Day 10 - Stuck in the rain

So I have been busy and kind of not...

Two days ago I was at a meeting and was offered to help formulate and write a national strategy to end homelessness for New Zealand. I was offered this because, or so I believe, I have experience with the homeless, it is part of my research topic, and I have a public policy background. I am able to hopefully make a practical difference in the lives of the homeless in New Zealand. I should make a blog post in my research category about how I am going to go about it...

The last two days I was reading and doing some research on the strategic plan as well as getting as far ahead as I can on my ethics approval. Again, another blog post for my research category. It looks like it is going well, as I don't necessarily need approval here; however, where it gets complicated, because I wrote on my application that I was going to get it, I have to request that that part gets deleted. Anyways... back to daily things. I Skyped Mika yesterday and she was happy. She was still confused as to where my voice was coming from, but she wasn't sad or stressed out. I am happy she does not miss me and is eating well.

I went into Central Auckland this evening after work. I went to a pub and had a lamb burger (or something) and a dark stout. Both were pretty good (see picture below).

I then met an individual and started talking about my research. It turns out he works for Winz (New Zealand welfare) on the housing side. He also took french as a major in school. I told him he needed to go to Montreal for the nightlife and culture, and to practice his French of course. We had a good discussion about politics (it appears as though Trudeau is pretty popular internationally). He told me about some interesting facts about the welfare system in New Zealand, which will prove helpful for both my thesis and the strategic plan. We talked for quite a while. I actually lost track of time and was late to catch my buses home.

I ended up having to walk like 10 blocks just to get to the proper bus station and it was pouring rain. I do not have the proper shoes for rain I tell ya. I was soaking wet. I then realized that there would be no buses running from Albany to where I live, and rather than walking in the rain, I decided to call the cab. After all, I was pretty much 98% water at that point and had enough of the rain. The cab driver did not seem to know where he was going, but throughout the rain, it appeared as though he did. I am still not positive where everything is, mainly because I'm never the one doing the driving, but I know how to explain how to get to my place.

Until next time...

#Daily