As I do not wish to dis any Library Security companies all shall remain nameless in this post however have you ever heard of an Electrician Librarian?
Well I used to be the Electronic Services Librarian (and people asked me where the batteries went!), then the Systems Librarian (and eyes glazed over when I explained what that job entailed - not good party conversation), then the Library Manager in Samoa (people were slightly more interested in this though more so for the palm trees and tropical images it conjured up!) and now I'm the Electrician Library Manager and general dogs body of all that needs fixing up in the Library!! Yes as is the way with many things here if you have absolutely no qualifications or experience, heck never mind you can do the job anyway. After all there is no one else with even half a clue so you sort of have to!
So this is how I became the resident expert in how to look after the library security system. This is the very expensive security gate system we have been trying to get up and running for nearly a year now (I kid you not!) There have been all manner of disruptions to our progress, waiting for delivery from overseas, waiting for the engineer to be able to come for the installation, waiting for someone to figure out how to configure the gates for our non conducive environment (too many metal things in the way and major electrical cables running close by interfering with the magnetic fields), waiting for errors to be fixed, waiting for a new part, waiting for the engineer to visit again to install said new part and now .... waiting again for more new parts as the display is dud and we now can't see anything!!
To cut down on some of this waiting though I am now the electrician who has to open up the cover of these gates and twiddle about with things (as instructed via email or over the phone!) Adam is known as my first assistant as I don't want to encourage other staff members to have a go in there whenever they feel the urge. When asked if I was OK with this I said "no" it made me very nervous and I hoped it did not invalidate our guarantee!! I am not keen to become the Electrocuted Electrician Librarian! Anyway I have been seen on bended knee screwing and unscrewing things, ensuring cables are connected properly, turning adjustment screws anti-clockwise, peering through holes to see if the laser light is lined up right and making sure to re-connect earthing wires! My next task is going to be installing a new LCD and cables. Will see how that goes.
Meanwhile the system is actually beeping and catching books as they go out of the library so that is something. It has been an ongoing job to get some pot plants into the library this week to block off access around either side of the gate. I still have a plant sitting in a large pot with no dirt (an no one in sight to plant this thing for me) and a plant sitting on top of a pot it won't fit in. Oh I have also requested trays for these pots as am envisioning watering plants and water seeping out and running towards new expensive nearly fully functional security gates. Maybe that does not bear thinking about!
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Pumpkin
I don't really know anything about growing pumpkin however poked 2 seeds into the garden and low and behold I now have large pumpkin "vines" growing and seeming to be fine. Thing was after many inspections I could not see any pumpkin actually developing which I thought was strange? I hoped not another plant that liked to grow profusely while bearing no fruit which seems to be the way with many things in this tropical climate. Anyway figured maybe pollination was the problem so the other weekend I got out my smallest paint brush and went out to be a buzzy bee. I happily buzzed between flowers but to no avail ......
The next weekend however I noticed a new flower coming with a ball beneath it. Ah ha I thought maybe there are female and male flowers on a pumpkin plant? So what happened to my pollinating of the week before?!! My pumpkins may be the first ever gay pumpkins in the world!!
Pumpkins are now growing. Not many though. Heaps of male flowers and not many female ones. Oh well we might get to eat a pumpkin or 2 yet we will see. I've also got some ears of corn coming so the gardening experimenting is not over yet. These are fair dinkum straight up corn by the way!! As usual I'll keep you posted on progress.
The next weekend however I noticed a new flower coming with a ball beneath it. Ah ha I thought maybe there are female and male flowers on a pumpkin plant? So what happened to my pollinating of the week before?!! My pumpkins may be the first ever gay pumpkins in the world!!
Pumpkins are now growing. Not many though. Heaps of male flowers and not many female ones. Oh well we might get to eat a pumpkin or 2 yet we will see. I've also got some ears of corn coming so the gardening experimenting is not over yet. These are fair dinkum straight up corn by the way!! As usual I'll keep you posted on progress.
The Hospital visit and The New Baby
Last weekend I went to the hospital to visit one of the USP students, and netball team player, 1 day after she gave birth to a lovely little girl. Yes quite a different experience this one. She went into labour on the Wednesday night and into hospital on the Friday morning when things were happening 2 minutes apart. She told me she waited, not sure where as the delivery suite was not available and a bed on the ward was also not ready. Apparently 9 babies were delivered before lunch time on this day including a first experience of twins for the doctor so things were a little busy!! Anyway our patient waited patiently while trying not to push as she had been
advised. At around lunch time she waddled her way up to the reception as she really felt the baby was "down". The doctor took one look at her and said "ready" to which she nodded but still had to wait 5 more minutes while they cleaned the delivery room and the doctor got over the shakes from delivering the twins! Into the room and basically the head was showing so with one push the baby was out!!! Even though I can't speak from experience I'm sure this is a far cry from what you get in a hospital back home? The next day when I saw her everything was fine although she was crammed into a ward room with 5 other ladies and only sideways shuffling space between the beds. I asked if anyone had been along to instruct her on what to do now and she said no she was figuring it out herself! Baby was feeding though so I suppose all was good?! After one check of the heartbeat etc she was free to be discharged from the hospital.
There were 4 Fijiian ladies present at this time and me the palagi (currently holding the baby!) All manner of things were packed into 2 large bags. When you visit hospital in Samoa you bring everything you need including sheets for your bed and crockery and cutlery for your meal (which incidentally they did bring around in a cart). There was a fair amount of luggage in tow and a big bunch of flowers. We were then ready to leave. Going home time. A big thing in our world. I asked the mother if she would like to be the one to carry her baby out of the hospital but she said she was fine if I did so the unusual procession that we were left the building.
Standing outside the next decision to be made was how we were all going to get home!! My car was right there so I handed over the bundle and went to bring it round. Some how we managed to fit all the luggage in the boot, 4 Fijian ladies, 1 palagi driver and a babe in arms into the car!! We were riding a bit low at this point but off we set. Are you noticing a lack of description of any car seat for this baby? That would be because there wasn't one! Yes you guessed correctly, baby traveled home at 1 day old in the arms of one of the "aunty's" in the back seat. Needless to say I was driving very carefully (Samoan speed even) and watching out for other crazy drivers.
We got home safely and piled ourselves and all the luggage out. Things have gone well from what I've heard over the last week. Baby seems fine. Many people are calling around to visit. There is never a lack in Aunty's or Uncles to look after a baby here which seems to be the Pacific Way. Now we are just waiting for the netball initiation. Mother is keen to get back on the court so I'm sure it won't be long until new baby Jasmine is spotted down a the Apia Park Netball Courts!! Never to young to start I say!!
advised. At around lunch time she waddled her way up to the reception as she really felt the baby was "down". The doctor took one look at her and said "ready" to which she nodded but still had to wait 5 more minutes while they cleaned the delivery room and the doctor got over the shakes from delivering the twins! Into the room and basically the head was showing so with one push the baby was out!!! Even though I can't speak from experience I'm sure this is a far cry from what you get in a hospital back home? The next day when I saw her everything was fine although she was crammed into a ward room with 5 other ladies and only sideways shuffling space between the beds. I asked if anyone had been along to instruct her on what to do now and she said no she was figuring it out herself! Baby was feeding though so I suppose all was good?! After one check of the heartbeat etc she was free to be discharged from the hospital.
There were 4 Fijiian ladies present at this time and me the palagi (currently holding the baby!) All manner of things were packed into 2 large bags. When you visit hospital in Samoa you bring everything you need including sheets for your bed and crockery and cutlery for your meal (which incidentally they did bring around in a cart). There was a fair amount of luggage in tow and a big bunch of flowers. We were then ready to leave. Going home time. A big thing in our world. I asked the mother if she would like to be the one to carry her baby out of the hospital but she said she was fine if I did so the unusual procession that we were left the building.
Standing outside the next decision to be made was how we were all going to get home!! My car was right there so I handed over the bundle and went to bring it round. Some how we managed to fit all the luggage in the boot, 4 Fijian ladies, 1 palagi driver and a babe in arms into the car!! We were riding a bit low at this point but off we set. Are you noticing a lack of description of any car seat for this baby? That would be because there wasn't one! Yes you guessed correctly, baby traveled home at 1 day old in the arms of one of the "aunty's" in the back seat. Needless to say I was driving very carefully (Samoan speed even) and watching out for other crazy drivers.
We got home safely and piled ourselves and all the luggage out. Things have gone well from what I've heard over the last week. Baby seems fine. Many people are calling around to visit. There is never a lack in Aunty's or Uncles to look after a baby here which seems to be the Pacific Way. Now we are just waiting for the netball initiation. Mother is keen to get back on the court so I'm sure it won't be long until new baby Jasmine is spotted down a the Apia Park Netball Courts!! Never to young to start I say!!
The Mammoth Book Sort!!
Yes we have finally done it. After managing to enlist some help, albeit a minimal contribution, from some library minded people we have managed to finish sorting over 200 boxes of books. Found some great stuff like fairly recent editions of World Book Encyclopedia and also some interesting stuff like old annuals and books I remember reading as a kid. We even received 3 pairs of shoes! These will not go to waste. There are always people trying to play netball in jandals round here! With some help from the Ministry of Education van we did some delivering last week and now just have a trip to Savaii and a couple more deliveries round Upolu to complete the project. Again the schools have been very grateful to receive these donations but boy has it been a big job on the sorting front this time round! Think as this project seems to be growing each year I now need to get the Library Association of Samoa completely on board with raising the funds to cover the project and with full on help with sorting once the books get here. It's become too large for just Adam and I! More updates once the deliveries are complete and an article is written for the paper.
Friday, March 19, 2010
The Wedding of the Century!
Talofa All
About time we updated you on our last trip to NZ which was actually in February!! It was a great trip of course. Always fab to come home for a bit and eat lovely food. We had a flying visit for one night in Auckland and a lovely meal at Adam and Jo's care of Jo and Latika. Loved Jo's slice so much I had to go back for seconds!!
After this we flew to Nelson and were picked up at the airport by Zuzanna who we had never met but we looked out for a blonde with a baby and figured out who she was pretty quick! Although from the Czech Republic, and having never spoken english much before arriving in Nelson, we found Zuzanna a great host and able to hold a conversation with us. We met Denyel, Ales and Zuzanna's little son and he is gorgeous. Had again another lovely meal and great conversation with these guys. Unfortunately our trip was not long enough though as we were off to Wellington the very next day.
The plane landed in Wellington and we could see Dad in his Hurricanes shirt through the window waiting for us. Wasn't long before we were up at Nana's house in Newlands for lunch. Nana asked me if I was feeling alright which I assured her I was only I was frozen cold (yes welcome to Wellington!) so had to put on one of her big fleeces and drink copious cups of tea to thaw out!!
Friday we met up with Sharon and Simon and their daughter Sylvie. A first time meeting for Sylvie and us but no worries there. Sylvie is a real entertainer and on the go all the time. We had lunch with Mum and Dad before heading to Nga Manu Bird Sanctury in Waikanae to wear off a little energy! Quite an eventful trip what with duck bites and imaginery "trolls" living under all the bridges in the park! We saw native NZ birds and diving ducks. At the end of the visit Sylvie got to pick a knitted finger puppet from the box and chose the Pukeko as it had been her favourite bird. Many a happy hour was spent after this playing the "What shall we do today Pukeko" game and answering the question "Do you poo, Pukeko"!!!
On the Saturday we spent a great time at Waitarere beach. Sharon and Simon were staying at our beach house and other friends were arriving for the wedding and also renting houses at Waitarere. One couple were staying in the converted Catholic church complete with church organ and stained glass windows. We managed to take a walk on the beach and the kids of course got filthy and wet playing in the sand and waves. A few drinks and a nice meal across the road afterwards soon sorted everyone out.
Sunday Adam and I ran in the Wellington Round the Bays which was 7km starting at Frank Kitts park and going though Oriental Bay and other Bays round to the finish line. Adam can't find any event photos of his but here are mine if you want to check it out http://www.supersportimages.com/products/showbib.php?xs=673&s1=8541 We had a great time. There were crowds and crowds of people and lots of loud music but it was good to take part in the event. We were both pleased with our results and where we came in the "pack"
Monday was THE day. The day of the Wedding that is. All turned out fine. We met at the Winemakers Daughter around lunch time and before long a text came through that the bride was on the way. Of course she looked fab and so did Sylvie all done up in their EBay outfits! Yes a very modern bride this one who did all her shopping online. It was a lovely ceremony with 6 little blonde haired girls running around in pink outfits! I must have some friends who have boys surely??? What was also great about the day was being back together with school friends again. Nothing has changed (apart from a few more laughter lines and a few wee people running around!) At the end of the day we followed the Bride and Groom back to Waitarere where we took a few artistic photos on the beach and joined the others for a a happy hour.
Before the end of the whirlwind tour of NZ we managed to fit in visiting UCOL and Palmerston North for a day. I was amazed and impressed with the progress at the UCOL Library and only wished I could do the same in Samoa. Oh well a few more years and we may be moving in the right direction. UCOL will soon be putting a Nintendo Wii in purely for the students entertainment - and so they can say they have one!! We don't have such luxuries here. A few working and not ancient computers and a decent internet connection and I would be happy! We caught up with friends at the new Speights Ale House and that rounded off our trip quite nicely.
Back to Samoa to catch up and back to sorting the boxes of books that did not seem to sort themselves while we were away lol.
About time we updated you on our last trip to NZ which was actually in February!! It was a great trip of course. Always fab to come home for a bit and eat lovely food. We had a flying visit for one night in Auckland and a lovely meal at Adam and Jo's care of Jo and Latika. Loved Jo's slice so much I had to go back for seconds!!
After this we flew to Nelson and were picked up at the airport by Zuzanna who we had never met but we looked out for a blonde with a baby and figured out who she was pretty quick! Although from the Czech Republic, and having never spoken english much before arriving in Nelson, we found Zuzanna a great host and able to hold a conversation with us. We met Denyel, Ales and Zuzanna's little son and he is gorgeous. Had again another lovely meal and great conversation with these guys. Unfortunately our trip was not long enough though as we were off to Wellington the very next day.
The plane landed in Wellington and we could see Dad in his Hurricanes shirt through the window waiting for us. Wasn't long before we were up at Nana's house in Newlands for lunch. Nana asked me if I was feeling alright which I assured her I was only I was frozen cold (yes welcome to Wellington!) so had to put on one of her big fleeces and drink copious cups of tea to thaw out!!
Friday we met up with Sharon and Simon and their daughter Sylvie. A first time meeting for Sylvie and us but no worries there. Sylvie is a real entertainer and on the go all the time. We had lunch with Mum and Dad before heading to Nga Manu Bird Sanctury in Waikanae to wear off a little energy! Quite an eventful trip what with duck bites and imaginery "trolls" living under all the bridges in the park! We saw native NZ birds and diving ducks. At the end of the visit Sylvie got to pick a knitted finger puppet from the box and chose the Pukeko as it had been her favourite bird. Many a happy hour was spent after this playing the "What shall we do today Pukeko" game and answering the question "Do you poo, Pukeko"!!!
On the Saturday we spent a great time at Waitarere beach. Sharon and Simon were staying at our beach house and other friends were arriving for the wedding and also renting houses at Waitarere. One couple were staying in the converted Catholic church complete with church organ and stained glass windows. We managed to take a walk on the beach and the kids of course got filthy and wet playing in the sand and waves. A few drinks and a nice meal across the road afterwards soon sorted everyone out.
Sunday Adam and I ran in the Wellington Round the Bays which was 7km starting at Frank Kitts park and going though Oriental Bay and other Bays round to the finish line. Adam can't find any event photos of his but here are mine if you want to check it out http://www.supersportimages.com/products/showbib.php?xs=673&s1=8541 We had a great time. There were crowds and crowds of people and lots of loud music but it was good to take part in the event. We were both pleased with our results and where we came in the "pack"
Monday was THE day. The day of the Wedding that is. All turned out fine. We met at the Winemakers Daughter around lunch time and before long a text came through that the bride was on the way. Of course she looked fab and so did Sylvie all done up in their EBay outfits! Yes a very modern bride this one who did all her shopping online. It was a lovely ceremony with 6 little blonde haired girls running around in pink outfits! I must have some friends who have boys surely??? What was also great about the day was being back together with school friends again. Nothing has changed (apart from a few more laughter lines and a few wee people running around!) At the end of the day we followed the Bride and Groom back to Waitarere where we took a few artistic photos on the beach and joined the others for a a happy hour.
Before the end of the whirlwind tour of NZ we managed to fit in visiting UCOL and Palmerston North for a day. I was amazed and impressed with the progress at the UCOL Library and only wished I could do the same in Samoa. Oh well a few more years and we may be moving in the right direction. UCOL will soon be putting a Nintendo Wii in purely for the students entertainment - and so they can say they have one!! We don't have such luxuries here. A few working and not ancient computers and a decent internet connection and I would be happy! We caught up with friends at the new Speights Ale House and that rounded off our trip quite nicely.
Back to Samoa to catch up and back to sorting the boxes of books that did not seem to sort themselves while we were away lol.
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