I most embarrassingly recommended numerous people to watch what ended up to be about the dodgiest 30 mins of NZ TV, based on what I saw of a previous early episode. I shall now look ahead to confirm the kosherness of what I recommend.

Dear friend

It's crazy when you have a dear friend whom you have never met for coffee, never talked to well into the morning, never written a letter to or never waved to. I have heard tales of his struggles and joys, time and again. Each hearing is special and moving. If only I had met him and given him hope, he could still be here to give us hope in our struggles but in a way he still does. May you sleep in peace dear friend.

Happiness is a warm weekend

Splendid weekends have been coming thick and fast, and this weekend was no exception. My weekend began early on midday Friday as the afternoon was required for travel to my birthplace. The event that brought me so far was the biannual ball organised by the Hamilton youth group, whose theme this year was Cluedo/1920’s styles. I opted for the gangster look with a pinstriped suit, hat and white tie. We arrived right on 7 pm and quickly dressed up. For the next five hours I caught up, drunk various cocktails and bogeyed with many old and new friends. This was by far and away the best ball I have ever been to.

After the ball had been successfully wound up, I unfortunately consented to go into town. I have never been overly fond of ‘town’ and it seems that the more I go to town the more I hate it. There is nothing like shaking your shattered body amongst sweaty, unriney drunken louts, while being blasted with deafening noise and drinking overpriced beverages. This morning was even worse. First, I was privy to one such drunken lout continually checking out a female member of our party whilst I did my best to keep him away. Second, my hat was taken from me by a drunken lass who then tried to dirty dance me for it. Once she finally saw I was not up for it, she detached herself and returned my hat to my great relief. I thus quietly waited for this torture to end.

We finally crashed at 3 am to rise at 9 am for the next day’s activities. This only involved a short bout of sport and a quick lunch for my crew. My knee held true during the quiet game of soccer which pleased me no end. By 1.30 pm we were back on the road heading home. The highlight of the trip was starring continually at the setting sun just above the horizon. I don’t think I have ever seen such a beautiful, round, orange sun. I was sad to see him go, but he must be shared.

We arrived in Wellington just before 8 pm and readied ourselves for our next appointment. By 9 pm we were dressed up again for a Bec’s 21st cocktail party. Another splendid evening filled with heated political debates, tasty drinks and a warm fire.

Today I headed off to the Nui for church with Tim and Dan. After a good service and coffee we took off to the De Vries (the Nicola and Rachel branch). We proceeded to spend a pleasant afternoon in their company. I loved being in the family setting again, with noisy, fighting children and great hospitality. I think I will need to visit families more often.

In conclusion: it’s good to be alive.