Things beginning with "M"

I was invited to a party over the weekend. I haven't been to a house party for ages... at least not a "proper" one where the idea is just to drink and socialize. Most of the parties I go to these days are during the day and although drinking might be involved, there are usually children running around and the energy is vastly different.

I caught up with my friend Vashti who moved away but was coming to the Mount to go to this party and asked if I wanted to come along. It was a housewarming party for a friend of her sister's and it was going to be a costume party. The theme was "M" because it's March and because the person throwing the party is named Murray. ( There's Murray and Vashti in the photo above - Murray was a "Master" and Vashti was "Marge Simpson".)

I wouldn't know a soul, other than Vashti (who frankly, I don't really know all that well either)...

Which means, I'd be in my element! I love parties and I love crowds of strangers and I LOVE dressing up!!!!

What could I dress up as... hmmm.... what starts with "M"?... how can I make this work for me?... hmmm....

I know! I'll go as a Massage Therapist!!! I wore my scrubs (which I work in to save my clothes from getting oil all over them) put on my professional name tag (which I never wear while I work), tucked some of my "Magic Hands" brochures in my pockets and some business cards in another pocket and I was set! How clever am I?

Brian took the girls possum hunting and I went off on my "M" house party adventure.

I know that I must sound like a total loser - truly - I mean, what's the big deal? It's just a little house party. It wasn't a HUGE party or anything... maybe 30 people... max. But seriously people, I don't get out much. I get drunk off two beers!

I drank 5 beers that night PLUS three delicious minty shooters served by the "Minties" girl. I was trashed! Well perhaps I'm exaggerating... trashed might be a strong word. But as I mentioned, I really don't get out much. I had a blast!

I was really impressed with the effort that some people put into their costume. This isn't a typical New Zealand scene... a country that doesn't even celebrate Halloween. There were a few people there who didn't dress up - and you know, now that I think of it, no one talked to them much. Interesting observation...

Here's a list of some of the costumes: Marge Simpson, Minties Candy, Master, Matador, Mohican, M&M, Marshmallow, Medium, Methodist Minister, The Milky Bar Kid, Mechanic, A Medieval Maid, The Midas Touch ....


These Martians had pretty cool costumes...







These guys were really creative with their costumes... and I'm not sure I can remember what they were... or how it has anything to do with "M"... but I recall they had good reason for their choice. The guy in the nurses uniform called himself a "Matron". The guy in the tartan was some Scottish Guy with a last name beginning with "M". I don't remember what the middle guy was. They were having a good time. I even reapplied lipstick for the Matron later in the evening because his wife forgot hers (she didn't need any because she went dressed as a Muslim).


And to the right we have the girls with Murray the "Master". There was "Motown", "Maid Marion", a "Muslim", and one of the "Marley" clan.

The thing I love the most about costume parties is the fact that it's a great ice breaker and an easy way to spark up a conversation with people. People seem WAY more relaxed and let their guard down. I don't know... I wouldn't ordinarily feel comfortable walking up to a group of guys who are clearly someone's husbands and just engage them in random conversation (or hand out my business cards or brochures insisting they need a massage) without worrying that you're going to have some woman - or worse yet - a group of women get all catty with you for chatting up their husband. You see what I mean? Plus, there's no pressure to remember names. You associate everyone with their costume... ie. Hey Motown! Looking good! (insert a shooter pointing finger and a wink and clicking sound out of the side of your mouth here).

Every party should be a costume party.

Magic Hands at the Mount

Who can believe it's already mid March? I can't believe that one quarter of this year is almost over. I've been shocking at updating my blog... and I have a feeling no one is even paying attention anymore.

First of all, I think it's time to change the name of the blog since I am no longer looking after Mrs. P. I have stepped back and I'm now focusing on my own business "Magic Hands". That's a good new title... "Magic Hands in Mount Maunganui".

So far 2008 has been busy. I have said that this is going to be MY year! I've been focusing on my health - since I've put on 20lbs since last year! Menopause sucks... but that's an easy excuse... I consumed insane amounts of cookies while I cared for Mrs P and got very little exercise. I've been going to the gym regularly and I am happy to report that I have lost 12.5lbs since September. I'm told gradual weight loss is the way to go. I certainly feel so much better.

It had gotten to the stage where I didn't recognize myself in photographs! I'd look at a photo of myself and say, "Who's that?"... and then a split second after I said it, I realized it was ME! I am now starting to recognize myself again but I still have more work to do.

It has also been an exhausting first quarter. A lot has been happening in my personal life but I don't really feel like going into it right now (I know, that's not like me!). I'm on a personal learning curve, taking some hard looks at why I want to rescue people and why I am so willing to forget about my own happiness. I guess helping people makes me happy - or it gives me purpose - but at what expense? Who's expense?

But I am back in the swing of things and I am going to make a point to keep this blog updated for those of you who do check in on me. I am really feeling homesick for Canada right now. It's going to sound totally crazy but I am looking at all of the photos people are posting on facebook of the major snowfall going on around Ontario and I wish I was there playing in it. I forget what snow feels like. I forget how magical it is when the entire world is white and the fluffy stuff is falling out of the sky. I also forget just how much I hate shoveling it.

We have been having a beautiful, hot summer... not that I am rubbing it in. It's been quite humid actually (but nothing like the humidity of Canadian summers) and apparently it's been warmer here in New Zealand than it has been in Sydney. Talk about crazy.

I'll post photos of the amazing camping trip we took earlier this year. Stay tuned.

The Annoying Sun

I had to share this poem that my 9 year old daughter wrote and brought home with her artwork from the year. I laugh so hard when I read this and I hope it brings a smile to your face too.

The Sun
written by Chantelle Nicoll age 9

The sun is shining like a big ball on the beach.
It is burning on my back.
Each day goes by = day by day.
I can see the round ball in my eye each day
And it gets so, so annoying.