Where did it go?

Week 8

I was saddened to have to say goodbye to Bee this week. Her fiancés father in Scotland has unfortunately taken a turn for the worst health wise, and so they took an impromptu trip to go and see him. Although a part of me thinks that Facebook is a ridiculous replacement of human interactions and real relationships, in this case it is a wonderful tool to stay in touch with people (Bee and I are official Facebook friends).

Anyways! I have been engrossed in research for another week, but on a different project. Noeline asked me to do a write-up in which I gave her a brief overview of several pieces of legislation before Parliament (two on the Sale and Supply of Liquor, one on Social Assistance, one on Public Health, and another on a study looking at the situation of the care of older New Zealanders). It has been nice because I feel like I am able to knock them out relatively quickly, whereas with my previous projects it has taken a good week to do research on one individual piece of legislation. I feel like I’m rambling.

I did realize something that I am learning here, though, just last night while I was working on the Analysis assignment that is a part of me acquiring academic credit for this experience. By nature, I am not really one to raise a fuss about anything. I am content to be left alone and to leave everything else alone. However, the very point of existence for Rural Women New Zealand is to do just the opposite – it is to advocate and raise a stink if something does not sit well in regards to how legislation might impact rural communities, to push for change. I know that I need to take a lesson from that, not that I will not be true to myself and not that I will totally abandon my typical approach of “let’s see how we can make this work without rocking the boat.” But I need to be able to use my voice, as well. I need to be able to stand my ground when necessary. We’ll see how this shapes out!

I think I am going to be challenged in a whole new way over the next few weeks. I’ve been bumped up to the front desk in lieu of Bee’s absence (she is the office manager). I’m helping answer the phones (reminds me of my days at NLCF) and do some administrative tasks. Having a very limited knowledge of the administrative side of RWNZ has left me a bit dazed and feeling stupid in trying to help people over the phone. Oh well – lots to learn I suppose!

As a final note, I just asked my co-worker Paddy what she thought of the American accent. I wondered whether it was obnoxious sounding. She said it was adorable – nice and soft. On the other hand, she finds Kiwi accents to be flat and harsh. Interesting!