Gumboots, Lesson Plans And Hot Rugby Nights: New Beginnings in New Zealand [Paperback]

J. A. Flynn (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 16, 2004

This tale recounts thedevelopment of a "strategic plan" that propels the author into the next stageof her working life - teaching ESL.¿ Byimplementing the plan, she finds a job via the Internet and accepts a positionin Auckland, New Zealandto teach English and accounting to Asians.¿During those six months, she experiences a thrilling and unexpectedtransition in her life as she gains a new perspective about life, love andhappiness from her ambitious students and the Kiwis who thrive in their smallisland country.¿ Her solo adventure 'down under'takes place in the middle of a cold, wet winter.¿ As the story unfolds, she becomes envelopedin teaching and in relationships with her new Kiwi friends.¿ The account of this sojourn weaves inanecdotes related to the trials and tribulations of maintaining abi-continental relationship with her husband. The narrative recounts travelexperiences both within Aucklandand to neighboring islands as well as exploration of the North and South Island.¿ Intermingledthroughout are colorful tidbits that elucidate readers about the culture, thecuisine (recipes included), the Kiwi lifestyle,current issues in the country and a bit about Maori traditions/legends.¿ In the telling of the story, many comparisonsare made between Auckland and herhometown, San Francisco. A must read for anyone thinkingof making a career transition or at one of life's crossroads, and especiallythose who wish to visit this fabulous country.

Editorial Reviews

Review

A must read for anyone at one of life's crossroads, especially when Waiheke's finest pleasures present an irresistible detour. -- Waiheke Marketplace, New Zealand, February 23, 2005

Flynn writes of zest for life, describing her strategic plan that catapults her into the next stage of her life. -- The Orange County Register, Dana Point News, Nov. 18, 2004

From the Author

Learning to like oneself has got to be one of the most difficult lessons we face as we journey through life. This is evidenced by the hundreds, if not thousands of books written about this topic that can be found on your library shelves, in your neighborhood bookshop or in an online bookstore under such categories as self-help, self-esteem, or spirituality to name a few. Authors such as Deepak Chopra, The Dalai Lama and Dr. Phil wax philosophical on the subject.

Regardless of what has gone before, there is definitely something in the spirit of the times right now that seems to be encouraging people to explore a more spiritual approach to life. Perhaps it was triggered by the travesty of 9/11 or perhaps it's the elusive search for balance that seems to kick in as we age. Whatever, the old culture of instant gratification and retail therapy just doesn't seem to cut it anymore.

This metamorphosis can also be seen in the change of workout activities that are offered at my 24 Hr. Fitness Center. Yoga and Pilates have now replaced step aerobics as the exercise of choice, as everyone is seeking to tune up their inner self as well as tone their muscles.

Perhaps it was this search for balance that caused me to make some changes in my life at the tender age of 53. Whatever combination of things generated that change to come about, I am thankful for the new beginning, the harmony and growth it's provided me.

George Eliot, a novelist of the 19th century, once wrote, "It's never too late to be what you might have been." I think this statement is just as meaningful today as it was when she was breaking barriers of her own.

Here's to 'new beginnings'; this story is about mine.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 316 pages
• Publisher: AuthorHouse (July 16, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 141842658X
• ISBN-13: 978-1418426583
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.9 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,756,842 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Gumboots, Lesson Plans and Hot Rugby Nights, May 28, 2005

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V Young (HB, California) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gumboots, Lesson Plans And Hot Rugby Nights: New Beginnings in New Zealand (Paperback)

Fantastic "Dear Diary" tale of the author's trip overseas to pursue a teaching assignment. Try to keep up, if you can, as she takes you through the streets, trails and beaches, local eateries, museums and sightseeing highpoints of many New Zealand cities.

Planning a trip to New Zealand? Read this book first! Enjoy cooking? Try the wonderful recipes included, such as this one (pg.209); Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Sauce. Yum!