Monday, November 23, 2009

Well, here is- almost Thanksgiving and the days are getting longer and warmer. Chris and I have to remind ourselves every once in a while that the holidays are just around the corner. But wait- it's summer, no, it's Christmas....Oh, I don't know what's going on!!

So as you can tell, sometimes nothing is what it seems in New Zealand. Chris and I have compiled a list if differences from the US to New Zealand.

1. If you order bacon, you will get ham on your plate.
2. If you ask for a rubber, you will be handed an eraser.
3. If you go into the blokeswear store, you will find men's clothing.
4. If someone uses the word "drawers" in the conversation, they are referring to your underwear.
5. If you are driving down the highway and see the "100" sign, that would be KPH, NOT MPH.
6. You might say,"Sweet" if you see something you like, but in NZ, they would say,"Sweet as".
7. Don't tell the waitress how you want your hamburger cooked because everything is cooked well. (Heatherton made that mistake).
8. If someone gives you a lolly, you will get any type of candy.
9. To Steve, Jimmy and Christie-westerly winds are NOT GOOD when you live on the west coast!
10. If your crooked, you have an ailment.
11. Don't order take out; order "take-aways"
12. Math is known as "maths" and sports is known as "sport"

Chris and I have been very busy lately working away. We went out surfing last week to a place called Fitzroy and paddled out past the head-high barrels. We forgot the camera, but if we had it, you would have seen crazy waves, extreme NZ surfers and Amie getting crushed by the VERY LARGE waves. All in all, we had a great time surfing while watching the sun set on one side of the earth and the snow capped volcano poking out of the clouds on the other side. This place is pretty special! We hope you can come visit us! My friend, Becky, has already bought her plane ticket for February. Chris' friend, Dr. Steve Elgert, will be here in December. We are looking forward to our visitors and hope we have more on the way!

For Thanksgiving, we will be heading up to Auckland to see Pearl Jam in concert on Friday. Hopefully on Friday morning, we will surf the famous left-Raglan. I am not so sure though, because Chris tells me it might be pretty big that day. We are hoping to get some good pictures for you next weekend. We will miss everyone very much for Thanksgiving! We will be there in spirit and will be thinking about all our friends and family back home.

I Just want to give a quick shout out to my peeps at Bakie! I have been subbing lots and it is a great experience, but not the same as having my own classroom and fellow colleagues to chat with! Jo- thanks for all the great comments! Miss you guys!

We wish you all a happy Thanksgiving!