Good morning all you lovely people. 🙂
I woke up this morning, and it felt a bit like the last day of school. You might recall from earlier in the week that I’m heading home to Rotorua to see an old friend who doesn’t have much time. A sad journey, but one I’m also looking forward to a bit.
Fi and I head off tomorrow morning and come back Wednesday. By my recollection, this will be the first time we’ve gone away anywhere, just the two of us since Johnny was born - and he turned 20 last month. Maybe it sounds lame, maybe it is, but we never felt the desire to go away and leave the kids. It even felt a bit weird not taking them this time - but they have work, school, and Uni, plus someone needs to look after the hounds.
Secondly, apart from the odd day here or there, this will be the first few days I’ve had off in coming on for three years of writing this newsletter. The coalition ensures that I’m not even close to running out of things to write about, but recharging the batteries for a few days is not a bad idea. No doubt I’ll post something, but probably just a road trip blog and no politics unless something really interesting happens…
That is a long-winded way of saying I haven’t written anything this morning, but I’m around all day, so I figured let’s have another go at an “Ask Me Anything.” Folks seemed keen last time.
So, ask me anything. You are welcome to ask about personal stuff and things other than politics, but politics is fine, too. Do you have any questions you’d like to ask? And don’t forget I don’t have to be the only one providing answers—this is your kōrero.
I’ve left this open, but you will need to be a paid subscriber to join in the comments. There are some options below, including a free trial, if you would like. 🙂
As always, a song to end. I have a feeling I might have played this one a while back or perhaps posted it on Facebook; either way, it’s a great celebration of Saturdays. I suspect it will resonate with Gen Xers.
I would like to discuss your need to take a break regularly. Like an extra day a week!
For goodness sake - we are not slave drivers. Just grateful for your work. We would happily release you from some publishing pressure to read research and compose. We are on YOUR side. Enjoy the time together and being turned off from work :)
I am sure your other subscribers would agree with me.
Thank you for the questions, lovely comments, and kind thoughts. Honestly, I feel incredibly fortunate to be doing something I am really passionate about—thank you for making that possible, and for letting me know there are kind-hearted people out there. Sometimes, it feels like a minority, but I've got a bit more faith in my fellow Kiwis than that, even those outside this bubble.