I walked in the door this evening and Haydn said there was a package for me on the couch. It was some really cute plaid pj's from Eddie Bauer. However, there was no gift note or name from who it was from. So, please tell me who sent them so I can thank them properly! I really appreciate it.
Frustration sucks. I was sitting on the couch tonight, watching a movie with the flatmates and I get a text message from my boss at WRAC saying that my sub for tomorrow cancelled. ARG! So now I have to try and be in two places at once....teaching for WRAC and coaching for Raumati at WRAC. (By the way, who calls in sick at 10pm on a Friday night???)
So that is what my weekend is looking like.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Stupid Casey Moments
Most of you know that a day doesn't go by that I don't do something to make myself, and those around me, laugh at something stupid I've done. I have told the following stories to my family and with much laughter, they have convinced me to post the following. So, here it is.
Stupid Casey Moment #1
(Background info: Kiwi's call Lifeguards here "Life Savers.") A few days before our staff meeting last week, my boss announces that there is going to be someone from Kiwi Saver to address us. Everyone told me I didn't have to be there since I wasn't a resident, but I just shrugged and said I'd go anyways. I thought the meeting would be important because it was going to be about life saving.
So, meeting day rolls around and about 15 staff members (including my two bosses, Ali and Bekki) are sitting around a conference table when a guy from Kiwi Saver comes in to start the meeting. He slides a pamphlet across the table and the second I read the cover I started to laugh. The pamphlet was from the New Zealand International Revenue Service. Kiwi Saver is NZ form of social security!!! OPPS! I turn to Alexia to whisper to her why I'm laughing at myself. She starts cracking up and she turns to Jo, who starts giggling. Jo then turns to Sandra, Sandra turns to Aaron, Aaron turns to Ma and by the time it gets around to Bekki and Ali the whole table is cracking up at me. Bekki then proceeds to stop the meeting and says "Casey, you obviously now know that Kiwi Saver has nothing to do with saving lives." It was a good laugh.
Stupid Casey Moment #2
In my frenzy of cleaning house, doing dishes, vacuuming, and doing laundry last week, I threw our white toilet rug into the washing machine to run after the dishwasher was done and after I took a shower. About 3 hours later, I realized I needed to run a red load, so I grab all my red laundry and our red shower rug. When I went to hang the red load out on the line, out comes our "white" toilet rug....which is now bright pink. OPPS! (Yes, I know you are suppose to separate your loads. I just forgot the white rug was in the washing machine.) I wrote a note to the flatmates apologizing and stating I would purchase a replacement rug. Later that night, when I came home I run up stairs to see the mates, and all 3 at the same time duck and cover and yell "Watch out! She'll turn you PINK!" It is now a long running joke. (BTW Katrin was much more pleased with our pink rug.)
Okay. Did you get a good laugh out of that? I hope you did because I know it brought joy to those around me. I'm glad I was born with the gift of not being embarrassed easily.
Off to fall asleep to 85mph winds. Night!
Stupid Casey Moment #1
(Background info: Kiwi's call Lifeguards here "Life Savers.") A few days before our staff meeting last week, my boss announces that there is going to be someone from Kiwi Saver to address us. Everyone told me I didn't have to be there since I wasn't a resident, but I just shrugged and said I'd go anyways. I thought the meeting would be important because it was going to be about life saving.
So, meeting day rolls around and about 15 staff members (including my two bosses, Ali and Bekki) are sitting around a conference table when a guy from Kiwi Saver comes in to start the meeting. He slides a pamphlet across the table and the second I read the cover I started to laugh. The pamphlet was from the New Zealand International Revenue Service. Kiwi Saver is NZ form of social security!!! OPPS! I turn to Alexia to whisper to her why I'm laughing at myself. She starts cracking up and she turns to Jo, who starts giggling. Jo then turns to Sandra, Sandra turns to Aaron, Aaron turns to Ma and by the time it gets around to Bekki and Ali the whole table is cracking up at me. Bekki then proceeds to stop the meeting and says "Casey, you obviously now know that Kiwi Saver has nothing to do with saving lives." It was a good laugh.
Stupid Casey Moment #2
In my frenzy of cleaning house, doing dishes, vacuuming, and doing laundry last week, I threw our white toilet rug into the washing machine to run after the dishwasher was done and after I took a shower. About 3 hours later, I realized I needed to run a red load, so I grab all my red laundry and our red shower rug. When I went to hang the red load out on the line, out comes our "white" toilet rug....which is now bright pink. OPPS! (Yes, I know you are suppose to separate your loads. I just forgot the white rug was in the washing machine.) I wrote a note to the flatmates apologizing and stating I would purchase a replacement rug. Later that night, when I came home I run up stairs to see the mates, and all 3 at the same time duck and cover and yell "Watch out! She'll turn you PINK!" It is now a long running joke. (BTW Katrin was much more pleased with our pink rug.)
Okay. Did you get a good laugh out of that? I hope you did because I know it brought joy to those around me. I'm glad I was born with the gift of not being embarrassed easily.
Off to fall asleep to 85mph winds. Night!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Some odds and ends!
I'm feeling much better today then the past couple of days. Still fighting a headache but I'm just giddy to not be uncomfortable and annoyed at every light and sound.
I had a chance to watched the Lunar Eclipse tonight. It was really neat. It started as I was leaving Raumati and the moon was completely covered by the time I pulled into my driveway. Kiwi's really enjoy nature and things of this sort. The eclipse was on the front page of all the papers this morning, the evening news, and all the kids learned about it in class (so they were all excited at practice). I can't even remember the last time I watched one and I'll be excited when the next one rolls around because then I can say "The last lunar eclipse I watch I was in another country!"
There is a new billboard on my commute to work to the city stating "Congrats, Welly! You were named the 5th best capital in the WORLD!" WHOO! I can't find the article to back this information up (I'm sure it is in the fine print, but when you're going 70mph it's hard to catch) but as soon as I do I'll be sure to post it.
I was also evaluated at work....final score: 49.5 out of 50 (I was docked .5 points because I didn't have my lesson plan out. Am I suppose to have a plan?) Overall, I was hoping for a little constructive criticism, some new ideas, and maybe even a "Hey, you aren't doing this right." Bekki, the assistant manager said I'm a great instructor. I'm gonna have to pull some teeth to get some new teaching techniques because even I'm getting bored!
My dad, sister, and bro-in-law finally purchased me a new camera, so I should be getting that soon and with the upcoming two week holiday off (September 24-October 6) I should be able to get out and about to get some pictures taken of some views, sights, and outings. YAY! I know I want to go to the Wellington Zoo, Mount Victoria cable car, and take some pictures of some beaches.
Outside of those random things, the weather is getting really nice and I can feel the buzz of spring :) around the corner....and then it will be summer! YAY!!
Love you all!
I had a chance to watched the Lunar Eclipse tonight. It was really neat. It started as I was leaving Raumati and the moon was completely covered by the time I pulled into my driveway. Kiwi's really enjoy nature and things of this sort. The eclipse was on the front page of all the papers this morning, the evening news, and all the kids learned about it in class (so they were all excited at practice). I can't even remember the last time I watched one and I'll be excited when the next one rolls around because then I can say "The last lunar eclipse I watch I was in another country!"
There is a new billboard on my commute to work to the city stating "Congrats, Welly! You were named the 5th best capital in the WORLD!" WHOO! I can't find the article to back this information up (I'm sure it is in the fine print, but when you're going 70mph it's hard to catch) but as soon as I do I'll be sure to post it.
I was also evaluated at work....final score: 49.5 out of 50 (I was docked .5 points because I didn't have my lesson plan out. Am I suppose to have a plan?) Overall, I was hoping for a little constructive criticism, some new ideas, and maybe even a "Hey, you aren't doing this right." Bekki, the assistant manager said I'm a great instructor. I'm gonna have to pull some teeth to get some new teaching techniques because even I'm getting bored!
My dad, sister, and bro-in-law finally purchased me a new camera, so I should be getting that soon and with the upcoming two week holiday off (September 24-October 6) I should be able to get out and about to get some pictures taken of some views, sights, and outings. YAY! I know I want to go to the Wellington Zoo, Mount Victoria cable car, and take some pictures of some beaches.
Outside of those random things, the weather is getting really nice and I can feel the buzz of spring :) around the corner....and then it will be summer! YAY!!
Love you all!
Sunday, August 26, 2007
I feel like I should be an Aleve commerical.
Monday morning and I'm laying in bed with a migraine. Well, actually I slept off the migraine and now I just have a really annoying headache. (Don't worry. I'm only missing an hour of "training" at WRAC. I pick great times to be sick. I will head up to Raumati at 4)
I've been swamped with work all weekend. It is the Wellington Short Course Championships at WRAC. It is about 20 teams from the Wellington area (Raumati is currently placed 4th!) It runs over two weekends, with two sessions on each day. The first session starts at 7:00am and ends at 12pm and the second session starts at 4pm and goes till 9-10pm.
Saturday, on the break, Jim took me to a pizza joint called "One Red Dog" on Courtney Place in Wellington. (Wellington's social scene is on two streets that cross each other, Courtney Place and Cuba Street) Then we walked around the city and into a few shops. We then drove over to Lyall Bay which has really good surf and Jim took a nap while I sat on the beach and watched the surfers. The waves were huge, about 10+. It was relaxing to sit there doing something I would do at home.
Sunday, I spent the morning rubbing my head/eyes and telling the kids to stop screaming in my ear. I went home on the break and fell asleep, still clothed and face first into my pillow, for the whole 3.5 hours I had off. I then went back to WRAC to work the evening session, came home, took some sleeping drugs, and feel asleep at 9pm and woke up around 10:30am. I'm feeling alot better and might attempt to eat something soon. Maybe take another nap since I'm still really groggy.
I did have a date on Thursday evening. Not a big deal. I met the guy at the pub last Saturday night when I went out with some friends. His name is Paul and he actually played polo for Jim about ten years ago. It was a nice date, nothing made of fairy tales and butterflies, but nice. We had good conversation over a game of pool and then had a cup of coffee at a place called Espresso-aholic on Courtney.
That's it for now. Sorry I'm not more exciting.
I've been swamped with work all weekend. It is the Wellington Short Course Championships at WRAC. It is about 20 teams from the Wellington area (Raumati is currently placed 4th!) It runs over two weekends, with two sessions on each day. The first session starts at 7:00am and ends at 12pm and the second session starts at 4pm and goes till 9-10pm.
Saturday, on the break, Jim took me to a pizza joint called "One Red Dog" on Courtney Place in Wellington. (Wellington's social scene is on two streets that cross each other, Courtney Place and Cuba Street) Then we walked around the city and into a few shops. We then drove over to Lyall Bay which has really good surf and Jim took a nap while I sat on the beach and watched the surfers. The waves were huge, about 10+. It was relaxing to sit there doing something I would do at home.
Sunday, I spent the morning rubbing my head/eyes and telling the kids to stop screaming in my ear. I went home on the break and fell asleep, still clothed and face first into my pillow, for the whole 3.5 hours I had off. I then went back to WRAC to work the evening session, came home, took some sleeping drugs, and feel asleep at 9pm and woke up around 10:30am. I'm feeling alot better and might attempt to eat something soon. Maybe take another nap since I'm still really groggy.
I did have a date on Thursday evening. Not a big deal. I met the guy at the pub last Saturday night when I went out with some friends. His name is Paul and he actually played polo for Jim about ten years ago. It was a nice date, nothing made of fairy tales and butterflies, but nice. We had good conversation over a game of pool and then had a cup of coffee at a place called Espresso-aholic on Courtney.
That's it for now. Sorry I'm not more exciting.
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Answered Prayers!
Just wanted to give you all an update:
I found a church! I'm really excited about it because it is seriously a blessing and God smacking me in the face saying "Wake up! I'm here!"
Many of you know that searching for a church was something I wanted to do but due to work constraints and not really knowing where to start has made it more of a burden then an adventurous journey.
Well, last week I mentioned in passing to my friend/co-worker, Alexia, that I was looking for a church. Nothing else was said so I let the topic die. Last night on our way to dinner, Alexia said "Hey. Are you still looking for a church? Want to go with me tomorrow?" I said "I don't think I can because I work in the morning" and she replied with "Not a problem. It meets at 6pm" (which was attraction #1...it meets at night)
I was wary about going because I didn't want to get roped into anything I shouldn't be in or not have it be the right fit for me. However, the church is perfect. It is a non-denominational Christian church called "Destiny" in the heart of Wellington. The sermon was perfect (a testimonial) and the music was really good (I even knew a song!). The congregation of about 200 people is a hugely diverse mix of European, Maori, Asian, etc and they were really welcoming and made me feel at home the minute I walked in the door.
At the end of the service I met the pastors and put into a small group with Alexia. This was an answer to prayers because I know my family and alot of friends have been asking God that I find my "home" here in NZ. The fact that it was right under my nose with someone I work with and became friends with right away, didn't have to go on the scary search, and have it be the first church I attended isn't just luck. It is God. Amen.
I found a church! I'm really excited about it because it is seriously a blessing and God smacking me in the face saying "Wake up! I'm here!"
Many of you know that searching for a church was something I wanted to do but due to work constraints and not really knowing where to start has made it more of a burden then an adventurous journey.
Well, last week I mentioned in passing to my friend/co-worker, Alexia, that I was looking for a church. Nothing else was said so I let the topic die. Last night on our way to dinner, Alexia said "Hey. Are you still looking for a church? Want to go with me tomorrow?" I said "I don't think I can because I work in the morning" and she replied with "Not a problem. It meets at 6pm" (which was attraction #1...it meets at night)
I was wary about going because I didn't want to get roped into anything I shouldn't be in or not have it be the right fit for me. However, the church is perfect. It is a non-denominational Christian church called "Destiny" in the heart of Wellington. The sermon was perfect (a testimonial) and the music was really good (I even knew a song!). The congregation of about 200 people is a hugely diverse mix of European, Maori, Asian, etc and they were really welcoming and made me feel at home the minute I walked in the door.
At the end of the service I met the pastors and put into a small group with Alexia. This was an answer to prayers because I know my family and alot of friends have been asking God that I find my "home" here in NZ. The fact that it was right under my nose with someone I work with and became friends with right away, didn't have to go on the scary search, and have it be the first church I attended isn't just luck. It is God. Amen.
Saturday, August 18, 2007
The Pringles War Continues!
Frazer FINALLY ate the tainted BBQ Pringles with chili powder and the 3 of us just happened to be around when he did it. Here is how it went down:
I came home from work around 1pm today and the flatmates were all in a really good mood because they all have the day off. Well, we were standing around in the kitchen and I was eating a can of Sour Creme and Onion Pringles. Frazer said he was hungry and wanted some and I said "There is a can of BBQ that needs to be finished" and toss him the can of tainted chips. He didn't just take one...he ate all 5 that were at the bottom. Hayden was behind him doing the silent laugh, Katrin and I were standing there with a mouthful of food trying not to gag from impending laughter. Next thing, Frazer is spitting in the sink and saying "THOSE ARE BLOODY HOT!" We cracked up! It was was hysterical. We taught the Pringles Monster a lesson. Now I'm just waiting for "Prank War 2007" to start. (anyone have any really funny pranks I can pull out if it starts soon?)
Friday night, Raumati had a Fish n' Chips dinner to celebrate the kids that qualified for the Wellington Short Course meet next weekend. I was formally introduced as one of the new coaches and received my new coaches jacket and uniform. I am finally getting to know all the kids and know their names without looking at the attendance sheet. A group of 10-year-old girls bombarded me with questions: What's your favorite Disneyland ride? What's your favorite color? Do you have a boyfriend? Why aren't you married? Then they proceeded to fight over the seats next to me and I held two in my lap. I have to admit, it felt really special to finally get to know the kids.
Last night was a blast. Jo, Alexia, Seka, Seka's Boyfriend, and I went for some Asian food (after trying to get Mexican at the ONE place in the entire city....there was a 2 hour wait. I wanted to wait, but I was outvoted.) After dinner, we walked over to a pub called "The Bristol" (think Yardhouse) and had a few drinks, some great conversation, shot some pool, and laughed a ton.
And yes, I am the girl with the accent. I have never had an accent before and it's really cool. All night at the pub, people were walking up to Seka and I (Seka is from Washington) saying "Are you Canadian?" (Kiwi's always ask if you are Canadian first because they get offended if you call them American, where Americans don't care if we are called Canadian). They would ask us all sort of questions and I even had one guy tell me "American accents are so sexy". That is a NEW one in describing my accent, most people just make fun of it.
Now, I'm just waiting for Alexia to pick me up. She invited me to her church (which meets on Sunday nights) and I am super excited to finally get an opportunity to go to a New Zealand Christian church, especially with someone I already know. From the way she described her church they do a lot of praise and worship with a full band and do alot of hip/youthful sermons. I will be wary of it and hope this is a church God wants me to attend. (Thanks for all your prayers on that topic, by the way. I know a lot of you have been praying that I find a place of worship here and I really appreciate it.)
Lastly, I want to send a out a Birthday message to two Special guys! I already sent them B-day wishes but I want to make sure that all my millions of readers know it too!
Uncle Jim: I'm so glad I got to talk to you over the phone. I hope you have a fantastic day and celebration next week with the family. I love you and miss you! Happy Birthday!
Brandon: Sorry I couldn't get ahold of you today. I will try again soon. I hope you have a great day and that Kindra has something special for you two to do. Tell her to give you a hug from me. (And yes, the sheep are doing great and my mud hut is still freezing.) Happy B-dizzle!
Anyways, off to get dressed and have a quick bite to eat. Let's hope none of my food is lace with a strange substance.
I came home from work around 1pm today and the flatmates were all in a really good mood because they all have the day off. Well, we were standing around in the kitchen and I was eating a can of Sour Creme and Onion Pringles. Frazer said he was hungry and wanted some and I said "There is a can of BBQ that needs to be finished" and toss him the can of tainted chips. He didn't just take one...he ate all 5 that were at the bottom. Hayden was behind him doing the silent laugh, Katrin and I were standing there with a mouthful of food trying not to gag from impending laughter. Next thing, Frazer is spitting in the sink and saying "THOSE ARE BLOODY HOT!" We cracked up! It was was hysterical. We taught the Pringles Monster a lesson. Now I'm just waiting for "Prank War 2007" to start. (anyone have any really funny pranks I can pull out if it starts soon?)
Friday night, Raumati had a Fish n' Chips dinner to celebrate the kids that qualified for the Wellington Short Course meet next weekend. I was formally introduced as one of the new coaches and received my new coaches jacket and uniform. I am finally getting to know all the kids and know their names without looking at the attendance sheet. A group of 10-year-old girls bombarded me with questions: What's your favorite Disneyland ride? What's your favorite color? Do you have a boyfriend? Why aren't you married? Then they proceeded to fight over the seats next to me and I held two in my lap. I have to admit, it felt really special to finally get to know the kids.
Last night was a blast. Jo, Alexia, Seka, Seka's Boyfriend, and I went for some Asian food (after trying to get Mexican at the ONE place in the entire city....there was a 2 hour wait. I wanted to wait, but I was outvoted.) After dinner, we walked over to a pub called "The Bristol" (think Yardhouse) and had a few drinks, some great conversation, shot some pool, and laughed a ton.
And yes, I am the girl with the accent. I have never had an accent before and it's really cool. All night at the pub, people were walking up to Seka and I (Seka is from Washington) saying "Are you Canadian?" (Kiwi's always ask if you are Canadian first because they get offended if you call them American, where Americans don't care if we are called Canadian). They would ask us all sort of questions and I even had one guy tell me "American accents are so sexy". That is a NEW one in describing my accent, most people just make fun of it.
Now, I'm just waiting for Alexia to pick me up. She invited me to her church (which meets on Sunday nights) and I am super excited to finally get an opportunity to go to a New Zealand Christian church, especially with someone I already know. From the way she described her church they do a lot of praise and worship with a full band and do alot of hip/youthful sermons. I will be wary of it and hope this is a church God wants me to attend. (Thanks for all your prayers on that topic, by the way. I know a lot of you have been praying that I find a place of worship here and I really appreciate it.)
Lastly, I want to send a out a Birthday message to two Special guys! I already sent them B-day wishes but I want to make sure that all my millions of readers know it too!
Uncle Jim: I'm so glad I got to talk to you over the phone. I hope you have a fantastic day and celebration next week with the family. I love you and miss you! Happy Birthday!
Brandon: Sorry I couldn't get ahold of you today. I will try again soon. I hope you have a great day and that Kindra has something special for you two to do. Tell her to give you a hug from me. (And yes, the sheep are doing great and my mud hut is still freezing.) Happy B-dizzle!
Anyways, off to get dressed and have a quick bite to eat. Let's hope none of my food is lace with a strange substance.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Del Taco...STAT!
I'm having the worst Mexican food cravings. It doesn't even have to be the GOOD kind of Mexican food. Del Taco bean and cheese red burrito would do. Just ONE! I had a laugh with Jim once I figured out why they don't have Mexican food in New Zealand. There is no one to make it!! (They do have great Chinese and Thai.)
I'm double-booked for work the next two weekends in a row. It is the biggest swim meet of the season (Wellington Short Course Championships) and it is Aug 25 and 26 and Sept 1 and 2. About 25 of my kids made the meet (and from what I hear from past results, that's REALLY good). Well, warm-up starts at 7am and goes till 9pm. I have to teach lessons for WRAC from 9-1. Opps. I'm going to have to take teaching off for both weekends. I told ya I was working....ALOT!
I'm heading out for the night with Alexia and Jo, co-workers from WRAC. We are going to grab some dinner and then a cocktail after. Not a late night since I have to be up at 7am to teach. I will update tomorrow with a funny moment I had at the staff meeting on Tuesday.
P.S. Jimmy Buffett announced dates for Irvine. Tickets go on sale Monday. Are you going? You better! He is going to be announcing an Australian date for December some time soon. I'm going to plan on going. So, you can all laugh at me about not going to Irvine....but I'll laugh back when I see him in Aussie-land!
I'm double-booked for work the next two weekends in a row. It is the biggest swim meet of the season (Wellington Short Course Championships) and it is Aug 25 and 26 and Sept 1 and 2. About 25 of my kids made the meet (and from what I hear from past results, that's REALLY good). Well, warm-up starts at 7am and goes till 9pm. I have to teach lessons for WRAC from 9-1. Opps. I'm going to have to take teaching off for both weekends. I told ya I was working....ALOT!
I'm heading out for the night with Alexia and Jo, co-workers from WRAC. We are going to grab some dinner and then a cocktail after. Not a late night since I have to be up at 7am to teach. I will update tomorrow with a funny moment I had at the staff meeting on Tuesday.
P.S. Jimmy Buffett announced dates for Irvine. Tickets go on sale Monday. Are you going? You better! He is going to be announcing an Australian date for December some time soon. I'm going to plan on going. So, you can all laugh at me about not going to Irvine....but I'll laugh back when I see him in Aussie-land!
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