Fin.

As of twenty three hours ago, I have completed my academic experience in Australia. Bittersweet, if I may say so myself.

My history exam ended up starting a few minutes late yesterday. It was a breeze. I was mildly concerned that what I'd studied wouldn't be what showed up on the exam, but everything went fantastically. I'm pretty sure my professor is going to know it's my exam, though, because I spent the last question Reagan-bashing, which he's called me out on before. What? I can't help it if I'm still harboring feelings of resentment to America's 4oth president because of an inept eleventh and twelfth grade history teacher. Damn you and your neo-conservative bullshit, Mrs. Rock.

Janis left yesterday, too. She's the first of us to go... sad. We have no mom now! How are we supposed to feed ourselves? I guess it's cookies and cake until further notice. I know Rach will join me.

I didn't really do much of significance after the exam. I started work on the international kids e-yearbook that I'm going to put together, but nothing too extreme as of yet. I've hit something of a stumbling block on the "superlatives" section. In due time, I suppose. After caf, I watched 'So You Think You Can Dance?' with Rach and Diane, because they always yell at me for bailing on them when it's on. Well, I watched it, and it was excruciating and annoying and I will not be watching it again anytime soon. ENTIRELY too drawn out. I'll take Aussie Idol over that crap any day.

I've been drawn to another new musical venture as of late: Xavier Rudd. Heather and Robin spoke highly of him after catching his show in Tas, so I scanned the network and, as per usual, it did not disappoint. He's pretty amazing, especially if you're looking for some digeridoo action. Yeah, you know you are.

So, speaking of music, yesterday was the first day of November. It rained all last night. What, par say, does this have to do with music?



Yeah. It doesn't get old... it just doesn't. I look forward to every November, just so I can jump around like an idiot to Slash's sweet, sweet solo. It's invigorating, I suggest you try it sometime.

I suppose that's all that went down yesterday. Wednesday was another trip into town times two-- first to pick up our underwater camera pictures [http://deakinedu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2030039&l=fa483&id=17500696]. I had a blast with the captions on that one... hope you enjoy the Tale as much as I do. We were only back on campus for two hours or so, so I took it upon myself to do something productive and dye my hair. It's not really all that different from what it was before, just more even. The extent to which my roots grew out was killing me. The evening brought forth our last international kids dinner at Bended. Heather and I split a pitcher of some mixed drink that looked like carbonated Dimeatap, but tasted pretty good. I had the chicken kiev, and it was pretty damn delicious. I don't know if my taste buds have acclimated to boring caf food and my less than impressive cooking skills or something, but I am certainly looking forward to returning to the Philadelphia brand of food. Pretzels, anyone?

Anyway, back to the dinner. It was nice having all the kids together again... we did shots at the end (yuck), toasting our brilliant experience, and, oh, I almost forgot to mention... most of the kids were dressed up for the Halloween party. Jens was in a full-on Santa costume, Rach, Janis and Diane were Charlie's Angels, Robin was a dominatrix, Justin was The Todd from Scrubs (brilliant!), and Kingsley was an emo. Kindof hilarious, when you think about it. Yes, you Americans know you're glad my ridiculous crew and I are the ones representing your image in the land down under. Fantastic. Rach and I split some cheesecake, and then I hopped the bus back with Austin, Jake and Heather to go study. Sadly, no Halloween party for this kid. Oh well, I suppose my amazing Halloween experience last year makes up for my lack of one this year. Balance, baby, it's all about balance.

I don't think I have much else to say at this point... we've got a few things in mind for the weekend, but nothing too extreme. I'm just hoping the weather clears up a bit so I can put November Rain on pause and head to the beach for a day. Until then, I think I'm going to go back to reading my conspiracy theory books and drinking tea. Ah yes, dear friends... life is good. So from my side of the world to yours... see you next time :)

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