the mighty yellow teapot of happiness: yours for a dollar
In 1999, a couple of weeks after arriving in Welly I found myself making the first of what would turn out to be, around eleventy hundred treks from Brooklyn to Ngarunga Gorge. In the back of an industrial estate was the Unisys Helpdesk and the beginnings of my short-lived career of ‘working the muff’. On reflection, I wasn’t a very good Help Desk Analyst. But what I lacked in technical know-how, I made up for in practical jokes and a determination to make it into the city office. I was also lucky enough to meet several awesome people who have become lifelong friends (that’s a shout out for you: Divine Ms G and Rata shaped peeps!). We all spent a magical New Years Eve watching Austin Powers on VHS when Y2K failed to materialise as the Technical Apocalypse.
I find it serendipitously poetic that my first and last moments of living in Welly are here; the Gorge is also home to a field of storage lockers, one of which is the final resting place for our last bits of stuff.
My brother in law (post-matrimony, I have inherited several) is doing us a massive amazing favour and helping us recycle these loved (but, lets face it, didn’t quite make the shipping to England list) items. He’s the chef, and is also a chicken wrangler and dad. In his spare time I believe he is also quite a well-respected lawyer (nb: this last point is hearsay and remains unproven).
I actually think his true calling is of an East-end market stall holder. He’s kind of Del-Boy-crossed-with-Vic-Reeves. On a big Dutch bike (not a euphemism).
Anyway, if you are just sitting there thinking: ‘actually what my life has been missing is a sharp ’70s lamp, a stainless steel toaster and a Sunbeam beater mix’, then you really should do yourself a massive favour and check out the auction site.
Especially the comments.
Comments
It appears that taking photos of yourself reflected in the items for auction is a great way to attract interest. realdeal21 and fairgrove are bidding away just for a little bit of banter with me.
My favourite auction is the modern modular lounge suite, displayed at all angles in a post-industrial setting with metal girders and roller doors.
http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=427125977
I’m going to redo my living room in grey concrete wash.
No! The yellow teapot, I am determined in my hormonal, sleep deprived haze to house that baby next to the maginificent “Denby”. Roll on Sat 3 Dec 1:21pm. xx
sas Replied:
oh i totally love that plan :)
sas Replied:
did you win the teapot?? the auction closed just as we were going to bed… x
The divine Ms G Replied:
Hmmm, as you know the yellow teapot had other ideas! But we have safely and securely rehoused the Whipper Snapper and on Xmas morning EF will be the proud owner of a lovely orange and white trike. Am thrilled. xxx
In true Wellington (maybe NZ?) style I have worked with Crazy Mike and can confirm all you say, including hearsay nature of status as well-respected lawyer – had never noticed the malformed knees before though! Great blog.
sas Replied:
its good to have that confirmed from an objective bystander. we do worry for D and the children.
frickin people calling me crazy frickin mike