running to stand still---a kiwi experience: Super Saturday!

I thought yesterday was beautiful, but was absolutely surprised to find that it's 77 degrees here today! Gorgeous! I have been feeling totally out of the yoga loop...haven't done yoga since I got here, so my first inclination upon waking up was going out in search of a yoga mat. A short bus ride and warm walk later, we were back at lovely Kmart, where I was able to get a yoga mat, strap, band, and ball for almost half the price of the previously mentioned pink hairdryer! Score! It was quite a find, and I can't wait to put it to good use. While at the mall, I think Bret and I made our Christmas lists as we browsed through all the stores finding books, games, music, and toys that we can't afford right now. And Bret found a bunch of pastries he was disappointed we couldn't buy (so those will probably be on the list too)!

The mall was super Saturday busy, and Bret and I have noticed little mall (or city) walking etiquette. At first, it appeared that everyone would walk on one side (the left). At the mall, however, it's like a free for all. You have to be a defensive walker, or you'll get run over or pushed out of the way by a child, stroller, or adult. It doesn't appear to be mean-spirited or anything like that, but pedestrian traffic jams seem all too common here.

Being here, I have had cravings for American food that I never even ate in America. Today, that craving was for McDonalds. While Bret took it easy and settled on ice cream for lunch, I had my heart set on a happy meal. At the mall food court, the Mickey-Ds line was the longest and I proceeded to wait in the three cashier line...for 10 minutes. There was even an employee going through the line with a handheld-computer gadget that took orders. He would then tear off a slip with a number that you would hand to the cashier once you got there and your food would be ready. He completely skipped over me though, and I had to wait forever! The cheeseburger, fries, and Coke was incredibly satisfying after waiting that long though.

Last week, we saw Ronald McDonald upon entering the mall, and I didn't know this, but he has a NZ accent! It was entertaining to see the children in awe of Ronald. He was doing a small stage show about imagination and the universe and all of the children were giggling and playing along; it was interesting to see how global Ronald McDonald is. After the show, he walked around the mall, and other little kids would run up and hug him and he'd give away stickers and tell them how cool they were. It was adorable, despite clowns being a little freaky.

The mall brought lots of adventure today, and Bret and I goofed around taking photos. I'm planning on yogaing, manicuring, laundrying, and basking in the glorious sun for the rest of this super Saturday!