Wednesday, 16th November

I had another sleep in.. this time my roomie woke me up around 9. It was rather nice have these sleep ins.

I went to lapo and ate a light breakfast before coming back to the dorm and starting on my projects. I was efficient - when I am under pressure or stress I am able to get the work done easily.

I also printed some notes off in preparation for the next engineering test. And I printed off a little funny prank for the toilets.

After lunch I came back to the dorm and my roomie had gone home. Again, it was a good study zone and I did most part of the engineering assignment.

I skipped the gym as I was going to the basket ball later that night and didn't want to be tired. I showered before heading to Lapo and had a quick feed. I rode to my human resource class and was only planning to stay until I did my presentation! Unfortunately I wasn't able to go first and had to wait until Matt the lecturer delivered the chapter.

The basket ball game was fierce and tough. We ending up losing by 10 points. It was fun riding down and back on the bike, it was smooth and the cold air was refreshing. I know knew the locas streets and area well and could ride anywhere safely.

Tuesday, 15th November

I slept in... the plan to head to the gym fell through and I didn't roll out of bed until 9am. I think because I've been hitting the gym so hard I've been needing some more sleep, and I haven't been taking any protein powder.

I walked to my public speaking class... half way there my thong broke and it was very awkward walking around bare footed. I listened to the rest of the public speeches for the persuasion theme. At the end of the class there was a vote for the most persuasive speech, they stopped counting the votes because I was a clear winner! yay - extra credit!

After class I chilled out on the grass outside my dorm. It was nice sitting in the sun and reading a book. I bought Lance Armstrong's first book and was already hooked after the first chapter. I also did a time lapse... the plan is to put them all together and make a movie of the campus.

I had a meeting at 2pm for our engineering project and we divided up the work. I soon became aware that I had a lot of work pressing - and I wanted to get it done before I head off to Telluride for the week.

I finished off a presentation for human resource mgmt before heading to the gym.

I didn't last long, I felt tired and Lucas was playing bball so there was no one to make sure I stayed. I headed back and ate at Lapo before showering and riding over to a ski mates house for some beers.

Later that night I caught up with Hannah and ate some quality peanut butter on a biscuit. It was so thick it glued my mouth together if I tried to talk while eating!

I was in bed by midnight and fell asleep quickly. My room mate has to go home each night while is mum is away so I've got the room to myself.

Monday, 14 November

I had a great sleep but my alarm woke my up at 7.15am. I hit snooze and on the second round got up and dressed. I had a banana and packed my bag - I was off to the UNM stadium to run the stairs again.

Abby picked Sam and me up at 7.55am. Thankfully the sun was out and it wasn't too cold of a morning. I beat my pb by 3 mins! Did it in 21 mins.

After I came back to Lapo with sam and had a good breakfast of fruit and cereal. I headed back to fix my flat tire. This time I spent 5 dollars on a thorn resistant tube. Hopefully I wont have any more flat tires!

I came back and showered and dressed before heading back to the oval to take some pictures with the goPro's. It was such a beautiful day and the clouds were magnificent.

I went to the pi phi house for lunch with Hannah. It was fun hanging out in the house even though I couldn't really go anywhere due to the very strict rules that apply for outsiders!

Back in the dorms I did some work before I headed to lapo for a quick snack. I reviewed my public speaking speech as this was an extra assignment for the speech.

At 5 I headed off to the gym with Lucas and we had a great chest and triceps session. I am feeling really strong and balancing out weights with cardo - so I feel in great shape.

After a super dinner at Lapo with Lucas, I headed back to the dorm to finish of some home work before heading back off to bed.

Sunday, 13 November

What a relaxing day it was. I woke up around 9am and waited until lapo opened at 10. I had a light breakfast - I was still full from the great meal I had the night before. I ate a few pieces of watermellon and a banana.

I went back to the dorms, my roomie was away all weekend. I relaxed and did some study before I headed off to the gym do to a legs workout. I made it short and sharp, then headed to Lapo around 2.30pm.

It was quiet on campus and it was nice to have some time to relax and do not much.

In the afternoon I caught up with Hannah. I skyped Georgie and wished her good luck for her exam, it was the final one at uwa. I am very proud of her.

It was also nice talking to mum and dad, and I wasn't surprised Harry was still asleep at 7.15am in the morning.

Hannah also skype her family and it was fun chatting to them all. I headed to lapo for another feed before heading back to my dorm to hang out. I did some homework with Hannah before i headed back to Lapo for more food and caught up with Sam and heard his news.

The NFL was on the tv and it occurred to me I will miss watching the football on the sunday when I am back in Perth. I will have to stream it or something.

I had an early night as I felt an osler coming on in my mouth and wanted to catch up on sleep. It feel asleep pretty quickly. It was a great weekend. There is only 5 weeks left here now... So I have to make the most of it!

Saturday, 12 November

Eventually I made it out of bed. We planned to meet Lucas and Abby at the book store at 1pm to get the tickets for the Rocky Horror show later that evening.

Today was a really fun day, we did a lot.

• Went to the craft shop to buy supplies for a present for Abby
• Picked up Skis from Lee
• went to the apple store as Lucas hopes to buy a laptop
• went bowling
  
• took Abby on her birthday dinner at Los Cuates
• watched the Rocky Horror show, where Lucy was the main female role
• Watched the UNM lobos win their first game in 30 matches! We were allowed to storm the field and shake hands with the players and coach. I was bigger than most of them.
  

Made it home around midnight still excited from such a great game and eventful day!

Friday, 11 November

I woke up after a great nights sleep. The sheets were so warm and the pillow was nice and hard, just the way I like it. Eventually I rolled down out of bed and got dressed and headed to the showers.

I had nice shave with a sharp razor and showered. At breakfast I enjoyed a large omelette with some raisin bagels and a cup of orange juice.

I finished off breaking bad season three. It was a dramatic climax and I won’t spoil it incase you are watching the show and behind me.

Abby came round at 10am and we headed off – to Jemez Springs in search of hot springs. It was an easy drive up and the colour in the tree’s had disappeared.

At 11:11:11secs on the 11/11/11 we took 11 pictures. We were in the car so couldn’t really celebrate it any other way. Tonight we have something special planned!

We hiked a ¼ mile before we came across a pool of steaming hot water. On the trail we’d passed over ice and some fresh snow. It was exciting.

I stripped off down to my purple boardies and slipped into the water. It was surprisingly warm! It was around the temperature I would have a bath in at the outlet point. It came out of a nice cave that was at the perfect depth to lay down, and have the water lap my eyelids. It was the most relaxing afternoon I’d had since being here.

We could see the snow on the mountain tops and soaked up the peacefulness and tranquility of relaxing in the hot spring.

On the way back, a few miles after we’d left Abby was caught speeding. She was doing 49 in a 35 zone (80km/h in a 60km/h zone). The Fine would cost $82 but she challenged opted to challenge it in court – hoping the cop who booked her wouldn’t show and therefore get of free.

The day was overcast and I couldn’t see the sun for the most part.

On the way in we stopped at a thrift shop to buy an ugly sweater for the party later that night. I found a ripper turtle neck!

Abby dropped me off and I quickly ate and got changed before we all headed off to the basket ball. Sam didn't buy a ticket and the student section was sold out, after half time he and Abby managed to get in. I sat with James in the general section and had a great view. We were in control of the game from the opening minute and the final score was 92-40. I can't wait for a close, hard fought match at the pitt.

We all went back to Abby's and enjoyed some soda. At 11:11:11pm I skyped caddy as it was his 21st birthday later than evening and we all sung happy birthday and had a quick sip of soda on the 11th second. It was a special way to mark the moment.

I eventually made it home and had a super sleep.

Thursday, 10 November

I had a super night sleep. I made sure the window was closed the night before so we would be nice and warm. Even if the window was open a small crack the cold air would still sweep through the room and wake me up early in the morning because I was cold.
I jumped out of bed at 8am. I still had to finish off the speech and the outline. I went to breakfast and had a quick bowl of cereal. I then changed, brushed my teeth then headed to the computer room to finish off the speech. I had to work fast.

I made it to class at 9.15am, just in time to load my powerpoint and bungee jumping video so it was all set to go. I was the second speaker.

I was a littler nervous because I didn't have the time to run through my speech, but I was confident because I was talking on a subject I was passionate about and felt I could really persuade the audience. That was the theme of the talk.

I set up on the table at the front. Pulled out my walking boots, used the jumper I jumped in and folded it on the table then put down my Oakley glasses and my polar sports watch and drink bottle covered in travel stickers.

I enjoyed my speech. It went down well and the video was a great hit with the class. A lot of people after said they wanted to live and go bungee jumping! My message obviously got through!

I headed to lapo after class as I was pretty hungry and had a nice chicken sandwich. It was such a beautiful day I used my video camera on my way home while riding.
I had my strategic class at 12.30 so I rode down and made it on time today.

For the past few days I've been wearing my chinos and I am really enjoying them. Also the shoes Harry and I bought in the second week have no replaced my flip flops as my daily footwear.

The 7pm take home test for my change unit proved harder than I expected. Because I had all my sources available it meant I had a great amount of detail to answer with. And it took time! I didn’t finish until 9.30pm.

After I rode over to Abby’s and we had some s’mores (chocolate on gram cracker biscuit with roasted marshmallows). It was nice sitting around the fire with the full moon out. Sam, Mariana, Laura also joined us.

I headed home around 11pm and tucked myself in!

Wednesday, 9th November

I had a good nights sleep and slept in till 8am. This morning I had to write my public speaking speech, but ended up writing postcards and updating my blog. I knew what I wanted to say, and didn't feel that I had to write it down on paper.

After lunch I went to the football stadium and ran the stadium. As I was almost done Abby and Sam rocked up to run it too. It was a beautiful day and I enjoyed running with no shirt to soak up some rays. It took me 23 minutes, a 60 second improvement on the first effort. Again I felt short of breathe and my throat hurt. It was a cold day too so my nose ran and I had lots of flem coming up.

Here is the video I made of it:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jh71v3VrLJM

I came back to campus and met up with Brandon. He was doing an assignment on cultures and thought it'd be interesting to use me as his subject. We met outside the library and caught the last rays before the shadows swept over us and we went inside. Hannah was there readying the NYT. I met Brandon through the ultimate frisbee team. He was still going to training, but had to wear tights, beanies and gloves as it is just too cold now!

I then went to the gym and Lucas and I had a good shoulder and abdominal work out. Vince from Italy was also there and he commented on my video.

We headed to Lapo, but I couldn't stay long as I was meeting Chris (my change lecturer) for some ski gear. After, at 7pm I had class and wrote some of my public speaking speech, but had forgotten about the outline that I had to do too!

Hannah wanted me to come to the sub to check 'something out'. Turns out it was like a bucks night for the sorority houses and had males dressed as cowgirls doing dances. It was rather hilarious. The dancers were form the frat houses so there were some boys in the room.

I had a late night snack at lapo and waited for Harry to walk out of his exam. I tried a few times at 12.30pm Perth time but had forgotten that the exam wouldn't finished until 12.50pm. It brought me back to my last exam (physics) and walking out of the room into the bright sunny day and excitedly heading home with Hamish. Harry has so much to look forward to- travelling with Georgie to America and then catching up with Me before we fly up to Canada. Its only 5 weeks away!

Anyway I finally got through to him and had a quick chat. He was very excited!

I caught up with Rafi and his crew and drove the subi for a bit. I felt good driving in the car. The heater is super heated so when you turn it on hot air comes out almost instantly!

We came back to the dorms and I caught up with Hannah, then headed back to the dorms to hit the hay. I fell asleep soon after 12pm!

Tuesday, 8 November

Today was a busy day. I went to the gym at 8am and had a stretch. I then bought ($0) the basketball ticket for friday night.

I enjoyed a class of public speaking with the students presenting. Caught up with Anita from the Ski team for lunch. Enjoyed a talk from Leon Cooley in my engineering lecture. He finished with a great spill on motivation, leadership and drive.




I had a good gym session with Lucas and Sam.

I had an early nights sleep in order to catch up and recharge my batteries!

Sunday, 6 November

The day light savings had finished, so we had an extra hour of sleeping in. We rose around 8.30an and ate breakfast in the lobby. It was nice considering the location. We were in the middle of nowhere. We avoided the stray dogs in the car park on the way out before filling up and heading off, back to Albuquerque.

The drive would take a little over 5 hours and Abby knocked off a good portion of it driving first. I did some time before Logan took over. There was snow around and the windows were as cold as those on the air planes. It was cold enough to have snow yet the sun was still shining. I am looking forward to skiing in Taos when the sun is out and the snow is fresh!

The roads are so straight and wide it makes driving so easy. I really wish we had a similar road network back home. I think the road we were driving on was so safe because it would be used by the military in case of rapid mobilisation was needed.

The Sandias were visible from a long way away. We cruised though Cuba and Bernalillo County before making it back to the suburbs of Albuquerque.

What a road trip it was. Walking in the Grand Canyon, bungee jumping and seeing Monument valley, and having lots of laughs along the way. One trip that I’d like to do when I come back is to raft down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. That would be quite an adventure. We saw a group drifting under the bridge when we bungee jumped.

Back in the dorms put a load of washing on and then met Sam in the gym for a leg session at 4pm. It was a short sharp workout and very enjoyable too.

I had an early nigh, it was nice having the quiet and space with no roomie around and I fell asleep quickly, nice and warm and wrapped up in my blankets.

Saturday, 5 Novmeber

I woke up early, around 7am as I was just too excited. It was a nice way to wake up. I showered and headed out for a walk – down to the bridge where I would soon jump off! I took some pictures and pumped myself up. It was surreal to think that I would be jumping off it in a few hours.

I walked back to the room and we packed up. I didn’t want anything for breakfast. I’d learnt from my experiences up in New Jersey about large deep fried breakfasts before doing anything exhilarating. I ate half a bagel and drank a chocolate milk.

Along with a dozen others we met Chris the instructor for the jump. As he set up we slipped on our harnesses and chatted excitedly to the others around. He made an order from the two groups – a heavier and a lighter group. I was one of the 5 in the heavy group. I kept my hand down until I was the last one. So I was going to be number 5!

The first chap to go was a 60 year old who nervously did a great push off and had a great jump. There were two young brothers in their mid 20’s who were next Both of them did two jumps. For their second jump we threw them off. Lucas had a rush from that.

It was my turn. I had my gopros strapped on. I was very nervous. I wanted to build it up as much as I could. The anticipation is as much of the rush as actually jumping. I was a little scared, but knew I could do it. It was a great feeling.

I stood up tall, looked down, then out and up and jumped out as far as I could. I k
ept my arms up and sailed out and down into the George 500 feet below.

What a rush! I almost made it to terminal velocity. It was incredible jumping into the Grand Canyon. The spring up pulled a few g’s and I was racing up towards the bridge. Then I had the fall, and rushed back down heading to the water.

On the second spring up I gave the crowd a big wave. I felt comfortable and the adrenalin was really kicking in!

Eventually the rope came down and I clipped on the caribena which would pull me back up to the bridge. I soon came upright and was being pulled up. I enjoyed being in the canyon, it was so peaceful and there was a very large bird that resembled an eagle than few close.

I cleared the bridge arch and trusses easily and was up on the ledge I’d jumped off just minutes before.

The video I made: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMt9L-PctLM&feature=youtu.be

WOW it was incredible. What a place to do it too. The scenery was outstanding and added to the whole jump. Chris, the instructor, thinks it’s the most picturesque bridge to jump from in the US.

I had such a great jump and my fears of jumping off a bridge were now gone. What a way to do it and what an awesome thing to do on exchange. I’ll have to find something bigger to top it now! I wanted to go again and be thrown off, but thought I’d save it for another time. Maybe I’ll come back with the family and give them the pleasure of throwing me off a bridge?

After a switch in bungee cord for the light group, it was Abby’s turn. We strapped the gopro’s onto her and she looked great and was excited. She climbed up and jumped no problem. She hardly screamed (unlike me (I was doing it for fun and to pump me up)) and had a smooth jump. We got it all on film. She really enjoyed it.

Logan was up next and after getting the camera’s on her she nervously scaled the railing. Her legs didn’t have the strength to push off and she semi fell straight down and had a bit off a jolt. She was screaming, in pleasure of pain we weren’t sure. She loved the jump so much she cried (out of nerves) and we got it all on film!

I was glad we all jumped safely and the gopro’s were still attached. We enjoyed watching the others jump and the non jumpers helped pull the jumper up with a pulley system.

The sun was out and it was such a great place to jump. I couldn’t have asked for a better experience. We got some great pictures and video too.

Around 1pm after helping Chris pack up we headed off towards Page for lunch. We found a buffet Chinese restaurant and paid 6 dollars for a great range of food. I downloaded the pictures and videos in preparation for the next location later that afternoon.

We drove for 2 hours and made it to Kayenta, and quickly drove through towards Monument Valley.

We made it just in time to catch the sun setting and the light was perfect and magical. We were the only ones out here except for the infrequent passing cars. I was taken away by the beauty of the place. The camera just didn’t capture the atmosphere and give the sights justice.

We drove back into town and checked into a great hotel that Abby had booked a couple of days earlier. The room was nice and the beds were soft. We headed back downstairs to the hotel restaurant and enjoyed a meal there. The serving size was ridiculous. Abby ate about ¼ of her meal. I struggled to finish mine. The bread that was made locally was awesome though and I had some with honey before we left. Understandably there is no alcohol on reservation due to the effects alcoholic drinks have on them. Its similar to the aborigines back home.

We went back to the room, chilled out and listen to Bob Marley. We had a great night sleep.

Here is the video I made of our time at the Grand Canyon and Monument Valley:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP-N_OpNO5c

Friday, 4 November

We woke at 4.30am… we had arranged to pick Lucas up from the dorms at 5am sharp. I quickly had a shower and enjoyed a nice large bowl of home made muesli. We packed the car quickly and were a couple of minutes late for Lucas.

We jumped on the I-40 towards Flagstaff again. Abby drove first while the rest of us passed in and out of sleep. We made it to Flagstaff and filled up a tank of gas before Lucas stopped at a mortuary (not knowing what one was) to ask for directions. Thankfully there was no service happening.

We drove on and finally made it to the Grand Canyon National Park.

We scoped out the visitors centre before catching the blue line bus to Bright Angle Lodge and walk trail.

There was a hotel here and also a souvenir shop and restaurant. We headed on down the trail and enjoyed the amazing view of the canyon. It was truly incredible.

I haven’t seen anything like it. The erosion from the water had created this vast open spaced and was spectacular.

I made a video of us in the canyon and of monument valley. see it here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=vP-N_OpNO5c

We spend a good 3 hours on the trail before we made it back and enjoyed the warm fire in the lodge. We had plenty of time so we took lots of pictures.

I figured this is where Georgie and Harry will come on their bus tour as there were lots of bus operators at this location.

I left them a note in a hidden crack which hopefully they’ll find and read in just over a months time.

We caught the bus back the car. I might have fallen asleep on the trip back.

It was my turn to drive and along the way to the exit we found some more lookouts and had some fun taking some pictures. It started to rain but definitely didn’t dampen our mood. I was still in awe of the canyon.

We continued on towards Page, I drove for 2 hours before changing over. The roads out this way reminded me of the country roads back home. It was a 2 lane road so we had to battle with high beam lights and all. American drivers aren’t all that fair when it comes to driving etiquette.

We drove across a bridge, only once we’d crossed we read the
name of it. It was the bridge we would jump off tomorrow!

A couple of seconds later we finally made it to the Hotel, called: We were the last ones allowed in the restaurant and I feasted on a Maxx Burger – roast meat and cheese with baked beans on the side. It was needed, but not necessarily filling.

We checked in, the rooms were a 20 second walk. It was so cold outside we drove the car! Snow was expected to fall overnight!

We all showered, I put together the pictures from the day and we watched them before having a few soda’s and headed off to bed. The double beds were rock solid but we were so exhausted we fell asleep very quickly. We all had very deep sleeps thanks to Abby’s friend.

Monday, 7 November

I had a great sleep in until 10am. It was needed. My room mate came back woke me up, but I thought it was time to get up anyway. The change in times due to day light savings being over really threw off my sleeping patterns, but regardless it was nice to get some sleep.

I had to wash my sheets again, so I put on a load and then went and changed my flat tire. This time it was the front tire. I now know the chaps at the bike shop so well they donate the tube to my bike. They are friendly and I don't mind spending time in their changing my flat tires all the time!

I rode over at 11am to meet the members from my change mgmt group at the Bike Coop as we are doing our project on their business. We had a quick tour of the store before asking questions about what was working and what wasn't. We collected our thoughts over a coffee at Starbucks across the road.

I rode back and had a light lunch. Sometimes they have pita bread rolls filled with cucumber and feta and they were very tasty. I went back to my dorm and had a sleep, before waking up with the plan of running the stadium again. I opened my windows to dark clouds (it was sunny when I went to bed!) and opted, against all of Sam's banter, to stay here and run it on Wednesday. I was actually disappointed because I was really looking forward to it.

I worked on my video and then caught up with Hannah and Lex while they got ready for their 'sorority' meeting later than evening.

I finished my video from the bungee jump and uploaded it to youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DMt9L-PctLM&feature=youtu.be

I caught up with Lucas at 5pm for our chest and triceps session. We had a great workout. We came back and had a good feed a Lapo before I headed back to the dorms to do some work. Because day light savings was over, it was now pitch black at 6pm which was very daunting. The days were getting shorter. I guess it meant I would have more sleep, but it was hard knowing that back home the sun is only becoming hotter and the days are getting warmer and longer.

Hannah wanted me to coming to flying star ( the location where Joy bought that amazing cheery and rhubarb pie we had at Abby's birthday) so I had to say yes. I was only wearing my flip flops and purple shorts and a jacket, but still went out in the cold. She was all dressed up from her meeting so it was slightly awkward if you were to care about dress.

Becca was in the car, and I decided to drive. It was a Subaru outback so I felt like I was back home, except everything was opposite!

I ordered a strawberry and rhubarb pie with a scoop of strawberry ice cream. It was expensive but tasted great. I should have bought the whole pie - would have been more economical.

I made it home and had an early night. I set my alarm for 9 hours time... I was looking forward to a quiet nights sleep.

Thursday, 3 November

I woke up at 7.30am and went to the gym. I needed to stretch my calves out - they were still hurting form the stadium run!

I had a nice breakfast with an avocado on bread with chopped hash browns, bacon, scrambled eggs and some cheese. It filled me up well. How could I not mention the chocolate coated doughnut that I ate?!

I headed off to my public speaking class. Today was the first day of presentations for our third speech, a persuasive speech. Topics ranged from persuading us to do more exercise, to philosophy should be taught in primary schools. This speaker actually was on the verge of feinting and had to stop... he was wearing a three piece suit and skipped breakfast. go figure.

We had a class discussion about the "American Dream" and whether it is still alive today.

After class I spoke to the dorm adviser about changing room mates... I achieved my goal of being able to live with my current room mate, now I wanted to enjoy my time left in the dorms and share a room with someone I could actually have a conversation with.

I had a quick lunch at Lapo before I headed off to my strategic management class at 12.30pm. We were presenting so we had to wear 'business attire'. I wore my Christmas jumper I bought form the thrift shop, and my sports jacket. 2 group members were in suits and wearing Donald trump ties as if we were in the board room. International student; enough said.

The presentation went well and the lecturer liked our work. Later that afternoon we got the assignment back (the one where I had to write it up in the car). We got 90/100. I think she said that was the highest mark shes ever awarded so we must be doing something right!

That night I stayed over at Abby's as we have a very early start the next morning!

Wednesday, 2nd Novemeber

I had a nice sleep in, till 8am. I felt I deserved it after running the stadium. My calves were so so so sore! It was like I had a bruise on the whole muscle! I needed to stretch it out.

I went to Lapo and managed to score 4 avocados for the next few days. I had one of them on toast and added some scrambled eggs. It was a great breakfast.

I went back to the dorm and showered and changed. I headed over the to the communication and journalism building to try and hire out some fancy hi-tech video equipment for the coming weekend. I didn't have any luck and headed on to toni and guy for a hair cut. (YES- mum I am getting a haircut!!!).
It was a very relaxing two and a half hours... I enjoyed getting my hair washed and cut a fair amount off it for just $8. Its great being a student! (It is a training school, hence why its so cheap).

You can see the amazing transformation here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_nCpoX58FYQ

I headed over to Abby's and we drove to the driving license centre. I was hoping to get a New Mexican state ID (A drivers license was too much hassle and $). Unfortunately I had to go to the State Centre to get one, so it was a whole waste of time. (But Abby needed to get a 21+ ID so it wasn't all a waste).

Back at the dorms I rested and caught up with Hannah before I headed off to the gym and worked my back and biceps.

Lucas and I headed off to Lapo for dinner before we both had to leave - I had class at 7pm, and he had a date.

I had a quick feed at Lapo after class and caught up with Hannah in her dorm. It was fun hanging out and we discussed ski plans for thanks giving!

Tuesday, 1st Novemeber

Can't believe its NOVEMBER!!!

Today's date is also a palindrome for the USA. They write the date: Month/Day/Year. so its the 11/1/11.

Cool ha?

I convinced Abby to throw a party on the 11th of this month. You can work out why.


I slept in till 8am and then had a quick breakfast of Granola, similar to sultana bran, water melon and yoghurt.

I headed off to the medical centre. It only costs $15 for an appointment and even though I knew mum and sis were right I thought I may as well double check. She said the same and wrote me a script for some steroid cream. I have a small outbreak of eczema which isn't nice. I blame it on the altitude, if that's possible.

I went to public speaking class. There was maybe close to half of the class missing, and it was a more relaxed atmosphere. We listened to the Gettysburg Address by Lincoln. A very famous American speech. We also watched Will Ferrell's acceptance speech for the Mark Twain award for comedy. He was great. You can watch it here.

After class I caught up with one of my lecturers to see where I went wrong in the test. I want to do much better in the next. It was helpful, because I worked out how she wrote her MC questions (which is where I lost most of my marks). I will cream the next one!

I met Sam at 12pm... Today was the day I finally 'ran the stadium'. I didn't bring my camera so couldn't take photos but next time I go I will so you can see what I am doing. It involves running up and down every stair way in the stadium. This is a quarter of the stadium. There are 3 sides!
It took me 24mins and 50 sec. It was pretty tough.

I came back to campus on the shuttle bus and showered. I had a quick little nap before heading off and grabbing a quick feed and continuing on to my engineering class at 3.30pm. Its not the most thrilling class I have taken.

I met Lucas at the gym and we had a great chest and tri-cept session.

I raced to Lapo and Lucas and I quickly ate. We changed and headed to the Basketball game at the Pit. It was a exhibition match against the Davenport University Panthers and we smashed them 80 something to 50 something. It was great watching the two Australian players, Hugh and Cameron, both had great games.

Of course the cheerleaders were there!


I went home and eventually went to sleep. It was a great day.

Monday, 31st October

So today was officially Halloween... and yes there were still weirdo's dressed up in wacky costumes but the majority of people were too exhausted from the weekend to be bothered. I guess for the little kids it was their time to dress up but I didn't see any of that.

I got to the pool by 7.10am and had a nice little dip, more of a way to wake me up. I can't wait to replace the pool with the ocean when I am home. I walked to the gym which is in the same building, and crunched out a good abs set before heading back to the dorms and showering. My room mate was back home so it was nice making noise and getting dressed without having to make it snappy. You really appreciate having personal time when you're sharing a room with someone.

I logged on and did some online shopping. I bought a flexible tripod which I've been wanted to buy since I left home. Why not be able to take great pictures. I also bought a SDHC class 10 16gb drive for the gopro at a cost of $32. I paid the same for the same brand but a 8gb at jbHi5 so everything in the states is officially a lot cheaper. If I haven't already said so before. Thanks to being a student I can get free 2 day shipping. How awesome is that.

I had a small amount for lunch. Lapo wasn't that good today. I think many of the workers try and take the day off to be with their families. Its like an unofficial holiday. (if you run your own work).

I posted georgies dress home... it cost me $50. Its not cheap to send parcels home to Australia.

I had a group meeting at 3.30pm and had some work to do in the afternoon. I got it done quickly before it was time to go to the gym.

I was excited for the gym. Today I would start my training for the skiing season by doing legs. Sammy, in his cast joined me and we did squats, lunges, raises and a few other exercises. I was on the edge of cramping but managed to hold off. I did shoulders after.

We went to Lapo and had a feed. They had glittered the place up with carved pumpkins, flashing lights, skeletons and some themed food. It was kind of fun. I forgot to included the DJ who would add his own creepy laugh in over the way too loud music. It was a nice laugh.

I went back and showered, finished off the work and met up with Lucas and Sam for our horror night movie. Tonight we would watch Hostel. I recommend it. I think it is a crazy movie but a great reminder of how not to act while travelling in unknown places. Also that this may well happen out there and the world is a crazy place.

It was gruesome to say the least.

After we turned the lights on quickly and planned out the weekend trip. We are off to the grand canyon! We quickly looked at hotels and routes before Lucas and I called it a night and left Sam to chisel with Mariana, Abbys room mate.

When I got home my roomie was still no where to be seen so I jumped into bed and looked forward to a good night sleep. I thought I felt bed bugs though which didn't help me.

Sunday, 30th October

It took me a while to get out of bed. Lapo didn't open until 10am anyway so there was no real rush.

After breakfast hannah and I did our washing in the basement. Rafi was there too and also Jess. It was a good laugh.

Abby invited me to the familys place to watch the Steelers match against the patriots and also to have green chilli cheese burgers. It was a great afternoon hanging out with Nick and Joy and their dogs. I felt like I was back home watching a ALF game. I fell asleep mid game on the couch and woke up with a sore next. It was worth it though.

It was an exciting game and we managed to just hold on 25-17.

I headed back to the dorms and watched some TED talks before hannah come over and we hang out for a while. I crashed pretty early and had a great nights sleep in clean sheets.

Saturday, 29th October

I didn't get much done today... I rested and then around 3 played some tennis with lucas. I was actually hitting the ball well and my serves were coming along. I think I scored 3 or 4 aces! I let my self down again with unforced errors and tired quickly in the second set. Hopefully in the next match I will have him.
I had a great quick rest before getting changed and I caught up with Lucas and Johan and Mike. We got takeaway Lapo then headed to the girls volleyball game. We came back and had some sodas in the dorm before heading off with James and Same from the tennis team. Rafi and his crew took us to Lobo Village where we could make more noise and have a better time drinking sodas.
My nerd outfit.

We headed out to another house party. It was great fun. I made it back around 2am and drunk a lot of water before heading to bed. I wish I had clean sheets though. It was on my list of things to do for sunday.