Thousands queue for the open homes of the houses from The Block. How many of them need to go to the toilet? Photo / Doug Sherring
Thousands queue for the open homes of the houses from The Block. How many of them need to go to the toilet? Photo / Doug Sherring
My wife and I spend all day every Sunday driving around Auckland, trying to buy a house. We never stop for lunch and often drink a couple of bottles of water between us during the day. She is happy to hold it, I'm not. When I'm busting, I have to go. Can I use other people's toilets at open homes? - Pee Pester, Auckland
I've recently had this dilemma myself. You're out in the 'burbs, whisking between 15 different open homes in one day. There are no public toilets in sight; only bushes. And, of course, the toilets in the homes you are viewing.
So, do you go for the bush or the shiny, unused, open-home-ready porcelain?
Well, we're not animals, so a toilet is always preferable if you can get away with it (without the agent knowing). Is this ethically questionable? Perhaps. But when you've got to go, you've got to go.
Two-storey house open homes are the easiest, because you can go for the second loo rather than the one in the main bathroom. Ensure the agent is not on that floor while you're peeing. If you're concerned about the sound of water hitting water, run the tap or shower. If anybody hears it, it just seems like you're a thorough potential buyer.
If the house is single-storey, your pee-break is going to be difficult - perhaps too difficult to execute unless there is a second lavatory away from the heart of the house. More often than not, you'll probably just have to hold it, and hope for the best at the next open home. Or, of course, find a nice private tree at the end of a cul-de-sac (easier advised for men than women, obviously).
If you do find yourself in the clear to relieve yourself, there are some rules. Absolutely no number twos. This is terribly disrespectful not just to the homeowner, but also to the other hopeful homebuyers. If nature calls after a bad curry, strategically seek out a public facility on your smartphone and drive off-course to get there.
Additionally, this one is vital: thou shalt leave no trace. Nobody shall ever know you used their loo. No splashes, no smells, no signs whatsoever. Check your tracks before you leave, do a quick wipe around the bowl with a little Cottonsoft, then wash your hands and leave the WC quietly.
I get high grades at school, but I don't feel like I'm getting a good education. My parents can't afford to send me to private school. What can I do? - School Smarts, Auckland
Private school isn't necessarily the key to a good education. Photo / Thinkstock
What is it that makes you feel you're not being schooled properly? If you are getting A's but are finding them too easy to obtain, talk to your parents about getting you moved into the year above for certain classes. This will involve a sit-down with the principal, but if you genuinely are flying through the lessons without breaking a sweat AND achieving the highest marks, you need to be given a challenge to step up to.
Private school isn't necessarily the answer, just so you know. You might have access to more motivating and enthusiastic teachers, but those can equally be found in the public system too. Everybody has good and bad teachers.
You might have a problem if you think you're smarter than your teachers. While you may think now you have nothing to learn from them, I can assure you this isn't true. Precociousness isn't a desirable trait in a young person. Keep working hard and I promise you, they will teach you more than what is in your textbooks in the end.
My elderly father is still legally able to drive, but I don't think he should be on the roads anymore. How do I deal with this before somebody gets hurt? - Concerned Carer, Christchurch
For an older person, having your licence taken away is a huge loss of independence. Photo / Thinkstock
Older drivers in New Zealand have to start renewing their licences at 75, 80, and then every two years after that. Their health and vision is checked to ensure both the safety of the driver and others on the road.
However, it sounds like your father is somehow falling through the cracks. Perhaps his motor proficiency has deteriorated quickly after age 75, but before age 80.
For an older person, having your licence taken away - either by the state or by a family member - is a huge loss of independence and will likely lead to confusion and anger. Your best bet is to take him to the GP, address your concerns in private first, and then have the medical professional explain that while legally your dad may drive, it is too dangerous for him to do so.
Come up with a plan on how your father can get around. Get him on public transport and confident in his journeys. Become his taxi driver when need be. If you are seriously concerned about the safety of others when your dad is behind the wheel, you need to make this situation your enduring responsibility until he gets the hang of life in the passenger seat.
