Changes

One of my favorite things humans is our determination to find joy is small moments. There are countless songs and poems and stories telling us to appreciate the “little things in life." How many times have I leaned my face over a cup of steaming Earl Grey tea and thought, “mmm simple pleasures”? Fall always reminds me to stop examining at the concrete sidewalk, look up at the fire colors dotting the sky, and enjoy those few seconds examining the heavens. I didn’t know whether Christchurch was going to have a green to brown autumn, or if the tree would give us a last burst of beauty before the cold sets in.

But it turns out, Christchurch does fall very well.

Fire in the sky.

And roses on the ground.

Last Thursday, we had the day off from school because it was Anzac Day, which is the New Zealand and Australian version of Memorial Day. It was about 70 degrees, the sun was out and it was a little breezy, making it the perfect day for a stroll around the Re:start Mall (the mall made of shipping containers). Everyone was out and about, soaking up the last drops of good weather before the dreary winter blows away the leaves and the sunshine. As I sat down, drank my lemonade and listened to the guitar and fiddler duo jamming out Beatles songs behind me, I was so happy to find myself there on that bench. The leaves in the trees sounded the ocean and it smelled like fall and I wished I could keep that moment in a glass jar so everyone who wasn’t there with me could join in on one perfect moment in the Life of Kirsten Wilder Endicott. It is good to be back in Christchurch.

Although the city is rebuilding itself, there are still major sections fenced off right next to the Re:start Mall that haven’t been cleaned up. It looks like the movie version of the apocalyptic city (see: I am Legend, but watch it in the day because it’s really freakin scary). But there is something odd about this picture, can you spot it?

The end of Dan and my Three Week Adventure Trip of Adventure was rainy and cold, so we were happy to get back to Christchurch, see some sun, and stop living out of suitcases. But we were also sad to come back to real life and stop living our vagabond existence.

We’re bbbbbaaaccckkkkk.

Going back to school was also a little difficult because I had gotten used to doing what I want, when I want. And that is exactly why I can’t take a semester off of Middlebury – I get too comfortable too quickly with a life of leisure. I’d become a permanent leech on society. Speaking of Middlebury, NEWS FLASH: I’ve decided to come home in June and go back to Midd in the fall instead of staying here the whole year. Get ready, kids, Kiri’s coming back to a summer with NOTHING TO DO! YAY!! (See what I mean about the whole being a leech thing?) I will be back early because I realized  I accomplished my goals for study abroad much faster than expected. I’ve had an active semester where I’ve met a lot of fascinating people and learned how to travel by myself and with others. But, New Zealand, I’m coming back, I’m definitely not done with you yet, you wily mistress of the south!

In case you’re wondering whether changing your planes is easy, it is not. Middlebury administration was a champ about the whole thing. I’ve sent about ten emails and the thing is done and everybody’s happy. UC on the other hand, has been a NIGHTMARE. I want to make it clear that while I am annoyed at the system, I am not annoyed at the actual people who have been very kind. Here is the chain of events so far, which I will demonstrate in a helpful flow chart:

Email Mom asking who I should email -to- Email dean of admissions, tells me to go to International Office -to- Email International Office people, tell me to go to Student Services -to- Email Student Services, tell me to email specific person in Student Services -to- Email specific person in Student Services -to- Emails back, we need to set up a meeting -to- I email back asking time -to- We settle on a time, I walk to the library for meeting – I need to email academic advisors and accommodations, and maybe someone else? -to- Email accommodations, tell me I need to deal with academics first -to- Email Academic department, tell me I need to meet with Student Services. END.

Although this is where I stopped for the day, the battle is not over. They WILL let me leave! But for now, I will enjoy the autumn, the sunshine, and my Earl Grey tea.

It's steaming, trust me.