And the sun came out...

I think it's weird that even when I'm really *really* upset by something, I let myself experience it and then don't take very long to move on. Like a couple of days ago I got really upset, really disappointed, and now I'm over it already. Maybe it's healthier to do that than to try and stifle it, or get over it too soon, cos then it can kind of rot away at the inside, and take over your life for ages. I always thought if I got to the age of 37 and was single and alone, there would probably come a day where I just wouldn't get out of bed at all. But it would only last a day - maybe one and a half - after which I don't think I could mope anymore and I'd have to get out and make the most of what I did have.
The above is motivated by last night going to the NZSO with my Mum. These concerts have been one of the really great things about this year: Mum and I got a subscription and have been to all of them, plus flew up to Wellington to hear Hilary Hahn too. Last night we heard Tchaikovsky's 6th symphony and an overture by Berlioz (les Cossairs or something) and the 4th piano concerto by Saint Saens - and it was really enjoyable. (in preparation for each concert mum and I listen to all the music we know is going to be there that I can get hold of from the uni library extensively - makes all the difference).
So Mum wasn't very happy anyway - partially cos I said I'd meet her between 7.45-7.50, but only made it there at 7.57 and she HATES lateness - but mainly because she thought Jenna and I were upset. And because she's a mother she says she can't help but feel what we feel. Although this can't be true because when I'm happy - ~80% - this doesn't seem to have any effect on her mood. Maybe she just feels the negative aspects of our mood. Anyway Jenna was a little upset, cos she hit a cat on her way home and despite doing everything she could including ringing the SPCA animal ambulance, it died of head injuries over night. And me? well, Jenna had told her I was upset and why. But I was fine by the time of the concert - I had completely cheered up at about 5.30pm that afternoon. So I told mum I was fine, she didn't need to worry, and she was like 'you don't need to pretend' - I wasn't pretending!!! I honestly was fine! Yes, I can and do just get over stuff - well, if it's stuff I can't do anything about. If I can do something about it, I might take longer, through anguishing over what to do and whether to do it. But if it's a 'nothing you can do' scenario, then you get upset, and you get over it. But Mum doesn't seem to have that ability to the same extent, and therefore can't believe that others do have it. Although to be fair she's also probably down because Dad's sick. (although again here I'm completely different - because it is so much against my natural tendency to be depressed, knowing that Dad's sick doesn't affect me unless I sit there and imagine what my life would be like without him in it, or if he looked sick it would affect me, or if he complained of feeling sick, or something like that. I'd rather say that at least we know so we can make the most of the time we have and be excited every day that he's here! but then, i'm excited (well, ok, that's a little strong) every day by the fact that everyone's still here, and depending on the day, that i got to spend time with person X, Y and Z. But mum and dad's relationship is different than dad and mine of course, and her life without him would be a far more scary place than mine, so I do sympathise.)

Ok now that I've discussed the differences between my mum and my psyche, the other things on a less serious or reflective note that I wish to state are as follows:

Rotherham's has just become my favourite restaurant in chch. I went there yesterday for the first time and it was lovely. Expensive, but not for what you get. Mains $28.50-$30-ish, $4.50 for delicious breads and dips, $14.00 desserts but they are spectacular. The mains are beautiful too. I had the vegetarian trio which had a little chickpea and cumin cappuccino, roast pumpkin with some cheesy topping and these paper thin crunchy slices of parsnip, and mushroom filled filo. Plus I had a pre-dinner drink of passionfruit vodka - lemonade, tonic water, 42-below passionfruit vodka, slices of orange peel that had been marinaded in grenadine, and (this is the best part) passionfruit pulp! (passionfruit is my favourite fruit). Lovely lovely staff. Lovely decor, great music. Individual hand-towels in the bathroom.

I bought two CDs - the Finn Brothers which I quite like, good easy listening, and Muse - which I adore. might have to update my profile.

I have tons of work on at the moment. Haven't watched a movie or played games here for ages. Oh well. I'm sure I'll make it. Just would be tons easier if my throat wasn't so sore. (Have a Cantores concert at St Luke's at .. 2pm? 3pm? this Sunday ($10 tickets) and hope my voice comes back for it!!!!)

Nice day today. Went to the gym and did weights with Lisa for an hour which was exciting - my first gym visit all year! well, the first where i did any exercise. Also had soccer - only lost 5-1 (3-0 halftime) and one of those goals was completely our own fault (moment of poor communication, indecision, and Karthik had just been body-slammed resulting in serious pain). And then it was ski-club meeting at McDs and it was the most fun one ever cos only the coolest people were there - we didn't make quorum, which was unusual, and 5/6 of the people round the table were related to me in some fashion!!

Now I'm trying to tell myself to give the coding a break and start my write-up for my 427 project - that's what we're getting marked on! I thought a blog would help the transition progress. Plus now after Countdown we have spciy capsicum and coriander spread, turkish bread and crackers.... Since I only got up at midday today I should be working for a few more hours yet.