81 Days.

     I flew back home from Australia on Saturday, May 14th (and because of the time difference, I arrived in LA before I left from Sydney!)  Since then, 81 days of summer have FLOWN BY and I wanted to update on how my study abroad experience has continued to be part of my life!
     I teach tennis to kids every day and they thought that it was soooo cool that I had been to Australia.  They asked 204703 questions about the food and living in a different country.  I don't think that some of the younger kids understand how far Australia is from the U.S., which makes me think back to what one child asked me before I left, "Lauren, how long will it take to drive to Australia?"
     And since I really did not know how to reply to this question, I said that it would take A LONG time to drive to Australia.  Especially if the car sinks and ya have to swim, haha.  But, even though their questions are a bit random and funny, I still enjoy talking about it- and especially love letting them taste Vegemite!
     This summer, I also have an internship at Merrill Lynch and my desk is in a cubical so I can hear all of the conversations around me.  Yes, I do feel like a creeper.  But I can't help it when they are talking loud near my cube!  Anyway, back to the story: when I was (trying to) work on the computer, I overheard someone say "Australia."  Without even knowing who was talking, I said (probably pretty loud), "I'VE BEEN TO AUSTRALIA!!!!" 
     We traded stories from our experiences, I showed him some pictures from my blog, and he pretended like it was completely normal to barge in someone's conversation (once again, I did feel like a little bit of a creeper).  It was great to talk about the places that we both had seen- like the Opera House and Harbour Bridge.  Hearing his perspective and stories was great, since I knew exactly where he was talking about and it almost felt like home!
     I also have had the opportunity to skype my friends in Australia and the U.S.  I really enjoyed hearing about life, this term, at the International College of Management, Sydney.  Apparently, the new study abroad students are good, but not as awesome as we were (I don't know if my friends were just saying that though, haha).  I had the chance to talk with my ICMS roomie Lolo, Kate, and Christina.  It was a little before 7AM my time when I talked to them so I don't really remember the whole conversation, but I do know that they were wearing a ton of winter clothes because it is FREEZING there!
     I have also had the chance to skype Megan since I have been back, which was great!  And tonight, I am going to talk to Jessica, who was my roomie while in Sydney.
     It has been great to stay in touch over Facebook, but it stinks that I don't know when I am going to see my friends next.  Since we are all spread over the U.S., it is hard to visit (unless I take a huge RoAdTrIp next summer!)

     All of these stories are just a long way of saying this- The experience of studying abroad will definitely always be a part of me.  The little things in life that remind me of my journey, the friends that I have made on the trip, and the life skills that I have learned continue to shine in life- no matter what continent I am on :)
     I am blessed to have had this amazing opportunity and will never forget it.  Now, onto my new adventure. . .senior year!

Helpful advice and tips that I learned in Australia

Here is a list of some of the things that I learned while abroad, some advice, and some random information:

1.       Make a plan. . .but know that you probably won’t stick to it!

2.       Go with the flow! (Two words illustrate this point for the first week in Australia: Cyclone Yasi)

3.       Skype is a valuable resource for keeping in touch.  But, sometimes the person that you are talking to looks like a big blur on the screen!

4.       Be thankful every day!

5.       Spending time with people is important.  It is a lot more enjoyable for me to spend time with friends than on the computer.

6.       It is impossible to teach some things in the classroom- You learn by experiencing it!

7.       Hostels Rock!  But, if you are traveling with 4 people or more, check out the option of splitting a hotel room!

8.       Never be too tired to explore something new

9.       It is okay to be scared of some things- it only makes the end reward that much sweeter and fulfilling.

10.   Not all who lead know which direction (aka: me with a map!)

11.   Take pictures of all you can, but remember that what really matters is the experience.

12.   Try new foods (for instance, now I know what I can eat if I ever lose my taste and can’t taste anything: Vegemite).

13.   Boil water first before adding pasta.  Or else it turns out like goo, trust me J

14.   Send a lot of postcards (even if you think it is too many!)

15.   Take chances; live life!

16.   Do what you planned to do. . .even if it is raining

17.   Group projects are common.  I have learned that the enjoyment level of the project depends solely on the people in your group.  Group work was fun for me in one class, challenging and exhausting in another class, hard in another class, and IMPOSSIBLE in my last class!

18.   NEVER be too busy to go on walks with friends (especially if it is on the beach!)

19.   Sleeping on the beach might be the best thing ever.  Basically, you are doing two things at once: 1. Catching up on sleep and 2. Getting a tan!

20.   Wearing a business suit has pros and cons.  Pro’s- I don’t have to use my brain until my first class.  Con’s- Sometimes, I just want to be comfortable!

21.   The dorm window can take the place of a clothes dryer.  You save $4.

22.   People who study abroad should know a lot about the U.S. because others form impressions of America from you!

23.   Don’t be afraid to correct a teacher. . .especially if they are talking about something that you know well! 

24.   Sometimes, take the long way!

25.   Get to know your dorm hall.

26.   The Great Barrier Reef is magnificient.  Go there if you have a chance.

27.   Bus drivers can be some of the friendliest people (and talkative!)

28.   Continue asking questions and for advice from the front desk.  Even if it seems like a lot, you don’t want to miss out! J

29.   What you do is more important than what you get (Experiences and activities are more important than souvenirs . . . though it is good to have both!)

30.   Cheep meals at hostels are fun, cheep, and delicious (usually).  We have made meals like spaghetti, grilled cheese, and soup.  Skilled chefs right? Haha

31.   If you fall asleep with your mouth wide open, you will be made fun of.  No Questions Asked!

32.   Trains are an excellent way to get around Sydney.

33.   Ferries are transportation and a scenic ride all in one.  What more could I ask for?

34.   You get what you pay for.  This includes anything from flights to meals to souvenirs.

35.   I learned that true friends stay in touch!

36.   Spending time away makes me appreciate everyday things more

37.   Meeting people from all around the world was eye-opening and so cool!

38.   Do some things by yourself

39.   Spend money on experiences that you will remember

40.   Eat Tim Tams and Smile J

My travel maps:

What is important?

• "You plan and God changes" describes some of my experiences perfectly!
• Getting cards in the mail is the best!
• I Accomplished most of my To-do list :)
• Dream Big
• Plans change. . .and that is okay! (keep positive)
• 17 hour chart isn’t as simple as I thought (US adjusted time=16 hour difference) (Australia adjusted time= 15 hour difference)  New Zealand = 2 hours ahead of Australia, Brisbane was 2 hours. . .then 1 hour!
• Get to know people
• The same spot is never the same (it is amazing how the sites of people and scenery change every day, even when running along the same path)
• Don’t expect to be a pro at something when you are just starting (surfing)
• Talk with the natives- it is better than a tour book. (Like the ferry ride back)
• Sometimes it is nice to sit and not do anything
• Do something fun/new/exciting/ and random everyday.  I like the quote, “Do something that scares you everyday.”
• I realized how much I miss things at home.  (From little things like bagels to who my true friends are).
• Be thankful for amazing Internet
• Learn everyone’s name
• Take pictures of scenery AND people.  Scenery to remember earthly beauty and people to remember good times shared with friends.
• Hold random animals- even if it makes you nervous
• Bandicoots ROCK
• Ask for directions
• “You can sleep when you’re dead” is good advice. . .just not when you are waking up
• Set your Internet home page as the news in the country where you are.  It informs you on events and issues going on in the country where you are living, and also shows you how your home country is viewed.
• Be goofy!
• Live life & ENJOY THE EXPERIENCE!

Dear Parents,

A couple of weeks before I left to head back to the States, I wrote my parents a list of items and foods that I had to have As Soon As Possible when I got back!  Here is the list:
1. Hummus
2. Cottage Cheese (okay, laugh if you want- but the Barber's kind is REALLY good!)


What is our first stop off of the airplane in LA? A DR PEPPER Stop!



3. Beef Stroganoff (I am realizing now that these are odd things)

4. Stuffed Chicken- it is this delicious dish my mom makes

5. BROWNIES (Aussies need to experience real American brownies!)

6. Wraps. . .preferably a chicken & chipotle wrap

7. Gyros (they had them in Australia, but I missed a Greek Cafe near home)


8. Blackberries/blueberries/raspberries/strawberries

9. ICE (ice cold drinks ROCK!)

10. Omelet- preferably with Velveeta Cheese (yes, I know that Velveeta is one carbon molecule away from plastic but it is sooooo delicious!)

11. Grilled Cheese Sandwich (again, with Velveeta Cheese- but preferably not the same day that I have the Omelet because that would be too much cheese!)

12. Whole Wheat Bread- yummmmm

13. Chicken Salad


14. Ice Cream. Definitely.

15. Mexican food (It is okay & completely acceptable if it is "Americanized" Mexican food)

16. Dr. Pepper. . .Mr. Pibb is acceptable

(Some of these items were available in Australia, but the prices were a lot higher.  For example, Dr. Pepper was $4 for a can because not much was imported in Australia.  Ice cream was also expensive- it was at least $5.50 for one scoop.  And for many other things on this list, I just missed what I was used to eating back in the US)

Sincerely, Me!

Follow Up on Foods. . .

Follow-Up Blog (after a couple months in the U.S)

1.       Hummus- ummm-DELICIOUS!  I make sure that we have it at all times!

2.       Cottage Cheese- I eat it way to much now J

3.       Beef Stroganoff- I.ACTUALLY.HAVE.NOT.HAD.IT.YET!  Perhaps dinner tonight?

4.       Stuffed Chicken- Yes, it is a classic!

5.       Brownies- Once or twice. . .but I have made PUPPY CHOW (I forgot to put it on the first list)

6.       Wraps- I have one for lunch often

7.       Gyros- yuuuum!

8.       Blackberries/blueberries/raspberries/strawberries- (I admit, I LOVE fruit and have them every day!)

9.       ICE- now appreciated in all drinks!

10.   Omelet- I have had one or two this summer- They are delicious

11.   Grilled Cheese Sandwich- so.good. (PS I didn’t eat them on the same day)

12.   Whole Wheat Bread- I have it every day!

13.   Dr. Pepper (and can I add to that Coke Icees?)

Northern Beaches, here we come!

What.A.Day.Of.Hiking!

     Megan and I had a mission- we were going to walk by as many beaches as possible (while allotting a little energy for the return to ICMS).  The beautiful landscape, variety of beaches, friendly people, and amazing weather make the northern beaches one of the best places to visit in Sydney.  Just pick up a Sydney Travelors Guide or any tourist information and I am sure that the northern beaches would be listed as a top site to see!

     And lucky us, because we did not have to take a ferry or any transportation to start this trek, because the location of ICMS was perfect for the start of this hike.  The plan was this: begin at ICMS and walk past Manly Beach first, then continue to the north.

     In the morning, we went on a small 3.5 mile hike around NorthHead.  Now, I can't remember why- maybe as a preparation for our super-intense one that we had planned, or because we did not think that our legs would be GEL at the end of the day after walking so many miles, or maybe it was because our time in Sydney was winding down and we wanted to fill our days full will adventure.  Very full with adventure!

     Megan and I walked by Shelly Beach, Manly Beach, Queenscliff Beach, Curl Curl, Dee Why, and Long Reef.  We continued walking to Long Reef point, where we were able to see Collaroy Beach and figured that it was a perfect place to turn around! 

     Though I must admit that we might have looked a little goofy- mostly because I had my ipod earphones hanging out of the backpack so we could listen to some tunes while we hiked.  We felt like serious, prepared hikers.  Sure, I know that people were wondering where the music was coming from. . .but they should know it is coming from us, the "walking jukeboxes," haha.

     Though we were absolutely EXHAUSTED when we got back (especially walking up Darley Road which is the steepest, highest hill EVER), it was such a cool experience.  Later on that night, I put our course in the mapmyrun.com to figure out the mileage and it was 6 miles one way + 6 miles back + 3.5 miles in the morning = 15.5 miles!!!  Through sand, dirt trails, and pavement. . .What.An.Adventure!

Our Route

      

One of my last trips into Sydney (for now!)

The Opera House from the Harbour Bridge

     With three days left in the study abroad trip, I wanted to make sure that I had seen everything in Sydney!  I had two things that I still wanted to do in Sydney which were seeing Luna Park and walking across the Harbour Bridge (why have I not done that yet???)



Sydney



     Luna Park was on the other side of the Harbour Bridge, so everything worked out very well.  Sarah, Kelly, and I took the ferry to Sydney and then walked across the bridge.  Of course, we stopped to take some pictures!  It was such a beautiful day and a perfect day to spend in Sydney!  

     Luna Park was our first stop!  When we arrived at the entrance, we were greeted by uhhh. . .a somewhat creepy smiling clown.  Actually, the entrance WAS the clown- you walk through the mouth to get to the park.  

      On a different note- want to provide hours of entertainment and laughs?  Take a picture of the entrance to Luna Park and upload it to Facebook.  Then, tag whoever you want as the creepy clown face.  If you are feeling particularly funny, add something in the caption.

     I did this to my brother.  After I tagged him in the picture, I wrote, "It has your eyes!!! And your smile!"  Secretly thinking that I got him, then he wrote back, "and your rosy cheeks." He is so funny. NOT!

     Anyway, we walked around Luna Park and Sarah got cotton candy!  In Australia, it is called Ferry Floss!  The view of Sydney and the Harbour Bridge from Luna Park was a new perspective for me and was absolutely beautiful! 

     Afterward, we went in the Skytower and to Darling Harbour.  In Darling Harbour, we watched a dance street performance that was great (many people play instruments, do arts, dance, and draw on the Sydney walkways for people walking by!)
     It was a beautiful day and exploring Sydney was the perfect way to spend it! 

      

A Man's Man Sport

     Australian football is, to me, considered a Man's Man sport because of the sole fact that the players tackle (like in American football) BUT they don't wear pads!!!  Yes, I had to see this for myself!
     The Sydney Swans took on Carlton (inner city Melbourne) on a rainy night at the Sydney Cricket Ground!  I bet you can guess who I cheered for---GO SWANS!  To understand the differences between American football and Australian football, I have compiled a list of 5 differences:

5. The ball has to touch the ground often to continue play

4. No helmets

3. You are not allowed to throw the ball forward- but you can "handball" it backwards.  

2. The players score by kicking the football between four posts.  (6 points are scored if between the middle two posts, and 1 point is scored if it is in the outside posts)

1. The guys wear short shorts.

(Note: Number 1 is a difference AND a benefit! haha, just kidding!)

     Lauren and I sat under the awning after it started raining and the guy next to me asked me what team I went for (of course he went for Carlton).  He told me that Carlton had the best football player in the nation- which is not exactly what I wanted to hear when the Sydney Swans were loosing!!!

     Though the Sydney Swans lost the game, it was close and a lot of points were scored for both teams- which I think makes the games more exciting!

Sydney Royal Easter Show

Now, don't go to this Easter show and think that it is similar to ones that you have been to before. . .

     Because there are a lot of things that make Sydney's Easter Show unique!  One of the first stops when I arrived was the Poultry Pavilion (yes, I am not kidding about the name, haha!).  Pigeons, fowls, ducks, geese, and turkeys are entered into the Poultry Competition for the best looking birds-Okay, I will admit that I don't know how they are judged, but I bet appearance is a high percentage!  And some (even the "winners") were absolutely HILARIOUS!!!  Like this little fellow, pictured to the right- who will always hold a special place in my heart.  

     Do you see in the picture how he is sticking his head out from the cage???  Well, I learned that he can stick it out a lot further. . .and he is highly skilled to hit your arm as you walk by.  If you ask me, this guy should have won first in the Rooster category, but he finished a close second behind a bird that looks the exact same as he does! 

The Cow was almost as tall as this miniature giraffe!

     Now, lets get on to what you really care about: the pigs, alpacas, and cows!!!  There is now a Pig Obedience Challenge (due to the fact that a pig escaped at last year's Easter Show).  I did not spend much time with the pigs because they don't smell too good!  After, I headed across the street to the Alpaca tent.  I was expecting to see normal, lama-like creatures. . .but some were green!  As if that was not enough random sights, afterwards I saw the tallest cow- over 6ft 2in!!!

        Other animals that were at the Easter show were horses, geese, chicks, goats, birds, and sheep.  I feed the sheep- most were too full from the food from 287492 visitors before me, but one of the sheep thoroughly enjoyed the food! 

At night, we watched the rodeo and fireworks- such a great end to a fun day at the Easter Show!

 

In ONE day. . .

     My transportation from Manly to New Zealand (and when I took trips to Melbourne and the Whit Sundays) consisted of many different modes of transportation.  So, I took this as a personal challenge: How many modes of transportation can I take in one day???
     Out of all of the days and trips, the trip from the Whit Sundays back to school in Manly wins!!!  Here is a list of the many things used to get from point A to point B:
1. Walk to bus station
2. Bus to airport
3. Plane
4. Train to Circular Quay
5. Ferry to Manly
6. Taxi to ICMS  

Coming in close second is Saturday, May 14 when I left Australia:
1. Walk to ferry station
2. Ferry to Circular Quay
3. Train to Airport
4. Plane to LA
5. Plane to Chicago
6. Plane to Atlanta
7. Car to Birmingham
(note- I kind of cheated on this day because Saturday, May 14 lasted for 24 hours for me!)
    

FOOOOOD: Maori Dinner and Fabulous home-made dinners at the hostel

I have not done a blog about food in a long time, so this is much needed!!!

     Especially after our delicious feast at the Maori dinner!  The Maori are indiginous Polynesian people of New Zealand and we watched performances and learned about their lifestyles 300 years ago.  They demonstrated games that children played to teach coordination, gender duties, a typical day at the village, and how they cook dinner.  This was particularly surprising- they use fire to heat rocks and then put the rocks in the earth.  On the rocks, the Maori women layer the food, from what they need heated most to least (dessert is usually on the very top).  They showed everyone how it worked by digging our dinner from the ground and it was so interesting!  The meal was a buffet of chicken, lamb, seafood- even though I don't like seafood, I had a New Zealand Mussel (and I learned that I REALLY don't like those), potatoes, pasta, hot chocolate, and dessert!  

     The way that the Maori people were painted was unlike anything that I have seen.  Women had black paint on their chins and lower cheeks.  And, like women, men either had black paint on their chins and lower face or had it covering their whole face.  Most men also had it all over their arms, which looked like a tatoo.  Here is a picture from a dance that they did at the dinner!

And on a much different note:

For some other meals, we prepared Spaghetti and Pasta at the hostel!

Sure, it was not as delicious as the Maori feast, but we tried to let our inner chefs shine through!  All hostels typically have a kitchen, so it is easy to prepare a meal.  We bought pasta, sauce, and a salad from the grocery store and created our own meal.  It was a nice way to have a cheep (and fun) dinner!  AND I am now an excellent noodle maker- what more could I ask for? haha 

These trees are TALL- seeing the Redwoods!

What do I do in Rotorua, NZ?

I go to see the Californian Redwoods!

Hiking, Hiking, Hiking!  My friend Michelle and I thought that it would be worth it to wake up early in the morning to hike in the Redwood forest (and we had to allow for additional time to walk to and from the redwood forest from our hostel).  It took 45 minutes to walk to the Redwood forest and let me tell you- IT. WAS. WORTH. IT!  The trees were so huge, it was almost impossible to get the whole tree in a picture.  The variety of different vegetation that we saw in Rotorua was unbelievable!

Skyline at Rotorua

where I (kind of) dominated the LUGE. . .

     I do not know if I have mentioned this in my blog yet, but I get pretty competitive.  I get competitive in things that really matter, like school sports BUT I also realized that I get super competitive when I do things that do not really matter.  For example, going "Lugeing" in New Zealand should not warrant my most competitive nature.  After all, it is a fun activity.  Until. . . I decided that I wanted to race the guy in front of me (without him knowing!).  Using the valuable knowledge that Talladega Nights taught me, "If you ain't first, you last," I set out to become the ultimate Luge champion!

     The hill was steep and the course was wet from all of the rain.  So, it was slippery and I was trying to go fast because the little boy in front of me had a 10 second head start.  Before I began, the employees showed me how to break, but they did not know that I would not be using the breaks that much, especially because my race was going to be close.  AND GUESS WHAT?  I Won!  Hurray!  Sure, the guy in front of me did not know that we were racing.  Oh ya, and he was also like 8 or 9 years old.  And. . .I don't want to say any more because it is going to make me sound like I didn't deserve the victory, haha!

     The Luge was so much fun, and I ended up doing all three courses!  There was a scenic path, intermediate path, and advanced path.  After finishing the Luge races, my friends and I headed back down the gondola to the bottom of the mountain. 

     That's all for now from Luge Champion Lauren :)

The Australian and New Zealand Rivalry

     I was shown this video during the culture and adventure program during the first week that I was in Australia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AIppqNePdM. Check it out- it is hilarious!
     The subject of the conversation was Australian and New Zealand relations.  (Aka: the sibling friendship of Aussies and Kiwi's).  People from Australia and New Zealand love to joke with each other about a number of different things- Australians joke about New Zealand's lack of defense (like in the video!), and they also joke about their plentiful sheep and make sheep jokes.  New Zealanders joke with Australia about Rugby and the fact that they have an overwhelmingly higher percentage of Olympians than the Aussies.
     I experienced this relationship on the bus in Rotorua on the way to the Maori Dinner.  Our bus driver named all of the countries that the visitors were from on the bus.  Of course, he said Australia last and poked fun at Australians about their accents.  For some reason, both countries love to make fun of how the other country says "Fish and Chips."  AND here's the thing: Australians joked back!  I thoroughly enjoyed the dry humor on the bus ride.
     And, just in case you want to hear any more jokes, I found a FUNNY one from the prime minister of New Zealand in the 1980s.  During the 1980s, many New Zealanders were moving to Australia to find jobs, and when the prime minister was asked about it, he said, " That by doing so, they [the New Zealand immigrants] were raising the average IQ of both countries."
     Gotta Love Sibling Rivalry!
      

Australians joke that New Zealand is 100% there for the taking because New Zealand does not have a strong defence force

New Zealand: the land of extremes

A brochure that I saw prompted this blog:

     Though I just created this New Zealand "advertisement," there was a similar ad that I found while in Rotorua.  The advertisement showed a sheep and a skydiver on the front cover.  Talk about contrast!  At first, I thought it was HILARIOUS but I soon realized that it was really smart.  Truth is, I actually thought about this in a marketing perspective (marketing professor-can I get bonus points PLEASE???).

Here is is:

     Since the target market of New Zealand is everyone, they are trying to get people-tourists like me :) - to come and visit.  BUT here is the problem: people have different needs and wants and enjoy different things!  So, why not create an advertisement that is perfect for sheep lovers AND lovers of AdVeNtUrE?  Sounds like a pretty smart plan to me.

New Zealand's Advertisement with Sheep & Skydiver = Success  

The World's Youngest Geothermal System

Waimangu Volcanic Valley is 20 miles away from Rotorua and we decided to spend the day walking by steaming lakes, hot springs, and geysers! 

Funny story on how we decided to visit Waimangu-

Our accommodation in Rotorua was a hostel called Crash Palace.  (Ya, the name sounded a little sketchy but it ended up being a really good place to stay!)  Two people manned the front desk, one during the night shift and the other during the day.  How do I know this?  Because I asked both people dozens and dozens of questions.  They knew me well and I knew them well.  For our free day, the front desk employees suggested the Waimangu tour.  I don't know if they told us to do the tour in order for them to get a little (probably much needed) peace and quiet or if they really thought it was a neat place.
     Turns out, Waimangu is an amazing place!  It reminds me of Yellowstone (and to tell you the truth, it is hard to take a bad picture because it is so beautiful!).  The trail through Waimangu wrapped around the lake and by several hot springs and geysers- including the largest hotspring in the world!!! 

Though it was sprinkling the day that we went to Waimangu, the ground was still HOT and the water was still boiling- pretty amazing if you ask me!  Seeing the volcanic valley was an excellent way to spend the day in New Zealand!

"Ode to Rotorua"

     The last two weeks have been extremely busy due to exams (and my beautiful broken finger) so I still need to write about my holiday/Easter trip to New Zealand!  Though we started our trip in Auckland and then went to the New Zealand town of Rotorua, I am going to start with the smelly, yet, pretty town of Rotorua.

     I have summed up some of my experience in Rotorua in a song.  AND to make it even better. . .the song is to the tune of "Old McDonald had a Farm."  Hum the tune and enjoy the song :)

Ode to Rotorua:
Old Rotorua had a geyser-
Speeeew, speeeew, spew.
and by this geyser, there was a hotspring
That. Smelled. Bad.
And there were sheep by this geyser,
baaah, baaah, SPEW!

And though that sheep just died, (aww)

There. Are. More.

With a sheep sheep there and a sheep, sheep there- here a sheep, there a sheep, everywhere a sheep, sheep.

Because 40 million sheep cover this island. . .

Outnumbering. People. By A LOT

But New Zealand is more than geysers and sheep-

Woo Hoo Hoo!

It is a land of dare and challenge
Which. We. Did.
like jumping off of a very tall bridge
OH. MY. GOSH!!!

(I performed this "Ode to Rotorua" for my friends on the bus and we all laughed so much!)

"Organizing"

     I am OfFiCiAlLy a COLLEGE SENIOR!  My last exam was on Monday- I am so relieved to be done with all exams (and hopefully I passed them all).  Exams here are a lot different from exam time in America.  Students are told to meet in the hall 15 minutes before exam time.  The associate dean is very strict about being silent in the hall and we form a line.  One by one, we pass through the "bouncers" (aka our actual teacher) to show them our school id.  After taking a seat, ONLY fill out one sheet for your name, subject, and teacher- then put the pencil down.  At ICMS, 10 minutes of "reading time" is given for each exam at the start.  We are allowed to ask questions at this time, but not make any marks on the test.  At the end of the exam, if you finish early, you can leave- the only exception is if you finish in the last 10 minutes of the exam.  I finished my last exam RIGHT after my teacher said "10 minutes left- you can't leave the room!"  So, I had the pleasure of sitting there, chillin', for 10 more minutes! 
     Now with exams completed (most of my friends are either done or have one more), we have started to look to the future.  The very close future.  In 3 days, I will be flying over 9,000 miles back to Birmingham- it has flown by so quickly!  Which brings me to what we are doing now- "organizing"!  No one is allowed to say packing- we are organizing our stuff in suitcases, haha!  Going home for all of us will definitely be bittersweet.
    More to come about saying goodbye and the last couple of weeks!

The dangers of American Football

     I have NEVER realized how many times per day that the right ring-finger is used.  It is used in the morning rituals of brushing teeth, tying shoes, and showering, but I especially did not realize how much I use it when I type and write.  This week I have figured out how to do all of these things with a splint in my ring-finger and pinkie.
     This weekend, I broke my ring finger when I was playing football on the beach.  I was the wide-receiver and was determined to catch one of the passes!  The ball was thrown a little short and tipped in the air by another player close to me, and I had little response time to move my hand.  So, the football hit the very tip of my finger and it caused it to jam (I thought it was a jam at that time!)  But, my finger started to get HUGE and turn blue and black.  I decided to wait until Monday to go to the doctor.

     Let me just take a minute to say that I am in Australia and I feel like I should hurt my finger doing something else other than playing American Football.  I should have broken it doing some extreme sport, playing cricket (just kidding- haha), having some type of poisonous animal bite my hand.  Or, an even better option would be to not get injured in the first place! :)

     This week and next week are exams at school.  Since my marketing exam is mostly essay and short answer questions, I talked with student services at ICMS about how. . .uhhhh. . . .I couldn't write very fast!  So yesterday I took my marketing exam in a secluded room at a different time than everyone else.  And here is the cool part- I was given an additional 30 minutes to finish it (which I really needed!)

    

     Three things learned after my finger broke:

              1. It stinks to have a broken finger!

              2. I was given a new nickname (in addition to Bama, bam-bam, Alabamie): Tiny Tim

              3. There are test benefits for having a broken finger.  If you have the option of when to break your finger, do it during exam time because you will get extra time on a long exam!