Today I recived a rejection email. It went something like this: Dear Hebehobo, thank you for your wonderful application. Unfortunately though you were unsucessful. Don't consider this a failure. Take heart. The assessor would like you to know that there were lots of applications of such a calibre. Don't be deterred. As Zig Zagler says on my computer "its only from the valley that the the mountain seems high".
I'm a bit over the rejection letter.
" Dear x"
Thank you for your rejection letter. I feel rejected. F""" who gives a shit whether there were 101 applicants and whether there is a recession. Forget any attempt to deliver the message in any soft packaging becasue the message of rejection is the message of rejection no matter how your attempt to package it. Anyy contestant who has recieved Silver at the Olympics knows, Silver is Silver and Silver is not Gold. F*** you. and F*** your organisation. I think your email would have much more meaning if your simply wrote "sorry lady - you lucked out".
As it happens, I looked at the stars tonight and they were beautiful. That kind of seems more important.
Somehow I know the rejections tell me I'm not pursuing the right pathway. I just have to find where the right one.
Monday, June 15, 2009
Monday, June 1, 2009
Gatetaker
Someone stole my small gate on Friday night - while I and my neighbours slept. And now I can't sleep. What kind of person steals a gate? It was a small wiry crappy little gate. But functional. They didn't steal my gnome or anything from my back porch. I didn't report it to the Police. Now I am beginning to think perhaps I should have. Oh well. I hope it was some little gate challenge. I've tightened my security -as in removed the axe and sledgehammer from my backdoors becasue its just simply easier to leave them there than the garage - and locked my washhouse door. The thing is I must've been home when it happened - and my neighbours were also home. I went looking for it in case it had been biffed down the street - but couldn't find it. Fricken annoying - I just kept looking at all the other crappy gates in my neighbourhood and thinking why didn't they steal that one.
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Gratitude entry
Things I am grateful for - in the universe of life.
1. I have a well paid job that pays my mortgage.
2. I have my own land, and house and garden.
3. That I have a beautiful black cat that gets upset and worried when I am late home (like tonight - 2 hours - thanks Tranzmetr
4. That I can hear all sorts of sounds - ranging from the jug boiling, to Ali purring, and beautiful music of all sorts.
5. That I can see things in colour
6. That I can taste things like wine and lamb chops
7. That my electricity bill is in CREDIT
8. That tramping socks and hot water bottles keep me warm. Refer 7.
9. That the Queen has a birthday coming up in the next week - not next 2 weeks - and technically its not her birthday but who cares when it means a genuine Monday off
10. That on the whole I keep pretty good health - in that I rarely actually need to consult a GP for medical reasons - although I do probably have a few risk factors such as high blood pressure and fatty liver tissue. Refer 6.
11. That I can walk down my street in the dark in safety
12. That there is a train that enables me to get to work everyday - even though sometimes it is late.
13. That at the weekend I can bake my own bread and it is better than Rolled Oats and even Mirabelle!!
14. That I get my vegetables delivered to my back door and they are fresh as and the best as. And all those Wellington peepst have to go to Moore Wilson and check out the sourced in the Wairarapa signage and pay more!
15. That at the weekend I can go into my garden and see the things that are growing and plant more new things.
Ok, there are a few minor things that trouble me. There are a few gaps in my life - like finding true love etc. But on the whole I do actually have a lot to be thankful for and I am thankful for that.
1. I have a well paid job that pays my mortgage.
2. I have my own land, and house and garden.
3. That I have a beautiful black cat that gets upset and worried when I am late home (like tonight - 2 hours - thanks Tranzmetr
4. That I can hear all sorts of sounds - ranging from the jug boiling, to Ali purring, and beautiful music of all sorts.
5. That I can see things in colour
6. That I can taste things like wine and lamb chops
7. That my electricity bill is in CREDIT
8. That tramping socks and hot water bottles keep me warm. Refer 7.
9. That the Queen has a birthday coming up in the next week - not next 2 weeks - and technically its not her birthday but who cares when it means a genuine Monday off
10. That on the whole I keep pretty good health - in that I rarely actually need to consult a GP for medical reasons - although I do probably have a few risk factors such as high blood pressure and fatty liver tissue. Refer 6.
11. That I can walk down my street in the dark in safety
12. That there is a train that enables me to get to work everyday - even though sometimes it is late.
13. That at the weekend I can bake my own bread and it is better than Rolled Oats and even Mirabelle!!
14. That I get my vegetables delivered to my back door and they are fresh as and the best as. And all those Wellington peepst have to go to Moore Wilson and check out the sourced in the Wairarapa signage and pay more!
15. That at the weekend I can go into my garden and see the things that are growing and plant more new things.
Ok, there are a few minor things that trouble me. There are a few gaps in my life - like finding true love etc. But on the whole I do actually have a lot to be thankful for and I am thankful for that.
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
MnM and pigs
This is my new term for moments I have with my Manager. If you know me, you can probably crack the code.
Well today I endured an hour or so in follow up to my entry re the horse related story. It went something like, "so now I've thought about this great strategic issue, and now I want to sit you in a room with others and we will define the story of the horse with four legs - if we have more people in the room and I speak continuously, then this story will be real"
Two points were I nearly lost it, well maybe threee. - maybe more
1. When colleague 1 said orginal briefing was impressionistic - well, hello - that was the "commissioned" brief. Perhaps colleague 1 had just been to the Monet exhibition.
2. When the manager said "intellectual capacity" was required on the project and named colleague 1 and colleague 2. wtf - this irks me no end. The whole naming of this intellectual capacity in the context it is used. I don't think I ever heard the term in my last workplace - -I don't know why but it irks me no end. No end at all.
3. When the manager asked who would hold the pen - clearly I was supposed to volunteer - but hello, why not just be explict about this stuff.
4. When colleague 2 asked is I was excited about this work - I replied I had the capacity to do the work - although clearly not in my managers view the intellectual capacity..
Yep, this stuff does not get my pulse going at all.
and tomorrow I have to front up for 1:1 - which no doubt will be a continuation of the horse story - which Ithink I am supposed to write a problem definition for which is odd given the scope of the project.
As I walked home I thought about the title of one of Charlotte Yates early albums - Deadfish Beach - and the line "I'd rather be selling shoes on Lambton Quay". well, clearly not quite. But I kind of feel like I'm washed up on soem deadfish beach of a shore in public service land on the Terrace.
and I'm praying for the right wave to come back in take me back to a real beach with sand and real people and real issues not this artificila construct.
Like, actually, I don't want inscribed on my headstone - lived on deadfish beach, no*** The Terrace, 2008-2009. I really dont.
..............................
Today I met a former colleague at Bordauex - while queing. He was buying a wild boar sandwich. As he would say himself - brillant. given the stuff about pigs and all that - and the fact that he works at MAF. I kinda of liked the little joke he could play on himself over lunch.
Well today I endured an hour or so in follow up to my entry re the horse related story. It went something like, "so now I've thought about this great strategic issue, and now I want to sit you in a room with others and we will define the story of the horse with four legs - if we have more people in the room and I speak continuously, then this story will be real"
Two points were I nearly lost it, well maybe threee. - maybe more
1. When colleague 1 said orginal briefing was impressionistic - well, hello - that was the "commissioned" brief. Perhaps colleague 1 had just been to the Monet exhibition.
2. When the manager said "intellectual capacity" was required on the project and named colleague 1 and colleague 2. wtf - this irks me no end. The whole naming of this intellectual capacity in the context it is used. I don't think I ever heard the term in my last workplace - -I don't know why but it irks me no end. No end at all.
3. When the manager asked who would hold the pen - clearly I was supposed to volunteer - but hello, why not just be explict about this stuff.
4. When colleague 2 asked is I was excited about this work - I replied I had the capacity to do the work - although clearly not in my managers view the intellectual capacity..
Yep, this stuff does not get my pulse going at all.
and tomorrow I have to front up for 1:1 - which no doubt will be a continuation of the horse story - which Ithink I am supposed to write a problem definition for which is odd given the scope of the project.
As I walked home I thought about the title of one of Charlotte Yates early albums - Deadfish Beach - and the line "I'd rather be selling shoes on Lambton Quay". well, clearly not quite. But I kind of feel like I'm washed up on soem deadfish beach of a shore in public service land on the Terrace.
and I'm praying for the right wave to come back in take me back to a real beach with sand and real people and real issues not this artificila construct.
Like, actually, I don't want inscribed on my headstone - lived on deadfish beach, no*** The Terrace, 2008-2009. I really dont.
..............................
Today I met a former colleague at Bordauex - while queing. He was buying a wild boar sandwich. As he would say himself - brillant. given the stuff about pigs and all that - and the fact that he works at MAF. I kinda of liked the little joke he could play on himself over lunch.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Best bread ever
Tonight I made my first sour dough bread. Ok it didn't look pretty. But it was the best bread ever. It tops my bread making achievements to date. The wholemeal bread has been edible and good. But well, my sourdough bread was divine. I made a Carterton version of a bacon buttie. Fresh hot sourdough bread with avocado, rocket and freerange bacon. Delicious. I'm made a ham sandwich for tomorrow. So that will be the tests how well it keeps overnight. I'm not sure I save that much making my own bread but there is something magical about it - indeed as Zappo the Magician knows! I'm not sure it would have won an award at the Country Womens Institute cooking session for "technical ability" for soughdough. but as far as I am concerned, it made a first class sandwich.
I'm contemplating setting myself a challenge to make my own bread and not buy bread.
I'm looking forward to the weekend when I make Brioche Suisse and Creme Patissere.
Oh, conclusion to the horse story: I turned my note into an Aide Memoire. I then turned the Aide Memoire into Briefing. Then my manager decided that perhaps we really shouldn't be informing the Ministers office that a horse has four legs and a tail.
Speaking of animals my colleague's cat died last night. I have great sympathy for this and know it can be heartwrenching. But it was odd. This become the focus (not by the affected colleague) but the other colleagues for the day. Anyway, I guess it kind of broke the ice for the mood.
I'm contemplating setting myself a challenge to make my own bread and not buy bread.
I'm looking forward to the weekend when I make Brioche Suisse and Creme Patissere.
Oh, conclusion to the horse story: I turned my note into an Aide Memoire. I then turned the Aide Memoire into Briefing. Then my manager decided that perhaps we really shouldn't be informing the Ministers office that a horse has four legs and a tail.
Speaking of animals my colleague's cat died last night. I have great sympathy for this and know it can be heartwrenching. But it was odd. This become the focus (not by the affected colleague) but the other colleagues for the day. Anyway, I guess it kind of broke the ice for the mood.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Follow-up
Today I spent my first half hour at work in correspondence with the "Managing Director" of the company that runs the pschy tests. Basically I had written and said I would be keen to take advantage of the free follow up sessions. The reply back said that this is a 12 month offer and since I had my assessment only last week, and the fact that Mr X is in in huge demand and booked up for months, and only fits in the freebies when there is space, then perhaps could I come back in a couple of months time when there is space - unless I really needed "assistance" urgently. Anyway, following exchange of emails and viola I have an appointmnet on Friday with Mr X for 40 minutes. Every email from the "Managing Director" referred to the "assistance" Mr X could provide. Anyway, about the third email in the "Managing Director" seemed to agree me with me that I did need "urgent assistance".
The last half hour of my day I nearly burst into tears at work. In fact it was quite clear tears were welling up in my eyes and for the hour or so home on the train I had to stop mysefl form crying. Basically I was asked to write a breifing on whether a horse has 4 legs and a tail and instructed to consult with a key external agency on whether a horse hsa 4 legs and a tail. The external agency thanked me for consulting with them for consulting but politely explained that really they were only interested in what they had been asked to do and that was explain that a sheep is woolley animal with four legs. My collegaue then kept asking me to consult the Ministers office on whether a horse has four legs and a tail. I refused.
Then I met with my Manager and colleague. My Manager asked what was my problem consulting about whether a horse has 4 legs and a tail. So I explained that actually I was only relaying the advice form the man who actually looks after horses in my department. So, then I asked why wasn't the man who looks after horses writing the briefing. I was then clearly told it was my sections role to write about this kind of thing. We were providing intelligence and adding value. Well I'm sorry. I do not think so.
Then my manager corresponded with a number of people about my correspondence via email clarifying that my correspondence about the horse with four legs and a tail was really about a brown animal with four legs and tail.
It kind of sums up my issues - no point, low trust ennvironment and completely soul destroying.
It was deeply embarrassing, and has sucked my work spirit completely. c.o.m.p.l.e.t.e.l.y.
Finally, after my meeting my manager and colleague had this post meeting. Somehow I need to stop this. I need to position myself so I am the last to leave in the room. Like I so want to say, if you have something to say man have the guts to say it to my face don't have a secondary meeting about when you were the one who told me that the external agency is intersted in whether a horse has four legs and a tail.
I'm not sure what my strategy for tomorrow is.
The last half hour of my day I nearly burst into tears at work. In fact it was quite clear tears were welling up in my eyes and for the hour or so home on the train I had to stop mysefl form crying. Basically I was asked to write a breifing on whether a horse has 4 legs and a tail and instructed to consult with a key external agency on whether a horse hsa 4 legs and a tail. The external agency thanked me for consulting with them for consulting but politely explained that really they were only interested in what they had been asked to do and that was explain that a sheep is woolley animal with four legs. My collegaue then kept asking me to consult the Ministers office on whether a horse has four legs and a tail. I refused.
Then I met with my Manager and colleague. My Manager asked what was my problem consulting about whether a horse has 4 legs and a tail. So I explained that actually I was only relaying the advice form the man who actually looks after horses in my department. So, then I asked why wasn't the man who looks after horses writing the briefing. I was then clearly told it was my sections role to write about this kind of thing. We were providing intelligence and adding value. Well I'm sorry. I do not think so.
Then my manager corresponded with a number of people about my correspondence via email clarifying that my correspondence about the horse with four legs and a tail was really about a brown animal with four legs and tail.
It kind of sums up my issues - no point, low trust ennvironment and completely soul destroying.
It was deeply embarrassing, and has sucked my work spirit completely. c.o.m.p.l.e.t.e.l.y.
Finally, after my meeting my manager and colleague had this post meeting. Somehow I need to stop this. I need to position myself so I am the last to leave in the room. Like I so want to say, if you have something to say man have the guts to say it to my face don't have a secondary meeting about when you were the one who told me that the external agency is intersted in whether a horse has four legs and a tail.
I'm not sure what my strategy for tomorrow is.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Bread and Yeast course
1. I've been tasked with writing this post before Homeperm and Strongerlight get home.
2. Note breadmaking is both a science and an artform
I have just spend the day learning how to bread and yeast products. The course is run by Jo Crabb at Careme. The courses are held at Palliser Vineyard, Martinboough. Amazing. I would totally recommned them.
So, now I can make healthy wholemeal loaves, chicken sandwiches with real mayonaise. Brioche Suisse and Calzone and pizzas. I learnt a little more about wine.
As with any continuing education type course, the sucess is usually down to 3 factors - the quality of the teaching, the motivation of the students, and the course composition. Todays course had all three elements and the bonus factor of getting to eat top quality food and drink top quality wine. First of all I attended with Strongerlight and Homeperm. So that was a great start. Then there were new people:
I loved it when the tutor said "shut up" to the customer version of Hells Kitchen- it was water off a ducks back. Then later the tutor asked if there were any questions relating to making the bread and the same woman that had been told to shut up said "so what happened to your harpsichord"?
Another beuatiful moment was when the gay man from Gaytown leaned over to the nice lady next to me from Parapaumu and said "I think we've met before - I'm a magician." Like random and becasue his previous sentence had been about putting egg whites on your face to stay young and beautiful I thought he had said "I'm a beautician" - and then later discretely the nice lady's hearing aid fell out but she quickly popped it back in!
I so need to do more extramural courses based on my interests. Its a fun way to meet people and have fun.
It was good having homeperm and storngerlight to visit - I tidied my house (but I luckily they weren't the hotel inspector), I got a new light in my bathroom installed, my petrol can filled, and got to havle coffee again in Gaytown.
I needed today as the conclusion on my tests results process came through yesterday. Basically the panel thought I was amazing (I am), have a lovely personality (I do) and that I impressed them beyond belief (I did). The third factor and my last posting re my results for the pcyhometic part meant I am not fast enough for my application to be sucessful.
Strangely, I feel slightly relieved that the screening process has had this outcome. I feel stronger as a person for going through the process. It doesnn't resolve where I will be going next, but it has meant that I get one free sesssion of follow up career/pchyological counseelling.
2. Note breadmaking is both a science and an artform
I have just spend the day learning how to bread and yeast products. The course is run by Jo Crabb at Careme. The courses are held at Palliser Vineyard, Martinboough. Amazing. I would totally recommned them.
So, now I can make healthy wholemeal loaves, chicken sandwiches with real mayonaise. Brioche Suisse and Calzone and pizzas. I learnt a little more about wine.
As with any continuing education type course, the sucess is usually down to 3 factors - the quality of the teaching, the motivation of the students, and the course composition. Todays course had all three elements and the bonus factor of getting to eat top quality food and drink top quality wine. First of all I attended with Strongerlight and Homeperm. So that was a great start. Then there were new people:
I loved it when the tutor said "shut up" to the customer version of Hells Kitchen- it was water off a ducks back. Then later the tutor asked if there were any questions relating to making the bread and the same woman that had been told to shut up said "so what happened to your harpsichord"?
Another beuatiful moment was when the gay man from Gaytown leaned over to the nice lady next to me from Parapaumu and said "I think we've met before - I'm a magician." Like random and becasue his previous sentence had been about putting egg whites on your face to stay young and beautiful I thought he had said "I'm a beautician" - and then later discretely the nice lady's hearing aid fell out but she quickly popped it back in!
I so need to do more extramural courses based on my interests. Its a fun way to meet people and have fun.
It was good having homeperm and storngerlight to visit - I tidied my house (but I luckily they weren't the hotel inspector), I got a new light in my bathroom installed, my petrol can filled, and got to havle coffee again in Gaytown.
I needed today as the conclusion on my tests results process came through yesterday. Basically the panel thought I was amazing (I am), have a lovely personality (I do) and that I impressed them beyond belief (I did). The third factor and my last posting re my results for the pcyhometic part meant I am not fast enough for my application to be sucessful.
Strangely, I feel slightly relieved that the screening process has had this outcome. I feel stronger as a person for going through the process. It doesnn't resolve where I will be going next, but it has meant that I get one free sesssion of follow up career/pchyological counseelling.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tests and Taxing issues
Today I got the results of some tests. These were PSYCHOmetric tests, verbal reasoning and numerical.
the good news is that one set of tests proved that I was 100% better in one (verbal reasoning) than the other (numerical).
the bad news is that I scored out of 7000 people 1% for the percentile for numercial and 2% for the verbal reasoning. Go figure. This may be one reason I have tax issues.
I learnt that I am slow. Go figure.
I learnt that apparently it is the *norm* to dislike 3:10 people. Yes thats 3 in 10 people. I can work that out.
I should be heartend that if I compared my results to *the man in the street* than hey they wouldn't seem so bad. But I have to remember that the *man in the street* doesn't sit these tests.
I learnt that I like to see things and make things happen - but I do it slowly.
Anyways, I'm a bit over all this self analysis.
Luckily I have a weekend planned where I will be both seeing things and eating things.
the good news is that one set of tests proved that I was 100% better in one (verbal reasoning) than the other (numerical).
the bad news is that I scored out of 7000 people 1% for the percentile for numercial and 2% for the verbal reasoning. Go figure. This may be one reason I have tax issues.
I learnt that I am slow. Go figure.
I learnt that apparently it is the *norm* to dislike 3:10 people. Yes thats 3 in 10 people. I can work that out.
I should be heartend that if I compared my results to *the man in the street* than hey they wouldn't seem so bad. But I have to remember that the *man in the street* doesn't sit these tests.
I learnt that I like to see things and make things happen - but I do it slowly.
Anyways, I'm a bit over all this self analysis.
Luckily I have a weekend planned where I will be both seeing things and eating things.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
One of lifes inevitable truths
is that when IRD have completed an assessment it is correct and unable to be reassessed.
So, here is my final letter
Dear ****
Thank you for your letter of 27 April 2009 in response to my letter of 26 March 2009 confirming my tax dates and amounts for my Income Tax assessment for year ended 31 March 2008. I acknowledge and accept that the information recorded is correct.
I will make arrangemnets via the 0800 number (although I wish this could be sharpened up - yeah its great that you can be called back - but the whole process takes 10 fricken minutes to get to that point)you have provided to have this amount payed in full over the next month. Please note I am not in a a financial position to pay this amount in full in one payment, as I really believed that an IRD error had been made. Well, hello, I was wrong there wasn't I?
I note the that the amount I earned in Septemebr 2007 was due to cashing in my annual leave when I changed jobs. By cashing my annual leave in it enabled me to pay my VISA debt. I did this instead of having a holiday. What do I get in return - a fricken tax DEBT. Where's the logic in that I ask.
Please note that I have tried to sort this matter out expediently as I could. Please refer to my comnent realting to the 0800 number and as you are aware it takes some time for these fricken letters to churn through the IRD machine.
I am gutted. I am devasted that I am now placed in a postion of paying IRD this amount. It should be made clear to ordinary people like me that there will be penalties for doing this.
Anyway, thanks for your help on this issue. I guess I can be grateful for one thing, and thats I dont work for IRD eh?
Yours
Hebequeen
So, here is my final letter
Dear ****
Thank you for your letter of 27 April 2009 in response to my letter of 26 March 2009 confirming my tax dates and amounts for my Income Tax assessment for year ended 31 March 2008. I acknowledge and accept that the information recorded is correct.
I will make arrangemnets via the 0800 number (although I wish this could be sharpened up - yeah its great that you can be called back - but the whole process takes 10 fricken minutes to get to that point)you have provided to have this amount payed in full over the next month. Please note I am not in a a financial position to pay this amount in full in one payment, as I really believed that an IRD error had been made. Well, hello, I was wrong there wasn't I?
I note the that the amount I earned in Septemebr 2007 was due to cashing in my annual leave when I changed jobs. By cashing my annual leave in it enabled me to pay my VISA debt. I did this instead of having a holiday. What do I get in return - a fricken tax DEBT. Where's the logic in that I ask.
Please note that I have tried to sort this matter out expediently as I could. Please refer to my comnent realting to the 0800 number and as you are aware it takes some time for these fricken letters to churn through the IRD machine.
I am gutted. I am devasted that I am now placed in a postion of paying IRD this amount. It should be made clear to ordinary people like me that there will be penalties for doing this.
Anyway, thanks for your help on this issue. I guess I can be grateful for one thing, and thats I dont work for IRD eh?
Yours
Hebequeen
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Double rainbow
Today because my train was delayed, this meant waiting at the railway station. Then lo and behold appeared a Double rainbow. It was the clearest rainbow I have seen for some time and the curve went right over the tracks and the reversed it self in terms of the colour. There is a scientific explanation for this and you can find it on Wikipedia.
My Dad always said rainbows were not a good sign and he didn't like them. But I do. I think rainbows are - like it says in the Bible. And like it was for Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.
My Dad always said rainbows were not a good sign and he didn't like them. But I do. I think rainbows are - like it says in the Bible. And like it was for Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Susan Boyle
A.m.a.z.i.n.g
She is my new heroine.
I'd do a linky (but you know I don't).
So, if you haven't read the news feeds she has taken Briatin and Simon Cowell by storm.
A 40 something lady who lives with her cat who has a dream.
Brillant video on You Tube. Inspiring in its own way. Love it. Love her work, her frock, her smile, her humour and her wonderful voice.
She is my new heroine.
I'd do a linky (but you know I don't).
So, if you haven't read the news feeds she has taken Briatin and Simon Cowell by storm.
A 40 something lady who lives with her cat who has a dream.
Brillant video on You Tube. Inspiring in its own way. Love it. Love her work, her frock, her smile, her humour and her wonderful voice.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Toilets and cellphones
One of my early postings (imagine the linky) was about how my workplace (floor) colleagues seemed obsessive about the toilets.
Eek, this has become me, a year later.
So, today I walked into the ladies toilet and I could hear that cubcile one was on the telephone. The conversation of cubicle one ranged from lunch, purchase of new car, how new car was driving and what was for dinner.
I was going to cough, ahem, but I didn't, The voice from cubcile one was that of my Group Manager. Ok, she is busy etc. Relatively. But surely she could have had this conversation back at her desk, in her office?
Call me old fashioned, but I just don't think its ettiquette to conduct your cellphone conversations in the toilet,
I felt most uncomfortable. But clearly my Group Manager did not.
Eek, this has become me, a year later.
So, today I walked into the ladies toilet and I could hear that cubcile one was on the telephone. The conversation of cubicle one ranged from lunch, purchase of new car, how new car was driving and what was for dinner.
I was going to cough, ahem, but I didn't, The voice from cubcile one was that of my Group Manager. Ok, she is busy etc. Relatively. But surely she could have had this conversation back at her desk, in her office?
Call me old fashioned, but I just don't think its ettiquette to conduct your cellphone conversations in the toilet,
I felt most uncomfortable. But clearly my Group Manager did not.
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Purple Pumpkin
One of my earlier posts (imagine the linky) was on how crazy it was I was buying my vegetables from the Farmers Market at Solway, when the lady that grows them lives within 2km of me.
Well at the weekend I went to the market. Ms Purple Pumpkin said "I haven't seen you in ages" And I said "oh, I can't come as often now because I don't have a car at the moment"
Then Ms Purple Pumpkin says "Oh, I could put you on my 'local list' becasue you live in **** St in that *** house **** (location) and I already deliver to a couple of houses down that street. Seriously, I almost fell over - that she knew where I lived. But then when I thought about it I think she is is probably friends with my neighbours daughter who lives near her. I rather defensively said "how do you know where I live" And she said "Oh I've seen you out walking and I run round ***** st".
Tonight as promised in my letterbox was the vegetable list for this week.
"Hi, here's this weeks list. I send the weekly list out on a Monday, the orders need to be with me by 12 noon Wednesday. I pick Thursday and deliver Thursday evening".
How good is that? Fresh 'organically grown Spray Free Vegetables' delivered to my door, including eggs. And how good is that in terms of food miles? Apart from growing it myself and swapping with the neighbours, you can't really beat it.
This feels like one more step closer to becoming a 'local'. My steps are slower than others - like I often thought of ringing Ms Purple Pumpkin - only to discover all along she had an existing local delivery list.
Anyway, I'm now on it and have just placed my first order including eggs. No need to buy chickens!!
I can plan my own vegetable gardening by what she doesn't grow eg broad beans. But I'm now set for eggs, spinach, silverbeet etc
NB Purple Pumpkin is the registered name of her business - which also inlcudes general horticulture advice.
Well at the weekend I went to the market. Ms Purple Pumpkin said "I haven't seen you in ages" And I said "oh, I can't come as often now because I don't have a car at the moment"
Then Ms Purple Pumpkin says "Oh, I could put you on my 'local list' becasue you live in **** St in that *** house **** (location) and I already deliver to a couple of houses down that street. Seriously, I almost fell over - that she knew where I lived. But then when I thought about it I think she is is probably friends with my neighbours daughter who lives near her. I rather defensively said "how do you know where I live" And she said "Oh I've seen you out walking and I run round ***** st".
Tonight as promised in my letterbox was the vegetable list for this week.
"Hi, here's this weeks list. I send the weekly list out on a Monday, the orders need to be with me by 12 noon Wednesday. I pick Thursday and deliver Thursday evening".
How good is that? Fresh 'organically grown Spray Free Vegetables' delivered to my door, including eggs. And how good is that in terms of food miles? Apart from growing it myself and swapping with the neighbours, you can't really beat it.
This feels like one more step closer to becoming a 'local'. My steps are slower than others - like I often thought of ringing Ms Purple Pumpkin - only to discover all along she had an existing local delivery list.
Anyway, I'm now on it and have just placed my first order including eggs. No need to buy chickens!!
I can plan my own vegetable gardening by what she doesn't grow eg broad beans. But I'm now set for eggs, spinach, silverbeet etc
NB Purple Pumpkin is the registered name of her business - which also inlcudes general horticulture advice.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Babe Ruth and Trains
Tonight the 5.33 to Carterton was delayed. This meant that the 5.33 passengers and the 6.18 passengers had to merge into the one train that departed Wellington Railway Station circa 6.40 pm. Timing is important to me.
All trains at the Railway Station were delayed - at least on the Upper Hutt line.
Once the train was on its journey a Tranzmetro man came through and announced he was sorry for the delay but the reasosn was one of the Train Managers (This is a flash term for a guard) on the incoming train had collapsed at Carterton railway station and had to be taken to Masterton Hospital. Train logic is dependent on outgoing trains being those that have previously been incoming trains.
So that is what was said by the Tranzmetro man with the yellow gerkin . Amazingly none of the passengers (and I am sorry to say this included me but at least inside I gave a shit) asked how the collapsed guard was or what is condition was. And then amazingly people started making conversations from their cellphones: and I quote one convo representative of the flavour:
"I'll be home late becasuse one of the guards has had a heart attack, so this means all the trains in NZ have stopped - and there's people standing on the train" (there was 1 person standing in my carriage)
Ah no, trains on the Upper Hutt route had been delayed due to the neccessity to follow health and safety procedures and because someones life may have been at risk.
People started complaining they would be late home. That NZ train didn't compare with those in Aus and Germany and Holland etc. They dont - but thats why they are NZ trains eh?
Then the best bit came. Ruth one of the "clippies" - that is not a train manager but lay person who earns a few extra bucks on her way to work by clipping tickets started her normal routine of "tickets please" . The Dutchman said "I'm not paying". The German woman said "neither am I" So Ruth (a classic Masterton mature woman) said "Well buggar you then" and walked off and noone had their tickets clicked. Hence a free $14.00 ride and some extra reading time.
So yeah I was an hour late home, but no big deal I missed the first few minutes of DWTS. But what about the guy in hospital?
Dare I say it, but a lot of the guards are proabaly heart attack material...but thats a seperate issue.
Yay for Ruth. She deserves a Tui.
All trains at the Railway Station were delayed - at least on the Upper Hutt line.
Once the train was on its journey a Tranzmetro man came through and announced he was sorry for the delay but the reasosn was one of the Train Managers (This is a flash term for a guard) on the incoming train had collapsed at Carterton railway station and had to be taken to Masterton Hospital. Train logic is dependent on outgoing trains being those that have previously been incoming trains.
So that is what was said by the Tranzmetro man with the yellow gerkin . Amazingly none of the passengers (and I am sorry to say this included me but at least inside I gave a shit) asked how the collapsed guard was or what is condition was. And then amazingly people started making conversations from their cellphones: and I quote one convo representative of the flavour:
"I'll be home late becasuse one of the guards has had a heart attack, so this means all the trains in NZ have stopped - and there's people standing on the train" (there was 1 person standing in my carriage)
Ah no, trains on the Upper Hutt route had been delayed due to the neccessity to follow health and safety procedures and because someones life may have been at risk.
People started complaining they would be late home. That NZ train didn't compare with those in Aus and Germany and Holland etc. They dont - but thats why they are NZ trains eh?
Then the best bit came. Ruth one of the "clippies" - that is not a train manager but lay person who earns a few extra bucks on her way to work by clipping tickets started her normal routine of "tickets please" . The Dutchman said "I'm not paying". The German woman said "neither am I" So Ruth (a classic Masterton mature woman) said "Well buggar you then" and walked off and noone had their tickets clicked. Hence a free $14.00 ride and some extra reading time.
So yeah I was an hour late home, but no big deal I missed the first few minutes of DWTS. But what about the guy in hospital?
Dare I say it, but a lot of the guards are proabaly heart attack material...but thats a seperate issue.
Yay for Ruth. She deserves a Tui.
Monday, April 6, 2009
How to get a new job part 2
First, prepare youself. Update your CV. Know who you are. Know your strengths and weaknesses. Explore. Know your passion. Know what rocks your world. What makes your world tick. Know what makes you get out of bed in the morning, Know what excites and engages you. Know what extends you. Know yourself. Inside out.
Don't be deterred by the crisis. The recession. Deficit is a mindset. Save your thoughts for bigger things.
Don't be deterred by people who interview you and then don't select you as their preferred candidate. Learn from the experience. Although it is worth considering the line "do you think that lipstick really is your colour". It traverses the ground of the personal. It won't get you the job - but heck, you will feel a hulluava lot better for having a little chuckle.
Consider the line "have we just wasted an hour of our lives when we could have been spending it more wisely" Again it won't get you the job but it will save everyone wasting more time eh?
So when one door closes in your face open another or keep knocking until the right one opens.
Don't be deterred by the crisis. The recession. Deficit is a mindset. Save your thoughts for bigger things.
Don't be deterred by people who interview you and then don't select you as their preferred candidate. Learn from the experience. Although it is worth considering the line "do you think that lipstick really is your colour". It traverses the ground of the personal. It won't get you the job - but heck, you will feel a hulluava lot better for having a little chuckle.
Consider the line "have we just wasted an hour of our lives when we could have been spending it more wisely" Again it won't get you the job but it will save everyone wasting more time eh?
So when one door closes in your face open another or keep knocking until the right one opens.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Some reasons why I like my town
I like my town - Carterton, because its real. My version of real. eg. Today I went and purchased fish from the fish man. He is the brother in law of Jean, the wife of the man who catches the fish out at Flat Point. I puchased the freshest Warehou for $9.00. Two decent meals. I don't know the name of the Jean's brother in law, just that I am his mate and he is my mate. Because like he says mate every second word and smiles. He is so happy. And he tells the same stories. And I kindof like that. Also the way he parks his truck up in the square and then people old and young come to him for his fish and his stories. And he is kind of a storyteller first and fishmonger second.
And then I go to Mirabelle - possibly the best cafe in the Wairarapa. Its run by this superb NZ cook and her French husband. The French husband is the front of house. Hes a bit abrupt sometimes, but today we established that I am a "local" and work in Wellington. This seemed to be quite significant progress for the Frenchman and me. This really is the best authentic French cafe you will find in the Wellington/Wairarapa region. Locals come in and meals are made to order, and there are conversations.
Then I went to buy a saw from the hardware store. I like the way the hardware store man treats you like you are the most important customer in the world. Which in that moment is possibly true because you are the only customer. But theres more authenticity to it than that. Its about making conversation.
Then i came home and sawed my wood (which my back neighbour chopped down without permission, but I kind of forgot that because the sun was shining and my bamboo is growing) while the roadworks guys had a banter about stuff and then got on with their work
And then I go to Mirabelle - possibly the best cafe in the Wairarapa. Its run by this superb NZ cook and her French husband. The French husband is the front of house. Hes a bit abrupt sometimes, but today we established that I am a "local" and work in Wellington. This seemed to be quite significant progress for the Frenchman and me. This really is the best authentic French cafe you will find in the Wellington/Wairarapa region. Locals come in and meals are made to order, and there are conversations.
Then I went to buy a saw from the hardware store. I like the way the hardware store man treats you like you are the most important customer in the world. Which in that moment is possibly true because you are the only customer. But theres more authenticity to it than that. Its about making conversation.
Then i came home and sawed my wood (which my back neighbour chopped down without permission, but I kind of forgot that because the sun was shining and my bamboo is growing) while the roadworks guys had a banter about stuff and then got on with their work
Thursday, March 26, 2009
How to get a new job
So, I've quite grown to like the "Buddha lady". This was inevitable really for a number of reasons. One of the reasons is that she does not "fit" within my team. She finds it crazy as I do. But being a contractor she has managed to disguise this more than I do.
So, anyway she came to work on Monday and said that she thought she had secured her next contract assignment. So, I said "your a legend" omg I have not used the term in my workplace for well over a year eg in my current workplace. Then I said well, thats a.m.a.z.i.n.g how that came together.
And the Buddha lady replied "Well, I spent the whole weekend chanting about it" She then gave me a business card with the Buddist chant. Apparently it works for relationships, jobs, anything really.
I explained back that I wont be converting to Buddism, but nevertheless don't discredit it.
Its a little similar to the "law of attraction" - what you think about - you bring about.
I know for sure tomorrow I will recieveing a phone call about my job prospects. So, like I'm thinking positive. P. O.S.I.T.I.V.E and now I may go and do a little Carterton chant about it!!!!
So, anyway she came to work on Monday and said that she thought she had secured her next contract assignment. So, I said "your a legend" omg I have not used the term in my workplace for well over a year eg in my current workplace. Then I said well, thats a.m.a.z.i.n.g how that came together.
And the Buddha lady replied "Well, I spent the whole weekend chanting about it" She then gave me a business card with the Buddist chant. Apparently it works for relationships, jobs, anything really.
I explained back that I wont be converting to Buddism, but nevertheless don't discredit it.
Its a little similar to the "law of attraction" - what you think about - you bring about.
I know for sure tomorrow I will recieveing a phone call about my job prospects. So, like I'm thinking positive. P. O.S.I.T.I.V.E and now I may go and do a little Carterton chant about it!!!!
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Taxing issue
I have been corresponding with the Tax Department - aka Inland Revenue. Today I recieved a letter dated 23 March in response to my letter dated 27 January 2007.
It sets out my tax assessment for the period ending 31 March 2008. It says I have worked for 3 govt agencies during this time. Now I know the gross earnings it states are true. But one of the govt agencies it says I have worked for is not. It says I have worked for the Ministry of Education. It should of course read Ministry of ***** for the period stated.
It then says in the next paragraph "Based on the above, the assessment for 2008, which results in tax to pay of $608.10 , is correct, and becasue of this, we are unable to reassess it".
I'm debating whether to write back and say the assessment is incorrect becasuse I have never worked for the Ministry of Education and make them write again. However, I am wary of agitating the Inland Revenue Assessment Officer who signed my letter is possibly not the best idea.
I probably should just make the arrnagements via the 0800 line re payment options. But there is kind of a principle thing here.
a) Inland Revenue has one of my employers details incorrect
b) I am being taxed on annual leave I accrued - but this does not seem to make any difference.
Never accrue your annual leave - it will cost you.
Any tax lawyers out there? What would you do? Can I get off on the techncaility of the arguement that the assessment has stated is incorrect becasue I have never worked for the Ministry of Education. I know this is what the records state becasue when I rang up when I first got the assessment the 0800 person said I had worked for the Ministry fo Education.
I sort of translate the letter has - we have put your letter through our computer and it does not compute.
Fricken heck $608 is a lot of money to pay the tax man when I have already paid him...
It sets out my tax assessment for the period ending 31 March 2008. It says I have worked for 3 govt agencies during this time. Now I know the gross earnings it states are true. But one of the govt agencies it says I have worked for is not. It says I have worked for the Ministry of Education. It should of course read Ministry of ***** for the period stated.
It then says in the next paragraph "Based on the above, the assessment for 2008, which results in tax to pay of $608.10 , is correct, and becasue of this, we are unable to reassess it".
I'm debating whether to write back and say the assessment is incorrect becasuse I have never worked for the Ministry of Education and make them write again. However, I am wary of agitating the Inland Revenue Assessment Officer who signed my letter is possibly not the best idea.
I probably should just make the arrnagements via the 0800 line re payment options. But there is kind of a principle thing here.
a) Inland Revenue has one of my employers details incorrect
b) I am being taxed on annual leave I accrued - but this does not seem to make any difference.
Never accrue your annual leave - it will cost you.
Any tax lawyers out there? What would you do? Can I get off on the techncaility of the arguement that the assessment has stated is incorrect becasue I have never worked for the Ministry of Education. I know this is what the records state becasue when I rang up when I first got the assessment the 0800 person said I had worked for the Ministry fo Education.
I sort of translate the letter has - we have put your letter through our computer and it does not compute.
Fricken heck $608 is a lot of money to pay the tax man when I have already paid him...
Monday, March 16, 2009
Dye
I'm waiting for my hair to dye. One contact lense in so I can see and get it evenly coated. This is the Farmers dye your hair. Loreal mahogany brown.
Will my colleagues tomorrow know I am preparing for an interview ? Becasue like you know, I'm tidying up myself a bit. If they ask , think I may say: YES Because hello I am. Starting with the head down. I want this to be last interview. Becasue I want this job.
On a seperate matter I'm trying to go tv free. Of lifes addictions its possibly one of the easier ones to give up than some others. Especially when there is a computer and Youtube.
On a another seperate issue, I spoke to mye neighbour at the weekend. She said I was welcome to the damson plums on my side of the fence from her tree. She said they go well with gin/and or cheese. She also said she is writing for House and Garden and a company in France.
We have agreed she can profile my garden. This is perhaps a 12 month goal. a tough but possible one for me to meet if I literally put in the ground work.
Will my colleagues tomorrow know I am preparing for an interview ? Becasue like you know, I'm tidying up myself a bit. If they ask , think I may say: YES Because hello I am. Starting with the head down. I want this to be last interview. Becasue I want this job.
On a seperate matter I'm trying to go tv free. Of lifes addictions its possibly one of the easier ones to give up than some others. Especially when there is a computer and Youtube.
On a another seperate issue, I spoke to mye neighbour at the weekend. She said I was welcome to the damson plums on my side of the fence from her tree. She said they go well with gin/and or cheese. She also said she is writing for House and Garden and a company in France.
We have agreed she can profile my garden. This is perhaps a 12 month goal. a tough but possible one for me to meet if I literally put in the ground work.
Monday, February 2, 2009
Bikes and Buddha
Yesterday I rediscovered the bike I purchased off Stronger Light. I also rediscoverd my bicycle helmet and gloves. And then yes, I went for a bike ride. I have some way to go before I am familiar with the gear changes like I used to be with my old bike. I've entered the bike challenge at work and am aiming for 100k a week. It might be more realistic to go for 50 k. At leas for the first week.
So there I am, out cycling when viola this grey Toyota car glides past me. I look up. Read the registration. It is MY car. Well its not (but I still have a key - although to use it I guess would be called theft - although how can it be theft when you gave the car away?). And actually I knew it had been given a new life becasue I recieved the papers in the mail. So much for being only ok for parts. Anyway, its not my car now. just hope I never see it again - becasue it does mildly distress me. The bike is my car. And I have to make it my best (transport) friend if I want to move a bit faster to places. eg not take half a morning to go and get the Sunday paper or bread. but just hop on my bike and be back quite quickly. But actually, its part of my fitness programme.
On a seperate issue, the "buddha lady" at work spent a little bit of time ordering cheesecakes from some place in Woodville. Apparently they are the best in New Zealand. So i turn to her and I say "do buddists eat cheesecake?". She says "yes, they do". Well at least the Terrace chapter does. It just seems at odds to me.
So there I am, out cycling when viola this grey Toyota car glides past me. I look up. Read the registration. It is MY car. Well its not (but I still have a key - although to use it I guess would be called theft - although how can it be theft when you gave the car away?). And actually I knew it had been given a new life becasue I recieved the papers in the mail. So much for being only ok for parts. Anyway, its not my car now. just hope I never see it again - becasue it does mildly distress me. The bike is my car. And I have to make it my best (transport) friend if I want to move a bit faster to places. eg not take half a morning to go and get the Sunday paper or bread. but just hop on my bike and be back quite quickly. But actually, its part of my fitness programme.
On a seperate issue, the "buddha lady" at work spent a little bit of time ordering cheesecakes from some place in Woodville. Apparently they are the best in New Zealand. So i turn to her and I say "do buddists eat cheesecake?". She says "yes, they do". Well at least the Terrace chapter does. It just seems at odds to me.
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Train timetable
The Wairarapa train time table has been amended on Friday nights. This means the "late" train no longer departs at 9.55pm. It departs at 10.25pm scheduled to arrive at my destination at 11.44pm. This is now ingrained in my mind. I catch the "late" train a lot less frequently than I used to, but last night I did. Only just. You see I thought the new late train departed at 10.30. I said goodbye to the people I was with at the Thistle, strolled over to the railway station and through late night entry which is suppose to detect Friday night drunks. This is always a msytery to me becasue the security guards seem quite haphazard and I would question their ability should ever there be real Friday night commotion.
So at 10.25 I walk though the secruity clearance and ask what platform the Wairarapa train is on. The security guards grunt at each other and then one says "you better be quick - its just about to go on platform 8". So I move quickly to platform 8 and wave. The guard looks as if he is going to ignore me, so I keep walking towards him.
The fricken train is parked half way up the platform and there is one of the bozodozo guards on. Anywway he holds the trains. I puff. As soon as get through the doors he gets on, and the train departs.
This is train adrenalin. Its a strange and weird thing one only expereicnces if one is relaint on public transport and a fixed timetable. Its that feeling, like, yes, I just defeated the fixed timetable.
As Obama would say "Yes I can"
So at 10.25 I walk though the secruity clearance and ask what platform the Wairarapa train is on. The security guards grunt at each other and then one says "you better be quick - its just about to go on platform 8". So I move quickly to platform 8 and wave. The guard looks as if he is going to ignore me, so I keep walking towards him.
The fricken train is parked half way up the platform and there is one of the bozodozo guards on. Anywway he holds the trains. I puff. As soon as get through the doors he gets on, and the train departs.
This is train adrenalin. Its a strange and weird thing one only expereicnces if one is relaint on public transport and a fixed timetable. Its that feeling, like, yes, I just defeated the fixed timetable.
As Obama would say "Yes I can"
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Beans and other things
My blog has become a bit like my garden. Extremely dry and infrequent postings. I've been musing over whether to keep it, and if so what direction to take it. Make it a garden blog, an escape from the buracracy blog, a self journey blog or a combination of the three. It will probably continue being a bit of all three. I'm not ready to kill it off yet. It still has some work to do.
Since I moved to the Wairarapa I've grown tomato crops every year that have kept me through winter until the next crop. But not this year. I am not sure why that is. I barely have enough to pick. I do though have a good bean crop - enough to freeze. My fruit trees are fruiting and I've learnt that if I pick the nectarines not quite ripe from the old tree i can at least eat them rather than see them rot on the ground. I have about 15 pears, 10 granny smiths, 10 galas. I also have grapes (or will have grapes) for the first time in 4 years. So, i guess its a matter of swings and round abouts - although the tomato thing is puzzling. I do though have tomatos that have self sown in my rose garden through the compost. I'm leaving them there now I've reached a spray free state in that area.
Each time this year I start going to the gym, eating better, reassessing things. That is the state I am in. It feels different this time. Like there is a lot more at stake on a number of levels. I'm not going to get a personal trainer. I know what to do and I have the motivation to do it.
I'm thinking of creating a photo journal for 2009 as an alternative to like weighing myself everyweek. I tend to avoid photos of myself becasue I am self consious. But I am warming to have a photo journal - to record not only change over 2009 but good experiences and sharing my life with other people.
My list of 101 things might become 11 things over the next 11 months. If I achieve 11 things then that would be good.
oh, and my "show has been cancelled" to use a term from one of my favourite tv shows. Design star on Living channel. That is my work programme will be reoientated - this all seems rather puzzling on how to reframe my work programme under Ministerial - reduce the bureacracy directive. There is I concede a certain sense of schaudenfreude I have it about it all.
Since I moved to the Wairarapa I've grown tomato crops every year that have kept me through winter until the next crop. But not this year. I am not sure why that is. I barely have enough to pick. I do though have a good bean crop - enough to freeze. My fruit trees are fruiting and I've learnt that if I pick the nectarines not quite ripe from the old tree i can at least eat them rather than see them rot on the ground. I have about 15 pears, 10 granny smiths, 10 galas. I also have grapes (or will have grapes) for the first time in 4 years. So, i guess its a matter of swings and round abouts - although the tomato thing is puzzling. I do though have tomatos that have self sown in my rose garden through the compost. I'm leaving them there now I've reached a spray free state in that area.
Each time this year I start going to the gym, eating better, reassessing things. That is the state I am in. It feels different this time. Like there is a lot more at stake on a number of levels. I'm not going to get a personal trainer. I know what to do and I have the motivation to do it.
I'm thinking of creating a photo journal for 2009 as an alternative to like weighing myself everyweek. I tend to avoid photos of myself becasue I am self consious. But I am warming to have a photo journal - to record not only change over 2009 but good experiences and sharing my life with other people.
My list of 101 things might become 11 things over the next 11 months. If I achieve 11 things then that would be good.
oh, and my "show has been cancelled" to use a term from one of my favourite tv shows. Design star on Living channel. That is my work programme will be reoientated - this all seems rather puzzling on how to reframe my work programme under Ministerial - reduce the bureacracy directive. There is I concede a certain sense of schaudenfreude I have it about it all.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
And so this is 2009
The first entry of 2009 is written from the Kwila writing table. That is, the table on my back porch. It is the stillest of nights as I write this and quite light. This is an excellent writing space. There is only one drawback and that is the sandfly things that keep biting my feet. Possibly there is another drawback and that is that the machine is quite slow because it is some distance from the telcom connection. Or that could be I just need to update my virus protection. I can hear a bird chirping and my neighbour redoing her brick pathway that she laid last summer.
She coughs occassionaly and listens to Nationional Radio. These are things we have in common and could talk about if we talked.
The neighbour on the East wing has just put his car away. Luckily I managed to chop my side of his trees down further whiole he was away. The bamboo I planted on our border is growing and I am hoping that next year I wont see into his property and can perhaps suggest he cuts the confiers down completely.
As for my plans for 2009 - well first up is to write my list - I'm not that great at lists, goals etc - last year I was too ambitious. But I am not going to be deterred by the past.
So given its the 7th January I'll start with 7 things in no particular order:
1. Attend the wedding of two of the most awesome people I know.
2. Make sure I have some nice homegrown flowers for these awesome people
3. Swim more - at least in 5 different places this year
4. Have at least 2 decent holidays this year of 5 days duration
5. Be careful with my money
6. Respect and love myself and be positive
7. Get the rotten boards on my house quoted for and fixed - at a reasonable price by a qualified and and excellent builder
She coughs occassionaly and listens to Nationional Radio. These are things we have in common and could talk about if we talked.
The neighbour on the East wing has just put his car away. Luckily I managed to chop my side of his trees down further whiole he was away. The bamboo I planted on our border is growing and I am hoping that next year I wont see into his property and can perhaps suggest he cuts the confiers down completely.
As for my plans for 2009 - well first up is to write my list - I'm not that great at lists, goals etc - last year I was too ambitious. But I am not going to be deterred by the past.
So given its the 7th January I'll start with 7 things in no particular order:
1. Attend the wedding of two of the most awesome people I know.
2. Make sure I have some nice homegrown flowers for these awesome people
3. Swim more - at least in 5 different places this year
4. Have at least 2 decent holidays this year of 5 days duration
5. Be careful with my money
6. Respect and love myself and be positive
7. Get the rotten boards on my house quoted for and fixed - at a reasonable price by a qualified and and excellent builder
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