Well, last Monday night, actually early Tuesday morning, my grandmother died. The first day of spring was her last day on this earth. Sorry, I won't get too corny, but was kind of a big event. Her mother only died about four years ago, so it wasn't really expected until the last six months or so. My grandfather handled it pretty well, all things considered.
I took Hannah down there on Tuesday, and she cheered him up a bit. My father disowned me and cast aspersions on my mother which really made my day. He behaved himself at the funeral, and what he said during the service was largely crap. I now know that there will never be any sort of reconciliation between myself and him and that I have done the best thing for both me and the kids.
So, after taking Monday off sick and bereavement leave on Tuesday, I had to work my arse off for two days before the funeral. Had a presentation on the internet to do for the Employers Association, which went well on Thursday evening.
Friday was the funeral, with Mum and Penny over here for it. Was good to see them, and the kids enjoyed seeing them. Hannah is beginning to wonder if John (Mum's hubby) really does exist. At least they both got to drink water without fear (Sydney is having more problems). Met my cousin Evan for the first time in about 20 years. He has a five month old boy called Jimmy who I didn't really want to give back. Was very cute, I remember Rory at that age and they are heaps of fun (and they sleep a lot, and don't want a turn on the Playstation).
We went to the end of season do for Soccer on Saturday for the Orcas. Ross played in the parents team, and the parents nearly did too well. Soccer was the winner on the day, and apart from about four injuries to the boys (two were wounded by their own parents) there weren't any tears. The boys had a great time, fooling around on the playground afterward at Coyle Park down the end of Pt Chevalier. It was good that Penny and Mum got to see Rory and the team play. I was given a little fluffy Orca and a card and a bottle of Champagne. The Orca is on my key ring and will be for a while. I was really tickled that they did that.
After that, Rory went to a birthday party for friend James. When he was little, just talking, and I told Rory I loved him, he used to say "Love you bigger, Dad". At the party, when I picked him up, he wanted a spare Cheetor that Hames was given. I said no, and there was some disagreement on the matter. At one point he said quietly "Love you smaller, Dad." The little shit. I held him upside down and asked if he wanted me to get the other boys to tickle him. He got over it, but it was kind of a nasty thing to say.
Ross and Kath came for dinner on Saturday and I kicked Ross' butt on Gran Turismo (which I got on about Wednesday). It was good to spend some time with them, with the excitement building for the arrival of their son in about six weeks. I really am going to have to go shopping soon.
Sunday was Father's day and I got a radio for use in the shower, it seems to be stuck on Radio Sport (shame really). We went for breakfast at the Atomic Cafe which is sort of a Mothers Day/Fathers Day tradition. Then we went to Purewa Cemetary for Mum to say goodbye to Natalie, a baby she lost after I was born. She was never given the chance even to see her when she was born, so it was good for her to finally do it. Penny did some flowers for her to leave there, and some for Hannah too.
We then went to see Pop with everyone before we took Mum to the airport and said goodbye to Penny. Three trips to Te Kauwhata in six days. And I think my car just knows which way to go. After the huge week he had we all felt it was good to make sure he didn't feel too lonely that day. Searching for missing jewellery and stuff was giving me a very yuck feeling.
Kids demanded I had a bath with them last night, and I had to wash Hannahs hair with her new Barbie Shampoo. Not much room for all three of us in the bath, and I was bloody cold I have to say.
I think I will tell you all what I want you to have and maybe give it to you before it is too late. I want to be buried with my parachute action man, buzz lightyear, my Star Trek Phaser and Communicator, Gran Turismo, a dual shock controller, my lego technic supercar, my tennis racket, a photo of Cindy Crawford (it was a dream I had a couple of weeks ago, no idea where it came from), my wife (alive or dead - it doesn't matter), some photos of my kids and maybe grandchildren. I want to be set adrift in my kayak, and then set on fire. Should be room for the stuff in the two compartments. Just strap Diana to the pointy end - I want earplugs if she is still alive. I intend to do a video for my funeral and anyone who says I was nice or other crap will be forcibly ejected from the room by four big ugly bouncers with cattle prods, and electronic bullshit detectors. Stay tuned for any changes.
All in all, a pretty emotionally draining week, probably more than one would prefer generally. At least I completed the Zerg scenarios in StarCraft and am now onto the Protoss.
Still water in some places there shouldn't be water down near Meremere.
Finally fixed the tuning on the video for Sky after taping half of Merlin in Black and White with no sound. Taped Harriet the Spy for the kids on Saturday night before I remembered. Doh!
Got a call from Carrie Battenberg about computer stuff last week. She was pretty cheerful. Suppose we should make an effort to catch up with them now that they live in Auckland again.
Some kid used a lawnmower to make his hand resemble sliced ham, but they sewed him back together. The government is limping along. The economy is responding to the joy that Asia and Russia are bringing us. A Scottish tourist electrocuted himself on an electric train. Sex workers are worried about the impact of Viagra, although parlour owners are probably planning on sending the pill to customers in need of a boost.
Didn't see any sport over the weekend at all. I heard that Southland were wiped out in a Ranfurly Shield challenge by Waikato 95-7 or something. Sad. Auckland played Canterbury at home and were embarassed in front of the home crowd losing 50-17. Wellington beat Taranaki and Harbour beat Northland who are now bottom dwellers with Auckland not much better. Otago beat Counties.
The East Coast haven't lost a game so far in Division Three, they haven't won a game for about ten years previously.
In ARL the Sydney City Roosters were losing 15-0 at half time but beat Newcastle (I think) by 25-15 or something. All the tries were scored at the same end of the field. I'd be pissed off if I was sitting at the other end of the ground.
Simon Crafar is till just behind Troy Corser in the superbikes championship (half a point).
Apologies for a bit of a long one this week, but this epistle is sometimes for my benefit as much as anyone with the stamina to read it. Especially this week as so many of you are in it or aware of the events anyway.
Be happy and let's hope nobody dies this week.
7 September 1998
31 August 1998
Very quickly - 31/08/98
I am so full of "water bogies" (as Hannah calls them) that I am not going to say much before I go and crawl into bed.
Most Important game: The Orcas won 6-0, hat-tricks for Joseph and Harry. Good game, mostly attacking. Kids complained about how they never get goal kicks again. Kids starting to freak about playing the parents. Bit sad, last game and all that, but game next weekend and prizegiving yet to come. Seems that cricket will be the sport of choice for summer.
Vaguely relevant game: Taranaki thrashed Auckland, third win in a row against Auckland.
Significant game: Wallabies screwed All Blacks, now five losses in a row. Again AB's blow a lead for most of the game in the final 10 or fifteen. First time the got AB's three in a row since 1929.
Consequential game: Black Ferns (ladies rugby team) beat the Walleroos in the curtain raiser. Support now significantly shifted towards women's rugby in New Zealand.
Indifferent game: Women's League team creamed Great Britain side, I think. Media coverage sporadic.
Did bugger all of note, picked up kayak, couldn't use it. Too much wind, Diana spewing on Saturday (but not Sunday so no worries there), me with tissues attached to face all weekend. Took kids to movies in morning yesterday, saw Godzilla with Rory - it was okay but nothing special. Hannah saw Anastasia.
Going to bed now, have a better week than me.
Most Important game: The Orcas won 6-0, hat-tricks for Joseph and Harry. Good game, mostly attacking. Kids complained about how they never get goal kicks again. Kids starting to freak about playing the parents. Bit sad, last game and all that, but game next weekend and prizegiving yet to come. Seems that cricket will be the sport of choice for summer.
Vaguely relevant game: Taranaki thrashed Auckland, third win in a row against Auckland.
Significant game: Wallabies screwed All Blacks, now five losses in a row. Again AB's blow a lead for most of the game in the final 10 or fifteen. First time the got AB's three in a row since 1929.
Consequential game: Black Ferns (ladies rugby team) beat the Walleroos in the curtain raiser. Support now significantly shifted towards women's rugby in New Zealand.
Indifferent game: Women's League team creamed Great Britain side, I think. Media coverage sporadic.
Did bugger all of note, picked up kayak, couldn't use it. Too much wind, Diana spewing on Saturday (but not Sunday so no worries there), me with tissues attached to face all weekend. Took kids to movies in morning yesterday, saw Godzilla with Rory - it was okay but nothing special. Hannah saw Anastasia.
Going to bed now, have a better week than me.
24 August 1998
17 August 1998
Okay, this is the highly edited version (although it may not appear to be) - 17/08/98
Where does one start exactly?
The rugby. Up 23-5, then losing 24-23. Peter thinks that they wanted to lose because the boks are really cocky and we want the World Cup more than anything. Might be true, let's hope so. We should have easily won and letting the foot off the throat is possibly the only explanation.
On a happier note, the Orcas beat the curse of Kiwitea Park and won 3-0 on a narrow field where we had a nil all draw previously. Won 9 from 11 now, which is pretty good. Only two games left assuming weather plays no part.
Harbour got thumped by Taranaki in the opening round of the NPC, Otago thumped Canterbury, and Auckland was beaten 24-23 by Waikato so they (W) keep the shield. Didn't actually watch any of the NPC games.
Forgot to mention I bought roller blades last weekend. Got some for Rory on Friday night and we did some 'blading on Saturday and Sunday (Rory twice as long as anyone else on Sunday). Gavin showed us a few pointers on Saturday morning. He came to the game and took some more photos. The last ones were so good I wanted some more before it was too late. Rory did very well on his 'blades, and is way too confident. Falls over for fun. I haven't fallen over yet, although came quite close once. Seem to be getting the knack of stopping and turning. Rory will be doing it every night this week I think. Hannah has some strap on Thomas blades that are really wide. She is trying but it is quite hard for her. Keen though.
Rory had two team mates over on Saturday after the game, Ryan and Harry. They played very well, I think having them after they are knackered from a game is an excellent approach. No scraps, and not much boisterous behaviour. The coach that beat his son has been relieved of his position, I thought they might have let him finish the season. Most parents of the kids in his team don't understand why he had to go.
Went swimming yesterday morning with the kids at Waitakere for first time in ages - since our holiday in fact. Rory swam the full 25m length of the main pool, very pleased about it - still going on about it at breakfast this morning. I had to swim it underwater. Was sucking air afterward, believe me.
Hannah was "asleep" when we got home, so I put her to bed and we (Diana as well) pretended to leave the room and we shut the door. As soon as she heard the click she opened her eyes and turned around - SPRUNG! She was pretty miffed to say the least. Was quite funny, I have to admit.
After we came home and I phoned my grandparents. Went down there in the afternoon. My grandmother is basically knackered, looked very tired and frail. She has lost heaps of weight and is struggling to breath. It wasn't exactly fun but I am glad I went, would rather be there while she is still moving. Basically said goodbye to her. My grandfather isn't having a lot of fun, but he is handling it. He might move to Auckland after this is all over.
Hannah strip mined a flowerbed of their neighbours. A whole bunch of little green bushes with signs saying what the plants used to be. She wasn't caught, would have been a good lesson for her. Kids were otherwise pretty good, the care centre where my grandmother was would seem pretty overwhelming to them I think, I remember what it was like visiting my great-grandmother when I was that age.
The big anniversary passed relatively quietly. We got some takeout pizzas from Prego. Haven't decided what to do present-wise yet, but might just buy a picture for the lounge. No idea when we will actually go and look for one.
Friday night we did the shopping things so we didn't need to over the weekend. It was good, we took the kids to Burger King for dinner and they ran around at the playground. Felt like we had more time the rest of the weekend.
Did no gardening, no basic household maintenance, didn't seem to have time. Didn't even glue anything.
Kids seem to be spending heaps more time on the computer and less in front of the television and video, which is good. Putt Putt Travels Trough Time is the latest fad, we got it from the library. Keeps them quiet but it means we can often only use the computer when they are asleep. Maybe we need two......
Now, the politics. We kind of have a government but not really. Winston got sacked on Thursday and is now a backbench MP. One NZ First member has walked. The rest are still NZF. They are now going into the coalition disputes procedure to see what happens but the government is largely crippled. Mucking around for days or weeks with this sort of thing is utterly pathetic, but is classic Winston style.
Now we hear this morning that confidence in buying houses has gone up. Screwy. NZ$ is buying less than US$0.50c, so things are kind of dodgy for some people. At least interest rates are lowish.
We won some sort of sailing cup, Kenwood Cup, I think, in Hawaii late last week. First one for a while. Just about the end of the season for the team I don't mention, one game to go, didn't make the playoffs but didn't come last I suppose.
When we went south yesterday we noticed the waters of the Waikato are still very bloody high. I know rain was forecast for the area but it appears they are still there from the last big dump. Couple of fields that are still lakes and one field that is just dried mud. One house still has their driveway under water and a kayak looking all sad and lonely beside it.
Paul - got your postcard, the kids really liked the picture of the castle. Rory spent a while imagining what it would be like to live in one. Wanted to build one in the back.
Koos- just talked to your Dad, he said he is having some sort of test to see what is happening with his eye. Gave him your address to give to David.
The rugby. Up 23-5, then losing 24-23. Peter thinks that they wanted to lose because the boks are really cocky and we want the World Cup more than anything. Might be true, let's hope so. We should have easily won and letting the foot off the throat is possibly the only explanation.
On a happier note, the Orcas beat the curse of Kiwitea Park and won 3-0 on a narrow field where we had a nil all draw previously. Won 9 from 11 now, which is pretty good. Only two games left assuming weather plays no part.
Harbour got thumped by Taranaki in the opening round of the NPC, Otago thumped Canterbury, and Auckland was beaten 24-23 by Waikato so they (W) keep the shield. Didn't actually watch any of the NPC games.
Forgot to mention I bought roller blades last weekend. Got some for Rory on Friday night and we did some 'blading on Saturday and Sunday (Rory twice as long as anyone else on Sunday). Gavin showed us a few pointers on Saturday morning. He came to the game and took some more photos. The last ones were so good I wanted some more before it was too late. Rory did very well on his 'blades, and is way too confident. Falls over for fun. I haven't fallen over yet, although came quite close once. Seem to be getting the knack of stopping and turning. Rory will be doing it every night this week I think. Hannah has some strap on Thomas blades that are really wide. She is trying but it is quite hard for her. Keen though.
Rory had two team mates over on Saturday after the game, Ryan and Harry. They played very well, I think having them after they are knackered from a game is an excellent approach. No scraps, and not much boisterous behaviour. The coach that beat his son has been relieved of his position, I thought they might have let him finish the season. Most parents of the kids in his team don't understand why he had to go.
Went swimming yesterday morning with the kids at Waitakere for first time in ages - since our holiday in fact. Rory swam the full 25m length of the main pool, very pleased about it - still going on about it at breakfast this morning. I had to swim it underwater. Was sucking air afterward, believe me.
Hannah was "asleep" when we got home, so I put her to bed and we (Diana as well) pretended to leave the room and we shut the door. As soon as she heard the click she opened her eyes and turned around - SPRUNG! She was pretty miffed to say the least. Was quite funny, I have to admit.
After we came home and I phoned my grandparents. Went down there in the afternoon. My grandmother is basically knackered, looked very tired and frail. She has lost heaps of weight and is struggling to breath. It wasn't exactly fun but I am glad I went, would rather be there while she is still moving. Basically said goodbye to her. My grandfather isn't having a lot of fun, but he is handling it. He might move to Auckland after this is all over.
Hannah strip mined a flowerbed of their neighbours. A whole bunch of little green bushes with signs saying what the plants used to be. She wasn't caught, would have been a good lesson for her. Kids were otherwise pretty good, the care centre where my grandmother was would seem pretty overwhelming to them I think, I remember what it was like visiting my great-grandmother when I was that age.
The big anniversary passed relatively quietly. We got some takeout pizzas from Prego. Haven't decided what to do present-wise yet, but might just buy a picture for the lounge. No idea when we will actually go and look for one.
Friday night we did the shopping things so we didn't need to over the weekend. It was good, we took the kids to Burger King for dinner and they ran around at the playground. Felt like we had more time the rest of the weekend.
Did no gardening, no basic household maintenance, didn't seem to have time. Didn't even glue anything.
Kids seem to be spending heaps more time on the computer and less in front of the television and video, which is good. Putt Putt Travels Trough Time is the latest fad, we got it from the library. Keeps them quiet but it means we can often only use the computer when they are asleep. Maybe we need two......
Now, the politics. We kind of have a government but not really. Winston got sacked on Thursday and is now a backbench MP. One NZ First member has walked. The rest are still NZF. They are now going into the coalition disputes procedure to see what happens but the government is largely crippled. Mucking around for days or weeks with this sort of thing is utterly pathetic, but is classic Winston style.
Now we hear this morning that confidence in buying houses has gone up. Screwy. NZ$ is buying less than US$0.50c, so things are kind of dodgy for some people. At least interest rates are lowish.
We won some sort of sailing cup, Kenwood Cup, I think, in Hawaii late last week. First one for a while. Just about the end of the season for the team I don't mention, one game to go, didn't make the playoffs but didn't come last I suppose.
When we went south yesterday we noticed the waters of the Waikato are still very bloody high. I know rain was forecast for the area but it appears they are still there from the last big dump. Couple of fields that are still lakes and one field that is just dried mud. One house still has their driveway under water and a kayak looking all sad and lonely beside it.
Paul - got your postcard, the kids really liked the picture of the castle. Rory spent a while imagining what it would be like to live in one. Wanted to build one in the back.
Koos- just talked to your Dad, he said he is having some sort of test to see what is happening with his eye. Gave him your address to give to David.
10 August 1998
This is the week, ten long years - 10/08/98
Well, on Thursday it is Diana's 10th wedding anniversary. By some sort of coincidence it is mine as well. Seems a while ago, I must admit. Got absolutely no idea what we will do for it. We are probably just going to order in pizza from Prego for dinner seeing it is a weeknight.
Speaking of Diana, she was sick and stayed in bed on Wednesday, first time since we've had kids (other than when she actually HAD the kids). Had to take Hannah swimming, drop Rory to school, cover for Diana in his computer class, and take him home. Good for me to do all that and see a different side of things. Hannah "high-fived" me at the completion of each length. She was very good in the car when I was talking on my phone, which could be confusing seeing it is in a hands-free setup so I don't look like I am on the phone. She said hello to "big Rory", a client who she has met a couple of times.
She crashed and slept for about three hours, during which time I was out doing work. When she woke up she wanted to go to Melissa's house (which was planned earlier in the week for that day but hadn't been mentioned during the day). I didn't take her because a) she was asleep, and b) I didn't get back in time. Bit of a ruckus but she went the next day in the end. I explained that we could go but nobody was home so we could just sit outside on the street in the car. She wanted to go inside and I pointed out that we would go to jail for that and then Rory and Mummy would play with our toys. Didn't quite swing it, but it helped. Finally she relented when I told her I needed help to burn the dinner.
Rory was very happy to see me at school for the computer session. Diana has been assisting the teacher which is making things considerably better and more productive. Many teachers aren't taking their kids into the suite because they are either scared of the technology or can't handle all the kids. It was an experience I have to admit. I fixed a few things on some of the machines, cleaned some mouse balls, and kept an eye on Diana's group of techno-bunnies (Rory and Ryan and the rest are year twos). One of the kids told me I looked pretty flash. Had to ask Rory what that meant (cool, apparently). Rory's comment to the other kids when I arrived was "My Dad's big, eh?". Silly really. It was fun to see what happened, much like soccer training but worse. I always thought the young ones were too scared to be anything but well-behaved. Nope. This girl Elizabeth that always chases Rory in Kiss and Catch talks like Hannah in overdrive, in overdrive. Inside of 30 seconds I knew she did ballet, origami, dancing, and about seventeen other things. I asked her if she had considered joining Toastmasters but I don't think she likes toast.
Rory lost a third tooth on Thursday night, the first one that was wiggly, the other tooth came up behind it. I showed him how to pull it out and he did, the damn thing was wobbling about 70 degrees either way so it was time to go. He has nearly $50 in his money box now, with birthday money and teeth boosting it considerably. Little bugger doesn't really need anything, a whole week after his birthday. I said he could buy all the Spice Girl dolls and he went "AAAaaarrrgghghh!". Then I said the Action Men could take them out with hand grenades and missiles and all of a sudden he thought that was an option. We will wait a few weeks before he gets cut loose with the money. I wish I could think of something appropriate that he could continue to save for.
Got some photos of the soccer from weekend before last, with some cool shots of the team in action, including Adam looking utterly focussed and in action and two of him adjusting his shirt (much more natural shots). I seem to be pointing a lot. There is a great one of Hannah with a bit of orange in her mouth, she looks surprised as if she has a whole orange in there. Gavin took them, and I think I might try to get him to take a few more.
The team got a game on Saturday, despite the predictions of rain from Friday lunchtime. We didn't see rain until late Sunday and it is still raining now, but lightly. They played well, Jared nearly scored his first goal, so close it wasn't funny, just too much of a rush. We won 6-0 with Joseph scoring 5. Against easier teams Joseph seems to score more goals. In the tougher games the others seem to score as well because I think Joseph passes it more. Many hung around afterward and played on the playground at Michaels Ave (in Ellerslie). Three games to go! I don't know what I will do on Saturdays after that. I woke up at 5am again on Saturday so was thoroughly stuffed for the party in the evening. I was very pleased we got to play. It is without doubt the highlight of my week. One of the parents on the other team said I was a very good ref! Better than the slagging you get in the higher grades. Paul Chambers' coach was ref'ing his game on Saturday and he gave every doubtful call in favour of his own team, and ran the game about seven minutes over time because his team was behind. The next teams due to play were yelling for them to stop from the sideline (timetable is very tight with games hard up against each other) and then the two coaches got a bit heated (Allan got between them to defuse the situation). I don't know who they think they are kidding sometimes. Paul might come and watch a training session with the Orcas and help out.
An all gay rugby team was featured in the Listener this week. They are the only team with 17 different coloured uniforms, they want to make sure they don't clash with anyone they play. Apparently their first game was a problem because when they were told to come out they said they already had and went into a group hug. They also not only have the blood bin, but the mud bin, where people come off when they get a bit of dirt on them. Stay tuned to see how they go. Some say they will want to be bottom of the table.
Forgot to send commiseration to the Sydney-siders with no water last week. Hope the giardia is settling down. For those who don't know, about 3.5 million people couldn't drink the water for a few days. Penny said they had bugger all bottled water as they had just sent a heap to New Guinea after the Tsunami. And they laughed about our power.
Radio Sport has been way too much in the last week with the verbal black armbands out over the rugby. Pathetic. But Michael Jones has been dropped on the basis that they are now looking toward the World Cup next year. Sad, he has been playing pretty well considering. Let's see what happens. Norm Berryman was named in the 26 man squad, to the joy of people in both Northland and Canterbury (played for the Crusaders this year). Jones says he will keep playing for Auckland.
Interesting little event at training last Tuesday. A coach dragged his son off the field, round behind the front door of the ute, then whacked him about a dozen times. I didn't want to go and interfere while I had my team to look after but the whole scene was not at all good. I didn't want to get involved in a scrap in front of my team but felt pretty shitty about leaving the boy to get thumped. A woman went over and said something and she was told to make love elsewhere. I have written a letter to the club suggesting he is not really coach material (I don't think they can do anything about him as a father). I thought my team didn't see but one said later "Gee, that coach must have been really mad with that boy" - didn't occur to them that it was a parent as well.
Installed a waste disposal thing over the weekend, despite the guy at Mitre 10's efforts to screw it up (sent Diana to get certain items, came back with less in a supposedly cheap way of doing it that didn't work and screwed up some other perfectly good components of pipery). Kids had a birthday party Saturday afternoon (Zac, who is one day older than Rory) and we had a going away party Saturday night (Gary and Angie with their two kids similar to our two in age, one of which is the Matthew we confused last weekend. Mathew is in the Stingrays, with the coach mentioned above who gives free boxing lessons). They are going to Canada for a year, on a fireman exchange programme. Heaps of people from Diana's school were there, and a few Pt Chev people I know. One guy there was talking about a lady he travelled around the US with who had slept with Bill Clinton. Wondered if she would sell her story, but I think there is probably a fair few in the same position and sleeping with him before he was married isn't exactly newsworthy. More interest in a woman who hasn't slept with him.
They are speculating on him being named as an All Black. Ball distribution excellent, defence (in court) is outstanding, doesn't mind getting his hands dirty, plays the field well.
Rory corrected the injustice of the previous weekend when he went to the other Matthews house yesterday. When he rang up he said "hello, it is Matthew EDMOND here."
Sarah came and watched Rory play on Saturday and she stayed until I dropped the kids and Diana off to the party. Was good to see her again. Her accommodation is small, but not bad. Good start for her in terms of getting out into the real world.
My grandmother is in care again, this time it may be for the duration. Needed an injection to sleep on Friday. She looked so good a few weeks back, it is a bit of a shame. Pop says he is a bit lonely, but I think he is referring to the gin bottle being empty more than anything else.
Koos, spoke to your mother the other night. She seemed pretty cheerful. Will give her your email address so David can mail you.
Labour and the Alliance hopped into bed together last week. Scary thought, but I suppose it had to happen. Bill Ralston used the rugby analogy to describe politics at the moment. The coalition has three loose forwards (John Banks, Christine Fletcher, and Neil Kirton) that act like seagulls round a rubbish dump. Winston is no good under a high ball, although he has great footwork. The tight five are a bit tired and need replacing. The Labour Alliance opposition have a strong left and right wing, so nobody knows where the next attack is coming from. You get the idea.
Shitty weather in Sydney last Friday I hear.
As you can tell, a fairly busy week all things considered. Will let you know how the anniversary goes. All of you who said it wouldn't last are definitely out of pocket by now. Mind you, we still haven't done our wedding photos. Maybe leave that for the 20th anniversary.
Speaking of Diana, she was sick and stayed in bed on Wednesday, first time since we've had kids (other than when she actually HAD the kids). Had to take Hannah swimming, drop Rory to school, cover for Diana in his computer class, and take him home. Good for me to do all that and see a different side of things. Hannah "high-fived" me at the completion of each length. She was very good in the car when I was talking on my phone, which could be confusing seeing it is in a hands-free setup so I don't look like I am on the phone. She said hello to "big Rory", a client who she has met a couple of times.
She crashed and slept for about three hours, during which time I was out doing work. When she woke up she wanted to go to Melissa's house (which was planned earlier in the week for that day but hadn't been mentioned during the day). I didn't take her because a) she was asleep, and b) I didn't get back in time. Bit of a ruckus but she went the next day in the end. I explained that we could go but nobody was home so we could just sit outside on the street in the car. She wanted to go inside and I pointed out that we would go to jail for that and then Rory and Mummy would play with our toys. Didn't quite swing it, but it helped. Finally she relented when I told her I needed help to burn the dinner.
Rory was very happy to see me at school for the computer session. Diana has been assisting the teacher which is making things considerably better and more productive. Many teachers aren't taking their kids into the suite because they are either scared of the technology or can't handle all the kids. It was an experience I have to admit. I fixed a few things on some of the machines, cleaned some mouse balls, and kept an eye on Diana's group of techno-bunnies (Rory and Ryan and the rest are year twos). One of the kids told me I looked pretty flash. Had to ask Rory what that meant (cool, apparently). Rory's comment to the other kids when I arrived was "My Dad's big, eh?". Silly really. It was fun to see what happened, much like soccer training but worse. I always thought the young ones were too scared to be anything but well-behaved. Nope. This girl Elizabeth that always chases Rory in Kiss and Catch talks like Hannah in overdrive, in overdrive. Inside of 30 seconds I knew she did ballet, origami, dancing, and about seventeen other things. I asked her if she had considered joining Toastmasters but I don't think she likes toast.
Rory lost a third tooth on Thursday night, the first one that was wiggly, the other tooth came up behind it. I showed him how to pull it out and he did, the damn thing was wobbling about 70 degrees either way so it was time to go. He has nearly $50 in his money box now, with birthday money and teeth boosting it considerably. Little bugger doesn't really need anything, a whole week after his birthday. I said he could buy all the Spice Girl dolls and he went "AAAaaarrrgghghh!". Then I said the Action Men could take them out with hand grenades and missiles and all of a sudden he thought that was an option. We will wait a few weeks before he gets cut loose with the money. I wish I could think of something appropriate that he could continue to save for.
Got some photos of the soccer from weekend before last, with some cool shots of the team in action, including Adam looking utterly focussed and in action and two of him adjusting his shirt (much more natural shots). I seem to be pointing a lot. There is a great one of Hannah with a bit of orange in her mouth, she looks surprised as if she has a whole orange in there. Gavin took them, and I think I might try to get him to take a few more.
The team got a game on Saturday, despite the predictions of rain from Friday lunchtime. We didn't see rain until late Sunday and it is still raining now, but lightly. They played well, Jared nearly scored his first goal, so close it wasn't funny, just too much of a rush. We won 6-0 with Joseph scoring 5. Against easier teams Joseph seems to score more goals. In the tougher games the others seem to score as well because I think Joseph passes it more. Many hung around afterward and played on the playground at Michaels Ave (in Ellerslie). Three games to go! I don't know what I will do on Saturdays after that. I woke up at 5am again on Saturday so was thoroughly stuffed for the party in the evening. I was very pleased we got to play. It is without doubt the highlight of my week. One of the parents on the other team said I was a very good ref! Better than the slagging you get in the higher grades. Paul Chambers' coach was ref'ing his game on Saturday and he gave every doubtful call in favour of his own team, and ran the game about seven minutes over time because his team was behind. The next teams due to play were yelling for them to stop from the sideline (timetable is very tight with games hard up against each other) and then the two coaches got a bit heated (Allan got between them to defuse the situation). I don't know who they think they are kidding sometimes. Paul might come and watch a training session with the Orcas and help out.
An all gay rugby team was featured in the Listener this week. They are the only team with 17 different coloured uniforms, they want to make sure they don't clash with anyone they play. Apparently their first game was a problem because when they were told to come out they said they already had and went into a group hug. They also not only have the blood bin, but the mud bin, where people come off when they get a bit of dirt on them. Stay tuned to see how they go. Some say they will want to be bottom of the table.
Forgot to send commiseration to the Sydney-siders with no water last week. Hope the giardia is settling down. For those who don't know, about 3.5 million people couldn't drink the water for a few days. Penny said they had bugger all bottled water as they had just sent a heap to New Guinea after the Tsunami. And they laughed about our power.
Radio Sport has been way too much in the last week with the verbal black armbands out over the rugby. Pathetic. But Michael Jones has been dropped on the basis that they are now looking toward the World Cup next year. Sad, he has been playing pretty well considering. Let's see what happens. Norm Berryman was named in the 26 man squad, to the joy of people in both Northland and Canterbury (played for the Crusaders this year). Jones says he will keep playing for Auckland.
Interesting little event at training last Tuesday. A coach dragged his son off the field, round behind the front door of the ute, then whacked him about a dozen times. I didn't want to go and interfere while I had my team to look after but the whole scene was not at all good. I didn't want to get involved in a scrap in front of my team but felt pretty shitty about leaving the boy to get thumped. A woman went over and said something and she was told to make love elsewhere. I have written a letter to the club suggesting he is not really coach material (I don't think they can do anything about him as a father). I thought my team didn't see but one said later "Gee, that coach must have been really mad with that boy" - didn't occur to them that it was a parent as well.
Installed a waste disposal thing over the weekend, despite the guy at Mitre 10's efforts to screw it up (sent Diana to get certain items, came back with less in a supposedly cheap way of doing it that didn't work and screwed up some other perfectly good components of pipery). Kids had a birthday party Saturday afternoon (Zac, who is one day older than Rory) and we had a going away party Saturday night (Gary and Angie with their two kids similar to our two in age, one of which is the Matthew we confused last weekend. Mathew is in the Stingrays, with the coach mentioned above who gives free boxing lessons). They are going to Canada for a year, on a fireman exchange programme. Heaps of people from Diana's school were there, and a few Pt Chev people I know. One guy there was talking about a lady he travelled around the US with who had slept with Bill Clinton. Wondered if she would sell her story, but I think there is probably a fair few in the same position and sleeping with him before he was married isn't exactly newsworthy. More interest in a woman who hasn't slept with him.
They are speculating on him being named as an All Black. Ball distribution excellent, defence (in court) is outstanding, doesn't mind getting his hands dirty, plays the field well.
Rory corrected the injustice of the previous weekend when he went to the other Matthews house yesterday. When he rang up he said "hello, it is Matthew EDMOND here."
Sarah came and watched Rory play on Saturday and she stayed until I dropped the kids and Diana off to the party. Was good to see her again. Her accommodation is small, but not bad. Good start for her in terms of getting out into the real world.
My grandmother is in care again, this time it may be for the duration. Needed an injection to sleep on Friday. She looked so good a few weeks back, it is a bit of a shame. Pop says he is a bit lonely, but I think he is referring to the gin bottle being empty more than anything else.
Koos, spoke to your mother the other night. She seemed pretty cheerful. Will give her your email address so David can mail you.
Labour and the Alliance hopped into bed together last week. Scary thought, but I suppose it had to happen. Bill Ralston used the rugby analogy to describe politics at the moment. The coalition has three loose forwards (John Banks, Christine Fletcher, and Neil Kirton) that act like seagulls round a rubbish dump. Winston is no good under a high ball, although he has great footwork. The tight five are a bit tired and need replacing. The Labour Alliance opposition have a strong left and right wing, so nobody knows where the next attack is coming from. You get the idea.
Shitty weather in Sydney last Friday I hear.
As you can tell, a fairly busy week all things considered. Will let you know how the anniversary goes. All of you who said it wouldn't last are definitely out of pocket by now. Mind you, we still haven't done our wedding photos. Maybe leave that for the 20th anniversary.
3 August 1998
What a team! - 03/08/98
Go Orcas!
I gave the team the big speech about how I wanted some of the other players to score a goal before the end of the season and Ryan scored the first goal (Rory's best friend, his first goal ever). We won the game 4-0, record now 28 for and 3 against (gotta be one of the best ratios around). They were a little disappointed because we were going to go to Lollipop Land if it was cancelled. They are doing very well, and I am very proud of them all. Adam, who is secretly my pick for least likely to score a goal, did the thing with the shirt where you pull it up when you score a goal like they did in the World Cup (nobody had scored a goal). Was classic.
Only four more games to go now, then hopefully a game against the parents. Still no reply from the Chicago Bulls to my application for a coaching position.
Big cockup on Sunday, Matthew rang and wanted Rory to come around and play. I asked him to check which Matthew because I didn't recognise the voice, then Diana tried to talk to Dad but he wasn't around. So we go to Matthew's house and drop Rory off, along with Tarpaulins borrowed for the birthday party. Gary seemed okay so off we went. Came back, picked him up after going to the supermarket. He had been able to work while the boys entertained each other. Worked well. Get home, there is a message from Paul, the other Mathew's Dad wondering where we are. OOOPPPSS! Seems Gary assumed his wife had arranged it. Felt sorry for the other Matthew. They all know each other so they could have all played together.
Anyway, birthday party on Friday was a big success. Picked Rory up from school (and Hannah), don't often get to do that. No tears or scraps at the party. The D costumes were three draculas, two devils, two dragonslayers (including Rory) and one Darth Vader. We had the "ball Olympics" where they all threw tennis balls through holes and stuff. Rory got the lowest score. Think he was fudging it again (doesn't like beating his friends). Then we loaded the BeastWars game I got Rory on the computer when it rained a little and I had eight boys a vying for position to see what was happening.
Rory did pretty well, with two lots of Action Man accessories, an Action Man (not fully articulated), an AM Gyrocopter, two transformer BeastWars, a BW book, the dragon siege engine for his castle, a guts spewing bug that Ross and Kath got him, and a few other bits and pieces. This morning he announced that he is ordering Santa (how quick the focus changes) for a Playstation ( fat chance) and to be made magic (yeah, right).
Took the kids to the flea market yesterday, which Hannah called the shop on the road. Diana slept for an hour and a half. We saw fog on the fields, the skytower lights were still on, and a hitchhiker tried to get a ride by doing a Keanu Reeves (in Speed, under the bus). It was fun to go for a little adventure. We had a big discussion about noses in the car after Hannah was using a tissue to get out the "water bogies" (she has a cold). Decided that noses were for breathing and picking. Asked about what happened when Mummy was cooking muffins, Rory said you could smell the burning. Hannah said that boots smell too. We decided that noses were no use really. Rory thinks we should chop them off then spit blood out of the holes at people.
Rory had a party at Liam's house in the afternoon and I practiced soccer for the indoor game that hasn't happened yet.
We don't talk about the rugby, we have less silverware now than for a long time. They suck, big changes afoot. The game was okay, missed the last two tries as I had gone to do things with the kids (Diana was out at lunch with friends).
At least it didn't rain much and we could have the party and the soccer. After record rainfall we had record temperatures in Auckland (highs). Stupid weather. I think the TAB is going to start taking bets on what happens next.
Not much other news. Did some minor gardening as the weather was better. No more shelves inside as yet.
Saw my half-sister Sarah last night, for first time since January. She has moved out of home and into a student hostel. Was good to see her, should be easier to keep in touch with her now.
Planning for Hannah's birthday now officially commenced. Six weeks away and counting.
Laughed more in seven minutes on Saturday night than ever before. I can't say why, it was something Diana said. She gave it a huge build up and I was desperately trying not to laugh, nearly choked on a vitamin C pill.
I gave the team the big speech about how I wanted some of the other players to score a goal before the end of the season and Ryan scored the first goal (Rory's best friend, his first goal ever). We won the game 4-0, record now 28 for and 3 against (gotta be one of the best ratios around). They were a little disappointed because we were going to go to Lollipop Land if it was cancelled. They are doing very well, and I am very proud of them all. Adam, who is secretly my pick for least likely to score a goal, did the thing with the shirt where you pull it up when you score a goal like they did in the World Cup (nobody had scored a goal). Was classic.
Only four more games to go now, then hopefully a game against the parents. Still no reply from the Chicago Bulls to my application for a coaching position.
Big cockup on Sunday, Matthew rang and wanted Rory to come around and play. I asked him to check which Matthew because I didn't recognise the voice, then Diana tried to talk to Dad but he wasn't around. So we go to Matthew's house and drop Rory off, along with Tarpaulins borrowed for the birthday party. Gary seemed okay so off we went. Came back, picked him up after going to the supermarket. He had been able to work while the boys entertained each other. Worked well. Get home, there is a message from Paul, the other Mathew's Dad wondering where we are. OOOPPPSS! Seems Gary assumed his wife had arranged it. Felt sorry for the other Matthew. They all know each other so they could have all played together.
Anyway, birthday party on Friday was a big success. Picked Rory up from school (and Hannah), don't often get to do that. No tears or scraps at the party. The D costumes were three draculas, two devils, two dragonslayers (including Rory) and one Darth Vader. We had the "ball Olympics" where they all threw tennis balls through holes and stuff. Rory got the lowest score. Think he was fudging it again (doesn't like beating his friends). Then we loaded the BeastWars game I got Rory on the computer when it rained a little and I had eight boys a vying for position to see what was happening.
Rory did pretty well, with two lots of Action Man accessories, an Action Man (not fully articulated), an AM Gyrocopter, two transformer BeastWars, a BW book, the dragon siege engine for his castle, a guts spewing bug that Ross and Kath got him, and a few other bits and pieces. This morning he announced that he is ordering Santa (how quick the focus changes) for a Playstation ( fat chance) and to be made magic (yeah, right).
Took the kids to the flea market yesterday, which Hannah called the shop on the road. Diana slept for an hour and a half. We saw fog on the fields, the skytower lights were still on, and a hitchhiker tried to get a ride by doing a Keanu Reeves (in Speed, under the bus). It was fun to go for a little adventure. We had a big discussion about noses in the car after Hannah was using a tissue to get out the "water bogies" (she has a cold). Decided that noses were for breathing and picking. Asked about what happened when Mummy was cooking muffins, Rory said you could smell the burning. Hannah said that boots smell too. We decided that noses were no use really. Rory thinks we should chop them off then spit blood out of the holes at people.
Rory had a party at Liam's house in the afternoon and I practiced soccer for the indoor game that hasn't happened yet.
We don't talk about the rugby, we have less silverware now than for a long time. They suck, big changes afoot. The game was okay, missed the last two tries as I had gone to do things with the kids (Diana was out at lunch with friends).
At least it didn't rain much and we could have the party and the soccer. After record rainfall we had record temperatures in Auckland (highs). Stupid weather. I think the TAB is going to start taking bets on what happens next.
Not much other news. Did some minor gardening as the weather was better. No more shelves inside as yet.
Saw my half-sister Sarah last night, for first time since January. She has moved out of home and into a student hostel. Was good to see her, should be easier to keep in touch with her now.
Planning for Hannah's birthday now officially commenced. Six weeks away and counting.
Laughed more in seven minutes on Saturday night than ever before. I can't say why, it was something Diana said. She gave it a huge build up and I was desperately trying not to laugh, nearly choked on a vitamin C pill.
27 July 1998
Relax, this isn't so long - 27/07/98
That is for two reasons. First, bugger all has happened, second, this @#(*$&#@ machine bluescreened just before I clicked send the first time I wrote this.
Anyway, nothing happened big game wise, no Soccer game since Rory won the POD trophy. He has already mentally given it up and no longer sleeps with it. Only five games left in the season. Team photo was taken last week and they let me be in it!
Rain. Bloody rain. I have composed a small poem to cover it all.
It rains
no soccer
it rains
no kayaking
it rains
lots of jobs done in the house
it rains
rain sucks
I will send it to the Listener and see if they will publish it.
Rugby was good but not satisfactory in outcome. South Africa won 13-3. We missed 5 kicks, or more accurately Carlos Spencer did. Hart must be feeling the pressure. Although it is technically feasible for us to win the Tri-Nations I can't see it happening.
Tau jokes continue, including "Tau Snubbed" on the cover of the Listener this week. Very boring. Christine Fletcher (National MP with largest majority, our answer to Alan B'Stard) is now standing for Auckland Mayoralty. Will continue to serve as an MP. Stupid cow. She announced she wasn't going to about a year ago. Heaps of people are now planning to vote for Camp Mother (a Topp Twin in character) who wants more pink in Auckland.
Rain continued. This time north of Auckland. Funny, it always seems to rain in Auckland as well. Record rainfall for July in Glenfield, Orewa, and Freemans Bay (although more in Orewa and Glenfield - I keep telling you the shore is wetter, Ross). Floods, slips, etc up North. Boring.
South Taranaki has apparently made a name for itself by using some green colour paint to discourage graffiti. Spokesman said he was interviewed on BBC and mentioned South Taranaki five times in three minutes.
Rory's friend Jared (soccer player as well) turned up on Friday for Rory's "D" party in costume, shame it is next Friday. Poor little bugger. Anyway, we took him with us to McD's on Saturday morning seeing there was no soccer (he was in his soccer outfit by 6:40 apparently). Wore the kids out. Rory had cheese on toast before we went so he only ate half a muffin and about three hash browns.
Rory lost another tooth, finally, on Saturday morning. Now he has one missing top and bottom. Hannah says she has two wobbly teeth. She had a sleep in the afternoon on both days of the weekend, must have been pretty knackered from first week back at Kindy.
Stuck in the house all weekend, so I put up a shelf over the back door for my bags (soccer, gym, etc). Bought a Camelbak H.A.W.G. last week, was relatively cheap. Will use for kayaking if I ever go again.
Went bowling on Friday with Sandy (Liam's mum, Liam is in the team), Christine (Sandy's sister) and Cathy. Sandy and Christine are solo mums, Cathy soon will be. Her son is about to get the two year all-clear from cancer, poor little bugger. Gavin came too. I played like crap the first game, getting about 11 in the first 4 frames (not good, when you think about it). Improved considerably by the second game and got 132 which is okay but not flash. We had the music and lights and everything (disco night). I improved when the music came on. I've got rhythm, I've got music, ..
Diana is hoping to tee up Gavin with Sandy but that may be a long shot. Keep you posted if anything happens there.
Got a new gym program last week. Do three whole exercises once every five days. Still hard work but not long like it has been in the past. Do cardio the rest, including other visits with no weights. Hit a high score on the cross-trainer I use (I am NOT competitive). Never been able to beat 2.0 k's in 20 minute. Closest I got was 1.98. Got 2.31 the other day. Could only manage 2.10 yesterday. Best not to attempt that on the days where I am doing the weights. Legs were utterly screwed and then had to do the leg press. Anyway, it is based on a new theory, so I will test it for a month or so.
Rory threw up in the car yesterday morning, so we kept him home the rest of the day. Got some Lego that builds two competing cars where you try to hit each others target's and knock the other guy off his seat. Rory played me, then Diana, Hannah (when she woke up), the cat, anything he could find. He was considerably happier later in the day.
So, only four sleeps to Rory's birthday, the big S I X. Rory is going as a dragon slayer, Diana has spent the last week making the costume and finding pictures of dragons. I said just get a mirror. Anyway, we are going to do the "ball Olympics" which is something I dreamed up as a diversion for me and Rory one day where you throw a tennis ball through, at, and around things. Obviously Rory like that more than I realised. Will sneak off early on Friday to attend the function. Thinking of dressing up as a clown, but I won't have time so might not get carried away.
Hope you all have a good week, pray for no rain in Auckland until about 9:30am Saturday (when the game is finished).
Anyway, nothing happened big game wise, no Soccer game since Rory won the POD trophy. He has already mentally given it up and no longer sleeps with it. Only five games left in the season. Team photo was taken last week and they let me be in it!
Rain. Bloody rain. I have composed a small poem to cover it all.
It rains
no soccer
it rains
no kayaking
it rains
lots of jobs done in the house
it rains
rain sucks
I will send it to the Listener and see if they will publish it.
Rugby was good but not satisfactory in outcome. South Africa won 13-3. We missed 5 kicks, or more accurately Carlos Spencer did. Hart must be feeling the pressure. Although it is technically feasible for us to win the Tri-Nations I can't see it happening.
Tau jokes continue, including "Tau Snubbed" on the cover of the Listener this week. Very boring. Christine Fletcher (National MP with largest majority, our answer to Alan B'Stard) is now standing for Auckland Mayoralty. Will continue to serve as an MP. Stupid cow. She announced she wasn't going to about a year ago. Heaps of people are now planning to vote for Camp Mother (a Topp Twin in character) who wants more pink in Auckland.
Rain continued. This time north of Auckland. Funny, it always seems to rain in Auckland as well. Record rainfall for July in Glenfield, Orewa, and Freemans Bay (although more in Orewa and Glenfield - I keep telling you the shore is wetter, Ross). Floods, slips, etc up North. Boring.
South Taranaki has apparently made a name for itself by using some green colour paint to discourage graffiti. Spokesman said he was interviewed on BBC and mentioned South Taranaki five times in three minutes.
Rory's friend Jared (soccer player as well) turned up on Friday for Rory's "D" party in costume, shame it is next Friday. Poor little bugger. Anyway, we took him with us to McD's on Saturday morning seeing there was no soccer (he was in his soccer outfit by 6:40 apparently). Wore the kids out. Rory had cheese on toast before we went so he only ate half a muffin and about three hash browns.
Rory lost another tooth, finally, on Saturday morning. Now he has one missing top and bottom. Hannah says she has two wobbly teeth. She had a sleep in the afternoon on both days of the weekend, must have been pretty knackered from first week back at Kindy.
Stuck in the house all weekend, so I put up a shelf over the back door for my bags (soccer, gym, etc). Bought a Camelbak H.A.W.G. last week, was relatively cheap. Will use for kayaking if I ever go again.
Went bowling on Friday with Sandy (Liam's mum, Liam is in the team), Christine (Sandy's sister) and Cathy. Sandy and Christine are solo mums, Cathy soon will be. Her son is about to get the two year all-clear from cancer, poor little bugger. Gavin came too. I played like crap the first game, getting about 11 in the first 4 frames (not good, when you think about it). Improved considerably by the second game and got 132 which is okay but not flash. We had the music and lights and everything (disco night). I improved when the music came on. I've got rhythm, I've got music, ..
Diana is hoping to tee up Gavin with Sandy but that may be a long shot. Keep you posted if anything happens there.
Got a new gym program last week. Do three whole exercises once every five days. Still hard work but not long like it has been in the past. Do cardio the rest, including other visits with no weights. Hit a high score on the cross-trainer I use (I am NOT competitive). Never been able to beat 2.0 k's in 20 minute. Closest I got was 1.98. Got 2.31 the other day. Could only manage 2.10 yesterday. Best not to attempt that on the days where I am doing the weights. Legs were utterly screwed and then had to do the leg press. Anyway, it is based on a new theory, so I will test it for a month or so.
Rory threw up in the car yesterday morning, so we kept him home the rest of the day. Got some Lego that builds two competing cars where you try to hit each others target's and knock the other guy off his seat. Rory played me, then Diana, Hannah (when she woke up), the cat, anything he could find. He was considerably happier later in the day.
So, only four sleeps to Rory's birthday, the big S I X. Rory is going as a dragon slayer, Diana has spent the last week making the costume and finding pictures of dragons. I said just get a mirror. Anyway, we are going to do the "ball Olympics" which is something I dreamed up as a diversion for me and Rory one day where you throw a tennis ball through, at, and around things. Obviously Rory like that more than I realised. Will sneak off early on Friday to attend the function. Thinking of dressing up as a clown, but I won't have time so might not get carried away.
Hope you all have a good week, pray for no rain in Auckland until about 9:30am Saturday (when the game is finished).
20 July 1998
Oh dear, are you ready for this? 20/07/98
Well, water continued to play it's part this week. More rain, more floods, waters up and down. Tamaki drive had a slip, more of state highway three had a slip. Pissed like buggery in Auckland on Tuesday night. Few very heavy showers Wednesday night. Thunder, lightening as well on Tuesday. One person I know had their basement flood Wednesday night, another had water running down the lounge wall. Waters rising in the Waikato all week, Smithy went to Hamilton Wednesday night. Haven't heard how that went yet but traffic was being diverted off the main drag so he may have had a long trip. They had to open floodgates at Taupo on Thursday so it didn't get any better for downstream areas.
We went down to see Gran and Pop in Te Kauwhata on Saturday. Water still over the road in two places on SH1. Streets behind Mercer underwater. Large lakes in numerous places where there used to be fields. After the visit, took the kids down to Huntly, where about 4000 acres were underwater at one stage. From some vantage points it looked like there was a harbour somewhere east of Huntly. We saw some houses that were little islands in the river. Heaps of houses that back onto the river in Huntly had their backyards under water, parts of the cemetary were afloat. We stopped at the visitors centre opposite the power station. We jumped onto a picnic table to see the water, the feet of the table were in the water. Then we went onto the deck at the centre, and we spotted the top of a picnic table that was about four inches below the water level. This really struck the kids, who then realised that there was considerably more water than there should have been. As it was, the level had dropped considerably in the two days since Thursday. Record rainfall for July by the 18th. Demand for garden hoses down heaps.
Me and Gavin were sorely tempted to take kayaks down to Waikato and go paddling. If we had taken them down Saturday I could have kayaked on SH1 but we didn't. In the end I decided we should do it on a more planned basis and instead built a new thing inside our bedroom wardrobe. Now have one full height rail and two half height, with some shelves for shoes in the middle. Took most of Sunday to do, well Sunday afternoon more accurately. Gavin assisted and got some thingies for the shelves from his work for us. Need a few more thingies and then all the shelves will be up. Need to biff some old shoes too. Diana keeps saying I am the male version of Imelda Marcos. I only have about twelve different pairs, which is not excessive I believe. Anyway, key thing is that the high areas are mine so that I am more likely to use them for putting things away.
For Penny mostly: Gran was pretty cheerful, seeing it was her 84th birthday. Was in a better state than I have seen her for a while. Memory even seems to be improving a little which is a good sign. I checked their smoke alarm on a whim and discovered there was no battery in it. Went and got one and checked it. With heaters running all day and Gran smoking it could get nasty without it. Pop has finished turning the carport into a garage, did a pretty good job. He says he has bugger all to do all day other than keep an eye on her. He had gone to Huntly to do the shopping in the morning we went down. He said water was higher than 1958.
With all the water, there was no soccer for THE TEAM on Saturday, hopefully we will get a game in next weekend. Only six games to go for the season. Due to the varsity rec centre being run by morons (or students), although our game was booked for 6:30 on Friday night they closed at 6:00pm. Real customer service success story that was. So game was postponed so stay tuned. Got all the protective gear I needed for it and everything. Official team photo Wednesday night.
Mercury Energy Chief Executive Wayne Gilbert had a heart attack and died in his office on Tuesday. He was the focus of the power collapse in March and they were going to release a report on the matter the next day, "Mercury fucked up big time under Wayne", but delayed it in respect to him and his family. They are using twink and are changing it to "Mercury f**ked up big time under Wayne" to soften the blow. . Some say they finally got power run to his chair, but that has not been confirmed.
Tau Henare, the man with the dirty dog sunnies, Minister of Maori affairs, was removed as Deputy Leader of NZ First on Tuesday (Tuesday was a busy day, believe me). Also on that day, he released a report which said the lot of Maori was getting worse. Six times more teenage pregnancies, and so on. More in prison, more truancy, less sit School C, etc. Compared it all to 1987 and they are certainly worse off. 50% earn less than $28,0000. All they need to do is increase the DPB and that would be fixed. Anyway, moves are afoot for all five NZ First Maori MPs to split and do it themselves. Boring.
Even worse, since his fall from grace, there have been incredible numbers of bad puns. Tau is pronounced "Toe", so we get everything from Tau gets the boot, failing to Tau the party line, stubbed Tau, and so on. Makes news headlines unbearable. AND they keep going on about the five NZ First Maori MPs being the "Tight Five". This may be what they are known as in prison, I don't know. So now we have headlines like "Tight Five are Loose Cannons" and so on. It just gets worse.
We finally sold the Corolla last week, so we no longer have a spare car. Kind of a bummer in a way but good to get it out of our hair. The savings on registration, insurance, etc, will be worthwhile.
New All Black team announced, Mehrtens is out, Joeli is out, Scott McLeod is out (he is a dork anyway). Carlos is in, Jonah is in (that is stupid - he's a waste of space now), Mayerhofler is in. We'll see. I have some doubts. They didn't play this weekend. This coming weekend they play South Africa. They narrowly beat the Wallabies in Perth. This year could be pretty close if you ask me. They say whoever can win away from home will win. That puts SA on the top at the moment. See what happens next weekend.
Given the fact that the Orcas have conceded less goals than Brazil this year and have a better win-loss ratio than the All Blacks, I think I am going to have a crack at coaching a national team. Haven't decided which one yet. Maybe even the Chicago Bulls seeing their coach is retiring.
Huge debate in our household about what we spend our discretionary income on. Diana did a budget thing on Bank Direct and it was willing to lend us $228,000 based on repayments of $2000 per month. Alternatively, it seemed to think we could afford to pay $2600 per month off our mortgage based on our "normal" expenditure. Needless to say, we don't pay that much. It is very hard to strike the balance between consumption now and saving. With all the crap the country is in with a distinct lack of balance between the two, I tend to favour the saving bit (which equates to reducing the mortgage for us). It is just that it is an awfully boring thing to do when it would be so much more exciting to put in a new wood burner or a wardrobe (hang on, did I say exciting? What I really mean is things like a new fibreglass kayak or a true mountain bike or a basketball hoop or a work bench or maybe me trying to paddle the Waikato - this week it would be really quick).
From my random thoughts department:
I glanced at an article on Viagra that was in one of Diana's intellectual magazines. It occurred to me that there are actually a number of reasons why men who need this product are unable to achieve a state required for a fulfilling life. These include blockages in the tubes that supply blood to the spongy tissue, problems with the spongy tissue, low blood pressure, a few mental reasons and then of course, the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream, and so forth. So, on that basis, how come Viagra can fix all that? I think it is crap and we are going to discover it was a big hoax and that all it contains is aspirin or vitamin B1 or something and Berocca's would do the same job. The article included comment from someone who tried it without actually needing it, which seemed utterly pointless. They also interviewed a number of men to see if they would "try" it. Like I said, an intellectual magazine.
Big milestone for Rory this week, he made his own bed. Then he made ours. Diana then pointed out the mistake he made. He guessed immediately and said "I know, I have to make it from now on". Interesting, the novelty of gaining new powers still outweighs the idea that he will have to make his bed for the rest of his life. He'll learn that bit too, soon enough. By the weekend he said he had forgotten his new knowledge.
He was very perky on Wednesday morning, as he seemed to be coming out of the illness. Almost a different kid Wednesday night from what he was earlier in the week.
They saw "The Borrowers" on Wednesday with Liam and Sandy. Liam is in the soccer team and Sandy is his Mum. She is a solo mum, and struggles a bit. She spends $80 a fortnight on food. I reckon I spend that much on Coco Pops per week (I worked out that I eat six of their "standard" servings per serving, which means I can eat a packet a day on my own). She is doing some sort of a course through Massey and finds it tough going. Diana thinks she and Gavin would hit it off. Could be interesting. Told Gavin and it sounds like he has volunteered to take some photos of the team playing a game, if it ever stops raining. Could be interesting. Gavin has a new flatmate so his finances are on a more even keel. Now all he needs is a keel for his kayak and he can stop worrying about falling out (I promise one day to stop going on about that, really I do).
I was in very bad shape on Tuesday, the gym just about killed me and I was a mess the rest of the day. A number of people cheerfully told me I looked like crap during the day. Finally went home and straight to bed. Didn't really feel sick, just very bloody tired. Have been sleeping about nine hours a night lately and am struggling to get to work at a decent time most days. Maybe I have the Tapanui Flu. I Don't really think so, but it is a worry. I still seem to get up at 6:30 on Saturdays, which is really annoying to everyone in the household including me.
On Friday I just about when mad and shot every courier in Auckland. After waiting all bloody afternoon for one to arrive on Thursday and eating breakfast in the office on Friday so I could get what I needed, then I get back after going to an appointment and discover that I have missed the bastard by six minutes. Oh, but that is not enough. To rub salt into the wound, I ring to tell them I am here, and am second in the queue. Then next in the queue. Then I get cut off. I redial and am second in the queue. Then I get cut off. Don't even get to next this time. Redial and am third in the queue. Then I get cut off. I ring the customer who is waiting for one of the packages and find out they can live without it today even though when they rang this morning they made it sound like their life was about to end. Then I ring again, am fifth in the queue. Then I hang up and find Courier Post's main number and call that and try very hard not to sound shitty, annoyed, pissed off, homicidal. I have been asking the courier to get the people across the hall to sign for stuff and they never bloody listen.
Kids are growing fast. Like about half an inch in two weeks. I measured them. Anyone who is interested, I think Action Man accessories may be the order of the day for Rory's birthday. I gave him one with all the moving bits the other day to gauge whether it would be played with more than the stupid one he has (with stiff arms and hardly any joints). Seems to be hot property. Got the gyro copter outfit with his pocket money the other day. Let me know if you have any queries.
He is having a D party for his birthday, wants to go as Dracula, I think all the kids will. He wants a soccer ball cake. Hannah wants a cake with Barbie and some flowers and a little baby and a tea set and ...... you get the idea. Saw a picture of a Roswell-like photo of someone operating on a teletubby - excellent!
See you all later, by next Monday you might have finished this.
We went down to see Gran and Pop in Te Kauwhata on Saturday. Water still over the road in two places on SH1. Streets behind Mercer underwater. Large lakes in numerous places where there used to be fields. After the visit, took the kids down to Huntly, where about 4000 acres were underwater at one stage. From some vantage points it looked like there was a harbour somewhere east of Huntly. We saw some houses that were little islands in the river. Heaps of houses that back onto the river in Huntly had their backyards under water, parts of the cemetary were afloat. We stopped at the visitors centre opposite the power station. We jumped onto a picnic table to see the water, the feet of the table were in the water. Then we went onto the deck at the centre, and we spotted the top of a picnic table that was about four inches below the water level. This really struck the kids, who then realised that there was considerably more water than there should have been. As it was, the level had dropped considerably in the two days since Thursday. Record rainfall for July by the 18th. Demand for garden hoses down heaps.
Me and Gavin were sorely tempted to take kayaks down to Waikato and go paddling. If we had taken them down Saturday I could have kayaked on SH1 but we didn't. In the end I decided we should do it on a more planned basis and instead built a new thing inside our bedroom wardrobe. Now have one full height rail and two half height, with some shelves for shoes in the middle. Took most of Sunday to do, well Sunday afternoon more accurately. Gavin assisted and got some thingies for the shelves from his work for us. Need a few more thingies and then all the shelves will be up. Need to biff some old shoes too. Diana keeps saying I am the male version of Imelda Marcos. I only have about twelve different pairs, which is not excessive I believe. Anyway, key thing is that the high areas are mine so that I am more likely to use them for putting things away.
For Penny mostly: Gran was pretty cheerful, seeing it was her 84th birthday. Was in a better state than I have seen her for a while. Memory even seems to be improving a little which is a good sign. I checked their smoke alarm on a whim and discovered there was no battery in it. Went and got one and checked it. With heaters running all day and Gran smoking it could get nasty without it. Pop has finished turning the carport into a garage, did a pretty good job. He says he has bugger all to do all day other than keep an eye on her. He had gone to Huntly to do the shopping in the morning we went down. He said water was higher than 1958.
With all the water, there was no soccer for THE TEAM on Saturday, hopefully we will get a game in next weekend. Only six games to go for the season. Due to the varsity rec centre being run by morons (or students), although our game was booked for 6:30 on Friday night they closed at 6:00pm. Real customer service success story that was. So game was postponed so stay tuned. Got all the protective gear I needed for it and everything. Official team photo Wednesday night.
Mercury Energy Chief Executive Wayne Gilbert had a heart attack and died in his office on Tuesday. He was the focus of the power collapse in March and they were going to release a report on the matter the next day, "Mercury fucked up big time under Wayne", but delayed it in respect to him and his family. They are using twink and are changing it to "Mercury f**ked up big time under Wayne" to soften the blow. . Some say they finally got power run to his chair, but that has not been confirmed.
Tau Henare, the man with the dirty dog sunnies, Minister of Maori affairs, was removed as Deputy Leader of NZ First on Tuesday (Tuesday was a busy day, believe me). Also on that day, he released a report which said the lot of Maori was getting worse. Six times more teenage pregnancies, and so on. More in prison, more truancy, less sit School C, etc. Compared it all to 1987 and they are certainly worse off. 50% earn less than $28,0000. All they need to do is increase the DPB and that would be fixed. Anyway, moves are afoot for all five NZ First Maori MPs to split and do it themselves. Boring.
Even worse, since his fall from grace, there have been incredible numbers of bad puns. Tau is pronounced "Toe", so we get everything from Tau gets the boot, failing to Tau the party line, stubbed Tau, and so on. Makes news headlines unbearable. AND they keep going on about the five NZ First Maori MPs being the "Tight Five". This may be what they are known as in prison, I don't know. So now we have headlines like "Tight Five are Loose Cannons" and so on. It just gets worse.
We finally sold the Corolla last week, so we no longer have a spare car. Kind of a bummer in a way but good to get it out of our hair. The savings on registration, insurance, etc, will be worthwhile.
New All Black team announced, Mehrtens is out, Joeli is out, Scott McLeod is out (he is a dork anyway). Carlos is in, Jonah is in (that is stupid - he's a waste of space now), Mayerhofler is in. We'll see. I have some doubts. They didn't play this weekend. This coming weekend they play South Africa. They narrowly beat the Wallabies in Perth. This year could be pretty close if you ask me. They say whoever can win away from home will win. That puts SA on the top at the moment. See what happens next weekend.
Given the fact that the Orcas have conceded less goals than Brazil this year and have a better win-loss ratio than the All Blacks, I think I am going to have a crack at coaching a national team. Haven't decided which one yet. Maybe even the Chicago Bulls seeing their coach is retiring.
Huge debate in our household about what we spend our discretionary income on. Diana did a budget thing on Bank Direct and it was willing to lend us $228,000 based on repayments of $2000 per month. Alternatively, it seemed to think we could afford to pay $2600 per month off our mortgage based on our "normal" expenditure. Needless to say, we don't pay that much. It is very hard to strike the balance between consumption now and saving. With all the crap the country is in with a distinct lack of balance between the two, I tend to favour the saving bit (which equates to reducing the mortgage for us). It is just that it is an awfully boring thing to do when it would be so much more exciting to put in a new wood burner or a wardrobe (hang on, did I say exciting? What I really mean is things like a new fibreglass kayak or a true mountain bike or a basketball hoop or a work bench or maybe me trying to paddle the Waikato - this week it would be really quick).
From my random thoughts department:
I glanced at an article on Viagra that was in one of Diana's intellectual magazines. It occurred to me that there are actually a number of reasons why men who need this product are unable to achieve a state required for a fulfilling life. These include blockages in the tubes that supply blood to the spongy tissue, problems with the spongy tissue, low blood pressure, a few mental reasons and then of course, the amount of alcohol in the bloodstream, and so forth. So, on that basis, how come Viagra can fix all that? I think it is crap and we are going to discover it was a big hoax and that all it contains is aspirin or vitamin B1 or something and Berocca's would do the same job. The article included comment from someone who tried it without actually needing it, which seemed utterly pointless. They also interviewed a number of men to see if they would "try" it. Like I said, an intellectual magazine.
Big milestone for Rory this week, he made his own bed. Then he made ours. Diana then pointed out the mistake he made. He guessed immediately and said "I know, I have to make it from now on". Interesting, the novelty of gaining new powers still outweighs the idea that he will have to make his bed for the rest of his life. He'll learn that bit too, soon enough. By the weekend he said he had forgotten his new knowledge.
He was very perky on Wednesday morning, as he seemed to be coming out of the illness. Almost a different kid Wednesday night from what he was earlier in the week.
They saw "The Borrowers" on Wednesday with Liam and Sandy. Liam is in the soccer team and Sandy is his Mum. She is a solo mum, and struggles a bit. She spends $80 a fortnight on food. I reckon I spend that much on Coco Pops per week (I worked out that I eat six of their "standard" servings per serving, which means I can eat a packet a day on my own). She is doing some sort of a course through Massey and finds it tough going. Diana thinks she and Gavin would hit it off. Could be interesting. Told Gavin and it sounds like he has volunteered to take some photos of the team playing a game, if it ever stops raining. Could be interesting. Gavin has a new flatmate so his finances are on a more even keel. Now all he needs is a keel for his kayak and he can stop worrying about falling out (I promise one day to stop going on about that, really I do).
I was in very bad shape on Tuesday, the gym just about killed me and I was a mess the rest of the day. A number of people cheerfully told me I looked like crap during the day. Finally went home and straight to bed. Didn't really feel sick, just very bloody tired. Have been sleeping about nine hours a night lately and am struggling to get to work at a decent time most days. Maybe I have the Tapanui Flu. I Don't really think so, but it is a worry. I still seem to get up at 6:30 on Saturdays, which is really annoying to everyone in the household including me.
On Friday I just about when mad and shot every courier in Auckland. After waiting all bloody afternoon for one to arrive on Thursday and eating breakfast in the office on Friday so I could get what I needed, then I get back after going to an appointment and discover that I have missed the bastard by six minutes. Oh, but that is not enough. To rub salt into the wound, I ring to tell them I am here, and am second in the queue. Then next in the queue. Then I get cut off. I redial and am second in the queue. Then I get cut off. Don't even get to next this time. Redial and am third in the queue. Then I get cut off. I ring the customer who is waiting for one of the packages and find out they can live without it today even though when they rang this morning they made it sound like their life was about to end. Then I ring again, am fifth in the queue. Then I hang up and find Courier Post's main number and call that and try very hard not to sound shitty, annoyed, pissed off, homicidal. I have been asking the courier to get the people across the hall to sign for stuff and they never bloody listen.
Kids are growing fast. Like about half an inch in two weeks. I measured them. Anyone who is interested, I think Action Man accessories may be the order of the day for Rory's birthday. I gave him one with all the moving bits the other day to gauge whether it would be played with more than the stupid one he has (with stiff arms and hardly any joints). Seems to be hot property. Got the gyro copter outfit with his pocket money the other day. Let me know if you have any queries.
He is having a D party for his birthday, wants to go as Dracula, I think all the kids will. He wants a soccer ball cake. Hannah wants a cake with Barbie and some flowers and a little baby and a tea set and ...... you get the idea. Saw a picture of a Roswell-like photo of someone operating on a teletubby - excellent!
See you all later, by next Monday you might have finished this.
13 July 1998
Well, I really have been remisce - 13/07/98
Couple of things that I continue to forget to mention. Firstly, they apparently did catch those guys that escaped from the Paremoremo holiday camp. Don't know much of the details.
Also, kiwis won two motor cycle races over the previous weekend. Simon Crafar and Aaron Slight I think. One was the British Grand Prix. Moderately big news here but quite an achievement for both who are always coming second to Australians Troy Corser (spelling?) and Mick Doohan.
No soccer on the weekend, a bit sad. Training for the kids again tomorrow night if the weather is okay. Game for me on Thursday, IDG journalists versus the people of the public relations fraternity.
Incredibly wet during last week, would have made shopping malls and theatres utterly unfeasible with the school holidays. On Friday, parts of state highways 1,2,3,4,12, 30, and 43 were shut. Chunks of road missing and heaps of flooding. Whanganui river was pretty hairy. Huntly was under a lot of water and they were using highway 1 as a spillway for about 2 kms. Worst flooding in about 30 years they reckon.
Anyway, busy kind of weekend. Built the dreaded shelf unit for the shed on Saturday, and reorganised the shed itself. Amazing amounts of room in there now, practically like the TARDIS. Am holding guided tours for those who can't think of a reason to be somewhere else quickly enough.
Sunday I went to the gym, then helped R&K move a small amount of furniture so they can have their floors sanded in two rooms plus hall. Didn't pop any discs this time so that was good. Had practice for the aforementioned IDG soccer game in the afternoon, and was thoroughly knackered afterward. A certain amount of pain occurs when I move my legs.
Rory had a fever yesterday so he didn't do much. Hannah kept nagging for Panadol, so I did some milk, sugar, and red food colouring which did the trick. Practised soccer with Rory on Saturday a little. He was being goalie and I booted the ball a bit harder than I should have. He took it in the midriff between chest and stomach. Rolled around on the ground, cried. I said "Why didn't you get out of the way?" Then he replies "But then it would have been a goal" between sobs.
Watched the big game on Saturday night. The AB's let themselves down badly. I don't think the new guys were in very good shape and they were not well coordinated. Far too many clever moves without the brilliance of it actually working. Radio Sport was full of black armbands yesterday. Wankers. I don't really think it is the end of the world. As long as they get their shit together before the World Cup that's all I am worried about.
In the Soccer World Cup, watched Brazil get their butts kicked. Good on France, certainly convincing in the end althugh nobody would have predicted it especially with ten men for the last 20 odd minutes.
Also, kiwis won two motor cycle races over the previous weekend. Simon Crafar and Aaron Slight I think. One was the British Grand Prix. Moderately big news here but quite an achievement for both who are always coming second to Australians Troy Corser (spelling?) and Mick Doohan.
No soccer on the weekend, a bit sad. Training for the kids again tomorrow night if the weather is okay. Game for me on Thursday, IDG journalists versus the people of the public relations fraternity.
Incredibly wet during last week, would have made shopping malls and theatres utterly unfeasible with the school holidays. On Friday, parts of state highways 1,2,3,4,12, 30, and 43 were shut. Chunks of road missing and heaps of flooding. Whanganui river was pretty hairy. Huntly was under a lot of water and they were using highway 1 as a spillway for about 2 kms. Worst flooding in about 30 years they reckon.
Anyway, busy kind of weekend. Built the dreaded shelf unit for the shed on Saturday, and reorganised the shed itself. Amazing amounts of room in there now, practically like the TARDIS. Am holding guided tours for those who can't think of a reason to be somewhere else quickly enough.
Sunday I went to the gym, then helped R&K move a small amount of furniture so they can have their floors sanded in two rooms plus hall. Didn't pop any discs this time so that was good. Had practice for the aforementioned IDG soccer game in the afternoon, and was thoroughly knackered afterward. A certain amount of pain occurs when I move my legs.
Rory had a fever yesterday so he didn't do much. Hannah kept nagging for Panadol, so I did some milk, sugar, and red food colouring which did the trick. Practised soccer with Rory on Saturday a little. He was being goalie and I booted the ball a bit harder than I should have. He took it in the midriff between chest and stomach. Rolled around on the ground, cried. I said "Why didn't you get out of the way?" Then he replies "But then it would have been a goal" between sobs.
Watched the big game on Saturday night. The AB's let themselves down badly. I don't think the new guys were in very good shape and they were not well coordinated. Far too many clever moves without the brilliance of it actually working. Radio Sport was full of black armbands yesterday. Wankers. I don't really think it is the end of the world. As long as they get their shit together before the World Cup that's all I am worried about.
In the Soccer World Cup, watched Brazil get their butts kicked. Good on France, certainly convincing in the end althugh nobody would have predicted it especially with ten men for the last 20 odd minutes.
6 July 1998
He got another GOAL!!!!!! - 06/07/98
Yes, folks, first goal of the game on Saturday morning, through the opposition coach and in. Diana was walking past the end of the field so got to see it close up. Rory was finally awarded player of the day. I was probably a bit mean not giving it to him when he got his first goal but I didn't want anyone to say he got it for the wrong reason. Stupid really, everyone thought I was too tough on him. Anyway, it is out of the way now. Harry's Grandma has bought a little trophy for the team and Rory gets it for two weeks (no game next Saturday due to holidays). He has taken it to bed both nights so far. He forgets about it now and then and then remembers and goes and grabs it. He was very happy. Took it to Allan and Jackie's to show Paul and Emma (Paul plays two games every Saturday, one for school and one for his club).
Anyway, good game, with all four of our goal scorers getting one each, final score 4-0. So far we have 24 for and 3 against, which isn't bad. Rory is averaging 0.28 goals per game, Joseph is 1.85, Harry 1.0. Aren't spreadsheets wonderful things.
The other soccer was pretty good too, fancy Croatia kicking Germany's butt. Remember the War! I think it is good that Argentina lost because they didn't really deserve to win the way they did. Mind you, neither did France.
No rugby this weekend, but Bledisloe Cup in Melbourne next Saturday night. Poms got their butts re-kicked in SA over the weekend to finish their tour without a win and only about thirty points all up.
Had Harry and Jared over after the game and so the place was rather full on Saturday. Was nice to spend most of the day at home though, did the same on Sunday. Didn't even go to the gym (watched soccer instead, but after playing with the boys on the back lawn most of the day on Saturday I think I deserved a bit of a rest). Will go tonight after a tennis club committee meeting.
Lawn is holding up pretty well given the rain earlier in the week. Did some minor gardening and trimmed the netting on the goal. Also bought a new shelf system for the garden shed so we can organise that better (R&K, got heaps of stuff you need to look at and decide if you want). Major ant nest in the shed was decimated with chemicals yesterday, think it is the same group that I have displaced twice already from the stepping stones and the ranchslider on the sleepout.
Kids are on holiday this week and next, so I am the only one that has to get out of bed, it's not fair! Especially when it is bloody cold. Not a frost today but could be pretty close.
Anyway, good game, with all four of our goal scorers getting one each, final score 4-0. So far we have 24 for and 3 against, which isn't bad. Rory is averaging 0.28 goals per game, Joseph is 1.85, Harry 1.0. Aren't spreadsheets wonderful things.
The other soccer was pretty good too, fancy Croatia kicking Germany's butt. Remember the War! I think it is good that Argentina lost because they didn't really deserve to win the way they did. Mind you, neither did France.
No rugby this weekend, but Bledisloe Cup in Melbourne next Saturday night. Poms got their butts re-kicked in SA over the weekend to finish their tour without a win and only about thirty points all up.
Had Harry and Jared over after the game and so the place was rather full on Saturday. Was nice to spend most of the day at home though, did the same on Sunday. Didn't even go to the gym (watched soccer instead, but after playing with the boys on the back lawn most of the day on Saturday I think I deserved a bit of a rest). Will go tonight after a tennis club committee meeting.
Lawn is holding up pretty well given the rain earlier in the week. Did some minor gardening and trimmed the netting on the goal. Also bought a new shelf system for the garden shed so we can organise that better (R&K, got heaps of stuff you need to look at and decide if you want). Major ant nest in the shed was decimated with chemicals yesterday, think it is the same group that I have displaced twice already from the stepping stones and the ranchslider on the sleepout.
Kids are on holiday this week and next, so I am the only one that has to get out of bed, it's not fair! Especially when it is bloody cold. Not a frost today but could be pretty close.
2 July 1998
Late but not forgotten - 02/07/98
Well, what an awesome game of soccer yesterday, penalty shoot-out after extra time. Felt very sorry for the England team. Watched it before going to work the day we got back (slack arse). A weekend of quarter finals coming up, should be able to see most of them with luck.
The Orcas won their game without Rory and their coach 7-0 (their best result so far). Don't know who feels more inadequate to be honest (probably me). Training cancelled due to rain tonight. Buckets of rain since returning home. Floods in BOP, Nelson, nothing major but enough to stop people watering their gardens.
Kids had a day off yesterday and Rory woke really late this morning, but they have recovered reasonably well. Hannah started wanting to go home on Monday, asked her if she missed Craig and she said "no, Penny". Later she said she missed everyone that had visited. It did feel kind of quiet on the Monday after everyone went home.
For those who weren't there, we had a real blast at Movie World. Definitely worth going to. Weather was cold for a couple of days but didn't rain until the Monday. I went to the airport an average of once per day for eight days, will kind of miss Coolangatta. Went to bird sanctuary, wandered around, fooled around on the beach for a little while, swam in the pool heaps. Someone put bubblebath in the Spa so that was knackered for a couple of days. Scored two adult passes (from an Uncle of a boy in the soccer team who recognised me)for what we thought was DreamWorld, turned out to be anything but. Went to SeaWorld instead. Kids saw the dolphin show which was very good, and the Team Extreme water skiing and stuff. Went on a couple of things then raced home wet and tired about 1:30pm. Weren't really prepared for rain. Went to a mall and let the kids fool around in the playground with some other kids - they enjoyed that, think they were feeling children deprived. Wouldn't have been too happy with Sea World if we hadn't saved about $70 on the fee. The whole swimming pool complex was closed, which was about a quarter of the park.
Bit of a funny day on Tuesday, without much of a plan. Went out to breakfast, the kids and I had a final swim. Then we tried to go see a movie at Australia Fair then Logan Hyperdome, both were chock-full so we flagged it. Went to Daisy Hill Koala sanctuary on the way to the airport and that turned out to be a bit of a find. Cost was nothing (unlike everywhere else). We saw two young Koalas eating, sleeping, then playing like puppies or kittens. Then we went for a walk on a nature trail and I spotted a couple of Kangaroos. Couldn't see any koalas in the trees, got a really sore neck just looking for the damn things. Saw a couple of Kookaburras too. Was quite windy and a bit cold, but we spent a couple of hours there. In the end we only just got to the rental place in time to get a lift back to the airport so we timed it well.
Didn't hear about the England-Maoris game until I got home. England went on to South Africa without a win (work it out yourself). People calling the second test a close result (40-10). Wankers. We beat them, they lost, it wasn't even slightly close. Major panics on Radio Sport here.
I don't think I have mentioned Radio Sport yet. It is sort of a new channel, or more like an old channel with a new format. Sport only, all the time. 6:30am to 10:00pm or so. Play recorded stuff all night except when something is live overseas. They play sport news on the hour, then other news and then weather. Got their priorities right these guys. Not much advertising (so far), but pretty popular. Couldn't live without it. Missed it while I was away. Anyway, the talkback is all about how the All Blacks are in trouble and Australia will win. Be interesting to see what the odds are compared between Australian and NZ TAB.
Marc Ellis is joining North Harbour, leaving the team I promised not to mention this year. He was a bit expensive to sit on the reserve bench for the reserve grade for $300,000 per year.
While I was away we lost two of NZ's hookers. Come back Sean! I think they are going to call in the women's hooker. Hopefully they will find these guys again.
Jonah looked like crap on Saturday, will be interesting there. Big news that Australian team is same for fourth test in a row when they play NZ in Melbourne in two weeks. Could be the upset of the season that game unless the AB's sort themselves out. Mind you, neither side has played anyone decent yet.
In other news, we are officially in a recession with Asia being the big contributor. Exchange rates have improved slightly and interest rates dropped a little but everything is very changeable. Government continuing their do nothing policy for the moment until the sub-committee on procrastination gets around to re-convening.
The Orcas won their game without Rory and their coach 7-0 (their best result so far). Don't know who feels more inadequate to be honest (probably me). Training cancelled due to rain tonight. Buckets of rain since returning home. Floods in BOP, Nelson, nothing major but enough to stop people watering their gardens.
Kids had a day off yesterday and Rory woke really late this morning, but they have recovered reasonably well. Hannah started wanting to go home on Monday, asked her if she missed Craig and she said "no, Penny". Later she said she missed everyone that had visited. It did feel kind of quiet on the Monday after everyone went home.
For those who weren't there, we had a real blast at Movie World. Definitely worth going to. Weather was cold for a couple of days but didn't rain until the Monday. I went to the airport an average of once per day for eight days, will kind of miss Coolangatta. Went to bird sanctuary, wandered around, fooled around on the beach for a little while, swam in the pool heaps. Someone put bubblebath in the Spa so that was knackered for a couple of days. Scored two adult passes (from an Uncle of a boy in the soccer team who recognised me)for what we thought was DreamWorld, turned out to be anything but. Went to SeaWorld instead. Kids saw the dolphin show which was very good, and the Team Extreme water skiing and stuff. Went on a couple of things then raced home wet and tired about 1:30pm. Weren't really prepared for rain. Went to a mall and let the kids fool around in the playground with some other kids - they enjoyed that, think they were feeling children deprived. Wouldn't have been too happy with Sea World if we hadn't saved about $70 on the fee. The whole swimming pool complex was closed, which was about a quarter of the park.
Bit of a funny day on Tuesday, without much of a plan. Went out to breakfast, the kids and I had a final swim. Then we tried to go see a movie at Australia Fair then Logan Hyperdome, both were chock-full so we flagged it. Went to Daisy Hill Koala sanctuary on the way to the airport and that turned out to be a bit of a find. Cost was nothing (unlike everywhere else). We saw two young Koalas eating, sleeping, then playing like puppies or kittens. Then we went for a walk on a nature trail and I spotted a couple of Kangaroos. Couldn't see any koalas in the trees, got a really sore neck just looking for the damn things. Saw a couple of Kookaburras too. Was quite windy and a bit cold, but we spent a couple of hours there. In the end we only just got to the rental place in time to get a lift back to the airport so we timed it well.
Didn't hear about the England-Maoris game until I got home. England went on to South Africa without a win (work it out yourself). People calling the second test a close result (40-10). Wankers. We beat them, they lost, it wasn't even slightly close. Major panics on Radio Sport here.
I don't think I have mentioned Radio Sport yet. It is sort of a new channel, or more like an old channel with a new format. Sport only, all the time. 6:30am to 10:00pm or so. Play recorded stuff all night except when something is live overseas. They play sport news on the hour, then other news and then weather. Got their priorities right these guys. Not much advertising (so far), but pretty popular. Couldn't live without it. Missed it while I was away. Anyway, the talkback is all about how the All Blacks are in trouble and Australia will win. Be interesting to see what the odds are compared between Australian and NZ TAB.
Marc Ellis is joining North Harbour, leaving the team I promised not to mention this year. He was a bit expensive to sit on the reserve bench for the reserve grade for $300,000 per year.
While I was away we lost two of NZ's hookers. Come back Sean! I think they are going to call in the women's hooker. Hopefully they will find these guys again.
Jonah looked like crap on Saturday, will be interesting there. Big news that Australian team is same for fourth test in a row when they play NZ in Melbourne in two weeks. Could be the upset of the season that game unless the AB's sort themselves out. Mind you, neither side has played anyone decent yet.
In other news, we are officially in a recession with Asia being the big contributor. Exchange rates have improved slightly and interest rates dropped a little but everything is very changeable. Government continuing their do nothing policy for the moment until the sub-committee on procrastination gets around to re-convening.
22 June 1998
Just a quickie - 22/06/98
No soccer this weekend, our ground was closed. Nazi fascist loser groundsmen. Not that I am bitter or anything. I think they played in the world cup, but so what.
Awesome weather on Saturday, beautiful clear crisp winters day. We had Harry come around for a while then I went kayaking and Rory went to Harry's. I paddled from the Harbour bridge to just in front of the Parnell baths. Wanted to get to Okahu bay but wasn't time because of the rugby. First time in my boat for about three months. Was good though, and not at all sore afterwards. Gavin didn't fall out this time. Got home and everyone was out so me and Gavin threw Vanessa (his flatmate who does "extras" that have so far been refused) through our bedroom windows to get in. Diana left a key in the garage. Doh!
Went to a party on Saturday night, saw a few people that we haven't seen for a long time. One guy Diana used to know before we met and I think I met once or twice. Never said much t him before. Was a real party animal back then, now is a father of two and we chatted for probably an hour. Some have changed and some haven't.
Quiet day on Sunday, saw R&K, then left Diana at home to sleep while me and the kids went to a toy store that was having a big sale. Spent bugger all really considering there was 50% off Light Sabres and 30% off Lego. Hannah got a Barbie dress that is so PINK you cannot look at it directly. She loves it. Along with her Barbie shoes, Barbie handbag, Barbie bracelet, Barbie mask (came with the dress), and all you would think she had been hit by a lorry carrying Barbie products.
Spent the evening packing to get ready for the big trip tomorrow.
Bugger all happened in local news, except four people from Paremoremo's Auckland prison (words of radio news not mine) decided that they wanted to move to another holiday home (my words). They went to Muriwai and stole some stuff from the fire station. Then they went to somewhere in the Coromandel and stole weapons and ammo from some holiday home. Keeping the Armed Offenders Squad entertained if nothing else.
Another person finished their holiday in Christchurch early, no sign of him yet either. His brother did a similar thing a while back and extended his holiday by six years. You would think there was a lesson there.....
Nobody has been apprehended so far to my knowledge.
Our politicians impressed last week with their ability on one side to blame the government for Asia's problems, the other side with their ability to not actually say anything or do anything useful.
Interest rates fell a little late in the week but it really is a rollercoaster. Speaking of rollercoasters, the Log Flume Ride at Rainbows End caught fire and the park was evacuated. This was the ride I went on and lost my hat with the kids in January.
A week off from the gym is going to be interesting. Will have to find something to keep myself exercised or I will be like a labrador for a week.
Awesome weather on Saturday, beautiful clear crisp winters day. We had Harry come around for a while then I went kayaking and Rory went to Harry's. I paddled from the Harbour bridge to just in front of the Parnell baths. Wanted to get to Okahu bay but wasn't time because of the rugby. First time in my boat for about three months. Was good though, and not at all sore afterwards. Gavin didn't fall out this time. Got home and everyone was out so me and Gavin threw Vanessa (his flatmate who does "extras" that have so far been refused) through our bedroom windows to get in. Diana left a key in the garage. Doh!
Went to a party on Saturday night, saw a few people that we haven't seen for a long time. One guy Diana used to know before we met and I think I met once or twice. Never said much t him before. Was a real party animal back then, now is a father of two and we chatted for probably an hour. Some have changed and some haven't.
Quiet day on Sunday, saw R&K, then left Diana at home to sleep while me and the kids went to a toy store that was having a big sale. Spent bugger all really considering there was 50% off Light Sabres and 30% off Lego. Hannah got a Barbie dress that is so PINK you cannot look at it directly. She loves it. Along with her Barbie shoes, Barbie handbag, Barbie bracelet, Barbie mask (came with the dress), and all you would think she had been hit by a lorry carrying Barbie products.
Spent the evening packing to get ready for the big trip tomorrow.
Bugger all happened in local news, except four people from Paremoremo's Auckland prison (words of radio news not mine) decided that they wanted to move to another holiday home (my words). They went to Muriwai and stole some stuff from the fire station. Then they went to somewhere in the Coromandel and stole weapons and ammo from some holiday home. Keeping the Armed Offenders Squad entertained if nothing else.
Another person finished their holiday in Christchurch early, no sign of him yet either. His brother did a similar thing a while back and extended his holiday by six years. You would think there was a lesson there.....
Nobody has been apprehended so far to my knowledge.
Our politicians impressed last week with their ability on one side to blame the government for Asia's problems, the other side with their ability to not actually say anything or do anything useful.
Interest rates fell a little late in the week but it really is a rollercoaster. Speaking of rollercoasters, the Log Flume Ride at Rainbows End caught fire and the park was evacuated. This was the ride I went on and lost my hat with the kids in January.
A week off from the gym is going to be interesting. Will have to find something to keep myself exercised or I will be like a labrador for a week.
15 June 1998
Well, I'm knackered already - 15/06/98
Well, back onto winning form for the Orcas. Joseph was back, and he and Harry got back into their rhythm. We won 3-1. Harry took a face plant in a large mud puddle but came up smiling. Rory had a quiet game. Weather was atrocious, which affected the other big game of the day, NZ A against England in Hamilton. NZ A won 18-10 in 30 knot wind and heaps of rain.
In lesser known competitions, the World Cup Soccer kicked off with the usual amount of disinterest in NZ for a game we can't play. TV One, while picking up some of the games, refused to interrupt their incredibly important breakfast television show to play games live. Fair enough, not wanting to upset all seven people in their audience (rumoured to be the same seven that voted for compulsory superannuation).
The NZ dollar took a nosedive, to below US50c. We are in deep shite. Luckily, Diana and I decided to refinance our mortgage on a fixed rate for 5 years just before the rate went up again.
Busy week last week in funny ways. Mad panic on some numbers for a relatively large job for a client that wants to install a system at three other locations.
Played Ross at tennis the other night, score was 6-1, 2-6, 6-6 to him. Technically he won but tennis was the winner on the day. Bloody cold, Diana was convinced I was going to come home with an injury (blew my soleus on a cold night and last time I played Ross at night I buggered my back). I am still considering giving up tennis but need an alternative that I enjoy (something that gets my heart rate up as well).
Ben & Olivia were back in the headlines with some more crap from the tip. Either they better find the bastards soon or there could be riots. Still, gives the reporter from Blenheim something to do.
They arrested a guy and he appeared in court yesterday for the Ben and Olivia murder. No bodies yet, but the head cop looked pretty happy with himself. The guy owns the boat they took from the water about 4 days after they disappeared. I guess he was the main suspect all along. No name suppression, no plea, waiting to see what happens in two weeks. The news said last night "huge public interest in this story". What they mean is "unreasonable obsession on the part of the media with this story". I just hope the bastard pleads guilty then we can stop hearing about it.
AMP listed yesterday at about $28, went up then down. $3.3billion injection into NZ from it. More shares going overseas potentially.
Apparently global temperatures this year have been records every month this year so far. We are still getting Monarch butterflies, hit one in the car on Sunday.
Went to Hamilton yesterday, weather was a damn sight better than over the weekend.
I think I need about four coffees.
No birthdays this week.
Saw my grandparents today. Gran is back at home, saw them yesterday, she came home in the morning. Pop was getting pissed off with paying $450 per week for them to do nothing (his words). She is pretty tired looking, although she said her neck didn't hurt and she was actually quite cheerful all things considered. I think they have got her on some new painkillers. He said there was bugger all they could do about the arthritis in her neck, and now she is getting pain at the base of her back.
It is pretty tiring for Pop to look after her. Mostly because of the conversation than anything. She can't really remember what happened five minutes ago, and that gets to be emotionally draining even for half an hour. Very much like Dad was when he had his stroke. He does growl at her now and again, gets quite frustrated. I think he likes to have a proper conversation with someone now and again.
He was cheerful enough though, was quite happy about the idea for me to get him a bottle or two of gin duty free. He said he was a bit disappointed that Peter didn't pop in over the weekend, the weather was crap so he didn't think he would have gone to his bach.
They have had some problems with the "central heating" that the new unit has, but it doesn't actually work so he bought a heater that he keeps on in her room. He is doing a pretty reasonable job of looking after her, but he knows she is on the downhill track. I think she does too, and although she hasn't exactly given up, with her memory the way it is there isn't much fight left in her.
She still reads, something she couldn't do before her eyes were fixed, but she doesn't remember the operation. She probably only needs one book now, which sound a bit cruel but I can't see how she would remember the previous page.
He is still fighting fit which is good to see. He has put up some plywood on the sides of the carport himself and is getting a rollerdoor fitted.
In lesser known competitions, the World Cup Soccer kicked off with the usual amount of disinterest in NZ for a game we can't play. TV One, while picking up some of the games, refused to interrupt their incredibly important breakfast television show to play games live. Fair enough, not wanting to upset all seven people in their audience (rumoured to be the same seven that voted for compulsory superannuation).
The NZ dollar took a nosedive, to below US50c. We are in deep shite. Luckily, Diana and I decided to refinance our mortgage on a fixed rate for 5 years just before the rate went up again.
Busy week last week in funny ways. Mad panic on some numbers for a relatively large job for a client that wants to install a system at three other locations.
Played Ross at tennis the other night, score was 6-1, 2-6, 6-6 to him. Technically he won but tennis was the winner on the day. Bloody cold, Diana was convinced I was going to come home with an injury (blew my soleus on a cold night and last time I played Ross at night I buggered my back). I am still considering giving up tennis but need an alternative that I enjoy (something that gets my heart rate up as well).
Ben & Olivia were back in the headlines with some more crap from the tip. Either they better find the bastards soon or there could be riots. Still, gives the reporter from Blenheim something to do.
They arrested a guy and he appeared in court yesterday for the Ben and Olivia murder. No bodies yet, but the head cop looked pretty happy with himself. The guy owns the boat they took from the water about 4 days after they disappeared. I guess he was the main suspect all along. No name suppression, no plea, waiting to see what happens in two weeks. The news said last night "huge public interest in this story". What they mean is "unreasonable obsession on the part of the media with this story". I just hope the bastard pleads guilty then we can stop hearing about it.
AMP listed yesterday at about $28, went up then down. $3.3billion injection into NZ from it. More shares going overseas potentially.
Apparently global temperatures this year have been records every month this year so far. We are still getting Monarch butterflies, hit one in the car on Sunday.
Went to Hamilton yesterday, weather was a damn sight better than over the weekend.
I think I need about four coffees.
No birthdays this week.
Saw my grandparents today. Gran is back at home, saw them yesterday, she came home in the morning. Pop was getting pissed off with paying $450 per week for them to do nothing (his words). She is pretty tired looking, although she said her neck didn't hurt and she was actually quite cheerful all things considered. I think they have got her on some new painkillers. He said there was bugger all they could do about the arthritis in her neck, and now she is getting pain at the base of her back.
It is pretty tiring for Pop to look after her. Mostly because of the conversation than anything. She can't really remember what happened five minutes ago, and that gets to be emotionally draining even for half an hour. Very much like Dad was when he had his stroke. He does growl at her now and again, gets quite frustrated. I think he likes to have a proper conversation with someone now and again.
He was cheerful enough though, was quite happy about the idea for me to get him a bottle or two of gin duty free. He said he was a bit disappointed that Peter didn't pop in over the weekend, the weather was crap so he didn't think he would have gone to his bach.
They have had some problems with the "central heating" that the new unit has, but it doesn't actually work so he bought a heater that he keeps on in her room. He is doing a pretty reasonable job of looking after her, but he knows she is on the downhill track. I think she does too, and although she hasn't exactly given up, with her memory the way it is there isn't much fight left in her.
She still reads, something she couldn't do before her eyes were fixed, but she doesn't remember the operation. She probably only needs one book now, which sound a bit cruel but I can't see how she would remember the previous page.
He is still fighting fit which is good to see. He has put up some plywood on the sides of the carport himself and is getting a rollerdoor fitted.
8 June 1998
Happy Birthday Week - 08/06/98
First of all, happy birthday to Ross tomorrow, and Craig for Wednesday. Ross's last before he is a Daddy and Craig's first as a husband. Funny how life changes.
Now, the big game on Saturday. Our first loss. Bit sad, but the boys didn't seem too concerned at all. Funny really. They were without Joseph, our wonder player, and despite having a few cracks at goal we lost 2-0. Still, they are doing well and having fun, which is the main thing. I am still enjoying coaching them, still plenty to work on in training.
No rugby to speak of during the weekend, except the cricket score that the Wallabies got against England (76-0). Meanwhile, our cricket team were busy getting rugby scores in Sri Lanka (116 in the second innings, lost the test by an innings and a few runs).
All Blacks have been dropping like flies, I think Colin Meads will get called up if we lose any more. Trial game is on tonight, should be interesting.
Had a week off going to the gym due to illness. Went this morning and was knackered. Played tennis with Ross, Bruce and Scott yesterday morning for two hours. My first game since I hurt my back at Easter. Played like a dork for the first set then improved after that. A few muscles are sore this morning from tennis rather than the gym but that isn't really a surprise. We played four sets, and the last one was a bit of a struggle, but we certainly had a good bit of exercise (well, I did). On Saturday I was doing my hyper-labrador act in the afternoon, really needed to do something. Chopping firewood wasn't really enough.
Starting to run out of time before our little trip to Surfers, only two weeks to go. About a month after we come back we are going to go down to Ruapehu again, with a couple of other families. We decided we didn't want to repeat the Kindy ski trip where we couldn't sleep. The kids won't know any different. At least this time I can try to ski, last time I went down about two days after I came off my crutches.
Wet all day yesterday. Rory and I pulled apart the Lego Space Shuttle that I built while I was crippled. We are going to make the submarine instead. He had a wonderful time until he lost interest and went to play computer games. We got five new ones at the Whitcoulls sale on Friday night, they were dead cheap. Fooled around with Hannah in the morning, wore her out. She was happy though, I don't often get to horse around with just her. Rory was on the computer again. Diana and I watched Fargo on the telly, we taped it from Sky. Weird movie, no idea why they called it Fargo.
Can't really think of much in the way of local news. MTV got scrapped last week by TVNZ wankers. Max TV was a local Auckland station that was doing really well, then TVNZ attacked with MTV and Max got closed down. Now TVNZ are killing MTV. Not that I watch it a lot but it is better than the evangelists when you are home sick or working at the gym.
Jenny Shipley hasn't had the call up to replace Ginger Spice, although she has now been PM for 6 months. She seems to be doing okay but they struggle generally. Still much in the way of controversy and furore over police and fireman. Both are under Jack Elder's Ministry (a friend of Allan's). He did well the other day, pulled over for speeding in Lower Hutt but he was let off with a warning. Real public relations success that was. I think he has been set up as a fall guy for both National and NZ First. Doing the crappy stuff that needs doing then he will get dumped in the next election and retire on a Minister's super plan. Works for him, too, I shouldn't wonder.
If I get pulled over or camera'd I think I will write and ask them to explain why I should not get a warning like the Police Minister. I think everyone should do that.
All gone quiet on the Ben and Olivia thing, no action for a while.
Hope everyone is okay. Koos, you must nearly be back from Egypt by now.
Now, the big game on Saturday. Our first loss. Bit sad, but the boys didn't seem too concerned at all. Funny really. They were without Joseph, our wonder player, and despite having a few cracks at goal we lost 2-0. Still, they are doing well and having fun, which is the main thing. I am still enjoying coaching them, still plenty to work on in training.
No rugby to speak of during the weekend, except the cricket score that the Wallabies got against England (76-0). Meanwhile, our cricket team were busy getting rugby scores in Sri Lanka (116 in the second innings, lost the test by an innings and a few runs).
All Blacks have been dropping like flies, I think Colin Meads will get called up if we lose any more. Trial game is on tonight, should be interesting.
Had a week off going to the gym due to illness. Went this morning and was knackered. Played tennis with Ross, Bruce and Scott yesterday morning for two hours. My first game since I hurt my back at Easter. Played like a dork for the first set then improved after that. A few muscles are sore this morning from tennis rather than the gym but that isn't really a surprise. We played four sets, and the last one was a bit of a struggle, but we certainly had a good bit of exercise (well, I did). On Saturday I was doing my hyper-labrador act in the afternoon, really needed to do something. Chopping firewood wasn't really enough.
Starting to run out of time before our little trip to Surfers, only two weeks to go. About a month after we come back we are going to go down to Ruapehu again, with a couple of other families. We decided we didn't want to repeat the Kindy ski trip where we couldn't sleep. The kids won't know any different. At least this time I can try to ski, last time I went down about two days after I came off my crutches.
Wet all day yesterday. Rory and I pulled apart the Lego Space Shuttle that I built while I was crippled. We are going to make the submarine instead. He had a wonderful time until he lost interest and went to play computer games. We got five new ones at the Whitcoulls sale on Friday night, they were dead cheap. Fooled around with Hannah in the morning, wore her out. She was happy though, I don't often get to horse around with just her. Rory was on the computer again. Diana and I watched Fargo on the telly, we taped it from Sky. Weird movie, no idea why they called it Fargo.
Can't really think of much in the way of local news. MTV got scrapped last week by TVNZ wankers. Max TV was a local Auckland station that was doing really well, then TVNZ attacked with MTV and Max got closed down. Now TVNZ are killing MTV. Not that I watch it a lot but it is better than the evangelists when you are home sick or working at the gym.
Jenny Shipley hasn't had the call up to replace Ginger Spice, although she has now been PM for 6 months. She seems to be doing okay but they struggle generally. Still much in the way of controversy and furore over police and fireman. Both are under Jack Elder's Ministry (a friend of Allan's). He did well the other day, pulled over for speeding in Lower Hutt but he was let off with a warning. Real public relations success that was. I think he has been set up as a fall guy for both National and NZ First. Doing the crappy stuff that needs doing then he will get dumped in the next election and retire on a Minister's super plan. Works for him, too, I shouldn't wonder.
If I get pulled over or camera'd I think I will write and ask them to explain why I should not get a warning like the Police Minister. I think everyone should do that.
All gone quiet on the Ben and Olivia thing, no action for a while.
Hope everyone is okay. Koos, you must nearly be back from Egypt by now.
3 June 1998
Queens Birthday Weekend - 03/06/98
Queens birthday weekend and sick yesterday, hence lateness. Still feel a bit funny, but have to press on. This continues in a tradition of mine where I either injure myself or get sick on long weekends. I blame Diana this time, I was okay until she said something on Sunday.
Well, what a torrid game on Saturday, no quarter asked and none given. Best chance was fouled by the opposition tackling in front of the goalposts. Tension galore. There was a Rory in the other team, which was confusing. Final score a nil all draw. Kids played really hard, but there wasn't enough room (the field was physically smaller than others we've played on). Bit of disappointment to come away without a win, especially as we had a goal except for the foul (didn't know how to call it so just played on, won't next time). No player of the day, but they all went to Macdonald's. Absolute chaos there, nine soccer players plus about five siblings. Dominated the playground utterly, but had a wonderful time and were all completely knackered afterward.
Bit of pressure after training last Tuesday. One kid says "My Dad says we are going to win a trophy". "We always win says another". Too cocky, I guess. At least we haven't conceded a goal yet.
The Super 12 final was okay, bit of a disappointment to lose to Canterbury. First time Blues have lost at Eden Park, first time they have lost to an NZ team at all. Oh well. All Black trial next Monday night and Frank Bunce is not in it. Been a naughty boy. Could be the end of his AB career.
NZ Cricketers beat Sri Lanka in a test. Who would have predicted that, you ask. Not me, would have paid heaps at the TAB, bugger it.
Took kids to playground by the observatory on One Tree Hill on Monday, with Ryan (friend of Rory and teammate). They had a wonderful time. Went on the flying fox, threw parachute Action Man from the top of the tower. Raced the radio control car down the skateboard track. I pushed them on the train as fast as I could go. Hannah went twice on that. Hannah balked at the top of the slide (making a habit of that), which was less scary than the train at high speed. Then we took them to the supermarket (not for entertainment, we needed food) and we bumped into Ryan's grandma there, which was quite funny ("Ryan, don't harass old ladies!").
Weather wasn't very good although didn't really rain. Couldn't go kayaking even though I am desperate to go. Haven't been for ages.
New theories about house renovation abound. Getting quite sick of the subject. However we have to consider refinancing at the moment as our fixed rate is variable again as of Monday. Given about 1-1.5% difference between fixed and floating we need to consider fixing it again and our bank are being major wankers so we may have to change. They merged with Westpac and are now complete crap.
Did some socialising with people over the weekend that I don't normally see. The Stewart's from down the road (Chris Stewart's brother and sister in law), and we saw the Thompson gang (whom we went away with earlier in the year). Diana sees them all the time but I never do because I work for a living.
Well, what a torrid game on Saturday, no quarter asked and none given. Best chance was fouled by the opposition tackling in front of the goalposts. Tension galore. There was a Rory in the other team, which was confusing. Final score a nil all draw. Kids played really hard, but there wasn't enough room (the field was physically smaller than others we've played on). Bit of disappointment to come away without a win, especially as we had a goal except for the foul (didn't know how to call it so just played on, won't next time). No player of the day, but they all went to Macdonald's. Absolute chaos there, nine soccer players plus about five siblings. Dominated the playground utterly, but had a wonderful time and were all completely knackered afterward.
Bit of pressure after training last Tuesday. One kid says "My Dad says we are going to win a trophy". "We always win says another". Too cocky, I guess. At least we haven't conceded a goal yet.
The Super 12 final was okay, bit of a disappointment to lose to Canterbury. First time Blues have lost at Eden Park, first time they have lost to an NZ team at all. Oh well. All Black trial next Monday night and Frank Bunce is not in it. Been a naughty boy. Could be the end of his AB career.
NZ Cricketers beat Sri Lanka in a test. Who would have predicted that, you ask. Not me, would have paid heaps at the TAB, bugger it.
Took kids to playground by the observatory on One Tree Hill on Monday, with Ryan (friend of Rory and teammate). They had a wonderful time. Went on the flying fox, threw parachute Action Man from the top of the tower. Raced the radio control car down the skateboard track. I pushed them on the train as fast as I could go. Hannah went twice on that. Hannah balked at the top of the slide (making a habit of that), which was less scary than the train at high speed. Then we took them to the supermarket (not for entertainment, we needed food) and we bumped into Ryan's grandma there, which was quite funny ("Ryan, don't harass old ladies!").
Weather wasn't very good although didn't really rain. Couldn't go kayaking even though I am desperate to go. Haven't been for ages.
New theories about house renovation abound. Getting quite sick of the subject. However we have to consider refinancing at the moment as our fixed rate is variable again as of Monday. Given about 1-1.5% difference between fixed and floating we need to consider fixing it again and our bank are being major wankers so we may have to change. They merged with Westpac and are now complete crap.
Did some socialising with people over the weekend that I don't normally see. The Stewart's from down the road (Chris Stewart's brother and sister in law), and we saw the Thompson gang (whom we went away with earlier in the year). Diana sees them all the time but I never do because I work for a living.
25 May 1998
A rite of passage - 25/05/98
Well, what a game on Saturday! The Orcas were playing Metro Lions. They were short a couple so we gave them Harry, second best player and one of only two goal scorers in the team. The other coach was pretty impressed that he was subbed someone who was clearly a good player. And then the game. Joseph, the Pele of the team, and Harry were all over the place. I reckon Harry had about 60% of the ball when the Lions were in possession. Joseph took his time and got a goal in the first half, putting us up 1-0 at half time. There were red-faced boys everywhere, the game was up and down the field. I was knackered myself from following them around. Lots of them were becoming on-field spectators, having a little rest now and then. Then, in the second half, Rory got the ball in the clear, one person between him and the goal. He managed to get around them, although it wasn't easy, and with one opponent on his heels, it took two or three more kicks to get his first GOAL!!!! I was pretty happy, he was too. It made me very proud, to say the least. Diana said she could see me beaming from the sideline. I have to say I didn't hide my emotion very well (ran across the field, high five, managed to stop short of throwing him in the air) His friend Ryan had a really good game, keeping things going in the midfield and doing what we had trained earlier in the week, so he got the player of the day. Will be Rory's turn soon. Towards the end of the game, Adam was a crumpled heap on the ground, I went over to him and asked if he was okay. "Can't we stop now?" was the plaintive whimper. They were all knackered. Harry took the Orcas to the closest they have ever come to conceding a goal, about two feet from the goal mouth. He had a really good game playing against the rest of the team. It was good practice for them to have such a tough game, prepare them for the team that will score goals. Final score was 2-0, closest result we have had so far. We told Rory he could do anything that he wanted after the game, so we went to Macdonald's and he had four hash browns and a muffin. Been eating a lot lately, he has. The whole team is going to Macdonald's next Saturday after the game, for a team building exercise.
Three games, haven't conceded a goal, they are doing really well. Have to keep reminding them about defence, although that did get tested on the weekend. At one point, they kicked the ball straight in front of their own goal from a goal kick, luckily Joseph was onto it and got to about half way before anyone caught him but that was a bit scary.
Now onto the less important sports. In rugby, the Blues narrowly beat the Otago Highlanders, and the Canterbury Crusaders narrowly beat the Coastal Sharks. All kiwi final at Eden Park next weekend. Not going, although now I think I would like to a little.
We have been getting dorked by the Australians in the netball, although they came back in the second half on Saturday night. The captain is useless. She was put on the bench for most of the second half.
The Gal Blacks apparently hate that name, they are going to be the Golden Ferns. What crap.
Some progress in the Ben and Olivia case, no arrest yet but they say they know who did it they are just manufacturing some evidence. Continuing controversy with Police and Firefighters.
Went to see US Marshalls the other night, not a bad movie, in fact quite good. Helps if you have seen the Fugitive.
Went to Hammerheads for lunch on Saturday for Tracey's 37th birthday. Was also 11th anniversary of me and Diana meeting. Food was okay but not spectacular. Saw Cath and Don (Mum), sat next to them and had a chat.
Have to think of a sensible way of making the house a little bit bigger. Seems to be a long shot at this stage. Also only a month until we go to the Gold Coast for a little holiday. Weather is getting colder but rain hasn't really happened that much so far, fingers crossed.
The Things They Say
Last night at the dinner table, I was misbehaving (spitting kinder surprise eggs across the table) and Hannah told me off. She stood on her chair and pretended to beat me on the head.
I said "Is this what Mummy does when you are naughty and I'm not home"
"No, Penny!" Hannah says "with a stick!"
On that basis I think I will be careful not to leave Penny alone with the kids from now on.
Three games, haven't conceded a goal, they are doing really well. Have to keep reminding them about defence, although that did get tested on the weekend. At one point, they kicked the ball straight in front of their own goal from a goal kick, luckily Joseph was onto it and got to about half way before anyone caught him but that was a bit scary.
Now onto the less important sports. In rugby, the Blues narrowly beat the Otago Highlanders, and the Canterbury Crusaders narrowly beat the Coastal Sharks. All kiwi final at Eden Park next weekend. Not going, although now I think I would like to a little.
We have been getting dorked by the Australians in the netball, although they came back in the second half on Saturday night. The captain is useless. She was put on the bench for most of the second half.
The Gal Blacks apparently hate that name, they are going to be the Golden Ferns. What crap.
Some progress in the Ben and Olivia case, no arrest yet but they say they know who did it they are just manufacturing some evidence. Continuing controversy with Police and Firefighters.
Went to see US Marshalls the other night, not a bad movie, in fact quite good. Helps if you have seen the Fugitive.
Went to Hammerheads for lunch on Saturday for Tracey's 37th birthday. Was also 11th anniversary of me and Diana meeting. Food was okay but not spectacular. Saw Cath and Don (Mum), sat next to them and had a chat.
Have to think of a sensible way of making the house a little bit bigger. Seems to be a long shot at this stage. Also only a month until we go to the Gold Coast for a little holiday. Weather is getting colder but rain hasn't really happened that much so far, fingers crossed.
The Things They Say
Last night at the dinner table, I was misbehaving (spitting kinder surprise eggs across the table) and Hannah told me off. She stood on her chair and pretended to beat me on the head.
I said "Is this what Mummy does when you are naughty and I'm not home"
"No, Penny!" Hannah says "with a stick!"
On that basis I think I will be careful not to leave Penny alone with the kids from now on.
18 May 1998
Another week another win -18/05/98
I suppose I shouldn't say that otherwise we will lose the next ten games. But the Western Springs Orcas won their game away against Ellerslie on Saturday 6-0. The kids have improved noticeably since the last game and they all contributed. The two goal-scorers continued their domination of the scoreboard, although others did take a shot at goal (including Rory). Have to work on throw-ins, a couple got hit by the ball when they weren't watching. A few other areas need practice, including defence which is still not getting used much except during our five a side practices. They did improve markedly during training last week after we had tried defence. Joseph is like a little Pele, races from his own goalmouth with the ball and scores at the other end. Slides in to take the ball off the other team (not tackling his own team, this is important, as some do). Hard to tell the kid not to score so often (scored 4 of the 6). Kids were all well behaved, and I was actually a bit tired after running up and down the field for half an hour. So far we have scored 9 goals and conceded none. We must be due to get our arses kicked soon. The main thing is they keep enjoying themselves.
In the less important sport, the NZ Women won the Rugby World Cup in the Netherlands, Auckland beat the Hurricanes in an orgy of try scoring, the Otago Highlanders won their game in SA then watched the QL Reds lose so they play Auckland in the semi. Canterbury beat the Sharks in SA, now face them in the final but at Lancaster Park this time. Three NZ teams in the semis, not Aussie teams. Both the Chiefs and Hurricanes did relatively well all things considered. Arsenal won the FA Cup Final, which I watched some of, now that I am a coach I need to see what the others are doing with their teams.....
Took the family to the new Philips Aquatic Centre at Mt Albert Grammar. A Pirate theme in the kids area with all sorts of interesting decorations. The main pool has a soft gradient like a beach, and a wave maker that goes for about 10 minutes every half hour. Kids loved surfing up the beach on inner tubes. We were all a bit knackered after that (I went to the gym beforehand). We went down to the school later and let them run around and I climbed a tree (really cool for climbing, dead easy).
The budget was read this week. Petrol up a bit, ciggies up a bit, nobody liked it. The lesbian goat herders from Dannevirke felt that there should have been something in it for lesbian goat herders from Dannevirke. The unemployed morons with gambling problems thought there should have been something in it for lesbian goat herders from Dannevirke (I told you they were morons). You get the idea, same as every other year. All in all, seemed reasonably sensible and responsible to me, but may not be enough to get things going too quickly around the place.
They found something in the Ben and Olivia thing the other day, thought it was a body, turned out to be a sail. They are still searching the area with sonar and deep sea stuff. Too much fuss if you ask me, still I suppose they need to talk about something.
Major scraps going on with Firefighters and Police are coming.
Catch you all in another week.
In the less important sport, the NZ Women won the Rugby World Cup in the Netherlands, Auckland beat the Hurricanes in an orgy of try scoring, the Otago Highlanders won their game in SA then watched the QL Reds lose so they play Auckland in the semi. Canterbury beat the Sharks in SA, now face them in the final but at Lancaster Park this time. Three NZ teams in the semis, not Aussie teams. Both the Chiefs and Hurricanes did relatively well all things considered. Arsenal won the FA Cup Final, which I watched some of, now that I am a coach I need to see what the others are doing with their teams.....
Took the family to the new Philips Aquatic Centre at Mt Albert Grammar. A Pirate theme in the kids area with all sorts of interesting decorations. The main pool has a soft gradient like a beach, and a wave maker that goes for about 10 minutes every half hour. Kids loved surfing up the beach on inner tubes. We were all a bit knackered after that (I went to the gym beforehand). We went down to the school later and let them run around and I climbed a tree (really cool for climbing, dead easy).
The budget was read this week. Petrol up a bit, ciggies up a bit, nobody liked it. The lesbian goat herders from Dannevirke felt that there should have been something in it for lesbian goat herders from Dannevirke. The unemployed morons with gambling problems thought there should have been something in it for lesbian goat herders from Dannevirke (I told you they were morons). You get the idea, same as every other year. All in all, seemed reasonably sensible and responsible to me, but may not be enough to get things going too quickly around the place.
They found something in the Ben and Olivia thing the other day, thought it was a body, turned out to be a sail. They are still searching the area with sonar and deep sea stuff. Too much fuss if you ask me, still I suppose they need to talk about something.
Major scraps going on with Firefighters and Police are coming.
Catch you all in another week.
12 May 1998
Rory's First Soccer Game, Built a Submarine out of Cardboard - 12/05/98
The Blues will have a home semi and final by the look of it. Canterbury could have a home semi if they win against the Sharks this weekend otherwise they will stay on to play the Sharks in the Semi over there. Otago or the Chiefs could make it into the semis but only if the Reds lose next weekend to ACT. Watched bugger all of the games because they were mostly in SA. Got very bored with the fuss about Luis Luyt being pushed out of SARFU.
Auckland Hooker Paul Mitchell broke his leg on a jetski yesterday. "Bloody yuppies" is the general feeling elsewhere.
Otago Rebels beat the Southern Sting in the netball final. Our women's Rugby team (the Elle Blacks) are doing well and we may get the semi and final televised (not live). Stupid really, now that TV One has virtually none of the main sport they could at least do the Women's sport in things like Rugby and Cricket (where they win more than the men).
Power cut in CBD on Sunday when an oil-filled cable caught fire (always a bad sign). Still some backup capacity but Mercury are doing their best to need it.
Couple of geysers popped up in Rotorua outside people's houses (inside would have been interesting).
So, as you know, the Soccer team won on Saturday. They were very well behaved and played well. No defence was needed at our end, but the other team defended well on occasion. Could have easily been 5-0. They were so happy (as was I), it was great. Heaps of parents and other relatives watching the game (about 80 is my guess). Guess the numbers will be down a bit for their next game (away). When asked, Rory says "The good guys won and the baddies lost". Training again tonight.
Did the big garden dig on Saturday afternoon, now I have to decide what to plant. Maybe cauliflowers and potatoes. Even courgettes gone now.
Built a submarine for the kids on Sunday, with a periscope that goes around and up and down. Interesting to see how many days before it "disappears". (It is about 1.3 metres high and takes up a lot of space in the lounge). Will let the kids paint it next weekend.
Did breakfast on Sunday for Mother's Day, repaired a window at Elsie's house, then Diana spent a fair time working on something (a price list for Stanley Tools). She spent most of the weekend doing it.
Sort of organised to go to Surfers for a week in June, should be a nice little break for the family. The place we think we are going has a gym so that is okay.
No kayaking yet but next weekend I will or go purple.
Auckland Hooker Paul Mitchell broke his leg on a jetski yesterday. "Bloody yuppies" is the general feeling elsewhere.
Otago Rebels beat the Southern Sting in the netball final. Our women's Rugby team (the Elle Blacks) are doing well and we may get the semi and final televised (not live). Stupid really, now that TV One has virtually none of the main sport they could at least do the Women's sport in things like Rugby and Cricket (where they win more than the men).
Power cut in CBD on Sunday when an oil-filled cable caught fire (always a bad sign). Still some backup capacity but Mercury are doing their best to need it.
Couple of geysers popped up in Rotorua outside people's houses (inside would have been interesting).
So, as you know, the Soccer team won on Saturday. They were very well behaved and played well. No defence was needed at our end, but the other team defended well on occasion. Could have easily been 5-0. They were so happy (as was I), it was great. Heaps of parents and other relatives watching the game (about 80 is my guess). Guess the numbers will be down a bit for their next game (away). When asked, Rory says "The good guys won and the baddies lost". Training again tonight.
Did the big garden dig on Saturday afternoon, now I have to decide what to plant. Maybe cauliflowers and potatoes. Even courgettes gone now.
Built a submarine for the kids on Sunday, with a periscope that goes around and up and down. Interesting to see how many days before it "disappears". (It is about 1.3 metres high and takes up a lot of space in the lounge). Will let the kids paint it next weekend.
Did breakfast on Sunday for Mother's Day, repaired a window at Elsie's house, then Diana spent a fair time working on something (a price list for Stanley Tools). She spent most of the weekend doing it.
Sort of organised to go to Surfers for a week in June, should be a nice little break for the family. The place we think we are going has a gym so that is okay.
No kayaking yet but next weekend I will or go purple.
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