Gaps

Well... it's definitely been a long while since I've written, and I think it's because I've now gone beyond just being a study abroad student down here. I'm officially living here, and that makes my life a lot less interesting to all those involved. I thought maybe I'd just do a little segment about how beneficial it is to live somewhere else for a while, and some of the habits I find myself falling into.

For starters:

Living abroad is a great experience. I'm not just talking about studying abroad for a semester... that's a great experience, but for most people it's more about the fun of being in a foreign country than about self-analysis or reflection on the workings of the world.

Of course, I can't really talk about that because I've never spent just one semester abroad. However, since I've now been here through 1) the earthquake in Christchurch; 2) the NFL lockout; and 3) the debt ceiling crisis, I think I've gotten a good view of what it's like to be an outsider. At least in perspective of the US.

And honestly, it doesn't look so good. With everything that happened with the debt (including recently the rating downgrade), it really seems like there are parties and groups within the US that don't give a shit about anyone but themselves. I think you know whom I'm referring to. They want to live up to their promises to their constituents (and their constituents don't realize how much  money and how many people standards of living are based on the US economy) and they may or may not understand the complexity of the world that we live in today. They might say, "So what if we are forced to default on our loans? We are the ones that brought ourselves to this situation", but the truth is that the consequences of a major superpower (arguably THE major superpower) unable or unwilling to fulfill their financial obligations goes FAR far beyond the country in question and the present circumstances. The thing about the world now-a-days is that the ripple effect doesn't occur in a body of water the size of an ocean. The global economy is so interconnected that huge vibrations from one place bounce around and end up hurting everyone many times, and to many different degrees.

It makes me unbearably sad to see the politicians and voters in certain places in the country brush off concern from international actors. They either don't understand how much international opinion matters in our economy, or they are callous enough to believe the US can withdraw itself from the international sphere without causing major interruptions in the daily lives of every American. And those politicians, academics, or just knowledgable people that do understand aren't being listened to. First and foremost our President.

Another subject to wonder about... what the hell are the republicans doing with their lives? Where is their front-runner? Mitt Romney? That guy was toast after Iowa last time... and he doesn't seem to be doing any better this time around. I'm very confused at their strategy at this point.

I guess another observation I've had since I've been here is how much we take for granted in our "exported" culture. Yes, the American culture is exported to a certain degree, but there are also a lot of things that even countries that are very alligned to ours (like Australia) do things very differently and have their own norms based on historical and culture values that differ from ours. The biggest example I can think of is the way gambling is handled over here. It's widespread, and considered a major social policy issue. Americans don't really address gambling that much because it's so limited in area, but it can be a huge problem if left to it's own devices. Another thing is music. There is a huge culture for Australian music down here, so big that they don't really listen to things that I would consider "quintessential" music for people our age. Bands like Dave Matthews Band, Sublime, or Dispatch are completely unheard of down here... because they have a lot of really good bands and don't need to import music on a wide scale. I don't know if anyone else has really thought about that a lot, but I was definitely under the impression before I got here that me and my australian mates would have a lot of common music.

Well, that's a lot to think about for now, so maybe I'll comment some more when I get time next week. Currently I'm waiting for my laundry to dry. Exciting.

Marathon monday?

Greetings!

I hear it’s Marathon Monday/Patriot Day in Massachusetts. Congrats for getting a day off for NOTHING. I hope you all enjoy it, and that it is a nice day to watch people run 26 miles. Btw, when is spring fling? I hear you guys are getting the Roots? That’s awesome! Super jealous, although they’re coming here soon so maybe I’ll go pay to see them then. Some things have been happening around here… most rowing stuff. We had the 2^nd grades state championships on Saturday in which I won both the fours and the eights. So it was a successful day! And to celebrate, Saturday night was the Adelaide University Boat Club’s annual dinner… a night of fine wines, food, and lots of good fun. It was black tie, so I got to wear this awesome dress and really uncomfortable shoes. I did have to work the next day, so I didn’t get too sloppy, but I had a great time. I’m really happy to be a part of the boat club, they’re all really nice and the traditions they have are pretty awesome. However, and I think this should go without saying, I miss my girls at TUCREW. Oh, and the boys too I guess.

Other than that, nothing has been happening. I have the next two weeks off from class for mid-semester break, so I really don’t have anything to keep my brain occupied. Tyson and I are going to go camping at the end of this week in the Flinders Ranges which I’m very excited about. I’m itching to get out of the city and go hiking. Get back to nature, maybe get some nice pictures. Then it’s Easter and ANZAC day, which is kind of like memorial day back in the states. On ANZAC day they have a memorial service at dawn in Adelaide, but I will be going to Tyson’s parents house for a huge bbq with a whole pig! I’m excited for that because Tyson’s mother is an amazing cook. She made dinner on Friday night… it was amazing. I miss home cooked meals (that I don’t have to cook myself). Levine house dinners are missed sorely, as well as my dad’s cooking at home. Especially because it’s Passover now and I usually go somewhere with good food…

I have found that I’m not that great of a cook. I think I’m just too lazy to be a good cook. Or too hungry. I eat the food before it’s ready or I’m not patient enough to wait for it to cook properly. Whatever.

And that’s about it! I’m getting excited to go home in about a month… so look out, I’ll be a college graduate soon. Don’t know if I’m quite ready for that, but can’t really stop it now.

Well, that’s all. Short and sweet.

Katherine

Sorry it's been so long...

Hey guys! I know it’s been a while since I last blogged, but not THAT much has changed. And I will go over the things that have NOW. Um, I somehow injured myself doing squats on Tuesday… I’m trying to take it easy this week from training because I’m afraid I’m going to inflame it again. For anyone that was a ware, I have really tight hips, and I think I just pulled a ligament between my hip and my groin. Stupid. But I’ve been icing it and taking anti-inflammatory… so it should get better by next week hopefully. Thankfully I don’t have a regatta or anything this weekend, although I do have a regatta next week! I’m really excited. Me and the two girls on the team that are from Christchurch are rowing in a four with Vanessa, the assistant coach/captain of the team. I’m really excited; it’s a good boat. Hmmm… well the men’s and women’s team have drinks on Thursday nights at the boat shed which is really fun, last week was the first one but I had a good time and I’m looking forward to getting to know everyone on the team a little better through these social events. The Adelaide Uni Footy Club boys are also invited, so I get to mingle with Tyson as well. Although tonight he’s not coming. Bummer.

I’ve been working at the pub that’s just next to where Tyson lives, and I kind of hate it. I’m not used to the kind of management they have, and they have me working the Saturday night and the Sunday shifts which is a pain in the ass and super exhausting. When I have training every day of the week and then have to spend 15 hours on my feet over the weekend… It makes me very unhappy. But good news! I got a different job working for a guy that does online marketing, which should be a good experience. He’s headquartered out of Malaysia but most of his clients are in Adelaide and the guy that does all the tech stuff is here as well. I would be kind of link between those two and between them and the clients, doing admin stuff basically. I’m really looking forward to it because it’s a day job that I can do at home (they don’t have a home office) and it should be a challenge. With that, I’m going to hopefully either quit or only work one day a week at the queen’s head. And hopefully that won’t be Saturday night. Cause that just fucking sucks.

I’ve had a couple of assignments due in the two classes I’m taking, which have been interesting. The first was a paper on the Tet Offensive and how it was an intelligence failure due to cultural differences. I got to research and learn about the Tet Offensive, which was really fun. It’s an interesting blip in history, so that was fun. The other assignment I had was to do a presentation on global capital mobility and write a critical review of one of the articles we had to read for that week. Not too much, I know. Most of the assignments come towards the ends of the courses. But I’ve been learning a lot. More in my intelligence analysis class than in the Intro class, but it’s still been really fun. It’s stimulating and I really enjoy going to class. Plus, it’s something to do.

The weather is still sunny and warm, so I’m kind of waiting around for what they consider “winter”. The craziest thing is going to be being able to row outside all year round. Awesome.

I’m looking forward to coming back to the states in May! I can’t wait to see everyone at Tufts, and hopefully anyone who is in Des Moines for the one day I’m there (Liz and Kat, if you’re reading this, that means you). And graduation! Btw, Tufts people, you guys need to keep me updated about what you are doing as far as gown and caps and everything like that, cause I need to hop on that bandwagon. So please, if you’re reading this, I need INFO! Thanks.

I skype with my parents and sister from time to time, which is really nice, but I’d love to hear from anyone else too! All you have to do is email me with a day and time (and Adelaide time if you could) and I’ll be there! That’s why they call it a date guys…

Um, and I think that’s about it. My flat mates are great, we don’t hang out a lot but we get a long great so that’s really nice. The elevators broke at one point a couple weeks ago and I had to walk up 19 flights of stairs to get to my flat, which was A BITCH. Pitfalls of living on the top floor. Oh, and seriously, people take the elevator up to the second floor. You’ve GOT TO BE KIDDING ME. That’s ridiculous. If you live on the third floor or below, you should not be taking the elevator. Even those on the fourth floor should consider walking every now and then. And going down?!?! Like you can’t walk DOWN three flights of stairs? That’s insane.

Well, now I’m really done. Thanks for listening.

Katherine

Good News!

Well, I’ve received admission from the first of six law schools that I’ve applied to. American University in Washington wants to have me this fall. Exciting as that may be, I now have an even harder task of waiting to hear from the other school and then making a good enough argument so they’ll let me defer a year. American is ranked 48^th, so not great, but I’ll take anything I can get at this point. The whole thing is, if I don’t get into a school I really want to go to this round, I’ll take my deferral (if I can get it) from American and then just reapply next year to the school I want to get in to. If I do get in to a school I want to go to, I can drop my deferral from American (although I would have paid almost $1000, which is annoying) and go to the school I wanted. I think it’s a good plan. Hopefully it doesn’t blow up in my face.

And I wouldn’t mind going to American. It’s the highest rated, but I know it’s a good school and just the fact that I would be in Washington is enough for me. Lauren is going to be there, and my sister is there to. And I’ve always wanted to work in government, so what better way than to live in Washington. Obviously, if I got into GW or William and Mary I would go there because they’re better ranked and have smaller classes (American has 1,600 people in each class which is a bit much I think), and if I got into Columbia (on a hope, a prayer, and my family name obviously because I’m totally not up to their standards) or Colorado I would choose to go there because those are the school I want to go to, but still, American is not too bad.

Besides that, my days have been pretty boring. I’m doing a lot of reading by the river which is pretty awesome. I have my ipad to thank for that. I can get all of the readings I have to do for class on it and it allows me to go and sit outside rather than cooped up in my room all day staring at my computer. I’ve had communication with another potential job which is nice, and I’m working at the pub again tonight which will be fun. I do, however, need to find comfy black shoes or I’m going to be in pain all night. That will be my task for today.

My classes have been great. Since I’m taking postgraduate courses everyone seems willing to participate which is a huge help because I never like being the one that talks all the time, but I do like to share when there’s a discussion. My Approaches and Issues class is fun because we talk about a lot of stuff that I know some about already, so my ideas and opinions are well formed. My intelligence analysis class is going to be tough, but totally rewarding. It’s really interesting and we get to talk about crazy stuff that I can’t say outside of the classroom. Pretty awesome. Although I get picked on because I’m American, and a woman.

Well that’s about all. I should get cracking on making a case for why I should get a deferral. It’s funny, they must get the funniest arguments from the would be JD students because we all think we can argue well. Good times.

Cheers,

Katherine

Busy!

So sorry it's been a while since I've posted, I've actually had things going on (which is exciting). Let's see... since the last time I blogged I've gone to the beach, started doing workouts on a bike instead of just running, and have had both the classes I'm taking this semester. Oh and I've gone out on the water which was really nice. I suppose I'll relay each one of those things separately.

The beach was really nice, it wasn't a hugely sunny day, but Tyson, Ally (Tyson's sister), and I went out on this reef and snorkelled a bit before I fell asleep on the sand and got a burn on my back (woops). Angus, Tyson's youngest brother, was lifegaurding at the same beach, which doesn't seem like such a bad gig. All you have to do is sit in the sun and make sure no one dies. It's like Baywatch with teenagers.

So I've started to do biking workouts, which has been really nice. I think I'm going to try and do a trithalon at some point, don't know when though. I've got the running and swimming thing down, but if I do a triathalon I want to make sure I'm doing it right. Which would mean stepping up my workouts and maybe trying to get a trainer or something. Maybe one of Tyson's friends could help me out. Brenno, his footy friend (who's massively ripped) does Ironmans and such so he would be a good person to ask. The only thing is that sitting on a bike for that long REALLY hurts. I don't know how cyclists can do it.

Besides that I have gone to two rowing practices now. The girls are really nice, but the place they row is kind of far and it makes me have to get up at 5 am. But it's really beautiful out and it's just nice to be back in a boat. I won't really start practicing until after next week (which is their nationals), so until then I'll still be doing my workouts on my own. It's really nice to have a river to run next to all the time, I must say. It forces me to get off the treadmill, which has been my chosen running partner for the past few months.

And yes! I've finally started classes. I'm by far the youngest person in both the courses I'm taking, which kind of sucks but it should make for interesting conversation. The first class I had was on Tuesday night from 5-7 and it's kind of an intro to International Relations, so it shouldn't be too hard. Considering I didn't have to take the Intro IR class at Tufts, this shouldn't be too much of things I've already learned, but it also shouldn't be completely out of my comfort zone. On the other hand, the second class I'm taking (on wednesday from 5-7) is COMPLETELY different from anything I've taken before and should prove to be the most interesting thing I learn all year. It's called Applied Intelligence Analysis and it's all about the principles and ethics of intelligence gathering and how you should present it to the "decision maker". I'm really excited for it and it might just be the spark I need to find what I really want to do with my life. The four men that are teaching it seem really interesting, they all work together in the Tax Office and gather intelligence on things like companies that may be breaking the law in someway and getting taxpayer benefits, etc. They all of have military/police experience as well. And one of them is British. There is also a guy in the class (as a student) that is Belgian and an officer in the army and navy (yes, both). Oh, and I'm the only girl in the class (although there are only like 12 students). So! It should be good fun.

That's about all I have to report on. Except, I finally have a full flat! There are four of us now, three girls and a boy, and each of my roommates is pretty cool. We've hung out a bit, but I'm hoping sometime this weekend or next week we'll all go out for drinks or something and we'll be able to get to know each other better. And don't worry 23 Curtis, they'll never replace you guys.

Well, that's all for now. Hopefully my next update will be sooner rather than later.

Cheers,

Katherine

Still not in class yet...

Well, the amount of things i have to do before classes start is dwindling, and while it's nice to have free time, I'm ready for some point to my life. The last few days have been nice, I'm officially moved into my new sweet-ass apartment, and I have a roommate! His name is Damon, he's Asian-Australian... and the first time we met I was in a towel. Great first impression... but it's not my fault he came in while I was just about to get in the shower.

I took some pictures of my flat so I'll be posting those after I finish this up. I finally set up my own computer, where skype works flawlessly... so if anyone wants to video chat with me when I'm around go ahead and try. It's "O" week at the residential college where Tyson lives, and since he is part of the administration he has to be around all the time to make sure nothing goes wrong (i.e. someone dies). You guys WOULD NOT BELIEVE the shit they give the first years. For those of you who know about hell week... this is hell week x2 (I would say x5 but i don't think it's that bad). The issue is that they're not in class yet so there is nothing to stop the committee (of upper classmen) from harassing them all day long. AND for those of you who have gone through any kind of initiation... the goal is for them all to throw up. They make them drink these crazy ass- for lack of a better word- milkshakes and then run around and this is after they've had them out all night drinking. and this goes on for like 8 days in a row. It's bizarre... and cherished. Like, at least with frats and sororities the activities have to be somewhat secretive... but here the dean of the college got a lap dance from one of the fresher boys. I don't know whether to love it or be completely appalled.

So, basically there's non-stop screaming over loudspeaker at tyson's apartment... in which case I don't think I'm going to sleep there tonight. Plus, my flat is air-conditioned.

Hmm... not much else has happened really. I've been getting to know tyson's friends a little bit better which has been nice... for some reason he has really awesome friends. Mystery. Also I got to meet Tyson's sister... she's fucking sweet. She just finished biking around the south island of new zealand for a month. She's 20 and hasn't been in school for a year, and isn't going back until next year. She's moving up to northern queensland (which I had assumed was still under water) to work on a sheep farm as a general helper. That's what she did last year as well. Poor Tyson just wants her to go back to school, but I think it's really cool that she's doing things on her own now. It's more than I can say for sure.

Well, that's all for now. I'm going to head off and have coffee with Tyson's flatmate from last year (Stuart). He's an... interesting person.

More later,
Katherine

A few days in

Well, it's now been a few more days and things are going quite well! I'm signing a year long lease tomorrow (yowza) in the BITCHIN apartment on the main road in Adelaide. It's right along the river, it's brand spanking new, and it has everything included (linens, pots and pans, internet, air-con). I'll take some pictures when I'm moving in so you guys can see. I also have an interview/see-how-you-can-handle-it thing at a pub that's right next to tyson's flat on Saturday night for a few hours. So if I could get a job there that would be awesome. Also the flat i'm looking at is right across from uni and about a fifteen minute walk from where tyson lives. and it's right next to the river so it wouldn't take long to row either. Things are looking GOOOD.

I had to go into the university today to sit through two meetings about being at Adelaide and blah blah blah. I swear, the things they tell you are so redundant. Although the second meeting was just for abroad students (as opposed to all international students) and the guy they had doing it was really funny. But seriously, all the material they give you is the same shit i either had to figure out before Tufts let me go or shit the tufts study abroad office made me sit through before I came here. It's pretty lame. But i went and got my student id and health insurance card, so now if i get bit by a shark i'm covered! Woo hoo. Yesterday Tyson and I spent a nice three or four hours at the beach. I took some photos but I don't know if I'll get them up until i get my computer here.

Other than that I've just been enjoying the sunshine and fresh air. I hear Boston got a heat wave of fifty degrees the other day. Way to go guys! Unfortunately you still have a long way to go before spring actually comes around. And as for you rowing ladies... have fun on spring break! It'll be fall down here if anyone is interested in sixty or seventy degree weather... :)

I passed the Adelaide University's boat house today too. Not as fancy pants as the one we have, but pretty nice. I think there were some people erging in there too, but I didn't want to be a creeper. Next week is official Orientation week and there's a thing that all the sports club put on so I should be able to get in touch with the rowers then and let them know that Katherine Rosenblatt has come to town. Honestly I'm just sick of running everyday and really miss being out on the water. I wonder what kind of boats they have...

Well that's about it for now. I'm going to have dinner.

But before I go... If TRAB is reading this I would like to know in more detail WHY you where in Omaha.

That is all.

Katherine