We don’t know how lucky we are, mate

We don’t know how lucky we are, mate

My mum is sick, the sort of sick where you don’t get better, and for the past few months my family has gone through the best of times and the worst of times. The worst because we are preparing to lose someone who means the world to us, and the best because we...
It’s boring winning all the time

It’s boring winning all the time

All Blacks fans are a tough crowd and it’s getting all a little tedious. Two games against Australia in the past two weeks saw two fantastic contests– one a comprehensive, record-breaking loss for the men in black, the other a complete turnaround where they played the...
“it’s a freaking tree in a lake’

“it’s a freaking tree in a lake’

People are strange creatures – some us us miss the point entirely and some of us can never be pleased. A story I read online recently put that into stark effect – in a humorous way as well. A collection of reviews of our country’s popular tourist...
Losing when you haven’t lost is hard to take

Losing when you haven’t lost is hard to take

Cricket is a marvellous game. It’s a contest of skill, patience, aptitude and derring do. It’s also sometimes as cruel as all hell. The final of this year’s World Cup saw the Kiwis and England play out what well may be one of the most intriguing and...
Etiquette is not a universal truth

Etiquette is not a universal truth

Etiquette is a strange concept. While some would think that there was a right way of doing something, based on their own notion of manners or social niceties, others will have an entirely different point of view and will act accordingly. Driving is a great example,...
Cafe owners’ reputation garners unwanted attention

Cafe owners’ reputation garners unwanted attention

Hospitality is a hard industry to work in. The customer is always right and customers are pickiest about what they eat, where  they stay, and how they are treated in the process. I’ve worked in hospitality, many years ago, and I can still remember being summoned...