A question most people think is a simple one, when people ask it they think to themselves, "Just say good and get a move on..." (Pleeeaasee, almost forgot that there) Ellen DeGeneres does a great segment on her stand-up tour Now and Then on the "How are you" phenomenon. If you haven't seen it I highly suggest you head to Blockbuster NOW and check it out. Worth the hour and half, and probably one of those rare occasions where you will watch it twice before returning it. There, I gave my credit where credit is due...but it really is true.
It's especially a hard question when you are an open book like myself, I hate small talk, so when someone asks me that question I have literally a million things going through my head...its just a matter of which ones I tell the person...no, no I normally just say good and keep going. Most of the time because I have some sick beats playing in my headphones and want to get back to that. Its like a rave in your noggin, you feel me? Of course you do. Except I'm all the way in New Zealand annnnd not next to you.
Which brings me to my next point, the question how are you, is even EXTRA hard when your 7,000 miles away from most your family and friends. This brings me to the point of blog post...you all are like FINALLY.. (Yes, I was really good a bullsh*tting English essays in high school, how'd you know?)
It's good I have this blog because this helps me keep people overseas, next to me, strangers, up-to-date with what's new, and of course...how I am.
Things are going well here in kwi-land! It's becoming summer, tourist are popping up here and there, the cruise ships stopping in the harbour is always entertaining, I'm loving my new job, meeting new people, and stayin Jess. To make it easy...I know we are all busy peeps, esp. my friends...like ROCK STARS have very jam-packed lives so I will bullet point the stuff worth noting below.
- New job: Auckland Sales Executive for Explore NZ- in charge of all local agents South of the Bay of Islands (cue Google maps now) Yes, this includes the South Island. Agents are made up of all kinds: Bed & Breakfast owners, Travel Agents, Visitor Centers, Hotel Concierge's, Backpackers, and everything else in between. Quite the range, I love it. I make sure they are up-to-date with our products, organize product trainings with staff, run incentive schemes, and currently I'm in charge of our industry Christmas party. It keeps me busy, and puts my sense of humor to the test, a position that fits my personality. As many of my close friends and family have said, sales is in my blood, I'd have to agree with them. My job is more of in direct sales through my agent's bookings. Its good though cause I'm every one's cheerleader as well...also extremely fitting.
(1st day of work @ Explore NZ- tried out one of our products, The America's Cup Sailing Experience)
not a hard product to sale
- So much for the bullet points...
- New home: Living in Parnell, Auckland: (Do you still have Google Maps open?) It's a cute little town right next to Newmarket. Tons of little shops and food places. My wallets best friend, but my landlords worst nightmare. It's close to work, only about a 10 minute bus ride, near my gym, pretty sweet. The house is an old fashion home kind of like the Chico ones with the porch and all, except without the keg on the front lawn and ratty couch on the porch with some strange naked homeless man on it.
- Friends: It sure does take a while to meet people...even longer when everyone has a full-time job and 10,000 other things going on. But I finally comfortable to say I have a great group of friends....many different groups, would you expect anything else? We had a fun Halloween party last weekend, a classic USA style Halloween, most everyone was impressed with our decor and costumes. I think we are making a name for ourselves for our good parties...not complaining.
Halloween: 1/2 of the peanut butter & jelly roommate costume collab.
Vogel's Bread (super popular bread brand in NZ) & Craig's JAM (also popular)
- Transportation: Thinking of saving up for a lil skooter...with it becoming warmer and me always wanting to be on the go, might need to invest...not sure though. Auckland city is pretty rough on skooters, but I'm a confident driver so we shall see.
- Fitness: I've been working on my fitness a lot lately, just like Fergie. Been feeling great! Started a weight training program and boy do people star at me when I'm in the "manly" weight area...it's like what?? Is there a no girls allowed sign anywhere? Didn't think so...feels good to feel strong though. I mean if I were ever attacked there isn't much I could do, but it's nice to dream of me kicking a grown man's ass. Don't we all...
- Cooking: I'm happy to say I can make more than just a peanut-butter and jelly sandwich, and grilled cheese in the kitchen. I've been getting into baking...lol...and trying new things in the kitchen. It AINT CHEAP, but doing what I can. Stay tuned for more posts on my creations...
It's pretty strange not being in America with the holidays approaching...it's the 2nd of November and not ONE Thanksgiving decor aisle in sight..whaaaa
Sending my JSmith love and powers (whatever that means) to each and every one of you.
