Tentative job

I got an unexpected call this morning from the director of the presidio. He said that they have tentatively offered the landscape worker position to someone else. However, that person is currently a landscape laborer. He then asked if I would be interested in the laborer position. It pays a slight bit less but still has full benefits. Well, I quickly said yes. It wasen't a formal offer, however, as they have to make their recommendations to the human resources whom then make the final decision. So, it won't be until the new year that I find out. But, it is good news indeed that it looks like I may work on the presidio. I am so thrilled, but will reserve all excitement until I get the letter. Please keep crossing those fingers and toes until I do.

Another interview.

So I had another interview yesterday. It was at the Presidio Trust again, but for a different position. When I called about the last position, one of the guys who had interviewed me encourage me to apply for the landscape worker position. He felt it better fit my skills and experience. Well, I don't have to be told twice. So I put in the application that day and had the interview yesterday. It was 3 people who interviewed me this time, all different as the landscape workers are in a different department than forestry. They started off by wanting me to tell them all about Hampstead Heath which I was happy to do. It actually quite help them to understand why I chose to apply to work at the Presidio.

I had taken some workshops a couple of weeks ago at the Oakland career center. This actually helped me to see that preperation is an important thing to do. So, I had spent a good amount of time writing the reasons down for why I fit the job, what my strengths and weaknesses are and what questions I had for them. I can't believe how much this helped at the interview. Not having to sit and think about these things really help the interview go much more smoothly.

It will be into the new year until I find out about this position, last time it took 5 weeks, so I expect the same, especially with the holidays. Everyone can of course keep their fingers crossed for me. Even if I don't get it this time, I won't give up. I truely believe I will work in the Presidio at some point. If not now, later.

Job status and haircut.

I didn't get the job I was going for at the presidio. When I talked to the guy that interviewed me, he told me to apply for a different position there that he thought would better suit my skills and experience. So I did. In the meantime I am utilizing the oakland career center for help. I believe I need to hone my skills better and with a place here so it will be more recongnizable on an application. I am also going to look for part time temp work. I was also given a notice about an internship over in SF with a nursery that sounds interesting. I will call for more info. I just gotta keep my head high.

Speaking of head, I had a haircut yesterday. What made this one different is I actually went to a SALON. My sister went to get her hair done and I tagged along, little knowing she would get her hairdresser, who is a freind from the theater, to do my hair. It turned out pretty good. Check out the pic below for the results.

The Interview

So I had my interview. It went quite well. I was interviewed by 2 guys. They asked me a bunch of questions to get a sense of what I know and about me as a person. Obviously to see if I would fit in with the team. I answered best I could, trying to translate what I had learned in England to terms here. It was interesting to do that acutally. I tried my best to show how keen and eager I was to work there as it is a beautiful unique place. I had read some books about it beforehand too. I have to admit I was quite nervous, but I suppose that is to be expected. I also found out that there are 2 Forestry Worker positions they are filling. These are new additions thanks to more funding they were given. Some other, different positions were posted too due to this funding. I have to wait a couple weeks for a response as they are interviewing this week and next and then make a decision.

In the meantime, however, I have another interview next week. This one is different. Instead of the usual talking with people, it is comprised of exams to see if you are a fit. It is with the City of Union City. So, along with asking questions, you will have to do physical tasks to see if you are able to do the work. It is for a Maintenance Trainee position. I figure it is worth applying and now doing these exams. If I don't get the Presidio job, which I would prefer, and did get this, at least I would have a job. And it isn't bad either. It is still doing the kind of work I want to do. So, we shall see. I have to wear regular work clothing for this. I called and asked as I had no idea what these exams were. I will, of course, update after them. It is next thursday, Nov 1st. Should be interesting.

Job Interview

I thought I would share some good news. I have a job interview with the Presidio Trust next Wednesday. For those of you that don't know, the Presido is an ex-army base adjacent to the Golden Gate Bridge. It is now an historic open space and museum in it's own right. They also have housing, which I used for a semester in university. It is a unique space, a lot like the heath in London is, which attracts loads of people every year. The position I am interviewing for is Forestry Worker. It is very similar to the work I did on the heath, but more focused on planting trees, improving the landscape and of course preserving the habitats. I know it will be an exciting opportunity. I will obviously give it my best. I will write here after the interview as well. It happens next wednesday the 24th.

For more info visit: http://www.presidio.gov.

Send me your prayers next wednesday and wish me luck.

Critical Mass

Yesterday my father and I joined in the 15 anniversary of Critical Mass. This is a massive group of bikers who get together once I month and ride around the streets of San Francisco. The flat parts anyway. They were hoping to get 15,000 people. Have no idea if they reached that, but I can tell you there where a hell of a lot. It was all done at a leisurely pace. A lot of cars honked of course, though some were to support. All in all, it lasted just a bit over 2 hours. It was really fun and enjoyable. We started in the Embarcadero and ended up in the Civic Center.

I swear you could see just about ever make and model bike. Some people decorated their bikes, others had their dog either in a basket or on a leash running besides them. Some people had speakers towed behind them blasting music. All ages seem to be out as well. It was totally rockin. If anyone is ever in SF and a keen biker, this is a must.

I had spent the day in SF. I went over to the presidio to drop off an application. I also stopped at In-n-Out in Fisherman's Warf. I also had to stop by Metreon. I did used to work in this place. It has totally changed. Mostly because it isn't owned by Sony anymore. It is becoming a regular mall really. I did buy a game at the Playstation store and someone I used to work with at Metreon is still working there, so was good to say hello. I do really enjoy going into the city. It is a very vibrant place full of people. A lot like London, only a different feel. And the bay is so beautiful. Especially riding your bike next to it with a ton of other people. :)

Spill

So, I had a bit of a spill today. I was riding my bike down a main street in Berkeley. I had my high visability vest on. A car comes up from behind me and it's side mirror hits me. I fell off my bike. I scraped my elbow, ankle and bruised my side. My bike was ok. The driver had the balls to tell me I hit him and that I had to watch where I was going. I mean, how the hell do you hit someone when you are in front of them? My sister, bless her, came and got me and the bike and brought disinfectent and bandages. I am now writing this while lying on my bed. It just goes to show that motorists still think they rule to road and no one else matters. I certainly wouldn't give up cycling, but will think about the routes I take. I am fine, and luckily I didn't have to go to the hospital. I don't have health insurance yet, and I just saw Sicko. It was actually the first thought on my mind.

Other than that, things are great. The weather is hot. And it is labor day weekend plus my father's birthday tomorrow, so plenty of celebrations. I do hope everyone else is well.

Catch up

So, I realize it has been a month since I posted. This is mainly due to the fact that I have been busy as anything preparing to move back to the states and in fact actually moving. I am writing from Austin, Texas now. It has been hot here. I also had a friend come over to London and visit for a weekend which was fantastic if not a little tiring. We hit as much of the tourist stuff as we could in a weekend. It was good though, because I have never really done it because I don't much care to visit them by myself, so it was perfect timing right before I left. I took a good amount of pictures which are on my album site.

The move went rather well. I got everything boxed up and shipped out. I will get them in SF about a week after I get there. I tied up everything else, accounts, work, my room deposits and so forth. I also had my last get togethers with friends and work colleagues. It is funny, I am not so sad at leaving, mostly because I know I will keep in touch.

I had an amazing 6 years in London and I wouldn't trade it for anything. I met a lot of great people, got to go to a lot of great places and I got to get into a career which I really love. Sometimes impulse decisions are good.

I do hope in time to get together with friends again as I have missed my american ones while I was gone. And I do hope this blog has been interesting and hasen't bored the hell out of you.

Whole Foods London

So, I went to the first Whole Foods in the UK a couple weeks ago. It is in the nice area of Kensington. I have to say, I wasn't as impressed with it as I am the ones in the states. It felt a bit more posh, but maybe that is because of the area. Still, it was nice to have it here in the UK. Of course, I will be back in CA with the ones there that I know. I took some pics of the outside because it is in a very nice old building. I couldn't take any inside as there was a big sign prohibiting it.

HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!!!!!

Just wanted to say I am thinking of all my american friends and family on this day of independance. I hope people are going to have great celebrations with lots of yummy food. I will defiinately join in next year. Oh, and of course watch lots and lots of fireworks, if not set of some yourself. :)

Happy 4th everyone!!

Rochester Trip

I went down to a friends house who lives in Chatham, which is right next to Rochester. I stayed over and watched some old Dr. Who including the very first one ever from 1963. That was awesome! Such a Dr Who fan I am now. :)

Next day he took me around Rochester and showed me the castle and church. It is a very nice little english town. It is on the river Medway and is quite old. We had lunch from this great little bakery which tempts you with the items in the window. I should have taken a picture, but it was getting bare by the time we got there. Enjoy the pics I have posted, maybe it will temp you to visit someday. All the pics are on my album site.

Moving back to CA.

Hello fine readers,

Well, yours truely is moving back home to CA. I really miss it after my trip there in March. Don't get me wrong, I have had a great 6 years here and wouldn't trade it for anything. But, I totally miss my family and want to be back with them. I would never rule out returning, but don't really like the thought of moving again. Of course, that is what I said when I moved here. I am definately going to keep with the rangering line of work, I totally love that. I have been doing research already and have some ideas. Definately get into volunteering for starts. I do not want to sit on my ass, that's for sure. I will be staying with my father to start. It worked out quite well when I was there in March, so we are hoping for the same.

I am timing this move back to stop by Austin for my Grandmother's 90th birthday, which I am looking forward to. I know it will be seriously hot there though.

I want to thank all those who have given me support while being here, and hope that continues once I am back home. I will try to write more here before I go.

Oh, and I will still root for England in the Euro and World Cups. :)

Bath photos up.

Well, I had an extremely great time in Bath last weekend. I haven't felt so relaxed after the full day in the spa sitting in the hot baths and steam rooms. Man, I tell you one should get pampered once in awhile. And Bath is so gorgeous. It is the only total Georgian town in england, and it shows. All the buildings are of the style, you can't help but constantly look up. The hostel I stayed at was great, I had been there before with my mom so already knew it. And all this pretty darn close to London. I have posted my pics on my photo site, link is to the right in the menu. Enjoy them and I hope everyone has a chance to visit this wonderful city.

Trip to take a Bath.

I have booked myself a trip to the town of Bath this weekend. It is an early birthday gift for myself. I am going there to soak in the new public baths there. I do love a good hot tub. These are mineral baths. I will stay in a hostel for both nights, a very nice YMCA hostel that I stayed at before with my mom. I am looking forward to this and pray for good weather. It has been quite rainy here recently with depressing grey clouds. Everyone keep their fingers crossed for me. The heath is looking really green though, which is beautiful as ever.

I can't believe I will be 31 in a couple of weeks, my how the years have flown. I hope to have a bbq on the sat before or after with a few friends, english weather permitting of course.

I will take pics while in Bath and post them when I get back. Yay for me!!!

An interview with an author by my mom.

Hello everyone. My mom is doing an interview with a book author this week on her blog. He is doing a blog tour, which I haden't heard of before. It sounds like a great idea though. The info is below for you to check out.

Coming this week on Wednesday, May 2nd I have the privilege of interviewing Eric Maisel on my blog http://childrens-book-reviews.blogspot.com/ . Eric is a prolific writer of both fiction and non-fiction, a licensed family therapist, and a creativity coach. He is on a world-wide blog tour to promote his latest book Ten Zen Seconds.Join me on the 2nd as I'll be asking Eric how writers, particularly for children and young adults can sustain the long effort of writing (and illustrating) a book when so many odds are against the effort, especially the internal doubts and fears.Children are so important. It is always my heartfelt interest to help children, and so I will also be asking Eric if the Ten Zen Seconds techniques are appropriate for children, and if so how can it enhance their creativity, play, and learning. See also my post from last week for a book review of the book!
From Judith, Robin's Mum!

Pictures of CA trip

Well, I finally uploaded the pictures I took when I was in CA. They can all be viewed in a new album on my photo site titled CA Trip 2007. I actually took more than I thought. I really like the new camera I had bought prior to going on the trip. With such great weather, they all came out amazingly. It totally makes me miss home.

Speaking of which, for those who don't know. I have been doing a lot of thinking and one of my thoughts is that I may, at some point, move back to the US. I really did miss my family and all the wonderful friends I had there that I got to see. I would need to find out about the kind of work I do over there. What is available, what skills can transfer over and if it is difficult to get into. I do love what I do.

Speakin of which. :) I am in a new part of the heath now. I am helping out on west heath for the summer. This is the gay area. Unfortunately, they leave a lot of sexual waste. The upside is that I am monday to friday earlies. So, weekends off. Cool. I will try to keep you all posted as things happen.

Back in London.

Well, I am back in London. I had a good flight. I almost didn't make it. I was on BART when I there was an announcment that it would terminate at 16th st mission due to a fire near one of the other stations. We had to seek alternative routes. Well, this shook me. When I got out of the station, I asked a couple who had suitcases if they were going to the airport. They were, and they were on the same flight as me. So, we walked a few blocks and hailed a cab. We did make it and got on the flight. When I checked in the didn't have an aisle seat for me, but would put me on a list to change if anything came up. It did. Once we took off my entertainment system wasen't work on my seat. After a couple of reboots, they had to change my seat. As luck would have it, it was in premium economy. So, that was a big bonus.

I got back safe and sound and am keeping myself awake. I have been to the grocery store and unpacked everything. I will of course keep posted on any new things when my job starts back up.

End of trip.

Well, I have come to the end of my CA trip. And what a trip it has been. It has been so wonderful to see all my friends and be with my family. I didn't realise how much I have missed it here. It gives me new thought about possibly coming back here for good. But, time will tell, along with a lot of research into my line of work here. So, I head back to London with lots of great memories, a number of photos and hope. Hope for myself in my life. I am happy about who I am and what I am doing, and that makes for a pretty nice life. I will post my pictures at some point once I get back so you can get a glimpse of what I have been doing.

I am also going to do some research into find a place to live that is more my own. I did a little, and found that some bedsits/studios are within my price range, as long as they are inclusive. I just can't live in a houseshare situation much longer. I will update that as well.

A last big thank you for everyone who made my trip so memorable, and I hope it won't be too long until I see all of you again, certainly sooner than 3 years.

Calistoga.

My father and I are up in Calistoga in the napa valley. We took public transport all the way. They have a bus service all the way from Vallejo to Calistoga. I was very impressed by it. We have already been in the hot tubs too. So relaxing. I always used to LOVE coming up here and that hasen't changed. We will be here until Wednesday. It is very hot and sunny. I have been extremely fortunate to have had great weather since I have been in CA. It has been sunny and clear everyday.

Also, I saw a fantastic play at my sister's theater, Theatreworks, on saturday night. It was called Trying. It was a cast of only 2, with the lead guy giving an amazing performance. He is about 74 years old and never let up the whol performance. It was opening night also, which is always a treat. I went with my friend from high school who I finally got to see after nearly a year and a half of instant messaging, texting and phone calls. It was great to see her.

It has been great to see all my friends so far. I kinda didn't realize just how many friends I did have back here. I guess I am more popular that I thought. :) And I still have more to see!! This trip will go real quick, I can tell.

Hello from CA!!

I am now in CA. I arrived yesterday to some nice sunshine. I had a great flight, watching movies the whole time. I love Virgin Atlantic for the fact you get like 50 films to pick from and can watch them whenver you want. You can also rewind, pause and fast-forward. Exceptional. I breezed through the customs (it is so nice to have dual citizenship.) Then got back to my dad's and relaxed. We did go out for a Gordo's burrito last night. Man, that was so delicious. They are still without a doubt my favourite burrito.

I woke up real early this morning, as always happens. Hopefully it won't take long to adjust. I will try to take some pictures with my cool new camera while I am here. I look forward to seeing as many people as possible.

Avenue Q

I had the pleasure of going to the theatre again last night. I gotta take advantage that I am in one of the biggest theatre places on the planet. I went and saw Avenue Q. This play uses puppets, like the muppets or sesame street, but with a adult theme. It was freaking hilarious. The audience was in stitches. And I have to give big credit to the actors, they really brought the puppets to life and sometimes you forgot they were there. Not in a bad way. And some of the things they had the puppets do, well let's just say I won't ruin it in case anyone gets to see it. Amazing. I do love the theatre. And it gives me the chance to dress up, which I do like.

It is also cool I am off in a couple days to SF. I can't wait. I have reconnected with a couple friends from elementary school and look forward to seeing them, even if it means figuring out how to get over to San Rafael. Cool.

Different job at work.

It has been a bit since I posted. It isn't always easy to remember. I have been, for the last couple weeks, helping out the ecologist at work. I have been on the computer mostly, extracting data from different sources to put into reports. It is cool because I learn more about different things like: blue green algae or swans and geese or the ponds. I also went out and took pictures of where paths cross streams to get an idea of the extent things are getting "flushed" into them and ultimately into the ponds. I think it is great to get different perspectives to the place you love to work, and meet more people. I also got my own work email account, which is cool. I doubt many temporary staff get that.

A bit of sad news. The playground attendant at Highgate Wood passed away this week from a brain hemorrage. I never met him, but since I have had work colleauges pass away on me before, it still hit a nerve. And he was well young, in his early 40's. Life is too short, we need to make the most of it, be with the people we care about. Never forget it.

Well, it is just over a week until I fly to CA. I am very excited about that. My schedule is already starting to fill. My father and I just booked a few days up in Calistoga for some relaxing in the spas. My back will love it. I still plan on meeting up with everyone. I look forward to talking with you.

Work update and more snow!

Well, I have been doing something a little different at work. Instead of my usual patrolling outside, I have been inside on a computer. I have been helping out the ecologist input data in excel and word. It is extracting data from different sources and putting it in a single report. The cool thing is I am learning more about these things, such as blue green alage, canada geese and mute swans. A lot is centered around the ponds, and I really like ponds and pond management, so this is a good way to learn more about it. I will be doing this for the next few weeks until I have my contract break, then it is off to CA.

It snowed again on thursday, and it was thicker than last time. It wasen't a massive amount, but enough to shut the schools down. This meant, of course, that all the kids were on the heath sleding down the hill. It was packed. Lots of big snowmen were made, and quite a few snowball fights. It was great to see. I was out patrolling that day due to being short of staff. I didn't complain one bit. I do love snow.

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!!!!!!

I woke up yesterday morning to a bit of a shock. When I looked outside my kitchen door, the groudn was white. It had only gotten cold a few days prior. It was completely unexpected. Well, I knew right away I had to take my camera into work, as seeing the heath covered with snow is magical. And I was right, it was absolutely beautiful. Kids were out with their sleds and making snowmen. Okay, it was a pretty thin layer of snow, but it was enough for anyone of any age to have fun. I took quite a few pictures and will post the best here, the rest can be found in the heath album on my yahoo picture site, so be sure to check them out.

Coming to Cali

Well, I have cool news. I am coming to CA in March for close to 4 weeks. I will be there from the 4th to the 31st. I am well and truely excited to see all my friends. So, if you are reading this and I haven't already contacted you, give me a shout. I would love to meet up with everyone. I will also be taking a small trip up to Seattle on the weekend of the 16th to see a really good friend of mine. I have never been there, so it will be a great treat. Can't wait to see people.

Spamalot pt 2

I went and saw Spamalot yersterday as planned. Well, sort of. I got the the theatre to pick up my ticket for the matinee and saw a sign saying someone else was playing King Arthur instead of Tim Curry. Well, I really wanted to see him in it. So, I asked if he was still playing at the 8pm show. They said he was and they had one ticket left in a box seat, which has a restricted view. I asked if I could trade, but they said all I could do was have them try and sell off my matinee ticket. So, I went with it. I went out and used my time until I could come back after the matinee. Well, luckily they sold my ticket. I had chinese food with a friend, and off to the evening performance. I laughed my ass off. I haven't laughed that much in a long time. Tim Curry was amazing in the role, and it turned out to be his last performance. So, the cast gave him flowers and the end and all. I would say I laughed even more than watching the movie. I loved the music so much I bought the CD afterwards. The set was beautiful and the costumes and props were dead on perfect. The box I was in was next to one of the speakers, but it didn't bother me. I sat with 2 other people in the box who were really nice and even gave me a recommendation for another play.

I can't recommend this enough. It is currently playing in New York, London, Las Vegas and a US tour. If you get a chance to see this, GO. This should be mandatory for everyone. And dress up too, it adds to the experience.

Oh yea, almost forgot. They were selling a limited edition of SPAM with stinky french garlic. It is made in finland with chinese garlic. :) They were selling it at the gift shop. They were also selling SPAM sandwiches. What a riot. It all was hilarious. GO SEE IT!!

Spamalot

I am well excited. I am going to see Monty Python's Spamalot on saturday. This is the last weekend that Tim Curry is in the role of King Arthur and I have been highly recommended to go and see him in it. He started in on broadway. I only paid 20 pounds for the ticket which I thought was quite reasonable. It is in the highest level, balcony, but I will have some small binoculars to see a bit better. I will put a blog entry up after I see it to let y'all know what I think. I do love going to the theatre and don't do it too often. Sadly, I am by myself. But screw it, I would rather go alone than not at all. You never know who you might meet. . . .