Obviously it was always going to be difficult to top a week that had me going to most boring awards night ever and discovering Spotify and Uber.   but I don’t think I did too badly.

Missy Isla Brett’s and by default my grand daughter turned one this week.  She is a happy and healthy little monkey, with very loving and capable parents, doting grandparents and a crazy aunty who can’t wait to take her on excursions.  All little people should all be so lucky and loved.

And maybe I am just a little bit pleased and proud to get smiles and cuddles

Officially with the shortest day having just occurring we should be in the middle of winter, but we all know that is rubbish.  Winter is just starting.  I actually found a wonderful diagram to illustrate this perfectly.

It is called A Realistic Calendar for Wellington New Zealand, but it isn’t too off the mark for Auckland.  Particularly Sep to Dec.

Thank you Hello this is Amy @amyherself for the image.

There really has been some shocking weather in the lower North Island this weekend.  It must be so miserable to be cold and wet and having to deal with a flooded house.  I know there are still plenty of people who deny climate change is occurring, but if the Pope can announce shit is getting real about this stuff.  It might be time to pay a bit of attention.  How awful would it be if little Isla grew up and wasn’t able to experience a weekend in Whanganui because half of it had washed away.  It just doesn’t bear thinking about.

A special shout out to my dear readers in the Manawatu, I do hope you are managing to keep dry and warm and have not run out of essential supplies like coffee, sweet treats or tonic.

Another momentous event this week is Sister Julie left her role as customer experience manager for 12WBT.  She did a fantastic job there, and it is obvious from the Facebook posts from her staff she was deservedly loved and really made a difference.

I mention this because thanks to Sister Julie getting her role at 12WBT, the great program and her supportive team.   I have made huge lifestyle changes.  I will always be susceptible to the couch, salt and vinegar chippies and alcoholic beverages.  But I will also now get my sorry arse out of bed in the morning and go for a run, or go to the gym.

I cannot speak highly enough about the benefits of regular exercise and a bit of mindfulness in the nutrition department.  Not just physically but mentally as well.  Making positive changes isn’t always easy (well not for me anyway)  But knowing that Sister Julie and her awesome crew had my back really made a difference.  I can’t thank you enough.  Next Sunday I am going to a yoga class on perfecting your hand and headstand.  Can I  just say the Natty of two years ago wouldn’t have dreamed of doing this.  Brett is just bracing himself for more party trick demonstrations of me trying to do a headstand after a couple of gins #notpretty #notgraceful

I discovered an interesting website this week.  Thank you Kim Hill for interviewing Ross Ashcroft and bringing to my attention Renegade Inc.

http://www.radionz.co.nz/national/programmes/saturday/audio/201759223/ross-ashcroft-economics-and-europe

http://renegadeinc.com/

Sometimes I feel that the economic path we are following is the only one that exists and we will continue to go down the path of the poor getting poorer, and the rich getting richer.  And to be honest that scares the bejeezus out of me.  But Ross spoke very eloquently about the need for change, a new economic model,  how young people are getting this and why rising house prices are killing the art of conversation.

Now for the League – Anne you can avert your eyes.

The Warriors had a great win against the Titans on the Gold Coast last night.  My cousin Brenda actually went to this game.  Here is her review Umm ’twas different and cold.  Now maybe she is not the greatest sports follower in the world, but I think she has summed up watching the Warriors quite well.  It is often cold (Mt Smart in the afternoon when the sun goes down anyone?) and one of the joys of being a Warriors fan is, it is always different and heart stopping.  She just missed out super exciting and fun.  Next time Brenda.

My Dragons had a bye last week, so hopefully they will be well rested and ready to go against the Roosters on Monday night.  The good news is Jason Nightingale and Will Matthews have agreed to respective two-year contract extensions which will see both remain at the Club until at least the end of the 2017 season.

Jason plays for the Kiwis, knows his Te Reo and has a wonderful calm presence about him.  There were rumours he would sign with the Warriors.  Good news for the Dragons but I think he would have been great at the Warriors too.  Will is playing really well this year, and it is great he will be staying on.

Oh and do I happen to have photos of myself with these two nice gentlemen.  Well since you asked, maybe I do.

Too funny when I showed this photo I did say to Mum I was so thrilled to get my photo taken with Jason.  She said that was obvious, but was Jason as thrilled?

Here is young Will, as I said he has played really well.  I may have been pleased to get my photo taken with him as well.

Good luck against the Roosters, Dragons.  Don’t give them anything to crow about.

And finally if you are having a rough day or week, may your song come on and make everything a little bit better

www.youtube.com/watch?v=P28vzD7c0k4