Hebehobo

Rejection

2009-06-15T02:38:00.000-07:00

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.

Gatetaker

2009-06-01T03:45:00.000-07:00

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.

Gratitude entry

2009-05-21T03:56:00.000-07:00

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.

MnM and pigs

2009-05-20T04:43:00.000-07:00

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.

Best bread ever

2009-05-07T02:11:00.000-07:00

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.

Follow-up

2009-05-06T01:44:00.000-07:00

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.

Bread and Yeast course

2009-05-01T21:51:00.000-07:00

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.

Tests and Taxing issues

2009-04-30T01:17:00.000-07:00

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.

One of lifes inevitable truths

2009-04-29T02:26:00.000-07:00

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

Double rainbow

2009-04-28T04:00:00.000-07:00

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.

Susan Boyle

2009-04-20T02:02:00.000-07:00

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.

Toilets and cellphones

2009-04-15T02:09:00.000-07:00

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.

Purple Pumpkin

2009-04-14T03:35:00.000-07:00

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.

Babe Ruth and Trains

2009-04-07T03:22:00.000-07:00

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.

How to get a new job part 2

2009-04-06T01:32:00.000-07:00

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.

Some reasons why I like my town

2009-04-02T01:12:00.000-07:00

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

How to get a new job

2009-03-26T00:56:00.000-07:00

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!!!!

Taxing issue

2009-03-24T02:24:00.000-07:00

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...

Dye

2009-03-16T02:03:00.000-07:00

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.

Bikes and Buddha

2009-02-02T01:49:00.000-08:00

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.

Train timetable

2009-01-31T00:51:00.000-08:00

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"

Beans and other things

2009-01-29T00:25:00.000-08:00

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.

And so this is 2009

2009-01-07T00:06:00.000-08:00

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

And so this is Christmas

2008-12-23T02:04:00.000-08:00

Another year over - to abridge John Lennon.

This year seemed non eventful. Stressful at times - althoughgh different from last year.

I am carless for the first time since I could drive really. I'm adjusting. Its not that hard.

I have the best and biggest Christmas cake, I had cookies on the train home end tommorrow I have 2 nights planned in the Hutt. and I am beginning to be glad that the 'working' year is over.

As Te Radar has commented in his book - in a review I read of it - sustainability really only works if you have a supportive community.

Tonight I went next door to ask my neighborus to feed Ali was away - well, to feed him officially. I took roses. They gave me wine and Christmas cake - the first time I had been in their hosue since I moved in. My lady neighbour Marge enquiired about the absence of my car and observations that I had been carrying grocercies home. She offered me a lift anytime I want it to go and shop. Actually I could have used this lift on Sunday when I felt stinkorama and walked to New World to get disprins and lemons and water. They told me about all the neighborus movements and holdiay arrangements - but clearly they had not picked mine. Apparently the neighbour across the road has gone wih a lady in Maserton. And gary the firewood man and his mum have gone away on holiday which again is breaking with their pattern.

Its actually nice to have neighbours observe these things.

My neighbours are pleased and in a fact a little overwhelmed that I will have company at Christmas. I think they think I am a hermit. Heck as soon as I said I was going away for 2 days Marge wanted to break out the wine and selection of home made cakes as if I was going to Disneyland.

In some respects she is not that far off the mark. I think I've only been away from home 3 nights in the last year.

I commenced number one of my 100 things to do. It s one of the most important I must do. It wont be easy, but it will be worth it.

I also commenced number 2 re a proper but cheap holiday given next year is the predicted economic year of doom. That is looking up $50 night PSA houses. I'd like to go Queenstown. But I cannot even contemplate booking the accommodation until I have completed the jigsaw of Queenstown I complted today

Merry Christmas.

Can you hear me

2008-12-16T01:40:00.000-08:00

I am glad I can hear the rustle of the wind
I am glad I can feel my ears adjust when they come out of the Rimutaka tunnel due to the change in altitude
I am glad I can hear music
I am glad I can hear all sorts of sounds

Today I met a Deaf man as part of my work. It had a profound effect on my day. It was a difficult conversation we had becasue I did not have the answers he wanted in any language.

Then he ripped our conversation which had been conducted via my notebook out of my notebook. I agreed to this but it still felt odd to have my conversation taken away like that. I wish we had conducted our conversation by email. Why would that have been different? That remains as a record I guess. Easier for me I guess.

Anyway, I am so glad I have my hearing.

RIP Toyota Corolla

2008-12-15T01:14:00.000-08:00

A few months ago my Toyota Corolla was pronounced terminally ill. At that stage I should have left it at the garage but I didnt. I squeezed a few more rides out of it with its red alert lights showing, and its breaks stuffed. When I went to start it yesterday it had died. No ignition. No life yet. Now I need to dispose of it. I'm hoping if I make the garage man the offer of towing it away for free on the basis he can have it for free then that will work.

The car was an ex DHB car. I liked that. The car was my Dad's car. I liked that too. I also liked the fact in that car I travelled some fairly solid distances.

In that car, it blew up just before at the crossing before Martinborough becasue I forgot to put water in it. It blew up on the Rimutakas once.

Its greatest moment was when it took me over the Rimutakas 3 times each way in one day!!!to Martinborough from Wainuiomata when I moved. How I did that driving I don't know. It was crazy. But I did it. I figured why pack when you can jam your car full. Clearly in retrospect that wasn't a well planned move.

Anyway, I didn't heed the ex brother in laws advice and haven't been saving for a new car.

I'll be carless for a wee while due to my carelessness....possibly a year as I'm trying to only pay cash for what I purchase. Cant pay cash, then dont purchase. Or something like that. And my imemdiate priority is a a little bit of hosue maintenance over the next few months. On the up side no petrol costs, insurance or registration and a supder duper reduced carbon footprint.

Anyway, RIP grey toyota corolla. Thanks for the journeys. I guess this closes another chapter to the past and allows new ones to open up, at least with regards to my movements.

PS. My sheep have disappeared from their paddock. I guess my neighbours will be having lamb for Christmas...

P, Manslaughter, Rape, Custody, Drugs, STDs

2008-11-11T01:13:00.000-08:00

The heading only touches on the conversation I overhead x and y having today on the train journey home. It started with x saying to y that had been a stink day. x had missed a ride over the hill and only just managed to catch the train. x had no money left on the cellphone and the benefit had not gone through. Then the coversation progressed.

Basically x was on custody charges and a manslaughter charge. In between there had been death, rape, drugs, prison, hospital, mental health assessments, court cases, custody case, broken jaws and tinanum plates, scars and other body parts, STD* (note terms used by x) police, overdose, a house burning down and a mortagee sale and other related stories. The thing is the story was told with clarity by x who was talking to y that really believe every word was true. It did actually follow a sequence that was interrelated. They were sitting in the seat behind me so it was diffiuclt not to hear. In fact on the whole carriage it was difficult not to hear becasue x was talking quite loudly. I guess she needs her story heard. Quite frankly if she has survived what she has, I believe she does need her story. But I have deliberately not exapnded too much becasue it might be identifiable.

When x got off the train at the destination before I get off I observed the frailest of women who had literally been knocked down and over in more ways than one and in quite the worst ways imaginabale. But there she was walking across the carpark and getting on with her life in the best way she knew how. One step at a time. Full credit to y who didn't really know her but was going to give her a lift home.

It made me realsie I lead a simple life.

I looked around the carrige trying to make eye contact with people I never speak to. I wan't to acknowledge that we had just overheard an amazing life story while at the same time as it actually being incredibly sad. The thing is the regualr commuters didn't even blink. There was not one recognition of what they had just heard. I found that quite sad.

Clearly, x had connections and assoications with various "udnerworld" people and criminals, but like who are are the train people to judge how someones life can follow a seperate and different follow a certain journey.

Peeping Tom

2008-10-27T02:24:00.000-07:00

On Friday I was walking home from the Carterton railway station at 11.55pm. I looked up and there was a peeping Tom. Peeping into the window of the "P" house that I posted about some time ago where there was a Police party. I looked at him. he looked back and then he crouched. I was going to ask "what do you think you are doing" But then I decided it was quite obvious what he was doing. He was peeping. In a quick asessment I estmiated him to be about 15 years of age or so. I decided it was best to pretend I hadn't seen him and kept walking. FAST walking. He didn't follow me. I didn't call the Police -becasue by the time you call the Polcie get posted to Auckland office then Masterton and then Carterton I figured it wouldn't be that much good. Hopefully the Peeping Tom will think he had a lucky escape and not do it again. It was a tough call though- but at the time I thought my number one priorty must be own saftety and getting to my house or close enough to neighbours where I could call out.

I'm not sure if this was more scary than Ali depositing a live mouse on my bed in the middle of the night.

My car failed its WOF - the man said "your car is very sick" started to list failing breaks etc. Foolishily I askd "could it get any worse?" Apparently so - over $1,000 to fix. Guess I will be learning what carless days are about for awhile. The novelty may wear off but I've decided fro now a) not to get the car fixed and b) not to buy a new car. Yoyo beat me on my carbon footprint - except its carbon footprint or fix rotten house boards this Summer. Anyway, no car for awhile:-(

Oh, and my grass has weeds. grrrrrrrrrrr have had to resow som patches.

Train taboo

2008-10-22T02:37:00.000-07:00

Every now and then I have a brillant train convo. Today was one of those days. On the 6.18 there was Marg and Lani who got on at Waterloo. We ended up having this chat and it was brillant.

Marg is a 60 + lady who hasn't had her free travelling card validated. Lani lives in Featherston with a mother who has dementia. I found out out through the train trip a few other radnom facts. These included how Lani gets people who petend they need 2 seats mto vacate one of them. Like one word for Lani: respect! she gives people the opportunity to make the empty seat available and then if they dont she basically confrfonts them in various ways. Fuck sustainability and use transport to promote social sustainability. This maybe the new theme for my blog
I HOPE SO! f

ps. the best thing in the world is when you have a friend who you can have a 10 minute random coffee rave with. Today at least that I think was one of the best things in the world.

I am growing GRASS

2008-10-13T01:27:00.000-07:00

Germination is a wondrous thing. There comes a morning when you are, as you do most mornings, staring forth ...at your bare patches, reflecting as you invariably do, on the baffling way in which the stones which you have removed by the barrowful are replaced from mysterious sources by other stones, when you realise the patch is not bare at all, that it has been brushed with colour, as if a green mist were clinging to it. You hurtle forth, and there, magically appeared among the stones, are the first drifts of the risen grass, blades cobweb thin, hardly enough to be looked at let alone touched.

Yet, there are amazingly energetic in their growth, these pins of green. Each day the tinge strengthens, suggestion becomes reality. It is still a fragile thing, but it has declared itself here to stay.

From: The Grass is Greener - Our Love Affair With the Lawn, Tom Fort. 2000.

D-clined

2008-10-08T02:32:00.000-07:00

Have I mentioned my workplace has an antiquated computer system? Doesn’t do a lot to foster productivity, or my well honed skill of surveillance not having access to Lotus Notes. You try and book a room – it gets routed to the temproay receptionist who confirms or rejects your request. You can see if the room is available before you issue the request. However, I note it is not, “it is not” intuitive. So today, and actually it wasn’t deliberate I requested access to 5 rooms at once on the basis of increased odds or something for a meeting I want to convene to have tomorrow. All were all booked. The correspondence with the “automated” booking room clerk/temporary receptionist went something like this:

email a. This meeting was automatically declined because it conflicts with another appointment.
email b. This meeting was automatically declined because it conflicts with another appointment.
email c. This meeting was automatically declined because it conflicts with another appointment.
email d. This meeting was automatically declined because it conflicts with another appointment.
email e. This meeting was automatically declined because it conflicts with another appointment.

I loved the fact that the automation seemd to be developing a life/voice of its own.

Although of course it wasn't intentional.

Things I observed today

2008-10-06T01:35:00.000-07:00

1. A lady kissing a letter as she posted it in the Post box at the New World Metro. It was a beautiful moment and worthy of making into an advertisement for New Zealand Post. I could see her lover in her eyes. You know, like those ads for Air New Zealand. It was nice in an old fashioned way.

2. Listening to a guy on the train describe his weekend events. This inlcuded "Oh yeah, on Saturday I worked for the government" Then there was a silence "you know, I think its call p.e.r.i.o.d.i.c. d.e.t.e.n.t.i.o.n so like you know, I don't get paid for it. Yeah. PD. " And then he and his companion burst into laughter.

3. Another colleague advised they had resign. I don't particulalry like this colleague, but I don't like even more that this means 7 people in 8 months have resigned from my team - no replacements except 2 impending contractors.

4. A lady disappear on TV- how does the magician on NZ has talent do that?

5. I alos met a public health nurse I used to work with at Hutt Valley Health. She reminded me without saying that I am not the person I was in 1990. But I am also not the person I thought I would become. That is, I know for sure, she remembers me as a keen committed ambitous graduate who thought one day I would hold the senior management position or equivalent that she held. Now, I am a disillusioned public servant drifting. Still it was nice to meet her unexpectantly as she now lives in Christchurch in semi retitement but is back in Wgtn doing contract work for the MoH.

6. I met an old colleague for lunch - she is now a manager aspiring to be a group manager/general manager. We were both analysts once.

7. My grass growing - well actually, I can't see my grass growing quite yet - but like the lady that disappeared - I believe it will appear any day now.

The Warehouse, and the iron

2008-10-04T20:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I went to the market for my fish, veges and worm tea. I am so into worm tea the lady asked me if I was drinking it. No, I said, I'm feeding my roses for Strongerlights wedding....
Anyway I go to the Warehouse in the hope of getting equipment (the correct bag and filter) to make my vacum cleaner go. When I return to my car there is a note on my window. "Your radiator is leaking - very badly". I look up and there is a massive stretch of oil. I got my car home but now I cant drive it becasue my radiator is leaking very badly.

On Thursday as the train approached Featherston "oh, no I think I have left the iron on". Had this been any day I probably would have got off at Upper Hutt and got the trian back to Carterton. But oh no, this was "project management training day". So, I sat thtorugh project managemnet day configuring various project managing scenarios of how to rebuild my bungalow, and living in the garage while this occured. Then at lunchtime I googled what happens when you leave your iron on. Somebody had left their iron on and like me lived too far away form home just to pop back and turn it off. Their house didn't burn down so I decided mine would't either.

When I got home my iron was on but was beeping off because it had been unatteneded. I wouldn't recommend it for stress levels but would reccomend the SUNBEAM iron for this feature. I'll also be putting a spare key out on my section.

The project management course was weird. Predictable but wierd becasue my manager wanted to talk talk talk. I'm still getting over that when we had to do an exercise where we drew a picture I was the only one who populated my pictrue with people. That for me was very telling.

Lighting

2008-09-29T02:20:00.000-07:00

After about nearly 9 months with no light bulbs in my kitchen I thought I had better put some in as I had visitors at the weekend and being in the dark may not be that great.

What a joy. Now I don't have to strategically use the backdoor light or living room to cook my meals. BUt duh, why did I leave it so long until I could see. Now that I can see, I can see I have quite a few cobwebs in my house.

apparentlly I dont have bora- although I think I do. I do have cobwebs.

Ali recieved his first smack tonight after a small behavioural problem with my work bag. He then sulked and would not come near me for a few hours and in fact cowered. Hes now sitting by the computer. It wasn't a big smack but it was a smack.

Another cowo announced he was leaving my team today..."another one bites the dust". I have to be the next person. I HAVE TO BE THE NEXT PERSON THAT LEAVES MY TEAM BECAUSE THEY HAVE FOUND A BETTER JOB. Unfortunately, I am still there. There is a place I would like to go I just don't know if I will get there.

TV

2008-08-28T02:09:00.000-07:00

My TV appears to be lacking transmission. This is sad (for me). especially as the remote control that went through the washing machine is functional again now that it has dried out.

I may need a new TV. NO coronation st, uk tv , living channel for me.

NO TV.

Broadcast transmission is interrupted.

Over $30 of Flirting advice for FREE

2008-08-27T02:53:00.000-07:00

Yes, this post makes me weep. It will make Homeperm weep!

I like to think I am an intelligent woman. Clearly I am not as intelligent as I thought i was.

So one night I am googling flirting advice or something like that. It asks me to enter my cellphone number so I do. Then I start reciveving texts about 6.30 pm and 7pm while I am bored on the train. They read as follows:

Speak up. Speaking softly 2 him 2 pay closer attention will backfire if he becomes exhasuted trying 2 hear what U R saying.
Dress sharp and ? does this even need saying? be clean. If you look shabby you'll attract shabby.
Position for the knockoutr LOOK! Make sure you are facing away, then look over your shoulder+ SMILE This asymmetrical position signals that your'e interested.
Self-esteem is everything. Its not always as easily done as said, but if you feel good about yourself, he'll feel good about you , too.
When talking to a guy they like. girls often rest an elbow in the palm of one hand while holding out the other hand, palm up. Who knows why?
Online flirting - Short and sweet is the key to online communciation. Serious conversations are meant for in-perosn talks, not online chat.
Learn to smile with your EYES. Watch Catherine Zeta Jones and Julia Roberts. try it next time and notice his reaction.
Body language: He winks at you while talking to you or winks at you from a distance. This one isn't even remotely subtle is it? Wink back.

Then I recieve a text saying I've been charged $30.00. I text back. To a machine it seems as the next day I recieve further texts. Guess I have to ring Telecom and pretend I'm a 12 year old girl or something that accidentially signed up:-)

Still this evening as I was leaving work my group manager passes me in the corridor. She says "you look fabulous....in those colours" referring to my hair colour I guess. Normally we have limited interaction - apart from the fact I spent last week writing a 2 pargrpah letter for her to thank a guest speaker. I guess she liked it! Seriously I had two versions of the letter. Guess I gave her the right version, but I would have preferred to send the other. anyway, I reckon being called fabulous by your group manager is quite cool. but i'd prefer it to be "hey hebequeen. that policy piece you constructed. Awesome fabulous"

Still, I wont reject a "fabulous"

Street party

2008-08-18T03:05:00.000-07:00

At the weekend. Saturday night to be exact, it would seem there was a party 10 doors down from me. The kind where lots of photos get taken - the next day by the Police. And today there were Chubb security men on guard.

I checked todays Dom - no reportage of assualt, murder or P labs. I figure hundreds of empty tui bottles don't quite add up to P lab.

Guess my neighbours will know - what with their son in law a local policeman.

Tonight it seem business as usual at the house. It was occupied and the lights were on. Someone was outside smoking. I walked quickly passed though.

Sometimes it seems such a juxtoposition this stuff (whatvever stuff happened) happening in my street as most of time it seems quite normal. Makes me appreciate my neighbours if the worse crime in the world that they seem to commit is chopping branches of my tree down while I am work - and I only discover this at the weekend.

I don't really mind the chopping of the branch - I just think it would be polite to ask, not just chop it down and leave it for me to remove. I acknowledge the tree shades their rooms and I grew up in a house where I know what that is like. Still, I guess on the positive side, it saves me having to do it - and in comparison to the party that happened at the weekend, it makes them look like brill back neighbours.

Blue Skies

2008-08-13T01:51:00.000-07:00

Today I was standing at the Carterton railway station at about 7.10 am waiting for the last morning commuter train that arrives about 7.15am. The man next door to me turns to the woman next door to him and says "Good to see some blue sky there" . I looke up from the Dominion Post and see this amazing "sky blue" streak in the sky - especially for that time of morning. Then the lady says "Yes, but not enough to cut a sailors suit". I thought that was an awesome analogy. Especially as there are usally quite a few "force" people at the station. Well, a few army and navy men in their suits. What attracts them to live in Carterton?

And then tonight when I walked home - becasue I'm trying to create a Carterton footprint - and it is silly I drive 900m to the railway station when I can walk in almost the same time it takes me get into and out of my old Toyota.....I saw this amazing white cloud like a big cone in the sky.

I love the sky - especially in the Wairarapa. And some days/nights - like today - I love coming home to the place I call home. Just to smell the air - and be in a different space.

Snapper

2008-08-11T01:31:00.000-07:00

So, if you reside in Wellington, you will have noticed the Snapper people, the Snapper concept. I YOU may even have a Snapper card. I would understand that if YOU shop at WISHBONE or catch the BUS.

Essentially, my loose translation is that Snapper is a way of carrying your cash in a card that also looks like you could be a Christian from the 80s - continuing my 80s theme. eg when the fish symbolised the greek version of peace love and happiness as set out in the Bible. You knew people were Christians both by their love and actions - but also by the symbol of the fish.

I understand the 2008 version of the fish. Its carrying cash - and a money spinner for Wishbone and the buses.

What I don't understand is why on earth would you wear the Snapper card your neck when you are entrapped in an office all day. "Like excuse me, I'll just pop down to level 2 and use my Snapper card""@!?. Why on earth.? "Look, I'm wearing cash round my neck". I mean, its the same thing isn't it? I might get a $20 note, wear it round my neck and say LOOK - I cut out the middle man - less carbon foot print!!!

Well, my manager wears a snapper card. This has what has prompted this post. I also had a snapper conversation with my Group Manager the other day when we were walking to a meeting.

By the way: i said to my manager - "is that a Snapper card round your neck" This led to a 10 minute conversation on what the Snapper card was, and how NZ was one of the first countries to embrace the EFTPOS. Maybe its supposed to be a conversation starter.

Anyway, my verdict: Perhaps it has its uses - but no need to wear the thing round your neck eh?

Maggie Barry

2008-08-04T03:14:00.000-07:00

Today I decided my hair looks a little Maggie Barry. Effectively, what that means is it probably looks 80ish and needs a cut. Anyway, I'm hanging out on the cut. Maybe when I get a job interview....

So, anyway, because I think I am Maggie Barry, or maybe I would like to be Maggie Barry, here are is garden tip:

If your newly planted and lemon and lime trees loose their leaves, spray them with Epsom salts. I got this tip from channel 8 - Sky Living Channel and one of the gardening programmes. I then checked it with one of my granny smith apple sellers - the guy from Clareville Nursery. What I didn't check was how much Epsom salts - so I put a bag in the spray container which is abouut 4 litres- then I checked the empty bag of epsom salts and it said one teaspoon for that amount of water - woops. Epsom salts supersized. Oh well, I sprayed it on in anticipation that more is more.

Now according to my apple seller - the reason new season lemon and limes loose their leaves is becasu ethey are conditioned when they are grown commercially, and suffer a little shock when transplanted. I know how they feel.

I've always had trouble growing lemons - this time though I am determined not to be defeated. I do actually have a functioning lemon tree at the back of my section. Its functional but I want a lemon tree that has big juicy lemons.

Epsom salts - cheap as chips - not only can you use it on lemons and the garden but in your bath. Same as what you buy from Kirks all fancy pansy dressed up or that Rexon stuff form teh supermarket which is nice and smelly - but does the same job in terms of relaxing the muscles and making you feel nice in a hot bath for a fraction of the cost - and you can had oil drops or put fragrance on afterwards..

Todays admin meeting

2008-07-30T02:45:00.000-07:00

I think I managed to get my manager to say F""" In fact, yes, I did. Should that be measured as sucess or failure? Anyway it was all about the lighting. After several tedious items it got to the lighting issue. And how people should turn the lights off and on when they go to meetings. So I said, and this was backed up by the Englishman - "why doesn't the Department install automated lighting like is installed in the toilets" The manager then said "for fucks sake its not that diffiuclt to turn off the lights on and off" I agree, actually. But then its not that hard to install automated sytems either as the Englishman supported me - as they have at Education and at Health.

Now heres the rub. Like talk to me about energy saving measures. I am the energy saving Queen. But do my colleagues know that? NO. Beccuase to them its all about political correctness. Oh please. Heck I go to work at the moment for free heating and lighting. Give me some joy!!!

What else did we discusss at the admin meeting:

How many compressions it takes to giive someone CPR - appranetly its 20 or 30.
Where the defribalator is located - this is important becasue one of the dep secs once had a heart attack.
When people are going on annual leave
Who will be monitroing international developments. I was pressured to volunteer for this task but resisted
what workshops/conferences/people will be attending

I don't know, maybe having worked in Health I'm immune to taking the first aid stuff seriously - but actually I think its good advice, if there is an emergency get the people who know what they are doing involved.

zhello, I have risk factors for a heart attack. Should I die at my work place and you have read this entry, please note at my funeral that it was the admin meetings that casued my death and not the risk factors.

I hope, despite the odds of the attendance at the admin meetings, and the other risk factors that I have, I do get the privelege of dying of natural causes.

Fortunately the admin meetings only happen ev ery 2 weeks - I take credit for this. Its progress. But they should't happen at all.

Upshot. I think I am in the process of disenfranchising myself from my manager. Not a good career move - or maybe it is, if it want to keep it real and remember what it is important - other than free heating.

Apple Advice

2008-07-29T02:46:00.001-07:00

If you order a Granny Smith tree from Clareville Nursery, they will ring you a week later and say it has arrived and is ready to pick up. So, um, why did I buy a dwarf Granny Smith from High St Plants at the weekend. Now I willl have two Granny Smith Trees. Well, .5 if I count the grafted tree at the back where the other .5 is a gala.

The quest for sustainability is not an easy one. I am running out of land.

Oh well, I like Granny Smiths. Real Granny Smiths. They are in fact my favourite apple.

And in fact my first memories of the Wairarapa are assoicated with long drives over the Rimutakas to get to Greytown in the May school holidays to pick Granny Smiths. This would be supplemented with a stop at the Greytwon Dairy factory and the purchase of pineapple cheese - which was sort of a version of a big block of real mild cheese with chunks of pineapple in - not that processed stuff. Well those memories take me back a good 30 years or so.

Anyway keep reading this blog for the next five years - and in that time I should due to my 2.5 Granny Smith trees have an abundance of my very own fruit. Looks like I will be digging up the side area by the house this weekend.

I have 3 more white roses to plant for Strongerlight and Morgues wedding (read civil union - but I am old fashioned and prefer the term wedding, even though I acknowldege the political importance of the civil union) - but will be posting seperately on the development of the white roses

Post Conference

2008-07-23T01:46:00.000-07:00

I have spent the last two days at a conference at Te Papa. Thats probably about as good as my training will get I anticipate. It was an odd conference, which is not to say there were not good speakers.

1. On day one it was opened by the PM and about 4 Ministers of the Crown. each of them had previously been Health Ministers, including the PM - the transition for them to non health seemed to be easier.

2. When I walked into the Soundings theartre I kept looking for familiar faces, but there were none. Well, there were a few, including one man who now works for TEC who once worked for where I last worked, but I didn't really want to talk to him.

3. I spent day one dsicovering that the lady who works on the other side geographically of my team shares exactly my thoughts and frsutrations on certain ways my team and operates- the difference is she generally manages not to disclose her disdain. But it was a small hallelujah moment for me becasue she expressed basically withouth promptiing all my frustrations

4. Day two was spent with cowo 2 who does not share my frsutration, so I have not expressed it to her. At one point I wanted to say to her "f""" do you have to be so f""""n intense about everything". Like lighten up lady. Btw, she has seen the Rita Angus exhinition 3 x. I don't get that. whats it supposed to demonstrate?

5. Day two and I felt like I had confirmed I was defintely at the wrong fellowship meeting and in fact like I or the taxpayer was paying for a certain group to organise a cofnerence for people to play grown ups.

6. This is not to say there not some good speakers. The best was Janice Shiner from the TEC in her farewell speech. There were pics of the double decker bus her father drove in the uk - no 43. Buildings she once worked in the UK. Her at the airport. It was brillant and at the end everone sung Now is the Hour - but hello, did my cowos from my team who were there get it? Nope.

Tomorrow I return to work. The only good thing is my cowo who sits nexct door to me is equally as frsutrated as me. Its not particulary healthy but we have mock intense discussions about comparative analysis of tea houses down the terrace and coffee establishments - about how if we commissioning this research from our team it would never happen. It somehow makes it bearable to have this to refer to.

I've reached the 6 month mark now. Now I need to get serious about getting out. Thats what I kept thinking at the conference. Ther's lots of reason. My team dynamics, and dysfunctional work programme of my team but also the wider issue of actually, the subject matter doesn't rock my world. I need work I can be passionate about - even if its as John Key would say "aspirational".

Now I am going to make bread and butter pudding - its late (for me). I don't usally make puddings - but i need pudding therapy.

It is reputed I once made the best ever bread and butter pudding - and i think this is true actaully

Tax

2008-07-16T02:12:00.000-07:00

Today I arrived home to a tax bill of $608.10 Just like when I've worked out a budget - and intend to stick to it. How can that be? I thought I payed my tax forthnightly PAYE - Pay As You Earn. Well it appears not according to my "personal tax summary". I have no idea who "Corporate Services - Wage Workers" are. But I allegedly worked for them the same time that corresponds with my current employer - unless thats what my current employer lists as - although I would suspect not as I am not a wage worker but a salary worker.
I read stuff at work and omg I realise I earn significantly more than most NZers. But I forget that because most people I know earn significantly more than me! Its all relative.

Anyway, I hope the IRD statement is wrong. I will be ringing the automated machine tomorrow. Trouble is, I suspect it may not be wrong. You earn more you pay more.

Today I saw a man in an office chair go skateboarding in his chair down Bowen St. He was out of his tree or out his chair or something -but I admired his desire to take the chair out of the office or something like that.

Random stuff

2008-07-12T01:00:00.000-07:00

This is my 103 posting - why celebrate 100 when you can celebrate 103?!

Today I purchased amazing oranges from the Masterton Market from the man I buy my celeriac from. I said "did you grow these" . He replied "No this man next to me did" I said "in Masterton?" He said "yes, just up the road. Virtually no carbon footprint" I said " not in Spain then, wow they are amazing" and I purchased a big bag and they are amazing. Every week the celeriac man I have virtually the same conversation about celeriac, how to cook it and how it is amazing vegetable, and then he gives me a discount becasue I love cleriac! - so it was nice to vary our conversation. I'm still amazed at the amazing oranges.

Before I went to the markert I opened my gate. Due to the relatively recent security threat of someoone ruffling through my car it now has a very sophisticated her secruity system in place. I close the gate and put what was supposed to be sculpture but broke into two pieces across the middle. I slab of concrete. I heave it off and the gate opens.

As I was doing my heaving and looked up and saw a lady that regualrly walks my street. She wears a coat and is clearly exercising. She must live somewhere near me. Quite close I think. I've seeen her a few times but she must be back in town. I'd like to talk to her becasue I think she could be a potential Carterton friend. I even know here name (becasue hello I am actaully a well honed brillant stalker). I'm not really sure how to approach her though. It probably would be ok to call out her name becasue everyone does know it. Perhaps I will just need to spend more time in my front garden. And then one day I can either comment on the weather - or she could comment on my garden....its Georgina Beyer. I don't just want to talk to her becasue she is well known, i'd actually like to talk to her becasue I think she would have interesting conversation. But maybe that does link in with being well known. Maybe I could start walking on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Right, I am determined I will find a way to be introduced to her. But hey, shes's also actually my neighbour - I'm just not 100% which house but it is either in my street or the next street.

Tomorrow

2008-07-09T04:10:00.000-07:00

I do the hardest thing on earth. Face the truth - as KM as in Katherine Mansfield once said. And I am determined I will - face the truth and a certain shadow that haunts me.
Its not my day, but its my momment to face the truth/or a few truths actually. I know this will make me stronger. It will be hard actually, but it will also be healing.

Wolf, Wulf,Woof

2008-06-12T02:52:00.000-07:00

me: Can you see that dog over there?
her: No, that's an animal with four legs that barks
me: Yes, barks like a dog
her: oh, a German Shepherd
me: yes, a German Shepherd that barks like a dog because hello it is a fricken DOG

Sweet Mothers Kitchen

2008-06-11T02:40:00.000-07:00

Today I was introduced to Sweet Mothers Kitchen by Strongerlight. It was nice. It was also an opportunity to catch up with another lunch companion, one who I hadn't seen for a a few months or indeed this year. Today I realised while I have missed contact with this person, it didn't really matter. Theres always a reason why people are present in your lives at one point or another or not, even its not possible to understand at the time, after a period of time you realise it doesn't need explanation.

On the way to Sweet Mothers Kitchen I discovered all the new landscaping outside Penny Farthing - I seriously do not get out enough. I bet it has been there for months

Tomorrow - I have the fortnightly catch up with the manager which due to the last one being cancelled is now I guess the monthly catch up. It is her birthday tomorrow so hopefully she will be in a good mood. Will she be ready to discuss peer review? and how I think "wasteful" is not a policy term? Well, all I can say is she better be, because I am.

Oh, and re my work team - if there was a team motto it would be "its all about me". Work it out - how can you create a team from that statement. I think I would hear this phrase used daily with the exception of me and the Englishman. Its kind of used as a joke. But I don't think my cowos realise its actually very telling about who they are, and their values.

Anyway, I have noone to share my nicknames with: but they are seriously helping my headspace now that I have a few.

It also helps to have lunch at Sweet Mothers Kitchen

I am

2008-06-09T05:31:00.000-07:00

a domestic goddess Jamie Olivers aunty. I'm thinking marketing. My busineessss name ? LOL - Labour of Love - as opposed to.....I like the double twist LOL. The fact I'd make about enough $ to cover the fuel costs of a bicycle - that is probably end up in deficit is currently a deterret. Oh well, it gives me time to refine the sugar quantities.

Anyway, I have jam - feijoa jam - and dam jam - it feels jolly good to be a jam maker - Homemade jam made with 100% homegrown organic feijoas and lemons. It is possibly a fraction too sweet. And I was close to overboiling. difficult to know when this is the second time in lifetime have ever made jam.

Now I want a pantry of home made preserves.

Why jam? well the freezer was full. I used to take excess to work. But not this year. Can't really explain that - except making jam seemed a better option....and best to keep seperate my LOL from my workplace I think.

Tired but v. satisfed jam maker.

remote control

2008-06-08T03:49:00.000-07:00

If you want your remote control to function it is not a good idea to put it in your automatic washing machine (accidentially in between the sheets)

Oh well, I have clean sheets and a clean - but not functional remote cotnrol.

This means I have to get out of my bed to change the tv

I have found my perfect man

2008-06-03T02:41:00.000-07:00

he likes dogs, he lives locally, he is engaging, ecofriendly (in that he rides a bicycle for and his transport mode) and dark and handsome - if not that really that tall. Our conversation started over a black labardor that seemed to be lost. We both agreed it was a young dog, didn't live in my house or any of the neighbours nearby. We agreed we didn't want to see it run over, and was at risk of that ifi it kept standing on the corner of the road. It was a nice conversation. He circled round on his bike while we chatted.

Unfortuanetly, the man I met was about 35 years too late. He would have been about 10 years old. He called me Miss so immediately he had my heart. He did indicate he was off to see his uncle who lives up my street. Perhaps his uncle is more my age.

Oh well, it was a nice conversation. I thought what a lovely caring young chap you are. Your a good kid. Now I just need to find a grown up version of you.

How can a petrol station have no petrol?

2008-05-28T02:10:00.000-07:00

So, I drive up to Masterton. Tank is on empty. I pull into the Caltex petrol station just near Solway. A young man comes out instantly. Thank goodness, I think. My faith is restored in service stations provding service. Then the conversation goes something like this:

Petrol guy: Sorry, wev've got not petrol
Me: How can a petrol station have no petrol?
Petrol guy: Bad management - didn't pay the bills. Weve got no petrol.

Petrol guy walks off. I laugh and drive off. What else could I do? Except hope that I get to the next petrol station.

I laughed and drove off. When I arrive at then next petrol station, theres notices that you can only get petrol if you pre pay. Heck it was 6.40pm. Not fricken after midnight.....so I prepaid, on the basis at least I was getting petrol.

So, having prepaid I nip into Woolworths, Masterton for a few essentials. The guy in front of me is stoned or drunk out of his tree. It was only 645pm. The Woolworths guy sells him a 12 pack of steinglager. The guy walks off and forgets to take his Steinlager. Comes back, gets his Steinlager and then goes outside and hops on a fricken motorcycle. I closed my eyes. It was all too much. His friend says what took you so long. His friend hops on the motorcycle....

Only in Masterton.

I get to to the event I am going to (which is why I needed petrol) at the Masterton Museum and am served "free" Ata Rangi pinot noir.

Oh yeah, only in the Wairarapa do you get that juxtaposition. Well, of course you get it elsewhere too. Its just seems more marked.

Anyway, its but one of the reasons I kindof love my village.

Two toothed longhorn borer

2008-05-26T03:09:00.000-07:00

I reckon thats the type of borer I have judging by the size of the hole and my search of the internet that says these beetles surface in Autumn - April/May. This is more serious than the other borer beetle. The only consolation - and its a small one - is that soon after the beetle surfaces - it dies.

Unfortuantely, I can't fit through my roof hatch to climb in my roof and see whats on the other side. This would be funny if it wasn't funny. Also, even if could fit, I'm actually not that fond of enclosed spaces, and if. I could fit, I'd be a bit worried about the roof carrying my weight in any case.

I may spend the rest of the week cleaning, super cleaning my house, so that I can ask my neighbour (who happens to be a retired joiner) come over to look at my hole. I am beginning to worry about my hole. Mainly becasue it is BIG - well comparatively so for a borer hole and um becasue its in the beam - the beam that holds my living room up.

Meanwhile cold is almost over and I have new socks, new trackies, ect and need to start using that gym membership I am now paying for....and then I might fit throuhgh the hole!- not the two toothed longhorn borer hole but that hatch roof hole...

Dr M

2008-05-22T03:03:00.000-07:00

Well Dr M has been in touch. We have set a lunch meeting for next week. I'm not really sure what we will talk about. Like we never knew each other that well. I'm pleased, but also feeling a bit awkward about it. Still I guess thats how you make friends eh? By getting to know someone better that you dont already know. And it kind of helps that we don't have work to unite us. She will ask ask straight up hard questions - and I'll answer them. We'll talk about our different lives and it will be the point of difference that unites us in friendship. I kind of like that.

Work update

2008-05-19T23:57:00.000-07:00

well oh, contrary to my last posting I am going to post about work. Today work seem honky dory fine and dandy. This may be becasue I did not got work today. I have a cold. Its a moderate cold - like someone is slowly placing a grater ony throat so I need to cough and sneeze and a bit of moderate fever. Well, in my new workplace there is a strict infection control practcie put in place - if you have a cold stay home do not infect - its more of a socially acceptable thing. Its not socially accepatble to come to work and germ infect. This is quite foriegn to me. At first thought I thought it was OTT now I think maybe it is actually good practice - it allows you to rest and recover - wheres the glory and wheres the common sense in spreading of germs. I seem to be amending some fo my fundamental views on this. I suspect the little grater man will be on my throat tomorrow...

I've also had a ephianic moment in the last 24 hours. Sometimes its easy to see and reflect back wearing rose tinted glasses on what was, where I have come from. But well actually, things aren't always perfect. Things aren't perfect in my new workplace. I don't get everything they do, but basically on the whole they mean well, they seem to have good intent and seem good genuine caring people without any visible intent to do harm. I will rememebr that when I return, when the grater man is off my thorat. -

.
Flaw of being home is I get those telelphone questionst - which I answer becasue I think its how some people are depenendent on for income - adn usually I aren't home when they call so don't get to answere them often. Well today I got the rudest dumbest questionaaire man. I always say 3 people live in the house, they are all public servants and all high earners. becasue each in theri own way are. When the man asked how much the highest earner earnt " How much does he earn" I said "why do you assume its a he - your sexist biased, and I this is over". I slammed the phone down.

Have a trademe bid on a shredder - close tonight. Then I can shred branches, etc ect.

I so need a shredder - yes i do!

Buggar bora

2008-05-19T02:43:00.001-07:00

Buggar - I think I have Bora in my house. I thought this a few weeks ago when I saw "beetles" rambling round - but they were outside - hmmm so I thought _ rather hopefully, they had come in with the firewood. I looked them up on the internet at the time and yes they looked like the bora beetle. Tonight I discovered one these beetles blatantly rambling across my living room wall.

When I moved into my house I put beetle bombs in place. That was 3 years ago. Now it appears I need to do it again. That means I will need to evacutae the house for 24 hours. Ali will also need to evacutae th house. But I don't really want unnecssary holes in my walls. These bora beetles are clever beetles. I don't want to exhume either Ali or myself but I do want to exhume exoloriate or whatever the beetle.

In other astounding news today I pruchased 2 new pairs of shoes. This adds to the pari I purchased last week. What prompted this shoe fetish? Well last week I was in a meeting. There were three of us. One said "I can smell toast". So, I said (in a lady who moved to Auckland manner) "so can I". But that smell of toast was my burning smelly old shoes wet with holes.

New shoes. I like new shoes. So, will my colleagues without knowing it!

Oh, and speaking of colleagues - today a certain code was distributed at the weekly team staff meeting. This means I can no longer post about work. I am resolved to that. cOS well, its not healthy, its not professional and all that. Will be venting my frustration for $19.50 per week at Les Mills.

Buggar the bora beetle. How could it just disappear? Like, it was big - as in at last a $2.00 coin size. It was there when I came home, but jsut before I sat down to post this, it disppeared. The bora beetle is my immediate challenge.

Wig-out update

2008-05-15T01:40:00.000-07:00

Thank you for your comments - it helped and I took them into consideration. No, really it did. These also aligned with:
1) what a senior manager once advised: “Smile, acknowledge in your head the person is a f-wit, but smile and do not concede any ground”. Its good advice, its r.o.w. Its hard to execute, but in general its an effective strategy to use. So, I didn’t wig-out. Wigging out, explaining my frustration in this instance is, and likely to recoccur situations (like tomorrow when I have my fortnightly catch up scheduled) are not going to work. Basically, I’ve concluded its bad manners. But if someone has bad manners then that ultimately is their issue. My issue is not to let it affect me and not reciprocate in kind, especially when a power imblance exists. . I note ** who was to attend the same meeting yesterday came over to me this morning and profusely apologised, but this is because he has manners…
2) Today's Dominion. It referred to mandarin burecrats. It also provided defintion of a number of txt spk - one being Wombat

W O M B A T - Waste of money, brains, and time.

So I put togetehr the two and renamed for my voacb my manager Mandarin Wombat - MW. This is quite clever on a number of levels, one being it corresponds with teh managers initials - but not if the manager or SSC ever read this blog!

The Manager came and asked me if I had completed the weekley report. I advised I had and that I had becasue ^^ had already asked me. Then I thought of Dilbert in todays Dom where the manager asks two people to do the same job. I smiled and advised that the task had already been completd. My manager, visibly agitated, but chequereed by me, walked away. (remember advice no. 2 from former manager: don't play games!

I even got to write WOM on the "in/out"board. becasue I was having an official meeting at Word of Mouth. I am sure noone had any idea where I was. But I knew what WOM stood for. WOM and Wombats. I find the "in/out" board off becasue it is kept under extreme and strict surveillance by the manager. Odd becasue for example, its required to be filled in cirucstaces like when everyone is at the same meeting - well, hello, doesn't everyone know they are at thesame meeting. I mean alongside everyones name of the the meeting room gets plcaed.!! Not ot just one general mark up.

Oh, and I "won" a trade me auction for Les Mills membership. Yep, I'm going back to the gym - mainly I'll be going to the Terrace because that is in close proximity to where I work - this will also solve the "problem" of "F" who put me off going to Extreme - although "F" does occassionly go to the Terrace., Becasue um clearer I need to vent my frustration physically

I suspect my meeting tomorrow will either go well or badly. If my my manager insists on advising the Pucinni is an opera - I will slap manager - again, thats just pure arrogance.

Weather looks good for the weekend - Yay!

Time management and ethics

2008-05-14T01:37:00.000-07:00

I was going to post bout newspapers and recycling and my latest update on this topic Instead I will revisit another topic I have written about before.

I have two problems. The first relates to the time management of my manager. She reschedules every meeting. This would be Ok if it was the exception to the rule. If she was very busy. If she needed to accomodate the manager above her manager. But as the manager above her manager no longer exists this is not a problem.

My problem is I get very agitated.

I see her outside her office when she is supposed to be meeting me, and then gets one of the "princiapals" and shust the door. Well, today I had had enough. The 2.30 meeting got shunted to 4.30. As she didn't bother to come out of her office I didn't bother to stay (theres this unspoke rule if the office door is shut you dont go in). I left at 5.15 without explanation underr the pretence I had to catch my train. But actually I catch the 618 so could have stayed tilll 6pm. I could have stayed, but I was getting increasingly agitated. Its rude and arrogant and ego driven. Thats what irks me. I seem to have the lowest thresehold within my team. She does it to everyone - well, all the "seniors". However, that in my view does not make it justifable. It just wastes time. I have time, but that is not the point.

My problem is it is potentially going to create conflict because it is pissing me off big time and I know I am not managing it effectively and I lack the ability to hide my discontent. But like I said, its just something I have zero tolerance for as I consider it to be an ego thing. I could accept it if it was justifed.

I have thought about telling her its one of my values and I find it frustrating - but I dont think
this would work.

Advice would be valued. As tomorrow, I still need to meet with her - and guess what? Its over fricken template. Maybe thats the other thing thats equal to the discontent. Its the meeting thing but its also collective input when it is completely unnecessary and a decent horse becomes a Donkey.

Ethics
As referred to above the manager above my manager has resigned. This was becasue apparently policy was not followed. Did this concern my colleagues? It appeared not. Not in the slightest. However, when supplementary information appeared to reveal that the manager above my manager was not quite as well qualified as she had led colleageus to believe, this seems to stress my colleagues and outrage them into dicussion on how it was all wrong. Well hello. Wheres the ethics in that? Without knowing the full evidence but having read the OIA report becasue its public, both were wrong. It really concerns me that my colleagues can't seem to distingusih this. I think they feel outraged becasue they feel they have been betrayed and do not know this person fully like they throught they did. I just don't get it. Both behaviours are wrong.

I just don't get my workplace. Its values are not aligned with mine.

Seriously, advice on this time management thing would be appreciated becasue tomorrow I fear I may up for wigging out.

Life is not a Template

2008-05-13T03:00:00.000-07:00

Template
Its a shame noone can construct a common sense template. Imagine how much money you would make from that? Still, one persons common sense is in the eyes of another bizarro fantasy land.

Sometimes I think my colleagues are retarded even though they are highly educated. Today when I reported back that the consultation I was sent to comprised 75% govt officials they were outraged. But Duhhhh, I was one of those unnecessary officials.

As part of writing up my evaluation from the consultation I attended yesterday I was required to fill in a template. This template included such gems as whether economic transformation, Maori discussed, Pacific people, immigration were discussed. These things set out objectively could seem resonable. But hello, people dont turn up to a consultation and have a discussion according to Dr Xs template unless the facilitation is based on Dr Xs template - it wasn't.

Are you for real Mister Mr X template writer? I wanted to say.

When Mr MBA template coordintor (seperate burecrat from Dr X Template writer - becasue hello we all have different skills and abilities - and why have one person do the job when you can have several?learnt I was sticking an unauthorised "table" in my template he advised me in quite strict terms that no tables were to be used in the template - or words to that effect. "Are you for real Mister template co-ordinator?"

I finished my template - added the disclaimer that Dr Xs Template format was not completely suitable for the discussion I attened and this is why I had included the table. I suspect tomorrow I will be asked to remove the table due to its non compliance with the template.

I suspect I will be very tempted to say fuck off and get real but I will adhere to repetition. Your template did not fit the format of the discussion becasue real people do not use templates.

There's a burglar in my hood

2008-05-08T01:51:00.000-07:00

How do I know this? Becasue I recieved a letter from Constable G370. It advised me that the burgalry occured yesterday between the hours of 10.am and 12pm. Police are looking for:

Male
Dark Skin
Approx 20 years of age
5ft 7
Medium Build
Clean Shaven
Wearing a drak top
Carrying an object wrapped in a sheet
Was seen running down Rhodes Street.

The letter I recieved is apparently evidence of "Safer Communities Together".

As it happens I was home yesterday. And as per the last Police incident in my hood that I was informed of I was sleeping during these hourse of the incident. I find this a littel disturbing, because I makes me wonder if I could sleep thorugh my house being burgled.

I saw the Policeman deliver the letter. I had arisen from my sleeping "sickness" for coffee ar Mirabelle - which in time (the next few days) I will devote a whole shout out to. I was returning home in the car. I was remiss in that I wasn't wearing my seatbelt. The Policeman who was walking his community bicycle as he delivered his letters shouted at me. "Put your bloody seat belt on lady". I pulled into my driveway. He continued delivering his letters. Thats what you call Carterton community policing.

Anyway, I am glad my retired neighbours are home. My single lady living next door his home. The shift workers on the corner are home. And the firewood man pops home to see his Mum a couple of times a day. This is the best neighbourhood watch one could hope for.

Trains

2008-05-06T03:34:00.000-07:00

I've got lots of stories about trains. Lots and lots. And they are growing in their various categories. And lots and lots of them reach my heart. My Dad was a Stationmaster - a real railway man - you could smell it on him, on his stationmaster uniform, and from the time he spent in the railway yards. I can recall the times he took me into the railway stations themselves as a kid. It was certain smell. When I walk into teh Carterton railway office - I dont get that smell - but at least the outside is famailar to what I grew up with. I lived by the rails for the first five years of my life, so I like to consider I am a railway child. Although clearly I am not a child anymore. This is part is why I like travelling on trains, and that I like listening to the trian toot its way in both directions at the back of my house. That by way of introduction is merely context. Anyway, heres one particualr story that tugs at my heartstrings - specifically in realtion to me and my life journey.

There's this phenomenon that occurs at Carterton Station. There are at least 4-5 couples that stand at the station each morning. The "husband" or "partner" stands by their lady, in at least two cases the man holds the ladies bag. Then when the train arrives, the man kisses the lady/wife/partner goodbye. And then....and then the man is there to greet her on the return trian home. Its not just "ageing couples". There's a couple of young couples that do this too. One brings their dog each way.

Increasingly, more and more, I think it would quite nice to have a man hold my handbag, pass me the newspaper, and wave me goodbye, and be there to greet me when I got home, and then we would walk hand in hand off to the home cooked roast he had made for me - or hot pot of fresh pumpkin soup on the stove accompanied by French bread from Moises and the homefire would be stoked..the house would be warm - and he would keep all the lightbulbs active and not wait until they all blew out before changing them, necessitating navigating the house at times like a partially blind person.

Anyway, whats prompted this entry? I guess its been building for sometime, but was jolted by overhearing this guy talk about his sister on the train home tonight. He was talkinga bout how at 38 yeah she was fine with no kids, no commitments, but now shes 43 and empty. Eek, I'm nearly 43, I'm not empty - but I guess I am reassessing my status as as a SWLA - Single Woman Living Alone. It used to be funny. I guess I am finidng it less humourous than I used to.

So now I just need to find myself the perfect man - refer paragraph 3 - oh, he would of course, also have weeed the garden during the week, so that at the weekend, I could merely plant out the vegetables and "potted colour". We'd talk about what we had done during the day, to which wed'e be interested, but then we'd talk about other stuff and make exicting plans to travel while he was doing the dishes.

Somewhere between these lines, as hard or not as it maybe for some readers and even myself to believe, I am actually being serious.

Recyling newspapers and the end of the Wishbone for me

2008-04-30T02:51:00.000-07:00

I recycle newspapers. Its a well known fact. I collect my own, that of people who leave them on the train, and that of whatever workplace I am occupying. It was turning into a bit of a newspaper fetish. Then voila.

I discovered the recyling section at the back of the Post Office. When the bin is nearly full. Its a like a lucky dip for a lady with a newspaper fetish. But alas, I went tonight and the bin was empty:-(

Mental note: Visit the recycling station before Council rubbish collection day - not after recently after rubbish collection day.

There is a reason I collect newspapers, apart from the fact that has become one of my addictions, (although I'm getting the "bad" ones under control, actually). It is to put as a layer on my garden.

The magic formula is: weed, layer of horse manure, thick layer of newspaper (hence lots of newspapers are required) and layer of peastraw. Result: hopefully a lot less weeding over the winter period.

Wishbone ham egg and cheese sandwiches have risen 50c to $6.00 for two pieces of bread with egg, cheese and ham. For some reason I could bring myself to pay $5.50. But I cannot bring myself to pay $6.00. Thats outrageous. I will be making my lunch, at least, more often.

Meeting Dr M again

2008-04-30T01:53:00.000-07:00

Today I met “M” at the Lambton Quay pharmacy. I was actually looking for hair dye, but I looked up and there was “M”. I have not seen “M” since she left to live in Australia circa 2000 or 2001. To put it in Hebe context - the row of Hebe Graces that are now 6ft or so that reside at the back of my section were only in conception - as in cuttings.

So, I sort of did one of those double takes and gave a smile as if we might have met before, or maybe just practcing the happy smile so I get the happy vibe - as hard as it is somtimes. *M* did too, and then she said “Hebequeen”. Well, Ok, she did not say “Hebequeen”. She said “*” and I said “M”. Now the thing is I met “M” at what was one of the biggest nights ever (for me) one Melbourne cup night – which I think I have referred to previously, at my former former employer. I think the year was 1998 and I think she was a friend of Mr BB who is of course friends with everyone. It was random how we met. We met at the "Opera" bar when it was the "Opera" bar.

We never really had that much in common, except that night we both got quite drunk and ended up at the Irish pub in Courtnay Place with the Greek man who used to work in Facilities until about 3 or 4 in the morning – who I think she went home with. We then kept in touch intermitantly by email – she was sort of like a penpal before the advent of Facebook/Blogs etc. Although it turned out are both Gemini, with one or two days that seperate our birthdays and the one thread of commonality was that she had once dated someone with the same surname as me, who in the cicrle of life (gosh, thats so Lion King eh?!) would have been working for the same Govt dept I am now working for, but no longer is.

Since that time she lived in Australia, met a man there, had a baby, and finished her PhD in a specialised area of resource management. “M’s is one of those people in the world that I would describe as beautiful and charasmatic. Charming, engaging, intelligent and funny. She would walk into a crowded room and you would notice her. She wouldn't be "me, me, me". She's one of thsoe people that doesn't need to be becasue she has prescence. She’s hard to be negative with which is why I always enjoyed her company because instantly she just made me be positive. Weird but true. She asked me if I was still living in the Wairarapa - and of course she pronounced it how it should be, with the r's rolled correctly in the right place. Easy to answer yes, becasue I am. Then she asked me that harder question. The one about if I was writing. Because when we met I was writing a lot. I said “I’ve got a blog”. It counts but it doesn’t in terms of “writing”. Her silence acknowledged that.

She said I looked different. I said, “I’m older, I’ve grown my hair a bit, I think”. She said, “Aren’t we both, no, I think the colour is different”. I realise now as I write this its probably because I wear my glasses a lot more than I used to.

I gave her one of my current business cards – because if you’ve been following the plot I’ve been accumulating quite a few lately, and hello, I wouldn’t actually hand out a redundant card would I? Oh yeah, and I’m hoping to get a new card printed by the end of the year, but just don’t know yet what will be on it. She read out the one liner at the bottom of it: “Were helping New Zealand work better”. We laughed together. It sounded so funny reading that line out in a pharmacy. We laughed, and we didn't even get to the bit of the story that I don't actually like my job.

We both said we should do lunch. I hope we do. It would be random (again) to reignite our contact and really there would be no need to. But that's why I think it would be nice.

Mushrooms

2008-04-28T02:39:00.000-07:00

Well I was going to post about Wainuiomata eh? Well, I kindof said it yesterday. There's now officially a house occupying land where there once was this amazing garden. It was going to happen and it happened. The people have done an ok job actually of the subdivding thing - and from a quick look from the Alleyway - they seem to have made some imrpovements to the house I lived in also. In some respects its better to have another home on that land than see it parked up with cars on the land. At least it means there's new life there. The story is much bigger but for now thats enough about the Wainui house.

So, Mushrooms. yesterday when I was in the Hutt I went to the Italian Bella or whatever it is called in Petone. All I know is that it may be run by Italians, but heck it is occupied by Wellington people. Took an effort to pick the Hutt people. Anyway, so I order this Italian dish of pasta, mushrooms and Italian sausage. It cost $17.00. It was ok, but defientely not amazing. the mushrooms were about one or two dried, the sausgae some crumble effect of a good old pork sausgage not falsh pastrami or chorizo or anything.

So, today (becasue I am not at work....) I made took this Italian dish and I made it my own. Here is how you make authentic mushroom pasta. First you source your field mushrooms from the mushroom honesty table outside one of the hosues in the main st. The mushrooms may come in a pak n save bag but they are 100% authentic field mushrooms clearly picked this mornning. Cost $5.00 Second, source 100% pork sausges from the young buthcher guy in Greytown. Cost $4.00. When you get home source half a packet of Italian penne from cupboard. Cost: free. Have some left over cream: free. Parma cheese in fridge: free. OK. the cheese and cream did incur some expense at one stage but not on the actual day.

Stir fry mushrooms until they reach a deep dark jet black consistency - the whole exercise is worth it just to see this amazing mushroom black colour. Boil water and cook pasta and bake sausages. Throw pasta into mushroom mixture. Add cream. toss over cheese. Slice sausage and serve on side - because hello I am a carnivore - but actualy the sauagses weren't really needed.

volia - three meals for the price of one.
I've lost my Jamie Oliver book - but who needs it when you can make magic with the freshest of ingredients and who needs that Italian place in Petone?

The mushrooms are spectacular - becasue of course you can only get them at this time of year, becasue its an autumnal thing becasue they are genuine field mushrooms what with grass and everything on them.

Respect to the honest box. I'm glad they can still exist in my community. I now buy mushrooms, pinecones, and horse manure via the hoensty box. This is saying something because the honesty boxes are generally placed on main roads, so "naughty" and dishoinest people could abuse them - as happens in some place. But they appear not to in my community and I think thats great - I really do!

Homperm has talent

2008-04-27T02:30:00.001-07:00

Last night I attended a talent party hosted by Homeperm and her talented friend. It was the best party I have attended this year. (well, the last party I attended was technically on New Years Eve....so draw together the dots and it is the only party I have attended this year. But that aside, I am confident that even if I had attended nore parties it still would have been the best.

It was to give it crude analysis a remix version of a traditional talent party, updated with a little of "so you think you can dance", a little of "american idol", a little of "stars in yoru eyes" "The Terrace Classical concerts of St Andrews" mixed in with an updated section from the old Country Womens Instititutes shows. The art was making that mix work - and it did. There were classical sounds, there wer floyd sounds and there were beasutiful "beats".

The best thing is that everyone had talent and everyone got to appreciate each others talent.

One of the quirky things I liked about the night was that the contractor who disappeared from my not my last workplace but the workplace before that turned out to be a magician! That explains a lot.

Today was spent in the Hutt. Then I decided soon as a had the car and transport I would go over to Wainuiomata to see my old family home. I can't explain why I did, I just felt the need to -its a strange way of grounding myself, reminding myself where I have come from, but also reminding myself I no longer belong there - there are of course parallels in there for my work life. The new owners have buildt a new kitset/garage type house where the garden was. It was weird. But I knew it would happen - so did my Dad. He used t say something like "when I'm dead I bet some buggar will come and get rid of the garden, wipe it out" and put another house there - but I wont be alive to see it" Well I am, and I have seen it, and I'll post more about it tomorrow.

On the way home I stopped at the Indian diary in Epuni and bought some crysthamums and carantions - not that Dad ever really grew those - but in just in memory of the flowers that once were in that place where the new house sits. I alos stopped at the garden centre - but will post more about that tomorrow.

Anway, finally for todays posting, pre Homperm's party I was reminded that Strongerlight and Morgue are getting married next January - my talent for this occassion is flowers - so I have some serious work to do. Its a good and enjoyable goal to strive for - and reminds me of the importance of creating my own garden to the standard I used to achive with my Dad. The flowers we grew together in that place where there is now a house were used for weddings, funderals and other occassions....

Just plain fricken weird

2008-04-18T02:33:00.001-07:00

I've been building up to this post all week. At the commencement of the working week (for me), that is, Monday, the "normal" team meeting was held. Highlights and lowlights were discussed as usual. Although as usual, personally, I found it hard to distingusih between the two. Then just as the meeting was about to draw to a close, the Acting Manager asked all the ladies to stay behind.

She then approached the rather delicate subject that there was an issue with how some ladies were using the toilets. Effectively that "shit" had been discovered on the toilet floors, and "someone" it appeared had toilitree issues that were resulting in a potential health hazard that in the worst case sceanario could possibly lead to a hepatitis A. omg I so wish I had been quick enough to say the most common casue of hepatitis A outbreaks in toilets is between men who have sex with men, and the prospect of this happening in the 7th floor toilets of my building, was in my opinion while not impossible, quite remote during "working hours". I regret I was not quick enough with this retort at the time, beccasue I was simply so overwhelemed at the inetenisty of discussion on the state of the use and state of the toliets.

It was suggested that everyone could contibute to the solution by paying attention to personal hygeiene, washing their hands, and executing care in their toilet excursions. It was also suugested that if anyone did have issues about their toilet behaviour that perhasp they could discretely and confidentially appraoch the Group Manager to "discuss".

Now full credit, actually, to the way the Acting Manager approached the subject and dealt with it swiftly and smoothly and "upfront". But end of week, a few "discreet" notices later, I still find it rather odd.

But more to the point, I think it says something about the work culture or my current employer.

But I don't know, I have thought about it all week. I just find it weird. The behaviour that has led the discussion and the disucssion and attention to it as a result.

Three words

2008-04-16T02:11:00.000-07:00

Three words have crept into the venacular of the modern day discourse. These three words are "its all good". Like, people use these three words at the end of a sentence, a discussion. All sorts of people use these three words. Well, I don't like the way these three words are used. Its too like "have a nice day". Why do you have to say "Its all good" if in fact it is all good. Its a NZ equivalent of "have a nice day". Its a meaningless qaulifier. I suppose its an updated version of the old "she'll be right" now that I think about.

I far prefer the way the judge on Dancing With The Stars used the word A.maz.ing. Thats what I'd rather everyone finished their paragraphs, their sentences with. A.maz.ing. Cos you know, it could be A.maz.ing ly good - or it could be A.maz.ing ly bad.

Anyway, if you have a conversation with me, please do not use the words "its all good"!

Survey

2008-04-11T02:00:00.000-07:00

I have just completed a telephone survey. I know a little about these things so agree to participate in them as a matter of personal curiosity and professional development. This survey was about "general state of things in New Zealand". It lasted about 10 minutes. But thats becasue I am probably your dream question answerer. Reasonably educated and attuned to the types of questions being asked.

I would have thought the lady I was speaking to was from Bombay - but she was probably from Bombay via Auckland. I did ask her the name of the company. Two letters represening individiauls. Think: A&C - but it wasnt A&C so I answered the questions.

The questions ranged basically from whether I would voteein for a Labour Govt (I would) - how happy I was with the Labour govt (relatively happy) to whether I liked cricket or rugby league (clearly being from Wainuiomata, rugby league ) . Take the girl out of Wainui but not Wainui out of the girl. to whether I knew about various current affairs and John Key.

But then there was the question: How happy are you with your life on a scale of 1-10. I answered 5. the interviewer said "Oh, you sound so positive, I thought you would answer much higher". Well, hello. Most people sound quite happy when they have had a few drinks!

Various questions intervened and then the questionnaire ended with the lady saying somethinglike "I really hope your things improe with your ranking on how happy you are@v

I hope so too. I really do.

Pedestrian observations

2008-04-10T01:33:00.000-07:00

Pedestrian observations
We can walk on different sides of "The Terrace“
We can pretend we don’t see each other
When we can
But you know, I would know that look,
that movement, that head tilted down concentrated look that says without saying
I can’t see you – but you can
You see
Anywhere, Anytime
I would know that look without even looking
I’ve executed it myself
So many times before over a lifetime
Just, you know, the point of difference
Is
Not with you

It was just a random but automated glance to the other side
an automatic eye movement
my eye flickers
like a failed exposure
without knowing
it would locate you
standing there in the entrance way
to where I once belonged

You can shuffle your feet
like suddenly they are the most important
things in the world
to choreograph
but its just a metaphor
for the distance
than now exists

This time last year
there would have been a wave
a smile at least
a positive result
that communication was still alive
active
even if there wasn't time to talk
to cross-over and converse

You once asked me what I feared most
Now I know
Distance and silence
when they replace the friendship
that once existed.

Phone Parable

2008-04-02T01:13:00.000-07:00

here is the text of an email I have just sent:

Tonight I had it verified that my cellphone has been stolen and some bastard named "Mike" has changed the number at um 840pm.Anyway, I suspect "he" has probably deleted everything inlcuding the names and phone numbers in the address book and onsold - but just to let you know if you get any random calls or txts they are not from me (although yes, clearly they could have been but they are not) - and clearly another number will show. Several lessons to be learnt here (for me);Dont download several photos of your garden onto you phone;Dont download several photos of the balloon fest onto your phone;Don't download several photos of your beautiful cat onto your phone;Dont download $$$$ of songs onto your phone and programme them into categories etc;Dont download $$$$ for phone calls onto your phone;Dont leave your phone on the boot of your car becasue you have this little morning routine of "bag, phone, paper, locked car check" - although clearly I missed one of these steps out this morning of your car and in the interests of getting the paper, and ther train and getting to Wellington forgot I had the phpne but left it one the boot all day and expect it to be there when you return;If you do get a user pays phone with telecom put a security check on it so some bastard name Mike cant phone up and change the number;Better still get a job where your employer pays for the phone and these thinges are of less importance;Does one really need a phone - maybe the universe is scarifcing my phone to teach me something about communication ......yeah right.........Anyway, I dont' know if I will get a new cellphone. I may go into communication hibernation and instead just buy a new alarm clock - stereo etc I do know I may lodge my first ever insurance claim. Guess its only a phone - but whoever has it knows my name and could look me up and know where I live........they could also look you up....... grrr and GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

A balloon birthday photo

2008-03-25T18:49:00.000-07:00

You can visit Hottieperm here:http://homeperm.blogspot.com

Its her birthday today so I'm celebrating with colour

trade me table

2008-03-25T02:35:00.000-07:00

A couple of months ago I purchased a table from a Trademe man who lives in my trademe region. Today he sat next door to me on the train. I found out he was a medical doctor. His wife is a manager of a health instituition. His wife reupolstered the chairs. Quite nicely. This would perhaps explain why they have not had time to post feedback. I've decided the feedback doesn't really matter because I got a good table table and chairs for the price that is in keeping with my house so I didn't raise it with him this morning. I guess I just like feedback.

The things is when the man visited and delivered my table I thought he looked familiar - but just attributed that to perhaps having seen him locally. He shook my hand and I attributed that to good manners- I have found my best deals are sealed with handshakes when the people introduce themselves. I had viewed his extensive listings on trademe which included among other things, a flash late model porsche, a flash motorbike and another flash car. From this I had deducted he was an IT professional.

He his leaving Wellington to go to Melbourne becasue he needs to move on from the Wellington health scene. I kind of felt for him. His story had a resonance for me. Just hearing him speak, pulled these enormous heart strings/triggers for me. We have different backgrounds but there were similarities in some repsects.

There is something about when people talk about health and their work in health that stirs me. You see, you can be passionate about health, about making a difference. It is easy. It is real.

Fantail in house

2008-03-23T00:21:00.000-07:00

I have just googled this. "Fantail in house" - " Some tribes believe a fantail in your house is a sign of death. Others believe it is a sign of good fortune".

Why did I google this? because a few hours ago I had a happy fantail in my living room - moving from one lightbulb to the next. Then when I got the broom - to direct it outside it flew out of its own accord.

The Ngati Porou in me believes that fantails are not a good sign. But then again as I am not really Ngati Porou maybe I can interpret is a sign of good fortune - a signal of good change.

The thing is I take these signs seriously even if I don't know know what they mean. A fantail doesn't just fly into your house unelss it has something to say. Furthermore, a fantail is not even a common sight on my property little own the prospect of flying into my house.

It has unsettled both Ali and me.

I guess the fact that the fantail was happy could allow interpretation to be on the side of good fortune.

Neighbourhood watch

2008-03-22T00:23:00.000-07:00

About 7pm I was visited by a local policeman. He asked me if I was at home at 4pm. Yes, I said. But then I had to concede I was at home but I was asleep. This means Imissed an act of serious violence halfway down my street. I asked if their were guns. No. It was the wrong question I realise in retrospect. I should have asked how injured the person was. I suspect they are either in intensive care or dead. The incident occured at this house were a group of young people hang out. In general, its far enough to really affect me, but at the same time it is concerning.

I seized the opportunity in my interaction with the policeman to tell him about the threatening annoymous mail I had recieved today. Basically I was left a handwritten note in my letterbox that said if I was real Carterton person I would leave my rubbish in my bin., But I am a real Carterton person and I do put my rubbish in my bin!!! IN fact in terms of environmental recyclying I rank myself pretty high. Thats what hurts! It takes a lot of effrot to chop up chooped down trees -for kindling - more so than taking them to the dump. Except the person spelt rubbish with one b (ok, I don't spell check these posts, but I do the written note). It was odd. If the person writing it was a real Carterton person they would have told me in person of their concerns. But seriously, I can't see what activity I udnertake that could possibly be offensive to any neighbours. Its quite puzzling. The policeman provided no comment or advice. I conceded he would probbaly have greater and more pressing issues to address - but that I felt the need to tell him in any case.

The annoying thing about the handwritten note about from its unwarranted implications are that it is annoymous and there is no opprotunity to press the reply button as in an an email. That for me is one of the most frsutrating things.

Went to Noel Leeming to buy a digital camera - but no one offered to serve me - so I walked out. Its part of my customer policy. Besides its only douple flybuys and I wiill wait for triple.

Oh and fyi, my flybuys purchases are coming one by one, day by day. This was ok for today because I was home. But when I am not home, this neccitates a trip to the local post shop.

I am in receipt of sectauers and a nlue frypan. pillows, lamp and house and graden to come.

Dream a little

2008-03-18T02:33:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow courtesy of Flybuys I should be the proud owner of:

2 Danish Duck pillows
1 leatherman secetars
1 blue skillet
1 lamp
1 year subscription to House & Garden.

It is 3 years since I purchased my house to do. This incidentially is Ali's birthday too. These are little Flybuys gifts to celebrate.

I didn't really need the pillows, but heard this lady on the train rave about how nice it is to have nice pillows and treat yourself. Its a bit like having nice towels.

This does of course mean I will need to purchase digital camera by traditional means.

Further lift advice

2008-03-18T02:17:00.000-07:00

If you are standing in a full lift and you are trying to avoid someone - someone you would rather forget and not be recognised by - do not drop your swipe card directly in front of them and face side up so that they can confirm your identity - especially when you work in an organisation that prides itself on identity. It does tend to draw attention to yourself - not only by the person you are trying to avoid. But the whole of the lift.

When waiting for the lift to go down - if it is full, let it pass. This risks the lift is overloaded siren going off and the cause being attributed to you. It also allows you to make conversation with the other person waiting for the lift who may possibly be more important than you - even if you only talk about the lift - it is conversation with someone you may not have had a conversation with.

Country charm

2008-03-16T01:39:00.000-07:00

Today I went to get my loaf of (unsliced) white bread from Country Oats. Parking (a current interest of mine as you will know from my last posting) was at a premium, well at least by Carterton standards. The usual cars I see parked out outside Kircks duing the week taking up local parking becasue the owners are that little more adventerous and extend their day in the coutnry that little but further than Greytown and Martinborough.

So, I park a few spaces up from Country Charm. Its an antique shop and you may know it from the fact that it has two elderly manequins dressed up that sit outside the shop. Just as I pass the china shop (becasue that essentially what it is with a few expensive wooden pieces) this lady pushing an elderly lady in a wheel chair passes me. She zooms the elderly woman in the wheel chair up to the manequins and they laugh at the manequins and then zoom off. I turned my head around becasue I could hardly believe it. The wheel chair was stuffed with three - yes thats 3 - real live chiwawas (sp) coming out - one at the front, one at the side and one at the back. This is one of the most surreal sightings I have seen for some time.

I also saw a one armed man and one leggged man in the space of about 10 minutes. Each of the men were probbaly younger than me, and playing with their children in the local park. They rmindeded me that life is about the attitude you give it.

Oh, and finally I froze corn and roasted tomato mixtures. I was a pit disappointed with my tomato crop this year given its been a scorcher of a summer. I've decided its all in getting thehem at the right time to get early growth. Its an ok crop but not quite as bountiful as I had hoped for.

Colour coded car parking

2008-03-14T00:09:00.000-07:00

Today I passed six cars in the street where Rumbles the wine merchant is adjacent to Midland Park. The name of the street escaopes me but you can enter it more or less off Woodward St and exactly off Lambton Quay. It is where the popular sushi place is that people que in quite some numbers at lunchtime. Anyway the six cars I saw were all red. Yes, I saw red I saw red I saw red to adapt an old Split Enz song. This made me think that about the prospect of desiognating certain inner city parking areas by a colour code. eg you can only park in Featherston St if your car is yellow. You can only park in Lambton Quay if your car is grey (the fact that my car is grey and parking is difficult to get in Lambton Quay is incidential becasue my car is currently unwarranted and unregistered - again and it is over 3 months since I drove it to Wellington in any case). I'm quite hooked on this town planning concept. Like it brings colour into the town - and in its way is a kind of sustainable option to parking by restricting parking through colour. I guess though while the concept is brillant I could be acccused of bias. eg preferring grey over yellow. Its probbaly not an eeo policy and clearly would result in differential outcomes. But that for me is the beauty of it.

In other parking observations, I have notice on the otherside of Midland Park early morning obseravtions and it it is this. In the street adjacnet to Midland Park and Kircaldies - Brandon St. Often in the morning it is parked up with expensive specimens of the modern day vehicle. Typically these can fall into the catergory of very late model - as in just been produced BMWS, Volvos, Audis etc. I notice this because sometimes I divert my morning breakfast from Astroia to Wholly Bagels for coffee. Its random. How is it that every morning the street at appproximately 8.50am is parked up with expensive cars. Are the owners having breakfast at Astoria? Have the owneres arrived early to go shopping at Kirks or to do their volunteer service and collecting for the day. These are possible options I have consdidered, but quite seriously I lack a definitive conclusion.

Lift activty

2008-03-13T01:31:00.000-07:00

I randomly logged onto the Radio Live site and Marcus Lush to hear a prerecorded chat about the Carterton wheelbarrow races held last weekend. Then I decided to listen to the archived chat about lifts. Brillant.

In essence it provides reccommendations on when you are in a lift. Basically, if you are the last person in the lift you press all the buttons for the floors below so that the next person who hops in has to go to all the floors. I don't know why I hadn't thought of this before.

What I have thought of and quite often do is pretend I am pusing the door open button when in fact I am pushing the door closed button and then look extremely disppointed when the door slams in front of the person.

Anyway, today I tried out the lift button thing. It was strangely empowering. I still have some way to go to perfect it. And the fact that I am the 7th floor doesn't mean I can quite get the full effect of it but nevertheless I'm going to be practicing and perfecting my lift movements.

I think my building has 5 lifts and about 18 floors so there is some scope in this activity.

Apparently like trains, this type of activty appeals to those with autistic tendencies.

Anyway, its giving me some pleasure, its free, it may inconvience a few people, but it doesn't actually do any harm.

All my colleagues in my seating area have been away for the last two days, so instead of being geographically located in "south pod" i have been an i-pod. But my other colleagues keep calling me a me-pod. Apparently, its more gramatically correct - this maybe so but it defeats the purpose of the rebranding - retards!

Late train

2008-03-10T01:53:00.000-07:00

Tonight the late train was very late. Train logic goes like this: The 4.33 breaks down and gets cancelled and towed back through the tunnel back to Upper Hutt. The 5.33 loco has to join up to the 4.33 so is carrying twice the load of passengers and therefore goes slower. The 6.18 has to wait for the 5.33 to clear signals before it can proceed. Consequently, the 6.18 gets in to Caterton at 8.53pm.

The train gaurd loves it. She has soemthing to talk about in great detail and advises all passengers to complain to Toll. She also advises that the train will be late and she's keeping it in Wellington so passengers can hvae the choice of going to New World Metro or Trax for a drink. She has asked the driver to toot his horn so passengers know when to come back. Unfortunately, I had already been to New World and was to anxious I would miss the toot if I went to Trax. Besides, I am trying (and suceeding - well at least this week, but today is only Monday:-) to keep weekdays, with the exception of Fridays, alcohol free). Its not conducive to a lot of things.

The guard also mentions it's good enough to be be a reality programme. I think she must have been watching the UK version of the tube reality TV. The thing is that she (the gaurd) is good enough to justify her own TV reality show.

Grapes

2008-03-08T00:45:00.000-08:00

My favourite grapes are in season and cheap as chips at the Masterton Farmers market. The black type that taste of homegrown grapes. Unfortuantely, this means Autumn has arrived.

Purchased another load of macrocarpa and it was delivered today. I love wood and woodstacking. But must remember I now have enough wood probably for this winter and next given I have priced woodburners and I don't think I will be buying a new one this winter. Wood people are a good breed of people. example: they post their feedback rapidly on Trademe and place excellent feedback. Trademe is the way to go for purchasing and having delivered wood from local suppliers. It does however leave me with a dliemena about my neighbour the wood man who has supplied me with pine. I may have to buy some more pine from him but make the point that if he had elevated me to his priorty delivery list I would have actually purcahsed my macrocarpa off him.

Anyway why pine and macrocarpa - well according to my neighbour you get the best burn when you mix the two.

I have chopped the red hedge down the side of my border with my neighbours basically in half. They have been dropping gentle hints for some time. It was a hedge that had turned into trees but now I have turned it back into a hedge - well it will be once it gets its Spring growth back. In their absence I relented. It lets in a considerable lot more light in to my house - and I suspect their house too. Hopefully, this solar solution will help my winter heating.

I can see why men get excited about chopping trees. A chainsaw would have made it quicker but it is more rewarding with a handsaw.

A public service conference and a funeral

2008-03-06T00:03:00.000-08:00

Today I went to to this conferernce organised by the State Services Commission at the Westpac Stadium. It was on "influecne and persuassion" in the public sector or something like that. It was marketed to senior public servants and managers. Most of my team went. Because heck that's core business to our team. Most of the ex managers from my ex employee also went. I sort of enjoyed it becasue it made me realise a number of things.

The basic thing there was I realised I used to belong to a community (my ex employee). While I have left that community I do still have "networks" to it - even with people I remotely knew. It was the realisation and this is a bit new age (or maybe its just adpadted from tv 3's survivor programme) but i am going to use it anyway, that I left my old tribe and belong to a new tribe. And now it is up to me about choosing what tribe I run with. For now it is my current employee. I learn their skills, their way of workinng, and then at the year I reassess my next move. It could be a fun thing and a really healthy developmental thing if I make it that way.

Here's a few highlights/lowlights from the day:

Meeting Mr "Homeperm" again. He's so endearing after a short abscence, and actually I think his conversation has more substance and his enquires than some.
Hearing one of my current tribes describe basically how a lot of the people were plonkers. She'd seen them drunk at parties and heck who the hell did they think they were fooling and do they think are are
Kind of agreeing with this assessment that a lot of the people in the room were "career public servants" but heck they were quite ordinary
Meeting My Gayboy and him leaving me with Homeperm. My respect for Mr Homeperm increased immensely and concurrently my respect for mr gayboy decreased proportionately .
The familarity of Dr MSD explaining to the audience that she was Dr MSD, not really having a question to ask but putting on a nice eloquent and executed accent anyway in her cosndierable and unjsutifed floorspace.
Most of my current team/tribe arriving late as if they very busy/important have other thinsg to do. Thats not good enough.
Having a chat to one of the esoteric members of my team and beginnning to warm to her. That was good. A need to make her my best friend - its all about working toegther. NAd heck, she is a potentially a very good and strong ally - even if she is a cross btw the Canberra public servant I once worked with and a principal analyst I onced worked with.
Seeing this manager from a a govt dept who I think is a prat who I had dealings with at my job inbetween my last job - and seeing him think: heck shes here at the same level as me - sucker!
Final lowlight was being stuck at table with ex DDG - who gave a whole presnettaion on working for two agenccies - I did't use that opportunity quite as best as I could have. And personally while I think full credit for rebradning I kind of think its like the magicians slight of hand. Its just a perecepotion thing

I so need to keep on this "profefssional development" gravy train.

On the way home there were these two young - say early 20s guys. They appeared to be cousins coming to Carterton for their grandma's funeral. They were cathching up on what they were doing for work, and whether they had girlfriends, houses, intended getting married. One of them says hes not ready for marriage and heck all the girls who knows keep having kids and he's definitley not ready for kids. "They just keep popping out - heck about about four chicks I know have had kids sicne Christmas - they just keep popping out. One I was with not this New Years Eve but last. Man she was model, like you know, she made everyone's head turn. Only 18. And she's popped out this kid. Stunning but I'm glad its not my kid,

Rain

2008-03-04T01:27:00.000-08:00

There is a difference how city folk describe the weather. They say "It rained". The country folk describe it further: "How much rain did you get? - we got 5mm." It is much more exact because it matters a lot more.

Sheep and the Golden Shears

2008-03-02T00:30:00.000-08:00

Last night I went to the final of the Golden Shears held at the Recreation Centre in Masterton. It is what Masterton is known for. If you can google Golden Shears you can watch it on webcam.

There were a lot of sheep. More than I expected. This is explained that the finalists don't just shear one or two or three or four or five sheep each per final. NO! Each finalist shears 20 sheep. Some are marinos, some are lambs and some are cross sheep. And there were about 10 finals.

This means that the night did not end until past midnight. This was compounded by the fact that you had to listen in some detail to all the sponsors giving their credentials, plus the MP for Kaikorua who is an ex winner of the event giving what could have been an inspired political speech, but not at 11.55pm at night.

One of the highlights is the event where the "woolhandlers" compete and sort the wool. The lady that won it had 19 children. Yes, 19 children! I'm not sure what the connection is there. But basically those wool handlers work like crazy sorting the wool and throwing it and its very rhythmical and musical like they are doing a dance.

Some lady from Martinborough broke a world record for shearing over 650 sheep in 10 hours. The MP for Kaikoura ntoed how this was amazing because she was so attractive.

There were Harley Davidsons and band from Wellington called "No Idea" that played 80s rock.

For those with stamina there was a "Jamboroure" afterwards which could have been self invited too for all the competitors, guests ect. I suspect it would have been a dam fine Tui party.

It was a good night out and I'd highly recoomend it. It was real.

Die FrauZhan

2008-02-28T01:24:00.000-08:00

Today I went to the dentist. The health professional I see most often. It cost me $170.00 for a clean and polish and check up. I am sure I see the most expensive dentist practice in Wellington.

I pay the surplus because my dentist has a lovely Irish accent.

But, hello today she asked me to put on the shade things over my glasses. I begin to explain to her that I don't want t take my glasses off because I can't hear. To people that are short sighted this is well known sensory thing. She says "whatever". Hello, I do not pay my most regular health professional to say "whatever" even if it is in a lovely Irish accent.

She reminds me I should be seeing her every 4 months and to floss. I am scared my gums will give way and my teeth will fall out.

Oh, and somewhere between the dentist and my wallet I lost my Flybuys card. Which clearly is priceless given I am saving and close to the purchase of a digital camera - which will enhance this site postings.

Oh, and finally, I fear most the paraable of JG. This is when I over email, over txt, and over phone, never for the respondent to contact me again.

Nothing beats a well stacked wood pile

2008-02-25T00:08:00.000-08:00

It is a beauty to behold. Majestic in its viewing. And comforting that there is wood - should there be a pandemic or such like. But hello, there wont be a pandemic. Not in my lifetime. And in the chance that there is, I'll be ok becasue I am in a relatviely low populated area and therefore OK.

The only flaw with my well stocked wood shed (probaly enough for 2 winters now) is my dodgy Kent woodburner.

Behold! Time for a new woodburner - but then the dliemena in that is the woodpile would not be so well stacked.

I'm actually a bit of a novice had the wood stacking game. My neighbour is the supremo numero at it. But hey, I've only had it as a serious hobby for the last few years so by the time I am retired I figure I will have refined my wood stacking, drying, storage skills. Woodstacking gives me so much pleasure. Either you are a "wood" person or you are not. I am.

Oh, there is another flaw. if only I had purchased a house in the days when you could install a swooped up open fire. That would be the cream.

You have to be an abortionist

2008-02-24T01:30:00.000-08:00

This is the advice of the market man who is a market gardener. He sells plants and was selling swan plants. A lady stopped and explained her dilemena that she had sucessfully built up a fine collection fo catepillars only to see them disappear. I said "thats exactly the same problem I had". The market man then explained you have to be abortionist and take the eggs off the leaves when you see them and leave only 3 or 4 catepillars on the plant. This makes sense really. It was just the way he matter of factly stated it. Your kind of stuffed either way. If you do what the other lady and I did its leading the caterpillars to an early death and if you do it at the egg stage - is that my humane? Perhaps its better not to have the swan plant at all - and leave it to nature.

In contrast I purchased my veges from the purple pumpkin lady and leant about worm feed liquid as a fertiiser which I am going to try. The purple pumkin lady is my inspiration. She lvies within 2km of where I live but her veges are twice my size and her output. So I need to learn from her.

I finished my market purachase at the organic stall where I purchased crispy apples like they should be and handpicked wild blackberries. I turned this into a blackberrie and apple pie with home made shortcrust. It was a Jamie Oliver recipie.

I had wood delivered today - and peastraw which I purchased from the same Trademe supplied. I liked it when the wood men said to each other "doesn't that smell good". They were right. When I went to stack it it did smelll like good dried wood should smell like.

Now on Strongerlight's suggestion, am contemplating buying a puppy also for sale by the same supplier. A German Shepherd puupy. Details are as follow:

Von Hussar kennels"Strong Black Gold"Wormed & Parvo injectedNZKC registeredGood hip scores3 Dogs3 Bitches2 Long coats (1 Dog, 1 Bitch)

I am very very tempted.

Facebook and geckos

2008-02-20T01:09:00.000-08:00

Well as previously disclosed, I have become a surfer on the edges of Findsomeone .........and Facebook. It remidns me people have lives and docment them. This is while I contemplate whether to join. I'm not sure I like the idea of being poked but at least it would prove I am alive. I also fear I would not have enough friends to be cool enough. Anyway, so there I was having a facebook surf tonight. That concept is probably a crimincal offence under facebook lore - but then its all about being public.

So I typed in a old friends name (A) and the name of a very good frined of A, (B). Well A as a facebook entry but nothing in it. Whereas B as a facebook entry and the notification that at the end of the month she is going to live in Germany. Drawing the dots together I think that this will mean that A and B are going to live in Germany. This would mean perhaps I never ever communciate with A ever again. But then I haven't communciated with A for 2 years. So why should this bother me. Well clearly it does as demonstared by my stalking behaviour. What do I do? As it happens I saw B in Astoria the other morning. B tried to make eye contact with me. I pretended that I never saw her and if I did see her that I didn;t know her. I can hardly contact A and say I was stalking B and it looks like they are leaving the country. Its a strange dliema. I should let it go, but clearly I cant.

Oh I retreated to personal musings. So for the home enrty:

Tonight Ali caught a gecko or lizard. They maybe the same. he was very happy. This mand me very happy. Because when he is engaged in such activity he is not damgaging my furniture. It also gave me some assurance that he is not catching aliens form the back garden as I first thought when he frist caught a baby gecko/lizard and I couldn't work out what it was. As for aour cathc nad release programme. I watched him torment it and then when ihe lost entry relaeased it back into the wild of my north neighbours garden.

One of my greatest sporting moments

2008-02-19T01:03:00.000-08:00

One of my greatest sporting moments was attending the Halberg Awards back in the late 90s. Somehow I obtained free entry into the awards which that year were alcohol fueled and held at the Queens Whard Centre. I think it had a lot to do with the ladies who accompanied me that night. One is now a senior civil manager, the other is a forigen affiars diplomat. Anyway that night we slipped in through the back door, secured oursselves a table and drank ourselves into the small hours and then went dancing at the "Opera".

I note this becasue tonight I wacthed the Halberg Awards. A rather stale event held in an an auditorium in Christchurch - my "hometown". I watched the event from my bedroom, least you think I am straying from my 7 week Lentian vow to keep to a house and garden theme. I though pleased with the lady that won the surpreme award.

But back to that night in the late 90s. That was a memorable and awesome nit. I haven't had a night on that scale for quite some times - years in fact.

Home and Garden

2008-02-18T00:01:00.000-08:00

If depression is the "new black" as Homeperm suggests then I am in fashion. However, it is a colour I have had in my wardrobe for a number of years. And in general. I'm not known for my leading edge in fashion.

I've decided I am not really depressed. Just simply slightly stressed which is having side effects. The cause of this stress is coping with my new job. The problem is its not my dream job. I don't come home and think yeah, wow what a day - that rocked my world. There's a fundamental underlying factor at the cause of it - and that's I don't think any job in the "career" I am currently in is going to do that. So, its ot the job, its me. For now I need the income. But thats a line I've used for the last 20 years or so. I also in part need the social interaction and stimulus it provides. What I need to do is find other ways to focus on what is important to me.
In the short term this will be making improvements to my house and garden becasue this at least gives me satisfaction.

This is my last introspective posting on my job and "depression". For the next 7 weeks my entries will be focussed on house and garden issues which afterall was the original intent of this blog which I have strayed a litte from. Why seven weeks? Well my southside neighbours are going away for seven weeks. It provides a target for me to make progress in their absence.

Someone stole my green recycle bin. This is annoying. Did it blow away? No it couldn't have becasue it wasn't windy and there were empty bottles in it weighing down. Do I steal someone elses?. No. Do I buy a new one. Anyway, maybe I could try and exist without it. I don't use it for paper - I already recylce that. I've reduced my empty bottle usage and perhaps could eliminate completely "home empties". So that just leaves empty plastic bottles which I could take to the main depot behind the post office.

If I could be someoneelse - I would be Sarah Beeney from Property Ladder on Channel 8. It kind of answere my career question. Now I need to work out a way to make that happen in a realistic way. The LJ Hooker man from the seminar I attended last week I dont think will be calling me. This is becasue I don't have a "husband". Still, the seminar did serve its purpose in reminding me I will not be able to live on $20,000 a year and I want a lifestyle better than I currently can afford.

Vinegar

2008-02-15T23:10:00.001-08:00

I have spent the last 24 hours attemting to remove a "cat pee" stain from my rimu bookcase. Now I love my cat but he seems to have a behaviour problem - I checked google (both to address athe stain and the behavioural problem) - its probably casued form leaving him alone.. This was exhibited last night when he jumped on the bookcase and did a quick pee in front of me. I was pretty bloody annoyed becasue the bookcase had beautiful markings.

Nearly 24 horus of vinegar, baking soda and washing has almost taken the stain out but its alos taken the complete stain off. I guess I can cover it up with ornaments and stuff - but I am annoyed because it was previously unplemnished. Oh well.

Today I chopped my back fence back to the borderline. I don't think the westside neighbours were that happy - but I don't like conifers - and if Mr Westside nighbour had not chopped his half of the trees down relying on my half it would have not been a problem, Ichopped it down so there will be light for the bamboo to grow. Plus the trees are technically on the property of Mr Westside nighbour and Mr Westside neighbour as previously noted as applied this landscape method to my tree. Anyway, there will be a gap for small period of time until the bamboo does actually grow - and Mr Westside neighbour should appreciate that I have spent at $11.00 per bamaboo plant quite a considerable amount on our resolving opur joint fecning issue..

Did quite well on staying awake today! - hence the tree chopping exercise - plus went to the market - the market is very seasonable at presnent. PLus today today there was the bonus of it being an a&p show.

A seagull with one leg

2008-02-14T00:41:00.000-08:00

Today I had lunch with a seagull with one leg. Sometimes, when I have lunch by myself I grab a ham and egg sandwich and wander down to the wharf and sit on the new flash wooden seats. Specifically, outside the final building still being developed becasue it allows some shade. Today about 5 seagulls descended and one huge big brown sea fowl thing. I noticed one seagull appeared to have only one leg. I wasnn't sure though. So I relented and threw it some crust becasue I felt sorry for it. It flew off and sure enough it did only have one leg. It returned and I threw it some more. I was quite pleased that I was able to mkae sure the one legged seagull secured what I had to offer against quite tough odds. But then I figured being a one legged seagull is probably not an easy life. After this sucess it then became extremely noisy and competetive amongst the bridlife so I walked to the other side by Frank Kitts park - inspired by the one legged seagull.

I'm still thinking through on how to cope with my borderline depression. The other night I saw John Kirwan on tv. Apparently, according to John if you write H.O.P.E in sand on a very nice beach it helps. I guess it would. Also, if you sit in a nice old tree and your kids come up to hug you and you get paid a nice re sum for appearing on tv. So, I went out to my backyard grabbed a stake and drew the word hope. Its not the same as a beach and I didn't get paid for doing it. The pumpkin plant also got in the way.

I don't like those mental health ads. I hope somebody does. But I think they suck. Think about it. The stats. Its normal people - its "people like us". But there's another very nice chap with a bipolar disorder and he too gets to hang out at the beach, and his wife/partner/friends/ love him. This is not meant to be a woe is me posting. Its just meant to be a statement of discontent that those ads don't resonate with me and my life and quite frankly I wonder who they do resonnate with. According to the media awards, lots of people. But I would argue recognition is quite different from resonance.

Anyway, I'm thinking positive re the upcoming weekend. My challenge is to reduce my sleep from last weeekend. If I achieve that it will be a good step.

Findsomeone.com

2008-02-09T23:19:00.000-08:00

I thought I'd enrol for Findsomeone.com. I filled out the most random hapharzard listing. I gave a false listing. I was looking for my ex brother in law. To find him but not for any romantic reasons. I wanted to see how he described himself. Kind of a futile exercise really. And I can't really justify why I did it. Just that I happened to be on facebook - I typed his name in and there he was adn cross linked to findsomeone.co. Randomly and sperately, it was probably triggered by the work I am looking at at present - which is about who will care for you when you are sick, infirmed, old etc.

Well, my first "smile" was from a man with a snake around his neck. My second encounter was from a man who describes himself as "great package". A few others in between have siad we seem to have a lot in common. Where the heck they get that idea from is beyond comprehension from what I wrote on the profile.

This exercise has made me a little depressed. As in if I was doing this seriously what would I write: hate housework, don't read much, don't see the movies much, don't go scubadving, live like a hermit.

This brings me to the fact that I think I am a little depressed. I slept a lot again this weekend. Perhaps I am worried about my job. I don't know. I do feel a little overwhelmed that a lot of my colleagues have Phds. Why I get overwhelemed by this I don't know. Its not as if I haven't worked with intelligent people and actually do yo need a phd in some random topic to work in policy?. I really don't like ambiguity and talking in the clouds. But I'm elected to place myself in a workplace where I have to cope with this and master it. Now I have to make it work, but its taking effort.

I'm going to put in a plan of action re my depression. eg reduce sleeping, reduce alcohol, eat more protein and energy food and exercise more, and think posititvely ect - but heck it takes effort. If only it could all be magically transformed during my sleep periods.

I cut my hedge to the council standard. I guess now in another year it will be how I wanted to look this time.

Crikey,as I type this, my negighbour (westside) has parked their car in their garage in and out at least 3 times. Odd. This reminds me being Chinese New Year, I pruchased bamboo. To plant and grow. It was revenge on my westside neighbour for cutting my beuatiful tree down.

"Meeting your expectations"

2008-02-07T00:29:00.000-08:00

Today I purchased "hair product". It cost circa $60.00 for shampoo and conditioner. I recieved a loyalty card that entitles me to one free set should I purchase ten or something. I'm not a mathematicin but even I know that is $600 on hair product. Anyway the loyalty card of the well known hair establishment has embossed on the bottom of it "meeting your expectations". Well today my my hairdresser and the hairdressing establishment did not meet my expectations. I will not be going back. I paid $100 for a hair cut to look like "Betty Anne". Now Betty Anne is a fine lady. But she must be late fifties or early sixties. Given I am early forties I think it is a little early in my life cycle to look like Betty Anne. Now that I am home I am less distressed. But hello my hair cut was not worth a $100 bucks. Next time I will going local. As I am actually growing my hair all I need is a basic hair trim.

Today I had a catch up meeting with my manager. It was scheduled for 3.30. We had it at 5pm. This is becasue she decided to hold two meetings with other staff before me. What I think, is that she should have said to the the other other staff, I'll meet you at 4pm. She apologised profusely for reschduling. But in my view such an apology is shallow and has no meaning. Its one of my old fashioned traits. I like to be on time. I don't mind being "bumped" or even postponed if important matters arise. But from my analysis the staff that went before me could have waited. Being on time for me is a sign of showing respect. Its also a good sign of time management. I kept my cool. It went well. But it still irks me. Still, that is the nature or the beast. Not to let the irk show. But its ridiculous. I spend time preparing for the meeting . My manager wastes my time, her PAs time, and her time. Its about respect. Its about time anagement. I will have to learn to be relaxed about being accomodating about it. But hello, I have decided that time management is one of my values. And it should be a core competency of good management. I think good managers do do time management well. This is not to say that I don't think my manager is a good manager.

I ended the day by sawing branches that had fallen in the storm. Sawing is good therapy. I reccommend it. And it contributes to the sustainability theory fo minimalising stuff that leaves the property.

ALERT: The FINAL BONFIRE of ALL TIME will be happeining probably early MARCH. The final bonfired as in the last bonfire. Because once the last BONFIRE happens I will laying a nice repsectable lawn:-)

Oh and I have a super duper new old Oak table purchased via Trademe. This means that should I seat you at my table in future you will not have to worry about your arse falling thorugh the chair even if you have a small arse - and neither will I!

Waitangi pie

2008-02-06T01:14:00.000-08:00

Last year on Waitangi Day I made Peter Gorden chicken pies. This year I made a steak, mushroom, pea, gravy, onion pie with a slab of pastry on top. This incluee steak from last nights dinner. I would challenge you to find a better pub pie. I think now I will make it a tradition to make a pie on Waitangi day.

I also purchased Ryobi hedge trimmer. Mitre 10 had GST free day today, so I drove to Martinborugh and purchased it. Its a basic model but I think it will provide the nice edge I am looking for. Saturday will be the big day. I need to have a task set that will keep me out of bed at the weekends. The last two have been consumed by sleep. Not the best use of free time.

While I was in Martinborough I carried out some surveillance on two former colleagues who I used to work with who happened to be renting my friends homestay. Actually, they were on my old land. Two public health doctors - who I do believe are now married. And what were they were doing? Reading the newspaper and reading a book. They seemed content. There was something quite odd about being in the position to be able to put under surveillance surveillance experts. But I must be careful, what with last weeks neighbour surveillance.

Still, I quite imagine that I will be udner surveillance when I cut my hedge. Last time I was.

The Hedge part 2

2008-02-05T00:50:00.000-08:00

I think I am contemplating contacting the council. But I need to assess the risk about this. What do I do if I contact the council? Implore them them into a sustainability arguement and that I have been growing my hedge for the last year. But then I would draw attention to myself that I am the ratepayer that has a very high water usage. Maybe the interim pricc of the water usage for this season is cutting my hedge to council spefecifcation. But it irks me - there are lots of very nice green hedges in my neighbourhood that are not cut back to the fenceline. Do I highlight this?

The thing is: I have actaully been building up to cutting my hedge. I want to cut my hedge. But I do not want to cut it back to the exact boundary line. I do not want to cut it so it conforms with some "environemental officer" specification. Environmental officers have a certain mindset and OK my conflict of interest is that I have a certain predujice against environmental officers. But I consider there are valid reasons for my preduijices. Eek, that has made me realise that is probably the mindset of the bigot that justifies there inane comments and perspectives and viewpoints on life.

Ok, I think this highlights that I don't like regulations and rules.

As it happens the single woman who lives alone next door - much like the mirror of myself was served the same notice a few months back. She contacted the council but to no avail. I suspect that although she is articualte she does not know how to deal with the bozos in the burecratic local governemnt. This is perhaps why I am irked. I'm not going to be defeated by that - but in probability I will be.

Hmmmm. Maybe part of me just wants to prove that I can wrestle with the council and win.

On a completely seperate topic, today I was pleased to learn I had made the blogroll of the Morgue man. I consider that an honour and a privelege. Also to be a line item against Homeperm. I'd do the linky things. One day. One day soon - I hope! - oh and the photos - teh photos - a few more Flybuys points and I will have the Song digital camera to enable this.

And finally. Highlight of the day: It was.....yes, it was PAYDAY. I am back on the PAYROLL of the government. I'd liek to be a self employed gardener and dreamer, but the reality it would not on my gardening rate pay the mortgage. So yay for the Labour market and my active particiaption in it!

Fence issue

2008-02-04T00:00:00.000-08:00

Today I recieved notification from my local council that I am required to cut back my native hedge to the "fenceline" so they can undertake footpath stuff. Heck, I have spent the last year growing it. This will completley stuff up my hedge plan. I have 14 days to do this or they will do it for me and charge me. I wonder how much they charge? Perhaps it is cheaper than my buying a hedge trimmer or equivalent. In general, I think my local council is quite good - well, with the exception of Mr T's Mrs T from the A team at the rubbish dump. I guess it could have been worse. It could have been a bill for my excess water usage. But council grrrr. They really could do their footpath stuff without me having to completely stuff up my hedge for local body requirements.

Working Bee - Part 2

2008-02-02T18:27:00.000-08:00

Well I did a few domestic things, like get dressed and some hadn washing and went out for coffee. To my knowlegde (and yes, clearly I am undertaking some unofficial surveillance of this activity) for at least a good 2 hours the working bee has not been working. Given its 3.30pm and that the working bee arrived about 11.30am this means they haven't actually worked that long.

And now my neighbour is in her garden alone looking at things. Envisaging how it would be if her working participants were working. The working bee participants must be in her house. Perhaps it is too hot for them. I suspect they are from Wellington.

This has become quite a sad working bee. I think I share my neighbours disappointment for her that it has not worked out.

At the same time I feel a little like the working bee participants. Life can be exhasuting. Perhaps they to have the burden of solving "world peace" during the week and it has tired them out. Its tired me out.

My neighbours working bee

2008-02-02T15:35:00.000-08:00

My neighbour is having a working bee. I get a birds eye view of this working bee from my study and where I type my blog posts. It's most odd for me to see people in my neighbours back yard at all - but the sight before me is even odder.

The task for the working bee seems to be lay a pile of bricks. Clearly there is a plan becasue I have seen it form a distance laid out before the working bee partipants. The bricks appear to be going to be laid in two circles. This in my opinion will only make the lawn harder to mow.

So far I have observed four people all attired in what must be their "weekend gardening gear". I note this becasue it includes each of them wearing straw type summer hats, and gardening gloves. They all spent a long time putting their sunblock on today but today it is actually quite cloudy. I note these things becasue I never wear a hat, gloves or sunblock - or sunglasses.

There doesn't seem to be a fair dsitribution of labour. One man appears to be doing all the hard work - digging. Gosh given the dirt is bone dry, I think had I been asked I would have suggested soaking the ground that was to be dug up first yesterday.

If I was in charge of this working group I would fire 2 of the ladies. They spend most of the time watching the activity of the 2 men. Still, that perhaps is their task. They could be pout to better use doinmg general clear up tasks.

I havenn't seen my neighbour. She must be making them lunch.

To be conitinued.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr

2008-01-31T23:44:00.000-08:00

My latest art work is now a 2 piece installation. It was a pillar with a metal frond on. Today I discovered the pillar was blown over and in two pieces. This is becasue basically the pillar was made out of that cheap imitation concrete concept. Unfortunately, this was purchased to symbolise my new job. I hope this is not a symbol of my new job - because effectively that would mean my new job is F***** and a v. bad investment. I can probably recycle in shape and form but definitely not worth the $300 I spent on it for it to break in two. Maybe thats the lesson of the day. Learning how to make my investment work for me no matter what happens.

Today my boss assigned me a new piece of work for my portfolio. She didn't actually define what it was and then told me I had to live with "ambiguity". Um, I don't think I like ambuguity. But my strategy within the work environment will be to say "yes, I am working on the "*%"£?>" strategy, smile and be very p.o.s.i.t.i.v.e about it all. But fuck, its like saying I work on world peace. And actaully theres another whole division within my new govt dept working on this strategy. I hope they do their job well ;-) because that will mean I am doing my job well. My whole team had a meeting on this strategy this afternoon. Goodness knows what they talked about but it seemed to make sense to them. Maybe I do find some aspect of trying to work out how you can talk for an hour or so "estorically" challenging - challenging and frsutrating at the same time. Oh what the fuck is "esotoric" and if you are "estoric" do you need to use the word in any case.

As for my new job today I had drinks with the "managers". I met a group manager from another divsion who happens to be the sister of a well known MP. I knew who she was but I said "oh, so where do you work and what do you do and she described what she did without having to use the words "Group Manager" - so from that I assessed that she was Ok and we would get along fine. And then my manager goes "she's the Group Manager". And I'm like,....um like so???

I like my new people but sometimes I find them arrogant and quite intellectually snobby - and very openly so - which is not to say that I can't keep up or engaged with them - I just question why they feel the need to assert and proclaim their knowledge! I guess theres aspects within that I find both yuk and attractive.

Unfortuantely I had an OMG that is so not funny moment at the end of drinks. My boss goes "so, will we see you next week?" when I left. And I said "definetely.... its only after 3 months that you need to worry" Ummmm. Not funny. Welll, it is defintiely funny but not in the Group Manager context.

Anyway, the Group Manager, who is the sister of the well known MP is HOT. Can only disclose that becasue I have a readership of 3 people!