Carnival!

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

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

Hopefully some of these pictures can do it justice.

What a Day

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

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

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

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

Expect photos shortly. We move in next week.

Thank Heavens for Small Miracles

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

Thank you.

The Great Lake Relay

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

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

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

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

Strike Up the Band!

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

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

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

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

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

My Funny Valentine

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

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

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

When the Sun Shines Brightly

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Winding Toils

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

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

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

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

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

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

Stinker of a Day

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

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

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

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

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

Why Again?

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

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

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

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

Wellington By Night

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

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







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

Should be good fun nonetheless.

Mi Casa Su Casa

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

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

Party Atmosphere

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

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

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

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

Working Class Man

Today saw my first day at the office. And it was brilliant. I was worried all morning, sitting on the bus, walking the street, that maybe I made the wrong choice and that this job isn't for me. My first impression speaks otherwise.

It just seems to click. The people there are excellent, friendly and helpful, and the whole environment seems pretty swell. To top it all off, I have my own office. Big office. Complete with a view out towards the harbour. Sweet. I took my camera in to take photos to show people what my place looks like, hopefully wishing that it was good. I was too embarrased though to take the camera out and start snapping away. I'll do it before the week comes to an end though.

This whole starting a career seems weird. I always wondered about it, but never really imagined it. There's a sense of surrealness to it all. Which is probably a good thing. In the last year, everything that has seemed surreal at first turned out to be the most real and greatest thing to happen to me: Hamburg, Elaine, now this job. I'm pretty lucky.

Now I've got to go brush up on my Intellectual Property stuff - I'm a little rusty on everything.

The (Un)Gambler

The Family that gambles together stays together. Well, it was a good enough excuse for the family to sit down last night and play some poker. Luckily we weren't playing for money. Just pride and a bottle of wine. Needless to say I left with neither. First one out. Well, hopefully the line "Unlucky in cards, lucky in love" holds true.

Onto the completely unrelated topics. Ukuleles. During the week, the Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra played a free concert at the Soundshell in the Botannical Gardens. While I couldn't make it myself, I did manage to track down a little treat for everyone.



This series of free outdoor concerts comes to a close tonight, and in a big bang I hope. The Little Bushman is playing, and with some fine fine weather, it looks as though it'll be chocka-block full of people today. This just means I'll have to head down early. A picnic sounds like a stellar idea. It should be the nicest way to round down for the beginning of my legal career tomorrow.

Monster Mash

Last night was a smash. After having farewell drinks for Yi, and finally realising that she was not only going to Beijing, but then onto the UK indefinitely, I headed to meet up with the new work crew.

Now, I've already mentioned that I got invited to this little shindig at sea because an old friend of mine from Chemistry now works there. Turns out it's a completely different Liz than I anticipated. How did I find out? Well, I asked the wrong person who looked familiar if they were Liz. Turned out to be another person I know from law, called Alice. Close, but not close enough. Soon enough I managed to find Liz, and to my relief it was an even better find. I hadn't seen her in nigh on 3 years, so a good catch up was had.

After doing the rounds and meeting everyone, it soon became apparent that no partners were there, and it was mainly all the younger crowd. Needless to say that the bar-tab got chewed through pretty quickly. Which was a good thing on my part, because everyone had read the internal memo about me, and as soon as they caught onto who I was, the reply was "So you're Michael?! The lifeguard!". After some more drinks and time, I soon was referred to as "The Over-achiever". It was all taken in jest.

But nonetheless, it was a good night to meet so many new and friendly people. Some more overtly freindly than others, which made the night a little uncomfortable at times. Ass-grabbing seems to be a popular sport amongst some of my furture workmates.

Well, like I said, this weekend doesn't hold much in store for me. I'm just taking it easy, enjoying the last few simple days of freedom I'll have for a little while.

It's the Simple Things

I've always said that beauty comes in details. Simple things can make a day. Simple things, as it turns out, can also detract from a day. Like holding onto what you think is right, standing all righteous and the like, only to realise once it's all been said and done, just how incredibily ridiculous you sound. All for a simple thing. Boy do I feel a little foolish.

So as not to dwell on the issue, I'll discuss the plans for tonight. There's Yi's farewell drinks, as she's heading off to Auckland and then to Beijing for a short stint. It should be some good fun to catch up with all and sundry again.

Then, I'm going on a cruise. It's only a harbour cruise, but it's a cruise nonetheless. This one has been organised by my new employer. Well, actually, it's the social club. And I've been invited because, as it turns out, an old friend of mine already works there and thinks it'd be a great way to meet people. All over free drinks and nibbles. I'm not one to turn down freebies. But the interesting part of this story is that I got to see the email that was forwarded around the workplace to initiate everyone to my commencement on Monday. It's an ego boost for sure:

Michael has a BSc (Chemistry) and an LLB from Victoria University. He has recently returned from an exchange semester at the Bucerius Law School in Germany. He is fluent in Japanese and German, and after being runner up in the Bell Gully Mooting competition at VUW in 2002 he won the same event in 2006. He has a VUW Gold Medal for water polo and is an accomplished hockey player. To top this off he is also a better than average pianist and a qualified lifeguard.

I couldn't have blown my own trumpet better. And with that, I'm off to socialise.

The weekend has nothing in store. The perfect wind down to starting work.

Undies Undies Togs

I always talked to people on the exchange about this incredibly funny ad from New Zealand. They seem more interested in the fact that we had a word as weird as "togs". But finally, I can share it with my worldly friends and friends round the world.



Enjoy, and now you can finally understand what I'm talking about.

A Long Weekend of Fun

On Saturday night, a small group of us ventured into town and partook in the latest trend to hit Wellington: The Lanes. While the advertising leaves a rather interesting aftertaste, here's some photos of people who actually know how to hold a bowling ball whilst drinking.It was a pretty good time, and I ended drinking alot more than I anticipated. More so considering the large night I had previously. Nontheless it was good fun, but it did make Sunday a little difficult. This wasn't a huge problem, seeing as I was working at the pool, outside, in the nice weather. Good thing it wasn't an extremely hot day, otherwise my tiredness would have overcome me.

Monday turned into a good day. The fine weather meant a visit to the Family Day Carnival at Trenthem Races was a fine call. Well, it started off that way. Bright sun, warm weather, then strong winds and spittle. So a couple of hours was all we had. It was enough for Jamie and my Dad to lose money then break even again. Everyone wins!

But that night turned out to be a sweet night. After escaping the house because of bungled plans, I wound up at some mates' place for a good ol' BBQ. I didn't know half the people there, or I may have met them before but my memory failed me. It was a pretty food time, talking about all sorts of things, the least of which was a conversation between ten of us aimed at interesting toilets around the world. Trust me, it was a a good time and everyone was laughing. Really.

So today sees me getting to do some actual work, or work to get actual work. I'm just chasing people up about so I can get the details sorted out for my contract. The usual things: professionals course, flights, time off, that kind of thing. Just goes to show I've got a little ways to work before I can really concisely work out the details at first glance. I'm working on it.

And with that plan in mind, I must go and start organising my life for the next while.

Where are We Going?

I've now officially got my offer. And it looks pretty damn good. I'm going to take it after a few minor details are clarified and confirmed.

Picking it up yesterday was a fun day. After my lunch with Meredith, which coincidentally was at this great little Chinese place I've never seen before, I waited for a phone call telling me the offer was ready to be picked up. Several hours later and a couple of phonecalls to chase it up I had it. In order to fill my time and stave off boredom while waiting for return phonecalls, I wandered the waterfront. Yesterday was an amazing day again. The heat, sunshine and general vibe was sweet. It reminded me of my time in Hamburg when I first arrived: wandering, visiting the waterfront, sitting on grassy knolls reading books. To think I'm going to be in an office soon.

That's what is starting to creep on me: the realisation that things are moving in my life. It's a good direction, and much like Hamburg, it's a direction I'm not entirely sure where it's headed but simply that I'm in it for the ride and it looks good. It reminds me of a card I bought my sister before she left for Canada.

And I had a wicked time last night at a drunken BYO dinner. Many bottles of wine, curry, and pool games. It was a blast, even though I only knew one person there and everyone else probably knew who I was. Gossip. It's a wonderful thing sometimes. Nonetheless, it was an amazing time. Currently I'm looking forward to an evening of bowling tonight. Should be a blast.