‘My gosh, that is such an interesting question,’ Abi says, when I ask her how the last 18 months has been. ‘Weird. My life has never been how I planned but this, well, this is super weird.’ It’s November 2021, and Abi’s in a prolonged lockdown in Auckland. ‘It started just after my 40th birthday,Continue reading “Greenpeace and gourmet takeaways”
Author Archives: Paps
Introspective action
‘WOW. So.’ Martin looks thoughtful, a small smile creeping onto his face. ‘Yeah. A lot’s changed.’ He pauses. ‘When we spoke last time, in May 2020, I was still living in my house, I was still married, I was working from home, it was sunny, and everything Covid related was a novelty.’ Fast forward toContinue reading “Introspective action”
Loss, life and muddy shoes
How’s the last 18 months been for you Dylan? ‘Shit.’ He laughs, then I laugh, but it tails off. ‘Yeah, it has been a bit crap.’ he says. ‘My best mate went into hospital with a surprise liver transplant. So that was November all through to about March, with her recuperation, and in February myContinue reading “Loss, life and muddy shoes”
My 40th year – February (month #10)
February was all about time with the girls; I spent a lot of time with my friends this month. Not particularly planned, per se, it’s just how it ended up and it’s done wonders for me. Last winter me, Emma, B and Sarah booked our spots for the Kepler Track over Waitangi weekend and promptlyContinue reading “My 40th year – February (month #10)”
Residence Relief
Holy shit. Holy shit. Holy shit. I stared at the email. Your application for a 2021 Resident Visa has been approved. Holy shit. ARRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHH. My insides flipped. I looked again, just to be sure. Really? I’d been waiting so long for this I wasn’t quite sure it was real. Oh but it was. I’m nowContinue reading “Residence Relief”
My 40th year – January (month #9)
January was pretty hectic, and given I was away for half of it, I was wondering what activity I could do to nurture and support myself this month. Time ran away with me in the end, and I didn’t really do anything specific. But, I did move house which turned out to have way moreContinue reading “My 40th year – January (month #9)”
Creative Positivity
‘Firstly, let me congratulate you on your amazing taste in music. I myself am a Taylor fan too.’ Charlie laughs, and we both agree how nice it is to be able to do this interview in person, rather than over Zoom like the first one. ‘I went back and read the last article, and IContinue reading “Creative Positivity”
Dr Sam, patron saint of self care
‘Your hair looks just as messy as when I spoke to you last time,’ are the first words I say to Sam, remembering that in the interview for his first post he’d just got out of the shower and his hair was everywhere, like it is this time too. ‘I ‘ad a hat on, whichContinue reading “Dr Sam, patron saint of self care”
Spanish sunshine
When I spoke to Bev in 2020, she was in Cheltenham dreaming of the French sunshine she enjoyed during three months in the Alps in France for the first lockdown. This time, as she comes on screen, I can see she’s in her motor-home with sun streaming in the windows. This time though, it’s SpanishContinue reading “Spanish sunshine”
The Paps Life 