You Ride the Luck

So some things haven't necessarily gone my way, but I shouldn't complain all that hard, as most clouds tend to have a silver lining. I'm either becoming or being treated as an overpaid under utilised personal assistant at work, I can't quite tell which it is though. The upside is that I've got plenty of time to work on profs, read and write more articles, and generally organise people at the office. My role description seems to have changed to some sort of human resources-marketing hybrid, with a splash of word processor and entertainer. It's nice to be wanted in some capacity I guess.

Doesn't help that I've been asked to consider a relocation to Auckland. It certainly has some aspects going for it, the least of which is guaranteed work. The downside being what that work entails and the difference between what I'm told will be happening, what's expected of me, and what is most likely to happen. The bright side to this one is that I now know people at work are willing to be brutally honest and frank in giving their professional and personal opinion of others. Whether they would hold such criticisms for me, I'm not entirely certain.

I have managed to while away the weekends lying in the sun, swimming, reading, and relaxing round the outdoor pools. It's good fun. My swim fitness is creeping back, and my skin no longer has that translucent look to it. It's not tanned, no, just a healthier shade of white at the moment.

As for what this week holds, of that I am unclear. There's various things I'd like to happen, but the majority of which are well beyond my control. The best I can fathom is a bothersome phonecall, but irritation does not bode well for any of those prospects.

What I have managed to accomplish this week, is to stumble across a fascinating t-shirt retailer online. They specialise in t-shirts branded with fake company logos from movies - like the Tyrell Corporation from Blade Runner or Skynet from The Terminator. I think it's a nifty idea, if only the prices were a little lower, and not in pounds.

Quiet Earth

So here we have the first in the series of photo essays on Wellington nightlife. Enjoy.































And get cracking sponsoring my mustache. So far the only person to front up is my brother, for which I am very grateful. You too can receive this gratitude by providing a small donation towards funding for prostate cancer research and awareness in New Zealand. Sponsor today!

Art, Politics, and Facial Hair

In line with interesting tidbits I've provided previously, I present Little People, A Tiny Street Art Project. Personally, one of my favourites is the immensely detailed Nuart Show:

It amazes me: the imagination, and skill, of some folk.

On a completely different note, people have asked two points about my previous post:
Yes it was Guy Fawkes, those are my photos of the fireworks; and Movember is a good cause worth supporting.

Movember is a movement in New Zealand aimed at increasing awareness for Men's health problems, such as prostate cancer. The idea is to grow a moustache: starting clean shaven at the first of the month, attempting to grow the best moustache one can in an effort to raise money. The operative words of that sentence are: "raise money" in that I need people to sponsor me, so pretty please fill in the sponsorship forms here.

The word "attempt" should not be overlooked either, in the sense: "I am attempting to grow my first moustache". Most are aware that I much prefer being clean-shorn and the longest I've gone without shaving has been one week, mostly because you can't notice my stubble until a week is up. This is a true test of my grit, and facial prowess. So it's for a good cause, and if you're in NZ, anything over $5 is tax deductable.

On another note, it's social indoor netball season again. Awesome!

Remember Remember the Fifth of November

And who says movies aren't educational. I now don't need to explain Guy Fawkes to anyone not from the Colonies. Americans have come to grips with the idea and its celebrations thanks to Hugo Weaving.

So I leave you to marvel at the public displays of fireworks:









Oh, and I've been roped into Movember, so I thank Hugo Weaving and V for another thing. It's all for a good cause - bringing awareness to Men's Health and Prostate Cancer. Plus, enough sponsorship and I'll post a picture of the final moustache ensemble.

Busy Body

Apologies for not having scrawled my thoughts down here sooner - I've been a little busy of late. There's been movements with work, romance, friends and life in general that have captured my attention more than recording things. So apologies.

It hasn't stopped me from thinking about recording my random thoughts though, like the night-scape of Wellington. It's refreshing to walk through it at night sober and see the serenity of the innercity. I intend to record some sort of photo essay on the topic when I have the chance.

Other random thoughts have harked back to a different time - being Halloween today it brought memories of this night last year, and the stories. I long for the child-like wonderment that Halloween used to bring, and how I recpatured it for a brief time in Hamburg.

We've had no trick-or-treaters tonight either. I purposively went to the supermarket to invest in some fun-size chocolate bars. Yet the only scallywags enjoying them are my flat mates. I don't mean to sound bitter, but I saw all the kids in the city running off to Halloween parties, and they were so very enthusiastic. I want the freedom to do that. If I had more hours in the day, I would have set about organising something, but my time has been taken up with organising a catchup next week for the Moot Family.

I've also found myself pondering the change a haircut can bring. It's odd how trimming locks of hair can have that effect - a fresh cut, a fresh smile. Never ceases to amaze me. Might have something to do with the random but engaging conversations I have with my hairdresser - who would have thought dressing up like a Storm Trooper would be that much fun.

And keeping with the child-like theme of this posting, I can't help but get excited over The Golden Compass (I still prefer its real title The Northern Lights, but Americans just had to be different). I hope it captures the brilliance of the books.

Oh, and I've been thoroughly enjoying my music again when I get the chance. Highlights include: Big Head Todd & The Monsters, Jose Gonzalez, Feist, and well, anything that crosses my path really. I've been out of the audiophile loop for too long.

So now, with the evening winding down and some time to myself, I think I'll go and indugle in some fun-size chocolate bars while I read in bed.

Wow

This week has been interesting. Tiring, but interesting.

Favourite Things

The weatherman often gets things wrong, and I'm so very glad he was so very wrong today. It was gloriously sunny day. The sun had real heat in it, the air was warm, and Summer is definitely on its way. It felt good to be out and about all day today, and it feels good to soak in that sun-kissed feeling. And smell. I swear I smell different after being in the sun, and I can only describe it as smelling of warmth from sunshine. The closest I can come is that smell of sheets that have just dried on a warm afternoon. Slightly off-beat I know, but it's the best I can do.

Speaking of things that have been done, and appallingly bad segues, work has gotten me published for a brief article I wrote on copyright and filesharing. Nothing big, but it's getting a fair amount of exposure on the web and soon in print. First step on the way to something bigger I hope.

And, now I am pooped. All that sun and exercise has sapped me, and it feels good.

Clarity

It sometimes scares me how there are moments in my life when I feel like there is absolute clarity. It doesn't bother me that the moments are few and far between, nor that I can't explain them. But that everytime there is one of these moments, my life changes for the better.

It all started a little while back with my workload drying up bit by bit. Don't get me wrong, there'd be days when I'd be up to my neck in work, but the vast majority of late has been scrounging round for things to do. This included researching and writing various articles, which will be published shortly.

Then last night I had a seminar on Work/Life Balance. It was quite astounding really. Nothing new, but hearing it all together has put some things into perspective: it's all about passion and doing what you love. If you're not loving what you do, you find it. Finding that and finding the passion will help things flow better and the balance will come.

And the catalyst - My results for the Patent Attorney Exams came back. I was sitting three out of the necessary six exams. They weren't kidding when they said they were hard. I failed all, hitting 48%. Close, but not close enough. Quite gut wrenching upon reading the results, the thoughts of the numerous hours spent studying, spurning the various social gatherings offered, and just the effort and stress put in just weren't enough.

So I'm sitting in my office distraught, when it all clicks. There was this brilliant moment of clarity, where I realised my career is not going in the direction I want, and I have the opportunity to really take control and bring it back onto the path I want. And that's what I've been building on today.

I can't describe the clarity that came. But I'm holding onto it, working on what I can, and moving towards the others. Brilliant.

In the meantime, I leave you with these two gems, capturing today for me:

• Chris Knox's fantastic anthem, Not Given Lightly; and
• Lou Reed's timeless Perfect Day.

Enjoy.

Take the Power Back

It's an amazing experience hearing an entire industry coming to its knees, and you can share the experience with Radiohead's In Rainbows. It is a glorious album, and Radiohead continue to thrill me. Thank you Elaine.

But the best thing about this album is the distribution. It's a purely digital solo effort by Radiohead, and ever since the announcement was made, there's been tremblings from the Recording Industry. You can hear them cracking.

Go there, download the album at a price you think is worthwhile, and away you go. I'm happy to pay for the album, the effort, the revolution. It's a bonus that the album is fantastically good.

Added to that is the debacle surrounding Capitol v Thomas (formely Virgin v Thomas). Doesn't ring a bell? The copyright and file sharing case? USD 222,000 for sharing 24 files? Ringing bells now I hope. This all speaks of a change, a fairly imminent change I hope. There's alot of debate over things more than copyright now. For starters, the Recording Industry Association of America has stated that these cases are breaking even and a worthwhile venture, yet the artists (whose interests the RIAA is supposed to be protecting) are yet to see a single cent from all of this. There will be public concern.

So it's a wonderful thing for me, the avid music fan frustrated at the state of the recording industry, to hear the changes happening.

Lucky

So now I know how a wet rat feels. I'm not comparing lawyers to rats by any means, but it's the only image I could picture as we trudged around the sodden golf course. There were puddles in my shoes and I felt like I was wearing wet swimwear.

But the golf was good. I certainly enjoyed that aspect, though I'm not sure if everyone I played with did. The fact I was playing with the CEO and CFO only dawned on me the other day, then there was the added weight of knowing this game wouldn't even push my total number of golf rounds into double digits. A good time was had by all though, and we laughed our way round the course, everyone making some good shots, some bad ones, and some horrifying ones. My worst effort when driving went three feet in front of me. It was a good feeling to actually connect with the ball the next time.

The weather has continued with its drudgery, though it did manage to clear this morning. Well, clear enough for me to walk to the supermarket unimpeded by the rain. The wind was another matter. So I've been contained inside mostly. As have flatmates and their significant others. It's an interesting sensation to wake up early on the weekend to what you think is someone knocking on your bedroom door, only to realise that it's actually the frame shaking due to the intense rhythm from upstairs. Imagination no longer required, nor desired.

But to leave you all on a happier note, I give you the distinctly Wellington music stylings of Fly My Pretties in anticipation of Summer and finer weather.

Rhapsody on a Theme

So the weather gods have beaten me with the irony stick again. I go and spout off about the glorious, if not windy, Wellington spring weather and it turns to custard. Again. Though yesterday was nice and warm, today is monsoon season. Never ending rain without wind. Which is extremely odd for Wellington.

Hence my thinking the weather gods are mocking me. Plus, I've got golf on Friday. That's right I'm playing some Business Games Golf, it'll be my third game of golf. And the weather is inclement to put it nicely. Irony on a stick, being flaunted by the weatherman.

In other news I've managed to wingle my way in to a number of vital projects at work. None are billable, but it's the experience that really counts. Papers on various topics that affect the whole firm and will be seen and discussed by Partners. I seem to have a knack for getting those projects. The hopeful in me thinks it's because I continually produce an impressive, well argued opinion. The cynic in me thinks it's because I'm relatively cheap labour when it comes to legal opinions in the firm. Either way, it's invaluable experience and exposure.

Which brings me to an interesting point. In the course of researching for all of these projects I stumbled across the most intriguing website and series of blog posts putting everything I've thought about over the last year or so into written form.

No it's not specifically about moving to the US, it's all about opportunities shaping life and careers, what to skills to work on, and where to put those into practice. Though it's nothing I haven't already considered in some form or another, it's meaningful, for want of a better word, to see it all in one place and reinforced.

I really think Fate is having a quiet whisper in my ear. Which brings me back to ever continuing theme in my life - the right place, the right time.

The Force is Strong in This One

Well Yesterday was a stunning Spring day. It was typical Wellington spring weather with a gorgeous morning, dazzling sunlight and warmth.


The observant should be two steps ahead. And no, it's not that my feet are sunburnt. The spring winds swept up. Gale force strength and rising. It continued today. Excuse me, the wind continues today. Sadly not the sun. It is now cold. Again. Rattling windows, ravaged trees, scattered debris. Wellington has its wind back.

But yesterday was a pearler for the most part. I took the misfortune of broken internet at work as a sign that I shouldn't be inside on the weekend. I grasped that opportunity and walked round the waterfront and through Cuba Street. It's becoming almost a regular occurrence these fine weekends. Nothing wrong with that of course.

Speaking of opportunities, the process for admission to the Bar has begun, and my first round of documents are near completion. Soon enough I'll be wearing the wig and gown. The coveted attire of the profession. Somehow the images of Darth Vader emerging from a darkened room are a strong association with that.

Odd. I hope it's not a sign of things to come.

Oh, and I have two films to review for the Italian Film Festival - Romanzo di Crimine, and La Terra. Looks like fun.

Blue Orchid

Seeing as they were going relatively cheap through work, I decided to buy an orchid. Now, I'm not much of a green thumb, but orchids are pretty amazing plants and can be quite stunning. So it'll be worthwhile, at least I think so.

The greatest thing is that they're indoor plants. Well, in New Zealand at least. With our most bizarre turn of weather at the moment, it's a good thing. We've gone from gloriously warm and sunny days, to despicably cold with razor sharp frosty winds. You'd think we had receded back into the depths of Winter again. That's right, October is supposed to be Spring in New Zealand, but I think the weather gods forget about this little island sometimes.

Seeing as I'm a New Zealander, it's ubiquitous that I mention the Rugby World Cup. New Zealand plays France in the first quarter-final on Sunday at 8 am NZST (that's Saturday 12 pm PST, and 9 pm Saturday in Germany for the ardent fans). Pretty decent time really, so no excuse to miss it.

Through Someone's Eyes

It's always interesting looking at your home town from someone else's perspective. I suppose that's why I enjoy seeing people's photos while they've been here.

Sometimes it's just fun to browse through Flickr, plugging in a vareity tags and gawking at the photos it produces. Take this for example, "wellington" and "waterfront". Or there's "wellington" and "cuba", showing the interesting sides to the heart of the city, Cuba Street.

The only thing I need now is to be able to share all the brilliant Kiwi music. Or maybe I should leave you all to discover that one for yourself.

Nothing Serious

Flight of the Conchords are making it big. The HBO series has just started airing here in New Zealand, and by all accounts it's brilliant.

But I can't get Prime, the channel it screens on here. So I've rediscovered the glory of their BBC Radio Series, which is what the HBO show is based upon. Each time it just gets funnier, as there are numerous references and running jokes contained throughout that might be missed the first time.

Who needs television?

But still I would like to see the shows.

On another note, if you're ever short of food I'd be happy to lend out my evil-genius-cum-miracle worker flatmate. Last night we had a surprise birthday party for my other flatmate, and what originally started out as a couple bottles of wine, some snacks and the like has turned into leftover cake, salads, kebabs, meat patties, chocolate brownies, about seven bottles of wine, a dozen beer and three pre-mixed vodka drinks. I don't know how she does it, but I'd be happy to lend her out.

Anonymous Lawyer

I sometimes wonder what kind of a lawyer I'll grow up to be. I've had quite a few discussions with colleagues over the last few days, and I think I'm one of those people that thrives on pressure and stress. It helps focus and drive me.

And for all the love of being an advocate, and taking that adverserial approach, I don't think I'm as much of an asshole as the people sitting across the table from me with this current dispute. I've never met someone who attacks the people rather than the positions. It's hard to explain, but his correspondence drives me to the extremes. They attempt to ridicule and abuse our client and us, without care for the relative strength (or weaknesses for that matter) of anyone's arguments. It's like he's trying to turn it into something personal. And I don't appreciate it.

I'm doing my best to steer away from being drawn into it, it seems petty, unreasonable and reinforces the archaic lawyer stereotype. The good news is that it's generating a fair amount of work, and I get to do a whole of research and write memos about the issues it's raising.

It's at times like these that I like to browse through a fantastic parody of lawyers found here, at the blog of the Anonymous Lawyer.

Someone left a link to it in my comments many moons ago, and it's only now that I've managed to share it with everyone. Interestingly if you go to his Anonymous Law Firm, the parody is continued with superb detail. I find it amusing, and strangely therapuetic.

The best part is, I don't live that life. I'm doing what I enjoy.

A Sense of Irony

It has become quite apparent that the weather gods take pleasure in mocking me. Put shortly, I was too early to gloat about the glorious weather of the weekend for now it is shit. Cold, dark, and miserable.

Which puts the time frame for completion of the work on our kitchen in serious dubiousness. I don't think we'll be able to use the kitchen by tomorrow, Wednesday or even the end of the week - they haven't even knocked out the exterior wall yet. Though that's a good thing with the weather as it is at the moment. No one wants to be left exposed in this kind of weather. But it still sucks nonetheless, as our lounge is truly now our kitchen. As is our study.

There are, however, things to smile about. For instance, I rediscovered this little gem: Bent Objects. Just go see this fine fellow's fine work, though I do leave you with one of his most recent examples:


Brilliant.

The Sacrifices We Make

I don't suppose many people know the feeling you get halfway through a conversation when you all of a sudden realise that the other person probably isn't taking you all that seriously when you look like a Lion.

That's right. The Masquerade ball last night saw me dressed and made up to the nines, along with some friends professionally made up by Body FX. I thought, however, that there'd be people who've made more effort than the group of us did. And I was wrong.

It was somewhat disappointing to see that the most effort people had made was to dress up and buy a cheap mask with feathers. I certainly thought the painted faces were original and unique. They also served their purpose for masquerading - not many people recognised me at first, and alot of people were thoroughly impressed. There were many many positive comments. One negative from a drunken guy in the Mens, but I think he had issues.

Anyways, it was a great night. I had a brilliant time. The only downside is having to take the make-up off afterwards, and I now have a new found respect for the time it can take women to get ready for bed after a night out. Though I should sincerely hope no one puts on as much as I had on to be a lion.

The removal of make-up is an artform lost on me then. As this morning I still had some black eyeliner on, and some black in my lashes. It filled my lashes out, defining what are usually the blond tips, thereby showing off their full length - My flatmates didn't like me for that. The other thing was that it really brought out my eyes, exposing them as the icy blue they can be somtimes.

Quite cool. Apart from wearing makeup to achieve that effect.

Too Early to Gloat?

You need not fear, for spring is here. Possibly even an early summer, as today was an absolutely divine day.

The botanical gardens, which serves as my front garden, is in full bloom and the spring festival is well underway. You need only see the photos below to see for yourself. The tulips are vividly colourful.


Coupled with that, it's nice to be about in shorts and a t-shirt again walking around the waterfront. Wellington is just a gorgeous city and its days like today that make it shine.

Well, I'm now in the throes of preparing myself for the Labyrinth Masquerade tonight. A dressed down tux with some professional body art on the face should provide a fancy touch. Stories and photos tomorrow.

Word of the Day - Humourility

While some cherish the strength to change what they can, others the serenity to accept what they can't, and some want the wisdom to know the difference, I'm more grateful to have the good humour to go along with it all regardless.

Remember the gutted kitchen roof? Well that's now turned into a roof, an exterior wall, and no kitchen available for use until the work is finished. Tuesday most likely. I had no response when I was told of the impending work over the phone, other than "We have no kitchen? But I made toast there this morning".

Strange to think how reliant we are on kitchens. There's due compensation, and it looks as though the work is going to be fairly quick as the contractors were already lined up. So not too bad. I just had to laugh at the bizarre situation unfolding.

Good thing I could keep that smile on. In an attempt to rejig my finances and sort out my financial health with the bank, I shortly found out soon afterwards that the loan I took out last year to help cover my Bucerius exchange was recorded incorrectly. I'm supposed to be paying a whole lot more interest on it than I currently am. Great. If I hadn't been so smart and tried to sort out my money, or asked about a whole range of options, this would never have come up. Go me trying to improve my situation.

Still the irony of it all is not lost.

Then, matters get more interesting. That's right, there's more. After the seminar today on IP insurance, which by the way is quite neat but you can tell it's run by non-legal professionals as its a good idea but no consideration for the uncertainties of litigation, three of us from work ended back standing in the office bitching about work. Apart from finding out some interesting movements and politics at work, and more about how they treat people, I go and start mouthing off about how little work I have and talk about likely plans to leave next year. It's not really news to my colleagues but, in the fashion of today, one of my seniors is still there unbeknownst to us. Serious foot in mouth disease.

Though it may have some good effect. I stuck around and talked to my senior after packing up my office, and it became quite apparent that she had heard me and my plight of no work. She accepted responsibility for the large part of it, in not finding the time to delegate work. But it was good to just talk about some of the articles I've been asked to write. More on that another time, as it needs your full attention to savour my geekdom.

But before we go, there's more. Upon picking up my car from the garage...the battery is flat. A door had been locked but not closed properly. Adding salt to the wound of the day. However, I decided to shrug it off as I did most things today, and attempted to crash start the car. In my suit. I hear gasps and people are expecting something good from here on in. Well, it all went well until the car hit the driveway of the carpark. And stopped. Stuck in the drive. Waiting for the roadside assistance. All 3 necessary seconds of it after 30 minutes of waiting. Excellent finish to an excellent day.

Now I lie on my bed, typing away, laughing at what today has brought. I am very grateful to have the good humour to face most things.

Casual Dining

Ever wonder what the inside of an old villa kitchen roof looks like? Well wonder no longer, for your pleasure I present our gutted kitchen roof:


The landlord and their builder finally came round to sort it out. And now our lounge is full of kitchen ware, chairs, and baking goods. Interesting times. At least there's a small refund on rent.

On the brighter side of things, work has said they'll contribute to my trip back to Vienna for the Vis Moot, and may get me to visit some associates while I'm over there. Excellent news - I get to make more international contacts, go to Vienna and the competition, and save my money for other purposes. Everyone wins. I'll find out on Friday exactly how much they will contribute and what is expected of me in Europe.

Though discussing work does require mention of the lack of billable work I've been given. There's just not much going round at the moment that I can help with. Sort of makes me feel a little unnecessary. So beyond feeding my addiction for sudoku, I'm doing a fair amount of personal research and education passed off as work related.

My personal favourite research topic at the moment though is the nature of intellectual property rights molecular gastronomy attracts.

I'm a law geek through and through.

Oh, and those suggestions for things to see here in NZ are still more than welcome.

Hilfen Mir Bitte!

Oh, and I need some help. Being a native to this country, I have a fair idea of what are the some of the sights and sounds, but I want to thoroughly impress my next visitor.

So I need some advice on what others with a non-native perspective would consider to be the highlights of their trip. Email me so no surprises are spoiled.

Avast!

For those of us on the right side of the date line, tomorrow is International Talk Like a Pirate Day. Otherwise for the non-natives it's 19 September, but by all means feel free to celebrate early.

I've been given the hurry up to post some more musings, apparently they're neither coming hard nor fast enough. My feeble excuse is that I've had the pleasure to tell most people face to face (or the virtual equivalent) all the interesting things in my life, but I remembered that doesn't include everyone, so that battle was quickly lost.

So for starters I've got the gracious luck to be going to the Young Professionals Ball this coming Saturday. Work has somehow considered it to be a marketing and networking event, and that forking out $75 for a night's festivities, drink, and food is a worthwhile investment. Who am I to complain? The only catch, apart from Elaine not being here for me to accompany, is that it's a masquerade ball - a Labyrinth Masquerade to be precise. Costume. Fun.

But fun we will make it. The other representative from work, who by means of also being in a long distance relationship makes me wonder whether work actually thought this through so the two people most likely to not make assess of themselves are going, is having a little soirée beforehand. There our masquerade masks shall be professionally applied as body art to our faces. How freaking sweet is that? Professionally even. Rest assured there will be photographic evidence.

As for other interesting times - it has become apparent that this year's exchange to Bucerius is at full swing. The stories are vague as of yet, but it sounds like there's many a fun times being had, though I'm not clear of any gossip going on in regard to improving international relations. I shall endeavour to uncover the news as it happens.

Oh, and one of my favourite webcomics, which is on the links to your right, is definitely worth a view, if not to reveal my inner geek a little more. There's a few gems in there, like this:

Life is Full of Wonder

Life is full of wonderful surprises, twists, and turns. Well, my life at least. The best things always seem to happen unexpectedly and come from no where: the Vis Moot, the Exchange, Elaine, and my job to name but a few.

So it's with little wonder that the little musical gem that is Over the Rhine came across my path. Their latest offering, The Trumpet Child, is simply gorgeous. Highly infectious, twitchy jazz-like sounds, it's brilliant. Karin Bergquist has a truly velvet toned voice. Visit their website, listen for yourself, and decide.

Who am I kidding, this album just makes me shiver - it inexplicably makes me smile and think of You. Gorgeous, smooth and delictable rhythm, sound and experience. What is music if not to conjure emotion.

The other interesting thing is what drops into my lap - there's a chance to lecture for a short period next year, and I've been asked to write an article for the firm on copyright and commissioning of work bearing in mind the upcoming changes. It's given me an insight, and something I might spend some spare time developing into a bigger article - there's quite a few interesting questions that arise from all of this. Maybe a Masters on copyright isn't such a bad idea.

I'm Just a Big Kid

ratatouille |ˌratəˈtoō-ē; ˌräˌtä-|

noun

a vegetable dish consisting of onions, zucchini, tomatoes, eggplant, and peppers, fried and stewed in oil and sometimes served cold.

ORIGIN a French dialect word.

It's also a brilliant Pixar film. I do seem to be drawn to their films like a moth to a flame, and admittedly I was slightly worried going into it, thinking it would be trading off the success of its predecessors. I was ever so wrong. I should never doubt Pixar, they make captivating and richly layered movies, each one bettering the last.

I have to see it again.

Sunny

Fresh from the Botannical Gardens, this is for You:

Stimmt

Danke. Es ist perfekt.

This Rocks

Baking amazes me. It's surprising how the simplest of ingredients can come together to make the most glorious of dishes, and how sometimes it can happen in a blink of an eye. Most times there's just a mash of ingredients in front you, but when you add that last egg it all comes to fruition and the mixture results. Quite astounding really, the change in consistency, the change in appearance and the change in taste.

Little like Chemistry really, though without the tasting. Probably explains my affinity for both really. So when something like Molecular Gastronomy comes along, you know I need to find out more. The things people can do is mind blowing.

I'm just a big kid, and this is my equally (im)mature chemistry set. I want one.

Choices

A band that does amazing stuff live, and a band that can somehow thread Gerschwin into a song. You decide:

On This Day

So I didn't go up the coast over to the Wairarapa. But I did walk around in the sun, and partake in that typical German tradition of having icecream in cold weather. The sun was shining and it was a glorious day. The Gelato just added to it.

It is a little scary though to think that this time last year I was well settled in Germany. In fact I was getting ready for a short excursion to Copenhagen with some friends from New Zealand. Such good times, I remember drunkingly stumbling through the rain sodded streets of Copenhagen, obscenities falling from our mouths as we managed to find our way home from the greatest Irish bar, having left partaken in a couple too many drinks with the Spanish covers band. It was a momentous time.

So much has happened though in a space of a year, and those events have seen me grow and change. It hardly seems like me who was in Germany those many months ago, let alone travelling through Europe to Berlin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Dublin, Dresden, and of all things the University Games in Koblenz. They were great times, brilliant memories, and leave me with no regrets.

Even now I wouldn't change anything. I gave my whole self to everything on that exchange, and given myself to everything since. I've learnt that it's the best way really - every experience was brilliant, every moment divine, all because I held nothing back.

And that's the one thing I would say to anyone who ever asks: when you hold nothing back, the worst that can happen is you learn about yourself through pain and discomfort, but the best that can happen is that you get absolutely everything from everything you do, from everyone you meet and even more. There's far more to gain than there ever is to lose. And that's something I'll treasure and won't change.


And on this day, I finished my German Language Classes and took this photo out in Klein Flottbeck. It still makes me smile.

Transatlantacism

It's amazing what a good night's sleep can do. That and the stunning weather we've been blessed with this weekend. It makes the completion of the first Profs assessment worthwhile.

I think I might head back out to Martinborough, or maybe Eastbourne in a bit. It might be nice to walk round the bays again in this glorious weather.

The Irony

Those that know me well know how my mind tends to work. For want of a better description I operate on memories built on sounds, turn of phrases, senses, and images. As anyone who has talked to me can attest, my train of thought can progress through many stations along the line to my final destination, changing tracks based on one or many of these senses.

So with the recall of memory, one simple thing can trigger a flood. This can be a great thing for exams, for trivia, and for storing large amounts of information. It does not, however, bode well for times like these when it becomes so incredibly apparent how thin my emotional thread really, truly is right now.

It's quite simple really, I should not be watching movies like The Holiday.

Relishing My Geekdom

This last weekend gone by I was in Martinborough with some law friends, actually the Vis Moot team I'm coaching for next year, and we had an awesome time just chilling and generally being law geeks.

I ended up having a long and intense discussion about the nature of Intellectual Property, and the problems with copyright. It was very refreshing having people with different ideas than my own, and that we were more than happy to share and discuss all of this. We also had discussions on a number of other things such as law students and the growing conservative numbers, opposed to the liberals we normally foster at Vic. All in all, it was a great time, relishing my inner geek.

It got me thinking some more on the possibility of doing a Masters. No idea what it would necessarily be in, as it was pointed out to me over the weekend that although I'm working in IP, my expertise seems to be International Sales Contracts, Conflicts of Law, Arbitration, Bill of Rights, and Human Rights. God knows how that all fits together. But there's a possibility of something coming out of that.

But all intellectual discussion aside, we did go to Palliser Bay and see the seal colonies, as well as heading to Waiohine Gorge. It was amazing fun. And most refreshing and relaxing.

Drop of a Hat

Sometimes there's nothing better than just mucking about with friends, and good friends where conversation just seamlessly flows from one thread to the next. Throw in a board game and a couple of beers, and you've got the recipe for a night of release.

It sounds weird, but there's something to the unbridled laughter friends can bring. Therapeutic might be one word.

I seriously have some of the best friends.

A Tale of Two Cities

For those not up with the play as of yet, I'm no longer doing the long distance thing - and no, it's not because there's no distance any more, it's because the thing is no longer there. Hard to hear that you'll never get more than just a piece of someone's heart, and that they don't think they can give any more. Heartbreaking in fact.

But it's probably infinitely harder to admit something like that, come to grips with it, and then know what it'll do to someone. So you have my upmost respect, and understanding.

I'm just moving on, learning from it all, and feeling pretty good now really. Two days of moping is enough for the moment.

Crushed.

So this is what it feels like.

So, Auckland huh?

Work decided to send me up to Auckland short notice. It was an eye opening experience, as in I learnt alot about myself. Dealing with some dodgy requests from a Partner will do that to you - thank heavens for Ethics and Professional Responsibility at law school. At the very least my ass is covered.

But it was a good time, and it made me realise how much I like Wellington, but how ready I am to move on if an opportunity arises. It's kind of scary how simple it was for me to just pick up and go on short notice. I didn't feel out of place at all, and managed to find a routine pretty quick. Excellent. Bring on the States.

Celluoid Dreams

It's good to have friends in interesting places, and thanks to them I've managed to see a number of New Zealand Film Festival films for free. Only catch - I have to write reviews, and we all know how I like to disseminate my opinion. So it's a price I can live with.

So far I've been amazed at the selection given to me - After the Wedding, Falkenberg Farewell, Manda Bala. There's more to come too. I really hope I get all the ones I wished for, that would be cool.

Who knows, maybe I'll reproduce my reviews here, it won't be infringing any copyright laws seeing as I'm the owner, there's no employment or commission issues, or other complicating factors. Maybe there is and I just haven't noticed them yet. Time will tell I suppose.

Spin Me Right Round

Exam number one went well today. Exam number two tomorrow morning, with the third after that.

I don't like this immediate turn around, it's pretty draining. But I do feel pretty confident about it all now that today went smoothly. And like I've said before, I've got inspiration and motivation. It's definitely helping.

Experimental Cooking

Salt and Cheesecakes do not mix. They do not mix at all.

That's a statement most people would not struggle with. I, on the other hand, had to go through the experience personally to really learn that one. Normally I don't mistake salt for sugar, yet today I did, and the resulting cheesecake had to be the most foulest thing I have ever eaten in my entire life. I've never been so repulsed by food before, and never has anything flown out of my mouth uncontrollably since I was an infant.

I blame my exams. The idea was to "eat my feelings" as my flat mates have called it. A cheesecake sounded a perfect antithesis to stress and study. I didn't realise that it would mean I'd fail to notice I was putting in one whole cup of salt instead of sugar. Alas I did. I now I am cheesecake-less. Not happy. Not at all.

And for some reason I now have Friday I'm in Love by the Cure stuck in my head. I have no clue why or how.

So True

Following on from my previous post about landscapes, this little gem was brought to my attention:


Perfect demonstration of Kiwi landscapes, as well as a brilliant Kiwi Band: The Black Seeds. Primo. If you want a decent version for yourself, you can download it here.

I also stumbled across a fantastic little satirical series about Wellington based on the whole lolcats phenomenon. Strangely enough, it's entitled Lollington, and damnit, I laughed. Anyway, just meant to demonstrate the idyllicness of Wellington. Enjoy.

The Good Stuff

It's interesting how many things we take for granted in New Zealand. I'm not talking about the serious things like the freedom from discrimination or access to education. No. This is a discussion about big things. Like licorice and landscapes.

The view from my office is pretty spectacular, and with the recent cold weather we've been having it's turned into a stellar view. The crisp, cold, clear days of late have resulted in a dusting of snow on the Tararua Ranges to the North East. These clear days have also meant that my view has become picturesque in the evenings looking across from my office window when the sun sets. I keep meaning to photograph this, and I promise to do so next time I'm caught looking at them. But in all honesty, where else in the world can you find a bustling cultural city served by calm harbour surrounded by rolling green hills resting at the foot of idyllic mountain ranges. All of which sits outside my office window.

The other things we sometimes tend to take for granted is out sumptuous licorice. RJ's Black Licorice is world-famous. It's so sought after in the states that Amazon is contiunaly sold out. I've seen this stuff be chomped down by people despite their previous promclamations constantly proclaiming their distaste for the "foul black goop".

Anyways, I keep forgetting we have such glorious treats. Then I walk past them in the supermarket, my eyes caught by the Special signs, and I remember. I remember. And then I gloat about it to those less fortunate souls. For the briefest of moments.

iProphet

I've always held the offbeat belief that my iPod is intuitive. Not in a user friendly, scroll to the song you want manner. No, my iPod has divine powers, and it proved it again today.

I had been listening to my iPod as I was preparing for a meeting, and low and behold the song "My Stupid Mouth" by John Mayer starts playing, and its during mid-song that I have to stop it and be on my merry way. An ominous sign if ever there was one.

Low and behold at the meeting, I manage to shoot my mouth off, firing questions left right and center that were rather long winded, complicated, and tended to cause some tension, anxiety, and confusion. I clearly understood what I was talking about, yet no one else seemed to be able to grasp my concerns. I felt foolish by the end of the session. More so considering the closing request for more questions aimed, and spoken directly to me. Fun.

I have to admit, I'm less down about my questions getting me into a spot of bother (anyone who's ever sat in a lecture, meeting, or other such gathering with me knows I tend to steam down the track of convuluted questions rather quickly if not absent mindedly), and I'm more upbeat about the fact my iPod can produce songs into which I'm able to read almost anything regarding my current situation.

It's almost like astrology. I suggest you try it, and I guarantee that if you make yourself aware of it, then your iPod on shuffle will seem prophetic. There's a sense of reassurance there. Albeit a self constructed, but nonetheless amusing, one.

Speaking of iPods, I have been caught in fits of laughter after stumbling through The Secret Diary of Steve Jobs. It is by far, one of the best satirical websites I have encountered in a long time. Simply reading the initial posts regarding Bono, Richard Branson, and the loss of Steve Job's iPod is worth it alone.

But if you're not to fussed on satire, simply check out Cyanide and Happiness and their endless archive.

Infinite Threads

I've just returned from seeing the Coregraphy Season - Infinte Threads from Te Whaea, the New Zealand Dance School. It was pretty stunning. I was worried for a moment that lacking experience and exposure to live theatre and live dance, I wouldn't find it entertaining. Gratefully, I did.

The show did exactly what it set out to do. I felt connected to the pieces, with a number of dances making me feel intense jealousy, distress, exuberance, and compassion. I can't quite explain it. I had a brilliant night, and I'll be attempting to head to more shows from Te Whaea.

A huge thanks to my flatmate, whom without I never would have even known this was going on or taken the time to watch it.

Another surprise was that a piece used on the show was one I had heard not last week while listening to Concert FM. That alone was a rare occurence, which is becoming more frequent, but to hear the same piece used in an unrelated show a week later is just bizarre. It tickled my interest, and I'm going to see if I can track a recording of it down - John Psathas' View From Olympus.

The Way Everybody Knows My Name

For some inexplicable reason I've woken up most morning this week with a song stuck in my head. That is not unusual in itself. But there's no music, no radios, nothing playing anywhere near me, my room, my flat, or possibly my street at that time in the morning. So where on earth do I get things like the Theme Song from Cheers, and George Gerschwin classics stuck in my head? Bizarre.

But the upside of that means my morning stroll into work has been somewhat more interesting. Humming a song to counter the rhythm of footsteps, oblivious to the numerous other passengers stuck in the sway of foot traffic. It is quite sincerely possible that by now I have become infamous among morning corporates. I hope not. In any event at least my anonymity remains.

I've also had innumerous hours of fun with fridge magnets. The collection we have is rather astounding, though still somewhat limited. Unfortunately most of the great words have been allocated by the girls to adorn cut outs of Daniel Craig and some Welsh guy. Thankfully the remnants I've utilised have remained untouched.

Curious German

On my travels and daily searching for procrastination, I've taken to improving my German language skills again. To that end, it really involves looking up strange and exotic words in the German Language. You see, there's a plethora of nouns out there we English speakers would be lucky to have. One word to precisely describe a feeling, thought, situation, or reaction. It's a stunning language.

So far, the one that made me laugh the most at work is legerdemain - the feeling of residual guilt that remains after you've discovered that one of your illicit pleasures was lawful after all.

I think I'm going to continue my hunting and collecting on this front. You're welcome to join me.

Bliss

Near Picturesque

Wellington has been visited by some beautiful weather of late, though sadly not for the most part of today - the wind has found it's viscous strength again and seems intent on flouting it. But besides that, the weekend was amazing. As suggested, picturesque.

It seems so bizarre that this weather has been hitting us. Wellington is usually known for its characteristic wind, yet over the last few weeks, it's been notoriously absent. Something it's reminding us of now as the window frames pulsate with the prodigal gales. In any event, it's provided some idyllic days, some glorious sun, and some peaceful afternoons. I've been trying to take it in, but it's difficult. The last time I encountered such idyllic Autumnal weather, I was in Hamburg.


It's almost picturesque, but there's something missing. I'd give anything.

Mrs Robinson

Graduation time again in the grand old city of Wellington, and boy was the weather turned on for us today. Immaculate conditions, bright, sunny, and still.

It was amazingly climatic. Sounds bizarre, but I had written off graduation, wondering whether it would all be anti-climatic. The parade was great fun, seeing so many people come out and cheer us on, and then the ceremony. But it felt amazingly good to stride out across the stage and collect my degree in Science, and another in Law. Damn it felt good. The surge of clapping from the staff was reassuring. It was made all the more better by having a Senior Lecturer, who had lectured me in first paper six years ago, handing me my degrees and whispering "Congratulations Michael, it's about bloody time".

So, finally, I am a graduate. And everything is going so brilliantly well. It's as if things have slid into place for me since my excursion to Germany. Everything is on the up, and I'm striving to keep it that way.

Mr Credible

Okay, today saw my first ever appearance in the Court of Appeal, and it was pretty damn sweet. This nicely sums up my thoughts on it:



I'm going to fight tooth and nail to get into the litigation team sooner rather than later. I'm a damn determined fellow.

Anyways, onto graduation tomorrow. Waltzing through town in a periwinkle blue gown on a windy day, then sitting for three hours of speeches before getting my three seconds of fame as I stride across the stage to collect two bits of paper representing six years of my life. I'm looking forward to it. Closure. That's what it is.

Does that make it wrong that I'm starting to think about doing a Masters of Law part time now too? Probably something in Alternative Dispute Resolution and IP, or IP on the internet. Something cool like that, something to sink my teeth into, and get work to pay some towards.

Dear John,

I mentioned The Letter Project last post, and I'm seriously giving it some thought. I mean, how often to we get letters these days? Okay, I'll rephrase that. It's rare for me to get anything other than bills and account statements in the post these days.

Gone is the romanticism of penmanship. And if you know me, you know I'm a hopeless romantic. Even my emails can be long detailed works. I'd describe them as resounding tomes, except for the fact they often reflect on mindless daily drivel, or needless flowery language as a lecturer once told me. Tomes, yes. Resounding, no.

Cards would be a nice alternative though. I enjoy sending them. I can't comment on receiving them, as its been awhile. Admittedly the frequent ones from my Mum when I was in Germany were reassuring, motivating, and I'd like to think, grounding me in reality.

This whole discussion begs the question: what is the etiquette relating to written works and cards, is there a required or expected time of response, is a response necessary, and if so, must it be in the same form? Card for a card, or is it limited to the form - hand written for hand written, or is an electronic response to a hand made card appropriate?

Instant communication may have robbed us of the antiquities we once savoured.

Tidbits

Interesting link of the week has to go to The Letter Project.

It's an extremely intriguing idea, and I'm almost tempted just to flick an email off. Everyone loves mail, and of late all I've had is bills or bank statements. I'm sure there'd be appreciation for a hand written letter or card.

Also, have people seen The Great Beer Delivery? The guy featured in it is a good mate of mine, and details have been passed on in confidence. All I can say is this will be massive, absolutely massive, and I would love to go. Green with envy. That's me. Though things are pretty damn sweet here, and taking three months off from this is something that may hurt me in the longer term.

To finish on a high note - I'm graduating this Thursday, six years down the track, and I'm finally closing the books on my Chemistry degree and my Law degree. The excitement builds.

OMFG

I was just asked today to participate in a Court of Appeal case. No. It's not like the High Court case below. I get to write submissions on what has become a central issue. And it's law yet to be settled in an appellate court in New Zealand. So I'm feeling amazingly over the moon and nervous at the same time. And it's on Monday. I have two working days to do this...

But nonetheless, I'm still blown away. Four months on the job and I'm writing submissions on a piece of unsettled law in New Zealand that's to be determined by my submissions in an appellate level.

My friends in major law firms who've been there for years are yet to do this. Hell, and I'm not even really involved in litigation according to my job description.

Oh, and for the completely whacked out experience of the day, check out Antartica, and the Southern Auroa. Whack.

Six Degrees of Separation

So today I had my first involvement with a High Court case. Okay, so I didn't make submissions. Nor did I write them. Okay, okay, I watched a case. But it had someone from my firm involved. Well, okay, I didn't get to see her present, that's because she was there as an instructing Junior. But it was good fun nonetheless.

I did get to meet the Partner in charge of litigation. And she had heard of me before, and conveyed the amazing impressions of me passed on to her. Score! And she's also said that she'll be in touch when she's down next week. Sweet! Maybe I'll be getting more exposure to litigation. I sure hope so.

Things are looking up at work.

The Tang of Success

Sweet sweet news. Work has asked me to attend a hearing tomorrow. That's right, I'm going to be Junior Counsel.

I was asked this morning if I'd like to help out, and my answer was naturally positive. The file was passed onto me, and my instructions were to go through the evidence and submissions and see what I thought and how I'd deal with it all. Which was amazing. Goes to show what they think of my experience thus far. Even more so as Senior Counsel took note of my comments and approach.

I'm totally over the moon about it. I've been grinning all day. But it's been the only highlight of the day really. Work was otherwise work. It's still a case of learning alot, and that's difficult enough without the criticism. It's completely constructive, and it's more than welcome, but it is disheartening to hand something in which took many hours to prepare to have so many corrections to it. It's draining nonetheless. Then there's the study, the tutorials, and finding time to do everything else. Like I said, draining.

As the remainder, I had posted alot more, but it's not really relevant. Babbling more like it. And chances are things will change over the next couple of days. One hopes.

Oh, but I did find this:

Little Things

Smiles mean alot to me. Especially yours. It's a glorious sound.

My little bubble

I've never had the personal pleasure of Tiger Balm before. That was until tonight.

Currently I'm splayed across the lounge floor, on a Friday night of all things, with Tiger Balm smeared on my lower back. And I have to say, it certainly makes it feel immeasurably better. It makes me feel immeasurably better.

Weird thing is that the smell of Tiger Balm for me has some sort of memory attached to it, but I can't place it. It's sitting at the fringes, and that hint of herbs, that almost cinnamon bite is pulling at something. I just can't remember what.

In any event, it means I'm here, on a Friday night, lying on the floor of my lounge. Surprisingly enough I feel pretty damn good right about now. It's the heat radiating over my back, the relief, the glory of it all.

But only if I lie on my stomach.

Hopeless Romantic

Someone mentioned something very interesting today, regarding engagements, proposals, and timing. Actually, two different people did. Weird. It did make me think though more about whether there is a set time to which people have to produce a sparkly thing. That was the idea I guess. Circumstances around me bear discussion on this point, but no more need be said regarding that for everyone's sake. Let's just stick to the philosophy of the point at hand.

Upon thinking on it for a little while, and then discussing it with flatmates, consensus appears to be confirmed that by the fifth year of a relationship, things should be considered. By no means should it prevent people from not getting on bended knee before then, nor later. There's other factors at play that can change circumstances.

I've got friends who have married for visa purposes, for family approval, and for love at an early age. Other friends have had short engagements, continual skirting round the issue and head on conversations about it.

There's even been friends who've told me on separate occasions that they knew almost immediately. Actually there's been three sets of those. Scary. That's alot of friend who've gotten engaged.

Anyways, with that inconsequential tangent avoided, each one has a different story. But the constant in each was the desire to never let the other person go.

That, in my mind, is the only consideration.

Notting Hill Actually

A good friend of mine used to comment that my life seemed very much like a brilliant script for a romantic comedy. I didn't argue, it was suprisingly correct.

Extravaganza

So no real news coming from this end of the world. Tomorrow is a public holiday, and so far my plans include indulging in baked goods. I'll be venturing into making a Chocolate Ripple Sliver cake. If all goes well, I'll post the recipe. If it goes too well, it will remain a closely guarded recipe.

Things are simply moving along at the moment, with no real fluctations in my life. Oh, other people's lifes are far more interesting than mine currently, so some vicarious living is necessary. Exams, new jobs, new homes, job offers, overseas travel, body art, more overseas travel, living in a foreign country, moving to a foreign country, engagements, possible engagements, wedding plans, dirty weekends, cabaret shows and more.

Close watching will reap rewards, so here's a couple more photos from my latest collection, Wellington Cathedral, Wellington Flora, and Seattle:











The stainglass window is from Old St Pauls' Cathedral, a hidden little gem just round the corner. It's a tiny wooden Cathedral from the mid 19th century. It has a gorgeous warm amber light to it that more than bathes the church, it swims in it.

Wellington is home to some rather strange and fascinating flora. Especially when strolling through the Botannical gardens. The light just seemed right, the colours so vivid, and the plant so surreal.

Then, there's Seattle. Everyone knows the Space Needle, but something about its reflection haunted me, more so with the spectrum of purple. Avant Garde meets amateur tourist photography.

Photo-bananza!

I suddenly realised that it's been awhile since photos have been seen on this site, contrary to my constant apologies and promises to remedy that dire situation.

So it is with great pleasure that I give to you three photos from the "I Promised Them" collection, entitled Wellington flora, Wellington fauna in Portland, and Vienna:

Hide and Seek

It's finally happened. After all those stories I've told people about the amazing alarm clock designed by MIT grad students, it's finally arrived.

Meet clocky, the mischevious alarm clock.

Don't hesitate, order me one today.

Wishful thinking

Okay, some things people need to investigate further:

• FLCL. One of the most bizarre yet most captivating things I've seen in a while. Yes, it is Japanese Animation, but it nonetheless is extremely well made, well thought out, and just pretty damn enthralling. I recommend watching the first couple of episodes at least twice before really passing judgement. You can purchase it for me here.
• Age Pryor's new album, Shanks Pony. Go buy it. Don't even bother listening to it first. Hesitate to download it, because you need to own it in all it's polymeric plastic glory. If you must, check it out here first. If you want to buy it for me, then also look here. Hypocritical I guess that I'm yet to listen to it beyond the walls of a record store.
  

So that's some of the procrastination methods I've encountered over the last whee-while. Other activities have included checking out airfares for New Zealand to Los Angeles. Turns out there's some good deals. Now if only they'd offer them for when I want to fly.

Land of the Free (From Wires)

I finally have established my internet connection at the new flat. Not that it wasn't connected before, it's just that my computer couldn't connect. And not in a fashion that was otherwise unobtrusive. Let's just say that this service provider is not entirely welcoming to Macs. But I got around that nicely. Very nicely. And now I can again update you all from the comfort of my own bed.

It's weird being back in New Zealand after my little jaunt overseas. There's something painfully surreal about the reality of Wellington. It all seems so familiar in a distant kind of way. The best way to describe it relates to the thought that struck me while I was strolling through town. I vaguely recalled the famous musing of some Chinest philosopher wondering if a man waking from dreaming of being a butterfly is simply that: a man who dreamt he was a butterfly; or whether he is instead a butterfly now dreaming of being a man. I did warn it was a vague recollection.

Nonetheless, that's almost how it feels. I had this unshaking feeling that I'd all of a sudden find myself throwing off the sleepy shackles and waking up somewhere on the West Coast of the USA, or rising to the clamour of the Viennanese Streets below me. Wellington just didn't seem to fit anymore. It could be the itchy feet. It could be more. Who knows.

In any event, there's enough here to feed my memories. The cold prickle of the air as I walk home reminds me of Hamburg, the faint thumping of music reminds me of Portland dancefloors, and many many more. In fact, memories recall other memories. There's no real structure to it, at least none that I can ascertain. They all simply exist together. Not in a stringy mess, but in a connected fashion nonetheless. It surprises me what memories lead where.

If anything, it's motivation to make more memories. The motivation to make things happen. And that I have, and that I am doing.

Vienna is my Hometown

So my trip in Vienna has come to an end. The holiday courtesy of Bucerius is almost at a close, with only some very long flights left.

Vienna was absolutely stunning, even better than I remember. It might have something to do with the brilliant weather we had. Or it might be because I wasn't nearly as distracted by the competition this year. Good fun. I have photos, but sitting in an airport is probably not the best time to whip out all my technological goodies to bare to the world.

The news for the team is that they made the quarter-finals only to get beaten by the winning team - Frieburg. They also got an honourable mention for the Claimant memo, a first for the university. And both Dan and Tom got honourable mentions for best oralists. Damn, what a haul this year. They just had to go and out-do Kat and myself.

As Petra pointed out, everything is different when you're taking it all in from another perspective. Not knowing half the people on the dancefloor or in the bar feels weird. There's also a different kind of feel, and I can't really explain it. But it was great to be back. Fantastic even. I might do it again.

The only question is in what capacity and for whom. I've been asked by three different teams if I'd consider helping them out by coaching. One of which is Wellington, another Bucerius, and the other was Freiburg, though it was offered at a drunken moment. Looks like my skills are a very desirable commodity. But I do think it'll be Wellington if anyone - I like the people, and there's a chance to get more involved than I was with Bucerius. Plus, it's my home University and I'd love to represent them in a different role.

And come on, how good does coaching a wickedly successful team at the Vis Moot look on a CV. That's something I'm going to need to consider over the next whee while in any event. Building up skill sets whereever I can. Patent Attorney exams, Profs, Coaching, and anything else. I'm going to have to work hard at selling myself in the near future, or at least that's the plan.

Well, time to find something else to distract me until my flight in an hour.