February 16th, 2010
Today was our community day. The primary school was awesome. We basically got to hang out with kids ages five to ten until school was out. They were great. It was so funny that they all wanted our autographs too. It's not like we're famous, but getting to meet people from somewhere else I guess is pretty sweet. They sang a song in I believe it was Maori, but in return we taught them an american song: Take me out to the Ball Game. Yeah. You know that one. Well little did we know...root root root for the home team was well probably not something we should teach the kids. Root...yeah that means sex apparently. Sex sex sex for the home team! Haha the kids gave us such a strange look. Didn't strike us until it was too late. I got it on tape though. It was pretty fun anyways.
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Awhile back...
So I haven't had the chance to really write on a computer so I'm playing catch up.
February 13, 2010
In the book that I got from Lauren it says; "I remember experiencing my first fog with you...our adventure to Duluth..But it never stopped us from geting there...I actually found it beautiful." Under that I wrote about how going to Duluth with Lauren was amazing. Yes. I know. I'm talking about Duluth and I'm in New Zealand! So what, who cares? Anyways...it was so fun to see Lauren experience Duluth for the first time. I knew how much she loved Portland and it was a tiny taste of Minnesota's very own Portland, Oregon. Thinking about this trip was a good reminder to think about my loved ones back home and all the fun times we share.
Today was the longest day of my life. We got to Auckland at 5:25am this morning and were going till about 10:30pm. I was lucky that I could sleep as much as I did on the plane though. When I finally realized I was in New Zealand I was overcome with excitment.
When we got to the airport we were greeted by the AustraLearn gang. We were told to call home so I did. Then I called my mom's cell. Then I called my Dad's cell. THEN i called my Dad's work phone. Ron picks up. Gary is on the line. "Okay, well can you just let him know that his daughter made it to New Zealand safely?" So, I can't get a hold of my parents and I only know a few numbers by heart. I wanted to talk to someone from back home...I mean for me this whole thing has kind of been a big deal. So, I call Andrew. It was nice to hear someone's voice that was familiar to me. I didn't have a whole lot of time to chat, but it was good. In fact, here, I don't have hardly any time to talk which is why I got skype. Hopefully that will be helpful. It's free AND I can see people's faces :)
I had a moment tonight just visiting with some other AustraLearn students when I missed home. I hope that doesn't happen so often that i don't experience what I should. This is a growing opportunity and I know I will have obstacles to overcome like your note says below.
Things may be har to get through...obstacles may appear. But keep your head up. Strive for the best.
ps I love you
February 14th, 2010
Happy Valentines Day! Heading to Rotorua. Had breakfast at the hostel. I'm listening to Josh Groban and thinking about family and friends.
"Where has that old friend gone, lost in a February song, tell him it won't be long before he opens his eyes. Where is that simple day before colors broke in two shades, how did I ever fit into this life. I never want to let you down. Forgive me if I slip away. All that I've known is lost and found. I promise you I will come back to you one day."
February 15, 2010
Today was our "Day of Adventure." I went luging and on a giant swing. I LOVE swings and this swing was like the biggest one in the world. It was totally awesome! The only downfall was the rain. It poured there for awhile. "It was just an awful day...it was raining in Madrid and my shoes got drenched and....this one time when I was in Hawaii it rained...yeah it wasn't fun." (I hope a few of you get that ;) ahem...Andrew.
Mallory and I went for a jog later. It was nice to be able to be active. We explored downtown some more. Mallory, Connor, and I were trying to figure out nicknames for each other. I, of course, am Princess :) I'm tired and want to go to bed though. I feel like I am doing good with listenting to my body though. I don't give in and stay up if i really need the rest. Tomorrow is our community day. We'regoing to a primary school. It should be cool to see since we have been so lucky to hang out and have fun these past few days. It should be an eye opener since the kids come from a lower class. I hope that what we do tomorrow puts a smile on their faces. I have no doubt it will be a great experience.
February 13, 2010
In the book that I got from Lauren it says; "I remember experiencing my first fog with you...our adventure to Duluth..But it never stopped us from geting there...I actually found it beautiful." Under that I wrote about how going to Duluth with Lauren was amazing. Yes. I know. I'm talking about Duluth and I'm in New Zealand! So what, who cares? Anyways...it was so fun to see Lauren experience Duluth for the first time. I knew how much she loved Portland and it was a tiny taste of Minnesota's very own Portland, Oregon. Thinking about this trip was a good reminder to think about my loved ones back home and all the fun times we share.
Today was the longest day of my life. We got to Auckland at 5:25am this morning and were going till about 10:30pm. I was lucky that I could sleep as much as I did on the plane though. When I finally realized I was in New Zealand I was overcome with excitment.
When we got to the airport we were greeted by the AustraLearn gang. We were told to call home so I did. Then I called my mom's cell. Then I called my Dad's cell. THEN i called my Dad's work phone. Ron picks up. Gary is on the line. "Okay, well can you just let him know that his daughter made it to New Zealand safely?" So, I can't get a hold of my parents and I only know a few numbers by heart. I wanted to talk to someone from back home...I mean for me this whole thing has kind of been a big deal. So, I call Andrew. It was nice to hear someone's voice that was familiar to me. I didn't have a whole lot of time to chat, but it was good. In fact, here, I don't have hardly any time to talk which is why I got skype. Hopefully that will be helpful. It's free AND I can see people's faces :)
I had a moment tonight just visiting with some other AustraLearn students when I missed home. I hope that doesn't happen so often that i don't experience what I should. This is a growing opportunity and I know I will have obstacles to overcome like your note says below.
Things may be har to get through...obstacles may appear. But keep your head up. Strive for the best.
ps I love you
February 14th, 2010
Happy Valentines Day! Heading to Rotorua. Had breakfast at the hostel. I'm listening to Josh Groban and thinking about family and friends.
"Where has that old friend gone, lost in a February song, tell him it won't be long before he opens his eyes. Where is that simple day before colors broke in two shades, how did I ever fit into this life. I never want to let you down. Forgive me if I slip away. All that I've known is lost and found. I promise you I will come back to you one day."
February 15, 2010
Today was our "Day of Adventure." I went luging and on a giant swing. I LOVE swings and this swing was like the biggest one in the world. It was totally awesome! The only downfall was the rain. It poured there for awhile. "It was just an awful day...it was raining in Madrid and my shoes got drenched and....this one time when I was in Hawaii it rained...yeah it wasn't fun." (I hope a few of you get that ;) ahem...Andrew.
Mallory and I went for a jog later. It was nice to be able to be active. We explored downtown some more. Mallory, Connor, and I were trying to figure out nicknames for each other. I, of course, am Princess :) I'm tired and want to go to bed though. I feel like I am doing good with listenting to my body though. I don't give in and stay up if i really need the rest. Tomorrow is our community day. We'regoing to a primary school. It should be cool to see since we have been so lucky to hang out and have fun these past few days. It should be an eye opener since the kids come from a lower class. I hope that what we do tomorrow puts a smile on their faces. I have no doubt it will be a great experience.
Friday, February 19, 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Second day in Auckland. I love it here so far. I got all settled in last night. A bunch of people went out to a scary movie, but I'm just not into that. I created collage of newspaper and magazines on my bulletin board and hung up my jewelery to add some flava. I also hung up an outfit on my wall to make everything more homey along with a map of New Zealand. It's getting there. I also went grocery shopping. Made some spaghetti for myself. I can't wait to get the pictures I have so far on here! I don't have internet on my computer yet which is why I'm using the unions, but soon ;) I LOVE my flat. It's absolutely ADORABLE. It's got a modern feel to it. Windows surround the living room and it overlooks the city. Today I got registered for three out of my four classes. It's a process since two of them overlap. It should be all straightend out though. I have plenty of time. Classes don't start till March first and then we have two weeks after that even. Today we are going to the beach! I'm super excited :) Might even go for a yawg (jog) today!!! 
Sunday, February 14, 2010
NZ
I'm here! I cannot believe it. I only have 8 minutes left on my internet usage so this entry is just going to be short. I absolutely love it so far. My days are busy and filled with fun things to do. Yesterday we learned the Haka which is a traditional dance by the Maoris. We painted our faces and dressed in traditional garments. They even taped it! I wouldn't be suprised if that somehow wound up on youtube or something. I have met a ton of amazing people. The people in the Australearn program are great. I've already made some friends I think that will be around for good. It's nice that I already feel that and it's only the third day. Yesterday was Valentine's Day for us. It was weird knowing that it wasn't though for people back home...it's like I'm living in the future! Well...sorta. All I can say is that so far...so good!
Haylee
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
You start to grow up
This weekend at home has been absolutely amazing. I came home on Saturday to two joyful kids running into my arms saying HAYLEE! I couldn't have been happier to see those smiling faces. Jordan, my Mom, and I got to take Ava and Jayden out sledding after a long struggle in finding all their snow gear and Jayden crying because he wanted to skate instead. We went to Ridgewater to try out the slopes. Once we got there I knew that all the hustle and bustle of getting them there was worth it. Ava and Jayden were so excited. Watching them was bittersweet. I realized that this was the last weekend I would see them for a little while. It was so fun to watch them go down all by themselves. They would call up from the bottom of the hill and say HELP! They didn't want to carry up the sleds cause it was so hard for them, especially Jaydo. I loved that Jordan came out with us too. It reminded me of when we were little and right now typing I just remembered a story about being out in the cold. Jordan, Danny, and David (our neighbors) and I would always go over to Roosevelt school and basically walk over the fence because the snow drifts would be so high. We would trudge around and play pretend. I remember falling into a hole by a window at the school and my brother heard me screaming and went over to me and helped me out. Now...after so many years I'm sure the extent of how stuck I was is exaggerated, but I always thought he saved my life that day. It's amazing how scared you get when you're little about getting lost, or being stuck when someone is right beside you or right around the corner. This brings me to my little ones. Ava, Jayden, Paige, and Kail. They are in those precious moments of growing up. I love being there for them as much as possible, but I'm realizing that I can't always be there. Right now I have to be away from the people I love, but that doesn't mean I love them any less. As a matter of fact I think that because of this experience I will realize how important they are in my life. I did my best to explain to Ava (6) and Jayden (4) that I was not going to be around for a little while. I don't think Jayden understood, but Ava seemed to be listening to me. I told them that I was going to miss them very much and for them to send pictures. Ava has already lost her two front teeth and I can hardly believe it. I know that all my nieces and nephews are going to grow up way too fast and in all reality I'm only going to be gone a short time, but for childhood it's like 2 doggy years. I was looking through my facebook at the pictures Lauren took of me, Jayden, and Ava in Duluth and came across lyrics to a special song. It's called "In my Arms" by Plum
Your baby blues
So full of wonder
Your curly cues
Your contageous smile
And as I watch
You start to grow up
All I can do is hold you tight
Knowing clouds will rage
And storms will race in
But you will be safe in my arms
Rains will pour down
Waves will crash all around
But you will be safe in my arms
Here's the youtube link if you're bored and want to listen...it has the characters from Twilight for whatever reason, but it works cause I like Twilight anyways ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6rSPDyzaR8
Your baby blues
So full of wonder
Your curly cues
Your contageous smile
And as I watch
You start to grow up
All I can do is hold you tight
Knowing clouds will rage
And storms will race in
But you will be safe in my arms
Rains will pour down
Waves will crash all around
But you will be safe in my arms
Here's the youtube link if you're bored and want to listen...it has the characters from Twilight for whatever reason, but it works cause I like Twilight anyways ;)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6rSPDyzaR8
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