Studies
I have been a student at both the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, and Victoria University in Wellington, who awarded me a shiny BSc for my time. In 2012 I'll be a student of Massey University, long-distance. There are several more universities in the country to choose from, so I'm unlikely to run out any time soon!
Weaving
In late 2010, I started learning to weave harakeke, native New Zealand flax. Chris and I attend regular classes in which we are learning a variety of decorative techniques for flowers and kete (bags). They make great gifts and as a bonus my bedroom is filled with the wonderful smell of harakeke.
Orienteering
When I was younger, one of my hobbies was orienteering, a lesser-known sport which involves using a map and compass to run into spiky plants, and visit ten to twenty 'controls' on the way.
I competed in several orienteering competitions at the regional and national level, and occasionally gained high places - even a few firsts. I mostly include this here in the hopes that it will prompt me into starting orienteering again.
Writing
I write, and occasionally perform, poetry. I've competed in a few poetry slams in both Christchurch and Auckland. I've also written some prose pieces: short stories for the most part, but like most aspiring writers I am working on a novel which may one day reach an end.
Music
I learned the violin for several years under the Suzuki method, moved on to the clarinet (where I learned how to irritate my teacher by playing the "James Bond" theme over and over), and sing along to the radio mostly in-key. Every few months I remember that I wish I could play the guitar, and attempt to teach myself for a couple of weeks before forgetting all about it again... until the next time.
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