Man, what a day! I’m tellin’ ya, being a butcher in Taita is like riding a rollercoaster with no seatbelt. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s barely up, and I’m already thinkin’ about the meat I gotta prep. Taita’s a small place, but it’s got its quirks. You got the main drag, High St, where all the action happens.
I roll into the shop, and the smell of fresh meat hits me like a wave. I’m talkin’ about that good stuff, you know? But then, bam! My delivery guy’s late. Like, seriously? I’m standin’ there, lookin’ out the window on Wainuiomata Rd, watchin’ the world go by. People are out there, livin’ their lives, and I’m stuck waitin’ for a truck.
Finally, he shows up, and I’m ready to blow a gasket. But then, I see him. This little kid, maybe 8 or 9, runnin’ down the street, trippin’ over his own feet. He’s got this massive smile, like he just found a treasure. I can’t help but chuckle. Kids, man. They remind ya what it’s like to be happy for no reason.
So, I get my meat in, and it’s go time. I’m slicin’ and dicin’, and the customers start rollin’ in. You got the regulars, like old Mrs. Thompson from down the road. She’s always askin’ for the best cuts, like I’m some kinda meat wizard. “Give me the finest, dear!” she says. I’m like, “Sure thing, Mrs. T!”
But then, outta nowhere, this dude walks in. He’s got a beanie on, and I swear he looks like he just rolled outta bed. He starts askin’ for some weird cuts. I’m talkin’ about stuff I’ve never even heard of. “You got any lamb neck?” he says. I’m like, “Mate, this ain’t a fancy restaurant!” But I help him out anyway.
Then, the power goes out. Just like that! I’m standin’ there in the dark, meat all around me, and I’m thinkin’, “Great, just great.” But then, I hear laughter outside. I peek out, and there’s a bunch of kids playin’ in the street, kickin’ a ball around. They don’t care about the power. They’re just livin’ it up.
After a bit, the lights flicker back on, and I’m back to work. But now, I’m feelin’ all sentimental. Taita’s got this vibe, ya know? It’s a small town, but it’s got heart. I mean, you can walk down the streets like Taita Dr and see everyone knowin’ each other. It’s like one big family.
Then, I get a call from my mate, Dave. He’s at the pub, and he’s like, “C’mon down, mate! We got a special on!” I’m thinkin’, “I just sliced a hundred steaks, and now you want me to hit the pub?” But, hey, it’s Taita. You gotta live a little, right?
So, I close up shop, and I’m off to the pub. The vibe there is electric. Everyone’s laughin’, drinkin’, and just chillin’. I grab a pint, and suddenly, all the stress from the day melts away. I’m laughin’ with my mates, and it feels good.
But then, I see that same kid from earlier. He’s there with his mates, and they’re playin’ darts. I’m like, “What’s this kid doin’ here?” But he’s havin’ the time of his life. I can’t help but smile.
As the night goes on, I’m thinkin’ about how crazy life is. One minute you’re slicin’ meat, and the next, you’re at the pub, laughin’ with your mates. Taita’s got its ups and downs, but it’s home. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
So, yeah, that was my day. Full of surprises, laughter, and a whole lotta meat. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!