Carnival!

This weekend has seen Wellington taken over by the Cuba Street Carnival. I admit it, I got lost in its lucid arms.

Last night saw the Carnival Parade. It was amazing. The sheer number of people in town, lining the streets, cheering the parade on. The colour, lights, sounds, dance and rhythm that exuded from the Parade. It crept into your bones. Standing on a balcony above street level, I couldn't but help move to the music. There's something infectious about it all.

Hopefully some of these pictures can do it justice.

What a Day

Today has been a pretty freaking cool day. This morning held a different view, from sleeping through alarms, to rushing the morning routine, through to not having enough time to make lunch. I thought it was going to be an interesting day.

Things turned around around lunch time, right when I was chasing flats up and getting no where. After passing on a flat I saw to some friends, I headed out to lunch deciding I had enough time to get to my favourite sushi bar. Now, I've been in there once in the last nine months. Nine months. Yet the owners recognised me in my suit, and prepared my usual sushi. And damn it was good. It was delicious. Made me smile from ear to ear.

Then, upon my return to the office, I discover that a file I've been working on my well head to a hearing. Which is good news. The partner liked my submissions so much that she said she wants me to help with the hearing if these submissions are unsuccessful. Sweet! Fourth week on the job, and I've got files I'm responsible for, clients to talk to, and looks like I'll be in court. This job rules!

Anyways, after work had a look at this place I suggested to friends. And it is now mine. A sweet little classic Nineteenth Century villa. It's had some work of course, but it's amazing. Verandah, terrance garden, big bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a three minute walk into town, the Botannical Gardens, Parliament grounds and Speights Ale House.

Expect photos shortly. We move in next week.

Thank Heavens for Small Miracles

You make me smile. I don't know how you do it so effortlessly.

Thank you.

The Great Lake Relay

You know how I said I was doing one leg of the Great Lake Relay around Lake Taupo? Well, it turned into two legs on Friday, the day we had to leave. So there's me starting to worry, I'm having to worry about running 8.4 km for which I was roped into a week earlier, thinking that I can simply collapse over the finish line when I done, and I'm then asked to do another 6.1 km on the next leg. I was overjoyed.

But as it turns out, I shouldn't have been too worried. I did the whole 14.5 km in 70 minutes flat. Not bad really, even better when I did the first leg (8.4 km) in 38 minutes, and it was packed with a couple of nasty hills. The course description had it noted as an easy climb and undulating to finish. My ass. There were two hills, one of which was pretty damn steep, and the other was not undulating. It just kept going. Nonetheless, I made some sweet time, and everyone on the team was amazed at how I managed to do it with no training. Go muscle memory and playing any sport I get a chance to do. My motto was "Forrest Gump It".

As you can see, there was some fantastic weather, so I'm thankful I was only racing in the morning. It turned into a stunning day, so what better to do after running than drink beers in the sun. Perfect way to unwind. Plus, there's nothing like drinking with new people to get to know them better. Sometimes it produces interesting results, like conversations about KY Jelly, male and female circumcision in African cultures, attractive famous people, old television shows, and eighties pop. We covered a broad range of topics. Broad range.

I quite simply had a brilliant time, and I've resolved myself to go again next year, do some more running, and go on the business ski trip come August if I have a chance. These are good people, with good times.

Strike Up the Band!

I don't know why, but sometimes I end up with this urge, this craving to sing, play, and listen to show tunes. None of this modern stuff. No, I prefer the jazz musing of George Gershwin.

There's nothing like hearing Billie Holiday play with They Can't Take That Away From Me, or even Audrey Hepburn sing How Long Has This Been Going On?. Bet you didn't know that Audrey was a singer, let alone a dancer.

Anyways, there's nothing like banging out Someone To Watch Over Me on the piano, though of course it does bring me down a little. I'll just claim getting into the mood with that. Artistic License and all that. There's just something about getting involved with any of this classical jazz that you can't help but feel the song. Cliche, cliche, cliche I know. But you just can't help but feel the smile creep across your face.

This isn't something new to anyone who's been out drinking with me. I tend to break out into song when I'm drunk, and it's show tunes when I'm either extremely happy drunk or extremely down drunk.

Believe it or not, I have stupid grin spreading with the memory of dancing and trotting home with Elaine in Hamburg as I sang show tunes. God knows what I sang, but it makes me smile to recall it.

My Funny Valentine

I really don't have much to write. I'm happy. I showed it. I clapped my hands.

In all seriousness, I told someone how much they mean to me, with words and actions. That's my day right there. It might even be my week.

I hope that you've all gone and done the same.

When the Sun Shines Brightly

Okay, so the last couple of days have improved significantly. Well, not so in sleep, but that's kind of a moot point now as it's not really affecting me at work or out of it. No, I've just had a good time.

Friday was pretty sweet. Apart from the fact that I didn't have much to do at work, I did what I could to look busy. Namely writing a whole heap of things down to paper, most of which won't be shared as it was just utter ramblings. But it did feel good to bring sense to a many number of things. There's something about seeing your thoughts written down, and reading through them to bring clarity.

I also did a spot of shopping and research. Some of it I can reveal, some I can't. It involves confidential information, like contents of presents. I can say that things are looking up. I can also tell you that world maps are pretty damn expensive, $40 for a large wall size. That's a bit much. My plan is to purchase one (eventually) and start sticking pins in it of where I've been in the world. More than that, I'm going to start tracing string from point to point to signify the trips I've been on, so people and myself can see the journeys I've taken. At least I think it'd be cool.

The other good stuff was just hanging round with some people from work. A group of five of us went for a couple of drinks and be social. It was good to see that there's little in the way of barriers between people at work. I'm thinking this is a good thing, and if the work isn't all it's cracked up to be, it will be a great experience. Plus, I'll hopefully be qualified as a Patent Attorney in June next year, so that's a bonus.

Today was pretty sweet too. I started the day late, a whopping sleep in until 9 am. Well, it was more of a lazying in bed from 6 am until 9. I'll count it. I thought today would be pretty crusiy, and I had a couple ideas of how to spend it: runs, swims, sorting out gift ideas etc. They started, but never crystallised simply because I was asked to play cricket. The sport of gentlemen.

Some may ask, Cricket, what in heavens is that? It's a sport, not an insect for my American friends.

And it's great fun. Believe it or not, but standing in a field in the sun can be great fun. I certainly loved it. I didn't do anything amazing, I just enjoyed myself, and that made my day.

As for tomorrow. I have no clue. I really should go for a run, and if I'm really good, I'll go for a swim.

But what I'm most excited, nervous, and everything about, is that everything for my trip to the US has been finalised. I can't wait.

Winding Toils

I have spent the greater part of today looking at a computer screen in an attempt to find something to do.

The work I have done has been extremely limited, both in the sense of time and capacity. Re-typing an edited document and creating a spreadsheet is neither time consuming nor stimulating. It makes me feel unnecessary. At least when I was doing data entry I had something to do.

I have, however, been told of my flight details, so that means further planning. I did constructively, from my perspective not work's, look at the pricing of flights and trains through the USA. I think I'll have the most important aspect sorted: a flight to Portland. It's then a matter of sorting out where I go from there. Seattle is looking most likely. Any where else adds significant costs, but it could all be worth it. Something to sleep on.

Speaking of which, have you ever heard of Night Terrors? I used to get them all the time as a kid. And then infrequently through my later years. I can only describe the sensation as being flushed in fear, nothing makes too much sense, and there's an overpowering of the senses. For me, it's usually a vision or a sound. And that's it. Well, it looks like they're back. The last two nights I've woken up round 2 am in the morning freaking out. This morning's was the most vivid: simply a face at the end of the bed. There was nothing before that, and I swear I woke up screaming. Though, this makes it sound like I was restless and fully awake. I remember sitting bolt upright breathing heavily, writhing, then I stared at the clock, and the next thing I know it's 6 am.

Most people are simply going to put this down to stress, and that's probably it: starting a new job, looking for a place to live, girlfriend living on the otherside of the world. I'd say that's a fair brew for bad dreams. I'm hoping for sweeter sleeping tonight.

I do have some fantastic news though. I know precisely what I'm getting Elaine for her birthday, and I'm getting it tomorrow. Here's a clue:

Stinker of a Day

Today is just a stinking hot day. It is hot, and it started off with a pugent odour. The problem with public transport is the public. On my way into work this morning, I had the joy of standing next to a man who had the most odoious breath I have ever encountered. I'm not going to jump to conclusions and presume that he has no idea what toothbrush is, I've been told that halitosis is a real problem for some people. But surely there must be ways of ensuring as little damage is done to people's respiratory system as possible.

As for the temperature, today was blindingly hot. Thank heavens I have an air conditioning system that works in overdrive. I must admit that I only discovered how effective the system was when I stepped out this afternoon to go view a flat for rent. Then I was sweltering. The only concern I have is that this I might have to take to wearing more layers in my office during the winter. I'll cross that bridge when I get there.

The astute will now be asking: Flat viewing? Does this mean you have a new place to live? The answer is No. The place was too freaking small for the price they wanted. It was nice, in the city, three bedrooms, two full bathrooms. But one room was massive, the other a double, and the other a tiny single. No way was it worth what they were asking. The struggle continues.

And I've gone and done the mad thing of agreeing to do the Lake Taupo Relay with 13 others. I'm doing a 8-9km run at 7 am in the morning. It's less than others, and some start at 2 am. But come on, my fitness is not great. I like to think of it as superb walking and explosive fitness, not sustained running fitness. Time will tell how this goes. At least I'll have some great photos and stories.

On the side of Good News, work as officially confirmed my leave! Bring on the three weeks I get in the US and Vienna.

Why Again?

Today is Waitangi Day here in New Zealand. Doesn't mean much to you? Well, join the numerous Kiwis who still have no real clue what Waitangi Day, why we celebrate it, or even how. Some would even venture to suggest that even though it's a Public Holdiay marking a significant point in our history, it's no real cause for celebration. There's often demonstrations of some description, and there's always some political movement, quarrel, tension.

Nonetheless, it is a day off work. It's a pity that everyone else gets it too. The last thing you want on a gloriously hot day is to be sitting in traffic. Lucky me. After visiting Oriental Parade, and negotiating my way through the oodles of people, I decided it would be best to venture off to a quieter part of town. Sadly, my thoughts must have been the same as half the population of Wellington as I found myself stuck in traffic for over forty minutes. In the hot sun. And I don't have air con in my car, just the marvel of windows. It was boiling. So I ventured home, to enjoy shade and food without the hassle of crowds.

At the very least I enjoyed my short trip to the beach, reading in the sun.

As for what this Holiday means to most people, if you look at what people do on this day, you see a completely different perspective on what the day means. It's a celebration of Bob Marley's birthday, and it turns out we Kiwis love to celebrate it.

Wellington By Night

Wellington by day is interesting, especially during the Sevens. But sometimes at night, it is just stellar. It depends on what you're looking for on where to go. Worst case scenario, everything is just within walking distance, so stumbling drunk is always an option.

Anyways, the comet viewing was a complete and utter failure, being an overcast evening. Sunset wasn't even visible. So instead we moved around town, seeing the sights and taking snaps. Personally, I think they're pretty good. Luckily a full moon made some photos look brilliant. So enjoy.







I also discovered that my flights are now being booked for my venture back to Vienna. There's no problem with me having a short stint in the USA on my way over, so I'm leaving on 17 March. Pity I don't have to be in Vienna until 29 March, leaving me almost too much time on my hands in the US. More so considering that Elaine's plans involve flying to another part of the continent during that period. I'll happily follow, it's just a matter of discussing things and evaluating options. Who knows....I may come knocking on your door.

Should be good fun nonetheless.

Mi Casa Su Casa

So that's my office, and part of the view that entertains mean during the day. It doesn't quite capture the size of the office, nor do justice to the feeling the view gives. Needless to say that I'm stoked with it. And work. I'm impressing people more and more. The expectations of me being an over-achiever are being reached, I think. At least that's what I've heard, having drafted letters of response, opposition to reports, advise, and answering client's questions. They've use the term "efficient" frequently. Which, hopefully, is a good thing.

Anyways, with this marvellous weather outside, we're off to the South Coast for a picnic and an attmept to see the comet streaking across our Southern skies at the moment. A feel a small tinge of pity for the Northern Hemisphere friends, as they've got the darkened sky to see this comet, but alas, it's ony visible to us Antipodeans. Excellent.

Party Atmosphere

Wellington is coming alive. The Wellington leg of the IRB International Sevens starts tomorrow, and you can tell. There's just a bucket load more people town, signs everywhere, and a wicked buzz in the air. And a huge parade. The highlight of my lunch hour was the Kenyan team, who had some awesome percussion leading them there. It was pretty funky.

It's a pity I don't have tickets. Mind you, they are kinda hard to get hold of, so that's no surprise. I'm hoping for some generous friends to donate some to me. Oh well, I'll just watch it on the telly and manage to do other things too.

I'm still yet to get around to take a photo of my office for all you folk out there. It's a good thing, honestly, as now I've inherited a book-case, wall planner, pot-plant, and general good vibes. Hopefully more, as there's talk of a donation of art-work from my Team Leader. The work also keeps coming, which is good. By no means is it an over-load, it's just nice to be needed and to see how things go from start to stop. I'm even preparing prosecution documents, reports for clients, and more. It just has to go through my Team Leader, but my name goes on it none the less. So I get the whole package: credit, dues, responsiblity, and public accountability. It's pretty damn sweet to think that only on my fourth day am I actually partly responsible for clients. Soon I'll be generating revenue. Excellent.

Before I part, there's a couple of quick links I thought I should share. Firstly, here's an interview with the creator of Postsecret.