Blog | David's Life Blog

An Unexpected Game of Social Cricket - Finding Confidence On The Pitch

David Clouston

7 days ago1 min read

An Unexpected Game of Social Cricket - Finding Confidence On The Pitch

I was so nervous - my heart was pounding. The other team was serious and bowling fast cricket balls!

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Becoming a Full Member of the New Zealand Planning Institute - Celebrations and Feelings

David Clouston

Nov 301 min read

Becoming a Full Member of the New Zealand Planning Institute - Celebrations and Feelings

Passing was a sigh of relief followed by a long-lasting feeling of happiness inside.

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1% African, 25% Irish - My Unexpected Ancestry DNA Results

David Clouston

Nov 233 min read

1% African, 25% Irish - My Unexpected Ancestry DNA Results

My friend's blog post about her ancestry test results inspired me to do my own. I ordered the test kit online and received my package...

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Pedal Through Paradise: My Gisborne Railbike Adventure

David Clouston

Nov 41 min read

Pedal Through Paradise: My Gisborne Railbike Adventure

I was surprised how quickly the railbike glided along the tracks. I could see how rail became such an efficient way to travel in the past.

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1000 Year Old Trees & One Tea Bag - The Joys of A Forest Hike

David Clouston

Oct 261 min read

1000 Year Old Trees & One Tea Bag - The Joys of A Forest Hike

We didn't have much - but we had such a good time. Last weekend I went on a hike with my brothers.

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Overcoming Obstacles - Power of Meditation

David Clouston

Oct 122 min read

Overcoming Obstacles - Power of Meditation

I turned the PC on only to find it had no internet! I couldn't connect to the server...

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David Clouston

Sep 282 min read

Highlights of a Half Marathon

The half marathon was a lot of fun, and the training I put in has made my body fitter and healthier.

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Open Mic Night - Portland Public House - Every Tuesday 8pm

David Clouston

Aug 311 min read

Open Mic Night - Portland Public House - Every Tuesday 8pm

I loved Eden's music because she had great vocals that blended beautifully with her guitar playing.

12 views1 comment

Park Run - Free 5K Run Every Saturday Morning

David Clouston

Aug 171 min read

Park Run - Free 5K Run Every Saturday Morning

Park Run started in the UK and is now global. It is a 5 km run that starts at 8 AM on Saturday mornings and is run by volunteers.

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David Clouston

Aug 31 min read

Kreem Cafe Manukau - Great Coffee!

Kreem Cafe Manukau delivers great coffee! Google gives it 4.2 stars - however, I would rate it higher than this.

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Social Cooking Mid-Winter Team Event: Mystery Box Challenge for Fun

David Clouston

Jul 202 min read

Social Cooking Mid-Winter Team Event: Mystery Box Challenge for Fun

I'm not sure if it was the camaraderie of cooking together, the fun or stress of it all - our food tasted really good!!

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David Clouston

Jul 61 min read

Little Little Changes

I was shocked at how communicating just a bit more information about the situation allowed my co-workers to provide very good ideas

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David Clouston

Jun 291 min read

Happy Together Cafe - Review

The bright name and reviews brought me inside. My take-away latte was served in a colourful paper cup with a chocolate fish :)

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The Benefits of Failing - Finding a Mentor & Visiting Old Government House

David Clouston

Jun 222 min read

The Benefits of Failing - Finding a Mentor & Visiting Old Government House

Upon reflection, it made me see many positives... Every cloud has a silver lining.

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Little Big Changes through Self-Reflection

David Clouston

Jun 82 min read

Little Big Changes through Self-Reflection

Although I like my own space, I realised when I make an effort to eat dinner together with my roommates I am usually happier afterward.

22 views4 comments

Journey to the Heart - Main Centre, South Korea

David Clouston

Jun 11 min read

Journey to the Heart - Main Centre, South Korea

My mind and body felt peaceful after just one day.

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David Clouston

May 171 min read

Strava - A Great Free Exercise App

One of the great things about this app is that it integrates with other people I know. I have reconnected with old friends using this app.

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Can you accept ChatGPT's opinion over your own? - Challenges and findings making a YouTube video

David Clouston

May 113 min read

Can you accept ChatGPT's opinion over your own? - Challenges and findings making a YouTube video

I kept watching the video and thinking: Is Chat GPT right? The video seemed too perfect.

16 views2 comments

Maungatautari - Sanctuary Mountain - Heal in this Ancient Forest

David Clouston

May 41 min read

Maungatautari - Sanctuary Mountain - Heal in this Ancient Forest

The incredibly fresh air, native trees, little streams, and birdsong healed me.

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The Dawn of Nationhood of New Zealand and Australia

David Clouston

Apr 272 min read

The Dawn of Nationhood of New Zealand and Australia

My friend's blog inspired me to attend this annual dawn event. I had never been to the early morning event in my life and thought I should

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BONBADAK DREAM