A lady from Housing NZ came around to check out the mould situation. I showed her photos of the mould that used to be there and she asked me to email the photos to her, which I did. She can see the outside problem and also suggested I open my windows to help with moisture in the flat. I have my main door open most of the time but will open up some windows.
I now wait for her to get back to me and tell me what is going to happen to get rid of the new mould growth and if they will get the drain in outside.
Monday, August 18, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Accepted a Job
I was offered a part time job last week which was great. I had a think about it over the weekend and the last couple of days and 'accepted' the job today.
I now have to wait to hear back from them and check in with Workbridge about transport and other equipment I may need, as they will be able to help me with that.
I now have to wait to hear back from them and check in with Workbridge about transport and other equipment I may need, as they will be able to help me with that.
Saturday, August 09, 2008
Beijing Olympics 2008 Opening Ceremony
I stayed up last night to watch the coverage of the Beijing Olympics Opening Ceremony which started around midnight. I couldn't stay up all night to watch it, but what I did see was awesome and amazing. The young 9yr old girl singing to the world was really amazing, she had a smile on her face while she sang. The olympic rings display was really neat, here is a picture below
and pictured below is: Fireworks go off after the torch is lit during the Opening Ceremony for the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics at the National Stadium on August 8, 2008 in Beijing, China.
Friday, August 08, 2008
Poly-Emp Rang - Job Available
S from Poly-Emp rang me up today to say that the job at the BHBCC is available if I want it!!
I didn't really know what to say as I wasn't sure that particular job is what I wanted, but I said that's great and I would like to think about it over the weekend and I will get back to you next week.
I didn't really know what to say as I wasn't sure that particular job is what I wanted, but I said that's great and I would like to think about it over the weekend and I will get back to you next week.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Mould is Back!!
I can't believe this but I have mould growing through the freaking carpet again in the corner of my lounge.
Housing NZ were meant to add a retaining wall outside the back of the flat last summer, to prevent the water building up and blocking the air gaps in the concrete bricks and mould from returning!! But guess what?? it's not done!! and you know why?? because of $$$$$.
I was told it will be done when the funding comes through and it'll be done in the Summer, of 2007 ready for the following winter. I'm really annoyed about this as it makes it inconvient for me when they have to replace carpet like this. It's about time Housing NZ really took some care about there homes!! and complete the jobs that they said they would do. Now I have to run around to get this problem sorted.
If I ever move into another flat, appartment or house, it won't be Housing NZ!!
I was told it will be done when the funding comes through and it'll be done in the Summer, of 2007 ready for the following winter. I'm really annoyed about this as it makes it inconvient for me when they have to replace carpet like this. It's about time Housing NZ really took some care about there homes!! and complete the jobs that they said they would do. Now I have to run around to get this problem sorted.
*I complained about the mould and thin carpet, in 2005
*Flat was measured up for new carpet, in May 2006
*Flat was measured up for new carpet again, in June 2006
*Carpet has been ordered, in July 2006
*I had my carpet replaced, in August 2006
*Flat was measured up for new carpet, in May 2006
*Flat was measured up for new carpet again, in June 2006
*Carpet has been ordered, in July 2006
*I had my carpet replaced, in August 2006
If I ever move into another flat, appartment or house, it won't be Housing NZ!!
Monday, August 04, 2008
Poly-Emp Catch-Up
S came over this afternoon for a coffee at the Cafe across the road and to talk about what she has done and other things relating to job search. Basically she has contacted all the local schools and none of them have jobs. We talked about other jobs I could do at the Malls and other places when the time came.
S said she had a meeting with two people at BHBCC, who were looking for someone to work in reception while they go out and do visits or other small jobs in the community. I said I was kinda interested and S said it's a good opportunity for me and the work has a variety of jobs to do.
I basically want to work out in the Community with other people, not work where I'm stuck on my own, as I do that at home.
S said she had a meeting with two people at BHBCC, who were looking for someone to work in reception while they go out and do visits or other small jobs in the community. I said I was kinda interested and S said it's a good opportunity for me and the work has a variety of jobs to do.
I basically want to work out in the Community with other people, not work where I'm stuck on my own, as I do that at home.
Sunday, August 03, 2008
All Blacks thrashed Australia
Ben and I went to the last Tri Nations game at Eden Park for 2008. Eden Park was a complete sell out and even Helen Clark (Prime Minister) was there watching the game.
The All Blacks whipped Australia's butt and took the win 39-10 which should keep the All Black's alive in the Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup. It was an awesome and exciting game to watch in the freezing cold wind which was on our backs. The rain held off for pretty much of the game although the wind was there which didn't affect the kicking too much for Carter. The All Blacks got an amazing tri at the end which has given them a bonus point.
CLICK ME for the Tri Nation scores
The All Blacks whipped Australia's butt and took the win 39-10 which should keep the All Black's alive in the Tri Nations and Bledisloe Cup. It was an awesome and exciting game to watch in the freezing cold wind which was on our backs. The rain held off for pretty much of the game although the wind was there which didn't affect the kicking too much for Carter. The All Blacks got an amazing tri at the end which has given them a bonus point.
CLICK ME for the Tri Nation scores
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Job Interview
I had a job interview today at the BHBCC and I was a little nervous. S from Poly-Emp took me in my van and we arrived on time which was good.
I meet the two Co-Manager's and they seemed very nice. They talked to me about what they are looking for and what I'd be doing and asked me what I had to offer, skill wise. I handed them my CV which they had a look over and were impressed with. I told them I had good computer skills with both Mac and Windows software, front desk skills and more. One of the Co-Managers showed me there booking system and some other things that I'd be doing.
One thing that S didn't overlook and I noticed was that the office is very small and there is a window where they greet people and discuss bookings, yet I can't get near the window and the desk is to low as I can't get under it. There is enough room for me to do a 360 turn in my wheelchair. This was kinda off putting to me a little and the other thing I was concerned about is they want me to be at the front desk while they are out of the office in meetings and such. I want to work with people, not on my own.
They do have a disabled bathroom with a left handed rail which was perfect so that was one less worry for me. I could in fact have drinks at work without worrying about where the nearest disabled toilet is or not having a drink and waiting till I get home.
Overall the job sounded good.
I meet the two Co-Manager's and they seemed very nice. They talked to me about what they are looking for and what I'd be doing and asked me what I had to offer, skill wise. I handed them my CV which they had a look over and were impressed with. I told them I had good computer skills with both Mac and Windows software, front desk skills and more. One of the Co-Managers showed me there booking system and some other things that I'd be doing.
One thing that S didn't overlook and I noticed was that the office is very small and there is a window where they greet people and discuss bookings, yet I can't get near the window and the desk is to low as I can't get under it. There is enough room for me to do a 360 turn in my wheelchair. This was kinda off putting to me a little and the other thing I was concerned about is they want me to be at the front desk while they are out of the office in meetings and such. I want to work with people, not on my own.
They do have a disabled bathroom with a left handed rail which was perfect so that was one less worry for me. I could in fact have drinks at work without worrying about where the nearest disabled toilet is or not having a drink and waiting till I get home.
Overall the job sounded good.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Two Weather Bombs!
The weather has been crap over the last few weeks!!! The North Island was hit with a bad weather bomb, the worst storm in a decade with winds gusting to hurricane force at 167km/h. There was lots of flooding, powerline's down and trees up rooted. There was power cuts in different area's but I was lucky not to get a single power cut, just lights flickering. I stayed inside and kept warm with the gas heater on.
Check out the wild storm photos from the NZ Hearld here
Check out the wild storm photos from the NZ Hearld here
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Meeting with Poly-Emp and WINZ
I just had a meeting with S from Poly-Emp and T from WINZ, T is an Employment Coordinator and is really nice. We had this meeting as I had quite a few questions regarding pay and my benefit and how much would my benefit be knocked down. I also wanted to know if working 6 hrs with so much was worth it etc.
Basically working 10hrs at $15 an hour is worth working. If I was working 6hrs then I would have to see how it affect my benefit with the amount of pay I get, sometimes it may not be worth the 6hr work.
When I used to work and I got a pay rise, it was basically removed from me as my rent would go up and my benefit would go down, this happened at every pay rise, leaving me with no achievement in the end. T suggested that instead of a pay rise I could ask for a day off with pay or something similar and this would be a pay rise for me.
I got a lot of questions answered and felt good at the end of the meeting.
Basically working 10hrs at $15 an hour is worth working. If I was working 6hrs then I would have to see how it affect my benefit with the amount of pay I get, sometimes it may not be worth the 6hr work.
When I used to work and I got a pay rise, it was basically removed from me as my rent would go up and my benefit would go down, this happened at every pay rise, leaving me with no achievement in the end. T suggested that instead of a pay rise I could ask for a day off with pay or something similar and this would be a pay rise for me.
I got a lot of questions answered and felt good at the end of the meeting.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Sports in Hamilton this Weekend
Our Auckland team were invited to compete against the Waikato wheelchair sports group in Hamilton this weekend. Yesterday only four of us, out of the eight players in the Auckland team went to Hamilton. Dad arrived to pick me up at 9.30am and off we went to Hamilton in the lovely wet weather!! It rained most of the way, some heavy spells of rain too. We got there early enough to have some lunch. I was glad to find two disabled toilets there, each had a rail on either the left or right side.
Playing Hockey
We played hockey first and it was a lot of fun even though the gym was tiny. Auckland team took the win of 2-0. The Waikato players did pretty well and it was good to meet up with them. They are a younger group of players than our group.
Playing Balloon Soccer
We them had a quick game of balloon soccer and that was a crazy game as the Waikato team kept taking the balloon down our end and scoring for us heheh. We did score a couple of our own goals though XD
It was great to finally be able to compete as an Auckland team instead of splitting up the team to practice against each other.
After playing some sports we headed off to an Foocie opening and to welcome the new Muscular Dystrophy Northern Waikato Field Worker, as well as afternoon tea for everyone. I had a nice hot cup of tea and some choco cake. I took more photos and talked to people. Dad and I left about 3.10pm and headed back to Auckland. We stopped at Bombay rest area and had some food and a drink at AUTOBAHM Cafe then home. I enjoyed the day out.
Playing Hockey
We played hockey first and it was a lot of fun even though the gym was tiny. Auckland team took the win of 2-0. The Waikato players did pretty well and it was good to meet up with them. They are a younger group of players than our group.
Playing Balloon Soccer
We them had a quick game of balloon soccer and that was a crazy game as the Waikato team kept taking the balloon down our end and scoring for us heheh. We did score a couple of our own goals though XD
It was great to finally be able to compete as an Auckland team instead of splitting up the team to practice against each other.
After playing some sports we headed off to an Foocie opening and to welcome the new Muscular Dystrophy Northern Waikato Field Worker, as well as afternoon tea for everyone. I had a nice hot cup of tea and some choco cake. I took more photos and talked to people. Dad and I left about 3.10pm and headed back to Auckland. We stopped at Bombay rest area and had some food and a drink at AUTOBAHM Cafe then home. I enjoyed the day out.
Friday, July 11, 2008
iPod Nana 4GB Arrived
I pulled my curtains open this morning and found a big brown box at my door *knows exactly what it was* :) Opened the box to find my iPod Nano in there in it's small box.
Inside box I got: iPod nano, earphones and USB 2.0 cable, dock adapter and Quick Start guide.
Goes to open it all up and try add some music and photos.
Inside box I got: iPod nano, earphones and USB 2.0 cable, dock adapter and Quick Start guide.
Thursday, July 10, 2008
RSS FeedBurner Added
Monday, July 07, 2008
Lost orca needs public's help
Aucklanders can help to save a healthy but confused killer whale today by keeping an eye out for the lost orca.
Washed up on the city's west coast on Friday and relaunched on the east coast's Takapuna Beach on Saturday, the orca was spotted high up the inner Waitemata Harbour's Henderson Creek yesterday by a pair of kayakers. Orca Research staff responded, with police, coastguard and boaties, to try to shepherd the juvenile 4-year-old female to the Hauraki Gulf. But boat traffic, especially from ferries, further confused the whale, Orca Research Trust founder Dr Ingrid Visser told the Herald. Time and again people lining Tank Farm's Wynyard Pt watched the orca head out towards the Hauraki Gulf, shepherded by the small flotilla, only to double back towards the Harbour Bridge when a ferry came near. "Every time we get her lined up, another ferry comes past. And they are very acoustic animals. So every time [a ferry] goes past it has a huge effect." The whale was lost, but not unhealthy, Dr Visser said, and its behaviour indicated it had every chance of survival if it could make it to the city's nearest orca pod - thought to be just off Waiheke Island last night.
The juvenile orca is believed to be healthy, despite its recent adventures. Photo / Richard Robinson
The orca's harbour excursion did not prove the decision to launch it from the east coast was wrong, despite stranding on the west, Dr Visser said. "The thing that we were really concerned about was that she was very traumatised about getting caught up in the surf. She is very young, and very disoriented. The Manukau Bar is a pretty gnarly bar, and the weather yesterday was atrocious." Trying to launch the whale on the west coast would almost certainly have left it stricken again, she said.
The orca's beaching did not prove it was unwell, Dr Visser said. New Zealand had the highest rate of orca strandings in the world, about one a year, mostly from hunting errors. Orca hunted stingray, often into very shallow water, and juveniles sometimes came in too far, she said. "But we've spent about five hours with her and she's still swimming very strongly. She's just a bit disoriented as to how to get out. And that's understandable. She doesn't have a map in her head of the harbour. Normally she has her family to tell her where to go."
Taken from NZ Hearld
Washed up on the city's west coast on Friday and relaunched on the east coast's Takapuna Beach on Saturday, the orca was spotted high up the inner Waitemata Harbour's Henderson Creek yesterday by a pair of kayakers. Orca Research staff responded, with police, coastguard and boaties, to try to shepherd the juvenile 4-year-old female to the Hauraki Gulf. But boat traffic, especially from ferries, further confused the whale, Orca Research Trust founder Dr Ingrid Visser told the Herald. Time and again people lining Tank Farm's Wynyard Pt watched the orca head out towards the Hauraki Gulf, shepherded by the small flotilla, only to double back towards the Harbour Bridge when a ferry came near. "Every time we get her lined up, another ferry comes past. And they are very acoustic animals. So every time [a ferry] goes past it has a huge effect." The whale was lost, but not unhealthy, Dr Visser said, and its behaviour indicated it had every chance of survival if it could make it to the city's nearest orca pod - thought to be just off Waiheke Island last night.
The juvenile orca is believed to be healthy, despite its recent adventures. Photo / Richard Robinson
The orca's harbour excursion did not prove the decision to launch it from the east coast was wrong, despite stranding on the west, Dr Visser said. "The thing that we were really concerned about was that she was very traumatised about getting caught up in the surf. She is very young, and very disoriented. The Manukau Bar is a pretty gnarly bar, and the weather yesterday was atrocious." Trying to launch the whale on the west coast would almost certainly have left it stricken again, she said.
The orca's beaching did not prove it was unwell, Dr Visser said. New Zealand had the highest rate of orca strandings in the world, about one a year, mostly from hunting errors. Orca hunted stingray, often into very shallow water, and juveniles sometimes came in too far, she said. "But we've spent about five hours with her and she's still swimming very strongly. She's just a bit disoriented as to how to get out. And that's understandable. She doesn't have a map in her head of the harbour. Normally she has her family to tell her where to go."
Taken from NZ Hearld
Sunday, July 06, 2008
Icy Blast
Talk about cold!!! It's been very cold this month with icy blasts of wind, hail, lot's of thunder n lightening and rain, oh and snow in some areas. Some areas have had hail as big as marbles cover there lawns and the roads creating bad conditions.
There was lots of thunder and lightening, in fact there was more than 3000 lightning strikes that hit New Zealand. The icy blast is meant to clear over the next week. I hope it does.
The coldest spell this year are: temperatures in Auckland fell to just 6 degrees at lunchtime, 10 degrees in Wellington, and Dunedin had a high of 4 degrees. So you can see how cold it's been. Over night temperatures in Auckland fell to a low of 8 degrees and over the next week they could fall as low as 5 degrees. I think I will add more blankets on my bed as I can't sleep when I get cold. Saturday was Auckland's coldest day of 2008.
Snow clouds, yes snow clouds were seen over Auckland city on Saturday!!! I read in the NZ Hearld that 'If Sky Tower was 3 times its height it would be snowing on the top', imginae that happening hehe.
There was lots of thunder and lightening, in fact there was more than 3000 lightning strikes that hit New Zealand. The icy blast is meant to clear over the next week. I hope it does.
The coldest spell this year are: temperatures in Auckland fell to just 6 degrees at lunchtime, 10 degrees in Wellington, and Dunedin had a high of 4 degrees. So you can see how cold it's been. Over night temperatures in Auckland fell to a low of 8 degrees and over the next week they could fall as low as 5 degrees. I think I will add more blankets on my bed as I can't sleep when I get cold. Saturday was Auckland's coldest day of 2008.
Snow clouds, yes snow clouds were seen over Auckland city on Saturday!!! I read in the NZ Hearld that 'If Sky Tower was 3 times its height it would be snowing on the top', imginae that happening hehe.
2008 Philips Tri Nations
Thought I'd keep a score table here for the 2008 Philips Tri Nations. Last night New Zealand All Blacks played against South Africa and it was a pretty tight game for awhile but the All Blacks took the win.
05 July | New Zealand vs South Africa | Wellington | Result: 19-8
12 July | New Zealand vs South Africa | Dunedin | Result: 28-30
19 July | Australia vs South Africa | Perth | Result: 16-9
26 July | Australia vs New Zealand | Sydney | Result: 34-19
02 August | New Zealand vs Australia | Auckland | Result: 39-10
17 August | South Africa vs New Zealand | Cape Town | Result: 0-19
24 August | South Africa vs Australia | Durban, SA | Result: 15-27
31 August | South Africa vs Australia | Johannesburg | Result: 53-8
13 September | Australia vs New Zealand | Brisbane | Result: 24-28
05 July | New Zealand vs South Africa | Wellington | Result: 19-8
12 July | New Zealand vs South Africa | Dunedin | Result: 28-30
19 July | Australia vs South Africa | Perth | Result: 16-9
26 July | Australia vs New Zealand | Sydney | Result: 34-19
02 August | New Zealand vs Australia | Auckland | Result: 39-10
17 August | South Africa vs New Zealand | Cape Town | Result: 0-19
24 August | South Africa vs Australia | Durban, SA | Result: 15-27
31 August | South Africa vs Australia | Johannesburg | Result: 53-8
13 September | Australia vs New Zealand | Brisbane | Result: 24-28
Saturday, July 05, 2008
Whale rescue mission at Takapuna beach
I was off to Albany shopping mall this morning with Mum and Dad and I can't believe what I saw, as we were driving onto the Western motorway, an Orca Whale on a trailer alive!! I have never seen this before and it made me think of the movie 'Free Willy' which is about freeing an Orca whale, a movie I really enjoyed too. Here is the story below...
Whale rescue mission at Takapuna beach
The latte-drinking cafe set along Takapuna Rd had probably never seen anything like it. Moving along the road at a gentle pace towards Takapuna Beach was a 3.4-metre Orca whale on the back of a trailer. And no less than the son and grandson of the late ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau were among onlookers who got a close-up view of the dramatic whale rescue at the North Shore Beach today.
An unusual sight at the Takapuna boat ramp this morning. Photo / Herald on Sunday
The whale first became stranded yesterday at Huia beach, west of Auckland. In an unusual move, the whale was transported today by road to be released off the North Shore beach. The whale was described as a 3.4 metre juvenile female of about three years old and had seen beached since 3pm yesterday. It was looked after overnight by Project Jonah and Department of Conservation staff.
Department spokesman Bill Trusewich said the whale was small enough to be handled and a decision was made this morning to move it by trailer to Takapuna, on Auckland's North Shore. The reason was that the waters would be calmer at Takapuna than at Huia. The 43km journey took about 90 minutes. Department spokesman Bill Trusewich said the whale appeared to be in good health during the whole episode.
Jean-Michel Cousteau and son Fabien, who are guests of New Zealand orca researcher Ingrid Visser, are in New Zealand shooting footage for a television programme.
Taken from NZ Hearld
My day at Albany was great and did some shopping and looked around the shops. We had a yummy lunch with some wine..of course :)
Whale rescue mission at Takapuna beach
The latte-drinking cafe set along Takapuna Rd had probably never seen anything like it. Moving along the road at a gentle pace towards Takapuna Beach was a 3.4-metre Orca whale on the back of a trailer. And no less than the son and grandson of the late ocean explorer Jacques Cousteau were among onlookers who got a close-up view of the dramatic whale rescue at the North Shore Beach today.
An unusual sight at the Takapuna boat ramp this morning. Photo / Herald on Sunday
The whale first became stranded yesterday at Huia beach, west of Auckland. In an unusual move, the whale was transported today by road to be released off the North Shore beach. The whale was described as a 3.4 metre juvenile female of about three years old and had seen beached since 3pm yesterday. It was looked after overnight by Project Jonah and Department of Conservation staff.
Department spokesman Bill Trusewich said the whale was small enough to be handled and a decision was made this morning to move it by trailer to Takapuna, on Auckland's North Shore. The reason was that the waters would be calmer at Takapuna than at Huia. The 43km journey took about 90 minutes. Department spokesman Bill Trusewich said the whale appeared to be in good health during the whole episode.
Jean-Michel Cousteau and son Fabien, who are guests of New Zealand orca researcher Ingrid Visser, are in New Zealand shooting footage for a television programme.
Taken from NZ Hearld
My day at Albany was great and did some shopping and looked around the shops. We had a yummy lunch with some wine..of course :)
Monday, June 30, 2008
WOAH!!!
WOAH!!! I just won an iPod 4GB Nano :)
See my review below by clicking on the link
Jenny Smyth!
For her fantastic review of Auckland’s Sylvia Park Mall.
Congratulations Jenny, I’ll be in touch shortly to send out your prize!
To all those that entered, thank you so much, and don’t feel too bummed - there’s a new iPod competition starting next week! Stay tuned!
See my review below by clicking on the link
Review: Sylvia Park Mall, Auckland
Friday, June 27, 2008
Poly-Emp Meeting (Job Support)
I decided to give Poly-Emp a go and get them to help find me some employment. We meet up this afternoon and discussed what jobs I'm interested in, what skills I have to offer, hours of work and lots of other things. M explained to me what Poly-Emp does and got me to fill out a form. Poly-Emp helps those with Intellectual Disabilities so I will be a challenge to them as I have a Physical Disability. S was there as she will be my support person and helping me find a job. S took a lot of notes and will contact me later. We came up with two goals/plans...
Short Term Goal - Look for a job that I can do at home for 4-6hrs a week. Jobs like typing up Medical reports, teacher reports etc anything I can do from home.
Long Term Goal - Look for a job that I can do out of home, up to 15hrs a week and maybe have some hrs to work from home.
Overall the meeting went well and S will check out the local schools and a few other places I suggested.
Short Term Goal - Look for a job that I can do at home for 4-6hrs a week. Jobs like typing up Medical reports, teacher reports etc anything I can do from home.
Long Term Goal - Look for a job that I can do out of home, up to 15hrs a week and maybe have some hrs to work from home.
Overall the meeting went well and S will check out the local schools and a few other places I suggested.
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
It's been Cold
It's been very cold over the last couple day's with strong winds, heavy rain and some hail. I was out and about in the cold wind yesterday morning then I went inside Henderson's Westfield mall and warmed up a bit. I did go out in the cold again to get to another lot of shops but missed the heavy down pours of rain.
Today I'm just surfing the net and chatting to friends and keeping warm. It's only showers today but it's still cold.
Today I'm just surfing the net and chatting to friends and keeping warm. It's only showers today but it's still cold.
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