Real Life

Maybe I should rephrase my title... back to reality, responsibility, and work. haha.

I spent the last week catching up in school, going to classes, and planning mid-semester break. I caught myself complaining about having to write a paper and do work, only to stop myself to realize that 1. I am writing the paper in the botanical gardens in 75 degree weather (extremely hot and rare for this time of year)2.I only have four papers due, 1 project, and 4 tests for all my classes for the entire semester 3. its a paper... 4. im in new zealand! Isnt it funny how you easy it is to complain about EVERYTHING?! My kiwi host asked me what I did when I actually took 6 classes at Butler (complain ten times more)... I had to laugh. Whenever you ask a kiwi to imitate an American, they usually complain... mocking us. They will say,"I have a hang over. I feel sick. My head hurts" and then laugh and explain "of course you have a hang over, you drank 20 beers and a bottle of wine. suck it up mate" sad story. haha-

So lets see, I don't have that many updates! This was one of the first weekends I spent just hanging out in Dunedin... I thought it was a good idea, but i missed traveling! On Friday, Jess, Molly and I walked into town to see a movie (slumdog millionare)... amazing! The theater was so cute- it was a packed house with about 25 of us. haha- we had a great time. Yesterday I went shopping in town and got my haircut. They cut hair kind of funky, but I liked it... now only if I could gather the courage to have dreads or a streak of red or blue. haha--jk Today I wrote my paper and took a hike up to Signal Hill, which is a 5 minute walk away, 45 minute hike to a look out over the city. It was a perfect day for it, clear blue skies.

Oh... I have two updates... first, I have a new friend! His name is Stuart. Mom and Deanne had the pleasure of meeting him as well. he lives in my wall (hes a mouse). Every morning he wakes me with some scratches and I talk back with some knocks... I really like having my new friend, but I want to sleep in... so I set my first mouse trap today! jay and jeremiah told me they would take care of it if I caught it. how nice it is to have male roommates! This is quite normal for Dunedin... second, I am completely lactose intolerant. I've always had trouble eating creamy soups and milk, but it has been ten times worse since I arrived (weird?). I am hurled in a ball and laying in bed if I eat cheese, milk, milk chocolate (ah!), and worst of all, mcdonald's soft serve ice cream. well I was just informed of tiny little pills that I can take before I eat dairy to help... ill have to go to the chemist (pharmacy) and get some.

I now have internet at my fingertips.. well kind of. The wireless isnt working on pc's so we have a cable that we share. It is nice to just check my e-mail here, etc... but at the same time, I enjoyed the excitement of going to the library once a day to check it. It was much more thrilling! Oh, the little things. This means I finally have skype: lisam151. talk to me!

So I have two more weeks of class and then mid-semester break! Lynsey and I just planned a sweet trip! I will give you a small preview without ruining that post: 3 days tramping on beaches, 2 days kayaking, full day wine tour on bike!, dolphins, hostels, etc. We are going up to the northern part of the southern island which is full of beaches and warmer weather : )and we are meeting her boyfriend and some of his friends (they are all studying in wellington)... i'm super excited!

Alright, time for some reading- take care : )