Arctic swimming 02/04/10

Went for a walk along the bays coastline from Long Bay with Jane and Noemi, which although steep at times afforded us some amazing views and Jane the resident Scottish chick (eg. Thinks freezing water is like a bath) even went for a swim.

Design Assembly 31/03/10

Went along to the first design assembly for 2010 and it was really great you can see the themes in general culture really permeating design decisions now and its great it feels like a much more rounded approach with not only the designers talent showcase, the clients ROI, the users needs but also the wider sustainable ripple effect the end result will have – I am excited to see what design will be like in 5 years. Was also fascinating to hear from a bright bubbly Uni student who is studying policy with a focus on the arts and her opinions of the soon to be formed “Super city” of Auckland. Below are a few links of the people and the concepts I heard.

www.designassembly.org.nz

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http://typekit.com/

http://www.typetester.org/

http://www.fontsquirrel.com/

http://csstypeset.com/

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www.jadetang.com

http://www.ymediachallenge.co.nz/

http://www.xs4all.nl/~maxb/ftf1964.htm

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http://policyprojects.ac.nz/elisesterback/

http://www.artistsalliance.org.nz/html/article.php?documentCode=35170

http://www.cpc.org.nz/tags/supercity/

Happy Birthday Mum 30/03/10

Mums birthday today so thought we would take her to the 3d movie Alice in Wonderland and it was a good decision as she loved it and who couldn’t love it with the combination of a classic tale, Tim Burton, 3D, amazing visuals, the irresistible Chesire cat and last but not least my first love Johnny Depp – one day I will post some of my tin full of keepsakes of Johnny from when I was about 9 as I have been a devotee for a very long time and the old skool mag shoots are quite funny.

Movie Mania 27-28/03/10

Started my weekend of movies with my friend Sarah watching “Did you hear about the Morgans?” it was a laugh nothing super amazing but enjoyable and good onscreen chemistry between Hugh and SJP. For those wondering yes we were watching in complete darkness for earth hour. Then woke up and watched the mind changing “Food Inc.” had to go on a meet free week after that one and soy as well as I consume oodles of soy on a daily basis. Very sad the reality of how the rich few can corrupt the masses of good people. Then went down memory lane with my friend Hayley and saw “The Goonies” which was so fun, had completely forgotten the storyline so was like watching it for the first time and really loved all the eighties flash backs. Finally went along to the World Cinema Showcase screening of “Hurt Locker” – easily the best film I have seen in forever as being the avid movie goer I am its hard to come across a film that truly has me on the edge of my seat and this one did, it was so well cast, scripted, shot and the scene with the soldier and his son will sit in my head for a long time very sobering. It most definitely deserved every award it received.

Balmain Road Wedding 26/03/10

Took the day off – oh the sweet sweet joy of not having to rush first thing in the morning or go to work for that fact. Today was wedding number 3 for 2010. One of the Balmain Roaders and my sisters oldest and best friend An banans or Anna for short. This was the polar opposite of the wedding the week before as I had all day to get ready so felt a little more presentable. It was a beautiful ceremony and my little sis looked stunning as a bridesmaid so proud of her. Their vows to each other were like nothing I have ever heard before so full of adoration and love very heart warming and made me blubber with the best of them. The reception was a lot of fun as well with a mixture of English and Portuguese spoken and lots of madri gras like dancing and costumes. Also got to try some amazing Brazillian chocolates mm mmmmm another reason to head over there.

Massive Attack 25/03/10

Caught up with my Wellington residing friend Peter(as nabbed him to the social side after meeting him through work) we were off to Massive attack and it was awesome the venue was completely wrong and the crowd was unbelievably sober and unresponsive but the group were incredible and I finally got to see one of the UVA lighting displays for a band in person after several years back hearing one of the creators talk at a semi permanent lecture. Also inspired to get back to my hat wearing ways as they are just so cool. After we had drinks at the tiniest bar in Auckland and some late night munching from the White Lady before the finishing activity of some pretend gambling at the casino.

Gusto Italiano 24/03/10

Took my friend Noemi out for a romantic Italian dinner (yes even us girls can do romance not just the couples) She was a few weeks off her big OE adventure to Italy and then back home to LA for a stint. The restaurant turned out to be a hidden find as run by two Romans who hit NZ 4 years ago and opened the doors to Gusto 2 years later. The food was incredible and the atmosphere very intimate – romance junkies give it a go.

The Swell Season 23/03/10

If you saw the movie "Once" then you will know the hauntingly beautiful music of The Swell Season. I jumped at the chance of seeing them live and was not disappointed Glen Hansard came out and belted out a tune with no accompaniment and no amplification that made the heart ache it was so powerful and haunting. They are so hugely talented on their own and together make such an amazing duo, plus Glen is extremely funny. If you do venture out expect to sing along – maybe an Irish thing but crowd participation is inevitable and the sound produced is really something else.

Waipu Wedding 19/03/10

Following on from the Hens party the previous weekend was the wedding. Only my best buddy Leanne could muster up a truly beautiful day with only 5 weeks of planning and 4 months pregnant. She had it in Waipu (and yes to all the non kiwis it does cause a chuckle the name Why-Poo).

We arrived on the Friday night for the rehearsal and a group dinner before heading to the camp ground, apparently I looked like a party animal as the owner almost wouldn’t let me in worried I would cause a stir – must have been the somewhat goth look I had on that day. Gave my friend Kylie a giggle at my cityness when I hopped out of the car and asked what is that atrocious sound to her reply it’s a cow. Well this cow was not making that moo sound I learnt in old MacDonalds farm as a kid.

Saturday was a flurry of activity as we had the morning to dress the honeymoon cottage, move camp grounds, decorate the church and get ready the latter being a sadly rushed affair so needless to say I don’t look great in any photos. The ceremony was beautiful and brought forth many a tear in the aisles and as they had done the photos beforehand we were off straight to the reception after. 

This was when the fun for me started as with one full ex, one rejected setup, one indecent proposal in a cab and one alluded affair needless to say 4 men to avoid in a group of only 41 was not ideal – only remedy get exceeding drunk and dance all night with the father of the bride. I retired very drunk and proceeded to climb into my top bunk resting spot somehow forgetting I was not at home and stripped off everything and threw it to the rafters so when the morning toilet run hit and I realised I had not even a blanket to cover myself with for the decent in a room with 4 other people lets just say I was panicked but I used all those years of watching Macgyver to plan my escape and whipped the only thing I did have a pillow case off wrapped myself in a diaper as decided if spotted boobs were not as bad as butt and quickly made my exit. Upside I was up so early I saw a magnificent sunrise. Felt great at this time and not too bad all the way until the breakfast feast when the bomb hit I spent the next hour lying facedown under a dinghy until the dreaded drive home.

All in all though such a fun action packed weekend and Matt and Leanne were really lovely and I hope they continue to have the most incredible life together.

Round the hangover 14/03/10

What was I thinking with only 3 hours sleep and a hangover like none other getting up early and going to compete in the annual round the bays fun run – all I can say is I am definitely a glutton for punishment but did make it in just over an hour my worst time yet, then spent the rest of the day recovering.

Hen or Cougar? 13/03/10

Ready for an action packed day/evening I am picked up dutifully at midday to come to the hens prep house to help setup for the day ahead. My job was to blow up two bags of balloons — which might I point out I was feeling somewhat light headed by the end of the exercise. It was a great day full of crazy games, loads of dress up from Dolly Parton to Bon Jovi, a bit of guitar hero (once the video store gave us the right machine for the pieces and game – this took three return visits) the standard penis straws and  last but not least the stripper. Can I point out if anyone ever hires one for me for any occasion they will no longer be my friend as being pushed into the crutch of ingrown hairs and shaving rash of a strange man to lick cream was up there with playing with spiders or falling down a cliff in my books – must say the other gals seemed to enjoy him and he most certainly had some moves – even I could not deny that. Then once the house party shenanigans were dealt with it was in the car costumes donned for a trip to boogie wonderland for some night fever action. I was dressed in a cougar outfit and it apparently worked as went home with a 23 year old Auckland Blues sub – not bad for an old duck.

twogs cont...

Watched a classic kiwi film "Goodbye Pork Pie" at the Grey Lynn Park open air cinema, had my first pie in atleast a year - more enjoyable when only eaten sporadically.

Listened to a talk given by two top NZ artists about their work past and present. Fiona Pardington as well as Gregory Bennett both have inspired me to get going with my winter art project I have been mulling over. If anyone wants to donate $10 grand or so to me so I can buy one of Fionas works let me know I have bank details at the ready.

Spent a night at Naval & Family with Mike and Steve drinking happy hour away and discussing the meaning of life.

Missed my flight to Wellington(thanks to a late taxi and Jetstars computer going down) so hopped on a second flight down. Caught up with Hayley and fam and had fun hunting down all the mannequins in windows as part of the festival, then went to the dowse to see giant eggs and mini mice sculptures.

Spent the afternoon at the beer fest and when found out I could not get my tokens back drank copious amounts of beer in a short time - as never a girl to waste money if possible.

Watched my first dance of the fest decidedly drunk but added a certain fluidity to it albeit I was suffering from vertigo up in the very high seats of the St James Theatre. Sutra was monks kungfu dancing around moving boxes weird but it worked.

Sunday had the most divine breakfast at Ernesto's of herbbie/carrot gluten free toast with eggs, mushrooms and tomatoes - what a way to start the day.

Then met up with a friend to watch my second dance Echoa only to find the seats I was allocated didn't exist - long story short had new seats arranged and the performance was incredible a group from France who could all, beat-box, sing, dance, play instruments and alot of the time simultaneously.

Saw a favourite NZ artists retrospect in the city Gallery. Seraphine Pick who happens to have her studio almost in the back door of my friend Aarons House in Lyall Bay. Her work is so seductive I could spend hours and hours looking at it.

Watched a bit of dragon boating on the harbour then went back to play with my friends very cute son Thomas the second cutie of the weekend after Archie and Phoebe yesterday - who needs to have one of your own when your friends have so many to share.

Then went back to the lodge I was staying at with the keys that don't work the short reception hours and the water that smelled like slime for my last night before flying back to Auckland.

Monday had dinner at mexicali fresh where my sis bless her convinced the owners to giver her their decorations and come and be DJs at the hens she is organising - go sis

had bookclub one of my fav sisterly bonding times and ate mmmmm raspberry cake.

failed my salesforce exam - felt like roman history all over again trying to memorise facts that in the practical world you never need to know - so exam take two will be coming up soon.

Played barman at opening for Cornelia, Brad and Joachims art exhibition at Two rooms, always fun to hang out with the non commercial artists from time to time.

Saw the very sad movie Remember me, and sorry all those Rob fans out there but as much as statically I can see the appeal I find him a little weird in motion he always seems a little stiff and his brooding is just not that of a brando or del toro. But good movie non the less with a sad twist at the end.

so that's the catchup, I have a hens two weddings and 3 birthdays before the month is up so will do my best to add some pics of those.

Twogs

Not quite detailed enough for a blog but too much for a twit a twog.

March madness, my blogging in general tends to reflect how busy my life is the more life the less blog etc... so needless to say the last 3 weeks have been mad and the next 3 are as well.

Snippets

Stabbed my foot dancing and drinking too hard at a wedding

Went to the Ascension winery tour for the third year in a row, moshed with the tweens and camped on the sand in a tent resembling a coffin.

Went housesitter business card dropping in super posh Parnell - got to make up stories of what kinda people dwelled within.

Designed some wedding invites, organised a hens and helped with another wedding

Went to the Chinese lantern fest

got out of a 11km run due to a tsunami warning cancellation

Went to Japan Day and saw a ukele band and Japanese (super sexy) belly dancers

Midnight Youth

Michelle, Amy and I went to another music at the zoo concert on Friday and it was actually really fun as we were only 3 of about 30 people over the age of 18 so we put on our youth caps and bopped along with the kids in their uniform miniskirt, singlet and sneakers.

The lead guitarist was really funny as I would be pretty safe in saying he was off his face on a combo of drugs and alcohol so was effectively gyrating at the young girls who were very supportive of said motion and screamed in delight everytime he came over.

The singer made the most of his Simon says crowd and had them doing everything from the standard clapping and mexican waves to the more unusual animal impressions.

And some of the crowd proved pretty entertaining with one very intoxicated goth who had extreme difficulty staying upright on her bondage style creepers.

image from

My three favourite M's

Music, Movies and Men.

1. Music
I can't even imagine a day without music I have loved the invention of the itunes store as now I can buy a little bit of everything I love rather than waiting to buy the whole shebang. My fav music pretty much all falls in the alternative category but lately I have been trying out new genres and thanks to my two muso friends Nivin and Greg I don't even have to do the research as they do it for me check out their blogs if you need a bit of fresh inspiration. Plus I have found a fellow boogie in your apartment buddy who lives directly opposite me who we have bad dance move dance offs its hillarious - albeit encouraging my uncoordinatedness.
Nivin in the crates
I woke up in the desert

2. Movies
I hope that even with the recession and the move to pirating and home theatre that the big screen continues as I just love heading out to see a new movie with a bunch of strangers in a giant room. There is something about the smell of popcorn, the naughtiness of putting your feet on the seats in front, the banding together of everyone against the talker, the random snorting laughs, the glow of the exit signs and the crappy choctop that keep me wanting more. Plus for me this is the ultimate escapism as generally it involves all 3 of my fav M's simultaneuosly.

3. Men
Last but by no means least men. I realise I often talk about my passion for all things ladies but I also have a passion for the lads as well. I love men even though I swear sometimes they were put on earth to drive me batty. I love that they have to use things properly so little things like squeezing the toothpaste tube from the top drive them insane. I love that they like to say the second down description minimum for everything such as its not just a screw driver but a phillips and if they are really showing off they will break down the classification even further. I love the way they get attached to things like a shirt that they will cherish till it has disintegrated, I love how they walk with their hands palms back arms loose. Now I could go on and on but in short men are fantastic and I think we often forget to cherish the differences between the sexes.

2010 I declared the year of men and the year of love so although I don't write about my dating escapades on my blog I can assure you I will be having alot of fun out there and if you are lucky I might blog some of the funnier experiences from time to time.

Spotted

My friends who were watching the good morning show at home just texted me to say they had spotted my photo as it turns out mine was one of the ones the Real Duathlon is using to showcase their series. If I find a link to the TV clip I will post later - semi embarrassing as don't look much worse than this point in the race.

me on the homepage

Bug invasion

Its humbling sometimes to be reminded that humans really have no control over their environment. Our office is currently being traversed by ants and if you dare to look up in the kitchen we have a ceiling covered in moths. What will be next a tree in the bathroom.

lets go back to the 10

Sometimes I get really grumpy at how horrible people can be to each other and wish we could keep up the effort of trying to live by the 10 commandments even if not a christian 7 of them are pretty good rules to abide by.

my version of the 7 below

4 Cherish sundays as the day of rest and a special day
5 Honor your father and your mother
6 Don't murder
7 Don't commit adultery
8 Don't steal.
9 Don't lie
10 Don't be greedy or jealous

Our building was broken into on the weekend for the second successful time (I say successful as many unsuccessful attempts have happened as well), the ripple effect of this when you think about it is great. I would fork out 50% of my pay so everyone in the community can have the basics of shelter, food, education etc... but it doesn't seem to help as people always want more and can never seem to accept happiness with what they have.

Valentines Day

I love days that make us create magic and that are slightly more special than the rest. I also don't get bogged down in expectation so generally these days are alot of fun. This Valentines I wanted to celebrate the great thing that is sisterhood. We got a group of six ladies together and went to watch the very formulaic (but really who wants a romance that's unpredictable) movie "Valentines Day" had some bubbly and of course ice cream and thoroughly enjoyed the night out.

I have to say I was impressed by the amount of men in the sold out theatre we decided they had to be there for two reasons either they were gay so as such soppy romantics like us girls or they were expecting some lurrving back home in the bedroom for having gone :) it was truely a grand effort as this movie was factor 10 for everything cute and mushy.

I also loved seeing Shirley MacLaine back on the big screen as she is such a siren.

Valentines day trailer

Real Women Duathlon

As part of my change to a healthy lifestyle, pushing myself exercise wise was a big goal and this Sunday I entered my first duathlon. I was super nervous and basically didn't sleep the night before but it turned out everything was fine on the day and apart from having a very heavy and slow bike I actually made a pretty good time and albeit slow I am noticing a small improvement in time from race to race.

My final time was 1:03:31. (fastest was 36:55mins) I was 217th out of 476 competitors.

Anyway this post is more for me than anything as I am really proud of myself, 5 years ago I never would have thought I could do this.

Yellow Chocolate

Yellow is one of Marker (my workplaces) clients and every year they set a challenge to create something using all contacts from their directory service so the 2009 challenge was to create a chocolate that tasted of yellow.

They had a lot to live up to as NZ already has two favourite yellow chocs, pineapple lumps and perky nanas.

My verdict - as it does not actually have any cocoa in it, it is more of a sweet than chocolate. I love the packaging design as it is bright and fun and advert is very quirky, reminds me of The Beatles yellow submarine or the cartoons I grew up with, munch bunch, rainbow bright, care bears and so on. The smell is extremely sweet and tropical fruity. The taste is white chocolate with some undescribable flavour.

It was fun for something different but as I am little miss allergy and the fake colours and flavours caused me to have a slight reaction, plus the after taste has that sickly stuck in your throat thing, I am unlikely to try it again.

oh and for the weight watchers out there the whole bar is 6.5 points so not as high as some traditional bars.

Read the full story and watch the ad on Yellow Chocolates official site.

Woman, woman, woman

Had a bit of a celebration of all things ladies last night. Bubbly, Fashion, Goodie bags and musicals.

Saw the movie nine at a Max charity event. I didn't think the movie was anything to rave about as could quite happily have skipped all the parts between the songs.

The songs themselves and the ladies singing them were fabulous though and worth the effort. It does drag so better to see early evening - I could hear quite a few sleepers and snorers behind me. Also am developing a bit of a love for Penelope Cruz as loved her in Vicky Cristina Barcelona and her part in this film was also magnetic.

Best part I came away with three free scarves and lots of other treats.

pull a grey hair end up with three more

You know the old wives tale that if you pull out your grey hairs three more will grow in their place. Well I am sure the same goes for emails as for every one that I clear and respond to another 3 magically appear.

I think I will declare myself a luddite and go and live in the country.

Lud·dite

n.

1. Any of a group of British workers who between 1811 and 1816 rioted and destroyed laborsaving textile machinery in the belief that such machinery would diminish employment.

2. One who opposes technical or technological change.

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[After Ned Ludd, an English laborer who was supposed to have destroyed weaving machinery around 1779.]

courtesy of The free dictionary

A soulful education

Went to see one of my all-time favourite musicians of the moment last night and she didn't disappoint. Sometimes I love being a gal and celebrating the magic and difference only us chicks have. Her name is Joanna Newsom and she is a magician on the harp and her voice is incredible. She is now in my top 10 for talent live along with Sarah Mclachlan and PJ Harvey. So nice to also enjoy music based on melody and simplicity. Check her out on itunes if nothing else you are likely to have heard her song sprout and the bean as it was on an advert recently.

gooey caramel cake - yummy

Happy Birthday Calvin - thanks to Calvins dad for making the most gooey, sweet and scrumptious cake.

Latin Fiesta for Auckland Aniversary

Spent a fun Sunday night dancing salsa and meringue down in Auckland's Viaduct at the first Latin American Carnival fiesta. Only had my iphone so the pics are not the best. I think the boys enjoyed all the G-String clad ladies in their feathers the most.

Zoo Music

Great night spent chilling to some local dub with Tahuna Breaks and Blackseeds at the Auckland Zoo.

TSSSSSSSS (sound of hand burning on glass) - Air con debates

I work in a pretty nice building but the temperatures are crazy in winter we all freeze and in summer we all melt, the owners have air con units in the completely wrong places and our luxury of floor to ceiling windows is simoultaneously our curse.

Next week I am starting my project cool off which includes a stash of peppermint oil, evian spray, bottled water and fan. Lets hope it pays off.

Party for one

Do you ever have one of those nights when plans change around you but you still feel perky and ready for fun so even though you can't find a buddy to hang with you pump up the music, pop open a good wine and have a party for one. Well I had one tonight listening to my fav tunes and catching up on the latest cuisine highlights in dine and dancing around my apartment.

Best part was it must have been infectious as before I knew it there were fellow dancers in both the apartment building opposite and adjacent to me.

Yay for Auckland summer nights.

Approved by life

According to the footpath on my walk home not only has my healthy lifestyle choice become a stencil art but I am now approved by life - very Tony Robbins meets Flux

only me

I often joke about how the weird stuff always happens to me and I wish it was a joke but it really does. I went to use my ATM card today only to find it had a message to say it had been cancelled for security reasons as an ATM I had used in December was fitted with a scanner so my details were now with a theif. On the upside its good that they have protected me but would have been nice to have a little warning. Wish shitty people didn't exist they make life so annoying sometimes.

Summer music

One of the things I love about summer the most aside from the weather is the fact that so many events free and paid appear on the calendar for the culturalist. This week I managed to see 4 bands all great and get out for picnics and lots of rides after work. It makes the working slog seem so much more OK.

The first band night consisted of two upcoming bands of the moment - Early Birds and Midnight youth who were both good considering the crowd was fairly sober and the sun was shining when they went on and then the recently reformed Dragon who were amazing - you forget how many songs you know of a band sometimes when they have been round for ever, so many classics. They almost didn't need to sing as the crowd knew all the words and were almost drowning them out.

Last night I also got out and enjoyed some jazz tunes by an old Northcote College alumni Nathan Haines and he still looks and sounds as good as he did when he started 20 years ago.

Now just to find that elusive money tree so I can go to Lady Gaga, The Swell Season, Massive Attack and so many more awesome musicians heading to our shore this year.