I thought I was in NZ...

On Sunday Morning Averil and Stewart took Candace, Linda (another student) and I to Raglan, a small beach town on the Western coast. They live about 45 min from the West coast and 90 minutes from the East coast, oh the joy of living on and island! You can pick and choose which beach you want to go to. Being here makes me rethink the "beach this way" sign we have at Utah Lake.

On our way we stopped at a water fall name BRIDAL VEIL FALLS, guess that is a common name for a waterfall. We took a short little hike/walk to the waterfall. The bush (forest, woods etc.) was very different from Utah.Stewart, Averil, Myself and Linda in front of the waterfall.

This looks like a postcard. It is hard to take a bad picture here.

It is so humid that there are plants growing all over the tree trunks, everything is green. We even saw a live Koru, which is a very popular symbol in Maori for rebirth.

The beaches on the West coast are black sand beaches, and this one in particular is famous for its surfing (unfortunately we just watched the surfers). We walked along the rocks and dipped our feet in the Tasman Sea. The water was freezing and the waves were HUGE. Candace and I ventured out on the rocks and the waves came in around our legs. I kept getting nervous that the huge waves were going to come all the way up, but they didn't.


I love this picture of Candace, she looks so happy. One of us literally has to remind the other that we are the on the other side of the world at least once a day.


I have to go quickly, we have a night on the town awaiting us. I hope everyone at home is doing well.

Today I saved a life.

This week has been such a whirlwind. By Friday I felt mentally exhausted. The school system here is similar to the US but in ways very different. It has just been a lot to wrap my mind around. It is very beautiful here and I just try to soak up everyday because I know time is going to fly.This is the classroom I am in. There are walls of windows on both sides of the room. The classrooms go directly outdoors and into a courtyard area where they eat lunch. It gives the classroom a very open feel, the breeze comes in and you can constantly hear the Cicadas (which makes it sound so tropical).Friday night I went to my first rugby game. Rugby and Cricket are HUGE here. Megan, a teacher from our school got both me and Candace free tickets. The rugby players are quite possibly the biggest men I have ever seen. Their quads, necks, and chests are MASSIVE! I thought that rugby was much more fun to watch than football. The game rarely stops, if they get tackled they are just supposed to let go of the ball, then they all pile on top and ram into each other. It was fun to watch.
When they throw the ball in from the sides both teams line up and then lift a player up by their legs to catch the ball, this was my favorite part. The All Blacks aren't playing right now, but several of their players play for the Waikato Chief's, who we saw.

Candace's host, Gaylene, insisted on us wearing scarves, hats, jerseys and taking a cow bell. She said we would fit in better. We only really ended up wearing the scarves. This is Megan, who got us tickets and also teaches at Bankwood.

After the rugby game, Stewart and Averil picked us up (I feel like we are 15 again). They told us they had a surprise for us. Candace figured out the surprise when she noticed we were driving on TEMPLE Dr. The picture isn't great because it was so dark, but we will go back. They are so sweet to take us there! Averil had researched about the church before I came, so she is pretty knowledgeable. So far they don't think we are crazy (but there is A LOT they don't know).

Today Candace and I met Jalayne in town. We spent the day trying to navigate the bus system. Apparently you have to flag down buses here if you want them to stop. Otherwise they just keep on going. Unfortunately we had to learn that the hard way.

They have these street signs to remind people to be safe, but their slogan is "Give a Damn". I just think it is so funny. Damn really isn't a swear word here (Yay!) but it still cracks me up. We saw one the other day that said "Slow down school crossing, Give a Damn."

We also took a little stroll along the Waikato River. The river goes right through Hamilton and kind of cuts the town in half. This was about the time the torrential downpour hit.

It really is so beautiful here.


I am putting this picture up solely for my Nephew Rio. There was this massive tree and the closer I got I noticed these bugs on the bark. but it was just their exo-skeleton, it looked like the bug had crawled right out of their skin, or disintegrated or something. It was gross, but he will think it is cool.

You might be wondering why this blog is entitled "Today I saved a life". Well today on our way home from town we were walking home and Candace, who is normally quite bright, looked the wrong way first (it is backwards here) before crossing the road. She walked right our into the road and I had to lunge forward and grab her and pull her to safety. Without me she would have died today. You're welcome Candace.

Also if this long blog post doesn't fill your New Zealand needs you can also check Candace's blog, it is listed on the sidebar or at canderander.blogspot.com

I love it, I love it, I love it!

I am here! After a traveling for way too long I am here in NEW ZEALAND!! The 13 hour plane ride was okay, it went faster than I expected. I was sitting by two men who were going on their honeymoon, Edward and Mel. We became buds. They were so sweet, so at least I had good company. Because the flight was sold out we couldn't choose were we sat, so I didn't get to sit by Candace. I am staying with a couple, Averil and Stewart who are delightful. They have been so good to me. Averil is the teacher that I will be working with at the school as well.This is Candace and I after making it through customs with our newly stamped passports.


Driving on the wrong side of the car and the road is scaring the hell out of me. Every turn we make I feel like we are going to die. I even look the wrong way when I cross the street. Please pray that I don't die walking across the street!

Today (Monday) we went to a local elementary school for a Maori welcoming ceremony. We stood at the gates and a Maori woman sings or calls for the visitors (us) to come. We had a Maori woman with us who sang back in response and we went into the assembly hall. The chief Maori then talked (in Maori) welcoming us. Our speaker, (men have to speak for the women in traditional Maori ceremonies) Richard, introduced us to the children. They sang us a welcome song and we had to respond with a song. We ended up singing the Star Spangled Banner (I may mention that I do not sing... well). Then we did the traditional Hongi where you touch noses with the Maori chief, principal and many students. This meant that we were now a part of them and no longer visitors. Then we went in for morning tea (which we have everyday, afternoon tea equates to dinner). The students then sang for us and did the haka. It was so fun to watch, they did an amazing job. They have an extracurricular group that does the singing and the haka.

-I have a video but I can't make it work. So check back later for this video.

Many of the students don't wear shoes to school, no one really minds. They also have to wear these adorable sun hats anytime they go outside. They sun is really strong in NZ, I guess there is a whole in the ozone layer right above it (that is what I have been told) so they have to be really careful in the sun. I loved the schools, they seem to have a great atmosphere. So far I love it! Oh and did I mention that it is warm here!

I promise I am a good teacher.

Today was my last day student teaching at little old Central Elementary. My very sweet cooperating teacher gave me such cute keepsakes and she even had all of the students write letters to me and put them in a book. I read them after I got home today and could not stop laughing after I read this one. Does this mean I am a crappy teacher?
And just to prove that I am not a crappy teacher I am posting two other letters that were a little more grammatically correct.

Oh how I will miss those little kids. I feel like I really lucked out this semester. I had a great teacher with a great class. Now, off to New Zealand! 47 hours and counting.

Natural Kiwi

I don't think people will be able to tell I am a tourist. Do you? I like how colorful their money is, it doesn't feel real. It feels like it is pretend money from Monopoly. But cheerful pretend money because it is colorful.

But I would like to tell Miranda thank you for this awesome airplane neck pillow. I will probably be the most comfortable person on the plane.

5 days and counting!!

Computers are Like Husbands

So I know that I do not have a husband, but I do have a computer, which I realized tonight is very similar. You see, I LOVE my computer and the internet, I would never try to go without it. I couldn't imagine my life without it. But sometimes.... oooh.... I just want to SMACK it! I think this is how married life will be (some day). Making the collages featured below was a pain in the butt. I used the Photoshop for dummies, which apparently dumbs it down so much you have ZERO choices! Lets just say I spent way too much time doing this, and not enough time planning for school tomorrow. I haven't blogged about some pretty fun things that have happened, and just don't feel ethical moving the blog along without giving them their proper respect.

First off, CHRISTMAS! I do believe, much like the song suggests, that it is the most wonderful time of the year. I had an amazing, stress free break that lasted over a month. I think that Dec. 24 til Jan. 2 is my favorite week in the year. My entire family is around, no one is working, everyone is just hanging out and eating good food. What more could I ask for?

New Years is also a blast. Who couldn't love standing outside when it is below freezing and blowing things up? This year was packed with Costco fireworks (only the finest), paper shooter popper things and rednecks shooting off loud guns. I stole a New Years kiss from Ridge, you can tell how pleased he is.

We also made our way up to the hot pots in Spanish Fork canyon, where you can be guaranteed to meet some dandy people. Last time we met a woman who was there to feel the effects of the Native American Vortex that is said to be there. She was also a musician who was just waiting for music to go digital so she didn't waste precious natural resources to make her CD's. There is also our pervy old naked man who hops from pool to pool claiming each as his own. My favorite was the tatooed cool dude who had naked women tatooed on his pecs. Now that is what I call class.

Bre and I took the little girlies to a invite only party at the Provo Marriot (Thank you Bre's work). We swam, painted nails, did hair, and watched enough Disney Channel to last a life time.


A couple weeks ago I went with some friends from school to my first ever Jazz game. We somehow lucked out (I'm still not really sure how) and got 11th row tickets for 27 dollars... and a free hot dog. It was pretty much awesome! We were so close we could hear the player calling out plays and grunting. I'm not really sure why it is cool to hear them grunt, but lets just say we were close.
And last but certainly not least, Candace came down from Salt Lake and we made paper chains (because we are children) to countdown the days until we leave for NEW ZEALAND! 24 days and counting. I can feel the warmth from here. Darci also made a paper chain, hers counted until we come back, which turned out to be quite a long chain. Yay.

Take my advice...

I have had many complaints, okay one complaint, well ... comment, that I don't update often enough, so this is dedicated to Pollywog. So much has happened since the last blog I wrote I don't even know where to begin. So why not with a fun little infomercial? I just want to warn everyone living in Utah that this post may be offensive. But take my advice, if this is offensive to you, YOU should change your ways! But really just watch, it is nothing like the "Mormons Exposed" calendar (see very previous post). Click this link to order your "bump-it", do so it the next 10 minutes and you will receive "bump-it Bangs" for FREE!

www.bighappyhair.com/I am speechless. Again if you found yourself thinking... "What is wrong with this, I wear my hair like that everyday, I already own 5 bump-its". Take my advise and stop. Attend meetings, get family support, call a hotline... JUST STOP!

Oh, I also started student teaching last week. So far I love it. I also leave for New Zealand in 58 days!

The grass is always greener

When I first moved to Logan 3 and half years ago, it took me about 6 minutes before I was bawling my eyes out. Now, after growing up a bit and becoming maybe a little more mature, I have moved home and miss Logan. I think I just always want what I can't have. I finished classes on Wednesday and officially moved back to the UC on Thursday. I can not tell you how amazing it feels to not look at my planner everyday and see what project or assignment is due the next day! HALELUJAH! (Sorry to everyone else who is still in school, that sucks for you.)
I was really sad to leave the first grade class that I was in, they were so dang cute. If it was illegal and creepy I would post pictures of them so you could see how cute they are. When I told them I was leaving one little girl starting crying and another little boy said "I'll see you in high school Ms. Murdock!" I didn't have the heart to tell him that he would most likely never see me again.

Since Tues. was mine and Candace's last day in Logan, we went to a Logan original for Dinner (Manderin Garden) and then decided that we should stay up ALL NIGHT in the art building with Darci and Adrienne. We made jewelry, ate treats, danced and hid from the cops. That is right, hid from the cops. At midnight the campus police kicks everyone out who doesn't have a late night pass, which would be us. Well we were planning on staying all night, so we hid in a dark room. Darci and Adrienne told us they never check there. Just to be safe Candace and I turned the lights off and hid in the corner (not creepy at all right?) We heard the door open and there walked in the cops, we froze like statues and Candace's face had a look of terror on it. Good thing it was a "dark room" so they didn't see us. Although that doesn't sound that creepy once written down, it was while it was happening. Sometimes we like to think we are rebels (HA!). Once 3 am hit we were kind of tired so we just went to bed. Can't have TOO much excitement in one night.Anywho.... I found out that I will be student teaching at Central Elementary in Pleasant Grove in a 3rd grade class, from Jan. 7 to Feb. 27. And as of today, 78 days and counting 'til I leave for New Zealand!

Trick-or-Treat

Last weekend we had Mar-bear's birthday party which is a always a blast. This year there were some top notch costumes, the bar has risen. As you can tell I dressed up as a stick figure.


We also carved pumpkins last week. I tried a new technique, scraping the pumpkin instead of carving all the way through. It was pretty hardcore and took a little more time than expected. I was really excited to put my pumpkin outside our door in Logan. When I got there I realized the next door apartment, who hates Obama and anyone who supports him, had been "tagged". Someone wrote Obama for pres on their window. I knew they would think I was involved (which I wasn't) so I decided for the safety of my pumpkin I would keep it indoors this year.

For my practicum I am in a first grade class. All of the kids dressed up in costume and we had a big party. All of the first grade teachers dressed up as butterflies. We made the wings out of hangers and tissue paper. Teachers are apparently very creative, I will need to work on that.

I also came home and we had Rio's birthday party and went trick or treating. Okay so I didn't go trick or treating but I did attempt to sneak up on and scare the kids outside.

Backpacking the Canyonlands

Last weekend we went backpacking down in the Canyonlands. It was supposed to rain and snow, but somehow we had clear skies the whole time. It was beautiful. The canyons are so crazy. One day we all went on a day hike and left our packs behind. Ty ran back to our packs before we left and noticed that the ravens were trying to get into my pack. He zipped it up and tried to hide the zippers. By the time we got back the ravens had unzipped my pack, took all of my clothes out, ripped open and ate some of my food. The food the didn't eat they FLEW off with. Did you know that a group of ravens is called a conspiracy!? Overall it was a great weekend.

Nonpartisan Spawning...

I think the above title is a sign that I should stop trying to combine non-related activities. What do you think?

On Wednesday we drove out to Porcupine Reservoir to watch the salmon spawn. They spawn around the same time every year and turn a bright red color. It was amazing! There were so many salmon I couldn't believe it. We walked down the river for awhile and they were running into our legs, it was crazy. Our friend Andy even caught one with his bare hands (he watches a lot of Man Vs. Wild ). Everything was beautiful, the leaves have started to change and it was fun to get out and see the fall colors.


Tonight (Thurs) we watched the debate with some friends... and strangers. We had an open door policy, anyone who wanted could come watch. We were determined to keep it friendly and "non-partisan". We even made non-partisan treats, purple Rice Krispies (get it, we combined red and blue to get purple :) ) Well that back fired. Lets just say next time our door will be closed.

And yes, we did keep a tally of how many times McCain was referred to as a "Maverick". The total from Palin was around 9 BEFORE Biden finally went off and noted about 7 times that McCain was not a "Maverick". I don't know about anyone else but all I can think of when I hear Maverick, is a gas station.

I just keep going and going and ...

So despite the fact that every other family member has already blogged this, I am still going to. Last weekend the family came up to Logan to visit and run some races. Ty, Bre, Miranda, Nate, Hatee and myself ran the 5K, in record time. They actually told us that no other six people have done so well while looking so good. We plan to be on the advertisement poster next year. Toad and Ash ran just a jaunt farther than us (a 23 mile jaunt). I really was so impressed with them and everyone that ran the marathon. I really don't know how they have that kind of endurance or will power. I applaud them.Today I went with Mom, Randa and the kids to Gardener's Village to see the witches. They have all of these adorably creepy witches, overpriced treats and cute little cobble stone streets that lead to sweet little shops full of overpriced goods.

Oh, and I also chopped all of my hair. This decision took place as I was driving to get it cut. Once you go short, you just gotta keep going and going and ...

Red necks, Blue lakes and White trash (how patriotic)

Well, well... we are now entering the third week of school and I wish it were done. I forgot how much I DESPISE reading textbooks. Whoever thought assigning chapter after chapter to read was a good idea, should rethink their thinking. It makes me crazy! But on a happier note I would like to publicly announce that I have turned in my Study Abroad application and have been approved for a loan for the exact amount to pay for said Study Abroad. If all goes as planned, in six months I will be hanging out with Brett and Jerome (and some hobbits) in NEW ZEALAND teaching adorable Maori students.

Now to the headline of the blog... this weekend was a weekend of firsts.

Some of my friends and I went to Bear Lake on Saturday and went canoing. It was the first time I have been to Bear Lake, and not just driven by. After working all summer at Utah Lake I had forgotten that lakes can be and are BLUE and CLEAR! I couldn't get over the fact that at 7 feet deep you could still see the bottom! I was the only one brave/dumb enough to jump in. After I jumped in, I realized why no one else wanted to, and spent the next 20 minutes trying to stop shivering.

I also attended the most red neck event of my life and saw more white trash than ever before at the (drum roll please) DEMOLITION DERBY! Seeing truck after truck smash into each other and go up in smoke, while the crowd cheered and yee-hawed was the perfect capstone to my weekend. I tried to capture some of my favorite things about the Demo Derby. First things first the husband and wife matching, straggly, blonde ponytails. If you look closely at the man (if he could be called so) he is sporting what we like to call a tellum, or backwards mullet. This look is achieved by shaving the back and underside of your head and leaving the top nice and long. I could hardly keep my hands from caressing it (Okay too far). My next favorite would be the pedophile like man who was wandering around with blinking glasses, mouth pieces, necklaces and swords. The children were swarming like bugs to a bright light. My third favorite was the political statement written on the back of one of the tailgates. I had no idea a DEMOLITION DERBY could be such a political arena. I can make fun of this all I want but by the end of the night, I was cheering and screaming "SMASH IT, SMASH IT" with everyone else.

Goodbye Home.

I know this is a copied pic from Randa's blog, but I like it.

Well I have officially moved back to Logan, I just unloaded the last box. This is my last year and I can not even believe it. I don't feel old enough. Coming back is a bitter-sweet feeling. I am always sad to leave home and especially my fam, but I am also excited about coming back to friends and school (kind of).

Things I am going to miss about Springville:
- My mom.
- My family and being so close to everyone.
-Air conditioning, dishwasher, laundry (the assumed luxuries of life).
-Zubs ( I have literally had dreams that Zubs opened in Logan.... if only).

Things I am excited about in Logan:
- Zooming all over on my sweet motorized bike.
- Pazookies
- Friends that I haven't seen all summer.
- School (well this is questionable, I like the first week.)

Well I need to go get ready for the first of classes, thank you to everyone who let me hang out with them all summer. Your company will be sorely missed. I love you all, and until next summer (or this Friday) peace out.