Emily hasn't suspected a thing.
I have managed to get out of this work thing and am sat around again.
It was quite simple really. Join a local rugby club. Train a little, and show up for a local 10-a-side tournament. Attempt to force your way through too many of the opposition, at the end of game 2. Get concussion and break your scaphoid, temporarily forgetting you have actually played rugby on this fine 25C saturday (hard pitch).
So, after regaining a little of my senses (what little there was), it was decreed I should not play the final because of the fuzzy warm feeling and forgetfullness. The boys did do a good job fortunately, and MSP Internationals won the tournament. The sprained wrist turned out to include a broken bone, possibly requiring a screw (the wrist), and not requiring any shovelling, weeding or pruning. So for at least 8 weeks, I am supposedly giving up on sport, guitar, biking and having an outdoors job. Ouch. Suggestions on a postcard (or the comments below).
Memoirs of the working man - 27/3/09
Gardening all week.
Lovely weather.
Good to be out in it, tending the gardens of the local oscar winners (for LOTR).
Additionally, thrashing around the city on the bike is assisting the fitness.
Lovely weather.
Good to be out in it, tending the gardens of the local oscar winners (for LOTR).
Additionally, thrashing around the city on the bike is assisting the fitness.
Memoirs of a Volunteer - 19/3/09
Well, with weeks trotting by, one thought one should finally get ones arse into gear. After some celebrating being another year greater (not better).
The birthday was possibly the soberest this millennia, although I did allow myself a few Speights over the weekend, during at house party at our manor. An enjoyable evening spent floor sliding, chopsing and meeting people, judging at the "female housemate cakermaker contest", having another Speights, and witnessing first hand the social experiment that is "Hipster". With tight jeans, make-up and meticulously messy hair these mammals were flighty beasts, but once familiarised, a most interesting quarry. And no-one got thrown off the deck.
For details of the "female housemate cakermaker contest" - click on the photo of the notes.
So, birthday season mainly comprised a couple days of eating curry and mountain biking around the local vicinity (was it mentioned it's fair hilly?). I had also volunteered some time at the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary http://www.sanctuary.org.nz/. Pretty swell place this, if you like the outdoors, and native NZ birds that appear to regard themselves as mammals. I also spent several hours wielding a machete at the NZ bush, all in the name of ecology it would seem, to clear paths on the sanctuary.
Still meeting lots of good people who are very supportive following our change of scene. On the odd occasion however, it feels almost certain that in giving directions, certain people may be inclined to mislead. On purpose. This may also be a paranoia.
Fortunately assistance is on hand from maps for navigating, the corkscrew hills into surrounding valleys.
Em's teaching going well, although she has developed a (literally not metaphorical) pain in the neck, and is currently unable to ambiturn. Don't think this is linked to the floor sliding, or the drink habit, but may have something to do with the headlocks. Along with the first contact training of the rugby season, there are now pains in two necks. Physio.....
Today some paid work was actually achieved, weeding, pruning and tidying in the gardens of the wealthy of Wellington. Should soon have our first travel tokens in the piggy bank of excursion, and an idea of what, where and who to go and see.
It appears the comments are now ticketyboo, so let us know how ye be?.
The birthday was possibly the soberest this millennia, although I did allow myself a few Speights over the weekend, during at house party at our manor. An enjoyable evening spent floor sliding, chopsing and meeting people, judging at the "female housemate cakermaker contest", having another Speights, and witnessing first hand the social experiment that is "Hipster". With tight jeans, make-up and meticulously messy hair these mammals were flighty beasts, but once familiarised, a most interesting quarry. And no-one got thrown off the deck.
For details of the "female housemate cakermaker contest" - click on the photo of the notes.
So, birthday season mainly comprised a couple days of eating curry and mountain biking around the local vicinity (was it mentioned it's fair hilly?). I had also volunteered some time at the Karori Wildlife Sanctuary http://www.sanctuary.org.nz/. Pretty swell place this, if you like the outdoors, and native NZ birds that appear to regard themselves as mammals. I also spent several hours wielding a machete at the NZ bush, all in the name of ecology it would seem, to clear paths on the sanctuary.
Still meeting lots of good people who are very supportive following our change of scene. On the odd occasion however, it feels almost certain that in giving directions, certain people may be inclined to mislead. On purpose. This may also be a paranoia.
Fortunately assistance is on hand from maps for navigating, the corkscrew hills into surrounding valleys.
Em's teaching going well, although she has developed a (literally not metaphorical) pain in the neck, and is currently unable to ambiturn. Don't think this is linked to the floor sliding, or the drink habit, but may have something to do with the headlocks. Along with the first contact training of the rugby season, there are now pains in two necks. Physio.....
Today some paid work was actually achieved, weeding, pruning and tidying in the gardens of the wealthy of Wellington. Should soon have our first travel tokens in the piggy bank of excursion, and an idea of what, where and who to go and see.
It appears the comments are now ticketyboo, so let us know how ye be?.
Twisting the knobs
Still trying to get the comments gumbo working.......
Now think it may be cracked.......
Now think it may be cracked.......
Memoirs of a Kept Man 2 – 9/3/09
Job hunting is proving tedious, with a potential reluctance of local gardeners to employ someone that may just have worked in accountancy for a few years. Therefore, a little time is spent throwing the net wider and meeting some finance recruitment people - there is not a lot of work in this field either - something to do with a global recession.
Which all means that more time can be spent being a kept man, and doing less useful but more interesting thing. Therefore, recent days have been spent doing furniture restoration, running, gymming, walking, gallery-ing, gigging, film watching, cleaning, blagging, drinking, market shopping, blogging, photographing, piano playing, barbecuing, chatting, statting, thinking and strumming.
Saw a real life All Black at the top of our steps today. Ma'a Nonu out for a run.
Which all means that more time can be spent being a kept man, and doing less useful but more interesting thing. Therefore, recent days have been spent doing furniture restoration, running, gymming, walking, gallery-ing, gigging, film watching, cleaning, blagging, drinking, market shopping, blogging, photographing, piano playing, barbecuing, chatting, statting, thinking and strumming.
Saw a real life All Black at the top of our steps today. Ma'a Nonu out for a run.
The Wellington Fringe - 1/3/09
We arrived in Wellington perfectly (/accidentally) timed for the start of the NZ Fringe Festival, and so as a good way to get involved in the community and meet people we volunteered. As well as the OpenStudios art event (see previous) where we sort of worked, we also pestered people with surveys at events, and helped out preparations for the Fringe Awards ceremony.
Saw some really good shows - Turbine (envirocomdrama on alternative energy), the Navigators (a circus event with trapeze, hoops, balancing, lifts etc, with the backdrop of the sun setting on the harbour).
On the flipside, paid to go and see“Of Montreal”, which was disappointing, and spent some time watching the 2 + 2 = 5 Ensemble. Now I don’t mind a bit of fancy dress. Even for a band. Neither do I mind eccentric people. Occasionally the music of the 2 + 2 = 5 Ensemble was enjoyable, however the peculiarity of the whole ensemble detracted a little too much. I will try not to let this taint my acceptance of other bands which choose to be led by ginger bearded chaps dressed as rabbits. Provided they are not pretentious.
The Fringe awards ceremony is great fun, with live music and comedy theatre (and German lager). Alex Rodriguez from the OpenStudios day wins the award for the open studios day (superb drunken speech, mentioning Em and I!). Flight of the Conchords also receives an award, although Bret can’t quite follow Alex’s speech! Meet several people including Willem (director of the Navigators), Adam Page (musician), German songwriter Dota Kehr and her band. Far too many free Becks, and a late one, followed by a run(!) home up Palliser Rd at midnight. Am twatted. Em already in bed.
Saw some really good shows - Turbine (envirocomdrama on alternative energy), the Navigators (a circus event with trapeze, hoops, balancing, lifts etc, with the backdrop of the sun setting on the harbour).
On the flipside, paid to go and see“Of Montreal”, which was disappointing, and spent some time watching the 2 + 2 = 5 Ensemble. Now I don’t mind a bit of fancy dress. Even for a band. Neither do I mind eccentric people. Occasionally the music of the 2 + 2 = 5 Ensemble was enjoyable, however the peculiarity of the whole ensemble detracted a little too much. I will try not to let this taint my acceptance of other bands which choose to be led by ginger bearded chaps dressed as rabbits. Provided they are not pretentious.
The Fringe awards ceremony is great fun, with live music and comedy theatre (and German lager). Alex Rodriguez from the OpenStudios day wins the award for the open studios day (superb drunken speech, mentioning Em and I!). Flight of the Conchords also receives an award, although Bret can’t quite follow Alex’s speech! Meet several people including Willem (director of the Navigators), Adam Page (musician), German songwriter Dota Kehr and her band. Far too many free Becks, and a late one, followed by a run(!) home up Palliser Rd at midnight. Am twatted. Em already in bed.
Down at the windy market – 22/2/09
First real experience with some fair winds at a trip to the Sunday morning market on the harbour. We get as much fruit, veg and fresh fish as we could carry, for some pretty sweet prices. The blustery northerly gives the fruit and veg stalls a problem or two – although they seem adept in coping. The wind round the buildings gusts enough to force some quick foot work.
Cuba St Carnival - 21/2/09
At the Cuba St Carnival, along with the music, outfits, food and fun we saw a good example of the NZ approach to crowd safety. Following Olmecha Supreme’s set, an organiser got on the mic to warn a group of eager spectators - “Can you guys get your crew off the thing-a-me-bob. No one is allowed on the thing-a-me-bob………. unless your nude”. Nice.
Memoirs of a Kept Man – 16/2/09
The first day where I wave goodbye to Emily as she buses off to earn a crust at Tawa College. Food shop, cleaning and furniture hunting for me.
Good sunny days at the moment. Following the purchase of a desk at the Salvation Army, several hours are spent kicking up a dust whilst sanding the desk (originally white, blue and covered in stickers).
Go to Mighty Mighty to see the Trons – a robotic band, average tunes, but engineers would love it, and they are fairly entertaining (whilst lacking charisma).
Next day, tag along with Turtle and friends to the Hurricanes V Highlanders Super 14 game. Refereeing is pretty shabby (even with my knowledge of rules and cheating in rucks), and the game not the best, but the Hurricanes pull a late win out of the bag, and I get quite vocal about supporting my new town.
On the way back home with Turtle, we run into Em on the bus, who has been out for drinks and Japanese food with a teacher friend (she said she’d go home!). She is slightly tipsy (and sheepish!), so quite funny. This really is a small town.
Good sunny days at the moment. Following the purchase of a desk at the Salvation Army, several hours are spent kicking up a dust whilst sanding the desk (originally white, blue and covered in stickers).
Go to Mighty Mighty to see the Trons – a robotic band, average tunes, but engineers would love it, and they are fairly entertaining (whilst lacking charisma).
Next day, tag along with Turtle and friends to the Hurricanes V Highlanders Super 14 game. Refereeing is pretty shabby (even with my knowledge of rules and cheating in rucks), and the game not the best, but the Hurricanes pull a late win out of the bag, and I get quite vocal about supporting my new town.
On the way back home with Turtle, we run into Em on the bus, who has been out for drinks and Japanese food with a teacher friend (she said she’d go home!). She is slightly tipsy (and sheepish!), so quite funny. This really is a small town.
New house, old coincidence - 15/2/09
Another early one, this time to watch England V Wales in the Six Nations rugby. We lose. I am confused by the selection policy.
At Rowena’s, Emily is dozing away as I return and pack up for our big move. At 11am we make the last leg (for the moment) of our luggage haul, to Roseneath. Get settled into our room (for the week) and have a good chat to Rhys (the departing housemate). Also meet Ben and Pete (the other housemates) for the second time.
It turns out that Rhys is a friend of Phil James’, and that he has met Hayley. A coincidence of decent proportion.
We settle into the new place, which is a four bedroom house overlooking Evans Bay, mounted on the steep hillside, with a path of around 100 steps and slopes down to it. Lots of space, and good living areas, with a piano included, and sweet views.
At Rowena’s, Emily is dozing away as I return and pack up for our big move. At 11am we make the last leg (for the moment) of our luggage haul, to Roseneath. Get settled into our room (for the week) and have a good chat to Rhys (the departing housemate). Also meet Ben and Pete (the other housemates) for the second time.
It turns out that Rhys is a friend of Phil James’, and that he has met Hayley. A coincidence of decent proportion.
We settle into the new place, which is a four bedroom house overlooking Evans Bay, mounted on the steep hillside, with a path of around 100 steps and slopes down to it. Lots of space, and good living areas, with a piano included, and sweet views.
A Creative St Valentines Day – 14/2/09
Day out volunteering at the Fringe 09 Arts Festival. We are assigned the Island Bay area to look after four artists (Alex, Marci, Anne-Marie and Michael). Spend most of the day with Alex (eating beans, playing guitar, moving exhibition pieces, painting a picture of mountains for Em), and have a chat to the other artists.
After fish supper, and under the guise of going to watch the Hurricanes’ rugby game, I take Em for desert at “Strawberry Fare”, for a taste sensation. Then we go to watch the Hurricanes game.
After fish supper, and under the guise of going to watch the Hurricanes’ rugby game, I take Em for desert at “Strawberry Fare”, for a taste sensation. Then we go to watch the Hurricanes game.
Notes from a seafaring town – 13/2/09
Greater than a quarter of a century it has taken for me to discover the origination of the word “posh”. For those like me whom are less well read, it is an acronym of 'Port out, starboard home', relating to the words printed on tickets for the most expensive berths on the shaded side of the ships transporting passengers between the UK and India. Made famous to all but me it would seem in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
Only thing is, there is no evidence to confirm this (particularly at the shipping companies), and it appears that the meaning was contrived retrospectively.
Posh was also the Romany word for money, originally meaning “halfpenny”.
Only thing is, there is no evidence to confirm this (particularly at the shipping companies), and it appears that the meaning was contrived retrospectively.
Posh was also the Romany word for money, originally meaning “halfpenny”.
Sealing the deal - 11/2/09
Pre-interview nerves from Em, and tetchiness from me! Spending 3 weeks with only each other has been 99% perfect, but the 1% sometimes shows, but going to the gym and having some time apart helps resolve the pointless tensions.
One’s best is done to ease the nerves of Emily en-route to Tawa College for her interview. After a missed train, and not insignificant walk she gets to the interview on time. I walk around the town of Tawa, which nestled in it’s pleasant surroundings, I decide quickly would not be our perfect base (despite its thirteen churches and only one bar – perhaps I missed some). Tawa was a dry town until 4 or so years ago. Fortunately Emily is advised to make a similar decision by her interviewer (on location), and is also offered the job!! Smiles aplenty.
The early evening is spent sweatily scaling Mt Vic once more, to view a house in Roseneath. After the many steps down through some civilised jungle, we find the house, which has a lot of character, and we like pretty well instantly. We chat with the flatmates (Rhys, Pete and Ben) for a while, and take a less extreme route back to our hostel accommodation).
After steak (/veggie sausage) dinner, we have a beer and do some admin. Excitedly we received a call from Ben to offer us the place in Roseneath. We accept. Deals sealed.
One’s best is done to ease the nerves of Emily en-route to Tawa College for her interview. After a missed train, and not insignificant walk she gets to the interview on time. I walk around the town of Tawa, which nestled in it’s pleasant surroundings, I decide quickly would not be our perfect base (despite its thirteen churches and only one bar – perhaps I missed some). Tawa was a dry town until 4 or so years ago. Fortunately Emily is advised to make a similar decision by her interviewer (on location), and is also offered the job!! Smiles aplenty.
The early evening is spent sweatily scaling Mt Vic once more, to view a house in Roseneath. After the many steps down through some civilised jungle, we find the house, which has a lot of character, and we like pretty well instantly. We chat with the flatmates (Rhys, Pete and Ben) for a while, and take a less extreme route back to our hostel accommodation).
After steak (/veggie sausage) dinner, we have a beer and do some admin. Excitedly we received a call from Ben to offer us the place in Roseneath. We accept. Deals sealed.
The NZ 7s - 6/2/09
The NZ 7s rugby appears to be a tournament, which for the fans at least, is not particularly centred on the rugby.
Literally everyone is dressed up, there are amongst many others – Lobsters, Pizzas, Carrots, Diner Waitresses, Austin Powers, the Doctours, Little Red Riding Hood, German Barmaids, Incredible Hulks, Most Superheroes, the Wellington Bucket Fountain, Santa, and several Jokers (the Heath Ledger version).
We spend a few hours watching games, blowing bubbles, dressed as fairies, then head to a bar outside the stadium for a few cheaper (than stadium) drinks. Later on, major supporting of underdogs Kenya who beat South Africa and we bump into the 80 strong group of Doctours (who are staying at Rowena’s, our current digs) on the way out the ground. The Doctours are very much on tour, smuggling vodka and coke into the stadium in urine bags, and drinking / singing from 8am until 4am (with some exceptional snoring in between times!).
A good result in the end for those who are still watching (and English), with England sneaking a late win in the final against New Zealand. Emily shows rare interest in sport, jumping out of chair and shouting at the team (in encouragement).
Literally everyone is dressed up, there are amongst many others – Lobsters, Pizzas, Carrots, Diner Waitresses, Austin Powers, the Doctours, Little Red Riding Hood, German Barmaids, Incredible Hulks, Most Superheroes, the Wellington Bucket Fountain, Santa, and several Jokers (the Heath Ledger version).
We spend a few hours watching games, blowing bubbles, dressed as fairies, then head to a bar outside the stadium for a few cheaper (than stadium) drinks. Later on, major supporting of underdogs Kenya who beat South Africa and we bump into the 80 strong group of Doctours (who are staying at Rowena’s, our current digs) on the way out the ground. The Doctours are very much on tour, smuggling vodka and coke into the stadium in urine bags, and drinking / singing from 8am until 4am (with some exceptional snoring in between times!).
A good result in the end for those who are still watching (and English), with England sneaking a late win in the final against New Zealand. Emily shows rare interest in sport, jumping out of chair and shouting at the team (in encouragement).
Em goes to hell and back on a mountain-bike - 1/2/09
Wake up feeling pretty hellish, with that sinking feeling that drinking vodka and powerade has never been scientifically proven to produce (but still does, despite the electrolytes). Hayden, Lawrence (former Barnes) and Trevor Symons are all partly to blame. “Naked Bus” to Taupo. Sweet scenery on the way, with steep sheep-laden hills, lots of farmland, and obedient cows walking in for their milking.
Hire bikes and take off towards Huka Falls. Ride down into the tracks, whilst teaching Em about gears (luckily I am not judged on the results!). We take a track which turns out to be a loop. Good fun, and gets Em a little more confident on hills (with no skills). Since nowhere nearer the falls, we have lunch by the hot water stream, and then take on the 40 minute ride to the falls. Okay, 40 minutes in fit New Zealand Mountain Bikers standards maybe? Takes us about 90 minutes, with Em pushing bike up most hills (gears!?).
We head to the dam downstream. An easier ride, although covering more distance (and despite the sand traps and flies). We then ride the roads back into town. Heading uphill for the best part of an hour does nothing to quell Emily’s “hate” of mountain biking!
Fortunately, with all the uphill comes a good stretch of downhill, and despite losing bolts from the crank on my bike (I bodge it), we make it back. Emily kicks her bike as we depart. I take the quiet option and decree not to suggest biking again too soon.
Hire bikes and take off towards Huka Falls. Ride down into the tracks, whilst teaching Em about gears (luckily I am not judged on the results!). We take a track which turns out to be a loop. Good fun, and gets Em a little more confident on hills (with no skills). Since nowhere nearer the falls, we have lunch by the hot water stream, and then take on the 40 minute ride to the falls. Okay, 40 minutes in fit New Zealand Mountain Bikers standards maybe? Takes us about 90 minutes, with Em pushing bike up most hills (gears!?).
We head to the dam downstream. An easier ride, although covering more distance (and despite the sand traps and flies). We then ride the roads back into town. Heading uphill for the best part of an hour does nothing to quell Emily’s “hate” of mountain biking!
Fortunately, with all the uphill comes a good stretch of downhill, and despite losing bolts from the crank on my bike (I bodge it), we make it back. Emily kicks her bike as we depart. I take the quiet option and decree not to suggest biking again too soon.
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