Kasey and Karena Bird were in Rotorua this week to launch their cookbook. More photos in tomorrow's 48 Hours. Photo / Ben Fraser
Kasey and Karena Bird were in Rotorua this week to launch their cookbook. More photos in tomorrow's 48 Hours. Photo / Ben Fraser
We so often comment about how time flies, and this weekend this phrase becomes one of the ultimate realities for yours truly and my better half. Today is the last day that we spend with our son Joel at home before he moves out into the great big world onhis own. This weekend we pack him up and ship him off to the big smoke as he begins his studies with Air New Zealand up in Auckland. He is obviously very excited about the move and everything else that goes along with it.
It is so hard to believe that nearly 18 years have passed with the responsibility on our shoulders as parents. Years that have just seemed to fly by and years filled with great times as a family. While you know it is an inevitable occasion as a parent, it's still one tinged with fears and sadness, but ultimately pride, hope and respect.
I look back on when I moved out of home, and this happened for me a few years older than Joel is now, and can so relate to what he is going through right now. A little bit more freedom, but also a bit of realisation about knowing that you've got to cope somehow out in the great big world.
Our daughter is excited about being the only child at home, but deep down she will even miss her older brother's ribbings, but most of all his presence, just like his Mum and Dad. So it is sad times, but exciting nonetheless. Fly high son.
WHAT a week this has been too in Rotorua, with MasterChef winners Karena and Kasey Bird and celebrity medium Kelvin Cruickshank who have all been in town, and been special guests on my radio show, along with Kia Magic captain Leana de Bruin. I've tried the new "Create Your Taste" burger at a special night at McDonald's (OMG-yum) and I hosted the Chamber Of Commerce Quiz night last night. Tomorrow I'll be on the mic at the finish line of the Active Post Taupo to Rotorua 100k Flyer " good luck to those taking part.
BUT on the back of a busy week, I'm lucky enough to be spending the next little while on holiday! After working the whole way through the Christmas and New year period and thinking I'd stop for a break soon after that, all of a sudden we're now nearly a third of the way through a year and it's been six months since I have taken any leave. So I'm off the airwaves for a little while, but will be back on the air after Anzac weekend " but I will pen some words for you here next week from my holiday location, which shall remain secret for now.
•Paul Hickey is the host of the locally based 9am-3pm show on The Hits Rotorua 97.5FM. Follow on Facebook The Hits Rotorua and on Twitter @paulhickeynz.
