"From here you can almost see the sea"

Mid-afternoon in my backyard.

"Honey got some boobies like wow, oh wow"

It is officially October, making it officially Breast Cancer Awareness month.Obviously, it's a cause very close to my heart. Six women a day are diagnosed with Breast Cancer in New Zealand alone. The only country who has more than that is America. To help promote Breast Cancer awareness, I am going to change things up a bit this month. I will be doing at least one competition give away and a few other bits and boobs bobs, to get you all in the spirit.



If that and my title heading doesn't give it away, today I am counting down the Top Five ways you can make a difference to the Breast Cancer statistics in New Zealand.



5. Buy Pink! Regardless of whether you like the colour or not, buying products that support the NZBCF makes a world of difference. Every cent counts towards supplying resources, further research and to the support of the foundation, so they can raise even more funds. There are fantastic products out there in all shapes and forms, from the cheap and cheerful Bic Lady Razors all the way up to a Ralph Lauren T-shirt. If you have to buy something like razors, or deodorant, you may as well do your bit, and buy pink! Look out for great products in stores, or shop online here. 



4. Be generous. Next Friday collectors will be out on your streets and at your shopping malls. These people are volunteering their time, whether it be a beautiful sunny day or pouring with rain. Again every cent counts, if you can spare the change, please do. If you can't get out or don't see a collector, click here to find out other ways to donate or donate online.



3. Know your boobies! Being breast aware is one of the top three priorities on the NZBCF list of 'what you need to know'. Being breast aware, along with having a chat with your family doctor, are very important elements in early detection.




2. Regular Mammograms. This is priority one according to the NZBCF. Women aged 40 -49 need to have a mammogram every year and every two years from age 50 and onwards. Free mammograms are available to women aged between 45 - 69. Also if you have a history of breast cancer in your family, please talk to your family doctor about Free Diagnostic mammograms.




1. Spread the word! This is important! Of course your own breast health is more important to you, but how hard is it to ask your Aunt, Sister, Mother or Friend if they have had a mammogram or if they've been doing their monthly self breast checks?

If you have teenage daughters, explain to them the importance of being breast aware. The more awareness we raise, perhaps the closer we can get to lowering that six women a day statistic.

Noho
Assignment MAOR216 Nicole
TITIHUIA Hawkins 300121964

1.
Name and describe three key concepts used in pre-European Maori law
in Aotearoa?




Utu
– In essence meaning both the reciprocation of kind and bad
deeds.




Tapu – Meaning
a state of sacredness. Some people or places are always Tapu, such
as a Burial ground and the deceased. By being around these elements,
an individual can be in a state of Tapu also and must respect the boundaries of this custom. It is important to revert back to a state
of Noa after being in a Tapu environment. This can be achieved
through the cleansing properties of water and also through food. It
is very important to Maori that elements of both Tapu and Noa remain separate entities.









Rahui – Is a
sense of Tapu placed upon an area or resource, that restricts the
access. This could be for conservation, but in a modern day sense is
most commonly used if the area is Tapu, because of a death in that
particular area.

2.
What were the main reasons for Declaration of Independence?

To declare New Zealand as
an independent nation. This made it possible to create a

flag and trade and make
laws.

3.
What were the protections offered in Clause 2 or Clause 3 of the
Treaty?

This ensured protection
of the Queen against outside intruders. It stated that Maori would
have full chieftainship over their resources. However, there was a
pre-emption clause of the Treaty that disabled Maori from selling
their land to anyone, without first offering it to the Crown.

4.
What was George Clarke Snr’s Official job in Aotearoa shortly
after the signing of the Treaty? Give an example of the sort of
problem he was commissioned to resolve?




George Clarke Snr, was
appointed the protector of Aborigines. His main purpose was to act
as an advocate for Maori. This appointment saw his take Maori
grievances to the New Zealand government.

5.
Why was Taiwhiao so disappointed about his visit to Queen Victoria
in 1884?

Because after travelling
such a long way, the Queen refused to meet with Taiwhaiao. Her
representatives instructed him to take up any grievances with the New
Zealand Government.

6.
What are the main impacts of urbanisation on Maori?

One of the largest
impacts on Maori would have to be the loss of land through
urbanisation. However, the non-tangible objects that were lost,
perhaps have had a more generational effect on Maori. For instance
the loss of language, culture, tikanga and whanau closeness are
still pressing issues which effect Maori on a day to day basis.

7. Maori protest is
often seen as having its beginnings in the 1960’s whereas more
realistically it started within a very short period after the
signing of the Treaty. Describe some of the events which lead to
early protest action.

• 
  8
  July 1844, Hone Heke and his men cut down the British Flagpole at
  Kororareka
  
  
  


• 
  Parihaka,
  led a passive resistance lead by Te Whiti o Rongomai and Tohu
  Kakahi. This resistance against the confiscation of their lands, was
  carried out through removing surveying pegs from their own land. By
  5 November 1881, tension had risen and the settlement was invaded by
  a 1500 men strong, armed Constabulary. Many Maori were murdered and
  women were raped. The survivors of the invasion, including their
  leaders, were imprisoned in Dunedin, and forced to work forming
  roads.
  
  


• 
  1845
  Waikato War.
  
  


• 
  Kingitanga
  movement.
  
  

8.
What are two of the main differences of view between the way Maori
and Pakeha see the Treaty today.




Terminology and
translation tends to be one of the greatest differences of view
between Maori and Pakeha. With translation aside, the fact that the
clauses of the Treaty which are clear, aren't upheld, is a huge
breech of contract. Many Pakeha, and Maori alike





argue as to whether the
Treaty of Waitangi is relevant in today's multicultural society.

9.
Provide examples of the types of words and phrases used by the
Waitangi Tribunal to help persuade the Government to see the Maori
perspective in a Treaty claim.

“Holocaust”
and “Assimilation”

10.
Describe the key points leading up to the Foreshore and Seabed
legislation in 2004.




Access rights, seem to
be the main bone of contention within Pakeha society.





Aquaculture in
Malborough was also a key point leading up to the Foreshore and
Seabed legislation.




However
the fundamental point was when the New Zealand Court of
Appeal ruled that Ngati Apa, were entitled to seek customary title
over the foreshore and seabed through the Maori Land Court. Labour
government then stated if it was unclear as to whom had customary
title, then they would legislate to make it clear.

"It's been one week"

A few snippets from my week...

• When planning a 'Mad Scientists Laboratory' themed house warming, it is entirely possible to purchase dry ice over the counter. Provided, that you prove to not be a bomb maker, you can walk straight on out of the shop with it. However, one does question whether all the safety/worry precautions are worth it for a little spooky fog.

• It is also very possible to survive a fourteen hour day at uni, so long as you down a large coffee at the seven hour mark. But, if you haven't had a coffee in say, 8 weeks, you probably will get the extreme jitters. Life's a trade-off.

• I felt quite old on seeing my god-daughter sport the same alfalfa-styled "pony-tail", that I once did when I were a wee one. 

• When I was sick, naturally I was off hot drinks which had milk in them. My friend Erica, got me on to hot blackcurrant. Ever since then, I've been all over it. It is now my crack.  

• It is uni crunch time, three assignments and one final in-class test in the next two and a half weeks. I am loving it! 

• I am on the hunt for a tried and trusted cinnabon or cini-wheel recipe. If you have one, please holla at me!

•  I found out this week, that next week I will be receiving a gift. A fantastical gift at that. No, Brad is not planning on a game/guilt gift combo. A very good friend of mine, has been working on a piece of art for me, it is complete and with the framer. I can't wait to have it on my wall, and to show you all. So lucky!

• This week Cordon bleu beef schnitzel has taken the spot of new favourite meal in our household. We often serve it with steamed broccoli and carrots and roasted herb potatoes. It is the business.

"A dream is a wish your heart makes"

Saturday evening I was in Wellington snapping a few photographs. My good friend Serenity, was in attendance, doing hair and make-up for her younger sister Keziah, who was going to a school ball that night. Keziah and Robbie looked fantastic, and Serenity did an amazing job.



The light in the hotel room was abysmal, we had to work with floor lamps, desk lamps, dimmed overheads and zero natural light. The shutter speed probably could have been a tad quicker on some of these, but you live and you learn. Here are some of my favourite shots.

Hairspray

Love that eye

"If you wanna make the world a better place, take a look at yourself, and then make a change"

There's a saying that I'm sure you've all heard, that goes, "you don't know what you've got 'til it's gone".



In most situations, this is so. For this particular topic, I don't believe it is. It might not be gone, but it's gotten fairly close. Yet my generation, didn't seem to get the memo. Me included. How much of a wake-up call do we need?



I'm talking about Te Reo Māori.





Last week, my Treaty of Waitangi lecture was given by Glenis Philip-Barbara. She is the CEO of the Māori Language Commission. It was a really interesting lecture. At the end of her lecture she showed us a video montage, of the journey of Te Reo Māori. I cried. Thankfully, so did the girl sitting in front of me.



The video really made me think about the sacrifice that others have made in their lives, to ensure there are opportunities for people like me, and you, to learn Te Reo Māori. These people, fought so hard, and were labelled then as "Māori Radicals" for fighting for the survival of a beautiful language. Oh, and for delivering a petition to government. That's hardly Tame Iti territory?



Glenis posed a question at the end of her lecture. She basically asked if our own personal journey, was reflective of the effort of those who fought so hard for Te Reo Māori.



Our ancestors were once physically disciplined for speaking Te Reo Māori in school. It was once against the law to use Te Reo Māori in court proceedings. Te Reo Māori once had NO part in mainstream education.



We don't have to worry to the same extent now, because people, fought against this, for what they believed to be right, and for what?



Have you taken advantage of the opportunities their hard work has provided?



I know that I haven't. I took Maori in high school, but what's next for my journey?



I want to be able to teach my children to speak Te Reo Māori. Generational learning, is the best hope for the survival of the Māori language.



People fought so hard, so that we could even be given the opportunity.

And here we stand, my generation, most of us turning it down.

Have we no respect for ourselves, our culture and our ancestors?



It's just not good enough. Time to make a change.

"You're a freak!"

Today is all about my boo. Here are the Top Five quirky things, you never knew about Brad. I, on the other hand, am well accustomed.






5. Has weird food "dislikes". I'm told that when Brad was young, he went through a phase of only eating foods that were yellow-ish in colour. Weird. As you can imagine, this narrows your food group down immensely. Brad's own Father actually recently credited me with getting Brad to eat actual food, including vegetables. The funny thing is, many of the foods I have forced Brad to try, that he previously claimed he didn't like, he now loves*. Some of these foods include:



Mushrooms*

Brie & Camembert cheese*

Pasta Dishes, other than Mac 'n' Cheese*

Onions, in moderation

Cheesecake in moderation

Hershey's Sundae Pie from BK*

Broccoli

Quiche & Frittata

Chicken Burgers*

Dishes made with Mince

Fry Bread*



I am working on sushi, red wine, dark chocolate and smoothies. 





4. He risks a sudden, violent death every morning. He wakes me up before he go-goes just to say goodbye.





3.The man is cookie monster incarnate. Even if he is not hungry, if there are biscuits in the cupboard, or cookies in the baking tins. He. Will. Eat. Them. All of them. I made a massive batch a week ago. There were about twenty five cookies. I checked the tin yesterday. It was empty.





2. Loves XBOX. Maybe more than he loves me. He loves XBOX so much so, that he has an XBOX Games component in his monthly budget. Sometimes I think he feels guilty about all the games he buys. Which he shouldn't. But when this guilt wave hits, he usually comes home with a present for me. Generally it goes like this:

B: "Hi, honey, how was your day?"

N: "Good, how was yours?"

B: "Good. I got you this."  *Removes something from a bag, or from behind back*

N: "Awww you didn't have to do that. Thank-you so much honey. I love it. What did you get me this for?"

B: "Do I need a reason?" *Shifty eyes*

N: "So...which game did you get?"

B: *Beaming* "THIS ONE!!"



1. Brad likes to remix names in to song lyrics. Mainly his own name, but sometimes mine too.

For this song, he sings "go one, go on, leave me Bradley" (awkward much?).

For this song, he sings "It's probably 'cause you think you're cooler than Brad".

Sometimes he sings this one as "Nicole-y-oley", instead of "holy moly".

Taylor Swift is another fave, with the words being changed to "you belong with Braaadley".



Just as well I Love you Brad, cause you're a bit of a freak sometimes.

"My bargains and my well-won thrift"

As promised, here is a nesting post. More photo's of our sea-side house to come next week (post essay hand-in).



Most people develop a style over the years, which seeps in to every part of their life. Home decorating, fashion and general taste, all depend on this style. My style, is no style & every style collectively. Please keep this in mind when judging viewing these pictures. Most things that I have in our house either serve a practical function, have an emotional or sentimental attachment or make me smile. Cheap should also perhaps be a category.

 We bought these Jason placemats and matching coasters, in their original boxes from Trademe. Cost: $10. 

The placemats alone are $35 at Briscoes. I'm not a huge fan of this sort of placemat, but they are excellent for protecting your dining table, if serving hot food from the table.

Fish "bowl" (tee-hee-hee). I Love having a dish to throw keys and phones in to when you get home. If they have a resting place, I'm less likely to lose them. Cost: $1, Saturday morning market stall.

Square-ish vase.  Cost: $1, Saturday morning market stall.

Hand-held vintage mirror. Cost: $1, Saturday morning market stall.

In our first beach house bach we had the word 'dream' across the wall, behind our bed. I made them out of card, but after a while they got crappy. We bought & painted the 'B' & 'N' wooden letters this time. 'B' for my love, & 'N' for Nicole. Cost: $2 each.

This side cabinet is probably the best bargain we got. Again, we won it on Trademe. The only bad thing about it, was carrying it down 200 metres of  steep concrete steps in Wellington, to get it to the car. It now houses board games, family videos, elastics, barrel-of-monkey's and play-doh. Cost: $5.





A breakdown of what's on it. Note emotional attachments.You might have to click through to enlarge.

And just to finish off, a photo from the top of the sand dune, at the end of our back yard.

"You're still in the running..."

OK so as I work Sunday's, Friday night is technically the only night that I can go out and party it up. I pretty much never do. For a few reasons. One is that it is too cold to go out and party it up. Others include that it costs money to do so, and I do not want to feel crappy on Saturday - my only day off. So what does a girl do instead? Stay home, snuggle on the couch & watch trashy T.V. New Zealand's Next Top Model is definitely a fave. It is so much better than the first season! Last week there was a double elimination and one of the girls who went home was my favourite. Eva. Oh, Eva. Today I'm counting down my top five remaining girls in the competition. Who are your favourite contestants?



5. Dakota Biddle - Do I think this girl is a good model? No I don't. Do I admire her looks? No I don't. Does she add a crazy, comedic element to the show? Yes. She. Does.

In my opinion she should have been gone a long time ago. Talk of THC in an interview and expressing desires to pull a 9mm on a fellow contestant does not a Top Model make. Unless..your Kate Moss or Naomi Campbell?

4. Nellie Jenkins - I love this girl! She has such an interesting face and to top it off is just so sweet. She is the most bubbly and positive of all of the girls. I love the energy she brings to the house. Her feminine personality really shines through in to her photographs.

3. Courtenay Scott-Hill - This girl to me is weird looking, but in an interesting way. I love the haircut she was given on make-over day. The only thing I don't like about her is how casual she can be with the judges. Often when they Sara hands her, her photo she will say something like "oh choice, that's awesome".

2. Elza Jenkins   -The other Jenkins twin. Obviously I love her look too. They're identical twins. I think thus far Elza is edging in front of Nellie, but you can never be so sure. Other than the fact that she's been known to swear like a sailor, she too is very sweet and kind. I love her willingness to create different shapes and take a few posing risks.

1. Danielle Hayes -

"In Kawerau, you have three options. 1, Get pregnant. 2, Go to jail. 3, Get out and do something with your life. I've chosen the third option." 

Good on you girl! How can you not love this diamond in the rough? She has such a unique look. She reminds me of an Amazonian Queen! I love her Bro-ish demeanor, and how she is challenging herself by doing so well in the competition. A Danielle highlight for me, is when she kicked her heels off at a corporate vent, as she felt like she was going to faint. She then went on to lecture Dakota on appropriateness. Dakota, Honey, If the girl from Kawerau, who has bare feet is telling you to tone it down, she's probably got a point.

P.S Will try and post over the weekend about nesting bargains...If I make it to Wellington & back in this weather.







All images from www.tv3.co.nz

"...Chocolate Milkshake"

In a month's time, Rebecca & Andy are having their engagement party. It seems that everybody has decided what they are going to wear already. Everybody but me. A few days ago, I received my bi-annual bonus from work. I set aside a portion to put towards a new outfit and a new pair of shoes.



Before a morning class today, I met up with a friend and we stopped in at the Tawa Dress-Smart. I heart outlets. At this particular Dress-Smart they have a Max store. I heart Max. I do not heart Max's price range. Hence, I heart Max Outlet.

As we entered the store we were told that there was nothing over $50 in store today.

I tried on two tops & six dresses, with Bex & Andy's party in mind.



I ended up choosing a wrap dress with beading detail on the shoulder.

These aren't very flattering pictures.  How is it that I think it looks better on me than on an actual model? Weird.

I initially saw the beige one, but later found the navy. I decided on the navy blue as it was a bit more forgiving of body sins.



The dress was $139.99 down to $80.00. Then because of further clearance they had marked it down to $65.00. One day deal in-store = $50.00. Score! I later checked with a regular Max store. They have it for $80.00. If you have a Max outlet near you, and you shop in the regular store first, you can consider yourself an Amateur.



Then I went in search of shoes. I have been in search for a nice pair of nude coloured shoes for a while now. I wanted some nice ones, but not too "nice" in price. The only place I could find any under $100 was trusty ol' Hannah's. They weren't on display, I told the lady in the store, what I was after, and she scurried around out the back and found them. In my size. Triumph! $100 down to $50? Half price! Epic Triumph!

They are not a colour I would usually be drawn to, but I am so, so over Black heels. At least for a little while.

They're not exactly nude though. The box defines the colour as "Mushroom". However, when I first saw them all I could think of is "just like a chocolate Milkshake only..."

"You make me sick"

 

I am sick. As I write this, it is Wednesday. After a visit to the Doctor I've learnt that apparently I am going to only feel worse over the next few days, so whilst I have an ounce of energy I shall schedule.

Today's TFF is quite un-inspiring. Sorry. It's the Top Five things that I am allowed to ingest. So as you bite in to your dinner tonight or your brunch tomorrow, spare a thought for me will you?

5. Pears - I am allowed three pear halves a day. I usually love pears. Now, they just mock me.

4. Lucozade - This little gem is helping me gain strength. Strength is good for boosting it to the bathroom to hurl.

3. Lemonade Popsicle - Holla! Love these. Because I am dehydrated, yet can't stomach water or much of any fluid, I am eating these like they are going out of fashion. The Doctor said these are great as my body takes the fluid through your absorbent (in my case sponge) mouth, instead of my Giardia ridden tum.

2. Sprite - Sipping flat lemonade has pretty much kept me going. For the first 3 days, this is all that I could have. Downside? I have sore teeth already. Also, I tried ginger beer for obvious reasons. Not so obviously, it didn't help.

1. Soup - Tonight I had dinner. Wattie's 'Soup for One', Tomato flavour is gold. It felt good to eat something warm. It felt good to have something in my tummy. Even if it makes an encore later, at least my body has something to give.

"The day after my Birthday, is not my Birthday"

I missed my Blogger-Birthday. Whooopseeeeee. On August 4th, 'In My Shoes' turned One. Thank-you so much for reading along, and supporting me for one whole year. Thanks to those of you that have been here from the beginning, and welcome to the new readers. You make blogging better. Your comments, your support and your "fellowship" make writing this blog less crazy. No, 'In My Shoes' is not just my thoughts punched in to a computer, and sent out in to cyber space. They are not just the flighty diary scrawling's of  a twenty-two year old woman. They are snippets of my life, that I have chosen to share, because to do so helps me deal with this interesting thing called life. I hope that sometimes they help you too. Thank-you to all readers of 'In My Shoes', my life and my mind are both clearer because of this process and because of you.

"You've got the Love"

About a year ago a lot changed in my life. My dear friend Tessa swung the door open to leave for Sydney. A few days ago, I was sad. Sad that it had been a year since Tessa moved
away. It's still strange to me that she isn't near. It's still hard.
Will I ever get used to it? Do I ever want to be used to not having her here?



The day after Tess left, that door was still swinging. It was swinging enough for a new addition to come through in to our lives. I posted here about the birth of another dear friends first cherub. I wasn't to know then, but that little angel, Aaliah, would become my God-Daughter and a huge source of light and love in my life. Today Aaliah is one year old. One whole year has passed. Happy Birthday dearest darling. Congratulations Erica & Josh. You're doing an amazing job.



I am so fortunate to be able to see Aaliah as often as possible. Erica & Josh have a busy life, as do I. But we always make sure we see each other whenever we can, even if it means squeezing in a twenty minute coffee catch up in between classes. The longest I have gone without seeing Aaliah is three weeks. It was awful. I was worried she wouldn't remember me. Luckily she did. I love her little cheeky smiles, and even her "I'm-having-a-sulk-for-attention" face. I feel blessed that Brad & I get to share the joy of our friends baby. It's awesome getting to look after her and see her grow and change from a baby in to a little itty bitty person.



On Saturday as the girls sat in my partially unpacked lounge, whilst we waited for Brad to return with more boxes, I finished tidying up in the kitchen. We talked and talked. I turned my head to look at Erica & Mikayla as I spoke. I did a double take. Erica and Mikayla screeeeeched. I ran in to the lounge.

Aaliah was walking towards her soft toy, in my direction. We clapped and cheered as she made her first unaided steps.

Once she reached the toy, I turned her around and she stumbled back to her Mum. Luckily, the camera was unpacked. Erica stood her up, and I beckoned her towards me. It was one of the most amazing things I've ever seen. It was like life had been put in slow motion. All we could do was smile. Erica had a few tears. So did I. I can't believe we were together for such an awesome experience. Plus, we got awesome photo's.

 

What a year it has been. I've seen a lot of sad times this past twelve months. But I've also seen a lot of joy.

My family, my friends and above all my man-friend continue to be a fantastic source of support and happiness for me. I am so thankful. I am so lucky.





Happy Anniversary Tess, I miss you. Happy Birthday Princess Aaliah, Aunty Loves you.

"One Art"

So. We have moved. It is official. My Internet, phone and TV were connected this afternoon.





It's been quite a weird few days, so I shall start at the beginning. Friday.



Friday morning, Brad & I woke up at my Mum's house. We stained an outdoor table, loaded Brad's Ute and headed to our flat. By lunch time we had virtually the entire kitchen un-packed, a new TV cabinet made and most of my art on the walls.

By late afternoon we had one sofa, a fridge, a microwave, a foot stool and book shelf. Also, thanks to a lovely friend, our books and DVD's had been unpacked and alphabetically ordered (don't wet your pants Ange).

By early evening we had we had our bed, another sofa and an arm chair. By this time we also had our place blessed. We headed back to Mum's place for another load (and dinner). We returned to our place and fell asleep. Well Brad did. I did not get much sleep. I felt sick.



Saturday morning, we woke up early, and headed over to Mum's. Brad's Dad arrived and it was all on. Furniture, appliances and electrical - all on trailers or in station wagons.

We got to the new place and started to un-load and un-pack. By this time Brad's Mum had arrived bearing delicious slices and a beautiful bunch of Iris's. Shortly after that Erica, Aaliah and MK arrived bearing even more food, and more beautiful flowers. Although Aaliah did laze about, sleeping for the first part. I'll forgive her. The girl isn't quite so great at heavy lifting yet.



As the day went on, boxes became empty, cupboards became full, people came and went.

Then It was just Brad & I. We decided that we had done enough to stop and rest. Our friends Mark, Katrina & Cam stopped by - with more flowers! They had plans for dinner, so we decided we would clean up, grab some eats ourselves, and pick them up later. We planned to open a bottle of wine, and some beers and watch a DVD.

But it wasn't to be. I felt sick again. Brad went to get himself some Fish'n'Chips, and I tried to get comfy on the couch. Before brad returned I was in the loo and having a big ol' vomit. I have never vomited that much in my life. The next 24 hours were much the same.



Despite the awful bug, It was a great move. Thanks so much to all our wonderful friends and family who helped out. Thanks also for all of the gifts and treats. Love you.





Well today I am feeling better. Not great, but better.



It's not the way I had hoped to feel on our first few days here, but it can only get better from here.







..Oh wait, I'm getting a wisdom tooth out tomorrow. Fossa?

"I will choose to stay and Love you."

I'm sure that you've heard it before, as it has been said through time, over and over that "You can't choose your Family." I'm sure even back in Antiquity that Medea's children, Abel and Jocasta would tend to agree.


The age-old quote is fact. You cannot choose who your family members are. But you do choose what sort of family you have.



After a trip to my Nan & Papa's old house and since baby Bayley's birth, I've been thinking a lot lately.



Who ever would have thought that a Stan Walker song would inspire these sorts of thoughts? But after listening to this song, I have come to a few conclusions:

• Love does take work. Not just romantic Love. It takes real effort to ensure a Family unit stays strong when we all live far apart.

• Loving your Family is, in many ways, a choice. It is so easy to caught up in how life is "so busy". You have to choose to commit yourself to the relationship, just like any other. Just because you're Family, that doesn't mean that you have no control at all over the situation. Not all of it, but some of it is an act of will.You can't just rely on that foundation of "we're Family, we all know we Love each other."

• Family hurt each other. Not always (hopefully?), but some time, it's bound to happen. As an adult, you have to let go of the wrongs that you were done as Children. What's the point of holding on to it? Air your issues, move on. After all, whether you choose to, or not, your Family is your Family. Forever. Yes I'm sure at times some of you would find it easier to walk away and cut all ties, rather than work through the difficult issues we faced as children or young adults. But in the long run, it isn't worth it. 

So I put this to my Family:



We only have one life. Why are we not spending as much time together as possible in this busy day and age?

OK, OK I know that we can't spend each weekend together. But we can make more of an effort than we are now.



Why are we holding so tight to all the amazing childhood memories that we have but making no effort to build new ones?



We need to make the time. I know that at Nan & Papa's funeral's there was one word that got repeated, over and over. Legacy. That is the Marae, but it's also our Family. It's who we are and what we know.



If not for yourself, then think about Bayley. It is our responsibility
to make sure that she knows where her Family come from. It's our job to
teach her about the amazing Family members who are no longer with us and to share the wisdom, Love and knowledge that they instilled in us. That is how a legacy lives on. In us. And now in the new generation, in her. If we all choose to make it happen. 

Most, but not all of my Family.

"Follow Through"

Today is moving day! Yay! Here are Top Five awesome events/follow-ups. More frequent posting to resume, post move-in. Promise. I have lots to show you, projects, bargains and decorating. I can't wait to share them with you.

Have a good weekend!



5. Coffee Table conundrum - I asked for your help deciding what to put in our coffee table in a previous post. Thank-you for all your wonderful (and weird) suggestions. As I write this post, our favourite suggestion is confetti. So a big thanks to whoever gave us the idea.



4. A new outlook - I alluded to my lack of vision in this post. Since writing that post I got glasses. Two pairs. See...

If you click on the photo on the right you will see in the close up the two rows of bling on the sides and front of the frame.

3. Mexican Fiesta! - A few weekends ago we attending Hayley's Mexican themed 21st Birthday Party. here are some pictures.

The awesome cake.

The Birthday Señorita & her sister a.k.a Dora of the Exploring variety.

Possibly the most creative costume of the evening. Meghan & Matt came as piñata.

Jack & Alyce learn that it is hard to kiss whilst wearing a Sombrero.

2. "Something in the water" - Way back here I talked about the new Album Flags from Brooke Fraser. Here is the first single from said album. I love it!

1. Oh Baby! - At the end of last weeks T.F.F I told you that my cousins partner had a bun in the oven and was just about ready to pop! Well pop she did. Not literally - as in like a balloon. On Sunday 29th October, at 3.50pm Thomas & Sheridan welcomed baby Bayley Izabella in to the world. She is beautiful. I am so proud of Thomas & his Lady-Love. I am so happy that I was able to share in this special time with them. Bayley is the first of the next generation in our family, I can't wait to get to know her. Congratulations Thomas & Sheridan. Welcome to the world darling girl! Photo consent pending.

"Up"

Context:

A fair few weeks ago, my Mum started making Chemotherapy beanies. At first she made them with funky patterns and in bright colours just for herself. Then the madness began. People had to have them. One woman wanted to see pictures of other designs. Mum didn't want to model them, so we put them on a Balloon.



On seeing a Balloon for the first time, the Dog went ape - or seal, rather. She wanted the balloon so much. Shiya's desire for balloons grew and grew until I gave in, and blew one up and gave it to her. Now every night after dinner, someone will retrieve a Balloon from the kitchen draw and blow it up. The dog then proceeds to run around like a crazy hound/seal volleying the balloon with her nose. Until it pops.





Well....the other night, Shiya was sitting near the kitchen (open plan living) staring back and fourth at the draw then at me with those big puppy eyes. I grabbed a Balloon. I blew it up. I volleyed it in the air. Shiya was so excited. Then this happened...

Through the powers of static electricity the Balloon went up, and stayed up. And boy did it stay. It was up there for about ten minutes. It would have stayed much, much longer but...

...she started to whimper and cry, so we got it down.







Any who, since taking those first Balloon Beanie photos, J'Beanies has gone in to mass production. We no longer use balloons to photograph the beanies. If you know anyone who is in need of a Chemotherapy beanie, or if you just want to be nosey, check out the website by clicking here.

My Mum, wearing 'Berry Smoothie' Beanie.