Amazon.com is Stalking Me!

Okay, that's logically not true, because if it was true, I probably would not have gotten an email from Amazon.com this morning telling me that I should buy The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. Because if they were really stalking me, they would know that I already own it. But it was still a little strange. Also, it alerted me to the fact that yes, everyone else already does know about this book. So... good job.

The students are back! I picked the India team up today after a quick stop at my favorite place, Borders book store. I know that I should probably be like, "go independent, locally owned and run bookstore!" But there's just something about a familiar place when you are across the world from home, and Borders, being a franchise, is the same in NZ as it is in America, and I like it there. Also, they have a fantastic coffee shop (also franchise, sorry) inside, and it's one of those places where it's totally fine to take as many unpaid-for books and magazines into the coffee shop, and sit and read them while you drink your mango fruit chiller. Or some sort of coffee, if you like that sort of thing. In New Zealand, there are not a lot of places that I know of where I would be comfortable to do that. But in Borders, I know the ropes.

Sigh. Anyway, after my brief stop, I proceeded to the airport to pick up my students. Also, let me just tell you that I drove with the trailor the whole way there and back. I'm proud of myself.

So everyone's doing okay. To be perfectly honest, these guys smelled terrible when they finally got to NZ. In all fairness, they've been travelling for a long time. But I will say that I drove with the window down the whole way, even though there is currently a tropical storm raining down on us. It's all good, now, because they are clean and fed and catching up on all the things they need to. The Vanuatu team will get in any minute now. So it's back to work for me! I really love these guys, and processing and debriefing, etc., is really important, but part of me just wants to go to bed and not be the one responsible for this stuff. Two more weeks, and then I will have a real break. Kind of. :) Anyway, I'm off for some catch-up and Speed Scrabble!