Some more forwarded pictures from work ladies. These are bedspreads ideal for couples or singles. The bottom one reminds me of the supposedly late Ravishing Rick Rude.

To form a club in Wellington you need two senior teams and five junior sides. Unlike Dunedin where the mighty Redemption FC was formed on a wing and a prayer. This means hitting up primary schools or another plan.

I went to a different homegroup this week. The people were more normal than my last one. No Americans with friends having trouble with their Buddist mate who's mistress wants to leave him for someone more long term. Or friends with brain surgery who was having trouble with leaking wounds. These people are more like me at this new one, lead by Andy Jamieson and it is a mixture of students and workers, not 40 year olds like my first one. I guess less maintenance is easier. I have nothing against the other group, but I just didn't feel as comfortable despite nice choc chip cookies.

Forwarded Items

The above picture was forwarded to me by one of the ladies I used to work with in Dunedin. Hard to know if it is real?

The below joke is from a guy I met on the Oakhall Tour to Spain. He regularly sends forwarded jokes to everyone.

A reporter who did a story on gender roles in Kabul, Afghanistan, several years before the Afghan conflict noted then that women customarily walked five paces behind their husbands.
She recently returned to Kabul and observed that women still walk behind their husbands.
She approached one of the Afghan women and asked:
"Why do you now seem happy with the old custom that you once tried so desperately to change?"
The woman looked her in the eyes and without hesitation, said:
" Landmines ! "
"The Husband will get it first"
Moral of the story : Behind every man is a damn smart woman !

Todays rumour from a reliable fellow blogger www.hunga4life.blogspot.com

New Zealand's only male athletic and netball commentator was seen entering an adult place in Auckland where lonely guys go for a good time. It is all legal these days at such places.

NZ and Aussies the world's worst death bowlers NZPA Tuesday, 27 February 2007


SYDNEY: Alarming new statistics show Australia have the second-worst death bowlers in world cricket during the past year.
But don't snigger. The 'most expensive' award officially goes to New Zealand.
Respected Courier-Mail cricket writer Robert Craddock unveiled the statistics yesterday under the headline: "Last overs are the death of us."
They clearly show which area needs the most attention for the Chappell-Hadlee series combatants as they depart for the World Cup in the Caribbean.
In one-day international matches played since the start of 2006, New Zealand bowlers conceded an average of 6.68 runs per over in the last 10 overs of the innings.
Australia, who played 10 more one-day internationals in that period, just avoided the wooden spoon with an economy rate of 6.64.
The unlikely winners were the West Indies, who conceded 5.85 runs per over at the death, well clear of second-placed England (6.21) and India (6.25).
Clearly the 300-plus runfests in the second and third Chappell-Hadlee matches this month boosted New Zealand and Australia's numbers but there was still concern among the world champions as they depart for the World Cup on Wednesday.
"It is a matter of making sure we do all the homework and do specific training for the team we are about to play," Australian coach John Buchanan said.
"That is a major area for us to concentrate on. If you are getting belted around the park all the time you have lost confidence. It comes back to being very clear on our opposition."
In the individual statistics, Sri Lanka's Chaminda Vaas rated the world's worst death bowler since the start of 2006, conceding 8.05 runs per over while bowling in the last 10.
Australia had three bowlers in the worst six, with Stuart Clark second on 7.90, Nathan Bracken fifth on 7.08 and the now-injured Brett Lee sixth on 7.07.
Said Buchanan of his current bowlers: "There is a bit of ego battered more than anything else. At the moment it highlights our defence - it's something we have to get right."
At the other end of the scale, New Zealand had two entries in the top-10 leading death bowlers, and Australia none.
Spinner Daniel Vettori was seventh with 5.92 runs per over and paceman Shane Bond 10th at 6.46.
Interestingly, two spinners topped the list, with Sri Lanka's Muttiah Muralitharan and India's Harbhajan Singh both conceding 4.76 per over.

We always struggle but it's reassuring we are in good company, or are we?

My Fleas

It is funny how as kids I always talked about the poor, stinky kid as having fleas. Now that I have them, I still expect people to respect me. Where's the justice!

Rumours

I received some texts today from fellow Blogger Justin Latif about finding out information about celebrities. While it is bad to judge people for their stupid things they do, it is really interesting to hear what celebrities get up to. I won't tell you the juicing gossip from Latif until I have given him a chance to blog it. If he decides not to, I may spill the beans on some interesting tidbids of information.

I want you guys to spill any beans here in comments. These can be true or based on something you have heard. I want them to be about famous people. So I will post a few, and await some others.

1) WWF wrestler Ravishing Rick Rude died in a car crash.
2) 80s singers Mel and Kim (twins) also died in a car crash.
3) Martin Crowe was talking about Lorraine Downs when on the Advanced Hair Studio as he talks about what an improvement it made and "This was confirmed when I saw my lady!"
4) All Black Aaron Mauger had an article in a New Zealand gay magazine.
More will be revealed tomorrow.

Bed Bugs

After two itchy night sleeps, I have a few bites on my strapping torso. This is the small of my back, with an unsual formation of bites. I am washing my bedding and hoping that I can get rid of whatever is causing the problem.

Over the weekend I went to the beach twice and yesterday bumped into the Cherni Cherni Steve. He is his usual self. Chatting up hot chicks who happen to be already taken and trying to borrow expensive tv cameras from strangers. He is a straight shooter which is awkward at times but other times is what is required. Still it is funny how we both ended up in Wellington.

Wimbledon has decided on equality on prize money for women and men. I see this as great for the game. Women tend to attract just as much publicity if not, more than their male counterparts and are more marketable than many of the mens tour players. They don't play as many sets in their matches, but it is more a case of being paid for entertaining rather than the actual tennis.

http://tvnz.co.nz/view/page/488120/1001629

Finally Dunedin will host some more rugby matches after they hopefully build a waterfront stadium near Logan Park. This is ideally situated near the students and University and will give Dunedin All Black games which have not been played in Dunners in a couple of years. It will be ideal for the World Cup.

Well done to the groundsman at the Basin Reserve. Despite the Aussie cricketers not even playing at the Basin, Aussies practiced there and Brett Lee injured himself and is now out of the World Cup. This is upsetting for the Aussies.

Ode to my Goofy Mate

I do have some other fond memories of the comradery with Matty. When I was working nights at Leisure Lodge he would come into work and watch the footy with me. I would feed him Cokes and corn chips from the bar and he would chew the fat, while I was working.

He also goes out of his way to be hospitable. I have spent endless times over at Norwood Street, watching sport and having BBQs. It kept me going in life. There would always be Cheese and Onion chips and even if he had to get up early for work, he would stay up and watch the cricket or whatever sport was on.

We used to play hide and seek out the back of his section and Matty would always be very deliberate and astute, much like in those board games. He loves thinking tactically. Whether he is playing Risk or fantasy NBA he does his research.

I remember the best camp I have been on was at Tautuku when Matty, Cramps and I came back into town on the Saturday morning to play soccer before returning to camp on the afternoon. It was a five hour return trip, but it was brilliant. We returned heroes after missing the boring speaker and enjoying the Saturday night festivities. Well earned.

Matty is known as an Inside Jobber. We all have our gifts, but his is very obvious. He is always butt kissing parents and the people that count with cheesy compliments and a listening touch. This can get frustrating if we are in a hurry and he is butt kissing. At Jon’s for games on Sunday nights (one of the first places the happy couple met) we would wait on Dalman to finish Inside Jobbing with Jenny Beck so we could play. He obviously did a good job Inside Jobbing Neelam’s parents so when he asked the father’s blessing he was in the box seat.

Matty and myself were watching the cricket at my flat three years ago and we had the fire going. Garth my flatmate had the fire cranking on a winter night as New Zealand played England in the UK. He had his washing in front of it, meaning that only the real intense heat was being spread throughout the entire room. I was sitting on the bean bag while Matty was on one of the side chairs and Garth at the back of the room. Getting hot I took my socks and shoes off, Matty did the same. Ten minutes later getting hot I took my hoodie off, Dalman followed suit. Ten minutes later I was starting to sweat so I took my tshirt off, Matty did too. Ten minutes later I was getting too hot so I took my long pants off and was sitting in my boxer shorts only. At this stage Garth had left and gone outside for a cigarette. Dalman had followed my lead and was sitting in his boxers. I didn't know about his propensity to scratch a hole in his over time. I turned around to ask a question and the mouse had snuck out of the house and was just sitting on the chair. I couldn't believe what I was seeing so did a double take and sure enough I wasn't seeing things. We both couldn't stop laughing. Apparently the same thing had happened when Cramps and Dalman had gone to the beach and Cramps in the front seat turned around to ask him a question. Get Matty some new boxer shorts.

We also have done other fun stuff like play Who Wants to be a Millionnaire pub game (with Jon and Dom). We have been to the rugby and cricket. We also often text each other score updates even still, if one of us is unable to see the game. We have shared beach trips with Jon, including that refreshing risque late night dip at Matty's favourite Brighton beach where he eventually popped the question to Neelam.

I enjoyed the comradery as part of the Redemption FC committee with Matty and sometimes Cramps. It made playing the game so fun. They were very satisfying and enjoyable. Especially the road trips to Invers and Balclutha. So much fun!

I sometimes hassle Matty about his lack of social smarts, because as a Doctor he is of course highly regarded, but sometimes his unique upbringing has given him limited exposure to the bad things in life like image consciousness. But that is where Neelam is brushing him up! The pink polo shirt is a good start.

May the good times continue Matty my dear friend! Have a great wedding!

Although he looks charming in the picture, I know better.

Club or Christian??

I am weighing up if I should football for a club or try and find a church team to play in. After the hysteria over Redemption FC, I will really miss the supportive and positive environment. The opposition we used to play against would go psycho at each other and then afterwards go off and get toasted. This is the type of environment I am trying to avoid. I got in contact with The Street and a guy who is in charge of Street Sports is keen to see it happen. It is a matter of getting support. A few years ago they played for a club. Hard to say if it will happen, but since they already have a similar Rugby team from the Street, it should! Otherwise I will hit pre season training and avoiding the club court sessions,!

P.S. Stevo Downey another great mate of mine is engaged. We flatted together, went to Intermediate together in Invers before he got kicked out and played soccer together. Top man who loves his Lord, sport and fiance.

Rugby World Cup Tickets
There are still single Rugby World Cup tickets available for the greatest show on earth. Unfortunately for All Black supporters, it is only the three most expensive categories available, so you can get tickets from around $150. The other problem or potential bonus is that we are playing our games in different countries. We start Pool Play in Marseilles and end Pool PLay in Edinburgh. We play a quarter final in Cardiff. It would be cool just to follow the games around if you have a campervan or something! I would love to be over there for it, but I can't see it happening. I am going to somehow win a trip, but the chances aren't good. But with my past successes, it can never be discounted!


http://france2007.ticketnet.fr

Social Sport

With high expectations of top quality sport today, I was disappointed to find the level at the Sports Day was disappointing. They had split it into two leagues Social and Competitive. I assumed this meant that everyone in competitive would be quality players. Boy was I wrong. The standard was substandard with many of my team and the referees themselves not really knowing the rules. It was a far cry from London All Souls Touch tournament where we had proper referees and International players on display. My team actually scrambled well and we drew 1-1 in our first game of touch somehow. I threw a cutout pass to put someone in. Our defence was horrendous but the opposition couldn't take advantage. The Chosen Ones would've carved up, because there are so few decent players in any of the teams. We actually played against some pretty good guys at soccer, but I snaked a goal and we were up one nil, and then just stacked the defence. They scored when I was off. We drew one all. Then we beat some young guys at volleyball 9-5. Finally we drew nil all at touch. The referees were trapped between playing proper rules and not enforcing them because the standard was so bad that the games wouldn't flow. Anyway it was a fine day and my team of random misfits drew three and won one, so it was an achevement.

Steve Chernishov was floating around today. He is living the transient lifestyle and seems to be enjoying it. Tcheh! Tcheh!

The Stadium

For the second time in 24 hours I am in love with the Westpac Trust Stadium in Wellington. The big concrete concourse is the only entrance and exit out of the stadium and leads to buses and trains out of town. There was a big crowd today, but the foot traffic flows really well. I attended the game after going to a BBQ as part of the Men's Ministry at The Street. A word of wisdom is pick up your tickets from a Ticketing Agent before you go. We didn't and had to wait until kick off before we got in. I was sitting next to an American and I could shed some expert advice on the game. We talked about American sports and the rugby. The Hurricanes won 23-22 and I have picked 0 from 3 in virtual picks this week. It was a great chance to meet some guys from church and they were all around my age not like the guys at the Men and Mates ministry my brother runs in Invers with everyone else over 50.

Tomorrow is the Sports Day and hopefully a chance to make some more mates and excel in my pet sports touch, football and volleyball.

Today I hit the shops and purchased some sports balls at Rebel. They are all 50% off which is brilliant. I also started looking for a wedding gift for my best mate Matty Dalman and his wife to be Neelam. I came to the conclusion that I hate shopping. Decision making is a key element I often lack.

During my day up town I walked down Cuba Street Mall, I work near here so know the area. There are so many people of varying degrees of alternative dress and psychological problems. These people are also around Newtown and today seemed worse than usual. There were also buskers on the Cuba Street. Admittedly it is Fringe Festival month which an American guy in my potential homegroup loves and goes against everything I was bought up with in the heart of Southland conservatism. The mentality of buskers around there is questionable and this one lady was sitting with a homemade puppet on her hand and arm. You couldn't understand what she was trying to say, do or achieve with this dubious display on theatre. The concept of puppetry is spoiled when you can see the entire person in charge. A future career beckons for me after over ten years of puppets at Scripture Union Holiday Programmes.

What an amazing game!

My second trip to Wellington Stadium was more successful than my debut there. I went to the Chappell-Hadlee one day match on my own, but had a blast along with 15,000 others. Never in my wildest dreams did I think that we could beat Australia (under strength) by 10 wickets to break all kinds of records. This win and the previous losses versus England have kicked the Aussies where it hurts and provided both the Poms and us with confidence going into the World Cup.

The beauty of the Stadium is that spectators get a great view no matter where they are seated and the scoreboard/big screen is visible almost everywhere. The only down side was the wind blowing quite strongly making it cold as my seat was on the shady side. This according to the anonymous commenter earlier this week may be befitting of me.

Listening on the radio to the commentary was brilliant and when Lou Vincent hit a six to win it, we had witnessed New Zealand win a one sided game over Australia (this is an historical occasion). Afterwards I easily caught a bus home, as three go past my suburb.

Hero: Shane Bond five wickets including a great caught and bowled.
Villain: Wellington wind which blew rubbish onto the field, constantly stopping game.
The Aussies didn't have any luck tonight and hopefully we back this win up on Sunday!

I was left wondering how many One Day Internationals I have been to in total. It's as if I have graduated from the humble terraces at Carisbrook where you would have to sit on concrete and not be able to take anything to sit on for fear of people burning things to the luxury stadium. You don't seem to get much stick like on the terraces at the Brook.

My first international Cricket match was in 1997- NZ vs Sri Lanka test match where Bryan Young made 267 not out. This match was also famous for the couch and plastic chair burning which caused stoppages in play.

I can now add Wellington Stadium to Carisbrook and Queenstown Events Centre.
I have seen Sri Lanka play lots, England, West Indies, Pakistan, South Africa, India and now Australia play. Usually it is the sub continent teams who play down south, so it is great to see Australia.

My test rugby caps probably are relatively similar with Carisbrook and Jade Stadium my places. I have seen South Africa and Australia most of the time, with Scotland, Ireland and England the others. Otago versus the Lions.

They just add up. You are left wondering how much money I would've spent over the years going to just over 20 sports events valued at around $25-$30 each. That is not to mention Super 12 and domestic matches in both codes, some league games and a Premiership football game. It has been worth every penny!




P.S. The 2000 Wellington Sevens was my first trip to the Stadium. Fiji won!

Deal or No Deal?

This Australian television show wants contestants and as a past tv gameshow star, they are well worth it. The show is currently on at 5pm on weekdays Prime TV. The New Zealand version will be on TV3 in Auckland. I assume they fly you up and host you. Auditions and filming are around Easter, when I am tempted to head down south. It does seem more like your Price is Right crowd due to the lack of skill and intelligence needed, but it could be fun.

This weekend promises to be a cracker. I am off to the cricket tomorrow. The game is far from a sellout which is surprising. It starts at 2pm and I will head down after work. Going solo is fine as I can sit there with my radio on listening to commentary. Then on Saturday night The Street Church are having a Mens Ministry trip to the Super 14. This will be a chance to meet some more people and watch the Hurricanes take on the Blues. I am a neutral for this one, but will be going for the Hurricanes.

Sunday is The Street Sports Day. I am hoping to kick some ass in the competitive section. My fitness is lacking after sporadic fitness work. I find running tedious and these sports are three of my Top Five, touch, football and volleyball. You get put in teams, so it is lucky dip.

Finally tonight I will either be playing indoor cricket if Jimbo's team is short otherwise I will be going to the first night of my put in Life Group. It seems weird just being thrown into a group, but I have no choice and that might be for the best.

I went to Seatoun today. It is a place that the bus goes to past Newtown, so I thought I would investigate. It is really bizarre because it is so close to town, but not very busy. It's an interesting settlement. It resembles a seaside town, although the beach there isn't very good for swimming.

I went there after work. Check out the March issue to see what I was doing this afternoon. IT is tough being famous.

Single on Valentines Day by Kristin Cavins
http://personals.yahoo.com

February 14 is approaching, and while your friends are excitedly discussing their romantic plans and expectations of candy and roses, you're dreading another night alone, cuddled up on the couch in your sweats, watching a "Grey's Anatomy" rerun.
Being single on Valentine's Day is never easy but it's the best time to get back in the dating game. Here are six tips to get you going:
1. Look at dating as a learning experience. So, you've had bad dates. Don't get discouraged! In dating, like everything else you do, practice makes perfect. After all, the whole object of dating is to find out what you do (and don't) want in a potential partner. Keep an open mind and you may be surprised at what you learn about yourself through dating.
2. Be true to you. When you try to be someone else, you're less likely to find "the one" who is right for you. We all want to make a good impression on a first date, but don't be so concerned about being perfect that you end up pretending to be someone you're not. You are looking for someone with whom you're compatible. That means taking a deep breath, relaxing and being you.
3. Make a list and check it twice. Take a moment to write down the qualities that you want in a partner. We all have a mental list of "must haves," but putting it down on paper makes it easier to identify the traits you are seeking. Otherwise, you may end up dating "that cute guy/girl you have nothing in common with" rather than finding someone you truly mesh with.
4. Know why you're dating. It's OK to want to casually date rather than find a long-term relationship. But it's important to figure out what you want out of dating before you start the process. If you're seeking something long-term, make sure you're really "ready" and have resolved any baggage from previous relationships. One of the biggest mistakes is re-entering the dating world prematurely. You may meet the most amazing person, but if you're not truly ready, you'll overlook him/her.
5. Keep it light and fun. Remember, you're supposed to be having a good time on your dates. You don't have to be out with the man or woman of your dreams to enjoy yourself. If you've agreed to a date: dress up, enjoy your meal and conversation, and don't worry about whether it'll lead to date number two. Chances are, if you've been having fun, it will!
6. Take a fresh look at your online dating profile. If you aren't getting enough replies, add new photos that help people see who you are and why they ought to meet you. Choose photos that show you doing activities you enjoy. Likewise, look at your profile statement. Be specific about who you are and the kind of people you want to meet. Finally -- make the first move. Write to interesting people you find in your searches -- why wait for them to contact you?
So, enough with the tips -- it's time to get back out there. Just because you don't have a special someone this Valentine's Day doesn't mean you won't have a date for the following Saturday! Each date connects you with someone new. And, because dating is a numbers game, sooner or later you will meet someone who clicks with you.

Valentines Day

It's just around the corner so send me some goodies ladies.

Scotty Donaldson
17 A Daniell Street
Newtown
Wellington

027 3039564


Lets make it a special day!

I am getting used to doing things on my own these days and it is getting frustrating. I go around to the Goatshed to watch SKY and no one is there, I go to the Cricket Museum on my own. I am contemplating going to the Chappell / Hadlee alone after going to the Basin Reserve Cricket and beach on my own midweek.

I am struggling to put my finger on it Most of the people I knew before coming to Wellington are married these days and have settled down. This often means they are not as sociable and keen for doing fun stuff. Or else they hang out more with couples. Other than that, people I know tend to be doing their own thing within their own group.

The thing is most of my best friends are hitched in Dunners these days as well, even though they are still under thirty. This means hanging out with more couples usually, in different social scenes. There are exceptions, and I also think that I actually had made it into the social scene around Dunedin, I didn't know what it was like on the outer. But times change and my job is brilliant, I am getting more involved with the magazine, it is just the social times are so dull. My flatmates mainly have their own friends and apart from being Christians, I don't really have heaps in common. They don't have meat all the time, they hate sport and they are out quite often.

Before I left for London I had the best of it on that weekend of fun. My best mates around to watch footy or DVDs. My buddies that I would go into the trenches with like Boss, Dalman, Sammy, Stevo, Crouchy, Cramps, Jon and Dom to name a small number of the many. The job was average though and it was funny that although I had all of these kudos mates around, at times I would feel on the outer. I think it is a case of being the ultimate social group hopper. A finger in the Soul pie, the Redemption pie, the close mates pie, the DCBC pie. It means that you don't know where you stand within the group, you often struggle to get the in jokes and often wonder if you are missing out on the fun. It seems like you only taste the crust without getting the great things from the delicious apple inside.

I actually don't mind going to work because it is the dream job. Maybe these thoughts are brought about through a lack of playing sport and blowing out the cobwebs!
Thoughts/comments

Saturday is here and without any sport for me to play I have lots of time to spare. With my social contacts limited, mainly married, I have decided to make the most of my spare time. I visited the Basin Reserve- NZ Cricket Museum. It is a fine museum if not slightly outdated since most of the updated information was from a few years ago. Above is the Basin from a spectators viewpoint, that was at the Wellington Auckland game on Waitangi Day. The second picture up there is from an exhibit they had on NZ Best X1. The other photo is from the famous Martin Crowe and Andrew Jones partnership in 1990/91 season from the Basin (a world record at the time).

Some interesting information from my trip is Clarrie Grimmett who as a leg spinner was awesome for Australia, but was born and raised in NZ until he was in his mid twenties when he left for Australia. He was a very good test wicket taker for the Aussies. It took Richard Hadlee until later in the same innings after he took his World Record 374th wicket against India to overtake Grimmett as the highest first class wicket taker born in New Zealand. Some other interesting displays were Dennis Lillee's metal bat from 1979 in Perth. It was outlawed after this innings.

The expert selected NZ All Time X1 is

G Turner- Otago

CS Dempster

Bert Sutcliffe -Otago, scored 11 in NZ's record low test score of 26.

MD Crowe

John Reid senior (Captain)

Martin Donnelly - (Also played rugby for England)

Chris Cairns

Sir Richard Hadlee

IDS Smith

DL Vettori

Jack Cowie

What this proves is that we actually produce some brilliant cricketers despite our paucity of International Trophies. Many of them came from Otago. Despite this Otago seem to be the hard luck story of NZ cricket, no trophies for twenty years and again capitulate in the final. A mixture of bad luck and management. Their 119 was only slightly better than the famous 26 in 1955. The mid 1980s were both Otago and NZ glory days (but more NZ).

Go along to the NZ Cricket Museum when you are in Wellington. It only costs $5 and is great for diehard fans.

Current Cricket

I just saw an incredible innings from Paul Collingwood who thoroughly deserved Man of the Match award as England defeated Australia. I would say it was the best innings I have seen in the last four years at least. Fleming in the 2003 World Cup opener.

For some interesting cricket video footage go to the following links

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6skKyjmMows

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlFF98dM8sA

make sure the sound is on.

Lyall Bay

Today is really hot. In response to this heat I decided to make the most of my 330pm finish and head to a beach. There are so many about and the Wellington public transport service can take you to heaps of them. I took my chances on the first bus to come pass, because it was too hot waiting. For $2.50 I went to Lyall Bay. Not to perve at the ladies, but to go for a refreshing dip in the very flat waters. I happened to stumble across a few tanned, thin, blondes who were doing the European sunbathing, they looked European. The water was quite warm which is a surprise for those from Otago Southland area.

It appears that after my cramp ravaged and erratic bowling display at indoor cricket last week, I am not required this week. This is annoying as I finally thought that I am finding my feet by getting into a team. The problem with being new to town midway through the season is that the best you can do is fill in. I learned this the hard way when playing Premiere Tennis in Invers when I was at University. I would pay exhorbitant fees and get games about once a month.

Waitangi Day

Waitangi Day was a mixed bag this year. Famous in folklore for beach trips with Jon and Dom, this year I went on my own to the Basin Reserve to see the State Shield semifinal between Wellington and Auckland. When I was at the cricket I did something I never did before. Don't worry, I didn't streak. Instead I actually took along my radio with headphones and listened to live commentary. As Queen so rightly put it This Must Be Heaven For Everyone! Anyway I decided to only watch the first innings before going to the Goatshed to watch the NZ vs England cricket match. They had a BBQ as well. I am sort of in the loop, but they had all gone to the beach with others from a female flat. But I am still out of the loop which sucks. I was thinking about heading to the beach on my own as the buses go near, but I am not wanting to appear like one of those strange men frequenting beaches while perving at unassuming females sunbathing. Is it considered socially acceptable for single 28 year old males to go to the beach on their own? I guess the jury is out. My intentions are to go for a swim! I didn't mind in Europe, but over there I didn't know anyone and didn't speak the language so didn't care so much what others thought of me. I also realised that I would be leaving the country shortly.

It is frustrating having to chase people up so they invite me to things, but I guess that's the way it's going to be. The same goes for these people who played some volleyball on Monday and some tennis the other day, but I am out of the loop. Instead of being on the inside, I am on the outside!

The cricket was disappointing on two levels. Both Wellington and New Zealand lost, and the painful thing about it was I spent so many hours watching my teams get beaten. I was supporting Wellington although the Volts will always be my side even though they haven't won any trophies since the 1980s. Work is always tougher the next day after staying up until 12:30 to watch us lose at cricket!

Compliments Wikipedia for the photo.

VOIP

I have got into VOIP. This is a free way of calling overseas and nationally. I have signed up for Skype which is the biggest provider. I called my brother, but you can look up people and I notice that part time blogger Darren Hight has an account in Switzerland. Mark Van Rij and Gavyn Jones are also all signed up. You can actually call landlines but you have to pay for credit but it is still cheaper than making a normal call. Otherwise you just call people who are online and have SKype downloaded. You need a microphone/headphones. If you download it we can talk for free. My name is stagsforever

Types of friends!

I have been thinking in recent times about how my friendships have been really changed through absence and time. This makes me think. People like Jon and Dom are always a safety blanket for others at social events. Yet I have actually been mates with them for a while. Because of their fun personalities often they are forgotten as kudos mates. It is as if Jon and Dom are only known for their entertainment exploits, yet they are actually closer mates than that to many people. I have actually known them for years, but they are usually your have fun with type mates, I think I may have fallen into this trap also. It is a dangerous place to be in, but when people are thinking of who their best buddies are or when girls are on the prowl, they already categorise people like my kudos mates Jon and Dom (especially Dom) and me. But life would be so boring without this type of friend. They are under-rated and often overlooked.

Over the last two days a strange phenomenon has hit Wellington. The inner city area is more lively than usual and there are so many people in novelty costumes. It seems that people place a higher emphasis on dressing up and partying than the actual playing of games. The costumes have been top notch and there is a large assortment of different characters. In my travels I have spotted female masseuses in skimpy towels, Borats, cavemen, butchers, smurfs, coasts guards, plenty of nurses, doctors, nerds, body painted All Blacks, priests, cowgirls (Jessica Simpson wannabees), Village People, Police chicks like Tui ads. It seems to be a case of less is best. It is tough being a red blooded male when walking around the streets of Wellington amongst scantily clad attractive females. I wonder if they are in the God Squad? The Sevens has really changed since 2000 when I attended. It was easier to get tickets then, not like now where tickets sell out in 20 minutes.

Full credit to www.stuff.co.nz for the photo.

Last night I went over to The Goatshed flat which has SKY and despite them leaving to someone who I didn't really knows 21st, I was fed a banquet of sport. I saw the Blues beat the Crusaders, England finally beat Australia at cricket and the final cherry on top was the Highlanders uninspiring 8-7 snore fest victory over the Force. It is going to be a long season for the underpower Highlanders, but we will take the points.

The Sevens is also great viewing!

Indoor Cricket

It was a successful sport in the 1990s, and tonight I had my first game since 2003 and my second game since 1995. Batting in the last partnership we only made 14, but it was my partner who was to blame for a couple run outs and since you lose 5 runs for each wicket lost. It was quite muggy in the centre. I struggled at the bowling crease. After a tidy batting effort my calf got cramp in my first delivery and I just couldn't attack the crease and from there on in I was bowling half trackers and full tosses. Needless to say we lost by about 10 runs and I bowled two overs for 23. Only one wicket off my last bal. It is amazing how much you rely on your front foot. It was embarrassing and after paying $10 to play, I wonder if I will be asked back. Never mind, it gave me a chance to get a sweat up.

http://www.nzindoorsports.org.nz