Saturday, July 16, 2011

Japan

So it's official, Ryan and I have applied to go on an exchange to Japan next year. Of course, we've only completed the first step; the initial part of the application (and probably the easiest step) - but the point is that we've done it and we're on our way to Japan next year! :D

Our first choice was Kansai University located on Osaka. It has some really cool sounding courses and we both approve of the location. Here's a link to their website (it's in English, don't worry!) http://www.kansai-u.ac.jp/English/about_ku/index.html So keep your fingers crossed we get our first choice! Our other choices were Doshisha University in Kyoto http://cjlc.doshisha.ac.jp/ryugaku/english/about/index.html and Osaka University http://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/en

But we'll just see what happens, won't we.

Just keep your fingers crossed for us!

Ryan and I are also going to apply to do a programme called boobooski in Japan over the Summer (summer here, winter in Japan). It's basically just a working programme in Japan in which you work at a ski resort. Here's a link: http://www.boobooski.com/contactus.html

So yeah, big times for us!

Other than that, uni has once again started (yipee...) so I forsee a whole lot of study in our future. A whole lot of study and probably not much sleep... Good times ahead.

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Trips and holidays ending

As of today, the holidays are officially over. Shock, horror!

The holidays comprised of... nothing much! Just as they should. Plenty of good reading for me and video game playing for the ryan-ator. Basically, much relaxation.

But near the very end of the holidays, we got our stuff together and actually did something! We took another bus trip. This time to Island Bay (at dad's suggestion again). It was a lovely day, albeit a bit cold (the wind made my face melt).

We took a nice (cold) walk and had a nice coffee.





It was much fun and good to get out of our routine and do a bit of travelling (within a reasonable budget.

In other news, uni today! Ryan and I headed up early to get our textbooks. Well, textbooks in Ryan's case. Lets just say that combined, we spent just over $300. By myself, I just had to fork out around $40. Leaving the rest to Ryan... Yup, this semester is a cheap one for me! :D

Other things...

Good skies in wellington as of late!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

The process of painting

I don't know why, but the thought of starting a painting has always been really intimidating for me. Perhaps it's because I usually don't start with a clear image of how it's going to turn out. I always end up putting off painting just because I don't want to start. When you're painting for someone else, however, you have to bite the bullet sooner or later.

I don't know what was so hard about starting this painting either - Claire did all the hard work for me when she told me exactly what she wanted me to paint. All I needed to do was paint it! In the end, it came out quite differently than I was expecting it to in terms of style and whatnot, but I was happy with the final product.

Biting the bullet:

Getting more confident:

Starting on words:

Finished!

I really like painting :)

Saturday, June 11, 2011

Family, fun, food

The title says it all: Three words that sum up my weekend.

First of all, happy birthday mother dearest (a week late). Not that I forgot her birthday, this weekend was just a gathering of the Folster tribe to honour her. And oh, what a glorious time was had.

First of all: CLAIRE HAS NO BRACES!!
ProofLots of fun in the kitchen. Dad isn't so tall anymore ;D (as long as mum and I stay out of the picture...)


Erin: "Alice, show me your intense cooking face!"

Making choux (?) pastry.

It was a good time.

Monday, June 6, 2011

Over

Finally, it's all over. No more essays, no more tests... At least not for a whole month or so.

The weekend was fabulous - had a great time with mum and Claire doing many a crafty thing (and a bit of shopping too). Thanks for your time mum and Claire! :D Sorry Ryan and I don't have anything exciting to offer like board games (or pictionary ;D ), hopefully company was sufficient. I had a really great time.

Ryan and I have spent the last few days just relaxing.

And it feels good.

Thus not much to say really, but I thought I'd post a few meals we've had that I had stored on my camera. No recipes though - they needed some fine tuning before unleashing on the world.

First, open burgers with crispy onions and cheesy meat patty



Second, mushrooms stuffed with cottage cheese, spinach and bacon, served with fried polenta squares and chunky tomato sauce.

Happy holidays (well, for me anyway ;D )!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Drawing

It seems there has been a post explosion over the last few days! Lucky you.

That's mainly because I've actually been doing things! *SHOCK, HORROR*

Thing 1: Adventuring (as seen in last post)
Thing 2: Cooking/ baking (as seen in another post)
Thing 3...?

DRAWING.

And lucky you (again) you get to see thing 3. AKA, my most recent masterpiece.

Please enjoy, it took many thoroughly enjoyable hours.

Here's me with my masterpiece:


And here is a closeup of the picture itself:


-Erin.

PS. For the record, there is a thing 4. That is playing Lord of the Rings flute music. Or I should say, exhausting my lungs with my flute. It's so enjoyable I don't want to stop; I usually keep playing until I can't play any more (until I feel like I'm about to faint). The songs I'm currently working on are: In dreams, concerning hobbits, Rohan, Evenstar and Into the west.

PPS. I went on a walk this morning and Phil Goff walked past. I was surprised to say the least.

Adventure

Erin and Ryan's adventure. Version: Lyall Bay


After constant study, Ryan and I were in dire need of some kind of adventure. Apart from food shopping and for uni, we had hardly left the apartment for 2 weeks. And finally, we got the opportunity to do so (Ryan says: I love you [to me] :) ). We decided to go on a journey to Lyall Bay. (Why Lyall bay? Mainly because dad always says "You should go to Lyall Bay!")

We took the bus nice and early yesterday morning.


It was an overcast day, but not too bad. We took a walk along the beach and then went in search of a cafe. After finding two busy and noisy ones, we found an appropriate one and feasted on hot coffee and morning tea.


It was a good adventure. :)