Welly round-up and CF5
So where were we... ah yes, I was about to visit some blog-readers for a boardgames night in Khandallah.
Just quickly, all this came about because a bunch of Wellingtonians took it upon themselves to start a bit of a boardgaming group off the back of this post. They'd already met up a few times, and when I found out I was off to Wellington I decided to crash their party.
It's a bit awkward at first, when you walk into a room of total strangers and half of them know about you quitting smoking, your puppy's toilet training problems, and your views on hoodies in malls - and yet you know nothing about them. Not even their names.
There were quite a few of us, so we resorted to name tags, and thanks to those I can do a cheesy blog-shout-out to Shona, Daria, Jodi, Beth, Kate, Jodie, Sarah, Paul, James, Jonathan, Dee, Rupert, Tom, Nicole, and Mike. Oh man, I hope I didn't forget anyone.
We ordered pizza and started with the gaming. A bunch of the boys decided to play Talisman, which (from what I could gather from the bizarre table-talk) is some sort of spell-casting, fantasy game. It went on for hours and despite having never played before, Joel managed to take out the game in his role of the minstrel. Or something.
The rest of us settled in for Pop Culture Trivial Pursuit - which I find much easier than regular Trivial Pursuit because, well, TV, music, gossip, trends... these are a few of my favourite things. Following that we played Cranium Wow and by this stage we were a few glasses of wine deep and much more relaxed - I think everyone had a good time.
Finally, I introduced the group to Apples to Apples. I wasn't sure how it would go down, because it's quite a socially driven game, but everyone seemed to get into it and it was a nice easy game to play as a big group.
So games night? Total success. Thanks heaps to Kate for organising it, to Jodi for the lift back to town, and to Sarah for hosting the evening. Oh, and thanks to the cat who tried to jump through the blinds and out of the second story window for providing that hilarious funniest-home-videos moment.
On Sunday we met up with an internet-friend whose blog I have been following for years and years. She used to live in Seattle, and then she blogged about moving to New Zealand and I was all no way! Now she lives in Wellington and over breakfast and hot drinks at Scopa we talked at length about blogging and Wellington and which bus to catch to TheNewDowse. I'm so glad we met up because she is awesome and now I know how to say her name properly, which is a bonus.
Next stop, Lower Hutt. We got there by bus (the Airport Flyer to be exact), which I Snapper'd on to, but Joel paid cash and had to pay eight dollars - which seemed awfully steep.
When we got to the Hutt we beelined for TheNewDowse art gallery. It's just a wee space, but that worked well for me - being one of those not-so-good-with-concentration types. There were a bunch of exhibitions on, but the one I really enjoyed was the Felix Kelly collection (I don't think the image on the gallery's site does the exhibition justice). Also, Jessie Casson's "Champions" portrait exhibition was heart-warming and pretty accessible for clueless folk like me.
We had a quick bite at the gallery's café, which was crazy-busy and has a good reputation and then whipped back to the bus stop for the return ride into town. Which was quite the ride. Joel asked the driver about the charge from the previous bus trip and was told he had been ripped off, that he should have only paid $4.50. He didn't charge Joel but instead waited until the bus stopped at lights before coming up the aisle with a pen and paper calling out "where's our mate who got ripped off?"
Under the pressure of it all, Joel noted down his details and gave the driver the receipt from the first trip - feeling a bit embarrassed about the whole thing. About five minutes later, while the bus was pulled over at a stop, the driver hopped up again to make a public announcement. He warned everyone to take their tickets when they paid as there had been a few drivers lately who had pocketed the cash without issuing tickets. Also, holding on to your ticket meant you could check how much you'd been charged for the journey "so you can see if you've been ripped off like our mate over here" (points at Joel) "he was only supposed to pay $4.50 from the city to the Hutt but he got charged eight dollars. He's gonna get reimbursed and the driver from that other bus is going to get in trouble."
Joel's quite shy, so all of this was a bit awkward for him. And funny too.
We got off the bus at Courtenay Place and wandered to Cuba Mall to spend our last hour or so in Wellington ambling about aimlessly. Of course, during this time we bumped into Joel's sister (who lives in Auckland). That's what happens when I'm in Wellington - I bump into people from Auckland that I haven't seen in a bit. She told me about a sale at Global Fabrics so I picked up some material to make I'm-not-quite-sure-yet with.
Before long it was back to the airport where I had an Air New Zealand flight attendant recognise me from the blog (weird!) and we hopped on a plane and headed home.
Hey, Wellington, you flippin' ruled. Thanks heaps for having me and for righting the wrongs caused by dumb boys.
There, the great week of Wellington blog-entries is all wrapped up, and it's Friday, so even though this post is already huge I will stay true to my word and step forward for this week's Casual Friday Five. Woo!
1) If you were a superhero what would be your weakness? (submitted by Lisa2)
KFC. No question.
2) What is your fave song to 'escape' to? (submitted by Andrea)
Summer by Shy Child. It reminds me of driving around in...well, in summer.
3) What's your biggest disappointment and how do you get over it/move on? (submitted by Booboo)
This is a bit of a tough one. I guess there are quite a few things in my life I'd do differently now that I have the benefit of hindsight (mostly involving boys). However, if you'll allow me to wax philosophical for a moment, I guess everything that happens in your life all contributes to the point where you currently are - and where I currently am is a pretty good place. I suppose if you're suffering from big disappointments, try your best to put it in perspective of the bigger picture. "This too shall pass," and all that.
4) Who do you look like, your Mum or your Dad? (submitted by Pink)
Hmm, not really sure... what do you reckon?
5) What was the last thing that made you really laugh? (submitted by me, Jane)
Alan! Alan! Alan!
My fingers are about to fall off from all the typing, so now it's your turn... Have a choice weekend, my lovely little internet friends, see you on the other side.
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Well, it's taken all week, but we've finally made it to the blog on the boardgames, yay! Was super cool to have you come along Jane and thanks for bringing the games, I'm so going to have to track down a copy of Apples to Apples now.
So, I guess now that I'm posting I'd better do the Friday 5 too: 1) Gummy lollies like gummy bears, sour worms, etc. You may have noticed this from the way I hoovered them down on Sat night :-{
2) Don't really have one, my fav song changes all the time.
3) Far too deep for a Friday.
4) I get told I look like my Dad. Not sure if it's a good thing or not when I'm a girl and be told I look like a bloke?
5) Sarah & Tom's suicidal cat last Sat. Hee hee, still giggle at that one.
Glad ya loved your trip to Wellington Jane, we've had some stunning days here recently! Friday 5:
1) Good wit, I wouldn't be able to use my powers due to the laughter.
2) Easy: Street Lights, Kanye West.
3) Mine would probably be that I didn't pursue some opportunities I had (mainly sporting) a few years ago, which now I've kinda got the "what if?" feelings about. Seeing mates on TV who were at the same stage as myself a few years ago definitely brings out some curiosity/disappointment in myself for being so goddam blasé about everything. I guess I've moved on by accepting that I'm in a pretty good place right now, albeit down a different path, and that the other avenue(s) may not have worked out anyway... still, there is a bit of a nagging question mark, which I regret.
4) Looking at my Dad's old School photos, I think I look more like him - especially through the High School years - although I'm about a head taller than him. I have my Mum's skin though (Dad is European, Mum is Maori)
5) Probably too rude to repeat here, so I won't. Had me sniggering for a good 5mins... heh heh heh.
Good to hear you had a great time in Welly! I recently succumbed to pressure and caved in to play a game of Monopoly and once I had hotels on the cheap brown properties the monet started pouring in and I was loving it!
If you were a superhero what would be your weakness? Pad Thai im having it tonight mmmm
Who do you look like, your Mum or your Dad? Mum mostly same eyes
What was the last thing that made you really laugh? Watched a Fish Called Wanda again and that scene when John Cleese is trying to get the info out of a stuttering Michael Palin hilarious! I know its mean to laugh at others expense but I find stuttering highly amusing...
What is your fave song to 'escape' to? Fast Car, Tracy Chapman no reason just like it
What's your biggest disappointment and how do you get over it/move on? Dont really have any major disappointments have certainly, overcome adversity but im in a good place now and with a great girl :-)
sounds like you guys had a lot of fun at the wellington boardgames meet. the Akl one is meeting on sunday afternoon at O'Hagans if anyone is keen to tag along (yes it's a plug, but the more the merrier).
1) If you were a superhero what would be your weakness? (submitted by Lisa2)
hmm prob peanut m&ms & tim tams
2) What is your fave song to 'escape' to? (submitted by Andrea) yay! a question of mine :)
my song is Kokomo by the Beach Boys - i just drift off and think of jamaica or some other tropical island when i hear it.
3) What's your biggest disappointment and how do you get over it/move on? (submitted by Booboo)
my answer is very similiar to janes. alot of my disappointments have been in the guy area and a few in the job area. i also get a freaked that i haven't settled down and feel like i'm missing out - but then i remember of all the travelling that i have done and been able to do because i have not yet settled down.
4) Who do you look like, your Mum or your Dad? (submitted by Pink)
i used to think i looked like my dad, but friends have mentioned that i look like my mum. which is a good thing as she is still quite slim & attractive (oh and hip) for someone in her early 50's
5) What was the last thing that made you really laugh? (submitted by me, Jane)
Watching Danny Bhoy on Youtube in the weekend for sure....he always makes me laugh so hard i get tears in my eyes.
1. Money 2. When i hear the word "escape" i dont think lax out after a hard day at work, i think escaping from a terrorist camp so my song would have to be the Delta Force theme song by alan silvestri (he did the forest gump music) from the film delta force starring chuck norris and lee marvin. its really really good http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hOAStHoJxPY 3.throwing up in the brookside sizzlers back in 94, and im not over it. 4. thats rather personal 5. the phillip seymore hoffman matress comercial from punch drunk love http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fkeLGisUHtc
I have 3 questions about the board games night.
1) Who cheated (the most)?
2) Who up-ended the board in frustration at losing?
3) And, who is that hot chick?
Sounds like you had a fab time Jane, wish someone would whisk me away for a all-expenses paid weekend! (Hell, i'd even settle for a nice dinner out on someone elses credit card!!) :) 1. My superhero weakness would be poppadoms. Love them, would eat them everyday if i could! 2. Escape song would be Holiday by Green Day, cos i have heaps of good memories associated with it. 3. Not sure about biggest disappointment, but being the ubergeek i am, i remember crying when i got a C in a Chem paper at uni! 4. I def look like my Dad. Or rather his mother. Its a bit scary looking into a mirror 50 years in the future! 5. Big bang theory really makes me laugh. Its funny cos its so true! :) Happy friday everyone, and don't fall over from too much twirling! :)
1) If you were a superhero what would be your weakness? Gonna have to go with pesto - or maybe Whittakers Kiwi Fruit Chocolate. Man that stuff is good! 2) What is your fave song to 'escape' to? The Numa Numa song. Not sure who its by. Numa numa yay! 3) What's your biggest disappointment and how do you get over it/move on? Mine is that I did a diploma in Musical Theatre, but let a particularly evil tutor put me down, and completely ruin my faith in myself and my abilities. One day hopefully I will get back on the horse. 4) Who do you look like, your Mum or your Dad? I have my Dad's build, and my Mum's hair. 5) What was the last thing that made you really laugh? Thats a tough one. So much is funny. Its possible that it might be the Oh Rly? Owl
@ Caniwi
Commenting on your #3 question - i did the same thing with my ex. first broke up as i wanted to go overseas, whereas he told me he had no inclination (not even to go over with me). there were other factors involved as well - we were just too different and on different paths.
oh also - i'm heading your way in november (well vancouver anyway). do you know of any pubs that do a good pub quiz in vancouver?
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1. Garlic mayo, or maybe pesto - I'm all about the sauces. Oh yeah, and a nicely chilled sauvignon blanc.
2. Cool Me Down by The Black Seeds - also because it reminds me of summer, and good times in New Zealand.
3. Having my ex choose travel over me. But hey, I'll get over it - I'm working on it :)
4. I don't actually think I look like either of my parents, but I guess probably my Dad more. My sister and I look pretty similar, even though we're 5 years apart - people have said we could be twins (and I'm the oldest, so I'll take that as a compliment thank you!)
5. That Alan video really cracked me up. I thought this one about Facebook was pretty funny - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LrFdOz1Mj8Q&feature=channel_page