Just about to go out for lunch and have jesters kiwi classic pie and diet coke. It's been the longest delay ever i think from my last blog post, so sorry to my many diehard fans for the interlude.

Big things afoot as Annabel and I are house hunting at the moment which is causing a great deal of excitement. We've decided we want to remain fairly central and so are prepared not to have a huge mansion of a place. More likely is a townhouse/unit with 2/3 bedrooms and walk out to garden. The garden/deck has become very important as this is something we are missing at the moment. Not too fussed about room sizes apart from the main living space, and i think we're sold on an open plan thing with kitchen.

Basically, as long as the plasma and the surround speakers fit, i'll be happy!

Got a nice tax rebate yesterday as well as i've only worked a bit of the year in NZ, but unfortunately that's going straight to the kitty for the house purchase fees..grrr.

I am back on the fitness trail, after eating too many Hell pizzas despite going to the gym and playing squash. Have also stopped eating Willy Wonka's chocolate bars. I've maxed out at 96kg and now have 6kg to go before end of year, onwards and downards!.

Aside from houses and weight loss that's about it for now.

We interviewed some new friends on Friday over a curry. After getting an email application from Carin and Jim (www.carinandjim.blogspot.com), they successfully passed. They've recently emigrated from England (4 weeks ago) and listed 42 reasons why we should be their friends, how could we resist? ....

1.  We live in Auckland. 
2.  We can talk about Leeds and give you a chance to relive your student youth.
3.   I think you're funny and can boost your ego.
4.  I'm whiter than you and will make you look tanned.
5.  I'm fatter than Annabel and will make her feel good.
6.  I'm ginger and will make you feel grateful that you're not.
7.  I'm older than you and will make you feel young.
8.  I make up funny songs too (e.g. the classic "I'm not a man, I'm a Doberman")
9.  Jim plays the guitar and can jam with you, man.
10. We've got a nice motor and can take you out.
11.  We've been round South Island 3 times and can help plan your trip.
12.  We like curry.
13.  We like films.
14.  We're BIG fans of Curb Your Enthusiasm.
15. Ditto The Secret Life of Us.
16. Ditto Kath & Kim.
17.We like lots of your other films too.
18.  We've got DVDs and CDs on the high seas at the mo, gagging to be copied when they get here.
19.  We can understand your accent (probably).
20.  We went to a wedding in Limavady once.
21.  As a "social entrepreneur", we're a new proposition.
22.  I hugely admire your site and need helping making mine work!
23.  We'll laugh at your jokes (even if they're not funny).
24.  We can discuss philosophy, politics and other twaddle.
25.  Jim could join you at the gym on the keep fit quest.
26.  I like Annabel's wedding shoes.
27.  I know the words to Button Moon, Rupert the Bear and the original Um Bongo advert.
28.  I write poetry too.
29.  We've all been to Hull and back.
30.  Jim's wedding outfit was remarkably similar to yours!
31.  Pancakes are good.
32.  Jim thinks pies and beer are good.
33.  We're an old married couple too.
34.  I've got two pussies you can stroke if you like.
34a.  Their names are Blackcat and Boo.
35.  I'm a speccy 4 eyes too (although I wear contacts).
36.  We'll understand your cultural references.
37.  Together, we can speculate on what happened to the A in Weet-bix.
38.  Jim could mix up your songs like Mr. Moby and make you an international superstar.
39.  I'm sure you'll have been over the Carrick-a-rede rope bridge too.
40.  We'll let you win when we play evil capitalist NZ Monopoly.
41.  We're nice.
42.  You've probably nowt better to do.