A Live Possum

Today we saw our first live possum in NZ. We were down at the beach and Howie caught the sent of something yummy in the grass near the sea cliff. I assumed it was a dead possum somewhere up the cliff and didn't think too much of it as Howie can't really climb the cliff to get it. But then he stuck his head deep in the grass and came out shaking a screaming possum. After some vigorous shaking (Howie) and screaming (the possum), Howie started screaming too as the possum seemed to get a hold of Howie's nose. Howie let go and I ran and grabbed him. The possum was still alive and just laid there on its back looking at us terrified. About a minute later it just ran up a tree. I'm not sure if the possum will survive, but miraculously Howie doesn't seem to have a scratch on him.

It's Movember

A strange thing happens in movember. Men get extra hairy...

Halloween - that's so American

Halloween is not a big thing in NZ. Yes there are some Halloween treats, costumes and decorations in the stores, but you're not inundated with it. Some kids do go out, and I saw a few walking around my neighbourhood. No one dresses up at work and it's not talked about too much. There seems to be an overwhelming sentiment that Halloween is an American tradition and a pretty dumb one. I've heard over and over again that parents don't like Halloween because they teach their kids not to take treats from strangers. I find this such a strange attitude because I think Halloween is really one of the better traditions. It's lots of fun for everyone and encourages people to be giving (and thanking).
I have not seen any carved pumpkins, and no wonder, pumpkins are not orange here but more greeny-yellowy-brown. Although I was invited to a Halloween party (by a Canadian) I was away and couldn't attend. And although I bought some treats, no trick or treaters came to my door. I guess I'm not really feeling like it's Halloween, so there will be no photo of Howie in his lion costume this year. And poor Tui doesn't even have a costume.

I like rugby

Well Brad has been replaced and I've found a new boyfriend.




















And look at what we have in common.

Rugby World Cup

Is anyone in North America aware that the rugby world cup is currently taking place in France? Did anyone know that Canada is in it? Canada actually quite well, not quite losing all their games and managing to tie Japan. However, the world has been in agreement that rugby is currently dominated by the southern hemisphere with NZ, Aussie and South Africa the only "real" teams in the competition.

Well that all changed this weekend when Aussie lost to England and NZ lost to France in their quarter final matches. I actually woke up early to go watch the game over breakfast in a pub. I was so nervous for the All Blacks and was completely stunned with the loss. All of NZ seems to be in mourning today. The coach is likely to be fired (or resign) and there's meant to be some sort of inquest into the loss. Rugby is a BIG deal in NZ.



The next world cup will take place in Auckland in 2011 and I'll be there supporting Canada. As for this one, SA play Argentina and England vs. France in the semi finals. My money's on SA to go all the way.




In other news... Happy Thanksgiving. And how did I spend Thanksgiving? Working. I wish I could take the Canadian holidays off. Oh well, Labour Day is coming up soon here.

Skype

I'm on Skype as kiwidogs so please skype me if you know how.

My New Boyfriend Brad

I think this picture says it all: