random tidbits.

A few random things:

• Disclaimer - If I tend to ramble, I'm sorry. Please don't feel obligated to read everything. I realize that I can be fairly long-winded at times. There is personal benefit to this blog, as it is doubling as a journal to document my trip. So, yes, I understand that a one-armed, old man with two ten-foot long branches taking me on a nature hike may not be a very exciting story for you, but years from now it'll be nice to reminisce about.
• Future Fun
• July 18th, 2008 :: Friday night, Amanda and I went to check out the city nightlife. Overall, we discovered that they play much better dancing music here than in the US. Basically, it would be like listening to the Dirty Dancing soundtrack versus 50 Cent. We found a couple fun places that we plan on returning to, but one in particular called Temperance. Yeah, odd name for a bar, but a very interesting story. It is in a beautiful and very historic building that was a major part of the NZ prohibition movement. They highly encourage moderation and are very strict about maintaining a respectful environment. It has three stories, the top two overlooking the dance floor and a huge tv covering almost the entire wall which regularly plays rugby matches. It's nice that Amanda and Andrea don't drink, either. I've been very lucky to find such good friends. I think it's kind of funny that I've come all the way to NZ to hang out with people from Ohio.
• July 19th, 2008 :: Saturday the girls and I got together and planned our first big adventure. The first weekend in August we're going to head up to Auckland to see the NZ All Blacks game versus Australia. It's one of the bigger rivalries in rugby. I'm so excited! We're also going to go horsetrekking on the beach, and go to the top of the SkyTower. :)
  
• Prayers
• For a few years now, my dentist has been encouraging me to get my wisdom teeth removed. However, I hadn't found a good time for it for a few reasons. But, the fact that I will have to pay out-of-pocket for about $500 of it makes no time a good time. I told my dentist that I would schedule the surgery when I return from New Zealand. She didn't think that would be a problem, since they hadn't been bothering me. She jinxed me. A few days ago I began to have noticeable pain in the back of my lower jaw, and it hasn't let up. It hurts all the time, but even more when I chew. I now have much more sympathy for teething babies. Unfortunately, I don't think having a water-filled plastic ring to chew on will do the trick. Anyway, that was all just a big segue into requesting prayers. I'd really hate to be in pain for this entire trip, and I'm afraid this could easily turn into headaches (which have been an enemy of mine for years, anyway).
• Also, Adam's grandfather passed away yesterday. Please keep their family in your prayers, as well.

Thank you all for being so supportive and helpful through this adventure. Please keep me updated. The best way is by email, but if you send me your phone number, I can call you from an internet phone. It would be the same as receiving a long-distance phone call - no international charges, etc. Love you all.