This song by Adele has been a bit of a 'muse' for me for a while now. Thought I would share it.
Hometown Glory
I've been walking in the same way as I did
Missing out the cracks in the pavement
And tutting my heel and strutting my feet
"Is there anything I can do for you dear? Is there anyone I could call?"
"No and thank you, please Madam. I ain't lost, just wandering"
Round my hometown
Memories are fresh
Round my hometown
Ooh the people I've met
Are the wonders of my world
Are the wonders of my world
Are the wonders of this world
Are the wonders of my world
I like it in the city when the air is so thick and opaque
I love to see everybody in short skirts, shorts and shades
I like it in the city when two worlds collide
You get the people and the government
Everybody taking different sides
Shows that we ain't gonna stand
Shows that we are united
Shows that we ain't gonna take it
Shows that we ain't gonna stand
Shows that we are united
Round my hometown
Memories are fresh
Round my hometown
Ooh the people I've met
Are the wonders of my world
Are the wonders of my world
Are the wonders of this world
Are the wonders of my world
- Adele
Friday, December 19, 2008
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Christmas Special #1
So this doesn't have much to do with Christmas but it's an issue I've been pondering all year.
Last night at Bible Study we were discussing pluralism and getting a little philosophical and as always my mind wandered......
What is wisdom? How does it differ from knowledge or understanding and how do they(knowledge and understanding) differ from each other?
(I know this doesn't really relate to pluralism......what can I say?)
I encountered this debate in first year.
Our tutor "made" us write an essay on the difference between knowledge and understanding. At the time it was just another essay. Another hoop to jump through on the way to a degree.
But the debate has stuck with me.
I've thought a lot about wisdom this year.
Trying (though honestly not always succeeding) to be wiser.....
And I've got to the end of the year with more questions than answers.
Is it possible to quantify something so abstract?
And yet - how can we aim for something if we don't know what it is we are trying to achieve?
It was suggested (in the class discussions) that knowledge and understanding are inseparable and that one can not exist without the other. In order to understand we must first have a collection of facts (knowledge). But is it possible to have knowledge without understanding? (I think it is....)
It was also suggested that understanding is applied knowledge. - An interesting definition when you throw wisdom into the mix.
Wisdom - learning from experience? Applying knowledge? learning from mistakes? A consciousness beyond understanding? Or a series of actions based on understanding?
I've come to at least one conclusion - knowledge and understanding are all about the thought process. It seems to me (and I'm happy to be wrong) that wisdom, while a thought process, seems to be concerned with a practical, actions-based outcome.
Last night at Bible Study we were discussing pluralism and getting a little philosophical and as always my mind wandered......
What is wisdom? How does it differ from knowledge or understanding and how do they(knowledge and understanding) differ from each other?
(I know this doesn't really relate to pluralism......what can I say?)
I encountered this debate in first year.
Our tutor "made" us write an essay on the difference between knowledge and understanding. At the time it was just another essay. Another hoop to jump through on the way to a degree.
But the debate has stuck with me.
I've thought a lot about wisdom this year.
Trying (though honestly not always succeeding) to be wiser.....
And I've got to the end of the year with more questions than answers.
Is it possible to quantify something so abstract?
And yet - how can we aim for something if we don't know what it is we are trying to achieve?
It was suggested (in the class discussions) that knowledge and understanding are inseparable and that one can not exist without the other. In order to understand we must first have a collection of facts (knowledge). But is it possible to have knowledge without understanding? (I think it is....)
It was also suggested that understanding is applied knowledge. - An interesting definition when you throw wisdom into the mix.
Wisdom - learning from experience? Applying knowledge? learning from mistakes? A consciousness beyond understanding? Or a series of actions based on understanding?
I've come to at least one conclusion - knowledge and understanding are all about the thought process. It seems to me (and I'm happy to be wrong) that wisdom, while a thought process, seems to be concerned with a practical, actions-based outcome.
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The Christmas List
So it's that time of year again.
The reflective time. The "slow" time - or for those of us doing a variety of summer schools and missions - the crazy/insane time.
Either way, it's that time where people stop to take in the year that has passed.
So in true Christmas "midday movie" fashion here are some "special" moments from this year.
But I'll stop there before this turns into an epic "Hallmark" card.
I guess my last thought for this entry is that it wasn't just about one special moment - it was about witnessing the way God has worked in both my life and the lives of those around me day by day.
Merry Christmas everyone!
The reflective time. The "slow" time - or for those of us doing a variety of summer schools and missions - the crazy/insane time.
Either way, it's that time where people stop to take in the year that has passed.
So in true Christmas "midday movie" fashion here are some "special" moments from this year.
- Discovering the Sauna experience at the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Center ( and then only a few months later having that experience taken away by the inflation of pool entry fees....grrr!)
- Being asked for the first time in Scripture, that age-old kid question "When was God Born?" (so simple yet so complex!)
- Nights out with the "pub crew" and the subsequent weekend away to Leura - I'll always remember the poetry and interpretive dance.....(and I hope that the video has been deleted....)
- Having two close friends get baptised
- Weekend breakfast fun with the shiny, happy people at Moore College
- The jam session in a garage that involved the eclectic combination of an old church organ, a drum and a guitar....
- Watching Bold and the Beautiful every 4-6 weeks and seeing Brooke go from Nick, to Ridge and back to Nick again......so is she back with Ridge yet.....?
- Crosswords in lectures, hangman in lectures, reading the newspaper in lectures, texting in lectures, pranking random people on bluetooth in lectures.....actually just about anything that wasn't actually listening to the lecture itself.....
- Seeing the rise and fall of the world economy
- Witnessing a major changeover of the world's leaders - and wondering how they will choose to use their power and how the world will be different as a result.
- Finally making it to Brisbane.....(Little Star - that one is for you!)
- Getting my very first guitar for my birthday (and then having my first actual lesson....)
- Putting up the Christmas tree with my flatmates and playing cricket with the branches and decorations......(there may have been some sword play in there too but you didn't hear that from me.....)
- Saying goodbye to our minister and his wife - people who've had a huge impact on me as a Christian
But I'll stop there before this turns into an epic "Hallmark" card.
I guess my last thought for this entry is that it wasn't just about one special moment - it was about witnessing the way God has worked in both my life and the lives of those around me day by day.
Merry Christmas everyone!
Monday, December 08, 2008
Insight
This world, this world such beauty and pain
A pretense of freedom, yet what do we gain?
Popular opinion and fleeting fame -
Can’t you see this ball and chain?
This life, this life, not made to last
It passes by and is over so fast.
When all we have of life is past
What will hold and keep our souls fast?
This heart, this heart, no longer mine,
beats with the gift of love divine.
This love, it comes at the highest price:
A painful gift of sacrifice.
This world, this world, is not enough for me,
A tortuous cross, the only key.
So here I am on bended knee
For I’ll never forget what it means to be free.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
My Sad Sci-Fi Addiction
I guess it's time for me to come out of the metaphorical closet on this one and just admit it.
I like watching the X Files.
And, while I sincerely hope it will be many years before I start attending conventions in a costume, I cannot help but feel a little sheepish every time I purchase whatever season is next on my list.
However, there are some good reasons for my addiction to this sci-fi extravaganza, and in the true spirit of my 'list making' habits (I have a pro/con list or a 'to do' list for EVERYTHING!) I thought I would compile a short list of the reasons why I like the X Files. Enjoy!
1. Willing suspension of disbelief (there's a lot of scientific speculation but it's all about forgetting what you know....)
2. It seems to be night time for 70% of the show
3. Even when it is day time, Mulder and Scully somehow end up in buildings that are nearly pitch black
4. They never open a window or turn on a light to investigate these buildings
5. They ALWAYS use a torch
6. There is always a 'fake' scare or 'false alarm' just before the real trouble begins
7. FBI ID seems to get you in just about anywhere - it's better than James Bond
8. Most episodes include about 5 minutes worth of either a car or foot chase
9. I will always enjoy a good government conspiracy story - no matter how far-fetched it is!
10. And, of course, the ever present Mulder and Scully "will they, wont they?" relationship.
I like watching the X Files.
And, while I sincerely hope it will be many years before I start attending conventions in a costume, I cannot help but feel a little sheepish every time I purchase whatever season is next on my list.
However, there are some good reasons for my addiction to this sci-fi extravaganza, and in the true spirit of my 'list making' habits (I have a pro/con list or a 'to do' list for EVERYTHING!) I thought I would compile a short list of the reasons why I like the X Files. Enjoy!
1. Willing suspension of disbelief (there's a lot of scientific speculation but it's all about forgetting what you know....)
2. It seems to be night time for 70% of the show
3. Even when it is day time, Mulder and Scully somehow end up in buildings that are nearly pitch black
4. They never open a window or turn on a light to investigate these buildings
5. They ALWAYS use a torch
6. There is always a 'fake' scare or 'false alarm' just before the real trouble begins
7. FBI ID seems to get you in just about anywhere - it's better than James Bond
8. Most episodes include about 5 minutes worth of either a car or foot chase
9. I will always enjoy a good government conspiracy story - no matter how far-fetched it is!
10. And, of course, the ever present Mulder and Scully "will they, wont they?" relationship.
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
My French Encounter
OK!! So here I was sitting at my blog trying to figure out something interesting to write and realising that, in reality, there is not much to say - when the door bell rang.
Who should be at the door but a French boy selling paintings!
I explained that I couldn't buy any of them - being a "povo" student as well but, none-the-less, I got taken for a tour of France through the eyes of a French artist. ahem! sorry - artiste!
The Eiffel Tower, Provence, and modern French art. It was all there.
My only regret is that I didn't try out the little French I know, just to see if I could sustain a semi-conversation!
Now I understand that this doesn't really qualify as something interesting but I'm sure all my friends who know of my long love affair with all things French - will understand the significance of this moment.
*pause to take in significance*
hmmmmm, tres bien!!
Who should be at the door but a French boy selling paintings!
I explained that I couldn't buy any of them - being a "povo" student as well but, none-the-less, I got taken for a tour of France through the eyes of a French artist. ahem! sorry - artiste!
The Eiffel Tower, Provence, and modern French art. It was all there.
My only regret is that I didn't try out the little French I know, just to see if I could sustain a semi-conversation!
Now I understand that this doesn't really qualify as something interesting but I'm sure all my friends who know of my long love affair with all things French - will understand the significance of this moment.
*pause to take in significance*
hmmmmm, tres bien!!
Monday, July 21, 2008
A Picture of Intellectual Brilliance.
As I sit to compose this non-masterpiece of literature, it strikes me that for every somewhat brilliant thing I do - there is an equal or opposite reaction in the chemistry of my brain.
This can be seen in the following example extracted from my recent placement experience.
Brilliant moment - seeing a patient who had been incorrectly diagnosed and actually figuring out what the right diagnosis was (yeah, doesn't happen very often!)
Reaction moment - asking (remember this is a hospital) "you don't think they'd have any band aids do you?"
My intellect baffles even me at times!!
In spite of my moments of complete stupidity - I did actually manage to learn much from my experiences on prac. I've now written "highly exudating ulcer" on a medical report (yes, this was a report on a consult I was actually present at....), and I've bandaged many patients......
But perhaps the golden moment was the report that included the words "faecal matter".......oh the joys of medicine and health!
This can be seen in the following example extracted from my recent placement experience.
Brilliant moment - seeing a patient who had been incorrectly diagnosed and actually figuring out what the right diagnosis was (yeah, doesn't happen very often!)
Reaction moment - asking (remember this is a hospital) "you don't think they'd have any band aids do you?"
My intellect baffles even me at times!!
In spite of my moments of complete stupidity - I did actually manage to learn much from my experiences on prac. I've now written "highly exudating ulcer" on a medical report (yes, this was a report on a consult I was actually present at....), and I've bandaged many patients......
But perhaps the golden moment was the report that included the words "faecal matter".......oh the joys of medicine and health!
Sunday, July 13, 2008
A new attempt
Here is another "original". I do not pretend it has skill or technique - but it is an attempt.....
The Resolute Traveler
Each morning when I rise
As rays light up the sky,
In the darkness of the night
When sleep takes me from the light,
As I sing with the euphoria of life
Or when doubt and pain give me strife,
When my heart gives way
In my darkest of days
Or I sink beneath the murky flood:
A stale mixture of sweat and blood,
When I have fought with all my strength to live
And given of my self all there is to give
Then with tired hands I reach to the One
Where mercy is found and forgiveness done.
For there is no merit that is my own,
But only what Christ has done that leads me home.
Friday, July 11, 2008
Winter Escapades
Here is a little something by my "friend" Robert Frost. I consider it highly appropriate considering the time of year.....and my frame of mind.
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
Whose woods these are I think I know,
His house is in the village though.
He will not see me stopping here,
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer,
To stop without a farmhouse near,
Between the woods and frozen lake,
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake,
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep,
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
-- Robert Frost
Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening
Whose woods these are I think I know,
His house is in the village though.
He will not see me stopping here,
To watch his woods fill up with snow.
My little horse must think it queer,
To stop without a farmhouse near,
Between the woods and frozen lake,
The darkest evening of the year.
He gives his harness bells a shake,
To ask if there is some mistake.
The only other sound's the sweep,
Of easy wind and downy flake.
The woods are lovely, dark and deep,
But I have promises to keep,
And miles to go before I sleep,
And miles to go before I sleep.
-- Robert Frost
Tuesday, July 01, 2008
Changing the World
Reading through the last few blogs has highlighted to me the fact that I seem to use the word "truancy" a lot. I have to be honest that this is because I have an inability to spell "absence" correctly, so after checking the dictionary and thesaurus I have decided that this cannot happen again.
So currently, I am enjoying the warmer weather in Brisvegas, sitting in the middle of a rather awesome four poster bed, in the company of a very loyal dog. (no hidden metaphors there - it is exactly as it is written.)
Here is something I wrote on a day much like today in 2006.
I sat in a park and contemplated all the things I wanted to achieve in the future. I was surprised to find that many of the things I valued growing up had changed and matured.
But the desire to "change the world" was, and is, still there.
Thoughts And Feelings From This Day (yeah, I really need to get more creative with the titles!)
Bright rays of glory
shine through from above.
The clouds which so frequently line the skies,
all but a memory of days gone by.
Looking to the future and daring to hope
that one day these dreams,
small and feeble as they are now,
will be realised.
For every dream's hope
is to become reality,
and then from reality,
to change the world.
So currently, I am enjoying the warmer weather in Brisvegas, sitting in the middle of a rather awesome four poster bed, in the company of a very loyal dog. (no hidden metaphors there - it is exactly as it is written.)
Here is something I wrote on a day much like today in 2006.
I sat in a park and contemplated all the things I wanted to achieve in the future. I was surprised to find that many of the things I valued growing up had changed and matured.
But the desire to "change the world" was, and is, still there.
Thoughts And Feelings From This Day (yeah, I really need to get more creative with the titles!)
Bright rays of glory
shine through from above.
The clouds which so frequently line the skies,
all but a memory of days gone by.
Looking to the future and daring to hope
that one day these dreams,
small and feeble as they are now,
will be realised.
For every dream's hope
is to become reality,
and then from reality,
to change the world.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Truth and humility
With the rare phenomenon of free time that I have now it occurred to me that perhaps writing on my blog again would be a good idea. (and also in response to anon's comment...thankyou, I'm glad my work is appreciated!)
My long truancy from the blogging world has been brought on by the ever changing technological age in which we live - in other words I've spent all my time on facebook.
So with a head full of new thoughts and a journal with new "lyrics" to share I'm back in the blogging world again.
Here is something new from the depths of my mind that ticks over on matters of eternity.
HUMBLE, TRUTHFUL THOUGHTS
I am reminded that I am not in control.
You shape me,
You make me
all that I am.
I was trapped in death
I was sapped of power and strength.
But you released me
You freed me
Making me yours alone.
I think to myself
"I am invincible
I am capable of anything"
Yet you humble me,
You give and take,
for any power in this world
is not mine
but yours.
I am reminded that all I am -
you have made
you have purchased
you have loved.
I am who I am because it was your will.
My long truancy from the blogging world has been brought on by the ever changing technological age in which we live - in other words I've spent all my time on facebook.
So with a head full of new thoughts and a journal with new "lyrics" to share I'm back in the blogging world again.
Here is something new from the depths of my mind that ticks over on matters of eternity.
HUMBLE, TRUTHFUL THOUGHTS
I am reminded that I am not in control.
You shape me,
You make me
all that I am.
I was trapped in death
I was sapped of power and strength.
But you released me
You freed me
Making me yours alone.
I think to myself
"I am invincible
I am capable of anything"
Yet you humble me,
You give and take,
for any power in this world
is not mine
but yours.
I am reminded that all I am -
you have made
you have purchased
you have loved.
I am who I am because it was your will.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Subject: Study
Current status: Hungry
Current position: Uni computer labs
Current cognitive function: little to none
Subject is tired and a little depressed. This condition was brought on from lack of sleep, sore back and overstudy. Finding time to eat is currently a problem and if sugary sustenance is not provided in next hour, malnutrition will follow. This will result in silliness and an inability to concentrate through the final lecture of the day. Subject requesting a change in scenery and workload. Perhaps this will induce sleep.
Current position: Uni computer labs
Current cognitive function: little to none
Subject is tired and a little depressed. This condition was brought on from lack of sleep, sore back and overstudy. Finding time to eat is currently a problem and if sugary sustenance is not provided in next hour, malnutrition will follow. This will result in silliness and an inability to concentrate through the final lecture of the day. Subject requesting a change in scenery and workload. Perhaps this will induce sleep.
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Holidays
What a holiday! I must apologise for the slackness of my updates. I could cite excuses but really I have just been enjoying holidays. It has been great to have a much needed rest from study and it seems hard to believe that in a few days time I will be back studying anatomy and other interesting subjects.
And where have I been? What have I been doing?
I left Sydney behind for the beautiful scenery and lifestyle of the country. Tamworth was first point of call. Visiting old friends and reading. And coffee. Then it was back to Sydney to get ready for a week of MYC in Kurrajong. It was a great week spent in good fellowship with new friends and learning lots! It was cold and I had to spend a week parted from my coffee - although a small group of people would 'sneak' into to town everyday for the daily dose of caffiene!
And so I am back in Sydney. Enjoying the last days of my break. Drinking coffee, inhabiting cafes in the area, reading books, watching Anne of Green Gables (and then feeling homesick for the country - Anne of Green Gables always makes me homesick for the country!)
In spite of this I am looking forward to many more adventures this term - especially starting anatomy!! Here's to more learning!
And where have I been? What have I been doing?
I left Sydney behind for the beautiful scenery and lifestyle of the country. Tamworth was first point of call. Visiting old friends and reading. And coffee. Then it was back to Sydney to get ready for a week of MYC in Kurrajong. It was a great week spent in good fellowship with new friends and learning lots! It was cold and I had to spend a week parted from my coffee - although a small group of people would 'sneak' into to town everyday for the daily dose of caffiene!
And so I am back in Sydney. Enjoying the last days of my break. Drinking coffee, inhabiting cafes in the area, reading books, watching Anne of Green Gables (and then feeling homesick for the country - Anne of Green Gables always makes me homesick for the country!)
In spite of this I am looking forward to many more adventures this term - especially starting anatomy!! Here's to more learning!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Colds and study
I have to quickly upate people on the subject of my globe. A few posts ago I mentioned that I had purchased a globe. Yes, it only cost $2.50 but it reminded me of "stationery shopping gone berserk". Well, since then the little globe (affectionately known as Albert) has shown it's worth.
The moment of glory came at the time of the Eurovision song contest. L'il Miss and I spent the entire show with Albert guiding us to countries we didn't know existed - (and unfortunately even with some we did know about, but weren't sure where they were.)
Some countries even Albert didn't know of - but, let's face it, when you're only worth $2.50 you can't have every country listed!
And now for something completely different.....
In Tamworth and enjoying the nice cold weather (and a nice bit of cold and flu that goes along with it!).
Yes, it has felt like a haze today trying to study biochemistry. My head is hurting, I am feverish, and I have a sore throat (not to mention the dizziness and fatigue!)
Whether these symptoms are purely the cold/flu or wether I would be feeling like this simply because I was studying chemistry is still up for debate!
The funny thing about being home is that I have to remember that shops keep "country" hours. I finish my study at 6:30pm and decide that I will wander up the street to see what's open and have a break from study.
Nothing but Coles is open.
So the most exciting part of my day is that I managed to buy some cold and flu tablets.....yay.
Onto the fun subject of Sociology tomorrow and who knows what lies beyond? (actually I do. It's Psychology.....again - yay.)
In spite of all that, it is good to be home and having a break from the craziness and non-stop hyperactivity of Sydney.
For all my stu-vac friends out there - if you have finished reading this.......
Stop procrastinationg and get back to study!!!
The moment of glory came at the time of the Eurovision song contest. L'il Miss and I spent the entire show with Albert guiding us to countries we didn't know existed - (and unfortunately even with some we did know about, but weren't sure where they were.)
Some countries even Albert didn't know of - but, let's face it, when you're only worth $2.50 you can't have every country listed!
And now for something completely different.....
In Tamworth and enjoying the nice cold weather (and a nice bit of cold and flu that goes along with it!).
Yes, it has felt like a haze today trying to study biochemistry. My head is hurting, I am feverish, and I have a sore throat (not to mention the dizziness and fatigue!)
Whether these symptoms are purely the cold/flu or wether I would be feeling like this simply because I was studying chemistry is still up for debate!
The funny thing about being home is that I have to remember that shops keep "country" hours. I finish my study at 6:30pm and decide that I will wander up the street to see what's open and have a break from study.
Nothing but Coles is open.
So the most exciting part of my day is that I managed to buy some cold and flu tablets.....yay.
Onto the fun subject of Sociology tomorrow and who knows what lies beyond? (actually I do. It's Psychology.....again - yay.)
In spite of all that, it is good to be home and having a break from the craziness and non-stop hyperactivity of Sydney.
For all my stu-vac friends out there - if you have finished reading this.......
Stop procrastinationg and get back to study!!!
Thursday, June 07, 2007
"Those" weeks......
Well, here I am again, getting back into the once-a-week-blog-update-routine.
And what a day to do it.
I should preface this by saying that what happened this morning has been the whole tone of my week. It's been (as we say) one of "those" weeks.
Murphy's stupid law has been the bain of my existence!
This morning I tried to go to uni on time and not miss my last psych lecture. It was raining - so far ok.
Just as I walked out the door it got worse.
Now, when I say worse I'm talking "Noah in the Ark forty days and forty nights" worse. I practically needed a boat to sail my way down to the train station. It was torrential!
Not phased by this sudden burst I decided to brave the 5 min walk and just head to uni as originally planned. By the time I got to the station it had gotten even worse(if that was indeed possible) and my shoes had little pools of water in them. It was frustrating, to say the least! I had missed my train and now needed to go home and change before I developed hypothermia (ok so that part is a little over-dramatic but work with me people, let's not let truth get in the way of a good story!)
I turned around and had walked about 10 metres (here is the icing on the cake) the rain suddenly eased like someone had turned off the tap and a light, gentle sprinkle had replaced the tempest that was raging.
To say I was annoyed is a huge understatement!
The one redeeming factor, so it seems, is that I now have something to write about and can update my blog.
So here is the update of my mundane existence this week. I could tell you the other stories of this week such as, the adventure of the car boot that wouldn't open (and had computers locked inside for two days), the printer that ran out of ink halfway through printing a 16 page 70% final assignment, or perhaps even the power going off and the morning that there was no hot water - but I think, perhaps, you've all got the picture.......
It's just been one of "those" weeks.
And what a day to do it.
I should preface this by saying that what happened this morning has been the whole tone of my week. It's been (as we say) one of "those" weeks.
Murphy's stupid law has been the bain of my existence!
This morning I tried to go to uni on time and not miss my last psych lecture. It was raining - so far ok.
Just as I walked out the door it got worse.
Now, when I say worse I'm talking "Noah in the Ark forty days and forty nights" worse. I practically needed a boat to sail my way down to the train station. It was torrential!
Not phased by this sudden burst I decided to brave the 5 min walk and just head to uni as originally planned. By the time I got to the station it had gotten even worse(if that was indeed possible) and my shoes had little pools of water in them. It was frustrating, to say the least! I had missed my train and now needed to go home and change before I developed hypothermia (ok so that part is a little over-dramatic but work with me people, let's not let truth get in the way of a good story!)
I turned around and had walked about 10 metres (here is the icing on the cake) the rain suddenly eased like someone had turned off the tap and a light, gentle sprinkle had replaced the tempest that was raging.
To say I was annoyed is a huge understatement!
The one redeeming factor, so it seems, is that I now have something to write about and can update my blog.
So here is the update of my mundane existence this week. I could tell you the other stories of this week such as, the adventure of the car boot that wouldn't open (and had computers locked inside for two days), the printer that ran out of ink halfway through printing a 16 page 70% final assignment, or perhaps even the power going off and the morning that there was no hot water - but I think, perhaps, you've all got the picture.......
It's just been one of "those" weeks.
Thursday, May 31, 2007
I could write about the fact that it has been so long since I last wrote on my blog, that I had forgotten all my sign in details and spent the last 30 mins trying many different combinations to get in - ovbiously I finally cracked the codes made up by my simplistic brain. The answer was so simple and obvious but for some reason I wanted to make it more complicated than it really was! Yes, I could write more about this - but I wont.
Here are some answers to FAQ's about my recent truancy from the blogging world and what has been happening in the other areas of my life.
1. Where have I been?
I have been studying - doing work. Trying to expand the horizon on my brain scape.
2. How is OT going?
Good. Yesterday I taught someone how to use a walking stick properly. I am still working on the wheelchair part. Surprisingly, I can lift it up and down kerbs ok (provided the person in it isn't huge). It's actually the steering I have troubles with. I can't seem to get it to go where I want! I've been practising with the wheelie bins at home but they are not much easier and I am often horrified by the results - let's just say I don't want any patients ending up like the wheelie bins!
But don't be afraid - I am improving!
3. What about the massages?
See a physio, it's what they do.
4. I heard you are learning counselling, can you therapise me?
Maybe, let's wait until after I pass before I try to help and end up psychologically damaging you instead!
5. What's your campus like?
Great! Out of the city and next to a cemetery - less people around and lots of resources for anatomy! (yes, that was a very poor joke - lets face it, someone else would have gone there even if I hadn't!)
6. What do you do when you're not at uni?
My hillbilly music group called "Blackeyed Fred and the Chicken Drumsticks" is going on tour.
Blackeyed Fred plays a mean spoons solo.
KIDDING!
Truth is that I haven't had heaps of free time which is why it has taken me so long to write on my blog! But I am hoping for some Pirate fun soon, when I go to see the new "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie. ahr! Actually - funny story time - I did one of those test thingy's to find out what my ideal jobs was and, apparently, my ideal job would be a Pirate! YAY!
7. Has it all been good then?
No, there have been some hard and sad moments this semester.
I said goodbye to a good friend at the airport last week. The good side is that I now have another wonderful "Canuck" friend and am hoping to visit Canada - when I have more money!
8. Are you and your house mates still sane?
No
9. Is the house still standing?
Yes
10. Was the last episode of Angel Season 5 good?
No, it was frustrating and I don't understand what happened.
Hope that covers all bases people! Hopefully I'll post again soon!
Here are some answers to FAQ's about my recent truancy from the blogging world and what has been happening in the other areas of my life.
1. Where have I been?
I have been studying - doing work. Trying to expand the horizon on my brain scape.
2. How is OT going?
Good. Yesterday I taught someone how to use a walking stick properly. I am still working on the wheelchair part. Surprisingly, I can lift it up and down kerbs ok (provided the person in it isn't huge). It's actually the steering I have troubles with. I can't seem to get it to go where I want! I've been practising with the wheelie bins at home but they are not much easier and I am often horrified by the results - let's just say I don't want any patients ending up like the wheelie bins!
But don't be afraid - I am improving!
3. What about the massages?
See a physio, it's what they do.
4. I heard you are learning counselling, can you therapise me?
Maybe, let's wait until after I pass before I try to help and end up psychologically damaging you instead!
5. What's your campus like?
Great! Out of the city and next to a cemetery - less people around and lots of resources for anatomy! (yes, that was a very poor joke - lets face it, someone else would have gone there even if I hadn't!)
6. What do you do when you're not at uni?
My hillbilly music group called "Blackeyed Fred and the Chicken Drumsticks" is going on tour.
Blackeyed Fred plays a mean spoons solo.
KIDDING!
Truth is that I haven't had heaps of free time which is why it has taken me so long to write on my blog! But I am hoping for some Pirate fun soon, when I go to see the new "Pirates of the Caribbean" movie. ahr! Actually - funny story time - I did one of those test thingy's to find out what my ideal jobs was and, apparently, my ideal job would be a Pirate! YAY!
7. Has it all been good then?
No, there have been some hard and sad moments this semester.
I said goodbye to a good friend at the airport last week. The good side is that I now have another wonderful "Canuck" friend and am hoping to visit Canada - when I have more money!
8. Are you and your house mates still sane?
No
9. Is the house still standing?
Yes
10. Was the last episode of Angel Season 5 good?
No, it was frustrating and I don't understand what happened.
Hope that covers all bases people! Hopefully I'll post again soon!
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Coffee Up!
Things have returned to normal in the house of never-ending-hot-drinks. There is coffee in the coffee pot, there are 3-5 different types of tea to choose from and there is also a hot-chocolate option.......YAY!!
My geeky plan to stay on top of all my paperwork at uni is slowley crumbling to dust! Following prac there is now a huge amount of extra stuff to do on top of all the assignments coming up - EEEK!!! I thought it would be different the second degree around but apparently I was wrong!
To make matters worse I am home sick today!!
Super Immuno Girl met her waterloo not with hep B or tetanus or any of the things she was vaccinated against - NO - it was the common cold. Like a pebble in the shoe, like a pea in the bed (I can't think of any other dodgey analogies?!).
The most common thing in the world brought her to her knees. (Dramatic isn't it?)
Well, at least I can work on assignments at home and not feel too guilty about missing class!
And speaking of prac........(hey, it's a segway even if it is dodgey!!)
OT is Great!!!!! I love it!! There is so much to do and people to meet. I enjoyed doing home visits and talking with elderly patients. It was awesome! I got to wander 'round RPA hospital and read some pretty heavy "researchy" type stuff on the brain.
I have also discovered that, even when I finish uni the paperwork will not be over! For every action you take (seeing, meeting, treating patients) there is an equal (and usually greater) rection in the form of piles of paperwork! I'll be writing reports for the rest of my life - AAAHHH!!!
I was asked yesterday how OT compares to doing a music degree. That is a very interesting question. It's hard to compare the two (science and arts I mean.) but I guess the main difference is that I can do assignments at home in privacy without having a concert hall full of people writing comments on me!!
There's something refreshing about being known as "Bec, that chick from the wheelchair class" as opposed to "Bec, clarinet player who muffed up that technical passage in the 1st movement of the Mozart clarinet concerto" (issues here maybe???)
Ah, the joys of anonymity!
My geeky plan to stay on top of all my paperwork at uni is slowley crumbling to dust! Following prac there is now a huge amount of extra stuff to do on top of all the assignments coming up - EEEK!!! I thought it would be different the second degree around but apparently I was wrong!
To make matters worse I am home sick today!!
Super Immuno Girl met her waterloo not with hep B or tetanus or any of the things she was vaccinated against - NO - it was the common cold. Like a pebble in the shoe, like a pea in the bed (I can't think of any other dodgey analogies?!).
The most common thing in the world brought her to her knees. (Dramatic isn't it?)
Well, at least I can work on assignments at home and not feel too guilty about missing class!
And speaking of prac........(hey, it's a segway even if it is dodgey!!)
OT is Great!!!!! I love it!! There is so much to do and people to meet. I enjoyed doing home visits and talking with elderly patients. It was awesome! I got to wander 'round RPA hospital and read some pretty heavy "researchy" type stuff on the brain.
I have also discovered that, even when I finish uni the paperwork will not be over! For every action you take (seeing, meeting, treating patients) there is an equal (and usually greater) rection in the form of piles of paperwork! I'll be writing reports for the rest of my life - AAAHHH!!!
I was asked yesterday how OT compares to doing a music degree. That is a very interesting question. It's hard to compare the two (science and arts I mean.) but I guess the main difference is that I can do assignments at home in privacy without having a concert hall full of people writing comments on me!!
There's something refreshing about being known as "Bec, that chick from the wheelchair class" as opposed to "Bec, clarinet player who muffed up that technical passage in the 1st movement of the Mozart clarinet concerto" (issues here maybe???)
Ah, the joys of anonymity!
Friday, April 06, 2007
My Favourite Things
A tragedgy has happened in the house of never ending hot drinks.
The coffee supply has run out!
I hope and trust that the enormity of this crisis is recognised by my friends one and all as I sit here in my weakened state, contemplating the possibility of - gasp! - instant coffee. *wail*
This is one thing (among quite a few things) that I am starting to miss about work (coffee never runs out at work - the caffiene fairies replenish the stocks before that happens)
I never thought I would miss work at all but there are definately perks to joining the rat race. (Let's face it, they have to provide ample compensation for spending time more time with random work colleagues than you do with your own family!)
So here are; "My Favourite Things": A comprehensive (though not exhaustive list) of the perks of working life.
- Please note this is not a whinging session, merely a nostalgic trek through pleasant times.....
Cakes in the morning,
and on people's birthdays,
Bright coloured pencils,
and neat looking pen trays,
Lunches at Starkey's, the lunches I eat!
These are a few of my favourite things.
Trips in the work car,
to pick up nice treats,
Nice bags and hats,
to wear up the street,
Golden brown coffee beans, roasted and fine,
Making esesspresso, oh what a great time!
When the job sucks,
When my back hurts,
When the Boss makes me sad,
I simply walk up to the coffee machine,
and then I don't feel so bad.
The coffee supply has run out!
I hope and trust that the enormity of this crisis is recognised by my friends one and all as I sit here in my weakened state, contemplating the possibility of - gasp! - instant coffee. *wail*
This is one thing (among quite a few things) that I am starting to miss about work (coffee never runs out at work - the caffiene fairies replenish the stocks before that happens)
I never thought I would miss work at all but there are definately perks to joining the rat race. (Let's face it, they have to provide ample compensation for spending time more time with random work colleagues than you do with your own family!)
So here are; "My Favourite Things": A comprehensive (though not exhaustive list) of the perks of working life.
- Please note this is not a whinging session, merely a nostalgic trek through pleasant times.....
Cakes in the morning,
and on people's birthdays,
Bright coloured pencils,
and neat looking pen trays,
Lunches at Starkey's, the lunches I eat!
These are a few of my favourite things.
Trips in the work car,
to pick up nice treats,
Nice bags and hats,
to wear up the street,
Golden brown coffee beans, roasted and fine,
Making esesspresso, oh what a great time!
When the job sucks,
When my back hurts,
When the Boss makes me sad,
I simply walk up to the coffee machine,
and then I don't feel so bad.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
The Adventures Of Imuno Girl
I have spent a day 'on the edge'. Exciting things have happened.
Today I got vaccinated and I bought my very first 'OT' text book!!!!
Admittedly this doesn't bear much simlarity to "adventure".
Hopefully I'll get a life between now and the next time I post........
Today I got vaccinated and I bought my very first 'OT' text book!!!!
Admittedly this doesn't bear much simlarity to "adventure".
Hopefully I'll get a life between now and the next time I post........
Friday, March 16, 2007
Exposition of a Weekend (and other unrelated material)
I have a globe. A reminder of stationery shopping gone berserk. Not that I dislike globes, I got this one because I like to know where everything is in relation to everything else......(I think it's called geography.)
But I sat down at the computer today and thought, "wow, I have a globe. That's really the most useless item of stationery I have bought."
(I have no segway so it's now time for a rather abrupt subject change)
Well, it's Friday, "fun" - day or "Thank God It's Finally Arrived" - day.
Whichever catergory you fall into you are probably planning your night of fun. Friday night's are great because no matter how wrecked you are the next day you still have the extra day up your sleeve to recover. ( Please note, I shan't be too wrecked this week - not having any social engagments and all)
Saturday tends to be a "dead - zone", the world is a haze of fatigue and bewilderment and yet there is that vague sensation that you ought to be making the most of that "Free" time. Cramming in bungy-jumping, surfing, rock climbing, parachuting, helping rebuild orphanges in Mexico and Russia, solving global warming, and training for the next olympics on the off chance your assitance is needed.
However strong this sensation feels, that "black hole" of numbness results in the intake of much caffeinated beverages, staring out windows, wondering why nobody calls to invite you out and realising that the phone works both ways (but really you couldn't be bothered to make the effort).
Something happens between Saturday and Sunday.
Sunday, the "day of hope and anticipation". This day is bittersweet. Out of your comatose state you are ready to enjoy the benefits of being relaxed but this blissful state is undermined by thought of Monday (otherwise known as "BITE ME" - day)
And so the cycle goes on.......
But I sat down at the computer today and thought, "wow, I have a globe. That's really the most useless item of stationery I have bought."
(I have no segway so it's now time for a rather abrupt subject change)
Well, it's Friday, "fun" - day or "Thank God It's Finally Arrived" - day.
Whichever catergory you fall into you are probably planning your night of fun. Friday night's are great because no matter how wrecked you are the next day you still have the extra day up your sleeve to recover. ( Please note, I shan't be too wrecked this week - not having any social engagments and all)
Saturday tends to be a "dead - zone", the world is a haze of fatigue and bewilderment and yet there is that vague sensation that you ought to be making the most of that "Free" time. Cramming in bungy-jumping, surfing, rock climbing, parachuting, helping rebuild orphanges in Mexico and Russia, solving global warming, and training for the next olympics on the off chance your assitance is needed.
However strong this sensation feels, that "black hole" of numbness results in the intake of much caffeinated beverages, staring out windows, wondering why nobody calls to invite you out and realising that the phone works both ways (but really you couldn't be bothered to make the effort).
Something happens between Saturday and Sunday.
Sunday, the "day of hope and anticipation". This day is bittersweet. Out of your comatose state you are ready to enjoy the benefits of being relaxed but this blissful state is undermined by thought of Monday (otherwise known as "BITE ME" - day)
And so the cycle goes on.......
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