I Sound Like A Kiwi? Preposterous!

I recently talked to my good ole' best friend on Skype and you know what she said to me? She said, "You sound like one of them! This is so weird!" Apparently the phrase "I look a fright" isn't a usual American phrase. Woops! I have no clue when exactly such strange phrases embedded into my working vocabularly, but there they are and they make me laugh. Or shall I say, "I reckon they are quite funny?" It sounds like a southern comment, but I promise, in a kiwified accent it is quite classy!


Our "Spring Break" aka Fall break has come to a close. They sure know how to relax here! Two entire weeks of no school, no work, and all play. I don't even know what to do with myself! I never thought I'd be asking for school work...but hey, I must be desperate. Haha!

But surely you want some good stuff - something more interesting than me sitting in beautiful New Zealand reading everyday? Last weekend I took a trip 9 hours south to the bottom of the north island and PHEW, was that a long bus ride! But entirely worth it. Plus, I had my friend Haley with me, who made me laugh the entire bus ride anyway! Going to Wellington finally gave me the chance to meet some relatives for the first time EVER! Michelle and Wayne are amazing people. Their little lady Genevre is literally an angel - and I'm not just saying that. This little blonde piggy-tailed bundle will be much missed when I go back to the U.S. The city they live in is called Wellington - it's the capital of New Zealand. Very cool city: lots of green, surrounded by beautiful views of the ocean, modern AND classic architecture as well as art - just really neat all in all. I can't wait to take Matt, Kar, and Justine there when they arrive!

I have decided that it takes about 2 months to get settled into a new country, because these past 2 weeks have been the first time I really feel "comfortable" here. 2 months time yields the opportunity to not just meet heaps of new people, but to actually get to know some of them as well! Thank goodness. Life is much more satisfying when you can share it with others around you...

On a lighter note, I've discovered a lovely liquid creation called Milk Tea. Have you ever heard of it? DELICIOUS. Sounds sick though, right? (Ay?) Oh no, a taste of heaven in a glass. And you know what else is a taste of heaven? The grading system: anywhere from 70-100% is an "A"! Can you imagine? I received an 80% on my first test, and if you know me very well, that is just NOT acceptable. Haha! But when 80% means "A," it's definitely okay.

I'm off to...study...urgh...should not tell a lie...haha!

Miss you all dearly,

Cheers

I'm Beached As Bro

The kiwis really like to relax, so spring break isn't just one week, like in the USA, but two full weeks of splendorous rest! Last weekend yielded an amazing traverse northeast to Waihi Beach with a group of really fun people: the retreat was called "Beached As," named after a funny YouTube video an Aussie made to mock the Kiwi accent. It's going on the Lise' List of Favorite Weekends because it not only included lots of coffee drinking, but heaps of gaming, music, sandy beaches and deep, challenging conversation.

As far as coffee goes - being a barista the last 2 years of my life means nothing. All the names for the different types of coffee's are different! I've come to find the "flat white" as a great and tasty energy boost - it's sort of like a latte, but STRONGER! Sounds good, eh? Here's what your average Flat White will look like (yes, they always have cool designs in the foam)!


What kinds of games did we play, you ask? Well for starters, if you've ever played the card game "spoons" before, you know it can get bloody intense. And I literally mean bloody, because you don't go into a real game of "spoons" and come out completely unharmed, haha! Next in order was a three hour long game of Capture the Flag, where I proceeded to go to jail at least 19 times. Other fun stuff included a beach-themed walk-off, where you flaunted an awesome costume by dancing in front of about 50 people - can you say awesome? Ya. Awesome. (Try saying that with a kiwi accent, it is hilarious).

But don't worry, I'm not having too much play and no work. Classes are challenging, but in a wonderful way. I've continued to write for The Lumberjack while I've been here and it sounds as though my conservative articles stick out like a sore thumb, which is what being an Opinion writer is all about! You know you're doing your job when you're riling people up (of course this doesn't go for all jobs, be careful)! Haha. I even wrote a song since I arrived. If you care to listen, check out my Myspace page at www.myspace.com/liselovesu.

Side note: I have a new favorite spot on campus that I've named the Pond for Pondering. Here are some photos I took/edited-up for your viewing pleasure :)

<3

Well that is all for now friends and family. I am off to meet some long-lost/long-distance family in Wellington this weekend, can't wait. More updates to come.

Cheers!