It was a very GOOD YEAR

BUBBLES FOR BREAKFAST, BABIES FOR CHRISTMAS – KERRE’S GRAND YEAR OFF

My glorious sabbatical is coming to an end. I was thrilled when my employers offered me a new radio show, taking over from Leighton Smith, who had decided that this year would be his last as Newstalk ZB’s nine-to-noon host. And I was even more amazed when they said that I could have a sabbatical during 2018. I had, in effect, a year off full-time work and my time was my own.

In the weeks leading up to 2018, I wrote down all the things I wanted to achieve during my year of idle leisure. I’d learn to surf properly and become fluent in te reo. I’d finally write the novel I’ve been talking about for years and I’d train for the Buenos Aires marathon.

I’d make the most of every single day and not take a day for granted because, let’s be honest, taking a year off while still being employed is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

That year is almost over. And have I made the most of it? You betcha. I haven’t ticked off everything on my list, though. I still can’t stand up regularly on a surfboard. I still have a very long way to go before I have even a basic knowledge of te reo. I didn’t train for the marathon and I haven’t started my novel. But, oh, I’ve had some fun, and some major life experiences.

I’ve travelled to London, Ireland, France, India, Myanmar, Buenos Aires, Niue and London again. I met incredible people in India and Myanmar while reporting on World Vision’s work there. It was a privilege to share the stories of child labourers and prostitutes, and the men and women transforming lives.

I cycled the Otago Rail Trail with very dear friends and we laughed all the way from Clyde to Middlemarch. When my life flashes before my eyes, that is one of the experiences I want to relive.

I treasured spending time with my London-based family. I had a month in London at the beginning of the year to celebrate baby Bart’s first birthday and nearly two months at the end of the year to help out when the second baby arrived.

My daughter and son-in-law were in dire straits just before the birth of their beautiful girl. Kate had a terribly bad back and could barely walk or carry Bart, and her husband had broken his leg so he couldn’t lift or carry anything. They really did need somebody in the house and I was so grateful my sabbatical meant I could be that person.

It’s passed by so quickly. Three hundred and sixty-five days flies by when you’re having enormous fun and extraordinary experiences.

I did have a couple of naughty days where I did things just because I could. I generally planned my naughty days around Mondays – the day most people are back at work. One Monday, I opened a bottle of champagne for breakfast and drank it throughout the day, while reading a book I’d wanted to read forever. I didn’t check my emails, I did no housework and I refused to answer the phone. It was a day of pure and utter indulgence. What’s the point of having a year off if you don’t spend at least one day of it being indolent?

I have realised, though, that I’m a peasant. I’m meant to work. It’s been a wonderful year, but I’ve been happiest when I’ve been working. My ancestors toiled and tilled fields – they didn’t swan around castles. It felt alien not to have a job to go to. And it’s hard to find people to be indolent with, given most of them are working. There’s only so much fun you can have on your own.

No, the best thing for me is to head back to work, which I’ll be doing in January. I shall kiss, bless and release this wonderful year of opportunity and focus on the new challenge ahead.