Keado’s Weblog

..and yes mom, have played Lotto tonight $5.50, start packing!

Every once is a while you have a day where everything is just perfect. Not to jinx that day [it's onlt 5pm] but ‘bloody brilliant”

• I have been having hassles with the home internet and not sure what the problem was – last night particuraly bad and decided that something had to be done this morning. 8:30 this morning, knock at the door – courier with new modem – forgot that I was due a new one with the business line – plugged it in and hey presto, looks like problem solved
• Over the past few months I’ve been trying to get a grip on design software and something was always lacking – then last night I received a file in a strange format – Adobe Illustrator – which I had on my system but hadn’t had the chance to really look at – did some work this morning and worked perfectly – reworked all the artwork from the week within 30min – awesome.
• Keagan has been asking for a netball for months and months, but at $30-$35 just too expensive. There have been some specials at $20 but just haven’t been able to spend that much on a ball. Jd’s soccer ball on special was $10 – but for some reason, the netball balls are never market down – until today – and to make it even better, it was really free. K bought a lock book 2 months ago for $5 that didn’t operate properly when she got home and like a good girl, kept her slip. So today, went to the Warehouse for a cash refund – got her refund and I told her to see what the special were on balls – guess what the netball cost her – yup, an incredible 75% off and $5!!! Couldn’t believe it but she is the proud owner of a new Mitre Netball.
• When Kim was in SA, the bedroom Tv went on the blink – we bought from the Warehouse but unsure whether we still had the slip. True to form, Kim found the slip this morning but thr warranty was for 12 months from March 2007. Thought worth a try and put the Tv in the car and went through. Left the Tv in the car and spoke to the lady at the desk – after an up and down she said that it was out of warranty but could send for repairs at our cost. With the tubeoon the blink, not much good sending for repairs. The Tv was $250 and pretty sure would cost more but still $250 – just couldn’t walk away. She said I could speak to the manager if I wanted – negotiations were all smiles and happy – manager came over looking a little blue – I joked and asked if he was in a happy mood – got a smile and said “I know it’s out of warranty but really, a Tv should last longer than 2 years and just can’t walk away from $250. He thought for a moment, then said ok, he would swop out but didn’thave the same Tv anymore – lets go have a look. Cheapest 29cm was $299 and above..looked at a few then he said, best he could do was swop the $299 if we kick in the $50 extra – mmmm “Kim, what you think”…mmmm” an additional $50″… [both knowing that we don't have it]…mmm…looks at me…look at Kim…look at eachother…”hey, could you discount the $299 to $250?”..”sure, lets just do a straight swop, ok?…mmmmm…”ok”… I was out like a shot to the car to get the old and we have a new [better] tv.
• Over the past 3 months or so, Surf have had massive specials on washing powder, except for front loader, all top loader. Both Foodtown and Warehouse have had no stock of any front loader. I had stocked up before so not really concerned but still not right that everyone else was getting bargains at 60% off and not us. So 2 months ago, emailed Surf, no answer. Another special so called the 0800 number. They couldn’t really help and gave me the number for the distrybution centre – they couldn’t help, so called Surf back. They can’t deal directly with the public so gave me the number for the manager at the local Foodtown. Emailed but nothing – when Kimw as away I had the opportunity to ask for the manager – she checked the system and said, yup, we have 66 in stock . “No you dont”..”yes we do, computer states we do”..”well you don’t and haven’t had for 2 months”..”no, can’t be but I’ll check”..there was a special on at 50% off at $2,29 at the time. She came back and said’ yup, you are right, the computer states 66 in stock but there is an error and so has not ordered for months because it thinks it has enough in stock” She oredered and I bought a few some days later, at the special price. Well, today, another special at $1,99 [60% off] and yes, they had front loader, bought 6!
• I have for at least 2 years looked for hi-res quality stock photo’s that can be used in marketing material – FREE. Prices for quality pictures range from $1 to $25 and more. Some site was a registration fee or monthly subs. Last night came accross one that, yup, 100% no frills free!!! There is some 440+ pages with 30+ per page all of different aspects of life. Artworks, abstract, people, dogs, architecture – you name it, it’s there – downloaded a ton and will be back for more.
• We’ve been meaning to clean the cars and just haven’t had the chance, always something and then the off rain shower. Today, blue skies and spent the afteroon washing the cars [inside and out] with the help of K and JD [after he came back from a party]. Oh, Jaque came over with a bourbon&coke as he was also washing – so after that – recipricated with a Kaos – two 8% drinks – nice!
• Kim collected Jd from the party and got chatting with mom – she is expanding her business and Kim was quick with her card for the print work. They do quite a quantity and would look to use us.
• Kim also for the first time since coming back had “energy” – simple thing I know but not great when it’s lacking. No naps, no yawning, no moaning – energy and smiles.
• Peanut butter Thai Chicken for dinner

Can’t think of anything else but maybe that’s enough good karma for one day, you think?

Sunday night and the holidays are officially over, kids alseep and ready for school tomorrow., Kim under blanket watching NCIS.

The week flew by in a blink – guillotine and perfect binder were delivered on Wed.  I think it was Thur I had to take so much new info, the first thing I had was a Nurofen when I got home. Kids highlight was Ice Age 3 on Tuesday otherwise it’s been a pretty boring holiday for them. The weather hasn’t helped so no beach & no fishing. Lots of computers & tv and a little playstation.

We got some work for Fri and waited for the tech guy to do a maintenance check – he finished & around 4:30 we tried to print – ERROR and error and error. By 5:30 it was time to switch off & go home – maybe the machine wanted a long weekend. Teething problems were anticipated, so we carry on tom morning.

Lucky you weren’t waiting online – lost an hour preparing for office tomorrow. We’re taking 3/4 of the dining room to the office – reception chairs & main front desk. The tinted glass on the wood matches the internal partitioning.

Looking forward to the new term..

Not since the start of Thai Cafe have I been this excited about a business. Maybe it’s because as withthe restaurant, it’s new territory we’re playing in.  I found myself in the office this morning bursting with excitement when somene asked for a quote!

The fundementals are all there and the machine waiting patiently to get rocking. Kids last week of holiday and came to the office after lunch to play – nothing broken so all good. They are going to movies tomorrow, not sure whether it’s Hanna Montana, Transformers or Ice Age – they are very undecided. They’re busy playing Playstation at the moment, 8:36pm so lucky no school. I think this is the first time this holiday that they are playing Playstation..

The weather over the weekend was pretty bad but lucky not as bad at anticipated. There was some sever storms further up North, mostly strong winds coming down form Samoa.

Kim is stilltired, a  little better each day but not much energy. It’s been some very late nights watching the Tour de France. I tried to watch a year or 2 after Lance Armstrong retired but it had no fire, just plenty of drugs and banning. This year there’s a new fire and don’t think there has been one positive test [yet]. Following Lance on twitter over the past few weeks leading up to the Tour has meant that it seems like I know the team and the competition. Sky are crossing over around midnight and have to drag myself to sleep by 2am – would prefer to watch to the close at 3:30am but haven’t yet – maybe in the last week and certainly the last stage or 2.

Its a rest day today so no cycling but doubt that I’ll get to sleep until much later. Otherwise, everything happening..

Yup, she’s back – and sleeping….

We got to the airport and thought that she would be through around 11:30 – the strange thing was that when we arrived there were hardly any people waiting. There were a few taxi people and maybe 4 other – empty. I had to look twice at the flight info to make sure I was there at the right time. We had McDonalds, finished eating, check the board and still had as ‘landed” unlike some earlier which were “processing”. Jd wanted to look at the toys and get a water, so said we would get a water and then look. We came out the little shop and walked out to see Kim coming through the doors – hadn’t even seen the crew come through>

Kids were off, lots of hugs and kisses – “I’m home!!” Apparently ran through customs and stopped for nobody.

Keagan was out pretty quick in the car on the way home while JD was awake after his 3 hours sleep before…he has his eyes on the trick track and wasn’t letting go. Even after he fell asleep, got him into bed, he was all smiles minutes later when I brought the trick track into the room. Had to almost bribe him to sleep and open in the morning – technically it was already the morning, think around 1am.

Kim was ready for sleep but I was too excited to unpack and see all the goodies – so I won and everything was distributed around the bedroom, kids in between on their beds. Kids awake “late’ just after 7 and into the goodies like a flash. Kim lay in until 9, only I as I had to go to a meeting. She lasted until 11 and then asleep again on the couch, cat and all. She did have time to hoover, something she must have missed.

I’ll let her have a relaxing day today but I think tomorrow semi back to normal, even with kids on holiday

All went well this morning, getting kids breakfast, changed and to school. The heavens really opened last night with some lightning and thunder. Well, not Jhb style but there were 3 that I saw and some faint thunder. wind picked up quite a lot which woke K up but not for long. This morning it was still gusting & raining – can you believe next door sent their kids walking to school while both were home! As I pulled off they came out so bundled the lot into the car and off we went – Jd hodls nothing back and asked straight “why doesn’t your mom take you to school?” – no answer. Anyway, they were thankful for the lift.

Had to bow to pressure and put the dishwasher on – I know. I had a meeting with Graeme re the lease at the Country Club then took a drive to the premises to check a few things. Missed a school meeting at 9:30 with other board members but I thought it was for 1 and their email only sent 6:30am this morning – our broadband was out until I left in my defence.

Confirmed that the machine is being delivered on Wed!!!!!! Heart already racing and we have our first definate client / work – the landlord. Apparently he does around $2k per month and would rather give to a tenant than someone else – how cool. We got the main office desk and chair in the deal but not the reception desk, maybe expensive?

Anyway, got the kids clothes out already as we head of to K dancing straight from school. JD and I will do a quick shop for while K has rehearsal, home for early dinner and back for concert. So, dishwasher going, dryer going, washing machine going, three pc’s going [Kim's, mine and Apple] and kettle, coffee time [again].

Great speaking to Kim on skype last night , mic or no mic – should be a first – watching video on skype while talking on the phone

Finally, the secret is out – Kim’s in SA after months of planning, scheming and savings. Playing Mr Mom to date has been pretty relaxing. Locked the kids on their rooms and haven’t let them out – joking.

It’s day 4 and did the ironing for the week – reminded me of the army days except there is no inspection tom morning and took a few short cuts. I was thinking on day one that the idea of not using the dishwasher may have been premature but doing the dishes by hand is a lot easier and I think quicker. Woke up of Sat with a big fright at 6:45 – thought I forgot to set the alarm – only realised it was Sat after a short sprint to the shower – JD said but there’s no school today.

I have put the kids beds in the room which makes everyone happy, even the cats. The bedroom is nice and warm and I get to sleep without being kicked all over. Yesterday [Sat] was pretty cool – after a lazy morning we set off for swimming. K had her lesson and JD got me into the pool to play. They must have changed the chemicals because there wasn’t the strong chlorine smell and I didn’t even bother with the goggles. We played until K finished and carried on for another 20min when K joined us. Don’t know why every time we’re playing, other kids want to play as well and try hang all over me – got a strange look from one of the moms>> I think she wondered if I actually owned any of the kids. Anyway, lots of fun – all starving after and quick bath, lunch then what JD has been asking for – for days – “the Apple iMac”

I have to admit that the presentation of the iMac compared to buying a standard computer is far superior. This is branding at it’s best – branding is so clean but so powerful. I went through the setup pretty easy and had to use K’s skills a few times. When it came to what the thing can do, had to hand over to the kids. Saved me lots of time – they just fly around the thing and can play as much as they want really because the system is so stable and can’t be affected by normal “windows” viruses and problems.

I think after about 10min on the iMac, I was converted – next pc definitely another iMac or Apple notebook – think the days of “windows” are numbered. Today has been raining so we’ve been indoors, except for a little trip for coffee, potatoes and “tea” for the kids from the bakery. Tonight on the menu fish fingers, mash potato & mixed veg. 5:13pm and K in the fridge – so time to put potato’s on and start dinner.

Washing done, ironing done, school clothes ready for the morning, lunch boxes ready – after the first week, the most stressfull part is wondering what I’m missing…oh, Kim..

That’s what JD likes to call the weekend, that way we have 2 son-days – where dad gets to play with him, pretty cool.

The week – power, stress, shouting, exhaustion, training, fat, thin, can’t sleep, can’t wake up, excitement, nervous, stitches, winners, wine & whiskey, winners, losses, cold, rain, wind, warm, friends, enemies, money, liquidations, fear – that I can remember.

Somebody should write a books about the frustration of Fridays – buddy Mark calls it groundhog day – everytime you “wake up” it seems to be Friday. You spend the weekend gearing for Monday and things you want accomplish for the week – as you start and get momentum, it’s Friday and you have to wait until Monday to start again. Sometimes I think if they cancelled every second weekend, how much more we could achieve. Suppose a little different for me as I don’t have to wait for the weekend to have a midday nap, or go for a fish, read a book, watch sport i.e. live. People are missing out on life and just don’t realise it - or realise it but don’t know how to change.

Anyway, another serious tone in the writing- bugger. Two main things came out of this week (1) if there are no sales, there is no money and (2) how two people can see the same picture but two different images.

The first if self explainatory and sounds simple but yet so overlooked by business – they spend more time managing and other non-urgent and non-important issues. The second comes around so often and something that could be minimised with open communication or candor [as per Jack Welch]. 

The end result of this week is that Kim & I have taken a new route since coming to NZ and looking into a commercial digital print shop. The idea coming to NZ was that I would not open another accounting practice, look for something new and Kim would find her own niche. Well, after not working as a team for almost three years, we have come to the conclusion that we are the BEST team when we work together and we are so insinc when it comes to planning, strategic focus and general systems. So, we are awaiting for an answer on Monday with regards a machine and then it’s full on. We have narrowed down the premises, colours, interior etc. Talk about a change in life in 3 days! Looking forward to getting back into business..

The kids have had a mellow week I think. There was no golf on Mon for JD and unbeaten again at basketball on Thur – unbeaten the whole year!! K also didn’t go to dance on Mon [I was with Kim for her doc's appointment in the afternoon], Tues was karate, Wed horse riding was cancelled [I had a meeting which could not wait], Thur was netball [they won 13-0] and straight after to karate. It was my turn to do the netball-karate support which is always chaos – run from school, quick change, grab lunch in car to netball, after netball to car, change for karate in car, banana or snack, karate by 5pm. I leave her there and come back for the last 15min. I hope she continues with her karate, she’s tough, strong and learns well. Not scared to take on the boys… Fri is traditionally no sport and Sat she decided not to go to swimming but still went to horse riding. Apparently her quads were really sore and we put some arnica on – nothing would keep her away from her Dutchess. Swimming is getting hard now and she hasn’t got the passion to carry on, so won’t be pushing next season. There are no friends and honestly, not much fun. Next season she may be able to swim with the Orewa Surf club where she knows some people, so that may be better.

Had friends over last night for dinner, some wine and some more. Kids had a ball destroying the house which I tried to watch the All Blacks Vs France game – yeh well no fine..less said about the game the better. We’re building up a new squd for the next world cup. It’s Sun morning and going to have a relaxing day – may have to find a Burger King to take JD for his basketball prize, a sundae. Not our favourite place to eat.

Why twitter – limited to 140 words and that’s it – quick and easy.

What a few days – business has certainly been interesting to say the least and some new developments, well, in development that will change our day to day lives and hopefully not limit the fishing too much.

K was a little sad at karate last night as the people who graded and passed received their new belts – she’s hasn’t been going long enough to grade but I am hopeful that in 8 weeks, she will be able to grade to the next belt. She even had tears with disappointment but understands attending and learning karate isn’t about getting coloured belts – helped a little.

Jd hasn’t done much this week – Mon golf was cancelled due to strong wind and they were actually going to play a short par 3 for the first time. They won their last basketball match 3-2 on the buzzer, not sure if I mentioned that before.

Today was a meeting in the city – love the city – just walking around the streets and shops, very vibey. After meeting with possible new legal team on the 22ndfloor overlooking the Auckland marina – sitting with my back to it to concentrate – did some Queen Street shopping – cool clothes for Kim and I – checked with sales lady that the shorts I chose weren’t too gay – she said no but think all who worked there were a little bent anyway – still, onto another meeting in Ponsonby [more to follow in the next few days on that one] – back by 2 and into meeting with “the boys” from 3 until I think 6:30 – ran in and phone call – another call on cell – will call back – take cell – call other person back – DINNER and quiet..

Internet been so erratic – almost wrote erotic – so this better go through. POWER DAY!!!!

Around 00:20am and just sending some last minute emails – wasn’t watching the time and think it’s time to call it a day. Thur is normally a “rushed” day – rest day [no training], the budget review meeting at office, cram some work in before collecting JD from school – K goes to netball and I take JD to basketball – both have a 3:50pm start. If I’m not free to help, chaos as Kim arranges lifts all over the place. Then after basketball, cram some emails for 45min & off to watch last 20mon of K karate, which Kim drops her off directly after netball [and a hot chocolate of course] – get all that>

JD has great fun at basketball or basketugby – sort of a mix of basketball and rugby. The won 3-2 on the buzzer which was great as 2 of the star players were missing – so they won without them… Even though it’s pretty rough out there, think there is more chance of them getting injured doing the “soccer slide”, except no grass silly buggers – sliding on tummies, arms out stretched.

K team won 8-0 at netball, easy. Watched her fight against the two green belt boys tonight. They were doing their grading to yellow belt and had to fight 4 people for min 40sec one after the other. If they beat the person, then straight onto the next [boy hope you concentrating with this blog] – anyway – she squared up to the first and drilled him, he had no chance to beat her. He tried all things but she gave nothing away and almost had him pinned twice. Just a little inexperience otherwise he was toast. His brother did a little better but when he thought he might have her, she went to another level and I thought for a moment would kick the crap out of him – they are not allowed at this level to kick or punch, only use technique to pin the opponent – pinning could include head lock [choking], wrist lock [tap out or risk broken wrist], leg lock – get the point. Think I said the sensei is “street hard”, no room for tears. Watched once a brown belt get clocked with a heavy punch bare fist by a junior – sensei craps him out for not concentrating as the punch should have been blocked at his level. K loves it and can’t wait to grade to green, hopefully later this year.

Have to say I wish you could have seen the ocean today – one of those picture perfect days – made everything just perfect!