I know you have been suffering withdrawal symptoms but life has been very full on - the new job has seriously impacted my waking hours
I promise I will get back into some serious blogging soon
No excuses - but as the poet once said - "Life is what happens to you whilst you're busy making other plans"
So chin(s) up and I will return!
P & L
Monday, 8 August 2011
Saturday, 16 July 2011
Mid Month Thought For The Day
I was talking to a health care professional last night (no names, no pack drill) and somehow 2 things emerged with chatting to them and their partner (very discreet this Iam not using he/she etc). Firstly women seem to have sympathy with other women who slice off their partners nether regions and feed them down the waste disposal unit, and men dont seem to share the same sympathetic tendencies.
Seconfly, if you are going to pick kumara make sure you are fully clothed otherwise you may have some explaining to do when you get admitted to hospital with one stuck up your back passage. I can only suppose the guy with the veggie wedged up his Kyhber Pass was unfortunate to have fallen upon the Kiwi vegetable.............
Thre must be other ways of getting your "5 a day"............
P & L
Seconfly, if you are going to pick kumara make sure you are fully clothed otherwise you may have some explaining to do when you get admitted to hospital with one stuck up your back passage. I can only suppose the guy with the veggie wedged up his Kyhber Pass was unfortunate to have fallen upon the Kiwi vegetable.............
Thre must be other ways of getting your "5 a day"............
P & L
Weekend!
Well I know you have been worried about me - work has been hellish and I have not known where I have been or what I should be doing
I certainly did not imagine I would have to be dealing with such stress!
Anyway, I will get up even earlier every morning to try and blog each day
Blogging at work is not an option, lunchbreaks are for wimps and I will continue the 7.30am to 5pm regime as best I can
I found myself saying to the lady with whom I spare an office "I think I have not had my afternoon nap at work for nearly a month now" Sometimes when reading the most deathly dull tomes I did find my head nodding! But no more! I am a reborn refreshed and vigourous employee desperately trying to solve the problems of the world.
P & L
I certainly did not imagine I would have to be dealing with such stress!
Anyway, I will get up even earlier every morning to try and blog each day
Blogging at work is not an option, lunchbreaks are for wimps and I will continue the 7.30am to 5pm regime as best I can
I found myself saying to the lady with whom I spare an office "I think I have not had my afternoon nap at work for nearly a month now" Sometimes when reading the most deathly dull tomes I did find my head nodding! But no more! I am a reborn refreshed and vigourous employee desperately trying to solve the problems of the world.
P & L
Sunday, 10 July 2011
Monday Morning Blues
Up prowling round the house at 3am, snuck back to bed at about 6am in the hope of grabbing an hour
I am dreading the week at work - it is going to be challenging
Drank a needlessly large amount fo beer and wine which helped me fall asleep but not keep me asleep!
Sorry to start the week on a downer but I thought I should be honest with you dear reader
Peace and Love
M
I am dreading the week at work - it is going to be challenging
Drank a needlessly large amount fo beer and wine which helped me fall asleep but not keep me asleep!
Sorry to start the week on a downer but I thought I should be honest with you dear reader
Peace and Love
M
Tuesday, 5 July 2011
Book Club
Another month gone and another poorly attended book club
We talked about the book briefly and then got tucked into discussing some of the absent members..............
Still the highlight of the evening was actually finding where it was being held - TomTom did me proud - God bless Mrs W for buying it for me
Why do I put myself through book club every month? More to follow
We talked about the book briefly and then got tucked into discussing some of the absent members..............
Still the highlight of the evening was actually finding where it was being held - TomTom did me proud - God bless Mrs W for buying it for me
Why do I put myself through book club every month? More to follow
Tax Returns
Am I the only person who actively rages against tax returns? Carry that number into Box 73 (b) now stand up and turn around 3 times before dividing Box 45 (q) by the number of toes of your first pet and shout out "Wibble"
I am honest by nature as you know dear reader and law abiding as well but sometimes I have the urge to write something seditious on the blessed return
I am honest by nature as you know dear reader and law abiding as well but sometimes I have the urge to write something seditious on the blessed return
Sunday, 3 July 2011
Another Joke funnier there than here
Why do all Chinese tourists end up in Middlesex? They get into the taxi and say "Harrow Taxi driver"
Thank goodness that isnt funny anymore!
Peace
Thank goodness that isnt funny anymore!
Peace
If I was Happy Foot The Penguin
I would tell them to bugger off if they tried to extradite back to the South Pole
Free food and accommodation, an adoring nation and probably as many birds as you could handle - sounds pretty good to me
But what would I know?
Why dont polar bears eat penguins? They struggle with their wrappers - another joke that is funnier in the UK than in NZ
Free food and accommodation, an adoring nation and probably as many birds as you could handle - sounds pretty good to me
But what would I know?
Why dont polar bears eat penguins? They struggle with their wrappers - another joke that is funnier in the UK than in NZ
Another Cold One
Phew - that was a lot of ice on the windscreen this morning
Bit of a shock when I fed the cat earlier
Be careful on slippy slidey surfaces
Last year after millions of dollars of research it was found that putting socks over your shoes made for safer walking (and warmer shoes I guess)
Bit of a shock when I fed the cat earlier
Be careful on slippy slidey surfaces
Last year after millions of dollars of research it was found that putting socks over your shoes made for safer walking (and warmer shoes I guess)
Thursday, 30 June 2011
Thought for the Month - July
Ob bla di oh bla da life goes on bra, la la how the life goes on................................
Spam
I used to quite like spam back in the good old days - light mustard coating between a couple of bits of bread
Now spam seems to clog up my email (especially at work interestingly enough) and the worst bit of all is my paranoia that a legitimate piece of mail will get lost in the process - this nearly happened the other day from a student to my work mail - I guess I would rather hear 30 times a day that I had won a lottery that I hadn't actually entered than miss an important query!
Peace and Love
Now spam seems to clog up my email (especially at work interestingly enough) and the worst bit of all is my paranoia that a legitimate piece of mail will get lost in the process - this nearly happened the other day from a student to my work mail - I guess I would rather hear 30 times a day that I had won a lottery that I hadn't actually entered than miss an important query!
Peace and Love
Tuesday, 28 June 2011
Toy Story 4
Having bawled my eyes out on a plane whilst watching Toy Story 3 imagine my horror that Woody and the gang are to return for another outing - part of me is delighted and part of me is worried that they will spoil one of the best film franchises of all time.................
Shrek may have gone 1 movie too many
Shrek may have gone 1 movie too many
Sunday, 26 June 2011
Extras
One of the joys but also downsides to a lot of travel is a) you get to see every film and tv show ever made b) you therefore cannot rent a DVD for 9 months or so after every long haul flight c) you forget things as a result
I watched an episode of Extras last night that I had seen on a flight a year or 2 ago - it was The Baftas one - hysterically funny - lovely cameos from Ronnie Corbett and Stephen Fry (and Moira Stewart) it was laugh out loud funny and I was in the house by myself. How many times do you actually laugh when you are alone (at least when you have your underwear on?)
I am still inanely grinning now - a classic episode of a very funny show
Gervais and Marchant are funny guys and I would like to share a beer or 2 with them
I watched an episode of Extras last night that I had seen on a flight a year or 2 ago - it was The Baftas one - hysterically funny - lovely cameos from Ronnie Corbett and Stephen Fry (and Moira Stewart) it was laugh out loud funny and I was in the house by myself. How many times do you actually laugh when you are alone (at least when you have your underwear on?)
I am still inanely grinning now - a classic episode of a very funny show
Gervais and Marchant are funny guys and I would like to share a beer or 2 with them
Happy Feet
I guess it was inevitable with the sad demise of Shrek the Sheep that the nation would need another cute hero to adopt.
A Penguin has filled Shrek's void (ooh er Missus)
A penguin that eats sand and sticks though and managed to get lost thousands of kms off course - so clearly not the sharpest tool in the box
Makes me less worried about my non-existent navigational abilities
Peace (and I hope the op goes well to remove the sticks)
A Penguin has filled Shrek's void (ooh er Missus)
A penguin that eats sand and sticks though and managed to get lost thousands of kms off course - so clearly not the sharpest tool in the box
Makes me less worried about my non-existent navigational abilities
Peace (and I hope the op goes well to remove the sticks)
Marital Disharmony
No, not mine! Mrs W away for the weekend and I missed her being around. Did a lot of manly moving and shifting and now my back is reminding me I am over 40!
Managed to bash my ankle on exactly the same spot as before and now a bruise is returning (I may have chipped something as at certain times it screams out in pain)
Anyway, the point of this post is that a number of friends this side of the wolrd and the other seem to be going through some issues at the moment and I am devastated for them and selfishly for myself. Nothing anyone else can say or do, but it does hurt
I wish them well
I sometimes get told off for always wanting a happy ending, but hey that is just me.
Managed to bash my ankle on exactly the same spot as before and now a bruise is returning (I may have chipped something as at certain times it screams out in pain)
Anyway, the point of this post is that a number of friends this side of the wolrd and the other seem to be going through some issues at the moment and I am devastated for them and selfishly for myself. Nothing anyone else can say or do, but it does hurt
I wish them well
I sometimes get told off for always wanting a happy ending, but hey that is just me.
Wednesday, 22 June 2011
Beer Tasting
Another Wednesday, another beer tasting.
Suitiably restrained and feeling quite perky today (despite walking round the house at 4.30am)
An interesting mix of beers for the speed taste - ended on a barley wine of epic proportions
I won a beer glass - my mother would be so proud!
Suitiably restrained and feeling quite perky today (despite walking round the house at 4.30am)
An interesting mix of beers for the speed taste - ended on a barley wine of epic proportions
I won a beer glass - my mother would be so proud!
Tuesday, 21 June 2011
Brass Monkey Weather
Ooh but it were cold waiting for the bus this morning
I am definitely getting softer as the Winter progresses
Survived longest night and now looking to the return of Summer!
Had 2 pints last night with my Beatle friend in town and felt half drunk at the end of it - went home and felt like going straight to bed
Must be suffering from SAD
P & L
I am definitely getting softer as the Winter progresses
Survived longest night and now looking to the return of Summer!
Had 2 pints last night with my Beatle friend in town and felt half drunk at the end of it - went home and felt like going straight to bed
Must be suffering from SAD
P & L
Sunday, 19 June 2011
When The Rain Comes
It certainly comes
A lovely weekend with friends (and Mrs W!) up in Queenstown
Gorgeous food, too much grog and excellent company
Staring out over Lake Wakitipu from a truly amazing house I was heard to say "I wonder what the poor people are doing?" It was of course a jest as I am and always will be a working class hero
But it was a lovely relaxing time
One grumble - Saturday night meal out was spoiled by restaurant acoustics - I could hardly hear the people sitting next to me or over the table
A lovely weekend with friends (and Mrs W!) up in Queenstown
Gorgeous food, too much grog and excellent company
Staring out over Lake Wakitipu from a truly amazing house I was heard to say "I wonder what the poor people are doing?" It was of course a jest as I am and always will be a working class hero
But it was a lovely relaxing time
One grumble - Saturday night meal out was spoiled by restaurant acoustics - I could hardly hear the people sitting next to me or over the table
Thursday, 16 June 2011
A Open Blog to Sir Paul
S America, N America (including Canada) now we need a slight detour to this side of the World for the "On the Run Tour"
You will sell a lot of tickets in Oz or NZ - please put a few decent ones aside for those of us who even bought "The Frog Song"
P & L
You will sell a lot of tickets in Oz or NZ - please put a few decent ones aside for those of us who even bought "The Frog Song"
P & L
A Cold One
It was a wee bit parky waiting on the bus this morning - not sure if parky is a recognised kiwism or not - I know he used to be a chat show host
Where my grandmother used to live Parkinson was a local butcher who made the best sausages
Funny what word association can bring back from the depths of the memory
P & L
Where my grandmother used to live Parkinson was a local butcher who made the best sausages
Funny what word association can bring back from the depths of the memory
P & L
Wednesday, 15 June 2011
It's not what we are drinking but how we are drinking it...............
Well actually I think it is probably both what we are drinking and how we are drinking it
I am determined to cut down (especially during the week) just simplt because I dont like who I become after too many - I am not violent but I can argue with Mrs W (who doesnt deserve an argumentative husband) but I do get silly and talkative. I usually use grog as a crutch to make me less shy and nervous which is entirely the wrong thing to do
So going forward I will be less dependent and will also encourage some of my chums to try and take more AFD's (alcohol free days) each week
I guess at this point the Tui advert tag line of "Yeah Right" is not appropriate!
I am determined to cut down (especially during the week) just simplt because I dont like who I become after too many - I am not violent but I can argue with Mrs W (who doesnt deserve an argumentative husband) but I do get silly and talkative. I usually use grog as a crutch to make me less shy and nervous which is entirely the wrong thing to do
So going forward I will be less dependent and will also encourage some of my chums to try and take more AFD's (alcohol free days) each week
I guess at this point the Tui advert tag line of "Yeah Right" is not appropriate!
The Water Boys
Was it them who sang "The Whole of The Moon"? If so then they would be out of a job this morning - an amazing eclipse of the moon (Bonnie Tyler?) that made my drive to work somewhat hazardous as I kept my eyes firmly focussed on it!
Amazing stuff!
Amazing stuff!
Cuisine from the East
Prawn curry at a Vietnamese last night - very tasty, but the prawns were decidely crunchy (despite me ensuring I had pulled the tail away)
But aromatic and lovely
But Indian still wins!
But aromatic and lovely
But Indian still wins!
Tuesday, 14 June 2011
A Wind Blew and then Blew some more
Wow it was windy last night and this morning - the windows were rattling - which brings me back to double glazing - why hasn't it caught on here?
Monday, 13 June 2011
Assumption is the mother of all cock ups!
Or so said a manager of mine during my previous life
I assumed that the beer tasting was tomorrow and refused accordingly so that I could feel good about myself, my resolve and my realionship with Mrs W. Now it transpires that it is next week - if I accept now will Mrs W think I was a good bloke in not going tomorrow, will she not believe that I ever turned a drink down or what?
A real dilemma!
I assumed that the beer tasting was tomorrow and refused accordingly so that I could feel good about myself, my resolve and my realionship with Mrs W. Now it transpires that it is next week - if I accept now will Mrs W think I was a good bloke in not going tomorrow, will she not believe that I ever turned a drink down or what?
A real dilemma!
Christchurch Aftershocks
Well it must be bad up there - it was bad enough yesterday pm being shaken down in Dunedin by the 6 point something quake - it must have been terrible up there
And just as some people have cleaned up the previous damage and are getting on with their lives then it all happens again and they are right back to square 1
My thoughts are with th long suffering folk of Christchurch - they deserve a time without aftershocks and damage and they deserve it soon.
And just as some people have cleaned up the previous damage and are getting on with their lives then it all happens again and they are right back to square 1
My thoughts are with th long suffering folk of Christchurch - they deserve a time without aftershocks and damage and they deserve it soon.
Sunday, 12 June 2011
Last grass cut of the year
Well this side of spring at least (I hope) mind you I said the same thing 2 weeks ago
When will the grass stop growing?
When will the grass stop growing?
Getting Older
It seems to me that I am making more and more noise every time I stand up from a chair - I am thinking it must be old age!!
Having gardened a bit yesterday by the time I got up from sitting to go to bed last night I was making all kinds of noises as I stood up
Having gardened a bit yesterday by the time I got up from sitting to go to bed last night I was making all kinds of noises as I stood up
Thursday, 9 June 2011
Illness
Spent yesterday in bed in all kinds of distress, aches and pains and shivers and shakes
But I will be brave and not talk about it too much
Feeling more human today, but only just
Now my back is screaming at me for lying in bed so much yesterday
But I will be brave and not talk about it too much
Feeling more human today, but only just
Now my back is screaming at me for lying in bed so much yesterday
Tuesday, 7 June 2011
Highlanders Shirts
The issue hit parliament yesterday - local MP Clare Curran escorted off the premises for wearing the old Highlanders shirt - would she have been allowed to stay if she had forked out and bought a new one? Or would she have had to go and sit with the "Green MPs" first?
Went and saw the mighty Highlanders last Friday - not a great game and they managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory (again)
Am I an unlucky talisman?
Went and saw the mighty Highlanders last Friday - not a great game and they managed to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory (again)
Am I an unlucky talisman?
Shrek Gone
A nation mourns - The world's most famous sheep just left us to go to the great lamb shanks restaurant in the sky.
A hero, a shaggy old bundle of fluff, an icon, tireless charity worker, loved kids and the elderly
RIP Shrek, you will be sadly missed. I am pleased there will be a state funeral and a day off work to mourn.
Forever young - your memory will live on in our hearts always.
A hero, a shaggy old bundle of fluff, an icon, tireless charity worker, loved kids and the elderly
RIP Shrek, you will be sadly missed. I am pleased there will be a state funeral and a day off work to mourn.
Forever young - your memory will live on in our hearts always.
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
The Mighty Highlanders
Seeing them tomorrow night in their new shirts - not sure about the change
More info to follow
More info to follow
Not Too Bad
Up prowling the house at 3.30am this morning
I have a huge bruise on my ankle and foot from a firewood incident at the weekend - the bruise came out yesterday and I had a real shock last night when I took my socks off.
Mrs W administered some tender love and lotions and potions, but it is really painful today
Good beers and company last night
I have a huge bruise on my ankle and foot from a firewood incident at the weekend - the bruise came out yesterday and I had a real shock last night when I took my socks off.
Mrs W administered some tender love and lotions and potions, but it is really painful today
Good beers and company last night
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
Thought for the Month - June
It is indeed the 1st of June as Mrs W reminded me this morning with a pinch and a punch
I responded with a slap and a kick for being so quick - I didnt really before you involve the police
So the thought for June is:
"It is better to have love and lust then never to have loved at all"
See if you can spot the deliberate typos
I responded with a slap and a kick for being so quick - I didnt really before you involve the police
So the thought for June is:
"It is better to have love and lust then never to have loved at all"
See if you can spot the deliberate typos
Monday, 30 May 2011
Cold Mornings
Am I getting old? I am feeling the cold already this winter and we arent even at the start of it yet!
Maybe I really am a soft Pom!
Maybe I really am a soft Pom!
Sunday, 29 May 2011
DIY
I confess I am not the world's most handy man, but when things conspire against you when you are at least trying to be handy then I know that it probably pays to get a man in
Putting shelves up yesterday in the log room - prepped everything meticulously, measured, rechecked and then proceeded to perform intricate feats of manual dexterity with left and right hands
When completed the shelf ran with an alarming slope from left to right (or is that right to left) it transpired the brackets were slightly different lengths and I had used only 1 to mark out my drilling points etc
A little piece of wood for packing and the shelf is at least straight!
I hope it is still on the wall this morning - I didnt feel that I was brave enough to check it on my way out!
Putting shelves up yesterday in the log room - prepped everything meticulously, measured, rechecked and then proceeded to perform intricate feats of manual dexterity with left and right hands
When completed the shelf ran with an alarming slope from left to right (or is that right to left) it transpired the brackets were slightly different lengths and I had used only 1 to mark out my drilling points etc
A little piece of wood for packing and the shelf is at least straight!
I hope it is still on the wall this morning - I didnt feel that I was brave enough to check it on my way out!
Sherlock
Loving the series.
But I don't like Sherlock's eyes - very spooky
Martin Freeman is sublime as Watson
But I don't like Sherlock's eyes - very spooky
Martin Freeman is sublime as Watson
Grammar
Not someone who is married to Grandpa................
"Flatmate Wanted (Fully Furnished)".................
Where are they expecting to find a fully furnished flatmate?
I saw that sign on the way into work this morning
I hope they are not majoring in English (or furniture design)
"Flatmate Wanted (Fully Furnished)".................
Where are they expecting to find a fully furnished flatmate?
I saw that sign on the way into work this morning
I hope they are not majoring in English (or furniture design)
Thursday, 26 May 2011
Book Depository Dot Co Dot UK changed my life!
Fanatastic service and great product
Did I mention free shipping? Love it
Ordered Mrs W some Donna Leon books this morning - she will love me even more!
Did I mention free shipping? Love it
Ordered Mrs W some Donna Leon books this morning - she will love me even more!
More about Beer and Cheese
I think deep down Mrs W has a new found respect for me - eating goats, sheep and foreign looking cheeses.
She would not admit it, but I know she is looking at me in a different way. I think she is proud of her hubby!
She would not admit it, but I know she is looking at me in a different way. I think she is proud of her hubby!
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
Beer and Cheese
Well the measures were not very generous but some of the beers were very strong and we probably didnt need too many more!
A lovely evening of good company, beer and cheese - throw in a bacon butty beforehand and you can see why it is good to be me!
Some stella (not artois) beers - Emerson's Aged Old 95 gets a mention (but you can no longer buy it). Bookbinder remains the beer of choice though!
A lovely evening of good company, beer and cheese - throw in a bacon butty beforehand and you can see why it is good to be me!
Some stella (not artois) beers - Emerson's Aged Old 95 gets a mention (but you can no longer buy it). Bookbinder remains the beer of choice though!
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
A slightly rude thought
I love word play and today I chuckled away to myself as I was singing a song (in my head)
"The Weight" by The Band - "take a load of fanny................." I am sure that is what they sing
And of course James Blunt trying to run off with that bloke but failing.............
"And now its time to face the truth, I will never be with Hugh"
Happy Days
"The Weight" by The Band - "take a load of fanny................." I am sure that is what they sing
And of course James Blunt trying to run off with that bloke but failing.............
"And now its time to face the truth, I will never be with Hugh"
Happy Days
Another Night of Beer and Cheese
Looking forward to the beer, not so sure about the cheese - all seems a bit of a waste of drinking time!
Will report more tomorrow (subject to head)
Will report more tomorrow (subject to head)
A funny thing happened on the way to the forum
Actually it didnt as I wasnt going to the forum at all
Busy at work which is never good
Looking forward to receiving a new book of Linda McCartney's photos which I am very much looking forward to
More to follow once the madness dies down
P & L
Busy at work which is never good
Looking forward to receiving a new book of Linda McCartney's photos which I am very much looking forward to
More to follow once the madness dies down
P & L
Monday, 23 May 2011
Sleep Deprivation
I know everyone thinks they sleep badly, but I think I take it to a whole new level
More details to follow
More details to follow
Sunday, 22 May 2011
And talking of which
Feet run in the Wilesmith family, or rather toes run. The apin and suffering I inherite from my father and have now passed on to the wee fella is incalculable.
Anyway, looks like things might finally be improving for James and his toes
I of course beyond redemption - I usually just find it easier to rip the toenail off and start again
Painful but effective in the short term
Peace and Love
Anyway, looks like things might finally be improving for James and his toes
I of course beyond redemption - I usually just find it easier to rip the toenail off and start again
Painful but effective in the short term
Peace and Love
How does one Split a tooth?
News just arriving from the Northern Hemisphere suggests son James has split a tooth. Ouch! How on earth does that happen
More info to follow as and when I know more
More info to follow as and when I know more
Thursday, 19 May 2011
Charity Collection
Maybe I am getting old (er) and more cynical (er) but I am getting increasingly wary of charity collectors
Young lad turned up at our front door the other night and asked me to sponsor him - I did, but with reservations (despite the fact he spotted a photo of The Beatles in our front hallway and said he was a fan)
I am sure he was kosher, and I hate myself for thinking ill of someone who was undoubtedly going to undertake the 40 hour fast (I would imagine 40 minutes would be all I could manage)
I hope he does it and that the charity gets the money. Probably I am tainted by the many stories of money being misappropriated from charities etc
Young lad turned up at our front door the other night and asked me to sponsor him - I did, but with reservations (despite the fact he spotted a photo of The Beatles in our front hallway and said he was a fan)
I am sure he was kosher, and I hate myself for thinking ill of someone who was undoubtedly going to undertake the 40 hour fast (I would imagine 40 minutes would be all I could manage)
I hope he does it and that the charity gets the money. Probably I am tainted by the many stories of money being misappropriated from charities etc
A Terrible Accident
Drive home last night was a bit of a route march - a terrible accident on the Port Road - the police closed it off and sent us on a very long diversion - an annoyance but nothing too awful
The point of this post is that the woman in front of me gave the cop absolute arseholes as if it was his fault - he didnt know all the details for sure, but I think the accident had only just happened
I hope she is very pleased with herself and her flash sports car
PS - one of the people in the accident died
The point of this post is that the woman in front of me gave the cop absolute arseholes as if it was his fault - he didnt know all the details for sure, but I think the accident had only just happened
I hope she is very pleased with herself and her flash sports car
PS - one of the people in the accident died
Tuesday, 17 May 2011
What is in a name?
Sometimes I think of something and as stupid as it might be I just start smiling
There is one joke that I was sent years ago that when I even think about it I started to laugh (not always inwardly either) it was that funny
Anyway, was thinking yesterday about people who name their kids after famous people, places of their conception, sporting teams and the like.
I know my ex-wife would have guess if our son had been named John, Paul, George or Ringo, but she never really understood the significance of "James" (as in James Paul McC) when I suggested it - so I got that one through the censors!
But what made me smile yesterday was talking about a guy called Patrick and me wondering if anyone in Scotland was named Patrick Thistle in homage to the football team up there - Partick Thistle. The answer is probably not and it is not even funny, but it lifted a otherwise dull day for me!
PS My mate Mike got "Astrid" (as in Kirchherr) past his censors - sweet as bro!
There is one joke that I was sent years ago that when I even think about it I started to laugh (not always inwardly either) it was that funny
Anyway, was thinking yesterday about people who name their kids after famous people, places of their conception, sporting teams and the like.
I know my ex-wife would have guess if our son had been named John, Paul, George or Ringo, but she never really understood the significance of "James" (as in James Paul McC) when I suggested it - so I got that one through the censors!
But what made me smile yesterday was talking about a guy called Patrick and me wondering if anyone in Scotland was named Patrick Thistle in homage to the football team up there - Partick Thistle. The answer is probably not and it is not even funny, but it lifted a otherwise dull day for me!
PS My mate Mike got "Astrid" (as in Kirchherr) past his censors - sweet as bro!
Full Moon
Never seen the moon so full and so near as it appeared to be this morning. Wow!
Mind you it was so cold this morning my eyes were weeping, my nose was running and my body was shivering as I waited for the bus that I may not have seen anything at all!
Mind you it was so cold this morning my eyes were weeping, my nose was running and my body was shivering as I waited for the bus that I may not have seen anything at all!
Monday, 16 May 2011
Skinny Jeans
Have you seen those terrible thin (and sometimes not so thin) young guys with their skinny jeans half way down their arse?
I would like to see how they would cope if there was an emergency as I suspect they could run at no more than 3 miles an hour and would probably trip over within the first few seconds
Frankly lads if I can see your crack then you should not be allowed out on the streets (unless you are mobile bike rack scheme)
Get sensible fitting trousers and live longer
I would like to see how they would cope if there was an emergency as I suspect they could run at no more than 3 miles an hour and would probably trip over within the first few seconds
Frankly lads if I can see your crack then you should not be allowed out on the streets (unless you are mobile bike rack scheme)
Get sensible fitting trousers and live longer
Who is Harry Nilsson and Why is Everyone Talking 'bout him?
Fantastic documentary - grab yourself a beer and a copy of this film - it is really something special - for anyone who loves music this is a must see
A great voice, a lovely man and a wonderful talent, but enough about me - Harry was pretty special as well
Some amazing archive footage of all your musical heroes and more
I promise you will not be disappointed
A great voice, a lovely man and a wonderful talent, but enough about me - Harry was pretty special as well
Some amazing archive footage of all your musical heroes and more
I promise you will not be disappointed
Sunday, 15 May 2011
More Emperor's New Clothes
Such was the waves of support and agreement after my posting last week I have decided to add a few more "things" I simply don't "get" or like or understand why they are so popular
Lindsay Lohan
Paris Hilton
Sushi
The Turn Left Rule (NZ please get rid of sooner rather than later)
Netball
More to follow!
Lindsay Lohan
Paris Hilton
Sushi
The Turn Left Rule (NZ please get rid of sooner rather than later)
Netball
More to follow!
Messing Around in Boats
A perfect day yesterday - rose late, did a quick shop and then on board a wonderful boat to watch some yachties messing about in their boats
No idea about who own or even how the extremely clever people can go up and down when the wind is blowing the wrong way (brilliant stuff) but got to have a few beers, a nibble or 2 and see some sealions frolicing
Life is good on days like that
Of course, this morning I woke to cold (almost icy) conditions and a sprinkling of snow on the highest hills around the village
No idea about who own or even how the extremely clever people can go up and down when the wind is blowing the wrong way (brilliant stuff) but got to have a few beers, a nibble or 2 and see some sealions frolicing
Life is good on days like that
Of course, this morning I woke to cold (almost icy) conditions and a sprinkling of snow on the highest hills around the village
Thursday, 12 May 2011
A Not Terribly Nice Kiwi Guy
I have been following the story of the guy who has mislead a lot of Kiwis with his offers to buy shares at seemingly generous terms - until the small print is read
Seems to be preying on the old and the unsavy
Priceless that his name is Bernard Whimp - I smile every time I hear it - more Wimp than Whimp though methinks
Peace and Love
Seems to be preying on the old and the unsavy
Priceless that his name is Bernard Whimp - I smile every time I hear it - more Wimp than Whimp though methinks
Peace and Love
Wednesday, 11 May 2011
Double Glazing
Given the Scottish heritage of the mighty village of Dunedin I am fascinated by the lack of insulation, double glazing, central heating etc. It has been explained to me as the hardy souls never feeling the cold etc - all I can think of is the money just pouring out of the roof, windows etc - I can't imagine Scottish folk wanting to heat (and pay for) the great outdoors.
A Joke
I don't normally do jokes as I am rubbish at them but this is one I heard and it made me smile...............
I was sitting at home last night with Mrs W who was imbibing on a cheeky wee Central Otago Pinot Noir when she suddenly (and very unexpectantly) said:
"I love you",
being surprised I asked:
"is that you or the wine talking?"
Mrs W not missing a beat said:
"I was actually talking to the wine"
So there you go - the reason why I dont do jokes!
I was sitting at home last night with Mrs W who was imbibing on a cheeky wee Central Otago Pinot Noir when she suddenly (and very unexpectantly) said:
"I love you",
being surprised I asked:
"is that you or the wine talking?"
Mrs W not missing a beat said:
"I was actually talking to the wine"
So there you go - the reason why I dont do jokes!
Tuesday, 10 May 2011
A Generational Thing
Technology - an ever increasing pace of change
Frankly I struggle with many bits of technology (it gets smaller as my eyesight deterioates and my fingers get more clumsy) Mrs W has an iPod that is so small I have never worked out how to use it
Of course teenagers and younger just pick things up and somehow have an indepth knowledge instantly of how to use them.
Anyway, the point of this entry in my series of random thoughts is how things come about
Son James made me smile when he talked about playing with his "Wii" (pronounced Wee I believe) and all I could do was to pull a face which suggested it was not a good idea to be playing with such things unless you are Madonna or that English actress (was it Sarah someone possibly Boulting? she was the daughter of someone famous and now I am going to have to Google her) who used to drink hers.
There was a point in all of this somewhere, but I seem to have lost it along the way - old age?
Frankly I struggle with many bits of technology (it gets smaller as my eyesight deterioates and my fingers get more clumsy) Mrs W has an iPod that is so small I have never worked out how to use it
Of course teenagers and younger just pick things up and somehow have an indepth knowledge instantly of how to use them.
Anyway, the point of this entry in my series of random thoughts is how things come about
Son James made me smile when he talked about playing with his "Wii" (pronounced Wee I believe) and all I could do was to pull a face which suggested it was not a good idea to be playing with such things unless you are Madonna or that English actress (was it Sarah someone possibly Boulting? she was the daughter of someone famous and now I am going to have to Google her) who used to drink hers.
There was a point in all of this somewhere, but I seem to have lost it along the way - old age?
Hair Today, More Tomorrow
Apologies dear reader for the lack of posting yesterday - the page would not let me update - it probably has some form of quality control inbuilt into it and decided the content of my postings is not up to scratch.
Anywayup, the subject for todays epistle - hair
As I nudge ever nearer to my half a telegram from the Queen I wanted to lament the fact (as so many have before me) that hair seems to enjoy growing on or out of every orifice excepting the top of my head.
Eyebrows grown at an alarming rate, hair sprouts out of and on ears, you could knot with my nose hair and I could probably shave 3 or 4 times a day and I will still not be a smooth kisser (of course that might be me rather than the scratchy chin)
So why is it that God has such fun with men of a certain age?
Over to you loyal reader
Peace and Love
Anywayup, the subject for todays epistle - hair
As I nudge ever nearer to my half a telegram from the Queen I wanted to lament the fact (as so many have before me) that hair seems to enjoy growing on or out of every orifice excepting the top of my head.
Eyebrows grown at an alarming rate, hair sprouts out of and on ears, you could knot with my nose hair and I could probably shave 3 or 4 times a day and I will still not be a smooth kisser (of course that might be me rather than the scratchy chin)
So why is it that God has such fun with men of a certain age?
Over to you loyal reader
Peace and Love
Sunday, 8 May 2011
Master Chef NZ
I shouldn't care but I do get sucked into some of those awful reality shows
Mrs W and I found ourselves watching TV1 last night for the semi final of MCNZ (is MasterChef 1 word or 2?)
Stu (from Dunedin) gone and our voices hoarse at shouting at the TV
Bliss!
Stu seemed like a good bloke - anyone who does pies on that show is ok as far as I am concerned
Mrs W and I found ourselves watching TV1 last night for the semi final of MCNZ (is MasterChef 1 word or 2?)
Stu (from Dunedin) gone and our voices hoarse at shouting at the TV
Bliss!
Stu seemed like a good bloke - anyone who does pies on that show is ok as far as I am concerned
Why do I feel so weary or maybe just wary of Facebook?
I find it very invasive - I have "accepted" a number of friends just because I would feel bad about rejecting them
But really do I need to know everytime someone does a poo or takes LSD or wakes up married to an heir to the throne?
Please do not be offended if I don't immediately accept you as a friend on my vastly overrated Facebook site.
Peace and Love
I find it very invasive - I have "accepted" a number of friends just because I would feel bad about rejecting them
But really do I need to know everytime someone does a poo or takes LSD or wakes up married to an heir to the throne?
Please do not be offended if I don't immediately accept you as a friend on my vastly overrated Facebook site.
Peace and Love
Thursday, 5 May 2011
Blogging
Over beer last night one of the seasoned drinkers asked the question - what does "Blog" stand for - I knew the answer but the amount of beer made me hesitant (as to usually making me feel superhuman)
A blog (a blend of the term web log)[1] is a type of website or part of a website. Blogs are usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. Blog can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.
So now you know if you didnt already
Peace and Love
M
A blog (a blend of the term web log)[1] is a type of website or part of a website. Blogs are usually maintained by an individual with regular entries of commentary, descriptions of events, or other material such as graphics or video. Entries are commonly displayed in reverse-chronological order. Blog can also be used as a verb, meaning to maintain or add content to a blog.
So now you know if you didnt already
Peace and Love
M
The Morning After The night Before
Mayfest! Stepped outside of my usual comfort zone to try some new and exciting exports from Emerson's - enjoyed the Bookbinder but then went toward the new productions - Bandsmans Trumpet (I think) and then Mayfest - both very suppable. Fantastic stuff. Felt remarkably robust this morning. I think the grog may have killed the nasty bug germs that Mrs W fell foul of overnight.
Why is there always "a nasty bug going round"? Soon as you mention illness there is always a nasty bug to blame - should we be nicer to bugs and then they might be less nasty (or indeed they could make you well or something, or paint your house or rearrange the cushions etc
Thank you for bearing with me.
Why is there always "a nasty bug going round"? Soon as you mention illness there is always a nasty bug to blame - should we be nicer to bugs and then they might be less nasty (or indeed they could make you well or something, or paint your house or rearrange the cushions etc
Thank you for bearing with me.
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
Blown to Buggery
Or not as the case might be
Standing waiting for the bus this morning (it is Thirsty Thursday and the car gets a day off) I was aware of two huge logging trucks coming from either direction
Usually one going past me is enough to create a huge wind tunnel effect - but this morning they seemed to be able to cancel each other out and my neatly brushed hair remained so!
Fantastic!
Standing waiting for the bus this morning (it is Thirsty Thursday and the car gets a day off) I was aware of two huge logging trucks coming from either direction
Usually one going past me is enough to create a huge wind tunnel effect - but this morning they seemed to be able to cancel each other out and my neatly brushed hair remained so!
Fantastic!
Tuesday, 3 May 2011
Beer
A wise man (indeed a friend of mine which would indicate a certain intelligence perchance?) once said to me "There is good beer and there is great beer - there is nothing else"
A wise man I think you would agree
Though I have had some homebrews over the years that have tested me somewhat.
Current local favourite is Emerson's. Only there Clam Stout left me umming and aahing. Bookbinder is the perfect session ale, Taeri George is wonderful and everything else is worth investigating
Don't take it on my say so - trust the wise man above who told us that it is at least good and otherwise it would be great!
A wise man I think you would agree
Though I have had some homebrews over the years that have tested me somewhat.
Current local favourite is Emerson's. Only there Clam Stout left me umming and aahing. Bookbinder is the perfect session ale, Taeri George is wonderful and everything else is worth investigating
Don't take it on my say so - trust the wise man above who told us that it is at least good and otherwise it would be great!
Monday, 2 May 2011
Bin Laden
Is anyone else uncomfortable about the news over the last 24 hours?
The guy was obviously dangerous, and would undoubtedly have struck again. But, the scenes of folks in the US looked much akin to the religious zealots western media portray mockingly each time the people of the Middle East take to the streets. The chants of "USA, USA" do make me cringe somewhat. It is the worse kind of nationalism from the current Superpower.
It took them more than 10 years to track Bin Laden down - and that is not an impressive statistice from where I am sitting. I knew or knew of people who died in the Twin Towers, Lockerbie bombing and was myself almost involved in the 7/7 bombings in London. Killing Bin Laden (or Col Gaddaffi) doesnt bring any of those people back or make this world any safer in the long run.
Unfortunately, the reprisals might be even worse than we have already seen.
I don't normally touch upon politics or religion - so I hope I havent alienated you, dear reader.
Peace and Love to all
The guy was obviously dangerous, and would undoubtedly have struck again. But, the scenes of folks in the US looked much akin to the religious zealots western media portray mockingly each time the people of the Middle East take to the streets. The chants of "USA, USA" do make me cringe somewhat. It is the worse kind of nationalism from the current Superpower.
It took them more than 10 years to track Bin Laden down - and that is not an impressive statistice from where I am sitting. I knew or knew of people who died in the Twin Towers, Lockerbie bombing and was myself almost involved in the 7/7 bombings in London. Killing Bin Laden (or Col Gaddaffi) doesnt bring any of those people back or make this world any safer in the long run.
Unfortunately, the reprisals might be even worse than we have already seen.
I don't normally touch upon politics or religion - so I hope I havent alienated you, dear reader.
Peace and Love to all
Infinite Variables in Music
As you drive around hither and thither listening to the radio and trying to avoid hitting some of the more reckless examples of Kiwi driving incompetence, do you ever think "I wonder how many different songs could be written?" There must be a finite number of notes audible to mankind? Those notes can only go into so many sequences and therefore there must be an absolute number of unique songs that can be written?
I bet the folks from the good old days of rock and pop are pleased they got in early because otherwise they might find someone else had written their songs before they did
I bet the folks from the good old days of rock and pop are pleased they got in early because otherwise they might find someone else had written their songs before they did
Sunday, 1 May 2011
Referees
Yes, one of the most difficult of jobs and especially when rugby is the sport. Not sure if I can be sued for my blogging efforts so I will be careful here. The ref on Friday night's game between the Mighty Highlanders and The Blues was a little bit lacking in the milk of human kindness as far as the local team was concerned.
Decisions all seemed to go one way - and it wasnt always the right way.......................
Still, the Mighty Highlanders have had a huge turnaround this year and let us hope that this success also manifests itself into the Mighty Otago.
First trip to the House of Pain this season - not a happy one!
How can sin bin offences only apply to one team?
Anyway, better luck next time
Decisions all seemed to go one way - and it wasnt always the right way.......................
Still, the Mighty Highlanders have had a huge turnaround this year and let us hope that this success also manifests itself into the Mighty Otago.
First trip to the House of Pain this season - not a happy one!
How can sin bin offences only apply to one team?
Anyway, better luck next time
Spring has Sprung
Well actually it is Autumn. It was me who was sprung (unceremoniously) last night - Mrs W found this blog!
Despite all my wily ruses she "googled - Mark Wilesmith Blog" and this popped up. So, wanting to be deep undercover for at least a year actually lasted about a month.
So, what to do? Should I abandon my efforts to a largely disinterested and disaffected world?
If I don't hear from anyone I will blindly plough on producing this work of art!
Despite all my wily ruses she "googled - Mark Wilesmith Blog" and this popped up. So, wanting to be deep undercover for at least a year actually lasted about a month.
So, what to do? Should I abandon my efforts to a largely disinterested and disaffected world?
If I don't hear from anyone I will blindly plough on producing this work of art!
Thursday, 28 April 2011
More Wedding
Mrs W sent me a excited text this morning - "Kate will not be saying she "obeys""
Part of me suspects even the women who say they wil obey have their fingers crossed behind their backs!
Part of me suspects even the women who say they wil obey have their fingers crossed behind their backs!
Wednesday, 27 April 2011
Whisky Tasting
I sat there last night drinking fine whisky (well to be honest I didnt enjoy the first 3 or 4 but as the quality went up so did my love of the amber liquid
Feeling remarkably robust this morning all things consdiered!
But I didnt really get to taste any of the peaty undertones or hint of chocolate that the host talked about
Am I just an uneducated yob?
Feeling remarkably robust this morning all things consdiered!
But I didnt really get to taste any of the peaty undertones or hint of chocolate that the host talked about
Am I just an uneducated yob?
Tuesday, 26 April 2011
Royal Wedding
I tried to avoid it................ apparently there is a wedding going on (Friday, UK, Saturday NZ). Unlike the anarchists (better dead than wed) I dont wish the soon to be married couple any hurt, harm or humiliation, but I do question the madness that is going on around the wedding. My invite got lost in the post so it is probably sour grapes - I am sure I was due to sit somewhere near Elton and David - hopefully behind rather than in front of (I am very tall and Elton quite weeny I believe so he would be able to see anything if he was behind me)
Anyway, much love and happiness to K & W, and next time you get married make sure my invite arrives early (and Lily Allen's as well)
Anyway, much love and happiness to K & W, and next time you get married make sure my invite arrives early (and Lily Allen's as well)
Tuesday, 19 April 2011
Turn Left Rule or is it Turn Right?
The sooner it goes the better!
A couple of times in recent days I have nearly been collected by it
First time was when I was turning left and a guy was making an illegal right turn - I turned in to have him nearly take me with him. Secondly, I was turning right and a guy was indicating left (but guess what he actually wanted to go strainght on)
The sooner it goes the better!
It is holding NZ back in the dark ages methinks
A couple of times in recent days I have nearly been collected by it
First time was when I was turning left and a guy was making an illegal right turn - I turned in to have him nearly take me with him. Secondly, I was turning right and a guy was indicating left (but guess what he actually wanted to go strainght on)
The sooner it goes the better!
It is holding NZ back in the dark ages methinks
Happy Birthday Mum!
Another example of today being tomorrow
Happy Birthday Mum. I have said it before, and I will say it again - the distance from friends and whanau is the greatest difficulty about being half a world away.
And then M & S say they cant deliver the gift voucher I had ordered this side of Christmas - shame on them (it is Easter actually, but no one said I cannot be dramatic in my little corner of the cyberworld)
So, although she won't be reading this I would like to say I wish my Mum many happy returns of the day. she is an amazing woman in so many respects
Happy Birthday Mum. I have said it before, and I will say it again - the distance from friends and whanau is the greatest difficulty about being half a world away.
And then M & S say they cant deliver the gift voucher I had ordered this side of Christmas - shame on them (it is Easter actually, but no one said I cannot be dramatic in my little corner of the cyberworld)
So, although she won't be reading this I would like to say I wish my Mum many happy returns of the day. she is an amazing woman in so many respects
Monday, 18 April 2011
We can be heroes just for one day
I posed the question a few days ago about whether it is a good or bad thing to meet ones heroes.
Simply put from my experience the answer is "maybe" Ringo Starr was rude and grumpy, Paul McCartney was polite but unwilling to give me an autograph (at first!). The Beatles were and always will be the ultimate band in my opinion. I wish I had been there to see them at the time. I miss George and John like you wouldnt believe! So it was a thrill to see Sir Richie and Sir Paul in the flesh but I wish the experience with Ringo had left a better taste in my mouth - after all I had purchased every one of his solo albums and there was some uncomfortable listening in amongst that lot!
What is that line "I have suffered for my art and now it is your turn". Anyway, they are both welcome to pop in for a cup of tea and a slice of cake the next time they are passing
Simply put from my experience the answer is "maybe" Ringo Starr was rude and grumpy, Paul McCartney was polite but unwilling to give me an autograph (at first!). The Beatles were and always will be the ultimate band in my opinion. I wish I had been there to see them at the time. I miss George and John like you wouldnt believe! So it was a thrill to see Sir Richie and Sir Paul in the flesh but I wish the experience with Ringo had left a better taste in my mouth - after all I had purchased every one of his solo albums and there was some uncomfortable listening in amongst that lot!
What is that line "I have suffered for my art and now it is your turn". Anyway, they are both welcome to pop in for a cup of tea and a slice of cake the next time they are passing
Sunday, 17 April 2011
Happy Anniiversary
Who said it wouldnt last? Obviously the pair of us, your parents, my parents and all of our friends and families. Oh and I nearly forgot the marriage celebrant (who could forget her?) You marrying someone other than me as she got my name wrong (consistently) and "the angels of love" from my reading being turned into "the angles of love" from her typo (I quite like to imagine the angles of love though)
Anyway, we made it thru 2 happy years!
Anyway, we made it thru 2 happy years!
Thought from the Weekend.
Watched a classical choral piece at the weekend that our fabulous neighbour Scotty was in - he was great, the choir was wonderful. the solo singers looked particualarly bored, the orchestra seemed very good (not knowing a lot about the classical music world I will defer to others - but they seemed good and I didnt hear anything too off key)
Anyway, the point I wanted to ponder was all to do with the conductor.
At the part of the first movement when he started fiddling with his trousers that seemed to be slipping it didnt seem to make any difference to what the band played. Indeed, other than the choir few people on stage were evening looking at him.
So what difference does he make on stage?
Would it all have been as good without him?
Answers on a postcard please to the usual address.
PS the gig was a bit too long, the Town Hall was too hot and the seats were bloody terrible.
Anyway, the point I wanted to ponder was all to do with the conductor.
At the part of the first movement when he started fiddling with his trousers that seemed to be slipping it didnt seem to make any difference to what the band played. Indeed, other than the choir few people on stage were evening looking at him.
So what difference does he make on stage?
Would it all have been as good without him?
Answers on a postcard please to the usual address.
PS the gig was a bit too long, the Town Hall was too hot and the seats were bloody terrible.
Thursday, 14 April 2011
Wednesday, 13 April 2011
Possibly last thing on fashion
Slowly getting over the excitement of last week
Just wanted to say that the majority of people involved were lovely - hardworking, not too far up themselves or the like. So a lot of what you might suspect of the fashionistas is a long way off the mark.
Thank you to everyone who was so good and wonderfully kind. Thanks especially to the good folk who took pity on the poor befuddled English guy who spent the majority of the week doing damage to his liver!
Just wanted to say that the majority of people involved were lovely - hardworking, not too far up themselves or the like. So a lot of what you might suspect of the fashionistas is a long way off the mark.
Thank you to everyone who was so good and wonderfully kind. Thanks especially to the good folk who took pity on the poor befuddled English guy who spent the majority of the week doing damage to his liver!
Tuesday, 12 April 2011
People sometimes amaze me
Imagine the scene - some megastar comes to town - say his name is Sir Paul for want of another name.
I phone him up and say I want 25 tickets, he says "sure" reserves them and then pays for them on my behalf (he is good like that)
On the day of the gig I decide I am too busy to go. The day after he phones to say "where were you?" and I say that "I was rearranging my sock drawer and I also realised I dont have 24 other friends either"
He has paid for 25 tickets as well as the hassle associated with doing the work on my behalf. Yet I feel that as I havent gone to the gig that I shouldnt have to pay............ This has happened to me several times recently and again I am not sure if it is a Kiwi thing or not.
If you tell me you want a ticket - I go and get those tickets and pay for them (or reserve them and ensure someone else does not have the opportunity to go, or indeed we reduce the ability of a band or individual to get paid)
Do not make sloth, illness or clashing events my issue - I have been on the wrong side of the deal (as has Mrs W) a number of times recently, and I am not inclined to get involved again
Also, why does no one recognise the cost of buying tickets incurs booking fees and when people (sometimes!) reimburse me it is always for the ticket price rather than the actual price I have paid on their behalf?
Rant over - apologies!
I phone him up and say I want 25 tickets, he says "sure" reserves them and then pays for them on my behalf (he is good like that)
On the day of the gig I decide I am too busy to go. The day after he phones to say "where were you?" and I say that "I was rearranging my sock drawer and I also realised I dont have 24 other friends either"
He has paid for 25 tickets as well as the hassle associated with doing the work on my behalf. Yet I feel that as I havent gone to the gig that I shouldnt have to pay............ This has happened to me several times recently and again I am not sure if it is a Kiwi thing or not.
If you tell me you want a ticket - I go and get those tickets and pay for them (or reserve them and ensure someone else does not have the opportunity to go, or indeed we reduce the ability of a band or individual to get paid)
Do not make sloth, illness or clashing events my issue - I have been on the wrong side of the deal (as has Mrs W) a number of times recently, and I am not inclined to get involved again
Also, why does no one recognise the cost of buying tickets incurs booking fees and when people (sometimes!) reimburse me it is always for the ticket price rather than the actual price I have paid on their behalf?
Rant over - apologies!
Tall Poppies
NZ is a funny place - this whole thing about "Tall Poppies" probably a bit like the UK - "Too big for their boots" kind of thing. But it can be quite nasty - evidenced by people having a bit of a go at Mrs W over the last week and her and the team's amazing efforts on the Fashion week stuff.
In the midst of various events various people (many of them in senior positions and who should have known better) feel free to divest themselves of their opinions to her when it was neither the time nor the place.
Maybe they think that she has a thicker skin than she actually does, or that the event (and her) are now too successful and that they need to take her down a peg or 2.
Anyway, dear reader, it is one of the lesser attractive elements of NZ life. Can we not just celebrate success and enjoy it? Everyone is entitled to an opinion but with that comes a certain amount of responsility to use that ability wisely (and kindly).
Mrs W does a lot of service for free - Fashion, Advisory Boards etc. It would seem a crying shame if people like her stop doing this stuff gratis simply because of others who should listen more and speak less, or even stop pointing the finger (because if you are pointing a finger then usually 3 are pointing back at you!)
Rant over, but it is only because I care!
In the midst of various events various people (many of them in senior positions and who should have known better) feel free to divest themselves of their opinions to her when it was neither the time nor the place.
Maybe they think that she has a thicker skin than she actually does, or that the event (and her) are now too successful and that they need to take her down a peg or 2.
Anyway, dear reader, it is one of the lesser attractive elements of NZ life. Can we not just celebrate success and enjoy it? Everyone is entitled to an opinion but with that comes a certain amount of responsility to use that ability wisely (and kindly).
Mrs W does a lot of service for free - Fashion, Advisory Boards etc. It would seem a crying shame if people like her stop doing this stuff gratis simply because of others who should listen more and speak less, or even stop pointing the finger (because if you are pointing a finger then usually 3 are pointing back at you!)
Rant over, but it is only because I care!
Monday, 11 April 2011
Happy Birthday James!
Another one of those things where today is today was tomorrow, could be yesterday (as George Harrison was articulated in a much better and tuneful manner) Note to self - get the proper lyric
So the "Little Fella" turned 15 today or tomorrow or yesterday
Miss him, love him and very proud of him.
Dad
X
So the "Little Fella" turned 15 today or tomorrow or yesterday
Miss him, love him and very proud of him.
Dad
X
It's nice to be important.......................
But as my dear old mother says - it is more important to be nice
Of course "Nice" is one of those words that polarises people - Miss Kirby (my wonderful English teacher at school) would highlight in very red ink any attempt to use "nice" in essays etc. Of course she was incredibly "nice" she put up with my awful handwriting and tried to help me write better - that was during breaktimes when she also tried to help Dave with his spelling and Philip with trying to enlarge the size of his writing. She was (and probably still is)
She drove a Renault 4 (Brown) called "The Duke of Warwick" (she was a fan of the Bard methinks or maybe it was a local boozer) The number plate was RPO 735 S (is that scary that I can still recall that 30 years on?). Her first name was Ruth (and probably still is), she smoked like a trooper (and probably swore like one as well), I remember so much about her and others such as Mr Martin, Mr and Mrs Waylin, Miss Ockwell, Mrs Lord etc etc etc, and yet I cannot picture her face. I saw some photos of schooldays on Freinds Reunited many years later and there was one tagged as being Miss Kirby (so I guess it must be) but yet it does not ring even the smallest of bells in my memory as being her.
Anyway, back to being "nice" - I had the opportunity to undertake some randome acts of kindness on Saturday night at the fashion show - handing out free bottles of beer - it made me incredibly happy
I love being able to do things like that. I fully subscribe to the idea that random acts of kindness have the opportunity to make someone happier for even the briefest of moments. Try it - you might like it. I get an almost childlike glee in being nice or doing something for somebody.
So, that's nice!
Of course "Nice" is one of those words that polarises people - Miss Kirby (my wonderful English teacher at school) would highlight in very red ink any attempt to use "nice" in essays etc. Of course she was incredibly "nice" she put up with my awful handwriting and tried to help me write better - that was during breaktimes when she also tried to help Dave with his spelling and Philip with trying to enlarge the size of his writing. She was (and probably still is)
She drove a Renault 4 (Brown) called "The Duke of Warwick" (she was a fan of the Bard methinks or maybe it was a local boozer) The number plate was RPO 735 S (is that scary that I can still recall that 30 years on?). Her first name was Ruth (and probably still is), she smoked like a trooper (and probably swore like one as well), I remember so much about her and others such as Mr Martin, Mr and Mrs Waylin, Miss Ockwell, Mrs Lord etc etc etc, and yet I cannot picture her face. I saw some photos of schooldays on Freinds Reunited many years later and there was one tagged as being Miss Kirby (so I guess it must be) but yet it does not ring even the smallest of bells in my memory as being her.
Anyway, back to being "nice" - I had the opportunity to undertake some randome acts of kindness on Saturday night at the fashion show - handing out free bottles of beer - it made me incredibly happy
I love being able to do things like that. I fully subscribe to the idea that random acts of kindness have the opportunity to make someone happier for even the briefest of moments. Try it - you might like it. I get an almost childlike glee in being nice or doing something for somebody.
So, that's nice!
Sunday, 10 April 2011
Bleary Eyes
G'Day
After a week of many functions, pre-functions and domestic dramas we can say goodbye to iD Fashion week here in funny old Dunedin for another year. Some fantastic frocks, lovely designers and an abundance of "grog". My liver thanked me for the alcohol free day (AFD) that I bestowed upon it yesterday!
I will get back into the swing of this over the next couple of days - just as soon as the fur disappears from my teeth, eyes and brain.
Thank you for bearing with me dear reader, and well done Mrs W on another wonderful week
After a week of many functions, pre-functions and domestic dramas we can say goodbye to iD Fashion week here in funny old Dunedin for another year. Some fantastic frocks, lovely designers and an abundance of "grog". My liver thanked me for the alcohol free day (AFD) that I bestowed upon it yesterday!
I will get back into the swing of this over the next couple of days - just as soon as the fur disappears from my teeth, eyes and brain.
Thank you for bearing with me dear reader, and well done Mrs W on another wonderful week
Wednesday, 6 April 2011
Fashion Week In Dunedin
The village of Dunedin is in a frenzy over the annual iD Fashion week
http://www.idfashion.co.nz/
And rightly so - a real buzz around the events. Some much needed colour to an otherwise monochrome existence that most folk choose to wear (any colour you like as long as it is black!)
The only thing that has taken the edge off the week so far was the front page of the ODT yesterday which had some old fat bloke on it (me) and the disagreement I had with Mrs W (see yesterday's blogfest entry)
Anyway, Emerging Designers show tonight which I am greatly looking forward to - as indeed are you (I am sure)
http://www.idfashion.co.nz/
And rightly so - a real buzz around the events. Some much needed colour to an otherwise monochrome existence that most folk choose to wear (any colour you like as long as it is black!)
The only thing that has taken the edge off the week so far was the front page of the ODT yesterday which had some old fat bloke on it (me) and the disagreement I had with Mrs W (see yesterday's blogfest entry)
Anyway, Emerging Designers show tonight which I am greatly looking forward to - as indeed are you (I am sure)
Springtime?
Just as people (whanau) from the Northern Hemisphere are bombarding me with stories of Spring, I sat in my study this morning crafting stuff for you dear reader in the freezing cold. Heatpumps are a wonderful invention, but they cannot banish "frozen to the core" cold.
But I am very pleased that Winter has passed for the folks on the top of the world - they deserve some warmth after what they have been through
But I am very pleased that Winter has passed for the folks on the top of the world - they deserve some warmth after what they have been through
Tuesday, 5 April 2011
Arguments
Arguments with ones partner are interesting things aren't they.......................
Even after all these years I hate arguing - I don't think I am any good at it
But maybe I am not perfect or easy to live with (I know I am not perfect)
Anyway, next post will be a chirpy one!
Even after all these years I hate arguing - I don't think I am any good at it
But maybe I am not perfect or easy to live with (I know I am not perfect)
Anyway, next post will be a chirpy one!
Monday, 4 April 2011
Labour MP
Here in the Land of the Long White Cloud there has been a bit of a kerfuffle surrounding a particular Labour MP who has resigned post an incident involving some sort of hi-jinks. What I hadn't appreciated until this morning was that he was "Chief Whip" for the party. Certainly it sounds like no one should have been surprised about what allegedly followed if his role was anything like his title. How we should mourn the loss of innocence from days of yore when parties involved nothing more dramatic than throwing car keys into a bowl.......................
Thought for the Month - April
Because of this time difference thing I thought my Shakespearian aside would suffice for April but now it is forever stuck in March and I do want to get into the habit of having a thought early on in each month. So carrying on the them of Bill S I would like to pose the question or challenge the statement -
"The Koala Tea of Mersey is not Strained" Well why not?
I now have 3 1/2 weeks to come up with a thought for May
What fun this blogging thing is - and without the danger of offending anyone as I continue in this void of cyber isolation
"The Koala Tea of Mersey is not Strained" Well why not?
I now have 3 1/2 weeks to come up with a thought for May
What fun this blogging thing is - and without the danger of offending anyone as I continue in this void of cyber isolation
Sunday, 3 April 2011
Another Certainty I Once knew
Water disappearing down plug holes - same or different from North to South or on the Equator...............
Why do I worry so much about something like that - the reason is because I no longer know or am no longer certain of something that I knew and was certain
Why do I worry so much about something like that - the reason is because I no longer know or am no longer certain of something that I knew and was certain
Mothers Day
Mothers Day was today/yesterday in the UK and I was wondering why there is a difference in timing
Could have something to do with Spring time and availiabilty of Dafodils at hugely inflated prices
I will defer to you dear reader for your thoughts on that one
Note to Countdown - some UK Mothering Sunday time related cards would be nice for those of us unable to get our act together at the time of the NZ Mothers Day...................
Whilst on the subject of Countdown - how come whenever I go I try to pitch my shopping total somewhere near the limit for the maximum petrol saving on their voucher scheme and yet yesterday (and usually) I managed to get it wrong by over $100!
No booze in that total either - I am thinking it might be cheaper to give up food and just drink beer (it must have most of the major food groups and vitamins in it?)
Could have something to do with Spring time and availiabilty of Dafodils at hugely inflated prices
I will defer to you dear reader for your thoughts on that one
Note to Countdown - some UK Mothering Sunday time related cards would be nice for those of us unable to get our act together at the time of the NZ Mothers Day...................
Whilst on the subject of Countdown - how come whenever I go I try to pitch my shopping total somewhere near the limit for the maximum petrol saving on their voucher scheme and yet yesterday (and usually) I managed to get it wrong by over $100!
No booze in that total either - I am thinking it might be cheaper to give up food and just drink beer (it must have most of the major food groups and vitamins in it?)
Cultural Differences?
So why is it my UK Passport says I am 194 CMS tall but I tell everyone in NZ (when asked, obviously I don't just walk up to strangers and give them personal details) that I am 6 Foot 4 and a bit?
Odd that this country is metric - everything is KMs, KG's etc but that I can go into a Pub/Bar and order a pint (which would appear to vary in volume considerably) can walk along 90 Mile beach (if I was anywhere near it) and ask quite rightly how much a baby weighs when born in Pounds and Ounces?
Funny old world we live in
Odd that this country is metric - everything is KMs, KG's etc but that I can go into a Pub/Bar and order a pint (which would appear to vary in volume considerably) can walk along 90 Mile beach (if I was anywhere near it) and ask quite rightly how much a baby weighs when born in Pounds and Ounces?
Funny old world we live in
Thursday, 31 March 2011
Thought for the Month
With Apologies to William Shakspeare:
All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances..............
If indeed this is a stage and we are just actors, could it be I have forgotten my lines?
Imagine if Shakespeare were alive today............... not only would he be nearly 450 years old (if he ever actually existed at all) but would he actually be so revered? Endless paparazzi photos of the bard entering rehab for sex addiction to men and women, probably a reality tv show to find the next great playwright, allegations of plagirism, multimillion pound law suits and ultimately death in a lonely room somewhere, a spent, dried up entertainer who couldn't handle the adoration.
I liked him in O level English mainly because he gave our school an excuse to drive us to Stratford Upon Avon, drink beer at The Black Swan (AKA The Dirty Duck) down by the river (it was possible to kick a beer glass from the front of the pub into the river (or so I am led to believe)) watch a play and then have fun and frolics on the coach ride home. Happy Days! Now I am probably of the opinion that the tragedies are a little bit hackneyed, the comedies are not terribly funny and the histories are probably more than a tad overstated (Henry V - one of my favourites especially the Kenneth "Wallendar" Branagh filmed version - where at Agincourt the English overwhelmed the garlic munching Frenchie sorts, killing 17 million of them for the loss of 2 archers hit by flying shrapnell and a horse named Eric overcome by the smell of cheese). Having researched extensively about Agincourt over the years I can find no reference to Eric.................
It is a bad writer who has more words within (brackets/parentheses) than outside them. I am clearly guilty of being a very bad writer!
Coming Soon! My life Story! I know you can hardly contain your excitement dear reader..............
All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances..............
If indeed this is a stage and we are just actors, could it be I have forgotten my lines?
Imagine if Shakespeare were alive today............... not only would he be nearly 450 years old (if he ever actually existed at all) but would he actually be so revered? Endless paparazzi photos of the bard entering rehab for sex addiction to men and women, probably a reality tv show to find the next great playwright, allegations of plagirism, multimillion pound law suits and ultimately death in a lonely room somewhere, a spent, dried up entertainer who couldn't handle the adoration.
I liked him in O level English mainly because he gave our school an excuse to drive us to Stratford Upon Avon, drink beer at The Black Swan (AKA The Dirty Duck) down by the river (it was possible to kick a beer glass from the front of the pub into the river (or so I am led to believe)) watch a play and then have fun and frolics on the coach ride home. Happy Days! Now I am probably of the opinion that the tragedies are a little bit hackneyed, the comedies are not terribly funny and the histories are probably more than a tad overstated (Henry V - one of my favourites especially the Kenneth "Wallendar" Branagh filmed version - where at Agincourt the English overwhelmed the garlic munching Frenchie sorts, killing 17 million of them for the loss of 2 archers hit by flying shrapnell and a horse named Eric overcome by the smell of cheese). Having researched extensively about Agincourt over the years I can find no reference to Eric.................
It is a bad writer who has more words within (brackets/parentheses) than outside them. I am clearly guilty of being a very bad writer!
Coming Soon! My life Story! I know you can hardly contain your excitement dear reader..............
Jolly Japes on April Fools Day
Because NZ is currently 12 hours ahead of the UK (sometimes it is 11 and other times it is 13) today is sometimes yesterday and other times it is tomorrow (I hope that makes sense)
So if you need to know the Euromillions Lotto numbers give me a call because by the time they draw it in Europe I will already know the numbers. You should particularly make that call if you are a good friend or trustworthy relative with a view to sharing said monies................
Anyway, still broadcasting to an audience of 1 (me) I am thinking if I can do a year of this with no one reading me then there has to be a Hollywood film in it. Forget "Julie and Julia", "Mark and Markie" will be a blockbuster!
The thread started with reference to April Fools Day - we have already gone through Midday here so I am exempted from any further pranks this year (unless there is some time zone ruling for prankers or prankees surrounding the time zone in which the prank is perpetrated). So there is another time / distance conumdrum like the moon one I posed yesterday (or was that today or maybe even tomorrow?)
I pulled one joke on a colleague with the help of my manager which worked well (my we laughed as I emerged from under my desk) and a further one at the sandwich bar I visit most days. The first involved a hangover story, the second olives. Don't say I don't live on the ragged edge of contemporary comedy.
Happy April. Coming soon! Thought of the Month (is there no end to my generosity to you my sole (soul) reader?).
So if you need to know the Euromillions Lotto numbers give me a call because by the time they draw it in Europe I will already know the numbers. You should particularly make that call if you are a good friend or trustworthy relative with a view to sharing said monies................
Anyway, still broadcasting to an audience of 1 (me) I am thinking if I can do a year of this with no one reading me then there has to be a Hollywood film in it. Forget "Julie and Julia", "Mark and Markie" will be a blockbuster!
The thread started with reference to April Fools Day - we have already gone through Midday here so I am exempted from any further pranks this year (unless there is some time zone ruling for prankers or prankees surrounding the time zone in which the prank is perpetrated). So there is another time / distance conumdrum like the moon one I posed yesterday (or was that today or maybe even tomorrow?)
I pulled one joke on a colleague with the help of my manager which worked well (my we laughed as I emerged from under my desk) and a further one at the sandwich bar I visit most days. The first involved a hangover story, the second olives. Don't say I don't live on the ragged edge of contemporary comedy.
Happy April. Coming soon! Thought of the Month (is there no end to my generosity to you my sole (soul) reader?).
Random thought
The older I get the less certan I am about so many things. Where once the confidence of youth meant I would have won the million Pounds (UK) on "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" now I would be so overcome with indecision I would probably fail to answer the first question.
So my question to myself as I am the only one reading this is "The Moon that I saw this morning which was just a slither of lunar light - is that the same amount of moon my friends and whanau in the UK would have been seeing at the same time up there (it was dark here at 7am and it would have been 7pm there and so probably dark at this time of year). Or, will they get to see the same Moon tomorrow?
Can anyone disentagle this random thought and give me a definitive answer?
So my question to myself as I am the only one reading this is "The Moon that I saw this morning which was just a slither of lunar light - is that the same amount of moon my friends and whanau in the UK would have been seeing at the same time up there (it was dark here at 7am and it would have been 7pm there and so probably dark at this time of year). Or, will they get to see the same Moon tomorrow?
Can anyone disentagle this random thought and give me a definitive answer?
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
Welcome to my world!
Kia Ora!
The title of the blog says some of what I think it might be about. Other times I suspect is going to be a random mish-mash of thoughts that people who work in the fields of psychiatry and psychology will be running for their drugs or couches (I can never remember which one is which) in order to cure this foreigner abroad.
I suspect my audience is going to mostly be single figures (1 is the loneliest number) but it will be good for me to try and write something on a regular basis.
I see myself as a failed writer - mainly because I lack the confidence to ever finish anything or show it to anyone
As an only child (and at the age of 48 I might always be now!) I have always been terribly shy, but have always overcompensated to appear way more confident than I actually am on the inside
Alcohol may be a terrible thing, but it does help me feel more confident and able to sommunicate. It also makes me feel way more funny than I actually am
Not sure if there is spellcheck on the bloguniverse - I apologise for typos - I am too reliant on spellcheck now whenever I type anything
So anyway, here it is and here I am and so (hopefully) are you
A splendid time is (not) guaranteed for all, and tonight Mr Kite is topping the bill, or even Henry the Horse dances the waltz............... to coin a phrase or several misquoted ones.
Cheers
An Englishman in New Zealand
I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien
The title of the blog says some of what I think it might be about. Other times I suspect is going to be a random mish-mash of thoughts that people who work in the fields of psychiatry and psychology will be running for their drugs or couches (I can never remember which one is which) in order to cure this foreigner abroad.
I suspect my audience is going to mostly be single figures (1 is the loneliest number) but it will be good for me to try and write something on a regular basis.
I see myself as a failed writer - mainly because I lack the confidence to ever finish anything or show it to anyone
As an only child (and at the age of 48 I might always be now!) I have always been terribly shy, but have always overcompensated to appear way more confident than I actually am on the inside
Alcohol may be a terrible thing, but it does help me feel more confident and able to sommunicate. It also makes me feel way more funny than I actually am
Not sure if there is spellcheck on the bloguniverse - I apologise for typos - I am too reliant on spellcheck now whenever I type anything
So anyway, here it is and here I am and so (hopefully) are you
A splendid time is (not) guaranteed for all, and tonight Mr Kite is topping the bill, or even Henry the Horse dances the waltz............... to coin a phrase or several misquoted ones.
Cheers
An Englishman in New Zealand
I'm an alien, I'm a legal alien
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