My job search, it goes on and on and on and on.......

There is a tightness in my chest and I feel like I am going to cry…..This is because I have been frantically (well it feels frantic because I have worked my self up to that state) trying to email my information to recruiters in the US and because I overslept and there is a 19-hour time difference I feel stressed because maybe I missed a window of opportunity.  Insert internal groan followed by a deep breath, all I want is a chance to get some experience and work as a CRNA! My mind is racing as I over-analyze and wonder if sleep cost me a job offer.  Really, Katie who sleeps until 10:30…. On a Tuesday??!! Dumb you are really, really dumb… and so goes the conversation in my head….I promise I am not crazy, promise!

 

...some of my school ID's

In all my CRNA finery!

Ok, much calmer now....Most of you know my “unique” story but for those who are reading this and don’t, here it is in a nutshell…….6 months before I graduated my husband was offered a promotion, accepted and shortly thereafter left to start his new position in New Zealand.  Since I didn’t finish school until August I stayed in California, then I sat for my Board examination in September (and passed first try FYI), then I packed up the house and by October 5 I was moving to a new country.  The emotional experience of knowing that at the end of my journey through school, I was going to essentially walk away from the start of that career is something that is very hard for me to put into words.  It was a new emotional experience for me because while I knew that it was a good decision (hubbie’s career and our future) it was one that brought angst and uncertainty at the same time.  

The very good looking graduating of 2013

Since October I have looked what job options there may be for me here in New Zealand.  These options seem to be dismal at best and none of them include actually doing any anesthesia (thanks to a very strong opposition against CRNA’s from the anesthesiologists of NZ-but that’s another story).  If I could work here even as an advanced practicing nurse I would. But, from what I have found out, to even get my nurse practitioner license is an uphill, (at least) two-year battle.  I’m not sure if I have that in me.  I just made it through an emotionally draining, physically exhausting two-years known as CRNA School.   So, I have opted to look for jobs in the US rather than here in New Zealand for the time being.  Once I am able to work enough hours to secure my US license then I will explore what options I may have here.  Then I will be, not only a girl gone kiwi but a nurse gone kiwi too…..and that’s when it will get interesting.

This is my office (or was and will be again) :)

As of now there are some US leads that are showing some promise, so fingers crossed, the anesthesia world may see me yet!!!!

Does a fragrance by another price smell as sweet...or sweeter?

I know that living in another country comes with a list of concessions that stand out as “changes” one must adjust to no matter how small they may be.  What you have to pay for beauty products happens to be one of those concessions (which I have balked at).  Although I have tried to come to terms with the fact that things here in NZ are 2, 3, even 4x’s the cost they would be in the US (this is not an exaggeration) I don’t like it…at all.  But it is a fact of life while we are living here.  So, I try not to make the mental comparison as I shop-but it’s really hard.    As someone who is a self-proclaimed “bargain hunter” it is difficult to shut down that part of my brain.  The voice inside my head says, “How much is it??!!  It would only be ____(this much) in the US, that’s just ridiculous!”  At this point you are probably thinking what does this have to do with smelling good.  Well, it brings me in a round-a-bout way to my story of this amazing new perfume that I discovered in NZ……

I have never been a “perfume person” really.  I have one or two perfumes on my dresser that I love but 9 times out of 10 I would walk out of the house and forget to put any on. So the pretty bottles of fragrance would sit full and get an occasional dusting. Until now….

                
this is a fragrance line that I cannot get enough of.   I discovered it while shopping at WORLD here in Auckland.   I got #45 Bulletproof from the Femme Fatale Parfum collection.  It’s an intoxicating combination of smoked tea, coconut milk, cedar, and ebony wood. It’s delicious, it is one of those scents that for me is invigorating while drawing the lyrics of West Side Story song “I feel pretty, oh, so pretty!” from my little heart.  Now at the time I didn’t think about the price really…..ignorance was bliss.  But then on my recent trip home I discovered it at Sephora. Oh the joy!! My new obsession at a fraction of the price??!! Amaze-balls!! So I got another bottle of #45, and bottle of #10 Everything & Nothing (this is a divine blend of orange, floral, dessert moss and tea leaves).  I also got some bath gel, body lotion, and lip gloss. I  got all of this in the states for what I paid for my first bottle here in New Zealand.  Now when I use my new products I smell orange , floral, moss, and sweet sweet shopping victory......

Thanks for sticking with me on that wandering road of a story......now go check out ToykoMilk!

Let's flip some threads!!!!!

Those who know me know that I have.....a love of shopping.   I absolutely love everything about it!  I have done more online shopping since moving here to New Zealand (which is, no offense, a bit of a shopping black hole when compared to what we had in Orange County).  

What does one do when you are "blessed" with a love for shopping and "cursed" with tiny New Zealand closets?  The old must make way for the new.  I started thinking how I could capitalize on the things in my closet that I no longer wear or have never worn.  The consignment options here in Auckland that I explored failed to impress me.   Then one day, during a Google search I came across
Threadflip, this San Fransisco based site is AMAZING!!!!! 

I chose their Full-Service option because, lets face it, if they can do the work for you-why not?! They send you a postage-paid bag to send them the stuff you want to sell and put it in the mail.  Then they take over, place the items on their website, and once they sell they even ship it to the buyer for you!  Could it be any easier? I don't think so.  Check it out, who knows, maybe you will even see something of mine that you want to grab for a great deal!!

Here's the link   http://www.threadflip.com/referrals/9xoek   Whether you buy, sell or browse you will have some shopping fun!!

FYI, I bought my first pair Louboutins on this site (and they were a steal!!).  Is it shopping love or a shopping problem??? :)  Just don't ask my husband that question....

Meet my fabulous friend & fashion sister.......

Ok, I have the most amazing friends. I fell incredibly fortunate to have the friends that I do.  Not only are these ladies fabulous people but they each have a fabulous and unique fashion sense.  I would like to share their fabulousness with you.  So I have decided to feature them from time to time here on the blog.  This blog was written by my friend Alison.  I love her to death and after reading this I have a felling you will love her too!!

Take it away Alison.........

I have loved fashion for as long as I can remember, my favorite day of the month is when the fashion mags arrive, my fingers can’t flip the pages fast enough to see what these creative geniuses have come up with.  I love that the right accessory takes the boring to the realm of amazing, the thrill of taking an idea of an outfit and making the look my own never fails to bore me.  Many don’t understand my love of fashion or why I can spend hours lost in thought about creating an outfit.  To me, fashion is my form of creativity and self-expression; it also allows me to be a chameleon.

My fashion icon is Rachel Zoe – I love her style, her vision and creativity.  The flared pant that she favors is my go-to look; it elongates my legs and makes me feel like the tall girl I have always wanted to be. Zoe’s love of her trademark sunnie's, gobs of jewelry and sky-high shoes radiate in my personal style.  The saying look at yourself in the mirror before you leave the house and remove one item - doesn’t work for me, in fact I do the opposite, I always add a piece.  Sometimes it’s a fashion mistake (but I say, "if you love it, wear it!").

So here goes – 2 of my favorites.  That’s not say I don’t love me some maxi dresses, shorts, skinny jeans with boots, faux fur vests or any fabulous top (I could go on and on but you get the idea).

1. J-brand Love story jeans are top of my list; everything about this jean screams “me”.  The dark denim allows for so much versatility – they can go from a casual Friday at the office, to drinks with my hubby or a girls’ night out with just a variation in the choice of top.  However, my California casual side does come out when pairing them with my love for an oversized white tank and a wedge.   To kick this look up another notch I just layer on the gold necklaces, bangles or that amazing cocktail ring. The finishing touch - my dark brown Gucci hobo and light brown jacket completes the look.  That California, relaxed vibe that I strive for each time I leave the house. And I never forget my oversized sunnies, because let’s be honest having a busy 2-year-old means dark circles.

The love of the hunt is almost as thrilling as wearing that coveted piece.  Which brings me to my next (current) favorite.
2. These green floral pants caught my eye last spring in an editorial spread and I couldn’t get them out of my head.  They make me think of Palm Springs, warm weather and a cocktail by the pool.  With that image in my head I hunted these pants down for 2 months.  They are my statement pants, can’t be worn often because they make an entrance all on their own.  Because of that I pair them with a simple white tee, minimal jewelry and very simple shoes.  I let the pants do all the talking!

Alison looking chic with Sam, the ultimate cool dude :)

And now I’m off to search for the spring trends that caught my eye in the editorials.  Well, not till after lent - for now I will be shopping in my own closet and creating hopefully more fabulous outfits.

(Hi, it's Katie again--see I told you...isn't she great!  Thanks Al for taking the time to do this! xoxox)

Let's get physical, physical.......

So another aspect of my renewed inspiration as I return to New Zealand applies to my workout routine. My vacation from New Zealand sort of became one from exercise as well (oops).  Here in New Zealand I have a gym membership, a beautiful harbor for outdoor running and for the first time in my life A LOT of free time.  Now, I don't know about you but actually getting to the workout is the hardest mental hurdle to get over-if I am completely honest, this is the obstacle that is standing between me and my six-pack. Don't laugh, out loud at least. ;)

Exercise is always on my daily to-do list, along with other things.  But it is those "other things" that I pick to do first before I go workout.  Often the other "to-do's" in my day seem very important and become the focus as they slowly elbow exercise onto my Tomorrow's to-do list.  The sweet Annie tune starts to play in my head, “the gym will come out tomorrow, bet your bottom dollar that tomorrow there will be sun (and a workout).”

Well the excuses end now, and I am renewing my commitment to daily exercise, daily sweat, daily endorphin-releasing activity. I am putting it out there to you my readers in order to increase my sense of accountability to this commitment.

The question that is always in my mind is how fit can I get? How far can I take this? Why not live up to my own advice and be the best version of myself?

I am going to commit to 30 minutes of exercise 5x's a week.....the five days will be a combination of cardio (running), weights, pilates, and all those workouts I have collected on Pinterest! :)

Here's the first one from Pinterest I tried-it was good! Lots of focus on the legs and I added arm exercises in with the lunges and the wall-sit.  Working multiple muscle groups at the same time=more calorie burning. I am all about maximum effort in the shortest amount of time! 

Check out my Pinterest “Get in Shape Girl!” Board for further inspiration http://www.pinterest.com/GirlGoneKiwi/get-in-shape-girl/….and stay tuned for updates on my progress. 

Well this is long overdue!!!!

Well I have returned to New Zealand from my three week whirlwind trip in my home country. It was a wonderful trip filled with lovely memories with some of my favorite people in the whole wide world.  Two days after returning to NZ I was on a plane again  and flew south to spend time with my in-laws.. Well, that's why I went-my husband went for the opening of duck shooting season.  This is an incredibly important time on the hunting calendar (that's what they tell me, I don't get it really).  While in the "Deep South" I got a terrible sore throat which I was convinced was strep throat--it was so so painful. But, I am happy to report, I am now on the mend and feeling much better (thanks for asking).   

During this time, I am ashamed to admit, my little blog was left alone and somewhat neglected.  While I thought of writing, it never actually happened.  For this I do apologize-to my blog and to my loyal following.   You no doubt, have been left forlorn from not hearing about my life and times (wink, wink).  

Let me try and catch you up.  Here are some photo highlights from my trip.

Coachella........

My fabulous sister's birthday!!!!! Looking good girl! 

Naked & Famous at a tiny venue in Phoenix!! 

Lots of cuddles with my nephew, Moses!!! Good thing he is so cute because he is a RASCAL!! 

These last two are during our South Island weekend....this is truly a place of endless natural beauty! 

One of the best things about this trip is that my heart and mind have been reignited with ambition and a desire to write and share my stories in a new inspired way.   Hope you will come on this next phase of my journey with me!! 

I remain a girl in transition, a girl in two worlds, a girl inspired, and as always a girl gone kiwi......

Homeward bound!!!

Well I'm on my way back to the US of A for a threeJean three-week whirlwind trip of fun, music, birthdays, and lots of laughs with my dear friends and family.  My excitement to goes is mixed with a little sadness because I'm leaving my two favorite boys behind....

 One question: Am I the only one who gets a "nervous tummy" pre-travel? I do, and I think it's a combination of excitement, the bittersweet emotion I mentioned above and the terrible flahsbacks of my prior track record (I'll get to that in a minute)   Maybe it's the "packing stress" leading up to leaving for the airport.  I stand over the suitcase wondering why is this so heavy? What can I live without on this trip? What's expendable? Do I really need 7 purses? 

Now, I'm sitting in the air New Zealand lounge right now waiting to board my flight so writing this better not be a jinx.....

I say that because I have had travel moments that could have been filmed for a reality show entitled "when travel goes really, REALLY WRONG."   

1. The time I was traveling from Chicago to California and a snow storm hit that was so bad it shut down not only the airport but the whole city. I laugh now as I think of myself dragging my suitcase along the snowy sidewalk trying to get a Cab only to watch them all drive away after I told them I wanted to go to the airport

2. Do you need your passport to go to Canada? No, right? That was the time we were almost at LAX and had to turn around to go back and get my passport.  The longest car ride EVER with my not-at-all-happy Hubbie......We missed that flight 

3.  The time my name on the flight reservation was under my new married last name and the ID I had with me (didn't have my passport because it was a domestic flight) had my maiden name on it.  After all I was moving to New Zealand so why go thru the trouble of going to the DMV to change a license I wasn't going to use......missed that flight too! 

4. The time we were attempting to go to Europe (the one week I had off from grad school) and getting stuck in economy on a shitty, old, over-heating American Airlines plane on the tarmack for 2 hours, maybe 3....and they never apologised.  

5. Or there is the time I was flying to I Paris to get married (immediately followed by the honeymoon) and someone else took my luggage so I had no suitcase. I'm GOING TO GET MARRIED!!! I was in full melt-down mode.  I was crying and alone holding my wedding dress bag in the London airport....I was totally pathetic in that moment. 

Why continue to regurgitate bad times when you get the point.....I still travel of a regular basis (my way of saying, as much as I can) Which many of you read and think, "wtf is wrong with her?!" 

While these are experiences that I never want to re-live, my love of travel continues to override all the bad that happens while you are trying to get to people or places that you love.  So I tempt fate (or give it the middle finger) once again as I venture back to California and Arizona to spend time with my favorite people in the world.   I'm so excited I might be sick-like a little kid at Christmas (maybe I should call it "Christmas tummy" instead of "nervous tummy")--about the stomach thing...turns out nausea may also occur when you don't eat all day and take supplements to prevent getting sick on the germ tube (aka the plane).  Oh, my flight is boarding gotta run! I don't need any more stories to add to the list ;) 

Bon voyage!!