Rock Climb Wednesday!

So today was so much more exciting that yesterday. We went to a huge indoor rock climbing wall. Here's the pics. Let's look!


This is Angel. She's a New Zealand native, Maori to be specific. I couldn't believe how this picture turned out. It's by far my favorite


Oh, Little Camilla!!! Camilla is from Norway and has competed in fitness competitions. She's so full of spunk. I love it!!!. She's also a DJ. The girl knows no bounds!


Here's me coming down. I really think harness makes me have a nice butt!


This is Bones!!! I think I distracted her a bit with this picture. She didn't fall so don't worry.


Here Shelley looks pretty scared! Don't be scared Shelley the automatic belay won't hurt you!


Rowen and Amber take a break from climbing. Rowen claims to make funny faces in pictures to make them more exciting. I'm guessing she just says that since she comes out looking kinda funny.


Here's Kristina seeing how far she can jump up the side of a mountain. Kristina did it like a pro.


On this little trick we had to jump from a single post out to trapeze. Of course all the circus freaks caught the bar!


Diana and Jonelle rocking it out! Diana just moved today from her abandoned building. I'm kinda sad she's no longer a squatter :(.

What a Great Week So Far!!!

Tuesday Day Two

So Tuesday wasn't too exciting and I've kept you all waiting in suspense for no good reason. Basically all we did was go over expectations for us throughout the course, how we can accomplish our assignments, and how we are assessed. Oh! Exciting right? But it gets better! That afternoon we had FIRST AID TRAINING!!!


So now you know who to call in those sudden, unexpected accidents. I'm certified and cute. What more could you want?

Let The Insanity Begin: Circus School Day One Monday

I know I've been slow to post about my first week at school but it's been a very busy week and I've just been too tired to do it. I've somehow found the energy to be your entertainer. Enjoy!

So first thing's first, I had to have my first day of school pic and here ya go!


I made it to school bright-eyed and bushy-tailed at 9:00am seeing all of the new faces and just wondering what this year will bring. Of course, the first thing we did was Icebreakers. I understand that it's a necessary evil but it still makes me feel like I'm back in 4th grade going to a 4H meeting or something. The excitment really came when we played a game of tag that required us to pretend we were bleeding profusely from the place where we were tagged. As I was running away, I tripped over a step but continued to keep running. My gymnastics background has served me well I guess. Unfortunately after the game was over I noticed that I was actually bleeding from this pretend bleeding game. 3 minutes into school and I'm already injured. Isn't that just great.


Fun, right?

Anyway, moving on. The rest of the day was filled with meeting new people. Most of the students hail from Australia but there are students from New Zealand (Of Course), the US, Canada, and Norway. I also have to say that there are so many names in our class that I have never heard before, for instance, Idris, Rowen, Lozz, Bones, Nele, Jola, and of course Tank. In the afternoon we talked about what was to be expected of us throughout the semester and then finished up by visiting the Health Center, and Learning Services. I'll try to eventually get pics of everyone in my class so that all of you can get a visual with the name.

The Impossible is Possible!

So today is the 19th. I left Dalhart exactly one month ago and I am so happy to report that this is my official "NO BUYING ANY TYPE OF CLOTHING WHAT SO EVER" One Month Anniversary. I have been tempted but I have been proven the victor and reign supreme over my enemy. I think applause and drinks are in order.

See, The Pope


and even the Dalai Lama laud me for my accomplishment.


With this great accomplisment behind me, I start school tomorrow!!! AAAGGGGHHHHH!!!! I'm just a little bit nervous. Hopefully I can sleep tonight. I'll find out more about my schedule and classes. I will be sure to relay all of that information. I would ask for luck but the Pope and the Dalai Lama have already blessed me. I think the cards are already stacked in my favor.

Have a great day, everyone! I love all of you!!!

This Moment in Black History

The other day I was thinking to myself, I have not seen a single black person the entire time I've been here. A little odd don't ya think? I mean New Zealand was colonized because they were all British convicts and they didn't have a bustling slave trade, so I guess there shouldn't be a huge reason why there would be a ton of black people.

Well, I would like to report that I did see my first black Kiwi today, a whole family infact. So if anyone asks, yes there are Africans in New Zealand, just not very many.

I Like Fried Food. What Can I Say?

So, yesterday I was talking to Misty for the first time since I've been in New Zealand and of course we talk forever. At one point in our conversation Misty asks me if a McDonald's Big Mac tastes the same. I had not yet had a Big Mac but told her that I would investigate. Off to McD's I go and order a Big Mac Combo. The burger I think tastes the same but might have been a little smaller. The difference was in the fries. I'm not sure if the New Zealand population orders a ton of Filet O'Fish or if they use some type of fish oil to fry their fries, but the something was fishy about the fries. But being raised on fried foods as I was, I just added ketchup and kept on eating.

Continuing, one of my first days here I ate an Egg McMuffin. Here's what it looked like.


They don't have the scrambled eggs. Which was disturbing, but I guess the idea of having a real fried egg is more comforting.

Moving on to yet another intriguing story about a fast food chain in New Zealand. KFC: Kiwi for a Great Feed. I might actually be healthier living here just because Kiwis are so health conscious that even their fast food chains are health conscious. For example, the following was printed on the tray place mat: "Because we know that food quality is so important to Kiwis, our fresh chicken is coated on site, our buns are delivered piping hot from local bakeris, and our delicious salad ingredients are grown at local market gardens." It might just be smart propaganda but it sounds encouraging at least.

Bon Apetit!

Get Ready for the Circus!!!

Ok, I've gotten a little behind in my postings but it's for a good reason. First of all, on Thursday Godfrey Sim, the director of my program, invited me to come up and just train for a little bit in the morning. As I haven't worked out since before I left Dalhart, I welcomed the opportunity. I was nervous because I wasn't sure what they were expecting from me. So before I actually worked out I found Godfrey just to talk. I asked him about my schedule and he said that he's put me in a special advanced trampoline and tumbling class that is specially devised to develop an act. It's the only class of its kind. All acts are to be developed on each student's own time. The year twos have class time to work on their final show but that's a little different. I was very honored but it made my nervousness increase. EEK!!! So I just went and stretched and just played around without doing anything serious. No need to over do it on the first day, ha!!!

Moving on, yesterday I had orientation where they told me a whole bunch of information that I already knew. However, I did get to meet two other classmates. Diana, from Canada, and Heather who goes by "Tank." I'm really going to have to get used to these circus types. Tank is so called because she has a tattoo of Tankgirl on her leg. I really don't know anything about Tankgirl to know why she goes by it, but I would bet that with much more exposure to her I will find out. Tank hails from Chicago but the most interesting thing about her is that she has Purple and Gold wool dreadlocks. PURPLE AND GOLD! PURPLE AND GOLD!!! When I told Jennifer, we relived quite a few good ole Dalhart cheers! PURPLE AND GOLD FIGHT! WOLVES FIGHT!!! Anyway, after our orientation we went and toured the school and then we continued to hang out all day. We ended up back at my place to cook dinner. WOO HOO!!! The value of friends who know how to cook because Lord knows I can't. Here's a little pic of Tank and Diana cookin' away.

OK Vonage is Back to a Good Idea

Finally, Vonage has proved its worth. It's up and running. Now, I will be chatting up the US like nobody's business. Feel free to call. You don't even have to worry about waking me up. I'm sure to turn the ringer off when I go to sleep. If I post this and not a single person calls me I will be really hurt! Just a warning.

Jason Mraz: Always a Good Idea!

So I recently discovered, via my friend Chris, that none other than Jason Mraz has released 11 T-shirts, each one different and depicting a different song off of his new album. I know a lot of you are thinking, "I know Will left and I didn't get him anything. I really should have done that!" Well, now here is your chance. Feel free to peruse the listings and just post a comment saying which one you'll get me. Everyone can read the comments in order to prevent any duplicate gifts, as that would be a shame! Also, please be aware that I already own the O. Lover inspired Tee. Just to not confuse, I have not even put an image of it on this post. All shirts maybe purchased at www.jasonmraz.com and sent to my parent's house, where they will be bundled and forwarded. Thanks and have a great day. Life is Wonderful!

Vonage: Good Idea, Bad Implementation

So in a perfect world I would have received my American phone, plugged it into my Vonage box, and be able to call the US. Unfortunately, this world isn't perfect and now when I pick up the phone all I hear is, "You have plugged your phone into the wrong jack. If you feel you have reached this message in error please access your web account for additional information."

Sadly, my online account revealed nothing. I still don't have my phone working but I have emailed them to find a solution. Let's hope by the end of the week I'll be a little less frustrated and a little bit better connected. But when it is up and running, the number will be the same as my old cell phone number, 512.771.1653. Call whenever, but do remember we're 18 hours ahead. For example, it's 8:00 pm on Monday in Texas, but it's 3:00 pm on Tuesday here in Christchurch. Just subtract 5 hours and you'll have an idea if I'm awake or not, haha.

Have a great day everybody!!!

Happy Waitangi Day!!!

So today, Monday February 6 is Waitangi Day. I've been waiting for the mail all day hoping to get the phone my mom sent so I could set up my vonage box and give all you people a phone call. However, with it being Waitangi Day, like most national holidays, there is no mail running today. BOO!!

Anyway, Waitangi Day commemorates the signing of a treaty at Waitangi on 6 February 1840 by a group of Maori chiefs and the British Government, represented by Lieutenant-Governor Hobson.

How did I celebrate Waitangi Day?


I watched the Super Bowl!!! I'm not much of a football fan but something about being away from the US made me feel like I should take part in a national past time on Waitangi Day. I did hear them say something about New Zealand during the broadcast. As I wasn't really that interested, I didn't hear what they were referencing. Also, it is very weird to watch the Super Bowl on a Monday and having it begin at 12:30pm.

This New Zealand livin' is still taking some getting used to.

Friday Night in the City

So Friday night was Karen's last night in the house. Karen is the Kiwi roommate. She is actually going to Michigan to be a nanny for a year or so. I guess since they felt bad about leaving me out before they decided to let me tag along on this trip. I'm glad they did. I had so much fun.

Here's Cherie, the English roommate, with her cat Sav (short for Savage, whatever) before we left for the evening.


Cherie and I met up with Karen at a restaurant and bar called Ferment. It's on "The Strip," a little string of restaurants and bars right on the Avon River. Here are the roomies.


After Ferment we went to a club, or a disco as they call them here, called Shooters. Pretty appropriate name as we did do a shot. Cherie suggested a sambuca shot. I said sure and then found out it was liquorice flavor. ICK!!! Oh well, all in the name of a going away party.


Here are our confessions on the dance floor.



We left about 3am. Whew, that was a lot of dancing!

Dance On!!!

My Class Assignments Have Arrived!!!

Woot Woot!!! I have my classes for the next year and they are as follows:

Body Training 1
Circus Skills 1
History & Comparative Studies 1
Performance 1

Body Training 1-The aim of this course is to provide students with the opportunity to develop techniques and exercises for achieving and maintaining appropriate physical conditioning; an integrated approach to understanding the body's structure, function and needs with regard to physical training, injury prevention and recovery; and an expressive movement vocabulary and awareness of the body as an aesthetic tool.

Circus Skills 1-The aim of this course is to provide opportunities for students to develop foundation competencies in a range of circus skills and, on the basis of their strength and application, begin training in and presentation of their specialisation skill areas.

History & Comparative Studies 1-The aim of this course is to provide an historical overview of circus, the fool, and physical performance, and to engage students in investigation, dialogues and presentation.

Performance 1-The aim of this course is to provide introductory level training in the preparation of the performer; to provide theatre skills and a dramatic language of relevance to the physical performer; and to provide opportunities for the discovery, development and performance of comic character, clown, character and physical comedy.

Not really much of an update but it's the third today!

Britney Spears: Saint, Sinner, Saint Again?

I know this doesn't really relate to me being in New Zealand, but I think it's absolutely hilarious. Plus, it shows that I'm not completely disconnected from US Pop Culture.

NEW YORK (AP) -- Britney Spears will guest star on an episode of "Will & Grace," NBC announced Tuesday.

The pop star will appear as a Christian conservative sidekick to Sean Hayes' character, Jack, who hosts his own talk show, on the April 13 episode, the network said.

Jack's fictional network, Out TV, is bought by a Christian TV network, leading to Spears contributing a cooking segment called "Cruci-fixin's."

In the words of Jerri Blank, "Heelaaahhrrrrreeeouss!"

I'm Gonna Soak Up The Sun; I'm Gonna Tell Everyone

What do all these celebrities have in common?




They all came to New Zealand to get their very rich tans!!!

I'm not kidding! No, I am, but in my few days out in the sun I did get a severe sunburn.


Each day I was outside, I never spent that much time in the sun. In Texas, I definitely would have even seen a tan. In my complaints everyone told me that the sun is indeed stronger in the southern hemisphere. My Czech roommates, who are very paranoid, told me about goats in Argentina that are blind from the intense sun and so that I should wear sun glasses all the time. Um, no thanks. But I will be wearing stronger sunscreen next time.