It has been a while since I’ve sat here and contemplated my life in Australia. School’s been going really well. My test results aren’t back yet but I feel like they’ll be good. I didn’t have many screw ups during my practical exams which is fortunate but doesn’t provide any interesting stories. I do however have a favorite line, which came out of the mouth of my friend Jenna. Most of our exams where practical, which meant we had to bring a patient in to the exam to work on in front of our teachers. Jenna brought in her roommate Brandy, both of them are from Canada and they’re awesome. As Jenna’s working her way through the exam she remembers to monitor her patient, which is what we’re supposed to do – good work Jenna, but says “Do you have any shortness of pain?”
When I heard what she said I thought it was hilarious because I feel like my Dad asks me the same question when he’s working on my back.
-He’s there to provide. Thanks dad.
Evelyn’s birthday was yesterday and I surprised her! I don’t think I’ve managed to do this successfully ever! Everything seemed to fall into place perfectly. I arrived at school and the first two people I see are Jenna and her boyfriend Will. Will just randomly rode Jenna to school that day and I caught them. I briskly walked up to them before he got away and told them about Evelyn’s birthday and how I would love to celebrate it with them. They took the bait and Will rushed home to clean and make a cake! They’re awesome, like I said earlier, and were more than willing to host a small party for Evelyn.
Then the events of the day fell into place, which led to surprise. After our first two classes all 100 of us hesitantly walked to our third class a bit confused because some people were saying class was cancelled. We were all herded over to the class by curiosity to find out it was indeed cancelled. This along with two other classes randomly being cancelled due to hospital trips and such left me with 5 hours to hang out with Will, make some dinner and get ready.
I made it home at 5:45 saw that Evelyn had called about 10 minutes before which meant she was on her way home from work, probably 10 minutes away. I rushed a quick shower and tried desperately to start the coffee machine in order to make her something special for her birthday, as I hadn’t had time to make her a birthday dinner.
I then told her that we were going to go to Lidcombe to enjoy a dinner with Will and Jenna at this pub near their apartment. Evelyn was not impressed and I could see it on her face. This pub we were “going” to was the single place I think she vowed never to return to because the food we ordered there, has been to this day, the worst thing we’ve eaten in Australia! Good choice for a birthday dinner! I sneakily told her that we were going to go up to Jenna’s for a drink before dinner and BAM! There were balloons on the wall, friends saying happy birthday, a sweet dinner ready. To top it off a little kitten named after cheese (Colby), spread more love. She had one more surprise during the evening as Will brought out the beautiful cake he made!
Evelyn had “Shortness of Breath”.
C.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
A Hairy Subject
Hi its me again! Colin has been very diligent in his studying and will resume blogging upon the commencement of tomorrow when midterms are finished! I've pretty much had this week off and have spent it making yummy dinners, washing laundry & dishes, baking, and skyping! Colin and I have had very opposite weeks. One thing has been the same though:
He likes to refer to his as a "playoff beard"
And mines more of a "game on" growth.
When we were at CLBI, Colin made a point of shaving his legs at least once a week to prove a point to the ladies that its not difficult to shave ones legs. Now that we're married, I like to prove how much I dislike facial hair! We sort of compromise and are equally gross. meh.
Tonight was a pretty pivotal moment in my life because it was the finale of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA! Our favorite dancer, Robbie won!! Colin and I were avid voters. Also tonight I found out that the show is filmed in Sydney. How awesome am I to realize the night of the finale that I could have watched the show in person. FANtastic. Maybe next season...
I took some photos of our place today so I could make a virtual facebook tour! So Ima gonna go ahead and do that.
E.
He likes to refer to his as a "playoff beard"
And mines more of a "game on" growth.
When we were at CLBI, Colin made a point of shaving his legs at least once a week to prove a point to the ladies that its not difficult to shave ones legs. Now that we're married, I like to prove how much I dislike facial hair! We sort of compromise and are equally gross. meh.
Tonight was a pretty pivotal moment in my life because it was the finale of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE AUSTRALIA! Our favorite dancer, Robbie won!! Colin and I were avid voters. Also tonight I found out that the show is filmed in Sydney. How awesome am I to realize the night of the finale that I could have watched the show in person. FANtastic. Maybe next season...
I took some photos of our place today so I could make a virtual facebook tour! So Ima gonna go ahead and do that.
E.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Paying attention.
So we ate the 3 star ground beef tonight and it turns out that I actually might be a 5 star kind of girl after all!
A few days ago a patient came in for a regular hygiene appointment and the next day called in saying that she had spit out a lot of blood clots during the night and was concerned about it, so she was told to swing by that morning so the dentist could have a look. We figured it was likely pretty minimal and this lady was perhaps just apprehensive about dental work. When she sat down in the chair she literally had a clot around her back molars the size or a small rock, maybe 1cm in diameter. I couldn't believe it! The dentist sent her to get a blood test because that just isn't normal and we found out today that they're going to do some further investigating but right now the blood tests are indicating leukemia and she's preparing for treatment beginning next week. How insane is that? You go to the dentist and two days later you find out that you have cancer. I'm so sad for her and her family and I hope they caught it early. I can't believe the integrity of where I work, I have never met dentists that are this fantastic. If a patient called in saying that they were bleeding after a hygiene appointment, most dentists would tell them to start flossing and give it a few weeks to settle down. Where I work they bring the patient in, take a look, send them in for a blood test, and potentially save their life by catching an abnormality early on. It makes me want to cry every time I think about it.
Just wanted to share a reminder on the fragility of life. Its good to appreciate your health.
E.
A few days ago a patient came in for a regular hygiene appointment and the next day called in saying that she had spit out a lot of blood clots during the night and was concerned about it, so she was told to swing by that morning so the dentist could have a look. We figured it was likely pretty minimal and this lady was perhaps just apprehensive about dental work. When she sat down in the chair she literally had a clot around her back molars the size or a small rock, maybe 1cm in diameter. I couldn't believe it! The dentist sent her to get a blood test because that just isn't normal and we found out today that they're going to do some further investigating but right now the blood tests are indicating leukemia and she's preparing for treatment beginning next week. How insane is that? You go to the dentist and two days later you find out that you have cancer. I'm so sad for her and her family and I hope they caught it early. I can't believe the integrity of where I work, I have never met dentists that are this fantastic. If a patient called in saying that they were bleeding after a hygiene appointment, most dentists would tell them to start flossing and give it a few weeks to settle down. Where I work they bring the patient in, take a look, send them in for a blood test, and potentially save their life by catching an abnormality early on. It makes me want to cry every time I think about it.
Just wanted to share a reminder on the fragility of life. Its good to appreciate your health.
E.
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Words
Tonight as I was grocery shopping I was faced with two options at the meat counter. 5 star ground beef (or “minced beef”) or 3 star ground beef. I think it’s pretty comparable to staying at a hotel. The 3 star was visually unappealing: someone clearly just grabbed a handful of beef and shoved as much as they could into minimal packaging. The 5 star however looked COMFORTABLE! It was laid out flat in neat wavey lines and had ample room in its tidy little plastic container. There was probably a difference in how lean the meat was, but I realized that I’m more of a 3 star kind of girl, because it was half the price and I’m nobody’s fool, you can’t buy me with fancy wrapping.
I then moved onto the bread isle and purchased some wraps that advertised their product with big, bold words: “Tastes Fresh!” hmmm… Sold!
Things are different here but I recently found something in the grocery store that was familiar. Doritos! I think at home I ate Doritos once a year but I can’t get enough of them over here. I don’t know if we have “Mexican” Doritos at home but they are fantastic. I brought a bag to work yesterday and they were demolished at lunch today, everyone loved them and I was a hero! My job is really challenging but I still love it. There’s one lady on staff that I have a hard time reading. Yesterday she asked me how I was liking it, and I told her that everything was going well etc… and then she tells me that everyone likes it there but not everyone gets to stay. Who says that? She told me that if I like my job I better work hard if I want to keep it. I consistently bust my balls at this new job. I take notes every single day and then come home and retype them. I’m constantly asking questions and wanting to learn more so I can be better. I felt sort of weird about the permanence of my position and then today when my boss walks into work, he tells me that he bought 3 jars of strawberry jam (which is what I put on my roll at tea time) and all of my fears were washed away. I also recently obtained my own key for the garage in our medical building to park my bike. I guess it’s a pretty big deal and so my boss’s wife, who is also a dentist at our office, told me today that the key finalizes my position because they didn’t even have one until I came along.
Colin has midterms starting Monday next week and has been a busy bee studying. He has to dress up for the practical exams, which is going to be super cute. I wish I could be there to watch.
We bought a slow cooker on the weekend and its awesome! This week we’ve just come home every night and had dinner waiting for us. It’s hit and miss in taste, but at least its cooked and edible. I’m going to go try the soup that’s been cooking for 13 hours. I fear we may have left it a touch too long. Wish me luck!
E.
I then moved onto the bread isle and purchased some wraps that advertised their product with big, bold words: “Tastes Fresh!” hmmm… Sold!
Things are different here but I recently found something in the grocery store that was familiar. Doritos! I think at home I ate Doritos once a year but I can’t get enough of them over here. I don’t know if we have “Mexican” Doritos at home but they are fantastic. I brought a bag to work yesterday and they were demolished at lunch today, everyone loved them and I was a hero! My job is really challenging but I still love it. There’s one lady on staff that I have a hard time reading. Yesterday she asked me how I was liking it, and I told her that everything was going well etc… and then she tells me that everyone likes it there but not everyone gets to stay. Who says that? She told me that if I like my job I better work hard if I want to keep it. I consistently bust my balls at this new job. I take notes every single day and then come home and retype them. I’m constantly asking questions and wanting to learn more so I can be better. I felt sort of weird about the permanence of my position and then today when my boss walks into work, he tells me that he bought 3 jars of strawberry jam (which is what I put on my roll at tea time) and all of my fears were washed away. I also recently obtained my own key for the garage in our medical building to park my bike. I guess it’s a pretty big deal and so my boss’s wife, who is also a dentist at our office, told me today that the key finalizes my position because they didn’t even have one until I came along.
Colin has midterms starting Monday next week and has been a busy bee studying. He has to dress up for the practical exams, which is going to be super cute. I wish I could be there to watch.
We bought a slow cooker on the weekend and its awesome! This week we’ve just come home every night and had dinner waiting for us. It’s hit and miss in taste, but at least its cooked and edible. I’m going to go try the soup that’s been cooking for 13 hours. I fear we may have left it a touch too long. Wish me luck!
E.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
what would you have said?
Yesterday at work I let out an SBD toot. I couldn't hold it any longer and the boss had just left the room so I figured it was safe. I'm not usually so delicate in matters of gas but I just started this great new job etc... so I feel the need to keep it clean for this first little bit. Unfortunately it was a bit of a lingerer so when my boss returned he actually started sniffing the air and asking me if "I smelled that?"....I was MORTIFIED and tried to act stupid. I played the part and sniffed the air a bit. "hmmm...nope, I can't smell anything." He was determined to figure it out though and kept at it.
After a few seconds I asked, "is it kind of a sewagey smell?"
"Yes! That's exactly it. Do you smell it now?"
"Nope..."
I wonder what would have happened if I had just said admitted to being a stinker. I think he would have laughed but I wasn't sure if we were there yet.
I apologize for the cheap toilet humor but I couldn't stop laughing yesterday and was excited to share. I'm sure we've all been there but I bet none of you have had someone investigate!
I must confess that I feel the urge to start saying "reckon". I had been so against picking up any Australianisms but I'm not sure if I can hold off much longer. Coming out of my lips it'll probably just sound red neck, so I'll see if I can wait it out. Also, when people are acting silly, they refer to it as naughty.
My job is going very well BUT pretty soon I'm going to have to start the dreaded reception rotation. Everyday there are two dentists and 3 assistants and 1 is always on reception, but its usually for half a day and then you switch. I am terrified of reception because you're processing money, dealing with insurance, answering phones, and just generally not screwing up the office. I don't know the computer system yet...or really anything, so I've been able to put it off. I'm going to ask if I can come in next monday and "train" so I can work somewhat competently when I'm eventually forced into it. Everyone has been there for a long time and I get the sense that they don't remember what its like to be new. They're all so kind and informative but I still get the vibe that it would be advantageous to learn fast! Wish me luck.
-E
After a few seconds I asked, "is it kind of a sewagey smell?"
"Yes! That's exactly it. Do you smell it now?"
"Nope..."
I wonder what would have happened if I had just said admitted to being a stinker. I think he would have laughed but I wasn't sure if we were there yet.
I apologize for the cheap toilet humor but I couldn't stop laughing yesterday and was excited to share. I'm sure we've all been there but I bet none of you have had someone investigate!
I must confess that I feel the urge to start saying "reckon". I had been so against picking up any Australianisms but I'm not sure if I can hold off much longer. Coming out of my lips it'll probably just sound red neck, so I'll see if I can wait it out. Also, when people are acting silly, they refer to it as naughty.
My job is going very well BUT pretty soon I'm going to have to start the dreaded reception rotation. Everyday there are two dentists and 3 assistants and 1 is always on reception, but its usually for half a day and then you switch. I am terrified of reception because you're processing money, dealing with insurance, answering phones, and just generally not screwing up the office. I don't know the computer system yet...or really anything, so I've been able to put it off. I'm going to ask if I can come in next monday and "train" so I can work somewhat competently when I'm eventually forced into it. Everyone has been there for a long time and I get the sense that they don't remember what its like to be new. They're all so kind and informative but I still get the vibe that it would be advantageous to learn fast! Wish me luck.
-E
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Easter Long Weekend
The last while has been rather blurry for me. I’m surrounded by the regime of everyday. I go to school learn as much as I can, come home, enjoy some time hanging out with my beautiful wife Evelyn, over a sub-excellent dinner, then try to get some prep work done for the next day. This changed though and the light shown through as we moved through Easter break, which I’m still enjoying. There of course have been some interesting events out here in Guilford, there never seems to be a shortage of those.
Starting out the long weekend was Thursday night; the night before Good Friday, which I’ve learned, has it’s own title: “BAD Thursday”. I’m not sure about the rest of Australia but in Sydney absolutely everything and I mean everything is closed on Good Friday. This seems to imply to everyone here that Thursday night is set aside to get ‘smashed’. Evelyn and I fell asleep after a relaxing evening together watching some TV and eating a nice meal. At 4:15 am I think our neighbors wanted our company because they commenced an uproar of vibrant action. Hurling words and laughter into the street waking up everyone to come join their party. If you didn’t want to get out of bed and walk over they didn’t mind they were more than able and willing to include you. My sweet adorable wife was quite intrigued with this uproar and decided to add to the melody accumulating in our street. She however wasn’t welcome even after all the invites because “Oooh she’s English” and I was prompt to call the police for the second time out here in Guilford, our lovely suburb of peace and harmony.
The rest of the long weekend was full of relaxation, cool shows, and excellent food. We went to an independent film competition Hillsong put on Sunday night, and where surrounded by thousands of people who hopefully truly know Jesus Christ. I go to that church and sometimes feel like I’m the crusty oldie wanting less change. It’s really amazing what they do in terms of a show they are talented! I just have Jon Foreman’s lyrics stuck in my head when I’m there:
Instead let there be a flood of justice
An endless procession of righteous living, living
Instead let there be a flood of justice
Instead of a show
Evelyn and I left there with some people from school and had some bbq. We shared a platter which had a piece of steak on it and a rack of succulent ribs mmmmm thinking about it now makes my stomach growl and my mouth water. It was Goooooood.
On Monday we hung out with some friends at Darling Harbour and enjoyed free entertainment! Hoopla was the name of the event and acrobatics dominated my attention. There were street entertainers all over and major shows which involved falling in magnificent style, fire and jokes. All in all a great weekend, oh yeah I also enjoyed my first drip coffee from Starbucks on Monday which reminded me of home, and you.
C.
Starting out the long weekend was Thursday night; the night before Good Friday, which I’ve learned, has it’s own title: “BAD Thursday”. I’m not sure about the rest of Australia but in Sydney absolutely everything and I mean everything is closed on Good Friday. This seems to imply to everyone here that Thursday night is set aside to get ‘smashed’. Evelyn and I fell asleep after a relaxing evening together watching some TV and eating a nice meal. At 4:15 am I think our neighbors wanted our company because they commenced an uproar of vibrant action. Hurling words and laughter into the street waking up everyone to come join their party. If you didn’t want to get out of bed and walk over they didn’t mind they were more than able and willing to include you. My sweet adorable wife was quite intrigued with this uproar and decided to add to the melody accumulating in our street. She however wasn’t welcome even after all the invites because “Oooh she’s English” and I was prompt to call the police for the second time out here in Guilford, our lovely suburb of peace and harmony.
The rest of the long weekend was full of relaxation, cool shows, and excellent food. We went to an independent film competition Hillsong put on Sunday night, and where surrounded by thousands of people who hopefully truly know Jesus Christ. I go to that church and sometimes feel like I’m the crusty oldie wanting less change. It’s really amazing what they do in terms of a show they are talented! I just have Jon Foreman’s lyrics stuck in my head when I’m there:
Instead let there be a flood of justice
An endless procession of righteous living, living
Instead let there be a flood of justice
Instead of a show
Evelyn and I left there with some people from school and had some bbq. We shared a platter which had a piece of steak on it and a rack of succulent ribs mmmmm thinking about it now makes my stomach growl and my mouth water. It was Goooooood.
On Monday we hung out with some friends at Darling Harbour and enjoyed free entertainment! Hoopla was the name of the event and acrobatics dominated my attention. There were street entertainers all over and major shows which involved falling in magnificent style, fire and jokes. All in all a great weekend, oh yeah I also enjoyed my first drip coffee from Starbucks on Monday which reminded me of home, and you.
C.
Monday, March 29, 2010
The Ghetto
Ahhhh work, how I loathe yet depend on you. Things just got complicated! So I was recently hired to work for a nearby dentist for 3 days a week for three months to cover vacations etc... I was happy to have a job close to home but I quickly realized that this place is terrible. All the girls that work there are wonderful but the office is dirty dirty and I don't like the boss. Lets just say they don't sterilize everything that they should be sterilizing including some very critical items. The neighborhood is pretty ghetto and every third patient has a blood disease. I swear I'm not exaggerating. I immediately voiced what I know is right and I was quickly disregarded because its not how "the boss wants it". So I've been in agony the last week working there with a huge ethical cloud hanging over my head.
Today I temped at an office that was so wonderful I literally couldn't stop smiling all day. Thank goodness for masks! It was hands down the best office I have ever worked at. The best dentists I've ever worked for. And the nicest staff I've ever met. At lunch time I found out that they were actually looking for someone and I didn't even care what they were offering for pay because I wanted to work there so badly. I explained my dilemma about how I was already committed to another office for three months but that I wasn't happy there. They called the temping agency after work and are in the process of sorting everything out. I'm going to my "other" work tomorrow but hopefully its the last day I'm there. This new job is currently only 3 (long) days a week, but it looks like a 4th day will be opening up in the very near future. Then I'll just have to temp one day a week. The new job is also a short bike ride away and......the pay is AMAZING! I thought I was making a lot with the temping agency and this job STARTS at $2 more an hour. I NEED for this to work out. I don't want a crappy short term job to screw over a permanent position at a lovely office.
Colin's birthday was a lot of fun. I got him a blue guitar! It has a fiberglass back and a blue wooden top. He's been antsy for a musical outlet so it was a pretty great present! When its not being used we have to hide it behind our couch in case somebody breaks in. We keep our laptop under the bed. And I have to be home (and constantly checking) if I have laundry drying outside so nobody runs off with our remaining towels! I cannot wait to move in 5 months haha. I don't know if I mentioned this but somebody tried to break in about a week ago. They damaged the patio door that leads into our bedroom. Thankfully they were unsuccessful opening it. Maybe they figured out that once they got through that door they still had one more to open. Suckers!
Well I am off to bed soon, I hope you are all enjoying your lives and employment. Or are able to find some joy in what you are doing.
“The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”’
“So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.” (Numbers 6: 24-27)
-E
Today I temped at an office that was so wonderful I literally couldn't stop smiling all day. Thank goodness for masks! It was hands down the best office I have ever worked at. The best dentists I've ever worked for. And the nicest staff I've ever met. At lunch time I found out that they were actually looking for someone and I didn't even care what they were offering for pay because I wanted to work there so badly. I explained my dilemma about how I was already committed to another office for three months but that I wasn't happy there. They called the temping agency after work and are in the process of sorting everything out. I'm going to my "other" work tomorrow but hopefully its the last day I'm there. This new job is currently only 3 (long) days a week, but it looks like a 4th day will be opening up in the very near future. Then I'll just have to temp one day a week. The new job is also a short bike ride away and......the pay is AMAZING! I thought I was making a lot with the temping agency and this job STARTS at $2 more an hour. I NEED for this to work out. I don't want a crappy short term job to screw over a permanent position at a lovely office.
Colin's birthday was a lot of fun. I got him a blue guitar! It has a fiberglass back and a blue wooden top. He's been antsy for a musical outlet so it was a pretty great present! When its not being used we have to hide it behind our couch in case somebody breaks in. We keep our laptop under the bed. And I have to be home (and constantly checking) if I have laundry drying outside so nobody runs off with our remaining towels! I cannot wait to move in 5 months haha. I don't know if I mentioned this but somebody tried to break in about a week ago. They damaged the patio door that leads into our bedroom. Thankfully they were unsuccessful opening it. Maybe they figured out that once they got through that door they still had one more to open. Suckers!
Well I am off to bed soon, I hope you are all enjoying your lives and employment. Or are able to find some joy in what you are doing.
“The LORD bless you and keep you; The LORD make His face shine upon you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance upon you, And give you peace.”’
“So they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.” (Numbers 6: 24-27)
-E
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