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Just for fun: the random, useless announcements thread!
@Shoshin1 Did you move there to get away from the Rat Race? I always thought New Zealand was muy expensivo... but 70s Aotearoa sound like hermit's paradise. I hope it didn't turn out like the wild west... Armed hippies with long braids and red eyes...You know, I moved to Berlin to escape "The Rat Race"* in Spain to discover I was living The Rat Race but in a city that basically allowed me to live the decadent lifestyle I wanted and tried to keep in Madrid and at a high price really (but quite low compared to Madrid).
Not really @Kotishka, I enjoyed living in Australia, the beaches sunshine and wildlife, however I moved to Aotearoa just for a change, a different experience...This was back in mid 1980s... I had visited Aotearoa three times before, prior to the move...
For the most part wages are lower here than in Australia and some things are a lot dearer too...But the life style here is more relaxed...
How I ended up living on the island,( at first not by choice) was when some friends invited me over to stay with them when I was going through one of life's many crises, as you do in Samsara (that's what true friendship is about)...I had only planned on staying for a couple of weeks, till I could get my act together...Two weeks stretched to a month then a year and now it's been 20 years...(and I still haven't got my act together )
A random announcement
When I moved to Australia from London, 1969 the population of Australia was around 13 million, which was the same as central & Greater London's population...
When I moved to Aotearoa from Sydney 1986 the population of Aotearoa was around 4 million, which was the same as the population of Sydney...
@Shoshin1 Did you move there to get away from the Rat Race? I always thought New Zealand was muy expensivo... but 70s Aotearoa sound like hermit's paradise. I hope it didn't turn out like the wild west... Armed hippies with long braids and red eyes...You know, I moved to Berlin to escape "The Rat Race"* in Spain to discover I was living The Rat Race but in a city that basically allowed me to live the decadent lifestyle I wanted and tried to keep in Madrid and at a high price really (but quite low compared to Madrid).
For the most part wages are lower here than in Australia and some things are a lot dearer too...But the life style here is more relaxed...
I didn't find the wages too much lower in NZ compared to Australia relatively speaking but the lifestyle is fantastic.
My office was at one end of Takapuna Beach and I lived at the other end of Takapuna Beach so a stroll on the sand to and from work each day was my reward. Had to ensure I didn't get the suit pants wet though
1
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
I came across this today. As I'm 65 today, it's my present to myself. And my heartfelt wish, and recommendation to you.
"Barely the day started and
it's already six in the evening.
Barely arrived on Monday
and it's already Friday.
.. and the month is already over.
.. and the year is almost over.
.. and already 40, 50 or 60 years
of our lives have passed.
.. and we realize that we lost
our parents, friends.
.. and we realize it's too late
to go back.
So.. Let's try, despite
everything, to enjoy
the remaining time.
Let's keep looking for
activities that we like.
Let's put some color in
our grey.
Let's smile at the little
things in life that put
balm in our hearts.
And despite everything,
we must continue to enjoy
with serenity this time we
have left.
Let's try to eliminate the
afters..
I'm doing it after.
I'll say after.
I'll think about it after.
We leave everything for
later like ′′ after ′′ is ours.
Because what we don't
understand is that:
Afterwards, the coffee
gets cold.
afterwards, priorities change.
Afterwards, the charm is
broken.
Afterwards, health passes.
Afterwards, the kids grow up.
Afterwards parents get old.
Afterwards, promises are
forgotten.
Afterwards, the day becomes
the night.
Afterwards, life ends.
And then it's often too late.
So.. Let's leave nothing for
later.
Because still waiting to see
later, we can lose the
best moments, the best
experiences, best friends,
the best family.
The day is today. The
moment is now.
We are no longer at the
age where we can afford
to postpone what needs
to be done right away.
It Looks Like An Eternity,
But It's A Short Trip,
Enjoy Life And Always
Be Kind."
@federica said:
I came across this today. As I'm 65 today, it's my present to myself. And my heartfelt wish, and recommendation to you.
"Barely the day started and
it's already six in the evening.
Barely arrived on Monday
and it's already Friday.
.. and the month is already over.
.. and the year is almost over.
.. and already 40, 50 or 60 years
of our lives have passed.
.. and we realize that we lost
our parents, friends.
.. and we realize it's too late
to go back.
So.. Let's try, despite
everything, to enjoy
the remaining time.
Let's keep looking for
activities that we like.
Let's put some color in
our grey.
Let's smile at the little
things in life that put
balm in our hearts.
And despite everything,
we must continue to enjoy
with serenity this time we
have left.
Let's try to eliminate the
afters..
I'm doing it after.
I'll say after.
I'll think about it after.
We leave everything for
later like ′′ after ′′ is ours.
Because what we don't
understand is that:
Afterwards, the coffee
gets cold.
afterwards, priorities change.
Afterwards, the charm is
broken.
Afterwards, health passes.
Afterwards, the kids grow up.
Afterwards parents get old.
Afterwards, promises are
forgotten.
Afterwards, the day becomes
the night.
Afterwards, life ends.
And then it's often too late.
So.. Let's leave nothing for
later.
Because still waiting to see
later, we can lose the
best moments, the best
experiences, best friends,
the best family.
The day is today. The
moment is now.
We are no longer at the
age where we can afford
to postpone what needs
to be done right away.
It Looks Like An Eternity,
But It's A Short Trip,
Enjoy Life And Always
Be Kind."
Then the ghost train to Newmarket's Westfield Shopping mall (Ghost train because it was almost empty...and the mall wasn't too busy either...
At the mall visited a Chinese supermarket, bought two packets of Oolong tea and some bean curd snacks...plus called into a travel agent to look at return flights to Europe...
Then caught a colourful train out to Onehunga and back...bought some TVP and savoury yeast flakes, at the Bin Inn, and a yellow Tshirt for a dollar at one of the op shops...
It's been a long day, but I'm now stocked up with Oolong tea, so it was worth it...
Managed to find a patch of soil to clear. Seems so small but now directly sown with bee and butterfly friendly seeds. Then the heavens opened and watered. With lightening care of Thor.
My geraniums are all planted. Eh ma ho! (Tibetan - How wonderful)
It was a beautiful morning so I headed to the beach, up in front was a double decker tourist bus (one of many on the island, owned by the passenger ferry company).. locals have held protests to stop these buses operating on the island's narrow road, but were unsuccessful...because money talks and the company who owns these buses has plenty of cash to splash....
Walking down the bush track to the beach, easy peasy...
The water temperature 22 C degrees
The hard slog back up the track..(the steepest part of the track) wheezy not easy peasy
Well I've just booked a return flight to Europe for a month, flying out late July coming back beginning of September.. Flying via San Francesco ..
Along with catching up with family and friends in the UK, I'll be spending time in Spain at my sister's place...The last time I was in Spain was 1972/73...Umm I wonder if it's changed
@Bunks said:
Wow @Shoshin1 - so excited for you.....I'll be expecting photo's from your jolks the streets of Spain and England
Be careful what you wish for...have (phone) camera will travel
Not sure how much jolking I'll be doing, no doubt a lot of walking around taking in the sights...
1
JeroenLuminous beings are we, not this crude matterNetherlandsVeteran
@Shoshin1 said:
Well I've just booked a return flight to Europe for a month, flying out late July coming back beginning of September.. Flying via San Francesco ..
Along with catching up with family and friends in the UK, I'll be spending time in Spain at my sister's place...The last time I was in Spain was 1972/73...Umm I wonder if it's changed
Wonderful! Going to visit the Old Country hey. Less worrying about wasps, but a bit closer to the war in Ukraine.
@Shoshin1 said:
Well I've just booked a return flight to Europe for a month, flying out late July coming back beginning of September.. Flying via San Francesco ..
Along with catching up with family and friends in the UK, I'll be spending time in Spain at my sister's place...The last time I was in Spain was 1972/73...Umm I wonder if it's changed
¡Qué bien! Recuerda comer mucho porque la comida en España es creo que es la mejor de toda Europa, tan solamente compitiendo con la italiana o la griega, jajaja!
@federica said:
whereabouts will you be in the UK, @Shoshin1 ? And when, exactly? Barring accidents, who knows? We could plan a get-together!
Sounds good @federica ....
I arrive on the 31st July I'm planning on spending the first and last week of August in the UK....I'll be staying with my son and his wife in Purley (if the house sale goes through) or where they are now in Norwood, I'll be catching up with rellies in and around South London......I'm also planning on visiting friends in Ipswich and Halifax...
I'm sure there will be time to meet up, but not sure when at the moment...I should have a better idea closer to the time...
2
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
That would be cool! Tell me when you're here, we'll text and plan!
Lots of day trippers at the beach, the water's still warm, but not as warm as the other day.......
On the bench at the lookout point...I spied some worker ants collecting lunch for the colony, while the blow fly was rubbing its hand with glee, biding its time, waiting (for the most part patiently) for its turn to have lunch...
Lunch looked like chocolate (it's Easter) or something which looks like chocolate but doesn't taste or smell as nice
After thinking I might be dying and drinking two camomiles to recover … Went for an early walk looking for cryptoflora. Found the ancient wood anemone which is supposedly no longer growing in this area … Wus dis den!
And a host of ex-golden dandelions, now the seedheads of tomorrow …
the hawthorn blossom was fragrant, the mistle thrush sang. Young foxes and jay chased each other.
Thanks @Kotishka very inspiring even for those of us nearly adults.
We do learn. We need skilful role models. Who said Buddha? [correct].
Here is one of mine:
Mr Champion [yes really] who when we kids asked where we came from, taught us the 'The Big Bang' theory - you could have heard a pin drop …we were enthralled.
Last night when I walked into the bedroom ready for bed, I spied this little sweetie on the wall above my pillow...I left it there, however when I was in bed about to go to sleep, I heard a gentle thud, it had dropped off the wall onto my pillow, perhaps wanting to snuggle up, which was not a good idea, I would have crushed it when I rolled over, so I put it on my bedside cabinet...
This morning I walked into the bedroom to put some washing away and found it sitting on the sheet...
So I took it outside onto the deck...
Walked into the village earlier..
A relaxing Easter Saturday for some..
But not for these Asian paper wasps who were on a mating frenzy
The males trying to strut their stuff with the foundresses before they go into hibernation...
2
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
empty common, no one about at Sunrise. … probably everyone dreaming of easter eggs …
… anyways, walking under a rail bridge, came across Jesus (I think it was) on the ground, putting on his socks. Brief conversation ensued:
JESUS: Good morning … [puts on socks] … don't ask … it's a long story
lobster: Good morning. I won't ask.
JESUS: … a very a long story …
lobster: I won't ask.
I think he wanted me to ask … ah well … Happy Easter, Buddha Bunnies.
And a host of ex-golden dandelions, now the seedheads of tomorrow …
Oops, I think they are coltsfoot. Which makes perfect sense as they were growing in a former horse paddock …
Here is 'little blue' butterfly from my garden, on Easter Sunday.
2
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
I think on a flower of an Alkanet plant. Pernicious and persistent weed. Yes, the bees and butterflies love them, but they are invasive and the devil to control!
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
I'm guessing "The Boomerang Effect" works both ways, yes?
...So a humanitarian will work tirelessly for the release and rescue of political prisoners, while Nazis will work even harder to eliminate "minority" groups.
Yes. The main concept here is reactance. The more someone attacks/argue with you and tries to subdue something you believe (National Socialism), the more you will defend it and even intensify your view and conduct.
Also it applies for more mundane situations... for example (real life)
Person 1: Fuck, fuck, fuck.. why is it so late?
Person 2: Mind your language, please.
Person 1: Fuck * 10,000
federicaSeeker of the clear blue sky...Its better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak out and remove all doubtModerator
edited April 2022
Any profanities, trolling, flaming....? Personal attacks? Serious "Jeezus luv yew" militant Christians throwing their weight about? Any obscene photos or posts, soliciting members to commit unspeakable acts? Any knives, guns or lethal weapons being bandied about?
Anything?
...Nothing...?
All I do all day is delete spam applicants... that is the extent of my Moderating this forum.
Maybe we're playing it too safe....
Bloody Buddha, I'm bored....
.
.
.
.
.
ETA, @lobster ....No.
Just no.
whatever you're planning...
No.
6
JeroenLuminous beings are we, not this crude matterNetherlandsVeteran
edited April 2022
We’ve all grown far too wise @federica… so wise that our eyeballs are rolling back in their sockets and we can no longer see the screens, so wise that our leathery-hard brains have soured in their skull-like containers, so wise that our skeletal bodies have meditated themselves into a near-death state behind the keyboard incapable of answering a fresh up-and-coming young aspirant.
Soon the accumulated wisdom-merit of the newbuddhist forum will come pouring forth, like a flood into adjacent websites, spidering out into sister servers on whatever server farm hosts it. Or maybe not.
So it’s just as well that all the new applicants are spam-bots.
After the morning jolk, I took the ferry to Auckland. it's another long weekend again (ANZAC) lots of people coming and going from the island...the ferries were full, masked and unmasked travellers ...
I needed to pick up a couple of boxes of RATs kits which I ordered from the Ministry of Health's website-they are free...After I picked them up I decided to do a bit of shopping, plus call into Specsavers to book an eye test, anyhow, as I was walking up the main street I spied a sign which said Furein Asian supermarket it's downstairs below street level...I was in heaven, all the teas I could ask for, Oolong teas, Ginseng Oolong tea, Ginseng tea, Gunpowder tea...The prices were okay too...
Overall it's been a satisfying day....glad to be back home...
Comments
Happy Birthday!
Not really @Kotishka, I enjoyed living in Australia, the beaches sunshine and wildlife, however I moved to Aotearoa just for a change, a different experience...This was back in mid 1980s... I had visited Aotearoa three times before, prior to the move...
For the most part wages are lower here than in Australia and some things are a lot dearer too...But the life style here is more relaxed...
How I ended up living on the island,( at first not by choice) was when some friends invited me over to stay with them when I was going through one of life's many crises, as you do in Samsara (that's what true friendship is about)...I had only planned on staying for a couple of weeks, till I could get my act together...Two weeks stretched to a month then a year and now it's been 20 years...(and I still haven't got my act together
)
A random announcement
When I moved to Australia from London, 1969 the population of Australia was around 13 million, which was the same as central & Greater London's population...
When I moved to Aotearoa from Sydney 1986 the population of Aotearoa was around 4 million, which was the same as the population of Sydney...
I didn't find the wages too much lower in NZ compared to Australia relatively speaking but the lifestyle is fantastic.
My office was at one end of Takapuna Beach and I lived at the other end of Takapuna Beach so a stroll on the sand to and from work each day was my reward. Had to ensure I didn't get the suit pants wet though
I came across this today. As I'm 65 today, it's my present to myself. And my heartfelt wish, and recommendation to you.
"Barely the day started and
it's already six in the evening.
Barely arrived on Monday
and it's already Friday.
.. and the month is already over.
.. and the year is almost over.
.. and already 40, 50 or 60 years
of our lives have passed.
.. and we realize that we lost
our parents, friends.
.. and we realize it's too late
to go back.
So.. Let's try, despite
everything, to enjoy
the remaining time.
Let's keep looking for
activities that we like.
Let's put some color in
our grey.
Let's smile at the little
things in life that put
balm in our hearts.
And despite everything,
we must continue to enjoy
with serenity this time we
have left.
Let's try to eliminate the
afters..
I'm doing it after.
I'll say after.
I'll think about it after.
We leave everything for
later like ′′ after ′′ is ours.
Because what we don't
understand is that:
Afterwards, the coffee
gets cold.
afterwards, priorities change.
Afterwards, the charm is
broken.
Afterwards, health passes.
Afterwards, the kids grow up.
Afterwards parents get old.
Afterwards, promises are
forgotten.
Afterwards, the day becomes
the night.
Afterwards, life ends.
And then it's often too late.
So.. Let's leave nothing for
later.
Because still waiting to see
later, we can lose the
best moments, the best
experiences, best friends,
the best family.
The day is today. The
moment is now.
We are no longer at the
age where we can afford
to postpone what needs
to be done right away.
It Looks Like An Eternity,
But It's A Short Trip,
Enjoy Life And Always
Be Kind."
Thank you!
Happy belated Birthday @federica ....
I likes it! Happy Birthday @federica … and we get the present.
Went for a trip overseas today...
The ferry about to depart
Then the ghost train to Newmarket's Westfield Shopping mall (Ghost train because it was almost empty...and the mall wasn't too busy either...
At the mall visited a Chinese supermarket, bought two packets of Oolong tea and some bean curd snacks...plus called into a travel agent to look at return flights to Europe...
Then caught a colourful train out to Onehunga and back...bought some TVP and savoury yeast flakes, at the Bin Inn, and a yellow Tshirt for a dollar at one of the op shops...
It's been a long day, but I'm now stocked up with Oolong tea, so it was worth it...
Managed to find a patch of soil to clear. Seems so small but now directly sown with bee and butterfly friendly seeds. Then the heavens opened and watered. With lightening care of Thor.
My geraniums are all planted. Eh ma ho! (Tibetan - How wonderful)
My green peas have finally sprouted!
It was a beautiful morning so I headed to the beach, up in front was a double decker tourist bus (one of many on the island, owned by the passenger ferry company).. locals have held protests to stop these buses operating on the island's narrow road, but were unsuccessful...because money talks and the company who owns these buses has plenty of cash to splash....
Walking down the bush track to the beach, easy peasy...
The water temperature 22 C degrees
The hard slog back up the track..(the steepest part of the track) wheezy not easy peasy
Have not been able to photograph a jay this year … and then two come at once …
The moon dancing late yesterday afternoon
There's no dark side of the moon really, matter of fact...it's all dark...
Well I've just booked a return flight to Europe for a month, flying out late July coming back beginning of September.. Flying via San Francesco ..
Along with catching up with family and friends in the UK, I'll be spending time in Spain at my sister's place...The last time I was in Spain was 1972/73...Umm I wonder if it's changed
Wow @Shoshin1 - so excited for you.....I'll be expecting photo's from your jolks the streets of Spain and England
Be careful what you wish for...have (phone) camera will travel
Not sure how much jolking I'll be doing, no doubt a lot of walking around taking in the sights...
Wonderful! Going to visit the Old Country hey. Less worrying about wasps, but a bit closer to the war in Ukraine.
¡Qué bien! Recuerda comer mucho porque la comida en España es creo que es la mejor de toda Europa, tan solamente compitiendo con la italiana o la griega, jajaja!
Enjoy your trip!
Safe travels!
Thanks @Kotishka ...
I guess if there are Spanish vegetarian restaurants and cafes, then, no hay problema...
@Shoshin1
Spanish vegetarian options exist. Though it can be hard... I recommend:
whereabouts will you be in the UK, @Shoshin1 ? And when, exactly? Barring accidents, who knows? We could plan a get-together!
Sounds good @federica ....
I arrive on the 31st July I'm planning on spending the first and last week of August in the UK....I'll be staying with my son and his wife in Purley (if the house sale goes through) or where they are now in Norwood, I'll be catching up with rellies in and around South London......I'm also planning on visiting friends in Ipswich and Halifax...
I'm sure there will be time to meet up, but not sure when at the moment...I should have a better idea closer to the time...
That would be cool! Tell me when you're here, we'll text and plan!
Lots of day trippers at the beach, the water's still warm, but not as warm as the other day.......
On the bench at the lookout point...I spied some worker ants collecting lunch for the colony, while the blow fly was rubbing its hand with glee, biding its time, waiting (for the most part patiently) for its turn to have lunch...
Lunch looked like chocolate (it's Easter) or something which looks like chocolate but doesn't taste or smell as nice
After thinking I might be dying and drinking two camomiles to recover … Went for an early walk looking for cryptoflora. Found the ancient wood anemone which is supposedly no longer growing in this area … Wus dis den!
And a host of ex-golden dandelions, now the seedheads of tomorrow …
the hawthorn blossom was fragrant, the mistle thrush sang. Young foxes and jay chased each other.
… iz Spring here …
@Kotishka this reminds me of the Metta song
Thanks @Kotishka very inspiring even for those of us nearly adults.
We do learn. We need skilful role models. Who said Buddha? [correct].
Here is one of mine:
Last night when I walked into the bedroom ready for bed, I spied this little sweetie on the wall above my pillow...I left it there, however when I was in bed about to go to sleep, I heard a gentle thud, it had dropped off the wall onto my pillow, perhaps wanting to snuggle up, which was not a good idea, I would have crushed it when I rolled over, so I put it on my bedside cabinet...
This morning I walked into the bedroom to put some washing away and found it sitting on the sheet...
So I took it outside onto the deck...
Walked into the village earlier..
A relaxing Easter Saturday for some..
But not for these Asian paper wasps who were on a mating frenzy
The males trying to strut their stuff with the foundresses before they go into hibernation...
...."I'm teaching future humans"...
While right now, they are....Little monkeys...?
empty common, no one about at Sunrise. … probably everyone dreaming of easter eggs …
… anyways, walking under a rail bridge, came across Jesus (I think it was) on the ground, putting on his socks. Brief conversation ensued:
JESUS: Good morning … [puts on socks] … don't ask … it's a long story
lobster: Good morning. I won't ask.
JESUS: … a very a long story …
lobster: I won't ask.
I think he wanted me to ask
… ah well … Happy Easter, Buddha Bunnies. 
Oops, I think they are coltsfoot. Which makes perfect sense as they were growing in a former horse paddock …
Here is 'little blue' butterfly from my garden, on Easter Sunday.
I think on a flower of an Alkanet plant. Pernicious and persistent weed. Yes, the bees and butterflies love them, but they are invasive and the devil to control!
Well it would seem that Autumn has finally arrived on the island, overcast windy and drop in temperature...defiantly not a skinny dip beach day..
It may definitely not be a day to skinny-dip - but I would defiantly do it anyway!
This morning's sunrise( well peeping through the clouds)
I'm guessing "The Boomerang Effect" works both ways, yes?
...So a humanitarian will work tirelessly for the release and rescue of political prisoners, while Nazis will work even harder to eliminate "minority" groups.
Yes. The main concept here is reactance. The more someone attacks/argue with you and tries to subdue something you believe (National Socialism), the more you will defend it and even intensify your view and conduct.
Also it applies for more mundane situations... for example (real life)
Person 1: Fuck, fuck, fuck.. why is it so late?
Person 2: Mind your language, please.
Person 1: Fuck * 10,000
Hmm boomerang effect
Burning knees. It means......
And yoga... !
Awesome trumpet skills…
Damn!!!!
Any profanities, trolling, flaming....? Personal attacks? Serious "Jeezus luv yew" militant Christians throwing their weight about? Any obscene photos or posts, soliciting members to commit unspeakable acts? Any knives, guns or lethal weapons being bandied about?
Anything?
...Nothing...?
All I do all day is delete spam applicants... that is the extent of my Moderating this forum.
Maybe we're playing it too safe....
Bloody Buddha, I'm bored....
.
.
.
.
.
ETA, @lobster ....No.
Just no.
whatever you're planning...
No.
We’ve all grown far too wise @federica… so wise that our eyeballs are rolling back in their sockets and we can no longer see the screens, so wise that our leathery-hard brains have soured in their skull-like containers, so wise that our skeletal bodies have meditated themselves into a near-death state behind the keyboard incapable of answering a fresh up-and-coming young aspirant.
Soon the accumulated wisdom-merit of the newbuddhist forum will come pouring forth, like a flood into adjacent websites, spidering out into sister servers on whatever server farm hosts it. Or maybe not.
So it’s just as well that all the new applicants are spam-bots.
At least you have spam-bots to deal with. I just sit here refreshing the page.
I still miss Omar and his salvation speech...
After the morning jolk, I took the ferry to Auckland. it's another long weekend again (ANZAC) lots of people coming and going from the island...the ferries were full, masked and unmasked travellers ...
I needed to pick up a couple of boxes of RATs kits which I ordered from the Ministry of Health's website-they are free...After I picked them up I decided to do a bit of shopping, plus call into Specsavers to book an eye test, anyhow, as I was walking up the main street I spied a sign which said Furein Asian supermarket it's downstairs below street level...I was in heaven, all the teas I could ask for, Oolong teas, Ginseng Oolong tea, Ginseng tea, Gunpowder tea...The prices were okay too...
Overall it's been a satisfying day....glad to be back home...