Andy in Oregon

My Upsidedown World

2007-08-10T07:21:00.000+12:00

Blogger is back!

Now that I may have a few more stories I will fill this space more often, I promise.

Ok, so I have arrived in Oregon! It was a long flight, as expected, though I had some great seats on both trips and really couldn't have been more comfortable. I didn't have to sit next to any .. ah.. undesirables, in fact, the only thing that didn't happen was sleep. The movies were trash too. Spiderman 3, In the line of Women, and other wasted time when we could have been watching Bourne or Potter or any number of movies I have actually wanted to see in the past few months.

Flying over LA is always an experience. Flat, wide and virtually a concrete carpark as far as the eyes can see (which from a plane is seriosuly disturbing)
At 9am the 12 lane Freeways were jam packed and the smog was so thick that from ground level you'd forget it was a clear sunny day. I'm used to a patch of smog over the edge of Sydney when there was no wind, but this was 10 times worse. Anyway, the smog goes right up the length of the coast. If these people can't see how that is going to kill us let alone the environment then no amount of awareness programs will help.

Admittedly there are supposed to be a few bushfires adding to the haze, but I couldn't see any fires from my window seat.

So LA was a concern, the airport confusing and large. Though the stampede did seem to move fairly quickly and whenever the queue got too long they would open up another section to get things going.

The US government now has my photo and two fingerprints.. something to consider, since the Aussies don't have mine yet!

Anyway, long story short, I arrived in Portland. Megs met me at the gate and everything was great. The drive home is only 20 odd minutes - but we stopped for ice cream at Cold Stone. Too sugary, but good. I think I like things a lot simpler than the "all american". Megs' house is beautiful.. photos will come.
From the balcony I can't see another house, just Douglas Firs and Big-leaf Maples. Deer, Squirells, and the pets! (goats, chooks, 4 or 5 cats, and one dog)

Mr and Mrs Lawrence, (Russell and Carol to everyone) have been very generous and welcoming. The dinner last night was absolutely fantastic, and as I pushed through the overtiredness I finished 2 solid plates worth of the Salmon and extras. Well fed I crashed around 8.. and now I have just gotten up.. 14 hours later.

Hope you are all well, I am off to put the camera to use.

Until tomorrow.. A

Back to NZ

2007-02-11T17:30:00.000+13:00

Hey People,

I have returned from my mysterious disappearance ..

Really I just went home for Christmas and decided summer holidays were indeed for relaxing. Sadly though I ended up working full time with Canon. As nice as the job was, it wasn't the beach.

So, here I find myself again in New Zealand. This time in Wellington. It is the capital, but most of the time it feels more like a quiet underground town full of hippy and goth types. I did get in just in time for the International 7's Comp, which is always a hoot as it seems to allow normal kiwis to act like the rest of the chaps here. We saw blokes dressed up as Marilyn, babies, wrestlers, the flintstones.. pretty much anything you can think of.

The battle at the moment is to try and get a place to live as the Uni's are coming back on and it seems a thousand people are flooding a tiny rental market. Still, i think not being a student is a big plus.

Alrighty then, sorry I have been gone so long. I'll have photos and more stories of what's going on here soon.

Cheerio.

Eddo

2006-12-25T01:52:00.000+13:00

2006-12-23T00:31:00.000+13:00

photo catch up!

2006-11-08T00:53:00.000+13:00

2006-09-05T00:00:00.000+12:00

Adventures part 1

2006-09-01T11:09:00.000+12:00

Crazy

2006-08-23T13:45:00.000+12:00

A very crazy couple of weeks I have had while I have been taking a break from updating the world. I probably can't even remember most of it but if it has been anything like the weather in the last 48 hours.. wow.

On the weekend I was in Christchurch at Promise Keepers a Mens Conference much like Katoomba Mens Weekend for those in the know. I had a great time with the gents and the singing and teaching was tops.

anyway, I was hot, then it snowed, then it hailed, then it snowed again. rained.. and got hot.

Glad to be alive! photos of snow,
Canadian dave running off with my milk in the snow!
and the hail..

Weekend in Sydney

2006-08-08T18:37:00.000+12:00

Had a fantastic weekend in Sydney!

From Sturt and Esther's Wedding at St. Matt's to the reception at Manly Yacht Club and then off to the Tri-Nations game against South Africa with Coyote. ... Followed by the galavanting at Minski's till the wee hours and my BBQ on Sunday. Everything was perfect from the weather to the fun with friends and family. Below some familiar faces and top memories.

Tubio and I before the 'I do'

A Dashing Bride

A Smooth Getaway

Diggers, Little Coops and Myself enjoying Manly's glory

Coyote and I after a lucky escape

Hanky's new hotness

Coming Home

2006-08-02T22:23:00.000+12:00

Pretty excited about coming home this weekend..

Last weekend Vic and Kirstie swung by on their way through to Arthur's Pass. This was after the NZRU Course Davey, Mike and I had done. So, here are a few pics from that.

Hope to see some of you Sunday..

Birthdays

2006-07-29T11:18:00.000+12:00

26 today. Feeling like I've climbed the ladder to the top of the slippery-dip. Only one way down...

Ups and Downs

2006-07-24T20:40:00.001+12:00

It has certainly been an up and down weekend.

Saturday began with us taking the lead in the Semi-final only to lose, again, I'm not going to go into details about certain refereeing decisions that everyone in town found pretty horrendous. In the end it was 16-7, our only points coming from a great team effort and captain's try to Sia. That hollow feeling of losing in the finals I haven't felt for over 6 years now. I think I had forgotten just how ordinary it is.
Try: Siaola Fifita
Con: Eddo

Needless to say the team went off in a few directions that night and drowned their sorrows where they could find solace. I ended up under a doona on the couch at home watching the NZ v South Africa game. Davey, Mikey and I all had the final installment of the NZRU Level I & II coaching course to complete 9-5 on Sunday.

The course was a heap of fun down in Timaru, South Canterbury. The last hours were spent watching the U/18's Rep Selection Game (Town vs Country) and doing technical analysis, then giving feedback to the whole group on certain topics. Oh, we were lounging in the corporate box soaking up the beautiful afternoon sun and trying to act intelligent. There was one kid out there who was the spitting image of Coyote .. He's not too hard to spot, he's on the far right with the #1 on his back.. and the sensual mullet hair-do.

Mikey - Myself - Davey on the way out of South Canterbury after a successful day.

I guess Sunday was the "Up" after Saturday.. but the best was to follow. The news is I will be home from Fri 4th to Tue 8th of August! Sturt's wedding is on but there's also talk of getting a croud together for the Swans match at the SCG 7pm. On Sunday my folks will kindly host a Barbie for anyone that is keen to catch up and break a beer with me for my 26th. If you can rock on by drop me a line, email preferrably, so I can get enough snags.. (and veges for the girls). . Hope to see some of you soon!

Bugged Out

2006-07-20T19:57:00.000+12:00

We have the semi-final this saturday. It's a grudge match against Celtic who we lost to during the big snow dump. Sadly I have been struck down by yet another Kiwi bug.. I feel like the I'm getting all the bugs the indiginous folk are used to by now. Either way I will definately play, it's just a matter of how many drugs it takes to get me bouncing off the walls.

In the meantime if someone from the northern hemisphere would like to share some of that heatwave with NZ, that'd be fine with me.

To the lads who participate in the Premier League Fantasy Team Comp.. You know who you are, The 06/07 comp is online now. Get to it.

Hampstead vs Leeston again

2006-07-16T01:12:00.000+12:00

We went off to Leeston today for a dead rubber game and many of the guys had decided to rest up in preparation for the semifinal against Celtic next week. Accordingly we only had a starting 15 and no reserves. Still, we did take an early 7-0 lead that we held till half time. I actually thought we could run away with the game in the second half but the forwards ran out of puff towards the end and we let in some silly tries.

Final score (I think ??): 7-18
Tries: Eddo
Cons: Eddo

Tonight the Aussies gave me some credibility back in this town by giving the South Africans a hiding 49-0. I wonder if I have a few cousins out there reading this ?? haha..

Satisi and I about to head for the bus.

JYG's

2006-07-14T21:36:00.000+12:00

I've just come in from an awesome night with the Junior Youth Group. One of the families has a pine plantation on their property and I was left to design a wide game that would fill up an hour and a half. Easy enough, right, and it was. The only problem was that I thought the lower branches would have been trimmed off and at least piled up in rows or something. I was wrong and it was chaos out there. The kids turned out to be champions about it though and they went charging out into the darkness in search of clues and other leaders.. while avoiding me - the boogey man - at all costs. Twice I came out of hiding at full speed only to be blinded by a torch and total myself on a branch or three.

After we had our fun we found a clearing and chilled out for a while. It was awesome just to lie there, look up through the trees to a moonless night and pray. The verse I plucked out and cut into three for all the clues was Isaiah 55:12 " You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and all the trees of the field will clap their hands." So we talked about that for a bit too.

Scratches all round but well worth it.

Bledisloe

2006-07-13T16:09:00.000+12:00

I have put this off for a few days so that I wouldn't write anything I might regret. All I can say is that being an Aussie in Canterbury after we lose to NZ in a Bledisloe Test is painful. Tom and I took the Canadians down to see some quality rugby,.. and it was a good game I guess, just felt a little isolated out there. Davey wore a green jacket which I did try to warn him about.

Interestingly in the Christchurch Press there was an article from a Cantabrian who believes the booing and other rah rah that is handed out by the locals here is out of line.
"..But it was disgraceful the way the most boorish crowd in New Zealand rugby jeered a hardy group of Australian fans attempting to warble Waltzing Matilda."
Definately worth a read. Especially since Dad is always telling me that Aussies are the most arrogant of supporters and commentators going around.

The main lesson has to be that there is nothing good about being second best. (Zinedine Zidane, Rocky Elsom, Wayne Rooney and Radio all being Red Card receivers in the last two weeks.) Only we didn't lose our game when Radio went storming off hurling insults at the referee two weeks back.

'Course we did go to town for a few hours after the game but I was forced to remove my wallaby jersey as the bouncers wouldn't let me into the bars, lets not discriminate here !!

Photos:
i) Pulling the Tom Pym driving/talking technique.
"nah nah.. its alright.."

ii) The green and canary yellow..

iii) The silver fern

Hitting out in Christchurch

2006-07-06T21:19:00.000+12:00

Davey and I went down to Christchurch for the day on Wednesday. We both had a few things to do.. I had a meeting with Mike Dodge, head of CYS (Canterbury Youth Services). CYS is the Baptist Church's arm to assist the youth groups and programs on the South Island. Mike has been working with kids for years and years, so we had a good yarn. CYS organises Easter Camp which I went on this year with Ashburton Baptist. 3000+ kids on one campsite. Its a really impressive operation.

Anyway as the afternoon rolled on Davey and I decided the State of Origin was worth staying the night for - Timezones aren't always kind. We pooled our resources found some beds for the night and rocked on over to The Holy Grail. Not much to say for the result of the Origin match hey, nor the excessive amount of Queensland supporters. Incidently the Holy Grail is where Tana Umaga smacked Chris Masoe over the head with a hand bag. Famous incidents by now..

Highlight for today was, of course, Nandos. We waited 2 hours for the manager to open up and I have a weakness, I freely admit, for it is no secret the way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Satisfaction guaranteed.

I hope you've all had two days as fun as mine.

Hampstead vs Prebbleton

2006-07-02T21:52:00.000+12:00

We won 14-8 on saturday, our last away game before the finals. Things got a bit stressful during the game and Radio got a red card. Just living up to his nick name.. can't turn him off. Still I was impressed when he demolished a whole smoked chicken on the way TO the game.

Tries: Eddo, Aminio Mattaivou
Cons: B Parsons 2

Sunday: I did half of the Level I & II NZRU coaching course. Pommy Tommy was helping to run it so we had a few laughs. Got lots of reading to do before we do the second half and do the tests on July 23.

Some sad news, Mum's Mum.. Granny Bear has been in a very bad way this week so Mum is off to Johannesburg at 6am. It will be a hard trip to make on her own.

A

Injustice

2006-06-27T15:35:00.000+12:00

Who is Luis Medina Cantalejo of Spain?

In time we may forget his name, but the world will remember how he robbed the Aussies at the 2006 World Cup. As I sat, wrapped in blankets cursing the curvature of the earth and NZ's distance from our 'life-giving' sun, my jaw dropped in disbelief as another referee was fooled by yet another Italian dive. What a bunch of flamin' pansies.. can't beat us fair 'n square.. so lets cheat just a little.

Ignoring the fact that that single decision cost Soccer Australia millions in prize money for making the final 8.. If we were Colombia or any other dodgy underworld country Little Luis would be top of a hit list. .. My hit list.

The departing coach, Guus Hiddink, who is off to revive Russian football now, had a word of advice for Australian football authorities: "The momentum has to be used to develop the game in the country. It has become the No. 1 sport in Australia right now in terms of attention."

Personally..
Tri-Nations Rugby starts in just over a week. RWC 2007 is around the corner.. The Ashes Test series has sold all available tickets already.. The injustice may remain, but soccer will slide right on back to its rightful place in Aussie Culture. A game for kids whose mums think it's a safer game. Well, this will go on as long as the English Premier League continues to be the magnet for Aussie soccer hopefuls.

Below: Coach Guus is left to console Lucas Neill while Little Luis looks on.

There's joy in the world.

2006-06-26T23:12:00.000+12:00

Its been a funny day. Nothing special about the day itself.. I got up at 5am.. Went to work. Left at 3:30. Came home.

During the afternoon though I was smiling from ear to ear. It all came from some fairly sombre thoughts. I was thinking about Sam (Qusay) and all the stuff different people must be going through, also what must have been cirlcing round his head. While I was thinking about him, I started thinking about myself... my life.. what I've done, where I've been.. who I love.. the laughs, the pain, the mistakes. I realised my life has been way beyond awesome.

So many good memories. Funny memories of things I thought would ruin my life at the time, but now that I'm on the other side.. It seems silly that I let anything worry me really. You know, I couldn't think of one thing that I would change now, if a change meant I wouldn't be at this exact point in my life.

I have been lucky, blessed, with a stable family and growing up in Aussie. I don't have the painful history that some of you have shared with me, the kind of things I would do anything I could to take away from someone I care for. (Along the road of a macho male friend/boyfriend, the temptaion is always to try and solve or remove the problem, when I can not. I've learned now to console and shoulder rather than solve. Its a feminine skill, hard to master.)

Some of you may not agree out there, but I am convinced that giving these things over to God is the only way to really heal deep scars and find freedom from a haunting past.

Anyway, back at work, I had the tunes flowing through the earphones making time fly and the smile getting bigger, the voice getting louder.. Music is a universal love is it not. If you took the top 10 songs or artists from every person you know; each choice would have a person they could identify that selection to. As each song went by I would think of either who introduced me to that song, or who it reminded me of and why. I am really keen to publish that list tomorrow, but for now I need to focus on getting to bed. Aus v Italy starts in 3 hrs.. Is it worth going to bed??

From now on I've decided no more soccer stories.. You all know I'm watching the games, so if you have a world cup hunger please visit either Kingos or the Boys on the Hill. Both lots of guys are having a ball in Germany.

GOLA!

Another Winter Weekend

2006-06-18T22:30:00.000+12:00

I must say it has been a constant battle. I'm talking about the decision on whether to stay up and watch the soccer, get up early and watch or just stay in the safety and warmth of my bed. Right now my battle is whether to catch a cold in the next 5 hours before Brazil v Australia starts..

Oh, there is a fourth option.. go to work ??

It feels like one of those "no right or wrong" questions..

Anyway, the weekend:

Hampstead vs Celtic

We had to drive an hour up the road to Lincoln University to find a ground that wasn't covered in snow. In the end the weather was perfect, a chilly breeze for sure, but nothing compared to our home ground. The Kirwee game was the last time we did anything together as a team, that was two weeks ago... and it showed.

We were up at half time 10-7. and that was about it. Final score 24-10
Shane tried making wholesale changes in the team, not sure why, we were doing fine before.

Tries: Steve Paese
Cons: Brian Parsons
Pens: Brian Parsons 1/2

Moving on from there, I was all fired up to watch the Wallabies take on the Poms in Melbourne. Certainly was nice to see the Wallaby backline tearing a few holes. English and Leicester Tigers winger Varndell won't want to play opposite Lote Tuqiri ever again.

Of course Tom and I teamed up to cause a stir through the town..

And we succeeded.

Other than that I have nothing to say but that it has been cold.. real cold.
I watched ice form on the gutters this afternoon while I lay in bed pretending I was in some far away place that was hot.

World Cup Wisdom #1

2006-06-15T20:51:00.000+12:00

As a soccer (aka football) player, of some 15 odd years, I thought I should highlight a few joyful parts of the world-game for you all. The first thing any aspiring young kid should learn is how to dive. A professional with a solid dive in his bag of tricks will go a long way. Ok, so, here we go:

i) Practise with your mates, practise practise practise

ii) Get close to the defender and pull your best 10.0 Swan

iii) Roll and grab the nearest muscle

iv) Then immediately switch to the shin.
Note: This is the most crucial part of the procedure. The referee will make his final decision based on the form of this transition. Here Luis Figo goes to the knee, Francesco Totti slides to the front and Gabrielle Cisse completes the complicated manuever with a firm grip. Watch and learn.

v) Express the pain, reach out for medical attention and don't budge till you get it.

And that is it. Success is determined buy how much your opponent cries "faker!" (Moffatt reference) and yet still receives a yellow card.

Here endeth the lesson,
Go get 'em Tigers!

A

2006-06-14T00:19:00.000+12:00

Qusay

Sam Cummins

1987-2006

It is with a heavy heart that I make this post. Crookwell and Ag College has lost one of its enduring characters.

I remember Qusay mostly as one of the Aggies who would sit down and talk to this Reddie like we were on the same side. Sporting the shaved head that adorns most 1st year Aggies in Wagga he would often pop around to the house to spin a few yarns or sink a few tinnies with Coit.

This year the hair grew back and life moved on like it does. For the Aggies the game and the land were calling for more but for Sam life's dark side seems to have gotten beyond his load.

My thoughts and prayers are for Sam's family and his mates.

It only seems fitting..
Ego yah

A Massive Weekend

2006-06-13T20:32:00.001+12:00

My weekend was great. There were so many things that happened, some good.. some very sad. I'll try to get to it all.

So. Friday I went down to Christchurch with Tom the Pom. We had some business at Crusaders Headquarters at Jade Stadium, then we had a good feed, did some shopping and I was off to the airport. I must say I was expecting slightly more security from the Kiwi's. The check-in didn't ask me for my name, they just assumed it was me since i was the last to check in. NB: I wasn't late - there were only eight people on my plane. So the nice gent handed across a boarding pass and took my bag. They directed me towards a makeshift passage to a makeshift (i'm talking port-a-loo standard) departure lounge. Then, as Russ puts it, the Kerosene Budgie rolled up.. chirp chirp.. chirb... chirb.... chirb....
We all walk out, climb up the stairs, bow our heads and shoulders and squeeze down the eisle. At this moment I appreciate being tall and being rewarded with the exit seats once more. Those extra few centimeters are priceless.. and, as things do.. we were off on our way in no time. It's important to mention at this point that Christchurch was hot,.. not stinking hot, but T-shirts and shorts hot.

Landed at Wellington with a few bumps and grinds but nothing compared to the show the windy city normally puts on. I smiled to myself at the name of the airport..
Many of you will know of the book by John Eldredge, Wild at Heart, if you don't follow the link, buy it, read it. Anyway, I enjoyed thinking about how wild this city can be and I was looking forward to getting over to Russ' work to kick off the weekend. Sadly the sun had gone down by the time I had legged it to his harbour-side office but the weekend cheer was already being celebrated when I arrived. A few meet and greets and then we were off to Little India for a spot of curry. Never Again

I did get to meet some of Russ' Wellington mates. Of note Henry and Tanja were a good laugh. We had some interesting chats and theories about how lazy people are getting with communication. See, we all used to write letters, then we started to write emails.. and face to face gave way to phone calls then text messages took over and now we barely write personal emails. We post blogs, and expect everyone to read them.. (I am doing this right now) so that I won't have to bother with personal emails.. or even a group one. I realised this a week ago when "Best Mate" Macca rang me and said I hadn't been telling him what is going on in my life..
I responded with.. "read the blog ?!?"

I apologise.

The night progressed along Wellington's trendy scene from Cuba to Courtenay. Had a good chill out, some nice cocktails and then a little boogie too. 4am Wellington, I reassembled the couch cushions on Russ' hardwood floor. For some reason five full-time workers are too tight to turn on the central heating in the house. Welcome to New Zealand.

Saturday was absolutely beautiful. Russ and I strode up Mt Victoria to see the view back over the city. The sun was out and the view spectacular. The walk up was quite fresh too. Coming down, a much easier task, took us through the woods where the dark riders of the Lord of the Rings were filmed. You know, where the little fellas hide from the big dude, yup.

So, I was hungry. Nothin' new there. Russ made me aware of a new addition to NZ's fast food ranks. Burgerfuel. Ladies take note. These are good, very good burgers. First I ate a Studnut Stilton - 1/3lb ground beef, stilton sauce, avocado, salad and relish. I tell you, my stomach yearned for more. hmmm, I indulged a little. Next a Brie Injection - 1/3lb ground beef, brie, salad, relish and aioli. Whatever Aioli is ?? it was tasty.

To mention that I had another Studnut burger the next day after getting a double breast burger at Nandos.. Just goes to show how great I think this new store is. Franchises are available on the website. Ok, so I just checked it out, Aioli is: Fresh egg yolk, crushed garlic and canola blended into a thick creamy mayonnaise and free from artificial flavours, additives or preservatives.

Saturday night we watched the Irish give the second choice All-Blacks a scare. We went to Murphy's to watch it, so there was plenty of cheer for Brian O'Driscoll and his charge of merry men. I was hoping to see an emerald green win, but it wasn't to be. We decided to burn through to 1:30am for the soccer: England v Paraguay. A waste of time, it proved to be about as exciting as walking home from the dentist. You're numb, you're not sure what happened and you don't want to do it again.

Sunday turned a little chilly with patchy cloud and rain. I sat round and didn't do all that much. All part of the relaxing weekend without rugby that I was searching for. No complaints except to say that it was clear the true nature of Wellington weather was about to rear its ugly head. The wind and rain seeking to break in at every uneven corner of the house.

I woke up Monday morning and basically refused to budge. I didn't need to open the curtains to find out what was going on out there. After putting on anything warm I swam down to where the bus goes to the Airport. Saturated I ventured out there knowing full well that the chances of a flight taking off was slim only to find out Christchurch had cancelled all flights due to snow. What.. ?

A phonecall back to Ashburton revealed the shocking truth. Over a metre of snow had dumped over night without me.. and it was still falling. A winter wonderland appeared over night and destroyed public services. Transport, power, phone lines.. gone. I trudged back into town and circled round the National Museum "Te Papa". They have the Lord of the Rings exhibit there at the moment, something definately worth a visit. Though the Kiwi's once again showed they have a chip on their shoulder over our cuddly possums. This is the very first display as you walk in. Warky would be proud. you'll have to click on the picture to read, but its worth it, and Yes that IS roadkill possum in the cabinet.

Thankfully essentials were mostly restored today and I have made it home. No rugby for quite some time judging by the state of the ground.
And that pretty much sums up my weekend.

Photos:
Christchurch - snow right to the edge! Yes, that is the ocean there.

I cant see the grass.. can you?

Bags not digging the car out

Footy Fever

2006-06-07T18:33:00.000+12:00

Life is not all about sport. Well, it's not. But try tell these people.

It seems the kind folk in China and Japan are taking this a lot more seriously than some of us. These scenes might help to stir some Aussie sentiment, firstly the cluster of Aussies hidden up the back by the Dutch, then the lone hero with his green and gold scarf after Tim Cahill's goal.

So, In case world cup fever isn't your thing,.. we thankfully have State of Origin tonight and Aus vs Eng and NZ vs Ireland Rugby Union this weekend. Now that we all know how we will spend this coming weekend (Glued to a flat screen at the local establishment or bachelor pad) lets spare a moment to think about how some remote Pakistanis will bring in the World Cup..

yup..

Hampstead vs Collegiate

2006-06-06T22:51:00.000+12:00

Not much positive feedback on tonights game. It was ugly headless chook rugby. The only players I can stand up for are Spenny - who had a great game at the top of the line-out and Fonze.. who absolutely creamed their No. 10. Great tackle.

Yup - other than that, I passed 100 points for the season. Nice to get it done before the grand-final this year. And Canadian Dave got his first points of the season. I'm sore sore sore - shower and bed.

Final Score: 21-13
Tries: Eddo, Davey Nielsen
Cons: -
Pens: Eddo

No photos.
But in the interest of warming me up after playing in NZ cold here's one of my favourite holiday destinations in the world. Brownie points for the person that guesses and Megs - you're out of this one. Cheerio

A

Youth Group All-Nighter

2006-06-04T23:53:00.000+12:00

As far as planning and running overnight events with teenagers go, this one went off without a hitch. 8pm to 8 am - 12 hours of fun and games . and red bull. Ha.. lots of red bull.

After earlier finding out the was no dry or decent wood down at Wakanui beach Brett gave Mitre 10 a call and they kindly donated all their spare wooden pallets. I certainly enjoyed thinking back to the younger years and watching "that boy" .. you know the one who just can't help but play with the fire. Just doesn't seem to matter how many times you tell them to stay back or stop throwing rocks, does it? I have renewed sympathy for Graham Poole and Nick Sieveking aka Crusher and the patience they showed, not only for me but for Dave Asprey and Gordon Chiu, both displayed some disturbing pyro tendencies.

After the bonfire we headed down to the skate park armed with the trusty wheel barrow. Sadly my housemates barrow didn't quite survive one of the jumps unscathed. Brett's trying to straighten out the axl for me.

A few movies, a short talk from Brett and a couple of games from weary old me got us through to 8am. I got home around 9 after the clean up and went straight off to an u/11 coaching clinic where I was helping Pommy Tommy out. It's all OK, its a long weekend and tomorrow I plan to stay in bed.. no Dad to come in and wake me up, not even a housemate to disturb the peace. Mark and Spenny have headed down to do a wee bit of Duck Shooting in Invercargill.

Gold
A

Hampstead vs Kirwee

2006-05-28T19:51:00.000+12:00

Kirwee were pretty confident coming into the game, so it was especially tasty to go down to their ground and kick them off the top of the table last weekend.

The game started with a fury - we scored twice in the first 10 mins but then the Kirwee forwards rallied and before we knew it our ten point lead had been squashed to a half time deficit 10-19.

The second half the boys dug deep and produced a great final 40 min. A real try fest. My man of the match was big Fijian Morisi McGoon who worked tirelessly and lead the forwards well. Highlight though was definately Spencer's first try for the year after complaining last week that he "never scores".. It was the first time we've seen Spenny jog back to halfway.

Final Score: 45-24
Tries: Fonze 2, Steve Paese 2, Eddo 2, Spencer Massiah
Cons: Sia Fifita 5

Photos below are of Satisi and myself having a laugh on the foggy ride home on the bus. Also Manase enjoying some reggae no doubt. Then finally the points table. We have had a lovely weekend off but play the grudge match against Collegiate on Tuesday Night.

Some reason to play FOR Hampstead

2006-05-23T15:57:00.000+12:00

Some people ask me why i chose this particular club.. I must be honest and reply that I would rather play with Lua than against him !! This photo from the weekend paper helps to illustrate.

There's a reason he is second on our try scoring list ~ how do you stop a 112kg canon ball? Answer: you don't.

After the weekend we have now moved up into fourth place. Three very big games coming up in the next three weeks against sides placed 1,2 and 6.

Hampstead vs Burnham

2006-05-21T00:43:00.000+12:00

A belter of a day for our boys. We ran in twelve unanswered tries against the Burnham based NZ Army lads. It really shouldn't say how bad they were, more a reflection of our backline really starting to turn on a show. Above Brian, Davey and I relax and have a laugh up in the grandstand.

Final Score: 74-0
Tries: Eddo 4, Tukulua Tolu 2, DJ Gleeson, Siola Fifita, Mafua Ula, Mac Kaitoa, Morisi McGoon, Aminio Mataivou.
Cons: Eddo 6, Siola Fifita 1

Competition Tables

2006-05-18T21:26:00.000+12:00

Hampstead vs Leeston

2006-05-14T19:26:00.000+12:00

Lua, Ali, Eddo and Francis - Tired Victors

A good run on Saturday to go with the weather.
The forwards stuck together pretty well despite Lua getting ten in the bin for repeated high tackles.. as they say.. "to have a good long think about what you've done." Then to boot Satisi got a red card (once again for repeated high tackles), effectively we played with 14 men for 30min of the game. Leeston were on top of the ladder, so we were very happy to be able to score two of our tries in that last period of play with one player down.

Final Score: 27-20
Tries: Lua, Radio and Eddo
Cons: Eddo 3
Pens: Eddo 2

Alipate (Ali) and myself enjoying the last rays of sun.

Snow time

2006-05-13T10:24:00.000+12:00

Went to pick up the youth group van this morning as we're off to support our band. They're playing a gig down in Timaru tonight (45mins south)

On the way home it was pretty nice to see NZ looks to be putting in a better show for the ski season this year. Snow top to bottom already.

Beautiful morning, hope yours is as beautiful as mine.

A

Hampstead vs Darfield

2006-05-11T20:50:00.000+12:00

We had our grade photos before the game this week, as you can see - it can be hard to make the guys sit down and be serious. Still, when it came to the business end of the day we got the job done against a top six side.
Final Score 24-17;
Tries: Siola Fifita, Tokulua Tolu, Eddo
Cons: Eddo 3
Pens: Sia 1

Sadly the Waratahs, Brumbies and Reds could not fly the Aussie flag but how good it was to see the Western Force come up trumps in South Africa. Scott Staniforth could well find himself on the bench for the Wallabies. Below he takes another stand for the fledging side against the Bulls.

! Press Release !

2006-05-02T17:57:00.000+12:00

He has returned ! .. No, Not the Lord.. but nickbell.com.au. After so many absent months Sydney's most active socialite has relaunched the site that broke the hard working daily grind.

For years a gathering of the elite on Sydney's North Shore has not been complete without the presence of the man that connected all circles; nerds and jocks; jews and gentiles; singles and marrieds; AFL freaks and Soccer fanatics! The days of Aussie Day Celebrations at the House of Fun could only be rivalled by the AFL Grandfinal which indeed resulted in the bachelor pad being painted Red... Thanks Stace!
Ah, yes.. The lady that tamed the animal. Somehow it does seem fitting that the ultimate Host and Hostess should get together. Even if it did take a few years to figure they had it all back in June, 1998.

Ofcourse, it did not take long for the word to spread that such a well respected and renowned website was the perfect place to have wedding and engagement photos. A bright idea, turned into a following, indeed into a trend and then a raging whirlwind. The rate at which couples were dropping out of singledom and onto the photo list of nickbell.com.au was snowballing. Suddenly, it was the place to be! Whispers were heard on corners, in sushi bars and in starbucks.. had people been lawfully married if they weren't featured on nickbell? One could watch bridesmaid after bridesmaid taking the steps toward being the last down the isle. And now.. December 30 will see the man released from his camera duties, slide into a sleek number and swoon the lucky lady.

The all new site has some sparkling additions including a random photo generator and a view counter on each thumb (so that aspiring young bachelors and spinsters may know if they're looking the goods). Plans are on the way for comment space and links to other socialite centres but for now, don't delay! Get that multitasking forefinger clicking and get back into the swing of things at NICKBELL

Harvest 06

2006-05-02T17:29:00.000+12:00

Saturday night was another awesome night out with youth group. We rolled in to Christchurch where an evangelical outreach event was being put on by an American Group called Harvest Ministries. With the New Life Church, also from Ashburton, we took four buses of rampaging teenagers in to see the likes of Satellite (Easter Camp Band), The Katinas, Audio Adrenaline and Steven Curtis Chapman. The main attraction was the talk from Greg Laurie. Harvest actually ran over three nights, saturday being aimed for youth age groups. The message was very down to earth and obviously reached out to many of the 9,000 in attendance as 893 people walked down the front at the conclusion of the talk to give their life to Jesus, or find out more about it.

The bands ofcourse we amazing and I could hardly believed it was free!
So I bought a few cd's afterward to help the cause.

photos:
1 - the kids i could find!
2 - warming up..
3 - Audio Adrenaline in full swing

Hampstead vs Southern

2006-04-26T07:20:00.000+12:00

I am convinced there are days the Good Lord creates just so that we may stay inside and enjoy eachothers company and warmth. Also, to remember how good a sunrise or hot wind can feel.. Those in Wagga will know what I'm tallking about.. but yesterday.. ANZAC day was not one of 'those' days.. no, it was one of 'THOSE' days. 8 degrees. drving wind, stinging rain, soggy muddy ground. When I was in Sydney, and I was 16, playing sport in the rain was almost a perfect saturday. There is a significant difference though; Sydney's wind does not come straight from the Antartic. OK.. so you can see where this is going - I'm not even sure what the score was.. except that we scored nada.. zero.. diddly squat. I had one kick at goal.. never had a chance. To the boys who couldn't make the game, or were injured, consider yourselves blessed.

On a bright note.. I came home from the game... only in a towel - since Mark had nicked off early with my clothes in his car! but got in the door and promptly boiled myself in the bath for half an hour. Never felt better. Davey and Brian came around and with Spencer we had a chilled out, recovery style, beer 'n pizza night.

And now to my joy, is my first day at Ashburton Baptist. Not due in till 10:30 though.. Gold.

No photos.. who'd want any..

but in the interest of the Mo banter that has been going around..
enjoy

Ari Burnu Memorial

2006-04-25T09:33:00.000+12:00

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

Ari Burnu memorial, Gallipoli.

"Those heroes that shed their blood and lost their lives ....
You are now lying in the soil of a friendly country.
Therefore rest in peace. There is no difference between the Johnnies and the Mehemets to us where they lie side by side here in this country of ours ...
You, the mothers, who sent their sons from far away countries, wipe away your tears;
your sons are now lying in our bosom and are in peace. After having lost their lives on this land
they have become our sons as well."

ATATURK, 1934

Hampstead vs Southbridge, Methven and The Mo!

2006-04-23T21:47:00.000+12:00

Busy week,

Last thursday night we played Southbridge (well known for being the home club of Dan "the man" Carter, All Black No. 10)
Ran in 4 tries to one.. Mafua Ula, Tokolua Tolu, Brian Parsons and Myself. Final score 32-10

We hardly got penalised after the opening 10 minutes a very encouraging game for the guys..

Then yesterday we played Methven at home. Methven are supposed to be one of the form sides down here, but today we pulled out our guns and started firing! Final score 44-6.
We ran in six tries, two to debut winger Amini.

Tries: Amini 2, Radio, Francis Ula, Morisi McGoon, Tokolua Tolu
Cons: Eddo 4
Pens: Eddo 2

Controversy of the day was Brian BP Parsons withdrawal after a suspected quad strain in the warm up.

More photos uploaded later this week. In the meantime
this is what happens when footy boys get together..
Facial hair growing dares and competition,
All in good fun, and practice for Movember

www.movember.com.au

What sort of man grows a Mo?

He’s a man with a love for life and with a lot of living to do.
He’s the first to be invited to a party and the last to leave.
He’s a man with confidence, a leader not a follower, he sets the trends that others follow.
When he takes off on a unique experience count on him taking a full bodied thirst quencher along. For his golden moments are often enhanced by a golden thirst.
He’s a great bloke, a great mate and a great lover.
He stays true to the Mo.

Easter Camp 2006 Part 1

2006-04-17T20:46:00.000+12:00

Ashburton Baptist Youth Group

I have just got in from an awesome weekend away with New Zealand's Youth Groups. Over 3,000 kids from 84 different churches converged on Spencer Park just north of Christchurch. We had four days of great talks, seminars, fun and dead set craziness. There were live bands every morning lunch and night, outrageous stuff like mechanical bulls, helicopter rides - no joke!, skate ramp, carnival rides like any easter show has, 40ft water slides, rifle target shooting, a rave tent "the groove room", a movie theater, bungee trampolines, cafes run by youth groups to raise funds for mission trips, latin dancing lessons, band comps, world vision had a second hand clothes stall, NZBMS (bible mission society) had an info tent, touch footy comp, volleyball comp, jelly wrestling turned mud wrestling, cage soccer and other stuff i never got to!

An amazing thing that cooks from home can take as an encouragement, these guys fed the 3,100 odd people flawlessly everyday. In such a way the U.N. should be taking a closer look. I'm not kidding, every person had their food in 10 mins flat every meal time.. I have photos to prove it!

I'll give more details after as four days with the guys and girls has left me understandably drained.. some photos below.. but many more to come!

For the glory of Jesus,
A

Waratahs v Crusaders

2006-04-12T17:22:00.000+12:00

Took the Youth Group down the Jade Stadium on Friday Night to hopefully see a NSW win. With Mat Rogers injured I wasn't holding out much hope. Still, I can't hide the truth so I got into all my Waratah gear and bared through the insults.

Needless to say we choked in the heat of the moment and lost 17-11. Impressively the 'Tahs did shut down Kiwi prettyboys Dan Carter (Fly Half) and Richie McCaw (Flanker).

The What if.. Peter Hewat with a 95% record missed several easy opportunities. Yup.. this ones going to drop short too.

As for the kiddies.. we had fun.. screamed yelled and even tried to chat up a few substititues who mistakingly thought a warm up infront of the single Waratah fan was the better option.. "Ta-ta-fuuuuuu.. Sammy.. Steve. .Benny.. Give us a wave!" ... no waves..

As expected, these nights never end smoothly. Guys from my van disappeared. Game ended 10:30.. I got home at midnight and crashed.
More fun all round begins tomorrow night. 7:30pm Hampstead v Southbridge away, then on to Easter Camp with the same guys till Monday.

Happy Easter to you all!
Eddo

Hampstead vs Allenton

2006-04-12T16:28:00.000+12:00

Every year these two sides battle it out for the "Frosty" Steele Cup.
Frosty is a by-gone who played for both clubs. Typically, it was said he prefers to see it go our way rather than to the upper class end of town.

Donning our new training shirts, thanks to the kind folk at Speights Breweries helped set a more professional atmosphere in the warm up. The NorWester Gale that is well known in these parts came out to play. Cruelly it was blowing directly down the ground and in tandem with the setting sun! One half of the game was sure to be tough. It made for a strong and passionate defensive show from both sides. Candian Davey learned what happens in an elbow vs Nose confrontation.

Shortly after I ran over for a try in the corner.
Wonderboy, Brian Parsons (BP) failed to convert from the sideline. 5-0.

Jerome Paese slipping in to 13 to cover for brother Steve had a few darting runs and was unlucky to go all the way on a few occasions. Below a scrambling Allenton player ankle taps the former Wellington U/19 flyer. Christmas is in support on the left, BP on the right.

Brian missed one penalty but then converted another. 8-0. Super coach Shane Enright made a few changes in a bid to inject some energy into the second half slog against sun and wind.

The game then darted up and down the field as they kicked and we ran.. On too many occasions the ball just wouldn't bounce our way. The exception being the lineout where Spencer was taking charge in the absence of Alipate (His youngest was in hospital.) Here he steals yet another Allenton throw.

Penalties against the blue and gold were the telling tale of the whole game, final count was 32-8. Its amazing to come away with a win with such one sided statistics. Final score was 11-5 after they had some late success on the blind-side which they had pursued all day and Sia Fifita slotted a simple chance from in front.

Celebrations did continue into the wee hours for certain members of the team. The Somerset, Zeebo's, Kelly's, the Dirty Dev and Harrison's Bar all enjoyed the company of Hampstead men. Sadly Ashvegas was closed during the week due to legal complications with the owner's ability to continue to operate a liquor establishment.. .
Below some changeroom cheer.

Guardian Waihora Report

2006-04-04T21:23:00.000+12:00

Centre Manase Nonu side-stepping Waihora
defense with Pumbaa in support.

By Erin Bishop

A heartbreaking try in the final minute saw Waihora snatch victory out from under Hampstead’s nose in the opening round of the PGG-Wrightson Cup on Saturday, winning 18-17.Hampstead hosted Waihora in the first round of the Mid Canterbury and Ellesmere combined rugby competition, and dominated the scoring for much of the game, but all of their hard work came undone in the dying minutes.With just minutes remaining in the match, and Hampstead ahead 17-13 on the scoreboard, Waihora launched an all out assault on Hampstead’s line, and the blue and golds managed to hold them out, until flanker David Neilsen was sent to the sideline by the referee for the remainder of the game.Hampstead was then left with 14 men on the field, with time practically up on the clock, trying to hold out a determined Waihora side, just metres from the tryline.With one less defender to worry about, Waihora sent the ball wide to its right wing, who just managed to dot down near the sideline despite some desperate defence, to put Waihora in the lead for the first time since early in the first half, by just one point. The tricky sideline conversion missed, but it did not matter.Waihora had struck first in the match, with an early penalty, but it was Hampstead’s impressive forwards who helped the home side strike back soon after, powering their way up field, before handing the ball to first-five Siaola Fifita, who found a gap out wide, and raced around to score under the posts, making the conversion of his own try an easy job.Waihora was left wondering what could have been later in the half, through a missed penalty, and what they thought was a try out wide being denied by a foot in touch spotted by the touch judge, before making no mistake with a third penalty attempt.Hampstead would have also been left wondering “what if …”, after Fifita was given what should have been a gift three points shortly before half time, but missed the shot at goal - three points which could have come in handy at the end of the 80 minutes.Up 7-6 at half time, Hampstead found itself having to make plenty of tackles in the second half, as Waihora looked to keep play down its end of the field, but when Hampstead finally did cross into its own 22, it made it count, with Manase Nonu crossing for his side’s second try.Waihora took just a couple of minutes to strike back, as a try of its own closed the gap to 14-13, and it continued to plug away at the Hampstead defence, until it finally broke through in the dying seconds.Hampstead rarely got a look at the tryline in the second half, but on another rare venture past the 22, slotted another three points to give it a late buffer which did not turn out to be quite enough.

http://www.ashburtonguardian.co.nz/index.asp?articleid=7015

Hampstead vs Waihora

2006-04-03T17:46:00.000+12:00

There are moments in life.. where something little happens and suddenly we're transported back to a place.. a person.. a memory;

Saturday took me back to the glory days at Tryon Road, where I used to run out for the Lindfield Pigs. Moffatt will remember this most clearly by me running late for TC leaders meeting on wintery tuesdays.. :)
Why did it take me back you ask?
Was it the score? The players? the Ref... ?
Unfortunately not. The Soldiers Memorial Park was more notable for the cricket square stretching across the middle of the ground.. and the ability for the pitch to resemble a cheese grater after some rain and a sunny friday. The hampstead ground thankfully has no cricket heritage.. but regretfully did have the rain and sunny friday. The result..

The game itself was a mix of good play and a disappointing last 5 minutes when the guys dropped their heads (got lazy) and let the visitors in for a try, shamefully losing a winable game by one lousy point. 17-18.

No point crying about it, I'm sure the super-coach will make training this week a sufficient example of what happens when we get lazy!

A

Simon Elvis Solomon

2006-04-03T17:32:00.000+12:00

After much time thinking that child support is a worthy ambition I have finally taken the plunge. Simon Elvis made me smile.. Plus, he likes soccer and is an average performer at school.. We have some connection here I think.. ha.

Below is just the little blurb Compassion International gave me:

Child Biography

Simon Elvis Solomon
Birthday: March 13, 1993
Age: 13
Country: Tanzania
Program: River Lutheran Student Center
Personal and Family Information:Simon makes his home with his mother. Carrying water, gathering firewood and caring for animals are his household duties. His mother is sometimes employed as a farmer. There are 2 children in the family.As part of Compassion's ministry, Simon participates in church activities and Bible class. He is also in primary school where his performance is average. Soccer, playing with cars and playing group games are his favorite activities.Your love and support will help Simon to receive the assistance he needs to develop his potential. Please pray for him.

for further information on Compassion Intl check out
http://www.compassion.com

Random Week

2006-03-29T21:45:00.000+12:00

Its been an up and down week or two for me.

The down first, I got the dreaded tummy bug last tuesday night. Consequently spent Wednesday and Thursday wishing I was dead, even after the worst had past.. it has taken till today to truely feel over it all.

On to the Up! ..
Church and Biblestudy have been great, and the people there are my 'home away from home'. Of note: Bevan (73yr old widow) invited me round for lunch after church on Sunday. He cooked up a quality.. ah.. bachelors meal. Which I enjoyed but more to the point we had some really good chats about his life, Ashburton and our church. Truthfully his meal was better than anything I'd have cooked that day, I am thankful for any meal that contains 3 veg!!.. I mean. one is a good start, right..

I have started leading the Yr8-10 guys and girls on Friday nights and Sunday morning. My first week went really well and I am excited for a few upcoming things:
i) The series I'm running through on Mark
ii) Easter Camp.. with kids from all over NZ. Promises to be a crazy event!
iii) Youthgroup night out in two weeks to the Crusaders v Waratahs match. Go the 'Tahs!

David Jensen, Minister, continues to be a great encouragement to me. It is clear he cares for each and every person who walks through the doors.

Other thoughts..
I'm still a massive fan of expensive ice cream with frozen chocolate topping. Life's little pleasures can only get so good!

Ricky Ponting: Cricket's answer to Mohammad Ali

Massage Therapy.. 1hr a week. I can't quite express how much this has improved my experience of NZ.

Alright,
keep it real people
A

Hampstead vs Burnham

2006-03-19T14:00:00.000+12:00

Very glad to report that we had a good, clean win this week down at the Burnham Military Base.

The boys came together well in the forwards even though passages of the first 20min were a little disjointed. Burnham opened up with some promising good hard running but some good attacking play and tactical kicking lead by captain courageous, Siola Fifita, kept us camped inside the opposition twenty-two.

After a disallowed try touched down by Christmas, Siola then crossed for the first points with a spearing dart between the Burnham centres.

Flankers Canadian Dave and Satisi Taufa were solid in defence and as always Lua was a cement truck with the brakes disabled.

I did get my first try in NZ, very glad to get one before the season started. Classic situation, short ball off Outside Centre Steve Paese 40m from the line..

The game finished 12-5 as the wind was strong down the centre and the second half turned into a defensive marathon. New recruit
Brian Parsons (BP) had a sure footed run in the second half showing signs of promise for what looks like a very smooth backline.

Back in the clubhouse the Burnham cooks supplied a quality greasy meal to satisfy the hungers and we watched the Brumbies falter to the Blues. Indeed paying the price for sending Giteau to the Commonwealth Games.

Anyway, photos below.

1. Scrum time
2. My Bodyguards - Simone and Lua
3. Rakaia Hotel on the way home.. nice.

A

Hampstead vs Harlequins

2006-03-12T14:47:00.000+13:00

It was a sorry day for Rugby over here.

The game was called off at 35mins due to fighting. There's not too much to say really. As far as I'm concerned there are 2 reasons why people play sport.
i) To enjoy the game (contest) and have fun.
ii) To win.

I don't mind which motivation someone may have to play, but it was clear yesterday that a third reason had come up on the bus from South Canterbury.. To hurt, break and destroy anyone that was within arms (or boot) distance. I got rucked in the back of the head.. Francis didn't take that too well, then another guy got kicked.. and our boys again responded with a flurry of fists. Then after two more blews .. (This was all in 10mins) the referree gave one final notice.. after which Lua flatened their no.8 in the very next tackle.

Below: Lua isn't small...

Game over.

For the record we were up 7-0.

After such a hollow and disappointing start to the day it was quite interesting to see how the teams still managed to shower.. get changed and socialise for 3 hours after the incident.. I could hardly believe it.

Francis and Myself at the clubhouse

Sick Day

2006-03-10T10:58:00.000+13:00

Called in sick today..

Got an extra 5 hrs sleep, feeling a thousand times better than i have all week. Though the reason I'm home is that I corked my thigh on Alipati's knee and my leg turned into an over-cooked hot cross bun. The good news is that i've booked myself into a 1hr massage for 2pm.. pure joy.

Sunrise, that I usually miss, this morning was sensational. Didn't get out of bed for it, it was too cold and I was having enough trouble rolling over let alone rolling out! So i just took a photo from my pillow. I can enjoy God's gifts from bed, brilliant.

ps. pure coincidence that the Kiwi's vs Windies Test match is on today.
I swear..

Thoughts from Above

2006-03-07T18:07:00.000+13:00

I have found a great church to be part of, praise God.

Ashburton Baptist is only a 5-10 min walk from my house and I have been going for about a month. The men have been very welcoming and I have joined the mens group on Monday nights 7:30pm.
(I'll have to go straight from the gym.. but it is a men's group)

One thought from Sunday..
A quote from the wall in the prayer room at church:

"Let your heart be broken by the things that break the heart of God."

Something to mull over and summed up by my new thought -
Holy Discontent

i'm sure it has roots in something one of the great Godly men that have taught me may have said,.. (Ken Moser, J Moff, The Strut and Diggers, and now David Jenson, my new minister)
For me, I concentrate a lot on being content with MY life.. but I don't spend enough (if any) time thinking about what God is not content with in this world and how I interact with it.

example, God says Deut 5:16 "Honour your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you."

For us we relate to the land as heaven right.. but when I'm not honouring my parents God's heart is being broken. He blessed me with loving, generous parents after all!

Thoughts?
A

Hampstead vs Temuka

2006-03-07T18:00:00.000+13:00

We had our first game of the year on Sunday..
(never had a Sunday game before ?!)

Long story short we won 52-12, a great start to the season. Many of us have never played together, so despite our obvious problems (fitness for the last 15mins) we were all quite happy. Sorry, no photos - will fix that for next week.

I kicked 5 from 7.. but could do alot better.
Felt good to finally get a run after almost two months of running around and wondering why!

Next week - Harlequins.
This will be a much harder game with a lot more islanders in the opposition side. Testing times I'm sure

A

Little Ash

2006-03-07T17:55:00.000+13:00

One of the great blessings to come to the family in the last year has been the birth of Ash Gray. She's a lively one.. full of funny faces and plenty of character. I'm sure everyone's first thought is 'cute'.

Sadly, I won't be seeing much of Ash, but D does send photos regularly. Here are a couple which I love. She will turn the ripe old age of 1 on April 11.

I'm sure it will be a big bash! A

Pre-season Training

2006-03-04T17:45:00.000+13:00

Our first pre season game is tomorrow, we've been having fun trying to get fit for what will be a long season by the time I'm done during October.

Here are just a few of the guys, L to R
Sisi (Francis) Ula, Manasse Nonu and Dave Nielsen. Davey has come from Canada to learn the southern hemisphere game. He's in the Canadian U/21's so keep an eye out for him in the future.

Both Francis and Manasse have played for Tonga. I can tell you, trying to move Francis at training is harder than trying to pick up a car and throw it! I'm glad he's on my team. Below is just a fun pick after some touch a few weekends ago.