Anzac Day

First attendance of a civil service to commemorate those in Gallipoli and to remember everyone else who serves was a warming experience in the surroundings of the heartland at Waimauku. Between the march and the laying of wreaths, I held the ship's camera with responsibility of snapping significant points in the ceremony. Little did I know how to operate it, little did I know about its faulty electronics (?!) and little do I know of the produce of whatever was able to be captured. Hopefully something was salvageable. Still, I liked being able to move in and out around the crowd. (the photos I managed were iPhone ones)

I think the warmest part of it all was talking to people who were in war and hearing their tales. One the way to the loo, a man called out to me in what I heard as intelligible but later discovered was Cantonese. For all the time he had spent in Hong Kong and after all these years, wow. I, the dummy wasn't expecting it and so I couldn't comprehend it but later on, for the most part, we understood each other very well. 

It's something else, meeting someone that carries these tales and who refers to places in names I once read about but are no longer referred to as such. Even so, the ounces of humour sandwiches the seriousness and we connect as humans.  

A certain Gordon I met said, " Last night, I found a group of mushrooms in the shape of a circle. I stood right in the middle of it and made a wish! I wished that I'd meet two beautiful ladies and now I have! Hahahahahaha."

I had not heard of these magical mushrooms in a circle and thought it funny! Old people are so cute! I know, I should use a better term than 'old people' but hey, they're people and yeah (: Interesting. 

Lane ways~

Was walking down the passage tonight and for the first time, noticed the shadowy angles and liked it immediately. Coincidental light usage and ajar doors? Perhaps. Or maybe I'm just more observant these days hmmm? Been drawing again and I find it challenging to zoom in on the details of said subject in my mind. Closing my eyes does not help either. So, if you find me starring you'll know that I'm trying ever so much to commit a dent in that figurine's leg or a scratch on this animal to memory (only to have memories washed at the 'Brainomat' hah).

Well, looking at you confidently is the garage door. Notice how the door handles are so high up! I like this somewhat 1970s architecture. I think it is just below my shoulder. Suitable for the tall ones. Which is the accurate picture on Waitemata Road? hehe. Well, there are two rooms on the right with a coat closet in between them. On the left, the kitchen sliding door, a linen cupboard, way leading to the toilet and the last, bathroom. Guess some doors are not so obvious hehe. Have fun guessing!

People and their Birthdays

Birthday Mornings

I've been a birthday lover for as long as Nath remembers. And so, just like Marshall (in HIMYM), he's always done everything he can to make it special so that I, like Lily, can delight in every moment of it. I even have my very own birthday fund (yes, spoilt!). Over the past few years, I've thoroughly enjoyed the variety (: This year, I wanted a blend of excitement and peace-like mellow. I got it.

Usually, I advocate a 'no-working-on-your-birthday' rule. As much, I tried to sleep in closer to the pm (but I guess I wanted to start the day fresh)! Stirring in bed, my hand chanced upon an envelope. Nothing like reading intimate words in the quiet of a morning. Also! The card felt really nice and fuzzy.

In my own pace, I made me something to satisfy and successfully did not mistake paprika for cayenne pepper again! *pat on the shoulder*

I loved having the morning to reply wishes and read a little and eat and be grateful. Like when I was a child, I still put on my best clothes for my birthday! :D Neat and tidy. The cardi I have on was out airing in the sun when the invisible and noiseless showers said hello. Yay for hot water cupboards. Poo for not being alert (twice now!)

I was just about to begin walking to the cutesy Little and Friday when the rain came back and all for the better! Two minutes later and a knock on the door with flowers from my beautiful family. Timing is key?

Afternoon Delights

Small girl in a big car, Nicole took two rights and one left. Tadaa! Small goodness, hello (: Great coffee and delicious dessert. Who can argue with that? They also have cinnamon rolls and mint leaves in their water jars. A cool twist of flavours? Or maybe it's just me. 

 

Somehow, I'm not a fan of chocolate desserts but I think that fig bewitched me and suddenly I was sitting down with mouthfuls of this. Think it's their Chocolate Cake Raspberry Coulis. Yeah, that cake was a good time!

I tried to capture the feel and neighbourly buzz it stirred.. successful?

Evening Treats

It is almost tradition now, Nathan bakes me a birthday cake every year (when we're together.. duh)! Honestly, a cake was all I wanted for my birthday. Last year's high-tea was magnificent, 2011's strudel? Yum and original as a cake. But I really wanted a round cake (don't ask me why, probably something to do with childhood). So we baked me one together when he got home. Simple- vanilla butter with blueish green butter icing. It was fun! The cake baked, we got ready and when the timer 'dhinged', the cake was left to cool as we left to an old favourite. 

Aptly named Altar, it was a place we used to dine at a couple of years ago. Being Monday, it was settled, not busy. If I were to pick, my favourite food would be anything Japanese and Spanish tapas!

Some bits to tease. It wouldn't get best tapas vote but it suits, just in that simple way (:

Rubbing our tummies we zoomed home to ice the cake and set the candles. Somehow, I detest those stripy white + what other colour candles. With that knowledge, Nath got these woohoo. Cake for two!

Yes, it was a very 'us' kind of birthday. Throwing parties are my kinda deal but not always. You'd know if I wanted a party... I love to plan too! That said, I jump up and down for surprises which I suppose, will take us to the 20th, Saturday. 

Surprise!

Saturday started earlier than usual but only for shopping reasons. I wanted to get a certain birthday twin (get to that later) something she will hopefully use. Luckily for me (: I found some tidbits to take home too hahaaa.

Well, when we got home, I was instructed to pack a bag and some togs (Shoe- does this word disturb you too? Like jandals does? hehe)! Oo. Intrigued, I 'hurried'. Secretly, I had suspected something of the sort. See, a few days prior... I walked in on Nath looking at Hotel DeBrett. On a side note, I adore boutique hotels and was uber enthused about the experience to follow!

So, two hours later... we were on the way when Nath said, "I hope you like this, my first choice is booked out."

Admittedly, my heart sank a little because I can shamefully be ungrateful and spoilt sometimes. Well, we pulled into the The Langham and I... shamefully let it show. Definitely something to work on! I don't deserve half the good I receive sometimes..

Champagne cheers all up! It was already 4.30pm by the time we settled in and with dinner reservations at half past five, we (meaning me) had to jump into motion. Shower, put some face on, dress! Rarrr...

Frantically, I drank champagne, curled my hair and constantly yelled out, "Time check!"

With every yell, I tried to hurry but how can one? When one has to deal with heat? 

Meanwhile, Nath kicked back and enjoyed the bubbly... Texted Evan and proposed a taxi down the hill onto Queen Street. To be fair to me haha, a steep hill separated us, in the hotel, and our restaurant. Walking down a wet steep hill in heels. No thanks? Right? Someone agree with me please.

Hahaha, Nath slightly cheesed I called for one when at least three were free for hire outside. 

A short ride later, we squeezed into Kura and yayyy Cho-Cho San cocktails! The NZ Opera organised these free cocktails for Madame Butterfly goers. Kura is a cosy restaurant close to Aotea Square, City Hall and the Civic (where all the shows happen). Perfect spot to grab some awesome fresh Japanese food. The cave-like interior, the small tables, the kimonos hanging off the walls.. what's not to like? *these photos don't depict my description though haha*

Cho-Cho San's love of one cowardly Naval Officer

Wine and ice-cream in hand, we took our seats and waited with giggles! I love the opera, love how everyone gets dressed up. One in a set of tails, gowns, capes... Great for people watching!

Heehee, cute couple in front of us. 

With my two favourite boys in Auckland! Or, more accurately, two favourite men. 

Justified reason for taxi :D

By the end, I was in tears. The minimalistic set worked so well with colourful and brightly coloured kimonos set against it. The main structure was simply bamboo-like sliding doors, to mimic Japanese shoji screens. Very cool! I was impressed indeed. 

A Shot of Coffee

Shortly after, we walked towards downtown chasing a drink. Some coffee at Starbucks did the trick! Yeah, it was an odd stop on the way. Needed I guess? 

Remember how I mentioned missing living in town? Well, not that night. Everyone was out parading the streets. From bar to club to club to bar. Most, intoxicated and clumsy. It was a laugh! Who says it's only fun when you're one of them (which I occasionally enjoy sometimes hehe)? 

Through a throng of bodies, we made it to Xuxu and settled to more cocktails yayy. I had the Black Storm? I can't remember, was delish! Loved, the snack roll up too. Noms!

The time for Sleep is NOW

 Before hitting the hay we ordered room service to which I was ecstatic!

Sleepyhead~

Perfect end to the night. 

Sami, the Birthday Twin

You guessed it! Same birthday, same age, a one Sami and I share. She had a little tea party at hers and unfortunately I was so pre-occupied with all the little treats that I didn't capture a single shot of her or her celebration. Before the afternoon though, we had the nicest brunch. Now, since I get confused at these brunch buffets, I trailed Nath and ate almost everything he ate. Not very original but I think tummy agrees (:

(Shoe- I forgot abt the cardi thingy... how? Do you like how I communicate with you in my post?) 

Suit Hunting

Since we were in town we figured, a spot of shopping? Finding something for Adam's wedding in Bruges is proving very challenging for Nath so we retired to coffee at Melba.

(too many shots of N!)

Spotted that! Did she visit, sit on that chair and drink coffee? Then, they labelled it?! Random.

At a day's End

Taken to having bubble baths more these days. Perfect when stormy weather brews outside. Agreed?

A slightly disjointed account of the past few days but hey! Euphoria gets the better of you, from time to time. 

Dance Dance Dance~

Little and Friday on a Monday will bring you happiness in your tums. A wholesome neighbourhood cafe a short walk from home. Bliss! Delicious coffee with your choice of a perfect portion sized dessert (: