A year in review

2010 was a great year for a certain cephalopod! February marked the begining of the Adventures of the Wandering Octopus. This blog was honestly just created so my friends could keep track of my adventures when I moved over seas, but I never could have imagined just how enthusiastic my friends and family would be about helping me create this blog.

Personally, this year held some highs. I graudated from University, (something that felt like it was never going to happen), and moved back to my home town. I have been accepted into a Master's Program at Auckland University of Technology, and will be leaving to live there in about a month and a half. I'm hoping this blog will become slightly more interesting, once that happens... I'm afraid Maple Ridge, Canada isn't the most happening place! (But I've tried to make it as interesting as possible for all of my readers!

The Wandering Octopus has also had some unique experiences. Whether it be relaxing at the spa, watching horses on a dude ranch, or meeting prehistoric creatures, the Octopus always has a good time.

As we move into 2011, I hope you will continue to enjoy the adventures that the octopus and I embark on. I thank everyone who has encouraged me to continue this blog, and who has found the Wandering Octopus on facebook! We really appreciate your enthusiasm, and hope that the coming year will bring you as much adventure and excitement as we hope to find!

All the best, and enjoy your new years festivities!

Most wonderful day of the year!

Well, I hope everyone had a wonderful day on Christmas! (I know the octopus and i did). but aside from all the usual Christmas formalities and traditions came this little gem when I checked my emails before going to bed.

(scroll to the bottom of the page)
AUT EOS Postgraduate Students

It's official! I'm on the webpage, therefor it must be! This honestly made my day. i ran around my house showing everyone the webpage, and blabbering on like an idiot!

(This being said, I completely forgot to upload any Christmas pics I got of the octopus... those will appear in the coming days!)

Happy Cephalopodmas to all...

Yes, I'm sure you've all heard of Christmas... but have you heard of Cephalopodmas? A wonderful day for all cephalopod lovers to celebrate! It falls on December 22 (today). So make sure today that you shake someones hand, or at least sing them a Cephalopodmas carol! (available at this website).

Getting in the Christmas Spirit!

Ah Christmas!

The most wonderful time of the year! Full of over-priced gift, crowded parkinglots and burnt cookies! (I can't bake... hence the burning).

Actually, I love Christmas. I'm one of those onnoying people who waits for Christmas all year long and then as soon as thanksgiving is over pulls out the decorations and music.

This year we travelled to a bunch of U-cut tree farms searching for the perfect tree...

... we ended up buying a precut one from the lot at the end of our street. (But it looked pretty good) I voted to use the car cephalopod as the tree topper. That got vito'd in favor of the traditional angel. Instead the octopus and I decorated the tree with some very fishy ornaments.


And what Chrsitmas is complete without a trip to see jolly old Saint Nic?


"and for Chrsitmas I want a pony, and a toy car, and Buzz Lighyear action figures, and a new bike, .... and did I mention a pony?"
"... Get off me kid..."
(Our Santa looks like he had one too many eggnogs!)

just an update!

Today I received my Student Visa in the mail! (One less thing to worry about) I was so excited, I went out and bought myself a one way ticket to New Zealand! This was the final thing I needed to fall into place before the octopus and I could head over seas! Now there's nothing holding me back!
New Zealand, HERE WE COME!

A little Q and A

So, I havn't updated the blog for a bit (mainly because I've been working hard, and havn't gone anywhere exciting!) However, I have had a bunch of questions repeatedly asked of me regarding my future. So I thought I would take this opportunity to update everyone on what's happening for myself and the wandering octopus!

Q: You're going to New Zealand???
A: Yes, actually, I'm surprised at how many people DON'T know I'm going to New Zealand.

Q: When are you leaving?
A: I will be leaving mid-february. My international student orientation begins on the 17th of February, so I should probably be in the country before that. I havn't got my plane tickets yet (soon I hope) so I don't know excatly when I'll be leaving!

Q: What city will you be going to?
A: Auckland!

Q: So it's official that you're going?
A: Yes! (and no) I have been accepted into AUT, I have paid my tuition, I even have a place to live when I arrive there. HOWEVER: my student visa is taking a while to be processed, and until I get that, (hopefully within a week or two), I can't enter the country for any long duration of time.

Q: What will you do once you're down there?
A: I honestly have no idea! I will be starting my Masters of Marine Sciences, which will involve me working in Dr. Steve O'Shea's lab. Dr. O'Shea is an expert on Giant Squid (and other awesomeness), so fingers crossed I'll run into one while helping him out! After a year I will begin my own thesis project!

Q: How long will you be gone?
A: A minimum of two years. It really depends on how quickly I can get my research done, or how much procrastinating I do. (I hear they have excellent diving in New Zealand).

AND... (drum roll please)... the MOST freqently asked question...

Q: Are you excited?
A: ...? No. (please note sarcasm) YES! OF COURSE I'M EXCITED!

I hope this answers some of your questions, if you have any more, comment below, and I'd be happy to answer them!