I did not call my brother a geek because he writes everyday. I did call him a dork but that's different. I'm sorry Charles, writing everyday doesn't make you a geek (maybe gek), it just shows you're too scared of mumsy not to write.

Another week down. It was absolutely mad at work. I guess I should be clearer about what I do. They hang doors in the frame (a fact for the ignorant like me: when building you buy the frame with the door as one unit). So they order the doors from other companies, stick them in the frame and sell them. Well no, they are all made to order. Doors aren't nearly as standard as you expect. Anyways, I think this was week 5 there (meaning I've been in Chch 8 weeks already!). I started off just answering the phones and taking messages, assisting with the odd bit of filing (eeee!!! filing!!!). Gradually, I've picked up more knowledge so that now I can price standard doors and process orders and handle some walk-in customers. So it is still a reception job, but with increasingly more customer service roles and always loads more to learn. And fun people. Love the people. Not sure how much longer I am there but am keeping my fingers crossed that they will need me for the next month. (everyone say your prayers)

And in a month... that's when Mr. Mark & Sarah come and we get to travel more of this incredible country!!! And remember, all of you with your wonderful birthday presents (a mere 2 weeks away) can send hem down with Mark! Or, if you just want to send a card or note (as my wonderful sister did - cheers Sweetums, I got it today!) My mailing address is:

Foley Towers
208 Kilmore St
Christchurch
New Zealand

Just in case you were wondering! (Insert evil grin) And for those of you expecting something from me... a little lesson about the postal system in NZ - it's crap! Just joking, but it is VERY difficult to get to. Post offices are only open M-F 9-4 and Sat mornings or something impossible like that. I did find an outlet in a shop the other day but when I went there right after work it was already closed too! Booooo... And so if more than 2 or 3 weeks beyond the date when you really should have seen something from me, blame the post for umm.. losing it or something. Yeah, their fault. ALL their fault.

Fascinating facts about the post:
1. All post offices are also Kiwi Bank offices. Assuming Bank is federally run, seems bizarre
2. There is only airmail for international things - no cheap boat freight

I know, I know, with facts like this you can only begin to understand the wonder of NZ.

More exciting things... driving! So fun, get used to really quickly. Although last night I had about 3 times where I was instinctively about to turn onto the wrong side of the road, I caught myself well before. Strangest driving rule in the world: When turning left you have to give way to someone coming in the opposite direction making a right turn on the same road. (Now for those of you who think that's normal, backwards it. The person crossing traffic has the right away). First night I drove my friend was following me. I got to the corner and made a left only to realize I shouldn't have done that. Especially not to a cop. Oh well, he didn't pull me over. And you can't make a left (right for you) turn on a red. And there's quite a few roundabouts but luckily I haven't come to a busy one yet. I only got Cat to explain last night how to signal on a roundabout (it depends on the number of roads going off it and whether it's a 1 or 2 lane).

Tax is GST here as well. 12.5%, included in the price of everything, yet when making major purchases the price is always quoted exclusive of GST.

Things I have been tormented for saying in the last week:
liquid paper (white out or "tweek")
tomato (toe-mat-o)
oregano (or-a-gan-o)
basil as in stewart (bah-sil)
charlie horse (cramp, so unoriginal)
dessert (pudding)
pudding (custard)
pylon (cone)
And everyone's favourite that I have to say about 10 time in the run of a day...
aluminum (al-u-min-e-um) They actually spell it aluminium (as do the Brits) and are thoroughly amused that I absolutely can not say it the way they do (it's like Debbie and processor).