3 Too Many

” A man is a success if he gets up in the morning and gets to bed at night, and in between he does what he wants to do.” -Bob Dylan

Firstly, just so this is clear – we, as a family, have just completed a week long trip to Auckland, that was to catch up with family only, and to allow us 4 to recoup and try to bring a stable normality back for at least a week.  We did not catch up with any friends while there and did not advertise the fact that we were away for security reasons.  I would appreciate if you did understand this and respect our decisions.  It gave me some quality time with the boys which is memory building for them, and time as a family to try to find ourselves again as individuals within the family.  I have learnt a huge amount from it and got some fantastic memories to treasure, but also discovered another side of the boys that I had been missing, seen as I live in my little set routines, and don’t always see far from the shore of my island to notice what others are doing, so to speak.  Sure there have been some very stressful times, mainly as I was doing my Chemo treatment while there, but managed not to hurt anyone, though there was an over whelming desire too at times!  Thanks to Hannah, Bryce and kids, and Helen and Jane, John, Abigail, Seb and Gary, for putting up with the Southern invaders and providing a bed and food for us.  It gave the boys a good chance to meet and get to know their cousins too.  We were based in  Pukekohe for the entire week as well, so thank you to Sue for negotiating the Auckland motorways with grumpy passengers on board.

Wed 7 Nov – early start as fly out at 8am.  Arrive and collect the rental car then head in to town.  Stop by the Fairfax Ofice and leave bags there as heading to Sky Tower.  Take the boys to Sky Tower and spend an hour anda bit roaming around it. Then go for a bit of a walk through central Akl.  Jacob wants to stop by the court and see what happens there so we go in and check out a court room in action.  Only a brief visit as want to keep moving.  Jump in car and head back to FFX Office and catch up with John – my Team Leader and go out to have lunch with him.  Head off to Pukekohe then to Hannah and Bryce’s before the traffic gets to built up.  Have a lovely evening in catching up.

Thrs 8 Nov – up early and juggle a few ideas about what to do depending on the weather.  Decide it’s a perfect day for Rainbow’s End.  Needless to say had a great day there.  I got totally soaked on the bumper boats (stupid bloody seal around the motor wasn’t in properly so every time I banged into someone I had waves of water flooding in).  Spent the arvo squelching around trying to dry out- much to the amusement of other visitors.  Oh well – doesn’t matter that I look like I wet myself big time!  Went on the Roller-Coaster – bad idea!!  Messed with an already messed up brain even more, so spent the rest of the arvo drying out, and trying to stay on level ground, as I kept feeling like I was on a rocking boat – yes, permission to say it – dumb ass!!!  Home then to dinner and dry clothes.

Fri 9 Nov – stop by Zarbos (most excellent deli in Auckland) and pickup a selection of foods and head to the North Shore – Milford Beach, to surprise Jane – thanks John.  Stay on the Shore and do the tourist thing around Takapuna then go to Jane and John’s for a BBQ dinner.  Head home to Pukekohe in timefor me to do my chemo – though cut it very fine.

Sat 10 Nov – quiet day at Hannah and Bryce’s.  Then Helen arrives to look after the 5 kids and the 4 of us head off to the Coldplay Concert at Mt Smart.  Good concert – excellent lighting effects too.  But decide that unless it is U2, it will probably be my last live concert as it messed with my head and senses far to much.  Home then and try to settle my agitated state and fuzzy brain.

Sun 11 Nov – Jane, John, Abigail, Seb, Sarah, Hannah, Bryce, Angus, Meg, Leo and us 4 meet at Auckland Zoo.  Have a roam around the animals then a picnic lunch and then more wandering around. Spend the whole day there.  A nice day out for all.  Home then to settle tired kids. 

Mon 12 Nov – Plan a big surprise for the boys to end the holiday.  They think we are going into town to see the royals (yeah right!!)  Meet Jane and John  at the Museum and have a look around for a bit.  Then head to Viaduct to have some lunch.  Boys still think we are going to see royals.  In fact ironically their motorcade went flying past us like maniacs.  Head from the Viaduct to the bottom of the harbour bridge.  Jane, Sue, Jacob and Lachlan are doing an Auckalnd Harbour Bridge climb.  Boys are happy wee campers – the girls are looking a bit nervous.  They head off for their 1 1/2 hour trek over the grey wonder.  John and I head over to Takapuna to grab a coffee.  Get back just as they are coming down off the walk.  Say our good byes, then head back to Pukekohe.  Have dinner and a relaxing evening with Hannah and Bryce.

Tues 13 Nov – Up early, head off to Waiuku beach to take the dog for walk.  And grab a coffee and muffin and sit by a lake (don’t ask me which one).  Don’t make it through the coffee or muffin as nausea is back. Home to pack up.  I stay home to mind Leo and type up the Akl trip blog, while the others go to see Angus present his wearable arts outfit at school. Say our farewells to Hannah and kids, then hit the road to the airport.  Leave Akl at 5:45 and back in ChCh at 6:55pm. My goodness 2 Jetstar flights both on time leaving and arrive early.  Still don’t like them though.  Thanks Roh for collecting us.  And Roh and Deb for the bread and milk.  And Deb and Glen for looking after Molly, and Wendy and Greg for looking after Summa.

A long very busy week over with.  As I said a few discoveries about my boys just from watching them more and listening to them.  I have learnt a lot about myself too on this trip.  But that can wait for another day.  I will post some pics soon.  Thank you to those who helped make this trip possible for us.  Your support is appreciated and welcomed.