Back up, back up. Introduction.

Oh hey! I thought since I started off my very first blog with a bitching rant, that I'd better introduce myself, and I thought one of the most amazing moments of my life might just give you some idea of the kind of person I am and what I love the most. Plus pictures are way more fun than words.

This is my boyfriend, Goose, and I holding two Okarito brown kiwis, which we are about to release into the wild after they were captive reared in 2006. Such a special thing to be able to have been involved with.

I study biological sciences at at uni in Christchurch, New Zealand and I have discovered in my last semester here, that this is definitely what I want to be doing for the

rest of my life. I've primarily focussed on the zoology side of bio, and love love love animal behaviour and physiology. Ecology is ok, but it gets a tad wriggly and boring for me.

Anywho, to start off my lifetime of working with birds (touch wood), I've just been given a summer scholarship to do some research on New Zealand's 'South Island robin' (right) up in a wee seaside town called Kaikoura. It will start in about two weeks and I couldn't be more excited, nervous and intimidated as fuck, but definitely excited.

After the scholarship, Goose and I are hoping to get jobs in the SAME town and FINALLY be able to live together again after having done long distance for the three years that I've been at university. Then, once the $$$$$$ have been saved, it's off to Canada for our big OE. So if anyone ever reads this .... and if that person has been to or comes from Canada and knows of the best sights to see, tramps to do and places to hang, I sure would love to hear from you.

I really need to get cracking on this study (I hate freshwater ecology), I've been procrastinating all night.

Note: the scales of the photos are the same. It's a giant people eating bird. I'm risking my life to research this ferocious, enormous passerine for a measly $5000.

Points for sarcasm? No?

Way too relaxed ...

Hey yo! My first blog. Mint.

So my first exam is in 4 days, and my study habits have NOT kicked into gear yet at all. Usually I have the fear by now and am working my ass off, but the fear hasn't hit me and the drive is just not there. Now all I'm freaking out about is not having the fear! Fuuuuck.

Abby just left the flat yesterday to go to Nigeria. To be honest, I don't really care that much, except for wishing it was her moron sister leaving rather than her. Although in reality, both would be better. I can't wait to pack up and move into the field station at Kaikoura. Christchurch is shit. This flat is shit. And Science is AWESOME, haha.

Jim Briskie (supervisor for summer scholarship) is waaay to relaxed for my liking though. He doesn't seem to want to start organising anything yet, but I'm a very 'organised ahead of time' sort of person. I guess I just have to live by his rules, I am just a lowly undergrad after all. I am relieved to have met Mailee and so will already know one of the people I will be living with up there. It's all a bit intimidating really!

Well this had to be kept short and sweet, so now I must away, to the library, where hopefully I will have a MUCH better day of study!! It's well needed.

This is such a great way to vent. Love it!