Category Archives: General

09.13.14
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Being a Traveler that doesn’t Travel sucks

I have a history of traveling. And at present I’m not.

It’s so frustrating being necessarily frugal and having to weigh up where every dollar goes.

Friends are in Dubai en route to Amsterdam, Ireland then back through Thailand. Friends are off to the US on a new adventure. Friends get sick of Auckland and go sit on an island beach for a while.

I feel stuck.

I feel like a part of me that was released has been caged again.

I don’t like it.

I need to get through this phase of life as quickly as I can. Then I can focus on my destination list.

A few years ago I set a target of visiting a country that challenges me at least once per year. It hasn’t happened in the last three years. I need to get going again.

 

09.01.14
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Springtime in Christchurch

I have just returned to Auckland from a long weekend in Christchurch.

I had a bit of trepidation about returning there after so many years. In fact, I was last there in 2009, so my memories of the city were pre-quake. Even now, nearly 4 years after the September 2010 earthquake, the city is still in disrepair. But what I saw was growth. I saw opportunity.

I spoke to many people. Locals that worked in jobs: hospitality, retail, trades. There is a sense of absolute optimism and resilience there. They know that the Christchurch that will rise from the ashes is going to be something special. The heart of the city still beats.

There is an understanding amongst locals that this is a long term project. Innovation such as the re:Start mall is fantastic and helps instil the vision of the future. The conversations were eye-opening. Politically there are disparate views, but there is a coming together of shared destiny. The insurance companies seem to have been absolute bastards and are involved in outrageous behaviour at the expense of the people of the City – and I am sure that this is something that will be addressed in the future.

re-Start

The rebuilding of streets such as New Regent St gives hope.

newregent

Many of you know that I lost friends in the CTV building collapse, and this trip presented my first opportunity to say goodbye and reflect on the character of those lost. Seeing the 185 empty chairs installation was poignant. Seeing the memorial on the site was moving and I am grateful I was able to spend some time there.

chairs ctv

I loved seeing how in the midst of the work of removing derelict buildings, new buildings are going up. I loved seeing how random spaces are being turned into sculpture installations and how street art is prevalent. Others being turned into laneways with bars and diners, ready for when the people return to the CBD. It’s so healthy seeing how people are beautifying things that would normally remind of a desert experience. Where there are shattered pillars, there can also be colour and life.

rubbleFlowerBedstreetart

We also visited New Brighton and Akaroa. Contrasting destinations, accessed through very different landscapes, but collectively showing that Christchurch will survive. And will survive well.akaroa1akaroa2newbrightonI’m glad I visited and stayed. It was a good time for closure. Christchurch is still a beautiful city, with amazing people. I will be returning sooner than later.

Murray would be proud and pleased to see what Christchurch is becoming. RIP.

NOTE: Special Thanks to Jeff and Naomi of Centrepoint on Colombo. Fanastic motel, and fab service! I heartily recommend you stay there!

08.11.14
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The Late Night Big Breakfast

Watch TV ONE's new local comedy featuring Leigh Hart and his crew on The Late Night Big Breakfast

I’d heard about this show and finally got to watch it (recorded) the other day.

I’ve not laughed so hard for a very very long time. Actual tears.

It’s dry. It’s irreverent. It’s crass. It’s silly. And it is SO very good!

I love the guests who are utterly bewildered by the interviews. They play the straight foil to Leigh, Jeremy and Jason so well. And they’re so unaware that they are. It’s comedy gold.

Give it a try. Highly recommended by this viewer.

08.03.14
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Weekend Done

And…. relax.

Actually, I quite enjoyed this weekend for the most part. Amazing time having my kids here, and I am so enjoying their personalities. The nuanced sense of humour and joy of living. I hope I never lose mine (of course, as with adult life, one can lose ones sense of humour easily).

I’ve been introducing them to the Harry Potter movie series. I was a bit uncertain given their world-views and some of the content, but they’ve been enjoying the character development and story. Deathly Hallows 1 and 2 next time they’re here…

Soccer (football for the purists) leads to me having to wear my counsellor hat. Still, a visit to the comic book store seems to staunch the tears of disappointment quickly. Thanks Heroes For Sale.

Quality time was spent with my parents also. The kids were on form. They discovered I have a degree of OCD as I noticed a slightly askew picture and needed to correct it during the lunch meal. Interesting times as I had to explain it, and then follow them around the house putting everything back in alignment after the kids moved things about. (That sense of humour eh?)

OCD* a new Twitter account to follow: @OCD_Nightmares

** if you type ‘askew’ into a Google search bar, something special occurs. Try it on your desktop Mac/PC browser. Thanks to Master 11 for showing me this.

 

It has been a trying week leading up to the weekend. It’s required a lot of energy. Family dynamics are strange.

I’m now home as I need to hermit for a bit – thinking, planning, preparing. Caves are safe after all. At least generally (look out for sleeping bears). I am grateful to those who understand me and know to give me space when I need it.

 

03.18.14
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Dear labour

Dear Labour.

I am a Right-leaning voter. No surprises there.

I am a firm believer in the debate of opposing viewpoints but more importantly, I am a believer in the need for a strong Opposition to keep the Government of the day in check.

New Zealand does not have a strong Opposition at this time.

This is a situation entirely of your own making.

Your factional infighting weakens you. Your railing against opposition actions when you do the same things yourselves reeks of hypocrisy.

And Kiwis don’t like it.

Focus instead on the Economy. Poverty (we have poverty in NZ???). Education. Support for those that need it. Fairness and Justice for all.

Leave the Personality Politics.

You’ll get traction.

Good luck. However, I suspect the disunity and personal agendas within your caucus will outweigh the practical aspects of regaining the Government benches.

03.17.14
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Thoughts about renting and having to move

In mid-January I received notice that my apartment owners intended to sell my apartment. This wasn’t really a surprise given the ‘valuation for insurance purposes’ visit in December.

Thought #1. Why can’t people just be honest and say why they’re getting valutations etc.?

As I’m a clean and tidy person (mostly) it wasn’t too challenging to get my place to ‘Take Photos For Trade-Me’ level. The agent who was selling the Apartment was actually very good. Very communicative and reasonable. He also bought me wine.

Thought #2. Giving wine to people who like wine is a really good way to get them onside.

It took six weeks from first notice to getting the place sold. And it sold for a record price apparently. I’ll take credit for the fact that I’ve treated it well for 4 1/2 years. I don’t get any commission though.

I couldn’t move on finding a new place until I knew that it had sold, and that it had sold to a new owner/occupier who therefore required vacant possession.

Thought #3. I don’t like being in limbo. There was only so much I could do in preparation for a home hunt. I was very unsettled.

Then the hunt for a home. I knew I had to increase my per week rent cost. It’s a very tight market at the moment. I also knew that it was unlikely I could stay in my beloved Kingsland.

Thought #4. Kingsland, Auckland is FANTASTIC.

Focus. Stay on topic.

Ok – over two weeks I visited 23 Open Homes. And spent probably 2 hours each day researching, contacting, applying, researching, contacting… you get the picture. Detailed notes were taken.

Thought #5. Evernote is a brilliant solution. I was able to keep track of everything associated with the hunt across all devices.

Late last week, I was offered a place which I’ve accepted. I’m moving to Grey Lynn. In very close proximity to Farro Fresh, Countdown, Fruit World and within tipsy-walking distance from West Lynn, Herne Bay, and Ponsonby.

Thought #6. I may have a problem. I seem to be associating location with bars.

I’ve been through a little emotional rollercoaster as a result. My home is really my sanctuary and is and has to be a safe place for my kids when they’re in my care. I have found a new home that will work. I am horrified at how some people live. I saw some absolute shitholes. I blame landlords and tenants alike.

Also, I’ve been underwhelmed by the quality of Real Estate agents in the Rent game. Yes, I understand that they have no loyalty beyond getting the places let and obtaining the letting fee. However, there seems to be a lack of even basic courtesy when it comes to responding to emails, texts, messages. Take note Real Estate agents. You could do better.

I also don’t think it’s right that I have to provide 21 Days Notice in the period between having a home sold out from under you. I will have to pay rent to two landlords in the cross-over week. Oh well. Needs must I guess.

Thought #7. I need to save enough money for a deposit on a place so this doesn’t happen again.

02.12.14
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Mr Ryder and Mr Bracewell

I’ve been mulling the alleged late nights and drinking at inappropriate times of these high-level professional sportspeople over. Hence the delay in this post.

So there was media outrage over the behavior of these two. Perhaps a little judgey but then again, perhaps not.

My take on it is this.

I don’t get why they’d go out on a school night. I don’t get why they’d get trolleyed. I don’t get it because they’re supposedly professional athletes – tasked, focussed and on a mission. Supposedly.

I feel for the Black Caps. They’ve done something remarkable in achieving a test victory over India. And all the talk is about Ryder and Bracewell.

Both have been given multiple chances. Both are actually surplus to requirements now. We have depth.

Cut them loose NZ Cricket. As an organisation you’re moving forward and this Black Caps unit is gelling well, and performing.

The other players don’t need this distraction.

02.11.14
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Flappy Bird huh?

So. I gave in and downloaded Flappy Bird. Which, as you all now know is no longer available for whatever reason.

Anyway, I was motivated to play this infernal game because my 11 year old son (with whom I am highly competitive when it comes to gaming) got 41 points. In about the same time I was on 14 points.

And would you believe it? By the time I got to 41, he was on 74. 74!!! And he sent me a gloating text message to mock me.

I was driven… Success!!

FlappyBird

I called him to get the glory.

He didn’t care. He’s moved on.

Bloody kids.

02.02.14
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Open Homes Suck

Well. This was unexpected. I’ve had a pretty major emotional reaction that I am trying to get my head around. I’m grieving and reflecting.

Backstory: My apartment is up for sale. This means I have had to get to to photo-ready cleanliness for the advertising, and then presentation-level cleanliness for the Open Homes. I keep my home tidy for the most part, so it’s not really a huge stretch.

However it’s the first time I have had Open Homes forced upon me. Previous Open Homes in my life have been at my behest and I was a beneficiary of said Open Homes.

Today was the first one. Hopefully, not the first of an endless stream of highly irritating inconveniences, but that depends entirely on the saleability of this place.

One thing that has bothered me is that I have had strangers through my home. Uninvited strangers.

I’ve been here for over 4 1/2 years. In that time my parents have visited twice. My older sister, once. My younger sister, once. People generally don’t visit. This is my sanctuary.  It has become this for a number of reasons.

It is my first ‘me’ place. A place that I made my own. A place that reflects my style and needs (rather than having to say ‘yes dear, you can do that style of decorating in that room’).  This is a place that I have created to be safe and fun for my kids (when they come to stay). In this place I have healed, I have grown. In this place I have rediscovered ‘me’.

People tell me that change leads to a better place. This is of course quite possible. However I suspect that change that I am not managing or in control of leads to upheaval and disruption.

All this may be unnecessary and preemptive but one can’t control when grief hits. This place is way more than walls and a roof.

There is a good chance that it’s purchased by an investor who likes the idea of me being here, in which case life goes on.

Nonetheless, I have not been happy today.

 

01.23.14
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Jan 23rd – News of the Day – Thoughts

A day of news. Here’s 10.

1) National’s Education Package. I’m excited by this. It’s a good initiative. It’ll be very difficult for the Opposition to oppose. I did like Cunliffe’s “We’ll do the same… +1. So we’re better”.

2) Mandela’s statue. When I die and you all decide to erect an enormous bronze casting of me, I’d be honoured to have a small bunny hidden in my ear. It appeals to my humour.

3) Kim Dotcom’s ‘Good Times’. Some things should not exist. I did like this review. It made me laugh.

4) Further on Kim Dotcom and the Internet Party. I am concerned that so many professionals continue to buy into this guys patently obvious Reality Distortion Field.  Still, it’s their call I suppose.

5) Len Brown. *giggles*

6) The Black Caps. Just… wow. Fantastic results against India so far. Great to watch.

7) Economic Optimism. 2014 is sending the signals of being a great year for NZ in terms of our economy. I am very pleased to see this after a few years of doing it frugal.

8) The Tui ‘Catch a Million’ promotion. Brilliant. Well done those people!

9) The Australian Open. Go Federer. I’d love to see him go all the way.

10) Someone actually spent time researching Texting and Walking to learn that it was a bad idea??