So I'm officially overly grumpy.
Nancy gets asked about her accent also, I've now learned. And she's what you call a white person. And the irony is, most of her life she's live outside the US of A, but she still kinda sounds like me, or I like her. And still, she gets asked. And she reckons it's just a conversation opener.
Mind you, that doesn't stop me from turning instantly grumpy and writing off the speaker as a prospective friend unless otherwise proven nice/interesting, but I can life with the knowledge that this is a touchy subject for me, and I'm an above-average grump.
A T-shirt or a button still sounds good; I just can't decide on the wording: "You Bet", "Yes, you do", "I know", "So do I". Oh, the possibilities...
OK, busy Saturday today. I'm getting off the computer now and live in the non-virtual world. As Gail the Weaver said: "It's weird being a person."
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Friday, August 29, 2008
Kath Bee, Again
It sounds to me as if she's had a cold on this day, but during the recent school holiday the Independent Theatre had children's days - Kath Bee singing with her daughter and nieces; Roger Saunders telling stories, and Grea Burton performing.
I love that Kath sings about subjects kids are familiar with, in words they understand, but never underestimate their intelligence or reduce the music experience. Her songs are never "simple" in the way typical kids' songs are.
And see how casual her co-stars are? Well, that's Nelson. And see how the kids know the title song from her first CD? I can't wait for the second one. Coming out November 29 - and it has 13 songs, but that's all I know.
I love that Kath sings about subjects kids are familiar with, in words they understand, but never underestimate their intelligence or reduce the music experience. Her songs are never "simple" in the way typical kids' songs are.
And see how casual her co-stars are? Well, that's Nelson. And see how the kids know the title song from her first CD? I can't wait for the second one. Coming out November 29 - and it has 13 songs, but that's all I know.
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
The Morning After
I find it interesting how cross (to put it mildly) I get ever time Kiwis mention my accent. I know it's more me than them, but I also know they probably say it to fewer white/darker people than me. It's the anomaly of my looks and voice that makes me a bit of an enigma, I guess. They always have to ask where I'm "really from". My mom???
The psychologist yesterday was very nice, very respectable, and if she didn't start my appointment late (but she did give me slightly over 60 minutes) and if she didn't blurt that dreaded comment, she might have been my new best friend.
I can tell you it wasn't my tooth. I love speaking to counselors and psychologist, and probably will enjoy psychiatrist given the chance, the thought gives me a natural high.
Which may be a way of saying I'm an enigma to myself, eh? But isn't anyone? Or is anyone? Anyway, today, it's just me and the various chattering other "me"s in my head.
I wonder if I could ask her why I feel this way about my accent, after I let her know I'm not talking about her in particular. Beyond it just being a symbol of my alienation, you know.
EDIT: I wrote something similar, (but more objective) a year ago, too.
The psychologist yesterday was very nice, very respectable, and if she didn't start my appointment late (but she did give me slightly over 60 minutes) and if she didn't blurt that dreaded comment, she might have been my new best friend.
I can tell you it wasn't my tooth. I love speaking to counselors and psychologist, and probably will enjoy psychiatrist given the chance, the thought gives me a natural high.
Which may be a way of saying I'm an enigma to myself, eh? But isn't anyone? Or is anyone? Anyway, today, it's just me and the various chattering other "me"s in my head.
I wonder if I could ask her why I feel this way about my accent, after I let her know I'm not talking about her in particular. Beyond it just being a symbol of my alienation, you know.
EDIT: I wrote something similar, (but more objective) a year ago, too.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Please Explain
I don't understand the Kiwi compulsion to make a point in telling me they hear my "American accent" at every opportunity they get. I wonder if they say that to white people (or even dark people) with American accents. I wonder if they know there are gazzillion Asian Americans, too. And I wonder how the many (and there are many) Canadians in New Zealand feel every time they are asked if they are American.
Nothing wrong with being American or Canadian, and likewise, nothing wrong with the various American accents, though I do find the Southern/Texan particularly charming, even though I don't understand much of it. But then I like Scottish and Irish accents, too. Whatever.
Makers of this most boring remark cut across all socio-economic-educational backgrounds of these tiny islands. I've been in this country for 14 years now, and I only lived in the US for 10, and mine is no longer a pure American accent, and my vocabulary and sometimes even the spelling have become Kiwi-aized. I found it mildly amusing the first couple of years we were in New Zealand, but I am so sick of it I now automatically loose all respect for the sayer and interest in continuing any polite conversation, and have physically walked away from people mid-sentence.
Today it was a clinical psychologist who chortled those words. She is trying to give me a psychometric test because I had a little scary experience a month ago. (Looking back, it was more hilarious than scary, but anyhoo.) We were just talking about how alienated I feel living in Nelson as an Asian, and trying to make art (e.g. mostly alone in my basement), and how, as Asian-looking people, we will never be accepted as real Kiwis until or even after our dying days. And she got curious as to where I've lived in my life and Bang!, the accent thing.
We were just talking about alienation, weren't we? Being reminded of how I sound continuously by people who barely know me - now that's another good reason.
Not that I'm complaining. These are the Kiwi ways, and when in Kiwiland... I sometimes wished I spoke Japanese-English Kiwis expect, like Ben, so even though they might not understand a word I say, they won't have to remind me I look one way but sound another.
Still, I'm told Kiwis have the highest rate of passport issue per capita.
Nothing wrong with being American or Canadian, and likewise, nothing wrong with the various American accents, though I do find the Southern/Texan particularly charming, even though I don't understand much of it. But then I like Scottish and Irish accents, too. Whatever.
Makers of this most boring remark cut across all socio-economic-educational backgrounds of these tiny islands. I've been in this country for 14 years now, and I only lived in the US for 10, and mine is no longer a pure American accent, and my vocabulary and sometimes even the spelling have become Kiwi-aized. I found it mildly amusing the first couple of years we were in New Zealand, but I am so sick of it I now automatically loose all respect for the sayer and interest in continuing any polite conversation, and have physically walked away from people mid-sentence.
Today it was a clinical psychologist who chortled those words. She is trying to give me a psychometric test because I had a little scary experience a month ago. (Looking back, it was more hilarious than scary, but anyhoo.) We were just talking about how alienated I feel living in Nelson as an Asian, and trying to make art (e.g. mostly alone in my basement), and how, as Asian-looking people, we will never be accepted as real Kiwis until or even after our dying days. And she got curious as to where I've lived in my life and Bang!, the accent thing.
We were just talking about alienation, weren't we? Being reminded of how I sound continuously by people who barely know me - now that's another good reason.
Not that I'm complaining. These are the Kiwi ways, and when in Kiwiland... I sometimes wished I spoke Japanese-English Kiwis expect, like Ben, so even though they might not understand a word I say, they won't have to remind me I look one way but sound another.
Still, I'm told Kiwis have the highest rate of passport issue per capita.
The Tooth
I went to see the locum dentist at 9AM this morning; a lovely, older gent named Rod. He took a couple of x-rays, but there were no cracks, gaps, chips or any kind. And from where the gum was hurting this morning, he suspects it's possibly an upper left wisdom tooth.
Which raises an interesting question. In my junior year in college, one Friday afternoon, I had a headache, which by Saturday grew into a blinding one, hurting my arm, neck, and shoulder, and I couldn't open my mouth, and I knew it was a tooth problem. So I went in first thing Monday morning, and could have had it taken out right there had I not eaten (milkshake and yogurt) that morning, but since I had, I was booked for 1PM Tuesday.
Fast forward a few years. When you have one wisdom tooth taken out, you're supposed to get the other one taken out so your teeth don't start leaning towards the gap. I had this done six months later, which turned out to be far more painful than the first. These were the bottom ones.
Now I swear, a few years later, I had the top two taken out as well, which turned out to be not so bad. But today, Rod said I still have both of my top one, but according to Paul's records, I don't. We'll find out what the truth is when Paul gets back next week.
Meanwhile, I'm on antibiotics and codeine.
Which raises an interesting question. In my junior year in college, one Friday afternoon, I had a headache, which by Saturday grew into a blinding one, hurting my arm, neck, and shoulder, and I couldn't open my mouth, and I knew it was a tooth problem. So I went in first thing Monday morning, and could have had it taken out right there had I not eaten (milkshake and yogurt) that morning, but since I had, I was booked for 1PM Tuesday.
Fast forward a few years. When you have one wisdom tooth taken out, you're supposed to get the other one taken out so your teeth don't start leaning towards the gap. I had this done six months later, which turned out to be far more painful than the first. These were the bottom ones.
Now I swear, a few years later, I had the top two taken out as well, which turned out to be not so bad. But today, Rod said I still have both of my top one, but according to Paul's records, I don't. We'll find out what the truth is when Paul gets back next week.
Meanwhile, I'm on antibiotics and codeine.
Cringe
I'll be seeing the locum dentist in two hours. Don't know if the two are related, but I woke up this morning dreaming about one of those "cringe" moments from my teenage years.
Towards my senior years, I was uncharacteristically unwell, (and back in those days it could have meant one hair out of place), so I asked a grown-up friend if she could make an appointment for me with her kids' doctor. He was the only doctor to whose office I had been, entertaining the unsick portion of the pack. Anyhoo, she did, for one Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon.
I can't remember if we had been forewarned, but that fatal afternoon, we seniors had to be fitted for caps and gowns. So I waited. I knew I was cutting it close, but I thought somehow I can make it, or be just a few minutes late. (We had to wait awfully long even if we showed up at the right time, anyway.) I didn't know the doctor's name or phone number, but I either didn't think to ring my friend, or knew her schedule and realized she wouldn't be home even if I did. I can't remember if we were fitted alphabetically (by last name) or by homeroom number, but I and my lot were 2/3 of the way down the list.
You get the picture.
I got to the doctor's office somewhere between 20 to 90 minutes late and got a right-old dressing down from the receptionist; she was shouting without taking a breath I don't think I even had a chance to apologize, let alone tell her why I was late. Then, that night my friend rang, and the scenario was repeated.
As I get older and grumpier and prone to judge people quickly, I have to keep reminding myself not all young people are malicious or stupid or irritating.
What a way to start the week.
Towards my senior years, I was uncharacteristically unwell, (and back in those days it could have meant one hair out of place), so I asked a grown-up friend if she could make an appointment for me with her kids' doctor. He was the only doctor to whose office I had been, entertaining the unsick portion of the pack. Anyhoo, she did, for one Tuesday or Wednesday afternoon.
I can't remember if we had been forewarned, but that fatal afternoon, we seniors had to be fitted for caps and gowns. So I waited. I knew I was cutting it close, but I thought somehow I can make it, or be just a few minutes late. (We had to wait awfully long even if we showed up at the right time, anyway.) I didn't know the doctor's name or phone number, but I either didn't think to ring my friend, or knew her schedule and realized she wouldn't be home even if I did. I can't remember if we were fitted alphabetically (by last name) or by homeroom number, but I and my lot were 2/3 of the way down the list.
You get the picture.
I got to the doctor's office somewhere between 20 to 90 minutes late and got a right-old dressing down from the receptionist; she was shouting without taking a breath I don't think I even had a chance to apologize, let alone tell her why I was late. Then, that night my friend rang, and the scenario was repeated.
As I get older and grumpier and prone to judge people quickly, I have to keep reminding myself not all young people are malicious or stupid or irritating.
What a way to start the week.
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Olympics
I have one question. With Beach Volleyball, why do women wear so little fabric, when men wear almost respectable uniforms? Don't get me wrong; I'm not advocating Speedos (at one time there were called "V's" in Japan) for the blokes, but there's such a great difference in the officially sanctioned attire, you know.
Well, come to think of it, there is that in gymnastics, too, I suppose; but boys don't perform to music in gymnastics, do they? Those boys have that almost-cricket crispness I associate with old-fashioned amateur athletes. (God, I must be getting old.)
Ben's watching women's high jump; now those ladies can stand to wear FloJo style long pants. I had to leave the room because there were too many crotch shots. Men divers wore "togs" quite different from the swimmers, too. Yikes.
We didn't watch that many hours this time around; didn't watch the Opening Ceremony, either. In New Zealand, the broadcaster covers sports Kiwis are good at, of course, which tend to be, as Aussies describe it, "(athletes) sitting down and often facing the wrong way", e.g. rowing, sailing, cycling and equestrians. Plus some runners and swimmers.
Over here, the Per Capita medal count is what matters; a concept we learned about when we first arrived in 1994; note it wasn't an Olympic year. I'm sure someone will come up with the final tally in a few days, but Kiwis are always near the top in this respect. Back in 1996, I also compared the number of athletes; around 1 out of every 50,000 Kiwis were represented in Atlanta, and I remember shuddering when I calculated how many Japanese athletes it would take to represent every 50,000 watching back home. I can't remember how many, but very roughly, Japan has pretty consistently had 1/2 the population of the US over the last 30 years, and 10% of them live in Tokyo. Crikey.
Looking back, I think Japanese and American broadcasters showed many similar programs because I didn't perceive the differences in their coverage when I was moving back and forth. Back then, there were probably fewer options, too. I lost interest when the pros joined the game, until Sydney, when I was seriously glued to the television during the entire Games; I canceled all social engagements, and watched every minute of the coverage. But I've been ho-hum again; the money, the drugs, and the politics...
In four years it'll be held in a place where the time difference is 11 hours. Lordy, we'll be watching even less, I'd imagine.
But before London, don't forget the Paralympics starting September 6!!
EDIT: Depending on where you look, 182, 183 or 188 Kiwi athletes went to Beijing; Kiwi population right now is 4,275,336. That's one athlete representing somewhere between 22,741 and 23,491 Kiwis. CRIKEY! And I missed the men's marathon!
Well, come to think of it, there is that in gymnastics, too, I suppose; but boys don't perform to music in gymnastics, do they? Those boys have that almost-cricket crispness I associate with old-fashioned amateur athletes. (God, I must be getting old.)
Ben's watching women's high jump; now those ladies can stand to wear FloJo style long pants. I had to leave the room because there were too many crotch shots. Men divers wore "togs" quite different from the swimmers, too. Yikes.
We didn't watch that many hours this time around; didn't watch the Opening Ceremony, either. In New Zealand, the broadcaster covers sports Kiwis are good at, of course, which tend to be, as Aussies describe it, "(athletes) sitting down and often facing the wrong way", e.g. rowing, sailing, cycling and equestrians. Plus some runners and swimmers.
Over here, the Per Capita medal count is what matters; a concept we learned about when we first arrived in 1994; note it wasn't an Olympic year. I'm sure someone will come up with the final tally in a few days, but Kiwis are always near the top in this respect. Back in 1996, I also compared the number of athletes; around 1 out of every 50,000 Kiwis were represented in Atlanta, and I remember shuddering when I calculated how many Japanese athletes it would take to represent every 50,000 watching back home. I can't remember how many, but very roughly, Japan has pretty consistently had 1/2 the population of the US over the last 30 years, and 10% of them live in Tokyo. Crikey.
Looking back, I think Japanese and American broadcasters showed many similar programs because I didn't perceive the differences in their coverage when I was moving back and forth. Back then, there were probably fewer options, too. I lost interest when the pros joined the game, until Sydney, when I was seriously glued to the television during the entire Games; I canceled all social engagements, and watched every minute of the coverage. But I've been ho-hum again; the money, the drugs, and the politics...
In four years it'll be held in a place where the time difference is 11 hours. Lordy, we'll be watching even less, I'd imagine.
But before London, don't forget the Paralympics starting September 6!!
EDIT: Depending on where you look, 182, 183 or 188 Kiwi athletes went to Beijing; Kiwi population right now is 4,275,336. That's one athlete representing somewhere between 22,741 and 23,491 Kiwis. CRIKEY! And I missed the men's marathon!
Friday, August 22, 2008
What? No Deer?
I could have sworn there was a deer on it... How quickly we forget. Or maybe he's towards the top. We still have that yellow glass outside the "back" door. And yes, our living room was purple when we moved in, and we did nothing to it for eight years. And we have some woodwork painted, get this, shiny-pink-orange!
Glass
In New Zealand, some homes have interesting glass that represent the era the house was built. In our house, we had two panels of yellow glass in the front door, and an etched glass door with a deer with antlers, a long-stemmed rose, and some lattice work; I can't remember much because we got rid of it four years ago.
At the Polytech, I found this glass on the inside door of the Visual Arts block; now I personally wouldn't mind this, especially on in my studio door. OK, perhaps not on the front door; too girly for B.
At the Polytech, I found this glass on the inside door of the Visual Arts block; now I personally wouldn't mind this, especially on in my studio door. OK, perhaps not on the front door; too girly for B.
Are Looms Machinery?
Sorry if this is getting old. I'm out of humour just now. Weekend's coming up - I hope you have nice plans.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Still the Same Toothache
Pain killers, sleeping pills, I sound like a right old addict, but I have to get though today before I can do something. Yikes... (The moisturizer because I'm all feverish, too. Gee, I really wasn't planning on this.)
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
TOOTH ACHE, Y'ALL
I haven't had it for a while now. And I can't just now. Not only am I racing against a work deadline, but my dentist Paul is in Europe playing cricket!!! For a month!!!
Why is it that no pain killer ever works on toothaches? I need drugs... Ben says my face is swollen, but how on earth can he tell because I always have a fat face?
I bit into a few-days-old ciabatta this afternoon and that's what did it... It's gonna be a loooong night...
Why is it that no pain killer ever works on toothaches? I need drugs... Ben says my face is swollen, but how on earth can he tell because I always have a fat face?
I bit into a few-days-old ciabatta this afternoon and that's what did it... It's gonna be a loooong night...
It's Just Kiwianna, Baby
Apparently the new edition of Lonely Planet to New Zealand came out, and made unkind remarks about some of the kitsch stuff in Kiwiland. Among them: giant fruits in Cromwell , Pania in Napier ("Half New Zealand, half Disney", here seen with the model.), and our Stonehenge on the East Coast (I think it's this one).
The thing I don't understand is, we have tons of giant agricultural, aquacultural, and other, ummm... signs as an official welcome to towns. (Nelson hasn't got a giant anything, yet.)
The thing I don't understand is, we have tons of giant agricultural, aquacultural, and other, ummm... signs as an official welcome to towns. (Nelson hasn't got a giant anything, yet.)
Monday, August 18, 2008
Kath Bee Second CD Coming Soon-ish
My friend Kath Bee will be releasing her second Kids Songs CD on 29 November. I can't wait. She hasn't told me much about it, but as soon as I get mine, I'll show you. You can listen to some songs via her web site.
Today's Favorite - Concordia Sagittaria Today
I get a bit dreamy when it comes to Italy, and expect postcard photos even in the Daily Photo blogs, but this one, by Patrizia, a mother of two (soon three), gives a normal, everyday view of Concordina Sagittaria in North Eastern Italy.
My favorite has got to be this: I soooo very impressed (and a bit alarmed). But the reinforcement (?) of a dome from the inside on the Portal was what got my attention originally. Oh, yikes, I just noticed my recyclable shopping bag is next to it.
Yikes...
My favorite has got to be this: I soooo very impressed (and a bit alarmed). But the reinforcement (?) of a dome from the inside on the Portal was what got my attention originally. Oh, yikes, I just noticed my recyclable shopping bag is next to it.
Yikes...
I would have thought...
I was far more a boy/man that a girl/woe-man. For one, I can't multi-task... But this site tells me I'm a balanced eunuch. We all know I'm anything but balanced, but... anyhoo...
You Are 50% Boyish and 50% Girlish |
 You are pretty evenly split down the middle - a total eunuch. Okay, kidding about the eunuch part. But you do get along with both sexes. You reject traditional gender roles. However, you don't actively fight them. You're just you. You don't try to be what people expect you to be. |
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Today's Favorite - Minnesota DPs
I'm cheating a little in today's endorsement; here are the Minnesota DPs. When we started DPing in August 2006, there was only Kate's St Paul and Slinger's Twin Cities on the official DP group, and I found a few more thanks to Slinger's links. A search at the portal shows eight, and via their links it's possible to find even more. Chris and Deb have been inactive for some time, but one time Chris even went to shoot one of the houses I lived in!
I wondered why there were none of Minneapolis for ages, because it is quite a photogenic city. Though these guys it's thrilling and dismaying at the same time to see how the city has changed, and continues to do so. I love to catch a glimpse of the downtown area that doesn't look anything like what I remember from '74-'81, or what I don't remember from '61-'62. I love to see the U's Minneapolis campus and Dinky Town, and this time of the year, it is all about the State Fair. (My alma meta being only about a mile away, the dorms started to smell suspiciously like farm animals, and the heat didn't help!) But most of all, I love see Lake of the Isles and Lake Harriet neighborhoods and my high school near 50th and Lyndale. Hint, hint!
The last time I was in Minnesota was for one day in 1987, and before that was 1985. Both Minneapolis and St Paul have changed quite a bit since I left college in Jan '81 so I doubt it'll feel like home any more, but here's hoping I'll still get a trip over there, with Ben, some day.
Oh, I can't help it.
I wondered why there were none of Minneapolis for ages, because it is quite a photogenic city. Though these guys it's thrilling and dismaying at the same time to see how the city has changed, and continues to do so. I love to catch a glimpse of the downtown area that doesn't look anything like what I remember from '74-'81, or what I don't remember from '61-'62. I love to see the U's Minneapolis campus and Dinky Town, and this time of the year, it is all about the State Fair. (My alma meta being only about a mile away, the dorms started to smell suspiciously like farm animals, and the heat didn't help!) But most of all, I love see Lake of the Isles and Lake Harriet neighborhoods and my high school near 50th and Lyndale. Hint, hint!
The last time I was in Minnesota was for one day in 1987, and before that was 1985. Both Minneapolis and St Paul have changed quite a bit since I left college in Jan '81 so I doubt it'll feel like home any more, but here's hoping I'll still get a trip over there, with Ben, some day.
Oh, I can't help it.
More Car Ads
Toyota ad; I'm not sure if this is a New Zealand ad, or Australian. The person who uploaded says it's Aussie, but the scenery and one bull's accent appears more Kiwi. The gum trees are Australian, but we plant them, too. What do I know... It's probably Australian.
To recap, for true city kids, a cattle stop looks something like this.
This Toyota ad was controversial because of the use of the B word. Some people tried to get it banned, but from memory, I don't think it was. I could be wrong.
And in Oz, they apparently banned theirs. They might have ran this over here, though; it looks familiar, but I can't be sure.
Looking at YouTube, it appears Oz ban their commercials more readily; there were a few ads that we kept using though they banned them. Whowoodathunkit!
To recap, for true city kids, a cattle stop looks something like this.
This Toyota ad was controversial because of the use of the B word. Some people tried to get it banned, but from memory, I don't think it was. I could be wrong.
And in Oz, they apparently banned theirs. They might have ran this over here, though; it looks familiar, but I can't be sure.
Looking at YouTube, it appears Oz ban their commercials more readily; there were a few ads that we kept using though they banned them. Whowoodathunkit!
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Mitsubishi Car Ad
I sometimes wonder if TV ads by multinationals broadcast in New Zealand are the same as those you see elsewhere. This Mitsubishi car commercial was at least shot in New Zealand. The tower in the background is the casino in Auckland. Video here.
Donkey
On Friday I saw this tree root; then, it looked like a reclining female figure; today it looks like a dead donkey.
Today's Favorite - Auckland Daily Photo
Lachezar Karadjov's Auckland Daily Photo has always been one of our most favorite photo blogs, not because it's Auckland, but because his photographs are clear, focused (beyond just photographically), and striking. And wouldn't you know, he's an architect, too. ADP celebrated its second birthday this week, and over the two years there have been so many favorites it's impossible for me to pick.
In addition to ADP, he has a blog of pics that didn't make it into ADP, as well as other collections.
In addition to ADP, he has a blog of pics that didn't make it into ADP, as well as other collections.
Still Grumpy
You know how sometimes some people talk really loud, not to each other but so others around can hear? I know sometimes I do it, too, when I'm feeling buoyant or friendly, but sometimes, we don't want to hear other people's conversations, do we?
Well, yesterday I went to the gallery. I didn't want coffee, so I had a giant fluffy milk, and then I rearranged my scarves. I do this when I go to the gallery because sometimes if they have been handled a lot, a scarf might almost be falling off or hang crumpled, and sometimes I change positions so different ones come to eye hight, etc. (Gosh, I've had four new ones sitting on my couch for five weeks now - all I need to do is to attach labels and deliver...) Well, as I was folding and hanging, to my right, on the big table, a couple and Jay Farnsworth were picking out frames for a whole bunch of paintings. To my right, on another big table, was this couple, the woman sitting right in front of the corner samples of the frames. The cafe was empty, this couple had long ago finished having whatever they were having, and the man was taking about a relationship that went south; he was recalling how it was instant attraction at the start with the ex. And the woman was telling him how jealous she was to hear him say that of the ex, and making a move on him rather not-very-quietly. And he kept shouting, "But you're happily married."
Now I'm not too old or bitchy to understand that there are times in folks' lives when they need changes of scenery, or people to do that with, and I know that a relationship breakup can sometimes bring about a freaky buoyancy or elation. But the cafe was empty, and some of us have work to do, and the framing couple was having to go back and forth to look at different samples and making excuses every time they had to reach behind the jealous woman, all the while the elated man making chatty remarks to the framing spouses.
Get the picture? I wasn't sure if I was trying to listen in on their conversation, or if they were really loud. I felt uncomfortable, but at the same time mesmerized that such a private conversation was taking place in such a public way. I was only about a meter and a bit away from them and I remember waiting for a moment of silence so I can leave and walk passed them. I tried not to look at them, but the gut feeling I got was both looking respectable, not overly dressed, possibly professional. They might have thought I don't speak English.
I just felt very dirty coming out of my favorite gallery, eh. Yikes.
Which reminds me last Saturday we went to a theater performance. There was this couple sitting in the front row, not making out, but she was practically on his lap, and he was far more interested in her than in the play. And because of the angle of the seats and where I was, they were almost straight in front of me. I really hoped they'd leave after the intermission, but they didn't.
In a way this is a strange thing for me to say. When we came to New Zealand in '94, and all the way to about ... five years ago, I was almost alarmed that couples didn't show affection publicly here, compared to Minnesota in the 70's and 80's, (which is the time and place that serve as my compass for all things "Western", not forgetting that I was a student then/there, not a real grown up.) Kiwi men used to pat/swat their girls' bottoms, but that was about it. And when we started to see youngish couples kissing on the streets of Nelson, Ben and I automatically assumed they were tourists or recent immigrants. Then we started to spot some shy students kissing on the Polytech campus, and I thought it was cute.
But now, there seems to be a pandemic of grownups making out in public places in Nelson. Or maybe it just seem that way now that I'm so very old.
Whatever. Get a room, everybody.
Well, yesterday I went to the gallery. I didn't want coffee, so I had a giant fluffy milk, and then I rearranged my scarves. I do this when I go to the gallery because sometimes if they have been handled a lot, a scarf might almost be falling off or hang crumpled, and sometimes I change positions so different ones come to eye hight, etc. (Gosh, I've had four new ones sitting on my couch for five weeks now - all I need to do is to attach labels and deliver...) Well, as I was folding and hanging, to my right, on the big table, a couple and Jay Farnsworth were picking out frames for a whole bunch of paintings. To my right, on another big table, was this couple, the woman sitting right in front of the corner samples of the frames. The cafe was empty, this couple had long ago finished having whatever they were having, and the man was taking about a relationship that went south; he was recalling how it was instant attraction at the start with the ex. And the woman was telling him how jealous she was to hear him say that of the ex, and making a move on him rather not-very-quietly. And he kept shouting, "But you're happily married."
Now I'm not too old or bitchy to understand that there are times in folks' lives when they need changes of scenery, or people to do that with, and I know that a relationship breakup can sometimes bring about a freaky buoyancy or elation. But the cafe was empty, and some of us have work to do, and the framing couple was having to go back and forth to look at different samples and making excuses every time they had to reach behind the jealous woman, all the while the elated man making chatty remarks to the framing spouses.
Get the picture? I wasn't sure if I was trying to listen in on their conversation, or if they were really loud. I felt uncomfortable, but at the same time mesmerized that such a private conversation was taking place in such a public way. I was only about a meter and a bit away from them and I remember waiting for a moment of silence so I can leave and walk passed them. I tried not to look at them, but the gut feeling I got was both looking respectable, not overly dressed, possibly professional. They might have thought I don't speak English.
I just felt very dirty coming out of my favorite gallery, eh. Yikes.
Which reminds me last Saturday we went to a theater performance. There was this couple sitting in the front row, not making out, but she was practically on his lap, and he was far more interested in her than in the play. And because of the angle of the seats and where I was, they were almost straight in front of me. I really hoped they'd leave after the intermission, but they didn't.
In a way this is a strange thing for me to say. When we came to New Zealand in '94, and all the way to about ... five years ago, I was almost alarmed that couples didn't show affection publicly here, compared to Minnesota in the 70's and 80's, (which is the time and place that serve as my compass for all things "Western", not forgetting that I was a student then/there, not a real grown up.) Kiwi men used to pat/swat their girls' bottoms, but that was about it. And when we started to see youngish couples kissing on the streets of Nelson, Ben and I automatically assumed they were tourists or recent immigrants. Then we started to spot some shy students kissing on the Polytech campus, and I thought it was cute.
But now, there seems to be a pandemic of grownups making out in public places in Nelson. Or maybe it just seem that way now that I'm so very old.
Whatever. Get a room, everybody.
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Grumpy
I think in my lifetime I have been described as enthusiastic, perky, chipper or gushy; I've been all of those things, and I preferred people who are enthusiastic and happy to be where they are. Or so I thought.
Lately I've noticed perky, gushy people really bother me. I can't shut out their voices quickly enough, and I even feel like walking out on the conversation.
Boy, I'm grumpy.
And three minutes ago I was thinking of another kind of people I don't like any more. It's a good thing I can't remember, or this would have been a super grumpy post!
Lately I've noticed perky, gushy people really bother me. I can't shut out their voices quickly enough, and I even feel like walking out on the conversation.
Boy, I'm grumpy.
And three minutes ago I was thinking of another kind of people I don't like any more. It's a good thing I can't remember, or this would have been a super grumpy post!
Today's Favorite - Gabriola Daily Photo
Gabriola Daily Photo, British Columbia, Canada: lots of very sensitive photos. It was darned hard to pick just one, so three favorites: here, here and here. I can't believe I included a car pic, (no, two!) but the first image was cute and the colors exquisite in the second. Heaven forbid,I even have a cat pic, (what? Moi??) but it was too funny and thought it'd make someone's day. Arty Meg pick, and Weaver Meg pick.
Red Car Parking Lot
9:21 last night. Two belong to IT staff. I was counting the minutes because Medium starts at 9:30.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Today's Favorite - Sofia Daily Photo
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Today's Favorite - Una Foto Por Dia, Buenos Aries
Una Foto Por Dia of Buenos Aries posts only B&W photos from that city. I'm besotted by his photos. My favorite is Tango, but it was darned hard to choose one.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Today's Favorite - Karwar Daily Photo
Like I said, I'm making an effort to be a bit more participatory (is that the right word?) in the Daily Photo circle, and so I'm looking around in a very random, haphazard manner. Today's favorite is Karwar Daily Photo from India. To me, Yogesh's photos appear laden with stories. This is my pick from the front page.
Father's Day
You'd think that after nearly 14 years of living in a particular country, you'd get used to the holidays of that country. Well! I've gradually got used to Queen's Birthday (in NZ, it's the first Monday in June; QEII's real birthday is April 21, but even the Brits don't celebrate on the right day) and Labour Day (fourth Monday in October), but Father's Day, it's in September, and I always forget. We're seeing adverts for pressies now. And I found today that it happens on different days around the world.
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Jewelry Beetle, Trafalgar Street
It's been so cold I'm not into Olympic viewing mood, but more reading-in-front-of-the-fire mood.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
NDP is Two Today
I've gotta tell you, over the last year at least, sometimes I wished Ben would just quit it. It's a lot of work, not just posting, but return-visiting everybody else. I don't think I've done my duty visiting for about 18 months now since I was busy with my first exhibition, last year. They are all interesting, some fabulous photos from beautiful or interesting places, some hilariously witty comments, but now there are so darned many in the group and I'm of the persuasion that if you visit, you'd better leave a comment, so I get exhausted after... six or so. And with the number of cities, it now feels like a phone book than grassroots National Geographic.Still, it's nice connecting to people from around the world, like you all, and seeing some places I most probably will never visit, and Ben's nowhere near sick of it, so I must be a dutiful wife. And as long as we're continuing, I think I'll try much harder to get spiffier, more interesting pics from around Nelson.
So, as they say in Japan, "Face the task anew by returning to the newbie state of mind."
(More about the tree, YouTube, and how Nelson made the national news on NDP's Thursday post.)
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