ipod was good purchase

I have come to realize that the purchase of my ipod, pretty much the day before I left, was one of the best decisions of my life. Seriously. It has kept me company while all by my lonesome; whether it was on a bus, ferry or train, or at a stranger's home, walking in a new city, or driving throughout undiscovered terrain, my ipod has been a constant presence. And a positive one. My music reminds me of so many people that I love. So, if I miss someone, I can just play a song that reminds me of them, and it is like they are there with me. So here are some of your songs:

Wannabe- Cristina Emigh. She will always be the missing Spice Girl to me: Cougar Spice.

Down at the River to Pray- Rebekah O'Brien. She went through a stage of always playing this in my car.

At Last- Ruby Soho. For our 4 years as roommates, almost on a daily basis, I would serenade her with this classic tune, but no where near as magical as Ms. James.

Don't Stop Believin'- Mollies. I wish I had the Newsies soundtrack because that would do the trick as well.

Anything by Bruce Springsteen: My mom. Everytime I would play "Name that Tune" with her (with whatever was on the car radio), she would always guess Bruce Springsteen. Even if it was a female singer. EXCEPT for when it actually WAS the Boss, and she guessed Nirvana. Oh Mom.

Don't Stop Me Now- Austin Benedict and that crazy leg of his.

Crazy (Gnarls)- Nina. Too many times would we be cruisin Siloam with this tune blaring. We were so gansta.

Queen/Mr. Taylor/Bobby Darin- The Pops. Some of his favorites are mine as well. What can I say? Great music never fades.

Holiday for Real- Master Shaff.

Moulin Rouge Soundtrack- Laurel/Kunta/Jill. On countless occasions, I have belted many a song from this album with these people. Goodtimes.

Dirt off Your Shoulder- Jill, you get this one too. And Boy. Actually, there are a few from that road trip that do the trick.

There are many more songs that remind me of lots of you, and I will post more throughout my year here.

* * *

I have a job. My kiwi family in Dunedin told me about it. They work for the branch there, and they told me that the Wellington/Hutt area is in desperate need for people. I looked into it, applied, was interviewed and basically started a few days later (after a visit to where I would be working and receiving references and a police check).

I work for a company called IDEA Services. Basically, I work with people with intellectual (and some physical) disabilities in their homes. My position is called a Community Support Worker. The role of IDEA and CSWs to provide support to service users in their homes, whatever that support may look like. The home that I am going to be working at is a really special house. The main house is home to 5 different service users, and 4 of them are very high needs. 2 use wheelchairs and they all have a wide range of different medical problems and intellectual disabilities. While 1, Maria, is very independent. Then, there are 4 flats in front of the house that house 7 independent service users. I have met three of them, and they are all very nice and love to laugh. Even though I have only spent about 10 hours in the house, I know that I am going to love this job. The people I work with are great, but whats even better, is that the service users are amazing. Now, I know that its going to be very challenging, but I look forward to it. I am ready to be stretched. I have had some experience with children with disabilities, but never adults (and that is who IDEA Services works with). Last night, my first official day, went really well. I am shadowing the main CSW at the house, while doing on-site training. There were some things I was a bit nervous about, but once I did them, no problems. Now, I know it won't always be like this, but it was nice to have a first day that went smoothly, and left feeling, "You know, I think I could do this."

And I think IDEA really likes me. Yesterday, I went to the main office to fill out paperwork, and the lady who hired me, already offered to support me in getting a Work Visa so I could stay longer. And mind you, I hadn't even worked a shift yet. I guess they really ARE desperate!

Still looking for a place to live. I have a few options, but they arent very good. They are with kids 5 years younger than me, in dingy flats, in not nice areas. OR, they are too expensive. But, I am not worried. Something will come along that is right for me. And hopefully soon. I have been staying with this family for a week now, and I don't want to overstay my welcome (they were the family I stayed with when I first visited Welly. Really, really nice).

I found a church. Andrew, the dad of the family I am staying with (the Bollens), is the associate pastor at a church in Karori (a suburb of Wellington). I visited this past weekend, and liked it. I am going to help out with the Halloween party tomorrow (yes, tomorrow. Remember, I am in the future). So, maybe I will make some friends, and not just hangout with my ipod anymore.

love from nz,
julie