LOCAL NEWS
Bent MP Philip Field has finally fallen from grace, in one aspect at least. Threatening to run against Labour in his electorate, he has been unceremoniously dumped from the party. Not sure about numbers in Parliament but things are pretty tight.
A Wainuiomata grandmother who was jailed for possession of $4m worth of drugs in Thailand has been pardoned 11 years into a 35 year sentence.
Three Auckland florists had their locks super glued in time for Valentine's Day. One florist came in to work at 6:30am!!! And could not get in. I seem to recall that Penny probably hasn't ever gone to work as late as 6:30am on Valentine's Day, which is the bit I found really funny. In fact, not sure she's even been to work as late as 6:30am on any sodding day, but that is another story.
Trucks are predicted to begin hunting in packs after two double-teamed a motorist near Katikati. A motorist went under a tanker and then into another truck.
The kayaker was not found, his family hope that he has inspired people to give things a go. He died. Hardly a positive inspiration.
A 15 yo learner lost control of his car and ran into a group of four small kids and a 59 yo woman. At least they don't let learners drive trucks.
Bit of a fuss about a fire on a Japanese whaling ship near Antarctica.
Meanwhile, stabbings became the theme with three children stabbed, allegedly by their father, in Porirua.
There were a couple of accidents in south island involving tourists. One hit a van, the other crossed the centre line and hit another vehicle loaded with tourists (Canada versus England). Police later confirmed the van had been converted from a truck, so they are now disguising themselves....
Big news in Invercargill was the destruction of Fred and Myrtle Flutey's paua shell house. A legend the world over, Fred Flutey (they are both now deceased) covered most interior surfaces with Paua. The removal was not random, their grandson who purchased the house removed them under cover of darkness. To be fair, consider the practicality of a house decorated entirely in paua. I wouldn't want to live there. Interesting when a private thing becomes "public" property.
The Queen Mary arrived in Auckland and left the same day. It is very big, would have awesome sight, we just didn't have time to go see it.
WORLD NEWS
In Sydney, they had some stabbings too, three NZers that were members of the same family, two who are League players (one an international). One of them was seriously injured. Something about loud music caused it....
REAL SPORT
Rory had swim sports this week, he was a genuine intermediate this year (swam as intermediate last year when he should have been a junior). Won freestyle and breaststroke, didn't enter backstroke or butterfly.
First and second game of Western Springs College Senior Polo team this weekend. First game was against Liston College, the lads won 6-4, should have been about 6-2 but they let in a couple of soft goals. Rory got one goal. Sunday night was against Kaipara College (also known as Fight Club, they can be pretty aggressive). They didn't really fire a shot, we didn't have any subs and one player hadn't played a game since last year (unlike the rest who played on Friday night). Led 2-0 end of first, didn't score again until 3rd quarter, and final score was 6-1, Rory got three goals.
Rory's social league team lost on Sunday, by about 2 goals. Not sure of score, I didn't go, was resting.
SPORT
Blues lost 22-23 to Hurricanes, Crusaders lost 3-9 to Lions, Highlanders and Chiefs also lost in South Africa.
We had the Halberg Sports awards, Mahe Drysdale winning for being world champion in single sculling (type of rowing). Shot putter Valerie Vili won the women's prize.
NZ confounded the world and beat Australia in the first ODI in NZ. Mind you, half the real Australian team was missing. NZ won by ten wickets though, that doesn't happen often even against Bangladesh. Apparently this is first 10 wicket loss 646 ODIs, which I think we can take as being first time ever.
Then, in the second ODI, the Aussies got 336/4 which seemed like quite a hill to climb, and chasing down 150 odd was a lot easier. Anyway, long story short, Black Caps hauled them in with about an over to spare. That means they won the Chappell-Hadlee trophy thing, for the first time I think (been going two or three years).
FA Cup games this weekend. Chelsea won, Arsenal and Man Utd both had draws with lowly placed teams.
POT WATCH
Hmm, not good news. The sprouted apricot isn't in good shape. Sun too strong, in a sheltered place now but may not be soon enough. Nothing on nectarine yet, but avocados are germinating so there is something positive.
MY SAD LIFE
These first few bits are really quite sad confessions about dubious achievements this week. I ask that you keep them to yourself.
- I used the word "efficacy" in an audio conference. I am so embarrassed.
- Even worse, I went to call someone and started dialling their fixed IP address. Ulp. Where's the dot button? If you laugh then you are a geek, if you don't get it, I won't explain it to you, sorry.
- Thursday, I grabbed my clothes to change for a meeting, took them to my office, and then wondered why I had decided that I only had one foot (even worse, had two socks but one shoe). And no, I hadn't dropped it.
Rory's name went up outside his school about the English thing, which was back in October, but was still pretty cool seeing "Rory Clarke 1st in New Zealand in English ISAC competition". Even if he wasn't observant enough to notice it himself, which is sad. They even put the E on the end. I am almost at the point of changing my name because so many things drop it off. He will actually receive the medal tomorrow at assembly.
Hardly saw Hannah this weekend. She had a sleepover Saturday night for her friend Jess's birthday. Rory and I were on a water polo coaching course so when we were home, she wasn't, and vice versa. Wasn't allowed to be told much about the sleep over (they had food, don't know what sort, but glad they were fed). She did not return missing an eyebrow, despite having fallen asleep, Rory was disgusted that obscenities were not drawn on foreheads with vivid markers.
Hannah had trials for softball this week. She thinks she isn't in the team but there was a cock up in the announcement (they missed out four of the names) so there is a chance she actually is. Fingers crossed, should hear today.
The whole busy weekend, relaxed week thing seems to be recurring. Despite being pretty busy at work, downright frantic at times, I left the house for work once this week. I left it for the pool about eight times, for school about three times, not sure I left for any other reason at all. So while busy, and theoretically earning as much as I need, weekdays just seem more relaxed.
Have had almost zero interaction with friends this week, except for couple of emails. Hopefully next weekend might be more normal.
That'll have to do for now.Lunch time.
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