Safest

It's official folks, New Zealand is the second safest country in the western world in which to live after Norway!

Indeed crime and violent crime does still happen here but it still happens less than other countries. Our counterparts in Australia fall in at number 25. People do still leave their doors unlocked when they are out.

What does happen to the criminals here though because they sure as hell aren't put in prison for very long. It seems that a criminal can spend more time in a Mcdonald queue waiting for a hamburger than in a prison cell!

Letter from the bank!

Have you ever had a thankyou letter from the bank? No, i havent either....until today!

I went to my letterbox this morning and in it was a letter from Kiwibank. They wanted to thank me for being with them since they opened in 2001. I am apparently one of their foundation customers. I dont get any special discounts for this or any 'perks' but it was nice to receive the letter.

For those that dont know, Kiwibank was a bank opened in 2001 by the government and owned by the government in order to combat the spiralling bank charges by the existing banks (that were all incidently Australian owned) Over the last 5 years it has worked, the bank is making big profits and bank charges are now at zero or near zero! It was a big gamble at the time they first opened as it was used as as a political football for government intervention or Not government intervention. It seems that government intervention in this case has been a huge success

Check them out at www.kiwibank.co.nz

Out for a bag.

Today has been a day of going around the shops just looking and not wanting to buy anything particular. It's been a sunny crisp day outside and we took a walk into the city centre. We started off by heading to Starbucks for a coffee and a read of the weekend newspaper. There is something relaxing about doing that. From there we headed to a couple of electrical stores to see what is new on the electronic front. We were pretty impressed with the Sony store. From there we went to McDonalds for a Coke and to watch the crowds as they filed past. From there we looked at some clothing shops where i got myself a satchel bag that i have been looking for for a few months. I have been needing one to keep my books in when transporting them. The bag was also a lot cheaper than i was anticipating.

From there we went to The Flight Centre to see if there were any flight specials going. There were none. After, we headed to KFC for a nice greasy Chicken combo meal. From here it was to the supermarket to pick up some croissants and bacon for breakfast tomorrow morning. After this we took a slow walk home (in the dark) along the river side. It's been a while since we took a full day shopping and just looking at the shops. We dont aim to buy anything extravagant, just what we need.

Curry Night

I went out for my curry tonight. I went with my partner to the Curry house at the university. I even treated myself to some extra naan bread as well. We were served by the young Indian guy who only smiles at me and it's that cheeky smile that screams 'i fancy you'. Although he's never given me a discount so perhaps im reading into things that arent there!

It's been a really mild day here today for the time of year but the leaves are now off the tree and it's looking bleak. We have a city with lots of trees and without there leaves you can see buildings that you could not see behind the leaves. Just another 3-4 months of winter left.

I've got an early start at work tomorrow. 5.30am to be exact so i'd better head off and get some beauty sleep.

PS: If Indian guy mentioned above reads my blog, i'll expect a discount next time ;)

Eurovision-Greece

I just had to post this picture of Sarbel, the Greek singer in this years 2007 Eurovision Song Contest. Ohhh if i could spend half an hour with him..............huh hum let me just control myself!

I've picked up a cold from somewhere so im all blocked up. It's out with the vitamin C and lots of water. I guess it's the time of year for them. That reminds me i must write tissues on my shopping list for the supermarket tomorrow.

I had fish and chips for tea tonight. They are so cheap but so unhealthy. Im just so pleased that i dont have a weight problem or i would have piled on the pounds. I had a fruit salad for dessert so at least i think im having a bit of healthy food. For some reason im fancying an Indian curry, i might think about that for tomorrow nights tea.

Eurovision-Spain

I've been catching up on this years Eurovision Song Contest which was held last weekend in Helsinki, Finland. I failed drastically to choose the winning song (I predicted Sweden) but i really enjoyed the songs. The contest is no longer broadcast on TV here in New Zealand so i have been listening to the songs on the internet via www.bbc.co.uk/eurovision

I have posted a picture of the Spanish singers which obviously represented Spain. The group is called d-nash. These guys are totally hot and im not totally sure which one to choose to make out with first!! I think i'll have to chose the guy second left...he looks nice and creative!

Anyways, they are pretty popular in Spain (Espana)

It's the start of another week here in NZ. The nights are getting darker and the lights are starting to go on at 5.25pm. Just one more month until mid winters day then the lighter nights. I cannot wait!

I cant believe blogger lost my post!

Arghhhhh, blogger has lost my well written post.......Gone!

Anyway im off to shower then to Starbucks. Im the worlds slowest typer and blogger lost my post boohoo :(

Hoping everyone is having a good weekend and as always i hope everyone is behaving themselves.

Diversity

I am getting very encouraged about how accepting our city is becoming of gay people. We are supposed to be the most conservative city in the country but we dont seem to act like it.

For a start we have a Pride Festival.

Second, we have a gay bar, a gay club and a gay sauna.

Third, we have an openly gay MP representing the city

and now we might be getting an openly gay city councillor!

His name is Tony Milne. He's a young guy who spoke at the Pride Festival this week. He seems very progressive and forward thinking. Of course he's not been elected yet but it will be a real bonus for the community as well as the wider community in general. He is representing The Labour Party and did stand at the last General Election in the Rakaia seat. His attempt in that safe National Party seat was unsuccessful. If there are any blog readers from Christchurch then you might want to check him out. The city would benefit from his fresh eyes and clean approach. Because of his young age it will add value to the city council which is already governed by older sorts.

By the way, did you know that in our 121 seat parliament based in Wellington we have from my memory at least 3 openly gay MP's and 1 transgender MP. Pretty diverse for a small country eh?

Vege Soup

I've got a craving for Vege Soup! I dont know what it is but i just need some. I see they are on special at the moment at New World supermarket so i'm on my way to get some. Darn, i hope i havent got pregnant!?!

Love yous all.

Pride

This week is Pride Week in my city.

I picked up a free programme last night and although there are no pride parades planned there are quite a few events around the city. These include Pimps and Prostitutes Party, A Queer Beauty Pageant, Information and Cheese Evening with NZ Police Diversity Liason Officers, Pride Week Dinners, Friday Night Drinks Party at the local Hotel and a Car Trial. Also we must not forget Gay Bingo with Miss Diva!

It's all happening here.

If anyone wants to take a look at the Pride Festival go to www.chchprideweek.org.nz

I might go to an event to support it. The police event looks good.....afterall we all love a man in uniform dont we?

The Queen

So the Queen has been in the United States on an official tour. She also had the chance to have tea and a glass of wine with Mr Bush. He also took the opportunity to give her a crafty wink during their speech with the media. Im sure Laura Bush would not have been amused! Did Americans even recognise that the Queen had visited and indeed were they even interested? The idea of royalty in America would seem like a quaint novelty im sure.

The Queen was last here in New Zealand a couple of years ago, i think 2001 for some reason. She is also our Head of State here in New Zealand just like she is for Canada and Australia. Her face is proudly displayed on all our coins and also the $20 note. She is represented in parliament by The Governor General.

Here, she is all but symbolic. No signs of NZ wishing for a republic yet but will that all change when Charles takes over?

Talking about that i saw the Queen DVD the other day. A very interesting movie and i recommend it.

Osama Obama

I was watching Oprah the other day and who should she be interviewing but the senator Obama. Now am i the only person in the world thinking this and please dont judge me for it but isnt it a bit too close to Osama? I mean no one has actually said it out loud but arent we all thinking it? I can see possible future headlines 'Osama v Obama? Who's in control Osama or Obama? Obama said that Osama said that Obama said.....

So who do we think is going to be the next president of USA?

Just what was Mr Bush thinking of when he was doing his African dance and playing those drums? Are all Texans like that?

Day Off at last

I have at last got a day off from work!
I have celebrated it by going down to Starbucks and sitting down by the window with my Mocha watching the talent go by. It has been a long 20+ days at work in a row and my legs and whole body is so sore. I have tomorrow to get over it and then it is back to work on sunday.

Now, is it me or are power bills going up overseas just like they are in New Zealand. It is only May here and Aprils bill was over $100! I live in a tiny house and i just wonder where the power is being used. I dread to think what the bill will be like at the end of winter, my guess will be $150 so im going on an absolute drive to save power. The fridge and hot water and lighting are the essentials so i cant really cut back on them (A shower is an essential) I think i will be more religious in switching off unwanted lights. Turn down the heating a notch and wear a jersey in the house and read a book instead of watching the TV.

I just wonder how long my power saving drive will last?

Thanks for all your suggestions about Wisconsin. It seems like a mixed bag of responses. I will keep you all informed about my decisions.