So today is the 2nd of December and I have underestimated the fact that the Fathers birthday is on the 4th December. I’m in the UK and the father is in New Zealand so, time difference included, that means, actually and literally I’m a bit stuffed. The reason being, is yet again I have left this thought until the last minute. I’m thinking all is well, it’s late November, and then suddenly it sneaks up on me. It’s not late November anymore, and when you factor in delivery time and time difference it’s actually pretty impossible.
I have kind of, used up all of the sister favours over the years. “Please can you pick up from….., please can you actually buy…. (I’ll pay you back next time), please can I go in with what you’re getting”. The worst thing is, they don’t seem to have Amazon Prime in Kiwi land. This is my real excuse. I mean, how was I supposed to know! Here in the UK, we order everything the day before and it turns up the next day, no fuss. You never need to plan ahead. Fancy dress party at the weekend, no problem! Need some cake decorations, done! Out of milk, sorted!
Which brings me to the panic today. I send a quick suggestive text to the sister, she sends back a just as quick “I’m on my way to Wellington and wont’ be back till tomorrow” (read: sort your shit out and do it yourself).
Panic! After years of doing this every year, I know there are only about two places in New Plymouth that do online shopping and actually zero who could get it to him for the big day. The main one is “the warehouse” but there are only so many fishing accessories, t-shirts saying “greatest fisherman”, mugs saying “I let it get away” that one can buy. The sister recommends a meat box from the Butchery in New Plymouth. She said it was popular last year when I did it. I had totally forgotten. What a great idea. I log on and try to place the order and it says earliest delivery 6th December. My heart sinks! But, all is not lost. This is where New Zealand doesn’t need Amazon Prime or Ocado or next day delivery. New Zealand has real live humans who answer emails straight away and respond like a human. I send a quick may day email in the contact us section. Ten minutes later Kim from the Butchery has emailed back saying “absolutely no problem, we can do this for you and your father can pick it up on the fourth. She even says “it’s the thought that counts” when I say what a shit daughter I am. I congratulate myself on this. Now that is service! Happy birthday Dad and thank you the butchery at green meadows beef for saving the day!
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