PURSUIT OF WISDOM

Quick Hi

2008-08-20T01:32:00.004+10:00

Hey Everyone!
Just a quick update to let you know I am still alive. I am in Venice at the moment and having a good time, getting lots of sun that I missed out on earlier this year. I went for a boat ride on one of the cannals today which was really good. Rome was a little disappointing, being really hot and having to walk around everywhere. There are onyl scattered ruins everywhere, not many remaining structures of the original city. The highlights so far are: Paris, Switzerland and Venice. Till next time.

In London

2008-08-08T03:23:00.003+10:00

Hey everyone. I'm in London at the moment. Have got to see a number of sights around here which are pretty good. My tour of Europe starts tomorrow morning. Thankfully we had 2 days to get adjusted to the time, but I am still pretty out of it. 9 hours difference is a long time. Anyway, things are going well, we aren't lost yet. It's actually quite easy to find your way around which is really good. Anyway, that's all for now.

New Hairstyle

2008-08-02T17:46:00.005+10:00

I thought it was about time for a change, and so I dyed my hair. Some people say it looks good, and others dont say anything- maybe they don't even notice. I'm still getting used to it, but I think I like it. It blends in well, but also stands out, which is want I wanted. Its just so expensive to get it- compared to my $20 hair cut that I get about once a year... I really should look after my hair better.

Europe Itinerary

2008-07-26T16:22:00.001+10:00

For those interested here is my Europe itinerary... that starts in less than 2 weeks!!!!!

EUROPE UNPLUGGED 2008 - 22 DAYS

DAY 1 LONDON TO PARIS, FRANCE (Fri, Aug 8). Depart London, catch the ferry from Dover to Calais. Once on board our Topdeck coach we make our way to Paris. This evening we head into "The City of Lights" for a spectacular night light tour. The tour takes us past the Place de la Concorde, Champs Elysees, Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower.

DAY 2 PARIS (Sat, Aug 9). Explore the sights of Paris at own pace - Notre Dame Cathedral, the Georges Pompidou Centre, the Louvre or the Musee D'Orsay. Spend the morning on a bicycle tour around this spectacular city. Wander through the shops on Rue de Rivoli or spend the afternoon in a sidewalk cafe. After picnic dinner under the shadows of the Eiffel Tower, take an Seine River cruise or see the cabaret show in Paris at the famous ‘Paradis Latin’.

DAY 3 PARIS TO LAUTERBRUNNEN, SWITZERLAND (Sun, Aug 10). This morning we depart Paris and travel through the French countryside to Switzerland. We head on to Lauterbrunnen, a village at the base of the Jungfrau and Schilthorn mountains.

DAY 4 LAUTERBRUNNEN (Mon, Aug 11). Take a train ride up through the Jungfrau Mountain to the top of Europe. View the amazing ice palace, try glacial skiing (weather permitting) or Husky sleigh rides (subject to seasonal openings). There are mountain walks available, take a mountain bike on one of the tracks, or visit the Trummelbach Waterfalls.

DAY 5 LAUTERBRUNNEN TO AVIGNON, FRANCE (Tue, Aug 12). Today, drive back through the heart of France to Avignon in the wine-growing region of the Rhone Valley. This evening we take a walk into the old town centre past the Palace of the Popes and the Pont St Benezet (immortalised in the nursery rhyme).

DAY 6 AVIGNON TO FRENCH RIVIERA (Wed, Aug 13). Today we drive through the heart of France to Avignon in the wine-growing region of the Rhone Valley. This afternoon it’s off to the beaches of the French Riviera. Tonight we head into Monaco where the gambling tables of Monte Carlo await us.

DAY 7 FRENCH RIVIERA (Thurs, Aug 14). Today we have a free day to visit Nice, capital of the Riviera. Stroll the Promenades, go Roller Blading, or lay by the Mediterranean.

DAY 8 FRENCH RIVIERA TO FLORENCE, ITALY (Fri, Aug 15). This morning we travel via the historic city of Pisa, with plenty of time to see the famous Leaning Tower, before heading to our campsite overlooking the historic centre of Florence.

DAY 9 FLORENCE TO ROME (Sat, Aug 16). During our morning walking tour of Florence city, see the Ponte Vecchio, Duomo Cathedral, Uffizi Gallery and Santa Croce. Visit to a leather demonstration as well as a visit to Walter's Gold and Silver shop. After lunch, it’s on to Rome, the Eternal City and home of the Vatican City, St Peter's Cathedral, and the Colosseum. The walking tour takes us to the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona, the Ancient Roman Forum, the massive Victor Emmanuel Monument and the Colosseum.

DAY 10 ROME (Sun, Aug 17). Use the free day to explore the Palatine hill area (the ancient commercial and political heart of Rome) or go shopping in trendy fashion boutiques. There are plenty of bars in the famous Trastevere neighbourhood to visit after dinner tonight.

DAY 11 ROME TO VENICE (Mon, Aug 18). This morning is our chance to visit the stunning Vatican Museum and St Peter’s Cathedral. Then we say farewell to Rome and head north through Tuscany and over the Apennine mountains. During the afternoon we travel on to enchanting Venice.

DAY 12 VENICE (Tue, Aug 19). Built on an island, Venice’s network of canals and narrow passageways means that a walking tour is the only way to truly appreciate the splendours that only Venice can offer. Such as the bustling St. Mark's Square and Basilica, the Bridge of Sighs, Doges Palace, the Campanile and Rialto Bridge - followed by a demonstration of traditional Venetian lace making. A ride through the canals in a gondola. Travel by motorboat along the Grand Canal before dinner.

DAY 13 VENICE TO VIENNA, AUSTRIA (Wed, Aug 20). Today it’s off to the capital of Austria, the beautiful city of Vienna. At night visit the Prater Amusement Park (see if we can recognise it from a scene in one of the James Bond films).

DAY 14 VIENNA (Thurs, Aug 21). Sights include the Schonbrunn and Hoffburg Palaces; St Stephen's Cathedral, the Opera House and Spanish Riding School (if in town). An optional excursion to a traditional Schnapps Museum. Tonight visit a traditional Viennese Chamber Orchestra in one of Vienna’s many Palaces, and have dinner in the Palace after the concert!

DAY 15 VIENNA TO MUNICH, GERMANY (Fri, Aug 22). Travel to the Munich, the capital of Bavaria, stopping to reflect on the horrors of WWII during a visit to Mauthausen concentration camp. A walking tour will take us to see the Marienplatz, Church of our Lady, the Glockenspiel and old Town Hall. Don’t leave Bavaria without a night in the beerhalls sampling a German beer or two whilst being entertained by the traditional Oompah band.

DAY 16 MUNICH TO PRAGUE, CZECH REPUBLIC (Sat, Aug 23). Travel to the Czech Republic and the city of a thousand spires, Prague. Our walking tour will take us to the memorable Charles Bridge, Hradcany Castle, the Old Jewish Quarter, Powder Tower, Tyne Church, and the Wenceslas Square where Czechoslovakia’s Velvet Revolution took place.

DAY 17 PRAGUE (Sun, Aug 24). From the trams rumbling along the streets and the artists around Charles Bridge, to the old traditional Inns and hand-made puppets. We have plenty of free time today to wander around the historic city centre, lunch in one of the local cafes.

DAY 18 PRAGUE TO BERLIN, GERMANY (Mon, Aug 25). First up today we stop in 800 year old Dresden before continuing on to Berlin, the vibrant capital city of Germany.

DAY 19 BERLIN (Tue, Aug 26). The many sights and museums help to give us an understanding of the history of the city. Included are the famous Victory Monument, Brandenburg Gate, Reichstag, Ku'Dam and the world renowned Zoo. We will stop at the Checkpoint Charlie Museum and travel down the Unter Den Linden in former East Berlin.

DAY 20 BERLIN TO AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS (Wed, Aug 27). Next to Amsterdam, the party capital of Holland. On our way into the city, we will see cheese and traditional clog making demonstrations. Tonight is spent in the famous Red Light District.

DAY 21 AMSTERDAM (Thurs, Aug 28). A great way to see Amsterdam is on a bicycle tour. Then plenty of time to see the Dam Square, the Royal Palace, Anne Frank's House and also spend time in the Rijks and Van Gogh Museums. Why not visit the ‘Heineken Experience’ in the original Heineken Brewery. Maybe take a trip through the canals on our famous canal cruise tonight after our farewell dinner.

DAY 22 AMSTERDAM TO LONDON, ENGLAND (Fri, Aug 29). Today we make our way to France via Belgium and catch the cross-channel ferry from Calais to Dover, arriving in London in the early evening.

New Week

2008-06-29T23:27:00.002+10:00

So it's another week already. The weekend went too fast. Not much happened this weekend, should have done more packing so I can be ready to move out this week. Big week ahead.

Lonely

2008-06-27T22:06:00.002+10:00

Lonely, yet not alone.

Wednesdayitis

2008-06-25T22:51:00.004+10:00

This is picture is a good example of how I felt at one point today. I haven't been that angry for quite a while. I did get to go on my tea break soon after, which was good timing and by the end I had calmed down a lot. I also didn't get indigestion from eating too hastily and angrily either with was good. It was just one of those days that started out by me stepping in my breakfast that I had left on the floor this morning (I was sitting on the floor to eat breakfast) which was my own fault, can't blame anyone else for that unfortunately. Thankfully after tea I didn't have anything/anyone else annoy me, and I had a good night after that. So hurray for my day not being entirely bad.

I Forgot

2008-06-23T18:11:00.002+10:00

Karate Tournament

2008-06-22T19:51:00.002+10:00

Today was my first Karate tournament. After more nerves than expected, I actually enjoyed myself a lot and did much better than expected. For kata, the part where you do a series of moves according to what grade you are, I didn't do too bad but could have done better. For Kumite the organised non-contact fight I actually surprised myself and got into it a lot more than I have before. I didn't feel as confident with Kumite because I haven't had much practice at it, but I actually go some points which I was very happy about. So it was a sucessful tournament after waiting for 4 1/2 hours for my event to start.

Relax, end of the week

2008-06-20T11:46:00.003+10:00

So, its finally Friday. I've go my car back after a long 35 minute, mostly up hill walk that required a lot of effort and spent energy. I also ended up with a larger dent in my bank account than expected, which is a little disappointing. Now all I have left to do today is to survive another 8 hour shift at work. I doubt it will be as bad as the last 2 days because I don't think there will be many beds left in the hospital to fit any more patients, well that's what I am hoping. Then I will come back to my room, curl up in front of my heater, listening to some music and relax.

If only we had a fireplace in our house...

Friday

2008-06-19T22:12:00.006+10:00

Its Friday... well it feels like Friday, and I wish it was Friday... so why can't it be Friday?
It was a busy day today, and yesterday. I did a bit of overtime tonight and didn't finish until 8:30pm. And the shift I did had a lunch break and afternoon tea break, so no actually tea/dinner break. So I was pretty hungry when I got home. So, I ate, watched TV, talked to a few people on the phone, and am now back on the internet- my usual, boring routine. So today felt like Friday because I am pretty tired. I wish it was Friday, because then I wouldn't have to work tomorrow. But it's not. On the plus side, I have another day where I can go and get my car from the mechanic, which has been there since Monday and I just haven't been able to go and get it yet. But, rest assured, my car hasn't given me much more trouble, I just had it serviced and it needed new front break pads... even though it did die on me the beginning of last week! But I have forgiven it for doing that, mainly because I don't look after it as well as I should, so its probably my fault. Anyway, tomorrow I will be happy, because it will actually be Friday.

Wedding Photos

2008-06-18T22:18:00.003+10:00

8 Months Later...

2008-06-18T20:11:00.003+10:00

She post's again!
So, as you can see I have updated my blogs layout (If you saw it before). Its probably a bit too purple and needs a few other colours, but I like it for now. Me update time:
- I have finished my New Grad program and am no longer the newbie
- I have a full time job in Recovery and am really enjoying it
- My Brother got married, I gained a new sister
- I have had another birthday and am now a year older, and hopefully wiser
- I have my first karate tournament in a week and will be aiming for gold
- I still live in the same house as before, but I will be moving out in 2 weeks
- I am going to Europe in August this year!!!! Only 7 more weeks, very exciting
- I finally own a digital camera so I can actually take photos when I'm in Europe
Other than that, I'm still pretty much the same 'me' as before.

Free Bible programs for you computer

2007-10-02T11:52:00.000+10:00

Well in the last week was introduced to a free downloadable bible program that looked really good, and called e-sword. For those that may want the bible on their computer here is the link: http://www.e-sword.net/index.html

And then I got interested and looked around for more free downloadable bibles and found a site that is relatively similar, but I prefer this one better and is from bible explorer. And here is the link for those that may want it: http://www.bible-explorer.com/

So I am quite enjoying this program. It has a few different free bible translations, and many commentaries, and other literature. I read pilgrims progress this weekend, and I hadn't actually read the full story. I had only read many different childrens versions and watched a video of it, but the original story has a lot more in it. Anyway, its up to you, if you want it, but I just thought I would share.

Me, Me, its all about me!

2007-10-01T18:59:00.000+10:00

BASICS-
Full Name: Kylie-Anne Marie Major
Birthday: Comes around every year in June
Birthplace: Narem. WA
Current Location: Sydney, NSW
Marital Status: Not married
Eye Color: Blue
Hair Color: Brown
Height: ?175cm
Shoe Size: 7-8
Right or Left Handed: Right
Your Heritage: Auzzie, Auzzie, Auzzie, then maybe English
Parents Still Together: yep
Siblings: yep- brother and sister

DO YOU
Color Your Hair: have dont it once, and didn't really like it
Twirl Your Hair: yeah, have been known to do that
Have Tattoos: nope, probably one day though
Have Piercings: nope
Want More Piercings: nope
Like Roller Coasters: yep, especially when with others who dont like them
Wish You Could Live Somewhere Else: yep, eg. back in WA, but have to wait til next year
Like Cleaning: yeah mostly, when I feel like it
Write In Print Or Cursive: whatever I feel like, mostly print lately
Own A Webcam: nope
Own A Laptop: yep
Own A Cellular: (edited: Own a mobile:) yep
Think Your Attractive: guess so
Get Motion Sickness: Nope
Want To Get Married: I guess so, one day
Believe In Yourself: hmm, needs a little improvement here
Get Along With Your Parents: hmm, still to be decided
Play An Instrument: yeah, sort of- need more improvement here too
Like Thunderstorms: yep
Swear: darn friends putting words into my head.. a little lol
Smoke: Only when on fire accidentally
Drink: sure, hope everyone does, dont want any dehydrated people coming through EC
Shower Daily: 98% of the time
Want To Go To College: nope, been there, done that
Know how To Drive: lol, I have a liscence, but- know how to drive?... thats up to you to decide
Cheat On Tests/Homework: nope, dont have any of those any more... in the past it has happened
Believe There Is Life On Other Planets: yep
Read The Newspaper: rarely
Wear Hats: rarely
Believe In Miracles: yep
Do Well In School: hard to know as I'm not in school... in the past I guess so, if I wanted to
Hate Yourself: nope, whats the point of that?
Have An Obsession: not really
Have a Best Friend: yep
Have Close Friends: yep
Care About Looks: it is rated higher than it should
Like Your Handwriting: sure, why not
Collect Anything: stuff...

HAVE YOU EVER
Been In A Fist Fight: not a proper one, but have hit someone
Considered A Life In Crime: not really
Considered Being A Hooker: nope
Lied To Someone: yep, I'm not perfect
Been Used: probably
Used Someone: probably
Been In Love: yep, I love my family and friends
Kicked Someone In The Nuts: tried to, but I was too mad that I missed- go figure
Stolen Anything: yep, not perfect again
Held A Gun: yep, and shot one, and have killed one or two things
Cheated On Someone: nope
Been Cheated On: nope, not that I know of
Been Drunk: nope, no vampire has come by
Passed Out: nearly did once or twice
Been High: yep, but not afraid of hights too much
Smoked A Cigarette: no, but breathed in enough smoke that it has put me off for life
Been Dumped: yeah, although its more complicated than that
Skipped Class: yep, once or twice
Skipped School: I guess you could say that
Made Out With Just A Friend: nope

CURRENTS
Mood: hopeful, excited and greatful
Hair: yep, still have it
Clothing: casual- jeans and shirt
Shoes: bare feet
What You Smell Like: Uhh, nothing really, maybe a mixture of me and my patients
Thing You Smell: fresh air, well as fresh as it gets in Sydney (which isn't much)
CD In Stereo: my CD player isn't working :(, but listening to Hands of Grace ATM on the computer
Thing I Ought To Be Doing: nothing much really, how sad is that

FAVORITES
Color: Blue and purple
Number: dont really have one
Sport: Curently Karate, which I am learning
Animal: Tigers
Drink: water
Soda: lemon
Book: In his steps
Flower: dont really have one- maybe daisies
Place To Be: where I am, can't be in more than one place at a time
Theme Park: Um... whichever is closest is good
Fruit: Banana's

ARE YOU
A Daydreamer: yeah, I guess
Sarcastic: yeah, too much
Angel: I was at a b'day party
Devil: dont think so
Shy: yep, too much
Talkative: there is the rare occasion

I'm Back

2007-10-01T18:12:00.000+10:00

I'm Back!!! We'll see how long this lasts...
So everyone, well almost everyone, got a public holiday today except me. I don't actually even know what this public holiday is for, I guess I will find out sooner or later.
For those who don't know, I am working in the surgical/gastro ward- which really isn't as bad as it sounds. It actually quite interesting and have good staff there. And I am only going to be there another 2 weeks before I move again to work in recovery for 3 months. I'm quite excited about that because I really don't know much about recovery, so I will learn a lot there. Also I will have more regular hours, no night duty, and no working on the weekends, yay! I really do like my weekends off so I have some sort of 'normal' routine.
So I have decided to return home/back to WA next year. Deciding the city life is not for me, the country calls my name. The Prodigal Son (edited: Prodigal Daughter) returns. Any single, young farmers out there?? Joking.
Okay now you have been very briefly caught up to date with me at the moment. Not much else to say about me.

Good men do nothing?!

2007-05-22T21:38:00.000+10:00

"The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing"

- Edmund Burke.

Well I do agree with this statement and I really like it, however I don’t think it is that simple or easy. The hardest thing is deciding what is evil and who are the good men? After watching tears of the sun (a really great movie to watch when you’re sick- only joking), which I really do like, and it has a good point… But… who/ what is evil- is it the people who are fighting for something they believe in, or those just going against the majority of the population, or those who convince others that what they believe is right, something that causes disruption??? Hmm, I did have some good point, but I don’t think I actually made it. Sorry, got a bit distracted. Anyway I like the quote, it is true.

Oh, after talking to a really friendly and talkative lady that was my patient today, she was saying that she isn’t afraid of dying and there isn’t anything to be scared about it really. She believed that death and should not be a no-no subject that people shouldn’t talk about, but it should be talked about more which will take away part of that fear of dying (hmm, maybe I just joined a few dots there, but that was basically it). She also said that she has her funeral already all planned out, and she has booked her cremation and box for her ashes for when she dies. She wants to be buried and she even chose a simple box just so that the worms can have a feast easier- that’s what she said. I don’t think I have met someone that is quite so prepared and laid-back about facing death, which she wasn’t. I really admire her. She also said that once you’re dead you can’t talk anymore and tell people things, which is why she is really talkative- making up for the time when she won’t be able to. I should take a leaf out of her book, because I do agree with what she is saying, but I don’t necessarily practice or apply it to my life.

Choices

2007-05-21T18:46:00.000+10:00

Don’t you just love it when you are sick and you have someone who brings you toast and something to drink while you stay in bed where it is nice and warm? The toast is even cut in half or quarters so you don’t have to pick up the whole piece of bread at a time (well if your lazy like me and don’t normally cut it). I’m currently a bit sick, but I don’t have anyone to bring me anything. So feel free to apply. Although hopefully I will be feeling better tomorrow because I have to work. Instead today I had to get my own food and look after myself. Poor me, lol. After house-sitting for people this last weekend and them having a dog to look after, I realized how much I would love to have a dog of my own. The little fluff ball thing that we have at our house does slightly turn me off having a dog, but I still would like one. And there’s also the fact that I have no idea where I will be next year, or the year after. So realistically I can’t be responsible for any pet yet unfortunately.

Anyways nursing is going really well, and I am loving the challenge. The bigger challenge I’m starting to face is having to look to the future and start to decide where I want to go with nursing and where I want to go after the new grad program finishes. Hmm, so many choices- which is good… and bad.

My past week...

2007-05-13T15:11:00.000+10:00

So I have finally finished all of my orientation stuff at the hospital, inculding my 6 days working on the ward as I slowly increase my patient load and get more orientated to the ward. And I have learnt HEAPS over the last week. Everything is coming together nicely actually. I now know a fair bit more about the medications that I am giving to my patients (which can be important if you dont want to kill your patients).

Yesterday was my official day working as an RN where I didn't have another RN watching over me and there to help me. Although I was only given 4 people to look after which were supposted to be easy so I didn't get too overwelmed... well one of my patinets decided to break their IV line that was only put in the day before, they vomited every 10 minutes for about an hour, the family came in constantly asking me to give them a wash (which was understandable, but I did have other patients to look after), having to order all these meds for people that had run out of stuff, and new medcations that had just been written up, doing an ECG on the vomiting patient which is not done very commonly on this ward.... blah, blah, blah. Well it was my first day- the AIN that was supposed to be helping me, and hadn't done anything for me, had no right to say at nearly 12 o'clock when I had one patient left to shower, when I asked if she could shower them, "What! you haven't done that yet, what's wrong with you?" That really pissed me off!!!

Anyways, I'm over that now, next time I might work her harder from the start :P

Hmmm, well today I have basically done nothing, which has been really nice, but back to work tomorrow.

Cute lil girl

2007-05-13T15:09:00.000+10:00

Now an RN

2007-05-03T20:52:00.000+10:00

I am finally working as an RN. And its about time!!! Well actually I have only had 2 days of orientation- all lectures and really boring (thankfully I didn't have to do orientation on tuesday becuase I did that 2 1/2 years ago. Anyway, I have my first day on the ward tomorrow and I am supposed to have 2 of my own patients, but I guess I will ahev to wait and see how that actually turns out. Recent happenings:
-Getting annoyed with cocroaches that lived in my CD player so it didn't actually work- until I took it apart and got rid of all those annoying creatures... now it works, yay.
-Getting a hair cut because it was too long, and to make me look more professional- BUT the hair dresser went crazy with those scissors and cut 2-3 times more than I said, and in a way that I really didn't like. I actually cut a fair bit of it myself the next day, and I do like it better than before, but I dont know if its very straight or well done, but its better than before.
-I bought a bigger box to put my sewing stuff in, rather than the little wooden box I had. So hopefully I will actually start to do more of that.
-Been gardening/weeding a little bit, well its porbably been quite a number of hours. Our overgrown garden now does look a little better.
-Been working and getting annoyed with the other nurses who don't like their nursing job and therefore take it out on others, and get them to do everything (3-4 people in particular). Well that was when I was an AIN just last week, now it should be different- should be.
... And many other things that I can't think of and can't be bothered writing.

Vanity and Creativity (ie boredom)

2007-04-23T20:26:00.000+10:00

Business Proposal

2007-04-21T18:10:00.000+10:00

Johnny wanted to have sex with a girl in his office, but she belonged to someone else...
One day, Johnny got so frustrated that he went up to her and said, "I'll give you a $100 if you let me screw you. But the girl said NO.
Johnny said, "I'll be fast. I'll throw the money on the floor, you bend down, and I'll be finished by the time you pick it up. "
She thought for a moment and said that she would have to consult her boyfriend... So she called her boyfriend and told him the story.
Her boyfriend says, "Ask him for $200, pick up the money very fast, he won't even be able to get his pants down."
So she agrees and accepts the proposal. Half an hour goes by, and the boyfriend is waiting for his girlfriend to call.
Finally, after 45 minutes, the boyfriend calls and asks what happened.
She responded, "The bastard used coins!"

Management lesson: Always consider a business proposal in its entirety before agreeing to it and getting screwed!

(Thanks Chewy)

Stained Glass Masquerade

2007-04-16T18:23:00.000+10:00

Is there anyone that fails
Is there anyone that falls
Am I the only one in church today feelin’ so small

Cause when I take a look around
Everybody seems so strong
I know they’ll soon discover
That I don’t belong

So I tuck it all away, like everything’s okay
If I make them all believe it, maybe I’ll believe it too
So with a painted grin, I play the heart again
So everyone will see me the way that I see them

Are we happy plastic people
Under shiny plastic steeples
With walls around our weakness
And smiles to hide our pain
But if the invitation’s open
To every heart that has been broken
Maybe then we close the curtain
On our stained glass masquerade

Is there anyone who’s been there
Are there any hands to raise
Am I the only one who’s traded
In the altar for a stage

The performance is convincing
And we know every line by heart
Only when no one is watching
Can we really fall apart

But would it set me free
If I dared to let you see
The truth behind the person
That you imagine me to be

Would your arms be open
Or would you walk away
Would the love of Jesus
Be enough to make you stay

(Casting Crowns, Lifesong, Stained Glass Masquerade)

Nursing

2007-04-16T17:50:00.000+10:00

Well I finally start my new grad in 2 weeks (which I feel I have been saying for the last 2 weeks). Well actually it is in 2 weeks and 2 days, I just don't think I could count before. I found out I am starting on the oncology (cancer) ward. Its really not the best place to start, and is the only one place I know I don't want to be permanently in. But it is only for 3 months. Hopefully I get a place I want to go next time. Well the advice I have been given from my friends that have been there, or are currently in oncology, is that you shouldn't get emotionally attatched to the patients, and you should give lots of pain relief to the patients even if they dont ask for it. So yay! I think I will be okay in not getting emotionally attatched to the patients, seeing as I think I try not to really get attatched to anyone. I'm a very distant person. As someone said the other day "I hold my cards close to me", although it is not done intentionally. Well, the staff in oncology from my memory over the last 3 eyars are not that great, but from the last few weeks, when I was there it hasn't been too bad. If the staff like you, then you are fine. But if they don't like you or trust you, its not the nicest place to work, which is sad.

The other day my watch stopped literally the minute I stepped onto the ward for work, which was at 7:00 (I was right on time). Then this morning when I remembered my nurses watch had stopped, I went to get one of my other watches and realised it had stopped to. Then I looked for my other one, and it had stopped to. I really need to get some new batteries, I have no excuse this time. Even though I actually hardly ever use my watch at work, you do need it just in case. I just thought that was funny with all my watches stopped. If all my clocks stopped at the same time as well, then that would be freaky. But they are still going, and I can't exacly carry around my alarm clock everywhere, even thought I did think about it for a split second before I realised how silly that idea was.
Anyways, that's all folks.

Sky Diving!

2007-04-10T11:53:00.000+10:00

Wow, I actually went sky diving. A group of 10 of us went sky diving this easter sunday for Sharona's Birthday. It was very expensive for the amount of time that was actually spent falling (appx. 1 minute), but it was worth it. I would recommend getting a video of it, which I did because it does happen very fast and you dont remember all of it. Also it can be very entertaining watching yourself or others screaming in terror (not mentioning any names Sharona :P). Where we went we did have a great view overlooking the beach. I would recommend it to anyone to give it a go. The main event that still sticks out in my mind is when they opened the door and I actually had to step out of the plane onto this platform. I think that was the worst bit, very scary, but great fun.

What's so funny?

2007-04-06T20:05:00.000+10:00

A lady about 8 months pregnant got on a bus. She noticed the man opposite her was smiling at her. She immediately moved to another seat. This time the smile turned into a grin, so she moved again. The man seemed more amused. When on the fourth move, the man burst out laughing, she complained to the driver, and he had the man arrested. The case came up in court. The judge asked the man (about 20 years old) what he had to say for himself. The man replied, "Well your Honor, it was like this: When the lady got on the bus, I couldn't help but notice her condition. She sat down under a sign that said, 'The Double Mint Twins are coming,' and I grinned." "Then she moved and sat under a sign that said, 'Logan's Liniment will reduce the swelling', and I had to smile." "Then she placed herself under a deodorant sign that said, 'William's Big Stick did the trick,' and I could hardly contain myself." "BUT, your Honor, when she moved the fourth time and sat under a sign that said, 'Goodyear rubber could have prevented this accident'... I just lost it." "CASE DISMISSED!!"

Creative Vegetable Art

2007-03-30T16:05:00.000+10:00

Learning from Dogs

2007-03-30T16:00:00.000+10:00

If a dog was the teacher you would learn stuff like:

- When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.

- Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.

- Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.

- When it's in your best interest, practice obedience! - Let others know when they've invaded your territory.

- Take naps.

- Stretch before rising.

- Run, romp, and play daily.

- Thrive on attention and let people touch you.

- Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.

- On warm days, stop to lie on your back in the grass.

- On hot days, drink lots of water and lie under a shady tree.

- When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.

- No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing and pout... run right back and make friends.

- Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

- Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.

- Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you're not.

- If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.

- When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.

My own internet!

2007-03-26T22:03:00.000+10:00

Well, exciting news… I have internet on my own computer- much better than having to use the college ones. Also I will be moving into a new, bigger room in the house. I don’t really mind the room I have, I actually really like it (except for having to get into my bed and making the bed- a bit difficult). But the other room is maybe 2 and 1/2 times bigger than the one I have. And I get a double bed! It looks really nice anyway. The downer is that the last person in the room had a dog which slept in the room a fair bit and it wasn’t house trained at all (which I found out the hard way the first night I spent here). So the room does smell a little, but it shouldn’t last too long hopefully. I have been working at the hospital a fair bit lately. And not being used to working so much, I am quite tired (boo hoo to me). Might be getting sick, but hopefully if I look after myself I wont.

Quizz thingy

2007-03-18T04:47:00.000+11:00

1. Have you ever changed your clothes while in a vehicle? Yeah a few times- can be quite difficult though
2. What's something you MUST do before you die? Live/ be alive. You can die unless you are alive
3. Are you single? Do you want to be? Yep
4. What’s one thing you will not eat? Plastic- can’t digest it very well
5. What color is your underwear? Hmmm, can’t remember and I don’t think I will check at this moment- don’t want to shock the patients in the room too much
6. When's the last time you went out of state? From home? I guess I am now.
7. What's your birthstone? Pearl I think
8. Have you ever drank milk straight out of the carton? Nope
9. Can you hula hoop? I may still be able to. Haven’t tried since I was in Primary School
10. Have you ever crawled through a window? probably, although I cant think of any instance right now- too late at night (or early morning)
11. Any cool scars? Yeah probably although I can never remember how I got them
12. Name an old school song you like? ?? Didn’t really like them
13. Do you talk to yourself? Yep, fairly often. no wonder I am psychotic
14. Would you kiss the last person you kissed again? Most likely not- and that’s a good thing
15. How much does your dog weigh? I have no idea
16. Ever waxed your legs? Yep
17. Earrings or necklaces? I wear necklaces, can’t wear earrings though atm
18. Who have you talked to most today? Gen, seeing as I went to church with her and went for a walk this afternoon. We didn’t time the walk too well though because it started pouring with rain as we started to head back and got soaking wet.
19. Who's on speed dial 5? I haven’t put anyone on speed dial
20. Do you use smiley faces on the computer a lot? Yeah, a bit :)
21. Are your grades good? Well not at the moment as I am not at school
22. Do you have any friends with benefits? Yep
23. Have you ever enjoyed listening to Jack Johnson? Who? Maybe
24. Do you have a song by ozzy osborne in your library? Nope
25. Do you watch Family Guy regularly? No, only seen it once or twice
26. Have you ever watched a little kid's show? yes, I love kids shows, so entertaining
27. What are your favorite Disney movies? Snow White??
28. What is your Zodiac sign? Gemini
29. What makes you feel like a kid again? Me? I am still a kid, I’m only 20- actually that sounds old. Getting told off for doing something wrong does make me feel very small like a kid :P
30. What sport do you dislike most? I don’t know- I don’t have any strong opinions against a sport, as long as they are getting exercise running around its more than what I am doing
31. Have you ever gone scuba diving? Nope, not really a water/ swimming person that much
32. What's your favorite smell? The fresh air just before or after it has rained
33. Are you modest? Maybe
34. Do you care what others think about you? Probably more than I should or even realise
35. What do you do when you’re driving? Watch the road- I hope everyone else driving does the same
36. Do you kiss and tell? Nope
37. Do you follow college football? Nope
38. Where was the last place you went shopping? Hornsby just a few days ago
39. Last time you drank alcohol? A while ago when I was sick- that discusting syrup stuff that you drink has alcohol right?
40. Favorite football team? I don’t really care. For some reason I like Essondon- maybe because they are red and black?
41. Do you watch the Olympics? Nope
42. Last bar you went to? The one in my home town
43. Do you have a favorite number? Yeah, but I think it changes quite often
44. Were you an outcast in middle school? Middle school?? Who calls it that??… You might have, depends on who you ask
45. Are you multitasking right now? Nope
46. Could you handle being in the military? Depends what my role was and if I actually had to kill someone
47. Do you believe in Karma? Nope
48. What is your college mascot? Never had one that I knew of
49. How is the weather today? Don’t know, its dark- there are many possibilities of what the day will be like
50. Stupidest thing you ever did with your cell phone? Drop it??

It's been a while

2007-03-18T03:52:00.000+11:00

Well I guess I dont write on my blog often enough because I have been trying to log in and post, but I have had truoble getting in. Anyway, I think I was just tying the wrong thing. But I am finally in tonight. My most exciting news is that I have moved out of the Res. There were a few annoying hiccups, but I think things are all sorted out by now- hopefully. So now I am living in a house, not a dorm. Its pretty good not having to carry everything to the shower all the time, and also the kitchen/cooking stuff is soo much nicer and easier. Also I will have my own internet when I get someone to set it up in the next few days- that is a real bonus. All I need now is a car- which I am working on. I am currently working a night duty shift which is a little boring, but the money is slightly better than a day shift. And I get 8 hours at night where as I generally get 6 hours during the day. Silly me for deciding to do a week of night duty. I was sooo tempted to cancel tonight, seeing as I am a really lazy person and just couldn't be bothered working. But I think they really needed me to work, so I am. Anyways only really wanted to say I am living in a

house now- very exciting stuff.

Holidays!

2007-02-25T21:10:00.000+11:00

(Written while on holidays sometime)…
Well, I am on holidays. Don’t have much internet access out here, so I am having withdrawal symptoms (also sorry to those who I have not replied to). Well things are going well, am not really doing anything. Well actually my grandparents are here and my grandpa likes watching the tennis and cricket, so I have actually been watching that. I thought cricket was really boring and a waste of time, but now I do like it. Well I like the quick game with only 20 overs each. That was a good game, and Australia has been winning all the games I’ve seen, so that makes it even better. And tennis, well, its okay, but still is not my favourite sport though.

I have been looking after our Bantams which I really like doing. We have hens sitting on eggs at the moment so we have had a few chickens. Unfortunately I think there have been about 11 eggs hatch and about 8 of those have died. It’s very sad. Some of them I have just found their dead bodies before even knowing they had hatched. But some deaths have been because of my bad judgement. One of these, the saddest death, was when I had to raise one of the chickens myself (the first one I had to this time). So I had it in a box and spent a fair bit of time with it, and it really liked me. It was sooo cute. Anyway, to cut the story short I moved one of the hens that had a chicken from the chook pen and put them in a safer cage. I decided it would be better for the chicken to be with a mother hen than for me to raise it, so I decided to put this chicken out with the mother (for the best interest of the chicken, I really didn’t want to let it go). I went into the cage once to put some food in there and my dear little chicken, as it normally does it followed me. But it started to chirp and the mother hen must have thought I was hurting the chicken, so it came over, being very protective and I thought it was going to attack me, so I had to pick the chicken up to quiet it and had to put the chicken back in through the door. It was very hard to let it go. Anyway, the next 2 days it rained so I wasn’t able to check on the chicken. When it stopped raining I was able to go out and check. I thought I saw the chicken. But later, Heather had a closer look and found that my chicken had died. She said she didn’t want to tell me, but she did. And so I had to bury the chicken (while to dog was watching, so I hope he doesn’t dig it up again, but she hasn’t yet, I’ve been watching). Anyway, I don’t really like that mother hen anymore.

Anyway, I have two chickens that I am raising myself at the moment. One of them I had found in the chook pen that had started to hatch but was too tired and weak to completely get out of the shell. So I had to remove the rest of the shell and put it in the box with my other chicken. I think there was something wrong with its eyes at first as there was some dirt in it which I had to get out and it wasn’t quite pecking at things properly, but it is fine now. And this chicken has the funniest personality. It really likes stretching its neck as far as it can, and it is so independent and not scared of anything. Its just sooo funny and cute.

Another thing that happened the other day was an encounter with a racehorse goanna. I was outside with the chickens letting them go for a walk and explore, when I was just getting up to move somewhere else when I saw this thing racing towards my feet. And caught up in the moment I started jumping up and down, I think screaming or making some noise (although Heather said she thought she heard the dog barking). And then, realising what it was and realising it wasn’t going to move I quickly went and picked up my two chickens thinking it may try and eat the chickens and came to the front door of the house where Dad was just coming out to see what was going on. And Dad said it must have been the lizard that had been climbing around in our roof. So everyone went out and had a look and they tried to chase it away from the house so it doesn’t come back to the house. So that was something exciting.

(Written today)
My holidays are over now, I’m back! (That’s if anyone realised I was gone). I just arrived early this morning. Hardly got any sleep last night on the plane and have been moving into a different room (boo hoo - I couldn’t get my old room back). My new room is okay, but I really would like to move out!!!!!! But probably need a car first, and that requires money. Oh, quick catch up with my holidays, I lost some wisdom teeth along the way and probably some wisdom as well. And it didn’t hurt at all, I really don’t know what those people are talking about when they say its really painful. Maybe I am just a luck one. Another even that happened was one of our neighbours came to our house and was really stressed because he found his workman in his room lying on his bed confused and slipping in and out of consciousness. So me and Dad went over there and I discovered that he was a diabetic and when I took his blood sugar level it was 1.2, which is very low. So I had to get him to drink some cordial and make sure he was okay before they got him to hospital. So my knowledge came in handy and may have saved his life even. Yay to me. Anyways my holidays weren’t that boring. I also started to pull down part of the chook pen we have (which is really, really old and about to fall down), and went a bit further than I was intending, but it was just hanging there as if a slight breeze would blow it over. Anyway, it now stands half pulled down seeing as the chooks are actually still kept in this pen. Hmmm… I really have talked too much about the chooks… Anyways, I think this coming year is going to be very exciting and challenging and important. Me, an RN, I really can’t see that right now.

Love this picture

2006-12-10T17:03:00.000+11:00

I've Graduated!!

2006-12-10T16:58:00.000+11:00

Wow! I graduated last week, 7 days ago. I’m now a nurse, although I am not registered yet. Yeah, I am glad all that study is over finally, but I don’t really feel… hmm, the way I should feel after graduating, whatever that is. Perhaps I am just petrified of the future. I feel sorry for the patients I will look after next year because I feel I don’t know anywhere near enough to look after them. Anyway, most of my friends are leaving or have already left for home which is really sad, missing them already. I can’t believe it is over. I fly home this Wednesday for a while. This Christmas will be different from other Christmas’s because all of my grandparents will be there, grandparents from my mum and dad’s side. Usually it would be one or the other, either in Perth with dad’s parents or in Victoria with my mum’s parents. Also my cousin will be getting married in January. The thing is she is a year younger than me, so that will be interesting, I think WAY too young to get married, but, it’s her decision to make I just hope it works out.

Hi.

2006-11-10T21:54:00.000+11:00

Well I think my craze of blogging has died down now. And I think many other people have too. I used to think of lots of thinks to say, but haven't thought of anything lately. All I can say is COMPUTERS ARE EVIL. Seriously addictive, and so unsocial. I say this because, yes, I have been a victim lately.
Thats all folks.

Next year...

2006-10-18T14:15:00.000+10:00

Well I just received a phone call saying I have been accepted into the San to work here next year, and I have accepted the position. So that's what it looks like I am doing. I am pretty excited at the moment. I start in May next year, which is what I wanted so I can have a few months break before I start. But this means I will have to stay in Sydney... hmmm, and find somewhere else to live, because I am definitely NOT staying in the res next year... Oh, it's so exciting. I have been hanging for so long about what I am doing next year, and now I know.
Anyways, just wanted to share that good news.

My picture

2006-10-08T21:07:00.000+10:00

I just love this picture I created. It took me hours and hours to make (joking). Anyway, I had fun.

Its October!

2006-10-03T10:16:00.000+10:00

I can not believe that it is October already. To think that I will be graduating in 2 months, wow. I still don't know exactly what I am doing next year, it's a mystery. Anyway, did I tell you that I went on an Ambulance placement last friday? Well I thought it would be really good and I would be able to observe and help with lots of accidents and stuff... but I was actually very disappointed. My perception of what ambulance officers do has changed completely. There are the odd accidents that they may go to, but most of the time they are just transporting people from the hospital back home or to a nursing home. It's actually quite a boring job. So I was very disappointed about that, but it is good to understand others perspectives and have a broader idea of what each persons role is in health care.

Recent thoughts

2006-09-26T21:54:00.001+10:00

I have been pretty dull lately, so I thought I would write something cheery. I’ve finished all my classes and exams for the year, Yippee, I feel great about that. Last week (or maybe the last two weeks) was one of the worst weeks, but it is over now. And I also had my last interview today for jobs next year. I feel good. And lately I have been thinking about all my friends at the moment, and I am so glad to know them. They all have particular perks that make them special and they are just great people. I think next year will be hard as I will miss all of them. They are so fun. Well I do feel like naming them all, but then I don’t want to leave anyone out so I will not. But I just want to say thankyou for being my friend, you really have all made a difference in my life. I love ya all.

I watched a movie not long ago called ‘Rumour has it...’ and now I really feel sorry for guys. I think women can be so complicated. I guess I can be to… And I thought of another reason today, but I can’t remember what it was… I just think we women are so emotionally driven, which can be good, but also bad.

Anyway, another thing I wanted to share was that I had a patient recently that was not allowed to have an operation due to their age. I don’t know all the details because I wasn’t actually the one looking after them, but from what I observed, I think he really wanted the operation. And I don’t really know where I stand on this issue. There is the view that old people are nearing the end of their life and they should just be left to die naturally, that the resources and money could be used more efficiently on a younger person who is more likely to benefit from the surgery, and the older a person is the higher the risk of complications from the operation. But then also what about the patient’s life? What about what they want? What about their quality of life? There are so many issues out there that I had not even considered or thought of, it can be very difficult being a nurse and trying to be a patient advocate.

On a search...

2006-09-11T17:06:00.000+10:00

I am on a search… it has been fruitless and perhaps is a waste of time, and it will probably end in tears again. But I still struggle on and hold on. I don’t understand why though. It is a mystery, I just can’t let go so easily. Perhaps my mother was right in saying that I may take a while to make a decision, but one I have made it, it is final. The only problem with that is that I may hold onto it, even though it has died… but even a glimmer of hope- even if only seen for a second, I will keep on holding on that much longer. It is sad… a hopeless case it seems. Is it worth it?

A bit about me:

2006-09-06T19:41:00.000+10:00

School: Currently Avondale College
Eyes: Blue...quite blue
Height: somewhere around 160cm I think
Siblings: Yes, I have 2 siblings
Ever missed school because it was raining? Yes, the roads got flooded so we couldn't get there by bus- but that didn’t happen very many times.
Kept a secret from everyone? Yes, although technically that isn’t possible, because God always knows- but from people, definitely.
Favorite Color: Blue -of course.
Summer/Winter? Definitely summer, but more to the end of summer and the beginning. The middle of summer can get too hot.
Diamonds/pearls? Diamonds, they sparkle in the light, although they are sharper than pearls
Do you believe in God? Absolutely
Believe in Love? Yes, although it is hard to understand, and at times to identify.
Believe in Wishes/Dreams? Yes, if you believe in them and try to achieve them, then they can come true for you.
Believe in Heaven? Yes, otherwise I have no hope for anything better than this sinful world.
Half empty or half full? Half empty- there’s always room for more.
Where would you like to live? Somewhere in the country- I'm definately not living in the city- I hate it.
Who would you want to spend the rest of your life with? God- but then, I guess I can't change than even if I didn't want to.
All time favorite TV show: McLeouds Daughters- anyone who doesn’t like it is crazy- that Wednesday night 7:30, for those who don’t know.
Favourite hobby? Making cards and hand sewing.
Favourite word(s)? Yeah, and hmmm (and so does Heather so we found out last night he, he, he).

Life is a blur

2006-09-06T19:21:00.000+10:00

Life is going by like a blur…like a fuzzy black and white screen with occasional spots of color, its like watching a movie late at night when you are tired but can not sleep, however the movie is on fast forward and if you blink you miss things and loose the story line altogether. Anyway, I just made that up, so sorry if it does not make sense.

This is a random, sad story…
A friend asked a gentleman how it is that he never married? The gentleman replied, "Well, I guess I just never met the right woman ... I guess I've been looking for the perfect girl."
"Oh, come on now," said the friend, "Surely you have met at least one girl that you wanted to marry."
"Yes, there was a girl... once. I guess she was the one perfect girl; the only perfect girl I really ever met. She was just the right everything... I really mean that she was the perfect girl for me."
"Well, why didn't you marry her," asked the friend.
"She was looking for the perfect man."
Yes, this is a sad story; I don’t know why I am putting it on here. I guess I hope that nobody makes that mistake in their life. Nobody is perfect but God, we all make mistakes.

Love this picture

2006-09-05T19:01:00.000+10:00

I really like this picture. Maybe it is just these colors that I like. Anyway, at first I thought it was a slightly warped (stretched) butterfly in the centre, but when I looked at it closer, I think it looks more like two angels just touching, and where they touch is where the color and light is coming from. Anyway, its interesting and I just wanted to share.

Free as a bird... almost

2006-09-04T12:34:00.000+10:00

Well another week went by finally. I cant wait until the next 4 weeks are over, by then I will be as free as a bird... almost.
Well I would have finished the 3 upcoming assignments, all my classes for the year, all my exams, all my clinical, and the majority of my assignments (but 2, which I will have plenty of time to finish). It sounds good, but also scary that this is all I have left to do before becoming an RN.... very scary. Hopefully I have learnt something about nursing over the last 3 years.

Busy

2006-08-29T12:12:00.001+10:00

Busy, busy, busy.... (but obviously not too busy to write this post).

Western World

2006-08-21T17:17:00.000+10:00

Your world is open plains,
And the sound of horses hooves,
Its campfires throwin’ embers,
And raining on tin roofs.
Your world is silver moon beams,
Beneath the starry sky,
And all I want to do,
Is be with you tonight.

I want to feel your world around me,
And breathe in every sight,
And lie with you,
Beneath the summer sky.
I want to feel your world surround me,
If it is the only thing I do.
I want to break into
Your Western world.

Your world is distant thunder,
And wildflowers after rain,
It’s desolate and beautiful,
It’s laughter and pain.
But your world is keeping distance,
Should someone break your heart,
And all I want to do,
Is take you in my arms.

I want to feel your world around me,
And breathe in every sight,
And lie with you,
Beneath the summer sky.
I want to feel your world surround me,
If it is the only thing I do.
I want to break into
Your Western world…
(Lee Kernaghan, The New Bush, 2005).

I really like the words of this song. I think it is really romantic, beautiful and poetical. Maybe I am in a romantic mood at the moment (although I can’t see why I would be). Or I can just imagine or remember all these things and it brings back good memories. Growing up on a farm is the best thing, I wouldn’t want it any different.

One of my favourite texts

2006-08-19T18:32:00.000+10:00

And He became their Saviour.
In all their suffering He also suffered,
and He personally rescued them.
In his love and mercy He redeemed them.
He lifted them up and carried them
through all the years.
Isaiah 63:8-9 (NLT)

I found this text one day a while ago, and I really liked it then and I still do. I kept reading it over and over at the time. And then I looked it up and read it in a few different translations and I liked this one the best.

This text just shows the great love God has for us, so great that He became our Saviour and died for us. And this text also shows how He understands us and the things we go through because He went through exactly the same things when He was on earth and He suffered along side of us. And it shows that He wants to know us personally and be connected with us so much that He came and personally rescued us. He did not send someone else to do the work to rescue us, He did it Himself.

And he redeemed us -delivered us from sin and damnation; purchased our freedom; saved, rescued and reclaimed us- through his love and mercy. And I feel he must have a lot of love and mercy to even want to redeem me because I certainly continually fail Him, and He has to put up with a lot from me. And just knowing that He has so much more love and mercy than I can ever have or even imagine gives he hope.

And instead of just leaving us alone and coming and rescuing us when we needed Him the most, no, he carried us through all the years, or carried us all of our life. He lifted us up so we are not walking by our own strength, but by His strength, and he was always carrying us, holding us close to him, and protecting us from the things around us that we may not have even been aware of.

I just really like this text, it says a lot to me.

Clinical is over!!!

2006-08-19T14:36:00.000+10:00

My clinical is over… Yay, I am really glad it is over, it was very tiring… I just finished a long 3 week clinical block in the San on one particular ward the whole time. I really got to know the people there and the patients there. One patient this week even said she wanted to keep in contact with me and wanted my contact details, and she wrote hers down and gave it to me saying I should come and visit her and have tea sometime at her place, and she wanted me to write and tell her how my course was going. The scary thing is I hardly knew her, I had only been looking after her that day and she was leaving. So I must have made some impression. She also had some orchids in her room that she said she had grown herself and she wanted me to have them, and made sure nobody else got them, and she was very insistent that I take them and keep them in my room for a few days while they lasted. I guess I felt sorry for her because I know she lives alone, and I got the feeling she didn’t have many friends, so I didn’t really argue with her.
This last clinical block I do feel I have grown a lot, and I think I am a lot more prepared for next year. Perhaps the last few days of clinical I was given more freedom than I am supposed to have, or was expecting to have as a student on clinical, in regards to medications and other care of the client. However the nurses seemed to have a lot of confidence in me, and they think I am ready to become an RN already. And it was not like I didn’t know what I was doing, I just wasn’t used to so much freedom, without the RN there watching every move you make and correcting you in the ‘best way’ to do things (which was ‘their way’) of doing things, even thought what I was doing wasn’t necessarily wrong, it was just my way that I have developed and worked for me. Its really been surprising how many people have said how good a nurse I am, and they are really confident in me. I don’t think I am that good, but I do try and do my best. Well we are dealing with peoples’ lives and health which is very important. The sad thing was one patient did die during my clinical, and two others were very close to it and may die in the next few days.
Anyways, a good thing about my clinical being over, is that now I only have 2 days left of clinical for the rest of the year. And they will be good- one day being on an ambulance (which should be very exciting) and the other day an average day on a ward. But before then, in the next 17 days (2 and a bit weeks) I have 6 assignments due, altogether totaling 185% of my 4 subjects (so 185/ 400%). So that sounds scary. Then a week and a bit after all those are due, I have exams. So I guess I have a lot of work ahead of me. Another strange thing a patient said to me during clinical this last week on Friday, my last day, was that she thought I came from England. And she was asking me how long I had lived in Australia and whether I liked it here or not. It was really bizarre because I have had another patient ask me that a while ago, maybe near the end of last year, and it really surprised me. I thought I just talked normally, like any other Australian does. My parents were born in Australia, all my Grandparents were even born in Australia, and I believe even some of my Great-grandparents were born in Australia, and only before that did we come from England. So I don’t know how have come to talk like that. The Patient that asked me yesterday said that it was the way I pronounce my vows or something. So I guess I must have some sort of accent.

Much To Do

2006-08-14T20:11:00.000+10:00

Wow. There is so much to do at the moment… I have been applying for jobs for next year, seeing as they are all closing this month. It has been crazy and stressful deciding where I want to go. Seeing as I have already missed the ones I WA, it looks like I wont be home next year. Plus being on clinical for the last 2 weeks has been very tiring. I really don’t know how I will go next year working all the time. The thought of doing the upcoming assignments makes me tired. Anyhow, this blog is coming together, I think its exciting. I don’t have and words of wisdom to share, but hopefully I will sometime. I don’t know why I called my blog ‘Pursuit of Wisdom’, but it did take me a while to come up with it. I guess it will do for now. Maybe I just need a lot of wisdom at the moment, or I will be learning a lot in the next few months... maybe.

Welcome to my site

2006-08-13T15:59:00.000+10:00

Hi. I have just started up this new blog because the other one was really annoying me. So I am really enjoying this new one, but then it has only been about 2 days. I love this background that I found, but don't ask me how long it took me to find it and put it on here, way too long. Anyways, I am still adjusting this blog at the moment. Hopefully I will be able to keep it fairly up to date and post regularly, well that's what I am aiming for, and you need to have an aim or goal. Anyways that is all for now, til next time.

Slow Dance

2006-08-11T23:20:00.000+10:00

Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask How are you?
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done !
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say,"Hi"
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.