Thinking and Missing

Tuesday 30-03-10

Well, today started off not so great. I didn't feel wonderful and my head was pounding. A little later, I started feeling better, and the preschool called me in for a couple hours. I also got asked to come in on the following Tuesday which makes three days out of four for next week (Monday is a holiday).

I started walking back, and my head started pounding again. I don't know what is going on with me, but maybe I didn't eat enough or something. I walked to the Cathedral and sat down for a while and read. Then I went to visit Alison at work, then walked back home to work on dinner. Alison works until 9:00, so I prepared dinner for the two of us when she gets back. Kind of late for us, but it will be fine.

So when I was in the cafe yesterday, I noticed two babies. One was looking at me and then cracking up as I smiled at him. Every time I smiled, he would smile really big and laugh. The other baby was surrounded by adults and completely entertaining them. I couldn't see what he was doing, but they were laughing and saying how cute it was. I thinking he was sucking on a coffee cup or something. Anyway, it made me miss my niece desperately. I read her blog as much as I can and adore all of her pictures, but I miss her so much and just want to hold her. Karsie, your Auntie Mandy has not stopped thinking about you since she has left The States. I miss you so much and think and pray for you every day!!! I love you!!!

More Transitions

Tuesday 30 March 2010

I know it has been a while since my last entry, and I am trying to figure out how to write what has happened in the past couple of days.

On Tuesday, I went to the bank and opened an account. It took quite a while to do that, but at least it is done now, and I don't have to worry about cashing a check every time I get one. I also went to the library where I went to look for a few books (none of which were there). As soon as I walked in, I walked to a broken down computer I couldn't use and had to go up the escalator and went to the wrong side. When I finally went to the side that was going up, I missed the step and stumbled on the escalator very clumsily. It was kind of embarrassing.

On Wednesday, I got up and started writing in my journal. As soon as I put the pen down, I got a phone call from the preschool asking if I could come in for 1/2 a day. I immediately accepted and ran to the bus stop (as it would take me an hour to walk there). I got to work for three hours.

On Thursday, I got up at 6:37 to get to the preschool and worked. It was so cold in the morning that my fingers were in pain. I was freezing and someone said the morning was probably a frosty morning. It just shows us that autumn is here and summer has gone. When I walked home, a little girl in front of the school stopped me and asked if I had seen her mom. I really wanted to go on, but of course instinct kicked in, and I could not leave this seven year old girl by herself. So I stayed with her and asked her some questions. Fortunately, her mom came a little later. When I got home, one of our flatmate's friend wrote a nasty note to all of us that really made Alison and I angry. Plus, we discovered quite a bit of mold in the bathroom. There were also other things that we found out that has disturbed us, so now we are trying to think of what to do.

On Friday, I got up and my throat itched making me think I am coming down with something. It wasn't too bad, but it made me nervous. It was Alison's day off, so we wanted to go out and do something, but as soon as we walked in the kitchen, there was oil on the floor, coffee on the floor, a rotten tomato on the floor, a thousand dishes, and nasty counters. We wanted to just leave and not think about it, but we couldn't, so we started to surface clean (at least pick up the food and wipe the counters and clean the dishes). We started feeling very angry that every day off we have is filled with chores. We then left the flat so we wouldn't do anything else, but of course we were talking and thinking about it a lot. We went to the Art Gallery for the first time, and the temporary exhibit they were displaying was all about nakedness and sex. They actually had videos displayed of this. We walked around a lot and sat in a cafe for a while. We were gone from 12:00-8:30. As we were heading back, we went to the sprinklers and the lights were on for the first time. I don't have the pictures yet, but will post them when I get the chance. I decided to take a shower after our day. As soon as I opened the door after my shower, our new flatmate ran up to the door and introduced himself. I had my towel, washcloth, and soaps in on hand, and my clothes (with undergarments exposed) in the other hand. I quickly tried to hide my clothes behind the door as he stood there and talked to me. I could barely focus on what he was saying, since I was surprised and not in my best after the shower. I just wanted to leave and get into bed. Too bad he didn't introduce himself at another time, when I would be more prepared. He is French and apparently does not speak that much English. We were also told that another flatmate is wanting to leave for the lack of jobs available. Her money is running out.

On Saturday, I had a mission. I decided to get as many of the books that Alison and I wanted to get. This meant I had to go to multiple libraries. The unfortunate part was that I was on a time constraint as it was Saturday and most of them close early. I went to three libraries and got most of the books that were on the list. I got 17 books, so we have a lot to read. I rode 7 buses today, so I was a busy girl. On one of the bus stops, there were two teenage girls making fun of each other. One of the girls didn't know a word and the other was making fun of her. So of course the other girl thought of a word the other girl didn't know so she could make fun of her. It sounded like quite an interesting relationship. I wanted to just tell them what the words meant so they would stop talking to each other like that. I am glad my friends haven't made fun of me when I didn't know what something was. Also, the bus driver let a couple girls off at one stop and they just missed the bus, so he told them to get back on and he would chase the bus. He did catch up to the bus, and the girls were very thankful. It is people like the bus driver who really make the day better. Even my day was better, just to see his kindness to others.

On Sunday, I felt awful. I was not achy, but I felt like I had a severe cold. I couldn't follow the sermon and was very unfocused for most of the day. After Church, Alison and I put the ingredients for Tuna Loaf, then went to the Cathedral as there was going to be an Organ Recital. We went in the Cathedral for 1/2 hour to listen to the organ practice. It was amazing. Then we went to a cafe until 6:00 and returned to the Salvation Army Church to participate in their worship. For Palm Sunday, they had a music night where their band played (Alison and I sang to a couple of the songs), and the choir sang, and we sang. It was really fun and we enjoyed it. Then we returned home, cooked dinner (very tasty) and went to bed. We also found out that on Easter, we have Daylight Saving. So we will be turning the clock back for the "Fall, back." This means that starting Sunday, we will be five hours difference than The States. This has been quite confusing.

On Monday, I got up early (as did Alison, by her own choice...sick girl). I went to work and had a pretty good day. The preschool owner said I was going to go to her house today (I forgot to write it on my calendar, and did not realize I was going to watch her kids today...my mistake). Anyway, I got her kids and took them to the bus. Unfortunately, I left my metro card (along with the library card) in my pants and did not have them with me. So it cost me extra to pay for the ride. I got to the house and when the dad came home, he showed me around. They asked me earlier if I would house sit for them while they were gone on holiday for Australia. Soooo...Alison and I get to live in their house for 10 days starting this Thursday. We are extremely excited for this. It will be our own vacation. So I returned home and Alison told me that our landlady said a person was interested in a double room and if she could show it to them. We thought this was strange for her to ask. None of us would be able to be here during that time, so we felt a little uncomfortable about it. We asked her about having a cleaning lady instead of the switch we had earlier (a movie channel and more power that we don't need). She said she would hire someone who would start Thursday and we will have to let her know how she does. It would help so much if the kitchen and bathrooms are just vacuumed and mopped. Maybe people won't be so messy. I don't know though. Anyway, we also found out the the last of the original people in the flat is thinking of moving (because so many other people are moving). That didn't make a whole lot of sense to us, since he would just move in another flat that had a whole bunch of new people, but whatever. I don't think he really will move, but we will see. Also, I got a call from a school to be a relief teacher for Tuesday and Wednesday. It took me a while to figure out what school this was, as I have not received any calls from them telling me they would put me on their list. I have been having troubling feelings about relief teaching here, and the organization of New Zealand, so I asked her how I would be paid since they have none of my information. She said she would call the principal and ask him. I got a call 1/2 hour later and she said that they would not use me, because none of them had any idea how I would be paid. They were going blindly seeing if I would sub for them, yet they didn't know how I would be paid? Now I don't want to be a relief teacher at all, because I don't trust this system. It is incredibly unorganized and frustrating.

So, that is about it for me. I think we have a couple moving in to a room. The cleaning lady is now vacuuming the hall (Hallelujah!), so that is helpful. Sorry for the long entries. Hope you enjoyed!

Maori Dances

Well, I have two videos of my day in the Cathedral Square. They are both of the same group. The first one is a Maori dance or something. I didn't get to see the whole thing, and only got to see it from the back, so I don't know how they looked. They may have been sticking out their tongue (to show aggression).

The second video shows the dance with poi balls. Very graceful.

Hope you enjoy!

Back to Work

Tuesday 23 March 2010

Soooooo...we were told by a flatmate that he saw no less than two mice in the kitchen when he got up. DISGUSTING!!! So now we have to figure out what to do. We are being very careful where we tread in the mornings (especially when it is dark).

The weekend was fine, but short. Alison was working, so we really didn't have a chance to go anywhere. We have decided to make the Salvation Army our Church. We are happy to finally have a home Church here.

We have also had a couple nights of wild partying. Well, not us, but people right outside our house. They are really noisy, crank up the music, and are obnoxious. We weren't the happiest of people when we have to get up early.

Yesterday I got up at 6:37 and dressed in the dark. I got everything together and tried to make the 7:30 free shuttle, but I just missed it. Unfortunately, they skipped the 7:40 shuttle, so I had to wait until the 7:50 shuttle. I still made it on time, but I had to walk a lot faster. While I was walking, I saw several people look at me, but I didn't think too hard on it, until I got to a mirrorlike window and saw that the shirt I was wearing was inside out. I quickly changed as soon as I reached the preschool. I guess that is what I get for dressing blindly. Plus I was wearing a skirt and of course it was crazy windy. Fortunately it was a long skirt and did not do things that would make me embarrassed. I also wore nicer shoes. The shoes were fine, but of course I worked mostly outside today and I got sand in them. I did not have socks, so the sand rubbed against my feet until I developed a nice, fat blister. Way to go Mandy.

Anyway, work was fine today. There was a girl who was a teacher in training who was there today. I kind of felt for her, because I know how it feels to be thrown in and have no idea what to do next. She asked me if she could sweep the floor at the end of the day, and I told her that there were floor cleaners that night who did it. Of course as soon as I told her that, the preschool owner started sweeping the floor. The reason was that she wanted to save the glitter or sparkles, but it made me feel like I was lying to the girl.

So I walked to the store to buy a couple things...mainly juice. Then I met Alison and we walked home and prepared dinner. We ate the last of our enchiladas (which wasn't very much) and made a side salad (which ended up being more like a main dish salad. We got a little carried away). Some of our tomatoes were going bad, so we had a lot of tomatoes in our salad. It was quite tasty though.

Well, today I do not have work, so I will be trying to open a bank account, attempt to figure out the vacuum again, and do a couple more chores. I can't have a day off and not have it be filled with a bunch of chores.

Cheers!

Many Eventful Days

Saturday, 10/03/10

Well, these past few days have been nothing short of interesting. On Wednesday, Alison and I decided to make chili (ingredients were the compliments of my mom...THANKS!!!) Unfortunately, there are no tortilla chips in this country. I think it's a crime, but we can't do anything about that I am afraid. We decided to freeze the chili, and looked around for a freezer safe container. We came across an ice cream container, so we figured it should be safe. Then, we decided to be really adventurous and make...chicken.

Now I have cooked chicken before, but cleaning raw chicken is nasty and vile. Plus, I realized that I spent most of the money on chicken fat. So frustrating when you pay by kilo and most of the weight is in fat. Well, I cut the fat and was able to borrow a crock pot from a flatmate. Actually, before I could even clean the chicken, I had to clean the sink. Dishes everywhere. Anyway, I got everything clean and then put the chicken in the crock pot. Then I had to clean the sink again, using bleach (there is no comet in this country either). Then, I set it on low and took a shower. I never feel clean after touching raw chicken unless I have a shower.

So on Thursday, I got to wake up at 6:47 again and get ready in the dark. This time it did not go very smoothly. I ended up catching my nail on something, and it ripped off...below the skin. Yeah...it hurt. So I got a band aid and hoped that I wouldn't have to worry about it the rest of the day. I got to the shuttle stop and just missed the shuttle. It is supposed to run every 10 minutes, but a shuttle didn't come by until 20 minutes. So I got to the closest stop I could and walked the rest of the way (about 35 minutes). I didn't bring the book (Outliers), and of course my lunch was quiet and lonely. I felt less stupid as I worked, but still made frequent mistakes.

I have noticed that the safety issues are quite a bit different than the States. The playground equipment would be considered hazardous in the US (especially for preschool), yet here, it is considered a learning tool. Which is difficult for me in interpreting what is actually considered dangerous here.

During the students lunch time, I tried to keep a girl from stealing food and attacking others. It was my lunch time, but no other teachers were able to help. Then I got a lecture from a teacher saying I needed to take my lunch break or else it would throw everything off. It frustrated me, because no one else was there to handle the situation, and it wasn't like I could just leave them alone.

Anyway, after work I had to go to the local grocery store (Pak-N-Save) to buy several things (our fridge is empty). I was weighted down quite a bit, but fortunately the shuttle was right there when I needed to board. Then I made the last stop and had to waddle all the way back to the flat. My shoulders felt like they were coming out of their sockets. It wasn't pleasant. Then I walked to the back of the house where most of the flatmates would be, and of course today, no one was there. So I squeezed everything through the window and desperately looked for my keys. As soon as I walked in, someone came home. Well, then I put everything away.

Alison and I took out the chicken. It was a little dry, especially the top which was where the cream of chicken was placed. So the cream of chicken was caked on the top. We decided to make vegetables and rice. Well, I put too much water for the rice (I was reading the label of another rice packet), so we ended up cooking the whole packet of rice. We had a lot of rice, chicken, and veggies.

We also decided to make lemonade. We had lemon juice and a couple sugar packets. Unfortunately, we used the sugar packets and not enough lemon juice, so it tasted like watery lemon aftertaste interestingness. Don't know how else to describe it. Yes...we drank it.

Although, my chicken was so dry, I poured some lemonade stuff on my chicken. It started mixing with everything, so I mixed everything up to make a chicken casserole. It tasted quite good actually.

Friday, I got up at 6:37, so I could make the 7:30 shuttle. I made it on time, got dropped off, and walked the rest of the way. All the way, I was reading Outliers. I made it to the preschool, and had a decent day, but I was VERY busy the whole time. I didn't feel like I had any time to think. Just do.

There were several issues with the children, as to be expected. Also, I tried to keep my band aide on my finger, but I kept having to wash something: dishes, paint, art stuff...So it kept coming off. I had to get another band aide. I did get paid though...HALLELUJAH!!! Then I read Outliers back and finished it. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in social psychology.

It also gave me interesting insight...I think. It talked about PDI (power Distance index). Well, basically that is talking about responses to authority. Such as how people treat, speak, value, react to people with authority. The higher the PDI, the more respect (for lack of better word) the authority gets. The lower the PDI...well, I think you get it. I'm sure there is a better way of explaining this, but my point is, there were 50 countries that were listed. The highest PDI was Brazil and South Korea. The third to last in the PDI was the United States (surprised anyone?). And the bottom of the list...New Zealand. Interesting, huh? I wanted to research that a bit more, but I haven't had the time yet.

Anyway, we made the chicken/rice/veggie casserole again and were quite pleased, but realised we were running out of chicken. No more casserole for us. I set up the chicken for enchiladas.

Oh, but I forgot to mention something that happened earlier. I heard a noise like rustling, and it made me think there was some kind of creature in our room. I envisioned a tarantula rummaging around in my chocolate, but the drawer was shut. Although, I noticed a hole in the bag, where my chocolate is kept, and something that looked like droppings in the bag. Kind of scary and disturbing. We put all of our chocolate in a sealed (non chewable) container.

So today...finally. I got up and did some laundry. Then I decided to vacuum our floor. I couldn't find the cord and started asking around. Then I discovered it was attached to the vacuum, in a secure and unique location. I felt stupid. Anyway, I turned it on, and it made a horrible noise and wouldn't suck up anything. So I thought maybe the bag was too full. So I took the bag out and realised I would have to pry my fingers through this tiny hole and drag whatever was in the bag out.

It was nasty with tons of hair, dust, and other vile things floating through the air. I finished cleaning it out and feeling completely nasty. I put it back in the vacuum and turned it on. Nothing changed. All that...for nothing. Figures.

Anyway, it is 3:30 and the day isn't over yet. I am sure much more can happen. It has been quite difficult typing all of this with a band aide still on my finger. It gets annoying, because I am making many mistakes with it on. Okay, I am going to go now. I meet Alison in an hour. Enjoy the rest of your day!

Bird Attack

17/03/2010

Happy St. Patrick's Day...well, for me anyway.

So here is the video I promised about the bird attacks. It took me a long time to figure out how to upload it. I also was not able to shorten it, so it is a little longer than should be. Plus, it doesn't show the real bloodbath of the bird fights, but it gives you an idea of how mean they are.

On another note, yesterday was a pretty good day. Not a whole lot to report on, but I did get to go to the Gardens and got attacked by a couple mosquitoes. I did some more reading and journaling.

I have been having a chat with two groups from New Zealand trying to figure out if I could get qualifications for Early Childhood Education. Well, they both seem disconnected from each other, even though they are supposed to be connected with teaching. All I can really say is that they are both basically saying there is nothing they can do. The first one I contacted told me to contact the other group. The other group told me they couldn't do anything about it and it was up to the educational facility. Well, I know for a fact the preschool contacted this group to find funding and they said it was not possible. Yet they are telling me it is totally up to the preschool. A little misinformation is there somewhere. Then I contacted them both again about another issue and they couldn't do anything again. I talked to Alison and she said it must be the way here. Just send the issue to someone else, so they don't have to deal with it. Sounds about right to me.

Alison and I actually met up with each other and then went back home. Since Alison missed the party last week, one of our roommates wanted to make something for her and me. She showed us how to make it. It is Korean food and really tasty. So now we have the recipe. We will see if we can actually make it sometime in the future.

I guess that is about it. Enjoy your day, and I hope you enjoyed the video.

First Official Day of Work

Tuesday 15/03/2010

So, I know I have written a lot on this blog, but I have actually written more in my journal. Unfortunately that means...I am out of journal space. I only have about 20 pages left. So sad. I am going to have to try to find another journal to write in. So I have been here about what, two months? Well, maybe my writing will slow down a bit.

Well, yesterday was my first official work day. I got up at 6:47 am (a very ugly hour) and got ready so that I could leave before 7:30. I walked slower than I should have, so I had to hustle the last part of my hour walk. I made it on time, fortunately. So then the preschool director gave me a rundown of what my duties were. I helped set up however I could, then I interacted with the children. Basically doing what I did on Friday, only more. I was outside most of the time, and since I was in braids, I think I got a sunburn, on my part, all the way down my head. Not good.

My hair did not look the best, and the preschool director wanted a picture of me, so I asked if we could do it a different day. She agreed. I guess she thought it looked pretty bad too. I got a 1/2 hour lunch break, and when I went back, I washed the dishes. A lady was trying to say something to me, but I couldn't understand her. There was a lot of background noise and she kept turning her back to me when she asked me something. She got really frustrated and spoke slowly to me. I think I am getting on her nerves. Not a good start. All the teachers have been really friendly with me. It has been nice. In fact, one of the ladies said she remembers going to a Church when she was little and her father was the speaker. She said the Church said "Church of the Nazarene" and asked if that was my background. Actually, it was the same exact Church I went to several weeks ago that had 13 people in it. I was excited to have some kind of way to relate to her initially. Well, then she mentioned that she wanted to learn puppeteering. I can see we will be getting along fine.

During clean up time at the end of the day, I was given several duties (which I liked, because then I knew what I was supposed to do). The end was to read a story to the kids, but I wasn't sure how to round the kids up. I wasn't sure what I was supposed to do exactly. I just chose a story quickly, but realized it would not work for them developmentally. The story was way to complex, and they were not into it. It was really loud and I tried to raise my voice so they could hear me. I eventually skipped pages to finish the book and then got my favorite Dr. Seuss book, Green Eggs and Ham. They did a lot better, but I had to go get the preschool owner's kids and take them on the bus. The youngest was upset about something, and didn't want to go. I pried her away from her mom and we rushed out the door, crossed the street, and made it to the bus stop before the bus came. I was exhausted though.

We got on the bus, but had to change buses and waited a while for that bus. I could not see exactly where to get off the bus, but the preschool owner said her son would be at the bus stop. Well...the son was there, but we did not see him until the bus started to leave. So we got off at the next bus stuff (fortunately not too far away) and met him. We walked the rest of the way to their house and I stayed there a little over 2 hours, when the dad came home.

I then walked home. Fortunately, they do not live that far away from me, or I would have had to take the bus again. I got home and crashed. I was tired from the long day. It was a really good day though. It feels good to be working again. I won't work until Thursday, but at least I have that. Hopefully I will get used to my way around as well as all their names. A lot of their names are easy, but then trying to figure out what name belongs to what person will be tricky. There are several names that will probably take me a long time to figure out and pronounce. My mouth does not move in those directions! I asked a girl today about a colour and she didn't say green but some really different word. I asked her if it was Maori and she said yes. So I will be getting the Maori language in. This will definitely be a learning experience for me.

Well, I also got a letter from my mom and her small group from Church for my birthday. Apparently it was mailed a LONG time ago, but it took that long to get here. Kind of interesting, since the box she sent took half the time the letter took. It made me really happy though. Thanks guys! Now I can add the card to my wall.

Also, I have been reading Outliers and love it so far. Basically the author has a point to prove and uses several scenarios to prove the point in each chapter. Well, this book is about the people who are outliers, successful people and their circumstances. I have to say, it has made me feel better about myself. The reason I am not successful and rich is not my fault. It is because I am born at the wrong time and do not have extraordinary circumstances to help me become rich and successful.

So everyone my age, it isn't our fault. We were not in the right place at the right time and do not have extraordinary happenings that make us rich and successful. And Kevin, unfortunately we will never be that rich and successful, so forget about getting 1/2 of my earnings. We passed that mark. Mom was the only one who would have had that chance, but she missed it. She was born in the right year and was in the right field, but she was in the wrong location...or at least she went to the wrong University to help her become rich and successful. Sorry to disappoint you.

I am sure I just caused a lot of confusion, but there is a trail of thought there.