So, we're back from New Zealand. I actually cried as we took off from LAX; not bawling, tantrum crying but a few quiet tears. New Zealand offered a kind of simplicity that I liked (particularly in Mangawhai and the smaller towns), but perhaps I'm more afraid that I will become complacent and not travel outside of what I know again. I'm also a little nervous about starting school and finding employment that meshes with my schedule, but I suppose I just have to take everything as it comes.

Otherwise, things are going well. Dre is amazing, and I feel so lucky and happy everyday to be with him. We had Christmas with both of our families in the Springs, and a good friend of mine from preschool visited today with her mom. We met almost 17 years ago, but since her father was in the military she moved frequently. Nevertheless, we kept in touch (did you ever have a penpal?), and it was so good to see them again.

In a totally unrelated subject that I've deemed blogworthy, I've been thinking a lot about how opinions are formed. In high school history class, I always envied the kids who seemed to know how to argue for or against some president or idea or policy. I just never seemed to know where to start, particularly with policy issues (take privatizing social security, for example. I can't make up my mind on this one.)

Now, almost five years later, I feel more informed and more aware of things going on, but I still feel like there's so much I don't know. I feel like I can read and read about a certain viewpoint, but then I come across another source and my developing opinion is turned on its head. Maybe the real question I'm asking is how you're supposed to find an unbiased news source. I love to read the NY Times, just for the variety of articles it offers, but some would say it's hugely "liberal". Maybe this is a dumb question, but what makes it "liberal"? Furthermore, where does one find a balanced news source?

Anyway, maybe I'm just spinning my wheels, but it's just a random thought.

So last night, we had a party with our Russian and Korean flatmates. We had some vodka, hummus, chicken (for all the non-vegetarians), potatoes, Korean pancakes and little "pockets" that kind of looked like ravioli (but were stuffed with veggies and noodles), and tomato/onion salad. It was a lot of fun, and it makes me sad to think we're leaving them next week; I will miss talking to and getting to know them. I really do hope we stay in contact.

Perhaps what I enjoyed most was sitting with people, some of whom might have been described by the American government as "the enemy" some twenty-thirty years ago, and realizing that we are, essentially, all the same. Oleg, Viktor and Sam are in New Zealand to learn English so they can better the lives of themselves and their families. We all have the same desires: education, enough to eat, clean water, opportunties for our kids, gainful employment.

I found yesterday night to be a testament to the fact that we are all part of the same human family, and that at our most basic level we aren't very different and strive to meet the same needs.

We will be home three weeks from today! Dre and I just spent the last 45 minutes looking at prospective houses, and emailing the contact info to his mom back home so she could check them out for us. She's so good to be willing to look at them on our behalf, and I hope we can have a place lined up before we get back.

I've been applying for scholarships on fastweb and scholarships.com, and I have hope that maybe I'll get something from them, who knows. UNC has yet to package my award letter, which is frustrating but I just have to be patient.

We had Thanksgiving here in New Zealand, and it was fun. Our flatmates made Korean Japchae (sweet potato noodles, mushrooms, carrots, soy sauce), pumpkin pie, and these little kumara/milk/ honey morsels, and we made the turkey, stuffing, and mashed potatoes. Yumminess all around.

Anyway, we're looking forward to being back. I can't wait to see friends, family, and the kittens. The landlord here is also dodgy, which makes things uncomfortable sometimes. Anyway, we just had two Russians move in, and they are keen on the idea of a flatmate party on Saturday. We have already experience firsthand their fondness for Stolichnaya, so should make for an enjoyable weekend fest.

We're leaving for Australia on December 14th, then going back to Auckland, then flying home. We went to Mount Cook two days ago, and walked around there a bit. It was foggy and rainy but still offered decent walking and lovely scenery which reminded me a lot of Colorado. We also went to the Orana Wildlife Park yesterday, and finally got to see a kiwi! Funny little birds they are.

Love to you all, and see you soon!