That is totally sucky, Consuela. I’m sorry. I would be hurt too.

The shooting was big news here. Does sound employment related and sadly still probably safer here than in the US but flags were at half staff and there was a moment of silence before the game.

The game was awesome though—NZ won, their first ever win in a World Cup game! Everyone was so excited, and the stands were packed until the end because it was so close. The opening ceremonies were fun, and we even managed to time going to the souvenir stand well (lines were crazy at them but I had us go at 30’ in and it was pretty quick!). Best yet, the rain that was forecast to be heavy held off until literally about two minutes after the match ended (and it wasn’t too bad to walk home in, I had a poncho).

Sadly woke up at 5am and wasn’t able to go back to sleep, so reading on my phone til my friend wakes up and we decide on a plan for today. By the sound of it it has been POURING rain for the past few hours so crossing my fingers that lightens up some! I’m happy to do an indoor day but serious rain and wind is no fun.

NZ won, their first ever win in a World Cup game!

Wow! Must have been so cool to be there for that!

It is so awesome that you are there, meara! I seriously appreciate living vicariously through my friends. So keep doing exciting things people!

Wow, meara, what an experience!

Meara are you staying there the full time until the finals??? So cool.

Suela, that really sucks, and it’s not weird at all that you’re hurt. You’re such a vital part of your sister’s life, it’s really shocking to me that she didn’t have a few with you and her alone and looking beautiful and fancy. I’m really sorry. When I traveled to Texas last year for my cousin’s funeral - a cousin I’d been like a sister to for the first 20 years of our life - and I’d helped his struggling family on numerous occasions, etc. Well, one of my contributions to the funeral was to cover for the funeral home’s ridiculously priced “photos package” - the photos to be played throughout the entire funeral on monitors throughout the church. His widow was in charge of selecting the photos to give to the funeral director.

There were no fewer than 200 photos, and I wasn’t in a single one, and that stung, but what was so much worse was that there was exactly ONE photo of Ben with his mom and NONE with his (only sibling) sister! So I was a lot more upset about that startling and awful omission than for myself. His widow made sure that *every single photo* had her in it. My aunt tried to cover up her hurt but I was furious. I guess I still am.

I hope you wear the jumpsuit again and get a photo of it because I’d love to see you in it!

there was exactly ONE photo of Ben with his mom and NONE with his (only sibling) sister

Oh, my, that's really awful. How horrible for his mother and sister. And for you!

Thanks y'all. I know none of this was intentional, it just makes me feel a little sad. I would have liked a nice photo of me with my whole family: there won't be any more weddings for a long time, after all.

Oh wow Nanita, that’s awful.

I am not staying through the final, just (“just”) through the semis.

Had quite a day today—wandered around in the pouring rain, did a bit of shopping, went to the art museum, the the “All Blacks Experience” which was a little ridiculous but fun, then hit the “fan zone” and bought a few things and contemplated others, now back at the hotel and deciding on dinner. We thought about seeing Barbie but decided we would not be able to stay awake for an 830 pm movie, since we have morning plans also

Sounds like a fun trip, meara!

Badly twisted ankles and family photo thoughtlessness are less fun.

It's been mostly work and hiding from the heat for me, as is my usual habit in July.

Popping in briefly to say that MY BATHROOM RENOVATION IS ALMOST DONE!! The plumber is here and there will be a toilet and shower in that room VERY SOON! If I'm lucky maybe even a SINK!

I would be very hurt (and angry) about either picture experience.