Mr Jake Morgan

Jake as you may have read in a previous blog note is over in NZ currently hoping to settle here permanently. To update you I met Jake and his friend Alison while in Bangkok studying International Hospitality and have remained in touch over the past 10 years. He has visited New Zealand in the past on his many travels around the world. After 2 months of attempting to find employment he has finally accepted a position at Aucklands Quay West hotel as the F&B Manager. His first day is Tuesday and by the sounds of things over there they are in desperate need of his skills. Jake has worked primarily in the hospitality industry all over the world so has a wealth of experience to offer. This includes experience in setting up a tour/river cruise in Burma to operating a kitchen in one of the UK's prision system.
Jake is also a very talented photographer and I recommend viewing some of his photo's at www.kutundu.com or click on the web link Kutundu listed in my links. Many of the photo's are worthy of appearing in the National Geographic.
But we wish Jake all the best and much rest prior to starting his new position
As is said in the welknown New Zealand Speights commercial... "Good on ya mate..."

News as at 30 July

London bombers update: By the arrests made today by the London anti-terrorists prompt arrest of two suspects means that within such a short time frame they must have been working flat out to capture the potential suicide bombers. Much relief to those london residents where many didn't have time to dress as the area was evacuated, many running to a clear distance with grim stern faces. Now they are under arrest forensic scientists have now moved to ascertain the seriousness of the situation.

on lighter news
dRInK dRIVInG:Volvo have requested to the Sweedish government to waiver the current drink driving laws so they can test a new prototype car that should the response time of the driving take too long, that the car would then take over. While we are still 20 years plus on from the decade the sprung the tv show Knight Rider, we are still many years from the successful integration of fully automated cars.
For those concerned, as I was, the tests are to be made on controlled tracks.

Labour goes for 0% interest

New Zealands Labour party have declared that they will place student loans at 0% interest. How this will benefit new zealand universities and or the over economic profile of the country will then be placed back on the shoulders of the tax payers. The problems I foresee are that if loans are not gaining interest it will place minimal need for future and current students to pay back their loans. Why would they want to if there is no interest bearing on their accounts. I haven't read too much into this at the moment as will only become a true real problem should labour be relected. Personally I admit that I have voted for labour once in the past but have normally voted for national albeit it this year I'm not too happy with either's policies. I'd prefer to place the religeous order of the Jedi Council to keep the peace and regulate our policies.
This report brought to you by this dashing young fellow

The pending weekend ahead

The future like a dark highway at night is how the weekend ahead is pending. What corners lie ahead, what is around the next bend, what are the oncoming obstables. For now the plan is roughly set and laid out as follows... Tonight Sarah is coming round to hang out then I'll most likely sit in bed and watch a movie only to wake in the morning and use the following hour endeavouring to drag myself from my bed. Work at 9am but will go in early to prepare the documents for a client coming in for a sign up so I can process her loan. Then from that time until 5pm I will field as many calls as I can to set myself up for next month so this time next friday I will be free to have end of month work drinks with a clear conscience. Sunday whether pending is my usual day for a round of golf and if I don't get my round of golf in who know's how my week will pan out. Its the best way to get out with the boys and spend four hours free from troubles... out side of golf that is.
Then monday comes and its the start of yet another week...
Anything that occurs with in that time is completely up to gods good humours. Hope he smiles affectionatly.... especially when I'm playing golf.
have a great and FUNtastic weekend

JCK

The Time: almost midnight and I've just got home after returning from the Khujo lounge. Two things might be crossing your mind right now... One why am I up late after returning home late on a thursday night and on the internet and secondly did I spell "Khujo" correctly. Firstly I have no idea how to spell it and its just another one of my sleepless nights. I've just returned from watching one of the guys I work with play in his group JCK at a bar on the corner of K rd and queen street in auckalnd. James was priorly in a rock band but now does hip hop which he writes himself and produces at home on his computer. I have to admit that the boy is in my limited music experience, very talented whether before or after knowing that he has a song soon to be released on video and played on juice tv. He writes the music along with his friend whom also sings with him, she compliments the music very well to James lyrics and the mix is in my words hard to tell whether it was done in a bedroon or a recording studio.

If your reading this I strongly recommend checking him out, Thursday nights and the Khujo lounge

My favourite poem

BORN ON YOUR LIPS
LIVE ALONG YOUR CHEEKS
DIE ON YOUR LIPS


Janine Seidel (Janie)

written by my good friend in 1996

End of Month Accounts

The first month has been a learning curve around systems and protocol to which I feel I now have a good grasp over. The goal was to take as many applicants on board to establish myself for the following month to assure that all key performance indicators are met so commission sales will ensure they find my bank account. Everything so far seems to be moving along nicely and the long hours are starting to pay dividends. Sacrafice and dedication to yourself, your clients and the motivation that is my darling daughter keeps driving me on. I do this for us so that she will have all the opportunities in life now and for the future but for all our father n daughter outtings yet to come. After all when she's old enough to drive, Holdens and I'm sure BMW's won't be what they are now :-)
Princess is back with her mother now and i already miss her even if she is feeling in a grumpy mood, but I keep a photo of her not too far from me. Actually I do need a photo for my wallet, which means I need a new wallet to pop the photo in hahahaha.
All n all the decision to leave freedom air was a good move as I was just not meeting my full potential there and couldn't have done much more and was never ever challenged which meant work would get lax as it didn't hold a true challenge. In this challenge I'm pushed each and everyday dealing with many different people and making a difference to their lives.

Mak update July 26th

I haven't seen princess since last thursday and i've missed her so much that while I wish i could just hold her and hug her all night long, she needs her sleep. She's such an angel when she's asleep and a princess when she wakes. Big big smiles when she isn't sucking her hand or crying that is. Mom has a nak of singing songs to her that just crack her up and you hear her giggle. Just changed her nappy so she's all good for the time being, but will quickly type this in so I can get her bath ready so she's nice n clean and dressed ready for bed later. Ok have to go now, take it easy peeps

Monday Monday

What is it about Monday's that make Monday's Monday's?
A rather profound statement, agree, but the point to make is how at the start of the week friday can seem an eternity away. Luckily the day is constant and there is much work to get done and the work is non stop making the day seem shorter. But the problems that can be incurred along the path to Friday nite drinks such as the one that crossed my path today. The inability to process accounts and properly provide professional services to my clients in regards to their accounts was hindered by my system freezing. While this inevitable gave me the break I much needed as you can loose track of time by getting tied up on the phones. But the trouble is that every moment that your not on the phone or dealing with a service call that won't result in a loan means that you could be missing the whale account, that big fish that lands you a decent wad of cash off one account. I don't mind at all at dealing with lots of smaller accounts as they are often easier to manage but you need more of them to stay afloat but they process through the system faster. But we are all on the hunt for the big catch. There's one out there and I want it, you gotta stay hungry, to feed me is no way to get me motivated. Starve me and then you'll find some motivation, all i need to do is think of my precious daughter to pull my motivation on track and drive forth. Hope to all who read this that you find your whale, happy hunting.

Another Weekend

The weekend started friday night going over to keep leighann company as she was on her own with Jason out on the town with Will and Donne in Whitianga. We went to the larger for a few drinks and a couple of games of pool. Then it was home to watch a dvd before crashing out for the night.Saturday morning was an early start by rushing home to change into some old clothes then off to sarah's fathers new house to help paint and clean the house. that's pretty much a day in itself andbefore we knew it the sun had gone down and it was time to go home. Jake is also lending his helping hand also in preparing the house for sarah and her flat mates. Had dinner with sarah and her dad before heading home to bed for a well earned sleep. Was sposed to go back today to help but another calling peeked my interest.... GOLF, and a decision i was very happy to have made as it is now the second time i have been able to beat my mate simon and the first time i beat jason and i can tell you now that its been a long time coming.
After golf it was back to the house to check on the progress and then off for Hell's Pizza OH YEAH!!!
Now I'm on the net chatting and updating my blog
Hope every one has had a great weekend

New Found Love

I never knew it could be possible but today I fell in love with a piece of paper. It was the final pieve of the puzzle required to process a loan application that I have been working on for the past week. Lots of back and forth phone calls following up on compliance issues and requirements. And today I received the final piece that would pass the deal and I literally kissed the paper it was that exciting to finalise the deal. Anyhow on with the day and it ended with a loan for a gentleman to purchase a holden, good on ya mate. It was a very long day and I'm glad to be resting now, but its time to organise some dinner now so catch you again tomorrow.

Mak update July 18th

Well today princess had an interview with an agency who deal in tv adverts so we may get to see our daughter on the small screen sometime in the near future. They have taken some photo's for records to show clients so we are now just waiting for the callup. The way it works is that the agency she went too have been the agency that have supplied the actors for the NZ fire wise and air new zealand adverts currently on tv.
She's growing so fast and been full of laughs, as you can read below in my previous she's also been an angel. yesturday was my grandad's 85th birthday and the family were amazed to see such a well behaved baby. It was good too see everyone as many of the family on dad's side are all over seas. Most residing in the UK and fortunate enough to be there not only to meet makayla but for my grandad's birthday. At the moment Donne is nursing her while karyn is making making smiley faces. She's got the most gorgeous little laugh and loves watching the golf :-)
At the moment she's wearing the pink cord pants karyn got her and the cutest white and pink jersey which I should think is soaked in dribble by now hehehehe
Anyway I'm going to finish up now so I can give here another hug

Terrace Downs

This morning was a chilling brisk cold air but I had this sight to wake too...

We flew down to christchurch Friday evening taking Princess along on her very first plane ride (For photo's please request by email) and she is one very well behaved baby where she only cried for the last 20 mins as the plane decended rapidly causing her ear ache. After some drama's with packing al the luggage into the rental car we were off with the family in tow, danika and makayla in the rear seats, Karyn and mom in the back seats and the men in the front. We arrived to terrace downs around 9pm after the babies crying most of the way. But they soon got settled as the place had been pre heated for our arrival and I must admit the place was absolutely stunning. A huge plasma screen tv, heated tiles in the kitchen and bathrooms, each room had a kind size bed and a very compfortable living space. Heated superbly where to find a cold place in any room was a challenge.
I woke saturday morning hoping for an early morning tee off time at 7am but the sun didn't even rise until closer to 9am, so with frost still on the ground I re-booked for a 1040 tee time. Popped down to the driving range to warm up the ol swing then hit the course doing the front nine in 13over and then after freezing my butt grabbed a hot coffe before heading off to the back nine with a par to start finishing up with an 8 over par on the back nine. so 21 over par on a very challenging course with a view that is very distracting. As the course is at a higher altitude the air is thinner and your ball flies further so usually I'll hit around 220 but up here i'm reaching distances of about 240+ furtherst shot was around 255 with the ball rolling to 260 on the back nine. Unfortunately my short game alass let me down like clockwork. That night was spent relaxing and playing with the babies with Makayla being an absolute angel... unlike her corruptive cousin. The two are so cute together, Danika will care for mak and Mak will always be looking to see what danika is up too. Sunday was an early start for me at 3am with princess waking me with a sneeze so when i checked on her she had kicked all her blankets off and just looking up at me with a smile and a casual expression as if to say "What?". So we jumped into my bed and if you've ever seen a tiny baby in a king size bed its the funniest sight as she just disappears leaving only a small bump with a fluffy head sticking out above the covers. After changing her into clean clothes I decided to feed her, she decided to bring it all back up over her clean clothes.... and mine. So after we both changed it was off to the airport to which princess was very much quite content the entire flight unlike her cousin but we got this incredible shot of the southern alps from the plane...

PRF

Well its been a week working as a loan manager now and I am truly loving the job. Its been great to feel like I'm actually doing some productive work and making a good difference to people's lives. I was able to save a client $7k in overall expense costs which she was very happy about. Feels great to be able to have the ability to make a happy change in peoples lives and help them to achieve few expenses. However such is the case that this scenario isn't affordable for many people due which rips me apart as I know it would help them immensly to be able to consolidate their debts and have some extra cash available.
Well its back to work in the morning and ready to rock on, its intensly difficult work but its something I've been looking for as a challenge to push myself with the sight of many good things to come.
But until that time we'll just push on....

Mak update July 10th

Donne dropped princess off friday night where she was somewhat upset but she finally got settled by 11pm so we were all then able to get some rest hehehe. While mom is down she offered to look after makayla through the night so who am i to argue ;-)
Mom's been a great help and its wonderful to see her getting to spend some time with grand-daughter number two (the new and improved version). Saturday I popped into work for an hour to tidy up a few accounts before coming home by 10am. Then I picked up mak to visit my cousin leanne from dad's side of the family who works at flight center just up the road from us. While there Aucklands city major Dick Hubbard was there so Makayla met her first celebrity, albeit not a major celebrity but all the same. Mom then looked after her while I joined Simon and Jason at howick golf course where too my surprise I actually played GOLF!! shocker ay.
On my return I gave mak many kisses before we settled in for the night of rugby. Princess also got to see her first lot of firewords that were set off in the viaduct basin to celebrate the 3-nil voctory to the All Blacks over the Lions, Good on ya boyz. Then it was everyone off to bed for a good nights sleep in dream land.
Mak woke about 7am for her morning feed then we basically just tried to get ourselves organised. Jake, Karyn, Danika, Princess and myself decided to go to parent expo on at the auckland showgrounds which unfortunatly turned out to be a total waste of time but oh well. Donne's hasn't been feeling very well lately so we will be looking after makayla for another night which I'm loving having her around as miss her so much when she's not here. When she's not here its very easy to fill that time being at work now as absolutly loving it. Mom took her for a walk with Karyn and Danika to get some fresh air this afternoon. Don't know where mom gets all her energy as its now 1815 and she's still running around and about to feed Danika her dinner. Its also Maks dinner time now also so I'll have to end up here.

LIVE Week One Day Two

Well its been another day of sitting and listening to calls patiently waiting for our systems to be created. Just rip roaring ready to go but still learning which is good picking up hints and quick solutions to help assist the process along.
have to buy some chocolates for the girls in the lending department as they are the one's whom approve many of our loan applications so best to be nice to them ay.
All n all its very much steady and keeping on top of things.
once I'm all settled in I'll advise you of my contact details once its all been set up - cheers moppets

Welcome Home...

We welcomed mom home this afternoon, she's down for a month and dad will be following in a weeks time. Its been great to see her again with both her grand-daughters keeping her busy. In two weeks time we are all going to the south island to view terrace downs where i plan to get in much 'quality time' on the golf course. Need a big car with a big boot to handle the bags of clothes - baby gear and naturally the golf clubs hehehehe. We hope that we will get the chance to get up the mountain as we used to when both kaz and i were younger. Karyn wants us to take the Dire Straights album 'brothers n arms' which is my first album i owned that we listened too when we used to go skiing as kids. We're showing our age now that we want to reminise our youth of looooooong ago. hopefully it won't be too cold but we gonna make sure the kids are dressed up nice and snuggly warm. Will be sure to take plenty of photo's of the snow capped mountains for you all too so stay tuned to my link "Photo Archive" which is where i will be posting them. So until then I'll see you all again

What a Weekend

What has the weekend brought? well work drinks friday afternoon then I had Makayla friday night where she was somewhat restless but still growing fast. Saturday Princess and I went shopping for sarahs birthday present at HSV then we went to pumpkin patch and JK kids looking for new clothes. But theres so much choice out there i couldn't decide so will have a look again next weekend when we go to the parent child expo. After that we picked up my belongings i had left at Freedom air and then we came home for her lunch and bath. Donne picked her up at about 3pm to take her to vanessa and Jeff's to stay the night as both donne and I were to attend sarahs birthday party that night. After Donne had left, simon, Jake and I went to view a few apartments around the city. Simon is looking for a new place for him and his wife Yonne, they have looked at several houses, villas, townhouses and apartments but its the matter of finding what suits them and matches their spending bracket.
Saturday night as mentioned was sarahs brithday party and it was great to catch up with everyone i haven't seen for a while such as hunieB(Mel) who now lives in Palmerston North with her fiancee' Aaron who unfortunately couldnt make it to the party due to working commitments. But was enjoyable catching up with everyone oh and the All Blacks kicked arse ROCK ON BOYS.
Today i'm going with sarah to view a house which her father has just purchased so I can take some photo's and see what needs to be done. Will update again later