In November last year, I was very sadly made redundant. At the time, I was very worried about what I would do, but also optimistic, as I am young and believe that everything happens for a reason. I am still trying to figure out that reason, but in the meantime, I have embraced my new life as a stay-at-home fiancé!

I've discovered a new love for gardening! I have a small vegetable garden that I enjoy tending to and watching grow. There is also a lot of learning about nature which is enjoyable. I’m not a pro just yet, but we have harvested lots of lettuce and one patch of little broccoli (I was very excited about that because I absolutely love broccoli). I also tried carrots, spinach, pak choi and silverbeet but I am going to try again because I don’t think I planted them correctly. Oh, and I also planted a potato, which is growing very well, and I can’t wait to harvest some.

I have also been baking and expanding my cooking recipes. Some recipes have turned out really yum, while others have been average. Cookbooks are my new favourite thing, I got a slow cooker book, which has been great, and I love trying new recipes. Baking, my fiancé loves my baking, and that makes me happy. Brownies are our favourite but I also like cupcakes and biscuits, but they are pretty hard to master with the oven and not burning.
We have one car, so I’m also using Uber every morning and afternoon as I drop him off and pick him up from work. It’s good because it makes me get out of bed in the morning! Except when it’s raining because I’m a princess and I’m not going out in the rain if I don’t have to, so he takes the van. Most of the time, I still get up, but sometimes I’m like no, thank you. my bed is comfy and warm!!

Other things I do are housework, appointments, grocery shopping and anything else that needs doing. I actually keep myself busy and not bored, which surprised me. I am still looking for a job, but for now, I am content with being a stay-at-home fiancé who has a little garden and enjoys eating.

About the author:

I am a born and raised young New Zealand Māori woman. I was born with cerebral palsy which affects my muscles but not my mind. I am just like any other young person who has dreams, aspirations and enjoys having fun. I am in my fourth year at the University of Auckland studying Criminology and Māori Studies with dreams of one day working in the justice system. I have a YouTube channel called Wheely Wacky Adventures where my friend Leah and I share videos of our adventures such as skydiving and bungy jumping just to name a couple. I am full of life and ready to take on what comes for me.