How to spend our first weekend at Alert Level 4
This is a crucial time. You might be tempted to leave the house this weekend to enjoy your free time. But it’s incredibly important that you don’t revert back to ‘normal life’.
Remember why we are all taking these extreme measures. Stay home. Save lives. This breaks the chain and stops the virus spreading.
How to break the chain, and protect us all:
STOP THE MOVEMENT
The virus is spread by us. It can’t move by itself. So we all need to avoid moving around as much as possible, eg:
● don't travel to and from baches or second homes
● avoid driving out of your neighbourhood
● don't travel across the country in campervans
● note that DOC has closed all of its campsites and huts.
KEEP EXERCISE LOCAL
There are very few exceptions to staying home, but exercise is one of them. Going for a walk, run or bike ride is good for your mental health. Just remember to:
● stay close to home. Enjoy your neighbourhood, but go no further
● keep it solitary, or only with those you live with
● keep a 2 metre distance from others.
DO SAFE ACTIVITIES ONLY
● Our emergency services need to be fully available to respond to COVID-19 cases. Any search and rescue operation reduces the ability of first responders to help others.
● Do your bit to help them by only undertaking safe activities, and avoiding going into areas where you could get lost or hurt and require their help. Avoid outdoor activities like swimming, surfing, tramping, or boating, hunting or hiking.
AVOID PUBLIC SPACES
● All bars, restaurants, cafes, gyms, cinemas, pools, museums, libraries and playgrounds are closed.
● Avoid places like beaches where people commonly linger, or are unable to maintain a 2 metre distance.
● Don't touch surfaces others may have touched when outdoors, like park benches or playgrounds.
When you return home carefully wash your hands, and any items you took with you outdoors.
Some Choice News!
Many New Zealand gardens aren’t seeing as many monarch butterflies fluttering around their swan plants and flower beds these days — the hungry Asian paper wasp has been taking its toll.
Thanks to people like Alan Baldick, who’s made it his mission to protect the monarch, his neighbours still get to enjoy these beautiful butterflies in their own backyards.
Thinking about planting something to invite more butterflies, bees, and birds into your garden?
Thanks for your mahi, Alan! We hope this brings a smile!
Neighbourhood Challenge: Who Can Crack This One? ⛓️💥❔
What has a head but no brain?
Do you think you know the answer? Simply 'Like' this post if you know the answer and the big reveal will be posted in the comments at 2pm on the day!
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You are never alone
This year, I was given news that took the wind right out of this solo mum’s stomach: I was diagnosed with two types of curable breast cancer. Even writing those words still feels surreal.
I’ve recently completed five rounds of radiation, and while that chapter has closed, my journey is far from over. I now take daily medication — which, if I’m honest, comes with its own wild rollercoaster of highs and lows — along with monthly injections and six-monthly IV infusions.
All of this while raising two incredible, energetic tween boys who are full of wonder, life, and light. They have been my anchors on the darkest days and my reason to keep putting one foot in front of the other.
I’m sharing this because, in the New Year, I want to create a support group for anyone walking this path — no matter where you are on your journey. Whether you’re newly diagnosed, in treatment, finished treatment, or supporting someone you love.
Let’s build a village.
A place to lean, to cry, to laugh, to talk openly, and to remind each other that none of us have to do this alone.
Because the story doesn’t end when they tell you you’re “in the clear.”
In many ways, it’s just the beginning. 🌻
If this story touches your heart, and you’re on this journey too, feel free to message me. Even a quiet “me too” is enough...
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