Keado’s Weblog

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!

Kids had a day off school today as it was “teachers only day” – the teachers get to go to school late and partake in training etc. Mon was Queens Birthday so they have had a looonnnggg weekend. Rain and cold kept us indoors Sat but Sun spent the afternoon with red wine and a barbie in the sun at Groblersdal. Mon was windy and chilly so not much happening but knew today the wind was dying off and fishing a definite.

K always keen as per usual with her new lipstick rod and decided on a morning fish as although high tide was 3pm, she still had netball and karate in the afternoon – so morning it was. I had to go for a run on the road – one of those crisp, clear winter mornings where you just have to go out to feel alive – the cold literally stings your lungs for the first 20min until you start warming up inside. After the usual white-egg omelette’s [becomming my signature dish] and some quick work, we got off around 10:30. Jd into his playstation with friends and run from house to house with different games – for some reason some games are just better at some houses – only they know.

K & I were back just before 1 and never saw a fish, not even a sprat – the water has dropped to around 16deg and seems the fish have moved to warmer waters. In saying that, Fri afternoon at Army Bay I caught 3 snapper – K & I were at Arkels Bay on the west side of the peninsula. Still, sun & sea – she admitted that it was ok as it’s more important to “spend time with her dad & nature’ than actually catching fish. She also admitted that she won’t be using the soft bait again. It was pink like her rod and being fashion conscious, thought it would work – next time back to smelly pilchards.

The rest of the day was hectic for me anyway – banks, groceries & filling the gas bottle – Kim & cats not too impressed that I waited 3 days to refill – thought that’s why they made blankets.

..and if you don’t see another blog soon, feel free to kick [you know where]..

..and yes, you are right – where is the old Neville. Still here and spent Friday afternoon on the rocks fishing thinking the same thing – what happened.

Other people’s business – how do you consult without “feeling” what’s happening all around. Most calls, most emails and post is comes back to lack of cash flow, liquidations, final demands and everything else attached. To take that stress away from clients and undertake to handle yourself, eventually takes a toll and affects the way “you” think – unavoidable to an extent as that’s what gets you the business. Then there is the line and that gets crossed when the negative affects how I choose to live my life – very different to most people, thankfully! …and that’s effectively what happened since mid-April and May – what was achieved, not a great deal I can tell you.

That’s the serious blog for this evening>

If you don’t do it today, you won’t do it tomorrow! That’s my new message to myself – my last one “email is for wimps” proved very effective and still sits on a little post-it sticker on my pc.

However – 19:30 and K time – maths lesson – some things must come first.

I will do it today.

A week of holidays has come and gone & where it went, who knows. You have these great plans that when the kids are holiday you are going to “do this and do that” and the inevitable happens that you don’t. After spending most of Tues fishing with K, there was some work to be done. You wouldn’t have notices but just spent the last 10 min trying to remember what we did last week. Wed was grocery shopping with K while JD was with Kim – horse riding was cancelled so just a normal working afternoon with 100 street children running riot. Thu was also a full working day strange as that may seem. I was due to head into the office but with Kim down & out, I worked at home [thanks Microsoft]. Fri was a family flyer delivery morning. It’s great training and we all had our roles. We deliver a local newspaper fortnightly to around 500+ houses and I use as my training run for the day. K joined in the running while Kim seconded in the Landy with JD folding them. Pretty hard but great fun – backpack on with 100 spares, 50 in hand and off I run – house to house into postboxes. K did a fair amount of running as well and worked real hard, no complaints and just motivated to train & work hard. JD on the other hand had enough by house #20, but he maintained until the end. We took under 2 hours to finish the delivery which is pretty good going. We have a map all highlighted with the streets and the second time on this route, so getting to know it pretty well. Many boxes have various message on them “no advertising material” “no circulars” “no newspapers” “only postal letters” – so it isn’t just run and throw plus some have the strangest boxes – small slots, round, downpipes, boxes with lids and others.

Sat morning K wanted to fish again so we went off to Arkels Bay but the easterly wind was blowing which meant there was nothing to block the rocks – so we headed off to the wharf which is pretty sheltered. One chap there but he left early and another joined much later, so we pretty much had the wharf to ourselves. Not too much action as it was really low tide and took ages for the water to come in. True to form K caught three little sprats and I caught a trevally – my first – We had no clue what it was – had an idea but had to confirm with another local fisherman. We got home and filleted it for dinner – surprised to see the size & quality of the steaks that I got off. Spent the afternoon at the Albany looking for a new fishing rod for JD. Recession, what recession – that place was like Fourways on a Sat morning. No parking, busy, stress – we both said now we know why we don’t go there often. Chilled the rest of Sat. For dinner, took the fish fillets, soaked them in a batter of flour & egg and then coated with bread crumbs and pan fried. No lies, my best ever! The fish was white and much better than snapper – absolutely awesome. I’m going to have to find out why this fish isn’t targeted and some use for bait? For the record it was about 35cm and 1.2kg’s. This morning we got prepared and off to the fishing contest at Hobbs Wharf, the new part of the marina. Normally there is no fishing allowed in the marina but they made an exception on the new part to market the local “market”. Kids fishing contest so take kids fishing rods, right? Well, guess I thought wrong. Dad’s arrived with gear that I would dream of having on the rocks. There must have been 120+ people all fishing along the pier. They did say that they had been placing some birley pellets to encourage the sprats to come in and K caught two pretty quick. Little tricky fishing as we were almost shoulder to shoulder. I put a 3 hook piece onto JD’s new rod with bigger hooks as someone caught a baby snapper – and there’s always one bigger around. It was JD, K and myself as Kim was heading in to the office with Groblers to do some work. After 3 min JD arrived from the jumping castle to ask if we were finished? Same time his line went and he fought in a nice snapper – 26cm – 1cm too small to be legal! Didn’t interest him too much and off he went. Kim brought me some bait on her way out and we convinced JD to play at the factory with friends rather than stay – he wasn’t sure but was off pretty quick. It took a while to teach K the difference between sprat fishing with small hooks to fishing with larger hooks. After much convincing, speeches, jumping up and down, she was convinced and 10min before the close time of 12pm, her line went. These are kids rods & reels and good fun when a nice fish is on. She fought hard to bring it in and as it surfaced, we could see it was “legal”, above 27cm. She even had a little gallery behind to applaud. Got him up and between getting the fish off, measuring him, untangling another guys line with ours, wrapping the fish in a cloth so I didn’t get spiked- K held him and she was off to register her catch. In the end, 2cm smaller than the winner but only 3 legal snapper caught. She didn’t mind not winning but so proud to be part of the contest – she did win a spot prize of a carrier bag from the local fishing shop. Apparently it’s her new school bag when they return. JD & K back mid afternoon – she slept, I worked and kids played – one week down, one to go.