Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a machinist in Avalon is like riding a rollercoaster with no seatbelt. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds are chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t. First off, I’m cruisin’ down Avalon’s main drag, the infamous Main Road. You know, the one that’s always packed with cars and people? Yeah, that one. I’m just minding my own business, jamming to some tunes, when BAM! A pigeon decides to play chicken with my car. I swear, that bird had a death wish. I swerved, nearly hit a lamppost on the corner of Tainui Street. Lucky for me, I’m a pro at dodging disaster. So, I get to the workshop, right? And it’s chaos. My boss, old mate Dave, is already losing his marbles. “Where’s the new lathe?” he yells. I’m like, “Dude, I just got here!” Turns out, the delivery got messed up. Classic Avalon, am I right? Always some drama. Then, I’m knee-deep in metal shavings, trying to fix this ancient machine. It’s like wrestling a bear. I’m sweating bullets, cursing under my breath. “Why can’t machines just work?” I mutter. And then, outta nowhere, my mate Sam bursts in, all hyped. “Bro, you won’t believe it! They’re opening a new café on Victoria Street!” I’m like, “Great, but I’m stuck here!” But then, he drops the bomb. “They got vegan donuts.” I’m suddenly interested. I mean, who doesn’t love donuts? So, I’m torn. Work or donuts? Tough choice, man. Finally, after what feels like a century, I finish the job. I’m covered in grease, but I don’t care. I bolt outta there, racing to that café. It’s called “Sweet Escape” or something cheesy like that. I walk in, and it’s like heaven. The smell of fresh coffee hits me like a freight train. I order a vegan donut and a flat white. I sit down, and this dude next to me starts chatting. Turns out, he’s a local artist. He’s all about the Avalon vibe, painting murals around town. I’m like, “Dude, that’s sick!” We talk about the best spots in Avalon. He mentions the waterfront, and I’m like, “Oh man, I love that place!” It’s got the best views, especially at sunset. But then, my phone buzzes. It’s my boss again. “Get back here! We need you!” Ugh, the worst. I chug my coffee, grab another donut for the road, and head back. On the way, I pass by the Avalon Market. It’s buzzing with life. People are haggling, kids are running around, and there’s this old lady selling the best kumara fries. I can’t resist. I grab a bag and munch on them while walking. Best decision ever. Back at the workshop, things are still hectic. I dive back into the chaos, fixing machines like a madman. But I’m fueled by donuts and kumara fries, so I’m unstoppable. Finally, the day winds down. I’m exhausted but happy. I step outside, and the sunset over the waterfront is breathtaking. I take a moment to breathe it all in. Avalon, with its quirks and chaos, is my home. As I head home, I can’t help but laugh. What a wild ride. Tomorrow’s another day, and who knows what it’ll bring? But for now, I’m just grateful for donuts, good chats, and the crazy life of a machinist in Avalon.