Category Archives: General

10.14.15
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Thoughts:Next Steps and Personal Growth

It seems that this year is not through challenging me.

I’m going to take the high road and focus on lessons learned, and then actually try to learn them. Rather than ignoring and repeating.

I’ve been a bit flat in recent weeks so I am having a bit of introspection. A little honest self-appraisal. It is hard, but ultimately necessary.

I’ve gotten to know ‘me’ pretty well. I know what I like, and love. I know what I hate. I know I compromise a little too much for the sake of not ‘rocking the boat’. It’s probably not that healthy long-term.

Thinking. Writing. Considering. Planning.

Sigh.

09.19.15
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Thoughts: Red Wine and Blue Cheese

  
I’m quite the fan of wine, as you probably have figured out, and I adore cheese.

Mmm cheese…  

 
However I have learned that if I consume red wine and blue cheese close to bedtime, I will have dreams. Weird dreams.

My last one was a doozy.

It was in that last sleep cycle before waking.

I dreamt that I was in a room, talking to a couple of people, when Graham Norton strode up to me, said “Oh my GOD, that’s a triple-chin! I must take a selfie with you’.

Shit.

My brain thinks I’m fat. And I should probably drink less. 

  

09.14.15
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Thoughts: The Joy of Food and Wine

Yes. I really like food and wine. And food and wine people.

I posted about The New Zealand School of Food and Wine a week or so back and about their Wine and Food celebration. On Sunday I went along.

And it was AWESOME!!

IMG_1759When you walk into a room and this is your view, you know it’s going to be great!

So many vineyards were represented, all talking their wine and being generous with their tasting.

There were some standouts for me:

Black Estate – Riesling 2014

Dog Point – Vineyard Section 94 Sauvingnon Blanc 2013

Elephant Hill – Le Phant Blanc 2014

Kumeu River – Pinot Gris

Mt Difficulty – Bannockburn Rose 2014

Osawa Wines – Prestige Sauvignon Blanc 2011, Prestige Chardonnay 2013 and their Sticky was delicious.

Trinity Hill – GG Chardonnay 2013

Villa Maria – Keltern Chardonnay 2013, the Attorney Organic Pinot Noir 2013 and the Braided Gravels Organic Merlot 2013 were all outstanding.

And of course my current favorite vineyard, Misha’s. Their High Note Pinot Noir 2013, Starlet Sauvignon Blanc 2013 and the Limelight Riesling 2013 was simply superb. I’m glad I’ve finally managed to try the Riesling.

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I love talking to the winemakers and getting a sense of their passion and craft. One thing I’ve noticed is that Chardonnay is definitely making a strong comeback and some of those I tasted were stunningly good.

Exciting times ahead for wine!

But this event wasn’t just about wine. It was about the wonderful world of food.

I enjoyed sitting in on a 1hr seminar, where chef Philippe Meyer talked about fermentation of food. How to make sauerkraut or kimchi. How to make ginger beer. It was great getting an insight into curing meats. This is something I’ve thought about and have never been brave enough to try. Perhaps now I will.

There was also an artisan food producers showcase.

Some of the exhibitors include:

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Curious Croppers – I’ve never seen tomatoes like this. And they tasted amazing.

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Love Cake – If you suffer from allergies but have a thing for cake then these are the products for you. The baked result doesn’t have a cardboard texture. They taste great! Definitely check out their website for more detailed information.

IMG_1751I’m not usually a fan of oatcakes or crackers etc. but these by Bonnie taste amazing. A little bit of brie on a cake with your coffee and your executive breakfast is done!

IMG_1749Waiwera Spirits were showing off their rums, vodka and gin. I love the idea that they’re developing these products as standalone ‘sippers’. You don’t need mixers with them. Savour them as you would a fine whiskey or tequila. Delicious.

IMG_1750Now these sauces are seriously good. I’d not come across Culley’s before. I do like trying hot sauce and I have friends that are collectors so I paid a little bit of attention. The heat, the flavours, the aftertaste – all were divine. I’ll be purchasing some of these in the near future.

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This brand of Danish crackerbread, Line’s Knaekbrod is also a new discovery for me. It was brilliant talking to the makers. Line was a winner in the 2015 Cuisine Artisan awards and you can see why. Having tried these, I’ve already purchased more from Farro Fresh. It’s so good.

Other discoveries:

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This event really was a fun way to spend a Sunday late-afternoon.

I’ve been giving it some thought. I am loving what this school is creating here, not only with the courses they’re providing, but especially the way they’re supporting local producers of incredibly high-quality food and wine. We are lucky to have them I think.

^sd

 

 

09.12.15
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Thoughts: More Family Issues

As some of you are aware, I really do have a few issues with my NZ family. 

I spend time with my aged parents regularly, and I note that they are the glue that keeps me connected with my siblings because I have reached the point where I don’t really care. 

Every now and then I think to myself that perhaps I should be the bigger person but then I’m reminded that when I was struggling they simply weren’t there for me.

I have felt incredibly isolated and as such have made a bit more effort with connection to my biological family.

Here’s a story. My older sister left a birthday gift for me with my parents (who forgot where it was). My birthday was June, it’s now September.

Now, I don’t want to be too scathing but here it is:

  
Yes, that is a book from my sister trying to save my soul. 

They included this too:

  

Yes, that is a Thai Airways business class pack that they were given on their last trip.

Clearly they thought that ‘Simon would like this on his journey to Hell’.

I’m a bit grumpy.

09.01.15
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Thoughts: the New Zealand School of Food and Wine

NZSFW

I had the opportunity to visit the New Zealand School of Food & Wine this week.

I have wandered past their front door in Customs St West on several occasions, always on my way to various meetings, always having a brief ‘I wonder what they do’ moment each time.

And now I know. And it’s pretty cool!!

Given my increasing love of all things food, wine and hospitality, being in their office felt… it felt like coming home. These are my people!

They run culinary, wine, coffee and hospitality courses for people wanting to start their career, and also short courses for people who want to add to their cooking knowledge. And the best thing is that they have practical components on-site at local restaurants. They don’t leave their students hanging with a qualification.

In the week of 13-15 September they are presenting a Wine and Food Celebration on site.

Sessions include ‘Discovering your Palate’ (Celia Hay – working out why you like certain foods and how they influence pairing wine with food), ‘Taste with a Master (Bob Campbell MW talking wine), ‘Italian Wine Regions’ (A tour in your wine glass), an ‘Artisan Food Producers showcase’ and a ‘Coffee Masterclass’.

There will be cooking demonstrations – learning how to ferment foods, how to smoke fish, how to make sourdough bread. You could learn how to create your own doughnut. You can learn about Mexican Street food.

I’m seriously excited.

Find out more and buy your tickets online: event.foodandwine.co.nz.

07.13.15
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Thoughts: getting your body back

Oh ok, maybe it’s more “getting your brain, time and life back”.

From July 1st, I have been in recovery.

This year has been bloody hard slog. I’d been giving one of my clients, on average, over 180 hrs per month. (Getting paid for 168). And then fitting in the workload for my other clients on top of that.

My brain was fried. But I didn’t realize it, although the suspicions were there.

I’d had a few conversations with medical professionals (nothing to be concerned about, I have many more people to annoy in my future) and quite frankly the idea that we work to exhaustion and then use the spare time for sleep is just crazy.

Yes. Needs must. But it takes a toll.

From July 1st, I reduced my hours with that client. Focussing on a few accounts and being more selective with my hours.

I have new clients to inspire and delight me. 

I have felt a weight lift and a sharpening in my mind. I didn’t realize quite how bad shape I was in. 

Sorry if you’ve been on the receiving end of ‘I have no energy to give you any sort of attention’. 

I’ve made changes.

S.

06.07.15
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Thoughts: Another Birthday

And the birthday weekend draws to a close.
‘Achieving’ 46 hasn’t felt good. I usually live by a mantra whereby age is but a number, but this one aches a bit.
Still, it was celebrated well. I took Friday afternoon off and spent it doing things I like. Catching up with old friends, playing Destiny in my underwear. The usual ya know?
The lovely KT picked me up and we went hunting for wine in Herne Bay. Have to say, the Elbow Room scene at 5pm on a Friday is horrific. Great staff, but the clientele are pretty much ‘men contemplating their ageing’. It wasn’t ideal. But the free peanuts made up for it.
A gentle wander past Goodness (and catching up with my pal Ange) and then on to Dida’s. A much more lively crowd, but too much crowd.
Dinner was at Siostra in West Lynn. I’ve wanted to eat there for a while and it felt good supporting my local. I have to say, the food was outstanding. The service was outstanding. Such a great unpretentious vibe. I’ll definitely return. And I have no hesitation in recommending them.
A quick wine at Frieda’s before heading home. Again, a backdrop of ageing men deep in their cups was a little raw.
I hate the idea I’m growing old. I can’t avoid it, so one needs to make sure one makes the most of life don’t you think?

S.

02.24.15
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Thoughts: New Plymouth and Childhood Memories

I’ve had the opportunity to visit New Plymouth on business and its occurred to me that I haven’t been here for a very long time. Over 20 years if memory serves.

Whilst I grew up in Palmerston North, both my parents were born and raised here. I remember being bundled into the Kingswood every available holiday (it seemed) and driving up with the family. 

Mum grew up on a dairy farm which was used as a military installation during WWII. It’s been sold off over the decades and is now home to some of the newest houses in the region. The Old Communications Bunker remains. Good construction is hard to remove, apparently. 



Between all my meetings I managed to do drive-bys of the places I have recollections of:

Mums parents house in Gilbert St.



Dads house in Govett Ave.



There was little or no change to Gilbert St, but Govett is unrecognisable. Apart from the driveway and the building positioning. A conifer I remember spending hours playing in is now a stump. I’m a bit miffed.



Pukekura Park is still beautiful.



The thing that strikes me the most is how much smaller everything is in reality. Through a child’s eyes I recall much larger homes, longer driveways, bigger sandhills and parks.

I also have little recollection of the city itself. Except for one memory where at the age of 8 I was captured by a large guard and accused of shoplifting. (I hadn’t been, and I was let go by the manager after proving my case). Wow, that one came back strong. Surprising.

I wonder if my parents really only spent time with the parents, aunts and uncles in their homes rather than drag us around in the hope of entertaining us. Interesting.

The Baptist Church where my grandfather died and was sent off, as well as my other grandparents is unchanged. I spent a lot of time there.

The model train club. Still there. Still fond memories.



It’s been great coming here. Good for work and good for the soul. There is a sense of belonging and history. But no, I’m quite sure I couldn’t live here.

02.03.15
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Thoughts: Dreams and the Interpretation thereof

Last night I had a dream. And it’s not the first time that this one has entered my consciousness – and the fact that I was able to recall it in fullness afterwards means I probably have to pay attention to it, yes?

I’m interested in my mind and things like dreams, and I believe everything interconnects in a way not yet fully understood.

I’m also interested in the interpretation of dreams.

I’ll write mine here. Feel free to comment!

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In my dream I am riding a pushbike in an Industrial area. It’s dusk. No people are around. Suddenly I get a puncture in a tyre. (note: the first time I had this dream it was in one tyre, last night it was in both).

My ‘fix-the-tyre’ guy is a long way away, so I pick up the bike, put it over my shoulder and start to walk.

I follow a track. There are fences and stiles to get across. People come up behind me and push past as I’m not following the track at their pace. Some look at me with pity on their faces. Others laugh. All leave me. Carrying my bike.

Next, several classrooms of children are on the track. They’re walking towards me and all pass me by. My kids are there. They walk and talk with me for a while but then have to catch up with their teacher.

I eventually get to my tyre guy, who fixes the punctures…

and I waken.

Any ideas?

01.16.15
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Thoughts: Camping Pt 4

And we are heading back home to Auckland today.

It’s been a very good week. Spontaneous hugs and conversation attest to this.

However, yesterday started a bit weird. Declarations of boredom led me to take the kids to Craters of the Moon. This is a geothermal tourist trap North of Taupo. However, my daughter was not in the right frame of mind, was never going to enjoy it, and whined for 45 minutes. Horrific. My assessment of CotM is that it’s probably priced right but there really isn’t much there to see. In Autumn, Winter it’d be more impressive.

I have appreciated the hospitality of the locals here in Taupo. In the early afternoon, Miss 9 was whisked off for five hours of play with her new friend. She got to spend time with a family that isn’t tech-focused. “They have chickens“! And now she has someone that she will be able to write to.

I took the boychild to a place called Mind Junction. A slightly extortionate tourist destination that features puzzles, a maze, minigolf, a Lego display, a shooting simulator and much more. I thought it would be a bit lame but it turned out to be fun. We spent an hour poring over the Lego looking for specifics: “the mermaid”, “4 sticks of dynamite”, “the man in a chicken suit” etc. Very distracting.

On the way back to town we stopped off at Lava Glass – a glassblower factory and gallery. We watched a man craft a vase. Amazing. I can’t get my head around how this is done. I really do like learning about new stuff.

And now I’m waiting for the tent to dry. Why it had to rain on our last night…

Taupo Top 10 is a good campsite. The new pool should be completed by Easter 2015. My kids have enjoyed it here and are actually angling to return rather than try a new destination next year.

I do think that these places go a bit overboard in charging for everything that they can. Usually things that bored kids want to do. Still, I guess it’s their prerogative.

Once again, a successful adventure. These weeks I spend with my kids are so great and so important. They remember. They talk about them. They look forward to the next time.

^sd