Time is flying by WAY to fast!

Good Morning!

I cannot believe that over a month ago I hopped on a plane not knowing anyone to travel across the world! It is unbelievable that I have been in Australia a month already-which means only like 3 more months...AHHH!!!! There is so much I want to do before I leave. We keep trying to plan different mini trips all over Australia but we get distracted and forget to try and plan them. Tentatively we are going to Fraser Island and Whitsundays for spring break but we are not sure yet. Originally the plan was to go to New Zealand but it is super expensive so we are hoping to do it at the end of the semester, if we have enough money left over. Oh and the we is my friend Adriana and I for sure, and then possibly a few other people.

This past weekend was the start of Surfest in Newcastle. We made the hike all the way down to the beach and then found out it was just Junior Surfers competing but it was still pretty neat to watch. In two weeks a few of my friends and I are going to a surf weekend a few hours north of here. We are SO pumped! Hopefully I will be able to do it-don't worry I will keep you posted as to how that goes.

This past weekend was close to one of my favorite weekends here. Friday afternoon was a beach day. We went down to Newcastle beach and by the end of the afternoon there was a group of like 40 of us international students hanging out together. Friday night a huge group of Bara people got together and ordered pizzas. Then a bunch of us girls went out downtown. It was heaps fun!!! Saturday we went to the beach again (I am sorry I cannot help myself-I love LOVE LOVE the beach!!!!!!) to watch the surf weekend. It was not super exciting so we went swimming in the ocean for quite a while. I love being in the ocean, it is so thrilling jumping the waves. Never in my life have I spent time swimming in the ocean (I have been to the ocean but not really swam in it a bunch) but it is so fun. However, I really suck at jumping the waves-I always seem to inhale the salt water. Hahaha woops! I am working on it though....Saturday night we had our semi-formal Commencement Dinner for Bara. It was so nice getting to see all the boys dressed up in shirts and ties for once...I am sure they said the same thing about us girls! After dinner a big group of us went out again. I love the night life here-minus the prices of drinks. Most nights though, I just bring enough money for the bus rides so I don't waste money on drinks and then just spend the night dancing with my friends!!!!!! Sunday was their swim carnival. I guess it could be compared to college football in the states-people went all out with face paint and signs. hahaha my friend Adriana (who is a HUGE gator football fan) and I were intrigued as to how in to swimming everyone was...we had several good laughs! Especially a large group of the people swimming were either slightly intoxicated or still hung over from the previous night. After we went and worked our at the Forum aka the gym and then went in jumped in the pool to cool off. We all got together and grilled at Bara after that then just hung around chatting. I love hanging out with everyone.

Well I better get scooting-I am heading to the beach for awhile then am going job hunting. I know I know- what about homework? Don't worry, I am bringing my books with me to the beach to do some reading.

I miss everyone a bunch. I hope to skype with you guys (anyone who can and is willing to) soon!!!!!

LOVE LOTS!!!