The New Normal

Not sure I can believe it but this week is our six month anniversary of living in New Zealand.  It's been interesting to notice how things that seemed so new six months ago, just seem normal now. Here are some examples:

- I look over my right shoulder when I cross the street.
- If the 'r' in 'Kia Ora' isn't pronounced as a flap, it sounds weird.
- The weather is warmer in the north.
- When taking the dogs for a walk in the upper reserve, I need to be careful not to step in sheep poop.
- Saturday morning means going to the other side of the hill to Lyttleton Market for fresh fruits, veggies and bread.
- Weekly hikes along the Banks Peninsula involve evaluating coves as potential kayak launching sites.
- Buildings that existed last week, may have been demolished by this week.
- Most cyclists are super conscious about being seen; lime green high visibility clothing and backpack covers are everywhere.
- When a bread recipe calls for flour, you don't use a measuring cup; you weigh it.
- Noon is a good time to call folks back home.
- I know what experiencing a mild winter really means.
- The weather report goes from north to south so I can ignore the first part.
- The recycling bin is bigger than the garbage bin.
- PVC = College Dean, VC = University President
- When they say 'hockey', they mean 'field hockey'.
-  Going for a walk usually involves climbing hills.
- Compost is picked up every week but garbage and recycling alternate every other week.
-  On a clear day, you can see the Alps on the other side of the country out the living room window.
-  Excellent and inexpensive sauvignon blanc is easy to come by.
-  If you want to hear American news, NPR streams well online.
-  El Paso refried beans are priced as an exotic food.
-  What you see is what you pay: taxes and gratuities are included in the listed price.
-  I'll know the words, but need to turn to Wikipedia to understand the phrases, e.g. "It quickly turned to custard" (no custard is involved).
- You can always negotiate a price.
- You watch "American Idol" a day late, but "The Voice, Australia" live.
- The All Blacks vs. the Wallabies is like OSU vs. Michigan (though OSU really needs a haka).

And that's a taste of the new normal. :)

Cheers,
Beth