My Mom is Going a Little Crazy

I just got home for the Christmas break and it seems like it was only yesterday I was applying for the New Zealand program, and now in 2 weeks to the day I am leaving from LA to head to Auckland! AHHHH!! I am way excited but it is going to be a huge change. Anyway, while I am home I am spending time with family and I am going to start uploading some videos from YouTube about New Zealand (cause my mom is crazy and told me I should). I better listen to her ;) So here is the movie: enjoy! Also, I wish you all a wonderful Merry Christmas and time with your whanau (Maori for 'family'). Something interesting is that 'wh' in Maori is pronounced like an 'f' so when I told Miss Saxon's 3rd graders how to say the word we pronounced it incorrectly. Oops.

Here is a video:

Less than a month to go!

So we had our last prep class this Tuesday and oh my goodness me I am so nervous, but so excited. To be honest, I was freaked out after the class because we got our flight tickets to Auckland and two girls came and told us what to pack for and expect, and I just got really scared. Almost to the point where I wanted to call the whole thing off. NO way though-this is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I am taking it! Also, there's no backing out now. Sure, it will be scary to live in a new area where I don't know many people, there are no dryers, the school system is different, and the culture isn't like here, but isn't that why I am going?! Dr. Jacobs, our director, is right, we are going to New Zealand to experience something new and expand our horizons. Just for kicks, here is my list of things to do before I depart from LA:

1. Take finals (pass them all)
2. Pack up all my belongings
3. Spend quality time with friends and family in Provo before I leave
4. Gorge out on American food so that I am so sick of it I will want to eat lots of New Zealand delicacies (actually, I'll want to do this anyway)
5. Run everyday so I won't feel guilty for gorging :)
6. Make a packing list for New Zealand!!! Take less than I ever plan!!!
7. Get traveler's bag
8. Make copies of passport and talk to bank about overseas purchases
9. Make contact with host family
10. Buy gift for host family

I am sure that is not all inclusive, but it's a start. At least I know that I have a few things to do...
I can't believe it is almost here!!