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.
22 June 1998
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.
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