Malia's post got me thinking about some of my favourite memories of grandma...i started chuckling to myself a lot as i thought about some of the mihi moments as well...i felt like sharing them because i'm bored and have nothing to do. The following events are ones i was actually at...
1. Watching Grandma clean her fish tank...and then watching her give the fish a bath, before drying them with a tea towel and placing them back in water.
2. Taking Grandma a bottle of sparkling grapejuice and chocolates on her birthday one year, when she was still living with Uncle Craig as the nunnery (spelling?). Uncle Craig made the famous toast "to grandma and her twin"...the room went dead silent, before Steve, Mum and I BURST INTO FITS OF LAUGHTER! grandma had a horrid look on her face and said "why would you say a morbid thing like that?" to which craig replied "i always think of you and your twin on your birthday" to which steve and i replied with even louder fits of laughter...the kind where your eyes close and your stomach starts to hurt. Uncle Craig got annoyed and kicked me and steve out of the flat....i guess that was really an uncle Craig moment, HOWEVER the look of horror on grandma's face when uncle craig toasted her deceased twin whom she nor craig have ever met was the icing on the cake...as we all know how the much the super natural freaked grandma out.
3. After Grandpa Strother's passing, and the Walmsley's left for the states, it was my job to stay with Grandma at night and be her bodyguard. Uncle Howard and Aunty Lorena were living at the house at that time too. I'm sure most of us who had the priviledge of being her bodyguard will remember how early she would rise...to write stories, or opera music...on one such morning...say 2am, grandma turned the light on as usual and began singing to her hearts content. I tried to keep sleeping, but was finding it VERY HARD...being the respectful grand-daughter i let her go for gold...hoping she would tire any minute, turn off the light and go back to sleep...an hour later...she still hadn't...till i heard uncle Howard yell from the end room...MIHI SHUT UP!
4. It was always very easy to give grandma a fright. I remember one weekend when i was like 5 or 6 mum and dad left me with Grandma cause they had to go on a scout camp or something like that. Uncle Howard was still living there at the time...he wasn't married yet either. Anywho, i was playing at uncle warrens one night, and grandma sent uncle howard over to pick me up. When we got home, uncle howard told me to go through the back door...i wasn't sure why...and he said i had to be quiet. So we quietly walked in the back door, and peered around the corner into the lounge...grandma was sitting real close to the tv watching that show "beauty and the beast". I didn't know what we were doing or why we were being sneaky....Uncle Howard then let out this huge RAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!! grandma almost hit the roof...he pushed me into the lounge and he snuck back out the door...and then came in through the front. I wonder if uncle Howard even remembers that...probably not...but i do...cause I WAS THE ONE THAT GOT IN TROUBLE! i laugh about it cause i think it's funny grandma would even think i could have such a deep man's RAAAHHH voice. I always remember having to be weary of approaching her in public places..incase she didn't realise it was me...a couple of times when i got punched or something thrown at me for giving her fright, when all i was simply doing was saying hello. I know WE ALL have stories like that.
5. Being made to do the FLOWER RUN! Porky drove the van, me and a few other cuzzies would be driven around Temple View at night to cut flowers from peoples gardens for Grandma everytime she did flowers for weddings ETC. She said the people at those houses we took flower from were fine with it, but the fact that it had to be done at night when no one could see, and that we also had to be quick and quiet...just didn't figure out LAUGH! We would drive around till we pretty much had a van load of flowers...of which most went to waste...cause we cut the wrong kind.
6. If you ever needed a quick fizzy fix, you could always count on grandma...Lift was EVERYWHERE!
7. Having to watch "The Bodyguard" or "last of the mohicans" whenever i stayed at grandma's. Does anyone know how many times she actually paid to go see the Bodyguard??? i hear it was in the double digits.
8. Kelly brought Vince over the Grandma's to officially meet. I was there when Kelly said "This is my fiancee Vincent" to which grandma replied "is it Vince or Vince-sensual" that was one of the other times i was kicked out of the house for laughing too much.
9. You never really know what to say to things grandma counts as a compliment. After getting married i gave grandma a photo of Dil and i on our wedding day. Oneday we had gone over to pick up something from uncle craig. Grandma was in the shower while we were there. As we were leaving she comes to the door and yells across the street..."oh your photo looks beautiful. You look like one of those suicide bombers and Dillon looks like a Sihk"...i'm like..."gee thanks grandma...i feel so much better about my looks"...she said..."No, it's a compliment, suicide bombers look pretty". Cool i guess. I miss her random comments and compliments...
10. I've witnessed many times when grandma has had her vivid handy to colour in worn carpet or fix marks on a wall.
Well, i've rambled long enough...i could go on all day...but i won't...who else has some funny stories???
Wednesday, 20 April 2011
Saturday, 16 April 2011
WHERE ALL THE STROTHERS AT?
There's not too many of us strothers on here yet...i'm still wanting to hear more funny stories. make sure you let everyone know about this blog.
Friday, 15 April 2011
SHOULD I BE OFFENDED?
I did something the other day and Jason said 'That is such a Mihi Strother thing to say'. I thought to myself, should be offended or laugh? Let me explain. We have a glass conservatory connected to the house. For MONTHS I have been asking Jason to help me clean it. You may not notice but if you look up close it was covered in mould. I really wanted it to be clean before winter and before baby came. Jason's solution was to pay someone to clean it, whereas I thought I have a perfectly capable husband who can do it for FREE! So last weekend Jason couldn't say no to his grumpy pregnant wife anymore and we decided to clean it. All up it took us about 5 hours! Yes it was a very thorough clean and Jason even mopped the ceiling as best he could with disinfectant. Even though I was a bit sore afterwards I was very happy to get the job done. I said 'Now I would be happy if we paid someone else to come clean it from now on'. That is when Jason said 'That is such a Mihi Strother thing to say'. I know what he was meaning. He was thinking I was too embarrassed to have someone clean the conservatory because it had been neglected for so long (the water was black when we were cleaning people). So now I would let someone clean it, now that it was already cleaned. But actually my reasoning was that I wanted to do a really good job of it myself first so that I knew it was properly cleaned, then any cleaning from now on would just be to keep on top of it. So now it won't be a big job for someone else to do and probably not as expensive. It wasn't because I was embarassed for someone to see our dirty conservatory! Plus how would Jason know that would be something Grandma would say, he only knew her for a few years, not like the rest of us. So do you guys agree or disagree that I have a little bit of Mihi Strother in me??? And should I be offended or just laugh!
Sunday, 10 April 2011
STROTHER RECORDS and interesting facts
A couple years back, Michael Jnr and I were talking about putting together a book of Strother Records. We were super keen when we first started out, but haven't done much for a long time. It's not so much finding the time (at least for me it isn't), it's finding the motivation and coming to grips with the magnitude of the project. However, we do have some records and interesting facts that have been brought to our attention, so I thought as a matter of interest I would share some with you.
NAMES
Peni-o-terangi has the longest first name
Ani, Tia and Jay have the shortest first names
Seddon Kimball Craig Richard Cassidy holds has longest full name
As for the shortest full name, it's a bit of a mystery. I have always thought that Grandma Strother didn't have a middle name, which means she would hold the record. However, Uncle Craig has told me that he thought she may have a middle name but he wasn't sure what it was. In that case, the record would belong to Uncle Gordon, who doesn't have a middle name.
BASKETBALL
Riki was the only one to play for the National Basketball team. He did so from 1992-1997 with his last game being against Yugoslavia. In his time as a Tall Black he played against Magic Johnson, and managed to get a fastbreak dunk in the game. Unfortunately, the cameras missed it. So we only got to hear the crowd cheer and the commentators say that he dunked it. Pretty lame TV3, pretty lame! He also played First Division in 1987, and then from 1991-2003 winning 3 titles with Auckland and 2 with Waikato.
Also, Mason (94,95) and Nina (95) both represented New Zealand at the Under 20s level. Mason played over 100 First Division games for Auckland and Waikato from 2000-2004 winning a title with Auckland and 2 with Waikato.
The family members to play for the A1s were: Riki, Karly, Daniel, Porky, Nina, Mason and Uncle Ken. Of course Uncle Ken was known more for coaching both the A1 Boys and Girls. He led the Boys to seven national titles and the Girls to one.
It's important to mention that Dennis played for the A1s at Wellington Boys College.
RUGBY
Dad coached the First XV for a number of years starting as an assistant in 1979. He was head coach from 1980-1988, 1995. In 1986 the First XV held the Moascar Cup, the most coveted trophy in NZ Secondary Schools rugby. He coached Richie Blackmore (NZ League rep), Jamie Joseph (All Black and current coach of the Highlanders), Norm Berryman (All Black), Eugene Sharrock (All Black trialist), and of course Uncle Gordon (first Maori coroner and current rugby referee).
The family members to play for the First XV were: Uncle Gordon, Daniel and Steven. Daniel played first class rugby for Waikato making his debut against Bay of Plenty.
GOLF
Uncle Howard holds the record for the lowest score on an 18-hole golf course with 71
Dad holds the record for the short 9 course with 25. Uncle Howard said he thinks he remembers getting a 25, but that has yet to be confirmed.
Dad also holds the record for most holes-in-one with 3, and yours truly is the youngest to score a hole-in-one, aged 16. Uncle Mark also has a hole-in-one to his name.
Uncle Howard has won the most Strother tournaments with 7 (2 in the Best Ball format), and Aaron is the youngest winner, aged 13.
EDUCATION
You would think that the Walmsleys would own all these awards, which is basically true (although I don't have that information available yet), but the youngest to sit School Certificate, University Entrance and Bursary was Jennae. She sat Maori in Forms 2, 3 and 4. She scored an A in School Cert and Bursary, and a 1 for UE.
The only current PhD is Uncle Michael, although Michael Jnr is working on his, and of course Kaea is studying to be a doctor.
CHURCH
The only family member to serve as a Stake President is Uncle Scott. Grandpa Strother served on a Stake Presidency and Temple Presidency, and was a bishop and Branch President. Other bishops include Uncle Ken, Dad, Uncle Gordon, Uncle Scott (I think), Uncle Michael, Mason (currently) and Michael Butters (currently). Karly is in a Bishopric, and I believe dad has been in a Bishopric for a total of 17 years. Uncle Michael was the youngest bishop, aged 24. Pater is the only one to have a former All Black preside at his baptism. (Todd Miller)
MISSIONS
The most common mission is the Melbourne/South Mission. That is where Uncle Clive, Aunty Lynette, Uncle Howard, Riki and Karly served. Three have served in New Zealand. Richard (Auckland) Aunty Lorena (Christchurch) and me (Wellington). All in all 37 family members have served missions in nine different countries. Good work guys! Michael Jnr holds the record for cheapest transfer ($2). He literally ran to his next area. Not sure where the 2 dollars came in though.
MUSIC
Lani was a member of Elemeno P which debut album "Love and Disrepect" was released July 4th, 2003 which was top of the charts in NZ and number one on the RIANZ albums chart. Other albums released included "Trouble in Paradise" (2005) and the self-titled Elemeno P (2008). In 2006, Elemeno P won Best Group at the NZ Music Awards.
(BAD) HEALTH
Uncle Craig holds the record for most medical conditions on his medic alert bracelet. (Of course he's also the only one WITH a medic alert bracelet) It reads: asthma, Allergy Frozen Plasma, Anaphylaxis, Hepatitis C, Aortic Valve Replacement, S.B.E Prophylaxis on Anticoagulants. Just don't ask me what they mean. You could ask Kaea. Uncle Craig doesn't however, hold the record for most operations. That would be me with 12. 5 ear, 3 lung, 2 heart, tonsils and adnoids. I know Uncle Craig is jealous. And lastly, Uncle Craig has the longest recorded hospital stay (3 weeks).
EATING CONTESTS
Cameron, Richard and Porky are the only ones I know of that were in eating contests. Cameron ate 6 hotdogs in 2 minutes in Japan losing only to a professional eating contest guy (no, it wasn't Kobiyashi), Richard ate 23 slices of pizza at an Elders Quorum activity on his mission and Porky ate about 20 or so slices of pizza at an Priests Quorum. I might have been 23 also. Gee, no wonder they don't have all you can eat at Pizza Hutt anymore!
The eating contests we have now only involve toothpicks and chopsticks. I think Ryan holds the record with 59 Baked Beans eaten in one minute (with toothpick) and Coleman holds the record for most uncooked grains of rice picked up and put into another bowl with chopsticks (29)
THINGS NOT IN ANY PARTICULAR CATEGORY
Uncle Mark has built a trebuchet replica (a medieval catapult for throwing heavy stones) that has a counterweight of 70 kgs, and can throw a 4-pound shotput 53 metres.
Some nitwit decided to hula hoop for 3 hours, 1 minute, 5 seconds without stopping. I wonder who that was?
Roman has the fastest rubix cube time of 43 seconds
Ryan has limboed at the height of approx 40 centrimetres.
Michael Jnr has the fastest time for reciting all of the Articles of Faith (60 seconds)
While this isn't extensive it gives a little insight as to how talented and how awesome you guys are. If you have records that you want to make known let me or Michael Jnr know.
NAMES
Peni-o-terangi has the longest first name
Ani, Tia and Jay have the shortest first names
Seddon Kimball Craig Richard Cassidy holds has longest full name
As for the shortest full name, it's a bit of a mystery. I have always thought that Grandma Strother didn't have a middle name, which means she would hold the record. However, Uncle Craig has told me that he thought she may have a middle name but he wasn't sure what it was. In that case, the record would belong to Uncle Gordon, who doesn't have a middle name.
BASKETBALL
Riki was the only one to play for the National Basketball team. He did so from 1992-1997 with his last game being against Yugoslavia. In his time as a Tall Black he played against Magic Johnson, and managed to get a fastbreak dunk in the game. Unfortunately, the cameras missed it. So we only got to hear the crowd cheer and the commentators say that he dunked it. Pretty lame TV3, pretty lame! He also played First Division in 1987, and then from 1991-2003 winning 3 titles with Auckland and 2 with Waikato.
Also, Mason (94,95) and Nina (95) both represented New Zealand at the Under 20s level. Mason played over 100 First Division games for Auckland and Waikato from 2000-2004 winning a title with Auckland and 2 with Waikato.
The family members to play for the A1s were: Riki, Karly, Daniel, Porky, Nina, Mason and Uncle Ken. Of course Uncle Ken was known more for coaching both the A1 Boys and Girls. He led the Boys to seven national titles and the Girls to one.
It's important to mention that Dennis played for the A1s at Wellington Boys College.
RUGBY
Dad coached the First XV for a number of years starting as an assistant in 1979. He was head coach from 1980-1988, 1995. In 1986 the First XV held the Moascar Cup, the most coveted trophy in NZ Secondary Schools rugby. He coached Richie Blackmore (NZ League rep), Jamie Joseph (All Black and current coach of the Highlanders), Norm Berryman (All Black), Eugene Sharrock (All Black trialist), and of course Uncle Gordon (first Maori coroner and current rugby referee).
The family members to play for the First XV were: Uncle Gordon, Daniel and Steven. Daniel played first class rugby for Waikato making his debut against Bay of Plenty.
GOLF
Uncle Howard holds the record for the lowest score on an 18-hole golf course with 71
Dad holds the record for the short 9 course with 25. Uncle Howard said he thinks he remembers getting a 25, but that has yet to be confirmed.
Dad also holds the record for most holes-in-one with 3, and yours truly is the youngest to score a hole-in-one, aged 16. Uncle Mark also has a hole-in-one to his name.
Uncle Howard has won the most Strother tournaments with 7 (2 in the Best Ball format), and Aaron is the youngest winner, aged 13.
EDUCATION
You would think that the Walmsleys would own all these awards, which is basically true (although I don't have that information available yet), but the youngest to sit School Certificate, University Entrance and Bursary was Jennae. She sat Maori in Forms 2, 3 and 4. She scored an A in School Cert and Bursary, and a 1 for UE.
The only current PhD is Uncle Michael, although Michael Jnr is working on his, and of course Kaea is studying to be a doctor.
CHURCH
The only family member to serve as a Stake President is Uncle Scott. Grandpa Strother served on a Stake Presidency and Temple Presidency, and was a bishop and Branch President. Other bishops include Uncle Ken, Dad, Uncle Gordon, Uncle Scott (I think), Uncle Michael, Mason (currently) and Michael Butters (currently). Karly is in a Bishopric, and I believe dad has been in a Bishopric for a total of 17 years. Uncle Michael was the youngest bishop, aged 24. Pater is the only one to have a former All Black preside at his baptism. (Todd Miller)
MISSIONS
The most common mission is the Melbourne/South Mission. That is where Uncle Clive, Aunty Lynette, Uncle Howard, Riki and Karly served. Three have served in New Zealand. Richard (Auckland) Aunty Lorena (Christchurch) and me (Wellington). All in all 37 family members have served missions in nine different countries. Good work guys! Michael Jnr holds the record for cheapest transfer ($2). He literally ran to his next area. Not sure where the 2 dollars came in though.
MUSIC
Lani was a member of Elemeno P which debut album "Love and Disrepect" was released July 4th, 2003 which was top of the charts in NZ and number one on the RIANZ albums chart. Other albums released included "Trouble in Paradise" (2005) and the self-titled Elemeno P (2008). In 2006, Elemeno P won Best Group at the NZ Music Awards.
(BAD) HEALTH
Uncle Craig holds the record for most medical conditions on his medic alert bracelet. (Of course he's also the only one WITH a medic alert bracelet) It reads: asthma, Allergy Frozen Plasma, Anaphylaxis, Hepatitis C, Aortic Valve Replacement, S.B.E Prophylaxis on Anticoagulants. Just don't ask me what they mean. You could ask Kaea. Uncle Craig doesn't however, hold the record for most operations. That would be me with 12. 5 ear, 3 lung, 2 heart, tonsils and adnoids. I know Uncle Craig is jealous. And lastly, Uncle Craig has the longest recorded hospital stay (3 weeks).
EATING CONTESTS
Cameron, Richard and Porky are the only ones I know of that were in eating contests. Cameron ate 6 hotdogs in 2 minutes in Japan losing only to a professional eating contest guy (no, it wasn't Kobiyashi), Richard ate 23 slices of pizza at an Elders Quorum activity on his mission and Porky ate about 20 or so slices of pizza at an Priests Quorum. I might have been 23 also. Gee, no wonder they don't have all you can eat at Pizza Hutt anymore!
The eating contests we have now only involve toothpicks and chopsticks. I think Ryan holds the record with 59 Baked Beans eaten in one minute (with toothpick) and Coleman holds the record for most uncooked grains of rice picked up and put into another bowl with chopsticks (29)
THINGS NOT IN ANY PARTICULAR CATEGORY
Uncle Mark has built a trebuchet replica (a medieval catapult for throwing heavy stones) that has a counterweight of 70 kgs, and can throw a 4-pound shotput 53 metres.
Some nitwit decided to hula hoop for 3 hours, 1 minute, 5 seconds without stopping. I wonder who that was?
Roman has the fastest rubix cube time of 43 seconds
Ryan has limboed at the height of approx 40 centrimetres.
Michael Jnr has the fastest time for reciting all of the Articles of Faith (60 seconds)
While this isn't extensive it gives a little insight as to how talented and how awesome you guys are. If you have records that you want to make known let me or Michael Jnr know.
Sunday, 3 April 2011
Malia is online
I know you are all excited because now I am officially signed in. Well I have nothing interesting to report except to say I am here. I guess my first proper post will be a pic of the new baby. I see mum is doing a competition. I guess I should tell people when my due date is? Or do you have to do some investigating yourself? Actually if you really want the prize (whatever it is) I will leave it up to you to find out for yourself! Since what I am writing is rather boring I thought
I would just add some photos. These were taken over summer time at dinner when I wanted to take some nice pics and first Telen took this shot, then Sam, then Cooper, as you can see they were all copying each other. 
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