The Birthday Party!

Birthday Week ended nice and neatly on Saturday, which happened to be Jon's actual birthday. Hence, the big 'finale' was his birthday party. We started planning forever ago (or so it feels like) and came up with a Mario Party theme. Yes, my friends, we went old school, back to the days of Nintendo and game boys. Super Mario Brothers, Mario Party, Mario Kart, anything Mario.


Jon and I worked through out the week to get everything set up. It was great. We had people dress up or just wear any Mario themed top. We had a few friends pop up from Wellington, which was great, since we haven't seen them in about 4 months!


The cake was fun. If you people remember the mushrooms in the games, you will totally get the cake! ... and if not, well then, the green cake is the "1-up" mushroom. This mushroom gave you an extra life if you were lucky enough to catch up with it. The red mushroom is the mushroom that makes little Mario grow into a big Mario - not to be confused with the mega mushroom in later games. We also made star cookies and had other snacky food for the party.




Decorating was fun. Many walls of the house were turned into Mario scenes, and what topped everything was the participation by those who came to the party.



Des and Charles came dressed as a princess and Mario. It was great!



Nerina and Tiffany were princess Peach and Princess Daisy.



Melissa and Elanor did their research to find other Mario characters that were female. I forget the names of the girls they were, but they have the photo of the girls held up in the picture. It was their 'proof' that their characters were real!



Ben, Jon's brother, dressed up as Mario as well. The photo below has Ben, Jon, and Charles in it.





The rest of us came in either Mario tee shirts or just came. But we all had fun.


Mario Party and Mario Kart was played throughout the party, never with the same players for a full game.


All in all the party was a great success.

Birthday Week: Up to the Final Party

After watching an episode of Gilmore Girls, Jon and I decided to adopt the Gilmore Girl way of celebrating birthdays. Why should you only celebrate your birthday one day out of the year? It should be a whole week! The fun of getting yet one more year older, the excitement of being just that much wiser, and basically, since you can't do anything about getting older, you may as well party away.

Day 1: Bowling

Neither Jon or I had been bowling in quiet a long time. The last trip was in Wellington, where the scores were nothing to brag about, but was fun. (Mostly very entertaining because of one girl who was not really trying to play, but was getting strikes and spares like nothing else! I've never seen anything like it... It was so funny!)

So Monday night we headed out to the local bowling alley with Jon's two brothers and his father. Anton kicked all of our butts, but we all had a good time. Certainly none of us are thinking of going professional.

Just before leaving there was a small round of air hockey, which brought back good old memories for me. I remember playing air hockey at the roller skating rink all the time. Good times, good times....

Day 2: Movie night - The Italian Job

Movie night was great. We bought the Italian Job on the weekend before, because the movie times did not agree with our schedule. However, we made the most of it. We ordered pizza, had snacks, and just enjoyed an in home cinema night.

Jon had seen the Italian Job before, but it was my first time. I thoroughly enjoyed the movie though. It had a good pace to the movie, even if you could predict some of what would happen.

For a side note, pizza was ordered from Hell Pizza, which I think is probably the best pizza in New Zealand. (Perhaps it does not compare to some small one off Italian place but it is certain very good.) For any non New Zealanders, check out the website for some fun. http://www.hell.co.nz/ The website has little devils with pitchforks that run across the bottom of the screen and you can pick them up with the mouse and throw them around, etc. So much fun. And seriously, great pizza. I wish we had one back at home.\

Day 3: Dinner Out - That became Dinner In

We were supposed to have dinner out this night, but the weather was a bit nasty. So we went out for food, but brought it back home for eating. Burger Wisconsin was on the menu this night. Good burgers and good wedge fries. Yum!

Day 4 & 5: Ok, well I will admit, we didn't do much special for these nights other than work on everything for the party on Saturday. We made decorations, goofed off, and had a good time despite not having specifics. Technically, Day 4 would have been Institute, but there were a lack of students, so it got cancelled.

The week was fun though... I think we will try to keep this tradition up...

The Day the Ducks Came to Visit

We have ducks! Our landlord said that a duck roams the little stream that runs through our backyard, but so far, we have only seen him from time to time. I have heard its quacking from time to time, but the other day- when reality was starting to suck - the little guy was out there. I feed him some bread and enjoyed my little moment.

Well today, he returned and apparently told his buddies about our place, because we had four ducks waddling around! We are sure it was a double date. They seemed to stick to pairs. Very cute!

Aside from the 4 ducks, we also saw the eel that we were told lives most likely under some of the cinder blocks in the stream too! I attached a photo, but you may have to be creative with the photo of the eel... It only popped its head out for a moment, and the photo turned out fuzzy. That's what you get for hurried photography! (As a side note, we thought perhaps due to its fuzziness we might be able to pass it off as an alien encounter or Loch Ness or something, but decided in the end to allow the photo to be true to its nature.)

Reality Bites

I was sitting here thinking/wondering what to post up today, if anything, and decided that basically at this moment, reality bites. We all have these moments, when reality has suddenly decided that perhaps you have been a little too happy or a little to blessed in life, and it is now officially your turn to have a sucky time. Sometimes part of that is learning of troubles friends are going through. Sometimes family issues come up. Sometimes work permits are difficult to get. Sometimes the snow is in rebellion against you (Gilmore Girl reference for those of you who used to watch).

In my case, mostly, I have the work permit blues. My permit, that should have taken only a month for them to respond to, is now going to take.... who knows how long. In some ways, it is potentially not a bad thing, I haven't been rejected for my permit at this point, but this could put off plans yet again or it could quicken our plans. I hate not knowing though. Not really being able to have a plan.

Luckily for times like these, we have friends we can turn to, family we can turn to. My husband has been sweet and comforting to me. I spent most of yesterday talking to my two best friends in the world, my mother, and my husband. Today, I have added the blessing of comfort food - that, while a good thought at the time, has made my tummy a little queasy. I guess I had too much.

Anyway, I have come to a grand conclusion in typing all of this out and that is...

WHEN REALITY BITES, BITE BACK!

As an after thought, anyone have any good comfort food they want to share? Mine tends to be pasta and cheese or chocolate or ice cream or cheesecake. (For the record, today I had pasta and cheese and a little bit of chocolate.)

Ant Wars: The Invasion

I don't know about you, but really up until this point, when I thought of ants, I thought of one of two things:

1. Mean looking nasty red fire ants and everyone hates because they bite.
or
2. The cutesy cartoon ants that are always trying to steal someones picnic at the park or perhaps that cute little movie that came out called Antz.

Well the little 'cute' ant idea is out of the bag. These stupid little BUGS are infesting my house. I seriously see at least one a day, and if by chance the honey doesn't get closed all the way, or the sugar, or .... or.... or.... It's Ant Party World 2008.

Finally we got to a point where we didn't see any ants or have any ants for a while.... But guess what? We made a comment about it, and apparently the ants were listening, because the next morning, Ant Fest all over again!

I used to not have much passion about killing ants or much care about them, but now, I am an ant killing machine. Is that normal?? I just love killing the little guys for invading my home, no more playing nice. Oh no sir. Raid is my friend.

Ants of the world, beware!

Tall, Dark, and Handsome!

Hi, I'm the official 'Hot Kiwi Husband'. (As opposed to any cheap imitations out there.) I come complete with sexy Kiwi accent, but since this is a written format, you'll have to imagine it in your head. Just don't make me sound like an aussie! Grr! My favorite colour is blue, I'm a Leo, I'm a good cook, I don't mind a good chick flick, I like to waltz, I have a nice singing voice, I like long walks on the beach.... ( sorry ladies, I'm already taken!) I might borrow your baby if you have one. I'll give him or her back, probably when they need feeding or cleaning! ( It's not my kid yet, although I change nappies with the best of them...)

So, since my cute wife has entered the world of the blog, I thought I would get a slice of the pie too. I have not the luxury of time to start my own blog, so I will occasionally hijack this page to add my two cents of randomness. (I do stress the 'randomness'.) It will fit in with the rest of the blog, I guess. I do have to state I back Des up on anything she might say! My comments may not be as varied, but I hope some enjoyment is gained. If not, feel free to just skip my blogs and read the good stuff from Desirea.

Ok, I'm not really as narcissistic as my opening paragraph makes me sound, (although everything I said was true) but my lovely wife seems to view me in such glowing terms. I don't know why, I really don't. I'm the lucky one. I found the perfect woman for me. I could not improve on her if I strained my brain 'til the cows came home! ( I would make her get sick less often though. She would like to not be sick.)

Like Des said, our courtship was one smooth flow from meeting to married. I liked the look of her the first time I met her, with her lovely smile and nice eyes. We talked, and when a roadtrip was suggested, I took my chance! It worked well for me, as we soon started dating. And well, the rest is history! I am still suprised that I did so well, as I've never had a girlfriend before Desirea. One love only!

Anyway, I'm all smelly from work, (I work in construction) so I will leave this page to the capable (and much better smelling) hands of my lovely wife and go clean up. Enjoy Des' stuff!

Ode to Washing Machines, Dryers, and Dishwashers

Happy was the day,
When I with gladness bore
a dishwasher, a dryer, and so much more...

The dishwasher gleamed shiny,
The washer was a sight,
The dryer gave me tickles,
As they worked with all their might.

Then there came a day,
When with sadness we must part...
And now I AM the dishwasher,
the dryer and must start.

There is no more ease
As I wash dish by dish,
And now I must hang the washing
Now that the washing is wet as fish.

I miss my shiny objects,
And one day hope to own,
A dishwasher, a dryer, a washer all my own.

A Kiwi, a Kiwi, or a Kiwifruit

Ok, living down under (well in New Zealand for those who may want to think I am referring to Aussie world or perhaps some other definition of 'down under') I would like to clear up our little American misconception on the word 'kiwi'.

Many of us love to think that a kiwi is a lovely little green fruit, that we enjoy from time to time. BUT go to New Zealand and people look at you like you are CRAZY! if you refer to this sweet little fruit as just plain 'kiwi.

'Why you might ask? Well there are 3 different meanings to 'kiwi':

1. Kiwifruit - yes, the fruit is part of the actual name, and is sadly dropped when outside of its native land. (Don't you think this makes leaving even worse on these poor fruit? I bet they miss their mothers.)

2. Kiwi - This is a native bird, a little brown guy, with a big body, who is nocturnal (aka. A night time boogie addict - he likes his night parties and sleeps over the day in order to party hard all night long.) He resembles the fruit as both are small, brown and furry on the outside (well I don't know about the birds inside, but we won't go there.)

3. Kiwi - a native New Zealander - one who lives in New Zealand. Not usually confused with the fruit, because, unless you are a cannibal, you don't eat people.

So for the future...

When one asks "Can I have some of that great looking kiwi?" (um, bad example, that could refer to the hot native New Zealander kiwi.)

How about then... "I had kiwi for dessert last night."

Ok, now lets not get kinky and lets take that as it is or I could be here all night. A native NZer (New Zealander) would think you were eating a bird for dessert and would be shocked at you eating their national bird who is going into extinction. In fact, they may call the national park rangers or someone like that to take you away for bird inhumanity. Secondly, I hear it doesn't taste that good either- not that anyone knows, with them being endangered or anything.

If you are at the zoo, you may then hear the phrase "aw, what an interesting looking kiwi" (again, probably the bird, not usually one of the inhabitants of the country.)

And well we already covered the New Zealand guys (and as I am a girl and very biased by marrying a genuine kiwi myself, the guys are hot.)

Ok, enjoy the new found knowledge that you have gained and go forward empowering others to learn and properly use the terms 'kiwi, kiwi, or kiwifruit.'

Background

I am told that I should put up some sort of background work...

Here goes... I'm originally born and bred in Louisiana, near New Orleans, raised in Houston, Texas, and currently residing in New Zealand (yes, that is another country! It is down near Australia, but no it is not actually apart of Australia, they are their own country - just in case you weren't sure.)

I went to high school, followed by college (aka. university), and then couldn't settle on a course for a while. I decided to travel and went to Ireland, England, Scotland and Wales for visits. Spent New Years in London. I then made the decision to live outside of my native country for year. To some of my family, I am sure that I seemed to be a wanderer.

I encourage anyone who has the chance or the appreciation to do the same. You realize living somewhere else how others really view your country, you get to live in their culture for a while, and most importantly, you gain a new found appreciation for the country you left. I do miss home.

New Zealand is however a beautiful country. The people are wonderful, laid back, fun. Some things take getting used to - such as practically everything in town closing at 5 or 6 pm every day. It is interesting to note that I have now lived right on a fault line, and now am living very near to a "Mountain" aka Volcano that is rather over due for an eruption. Add in the possibilities of a tsunami and or tornadoes and you have all the natural disaster excitement for anyone.

(Sadly, every time there was a small earthquake while I was living in Wellington, I was either sleeping or in a car at the time and never felt it! But I have lived through a couple of them.)

The most exciting part of my journey here has been to meet and marry the man I have come to love so very much. We are one of those sad cutesy couples that makes everyone else sick. We even meet the mayor once, who upon meeting us said we were either newlyweds or engaged! But it is fun and we enjoy being sickeningly cute. We have fun together.

Our story isn't anything fancy really - We meet at church, started talking. Jon mentioned this 'mountain' that we could go climb and off we went. Our trip was three of us: Jon, Marianne, and myself. We had fun, but poor Marianne had a bit of a fall on the hike and sprained her ankle. (I am pretty sure our Relief Society President still holds that against Jon and I - That we brought her back in less than perfect health.) But our relationship started developing from there. It was all perfect and smooth and seemed like nothing in a way when he proposed. Now, 3 months after the wedding, I wouldn't trade him for anyone or anything.

We are working on getting permits and green cards and visas to get us to the states where we are hoping to set up our home.

I believe that brings us up to date in one quick jaunt, so I suppose this blog can end....

Or I should say, this is just the beginning....

A working title... If Caesar was alive, you'd be chained to an oar

I suppose my second blog should be a bit of an explanation for the long Latin phrase that denotes this blog site as mine. Most of you lovely people will not have taken Latin, or if you have - like me - you may have forgotten half of it. However, I do still love the Latin language.

To understand the picking of this phrase, we must back up in time - oh, say a day - to the persuasions of one Tavia and one Jon (the jury is still out on whether this was a good idea or not though.) As I was posted a rather amusing (in my opinion) comment on her blog, I was told that I needed a blog. Convinced that the world would be a lesser place without my rantings put out on cyber space, I decided that yes, I would enlighten the world with my madness. (Some pretty powerful convincing, huh?)

So this morning, I woke up to yet another cold winter day, and thought to myself "Self, today is the day to start blogging to your hearts content." So I jumped online, and set this little page up. Now, if you have a blog on here, you may know that half the names that you may think up for your blog.com are already taken - not fair! I tried a few out and each time got an annoying little message "Not available" "Not available" "NOT AVAILABLE". I think it really started yelling at me!

But then... fate stepped in... or at least Latin stepped in. I thought appropriate and amusing the translation. "If Caesar was alive, you'd be chained to an oar." Ok, maybe it isn't actually appropriate, but it is certainly an amusing quote. So there you are! How I was convinced to write and how I came up with such a silly looking phrase.

A Witness and A Warning

Ok, I don't actually have a witness for anything, but I thought it sounded catchier than just WARNING WARNING. But I do feel the need to warn the masses (or the one or two people that may actually read what I post) of the following:

WARNING: I have never posted a blog, nor pretend to be entertaining at any particular moment to anyone but myself. I can only hope that my amusements reach farther than myself and that you will enjoy these rants. If not.... Well just don't read them...

That is all now, consider yourself warned... and if you decide to read, may the force be with you!