nearing the end of week one

hey everybody,
i just finished early course approval, which is really great because now i won't have to stand in long lines on the 3 official days of course approval. the process wasn't that long without lines (though it did involve quite a lot of walking around and collecting signatures). i much prefer UT's online system

during the process, i was informed that i should probably only take 4 classes. i'm not sure how i feel about that (i should feel great about only taking that many after taking 6-7 the past 4 semesters, but it does seem low). new zealanders are at full-time status with only 3 classes. four is considered a bit more, and five is a heavy workload. i've signed up for 5 right now (i know..i know..) but i'm probably going to drop one so that i have more free time (plus, the one i was going to add clashed with another class, and though that isn't such a problem here, i'm still uncomfortable with it.. more importantly, however, that class was on monday and that just seems like a huge no-no given that if i don't take it, the remaining four will be on TWTH).

last night, my native flat mate (sine, pronounced sheena for those of you i haven't talked to yet), took me and tanya (the flat mate from mexico) to her family's sheep farm. it is situated up on a hill and has an unobstructed view of the city, the ocean and harbor, and the outlying hills. absolutely wonderful (especially since the house is only about 10 minutes driving from our flat. so convenient for them). the dinner was really good - lamb, potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, and banana cake served with yogurt and ice cream (really, really good). i also tried a black currant drink that i think they make themselves (it was also fantastic, especially when mixed with lemonade)

it was a bit of a relief as i hadn't been up to much the past few days and was getting restless and bored. her family was very welcoming and i did learn a bit about cricket (which is probably a little more exciting than baseball and has matches that can last up to 5 days..that part probably isn't so exciting).

how's everyone getting along back home?

-keaton