nested neeping

One of the good things about my job is that, on getting a really stupid query in, I can turn to my colleague sitting next to me and say, "Just look at this one." And we can share a comfortable expression of shock, horror, and so forth.

(The rain still hasn't come. Bah.)

---

I speak not against masters of defence; indeed, they are to be honored, nor against the science, it is noble, and in my opinion to be preferred next to divinity, for as divinity preserves the soul from hell and the devil, so does this noble science defend the body from wounds & slaughter. And moreover, the exercising of weapons puts away aches, griefs, and diseases, it increases strength, and sharpens the wits. It gives a perfect judgement, it expels melancholy, choleric and evil conceits, it keeps a man in breath, perfect health, and long life. It is unto him that has the perfection thereof, a most friendly and comfortable companion when he is alone, having but only his weapon about him. It puts him out of fear, & in the wars and places of most danger, it makes him bold, hardy and valiant.

-- Paradoxes of Defence, George Silver (1599)

whee!

Superstitiously didn't mention this last night, because it might not have panned out, and then I would have been twice as disappointed.

Yesterday in my lunch break I wandered up to the site of the new Wagamama that opens on the 31st, to see if they had any interesting special offers forthcoming, etc, and when I got there I saw people being let in and a lady on the door with a clipboard. It turned out that in the runup to opening, they were doing a set of lunches and dinners via application/invitation so that the staff could get practice, etc. So I investigated, and tried to apply yesterday, but had no luck with the website application, and was told to phone back later.

Did so this morning. Was told that they couldn't reserve a place for me, but that there were free spaces this lunchtime (incidentally the last day they were doing this) and that if I turned up I'd probably get lucky. Rubbed my hands together and invited my coworker Emma who is also a Wagamama fiend, and we trotted along.

There was space. We got in. They gave us a starter and a main course and two drinks and as much water as we wanted, all totally free. Absolutely marvellous (apart from the little incident involving a dropped bottle of beer and some sprayed froth, and I'm currently hoping I don't smell of it . . .)

The only problem is that now, after duck gyoza and chicken tama rice and a glass of plum wine, I am having great difficulty in keeping my eyes open for the afternoon's work . . .