Life Lately #10

Sandra, Axel, and me ♡

SATURDAY

Official recovery day after the housewarming chaos the night before. We slept in and ate the leftovers from the spread the night before, which wasn’t much—some pork BBQ, sausages, and fried rice for breakfast.

In the afternoon, we both took a long nap (two hours!). After waking up hungry again, we headed to one of our favourite cheap eats in town—Siam. I ordered Pad Thai noodles, John went for salt and pepper pork, and once again, we confirmed that simple food is the best food.

As always, we ended up walking by the lake. Some habits stick. Then the night wound down quietly with books in hand. I finished Robin Hobb’s Assassin’s Apprentice, which is the first book of a trilogy. What an excellent writer—I felt transported straight into medieval times, caring for horses and hounds, working for the King, and wandering around town. The character development is phenomenal. A book-review blog series might be brewing!

Siam Thai Infusion, Taupo

SUNDAY

We were up early for church at 9 a.m., as per tradition. Afterwards, we “quickly” popped into Briscoes—which, of course, was having a sale. We left with a laundry airer, pegs, a soap dish, an iron, a bathroom mat, chopsticks, food containers, and several other items I can no longer remember off the top of my head.

Groceries followed, then straight home to grill steaks for brunch.

Since moving to NZ in 2023, we’ve been cooking steaks using our pan every week. But grilling steak is mind-blowing. It’s the best steak we’ve ever cooked—smokiest, juciest, and tastiest. I now fully understand Kiwis’ obsession with barbecues. I fear I may never go back.

In the afternoon, we walked again—well, I walked while John ran.

The day ended with me playing WWZ online with my old mate, Jayk. A solid way to wind down.

Documenting the BEST STEAKS we’ve EVER cooked.

MONDAY

It's Auckland Anniversary, a public holiday! I suggested we go for a “short” walk when we woke up. I thought, what a great way to start the day. Turns out, I was wrong. It wasn’t short. We clocked over 11,000 steps and made it home drenched in sweat and light rain drizzle, questioning our life choices.

But, fear not! Recovery was immediate. We refuelled by grilling patties and building proper burgers with tomatoes, pickles, and egg. Suddenly, life was alright again.

Later in the afternoon, we visited my good friend Sandra at her place and tagged along while walking her dog Axel by the Waikato River. We also attempted to help with her 1,000-piece puzzle—spoiler: we did not finish it.

By 5:30, we were back in town for a little date night at Taste Altura: carbonara, fish and chips, then home.

More of my face-sorry!

I checked my fitness app before bed—14,202 steps for the day! No wonder I slept like a rock. Exhaustion really is the best sleep aid!

That’s it for this Life Lately—turns out the best weekends leave you needing another one.

No Rhyme, Just Reason is a Taupō, New Zealand–based blog by Ariane about books, good food, long walks, and unapologetic naps.