseshoe Lake, Takkakaw Falls

I'm back...

And my holiday was fab. I've already worked a whole week after getting back.

I felt like I had a few lucky moments on the trip:
1- We drove my brothers car from Saskatoon to Regina, then back to Mom and Dads, and then all the way to and through the Mountains. When we arrived at Vernon, it stalled once- but started up again and took us to Kelowna and drove us around there. When we went to go on a day trip- it stalled again- and didn't want to start- but we were only about 2 blocks from Canadian Tire at that time. If there was a good time for a car to break down- that would be it.
2- We wanted to do the Consolidation Lakes hike. We arrived and saw a sign that it was mandatory to hike in groups of 4 due to high grizzly activity. Moments later a really nice couple from Rochester, NY arrived looking for a pair to hike with. Good timing, and great nice people.
3- The 5 day forecast when we left for our camping trip was rain, rain, rain, rain, rain. All in all, it rained cats and dogs the first night but our tent didn't leak. We tended to get mostly only showers for the first few days- and it was usually a case of get in the car the showers started- get out they stopped. And then the sun came out! How stunning the mountains are in the sun when you can actually see them.

A brief overview of the camping trip- we stayed the first night at my brother's new home in Lloydmister, and then journeyed to Edmonton for half a day of shopping before proceeding past Hinton and into the park to pitch our tent before the rain & darkness hit. The next day we did a big walk up the Bald Hills which offered a great view of Maligne Lake. A deer and a bear were spotted on the drive. We stayed that night at Whistlers camp group near Jasper. We then did the Edith Cavell short walk, spotting a hoary marmot- and then we journeyed on to Athabasca falls and then my FAVOURITE spot in the mountains- Horseshoe Lake. That night we stayed at Waterfall Campground (my favourite that I've stayed at in the Rockies). The next day started in cloud- we visitied Peyto Lake but couldn't see the lake so instead we went to Bow Lake and did the walk up to the waterfall- by which time the cloud had lifted and we could return to Peyto and see the Lake. We also went to Stanley Falls before arriving at Lake Louise where we checked out the shopping. We also did the Consolation Lakes & Moraine Lake walks. We then proceeded to the Lake Louise tent site where we waited in line for an hour and were lucky enough to get the 2nd last tent site for the night. The next morning we did the strenuous Lake Agnes teahouse & then Big Beehive walk. What a view!! We then drove to Banff and checked out the town- and ate some tony romas for dinner. Yummy baked potato soup. Saturday we did a few easy walks around Banff- Tunnel Mountain & Stoney Squaw Lookout (although we got off the trail and took the more difficult one before backtracking!) Sunday we started our drive to BC after a short stop at another Banff waterfall. We then stopping at Yoho to see the cool ingenous train system (spiral tunnels) in the Kicking Horse pass. And we also stopped at the very magnificant Takkakaw Falls as well as Emerald Lake. We found some poutine to eat in Vernon and finally arrived at my sister in laws parents in Kelowna Sunday evening.

It was a good few days in Kelowna. We floated the channel in Penticton, I went for a horseback ride on my sis in laws horse, checked out the tressles, did one last shop, hung out with the family- and ate way too much!! Plus we played a lot Rockstar on xbox. I had fun on the drums, although a little tricky.

Friday my bro & sis in law dropped us at the airport in Vancouver for our big flight home- and we arrived back here on Sunday morning.

More photos of the trip to come...

A Canada update

Departing from Nelson on an Air New Zealand flight via Auckland, we arrived in Vancouver mid afternoon on Sunday the 16th of July. My first task after clearing customs was strolling through and finding an A&W to order poutine. Ah, poutine. How I'd missed it. Then we located a shuttle to the other terminal, near where the float planes depart and strolled over to catch our float plane flight to Nainaimo- this was my first visit to the Island. We spent most of the next day wandering the waterfront and took a ferry to a small island to go on a nature walk. There we spotted a black tail deer in the bushes. The next day we took the bus to Victoria on a day trip. We spent hours in the museum- especially admiring the exhibit from the British Museum with lots of old stuff from various regions- including a mummy. We also wandered around to the Fishermans Wharf, and a bit through town. Victoria was beautiful... The next day we caught the ferry over to Vancouver, found the very cheap hostel that I'd booked, and then caught a bus to Stanley Park to visit the Aquarium. I'd always wanted to visit, thanks to the great old TV show, Danger Bay. It was interesting- perhaps not as great as I'd expected from my Danger Bay memories, but worth a visit nevertheless. Then our next stop was the Capilano suspension bridge and the treetop walk. I'd pass on that next time- it was overpriced. Then we took a bus to the seabus and headed back to town to find some supper- ending up at an italian/ greek place. Ah, I love greek!!! The hostel was HOT, HOT, HOT!!! I recommended them leaving fans in the rooms. Boy was it ever hot...

Up the next day we found a place serving perogies (I can't recall if it was hungarian or polish), and had that for breakfast. Man I never realized how many food places there are in Vancouver. I wonder how they all manage to survive. It was then time to catch the bus to the airport for our flight to Saskatoon where we visited with one of my old university friends. We then departed early the next morning for a flying visit through Regina, catching up with as many friends as we could squeeze into in such a short visit. It was great to see them all. Then back to Saskatoon on Sunday and home to mom and dads. Here it has been a quieter paced week visiting and catching up with family, going through heaps of my stuff, etc. We've seen a bit of wildlife including several deer, rabbits, gophers (of course), a bunny, and a squirrel. We spent several nights at the cabin. I went for a swim today- brrr the water was cold.

Tomorrow or Monday we'll start our journey by car back west. The agenda includes West Edmonton mall, and the Rockies and Kelowna before flying back to NZ on 14th of August.

This holiday is going WAY too fast...

A few more from the balcony shots... 3 different nights

The big earthquake

There was a 7.8 magnitude earthquake at 9.22pm last night. I don't remember feeling it- but I was in bed early last night and something woke me up. I wonder if that was what it was. Others in Nelson felt it. My flatmate was at orchestra rehearsal where it interrupted their music- she looked up and could see the lights swaying overhead. There have been 4 aftershocks so far, I have not felt any of them from Nelson. This is one of NZ's biggest earthquakes in recorded history but damage has been surprisingly light so far compared to similar sized quakes. It hit Fiordland which isn't a populated area- and apparently also had a favourable motion compared to other types of quakes. Read more about it here: http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/2598128/Southland-hit-by-repeated-earthquakes

In other news I leave for Canada in 3 days!! Yay. Only one work day to go- and I'm counting down.

The countdown is on...

I leave for Canada in one week for almost four weeks- and I can't wait!!! My agenda includes some time in BC, some time in the Rockies, and some time in Sask. And I can't wait!!

I was just reading how my friend Heather felt when she got back to Canada having finished her stint of time working over here. I wonder how I will feel when I return on holiday. I am certain driving on the other side of the road again is going to be interesting- but at least the roads are wide enough that it should be somewhat easier than here in NZ. I'm so looking forward to family, Canadian food (perogies & poutine included), leaving winter and short days for summer and longer days, country music, shopping, and the like.

I fear I may be catching a slight cold again. Grr. I've been over it for a while but others around me have had one, and I feel a slight tickle in my throat. I really hope it doesn't develop. Flying with a cold and hence sore ears is never easy.

Oh say- in other news- the person I was covering maternity leave for has returned. I've finally signed my permanent contract. Time will tell what life at work looks like sometime after I return from holiday- and the new accounting team starts to sit together etc.

Sad news from home

It was with surprise and sorrow that I read of the passing of Dave Batters. I had the opportunity to volunteer with Dave door knocking when he ran for Parliament several years ago. In that short time, I came to admire him as a man who was a joy to work with. I wanted to pay tribute via this blog to him- the words expressed by others in this article say it better than I could have.

http://www.leaderpost.com/Health/Prime+Minister+Stephen+Harper+Regina+Dave+Batters+funeral/1763386/story.html

Canada Day thoughts...

I attended a Canada day event last night with a bunch of other Canadian friends and other friends. It was a good night for us all to be patriotic and wear our white and red. We listened to Canadian music, and there was brief discussion on what it means to be Canadian. My short answer: Being proud to be Canadian- but not generally shouting it.

I've been reading through a book on 100 Canadian destinations in light of Canada Day- those that I have visited so far include:
# 15- Land of Living Skies- SK
# 17- Lake Louise, AB
# 24- West Edmonton Mall
# 53- Moraine Lake AB
# 69 - Icefields Parkway AB
# 74- Stanley PArk BC
# 77 Niagra Falls and Wine Country On
# 89- Waterton Park AB

The top new ones that I want to go to are:
#6- The Badlands AB
# 13- Lunenburg NS
# 30 PEI National Park
#42 Peggys Cove NS
# 44- Canada Day in Ottawa
#50 Great Sand Hills SK
# 55 (My # 1 choice of places I want to visit) - Old Quebec City- Quebec
# 56 Louisbourg Nova Scotia
# 60 Skating on the Rideau- Ottawa
# 69 Rocky Mountaineer Train Trip (AB BC)

A wee update...

I got a letter in the mail today and it was addressed to "Kelly K. CA". It was from the NZ Cas. I'd completed the study requirements to be a reciprocal member, and now I am. Yay.

I'm also dangerously close to having a contract signed with work for permanent employment.

The days are getting longer, but definitely not noticeably so. I'm finding it a challenge to get outside in the dark for exercise. Soon- soon the sun will be back a bit earlier and later in the day.

Happy Canada day tomorrow- all you Canadians!

Of ice and hoar frost...

It's been cold here by Nelson standards. We're talking the coldest in 20 years, according to today's paper. There have been 8 and 9 degree frosts over the past few nights. Overnight air temp lows are forecast at about -1 for the next few nights and it even dipped to -2 recently. I'm still toasty warm in my nice apartment. At work, however, it is freezing unless we keep the heat pump on the go. I did manage to find some winter sweaters on sale on the weekend so I don't have to go to work and sit in my puffer jacket all day long.

I went for a walk on the weekend up the Aniseed Valley (near Nelson) and it was absolutely delightful. Hoar frost, big icicles on the creek, and frozen over mud puddles. It reminded me of spring in Saskatchewan when we'd jump on the ice and fall through- and then eventually get into the garden in rubber boots with hefty amounts of mud. Ah it was so very nice to walk in the "white" of the frosts. I so should have brought my camera. I'll have to try again another time and share some photo evidence of how very lovely it is to have a bit of frost without all the snow!!

There have been amazing sunsets in the last week or two. I'll try and post some photos next time I do a download. They've been SO stunning. It's hard to beat a beautiful sunset, but a beautiful sunset over water does it.

A new experience

I've had my first insurance claim in New Zealand. I went to drive my car Monday morning and noted a large crack down the windshield (or windscreen as they are known here). Most likely a stone chip caused crack- caused by changing weather conditions. I called my insurance company Monday night, their repair-er contacted me yesterday- and I dropped and picked up my car today- and I have a shiny new front window. A + for the ease of the insurance claims process.

There is going to be a referendum in New Zealand about smacking. The question is a loaded one (Should a smack as part of good parental correction be a crime in NZ- or something like that). - It is citizen initiated, but non binding, in response to public disapproval over the new anti smacking law introduced last year. The news just indicated it will cost $9M. And in response to the referendum there is now going to be a private members bill wanting to limit citizen initiated referendums.

Another new thing for me this week- I've just bought my first ever Big Wednesday ticket- I had to take a chance for the $25M possibility. Hopefully I'll be lucky. :) Ha.

Car history...

My flattie discovered this really cool car website in NZ. Here- read up on my car:
http://www.carjam.co.nz/car/?plate=DSG91&search=Check

All you need to do is enter the number plate.

I can see when my warrant expires, and how many kms between warrants.

Very cool... I don't think anything like this exists in Sask.

An email forward...

Mom sent me this link. Read on: http://www.bellsouthpwp.net/c/o/couchmt/cardofweek/today.html

A pretty good message- it's easy to get stuck in the detail and forget to step back and remember the big picture. Carpe diem.

Brr.

It was -1 overnight. I parked outside last night as my flattie and I have to play musical cars in the parking lot otherwise. I was able to use my lovely window scraper from Canada for the first time this year. Sunny Nelson winter beats the heaps of snow and -40 of Saskatchewan, but I'm still a little chilly sitting in my normally warm apartment. I'll definitely put on the electric blanket tonight.

I spoke with my parents on the weekend and learned they have got a new cat- she who was a stray. I continue to miss Milo & George, the cats of my last flattie. I'm sure George is continuing to be a naughty character for Jill. :)

I worked "normal" hours today- I left at 5. Hurray. I hope the rest of the week will be similarly under control. Time will tell.

Bits of this and that

I'm tired of working. Ugg. Annual plan combined with month end = no fun.

I haven't been doing much of late, my cold hangs on- coming and going. Hopefully after month end finishes this coming week I'll be down to a more normal work week and I can recover.

I went to the Founders Book sale today and bought heaps of mags and books for $13. It reminded me of the Regina Public Library dispersal at the curling club when I lived at Gladmer Park in Regina where you bought by the pound. Here most books were either 50 c or $1! Such a deal for an expensive book country.

I've been exasperating myself working on a puzzle of the Canadian parliament buildings. Surprisingly it wasn't a hot seller in NZ and I found it for a bargain $5 at the grocery store. Finally all that's left is the sky- but its a big sky. ...

If you're on twitter- my name is KellyaCanadian. No exciting posts from me so far so far. :) But I love keeping current on some political happenings/ current events by being a follower.

Time is relative...

I know this is true. My cold has taught me!! Time passes so slowly when your nose is runny and your head feels not normal. Can't wait for it to pass but it's taking its time. Last weekend it came on and I felt miserable all weekend- I slept through most of it. I felt bad enough to take part of Monday and Tuesday off. By Wednesday I was feeling like it was beginning to turn the corner, and Thursday through Saturday were not too bad. But it came back on Sunday, and yesterday I also felt crummy, but not as crummy as today! Work day 1 and with annual plan due is not a great time for an accountant to feel sick. I worked a 10 1/2 hour day but it felt much, much longer. Ugg. Tomorrow doesn't look any more promising.

In other news, last Monday or Tuesday was it I got told I would have a position after the restructure at work. The contract and paperwork are not yet done. I thought I'd delay posting until it was official, but who knows when that will be.

I spent the long weekend (and the last long weekend until late October- yikes!) with a group of friends at Ligar Bay (Golden Bay). We rented a bach there. We did the group team cooking thing- which meant a pair of us would cook for the other 6 and we took turns with meals. This means we ate very fine! Yum. We went for a nice walk on Sunday up a hill towards the Abel Tasman. We went back to that cool Wh. (can't spell it) beach near Collingwood for a short visit on Monday. It was amazingly calm- the polar opposite of our last visit. I love it there... Plus I'm sure I improved my "taboo" skills. Certainly not my pictionary ones though. And Jenga- I'd never played that before- I'm even worse at that than at pictionary.

Can't wait for this cold to pass...

In other cold news, I read in the paper tonight (Ooh yes, I finally subscribed to the Nelson Mail last week- I've wanted to for ages, but waited until I knew I had a job to do so. I got a 40% discount coupon in my quarter marathon race pack- so it seemed like a great deal.) that May was a very cold month for Nelson. It was -3 degrees the other night. The average temp for May was only 8.6 c, a full 1.9 c below average! I've been toasty warm in my flat though. Yay. And I must say even though I am in a warm flat, when I was feeling yucky and achy at bed time last night, having the electric blanket on sure made me feel better.

Hopefully by next post I'll be feeling more fine... Stay tuned.

D day

Tomorrow is the day. I find out if I have work at my current place of employment, or not, or for how long.

I've managed to catch myself a nasty cold. Much of last night was spent sneezing. I purchased some night and day cold medication. Hopefully tonight will go smoother.

It's gotten colder of late. There is snow on the hills around Nelson. Very pretty. I've put my warm duvet cover on and turned the electric blanket on the other night. But still comparatively warm in the apartment. The heat pump has yet to be turned on. Ah. :)

Cleaning the closet...

Okay, so I've been wearing the same pair of every day work shoes that I brought from Canada 3 years ago, alternating with a cheap $70 pair that I bought about a year ago. Neither is in stellar condition. I've been looking for ages... I've got heaps of cheap Number 1 shoes that don't last or aren't comfy, but I've been loath to shell out the $170-$230 most pairs of work shoes seem to cost here. Before I bought the $70 pair I spent a whole weekend in Auckland shoe shopping. I've had my eye on a number of pairs in the past year or two. Without fail, when I finally tried the shoes on, they either didn't fit (typically too wide), or didn't have my size. I had spotted a pair of shoes I really liked several weeks ago when browsing the shops. I finally tried them on this weekend and they FIT!! Wow. New shoes. Yay.

I also went through the closet trying to purge some of those things I never wear. I have a tendency to keep them because I just "might" wear them again one day- even though I haven't worn them for the past year or more. I managed to purge a few items to the red Salvation Army bin. Still a few more to go through- if ever I get the gumption to get rid of a few more. :)

I love the library... I was browsing mags and wanted to purchase North & South, and Wild Tomato. Instead I went to the library on the weekend and read both articles that had caught my attention. According to North & South, you are more likely to die of cold in New Zealand than in Canada or Siberia. I'm not overly surprised about that after experiencing the high costs of heating and the BRRR cold kiwi uninsulated homes. But I was really surprised to read about how terrible for your health unglued LPG gas is. That is what we used last year. I wonder if this contributed to me developing hay fever last year. I still have it.

Another week

Well, its nearly the weekend again and it can't come around quickly enough for me. I forgot how I get a lot more tired if I work 2 weeks running straight on together without a weekend in between. Work has been really busy. In terms of my work update, I still don't know if I have ongoing employment, or not. Hopefully I will find out soon.

I've now got a new flattie. Welcome home Erica.

I can't believe how much warmer this apartment is than the places I spent my last 2 kiwi winters. I feel once again that life again doesn't have to center around winter and trying to stay warm. In cold Canada I took for granted how nice it was to be warm inside and only had to deal with bouts of cold when walking outdoors. Oh the joy and wonder of insulation, double glazing, and even central heating (which I haven't had to turn on yet).

The prices of veggies are back up and the seasonal veggies are out in full force. Pitty I don't really enjoy pumpkin and kumara and still want to spent the $3 it costs to purchase a red pepper. I'll check out the market on the weekend if the weather is nice, maybe. Hopefully it would be avaliable and cheaper there.

I was looking at the calender the other day. After the 1 June long weekend, NZ takes a break from holidays for another 4 or 5 months. That is one long winter without a break!!

I've done a bit of revamping to the appearance of my site. I thought it was high time for a change...

What do you do to destress?

An interviewer asked me this question at a job interview a couple of weeks back. (An aside: I didn't get the job. ) My answer: Sometimes I go for a run. The interviewer replied that stress normally tends to interfere with exercise... That is partially true for me, and partially not- depending on where I am at. 2 years back when I first started running and was stressed there was nothing better for me than heading out to the beach and burning off some steam. I'm not there now. With my sore foot (which became sore thankfully the day after my 10km last weekend, instead of before), I've not been out all week. What do I do now? Listen to the tunes of singers that touch my soul... Josh Groban is a great example- but Hugh Panaro would also be on the list if I could find more of his music. His facebook fan page said his first solo album is on its way out- so I hope it does come sometime soon. (Hugh was the "Phantom" when I saw "Phantom of the Opera" on broadway a few years back. I've never been so impacted by a voice. Wow. What else can I say...)



I worked the whole day yesterday and half the day today. That is my first whole weekend working since I've been in NZ. Back in Blenheim days I once put in one Saturday. And so now, I listen to Josh.



I've been thinking deep questions about life of late. Musing, yes, and not coming up with many solutions to my own questions. How do you know when you are in the right place in life? (Job, physical location, the list goes on...) Is there even a right place, or is what you've got what you make of it- regardless of where you are?



When I worked my first summer job as a painter 13 years ago there was a country song that used to play on the radio- Ty Herndon's "Living in a Moment"-

"And when they carve my stone all they need to write on it

Is once lived a man who got all he ever wanted

Tell me somethin, who could ask for more

Than to be livin in a moment you would die for"

I love those moments. I think of them and I wonder... Because I dream dreams which appear contradictory and struggle with the inherent contradiction. I want contentment (which familiarity often breeds)- and yet I want the unknown and the new- for all of those special unexpected moments which are not planned.... The mirror water images that Chrys and I encountered when we did an unplanned last stop walk in the Canadian Rockies. Getting caught in a downpour in Edam when we missed our tour bus from Amsterdam and waiting it out under a tree. How great it felt to be in hot hot hot Rome. My holiday on horseback when we got off the horses at the top of a great hill- me sitting next to our high school aged guide who told me he couldn't think of any other better job than getting paid to ride horses. Seeing Parliament Hill for the first time- and how it felt to walk through the halls after sneaking out of the United Alternative convention- Contemplating for a moment and shivering to think of those who have served and for what has been done. (For me- Politics is the art of the possible... ) Special moments. I remember, and I contemplate...

Another week

It looks like I'm finally getting a flatmate, as my friend has indicated she's keen to move in. Yay, I'm looking forward to living with a friend again.

It is really starting to feel like winter. Darkness does that. The weather has been fantastic so far though for this time of the year - temperature wise. Today it was a funny day with rain/ sun/ rainbow followed by rain/ sun/ rainbow, followed by more rain. It didn't feel like normal Nelson winter.

In other news, I'm still uncertain what is happening with me on the employment front. Stay tuned...

My 1/4 marathon is on Sunday. I'm no longer doing my morning runs as I find darkness a bit of a deterrent. I've only been out 2 times in the last week. Hopefully I finish... That alone will be my goal!!

The bank rate has dropped yet again in NZ. It's at a record low 2.5%. Just as well one of my term investments that expired a week or two ago accidentally rolled over. At least I'm still getting 4% on that.

The swine flu is in the news in NZ, as I expect it is in many countries of the world.

I'm now following John Key, the NZ PM on Twitter. I've got several random people following me.

the ongoing canadian banking saga...

This morning I called the 0800 # that you can use from overseas to try and change my internet banking password. The first individual straight transferred me to the password changing process which didn't work. I ended up hearing "beep- beep- beep" in my ear. I hung up and tried again at the 0 800 # and got a different person who knew that changing the password wouldn't work from overseas. This person gave me 2 phone numbers to collect call- and advised that if I dialed them I'd be able to change it successfully. I looked up on the internet to find out that to dial a collect call from NZ overseas you dial 0170- no easy dial 0 for the operator like in Canada. Anyhow, the numbers the person from the bank gave me were not valid. I hung up and tried the 0800 # again. This time the person who answered said I needed to call the 900 # which was toll free. I tried that and hurray- it worked, but I'll be very surprised it if was toll free! I was on the phone for 4 minutes with that guy who was confused about my password changing story as he'd never known the password setting device to fail (he'd obviously never encountered anyone from overseas!) Long story short, I can again access my Canadian bank accounts- or at least the chequing one. The deposit one has gone inactive as I haven't been making deposits into it from overhere. I'm pretty sure I can't do anything on my bank card with that one to reactivate it, but will give it a try.

What a saga...

Time marches on...

Wow, almost time for another month end. Doesn't time fly...

In the news in NZ there has been plenty of talk about a 21 year old Canadian Inuit person who was visiting NZ and became offended when she discovered you could buy candies called "eskimos". The candy makers say the candies will stay. http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/2348856/Kiwi-confectionery-leaves-bad-taste


The temperature has started to drop and the days are noticably shorter. My lovely apartment is still nice and warm. This is going to be one different winter, I think. Warmer. Warmer. Warmer. I'm still going to get the electric blanket out though, when it gets down to around 0. What a wonderful invention!

I went for a morning run today for the first time in ages. It's hard to get motivated in the dark with the morning smoke from the logburners hanging int he air. I shall have to think about finding a different running route. I registered for a quarter marathon next weekend. I'm not quite fit enough for the half this time around.

Saturday is Anzac Day. According to the experts at wikipedia: Anzac Day is a national public holiday in Australia and New Zealand, and is commemorated by both countries on 25 April every year to honour members of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought at Gallipoli in Turkey during World War I. See http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ANZAC_Day for more

Poppies are sold mostly on the day just before Anzac day, similar to how people wear poppies around Remembrance Day in Canada.

In technology news, I recently bought a very well priced 8g usb drive for under $34. What a bargain! I've now backed up all my photos, as I haven't printed any since I've been in NZ.

I've now tweeted twice during my time on twitter. I'm following a few like CNN Breaking news, and political ticker. It's still a novelty for me.

Moving forward...

I've been thinking deep thoughts of late, as the employment uncertainty continues. I was unsuccessful in a recent job application, although I did make it through to second interview territory for one position. It's never nice to get those "your skills are unsuitable" letters in the mail. My current job will be releasing the job descriptions of the restructured jobs this coming week. I've been thinking- what do I want in a job, what kind of job would best suit me, and I haven't come up with many real answers....

I joined twitter tonight. My plan was to follow CNN instead of "A", but found out I missed the contest. Darn. CNN didn't win. Anyhow, I haven't tweeted. I don't have any followers. I joined more to follow others, but I'll have to work on the tweets too.

Fiji

So I'm just watching the news and the TV 3 reporter has been made to leave the country. Today the Nelson Mail reported that Fiji's military have been given permission to shoot civilians without fear of being prosecuted. In recent days the constitution has been suspended and the judges who declared the military leader's government illegal have been fired. The Fiji Times has carried blank pages after police censors forced the paper to erase international reaction to recent developments.

Read more about fiji here: http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/2331684/Journalists-kicked-out
http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/australia/2330449/Rudd-condemns-Bainimarama
http://www.stuff.co.nz/world/2328523/Good-Friday-coup-brings-further-confusion-to-Fiji

Troubles with internet banking.

So yes, I forgot to say when I was updating my bookkeeping I thought I should also update my Canadian bank account to record the 10 cents of interest I expect I've earned, and the much more substantial bank fees. ... But upon trying to log on, it said my password was incorrect. I haven't logged in for over 6 months. I managed to call the 1800 # since NZ is a country outside of Canada and the US that it works from. The individual on the phone indicated its an ongoing problem dating back to about January- that because I'm trying to login from a foreign IP address its blocking me out. They went through the password update portion, however it didn't work given that I'm using an overseas phone. Oh joy- so now my password has changed, and I can't get the 6 digit # that it has changed to. The kind fellow on the phone did speak to his supervisor who was livid this technical problem hasn't been corrected. He said to call back in about a week- and to know that because of me, the problem would be actioned. Isn't that nice. Luckily, it wasn't an urgent need to see my bank transactions. We'll see if its working in a week, I guess.

Master chef Kelly? And my easter update

Easter means 4 days off, with both Good Friday and Easter Monday being stats in NZ. Friday and Sunday are those "special" stats where most stores are forbidden from being open and the radio and tvs don't play commercials. Monday is a normal stat with the shops being open. I really needed easter. The 12 hour work days from last week were getting to me.

Having the whole weekend in town and to myself means that I got time to sleep, but in addition to that:
1) go on a fly killing mission. I think I've managed to kill all the flies in my apartment- save one lucky one that keeps eluding me. His days ARE numbered, however.

2) Clean up fly poo. Yuck... I've made a good dent in the stuff on the windows and the like- IHaven't made any effort on the ceiling at this point. I can't wait for fly season to be over. (Does it end? It seems to be going, and going, and going.)

3) Complete other misc house cleaning tasks that had fallen off the board when working long days

4) laundry, laundry, and more laundry! I'm all caught up once I pull in the sheets later today. Yay.

5) Get back in the running mode. Tomorrow I need to do a longer one than I've been doing - wish me luck.

6) Listen to the radio. I love music. Ah. :)

7) Get some reading time in. I just finished the Great Gasby- I've been meaning to read this for a while. My review: I loved his finishing few pages- that was some good writing. Not really a happy ending story though so don't hold out for that.

8) Watch chick flicks!! Last night I watched Made of Honour with Patrick Dempsey. I have to say- watching him in Greys has made me a fan. I've still got another few in the cue for tonight/tomorrow including An Officer and a Gentleman and Mama Mia. Now- I must admit I was almost in the mood to get Braveheart (Which is definitely on my favourite movies list- even though I've only seen it once), but it is a bit more involved than movies I normally watch, so I thought I'd keep on the chick flick theme this weekend and we'll keep that for another time

9) Me time- time to chat with the family back in Canada, and hang out, and just be. Ooh, and catch up on my bookkeeping. For the tax year ending March 31, would it would excite you to know that I spent almost as much servicing my car as I did on petrol. Crazy! (Given that I drive a 3L car.) Ooh the servicing prices... That included getting a couple of new tires, and I can't remember what else. I dropped my spending at Akbabas Turkish Kebabs dramatically from the prior year spending only $315.90 there. When I lived in Blenheim I had a kebab every Friday- and sometimes mid week at well. I'm not as impressed with the kebab shop here, although in Blenheim it also depended on who was making the kebab. She made a much better kebab than he did, in my opinion.

10) I made perogies!! Thanks to mom for sending via email a recipe that didn't take hours and hours to complete. It was a simple recipe with only mashed potato, oil, flour, eggs and salt for the dough. I had to scour town to buy a rolling pin. I found a $50 one at Briscoes but that was out of my price range with the minimal amount of baking I do- although it was red and would have looked great in my kitchen... but not enough to justify the price. I had no luck at the Warehouse and thought I'd have to shell out the $50, but luckily I found one at Spotlight for $9.99 (it was the last one, and its spot was super high but luckily someone had taken it down and placed it within my reach). So that was that. I boiled up my potatoes, mixed all the ingredients, rolled out the dough (initially not putting enough flour and making it far too sticky to roll effectively. Sometimes you have to learn the hard way. ) After re-rolling and cutting "circles", I stuffed them with potatoes mixed with cheez whiz and fried onion. And then I cooked up a few for a reward. They looked surprisingly like "real perogies". Except they were totally not uniform in size or shape, and I didn't do a great job keeping them together so some of them lost bits as they cooked, but all and all I was quite impressed with my first effort. I have a few more in the freezer ready for a convenience meal in the future. Kiwis really don't know what they are missing, not being able to buy them in the frozen section... But boy did I make a giant mess of my kitchen. Anyone have tips on easier ways to clean a yucky, sticky flour covered counter (err, bench?)

Wowzers

I popped by the Sprig after work today to say goodbye to Kiran/Tony who are moving back to Welly. I noticed the fish and chips shop next door was not on an even keel. There apparently was some sort of gas leak- the roof was partly lifted off and apparently the owner was also injured. I couldn't believe the extent of the damage. It happened earlier this morning, and hadn't been cleaned up. Read more here:
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/blast-rips-through-fish-and-chips-shop-2633303

Further to my last post

Last post, I forgot to talk about how, when camping in Picton, I encountered a lovely fantail. It followed us for about a good 20 minutes on the Black Jack Walk, fluttering around all the time. I really like those birds! I also forgot to mention I also heard the call of the morepork for the first time that I can remember. Like the chickadee, it's call is like its name. This past weekend I had the good fortune to see dolphins when we were out fishing. They were on a hunting mission or something, rather than being playful, but they still did several very cool dives in unison as they went on their hunt. I LOVE dolphins. :)

On the work front, we get more details on the proposed restructure at work tomorrow. I'm keen to see what will happen. It is better to know that not to know.

We put the clocks back on the weekend which delighted me. I like the morning light better than the evening light, as its again light during part of the morning run. I'm behind on running this week, with it being month end at work I've been getting up at 6 to head into work instead of to head for a run.

I'm loving the heat of my waterfront apartment. It doesn't feel at all like a typical kiwi home- being double glazed and with insulation. I expect winter will be surprisingly warm by kiwi standards!

Month end again... already?!

Why did the month roll around so fast?! It seems like it was just month end , and here it is again. More late nights, and deadlines. I guess I had a week off so catching up for that meant I was really busy in between- even when I'm normally less busy.

I haven't had any texts in the past several days from Mr. Random fellow. I first heard from him months ago when he text, thinking my mobile number belonged to someone else. I text back indicating he had the wrong number. He continued to text, and even phoned once. I was sure when I talked to him on the phone he realized he had the wrong number. The texts started again last week when I got a couple in several days. One came at 1:19am. Yuck!! But now I haven't had one in a few days- so here is hoping he has realized he has the wrong number.

I'm still waiting to hear more finalized new about the proposed restructure at work. Initial indications were that accountants could be impacted. I will know more in the next week or so. In the mean time, there have been a number of accounting positions advertised in Nelson. Stay tuned on what's going on with me on the work front.

I started on some new hay fever antihistamines yesterday. They are prescribed and hence are on the subsidy. Yay. It'll only $3 for 3 months supply- whereas I was paying about $15 per month over the counter for the brand I was using before.

Tax cuts kick in today in NZ. I'm supposed to be benefited by something like $18 per week. I won't complain about that. For your interest, the NZ Prime Minister makes $393,000.

Last weekend I spent Earth Hour sleeping. I was tenting in Whites Bay between Picton and Blenheim. It was dark at 8:30 when earth hour began, hence no power was used by me. Plus- camping near winter has the advantage of getting a good sleep in. It doesn't start to get light until around 7:30. I got lots of sleep that night! And it only got down to about 9 overnight. Not bad for camping in the equivalent of a NA late September! (PS- I could comment about the whole Earth Hour thing being a bit of a symbolic gesture, but not being a scientist, I won't start the argument about whether burning and manufacturing candles is more efficient than having a light on.) FYI- NZ power consumption did reduce by around 3.5% for Earth Hour.

I started going for my morning runs again after 2 weeks off while my family visited. My legs are sore, but I've managed to knock about 4 minutes off my 5 kms time. I'm really focusing on trying to extend my stride. (I say this because a fellow passed me one morning taking steps at just the same time as me, but he was blowing by me!) I am also trying to not focus on running but to let my head be in the clouds somewhere instead of focusing on each step. This is where I was 2 years ago when I did my first half. I'd actually go for a run as stress relief. After 2 months of getting back into regular jogs- I hadn't been there, until this week. Maybe the 2 weeks off actually did me good. I think I'll enter either a 10km or half marathon in Nelson in about half a month. I need to pick up the training if its to be the half! Regardless, my goal will to be to finish, not to get a good time.

Until next time...

Yay for Friday...

I'm a little tired. The family visit was great, but when everyone left it was also a little emotionally tiring. I'm really glad its the weekend and time for some R & R. I heard from mom today and they made it home safely, despite turbulence and dad's bag missing the connection. My brothers and sis in law are due to leave Fiji on Sunday.

I'm now starting to sort of look for a flatmate, now that my guest room is empty. I really have been enjoying living alone, however. It's a bit of a tradeoff between money being nice, and personal space being nice. If I find someone who fits well, I think I'll go with the flatmate option. Otherwise, I'll continue to live on my own. :)

It's starting to feel like the days are getting exponentially shorter, and the leaves are turning pretty colours, which means "autumn" as they call it here, is arriving. There was a beautiful sunrise at 7:30 this a but I can't wait for the clocks to go back in a couple weeks.

Hmm. I'm at a loss for anything else to say. It must be nearly bed time. I'm looking forward to no work tomorrow. :) Camping is on the agenda- before the weather gets too cold!

A few photos...

Whale watching in Kaikoura, lovely Torrent Bay in the Abel Tasman, and me and my family at Kaiteri beach

Silence is golden...

I can say that's the reason for my silence, but really for once I've not been just being silent. Last Monday am I picked up mom, dad, my 2 brothers and my sister in law at the airport. It's been a busy-ish week with travels to the Marlborough Sounds, Kaikoura, and Abel Tasman in under a week. The siblings leave tomorrow, and mom and dad a bit later in the week. It's surreal almost to believe they are here, and time has passed a little too quickly. I'll post a few photos from our visit soon.

In the news...

If you live where I live, you'd see that my employer has been in the news having announced a planned restructuring with ~180 job losses here in Nelson.

Read about it here:

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=10559581

So what will happen to me when my maternity leave cover contract ends? There are likely to be lots of people job hunting in Nelson. Only time will tell. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it.

Of messages in the sand... and milestones and such

Two nights ago I went to visit my old flatmate on the hill and her lovely cats, but had to abbreviate my visit due to a crazy onset of hay fever. Runny nose, puffy, watery eyes, itchy... All in under 2 hours. In fact, the episode continued long enough that I ended up taking half of yesterday off work. Strange, man. I wonder what in that house hit me that way- and also how I managed to live there for 8 months. I hope it wasn't the cats- but I've visited other cats in other houses, without the strange reaction. Anyway, there is no question that my breathing is much better in my nice, double glazed, new apartment. I am thankful for that!

It's now been 2 years since I first departed Nelson to live over the hill in Blenheim. I don't miss it and am so thankful to be back here.

Because of my yucky feeling yesterday poast my old flat visit, I didn't go for my usual run this am as I wasn't sure how well I was yet feeling. Instead I went tonight. As I approached the lovely Tahuna beach I looked down and saw a message written in the sand. "Fight the cancer dad. I love you. xxx." That message really touched me. I love Tahuna- and really can't begin to say how much. It is what motivated me to even begin running when I was in Nelson the first time around- with a visit there being my reward for the effort of the run. In those visits I've seen a variety of messages in the sand including "Will you marry me?". But for some reason, this one touched my heart tonight. We all stand in sand, in a way. Our days are finite and we don't know how many we will have. When the tide comes up that message in the sand will wash away, but their love will never wash away.

Doesn't time fly

It's funny - I read other friends blogs and I'm so amazed about how they come up with so many exciting topics to talk about. Good on them. I must be boring- or suffering from a horrible writers block. :)

I've now been in the new apartment about 5 or 6 weeks- meaning I've now gone on MWF morning runs before work since then. I think it might be getting slightly easier, but only slightly. I don't seem to be settling in like I did when I first started jogging before I did the Buller Half Marathon 2 years ago. I hope its still coming- because it gets harder and harder to get up early every morning with the days getting slightly shorter. I'll get a bit of a reprieve when the time changes.

On tonights evening news - Prime Minister John Key and National currently have massive approval ratings- in fact the highest for any party since MMP was instituted. Of course, they only just got elected. Mr Key breaking his arm and auctioning his cast for charity has probably been the biggest political news story in the couple of months. If memory serves it sold for either $8500 or $18500.

The new TV shows are just starting up over here (eg Greys, Lost, etc). Why do they put the new shows on over summer when people are out and about and the old reruns over winter when ever one stays inside trying to stay warm, I wonder??

I've started reading Oliver Twist. I've given Dickens a few goes before and have not really enjoyed the reads- but this is surprisingly good.

Now that I've been in the new apartment for a while, I've also started getting my first bills. The connection of my telephone and internet lines cost something to the tune of $150. The monthly fee is in the neighbourhood of $80. I've also received my first Contact Energy power bill. I was registered on the normal user plan which charges me something in excess of $1 per day just to be connected- plus a rate per kwh. I've rung back to go on the low user plan and pay only 33 cents per day, plus a higher rate per kwh. My first bill was about $95. I did the calcs and would have been substantially lower on the other pricing plan which I've now switched to. (Coming from the land of the Crown Corporation power co- the whole competition in the market place- and the various pricing plan idea are all a little new to me!)

Golden Bay and other bits...

Finally... I've been in NZ 2 1/2 years and finally came the time to explore Golden Bay- which is just down the road from Nelson. It was a long weekend last weekend. We headed out towards Takaka Friday morning. It didn't take long to stop for a very unique looking hitchiker. He was an older gentleman, carrying a "Takaka" sign which he carefully painted with enamel- since it apparently asts longer. He didn't have a bag but was carrying his various bits and pieces loose. He had sort of wisply hair and was wearing a tie. And boy, did he have stories. He'd travelled, lived and seen a lot. What a character. I can't explain him- it was one of those you'd have to be there to understand moments. Interesting! He could very well have been in a movie- staring as himself. We dropped him near Takaka and wandered the Takaka shops. I managed to find myself a very cute stuffed Pukeko (I love those birds!) Then onwards to Collingwood where we pitched up at the Collingwood motor camp in the shade.

Collingwood was interesting. Reading up on it later, apparently it has a population of about 260. There wasn't much there... But there was a handy convenience/grocery shop which was perfect for those afternoon ice creams. The weather was hot. It was great to finally try out my tent for the first time after purchasing it on trade me about a year and a half ago. It took slightly longer to set up than my tent in Canada. Hopefully it will go quicker next time! The holiday park had a few permanent residents living in camper trailers- they would have been so hot!

We took a drive to Patons Rock and watched the MOST amazing kite surfer I've ever seen. He was simply amazing. He was quick, he could manoever in the crazy wind. Up into the air he went, down he landed. He was GREAT!!

Saturday we headed out for a drive along a gravel road towards the west coast. After a few photos we headed back and up towards Wharakiri (sp?). What an amazing spot!! I couldn't get over all the massive sand dunes. Amazing. Then we walked up to the lighthouse overlooking Farewell spit. Also - very cool... We arrived back at the campsite to discover we had neighbours with the same tent as me- and the same camp chairs and table. :)

Sunday morning we packed up our tent and started making our way back Nelson way. Stops included a lookout near Pohara, and the caves on the Takaka Hill. The caves were really, really neat. The air inside was a cool 11 degrees, whereas it was something like 27 outside. Once back at the surface walking back to the starting point there was evidence of a number of sinkholes in the area- watch you step!

It was a great weekend to explore a bit of the Nelson region- and great weather too.

Farewell Spit