First Wellington on a Plate event was a tasting at Fuel Espresso. Nice to visit the roastery again and see old faces. We slurped espresso shots of Fuel’s 2 brands and searched for ways to describe the taste off a big wrap sheet of coffee descriptors containing words like ‘acidy, musty, caramelised, nutty, sweet, winey, grassy, buttery’ – very like wine tasting. Was interesting to taste straight shots because I drink both their blends every day and both with milk. They also had the roaster going so we got to see a freshly roasted batch of beans come out into the cooling tray and smell that freshly roasted smell that wafts around town sometimes up close.

Our old friend and also long time Fuel drinker Keith joined us. It was a great evening.

Just found out today that Xero is in line for another prestigious NZ-based award so The Mister and I have been asked to put on our posh tux and frock and represent. So we’re off to the NZ Internet Industry Awards to be held at a black tie dinner at Parliament this Thursday.

However I’ve got frock nerves – I’ve gotten away with wearing my same black dress to a few awards now but have only ever been caught and published on Xero film at the last awards – the Webbys in New York. So if we win, and I am photographed again, apparently the fabloids will be out to criticise me for wearing the same frock. Yikes! I was consoling myself thinking that our shareholders might appreciate that I am not paid enough of their hard-earned investment to go out and buy a new frock every time I am called upon to attend a black tie event for Xero. Which turns out to have been quite a few over the last 3 years.

However, am laughing in the face of societal pressure, again, and will be wearing the same frock. But this time, being that it’s winter, I’ll finally get to wear this gorgeous wrap of orange felt, velvet ribbon and beads, handmade by my sister for me last year.

Which I will try to be wearing if I am photographed!