Mr San Says

The Writer I Want to Be

2012-01-19T14:29:00.001+13:00

I went and saw David Sedaris last night. If you haven't heard of him, you should definitely look him up. His books are wonderful and even better is when he reads them out loud. He is so witty and funny and I envy the way he can report on life. I am reading more of his books and listening to him more because I really want to be that kind of writer. I hope I can do it.

Absolut Nyböjare

2012-01-11T11:09:00.001+13:00

, originally uploaded by Mr San.

I was about to write about relationships and people that I love, but I had a sudden mind blank and deleted what I wrote. It made no sense and maybe that's the reality of relationships.

Who knows why we love the people we love?

I love the connection with someone. I love when we are thinking the same thing. I love wanting to love that person and I love being loved back.

For much of my life, I have loved without loving back. I loved in secret. It is safer that way. You know where you stand.

Safe does not make things good. Safe is a hollow way of living.

Sometimes putting yourself out there is going to really hurt. It will be the worst thing in the world. But when it works, there's nothing like it.

What's my point? Who knows?

Whenever

2012-01-06T01:08:00.000+13:00

Whenever you doubt things.
Please come here.
And read these words.

Jag älskar dig.

I've never meant words more.

Let's not bother

2011-12-05T10:44:00.001+13:00

Seems like once a month I come here and promise that I will blog more and then I don't. I don't think I'll bother with the ruse any more! I like blogging and want to do it more, I just don't. I'm lazy and racked with guilt. I would like to post an end of year blog about 2011. Hopefully I can do that!

Quick One

2011-11-01T09:05:00.001+13:00

Last night I started writing my novel. I wrote more words than I ever thought I could. It was so nice to abe able to write again. As you can see from my blog, things aren't going so well in the writing field for me at the moment, so this is a good chance. I didn't quite make the quota of 1600 words, but maybe tomorrow I can make up for it?

Things are warming up in New Zealand. This Winter feels like it has been particularly long. I'm sure we think that every year, but I'm glad warmth is coming back.

Empty Promise

2011-10-30T22:15:00.001+13:00

When I was a kid I loved to write. I wrote stories all day. I can't remember most of what I wrote but it gave me such pleasure. I think for a while when I started this blog back in 2005 it gave me pleasure too.

Now, I seem to have lost the love of writing. I'm not sure what happened or why. I don't claim to be good at writing, but that's not the point. To do something that you makes you feel good is important. That's what writing used to do for me.

I want to regain this. I'm going to blog more, whether it's about nothing; or whether it's about everything. I just need to blog. I'm also going to try Nanowrimo in two days.

I wish me luck.

A Big Thing

2011-09-28T11:18:00.001+13:00

Fireworks, originally uploaded by Mr San.

I often blog in my head. I guess that doesn't help with my planned blogging output. However at the insistence of my friend Panchitah I will blog right now.

Things are going along well in life. The Rugby World Cup is in full swing and even though I'm not a fan of rugby untion, but I love seeing all the people from different countries here, all the national colours, the passion. It's great fun.

In my own sport of Rugby League, my team, the Warriors, have made it to the Grand Final this weekend. I was so tempted to fly to Sydney to see them, but with tickets to Sydney costing $1000 for just the airfare, I couldn't justify it. I have been feeling terrible ever since making that decision. I have been to 15 out of the 17 seasons so I guess that makes me a fan?

What else... I'm enjoying my French classes. I love the language and one day I hope I will be able to speak it properly. I'm also very tempted to start learning Hebrew.

That'll do, right?

2011-08-18T12:18:00.001+12:00

In The Fall from Steve Cutts on Vimeo.

4 Lakes in 1 Day

2011-08-16T16:07:00.003+12:00

4 Lakes in 1 Day, originally uploaded by Mr San.

I haven't blogged for a month! What have I been doing?

Well, it's been a month full of stress and worries and all those good things which conspire to cause a writer's block. I have tried to make a promise with myself that I need to be more detached from things and try not to get so caught up. I tend to be a very sensitive person and therein lies the problem. Let's see if I can try to be "colder" from now on!

How have you been?

Malaise

2011-07-17T12:14:00.002+12:00

Random shots for the week, originally uploaded by Mr San.

Malaise is a good word. Thank you French!

These days I'm in a malaise. Something's not right. I can't quite put my finger on it. Sometimes I'm up, sometimes I'm down. I feel like there are things I need to do, but I just don't know what they are. Has my mid-life crisis come already? Is it time to buy a ferrari and have an affair with an 18 year old? I'm not sure I'm ready for that commitment.

Maybe I'll just have a beer.

New Beginnings

2011-07-12T00:38:00.002+12:00

Malo from Samoa!, originally uploaded by Mr San.

As I write this, the thunder outside is getting louder. It's been threatening to storm for so long now and still we've seen nothing. A little bit of rain, but a lot of rumbling!

I've been missing my blog. I think about things to write all the time, but I never write here. I think blogging is cathartic and rewarding. I don't know why I don't do it more. I have become lazy and now I rely on micro-blogging sites like twitter or facebook. These are not good for me.

I am not a writer by any stretch of the imagination. I do love to write however. Ever since I was a child I have loved to write stories and express myself. I love using language and I love communicating. Even if no one ever saw this blog, I don't think it would matter. It's a chance for me to put my thoughts down on "paper" and sort out things all messed up in my mind. All this for free. Thanks Google!

So starting from today, I'm going to blog more regularly. This is a promise to myself. Also, as suggested by my friend Cergie, I'm going to start a French blog. I'm going mad not being able to learn French. It's been so long since I did, but with my son at school, I really have no time for outside classes. Maybe this blog can help... maybe it will hinder? The blog address is frenchsan.blogspot.com. Of course I don't have a good record of even blogging in English. The French thing may prove to be too difficult for me. A little self discipline may be needed. A bit of luck too!

Thanks for reading, I appreciate you very much.

Tomorrow

2011-07-10T22:46:00.001+12:00

For the outside people, originally uploaded by Mr San.

I know I always say this...

Starting from tomorrow I'm going to start blogging on a regular basis! I need to promise this to myself. I'm pretty sure no one but the spammers come here anymore anyway... Still, Monday, 11th July 2011... A day that will live in infamy!

Also, I'm going to start a blog in French. It's the only way I can keep practising. I haven't got a URL for it yet, but please stay tuned!

The Quarky Taste Test

2011-04-13T10:51:00.001+12:00

The Quarky Taste Test, originally uploaded by Mr San.

They were offering free samples of this dairy snack today. A caramel shell over a type of ice cream. It was delish!

It reminded me of a snack I had in France. I miss France :'(

離別

2011-04-12T22:12:00.000+12:00

I'm trying to take my blog out of semi-retirement. I suppose all my readers have left now. Maybe my son will read it one day?

One of the great pains in life is separation. I think about it a lot. Not being with the people you care about, is the worst possible thing. People that you meet in your life become a part of it. When you say goodbye to them, it could be the last time you ever see them. I dread this time.

As I have grown older and now have a family, the people who were important in my single life, my friends, are no longer the focus in my life. I no longer see them all the time. Some of them I may only see every few years. If I were to live another 50 years, then I may only see them 20 more times. This is mind boggling to think. I have to cherish the time I have with them. Each person has made me who I am today and I am thankful to them all.

My time at school in Korea was a happy one. I met so many people from all over the world and had a wonderful time. One by one they moved back to their respective countries and one by one I had to say goodbye to them. I will probably never see these people again. I cannot fully explain how this makes me feel. I feel lost sometimes.

The people I have been lucky enough to meet on the internet are amazing people. I have been lucky enough to meet some of them and I feel very fortunate. I am sad that I had to say goodbye to them. What saddens me even more is that as time goes on my friends will drift away from the internet and will therefore drift away from me.

This is the unfairness of life.

To hell with farewells.

Misty Tower

2010-08-03T23:38:00.001+12:00

Misty Tower, originally uploaded by Mr San.

Testing mobile blogging. Blogging to resume shortly...

Nemo Found

2010-07-29T13:48:00.001+12:00

Nemo Found, originally uploaded by Mr San.

Sunset

2010-07-21T21:18:00.001+12:00

Sunset, originally uploaded by Mr San.

More Puppy Action

2010-07-19T22:03:00.001+12:00

Sealyham Terrier, originally uploaded by Mr San.

Blogging Soon - Maybe

2010-05-27T09:40:00.001+12:00

Puppy, originally uploaded by Mr San.

Hard at Work

2010-04-25T20:42:00.002+12:00

Hard at Work, originally uploaded by Mr San.

I'm practising my French by translating http://cergipontin.blogspot.com. It's hard work! I read that French people are the biggest bloggers in the world. Looking around the web, I believe it!

Best Laid Plans

2010-04-21T10:24:00.000+12:00

Well, I should never have tried it. One post a day for a month was just too much for me! I do want to restart this blog though, so here we go.

2010 is going to be an interesting year for me and my family. With my son set to start school in 2011, this is our last year to do things together as a family before school holidays conspire to drain both of his parents of their leave. As a result we are planning to travel to France. We will first head to Sydney, then Seoul, then London, then France for 18 days and then home via Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

I have been rabidly consuming everything I can about France; the geography, the history, the people, the culture and of course the language. I took French language classes for about 9 months and now I am trying to continue via a book. It's hard to learn without a teacher, at least for me. I am the biggest procrastinator in the world. I mean, just look at my blog!

Anyway, I hope to talk about the things I am learning and interesting facts I'm discovering. I have no one to talk to about this, so my dead blog will do!

A Post a Day #5

2009-12-05T23:37:00.000+13:00

I have just been watching My Kid Could Paint That. It is a documentary about a 4 year old girl who is some kind of child prodigy and sells her paintings for thousands of dollars. Questions came up about whether the girl was actually painting the pictures on her own or whether her father was helping her or in fact painting himself. I really wanted to believe that she painted these pictures. But at the movie I mentioned to my wife that there was no proof that she had painted them and shortly after I said that, my suspicions were agreed with by the documentary.

There are a number of ideas brought up by this.

The first is "what is art?". This seems to be a unanswerable question. As the saying goes "Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder". If that is the case, who is anyone to say what is art and what is not? Speaking as a literature major, when I read a book, I try to understand what the author is saying and what message they want to bring across. I imagine the same is true for visual art. The artist is portraying something with their painting or sculpture or whatever. There is a message in their art. If this is the case, then what message is a 4 year old girl trying to give us with her painting? Surely she paints purely for the pleasure. What are we to think of art like this? Is it the same as a picture painted by an elephant or a chimpanzee? They are not delivering a message, the purely putting paint to canvas. Does art need a message? Now, if we accept that a 4 year old can make art but then add that she is painting under the direction of her father, is it still art? Where is that line drawn? To me, it's a truly interesting question.

The second idea I considered as I watched this film was about the child prodigy. How would you know? To discover if your child was a prodigy, would you have to be a pushy parent? Could a child achieve their full potential without your guidance? As a father myself, I wonder this a lot. I could never be the kind of parent to push things onto my son, but sometimes I worry that I am letting whatever talent he has fade away. People often say he is great at sports. Should I pushing him more in that direction? He also seems to have some kind of art ability and maybe I should be helping this somehow? In these two regards he is very different from me. I'm not even sure how to proceed. I suppose it is all about the fine line between encouraging and pushing. I hope I will never be the pushy parent.

If you want to see some of the art, the girl's website is Marla Olmstead. She is now 9.

A Post a Day #4

2009-12-04T22:58:00.002+13:00

I started blogging about food just now, but after one paragraph, I bored the crap out of myself. I'm sure if anyone was reading this they would have stopped sooner than I did!

Even though it's now Summer here in New Zealand, it is pouring with rain outside. I haven't heard this heavy a rain for a long time. On the plus side, it has cooled things down a lot. It has been really humid and hot this week and that's never fun. A true downside to weather in Auckland.

There is nothing better than lying in bed at night listening to the rain. I'm not sure why the sound is so soothing, but it seems that a lot of people feel the same. Last year when I was going through my rough patch, I used an application on my ipod touch to help me sleep. The application played the sounds of rain through my headphones. It was truly a relaxing way to fall asleep and helped me take my mind off things. Since my ipod fell in the toilet, I haven't been able to do this. I really miss it.

What do you do to get to sleep or take your mind off things?

A Post a Day #3

2009-12-03T23:32:00.002+13:00

I stayed in Malaysia for a while. I was living with a friend and his family. They were kind of strange, but they were essentially good people. My friend's cousin came to stay while I was there and he was the same. I can't remember the exact details, but the cousin had a big wad of cash. I can't seem to remember why.

Well, one day he came rushing down the stairs yelling that his money was gone. Me and my friend went up stairs to see what he was talking about. Sure enough, the money wasn't where he had put it. We started searching around but we couldn't see it anywhere. My bag was sitting in the corner of the room and I thought to look in it. There was the money. I was shocked. I couldn't understand why it would be there. I took it out and handed it to the cousin. Who immediately started accusing me of having stolen the money and now feeling guilty trying to make amends. I can tell you, my faithful blog readers, that with hand on heart I never took that money. I looked to my friend for support and he told me that if I had needed money, I only had to ask him. I was shocked that even he wouldn't believe me.

It is the worst feeling in the world to not be trusted by those close to you. I could tell that no matter what I did he wasn't going to believe my side. I packed my stuff and the next day I left for Singapore. That was pretty much the end of our friendship. I suppose it shows that he wasn't a true friend at all. Or maybe it proves the old saying "blood is thicker than water"? Either way, to me, there is nothing worse than being in that situation.

Sometimes when things go missing or accidents happen at work, I get flashbacks to that time and feel like someone may accuse me of whatever it is. It is just awful. I am a very honest guy and to have people not think that about you... Damn!

A Post a Day #2

2009-12-02T23:01:00.002+13:00

Last night as I was sitting in the lounge, my little boy came out complaining of a sore tummy. He sat on my knee and promptly vomited all over me. I could tell he had eaten rice and ham for lunch... It's at times like this that you realise what it is to be a parent. I wasn't grossed out by it and I didn't really even think about it. I called for my wife to help and we moved into overdrive cleaning the kid, the floor and me. This morning, as we headed to work. He was sick again, all over the backseat. Wow... who knew such a small child could produce so much?

I've never been overly disgusted with bodily fluids, but with my son, I don't even notice. All the things that come from this child's body... They don't affect me at all. This is what real love is, I guess?

A Post a Day #1

2009-12-01T23:47:00.002+13:00

I told you it wasn't dead!

Starting from today, December 1 2009, I plan to blog a post a day for the whole month. This is over the holiday period, so I am pushing my luck, but I promised myself I would do it!

I have had a crazy time in the past year which has really affected my blogging. Lots of sadness, some happiness and all kinds of things. I have become lazy through facebook, twitter and plurk and I'm sure this affected blogging too.

Of course, on my first day I have nothing to blog about whatsoever. Thanks so much to Cergie for supporting my comatose blog. Hopefully I can repay your faith in me?

I have been learning French for just under a year, so maybe I'll post in French one of these days?

Thanks to Sarah and Francisca for reminding me of my blog!

Ok, that's number 1 down...

See you tomorrow!

The Blog's Not Dead

2009-05-24T18:22:00.001+12:00

Tiger Hell, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

I AM coming back!

I Break the Law

2009-04-03T13:30:00.001+13:00

I Break the Law, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

Cornified

2009-04-01T10:14:00.001+13:00

Cornified, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

Everybody's Free (To Feel Good)

2009-01-20T23:26:00.002+13:00

by my lovely friend, Kai.

1. Put your iTunes/Ruckus/Napster/etc on shuffle.
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. YOU MUST WRITE THAT SONG NAME DOWN NO MATTER HOW SILLY IT SOUNDS!
4. Tag however many friends who might enjoy doing this as well as the person you got it from

IF SOMEONE SAYS “IS THIS OKAY” YOU SAY?
Mary Jane

WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Six Months in a Leaky Boat

WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Dancing Choose

HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Last Night I Dreamt that Somebody Loved Me

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
My Boner Just Died

WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Razor

WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
The Safety Dance

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?
The Denial Twist

WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Untitled

WHAT IS 2+2?
Changes

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Boys Don't Cry

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Animal Bar

WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
It's My Own Cheating Heart That Makes Me Cry

WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Hungry Like the Wolf

WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Thru the Eyes of Ruby

WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Full Nelson

WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Blew Job

WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Got No Love

WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Lozenge of Love

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Catching the High Speed Train 6

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Young Hearts Run Free

WHAT’S THE WORST THING THAT COULD HAPPEN?
Team Mate

HOW WILL YOU DIE?
Vegetable

WHAT IS THE ONE THING YOU REGRET?
Everlong

WHAT MAKES YOU LAUGH?
Moth

WHAT MAKES YOU CRY?
Sukkafish

WHAT SCARES YOU THE MOST?
Philly Boy Roy

DOES ANYONE LIKE YOU?
God is on the Radio

IF YOU COULD GO BACK IN TIME, WHAT WOULD YOU CHANGE?
The Chippert Report

WHAT HURTS RIGHT NOW?
Electrolite

WHAT WILL YOU POST THIS AS?
Everybody's Free (To Feel Good)

Happy New Year

2009-01-05T08:18:00.002+13:00

Sunset, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

Dear Friends,

I have some serious posts in mind, but I thought I should start off by not being so serious. This being 2009 and all. 2009 is special because it is the Korean year of the Ox. That's a big deal for some of us. So, 2008 was not good, but 2009 is going to be great! And because I am so generous I will let some of my fortune rub off on my dear readers. You can't ask for a better NY present than that!

Love,

San

Plane in the Undergrowth

2008-12-30T23:15:00.002+13:00

Plane in the Undergrowth, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

So, I'm thinking with the upcoming new year it should be time to start blogging regularly again. A friend of mine made a joke about blogging. I said that social network sites like Twitter or Plurk were no place to air your personal problems. He agreed and said that should be left to blogs because no one reads them... It's probably true. I mean, who wants to read boring real life crap? Still, maybe it's kind of a therapy to put things in words and maybe people read it and maybe they don't. I wonder if I care? I probably do, truth be known. Ah, raving already...

So this year. It's been a pretty awful one really. I am trying to think of something nice to say. I met a very good friend this year. Once her blog is up and running, I will post a link here. You all have to go over there and marvel at what amazing things she will write about. Thanks for everything Bre!

Of course, Heather has always been supportive. I haven't been a good friend to you recently and for that I am really sorry. I promise to be better in the new year.

Chère Cergie! Je veux écrire en francais en ton blog mais j'ai besoin de apprendre plus! Merci beaucoup!

And to the others who still check in every once in a while. Thanks a lot. Hopefully there will be something here worth looking at?

I have a bunch of ideas running around in my head about how to get this thing kickstarted again. We'll see what happens... Still, stay tuned.

Thanks

I've Been Memed

2008-12-04T20:38:00.002+13:00

Auckland Museum and Sky Tower, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

From Eileen, I've taken the 6th photo from the 6th page of my Flickr account and here it is.

It's my weekly walking route from my French class to my carpark. With Summer here, it's a really nice walk in the evening.

I don't know who still reads this blog!

I would like to "meme" Breanne and Matt. I'll take volunteers too :)

Back Blogging More

2008-10-25T23:15:00.001+13:00

Auckland Waterfront, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

Yes, it's been a really long time.

I need to get back to blogging.

In my hiatus, I have been thinking of so many things to write. My life and has been in rollercoaster state... first it was right at the top. Things were amazing, I was so so happy. Then however, things got really really bad. Things aren't so great right now.

I am trying to sort through what has happened and what can happen.

In the meantime, maybe blogging again will help me in some way. We shall see I guess.

There's always pretty pictures to keep you coming :)

Under the Sea

2008-07-30T23:08:00.000+12:00

Under the Sea from San Nakji on Vimeo.

One Day

2008-07-23T00:13:00.001+12:00

Mangaia Kingfisher, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

I need to blog! Is anyone out there still?

Holiday

2008-07-03T16:34:00.001+12:00

Aitutaki Lagoon, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

San Nakji has been away. He has missed you all! Blogging shall commence shortly.

Love to you all.

Death and Taxes

2008-04-14T11:08:00.002+12:00

Praying Mantis, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

Morbid text to come

Lion Fish

2008-03-18T13:24:00.002+13:00

Lion Fish, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

Ain't got nothing but

dreams, hopes and some junky toys...

I'm coming!!

I mean... It's coming!!

Tokyo Circus

Now or never...

Life is a circus

It's not about winning or losing

Let's just live fully

From Tokyo Circus

Racismo

2008-03-18T13:21:00.001+13:00

North Head, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

A teacher from my son's school is leaving. She is an Indian and I have found her nothing but helpful and good to my son. The problem for her is that she has a thick Indian accent which can be difficult to understand.

I was talking to a fellow parent yesterday who was so happy that she was leaving. He complained that he couldn't understand her and he was angry that she hadn't made an effort to try to speak properly.

It took a lot of self control to stop myself from leaping on him and beating him to death with my bare hands. It was truly an ignorant statement and something that I constantly have to battle with.

I think the thing I hate most in this world is racism. It is a deep seeded instinct I feel, but as intelligent human beings it is something that can be overcome. There is no excuse for it.

It really frustrates me that people have to be so ignorant. I mean to believe, and he truly believes this, that she is purposely talking in her accent makes me so angry.

It is even more frustrating when people that I have to deal with on a daily basis or even friends have these attitudes about people who look different from themselves. I mean I could chew them out and beat them down, but I need to keep a good relationship with them. Just like this parent. Damn, it makes me so angry. Anger that could consume me inside.

Music

2008-03-17T12:53:00.001+13:00

North Head, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

I am going to see the Smashing Pumpkins on Saturday night. Although the band is now only a shadow of its' former self, I was unlucky to miss them at their prime. This is my only chance to hear the music that shaped my younger years.

Everyone has music that takes them back to a different time. I am always amazed by how songs do this to me. Whether it be 'Dont' Dream It's Over' by Crowded House which reminds me of school discos and young love or 'Cold Contagious' by Bush which reminds me of my time in Korea, songs and music have this power.

I can feel myself turning into my parents. I know that one day my son will laugh that I love Radiohead. He will crack up when I talk about 2008 and the time I saw my idols, Smashing Pumpkins. And you know what? I don't care! Music is deeply personal. And these are things that are important to me.

Going Punk

2008-03-14T14:07:00.002+13:00

Going Punk, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

I am imagination.

Dream I must.

I was tagged by CERGIE to write a six word memoir. That's right; only six words and what comes to mind is perfect simplicity.

Here are the rules:

1. Write your own six word memoir.

2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like.

3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post.

4. Tag more blogs with links.

5. Enjoy

My faithful blog visitors! I tag thee... Ori, Ashley, Amy, Aaron, Clint and Matt

The Secret of the Shadow

2008-03-13T12:41:00.001+13:00

DSC05034, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

Feel the Fear
The Secret of the Shadow
The Breakthrough Experience
Living the 7 Habits
The Success Principle
You Can Heal Your Life
The Master Key System

As I looked through the self-help books, these were the kinds of titles I saw. It strikes me that it is all about the title. Look beyond this, I can't really see why these people are qualified to tell me how to live my life. It's true that I am wondering that at the moment, but I believe more and more this lies in self-discovery, and not the messy kind.

I laughed as I saw that Donald Trump had a book out telling us how we could be rich. A man who comes from money... I think that's the general state of these people.

The Self-Help book industy must be worth a lot of money. Maybe our society, the 'Western' one, has been trained to believe that our lives need to be fixed. This is particularly apparent in the US if you watch things like Oprah or Dr Phil. People are lining up to talk about their problems and get solutions. A lot of times I wonder if these problems are really problems. And does anyone else need to know? Is it, in fact, a badge of honour to have a self-help book and show others that you are 'improving' yourself?

All I know is that I am taking a wide berth of that section of Borders from now on...

Piharissimo

2008-03-12T10:30:00.001+13:00

DSC05078, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

My last post has me thinking a lot about where I am going.

The first thing I need to explain is that when I talked about 'payoff', I don't mean money. What I mean is more 'life satisfaction'. Family, I am happy with. Self, not so. That's why I am waiting for the 'payoff'. Something that, to paraphrase Jerry Maguire "completes me". The question is "should I wait? Should I actively seek it out?"

Yesterday, I went to the local bookshop to have a look at self help books. The image in my mind about said books is one of Dr Phil McGraw doing anything he can to show that by reading his crappy book your life will be perfect. As I scanned through the hundreds of books including Dr Phil's, I knew this was an image I wouldn't be able to shake. I just couldn't bring myself to even touch these books.

I even looked at philosophy books. For Aaron, I almost bought a Wittgenstein... Almost.

I will have to carry on my search...

Why?

2008-03-10T15:07:00.002+13:00

DSC05077, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

I was thinking a lot yesterday about 'why?'.

Given that I don't believe in an 'afterlife' I have to wonder what I am waiting for. I like to justify my existence for two reasons. One is my son. He needs me. Therefore I have a reason to exist. However I also need to make my own existence worthwhile. I don't need to validate my existence for others, but rather I need to justify this to myself. I thought about this a lot yesterday. I am not sure why. My life, as far as I am concerned, is lived for travel. It's the reason I turn up to my job everyday and do all the mundane things I do. I do these as I wait for the few weeks a year where I get to leave this island and experience somewhere else.

I am not sure whether I am articulating this well. Sometimes the thoughts I have up here (pointing to my head) work best up there I suppose. I was thinking about people who just sit at home on the computer all day. Living vicariously through their computer. People who maybe don't even work. How do they justify their existence. Do they even need to? I guess that's the real point. As long as you are happy with the way you are living, then it shouldn't matter what others think.

One feeling I thought about yesterday was this feeling of 'waiting'. Sometimes I feel like I am waiting for something to happen. What am I waiting for? Is it the ultimate job opportunity? Is it a lottery win? What is this thing I am waiting for? Do other people have this feeling too? Do I need to stop waiting and get out there and go to this thing?

I am a strong believer in time. That is, I feel that given time, things will happen. I guess the real question for me is, how much time should be given?

Does any of this make sense? Maybe not...

What is it I am waiting for?

Sparrow

2008-02-20T16:35:00.001+13:00

Sparrow, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

I had this idea to start writing a diary.

Why does one write a diary? I guess it's to talk to your inner self. It's a chance to reflect on what you are thinking in words. It seems to me that women are better at diaries than men. Is that just a sexist observation by me or is it true? I guess, if it is true, it is because women tend to be more in touch with themselves. I think that's a really good thing. If you become detatched from what and who you are then you can lose sight of where you need to be.

I started writing my diary and it really only lasted a few days. I just didn't want to talk to myself very much. I mean, I know what I am thinking anyway... Or do I?

When I was a kid I went on a round the world trip with my mum and sister. My friend gave me a travel diary to record where I went and what I saw. I can quote the contents of the diary word for word.

"Today we arrived in Japan"

After that I must have lost interest...

So I am going to try again. This time I am going to write to someone. I will impart the wealth of my knowledge to my son. Then on the second day I will write complete garbage instead. I hope my son appreciated what I will tell him

Namdaemun - Seoul

2008-02-13T13:24:00.001+13:00

Namdaemun - Seoul, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

Namdaemun - Seoul, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

I had some devastating news yesterday when I found out that this amazing gate, Namdaemun or Sungnemun, in downtown Seoul had been burned to the ground. This place has a special importance to me and is somewhere I seek out each time I return to Korea. It was 600 years old and was one of the few monuments in Seoul to survive Japanese occupation. It turns out that some freak deliberately lit the fire as he was embroiled in a land dispute. Not sure why that gives him the right to destroy a national treasure? Anyway, the news has me very sad...

These ancient monuments are our connection with the past. We should cherish them and protect them. When America was bombing Japan during WWII, academics from across the world demanded that Kyoto and Nara be spared. Thankfully the US Military listened and many amazing buildings were spared.

Without these connections to the past, our cities, our nations, would be colourless and dull. This is why Egypt is such a huge tourist draw. People want to feel apart of the past. To be with history. It is truly one of the joys of life.

Back in 2001, the Taliban of Afghanistan decided with their less than sterling intelligence that they would destroy the Bamyan Buddhas. These huge statues of Buddha carved into cliff walls had stood unmolested for 1500 years. It took only a month for them to be destroyed. This was the last straw for me. To me, this was a crime against humanity. This UNESCO listed treasure was something owned by us all. Yet a small bunch of people decided that they could go ahead and destroy this treasure.

When the US supported the Northern Alliance later on that year in the war against the Taliban I was fully behind this. The total lack of respect the Taliban had shown the people of Bamyan, and the people of the world was too much. I continue to support what is going on in Afghanistan.

It's kind of sad that rather than the outrage of human rights abuses, it was the destruction of ancient structures got me really mad. The way I see it, our lives are but a moment, when we are gone this is what we leave. We need these things to prove our humanity.

RIP Namdaemun

Sky Tower

2008-02-11T16:43:00.001+13:00

Sky Tower, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

I'm always on the lookout to do something heroic.

As I walk down the street I look around imagining people in trouble who need my help. Perhaps the passing woman will have her handbag snatched and I will chase the perp (that's what we call them in the biz) down and kick his arse. Maybe that guy walking down that alley will be set upon by thugs and I will rush in and beat them down. Of course, none of that happens. Never does.

On Friday as I got off the bus, I saw a group of 'youths' hanging out at the bus stop who looked like they were up to no good. I started walking slowly looking over my shoulder to see what they would do. They didn't do a damn thing. I was dying to rush over and save someone from them. But I didn't get the chance.

A couple of brushes of actual heroism spring to mind. Both of them took place in Korea.

The first one was one night when I was walking my girlfriend home one night. As we walked through a district filled with bars and restaurants, I heard a scream. I looked towards the scream and saw a guy standing over a woman hitting her with an umbrella. People were standing around watching, but no one was doing anything. I ran over and yelled at him to stop. He swore at me and swung the umbrella at me. Being as drunk as he was, his swing was pathetic. Suddenly the girl sprang up and grabbed her boyfriend and told him to stop. A friend of his who had been watching came over and told me that I should leave. The girl didn't seem to be that happy that I had helped her and I left feeling that my intervening had been a waste of time.

The second time I was on a bus heading home for the afternoon. There was a lot of traffic as it was rush hour. The bus driver was trying to pull into a bus stop, but there was a car blocking it. The driver opened his door and yelled for the guy to move away. Quick as a flash the guy lept out of his car with a tire iron and climbed onto the bus. He started threatening the bus driver with it. He hurled abuse at him and it looked like something bad was going to go down. The bus driver was being all gung ho and yelling at him to go on and hit him. I looked around at the other people on the bus and everyone was trying to look the other way. I couldn't quite believe it. I lept up from my seat and ran over to the guy. I yelled as loud as I could for him to get of the damn bus! He looked at me for a second and then said 'ok' and got off... I couldn't quite believe what I had just done. He could have easily have clobbered me with that thing, but I think I caught him off guard. I went back to my seat and the bus moved off. I don't know what I was expecting from the driver, but when I got off the bus he didn't say anything and I felt quite hollow. Like my little piece of heroism had been for nothing. No appreciation.

I see in the movies that Spiderman has the same problem. No appreciation for the things he does to save the world.

What's my point? Heroism isn't all it's cracked up to be I guess...

Tapapakanga Regional Park

2008-02-07T10:21:00.001+13:00

Tapapakanga Regional Park, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

You act as though

You are a blind man who's crying

Crying `bout all the virgins that are dying

In your habitual dreams

You know, seems you need more sleep

But like a parrot in a flaming tree

I know, it's pretty hard to see

I'm beginning to wonder if it's time for a change

But still you try like a fat boy

Dancing Gershwin's blues

But you'd rather sit at home and watch the news

And I'm beginning to wonder if it's time for a change

I'm beginning to wonder if it's time for a change

Tawharanui Regional Park

2008-02-01T11:10:00.001+13:00

Tawharanui Regional Park, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

If it's friday, it's time for another blog post.

I was watching some CI (Crime and Investigation Channel) last night and there was a show about cops in Britain dealing with drunk people. It was really scary to watch people out of control and it made me think a lot about things.

When I was younger I didn't really think about things like this. I didn't worry about being stabbed in the street or getting into a fight in a bar. I just didn't think it would happen. And probably for most people it doesn't.

Obviously NZ isn't like the UK when it comes to violence and drinking. (Why obviously? I don't know...) But we certainly have a really bad drinking culture. I don't know what it's like out there now. I have never really been into drinking at a bar, more into being with friends at home. I guess the idea of being with a bunch of strangers paying too much for a drink is just not what it's about.

But now I have a kid, I have started to think about things like this. One day things like this could happen to my son. He could get attacked in the street. He could be involved in a car crash. I never think these things could happen to me, but I think they could happen to him. How strange. I seem to be more aware of these things. I am not sure if this means that our society (meaning the world in general) is becoming worse; or if it's just that I have more to worry about.

I lean towards the idea that society, specifically developed nations, is becoming more unsafe. I think there seems to be a culture of disrespect to others growing. People don't seem to worry about others so much anymore. I wonder why that is?

As I write this, I realise that this may not make much sense. This is going to be a problem with my new blogging style. It may take some time to get into the swing of things.

Just remember to look at the purty pictures.

Tawharanui Regional Park

2008-02-01T11:07:00.001+13:00

Tawharanui Regional Park, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

Australia Day in the Viaduct

2008-01-30T00:32:00.001+13:00

Australia Day in the Viaduct, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

So.

What a stupid way to stop blogging again. So...

Everyday since I took my break from blogging I have been thinking about how to start again. I stated before that I wanted to take my blog back to where it started. I started with no photos and a lot of opinion. Somehow my blog slowly morphed into something else. Photos and no content. That's not where I want to be. That's not what this blog should be. I need it to be more me.

I was thinking about what I could start with. One thing that I have been dealing with a lot lately is religion. More precisely the lack of religion. I don't think it's a secret that I am an atheist. (I always spell this word wrongly!) My mother's side of the family is hard core brethren. They ostracised my grandmother when her husband left and told her that she would go to hell for some perceived wrongdoing that only they could see. Watching my grandmother racked with guilt every day of her life is not a pleasant thing. She has tried to make amends with her family, but there is always something between her and everyone else. Our family is the black sheep.

When I was a kid I decided I wanted to go to church with my first best friend. He was a baptist. The actual church thing held no interest for me. What I was really interested in was the activity books the kids got at Sunday school. They were great. You could do colouring in. Join the dots. Solve mazes. That's what I was in to. I can't remember ever thinking about why everyone was really there. I did ask a lot of questions. (nothing has changed) I asked so many difficult questions that the teacher asked my friend's parent to stop bringing me. So much for my dip in the waters of Christianity.

From an early age I was always impressed by Buddhism. Sometime in my late teens I decided that I would be Buddhist. I read a lot of books on the subject, visited temples. Did everything I thought I should do to be a Buddhist. However, I wasn't a Buddhist. I just couldn't believe in what Buddhists believe. It, like Christianity, didn't make any sense to me. What I really loved and still love today is ceremony. I love the old forms of Christianity the best for this very reason. Coptics, Orthodox and Catholic blow me away with their ceremony. That's what I love. It has nothing to do with the very heart of every religion. The belief in god, or gods.

I even thought about Islam for the briefest of times. Why? Because I thought it would be cool to go to Mecca.

So come university I had firmly decided that atheism was for me. I had no time to believe in god, because I wanted answers. I wanted to question. In my mind, you can only question religion so far before the answer is god. When that is the answer, then there is not enough proof for me.

In the past year I have received two books about atheism. One is The God Delusion by Richard Dawkins and the other is God is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens. The God Delusion was the first I read and I have to tell you I couldn't finish it. It was extremely boring. I am currently reading the second book and while it is an easier read I just am not satisfied with it. I will tell you why.

I am comfortable in what I believe, or do not believe, as the case may be. I am not sure I need to read anything to tell me how I should defend my position or attack the position of others. That's what these books do. Much as many books written by religious people would put forward the position that their particular brand of religion was the best, so are these atheists, or probably more correctly, antitheists. I am comfortable in my decision and I am happy with others, many blogging friends of mine, who have come to different religious decisions in their own lives. Why do I need to attack them? I do not. They do not attack me or put me down. All is good.

Of course if the freedom to believe whatever I want is threatened or I am discriminated against on the basis of my choice of non-belief, then I will fight. So far, I have no need to fight.

For me, living in New Zealand has many annoying points. Sometimes I throw my arms in the air and just wish I were elsewhere, anywhere. One thing however that I am proud of is the fact that religion or what you believe is not an issue. Extremist religious groups exist of course, but they have no power. Our very own prime minister is an atheist, but that does not affect how people vote. It shouldn't. Her personal belief that there is no god is neither here nor there in the running of the country. One fringe Christian group tried to make it an issue, but it came to nothing. I was happy.

So that's where I am. My writing style is one of a flow of ideas with very little checking to see if it makes sense. I hope this does. I have thought a lot about this topic. I have been influenced by the people who comment on my blog. Many of them are Christian. I do not want to offend, but at the same time I want to be honest. I read their blogs and religion is an integral part of their lives. I admire this. I am not envious of it, I appreciate the differences. I hope you do too.

The End of ....

2008-01-23T21:51:00.000+13:00

Thank you everyone for your support at this time of my blogging, or lack there of. I hope to get back into it soon. Just trying to figure what to write about. I need to visit all my supporters' blogs too! Thanks, Ori, Cergie, Amy, Friar, Buck, Ashley and everyone. You guys are great!

In the meantime, here is a video I just made with my new toy...

Aroha to all

San Nakji for President!

The Plan

2008-01-07T18:13:00.001+13:00

Taranaki, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

So I have this new programme called Journler. It is basically a journal for the Mac. I have been writing thoughts in it and I plan to transfer those writings to my blog. I will experiment with this for a while and we shall see.

Thanks for your continued support!

San Nakji for President!

Happy New Year

2008-01-04T00:06:00.001+13:00

Colours, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

Happy New Year to you all.

I have been thinking a bit about my blog and where it is going and I have come to the conclusion that I don't like what it has become. Therefore... I am going to make it multi layered. Photos for those who like photos and then I am actually going to blog with substance. Shocking I know, but I used to do that!

Stay tuned....

San Nakji for President!

Parade

2007-12-11T09:28:00.001+13:00

Highbury Christmas Parade, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

In the weekend, people gathered from far and wide to gape and stare at THE small green car. It was a hell of a time.

San Nakji for President!

Yummy

2007-12-04T11:57:00.001+13:00

Silkworms, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

So, did you ever wonder what happened to the silkworms once they are removed from their silk cocoons? Well, wonder no more, coz here they are! All you need to do is boil them up and voila! Instant snack for those on the go....

Pass

San Nakji for President!

Red

2007-11-29T10:35:00.001+13:00

Red, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

Are you reddy (ha ha ha get it?) for the weekend? I sure am!

San Nakji for President!

'Bout Time

2007-11-27T13:23:00.001+13:00

It's All Too Much!, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

About time I posted a photo of me. Well, here I am. As you can see it's all too much!

San Nakji for President!

Busy Weekends

2007-11-25T00:02:00.001+13:00

Roof, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

Why are my weekends too busy these days? Is it that I am just so popular?

Yes.

San Nakji for President!

Lantern

2007-11-23T09:37:00.001+13:00

Lantern, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

Happy Thanks Giving America! Please send turkey. NOW!

San Nakji for President!

Leave Me Out of This

2007-11-21T09:53:00.001+13:00

Leaves, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

Autumn is the best time of the year for Korea. Still warm, but with amazing colours. One of the best places in the world to see them, I think.

San Nakji for President!

For Cergie

2007-11-20T09:29:00.001+13:00

Mountain, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

Cergie was complaining about the mountain being obscured. Here is a shot from a different angle. It's called Inwangsan. It's quite a special mountain. One of my favourites.

San Nakji for President!

Gung

2007-11-19T09:04:00.001+13:00

Palace, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

Wow! Summer is finally here. Korea was nice and warm and now Aotearoa New Zealand is nice and warm too! I even got sunburned... Which is never a good sign... Still, after a long Winter, I will take it!

Mrs SN however, had the great idea to do washing this morning. Wouldn't you know it, it's starting to cloud up. Always happens...

San Nakji for President!

A lot of Ginseng!

2007-11-16T09:11:00.001+13:00

Ginseng, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

It's an acquired taste, but I am a fan. I love the taste, earthy and good. It is said (not by me) that Ginseng is good for you. You want to know why? It's because Ginseng can look like a human, with arms and legs and all. Apparently that means it will give you strength. Apparently. I just like it in my tea!

San Nakji for President!

Up High in Banana Tree

2007-11-15T09:46:00.001+13:00

Bird, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

Grey Bird, up high in orange tree
Grey Bird, you sit all alone like me
Did your lady friend leave the nest again?
That is very sad
Makes me feel so bad
You can fly away
In the sky today
You're more lucky than me

San Nakji for President!

Changing Seasons

2007-11-14T10:54:00.001+13:00

Changing Seasons, originally uploaded by San Nakji.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, the leaves stay green all year round. It always blows me away when I go elsewhere in the world and see different coloured leaves. Here at a Buddhist temple in central Seoul.

San Nakji for President!

Marketness

2007-11-13T09:36:00.000+13:00

Apparently this is the largest Oriental Medicine Market in the world. I don't know if that's true or not, but all I know is that it is big! The two women in the photo were not all that keen in being in my shot, but they had no choice! I always get my own way! ALWAYS! Except when I don't of course...

San Nakji for President!

Mountains

2007-11-11T22:12:00.000+13:00

Uploaded with Skitch!

Still plenty of Korea photos to go! Hope you don't get sick of them... Well, even if you do, they will keep coming!

What's going on with you? I would love to know...

San Nakji for President!

Back Home

2007-11-08T23:02:00.000+13:00

A good time was had by all.

Back to reality.

Must blog more!

San Nakji for President!

Getting Close to Home Time

2007-10-31T01:38:00.001+13:00

Three days to go.
Not looking forward to leaving.
Especially with weather like this!

San Nakji for President!

Live Octopus

2007-10-29T22:51:00.000+13:00

A restaurant for me! And so happy looking too :)

San Nakji for President!

Moon Over Seoul

2007-10-29T18:17:00.000+13:00

Can't believe how much time has passed! It seems like only yesterday that we arrived in Korea, and now we only have four days left... 엉엉엉

Still, it's nice and warm here!

San Nakji for President!

OMC

2007-10-27T23:20:00.000+13:00

The weather's fine. We are having a great time. Korea changes every time we come here. Which is good, because we fear change. Wait, I don't think that's right.

Oh My Chicken!

San Nakji for President!

Korea, Here I Am

2007-10-24T21:45:00.000+13:00

Fourth night in Korea today.

It's nice and warm.

The food is great!

I am tired....

See you soon,

San Nakji for President!

Final Week

2007-10-14T20:31:00.000+13:00

Off to Korea on Saturday.

I plan to feed my face!

I love Korean food.

Not a lot else to say.

I am pretty tired now days.

Not sure why.

How are you?

San Nakji for President!

Enough

2007-10-10T09:22:00.001+13:00

Enough of the losing talk.
It's all about winning now!

Here's a photo from our main street. I had to 'change' it a bit as our main street isn't that attractive. Especially on the gloomy humid day we had the other day when I took this photo!

I'm off to Korea in 10 days... Can't wait!

San Nakji for President!

Sad

2007-10-08T16:52:00.000+13:00

It's a sad day in Aotearoa New Zealand
We lost in the Quarter Finals of the Rugby World Cup
Sad sad sad
Work will be hard this week
Sad sad sad
Good luck... France...
Sad sad sad

San Nakji for President!

Thanks Cergie

2007-10-05T09:24:00.000+13:00

Cergie sent be these great photos taken in front of the Eiffel Tower. As very few of you will know, the Rugby World Cup is being played in France and New Zealand Tourism saw this as an opportunity to do a bit of promotion for the country. The brand is 100% Pure, which is a bit wierd but goes with the commercials. You can check out the website at newzealand.com. I am not affiliated with this site in any way! Go check out Cergie's photos too. They are awesome!

France plays New Zealand in the World Cup Quarter Final this weekend. Good luck France, but GO NEW ZEALAND! GO THE ALL BLACKS!

San Nakji for President!

It Reveals All

2007-10-01T22:54:00.000+13:00

Uploaded with Skitch!

There is a heck of a storm going on outside.Thunder, lightning, the whole works. Are you one of those people who is scared of storms, or like me, do you love them? Nothing better than being snug inside listening to the rain beat down. Once when I was travelling in South Africa I drove through a hail storm with hail stones as large as marbles. It was scary. I felt sorry for all the people without cars who were running for their lives... It sucked to be them.

San Nakji for President!

I was just enjoying Spring

2007-10-01T14:57:00.001+13:00

And then I remembered it rains in Spring.
A lot.
But at least it's warm.
Kinda.

Hope it's all good with you?

San Nakji for President!

Spring has Sprunged

2007-09-27T21:22:00.000+12:00

Cergie asked if my fruit trees were flowering. I chose to take this as a question about my actual fruit trees. Yes, the blossoms are out! The good weather is here. Two days without rain! It's a drought! I missed being warm!

San Nakji for President!

Well, I lied

2007-09-24T22:50:00.000+12:00

But at least once a week right?

What's going on guys?

The blog world is kind of losing steam it seems

People are discovering the real world perhaps?

Surely not!

I hope to put a stop to this...

San Nakji for President!

In Lieu of any Real content

2007-09-19T09:12:00.000+12:00

This is how New Zealand Tourism spend their money.... What do you think?

San Nakji for President!

Painted Sky

2007-09-17T17:05:00.001+12:00

I really don't care much for poetry.

However I was reading Sylvia Plath this morning.
She is awesome.
Although photos of her creep me out.
I was never good with Black and White.
Now I have to read Birthday Letters.

San Nakji for President!

Parroting Around

2007-09-16T11:39:00.000+12:00

Wow, the longest time yet away from blogging. I am not sure why... Just really slack I guess! Thanks to everyone who is still visiting! I do plan to post more. But best laid plans of mice and men and all... :)

San Nakji for President!

2007-09-04T21:54:00.000+12:00

Yes yes, I know I am posting too many videos! It's fun making them though! Another Korean video about the DMZ. The ending didn't come out exactly how I wanted... but I am pretty happy with how it came together. Hope you enjoy.

San Nakji for President!

DMZ

2007-08-30T08:26:00.000+12:00

A trip to the DMZ in Korea last year netted this video. It's an amazing place, 1 million North Korean soldiers on one side and facing them 350 000 South Korean and American troops. It's eerie too... The last bastion of the Cold War.

San Nakji for President!

Dog Fight

2007-08-29T21:35:00.000+12:00

I fear the cops will find this video
And bust my arse
Dare I show it?

Yes! I must!

San Nakji for President!

Atlantis, You Are Found

2007-08-28T17:51:00.001+12:00

So I was out walking before work yesterday and I see these sunken buildings. I am not sure how they sunk as the ground seems quite stable. Still there they were. I couldn't argue with my eyes. And nor would I want to. My eyes are tough! I think I have solved the mystery of Atlantis!

San Nakji for President!

Would you fancy a...?

2007-08-27T14:16:00.000+12:00

I saw this bird in the water
I wanted to catch her fishing
But she flew away instead
I had wished for nicer weather
And light
But you get what you get
Here in Aotearoa

San Nakji for President!

Back

2007-08-27T13:03:00.000+12:00

I took a short leave of absence
Due to extreme laziness
I hope you missed me
Coz I missed you!
Yes, you know I mean YOU!

San Nakji for President!

How Can You Tell?

2007-08-21T09:44:00.000+12:00

I was just checking my boss' dika to see how the video was. It ain't great... Still, it is a nice day in Auckland this morning. Can't really see the nice blue sky in the video though...

San Nakji for President!

Back from the Dead

2007-08-20T20:38:00.000+12:00

Another day

Another dollar

Or Euro

Or Pound

Or Won

Whatever currency you like

And even some you don't

So what's going on out there?

Anything I should know?

San Nakji for President!

Them's a lot of bags

2007-08-14T21:02:00.000+12:00

Life's cheap if you don't live in the West

That sucks

Think about it

Thought about it?

Good...

That's more than most

San Nakji for President!

Happy Birthday Heather!

2007-08-14T13:07:00.001+12:00

HALCYON DAYS.

Not from successful love alone,

Nor wealth, nor honored middle age, nor vic-

tories of politics or war.

But as life wanes, and all the turbulent passions

calm,

As gorgeous, vapory, silent hues cover the even-

ing sky,

As softness, fulness, rest, suffuse the spirit and

frame like freshier, balmier air;

As the days take on a mellower light, and the

apple at last hangs really finished and in-

dolent ripe on the tree,

Then for the teeming quietest, happiest days of

all!

The brooding and blissful halcyon days!

—Walt Whitman.

I hope you have a good one! Thanks to the magic of time zones, you get a two day birthday!

LM San

What is the Bride's Name Again? I Forget...

2007-08-13T21:42:00.000+12:00

I watched the first part of Die Hard 4.0

It was good

But what was with the car and the helicopter?

That made no sense

Which is saying something for Die Hard!

Still,

I am glad Bruce is back

I missed him

Now all we need is

Blind Date II

That would be awesome!

San Nakji for President!

Meer of everything!

2007-08-10T21:15:00.000+12:00

I have the sniffles

My sister's house has too much dust

Remind me not to go there again!

In other news

I want to go to the tropics

Next year is the plan!

San Nakji for President!

2007-08-08T09:18:00.001+12:00

I am really enjoying my camera phone
The photos are terrible
But the convenience is great
I should really
Get back to my nice camera
But I am too lazy
Check out picnik.com!
It's great for photoshopping online!

It's cold

San Nakji for President!

Rainbow minus the Bow

2007-08-07T09:20:00.001+12:00

One minute I am looking at a beautiful rainbow

And the next minute this

Such is the Auckland weather...

San Nakji for President!