Remember when I met with a potential roommate in my line of work, and then gave his resume to my bosses, and he was hired?
Well, that's all well and good and I was happy it worked out for everyone. Until now. One of the assistant higher ups at my company took a liking to him, which is great, but I have no love for this particular person--he never does what he is supposed to do and basically gets in the way of the company's progress. He's so out of touch it is ridiculous. He means well, but his plans never work out for anyone, in fact the company is losing business because of his ways. He talks and talks and never says anything or gets anything done--he just wastes everyone's time.
I have been asking to take a particular training course for 2 years now, and my bosses were optimistic at my last review in May. They asked me to do the legwork and come back with a training course, the cost, and dates of the course. I researched every option for a month, read reviews, and presented them with what I thought was the best option given the time and money factors, as well as the reputation and reviews of the companies.
Guess who the assistant higher up decided to send on the training course instead of me?
Yup. WTF?!
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
June
Due to my trip to Oz and all of the money spent there, I probably won't be making my June budget or be saving as much as I usually do. I should, however, still be able to fill the $2K Supplement Mom/Sis NZ Trip Fund.
After that, I will have just one more fund left to fill in 2011 at $4K NZD / $3K USD, and a few more purchases, particularly insurances. Definitely seems do-able for the second half of the year! Given that, the fact that July contains my birthday, ski trip, and three rent payments, and that my epic trip home occurs in August-Sept., I'll probably be spending more than usual for the next three months and pick up my efforts in October-December.
After that, I will have just one more fund left to fill in 2011 at $4K NZD / $3K USD, and a few more purchases, particularly insurances. Definitely seems do-able for the second half of the year! Given that, the fact that July contains my birthday, ski trip, and three rent payments, and that my epic trip home occurs in August-Sept., I'll probably be spending more than usual for the next three months and pick up my efforts in October-December.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Australia, the Second
A little photo pictorial of my second ever trip to Australia. I was there for work in Canberra for three days, then stayed in Sydney for another two and a half. I was supposed to leave after two days, but the volcanic ash caused my flight back to Auckland to be cancelled. The half day in Sydney, I spent it exploring the downtown area, esp. the Botanical Gardens and Opera House. The second day, I signed up for a Blue Mountains tour with Oz Trails.
Despite my sickness, it is always fun seeing a new place, and for that new place to be Sydney, well...that's pretty fantastic!! It didn't disappoint at all.
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| Part of my work in Canberra involved laserz! |
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| the ANU campus has a significant funder in Jackie Chan...who knew?! |
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| Sydney skyline from the Botanical Gardens...beautiful day! |
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| love the kids' outfits! they are so ready for the strong Aussie sun. |
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| Opera House and Harbour Bridge from Mrs. Macquarie's Chair |
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| Sydney skyline |
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| gorgeous view, gorgeous day! |
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| Opera House close up |
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| Even closer up... |
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| closest |
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| planking in front of the opera house |
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| kangaroos grazing, near the Blue Mountains |
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| my tour guide, falling off a cliff in the Blue Mountains |
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| we were warned... |
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| Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains |
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| close up, Wentworth Falls, Blue Mountains |
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| Um...OK? |
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| Three Sisters, Blue Mountains. Neato Aboriginal story behind this. |
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| Jamison Valley, Blue Mountains |
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| the Scenic World rides across and up/down the Jamison Valley are awesome! |
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| Aboriginal carving |
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| We took the Parramatta River to Sydney Harbour. |
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| Sydney skyline from the Harbour |
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| Harbour Bridge, Sydney |
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Annnnddd...I'm Back from Australia! (Again)
I apologize for the lack of posts this past week--I really wanted and meant to update, but the internet connections weren't reliable or at all fast.
I'm still sick, still exhausted (up at 3 am this morning, and JUST got to my house). My schedule was interrupted by the volcanic ash cloud, but with the magic of work's travel agency and travel insurance, I was able to get on a flight the day after my original flight was cancelled.
More later, time for bed.
I'm still sick, still exhausted (up at 3 am this morning, and JUST got to my house). My schedule was interrupted by the volcanic ash cloud, but with the magic of work's travel agency and travel insurance, I was able to get on a flight the day after my original flight was cancelled.
More later, time for bed.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Off to Australia! (Again)
Tuesday, I fly to Australia for a work trip. I'll be flying into Sydney and driving to Canberra afterward for work. I'll spend a few days in Canberra, then we'll drive back to Sydney, where I'll have two days to explore the city. I think I'll take one of the Blue Mountain tours. Any suggestions for other activities?
Saturday, June 18, 2011
$400 USD Richer
Just like that.
I came back from my work trip today and checked my mailbox. With a sinking heart, I saw that I had an envelope from the US government. Their envelopes are quite distinct, with their stern, small, and narrow writing exuding heady power. Or maybe that's just my imagination.
But when I opened it up, it just contained a check with my name on it for $400 from the US Department of the Treasury. Awesome!
And then I got worried. Who just sends you money for no reason? No documentation came with the check--it was the only piece of paper in the envelope. I knew that I wasn't owed a tax refund from my 2010 return, and that we are in debt up the wazoo, so it probably wasn't a stimulus check.
Or was it?
This and this post was somewhat helpful in my search for an explanation. While I have been living overseas, not paying much attention to tax laws in the US except where they concern international citizens, they made some adjustments to federal withholding tax to allow more take-home pay to get to workers in the 'Making Work Pay Tax Credit'. I didn't even know about this, and even if I had heard about it, I would have thought that I was ineligible due to my overseas status. I certainly wouldn't have (and didn't) add the credit in on my tax returns.
It is a mystery how I still got the money even though I didn't fill out the special form (Schedule M, apparently) and include it along with my return. It also makes me think that I could have claimed in 2009--no check appeared last year.
So I'm satisfied with the explanation now, but still a little confused about my eligibility. But hey, it is addressed to me in another country, so...
Thanks, USA! I wish you had kept the money and fixed more problems, but since you went to all the trouble of cutting me a check, I'll put it to good use.
I came back from my work trip today and checked my mailbox. With a sinking heart, I saw that I had an envelope from the US government. Their envelopes are quite distinct, with their stern, small, and narrow writing exuding heady power. Or maybe that's just my imagination.
But when I opened it up, it just contained a check with my name on it for $400 from the US Department of the Treasury. Awesome!
And then I got worried. Who just sends you money for no reason? No documentation came with the check--it was the only piece of paper in the envelope. I knew that I wasn't owed a tax refund from my 2010 return, and that we are in debt up the wazoo, so it probably wasn't a stimulus check.
Or was it?
This and this post was somewhat helpful in my search for an explanation. While I have been living overseas, not paying much attention to tax laws in the US except where they concern international citizens, they made some adjustments to federal withholding tax to allow more take-home pay to get to workers in the 'Making Work Pay Tax Credit'. I didn't even know about this, and even if I had heard about it, I would have thought that I was ineligible due to my overseas status. I certainly wouldn't have (and didn't) add the credit in on my tax returns.
It is a mystery how I still got the money even though I didn't fill out the special form (Schedule M, apparently) and include it along with my return. It also makes me think that I could have claimed in 2009--no check appeared last year.
So I'm satisfied with the explanation now, but still a little confused about my eligibility. But hey, it is addressed to me in another country, so...
Thanks, USA! I wish you had kept the money and fixed more problems, but since you went to all the trouble of cutting me a check, I'll put it to good use.
Back in Welly
Back in Wellington right now, after driving around the North Island for work (pics coming of NZ's beautiful scenery...never gets old), and maybe coming back to Aucks tomorrow, IF the planes aren't grounded due to the ash. Monday I fly to Sydney for work, drive to Canberra, then drive back to Sydney for my flight out, but not before taking a day or two to poke around Australia's most famous city! (Why not just fly straight to/from Canberra?? I don't know--someone else set up this trip.) It's a busy time, but I love all of it.
The only downside is that I've caught a cold, as I mentioned in my last post, and that is making life a bit more difficult. I was too tired to get groceries for the past week (always takes at least an hour and a half a week, UGH, I need a car!!!), so I am spending a lot of money on eating out and convenience store purchases this month. Luckily, though, there's really only one week left in June where my food isn't covered by work. Gotta love it!
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| Tongariro from Taupo, across Lake Taupo. |
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| The Tongariro area from the opposite side of the lake, and where I'm going skiing for the first time next month!! Mt Ruapehu. |
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| Mt Doom! with snow |
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| Beautiful symmetry in Wellington over the completely still Porirua Harbour. |
The only downside is that I've caught a cold, as I mentioned in my last post, and that is making life a bit more difficult. I was too tired to get groceries for the past week (always takes at least an hour and a half a week, UGH, I need a car!!!), so I am spending a lot of money on eating out and convenience store purchases this month. Luckily, though, there's really only one week left in June where my food isn't covered by work. Gotta love it!
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Taking Sick Time
Do you do it? When you are ill, do you take off of work? What factors play into that for you?
I tend not to, just because people depend on me to get things done so much. And I depend on myself to get things done. However, no one appreciates the sick girl spreading her germs.
It's a horrible decision for me. Basically, unless I'm bedridden like I was with mono, I usually know that I can power through and get everything done and not disappoint, but I also know that I should stay home and rest. Oh, and not make everyone else sick, too.
It's not a matter of having sick days, either, per say--I have something like over 4 weeks of sick leave built up.
The past few days I've been not feeling so great. I went out and drank a little on Saturday night, and then worked 12 hours on Monday on little sleep. I think the dip in my immune system allowed whatever this is to take hold with a vengeance. I wasn't feeling good yesterday, but I went in anyway. I babied myself last night but still woke up this morning with massive illing. I *could* go in, but I know I shouldn't.
It couldn't be worse timing! I have about 4 meetings today and a bunch of appointments, but I'm coughing all over the place (reason #1: spreading germs) and feel awful with a terrible sore throat (reason #2: feel sick).
There is also the nature of the work to consider (Reason #3). If I just had to sit at my desk, I may have considered shutting my office door to keep the germs in and not taking the day off. But today's work requires socialization and 'selling' something, and I can't do that effectively if I'm coughing all over someone and have nearly lost my voice. It also involves manual labor, and I just can't hack it today! I also have major major work Thursday and Friday that I won't be able to get out of (reason #4). I have to be on point then, and hopefully taking today off will allow me to do my job those days.
So these combination of factors lead to me call a sick day on myself. I'm out, I'm done, I just need my mom and some chicken noodle soup!
It is pretty funny, though: so far, I've spent 2 hours working everything out so that I don't have to go in today--basically getting someone else to cover me for all of my work. I feel so awful asking people to do that, because I know they all have their own work and have about as much time as I do to take on extra tasks. It's almost as much work getting other people to do my work than it is for me to just go in and do it myself!
Here's hoping I don't have to call in sick again.
I tend not to, just because people depend on me to get things done so much. And I depend on myself to get things done. However, no one appreciates the sick girl spreading her germs.
It's a horrible decision for me. Basically, unless I'm bedridden like I was with mono, I usually know that I can power through and get everything done and not disappoint, but I also know that I should stay home and rest. Oh, and not make everyone else sick, too.
It's not a matter of having sick days, either, per say--I have something like over 4 weeks of sick leave built up.
The past few days I've been not feeling so great. I went out and drank a little on Saturday night, and then worked 12 hours on Monday on little sleep. I think the dip in my immune system allowed whatever this is to take hold with a vengeance. I wasn't feeling good yesterday, but I went in anyway. I babied myself last night but still woke up this morning with massive illing. I *could* go in, but I know I shouldn't.
It couldn't be worse timing! I have about 4 meetings today and a bunch of appointments, but I'm coughing all over the place (reason #1: spreading germs) and feel awful with a terrible sore throat (reason #2: feel sick).
There is also the nature of the work to consider (Reason #3). If I just had to sit at my desk, I may have considered shutting my office door to keep the germs in and not taking the day off. But today's work requires socialization and 'selling' something, and I can't do that effectively if I'm coughing all over someone and have nearly lost my voice. It also involves manual labor, and I just can't hack it today! I also have major major work Thursday and Friday that I won't be able to get out of (reason #4). I have to be on point then, and hopefully taking today off will allow me to do my job those days.
So these combination of factors lead to me call a sick day on myself. I'm out, I'm done, I just need my mom and some chicken noodle soup!
It is pretty funny, though: so far, I've spent 2 hours working everything out so that I don't have to go in today--basically getting someone else to cover me for all of my work. I feel so awful asking people to do that, because I know they all have their own work and have about as much time as I do to take on extra tasks. It's almost as much work getting other people to do my work than it is for me to just go in and do it myself!
Here's hoping I don't have to call in sick again.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Thoughts and Expectations on a Night Out
More on the non-money front today. Sometimes I forget that my life is a one-shot deal and all that blah blah blah about it not being a rehearsal. And then I suddenly remember and just go for it.
I ended up seeing the movie Super 8 last night with a new friend and his friends. I agree with everything that has been said about this movie in the media--it's a throwback to old-style film-making, with more than a little comparison to the action-adventure plot of The Goonies and E.T. There's also a little Dazed and Confused in there because it is the 70's, man. When things were perfect, and kids could be kids. There's also the fact that the kids are just on the cusp of that age when things get much more complicated, emotionally and romantically, and you are taken back to a time when you were heart-breakingly naive in your own life, and felt the shock when things started to fall apart or not turn out the way that they 'should.' Nostalgia definitely plays a role in many adults' warm fuzzy feelings about this movie.
With comparisons like those I mentioned earlier, it's needless to say that it has a high quality storyline that you eagerly embrace as not only possible, but plausible, in their world. Only, for 112 minutes, you are a part of their world. It also shows minimal carnage and has a somewhat cheesy happy ending, which is probably necessary to leave the film feeling like you got some closure. A few side characters are not fleshed out very well, but the main characters are so real that your heart aches when they hurt.
I did have several questions and nitpicky concerns about certain spots in the movie--it isn't perfect by any means, especially when directly compared to the earlier 'versions'--but they were largely overlooked while watching the movie; I only really thought about them afterward and would have to see the film again to confirm what I question. Suspension of disbelief was not only possible, but so easy I forgot I was doing so while swept up in the action and emotion. I loved afterward that I was scared in several parts of the film but in the end, really didn't need to be.
I'm an easy movie goer--it doesn't take much to entertain me, so take all that with a grain of salt.
After the movie, which let out around 11:30 pm, I ended up meeting up with some friends to go out dancing. My friend's sister is in town, so we took the opportunity to show her Auckland's night life. Such as it is. Can I just say, I don't understand what happened to the guys in Auckland?! When I arrived nearly 3 years ago, I could go out to clubs every weekend and zero guys would bother me, grope me, come on to me, etc. The guys we did interact with were really nice and willing to have fun. It was HEAVEN. Girls don't really go dancing with their girlfriends to get guys. At least, I don't. Unfortunately, the past couple of times I've gone out, I cannot shake them off. They are SUCH CREEPERS. I can't count the number of guys that hang on the edges of our girl group, even with their backs to us, but clearly want a piece of action and, over the course of a half an hour (or more), try to make their move and wiggle into our circle. Even avoiding eye contact, physical contact, and actively body-blocking them with crazy dance moves and lots of elbows from trying anything doesn't work on these freaky guys. Then they make their real move: touching me. N. to the HELL NO. I had to physically remove one guy's hand several times, and then he had the nerve to ask me what my name was. I just responded with 'Don't touch me.' It didn't work. He kept trying to dance with us, and then tried to talk to my friend. I lost it, then, and told him that he needed to back off. I'm sorry, but if a girl was interested, she would let you know. Also, you know, make eye contact. Argh. Another guy drunkenly kept stepping on my foot, elbowing me, and physically tried to put my and his friends' heads together but knocked them together instead. He asked what my name was and I responded, "Not interested."
Doubly unfortunate is that every single one of these guys are foreign. So am I--but I'm getting a terrible prejudice against males from certain foreign countries. It make me want to avoid these places ever again, and make me feel like NZ must have changed their immigration policies or something: 'creepers wanted, free visa!'. Where there once was none, there are now scores of these guys from countries where girls must tolerate and reward this sort of behavior. This is worse than even in the US. Guys in the US usually know how to take a hint. I don't see another explanation for it. These guys are just sooo handsy and leering, it's AWFUL. It is NOT OK to touch girls when they have not even made eye contact with you, not in any scenario where women have equal rights as men, as they should. Gross.
I had another recent interaction with males from one of the main culprit countries last week. Two guys in a car stopped me while I was walking home to ask for directions. No problem, but they were far far away from where they needed to be, and laughably, this guy tested my goodwill by asking me to text his friend to let him know they would be late, because his phone was out of credit. Laughing the entire time at his gall, I did so, because I didn't see the harm in it. ...but I failed to realize until later that I had inadvertently given them my phone number. The texts haven't stopped coming in since then. I am fine with a follow-up text to say thanks, but to then further take advantage of my kindness and keep texting me with sexually charged phrases about me and my body after explicitly asking them to stop is bullying and somewhat terrifying. Whether it was a trick to get my phone number or a real request gone wrong, I don't know, but I now will never let a stranger use my phone ever again. Thanks for ruining it, creepers.
This is turning ugly. I would never want to blanket statement an entire country full of people (especially since people from that country also returned my wallet full of cash), but I find myself wanting to avoid people of certain nationalities more and more after these same sort of events repeat themselves time and time again. Yes, things are different in their country and in their culture. But their culture seems to clash with my sense of personal space and rights, which trumps respect for parts of their culture, unfortunately.
Yet another example of male ridiculousness reared its ugly head last evening. We moved to a different bar that seemed to be mainly european males, this time, and things were, while less up front and handsy/leery, much more complicated. I have never had a reality check/follow-up conversation after a night gone wrong between the sexes, but it happened last night. We get to this bar, right, and find a spot in this super crowded bar, and start dancing. The guy next to us somehow started talking to us (something the earlier guys don't do until they have groped us to death) and he seemed extremely nice and I ended up letting him buy a drink for me, something I NEVER DO. Honestly, unless I have known the guy for a while, or he is good friends with another good friend, I've never ever accepted a drink from a guy. I know what that means, and I'm not going to encourage that. But this guy seemed to know what was happening--we were just going to have a good time dancing and have fun. Innocent fun. It is fun meeting new people, dancing innocently (ie, no grinding or hands touching inappropriate places), and having a night out. I thought that is what they were after. My guy friends seemed similar to this guy and his german friend, and that is all they are ever after with me, at least (yes, I'm sure)! Anyway, he buys us drinks (one friend didn't want a drink, so I was assured that if I was roofied, she'd take care of me. :)) and we dance. Innocently. It is extremely fun and awesome for a few hours. The dude asks me if I want him to go and I say, confusedly, "No. Why would I want you to leave? Do you want to leave?" He says no, but obviously we are speaking in a code that I don't understand. So we keep dancing, all of us, not pairing up at all, just all dancing and having a good time. Dude asks if it is OK that he 'protects' me from people stomping by drunkenly, spilling everywhere. Of course I don't mind. What? Then, out of the blue, dude says, "Kiss me." Again, I'm confused and ask him to repeat it, because you don't just tell someone to kiss you after no...encouragement or not even a suggestive dance or anything. I thought we were having a good time. That's it. Argh. So I refuse to kiss him because...I am not that kind of girl. I kiss guys I like and have known for a while. And guys who ask me out on dates and get to know me in a setting where yelling isn't required. Call me old-fashioned. Plus, this guy was clearly about 10 years younger than me. Not happening even if he asked me out on a date. So, after the second kiss refusal, he angrily says, "But I've been waiting this whole time for you." and I say, "Sorry, but I'm not like that." Like he's going to guilt me into a kiss or something, ha! He actually, hilariously, stomps off and leaves the bar at that point, clearly thwarted in all of his efforts to 'get some.' His german friend is still there, and he shrugs, says that happens, and we all carry on having a good time with him and another random mexican dude who miraculously KNOWS WHAT'S UP. Mexican dude is awesome and completely gets it--we are having fun in a bar. FULL STOP. We decide to leave a little while later (4:30 am?) and say our goodbyes. We are about 30 seconds out of the club when German guy races after us and stops us. We then have what has to be the most ridiculous post-club conversation I have EVER been a part of:
German dude: Hey, wait up. Why did you leave?
Us: ...We're tired, going to bed.
GD: hopeful look
Us again: ...ALONE.
GD: Did I do something wrong?
Us: Moving in to reassure him, NO!! We had a LOT of fun with you guys! It was awesome! You did nothing wrong! Were you expecting...something...SEX?
GD: Well, um, no, but, um...
Us: flabbergasted...did we do something to lead you on??
GD: Well, yes, no, um, I don't understand.
(to me): what about my friend, the tall guy?
Me: Your friend was adorable, but seriously I am way too old for him and and I never meant to lead him on at all. We were JUST HAVING FUN. I'm not sure what we did to suggest otherwise. (We then go into how old I am and he concedes that that is WAY too old...thanks, guy. :/)
GD: Well what would happen if I called you all?
Us: We might hang out and be friends, but THAT IS IT. NO SEX.
GD: Look, I'm a good guy, I was in a relationship for 5 years and never ever cheated. I just got out of it and am looking for some fun. I never cheated.
Me: You don't get brownie points for something you are SUPPOSED TO DO. (seriously: you can't be proud of that, guys.)
GD: Whatever OK, you girls just need to know, though: YOU DID WRONG, GIRLS!!!! YOU DID WRONG!
...we walk away.
What the HELL?!
I swear--we weren't a) dressed provocatively, b) grinding, or c) touching and flirting. AT ALL. at all! ...not that any of those should equal sex necessarily. I can't think of one thing (OK, besides accepting a drink) that we did to encourage the thought that we'd go home with these dudes.
I wish I had a sign for my forehead: 'Not looking for hook ups. Don't waste your time.'
I ended up seeing the movie Super 8 last night with a new friend and his friends. I agree with everything that has been said about this movie in the media--it's a throwback to old-style film-making, with more than a little comparison to the action-adventure plot of The Goonies and E.T. There's also a little Dazed and Confused in there because it is the 70's, man. When things were perfect, and kids could be kids. There's also the fact that the kids are just on the cusp of that age when things get much more complicated, emotionally and romantically, and you are taken back to a time when you were heart-breakingly naive in your own life, and felt the shock when things started to fall apart or not turn out the way that they 'should.' Nostalgia definitely plays a role in many adults' warm fuzzy feelings about this movie.
With comparisons like those I mentioned earlier, it's needless to say that it has a high quality storyline that you eagerly embrace as not only possible, but plausible, in their world. Only, for 112 minutes, you are a part of their world. It also shows minimal carnage and has a somewhat cheesy happy ending, which is probably necessary to leave the film feeling like you got some closure. A few side characters are not fleshed out very well, but the main characters are so real that your heart aches when they hurt.
I did have several questions and nitpicky concerns about certain spots in the movie--it isn't perfect by any means, especially when directly compared to the earlier 'versions'--but they were largely overlooked while watching the movie; I only really thought about them afterward and would have to see the film again to confirm what I question. Suspension of disbelief was not only possible, but so easy I forgot I was doing so while swept up in the action and emotion. I loved afterward that I was scared in several parts of the film but in the end, really didn't need to be.
I'm an easy movie goer--it doesn't take much to entertain me, so take all that with a grain of salt.
After the movie, which let out around 11:30 pm, I ended up meeting up with some friends to go out dancing. My friend's sister is in town, so we took the opportunity to show her Auckland's night life. Such as it is. Can I just say, I don't understand what happened to the guys in Auckland?! When I arrived nearly 3 years ago, I could go out to clubs every weekend and zero guys would bother me, grope me, come on to me, etc. The guys we did interact with were really nice and willing to have fun. It was HEAVEN. Girls don't really go dancing with their girlfriends to get guys. At least, I don't. Unfortunately, the past couple of times I've gone out, I cannot shake them off. They are SUCH CREEPERS. I can't count the number of guys that hang on the edges of our girl group, even with their backs to us, but clearly want a piece of action and, over the course of a half an hour (or more), try to make their move and wiggle into our circle. Even avoiding eye contact, physical contact, and actively body-blocking them with crazy dance moves and lots of elbows from trying anything doesn't work on these freaky guys. Then they make their real move: touching me. N. to the HELL NO. I had to physically remove one guy's hand several times, and then he had the nerve to ask me what my name was. I just responded with 'Don't touch me.' It didn't work. He kept trying to dance with us, and then tried to talk to my friend. I lost it, then, and told him that he needed to back off. I'm sorry, but if a girl was interested, she would let you know. Also, you know, make eye contact. Argh. Another guy drunkenly kept stepping on my foot, elbowing me, and physically tried to put my and his friends' heads together but knocked them together instead. He asked what my name was and I responded, "Not interested."
Doubly unfortunate is that every single one of these guys are foreign. So am I--but I'm getting a terrible prejudice against males from certain foreign countries. It make me want to avoid these places ever again, and make me feel like NZ must have changed their immigration policies or something: 'creepers wanted, free visa!'. Where there once was none, there are now scores of these guys from countries where girls must tolerate and reward this sort of behavior. This is worse than even in the US. Guys in the US usually know how to take a hint. I don't see another explanation for it. These guys are just sooo handsy and leering, it's AWFUL. It is NOT OK to touch girls when they have not even made eye contact with you, not in any scenario where women have equal rights as men, as they should. Gross.
I had another recent interaction with males from one of the main culprit countries last week. Two guys in a car stopped me while I was walking home to ask for directions. No problem, but they were far far away from where they needed to be, and laughably, this guy tested my goodwill by asking me to text his friend to let him know they would be late, because his phone was out of credit. Laughing the entire time at his gall, I did so, because I didn't see the harm in it. ...but I failed to realize until later that I had inadvertently given them my phone number. The texts haven't stopped coming in since then. I am fine with a follow-up text to say thanks, but to then further take advantage of my kindness and keep texting me with sexually charged phrases about me and my body after explicitly asking them to stop is bullying and somewhat terrifying. Whether it was a trick to get my phone number or a real request gone wrong, I don't know, but I now will never let a stranger use my phone ever again. Thanks for ruining it, creepers.
This is turning ugly. I would never want to blanket statement an entire country full of people (especially since people from that country also returned my wallet full of cash), but I find myself wanting to avoid people of certain nationalities more and more after these same sort of events repeat themselves time and time again. Yes, things are different in their country and in their culture. But their culture seems to clash with my sense of personal space and rights, which trumps respect for parts of their culture, unfortunately.
Yet another example of male ridiculousness reared its ugly head last evening. We moved to a different bar that seemed to be mainly european males, this time, and things were, while less up front and handsy/leery, much more complicated. I have never had a reality check/follow-up conversation after a night gone wrong between the sexes, but it happened last night. We get to this bar, right, and find a spot in this super crowded bar, and start dancing. The guy next to us somehow started talking to us (something the earlier guys don't do until they have groped us to death) and he seemed extremely nice and I ended up letting him buy a drink for me, something I NEVER DO. Honestly, unless I have known the guy for a while, or he is good friends with another good friend, I've never ever accepted a drink from a guy. I know what that means, and I'm not going to encourage that. But this guy seemed to know what was happening--we were just going to have a good time dancing and have fun. Innocent fun. It is fun meeting new people, dancing innocently (ie, no grinding or hands touching inappropriate places), and having a night out. I thought that is what they were after. My guy friends seemed similar to this guy and his german friend, and that is all they are ever after with me, at least (yes, I'm sure)! Anyway, he buys us drinks (one friend didn't want a drink, so I was assured that if I was roofied, she'd take care of me. :)) and we dance. Innocently. It is extremely fun and awesome for a few hours. The dude asks me if I want him to go and I say, confusedly, "No. Why would I want you to leave? Do you want to leave?" He says no, but obviously we are speaking in a code that I don't understand. So we keep dancing, all of us, not pairing up at all, just all dancing and having a good time. Dude asks if it is OK that he 'protects' me from people stomping by drunkenly, spilling everywhere. Of course I don't mind. What? Then, out of the blue, dude says, "Kiss me." Again, I'm confused and ask him to repeat it, because you don't just tell someone to kiss you after no...encouragement or not even a suggestive dance or anything. I thought we were having a good time. That's it. Argh. So I refuse to kiss him because...I am not that kind of girl. I kiss guys I like and have known for a while. And guys who ask me out on dates and get to know me in a setting where yelling isn't required. Call me old-fashioned. Plus, this guy was clearly about 10 years younger than me. Not happening even if he asked me out on a date. So, after the second kiss refusal, he angrily says, "But I've been waiting this whole time for you." and I say, "Sorry, but I'm not like that." Like he's going to guilt me into a kiss or something, ha! He actually, hilariously, stomps off and leaves the bar at that point, clearly thwarted in all of his efforts to 'get some.' His german friend is still there, and he shrugs, says that happens, and we all carry on having a good time with him and another random mexican dude who miraculously KNOWS WHAT'S UP. Mexican dude is awesome and completely gets it--we are having fun in a bar. FULL STOP. We decide to leave a little while later (4:30 am?) and say our goodbyes. We are about 30 seconds out of the club when German guy races after us and stops us. We then have what has to be the most ridiculous post-club conversation I have EVER been a part of:
German dude: Hey, wait up. Why did you leave?
Us: ...We're tired, going to bed.
GD: hopeful look
Us again: ...ALONE.
GD: Did I do something wrong?
Us: Moving in to reassure him, NO!! We had a LOT of fun with you guys! It was awesome! You did nothing wrong! Were you expecting...something...SEX?
GD: Well, um, no, but, um...
Us: flabbergasted...did we do something to lead you on??
GD: Well, yes, no, um, I don't understand.
(to me): what about my friend, the tall guy?
Me: Your friend was adorable, but seriously I am way too old for him and and I never meant to lead him on at all. We were JUST HAVING FUN. I'm not sure what we did to suggest otherwise. (We then go into how old I am and he concedes that that is WAY too old...thanks, guy. :/)
GD: Well what would happen if I called you all?
Us: We might hang out and be friends, but THAT IS IT. NO SEX.
GD: Look, I'm a good guy, I was in a relationship for 5 years and never ever cheated. I just got out of it and am looking for some fun. I never cheated.
Me: You don't get brownie points for something you are SUPPOSED TO DO. (seriously: you can't be proud of that, guys.)
GD: Whatever OK, you girls just need to know, though: YOU DID WRONG, GIRLS!!!! YOU DID WRONG!
...we walk away.
What the HELL?!
I swear--we weren't a) dressed provocatively, b) grinding, or c) touching and flirting. AT ALL. at all! ...not that any of those should equal sex necessarily. I can't think of one thing (OK, besides accepting a drink) that we did to encourage the thought that we'd go home with these dudes.
I wish I had a sign for my forehead: 'Not looking for hook ups. Don't waste your time.'
Saturday, June 11, 2011
26 Year High!
The NZD ran up to a 26 year high earlier yesterday (Friday). I have always told myself that when the NZD climbed to where it was when I moved here (close to 1 USD = 0.80 NZD), I'd trade all my money in for US dollars. Only...who likes having 20% of your money disappear?? Not I...
In any case, logic won out and I calculated how much I wanted to trade in. All the funds that would eventually be used in the US or that I knew I'd use a US credit card to spend needed to go:
$5K Move back to US fund
$2.5K Wish List Fund
$900 new laptop fund
$5K Roth IRA fund
$1600 House downpayment fund
$1600 Europe fund
adding up to $16,600 NZD.
Unfortunately I forgot that I have a trade limit at XETrade, where I convert all my money (it's a fantastic company, btw). It's much, much lower than $16K, just because I normally use it just to pay off my US credit cards each month. $2,865 NZD was all I was able to transfer at an exchange rate of 0.8110 USD for 1 NZD--$2,323.60 USD. I've requested a trade limit increase to $10K USD. We'll see...I need to just bite the bullet here because they are predicting that the NZD will be 'over-exposed' in the coming days and is likely to take a hit.
Although...interest rates are much higher here in NZ than in the US. I should run some numbers. Better to keep money in NZD and gain ~4% interest each year (in a CD) or move to USD at NZD's peak and gain the measly <.0.80% or less? OR...I suppose I could always arbitrage the currency and trade back again when the NZD falls below a certain point...bus then I lose the currency transfer fees each way...lots to think about when you have money!! :)
In any case, logic won out and I calculated how much I wanted to trade in. All the funds that would eventually be used in the US or that I knew I'd use a US credit card to spend needed to go:
$5K Move back to US fund
$2.5K Wish List Fund
$900 new laptop fund
$5K Roth IRA fund
$1600 House downpayment fund
$1600 Europe fund
adding up to $16,600 NZD.
Unfortunately I forgot that I have a trade limit at XETrade, where I convert all my money (it's a fantastic company, btw). It's much, much lower than $16K, just because I normally use it just to pay off my US credit cards each month. $2,865 NZD was all I was able to transfer at an exchange rate of 0.8110 USD for 1 NZD--$2,323.60 USD. I've requested a trade limit increase to $10K USD. We'll see...I need to just bite the bullet here because they are predicting that the NZD will be 'over-exposed' in the coming days and is likely to take a hit.
Although...interest rates are much higher here in NZ than in the US. I should run some numbers. Better to keep money in NZD and gain ~4% interest each year (in a CD) or move to USD at NZD's peak and gain the measly <.0.80% or less? OR...I suppose I could always arbitrage the currency and trade back again when the NZD falls below a certain point...bus then I lose the currency transfer fees each way...lots to think about when you have money!! :)
Thursday, June 09, 2011
Let's Play Good News, Bad News
I've run out of coherent post ideas...so stream of consciousness will have to do.
- Kiwisaver rules have changed (again). This time it is good and bad, in my opinion. Bad: Gone is the annual $1,043 tax rebate--it is now halved (boo, less free money). Employer contributions are now taxed, too (boo, less free money). Both start July 1 of this year. The good news is that mandatory employer contributions will increase from 2 to 3% in 2013. (yay, more? free money).
- I am working on insurance bizness. So far, I've heard from one NZ insurance agent. She had good news and bad news. Good: If I buy a disability insurance policy here in NZ, get disabled here, and then move back to the US (as I would do...free rent with the 'rents! haha), I am still eligible to receive disability payouts in the US for the period of my insurance...but obviously those payments would be in NZD. Bad: If I move back to the US un-disabled, my policy will lapse after 3 years overseas, during which I will have to find a new policy (but will be older). Next will be to test US insurance agencies...and figure out which option offers the best coverage for the cheapest rates.
- I am possibly going to get a permanent contract at work when my most recent 2 year contract is up in August. Good: No. More. Paperwork! Bad: Permanent...in NZ. Combine that with me getting indefinite permanent residency in August, and I will be a full-blown permanent everything in NZ. I am grateful for this amazing job, but as long as I'm in NZ, I'm not near my family, where the other half of my heart lies. Next step is citizenship, which it looks like will happen...mixed--very mixed--emotions about permanency in NZ.
- Plans are afoot! Good news: I have nearly completed two more financial goals: 1) $2K travel slush fund and 2) $2K mom and sister supplemental trip fund! Bad news: the new other goals are heady; 1) a $4K Vanguard Fund Fund and 2) save $100K USD in non-retirement investment account. Obviously that second one will take quite a long time, so I may opt to either save a minimum amount per month towards it, with the option of contributing more when I have the cash, or not save in it at all some months while I save for other, more short-term goals. As of right now, I still plan on saving for my other long-term goals in separate funds. $80 per month each to House Downpayment and a Europe Fund. I'll save $255 per month in a Future Roth account until that total reaches $5K USD. At that point, I may turn that monthly contribution into my $100K contribution! I should probably break that $100K goal down into yearly goals.
- Skype just isn't working for me this week. again. WTF is going on? I pay good money and expect service! (OK, that was all bad news).
- I'm working on a time budget after my unsuccessful long weekend:
I guess that isn't completely true...I hosted a game night one evening. It was blah. I got kind of tipsy but no one else was drinking. I went to see a movie. It was meh. Not the best, but mildly entertaining (Pirates of the Caribbean 4 in 3D IMAX). I talked to my mom, dad, and sister. I bought some vanilla solid perfume from LUSH. I looked for blenders in the Farmer's sale but they only sell clothes and makeup at the Queen st location. I activated one of the airmiles credit cards that I recently applied for, and made my first purchase on it to get my $50 and 25,000 airmiles. That first purchase was one of the items on my wishlist--a Sansa Clip+ (8 GB) off of amazon. I did a P90X Ab Ripper X workout (it's only 20 minutes, but WOW, my abs are killing me!). I read a few books (nothing intense, just fluffy brain candy). I also confirmed my hostel for two nights in Sydney when I'm there off of work's dime later this month.
I'm not sure how I feel about wasting so much time. My friends that are parents would be so jealous of that time, and I know a lot of people would have done so much more with it. I get so bored so easily, and I'm honestly not sure what to do with myself most of the time. I don't have the energy to hang out with other people a lot of the time. When this happens in the US, I drive somewhere--to the desert, to the mall, to the beach, anywhere. I don't have that luxury here. The bus isn't the same as taking a car. I didn't feel like watching movies. I didn't feel like drawing or doing anything that required concentration. So I did nothing.
I don't like that, I guess. It kind of seems like I'm wasting my life when I waste time like that, or when I spend it doing things that I don't really care about that much. I want my time spent to be spent like I spend my money--with specific purpose, careful investment, and well-thought out prioritizing so that I get the most bang for my ...minute. Time doesn't equal money, though. I can budget the crap out of my money, but it doesn't work with my time.
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Uh. Privacy Fail.
I guess when you have an ex-boyfriend that is really really good at computers (and you are not), and have heard him brag about planting latent viruses in computers at your old workplace, ready to be released at his whim, you shouldn't be surprised when you suddenly find a file in your computer that is labeled with his computer nickname and was created the day after you broke up, huh?
I have never ever created a file with his computer nickname in it, so it has to be his doing. I very briefly let him on my computer a few times while we were going out so that he could fix stuff since he was good at that kind of thing. But since it was created after we broke up, it stands to reason that it was not created from an innocent motivation, like he was fixing something.
It looks like he is monitoring my Skype for some reason--I found a folder in there and it had up to date info about my calls. I deleted it but Lord knows what else he has planted in my computer...none of my virus scanners catch anything, but of course he probably has ways and means I know nothing about.
It's just disturbing. What would you do?
I have never ever created a file with his computer nickname in it, so it has to be his doing. I very briefly let him on my computer a few times while we were going out so that he could fix stuff since he was good at that kind of thing. But since it was created after we broke up, it stands to reason that it was not created from an innocent motivation, like he was fixing something.
It looks like he is monitoring my Skype for some reason--I found a folder in there and it had up to date info about my calls. I deleted it but Lord knows what else he has planted in my computer...none of my virus scanners catch anything, but of course he probably has ways and means I know nothing about.
It's just disturbing. What would you do?
Friday, June 03, 2011
May Flowers
If April showered me with money (>$2K), May's flowers bloomed with dollars instead of petals. Yeah, I don't know what that means, either, except that it was another good month!
 |
| I don't know why these go all fuzzy... |
Rent: The Usual
Groceries: High for a month where I was out of town for 5 days, but whatever.
Internet: on budget
Electric: Still haven't hit the peak winter usage, thank God.
Eating Out: The Usual
charity: Whoops, need to do better on this one!
Cell: higher than usual due to roommate-search-related texts
Medical: bought contact lenses online
Misc: Under budget
- Alcohol: ~$40--went out for a friends' birthday
- Gifts: $86--friends' birthday gift and made/bought cute photo collage mugs for mom and dad for mother's and father's day presents.
- Goods and Wants: ~$76--bought a tshirt, drawing supplies, new tablecloth, shower curtain, and conditioner
- Transportation: $24 for bus and taxi fares
- Travel: $80 to my ski trip deposit
- Work: $70 for a society subscription (required for work but they don't pay for it)
Savings: Normal plus $20 to Bonus bonds!
Income was $3,358.22 from salary and garage rental income, which means that I have just over $1,100 to save to one of my New Goals (see sidebar). Hurrah!
June should be pricier--I'm going to Sydney for work and have to pay for two days/nights of lodging, food, and transportation. The flights are free, though! I also get to go on a road trip around the North Island for a few days on work's dime, though, so that may alleviate the damage a little bit.
I'm already making progress on my New Goals--I have opened up a Sharebuilder account and am reading a Bogleheads book to prepare myself for my taxable brokerage account. :)
Thursday, June 02, 2011
You Never Know
While on my roommate search I met about 5 people in person. I, luckily, picked the person I liked most and she agreed to move in. But the other 4 people were OK in varying degrees and I think the lot of them would have been decent roommates. I credit this to my roommate picking antennae.
I have this system for picking roommates now--a pretty solid one, I think. Basically, I require that people send me an email about themselves in my ad. An email weeds out those that are not serious, firstly, and secondly, I feel like I can solidly judge people based on their writing habits and content of their email. Maybe it isn't fair, but it has worked so far: if you don't proofread your email, have atrocious spelling or grammar, or if you ask questions that I CLEARLY answer in my ad, you are pretty much out of luck with me. Like a job interview, you need to make an effort! I find that people that I end up choosing to meet are more likely to actually show up when they say they will, and from there, it is a reliability issue: if you are true to your word, you are more likely to pay rent and bills on time. It also saves me time from waiting for people that don't show up. People are also more likely to include more details in an email rather than via text. For example, I clearly stated that I wanted to live with someone 25-35 ish, couples not OK (unless I am desperate!). So, then, the three 20 year old boys who wanted to share the room? NO FREAKING WAY.
This post has devolved--I didn't mean to go off on that tangent. Anyway, one of my picks relayed via email that he didn't have a job and normally he'd be out for that, but his email also said that he was in my line of work. He had a solid email otherwise and I got a good vibe (also key). I warned him about the job thing preventing him from getting the apartment, but he agreed to meet me anyway so we could talk shop. He seemed really nice, motivated, smart, and showed up on time, etc., so I took his info and agreed to distribute his resume around my contacts in NZ.
Guess what? He's now coming to work for my company!
Not only that, but he's hung out with me and my friends a couple of times. I got a roommate and a coworker/friend out of my ad! It is very funny how life turns out sometimes, and what happens when you take a chance. I am happy that I was able to help him break into the NZ job scene--it can be BRUTAL (from what I've heard--I was SUPER lucky). I'm super proud of myself for helping him and extending myself to someone new.
I have this system for picking roommates now--a pretty solid one, I think. Basically, I require that people send me an email about themselves in my ad. An email weeds out those that are not serious, firstly, and secondly, I feel like I can solidly judge people based on their writing habits and content of their email. Maybe it isn't fair, but it has worked so far: if you don't proofread your email, have atrocious spelling or grammar, or if you ask questions that I CLEARLY answer in my ad, you are pretty much out of luck with me. Like a job interview, you need to make an effort! I find that people that I end up choosing to meet are more likely to actually show up when they say they will, and from there, it is a reliability issue: if you are true to your word, you are more likely to pay rent and bills on time. It also saves me time from waiting for people that don't show up. People are also more likely to include more details in an email rather than via text. For example, I clearly stated that I wanted to live with someone 25-35 ish, couples not OK (unless I am desperate!). So, then, the three 20 year old boys who wanted to share the room? NO FREAKING WAY.
This post has devolved--I didn't mean to go off on that tangent. Anyway, one of my picks relayed via email that he didn't have a job and normally he'd be out for that, but his email also said that he was in my line of work. He had a solid email otherwise and I got a good vibe (also key). I warned him about the job thing preventing him from getting the apartment, but he agreed to meet me anyway so we could talk shop. He seemed really nice, motivated, smart, and showed up on time, etc., so I took his info and agreed to distribute his resume around my contacts in NZ.
Guess what? He's now coming to work for my company!
Not only that, but he's hung out with me and my friends a couple of times. I got a roommate and a coworker/friend out of my ad! It is very funny how life turns out sometimes, and what happens when you take a chance. I am happy that I was able to help him break into the NZ job scene--it can be BRUTAL (from what I've heard--I was SUPER lucky). I'm super proud of myself for helping him and extending myself to someone new.
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Finding My Style
I'm searching for the perfect pair of brown (or black, really) boots. After searching online at amazon's selection, then at piperlime.com, I couldn't find anything remotely close to what I'm looking for. Granted, it is spring/summer in the Northern Hemi, but nothing? Unexpected.
So I'm at a loss. Googling 'brown leather boots with buckles' gets me (duh) nowhere.
I want to start dressing nicer and looking more my age. I don't have to dress up or look professional for work more than a handful of days a year, but at 32, I'm really REALLY tired of being mistaken for a 20 year old and getting asked when I graduate from University. My image definitely needs some polishing.
I never wear makeup, I wear my hair in a pony-tail every day, I wear a plain t shirt with jeans or cotton pants, and sneakers. I top this with my teal REI hoodie, a bling-y silver watch, fake diamond studs, and wear two rings. EVERY DAY. Easy, yes. Boring--->YES.
Any suggestions for style blogs?
For work, my tastes run on the understated, 'classy', never go out of fashion looks, with pops of color and a little unexpected touch every once in a while (Banana Republic, Ann Taylor Loft, J. Crew, The Limited, Express, etc.). I absolutely ADORE jackets and coats. Oh, I think I'd spend all of my money just on those if I could. I would also experiment with different looks if I had the money--I love the laid back, SoCA surfer looks of Roxy and Hollister (although that is probably going too young and contradicting my strategy), and I would trend toward the indie, Converse-wearing, vintage, band t-shirt sporting hipster outfits in my down time if I had the money and know how to pull them off (think Williamsburg/Brooklyn). I do have a weakness for stripes, doubly so if they are rainbow stripes. Basically, I want my wardrobe to be more interesting than it is now.
My current wardrobe is full of stuff that was mostly bought 2-5 years ago. I update every year when I go home to the US--basically I stock up on essentials because the quality of the stuff in my price range in NZ is dismal...as in, it falls apart, pills, or shrinks after three washes.
So, when I'm home, I go to Old Navy and Target, pick up basic t-shirts in a variety of colors, buy cotton work pants in various neutral shades (tan, dark tan, black, sage, gray, blue), and buy one quality pair of jeans from Marshall's for $30. I usually also buy a few t-shirts with innocuous, semi-interesting designs on them to zazz it up a tiny bit. I buy a new pair of Adidas every year and they are what I wear nearly every day. I buy a new package of white socks (always the same brand, so they match!). And that is it. Boy, I am making my wardrobe sound terrible...
This year, I'll do the same rounds and get the basics, but I'll also add a higher-end component to my budget and efforts and aim to get some classy pieces for work and some more interesting stuff to wear too. Off to search for boots...I think I like the act of shopping more than I like actually buying the stuff, though!
So I'm at a loss. Googling 'brown leather boots with buckles' gets me (duh) nowhere.
I want to start dressing nicer and looking more my age. I don't have to dress up or look professional for work more than a handful of days a year, but at 32, I'm really REALLY tired of being mistaken for a 20 year old and getting asked when I graduate from University. My image definitely needs some polishing.
I never wear makeup, I wear my hair in a pony-tail every day, I wear a plain t shirt with jeans or cotton pants, and sneakers. I top this with my teal REI hoodie, a bling-y silver watch, fake diamond studs, and wear two rings. EVERY DAY. Easy, yes. Boring--->YES.
Any suggestions for style blogs?
For work, my tastes run on the understated, 'classy', never go out of fashion looks, with pops of color and a little unexpected touch every once in a while (Banana Republic, Ann Taylor Loft, J. Crew, The Limited, Express, etc.). I absolutely ADORE jackets and coats. Oh, I think I'd spend all of my money just on those if I could. I would also experiment with different looks if I had the money--I love the laid back, SoCA surfer looks of Roxy and Hollister (although that is probably going too young and contradicting my strategy), and I would trend toward the indie, Converse-wearing, vintage, band t-shirt sporting hipster outfits in my down time if I had the money and know how to pull them off (think Williamsburg/Brooklyn). I do have a weakness for stripes, doubly so if they are rainbow stripes. Basically, I want my wardrobe to be more interesting than it is now.
My current wardrobe is full of stuff that was mostly bought 2-5 years ago. I update every year when I go home to the US--basically I stock up on essentials because the quality of the stuff in my price range in NZ is dismal...as in, it falls apart, pills, or shrinks after three washes.
So, when I'm home, I go to Old Navy and Target, pick up basic t-shirts in a variety of colors, buy cotton work pants in various neutral shades (tan, dark tan, black, sage, gray, blue), and buy one quality pair of jeans from Marshall's for $30. I usually also buy a few t-shirts with innocuous, semi-interesting designs on them to zazz it up a tiny bit. I buy a new pair of Adidas every year and they are what I wear nearly every day. I buy a new package of white socks (always the same brand, so they match!). And that is it. Boy, I am making my wardrobe sound terrible...
This year, I'll do the same rounds and get the basics, but I'll also add a higher-end component to my budget and efforts and aim to get some classy pieces for work and some more interesting stuff to wear too. Off to search for boots...I think I like the act of shopping more than I like actually buying the stuff, though!
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