I am quite excited to announce that starting april 11th, I'll be employed at the victoria university library! I was starting to become a bit bitter about going so long without even an interview. And then when I got my first library interview, but didn't get the job, I was heartbroken. Almost a week later, I got a call back regarding this position. After our whirlwind trip to the South Island (we returned on Sunday), I interviewed on monday. Tuesday evening, I heard the good news.
Most people seem to think that unemployment is awful. It wasn't. I have tons of hobbies, and I'm good at entertaining myself in general, so it was amazing. It was fun to get tons of sleep, lazy mornings with coffee. And then knitting, genealogy, sewing, cooking, or running. But it is nice to not have to worry about blowing my entire life savings. And the fact that its a library job, something i am truly passionate about, is icing on the cake.
With every new job there is a learning period. Trying to remember everyone's names, getting your log on info, where things are, etc. There are forms to fill out, and pictures to take, etc. It's a bit of a headache to begin with, but i'm excited to jump in and get started.
Friday, April 8, 2011
Part 3, Bach, Massages, & Beer
After all of the sleeping on the ground, and driving, we decided to splurge and stay in a bach for the remainder of our time on the South Island. Once we arrived we had time to drop our things off, explore the Monkey Wizard Brewery, and pick up some items for dinner.
Our second day we made kayak reservations and booked it to Motueka and hit the water. After we were all tuckered out, we explored the source of the Riwaka. The lady we met at the Brewery the previous day explained that it was a really awesome spot that most tourists don't know about (she also mentions that she takes crystals there to clean them...). Justin, being the adventurous type, jumped into the crystal pool.
The next day, we separated. The girls went to get a massage, and the boys went to March Fest (think October Fest). From the masseuse, Angie was told that she had an "Angelic Prescience" and that she could ask the angels for help at her job. Cool. I was told that I'm too high strung. Nice. After our rub down, we went to pick the boys up from the beer festival. They jumped in the car, and then asked if we would mind, if they exchange the glasses they bought (they were from the previous year, not the current year. Outrage). We waited. When they returned 10 minutes later, they were both wet. And they both had their flies down. Raise your hand if you heart boys. Me too.
Our last day we have plenty of time to make it to the ferry. That's what we thought. Until we look at the map again. The night before we thought it would take 2 hours to get to the ferry, in the morning light, we see that it is 3 hours. We jump in the car and high tail it. No pee stops. Not even one. Furious driving over incredible scenery. Thanks to Aaron's incredible driving, we make it. All in one piece.
You would think after 12 days of being with another couple we would be glad for our space again. Instead, we just miss them. If they wanted they could move in with us. Nudge. Nudge.
Oh, and you want to know the best part of the entire trip? We are soon going to be called "Uncle Aaron" and "Aunt Barbie"! Angie is pregnant with Sprout Wech! Sprout is due to show up in September. Justin and Angie are going to be terrific parents, and we couldn't be happier.
Our second day we made kayak reservations and booked it to Motueka and hit the water. After we were all tuckered out, we explored the source of the Riwaka. The lady we met at the Brewery the previous day explained that it was a really awesome spot that most tourists don't know about (she also mentions that she takes crystals there to clean them...). Justin, being the adventurous type, jumped into the crystal pool.
The next day, we separated. The girls went to get a massage, and the boys went to March Fest (think October Fest). From the masseuse, Angie was told that she had an "Angelic Prescience" and that she could ask the angels for help at her job. Cool. I was told that I'm too high strung. Nice. After our rub down, we went to pick the boys up from the beer festival. They jumped in the car, and then asked if we would mind, if they exchange the glasses they bought (they were from the previous year, not the current year. Outrage). We waited. When they returned 10 minutes later, they were both wet. And they both had their flies down. Raise your hand if you heart boys. Me too.
Our last day we have plenty of time to make it to the ferry. That's what we thought. Until we look at the map again. The night before we thought it would take 2 hours to get to the ferry, in the morning light, we see that it is 3 hours. We jump in the car and high tail it. No pee stops. Not even one. Furious driving over incredible scenery. Thanks to Aaron's incredible driving, we make it. All in one piece.
You would think after 12 days of being with another couple we would be glad for our space again. Instead, we just miss them. If they wanted they could move in with us. Nudge. Nudge.
Oh, and you want to know the best part of the entire trip? We are soon going to be called "Uncle Aaron" and "Aunt Barbie"! Angie is pregnant with Sprout Wech! Sprout is due to show up in September. Justin and Angie are going to be terrific parents, and we couldn't be happier.
Camping with Family Part 2
When we left off, we had just finished exploring Wellington for a few days. On Monday, we started off early. We caught the 8:00 ferry to the South Island. After that, there was a lot of driving. The scenery was so breathtaking, that no one seemed to mind being in a car for that long. We pulled over long enough to explore a winery, and walk across a swinging suspension bridge. Fun. We camped at a free beach near Westport, and enjoyed dinner at the Yellow House Cafe & Restaraunt.
As a really funny side note, this was also the day that Aaron tried to fart on Angie, and she informed him that he had a giant hole in his pants. It was karma. After that he only had 1 pair of pants for the rest of the trip.
Our second day on the South Island, we made our way to the Franz Josef Glacier. Boys dig glaciers. Really. On our way to the glacier, we also saw the Pancake Rocks, which was for me a high point. I could not have imagined the formations rocks could achieve with time and water. We camped at some weird camp ground by the side of the road.
Side note, many books reference NZ's great campgrounds, but we, as a collective group, disagree. They are relatively spendy, for sleeping on the ground, and many are right off of the highway. Boo.
Also, I believe this was the day that I knifed Aaron. I was holding out a piece of cheese that I just cut with a knife, when Angie remarked that the first person to reach back could get it. Both Justin and Aaron spun around, but Aaron was faster, and bled as a result. Bad girlfriend.
Our third day on the South Island involved a lot of driving, but a few nice stops along the way. We stopped at the Devil's Punchbowl, which was one of the most beautiful waterfalls I've ever seen. We stopped for our last night of camping, in the town of Reefton, where we were able to take showers and clean up a bit. It was also nice to watch the boys take a dunk in the freezing lake, just because they could.
Our second day on the South Island, we made our way to the Franz Josef Glacier. Boys dig glaciers. Really. On our way to the glacier, we also saw the Pancake Rocks, which was for me a high point. I could not have imagined the formations rocks could achieve with time and water. We camped at some weird camp ground by the side of the road.
Side note, many books reference NZ's great campgrounds, but we, as a collective group, disagree. They are relatively spendy, for sleeping on the ground, and many are right off of the highway. Boo.
Also, I believe this was the day that I knifed Aaron. I was holding out a piece of cheese that I just cut with a knife, when Angie remarked that the first person to reach back could get it. Both Justin and Aaron spun around, but Aaron was faster, and bled as a result. Bad girlfriend.
Our third day on the South Island involved a lot of driving, but a few nice stops along the way. We stopped at the Devil's Punchbowl, which was one of the most beautiful waterfalls I've ever seen. We stopped for our last night of camping, in the town of Reefton, where we were able to take showers and clean up a bit. It was also nice to watch the boys take a dunk in the freezing lake, just because they could.
Justin & Angie explore Wellington Part 1
March 18th, our Aaron's brother, Justin, and his beautiful bride, Angie flew half way around the world to visit us. We had been looking forward to their arrival for a few months. It crept by. Slowly. As excited as we were about it, it was also, a bit of pressure. "Hey, we are spending tons of money traveling half way around the world to visit you. We better have fun" (neither of them actually said this, or anything close to it).
Our plan was to show them a few sites around Wellington, for a few days and relax. Then on Monday take a ferry to the South Island, where we would drive South until we didn't feel like driving anymore, and then camp our way back to the Northern part of the South Island, where we would relax in a bach for a few nights, and then take the ferry back to Wellington on Sunday. Pretty well thought out, right?
Day 1, we had a relaxed morning, and in the afternoon went to Makara Beach, which is approximately 15km from our house. After exploring the beach we perused the Botanic Gardens and then walked to the waterfront, downtown.
Day 2, we had another relaxed morning (it is a common theme around here), and then took a pleasant drive around the bays. It was nice to go at our own pace, and pull over for pictures, if we want, or explore the beach. We also pulled over, and enjoyed a nice lunch at the Chocolate Fish, and then capped it off by going to Mount Victoria, to take in the view of the city and sea.
Part 2...We head to the South Island!
Our plan was to show them a few sites around Wellington, for a few days and relax. Then on Monday take a ferry to the South Island, where we would drive South until we didn't feel like driving anymore, and then camp our way back to the Northern part of the South Island, where we would relax in a bach for a few nights, and then take the ferry back to Wellington on Sunday. Pretty well thought out, right?
Day 1, we had a relaxed morning, and in the afternoon went to Makara Beach, which is approximately 15km from our house. After exploring the beach we perused the Botanic Gardens and then walked to the waterfront, downtown.
Day 2, we had another relaxed morning (it is a common theme around here), and then took a pleasant drive around the bays. It was nice to go at our own pace, and pull over for pictures, if we want, or explore the beach. We also pulled over, and enjoyed a nice lunch at the Chocolate Fish, and then capped it off by going to Mount Victoria, to take in the view of the city and sea.
Part 2...We head to the South Island!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
War Update
It's no secret. I have 2 weaknesses. Mornings. Spiders. I'm not really ashamed of either, but it does suck to have to deal with them. This post deals with the latter. I've been a sworn enemy of those 8-legged bastards my entire life. We've exchanged mostly harmless blows, but then they crossed the line when one of them bit me in San Francisco in 2008. It resulted in an ER visit, and I still have the scar to remind me of our ongoing differences.
I know people think I'm a pansy for being afraid of spiders. But come on. They're gross. They have 8 legs!!! Six is pushing it. But 8!? With the ability to shoot rope out of your butt? You were clearly bred for evil doings.
In general, I've come to terms with living together. Being in a basement apartment in Seattle forced this. I developed a policy. If you don't move. You live. There were plenty of webs/spiders in the odd corner here or there. No big deal. I can live with that, as long as I know where you are. You wanna be vile and disgusting, have the decency to do it when no one is looking. Don't get cute and try to explore. There was a corner in our shower there that must have been prime real estate, because it was always occupied by some new tenant. I showered with one spider for months before his curiosity caused his demise.
Flash forward to Wellington. We've had our on and off dealings with spiders, mainly because the house is set into a hill and constantly under attack from very aggressive plants. However, things really escalated a few weeks ago when I foiled the plots of 2 different arachnid terrorist cells. One was creeping around the headboard by my pillow, hoping for a jugular opportunity. The other, 8 hours later, was waiting to ambush me in the shower. Both showed cunning in their planning an attack in my most vulnerable state. Also, these were NOT small. We're talking 2+ inch diameters. They're also fast and agile. This means war.
We isolated the spiders' primary access route and have been actively working to shut this down. There's a few inch gap in the back area that led right into dirt and plants (see "Spider access"). We cleared the plants a while ago. The a couple weeks ago we cleared the dirt down to concrete to create a bit of a buffer zone. This helped, but was not satisfying enough. Not only was there still access, but the wind would blow A LOT of dirt and crap through this gap into our hot tub area. Now, we don't have the hot tub going, but this is one of the reasons why. It has also been a goal of ours to get our hot tub ready by winter.
Last weekend we blasted the nastiness (see "Spider's lair" above) with water and flushed it all out. This was satisfying and terrifying. They were flying everywhere, including on me, from the spray. But this flushed everything out. This weekend we took the next step and lined this foot-wide channel area (see "Evil" above) with a bit of tarp. Then we took a trip to get rocks. Lots and lots of rocks. Bonnie was pretty loaded down. It remains to be seen how effective this is on the spiders, but it certainly cut down on the amount of dirt coming in overnight, which is good news for our social outlook (working assumption: hot tub = friends). We shall see.
I know people think I'm a pansy for being afraid of spiders. But come on. They're gross. They have 8 legs!!! Six is pushing it. But 8!? With the ability to shoot rope out of your butt? You were clearly bred for evil doings.
In general, I've come to terms with living together. Being in a basement apartment in Seattle forced this. I developed a policy. If you don't move. You live. There were plenty of webs/spiders in the odd corner here or there. No big deal. I can live with that, as long as I know where you are. You wanna be vile and disgusting, have the decency to do it when no one is looking. Don't get cute and try to explore. There was a corner in our shower there that must have been prime real estate, because it was always occupied by some new tenant. I showered with one spider for months before his curiosity caused his demise.
Flash forward to Wellington. We've had our on and off dealings with spiders, mainly because the house is set into a hill and constantly under attack from very aggressive plants. However, things really escalated a few weeks ago when I foiled the plots of 2 different arachnid terrorist cells. One was creeping around the headboard by my pillow, hoping for a jugular opportunity. The other, 8 hours later, was waiting to ambush me in the shower. Both showed cunning in their planning an attack in my most vulnerable state. Also, these were NOT small. We're talking 2+ inch diameters. They're also fast and agile. This means war.
We isolated the spiders' primary access route and have been actively working to shut this down. There's a few inch gap in the back area that led right into dirt and plants (see "Spider access"). We cleared the plants a while ago. The a couple weeks ago we cleared the dirt down to concrete to create a bit of a buffer zone. This helped, but was not satisfying enough. Not only was there still access, but the wind would blow A LOT of dirt and crap through this gap into our hot tub area. Now, we don't have the hot tub going, but this is one of the reasons why. It has also been a goal of ours to get our hot tub ready by winter.Last weekend we blasted the nastiness (see "Spider's lair" above) with water and flushed it all out. This was satisfying and terrifying. They were flying everywhere, including on me, from the spray. But this flushed everything out. This weekend we took the next step and lined this foot-wide channel area (see "Evil" above) with a bit of tarp. Then we took a trip to get rocks. Lots and lots of rocks. Bonnie was pretty loaded down. It remains to be seen how effective this is on the spiders, but it certainly cut down on the amount of dirt coming in overnight, which is good news for our social outlook (working assumption: hot tub = friends). We shall see.
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