There's Always One

I'm a little concerned. Oh, Christmas was great and being down in Wellington is fantastic. That's not my concern.

My concern is that despite all my efforts to ensure that this blog was kept amongst friends, all steps to ensure it was as far removed from the public domain as possible, it ultimately failed. How do I know with certainty? I have a nifty little tool which allows me to review statistics for visitors to the blog.

Anyways, to cut a story shorter, a link was posted in the forums of a New Zealand site. I uncovered the details of the original poster - the joys of ignorance and publicly available data (By the way if you read this, I would seriously recommend reviewing your thoughts of privacy and behaviour online). I still don't quite know how he found this site. Well, that is other than saying his flatmate showed him this.

So, moral of the story. Some things have been removed, somethings have been edited. The question is whether this continues. I guess I'll think about that over the New Year break.

Holiday Mode

I just wanted to post a bigger version of one those pictures. I remain fascinated by it.


And maybe provide a song for you that equally piqued my interest on the way home to holidays: Bloc Party - Signs.

Until next time.

Briefly

There's not much that's happened between Wednesday and now.  I'm on the crook side recovering from a frenetic week and some virus of cold that has swept through the office.  I guess with everyone working so hard the immune levels drop.  Next thing I knew I was in bed at 7:30 pm on a Friday night sleeping through until 10 am this morning.

Anyways, I'll have some pics, music and thoughts to post soon enough.

Promises Promises

As promised here are some of the photos from previous excursions.

This year Telecom has set up a Christmas tree down at Victoria Park.  I would say it is replete with lights, but the tree itself is comprised lights.  Lights showing distinct colour changes and patterns I might add.  Apparently they only repeat every 1.5 hours.  Which isn't bad.

You might be find this first picture a little odd.

It is taken from inside a phone booth looking up at the tree.  What the....?  I hear you say.  Well, there are 4 booths at each compass point of the tree.  Inside the tree you can dial Santa and leave a message for him about what presents you want, how good you've been and what you'll do to him if he doesn't cough up said presents.  Once your message is complete and you hang up, you're told to look up and you see a string of lights light up blue and head towards the star at the top of the tree.  Quite impressive on a Wednesday night at 1 am in the morning.  I should state this was last week.

This second photo is taken from underneath the tree.  Where you can sit or lie down on bean bags facing upwards taking in the lights and all their psychedelic glory.  It was unbelievably soothing.  Mind you, simply getting out of the office is soothing at the moment, but let's not dwell on that.

And then on Saturday, there was Auckland's Christmas in the Park.  This was taken in the evening around 6 pm.   There were still people arriving, and this photo doesn't capture those people between us and the stage.  Of which there would have been a significant number.  That's the Auckland Musuem up on the hill for those unaware.

And now for some music.  I've been listening to a number of albums on high rotate, and selections from them are as follows:

MGMT - Time to Pretend

Kayne West - Champion

Fleet Foxes - White Winter Hymnal

Glasvegas - Geraldine

Eagles of Death Metal - Wannabe in LA

Enjoy.

Those photos and links

I'll post those promised photos and music links as soon as I get the chance.  Hopefully later tonight.

And I think I've had more comments over the last couple of days than in the last year or so.  Not sure how that happened.

Edited. Somehow this has spread out beyond friends.

It pays to check

I had a couple of posts I had drafted during my wanderings about town that I was going to revisit and add bits and pieces to.  Tis the joy of mobile gadgetry to accomplish such things.

One was a reference to the summer days upon us, complete with links to some complimentary tunes.  All very happy go lucky, and probably quite interesting.  Who knows, maybe I'll post something in a similar form later.

The other post was completely different.  It was going to open up by saying that I had witnessed two people at work break down into tears and shudder with the load of work upon them.  Most people at work this week were near that brink.  It wasn't a pretty week at work.

But I really feel like time has moved on from those posts.  It's like I can't go back and edit them, rewrite them, revisit them.  They are rushed snapshots of that time, darkened at the edges with out of focus details.  It doesn't feel right to show them, and it doesn't feel any better to redo them.  Which is intriguing unto itself.

So instead I write about the snapshot that is now.  I went to a friend's work Christmas function last night.  The theme was Rio-Carnival or Mardi-Gras.  So I went along dressed in a fluffy peach shirt, black and gold vest, tight black pants completed with calf length leather boots.  I thought, and was assured by my friend, that it would be on the lower end of the spectrum for the night.

How wrong I was.  Everyone else showed up in suits with cheesy masks.

But apparently I looked good.  I had the girls from my law firm, upon seeing me before I left, all wolf whistling.  One even commented through her stunned look that I had "an unexpectedly amazing physique".  I was thrown a bit by her frankness.  Though there's nothing wrong in being the office eye candy.

But the best was yet to come.  The CEO of my friend's work approached my friend and told him that I looked very attractive.  He wanted to know if I was single.  Still, it's a compliment.

I may post photos if I can get my hands on some.  And only after I've vetted them for appropriateness. 

Bubble, Bubble, Toil and Trouble

I have seen the height of rudeness over the last few days. But I have also seen some very good times. Drinking French Champagne of numerous varieties, finger food, and laughing about over quizzes has been a good time. This week, though just started, has seen two very polar extremes in my life.

I should refrain from writing more. I am, of course, inebriated. Too much champagne, regardless of quality, will have that effect on people. I had intended to write a lengther post incorporating some interesting tidbits and music. I will, now, leave that until a less fluid moment.

Confessions of a Nice Guy

The statement "all nice guys are either married or gay" is a fallacy.

It should be "all nice guys are married, gay or a few women have spoilt it for the remaining women". Or "only married or gay women can spot the nice guys". Long story made short: to rebuff a nice guy, don't presume. Don't assume. And please be as nice as the guy has been to you.

Anyways, now that I've vented, time for some shiny happy tidbits. Today was the Grey Lynn Park Festival. And the weather was brilliant. Well, provided you stayed in the market area. As soon as you walked up the green hills surround the stalls and stage, the wind would harrass you from all angles.

But it was fantastic. The food was amazing, my personal favourites being the jumbo mussel fritters and the Vietnamese rice paper rolls. Fresh and tasty. The music was entertaining, the masses of people swarming, and the atmosphere just welcoming.

I didn't have my camera, so I stole other people's photos to give you an idea.

The Inner Geek

I know it's been a long time between posts.  Or at least a couple of weeks.  I've been busy, what with work and people visiting.

However, now it is time for some geeking out.  Simplify Media is a gem.  It allows me to stream my entire electronic music library to anywhere I want.  It creates a portal on my home computer to any portal I create elsewhere.  This means I can access my music from work, and most importantly my iPhone.

Why is this important?  It means I don't have to worry about storing the music on anything other than one computer.  All I have to worry about is transfer of data, which is a needless worry over wireless internet.

Okay, now that I've had my geek-out, time for something else.

What I Should be Doing

I should state that what is found within these pages isn't necessarily a true reflection.  It's a reflection, or more precisely a snapshot, of the moment at which I find time.

Sometimes I make the time because I need to unload.  Because I need to share thoughts that have been nagging me.  Thoughts that I need to tease out and see in front of me.  It helps with their digestion.  Much like the previous post.

It's days like today that I really should write about.  The days where I sleep in til late because I had an brilliantly entertaining night before hand.  The days where I wake up, bathe in the sunlight, and meander into town to do the simple mundane tasks I don't have time to really do during the week.  Like book shopping.

I should write about the strolls through suburban Auckland, the solitary figure against the sea of cars.  No one really walks anywhere in Auckland.  It's appalling.  Anyway, I should write about coming home with that sun kissed feel, that smell of sunshine and summer just wafting off my cotton shirt.  I should write about the fact the sun makes my curly hair into ringlets.  Hell, I should have photos of it.

But, I don't.  And that's probably the best thing.  The fact I don't write about those things means that I'm out enjoying them.  It means I have the time to relish them, to find myself busy with life.  I will endeavour though to share more of it.

In the interim, I leave you with Beethoven.  Specifically the first movement of the Emperor's Concerto - piano concerto 5 in E Flat, opus 73.  This always makes me smile, always lifts my spirits.  Enjoy.

Conscientious Ramblings

So I waded right into the thick of work, hence my time being limited to post anything of value.  I do need to get something off my chest though.

I had a mediation today.  At this mediation I represented one of the territorial authorities around New Zealand, as I always do these days.  I helped procure a settlement.  A good settlement in my opinion.  I managed to secure such terms so that the council only paid a fraction of that settlement and in doing so I forced two other parties to sell their houses.  The houses they live in, not some fancy batch on the sunny coastline overlooking the sea.  No.  Their houses.  That they, their respective wives and children live in.

It's hard to swallow.

And to make it worse, at least upon reflection, us lawyers were standing round chatting and gossiping about other claims and nonsense at the end.

But thinking more on it, if we didn't keep going, skipping from subject to subject we'd be tied up in the personal effect.  It was only really on my way home when I reflected on it that I started to think about it all.  I am perpetuating that horrible stereotype of cold hearted lawyers.

Perhaps though it's a front for every lawyer.  I certainly think that I couldn't cope if I paused to linger for too long.  I'm there to do a job, I can sympathise but ultimately I have a client to consider.  Much the same that the lawyers on the other side have a job to do and are more than likely out for blood from my client.  But should it really it be a job, do I have to perpetuate the myth?

Why does this bother me?  Apart from adversely affecting if not ruining people's lives with a swipe of legal argument, I'm worried people may think of me as a cold heartless lawyer.  I'm not.  Or at least I don't think I am.  I was certainly paid an extremely lovely compliment in a mediation not long ago - the claimant didn't think I was a lawyer, apparently I'm compassionate.  That's probably the reason why she left halfway through, somehow I was convincing her that she wouldn't succeed against my client and yes it was unfair but I couldn't do anything about it.

I guess though that it brings some perspective for me.  My silver lining (as we always know I somehow find one to everything).  To know that I can still feel these things, to truly empathise these brutal cold hard facts and keep going and succeed.

I'd certainly worry more if I wasn't affected by these things.

Quick Update

So I managed to survive my intense week of mediations round the country.  All up, I only spent 1 night in my bed in Auckland.  I loved the travels, the simple pleasure of my own company, the focus on the task at hand and, of course, the cut and thrust of argument.

The relentless tide of work that ebbed in during my absence, however, was something I'm not wholly fond of.  But it was certainly worth it.  For instance, how many people can say they took some time off and ended up playing a game of Hurling?

Now it just a matter of settling back into a suitable rhythm.  At this rate, I'll probably find myself arrived at Christmas without realising it though.

Ramblings

It's become ever more apparent over the last week or so that I am, for want of a better turn of phrase, a control freak.

Perhaps that's a bit dramatic.  I don't like not being in control, leaving things in other people's hands is difficult for me to do.  Nigh impossible.  If I can do something I will do it; if I feel like I could do something, I will feel compelled to do it.

This is sounding more like an obsession, and an unhealthy one at that.  I assure you that is not the case.

But I had thought more on the matter.  Most profoundly in relation to the events of last week involving a certain lady.  The thought struck me while watching a movie tonight - I really didn't like the idea of not being able to do anything, make any attempt to overcome the hurdle that is timing.  It's not that I felt helpless, no, far from the contrary.  Knowing me you will know that I am a determined being and timing is not something that will stand in my way.  It's just that on this occasion, there is nothing, absolutely nothing I could do.  And that bothers me.  Why precisely, I can't put my finger on, but I can have a crack - I get the feeling that I have to be in control, a sense of control, or at least the absence of uncertainty.

That's definitely something most people know about me - I loathe uncertainty.  With a passion. I hate not knowing.

I am getting better at dealing with uncertainty, in coping with handing things off and recognising when anything I do will not be of assistance.

Now that I've offloaded that piece of personal information and wanderings, I can rest a little easier.  God knows I'll need it over the coming week with recovering from a mediation on Friday, another on Tuesday and again on Thursday.

There is a light at the end of that tunnel though - I'll be in Wellington and get to have a slight break from my Auckland reality on Friday to Sunday.  Most excellent.

And listen to this - Calexico (or one member) in a black cab with a guitar, live, powerful, and strangely uplifting:

What goes up must come down

Excuse me for the short bleeding heart moment you're about to receive.  I'm a little tired of being understanding, sympathetic and nice.  Well more tired of being called a genuinely nice guy where that isn't obviously enough.  It's like people can't find a compliment, so they reach for the supposedly tried and trusted cliche.  It doesn't work people.

In short, serendipity is definitely a matter of timing and no matter how nice I may be, no matter how genuinely nice or lovely I may be, or happy I make people, it doesn't change time.  Basically, right guy wrong time.  Story of my freaking life.

Thankfully work is providing a haven to lose myself in and I'm preparing for my first mediation closely followed by my second and third within days.  On the brighter note, next week may not be so manic: I may actually be in the office on Monday and Wednesday thanks to an adjournment.

It's times like this that it helps to listen to music with headphones and just letting go like Sir Mick does without caring what people think you look like.  There's a picture of me for you: all gangly arms and legs in a vague attempt at spasmodic rhythm with headphone wires flying in a trail around me.

Random Thoughts

I did more marketing on the weekend - visiting markets and wandering the streets.  It's like being in Hamburg again, but with smaller markets and further to walk between places.  Seriously, Auckland has real problems with the flow from one area to the next.  Wellington never suffered from it, but I'm not going to let that stop me.

What else?  Work is manic, and it hit me today that I have a mediation every week now until the end of November.  Cool, but scary as I'd quite like to have time to actually do work rather than gloss over things with the time I do have to spare.

I also very much recommend Haruki Murakami's Kafka On the Shore or The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles.  People describe Salmond Rushdie as writing magical realism; Murakami is more towards magical surrealism, and based in Japan.  If you had to choose one first, read Kafka.

Now it's time to get ready for the next day at work, I'm looking forward to my escape to Wellington next week.

Addiction Comes in Many Shapes

Everyone's been so kind, offering words of encouragement and advice regarding my love life.  And I'm learning something from it all.  The biggest thing is another date with Serendipity.  More on that later.

Another bragging point though thanks to everyone's support is that my new work is freaking sweet, providing a continuous score of adrenaline, stress and subsequent release.  I will beat my goal of doing mediations by the end of the year.  In fact I'll beat it by a long shot - next week in fact.  And not only will I have one mediation to do all by myself, I'll have two in the space of a week.

But wait there's more.  I'll have four in the space of the week, with three on consecutive days.  That's what I'm talking about, that's why I moved firms, that's why I'm into this line of work, and damnit, that's what I'm getting.  My adrenal glands have never been so excited.

But wait, there's still more.  I'm the go-to-man with difficult files and difficult appearances.  Less than 4 months into the job and I'm doling out advice to others, doing people's difficult files and gaining a name for myself in getting something out of them.

And there's bookclub - a group of four or five of us get together once a month and discuss some contempary fiction we've decided to read.  The discussions are stimulating, engrossing and seamless, bounding from one topic to the next.  Tonight was Haruki Murakami's Kafka on the Shore.  Read it.

Life is f%^*ing sweet right about now.  I still miss my routine card games with friends from Wellington.  Nothing beats a good hand of 500.

The Curtain Lifted

What has brought about this flood of posts you may ask.  In that case, I may answer "fine weather, sunshine, and adventures that need to be shared."

I've spent the greater part of the weekend walking.  Ambling from Parnell to town, to Newmarket, and back to Ellerslie on Saturday. Then meandering through Devonport today.  Devonport was brilliant, from the moment I hopped off the ferry I couldn't stop grinning.

You see, I had followed some advice, well more sort of reacted to astonishment.  Astonishment that despite growing up on the North Shore I hadn't really returned to see it all.  That's not entirely true, for I've been back to Takapuna and wasn't horribly impressed.  However, that changed the instant I disembarked the ferry to Devonport from the city.

I saw so many things that were eerily familiar, peeling back the curtain from my memory until a torrent of nostalgia overcame me.  I remembered the beach, the shops, noted that the little museum was no longer there, nor was the cinema from what I could tell.  But the supermarket was there, as was the amazing vistas from the top of various hills.  I followed my feet to the top of Mt Victoria, and the memories tugged my over to Narrow Neck beach where I learnt to sail and somehow remember the time where I discovered Sue had to have different strength lenses in her glasses (which I found most peculiar at the time).  The shop is still there selling icecream too.

There was so much.  I remembered so much more of my little primary school (the lack being of admonished previously).  The bell in its frame near the office, sitting outside leaning up against class room walls eating sausages from the monthly sausage sizzle, the pokey little library, little details that somehow remained.

The point being, I was in a state of euphoria from remembering this all.  Partly because now I can recount it all and not seem like a total fool, but partly because I'd simply forgotten how much I loved Devonport, or more importantly, how much I thrive on being near the water in sunshine.

The only downside is that I did get a little sunburnt, and now have blisters on the soles and top of each foot.  But it was well worth it.

Quickfire

Totally hilarious post from a couple of Wellington blokes about romance and the finance market; the comments are priceless too.

And here's what was referred to in a previous post - Ladyhawke's My Delirium.  Noice.

La Cigale

Serendipity called back.  Patience seems to have more payoffs than I initially realised; still not 100% sold on the idea though.  Patience that is.  Tangents aside, it was lovely and another date is lined up for mid next week.  I have an idea of where to go, it'll just be about sorting out.  I don't like being carless, it makes me feel a little inadequate at these times.

Now onto something completely different.  I highly recommend that if you're ever in Auckland on a Saturday morning, you make the trip down to the French markets in Parnell.  The food there is divine: whitebait fritters, bundles of asparagus, fresh peppers, crisp apples, crepes, beautiful meat, and that's just some of the stuff I purchased.  There's also some amazing looking bread, herbs, flowers (yes, I've noted those for future reference), coffee, spices, and more.

Oh, and there's little mini tarts of the lemon, passionfruit, and strawberry with chocolate.  They are meltingly sumptuous.

I'll gladly take any visitors there.

My Delerium

It's not often of late that there's been more on here other than random musings and comments in the general.  Let alone any real reflection on me.  But like any good thing, here's the exception.

I don't think I'm cut out for the dating game.  I'm rather impatient, like answers then and there, attempt to organise things well in advance, take things personally, and generally jump to conclusions.  I don't know why.  I'd like to think that it's because of the nature of my current employment - a never ending torrent of cases, increasing in intensity and complexity, has infused me a higher sense of organisation and directness.  Brevity, however, is yet to become a custom.  Anyways, we're off topic. 

The point being that perhaps these traits are my downfall.  Time to break with tradition and get into detail.  I met Serendipity, I met a girl.  It was unexpected, and circumstances somehow aligned to meet and have a great time.  The lawyer gods conspired to not only have me appear at a pre-ball, appear fully suited despite not having a ticket to the main event, and meet new people, but meet someone who made me smile with ease.  I hadn't felt that good in some time.  There's actually a bloody great photo (some have seen it), but I won't be posting it here just in case I've said too much already.

Which brings me round to why the dating game may not be for me.  All this leaving fate in someone else's hands isn't something I'm used to doing; wresting control is not a trait that comes easily.  Neither is patience for that matter.  But I do have what she described as ample, and agreeable, disregard for the precepts of man law.  You know, the 3 day rule and so forth.

Well, after my somewhat unsuccessful initial efforts to arrange a catch up despite my rather heavy timetable, I managed to take a deep breath and hand control over it; realising there's not much more can be done by me is hard.

I'm really leaving it all up to Serendipity I guess.

Once in a Blue Moon

I talked to a couple of people recently how my hair hasn't been cut in awhile. It's been around about 6 weeks or less, so that's normal.

What's not though is the curl and the general size of it if I play round a little. Please note that it doesn't look like that with work, nor at any other time, though I am contemplating it. Generally, the curls stay tight unless I tease them out.

These Are Some of My Favourite Things

Music helped me find myself. Again.

Short and simple really.  I had forgotten the pleasure music brings me.  Simply having a soundtrack made me feel a little more complete.  It doesn't stack up to actually playing the piano or guitar, but listening to music while I type is close enough.

Anyways, back to the music.  Music has been pumped out of pretty much every single music device I own, the CD player, the computer, the turntable, and the portables.  Here's a random sampling of what has been heard over the last couple of days.

Kings of Leon - Sex On Fire

Raw.  Plain and simple.  But there's a feeling of restraint underneath it all, an eery feeling of being on the edge of control.  I know the song is on high rotate on the radio, or so I'm told, but damn it, it's worth it.

UNKLE - Broken (featuring Gavin Clarke)

Infectious movement.  I happened upon this at work, and dancing in my office was liberating to say the least.

Lykke Li - I'm Good I'm Gone

There's just something about this Swedish songtress that keeps bringing me back to her.  Admittedly her video clips are somewhat on the eccletic side.  There's also some pretty sweet remixes out there if you're into that.

Well, 3 (almost 4) songs is pretty good.  More so considering I gave you Passenger's brilliant Night Vision Binoculars.  That should keep you sated until next time.

Slap and Dash

Quick treat, a neat little British band called Passenger with their single Night Vision Binoculars.

It's not what it appears, just listen to it.

Perspective

You can probably guess that the lack of posting is due to work. There's been alot of it this week, more so than play, but I'm not complaining too much.

I do know I need to get out and take more photos. It's something I missed, and only realised it until showing some of my photos to friends. It was difficult to explain my efforts to try and convey the reason for taking that photograph, the angle of the light, the shadows creating something mystical, powerful, compelling. Sometimes I worry that the photo doesn't capture it, that its my eyes looking back on the moment that filling in those details.

Do I see something different in these?

In truth, it doesn't really bother me that much. It's mine, I treasure it. And perhaps explaining all this is kind of fun. Geeky almost. And we all know geek is now chic.

Sunday Bliss

Look at this, me posting twice in a week.  What has happened to bring this on?  Domesticated life, vacuuming, mopping, washing, and generally hanging round the house on a lazy Sunday afternoon enjoying the sunshine when I can.

The reason for this brief post, well brief for me, is to inform you all to visit NPR.  Yes, NPR.  Why?  Because there is a plethora of music there, including my absolute favourite - live music.

I'm a sucker for anything recorded live.  Partly because for me, that's when you can capture the passion, the soul, the imagination of the artist and their music.  So go.  Hunt, trawl, and enjoy the fascinating vault it beholds.

It even has Liam Finn amongst the gems.  Go.  Now.

Searching

Another week is coming to a close, and time seems to be slipping through my fingers. I was reminded of that when my sister was in town last weekend. I hadn't seen her in a long time, and so much has changed, for me, for her. But it was great to know that we could connect and have what I considered a fantastic weekend.

That was cemented come Monday when, after her return to Wellington, I was informed she went straight to bed. Partied too hard I guess. Will have to work on her stamina.

Time for some goodies on the blog again - visit The Black Cab Sessions. One Band. One Cab Ride. One Take. It's a hidden gem, god knows how I found it, but it's quite something. View. Listen. Enjoy.

For those scared, or to lazy, to click on links I give you Man Man (yes, it is a band, though the moustache suggests otherwise):

Pretentious as Hell

Live post for you, coming straight from the heart of Auckland city. In the VIP room of an exclusive club with one of NZ's top DJs playing.

Epic.

And my sister is here. Good times. The joys of iPhone mobile data transfer.

Busy busy week

This week has been a medley of emotions.  Not from me.  Rather, I've been on the receiving end of it.

First up there was a mediation, my first if you will.  There were eight parties including the claimant, and only 3 lawyers.  Most parties were pensioners, in their retirement, and overly frustrated at the system and the claim against them.  So needless to say there was a broiler of emotions.  Thankfully, I somehow seemed to be considered a voice of reason.  I'm not sure how it happened, but people listened to me.  Which makes me think I have my 'normal voice' and my 'lawyer voice'.  I can tell when there's a shift, but I don't know what triggers it.  One just sounds more assertive, more certain.

Anyway, I digress.  I wasn't prepared for the emotional onslaught from these parties wrapped up in this claim.  It was hard, but ultimately it's the best result for them in the long term: no trial, no uncertainty in the outcome.

As for the aforementioned arguing lawyers.  Well, Friday proved interesting.  A lawyer and his firm shall remain unnamed, but he tried picking a fight with me over emails between the tribunal and other parties.  It was over a confidentiality issue.  I remained calm, and professional.  He digressed and took things to a personal level.  Not what I would expect from a partner in a firm.  The good news though: I got what I wanted, and he was politely demonished by the tribunal.  Wonder if his actions will have any professional repercussions.

And now, it's the weekend.  Thank heavens.

Sunshine

I had the chance to show Auckland to a visitor. It was refreshing to be able to demonstrate my limited knowledge of some areas and know that my alien eye had seen similar things. It was also a chance to simply use my new spangly camera.

So what follows are pictures from in and around the Auckland Domain. It turned out to be quite a stellar day following the monsoon unleashed on those of us longing for an inner city weekend escape. It was quite a surprise, and something rather different to the night that quickly followed. Namely cocktails and Sing Star. Nothing like alcohol to lubricate the vocal chords or lull you into a false sense of security only to come crashing down when the recording is played back.

High and Dry

The photo to your left is a dry dock for boats. Somewhere the overwhelmingly wealthy store their boats in a valet fashion. Thirty minutes notice and you can have your boat fuelled, primed, polished and ready to go complete with a picnic lunch if you so wish. The good life I guess.

Anyways, I have that photo simply because I had the enjoyable experience of being invited along to a random party there. I was simply told to come dressed nicely and expect women. Lots of women between the ages of 20 and 50. I wasn't told it was a 21st birthday party, so the ages were spread to either end of the spectrum.

Beyond that surprise, there was a definite pleasant surprise in that Nathan Haines was playing. Apparently he knew the birthday girl and her family really well. So that was a fantastic surprise and one that never lost its astounding factor. In any event, Friday night went quite swimmingly despite my initial trepidation.

What else is new? I discovered that the most common response to my answer that I take the train into work every day is "So you don't drive then?" To which an even more bemused look is given when I reply that I do drive, I just don't have a car in Auckland and am surviving with the upmost happiness in experiencing only the congestion of the footpath. Really. Seriously, it's like I'm some distant relic to these people, or they're quickly calculating whether I'm just a suspended driver. I suppose I should take it as a compliment when everyone assumes that I earn enough to support the insatiable appetite of an automotive.

More notes on work - it looks like I will be busy as ever, including an impending week of hell/irreplaceable experience coming up in October. I have 4 mediations in the space of 5 working days. Which is a boon and a curse, in that mediations require an unsurpassable amount of preparation and can take anywhere from 4 hours to 14 hours. The upside, or downside all things considered is that I have 3 out of 4 mediations outside of Auckland: two in Christchurch and one in Wellington.

Chances are I might even get a weekend in Christchurch due to the two mediations there falling on a Friday and Monday; in fact the supervising senior isn't adverse to the idea of skiing on Mt Hutt for that time. Excellent.

On the Peninsula

Quick update, more because its raining outside and I can't sleep.

I suppose I should explain where I live, my bedroom is a peninsula.  Three external walls and my roof.  The fourth wall is where the door is of course, else wise I'd be living in a tent, which would make nights like tonight far more in the vein of interesting than it really should be.

In any event, my bedroom is a peninsula cascaded by rain on nights like tonight.  The rhythmic lapping of raindrops during the now nightly downpour provides me with a sense of solace, a feeling of contentment.  I don't know why the rain attracts me so, but it does, and an explanation doesn't seem necessary.

Well, my bedroom is a peninsula and on nights like tonight I feel like I have escaped.  Escaped from the frenetic activities of the day, distanced from the ordered chaos of paper mountains and pressing deadlines.  Time seems to sit still in my peninsula, or at least slow to a crawl.

My peninsula is my isle, my island getaway, my refuge and shelter from the storm outside.

New goodies

I now have my filthy hands on my fresh MacBook.  After a day of tinkering, I now also have my music and photos on here again.  I should move over my personal data shortly, but I've found a couple of distractions.

Firstly, and probably to sound more educated than I might be, Apple has introduced a fascinating new section in iTunes - iTunesU.  In short, it's a collection of podcasts from universities all over the world on a variety of lectures.  Currently I'm listening to Lord Justice Woolf of Barne's lecture held in Yale about overcoming the obstacles with litigation, and removing some inherent faults in civil proceedings.

It might sound a little dry to some, but its rather interesting to law geeks of my profoundness.  If that's not your thin

g, I'd recommend sussing out some other bites there.  The Dalai Lama has a lecture under the Stanford section.

Of course, there's things in the more pop persuasion.  And if that tickles your fancy I highly recommend the following:

I know I've gone into that before, and damn straight.  The man is musically minded.  I for one am glad he's gone down the path of Blues rather than more of his Pop.  Just look at Continuum versus Room For Squares.

And to add some much missed colour to this webpage.

I also recommend delving into Watchmen.  It's been brought to the fore thanks to Zack Synder's cinematic adaptation.  I wonder how it will work.  You should read the graphic novel.  Don't let that put you off by the way, it is rated amongst Time's Top 100 Novels.  That's right.  Novels.

Now, go, listen, watch, read, and enlighten yourself.

Little crazy

So I'm still to replace my laptop; the money is there the time isn't. Not that I'm complaining, I love how awesome my work is and how much time it takes up. Scary to think the days move by so quickly but they do, with ease and the warmth of basking in a passionate part of my life.

I know, who would describe pleading in court, settling cases, sparring with Partners and practitioners twice my age and boundless years of exprience to my few as exhilirating? Who would consider it a wonderful experience leading the charge in cases where clients are looking down the barrel of $400,000 at least? Who would relish the thrill of diving in head first to a hearing with only 7 days preparation?

I'm one crazy fool. But I'm happily fooling round with my craze.

On another note, I've been cranking John Mayer's latest offering - Where the light is. Highly recommended, it's apparent why he's referred to as the musician's musician. Just listen to the opening 5 tracks on disc 1. You will not begrudge the time spent.

With that I shall retire for the night. Hopefully after this weekend I won't have to type this from my iPhone. Despite the unique experience I miss typing. The throes of dictation has me in her grasp thanks to the necissity associated with work.

And on the Eighth Day

So...everything is falling in place.

I'm running a trial in 2 weeks.

Insurance paid out and as an apology they're completely replacing my kick ass camera with an even kicker-asser camera.

And I'm blogging this from my iPhone.

Life is good.

Better Late Than Never

As if you needed a further update. Well, I guess it's only fair.

My birthday came and went, and by some standards it was abysmal - in that I'm in a different city to my family, majority of friends, and that I had to work right through it. I had to cancel lunch with friends, and cocktails with more friends. I was actually kicked out of my office at 7:30 pm by my colleagues berating me to go out and celebrate.

But on the other side, it was a great birthday. I scored some pretty sweet swag; one present is a gift that keeps on giving - 26000 Vodka. I mean, that bottle is a stunning looking piece of art. As for work - I was busy doing what I love; it was a great feeling to be involved waist deep in some of this stuff, including receiving a file that afternoon requiring me to attend Court the very next morning. I live off that adrenalin coursing through my veins as a result of that intense excitement.

What else? I received a chocolate cake delivered to my work. That's right. A chocolate cake. Delivered. To me. Now that is class. That, my friends, is a present worth well beyond the monetary value attached to such deeds. It tasted amazing by the way, made more succulent by the embarrasment that ensued when my friends sang happy birthday to me in a crowded restuarant. Speaking of cakes, I made my cheesecake as a birthday shout; devoured, with compliments. Thanks for the recipe, it continues to astound everyone who comes near the finished product.

Still haven't received my insurance payout yet. Hopefully it's forthcoming this week. They'll feel the sharp sting of my tongue if they're not careful. It's one of the good things working for my law firm - we're well known in the insurance business. And our reputation is good. Fearsomely good.

Anything further? Nothing as of yet. Oh, except possibly one of the best unintentional birthday presents ever - relinquishment of supervision to the extent that I'll be doing MY OWN thing in Court. Second year out, and I'm playing with claims worth $200,000 up against Partners of other firms and renowned Barristers. It's probably a good thing my firm thought I was turning 31.

Extra

Your suggestions for Jamie's present were very welcome. One has spurred a torrent of ideas, and no, it's not the beepee thing for car keys. Though that did come a close second.

There's many things floating round in the ehter of my mind, but I can't seem to put them to paper, or at least the electronic form. There's the conversations of late regarding the perceived soullessness of lawyers; elements of fate, destiny, and spooky coincidences; the simple pleasures of shoe polishing and domestication; and more.

I just can't seem to put these things down though, perhaps I'll get time later to do this. Until then, I'll be baking tomorrow - a cheesecake most likely. Yum.

Cries from a Foreign Land

Again I write this to you from a foreign laptop. My insurance claim is yet to reach settlement, though the end is nigh. I hope so at least, it would be a pretty neat birthday to be able to go shopping for new stuff. Admittedly the point is moot; it's all replacing what was taken. But you can't deny there'll be that new freshly opened box smell.

Other new things have been some developments, if you'll excuse the pun, with work. I'm now part of the biggest case there: 177 apartments against me. Well, they're against the council, and I'm merely assisting the Associate handling the case. But damn, there's only two of us against the marauding hordes. Pretty sweet.

What else? It's my birthday next week; it's rather surprised me. July has stealthily snuck up, hidden behind the frustrations of a stagnating job, and the relishment of finding a new one. Poor excuse, but damn it, I was pretty much swide swiped this time. Thank heavens it's not a major birthday.

Though, that's the tough thing about being a twin - forgetting one's birthday means it can impact upon the other. I now have a week to find my brother a present. I have ideas, but I do need to cross the boundaries of postal inadequacies to ensure it arrives in time. So, I'm giving myself until the weekend to find something.

Burdened with work, that might prove difficult. Hence this plea: any ideas for an evil twin genius, impassioned with a love of music, guitars, computers and living in Wellington?

A Sign of the Times

So, it's been a while since a real update. I currently sit writing this post on my flat mate's laptop, seeing as mine is still yet to be replaced. I'll start at the very beginning.

Coming up 5 weeks past, our flat was broken into. My bedroom window was jimmed open, my bed was scrambled over, and most of my valuables were taken, and some of my flat mates' stuff too. People can probably imagine what was taken, but the more interesting items include my Grandfather's greenstone and gold cufflinks and tie-pin, his silver ring with an onyx gemstone, a set of silver cutlery from my christening, and a case of wine. I mean, seriously, who steals a case of wine? Especially when there were other things in the house of equal size and weight they could just as easily have substituted it for. But I'm guessing the vagrants responsible are not known for their mental prowess.

Anyways, nothing has been found and my insurance is yet to settle my claim. They're being rather...obstinate. I understand them trying to protect their interests, but I've given them as much information as I have. Hopefully it all comes together shortly.

But there is a shining light, a beacon of hope. I resigned and started somewhere else this week gone by. Well, I resigned five weeks ago, worked out my four week notice period and started at the new firm this week. The work I now do is full-time litigation on local government liability. And we represent all but three territorial authorities in New Zealand. Exciting stuff.

More exciting is that their promise, which now on hindsight was a warning, of being dropped straight into the work. They weren't lying. I am running two of my own cases, alebit lower potential damages if there is liability. But I am also involved in two very large claims, very complex claims. I've already swaggered off to court for one of them.

It's apparently a light workload for the typical barrister and solicitor at the firm. I should expect more cases, more mediations, more court appearances, more more more. It's exactly what I'm after, and I'm loving it. Moreso because there's also a fair amount of travel - I will have to travel to Christchurch and Wellington for the above claim; the former for mediations and hearings and the latter for trials lasting a solid week.

And as for everything else mentioned in my update gone by, I:

• attended a Readers and Writers fesstival and had a Pulitzer Prize winner sign my copy of his book while I made a slight fool out of myself (the aura of celebrities inexplicably affects most);
• drank in La Boheme, dining on the Operatic feast;
• purchased my first tailored suit, a stunning grey number created by local artists, and I want more;
• tramped (or hiked for the Americans watching) the Pinnacles in the Coromandel, imbibing in the breathtaking scenery on offer;
• and more.

So on the whole, things have been good. Things have been close to great. Here's hoping that divide can be breached, and bliss is forthcoming.

Ch-ch-changes

Quick update - house was burgled and most of my valuable taken including my laptop. Which means very little internet access, and even less time available to update this little project

I've also resigned from my current employment, and start in a new place next week, - you know, negligence, nuisance, defamation, duty of care, all that nitty gritty stuff. Best part is we'll be acting as defendant in most proceedings. A specialist litigation firm, mainly insurance and local government. It's all litigation work for me, I'll be on my feet all in Court, mediations, management meetings. It's going to be fantastic.

I'll fill you all in more once I finally get my new laptop. Until then, I'm borrowing flat mate's computers when ever possible.

UPDATE --- I should mention my house was burgled at the start of May, and I'm still awaiting insurance. There's been loads of stuff that's happened betwixt and between, including Opera, new suits, embarrassments, job offers, rejecting offers, tumultous and sometimes bewildering times, times of wonderment too, drinking, confusion, escapism, hikes, book signings, and more.

I'll divulge what I can when I can.

The Times are a Changing

Mistakes have been made. This is post number 200. And thankfully this time it is an illustrious post.

For those who are equally enthralled by the vitally important networking tool Facebook will have already stumbled across the rather cryptic but catchy status "Michael's curse of delayed flights is outweighed by his good fortune". Why is that cryptic, catchy and, most importantly, the opening gambit of this post?

Over the last 12 months it has come to my attention that I have a curse, in that every flight I catch is affected by some delay, be it 10 minutes or having to catch another one entirely. That's right. Don't fly with me.

However, my good fortune is strong, and over the last week it has simply provided absolute pleasure. It might not be good fortune, it could be timing, it could be a number of factors, nonetheless there's something invaluable happening, and fortune sums it up nicely. Things have seemingly gone my way, and it's nice for a change.

There's also last Friday. A number of unforeseeable events and crossed paths saw me having one of the most fantastic nights I've had in a long long time. It involved an awesome dinner with great friends, followed by cocktails, roasting marshmallows on an open fire, playing the piano quietly in a noisy bar, and topped off by dancing in what I can only describe as free interpretation of how one should dance in a jazz bar.

I feel alive at the moment, and it's often I end up grinning as I slip into sleep with the memory of Friday, often with the immemorable Billie Holiday ringing in my ears.

Individualistic

Does anyone else find themselves late at night, dancing in their living room to music, that they're listening to on their iPod?

Is it just me?

It's a glorious feeling after you've finished working hard on something, say writing an intense cover letter, when all of a sudden you find yourself not just bopping along to the beat of a song, but find the rhythm possessing you until the next thing you know it's not just your fingers tapping away, but your hands, wrists and elbows are raised high as you find yourself gyrating to the historical groove of Prodigy's Smack My Bitch Up.

Is it just me?

Seriously, the release is brilliant. Especially late at night, when everyone else has gone to bed and the only sounds are the fridge doing it's midnight business and your foot tapping and sly slides in what are surely rabid attempts to do justice to Dance Dance Dance or Little Bit by Lykke Li (who I've raved about before).

Is it just me?

Really? I suggest you let the rhythm take you on this sensory freedom some time. Slide on something comfortable and catchy.

Something Exciting

So this is illustrious post number 200. Not sure if it's really a landmark, as half of my posts have been bumbling rambles, but as always I will take it.

Today I spent most of sleeping thus far. It was a big night for our work last night, and after many many bottles of beer and red wine, with stomachs bloated on pannacotta, we headed home. I say we because a group of 5 of us were the last to leave at 2 am, and proceeded to wander down to K-Road (from Grey Lynn no less) to find taxis. We were in a state less than sober. But find a taxi we did, and we headed home.

The remainder of the day has been spent cleaning, washing, and working on my CV. Everything looks much spicker, spanner and a whole lot more desirable. Not to say things weren't in the first place, but it's nice to put in the effort.

The whole point of this post, however, is to bring your attention to a wonderful new song that has been racking my speakers on high rotate. The band is Guillemots, and while most people go nuts over their latest single Get Over It (oh the irony), I personally prefer the much understated Falling Out of Reach. So enjoy the songs on offer, and further your musical education.

Working 5 to 9

If one was to look at my life at the moment, there'd be many things you'd see. And it's all related to law, mostly work, but mostly unpaid believe it or not.

So what am I doing? Well beyond what's actually contained in my job description, which by the way is something along the lines of managing and advising clients on their intellectual property portfolios, developing them and implementing various related strategies, there's also some pretty neat stuff, namely:

• Advising my work, and preparing information for Partners and clients on the effects of the new Copyright (New Technologies) Amendment Bill which was passed on Tuesday.
• Writing articles on how one such amendment could really expose most businesses to a rather significant liability.
• Preparing litigation documents for several key clients, on issues I've never even touched before - the prime example being disclosure of confidential information. To expert witnesses. In patent opposition proceedings. Go figure.
• Preparing notices of infringement (or cease and desist letters) for other staff members. (one of my personal favourites, having written 3 today for 2 different staff members).
• And then there's preparing my lecture on International Commercial Arbitration. Haven't done that one yet, but its on my to do list.
  

So I feel like I'm really working two jobs, one of which I thoroughly enjoy, and the other numbs my mind chronically. Three guesses which one is which, and which one I'm not getting paid for?

But I tell my self things are going to be going well. I have a large work function tomorrow night, and a Rocky Horror Picture Show themed party on Saturday night. Thus I'm quite looking forward to my weekend.

And just found some more photos from Vienna. It's a hard life being a world traveler sometimes.

Regardless of whether I like Auckland or not, it can certainly put on a show.



















Work is picking up, or at least I'm getting more litigation work. Staying until 9pm in order to do it is another story. But I can get lost in the work, consumed by the rush of argument.

Advocacy is a story, and telling stories enthralls me.

Triumphant Return

Time for an update. Back from Vienna, which was amazing as usual. I had a fantastic time, refreshing my memory of European delights such as bakeries on every corner, efficient and reliable public transport systems, and an amazing sense of culture. It was good.

As for the competition, we did fantastically well. The team made it all the way to semis before losing, placing us 3rd out of 204 universities. Brilliant job. Catherine and Arjun both won honourable mentions for best oralists, and we won an honourable mention for our Claimant submissions. It was a world class achievement. And it add to top it all off, our university is now the most successful university in the competition - we are the only university to make the elimination rounds every year for the last six years, have consistently been ranked 1st or 2nd in the round robins, made the finals, semi-finals, quarter finals, and of the 12 speakers over the last 6 years, 9 have won honourable mentions. And I've been involved for the last 4 years. It's such a good feeling.

Speaking of good feelings, I arbitrated at the competition and while it was nerve racking and extremely draining, I loved absolutely every minute of it. It's quite a feeling to talk to leading scholars in the area and to be treated as an equal. And then there's the networking, for example I had one US attorney hunt me down specifically. Must be getting a little bit of a reputation, which feels pretty damn cool. So going back next year in some capacity.

This escape also provided me the reignition of my passion and drive for litigation and arbitration, resolving myself to do more about it. And that I am, making enquiries, chasing people up and even including enquiries for work overseas. Something will come of this, hard work usually pays off.

On another note, I'm now settled into my new place in Auckland. The flat is great, my flatmates are lovely, and it's so nice to have a place to live and call my own now. And such a retreat it is, great polished wooden floors, open spaces, and generally a great ambiance. I like it. I'll attempt to provide photos soon enough.

Time Out of Joint

First things first - I should clarify that I'm in Vienna from next Monday, that's March 10. I'm still in Auckland this week.

On a completely different note - ever had the moments that make you stop, pause and contemplate: "I really think I could be in the middle of my own Truman Show."?

No? Just me then. Seriously, there's been an insane number of coincidences, perfectly timed opportunities, and weird occasions of Deja Vu. I really start to wonder. I'd give more detail, but chances are then people may call for medication.

In any event, I suppose I shouldn't come here empty handed now that you've come to expect goodies. And this one is a treat - The Wellington Ukelele Orchestra has just made their debut release The Heartache EP. Mint. I want it. Buy it now. And if you want to check it out before you buy, visit them here. Need I say more?

Bag of Loot

By way of an update, I now have a place to live. It's a nice house in Ellersie in Auckland, flatting with two girls of my own age. Hopefully moving in sometime this week. I say hopefully, as I'm back in Wellington on Saturday before I fly out to Vienna on Monday for two weeks. Fingers crossed.

But boy do I have some wicked entertaining things for you today. Recently there's been the 10th Annual Independent Games Festival. Why mention this? Because of some of the freakishly awesome stuff that has come out of it.

I mean, you have to see Audiosurf to believe it. You get it off Steam, first indication that it must be good. The tag line is "Ride Your Music", and an explanation doesn't do it justice but I'll try - it's a puzzle racer game. Huh? Well you have to drive along a track collecting, and matching, different coloured blocks. Sounds pretty cool. But wait, there's more. By running your music through the game, it changes the gameplay according to various parameters against your music. Seriously, watch it run through Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody:

I'd get it, but sadly, it's PC only at this point. My PC is still in storage, but I'll be downloading that sucker once I move. And at $9.99 for the full game - it's mint for an audiophile like myself.

Other equally enjoyable indie games have emerged from IGF: things like the Iron Dukes and World of Goo. Play the demo of Iron Dukes. It's addictively simple with superb detail. And World of Goo is mind blowing. Try them. Now.

And for something utterly entrancing, have a look at Crayon Physics Deluxe. The game is not out yet in a form resembling that in the video below, but this is definitely one worth watching for.



Sweet Jesus, it's a good time to have nothing else to do. Thankfully I don't have my PC yet, otherwise I'd get nothing done.

So here we are

I'm in Auckland now, settling into work well and building the bonds of friendship with work mates. It's going well so far. Finding a place to live, however, is proving a little tiresome and it's difficult to find somewhere I like, and the people like me. There's been cases of one or the other, but never both so far. Give me time.

Time for some music for you. Here's a personal favourite of mine, Bloc Party's So Here We Are from Silent Alarm. I don't know why, but it strikes me as a song for fresh starts. So in commeration of fresh starts for me in Auckland, it is here for your viewing and listening pleasure.


Speaking of fresh starts, it feels good to have some new experiences in Auckland. Ended up sitting in a bar by on Friday night after work drinks, watching the Hurricanes vs the Queensland Red. Good game, interesting bar, but nothing exciting. It was an experience.

Life Imitates Art

I was admitted on Friday, making my first official court appearance applying to become a barrister and solicitor. The ceremonial circumstances called for the wig and gown, and it was so worth it. I can now officially call myself a real lawyer, officer of the court, barrister and solicitor, or the many other titles it bestows. It was magnificent.

It also meant my Friday night was massive, flowing on from my Friday afternoon celebrations. I'm surprised I'm able to function this time of night on a Saturday following more celebrations and fun. I guess alcohol can have that affect.

In any event the weekend has been a blast so far, and although there's been a couple of hiccups (on other people's part) it's been great and I have no real cause for complaint. The line from Batman Begins strikes me as poignant about now: "start pretending having fun, and who knows, you might have a little by accident".

One week left in Wellington, and I intend to use it well.

Tradition can be good

Today is the big day.

How was your Weekend?

Again I found myself a little pressed for time and this has been amongst the first things to fall of the list of things to do.

Things are moving, and I suppose that's probably all for the best at the moment. I move everything up to Auckland on Monday week, I leave for Vienna in just over 4 weeks, and this coming Friday I get Admitted.

Almost forgot that point - after 6 years of university studies, Professional Legal Studies, then piles of paper work, I finally get to wear the prestigious wig and gown. The pomp and circumstance is enthralling, and I can't wait. Should be good fun.

Beyond that, there's not been much else I suppose. I do have some neat little pieces of music you should definitely listen to though, and here is but one of them

Vampire Weekend is a nifty whee set coming out of New York. Infectious is the only way I can think to describe them.

Tis Been Sometime

So it's been well over a month since the last update, and I take full responsibility for it, though Christmas, New Years, and moving to Auckland have gotten in the way.

Auckland was good. The operative part of that sentence being in the past tense. I'm back in Wellington at the moment, at least until 18 February at which time the move to Auckland is supposed to permanent. For various reasons I have my doubts as to its permanence, and needn't say more.

In the meantime, being in Wellington has been fantastic. For example, yesterday was spent in the sun, dressed to the nines, out at Trentham Race Course for the Wellington Cup. The biggest horse racing event in Wellington's calendar. Not surprisingly, the majority of Wellington decided to come out also, and it made the train ride there incredibly interesting. Lots of people in suits, in a train without air conditioning, on a hot day, does not make for a pleasant start to the day. However, there was entertainment when a group of young girls decided to start hitting on one member of our party. He couldn't escape and although it was probably torture for him, we found it unbelievably amusing. Unbelievably amusing.

As for other events since last year, well I've been to Nelson and the Sounds having the time of my life, traveled to and from Auckland where amongst other things I helmed a 9.2 metre racing yacht manned by 4 people, tripped up to Palmerston North for a visit to Hawkes Bay vineyards and come back poorer but laden with delicious wine (as seen left), started judging moots, and generally trying to sort things out.

In terms of music, I highly recommend some New Zealand music. Partly because they're pretty damn good, but also because in Wellington we've been blessed with free concerts in our Botanical Gardens and these artists have played some pretty amazing sets. Apparently. I missed them due to other commitments.

So enjoy Odessa, and Age Pryor (respectively).