I love you donut lady

Work was quite hectic this week. I really like my job though, so it hasn't been bad. I keep telling everyone that my souvenir to take back with me will be carpal tunnel.

It still hasn't exactly hit me that I've graduated. I'm really enjoying the extra time to hang out, plan trips and read. I miss school sometimes as strange as it sounds. It's all I've known for five years and while I look forward to getting into my field next year, I'm going to miss it. Strange.

Auckland truly amazes me. I suppose it's quite similar to any other large city, but I still find myself fascinated by it as I walk to and from the train. I really love it when I have to take a walk to the court house or someplace for work. It allows me a chance to enjoy my new favorite hobby: People watching. Actually, I think I've always enjoyed watching strangers around me, but I've really seen some interesting sights.

For example, one day I was on the train when this man sat down. It didn't take long for me to notice him as he was wearing a black and white plaid suit (jacket and pants), purple socks and brown shoes. For a man in his 60's, I give him props for being so bold yet I found myself laughing and imagining what Nicole, Erin or Heather's response would be.

Another time I was walking around during my lunch break when I saw a Smart Car. Now I've seen these several times in Germany and to this day still get a kick out of seeing them here, but this one was special. It obviously was being used to advertise as it had 6 LARGE speakers attached to the top of it playing some unheard of music. I suppose this may only have been amusing to me, but I was amazed the speakers even fit on that car.

Ah, the things I see.

I recently got a haircut and while it's not the worst I've ever had, I think it comes in second place. Now I know this is not typical in NZ because I've asked a few people, but the woman who cut my hair would use the comb and cut ABOVE it. She told me she was only going to take off a half an inch and it turned out to be more like four. Sigh.. at least my hair will grow.

New Zealand has proven itself to be more expensive than I would have expected. I went to buy new mascara recently and was stunned to find out a cheap US$7 tube would cost NZ$20!

Speaking of differences, my parents sent me a care package. They told me to open it at work because a few items were to be kept at work. I opened it to find an extra large bag of peanut m&ms that weighed around 42oz or something. You can imagine my surprise when I turned around and three of my workmates were holding their camera phones taking a picture to send to their friends. And we wonder why Americans are overweight. Haha.

After a long week at work, we had a singles and teens night on Friday. One of the tern's brought her scrapbook of her trip to the South Island. I was completely blown away and wish that February would get faster.

I realize there are people who think it's dumb for me to be staying in Auckland the majority of my time here. I would have to agree on some level as I want to see as much of NZ as possible, but I understand part of why God wants me here and I want to live His plan, not mine. I get myself into too much trouble when I try to do things my way. So to everyone who thinks I might be wasting time or something, I have faith and I trust that God is planning something great for me. I have to trust that...it's the only way I stay sane. :)

Well, I think it might be time to sign off. After celebrating Dylan's first birthday and lying around reading all day, I'm tired. I hope everyone is doing well!