Sydney Australia

Here is a picture from Bondi beach in Sydney.

Go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/alycepaige/ to see the rest.

Thanksgiving 2010 Snapshots

Rain Rain go away

This was on our way back from vacation. We sat in standstill for an hour. A nice Aussie "highway"

Airlie Beach

Here is a little video from todays adventure. There are not alot because it was raining all day. Snorkeling was fun...no underwater pics because didnt have a camera...so overall good day with good people but I guess it will stay in my mind rather than being able to share with you.

Starbucks

So we are going on vacation so I figure I will see where the nearest Starbucks was to where we are going. Cause first half of vacation Nat will be working so Ill be bored during day at hotel, i figure a good starbucks would help. Disappointment.
Queensland is a state in Australia about the same size as the entire east coast and midwest combined. In that ENTIRE area there are 8 starbucks. EIGHT!!!
Fortunately we live in Brisbane where I know where 2 of those are and sometimes go out of my way to go there. Its really hard to believe that there are 8 in such a large area, considering in LA there were starbucks across the street from each other. Those 8 are within a 50 miles radius...mainly tourist spots.
Australians basically boycotted Starbucks because they came in and set up everywhere and Australian's were like "how the hell do you think you are...you arent real coffee...we like our local cafes so get out" I have asked several Australians about Starbucks...they most all curl up their noses and say "gross" They must only really exist for us American Expats...and those few aussies that either like the coffee, or want to be cooler by drinking it. =)

thats it

Mental Holiday

I have this week off for semester break. A much needed mental holiday. This semester is kicking my ass and after prac and the possibility of wanting to get graduate program in ICU it's also bears the added weigh of keeping my GPA up. Australian grading score is weird. I currently have a 6 out of 7 which I equate as a B but apparently it's really good. I have to have higher than 5.5 to get into program. The first week of one of my classes they went on and on about how so many people failed...thus to added stress. I suppose I did ok on the paper but we shall see what my tutor thinks.
So this week I am not doing anything and it's driving me mad now. I am bored. Thought about doing some prework for next couple weeks but then my head starts to hurt just thinking about it. I guess I should take advantage of this time while I have it.
Hard to believe this time next year I will be a practicing RN ( or rather have a license but at a wedding). It's gone by really fast. But now the semester is dragging!! I think my final exam is November 8th so I still feel like I have a long way to go. Today I booked a vacation to whitsundays. We were debating Fiji but just got too pricey. It's up my grand barrier reef and I have no doubt it will be beautiful. So something to look forward to. Other than that. Nothing too exciting. Just me studying and writing papers till then.
I would like to get a job soon cause spending 3 months with no school or work with definitely drive me into mad house. So I guess pray I find some work as assistant nurse somewhere, for my sanity and my pocket book

Love u all
c.ALIce

For the anxiously awaiting...

So I am going to assume that my avid readers are anxiously sitting and waiting for my grandious blog entry about my life. Well here it is, but I warn you, its really not THAT spectacular.
Hmm, where to begin? Well I am currently taking a mental break from thinking about this stupid assignment. Its a really difficult assignment, but its also very simple. I think I am overthinking it so I am letting all the information I have read sink in so I can sit down and write it in my own words, although it will sound like its for the layman, it will show understanding right? Its actually not that bad of an assignment and really interesting, but the lecturer and tutor basically told us that more than half of last semester students failed, so there is that added amount of stress and pressure. Although I now think they were just trying to scare us, or speaking to the "not so bright" population. Its been a really full on semester compared to last semester. I barely remember last semester!! Its like a haze.
But on to the fun stuff!! I finished prac more than a week ago. BY FAR the best prac I have ever had. My facilitator was one of those people that loved to teach and very motivated to give us every oppurtunity to learn during the four weeks. She had a great rapport with the nurses and it made such a difference to their reception towards us. The other girls I was with were very bright and enthusiastic which just hyped up the morale and confidence to get stuck into it. I was on an ICU ward, which is very different from a general ward. The patients were way more complex and interesting. Its funny, the last couple semesters they talk about how to do certain cares, then you get on placement and its nothing like that. But this ward really put all the theory and information into practice so it all started to click. The culture within the ward was very fun, relaxed yet focused and extrememly knowledgable. The nurses were brilliant!! They were so willing ot challenge our critical thinking and to share their knowledge and give us oppurtunities to do what we had talked about. It has really made me think about going straight into ICU because I had such a great experience there. I asked the nurses on the ward and it was sorta 50/50 whether to start out in ward to get experience or go straight into ICU. Its different kind of nursing i think. I really like the one on one with the patient and sorta a more controlled environment. I of course developed my favorite patient and followed him up until last day. I only had him one day, but he was lovely so I would stop by and check on his progress. The last day I got a hug from his wife with tears and a genuine thank you...so fantastic!! There were also some trajedies and sad stories and deaths. Fortunately I dealt with all that very well, so I am confident I would be a great ICU nurse. Who knows though...I still have a couple more pracs to go. SO far I have liked them all for different reason, and thats a good sign!!
Its already more than halfway through this semester, then I will be off till February next year. I really dont like these long breaks, I fear I will forget everything I learned. I would really like to get a job though. I want to have some experience under my belt, even if its working for a nursing home or something. I think that will help me develop my skills further and be more prepared in the future, and PASS THE TIME!! I worked last summer and it really helped to have a little income and something to do.
I had a great girls night last night with Fliss, Sarah, Cort, Carol and Becks. They are a great group of girls that I would like to get to know better, but just havent really had the oppurtunities. I have hung out with them 3-4 times. I think if I start going to church at Metro then I will see them more often, its just doing it, ya know? Other than them, I have made some other good friendships with girls from uni. Its nice to be connected, I think it makes a major difference in my life.
Marriage is fine, no big dramas. We have been unsuccessful in our pursuits to get pregnant, but now thats on hiatus because of Carols wedding. I am not going to promise not to be with child, but I also dont really want to be 8 months pregnant on my last weeks of uni. I guess we will wait a little longer. I am not so sure I am ready yet anyway, but I dont think I ever will be...so if it happens it happens. Nat has been busy at work and taking some trips to do training. I think its good for him to get away and have a little change of scenery and job responsibilities. He really likes his job and his bosses which I think makes a big difference. He has been given some challenging projects that he really enjoys. So as long as he is happy and the company is happy with him, we will be here in Australia (or wherever else they might send him).
We got our house in east peoria rented out. Vanessa, Hope, Steve and Arron worked really hard to get it ready for new tenants. I dont know what I would have done if I didnt have them. The new renters arent moving in till mid septemeber but we have deposit and signed lease and Hope seems to think they will be a good fit and take good care of it. I am just glad I have someone else paying the mortgage. I think we would have preferred to sell it and get out from under it, but I am happy to still have it to fall back on =)
I think thats about it. I really need to upload my sydney pics. I am trying to put together a video slide show but just havent had time yet. I might attempt that tonight, but highly doubt it.
love you all
c.ALIce

Arent we just adorable

Here we are in Sydney. Behind us you can see opera house and harbour bridge. I was surprised that the opera house is actually 3 seperate buildings. We could have climbed the harbour bridge, but we climbed the similiar on in Brisbane and since you cant take photos, its sorta a waste of money...=)

Here is a little video for you...i have vowed not to be video person anymore...i dont have a steady hand and I am too fast...so sorry about that. Hope it doesnt give you too much of a headache.






I am going to try to find some free video editing software so i can make a mini video of best shots...with music...ya know, when i get time...

its close...

Here is the Story Bridge in Brisbane





And now, the Brent Spence in Cincinnati

Eery similairities...

So these are pictures of buildings in Brisbane....



This are the Ascent Condominiums in Covington (but close enough to Cincinnati skyline to count)



Whatca think?

interesting

There are approximately 4.5 million people living in Sydney Metropolitan area (700 Square miles). Interesting that there is 4.5 million people in the entire STATE of Queensland (look at map, its huge with about 667,000 square miles). Of that 4.5 million....about 2 million (2/3rds) live in Brisbane City (817 square miles). Therefore the additional 666,200 square miles holds the other 2.5 million). It is estimated that approximately 16,000 people move to Brisbane per year.

For perspective...
There are nearly...
8 million people in New York
4 million people in Los Angeles
3 million people in Chicago
333200 people in Cincinnati city limits (76.9 Square miles)
900K in Hamilton County (413 square miles)

So Brisbane is nearly 7X larger than Cincinnati...

fun at pki

Two words

I rock....


chrissi alice

bog...a blog

Its pretty awesome that I can sit on the bus and type up a blog and I am sure you all are so happy about that. I think I love my new compact vaio. I don’t have much to report….but I guess I do. I have made a new friend. He is awesome. His name is Vaughn and he makes me laugh all the time. He is also in my nursing course and we ended up getting a lot of classes and tutorials together. Although no one can replace Nina, he is a suitable replacement. Its funny, we were talking the other day and he said he thought I was rude the first time I met him. I guess that means I thought we were fast friends =) Cause most people that think I am a bitch at first learn to love me!! I am happy to have found him…although he is not a “study buddy” really. I cant seem to get anything productive accomplished, but that’s cause I am too busy laughing. I feel very safe to be myself around him, and that is good for me.
I have been doing some research in regards to what I need to have done before I come back to states in regards to nursing. I know that I am required to take NCLEX but there are certain “rules” or curriculum that needs to be accomplished in order to qualify with foreign education to be able to take it. I am trying to be proactive so that when we move back I can seamlessly take test and get job. It’s a little discouraging because my program is not up to par with US programs. So because of that, and various other reasons, Nat and I have (tentatively, depending on opportunity) decided to stay in Australia for four years minimum. That gives us time to be able to take advantage of all it has to offer. Nat doesn’t get vacation time until May and I will be in school until next July so it makes it hard to really do much. We are trying to move closer to city so we will have more oppurtunites to “play” Everything is still up in the air but overall it’s a decision that helps me to cope with the uneasiness that comes with being “dislocated” – It relieves some stress of graduating and then moving and starting all over again…gives me a little time to have a solid nursing work experience before I head back to states. It also allows Nat to really learn at his job and invest in projects. I don’t see myself here in 20 years, but one day at a time…ya never know. Also gives me time to get into graduate nursing program and make up any hours I may need in order to be able to take NCLEX (ie maternity and peds are not part of my program unless I decide to add midwifery and another year of study).
Good news!! I found a starbucks that is semi-easy to access. There are only 2-3 in Brisbane and none are remotely close to me. But I found one in a hospital on my way to school (when I get the priviledge of driving) and they make the BEST white chocolate mochas!! There was one downtown I tried but there WCMs were gross. It’s a delight I give myself once or twice a month. It’s the little things people!!
So the countdown has begin until I come back to the states. I will graduate in July 2011 and Carol is getting married in September so I figure why get a job for 6 weeks then have to leave, so instead I am planning to come back in July and stay until after Carols wedding. Nat of course cant stay that long, but I think he is planning on coming for a couple weeks…but its too far in advance to make arrangements cause it will depend on his job situation – never know..we may be moving back instead of visiting!! Everything will work itself out. Its like 450 days away…but I love countdowns!!
I have girls night with my favourite girl Felicity next Friday so there is something to look forward to. I think I am going to try out a church this weekend or next --- just so hard to wake up so early on Sundays!! It appears to be young and hip and very much like Vineyard….so we shall see.
Hmm I really cant think of anything else. Life is pretty ordinary. Looking into finding a job..experience plus money = good.

Sisters

The best in the WHOLE WORLD

Placements

Here are my placements for second semester
April 19-30 in Vascular Ward at Royal Brisbane (venous and arterial diseases, surgical)
May 4-14 in Mental Health Ward at Logan Hospital (with Nina and Mallory =))

Its the ward I wanted...closest I could find to Cardiovascular...

Unprepared

I don't have confidence that my nursing program is providing me the necessary skills to become a competent nurse. That is frustrating. I looked over some nclex questions and can honestly say I would fail miserably. I am considered third year and this time next year am expected to be able to be a competent nurse. At this stage I am extremely doubtful ill be there. Part of me wishes I stayed in the states to complete this course. But I really didn't have a choice. Very disheartening. So feeling unprepared feeds into my confidence and my wanting to complete this course. But what else do I have? Is this what I really want? Will I ever feel prepared? Are my doubts and apprehensions stemming from my lack of confidence or telling me this isn't what I am designed to do. Where are all my answers. It's not like a normal job...peoples lives are in my hands. Can I handle that stress and pressure? So I am at a crossroad and feeling helpless and hopeless in regards to my future.


chrissi alice

Unsure

I don't like living being unsure of anythng.


chrissi alice

satisfaction

What makes me happy? Regardless of location or who is around me...what satisfies me? It seems like I keep seeping into misery and depression. I can blame it on my location, being far away. I can blame it on mundane and boring uneventful life. I can blame it on working. I can blame it on not working. But no matter where I am, how eventful my life is I still cant shake this feeling of lack of purpose and feeling dissatified. So I need to sit down and ask myself what really makes me happy---and what do I really want.
I have a good life. I have an awesome family. I have great and loyal friends. I have an incredible husband. I think I have found my calling. I live in an exotic location. Most people would envy my life...so I want to find what makes me content so no matter where I am, no matter who is around that I am happy and full of joy.

Bumped my head.....

sorry if the picture below is a little gruesome...I dont think its that bad...but in case you have a weak stomach...i am warning you.

This morning I was cleaning and stood up on a desk to get the cobwebs out of the corners. While getting down I got attacked by the ceiling fan. It hurt and started bleeding. So I called Nat and told him to come home---and Nat knows when I call and say come home that he is not to delay cause I dont cry wolf.
I went into bathroom to check damage and my hand was covered in blood...so I got a towel and a bag full of frozen french fries and waited for Nat.
He came home...inspected the wound and off we went to the doctor. We werent really sure what to do...i know what to do in a real emergency, but not sure about what to do in a semi emergency. So Nat called his boss Mel. He told us that a normal doctors office would do stitches. I didnt need neuro exam just someone to confirm our diagnosis. The doctors office were so nice to us.
So I ended up getting 5 or so stitches. I must say that the worst part about the entire thing was getting local anaesthetic. I havent had stitches since I was REALLY little. They had to cut my hair, but at least it will grow back eventually.
Nat was so fascinated by the wound...he got to see how bad it really was. Apparently it was really deep. The doctor said I was lucky it wasnt much worse. I was just thankful it wasnt my face and that my brain wasnt exposed. Nat took pics but they sucked...iphones were not meant for photos. If you are really interested in the pics you can see them on his/my facebook page. I am just posting the "clean" picture. I also wasnt sure the last time I had a tetanus shot, so luckily I got one of those too...the nurse gave REALLY good shots, barely felt a thing!
SO that was about it...i got attacked by a ceiling fan and got 5 stitches. Was a BRILLIANT day. OH yeah...how much did it cost to have an "emergency" appointment with tetanus shot, stitches and doc visit...(we pay upfront and then later get reimbursed)-- a whopping total of $140.

New Years Resolution

I thought about it and didn't want a resolution that was the same as the last 30 years..lose weight and quit smoking are pretty much staple resolutions. So here is my resolution:

To not decline any invitation. As long as the invitation is financially feesible, does not compromise my health, integrity or morality.

I cannot decline even if I am tired, don't feel like it or scared...to make the most of all the opportunities that present themselves. Hopefully that will fill my plate with friendships and adventures. Now my non-commital self does not want the word to spread of my resolution in fear that someone will actually ask me to do something!!

chrissi alice

What's up

It's been a while and frankly I still don't think I have much to say until maybe I start talking and then it all snowballs out.
School is out for summer break. Fortunately I passed all my classes with flying colours. Since school has been over I have been working with nats company on a project. Rough start but now it's all good. Making some extra money is nice. Trying to save some money for when Cheryl comes to visit and for when school is in. We will see how that goes. Seems like everytime we get a little ahead we go back 2 steps. Our two step happened yesterday. My blood still boils when I think about it :
Yesterday Nat and I came home to destroyed carpet in master bedroom. The girls had accidently got stuck in room and door closed behind them and they can't get out. They brought the carpet up at sliding door. At entry door. Near window. Destroyed the wood blinds and one of curtain panels. Ripped the carpet half way across the room. I thought maybe Judah made a surprize visit.
Now what to do!?!? We can't really tell them it was dogs because technically they are supposed to be outside dogs. And nothing else could really do that much damage. So now Nat and I have to somehow repair or replace the carpet without the renters or renting company finding out. Of fun!!
As we were driving to work. Before we got out of subdivision I told him I didn't latch the door (it's finicky..you have to pull up on handle to get it to close) and went through all the distaterous scenerios but he said we will hope they don't do anything. He should really learn to follow my intuition. So I am now EXTREMELY frustrated and angry and stresssed.
On top of all that the renting company checks on property usually mid-lease, which would be somewhere between end of Jan and feb. So much fun. So we will try to find someoe to come fix it or have it replaced.
I am really excited for Cheryl to come. It can't be soon enough!! I have been trying to figure out what to do. I'll just be happy to not have to work anymore. I am just so tired all the time.
School will be starting end of February. I have been out looking for a new computer. There is one I love but the huge downfall is that it doesn't have a DVD rom. Why would a computer not have one? Hopefully once I get a new computer I can update this blog more often. Life has been pretty good. I have been really homesick over the holidays. I am in much needed family fix. For some reason I felt so far away from everyone. Not distance wise cause that is obvious but that I wasn't part of their lives. All well. I guess all I have is Nat.
We hung out with our friends phil and felicity on Christmas. All day long we ate and played board games. It was awesome. It's nice to have friends here that will hang out with us.
Well I may write more later. Although nothing interesting.
C.Alice