Wow!  I know it’s been a long time since I checked in on The Starbuck Report.

Since my last update, a lot has happened!

First and foremost, about a month ago, I accepted a position as an advertising sales representative for a marketing company.  This particular company, called JB Presentations, specialises in producing desk pads and wall planners.  I sell the advertising space surrounding these.  The job is relatively laid back, the hours are flexible, and I truly enjoy the group of people I work with.  The office is in an old shoe factory right in the City Centre, with exposed brick walls, hardwood floors, and lots of large windows.  Besides the managing director (who is male), I work with thirteen other woman of various ages.  In terms of getting to work in the morning, I can cycle there in about ten minutes, ride one of several regular buses with a transit time of 15 minutes, or walk ten minutes to ride the Free Shuttle (total transit time about 25 minutes).  If it’s nice out, I definitely prefer to cycle.

Secondly, my youngest sister, Brett, arrived two weeks ago to Christchurch.  We’ve been scampering around the area since she’s been here, going up to Kaikoura last weekend for Seafest 2009, camping, Lyttelton, and riding the Christchurch Gondola up and mountain biking down the Port Hills.

Thirdly, in the coming weeks, The Starbuck Report will be going through a technological upgrade.  Rus will be moving the blog over to the new Crowd Fusion web publishing platform.

Fourth and finally, I sent away for and received my permanent residence for New Zealand!  I am now able to vote, exit and enter the country freely for the next two years (until I have to renew my visa), and have access to the public health system.  This is a welcome relief, as my work visa expired in July (resulting in a bit of a mix-up at the San Francisco airport in August!  Cheers to the amazingly friendly and understanding staff at Air New Zealand and customs at Christchurch Airport! :))

So, the last few weeks have been busy, and I realise that I have been neglecting The Starbuck Report.  Look for more updates in the coming days!