Super Powers

I was using MSN Messenger the other day, and I remembered that I am 'invisible' to some people on there.

And I thought, 'Hmph - looks like I've achieved that childhood dream.'

Then I got to thinking, what other super power did I want to have? Maybe the ability to fly. Well, GoogleEarth has kinda covered that fantasy too with its birds-eye shots.

More-so with the desire to be invisible, the internet really has hooked into that fascination society has. There is a delectable array of ways in which you can be nosy and voyeuristic. A massive amount of time is spent observing things, but without being a part of them. We can find out the intimate details of people's lives, without ever having to look them in the eye. We can flip through their photo albums, watch videos of them, read their thoughs, all without them consciously knowing we're there and doing it.

That anonymity and invisibility is a big part of what I like about the internet. I can choose when people see me, I can choose to tip-toe through un-noticed. I can find out all about someone else without them knowing anything about me. They can't hide.

Of course, I leave my electronic footprints and fingerprints, just like a real invisible person might. But it's still pretty neat.

I'm going to think more on what other traditional super powers the internet is accessing for me.

A Brush with Fame - OMG!

Last week my flatmate Geoff told me he had some geek conference to go to. Webstock.

I mocked him.

He told me to go check out the website.

I mocked him some more. I looked at the guest speakers and pointed out what kind of geeky each one was.

Then I saw him....

OMG!1!!

Rives.

My favourite performance poet (ok - to be fair, the only performance poet I know of really - but I am loyal) ever. A guy I came across on the Ted site ages ago and posted about how cool he was. I heart him much.

I told Geoff he had to go see him and that this was a man I would marry. He's good looking, entertaining, talented and knows about Shakespeare. And is romantic (according to his kite poem, anyhow).

Geoff watched some of his videos on Youtube and Ted and agreed he was pretty cool. Then he mocked me for liking a guest speaker at his geek fest. Turns out the emcee of the night was Russell Brown, the host of Media7, who I also like (but I haven't told Geoff that).

Geoff ended up seeing him perform at Webstock and posted a comment on my facebook wall to make me jealous. I was in awe.

Then afterwards... he talked to him for half an hour! I was in more awe. At first he made me believe he'd told Rives I wanted to marry him (which at first horrified me, but then I was coming to terms with it and liked the idea - I was going to use it as an hilarious anecdote next time I showed a class one of his performances).

This was untrue. But he did tell Rives I was a 'huge fan'. So Rives gave him a collector's edition badge with his face on it to give to me. A present! To me! From Rives!

And he told Geoff (who has now started a bromance with him and is trying to become his NZ agent) that he was looking for gigs for the few weeks he was here, but had nothing lined up yet. Geoff is looking for opportunities and open mic nights.

Geoff even had the balls to tell him that he preferred the version of the poem he performed that he'd seen on youtube to the live version of the day. What a critic. As if he'd heard of him more than 48 hours before the event. Not a true fan, not like me.

I may yet see Rives live!

Geoff is my hero.

So is Rives.

I love my badge.

I'm trying to think who else I would like to come visit Wellington and give me a badge. Right now I'm drawing a blank. None of my famous crushes are as cool as Rives.

Maybe the guy who plays Sheldon. But he's prbably not as cool in real life.




* * *
I have just wasted a lot of time clicking on all my links and favourited sites.... I have decided that this act is called 'clinking around'.

Every night when I go home from work (ok - so I'm a teacher, sometimes it's afternoon still) I exit Mt Vic and head towards the tunnel.

At the bottom of Mt Vic you have to give way to Basin traffic and wait til someone lets you in.

And every night, almost immediately, somebody leaves a gap for me and motions me forward.

It restores my faith in humanity every day. Sometimes I really need that.

* * *

I like how the Netherlands wear orange as their national colour. It's neat. I wish we had a more predominant national colour.

* * *

Ice skating is awesome. It's surprising how often the skaters fall, even at the top level. I've been watching, and it's really rare for anyone to have a completely perfect run. I love the triple lutz.

* * *

I am embracing my niche at school - I am the champion of the quirky kids and kids on the spectrum. It's official.

I have in the last day had
- the head girl email me her idea about writing a school rap (it's quirkly cool - the second line has a taunt that we make other schools 'fidgety' - buuurn! Yeah Upper Hutt, we're talking about you!)
- had a girl with Asperger's approach me to find out who she could ask about doing a presentation to the school on International Autism Day (I have never even taught the child and yet she gave me a present for Christmas last year)

I love it.

SPRINKLES!

Why waste time making an icecream when you can just eat the sprinkles right from the lid? Clever kid! Kingi is very proud of himself.

* * *

Holy crap. Let the bridesmaid dress diet begin.

My friend sent over a bridesmaid dress from the UK and I tried it on today.

Were I svelte, the dress would be stunning.

I have about six weeks to get svelterer and do justice to a satin dress.

The generous portion of desert I had and the bag of chippies I followed it up with are sitting heavily in my tummy (which is protruding island-like out of my shiny silver dress).

If I fail in that mission, I will at least contribute valuably to the wedding party by making the bride look even more petite and gorgeous by comparison. My job will be done.

The photographer will just have to delicately ask the groomsmen to obscure my rolly bits in the photos. I will be this little head peeking out from the back. Or maybe I can get a really big bunch of flowers to hold in front of myself.

* * *

I have found an online radio station that must be run by people of my generation and ilk. Roo Radio.

* * *

I emerged victorious from the scuffle of Risk. The first game hardly counted, because I was powerless to do anything against the might of Kirsten on the other side of the board. I seemed to be positioned right in the middle of Richard and Sam, both trying to progress through the centre of me.

* * *

My wisdom tooth has been hurting. Might have to be extracted.

* * *

A student teacher saw someone giving out stickers to a class and said later, 'Is that age appropriate?' Hah. Amateur.

* * *

I have had two very good cheesecakes in the last couple of weeks. One from the South African food stall at the Saturday art market. One from the German bakery in Kilbirnie.

* * *

There have been a couple of good personell changes at work. It's got a good vibe for me at the moment. Have been out for coffee several times - in the middle of the day. Indulgent!

* * *

I have not worn anything but dresses and skirts to work so far.

* * *

I didn't know Canada was famous for its fiddle playing.

* * *

I decluttered my room slightly. I have a bookshelf in my boot ready to give to Cassie.

* * *

I am trying to brainwash my students that James Cameron is rubbish. They're not caving in though.

* * *

I'm going to have takeaways. Haven't decided what kind. Should do that now.