Mhairi and I went to the Kea networking event on Wednesday - first one we had been to, although I think its about the 3rd they've run.
It was very good - the speaker was Tim Bean. His speech started off a bit underwhelming, with some slightly sexist/old fashioned references, but it got better as he went on. There was some structured networking which I wasn't expecting so didn't enjoy that much, but next time I'll be expecting it! There was also a prize draw and I won a bottle of NZ wine and a copy of Turn Back Your Age Clock so I was quite happy!
The only disappointing aspect was that it was meant to be held at The Southerner, and apparently there were going to be pies (which we were both very excited about!), but they had to change the venue so there were no pies...
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
ANZAC Day
I made my usual pilgrimage into town this morning to go to the wreath laying ceremony at the Cenotaph. I wore my 'Born Here' t-shirt that the Piha branch of the family sent me for my birthday last year - I don't often proclaim my 'kiwi-ness' so publicly, but ANZAC Day is worth making an exception for :-).
The ceremony was moving (as always). And again I noticed that the number of old soldiers is very low - mostly people from the active forces now. I didn't take flowers this year, but took my poppy from last year, and at the end of the ceremony I tucked it into the wreath that was laid by the government of Northern Ireland. I thought that seemed very apt.
Afterwards I strolled up to the NZ War Memorial through St James Park. The dawn service is held up there, but there were only a few wreaths there. I've posted a couple of photos below, but there are more on Flickr.
It was a lovely, moving day - as always. It is my day for Dad, and he is very much on my mind today.
The ceremony was moving (as always). And again I noticed that the number of old soldiers is very low - mostly people from the active forces now. I didn't take flowers this year, but took my poppy from last year, and at the end of the ceremony I tucked it into the wreath that was laid by the government of Northern Ireland. I thought that seemed very apt.
Afterwards I strolled up to the NZ War Memorial through St James Park. The dawn service is held up there, but there were only a few wreaths there. I've posted a couple of photos below, but there are more on Flickr.
It was a lovely, moving day - as always. It is my day for Dad, and he is very much on my mind today.
NZ Army, ANZAC Day 2009
NZ Army, ANZAC Day 2009
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
I zoomed in on this guy, as his uniform made me think of photos of Dad - I'm sure I remember seeing one of him wearing the same type of hat.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Another two sections down...
We completed another two sections of the London Loop - from Banstead to Kingston - sections 7 and 8 on the list. This one ended up in my neighbourhood which was great - a short stroll home!
I wasn't overly impressed with these sections - too urban for me, or walking along somewhat uninspiring canals. The others didn't agree with me - I think its been too long and I need to get out and do some 'proper' country walking... So no photos, as there wasn't really anything worth taking a photo of.
But it was a lovely sunny day and we ended up having a drink down by the river in the sun at the end which was most pleasant.
I wasn't overly impressed with these sections - too urban for me, or walking along somewhat uninspiring canals. The others didn't agree with me - I think its been too long and I need to get out and do some 'proper' country walking... So no photos, as there wasn't really anything worth taking a photo of.
But it was a lovely sunny day and we ended up having a drink down by the river in the sun at the end which was most pleasant.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Easter events
So Easter is winding down for another year... still its only a few weeks until we get another long weekend here!
I had a fairly social weekend which was nice - weather wasn't great though. Didn't rain much, but was just very grey and dull for much of it. Until about 5pm today when the sun finally came out. Typical...
Anyhow, Thursday evening I met Jackie, Nicola and Mhairi for dinner at Wahaca - a new fave of mine. Its the 3rd time I've been there and its been great every time. After dinner we met Simon (who had only just finished work!) for a drink. Nice way to start the long weekend :-).
Friday it was off to a friend's 30th birthday at the Queen Bodicea pub in Angel. It was a good do, but was a bit of a pain to get to as my line had engineering works all weekend. Ended up on a replacement bus service home so it turned into a much later evening than I was expecting.
Sunday was round to Simon's for a lovely roast lamb lunch - very chilled way to spend Easter Sunday.
And today I spent a lovely afternoon at Kew with David, Dominic and Chris - photos posted on Flickr as well as the couple below. There was a very cool display of seed pod art, and the blossoms were just stunning. We were probably a week or so too early for the bluebells, and we'd missed the best of the daffodils, but the rest were just gorgeous. And we saw some very cute wee ducklins and cootlings (?). I love Kew and will definitely be renewing my membership when it expires.
I had a fairly social weekend which was nice - weather wasn't great though. Didn't rain much, but was just very grey and dull for much of it. Until about 5pm today when the sun finally came out. Typical...
Anyhow, Thursday evening I met Jackie, Nicola and Mhairi for dinner at Wahaca - a new fave of mine. Its the 3rd time I've been there and its been great every time. After dinner we met Simon (who had only just finished work!) for a drink. Nice way to start the long weekend :-).
Friday it was off to a friend's 30th birthday at the Queen Bodicea pub in Angel. It was a good do, but was a bit of a pain to get to as my line had engineering works all weekend. Ended up on a replacement bus service home so it turned into a much later evening than I was expecting.
Sunday was round to Simon's for a lovely roast lamb lunch - very chilled way to spend Easter Sunday.
And today I spent a lovely afternoon at Kew with David, Dominic and Chris - photos posted on Flickr as well as the couple below. There was a very cool display of seed pod art, and the blossoms were just stunning. We were probably a week or so too early for the bluebells, and we'd missed the best of the daffodils, but the rest were just gorgeous. And we saw some very cute wee ducklins and cootlings (?). I love Kew and will definitely be renewing my membership when it expires.
Saturday, April 04, 2009
These are the feelings I taste in my dreams...
Had an incredibly vivid dream this morning about Mum. I had travelled back in time (I have complex dreams!), and Sam was in it, but he was only young. He was in the lounge in Taupo telling Mum that something was empty, and she was talking to him about it.
I knew in the dream that Mum was gone, and I was just loving being there and having the opportunity to see her again and hear her voice. And in my dream I was thinking 'Thats right - thats how she sounded'. I woke up with her voice in my head, but already it has gone again. Sometimes I can hear her so clearly and other times I just can't hear her voice at all.
I knew in the dream that Mum was gone, and I was just loving being there and having the opportunity to see her again and hear her voice. And in my dream I was thinking 'Thats right - thats how she sounded'. I woke up with her voice in my head, but already it has gone again. Sometimes I can hear her so clearly and other times I just can't hear her voice at all.
I think I'm back...
I do realise its been a long time since I've posted. I don't think I've ever gone a full month without posting before... Not sure why really - just been a bit distracted and tired I think. Haven't even been reading either. My creative writing juices just seem to have dried up.
But working on the assumption that I do still have some followers out there in the ether, here is a bit of a round up as to what I've been doing since Feb 23rd...
But working on the assumption that I do still have some followers out there in the ether, here is a bit of a round up as to what I've been doing since Feb 23rd...
A snapshot
- Went to see my friend Steve play Valere in 'La Bete' at the South London Theatre. He had the most amazing amount of lines, and did so well. It was great - very funny. Steve is the one in the wig in the photo - although fortunately he didn't wear this while actually performing the play.
- Went to 'Do Something Funny for Money' which was part of Red Nose Day. EY are the honorary accountants for the charity, and this was a show put on my people at work trying to be funny. Accountants/consultants etc and humour really don't mix. It was dire.
- Mhairi and I went to see The Dodge Brothers album release gig. We are both big Mark Kermode fans so thought it would be good to go along. And it was - a great skiffle band, but while I enjoyed it, it wasn't quite my style of music enough to actually buy the cd...
- Spent an enjoyable hour or so at Space N.K. getting some advice on facial care, and am now a regular wearer of a very light foundation to work... and mascara! And I've even started wearing make up when I go out... At the advanced age of almost 41 I've decided its time to start accentuating the positives and hiding the negatives :-)
- Walked another section of the London Loop
- Been up to Glasgow for the weekend to see Lindsey and her whanau. Had a great weekend - always fantastic to see her, and to re-connect with Ricky, Chloe and Jamie.
- Helped Julia celebrate her birthday.
- Helped Jackie celebrate her birthday.
- Almost lost my voice - strangest sensation to just open your mouth and only have a squeak come out of it!
- Watched the final ever episode of Battlestar Galactica with Owen - we are both now bereft.
- Bought myself a very cool pair of cowboy boots which I am inordinately proud of.
- Helped Jackie celebrate her birthday for the second time at the 'official' party.
Loop walk - a very small observatory!
Loop walk - a very small observatory!
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
A very small observatory from the last Loop walk.
Jackie's 40th
Jackie's 40th
Originally uploaded by Megan Shields.
Jackie, me and Mhairi - rocking the purple/blue look!
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