Man, what a day! Seriously, I can’t even. So, I’m a sign language interpreter, right? And today was just... wow. Te Atatu South, you’ve outdone yourself.
First off, I woke up late. Classic me. Alarm didn’t go off. I’m sprinting down the street, past the shops on Te Atatu Rd, dodging cars like I’m in some action movie. I swear, if I trip over a curb, I’m done for.
Finally, I get to the community center. It’s buzzing with energy. People everywhere! I’m like, “Okay, let’s do this.” But then, boom! A fire alarm goes off. I’m thinking, “Great, just what I need.” Everyone’s rushing out, and I’m trying to sign to this group of deaf folks, but it’s chaos!
I’m standing there, waving my arms like a madman. “It’s a false alarm! Chill out!” But no one can hear me. I’m getting frustrated. Like, come on, people! We just got here!
Once we’re outside, I spot this cute café on the corner of McLeod Rd. I’m starving. I mean, who wouldn’t be after all that? I grab a coffee and a pie. Best pie ever! Seriously, if you’re in Te Atatu South, you gotta hit that place up.
After the alarm drama, I finally get to my first assignment. It’s a workshop about mental health. Super important stuff, right? But the presenter is all over the place. I’m trying to keep up, but he’s talking a mile a minute. I’m like, “Dude, slow down!”
Then, outta nowhere, he starts telling this story about his cat. I’m thinking, “What does this have to do with mental health?” But the crowd is loving it. They’re laughing, and I’m just there, trying to sign a cat story.
By the time we wrap up, I’m exhausted. But wait, there’s more! I get a call for a last-minute gig at the local school. So, I rush over to Te Atatu Intermediate. I’m sweating bullets.
When I get there, the kids are wild! They’re all hyped up for a talent show. I’m thinking, “This is gonna be a ride.” I’m signing for a kid doing magic tricks. He’s dropping cards everywhere! I’m cracking up.
Then, this girl comes on stage, singing her heart out. She’s got pipes! I’m signing along, feeling the vibe. It’s like, “Yes! This is what it’s all about!”
But then, the principal walks in. He’s got this serious face. I’m like, “Uh-oh, what’s gonna happen?” Turns out, he’s just there to support the kids. Phew!
After the show, I’m on cloud nine. I’m walking back down Te Atatu Rd, feeling all the feels. I see this mural on the wall, and it’s stunning. I stop to take a pic. Gotta show my mates, right?
But then, I see this guy trying to fix his bike. He’s struggling hard. I’m like, “Dude, need a hand?” He looks at me like I’m a lifesaver. We end up chatting about the best bike paths around here.
Finally, I head home, and I’m just reflecting on the day. It was a rollercoaster! From fire alarms to talent shows, Te Atatu South, you’ve got my heart racing.
I flop onto my couch, exhausted but happy. I love this job. I love this community. Even with all the craziness, it’s home. Can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!