I have decided that Sundays should be for doing nothing, after a long night of socializing over coffee with some rather wonderful company, I am now feeling more than a little tired.

The week itself has been long, what with working six days a week now, it would seem as though I barely have enough time to post on my blog.

I have however managed to keep in touch with all of those that are important including an old friend who I had not heard from in a while.

As always the conversation via phone that I had with the wonderful RMF was brilliant, in spite of comment about the fact that my Spanish is considered “baby Spanish”.

We discussed my travel plans along with some of his, who really knows what is going to happen, though that is less important as there is plenty of time to check out everything.

Saturday this week was brilliant again, myself and my mate SF went and took photos of Wellington, no the photo on the front page is not a set backdrop, it is a real sunset in Wellington are you jealous, you should be.

Andrew James / A J

Getting Through Saturday 17/03/07

So after keeping away form the alcohol last night, also getting through the working day today, I am feeling surprisingly energetic.

I am sure as you get older the hangovers last longer, that notwithstanding I have managed to not only go to work but captain an impressive team toward a great victory.

In the relay for life competition there were over 100 teams of which the top 10 are usually the New Zealand Air Force, High Schools Athlete Teams and the Gym Trainers, each of which will have a couple of teams and not to mention a large number of people on their relay squad, so turning up with only myself and four others left me feeling slightly disadvantaged, that notwithstanding we still managed to get to seventh place, I might add ahead of Les Mills, one of New Zealand's top gyms.

All I can say is "eat humble pie Les Mills you got left for dust by a group of bankers!!" ooops was that a little too loud?

Needless to say I walked home feeling quite accomplished this evening, maybe it was because of the lack of food or extreme pressure placed on my body but I could not help but notice how beautiful Wellington is at the we small hours in the morning.

Oh that's right Wellington is beautiful anyway.

Andrew James / A J

Friday We Go Bowling/ Hangover16th 07

Today I woke up feeling like total bollocks, needless to say the alcohol is running through every vain in my body and now spilling out of the pores in my skin.

I can smell tequila and gin and the last thing I want right now is to have another drink, though it is fate that I should have organised a staff function tonight where consumption is unavoidable.

Tonight my flock from work and I are going bowling at the new bar and bowling alley in town, and I am two sheets to the wind in the being able to consume department, this is unusual being that I am usually the one encouraging such behaviour.

Relay for life is just around the corner and I am hoping that I can muster the strength I need before tomorrow to make a decent effort.

We need to be able to beat the gym teams this year.

Will keep you posted.

Andrew James / A J

Thursday 15/03/07 Pondo

Thursday last week was fantastic, unfortunately I have not had much time to post lately, well after a long day at work, not to mention knowing that the following day I would get my first sleep in for what had been some time, I decided to treat myself to a few drinks at my favourite water hole, "Pondorosa" mmmm with simply licentious cocktails, I had reached orgasmic heights.

After being entertained for hours by the brilliant bar staff I was well on my way to that happy place, the conversation was fantastic, as drunk as I was we still made great conversation, though one of my mates who happened to be with me seemed to bring things to a halt every now and then with his "I once new this person who could" stories.

That notwithstanding the night was amazing and I got home to feel suspiciously sick, though now on a first name basis with both of the staff.

Andrew James / A J

Monday's

Today I did my long shift for the week, in an effort to boost my income so that I can save some extra cash, I will be doing this on a regular basis.

So, cranky as I was I got out of bed this morning and donned my work clothes to head to work, the sun had not even risen over the city yet it was time for me to head down the quay.

Not even coffee seemed to wake me from my somewhat slumberous state of mind, though the rude awakening of getting to the office to find that we had hit one of the busiest days yet changed all of that.

All that said I think I probably spent more of my time arranging my personal calendar in order to fudge together arrangements for the coming week.

Much of today was spent laughing, I got woken up repeatedly by my flat mate last night, someone had some special medicine when they where at the concert, so my flat mate compelled as he was simply had to declare his love for everyone, sweet but oh my a shock to the system, this is not to say that the messages where not well received, as always I was glad to hear my flat mate was having a such a joyous time.

My mobile did however get turned off when we got to four in the morning, so it's comes as no surprise that my phone was bombarded with messages when I finally switched it back on again, random fits of laughter had my colleagues worried as they have not heard my shriek of laughter in the office for some months now, so much so that they where beginning to wonder if I were human at all, today's outbreak confirmed that if anything I am a little crazy, for those of you that know me this is probably more of an undisputed fact than a possibility, ha ha.

This Friday we are going to "The Lanes" the wonderful bowling alley that I have mentioned in previous post's, Not too mention working the following day, this is all to be followed by running for charity from Midnight till four the following morning, there is a reason my mother included a bottle of gin with my running shoes in the courier pack that arrived at my desk today.

Mother knows best though, I shall enjoy the gin very much, I imagine that my flat mate will also take comfort in a few glasses with me on Sunday.

Will keep you all posted...

Andrew James / A J

Back Home, Time For That Barbecue At Home With My Mate Max

I always know I am at home when I pass those god awful apartments at the end of our street, can you believe people live in those studio apartments?

This evening we made hamburgers, though dinner was interrupted by a friend in need, meaning that my mate had to leave temporarily to tend to one of his flock.

All good though as the burgers where delicious and television has got alot better on Sundays as it turns out.

Will keep you all posted.

Andrew James / A J

Just When I Thought The Day Had Finished

With the evening still not fully set in, myself and my friend went to visit one of those hidden beauties that I had mentioned earlier.

It was off to Wilton which is not that far out of town, in fact it is one of the suburbs of the city, but this place unlike some of the others has a reserve, you know you are in Wilton when you can hear the birds singing in the air and the air is so fresh.

Walking down some of the paths watching the birds fly through the trees and swiftly move across the ground was fantastic.

Andrew James / A J

Sunday Just Keeps Going

It was decided that the day is far from over, what with the sun still out at Six in the afternoon, so me and Max played ball.

The ball was a gift that was given to me by our communications manager and has finally been put to good use, I now love my new Rugby Ball.

There were no winners which comes as no great surprise, given that there was only myself and my mate Max playing the game.

I in this process discovered that we have a huge yard out back, if you go past the tennis court which looks directly onto the back of our place and are to carry on down the path there is a great field.

This is of course on the school grounds but I am thinking I may just claim it as my own during the weekend.

So there you have guys I think we have more than just a tennis party coming up soon, it looks as though we will also have to have a rugby tournament for which we will use the apartment as a clubroom's.

Now if only golfing was part of the schools curriculum, I might have to talk to the principal of the school about installing a driving range.

Andrew James / A J

Later That Sunday Part Two

So with all of the action from today I think it will be another barbecue and then siesta.

I am still eagerly awaiting getting paid this Wednesday as it is going to mean a little more freedom to do stuff on the coming weekend, not mention that I am needing to get saving for my trip as I only have a year to come up with both the funding for the trip but I have to be able to afford the month off before I start to work.

My flat mate returns home this coming Tuesday and I must say that though I have missed him being here it has been awesome to have this time to myself to sort through the things that have been going on.

Did I tell you that I had to turn off my phone as my much loved flat mate was giving me updates all last night as to how his concert was going, but I was too tired to be able to reply.

Mmm on the note of my flat mate, I might mention that when he returns there are going to be a few changes, in particular the consumption of vast quantities of coke, I was doing the recycling only to find nearly 20litres worth of already consumed coke, this I have established from all of the empties littered through his bedroom, needless to say the small bottles I have been getting him every now and then have not sufficed.

I will keep you up to date on any developments there.

Andrew James / A J

Later That Sunday

Myself and my mate Max went to the harbour to see what was on, to our surprise the Dragon Boat racing was on this weekend.

This is a competition where all of the top of New Zealand's High School Rowing Teams compete against each other for the cup (not sure of the cups name or if it has one).

Though I am not sure who won the competition I did enjoy the atmosphere and the beer had at the local brewery on the waterfront.

We passed on our journey many of my favourite sights, all of the pictures are from around the area that I live in, being so close to town I guess I am spoilt with views of all of our beauties with exception to a few hidden talents around the cities borders.

Finally I also have a photo of my favourite restaurant, it is a place that I have eaten on previous occasions but reserve for only a few, this place has significance for it's wonderful food but more importantly the spectacular evenings spent with those people of great importance in my life, this includes of course my much loved mother and father.

The best part as you can see is that it is right next door to my place, how could this be? the perfect marriage of food to people so harmoniously.

So our little journey today took us past the railway station that has been in Wellington since the rails inception many years ago, the obscurely designed Parliament building that everyone associates with New Zealand 'The Beehive", not to mention the oldest ship in New Zealand which is suspiciously close to the local brewery (I wonder how it is possible all of today's sights where near pubs or bars?).

Check out our National Library, and surprise surprise there is no one their today, could there be a link with this and our lack of literacy amongst certain socio-climates in New Zealand?

Andrew James / A J

Sunday Afternoon

I woke late today, I am feeling sorry for myself, too much smoke yesterday, not too mention the whirl wind of thoughts passing through my head.

Getting up and having a coffee and smoke has not been nearly as satisfying as I had hoped, though the sun is out and it is streaming once again through the windows I am not any more excited about the day.

My friend Max is encouraging me to go out and having had a shower I think I will go wander the streets of Wellington, nothing seems to pick me up like this place.

Despite looking like utter bollocks from the night before I am still going to wander around.

Bring on pay day, I am getting so excited about being able to pay for my courses and go out the following weekend, it has been ages since hitting the town and I need to make the most of the time I have left as I will not be able to just pop around the corner to see my mates when I leave.

Will keep you posted on the day as it unfolds.

Andrew James / A J

Saturday

I went to work, brilliant I tell you, this whole working weekend’s thing is not nearly as bad as it has been rated.

I had an awesome time with my colleagues, we talked mostly of what we where doing after work, though it has to be said this weekend may appear somewhat more subdued than mine, though I am looking forward to my mate Max arriving later as we will catch up with a few bourbons and cigarettes on the porch, the weather today has been glorious the sun is streaming through the lounge right now

I have to say that I really do love my place, me and my mate Jake moved here about six month’s ago and it has been awesome here.

The barbecue has not been used since the wonderful barbecue that we had with Kelly, Brendon, Jake, Rudi and Max around, a few weeks ago, so burgers it is.

Not sure how this is going to be done under the influence, could turn out to be more of an event than an act of cooking on a barbecue.

I will let you know of any developments from there ……..


Andrew James / A J

Relay For Life

Recently I volunteered for being team captain for one of our relay for life teams, yes I will be running to raise funds for my favourite charity, this is begins my charity work for the year.

During the year I have a few events, though I do try to participate wherever possible in others, that I get the chance to raise money for what I consider great causes, though some people may not agree with me that some of them are that fantastic.

Odd that as a smoker I try to get involved so much with work for the cancer charities, but then it could be easily justified, last year in relay for life I failed to reach my goal only being able to have raised $135.00, mind you this was done in one week so can not be entirely written off as an effort to contribute.

This year I would like to be able to raise $500.00, one of my work mates, who I think is awesome will be working with me so that together we can create a decent contribution for the charity this year.

Oh and check out the cool T-shirt that we have to wear, though I am not sure of the aesthetics the cause is reason enough to wear it.

What I get involved with next I am not sure but I will be on the look out to get involved with the Wellington community which I love so much, I should be so fortunate to have another year here before going out and about to do something for myself.

Andrew James / A J

Sans Tennis Rackets / Update On The Journey And That Someone

My Flat mate and I have still to get those wonderful tennis rackets, I am left only to assume at this stage that it may be winter before we get the chance to see who is the champion, in which case it will be more of a test of endurance, for those of you that have yet to see a winter in the capital city, the wind is severe and the cold chills you to the bone.

For now though I am at home and left to my own device while my flat mate is in Melbourne for a concert.

More on that person of which left an imprint on my life, well we seem to have finally found balance, this is not from him finally relenting but more that I am coming to accept that there is little or nothing we can do to change things at present, that as much as it would be nice to entertain thoughts of great things, the things that we would like to have happen, that there is great uncertainty and it would be unwise to have great expectations if only to avoid both the feeling of being let down, but more importantly to avoid this being at the expense one of the greatest friendships.

I am left thinking at the moment that it I am a lucky individual for having such amazing people influencing my life at the moment.

This is not to say that I have made the more recent choices on the advice of others nor in the hope that there would be some mutual benefit to me for following through with my actions, needless to say there is a renewed sense of self, that these choices are my own and that there is an excitement and anticipation for what the futures ventures will bring.

Though now I must say there is a feeling that my journey may be for a lot longer than originally planned, I am now realising that there is so much more that I wish to see.

Andrew James / A J

Let's Have A Drink / Perhaps It Is Time For A Sleepwalk

Ok so time for an update, I have had my first night of sleep, I actually got three hours sleep last night, so this means there is at least some progress.

On Tuesday night there was a little concern, the night was fantastic with my friend Max coming over for a few drinks, the company was fantastic, the alcohol magnificent, my friend Max always cracks me up and we had a good conversation about the week even though in it’s early stages.

The night ended well and Max crashed on the spare bed, this is all good, though at four in the morning I had to let my friend Max into the house due to him having gone for a walk, you can imagine my frustration given my lack of sleep, that he would knowingly go out and expect for me to wake up so that I could let him in, what was more annoying is that this is the second time he has done this.

It turns out he never actually got up and went for a walk at all, apparently I instead went for a sleep walk, this has had me perplexed as I am certain that I had only gone to let him in, what’s worse is that this is not the only time I have thought I have been somewhere though on other occasions when waking I have realised that it was not possible to be back in my bed and have gone to the places supposedly visited.
The confirming fact was that my feet where all dirty from having wandered barefoot, what is more disturbing is that I had no clothes on, so what does one learn from this?
Well firstly to now go to bed fully clothed, if only to avoid embarrassment of waking with no clothes on near my place, this is largely because we live right next to an all girls high school, can you imagine trying to explain that?

Andrew James / A J

The Hazy Morning's

Morning all, it is Tuesday and although supposedly having a sleep in I still feel like utter bollocks today.

I have not been sleeping properly for about three weeks now and it is finally running me down, it would be simpler if I knew that a holiday or even fewer hours at the office would cure this but alas nothing.

Well hopefully this changes in the next week or so, as there is only so long one can survive without having a regular sleep pattern.

Anyway that aside, there is so much I need to be doing at the moment, this month I will be working late evenings at the office as well as of course a few earlier starts, that along with preparing for next months lessons is madness, not too mention my wonderful parents coming down to visit me at Easter time, for which I will need to look at least moderately well slept and healthy for.

There is comfort in knowing that my flat mate is sharing the same lack of sleep and discomfort as I, though possibly not the most ideal living situation, we seem to have found an unusual harmony with all the crazy shit going on.

Will keep you posted on any changes there.

Andrew James / A J

More On Learning The Language / Update Of Things More Recently

Well I have finally booked my courses for learning Spanish, so nervous but excited at the same time.

I have failed to mention that more recently someone has made quite an impression on me, perhaps more so than I have been willing to admit to the people around me.

Circumstance has not allowed for much other than adoration from a distance but that notwithstanding the impression left on me is both fantastic and and everlasting.

It goes without saying that there are but a few people that make such a huge impact on our lives and with such little effort in doing so.

This is not all bad as for what it is worth there have been many recent events that while sometimes depressing have inspired greater things, be it the loss of loved ones for one reason or another, or the challenges of working life under duress, they have all been factors for me to be motivated to make considerable change, though incredibly difficult you soon establish who those people are that maintain a certain sense of significance and importance in ones life.

As you already know I will be traveling to see the world that I have yet to set my eyes on, there is of course some hope that I will get to share this experience.

Will keep you posted on the coming developments.

Also anyone who knows already how to speak either French or Spanish please let me know, I am quite keen to learn.

Andrew James / A J

The Super Market Has Gone Mental / I Love My Cat

Mmm, so I had to get out of the house if only to get some smokes due to having run out, you would not believe it they now have pre-packaged Hangi, this is traditionally a meal that is made by our Maori ancestors and is cooked by placing food deep into the ground to cook.

To my amusement you can now buy it as a microwave meal, That is some wrong shit right there.

Also while downloading photos for the blog I found another one from my trip. yes it is a photo of my pussy, my cats name is "Mouse", can you see the likeness?

Ha ha ha, OK so maybe imagine her as a kitten, maybe alot of imagination.

Andrew James / A J

You Should Be Jealous Of Our Weather

Well it is Sunday and the hang over from last night means that I will not be venturing out this afternoon, I have been blobbing out all day today, satisfying to say the least.

This is a bit of a shame as the weather here in the capital city has been superb, did you hear that Rudi?
Yes the weather here has been so warm and wonderful the last couple of days, it is almost a crime not to leave the house.

Moving on from that I have finally got a picture of my new lamp and the cool thingies I got for the foyer, no picture of the new bed just yet.

This time next year it is not going to be so warm as I will be leaving this wonderful city to explore places that do not share the climate this time of year.

Apparently where I am going it is known that people have the snot literally frozen in their nose (mmm yuck), but a necessary evil if I am to experience the culture and the cooler weather, exciting.

If anyone has any suggestions for good warm clothes, or even of places online to get started on the learning Spanish and French please let me know, I do not know just how much I am going to learn from this learn via CD thing.

Oh also check out the tennis court at the back of our house, am so looking forward to kicking my flatmates ass when we get the rackets, well actually I was really looking forward to showing a certain Spanish man how to play tennis but we will have to do that another time.

Andrew James / A J

Saturday Night

Well me and my friend went to our mates farewell party on Saturday, after a few hours work during the day it goes with out saying there was a need to have a beer.

It was amazing her parents place overlooks the beautiful Wellington city and the company there was brilliant.

We spent the afternoon drinking beer on the balcony laughing and enjoying the plentiful conversation that was on offer.

Later in the evening our friends father presented myself and my mate with the most amazing Gin and Tonic, this of course was graciously enjoyed along with the conversation of how the house came to develop into such a beauty.

We did however have to leave around 12:30 as both of us where swimming in the alcohol that we had been consuming in the hours we spent there.

Was good to get home after such an amazing evening, having been able to catch up with all of those in the evening that I so looked forward to hearing from and talking to everyone including those of which that where not present but that were able to be there in spirit by way of mobile phone.

Andrew James / A J

My Holiday In Hawkes Bay Revisited.

O.K so we all know that I went to Hawkes Bay a few weeks back, but I did not get to tell you is how beautiful that place is, the weather was fantastic and you would not believe it, Napier is not that bad a city after all.

I spent alot of my time in Waipukurau which is the lovely inland town by the East coast of the north island in New Zealand.

This is a village that I grew up in and only left before turning 21, it is interesting going back there, the lifestyle is so relaxed, their are people who are happy spending their lives going to work nine till five on a small wage so they can spend their spare time at the beach or having barbecues in the sun in their backyards, drinking beer and wine with good food is our favourite past time, the whole family will get together and laugh and relax while eating far too much and drinking till late afternoon.

After all of this it is no surprise that we need to have a siesta in the late afternoon, then we all migrate back to the barbecue for some dinner a few more drinks and talking late into the evening.

I am looking forward to being able to do this again soon, though I must say that the barbecues we have here at our place in Thorndon have been awesome also, the company has always been fantsastic and the food flawless.

I am looking forward to doing more of this in the near future.

Andrew James / A J

More Information

Well today has been full on, first we had to find out the cost of my flights, would you believe it is much cheaper than I thought.

Instead of nearing the $6000.00 NZD we are only looking at $1800.00 which means that I can have my flights paid for within the next month, also it has been recommended that I book all of my alternative flights when I am overseas, if only to avoid having to rebook on account of changing my mind as to what I want to do and where I would like to go.

I have found a few places that might be ideal for learning the language, lets hope I can manage this one, I am a fast learner but a while language when I have barely a proper grasp of my own, ha ha ha I hear my flat mate say.

Will let you know how that one works out.

Andrew James / A J

Where We Are Now (Long Time Since Last Posting)

Lets start by saying that the new bed has been fantastic, the things that are now filling my place are wonderful and I love them all.



Moving on from that though, plenty has happened since my last post, I thought it would be a good time to let it all out.



I have been busy with things including with the usual shitty stuff that can happen to one while going about their life, but all things considered not a thing that I could possibly say that I regret, this is because there has been alot of happiness from all of this, despite any of the other feelings that may come with certain events more recently.

Was that a little to ambiguous?


More recently I have a made a few changes to what I am doing and my career is going to be taking a back seat for while as I prepare for a journey to go overseas, this is something that for a long time I have promised myself and I am nearing being able to do something about it.



As part of going to Belgium as my first destination I have decided that it would be in my best interest to learn how to speak French, also that I
would like to learn Spanish, there are two reasons for wanting to learn one being that I have a friend in Spain that I have not seen in years and
I hope to be able to see him and his new wife and son, while also being able to speak the language, the second is that it is also the language which a person who I consider quite special speaks, so it would be fantastic to learn and will also be alot easier for me to begin with before starting to learn the French dialogue.



As it has been decided to leave Wellington next year for my trip I will be keeping pictures of the wonderful city that I live in along with others of the places I will be visiting before I go.





Andrew James / A J