So long September

Hello All! As I woke up this morning and looked at my calendar, I realized time has flown by and we are nearing the end of September. Which means...1. I'm on mid semester break 2. About 6 weeks of uni left 3. two months until I'm back for the holidays. Thought my loyal blog followers deserved an update- not sure how exciting it will be, but I'll do my best to liven it up!

Uni life...

We'll start with the boring basics. Still trudging along with uni. Since most of my classes are interrelated and in the same faculty, the majority of assessment and paper due dates are within a few days of each either. My first batch of papers was accompanied with many study breaks. Luckily I received a package in the mail with Twizzlers and a season of Entourage to assist my procrastination (Thanks mom and dad!) And right before break I had a second batch of assessments-the dreaded mid-term. But I made it through and am now relaxing in the gorgeous Sydney spring weather.

Another Iowan

Before coming to Macquarie, I met someone through my dad's church that had attended Macquarie for a semester abroad. I found out a few weeks ago that she had decided to move to Sydney and work here for a bit. Of course, we had to meet up as it's not everyday two people from small town Iowa are in Sydney at the same time. After a nice dinner (cookies and cream pancakes- amazing!) I took Kristine back through the uni campus and we came to the conclusion that not much has changed. It was fun hearing about her adventures while on exchange and comparing our experiences.

Conception Day

No worries- it is definitely not what it sounds like! Conception Day is an annual music festival on campus celebrating the founding of our university. It is a legendary day and I have been hearing about it since the day I moved to Sydney. To give you the PG  blog version- the day is started with breakfast made by the village and some...adult beverages...and is then continued by party hopping from house to house in the village, all the while still enjoying some adult beverages. Later in the afternoon, everyone trudges to the uni and enjoys some free music by bands that I had never heard of. After the festival, the parties go late into the night. Needless to say, it's a full day event followed by some much needed recovery the following day. Luckily, I have two appropriate pictures to share with you all!

And yes- Conception Day did live up to its status of legendary. A day filled with good friends, good music, and some memories...


Gold Coast 


As it is customary during breaks, a holiday is necessary. Since Bali took a large chunk of change, we decided a short trip to the Gold Coast would be appropriate. Jeannie, Ally, and I headed up to Goldie for a short trip. I had heard so much about the Coast but didn't really know what to expect. After being there for a short 3 days, I absolutely love it. The perfect location and atmosphere; it's typical Australia. We filled our days with shopping and lounging on the beach and made sure to experience the nightlife. Good food, great atmosphere, and even better friends; it was a great trip that I soon won't forget.

The "rapist van" we drove around in

Getting ready to go out

The gorgeous coast

So now I'm back in Sydney with another week of uni holidays left. I should fill my ample free time with getting a head start on assignments, but the pool and all my fall premiere tv shows are calling my name.