Today is November 17 2011.
It has been four months since I wrote a piece on this site. Four months of perhaps not thinking about what would be appropriate, what would 'suffice', what would keep people interested as such. Forgetting also doesn't help.
But it's here now, so do enjoy :).
On November 15 2010 I started what I deem to be the biggest step in my soon-to-be 23-year-old life. A move from education into employment, an opportunity to engage in a professional environment, a chance to see whether I would sink or swim in the recreational waters of the journalism industry.
A year has since passed, and with it some soul-searching and heart-pounding moments of pride, honour, anxiety, doubt, the list goes on.
But the experience gained in that year - well, I reckon anyway - has helped me become someone who isn't afraid to ask significant questions, to network, to criticise and praise, to discover and to appreciate sport.
Cliches have come and gone. The game of two halves that involved being able to turn 'it' around and come away with the 'result' is now a distant memory.
The thrill of the job is still there, I enjoy what I do, but often it gets lost in the monotony of other parts in the job. Data entry, another press release, more unneccessarily long events to attend.
Still, it has been a great journey and easily the best 367 days of my life in terms of growth and development.
I still see my friends from university from time to time, it's great, they're loking slightly hairier than usual (Movember of course) but aside from that small aspect the banter continues to flow.
New friends made, some old friends fade, life is going well so far. Onwards and upwards as our Australian boss Chris would say.
Onwards and upwards indeed, Chris.
Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Dusting off the blogwebs..
Well hello there :)
It has been a little under four months since I last updated this. I feel quite bad about it, especially since I have a fair bit of time to update it.
Please accept my apology if you've been waiting for it :) This post is for you!
Since we last spoke I've decided to take on my biggest challenge at Sportal.co.nz yet - I'm writing a three-part feature on the development of women's football.
Why do this, you say?
The sports media in New Zealand is very male-oriented. Of the top five sports reported, or at least seen by the masses, one of them is female-specific. Rugby, rugby league, cricket, netball and football are the main sports exposed to you guys.
That's got to change.
Obviously football isn't a gender-specific sport, but the only time Kiwis hear about the Football Ferns is when they're on the biggest stage. Considering they're one of our more succesful teams historically, is that really the only time we should hear about them?
I'm interviewing approximately 15-20 people who are all directly involved with the Football Ferns or have been in the past. I'm interviewing various members of the Football Ferns, three of which are overseas-based, coach John Herdman, an under-20 representative and an under-17 representative, New Zealand's first ever international women's football team captain in Barbara Cox, former and current New Zealand Football representatives, OFC president David Chung, FIFA U17 2008 select committee members, SPARC representatives, and the Minister of Sport and Recreation Murray McCully.
This feature is going to explore some key decisions made by NZ Football in 2008 that led to the development, it'll see whether it has since created any significant progress, and then investigate what the future is for our female footballers, from professional contracts to qualifying in a different path as the 24th-ranked Kiwi women finally get some outside attention.
I know it almost sounds like PR for NZF, but it's far from that. I don't do it for the love of NZ Football, I'm doing it for the love of football itself. The fact this hasn't been done before is also a key temptation.
It's going to take a while to craft so bear with me, you'll be here every step of the way if interested :)
Anywho, that's all for me for now. Everything else is good, shwing! Except I chose North Harbour in the opening game of the ITM Cup against Otago and we got wasted 46-29. Crap!
It has been a little under four months since I last updated this. I feel quite bad about it, especially since I have a fair bit of time to update it.
Please accept my apology if you've been waiting for it :) This post is for you!
Since we last spoke I've decided to take on my biggest challenge at Sportal.co.nz yet - I'm writing a three-part feature on the development of women's football.
Why do this, you say?
The sports media in New Zealand is very male-oriented. Of the top five sports reported, or at least seen by the masses, one of them is female-specific. Rugby, rugby league, cricket, netball and football are the main sports exposed to you guys.
That's got to change.
Obviously football isn't a gender-specific sport, but the only time Kiwis hear about the Football Ferns is when they're on the biggest stage. Considering they're one of our more succesful teams historically, is that really the only time we should hear about them?
I'm interviewing approximately 15-20 people who are all directly involved with the Football Ferns or have been in the past. I'm interviewing various members of the Football Ferns, three of which are overseas-based, coach John Herdman, an under-20 representative and an under-17 representative, New Zealand's first ever international women's football team captain in Barbara Cox, former and current New Zealand Football representatives, OFC president David Chung, FIFA U17 2008 select committee members, SPARC representatives, and the Minister of Sport and Recreation Murray McCully.
This feature is going to explore some key decisions made by NZ Football in 2008 that led to the development, it'll see whether it has since created any significant progress, and then investigate what the future is for our female footballers, from professional contracts to qualifying in a different path as the 24th-ranked Kiwi women finally get some outside attention.
I know it almost sounds like PR for NZF, but it's far from that. I don't do it for the love of NZ Football, I'm doing it for the love of football itself. The fact this hasn't been done before is also a key temptation.
It's going to take a while to craft so bear with me, you'll be here every step of the way if interested :)
Anywho, that's all for me for now. Everything else is good, shwing! Except I chose North Harbour in the opening game of the ITM Cup against Otago and we got wasted 46-29. Crap!
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
RIP: Wellington Sport
Before I begin this post, I just want to assert that I call Wellington home. I lived there for 18 years before the pilgrimage to Auckland.
I love Wellington, it's still my favourite in New Zealand. Eastbourne, Lyall Bay, the Botanical Gardens, the capital city is full of great places to hang out.
One thing that I am a ltitle embarrassed about, however, is their sports record at the moment.
Cricket, rugby, football, netball, it has been a consistently difficult area for us to excel in. Don't get me wrong, softball and league are two sports we aren't bad at, but the capital's current crisis is nothing to be proud about.
I'll take you through sport by sport to assess just how poorly the counrty's third largest city is faring in various sports:
Rugby: The Hurricanes began this year looking to make the three. But under their new coach Mark Hammett the Hurricanes look disorganised and often look like they're going backwards more than forwards. There is still an alarming lack of discipline which often costs them games, and none can be more obvious than Andrew Hore's sinbinning against the Blues last week. Yes, it's HAmmett's debut season with the Hurricanes, but when you have had no Super Rugby coaching experience what do you call upon? The Canes will be lucky to nab even second position in the New Zealand conference the way the Blues, Crusaders and to an extent the Highlanders are doing. HEre's hoping they prove me wrong. The Wellington Lions have been unlucky to win a final since 2000, and you ahve to wonder what their confidence is like now that Jamie Joseph has finally had enough.
Cricket: Wellington have the best test ground in New Zealand: The Basin Reserve. Despite this, they can't make the most of having it as their home turf and have struggled for years with their cricket. One only needs to see their record form the 2010/2011 season:
Plunket Shield: currently second-last
HRV Cup: second-last
One Day competition: last
The women's team have been carrying this lot for the last couple of years. After topping the Action T20 Cup standings, the defending champion Wellington Blaze side lost to the Canterbury Magicians by six wickets. WEll done girls, now if only you could play for the men's sides.
Netball: It's not a good sign when the headline after a win is "They did it!". Netball in the Wellington region has been arguably the worst performing sport in the capital. The Shakers never did anything for the National Bank Cup, and the Pulse are flatlining in the ANZ Championship. One has to wonder how long this circus will last in what is supposed to be the world's premier netball competition. They say you're only as good as your weakest link - this could well be the time they were wrong.
Football: The Wellington Phoenix arrived with much fanfare to the region courtesy of mogul Terry Serepisos. Understandably he was named Wellingtonian of the year not long afterwards. It's abotu time he gets nominated for a second gong for slipping his way through the legal papers to ensure the company and the team stay afloat. It's such a disappointing distraction for all players involved, and quite frankly it's no surprise Marco Rojas jumped ships when security and quality in Melbourne Victory came calling. The professional nature of the side is incredibly prominent, but it is frsutrating nonetheless. A top six spot could be in the mix for the Phoenix this year, but they'll need to put this financial situation behind them. Hopefully it is resolved sooner rather than later.
It's not all doom and gloom, however. The Wellington Saints won their sixth title with Pero Cameron.
Wellingtonians always get out in droves to support their teams. The Pulse fans have been so loyal Dave Dobbyn would have been inspired to write a second version solely to honour them. But it won't last forever, and the teams need to realise they're going to get up for it, so the fans can be bothered to get up for them.
I love Wellington, it's still my favourite in New Zealand. Eastbourne, Lyall Bay, the Botanical Gardens, the capital city is full of great places to hang out.
One thing that I am a ltitle embarrassed about, however, is their sports record at the moment.
Cricket, rugby, football, netball, it has been a consistently difficult area for us to excel in. Don't get me wrong, softball and league are two sports we aren't bad at, but the capital's current crisis is nothing to be proud about.
I'll take you through sport by sport to assess just how poorly the counrty's third largest city is faring in various sports:
Rugby: The Hurricanes began this year looking to make the three. But under their new coach Mark Hammett the Hurricanes look disorganised and often look like they're going backwards more than forwards. There is still an alarming lack of discipline which often costs them games, and none can be more obvious than Andrew Hore's sinbinning against the Blues last week. Yes, it's HAmmett's debut season with the Hurricanes, but when you have had no Super Rugby coaching experience what do you call upon? The Canes will be lucky to nab even second position in the New Zealand conference the way the Blues, Crusaders and to an extent the Highlanders are doing. HEre's hoping they prove me wrong. The Wellington Lions have been unlucky to win a final since 2000, and you ahve to wonder what their confidence is like now that Jamie Joseph has finally had enough.
Cricket: Wellington have the best test ground in New Zealand: The Basin Reserve. Despite this, they can't make the most of having it as their home turf and have struggled for years with their cricket. One only needs to see their record form the 2010/2011 season:
Plunket Shield: currently second-last
HRV Cup: second-last
One Day competition: last
The women's team have been carrying this lot for the last couple of years. After topping the Action T20 Cup standings, the defending champion Wellington Blaze side lost to the Canterbury Magicians by six wickets. WEll done girls, now if only you could play for the men's sides.
Netball: It's not a good sign when the headline after a win is "They did it!". Netball in the Wellington region has been arguably the worst performing sport in the capital. The Shakers never did anything for the National Bank Cup, and the Pulse are flatlining in the ANZ Championship. One has to wonder how long this circus will last in what is supposed to be the world's premier netball competition. They say you're only as good as your weakest link - this could well be the time they were wrong.
Football: The Wellington Phoenix arrived with much fanfare to the region courtesy of mogul Terry Serepisos. Understandably he was named Wellingtonian of the year not long afterwards. It's abotu time he gets nominated for a second gong for slipping his way through the legal papers to ensure the company and the team stay afloat. It's such a disappointing distraction for all players involved, and quite frankly it's no surprise Marco Rojas jumped ships when security and quality in Melbourne Victory came calling. The professional nature of the side is incredibly prominent, but it is frsutrating nonetheless. A top six spot could be in the mix for the Phoenix this year, but they'll need to put this financial situation behind them. Hopefully it is resolved sooner rather than later.
It's not all doom and gloom, however. The Wellington Saints won their sixth title with Pero Cameron.
Wellingtonians always get out in droves to support their teams. The Pulse fans have been so loyal Dave Dobbyn would have been inspired to write a second version solely to honour them. But it won't last forever, and the teams need to realise they're going to get up for it, so the fans can be bothered to get up for them.
Sports and shakes
Is it a love of sport or a love of humanity that should encapsulate a tournament?
We have been on one side of the fence up until now. The Cantabrians are desperate for Christchurch to host seven matches, including two quarter-finals that they were allotted despite the intense rumbling and shaking of their grounds. As a region they were looking for some sort of lift, and any news about the security of hosting those matches would allow people to breathe a heavy sigh of relief.
It's hard to argue with their situation. Their main venue, AMI Stadium, is a wreck, as are the hotels, motels and other forms of accomadation due to host a significant amount of the 85,000 due to arrive on our shores during the tournament. It really is munted.
In the end, the right decision was mde to shift the games, much to the region's imminent disappointment but to the relief of the rest of the country. The rugby community in Christchurch is devastated, but there is nothing they can do as fear and uncertainty continue to surround a region where some areas still struggle without power.
The All Whites were scheduled to travel to play Japan in Tokyo on March 29. Japanese footballing officials stood firm in the hope of the match continuing on for reasons that parallel Christchurch's hosting of World Cup matches: To provide a shimmer of light within the darkness of the tragedy, to give fans a 90 minute distraction from the lifetime of horrific memories now engrained in each and every one of them.
To give them a break.
The differences between the two scenarios are clearly illustrated: On one side there is a world class tournament expected to bring tens of thousands of supporters, and broadcasted to over four billion people which is crucial for not only our rugby fraternity but our image. On the other side is a football friendly between a top class football side in Japan and a team ranked just outside the top 50. Needless to say, the All Whites would not be travelling with an entourage of 80,000.
But what must be similar in both scenarios is the level of anxiety felt by concerned friends, families and fans. The supporters of the All Whites were incredibly concerned about the safety of the team, while the tens of thousands of supporters kept an eye on Christchurch up until the final announcement was made last week.
Whether it is 80,000 or 80, players, their families, coaching staff and supporters need to feel at ease when they arrive. Surely, then, the answer must be, in incredibly unfortunate circumstances, to shift venues.
John Key responded to a call by English writer Peter Bills' claims the safety of the tourists travelling to Christchurch can be repaired in six months time by telling him to stay as a writer and not a seismologist. It was fair reaction as you can get to dispel the inevitable fear rushing through countless Britons reading Bills' articles.
But you cannot help but feel the Government made the absolute correct move, not only for sensibility, but consistency. If the Canterbury matches were to go ahead while the All Whites-Japan clash was cancelled, what does that do to help ease the fears of supporters et al? Canterbury, it's a shame, but you know as much as we do that you're a strong wee bugger and you'll bounce back quicker than ever.
We have been on one side of the fence up until now. The Cantabrians are desperate for Christchurch to host seven matches, including two quarter-finals that they were allotted despite the intense rumbling and shaking of their grounds. As a region they were looking for some sort of lift, and any news about the security of hosting those matches would allow people to breathe a heavy sigh of relief.
It's hard to argue with their situation. Their main venue, AMI Stadium, is a wreck, as are the hotels, motels and other forms of accomadation due to host a significant amount of the 85,000 due to arrive on our shores during the tournament. It really is munted.
In the end, the right decision was mde to shift the games, much to the region's imminent disappointment but to the relief of the rest of the country. The rugby community in Christchurch is devastated, but there is nothing they can do as fear and uncertainty continue to surround a region where some areas still struggle without power.
The All Whites were scheduled to travel to play Japan in Tokyo on March 29. Japanese footballing officials stood firm in the hope of the match continuing on for reasons that parallel Christchurch's hosting of World Cup matches: To provide a shimmer of light within the darkness of the tragedy, to give fans a 90 minute distraction from the lifetime of horrific memories now engrained in each and every one of them.
To give them a break.
The differences between the two scenarios are clearly illustrated: On one side there is a world class tournament expected to bring tens of thousands of supporters, and broadcasted to over four billion people which is crucial for not only our rugby fraternity but our image. On the other side is a football friendly between a top class football side in Japan and a team ranked just outside the top 50. Needless to say, the All Whites would not be travelling with an entourage of 80,000.
But what must be similar in both scenarios is the level of anxiety felt by concerned friends, families and fans. The supporters of the All Whites were incredibly concerned about the safety of the team, while the tens of thousands of supporters kept an eye on Christchurch up until the final announcement was made last week.
Whether it is 80,000 or 80, players, their families, coaching staff and supporters need to feel at ease when they arrive. Surely, then, the answer must be, in incredibly unfortunate circumstances, to shift venues.
John Key responded to a call by English writer Peter Bills' claims the safety of the tourists travelling to Christchurch can be repaired in six months time by telling him to stay as a writer and not a seismologist. It was fair reaction as you can get to dispel the inevitable fear rushing through countless Britons reading Bills' articles.
But you cannot help but feel the Government made the absolute correct move, not only for sensibility, but consistency. If the Canterbury matches were to go ahead while the All Whites-Japan clash was cancelled, what does that do to help ease the fears of supporters et al? Canterbury, it's a shame, but you know as much as we do that you're a strong wee bugger and you'll bounce back quicker than ever.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
End of January update + new song
"And when I return we'll be better than before,
Like two little shells on the shore"
Life's been interesting as of late. Work's been superb - going from working at the Heineken, to covering my first NZ Breakers game this week, and then going to my first international game - NZ v. Pakistan in an ODI at Eden Park - not a bad way to start 2011.
As you're all aware, 2011 didn't really start particularly flash. I'd have to give the opening round of 2011 to Life. Car scenario after car scenario taught me that insurance should always be a top priority! Haha. THough it did teach me another life lesson. You can either wallow in your sorrow for an extended period and suffer, or try and see a positive in it and maximise that positive to help yourself out. In my case, no one was seriously injured/dead - which is a rather big positive!
I have been very fortunate to have the workmates that I do. They all know i'm a bit of a no0bie newbie and are incredibly patient so that helps. The boss is someone I have a lot of respect for, and enjoy a good laugh with. Liam's been really helpful in chcking things over with and having a good laugh and a yarn with. Then there's Helen, our big boss who is all about banter when it comes to English sport. She also makes the most sensational trifle!! Thanks also to Christine for helping me out when needed :)
As I sit writing this I'm trying to think about a wee phrase or something that defines how family's doing at the moment. I guess for all money's worth (little phrase) they're doing well. On the up, you could say, which is always incredibly satisfying to hear when you call from Auckland. Love to the family and extended family - and to Wiremu and Ali who are havin a son in March. Congratulations!
Things with the female partner who shall remain anonymous (will just acknowledge that she is real, however) are going really well. Has been a while since feeling this comfortable about being myself around someone I like, so that's always a positive in my books! It has been interesting hearing various perspectives of our relationship - because of my Christian beliefs and her non-Christian beliefs, views play their part - but to be honest, at the moment for me the focus is on love and nothing else. That is my view, anywho :).
The wee quote at the top of the post is actually from a song I wrote for the wahine. I was down in Wellington and walking down on a beach just north of there when I saw a couple of shells next to each other. From then I automatically thought of my return to the Auckland we all know and love (Right Wellingtonians?). So this is just a wee cutesie song that I whipped up on Garageband.
Life is for enjoying, I have found. And that's what 2011 has taught me so far. There can be negatives for sure, but don't make them a priority.
Here's the link to the song from which the quote at the top of the post is from. It's called Shells on the shore, I hope you enjoy it!
http://soundcloud.com/musicbymatiuworkman/shells-on-the-shore
Matiu out.
Follow: @matiutheworkman
Like two little shells on the shore"
Life's been interesting as of late. Work's been superb - going from working at the Heineken, to covering my first NZ Breakers game this week, and then going to my first international game - NZ v. Pakistan in an ODI at Eden Park - not a bad way to start 2011.
As you're all aware, 2011 didn't really start particularly flash. I'd have to give the opening round of 2011 to Life. Car scenario after car scenario taught me that insurance should always be a top priority! Haha. THough it did teach me another life lesson. You can either wallow in your sorrow for an extended period and suffer, or try and see a positive in it and maximise that positive to help yourself out. In my case, no one was seriously injured/dead - which is a rather big positive!
I have been very fortunate to have the workmates that I do. They all know i'm a bit of a no0bie newbie and are incredibly patient so that helps. The boss is someone I have a lot of respect for, and enjoy a good laugh with. Liam's been really helpful in chcking things over with and having a good laugh and a yarn with. Then there's Helen, our big boss who is all about banter when it comes to English sport. She also makes the most sensational trifle!! Thanks also to Christine for helping me out when needed :)
As I sit writing this I'm trying to think about a wee phrase or something that defines how family's doing at the moment. I guess for all money's worth (little phrase) they're doing well. On the up, you could say, which is always incredibly satisfying to hear when you call from Auckland. Love to the family and extended family - and to Wiremu and Ali who are havin a son in March. Congratulations!
Things with the female partner who shall remain anonymous (will just acknowledge that she is real, however) are going really well. Has been a while since feeling this comfortable about being myself around someone I like, so that's always a positive in my books! It has been interesting hearing various perspectives of our relationship - because of my Christian beliefs and her non-Christian beliefs, views play their part - but to be honest, at the moment for me the focus is on love and nothing else. That is my view, anywho :).
The wee quote at the top of the post is actually from a song I wrote for the wahine. I was down in Wellington and walking down on a beach just north of there when I saw a couple of shells next to each other. From then I automatically thought of my return to the Auckland we all know and love (Right Wellingtonians?). So this is just a wee cutesie song that I whipped up on Garageband.
Life is for enjoying, I have found. And that's what 2011 has taught me so far. There can be negatives for sure, but don't make them a priority.
Here's the link to the song from which the quote at the top of the post is from. It's called Shells on the shore, I hope you enjoy it!
http://soundcloud.com/musicbymatiuworkman/shells-on-the-shore
Matiu out.
Follow: @matiutheworkman
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Cherishing the big stage
This week instead of sitting in Sportal's Auckand office, I have had the luxury of covering the Heineken Open for the company. For those not in the sporting know or are overseas it is the sole ATP Tour event here in New Zealand, and this year's field includes David Ferrer, John Isner, David Nalbandian and more.
I'm not one to be shy on the big stage. I use to love doing productions and stuff for my parents with my best friend at the time, Rutene Spooner. He's since gone on to do real productions that people actually pay to watch. Me? I'm more inclined to write about them.
This is besides the point. Needlessly to say, my first experience at the Heineken Open was that of relief - one of my favourite people in Auckland, and former classmate at AUT University Troels Somerville was working at the Heineken too! Sennsational I though - until I found out he was only working the first two days.
We spent those two days working, walking and talking about how things were going. He's moved on to the big world of fulltime work, as had I. It was incredibly exciting even just to discuss this with the man, because it was as if we were back at university - not for the books, but for the banter.
Anyway, as I came home tonight I had a big think about it - this is me. Matiu Workman, Sports reporter and web editor for www.sportal.co.nz. This is me in this first chapter of life outside of education. As a friend of mine said, it's hard to think of the daily grind and that we're another cog in the mix.
But are we another cog in the mix?
For instead of comparing ourselves to something inanimate, let us compare ourselves to something living - the human body. Instead of feeling like a worthless, oiled cog in the industrialised world of capitalism, why not be the brain in the body of fulltime work that both affects and inspires others? Surely that's a goal worth keeping.
That's my wee rant-in-old-english segment for this blog.
Life hasn't been exactly rosy for the Workman family, as you may well know. I have managed to feature in two car accidents this year, dad has also been one, and I managed to forget where I parked my car for over an hour on Monday. Thanks again, Troels, for keeping the sanity levels at a very respectable 5.6/10 at that stage.
Life's going really well, really enjoying it. It's hard to often have time for yourself and just think about how life is actually going for you. Whether it's on the up or if it's missing something. But when you do have that time, it's bliss, and often provides the catalyst for change or acceptance.
Make time for yourselves. It's sensational!
I'm not one to be shy on the big stage. I use to love doing productions and stuff for my parents with my best friend at the time, Rutene Spooner. He's since gone on to do real productions that people actually pay to watch. Me? I'm more inclined to write about them.
This is besides the point. Needlessly to say, my first experience at the Heineken Open was that of relief - one of my favourite people in Auckland, and former classmate at AUT University Troels Somerville was working at the Heineken too! Sennsational I though - until I found out he was only working the first two days.
We spent those two days working, walking and talking about how things were going. He's moved on to the big world of fulltime work, as had I. It was incredibly exciting even just to discuss this with the man, because it was as if we were back at university - not for the books, but for the banter.
Anyway, as I came home tonight I had a big think about it - this is me. Matiu Workman, Sports reporter and web editor for www.sportal.co.nz. This is me in this first chapter of life outside of education. As a friend of mine said, it's hard to think of the daily grind and that we're another cog in the mix.
But are we another cog in the mix?
For instead of comparing ourselves to something inanimate, let us compare ourselves to something living - the human body. Instead of feeling like a worthless, oiled cog in the industrialised world of capitalism, why not be the brain in the body of fulltime work that both affects and inspires others? Surely that's a goal worth keeping.
That's my wee rant-in-old-english segment for this blog.
Life hasn't been exactly rosy for the Workman family, as you may well know. I have managed to feature in two car accidents this year, dad has also been one, and I managed to forget where I parked my car for over an hour on Monday. Thanks again, Troels, for keeping the sanity levels at a very respectable 5.6/10 at that stage.
Life's going really well, really enjoying it. It's hard to often have time for yourself and just think about how life is actually going for you. Whether it's on the up or if it's missing something. But when you do have that time, it's bliss, and often provides the catalyst for change or acceptance.
Make time for yourselves. It's sensational!
Monday, January 3, 2011
A New Year - A New Beginning
Ladies and gentlemen, it is with my deepest regret that I haven't updated this blog in too long a time. So this is my attempt to ressurect it, if you will, under a new title - The Sideline Report.
It's one of my New Years Resolutions to get this up to date. I have a few other smaller ones - get fitter, stop saying 'lol' etc - but for me this one could be one of the bigger ones.
Communication for me has always been a big thing. I like it so much I studied it - and here I am at the other end of the long walkway with a Bachelor of Communciation Studies.
The new year promises to be an interesting one. Here at work, we are all focussing on a big year in sport - Cricket World Cup, Rugby World Cup, and the numerous competitions that act as a curtain raiser, if you will, to those events.
In an odd sort of way, 2011 will be very similar for me in a personal sense.
This year has already been a drama filled year. I crashed my car for the first time yesterday, was a bit scary but it's all good now that I've bashed the buttons off the Playstation controller. Stupid FIFA. But through that I got a lot of support and texts, and even a phone call asking if I was OK. What I learnt was that when you're down - look around you and appreciate peoples' feelings and compassion. It is them that matter to you, no matter the event; tragic, funny, a major achievement, disappointment, and so forth. That crash was, I guess, a major event. Here's hoping there aren't too many more that.
:)
The title alludes to a new chapter in my life. 2011 is my first year in 18 years where formal education ceases and real education begins. Life lessons, collecting thoughts, experiential learning and reminiscing are all important aspects of 2011.
I had hoped to get some personal thought collection done at my beach house, and I got it on my first night. Just me, the beach, and the stars. That night I went for a two hour walk with the MP3 player, listening to some thought-provoking music. Well, no. I listened to one song, really. Celtic Woman's cover of May It Be provided me with some peace and calm on a beautiful night.
It also provided me with an opportunity to sing gloriously out of tune with absolutely zero critics. Was marvellous.
I also stumbled across a couple of cool looking shells, which have provided the imagery in my latest song I'm working on - Two Shells. It's about the return of a guy to his beloved, and comparing his adoration for her to two seashells sitting on the shore. It's all very soppy. I don't really mind though, I mean, I did write it.
2011 is the year of the Rugby World Cup, and the year of learning about the big wide world of employment. There are no teachers now, it is all self taught.
Maybe this year will be harder than I thought.
I always appreciate feedback, photos, memories, recollections etc here at The Sideline Report. Looking forward to reading, viewing and smiling at your responses.
Out!
Matiu
It's one of my New Years Resolutions to get this up to date. I have a few other smaller ones - get fitter, stop saying 'lol' etc - but for me this one could be one of the bigger ones.
Communication for me has always been a big thing. I like it so much I studied it - and here I am at the other end of the long walkway with a Bachelor of Communciation Studies.
The new year promises to be an interesting one. Here at work, we are all focussing on a big year in sport - Cricket World Cup, Rugby World Cup, and the numerous competitions that act as a curtain raiser, if you will, to those events.
In an odd sort of way, 2011 will be very similar for me in a personal sense.
This year has already been a drama filled year. I crashed my car for the first time yesterday, was a bit scary but it's all good now that I've bashed the buttons off the Playstation controller. Stupid FIFA. But through that I got a lot of support and texts, and even a phone call asking if I was OK. What I learnt was that when you're down - look around you and appreciate peoples' feelings and compassion. It is them that matter to you, no matter the event; tragic, funny, a major achievement, disappointment, and so forth. That crash was, I guess, a major event. Here's hoping there aren't too many more that.
:)
The title alludes to a new chapter in my life. 2011 is my first year in 18 years where formal education ceases and real education begins. Life lessons, collecting thoughts, experiential learning and reminiscing are all important aspects of 2011.
I had hoped to get some personal thought collection done at my beach house, and I got it on my first night. Just me, the beach, and the stars. That night I went for a two hour walk with the MP3 player, listening to some thought-provoking music. Well, no. I listened to one song, really. Celtic Woman's cover of May It Be provided me with some peace and calm on a beautiful night.
It also provided me with an opportunity to sing gloriously out of tune with absolutely zero critics. Was marvellous.
I also stumbled across a couple of cool looking shells, which have provided the imagery in my latest song I'm working on - Two Shells. It's about the return of a guy to his beloved, and comparing his adoration for her to two seashells sitting on the shore. It's all very soppy. I don't really mind though, I mean, I did write it.
2011 is the year of the Rugby World Cup, and the year of learning about the big wide world of employment. There are no teachers now, it is all self taught.
Maybe this year will be harder than I thought.
I always appreciate feedback, photos, memories, recollections etc here at The Sideline Report. Looking forward to reading, viewing and smiling at your responses.
Out!
Matiu
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