I arrived at work this morning to find my new workmate Suzy a little flumxed. She'd arrived early and like the good soul that she is, she'd braved the fierce Wellington wind to put out the company flag in small garden outside our front door (the only form of office branding we currently possess.)
What happened next I don't really understand how it happened. It's like a scene out of a hollywood movie.
As she places the flag on the small pole, her prescription sunglasses are swiped off her head by the crazy wind and wiped up into the air and raced off in to the distance.
I can't believe it, it's such a crazy scenario. So, I volunteer to walk up the road (state highway 2 I might mention!). I walked about 800 meters up the road, looking in the gutters, the drains, under cars and along the ditches.
No glasses in sight.
Along the way I have one hand on my own glasses, fearing that I might loose my own glasses and the other on my scarf, hoping that I won't fall victim to the Wellington wind.
On my return I notice a pool of workmates around the office. All arriving at the office and upon hearing the story of the missing glasses, are out in the street searching for glasses. It was almost a team meeting out on the path on the side of State Highway 2.
One workmate crawled around the parking lot of the neighbouring printing company and another was searching along the side of train tracks at the back of the office.
We even conned the staff of the neighbouring companys into helping us search.
Alas. No glasses were found. But we did find something - a strange sense of team commraderie. The search bonded us somehow. All of us bonded together to search for the missing glasses. I'm not entirely sure if it was because we are a team, or if we just all found the situation so bizaree that we wanted to be part of it. Either way, it made for an interesting start to a Friday.
30 April 2010
29 April 2010
Facebook groups
I'm a facebooker - a pretty obessive one I admit. Everytime a post comes up about 'so and so' joined the group " blah blah blah" I glance at it and move on.
This afternoon I noticed that a friend had joined the group "I never noticed before that after Monday and Tuesday comes W T F." And while I didn't click on the group link and just kept on scrolling, I did find it amusing.
It does make me wonder tho, who thinks of this crap?! They are often amusing, and I find myself wishing I could come up with some original group to make on FB. And then the ultimate realisation - I don't care enough to start a group.
Smile, Chuckle, Keep on scrolling. . .
This afternoon I noticed that a friend had joined the group "I never noticed before that after Monday and Tuesday comes W T F." And while I didn't click on the group link and just kept on scrolling, I did find it amusing.
It does make me wonder tho, who thinks of this crap?! They are often amusing, and I find myself wishing I could come up with some original group to make on FB. And then the ultimate realisation - I don't care enough to start a group.
Smile, Chuckle, Keep on scrolling. . .
28 April 2010
Potatoe and Leek Soup
I made Potatoe and Leek soup last night = yum yum! It's the easiest thing to make. Here's my recipe:
1 Leek
8 medium Potatoes
500ml Chicken stock
2 cups of Water
2 cloves of garlic
salt & pepper to taste
(All ingredient quantities are subjective.)
Chop up the leek.
Peel and chop up the potatoes.
Crush the garlic.
Add all the ingredients together in a large pot.
Put the pot on to boil. Leave the lid on.
Once potatoes are tender, take the lid off. Let it simmer for a while to steam off some of the moisture.
Take it off the heat.
Add a decent knob of butter.
Blend it all together with a stab mixer.
Enjoy.
1 Leek
8 medium Potatoes
500ml Chicken stock
2 cups of Water
2 cloves of garlic
salt & pepper to taste
(All ingredient quantities are subjective.)
Chop up the leek.
Peel and chop up the potatoes.
Crush the garlic.
Add all the ingredients together in a large pot.
Put the pot on to boil. Leave the lid on.
Once potatoes are tender, take the lid off. Let it simmer for a while to steam off some of the moisture.
Take it off the heat.
Add a decent knob of butter.
Blend it all together with a stab mixer.
Enjoy.
27 April 2010
The best email FWD ever!
Today I recieved one of the best email forwards ever. I don't often read forwards, let alone actually forward them. But this one was great! It's the "Random thoughts from people 25-35 years old" and I can honestly say that I have either done or thought every single one of the items on the list. Have a read below and don't tell me you haven't done the same!
Random thoughts from people 25-35 years old
1. More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that's not only better, but also more directly involves me.
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realise you're wrong.
3. I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and sticks when they've invented the lighter?
4. Have you ever been walking down the street and realised that you're going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.
5. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
6. Is it just me, or are 80% of the people in the "people you may know" feature on Facebook people that I do know, but I deliberately choose not to be friends with?
7. Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid did that, but how did we all know how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.
8. There is a great need for sarcasm font.
9. Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realise I had no idea what the f*** was going on when I first saw it.
10. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
11. LOL has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".
12. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
13. Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".
14. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?
15. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a d *ck from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!
16. Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in' examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete idiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney and said "Yes that's G as in...(10 second lapse)..ummm...Goonies".
17. While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.
18. I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.
19. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.
20. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
21. Bad decisions make good stories.
22. Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public, I feel like a kid on Christmas morning that just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!
23. Is it just me or do high school girls get sl*ttier & sl*ttier every year?
24. If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring would probably just be completely invisible.
25. Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't be a problem ...
26. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.
27. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.
28. There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.
29. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.
30. I hate being the one with the remote in a room full of people watching TV. There's so much pressure. 'I love this show, but will they judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing we weren't watching this. It's only a matter of time before they all get up and leave the room. Will we still be friends after this?'
31. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Dammit!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?
32. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.
33. When I meet a new girl, I'm terrified of mentioning something she hasn't already told me but that I have learned from some light internet stalking.
34. I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.
35. Why is a school zone 25 km/h? That seems like the optimal cruising speed for paedophiles...
36. As a driver I hate pedestrians and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.
37. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
38. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
39. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, hitting the G-spot, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet my ass everyone can find and push the Snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time every time.....
40. My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "Dad what would happen if you ran over a ninja?" How the h*ll do I respond to that?
41. I wonder if cops ever get p*ssed off at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.
42. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
Random thoughts from people 25-35 years old
1. More often than not, when someone is telling me a story all I can think about is that I can't wait for them to finish so that I can tell my own story that's not only better, but also more directly involves me.
2. Nothing sucks more than that moment during an argument when you realise you're wrong.
3. I don't understand the purpose of the line, "I don't need to drink to have fun." Great, no one does. But why start a fire with flint and sticks when they've invented the lighter?
4. Have you ever been walking down the street and realised that you're going in the complete opposite direction of where you are supposed to be going? But instead of just turning a 180 and walking back in the direction from which you came, you have to first do something like check your watch or phone or make a grand arm gesture and mutter to yourself to ensure that no one in the surrounding area thinks you're crazy by randomly switching directions on the sidewalk.
5. I totally take back all those times I didn't want to nap when I was younger.
6. Is it just me, or are 80% of the people in the "people you may know" feature on Facebook people that I do know, but I deliberately choose not to be friends with?
7. Do you remember when you were a kid, playing Nintendo and it wouldn't work? You take the cartridge out, blow in it and that would magically fix the problem. Every kid did that, but how did we all know how to fix the problem? There was no internet or message boards or FAQ's. We just figured it out. Today's kids are soft.
8. There is a great need for sarcasm font.
9. Sometimes, I'll watch a movie that I watched when I was younger and suddenly realise I had no idea what the f*** was going on when I first saw it.
10. How the hell are you supposed to fold a fitted sheet?
11. LOL has gone from meaning, "laugh out loud" to "I have nothing else to say".
12. I have a hard time deciphering the fine line between boredom and hunger.
13. Whenever someone says "I'm not book smart, but I'm street smart", all I hear is "I'm not real smart, but I'm imaginary smart".
14. How many times is it appropriate to say "What?" before you just nod and smile because you still didn't hear what they said?
15. I love the sense of camaraderie when an entire line of cars teams up to prevent a d *ck from cutting in at the front. Stay strong, brothers!
16. Every time I have to spell a word over the phone using 'as in' examples, I will undoubtedly draw a blank and sound like a complete idiot. Today I had to spell my boss's last name to an attorney and said "Yes that's G as in...(10 second lapse)..ummm...Goonies".
17. While driving yesterday I saw a banana peel in the road and instinctively swerved to avoid it...thanks Mario Kart.
18. I find it hard to believe there are actually people who get in the shower first and THEN turn on the water.
19. Shirts get dirty. Underwear gets dirty. Pants? Pants never get dirty, and you can wear them forever.
20. I can't remember the last time I wasn't at least kind of tired.
21. Bad decisions make good stories.
22. Whenever I'm Facebook stalking someone and I find out that their profile is public, I feel like a kid on Christmas morning that just got the Red Ryder BB gun that I always wanted. 546 pictures? Don't mind if I do!
23. Is it just me or do high school girls get sl*ttier & sl*ttier every year?
24. If Carmen San Diego and Waldo ever got together, their offspring would probably just be completely invisible.
25. Why is it that during an ice-breaker, when the whole room has to go around and say their name and where they are from, I get so incredibly nervous? Like I know my name, I know where I'm from, this shouldn't be a problem ...
26. You never know when it will strike, but there comes a moment at work when you've made up your mind that you just aren't doing anything productive for the rest of the day.
27. Can we all just agree to ignore whatever comes after DVDs? I don't want to have to restart my collection.
28. There's no worse feeling than that millisecond you're sure you are going to die after leaning your chair back a little too far.
29. I'm always slightly terrified when I exit out of Word and it asks me if I want to save any changes to my ten page research paper that I swear I did not make any changes to.
30. I hate being the one with the remote in a room full of people watching TV. There's so much pressure. 'I love this show, but will they judge me if I keep it on? I bet everyone is wishing we weren't watching this. It's only a matter of time before they all get up and leave the room. Will we still be friends after this?'
31. I hate when I just miss a call by the last ring (Hello? Hello? Dammit!), but when I immediately call back, it rings nine times and goes to voicemail. What'd you do after I didn't answer? Drop the phone and run away?
32. I hate leaving my house confident and looking good and then not seeing anyone of importance the entire day. What a waste.
33. When I meet a new girl, I'm terrified of mentioning something she hasn't already told me but that I have learned from some light internet stalking.
34. I like all of the music in my iTunes, except when it's on shuffle, then I like about one in every fifteen songs in my iTunes.
35. Why is a school zone 25 km/h? That seems like the optimal cruising speed for paedophiles...
36. As a driver I hate pedestrians and as a pedestrian I hate drivers, but no matter what the mode of transportation, I always hate cyclists.
37. Sometimes I'll look down at my watch 3 consecutive times and still not know what time it is.
38. I keep some people's phone numbers in my phone just so I know not to answer when they call.
39. Even under ideal conditions people have trouble locating their car keys in a pocket, hitting the G-spot, and Pinning the Tail on the Donkey - but I'd bet my ass everyone can find and push the Snooze button from 3 feet away, in about 1.7 seconds, eyes closed, first time every time.....
40. My 4-year old son asked me in the car the other day "Dad what would happen if you ran over a ninja?" How the h*ll do I respond to that?
41. I wonder if cops ever get p*ssed off at the fact that everyone they drive behind obeys the speed limit.
42. I think the freezer deserves a light as well.
26 April 2010
Dad, Auckland, Chocolate and No Gannets
I'm back from my short weekend visit to Auckland. It was eventful, but it wasn't, if that makes any sense. So here's the run down;
My lovely sister (LB) and I checked in at the airport before the allocated time on the ticket. But, no joint seats for us. The best they could do was to place us on the aisles, one behind the other. For such a short flight it didn't really matter, but she did enjoy poking me in the head every now and then.
Once arriving in Auckland and greeting Dad with great big "Happy Birthday" hugs and cheers, oh and my brother (LXB) we headed off into the city. LB commented that it had been years since she had last been in Auckland, which seemed odd to me seeing as I've been up there a few times in the last 6 months. So, we tootled around the city showing her "the sights". We headed over to Elam Arts School where Dad is studying fine arts, to take down his sculpture exhibts. We made some sort of smart remarks about him "using slave labour" and how lucky he was to have "Children that were old enough to work". LB was jealous of the art space, and to be honest so was I! I'd love to do an arts degree.
Dad commented "Five years ago, I never would have thought I'd be spending my 60th birthday like this". Here he is, divorced, living in Auckland and studying at Uni! I certainly couldn't have predicted any of those things! But, all of them have led to this new life and new happiness.
When we finally got back to the house we had birthday cake. Yep, in the middle of the afternoon. We went to Wildfire restrauant, an all you can eat meat place, meaning there would be no room for pudding afterwards. So it was birthday cake in the afternoon. JB (LXB's wife) had bought a caramel mud cake and some cheesecake. Singing, singing, "happy birthday", blah, blah. . . caramel mud cake = YUM!
Now this caramel mud cake had a chocolate sauce decoration on the top and some chocolate biscuits around the outside, meaning I could only eat the inside. This is when my brother stepped in as my hero and performed what I am now calling a "Chocolectomy". What is that you ask? Well, it's when my bro takes a slice of cake, place it on a chopping board, take the small, sharp knife, lean in close and squint, and proceed to delicately slice off any and all chocolate from the cake, while leaving as much of the delicious caramel goodness. WHY? you ask, well, because I'm allergic to chocolate and it really was only the decoration that was preventing me from eating the cake. LXB YOU ARE MY HERO!!
Wildfire in Takapuna, is the restrauant I call "The Meat Place". It's a very down to earth, simple restrauant that has veges, appetisers and all you can eat meat. Waiters walk arount with plates and skewers of meats offering you more and more until you just can't fit it in anymore. It's the perfect place to take a macho, kiwi bloke on a date - you'll be sure to make a good impression!! ;)
The only problem? We had to practically wrestle the waiter to the ground to make them bring us some polenta. mmmmmmmm polenta. Finally the third waiter went in to the kitchen and bought us five slices of polenta. yum yum yum. I really must learn how to make my own polenta.
That night LB and I slept in the lounge, or more specifically LB slept in the lounge and I slept in the dining room on a mattress. Nothing wrong with that, except that it was from this position that I noticed that the kitchen clock and the lounge clock don't tick simultaneously, but instead sound like they are trying to talk to each other.
And the cat eating out of his bowl in the kitchen, vibrated through the floor and sounded like lawn mower attacking a rock.
But the best bit of all was when JB and LXB's cat Sox came to lie on my temporary bed for the night. He's settling in for a good old snuggle and starts purring. Nothing wrong with that, but he's purring very very loudly, and almost chirping. But it's more than that, he sounds like he's swallowed a pigeon, and it's trying to get out. I could never possibly try and replicate the purr for you because it's just too crazy - he purrs WHILE squaking like a pigeon trying to escape. Needless to say, he got shooed off pretty quickly and told to find somewhere else to sleep.
And that was just Saturday.
On Sunday, LB, Dad and I went to Titirangi to check out the art gallery that Dad volunteers at. It was a cute wee gallery, and a cute wee part of Auckland that I've never seen before.
In the afternoon LB, JB, Dad and I went out to Muriwai Beach, about 30 minutes north of Westharbour (where JB and LB live). Muriwai Beach has a Gannet Coloney, which I've heard has 1000's of Gannets and is a spectacular sight. But, as is my luck, we turned up and there were no Gannets (ok, maybe 10 of them but that's it). Nevertheless it made for an amazing few and some lovely photos of the family.
We had a lovely simple dinner and then Dad, LB and LXB took me to the airport so I could catch my flight home (LB is flying home tonight). Luckily Dunkin Donuts was still open at the airport and I was able to pick up a box of requested donuts for todays team meeting.
Mum and KC picked me up and I was home by 10.30. Phew!! What a weekend!! I'm looking forward to a few relaxed weekends and NOT going to Auckland for a while. It was lovely to spend some quality time with my brother, sister and Dad. It's been ages since we did that. I hope it's not years before we do it again.
My lovely sister (LB) and I checked in at the airport before the allocated time on the ticket. But, no joint seats for us. The best they could do was to place us on the aisles, one behind the other. For such a short flight it didn't really matter, but she did enjoy poking me in the head every now and then.
Once arriving in Auckland and greeting Dad with great big "Happy Birthday" hugs and cheers, oh and my brother (LXB) we headed off into the city. LB commented that it had been years since she had last been in Auckland, which seemed odd to me seeing as I've been up there a few times in the last 6 months. So, we tootled around the city showing her "the sights". We headed over to Elam Arts School where Dad is studying fine arts, to take down his sculpture exhibts. We made some sort of smart remarks about him "using slave labour" and how lucky he was to have "Children that were old enough to work". LB was jealous of the art space, and to be honest so was I! I'd love to do an arts degree.
Dad commented "Five years ago, I never would have thought I'd be spending my 60th birthday like this". Here he is, divorced, living in Auckland and studying at Uni! I certainly couldn't have predicted any of those things! But, all of them have led to this new life and new happiness.
When we finally got back to the house we had birthday cake. Yep, in the middle of the afternoon. We went to Wildfire restrauant, an all you can eat meat place, meaning there would be no room for pudding afterwards. So it was birthday cake in the afternoon. JB (LXB's wife) had bought a caramel mud cake and some cheesecake. Singing, singing, "happy birthday", blah, blah. . . caramel mud cake = YUM!
Now this caramel mud cake had a chocolate sauce decoration on the top and some chocolate biscuits around the outside, meaning I could only eat the inside. This is when my brother stepped in as my hero and performed what I am now calling a "Chocolectomy". What is that you ask? Well, it's when my bro takes a slice of cake, place it on a chopping board, take the small, sharp knife, lean in close and squint, and proceed to delicately slice off any and all chocolate from the cake, while leaving as much of the delicious caramel goodness. WHY? you ask, well, because I'm allergic to chocolate and it really was only the decoration that was preventing me from eating the cake. LXB YOU ARE MY HERO!!
Wildfire in Takapuna, is the restrauant I call "The Meat Place". It's a very down to earth, simple restrauant that has veges, appetisers and all you can eat meat. Waiters walk arount with plates and skewers of meats offering you more and more until you just can't fit it in anymore. It's the perfect place to take a macho, kiwi bloke on a date - you'll be sure to make a good impression!! ;)
The only problem? We had to practically wrestle the waiter to the ground to make them bring us some polenta. mmmmmmmm polenta. Finally the third waiter went in to the kitchen and bought us five slices of polenta. yum yum yum. I really must learn how to make my own polenta.
That night LB and I slept in the lounge, or more specifically LB slept in the lounge and I slept in the dining room on a mattress. Nothing wrong with that, except that it was from this position that I noticed that the kitchen clock and the lounge clock don't tick simultaneously, but instead sound like they are trying to talk to each other.
And the cat eating out of his bowl in the kitchen, vibrated through the floor and sounded like lawn mower attacking a rock.
But the best bit of all was when JB and LXB's cat Sox came to lie on my temporary bed for the night. He's settling in for a good old snuggle and starts purring. Nothing wrong with that, but he's purring very very loudly, and almost chirping. But it's more than that, he sounds like he's swallowed a pigeon, and it's trying to get out. I could never possibly try and replicate the purr for you because it's just too crazy - he purrs WHILE squaking like a pigeon trying to escape. Needless to say, he got shooed off pretty quickly and told to find somewhere else to sleep.
And that was just Saturday.
On Sunday, LB, Dad and I went to Titirangi to check out the art gallery that Dad volunteers at. It was a cute wee gallery, and a cute wee part of Auckland that I've never seen before.
In the afternoon LB, JB, Dad and I went out to Muriwai Beach, about 30 minutes north of Westharbour (where JB and LB live). Muriwai Beach has a Gannet Coloney, which I've heard has 1000's of Gannets and is a spectacular sight. But, as is my luck, we turned up and there were no Gannets (ok, maybe 10 of them but that's it). Nevertheless it made for an amazing few and some lovely photos of the family.
We had a lovely simple dinner and then Dad, LB and LXB took me to the airport so I could catch my flight home (LB is flying home tonight). Luckily Dunkin Donuts was still open at the airport and I was able to pick up a box of requested donuts for todays team meeting.
Mum and KC picked me up and I was home by 10.30. Phew!! What a weekend!! I'm looking forward to a few relaxed weekends and NOT going to Auckland for a while. It was lovely to spend some quality time with my brother, sister and Dad. It's been ages since we did that. I hope it's not years before we do it again.
24 April 2010
Another trip to Auckland
Anyone would think I loved Auckland. I'm on my way to the airport shortly for a really quick trip to Auckland. I'll be back tomorrow night and I've been requested to get a box of Dunkin Donuts for the team meeting on Monday.
My gorgeous sister and I are going up to see Dad. It's his 60th birthday today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD! So we're going to spend the weekend with him, all us kids together, just hanging out. Should be fun.
This is the last planned trip to Auckland. I can't imagine that I'll be up there again before the end of the year, when I'll probably make a special trip up to see Dad's end of your art exhibition.
Full birthday weekend report will appear on Monday. Hopefully I don't forget the donuts. Or more importantly, I hope they don't all get eaten before I take them to work on Monday!
My gorgeous sister and I are going up to see Dad. It's his 60th birthday today. HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD! So we're going to spend the weekend with him, all us kids together, just hanging out. Should be fun.
This is the last planned trip to Auckland. I can't imagine that I'll be up there again before the end of the year, when I'll probably make a special trip up to see Dad's end of your art exhibition.
Full birthday weekend report will appear on Monday. Hopefully I don't forget the donuts. Or more importantly, I hope they don't all get eaten before I take them to work on Monday!
21 April 2010
The aftermath of moving . . .
So we moved in to the new office and new team on Monday. Monday night I was in bed asleep at 9pm! And that's soooo not like me. I'm a night person and don't usually think about bed until at least 11pm. But I was just that tired from all the moving palava.
2 days later and I finally have email access, system access and finally printer access. Of course this means I'm very behind in my work - ahhh, stress!! Not to mention that every time I open my mouth I get told "don't worry about it" or told off. So I've created my own little cacoon. Until this afternoon when I had a little mini meltdown. I tried to take myself away to give myself a minute or two to ground myself again, but kept getting followed by well meaning team mates trying to make sure I was ok. I definetly feel like the team nancy - the one that cries all the time (which really hacks me off cause I'm not a crier at work, well not usually anyway). Then I realised that the entire group of us were upset and it wasn't just me.
Breathing in . . . breathing out. . . breathing in. . . breathing out. . .
But I came home and JP let me rant and then CR said he started a blog of his own after reading mine - how cool! So I feel much better now - thanks boys :) What would I do without ya?!
2 days later and I finally have email access, system access and finally printer access. Of course this means I'm very behind in my work - ahhh, stress!! Not to mention that every time I open my mouth I get told "don't worry about it" or told off. So I've created my own little cacoon. Until this afternoon when I had a little mini meltdown. I tried to take myself away to give myself a minute or two to ground myself again, but kept getting followed by well meaning team mates trying to make sure I was ok. I definetly feel like the team nancy - the one that cries all the time (which really hacks me off cause I'm not a crier at work, well not usually anyway). Then I realised that the entire group of us were upset and it wasn't just me.
Breathing in . . . breathing out. . . breathing in. . . breathing out. . .
But I came home and JP let me rant and then CR said he started a blog of his own after reading mine - how cool! So I feel much better now - thanks boys :) What would I do without ya?!
19 April 2010
Moving Day
Today was moving day. Moving the office that is.
On Friday it took 5 people, 5 hours to pack a team of 4 people, a 60sqm office and 3 yrs of history into 45 boxes.
Today the movers arrived at 9am and off went all the boxes and furniture. It didn't take to long to empty out and then it was time to say goodbye to the office. Strange, but it didn't feel sad, just surreal really. I've worked there for so long and we've been talking about moving for so long that it's strange to finally be moving.
At the new office (on the other side of town and much closer to home)the boxes and furniture were unloaded in the massive storage area. (How exciting to have a large storage room instead of piling stuff into the bathroom!)
Big cheese took off to take rubbish to the tip and to shop for a coffee table and couches for the staff room. Meanwhile NB and I attacked the storage area in an attempt to create some sort of order. When moved, pushed, pulled and binned all sorts of crazy crap. Several hours later we had created order.
It wasn't until the end of the day that the big cheese and other team members started working on getting the computers and phones set up. (I'd have done it earlier, but I'm absolutely hopeless at computers and wires!)Come 5pm, my computer was just logging on. Just in time for me to log off and go home!
On Friday it took 5 people, 5 hours to pack a team of 4 people, a 60sqm office and 3 yrs of history into 45 boxes.
Today the movers arrived at 9am and off went all the boxes and furniture. It didn't take to long to empty out and then it was time to say goodbye to the office. Strange, but it didn't feel sad, just surreal really. I've worked there for so long and we've been talking about moving for so long that it's strange to finally be moving.
At the new office (on the other side of town and much closer to home)the boxes and furniture were unloaded in the massive storage area. (How exciting to have a large storage room instead of piling stuff into the bathroom!)
Big cheese took off to take rubbish to the tip and to shop for a coffee table and couches for the staff room. Meanwhile NB and I attacked the storage area in an attempt to create some sort of order. When moved, pushed, pulled and binned all sorts of crazy crap. Several hours later we had created order.
It wasn't until the end of the day that the big cheese and other team members started working on getting the computers and phones set up. (I'd have done it earlier, but I'm absolutely hopeless at computers and wires!)Come 5pm, my computer was just logging on. Just in time for me to log off and go home!
18 April 2010
Alphabetical Movie Night - "10 Things I Hate About You"
My flatmate JP and I have embarked on a new writing project. We are going to watch all the movies we own and write about it. The catch? We are watching them in alphabetical order.
Tonight we kicked the project off with "10 Things I Hate About You". We're starting with the numbers and this is the first.
So . . . here we go . . .
Stars: Heath Ledger, Julia Styles & Jospeh Gordon Levitt.
Basic plotline: Boy likes girl, boy gets tough boy to date girls socially awkward sister so he can date girl. Dates and catastrophes ensue. Tough boy gets sister, boy gets girl.
I hadn't watched this for several years. It's such a school love story - almost typical of the genre. It was written as a modern version of Shakespeare's "Taming of the shrew". But seeing as I've never read the play, I have no idea if the likeness is captured or not. It's aged somewhat since the last time I saw it - or perhaps I have?! Watching it tonight, I noticed how aged some of the references are. I think it was released in 2000?!
Heath Ledger is stunningly goregous, my god, when he smiles and his dimples appear - swoon! It's because of this movies that he made it on to my "To Do" list, that is, until he tragically died and was sadly replaced.
Julia Styles - I like her, although watching her in this I'm not really sure why. She was ok, but I've noticed she seems to play the same type of character every time.
But what I really love about this movie is the music. It has some stunning songs and it sparked my love of "Save Ferris". I've listened to the songs over and over again (until I lost the CD) and totally adore them all. They are all a bit different and not the mainstream songs of the time, but manage to capture that time so accuretly.
Overall, a light and sweet movie for a Sunday night. Nothing spectacular, but fun nonetheless.
Tonight we kicked the project off with "10 Things I Hate About You". We're starting with the numbers and this is the first.
So . . . here we go . . .
Stars: Heath Ledger, Julia Styles & Jospeh Gordon Levitt.
Basic plotline: Boy likes girl, boy gets tough boy to date girls socially awkward sister so he can date girl. Dates and catastrophes ensue. Tough boy gets sister, boy gets girl.
I hadn't watched this for several years. It's such a school love story - almost typical of the genre. It was written as a modern version of Shakespeare's "Taming of the shrew". But seeing as I've never read the play, I have no idea if the likeness is captured or not. It's aged somewhat since the last time I saw it - or perhaps I have?! Watching it tonight, I noticed how aged some of the references are. I think it was released in 2000?!
Heath Ledger is stunningly goregous, my god, when he smiles and his dimples appear - swoon! It's because of this movies that he made it on to my "To Do" list, that is, until he tragically died and was sadly replaced.
Julia Styles - I like her, although watching her in this I'm not really sure why. She was ok, but I've noticed she seems to play the same type of character every time.
But what I really love about this movie is the music. It has some stunning songs and it sparked my love of "Save Ferris". I've listened to the songs over and over again (until I lost the CD) and totally adore them all. They are all a bit different and not the mainstream songs of the time, but manage to capture that time so accuretly.
Overall, a light and sweet movie for a Sunday night. Nothing spectacular, but fun nonetheless.
Becoming a Gardner
This afternoon I attacked the garden. Now that my Dad's moved out it's kinda on me to keep the house and garden in order. The house is no problem. But the garden is another matter entirely!
Mum was always the gardener in the family and would spend hours in the garden every weekend. She was always finding new places to dig up and plant stuff. When she left, if all fell to my Dad to look after. And while I didn't really notice him doing it to much, he must have, because now that it's all my responsibility I'm noticing how LARGE the garden really is! It goes for miiiiiillllessssss. Ok, maybe not miles, but it's pretty large!
Today I cut out all the dead agapantha flowers, de-weeded the side of the driveway, pulled out all the overgrown daisies, cut back a rather large and overbearing flower/shrub that was growing outside my window and pulled out all the plants in long plant box so that the lillies could grow properly. And after doing all this I can still see that there is sooo much more to go. But, perhaps if I do a little bit each weekend I'll get there eventually.
One can't help but consider that as soon as one is "done" gardening the garden, it will just be time to start all over again. *sigh*
Oh and did I mention that I get bad hayfever?! So, everytime I get in the garden it come out with rashes and sneezing and scratches that last for days.
In saying all of this, there is something strangely satisfying about gardening. It really does take a lot of effort and energy to garden, and at the end of the day you can see where you've tidied and de-weeded and trimmed, making it just a little more beautiful.
And, I have 2 lemon trees, a feijoa tree and walnut tree. There's nothing like having fresh fruit and nuts right from the garden!
Here are some pics of my garden. Not taken today, but over the last few months.
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Mum was always the gardener in the family and would spend hours in the garden every weekend. She was always finding new places to dig up and plant stuff. When she left, if all fell to my Dad to look after. And while I didn't really notice him doing it to much, he must have, because now that it's all my responsibility I'm noticing how LARGE the garden really is! It goes for miiiiiillllessssss. Ok, maybe not miles, but it's pretty large!
Today I cut out all the dead agapantha flowers, de-weeded the side of the driveway, pulled out all the overgrown daisies, cut back a rather large and overbearing flower/shrub that was growing outside my window and pulled out all the plants in long plant box so that the lillies could grow properly. And after doing all this I can still see that there is sooo much more to go. But, perhaps if I do a little bit each weekend I'll get there eventually.
One can't help but consider that as soon as one is "done" gardening the garden, it will just be time to start all over again. *sigh*
Oh and did I mention that I get bad hayfever?! So, everytime I get in the garden it come out with rashes and sneezing and scratches that last for days.
In saying all of this, there is something strangely satisfying about gardening. It really does take a lot of effort and energy to garden, and at the end of the day you can see where you've tidied and de-weeded and trimmed, making it just a little more beautiful.
And, I have 2 lemon trees, a feijoa tree and walnut tree. There's nothing like having fresh fruit and nuts right from the garden!
Here are some pics of my garden. Not taken today, but over the last few months.
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16 April 2010
"Curtains" at PLT
Tonight I went to the theatre with old friends. Growing up we all worked backstage, front of stage, on costumes and in props. We even dabbled with places on the management committee. We were often "told off" for drinking at the after show parties while were were still under age and even better "told off" for talking while backstage. I lost a tooth when I was 10 and backstage, and even had my first kiss behind the curtains.
But, it's been several years since I did any theatre work. I lived further away then I did growing up and life just got so hectic. It really does take up a lot of time working on a show!
We went to see "Curtains" tonight. It's a musical about a theatre group that is staging a show when one of the cast is murdered. They are sequested to stay at the theatre until the case is solved. What I couldn't work out was if the show was funny because it was funny or if it was funny because it was bad. It had some stellar moments - particularly the actress that played the 3 characters - 2 of them being men, and the two male chorus members that were "in love" - very funny.
Now I'm thinking that it might be time for me to get back in the theatre game. It's a great thing to get involved in, especially in the winter when nothing much else is going on. The next show is a play - a little tamer than a major musical. Hmmm, now to bribe the production manager to let me back in. I'm not 14yrs old anymore, I promise!
15 April 2010
My reliance on my cell phone
Oh my god, how annoying is it when you leave your cell phone at home?! It really makes me stop and think how reliant I am on my phone and is that really a good thing?
I left it on the charger this morning and tootled off to work without it.
To contact Mum's bf about getting my car fixed I had to call Mum for his number. She was busy so I had to wait for her to call back. Then finally I get his number, call him and tell him to call me at work and not my cell. Later, Mum emails me to tell me what he's told her about my car (that the mechanic has told him). Are you keeping up so far, or do you need a diagram?! Then I reply to her and she replies to him. Then I call him to arrange pick up. All of this I could have done via txt with him directly. Sheesh.
Then I'm going out to a work function in Upper Hutt and I don't know the area at all, plus I may or may not have a car, so may or may not be able to make it. So on my way, I borrow Mum's bf's phone to call one of the girls to let her know I AM coming and for directions. I tell her that if I get lost I'll pull over at the nearest dairy for directions, but if I don't show up, nothing she can do about it, cause i have no phone. I make it there ok (only got lost once and found my way back with my map book).
Then on the way home I go along the main roads instead of over the back roads and hills "just in case" my car konks out and I need help. No cell phone means no way of calling the AA.
Of course, I've been able to do all my tasks today without my cell phone, and as spring chicken as I am, I do remember when we didn't have cell phones. But blimey, it would have been so much easier today if I had mine.
What's the first thing I did when I got home?! Put my phone in my handbag! No way is it staying home tomorrow!!
I left it on the charger this morning and tootled off to work without it.
To contact Mum's bf about getting my car fixed I had to call Mum for his number. She was busy so I had to wait for her to call back. Then finally I get his number, call him and tell him to call me at work and not my cell. Later, Mum emails me to tell me what he's told her about my car (that the mechanic has told him). Are you keeping up so far, or do you need a diagram?! Then I reply to her and she replies to him. Then I call him to arrange pick up. All of this I could have done via txt with him directly. Sheesh.
Then I'm going out to a work function in Upper Hutt and I don't know the area at all, plus I may or may not have a car, so may or may not be able to make it. So on my way, I borrow Mum's bf's phone to call one of the girls to let her know I AM coming and for directions. I tell her that if I get lost I'll pull over at the nearest dairy for directions, but if I don't show up, nothing she can do about it, cause i have no phone. I make it there ok (only got lost once and found my way back with my map book).
Then on the way home I go along the main roads instead of over the back roads and hills "just in case" my car konks out and I need help. No cell phone means no way of calling the AA.
Of course, I've been able to do all my tasks today without my cell phone, and as spring chicken as I am, I do remember when we didn't have cell phones. But blimey, it would have been so much easier today if I had mine.
What's the first thing I did when I got home?! Put my phone in my handbag! No way is it staying home tomorrow!!
14 April 2010
Woe is me
You'll have to excuse me today, because all I feel like doing is moaning and feeling sorry for myself. Woe is me. What's wrong? Well where do I begin?
1. My car sounds like it's giving birth to puppies. And I can't actually afford the time or the money to get it looked at, let alone fixed. But I'm royally screwed if I don't. Hard Place, Me, Rock.
2. My cat is like my car - dying. He's old and lovely and not well at all. Vet reckons only a few more weeks of 16 lovin, but it's already been 6 since he said that, so I'm holding out hope that he's a stronger cat than we think, and he'll stink around for a few more. I'll miss him terribly when he's gone. :(
3. I really really do not want to hear the phrase "don't worry about it" or "trust that it will work out" from another person. I'm not worried and I don't trust. End of story. Stop saying it now before I throw my toys out of my cot.
I guess I called my blog "My Life Is A Soap Opera" for a reason - it is. So in a failed attempt to try and end this tragic post of woeful whining like a soap opera would end (que cheesy music and the "I love you anyway" speech), here are a few photos that I took that I love, even if I'm not feeling it right now
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1. My car sounds like it's giving birth to puppies. And I can't actually afford the time or the money to get it looked at, let alone fixed. But I'm royally screwed if I don't. Hard Place, Me, Rock.
2. My cat is like my car - dying. He's old and lovely and not well at all. Vet reckons only a few more weeks of 16 lovin, but it's already been 6 since he said that, so I'm holding out hope that he's a stronger cat than we think, and he'll stink around for a few more. I'll miss him terribly when he's gone. :(
3. I really really do not want to hear the phrase "don't worry about it" or "trust that it will work out" from another person. I'm not worried and I don't trust. End of story. Stop saying it now before I throw my toys out of my cot.
I guess I called my blog "My Life Is A Soap Opera" for a reason - it is. So in a failed attempt to try and end this tragic post of woeful whining like a soap opera would end (que cheesy music and the "I love you anyway" speech), here are a few photos that I took that I love, even if I'm not feeling it right now
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13 April 2010
Hair cuts
I'm just going to say; I love getting my hair cut. Or more specifically, I love getting my hair washed by my hair dresser. You know when they colour your hair, then they wash it, shampoo, conditioner and then the best part of all - the deep head massage. Sooooooooooo good!
When I get my hair cut, usually it's after work, it's been a long day and I'm in need of a good "sit". I feel like falling asleep in the chair.
Now I just need to find a man that can give a head massage like my fabulous hair dresser, and I'll be in heaven! :)
PS; Hair looks great - shiny, fresh and dark. Just like normal :)
When I get my hair cut, usually it's after work, it's been a long day and I'm in need of a good "sit". I feel like falling asleep in the chair.
Now I just need to find a man that can give a head massage like my fabulous hair dresser, and I'll be in heaven! :)
PS; Hair looks great - shiny, fresh and dark. Just like normal :)
12 April 2010
"Salted Buns for your convienence"
My flatmate is busy slaving away in the kitchen, cooking dinner for me and him. awwww, how lovely.
I've watched him chicken salt and oil the potatoes for roasting and proceed to wipe his hands on the back of his pants. His dress pants and business shirt I should mention. I, of course, laughed at him and asked why he was salting his pants as well?! He tells me it's "Salted Buns for your convenience". What the?!
In what universe do I need HIS buns salted for my convenience?! What conveniences? Why his buns? Why salted? Sooo many questions and not enough time!!
Now he's doing a little "salted buns for your conveience dance (or more like a bottom wiggle with odd arm gestures) around the kitchen.
Never mind the potatoes! hahahhaa. Gotta love mondays and crazy flatmates. Love em.
I've watched him chicken salt and oil the potatoes for roasting and proceed to wipe his hands on the back of his pants. His dress pants and business shirt I should mention. I, of course, laughed at him and asked why he was salting his pants as well?! He tells me it's "Salted Buns for your convenience". What the?!
In what universe do I need HIS buns salted for my convenience?! What conveniences? Why his buns? Why salted? Sooo many questions and not enough time!!
Now he's doing a little "salted buns for your conveience dance (or more like a bottom wiggle with odd arm gestures) around the kitchen.
Never mind the potatoes! hahahhaa. Gotta love mondays and crazy flatmates. Love em.
11 April 2010
New Dictionary Entry:
SQUIGER - Blend of Squidlette and Ginger to denote a small child with orange hair. "Beware of the Squiger, they scuttle along the floor and shouldn't be looked directly in the eye."
Backyard Fairs & Green Kung Fu Men
This afternoon my flatmate JP told me that the neighbouring suburb was having a town fair. When we arrived at the supposed location there wasn't a person or fair in sight. We headed down a little alleyway and came out at a small park that backed on to a culdesac of houses. And there was the small backyard fair.
They had a cake stall, barbeque with FREE sausages, a push play van for the kids, a medieval reenactment group and a kung fu demonstration.
Leading the Kung Fu demonstration was a man dressed completely in a black suit, black baseball cap and sunglasses. The music he was doing it to was some sort of weird monotone chanting. But, the weirdest part was he was GREEN! Seriously!
The common rumour I heard was that he was actually a zombie, or perhaps a vampire. It really was creepy. You know when you get paint or vivid on your skin and it takes several washes to get it off because it's stained your skin?! That's what this dude looked like.
I tried to get a pic of him, but I was too far away and to creeped out to get any closer for fear that he may actually suck my blood!
Meanwhile, there was several kids dressed up, looking gorgeous. I did get this one of a little wizard and his bumble bee Mum.
Unfortunetly following the medieval re-enactment, the cake bake off winner annoucement and watching little kids being forced to participate in a dancing demonstration, I was too cold to stay any longer. We escaped as quickly as possible, back up the alleyway in search of caffiene and warmth.
Backyard fairs and Green Kung Fu Men - A different sunday afternoon that's for sure.
They had a cake stall, barbeque with FREE sausages, a push play van for the kids, a medieval reenactment group and a kung fu demonstration.
Leading the Kung Fu demonstration was a man dressed completely in a black suit, black baseball cap and sunglasses. The music he was doing it to was some sort of weird monotone chanting. But, the weirdest part was he was GREEN! Seriously!
The common rumour I heard was that he was actually a zombie, or perhaps a vampire. It really was creepy. You know when you get paint or vivid on your skin and it takes several washes to get it off because it's stained your skin?! That's what this dude looked like.
I tried to get a pic of him, but I was too far away and to creeped out to get any closer for fear that he may actually suck my blood!
Meanwhile, there was several kids dressed up, looking gorgeous. I did get this one of a little wizard and his bumble bee Mum.
Unfortunetly following the medieval re-enactment, the cake bake off winner annoucement and watching little kids being forced to participate in a dancing demonstration, I was too cold to stay any longer. We escaped as quickly as possible, back up the alleyway in search of caffiene and warmth.
Backyard fairs and Green Kung Fu Men - A different sunday afternoon that's for sure.
10 April 2010
14,055 words = a draft of Gran's Memoirs
My Gran has had an amazing life. Growing up, she would tell us stories from her own childhood. I listened, but didn't really take too much in. Who cares about "ancient times" when you're a kid right?!
It wasn't really until after I left school that I started becoming interested in what her life had been like and a few years ago I discovered that she had been writing down her stories so that one day when she was gone, we'd be able to read them.
Last year my Grandfather died. He was 87 years old. Had been born in England, fought in world war 2 and raised 3 children. He never really talked about his life much, and I unfortunetly didn't take to much interest. While going through his house we discovered that he never threw anything away, and I mean anything! I found a newspaper that he'd made at age 10 years old. I love it. We found papers calling him up for the war and others implying he'd been in NZ when we always thought he'd been overseas. And now, we have no way of every asking him about it.
All of this made me even more concious of how much experience and knowledge my Gran has, and that she won't be around for much longer (her health is a whole other blog!). So, I've taken her stories, and the memoirs she wrote on her first 18 years of life (where she was born in Pakistan, raised in India and went to boarding school in England during the war before coming to NZ) and typed them up.
So far, they are 29 pages, or 14,055 words long.
From reading these memoirs and amazing stories, I have so many more questions for her. I've told her that one day soon I'll come round with my laptop and together we'll flesh out the current draft and add more stories.
I know I want to be able to share these stories with my children. I hope that my Mother will do hers too. And one day I'll do my own. What an awesome family heirloom to pass down.
09 April 2010
A crazy, relaxing day
Wow, wow, wow, where do I even begin with today?!?! I'm on annual leave (yes, I know I've told you this already, but I'll keep saying it until it's no longer true! hahaha). I decided that today was going to be a "home" day, a day for chores, tidying, but mainly a day for relaxing and reading my book - and hopefully finishing it.
10.30am - I'm in bed, in my PJ's, curled up with the cats and engrossed in my book. Not caring at all that it's mid morning, just that I don't have to go anywhere or do anything but what I want. My phone rings. The number looks familiar, but it's not listed in my address book, so it could be anyone. It's one of my works big cheeses, calling to let me know that a reliever is coming in to work with me next week when I'm back. Ok, sure, no worries. I start making plans on what I'll get her to do - yep, that filing that's piled up for 3 months is finally going to get done, and not by me. heheheehee
I talk to the girls in the office, cause this development brings speculation on why she's coming, what's going on at her old office, etc etc.
I go back to my book.
I potter around the house.
I muse over the internet. (gotta make sure my farm is running well!)
5.15pm - I go back to reading my book, and just when I'm 5 pages from the end, in the middle of the big reveal of the who the murderer is . . .Phone rings again. This time it's an unlisted cell phone number. Big cheese again. This time to drop a bomb on me and one that she's dropped on all my team mates. Unfortunetly it's all very hush hush until next week, so I can't spill the beans. (Not that anyone is reading this yet I don't think, but even so I can't run the risk.) ANYWAY, big news in the team, in the office, in general! Exciting news! Had to call and talk to all 3 work mates to talk throught the news. I can't believe we have to wait till Monday to talk about it together. With one team member on annual leave on Mon, we've told her we'll conference call her in to our gassbagging - we can't possibly wait until Tues!
Finally, I get back to my book. And the murderer is . . . .
10.30am - I'm in bed, in my PJ's, curled up with the cats and engrossed in my book. Not caring at all that it's mid morning, just that I don't have to go anywhere or do anything but what I want. My phone rings. The number looks familiar, but it's not listed in my address book, so it could be anyone. It's one of my works big cheeses, calling to let me know that a reliever is coming in to work with me next week when I'm back. Ok, sure, no worries. I start making plans on what I'll get her to do - yep, that filing that's piled up for 3 months is finally going to get done, and not by me. heheheehee
I talk to the girls in the office, cause this development brings speculation on why she's coming, what's going on at her old office, etc etc.
I go back to my book.
I potter around the house.
I muse over the internet. (gotta make sure my farm is running well!)
5.15pm - I go back to reading my book, and just when I'm 5 pages from the end, in the middle of the big reveal of the who the murderer is . . .Phone rings again. This time it's an unlisted cell phone number. Big cheese again. This time to drop a bomb on me and one that she's dropped on all my team mates. Unfortunetly it's all very hush hush until next week, so I can't spill the beans. (Not that anyone is reading this yet I don't think, but even so I can't run the risk.) ANYWAY, big news in the team, in the office, in general! Exciting news! Had to call and talk to all 3 work mates to talk throught the news. I can't believe we have to wait till Monday to talk about it together. With one team member on annual leave on Mon, we've told her we'll conference call her in to our gassbagging - we can't possibly wait until Tues!
Finally, I get back to my book. And the murderer is . . . .
08 April 2010
The lazy day off work
Mmmmmmmm I love a good lie in. I'm on holiday for the week, and after driving 8 hours yesterday I was knackered. Needless to say, I had a really good sleep, followed by a really good lie in. Just snuggled up in bed with my two gorgeous geriatric cats and my laptop. Together we watched the latest episodes of Grey's Anatomy and Bones. I only really got out of bed so I could shower before meeting Mum for lunch. Thai food = yum yum. Followed by a catch up over coffee with a workmate.
Needless to say, my lazy day has left the pile of washing to be folded and the recycling to be sorted and the dishwasher to be emptied. But that's what tomorrows for. Now I only really need to ponder what to have for dinner. Leftover pizza or stirfry chicken?!
Needless to say, my lazy day has left the pile of washing to be folded and the recycling to be sorted and the dishwasher to be emptied. But that's what tomorrows for. Now I only really need to ponder what to have for dinner. Leftover pizza or stirfry chicken?!
You try get a cat to pose for you
How do you get a cat to sit still and pose for you? The fact that they won't, does make for some fun and gorgeous shots though. Sox is my brothers cat and he couldn't have given two shakes that I wanted a pic of him. Isn't he lovely?!
07 April 2010
The 10 reasons I had a wonderful Easter:
The 10 reasons I had a wonderful Easter (in no particular order):
1. I love driving long distance. Drove Wellington to Auckland and back again.
2. Got to stay with my Dad and Brother
3. Went shopping and spent loads of money - I can still hear my credit card saying "that was fun, lets do it again!"
4. I had a nosey around my Dad's university and got to see how proud and happy he is. And how proud of him I am!!
5. Went on a 19 hour road trip around Northland and I FINALLY went to Cape Reinga. I've been wanting to do that for years, and it was so coool!!
6. My brother actually used the phrase "Nature is our plate" while on a picnic. Classic!
7. I found white chocolate rocky road bars!! Yum yum.
8. I was able to appreciate life a little more - we were about 10 cars back from a fatal car collision on SH1. Very surreal to be that close.
9. I started reading the new book by my fave author Jodi Picoult. Check out her website - www.jodipicoult.com
10. Taking 4 days annual leave off gives me a 10 day easter holiday break! Bring on the rest of the relaxing week off!
1. I love driving long distance. Drove Wellington to Auckland and back again.
2. Got to stay with my Dad and Brother
3. Went shopping and spent loads of money - I can still hear my credit card saying "that was fun, lets do it again!"
4. I had a nosey around my Dad's university and got to see how proud and happy he is. And how proud of him I am!!
5. Went on a 19 hour road trip around Northland and I FINALLY went to Cape Reinga. I've been wanting to do that for years, and it was so coool!!
6. My brother actually used the phrase "Nature is our plate" while on a picnic. Classic!
7. I found white chocolate rocky road bars!! Yum yum.
8. I was able to appreciate life a little more - we were about 10 cars back from a fatal car collision on SH1. Very surreal to be that close.
9. I started reading the new book by my fave author Jodi Picoult. Check out her website - www.jodipicoult.com
10. Taking 4 days annual leave off gives me a 10 day easter holiday break! Bring on the rest of the relaxing week off!
Easter weekend
The Easter weekend was filled with lots of adventures - I went to visit family and see a part of the country I never saw before, but my pic for the weekend is of something "mundane". While waiting for dinner one night, I noticed that the reflection in the sandwich press was crystal clear. This image is the reflected image of the fruit on the table.
01 April 2010
The day I used the phrase "I've tipped out of my canoe"
Argh! stess city today, what happened:
1. Slept through alarm and woke up 15 mins AFTER I should have left for work
2. Had no breakfast
3. Workmate put on her "Mum" voice and told me to go for a walk and get something to eat before attempting any work
4. Had about 30 contracts to change in one day (I'd normally do 15 a fortnight)
5. Phone rang non stop because it's the day before easter and everyone wants to get in before going on holiday
6. All team mates were out or taking flexi time
7. Fielded a very abusive phone call from a crazy client.
And that was the point I "tipped my canoe". I asked for a workmate to come back to work, which she did thankfully (my hero). Then I avoided the phone while I worked my tail off to finish everything off for the next payrun (due next week, but I'm away for the week). Got my work all done and covered off, and left work about 2 and a half hours late.
Meanwhile, I've got packing to do for my road trip north tomorrow. Leaving at 4am. Eek.
So I had to grab something quickly for dinner. Didn't want grotty takeaways, so I hightailed it to the mall and bought some sushi. Food never tasted so good!
Road trip in the morning, better get some treats and snacks. It's a road trip, I have to right?! . . .
1. Slept through alarm and woke up 15 mins AFTER I should have left for work
2. Had no breakfast
3. Workmate put on her "Mum" voice and told me to go for a walk and get something to eat before attempting any work
4. Had about 30 contracts to change in one day (I'd normally do 15 a fortnight)
5. Phone rang non stop because it's the day before easter and everyone wants to get in before going on holiday
6. All team mates were out or taking flexi time
7. Fielded a very abusive phone call from a crazy client.
And that was the point I "tipped my canoe". I asked for a workmate to come back to work, which she did thankfully (my hero). Then I avoided the phone while I worked my tail off to finish everything off for the next payrun (due next week, but I'm away for the week). Got my work all done and covered off, and left work about 2 and a half hours late.
Meanwhile, I've got packing to do for my road trip north tomorrow. Leaving at 4am. Eek.
So I had to grab something quickly for dinner. Didn't want grotty takeaways, so I hightailed it to the mall and bought some sushi. Food never tasted so good!
Road trip in the morning, better get some treats and snacks. It's a road trip, I have to right?! . . .
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