überpost

Plenty has happened since the past post, but I haven't really had the motivation to blog until now. Interestingly although things are happening so fast, time seems to be dragging. I guess my brain is in overdrive trying to organise everything I still need to do.

The passport mess has been sorted. It was quite easy in the end - I took the day off work (ahem) and headed to the camera shop first thing to have my picture taken (making sure that I was looking as bad as possible), then straight to the consulate. I was second in the queue, and it only took about 3/4 of an hour. So with any luck I will soon be the proud owner of a shiny new passport.

I've now completely moved back into my parents' house. It has been a bit painful, but thankfully they have been very accomodating. I have to remember that it's only short-term. I really despair at the amount of stuff I have accumulated, even just over the past couple of years. My presence in the world now extends far beyond the limits of my bedroom.... sigh. I can barely move in there. Sophie (cat) has been pretty good with the move, and has settled in quite well already. She has, however, been very put out about not being allowed outside. Soon she will be back to decimating the local bird and rodent population, I'm sure.

I've been desperately trying to get rid of stuff, and to that end I've attacked TradeMe with renewed vigour. I'm glad the things I'm selling have been received quite well so far - the Rancilio twins are the hot items at the moment. They have had a lot of interest already, and there's still five days to go in the auction. My printer and bikes are next on the block. Getting rid of the cars is up there too. Remind me why I have three cars again...

Crikey! Only eight weeks to go! Time flies. I haven't yet handed in my notice at work, or my practical work reports for Uni, but I'll get there. I will have to word my notice carefully, as I am in need of a good reference from these guys. I must update my CV as well.

I can't wait! I've been talking to Chris (travel buddy) about the American trip; and the Baja leg will probably be extended - who could resist all the beautiful Mexican food, margaritas, beaches and señoritas? I'm very disappointed that I am going to miss the Goodwood Festival of Speed in England again this year. It is being held on 24-26 June, so I'm just too late. Next year definitely. But to make up for it, I'm planning to watch some motor racing whilst in California. With any luck, I'll be able to see the Pulp Racing guys in action.

I'm starting to feel the restlessness that comes with a big upheaval. Thankfully it isn't accompanied by any mental weight. I am just getting excited, and I'm sure that this is the right thing to do.

sometimes you just need to look

Driving to work across the harbour bridge a few weeks ago, I looked out over the Hauraki gulf and I almost wept. It was such a beautiful sight that I'm struggling for an adequate description. The sun was just rising amongst cotton wool clouds, turning them that fetching, almost-beige colour and bathing the isthmus and islands in the softest of lights. The air was still and crisp, and the water was a brilliant turqoise, reflecting a textured image of the scene above. It was just breathtaking, and at once I realised how lucky I am to always be able to call this city (and country) home.

Then I arrived at work and all original thought ceased.

fun things to do at work #2

Play the big fridge

fun things to do at work #1

Grow a colourful tree:

high-performance...

On weekdays I often eat my lunch at the edge of the pond at the end of the road. Walking there takes me past the offices of a large international finance company. Although I have passed it dozens of times, yesterday I noticed something very odd about the carpark. Not the carpark itself, actually, but the cars therein. All of the cars appeared to be Australian, Japanese or German sedans of the lower-mid executive persuasion. What struck me in particular was the spoilers sprouting from the back of the vehicles. Almost every car had one. I wondered what this might say about the owners of these vehicles. Is a spoiler a prerequisite to being a successful employee of a large international finance company? Are they attempting to enhance their image by adding a stylish and rebellious appendage to their car? Are they failing?

To provide some perspective, I did a quick survey of the cars in our own carpark, and there was a marked contrast. There were very few spoilers to be seen, and a good proportion of the cars were station wagons or hatchbacks. Plenty of 4WD SUVs, though. What does this tell us about employees at a medium-sized engineering consultancy? Probably nothing of any great interest.