So it's Shrove Tuesday, which I remember from last time I was living in the UK as Pancake Tuesday. Also known as Mardi Gras, and believe me, if I were in the US at the moment, I'd be supporting the city and people of New Orleans, lord knows they need it right now! I've never been before, but I would have gone this year...
I'm getting to know the post at the Day Hospital now, albeit very, very slowly. I didn't see any patients today, although I did write up the notes from the one I saw yesterday. I had somewhat of an orientation from my supervisor, although I did caution her that I may be moving onto another rotation come April 1. That decision is supposed to be made by end of this week I think, and I'm pretty torn about it. I'm half tempted to choose to rotate to Ainslee because it's rehab and I know rehab, and it sounds like the pace might be a bit quicker. I did mention something to Nicole about the Day Hospital not seeming to be quite my speed, and her response was, nothing in the NHS will be your speed. However, I do think I'd learn quite a bit about the various Boroughs, Councils, dealing with social workers, ordering equipment, and other things I don't know (being an American) by staying at the Day Hospital. In addition, while I did a lot of ADLs, and a lot of focus on rehabilitation in NJ, here I could learn more about compensation and adaptation-- ways to change the environment rather than the individual. So I suppose I'm leaning toward the Day Hospital just for the experience...I can always go back to rehab later. Oh, and James, I had a comment from an older woman today about how much she loved my accent- I'm beginning to understand what you were saying about liking being an Englishman in Canada and all the attention because of your accent!
I had an interesting chat with one of the OT assistants on the way to a mandatory OT Forum discussion this afternoon. She was trying to learn as much about me as she could in the space of a 5-minute car ride, and complimented me on my courage for picking up and moving to London. And then she said, in particular because London is a very lonely city. She described people as very reserved, and just said in general, it's hard to meet people, especially coming over from another country. And my thoughts were that yes, well I'd expected that, and that can be true anywhere. All throughout our schooling, we have a built-in social network, really, and once school is done, it can be a really hard adjustment. Sometimes we are lucky in our jobs, I know I definitely was in Roosevelt- I was having such a blast with my coworkers it was sad to leave! And I thank my lucky stars for those true friends I've gathered and kept from various stages of my life, given that such a lasting connection is rare, and we generally eventually move to different geographical areas and have to work to maintain that connection as we each move on with separate lives. So I think that, in general (at least for those of us who are single!) we are often in situations where our friends are elsewhere, and we're just trying to find contentment through our work and daily lives and must find our own ways to make our peace with being alone (and I do find a difference now between being lonely and being alone). I've also been very lucky in that I already knew a few people here from living in Oxford, and I'm living with another American OT who's very friendly...otherwise I might be struggling a lot more than I am these first few weeks of adjustment to living in London. The first week really went by in a flash, I must say. On the other hand, as the woman who was driving me to the discussion mentioned, people who have lived abroad gain so much in life experience, and she was wishing that her kids might try it themselves, and not be "staid" as she described herself. And I agree, it really does change/mold you as a person in a way it's hard to describe to someone who's not tried it themselves. Anyway, I do miss my close friends back home in the US terribly, but I am enjoying myself here, and I've grown up a bit the past few years in that I no longer have the illusion I'll make good friends wherever I go...I'm sure I'll make a lot of acquaintances, and will have to wait to see what happens from there. And it would have been the same whatever move I might have made in the US as well...starting a new life in a new area on my own. Even living near one of my best friends in NJ, she had her life and I had mine, and we made an effort to see each other regularly, but didn't always quite achieve once a week. It's just a different sort of life once you're out of school. And no, all of this did not come out in the car, it was far too short of a drive, but it's basically what ran through my head! ;)
I suppose I should head back to the house, I want to pick up some fruit on the way, and then I'm due home to make pancakes! There is actually a reason for this being Pancake Tuesday/Fat Tuesday, by the way, I looked it up-- it had to do with wanting to use up everything that would spoil during the period of Lent, such as fats, and pancakes apparently are a good way to use up a lot of things that would spoil. They still have Pancake Races here, I won't go into that but you can look it up on the web, and I think I saw there's a particular town in England that competes with a particular town in the US in pancake races.
For those of you asking about what trips I'm planning, not much so far aside from Italy in May (I may go by myself but have been asking to see if others are interested as well), and somewhere with Viv end of next week within England...perhaps Cambridge, I haven't heard back from her yet on where she'd like to go and I have three days I can take off. In general, we should have broadband internet in the house by March 10 or so, and I'll be better about emails and blog entries at that point. And Kristy, we should talk about timing for Australia, Capetown, whatever we're going to do! Right, pancakes are waiting...
Tuesday, February 28, 2006
Sunday, February 26, 2006
The Night Bus and my first weekend out
This entry may be a bit all over the place, but I'll do my best to organize it...started work on Wednesday, but my supervisor was out sick from Wednesday through Friday, so all I was able to do was shadow other OTs. It was a bit frustrating given that I'm not a student or even a brand new OT, and I'm looking forward to having my own caseload. I am currently assigned to the Day Hospital, which is for people who aren't acutely medically unstable and thus do not meet the requirements for a hospital bed. However, functionally they have a lot of problems, and they arrive at the day hospital by ambulance for therapy to help remediate or compensate for their functional deficits. I believe this service falls under care of the elderly, but I'll let you all know later on when I've actually started working there. I did tag along on some bordering-on-horrifying home visits (see entry below), but then again, I've never worked in a big American city either, and I suspect I would have had some eye-opening experiences in New York City, for example.
I'm in somewhat of an unsual circumstance, because I came into Whipps Cross right before they make a change of rotation which happens every 6 months. I've been placed in the day hospital, but my manager told me since I already have almost a year's worth of experience under my belt, she'd give me an option she's never before given a basic grade OT. Essentially, I could choose to change with everyone else on April 1, rather than just have an extra long rotation at the day hospital. The caveat being I have to make my decision within the next week or so. I'm hoping I'll have enough information next week when my supervisor returns to make that decision, although I must say I'm tempted to stay at the day hospital. My only other choice for a rotation is what they call intermediate services, which is essentially rehab. And although I like rehab and I'm familiar and comfortable with it since that's what I was doing in NJ, one of the attractions of working in the UK at a basic grade rotational position is to get experience in different settings. I'm hoping that when it comes time for my second rotation I'll have a shot at the stroke unit, which I'm quite interested in.
I am settling in at my new house, although it will take a while, I think. For one thing, there's my mattress- it's very low to the ground (and a lot of you know I always raise my bed up, who knows why), and it feels very hard, so I haven't been sleeping well. My parents called yesterday afternoon, and my mom told me to go out shopping for a cheap mattress. Only trouble is, I've already had to pay a lot of money for my security deposit, half of Feb rent, and all of March rent. I don't get paid here until March 29 since they only pay salaried employees once a month, and my friend Viv will be here from March 8-20, and I'd really like to show her a good time. So I have to live off my American money until end of March, which I hadn't counted on. Oops. Anyway, I'm mostly unpacked now, but having come from the relative luxury of my parents' house, my new room isn't nearly as comfy cozy. Hmm, perhaps I should have stayed in the US and bought property. Ok, I know that's the homesickness talking, but still, sometimes I do wonder if I'm starting to "feel my age". Funny how you can consider yourself so grown up and wise, and even a year later look back and laugh at yourself for how much you've learned and changed.
I did go out with my friend Jo and several of her friends from work on Friday night in Angel. We first went to a Cuban bar where they actually had mojitos (though not nearly as good as Clydz, Jenn), and then we went next door to another bar where they had a DJ and were open until 4 am. I had been thinking I'd probably head out by 12:15 or so since I was knackered as they say here (tired), and wanted to catch the tube which shuts down around 12:30...but I was having such a good time I decided to give the night bus a try. So we danced and danced, and I marveled at one of Jo's friends who kept getting pulled away by some fairly bold guys, and I was thankful it wasn't me;) We did leave before closing time and had all the men in the place trying to call us back...but by 2ish I was really tired and we headed out. So the night bus...which no, mom, isn't anything like Harry Potter. In hindsight, it was probably stupid of me to take the night bus on my own, having never done so before, but they're well lit with lots of people on them. Only trouble being, you have to know exactly where your stop is, since they don't make annoucements. I did okay on the first bus, since I finally asked the driver where to get off for the second bus I needed. I got off with 3 Aussies just in time to see the bus we wanted pull away in spite of our frantic waving. So we waited and shivered, and I was glad they were with me...I didn't feel unsafe mind you, but that late at night it is dark and there aren't many people around. We finally caught the second bus, but I missed my stop and when I asked the bus driver he said "Oh no, love, it was back there and it's too far to walk. You'll have to get off and catch the N8." Which I did, after waiting at a bus stop with a very large Eastern European woman who was really drunk and had evidently been sent home from a bar by the police, as she kept announcing at the top of her voice. An English guy was trying to help her, but without much success as she was somewhat of a belligerent drunk. The N8 dropped me basically one block from my house, and I was so relieved to be in familiar territory. I walked in after 3am, thinking, I'm getting too old for this!
I went out again last night with my roommate and her boyfriend in Covent Garden, a much more chill night at an Aussie pub. We did have plans to go to an event called "The Church" today (no, it's not religious, it's dancing and drinking), but as it turns out we're doing that next Sunday instead. So I think I'm going to do some grocery shopping once I'm done here at the internet cafe and maybe just wander around a bit. It's much warmer today, at least at the moment, than it has been. I feel like such a wimp! It was so much colder when I left NJ, but I still end up shivering and complaining here.
This has been a bit long, so I'll stop here, but please do keep sending the emails, it keeps me feeling connected to you all. I will let you all know when my parents have figured out the cheapest way to call here, and let me know if any of you want to come visit! Love and miss, Allison.
I'm in somewhat of an unsual circumstance, because I came into Whipps Cross right before they make a change of rotation which happens every 6 months. I've been placed in the day hospital, but my manager told me since I already have almost a year's worth of experience under my belt, she'd give me an option she's never before given a basic grade OT. Essentially, I could choose to change with everyone else on April 1, rather than just have an extra long rotation at the day hospital. The caveat being I have to make my decision within the next week or so. I'm hoping I'll have enough information next week when my supervisor returns to make that decision, although I must say I'm tempted to stay at the day hospital. My only other choice for a rotation is what they call intermediate services, which is essentially rehab. And although I like rehab and I'm familiar and comfortable with it since that's what I was doing in NJ, one of the attractions of working in the UK at a basic grade rotational position is to get experience in different settings. I'm hoping that when it comes time for my second rotation I'll have a shot at the stroke unit, which I'm quite interested in.
I am settling in at my new house, although it will take a while, I think. For one thing, there's my mattress- it's very low to the ground (and a lot of you know I always raise my bed up, who knows why), and it feels very hard, so I haven't been sleeping well. My parents called yesterday afternoon, and my mom told me to go out shopping for a cheap mattress. Only trouble is, I've already had to pay a lot of money for my security deposit, half of Feb rent, and all of March rent. I don't get paid here until March 29 since they only pay salaried employees once a month, and my friend Viv will be here from March 8-20, and I'd really like to show her a good time. So I have to live off my American money until end of March, which I hadn't counted on. Oops. Anyway, I'm mostly unpacked now, but having come from the relative luxury of my parents' house, my new room isn't nearly as comfy cozy. Hmm, perhaps I should have stayed in the US and bought property. Ok, I know that's the homesickness talking, but still, sometimes I do wonder if I'm starting to "feel my age". Funny how you can consider yourself so grown up and wise, and even a year later look back and laugh at yourself for how much you've learned and changed.
I did go out with my friend Jo and several of her friends from work on Friday night in Angel. We first went to a Cuban bar where they actually had mojitos (though not nearly as good as Clydz, Jenn), and then we went next door to another bar where they had a DJ and were open until 4 am. I had been thinking I'd probably head out by 12:15 or so since I was knackered as they say here (tired), and wanted to catch the tube which shuts down around 12:30...but I was having such a good time I decided to give the night bus a try. So we danced and danced, and I marveled at one of Jo's friends who kept getting pulled away by some fairly bold guys, and I was thankful it wasn't me;) We did leave before closing time and had all the men in the place trying to call us back...but by 2ish I was really tired and we headed out. So the night bus...which no, mom, isn't anything like Harry Potter. In hindsight, it was probably stupid of me to take the night bus on my own, having never done so before, but they're well lit with lots of people on them. Only trouble being, you have to know exactly where your stop is, since they don't make annoucements. I did okay on the first bus, since I finally asked the driver where to get off for the second bus I needed. I got off with 3 Aussies just in time to see the bus we wanted pull away in spite of our frantic waving. So we waited and shivered, and I was glad they were with me...I didn't feel unsafe mind you, but that late at night it is dark and there aren't many people around. We finally caught the second bus, but I missed my stop and when I asked the bus driver he said "Oh no, love, it was back there and it's too far to walk. You'll have to get off and catch the N8." Which I did, after waiting at a bus stop with a very large Eastern European woman who was really drunk and had evidently been sent home from a bar by the police, as she kept announcing at the top of her voice. An English guy was trying to help her, but without much success as she was somewhat of a belligerent drunk. The N8 dropped me basically one block from my house, and I was so relieved to be in familiar territory. I walked in after 3am, thinking, I'm getting too old for this!
I went out again last night with my roommate and her boyfriend in Covent Garden, a much more chill night at an Aussie pub. We did have plans to go to an event called "The Church" today (no, it's not religious, it's dancing and drinking), but as it turns out we're doing that next Sunday instead. So I think I'm going to do some grocery shopping once I'm done here at the internet cafe and maybe just wander around a bit. It's much warmer today, at least at the moment, than it has been. I feel like such a wimp! It was so much colder when I left NJ, but I still end up shivering and complaining here.
This has been a bit long, so I'll stop here, but please do keep sending the emails, it keeps me feeling connected to you all. I will let you all know when my parents have figured out the cheapest way to call here, and let me know if any of you want to come visit! Love and miss, Allison.
Thursday, February 23, 2006
Random notes
Did I actually say I probably wouldn't have anything exciting to talk about? No offense to any of my British friends, as I think there are several of you who occasionally have a look at my blog, but as one of the ward doctors said to me today "If you think of America as being kind of first world in medicine, the UK is more third world in medicine." You'll see what I mean in a minute when I write about the acute wards for the elderly.
Wednesday I started at work...I haven't actually done any work as of yet, since my supervisor has been out sick yesterday and today. I've just been shadowing others really and interestingly enough, most of the therapy staff are multinational rather than British...South African, Australian, Indian, etc. The uniforms are awful, I'm still working on sorting out the banking and such...but I've been told I absolutely must take 3 days off before April 1, and then will get 27 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays from April 2006-April 2007. Not bad, eh? On the other hand, I have been somewhat in shock at the state of some of the hospital wards. It's a bit much for a blog entry, but in a nutshell, most of the hospitals are old...Whipps Cross is one hundred years old, with the newest part being 30 years old. The acute wards are as they probably were in Victorian times, with something like 30 men or women all lined up next to each other in one big room, with only curtains on tracks to separate them. So if one of them gets diarrhea, it just goes round the room! It feels a bit middle-agey!
Today I followed along on a home visit for a man who's in hospital...we went to the pub he lives above and met with the pub owners/"landlords"...the pub was okay, i guess, but upstairs oh my god! The stairs were steep with loose boards, not to mention three huge labradors ready to bowl you over. The bathroom has a handle that pulls 3 inches out toward you when you pull on it to open the door, and the floor slopes up, which is just an accident waiting to happen in the middle of the night, or if someone's drunk. The place had stuff everywhere covering every surface, it was a hazard to average healthy people let alone a 78-year-old man!! The landlady told us she'd caught him using a litter pan as his toilet in his one room. It's a very long story, but we basically suspect they dropped him off in A&E (ER) as a way of getting rid of him, because they were essentially illegally boarding him, and now that they're going to get the living quarters above the pub fixed up, they needed him out. And then I was dropped off home, because the two OTs I was with decided there was no sense in my going back to work even though they are not my manager or supervisor!
Anyway, my mobile is now working, so you can reach me on that number as well. I will let you all know when I've chosen a contract phone and at that point the number will probably change...unless, well, I don't know how they port numbers here, so I'll just let you all know what I've done after I've done it.
One more thing-- it's been snowing most of the day here! It changed to rain for a bit, but then right back to snow. Nothing's sticking, but everyone's accusing me of having brought the snow over with me!
Wednesday I started at work...I haven't actually done any work as of yet, since my supervisor has been out sick yesterday and today. I've just been shadowing others really and interestingly enough, most of the therapy staff are multinational rather than British...South African, Australian, Indian, etc. The uniforms are awful, I'm still working on sorting out the banking and such...but I've been told I absolutely must take 3 days off before April 1, and then will get 27 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays from April 2006-April 2007. Not bad, eh? On the other hand, I have been somewhat in shock at the state of some of the hospital wards. It's a bit much for a blog entry, but in a nutshell, most of the hospitals are old...Whipps Cross is one hundred years old, with the newest part being 30 years old. The acute wards are as they probably were in Victorian times, with something like 30 men or women all lined up next to each other in one big room, with only curtains on tracks to separate them. So if one of them gets diarrhea, it just goes round the room! It feels a bit middle-agey!
Today I followed along on a home visit for a man who's in hospital...we went to the pub he lives above and met with the pub owners/"landlords"...the pub was okay, i guess, but upstairs oh my god! The stairs were steep with loose boards, not to mention three huge labradors ready to bowl you over. The bathroom has a handle that pulls 3 inches out toward you when you pull on it to open the door, and the floor slopes up, which is just an accident waiting to happen in the middle of the night, or if someone's drunk. The place had stuff everywhere covering every surface, it was a hazard to average healthy people let alone a 78-year-old man!! The landlady told us she'd caught him using a litter pan as his toilet in his one room. It's a very long story, but we basically suspect they dropped him off in A&E (ER) as a way of getting rid of him, because they were essentially illegally boarding him, and now that they're going to get the living quarters above the pub fixed up, they needed him out. And then I was dropped off home, because the two OTs I was with decided there was no sense in my going back to work even though they are not my manager or supervisor!
Anyway, my mobile is now working, so you can reach me on that number as well. I will let you all know when I've chosen a contract phone and at that point the number will probably change...unless, well, I don't know how they port numbers here, so I'll just let you all know what I've done after I've done it.
One more thing-- it's been snowing most of the day here! It changed to rain for a bit, but then right back to snow. Nothing's sticking, but everyone's accusing me of having brought the snow over with me!
Wednesday, February 22, 2006
At last...
I don't actually have a lot of time, as I'm only spending a quick minute on the computer here at the end of my first day of work at Whipps Cross. Though I suppose I shouldn't call it work, since I spent the morning with my manager signing papers, getting my uniform (ugh), learning what my first rotation would be (day hospital- I'll fill you in on what that's about when I know!)...and then this afternoon I spent with the other basic grades, with a lunch out and then an all afternoon meeting on professional development. All the OTs have been really welcoming I must say! Oh yes, and I found out I have to take 3 days off before April 1, and then as of April 1, I get 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and should I happen to get sick, those days are actually separate. I know Americans are workaholics, but it seems to me American companies might have a lot happier employees if they took a lesson from the English and Europeans on holiday time!
Arrived Monday morning, an OT picked me up at the airport, and I am in a pretty nice house in East London where I have not even come close to unpacking yet. I saw my friend Jo on Monday night, a bit surreal as I haven't seen her in a year and half, and it still hasn't hit me that I'm living in London yet, I feel as if I might go home in a week! We had a great time catching up, and will hopefully hang out again this weekend. I then met Maja's friend James on Tuesday who is really, really nice, and who gave me a little walk-round of central London, which also included several pubs, naturally, and I had a great time...I am pretty homesick, but was fully distracted yesterday- thanks James!
My mobile phone number is not active at the moment, it would appear I need to get the handset unlocked, but my address and house phone number that I included in my email to everyone is accurate, and you can reach me in both of those ways. I'll be checking email a bit sporadically over the next 2-3 weeks until we get internet at our house. I have lovely roommates, one who is South African, and one who is an American OT, and I feel pretty lucky all in all with my housing. Speaking of which, I need to go withdraw money to pay the landlord, so I hope everyone is doing well, I miss you all, love you all, and will do my best to keep this blog updated at least twice a week until we get internet at the house. Can't imagine I'll have anything exciting to say, but you never know! Cheers, Allison.
Arrived Monday morning, an OT picked me up at the airport, and I am in a pretty nice house in East London where I have not even come close to unpacking yet. I saw my friend Jo on Monday night, a bit surreal as I haven't seen her in a year and half, and it still hasn't hit me that I'm living in London yet, I feel as if I might go home in a week! We had a great time catching up, and will hopefully hang out again this weekend. I then met Maja's friend James on Tuesday who is really, really nice, and who gave me a little walk-round of central London, which also included several pubs, naturally, and I had a great time...I am pretty homesick, but was fully distracted yesterday- thanks James!
My mobile phone number is not active at the moment, it would appear I need to get the handset unlocked, but my address and house phone number that I included in my email to everyone is accurate, and you can reach me in both of those ways. I'll be checking email a bit sporadically over the next 2-3 weeks until we get internet at our house. I have lovely roommates, one who is South African, and one who is an American OT, and I feel pretty lucky all in all with my housing. Speaking of which, I need to go withdraw money to pay the landlord, so I hope everyone is doing well, I miss you all, love you all, and will do my best to keep this blog updated at least twice a week until we get internet at the house. Can't imagine I'll have anything exciting to say, but you never know! Cheers, Allison.
Sunday, February 19, 2006
Wish me luck!
I guess it’s time to turn off my computer now and put it in my backpack. My parents and I figured out a way to talk, or “voicechat” if you will, for free over the internet last night. Of course, that requires that we both be home and online at certain times, so I’m sure we’ll also be using our phones at times as well. I’ve spent a good several hours organizing my stuff in the basement today, and it’s time for a shower, last minute details, and a little dinner before we head for the airport. Doesn’t seem real yet, at this point. I suppose it might once I keep waking up in a little house in Leytonstone!
Saturday, February 18, 2006
Little things
With a little more than 24 hours to go until my flight and my grand British adventure (sounds like half of a Wallace and Gromit title), I find myself short on time and immensely happy over the smallest things. For instance, I shrunk my duvet with a vacuum storage bag and stuck it in one of my suitcases. I am currently working on getting my room into guest bedroom condition, and thus went looking for a duvet we had stored in the linen closet to go with the new duvet cover that was bought on sale for $7.99 (unbelievable, right?). The duvet was found in a vacuum storage bag that no longer had the air sucked out of it (uh-oh, not good news for my suitcases if those storage bags re-inflate themselves mid air or something!), and as I was stuffing it into the new cover, I noticed the tag in the corner. The duvet was made in Norway but sold by the House of Fraser, a UK department store…how’s that for poetic justice? And no, I realize that’s not the phrase I want, but I’m drawing a blank here, my brain is just a tad bit fried. That duvet must have made the move with my parents when they came back to the States in April 2000 after four years in England.
I’ve also got a sort of fuzzy feeling about the scratch on my hand from wrestling with the cat this morning, given that there won’t be any more wrestling matches for a while. I think she knows I’m leaving too; she seems to be a bit upset with me.
And then there was my mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows this morning…definitely bliss in a cup. That, along with a woodstove fire, and no reason to venture out into the frigid wind chilled air today, makes for a pretty happy camper!
I’ve also got a sort of fuzzy feeling about the scratch on my hand from wrestling with the cat this morning, given that there won’t be any more wrestling matches for a while. I think she knows I’m leaving too; she seems to be a bit upset with me.
And then there was my mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows this morning…definitely bliss in a cup. That, along with a woodstove fire, and no reason to venture out into the frigid wind chilled air today, makes for a pretty happy camper!
Friday, February 17, 2006
Niente
Nope, I got nothing. My head has so much going through it right now that I can’t actually come up with anything even remotely interesting, let alone pithy, to write. If I think of something, I’ll update later on today, but for now, it’s back to last minute preparations.
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
A little bit of introspection
cour·age (kûr'ĭj, kŭr'-)
n.
The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes with self-possession, confidence, and resolution; bravery. (from the American Heritage Dictionaries).
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something is more important than fear. (A quote from…well, I don’t remember which movie at the moment, but it is a quote.)
Amazing how we build up our lives of comfort and convenience, and lose out on what we might otherwise have gained by taking advantage of opportunities that test our mettle. Olympian athletes might very well live by the motto of “no pain, no gain” at least in terms of pushing beyond their limits where the rest of us would say, I’m too tired today, I think I’ll take a break. But perhaps on a more every day level, I think a lot about “nothing ventured, nothing gained”. In most situations we have nothing to lose, other than pride, and yet still we often hang back from taking a risk out of fear. The absolute worst that can happen with any risk is to fail…and what have we really lost if we fail? Most of the time, we can always try again, and if not, the lessons that we’ve gained from that failure, and what it means to the people we are striving to be, are what we have won in spite of the overt failure.
On a lighter note, I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m happy to see that a number of Olympians are crossing over into modeling on the side. How much better role models are people like Gretchen Bleiler in a bikini with her snowboard, or Johnny Bloom, than the anorexic, surgically enhanced and unrealistic standard set by the models who blanket most advertising campaigns? I don’t know about any of you, but my idea of beauty is far from what pop American culture dictates. And while it was my dream for a long time to become an actor, specifically in musical theater, I must admit that at this point in my life, I am thankful that I chose another route. Either I’d still be a poor, starving actor desperate for a lucky break, or I might have had a taste of the fame by now that seems to ruin every celebrity’s of finding true devotion and hard work in love, and balance of spirit…not to mention their perpetual dieting and exercise regimens to ensure their marketability to maintain their celebrity status. (I’m generalizing of course, there are a few exceptions.)
n.
The state or quality of mind or spirit that enables one to face danger, fear, or vicissitudes with self-possession, confidence, and resolution; bravery. (from the American Heritage Dictionaries).
Courage is not the absence of fear, but rather the judgment that something is more important than fear. (A quote from…well, I don’t remember which movie at the moment, but it is a quote.)
Amazing how we build up our lives of comfort and convenience, and lose out on what we might otherwise have gained by taking advantage of opportunities that test our mettle. Olympian athletes might very well live by the motto of “no pain, no gain” at least in terms of pushing beyond their limits where the rest of us would say, I’m too tired today, I think I’ll take a break. But perhaps on a more every day level, I think a lot about “nothing ventured, nothing gained”. In most situations we have nothing to lose, other than pride, and yet still we often hang back from taking a risk out of fear. The absolute worst that can happen with any risk is to fail…and what have we really lost if we fail? Most of the time, we can always try again, and if not, the lessons that we’ve gained from that failure, and what it means to the people we are striving to be, are what we have won in spite of the overt failure.
On a lighter note, I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m happy to see that a number of Olympians are crossing over into modeling on the side. How much better role models are people like Gretchen Bleiler in a bikini with her snowboard, or Johnny Bloom, than the anorexic, surgically enhanced and unrealistic standard set by the models who blanket most advertising campaigns? I don’t know about any of you, but my idea of beauty is far from what pop American culture dictates. And while it was my dream for a long time to become an actor, specifically in musical theater, I must admit that at this point in my life, I am thankful that I chose another route. Either I’d still be a poor, starving actor desperate for a lucky break, or I might have had a taste of the fame by now that seems to ruin every celebrity’s of finding true devotion and hard work in love, and balance of spirit…not to mention their perpetual dieting and exercise regimens to ensure their marketability to maintain their celebrity status. (I’m generalizing of course, there are a few exceptions.)
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Valentines
So I had two Dove dark chocolate heart-shaped promises today…the first message said “There’s no excuse not to dream” and the second one said “Celebrate family and friends.” Awwwww.
Things are chugging along. I think I’ve repacked my suitcases 3 times already, and still haven’t got it quite right. I had a call from my agent this morning, and my housing situation has changed yet again. I will now be living in a house in Leytonstone, with another American OT (who has been working at Whipps Cross for over a year), an American special ed teacher, and I think one other person. So I will definitely have kitchen, living room, bathroom, laundry, although I forgot to ask about internet. I've sent out an email to everyone with the contact info!
Of course, tons of links to various Valentines Day sites popped up on my homepage this morning (cough, cough-procrastination-cough). I browsed through the History Channel web site and learned there are three possible St. Valentines, and it can’t be determined which one is the “real” one. My eye was caught by a Valentines gift/flower site because the name is pookiesgiftbaskets.com, as well as one advertising singing Valentines…what a fabulous way to embarrass your significant other by sending one of those to their workplace!!
By the way, for any of you not watching, team USA is doing pretty well in Torino, going 1-2 in the Men’s Half Pipe competition (the “Flying Tomato” took the gold), 1-2 in the Women’s Half Pipe competition, and 2 golds in men’s speed skating as well. And I must say, I think I have a new crush on Joey Cheek from NC, who won the 500 meter sprint in speed skating!
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone, whatever it means to each of you. Love, Allison.
Things are chugging along. I think I’ve repacked my suitcases 3 times already, and still haven’t got it quite right. I had a call from my agent this morning, and my housing situation has changed yet again. I will now be living in a house in Leytonstone, with another American OT (who has been working at Whipps Cross for over a year), an American special ed teacher, and I think one other person. So I will definitely have kitchen, living room, bathroom, laundry, although I forgot to ask about internet. I've sent out an email to everyone with the contact info!
Of course, tons of links to various Valentines Day sites popped up on my homepage this morning (cough, cough-procrastination-cough). I browsed through the History Channel web site and learned there are three possible St. Valentines, and it can’t be determined which one is the “real” one. My eye was caught by a Valentines gift/flower site because the name is pookiesgiftbaskets.com, as well as one advertising singing Valentines…what a fabulous way to embarrass your significant other by sending one of those to their workplace!!
By the way, for any of you not watching, team USA is doing pretty well in Torino, going 1-2 in the Men’s Half Pipe competition (the “Flying Tomato” took the gold), 1-2 in the Women’s Half Pipe competition, and 2 golds in men’s speed skating as well. And I must say, I think I have a new crush on Joey Cheek from NC, who won the 500 meter sprint in speed skating!
Happy Valentine’s Day everyone, whatever it means to each of you. Love, Allison.
Monday, February 13, 2006
Walkin' in a winter wonderland
It’s a winter wonderland out there! Although it’s melting fast…
This morning I paid my fees to be on the OT register through end of October 2007. And a couple of hours later, I was able to look myself up on the Register online and retrieve my registration number OT46551, very cool.
A couple of random culinary notes from this past week:
I suppose it’s appropriate to start a countdown at this point: counting today, 7 DAYS until my flight late Sunday evening.
This morning I paid my fees to be on the OT register through end of October 2007. And a couple of hours later, I was able to look myself up on the Register online and retrieve my registration number OT46551, very cool.
A couple of random culinary notes from this past week:
- Don’t make moussaka without the crust and sauce, it just isn’t the same, no matter how good the recipe promises it will turn out to be.
- Pink Ladys, though very tasty on their own, are not all that great for making applesauce. I’ve had better luck with Braeburns.
- You can make a delicious white lasagna (I made one without any meat since Tress was coming home) with your basic roué (flour and milk), garlic, salt & pepper.
I suppose it’s appropriate to start a countdown at this point: counting today, 7 DAYS until my flight late Sunday evening.
Sunday, February 12, 2006
Friday, February 10, 2006
"Dream big...as big as the ocean blue..."
I'M APPROVED! I just got my letter from the HPC in the mail today that I have been "scrutinised by the Council's assessors" and been found wanting...no, just kidding, I've already had that letter previously. I've been approved for addition to the Register as an Occupational Therapist - that is, as soon as I pay my fees/dues. Good lord, they took so long, shouldn't they take the initial 200 pound fee I paid and be thankful they didn't lose me as an applicant?! Funny how a week from Sunday suddenly seems so much closer!
"Cause when you dream it might come true...When you dream, dream big."
"Cause when you dream it might come true...When you dream, dream big."
Clydz, take two
As I'm trying to type this, Gerry is snuggling up behind my back on the kitchen chair, demanding attention, since I spent the night away. Boy, am I going to miss her.
So Jenn and I did make it to Clydz last night...they had a cozy little fire going, and it wasn't too crowded. I wanted a "Don't drink too many of these," but they were all out of cinnamon and sugar vodka, so I had a classic sour apple martini, and something called Sweet and Sour Mash. And I discovered that no matter what you mix with it, I am NOT a Jack Daniels girl. Oh well. The Tej at Makeda's made up for it, where Jenn and I split the vegetable combination platter and a shrimp dish. The conversation ranged from Valentine's Day (and I realized I still have to give Chris "the talk" before I leave, given that I have a long reach if need be from London) to visualizing the next 3-5 years, to...well, it was deep conversation, but I'm afraid I'm still now a bit post-alcohol fuzzy this early afternoon. I had meant to stop by Roosevelt this morning and finish up some paperwork at Medical Records before continuing on to the gym for Pilates at 11:30. Well, I did make it to the gym on time! Guess I'd better go do the paperwork first thing Monday morning, I am running out of time!
I'm looking forward to the Opening Ceremony this evening, first of all because I get super-excited about the Olympics, and have done since I was a little girl. But second of all, because they're in Torino!! And the downhill events are in Sestriere, where my family spent a week skiing in 1991, I think it was. I wish I were there so badly! I've been dreaming about Italy a lot lately...well, that and wombats, but we won't go there.
I came home after class just a little while ago to find some emails about my housing in London. My agent had told me I would be in hospital-provided housing, essentially nursing accommodation. But the details that my new manager sent were in relation to a flat I will share for 3 months minimum with another OT who is starting at Whipps Cross this Monday the 13th. My share of the rent is 411 pounds a month, with an additional security deposit tagged on as well as a bit extra for the last bit of February I will spend in London. Which pretty much adds up to 900 pounds due up front when I arrive. Ouch! So my agent went back to my new manager to find out what happened to the nursing accommodation. I've just now finished reading the email, and from her comments like, there is one kitchen and one bathroom for an entire floor, and everything gets stolen from the fridge, and this one is the kicker "I wouldn't put my worst enemy in there"...I think I'll stick with the flat and the one roommate, hmm? And it's only for 3 months so if my friend Jo is serious about looking for a flat together we can do that late spring. So it looks like I will be living in Forest Gate, and working in Leytonstone.
I also had an email about an exclusive live show Coldplay is doing at Abbey Road studios this Monday, and they're running a competition to send a couple of fans...boy, do I have bad timing. Arrrggghhh.
I"ve been very jealous reading my friend Dan's blog lately, and seeing the pictures of all the exotic places he's visited, lately while he was in Hong Kong (there's a link to his blog in my sidebar if you're curious), but hopefully I'll have my own tales to tell very soon. Starting with Italia in May! But none of this before the big snowstorm which will happen overnight tomorrow into Sunday....we're supposed to get a foot or more, I'm so excited, I can hardly contain myself! Tress will be home on Sunday for Dad's birthday, I wonder if I can get her to take a toboggan ride down "Suicide Hill" (our backyard hill leading down into the woods, which is studded with trees) for old times' sake? Probably not if she wants to be sure of avoiding a third broken arm (though I swear to you all, it was not my fault! Being the driver does not mean I automatically take the blame, especially when she's sticking her arm out!).
Guess I'd better pack a bit so I can watch the Opening Ceremonies later.
So Jenn and I did make it to Clydz last night...they had a cozy little fire going, and it wasn't too crowded. I wanted a "Don't drink too many of these," but they were all out of cinnamon and sugar vodka, so I had a classic sour apple martini, and something called Sweet and Sour Mash. And I discovered that no matter what you mix with it, I am NOT a Jack Daniels girl. Oh well. The Tej at Makeda's made up for it, where Jenn and I split the vegetable combination platter and a shrimp dish. The conversation ranged from Valentine's Day (and I realized I still have to give Chris "the talk" before I leave, given that I have a long reach if need be from London) to visualizing the next 3-5 years, to...well, it was deep conversation, but I'm afraid I'm still now a bit post-alcohol fuzzy this early afternoon. I had meant to stop by Roosevelt this morning and finish up some paperwork at Medical Records before continuing on to the gym for Pilates at 11:30. Well, I did make it to the gym on time! Guess I'd better go do the paperwork first thing Monday morning, I am running out of time!
I'm looking forward to the Opening Ceremony this evening, first of all because I get super-excited about the Olympics, and have done since I was a little girl. But second of all, because they're in Torino!! And the downhill events are in Sestriere, where my family spent a week skiing in 1991, I think it was. I wish I were there so badly! I've been dreaming about Italy a lot lately...well, that and wombats, but we won't go there.
I came home after class just a little while ago to find some emails about my housing in London. My agent had told me I would be in hospital-provided housing, essentially nursing accommodation. But the details that my new manager sent were in relation to a flat I will share for 3 months minimum with another OT who is starting at Whipps Cross this Monday the 13th. My share of the rent is 411 pounds a month, with an additional security deposit tagged on as well as a bit extra for the last bit of February I will spend in London. Which pretty much adds up to 900 pounds due up front when I arrive. Ouch! So my agent went back to my new manager to find out what happened to the nursing accommodation. I've just now finished reading the email, and from her comments like, there is one kitchen and one bathroom for an entire floor, and everything gets stolen from the fridge, and this one is the kicker "I wouldn't put my worst enemy in there"...I think I'll stick with the flat and the one roommate, hmm? And it's only for 3 months so if my friend Jo is serious about looking for a flat together we can do that late spring. So it looks like I will be living in Forest Gate, and working in Leytonstone.
I also had an email about an exclusive live show Coldplay is doing at Abbey Road studios this Monday, and they're running a competition to send a couple of fans...boy, do I have bad timing. Arrrggghhh.
I"ve been very jealous reading my friend Dan's blog lately, and seeing the pictures of all the exotic places he's visited, lately while he was in Hong Kong (there's a link to his blog in my sidebar if you're curious), but hopefully I'll have my own tales to tell very soon. Starting with Italia in May! But none of this before the big snowstorm which will happen overnight tomorrow into Sunday....we're supposed to get a foot or more, I'm so excited, I can hardly contain myself! Tress will be home on Sunday for Dad's birthday, I wonder if I can get her to take a toboggan ride down "Suicide Hill" (our backyard hill leading down into the woods, which is studded with trees) for old times' sake? Probably not if she wants to be sure of avoiding a third broken arm (though I swear to you all, it was not my fault! Being the driver does not mean I automatically take the blame, especially when she's sticking her arm out!).
Guess I'd better pack a bit so I can watch the Opening Ceremonies later.
Thursday, February 09, 2006
Ebay, surprisingly enough...
My truck
Some good news re: my truck...I sold it on Ebay!! Yay!! For a price that I'm happy with - none of the offers I was getting from used car resellers were anywhere close to Blue Book value, and I wasn't having any luck with the traditional car ad route. Someone came to look at the truck last night and go for a test drive, and then he went home and used the Buy It Now option. That's most of my 2006 contribution to my Roth IRA right there. One less thing to worry about.
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
Lighthouse Family
I remember I first discovered Lighthouse Family when I went "home" to England for the first time...it was during college, for winter break 1996-1997. I was blown away by the lead singer's vocals (I am also a big fan of Seal), and bought the CD to bring back with me. Lighthouse Family had been big in the UK for some time, but were relatively unknown in the US.
It has been quite amusing to sort of follow along with popular music moving back and forth beween the UK and the US...for instance, the Corrs were another band I discovered that first winter break I spent with my family in Sunninghill. Three years later, they had some mild success with "Runaway" in the US, and at the present time are pretty well known over here. I worked in New York City for two years, and I think it was the summer of 2001, I had the pleasure of watching them perform live on the Today Show in Rockefeller Square. Of course, I was something like an hour late for work, but so worth it!
And then during my term in Oxford, I left for England at a time where Americans were pretty much sick of Outkast's "Hey yeah" and Usher's "Yeah" because they'd been so overplayed on the radio. But when I arrived in Oxford, they hadn't yet hit...about a month later, they were all over the radio in the UK.
However, Lighthouse Family takes the cake I think...I don't know how long the album had been out in the UK when I discovered it, but "You and Me" has just now started getting some air time on US radio stations, 10 years later from when I first heard it! Maybe it had something to do with the lyrics from "One" being used in a Coke commercial within the past year, who knows...
It has been quite amusing to sort of follow along with popular music moving back and forth beween the UK and the US...for instance, the Corrs were another band I discovered that first winter break I spent with my family in Sunninghill. Three years later, they had some mild success with "Runaway" in the US, and at the present time are pretty well known over here. I worked in New York City for two years, and I think it was the summer of 2001, I had the pleasure of watching them perform live on the Today Show in Rockefeller Square. Of course, I was something like an hour late for work, but so worth it!
And then during my term in Oxford, I left for England at a time where Americans were pretty much sick of Outkast's "Hey yeah" and Usher's "Yeah" because they'd been so overplayed on the radio. But when I arrived in Oxford, they hadn't yet hit...about a month later, they were all over the radio in the UK.
However, Lighthouse Family takes the cake I think...I don't know how long the album had been out in the UK when I discovered it, but "You and Me" has just now started getting some air time on US radio stations, 10 years later from when I first heard it! Maybe it had something to do with the lyrics from "One" being used in a Coke commercial within the past year, who knows...
Brokeback Mountain
First of all, I can't imagine the name is just a coincidence, and you get a pretty good snapshot of the movie from the title, Brokeback Mountain - it pulls no punches, and there's no real buildup, it jumps right into its subject matter. I should not have been surprised, given that this is an Ang Lee film, that it smacks you up and downside the head with visual cinematography. That old cliche "a picture is worth a 1000 words" seems to be Lee's credo. Even though some of us take things in better in an auditory or kinetic medium, in this day and age we are pretty much all visual, we have to be...I mean the bulk of advertising is through television commercials or internet, newspaper readers/subscriptions have dropped precipitously, etc. With the crazy schedules we all call life, the quickest way to stay on top of things is through visual information. It seems like hardly anyone takes the time to write a real letter anymore, for instance. Or to take this blog, I've always been a journaler, although it had become more sporadic these past few years, but now here I am blogging away because it's faster and easier than pen and notebook.
The movie is a lot to take in all at once, and though it deals with love and fear, and the difficulties and social censorship that homosexuals must deal with...it's also a lot about sex, psychological needs, commitment issues, responsibility in relationships, rejection, denial and self acceptance, and the close-minded violence of conformity. That's a mouthful and I don't think I covered it all. Lee gets it all in there, but as a result you kind of feel like you're thrown right into the middle of it, and even now I don't think it has sunk in. It's an extremely powerful film, that will take me a while to process. Were someone to ask me now what the movie is about, or what its message is, I don't think I could do it justice. I see now why Jake Gyllenhall made a comment that he and Heath Ledger ran into each other afterward, and neither one wanted to say what he thought of it, with both of them saying something like, "I don' t know, man, what do you think?" Some of the imagery is violent and intrusive, almost making the movie-watcher feel they have been violated or assaulted, which is probably much to the point. (I'm thinking of the sheep and the imagery shown of Jack's "accident with the tire blowing up.") Though this movie was placed 3-4 decades ago, it's heartbreaking to think we live in a society where such atrocities, such fear and biggotry, still exist.
Whether this movie is having or will have any real social impact is a subject for debate, I suppose, but I'm not sure I've been this moved by a film since I saw Schindler's List... and I'm sure it deeply touches others who've seen it as well. It's a very public piece of the journey toward a widespread social acknowledgement of everyone's right to live their own life as they choose, with whom they choose. Unfortunately, I suspect it probably creates a divide between those people who already support everyone's right to their lifestyle and those who believe there is only one lifestyle-- and the latter will not be found in this movie's audience. But it is in the news, thanks to its content, and now also because of its numerous Oscar nominations, and actually from the President's State of the Union night film reel - and therefore not something that can be summarily dismissed.
If you haven't yet seen it, go see it...though I've stumbled over my tongue this entire blog, I can be clear about this...you won't be exactly the same person who went in when you walk out the theater door.
The movie is a lot to take in all at once, and though it deals with love and fear, and the difficulties and social censorship that homosexuals must deal with...it's also a lot about sex, psychological needs, commitment issues, responsibility in relationships, rejection, denial and self acceptance, and the close-minded violence of conformity. That's a mouthful and I don't think I covered it all. Lee gets it all in there, but as a result you kind of feel like you're thrown right into the middle of it, and even now I don't think it has sunk in. It's an extremely powerful film, that will take me a while to process. Were someone to ask me now what the movie is about, or what its message is, I don't think I could do it justice. I see now why Jake Gyllenhall made a comment that he and Heath Ledger ran into each other afterward, and neither one wanted to say what he thought of it, with both of them saying something like, "I don' t know, man, what do you think?" Some of the imagery is violent and intrusive, almost making the movie-watcher feel they have been violated or assaulted, which is probably much to the point. (I'm thinking of the sheep and the imagery shown of Jack's "accident with the tire blowing up.") Though this movie was placed 3-4 decades ago, it's heartbreaking to think we live in a society where such atrocities, such fear and biggotry, still exist.
Whether this movie is having or will have any real social impact is a subject for debate, I suppose, but I'm not sure I've been this moved by a film since I saw Schindler's List... and I'm sure it deeply touches others who've seen it as well. It's a very public piece of the journey toward a widespread social acknowledgement of everyone's right to live their own life as they choose, with whom they choose. Unfortunately, I suspect it probably creates a divide between those people who already support everyone's right to their lifestyle and those who believe there is only one lifestyle-- and the latter will not be found in this movie's audience. But it is in the news, thanks to its content, and now also because of its numerous Oscar nominations, and actually from the President's State of the Union night film reel - and therefore not something that can be summarily dismissed.
If you haven't yet seen it, go see it...though I've stumbled over my tongue this entire blog, I can be clear about this...you won't be exactly the same person who went in when you walk out the theater door.
Tuesday, February 07, 2006
Go shorty, it's your birthday...
We gon' party like it's your birthday, we gon' sip on Bacardi like it's your birthday...
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KRISTY!! We were supposed to be celebrating yours and mine in London right about now, but hey...I'm raising a toast to you in spirit! And we'll just have to do a birthday celebration in July when I see you in England. London won't know what hit it!
From me and "Fitty Cent"...hope you have a wonderful, relaxing day (don't think about your patients- I know you, you're just like me! - let it all go for a day), you amazing person, you.
Lots of love, Allison
HAPPY BIRTHDAY KRISTY!! We were supposed to be celebrating yours and mine in London right about now, but hey...I'm raising a toast to you in spirit! And we'll just have to do a birthday celebration in July when I see you in England. London won't know what hit it!
From me and "Fitty Cent"...hope you have a wonderful, relaxing day (don't think about your patients- I know you, you're just like me! - let it all go for a day), you amazing person, you.
Lots of love, Allison
Pass It On...
I have had the question of whether it's okay for this web site's address to be given out by those of you reading it to other people you think would be interested. It's perfectly fine...I am posting this journal, blog, whatever, on a public forum and naturally anything I'm not interested in friends, family, or the general public being privy to, will not be posted on this site (ie dating/romantic travails, health issues, confidential information related to patients, etc). If you know people whom you think will find my blog interesting, by all means, pass along the URL... I happen to think the background is BOR-ing at the moment, but maybe that's just me. Hopefully the content makes up for it ;)
It's funny, since I've started this blog, I've been coming home from work thinking, ok, what am I going to tell everyone tonight? Even though there haven't really been comments of late, and people tend to tell me what they think on the phone instead, I still have this tendency to think of it (writing my blog entries) as talking to people. And now I've stopped working, it's amazing how socially isolated I feel. I have plenty to keep me busy, don't get me wrong, but I hadn't realized how much social contact I had through my job. In addition the quality of that social contact is/was much richer, now that I have found a career that I feel is my calling. I'm very eager to get back to working the week of the 20th!
Anywho, I promise this blog will get more interesting as I get over to England in less than two weeks now, and as I begin to travel again. In the meantime, there should be more of my photo albums available on flickr by tomorrow, including those from my travels during my Oxford term...there's a link from the sidebar on the right if y'all feel like browsing.
It's funny, since I've started this blog, I've been coming home from work thinking, ok, what am I going to tell everyone tonight? Even though there haven't really been comments of late, and people tend to tell me what they think on the phone instead, I still have this tendency to think of it (writing my blog entries) as talking to people. And now I've stopped working, it's amazing how socially isolated I feel. I have plenty to keep me busy, don't get me wrong, but I hadn't realized how much social contact I had through my job. In addition the quality of that social contact is/was much richer, now that I have found a career that I feel is my calling. I'm very eager to get back to working the week of the 20th!
Anywho, I promise this blog will get more interesting as I get over to England in less than two weeks now, and as I begin to travel again. In the meantime, there should be more of my photo albums available on flickr by tomorrow, including those from my travels during my Oxford term...there's a link from the sidebar on the right if y'all feel like browsing.
Italia, patria dei miei sogni!
It's official, I have been invited back to Brognoligo by the Florys, who told me this weekend they would be there the whole month of May. I hope there's a bank holiday in May, but no matter, even if it's only for a short weekend, there is no question of whether I'll go. This time though, I plan to get a flight to the "right" small airport, which I believe is Verona. Guess I'd better double check that.
I'm a little on the fence about the new background...now it seems a bit too simple. I need to figure out how to get a little image behind my title to perk it up a bit. Anyone know how to do that?
I'm a little on the fence about the new background...now it seems a bit too simple. I need to figure out how to get a little image behind my title to perk it up a bit. Anyone know how to do that?
Monday, February 06, 2006
Cleo
So this is Cleo, who is now living with Brian and Carla. She was a stray who was rescued by someone I worked with at Roosevelt. However, she needed a home, and I'm a sucker for this kind of thing, having already taken 2 tiny kittens last summer and found homes for them (one of those kittens is named Annabelle and now living with Chris Burk and family!). Cleo was actually going to go to London with me, but there were too many logistical knots to work out, so she has been adopted by Carla and Brian. She now has a shiny coat, a little pot belly, and she "talks" with a series of chirps or barks, whichever you prefer. When I went to see Carla yesterday, Cleo was looking out the screen door and chattered away as I walked into the house. It's a toss-up though as to whether she actually remembered me... Taking bets on who thinks I'll end up with a kitten in London...
A rare picture of Cleo, who instinctively knows how to foil picture-takers...
A rare picture of Cleo, who instinctively knows how to foil picture-takers...
Sunday, February 05, 2006
Superbowl Sunday
I've no real interest in Pittsburgh or Seattle, and I'm not in a pool...however, as a proud American I will watch for the commercials! I think the first of the "Johnson" Kelloggs' Raisin Crunch series of commercials started during last year's Superbowl...and of course the cult hit "Waaaaasssssuuuupppppp" beer commercial was first aired during a Superbowl. As were the "Bud"---"weis"---"errrrr" frog commercials. So even if the game isn't close, which I hope it is for entertainment sake, there are always the commercials. And the food (I've made a pork and three bean chili) nachos, guacamole, cornbread, hot wings, football ice cream cake....and of course, the friends. Speaking of which, I still have to run off and spend some time with Carla, since she takes off for Hawaii on Wed, and doesn't return until the day I leave. Happy Superbowl watching everyone, whether you're in it for the teams or not!
Saturday, February 04, 2006
How many hours are in two weeks?
Now that I've had my last day of work, things seem to be picking up pace for my departure. I'm trying to sell my truck through ebay before selling it for below Blue Book value to a reseller. I've ordered a UK SIM card, which should be here by the middle of next week, so I will have a UK mobile phone number to give you all before I leave. And I'm working on packing...trying to decide whether to leave suitcases for my parents to bring in April and/or Viv to bring in March - she did volunteer to bring as many of my shoes as she could in one suitcase...thanks a lot, Viv, very funny. You should talk. And I also need to figure out how to get my reference textbooks over - they are really heavy, so I don't really want to take them myself and use up my luggage weight allowance. I could send them by boat, which would take a few months , but that's still fairly expensive, and I think I will need them before they would arrive. Hmmm. I might have to suck up taking on the weight of a choice few in my luggage that will go with me on the plane in two weeks. In addition, I had promised my parents I would sort through all of my junk in their basement before I left, some of the boxes being from grade school I think! No one is betting on me completing that task in time, I don't think.
Oh, and I'm trying to finish up my 10 AMPS test cases, so that I will be officially calibrated as an AMPS administrator, and be able to use the tool at Whipps Cross with my patients. I guess I need to turn to friends and family at this point, given that I'm no longer working, and only managed 6 test cases before my last day.
Totally unrelated to everything I'm trying to squish into two weeks, I've noticed that blogger is archiving my posts now. If I've referred back to a post that you can't find by scrolling down, check out the sidebar and click on January 2005 for archived posts. And since it seems to be a little boring when too many posts go by without pictures, I've added several this morning. Happy browsing...
Oh, and I'm trying to finish up my 10 AMPS test cases, so that I will be officially calibrated as an AMPS administrator, and be able to use the tool at Whipps Cross with my patients. I guess I need to turn to friends and family at this point, given that I'm no longer working, and only managed 6 test cases before my last day.
Totally unrelated to everything I'm trying to squish into two weeks, I've noticed that blogger is archiving my posts now. If I've referred back to a post that you can't find by scrolling down, check out the sidebar and click on January 2005 for archived posts. And since it seems to be a little boring when too many posts go by without pictures, I've added several this morning. Happy browsing...
Last Day
A long day, a little dazed, a little tired...a lot happy. All of my current paperwork was completed, my caseload handed over to Tiffany, and I saw all but one of my patients who will have to be seen tomorrow instead. And I received a very flattering thank you card from the rehab director. This picture was taken right before I headed out the door for a Blue Moon on tap across the street at Champps:) More pictures to come from tonight as soon as I get copies from Yam and Meliza.
last day, purple scrubs
last day, purple scrubs
Friday, February 03, 2006
Grumble, grumble, Uncle Sam, grumble...
I recently put all my tax info into a web-based Turbo-Tax program, since I want to get my taxes finished and filed by end of next week. And I was not a happy camper when I came to the end of the program and discovered I would be getting back a little less than half of what I automatically paid out to the govt from my weekly paychecks. So I had a discussion with my parents in which I was trying to figure out whether I should fork out the money for a CPA, or something like H&R Block to get more money back. When I'd finished explaining everything, my dad started laughing and said, "Allison, you're talking about the govt taking approximately 8.5-9% out of your total earnings from 2005...just wait until they're taking 25% of your yearly earnings!"
Evidently, I have become too used to getting everything back the past three years I was a graduate student, because as it turns out, Uncle Sam does get to claim its "fair share" of my hard-earned money!
Next January, for this tax year 2006, I'll get everything back given that I'm only working 6 weeks of it in the US...although that brings up a whole new can of worms, since I've no idea what I do about declaring foreignly earned money. Hmmm.
Evidently, I have become too used to getting everything back the past three years I was a graduate student, because as it turns out, Uncle Sam does get to claim its "fair share" of my hard-earned money!
Next January, for this tax year 2006, I'll get everything back given that I'm only working 6 weeks of it in the US...although that brings up a whole new can of worms, since I've no idea what I do about declaring foreignly earned money. Hmmm.
Trashy TV
Just a little addition to yesterday's post...I will certainly not miss the married housekeeping staff making comments about how I look good in my jeans, and taking my cell phone number from the rehab office emergency contact list and starting to send me text messages/call me. And also, for one reason or another which is not my place to publicize, my two favorite nurses are leaving, one quite suddenly yesterday, and one told me today she was leaving. Aside from group therapy this morning, where all the therapists were in the mood to dance today and Rhonda and I were in rare form for "Proud Mary," it was a pretty sad day.
I was supposed to meet Jenn at Clydz in New Brunswick tonight - I cannot leave NJ without a parting trip to the best martini bar in the whole wide world. The fact that there is always one good-looking bartender is actually beside the point, once you get lost in their list of what seems like 100 martinis. I suppose the sour apple martini will always be one of my favorites, but of late I'm quite taken with a martini called "For A Good Time Call... " And if that weren't enough, they also make the best mojitos I have ever tasted. The little bar is below street level, very cozy, with a small fireplace, and I love it! Unfortunately, we did not make it there tonight, but Jenn & I decided that next week we will have a Clydz and Makedas night (Makedas being a fabulous Ethiopian restaurant a block or so down from Clydz) which spells trouble between the martinis at Clydz and the Tej at Makedas... might need to call in her boyfriend Chris at the end of the night as a designated driver. "Trouble with a capital T and that rhymes with P and that stands for pool!"
But tonight, Jenn was just getting over a migraine from earlier in the day, so I went to her condo, and we watched trashy TV. Which I pretty much never do...The trouble with trashy TV is that it's like a train wreck...you can't look away! As awful as it is, you get sucked in, and you find yourself talking to/yelling at the TV. Tonight on MTV we watched girls compete to be the most like Hillary Duff so that they could be picked as the winner by some random guy, and thereby be "His Own Hillary Duff." And then we watched a former member of the very short-lived boy band O-Town and his current mess of a life. The format of the show is awful where every so often the background is freeze-framed, and the guy kind of steps out to make monologues to the camera. Oh, the horror! Eventually we found our way to Will & Grace, and sanity again.
I guess I'd better be off to bed as I do have one more day of work tomorrow, but in case some of you didn't hear, Punksatawny Phil did see his shadow today, surprise, surprise, it was warm and sunny...as long as there's no snow headed this way around Feb 19, I have no problem with 6 more weeks of winter. :)
I was supposed to meet Jenn at Clydz in New Brunswick tonight - I cannot leave NJ without a parting trip to the best martini bar in the whole wide world. The fact that there is always one good-looking bartender is actually beside the point, once you get lost in their list of what seems like 100 martinis. I suppose the sour apple martini will always be one of my favorites, but of late I'm quite taken with a martini called "For A Good Time Call... " And if that weren't enough, they also make the best mojitos I have ever tasted. The little bar is below street level, very cozy, with a small fireplace, and I love it! Unfortunately, we did not make it there tonight, but Jenn & I decided that next week we will have a Clydz and Makedas night (Makedas being a fabulous Ethiopian restaurant a block or so down from Clydz) which spells trouble between the martinis at Clydz and the Tej at Makedas... might need to call in her boyfriend Chris at the end of the night as a designated driver. "Trouble with a capital T and that rhymes with P and that stands for pool!"
But tonight, Jenn was just getting over a migraine from earlier in the day, so I went to her condo, and we watched trashy TV. Which I pretty much never do...The trouble with trashy TV is that it's like a train wreck...you can't look away! As awful as it is, you get sucked in, and you find yourself talking to/yelling at the TV. Tonight on MTV we watched girls compete to be the most like Hillary Duff so that they could be picked as the winner by some random guy, and thereby be "His Own Hillary Duff." And then we watched a former member of the very short-lived boy band O-Town and his current mess of a life. The format of the show is awful where every so often the background is freeze-framed, and the guy kind of steps out to make monologues to the camera. Oh, the horror! Eventually we found our way to Will & Grace, and sanity again.
I guess I'd better be off to bed as I do have one more day of work tomorrow, but in case some of you didn't hear, Punksatawny Phil did see his shadow today, surprise, surprise, it was warm and sunny...as long as there's no snow headed this way around Feb 19, I have no problem with 6 more weeks of winter. :)
Thursday, February 02, 2006
I'm A Cow
I am really going to miss my coworkers. We have a lot of fun together at work, and make a lot of plans outside of work too...before I leave, we still plan to get into the city to see Wicked (there's a lottery at 4pm every day to get front row tickets for $25 each), and club it up!, among other things.
At work, though, my fellow therapists really make my day, every day. Given the stress and wear of the job, and the emotional rollercoaster ride it always is, we have a really nice rapport with each other. We support each other, we help each other out, we give each other advice and shoulders to lean/cry on...and we make each other laugh, sometimes so much so that someone is literally rolling on the floor, or has a face the color of a tomato. We know how much we each care about our patients, so the gallows humor (that is present in every health care job as a coping tool) is not mistaken for anything malicious...after having seen a patient have a stroke in front of you (me) or collapse from a heart attack on the rehab gym floor in front of you, never to get up again (a PT), you can't avoid the black humor. We therapists share mutual respect and admiration for each other, and thankfully all have thick skin...because we make fun of ourselves, and probably more often we make fun of each other.
Several of the therapists I work with moved to the US from the Philippines sometime in the last five years. They are all petite, and somewhere along the line, an inside joke started where they first called themselves monkeys and then everyone (by their permission of course) started to join in the joke. Something to do with all the jungle in the Philippines, and our occasional misunderstanding due to slang or something...however, one day, one of the PTs spoke up and said,
"I don't like being called a monkey. I'm not a monkey. I'm a cow... I moved here for greener pastures!"
At work, though, my fellow therapists really make my day, every day. Given the stress and wear of the job, and the emotional rollercoaster ride it always is, we have a really nice rapport with each other. We support each other, we help each other out, we give each other advice and shoulders to lean/cry on...and we make each other laugh, sometimes so much so that someone is literally rolling on the floor, or has a face the color of a tomato. We know how much we each care about our patients, so the gallows humor (that is present in every health care job as a coping tool) is not mistaken for anything malicious...after having seen a patient have a stroke in front of you (me) or collapse from a heart attack on the rehab gym floor in front of you, never to get up again (a PT), you can't avoid the black humor. We therapists share mutual respect and admiration for each other, and thankfully all have thick skin...because we make fun of ourselves, and probably more often we make fun of each other.
Several of the therapists I work with moved to the US from the Philippines sometime in the last five years. They are all petite, and somewhere along the line, an inside joke started where they first called themselves monkeys and then everyone (by their permission of course) started to join in the joke. Something to do with all the jungle in the Philippines, and our occasional misunderstanding due to slang or something...however, one day, one of the PTs spoke up and said,
"I don't like being called a monkey. I'm not a monkey. I'm a cow... I moved here for greener pastures!"
Wednesday, February 01, 2006
You know you're from MA when...
I got this forward from my Jenn today, and I laughed my butt off...my co-workers thought I'd "gone round the bend" since they initially had no idea what I was laughing about. And they thought the same after they saw the email, since none of them have lived in Massachusetts and so didn't really get some of items on the list. When I first moved to Massachusetts, a lot of things were frustrating, such as how everyone uses Dunkin Donuts as a landmark when giving directions, even though there's a Dunkin Donuts on every corner! But by the time I'd been there about a year, I was doing the same...so here are a few choice picks from the list:
You know you're from MA when...
1...there are 24 Dunkin Donuts shops within 5 miles of your house, and that is how you give directions.
2...53 degrees is on the "warm side". (The college undergrads all wear flip-flops at 30 or above)
3...you can use the words "wicked," "pissa," and "good" all in the same sentence. (I don't know, this might be true in the UK as well, if I remember correctly.)
4...if you stay on the same road long enough, it has up to 10 different names.
5...you can navigate a rotary without a problem. (This I don't agree with, MA drivers are the worst in the world, and have NO idea how to use a rotary, since I have driven in the UK and see/learned how rotaries should be used.)
6...a water fountain is called a "bubbla".
Hope you enjoy, these certainly made my day after a difficult morning (emotionally) with one of my patients. Oh, and happy February everyone! Any predictions for Punksatawny Phil tomorrow, by the way?
You know you're from MA when...
1...there are 24 Dunkin Donuts shops within 5 miles of your house, and that is how you give directions.
2...53 degrees is on the "warm side". (The college undergrads all wear flip-flops at 30 or above)
3...you can use the words "wicked," "pissa," and "good" all in the same sentence. (I don't know, this might be true in the UK as well, if I remember correctly.)
4...if you stay on the same road long enough, it has up to 10 different names.
5...you can navigate a rotary without a problem. (This I don't agree with, MA drivers are the worst in the world, and have NO idea how to use a rotary, since I have driven in the UK and see/learned how rotaries should be used.)
6...a water fountain is called a "bubbla".
Hope you enjoy, these certainly made my day after a difficult morning (emotionally) with one of my patients. Oh, and happy February everyone! Any predictions for Punksatawny Phil tomorrow, by the way?
19 more days!
Can I tell you how excited I am getting?!! I now have a little map book of all of extended/greater London, and it actually shows my hospital on the Leyton page. It appears the hospital campus is right next to a very large wooded/park sort of area, with a big lake in the middle, so I am looking forward to new running terrain...or walks, should my hips be acting up that day. Either way right now I've got the treadmill or concrete suburbia, so I'm looking forward to the park.
Also, I seem to have a social network already set up before even setting foot in the country! Ok, a little presumptuous of me, but I do have contact information for many people besides the friends I have kept in touch with from Oxford. Kristy's sister, Maja's friends from college and one she befriended much more recently, two co-workers' friends, and a very good friend of mine from grad school who will be following me over around April-ish...ok, so that doesn't count, she's imported, but her British boyfriend and his circle of friends count!
So the big question is, can I afford to check out all the great restaurants, bars, pubs, and clubs on an OT's salary? Not to mention everything else happening in London...
I can't wait to get back to a big city! I do miss working in NYC- "the" city- and having lived in Boston for three years, I do miss being able to walk every where. 19 more days!
Also, I seem to have a social network already set up before even setting foot in the country! Ok, a little presumptuous of me, but I do have contact information for many people besides the friends I have kept in touch with from Oxford. Kristy's sister, Maja's friends from college and one she befriended much more recently, two co-workers' friends, and a very good friend of mine from grad school who will be following me over around April-ish...ok, so that doesn't count, she's imported, but her British boyfriend and his circle of friends count!
So the big question is, can I afford to check out all the great restaurants, bars, pubs, and clubs on an OT's salary? Not to mention everything else happening in London...
I can't wait to get back to a big city! I do miss working in NYC- "the" city- and having lived in Boston for three years, I do miss being able to walk every where. 19 more days!
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