We had a very relaxing week in Wellington, catching up with friends and family and generally relaxing. But it didn't last long. The first week of the semester is already over, and we are settling back into a routine of study and work (a balance tipped more towards study now!). 
This semester Luis is taking two politics papers- Introduction to International Relations and Modern New Zealand Politics (both required for a Politics major), and is also taking an introductory Sociology paper and a Religious Studies paper- Religion and Current Issues.  He is anticipating a heavy workload as they all require copious amounts of reading, but they should also make for some interesting discussions "around the dinner table"!
My week has been a little less sure.  Although I am now officially a full time student, have a desk at the university and a growing pile of books and articles to read, I still don't feel particularly confident right now.  One thing I am sure of already is that study at this level is all about being self-motivated, self-directed and self-disciplined. It's a challenge but as Dad said, it might actually be good for me!  Anyway more information about my progress (and struggles) with the thesis are on my thesis site.
Other than studying life remains pretty quiet.  I continue to work 6 hours a week at the Diabetes Lifestyle Centre- which is a little stressful but that should resolve with my "replacement" starting this week. Our church finally has a new building which will be opened next weekend with a concert Saturday and formal opening service on Sunday. Luis will be back to playing indoor soccer this week, and I'm trying (and mostly succeeding) in getting back into going to the gym.  We're both sick of rainy, windy, cold Palmy weather (and it's only mid-winter... two more months to go...).  I'm dreaming of summer holidays already...!

I am writing this from my parents home in Wellington where we are taking a few days break before the next semester starts. It's nice to relax finally... although I did bring some 'thesis reading' with me. Packing up my desk at work (I'll be sharing desks during my few hours a week there from now on) was a great feeling, but very scary. After so many months of planning and organising it's finally happening. Until now I was never quite sure that it was actually going to happen...
Anyway, we are having a break. Sleeping in, walks with the dog, coffee with friends, and non-study reading. Luis is taking the opportunity to help Mum and Dad with some work around the section (yard)... he thinks they spoil him so I suspect it's his way of returning the love! We'll be heading back to "Palmie" at the end of the week- the new semester starts on Monday. Wish us luck!