You're a Journal Title

Flist cut

2008-11-10T08:24:25Z

Did a bit of an flist cut.

I've been using LJ mostly to follow only a few blogs, specifically those of some more established friendships. So, I've cut people I don't really talk to much, or whose blogs I don't read much.

If you've been removed, this is in no way person. You're still an awesome person, else I wouldn't have added you in the first place. However I've added many people in order to get to know them (mostly mates of mates), but haven't managed this, usually due to time constraints meaning I skim my friends page and only really pay attention to the entries more established friends.

If you think I've cut you by mistake, give me a comment and I'll re-add you. Grazie :)

Culture sucks down words / Itemise loathing and feed yourself smiles

2007-12-09T14:23:19Z

Apparently, I don't update enough.

So here's a picture of me in a chicken suit.

(More pictures on my Facebook album... including an adorable one of me and two kids! Aww...)

Now that I have your attention...

New userpic is for Mischa. And her alone. Everyone else can just squint and pretend it's a picture of a cat with a humorous caption. Probably my cat Shah standing by my grill with the caption "GET YER TITS OFF MY HOT PLATE!" Which is appropriate because even if that WAS the new userpic, Mischa would still be the only one to get the reference. I'm mean like that.

Everyone should join nowhiringdjs. Happy now Zoe? I promoted your enjoyable community. Now give me back my kidneys.

Today, I start my new job. I'm fulfilling an important role in upholding justice and ensuring that this country is a safe place to live in.

...jury duty.

But hey, it's not ALL bad. I get paid, AND I can play my favourite courtroom game - First person to spot a John Grisham novel wins! Plus, it means I can now again say I've been to court more times as a juror than as a defendant...for now.

(PS I got off innocent, so NYEH. Traffic violation THIS!)

Yesterday, I had Hare Krishna for dinner. I'm still picking the bells out of my teeth.

Lame joke aside - I've somehow managed to eat Hare Krishna food THREE TIMES this year, despite having a meat and potatoes diet beyond my control. Their semolina pudding is so good it's not funny! As for yesterday, I was kidnapped by Hare Krishnas.

...kinda.

Their strategy to recruit new people is to offer $4 all you can eat dinners at their temple. GREAT IDEA! Totally for it, even though I don't believe in religion. Much less intrusive than Jehovahs Witnesses banging on your door when you're still hungover and are wearing nothing but underwear that leaves little to the imagination (those two little ladies came to spread the good news, then left with the thought of my GREAT NEWS in their heads...I am so going to hell).

Went along, paid my four bucks, and learnt the catch - I had to sit in on a worship session.

No worries. I used to go to Mass on a regular basis, and I've gone to church before (cute girl asked me to - apparently she was only feigning interest in order to convert me at the request of a mutual friend, but said mutual friend is full of it so MEH). Why would a Krishna service be any different?

Well, instead of the whole "You're going to hell" speech I've heard so many times in my former career as a Catholic, they gave a presentation on peak oil. PEAK OIL. Environmental issues. Specifically, how they could contribute to helping offset the damage being done to the planet - as a community, and within the context of their beliefs.

You know, if MORE faiths spent time trying to figure out how to have a positive contribution to society rather than providing its congregation with excuses to feel better than other people, then maybe I wouldn't have to consider my religious friends who happen to be awesome people (ie Amz, Jess etc) as exceptions to the majority, rather than just as exceptional people.

Don't get me wrong - in no way am I endorsing Krishna. The faith totally wouldn't work for me. Aside from the whole considering religion un-necessary for my personal case, and the whole bad experiences with clergy in the past, there is one distinct reason why I cannot become a member of their congregation.

The chanting.

The problem is not them - it's me. I have OCD. Repetitive behavior can drive me nuts as part of this. So hearing the same forty second chant sung nonstop over a period of forty minutes REALLY doesn't work for me unfortunately.

So after two hours of the presentation and the chanting (as well as the effort or trying NOT to laugh at the American who hijacked question time to demand everyone recognize that peak oil is a sham, that pollution is created by The Man who want to cull the global population to 500 million people, the hole in the ozone layer is the result of spaceborne weapons, and that there was a nuclear war in India 8000 years ago...) I *FINALLY* got to eat.

Shame I wasn't hungry by then.

Organise your safe tribal war
Hurt maim kill and enslave the ghetto

She's become a social institution / Prepares her prey like an execution

2007-11-29T11:22:25Z

Mischa and Robb
Originally uploaded by the guy on the right.

So, today I got to see the collective media orgasm inducer that is David Beckham, AND I got to have my photo taken with several Phoenix players.

And yet the pic I choose for this entry is me with winzig , because she's too cute to not show off ;)

I look awful though. Hockey hair, terrible moustache, and my eyes half closed thanks to the sun? HISSS!

Wellingtonians, please forgive me by the way - that's not the top of a Wellington Hurricanes jersey. It's the top of a Los Angeles Galaxy jersey.

Am I traitor? A turncourt? Am I cheering for LA to beat the Phoenix?

If you REALLY had to think about that question, you obivously don't know me well.

I bought the top as a memory, and I wear it because it's awesome. I deliberately got the yellow one instead of the blue or white because yellow = Wellington. That, and it was cheaper.

I hope Beckham scores the only goal against the Phoenix, and the 'nix more than make up for it. I bleed black and yellow. PHOENIX TIL I DIE!

(but I'll be cheering for the Galaxy next MLS season. Sister-club kind of thing.)
---

So anyway, my day today has been AWESOME. Started off with Mischa asking me out for lunch - nothing special other than the company, we had Burger King haha - then after I dropped her off at her work, walked all the way from the CBD to the airport. Legs hurt part one.

When in the airport, went to the arrivals lounge to get ready. While searching for a good place to stand, a member of the Galaxy staff saw my top, said hi and asked me a few questions. As in, a proper media interview. I stuttered and stammered and looked like a twat, and I kinda told him I'm from Seattle (I said Seattle was "my area" when I meant that I support Pacific Northwest sports teams). But that's life.

The arrival was tops - there was a traditional powhiri (a Maori welcoming ceremony) , followed by speeches from the mayor and the respective club presidents of each team. When the 'nix chairman, Terry Serepisos, took to the podium, some blokeused the silence to yell out "YOU LOOK GOOD BECKHAM!" Terry turned around and said "What about me?" Haha.

The Galaxy repaid the favour for the powhiri by singing "Olé, olé olé olé!" as a joke, which we all loved, then Beckham went around signing autographs. I tried to get my Galaxy top signed, but no luck. It was pretty aggressive too, there was a teenage girl who tried pushing me out of the way, but FAIL!

After that, I walked back home, this time taking the scenic route...climbing Mount Victoria. Legs hurt part two. Got some awesome photos though.

Finally, there was the members only pre-sale function at the club store. I'm broke until...well, tommorow, but I had NO MONEY so I was basically window shopping and drinking free coke. But best of all? Six Phoenix players came along - Greg Draper, Jacob Spoonley, Jeremy "Plodder" Christie, Tim Brown (who came a bit later), and two of my favourites - Costa Barbarouses (Wellingtonian teenager who was a star for Raf's team last season), and TONY LOCHHEAD! (Our best D-man, he played for New England and is from Tauranga, like me!)

Me and Plodder had a good laugh, after shaking eveyones hand:

JC: "You have a good firm handshake, Robb!"
RG: "Wrist exercises mate"
JC: "Oh, I BET you do!"
RG: "Well of course, I'm a goal keeper. What did you think I meant?"

I made several of my idols crack up laughing. How good is that?

After that, Tim Brown arrived and stopped to have a chat with me and some other guys. To have the vice captain of the Phoenix (not to mention vice captain of New Zealand!) engage in conversation with his fans is just class. We're really taken care of by this club, it's awesome.

I've not got a team photo poster signed by the aforementioned six(I had one already, but not signed) and their signatures on a postcard in addition to having Stephen O'Dor's signature on another poster.

I'll show you guys how awesome my room is once I get around to cleaning up.

PS Todays song is a kiwi classic...that we're using as a chant against Beckham, because his wife is named Victoria. BWAHAHA.

Go 'Nix.

Victoria, what do you want from him? Want from him?
Victoria, what do you see in him? See in him?

You're a Video Blog!

2007-11-28T09:22:25Z

View Poll: Robb should...

He's living next the rails. / He can tell you things of different cars and traiins.

2007-11-26T11:56:39Z

Movember Robb
Originally uploaded by Tom Selleck.

I don't know what makes me the most excited about December 1st.

Is it getting to see the Phoenix take on the Los Angeles Galaxy and David Beckham?

Or is it that I *finally* get to shave off my damn moustache!

Now in the hustle and bustle of this month, what with work, moving, school and lacrosse, I never actually mentioned much of my participation in Movember.

Along with several other Yellow Fever members, I've been growing a moustache over the month of November as part of an international campaign to raise awareness of men's health issues, as well as fund raising to help combat prostate cancer.

As such, I've gotten no sponsors (my fault) but it's not too late! If you wish to make a donation to the Prostate Cancer Foundation of New Zealand, go to Movember.com, click "Sponsor" and for the rego number, use 66067.

I was originally going to do a weekly progress thing, but a mate broke my camera and I've only just been able to get my replacement. But that's probably for the best considering how bad my mo is.

"Did you only start Movember last week, Robb?"
"No, I only started puberty last week"

And remember blokes, get your prostate checked, no matter how...unpleasant it is...

Now he's trying the whole day / to switch off time by causing train-delay

Who's at the center of the Wheel / The inventor of the Wheel / or another spinning servant

2007-11-22T08:07:38Z

Vanuatu's Chiaku Mansale has an ugly shirt
Uploaded by some All Whites fan

BWAHAHAHA

England.

BWAHAHAHAHAHA

Okay, now that that's ov....wait..there's still a bit left.

BUAHAHAHAHA

Okay, now that that's over, I'm gonna tell you how awesome yesterday was.

There's nothing really better than being at the football with mates. Usually it's just me and Mayank, sometimes Lorna or Jaspreet will come along, but along with Mayank I dragged along Ben from Gecko, Robbie E (1_5_15671) who was down from Auckland, and the lovely Mimo (winzig) who I finally had the pleasure of meeting in person that day (Note - She's cuter in real life! Never thought it possible! ;) haha)

We all went to the Ring of Fire to catch the All Whites (NZ national football team) kick Vanuatu's arses, to support NZ's REAL sporting heroes (All Blacks, psht) and to just have an awesome time in general.

Unfortunately we were only joined by 2500 others (TERRIBLE crowd), mostly on account of lack of advertising, but those who were there made it count (including the three Vanuatuans...Vanuatans...Vanuatians....people from Vanuatu)

We shouted, we cheered, we chanted, we sung, the typical kind of awesomeness that makes the atmosphere at Wellington football matches so special.

Even with such a small group, we were loud enough to dominate the radio, and clear enough to be heard perfectly by the stretcher carriers.

We won 4-1. HELLS YEAH.

I'll be seeing Mayank again on Sunday, Mimo again on Sunday, and Robbie sometime before he goes back to JAFA-land. One hella awesome day.

Now everyone else on my friends list, get your butts down to Wellington to come hang out with me. Especially you.

...Oh, and I moved into a new apartment. I'd tell you my address, but the flying men are watching. WHERE ARE THE FLYING MEN?! THE BIRDMEN ARE COMING!!!

Psht. England. BWAHAHAHA.

PS - AIM users can now add me - ForzaGialloneri

I'm the Master of my Wheel of my very own Wheel / Universal and recurrent

When you're in love, there's no time and no space / There's a permanent smile on your face

2007-10-28T21:14:43Z

So yeah, turns out I'm not as shit as I thought I was when it came to lacrosse. In fact, I feel I actually deserve the title "the best lacrosse goalie in Wellington" rather than having it by default.

Couldn't sleep the night before my flight, so ended up staying up panicking to Jessie and Alie over MSN. Showed up to the airport with caffeine sickness, an ear infection, and lack of sleep. For the first time in my life, I felt air sick. Quite an achievement when you remember I grew up on an airbase. Other than that, I still had a blast (I *LOVE* flying, it's my guilty pleasure), and getting to see the Ring of Fire from the air made my day!

Landed at Auckland Airport and, while I love airports, I couldn't stand trying to escape from this one. Rather than pay $15 to get a lift into town on an Aitport shuttle, I thought I'd walk out, find a public bus, and spend $14 on a day pass that would take me everywhere all day. Well, there are no public buses at the airport. LAME. So I had to cough up. Went to catch a shuttle from one of the two bus stops the airport signs incorrectly indicated. The bus driver corrected me, pointed at the correct stop (less than ten feet away), drove there, and rather than wait three seconds for me, drove off.

At the same stop, he told a woman that we had to wait on the exact corner of the stop, then drove off as she moved there. What. An. Ass.

Eventually got a ride from another shuttle, then spent the rest of the day walking around the city. I took quite a few pics but unfortunately by camera got damaged so it'll be a little while until I recover them.

I ended up stumbling across Auckland University, which I found rather weird, but not in a bad way. They accepted me for a BSc in Sport and Exercise Science when I was too young to get automatic entrance, and yet didn't have proper qualifications to get in. I got a conditional acceptance from the course staff on account of the impression I made with them and my background in sports studies. I ended up choosing their rival AUT though as they had a program in conjunction with Bay of Plenty Polytechnic, where I had been studying at the time, and as such could stay at the same place, live at home, and earn my degree. I also almost went there this year - it was my second choice after Vic, but after meeting Kristy last new years it almost became my first choice. I was oh, so very close to moving to Auckland to pursue a relationship with her, but the only thing that stopped me was fear - last time I changed my life for a woman was you-know-whore, and most of you know how awful that turned out. While this could be construed as me still letting YKW control my life, it worked out well as I love being a Wellingtonian, even if I do miss Kristy haha.

Went down to Papakura for the first match, where we bet Waikato-Papakura Pirates. It was a very scrappy match, but we all put in a great effort to get the win. I did a decent job, I was happy with how I played but felt that I'd need to do better. I'd give myself a C or C-.

The next day, we lost to Harbour Hawks, and I did okay again, probably a C+. Took a break, and then we played Eastern Chiefz, where I put on a freakin' clinic! I actually put out a good performance! B+ or A- even! The whole team did well, we came from behind to win a close, hard fought game, and it will ALWAYS be the best lacrosse game of my life. It was so good, Tamaki Titans asked me to play for them straight after, which I accepted...and we beat...HARBOUR HAWKS! Buahaha so good. They even tried to pull the trick they used to score on me twice while playing for the Swarm, but I managed to stop it this time around. I wish I could have swapped the results around and had that match be a Swarm win, naturally, but I had a great time and I'm now something of a Tamaki Titans fan. Even though straight after, I was asked to play for ANOTHER team, Waikato-Papakura! We lost to the Wildcats, but I still put on a decent performace albeit while dehydrated and knackered.

The next day we had a training session under the tutelage of Mark Freemon, the national team coach! The fact that he took time out for us is massive considering how busy he is, and it was really a privelage to have him. Since I'm not going back home straight away, it was also my last training session with Ben, who's heading off to Perth for a year. Best of luck buddy!

I'm now in Tauranga at my parents house, all beat up and knackered haha, but satisfied I had a good tournament. I'm going to keep playing lacrosse, even if it is somewhat against doctors orders, but scale back a little bit yet do what I can.

Your friends all complain that you're going insane / But the truth is they're just afraid
Hey somewhere / You threw your fear in the Sea of No Cares

And you're standing here beside me / I love the passing of time...

2007-10-24T15:53:58Z

The worst thing about losing all my RSS feeds thank to my hard drive dying a few weeks back (Dear HP - Die in a fire) is I forget which ones I subbed to orignally, and when finding them again, realised i missed gem's like this from a few weeks ago:

"Apologies for the absence, during which I appear to have missed the Phoenix’s best win to date. I’ve been on holiday in England, which is living in a strange sporting universe at present. There is precious little football going on, because of the international break, and instead it has temporarily become a nation of rugby supporters.

But don’t worry. They’ll be over it by next week and it’ll be another four years before anyone remembers that England has such a thing as an international rugby team. That’s in stark contrast to New Zealand, where it’s only once every four years that we realise we haven’t got an international rugby team. "

BWAHAHA. Hilarious.

Speaking of football, today on the way to lacrosse practice, I bought some shinpads to give me some extra protection for the tourney and also to use should I take up football next season, as me and my buddy Ben are hoping to. For once, they weren't made in China! Instead, they were made in...CHELSEA!? WTF? BOOOOOOOO!!!! Freaking Chelski... (I'm a Fulham supporter when it comes to English football, and Chelsea is our local rival haha)

After that, I got some pasta from the La Famiglia cart outside the Fever Lounge, and had the pleasure of meeting the guy who runs it - Raf de Gregorio, who plays for Team Wellington (our other local football team in the NZ competition), the All Whites (NZ's national team) and formerly the Football Kingz (predecessor of the NZ Knights, who folded last year leaving room for the A-League to expand to Wellington, leading to the Phoenix!). Had a great chat about football, lacrosse, NZ, Italy, stuff like that. I took the chance to practice my Italiano and he only had to correct my pronunciation once, which isn't too bad IMHO.

Then I went to lacrosse practice, the final one before the tourney and the only one I've been able to make over the last couple of weeks - which is a shame because even though other players announced they'd be there today, I was the only one there. LAME. They probably changed the location and didn't tell me - heck, they started Wednesday practices and didn't tell me anyway. So I'm gonna evaluate how long I stay in the tournament. The other goalie might be coming up, and I earlier offered to step aside and play midfield or something for a match so he can get some game time too. The only reason why I decided to go to the tournament was because I was flying up anyway and I didn't want to let them down, even though I've been all but ordered by my doctors to quit weeks ago, but if they're going to treat me like this then I don't see any reason to continue after the first match, the only one they'll need me for if the other goalie comes up. Either way, I'm quitting after the tourney.

Anyways...JAFAS! Here's the sitrep on me coming up.

This Friday, my flight arrives at 0930. Our first exhibition game it at 1730 that night. Tournament is on Saturday, at Bruce Pullman Park in Papakura. We play the Harbour Hawks at 1300, and the Eastern Chiefz at 1515. Our second and last exhibition match is at 1100 on Sunday. I have no info on the venues or opposition for the exhibition matches. I'll be going to Tauranga on Sunday night, either before or after the Phoenix match away at Adelaide, which means I'll need to find a bar in either city that'll play the football.

The week after, I'm coming up on Friday again for my brothers kempo competition, and will be up until Sunday, I think we're staying on the North Shore - if so, 1_5_15671, where's a good pub? :P

So anyways, Aucklanders, Taurangites, this is your chance to see me haha I hope to hang out with as many people as possible. And hopefully I'll be around for when Shelly gives birth, exciting stuff!

Ciao4now

...never for money, always for love, cover up and say goodnight...

Couldn't ask for a better day, two by two / To the ring to the right point of view

2007-10-20T17:11:56Z

This is for il mio amore, Mrs Gialloneri aka raven22, who didn't get to see the best goal the Maple Leafs will score this season! ;)

(GO SENS)

Now I'm gonna take a nap, then make myself PIZZA for lunch, then go to the calcio. FORZA PHOENIX! Central Coast is going DOWN.

Me sleep now

We each retreat to the corner that's defined by you / To the ring to the right point of...

Heaven, Im in heaven / And the cares that hung around me through the week...

2007-10-11T15:42:05Z

It's quarter past four in the morning, I am sick with a throat infection, I am the most nauseous I have ever been since my scuba diving days, I have a long exhausting day ahead of me trying to contribute to Gecko's aim of collecting 4000 more signatures for the Hector's and Maui's dolphin campaign, and I'm working on a herpetology assignment that I dreaded starting out of how difficult it is to get any work done with my condition (hence the hour for a relatively easy assignment). Since we weren't allowed to do my favorite herp, namely, the majestic Tuatara, I consulted the IUCN and and because of this I am probably the only person in this hemisphere using Elgaria panaminta as an ecology case study. It's a rare lizard that only lives in a small part of California. And the more and more I work on the assignment, the more and more I think that choosing Ecology & Biodiversity is the best decision I've made in my entire life, only rivaled by breaking up with you-know-whore, choosing to move to Wellington instead of Auckland, and buying a Wellington Phoenix FC season pass without ever having watched a football match in my life.

And the complete opposite of my worst decisions - sticking with you-know-whore for so long, persisting in driving home when I knew an attack was coming on, and choosing "scuba diving" as my NatCert Outdoor Rec major :P

Anyways, so you know what I'm ranting on about, here's E. panaminta, the Panamint Alligator Lizard

As for Tuatara...well, personally I find very few species as adorable as members of the Sphenodon genus, and that's not just my Kiwi pride shining through (especially since I'm only half NZer). So what could be cuter than a Sphendon punctatus? How about....BABY TUATARA!

I really find the little buggers cute haha Maybe I should consider a career in herpetology? Mind you, most of that will be centered around me and my loved ones clarifying "No, that's not what herpetology is about, it's the study of reptiles and amphibians, NOT genital warts!"

For those who don't know BTW, Victoria University does a lot of work on Tuatara conservation, and we even have an on-campus enclosure! MY ALMA MATER IS A ZOO! haha I visit the sphendons every day and know two of them by name - one I've touched in herpetology class, SO COOL.

Anyways, I got you a present...click here for a whole page full of baby alligator photos! There is NOTHING cuter than a baby alligator! Except raven22, and strider7901 if she isn't wearing makeup (injoke)

Now I'm gonna finish my assignment with a spring in my step....err...a spring in my mouse click?...oh wait, no mouse....umm....

LOOK BEHIND YOU! IT'S A BABY ALLIGATOR!

...Seem to vanish like a gamblers lucky streak / When were out together dancing cheek to cheek

Quando as coisas do coração / Não consegue compreender ...

2007-10-11T02:05:53Z

Now that I've got your attention...

Mrs Lustofapioneer (raven22) has tagged me to name ten things that make me happy, so lest I sleep on the virtual couch, here we go.

1. The Phoenix, DUH! As if anything else could come first. As I myself shouted outside the stadium : "I CARE MORE ABOUT FOOTBALL THAN MY MARRIAGE!" (referring to the failed engagement you-know-whore, of course, not the future engagement to Mandy haha). All the on-field and off-field success is AWESOME. So looking forward to the match against Los Angeles - one third of capacity tickets were presold before they even went on sale! (season ticket holders and VISA card users)

2. Argentina's success in the Rugby World Cup. I've been a Pumas fan for years (I was rooting for them to be added when Super 12 expanded back in 2005), and have lived with their underrated status for all that time, so right now it's sweet sweet redemption. Even if we don't beat South Africa, we'll still be either 3rd of 4th giving us our best ever record! That being said, I'll be cheering my lungs out against South Africa (even with me moving there in 2010!)

3. Uni is FREAKING AWESOME. I've mathematically passed BIOL132 already so anything else I get is just bonus credit. I've passed my internals on BIOL114 so I can sit my exam, all I need to do now is pass that.

4. I'm doing really well with cooking lately. Lots of yummy Italian food. I'm sick so I'm just keeping things simple, I had gnocchi in a quattro formaggio sauce the other day, and today i'm having sausages and bread but might also have some pasta in a red sauce as well.

5. Insanity Prawn Boy rocks my world. I WANT CONDOMS! Buahahaha

6. Found some headphones at the disability study rooms, so yesterday while waiting for my Gecko meeting to start, I just plugged them in and chilled out to Bob Marley. Hell yes. Great way to unwind after my endocrinology/immunology test

7. Minus. Could it be, a G rated comic that is awesome?

8. Listening to as many different versions of "Baby, It's Cold Outside" as I can get my hands on.

9. Me and Mayank are going to the Rugby League test on Sunday, HELL YEAH. Naturally, I'm going dressed as Reg Reagan, for the second time I've gone in costume as him haha

10. My fishy tagged me first before anyone else, BUAHAHAHA

...O que a mente não faz questão /E nem tem forças para obedecer...

You're a laptop

2007-10-08T10:41:36Z

My laptop has been fixed!

Now, I could provide detailed commentary on how useless HP are, or on the rugby results (All Blacks losing to France, Argentina beating Scotland...)

BUT I WON'T

NOT UNTIL YOU EAT YOUR CARROTS NOT UNTIL YOU EAT YOUR GREEN BEANS

Biatch.

surrounded by awesomeness

2007-09-30T22:25:54Z

I am surrounded by awesomeness

- Friday test for BIOL132 - I aced it! Don't have the mark yet but I only needed 4% overall to pass the paper, and I managed to answer almost everything confidently. I reckon it should be at least a C+, which isn't my best, but that module wasn't a good fortnight for me either (health crash AGAIN, dammit).

- Had a "date" that night. Felt nervous as hell, I haven't had a date since I started going out with TC, who along with FL is the only real relationship I've ever had (I've had heaps of girlfriends that were either glorified one night stands, or only lasted a short time and was very little emotional attachment, and you-know-whore no longer counts in my eyes). It wasn't a date per se, but two new friends dressing up and going to a nice restaurant. I managed to slip that I was hoping it would end up as a date and she smiled, no protest, so I'm taking that as a good sign. Fingers crossed things will go well.

- Start of the Wellington Marine Bio Blitz! Had effectively six hours of study at the opening ceremony haha. Had five or so public lectures from area scientists, including people from NIWA and the university. Good network\ing, managed to impress a biology professor, made a few friends, and had a lot of fun. The WWF set up a booth for their Hectors and Maui's dolphin campaign (http://www.stoptheirextinction.org.nz) but the people they sent to staff it weren't WWF workers, but volunteers who (while very friendly and helpful) knew very little on the subject, so I ended up doing their job for them while they went out and did field work (They took back over when I went into the field) and managed to collected another 40 or so signatures, as well as educate a lot of people on it. I'll do an essay on the topic on here (Livejournal/Facebook) soon, I have one written up but need to edit it a bit first.

- PHOENIX HAD THEIR FIRST WIN AT HOME! We *demolished* Perth Glory 4-1. My boy Tony Lochhead scored, which is always a plus, and Glen Moss (my favorite player once you ignore the Bay of Plenty bias I have re: Lochhead) played an excellent game save for the soft goal Perth were LUCKY to get. So much fun, how did I celebrate? Got a text from a flatmate asking me to pick up toilet paper on the way home. I always avoid plastic bags, either using a backpack or the re-usibles they sell, but since I had neither on me I just walked home from the stadium carrying 12 pack of toilet paper. Got lots of ribbing from other fans, stuff like "You've got a great night planned!" I just responded for "I got it for the people of Perth, because their football team is shit!" Went home and had a glass of cabernet sauvignon with chocolate as a modest actual celebration

- ARGENTINAAAAAA!!!! :D Bet Ireland. I'm Irish on my moms side, but still, I'm a huge Pumas fan. Quarter final against Scotland next Monday, which is sweeet because Scotland had to beat Italy (fathers side) to do it...and did so by 2 points. I missed that game because of the bio blitz, but also missed the Argentina match because I was so knackered. I'll buy it online if I have to, I'm gonna watch it!

- Last unit for BIOL132 (Conservation and Biodiversity). Two weeks of herpetology. We have an ASSIGNMENT instead of a test. Since all I can really do is learn more and build upon and existing pass, an assignment is hella easier. I can probably get an overall B pass this way! :D Anyways, the module (Herpetology) is run buy one of my favourite lecturers. She spent twenty minutes lecturing and then the next twenty minutes we actually got to see and hold some native skinks! It gets better....THEY'RE BRINGING IN A TUATARA!!!!

Now I better get to class. Ciao4now

You're an 83!

2007-09-27T14:23:25Z

I GOT 83% ON MY MOST RECENT ECOLOGY TEST

Because of my new medication, this is my first test where I haven't had my illness play a massive hampering effect.

This is my true ability.

If I make every lecture and study without my illness getting in the way, I can get an 83%

The Nortriptyline isn't perfect, but it helps me get results.

At this rate, I'm going to South Africa.

I know what I'm capable of.

Nothing is going to stop me.

I had a massive attack today when studying for BIOL114. My worst in a long time. I almost couldn't hide it. Imagine feeling the most afraid you've ever been in your entire life, then having an asthma attack. That's what it feels like. I still need to get past it. But I've done it. I did it for this module, I can do it for any module.

I was lucky to have minimal affect for those two weeks. These last two weeks have been awful, but I'm gonna do my best to get back on the horse.

Sorry Maury, I'm not a gymnast?*

STUFF THAT. HI-HO, SILVER!

Now sod off, I gotta study

(strider7901... BUTTS LMAO)

*It's funnier because I used to be a male model.

It's not your brain, it's just the flame that burns your change to keep you insane

2007-09-25T08:00:37Z

I'm going to drop my teaching degree and aim to finish my BSc (Ecology & Biodiversity) in 2009. That way, I can do an exchange year in South Africa in 2010 for a Masters in Conservation Biology, DURING THE 2010 FIFA WORLD CUP, IN A WORLD CUP MATCH HOSTING CITY! HELL YEAH!

football football football football FOOTBALL (aka soccer but really FOOTBALL)

And be back in New Zealand in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup. HOW CONVENIENT.

Cross your fingers the All Whites qualify for 2010 and play their matches at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium

In other news, I'M FAMOUS...kinda.

Firstly...the Green Party of New Zealand's blog mentioned "protesters" walking from Oriental Parade. I prefer the term "activists" as we didn't protests, all we did is collect petition signatures. AND LOTS OF THEM. Part of this involved having someone walk around in a dolphin costume caught up in fishing nets. And for a short period, that was me. Yes, you can see it now, lustofapioneer walking around the famous Lambton Quay in a dolphin costume. We also scared the bejeezus out of the receptionists at the Ministry of Fisheries. A bunch of people wearing WWF uniforms, one in a dolphin suit caught up in fishing line, two holding pictures of mutilated dolphins, asking to speak to someone regarding the new plans regarding the Hectors and Maui's dolphin. They called down a manager while pondering calling security. Much to their surprise, we THANKED the manager for all the hard work the Ministry has done, while also urging them to take further action to prevent their extinction. Co-operation is a GOOD thing. Which is why Greenpeace radicalists suck :P

PS: I didn't go to Parliament with everyone else. Me and one other went to the town hall to collect signatures, and got HEAPS. Lucky I knew my facts too because these people, while the nicest, were also the most inquisitive. Which is a good thing. These people, be they skeptical or merely interested, not only helped an important campaign but also learnt more about the ecology of NZ's native dolphins thanks to me. Because I rock. And now, they're more likely to help and tell others to help. Yes, I do rock, we've already been over this!
PPS: http://www.stoptheirextinction.org.nz
PPPS: You're a PPPS:

Secondly, I WAS ON TV! Sure, it was cable TV (Sky Sports), and it was only a cameo shot, but still! If you watch this video clip, you can see me walk past the camera at approximately 6:15. I'm wearing a beanie, the Phoenix kit, and my glasses. I look really, REALLY dorky...but it's me so MEH. This is the second time I've been on TV, the first was more blatant - an upper body shot of me playing air guitar haha I was like, 7, at my primary school eisteddford. The second shot was a classmate of mine yawning. Fun times.

In awesome news, I met a girl. She's very lovely. Problem is, I'm now taking a different approach, one that involves trying to start a relationship instead of "tap it and gap it". Yes, I've given up on sluthood. I'd like to start a proper relationship for a change. Hopefully we might be seeing each other this week on a quasi-date (we haven't used that word yet) and hopefully she'll give me a chance to be more than just a friend, but DAMN am I nervous :S I haven't had a serious relationship in a year, and that was somewhat of a rebound (With TC. I loved her, but I still loved Laura which kinda shut things down). Other than that it's only been Laura and FL, and of course raven22 haha. So yeah, nervous. When I organised the first date I was smooth, second time I talked about it I was all jittery. DAMMIT. Hopefully it'll happen, I don't want to bug her lest I drive her away. Something I tend to do in PLATONIC relationships, guh, stupid social fuckupery...

I got rid of Cammy the Camry, my third car. My first was Super Beast, a Mazda 323 that I gave to my mom in exchange for my second car, the Shaggin' Wagon, a Subaru Legacy that will always be my first love when it comes to cars. I loved this car more than most girlfriends. I still love it more than a certain ex fiancee, which is ironic because even though the Legacy was a second hand, decade-old station wagon, less people had been inside it! BUAHAHAHA.

Anyway, my third car (after I *sniff* wrote off the Legacy) was Cammy. My flatmate RS reckons "Christine" would be a better name. Seriously, Cammy was haunted. She broke down more than a hormonal woman would while watching movies about healthy people falling in love with cancer patients, children dying of starvation, and diaryofadrongo's sex life.

(No offense to any woman or Tim, I just couldn't help but make the joke)

BTW, we got Cammy cheap. Because a murder-suicide occured in the back seat. So there IS cause for it to be cursed. Spoooooky!

Now I gots to go study (aka go buy a bottle of red wine to go with his tricolore pasta in a red sauce and scotch fillet cooked in Australian herbs, why yes I am a good cook)

How to get banned from K-Mart

2007-09-23T06:02:09Z

NB: Australian Friends

2007-09-15T01:34:16Z

G'day mates!

I'm looking at maybe going back home for the first time in ELEVEN FREAKING YEARS! :-O Specifically, I want to fly to Melbourne to watch the Wellington Phoenix play them in January, and maybe spend a day or two back in New South Wales - namely checkingn out Nowra again for nostalgia and spending a day in Sydney to make my mom (who's originally from there) jealous haha. I'll probably be relying on Australian friends to put me up (couch surfing is no problem for me, I don't need a spare bed haha) so if anyone is keen to have me around next year lemme know!

PS HELL YEAH PHOENIX! 2-1 OVER SYDNEY FC!

CASTRATION, or a one way ticket to New York!

2007-09-09T23:50:05Z

NZ students get US visa boost

GREAT SUCCESS!

I've been considering doing postgrad study in the USA (if I can get the scholarship to do so), but if that's not an option I can now do a years work over there. Working in a place as ecologically diverse as the US would be awesome for my career, not to mention the networking possibilities!

But this also means the yanks on here will have to put up with me. Mostly Mil, because I'd be looking at somewhere west coast. Portland or San Diego maybe.

In other news, FUCK THE WELSH

(If you know which song my subject is from, you get a cookie. Unless you're welsh. And no, it's not the one on my music)

PS Yesterday was the 5th anniversary of me meeting Laura. That's 25% of her life. Of course, I'm celebrating that it's NOT the 5 year anniversary of our relationship. I'm lucky to be rid of her. Oh, and the Phoenix lost 0-1 yesterday. Which hurt FAR MORE. And led me to scream "I CARE MORE ABOUT FOOTBALL THAN MY FAILED MARRAIGE" at the top of my lungs outside the Ring of Fire

The game they play in heaven

2007-09-07T18:45:16Z

It's 6AM and yet at least a million NZers (a quarter of the population) are up early. Why?

IT'S MOTHER RUCKING RUGBY WORLD CUP TIME!!!!!

This one is gonna ROCK. Make sure you tune in.

I'm betting on an All Blacks - France final.

As for the preliminaries....

GROUP A
Nations: England, South Africa, Samoa, USA, Tonga
Matches to watch: England vs South Africa on September 14 will be the highlight of this otherwise so-so group. South Africa will likely rest some of their best players against the US and Tonga as badly needed rehabilition after a long Super Rugby season and Tri Nations. Whoever wins this match will probably win the group.
Dark horse: Samoa. An upset against England or South Africa, and wins against USA and Tonga could set them up for finals.
Player to watch: Johnny Wilkinson of England. The English will be relying on him playing well, if his 2003 form doesn't show, expect the reigning champion to come third. Thats not to say the rest of the team is bad, far from the case, but Wilkinson was the 2003 X-Factor. Losing him will lose the cup for England.
Prediction: South Africa, England, Samoa, Tonga, USA

GROUP B
Nations: Australia, Wales (sub-host), Fiji, Canada, Japan
Matches to watch: Anything with Wales! With the Wallabies expected to come first, Fiji, Canada and Japan are looking to get an upset win against Wales. The Welsh will need to stave off these attacks to ensure a second place. A good result against Australia would certainly help the Dragons
Dark horse: Japan. Now this looks biased - I'm a huge fan of their coach John Kirwan and I speak some of the language, and I was rooting for Japan to win hosting rights for 2011 (not that I mind NZ getting it, especially since I live in Wellington!). Japan is the darkest of all horses but if they play smart, they could make it.
Player to watch: Mike Pyke (Canada). This guy can make magic happen, as everyone in Waikato Stadium found out. He and Justin Mensah-Coker could help give this defensive team some offensive spark.
Prediction: Australia, Wales, Fiji, Japan, Canada

GROUP C
Nations: New Zealand, Scotland (sub-host), Italy, Romania, Portugal
Matches to watch: Scotland vs Italy (Saturday 29). The last match in the pool will probably be the competition for the final playoff spot. The entire competition behind this pool will be Scotland and Italy fighting for this spot. Because NZ owns the first playoff spot. Simple as that. No bias - I grew up in Australia and cheer for Ireland and Canada haha. Scotland may have an edge with two games played in Edinburgh, but one of them is against NZ so unless an upset happens then, it wouldn't count for too much
Dark horse: Romania. I don't pick them to make the finals, as much as I'd love to see it. But since an upset against NZ is pretty much not going to happen, an upset would be against Italy (less likely against Scotland with the Murryfield atmosphere). This is the best time for the Oaks to do it - if enough Romanians show up, you never know.
Player to watch: Richie McCaw (NZ). Kiwis often claim the All Blacks captain is unfairly targeted by referees. I don't put too much stock in that claim, but a lot of NZ's power will rely on him being able to play his game.
Prediction: New Zealand, Italy, Scotland, Romania, Portugal

GROUP D
Nations: France (host), Ireland, Argentina, Georgia, Namibia
Matches to watch: Ireland vs Argentina (Sunday 30). Same as Scotland vs Italy. I'm a fan of both teams and I consider myself damn lucky to be part Irish so that I have an easy choice as to who to support! I'll be watching every match these two I can.
Dark horse: Namibia. The Wednesday 26th match against Georgia will almost certainly be a wooden spoon playoff, whoever wins this match will win fourth place. Namibia will want to earn respect and the best way to do that is to focus on this one match. Unless Georgia wins an upset against Ireland or Argentina, but I wouldn't bet on it happening.
Player to watch: Brian O'Driscoll (Ireland). His leadership and form will hopefully inspire his team mates to perform at top level
Prediction: France, Ireland, Argentina, Namibia, Georgia

QUARTER FINALS

Australia b. England
New Zealand b. Ireland
South Africa b. Wales
France b. Italy (revenge for FIFA 06? :p)

SEMI FINAL
New Zealand b. Australia
France b. South Africa

FINAL
New Zealand b. France

Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna focus on the opening ceremonies that I've been partially ignoring for YOUR benefit (You know you love me buahaha) and then watch France-Argentina! Hell yeah!

26/08/2007 Wellington Phoenix FC (2) v Melbourne Victory (2)

2007-08-26T22:33:02Z

Itchy leg

2007-08-19T12:53:41Z

In other news, thanks to my f-king cellphone alarm NOT going off, I missed my bus to Palmerston North, which messed up my plans to see the rugby AND a friend I haven't seen in ages. A trip that had been planned for months.

So I went to lacrosse instead, and injured my shoulder. Hurts like crazy, but that didn't stop me from playing on. My wrist injury didn't, did it?

WELLINGTON SWARM TOUR AUCKLAND OCTOBER 26TH-28TH, FOR MORE INFO SEE
http://lacrosse.wellington.net.nz

SuPaHfLy

You're a video blog!

2007-08-14T01:45:06Z

sad face

2007-08-09T00:07:52Z

I just quit a job that I love in order to mar\ke sure I have enough time to study, sleep, and cook.

The sacrifices I make for my education :'(

ZOOOOOOOOOO

2007-08-06T13:24:27Z

In case you ever wanted to hear what I sound like, THIS IS ME!

Crikey indeed...

2007-08-05T06:25:18Z

Apparently I read "September" and think "August"

Roberto Aragosta, achieving much for the Australian stereotype that we're all a bunch of thick as bricks, beer swilling yobbos :P

Thank you anonymous stranger!