Kiwi Log

Three weeks today

2007-03-13T19:10:00.000Z

Before I am on New Zealand time! Until then things might be a bit quiet around here (as you may have noticed!).

The bury the jumper juncture has arrived

2007-03-10T17:00:00.000Z

Yes - that's right, it's that time of year again...Winter is officially over- signalled by that moment that all ladies of London wait for every year. The shorts are out and on, the pins liberated!The official ceremony to celebrate this changing of the seasons has just been arranged and takes the traditional form - the first afternoon Gardy Bar session of the year.Happy days.

Well he is my God son after all....

2007-03-08T18:24:00.000Z

I have just seen this comment from MJD re one of the jnr's: Hey Frit - guess what mate......yeah nothing Na just kidding - guess what happended in the Hornsberry house yesterday......still nothing!! :) :) OK - for reading this far - I will tell you that I think your nephew Lucca is borderline genis! We know he's borderline pyshco - OK no borderline about that - but at under 3 years old and

All quiet on the London front

2007-03-06T20:26:00.000Z

Not much of interest happening at the moment. Yup - that's about it...

Boozy phone call

2007-03-04T17:30:00.000Z

Chaff Wong - next time I call you after I have spent the proceeding 10 hours with Boy - please politely remind me that it is not the best time for chat...If I proposed, then please let me down gently!!

'Big thinkers'

2007-03-04T17:23:00.000Z

A genius from Christchurch has decided that we need to be nice to Australians:Poking fun at Australians has been something of a national sport for decades, but now New Zealand's tourism bosses want less teasing and more visitors.The plea, which may astonish patriotic Kiwis, is a serious one and comes as New Zealand tourism agencies take the bold step of adopting Australia's national colours as a

Busy blah busy blah

2007-02-28T19:07:00.000Z

Back to being stupidly busy at work, and only set to get worse before I come home. And to be honest - starting to feel more than a little sorry for myself!2 office moves, develop and release 2 websites and back end platform, 2 businesses rebranding, merging 2 of our businesses into one entity blah blah blah....All before when I leave early April. Bugger.The good news is I'll be wrecked getting on

Racist?

2007-02-26T19:11:00.000Z

Tariana Turia when calling for a halt to those troublesome whiteys coming to New Zealand yesterday:"No, we aren't playing the race card, because we are not talking about Asian immigration."In actual fact, the majority of immigrants who come to this country come from Great Britain, from Europe, from Canada, from Australia."OK - so up the fences - skilled migrants are nothing but trouble. Lets be

For all you Capatilist Pigs!!

2007-02-26T18:11:00.000Z

I fail see a problem here!!!Thanks to DPF for this one.

Section 59

2007-02-24T15:14:00.000Z

So it looks like Section 59 - 'Crimes (Abolition of Force as a Justification for Child Discipline) Amendment Bill' - is going to pass third reading and become law. I think it is a well intended Bill that might help send a message that child abuse is plain wrong - although the Bill itself is a slightly over the top intrusion. Personally - I wouldn't have supported it - but that matters little. One

Flocking hilarious!

2007-02-24T15:09:00.000Z

A new website has been set up for some of New Zealand's 'people in need....'Click here for moreBaaaah ha ha!

Hot Date

2007-02-22T16:30:00.000Z

Well, dinner with The Jones Girl at least. No less 'hot' but not a 'date' strictly speaking! And in a fairly dramatic move away from finding the dustiest smoke filled haven possible, we uncovered a very swanky Vodka bar in Soho called 'Revolution'.It was very cool and , in keeping, with the 'revolution' theme - we stayed out late, not leaving said establishment until 10pm! Wild.Otherwise, all is

Sus - you would be proud

2007-02-20T19:35:00.000Z

Walking out of an average meeting, saw shirt in shop window, liked the look of shirt, called the procession to a halt. Entered said shop."Do you have that shirt in a 42 inch neck?" said I."Yes sir, would you like to try this on, the changing rooms are this way. We also have this in other colours here look..." Replied he."Mate, please recognise when you are onto a quick win, bag it and let me out

You guessed it

2007-02-20T19:34:00.000Z

Still haven't seen the wet stuff in Brighton.Hopeless.

2nd attempt at tourism

2007-02-19T19:42:00.000Z

After my first trip to Brighton I think I left as the only Kiwi to have visited the place without seeing water! Well, tomorrow I shall be putting that right when I return to the same supplier.Looks like a bit of an eyesore if you ask me!A beer on the pier, see you there...

It's a 'me' night...

2007-02-15T19:08:00.000Z

Home early, BBQ Chicken Pizza, a few brews, phone off and Newcastle vs Waregem (Belgian Cup Champs in case you didn't know) in the European Cup - on poor mans telly!!All this with my best mate. Me.“In solitude, where we are least alone,” (Byron) - but rest assured I'll be thinking of all of you!

So that was winter then - yawn.

2007-02-15T18:59:00.000Z

Back to double digits all day here in Londontown.If there are two things that the Poms are obsessed with, and almost entirely inherently negative about, it is the Transport and the weather.I think both are great - I truly didn't not believe I would live for two years without a car. But it is just the way it is over here - and it is fine!The weather is great as well. Almost always still - which

Bah spit!!

2007-02-14T19:48:00.000Z

A tube ride home with every second woman shoving flowers in my face and sporting an airy 'oh he really does love me despite being a shit for 360 odd days'; look on her face.Blokes holding yet to be delivery bunches with an 'if this doesn't do the trick I'll be seriously dark'; look slapped all over their chevy chase.American commercial festivals - don't you just love'em??Bitter - not a bit of it!

It's all about me

2007-02-13T19:38:00.000Z

Going to spend some pounds - eBay here I come.I'm not particularly big on gadgets - but I sense at portable USB hard drive, maybe some DVD's and perhaps some Newcastle gear.Has it come to this...

Ah Valentines Day

2007-02-13T19:07:00.000Z

A day to think of the future. Dreams. Aspirations. Bloody hell! A time 'to think' indeed!

Doh!

2007-02-12T20:27:00.000Z

But this one wasn't my cock up. I got this email from a supplier today:Tony Have just got a response from Frit - not exactly what we wanted to hear. They are taking the .... I feel but we will have to come up with some kind of response. Regards RoyThe old 'reply' instead of 'forward' trick - brilliant! I did see the funny side having been on the wrong side of the same scenario more times than I

I woke up this morning and what did I see...

2007-02-08T12:49:00.000Z

That was the view looking out from Camp 1.Spot the foreigner in London town that whips out the camera at the site of snow!

I don't usually post jokes

2007-02-07T20:00:00.000Z

Or forward emails for that matter - but this did tickle me for some reason. And it is the most bog standard 'internet joke' I have read in a while. Anyways...This letter was recently sent (allegedly) by Tescos Head Office to a customer in Oxford:Dear Mrs Murray,While we thank you for your valued custom and use of the Tesco Loyalty Card, the Manager of our store in Banbury is considering banning

Coincidental Coordination

2007-02-07T16:33:00.000Z

HR and I arrived at the do complimenting each other quite nicely I thought, things went sharply down hill come salsa time, but she's a fast healer...I would have a few more to post had the consultant sending them not tried to do so as a 90MB email. Genius.

Battling

2007-02-06T19:53:00.000Z

Things have gone a bit manic again - sigh... But will post some pics of the Christmas do tomoza. And yes - I managed to come out with a snog or three, but reputation in tact.However if I was to say that the Frit Octopus routine was back in full force - there are a few of you out there that will know what I am talking about. Great stuff.Will be doing a ring around home tomorrow night to check in

Dirty Sanchez!

2007-02-04T18:42:00.000Z

The work do was brilliant and the moustachio diego went down a treat. So much so that the official photographer was well sick of the sight of me by the end of the night.Short presentation, one speech, late informal buffet dinner and then down to the wines and dancing. It really was cool - nothing overly formal but still fairly well restrained! It wasn't surprising, given the number of kiwi's

All set to go

2007-02-02T19:39:00.000Z

Skskana was kind enough to take me to a costume place today to sort my wears for tomorrow night - and if I do say so myself, we have done rather well!I will leave you to judge (will post some pics as soon as I have them) - but it is shaping up to be a great night. I have even accessorised with a femme fatale in a little red dress, the ensemble would not be complete without. ;-)

Gimme some of this

2007-01-31T19:07:00.000Z

Ma has come out trumps and found us a place for Easter. And one that will house the whole whanua!! Not an easy task! [And that would be no thanks to you, you disappoint your Mother sometimes - Ed]Can't wait to see the kids and all the fam - but I must admit as soon as I saw this - me and MJD were already sitting out there - tipping Porto!Thx Ma - bloody good job!

Hats off

2007-01-30T22:02:00.000Z

To the Managers of the Auckland Harbour Bridge who have decided to not allow the hanging of the Maori Flag on the Harbour Bridge on Waitangi Day.Whilst a reactionist response is easy to leap to, 'why not let them display their flag', the rationale for the decision is refreshingly straight forward and sound:The group says the flag should be afforded the same prominence as flags of other countries,

I hate admin!

2007-01-30T19:10:00.000Z

Funnily enough - when it comes to work I am very good at it. But give me a personal matter to tidy up and I can procrastinate like a fox going to a hunt.My health insurance provider had bollocks up my final two invoices. It wasn't until today (some 2 months later) that I realised that I was about to be £450 down and my credit rating dragged through the mud. So over an hour and 4 phones calls

Funny

2007-01-29T22:07:00.000Z

Shamelessly lifted from The Spare Room - some rather unfortunate unintentional humour...

I almost forgot about this

2007-01-29T19:50:00.000Z

And let my boss off the hook scott free. On Thursday last week I was a bit down, very actually. The boss, being the sensitive type, insists that we pack it in early and head downstairs so he can tip me some wines to toast Dad.His open gambit. Line 1, as we were sitting down. The icebreaker. Intro. Gentle chit chat before slipping in a nice little segue to get onto the family.So have you talked to

Children of the 80's.....

2007-01-28T18:09:00.000Z

I have no idea why I stumbled over this little blast from the past - but I challenge anyone to tell me that Sam was not hot.

Bugger!

2007-01-28T13:04:00.000Z

It is missing games like this that makes me think I do need Sky after all... Aussies top NZ in batting battle One-day series, Perth: Australia 343-5 (50 overs) beat New Zealand 335-5 (50 overs) by eight runs

Dad

2007-01-25T10:07:00.000Z

'There is a place for you in our hearts meant for you alone,Part of our lives only you can own;The tears in our eyes we can wipe away,But the love in our hearts will always stay;May the winds of love blow softly and whisper for you to hearHow much we miss you, for to us you were so dear.Forever loved.'

Technical glitch resolved...

2007-01-24T21:34:00.000Z

This was the view out the window this morning, nice. London has it's charms on days like this.Thanks for the pic K.

My plan for the trip home....

2007-01-24T20:48:00.000Z

The next time you find yourself on a plane/train, sitting next to someone who cannot resist chattering to you endlessly, I urge you to quietly pull your laptop out of your bag, carefully open the screen (ensuring the irritating person next to you can see it), and hit this link:Click here to shut them up!

Damn it!

2007-01-24T19:22:00.000Z

Blogger is playing silly buggers with uploading images - so I can't post a couple of photos that K took this morning in the 'hood.London woke up white this morning - it was very cool [Poor, very poor. Not even a chortle - Ed]. Lots of snow overnight and all of a sudden it is freezing. Literally.I very nearly wore my coat today. Nearly.

General blah

2007-01-23T20:11:00.000Z

A few things going on at the moment - most of which I can't, unfortunately, blog about.Goings on at work, some with people, some with 'issues' and others more general - but given some of the horror stories of blogs being peoples undoing, I'm not going there.I always remember Dad telling me, when putting a meal for the two of us on expenses when travelling, that the action may get signed off

Only at Newcastle United...

2007-01-23T19:21:00.000Z

Yup - staunch as you please my lot...QUOTE OF THE DAY"She has been staying with him and this has given him a lift. I don't how long she is staying, but if she is the reason why he perked up in the second half against West Ham on Saturday then I hope it is for a long time!" - Newcastle United manager Glenn Roeder reveals that Obafemi Martins' current run of good form can be attributed to the

Job Done - home for Easter

2007-01-22T19:41:00.000Z

After a well deserved serve from Ma over the weekend - I have finally booked my tickets for a wee jaunt home! I leave here in time to arrive for Easter - so family, please, gather.And that means the lot of you!

Tim the tool man

2007-01-21T16:34:00.000Z

After snoozing a reminder to buy a replacement for my pathetic, leaky, spiritless shower nozzle for nighon six months, I have finally managed to get my s*&t together and buy a new one.Now for 'the installation'. Not a strength...But I must say I am looking forward to having a shower and actually getting wet.

It is not just me!

2007-01-21T12:15:00.000Z

Many years ago my boss told me, quite seriously, 'never trust a woman that lives alone with a cat'. It turned out to be very sage advice, that I of course ignored and got burnt as a result. Since that time I have not heard this axiom shared by others - until now!A comment from Cactus Kate on Kiwigirls blog today:Cactus Kate said... NONONONONONONONONONOEvery single white female friend

Currying favour, not on your chapati!

2007-01-17T17:02:00.000Z

There is a hell of a furore over here about some celebrity Indian actress (I could put her name, I won't, I don't care) being treated badly on reality TV's lowest ebb - Celebrity Big Brother. From the BBC:News channels also showed clips of the allegedly racist remarks made against the actress by other celebrity housemates appearing in the show.They referred to her as "the Indian", made fun of her

Ma - a confession

2007-01-15T19:35:00.000Z

I still have not made it to the travel agents to book my flights. I really am pants (and lacking my team of 'secretarial mother aides' that I had back home!).It is looking like I want be able to get back before March, which actually works in terms of my trip coinciding with Boys. Will book this week hopefully...

Classy

2007-01-14T17:37:00.000Z

An English female rugby team (with a number of Kiwis) have produced this image of a topless Haka for their annual calender. Is this funny? Or are the PC set rightly offended? Broadcaster Willie Jackson added: "Can you imagine if Maori women did it in this country? There'd be uproar."Why didn't they take their tops off and do the Highland Fling?"The photo of the topless haka is part of the team's

Bang On

2007-01-11T21:13:00.000Z

I have just watched an interview with a Republican ex Governor in the States which reminded of a post I wrote on ‘My Right’ in 2004. This guy talked about wanting to shift from ‘horizontal’ to ‘vertical’ politics.It was absolutely spot on. We need to stop thinking, and making political judgements, in terms of (the ghastly) ‘left’ and ‘right’ and start thinking of whether this is going to ‘lift me

A turkey prays for an early Christmas

2007-01-09T20:07:00.000Z

From The Herald today:Frustrated Field calls on police to make a decision on prosecutionLabour MP Taito Phillip Field is frustrated with the pace of a police investigation into his dealings and his lawyer has urged police to make a decision about whether to prosecute his client.The Mangere MP has been on leave from Parliament since the end of August while police conduct a formal inquiry into

Apparently there are 2 of me

2007-01-09T18:54:00.000Z

And I am 50% 'Slimy Git'! K recieved this email from one of our mob down in Kingston today:Frit H has a double living in Kingston. It is absolutely uncanny!!!I was walking into work this morning and I saw him; not realising, I went up to him and said "hi Frit" to which this Frit impersonator (and charlatan) said words to the effect that I could call him what I wanted baby!!! Slimy Git.Tres

Always be professional - that's what I say

2007-01-08T20:11:00.000Z

Even when enjoying a few quiet drinks at a company function - it is always important to retain ones dignity and professionalism, you never know who might be watching. It was a good night, until the secret santa's came out...

Impressive

2007-01-08T20:08:00.001Z

It is also important not to be seen to be too close to your boss

2007-01-08T20:08:00.000Z

Not good... And my eyes are only closed to protect me from the horror - promise!!

OK OK - I give

2007-01-07T12:50:00.000Z

I studiously avoid doing things that could lead to me being labelled as 'a typical geek'. But after curiosity got the better of me recently, I have fully fallen for a new hook. You Tube.Before the uninitiated start thinking that this is a poxy 'My Space' type of online resort for the lonely, who leave inspiring profiles like this About Me...I am usually really goofy and talkative a n d sometimes

God damn it!

2007-01-04T19:52:00.000Z

I missed one dry cleaning cycle over Christmas - no bother, I can happily go 15 days. But that 15 days was due to dawn on Tuesday - with just 2 shirts in store before having to revive one of the 'B' shirts. Something had to be done.So rather than the scheduled Saturday drop for Tuesday pm pick up - I left work early today to get them in tonight. Made it just in time - job done. Until Siranda (

Excuse the formatting

2007-01-03T19:20:00.000Z

Current weather in Wellies (summer):Wellington Latest Reading 10°C 10*CWind: 9 km/hr. SE Rain Today: 0 Humidity: 76%10°CCurrent weather in London Town (very winter):18:00(Wednesday) Light rain.'); 10°C South Westerly Wind (14mph).14 Moderate 1015 81 Brilliant!

Back in the saddle

2007-01-02T19:03:00.000Z

Happy New Year everyone!Back to work today came as a bit of a shock after a very good week off. Christmas Day with Boy and a crew of Kiwis and Aussies and a quite New Years Eve with Boy and J. It was just what I felt like - nothing major, no logistical nightmares on New Years Eve. There were even a couple of 'emotional moments' on New Years - curse you and your heart-rending lyrics Sarah

Merry Christmas All!!

2006-12-24T14:34:00.000Z

Just about to head around to Boys for a couple of days of kai and refreshments!!Back online with various reviews of 2006 in a few days - in the meantime things wil be a bit quiet in these parts. Not that any of you would be looking at tis on your own time - see you all when you are back at work!Mt first Christmas away from home - would rather be home, but things are all good here.

Project Over - Life Back

2006-12-21T20:45:00.000Z

It has been a hell of a few weeks opening a new office - but today it all came together, brilliant.Full update to come, including some very dodgy photo's from our Christmas do...I won a few awards - but when 'use of the most colourful language' was one of them - you don't like to boast.Back in action soon.

Could it be Christmas now please...

2006-12-17T18:50:00.000Z

Better yet - February would be nice. Feeling a little bit over this year... What should be party season is turning out to be the busiest time of a manic year.All good and will be looked back on fondly - but I wouldn't mind getting across the finish line now.Ho hum, but not quite 'bah humbug' yet!!Happy Birthday Ty, will try to call in the morning!

THE MOTHER OF ALL F*&K UPS

2006-12-14T19:12:00.000Z

Major project, front office implementation, high visibility. All carefully managed and tested by K and today was the big day. Data conversion all set to go, project live tomorrow. Confidence high - nothing could go wrong - surely!?!?And then you get a call saying that they have 'picked up the wrong file' for the data conversion.Brilliant.God I feel sorry for K - she had sunk weeks into this and

Fact

2006-12-13T19:07:00.000Z

It is not possible for a suited man to wear a scarf without looking effeminate. It is simply not possible.From dictionary.comef·fem·i·nate /adj. ɪˈfɛmənɪt; v. ɪˈfɛməˌneɪt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[adj. i-fem-uh-nit; v. i-fem-uh-neyt] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation adjective, verb, -nat·ed, -nat·ing. –adjective 1.(of a man or boy) having traits, tastes,

Thanks for the messages!

2006-12-12T19:30:00.000Z

But MJD and Sus - still waiting for the cards :-( But can't complain after years of being utterly crap!I had a nice enough day, but it was pretty much work as usual. But in the evening went out for a couple of drinks and pub kai with K. Being a Monday - it was all suitably restrained - but we did discover a new local, 'The Washington', so we achieved something!Talked to Ma and MJD and it sounds

Happy Birthday to me!

2006-12-10T18:02:00.000Z

Your adulation please.

Boys - you're going to hell for this one!

2006-12-07T20:50:00.000Z

Well I did say I liked big weather

2006-12-07T19:46:00.000Z

And today we got it. London 'enjoyed' an inner city tornado today - and not far from my pad as well.Six hurt as tornado hits LondonUp to 150 houses and many cars were damaged when the freak weather hit the Kensal Rise area.One man in his 50s suffered a serious head injury and five were treated for minor injuries and shock.Fire services have sealed six roads in a zone covering a quarter of a

Am I that bland?

2006-12-06T18:31:00.000Z

It was a whim. Last night when laying out the kit for today I decided to go for the black suit, black shirt with stripes and no tie. As I say - it was a whim (Dolly - you would call it a moment of madness) - but Lord, did I underestimate the impact that such a trifling decision could make.Out of the first fifteen people I saw at work - not one did not pass comment. 'Looking dapper' was one such

Good job

2006-12-05T20:59:00.000Z

From the Dom today:Email thieves will soon be caught, Hide tells Parliament06 December 2006Hackers who stole former National Party leader Don Brash's e-mails would soon be caught, ACT leader Rodney Hide said yesterday.Speaking in Parliament during a debate on the Government's spam-fighting bill, he said the e-mails used in Nicky Hager's book The Hollow Men revealed "a degree of political

The promised catch up

2006-11-30T19:33:00.000Z

I was true to my word and did the ring around last night. For those who were reading a couple of weeks back - news was as good as could be hoped for. Weather still dross back home I hear. To all those that warned me that London was bleak and miserable, I'm sitting here wearing shorts.

You won't know unless you've been there

2006-11-30T19:30:00.000Z

Went out to one of our offices for the first time today.Bracknell, f%*king hell!I wasn't between 16 and 20, wasn't wearing tracksuit pants, and wasn't pushing a baby. I was pretty much a minority of one. I thought Wanganui had its moments.

Frustrating day turns good

2006-11-29T19:10:00.000Z

Having been knee-capped at every turn - I finally got a major piece of work out today. It had been hanging over me like a rain cloud for the last 2 weeks. Now it has gone. Blue skies in London, in every sense. Nice.Not much news. Still procrastinating over booking flights home - but have some clear air to allow me to get to that now. Details to follow - but pencil in late Feb early March for

To the woman on the tube...

2006-11-29T19:08:00.000Z

With 3 fillings bottom right, 4 bottom left - please cover your mouth when yawning.Her gate was open like a bear about to hybernate.Ikky.

Doh!

2006-11-27T19:13:00.000Z

I was having a quick trot around the Blogs when I stumbled across the latest David Benson-Dope scandal in Investigate Magazine. A trashy kind of a read worthy of reading on the tube. I happened across and article that started with this:Benson3 NZ$1.90 NZ$1.00 Add to basket FavoritesTHE SECRET LIFE OF THE MINISTER FOR SOCIAL DEVELOPMENTWEBSITE EXCLUSIVE ONLY...Excerpt follows, full story is R18

It was truly bizarre

2006-11-26T11:48:00.000Z

But still a great day. We started by getting the train to Cardiff (capacity 1000 odd, tickets sold, at least 1300) - standing room only and loud, mouthy Kiwi's everywhere. And this was 10.30am...We are not the most sophisticated of Nationalities when travelling on mass and on the jungle juice - but that is for another day.The first pub we walked into was full of Welsh types doing a rousing

And I'm going to be there - brilliant!

2006-11-24T20:26:00.000Z

Wales v New Zealand (Sat) Stephen Jones and Richie McCaw will lead the sides out in Cardiff Millennium Stadium, CardiffSaturday, 25 NovemberKick-off: 1700 GMTLive on BBC Two,

Too tired to post - so will simply C & P a little exchange...

2006-11-22T21:41:00.000Z

In response to my slight on a certian N Hagar, which was in no way influenced by political leanings (I sided with Helen during 'Corngate') - there was this little exchange:Mike: Or - he could just be a writer looking to make a living dude.Mike | 11.21.06 - 3:37 pm | #Frit: A writer does research - think Corngate or the Sunday Star Times 'Operation Leaf'.To have three years out to make hay out of

Still here

2006-11-21T20:51:00.000Z

Days are flying by (apart from the fact that it is basically night for 14 hours!). Had a meeting with HR today to confirm how I was going to use up some leave - so home it is for three full weeks in Feb. Can't lock down dates yet - but pleased to have it sorted. Weird that the thought of having to use and have holidays could stress you out - but it was. So that's done.I heard from an ex flatmate

Drip of the week.

2006-11-21T19:21:00.000Z

Cosy upbringing, loads of cash from Ma and Pa's wealth and a tidy little house in Roseneath - makes it easy to be a pompous crusader.

Blow out

2006-11-19T15:13:00.000Z

After a bit of a hell week, had a much needed blow out with Boy et al watching NZ v Frogs. It was with the same crew that is going to Wales for the Test next weekend.Good times. Lazy Sundays... (I may even differ doing the whites 'til Monday eve - Madness)

MJD - watch this

2006-11-19T15:09:00.000Z

Or any other fans of Christopher Walkin for that matter.This is a clip of Kevin Pollack doing an impression of Mr Walkin on Letterman - bloody funny. The Walkin stuff kicks in after about 2 mins (of 5).Hilarious

Griping

2006-11-16T19:13:00.000Z

And doing so with both hands. Today was my first strength test, and in all modesty, I drilled it!6kg of pressure in my right hand, 5kg in the new left. Absolutely wrapped with the result. A little bit of decreased mobility - but the new graft is holding strong.Not long now until I lose the Hannibal Lecter'esque splint. Wah hay!

Office moves were made for OCD

2006-11-15T19:31:00.000Z

Spent today putting together floor plans, sorting cabling and planning the actual move for one of our offices. In short I was basically:Measuring things - (the windows all seemed to be the same size - but you don't know until you measure each and every one).Writing lists - (lots of them, for everything. Is it a list if it has one item though?...)Creating timetables - (you do have to factor in the

Decrepit

2006-11-15T18:45:00.000Z

That is how I feel!After a day in Boston Manor legging it up and down 5 flights of stairs (the lift there has been broken for nigh on 3 months, and the buggers wonder why we are moving out!) - I get home to Belsize Park.Just as I arrive an alarm goes off and the lifts are stopped. No probs - I head to the stairs and start my ascent. 180 odd stairs later I was absolutely puckered. Legs are still

Waiting...

2006-11-14T20:33:00.000Z

Still no news - but about to get hold of people back home.Long day waiting - but that doesn't compare to the anxiety for N and D. Mark was really good today - told me to jump on a plane and go home for Christmas or anytime I wanted to. Nice to have a boss like that.Not sure what I will do at the moment.

Long way from home

2006-11-13T21:29:00.000Z

N had Sophia on Saturday, and the unbiased views of the family is that she is an absolutely georgeous creation. But unfortunately there have been a couple of complications.Damn it.Have just talked to Ma and everyone is staying positive - but it does hammer home the distance factor.I want to be home.N just sent another text, 'don't want to get too happy till scan tests completed - daring to

Remember

2006-11-12T18:29:00.000Z

Good conference - gimme a 4

2006-11-12T10:52:00.000Z

Hangover Ratings 1 star hangover No pain. No real feeling of illness. You slept in your own bed and when you woke up there were no traffic cones in there with you. You are still able to function relatively well on the energy stored up from all those vodka and Red Bulls. However, you can drink 10 bottles

So, where was that 'line' then?

2006-11-09T20:59:00.000Z

I think you have to use msn messenger a lot to understand just how funny it can be, and to be able to 'read' other peoples exchanges. The style of communication changes so much between one person and that same personand another person. If you know what I mean....But when someone you haven't seen for well over a year, and not chatted to for an age, can pre-empt you like this in the midst of

Good luck Sis!!

2006-11-09T20:18:00.000Z

Anytime around now my dear sis should be delivering my 6th proxy little one!! Nick was due yesterday and is expecting a little girl - number three!Things couldn't be more different for me than with the delivery of number two, which was, shall we say, close quarters! 12,000 miles and I can't hear a thing!But wish I was there - instead I'll just pray that all goes well. And tell my blooy family to

A week without blogging

2006-11-09T20:09:00.000Z

I think this is probably the longest spell I have had without polluting the world-wide-tinter-web with my mental seepage.Have been more tired than busy - poor me, poor me...Off to a 'Leadership Conference' for Ochre this weekend - so will be back for proper like come Sunday. Don't know if I am looking forward to the conference - love a party - but never have been particularly comfortable with

I have always been uncomfortable with

2006-11-06T11:51:00.000Z

the death penalty. Not feeling that so much today...

Going straight

2006-11-02T17:04:00.000Z

Helen, the hand therapist, is a lovely lady. Well, she was until today. After consistently praising the 'lovely way the thumb was resting' - she suddenly, and without warning, turned a little Kathy Bates (in 'Misery') and decided it was time for the bugger to straighten up!Damn it hurt. And, MJD, before you say 'train to enjoy the pain' - this was a little bit special. Analogy - you wake on a

Completely believable

2006-11-02T16:57:00.000Z

MJD left this comment yesterday:You won't believe the crap the NZRL have got themselves in. Played Nathan Fien on the basis his great grandma was a kiwi - arguing that grandparents (plural) means any generation. Worst of all - even in the face of every definition of "grandparents" meaning only 4 possible people - big Sel is sticking to his guns. Upshot - we'll lose the 2 points from the win over

Going large!!

2006-11-02T16:46:00.000Z

Well, at least like it felt like we were going large. Me and the Jones Girl (aka Grandpa and Grandma) were actually at a bar until it closed last night!Granted - it was 10.00, but it still felt like mid-week mayhem by our standards.Pleasure as always Jones Girl - hope you got through today after your big night out ;-)

Grunt work

2006-10-31T17:20:00.000Z

Where have I been rang out the chorus? Well - I have been here – but hanging by a thread. A combination of K being away, Spud being on a training course and me having to deal with people!! As if that wasn’t bad enough – sometimes I have had to do said ‘dealings’ in person. Bloody exhausting.I think I have also been dragged into the general malaise that tends to hit people over here at this time

Back to sanctury

2006-10-24T20:49:00.000+01:00

After a rather eventful couple of weeks - I am back to the sanctury of the cave, and last night was perfect.Incredible thunder and lightning - driving rain making its way right through the window frame - and me, safe and sound within. I do love big weather. Drizzle be damned, flash some light and make some noise - that's for me. It was good enough to set car alarms off.I shall be located here for

Tub thumping

2006-10-20T16:11:00.000+01:00

Well, thumb dunking to be more accurate! Had another follow up appointment with the Hand Clinic and was given the best news I have had for a couple of weeks. The scare has healed well and is ready for a bloody good bath.Thank God for that - it was starting to get more than a little rank under the thermo splint! It can come off for an hour or so a day - but being able to wash the bugger is a good

Newcastle v Fenebache - on now

2006-10-19T20:16:00.000+01:00

I'll be very happy - or a touch gutted in 90 mins time...Light (well intense - but 'light') relief - and just what I need.Back tomorrow.

True to form

2006-10-18T00:13:00.000+01:00

It took around a year to meet her, and three days to piss her off...First - the mea culpa. It is more to do with my hang ups and 'inconsistency' - than anything to do with her. And secondly - she has been very restrained on her blog - and I will be doing the same. It is an interesting experience blogging. Rewarding - sometimes. A chore - often. But for me, and I get the impression, her -

Knackered

2006-10-17T21:12:00.000+01:00

A combination of throwing the routine out of the window and very average sleeping (not related!) have resulted in me piking out at 10pm for the last three nights. Not good.Just talked to Ma about going home in Feb, assuming our Head Office move is over by then - that's now the official plan. And assuming I can carry over the leave I still need to get through until early next year - the have rules

Complete and Utter Bastards

2006-10-16T19:10:00.000+01:00

Just had a call from the Boss telling me that he has had his laptop stolen.The Boss is a fairly hardy and cerebral type - but I have never heard despondency like it. I am sure that that will soon give way to anger rather quickly.Sod the laptop - that is easily replaced. But the keys, bills with home address, alarm etc. Absolute nightmare.