I haven't been up to a great deal since coming back to NZ. Trying to find a job has been my main concern, and that has been so frustrating. Mostly it's just because it's a crappy time of year to be looking, and it doesn't help I am pretty much only looking for govt jobs - which are notoriously slow in their processes. So I am hoping things will get done a little faster in the New Year. The good news is, that there are lots of decent jobs out there, and I am quite optimistic that one will be mine soon.
I've been to Wgtn a number of times - once to see Chelsea putting in a superb performance as baby Jesus in a church play - and have caught up old friends which is always great. I went out with some of my 'bestest girls' and we figured the last time we were together was probably Fiona's engagement party way back in '05! Life eh? Jackie is home from the UK for the xmas hols so I got to catch up with her too, and we are all hoping that she will come back for keeps later on this year.
hanging out with my mate Jesus (aka Chelsea)
Chelsea with Mum Fiona, and Jackie
Ann-Maree, Kara, Monique, Moi & RebeccaEven Wanganui has given me some entertainment. I know, who'd have thunk it! We watched Mahe Drysdale take on Olaf Tufte in a rowing race on the Whanganui river. Mahe lost, but who cares? The man is a legend.
I also went to see a dinner theatre version of 'Allo 'Allo, which was so funny, as you'd expect. You were given a french passport at the door and had to carry it with you at all times to show the 'nazis'. The best passport was my aunty Linda who was given the identity of a young male body builder...
There was lots of audience participation, with plenty of embarassed people being hauled up to help with the silly songs and dances. I never get picked though - perhaps they can tell I wouldn't find it embarassing, and have a dazzling repetoire of silly songs and dances already? We also threw a Mamma Mia party (oddly enough my Dad decided to take himself off to James Bond that night) so I am all prepared for Abba singstar challenges in the future.
Otherwise I have morphed into Nigella Lawson, domestic goddess. I have uncovered hidden talents as a baker, dog trainer, gardener, and party planner. The next time you see me I shall be traipsing around twittering about the early flowering of the rhodendrons, and going orgasmic over a new focaccia bread recipe...how tragic! I'd better find work quickly then : )
mmmm look viewers, banana loaf! Isn't it just sooooooooo scrummy?
Christmas and New Years was pretty quiet, just spent with the whanau. But it was awesome to be back in that lovely low-key vibe of bbq's, the beach, and sunny weather - barring the boxing day sales/cemetary circuit motorbike racing madness. Oh and I love that if you AREN'T wearing jandals (that's flip-flops for you non kiwis) everyone stares at you like you are a social pariah. Which is as it should be.
And yes, that is a christmas pudding on my head. We Emmetts have NO shame.
