New Zealand Musers Thread

[Michelle]

Thanks! :)

I was getting excited when I was nearly done but then there was also the fear of what to do now. I've got a lab demonstrator position for one day a week and my supervisor said she wants me to demonstrate for some of the papers she runs too. So that gives me a bit of money and experience while we write up papers to publish. There's also various things to volunteer for, like a phd student said I could go out to Browns Island and monitor released rats for him.

Went to Coromandel in the weekend, so that was nice to get out of Auck for a bit.

[_Ed_]

Apparently Windows 7 has a combination of keys that make the screen rotate by 90 degrees. I discovered this by accident at work today. It was highly alarming! And the mouse thought up was right and down was left... Oh, it was chaos.

Workmates thought it was hilarious. So did the tech guys when I called them.

[Super Sammy!]

:awesome: Radiohead.

[_Ed_]

:awesome:
Must admit I don't know much about Connan Mockasin.

[Me Rug I Sty]

A German tourist approached me last weekend to ask where the nearest park was because he 'heard the kiwi thing to do is to get drunk in a park'.

Oh dear :/

[_Ed_]

What an awesome reputation to have. :rolleyes:

[Super Sammy!]

:awesome:
Must admit I don't know much about Connan Mockasin.

Yeah, I'd never heard of him beforehand. Doesn't seem like my kind of act anyway :p

A German tourist approached me last weekend to ask where the nearest park was because he 'heard the kiwi thing to do is to get drunk in a park'.

Oh dear :/

That only applies for Rhythm and Vines :phu:

[darkshineskitty]

Moas, I really need your help.

Anyone here willing to maybe adopt an older cat? I need to find a home for one or its probably the SPCA- and people don't really adopt older cats from there. I would pay for all medical costs and a weekly payment for food, I just need a home for it. Please ask friends and family if they know anyone who could take it :(

[Tacticalkat]

Moas, I really need your help.

Anyone here willing to maybe adopt an older cat? I need to find a home for one or its probably the SPCA- and people don't really adopt older cats from there. I would pay for all medical costs and a weekly payment for food, I just need a home for it. Please ask friends and family if they know anyone who could take it :(

Oh no! That sucks, I can't take them myself but will def ask around. How old, sex, temperment etc?

how come you can't keep it?

[darkshineskitty]

Oh no! That sucks, I can't take them myself but will def ask around. How old, sex, temperment etc?

how come you can't keep it?

There's two but only one might have to be adopted out.

There is a female, about 12, who is an independent type. She is happy to be patted on the head and back but doesn't really like to be picked up (although you can, she will just miaow loudly). She prefers to come to you if she wants to sit on your lap. She is quite vocal and will miaow when you touch her or interrupt her actions- not in annoyance but just because she's vocal. She is a dominant type so she might conflict with other cats at first.

The other is a male, about 15. He is fluffy and more reserved. He likes to be patted a lot, and loves affection. He doesn't really miaow unless he's left alone- for example if you put him out at night by himself he might miaow outside because he wants to come in. He should be fine to sleep a bedroom without miaowing because he likes to be near people.

Can't keep them because my dad's partner doesn't want them any more and apparently its putting a strain on their relationship because she already has 4 kids and a cat. They've only been there for 4 days :indiff:

[_Ed_]

Sorry to hear that. :( Sadly I can't help, but I really hope you find a good home for it.

[Tacticalkat]

She sounds like a nice person, not!

I will ask around for you, can't think of anyone I know off the top of my head though. :(

[Carlo von Sexron]

Went to Villa Maria last night to see Gin Wigmore and The Muttonbirds. I have a sore head today at work :( but it was thoroughly enjoyable. Recommend the winery thing to anybody interested.

[Tacticalkat]

I saw Ronan Keating there last year. He was fairly average but the support band was INCREDIBLE. It was Peter Urlich and some jazz band, they were so awesome! Swoon!

[Carlo von Sexron]

Peter Urlich is the man! I used to love it when he did the breakfast show on George, although Nick D ain't half bad either

[_Ed_]

Quiet in here!

I was asked an amazing question today - "do you know where the Sky Tower is?" :chuckle: I pointed at it.

[Tacticalkat]

Quiet in here!

I was asked an amazing question today - "do you know where the Sky Tower is?" :chuckle: I pointed at it.

Are you serious? That's pretty impressive.

Did Kitty ever find a home for those kitties?

[Boris]

Hi everyone,

Are the earlier parts of the New Zealand thread archived anywhere? Specifically, is Part 1 still anywhere?

[darkshineskitty]

Hi everyone,

Are the earlier parts of the New Zealand thread archived anywhere? Specifically, is Part 1 still anywhere?

Unlikely, although Kev has archived the board from a few years back so it might be in there. You'd have to ask him.

[_Ed_]

Hi everyone,

Are the earlier parts of the New Zealand thread archived anywhere? Specifically, is Part 1 still anywhere?
Those were the days...

[Davinq]

Thread's dead? :supersad:

Just wanted to pop in and say g'day, and I got my plane tickets to head home this coming Christmas. It's been ages since I came down during the summertime, should be great. :awesome:

[_Ed_]

Oh, that's awesome! :) Hope it's a better summer than the one we just had, which seemed to be pretty shit all around the country.

I'm off on an epic holiday next week myself - San Francisco, Louisville, New York, London, Belgium, Paris, Berlin, Edinburgh, York and Washington DC. Pretty excited!

[Tacticalkat]

Oh, that's awesome! :) Hope it's a better summer than the one we just had, which seemed to be pretty shit all around the country.

I'm off on an epic holiday next week myself - San Francisco, Louisville, New York, London, Belgium, Paris, Berlin, Edinburgh, York and Washington DC. Pretty excited!

Woah that's an awesome holiday! How long are you going for?

I've got a week off, I'm so excited, ahah!

[_Ed_]

I'm off for six weeks. :) I've been saving up leave for ages and can never be arsed just taking long weekends or anything, so might as well use it all in one massive piece of epic awesomeness! Haven't really had a holiday in ages, so I'm looking forward to it.

Yay week off for you! :) Any plans, or just some well-deserved time with your feet up?

[Tacticalkat]

That sounds fantastic! You will have to take loads of piccies and keep us posted on your adventures!

Yeah I feel I deserve a good week off this time! I took time off in November to move house, then my last holiday in Feb we had the fire, so I haven't really had a break since mid last year!
So just going to potter about the garden, take my puppy on lots of walks and enjoy frivolous activities like getting my hair cut! Haha!

[_Ed_]

Sounds awesome. :)

I will keep you posted throughout my trip! Although you may regret requesting that - I've already come up with a dumb pun, turning San Francisco into that guy who did the Thong Song...

[zomuse]

Coldplay's playing a gig in Auckland at Mt Smart stadium in November. Presales on the 17th. Anyone going?

[Shwissky]

Wow, Black Keys on the 4th, Radiohead on the 7th and Coldplay on the 10th, that's going to be a hell of week for some people.

[Super Sammy!]

Yeah I'm doing TBK in Wellington on Nov 5th and Radiohead in Auckland on Nov 6th. Not fussed on Coldplay in the slightest :LOL:

[Tacticalkat]

Sounds awesome. :)

I will keep you posted throughout my trip! Although you may regret requesting that - I've already come up with a dumb pun, turning San Francisco into that guy who did the Thong Song...

It took me far too long to get that! I was thinking "Baha men"???? Hahah, then I googled it and laughed.

I have no interest in seeing any of those bands!

[Michelle]

Hi all.

How are we all? I finally got my thesis mark back and had to share the excitement as I've been very anxious about getting it back. It was a good mark! Yay, I'm a good little researcher :happy:

Past few months have been odd with me not really wanting to go on computers much after spending so much time on them for my thesis, but think I'm getting over that now which is good because I need to fix corrections on the thesis before getting it printed in hard bound. And with not many jobs around that seem right for me, it looks like I will give PhD a go...


I'm off on an epic holiday next week myself - San Francisco, Louisville, New York, London, Belgium, Paris, Berlin, Edinburgh, York and Washington DC. Pretty excited!

:awesome:

Wow, Black Keys on the 4th, Radiohead on the 7th and Coldplay on the 10th, that's going to be a hell of week for some people.

I want to see The Black Keys and Radiohead. Might have to try get tickets for Birthday and xmas pressies :ninja:

There hasn't been any Muse news for ages which is odd. Doesn't look like we're getting a live dvd from the last tour season :(

[Tacticalkat]

Hi all.

How are we all? I finally got my thesis mark back and had to share the excitement as I've been very anxious about getting it back. It was a good mark! Yay, I'm a good little researcher :happy:

Past few months have been odd with me not really wanting to go on computers much after spending so much time on them for my thesis, but think I'm getting over that now which is good because I need to fix corrections on the thesis before getting it printed in hard bound. And with not many jobs around that seem right for me, it looks like I will give PhD a go...



:awesome:



I want to see The Black Keys and Radiohead. Might have to try get tickets for Birthday and xmas pressies :ninja:

There hasn't been any Muse news for ages which is odd. Doesn't look like we're getting a live dvd from the last tour season :(

Yay thesis done! Congratulations Michelle! You deserve a nice break now! But then on to the PHD, wow! Good on you. Have a cute puppy pic

Piper:

[darkshineskitty]

Hello all. Michelle- glad to hear your thesis went well! Looks like all that work paid off! And now you're going to do a PhD? :eek: Brave!
Kat- Cute puppy! How have you been recently? :happy:

[Tacticalkat]

Hello all. Michelle- glad to hear your thesis went well! Looks like all that work paid off! And now you're going to do a PhD? :eek: Brave!
Kat- Cute puppy! How have you been recently? :happy:

Thanks, she is gorgeous!! That was about a month ago now, she is lots bigger! I've been ok, a bit crap the last few weeks, I've had glandular fever and have had to take three weeks off work, awful! But I am on the way up again now finally!

How are things with you? What happened to the cats you were trying to rehome?

[Michelle]

Yay thesis done! Congratulations Michelle! You deserve a nice break now! But then on to the PHD, wow! Good on you. Have a cute puppy pic


Hello all. Michelle- glad to hear your thesis went well! Looks like all that work paid off! And now you're going to do a PhD? :eek: Brave!

Thanks gals!

Puppy is very cute :happy: I want a puppy, but my kitty probably wouldn't be very happy if I got one. She doesn't even like our new cat, who kinda acts more like a dog sometimes though :erm: But he's fun; poor litttle fella was abandoned it seems. Pretty sure he's a maine coon as all his characteristics seem to fit.

I've been looking at all the forms and PhD handbook today, and there's a lot of stuff to do just to apply. If I make the deadline for the first round of Massey scholarships, 1st of July, it'll be by the skin of my teeth :stunned:

I've been ok, a bit crap the last few weeks, I've had glandular fever and have had to take three weeks off work, awful! But I am on the way up again now finally!


Sorry to hear that, glad you're better now!

[Tacticalkat]

Thanks gals!

Puppy is very cute :happy: I want a puppy, but my kitty probably wouldn't be very happy if I got one. She doesn't even like our new cat, who kinda acts more like a dog sometimes though :erm: But he's fun; poor litttle fella was abandoned it seems. Pretty sure he's a maine coon as all his characteristics seem to fit.

I've been looking at all the forms and PhD handbook today, and there's a lot of stuff to do just to apply. If I make the deadline for the first round of Massey scholarships, 1st of July, it'll be by the skin of my teeth :stunned:



Sorry to hear that, glad you're better now!

Ooooh I would love a maine coon! They are gorgeous! Our kitty tolerates the dog, but they curl up in front of the fire together. :happy: The puppy was a rescue puppy, her and her siblings were found dumped in a plastic bag in a park.
Just disgusting what some people are capable of.

[Me Rug I Sty]

Where's a good place to get a reasonably priced suit in Auckland or Christchurch (i'm still a student, so emphasis on reasonably)? Have several occasions coming up requiring one, so I may as well own one instead of hiring each time...

[Michelle]

Ooooh I would love a maine coon! They are gorgeous! Our kitty tolerates the dog, but they curl up in front of the fire together. :happy: The puppy was a rescue puppy, her and her siblings were found dumped in a plastic bag in a park.
Just disgusting what some people are capable of.

Aww, cute. Yeah, it is terrible when animals are abandoned like that. I can't understand why ours was abandoned, he is so lovely and cheeky. He started showing up more often trying to get food and was quite thin. He had a collar and tag with phone numbers but no one answered and replied. They must have left in a hurry...

Where's a good place to get a reasonably priced suit in Auckland or Christchurch (i'm still a student, so emphasis on reasonably)? Have several occasions coming up requiring one, so I may as well own one instead of hiring each time...

Hallensteins have been advertising suits on tv. I'm just guessing they may be reasonably priced. Worth checking out though.

:awesome: for new Muse album on the way.

[cookie]

:awesome: let the waiting begin!

[JoBear]

Richard and I were just talking about you in a pub in London other week Chris! How are you?

I got sent to Australia on a business trip for 4 weeks in March and got to go to Christchurch for two days and via Perth to see my parents for two days too. And now I am going back to New Zealand for 5 weeks at Christmas time and plan to travel around the North Island. :awesome:

[Michelle]

I got sent to Australia on a business trip for 4 weeks in March and got to go to Christchurch for two days and via Perth to see my parents for two days too. And now I am going back to New Zealand for 5 weeks at Christmas time and plan to travel around the North Island. :awesome:

That is indeed awesome! :awesome: Is Oren coming too?

[JoBear]

Orens already back in NZ, living in Hamilton.

Long story short we broke up Oct last year. Still my best friend though and I miss him a lot.

[cookie]

Hi Jo, im good, so are you based in london these days? Richard too?
Hi Michelle:musesign:

[JoBear]

Yeah I'm still in London. Two year anniversary in my job tomorrow. :erm: Richard just came to visit and we went to Belgium one weekend.

I got tickets to the Madrid gig through the application process. £40 vs £65 for London and this way I have an excuse to have a weekend in Spain.

[darkshineskitty]

Frick me is it cold. I've got two duvets and a blanket on, and I'm still considering adding a sleeping bag to the mix.

[Tacticalkat]

Frick me is it cold. I've got two duvets and a blanket on, and I'm still considering adding a sleeping bag to the mix.

Isn't it just? I'm loving my fire place, but I done Thunk the wood we bought is going to last the whole season the way we are going through it!!

[_Ed_]

Richard just came to visit and we went to Belgium one weekend.
And that was so, so awesome. Thanks heaps for suggesting it and making the arrangements! Definitely one of the highlights of the trip.

[_Ed_]

Oh, and I strongly agree with the comments about the cold! Bloody hell!

And it's just not fair. For most of my trip I was in places where it was meant to be spring, but it was only 10-12 degrees, and I was seeing that Auckland had 18-19 those days. Where's that gone now, Auckland? Huh?

[_Ed_]

I giggled at this: http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/rudest-personalised-plates-revealed-4929290

[Tacticalkat]

Welcome back Rich, where are all your photo's????:)

[_Ed_]

Haha. There are 861 of them... :unsure:

[JoBear]

I enjoyed looking at them. :)

[Tacticalkat]

Haha. There are 861 of them... :unsure:

Can you fit all them on here? Haha!:)

[_Ed_]

Haha, maybe... It'd be a bit awkward if I crashed the board.

[Michelle]

Orens already back in NZ, living in Hamilton.

Long story short we broke up Oct last year. Still my best friend though and I miss him a lot.

Oh, I'm sorry to bring that up. Shows how I haven't been on facebook for so long. That's great you're still best friends though :)


Hi Michelle:musesign:

Hi Chris! *waves*

We need a waving smile face in here like on Skype.

Oh, and I strongly agree with the comments about the cold! Bloody hell!

And it's just not fair. For most of my trip I was in places where it was meant to be spring, but it was only 10-12 degrees, and I was seeing that Auckland had 18-19 those days. Where's that gone now, Auckland? Huh?

Hey Rich, good to see ya back. Overall, how was the trip? Highlight pics would be cool.

That's a shame about the cold weather everywhere, but don't expect warm weather here anytime soon :erm:

[JoBear]

No worries! It's not like we announced it to the world at the time and there's probably a bunch of people I rarely see who still have no idea. We even just hid our relationship statuses on facebook to avoid the whole awkward facebook "is now single.

[Michelle]

Oh, I see. Yeah, facebook can make life more awkward sometimes.

I've been working on PhD and scholarship applications plus I've just finished a cv and cover letter for a job as a bird keeper at Auckland Zoo. My uni supervisor said I should apply for the job as just a reference to see how they value my skills and how far I get trhough the application process. I don't know though whether to get my cv checked by a careers advisor or not, as I've never had to give a cv for the jobs I've gotten (only given out a cv once and didn't get that job). And if I don't get a scholarship, I'm going to need to look at getting a more permanent job :erm:

[_Ed_]

Overall, how was the trip? Highlight pics would be cool.
The trip was amazing, especially the places where I met up with friends - lots in London (plus the trip to Belgium with Jo!), as well as New York, Berlin and Edinburgh. Pretty tiring packing so much into every day for six weeks, though, and I got a bit lonely in some of the other places.

Here's one photo my friend took of me in Berlin. I love it!
http://i50.tinypic.com/2rxy682.jpg


The Auckland Zoo job sounds fantastic! Definitely worth a crack. Good luck with that and/or the scholarship applications!

[_Ed_]

I was doing some practice in the speech-recognition stuff at work today. I took a break and listened to some music. I sang along a bit (I was all by myself in a little room). I didn't notice I'd left my microphone switched on... It turns out the software can understand singing!

[_Ed_]

So, what does everyone think of Survival?

I think it's fabulous. :LOL: Still makes me laugh after four or five listens.

Can't believe London 2012 chose it as the official song, though. Do they want their Olympics to be taken seriously?

[darkshineskitty]

So, what does everyone think of Survival?

I think it's fabulous. :LOL: Still makes me laugh after four or five listens.

Can't believe London 2012 chose it as the official song, though. Do they want their Olympics to be taken seriously?

Sounds like a declaration of war! I'm expecting the planned rural farm-life theme to drop away to banners of Big Brother and marching soldiers.

[_Ed_]

Sounds like a declaration of war! I'm expecting the planned rural farm-life theme to drop away to banners of Big Brother and marching soldiers.
Haha, that's brilliant.

But I wonder how it's gonna work live. There's not much time for a piano-guitar transition for Matt. So is he gonna be lazy and get Morgan to do the bouncy piano part while he dances awkwardly with his guitar?

[JoBear]

I am not looking forward to the Olympics, it's just going to make London so difficult.

Although my friend offered me a ticket to the dressage.

[Tacticalkat]

Awesome pic!! Sounds like you had a blast.

I love the Olympic song, cracks me up!

[JoBear]

It's no theme tune to Flash Gordon (ah-AHHHH).

[_Ed_]

Haha, that movie was magnificent.

[JoBear]

How are they going to sell the shares in the power companies? Because I'd like to buy some out of principle of trying to keep it in NZ hands but then this website: https://www.governmentshareoffers.govt.nz/ tells me I can't unless NZ is my primary residence which it of course isn't since I live in the UK. :mad:

[_Ed_]

That's stupid. :noey:

Went to Flight of the Conchords at Vector on Friday (the first night). So awesome. Setlist: http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/flight-of-the-conchords/2012/vector-arena-auckland-new-zealand-23df6ce7.html

But there was one random thing. While I was outside the arena, Kim Dotcom randomly showed up, and like a hundred people flocked over to get autographs and have photos taken with him. He's a big star now, apparently!

[_Ed_]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=itvJybdcYbI :chuckle:

[Michelle]

The trip was amazing, especially the places where I met up with friends - lots in London (plus the trip to Belgium with Jo!), as well as New York, Berlin and Edinburgh. Pretty tiring packing so much into every day for six weeks, though, and I got a bit lonely in some of the other places.

Yeah I can imagine it would be tiring moving all over the place, but it sure is an amazing experience you'll remember for the rest of your life.

I was doing some practice in the speech-recognition stuff at work today. I took a break and listened to some music. I sang along a bit (I was all by myself in a little room). I didn't notice I'd left my microphone switched on... It turns out the software can understand singing!

That's pretty cool. You'll be able to make your own karaoke! :LOL:

So, what does everyone think of Survival?

I think it's fabulous. :LOL: Still makes me laugh after four or five listens.

Can't believe London 2012 chose it as the official song, though. Do they want their Olympics to be taken seriously?

It's pretty epic. I haven't listened to it since the day it was first released though, been quite busy. But yeah, I imagine it could possibly end been cut up and ruined for the olympics :erm:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=itvJybdcYbI :chuckle:

:wtf: :LOL:

I've just submitted my application for the zoo job. My PhD scholarship aplication is in too. Now it's a waiting game... Hope I don't get as anxious as when I was waiting for my thesis mark.

[_Ed_]

Ooh, good luck!

[JoBear]

Good luck Michelle!

Think I might just help out the government by paying off $5000 on my student loan. But really, I'm only doing it because it's the last year of the voluntary repayment bonus and that'll give me $500 off my loan.

[JoBear]

Also was going to say Kit Dotcom is a smart man, knows what to get behind (ie. TVNZ7) to make Kiwis support him. His twitter is great.

But I thought he was on bail to his home only? He always seems to be about the place!

And I'm glad the tide has turned, no way should the US seem to have so much power against a NZ citizen (regardless of how he got that status, people buy citizenship all over the world anyway).

[_Ed_]

And I'm glad the tide has turned, no way should the US seem to have so much power against a NZ citizen (regardless of how he got that status, people buy citizenship all over the world anyway).
Exactly, and especially since the US is footing absolutely none of the bill for the legal proceedings they conceived.

[Michelle]

Thanks!

Yeah, Dotcom seems to be all over the place. Still seems to be living a good life style despite loosing his mansion :erm:

[JoBear]

I read he got the mansion back and the bail conditions pretty much removed at the end of May. But his assets are all frozen which it looks like US love since he can't get to his funds to pay lawyers.

[_Ed_]

I read he got the mansion back and the bail conditions pretty much removed at the end of May.
Yeah, I think that's right. He's been inviting random Twitter followers around to his place to swim in his pool. :LOL:

[JoBear]

Yeah, I think that's right. He's been inviting random Twitter followers around to his place to swim in his pool. :LOL:

Swims at Kims!

[Michelle]

You'd hope it's a heated pool!

[_Ed_]

http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/batman-could-fly-but-he-d-crash-and-die-4965098
They had a bit of time on their hands.

[Muser_Saff]

I have found my people!! :LOL:

Anybody know how long it takes for merch to come from the U.K merch shop??

[_Ed_]

Welcome! :)

I can't help you with that, sorry - I've never bought anything from that merch shop. But hopefully there's someone here who can be a bit more useful.

[Me Rug I Sty]

I'm doing some research for my media studies class on journalism in New Zealand, which is to be underpinned by a small survey (It is only 10 questions long, so shouldn't take more than a minute or two)
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7F2K33N
I need it answered by as many people as possible, hence posting here If you're feeling generous, ask other household members to take it too.

Thank you to anyone who bothers to complete it :)

[Tacticalkat]

I'm doing some research for my media studies class on journalism in New Zealand, which is to be underpinned by a small survey (It is only 10 questions long, so shouldn't take more than a minute or two)
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/7F2K33N
I need it answered by as many people as possible, hence posting here If you're feeling generous, ask other household members to take it too.

Thank you to anyone who bothers to complete it :)



Done!

[Me Rug I Sty]

Muchas gracias!

[Michelle]

http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/batman-could-fly-but-he-d-crash-and-die-4965098
They had a bit of time on their hands.

Interesting though :LOL:

I have found my people!! :LOL:

Anybody know how long it takes for merch to come from the U.K merch shop??

Hi there. It's been a while since I bought from the U.K shop so I can't really remember, but I don't think it took too long.

[JoBear]

the men's road race went past just near my flat twice today. it was really cool.

[Michelle]

Cool. Were there lots of people on the street watching?

[JoBear]

yeah it was packed all along the barriers. really cool to see people come out and get involved.

[Michelle]

Awesome. Would be cool being able to watch it on the tele and out the window at the same time :chuckle:

[JoBear]

it's just so nice that it's in my time zone, added bonus it's my city too. gonna try get some more tickets through the daily ticket releases.

we're all been sneakily watching steams at work. my kiwi workmate has a silver fern flag and i just bought some nz flag buntings to annoy our boss. gonna have the kiwi corner. :LOL:

[_Ed_]

Haha, that sounds great.

The time zone thing is killing me. :(

[JoBear]

Got to watch the equestrian medal today, very awesome.

[_Ed_]

It was, although Toddy knocked a rail over! :eek: The horse did look a bit tired, poor thing.

First of the rowing finals tonight for NZ - go Juliette! She's an old family friend, so it's awesome to see her doing well on a big stage.

[_Ed_]

Jeez Bond and Murray are amazing. Smashed the world record by 5 seconds in the heat, and just annihilated the opposition in the semi.

[_Ed_]

Bronze medal for Juliette! Fantastic.

[_Ed_]

Ooh, looks like we're gonna get a random cycling medal! Fuck yeah!

I should go to bed... But I cannot turn the TV off.

Edit: Aw, fourth.

[_Ed_]

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s480x480/487334_10150966874237344_1367704714_n.jpg
:LOL:

[JoBear]

That's what I've been saying to my workmates, everyone before this morning were all disappointed that Team GB didn't have a Gold yet and I've been all "YEAH BRONZE FOR NZ!". I like that every medal counts to us.

Hopefully those rowing boys will get Gold on Friday, I'd love Mahe to as well since he's missed out so much!

[_Ed_]

Happy birthday, Michelle! Hope it's an awesome day.

[JoBear]

Yes happy birthday Michelle.

That gold was brilliant today!

[_Ed_]

Yeah, fantastic!

[_Ed_]

Bond and Murray! INCREDIBLE.

[_Ed_]

http://i49.tinypic.com/52jajt.jpg
:D

[_Ed_]

Gold for Mahe! So well-deserved.

[Davinq]

So how is New Zealand doing overall? American telly is absolute crap and never shows anything that is "not tailored to the American audience." (http://www.newstatesman.com/blogs/world-affairs/2012/07/nbc-cuts-london-bombings-tribute-because-it-not-tailored-us-audience) :indiff:

[JoBear]

3 Gold. 3 Bronze. Gonna head to Kiwi House tomorrow and hope I can get in for the lightweight sculls.

[JoBear]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/bucjo/kiwimahe.jpg
Love how random this is. :LOL:

[_Ed_]

:LOL:
I have no words.

[_Ed_]

Good to see us get another bronze in the cycling. And how about Lauren Boyle! Broke the NZ record (which she set in the heats) by 3 seconds and came fourth. Not far from bronze. Heroic effort.

[Michelle]

http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s480x480/487334_10150966874237344_1367704714_n.jpg
:LOL:

:LOL:

Happy birthday, Michelle! Hope it's an awesome day.

Yes happy birthday Michelle.

That gold was brilliant today!

Thanks! :D

I haven't gotten round to watching much Olympics but watching badminton now.

[_Ed_]

The badminton's been a bit scandalous these Olympics!

[JoBear]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v228/bucjo/radionetworkhouse.jpg

I worked in this building for two weeks as AMI had most of their IT department in there. Had beautiful views over the city from the top floor. It's strange because when I was in Christchurch in March it was one of the few buildings left on the skyline in the city.

[JoBear]

Also Kiwi House was awesome. The Bronze Team Sprint team came in and everyone cheered and Storm and Peter got their bronze too. Not too impressed by that restart though.

Enjoyed the Moa beer and a proper pie!

[_Ed_]

Not too impressed by that restart though.
:noey:
Their definition of 100m is apparently different to mine. Thought the Brits were very lucky.

Enjoyed the Moa beer and a proper pie!
:happy:

Sprint team did well! But it was so awkward when Simon Dallow interviewed them and ended it with "maybe you could take up rowing next time". Ugh!

[JoBear]

I've just been watching that Jono and Ben at Ten show (the internet lives on without megaupload), it's like let's replace Bill with Jono but then it's very obvious that Bill is doing a bunch of voiceovers without any credit that I can see for certain court related reasons.

[JoBear]

:LOL: This show did inform me that he's now Sir Mad Butcher. How'd I miss that one?

[_Ed_]

Haha, yes. That was a good segment. I'm quite enjoying the show, actually.

[_Ed_]

http://weaselsthatlooklikecolincraig.tumblr.com/
:LOL:
Although the Charles Chauvel one at the top is a bit mean.

[JoBear]

I hate the fake live desk setup and Guy Williams reminds me a bit too much of Clayton Weatherston but otherwise I enjoy it too.

[JoBear]

Today I learnt that there is a dinosaur glued to a rock in front of one of the cameras on White Island. :LOL: People are so random.

[_Ed_]

Haha, that is awesomely random.

Silver for Valerie. A little disappointed she didn't get gold, but this was still an awesome effort. I'm so impressed that she wasn't completely thrown off her game by that fiasco earlier in the day - "Whoops, sorry! We forgot to enter you in the event you've been training for for four years. We think you're OK to compete now... Good luck! Do your best!"

[_Ed_]

She sounds disappointed in the interviews. :( But I LOVE this quote:

"I might just go to Rio just to piss people off."

Yes! DO IT!

[JoBear]

I have no idea what the hell goes on in the sailing but it seems we're doing quite well at it.

Kiwi House went on fire tonight. :( I guess it won't be open tomorrow...I wanted to get one last Moa and pie.

[_Ed_]

Wow, really? That's a bit dramatic! Hope it's not serious.

So impressed by one of our women's hockey players - smacked in the head with a stick, had to go off and get stitches and staples, then they had to mop up all the blood off the pitch,... and then she came back on! Heroic. Gutted we lost in the penalty shootout. :( Still, hope they win the bronze medal match.

[_Ed_]

Did the movie Cemetery Junction at work today. Wasn't bad. But there was just one joke in it that made me laugh uncontrollably for about a minute. Here it is:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3TQyTH6uNU

Not even that funny - just so unexpected!

[_Ed_]

Random sailing gold! :D

[_Ed_]

And silver for Walker in the BMX!

1-0 down in the hockey. :( Hope they can hit back!

[_Ed_]

2-0. :( They don't deserve to go home empty-handed. :( Hope for a miracle in the last 10 minutes.

[_Ed_]

3-0. :(

[JoBear]

My British workmate whose office is opposite my desk popped his head out when they got their first goal and was all "DID YOU SEE THAT GOAL. WE'RE WINNING" and I was all like, no I'm watching the BMX!

BMX is so brutal, you spend the whole thing just hoping they get through without injuring themselves completely.

[_Ed_]

Yeah, very hard to watch!
http://i47.tinypic.com/2ypaj2x.jpg
Crazy.

[_Ed_]

Amazing performance by Carrington in the kayaking! FIVE GOLDS!

And our total of 13 medals equals the all-time record for NZ. :)

[JoBear]

I was there. It was great!

[_Ed_]

That is awesome. I don't really have much idea about whereabouts Eton Dorney is - was it hard to get to? Did you have to get up super early?

Totally worth it, though, I'm sure!

[JoBear]

Was up at 6:20am to get a bus to Putney for a train at 6:57am to Windsor arriving at 7:42am then there was a 10 minute shuttle to the carpark, 10 minute walk to security and another 15-20 minute walk to the stands. We got there at 8:40am and it started at 9:30am so it worked out well. Never been to Windsor either and you get a travelcard with the ticket.

On the walk in, someone came to up and said "I know who you are supporting" as were wearing the silver fern flag. My friend asked if he wanted help carrying his heavy bag and he said no, there was a bottle of champagne in there and he didn't want us to steal it. He said Lisa was definitely going to win and then wandered off. At that point we realised it was Ian Ferguson!

[_Ed_]

Haha, brilliant story!

[JoBear]

The screaming for 40 seconds takes it out of you, we were all shaking and dizzy at the end of it. We were so nervous just before the race too. And we weren't even the one out there - can't imagine what Lisa felt!

We weren't around any other kiwis, surrounded by GB supporters mostly and we sang our hearts out to the anthem. It was really slow though so we were so out of time. A lot of people afterwards told us it was nice that we sang it and we should be proud.

One of those once in a lifetime moments.

[_Ed_]

Awesome. :)

You've probably got access to all the BBC coverage, but in case you wanted to see some NZ-focused coverage, I uploaded Sky Sport video of the race, post-race interview and medal ceremony: https://www.yousendit.com/download/TEhYeW55OC9JMHVGa2RVag

[JoBear]

That is awesome, the coverage here is very Team GB centric...although I can't get that page to load right now. Will try later!

[JoBear]

Oh Richard, I recommend you watch a movie called "The Guard" since I know you liked In Bruges.

[_Ed_]

Ooh, cool. Thanks!

That link seems to work at the moment for me, so hope it's OK for you now! I'll try uploading somewhere else if not.

[JoBear]

Got it to download but can't find anything that'll play it.

But yay for Valerie!

[_Ed_]

Oh, bugger, sorry about that. I play those videos on Real Player, I think.

Really happy for Valerie. Shows her coach was spot-on when he hinted at suspicion over Ostapchuk.

Quite a few people have suggested having a medal ceremony for Valerie at Eden Park. I love that idea, and it sounds like Len Brown is going to try to make something like that happen. I'll definitely go along if I get the chance!

[_Ed_]

http://mofarahrunningawayfromthings.tumblr.com :LOL:

[Super Sammy!]

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=458956297458115&set=a.457420364278375.103137.457417190945359&type=1

:LOL:

And that whole group in general actually.

[_Ed_]

:LOL:
Awesome.

[_Ed_]

http://web.orange.co.uk/article/quirkies/Bog_standard_beach_protest
Not something you see every day. Must admit I chuckled at the headline.

[JoBear]

Perfect headline.

[Tacticalkat]

So, Madness. What are people's thoughts?
I just listened to it for the first time and I have to say I was thinking "what the hell?" I'm pretty disappointed, I think it's awful!
Though I like that they are trying different things so we shall see for the rest of the album.

[zomuse]

Has anyone heard it being played on the radio yet?

[Super Sammy!]

I really like it. First time in a while I've liked something Muse have put out :LOL: I've not heard it on the radio yet, no, but then again I never listen to it. I have a feeling that it's never going to reach the radio stations over here.

[_Ed_]

I don't mind it. Definitely prefer Unsustainable and Survival, but I quite like parts of Madness - especially the last minute or so.

[Davinq]

S'alright. Nothing special either way to me, but its professed influences (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-EO1c1pQdw) are far better songs.

[Tacticalkat]

It's interesting to see the different views on it, it's the first of theirs that I've ever truly disliked, I wonder if it will grow on me!

[JoBear]

I like the part from 3 minutes on, if you think of it as an 80s ballad playing in Countdown or Briscoes and completely disassociate it from Muse.

Unsustainable would be a lot better without the stupid robot.

[_Ed_]

I'm loving Unsustainable more and more - so much so that I can overlook that fucking robot. I like the frantic strings music at the start, and I absolutely adore the bit from about 2:00 to 3:00. That's my favourite piece of music Muse have come out with in years.

[JoBear]

Ugh too much to see in the North Island and not enough time. :supersad:

Where are the must go places in January? Coromandel is my number one must do and I have to go to Hamilton to see Oren.

I really want to do Bay of Islands but I'm thinking might too far to go this time around.

[_Ed_]

I'd definitely recommend Napier and Taupo - both really beautiful at that time of year.

And, whether or not you go as far as Bay of Islands, Northland is worth considering regardless. The view of the headland as you come to the top of the Brynderwyn Hills is absolutely unbelievable. You really have to see that. It's only about a 90 min drive north of Auckland.

[_Ed_]

Lion on the loose!
http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/police-helicopters-hunt-lion-loose-5048570

...allegedly.

So, what's the verdict, guys? Lion or no lion?
http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2012/8/27/1346083921512/Lion-sighting-in-Essex-in-006.jpg

[JoBear]

Few months back a woman reported seeing a white tiger in a bush from a train somewhere in the UK. It was a soft toy.

That looks like a cat!

Thinking I might hire car from Auckland from 2 - 14 Jan, go as far as Napier and fly to Wellington for two days after. Only thing I really need to plan is booking a bach in Coromandel and anywhere just after NY as it will be busy.

Car hire is such a ripoff in NZ though.

[_Ed_]

Sounds awesome!

[JoBear]

When I'm in Auckland...can you take me to Spookers?

Ooh I could do Waitomo Caves and take a surfing lesson in Raglan when I'm around Hamilton. :LOL: Love that I'm trying to think of things to do outside of Hamilton....

[Davinq]

When I'm in Auckland...can you take me to Spookers?

Ooh I could do Waitomo Caves and take a surfing lesson in Raglan when I'm around Hamilton. :LOL: Love that I'm trying to think of things to do outside of Hamilton....

Waitomo's well worth it, just don't bruise your tailbone falling off any waterfalls like I did. :LOL:

[JoBear]

I think I've got to accept there's too much for me to do in just two weeks and to be a bit more relaxed about it, it will all be there* when I come back again...

*well assuming no more awful earthquakes!

[_Ed_]

When I'm in Auckland...can you take me to Spookers?
:LOL:
OK. I've never been there myself, actually.

[JoBear]

I think I've decided on a loose itinerary now...need to talk to my parents to see if they come to the Coromandel and see if my sister will go halves on an apartment in Queenstown so I can fly out of there on the 2nd Jan to Auckland.

[_Ed_]

Cool! I'll make sure I have that day off and can pick you up at the airport.

[JoBear]

You are always so awesome to me! I'll let you know the finer details soon, need to book flights while they are still relatively cheap...

[_Ed_]

http://img.metro.co.uk/i/pix/2012/08/28/article-1346169537418-14B8DD31000005DC-943876_466x466.jpg
:LOL:

[JoBear]

I love when those have funny things written on them. At my station it's usually just warning you to avoid the station when Chelsea are playing.

[Super Sammy!]

I think I've decided on a loose itinerary now...need to talk to my parents to see if they come to the Coromandel and see if my sister will go halves on an apartment in Queenstown so I can fly out of there on the 2nd Jan to Auckland.

:chuckle: by the sounds of it, I'll be leaving to the UK when you arrive back in NZ!

[JoBear]

You're mental, will be freezing in the UK then. I'm back on the 19th of January...unless I change my flights, which is possible cos I can work remotely. Paid enough for my flights that they are pretty flexible.

Got a bach in the Coromandel and my parents are coming up to see me!

[_Ed_]

Awesome!

[JoBear]

Hah just watching a movie and Buck it Up was on the soundtrack.

[_Ed_]

Ha, random! What was the movie?

[JoBear]

Watching the detectives - it was terrible, stopped halfway through haha.

[_Ed_]

Haha, that's a rave review. Might give it a miss.

This is some weird shit: http://web.orange.co.uk/p/news/video?provider=Sky+News&uid=981552

[JoBear]

it's like the plot of that movie with anna paquin and jeff daniels!

[_Ed_]

Haha, yes! That movie would probably be enhanced with Putin actually - he's amusing and sinister in equal measure.

Wow, just saw Sophie Pascoe got another medal overnight. Three golds and three silvers for her these Paralympics, and she only entered six events! And apparently that's a total of six golds and four silvers for her now. Not bad for a 19-year-old.

[JoBear]

Yeah looked like we got a few medals in the pool today!

[_Ed_]

Ooh.
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10828743
And Muse will tour here in the first part of next year, according to front man Matt Bellamy who TimeOut interviewed last week for the band's new album, The 2nd Law (out September 27).

And that interview is here: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=10835133

[_Ed_]

Supremacy. :awesome: So amazing.

[Davinq]

:stunned: It's so good. SO good.

[_Ed_]

Haha, I adore Panic Station. :LOL:

Making my way through the rest of the album. Supremacy and Panic Station easily my favourites so far. Explorers sounded nice (apart from the fucking weird 'go to sleep' at the end), and Big Freeze was cheesy fun. I've heard so much about Animals being awesome, but I was disappointed at first listen. Didn't do much for me at all. Hope it grows on me.

[_Ed_]

Ooh, I like Isolated System. Eerie.

[Davinq]

Surprised by the use of the brass on Supremacy and Panic Station, but it works so well.

[JoBear]

Pancake Station and Big Cheese forever.

[_Ed_]

Surprised by the use of the brass on Supremacy and Panic Station, but it works so well.
It's brilliant! Absolutely love the brass.

[_Ed_]

Panic Station live with brass is fun: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=36NMgTRjG38

[JoBear]

So Pancake Station seduced me into buying a ticket for the O2 gig on the Friday. Didn't help them all teasing all twitter about playing super old songs.

[_Ed_]

Yeah, that was random! I'll believe it when I see it.

[JoBear]

They better play Stockholm Syndrome at one of my gigs. Do not want Save Me.

[_Ed_]

Interesting to hear them say that Unsustainable is intended to be used as a live opener. That could be quite cool if they do it well.

[Davinq]

They better play Stockholm Syndrome at one of my gigs. Do not want Save Me.

I just never want to hear Starlight ever again.

[JoBear]

Dropping everything from Resistance would be a good start. There's a reason I didn't see them when they were touring that album.

[_Ed_]

Ooh, they randomly busted out Bliss today. This pleases me.

Except they often just do stuff like that in France.

[kuz]

So I hear there's a new album.

Animals is good. The rest is pretty shit.

[JoBear]

PETER WTF!

I hate Animals. That Carlos Santanos/Espresso Guitar work makes me (irrationally) angry.

Totally loving Panic Station, into the prelude and Survival, skip to Big Freeze, skip to Unsustainable and Isolated System. In the mood, 3 minutes into Madness is pretty awesome and I am growing to like Follow Me.

[_Ed_]

Most people seem to really like Animals, but, yeah, I'm not one of them either. Doesn't do anything for me.

I absolutely love Supremacy and Panic Station and both parts of The 2nd Law (I'm even tolerating the robot voice now). And I like Madness, Survival, Explorers (but I stop it before the creepy 'shh go to sleep'), Big Freeze and parts of Follow Me.

Still not liking Chris' songs much, unfortunately.

[Davinq]

Supremacy and Panic Station seem to be universally approved and I agree. I like Survival more than most people but the lyrics do dampen the experience considerably. Follow Me, Animals, and Liquid State are all pleasing my ears for now but I'm going to get tired of them soon. Both 2nd Law tracks are great listens IMO.

[Davinq]

So Plug In Baby hasn't made the cut for this tour? :(

[Tacticalkat]

I finally listened to the album! Dan bought me the limited edition the day it came out, which was nice as I was too stingy to get it. Been so busy that I haven't had chance to listen to it til now.
I really enjoyed it, listened to it twice and the songs that stood out were Supremecy,animals and the 2nd laws. I really liked Chris's songs!
Madness is growing on me, I am pleasantly surprised at the whole album.

[Shwissky]

So Plug In Baby hasn't made the cut for this tour? :(

It's definitely still around it just might be getting rotated with bliss a bit this tour.

Big Freeze isn't really that bad if you accept that it basically IS a U2 song.

[Davinq]

It's definitely still around it just might be getting rotated with bliss a bit this tour.

Big Freeze isn't really that bad if you accept that it basically IS a U2 song.

Guess that's not too bad really, seeing as Bliss was dead for so long.

[JoBear]

Just need to drop playing anything from the Resistance and have Stockholm Syndrome and MOTP and I'll be happy I think.

[Davinq]

Just need to drop playing anything from the Resistance and have Stockholm Syndrome and MOTP and I'll be happy I think.

Add Starlight to that and we have an accord.

[_Ed_]

Aw, I don't mind Starlight. But it definitely shouldn't be anywhere near the encore.

[JoBear]

I saw Starlight enough when I followed them through Scandinavia.

[_Ed_]

Muse appear to have gone slightly bonkers.
http://i47.tinypic.com/14abtxw.png
What the fuck?!

[_Ed_]

And, wow, they sound incredible.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpv9zAJJAx0

[JoBear]

Playing Host is crazy. I now still have hope that I might see Showbiz.

I was looking at the Auckland 2004 St James setlist, that was pretty awesome.

Hysteria
New Born
The Small Print
Dead Star
Citizen Erased
Muscle Museum
Ruled by Secrecy
Sunburn
Butterflies & Hurricanes
Bliss
Time Is Running Out
Plug In Baby
Encore:
Apocalypse Please
Stockholm Syndrome

Is the St James still just fire damaged and fucked?

[_Ed_]

Playing Host is crazy. I now still have hope that I might see Showbiz.

I was looking at the Auckland 2004 St James setlist, that was pretty awesome.

Hysteria
New Born
The Small Print
Dead Star
Citizen Erased
Muscle Museum
Ruled by Secrecy
Sunburn
Butterflies & Hurricanes
Bliss
Time Is Running Out
Plug In Baby
Encore:
Apocalypse Please
Stockholm Syndrome

Is the St James still just fire damaged and fucked?
That was a great setlist.

And, yeah, it is. :( There were plans to tear it down and replace it with apartments or something. The Herald ran a big 'Save the St James' campaign, featuring the likes of Judi Dench lending their support. But that all fizzled out. But it also hasn't been torn down, so... *shrug*

[Tacticalkat]

And, wow, they sound incredible.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gpv9zAJJAx0

Wow, they really do sound amazing! Yay! :)

[JoBear]

So Plug In Baby hasn't made the cut for this tour? :(

I saw it last night :awesome:

Unsustainable is terrible live...it's funny going to foreign countries to see Muse play as the fans/concert goers all have their little quirks. I think everyone was smoking weed and doing Final Countdown singstar type singalongs to most of the songs.

I side-eyed a few songs and I am definitely glad I never shelled out for a gig on the Resistance tour. Spain got so excited for Starlight and then stood still pretty much for the whole of Survival while I hammed it up way too much.

I did love the feelings of past during Hysteria, Time is Running Out, Plug in Baby (those last two songs I must jump for no matter how much my legs object), that feeling of old that seeing Muse live used to bring.

Some 2nd law songs definitely sound better live, Follow Me and Liquid State (so glad there was no Save Me) and Madness was so intense at the end, with the sparkly lights and just going crazy. They also flashed up in the lyric video in the "what you mean" and changed mean to "weed". :LOL:

Thankfully the Spanish aren't crazy so I made it home from Madrid without injury. I better fucking get Stockholm and Map on Friday!

[_Ed_]

Sounds really awesome. So glad you had a good time! Fingers crossed for Stockholm and Map on Friday. Really hoping Bliss wasn't just a one-off too.

[JoBear]

Stockholm - check. And a random Sunburn. I think I got the better setlist of the London shows I think.

[_Ed_]

:awesome:
Yeah, looks like you did! Especially since you got to see Falling Down before. So awesome.

[_Ed_]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=527148805
That's... terrifying.

[JoBear]

How does silk hold up that beast of a man?

Although to be fair, the man does get floored by not using a bathmat.

[_Ed_]

:LOL:
Indeed he does.

[_Ed_]

http://i50.tinypic.com/6fw9z4.png

[Davinq]

Oh Whedon. :LOL:

[Tacticalkat]

Hey Rich, I know someone who knows you! My next door neighbor and I have become really close Friends, and keep finding out all these really weird connections between us. Her sister Amanda hired you! I believe you visited her in Scotland! Random eh:-)

[_Ed_]

Ha, wow, that is random! Yeah, Amanda's awesome. She was a great manager at work, and it was lovely to catch up with her in Edinburgh. She was quite apologetic about the 'inauthentic' warm, sunny weather! :LOL:

How's things with you, Kat?

[Tacticalkat]

Haha, Deb was telling me about her sister's move overseas, and how she used to work at TVNZ, I was like "wait a second!" Haahha crazy! The of course she had to email Amanda to ask her if she knew you, aahah.

I've not met her but if she is anything like her sister she must be awesome, I am super lucky to live next door to her!

I am all good, we are getting married in April so am full of girly wedding-y mush, ahaha! I was ten minutes late to work this afternoon because my wedding dress arrived and I had to try it on! Embarrassing for the first time I've been late, ahah!

How are things with you these days?

[_Ed_]

Oh, that's fantastic! Congrats. :) Really awesome to hear.

I'm pretty good, thanks. Still really loving my job, especially doing the election and speeches and stuff live yesterday. It was crazy! In a good way. And I got special thanks from viewers for my efforts on the Obama's speech, which was so nice to hear. Hearing that people appreciate what you do for them is a great feeling.

I went and looked at a flat today that I loved. The people there were really cool, they had two super-friendly cats,... and then there's this view: http://i50.tinypic.com/ehekp1.jpg :eek:

And I'm the only one they've had to view it so far, so I hope I'm in with a shot for this one!

But I feel like I'm messing up in my mission to ask (yet another) workmate out. Just can't get it right. :( It's a never-ending saga with me, innit? Pretty pathetic, really. But I thought this one was different, and everything seemed so perfect as recently as last Friday. I can't think of anything I've actually done wrong since then, so maybe I'm just overthinking and overworrying a bit. I'll leave it for a while and see what happens, I guess. Hopefully things will turn around! It really felt like there was potentially something special there.

Oh, and I went to Radiohead with one of my best mates the other night. They're his favourite band in the world, and it was so awesome to see him so excited and having such an awesome time. The look on his face when they brought out a couple of surprise songs was priceless! It also made me really want Muse to announce another tour to this part of the world pronto. It's been too long.

Wow, this is long-winded. My bad. Sorry!

[Tacticalkat]

Oh that's great! Would have been scary as doing the big speeches but I'm sure you aced it!
The flat sounds incredible, the view is fantastic! Is it Birkenhead way? Hope you get it!
Haha still with the work girls? I bet you just overthought things, wait it out and see, it might be ok! Plus, girls are weird anyway!:)

I wish Muse would hurry up and tour! I'm dying to see them, especially as the only time I saw them was at the big day out that time! It just gave me a taste!
I'm really loving the new album, I took the record to my parents house to listen to it with my Dad, and he loved it!
He's got some of their other stuff on his mp3 player that he listens to while mowing the lawns! Very cute!

Are you much of a radiohead fan or was it just for your firend that you went? I've only really heard a couple of their songs.

[_Ed_]

Haha, your Dad has awesome taste! That is very cool.

I like two old Radiohead albums - The Bends and OK Computer. But I don't really like the stuff they've done since. So I mostly just went for my friend, yeah. And unfortunately the setlist was mostly the recent stuff (like three songs I knew out of 21 haha). But the visuals were amazing, and I really enjoyed it.

Ooh, just got an email from one of the people at the flat. Sounds like I've got it! :D But they're not sure exactly when the other flatmate's moving out. They'll keep me posted. Yeah, it's Birkenhead - about a 5 min walk from the ferry wharf. I'm gonna like my commute. :)

Haha, yes, the work girls. It's only been two, believe it or not. I've just made it seem like more with my endless rambling and drawn-out sagas. And, yeah, you're probably right. It's not like anything bad has happened! She just seems a bit cooler towards me this week. Hope it doesn't last. I miss the big smile and wave when I walk in.

How's the wedding planning coming along? Must be so exciting! Really thrilled for you.

[Tacticalkat]

I pretty much only know 'Creep' which I really like, but I couldn't tell you any of their other stuff.
Great news about the flat! Bit annoying that they don't know when the flatmate is leaving! How many other people live there? They must be ok people if they have cats :)
Are you sure it's only two work girls? I'm counting three, hahaha! Maybe if she's being a bit cool you could be a bit cool back. Maybe she felt she came on too strong or something? Or, it could be nothing to do with you at all! :)


Wedding planning is fun! And interesting. It seems I am supposed to morph into a bridezilla, but so far have been calm and pretty easy going, but the people around me have exploded with weirdness!!
Girls fighting over who gets to be bridesmaid, in laws trying to invite more people than us, bridesmaid dicatating her outfits, ahah it's hilarious.
I've got most of the big stuff organised, because they were all the easy things. We are getting married in your neck of the woods, at Fernz Lodge on Rangatira Road.

We are stuck on music, because our tastes are pretty opposite, and any of the music we do both like is wildly inappropriate, ahahahha! I've got some Muse in there though :$:LOL:

[_Ed_]

Haha, the friends and family shemozzle sounds hilarious. Sounds like you're doing a great job! Kudos! :) Haha, wildly inappropriate music would be FANTASTIC. :LOL:

Rangatira's a lovely area. :) I hope it goes absolutely brilliantly.

There'll be two other people in the flat when I move in. They both seemed really nice. And the cats took an instant liking to me. I think the cats and I are gonna get on just fine!

Maybe I should be cool back to her, yeah. It's really good advice. Thanks. :) Not easy, though!

Another reason why my confidence is a bit down is we had lunch together quite a bit, and now we haven't for a while - I've asked a few times in a row (nothing over the top - once a week or so), and she's already had plans to go and meet friends, or if we've been in different rooms and I've asked by email, she replied after lunch with 'shit sorry just saw this now', etc. Very probably true, but if you're not that confident to begin with, you just start to wonder a bit... Then feel bad for questioning it.

In other news, I love this pun.
http://i46.tinypic.com/6j1pci.jpg

[JoBear]

Hi Kat!

I have nothing much useful to add to this conversation. Other than congrats on the engagement/pending wedding of course.

[Tacticalkat]

Haha, the friends and family shemozzle sounds hilarious. Sounds like you're doing a great job! Kudos! :) Haha, wildly inappropriate music would be FANTASTIC. :LOL:

Rangatira's a lovely area. :) I hope it goes absolutely brilliantly.

There'll be two other people in the flat when I move in. They both seemed really nice. And the cats took an instant liking to me. I think the cats and I are gonna get on just fine!

Maybe I should be cool back to her, yeah. It's really good advice. Thanks. :) Not easy, though!

Another reason why my confidence is a bit down is we had lunch together quite a bit, and now we haven't for a while - I've asked a few times in a row (nothing over the top - once a week or so), and she's already had plans to go and meet friends, or if we've been in different rooms and I've asked by email, she replied after lunch with 'shit sorry just saw this now', etc. Very probably true, but if you're not that confident to begin with, you just start to wonder a bit... Then feel bad for questioning it.

In other news, I love this pun.
http://i46.tinypic.com/6j1pci.jpg

Hahah, I am keen for inappropriate music, but we have songs like "Lonely Day" By System of a Down which we both love, but the lyrics are "this is the lonliest day of my life' Bahahahha!

And also 'our' song, which is Surfin bird by the Trashmen (google it now if you don't know it, it's AMAZING!

I reckon with work girl I would leave it a bit and see if she returns the invites and such!

It took me a while to see that pun on that photo!!! Blonde!

Hi Kat!

I have nothing much useful to add to this conversation. Other than congrats on the engagement/pending wedding of course.


Hi Jo, yeah sorry we hijacked the thread a bit~!
Thanks, it's lots of fun!

[_Ed_]

also 'our' song, which is Surfin bird by the Trashmen (google it now if you don't know it, it's AMAZING!
Ooh, I will. Haha, oh, and yeah, that System song is a smidge wrong for such an awesome day!

The picture wasn't very clear, to be fair! Don't blame you at all.

This has just made my day:
http://i48.tinypic.com/e87brp.jpg

[_Ed_]

I've been randomly listening to quite a bit of old Muse lately. Today it's...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glx9SVaH2uw

Nostalgia! Remember it being one of my favourites the very first time I listened to Absolution, haha.

[JoBear]

We are a year and a half off 10 years here Richard....10 YEARS.

[_Ed_]

Whoa, you're right. That's madness! Ooh, unintended Muse pun. Boom! Another one!

But, yeah, a decade on the board. Fuck.

[Tacticalkat]

We are a year and a half off 10 years here Richard....10 YEARS.

Ten years!! Blimey!


Whoa, you're right. That's madness! Ooh, unintended Muse pun. Boom! Another one!

But, yeah, a decade on the board. Fuck.


Ahh Rich, those are oustanding puns, you should take a bow now!

[_Ed_]

Haha, nice one! :LOL:

I'm not so sure mine were outstanding, though - I was pretty ashamed...

There was a thing on the news tonight about Charles and Camilla meeting a bunch of people. One of them tried to give Camilla a hongi, but her enormous hat prevented their noses from making contact. Hilarity ensued.

[Tacticalkat]

Haha, nice one! :LOL:

I'm not so sure mine were outstanding, though - I was pretty ashamed...

There was a thing on the news tonight about Charles and Camilla meeting a bunch of people. One of them tried to give Camilla a hongi, but her enormous hat prevented their noses from making contact. Hilarity ensued.

Ha, please save me from any more!
Oh that is indeed awkward! Did she have to take her hat off or did they just give up?

[_Ed_]

Ooh, another good one! This has the potential to go on endlessly.

Oh, I can't answer that question actually - the footage stopped after like three failed attempts. We may never know. :(

Haha, oh, this is one of my favourite things ever.
http://thepeoplebrand.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2008/07/effectivecamo.jpg

[Tacticalkat]

Bahahah, guess their camouflage works then! But seriously, how do you lose something that big??!!

[_Ed_]

Good question! Yeah, it must just have been amazingly effective camouflage. :LOL:

Whoops, accidentally ended up having two beers and two shots at pub quiz tonight. As you do on a Monday.

[_Ed_]

So apparently it's Prince Charles' birthday, and he had some party for it in NZ. On the news they said he and the guests were in their "birthday suits". I don't know if they knew what that means. It's a disturbing image.

[JoBear]

Oh yeah I remember reading you had the have the same birthday to be invited months back.

[_Ed_]

Was hoping for a quiet first day back after an awesome long weekend away. So much for that. Thanks, Mt Tongariro.

[Tacticalkat]

Where'd you go away?

But exciting news about Tongariro, you can't deny!

[_Ed_]

Haha, oh, absolutely. Just a bloody stressful second half of what had been a fabulous day at work!

I went to Melbourne for four and a bit days. :) We have an old school friend who's moved over there, so a group of four of us went over to see him - four days of sightseeing and shenanigans.

[_Ed_]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fbx49GBP9Vo
Haha. Enjoyed this. It's a truly terrible song.

[_Ed_]

In other news, did most of my move today! Bloody exhausting, but exciting. Just getting a bed delivered tomorrow, then need to buy some nice things.