A combination of working every day for hours on papers/projects, mixed with not feeling well, and feeling home sick, has made my past week very stressful.

Currently I am doing as much work as I can so when my best friend visits I don’t have to always be doing home work. My homework list for the last week and a half included: three power points, 2 500 word papers, one 1,500 words paper, one photo project (including printing photos, matting, and making a power point), and getting most of a photo journal. Although I have two of the power points done, the 2 500 word papers complete, and research done for the last power point, I am still very stressed. Although I have time left to do this (about a week) I am still feeling very tense.

However, planning my current trip to Melbourne with my friend is helpful. But, I have learned that hotels and hostels are expensive. Tip to anyone planning a trip in an area you do not know: go to tripadvisor.com and look up the place or area you may stay in. This is a WONDERFUL website a will help so much when planning so you can have a fun and safe time.

Other then homework, I’m starting to feel a bit down from home sickness. It’s been three months here and I’ve been missing a lot of activities back at school. Seeing friends’ pictures and hearing about the excitement has been really really hard. Missing my boyfriend, friends, and family has been really difficult; however, I try to distract myself the only way I know how, by throwing myself into my work.

It hasn’t been all fun and games though; I am starting to get a nice tan from taking two hour breaks at the pool every time I get overly stressed. This allows me to clear my head, tan, and be social.

I should get back to work. I just keep counting down the days till Ash gets here and I can relax! In the long run I know all the work I am doing now will be worth it. Happy travels everyone!