Week of Fun

The past week was spent in Oklahoma with some friends who are like family to me. Visiting them never fails to feel like coming home. It was a week well spent out in the country...we rode horses, saw bull rides, chased cows and played in the mud on four wheelers, fished in a pond (and Kyle got wet), baked peanut butter chocolate chip cookies, worked on our car, picked homegrown tomatoes, eggplant and okra and spent time with the loveliest people on Earth. Ever. When I grow up (if I ever grow up), I want to be like them...loving and nurturing, ready to lend a helping hand, and always happy to welcome friends into their homes.

There was no single highlight to the week. Every minute was a happy one. My friend, Mandie joined us on our last day and I haven't seen her in almost a year and BOY did we have a good time cooking and eating all manners of food. 

If I had to tell one story though, it's a tie between the time we crashed on the four wheeler...or the one where Kyle got wet. So the next time you see me, ask about these :o).

Employment

Ayu and I decided about two months ago that we are going to get jobs again. However, we haven't been having much luck with the normal methods so we're turning to the blog to find us employment. What's great about posting here is that it costs neither us, or any prospective companies a penny, and (hopefully) will cut down on some of the spam I've been getting in my inbox.

I'll let Ayu write what she's looking for, but as for me, I'm looking for a job overseas (not in the USA) that works in a business sector (such as consultancy or financial analyst) but also makes use of my engineering experience. Whether that means its a problem-solving job, one that has a very steep learning curve, or very challenging position - I'm game. Even if it requires me to learn a foreign language before starting work - I am completely willing to do that.

My resume/CV:

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OBJECTIVE

Seeking a challenging and creative business or consultancy position with a progressive company at an overseas location which would assist in earning an advanced degree in business administration.

EDUCATION

2002 - 2006 Kettering University Flint, Michigan, USA
Graduate WAG: 84.87/100
Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering
Minor Degree in Business Management

1998 – 2002 Hinsdale Central High School Hinsdale, Illinois, USA
Graduate SAT: 1210 ACT: 28

WORK EXPERIENCE

2/07 – 1/08 Schlumberger Drilling and Measurements Abu Dhabi, UAE

Field Engineer responsible for all drilling activities at the rig site. This includes installing all sensors and cables, programming downhole tools, ensuring proper make-up of the drilling assembly, monitoring tool while downhole, producing a depth log of the formation resistivity, gamma ray, porosity, and density while drilling. Also responsible for complete rig-down after drilling. Finalized logs and sent them to the client once back in the base. Interfaced with all levels of management, the client, the geologist, rig crew, drilling supervisor, bit engineer, mud engineer, and rig manager. On call anytime day or night. Required to stay awake for up to 48 hours at a time when problems occur while drilling. Worked extensively with people who speak little English. Job designation was International Mobile - travel immediately to any country in the world when required. Worked with radioactive sources ensuring proper handling procedures were followed.

7/05–9/05, 1/06–3/06, 7/06–9/06 The Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago Chicago, IL, USA

Machinist and Shop Supervisor for the Sensory Motor Performance Program. Responsible for day to day shop operations and safety. Worked extensively with researchers to produce parts and assemblies of exacting standards used in bionic arms and in the rehabilitation of patients with muscular illnesses. Skilled in operating a vertical mill, CNC machine, lathe, and other shop equipment. Further improved proficiency with Unigraphics NX. Senior Thesis was written while employed. Thesis involved designing and building a shoulder-dystocia birthing simulator. Worked extensively with Northwestern University biomedical engineering students and researchers. Copies of Senior Thesis available upon request. Simulator that was created is currently being used to train clinicians on proper shoulder-dystocia freeing techniques.

1/03 – 3/03, 7/03 – 9/03, 1/ 04 – 3/04 and 7/04 – 9/04 UPS Addison, IL, USA

Cooperative Position in Plant Engineering – Responsible for project development, management, and successful implementation. Created drawings for, and implemented an electronic system of, all outlying facility dimensional floor-plan blueprints. The result was a more cost-effective and timely review of new equipment installations. Developed interpersonal and communication skills, proficiency with AutoCad , and worked effectively with all levels in the organization.

ACTIVITIES

Spring 2008 Traveled around New Zealand for two months with one other companion in a camper van on a tight budget. Flexibility and resourcefulness were, key when it came to budgeting for food, fitting in adventure activities, all while keeping a blog updated for readers (http://www.nzwow.com/)
2007 – 2008 Traveled to China, Oman, Egypt, Malaysia, and Singapore
2002 – 2008 Involved in numerous volunteer organizations including Feed My Starving Children, Habitat for Humanity, Hoops for Life and PADS
Spring 2005 Study Abroad International Automotive Engineering Program (IAEP) in Esslingen, Germany attending FHTE (http://www.fht-esslingen.de/)
2002 – 2004 Member of the Kettering University Lacrosse Team
Summer 2001 People to People Student Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand

SKILLS

Competent knowledge of AutoCad, Mechanical Desktop, Solid Edge, 3D Studio Vis and Unigraphics NX
Competent knowledge of Microsoft Word, Office and Internet applications
Competent knowledge of all current operating systems including Windows, Linux and Mac
Trained in Hazardous Material Processing, First Aid and H2S response
PADI licensed open water scuba diver

LANGUAGES

Fluent in English, a basic understanding of Spanish, and a willingness to learn other languages

REFERENCES

Available upon request

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As a field engineer working for Schlumberger in Abu Dhabi, I became very familiar with not only working for a global company in an overseas location, but also the challenges that arise when doing business in a different culture. I have come to appreciate the knowledge required and experience needed in such a role, and as such believe that I would be a very good fit for a position overseas.

I believe that my skills and experience speak for themselves. I can assure any prospective employer that my determination and desire to learn and succeed is second to none. I am a hard-worker, willing to put in long hours and do whatever it takes to get the job done. I am looking for a challenge.

Eventually I wish to start my own company, so the ideal position would be one that would only require a maximum of 5 years employment. I would definitely consider less of a commitment as job security is not important to me. As far as compensation is concerned, I am looking for approximately $65,000 USD annually. However, if the position offered the opportunity to pursue an MBA degree I would be willing to take somewhat less.

Basically, I'm looking for something that offers the opportunity to learn some advanced skills in business, in an interesting location, and leaves plenty of room for growth. If you have a position like the one described feel free to contact me via e-mail found on the About Us page.

So far...

...life has been a whirlwind of making ourselves useful at home, trying to find time to iron out our own thoughts, and communicating them to one another in an environment where it isn't all about us anymore. 

The decision to come back to the US was made after the realisation that as much as we enjoy being nomadic, it wasn't a lifestyle our bank accounts could sustain for much longer. So we decided to rejoin society and function as useful members for a while...'a while' being a term very difficult to define in the world of Ayu and Kyle.

Rest assured we are getting somewhere. And soon we'll have pictures and stories to share once more. 

Thanks for keeping up with us :o).

Send a tent today.

As it is, we haven't even started working seriously on our bike trip and already this nzwow.com blog has seen us through two different countries and continents. And a few days from now, we will be embarking on yet another trip to our fourth country in five months. :o)

We've much to be thankful for. We have been very blessed that things have worked out the way they have and that every time we hit a snag, we've been able to pull ourselves out of it in some way or other. Very thankful indeed.

*****

China is now trying to house about 5 million people who were displaced by the earthquake and aftershocks. That's five times the number of people who were made homeless by the 2004 tsunami in Acheh. If we thought Bandar Acheh was a crisis of mammoth proportions, imagine the predicament in China.

The government and aid agencies are trying to house as many people as they can. However, they are facing a serious shortage of tents, and are unsure as to whether or not the international community can provide the number of tents they need.

A quick Googling of numbers brings up the following...

There are just about 6.7 billion people in the world. So 5 million is about 0.075% of the world's population. That's less than 1 percent.

New Zealand's population is just slightly less than 5 million.

The US has a population of 60 times 5 million.

The UK's population is 12 times 5 million.

Australia is about 4 times 5 million.

I wonder from all these numbers, how many are outdoorsy, avid campers who own their own tents. Although having said that, the tents needed are larger than the ones usually used for camping.

But it's worth hoping that people do own tents of the size they need.

From here,

"The Red Cross is calling for donation of tents for the homeless earthquake victims in Mianyang City, Sichuan Province. It is estimated that 600,000 tents are urgently needed.

Contact information for donation: For donation of materials, please send them to Mianyang Red Cross organization, and its postcode is 621000.

For donation of cash, please send the money to Mianyang Red Cross organization through Bank of China, and its account number is 820907105208092001."

Let's ransack those old closets for tents. If you haven't already, send a tent today.

*****

Here's a picture of the Merang jetty where we set off for Lang Tengah island two weeks ago.

From Newest to Oldest

I know I haven't updated in a while - its been pretty hectic though trying to organize trips and arrange my flight home (which will happen on May 27th). The following are pictures from our recent trip to the East Coast of Malaysia (Terengganu). The first is a salted fish hanging in a roadside store. I guess they cut them in half, salt the two sides and leave it in the sun to dry.
I forget the Malay name for this. They are both fish - the one on the left is mixed with coconut and the one on the right with chilies. Then wrapped in a leaf and grilled - yum.
This one is a dessert. Sweet coconut and cane sugar balls that are toasted (I think?) - i tried these as well - also delicious.
Ok this one I believe is Nasi Kerabu which is a rice, vegetable, and meat concoction. The rice is blue because of the leaves that are cooked with it. It was okay, but I like Nasi Kandar better.
Fish - out in the open and for sale. Also squid.
This is Redang Lang island - where we stayed for 3 days 2 nights.
White sand beaches and crystal clear water.
The sky was pretty overcast the entire time we were there. It didn't rain, but it did a good job of blocking out the sun from burning my pale white skin. There was only one other white guy at this resort. Haha.
Here's a frog that I saw in a BCD (buoyancy control device) after we returned from diving.
Here's Ayu's and my gear next to each other at the dive center.
And here we are about to descend into the abyss. I'm on the right, Ayu middle, and our guide on the far left.
Here's me before getting in.
And our boat driver.
And here's Ayu gearing up.
And before leaving for our final dive.
We waded into the ocean to soak a bit - my camera captured the following, and this was just at waist level! There were SO many fish and completely unafraid of humans.
This is a sea slug (on the right). They are everywhere - but they don't move so not a problem.Here's Ayu taking a shot at me taking a shot at her.
And here's us relaxing on the beach. These little boards were the extent of the dock (or jetty).
The water was so clear you could see right down to the bottom - even when really deep.
This is my attempt at making Pau. These balls will soon be filled with Kaya...
And then folded into shape. The right two are Ayu's. The left one is mine.
This was a crazy fern we found while hiking Penang hill! It's blue!
And a meal that Ayu made for me.
Which I quickly ate up with my fingers (not the palm).
Here's my attempt at making bread - the second one came out better - but this one was ok.
Until next time!

Prayers and donations needed

We've managed to do quite a bit of activity in the last week. We hiked up to Penang Hill last Saturday (got lost along the way and ended up doing a 3-hour hike instead of the usual 2-hour one), followed a friend to KL only to stay for less than 12 hours before boarding a bus back to Penang, and the last two days have seen us spending some time at the cupcake factory. The quick KL-run was tiring, but fun. We had one of the best lunches so far at the famous Tanjung Malim Yik Mun Pau coffee shop.

Pau is wonderful. It's steamed bread with filling. Words can't describe it. Both Kyle and I love pau. So much so that we're trying to learn how to make it ourselves. Albeit with healthier ingredients (ie wholewheat flour).

*****

A sombre mood has taken over our little household. These days, my thoughts don't stray very far from what's happening in nearby Myanmar. We scour the news everyday in hopes that things might be getting a little better, that aid is reaching those in need.

Instead there are stories like the one about 22-year old Ma Gan, who gave birth to a baby girl two days after the cyclone hit, who now is too traumatised by the experience to care for her own baby girl. The baby is being taken care of by relatives, being fed water from a polluted canal. There is nothing else to give her.

Flowers!

Some of my favorite pictures from Auntie Muna's Garden: