Above are just a few things that cropped up and shaped my last 7 days. Even though I am a planner, with every week day fully organised, I found that it was the things I didn’t plan for that really rocked my world.

I listen to a lot of talkback, mainly radio sport, last Wednesday morning I tuned in to discover that our Olympic team was arriving home within the hour. I spruced up, fought mild traffic, found a vivid marker in the glove-box and an old A4 unlined refill in the back seat pocket and scampered in. In my haste I’d left my trusty Cybershot charging at home, so an old school autograph and a smile would have to do.
 
I only wanted to meet Sarah Ulmer and “the twins”, (yes I have a thing for blonde female athletes). This all went according to plan, it was when I tried to slide Sarah my card I hit my first roadblock. Like a trained professional she slid it back with a friendly smile. I feel sure I’ll run into her again, so at least I’ve broken the ice. I paid my $12 for 35min parking and went about my day.
 
During winter my letterbox gets checked bi-weekly at most, I checked it last Thursday. I recognised the handwriting of one instantly, we email or call daily but Mum still likes to write. One of the items enclosed this time was a letter from my high school. I was stunned, my 20 years on reunion is in Feb next year. Time to rustle up a cure for cancer, or risk feeling lower than a bow-legged caterpillar.

I like the Academy Cinema, many wouldn’t know that it’s under the Auckland Central Library, but it is. It’s quaint, arty and friendly so I go often avoiding its giant competitors. I saw “Where In The World Is Osama Bin Larden”, a clever often humorous documentary (in the style of Michael Moore) about a guy who goes in search of the world’s most wanted man, so his soon to be born child will grow up in a safer place.
 
I’d been to an early session, and it was Thursday after all, so I thought let’s paint at least a few of the CBD’s buildings red. My new fave haunt, Bungalow8 got the call. Vodafone were having a mini-function there so the vibe was alive. We ate, danced and enjoyed many skillfully concocted cocktails after a number of hours I heard a whisper that Ink on K’ Rd was charging. 2 minutes after walking in the birthday girl picked me up and fell with me onto the dancefloor. My drink went west and cellphone east, but it was her special day so no real harm done.
 
Grant Marshall had been mixing for 6 hours when I arrived at George FM HQ on Friday, and I’d say drinking for a good portion of that time. The sun was out and the vibe was chipper to say the least. Around 10 of us were up there paying tribute to the man who was celebrating DJing for 20 years. I’d made plans to meet at Easy Tiger at 5pm so nipped off and met some smiley guide-getters. I love Fridays at this time, everyone’s so jovial and optimistic about the next 48 hours, and what can be accomplished.
 
I drank there for longer than the 3 hours I’d planned to due to a friends last-minute cancellation, so tickets for a show I’d pulled a lot of strings for went unused. But this meant I met motivational speaker Steve Catz, 5 foot something guy with a shaved head, bristly mustache, who drank straight vodka and offered me a ride on his Harley. Seeing my plans for the next 3 hours were dashed I got on the blower and found a fine establishment to continue my merry way.
 
Steve and I zipped through town and over to Erica’s an apartment in Ponsonby, I’d never been on a Harley before, my shrieks of glee making this very evident. We arrived to find a host of dolled-up ladies and 2 gay guys, so we slotted in easily.
 
We all made it to Spy Bar at different times. I think I got the last complimentary drink handed out so it must have been around midnight. Things were much the same as normal, so we had a look in at Met & Code for Grant’s 20th DJ celebration party before having a look at Flight, Coco and Pony.
 
I’d been invited to 11 parties on Saturday, I knew I couldn’t do them all, not without a Star Trek teleporter. I began my evening at Traffic Bar for their SevenTease party. Costumes like a vivacious rollergirl, grand master pimp and a stoned acid dealer spurred the well catered and decorated bash. It was the tarot card mystical reader in the veiled corner that was my highlight, her insight and wisdom was very welcome, or was it meeting Monique and Sarah who work for Fonterra and research the habits of cows.
 
Again my plans were thwarted by yet another friend letting me down, luckily reliable Sammy was near, so she popped in and we were off to see UK DJ hard dance kingpin James Lawson rock Space Bar. He was nothing like I remembered him (perhaps his set in CHCH the previous night had sapped him). 5 years ago he tore decks and crowds up. Tonight at Space he appeared unenthused and his track selection was far from fresh, sorry mate, but next time you’re in town I won’t be making the effort.
 
Good old Bacio came next. Thomas put on a welcome retro techno night for all the oldies. I was in sheer heaven. I danced and sucked back Corona’s for 3 solid hours. It was just one awesome track after another. When I saw Pene (an old school raver buddy) I knew we were back to the G.O.D, he was raving up CHCH even before me.
 
Rehab at Coherent followed, where I tried to scale a brick wall, failed and badly grazed my arms. Then yet another trek down to Spy Bar, and an inevitable after party. This after party was different, not only were there many fun new recruits, but it was the first day of spring. Our tops came off as we lapped up the rays and listened to summer styled beats that I think even the neighbours enjoyed.