Changes in Latitudes

Saturday afternoon I was invited out to Waiheke Island to Hannah (from MI) and Sonny's (originally from Singapore) house. They have two 'puppies': Kalie (1 yr old) and Jet (5 months). This past week the island suffered from heavy rains which destroyed the foundation of one house, which made the New Zealand Herald, so naturally I took a photo. They showed me a few cool beaches on the island, Hannah and I knitted, we had a fire in their little wood stove, and this morning took Jet for a walk and play on the beach. It was a much needed weekend. It was soooo nice and relaxing. I can't wait to go back and hang out there for a weekend again! Thanks again to Hannah and Sonny!

I now have 11 months until I finish my degree at the University of Auckland. This year will be full of marine biology studies. I'm taking fish biology, ecological physiology, dynamics of marine systems, and adaptive design. Fish biology is my favorite course so far, but my ecological physiology lab was really interesting, since I got to dissect two different marine fish (a mullet - 38cm; and a trevally - 43cm). I'm very excited for my mom to visit in November. The first day I'll give her the Auckland tour and she got us booked to do the world renowned Milford Track! It's going to be a great visit, and I'm really looking forward to it. It is really raining hard outside and the scaffolding outside of our building sounds like it's taking a beating. Is this an unseasonal tropical storm or something?