in between times...

Hey everyone-
Thought I'd do a little update before life gets crazy again. We've been laying low here, trying to save money and savor our last 6 weeks in paradise! Last night the accommodation I live in hosted a ball, so it was fun for all of us to get dressed up and re-live high school formals. The ball was at a hotel downtown, and a cover band (featuring our academic advisor!) played. On Friday night I got to have dinner at the house of my room mate's family friend who lives in Auckland. We always love getting away from the CBD and seeing neighborhoods, and her house was so cute. They also made us a full, delicious dinner, complete with both meat and vegetables - a treat when you've been surviving on Easy Mac all semester.
The AUT gym just started a running club, so I think my friend Mandy and I are going to do some runs with the instructor, since we're both doing half-marathons when we get home. I really miss running distances and look forward to getting back into it, especially in such a beautiful place. It has started to turn to winter, which means at least a little bit of rain every day - no fun, but this weekend was surprisingly warm and beautiful.

I leave on Friday to go visit Luika in Australia, and am really excited to see this place she's been raving about all semester :) The following weekend, I think we're going to one of my Kiwi friend's homes in the Waikato region, and after that is my trip to FIJI! Pretty much every weekend is booked until I leave, which will make the time go by that much faster! Will update after these fabulous adventures. love-- m