As part of the drive to construct a fortress of solitude, even though I'm sure as hell no Superman, I've invested a little time in TradeMe. You've got to love a great deal, such as a classic 70s recliner and footstool for the BuyNow price of $20. Some geezer had been asking questions and faffing about, so I bought it right out from under him. Heh heh... sucker.
Thing is, I've found a place to live in Wellington Central for a price well and above what I was paying in Melbourne, but it's a huuuuge room with a view. There's a deck on the house with more than enough space for a BBQ, the place is a mansion, and how the hell could I say no? Plus, on par with the sifting as a lifestyle option, it's right over the road from the mates I'm staying with now, so I'll be able to make a habit of inviting myself over for dinner.
As for the room, there's space for my library, my desk, my computer work station, my bed, and most importantly, my big TV. Hence the need for the recliner. I'm already having fantasies about parking myself, making sure the cord from the Xbox enables me to easily reach the beer fridge, and quietly killing time till the public sector employs me.
At which point I'll move the sifting to the days of the weekend where I'm not out harassing the sea life.
Speaking of which, went for a dive in the bay the other day, my gear had turned up from Melbourne, and I immediately hauled it out and got over to a dive club. I must say, if you want to get dive certified, do it overseas. Sorry local guys, but it's incredibly expensive here. I even feel better about what I thought were the hugely inflated prices in Cairns. Turns out to not be too bad. I spent more getting hammered on red wine after watching the Fits than I lost on my mask/snorkel purchase.
I digress. It was only a dive in the bay, maybe next time I'll get out to the South Coast, but interesting all the same. Got down to about 5m, saw a few crayfish nurseries, some fish, swam around kelp beds, etc etc. The main difference was that the water was cold. Very cold. So cold I thought my landing gear had entirely retracted never to be seen again cold. But sweet as, once the inital panic had abated we were all there again. Phew.
Anyhow, the room. The chair is just fantastic. Next on the hit list is a decent desk (has to be 2m long), a filing cabinet (but you can get those everywhere for less than $15 usually), a bookshelf (the most difficult item, I need at least 2m by 2m of shelf space for the thesis books etc., and bookshelves are always expensive), a chest of drawers for me grundies, and either a wardrobe or some kind of rack to hand the shirts on.
But the chair... I'm planning on charging people to sit in it, there were two on offer and I'm thinking of going back for the other one if it doesn't sell by tomorrow. So, so comfy. The only downside was almost having to step out some old lady on the way back from Upper Hutt.
On the way back from the purchase, I'd stopped on the side of the road, and was consulting a map. A mate lives in Upper Hutt, and I'd arranged to pop in a say gidday. But, needed to do a quick check so I didn't wander round for hours looking for a place I visited once three years ago. I kinda knew where it was, but no point making a dick of myself.
As I poured over the map there was a REALLY REALLY loud knock on the drivers side window. Having lived in the 'big city' for a few years now I'm understandably jumpy about people coming right up to my car when I'm parked in a strange street. Myself, to avoid drama, I usually approach a parked car from the front, and walk to the passenger side to knock. It's just common courtesy after all.
But this lady must have walked into my blind spot, crept along the side of the car, and then banged on the window while her face was pressed against the glass. Freaking jesus!! I thought I was being carjacked by that broad from Misery!
It turns out she was being civic-minded, and just asked if I needed directions (she'd seen me stop and open the map). I suppose it's good to have been in a small town where people still do that kind of thing for one another, but who's going to buy me some new undies after the shock?