Today is finally my last day of work for 2006 and I can hardly wait for 5:00 tonight!! Whilst I am thankful that this has been the year that I finally managed to get a permanent job, I have have also been pretty stressed out in my job and have missed more than one lunch time as I've had too much work to do (making Rich ask on more than one occassion "Do I have to come up to your office and get you for lunch to make sure you take a break?") But next year is a new year - and we will be getting a new person on our team so I'm hoping 2007 will be a year of more learning and less stress on the job front.
Well I am up and Blogging at this hour as I'm off to meet Mariella at 7:15 (Yah that she lives literally two minutes from our whare!) so that we can have a coffee before I take off on my adventures tommorrow - because she's off to her family in the far north for christmas and new years!
I'm quite looking forward to tonight - not only because it will be the end of the work year for me but also because Rich and I have decided to have a bit of an early Christmas celebration tonight - yah!! Which will include - of course swapping presents and we are also finally going to see Dracula at Downstage Theatre - I am SO looking forward to that!
Well I best be off - have to dry my hair and get pretty for work now.
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Tuesday, December 12, 2006
Pre-Christmas Celebration
Long time no blog huh? I'm not quite sure why I have just felt unmotivated to blog lately even though I have started to get out and about and do things again.
Well I had a good night last night - Jess cooked us (Ange, Georgie, Celia and myself) a yummy Christmas dinner so we could all swap pressies:) The meal was really good - a really yummy stir fry and summer fruit and chocs for dessert.
Being the crafty creature I am I decided to make my friends presents - I'm always a bit nervous when I make presents as I always worry that people won't like them but my subversive cross-stitch and necklaces went down well - with both Jess & Celia saying they will take theirs to work:)
I got a whole bunch of really cool presents - a Nightmare Before Christmas Bag and Uber bag of mashmallows, a glass Christmas Angel and a really cute christmas themed jutebag.
I really should have taken some photos but I didn't (prolly much to my friends relief!!) but it was a really fun night and I do feel slightly more Christmassy now:)
Well I had a good night last night - Jess cooked us (Ange, Georgie, Celia and myself) a yummy Christmas dinner so we could all swap pressies:) The meal was really good - a really yummy stir fry and summer fruit and chocs for dessert.
Being the crafty creature I am I decided to make my friends presents - I'm always a bit nervous when I make presents as I always worry that people won't like them but my subversive cross-stitch and necklaces went down well - with both Jess & Celia saying they will take theirs to work:)
I got a whole bunch of really cool presents - a Nightmare Before Christmas Bag and Uber bag of mashmallows, a glass Christmas Angel and a really cute christmas themed jutebag.
I really should have taken some photos but I didn't (prolly much to my friends relief!!) but it was a really fun night and I do feel slightly more Christmassy now:)
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Calendar Gals 2007
I have recently been involved in the creation of a calendar for the feminist group I'm involved in - my task - to find some important dates in women's history to put in the calendar.
Being the big history geek I am I thought this was a really interesting thing to do - anyways - here's the dates I found!
Jan:
January 6th - Greek Feast of Persephone/Kore, the Divine Maiden
January 8th 1859 - Birth of world traveller and adventurer Fannie Bullock Workman, who carried a "Votes for Women" banner into the Himalayas on one of her many climbing expeditions.
9th January 1923 - NZ author Katherine Mansfield dies.
16th January 1941 - Foundation of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force - New Zealand's first female military personnel were joined within 18 months by the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps and the Women's Royal Naval Service.
25th January 1851 - Abolitionist and reformer Sojourner Truth addressed the first Black Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio.
30th January - Roman Festival of Peace, honouring the Roman Goddess Pax.
Feb:
1st February - Wives’ Feast, Ireland. Women homemakers celebrate their work by sharing lavish feasts with one another.
9th February 1944 - Birth of Alice Walker, African American activist and Pulitzer Prize novelist.
20th February 1954 - New Zealand Women, Yvette Williams breaks world long jump record at Gisborne.
March:
1st March - Matronalia, Roman celebration of women and celebration of Juno-Lucina, protector of women and the family.
4th March - Mothering Day (England), the original Mother’s Day. It was the custom to visit one’s mother on this day and present her with bread and presents.
8th March 1908 - First International Women's Day, founded by German labour activist Clara Zetkin.
10th March 1913 - Death of Harriet Tubman, Underground Railroad conductor who rescued more than 300 of her people from slavery.
22nd March 1994 - Kiwis Anna Paquin and Jane Campion win Oscars for The Piano.
25th March 1934 - Birth of Gloria Steinem, American feminist icon, journalist, and women's rights advocate.
April:
5th April - Festival of Kwan Yin, Goddess of Mercy, and Great Mother of China, marked by visits to her shrines with offerings of incense.
13th April 1896 - Women's movement gathers in Christchurch to form National Council of Women.
23rd April 1895 - Birth of NZ artist, playwright, actor and director Dame Ngaio Marsh.
25th April 1982 - Women in Canberra, Australia laid a wreath for all women raped in wars.
May:
3rd May 1897 - NZ's first registered woman doctor, Margaret Cruickshank.
14th May 1907 - Foundation of the Plunket Society. At a meeting held in the Dunedin Town Hall, the Royal New Zealand Society for the Health of Women and Children was created. Lady Plunket, the wife of the governor-general, was its first patron.
10th May 1866 - Susan B. Anthony and Caroline Severance founded the Equal Rights Association (formed in the United States to “secure Equal Rights to all American citizens, especially the right of suffrage, irrespective of race, colour, or sex.”)
23rd May 1966 - Coronation of Te Arikinui Te Ata-i-rangi-kaahu. Princess Piki, the daughter of King Koroki was named as the first Maori Queen.
June:
14th June 1811 - Birth of Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of "Uncle Tom's Cabin," which caused an uproar over slavery.
18th June 1983 - Sally Ride becomes America's first woman astronaut.
27th June 1880 - Birth of Helen Keller, who overcame blindness and deafness to graduate from Radcliffe College, speak three languages, and become a speaker, an author and advocate for people with disabilities.
July:
5th July 1884 - US Congress awarded Sarah Emma Edmonds a pension for her service as a soldier in the Civil War, in which she fought dressed as a man.
10th July - Lady Godiva rode naked on her horse leading a procession through Coventry [England]. Legend says that she was protesting high taxes. But the event probably derived from ancient harvest rituals to the Great Mother.
11th July 1877 - Kate Edger becomes the first woman in the British Empire to gain an arts degree, educated at the otherwise all-male Auckland College and Grammar School.
28th July 1893 - Women's suffrage petition presented to Parliament (NZ).This was the third suffrage petition presented to Parliament and had nearly 32,000 signatures - almost a quarter of the adult European female population in New Zealand.
Aug:
6th August 1926 - Gertrude Ederly became the first woman to swim the English Channel, breaking the previous record by two hours.
13th August 1818 - Birth of Lucy Stone, feminist, abolitionist and suffragist who insisted on keeping her own name in marriage. She inspired the title of "Lucy Stoner," applied to other women who kept their names.
15th August - Festival of Isis, when stalks of grains are carried in procession to honour her as Grain Goddess.
Sept:
2nd September 1838 - Birth of Queen Lili'uokalani, last sovereign of Hawaii, held under house arrest and forced from her throne by Americans intent on exploiting Hawaiian exports.
4th September 1863 - Huria Matenga braves stormy seas to rescue crew of the Delaware. Matenga swam out to the Delaware with a line after the ship ran aground off Pepin Island, Nelson. She became known as 'the Grace Darling of New Zealand' and a Nelson tugboat is named in her honour.
11th September 1877 - Birth of Rosika Schwimmer, Hungarian pacifist, suffrage leader, and a founder of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom and Campaign for World Government (1937). She was denied US citizenship in 1929 because she refused to pledge to bear arms in defense of the US.
13th September 1933 - Elizabeth McCombs elected as NZ's first woman MP.
19th September 1893 - NZ Women's suffrage day. After a number of attempts and petitions to Parliament, including one earlier in the year signed by 30,000 women, Governor Lord Glasgow signed the bill granting women the right to vote.
Oct:
13th October 1975 - Whina Cooper-led land march, Te Ropu o te Matakite, reaches Parliament.
16th October 1936 - Jean Batten conquers the skies: first solo flight from the UK to NZ. Hine-o-te-Rangi (Daughter of the Skies) set a number of flying firsts for both sexes before conquering the UK-NZ route in 11 days, 45 minutes.
26th October 1942 - The Women Jurors Act (NZ) allows women to sit on judicial juries for first time.
31st October 1985 - The bone people: Keri Hulme becomes the first New Zealander to win the Booker Prize.
Nov:
14 November 1917 - "Night of Terror" (USA) when suffragists were imprisoned and brutalized after picketing the White House, demanding the right to vote.
16 November 1916 - Margaret Sanger was arrested in Brownsville, NY, for operating a birth control clinic - the first in the US. She went on to found Planned Parenthood.
17 November - Feast of St. Hilda, patron saint of business and professional women.
25 November - Women’s Merrymaking Day celebrated in ancient times.
28 November - Day of St. Sophia, Goddess of Wisdom.
29th November 1893 - Elizabeth Yates elected mayor of Onehunga, first woman mayor in British empire.
30th November - Day of Mawu, African Creator Goddess
Dec:
1 December 1955 - African American Seamstress and Civil Rights Activist Rosa Parks refuses to obey a bus driver a relinquish her seat to a white passenger. Her subsequent arrest and trial for this act of civil disobedience triggered the Montgomery Bus Boycott, one of the largest and most successful mass movements against racial segregation in history.
6th December - National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (Canada), in memory of the 1989 Montreal murder of 14 women murdered in an anti-woman hate crime.
30th December 1995 - Two women were killed in Brookline, MA, USA in just one in a series of anti-choice attacks on reproductive health clinics.
31st December New Year's Eve - Feast of Hestia, Goddess of the hearth fire.
Wicked!! I love getting involved in stuff like this:D
Being the big history geek I am I thought this was a really interesting thing to do - anyways - here's the dates I found!
Jan:
January 6th - Greek Feast of Persephone/Kore, the Divine Maiden
January 8th 1859 - Birth of world traveller and adventurer Fannie Bullock Workman, who carried a "Votes for Women" banner into the Himalayas on one of her many climbing expeditions.
9th January 1923 - NZ author Katherine Mansfield dies.
16th January 1941 - Foundation of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force - New Zealand's first female military personnel were joined within 18 months by the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps and the Women's Royal Naval Service.
25th January 1851 - Abolitionist and reformer Sojourner Truth addressed the first Black Women’s Rights Convention in Akron, Ohio.
30th January - Roman Festival of Peace, honouring the Roman Goddess Pax.
Feb:
1st February - Wives’ Feast, Ireland. Women homemakers celebrate their work by sharing lavish feasts with one another.
9th February 1944 - Birth of Alice Walker, African American activist and Pulitzer Prize novelist.
20th February 1954 - New Zealand Women, Yvette Williams breaks world long jump record at Gisborne.
March:
1st March - Matronalia, Roman celebration of women and celebration of Juno-Lucina, protector of women and the family.
4th March - Mothering Day (England), the original Mother’s Day. It was the custom to visit one’s mother on this day and present her with bread and presents.
8th March 1908 - First International Women's Day, founded by German labour activist Clara Zetkin.
10th March 1913 - Death of Harriet Tubman, Underground Railroad conductor who rescued more than 300 of her people from slavery.
22nd March 1994 - Kiwis Anna Paquin and Jane Campion win Oscars for The Piano.
25th March 1934 - Birth of Gloria Steinem, American feminist icon, journalist, and women's rights advocate.
April:
5th April - Festival of Kwan Yin, Goddess of Mercy, and Great Mother of China, marked by visits to her shrines with offerings of incense.
13th April 1896 - Women's movement gathers in Christchurch to form National Council of Women.
23rd April 1895 - Birth of NZ artist, playwright, actor and director Dame Ngaio Marsh.
25th April 1982 - Women in Canberra, Australia laid a wreath for all women raped in wars.
May:
3rd May 1897 - NZ's first registered woman doctor, Margaret Cruickshank.
14th May 1907 - Foundation of the Plunket Society. At a meeting held in the Dunedin Town Hall, the Royal New Zealand Society for the Health of Women and Children was created. Lady Plunket, the wife of the governor-general, was its first patron.
10th May 1866 - Susan B. Anthony and Caroline Severance founded the Equal Rights Association (formed in the United States to “secure Equal Rights to all American citizens, especially the right of suffrage, irrespective of race, colour, or sex.”)
23rd May 1966 - Coronation of Te Arikinui Te Ata-i-rangi-kaahu. Princess Piki, the daughter of King Koroki was named as the first Maori Queen.
June:
14th June 1811 - Birth of Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of "Uncle Tom's Cabin," which caused an uproar over slavery.
18th June 1983 - Sally Ride becomes America's first woman astronaut.
27th June 1880 - Birth of Helen Keller, who overcame blindness and deafness to graduate from Radcliffe College, speak three languages, and become a speaker, an author and advocate for people with disabilities.
July:
5th July 1884 - US Congress awarded Sarah Emma Edmonds a pension for her service as a soldier in the Civil War, in which she fought dressed as a man.
10th July - Lady Godiva rode naked on her horse leading a procession through Coventry [England]. Legend says that she was protesting high taxes. But the event probably derived from ancient harvest rituals to the Great Mother.
11th July 1877 - Kate Edger becomes the first woman in the British Empire to gain an arts degree, educated at the otherwise all-male Auckland College and Grammar School.
28th July 1893 - Women's suffrage petition presented to Parliament (NZ).This was the third suffrage petition presented to Parliament and had nearly 32,000 signatures - almost a quarter of the adult European female population in New Zealand.
Aug:
6th August 1926 - Gertrude Ederly became the first woman to swim the English Channel, breaking the previous record by two hours.
13th August 1818 - Birth of Lucy Stone, feminist, abolitionist and suffragist who insisted on keeping her own name in marriage. She inspired the title of "Lucy Stoner," applied to other women who kept their names.
15th August - Festival of Isis, when stalks of grains are carried in procession to honour her as Grain Goddess.
Sept:
2nd September 1838 - Birth of Queen Lili'uokalani, last sovereign of Hawaii, held under house arrest and forced from her throne by Americans intent on exploiting Hawaiian exports.
4th September 1863 - Huria Matenga braves stormy seas to rescue crew of the Delaware. Matenga swam out to the Delaware with a line after the ship ran aground off Pepin Island, Nelson. She became known as 'the Grace Darling of New Zealand' and a Nelson tugboat is named in her honour.
11th September 1877 - Birth of Rosika Schwimmer, Hungarian pacifist, suffrage leader, and a founder of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom and Campaign for World Government (1937). She was denied US citizenship in 1929 because she refused to pledge to bear arms in defense of the US.
13th September 1933 - Elizabeth McCombs elected as NZ's first woman MP.
19th September 1893 - NZ Women's suffrage day. After a number of attempts and petitions to Parliament, including one earlier in the year signed by 30,000 women, Governor Lord Glasgow signed the bill granting women the right to vote.
Oct:
13th October 1975 - Whina Cooper-led land march, Te Ropu o te Matakite, reaches Parliament.
16th October 1936 - Jean Batten conquers the skies: first solo flight from the UK to NZ. Hine-o-te-Rangi (Daughter of the Skies) set a number of flying firsts for both sexes before conquering the UK-NZ route in 11 days, 45 minutes.
26th October 1942 - The Women Jurors Act (NZ) allows women to sit on judicial juries for first time.
31st October 1985 - The bone people: Keri Hulme becomes the first New Zealander to win the Booker Prize.
Nov:
14 November 1917 - "Night of Terror" (USA) when suffragists were imprisoned and brutalized after picketing the White House, demanding the right to vote.
16 November 1916 - Margaret Sanger was arrested in Brownsville, NY, for operating a birth control clinic - the first in the US. She went on to found Planned Parenthood.
17 November - Feast of St. Hilda, patron saint of business and professional women.
25 November - Women’s Merrymaking Day celebrated in ancient times.
28 November - Day of St. Sophia, Goddess of Wisdom.
29th November 1893 - Elizabeth Yates elected mayor of Onehunga, first woman mayor in British empire.
30th November - Day of Mawu, African Creator Goddess
Dec:
1 December 1955 - African American Seamstress and Civil Rights Activist Rosa Parks refuses to obey a bus driver a relinquish her seat to a white passenger. Her subsequent arrest and trial for this act of civil disobedience triggered the Montgomery Bus Boycott, one of the largest and most successful mass movements against racial segregation in history.
6th December - National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women (Canada), in memory of the 1989 Montreal murder of 14 women murdered in an anti-woman hate crime.
30th December 1995 - Two women were killed in Brookline, MA, USA in just one in a series of anti-choice attacks on reproductive health clinics.
31st December New Year's Eve - Feast of Hestia, Goddess of the hearth fire.
Wicked!! I love getting involved in stuff like this:D
Wednesday, November 29, 2006
My Operation
So long time not blog huh? Considering my normal blogging obssessive ways!
But as a lot of people out there know already I had an operation (in fact a week ago today)and I have been recovering over the last week or so (my final day off is tommorrow).
Well last Wednesday I had to get up bright and early to be out at Kenepuru Hospital in Porirua at 8am and seriously a big hug out to Ange who took the day off work to take me, mum and Rich all the way out to Kenepuru Hospital and back again!
The operation itself wasn't actually too bad - the general anesthetic wasn't that fun - I didn't mind going under that much it was just when I woke up I was really groggy and over the following few days my brain didn't seem to be working too well and I kept on forgetting simple things or saying the same thing to Rich or mum more than one...nevermind...I think my brain is back to normal now...
The good news is that when the Doctors did do the operation they did find out that I have endometriosis which, while it isn't awesome as it is going to be something I will have to live with and manage for the rest of my life, I AM glad that I finally know what is wrong with me for certain and I can begin to deal with it. I will join the local Endometriosis group in the new year but there doesn't seem like much point in doing this right now as it's only a couple of weeks before Rich and I will be taking off for our Christmas adventures.
It has been good to have some time off work though I have to say. Originally I was meant to go back to work on Monday but I got some extra time off work because I just wasn't feeling up to it (you'll be surprised just how much you use your stomach muscles when you're unable to use them!!).
But I really have to say a big thanks to Rich for just being so awesome through this whole drama and also my mum for staying with me for most of last week (I think I would have gone totally and completely MENTAL if I didn't have someone to talk to last week) also want to say a big thanks to all my friends who have come and visit me and also sent me or bought around flowers, food and presents...it has been fantastic (almost like a pre-christmas christmas).
Anyway the bottom line is that the news I recieved was the best news I could recieve in the circumstances - for the first time in a very LONG time I am feeling optimistic about the future!!
But as a lot of people out there know already I had an operation (in fact a week ago today)and I have been recovering over the last week or so (my final day off is tommorrow).
Well last Wednesday I had to get up bright and early to be out at Kenepuru Hospital in Porirua at 8am and seriously a big hug out to Ange who took the day off work to take me, mum and Rich all the way out to Kenepuru Hospital and back again!
The operation itself wasn't actually too bad - the general anesthetic wasn't that fun - I didn't mind going under that much it was just when I woke up I was really groggy and over the following few days my brain didn't seem to be working too well and I kept on forgetting simple things or saying the same thing to Rich or mum more than one...nevermind...I think my brain is back to normal now...
The good news is that when the Doctors did do the operation they did find out that I have endometriosis which, while it isn't awesome as it is going to be something I will have to live with and manage for the rest of my life, I AM glad that I finally know what is wrong with me for certain and I can begin to deal with it. I will join the local Endometriosis group in the new year but there doesn't seem like much point in doing this right now as it's only a couple of weeks before Rich and I will be taking off for our Christmas adventures.
It has been good to have some time off work though I have to say. Originally I was meant to go back to work on Monday but I got some extra time off work because I just wasn't feeling up to it (you'll be surprised just how much you use your stomach muscles when you're unable to use them!!).
But I really have to say a big thanks to Rich for just being so awesome through this whole drama and also my mum for staying with me for most of last week (I think I would have gone totally and completely MENTAL if I didn't have someone to talk to last week) also want to say a big thanks to all my friends who have come and visit me and also sent me or bought around flowers, food and presents...it has been fantastic (almost like a pre-christmas christmas).
Anyway the bottom line is that the news I recieved was the best news I could recieve in the circumstances - for the first time in a very LONG time I am feeling optimistic about the future!!
Tuesday, November 21, 2006
Careful what you put on your lips!!
I'm not sure if this is totally true or not but worth thinking about...
Recently a lipstick brand called "Red Earth" decreased their prices from $67 to $9.90. It contained lead. Lead is a chemical which causes cancer. The lipstick Brands that contain lead are:
1. CHRISTIAN DIOR
2. LANCOME
3. CLINIQUE
4. Y.S.L
5. ESTEE LAUDER
6. SHISEIDO
7. RED EARTH (Lip Gloss)
8. CHANEL (Lip Conditioner)
9. MARKET AMERICA-MOTNES LIPSTICK.
The higher the lead content, the greater the chance of causing cancer.
After doing a test on lipsticks, it was found that theY.S.L.lipstic contained the most amount of lead. Watch out for those lipsticks which are supposed to stay longer. If your lipstick stays longer, it is because of the higher content of lead.
Here is the test you can do yourself:
1. Put some lipstick on your hand.
2. Use a Gold ring to scratch on the lipstick.
3. If the lipstick colour changes to black, then you know the lipstick contains lead.
Please send this information to all your girlfriends, wives and female family members.
This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Recently a lipstick brand called "Red Earth" decreased their prices from $67 to $9.90. It contained lead. Lead is a chemical which causes cancer. The lipstick Brands that contain lead are:
1. CHRISTIAN DIOR
2. LANCOME
3. CLINIQUE
4. Y.S.L
5. ESTEE LAUDER
6. SHISEIDO
7. RED EARTH (Lip Gloss)
8. CHANEL (Lip Conditioner)
9. MARKET AMERICA-MOTNES LIPSTICK.
The higher the lead content, the greater the chance of causing cancer.
After doing a test on lipsticks, it was found that theY.S.L.lipstic contained the most amount of lead. Watch out for those lipsticks which are supposed to stay longer. If your lipstick stays longer, it is because of the higher content of lead.
Here is the test you can do yourself:
1. Put some lipstick on your hand.
2. Use a Gold ring to scratch on the lipstick.
3. If the lipstick colour changes to black, then you know the lipstick contains lead.
Please send this information to all your girlfriends, wives and female family members.
This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center
Jo & Andre's Welly visit
Our friends Jo & Andre came and visited this weekend - it was so cool to see them after so long and catch up with all the Htown gossip:)
Here's some photo's taken over coffee at Expressoholic.
Here's some photo's taken over coffee at Expressoholic.
Monday, November 20, 2006
Jess' Birthday!
Friday night was Jess' birthday which included yummy Greek food at Theo's Greek Taverna (plus dancing on barrels!!) followed by a yummy cake with purple icing made by Jess' Dad for dessert:)
Then - after I got home I got a text from Jess to say she and Andrew had just go engaged - so good news all around:) Congrats to them both:D
Then - after I got home I got a text from Jess to say she and Andrew had just go engaged - so good news all around:) Congrats to them both:D
Friday, November 17, 2006
The Dentist
I had my first dentist appointment yesterday - it wasn't as bad as I thought (although it was just fillings at this stage and no teeth pulled).
But one thing I am really stoked about is that the dentist fixed my front tooth that has had a chip in in since I was in university - it looks really good - you can't even tell it's not even my real tooth - stoked!
But one thing I am really stoked about is that the dentist fixed my front tooth that has had a chip in in since I was in university - it looks really good - you can't even tell it's not even my real tooth - stoked!
Wednesday, November 15, 2006
Island Bay Daywalk Photo's
On Sunday Rich & I went on a daywalk - but I hadn't had time to put these up till now and here they are:D
Tuesday, November 14, 2006
Happy Birthday Jess
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Jess!
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Jess!
Happy Birthday to you
Pay Equality Closer!
From the NZ Herald on Saturday
Pay equality in young women's grasp
Saturday November 11, 2006By Simon Collins
Young New Zealand women are closing the income gap, earning almost as much as their male colleagues.
Women's average hourly wages are now just 3.7 per cent behind men's for those aged 30-34, while women aged 20-29 briefly earned more than men the same age three years ago, Statistics New Zealand figures show.
Men are still well ahead in all older age groups up to 65. But young women are reaping the benefits of performing better than young men in education.
In 37 per cent of working-age couples women now earn at least as much as their partners, up from 20 per cent 20 years ago. In 2001, women and men were in the same income bracket in 22 per cent of couples, up from 13 per cent in 1986, while in 15 per cent the woman was in a higher income bracket, up from 7 per cent.
Women's Affairs Minister Lianne Dalziel said the trend looked "positive" and tied in with a closing of the overall gap between women's and men's hourly earnings.
"It means that the gender pay gap is something that we may be able to see disappear," she said.
But the vice-president of the Father and Child Society, Massey University economist Stuart Birks, warned of the problem of men falling behind.
"Shouldn't we be worried that we are sowing the seeds of another problem in 20 years' time?" he asked.
Council of Trade Unions vice-president Helen Kelly said the equality among young workers might be a result of all young workers being on low wages.
Pay equality in young women's grasp
Saturday November 11, 2006By Simon Collins
Young New Zealand women are closing the income gap, earning almost as much as their male colleagues.
Women's average hourly wages are now just 3.7 per cent behind men's for those aged 30-34, while women aged 20-29 briefly earned more than men the same age three years ago, Statistics New Zealand figures show.
Men are still well ahead in all older age groups up to 65. But young women are reaping the benefits of performing better than young men in education.
In 37 per cent of working-age couples women now earn at least as much as their partners, up from 20 per cent 20 years ago. In 2001, women and men were in the same income bracket in 22 per cent of couples, up from 13 per cent in 1986, while in 15 per cent the woman was in a higher income bracket, up from 7 per cent.
Women's Affairs Minister Lianne Dalziel said the trend looked "positive" and tied in with a closing of the overall gap between women's and men's hourly earnings.
"It means that the gender pay gap is something that we may be able to see disappear," she said.
But the vice-president of the Father and Child Society, Massey University economist Stuart Birks, warned of the problem of men falling behind.
"Shouldn't we be worried that we are sowing the seeds of another problem in 20 years' time?" he asked.
Council of Trade Unions vice-president Helen Kelly said the equality among young workers might be a result of all young workers being on low wages.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Xmas Holidays
Rich and I have now got our leave all sorted for our xmas holidays - so I will be leaving Wellington on the 15 December and Rich the 16 December. I'm going directly to Auckland so I will have to let Marth know when I'm turing up today!!
We'll then be spending time with people in Hamilton and our families in Tauranga and Taranaki.
We bought all our flights yesterday - now only have to sort out a bit of accomodation here and and there and all our bus tickets.
I can hardly wait for xmas holidays!!
We'll then be spending time with people in Hamilton and our families in Tauranga and Taranaki.
We bought all our flights yesterday - now only have to sort out a bit of accomodation here and and there and all our bus tickets.
I can hardly wait for xmas holidays!!
Saturday, November 11, 2006
Hats, Hats, Hats!!
Last night was Mella's "Horrible Hat's Housewarming" - so here's some photo's of us in our horrible (and not so horrible) hats!
Friday, November 10, 2006
Badges Badges Badges
Well - even though I won't be able to attend the "Reclaim the Night" march anymore because my operation is due the day before...grrr...I have decided to keep on helping with the planning and preparation.
I decided to keep on helping out because -
A) I really do like planning/organising things
B) I've been helping out for so long - it seems stupied to pull out now
C) I like hanging out with the organising group
So last night Jaimee and I headed up to 128 to make badges - making badges totally rocks!! I want a badge maker!
We made a whole bunch of RTN and general feminist badges - it was so much fun - I totally can't wait to make badges again.
I decided to keep on helping out because -
A) I really do like planning/organising things
B) I've been helping out for so long - it seems stupied to pull out now
C) I like hanging out with the organising group
So last night Jaimee and I headed up to 128 to make badges - making badges totally rocks!! I want a badge maker!
We made a whole bunch of RTN and general feminist badges - it was so much fun - I totally can't wait to make badges again.
Thursday, November 09, 2006
The big day for my operation has been set!
Today I got a ring from the hospital - my operation has been set for the 22 November - Thank God for that!!
I've now arranged for leave from work and phoned my mum to let her know when the operation will be so she can come down and do all of those mum type things that you need when you're sick.
So I am feeling really glad I am going to have my operation and work out whether I have endometriosis or something else and start to deal with it a bit better than I have been lately!!
So I am relieved but nervous too....
The only problem is that my operation is going to be on 22nd November and Reclaim the Night is going to be on the 23rd - so I won't be able to go on the March - which is such a bummer. But I guess the important thing is I will be able to find out for sure what is wrong and deal with it.
I can always go to Reclaim the Night next year but it's still disappointing.
I've now arranged for leave from work and phoned my mum to let her know when the operation will be so she can come down and do all of those mum type things that you need when you're sick.
So I am feeling really glad I am going to have my operation and work out whether I have endometriosis or something else and start to deal with it a bit better than I have been lately!!
So I am relieved but nervous too....
The only problem is that my operation is going to be on 22nd November and Reclaim the Night is going to be on the 23rd - so I won't be able to go on the March - which is such a bummer. But I guess the important thing is I will be able to find out for sure what is wrong and deal with it.
I can always go to Reclaim the Night next year but it's still disappointing.
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Ladyfest 2006
Ladyfest 2006 is going to be held on 1st, 2nd & 3rd of December this year with gigs and markets!!
Yah I can hardly wait - now all I have to do is find some people willing to come along to some events with me!
Here's the myspace for Ladyfest Wellington
http://www.myspace.com/ladyfest_wellington
Yah I can hardly wait - now all I have to do is find some people willing to come along to some events with me!
Here's the myspace for Ladyfest Wellington
http://www.myspace.com/ladyfest_wellington
Equality?
From the Dom Post Yesterday
Highlighting the wage gap 07 November 2006
LANE NICHOLS Kiwi women slogging it out in female-dominated jobs earn around a third less than men with similar experience in traditionally masculine careers, a new report reveals.
Experienced female caregivers, cafe workers and retail assistants could earn an extra $15,000 a year on average if they switched to predominantly male trades such as building, plumbing or engineering.
The findings have caught the attention of the Equal Employment Opportunities commissioner and sparked concerns about gender-based occupational segregation in this country.
The Wages and Costs of Education and Training report was compiled by the Ministry of Women's Affairs to assess the financial reward associated with certain gender-specific careers for female job seekers.
Women's Affairs Minister Lianne Dalziel said the findings showed wages for qualified, experienced staff were around 45 per cent higher in male dominated trade-related occupations than in traditionally female jobs.
But that was not necessarily obvious to someone deciding on a career path as starting rates tended to be similar.
Researchers surveyed 115 organisations across 14 work-based training sectors, comparing wages, qualification requirement and training costs.
Male-dominated careers surveyed in the report included building, painting, bricklaying, mechanics, engineering and plumbing. Training costs in these fields were usually paid by employers.
Traditionally female occupations were hairdressing, travel agents, caregivers, beauty therapists, cafe workers, retail assistants and administrators. The workers usually paid for their own training.
On average, a qualified person with five years' experience in a female-dominated trade earned $34,000 a year based on a median hourly rate of $16.50.
A man with similar experience working in a predominantly male trade earned $50,000 a year – or $24 an hour.
Hairdressers and travel agents were exceptions. Both had the highest reported earnings of the 14 trades thanks to a hefty commission component.
Ms Dalziel said recent data showed the pay gap between men and women was reducing, but women's median hourly earnings still lagged 12 per cent behind men's.
"This is the kind of information I believe all young people should know about before they make the decision about what field to enter."
Equal Employment Opportunities commissioner Judy McGregor said the findings were concerning, though not a surprise.
There was a mistaken belief that women were not concerned about money when choosing a profession.
Young female job seekers needed better information about career prospects and pay, she said.
The ministry plans further work to assess whether young people will use the report's findings when choosing a career and whether the modern apprenticeship scheme is accessible to women. It will also look at whether gender-based occupational segregation has any economic impacts.
From the Herald
Government braced for claims after equal pay review
Tuesday November 7, 2006By Mike Houlahan
The Government could be addressing its first pay-equity claims by the middle of next year, with the Cabinet agreeing terms of reference for pay and employment equity reviews.
The public service, health and education sectors will all be subject to a review designed to ensure occupations that are dominated by women see those workers earn fair pay and have equal employment opportunities.
Despite equal pay law being on the books since 1972, in March 2005 women's average hourly earnings were 86.4 per cent of men's.
"The aim is to have a process and remedy which is sustainable, so that in a decade we could say we don't have a pay and employment equity gap in New Zealand," Labour Minister Ruth Dyson said yesterday.
"Whether that's delivered or not is yet to be seen. It's a new process."
Before a pay equity or equal employment opportunity claim is lodged, a template which tests each occupation's job size and remuneration against a comparable occupation must be completed.
A review will then be carried out before a claim is lodged.
Depending on the review's findings, workers such as teachers, secretaries, librarians, dental therapists and nurses may find their wages boosted.
"I don't imagine the pay gap is going to be huge in a number of occupations," Ms Dyson said. "I do think the employment equity issues are ones we have to get our heads around better and which employers will have to work hard to deliver on.
"You can fix a pay gap with a one-off wage increase, but that doesn't mean it's going to be sustained. If you change the workplace so that female staff are better valued for their contribution, then it will be sustainable."
Ms Dyson expected to see some definite claims on the table by the middle or third quarter of next year.
She said there had been "huge understanding and support" from the relevant government departments and agencies, from the State Services Commission, District Health Boards, and school trustees.
Council of Trade Unions vice-president Helen Kelly said with pay equity claims resolved women would look at the state as a preferred employer, boosting the need for private sector to move in step
Highlighting the wage gap 07 November 2006
LANE NICHOLS Kiwi women slogging it out in female-dominated jobs earn around a third less than men with similar experience in traditionally masculine careers, a new report reveals.
Experienced female caregivers, cafe workers and retail assistants could earn an extra $15,000 a year on average if they switched to predominantly male trades such as building, plumbing or engineering.
The findings have caught the attention of the Equal Employment Opportunities commissioner and sparked concerns about gender-based occupational segregation in this country.
The Wages and Costs of Education and Training report was compiled by the Ministry of Women's Affairs to assess the financial reward associated with certain gender-specific careers for female job seekers.
Women's Affairs Minister Lianne Dalziel said the findings showed wages for qualified, experienced staff were around 45 per cent higher in male dominated trade-related occupations than in traditionally female jobs.
But that was not necessarily obvious to someone deciding on a career path as starting rates tended to be similar.
Researchers surveyed 115 organisations across 14 work-based training sectors, comparing wages, qualification requirement and training costs.
Male-dominated careers surveyed in the report included building, painting, bricklaying, mechanics, engineering and plumbing. Training costs in these fields were usually paid by employers.
Traditionally female occupations were hairdressing, travel agents, caregivers, beauty therapists, cafe workers, retail assistants and administrators. The workers usually paid for their own training.
On average, a qualified person with five years' experience in a female-dominated trade earned $34,000 a year based on a median hourly rate of $16.50.
A man with similar experience working in a predominantly male trade earned $50,000 a year – or $24 an hour.
Hairdressers and travel agents were exceptions. Both had the highest reported earnings of the 14 trades thanks to a hefty commission component.
Ms Dalziel said recent data showed the pay gap between men and women was reducing, but women's median hourly earnings still lagged 12 per cent behind men's.
"This is the kind of information I believe all young people should know about before they make the decision about what field to enter."
Equal Employment Opportunities commissioner Judy McGregor said the findings were concerning, though not a surprise.
There was a mistaken belief that women were not concerned about money when choosing a profession.
Young female job seekers needed better information about career prospects and pay, she said.
The ministry plans further work to assess whether young people will use the report's findings when choosing a career and whether the modern apprenticeship scheme is accessible to women. It will also look at whether gender-based occupational segregation has any economic impacts.
From the Herald
Government braced for claims after equal pay review
Tuesday November 7, 2006By Mike Houlahan
The Government could be addressing its first pay-equity claims by the middle of next year, with the Cabinet agreeing terms of reference for pay and employment equity reviews.
The public service, health and education sectors will all be subject to a review designed to ensure occupations that are dominated by women see those workers earn fair pay and have equal employment opportunities.
Despite equal pay law being on the books since 1972, in March 2005 women's average hourly earnings were 86.4 per cent of men's.
"The aim is to have a process and remedy which is sustainable, so that in a decade we could say we don't have a pay and employment equity gap in New Zealand," Labour Minister Ruth Dyson said yesterday.
"Whether that's delivered or not is yet to be seen. It's a new process."
Before a pay equity or equal employment opportunity claim is lodged, a template which tests each occupation's job size and remuneration against a comparable occupation must be completed.
A review will then be carried out before a claim is lodged.
Depending on the review's findings, workers such as teachers, secretaries, librarians, dental therapists and nurses may find their wages boosted.
"I don't imagine the pay gap is going to be huge in a number of occupations," Ms Dyson said. "I do think the employment equity issues are ones we have to get our heads around better and which employers will have to work hard to deliver on.
"You can fix a pay gap with a one-off wage increase, but that doesn't mean it's going to be sustained. If you change the workplace so that female staff are better valued for their contribution, then it will be sustainable."
Ms Dyson expected to see some definite claims on the table by the middle or third quarter of next year.
She said there had been "huge understanding and support" from the relevant government departments and agencies, from the State Services Commission, District Health Boards, and school trustees.
Council of Trade Unions vice-president Helen Kelly said with pay equity claims resolved women would look at the state as a preferred employer, boosting the need for private sector to move in step
Sunday, November 05, 2006
The weekend so far....
So what have I done with my weekend so far....on Friday night we went out to the Lighthouse Cinema in Petone to watch "Kenny" - which was a bit long winded but a pretty damn funny Aussie film and if you like toilet humour you would be in absolute heaven if you liked toilet humour....plus it had some pretty good one liners and "Kenny" himself did make an appearance after the end of the film. After the film we went out for some dinner...mmm...middle eastern food.
Yesterday Jess and I went for a walk along the waterfront in the morning and then went out to Westfield to do some shopping(man did we do some walking yesterday!!) - I hadn't been out there for ages and I managed to get quite a few christmas presents for the family and also a new top, some costume jewellery and also the new Mint Chicks CD that I have been wanting FOREVER - I'm listening to it right now!
Last night Rich and I went out to dinner at the Holy Cow in Kelburn which was really cool - It was one of those places that we always walk past and say "we should go there" but never do because it's not in town - but we finally got there and the food was good...mmm...to finish off the night we went up to the botanical gardens and watched all the fireworks which were absolutely beautiful - I loved watching them - it just makes you feel like a little kid in awe to see them again because they are just so big and beautiful.
Anyhoo - I gotta go and have a shower - we are heading off for a walk somewhere this morning...not quite sure where yet...
Yesterday Jess and I went for a walk along the waterfront in the morning and then went out to Westfield to do some shopping(man did we do some walking yesterday!!) - I hadn't been out there for ages and I managed to get quite a few christmas presents for the family and also a new top, some costume jewellery and also the new Mint Chicks CD that I have been wanting FOREVER - I'm listening to it right now!
Last night Rich and I went out to dinner at the Holy Cow in Kelburn which was really cool - It was one of those places that we always walk past and say "we should go there" but never do because it's not in town - but we finally got there and the food was good...mmm...to finish off the night we went up to the botanical gardens and watched all the fireworks which were absolutely beautiful - I loved watching them - it just makes you feel like a little kid in awe to see them again because they are just so big and beautiful.
Anyhoo - I gotta go and have a shower - we are heading off for a walk somewhere this morning...not quite sure where yet...
Friday, November 03, 2006
Thank God it's Friday!!
Finally Friday at last - this seems like it has been a REALLY long week!!
Tonight we're off to the movies with Jess & Andrew to see "Kenny" an Aussie comedy - looks pretty funny actually.
I am so hoping the weather will say good this weekend so that Rich and I can go for a day walk on Sunday - I really need to get out in nature and have some fresh air!!
Tonight we're off to the movies with Jess & Andrew to see "Kenny" an Aussie comedy - looks pretty funny actually.
I am so hoping the weather will say good this weekend so that Rich and I can go for a day walk on Sunday - I really need to get out in nature and have some fresh air!!
Thursday, November 02, 2006
White Ribbon Day - 25 November
Here's a worthwhile event which is on at about the same time as Reclaim the Night - White Ribbon Day - which is a day to raise awareness of and stop violence against Women and Children.
http://www.nzfamilies.org.nz/white-ribbon.php
I would really like to do the self defence workshop - going to see if I can get some of my posse together to do this!
http://www.nzfamilies.org.nz/white-ribbon.php
I would really like to do the self defence workshop - going to see if I can get some of my posse together to do this!
Wednesday, November 01, 2006
Can the world get more insane - what are toy makers thinking?
Outcry over tots' pole-dancing kit
28 October 2006
By DAVID BRAITHWAITE
Sydney Morning Herald
A "sexy" pole-dancing kit has been pulled from the toys and games section of a website run by Britain's biggest retailer after protests from outraged parents.
The Peekaboo pole-dancing kit, which has a "sexy garter" to help "unleash the sex kitten inside" was sold in Tesco Direct's toys and games section, The Daily Mail reported.
"Soon you'll be flaunting it to the world and earning a fortune in Peekaboo Dance Dollars," its blurb reads.
"Unleash the sex kitten inside... simply extend the Peekaboo pole inside the tube, slip on the sexy tunes and away you go!"
The £50 ($NZ145) kit includes a 2.6-metre chrome pole, a "sexy dance garter" and a DVD demonstrating suggestive dance moves, the report said.
However, family campaigners slammed the kit's status as a toy, saying it would "destroy children's lives".
"It is an open invitation to turn the youngest children on to sexual behaviour," Dr Adrian Rogers of the Family First group told The Daily Mail.
"This will be sold to four, five and six-year-olds. This is a most dangerous toy that will contribute towards destroying children's innocence.
"Children are being encouraged to dance round a pole, which is interpreted in the adult world as a phallic symbol.
"This should only be available to the most depraved people who want to corrupt their children."
The Daily Mail report said Tesco had removed the kit from the toys and games area of its site, but would still sell it as a "fitness accessory".
The retailer denied the pole-dancing kit was sexually oriented and it was clearly marked for adult use.
"Pole dancing is an increasing exercise craze. This item is for people who want to improve their fitness and have fun at the same time," a spokesman said.
Other British retailers had been forced to remove sexually suggestive children's products from their shelves, including padded bras with a "Little Miss Naughty" logo, the report said
28 October 2006
By DAVID BRAITHWAITE
Sydney Morning Herald
A "sexy" pole-dancing kit has been pulled from the toys and games section of a website run by Britain's biggest retailer after protests from outraged parents.
The Peekaboo pole-dancing kit, which has a "sexy garter" to help "unleash the sex kitten inside" was sold in Tesco Direct's toys and games section, The Daily Mail reported.
"Soon you'll be flaunting it to the world and earning a fortune in Peekaboo Dance Dollars," its blurb reads.
"Unleash the sex kitten inside... simply extend the Peekaboo pole inside the tube, slip on the sexy tunes and away you go!"
The £50 ($NZ145) kit includes a 2.6-metre chrome pole, a "sexy dance garter" and a DVD demonstrating suggestive dance moves, the report said.
However, family campaigners slammed the kit's status as a toy, saying it would "destroy children's lives".
"It is an open invitation to turn the youngest children on to sexual behaviour," Dr Adrian Rogers of the Family First group told The Daily Mail.
"This will be sold to four, five and six-year-olds. This is a most dangerous toy that will contribute towards destroying children's innocence.
"Children are being encouraged to dance round a pole, which is interpreted in the adult world as a phallic symbol.
"This should only be available to the most depraved people who want to corrupt their children."
The Daily Mail report said Tesco had removed the kit from the toys and games area of its site, but would still sell it as a "fitness accessory".
The retailer denied the pole-dancing kit was sexually oriented and it was clearly marked for adult use.
"Pole dancing is an increasing exercise craze. This item is for people who want to improve their fitness and have fun at the same time," a spokesman said.
Other British retailers had been forced to remove sexually suggestive children's products from their shelves, including padded bras with a "Little Miss Naughty" logo, the report said
It's Wednesday - Half way to the end of the week and payday!!
This week feels long already - I think this is because last week was a four day week!!
Last night I went over to Kat's to finally make Rich's (now rather beleted) birthday muffins - but they are yummy muffin's especially for muffin's from a packet!!
I just hung out with Kat whilst I waited for the muffins and she has agreed to take up a dress for me so we sorted that out and we also agreed on meeting up more regulary for craft nights - especially with Christmas coming up - I need to really begin to do some crafting things for Christmas presents.
Well I best be off and get ready for work - at least today is payday so life isn't all bad.
Last night I went over to Kat's to finally make Rich's (now rather beleted) birthday muffins - but they are yummy muffin's especially for muffin's from a packet!!
I just hung out with Kat whilst I waited for the muffins and she has agreed to take up a dress for me so we sorted that out and we also agreed on meeting up more regulary for craft nights - especially with Christmas coming up - I need to really begin to do some crafting things for Christmas presents.
Well I best be off and get ready for work - at least today is payday so life isn't all bad.
Happy Movember!!
Happy Movember - what is Movember you may ask? Well have a look at the link below!!
http://www.movember.com/nz/whatismov/
http://www.movember.com/nz/whatismov/
Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Things go from bad to worse - I think I am due to have some good luck soon!!
Well I went to the dentist yesterday and it turns out I need a whole heap of dental work including all of my wisdom teeth out (which my mum and dad both assure me are the worst teeth to have pulled - awesome) at a total cost of $3,000.00 which is a heck of a lot of money!!
So it's painful on both the bank balance and the mouth - my first dentist's appointment will be 90 minutes long to have a whole bunch of fillings done. I have to have it done ASAP though as one of my teeth is getting really close to being a root canal which is something I really don't want done.
I said to the dentist that I had no idea that my teeth were that bad and he said that most people don't really feel any pain in their teeth until it's really serious...hummm....I guess it's good to get them before they are too nasty but not something you really want to pay for when you're saving for a house and a massive amount of Christmas Travel and the general expensive of Christmas.
Well - that's enough of a spazz out about that - but I'm sure there will be numerous nervous posts on here prior to me having the three (yes!! three!!) appointments I have to have to fix my teeth.
I've been going through a bit of a down cycle of late - what with my supposed endo (I still haven't heard anything from the hospital in regard to my operation) and a number of different little things that have gone wrong in the last year....I think it's about time I had some good luck in my life!!
So it's painful on both the bank balance and the mouth - my first dentist's appointment will be 90 minutes long to have a whole bunch of fillings done. I have to have it done ASAP though as one of my teeth is getting really close to being a root canal which is something I really don't want done.
I said to the dentist that I had no idea that my teeth were that bad and he said that most people don't really feel any pain in their teeth until it's really serious...hummm....I guess it's good to get them before they are too nasty but not something you really want to pay for when you're saving for a house and a massive amount of Christmas Travel and the general expensive of Christmas.
Well - that's enough of a spazz out about that - but I'm sure there will be numerous nervous posts on here prior to me having the three (yes!! three!!) appointments I have to have to fix my teeth.
I've been going through a bit of a down cycle of late - what with my supposed endo (I still haven't heard anything from the hospital in regard to my operation) and a number of different little things that have gone wrong in the last year....I think it's about time I had some good luck in my life!!
Monday, October 30, 2006
Thank A Feminist
If you're female and...
you can vote, thank a feminist....
you get paid as much as men doing the same job, thank a feminist....
you went to college instead of being expected to quit after high school so your brothers could go because "You'll just get married anyway", thank a feminist....
you can apply for any job, not just "women's work", thank a feminist...
you can get or give birth control information without going to jail, thank a feminist. ...
your doctor, lawyer, pastor, judge or legislator is a woman, thank a feminist....
you play an organized sport, thank a feminist....
you can wear slacks without being excommunicated from your church or run out of town, thank a feminist....
your boss isn't allowed to pressure you to sleep with him, thank a feminist....
you get raped and the trial isn't about your hemline or your previous boyfriends, thank a feminist....
you start a small business and can get a loan using only your name and credit history, thank a feminist...
you are on trial and are allowed to testify in your own defense, thank a feminist....
you own property that is solely yours, thank a feminist....
you have the right to your own salary even if you are married or have a male relative, thank a feminist....
you get custody of your children following divorce or separation, thank a feminist....
you get a voice in the raising and care of your children instead of them being completely controlled by the husband/father, thank a feminist....
your husband beats you and it is illegal and the police stop him instead of lecturing you on better wifely behavior, thank a feminist....
you can breastfeed your baby in a public place and not be arrested, thank a feminist....
you marry and your civil human rights do not disappear into your husband's rights, thank a feminist....
you have the right to refuse sex with a diseased husband [or just "husband"], thank a feminist....
you have the right to keep your medical records confidential from the men in your family, thank a feminist....
you have the right to read the books you want, thank a feminist....
you can testify in court about crimes or wrongs your husband has committed, thank a feminist....
you can choose to be a mother or not a mother in you own time not at the dictates of a husband or rapist, thank a feminist....
you can look forward to a lifespan of 80 years instead of dying in your 20s from unlimited childbirth, thank a feminist....
you can see yourself as a full, adult human being instead of a minor who needs to be controlled by a man, thank a feminist.
you can vote, thank a feminist....
you get paid as much as men doing the same job, thank a feminist....
you went to college instead of being expected to quit after high school so your brothers could go because "You'll just get married anyway", thank a feminist....
you can apply for any job, not just "women's work", thank a feminist...
you can get or give birth control information without going to jail, thank a feminist. ...
your doctor, lawyer, pastor, judge or legislator is a woman, thank a feminist....
you play an organized sport, thank a feminist....
you can wear slacks without being excommunicated from your church or run out of town, thank a feminist....
your boss isn't allowed to pressure you to sleep with him, thank a feminist....
you get raped and the trial isn't about your hemline or your previous boyfriends, thank a feminist....
you start a small business and can get a loan using only your name and credit history, thank a feminist...
you are on trial and are allowed to testify in your own defense, thank a feminist....
you own property that is solely yours, thank a feminist....
you have the right to your own salary even if you are married or have a male relative, thank a feminist....
you get custody of your children following divorce or separation, thank a feminist....
you get a voice in the raising and care of your children instead of them being completely controlled by the husband/father, thank a feminist....
your husband beats you and it is illegal and the police stop him instead of lecturing you on better wifely behavior, thank a feminist....
you can breastfeed your baby in a public place and not be arrested, thank a feminist....
you marry and your civil human rights do not disappear into your husband's rights, thank a feminist....
you have the right to refuse sex with a diseased husband [or just "husband"], thank a feminist....
you have the right to keep your medical records confidential from the men in your family, thank a feminist....
you have the right to read the books you want, thank a feminist....
you can testify in court about crimes or wrongs your husband has committed, thank a feminist....
you can choose to be a mother or not a mother in you own time not at the dictates of a husband or rapist, thank a feminist....
you can look forward to a lifespan of 80 years instead of dying in your 20s from unlimited childbirth, thank a feminist....
you can see yourself as a full, adult human being instead of a minor who needs to be controlled by a man, thank a feminist.
Well that was a pretty average weekend...
I was really looking forward to Celia's party on Saturday night - it was a nice day during the day and seen as I am feeling pretty unfit right now Rich and I decided to go for a walk - and even though I didn't think it was particulary sunny - I got sunburn and I think sunstroke. When I came home I had a bit of a headache so decided to have a bit of a rest before the party and I didn't really want to have a headache at the party. When I woke up I had the worst headache ever, my sinus' were hurting and my wisdom teeth hurting and man was I ever sick!! So I couldn't go to the party which I was so bummed about because I hate letting people down and also because I really really wanted to go - I hadn't seen a couple people for a while and I was really looking forward to catching up with everyone. I was just so annoyed at being so sick.
Anyways I think it was sunstroke because I woke up on Sunday morning feeling fine - not that I could actually go and do anything because it rained all day!! I did some fimo, some cross-stitch and also I read and read and read.
In the afternoon we did actually go out and do something, Nankz came and picked us up and we went to Midnight Expresso to have a coffee (well hot chocolate actually) with Nankz & Paul. After coffee it was time to go and watch "Fast Food Nation" as there was a screening for Paul's professional body (he's a dietician). It was a really good movie, and excellent movie, but it was one of those movies that made you just realise basically how f*cked everything in the world is. The worst scene was the butchery "Kill Floor" scene at the very end - most of which I just couldn't even bring myself to watch because it was just so disgusting (this coming from someone who can watch hours of zombie/horror flicks) and it made me so glad that it has been years I have eaten beef (or pork or lamb) although it made me question the fact that I am eating chicken and fish and made me think maybe I could go full vego - because I don't think that chicken's in fact get treated much better than cows.
Anyways - enough from me - I have to get ready for work - and I have to go to the dentist today (joy!).
Anyways I think it was sunstroke because I woke up on Sunday morning feeling fine - not that I could actually go and do anything because it rained all day!! I did some fimo, some cross-stitch and also I read and read and read.
In the afternoon we did actually go out and do something, Nankz came and picked us up and we went to Midnight Expresso to have a coffee (well hot chocolate actually) with Nankz & Paul. After coffee it was time to go and watch "Fast Food Nation" as there was a screening for Paul's professional body (he's a dietician). It was a really good movie, and excellent movie, but it was one of those movies that made you just realise basically how f*cked everything in the world is. The worst scene was the butchery "Kill Floor" scene at the very end - most of which I just couldn't even bring myself to watch because it was just so disgusting (this coming from someone who can watch hours of zombie/horror flicks) and it made me so glad that it has been years I have eaten beef (or pork or lamb) although it made me question the fact that I am eating chicken and fish and made me think maybe I could go full vego - because I don't think that chicken's in fact get treated much better than cows.
Anyways - enough from me - I have to get ready for work - and I have to go to the dentist today (joy!).
Saturday, October 28, 2006
Another Friends Blog...
Ange told me a little while ago that she had started a blog of her own - but I just hadn't gotten around to adding a link - well now I have!! Awesome - I love it when my friends have blogs too:)
Also - yah it is Saturday morning. The girls are aqua jogging this morning but I'm not really feeling up to it as it has been a bit of a rough week (I didn't even get to go and see Superette last night like I wanted too because I was feeling so tired).
Oh well I went to the Doctor yesterday and I got some more meds though so hopefully I will be on the right track again, and I hope I won't get too tired at Celia's party tonight.
Also - yah it is Saturday morning. The girls are aqua jogging this morning but I'm not really feeling up to it as it has been a bit of a rough week (I didn't even get to go and see Superette last night like I wanted too because I was feeling so tired).
Oh well I went to the Doctor yesterday and I got some more meds though so hopefully I will be on the right track again, and I hope I won't get too tired at Celia's party tonight.
Thursday, October 26, 2006
Subversive Cross Stitch!!
Yah!! My Subversive Cross stitch has arrived:)
I got the book a while ago and Mella, Rich & I went out to Spotlight over the weekend to get a few crafty bits and pieces and I got the stuff to start my first Subversive Cross Stitch project (the "Please Kill me" design).
Then yesterday my "WTF?" kit arrived in the mail - along with a badge and a few other bits and pieces.
I've stared the the "Please kill me" design and it seems to be working out pretty well considering I haven't done cross-stitch in over 10 years.
I got the book a while ago and Mella, Rich & I went out to Spotlight over the weekend to get a few crafty bits and pieces and I got the stuff to start my first Subversive Cross Stitch project (the "Please Kill me" design).
Then yesterday my "WTF?" kit arrived in the mail - along with a badge and a few other bits and pieces.
I've stared the the "Please kill me" design and it seems to be working out pretty well considering I haven't done cross-stitch in over 10 years.
Monday, October 23, 2006
The long weekend is nearly over...
"sigh" back to work tommorrow - but one of the benefits of a long weekend is that the following week is only four days long - wicked!!
Anyways it was a pretty good long weekend - it was great to catch up with Conor and Sue over the weekend and celebrate Sue's Birthday at Strawberry Fare (even if it was the worst service EVER!!).
Also managed to finally get my hair cut and coloured over the course of the weekend, I saw a play at Bats with Conor, Sue and Rich and also helped Kat with her stall at Craftwerk.
Well - anyways - here's some photo's from Sue's Birthday dinner :)
Anyways it was a pretty good long weekend - it was great to catch up with Conor and Sue over the weekend and celebrate Sue's Birthday at Strawberry Fare (even if it was the worst service EVER!!).
Also managed to finally get my hair cut and coloured over the course of the weekend, I saw a play at Bats with Conor, Sue and Rich and also helped Kat with her stall at Craftwerk.
Well - anyways - here's some photo's from Sue's Birthday dinner :)
Friday, October 20, 2006
Yah! Today is Friday!!
It's been another LONG week but today is finally Friday and we have a long weekend this weekend - hurrah!!
Sue is flying into Wellington today at 7pm - so we're all going out to Harem tonight for dinner, coffee, dessert or whatever - It's going to be fun:)
Sue is flying into Wellington today at 7pm - so we're all going out to Harem tonight for dinner, coffee, dessert or whatever - It's going to be fun:)
Thursday, October 19, 2006
Well I'm not feeling much better but I've cheered up a bit...
Mostly because Conor and Sue will be here for the weekend so it's a good chance for a whole bunch of us to get together and hang out and do fun Wellington type things.
Also, Conor, Sue and Alaina have decided to come down to Wellington for New Years - which is fantastic - it will be fun to have them down here and also it will make it cheaper for us during the busy christmas time with all the other traffic we have to do!
Also - yesterday - I got the new Phillipa Gregory book from Whitcoulls for half price in their sale! Woohoo!! But I still need to get a Young Adults book for book club next month...hummm...
Well time for a shower and get ready for work - 'sigh'
Also, Conor, Sue and Alaina have decided to come down to Wellington for New Years - which is fantastic - it will be fun to have them down here and also it will make it cheaper for us during the busy christmas time with all the other traffic we have to do!
Also - yesterday - I got the new Phillipa Gregory book from Whitcoulls for half price in their sale! Woohoo!! But I still need to get a Young Adults book for book club next month...hummm...
Well time for a shower and get ready for work - 'sigh'
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Still not feeling that great...
But I am going to go into the office today - I don't really feel like I can take another day off - but if I do feel too unwell I will come back home.
I am getting majorly frustrated by the whole thing - in particular my inability to exercise. I'm finding this SO frustrating. I had to work so hard to lose weight and get my level of fitness up and now I feel like I am losing my fitness - my alarm still goes off early but I feel like I just can't get out of bed which sucks so much - It's the worse feeling in the world. My routine used to be to get up at 5:45am and go to the gym for an hour before work and I am struggling to do it. Last week I managed to get up early and exercise three times which made me feel a lot better - but I've not been able to get up at all this week and it's making life really hard.
I seriously don't want to keep losing my fitness and I don't want to put on weight (which is of course what happens when you don't exercise)....I just hope I get my operation soon...
I am getting majorly frustrated by the whole thing - in particular my inability to exercise. I'm finding this SO frustrating. I had to work so hard to lose weight and get my level of fitness up and now I feel like I am losing my fitness - my alarm still goes off early but I feel like I just can't get out of bed which sucks so much - It's the worse feeling in the world. My routine used to be to get up at 5:45am and go to the gym for an hour before work and I am struggling to do it. Last week I managed to get up early and exercise three times which made me feel a lot better - but I've not been able to get up at all this week and it's making life really hard.
I seriously don't want to keep losing my fitness and I don't want to put on weight (which is of course what happens when you don't exercise)....I just hope I get my operation soon...
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Another day off work for me grrr...
Why am I off work you may ask? Well it's nothing good I assure you - my endo is getting worse again - like it was a little while ago when I had to go up to women's emergency at the hospital. I'm beginning to get way over this all - it just seems so unfair that I should be sick like this and it should go on and on and on while I wait for the operation...
I just try and keep telling myself that there are people out there that are a hell of a lot worse off than myself - I mean at the end of the day endo won't kill me but it's just seriously bringing me down.
Oh well that's enough depressing talk from me for now - hopefully I will feel up to going to the office tommorrow - there's only so much hanging out at home by yourself you can do before you start going completely stir crazy (especially when you live in a little cave like I do).
I just try and keep telling myself that there are people out there that are a hell of a lot worse off than myself - I mean at the end of the day endo won't kill me but it's just seriously bringing me down.
Oh well that's enough depressing talk from me for now - hopefully I will feel up to going to the office tommorrow - there's only so much hanging out at home by yourself you can do before you start going completely stir crazy (especially when you live in a little cave like I do).
Monday, October 16, 2006
Wind Turbine
Yesterday Rich and I decided to go for a walk to Brooklyn and go and check out the wind Turbine - despite the weather - here's the pics!
A photo taken approaching the wind turbine - this thing is massive! You really have no idea just how big it is until you're up close!
A photo of Rich and I under the turbine - it's so loud standing under this thing!
Another foggy view of the wind turbine!
Just a scenic view of Wellington on the way up to the wind turbine
A photo of me standing under the wind turbine - it was seriously windy! 
Photo of me in front of the Wellington scenery 
Rich & Me in front of some Welly Scenery
Rich standing at the base of the wind turbine.
Saturday, October 14, 2006
Saturday morning at last...
Well it feels like last week was a very long week with finnishing off my final essay for my course, a busy week at work and not feeling particulary fantastic health wise (one day I will come home and there WILL be a letter in the mailbox telling my my operation is due to go ahead "sigh").
But this week I actually managed to go to the gym 3 times which was fantastic - I know I used to be able to go 6 times a week no worries but these days I really struggle to go most days because I don't feel good at all so going 3 times in one week is a really good effort for me.
Well what am I up to this weekend? I was orginally going to go to Nats Rocky Horror Party tonight but after paying for a whole bunch of the stuff for the horror party, a couple of birthdays presents as well as uni course fees I am too poor to go - because it's a rocky horror party and I really can't afford to get a costume together, present, drinks..."sigh".
So instead we have decided that we will go to a gig up at the Carter Observatory tonight - with Dukes of Leisure and another band that Rich's old tutor from Natcol is in - so it should be a good gig with an interesting venue.
Last night Rich and I went to dinner at Ross' and watched "Land of the Dead" with him which was pretty cool - so we watched "Dawn of the Dead" last weekend and the sequel this weekend which was quite cool. Hopefully Ross enjoyed it - I don't know if it was really his bag!
Today I'm off up to the Women's Room for a while and then going to meet the girls and go for a walk along the waterfront, which will be good, hopefully it's not too windy out there - looks pretty overcast right now but I hope it's not windy - you can never really tell down in this little cave we live in.
Tommorrow I think Rich & I are going for a daywalk and in the afternoon I am catching up with Jo & Nats and going to the beach to hang out for a bit (like we used to do in our 7th form days) and then in the evening I am going to finally catch up with Mella - she's invited us to her new house on The Terrace which sounds really fantastic - I can hardly wait to see it!
Well I best go and get organised to go to the Women's Room or I'll be late!!
But this week I actually managed to go to the gym 3 times which was fantastic - I know I used to be able to go 6 times a week no worries but these days I really struggle to go most days because I don't feel good at all so going 3 times in one week is a really good effort for me.
Well what am I up to this weekend? I was orginally going to go to Nats Rocky Horror Party tonight but after paying for a whole bunch of the stuff for the horror party, a couple of birthdays presents as well as uni course fees I am too poor to go - because it's a rocky horror party and I really can't afford to get a costume together, present, drinks..."sigh".
So instead we have decided that we will go to a gig up at the Carter Observatory tonight - with Dukes of Leisure and another band that Rich's old tutor from Natcol is in - so it should be a good gig with an interesting venue.
Last night Rich and I went to dinner at Ross' and watched "Land of the Dead" with him which was pretty cool - so we watched "Dawn of the Dead" last weekend and the sequel this weekend which was quite cool. Hopefully Ross enjoyed it - I don't know if it was really his bag!
Today I'm off up to the Women's Room for a while and then going to meet the girls and go for a walk along the waterfront, which will be good, hopefully it's not too windy out there - looks pretty overcast right now but I hope it's not windy - you can never really tell down in this little cave we live in.
Tommorrow I think Rich & I are going for a daywalk and in the afternoon I am catching up with Jo & Nats and going to the beach to hang out for a bit (like we used to do in our 7th form days) and then in the evening I am going to finally catch up with Mella - she's invited us to her new house on The Terrace which sounds really fantastic - I can hardly wait to see it!
Well I best go and get organised to go to the Women's Room or I'll be late!!
Thursday, October 12, 2006
Finally - here thery are - The Horror Dinner Party Photos!
Well - the waiting is over - here are my (& some of Jess') photo's from the horror dinner party!
Rich and I - the whole Gomez & Morticia thing didn't go quite to plan - but we look scary enough!
A random demon - also know as Andrew!
Rich and I - the whole Gomez & Morticia thing didn't go quite to plan - but we look scary enough!
Inspired by the film - we had a bit of a "Dawn of the Dead" moment
I really like this photo of Jess & I - Morticia & Witch Lady!
Georgie and Me - aka Spider Lady and Morticia!!
Jaimee, Georgie and Marc settling in for some quality zombie film watching
A picture of me modelling my "Secret Jack Skeleton Present" - Flashing Redneck Teeth - The wonders of modern technology!
Another picture of my lovely self and the lovely Jess
Marc as "Death"
Photo of "the girls" - not in Zombie mode
Now that's something you don't see everyday - A Demon, Death and a Spider Lady!
Just some gossip between a witch, a mad women and a spider lady!!
Jess & Andrew
Celia casting a spell over Simon - perhaps?
Celia and her pendant of "doom" - well that's what I like to call it anyways - actually it's a funky necklace she got for her Secret Jack Skeleton
Celia, Jaimee and Ange
The Girls - Again!!
Bredan Before.....
......and after....
Ange trying on some "tattoo sleeves" - wow! The tattoos look so real!
Ange & Brendan
A random demon - also know as Andrew!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)