My summer in a nutshell

This post has been a long time coming now, but with unforeseen circumstances it meant the delay in this post. However I am here to give you a list of my highs and lows for summer, as summer is now officially over in the southern hemisphere and autumn is slowly making itself known here in Auckland.
So here we go:

The Highs

• Having four months off Uni to enjoy the summer months was spectacular and possibly a very rare occurrence so I tried to soak up as much of it as I could.
• I turned 21 this summer!
• My birthday wish came true, that was for my family to spend my birthday in Auckland with me and half of my family surprised me by coming up which was AMAZING!
• Moving house and meeting my amazing new flat mates who are from all over the world, so I now have even more connections for when I travel.
• I read an inspirational book that has changed my life.
• I have become a more healthier person and do regular exercise which has resulted in me losing weight.
• It was my first summer away from home and I managed to support myself (with some help from my mother now and then) by working hard, and I feel I am a more independent person because of it.
• I only got sun burnt twice which is a new record.
• Going home for Christmas was a major high point as I miss them dearly.
• Getting to know all the locals who come into work was an unexpected bonus.
• My childhood friend came up to see me for a weekend, it was a great weekend.

The Lows

• Working for a majority of the summer meant I didn't get out as much as I would have liked.
• Spending New Years alone was a buzz kill night, and having to work the next morning made me feel even more lonely.
• Moving out of my old apartment was sad as I loved the place and I miss my old flat mate at times.
• Catching the worst flu right at the end of summer was not fun! (that is why this is being posted late)
• Getting sun burnt is never fun!
• Realising that I do not own a bikini because I am unsure about my body.
• Did not save as much money as I was hoping to. 

For my first summer in Auckland I would say it was a pretty successful one. Of course like anything there are low points but I'm becoming a more positive person and focusing on the positives in life and embracing what surrounds me.
I have to say that I am grateful for the amazing summer I had, but I am looking forward to some cooler months that are ahead as well.
So goodbye summer and hello autumn!

Getting Inspired

So I have been in my new apartment for over a week now and I am slowly getting use to my new surroundings. I love waking up and seeing the beautiful Mt Eden right in front of me instead of another building and living with new people from all over the world is always a bonus (and we are all slowly getting to know each other better).

With a new place I have also decided to become a better me. I am already somewhat of a positive person but everyone needs that little extra something to help get them through some days, so I started reading Miranda Kerr's book Treasure Yourself. I have wanted to read this book for about a year now and I finally went out and got it and I have to say it has changed my thinking and attitude in a whole new way. I am now eating a lot more healthy, I am going for walks/runs, I have joined a gym and I am thinking more positve about myself and my surroundings.

So I suggest you go out and buy this book because it can dramatically change your life for the better.

"I love writing the script of my life" - Miranda Kerr

Reunion, of a sorts

 Top to bottom: Best rice ball in Christchurch, my sister all rugged up, a cloudless sky in Christchurch, going for a walk around Hagley Park, spending time with two of my best friends, braces are off, my mum, a book I found at my nana and grandad's, going through a car wash, catching up with friends, glow bands, Mt Hutt, the mountains which I grew up looking at.

I am now back at Uni after my four week break between semester's, and what a busy four weeks! I went down to the South Island for two weeks for the holidays, and it was nice to get away from the hustle and bustle of Auckland and to enjoy the open space and quiet. I also got to spend time with my friends and family which I was very thankful for and I finally got my braces off which I am very happy about and I can't seem to stop smiling. My first week I spent in Christchurch with my sister and I got to see all of my best friends which is very rare since we have all spread out throughout New Zealand, so it was a very good catchup. The second week I went to my hometown Methven and spent it with my mum and just relaxed and enjoyed the beautiful mountains, even though it was freezing. And then in my last weekend I went to Timaru and seen my Nana and Grandad, and ate too much food as per usual when I visit them. It made me realize how much I do miss them. Moving to a new city where I didn't know anyone has been tough, but I'm happy that I am doing it. I've been through some tough times in my life, but its made me who I am, so I know I can get through with living far away from my comfort zone.

Getting away for a couple of weeks gave me some more determination to keep going and studying what I love and to not give up. It was a trip worth taking!