Journal

Every year I make New Year’s resolutions, hoping to create some positive change. The recurring theme each year involves more exercise, less alcohol, improving my finances, taking care of the family and becoming smarter. Once the glow of a fresh new year wears off, I struggle to make good on any of my plans. I am almost proudly one of the 50 percent of people who set a goal for the new year and fail! However, this year I want to join the camp of the winners and achieve my aspirations and dreams for 2021. 2020 has been a tough...

Christmas is different in New Zealand. Due to the country's heritage and roots (especially British), many traditions are observed, however, the climate makes the Kiwi Christmas something unique to a northern hemisphere Christmas. December is the middle of summer in New Zealand so a barbie on the beach for Christmas dinner is common. Christmas also marks the beginning of the summer holidays for most Kiwis, so many Christmas activities revolve around holidays. New Zealand is quite a diverse society, and many of the cultures represented do not recognize Christmas in the same way however it is a special time for...

To call one of our staff  a Christmas Grinch would be harsh. She is certainly not a grumpy person who spoils the pleasure of others or a killjoy, or a spoilsport which a Grinch is. She just thinks people don’t wear Christmas T-shirts with Christmas trees on them, it is not cool in her mind. So in response we have created three T-shirts, two women’s Christmas Tees and one men’s.  To be fair the women’s Christmas Tree t-shirt is me being stubborn and trying to prove a point that people will buy a nicely designed Christmas Tree t-shirt.  So we...

They tell us self-isolation involves following simple, common-sense steps to avoid close contact with other people. Doing so will help protect you and your family from spreading infectious diseases. There must be other benefits. The holiday season is coming, we get to spend time with family, passing presents around eating, drinking, playing together and there is no escape. Don’t get me wrong; I love my family. I really do. But after a lot of “together time" my energy is sapped, my brain becomes mush, and my body demands a quieter, less stimulating space. Taking more time for yourself has the ironic effect of...