exams --> STRESS!!

Hi everyone,

Sorry for the lack of updates! It is exam time. My first one, computer science, is tomorrow. Yes, that is a Saturday. I've been stressing out about exams and grades in general a lot lately. I just haven't done nearly as well as usual this semester, despite the huge amount of effort I've put into my classes. Ugh. Hopefully these exams will help?

I had an AMAZING time traveling in and around Christchurch over Queen's birthday weekend. Lots of pretty pics to come!

Tomorrow is the All-Blacks game in Dunedin. It is going to be awesome! I'll finish my exam around 5, come back to the flat for a quick dinner, put on all the black clothes I own, and head to the stadium for an awesome little study break.

last two papers!

My last two papers are due tomorrow. Wow. Last ones?!? I'll be happy to get rid of them. One is an essay or racialization in New Zealand for sociology, and the other is my written report of my midden for archaeozoology. So to celebrate before the final proofing, I'm making banana bran muffins! Mmm. They do smell good in the oven. And the oven has the added benefit of warming up the living room/kitchen a bit. I used one egg, but it had two yolks!! Twins. That's a bit...creepy, actually.

Happy Memorial Day weekend to all those States-side! Next weekend is the Queen's birthday here. I'm heading up to Christchurch for some fun and touristy things with some friends since it will be a 3 day weekend (4 for me, no more extra labs on Friday!!).

Two more weeks of class left!

week of projects

This week is the week of projects. I have something due in every class. Today I handed in my archaeozoology midden. *fanfare* I am so, so glad to be done sorting that stuff. I'll post some quick stats on it next week when my report on it is due. Ballpark figure: 500+ bones, and nearly that many shells. Tomorrow I upload my web site for my (fake) web site development company for my computer science project. It will be nice to get rid of that one too, hehe. My big sociology essay is due on Friday, but I have a nice outline done, so official writing will start tomorrow afternoon.

I finally figured out what I'm doing after finals and before I fly home! I booked my tickets to Wellington last weekend. I'll be there 5 days and 4 nights. Just me on the trip this time. But it is going to be so much fun! I have to visit Weta Studios. There are also lots of cool museums, a zoo, gardens, walks, etc. There is no way I'll be bored. I booked a little room in a hostel in the center of town, so I shouldn't be spending much on bus faire. I thought about driving up to Nelson and taking the inter-island ferry, but it would take a day to get to Nelson, plus the ferry ride is longer than my (direct!!) flight from Dunedin to Wellington. I'm looking forward to it! It is a bit unbelievable that exams start in a month though. Time has really flown by.

American as Apple Pie

Hey everyone!

Last weekend was full of homework, etc, so unfortunately, I didn't get to travel. However, I made apple pie! I was too (lazy) busy to make my own crust, so I got some premade crust from the store. And it was square. The package had a large, round pie on the front, yet the pastry sheets were square. It was my first square pie.

Anyway, here is the result that effectively washed away any thoughts of homesickness and wishes for an oncoming summer instead of winter. PIE.

Thanks to the squareness, you can see the warm, gooey apple goodness oozing out of the pie. You can also see our toaster.

In other news, I bought a ticket to see the All Blacks play in Dunedin next month!! SO EXCITED. It is their first match against France, who beat them last year. Nothing like a good grudge match of rugby. :) I'm nearly finished sorting my midden for archaeozoology, now I just have to fix a few of the tags, type up my data so it is nice, neat, and pretty, and write a formal report.

This weekend if it is too rainy to travel (it's been raining/sleeting/hailing non-stop for the past 3 days), I'm thinking about going to go see Angels and Demons at the movie theater in the Octagon. That movie theater is amazing! I saw Wolverine there two weekends ago with some people, and the theater is sooo nice. A note on the movie, if you've seen it: you know when he pulls off the one lane bridge and onto the right side of the road? That was filmed in NZ! And I've been across the bridge. They forgot to edit the directional arrow off of the road that indicates you are supposed to be on the left side, hehe. The farm that he ends up in is in Paradise, near Queenstown. Been there too! Anyway, the movie theater seats were huge, more like armchairs than seats, and when you convert the currency, the tickets were cheaper than student tickets at home. And they don't care if you bring in outside snacks and drinks.

I'm still trying to work out what I'll do between when exams end and my flight home. I'll have 10 days, and I was thinking about going to Wellington for a few days and then flying to Sydney or Melbourne. I got all excited looking at ticket prices on a website, and then realized that they were in US dollars, not NZ dollars. Hehe.

A note to fellow Hurricanes fans: there BETTER be some REDEMPTION in Raleigh.

the Catlins = Heaven

Hey everybody!

Sorry about the delay in posting. I actually went to the Catlins on Saturday, but I've been up past my eyes with papers and such. I still am, but there are only so many hours in a row I can write about mass extinctions in the Pacific. So, I'm taking a break.

The Catlins is an area on the south-eastern tip of the South Island along the Southern Scenic Route, a simply gorgeous drive if you are ever on the South Island. I've never seen such gorgeous waterfalls! (I was born in Buffalo, so Niagara Falls will always be my favorite, but these were really, really, really pretty. Really.)

Let's begin with Nugget Point, which featurs seals frolicking (as well as seals may frolic) among the shore, a white lighthouse, and huge rock "nuggets" in the sea.


Next were the first set of waterfalls, the Purakaunui Falls. Don't ask me how to pronounce that.

Yes, those are real. And HUGE.

On to the Matai Falls!


Then we came to the Cathedral Caves.

There I am, to give you a sense of scale.

Check out the purple alge!

Last of the waterfalls, but not least, the McLean Falls.


These were my favorite. :)

The last stop of the day was Slope Point, the southernmost point of the South Island. I've never been so close to Antarctica!


Happy Cinco de Mayo, everyone!

Catlins! and da pig flu

The Catlins trip has been rescheduled for Saturday! Provided it isn't pouring. It has been shortened to 1 day due to papers, etc being due on Monday. Still, most people manage to get it done in one day. Can't wait!

And the swine flu is everywhere. Literally. It has gone from Mexico to Auckland, NZ in a few days. I've gotten four e-mails from Otago, W&M, and AustraLearn about it. Watch out, and stay healthy everyone!

an untimely delay

I've inadvertently chosen a most inconvenient time to get sick. We (meaning 4 people, including myself) were supposed to go to the Catlins, a gorgeous area of national park with beautiful waterfalls, and camping this weekend. One person had to drop out due to scheduling conflicts. Another due to papers. And now I, in the 11th hour, finally succumbed to a cold/cough/brewing sinus infection. Bag, tent, and sleeping bag packed and all. Over-dramatic language, I know. Point is: trip delayed until next weekend.

I tried to go to the pharmacy to get something to help me get better, but it is Anzac Day, so nothing is open. Ugh. Oh well, can't do much about that.

Happy Anzac Day, everyone! (for non-kiwis: Anzac Day: NZ :: Memorial Day: US)

Wow, I just typed out an analogy. My head truly must be infected. ;)

Nothing really newsworthy to report. Fall is setting in, and the leaves are falling. I'm working on a lab practical assignment about comparative mammal and bird anatomy and turning it into a little field guide for archaeology, and my cooking skills are improving.

fall break fun and Tour de Rings!

Fall (yes, fall) break is winding down, so it is time to post! I had an amazing time traveling around the South Island with my parents, and took hundreds of pictures. So here we go!

My 21st birthday morning, also Easter! Here I am with my parents leaving Lake Tekapo. The water really is that color.

Here I am at at the Hermitage Hotel in the Mt Cook National Park. Southern Alps, aka the Misty Mountains in The Lord of the Rings films in the background.

On the drive to Queenstown, we passed a little town called Twizel. Not much there, but it was the location of the Pelennor Fields in The Lord of the Rings!

Here is the road between Queenstown and Glenorchy, and then Paradise. It really does look like paradise.

I took a trail ride through some Lord of the Rings locations in Paradise Station. It was a bit drizzly, but gorgeous! This shot is of the mountains surrounding Isengard, and is also a location in the upcoming Wolverine film.

The mountains surrounding Isengard again...trying to hide behind some mist.

The woods of Paradise Station were used for both Lothlorien and Amon Hen in The Lord of the Rings as well as the forest in the beginning of Prince Caspian where he falls off his horse. This spot is where Boromir died in The Fellowship of the Ring.

And here are the edges of Fangorn Forest, where Treebeard comes out of the woods to see that the orcs have cut and burnt down part of it. Now it is just cows, no ents.

And last but not least, a shot from the long drive through the highlands of central Otago back to Dunedin. See the old mining shed?

Wow, this is a loooong post, mostly pictures. Back to classes on Monday!

21st birthday fun...

Hey everybody!

My 21st birthday on Easter was amazing. We spent it at the Mt Cook National Park. So gorgeous. I love the Southern Alps!!


Mom and Dad are visiting for my fall break, so we are road tripping around the South Island. I'll post more on that sometime this coming weekend. For now, here is a picture from the glacier boat ride we did on my birthday.


That big mountain in the background is Mt Cook, New Zealand's tallest mountain. This is the Tazman Glacier lake, with lots of huge icebergs floating around.

Moeraki Boulders and Lighthouse and break plans...

Last weekend's day getaway was to none other than Otago's famous Moeraki Boulders and lighthouse with Ashley, Krystle, and Shannon. What are these boulders, you ask? They are in fact nearly perfectly round boulders strewn across a random stretch of beach. And they are perfect for climbing on and photo ops, as you can see here:

The YMCA. It just had to be done. (left to right: Ashley, Shannon, Krystle, me)

These are just a few of the boulders. All different sizes, but all round! And in the distance, you can see the little point where the lighthouse sits.

And here's the lighthouse. Isn't it cute? It rests at 45 degrees south. The place also has a penguin hospital to rehabilitate injured penguins of all sorts, a bunch of wild rabbits, some chickens, and a trail down to a hut on top of the cliffs to observe the seals and penguins below. It was the wrong time of day for penguins, but it was seal nap time (all times are seal nap time).

Awww.

In other news: my semester break starts this Thursday! I'm picking up my parents at the Dunedin airport Thursday morning. I still can't believe they are coming for break. They will be here for my birthday, which is on Easter this year, as well. Turing the big 21! So that means double the yummy New Zealand wine and double the Cadbury Easter chocolate, right? Right. Our first thing after getting them settled in will be a tour of the Cadbury factory Thursday afternoon. Friday will be a tour of the local brewery, and then out to the peninsula to find some seals, penguins, and albatross. Over the next week, we will be visiting Lake Tekapo, Mt Cook Village, Queenstown, and Glenorchy. It is going to be an awesome break!

horses, penguins, and seals on the beach!

Wow, it has been busy! I've had 3 projects to turn in over the past week, but I'm still alive. On Monday, Krystle and I went riding horses on Aramoana Beach, about half an hour from Dunedin. It was so much fun! I rode a horse named Trolls (who is in fact nothing like a troll) and had an awesome time. The weather was beautiful and the beaches were incredible. There were shells everywhere, and not a piece of trash in sight! We only ever saw people when we were going from the road to the path to the beach, but other than that, it was just us and our guide, who was amazing.

I even got to gallop down the beach! There are Trolls and I winning a race against Cheryl, our guide, on Ginger, the horse Krystle rode. Trolls had more speed than I thought he would! He was so proud of himself.

On Tuesday, we had our OUSA hike. Because the weather was looking so iffy, we went to Aramoana beach! Haha. It was nice to be able to walk on the beach where I had just ridden the day before. And we saw a penguin and a sea lion, who totally stole the show. Here is the lone penguin, who was quite conent showing off for a dozen excited girls. He is a Yellow Eyed penguin. Guess why? Hehe.

And now get ready for a cute-overload. I give you...sleepy seal!


That has to be one of the cutest things ever. And just as proof that there really are albatross on the Otago Peninsula, here is a shot that I got of them from across the bay. They are those little white blurs that in real life have a wingspan of 10 feet.


One last thing. See these two Cadbury eggs? (there were four, but I ate two by the time I took this picture) They look like normal eggs, right? Wrong! They are real Cadbury eggs. Not the fake kind that they sell in America. They are just too tasty for words.

St Patty's, Otago Peninsula, and Tunnel Beach

Sorry it has been a while since I've updated! Homework started piling on, but I've got (most) of it under control. ;) Right now I'm enjoying an afternoon off after turning in an archaeozoology project that was more difficult than it should have been. I'm watching the afternoon news and it is in Maori, which is unbelievably cool.

Now, for lots of pictures, which is probably why you are reading this in the first place. :D

St Patrick's Day featured my green cake, a bottle of Baileys, and a gorgeous hike up the Pineapple Track. There's Dunedin and the sea! No pineapple trees though. It was a perfect day after nearly a week of rain.









Last weekend was my first little "road trip" with Gary, my car. Krystle, Ashley, and I drove to the tip of the Otago Peninsula. Get ready for lots of pictures!

Here are Krystle and myself in front of Larnach Castle, New Zealand's only castle. It was so cute! If you can describe a castle as cute. Unfortunately, you weren't allowed to take pictures inside, but take my word for it that the intricate carvings of birds and flowers all over every ceiling in the place were beautiful, as was the stained glass, tile floors, etc.



















Here's a shot from the top turret of the castle down towards the tip of the peninsula. So. Pretty.

And here's a shot from the back gardens.


Sunshine! More from the gardens...

I think the thing to the left is a garden shed. I'm not sure what the little statue dude is. He was hanging out in the dungeon.














We made it to the tip of the Otago Peninsula!


This week's hike was to Tunnel Beach, about twenty minutes from campus. After walking through a sheep farm and a trip down a carved set of steps through a cliff, there is a beautiful beach with gorgeous cliffs. This particular photo states the obvious.
















See the outcrop that looks like a flying eagle?

Me and Krystle on the top of the outcrop.

Ok, this entry is huge! Time for it to end...

new wheels...and paws!

May I introduce to you....Gary. He is my used car! A 1988 (woah, we are twins) Mitsubishi Galant. He looks like a Gary, doesn't he? Anyway, now I have wheels! Watch out, New Zealand! American on the left side of the road. Hehe, it will be fine. I'm taking him in for an oil change on Monday so he will be all set for future road trips and trips to the barn. I'm working on finding a riding barn, and I have two places to call and check on 1) if they offer English hunt seat or similar lessons and 2) price and times. That will get done sometime this weekend.

Today is another Saturday in Dunedin. Went to the farmer's market, bought yummy produce, and I'm headed to the museum for this afternoon.

Now, for the other introduction. My parents got a dog!! Here's Teddy. :)
Isn't he cute? I saw him on Skype. I can't wait to meet him once I get home! He is a 6 year old golden retriever that his previous owner wasn't able to keep because she was moving into a no-pets apartment. My cat Ava apparently wasn't too thrilled, but at least Teddy is used to having cats around. It took Ava a while to like Lady, so I'm sure in time she and Teddy will be good buddies. Awww.


It has been a busy week! Tuesday, Krystle and I had our first OUSA hike on Ross Creek. I wasn't going to go because I was still feeling pretty sick and it was pouring outside, but I went anyway. And I was so glad I did! It stopped raining just as we were getting into the van to go to the trailhead. It was a really beautiful hike up to the reservioir. There we are! I look...pretty sick, actually, but I was so glad I went. There are a bunch of side trails for hiking and running as well, but we didn't have time to do all of those.

Wednesday night was my first Thai cooking class. Oh man, so much tasty food! I'm so happy I signed up for that class. Now I don't have to always go to Thai Orchid at home to get some tasty Thai food. We made spicy soup, sweet and sour spare ribs, stir fried rice, and beef curry. Next week is spring rolls, and other yummy things. Mmm.

Welcome to the House of Pain!

aka Carisbrook Stadium, the home of the Otago Highlanders. This is a Highlander. Real tough guys can get away with wearing kilts.

Now, as an American at my first rugby game last night, I was naturally curious about the Kiwi obsession with rugby. I've been told it is like American football, except they just don't stop. And they don't. The audience doesn't stop cheering (or drinking, but the game is sponsored by the local brewery). The players don't stop moving. Ever. A medic could be working on a guy's knee in the middle of the field, and the other players just try not to run into/over them.

Cheap student tickets mean you get to experience the real crowd. No box seats with fancy cocktails here! Painted students, drunk dudes, and an enthusiastic crowd in general with standing room only. And we won! 6-0, which is apparently an unusual score.

Here is a shot of what I'll call a faceoff, though I know that's from hockey (Otago is in blue and yellow, Canterbury is in red and silver). I still need to learn my rugby terms. Anyway, the referee (guy in black) drops the ball, or something like that, and the huddles of players from each team try to grab the ball. And I don't mean "huddles" like American football. These guys charge at each other like two opposing herds of bulls. Intense! Eventually one team will get the ball, and off they go. But you cannot throw the ball forward, only sideways. It can be kicked forward though, and run forward. If it is "fumbled", someone scoops it up and takes off with it. Rugby hardly ever stops! I think there were some penalties, and stops for those, but I'm not sure what they were for. When the ball is thrown/kicked in from the sides, each team picks a player to hoist into the air to try to catch it. I guess the closest comparison I have is cheerleaders hoisting one cheerleader in the air, but that seems like such a terrible analogy. ;)

Not too much going on at the moment, but that's what Sunday afternoons are for. I've got a sinus infection. Should have seen that coming! I'm making a beeline for the student health centre first thing tomorrow morning. My head and lungs feel like they are filled with hot cement, but I'm trying not to let it slow me down. Like rugby. ;)

Hello all!

I meant to update sooner, but I was having computer issues again. Now it is fixed, and hopefully all resolved. I have had enough trips down to student IT to last quite a while!

Time to post some pics of the beautiful, sunny University of Otago. This is the Clocktower, about in the middle of campus.☺

Last Friday was the international student train trip to Taieri Gorge. The scenery was absolutely gorgeous! And in the middle of absolutely beautiful nowhere, they had a barbecue set up. Yum. And then another beautiful trip to the railway station.

Classes started yesterday. My archaeozoology class will be intense, with a 3 hour lab each week. This week, we just learned how to properly draw and label bones and shells in preparation for future labs and our big projects. My computer class on web development and design is a bit more involved and complicated than I thought it would be. We are starting with writing basic html by hand. Sociology was what I expected though. :)

Things are starting to pick up and get busy! This Saturday will be my first rugby game. The Otago Highlanders vs. Canterbury Crusaders. Face paint and all!