Cool As

Shrek the Sheep

2010-06-25T14:54:00.000-07:00

I just learned about Shrek the Sheep, the most famous sheep ever!!

"Shrek is a Merino wether (castrated male sheep) in New Zealand, who gained international fame in 2004 after he avoided being caught and shorn for six years. Merinos are normally shorn annually, but Shrek apparently hid in caves, avoiding muster." (Wikipedia)

He had enough wool was enough to make 20 suits!

Eric's Visit Part 7 - Auckland

2010-06-08T01:35:00.000-07:00

Acting like dinosaurs after dinner at Orbit restaurant in the Sky Tower

One Tree Hill

The Tip Top Ice Cream Factory!!

Eric's Visit Part 6 - Hiking

2010-06-08T01:25:00.000-07:00

Hiking the Zion Trail in the Waitakere Ranges.

Newton walked the whole way- almost 14km! What a trooper!

Newton and Monkey

2010-05-26T01:56:00.000-07:00

Monkey is Newton's very best friend!! Newton goes to Monkey's house a couple of days a week to run through the mud and play and cuddle.

Last weekend Newton and Monkey had dinner together and they got matching leather Snoopy jackets!!

Mr. Monkey

Mr. Newton

What cool dudes!

Eric's Visit Pt. 5 - Taupo and Hobbiton

2010-05-14T12:55:00.000-07:00

Huka Falls

The Huka Prawn Park

A Molting Prawn

Jon caught a prawn!!

Hobbiton

Eric's Visit Pt. 4 - Zorb, Rotorua

2010-05-12T03:00:00.000-07:00

Jon Zorbin' it up Azn style

Eric and Liz in the Zorb

"That was awesome!"

Jon was the first to try Zorbing... So brave!!

A view from inside the Zorb

Eric's Visit Pt. 3 - Gondola and Luge, Rotorua

2010-05-11T03:26:00.000-07:00

Riding the chairlift

Safety is cool!!

Go, Speed Racer, go!

Eric's Visit Pt. 2 - Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Park and Sheep Show, Rotorua

2010-05-07T16:39:00.000-07:00

Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Park

Sheep Show

Eric's Visit Pt. 1 - Byrning Spears Surf Shop (Raglan) and Rotorua Bach

2010-05-07T15:59:00.000-07:00

Eric came to New Zealand for an EPIC trip!!

It was great opportunity to get out and see more of New Zealand.

The morning that Eric arrived, Jon, Eric and I headed straight to Rotorua. On our drive down to Rotorua, we drove through Raglan to pick up Eric's new surfboard.

We rented an awesome bach with a big backyard for the Newtster. There was even a giant checkers board in the backyard!!

A Visit from Jon's Family

2010-05-07T14:45:00.000-07:00

Jon's mom and brother came to New Zealand for a visit last month.

We had an amazing time filled with yummy food and adventure!

A view of Auckland from the North Shore

Dinner (and dessert!) at the Sky Tower

Stonyridge Vineyard on Waiheke Island

Mudbrick Vineyard and Restaurant on Waiheke

Hiking in the Waitakere Ranges in the rain

Newton, 51 Weeks Old

2010-04-25T02:55:00.001-07:00

Newton, 51 Weeks Old

2010-04-22T03:29:00.001-07:00

Playing at Grey Lynn Park

Newton, 47 Weeks Old

2010-03-27T20:08:00.000-07:00

Today was Pugs in the Park, a meeting of pugs from New Zealand!

Although today was the 5th meet, it was Newton's first.

There were about 36 pugs in attendance

Newton had a lot of fun playing with everyone!!

The awesome event organizers

There was even a best-dressed pug competition, so Newton wore his new shark suit

Ballerina

Easter Bunny

Newton won first prize!! He won a certificate, a squeaky lion and some treats

Day 205

2010-03-20T13:47:00.000-07:00

MOTAT Military Weekend

Horses

Camps

Reenactors

Medical uniforms

Military vehicles

Royal New Zealand Air Force band

Playing on a trash can

Swing dancers

Vietnam War reenactment

We got to ride in an APC!! It was bumpy!!

Newton, 42 Weeks Old

2010-03-17T22:27:00.001-07:00

Today Newton received a very special shipment from the USA...

SHARK SUIT!!

Newton is one cool dude!!

Fins up! ~~^~~

Day 200

2010-03-16T23:17:00.000-07:00

Last week, the FPH sales team visited New Zealand!! It was very exciting because I got to see some of my friends from the US office.

April, me, Cathy

Pete, me (hi Pete!)

me, Masoud, Jon

Famous Kiwis

2010-03-10T21:00:00.000-08:00

Name: Ernest Rutherford AKA my favorite famous Kiwi
Date of birth: 30 August 1871
Place of birth: Brightwater, New Zealand

Claim to fame: Once upon a time, a guy named J.J. Thompson proposed that the atom looked like "plum pudding"- basically a big orb of positive charge filled with little negative "plums". Then, a guy named Ernest Rutherford came along and shot a bunch of alpha particles at some really thin gold foil. When he realized that a very small quantity of the particles got bounced back, rather than passing through the foil, the world was introduced to the nucleus. Pretty cool, huh?

Newton, 40 Weeks Old

2010-03-07T20:40:00.000-08:00

Kiwi Signs

2010-03-06T14:32:00.001-08:00

Day 289

2010-03-06T13:52:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was the Auckland Lantern Festival. The Lantern Festival was a Chinese New Year celebration in Albert Park and there were TONS of people there. There were lanterns (obviously), food stalls and live performances. They also had a karaoke stage... I didn't get a chance to see it, but I saw a video of it and it was pretty... Epic. (Imagine the Chinese version of 'Let It Be'...)

Here are some photos from the festival:

Kids carrying red lanterns (they had real candles in them- fire hazard anyone?)

A Chinese dancer

A veggie tree

A cat stalking a dog

Orange cat (looks like Prince)

Pandas on a see-saw

Moon and stars

Chinese dragon

Ducks on a pond

A dog herding some sheep

Masks

A girl holding a lotus flower

A pig farm

Dragon dance

Red lanterns in front of the Sky Tower

New Word: Spider

2010-03-03T22:08:00.000-08:00

Kiwi English: A float (e.g. root beer float, etc.)

American English: An 8-legged arthropod

Day 274

2010-02-20T12:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Top Gear Live with Jeremy Clarkson and James May (AKA Captain Slow). Sadly, the Hamster wasn't there because he was off filming a commercial or something. :(

Here are some highlights...

The parking lot:

Lambo in the disabled parking area

Pre-show activities:

A Maserati from the Top Gear Live convoy

Mini

Orange camouflage

Subaru rally car

Drifting

A 1906 something or other from the Top Gear Live convoy - apparently the oldest confirmed GP race car in the world - lives somewhere in the boondocks of NZ

Going around the track - fast!! Can't believe that thing even runs!!

A parking demonstration

The show:

The stage

The intro

Car soccer (or should I say football?)

Jeremy Clarkson

James May

The Stig

The Stig on the Loop of Death

Backstage tour:

Rice

Armored 911 'Gladiator' car (killed by The Stig)

Day 274

2010-02-20T12:22:00.000-08:00

Baylys Beach Take III

Parked on the beach

Some kind of sea plant thing

Newton the Navigator

Eating at the Funky Fish

Newton scaring people

Kiwi Ingenuity

2010-02-20T12:18:00.000-08:00

New Zealand has recently adopted the 'hands-free' law. This means that Kiwis are no longer allowed to talk on their cell phones in the car unless they have a hands-free device.

While walking along Ponsonby Road, I noticed a sign for a genius new hands-free cellphone. See below.

Day 273

2010-02-19T12:53:00.000-08:00

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Japan representatives came to visit our office last week.

Group photo:

Top row (left to right): Elveira, Lynn, Janet, Koba-san (FPH Japan), Yomogida-san (FPH Japan), Sue, Jonti, me
Bottom row (left to right): Nikkie, Arlene

Newton, 38 Weeks Old (Cont.)

2010-02-19T10:49:00.000-08:00

Newton likes to sit in my shoulder/head while riding in the car. I'm not sure why, but it's pretty awesome.

Flashing gang signs. (Don't worry- his hoodlum stage has passed.)

Looking cute, as always.

Sipping on a straw...

...But eyeing a beer.

Success!

Day 273

2010-02-19T10:40:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more photos from our awesome trip to Baylys Beach:

Kai Iwi Lake(s) - Newton wasn't allowed here, so it was a quick trip, but we got to take a look at the lakes!! It was really crazy because the water in the lake looked very tropical, but the landscape around it was very forest-y.

The Funky Fish Cafe & Bar - One of two restaurants in Baylys Beach... It had some of the best food I've had in NZ!!

A map of Baylys Beach painted on the wall of the Funky Fish- pretty cool!

Newton, 38 Weeks Old

2010-02-17T20:58:00.000-08:00

Last weekend Jon took Newton and me to Baylys Beach in Northland.

Baylys Beach was AWESOME and Newton LOVED it!

Digging made Newton's face very dirty, but it was worth it!

He also wrote his name in the sand- very talented boy!

Newton, 37 Weeks Old

2010-02-15T09:58:00.001-08:00

Two weeks ago Newton had a fun play date with his new friends Ruby and Jess (Jazz?)

Andy, a co-worker from FPH, and his two doggies

Ruby, the pug

Posing

Ruby and Jess

Kiwi Signs

2010-02-05T14:40:00.000-08:00

Day 258

2010-02-05T13:42:00.000-08:00

Time to take a little ride in the time machine to the Goldstein Family vacation back in December/January!! (Back it up, back it up!!)

Here are some tasty tidbits and favorite moments...

Dad, Mom and Newton the Grand-dog

A pretty tree

The luge (not safe- yo!)

The buried village in Rotorua

Stinky thermal pools

The Sheep Show

Hobbiton

Newton attacking the waves at Piha Beach

Walking along Piha Beach

Piha Beach group photo

On top of (n)One Tree Hill

...It was windy up there!

High tea at Cornwallis Park

Dinner at Paul's place- so tasty!!

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare's super cool employees

Hiking at the Waitakere Ranges

Day 250

2010-01-29T13:22:00.000-08:00

This is Auckland Anniversary Weekend- three-day weekend!! Woohoo!!

There are a whole bunch of exciting activities going on around the city this weekend, including the Auckland Anniversary Regatta.

Newton is stealing my watermelon, so I have to go.

Day 244

2010-01-24T22:52:00.000-08:00

Power outages in Auckland today.

Check it out

Newton, (nearly) 8 Months Old

2010-01-23T14:56:00.000-08:00

Click to see Newton licking a cardboard box

Newton, 29 Weeks Old

2009-12-19T01:05:00.001-08:00

Newton was so happy to get his cone off last week!! He had a big celebration in the park.

Today Newton had a play date with his new friend, Richie. He and Richie got dressed up and went on a big adventure!!

Day 205

2009-12-17T20:36:00.000-08:00

Ho ho ho!!

Santa came to visit us at work the other day. He rode around on a warehouse cart and delivered presents to all of the Fisher & Paykel Healthcare girls and boys.

This year we got a sunshade for the beach or lawn or whatever. It is pretty cool!!

Day 197

2009-12-10T22:50:00.000-08:00

New Zealander of the Year

The New Zealand Herald holds a 'New Zealander of the Year' contest each year.

Kiwis are nominated for a variety of categories.

This year's New Zealander of the Year - Business is none other than Fisher & Paykel Healthcare's own Mike Daniell (CEO)!

Kiwi Ingenuity

2009-12-07T23:44:00.000-08:00

Movember

2009-12-07T23:39:00.000-08:00

Jon's Movember Mo

The Fisher & Paykel Healthcare OSA Product Group Movember page:
http://nz.movember.com/mospace/members/search/q/Mo.S.A

Newton, 27 Weeks Old

2009-12-07T23:29:00.000-08:00

Last Friday Newton had to go to the vet to get neutered.

He was very scared, but he was very brave and he did a great job!

Now he has to wear a cone on his head. It is very difficult for him because he runs into things a lot and gets stuck. His first day with the cone, Newton tried to climb the stairs and his cone got stuck and he couldn't move. Also, since he doesn't have a snout, he has a lot of trouble eating and sometimes his food gets stuck on/in his cone. And sometimes he cries because he can't reach his food, so someone has to hold his plate still. It is all very sad, but he is doing an excellent job and the vet is very happy with the way that his stitches are healing.

Only about a week left before Newton can take his cone off and go play in the park. Yay!!

Day 193

2009-12-07T23:23:00.000-08:00

Grey Lynn park is Newton's favorite place to run around, so he was very surprised to see all of the vendors, food booths and people, but I'm pretty sure he had a good time!!

Yummy fry bread with tomatoes and feta

People watching a musical performance

Pineapple chunks and vanilla ice cream- yum yum!

Day 193

2009-12-07T23:02:00.000-08:00

It's a little bit late, but I thought I would share photos from my first Thanksgiving in New Zealand.

My contribution to the meal was dessert... I made a cranberry cake, an apple crumble coffee cake and a chocolate pecan pie. Woo!

Food

Jonti's first Thanksgiving

Paul managed to find turkey at the 'Aussie Butcher', so we made a full on Thanksgiving feast!

Gobble gobble!

Nomming on a turkey leg

Movember 30

2009-11-28T12:35:00.000-08:00

To celebrate a successful Movember...

Some fun facial hair websites!!

Movember 29

2009-11-28T12:19:00.000-08:00

The Rap Industry Standard

Characteristics:

Mustache + goatee + chin strap
Thin

Theme song:
Damn It Feels Good to Be a Gangsta - Geto Boys

"Damn it feels good to be a gangsta"

Accessories to consider:

A beanie or cap
A white shirt
Baggy jeans

Example:

Xzibit

Snoop Dogg

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 2
Originality (out of 50): 7
Difficulty (out of 40): 8
Overall style points (out of 100): 17

Cool factor bonus: +2

Movember 28

2009-11-28T01:47:00.000-08:00

The Partial Goatee

Characteristics:

Mustache + soul patch + chin patch
Artsy

Theme song:
None

Accessories to consider:

Retro sunglasses
A boho outfit

Example:

Orlando Bloom

Johnny Depp

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 2
Originality (out of 50): 7
Difficulty (out of 40): 7
Overall style points (out of 100): 16

Cool factor bonus: +3

Movember 27

2009-11-26T22:50:00.000-08:00

The Slo Mo

Characteristics:

Minimalistic
Gross

Theme song:
Slow Motion - Third Eye Blind

"Slow motion see me let go
We'll remember these days
Slow motion see me let go
Urban life decay
Slow motion see me let go
And at home my sister's eating paint chips again
Maybe that's why she's insane "

Accessories to consider:

A razor

Example:

Orlando Bloom

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 1
Originality (out of 50): 2
Difficulty (out of 40): 1
Overall style points (out of 100): 4

Cool factor bonus: +1

Movember 26

2009-11-25T20:31:00.000-08:00

The Milk Mustache

Characteristics:

Commercial
Not recommended for the lactose intolerant

Theme song:
Got Milk? - Aka

"GOT MILK?
Power to help me play!
GOT MILK?
Oh that would make my day!"

Accessories to consider:

A napkin
Strong bones
Chocolate

Example:

Michelle Kwan

Superman

Garfield

Wolverine

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 4
Originality (out of 50): 12
Difficulty (out of 40): 4
Overall style points (out of 100): 20

Cool factor bonus: +9

Movember 25

2009-11-24T22:27:00.000-08:00

The Groucho Glasses

Characteristics:

Mustache + nose + glasses
Awesome

Theme song:
None

Accessories to consider:

Big eyebrows
A suit
A cigar

Example:

Groucho Marx

George Burns, Art Carney, Lee Strasberg

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 1
Originality (out of 50): 11
Difficulty (out of 40): 1
Overall style points (out of 100): 13

Cool factor bonus: +7

Movember 24

2009-11-23T22:54:00.000-08:00

The Forehead 'Stache

Characteristics:

Caterpillar-y

Theme song:
None

Accessories to consider:

A pocket protector
High socks
Suspenders

Example:

Bert

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 1
Originality (out of 50): 7
Difficulty (out of 40): 10
Overall style points (out of 100): 18

Cool factor bonus: +3

Movember 23

2009-11-22T22:41:00.000-08:00

The Pancho Villa

Characteristics:

Full
Droopy

Theme song:
Pancho Villa - Sun Kil Moon

"Pancho Villa would never rest
'Til 1925 he closed his eyes
'Til Mania stars would rise"

Accessories to consider:

A sombrero
A military uniform
A horse

Example:

Pancho Villa

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 2
Originality (out of 50): 7
Difficulty (out of 40): 7
Overall style points (out of 100): 16

Cool factor bonus: +3

Movember 22

2009-11-21T13:43:00.000-08:00

The Villain

Characteristics:

Dark
Stringy
Creepy

Theme song:
None

Accessories to consider:

A heavy coat
Boots
Crazy eyes

Example:

Lord Licorice

Snidely Whiplash

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 3
Originality (out of 50): 4
Difficulty (out of 40): 6
Overall style points (out of 100): 13

Cool factor bonus: +4

Day 186

2009-11-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

We had an incredibly eventful work week this week!!

Monday - Thursday was the big test that we've been preparing for.

Thursday was the final day of said test.

Friday was an incredibly lazy day. I very little all day and then went out with some of my group members to buy ice cream and ice cream cones for everybody. It was fun!! And then I came home early.

Saturday, today, was the FPH Kids Fun Day! Jon and I volunteered to help out. Jon worked the barbecue and made sausage sizzles for everybody. I worked at the gift station handing out presents to all of the kids. My boss Jonti helped out with parking and security.

There were rides and bouncy jumps and a climbing wall. There was a petting zoo with goats, puppies, a mini pony, a black sheep and a piggy. I really, really liked the pig and wanted to take it home with me!!

Now I'm exhausted... Goodnight!

Movember 21

2009-11-21T00:40:00.000-08:00

The Claus

Characteristics:

Mustache + beard
White
Fluffy

Theme song:
Santa's Beard - The Beach Boys

"I picked him up and put him on Santa's lap
And then he pulled the pillow out of his shirt
He yanked the beard right on off of his chin"

Accessories to consider:

A red suit
A big tummy
Reindeer

Example:

Jeff Gillen

Tim Allen

Santa Claus

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 1
Originality (out of 50): 2
Difficulty (out of 40): 7
Overall style points (out of 100): 10

Cool factor bonus: +4

Movember 20

2009-11-19T22:36:00.000-08:00

The Classic

Characteristics:

Standard
Good for all occasions

Theme song:
Army - Ben Folds Five

"Grew a mustache and a mullet
Got a job at Chick-Fil-A
Citing artistic differences
The band broke up in May"

Accessories to consider:

Example:

Tom Selleck

(The original) Alex Trebek

Burt Reynolds

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 8
Originality (out of 50): 1
Difficulty (out of 40): 2
Overall style points (out of 100): 11

Cool factor bonus: +2

Movember 19

2009-11-19T00:10:00.000-08:00

The Balbo

Characteristics:

Mustache + goatee

Theme song:
None

Accessories to consider:

An important looking hat

Example:

Italo Balbo

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 4
Originality (out of 50): 7
Difficulty (out of 40): 8
Overall style points (out of 100): 19

Cool factor bonus: +1

Movember 18

2009-11-17T22:45:00.000-08:00

The Wizard

Characteristics:

Mustache + beard
Super long
White or gray

Theme song:
The Wizard - Black Sabbath

"Misty morning, clouds in the sky
Without warning, the wizard walks by
Casting his shadow, weaving his spell
Funny clothes, tinkling bell"

Accessories to consider:

A magic wand
A pointy hat
A long robe

Example:

Professor Albus Dumbledore

Gandalf

Wizard Whitebeard

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 2
Originality (out of 50): 6
Difficulty (out of 40): 8
Overall style points (out of 100): 16

Cool factor bonus: +5

Movember 17

2009-11-16T23:07:00.000-08:00

The Lady 'Stache

Characteristics:

Sparse
Artsy

Theme song:
The Girlie Had a Mustache - Will Smith

"But when she turned around, her mustache was bigger than mine
At first I laughed, cause yo, to me that was funny
But the laughter ceased when she said 'hey honey'
At first I was confused, I was somewhat spellbound
My mouth wide open and my chin on the ground
And then it hit me, like a bolt from the sky
I thought: hold up - wait - this girl is a guy"

Accessories to consider:

A purse
A dress
A unibrow

Example:

Salma Hayek

Frida Kahlo

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 0
Originality (out of 50): 6
Difficulty (out of 40): 8
Overall style points (out of 100): 14

Cool factor bonus: +1

Movember 16

2009-11-15T22:08:00.000-08:00

The Handlebar

Characteristics:

Waxy
Long
Handlebar-like

Theme song:
Handlebars - The Flobots

"I can ride my bike with no handlebars
No handlebars
No handlebars"

Accessories to consider:

A helmet
Wheels

Example:

Emiliano Zapata

Rollie Fingers

Yosemite Sam

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 4
Originality (out of 50): 7
Difficulty (out of 40): 8
Overall style points (out of 100): 19

Cool factor bonus: +2

Movember 15

2009-11-14T10:49:00.000-08:00

The Chevron

Characteristics:

Wider than the lips
Chevron-shaped

Theme song:
None

Accessories to consider:
None

Example:

Einstein

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 7
Originality (out of 50): 4
Difficulty (out of 40): 7
Overall style points (out of 100): 18

Cool factor bonus: +3

Movember 14

2009-11-13T09:58:00.000-08:00

The Horseshoe

Characteristics:

Full upside down U-shape
Similar to the Fu Manchu, except the sides are actually grown in

Theme song:
Horseshoe Man - Neil Diamond

"In the land of the broken hearted
People looking for the horseshoe man
They've been picking up little pieces
They've been putting them all in his hand"

Accessories to consider:
None

Example:

Hulk Hogan*
*I thought he had a Fu Manchu, but I was mistaken, so here he is again

Michael Phelps

The Edge

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 4
Originality (out of 50): 6
Difficulty (out of 40): 8
Overall style points (out of 100): 18

Cool factor bonus: +2

Movember 13

2009-11-12T21:54:00.000-08:00

The Jack Sparrow

Characteristics:

Mustache + soul patch + goatee combo
Pirate-y

Theme song:
Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life For Me) - Disney

"We're rascals, scoundrels, villains and knaves
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho!
We're devils and black sheep and really bad eggs
Drink up me 'earties, yo ho!
Yo ho, yo ho- a pirate's life for me"

Accessories to consider:

A pirate-y hat
Tatts
Swagger

Example:

Captain Jack Sparrow

Johnny Depp

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 2
Originality (out of 50): 10
Difficulty (out of 40): 14
Overall style points (out of 100): 26

Cool factor bonus: +8

Movember 12

2009-11-11T22:52:00.000-08:00

The Friendly Mutton Chops

Characteristics:

Mutton chops + mustache
Scruffy

Theme song:
Sharky 17 - Inspecter 7

"Short crop, mutton chop cut so clean
Pasta makin' paysan, Olive Garden green
Stompin' feet, we call him 'meat' and you know what I mean
What's his name? Sharky 17! Oi!"

Accessories to consider:

A tight and/or stiff collar
A bald head
Beady eyes

Example:

Ambrose Burnside

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 0
Originality (out of 50): 12
Difficulty (out of 40): 15
Overall style points (out of 100): 27

Cool factor bonus: +3

Day 175

2009-11-10T23:14:00.000-08:00

Okay- I have to admit... This has NOTHING to do with New Zealand, but it is too important not to mention!

Today is November 11th... 11-11... Pepero Day!!

Pepero Day is the day that you give your friends Pepero (the little snack sticks that look like 11-11, if you didn't pick up on that), so go out and get some Pepero for your friends before it's too late!!

Movember 11

2009-11-10T22:50:00.000-08:00

The Copstache

Characteristics:

Spans the width of the lip
Medium-short length

Theme song:
911 is a Joke - Public Enemy

"So get up get, get, get down
911 is a joke in yo' town
Get up, get, get, get down
Late 911 wears the late crown"

Accessories to consider:

Aviators
Fingerless gloves
Short shorts

Example:

Lt. Jim Dangle

Deputy Garcia

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 4
Originality (out of 50): 4
Difficulty (out of 40): 12
Overall style points (out of 100): 20

Cool factor bonus (out of 10) +8

Movember 10

2009-11-09T23:19:00.000-08:00

The Wario

Characteristics:

Long
Black
Zig-zaggy

Theme song:
None

Accessories to consider:

Crazy eyebrows
An angry grin
Purple pants

Example:

Wario

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 2
Originality (out of 50): 18
Difficulty (out of 40): 28
Overall style points (out of 100): 48

Cool factor bonus (out of 10): +5

Movember 9

2009-11-09T02:14:00.000-08:00

The Super Mario

Characteristics:

Thick
Scalloped

Theme song:
Spur of the Moment - Ludacris ft. DJ Quik

"We get the news like MTV, every ten to the hour
We play Mario Brothers, we eat the shroom and get power
Now eat your sour powers and use your dental floss
What does bein' mental cost? If you ain't knowin' you already lost"

Accessories to consider:

A paperboy cap
White gloves
Overalls

Example:

Mario

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 3
Originality (out of 50): 15
Difficulty (out of 40): 20
Overall style points (out of 100): 38

Cool factor bonus (out of 10): +7

Movember 8

2009-11-07T11:35:00.000-08:00

The Soup Strainer
Note: More of a nickname for long mustaches that hang over the lip than a unique mustache type

Characteristics:

Long enough to catch food

Theme song:
My Hand on My Head - Traditional

"My hand on my mustache
What have I here?
This is my soup strainer
O Mama dear"

Accessories to consider:

A bowl of soup
A napkin

Example:

Geraldo Rivera

Tom Cruise

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 0
Originality (out of 50): 2
Difficulty (out of 40): 2
Overall style points (out of 100): 4

Cool factor bonus: +1

Movember 7

2009-11-06T13:13:00.000-08:00

The English

Characteristics:

Full
Curved
Proper

Theme song:
Englishman in New York - Sting

"I don't drink coffee, I take my tea dear
I like my toast done on one side
And you can hear it in my accent when I talk
I'm an Englishman in New York"

Accessories to consider:

A coat with tails
A cane
Shiny shoes

Example:

Englishmen

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 4
Originality (out of 50): 5
Difficulty (out of 40): 7
Overall style points (out of 100): 16

Cool factor bonus (out of 10): +2

Movember 6

2009-11-05T22:38:00.000-08:00

The GG

Characteristics:

Bushy
Bald in the middle

Theme song:
None

Accessories to consider:

Sleeveless t-shirt
Torn jeans
Anger

Example:

GG Allin

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 4
Originality (out of 50): 6
Difficulty (out of 40): 6
Overall style points (out of 100): 16

Cool factor bonus (out of 10): +1

Movember 5

2009-11-05T01:31:00.000-08:00

The Pencil-Thin

Characteristics:

Pencil-thin

Theme song:

Pencil-Thin Mustache - Jimmy Buffett

"I wish I had a pencil-thin mustache
The 'Boston Blackie' kind
A two-toned Ricky Ricardo jacket
And an autographed picture of Andy Devine"

Accessories to consider:

A two-toned Ricky Ricardo jacket
An autographed picture of Andy Devine

Examples:

'Boston Blackie'

John Waters

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 4
Originality (out of 50): 8
Difficulty (out of 40): 8
Overall style points (out of 100): 20

Cool factor bonus (out of 10): +4

Day 169

2009-11-05T01:17:00.000-08:00

Today was Guy Fawkes, a British holiday that is enjoyed by pyromaniac Kiwis.

My understanding is that Guy Fawkes was part of a group that attempted to blow up parliament way back in the day. Apparently he got caught and was tortured, but he wouldn't reveal his co-conspirators. He was eventually convicted of treason and executed.

On Guy Fawkes day people shoot off a lot of fireworks. There have been fireworks going off all week, really. There is even a house down the street that is selling fireworks out of their garage. Initially I thought that people were shooting off the fireworks to celebrate Guy Fawkes & Co. standing up to the government, kind of like the Fourth of July... The only thing is, the Fourth of July is to celebrate independence from Britain... I don't think Guy Fawkes day is to celebrate Britain's independence from itself... I have since been advised, by a British person, that people are actually celebrating the capture and execution of Guy Fawkes. Apparently people in England put dummies in wheelbarrows on Guy Fawkes day, wheel them around and collect money... And then burn the dummies in a giant bon fire... Nice.

I have also heard that the movie V for Vendetta is about Guy Fawkes, but I never saw the movie so I don't really know.

Remember, remember
The fifth of November
Gunpowder, treason and plot
I see no reason
Why gunpowder, treason
Should ever be forgot

Guy Fawkes, Guy Fawkes
He's intent
To blow up the Houses of Parliament
Three score barrels of powder below
Poor old England to overthrow

By God's providence he was catched
With a black lantern and a burning match
Holler, holler boys
Ring the bells, ring!
Holler, holler boys
God save the King

-Traditional

Movember 4

2009-11-03T23:29:00.000-08:00

The Fu Manchu

Characteristics:

Stringy
Long
Narrow

Theme song:
It's a Great Day to Be Alive - Travis Tritt

"Well I might go get me a new tattoo
Or take my old Harley for a three day cruise
Might even grow me a Fu Manchu"

Accessories to consider:

Queue hairstyle
Chinese cap
Chopsticks

Example:

Fu Manchu

Jimi Hendrix

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 2
Originality (out of 50): 18
Difficulty (out of 40): 10
Overall style points (out of 100): 30

Cool factor bonus (out of 10): +4

Movember 3

2009-11-02T23:15:00.000-08:00

The Toothbrush

Characteristics:

Square
Narrow

Theme song:

Power Mustache - Vandals

"Never trust a man with a butt broom on his face
It's the facial marking of the man who holds you down
The source of all your problems, every city, every town
Stalin, Hitler, Schneider, just to name a few
Got to kill the mustache before it grows on you"

Accessories to consider:

Cane
Bowtie
Bowler hat

Example:

Oliver Hardy

Charlie Chaplin

Hitler

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 1
Originality (out of 50): 10
Difficulty (out of 40): 3
Overall style points (out of 100): 14

Cool factor bonus (out of 10): +1

Movember 2

2009-11-01T22:32:00.000-08:00

The Dali

Characteristics:

Waxy
Pointy
Curved

Theme song:

Da Da Dali - Todd Rundgren

"Dada Dali goodbye
Dada Dali don't sigh"

Accessories to consider:

Crazy eyes
A bowtie
A paintbrush

Example:

Salvador Dali

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 3
Originality (out of 50): 42
Difficulty (out of 40): 33
Overall style points (out of 100): 78

Cool factor bonus (out of 10): +10

Movember 1

2009-10-31T23:20:00.000-07:00

The Walrus

Characteristics:

Bushy
Droopy
Walrus-like

Theme song:

I Am the Walrus - The Beatles

"I am the eggman
They are the eggman
I am the walrus"

Accessories to consider:

A pipe
Round-framed glasses
Flippers

Examples:

Walruses

Mark Twain

Teddy Roosevelt

Rating:

Practicality (out of 10): 2
Originality (out of 50): 25
Difficulty (out of 40): 30
Overall style points (out of 100): 57

Cool factor bonus (out of 10): +3

Day 165

2009-10-31T23:10:00.000-07:00

Dinner club conveniently fell on Halloween this month...

Jon made "Blood and Guts Baked Ziti"- it was a huge hit!

We also had "Spooky Salad", "Graveyard Cupcakes" and special punch with a frozen ice hand!!

Creepy!!

Tombstone cupcakes

Dirt and worms cupcakes

Mysterious punch

Day 163

2009-10-30T21:28:00.000-07:00

Happy Halloween from New Zealand!

One of my biggest disappointments... Halloween isn't popular in New Zealand!

Newton is an extra spirited Kiwi, though, so he got dressed up.

Introducing: Newton as Michael Jackson, the Prince of Pup (or the Prince of Pug, if you prefer)

You can't really tell, but Newton wore a custom red and gold silk jacket with a super cool Mandarin-style collar. He also had one silver glove.

Watch Newton's tribute to MJ here

Movember

2009-10-27T23:24:00.000-07:00

Movember is fast approaching!!

November is men's health awareness month and some Aussies (I know, I know) came up with an AWESOME idea to raise awareness (and money)... Spend the month of November growing a mustache! (With so many awesome mustache possibilities, there really is no reason not to participate!)

Check it out here

Kiwi Ingenuity

2009-10-25T22:45:00.000-07:00

Day 157

2009-10-25T16:49:00.000-07:00

Labour weekend!

Today is the first free Monday since starting work in New Zealand in nearly 5 months.

On Saturday Jon, Newton and I drove about 300 kilometers north to Jonti's farm.

Farms in New Zealand aren't exactly what I would call farms. Jonti's family's property is more like... Just a large property, maybe a ranch? Jonti's grandfather bought the land in the 1960s and everyone told him that it was worthless, but it has got to be worth a fortune today! There are cows and sheep grazing on the hills and the family also plants and harvests trees for lumber. They have recently planted a tiny vineyard and some olive trees as well. Anyway, the farm was nothing like what I expected!

Driving up to the top of the farm

A view of the farm from the beach-
You can't really tell, but there are sheep on the hill

Every Labour weekend, Jonti's family and family friends go out to the beach and do some work. They build really cute one room cabins that people can stay in.

We got to help out with some of the farm work!

Collecting rocks for a wall

Planting trees

Newton absolutely LOVED the farm! It was the first time that he got to run around without his leash, it was his first time seeing a beach and his first time going in the water! There were dogs to play with and people to play with and beer to drink! (Newton also stole some gin and tonic from Jonti's uncle.)

Newton loved digging in the sand!

He wasn't so sure about the water, but he went in up to his knees.

Oh no- a sea monster!!

All in all we had a great time at the farm. Jon and I both got a whole bunch of mosquito bites, but it was well worth it! Hopefully we'll get to go back in the summer and see how our trees are doing.

Day 154

2009-10-23T02:42:00.001-07:00

It is the Friday night of...

...My first 3-day weekend in New Zealand! (Monday is Labour Day)

The last time there was a long weekend was for the Queen's birthday... And it was the week before work, so it wasn't applicable. I am sooo ready for this!!

Monday also seems to be the start of the holiday season, so get ready!

Day 152

2009-10-21T10:18:00.001-07:00

Yesterday I did something that I've NEVER done at work before...

...I bought salmon!!

Unfortunately, I left it in the work fridge. I bet it smells. :(

Day 147

2009-10-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Wag 'n Walk, a event for the Auckland SPCA.

It had been raining pretty hard all week, but it ended up being a really nice, even hot, day for the big event. The main event was a 3K dog walk, but there were also a whole bunch of food, information booths and events. The dogs had to wear special Wag 'n Walk bandanas, but Newton's bandana didn't fit him very well. It was a one-size fits all, so it was HUGE on him... But his neck is kind of large, so if the bandana was folded to a smaller size, it wouldn't wrap around his neck.

Events included:

A dog/child obstacle course race
A dancing dog show/competition
Final round of New Zealand's Top Dog
A dog/owner look-alike contest
A dog/owner fastest eater relay contest
A best trick contest
An oldest/youngest dog contest
A smallest/largest dog contest

A dog named Caesar won New Zealand's (Auckland's?) Top Dog contest. I'm not sure what he was, but he was at least part Mastiff. He was GIGANTIC!! 106kg, down from 116kg during the winter... But he looked even bigger than that! He was literally the size of a small bear. His owner won a year's supply of dog food!! (He said it costs him ~$300 a month to feed Caesar!)

Newton's first time meeting other pugs!!

George and Newton

Frankie, the black pug, and Newton

Fluffy white dogs

Taking a break to cool down

One of the Top Dog competitors

Newton is very brave!!

All dressed up

Dancers

Newton got his head stuck in his lunch bowl

Harry the Shar Pei

Everyone was exhausted after a long day

Newton, 19 weeks old

2009-10-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

Last week Newton learned how to drive!!

Newton is very focused...

...Most of the time!!

He's already mastered the one arm "I'm too cool" pose!

New Word: Batch

2009-10-02T11:43:00.000-07:00

Kiwi English: A weekend/vacation home

American English: A quantity of items, such as baked goods, that arrive at one time

Newton, 18 weeks old

2009-10-02T11:36:00.000-07:00

Newton's first encounter with sand was a success!!

Newton tried on funny hats at the puppy gift shop.

Kiwi Food

2009-09-25T01:14:00.000-07:00

Today I learned the difference between a 'Sausage Sizzle', a 'hot dog' and an 'American hot dog'.

1. Sausage Sizzle:

A 'Sausage Sizzle' is a sausage (usually what Americans would call a hot dog, but sometimes, if you have a fancy Sausage Sizzle, a sausage) on a piece of bread with onions and tomato sauce. It is very common to have Sausage Sizzle fundraisers, so 'Sausage Sizzle' may also refer to an event.

2. Hot dog:

A 'hot dog' in New Zealand is what one would call a 'corn dog' in the states.

3. American hot dog

An 'American hot dog' is what we Americans would call a hot dog- mystery meat sausage on a bun.

Newton, 17 weeks old

2009-09-25T01:01:00.000-07:00

Poor little Newton tried to attack a reusable grocery bag.

I tried to tell him not to, but he wouldn't listen...

...I think he learned his lesson.

Day 123

2009-09-24T02:15:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the final round of the bake off at work. It was epic.

Entry #1:

Chocolate mousse with a crispy wafer and raspberry sorbet. Served with raspberry and balsamic reductions and crushed pistachios. Fancy looking and pretty tasty.

Entry #2:

Lemon meringue pie with homemade lemon ice cream. Refreshing!!

And the winner...

"Tiramisu-Zen". A little bit booze-y for my taste, but very impressive looking.

It was topped with roses, a Buddha, a candle, chocolate dipped strawberries and a white chocolate river.

Newton, 16 1/2 weeks old

2009-09-24T02:08:00.000-07:00

Welcome the newest member of the New Zealand All Barks!! (Not to be confused with the All Blacks.)

Day 121

2009-09-22T23:00:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was very exciting because...

...After more than 100 days in New Zealand, Jon, Newton and I left Auckland for the very first time!

We went on an adventure to Paeroa, the Antique Capitol of the NZ (I don't know if this is true, but it said so on a cardboard sign, so it must be) and the home of Lemon & Paeroa.

Paeroa claims that L&P is the national drink or soft drink or beverage of New Zealand. This may or may not be true. Wikipedia says that L&P is "World famous in New Zealand", so that's good enough for me. (I, personally, don't think it tastes very nice...)

Paeroa consists of about three streets and TWO (possibly more??) giant soda bottles!! It is like the Kiwi version of a giant ball of yarn- very exciting!! It also has some very nice grass, which Newton really enjoyed.

Giant bottle of L&P #1

Giant bottle of L&P #2

Paeroa grass

We also went to Karangahake Gorge where, I believe, people used to mine for gold. There were also old train tracks there. We were going to go on a short walk/hike, but there was a tunnel that we had to go through and it was slightly flooded, so we just looked around a little bit and went home. It is a good thing because Newton had been eating miscellaneous things off of the ground all day and ended up getting sick. (He's fine now.)

Crossing a bridge

Newton, not feeling very well

Kiwi Food

2009-09-20T22:19:00.000-07:00

Fairy Bread

From Wikipedia:

Fairy bread is sliced bread (usually white) spread with margarine or butter, and covered with hundreds and thousands of sprinkles which stick to the spread.

Fairy bread is commonly served at children's parties in Australia and New Zealand.

I have polled several people, and have come up with my own recipe for Fairy Bread (even though I have never actually seen, made or tasted Fairy Bread).

1. Cut the crust off of slices of white bread

2. Spread with margarine (butter tastes better, but is too difficult to spread)

3. Top with sprinkles (must be rainbow sprinkles)

4. Slice

5. Eat

Day 110

2009-09-12T12:18:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was Ponsonby Market Day on Ponsonby Road. It is a day put on by the Ponsonby Business Association where there are sales, street food, stilt walkers and all kinds of fun stuff.

Newton and me on Ponsonby

Live music - a group called "French Toast"

Jon eating a fancy Sausage Sizzle from Nosh

Yummy roasted pig

A bicycle parade!!

Newton, 15 weeks old

2009-09-11T12:51:00.000-07:00

As of Tuesday, Newton is a graduate!!

He celebrated with a new carrot toy...

...and a pirate shirt that came all the way from California!!

Kiwi Signs

2009-09-08T23:43:00.000-07:00

It is fairly common to see people drive/park on lawns, sidewalks and other places that you may not expect to see cars. Apparently you are not allowed to do so at Cornwallis Park.

Day 104

2009-09-07T23:21:00.001-07:00

Saturday I got to go to my first Kiwi BBQ!

John, Rox's fiancee , invited Jon and me to a family reunion / BBQ. We ate chicken wings, sausage, french fries (chips) and Tongan donuts (similar to Johnny Cakes). It was really yummy!

John's family is really nice. Everyone was very friendly and they taught Jon how to play cricket and a Samoan version of baseball. (I was busy making sure Newton played nicely with the little kids.) John's little cousins are pretty funny- one of them showed me her itchy chicken pox!!

Day 94

2009-08-29T13:17:00.001-07:00

Yesterday was Jonti's birthday. Jon and I met Jonti, Katie and some of their friends at a brewery in Freeman's bay and had some lunch. It was a really nice place. :)

Last night was the FPH Masquerade Ball. The purpose of the ball was to honor the people who have been with the company 10+ years. There were a lot of people who had reached the 20 year mark!! Wow! At the dinner, Jon and I brought Jonti a present... It was a Happy Birthday cup. It was awesome and fit in with all of the crazy costumes. I think it was the perfect accessory.

The crazy stilt people were kind of rude...

Jon and me wearing our masks (in case you couldn't figure that out)

Paul wore his Mr. Incredible mask!

Jonti, the birthday cup and Katie

Elveira, me, Nikkie (the Customer Care girls!)

Jon's co-worker, Lenny, won best dressed

Newton, 13 weeks old

2009-08-29T12:58:00.000-07:00

Newton is very smart!!

Getting dressed is a process:

Newton, 11 weeks old

2009-08-14T18:12:00.000-07:00

Newton is 11 weeks old now. He's doing really well and he's getting pretty big!

He knows how to sit and lie down and shake hands. He is learning how to roll. He is still working on potty training, but he's doing pretty well.

When I am doing things in the kitchen, he likes to stand between my feet, put his face flat on the floor and nap.

He has puppy raw hide bones and he carries them around a lot. He looks like Popeye.

He also does a funny military-style walk.

Day 78

2009-08-14T17:54:00.000-07:00

This past Wednesday was Paul's birthday. Jonti, Jon and I decided to pretend we had no idea and ignore him all day and then take him out to dinner.

We gathered gifts and put them together in a salad bowl. Jon and I got a salami, hiking socks and gourmet peanut butter. Jonti went to an American store and picked up a Twinkie, Kool-Aid, graham crackers and Kraft Mac and Cheese. Jonti's girlfriend Katie works at Burger Fuel and she is on an upcoming ad, so she got one of the posters and signed it. Jonti also ordered a Boston mud cake. I made Paul a Mr. Incredible birthday card and my old group at the office in Irvine made a funny card that I printed out at work.

Paul had a terrible day at work on Wednesday and we all felt like horrible people for not wishing him a happy birthday. Jon sent Paul and e-mail saying that the car needed to go back to the shop and asked if Paul could give us a ride to Ponsonby to run a few errands. So when we came home from work, we parked up a different street and Paul came to pick us up. We went and returned a movie at the video store and then I managed to forget where the restaurant was. Paul was insisting on going to the pet store while Jon was trying to convince him it was time to eat. I finally gave up and abandoned Paul and Jon and went and found Jonti and Katie who were waiting in the restaurant. Jonti came out, helped Paul find a more permanent parking spot, and we brought Paul into the restaurant. He was really, really surprised and we were happy because we weren't sure if he caught on after all of the weird requests to run errands.

We went to Fuji restaurant, which is a small Teppanyaki bar. We had a lot of fun there. The chef called every sauce "Yum yum ________" (white sauce, black sauce, soy sauce, etc.). He threw egg at us and the first piece hit Katie on the top of the head. The first piece he threw at me bounced off of my nose. Paul said that I ate the second piece like a polar bear catching a baby seal. >___< Paul opened his present and he was so excited! The American treats went over really well! We sang happy birthday, the lady at the restaurant hit a giant gong, and we ate cake. Fun night!!