Just for this day...

Just for this morning, I am going to smile whenever I see your face. and laugh when I feel like crying. Just for this morning, I will let you wake up softly, all rumpled in your flannel and I will hold you until you are ready.
Just for this morning, I will let you choose what you want to wear, and smile and say you're beautiful. Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

Just for this morning, I am going to eat a huge breakfast , with bacon eggs, toast and waffles, and you don't have to eat any. Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that 100 piece puzzle together.
Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the garden blowing bubbles. Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck, and I will buy you one if he comes by.

Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up or who you might have been before your diagnosis. Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to 'fix' things.
Just for this afternoon, I will let you put all kinds of barettes in my hair, and put lipstick on my face, and I will tell you how pretty you have made me look. Just for this afternoon I will take you to McDonalds and buy us both a Happy meal so you can have both toys.

Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born, and how much we love you. Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the bathtub and not get angry when you throw water over your sister's head.
Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch swing and count all the stars. Just for this evening, I will bring you glasses of water, and snuggle beside you for three hours and miss my favorite show on t.v.

Just for this evening, When I kneel down to pray, I will simply be grateful for all that I have and not ask for anything, except...
Just one more day.

~ Sally Meyer c.1999

My name is...

My name is Kendall,
I am three,
My eyes are swollen..
I cannot see.

I must be stupid,
I must be bad,
What else could have made,
My mommy so mad?

I wish I were better,
I wish I weren´t ugly,
Then maybe my mommy,
Would still want to hug me.

I can't do a wrong,
I can't speak at all,
Or else I'm locked up,
All day long.

When I'm awake,
I'm all alone,
The house is dark,
And nobody is home.

When my mommy does come home,
I'll try and be nice,
So maybe I'll just get,
One whipping tonight.

I just heard a car,
My mommy is back,
From some bar

I hear her curse,
My name is called,
I press myself,
Against the wall.

I try to hide,
From her evil eyes,
I'm so afraid now,
I'm starting to cry.

She finds me weeping,
Calls me ugly words,
She says its my fault,
She suffers at work.

She slaps and hits me,
And yells at me more,
I finally get free,
And run to the door.

She's already locked it,
And I start to bawl,
She takes me and throws me,
Against the hard wall.

I fall to the floor,
With my bones nearly broken,
And my mommy continues,
With more bad words spoken.

"I'm sorry!", I scream,
But it´s now much to late,
Her face has been twisted,
Into an unimaginable shape.

The hurt and the pain,
Again and again,
O please God, have mercy!
O please let it end!

And she finally stops,
And heads for the door,
While I lay there motionless,
Sprawled on the floor.

My name is Kendall,
I am three,
Tonight my mommy,
Murdered me.

The NYY grab it!!

Finally! The New York Yankees have taken out the 27th World Series title clinching it in Game 6 with Hideki Matsui taking out the series MVP. Andy Pettitte started it off with my favourite closing pitcher Mariano Rivera....er, closing. I've been waiting since 2000 to see them get another title, and now, that wait is over. [+]

Now all those people around the world that wear stuff, you know, with those two letters on them, NY, can be proud and claim... stuff, rather than just wearing it because it's cool, or trendy, or someone famous dons the attire. [+]

By the way, Hideki became the first Japanese-born player to be named World Series MVP. Great job there Mr Matsui ! [+]

Goes Across the Sky Woman

Hanging Cloud (Ojibwa name Ah-shah-way-gee-she-go-qua (Aazhawigiizhigokwe in the contemporary spelling), meaning "Goes Across the Sky Woman") was an Ojibwa woman who was a full warrior (ogichidaakwe in Ojibwe) among her people, and claimed by the Wisconsin Historical Society as the only woman to ever become one. She was the daughter of Chief Nenaa'angebi (Beautifying Bird) and his wife Niigi'o. Aazhawigiizhigokwe was of the Niibinaabe-doodem (Merman Clan), of the Prairie Rice Lake Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Her Band became part of the Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians after the 1854 Treaty of La Pointe.

According to Morse, Aazhawigiizhigokwe wore war paint, carried full weapons, and took part in battles, raids and hunting parties. She was a full member of the war council, performed war dances, and participated in all warrior ceremonies. Shortly after father's death in 1855, her village was ambushed by her Mdewakanton uncle, Chief Shák'pí. In this ambush, she defended her village and killed a son of Chief Shák'pí, her cousin. Armstrong recorded how she was very proud of that period of her life.

Aazhawigiizhigokwe lived near Rice Lake, Wisconsin. She became the wife of Edward Dingley in 1857, and had a son. Her husband served in the Union Army during the American Civil War but when assumed dead, she remarried. After the War, when her first husband returned to Wisconsin and heard of his wife's remarriage, they made arrangements to meet with each other and agreed to let her maintain her second marriage. She worked for many years as a housekeeper for a local lumber baron. She died in 1919. [+]

Warriors unknown..

Aisling Symes

Rest in peace in the Heavens Aisling.

"Take your last step towards heaven and its glow

Take your last breath of sunlight, don't let it go

Take your last look to remember, so that you know"

- Virginia Wigmore "Hallelujah"

Where is Aisling?

October 07, 2009 : 8:35pm *Update*

October 07, 2009 : 6:45pm *Update*

Aisling Symes is missing

She is a 2 year old toddler from Henderson, Auckland. She looks so precious that I truly hope she is found safe and sound. My heart goes out to those who love her.

The latest news has over 100 people searching for her since yesterday after 530pm which is when she was noticed missing. This includes specialist teams, police, a few members from the army, air force, and fire services, including civilians. There is even a 10 person unit apparently in operation for a routine foul play investigation. Dive teams and the eagle eye in the sky are also assisting.

It is well over a day now since she has been missing, and police have already called off the search, to be resumed tomorrow morning. Apparently an Asian woman in her 30's may possibly hold the key to her disappearance. If my daughter were missing for this long in these circumstances, I would be absolutely devastated. So I shall dream tonight that she is found safely smiling.

Check the latest update here: Asian woman sought in missing toddler case

Other links: [1] [2] [3] [4]

David defeats Goliath

And there you have it folks. David Tua defeats Shane Cameron by way of TKO seven seconds into the second round. The fight of the century is over and David has silenced his critics and shown everyone that he should be given a shot at the title.

David knocked Shane out twice near the end of the first round without mercy, brutally flattening him with left and right power combinations. Shane was a sad mess. After the second knock down there was a little confusion as to whether it should continue. The referee held the fight up unsure perhaps or unable to hear what should happen next. The delay caused the bell to ring and gave Shane a chance to crawl to his corner with an infinitesimal amount of respite.

The second round came and seven seconds later, Shane kissed the canvas in a world of hurt.

If you did not see the fight, you must watch it whether it be through highlights, a replay, or by way of YouTube. The amount of speed, power, and accuracy David possessed was pehnomenal. This was clearly the best fight I have ever seen. Shane put up his guard somewhat, but David's power plowed through his gloves with pinpoint accuracy via left and right combinations.

The undercard by the way was John Hopoate and Colin Wilson. Expecting Hopoate to win, I am sure many were surprised when the older Wilson destroyed Hopoate by knockout.

Great fight night for New Zealand, and a bright future for David Tua.

Ketsana

Another tragedy a few days ago. It can make one wonder what the next two years will bring. So sad, it makes hearts ache.

View the devastation Ketsana has brought here.

Double Ten Day

Read about it here and here.

Galleries can be viewed here and here.

Toddler swept away

A two-year-old Auckland boy has been confirmed as one of three New Zealanders killed in the Samoan tsunami and authorities fear for the safety of two more.

The toddler is the third New Zealander to be confirmed dead. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade have concerns for two other Kiwis who were holidaying at the Taufua Resort in Lalomanu.

The toddler was swept out to sea as he was playing on the beach with his parents at Lalomanu when the 6m wave came ashore on Wednesday.

His parents swam to safety. [+]

I can't even imagine what the parents must be going through. They heard the warnings but it was too late. As they tried to escape, a wave got them, and unfortunately the boy didn't make it. I have a two year old daughter, and I can only but imagine the heart ache. There are hundreds of sad stories in the aftermath of the Samoan natural disaster. Be thankful for your life and stop moaning about the little things.

Samoan tragedy!

As many of you around the world have heard, a devastating tsunami has hit several parts of Samoa and surrounding areas. After a quake at 6:48AM today the magnitude of 8.3 hit 200km's from Apia at a depth of 35km's, the death toll has been rising. As I write this, the toll has risen to over 100.

Latest news and updates:

Over 100 dead in Samoa - health workers

Latest blog updates

Gallery of the devastation:

Earthquake triggers tsunami in Samoa

How cool is this?

Numark X2 Professional Hybrid Turntable & CD/MP3 Player [+]

Who is she?

Just another little girl... [+]

Another dead toddler.

Police have named the Morrinsville toddler who died in hospital on Saturday night. She was 22-month-old Hail-Sage McClutchie, of Hamilton.

Hail-Sage's family were known to Child Youth and Family.

"Although we have had no involvement with the toddler, her wider family is known to Child, Youth and Family," said general manager Lorraine Williams.

"My condolences are with those who loved and cared for her. We will continue to work alongside the police as they complete their investigations."

Residents near the Studholme St house in the Waikato town say they were told the toddler had brain damage when paramedics arrived on Saturday afternoon.

Police said Hail-Sage had serious injuries and said her death was suspicious. However, they remained cautious about labelling it a homicide. [+]

Toddler's death now a homicide

Police have launched a homicide inquiry following the death of three-year-old Palmerston North girl Kash McKinnon.

Officers found the girl with critical injuries at a Hulme St house on Wednesday after a visitor called an ambulance.

Kash had been at the house in the care of a 21-year-old man who was not her father, along with three other children aged two, four and six.

She died in Palmerston North Hospital at midday yesterday with her mother by her side. [+]

Details have not been fully disclosed yet to the public, but I hope it is not one of the millions of heard and unheard stories all over the world of child neglect, abuse, beatings, murders, and those kinds of things. People are trying to get rid of their little children for all kinds of reasons. Maybe they were abused, maybe they lack education, maybe they just didn't think of the consequences of having a child and then just abused the child for "ruining" their life. Maybe they're just whores and drug addicts who got together with losers, who knows. There are all kinds all over the world.

I hear all kinds of stories everyday of these poor kids dying, or being murdered in one way or another. Tragic, sad stories. People are trying to get rid of their children and it just makes me sad. I would take a bullet to be able to see and play with my child everyday. I don't have a solution, it would take the world to pitch in.

David Tua vs Shane Cameron 2009

A quick remix I did to promote the "Fight Of The Century", well, in NZ anyway. A must not miss bout with David Tua and Shane Cameron. As you can tell by the video, I will be backing David Tua to win before the 5th round.

The fight will be held at The Pavilion in Mystery Creek, Hamilton, on October 3rd 2009.

Check out the website here.

The One I Love

Gonna close my eyes
Girl and watch you go
Running through this life darling
Like a field of snow
As the tracer glides
In its graceful arc
Send a little prayer out to ya
‘Cross the falling dark

Tell the repo man
And the stars above
You’re the one I love

Perfect summers night
Not a wind that breathes
Just the bullets whispering gentle
‘Mongst the new green leaves
There’s things I might have said
Only wish I could
Now I'm leaking life faster
Than I'm leaking blood

Tell the repo man
And the stars above
You’re the one I love
You’re the one I love
The one I love

Don’t see Elysium
Don’t see no fiery hell
Just the lights up bright baby
In the bay hotel
Next wave coming in
Like an ocean roar
Won’t you take my hand darling
On that old dancefloor

We can twist and shout
Do the turtle dove
And you’re the one I love
You’re the one I love
The one I love [+]

Losses...

Well it looks like the All Blacks couldn't take out the Springboks in the second Tri-Nations match, going down 28-19, and therefore have slipped down the IRB world rankings to second place!

New Zealand couldn't produce a consecutive fourth title in the 2009 ISF World Men's Softball Championships, losing the final to Australia 5-0, and coming out second place in the tournament after a gruelling schedule.

Never mind, onward soldiers. This weeks third Tri-Nations match puts the All Blacks against the Springboks again. Check out the lineup for another tough match in Durban.

Huge viewing experience!

Sony Bravia XBR Series 70" LCD TV (KDL70XBR7)

Don't just watch TV, experience it. The 70-inch, KDL-70XBR7 BRAVIA® XBR® LCD flat panel HDTV brings superior picture performance on a massive scale.

In addition to Full HD 1080p resolution, this HDTV features Motionflow™ 120Hz technology, which enhances motion to deliver a smoother and clearer looking picture.

It's also outfitted with a powerful BRAVIA Engine™ 2 PRO fully digital video processor that renders stunning images from any resolution.

Enjoy exceptional ease-of-use with the Xross Media Bar™ user interface, integrated TV Guide® Interactive Program Guide and BRAVIA Sync one-touch component control.

You can even expand your HDTV's capabilities with optional BRAVIA® Link modules (sold separately). This HDTV comes with an abundance connectivity options so you to connect the latest video sources. And with the gorgeous piano gloss black finish with floating glass accents, it will be the sharpest wall in your home. [+]

Tri-Nations Match 2 : Springboks vs All Blacks

Never mind the Tri-Nations, there's a far more attractive cherry to be plucked from the aftermath of this clash.

This is not only the second of the nine Tri-Nations matches this year, it is also a straight head-to-head winner-takes-all play-off for number one spot in the IRB rankings. The two undisputed heavyweights of world rugby clashing. Oh yes! [Preview]

It is a two test series between the two best sides in the world. On one side, we have the Lions conquerors and World Champions, South Africa. On the other, we have the defending Tri Nations champions and the IRB's number one ranked side, New Zealand. [Preview]

South Africa: Francois Steyn, JP Pietersen, Jaque Fourie, Jean de Villiers, Bryan Habana, Ruan Pieenar, Fourie du Preez, Pierre Spies, Juan Smith, Heinrich Brussow, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, John Smit (captain), Bismarck du Plessis, Tendai Mtawarira.

Reserves: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Jannie du Plessis, Danie Rossouw, Ryan Kankowski, Ricky Januarie, Morne Steyn, Wynand Olivier

New Zealand: Mils Muliaina, Joe Rokocoko, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Brendon Leonard, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (captain), Jerome Kaino, Isaac Ross, Brad Thorn, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock.

Reserves: Keven Mealamu, Owen Franks, Jason Eaton, Kieran Read, Piri Weepu, Luke McAlister, Cory Jane

Referee: Alain Rolland (Ireland)

World Men's Softball Championship

It is upon us, the ISF World Men's Softball Championship is being held in a place most of you have probably never heard of, let alone, been to. Saskatoon! This city of about 200,000 or so is in the province of Saskatchewan in Canada.

New Zealand have won the past three championships for a total of 5 world championship titles dating back to 1966, as well as placing in the top 3 in all but two championships.

This championship, as I write this, has them undefeated at 7-0. The only other team with this record in this current tournament is Canada. At this moment they are facing Australia in the playoffs. And WHEN they win, they will most likely face Canada tomorrow in the semis. Unless USA somehow manages to dismantle Canada in todays playoffs. Suckful for Canada or USA to have to play NZ tomorrow because they will have to play their best of the best A game to proceed. And if they fail, neither will claim this years title. Actually I'm not really sure how it all works but let's just hope NZ can go all the way. Go NZ!!

ISF World Men's Softball Championship

Hayley wows Taiwan!

After wowing the Taiwanese by singing in Mandarin, Kiwi soprano Hayley Westenra has clearly won new fans in the island of 23 million.

At the 8th World Games, her repertoire included a Mandarin love song, The Moon Represents My Heart, performed in front of 40,000 people.

Read article here...

2009 World Games

Hayley in HQ [+]

So Precious!

Amelie Peck loved to sing.

She was starting to copy the songs Mum Jo sang to her, promising a musical future.

A sociable child, she had a wonderful first birthday party in May, surrounded by her favourite people.

The little Palmerston North girl had come so far since battling almost every complication that can beset a premature baby some 20 blood transfusions, eye surgery, a series of infections and a type of pneumonia that nearly claimed her life just before Christmas.

The Peck family shared the story of how the surprisingly strong and happy little girl had survived those challenges early this year with the support of Hope, a group set up in the city for parents of premmies.

But today, Jo and dad Lou have to say their final goodbyes to their first and only child.

Their beloved daughter died in Palmerston North Hospital on Saturday, the region's first life snuffed out by swine flu. 23.07.09 [+]

Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass, it's about learning how to dance in the rain.