MaksDaddy Herald

Happy New Year

2009-01-08T11:07:00.001+13:00

Hope everyone brought the new year in with a bang.

This is my first post in well over a month now and needless to say several things have taken place in that time mostly notably is christmas.

But we'll get to those eventually, for now, I wish everyone a happy new year.

End of an Era - Nick turns 21

2008-11-27T17:23:00.000+13:00

Last in the line of cousin's on my mothers side to join the 21st (and over) club.

Lastweek I and the family met at Auckland's London Bar to celebrate Nick's 21st with his friends. Sad to say but it was alarming to see so many baby faces in the mix truly starting to show my age now as I heard their conversations primarily covering gossip and nothing else. Normally I'd find myself in the presence of people discussing politic's, economics, finance & good places to take the kids on weekends.

The highlight of my evening was going to the gent's finding my cousin Nick throwing up in the bathroon. I couldn't do anything but crack up laughing as "been there done that" sprung to mind. We've all been down that road of hunging a toilet at least once in our lives. Good to see he's got some spirit thou and appreciate the good laugh. Good to know he had several good friends to help him out tho, as good friends are always great to have around especially when they're your ride home.

Anway Happy Birthday Nick - hope ya had a good one.

APEC Update

2008-11-24T10:55:00.000+13:00

24 hours following being sworn in as New Zealands Prime Minsiter, John Key was presenting his first official speech at APEC. Whilst Mr. Keys is new didnt mean that he would tread carefully taking aim at the G20 leaders saying they have put their reputations on the line calling for an agreement by the end of this year on the crucial decisions needed to take this round to a successful conclusion. Also adding that thier credibility was shot unless they complete the latest round of trade talks following on from the G20 meeting in the last few weeks.He was direct and made a very strong impact but did not step on any toes whilst making his point clear, this was later backed by the Australian Prime Minister whom said "if the G20 dropped the ball on this it would represent a failure on political leadership...the world expects political leaders to act not simply describe events."

John Key also had the opportunity to meet with outgoing US President Bush saying that he would like to meet with Mr. Keys later in the week. This is a great opportunity for NZ to be heard and open future trade negotiations which we can hopefully close within the next year or so. If Mr Keys could close on any agreement whilst attending the APEC meeting in Peru, he would be an absolute legend doing something that Labour could not.

Maks Update 24/11/2008

2008-11-24T10:35:00.000+13:00

After what seemed like a busy morning working from home it flew by and before I knew it my preset alarm went off advising me it was time to pick Makayla up. Once I walked thru the door one of her friend recognised me and ran off to find Makayla screaming "Makayla you daddy's here" to which she came running around the corner and flung herself at my leg squeezing tightly before she let go and grabbed her back saying "are we going now?!!."

In the car it was down to our usual conversations about red light green light and we don't like the red lights. We found blue cars and even a train and once again she pointed out where I work.

Once home I got her dinner ready as she watched her movie (if your a regular ready you'll be familiar with what movie I'm talking aobut here) happily singing along to each song. After dinner we watched another Barbie movie, The Diamond Castle which she got thru further before she decided she didn't like the Dragon, Slider, so I gave her a bath washing her hair with her helping me. After I had dried her hair and tied it up out of her eyes we jumped into the car and drove down to Aunty Kaz's place to pick mom up to save her walking back up the hill. Once home we finished watching the diamond castle with her pointing and screaming "its the diamond castle, look its pretty."

I probably managed to stay awake maybe 30 mins longer before I had to crash myself. When I woke she was rip roaring ready to go for the day and it was a brill day so what did we do.

What did we do? Oh yes, we went down the Karyns place for a while where the kids played for an hour or so as Kaz got ready and once we were we all jumped in the car and drove out to Jakes house to see the kittens. There were a good litter there and the little things are just too cute for words (will post photos shortly.) Danika and Makayla just loved playing with them, one did scratch Maks but she deserved it as she juggled the cat up and down LOL but she learnt Not to do that again. Jake also took me for a fun rip around the block in his 4wd beast, now that was fun and cant wait to see it go off road.

Afterwards we returned home and Maks and I took a nap before we went to visit Simon & Yoni where we stayed for dinner.

Sunday Morning, I woke up to find stickers all over my face and hands. Wonder 'who' put them there. The weather had turned as I was pretty wiped out so we didnt end up doing much apart from her and Danika watching Barbie Mermaidia.

Several hours later after a good nap we relaxed on the couch watching Mcdonalds farm before I gave her a quick wash up and we were off to drop her to Donne who had spent the weekend in Morrinsville visiting her sister and had passed buy Candyland and I believe had made a really big lollipop for Maks who was more than happy to get started on it.

APEC

2008-11-20T10:35:00.000+13:00

National leader and NZ Prime Minister Elect John Keys has now been sworn in and taken a pay rise (approx $400k) and already facing a difficult task handling the current economic crisis as he heads off to Peru to attend the APEC conference with other world leaders with the main item on the agenda being the resolution of the global economy. This follows on from lastweeks meeting with President Bush ending his speech with "...Good Bye."

For John Key being newly elected, this will be a good opportunity to meet with other world leaders and push trade agreements with other nations. President elect Obama will also be attending the APEC meeting, where we hope New Zealand will get a chance to build on their current relationship with America.

NZ Redundancies

2008-11-20T10:24:00.000+13:00

Already this year many companies have made cuts in regards to their staffing levels to combat the global recession. This week alone ANZ National Bank have cut 3000 to 5000 staff across the board and Air NZ have so far cut 200 staff and cant rule out more, included in the cuts is they are standing down 1 aircraft with another expected to join it.

Only the larger companies have made national headlines but there are still many more companies making cuts primarily those that deal in areas of Finance, Motor Vehicles and Realty. such as recruitment companies, Car Sales (new vehicle sales) and finance companies.

Companies are also reducing costs on how they deal with their staff christmas functions. Several have cancelled outright whereas others are seeking cheaper alternatives leaving function facilities such as hotels and conference centres short on catering and planned events. In fact smaller business such as taverns are reaping this business holding/booking christmas functions as they allow a lower priced business expense.

Still only time will tell of the battle ground being fought on to create new business and keep the profits rolling in.

A New Dawn

2008-11-08T22:53:00.005+13:00

Tomorrow morning we'll wake up to a National lead goverment.
The results haven't been fully finalised but its pretty much a done and dusted deal. The crown BMW vehicle has arrived at his home to take the New Elect Prime Minister to the National Party 'Party' and celebrate the win which was closer than I initially expected but like in Golf, its the result that counts in the end.

Helen Clark would be considering when the opportune time to place the congratulatory call through to John Keys. John Keys is apparantly waiting on that call at his home prior to departing to the celebrations so it does show some dignity towards the former prime minister and will be waiting at his home until she arrives at her party HQ to meet with her staff & supports.

WELDONE TO NATIONAL, JOHN KEYS AND PERSONAL CONTRATULATIONS TO RODNEY HIDE AND HIS ACT PARTY
whom now have 5 seats up 3 from the last election.

Election's 08' Auckland Central

2008-11-08T22:32:00.002+13:00

Sing along to the Beathles Song Hey Jude.

"hey Dude, you lost your seat
it went to Na-tional, under Hay-e-es
remember the days when you held your seat
cos its not yours, Hayes will make it beta betta better YEAH."

************************************
Returning from the ACT Party party in Orakei we are holding strong on 3.7 and Rodney Hide looks to easily win the Epsom seat with a large margin of comfort. ACT are holding with 5 seats where 6 would be nice maybe a long shot. John Keys however looks set to take the lead in a new era for New Zealand leading with house seats and running at 10%+ over Labour however its not yet fully tallied with another 2 percent to calculate yet National look set to form the next government.

COMMANDER AND CHIEF

2008-11-05T17:11:00.005+13:00

Ten Minutes ago, CNN announced the new President of the United States and Commander and Chief is Barrack Obama(democrat). Obama will become the 43rd president to take office and be the first Black american to reside in the Oval Office. His running mate Joe Biden will follow him to Washington DC to take the position as Vice-President.

John McCain(Republican) fought well like a trooper right up to the last minute and congratulate him on a well run campaign in what will probably go down in posterity as the presidential election of the century.

**
On a side bar I still prefered David Palmer as the first black american president from the TV series 24.

US Presidential Elections

2008-11-05T15:00:00.003+13:00

Only time will tell once all votes are tallied however the news is littered with updates that there is an unprecedented number of voting occuring. Record numbers of early voters and long lines streaming out into carparks with people waiting to cast their nomination for President.

Lawyers have been working overtime also to ensure the dibacle or the 2000 election is note repeated with ballet votes beoing counted over and over and over again. FLorida will be wanting to get it right this time for sure.

NZ Elections 2008

2008-11-04T12:16:00.000+13:00

Lastnight the leader debate was televised with childish arguments with John Campbell struggling to keep both Labour and National Leaders in Tow. I think John did a great job given the circumstances but felt the debate was unprofessional compared to the more mature debates between McCain and Obama and even Palin and Biden. They brought up the 'Trust' issue and Helen noted that Labour has reduced unemployment and crime rate yet we are finding more redundancies than ever before and the crime rate has gotten severly out of control with serious murders occuring more commonly. National and ACT both want strickter laws governing crime in NZ ie. 3 strikes and your out and all Labour say is "trust us" which is an easy statement to make. Recall the story of Mogli in the Juggle Book and the Snake whos catch phrase was "trust in me." Well that's how I personally see Labour presently as a snake lurking in the shadows swallowing up the economy under mismanagement.

Jumped for Joy when Rodney(ACT) joined with John Keys as they are the parties I wish to take on the new government. While my vote goes for ACT, I strongly support John Keys also to take the helm and lead NZ into a prosperous future.

US Presidential Election

2008-11-04T00:17:00.002+13:00

At the time of this posting there is 1 day, zero hours and 40 minutes until America decides whom will take office come January 2009, Sen. John McCain with Gov. Sarah Palin or the Obama/Biden team. I guess the truth will soon be announced and either way controversy shall follow regardless of the outcome. It has been a good battle and easily overshadowed the local NZ news of our own govt elections even after tonights debate with neither candidates holding quite the firm mature professionalism at their US counterparts.

But before a new Prime Minister is alloted to NZ Parliment, we shall soon find the winner of the US Presidential Running.

The Callaway FTiQ Driver 2008

2008-11-03T17:56:00.004+13:00

This month Callaway will release a new driver in New Zealand called the FTiQ a follow up to its elder brother the FTi. When the FTi first hit the shelves it was a bold new evolution in golf with many other companies introducing their own versions such as the Nike Sasquatch. The square head driver meant that the golfer could visually square up to the ball, that the head would hold its shape better and more balanced at MOI (moment of inertia). The first time I trialed the FTi the impression was intense for I could increase my swing speed and still trust that the face would hold its shape at impact and I could still hit the ball straight down my line but with a lot more distance achieved.

The brand new FTiQ takes that one step further . To describe the FTiQ as a more sporty version of its predecessors is an understatement for to simply say its the M5 BMW over a standard 5-series would barely scrape the surface as this is definately a supercar of golf clubs(drivers). The rear of the club is reminicent to that of Lamborghini's special limited edition Reventon which was based on the F22 stealth fighter jet. To put a supercar on the same equal level as a golf club is just unthinkable but lets look at it like this. The style is equal to that of a supercar being sleek & strikingly eye appealing, its performance is exquisite, power surpasses all others, balanced and controlled stability, massive amounts of torque & 0-100 in a nano-second. The sheer design makes you wonder if its aerodynamic design was tested in a wind-tunnel like every modern super or hyper car that ever hits the road, and this design is a vast improvement over the FTi model as the improved aerodynamics would reduce drag, a bold statement to make as its just a visual assesment. The Driver also has power to weight ratio giving the driver improved comfort and confidence however unlike any sports car it houses an internal hyperbolic chamber, unless Michael Jackson beat us to the punch on that one.

IF Jeremy Clarkson was at all a golfer, this is the club he'd have in the bag.

pic's

2008-10-29T21:21:00.002+13:00

A Golfer's Test

2008-10-29T20:20:00.002+13:00

Here's a little test: If your standing out in the open air and you notice an object near or far do you test the distance thinking "hmmm that cars about an 8 iron away?" or do you take it one step further "approx 135 meters, 1 metre down angle, wind right to left moderate head wind. Options: Full 8 iron or 7 iron on half backswing an 80% of maximum effort."

I find myself running those thoughts often when even in the open air standing around chilling. So that's Mike, with golf on his mind when he has a moment to spare as an escape from work and the perfect way to test myself. After two months from picking my clubs up last the boys and I headed out early sunday morning to Manukau Golf Course for a round. Never played that course before but after walking off the 18th green after some pretty heavy rain and wind spells i ended up with a score of 87 or 15 over par. Normally I'd be pretty pissed with that kind of score but seeing as though its only my 6th round for the year and we played in some terrible conditions it was a score I could accept falling only 1 short of Dale "daly" Heighway and Simon "Singh" Johnson who've played the course several times already this year so was able to hold my own.
As we walked up to the 18th green the heaven's opened up and dropped a bucket on us then the hail set in turning the green into white, so we were pretty happy we'd just finished our last putts prior to that setting in. On average I'd have to say we had heavy rain approximately every three holes where we were constantly putting on and taking off our wet weather gear and thank god I remembered to pack it.

Some Very Impressive Bikes from Ferrari

2008-10-29T20:12:00.004+13:00

Maks Update Oct 28th

2008-10-28T20:51:00.002+13:00

Friday: Walking up the ramp to the front door of Makayla's kindy I found her hanging from the play gym rings happily swinging away until she saw me then dropped and ran to meet me at the door. I had about 5 meters to reach the door, she had about 15 yet I entered thru the door she was jumping up and down for me. Scooping her up in my arms with a big hug we said goodbye to Caleb her friend who's birthday party we would attend the following day.
As soon as we got home she demanded that I put 'her' movie Barbie: The Island Princess on to which she happily set about watching it over and over. I asked if she wanted to go for a swim and preferred to watch her movie which was ok as she had abit of a cough going again. After dinner we decided to hmmm watch the barbie movie again before I put her in the bath and readied her for bed. Placing her down to rest her head I read her a short story before she closed her eyes and fell fast asleep so i gave her a kiss on her forehead and went to bed myself.
Saturday: about 1040 we arrived at her friend Calebs birthday party and the Ellerslie YMCA held in the gymnasium with all the kids playing various games. It was great for they had so much room to run around and play, her best friend rosie was there too and they both loved swinging on the gymnastic rings time and time again. They put on a lovely spread with so many lollies I almost felt sick looking at it all but allowed maks to have a good share so long as she knew that she wouldnt be getting anymore for the rest of the weekend. After the party we came home and took a nap as we were both exhausted and must've gone down for a couple of hours after running around at the party. Later that afternoon sort of eludes me, but at some point Danika came round and the two played for a while and watched a new barbie movie I got. That evening I gave maks a bath so it would free me up to watch the Rugby final between Canterbury and Wellington with Red taking the win by one point. After the game we sent Danika home and I put maks to bed after I sung her a short song but ended up coming out as she couldnt sleep so I put her in my bed for a while until she fell asleep and when I came to bed I transferred her to her bed.
Sunday:having an early round of golf scheduled it was a change for me to be up before her, after I was ready I walked in and gave her a bug and kiss then left for my car only forgetting the keys, Do'h, so heading back inside I found maks sitting on the couch after just turning her kids programs on, I had to laugh.
After the game I got home just after midday and went down to my sisters house where mom had taken her to see Danika and the rest of the family. Stef and Carl were there with baby William almost ready to start crawling and is not too far from it all.
I could see maks starting to get a bit scratchy and iritated so it picked her up and we came home to have a rest and I surely needed it after my round of golf earlier in the day with my back in much pain. After our nap she took a while to wake up so on came The Island Princess (no surprises there) but we only played the songs she could sing along to. Crikey mind blank can't recall what we did after that LOL i think that we just took it easy, practising to write her name, drawing and lots of cuddles and tickles hahaha
Monday: The morning was quiet as we waited for mom the pack ready to fly off to Hong Kong so when she was finally ready we jumped in the car and went to pick Kaz up. There was still a bit of time so the kids played around for a while before deciding to watch yet another Barbie movie (one I dont have....yet) but they tired of that quickly which was ok as was time to head off to the airport. Once there we all had lunch together and then raced to the 3rd level to wave goodbye to mom after she'd passed thru immigration. On the way home I decided to take the long slow drive home to allow maks time for a decent nap in the car as we also had to drop Kaz and Danika home. When we finally got home she was refreshed and rip roaring ready to go and we still had 2 hours spare before Donne picked her up on her way to a friends so that time was spent productively writing, chasing her around, playing hide and seek and eating some fruit. Donne picked her up sometime after 4pm where afterwards I caught a good nap after a very long weekend of fun.

maks update 17/10/08

2008-10-17T13:44:00.002+13:00

Donne dropped maks off to me on the thursday after I finished work just before 6pm. As they drove into the car park I saw my little girls little hand waving up at me thru the window. I reached in to undo her seatbelt and picked her up in my arms as she was dressed in her PJs with little pink slippers on as Donne had given her a bath before leaving her house. After we waived Donne goodby as she drove out of the car park it was upstairs to start out weekend of fun n games.

That evening was relatively uneventful with her sitting back to watch her Barbie movie over and over and over again and again, we also spent more time teaching her how to write her own name, coloured in some pictures for a colouring in competition they are holding at work for kids. Shortly after 8pm I put her into bed and sang a song to her before she went to sleep waking in the early hours of friday morning. The night before I'd shown her how to load her movie on my computer which I hold in my lounge area. That particular wall backs on to my bedroom wall so at about 7am I heard this happy scream from the lounge after some tapping and thumping on the computer keyboard saying "Daddy !!! I Did it !!!" meaning she'd started up the movie on her own as I snuggled my head into my pillow thinking 'k Mike, time to get up and get her breakfast now, come on you fat bastard."
She happily munched down her breakfast whilst watching her movie while I showered and dressed in ready for the days activities. The first activity was to pop into work quickly to hand in the colouring pictures she'd done the night before and check what accounts I had come in that day. We said a very quick hello and goodbye to a few people then ran across the road to foodtown where Aunty Kaz and Danika were waiting for us.
After we filled up with the weekend groceries we jumped in the car and I brought her home for a nap at around 11.30am and let her go dream for an hour and a half before she pop out of her room wiping the tiredness from her eyes and crawling up next to me on the couch as I finished watching the sport. Later that afternoon I decided to take her for a bike ride at Mission Bay where she rode from the park area right around to the next bay heading towards St. Helliers and then back again. Mom met us there and decided she'd take maks to see Danika and as they walked off to mom's car parked at the far end, I watched as she ran along the beach. As I drove home I passed the park and noticed Maks getting onto the swings so I had a little chuckle as I drove off. Can't recall what happend for the rest of the day but the following day we met up with Danika so Mom and I took them both down for a swim. Danika is really coming along with her swimming and maks too was doing quite well also considering it was only her second swimming lesson I'd given her.
After the swim I brought her home for a good nap before we left to have dinner with at my cousin stef's house with hubby and little boy William. Maks enjoyed playing with William, who's now about 7 months old now and growing fast, showing him how to play with the toys.

Sunday was to be a big day, so I packed up colouring in books, toys & my computer loaded with her movie as we left home shortly after 11am and on to our first stop being the Auckland Fish Markets for some Snapper, then to foodtown for the eye fillets then raced on over to my mate's house to sit back and enjoy.... BATHURST.
Maks, as usual had a great time with Yoni and the cats, didn't even need to bring out the computer either. We all had a great time, even maks sat back and pretended to drive a car around the bathurst track as we'd tell her ok your going thru the cutting now so you have a series of left and right corners, ok here's the dipper, alright now its a hard left around forest elbow, now hit the gas for the straight.
It was a complete laugh.
With time going on and 60 laps to go, I thought I'd get maks back to Donne before it gets to late and make it back in time to watch the race finish.... I still don't have the heart to tell maks we (Holden) lost.

Can't wait to spend time with her again, now that the weather has cleared up we're able to do what we've wanted to do all winter and GET OUTSIDE.

Baby Johnson

2008-10-14T16:27:00.002+13:00

The last week or so has been a mind blowing crazy mad time but it was all put to rest when finally I got some great news. My best mate Simon and his wife Yoni contacted me an hour or so ago to announce that she is 4 weeks pregnant.

BIG CONGRAT'S GUYS

When Maks and I were over to watch Bathurst she was noticable tired and her period was well overdue so I went home with fingers crossed. When I saw their name pop up on my phone I just knew what it was about and am just so thrilled for them both.
In speaking with Simon if could see his grin in my mind and knew that when I asked him "you can't stop smiling can you!!."

The two are wrapped and excited so will definately be rushing over to their house to celebrate tonight.

New Zealand Political Debate

2008-10-02T21:54:00.002+13:00

Clark and Key are trying to turn the NZ elections into an Americanised copycat election by cutting out other candidates such as the Greens and ACT. Just because they are the largest government bodies and it would be either of the two they figure they can rule out the other 5 parties.

By taking this path I see why they wish to take this avenue however our government body is not created in a two-way street under Republican or Democrat parties. They only thing they share is Labours colour being red as is for the Republicans and Nationals colour which is blue like the Democrates but thats where it ends and sorry Mr. Keys but you cannot consider yourself to be Like Barrack Obama.

Personal Opinion: not in favour of

Running Mate Debate - countdown

2008-10-02T21:28:00.003+13:00

Shortly the follow up debate to McCain and Obama shall commence between Palin and Biden.

Biden whos experience far outweights that of Palin can often come across as bit of a rambler, short and direct but now he is up against Palin a relative newcomer but not one to be counted out as she completely ruled during her Governor debates so can definately hold her own against the experienced.

The challenge for Biden I see to be a difficult road due to the fact that to sell and support Obama whilst at the same time crushing Palin, but heres the trick, he has to do it with a subtle nature as not to loose out on the female votes for the Democrates. Here's where Palin may gain some ground and if smart can work that to her advantage if she corners Biden whom is often an agressive debater coming out with guns blazing.

I have watched the debate between the presidential candidates and have to admit that I felt that McCain made some very valid points that got me thinking however was unable to sell me on the whole idea. Obama during the first 20 mins started to say "I agree with Senator McCain..." before adding his jibe to the mix. I felt that both talked on valid issues but at times strayed and avoided specifics so once the debate was concluded I found myself scratching my head and thinking, maybe I should watch this again and see if there's more I can grb from it. But instead found listening to Canadian comedian Russell Peters more entertaining.

To follow the American Presidential Elections coming from a small tiny country (New Zealand) so far away from basically, well alot of things. Its important to understand whats happening in America as what often happens there will eventually filter out to the world. Sometime subtle and sometimes faster than we can blink an eye so the outcome of whom steps into the oval office in January will have a controlling affect on the world.

Monday funny

2008-09-29T12:17:00.001+13:00

Aparantly this photo has done the rounds on the email but I hear that it was featured on the news also. I'm guessing they'll be up for some legal battles in future =) but hey its a good laugh

Succesful Streak Comes to an End

2008-09-29T09:33:00.003+13:00

Over the last 4-5 years I have been sucessful in predicting the sex of a baby over a streak of 19 correct guesses. People have often asked how I do it but honestly its just a feeling and unfortunately my record now has to stand at 19. My good friend Kylie had a healthy boy where my guess is that it would be a girl based more on statistics than my gut feeling which I clearly should have run with.

The first in the series was my niece Danika where as soon as Karyn decided on a name I instictively told her not to even bother with boys names as there just wants any other choice. Same with Makayla, I knew she was a girl from the get go and couldnt be happier.

Being a parent is hard but rewarding, so congrats to the parents of the 19 correct guesses and the 1 incorrect one =)

International Credit Crunch

2008-09-29T08:21:00.000+13:00

Last week, ANZ bank put out a notice for staff wishing to take voluntary redundancy, and now I hear that at least one recruitment company is also making cut backs in regards to staffing numbers with more to follow I should expect. As previously noted in a posted blog not too long ago, that each day almost you read about more property developments going under in the NZ heralds property or business sections. I was milling this over whilst walking to work this morning thinking on the other factors of employment statistics where builders, construction workers and other trades would suffer reduced work/income due to these property developers crashing and burning. The way I see it is that the effects are only subtle at this stage but remain constant and believe bigger affects could be on the horizon so as a worsecase scenario if we can protect ourselves against that we should be sitting well.

The seriousness of the global economy is now at high risk, especially for those in and around realty, banking and car sales. Car sales has taken a huge hit dropping by 30% in annual returns and less and less prestige cars are going on the roads than ever with the avereage NZdr opting to down size their cars and in some instances go for older & smaller cars than what they already own.

If we recall the affects of the Great Depression, there was always money floating around, it just simply went into fewer pockets and we are starting to see similar affects now. This may only be the beginning but economists always knew that it would happen again it was just a matter of when. So its important to align ourselves in put in place strategies that will protect yourselves and family. We all want a better future so its time to review a structured plan and get moving today.

Maks update Saturday 27th 2008

2008-09-28T21:21:00.003+13:00

Today I woke up early as had to run into work for a few hours to see if I could make a few more deals as running tight on my monthly targets. Once home i picked maks up from my sisters house and we went to spend a lovely day with friends Lana, Steve and their 1 year old Jade.

We arrived to find Jade enjoying a little snack meal and making a right mess of it too. Ah yes I remember those days which seem like a lifetime ago but was only 2 years ago that I was in the same situation. We jumped into the one car and drove out to devonport where the kids had fun in the park shown in the photos placed here, here and there. We spent maybe 15 or 30 mins in the park on swings, slides, see-saws and blowing bubbles before we jumped back in the car heading back to lana's stopping off to pick up some food on the way. We met Steve there as he'd spent the morning helping his boss move house so we just chilled out with the kids having fun. Lana turned on the Wii game and i attempted to teach Maks how to bowl which wasnt all that succesful but she enjoyed it nonetheless.

Time was creaping on so I piled maks into the car and told her that she could take a nap so I could make a quick stop off at the auckland fish market and get us some dinner. Once home I cradled her up in my arms putting her down in her bed to sleep. I cleaned up the place a little before I got tired and turned the tv on but it was already set on the kids program and maks hearing the familiar sounds to one of her favourite programs quickly rose from her slumber and ran out into the lounge saying "my program" all before I had time to settle down in relax mode and change the channel. DANGIT, now i was stuck with her channel so I let it run as she jumped up on the couch next to me and took the remote off me.

When the evening finally set it I started about her dinner as she sat back watching Barbie the Island Princess, AGAIN, only cos she enjoys it so much and now likes to sing along to the songs. I cooked up the fish which she ate infront of her barbie movie as I watched the sports channel with no sound and finished my dinner. Once i'd let our meals rest I drew her bath and gave her a good scrub down and washed her hair which is about the time that simon showed up ready to watch the Warriors game. It was now about 08.30pm as I sat maks infront of me drying her hair then tied it back out of her face as we all sat back watching episode 5 of The Long Way Down which maks enjoyed for part of before climbing up over me and rested her head down on my shoulder snuggling down and was fast asleep about 5 mins later. i held her there keeping each other warm until the rugby came on which is when I tucked her into bed giving her a kiss on her forehead before sitting back to watch the Warriors suffer a humiliating defeat kissing their hopes of making the grand finale goodbye.
The game was that bad that it was easy for me to pop up out of my seat to check on maks to make sure she hadn't kicked her blankets off during her slumber. It actually came to the point that we changed channels all before the game finished as we couldn't bear it any longer.

Maks had a great sleep and was ready for sunday...

SUNDAY
About 11am I dressed her in one of her favourite dresses and we jumped in the car and met up with Simon and Yoni at the Takapuna markets walking around seeing what was on offer but there wasn't much time left as several stores were already packing up but they did buy a few items. Afterwards we walked through the mall where I bought maks a lovely hot chocolate as I enjoyed my latte. Afterwards we all took a walk around the mall after I let maks take a ride on Thomas the Tank engine. Each store we entered (or didnt) shed run rampant backwards and forwards here there and everywhere. Once in the car I thought that after running around so much shed want a nap but she didn't even after we got home so at about 2pm I took her for a walk down the road. We walked down around the Ferry building and then across and around the viaduct looking at all the boats which her mind racing away asking questions about different boats. About halway home I picked her up and she snuggled her head down on my shoulder and went to sleep, YAY, so once in the door I placed her down for a good nap. When she woke up her aunty kaz was visiting with Danika but she still ran around to me sitting on the couch and threw her arms around me not caring about the guitar i was holding and the fact she gave me no time to put it down.
She and Danika enjoyed watching the Island Princess again in more of a singalong mode as they didnt care much for the movie just wanted me to play the songs.

They both enjoyed that for a time before I changed her clothes and got her ready to go back to Donne's. She hugged and kissed everyone goodbye then skipped her way out the door. Thats my weekend with my Princess, seems like forever in between the times we see each other but once together its like nothings changed.

maks update Friday Sept 26th

2008-09-28T21:10:00.002+13:00

3pm Arrived to pick maks up from her kindy where I found her outside with good friend Rosie. She hadnt noticed me as was busy filling her sun hat with handfuls of sand. When i called out to her she looked up with two lovely boogies hand from her nose so I popped inside to grab some tissues as she ran in after me. After wiping her nose I shook all the sand from her hat while she gave rosie a big hug before we jumped in the car and off home.

She called out for tickles on the redlights which I endolged for a short time but we hit too many red lights so I soon tired quickly. We stopped off at Foodtown for the weekends groceries as she sat in the trolley helping me stack the food and then unpack at the checkout counter. Then without prompting as we walked down the ramp she looked out the window across that road turning to me with a questionable look saying "hey daddy, thats where you work ay."

When we got home I decided that I'd let her watch her kids programs while I sorted out putting the groceries away then decided that I would take her for a swim. So I packed the arm floats, togs, towel and change of clothes and we walked down te road to the pool. We found ourselves all alone for a while so I taught her how to kick her legs properly and move her arms through the water. She did so well and was so confident that I would be able to let her go and following some good instructions she was able to swim to me unassisted which made me so proud. We havent been able to get down there too much as she was always too sick to risk it but we were in the pool for a long time and dont think either of us wanted to really get out but was time to get her home and organise dinner.

After dinner, I cleaned her up and changed her into her PJs and settled in for a relaxing evening. Not sure of the time probably soon after 8pm she was nestled into my shoulder and fell asleep. I kept her there as she was keeping me warm like a nice heated cushion for a short while before putting her into bed and following suit not long after.

SNL Parody - Clinton & Pailn

2008-09-22T21:31:00.003+12:00

Here is the full version of Saturday Night Live's intro sequence with Tina Fey returning to SNL to portray Sarah Palin and did a wonderful job. Absolutely Funny

Financial Markets

2008-09-22T17:51:00.003+12:00

With the announcement of the US Govt. to spend $700b to bail out their woeful financial crisis as it looms ever closer to imitating the Great Depression of the early 1900's forged a refreshing light of hope in the global economy today with the NZ share index doing better on monday's trading. Japan also saw a rise but still far from recovering at this stage. The NZ Herald marked that the US Govt's spenditure on its 'bail out' plan is 6-7 times that of the NZ GDP which is equivalent to NZD$1T(one trillion).
Now thats a spicy meat ball.
In the time of 9/11, the economic industry was hit quite hard but it quickly recovered. However, the emergence of the Global Credit Crunch, rising fuel & food prices has meant that this will be around a little longer making short term gains. NZ has entered into a recession which I'm unsure if it has been fully declared but has been noted by many of our Govt leaders in many instances recently. We have seen property prices bottom out and realty sales drop and interest rate stay high where only recently they have started a slow reduction process but has meant financing for the overage NZdr almost a nightmare especially for the first home buyers.

The economic future of New Zealand is yet to be determined after Nov 8th elections where the gap between National and Labour parties is large at present, is expected to narrow in preceeding weeks to the debates and electoral votes.

The Ryder Cup

2008-09-22T15:01:00.003+12:00

Even without Tiger Woods on the American side they still managed to take the win over the European side 16 1/2 - 11 1/2. Besides Europe having a strong team it was unfortunately not enough to secure the cup allowing the America's to take the cup home.

Friday Night Football

2008-09-22T13:43:00.004+12:00

Victory found the Vodafone Warriors on Friday night at Mt. Smart Stadium as they took a decisive win over the Roosters (30-13). The intensity of the home crowd filling the statdium with loud cries as the team circled the field about 20-30 mins prior to kick off set the mood that would only intensify further during the match.

The Warriors were greeted onto the field with long winded screams of excited joy from the surrounding stands and a fireworks display which by personal observation was only seen by those not still screaming for the Warriors or focussed on the Cheersleaders.

The first try was to the Warriors within moments of kick-off which followed by several terrible calls by the ref and the Roosters taking 2 converted try's and a drop goal before half time. Coming into the second half the Warriors came out hungry for points and, they got em too, breaking thru the definsive lines to find the try line. During the course of the game the Warriors had two tries disallowed by the ref upstairs and each of those decision's were met with shock and awe from the crowd in sheer disbelief over the terrible call. The errie silience as all eyes fixated on the screen watching the replays came with held breath until the decision was called to the dismay of viewers whom expelled their their anger over the call with questionable expressions exuding disgust & confusion.

The last 10 seconds brought the stadium into one unified support structure as the count down commenced followed by raised hands high into the air, clenched fists punching the air and screams filling the air with exhilleration which only continued as the triumphant Warriors walked the stadium to the claps and cheer from the crowd.

To describe the win as fantastic is an understatement, the crowd were so enthralled over the win that even after waiting in Traffic for an hour to exit the car park, no-one cared. Mostly we all just hung around our trasport pooling in groups still cheering on the win we had been witness too. In the car park, groups including ours could be seen still jumping with excitement hanging around their vehicles chatting with strangers and friends.

The Warriors played a great game, and will face Manly whom are having a very strong season. If succesful they will go on to the Grand Finale in Sydney.

GO WARRIORS

Auckland Logo Follow up

2008-09-22T13:10:00.005+12:00

Here is the final product of $174,000 worth in spending

I honestly believe that this is a premature move for Aucklands tourism at this stage and figure it would have been more strategic to push a new branding of Auckland closer to the Rugby world cup such as a year out. That way we could have incorporated more of auckland and used those funds to better auckland city. ie, the roads in Auckland are forever dug up and then patched over time and time again until they look like a black and white version of Jason's Techni-coloured raincoat. I think it is a move by local authorities to make the roads as poorly as possible to deter people from driving their cars through central Auckland streets.

Quay street is a very busy area for tourism and business yet the section of road between the Viaduct through to Tangihua Street is terrible and would require very soft suspension just so not to shake the fillings from your teeth.

The LV Pacific Cup which will hopefully become an exciting annual event would very much incorporate Aucklands 'City of Sails' Theme which has after all these years been scratched from existance which doesnt give much hope that anything was clearly thought through in the development of the design.

John Banks and Mike Lee have been avoiding the issue which is taking on widespread criticism from the public and neither has taken responsibility. The branding logo came from the Metro Project action plan (a business arm of the ARC) which Mr. Lee Chairs. John Banks commented he's only seen the logo once before and no further comment was given, so who is responsible for pushing this new brand of logo through?

Former Akld Mayor Dick Hubbard was quoted "the logo symbolised a city that is frayed at the edges," Which as hard a statement it does bears some truth to it.

*************************

A recent comment made to my blogsite by another fellow blogger has designed and improved version of the logo and can be viewed here

The Kiwi Cup : Yachting

2008-09-16T10:28:00.000+12:00

Auckland will early in the new year play host to an America's Cup style regatta to be held off the shores of Aucklands North Shore where the America's Cup races were held in 2000 & 2003 but will be much closer to the shore for land spectators to gail in the marvell of yachting and hopefully bring much thrill back into the sport.

After Alinghi took the win last year retaining the cup, their has been much debacle surrounding the cup and I'll admit I've somewhat lost interest in all the legal issues between BMW Oracle/Team New Zealand v's Alighi. Alighi were the most unsportsman like people on the face of the earth following their 1 second win over Dean Barker and team who were pushed to the side during the presenting of the cup. They have made the whole issue worse by delaying the next cup and still not sorting out the circumstances about the race boats. During this time the other syndicates are loosing money and TNZ have had to let several key people go. However with the Kiwi Cup going on offer it will hopefully bring life back to the sport which it so needs, especially to get the backing and support of kiwi's everywhere.

Invitations have gone out to all syndicates including Alighi for the first race to begin late January. It will not be a long drawn out regatta but a friendly competitive race much like in Golfing pro-am's. Teams will once again face off bringing excitement back in the air and will also be great for Auckland tourism as well on a small scale but if succesful it may hopefully become an annual event so would bring long term benefits.

Louis Vuitton whom have pulled out from their affiliation with the America's Cup mostly because its becoming too commercialised have associated their name with the Kiwi Cup where the winner will receive a specially crafted Louis Vuitton Trophy.

New Auckland Logo

2008-09-16T09:30:00.001+12:00

I woke up this morning reaching over to my bedside to grab my remote for the tv and tunned into Breakfast tv and whilst laying back building up energy to hurl myself out from the warmth and comfort of my bed I listened to a report that Auckland has spent $170k plus on rebranding a new logo.
Now before I go further I should explain that wellington uses a whispy font with the slogan 'Positively Wellington' and Christchurch has a soft green background with subtle font with the slogan 'the garden city'.

The new logo (which I cannot find anywhere on the net-hopefully a good sign) is a large captial A in full blast red with parts of the side being stratched out, and AUCKLAND written boldly beneath all on a white background and no slogan is present. Its a horrid and aggresive looking design and cant believe my tax paid money is being spent in such a fashion. The shear sight of it and when you lay your eyes on it too (hopefully you never do) you'll get the impression that Auckland is a rage of fury and so are its people.
Only after they debated it for a while on Breakfast tv that they were advised that it was to signify Rangitoto erupting and even they said "where do you get that?."

While they at it, why dont they make the colour grey and solem for that is what auckland is to our tourists, a totally depressing city. Check out blogs, facebook or bebo and you'll read peoples comments on the city.

Why spend $170+k taking away our slogan, City of Sails? Why would you do that, especially now that Auckland is set to host an America's Cup type race sponsoured by Louis Vuitton (not affiliated with the America's Cup). Makes no sense at all, its just inconceivable.

Motorsport news

2008-09-15T22:07:00.003+12:00

Phillip Island Enduro Race
While your never shy of a drought at Phillip Island, Holden ended their drought by taking out the Enduro race in the lead up to the 'big one' up the Mount (Mt Panorama) and by that I mean Bathurst.

The team of Tander and Skaife clinched the win from Whincup in the closing laps where on lap 103 of 115 they overtook the Ford team of Lowndes & Whincup and held out until the end taking the checkered flag.

Tander mentioned his wife giving him advice being a top F3 driver and familiar with the course in the rain. All I have to say is I'm happy to have Holden back on top of the podium and hope they take bathurst back from Ford.

F1
I'm hoping that this is not going to become a habit for Hamilton being so close to taking out the season when its almost coming to an end.His point standings now only put him 1 point ahead and I mention this only as he lost the championship title last year (in his first year) in the last race. It'll be nail biting coming down to the wire and he and team will need to pull out all stops to secure the victory making decisive tyre choices, strategic pits and just let Hamilton do what he does best and drive the heck out that car.

2008 Elections

2008-09-15T11:19:00.000+12:00

Helen Clark announced that the elections will take place on November 8th 2008 pushing the date back from October which was the initial scheduled time.

How this move will favour Labour is unsure but not the best move in the short term but will enable them more time to push forward. Their first course of business was a blitz move on National putting a squeeze on their policies. This shows that Labour and now National are in full campaign mode as the elections move ever closer.
Labour are dropping in the polls under a personal opinion is fantastic, but the conspiricy surrounding Winston Peters isnt helping their cause at all and Phil Goff has had to step into Peters shoes for the Commonwealth Foreign Ministers meeting in New York to cover the topic of action against Fiji. Helen Clark has taken over as Acting Foreign Minister in the mean time and Phil Goff will be handling the Trade Talks in America as part of the P4 which should be intereting.

ACT has made a strong increase in the polls up from 0.6% to 2% from lastmonth showing a growing support of NZs but a long road to go yet. National have increased in their poll and hold at 53% and Labour at 33%.

The latest poll:
National 53
Labour 35
Greens 5
Act 2
NZ First 1.8

Source: TV One/Colmar Brunton

Maks Update 15th Sept 2008

2008-09-15T10:54:00.000+12:00

Had a wonderful weekend with the little knee biter filled with loads of laughs.

When I arrived at kindy I found her on the swings with her bestest friend Rosie as they swung back n forth laughing and challenging each other to go higher. Rosie was asking "Is that your dad Makayla?" and she screamed out happily "thats MY daddy!!!." I let them swing happily together for a while before she jumped off and demanded we go home. So I zipped up her jacket and then Rosie's as well cos it was chilly and they both asked me too. I held maks hand as we walked inside with Rosie holding maks hand as they laughed all the way. Maks gave rosie a big hug then we grabbed her bag and popped out the door as she waved thru the window. A little boy ran up to the fence saying "bye makayla" and reached his hand thru to her which she shook saying "I have to go home with my daddy now." then turned to me and gave me a big hug.
On the drive home we laughed and giggled as my little backseat driver warned me about the traffic lights so I decided that if the light was red I'd reach back and tickle her which she would laugh n laugh. Game lasted about half the way home as she would say "uh oh, red light hehehehe."

Once home we settled down for the afternoon taking a walk down the road then home for dinner bath, a short play time then to bed.

The next day was quite busy with Danika coming around and we took the two of them across the road to ride their bikes as they happily raced each other. Was great for us to finally get outdoors after being couped up for months due to the weather. Just as I was putting the two kids into bed I received a phone call from a friend Danille and my Godson Jaren who stopped by with some unfortunate news but that can wait. After the kids had gone to bed, I sat back with mate Simon to enjoy the Rugby as the All Blacks won the Tri-nations and the Bledisloe cups, WHOO HOO!!!.

Sunday, well that was quite a busy day. In the morning the kids went for another bike ride along with Jaren (danille stopped by again) and maks let Jaren take a ride as she helped him along pushing the bike from behind. She's an absolute darling and I'm so proud of her.
The ride was short lived as we had to race back upstairs and get ready for Daria's Birthday party (she turns two). Daria is the second child of friends Kylie and Robin and to note, the third is only a week away. Maks had a good nap on the way out as its a fair drive so took my time making a stop off on the way so I could get a RedBull and allow her extra time to nap. But once there took her all of 5 mins to settle in before she was munching down the food and playing with the other children. we were only there for a few hours before we came home to rest and when I mean rest I was hoping that she would so I could do the same. But it worked out that I would relax on the sofa as she sat on my legs watching her kids programs until we sat down to allow her more practise in writing her name then we jumped in the car to drop her back to her mom.

We had a full on weekend and most of it was filled with hysterical laughs and from that I'm feeling on top of the world today, Thank you my dear dear baby girl.

Audi A5/S5 by Caractere

2008-09-09T21:51:00.003+12:00

This is probably the best front layout of an Audi I have probably seen and just hope to god it hits production soon. A soft face with strong aggressive lines that are only subtle but stand out saying "see me, love me...or I'll step on you"

Hybrids - will they learn?

2008-09-09T21:39:00.003+12:00

French car maker's Peugeot have for a while been releasing odd looking cars but more recently have been putting out some stunning looking cars. The one I have shown here albeit rather dark as a rendering picture is a Hybrid concept car we hope to have in production very soon. But after the god awful Toyota Prius we wish would just shoot off into outter space never to be seen or heard of again, Honda are releasing a competitor which looks almost as awful. I mean look at that rear, its totally prius and I hate it. The front looks like a modern upgraded look of the Odyssey and the only thing they can say is "well, its cheaper than the prius when it first came to market." Absolutely astonishing that the way they deem the forward momentum of the hybrid technology is to continue to god awful design that make my eyes bleed.

Why have the french got it right and the Japanese still having lost the plot.

TELETHON IS MAKING A RETURN

2008-09-09T11:34:00.002+12:00

During my childhood I was entranced by this program of Kiwi personalities raising money for charity and wondered why it ever got dropped. But next year it makes a heroic return on June 20-21st running for 22 hours (I'm sure the original went for 24-guess we getting soft nowadays).

As a child we got to see their dares, laughter, excitement when the got the raised money past a certain point which is when they would dance around the studio. The show ran annually in the 70's & 80's and most are probably too young to even understand just how 'BIG' a thing is was back then.

Raising $1m was an increadalbe feat in those days and I look forward to its return next year.

First Fathers Day

2008-09-07T22:15:00.002+12:00

Also to note that Riley Al-johary who's Son is just over a month old, Steve Jennings who's daughter had her first birthday this week and Carl Dilner for his Son "Skipper" are all having their first Fathers Day.

Welcome to the Club boys.

Upcoming Movies

2008-09-07T21:42:00.002+12:00

Between 2009 and 2011 we will see these movies.

Video Games
Halo, Gears of War, Zelda, Prince of Persia, Metal Gear Solid, Bloodreign, Tekken, Dance Dance Revolution, Max Payne, Silent Hill 2, Spyro the Dragon, Street Fighter, World of Warcraft & The Sims.

How do you make a movie out of a computer game 'the Sims'? This is the game where you build your own city.

Sequals
Final Destination 4, Underworld 3, the Grudge 3, Jeepers Creepers 3, The brazilian job(follow up the the Italian Job), Spiderman 4, Jurassic Park 4, The Departed 2, Ghost Rider 2, I am Legend 2, Toy Story 3, Terminator 4, Transporter 3, I.Robot 2, Shrek 4, Zorro 3, Beverly Hills Cop 4, Transformers 2, Sin City 2 & 3, Crank 2,

I querry Crank 2 for the guy falls out of a helicopter at the end of the movie and goes splat? so how does he come back to continue? Only in Hollywood. I am Legend continues also and I'm pretty sure he's pretty much roasted come the end of that movie. I am however looking forward to Terminator & Transformers though and possibly Jurassic Park. But sometimes you just dont know when to kill off the franchise to some of these ie. Beverly Hills Cop I mean Leave him cool Axel Foley was great just let it rest. The Departed 2, pretty sure most of the main cast were killed at some point during the show.

Remakes (running short of ideas)
The Karate Kid, Ronin, Tron, The Thing, Army of the Dead, The Birds, Conan the Barbarian, The Big Chill

I'm absolutely keen on seeing the remake of Tron but the rest I wish were kept as we remember them. They were great but let it die.

Cartoon/Comics
He-man and the marsters of the universe, Justice Leage, GI Joe, Hong Kong Fuey, Johnny Quest, Reboot, Captain America, Superman Man of Steel.

Horror Movies
Halloween has 9 sqequals and is spawing a new one
nightmare on elm st has 8 sequals and is now being remade
jason (friday 13th) has a total of 11 sequals but another is pending
Hellraiser has 8 sequals with a remake on the way

New ones from books
Childrens book, Where the Wild things are - The book is only a few pages long !!! it'll take 15-20 minutes of the movie just to turn that one page.

Oh and from the Bible
Noah's Ark & David and Goliath

Fathers Day 2008

2008-09-07T21:14:00.002+12:00

Makayla's little voice came across the phone with a "happy fathers day" telling me that she had made me a lovely blue card but I couldnt see it.

Sometime around noon..ish Donne dropped Makayla to me at Mission Bay where we met with Mom, Kaz and Danika for lunch. Just before we met up with the trio we walked across the park as Maks suddenly and randomly announced "I'm beautiful, and Danika's beautiful..." I didnt know what to say as it caught me off guard but I swooped her up in my arms with a "you sure are" =)

I decided to take lunch in at Portifino's as the girls sat quietly still and reserved for at least a minute or so. Maks (via mom) gave me a 'My Dad' book so I sat Maks on my lap as we read the book together showing Danika the pictures as we flipped through the pages. We enjoyed a lovely lunch but once the meal was put down we were going to head up to the Domain as it was just to windy at mission bay and I had maks bike n helmet in the boot of my car. But as we headed back the weather started to turn so we headed back home where I tried to put maks down for a nap but she had far to much energy. about half an hour before I planned to take maks back to the Moults I decided to sit down with her again and teach her how to write her name. I purchased a doodle book for her to draw in so we used several pages to practice the M A & Ks in her name. Shes improving bit by bit and if we stay focussed I think we could have it nailed in no time. I praised her for her great work and they were pretty good letters so I'm proud that she stuck it out.

We got in the car as my little back seat driver set about trying to find a white car, then a blue car. Later we joked about her sucking her thumb, I'd mention that daddy doesnt suck his thumb and she replied what about cars? Cars dont have thumbs sweetie I would laugh. What about trees? No they dont have thumbs either but they do have limbs I joked back in reply which was returned by, why dont cars have thumbs!!.
This jokingly went on for another 2 minutes before we broke into a song. I was told that I was singing it wrong and it should be sung like she sang it.

later that afternoon after dropping maks home, I went to see a movie my Sister had given me $20 to go see with strict instructions. The movie is called Tropic Thunder so I raced on out to get a ticket, take in a quick dinner bite then run into the theater. I have a few things to say, it was a great idea for a movie but was ruined by Ben Stiller I'm sorry to say. Took me a while to recognise Tom Cruise in make up and loved the fact that Robert Downey Jnr's character played so much on Russell Crowe.

All n all it was a quiet fathers day but very nice.

SOME LIGHT FUNNIES

2008-09-06T14:32:00.002+12:00

Sometime when you deal with people who arent helpful you just want to lose-it completely in such times as these I list below. Bear in mind that these are true clients I have dealt with.

Client confirming the last 3 digits of his phone number
"I cant remember if its 477 or four double seven"

Question "how many children under the age of 18 are dependant...?"
Answer "All of them!"

"May I please confirm your home address"
"2 7 3 5 8 9 3 3"
"May I please confirm your phone number"
"87b coglans road..."
"May I please verify your date of birth"
"Sorry I dont have that on me right now" or "I cant remember"

caller "can i please have some money"
Acct Mgr "what amount of funds do you need?"
caller "oh I dont know!!!" (its surprising how often this comes up)

caller"i want a loan to get a barbie doll"
Acct mgr "how old are you?"
caller " 7 "

client "I'm missing page two of your document and I cant find it as I only have the first page of two"
Acct mgr " Not a problem, simple mistake we will send you a full copy again but firstly can you turn the page over and confirm that there is nothing printed on the otherside please."
Caller " oh there it is"

One instance 2 weeks ago, I came across a lady who called me up on the phone for help in replacing the light in her fridge as it had gone out.

**********************
these are recent calls from the last week
**********************

Other funnies, My time at Freedom Air, I think it was Donne took a call from a guy wondering if our flights going to Australia departed from Manurewa where too my knowledge, the largest open area there would be a schools rugby field.

Jake during his time in the Carribean was once asked if there was water on the other side of the island and in another case was requested to confirm if the island would 'float away' in a hurricane.

Worst question I've been asked to date is 'What time does it become Tuesday here in New Zealand' having asked me that on a tuesday morning. When I replied at Midnight he was shocked and surprised that it was the same here in New Zealand, just amazing.

maks n me

2008-09-05T18:01:00.005+12:00

This is how I was greeted early one morning. She came into my room and cuddled up saying "morning daddy, morning daddy...get up now" to me while I was very much still half asleep and still waking up, beats any alarm clock thats for sure. So I reached over to grab my camera which lay next to the bed from the day prior when Danika and Maks were taking photos of each other (shown below) then we got up to chow down a fine healthy bowl or muesli and fruit as we watched her morning kids playhouse channel on Sky. She mustve picked it up her mothers home for she now knows what channel to key in on the remote, so I should teach her how to find daddys sport channel LOL. Anyway, here are some photos that Maks and her cousin took during their fun n games one day.
Photo taken of Danika by Makayla
Photo Taken of Makayla by Danika

Car News

2008-09-05T12:52:00.002+12:00

Electric cars while able to produce zero emmissions, also produce zero sound. If your a regular reader of our car blog 'Kiwicarlovers' then you would had read several entries as to modern day electric cars. The latest being the Lightning GT, which while looks great has a fatal flaw is that the loudest sound it would produce would be the tyres running on the road. I've mentioned that these cars would be deadly in suburban areas and especially around schools as they wouldn't hear you driving up the road. While the battery life is being extended and distance travelled increased per charge the fact that where ever you go would be deafly quiet. No more roar of a V8 or even the high rev sound of a 1.6ltr vehicle just the sound of your own breathing.

A call has come to the car industry that electric or even hybrid cars when running on electric will need to be outfitted with an audiable sound to warn pedestrians they are approaching. This is certainly effective for the blind whom are the first to issue the request as they find it hard enough to navigate when they can hear a car let alone when they cant. So it may be possible that in future for the electric/hybrid car that a small motor/speaker is installed to immitate the sound of the car.

Use of Cell Phone Whilst Driving Rule

2008-09-05T12:17:00.002+12:00

I believe that yesturday, a Road User Amendment Rule proposing the ban of using a cell phone whilst driving has been released for public consultation. This rule would still allow use of a cell phone while driving but it 'must be' handsfree operated. The rule has been issued due to an increasing number of accidents casued by drivers not paying attention to the road and are focused on their phones. The rate they of accidents as more than doubled in the last 6 weeks alone and they state that using a phone under these circumstance raises the liklihood of an accident by 4 times.
Mobile technology is ever increasing where in fact if you want to track how fast technology over all in accellerating, just look at your cell phone. They have come leaps and bounds in only a short time for the new Iphone G3 is a great example bringing new technology to the forefront. When they first combined a phone with a digital camera the pictures were terrible but a great idea, now they are combined with features such as MP3, video, video calling, accessing email, even making stock exchange buy and sell options. So we can see with all these functions available, how can a typical driver concerntrate on driving without replying to a text straight away or missing a stock option.

Its probably a fair call and being a responsible driver I personally would feel much safer on the roads, especially with a child in the back. If I was the best driver in the world it could all come crashing down with just one person not paying attention on the road.

So people Drive responsibly, Drive safe.

The Long Way Down

2008-09-05T11:43:00.004+12:00

When I first watched the Adventures of Ewan Mcgregor and Charley Boorman travel from London England to New York City I couldnt help myself but become immersed in their adventure as they travelled through eastern europe into the likes of Mongolia and the Road of Bones in eastern Russia.

Once again the duo have pulled the same team in again with a new medic, Dai, as they travelled from the Top of Scotland, John O'groats, all the way to the southern most tip of Africa. So as I sat back and watched the new adventure unfold even as a viewer it was exciting to feel like your joining old friends on an new adventure.

There was a moment when Ewan broke his leg prior to their departure which as I watched livid, to the negative discussions by advisors about travelling through Libiya was all very riviting and when the journey commenced and they spent a night camping on the Silverstone Race track that just set my heart racing. Pitching your tent in the middle of the racing circuit is just something you dont ordinarily think of but it was a first by any means. Again they met with many friendly people even setting up camp next to nearby villages and immersing themselves in the culture.

Ewans wife Eve even joined them for 10 days riding alongside on her own motorbike which was something different from the original trip to New York. They even suprised Ewan by flying his mother out during their trip as she pretended to be a waitress offering him a soda to his pleasant suprise.

Its amazing that two friends both passionate about their motorbikes have joined together for an adventure as thrilling as this and doing Unichef work along the way is just marvellous. I have great respect for these two, not only in their adventure but for the fantastic work they do whilst travelling these increadible distances.

me =)

2008-09-05T11:37:00.001+12:00

Taken in April this year,unfortunately while I was having my lunch at work.

METRPOLIS TOWER

2008-09-05T10:48:00.004+12:00

The Metropolis holds 350 apartments from studio styles, 1-2-3 bedroom, to the penthouse sweet on the top levels. For me it is still the most eye appealing building that Auckland has to date.

As of late the Ascott Group's lease expired and for a short time was rebranded under Millenium Hotels but have failed to execute continuance of operating due to a lack of owners allowing their properties to be taken up in the hotel pool of rooms. With the exit of Millenium it will be interesting to see how the upkeep is managed as it is or was a very stylish building from the renovated courthouse entrance through to the amenities and apartments.

The rooms I recall had stunning views of auckland and its a shame it will no longer be operated by a hotel therefore will be interesting to see what happens to the body corp levy or whom will take over management of the building. Only 55 owners were happy to have their apartments included in the hotel pool of 350 apartments. I'm advised its largely owner occupied now, which in my day was quite the opposite with 315 rooms being in the hotel pool. Its a shame as it is a beautiful building and would be a shame to see it deteriorate, not that I see that happening.

After the two year guaranteed return promised by Kruickzeiner Properties fell through it caused quite an uproar as could be expected and at that stage saw several rooms dropped off our lilst but not a large amount to be concerned at that time. We or I just had to set up a program to manage the returns and ensure our front desk and reservations rotated the usuage of leased apartments given in our hotel pool, caused me quite a headache I must say.

But still if your a regular reader of this blog you will understand my disgust with many developments going through in Auckland and the sheer sight of some of these new apartment buildings is enough for even a blind man to say "oh dear god."
For me the benchmark is still the Metropolis standing high and proud.
************************
On a lighter note, I've always said jokingly in the past that Wellington may have the Beehive, but we in Auckland have the Bee's Butt.
************************

Its a Hard Knock Life

2008-09-05T09:17:00.007+12:00

Being a Single Father is not always easy but then again not always hard either but a fine balance. But yesturday I was struck down by a callous email constructed by my childs mother which caught both my mother & I off guard & totally brought my world to a crumpled up pile of dust. I can accept any such concerns she may have but the manner in which it was delivered was disrespectful & unjust. Speaking generically, we as single father's get little respect or support and can be easily stereotyped as the underdog in relation to the mother but thats our society isnt it. Men have come along way yet females CAN still exert their dominace and we are forced to cave in any situation.

The remarks that were covered upset me deeply in that I was marked as having some sort of 'Agenda' to fill my childs heads with some crazy thoughts. I love my child, and hold no agenda at all with the exception of one which is simply to wake up every morning breathe in and out and continue to do that for as long as I can. What I teach my child is nothing negative, its just unconditional love, teaching her strong morals and values, allowing her to learn and experience new things, support her learning, keep her fit & healthy and grow in life. I was marred for the fact that my daughter wanted to spend more time with me which I dont think is a crime but somehow I would be made the evil wrong doer. For the past month or more she has wished to stay longer, but I've always talked that over with her and that it was time for her to return to mommy. She is well aware of that fact and is familiar with the routine that her Mother and I have agreed too but this however doesnt stop a 3 year old demanding certain things or accepting when we draw the line that they still wont try crying as a form of a childs terrorism tactics LOL.
It is heart warming that she would want to spend more time with me & my relationship with my daughter never stays the same, we grow together and learn from each other which strengthens our relationship as Father & Daughter but in my time with her we share no ill will towards her mother or family and never would, not only would that be counter productive, we are not the family to ponder that scenario, ever. We support her as two sepearte families that she is apart of, and for my fatherly love which is without contestation shall continue till I breathe no more.

Her mother and I will often hit brick walls as this is not the first and not the last yet I will adapt and move on but I hold no negativity or ill will towards her at all regardless of her email as much as it upset met. She 'is' a lovely person and a great mother but for the record, tends to misplace her trust in people unjustly. I respect her for being one of the bravest and strongest people I know and there have been good times and really fucked up times but for me thats just life, roll with the punches.

St. Patrick's Square

2008-09-03T11:20:00.001+12:00

On Monday September 1st 2008, construction commenced to the upgrade of St. Patrick's square following the refurbishment of St. Patricks Church which was completed earlier this year. Work is roughly scheduled to be completed by November 2009 with plans to minimise disruption of walkways and nearby offices, businesses and apartments.

The new design will feature art sculptures and a larger more open area for people to socialise.

Further information can be viewed on the Auckland City Website.

(click on the title to link through)

Maks update 31st August

2008-08-31T20:31:00.003+12:00

Picking Maks up from kindy I found her seated licking the icing off a muffin until she saw me walk thru the door then she bolted full throttle towards me with open arms as I scooped her up in my arms. Putting her jacket and beanie on we umped in the car and ran on home with a stop off at the supermarket to grab our food for the weekend then it was off home. Once home I had to run off after Maks as she raced up the stairs from the car park with a slight advantage as I had all the groceries but always helpful that she can reach the buttons to the lift and reach the button to our floor so its one less thing to worry about when you have no spare hands.

We ran thru the door and as usual when Mom's here, maks hunted her down. Friday night was relatively uneventful as we just relaxed at home with just the two of us doing puzzles and her wanting to watch her kids programs. I put her down to sleep just after 8pm and followed suit not too long afterwards as I was completely knackered after taking a round of golf in prior to picking maks up at kindy.

I have no idea what time I first woke up but it was because I found I couldn't roll over as maks had found her way into my bed and was fast asleep. So with that I moved over and went back to sleep myself until I heard her slide off the bed and next I saw her she had completely dressed herself on her own which was brill seeing as tho I hadnt even gotten out of bed until she yanked the sheets right off me grabbed my hand and dragged me out to get her breakfast and turn her program on. Which game me about 10mins extra nap time then I was dragged out to do puzzles and play 'snap' which she won.

Danika showed up with mom a little later in the day and the two went about their usual games which usually involved making a mess of the place and running back and forth over and over again. Later in the afternoon I put maks into the bath after having given her dinner earlier whilst watching her Barbie movie...again. After the bath we dressed and raced out the door as we were late for her Aunty leighanns birthday party. Once there she was pretty much wrapped with playing with the other kids and I have to say that there was one girl slightly younger than her and two older girls and they just loved being with my little Maks. Where ever and what ever maks did they wanted to follow and do the same and totally controlled what ever they were doing without knowing as she was having far too much fun. The whole night was like that with me only having to check on her a few times when she'd stray out of sight and I had to set her some boundary lines. Donne laughed as maks tried to get at some wine and said that 'my' daughter was trying to drink some wine, I laughed and returned the jibe, "my daughter? takes after her mother I think". All good fun, but think she was just trying to get to the peanuts that were on the table behind the wine.

Sunday was just as quiet, with Danika staying the night so the two had their usual fun. Mom took them for a wallk down to the Warehouse to get an extra kiddies chair as they are fighting over the one pink chair so to end the scabble we now have two.

We stopped off to visit Simon and Yoni on the way back to Donnes for awhile so she could see Choco and Chanel then it was off to the Moults. I felt terrible on leaving for as we drove down the road towards there home she was sulking saying that she wanted to stay with me and then when I left to come home she burst into tears wanting to come with me. I'm sure she's over it well and truly by now but feel terrible nonetheless. So I thought a quick departure would be best as not to delay and dawdle delaying the moment longer than it needed to be.

Inflation - when you know it hits hard

2008-08-26T13:04:00.000+12:00

Last Saturday while out for some drinks at a bar I went to play a game of Pool and saw that it cost $3 which says to me that Inflation has hit us hard. For years its just been a straight $2 and due to my age still recall the days of the $1 tables but this was a first instance in light of the credit crunch, housing indexes and the food and fuel increases. I'm sure there are still places still running with the $2k tables but I usual head up to the pool halls and pay for an hour.

It was just the fact that it was $3 which doesnt sound like much but over the last year I see everything alot clearer.

Lets hope we can boot Michael Cullen out the door after the upcoming elections.

One Year On

2008-08-25T21:16:00.002+12:00

Learning the guitar is something some people always say they'd like to do and even go as far as buying one but it just sits in some closet gathering dust. The story goes that after heraing friend and musician Riley play beautifully I had made the decision that its lovely to hear but I'd love to be the one with the talent to place something. I purchase an electric/accoustic cutway guitar for under $500 as a starter not expecting to still be playing it a year down the track but I'd affirmed in my mind at time of purchase that I'd make a solid go of it and still going strong. Still without a single lesson, the internet has been the source of providing tips, music tabs and little tricks of the trade. I'm slowly getting better but I get so hung up about catching the song cleaning before moving on to new songs and realise I do need to upgrade the guitar. As good as it is, I've gone up a level now and require a guitar that can play cleaner with the ability to hold longer notes and sound better.

I still struggle with many chord songs, for while I can play all the chords easily enough, its quite hard to remember the timing(strumming sequence) and the sequence that each chord comes in and I often forget unless the sheet is in front of me. Plucking or Picking is something different, more tune, and its far easier to remember the sequence but much harder to play. Tears in Heaven by Eric Clapton is a fair example that has a good mix or Metellica's Nothing Else matters which has a good balance of plucking and chords.

Still many songs I'd love to learn but its a slow going process teaching myself everything that I need to know but i'm getting there slowly. Like when i was in fiji, if theres a guitar around the fire place, I can now pick one up and get a sing along going (thank you Oasis).

Hopefully next year I'll be even better but I think 12 months ago I couldn't play a single thing.

Helpful tip it you want to learn the guitar and want a tune to play quick. learn the D G & C major chords and you can play pretty much any hootie and the blowfish song.

Reading tabs is that there are 6 strings
Starting from the bottom string (if right handed) E(1) B(2) G(3) D(4) A(5) E(6) (standard tuning) The bottom string is referred to as the first string as indicated above. when reading a tab it will show 6 long horizontal lines eg.

I------------------------------I (first string)
I------------------------------I (Second String)
I------------------------------I (Third String)
I------------------------------I (Fourth String)
I------------------------------I (Fifth String)
I------------------------------I (Sixth String)

When a number appears on any of the lines that denotes the 'fret' to place your finger on. Quickly a fret starts at the the furthest end of the guitar neck increasing the closer it gets to the guitars main body. So if a '2' appears on the 3rd string it means to hold down your finger on the third string at the second fret.

D G C
I--2---3-------I
I--3-------1---I
I--2-----------I
I----------2---I
I------2---3---I
I------3-------I

Above are the 3 Major chords C, G and D.

This is just a quick examply. for more google search for guitar chords and they will show the finger placements for each chord. I was recommended to start off with these 3 chords and work my way from there. I sat down the first night and worked "okay, this finger goes first fret second string, this finger goes on the second string of the fourth string and this..... and this...come on finger... goes on the third fret of the fifth string and STRUUUM. WHOA my first note/chord" Excited I continued learning just the C major chord getting my fingers to find teh position faster and faster then moving on to the G major chord then slowly moving between the C and G chords slowly getting faster and faster until I learnt and worked in the D chord as well. The I looked up some Hootie and the blowfish songs and found that before I knew it that in less than a few days I was playing my first song on the guitar. The excitement built up and I learnt more and more chords. After 3 months I'd made my first little tune just playing around and by that time I'd learnt a number of songs which sadly I've forgotten how to play certain parts as they dont get played much anymore as we move on to bigger and better songs.

So for all of you out there, if you've ever wanted to start the guitar and learn a few songs. Follow my tips of the 3 chords and take it from there... GOOD LUCK

maks update 25th August 2008

2008-08-25T20:57:00.002+12:00

I returned home early from work on saturday so I could spend time with Maks who was spending the night here so Mom could baby sit as Donne and I would be out at her Uncle Jase's brithday drinks. When I walked home she was waiting for me outside and ran into my arms as I scooped her up off those little feet of hers. We just sat about doing bits n bobs for a while until it was dinner time which she watch her Barbie movie again then it was time for a bath and into some nice warm PJs. Just before her cousin came round to stay the night we were both sitting down watching the 'other' barbie movie she loves, oh no sorry, it was a 'Princess' movie done by Disney. We had just started it when her cousin Danika showed up later in the evening and then hell broke loose. The jumping on beds, pulling stuff out, running backwards and forwards from one place to another. The night drew on and it was time to leave just after 8pm so I kissed maks goodbye.

later whilst out at Jase's drinks I noticed two missed calls from Mom so I returned the call and was told that maks had started screaming and crying out for me and mom had thought that if she'd heard my voice it would calm her down, Sorry sweetie for missing your call. Kinda made me want to head straight home but I stuck it out and thought I'd just give her a cuddle when I got home.

I returned home just before 1am and found Danika still awake and having trouble sleeping. I picked maks up and put her in my bed so Danika could sleep with mom as she was getting cold herself. Maks opened her eyes enough to smile and put her arms around me before nodding back to sleep. Come morning I didn't even hear her get up, only the shreaks of laughter between her and Danika coming from the other room. They did come in a few times wanting this and that from me as I responded with tired eyes.

The day was spent mostly indoors as the wind and rain came howling but we enjoyed outselves enough indoors with much practise of forced indoor activities this year. We had lunch, played more games but mostly the girls had their fun and I just kept an eye on the two until it was time to pop her in the car and head off to Mellons Bay. By the time we hit the motorway she was out and was still asleep when I left Donne's but she was pretty tired as we'd had a relatively active day, sweet dreams princess.

Danny Lee Does It

2008-08-25T13:08:00.002+12:00

Danny Lee has done it, he has won the US Amateur Champion ship at Pinehurst which is the very same course the Michael Campbell won the US Open in 2005. He took the match play win at 5 & 4 to secure himself as the youngest player to win being 6 months younger than Tiger Woods when he won it over a decade ago. With this win he'll tee off at the Augusta National Marsters with current title holder Trevor Immelman and will also be able to play at the British Open and the US open.

His remarkable play dominated throught the tournament and he brought home what can only be an absolutely spectacular win. With his win he'll now have several offers put to him we expect, when Tiger won he was offered several contracts in the end signing with Nike and the rest is history.

WELDONE DANNY

The 2008 Insignia Range

2008-08-21T10:15:00.003+12:00

for further photo's and details click here
This is GM Holdens new range to fight the Ford Mondeo and the Mazda 6 which have been top sellers for the past few years. Holden are pushing out sales and marketing on the new Epica which even as a Holden fan doesnt exactly tickle me in fun happy places. The new Insignia however intrigues me as much as a feather under the armpit producing happy giggles that we now have a viable model to act main stage with the Mondeo and Mazda 6 range.
The interior is stunning and they have certainly gone to town on this model and it just looks impressive and cant wait to see one up close and personal.

SNOW JAM - MTV - Terrace Downs

2008-08-19T09:47:00.002+12:00

Last Saturday - Terrace Downs played host to the MTV Snow Jam. Entry was free with to view the likes of Fat Joe & Baby Bash, Opshop, Lil Jon, Donavan Frankenreiter, Cutt off your hands, The Grates and many more.
The Snow Jam Special will air September 6th at 1pm and should showcase all the spectacular sights of the South Island. An incrediable place to hold an event such as this with large open areas with the Southern Alps playing as a magnificient back drop and the music could go wild in the open air.

(I only hope that the massive number of people didn't cross over the course as I plan to play there sometime soon)

The event also gave Terrace Downs great exposure after holding a successfull festival and hope they can capture more in the future, (so long as the golf course isnt affected hehehe).

Pre Bon Voyage

2008-08-19T08:22:00.000+12:00

This morning after the scramble from the bed and dragging myself in & out of the shower and falling graciously into my clothes as I dressed myself like a fish caught in a net I somehow later managed to stumble out the door still very much half asleep. Proceeding to phase 2 is the usual stop off at Gaucho's to collect my morning coffee to get the engine warmed up.

Whilst waiting for the hot cuppa joe I received a text and as I've had to resort to my old phone loosing all my contacts I wasnt sure who sent the text. Couldnt identify the number either as on my lastphone I always used the voice dial function.

Anyway moving on. The text read "I'm moving to Canada" on reading these words only one name immediately sprung to mind but seeing as thou I was unsure about whom sent the text I figured I'd enquire first. The reply text said "me" which was none to helpful but the following text confirmed with just two little letters (private joke).

No coffee was indeed required this morning as that woke me up quick and fast and I jumped on the phone to confirm details, But I still had the coffee :=)

Davina Claire Bicker: Will be moving to Canada still working for the same company she presently works for come this November. Watch out Canada, you have a nut-ball coming your way LOL. Still in a state of shock I was definately not expecting that so early in the morning.

Davina's done so well for herself over the past few years, moving back into travel and becoming a real globe trotter. She's even been to St Andrews Golf Course where I received a pxt message from her which showed a lovely shot of the course, I almost melted. I'm proud she has a busy and demanding job but the perks of seeing all the wonderful sights of the world cant be denied as a wonderful perk.

GOOD ON YA =)

GOLF - International Report

2008-08-18T14:57:00.002+12:00

Danny Lee is not only New Zealands number 1 ametuer golfer but also the world number 1 ametuer. This is a staggering statistic for a kiwi, excluding the fact that he was born in korean, like K J Choi. He also played in what I understand to be his first PGA tournament over the weekend and did exceptionally well in his first time out. I was watching his performance at the NZ Open late last year and seems he's improved dramatically over the following months. He plans to continue as an ametuer at this stage entering into the American Ametuer tournament with high hopes of winning that. If he does he'll get a free invite card the the US Marsters at Augusta National next year. The Marsters this year was won by South African Trevor Immelmann whom Danny would tee off with should he win the US Ametuers, GOOD LUCK DANNY BOY.

So How's My Golf?

2008-08-18T08:41:00.005+12:00

I took in my 5th round for the year treating it much like a practise round as the conditions were as to be expected after all the rain we've been having making it like a muddy swamp, so wasnt going out expecting to shoot a solid round.

Knowing well ahead that the course would be in a really bad state I thought I'd take a break from my normal round and try a few different things, but basically to practise my short game as that is the first thing to go when you dont get the opportunity to regularly get out and play. So set about figuring a few little strategies that I could recall for future rounds and put that use to work.

Happy to say that my 'Big Dog' (the Driver 1 wood) which I named Bethel for reasons unknown to me has been performing like a true gem as of late with long straight drives straight down my chosen line. Stranger yet is that its the one club I never practise, even at the driving practise range, I'll very rarely take it out as its not the most important club in the bag. My main problem is that once I'm within the range of 60 meters from the green my short game is a complete disaster.
As any golfer will know, the score is made on the green and seeing as though my approach shots from within that 60m seems to always go awry there leaves a huge development area for me to work on. So that's the reason I hit the course for the morning hoping to work on it, which I did and learnt a few things along the way. If your regularly playing you teach yourself a feel for distance and accuracy however if you play as in-frequently as I have as of late then its bit of a tricky task. Playing out of mud also increases the level of difficulty where you have to often select a different club than normal and possibly try a few new shots that you normally wouldn't consider when the course is dry, but thats the fun about golf that there are always new ways to attach the green each time you play a particular hole.

One thing I was happy about (somewhat) is the 7th hole at Chamby which is a par4 and was playing about 245-255meters that day. I cranked my driver and hit the green in one and followed to 3 putt out for par missing an easy birdy opportunity. Thats a quick example of my short game as of now, non-existant.

Reason for playing a course that was in a terrible condition was just to get out and clear my head and forget about the stresses of work. In doing so I find it a great personal release to get the mind engineered and focussed which when I return to work I'm rip roaring ready to go. I've only noticed that this year, on months that I find i'm not as sharp, not as self-motivated are in the times that I've not had a round of golf. So if I can find a doctor that can prescribe me a round of golf to curse my work ailments I'll let any other golfer know whom to see.

Maks Update 18th August 2008

2008-08-18T08:13:00.002+12:00

Donne kept Maks at home from kindy on Friday as her cough just hasn't been getting any better taking her to the doctors the night before. Shes still full of beans with enough energy to run rampant its just a matter of getting that cough under proper management. So after a quick practise round of golf as Chamerberlain Park, I drove on over to pick her up. Once in the car we drove off home where at one point I was ordered to slow down as I was driving too fast. I replied, sweetie, I'm only going 50kph in a 50k area so I'm not going fast a all. Following that comment I was then directed to go faster, while that warmed my heart, I had to explain the rules of the road but was intereupted as she screamed "LOOK, Train !!!! I found a train for you LOOK Daddy" Then my explanation had to switch to "I'm driving, must keep my eyes on the road".

We stopped off at Foodtown on the way home to top up with something for us to eat over the weekend she was a great help in assisting me. Stacking everything in the trolley and handing them over when we reached to checkout counter. She pointed to my office as we walked down the ramp to the car park saying in a loud voice that I work in that building.

Once home I smartly started on dinner and about 20 minutes later her cousin came trhu the door with PohPoh. THe two started about their usual games of Hide n seek, What's the time Mr. Wolf, chasing games, drawing, puzzles, books, cutting paper, making a general mess, jumping, fighting, laughing.... and so on and so on.
Once again due to the weather and Maks cough I kept her mostly indoors with a little bit on saturday outside so she could get some fresh air.

Her and Danika were quite the little terrors this weekend and both at some stage had to be disciplined and placed in the corner. Danika, was not as accustomed to stern discipline as Maks is and fought loud and hard but in the end I won =)
One point I had to put the two down in seperate corners in different rooms so they would calm down. I would usually carry Maks to her corner and sit with her and explain what she had done and why it was wrong so she can think it over while her 3 minutes ticks over. She pretty good that way, for at least a good half hour at least =) before she forgets what we've discussed, oh well, joys of parenthood i Spose.

I look on these times as a blessing cos I know once the adolecent years kick in we'll be in for a rude awakening :=)

Some say its impossible for him to wear socks...

2008-08-14T21:15:00.005+12:00

Some say he may be Damon Hill
Some say he may be Tiff Needel
Others say its Ben Collins

All we know is... He's called the Stig

personally my best guess, Ben Collins is the Top Gear Tame Racing Driver

My Baby Girl

2008-08-14T20:53:00.002+12:00

Photo of the day

2008-08-14T12:14:00.004+12:00

Cats don't like water - get a clue

Daily Office Humour

2008-08-13T18:11:00.000+12:00

OFFICE DARES
ONE-POINT DARES
1.. Ignore the first five people who say 'good morning' to you.
2.. To signal the end of a conversation, clamp your hands over your ears and grimace.
3.. Leave your fly open for one hour. If anyone points it out, say 'Sorry, I really prefer it this way'.
4.. Walk sideways to the photocopier
5.. While going in an elevator, gasp dramatically each time the doors open.
6.. When in elevator with one other person, tap them on the shoulder and pretend it wasn't you.
7.. Finish all your sentences with 'In accordance with the prophecy...'
8.. Don't use any punctuation.
9.. Interrupt your conversation with someone by giving a huge dejected sigh.
10.. Use your highlighter pen on the computer screen.
THREE-POINT DARES
1.. Say to your boss, 'I like your style', wink, and shoot him with
double-barrelled fingers.
2.. Kneel in front of the water cooler and drink directly from the
nozzle.
3.. Shout random numbers while someone is counting.
4.. Every time you get an email, shout ''email''.
5.. Put decaf in the coffee maker for 3 weeks. Once everyone has got
over his or her caffeine addictions, switch to espresso.
6.. Keep hole punching your finger. Each time you do, shout,
'dagnamit, it's happened again!'. Then do it again.
7.. Introduce yourself to a new colleague as 'the office bicycle'.
Then wink and pout.
8.. Call I.T. help desk and tell them that you can't seem to access
any pornography web sites.
FIVE-POINT DARES
1.. At the end of a meeting, suggest that, for once, it would be
nice to conclude with the singing of the national anthem (extra points
if you actually launch into it yourself).
2.. Walk into a very busy person's office and while they watch you
with growing irritation, turn the light switch on/off 10 times.
3.. For an hour, refer to everyone you speak to as 'Dave'.
4.. Announce to everyone in a meeting that you 'really have to go do
a number two'.
5.. When you've picked up a call, before speaking finish off some
fake conversation with the words, ''she can abort it for all I care''.
6.. After every sentence, say 'Mon' in a really bad Jamaican accent.
As in: 'The report's on your desk, Mon.' Keep this up for one hour.
7.. In a meeting or crowded situation, slap your forehead repeatedly
and mutter, 'Shut up, damn it, all of you just shut up!'
8.. At lunchtime, get down on your knees and announce, 'As God is my
witness, I'll never go hungry again!'
9.. Repeat the following conversation 10 times to the same person:
'Do you hear that?' 'What?' 'Never mind, it's gone now.'
10.. Present meeting attendees with a cup of coffee and biscuit;
smash each biscuit with your fist.
11.. During the course of a meeting, slowly edge your chair towards
the door.
12.. As often as possible, skip rather than walk.
13.. Ask people what sex they are. Laugh hysterically after they answer.
14.. Sign or p.p. all letters with your initials and a swastika.
15.. Dry hump the photocopier. When someone spots you, stop and
cough embarrassingly, then lean in to the machine and whisper loudly, 'I'll
see you tonight'.

Auckland Weather

2008-08-13T14:05:00.002+12:00

Raining.... again.

Its not quite time to put away the umbrella's just yet as the rain still slides over New Zealand. Slightly getting warmer but that still doesnt alter the fact that the rain still holds strong over Auckland.

Dark Times to be a NZ Tax Payer

2008-08-13T12:47:00.005+12:00

Tuesday, 12 August 2008
A report was released that will allow former prime minsiters and governors general to access $10m in perks including unlimited flights and annual payments, details to follow.

This year alone an estimated cost of $920,000 in perks will be racked up including $520,000 in flights for just one year. The Internal Affairs predic that this will cost the New Zealand Tax Payer approximately $10 million during the recipients lifetimes. The scheme entitles them to unlimited domestic flights, a self drive car or chauffeur driven car where after they die, surviving spouses can claim on the same benefits.

There are 12 former prime ministers claiming for some of the benefits (Jenny Shipley, Jim Bolger, Mike Moore and Sir Geoffrey Palmer, Dame Silvia Cartwright, Sir Michael Hardie Boys, Dame Cath Tizard and Sir Paul Reeves and four Widows.

The entitlements have been around for sometime now set up in recognition of the service they privided whilst in office and as continuing obligations as public figures. The argument they put forward is "... your never not a public figure anymore. you are always a public figure once you've been prime minister and or governor-general. that carries with it certain responsibilities"
Even so this said, it doesn't take an income higher than that of our median income level to keep ones nose clean, only to help them maintain their lifestyles they accustomed themselves to whilst in office. If they were as high profile as say the United States President that would be something else, but we have niether the pockets, heads per capita or as many scandles to rival 1/1,000,000 the amount they can afford for their past presidents and spouses.

As if it wasn't bad enough

2008-08-09T13:21:00.004+12:00

If approved by Government ministers a scheme that be phased in over a 3 year period will have Auckland motorists paying more TAX on their petrol after the regional council voted to approve this new regional fuel tax.

Here's how it stacks at the moment that for every litre of petrol purchased, NZ motorists pay taxes, duties and levies totalling 50.539 cents (as at 1 July 2007)

23.8 cents—National Land Transport Fund
18.7 cents—General Crown Account
7.33 cents—ACC Motor Vehicle Account
0.66 cents—Local Authority Petroleum Tax
0.025 cents—Petroleum Fuels Monitoring Tax

Now adding to that for Aucklanders an additional 5 cents its highway robbery.

The reason for the added tax is that they hope the scheme will raise $600m+ to buy new trains (electric) for the auckland rail network including station upgrades. The scheme is set to start off at 1 cent/ltr levy in July 2009 but I put the point to be made here is that the rail system doesnt work. They are marketed terribly if at all, have a low dependancy rating for being on time and have a terrible reputation. Simply to electrify the rail system is just not enough and like most things Auckland does in its development is only a short term solution and has absolutely no future insight I make reference to the new motorway system.
The costs only skyrocket cos as noted in my blog below there is no unified Auckland so how can we bring it all together?
How can we make our train systems as fast and reliable to the likes of the Swiss or Japanese? One particular train in Japan has a record that the latest its EVER been in its history is 6 seconds, we'd struggle to make 6 hours at the rate were heading.

I'm completely outraged...

So, Aucklanders whom work for a living and have the their income TAXED by the IRD and decide to use whats left over to purchase a car and pay GST TAX on that, then pay the LTSA (a Government body) Resitration Fee's (fancy way to say TAX) that again includes GST TAX to put said car on the road then pay TAX on the petrol that's already been TAXED. And this is prior to additional GST TAX costs for insuring a vehicle, and other on road costs. Moreso if you directly imported the vehicle into the country you have furthermore costs involved for TAX payments.

Of all the funds that they receive via this subjection to GST, why is it that I still drive 2k's in any direction from my residence on roads that are similar to that of a goat track in Peru. How do they find themselves constantly seeking further funds and as part of council/govt elections they always spout on about making our roads better. Every month outside my apartment there are constant road works occuring as they dig up the road and then cover what ever they did with tar, only to rip it up the following month, Can't we get anything right the first time?

I can understand the want and need for an improved transporation system but under current style of management we would have the option of flying cars before that ever eventuated.

New Zealand Elections

2008-08-06T14:50:00.002+12:00

VOTE FOR ACT IN THE 2008 ELECTIONS

CLICK HERE TO VIEW ACT's WEBSITE

Auckland City

2008-08-06T14:17:00.002+12:00

I've said this many times in past before that the Auckland City Skyline needs alot of work. Auckland which is New Zealands biggest city is I have to state is one of the worst eye non-appealing cities not only in New Zealand but internationally.
Earlier this year I browsed several back packers websites whom commented that Auckland was a dark and depressing city and that was during our summer period.

There is no way currently that Auckland can survive and is falling backwards in development and there is absolutely no short term resolve, in fact there is also no long term resolve either and it stems from one main fact. Its management in a nut shell consists of seven(7) Mayors, Eight(8) councils and well over 6,000 bureaucrats which makes any decision on control on Aucklands development neigh impossible.

Still we have horrid apartments being erected that make your eyes bleed at just the sheer sight of them. The historical society trying to save evey building older than 50 years of age is just rediculous. Ok so that is a slight exaggeration but New Zealand is one of the youngest countries in the world so lets be honest, there's not a great deal of history to account for when it comes to buildings. If they are of major historical importance then I'm all for them to be renovated such as the DFS Galleria and the Britomart as examples but lets get real.

I'm Auckland born and bred and would love to see Auckland come together in my lifetime. So lets create a unified Auckland under one management as one city.
Get behind those whom believe in this and support their cause.

Engagement Annoucement

2008-08-05T11:04:00.002+12:00

Whilst sitting at home putting my feet up after polishing off my dinner I received a phone call from Melbourne Australia from a childhood friend Mel.

Melissa Wilson the youngest daughter of Keith and Margaret and sibling of Debbie and Aunty of little matty advised me that she just got engaged. Sorry that sentance started off like an obituary.
Taking a little bit of a back step, My mother and Marg first met when they worked in a bank and later with their partners moved into a house on the same road as us so we all grew up as childhood friends. They all reside in Melbourne now and I've had the chance to visit them on two occaisions now. When Mel came back to NZ for her last visit I recall we went to our old primary school and just amazed that some things still remained. Peering into the school rooms seeing the tiny chairs we used to sit in was a total knock on reality and how we've all changed over time.

Anyway, as I sat back with Mel telling me of the proposal done over dessert all I could think is "its about time!!!" 7 years - geez your almost as bad as Stef and Carl =)

So CONGRAT'S and I'm awaiting my wedding invitation

Jake's Monster

2008-08-04T09:41:00.002+12:00

After going thru a multitude of vehicles since his arrival in NZ 3 years ago the latest purchase is THE ONE. Not able to leap tall Toyota Echo's and not faster than the Audi A4, it can however go where no Aston Martin can.

Victory over the Weekend

2008-08-04T09:08:00.002+12:00

With All Black captain Ritchie back at the helm the all blacks form started to come back into play. More solid ball handling, better defense and turn over balls to our advantage kept the percentage's in our favour. The Wallabies did take one try early in the first half but for the remainder of the match would find no others.
Was great to see the defense putting the pressure on and closing up the holes much better that the previous weeks when holes opened enough for an oil tanker to fit through. That was rectified and could be seen early on in the match where even the inhumanly thin Paris Hilton would've had trouble fitting through the defensive holes of our game.
Henry (coach) was seen once maybe twice double punching the air as we scored try's, the first & second by woodcock punching through small cracks in the wallabies defensive line.
Still there's much to improve on from last weekends game and we have to pull out all stops to save loosing the Tri-nations Cup, the bledisloe, well? yeah. Well should we win the tri-nations we'd most certainly take the Bledisloe Cup as well.

I learnt over the weekend that a few years ago, an Aussie Pilot flying the Wallabies home with the Bledisloe Cup made a qwirk remark prior to take off that went something like "...requesting permission for take off, with the Bledisloe Cup never to return...." Control tower responded "Permission denied".

Maks Update 3rd Aug 2008

2008-08-03T20:26:00.002+12:00

Picking Maks up at the usual 4pm we were home at 16.30 with traffic being co-operative. The usually sites and sounds were covered with trains, horses, boats, red cars, blue cars, green lights and "daddy stop, it's red".

We'd just walked in through the front door and she started about her puzzle when Donne wanted me to drop her off at her work to meet her colleages. She was extremely shy so after a 5 min hi it was goodbye and back to daddys for a nice warm bath and dressed up warm in her PJs and dressing gown before sitting down for her dinner in between watching Barbie the Island Princess.
Danika came by shortly after to stay the night and the two set about running around back and forth pulling everything out and generally making an all round mess.
Come bed time i put them both down and then crashed myself rather early also, but about 10 mins after I'd put maks down she crept into my room asking to saty with me. So she climbed up and tucked herself into her side watching an episode of Top Gear with me before we both fell asleep.
In the morning I woke up after she'd found my tv remote and turned on the morning cartoon's. As i peered thru tired eyes she was seated upright looking down at me as if to say "what?" and then continued watching what ever cartoon was on.
I'd had a long day prior so I rested until 10am and then we went for a walk down the road to see the ship that my aunty will be going on for the next week. Then we took a bite at McDonalds downtown before getting maks a pair of gum boots at the Warehouse and then we walked home as mom took Danika home. We only stopped by home quickly to grab my car keys as we were going to do some grocery shopping and I once again pointed out where Daddy's office is. On the short drive home maks fell asleep so I carried her upstairs and put her in her bed and ran back down to the car to collect the rest of the shopping. Took a quick power nap myself on the couch before getting maks up and we chilled out for a while giving her time to wake up. Read her a few books and we did a puzzle then its all a bit of a blank.
About 6pm I got her in the bath and her dinner ready and had just finished cooking her dinner when Mom and Danika showed up (Danika was staying another night).
Then I prepared to sit down and wait for Simon to show up so we could watch the rugby which I'm happy to say we played much better and won decisively.
After the rugby we all just relaxed for a while before putting the girls into bed, but maks soon found herself walking into my room with a sad face asking to sleep next to me, to tired to argue or put her back in her bed she again crawled up and fell asleep. Actually I'm not sure who fell asleep first but we had a full day and she was quite exhausted as I think we all were and then comes Sunday.

Sunday was a quiet and basic day, the morning was like any other until we left for the airport to see Goong Goong fly in. I took maks up to the observation deck as we watched flight CX107 come in for landing and then waited for him to process through immigration. He had some time as was transferring to a domestic flight so we went for a bite to eat then maks and I went to the games arcade as she saw a few rides she wanted to go on. She even raced a few cars !!! her first true driving experience and yeah, we'll wait to put her behind a real car =)

Once home, maks continued the nap she started in the car as I put her down and tucked her snuggly into her bed. Just after 4pm I made myself a coffee and arranged all her clothes and we got in the car to drop her back to Donne. As we turned into their road she started crying, she had thought we were going to Aunty kaz's place to see Danika and PohPoh so I reached my hand back to hold her hand as a comfort. Once we pulled into the driveway I leaned back to undo her seatbelt and she quickly climbed over ontop my lap before I'd had a chance to undo my own seat belt. She buried her head in my shoulder so decided to comfort her before putting her jacket on and exiting the car.
That was our weekend in a small nutshell.

Mothers Day for Donne 2008

2008-07-31T18:49:00.004+12:00

Here's a pic of the painting Mak'w and I made for Donne for this past mothers day in April - it's sposed to read " I Love My Mum "
I went down to the stationary warehouse and bought some A4 sticker sheets and used them to print off the words before setting about cutting each individual word out. I'd then apply one set of words and then let Maks go nuts with the paint then after its dried I'd stick down more words and let her again go nuts. Then once more and then peal off all the stickers to reveal the words as they appear on the picture below. It's a good cheap trick if you wish to try it, kids love it and it looks nice too.

Watching Barbie - Fairytopia

2008-07-31T18:42:00.004+12:00

I got two Barbie movies for Makayla, and she just loves them to death. She'll watch them over and over and over again and her cousin Danika is just as much into it as she is so they just sit livid pixated onto the screen, so I'd wrap them both up in a blanket on the single seater and let them enjoy it. Maks even wanted to watch it during her dinner. As noted in a previous post Maks would sometimes get scared and crawl up and snuggle into my shoulder even if i'm in the kitchen cooking their dinners.

They just grow so fast

2008-07-31T18:25:00.003+12:00

One moment your wiping the dribble from their chins, the next your chasing after them in the shopping mall. Where does the time go?

Federal to Tangihua

2008-07-31T18:15:00.003+12:00

A few days after moving into the new premesis we have probably one of the better function meals ever held, not a single pizza in site. Instead they were replaced with salads, roast chicken, pork and lamb. Think I must've eaten a full lamb and it went down a treat it certainly did. There were a few fun activities put on as well as we all easily crammed into the 6 floor still yet un-utilised so was nice and open for the festivities.

So the final days of GE Money located at Federal Street co-incided with a Mexicali fiesta dinner for the crew. Each team decorated their area's and some funny prize givings were announced. Finished the evening off with some Sumo Wrestling pic's below.

The Sunday Drive

2008-07-29T09:56:00.001+12:00

In past we always felt that a good drive could help us relax and free the mind whereas in present days that it all but a thing of the past. Rising fuel costs have changed the economic climate hugely that all are now watching their pennies more tightly. Matched with growing costs of food also, the trip to the supermarket could be drawn on how much fuel will be burnt on the trip making the assumption that we are indeed pushing on hard times for the average New Zealander.
The NZ Herald reports increasing debt levels and many NZers now struggling to make their standardised repayments.
Also noted is the reduction of day trips NZers are now taking due to the high petrol pricing making a 12.5% drop and the NZ tourism board has stated that it results to $400m loss in tourism sales. Nationally there is a decline in people taking holidays and even fewer business trips. All this is in response to rising petrol prices resulting in a weaker economy and may see smaller businesses struggle to stay a float.
The decisions faced to our government and the choices they make are now crucial and with elections approaching, only time will tell.

Update

2008-07-21T18:33:00.000+12:00

Yes, it has been some time since my last post. Struggle to keep things updated as after spending long days in front of a computer flat tack at work the last thing I feel like doing is typing something out on the computer once home. Finally working a late shift at work which is quiet enough to actually put a things down.

To recap, my cousin Joanne came home for a visit to surprise her dad on his birthday and was great to see her again. The last time I saw her was for Makayla's christening two years ago January 06' which she was not only able to see how much she had grown but to see her nephew for the first time also.

The weather in Auckland for the past two to three months has been diabolical. Due to my rostered work we get every fortnight off full a full weekend which is the only time I get to spend with Maks. The weather has always pourer down on those particular weekends which means not only do I not get to go outside with Maks, being an avid golfer the weather has mostly forced me indoors and I'm sick of it. Sure I could play a wet round of golf but the courses with this down pourer just wouldn't be worth the trouble as they'd play like swamps. Maks and I still have our fun, I got her two Barbie movies which she loves to pieces wanting to watch it time and time again. I think she watched Fairytopia about 6-7 times over the weekend and I'm sick of the dang thing. She didn't like the bad fairy and would climb ontop me and snuggle her face into my shoulder as she was scared until that scene ended and she'd contently watch until the bad fairy came on again.
Mom and I did get a small break in the weather to get the kids outside and down to mission bay for a very short time in between the torrents of rain.

As for work, well we're now in a new building for the last month. Took a while to get used to the rather extended walk to work but it wakes me up in the morning whereas prior I'd do that whilst sitting at my desk sipping my coffee.
The new building is located at 8 Tangihua street in auckland's city. The walk to work from home is about 1.1k's (one-way) and quite enjoyable when the rain isn't a factor.
The interior building is much larger than the previous at Federal street and we all now have room to breath and not cramped in like sardines. Felt strange for the first week as we all settled in but is so much handier having everyone in the one building rather than in two seperate buildings.
The new office is located just across from Foodtown so I always point out to maks where my office is "that's where daddy works", her reply is "me too" which i think is precious.

Birthday Salutation

2008-06-12T05:10:00.003+12:00

Hey Davina, have a FUNtastic day

so Davina Bicker HAPPY BIRTHDAY =)

from W. Smithers

Barrack Obama

2008-06-05T09:20:00.005+12:00

Obama is now looking for a running mate after winning the democratic vote tuesday (US standard time) making him the first black candidate to go forward in history.

An honourable mention to Clinton whom never seemed to give up under the pressure and seems to have highlighted much of the NZ media reports. Very little is noted about Obama and found several Titled reports about Obama were mostly covered Clinton?

For Obama going ahead as Commander and Chief I feel somewhat it could be a good move to inject fresh ideas into the States and hope he and his staff have what it takes to take that step forward and play clean up after the Bush Administration. It's interesting to see that a US Presidential Canidate can make a joke of himself and not BE the Joke time and time again.

Birthday Notice

2008-06-05T09:11:00.004+12:00

Happy Birthday to my baby sister whom today turns the big 30

Mother of Danika and Aunty Kaz to her niece Makayla, daughter of Mary & Merv she celebrates her birthday officially today, however I did take her out for an early dinner on Monday and we shall be having a dinner saturday night at our new favourite restaurant the Thai Restaurant 'Grasshopper' located at the Stamford Plaza Hotel in Auckland Central.

Welcome to the over 30 crowd, it sux but you'll love it.

Here's a photo taken at Kazzies Bday dinner at Grasshoper with Davina, Maks and Myself.

INDIANA JONES

2008-05-30T11:20:00.002+12:00

Sunday evening my mate Simon and I decided to see the new Indiana Jones Movie and I have to say it was rather tiresome, predictable and the story line was relatively weak and unoriginal pushing the far fetched aspect that has been done in adventure, sci-fi and action flicks in the past.

Admit it was rather enjoyable in parts and humourous to see Alan Dale play a small role in one scene. Alan Dale known for his role in Australias soapie Neighbours and has made recent appearance in the States in the Keiffer Sutherland series 24 Season 2 and The O.C. What always makes it humourous for my family is that mom once went to school with him in Onehunga.

Director Steven Speilberg: Watching the movie you can tell its done by an old school director playing on images such as road signs to humourise the event just played out in that scene. But for those Indie fans I may recommend waiting until it comes to DVD or blu-ray.

Maks Update

2008-05-30T11:03:00.003+12:00

This is going back a week now where Thursday and Friday Donne kept maks home as she had a rough cough and sniffles. Donne dropped her off to me later that afternoon, as she had dinner plans in the city, and as they drove into the car park I saw Maks little smile as she sucked on her lollipop dressed in her PJs and Dressing gown. It was straight up stairs for us and straight into our usual routine of reading books, doing puzzles, playing snap and so on. I tried to put her down in her room to sleep but she kept waking up with her cough so I put her down in my bed and she was out for the rest of the night while I relaxed in the lounge checking in on her every now and then.

Saturday morning I was dragged out of bed to ready breakfast and was 'ordered' to turn on 'her' program which was fine for me I could get a bit me rest in bed. I pretty much kept her indoors due to her cold but we did go out mid afternnon so visit her Aunty Leighann and her indoor cricket team. We stayed maybe two hours before she got restless and wanted to leave. Once home crashed out in her car seat I carried her to bed where she slept for a little over an hour.

After dinner we got her in the bath and ready for bed after the first half of the Rugby Match semi final between the mighty Crusaders and oh that other team that LOST hahahaha. Put maks to bed after the match, she was asleep for maybe an hour before waking up and tracking me down so I lay her over my shoulder cuddled up safe and sound as she went back to sleep.

Sunday - again I decided to keep her indoors till she gets better but we did pop outside a couple of times to get some fresh air in the morning. About 11am we went to Kelly Talton's as she likes the penguins, we mustve gone round that ride more times than I can count. Always her eyes fixated and enjoying the ride each and everytime and I must say its pretty good but the ride is often to short.
We watched the live feed of the fish and stingrays in the open tank but maks wanted to go back to see the penguins. We were probably there just over 2 hours splitting that between the penguins, the kids area and the tanks. I have to say Kelly Taltons is not all that interesting for Adults but if you have kids its just brillient as there much to see and do there for them and they can spend hours there.

After that we both came home for a nap before I dropped her back at Donne's later in the afternoon/evening.

Huapai Golf Course

2008-05-30T09:57:00.002+12:00

Friday May 23rd 2008 Huapai Golf Course West Auckland.

Ordinarily I wouldn't go through in such depth about my round but seeing as though we are almost halfway thru the year and this being my 3rd round for the year I figured it prudent for my own personal posterity. On with the story.

Tee off at 10.18am

First Hole: Par 5 - Pulled my 3wood into the trees left, steriotypical how my ball finds itself drawn to them. However I did aim towards them expecting to fade the ball into the middle of the fairway. 5 wood for the second shot is all I could muster to advance the ball and play safe. 9 iron for my second and went right of the green and following shot I cooked over the green chipping on and making a one putt (albeit a very tricky putt) to make par.

Second Hole: Par 4 - topped the ball just past the ladies tee (phew) then smoked a 3wood right and short of the green chipping on with one putt for par, a nice recovery

Third hole: par 3 - My 9 iron contacted with a closed face resulting in my ball pulling way out left leaving an up & down flop shot over a bunker and no green to run with. fell short into the bunker one shot out and two putt for double bogey.

Fourth Hole: Par 4 - Pulled driver for the first time and smoked it straight down the fairway with a 1/3 52degree wedge to the green - again pulled left but hit the green making my first GIR for the day, 20ft putt falling 1ft short tap in par

Fith Hole: Par 4 - Smoked the driver once again with a lovely draw, 9 iron left of green, chip on with two putt for bogey

Sixth hole: Par 4 - Blocked my drive out right but sitted nicely and shot an 8 iron over a tree falling just short of the green, chip and run up to the hole with one putt for par

Seventh Hole: Par 3 - Had the right club but miscalculated the strength of the wind up up as my 6 iron was pushing the ball into the wind falling short of the green. Chipped on and two putt for bogey. I choked on my first putt and my playing partner forced me to putt first to read my line.

Eigth Hole: Par 4 - Pulled driver and stepped it up a notch to 80% and faded the ball a little to much rolling just off the fairway but behind a small tree so had to play out safe and advance the ball. I decided to play the next shot safe and play to the centre of the green rather than play over the bunker to the hole. As I swung down on the ball I cut the swing and the ball shot out to the right over the bunker straight at the hole where I stood shocked and confused for a time then elated at the result. I would two putt for bogey after that.

Ninth Hole: Par 4 - a big dog leg to the left I decided to play a 3wood and my driver in past has shot straight through the fairway on previous occasions. My shot was perfect and nice draw around the corner setting me up for a nice angle into the green where I would unfortunately catch it fat and have to play my 3rd onto the green. I was standing over my first putt when a ball flew on to the green from a group behind us totally disrupting my trained focus on the putt and ended up falling short on that putt and two putt for bogey.

Front Nine would be 7 over

Tenth Hole: Par 3 - always a tricky long par 3 I decided to play my 5wood with a 70% smooth swing and fell short of the green. I would catch my chip fat and two putt for double bogey so wasn't happy.

Eleventh Hole: Par 4 - this is the hole we were waiting to play as the green had finally been changed from a rediculous 6 level tiered green to something more reasonable. Pulling driver I shot straight over the hill putting myself in a great position to make an up and down to a raised green at the top of the hill. I would smoke it over the top and chip onto the green. The putt i was then faced is probably the most difficult read and challenge i've ever had to date. I was on the top tier playing to the hole on the lower level. I would have to play my line out to the left so it breaks right to my check point to the edge of the ridge where it would then break a hard left picking up pace towards the hole. I didn't sink it but it did shave the hole and I would tap it in for bogey and I was happy with that given the putt.

twelth hole: Par 4 - pulled 3 wood and fell just short of the green where I would again duff my chip and have to settle with a two putt for par.

Thirtenth Hole: Par 4 - Got a bad read on the fairway and aim to far left thinking the green was located where it eventually worked out Not to be but I shot a nine iron out of the rough over trees to a raised green putting it 3ft from the hole. I would unfortunately choke again and missed the birdy op but took the par.

Fourthenth Hole: Par 4 - Driver fade right running just off fairway where i would put my 52degree wedge short leaving a touch chip which ran way past the hole. I would be left with a long up hill putt for par which i was half a foot out from going in so two putt for bogey.

Fiftenth Hole: Par 4 - disappointing with driver as i was perfect but with one branch from a tree sticking out my ball just had to connect and fall short just short of 200mts leaving me sitting under a long line of low hanging branches forcing me to play a punch shot nice and low. Focussing simply on advancing the ball I chipped on and two putted for bogey.

The closing holes

Sixtenth Hole: Par 3 - shot my 9 iron onto the green and had a tricky right to left break about a foot and a half out to the right for about 8ft. I fell short but made the second for a par.

Sevententh Hole: Par 4 - Smoked my drive to the base of the hill only short of the green chipping up and two put for par

Eightenth Hole : Par 5 - Smoked my drive but hindered by tree's but ok being a par 5 i just had to make my second shot count. 3wood fading out over the lake crossing over the fairway and into the rough with about 145mts to the green. I hand a relatively blind shot so just gripped my 7 iron and ripped it placing it on the green in regulation but left me with a mega long putt of about 30-35ft to hole out for birdy. My pace was perfect however the break from right to left was harder than I anticipated and ended up a foot to the left of hole so was an easy tap in for Par.

So I would close the back 9 6 over par making me 13 over for the day which is my handicap so was wrapped that I could go out after not playing much at all this year and still shoot my handicap. Gives me hope for future rounds.

When your not playing often the first thing to go is your chipping, this is a very technical aspect to the game and to shoot low rounds your short game is where its made. But what I was able to walk away with at the end of the day was the fact that I went the entire round without any 3 putts. That's something I've not been able to do.

PROLEPSIS

2008-05-17T10:10:00.004+12:00

The band Prolepsis headed by Riley Al-johary played a gig last thrusday at Auckland University bar, Shadows. A small mix of cover songs but largely original music played to an enthusiastic crowd and I highly recommend joining us at the Masonic Tavern Friday 13th June for their next gig.

Prolepsis are based in Auckland and formed in the 1990's and are creating a steady following with their rock stylings. For further information, music samples click here

MOTHERS DAY

2008-05-17T10:01:00.002+12:00

I planned a Mothers Day Gift for Donne spending much of my Friday day off to prepare it. I shall post a picture of the final result below at some point in the near future.

What I did was cut out templates that could then be stickered to the a canvas so once painted over would leave that impression. The template read "I LOVE MY MOM" by the end of the project after several base paints and then lettings maks go nuts with ber paints and brushes.

Maks Update

2008-05-17T09:45:00.002+12:00

Friday afternoon and a rather bleak day as I drove out to Howick on a typical Auckland rainy day to collect Makayla from Kindy. Walking up to concrete ramp trying not to slip on its wet surface I peared into the window where I found her sitting next to her friend Rosie as they gazed at the cartoons on the tv. She saw me walk by the window so I was gleefully greeted at the entrance gate where a bug cuddle awaited before she showed me the drawings she had done and her arts and craft project she made for me also so I gave her praise and thanked her.

Once home, we were greeted by Danika and PohPoh, With my sibling in Hong Kong we had my niece spend the weekend with us. The first night was terrible, the two just wouldn't go to sleep no matter how many times i put them to bed they always found their way out. Then I decided to split them up for alls sake and no more than 5 mins in different beds in different rooms they were fast asleep.

Come morning we drove out to Browns Bay where we had lunch and the kids had fun on the playground. Sometime after lunch I brought maks home for her nap but she didn't really want to have one as she caught about 30 mins in the car however I was somewaht completely exhausted and tried to take a nap. She finally gave in and crawled up onto the couch next to me and we both caught a quick cat nap.

Later in the afternoon we popped over to see Yoni, Choco & Channel (she loves those cats) and were later joined by Danika and mom. The two loved playing with the two cats, then running up and down the hill in the back yard then dancing teaching Yoni to Jibaroo. After a long exhausting day, the two girls went down without much fuss or prompting and both were fast asleep by 8pm latest maybe earlier, can't quite recall which left me time to recoup myself with what energy levels were remaining.

BON AU REVOIR

2008-04-22T08:27:00.002+12:00

LA DEUX MOUCHE SUISSE DE FILLE A LA MAISON A LEUR PATRIE NATALE SI LES SOUHAITANT CE MATIN DES VOYAGES SURS. Après avoir ATTENDU TROIS JOURS DE MAUVAIS TEMPS ET INCAPABLE DE FAIRE UN SAUTE EN PARACHUTE DANS QUEENSTOWN ILS ETAIENT SUCCESFUL DANS SAUTER D'UN YESTURDAY D'AVION.

AVOIR UN GRAND VOL

MIKE DE KIWI

THE HAMILTON 400

2008-04-21T10:15:00.000+12:00

There were a few teething problems to overcome as could be expected but all n all the V8 racing in Hamilton City went well. Holden took the win WHOO HOO !!!! way to go Tander. Ford were up to their usual dirty tactics taking out Holdens left right and center such as Radisch's car cuttin the corner unjustly to beat 5 other cars in front then clips I think Skaife's car making him fish tail from second to last in the forward pack of cars. I just woke up from my afternoon nap to witness that screaming at the tv yelling Fn' Ford !!!!

Weekend Report - Sunday

2008-04-21T09:01:00.001+12:00

Woke early Sunday for a round of Golf where we ended up playing at Waitemata Golf course.
Hoping to iron out a few problems from yesturday that was not the case even after a fairly good start reaching the first green in regulation only to 3 putt. Well the day only got marginally worse from there on out.

After the round we stopped off at McD's for Brekkie (lunch) before heading home to rest our aches and pains. Took a short nap before sorting out dinner for Jessica and Virginia who I'd pick up around 6pm. Stopped off at Foodtown before picking the girls up and headed over to my mate Simon's for dinner. Simon set about his usual self taking on board a kitchen helper in the form of Jess to prepare our feast which went down an absolute treat and once full we all got pretty tired.

As i type this actually I expect that the girls have finally got to do their skydive and are as I type these very words they are leaping from the plane screaming their lungs out as they race towards the ground.
Perfect weather today for it so they should have any issues with it being cancelled.

Now with one coffee down I leave you now so I can top up with another

Weekend Report - Saturday

2008-04-21T08:38:00.000+12:00

I woke early deciding to use the time productively and hit the golf course to get the feeling back into my bones.
Didn't have the time to play the full 18 holes which was unfortunate but I didn't mind as I hadnt played for quite some time and was having some short game difficulties. My driver (Bethel) was still smoking hot making some very long drives down the fairway. I finished up the 9 at 5 over which wasnt too pleased with but ok seeing as though its been a while since my last game.
Cruising on home, I had a little fender bender on Nelson Street - gods way of telling me I should get a new car.
After sorting that out I just relaxed at home took a hot shower and sat back to play my guitar and wait for Donne's text.

About half one in the afternoon, I left for Makayla's birthday party at Lollipops in Ellerslie. This place was paradise for kids with plenty of activities to do. From a towering play fort, push cars, ride on things, merri-go-rounds and so on Reckon that if I was a kid and my parents wanted to go that I would be kicking a screaming wanting to stay. The party was wonderful, We had Makaylas tight knit group of friends from Kindy join us in the private kids party room we booked. We had Rosie, Hayden, Caleb, Eshan, cousin danika and other friends. My good friends Kylie and Robin joined us with their children Daria and Khan, Lana with her daughter Jade, My cousin stef with Hubby Carl and little boy Williams (future Team NZ skipper).
The wonderful about holding her party there is that if you read back over what we did last april 07' it was an absolute mission for Donne and I to get everything ready whereas this year it was much more relaxing for us not having to set up, cook the food then clean up. All we had to do it entertain ourselves, talk with friends and break up kids fights.
The kids looked adorable sitting in their kiddy chairs munching away all wearing party hats with maks at the head of the table sitting in a big fairy painted chair. After the meal they were all off running about - we tried to get them all back into the room to open mak's presents and it was similar to herding sheep.... but worse.

After everyone left I gave maks a goodbye kiss n hug then stopped off at Lifestyle Vehicles to catch up with my good mate Simon. While I waited for him I phoned the insurance company to lodge the claim then we locked up the car yard and popped over to his house to I could view their newly renovated rental property. The builder did an outstanding job opening up the living area and updating the kitchen and bathroom with more up to date quality products. I advised them to advertise it as an Entertainers rental.

After a short stopover at Simon's I was off to the airport to pick up 'The Swiss Gals' from the airport. Jessica and Virginia whom I first met on Manta-Ray and then caught up with them again on Beachcomber had spent the last 10 days travelling around the south island of new zealand. They arrived in Christchurch and drover north to kaikoura and had the pleasure of swimming in the cold water with approximately 100 wild dolphins before heading back south to queenstown. They had hoped to do a skydive in Queenstown however unfortunately the weather disallowed the jump for the 3 days they were there. Anyhow, I met them at the auckland domestic airport and we headed into the city and dropped them at their accommodation where we sat around and chatted for a while before I headed on home to grab some dinner.

The night ends...

MAKAYLA'S BIRTHDAY

2008-04-15T09:26:00.003+12:00

For recollection purposes I will start with the more recent and work backwards from there.

This morning, Makayla woke as she heard the shower start thinking it was her Goong Goong in the shower but yelled back "it's PohPoh!!" then went around to see Goong Goong whom was seated in the lounge.
She had pher breakfast and toast with a smile as I readied for work taking a big big hug before departing for the office.
Lastnight she arrived somewhat dozy just before 6pm when Donne dropped her off after spending the day with her mom and grandies at Butterfly Creek, but as soon as we were upstairs and she saw her presents her eyes widend and she set about opening her birthday cards and presents with excitement. Then she set to the task of playing with all her new toys including a paint set she gleefully painted in her scrap book now laid out to dry. At her actual birth time I had some photo's taken of us as she officially clocked into a Three Year Old. After an hour or so of her reading her new books including a book I recalled reading as a child myself she sat down with me on the couch after the old's had gone to get dad's computer and new Iphone fixed. She lay against my side under the blanket as we watched the Numberjacks and then the highlights of the Augusta Masters (we have to take turn with the tv channels now).
SHe soon fell asleep which is when I transferred her to bed not to rouse until morning when she heard the shower.

Sunday, I woke with a big stretch and rolled over to see makayla fast asleep to my right. Hmm last I saw you little one you were snug in your own bed fast asleep. Who know's what hour of the morning she'd climbed up on to my bed and tucked herself in to my duvet. We watched one morning cartoon in my bed, well she did as I tried to catch a few more zzzz's, then got up to get breakfast.
About now its just after 7am and Simon joined us to watch the 3rd day of the Augusta Masters Live. So that took us through till 11am when I took maks out to ride her bike for a while in hope to tire her out so she could take a nap ha ha ha to which she did, climbing up wrapping her arms around my neck and putting her head down on my shoulder and promptly went to sleep. She'd been down about an hour in her bed when Jake arrived with a present for Maks but I let her sleep just a little longer as we caught up some. Not too long after Jake arriving, my dad who'd just flown into NZ came in the front door, so I crept into mak's room as simply and softely whispered. "...Goong goong's here". She rolled over rubbing her eyes taking in a big strentch before mentioning to me "I want to see". She slowly slid off her bed and stumbled out of the room with myself following behind as she stumbled towards Dad with upreached arms. She looked at Jake and pointed out the present he got her for xmas, so she remeber's everything now. She took about 10 minutes to wake up to gather interest in opening her present which was a stripped lion which for the next 2 days would hug and kiss, put to bed, put in the naughty corner and so on.
Then we changed her ready for her birthday party down at aunty Kaz's place so I put on her nice dress she'd picked out earlier and did her hair into 3 pony tails (cos she's three now) and then we walked down the road.
As soon as we arrived, her cousin Danika ran out to greet us jumping up and down as she sang Happy Birthday to Makayla. Maks was probably a little taken back by this greeting as she clung to my leg aggressively but as soon as the song ceased they ran off together and the rest was just games, games & more games. And shockingly enough I don't recall any fighting between the two, Strange ha ha ha.
It was getting dark and I figured that it's probably time to get her back to Donne so after we said our goodbye's to everyone we were on our way.

Saturday Morning, I woke again with the little one next to me as I clearly recall putting her in her own bed the night before. Cartoons in bed before brekkie, she know's where I keep the tv remote in my room !!!
NOW. recollection is getting rather dim here as I struggle to recall what we did...

All I recall from Saturday is when I dropped her back to Donne's place and we had a BBQ before coming back home lol

Friday, well that's a little easier, I think. I picked Maks up at Donne's house around 3pm and we came home where the usual mess unsued. We did stop off at foodtown for groceries on the way back and have to say she was pleasantly well behaved unlike previous trips undertaken there. The evening was filled with games, books, her making a mess and her dad cleaning it up cos he keeps tripping on everything.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAKAYLA

2008-04-14T12:34:00.003+12:00

My darling daughter whom I cheerish more than air turns fwee (Three) today.

Happy Birthday baby girl.

Love Dad

Maks Update 08/04/08

2008-04-08T13:20:00.002+12:00

Over the past month or so Makayla has been well informed that her birthday is quickly approaching with her response "in April" or where asked how old she will be her reply is "Frwee". So I've been trying to teach her that she will in fact be 'Three' which teaching he has caused many laughs.
A few weeks back when I had her and cousin Danika in the back seat singing their ABC's Danika would say "lmnop... coo R S...." and Maks would try to correct her saying "It's que danika" - each kid has their own special quirk.

Both Donne and I are unsure about bday presents this year as she has lots of toys and neither place has room for much more. She loves puzzles as of late and while I'd love to get her some, the fact that she NEVER puts them away drives me nuts. So i've scratched that idea from the board however clothes are alway required for any growing child but feel lame for me to get her those when I buy her clothes regularly anyway so after an exhausted search on trademe and window shopping I'm still at a loss so idea's are welcome if you please.

She has a very busy week coming up where on Saturday she'll be with the Moult's for a family braai, then sunday with my family, Monday will spend the day with Jeff and Lorraine before coming to see me for her actual bday time at 18:05 and then on the following Saturday we will have her birthday party with other kids. Unlike this year we are holding it at a kids playcentre to save the hassle of preparing food and cleaning up afterwards. Benefit is that we'll probably spend less than we did last year on her party too so that's a bonus.

We'll have kids from our own family and friends joining us along with some of her friends from kindy. All n all it'll most likely be a really exhausting day.

Orakei

2008-04-07T08:06:00.002+12:00

This weekend started with abosulte boredom as my Saturday shift at work brought me only time to practise my guitar as it was completely dead. After work Donne had left her eftpos card at work so I popped over to see Maks for a few min's.
She ran into my arms holding a chocolate she was happily munching on with much satisfaction. I picked her up and put her into the car to which she started to cry as had in her mind that she was coming to stay with me I would expect. So I gave her a kiss and calmed her down and she waved her little hands bye bye to her daddy.
The night was spent in relative ease to save my strength for tomorrow's canyoning experience.

With daylight savings ending I enjoyed the extra hours sleep in before grabing my stuff and heading off to skycity for the Canyoning pick up. On arriving I ran into Mick outside starbucks as he waited for a coffee and some brekkie but the new I received on arriving was not good. Apparantly they need two tour guides on hand to run the trip and the four backups were unavailable so I ended up waiting around for the other lads to arrive to explain the details for which we now have to reschedule.

So with an early start and nothing to do I returned home and took a nap on the couch pondering what to do for the day. I texted Jase knowing he was working at his mothers cafe' so figured I could hit the driving range and then go for a meal out there but he said he was leaving after 1330hrs to go wake boarding in Orakei. So that was the afternoon plan but I still had much of the morning to kill so I started about the task of fixing my laptop and preparing all my statements to load my gst return.

I arrived at Orakei basin early with my guitar and happily played for a while until the others arrived and we jumped on the boat and got wet. I've never experienced anything like this before so was keen to try but just couldn't get up after 6-7 tries. For all my sporting experiences they all require leaning forward into anything whereas here you have to lean back and I couldn't trick my mind into doing so and kept leaning forward hense the big splash and drinking the mucky water.

I woke up this morning feeling very sore, but the fun factor was all there even if I didn't manage to get up out of the water.

Terrace Downs Discovery Jet

2008-04-04T10:49:00.002+13:00

Terrace Downs High Country Resort in March of 08' launched the Terrace Downs Discovery Jet able to soar guests up and down Canterbury's Rakaia River. The Jet Boat will speed guests 25k's up the river showing all the sights and sounds of New Zealands scenic south island.

The resort itself has been transformed by new Cheif Executive Jonny Hendrikson and his team after taking over the business from Japanese businessman and former professional golfer Shinnosuke Saito (who still remains a director/investor) last year with business partner Tim Williams. They have transformed the high country resort and brought life back into the area with an enthusiasm to offer holiday experiences to a more broader market than solely the golfing enthusists. Initially a golfers retreat offering spectacular views over the golf course and the Southern Alps, the resort has along with the new Discovery Jet now offers a range of other experiences such as Archery, clay-pigeon shooting, blokarting and have also purchased 10 horses for treking.
An arrangement with a local helicopter service now means that in the winter months, guests can opt to take a 10 minute ride to the nearby ski field, Mt. Hutt or view the unique layout of canturbury from above on scenic flights.
What this means to the holiday maker is that Terrace Downs is truly an all year round retreat to escape to rat race for not only couples and families but for corporates, weddings & conferences.

Visit Terrace Downs Website here

Denerau Golf Resort

2008-03-27T19:47:00.004+13:00

Whilst spending most of the day racing around Fiji on my scooter I soon found my way to Denerau enroute to the Hard Rock Cafe for lunch when before I got to the marina I viewed the golf course. Pulling my scooter off to the side of the road and taking off my helmet I took some time to view the course through a golfers eye. Checking the undulating green, shape and feel of the fairway, hazards, size and speed of the greens. Before it got to me I was on my scooter and off for a massive feed with my usual order (tradition) but kept in mind that straight after lunch I'd pop on over to the club house and check it out.

When I got there I felt awful, being a golfer I would hate the distraction of noise and my scooter was making plenty and as a courteous golfer it felt dishonourable so I raced up the driveway and parked up as quickly as I could.
Approaching the main club house you enter by walking up a wide set of stairs and your faced with an open restaurant which was showing re-runs of the Super 14 (an easy distraction for me) but it wasn't my team so I walked into the pro shop (mostly because they had airconditioning and the heat was hard-on. They had Callaway's to rent but I couldn't go there without my own set and I'd never leave Bethel (my big dog driver) at home when I could play a course like this.

I asked the caddies for a copy of the course book and score card for my records to show Jase when I returned. Below are a few photo's I snapped up on my departure from the club house and it looks plush. A very flat course but after the back 9 at Terrace Downs, a flat course can surely show you a good challenge.