Monday, August 18, 2014

One Day in Juneau, Alaska {Pt.1}



We got back from our vacation to Alaska just over a week ago. It was incredible! We went on a seven day cruise through some of the southern Alaskan islands, with one final stop in Victoria, Canada. I'd like to share some of my photos from the week.













The cruise itself was a fairly typical cruise (except for the outdoor movie theater and zero, cheesy steel drum music...which both made it better than typical), but it was great. I know a lot of people aren't fans of cruises, but if you want to see a lot in a short time, I think they're excellent. And it's definitely nice that all your food is paid for in one shot. (Also, hello 30-whole. I think my whole family will start this soon because we need some serious purging and cleansing.)


We went whale watching in Juneau (pictures to come later) but this was the only killer whale we saw in the whole trip. That fin - see it? I KNOW it was a killer whale. :)





The locals' catch.

We spent one day in Juneau at the beginning of the week. It was lovely! The day started out rainy and misty, but turned in a glorious summer day!








He's so handsome. :)




Juneau was charming. I loved how the mountains surrounded the port and the clouds became an umbrella over everything.










Naturally...


Part two - which includes whales and salmon and glaciers - coming soon! xo

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Five interview questions



As many of you know, hubby and I moved to the U.S. just about two months ago (from South Africa). So many factors were involved in making that happen and in settling down here - one of the biggest being: finding a job. I've been hunting and interviewing (or trying to) like it's my job.

I recently sat down with a good friend who works part time as a college admissions advisor. She works with high school students to help them get into the university that they want, particularly by helping them prepare for the admissions interview. So, her help was still extremely beneficial for me, even though I'm just a few years past the college admissions stage. ;) She shared these five, random (and very real) questions that have been asked in interviews and the companies that asked them:


1) Airbnb: "How lucky are you and why?"

2) Red Frog Events: "If you could sing one song on 'American Idol', what would it be?"

3) Zappos: "If you could throw a parade of any caliber through the Zappos office, what type of parade would it be?"

4) Dell: "Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer?"

5) Apple: "If you were a pizza deliveryman, how would you benefit from scissors?"


How do you answer those in an interview?! The point of looking at these questions was that if you were asked these, the employers are probably looking more for creativity and the ability to think on the spot, rather than a specific answer.

Either way, how would you answer some of these? What are some out-there interview questions you've been asked or heard of?

Monday, August 11, 2014

Back from Alaska!



We just got back (this past Saturday) from the most lovely holiday in ALASKA! It was amazing. Truly, it's one of those places that is so utterly breathtaking and unique that you really feel like you're in another world. We took a seven day cruise that stopped in three different Alaskan cities, with one stop in British Columbia. Hubby and I are so ready to move there! (Ok, not actually. Cross-continent was enough for a while.) Here are a few photos if you're interested. I can't wait to share more!

What have you been up to? I can't believe summer (and winter for those of you in the Southern Hemisphere) is almost over! Any last minute plans?

Oh, and the most exciting thing happened just before we started our cruise: I got a call for an interview! :)


Walkin' around Seattle.



Movies under the Alaskan night sky.



Helicopter rides to glaciers, with my little brother.







 Wild salmon heading upstream. 











 So much glacier!



 Stunning, stunning Victoria!



The family selfie.