New Years Eve, 2020. What a year aye? What can I say. I've sat here for a while, hands poised over the keyboard, but not much is coming out easily. I don't normally do end-of-year posts, and I'm not a resolution-maker, but it felt somehow fitting to write something this year. I'm keen to not … Continue reading 2020 roundup
Category: My Life
3 years in New Zealand
Last weekend marked my three year kiwi-versary. Three years since I got off a plane not knowing what would happen next, or how long I'd be here. It's been quite the journey so far. I posted my thoughts a year ago, when I'd been here two years. It still felt pretty new, and still quite … Continue reading 3 years in New Zealand
What I would’ve done…
This week I should have been heading to the airport, steeling myself for the 29 hour journey to London via Singapore. My bag would've been light, ready to bring back belongings I haven't seen for nearly three years. I'd have enjoyed the two flights, excited about my trip and the novelty of flying, despite the … Continue reading What I would’ve done…
Mountaintop moments
I sit on the rock and think about all the times I've been here, at the top of Mount John, but I've lost count. I think back to the first time; March 2014. I wore my green walking trousers and a black t-shirt that was a size bigger than I'd usually buy, the result of … Continue reading Mountaintop moments
Post-COVID normal
When COVID-19 hit the world, New Zealand committed to an elimination strategy, which meant that on 8th June 2020, nearly three and-a-half months after the first case was reported on February 28th, the country went into alert Level 1. In layman's terms, this means we're pretty much 'back to normal', except for strict border control. … Continue reading Post-COVID normal
COVID-19: hanging on in there
New Zealand is currently in Level 2; this means the threat level is reduced and lockdown restrictions have been eased from what they were in Level 4 and 3. It's not quite normal; we have to keep tabs on where we've been, practice physical distancing, the number of people who can be in one place … Continue reading COVID-19: hanging on in there
COVID-19 – end of lockdown (NZ)
It's like the end of an era. A friend said, "it feels a bit sad almost, like it's the end to an exceptional time." He's not wrong. We went into the heavily restricted Level 4 lockdown when there were only a few cases in New Zealand and no deaths. Compared to the rest of the … Continue reading COVID-19 – end of lockdown (NZ)
Apology languages
"I'm sorry.....But...." This drives me CRAZY. My ex-husband used to do it all the time. Apologies seemed meaningless and insincere. There was always a reason, an excuse for shitty behaviour; usually it was me. "I'm sorry. But...you know how to wind me up." "I'm sorry. But...I had a bad day at work." "That but wipes … Continue reading Apology languages
COVID ponderings: fuck off memes
It's Friday night and I'm sat at my kitchen table, Rod Stewart in the background asking the world to let him know if it thinks he's sexy. After-work virtual drinks and a catch up with Women's Wednesday means I've finished the beer in my fridge, and I've got no more to replace it. A sleepytime … Continue reading COVID ponderings: fuck off memes