Journal Entries
Week one done
Posted Sep 26, 2008
Phew 
I survived my first week at work 
It is a peacefully anarchic set up: totally impractical for any real work to get done, but fun for people who can swing with the flow of lack of priorisation. It's going to change (for the better) so I shall enjoy it in the safe knowledge that it won't be going on much longer 
Tomorrow I plan to jump on a bus to the local estuary. I shall take binoculars, camera and picnic 
Fb
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Latest reply: Sep 26, 2008
Nancy No-friends
Posted Sep 23, 2008
I've not been around much over the last few weeks whilst I've been getting organised for the move to NZ. Now here I am and getting settled into my new life.
Work started on Monday 
This first week is overwhelming and confusing, as expected. However the folk in the department are helpful and friendly and I have a *buddy* to whom I go with my stupid questions He's the only other ecologist in the place, so some of my questions aren't totally dumb.
Already I am really relishing the fact that at the end of the work day, I pick up my handbag, put on my coat and leave all the work behind There is no lack of definition between work and home 
Now I need to find something useful to do when I get home, rather than be a slob. Perhaps some hootoo Guide Entries might finally happen? 
Must run - off for a medical this morning 
More anon.
Fb
Discuss this Journal entry [17]
Latest reply: Sep 23, 2008
Hurrah!
Posted Sep 21, 2008
I am able to access h2g2 from my w*rk computer. This a great news and now that I am gainfully employed again, should mean that I can keep on top of various threads during my lunch hour
The first day at school is always overwhelming, isn't it? I have met dozens of people, already been taken out for coffee and cakes 
had three meetings with managers and have a full diary for much of this week.
The thing I am most looking forward to is being able to walk away from here at 5pm and leave it all behind...
And then I shall spend the evening tackling the broadband set-up at home
So far so good
Thanks to all of you who have been wishing me well 
Fb
Discuss this Journal entry [18]
Latest reply: Sep 21, 2008
Chchchchch isn't chilly!
Posted Sep 17, 2008
When I arrived at the new apartment yesterday (on time, no hitches), it had to be dusted and vacuumed before I could unpack 
It has been empty for a few months and smelt like it The main culprit of the musty smell was the bed 
Unwashed sheets that must have been there since the previous tenant left (4 months ago). I immediately stripped the bed, put everything into the wash and found a 50% sale at a local bedding store
This afternoon I shall have to clean everything in the kitchen before I can bring myself to use it
I have sent a stern email to the owner, who lives in Brisbane. No wonder he hasn't been able to sell it.
I am in the library at the moment, letting off steam and relaxing.
Chchch is 21C I've spent most of the day sorting out the essentials - bank account, tax number, new mobile sim card, sussing out the shops etc.
To my delight I have found a local cheesemonger and a cupcake shop Also an Indian takeaway and about 20 Thai takeaways There is an organic food store somewhere between the city and home, which I hope to stumble across on my way back there in an hour or so.
I've got bus maps and timetables, train maps and timetables, maps of the South Island, Canterbury and Chchch itself, What's On booklets and brochures This evening is going to be spent pouring over them all ... I'm really looking forward to it
So, despite the disappointing start, things are already shaping up.
Of course!
Thanks for all your good wishes, folks. I do love hootoo 
Fb
Discuss this Journal entry [10]
Latest reply: Sep 17, 2008
24 hours from Christchurch
Posted Sep 15, 2008
It has come around fast in the end. The weeks of frantic activity are now over. The black beast has gone to another home 
All my belongings are sitting in a box in Brisbane.
I've repacked all my bags and some overflow luggage has been airmailed to Chchch.
Now I'm reading and kicking back 
The bus picks me up at 4:40 tomorrow morning 
and in less than 24 hours I'll be in NZ
I'm nervous and excited 
Fb
Discuss this Journal entry [9]
Latest reply: Sep 15, 2008
frenchbean
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