Death spiraling.

The stress hit me this week. It side blinded me. Like, whoa, where did that come from?

I had a wonderful weekend, then it all went to shit. People, homework, activities, my state of mind...I won't delve too far into detail. Some of it is petty, some of it is real, all of it is giving me grief.

I miss feeling like I'm home. I thought I was getting there, but now that I'm feeling stressed I realize that there's no where for me to find comfort. Friends feel like strangers. My mood is tipsy like a drunken sailor.

My family gets here tomorrow morning and that ought to do wonders. I can't wait to see them.

I should write here more often, but whenever I get the chance I think I should wait, because I usually have something blog-worthy planned for the next day or something. But the fact is I'm always doing blog-worthy activities. I'm in freaking New Zealand.

Aight. I'm going to bounce back this weekend.

--Lizzie

Aoraki/Mt.Cook 

Breakdown at sunset. 

Grasshoppers! 

Lincoln is for Lovers

Kia ora all!

It's been a week or so since my last post, and things are forever changing around here. A few highlights will do.

Classes are picking up. Papers don't write themselves, even in New Zealand.

I still haven't spent a weekend on campus. This weekend I have another field trip (to Kaikoura). I'm in a group with Gregoire and Yvan, two Frenchmen (oh la la!). We'll be observing fur seal behaviour. Last weekend I went to Castle Hill with my entomology class to collect insects. It was beautiful and I really enjoyed pretending to be an entomologist.

Friendships are solidifying. I'm getting closer with people and starting to find my footing. My closest friends are Celine, a French girl, and Steve and Nick (both Americans). The international students have formed a bit of a family unit. It's good to know that I can find friends from totally different backgrounds and still be my geeky-self.

I'm the new secretary for Lincoln Environmental Club (LEO). Exciting stuff!

And now, a few words on Kiwi fashion, as previously promised.

Rule #1 (and these rules are in no particular order): Beer.
You must promote the consumption of alcohol in your attire. The best thing to do is wear a beer themed shirt. If that is unavailable, spill beer on yourself! Whatever works.

Rule #2: Popped collar.
POP IT. Nuff said.

Rule #3: Shoes are out.
Show me them lovely toes! Shoes are optional. Feel free to walk barefoot to class, to the pub, even to the public toilet. If you must wear shoes, make them jandles (flip flops for you Americans).

Rule #4: The guy thigh.
Women don't have any particular rules, short or long, but less is more for male Kiwis. Tan up those thighs and put on some short shorts. You don't have pockets, so go ahead and stick your hands down your pants when you feel so inclined.

That's all I can say for now. Kiwi fashion is quite shocking at times.

I miss home, but I'm definitely settling down a little more.

--Lizzie