45 by 45 - first one done!
The first thing off my list of 45 things to complete by the time I'm 45 has been completed. Admission - it was in the wind before my birthday, but it was still something I had wanted to do, and it was serendipitous that it all happened around the same time.
I performed in front of an audience.
For eight weeks last term, I was part of a rag-tag bunch of twenty or so individuals who got together every Monday night, telling stories, making stuff up and having a hell of a lot of fun. We were teachers, tattoo artists, students, personal trainers, professionals. All with our own reasons for coming, and united in our desire to step outside our comfort zones and try something new - and maybe make some friends along the way.
Our tutor, Emma Brittenden, was an absolute breath of fresh air while being incredibly encouraging and delightfully naughty. She encouraged us all from the get-go to always be 'a bit shit'; to give ourselves permission to not be perfect. It's this lesson that's at the heart of improv, and, if you ask me, life itself.
Improv isn't just about acting or comedy or making a dick of yourself on stage. It's about sharpening your brain, inspiring your partner and failing spectacularly and being more than comfortable with it.
We learned story structure and we learned the rules of the games, but we also learned how to read cues and how to step back and let someone else lead. We learned to let go. We learned to relish our failures.
A couple of weeks ago we showcased what we'd learned in front of an audience of family and friends. And it was both terrifying and terrific.
If you're keen to repeat my madness, I highly recommend this class as a way of dipping your toes in.
Spontaneity One runs at the Court Theatre every Monday night from 6pm-7.30pm. No experience necessary!
$127 per term (8 weeks).
Book at courteducation.org.nz.
The full list of my 45 by 45 can be found on my blog: shewillbealright.wordpress.com.... I'll update as I go.
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.
The Neighbourhood’s Brainiest: Can YOU Solve Today’s Riddle?
You see a boat filled with people.
It has not sunk, but when you look again you don’t see a single person on the boat.
Why?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
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Serious assault - petrol station
Police investigating a serious assault at a service station on Racecourse Road on Sunday 10 November are seeking assistance from the public.
At about 1.45am a group of car enthusiasts were gathered at the petrol station along with two members of the public.
Detective Sergeant Luke Vaughan, Canterbury CIB, says the two members of the public were then seriously assaulted on the forecourt area and onto Racecourse Road.
“This was an unprovoked assault by multiple offenders, which left both victims with injuries.
“We understand the fear and concern events like this inflict on the community and we will continue to hold the people responsible to account.
“Police have no tolerance for this type of crime or intimidation in our communities.”
Detective Sergeant Vaughan says Police are continuing to make enquiries into the matter and would like to hear from anyone who has any information or footage in relation to this incident.
If anyone witnessed the incident or has any information which may assist, we urge them to contact Police via www.police.govt.nz... or by calling 105 and quote file number 241110/0807.
Alternatively, you can report any information anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.