This is Pete at the East Rock outlook.
This is Pete before his job interview.
Sunday, August 27, 2006
Saturday, August 26, 2006
He got the job!
Quick post: Pete got the job! He starts on either the 5th September or the 11th (ominous). Huge relief.
Sunday, August 20, 2006
Pete has an interview
Pete had a phone interview last week at Quinnipiac University. He has a face to face interview next week. We are optomistic as they seem very keen to talk to him. The job is overseeing the implementation of online university courses. Its not the same as his last job but there is some overlap that makes him very employable at this one.
We have found a car to buy. A friend is leaving and wants to sell hers. It isn't quite the convertible I'd like but it will do the job, especially if Pete gets this job cos he'll have to drive to work.
Its been really quiet here. Lots of people go on holiday over summer, I think I'm the only one that hasn't. School goes back soon so it will get busy again. The peace and quiet has been good for getting work done even though its been lonely. I've now submitted my third paper and the first two have been accepted.
Pete has been busy stocking the freezer with homemade pesto and baked beans (not together). I suppose that is what we will live on when he starts work! I will miss having him at my beck and call. Really there should be a law that once a man gets married he shouldn't be allowed to work.
Our running is progressing well. We left the treadmills for the indoor running track and this week have even ventured to outside running. I am doing almost 5km and Pete does about 8. The fun run is in a fortnight so we should be well and truly ready for it.
We have found a car to buy. A friend is leaving and wants to sell hers. It isn't quite the convertible I'd like but it will do the job, especially if Pete gets this job cos he'll have to drive to work.
Its been really quiet here. Lots of people go on holiday over summer, I think I'm the only one that hasn't. School goes back soon so it will get busy again. The peace and quiet has been good for getting work done even though its been lonely. I've now submitted my third paper and the first two have been accepted.
Pete has been busy stocking the freezer with homemade pesto and baked beans (not together). I suppose that is what we will live on when he starts work! I will miss having him at my beck and call. Really there should be a law that once a man gets married he shouldn't be allowed to work.
Our running is progressing well. We left the treadmills for the indoor running track and this week have even ventured to outside running. I am doing almost 5km and Pete does about 8. The fun run is in a fortnight so we should be well and truly ready for it.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
We love it, we hate it.
The last couple of weeks have been an emotional roller coaster on the work front for Pete.
He finally got his work visa - Yay!!!! So now he can legally get a job in the US.
Then his social security number arrived. Yay - Pete exists as a real person in this country.
AND THEN - he got a job interview as a science teacher at a local high school.
We thought our problems were solved until a letter arrived from the Connecticut department of Education. Pete can't be certified as a teacher as his undergraduate degree is not adequate. He has to go back to Uni and take three courses, one in US History and two out of English, Fine Art and foreign languages. Needless to say we were fuming. He was happy to jump through the hoops and pay all the fees to show he was qualified. But this is just ridiculous - why do you need to know US History to teach Chemisty? &*(^%ing America. It will also cost about $5000 US and a lot of evenings and weekends studying to go through this process. No cheap education in this country - especially for foreigners.
This morning he went to the job interview anyway. They offered him the job - but not on full pay. It turns out they can hire him as a long term substitute teacher on a bit more than half the salary he would get if he was certified. They also encouraged him to do the Uni courses while he teaches and they will employ him at full salary when certified.
So now the dilemma....what to do. I couldn't bear taking useless undergrad courses myself, especially with those fees and I don't think he wants to either. We are searching around for other alternatives. There is private school but they don't seem to be in need of science teachers at the moment. There is also community college - which is looking like a good option. It is a bit like a TAFE where you can take Uni degrees. You only need a masters to teach there which Pete has.
On a happier note, the weather is exciting. Today was about 33 degrees with really high humidity. The weather channel says it 'feels like' 38. Now there is a huge thunderstorm. We get lots of thunderstorms and the radar images are really high resolution so you can watch the storms come. The rain is just like Darwin - you can stand in it and it feels like a warm bath (yes I'm the only one in the street who stands in the rain). Tomorrow is going to be 35 without the rain. We don't have an air conditioner either. I wonder if we did, whether we would save money by buying less beer?
Despite the heat we went to the gym this arvo. It is air conditioned - but not very well (Actually the best place to hang out is the supermarket). Anyway we are in training for a 5km fun run in September. This will be easy for Pete but still a challenge for me (some of us have to go to work in the day rather than hanging out at the gym).
Time for tea - Pete is cooking corn on the cob (in the microwave) I won't let him use the stove cos its too hot. Actually I suggested ice cream for tea but he wasn't in to it.
Hopefull the next blog entry will be about Pete finding a really cool job.
He finally got his work visa - Yay!!!! So now he can legally get a job in the US.
Then his social security number arrived. Yay - Pete exists as a real person in this country.
AND THEN - he got a job interview as a science teacher at a local high school.
We thought our problems were solved until a letter arrived from the Connecticut department of Education. Pete can't be certified as a teacher as his undergraduate degree is not adequate. He has to go back to Uni and take three courses, one in US History and two out of English, Fine Art and foreign languages. Needless to say we were fuming. He was happy to jump through the hoops and pay all the fees to show he was qualified. But this is just ridiculous - why do you need to know US History to teach Chemisty? &*(^%ing America. It will also cost about $5000 US and a lot of evenings and weekends studying to go through this process. No cheap education in this country - especially for foreigners.
This morning he went to the job interview anyway. They offered him the job - but not on full pay. It turns out they can hire him as a long term substitute teacher on a bit more than half the salary he would get if he was certified. They also encouraged him to do the Uni courses while he teaches and they will employ him at full salary when certified.
So now the dilemma....what to do. I couldn't bear taking useless undergrad courses myself, especially with those fees and I don't think he wants to either. We are searching around for other alternatives. There is private school but they don't seem to be in need of science teachers at the moment. There is also community college - which is looking like a good option. It is a bit like a TAFE where you can take Uni degrees. You only need a masters to teach there which Pete has.
On a happier note, the weather is exciting. Today was about 33 degrees with really high humidity. The weather channel says it 'feels like' 38. Now there is a huge thunderstorm. We get lots of thunderstorms and the radar images are really high resolution so you can watch the storms come. The rain is just like Darwin - you can stand in it and it feels like a warm bath (yes I'm the only one in the street who stands in the rain). Tomorrow is going to be 35 without the rain. We don't have an air conditioner either. I wonder if we did, whether we would save money by buying less beer?
Despite the heat we went to the gym this arvo. It is air conditioned - but not very well (Actually the best place to hang out is the supermarket). Anyway we are in training for a 5km fun run in September. This will be easy for Pete but still a challenge for me (some of us have to go to work in the day rather than hanging out at the gym).
Time for tea - Pete is cooking corn on the cob (in the microwave) I won't let him use the stove cos its too hot. Actually I suggested ice cream for tea but he wasn't in to it.
Hopefull the next blog entry will be about Pete finding a really cool job.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
New York, New York
Never a dull moment around here. Two weekends have passed since I last blogged, always busy doing something.
The Sunday before last we went to New York for the day. I had a meeting at Princeton (New Jersey, south of NY) on the Monday so we decided to spend the day in NY on the way down. We spent the day with my flatmate from my Sydney days, Elisabeth. Elisabeth lives in Manhattan on the route that the 'Sex and the City' tour bus takes. She has a cute apartment with a great view of Manhattan. NY city is a crazy place though. Elisabeth's apartment has a guy who has the job of spinning the revolving door when you walk through! And you have to give each of them a big tip at the end of the year. There are people walking round the street with their dogs - in prams! There was a gay pride parade on the day we were there but it was pretty disappointing compared to the Sydney Mardi Gras.
That afternoon we went to the Guggenheim. Elisabeth could get us in for free cos she a free pass from her work. I'm glad we didn't pay cos the main exhibition was crap. I'm also glad Elisabeth was there to keep me company while Pete looked at things! The exhibition was by an architect - though we only found one of her designs that had actually been built. Most were pretty weird.
After that we went to a Mexican restaurant and Pete had cactus for tea. The best bit was catching up with Elisabeth though.
I headed on to Princeton and Pete went home. Princeton is pretty much just a University town, not much else there. It is lovely though with lots of trees but a bit dull. I met with George Philander and his group and talked work. That evening we went to George's for a drink. It was a great example of the multicultural nature of oceanography. There were no Americans there, instead George is from South Africa, his wife Argentina, there was guys from Italy and Uraguay and Alexey (Russian) and me.
On the way back to New Haven I had MacDonalds for the first time in the US. Pretty much the same as in Australia - though I haven't eaten at MacDonalds for a long time!
The last weekend was totally hectic. Friday night we had dinner at Alison and Jon's. Jon is Australian and we were invited with the hope we would bring an Australian dessert, so I made a trifle. Jon has been in the US for years so I think he was a bit homesick. Alison told me he was eating left over trifle for breakfast the next couple of days.
Saturday morning we went to the gym. Pete has become a bit of a gym junkie - he goes to the gym which is about every second day. I'm worried about the effect this will have on the grocery budget. After that we went shopping. Pete has put us on a monthly budget which is very painful. I hate not having the money we used to have in Hobart! Saturday night we had dinner with a work friend Steve Sherwood and his family. His wife is from New Zealand.
Sunday morning we went hiking with Steve and Tracy
and Tracy's Mum. There is a place called Sleeping Giant, along the lines of Sleeping Beauty in Hobart without the breasts. In fact we climed to the highest point which was called his 'knob' and was positioned somewhere near his knees. We are standing on his knob in the photo. The whole hike was about 4 hours long so we were pretty buggered after that.
Tuesday was Independence Day - the fourth of July. Fireworks all weekend. We spent last night on top of the geology building watching the local fireworks. Next year I think we will try to go to Boston or New York where the fireworks are much more spectacular.
The Sunday before last we went to New York for the day. I had a meeting at Princeton (New Jersey, south of NY) on the Monday so we decided to spend the day in NY on the way down. We spent the day with my flatmate from my Sydney days, Elisabeth. Elisabeth lives in Manhattan on the route that the 'Sex and the City' tour bus takes. She has a cute apartment with a great view of Manhattan. NY city is a crazy place though. Elisabeth's apartment has a guy who has the job of spinning the revolving door when you walk through! And you have to give each of them a big tip at the end of the year. There are people walking round the street with their dogs - in prams! There was a gay pride parade on the day we were there but it was pretty disappointing compared to the Sydney Mardi Gras.
That afternoon we went to the Guggenheim. Elisabeth could get us in for free cos she a free pass from her work. I'm glad we didn't pay cos the main exhibition was crap. I'm also glad Elisabeth was there to keep me company while Pete looked at things! The exhibition was by an architect - though we only found one of her designs that had actually been built. Most were pretty weird.
After that we went to a Mexican restaurant and Pete had cactus for tea. The best bit was catching up with Elisabeth though.
I headed on to Princeton and Pete went home. Princeton is pretty much just a University town, not much else there. It is lovely though with lots of trees but a bit dull. I met with George Philander and his group and talked work. That evening we went to George's for a drink. It was a great example of the multicultural nature of oceanography. There were no Americans there, instead George is from South Africa, his wife Argentina, there was guys from Italy and Uraguay and Alexey (Russian) and me.
On the way back to New Haven I had MacDonalds for the first time in the US. Pretty much the same as in Australia - though I haven't eaten at MacDonalds for a long time!
The last weekend was totally hectic. Friday night we had dinner at Alison and Jon's. Jon is Australian and we were invited with the hope we would bring an Australian dessert, so I made a trifle. Jon has been in the US for years so I think he was a bit homesick. Alison told me he was eating left over trifle for breakfast the next couple of days.
Saturday morning we went to the gym. Pete has become a bit of a gym junkie - he goes to the gym which is about every second day. I'm worried about the effect this will have on the grocery budget. After that we went shopping. Pete has put us on a monthly budget which is very painful. I hate not having the money we used to have in Hobart! Saturday night we had dinner with a work friend Steve Sherwood and his family. His wife is from New Zealand.
Sunday morning we went hiking with Steve and Tracy
and Tracy's Mum. There is a place called Sleeping Giant, along the lines of Sleeping Beauty in Hobart without the breasts. In fact we climed to the highest point which was called his 'knob' and was positioned somewhere near his knees. We are standing on his knob in the photo. The whole hike was about 4 hours long so we were pretty buggered after that.Tuesday was Independence Day - the fourth of July. Fireworks all weekend. We spent last night on top of the geology building watching the local fireworks. Next year I think we will try to go to Boston or New York where the fireworks are much more spectacular.
Sunday, June 18, 2006
Happy Fathers's Day
It is getting hot here. Today is supposed to be 31. We are trying to see if we can survive without an air conditioner - tough Australians!
Happy American Fathers' Day to all the Dads.
Pete's latest adventure was getting a haircut. Trying to get the full American experience he decided to go to the barber around the corner. Let me just say that normally Pete goes to Tease or Nishler in Hobart. It turns out that this particular barber is African American and doesn't seem to have ever cut a white person's hair. In fact he doesn't have any scissors - just clippers. The barber got out his clippers, put them on number 4 and somewhat randomly trimmed Pete's hair. It looks ...ahhh.. different. Next time he should probably ask for braiding, that seems to be more the thing around here for men.
At the moment Pete is studying for a teaching exam. There are three parts. One is maths multiple choice which he should be fine at. The only difficulty is that they word the questions differently to in Australia. There is an essay question that seems quite simple and the sample answers that do well are very basic - so he should be fine. The comprehension and grammar section seem to be the trickiest as they are multiple choice and ambiguous. I think they are 'stupid' which is why I did a science degree. We are trying to do the practice questions but I think having a science background is a disadvantage as we keep approaching them analytically. Have a go yourself ....
Work is still going well. I'm starting to get some interesting results on one of my projects.
This afternoon - after Pete watches the Australia vs. Brazil soccer game - we are going for another walk through the black neighbourhood. This time to visit a bar called 'Tas-maniacs'. We don't know what it is about. People seem to know about Tasmanian Devils though - I suppose that is thanks to Walt Disney and maybe also the zoos.
Happy American Fathers' Day to all the Dads.
Pete's latest adventure was getting a haircut. Trying to get the full American experience he decided to go to the barber around the corner. Let me just say that normally Pete goes to Tease or Nishler in Hobart. It turns out that this particular barber is African American and doesn't seem to have ever cut a white person's hair. In fact he doesn't have any scissors - just clippers. The barber got out his clippers, put them on number 4 and somewhat randomly trimmed Pete's hair. It looks ...ahhh.. different. Next time he should probably ask for braiding, that seems to be more the thing around here for men.
At the moment Pete is studying for a teaching exam. There are three parts. One is maths multiple choice which he should be fine at. The only difficulty is that they word the questions differently to in Australia. There is an essay question that seems quite simple and the sample answers that do well are very basic - so he should be fine. The comprehension and grammar section seem to be the trickiest as they are multiple choice and ambiguous. I think they are 'stupid' which is why I did a science degree. We are trying to do the practice questions but I think having a science background is a disadvantage as we keep approaching them analytically. Have a go yourself ....
Work is still going well. I'm starting to get some interesting results on one of my projects.
This afternoon - after Pete watches the Australia vs. Brazil soccer game - we are going for another walk through the black neighbourhood. This time to visit a bar called 'Tas-maniacs'. We don't know what it is about. People seem to know about Tasmanian Devils though - I suppose that is thanks to Walt Disney and maybe also the zoos.
Monday, June 12, 2006
baseball and a busy culture week
Its been a busy week. Pete is still settling in and trying to figure out how to get a job in the US.
Last Tuesday we went to the baseball in the Bronx. We watched the Boston Red Sox vs the Yankees. New York is only about 90mins away by car so we could just go down for the evening with my work friends Bryan and Florian. Bryan is a huge Red Soxs fan but kept suitably quiet as we were surrounded by Yankee fans. Before the game we went to a diner which looked just like in the movies. We had hamburgers. Pete of course had a vegie burger and they even asked him how he wanted it done. The burgers were pretty gross and we were still full at lunch the next day. When we tried to get into the stadium I got stopped cos I had 2 bags - by handbag and my groovy red cloth bag that I take everywhere to avoid plastic bags. The bag had chips and drinks in it. The security person said I could only take in one bag. So I called Florian back and put my handbag around his neck (Florian is German and looks like someone that could feasibly have a man bag) THat wasn't allowed cos Florian was a man and couldn't bring in a bag - only women were allowed to have bags. So then I put my handbag into my red bag but that wasn't allowed either. The guard was getting shitty at this point and directed us out of the line. A different securty guard explained that my red bag could be used as a weapon. So we got a plastic bag and put the chips and drinks in (plastic bags are allowed and were supplied) I didn't even try to explain about global warming and America being addicted to oil, I just politely took the bag. A guard suggested we could just hide my red bag in my handbag and try to get back in. I was too scared though - NY security guards aren't friendly. So we went back to the car, dumped the red bag and went back in with my handbag and the plastic bag of chips. A true American experience.
The baseball was better than expected. It goes a lot faster than cricket. Half way through we got to stand up and sing God Bless America - only one verse though - I don't think the attention span is long enough for much more. A guy ran onto the field which is a $1000 fine - just like in Australia you are thinking - but no. He was fully clothed. (And the Americans thought I was strange cos I was disappointed that he was clothed.) The other difference was that at least 15 cops ran onto the field and tackled him. They could've just formed a circle around him, but no they had to try and dislocate his neck. Baseball was fun to watch though.
On Thursday we went to happy hour which was cheap beer and 20c chicken wings in 32 different flavours. Yum!
On Sunday we went to the US equivalent of a neighbourhood watch BBQ. We learnt that we are just around the corner from a place that helps down and out people. They have an international night once a month so we might go and talk about Australia sometime.
After that we went for a walk down Dixwell Ave which is through the black neighbourhood (yes segregation is alive and well). I felt conspicuous but Pete didn't. I felt like I was intruding. It was pretty interesting though and I hope Pete gets a job near there somewhere so we can learn more. There were kids everywhere outside playing and riding bikes. Is this because they can't afford an x-box or is it a cultural thing? There were lots of beauty parlours. African American women often have really elaborate braiding. We also walked past a lot of churches. Some that sounded like night clubs! And the men outside were wearing suits that were purple or gold etc, not boring black. Lots of people were also sitting on their front porch. It actually reminded me of life when I was a kid.
Big news - my first paper has now been accepted with minor corrections. Trevor tells me one down 99 to go before I retire. Seeing as it has taken 6 and a half years for one I'm not too hopeful of early retirement. I shall tell myself it is quality and not quantity.
By the way, we managed to find some summer clothes for Pete.
Last Tuesday we went to the baseball in the Bronx. We watched the Boston Red Sox vs the Yankees. New York is only about 90mins away by car so we could just go down for the evening with my work friends Bryan and Florian. Bryan is a huge Red Soxs fan but kept suitably quiet as we were surrounded by Yankee fans. Before the game we went to a diner which looked just like in the movies. We had hamburgers. Pete of course had a vegie burger and they even asked him how he wanted it done. The burgers were pretty gross and we were still full at lunch the next day. When we tried to get into the stadium I got stopped cos I had 2 bags - by handbag and my groovy red cloth bag that I take everywhere to avoid plastic bags. The bag had chips and drinks in it. The security person said I could only take in one bag. So I called Florian back and put my handbag around his neck (Florian is German and looks like someone that could feasibly have a man bag) THat wasn't allowed cos Florian was a man and couldn't bring in a bag - only women were allowed to have bags. So then I put my handbag into my red bag but that wasn't allowed either. The guard was getting shitty at this point and directed us out of the line. A different securty guard explained that my red bag could be used as a weapon. So we got a plastic bag and put the chips and drinks in (plastic bags are allowed and were supplied) I didn't even try to explain about global warming and America being addicted to oil, I just politely took the bag. A guard suggested we could just hide my red bag in my handbag and try to get back in. I was too scared though - NY security guards aren't friendly. So we went back to the car, dumped the red bag and went back in with my handbag and the plastic bag of chips. A true American experience.
The baseball was better than expected. It goes a lot faster than cricket. Half way through we got to stand up and sing God Bless America - only one verse though - I don't think the attention span is long enough for much more. A guy ran onto the field which is a $1000 fine - just like in Australia you are thinking - but no. He was fully clothed. (And the Americans thought I was strange cos I was disappointed that he was clothed.) The other difference was that at least 15 cops ran onto the field and tackled him. They could've just formed a circle around him, but no they had to try and dislocate his neck. Baseball was fun to watch though.
On Thursday we went to happy hour which was cheap beer and 20c chicken wings in 32 different flavours. Yum!
On Sunday we went to the US equivalent of a neighbourhood watch BBQ. We learnt that we are just around the corner from a place that helps down and out people. They have an international night once a month so we might go and talk about Australia sometime.
After that we went for a walk down Dixwell Ave which is through the black neighbourhood (yes segregation is alive and well). I felt conspicuous but Pete didn't. I felt like I was intruding. It was pretty interesting though and I hope Pete gets a job near there somewhere so we can learn more. There were kids everywhere outside playing and riding bikes. Is this because they can't afford an x-box or is it a cultural thing? There were lots of beauty parlours. African American women often have really elaborate braiding. We also walked past a lot of churches. Some that sounded like night clubs! And the men outside were wearing suits that were purple or gold etc, not boring black. Lots of people were also sitting on their front porch. It actually reminded me of life when I was a kid.
Big news - my first paper has now been accepted with minor corrections. Trevor tells me one down 99 to go before I retire. Seeing as it has taken 6 and a half years for one I'm not too hopeful of early retirement. I shall tell myself it is quality and not quantity.
By the way, we managed to find some summer clothes for Pete.
Friday, June 02, 2006
Pete is home!
Pete finally made it home. He was on time when he got to NY but then the plane crashed into a fence while it was trying to park so he got stuck on there for what seemed like forever. I went to meet him in NY.
I am leaving work early today to go to the mall now. Pete needs some summer clothes -its pretty hot here. We also need to buy an air conditioner. It is only about 26 degrees but humidity is up around 80-90%.
Gotta run to get the bus.
Jaci xx
I am leaving work early today to go to the mall now. Pete needs some summer clothes -its pretty hot here. We also need to buy an air conditioner. It is only about 26 degrees but humidity is up around 80-90%.
Gotta run to get the bus.
Jaci xx
Sunday, May 28, 2006
One more sleep
One more sleep till Pete gets home! Apparently Americans don't count 'sleeps', maybe it is an Australian thing. They think I am 'cute' when I do. Actually I'm continuously being told that being Australian and my accent is 'cute'. I've never really considered the Australian accent cute, or our behaviour!
Pete tells me that heaps of Hobartians are reading this blog. But none of you are posting comments! Please click on add comment and tell me if you are reading this. I'm curious to know who I am talking to.
I'm off to the mall (shopping centre) now. Trying to keep myself busy cos I'm too excited to sit still!
Pete tells me that heaps of Hobartians are reading this blog. But none of you are posting comments! Please click on add comment and tell me if you are reading this. I'm curious to know who I am talking to.
I'm off to the mall (shopping centre) now. Trying to keep myself busy cos I'm too excited to sit still!
Tuesday, May 23, 2006
I'm legally allowed to drive!
This morning I became an official member of the American driving public. No I didn't buy I car, I passed my driving test. I was a bit nervous on account of having failed my Australian Ps the first time round. First I had a 14 question computer exam. I got two questions wrong the first was "What percentage of fatal accidents involve alcohol? a) 60%, b) 50% or c) 40%. I'd thought it was 40, but didn't think they'd make the correct answer the lowest, so guessed 60. It was actually 40. Not sure how knowing this makes me a better driver. Is the difference between 40 and 50% statistically significant anyway?
I was most nervous about the actual driving part of the test. Which began with me going to the passenger door instead of the driver's. You don't fail for that though. I made a big show of then adjusting every mirror, even though I'd already done it before I got there. The drive was easy, just did a big block. Had to stop on a quiet street and do a three point turn. When we got back the tester asked me if I was good at parking. I said 'sure, I just don't LIKE doing it.' He didn't have a sense of humour. He asked me to parallel park in a spot that had no cars either side. It is actually tricky cos you don't know where the lines are and if it was real life you would drive in forwards anyway. I asked him if he would like to get out and pretend to be a car but he didn't find that humourous either. So the park went fine. I had been worried that I would have to reverse into a 90 degree park which is what they usually get you to do. I'd been practicing heaps but then didn't even need to do it. So passed with flying colours except once he reckoned I didn't use a blinker.
Dad had advised me to wink at the instructor (such faith in my driving skills) but it wasn't necessary. I had about 4 blokes in the office wanting me to teach them to say 'No worries mate' and how to pronounce 'sheila'. Apparently Australians do a lot of infomercials here.
So now I have 6 days before Pete gets back to get the car I want before he can stop me!
It has been a busy week prior to all this car business. My PhD supervisor Stuart and his wife Trish came to stay last week. It was great fun. I didn't realise how much I missed having someone else living in my house. Stuart and I worked on some papers from my PhD which seem to be shaping up well. We are hopeful the first two will make it through round 2 with the reviewers and we are working on the third. The third may be chopped into two papers, depending on what else we come up with. Stuart and I also discussed my new project on permanent El Nino and have come up with some ideas about how to approach it. Poor Trish had to sit through our non-stop work chatter. I wish it had been Pete so I could get revenge for all the teacher-talk I've sat through! Trish made us pizza from real pizza dough, not the ready made bases from the supermarket. I will have to try doing it myself. We also went to a great Japanese restaurant which I have probably mentioned before. It is called Miyas and has crazy sushi rolls with fillings like cranberry, goats cheese, banana and so on. It is my favourite place to eat but not usually in my budget (Yale shouted that one). It was also refreshing to hear some good old Australian cynicism about politics. People don't really bag George Bush here, not like we do.
Saturday night I went to a night club for Cathy's birthday. Cathy is one of my workmates. I haven't been out dancing for a long time. I'm getting old. Had a ball. There were a bunch of hens nights on so I took it upon myself to try and hook up some of my single male friends with them. I did succeed in getting one guy to do a shot out of a bride-to-be's belly button (how is that for alliteration). At one point I was chatting to a girl about my two mates. She said to me "You have such a cute accent, its awesome. I'd wouldn't mind %^&$ing you!" (Not my objective for the evening, but it sucks being married sometimes!)
Speaking of being married, Pete is back on Monday and so my married singledom ends. I think it has been very good for me learning to live alone - I haven't done it much. I can't wait till he gets back though!!! At least when he is around a packet of saltines (dry biscuits) and a bowl of ice cream is not considered dinner. I haven't resorted to eating the icecream straight from the tub which would be true Bridget Jones singledom.
This weekend Billy Kessler is visiting - he is an excellent oceanographer from Seattle. I also have to scrub the apartment so Pete thinks that it's always that clean when he isn't around.
More later - post Pete arrival. At least when he is back I'll be able to add photos to this blog.
See ya
I was most nervous about the actual driving part of the test. Which began with me going to the passenger door instead of the driver's. You don't fail for that though. I made a big show of then adjusting every mirror, even though I'd already done it before I got there. The drive was easy, just did a big block. Had to stop on a quiet street and do a three point turn. When we got back the tester asked me if I was good at parking. I said 'sure, I just don't LIKE doing it.' He didn't have a sense of humour. He asked me to parallel park in a spot that had no cars either side. It is actually tricky cos you don't know where the lines are and if it was real life you would drive in forwards anyway. I asked him if he would like to get out and pretend to be a car but he didn't find that humourous either. So the park went fine. I had been worried that I would have to reverse into a 90 degree park which is what they usually get you to do. I'd been practicing heaps but then didn't even need to do it. So passed with flying colours except once he reckoned I didn't use a blinker.
Dad had advised me to wink at the instructor (such faith in my driving skills) but it wasn't necessary. I had about 4 blokes in the office wanting me to teach them to say 'No worries mate' and how to pronounce 'sheila'. Apparently Australians do a lot of infomercials here.
So now I have 6 days before Pete gets back to get the car I want before he can stop me!
It has been a busy week prior to all this car business. My PhD supervisor Stuart and his wife Trish came to stay last week. It was great fun. I didn't realise how much I missed having someone else living in my house. Stuart and I worked on some papers from my PhD which seem to be shaping up well. We are hopeful the first two will make it through round 2 with the reviewers and we are working on the third. The third may be chopped into two papers, depending on what else we come up with. Stuart and I also discussed my new project on permanent El Nino and have come up with some ideas about how to approach it. Poor Trish had to sit through our non-stop work chatter. I wish it had been Pete so I could get revenge for all the teacher-talk I've sat through! Trish made us pizza from real pizza dough, not the ready made bases from the supermarket. I will have to try doing it myself. We also went to a great Japanese restaurant which I have probably mentioned before. It is called Miyas and has crazy sushi rolls with fillings like cranberry, goats cheese, banana and so on. It is my favourite place to eat but not usually in my budget (Yale shouted that one). It was also refreshing to hear some good old Australian cynicism about politics. People don't really bag George Bush here, not like we do.
Saturday night I went to a night club for Cathy's birthday. Cathy is one of my workmates. I haven't been out dancing for a long time. I'm getting old. Had a ball. There were a bunch of hens nights on so I took it upon myself to try and hook up some of my single male friends with them. I did succeed in getting one guy to do a shot out of a bride-to-be's belly button (how is that for alliteration). At one point I was chatting to a girl about my two mates. She said to me "You have such a cute accent, its awesome. I'd wouldn't mind %^&$ing you!" (Not my objective for the evening, but it sucks being married sometimes!)
Speaking of being married, Pete is back on Monday and so my married singledom ends. I think it has been very good for me learning to live alone - I haven't done it much. I can't wait till he gets back though!!! At least when he is around a packet of saltines (dry biscuits) and a bowl of ice cream is not considered dinner. I haven't resorted to eating the icecream straight from the tub which would be true Bridget Jones singledom.
This weekend Billy Kessler is visiting - he is an excellent oceanographer from Seattle. I also have to scrub the apartment so Pete thinks that it's always that clean when he isn't around.
More later - post Pete arrival. At least when he is back I'll be able to add photos to this blog.
See ya
Monday, May 22, 2006
Friday, May 12, 2006
17 days to go.
Only 17 day still Pete gets back! He has been gone nearly eight weeks and I'm a bit sick of it now.
Steve's wife Tracy has left for Mississippi for two months so we are bach-ing together. Last Tuesday I cooked dinner for him and tomorrow he is cooking ribs (not something I normally get at home.)
Happy hour at work has become a weekly Wednesday event here which saves cooking one night a week. Last week we went to a great sushi place that does weird stuff. You can get sushi rolls with fillings like banana, cream cheese, brocolli, cranberry, all sorts of unexpected things. The week before was free burittos and half price margaritas and next week we are going to a museum opening related to the geology department with free food and wine. Its just like being a student all over again.
My PhD supervisor Stuart and his wife Trish are coming in a couple of days. I'm really looking forward to it, and hopefully we will clear up a few issues on some of my papers so I can get them published - Finally - I'm so sick of them.
Next weekend Steve is going to give me driving lessons in preparation for my driving test. I'm pretty nervous about it. What if I fail???
Then the next weekend Billy Kessler is coming to visit. And then the next day Pete will be back!
Hmmm, what else is news? I'm slowly getting the hang of the US so not as many dramas to report.
I'm proud to report that my electricity is coming from hydro, wind or nuclear. Well actually I think I may be getting duped, but I pay more on my electricity bill which I think subsidises the cost of alternative energy sources.
Did I tell you that the president of China was here a few weeks ago? It was pretty exciting. Protests etc. I learnt all about the Falun gong and went to a really good discussion panel on the problems facing China.
There are so many talks on. I went to one last week from Sir some-or-other about how scientific discoveries are made. Unfortanately I missed one at the same time from the Chief of BP's science division. There was even one by the guy who invented the Dyson vaccuum cleaner.
Talking to Liss on MSN now, bye!
Steve's wife Tracy has left for Mississippi for two months so we are bach-ing together. Last Tuesday I cooked dinner for him and tomorrow he is cooking ribs (not something I normally get at home.)
Happy hour at work has become a weekly Wednesday event here which saves cooking one night a week. Last week we went to a great sushi place that does weird stuff. You can get sushi rolls with fillings like banana, cream cheese, brocolli, cranberry, all sorts of unexpected things. The week before was free burittos and half price margaritas and next week we are going to a museum opening related to the geology department with free food and wine. Its just like being a student all over again.
My PhD supervisor Stuart and his wife Trish are coming in a couple of days. I'm really looking forward to it, and hopefully we will clear up a few issues on some of my papers so I can get them published - Finally - I'm so sick of them.
Next weekend Steve is going to give me driving lessons in preparation for my driving test. I'm pretty nervous about it. What if I fail???
Then the next weekend Billy Kessler is coming to visit. And then the next day Pete will be back!
Hmmm, what else is news? I'm slowly getting the hang of the US so not as many dramas to report.
I'm proud to report that my electricity is coming from hydro, wind or nuclear. Well actually I think I may be getting duped, but I pay more on my electricity bill which I think subsidises the cost of alternative energy sources.
Did I tell you that the president of China was here a few weeks ago? It was pretty exciting. Protests etc. I learnt all about the Falun gong and went to a really good discussion panel on the problems facing China.
There are so many talks on. I went to one last week from Sir some-or-other about how scientific discoveries are made. Unfortanately I missed one at the same time from the Chief of BP's science division. There was even one by the guy who invented the Dyson vaccuum cleaner.
Talking to Liss on MSN now, bye!
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
House warming party
Hmm, the novelty of blogging is wearing off. Or maybe I just have more to do now.
A couple of weekends ago I had my housewarming party. Quite proud of myself really - first party I've ever held all by myself. Australian food went down a treat. I finally got the Anzac bikkies to work along with the Lamingtons. Had some Cadburys chocolate, vegemite sandwiches, date scones and fairy bread. It seems fairy bread is Australian, no one else there seemed to know it. One small disaster.....went to buy the alcohol Sunday morning before the party. Only problem - can't buy booze on Sundays in New Haven. Luckily Steve and Tracy had some at home that they brought along. They also brought a friend that had just arrived from Australia and she'd brought Tim Tams and Jatz bikkies with her. Yum!!
Last weekend, my old flatmate in Sydney, who now lives in Boston, came to stay with her partner Brian. We mostly ate and drank. Got drunk on Sake and ate lots of ice cream (not at the same time).
I have just arrived home from happy hour (on a Wednesday) - having trouble typing. Half price margaritas and free burritos. After drinking we went back to friends' apartment for more drinks. It so happens that they live in the apartment that the Bush's (snr) lived in when they went to Yale. Yes I was in the room that George was conceived in!
Can't figure out how to get photos off my camera and on to the laptop. So hopefully when Pete gets back he can do this (26 days to go). Maybe I have just had too much to drink.
Bye!
A couple of weekends ago I had my housewarming party. Quite proud of myself really - first party I've ever held all by myself. Australian food went down a treat. I finally got the Anzac bikkies to work along with the Lamingtons. Had some Cadburys chocolate, vegemite sandwiches, date scones and fairy bread. It seems fairy bread is Australian, no one else there seemed to know it. One small disaster.....went to buy the alcohol Sunday morning before the party. Only problem - can't buy booze on Sundays in New Haven. Luckily Steve and Tracy had some at home that they brought along. They also brought a friend that had just arrived from Australia and she'd brought Tim Tams and Jatz bikkies with her. Yum!!
Last weekend, my old flatmate in Sydney, who now lives in Boston, came to stay with her partner Brian. We mostly ate and drank. Got drunk on Sake and ate lots of ice cream (not at the same time).
I have just arrived home from happy hour (on a Wednesday) - having trouble typing. Half price margaritas and free burritos. After drinking we went back to friends' apartment for more drinks. It so happens that they live in the apartment that the Bush's (snr) lived in when they went to Yale. Yes I was in the room that George was conceived in!
Can't figure out how to get photos off my camera and on to the laptop. So hopefully when Pete gets back he can do this (26 days to go). Maybe I have just had too much to drink.
Bye!
Friday, April 14, 2006
Trying to cook..
My new apartment looks great. Everything works now and the toilet finally flushes properly.
The latest drama is trying to bake. I'm having a housewarming party next weekend and promised to provide some Australian food. Lamingtons are the obvious first choice. I can't find anywhere to buy slab sponge though so decided I should cook my own. I finally found the ingredients, note that corn flour is called corn starch here (I hope) and I can't find custard powder. I think custard powder is an English thing and you have to order it on special websites. Haven't cooked the sponge yet, will let you know how it goes.
I also decided Anzac biscuits would be a good idea especially as it is nearly Anzac day. I even got some golden syrup shipped in especially! There was no desiccated coconut so I thought I just get the sweetened type they have here which is in larger shreds like grated cheese. It tastes like its been soaking in condensed milk. So I set about making the Anzacs only to discover I didn't have any mixing bowls. Went to the Family Dollar store which is a bit like chicken feed and stocked up on cooking utensils. To cut a long story short, the biscuits didn't work. They just sort of melted and boiled and taste a lot like toffee. I think that the desiccated coconut normally soaks up a lot of the liquid, which didn't happen in this case. So I now have a batch of sticky not-quite-Anzac biscuits. Not sure what I'll do with them. Have ordered some desiccated coconut on ebay, not sure if it will get here on time.
Tablespoons here are smaller than in Australia. They are only 15ml instead of 20 - a trap for the unaware!
Am having trouble adjusting to only having one person in the house. I have too much food in the house and no one to eat it. Especially as I've been out nearly every night.
On Wednesday a friend from work, Bryan had me and another guy from the lab, Florian, over for dinner. He cooked us a big steak and acorn squash. The acorn squash looked like a pumpkin to me, but Bryan says its different and anyway Americans don't eat pumpkin straight, they only put it in pies and stuff. So he cut the squash in half, scooped out the seeds, and in their place put about 1 Tbs butter, 1 Tbs maple syrup and 1 Tbs brown sugar, and then you bake it for an hour. Despite sounding atrocious to the Australian palette it was actually quite yummy!
Last night we went to happy hour which comes with complimentary 'buffalo wings'. Which are chicken wings marinated in a foul bright orange sauce. Not my thing really.
Tonight I am going to dinner with Steve and Tracy at a Japanese restaurant. Looking forward to it but at the moment I am still full of burnt Anzac biscuits. Hopefully I will get hungry again soon.
Today is Good Friday - which you would assume is a public holiday. Not so. I am supposed to be at work today. The postman doesn't have the day off either it seems. They even have to work on Saturdays!
Am off to 'Edge of the Woods' now. Its a small shop that has organic fruit and vegies - a bit like Eumurrah in Hobart. I'm hoping it may have desiccated coconut.
bye,
Jaci xx
The latest drama is trying to bake. I'm having a housewarming party next weekend and promised to provide some Australian food. Lamingtons are the obvious first choice. I can't find anywhere to buy slab sponge though so decided I should cook my own. I finally found the ingredients, note that corn flour is called corn starch here (I hope) and I can't find custard powder. I think custard powder is an English thing and you have to order it on special websites. Haven't cooked the sponge yet, will let you know how it goes.
I also decided Anzac biscuits would be a good idea especially as it is nearly Anzac day. I even got some golden syrup shipped in especially! There was no desiccated coconut so I thought I just get the sweetened type they have here which is in larger shreds like grated cheese. It tastes like its been soaking in condensed milk. So I set about making the Anzacs only to discover I didn't have any mixing bowls. Went to the Family Dollar store which is a bit like chicken feed and stocked up on cooking utensils. To cut a long story short, the biscuits didn't work. They just sort of melted and boiled and taste a lot like toffee. I think that the desiccated coconut normally soaks up a lot of the liquid, which didn't happen in this case. So I now have a batch of sticky not-quite-Anzac biscuits. Not sure what I'll do with them. Have ordered some desiccated coconut on ebay, not sure if it will get here on time.
Tablespoons here are smaller than in Australia. They are only 15ml instead of 20 - a trap for the unaware!
Am having trouble adjusting to only having one person in the house. I have too much food in the house and no one to eat it. Especially as I've been out nearly every night.
On Wednesday a friend from work, Bryan had me and another guy from the lab, Florian, over for dinner. He cooked us a big steak and acorn squash. The acorn squash looked like a pumpkin to me, but Bryan says its different and anyway Americans don't eat pumpkin straight, they only put it in pies and stuff. So he cut the squash in half, scooped out the seeds, and in their place put about 1 Tbs butter, 1 Tbs maple syrup and 1 Tbs brown sugar, and then you bake it for an hour. Despite sounding atrocious to the Australian palette it was actually quite yummy!
Last night we went to happy hour which comes with complimentary 'buffalo wings'. Which are chicken wings marinated in a foul bright orange sauce. Not my thing really.
Tonight I am going to dinner with Steve and Tracy at a Japanese restaurant. Looking forward to it but at the moment I am still full of burnt Anzac biscuits. Hopefully I will get hungry again soon.
Today is Good Friday - which you would assume is a public holiday. Not so. I am supposed to be at work today. The postman doesn't have the day off either it seems. They even have to work on Saturdays!
Am off to 'Edge of the Woods' now. Its a small shop that has organic fruit and vegies - a bit like Eumurrah in Hobart. I'm hoping it may have desiccated coconut.
bye,
Jaci xx
Saturday, April 08, 2006
Disillusioned
I'm in my new apartment! Yay! It is so big compared to the last one. As soon as I find some batteries for my camera I will post some photos. I have the usual hiccups of moving into a new place - the biggest is that I can't get my internet connection to work. The technicians are coming again on Sunday but they are pretty useless.
I am at work on a Saturday today at a forum on carbon sequestration (that means pumping carbon dioxide underground to reduce global warming). I was invited to the forum dinner by the guy in charge cos I am one of those 'environmental people'. He thinks I am odd because I insist on bringing my own plate to the Friday free lunches instead of using the disposable plastic ones. The next talk is from a guy who works in Europe on helping countries implement Kyoto. It is very interesting to think about why Europe so willingly takes on Kyoto but the US doesn't. Americans feel they have 'rights' such as the right to drive an SUV. Whereas I get the impression that elsewhere people have a stronger social conscience. The individual's right for an SUV is not as valid as the rights of everyone in the world to live on an earth that is not destroyed by global warming. So in Australia it seems we've been trying to educate the public to change behaviours while here they think this can't be done and the only way to combat global warming is by economic pressure and technology. It is also interesting that when the scientists here talk about political change, they don't even bother with the Bush Administration. They are targeting the people who are likely to be in power next.
In summary, I am too idealistic to live in this country!
My first lecture went well last week. I spent a good part of it explaining the southern hemisphere. A mistake I did make was assuming too much knowledge about El Nino. The students told me they knew what El Nino was - it turns out they didn't know much at all! I'm giving another next week so will start a lot simpler. This time it is on the Indian Ocean.
I am at work on a Saturday today at a forum on carbon sequestration (that means pumping carbon dioxide underground to reduce global warming). I was invited to the forum dinner by the guy in charge cos I am one of those 'environmental people'. He thinks I am odd because I insist on bringing my own plate to the Friday free lunches instead of using the disposable plastic ones. The next talk is from a guy who works in Europe on helping countries implement Kyoto. It is very interesting to think about why Europe so willingly takes on Kyoto but the US doesn't. Americans feel they have 'rights' such as the right to drive an SUV. Whereas I get the impression that elsewhere people have a stronger social conscience. The individual's right for an SUV is not as valid as the rights of everyone in the world to live on an earth that is not destroyed by global warming. So in Australia it seems we've been trying to educate the public to change behaviours while here they think this can't be done and the only way to combat global warming is by economic pressure and technology. It is also interesting that when the scientists here talk about political change, they don't even bother with the Bush Administration. They are targeting the people who are likely to be in power next.
In summary, I am too idealistic to live in this country!
My first lecture went well last week. I spent a good part of it explaining the southern hemisphere. A mistake I did make was assuming too much knowledge about El Nino. The students told me they knew what El Nino was - it turns out they didn't know much at all! I'm giving another next week so will start a lot simpler. This time it is on the Indian Ocean.
Sunday, April 02, 2006
Where are the Easter eggs?
It is finally warm here and the sun is shining. When I say warm I think it is about 14 degrees C but after having 3 or 4 it feels like the tropics.
I've been packing up the apartment ready to move in a couple of days. I hardly fit in here with all the extra furniture. I can't wait to get into the new place and set it up. I feel like a Uni student again buying second hand cheap furniture and salvaging things from next to dumpsters. Steve and Tracy are going to stop by Tuesday night and help with some of the heavy things.
Today is Sunday. I really notice Pete not here on the weekends. At other times I usually pretty busy. I'm not sure what I'd be doing differently if he was here anyway.
I've been preparing a lecture today. I'm filling in for my boss for two of his lectures. I actually sit in on the class so it is a bit strange jumping up and giving the lecture. It is a course for PhD students which is also strange because I'm about the same age as them. The first one is an intro to El Nino. My biggest problem is how to keep the lecture to an hour. There is definitely a southern hemisphere perspective in my slides though. It seems the ocean only exists from the north pole to the equator over here, so I have an hour to remedy it!
Off to lunch now with Steve and Tracy. We are going down to Wooster Square which is New Haven's Little Italy.
4pm.
Back from lunch. We ordered a meal at the restaurant which was supposed to be for one person. We shared it between three and it fed us just nicely! Have learnt here never to expect to be able to eat as much as they recommend. Not sure what everyone else does. I think people don't expect to finish their meals or to take home left overs. We then went to a lovely bakery for cake - the best I've seen so far.
It's not long till Easter and there are no Easter Eggs to be seen! In Australia I'm sure the chocolates have been out for months. There is nothing like it here, and no hot cross buns. It is surprising that the US doesn't cash in on this commercialism. Can't figure it out. Don't they have the Easter Bunny here? Don't worry, I will still buy chocolate for myself!
Jaci xx
I've been packing up the apartment ready to move in a couple of days. I hardly fit in here with all the extra furniture. I can't wait to get into the new place and set it up. I feel like a Uni student again buying second hand cheap furniture and salvaging things from next to dumpsters. Steve and Tracy are going to stop by Tuesday night and help with some of the heavy things.
Today is Sunday. I really notice Pete not here on the weekends. At other times I usually pretty busy. I'm not sure what I'd be doing differently if he was here anyway.
I've been preparing a lecture today. I'm filling in for my boss for two of his lectures. I actually sit in on the class so it is a bit strange jumping up and giving the lecture. It is a course for PhD students which is also strange because I'm about the same age as them. The first one is an intro to El Nino. My biggest problem is how to keep the lecture to an hour. There is definitely a southern hemisphere perspective in my slides though. It seems the ocean only exists from the north pole to the equator over here, so I have an hour to remedy it!
Off to lunch now with Steve and Tracy. We are going down to Wooster Square which is New Haven's Little Italy.
4pm.
Back from lunch. We ordered a meal at the restaurant which was supposed to be for one person. We shared it between three and it fed us just nicely! Have learnt here never to expect to be able to eat as much as they recommend. Not sure what everyone else does. I think people don't expect to finish their meals or to take home left overs. We then went to a lovely bakery for cake - the best I've seen so far.
It's not long till Easter and there are no Easter Eggs to be seen! In Australia I'm sure the chocolates have been out for months. There is nothing like it here, and no hot cross buns. It is surprising that the US doesn't cash in on this commercialism. Can't figure it out. Don't they have the Easter Bunny here? Don't worry, I will still buy chocolate for myself!
Jaci xx
Sunday, March 26, 2006
First week on my own
Pete has been gone for a week now. He is glad to be in Hobart with his Mum who seems to be doing a lot better.
I'm discovering what its like to live alone again. Actually I don't think I've ever really lived alone before! I have been rebellious this week - like cooking meat and buying heat and eat dinners. This weekend was a lot quieter than normal though and unfortuanately the rubbish doesn't take itself out anymore.
Steve and Tracey have been looking after me and taking me out which is really lovely and keeping me occupied. Otherwise I have been busy buying things for the new flat. I'm really excited about moving. Next weekend I'll be packing and cleaning and the weekend after that there is a carbon sequestration forum on.
I'm thinking about volunteering at the YWCA down the road to keep me busy and meeting people. They have an after-school tutoring program.
The batteries in the camera keep dying so I haven't been able to take any photos. Pete will send some replacements soon - I can't find them in the US.
Bye,
Jaci xx
I'm discovering what its like to live alone again. Actually I don't think I've ever really lived alone before! I have been rebellious this week - like cooking meat and buying heat and eat dinners. This weekend was a lot quieter than normal though and unfortuanately the rubbish doesn't take itself out anymore.
Steve and Tracey have been looking after me and taking me out which is really lovely and keeping me occupied. Otherwise I have been busy buying things for the new flat. I'm really excited about moving. Next weekend I'll be packing and cleaning and the weekend after that there is a carbon sequestration forum on.
I'm thinking about volunteering at the YWCA down the road to keep me busy and meeting people. They have an after-school tutoring program.
The batteries in the camera keep dying so I haven't been able to take any photos. Pete will send some replacements soon - I can't find them in the US.
Bye,
Jaci xx
Monday, March 20, 2006
Pete off to Australia
Pete left this morning for Hobart, the trip will take 40 hours and he is currently sitting at LA airport. We had a return ticket for LA to Melbourne so we only had to change the date. That was a feat in itself. Flight Centre said we had to change the ticket through the carrier - United Airlines. United Airlines said they couldn't change it cos it was a Lufthansa package deal. Lufthansa said they couldn't change it cos they had no record of it because it was a United Flight. Numerous phone calls later back and forth between the two (of course they couldn't simply ring each other) we had reached a stalemate. Eventually we found a 24hr helpline for Flight Centre and it turns out they could change it after all. Moral to the story though is if you are flying international before you go get the Amadeus number of the flight and ticket numbers and everything else you can. If we hadn't had cell phones and the internet we would never have been able to change the flight!
We are not sure how long Pete will be in Hobart. It depends on how well his Mum is going. We move into our new place in a couple of weeks so he has conveniently got out of packing and moving! It is probably a good thing though. It means that I will have plenty to keep me busy while he is away. It also means I get artistic control of the furnishings. Yesterday we did a mega shop at Ikea and it should all be delivered on the day I move in (fingers crossed) We were there 5 hours and managed to spend over $1000 and still don't have everything. We went first to the seconds room where we got some good deals on furniture that was still in boxes but the boxes were damaged. There are also lots of garage sales (called tag sales here) at the moment. The University year is almost over so there are plenty of bargains. So far today I have bought an iron, ironing board, bedside drawers, side table, photo frame and floor protectors for the bottom of the furniture, oh and I just bought a 21'' TV that will delivered tomorrow. - A total of about $100. I am an expert bargain shopper!
I am planning all the things that I'm going to do while Pete is away. I decided I should cook instead of eating take out and frozen dinners the whole time. I googled recipes and guess what I found - baked bean casserole! I'm not the only person that makes it. Did I tell you we found real baked beans - in the international section at the supermarket.
I no longer have Pete to carry my shopping so I'm going to have to get a shopping cart for when I go to the supermarket (grocery store here). You know the sort that only old ladies have? Well lots of people use them here - all ages. Though Pete says when he comes back he isn't using it.
I had another wacky American experience a couple of days ago. I was sitting out the front of our Apartment building waiting for someone, sitting on the concrete steps. I reached back to get my cell phone out of my back pocket just as a big black lady walked past. She said, in a rather loud voice - "Honey I know AHHLLLLL about hemorrhoids" and she went on to tell me all about her hemorrhoids. I didn't have the heart to tell her I had just been getting my cell phone out of my pocket. The scariest thing was that it didn't even occur to me that this was odd till much later.
We are not sure how long Pete will be in Hobart. It depends on how well his Mum is going. We move into our new place in a couple of weeks so he has conveniently got out of packing and moving! It is probably a good thing though. It means that I will have plenty to keep me busy while he is away. It also means I get artistic control of the furnishings. Yesterday we did a mega shop at Ikea and it should all be delivered on the day I move in (fingers crossed) We were there 5 hours and managed to spend over $1000 and still don't have everything. We went first to the seconds room where we got some good deals on furniture that was still in boxes but the boxes were damaged. There are also lots of garage sales (called tag sales here) at the moment. The University year is almost over so there are plenty of bargains. So far today I have bought an iron, ironing board, bedside drawers, side table, photo frame and floor protectors for the bottom of the furniture, oh and I just bought a 21'' TV that will delivered tomorrow. - A total of about $100. I am an expert bargain shopper!
I am planning all the things that I'm going to do while Pete is away. I decided I should cook instead of eating take out and frozen dinners the whole time. I googled recipes and guess what I found - baked bean casserole! I'm not the only person that makes it. Did I tell you we found real baked beans - in the international section at the supermarket.
I no longer have Pete to carry my shopping so I'm going to have to get a shopping cart for when I go to the supermarket (grocery store here). You know the sort that only old ladies have? Well lots of people use them here - all ages. Though Pete says when he comes back he isn't using it.
I had another wacky American experience a couple of days ago. I was sitting out the front of our Apartment building waiting for someone, sitting on the concrete steps. I reached back to get my cell phone out of my back pocket just as a big black lady walked past. She said, in a rather loud voice - "Honey I know AHHLLLLL about hemorrhoids" and she went on to tell me all about her hemorrhoids. I didn't have the heart to tell her I had just been getting my cell phone out of my pocket. The scariest thing was that it didn't even occur to me that this was odd till much later.
Friday, March 17, 2006
2 months in
Its been a difficult week.
Pete's mum, Pam, has become quite ill. Pete has decided to go back home for awhile. We are not sure for how long. It will be hard without him here. Especially as we are moving apartment in a couple of weeks! Hopefully I will be able to use the time to get lots of work done. I'm not sure if I will fly out. We will wait and see how Pam goes over the next few weeks.
We are off to Ikea again tomorrow to do a mega-shop for furniture.
Pete finally looked into why his work visa hadn't arrived and rang immigration. Apparently they sent it on the 7th Feb but we didn't ever receive it. You would think this means that they would send a replacement card, but no, he has to reapply, pay another $180 and wait up to 90 days.
I will post more blogs and photos over the next few weeks when Pete is away.
Jaci xx
Pete's mum, Pam, has become quite ill. Pete has decided to go back home for awhile. We are not sure for how long. It will be hard without him here. Especially as we are moving apartment in a couple of weeks! Hopefully I will be able to use the time to get lots of work done. I'm not sure if I will fly out. We will wait and see how Pam goes over the next few weeks.
We are off to Ikea again tomorrow to do a mega-shop for furniture.
Pete finally looked into why his work visa hadn't arrived and rang immigration. Apparently they sent it on the 7th Feb but we didn't ever receive it. You would think this means that they would send a replacement card, but no, he has to reapply, pay another $180 and wait up to 90 days.
I will post more blogs and photos over the next few weeks when Pete is away.
Jaci xx
Sunday, March 12, 2006
St. Patrick's Day Parade
I had to tell you about the parade we went to today. It was supposed to be for St. Patrick's Day but seemed to have little to do with Ireland. One of the rules for being in the parade was carrying an American flag. There weren't floats like we would expect in a parade (maybe I've been to the gay and lesbian mardi gras too often). It was two hours long and consisted mostly of marching bands and the armed forces. I didn't know somewhere could have so many marching bands. The strangest thing were some of the marching girls who, instead of twirling batons, were twirling wooden guns or knives. There were lots of army people, fire people and police. Some army people were carrying muskets and some even shot them every 20 meters. It freaked me out to hear gun shots in the middle of a crowded street in the US.
They were also selling toy guns to the crowd. This is also weird. I suppose
Australia has fazed out toy guns for kids so you don't expect to see kids running around shooting people.
There was one float - helmets to hard hats. This is a program to retrain ex-army people and find them jobs I think. Dad - you would've been really impressed - the men were sitting up high on scaffolding with no harnesses.
They were also selling toy guns to the crowd. This is also weird. I suppose
Australia has fazed out toy guns for kids so you don't expect to see kids running around shooting people.
There was one float - helmets to hard hats. This is a program to retrain ex-army people and find them jobs I think. Dad - you would've been really impressed - the men were sitting up high on scaffolding with no harnesses.
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