You know it's almost Christmas when

- You start feeling sick at the sight of fruit mince (still haven't started the Xmas cakes but it makes me feel ill nonetheless).

- You panic about how to "age" your Xmas cakes so they don't taste too "new" - i.e. bland (see above).

- You start singing Xmas tunes under your breath while at your desk at work. And in your head, you hear the Muppets singing along, just like on your favourite Xmas record.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Since The Trouser doesn't eat meat, and I haven't made a tofurkey before, we're going for low-key (so low-key they might be considered non-existent by those not in the know) celebrations.

Anyway, I'm thankful for lots of things this year (that US presidents can't have 3 consecutive terms, for example), but perhaps most of all, I'm thankful that it's almost Christmas and time for a few days away from work and with my beloved.

Tired

It's been a busy week or so, with lots and lots of work, and our engagement party.

You will be pleased to know that The Trouser and I managed to stop arguing long enough to finalise plans and host the party, and we haven't really argued since.

Not yet, anyway.

However, all of this has left me very tired and not in the mood for anything but sleep! I will have to conserve my energy for the upcoming weekend - it's the annual Grey Lynn Park Festival - a.k.a. where we try to get all our Christmas shopping done.

Reasons why some people should NEVER be allowed near websites

TV3 has a new website. And it's sucky.

I'm not the only one who thinks so either.

TV3, your website sucks even more than your sucky news presenters and sucky weather person (who looks like a plasticky fake scary-person).

It sucks so much I can't even be arsed linking to it. It is possibly as bad as TVNZ's.

Morals of the story: some people should not be allowed to create websites.

So grumpy

All we have done since we've become engaged is fight. About everything.

One reason why some people should not be allowed to procreate

Because spreading white supremacy is wrong, weird, and creepy.

Also: twins singing and dancing is not actually that cute at all. Hello, Olsen twins anyone?

Men and women

Loving this little story. (Scroll down to the bottom of the post)

All with a grain of salt, but it's Friday and I'm tired.

Yummy

We went to Ken Yakitori for dinner on Sunday night. It's so close I don't understand why we don't go more often. Maybe because it's a great snack place, but quite expensive for a full meal, unless you are not a piggy like me!

Their website is terrible, but the food is superb. My favourites include:

- The "cocktail", which tastes like lollies but is very potent - apple or grape flavour please!

- The green tea - very delicate and fragrant, most unlike the swill you get if you use a green tea bag as instructed on the packet.

- The garlic, especially when it's really singed.

- Teriyaki tofu. Crispy, soft, light, silky smooth.. so many textures from one superb piece of tofu, plus teriyaki sauce - heaven!

I also love the corn, sticky potato cakes, and kumara, but The Trouser doesn't love them as much as I do.

Clearly he is just the weensiest bit insane. But lovely to suggest going there nonetheless.

Sadness

I can't quite believe that Rod Donald is dead.

Despite youthful proclamations that I would become the Prime Minister, I don't really hold too many politicians in any sort of regard, high or otherwise.

But I liked Rod Donald - who, if you aren't from NZ, was the co-leader of our Green Party.

He wore crazy red suspenders, and during the latest election, someone broadcast footage of him putting the laundry on the line while using his special hands-free phone kit: a big elastic band that held the phone to his head.

Ups to the man who:

- Doesn't buy expensive electronics when something simpler will do (I love you really, Trouser, but it was really cute!).
- Looks silly but is either totally unaware or doesn't care.
- Hangs out laundry.

I liked Rod Donald - he seemed like the kind of guy I'd like as my neighbour or relative or boss. Smart, committed, focused, and with a sense of humour.

I liked - and still like - the Green Party for having co-leaders: acknowledging that 2 heads arev better than one, and role-modelling cooperation and collaboration in a "profession" that discourages such values.

New Zealand really is a great deal poorer for the loss of Rod Donald.

Motivation (of sorts)

I haven't been knitting that much recently. A trip to the library has helped to distract me, but I've generally found my enthusiasm waning.

An obvious reaction to knitting overkill, you might think.

But no, it's because I'm dead bored with my WIPs (that's works in progress).

The shawl for my pregnant friend is coming along well - I'm down 2 balls of yarn, with only 2 to go. I'm knitting it on 6 1/2mm needles, not the 4mm ones recommended, so I get a looser knit. It is quite striking (have taken photos but keep forgetting to find the camera cable!), but quite uninspiring to knit - stocking stitch all the way.

The baby blanket has been temporarily halted while I've tried to focus on the wrap.

And River is still languishing, not quite forgotten, but less important because it's not related to a due date!

I need to get at least the first 2 WIPs done so I can focus on some new, exciting, and perhaps more swiftly rewarding, projects.

Ooof. Guess my planned trip to the library this weekend is off, then.

I think Alan Duff is a dumbarse

Apparently minorities - like people who are disabled or gay - should shut up and put up. Alan Duff, I think you're a big, smelly dumbarse.

Yes, that's right, Alan Duff - Once Were Warriors author-man.

Actually, I went to school with his daughter briefly. She seemed like a sensible, smart girl at the time. Wonder if she shares her father's views, or if she kept her brain intact...