It has been a while since my last post and I guess I should offer some form of explanation. Here goes...
Work has been quite busy but I'm still loving it. Semester One has commenced with gusto and I have spent a large amount of the last few weeks issuing student cards and dealing with queries of various kinds at the front counter. My working day is much longer than I have been used to and so I end the day fairly exhausted. I usually come home, flop down on the couch with the cat and we fall asleep together by 6pm! There's the reason for my lack of blogging.
In other news, I am undergoing some tests at the moment to confirm an unusual diagnosis...unusual in the sense that the condition was diagnosed following an aromatherapy massage! To cut a long (and pretty boring) story short, I am being tested for Thoracic Outlet Syndrome (TOS). It is possible that TOS is responsible for the dizziness which has plagued me for much of my life. The premise is that the muscles in the upper thorax are in a state of tension and are constricting the vascular and neurologic structures in that area and are subsequently preventing sufficient blood flow to my brain. Sounds dire, I know, but I'm quite positive that this can be easily treated by dietary supplements of magnesium together with an appropriately designed course of remedial physical therapy. So while this may appear to be a negative I'm actually quite excited by the idea that I can be free of the dizziness and other lifestyle-limiting symptoms I have suffered for years.
I'll let you know more about this as the test results become available. Wish me luck and keep me in your prayers.
That's about all for now - it's well past my bedtime and I really just wanted to make a short post so you wouldn't think I was dead!
G'night friends and strangers.
Monday, March 13, 2006
Tuesday, February 14, 2006
Is it fatal?
As I was searching for authoritative definitions for the terms in my last post, I stumbled upon yet another new word...Onomatomania
I know a little knowledge is a dangerous thing and many medical/clinical librarians have fallen into the trap of self-diagnosis. Irrespective of that, I am convinced I have onomatomania.
Onomatomania
"Mental derangement with regard to words or names."
(1995, Dorland's Pocket Medical Dictionary, W.B. Saunders: Sydney)
I know a little knowledge is a dangerous thing and many medical/clinical librarians have fallen into the trap of self-diagnosis. Irrespective of that, I am convinced I have onomatomania.
Onomatomania
"Mental derangement with regard to words or names."
(1995, Dorland's Pocket Medical Dictionary, W.B. Saunders: Sydney)
New vocabulary
I think most librarians consider themselves to be pretty good when it comes to language skills. It would appear that we have a greater than average vocabulary and any of us even tend to play word games in our spare time. Lexicographically speaking, we can kick it with the best. So imagine my embarrassment to find that there are some words I don't know!!!
Anyway, I was telling some friends recently that I'm learning new words and how exciting that is. ( I know I'm a nerd - lay off, ok!?) So for your education, edification and enjoyment, here are the new terms I have incorporated into my vocabulary in the last fortnight...
Phytoceutical
Moxibustion
"Moxibustion is the application of heat resulting from the burning of a small bundle of tightly bound herbs, or moxa, to targeted acupoints. It is used along with acupuncture."
(Cancer.org)
Auriculotherapy
"Auriculotherapy is the stimulation of the auricle of the external ear for the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions in other parts of the body. It is also known as ear acupuncture or auricular acupuncture when the stimulation is achieved by the insertion of acupuncture needles, whereas the term auriculotherapy often refers to electrical stimulation of the surface of ear reflex points. Specific points on the ear can also be stimulated by manual pressure, referred to as auricular acupressure or ear reflexology. Acupuncture points on the ear can also be stimulated with lasers, magnets, and ear pellets."
(Auriculotherapy.com)
Onychosis
"Disease or deformity of a nail or the nails"
(1995, Dorland's Pocket Medical Dictionary, W.B. Saunders: Sydney)
Stay tuned for more exciting verbal expansion!
Anyway, I was telling some friends recently that I'm learning new words and how exciting that is. ( I know I'm a nerd - lay off, ok!?) So for your education, edification and enjoyment, here are the new terms I have incorporated into my vocabulary in the last fortnight...
Phytoceutical
Moxibustion
"Moxibustion is the application of heat resulting from the burning of a small bundle of tightly bound herbs, or moxa, to targeted acupoints. It is used along with acupuncture."
(Cancer.org)
Auriculotherapy
"Auriculotherapy is the stimulation of the auricle of the external ear for the diagnosis and treatment of health conditions in other parts of the body. It is also known as ear acupuncture or auricular acupuncture when the stimulation is achieved by the insertion of acupuncture needles, whereas the term auriculotherapy often refers to electrical stimulation of the surface of ear reflex points. Specific points on the ear can also be stimulated by manual pressure, referred to as auricular acupressure or ear reflexology. Acupuncture points on the ear can also be stimulated with lasers, magnets, and ear pellets."
(Auriculotherapy.com)
Onychosis
"Disease or deformity of a nail or the nails"
(1995, Dorland's Pocket Medical Dictionary, W.B. Saunders: Sydney)
Stay tuned for more exciting verbal expansion!
Saturday, February 04, 2006
First week over
Well my first week as a Library Manager is now over and I still really like the place!
I get to really connect with people and remember why I became a librarian. Because the library is small, I am able to get to know the collection fully and, of course, the library users. They are really nice to work with. Everyone is helpful and appreciative. It makes a change from some of the other places I have worked.
It's also really nice to get back to doing things in the library other than just being pidgeon-holed like I was in my last job. I used to do these other tasks before that last job and it's all coming back to me again. I do acquisitions, circulation, cataloguing, etc, etc. I have really missed the "all-rounder" aspect of smaller libraries. I was obviously never meant to work in a big library and I really don't regret the change back to the smaller specialist library.
Friday was quite trying as my library assistant couldn't get to work because of a train strike. So I have been on my own and it was only my 4th day! I didn't even have systems access until 10am so that made life quite difficult. I also had to process about 75 - 100 new students from the one of the affiliate colleges (and create student cards) which was a real test of my patience and theirs. But in spite of all that, I still really love my new job.
So far, so good. :-)
I get to really connect with people and remember why I became a librarian. Because the library is small, I am able to get to know the collection fully and, of course, the library users. They are really nice to work with. Everyone is helpful and appreciative. It makes a change from some of the other places I have worked.
It's also really nice to get back to doing things in the library other than just being pidgeon-holed like I was in my last job. I used to do these other tasks before that last job and it's all coming back to me again. I do acquisitions, circulation, cataloguing, etc, etc. I have really missed the "all-rounder" aspect of smaller libraries. I was obviously never meant to work in a big library and I really don't regret the change back to the smaller specialist library.
Friday was quite trying as my library assistant couldn't get to work because of a train strike. So I have been on my own and it was only my 4th day! I didn't even have systems access until 10am so that made life quite difficult. I also had to process about 75 - 100 new students from the one of the affiliate colleges (and create student cards) which was a real test of my patience and theirs. But in spite of all that, I still really love my new job.
So far, so good. :-)
Monday, January 30, 2006
Countdown has begun
Tomorrow I start my new job. I haven't had a permanent job since 1999 and I must admit that I'm just a tad nervous. I just wanted to capture the last moment of unemployment.
It's late and I need to be on my best game in the morning. I start my job in 9 hours and 44 minutes.
Wish me luck!!!
It's late and I need to be on my best game in the morning. I start my job in 9 hours and 44 minutes.
Wish me luck!!!
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
Hi ho, hi ho, it's off to work I go
Bless me Father for I have sinned. It has been 3 weeks since my last blog. But boy, do I have some news to tell you!
As you know, I've been madly looking for work. I've updated my resume and tweaked it so many times; I've addressed countless selection criteria; I've phoned and emailed numerous job agencies and I've attended job interviews and agency information sessions...not to mention the number of skills assessments I've undergone. And for what? Stress. Heartache. Disappointment.
Upon reading earlier entries in this blog, I was contacted by two good friends regarding my jobless plight. The first contact was regarding a job that was sitting vacant which I might have been interested in. As it turned out, my skills were a little lacking in that area and I didn't want to take on a role which I wasn't suited to or capable of carrying out. I would only upset myself and reflect badly on my friend who has suggested me. My sincerest thanks to her for thinking of me though. ;-)
The second contact was from a very good friend who just up and offered me her job!!! What an offer! She was going away and needed someone to be her for a few months and that's where I was to come in. All was set for me to start next Monday barring other eventualities. Here's where the story gets good...
Late last year I saw an advertisement for a job which would suit me down to the ground. The size of the organisation was just what I wanted; the subject matter was interesting and diverse and the position itself looked pretty meaty and fun. The best part of the job ad was that they didn't have a selection criteria to be addressed...simply apply for the job the old fashioned way - a job application letter. (I miss those).
Anyway, I applied for the job and was called for interview. That was a thrill in itself. I was so chuffed that I had scored an interview that anything else was just icing on the cake. So when the day came, I toddled off to the interview. When I got there, I was given a list of questions which they were likely to ask. I read through the list and felt pretty darn confident in my abilities. There was nothing I couldn't handle. Then they called me in. I felt cool, calm and in control. I answered the questions fully and confidently and it all went rather well. There was nothing that I would have done differently. It came to an end and off I went.
As each day after the interview passed, I felt less confident and wondered why they hadn't called. But my concern was misplaced. I received a call asking me to come in to meet the staff and tour the library. I really enjoyed my visit there. The library was really nice and the staff were just lovely. They said the race for the job was between me and one other (a person I knew, actually). So then the panic set in again. When would they call? Would they pick me?
Well I'll save you the suspense... THEY PICKED ME!!!
I start on Tuesday. I'll keep you posted. Oh boy am I happy!
It would be very ungracious of me not to thank all the people who have had faith in me and supported me through the bad times I've had this past year. I especially want to thank my blog reading friends who came to my rescue with job offers - you gave me the courage to believe in myself when I had come to believe that I was useless.
I also want to thank God. I prayed I would get this job. From the moment I saw the job ad, this is what I wanted. He has answered my prayers and I am happy again for the first time in quite a while.
Thanks.
As you know, I've been madly looking for work. I've updated my resume and tweaked it so many times; I've addressed countless selection criteria; I've phoned and emailed numerous job agencies and I've attended job interviews and agency information sessions...not to mention the number of skills assessments I've undergone. And for what? Stress. Heartache. Disappointment.
Upon reading earlier entries in this blog, I was contacted by two good friends regarding my jobless plight. The first contact was regarding a job that was sitting vacant which I might have been interested in. As it turned out, my skills were a little lacking in that area and I didn't want to take on a role which I wasn't suited to or capable of carrying out. I would only upset myself and reflect badly on my friend who has suggested me. My sincerest thanks to her for thinking of me though. ;-)
The second contact was from a very good friend who just up and offered me her job!!! What an offer! She was going away and needed someone to be her for a few months and that's where I was to come in. All was set for me to start next Monday barring other eventualities. Here's where the story gets good...
Late last year I saw an advertisement for a job which would suit me down to the ground. The size of the organisation was just what I wanted; the subject matter was interesting and diverse and the position itself looked pretty meaty and fun. The best part of the job ad was that they didn't have a selection criteria to be addressed...simply apply for the job the old fashioned way - a job application letter. (I miss those).
Anyway, I applied for the job and was called for interview. That was a thrill in itself. I was so chuffed that I had scored an interview that anything else was just icing on the cake. So when the day came, I toddled off to the interview. When I got there, I was given a list of questions which they were likely to ask. I read through the list and felt pretty darn confident in my abilities. There was nothing I couldn't handle. Then they called me in. I felt cool, calm and in control. I answered the questions fully and confidently and it all went rather well. There was nothing that I would have done differently. It came to an end and off I went.
As each day after the interview passed, I felt less confident and wondered why they hadn't called. But my concern was misplaced. I received a call asking me to come in to meet the staff and tour the library. I really enjoyed my visit there. The library was really nice and the staff were just lovely. They said the race for the job was between me and one other (a person I knew, actually). So then the panic set in again. When would they call? Would they pick me?
Well I'll save you the suspense... THEY PICKED ME!!!
I start on Tuesday. I'll keep you posted. Oh boy am I happy!
It would be very ungracious of me not to thank all the people who have had faith in me and supported me through the bad times I've had this past year. I especially want to thank my blog reading friends who came to my rescue with job offers - you gave me the courage to believe in myself when I had come to believe that I was useless.
I also want to thank God. I prayed I would get this job. From the moment I saw the job ad, this is what I wanted. He has answered my prayers and I am happy again for the first time in quite a while.
Thanks.
Friday, January 06, 2006
A New Year begins with sadness
2006 is underway and I am hoping the first week is not an indication of things to come for this year.
My work contract ended just prior to Christmas and now I am unemployed. I went to Centrelink yesterday to see if I was eligible for any assistance. It seems I am on my own. Well, not exactly...I am entitled to register as a jobseeker in the JobNetwork but that just means I can apply for crappy jobs that I am way too overqualified for. This morning I went through the interview process with my chosen JobNetwork agency and the guy I was interviewed by agreed with my summation of the service.
Nevertheless, I will press on and apply for any and everything I can. With 2 mortgages, Steve and I need both of us to be working.
Steve returned to work yesterday after the holiday but was off work again today due to illness. I also felt like my virus was coming back. All of that paled into insignificance when my mother rang me this evening to tell me that my grandmother had just died. She was 92 years of age and had become quite frail and senile so I suppose her passing is a mercy but I still feel saddened by it. I didn't really know my grandmother or any of my mother's family due to the restrictive nature of their religion. They are Exclusive Brethren. I won't go into detail other than to say they stole my mother's family from me and I don't know my own relations. I feel cheated by them and I cannot seem to shake my resentment. I have been trying to come to terms with this my whole life but to no avail.
Anyway, that's all for now. I will mourn my grandmother and pray for her soul's rest. Bye Grandma.
My work contract ended just prior to Christmas and now I am unemployed. I went to Centrelink yesterday to see if I was eligible for any assistance. It seems I am on my own. Well, not exactly...I am entitled to register as a jobseeker in the JobNetwork but that just means I can apply for crappy jobs that I am way too overqualified for. This morning I went through the interview process with my chosen JobNetwork agency and the guy I was interviewed by agreed with my summation of the service.
Nevertheless, I will press on and apply for any and everything I can. With 2 mortgages, Steve and I need both of us to be working.
Steve returned to work yesterday after the holiday but was off work again today due to illness. I also felt like my virus was coming back. All of that paled into insignificance when my mother rang me this evening to tell me that my grandmother had just died. She was 92 years of age and had become quite frail and senile so I suppose her passing is a mercy but I still feel saddened by it. I didn't really know my grandmother or any of my mother's family due to the restrictive nature of their religion. They are Exclusive Brethren. I won't go into detail other than to say they stole my mother's family from me and I don't know my own relations. I feel cheated by them and I cannot seem to shake my resentment. I have been trying to come to terms with this my whole life but to no avail.
Anyway, that's all for now. I will mourn my grandmother and pray for her soul's rest. Bye Grandma.
Monday, January 02, 2006
Happy Christmas and New Year!
To all of my friends, family and complete strangers to stumble onto my little blog, I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and I wish you all a very Happy 2006.
Christmas for me began with Midnight Mass. I played the organ at my parish church to a congregation of about 1000. This was an extra special Mass for me as it was the first time my non-religious boyfriend has ever attended Mass. I hit a few bad notes but I did mostly ok and received a lot of compliments after Mass. I also did a vocal counterpoint solo which went down really well.
Christmas Day began with a rush as Steve and I had to do the family runaround but it wasn't so bad. First we picked up my Mum, drove to my brother Conor's house and spent some of the morning with him and his family. Then back to Mum's for Chrismas lunch which was a traditional hot meal of turkey, ham and load of vegetables, followed by Mum's famous sherry trifle.
Then Steve and I went home for a little rest and to wrap the remainder of the presents. Then off again to his Dad's for dinner. Dinner there was more Aussie in the sense that it was still turkey and ham but this time it was cold cuts served with salad.
We left his Dad's place to go home and as we drove down our street we saw the yellow flashing lights of an Energex truck. Our entire neighbourhood was in darkness. The storm which was going while we had dinner at Steve's dad's place was bringing down trees and branches on the power lines in our street. We had about 5 hours of blackout.
All in all, I enjoyed the day inspite of the rushing, the eating, the heat and the blackout!
The next thing on the agenda was our New Year's Eve Party. Steve and I were hosting our first NYE party so the pressure was on to get the house ship-shape and party ready. Unfortunately, I had just come down with a nasty virus and couldn't do as much as I needed to. So Super-Mum came to the rescue and helped Steve get the place ready. (I did put in a few days' effort before I succumbed to the lurgy though.) Our friends came over for a BBQ dinner under the house after which we took a stroll to the beach...after all, we do live on a peninsula! We took in the night view of Brisbane and then walked home to catch the fireworks on tv and toast the New Year. Then it was apple pie and ice-cream for everyone!
My cough got worse that night but I'm on the mend now. Fair dues to Steve who has nursed me back to health only to catch the damn virus off me. Now it's my turn to play nurse.
That's it for now. Happy New Year everybody!
Christmas for me began with Midnight Mass. I played the organ at my parish church to a congregation of about 1000. This was an extra special Mass for me as it was the first time my non-religious boyfriend has ever attended Mass. I hit a few bad notes but I did mostly ok and received a lot of compliments after Mass. I also did a vocal counterpoint solo which went down really well.
Christmas Day began with a rush as Steve and I had to do the family runaround but it wasn't so bad. First we picked up my Mum, drove to my brother Conor's house and spent some of the morning with him and his family. Then back to Mum's for Chrismas lunch which was a traditional hot meal of turkey, ham and load of vegetables, followed by Mum's famous sherry trifle.
Then Steve and I went home for a little rest and to wrap the remainder of the presents. Then off again to his Dad's for dinner. Dinner there was more Aussie in the sense that it was still turkey and ham but this time it was cold cuts served with salad.
We left his Dad's place to go home and as we drove down our street we saw the yellow flashing lights of an Energex truck. Our entire neighbourhood was in darkness. The storm which was going while we had dinner at Steve's dad's place was bringing down trees and branches on the power lines in our street. We had about 5 hours of blackout.
All in all, I enjoyed the day inspite of the rushing, the eating, the heat and the blackout!
The next thing on the agenda was our New Year's Eve Party. Steve and I were hosting our first NYE party so the pressure was on to get the house ship-shape and party ready. Unfortunately, I had just come down with a nasty virus and couldn't do as much as I needed to. So Super-Mum came to the rescue and helped Steve get the place ready. (I did put in a few days' effort before I succumbed to the lurgy though.) Our friends came over for a BBQ dinner under the house after which we took a stroll to the beach...after all, we do live on a peninsula! We took in the night view of Brisbane and then walked home to catch the fireworks on tv and toast the New Year. Then it was apple pie and ice-cream for everyone!
My cough got worse that night but I'm on the mend now. Fair dues to Steve who has nursed me back to health only to catch the damn virus off me. Now it's my turn to play nurse.
That's it for now. Happy New Year everybody!
Monday, December 19, 2005
File Extension
Tonight I did a silly little quiz to find out what file extension I am. Here are my results:
Which File Extension are You?
Despite my truly nerdy status, I didn't even know what sort of file this was until Steve informed me. How appropriate that it is a music file!
Incidentally, here are Steve's results:
Which File Extension are You?
Which File Extension are You?
Despite my truly nerdy status, I didn't even know what sort of file this was until Steve informed me. How appropriate that it is a music file!
Incidentally, here are Steve's results:
Which File Extension are You?
Sunday, December 04, 2005
Not happy, Jan!
It's been a while since I posted so I thought I might share the latest of my news with whoever cares to read about it.
I'm really pissed off at the moment. Steve and I are getting the run around from a few different companies regarding fixing our very large television. Our massive tv recently developed a fault and the extended warranty is supposed to cover the fault and the service centre should come out and fix the tv. However, being so massive and being upstairs (i.e. in the lounge room where most people are likely to watch tv), the poor little delicate flowers won't come and pick it up coz it's so heavy and big and they might break a nail or something. Assholes!
Suffice to say, this requires a woman's touch and I'll be calling them tomorrow to give them a piece of my mind.
Stay tuned for more venting.
I'm really pissed off at the moment. Steve and I are getting the run around from a few different companies regarding fixing our very large television. Our massive tv recently developed a fault and the extended warranty is supposed to cover the fault and the service centre should come out and fix the tv. However, being so massive and being upstairs (i.e. in the lounge room where most people are likely to watch tv), the poor little delicate flowers won't come and pick it up coz it's so heavy and big and they might break a nail or something. Assholes!
Suffice to say, this requires a woman's touch and I'll be calling them tomorrow to give them a piece of my mind.
Stay tuned for more venting.
Tuesday, November 15, 2005
Ahhh! That explains it!
Given my recent birthday milestone, here's a very appropriate Blogthings addition...
Yeah, I know I'm a geek. I did a geek test and found that I have a geek quotient of about 30% which makes me a total geek. Huh!
| Your Birthdate: October 25 |
 You excel at anything difficult or high tech. In other words, you're a total (brilliant) geek. It's difficult for you to find people worth spending time with. Which is probably why you'll take over the world with your evil robots! Your strength: Your unfailing logic Your weakness: Loving machines more than people Your power color: Tan Your power symbol: Pi Your power month: July |
Yeah, I know I'm a geek. I did a geek test and found that I have a geek quotient of about 30% which makes me a total geek. Huh!
How Scary is this?!
After a few weeks of no blogging, I've gone nutzoid! Here's my latest Blogthings addition:
| You Are Not Scary |
 Everyone loves you. Isn't that sweet? |
The party, etc...
Well it has been a little while since my birthday and I have yet to say anything about the party!! My sincerest apologies for being so remiss.
Unfortunately, due to the cost of some spirits, I was unable to have my Strawberry Daiquiri as planned. However, I did manage to down a Nutty Irishman, a Squashed Frog, a Fruit Tingle, a Kir Royale, and a Quick F**k...and possibly others which I cannot remember.
The costumes were absolutely amazing and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. I'll let the photos tell the story now...
Unfortunately, due to the cost of some spirits, I was unable to have my Strawberry Daiquiri as planned. However, I did manage to down a Nutty Irishman, a Squashed Frog, a Fruit Tingle, a Kir Royale, and a Quick F**k...and possibly others which I cannot remember.
The costumes were absolutely amazing and I think everyone enjoyed themselves. I'll let the photos tell the story now...
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Weird, am I?
Time for another Blogthings titbit...
I guess anyone who knows me would agree. So this got me to wondering about my fella. Is he as weird as me? Here are his results...
That surprised me but in a nice way. I like it that we are both weird. :-)
| You Are 70% Weird |
 You're so weird, you think you're *totally* normal. Right? But you wig out even the biggest of circus freaks! |
I guess anyone who knows me would agree. So this got me to wondering about my fella. Is he as weird as me? Here are his results...
| You Are 60% Weird |
You're so weird, you think you're *totally* normal. Right? But you wig out even the biggest of circus freaks! |
That surprised me but in a nice way. I like it that we are both weird. :-)
Tuesday, October 25, 2005
I'm 30!!!!
Happy birthday to meHappy birthday to me
Happy birthday to Fifi
Happy birthday to me
Yes, that's right. I'm now 30 years of age. Today I celebrated my birthday by getting up early and putting my car in for a service. Later, after a very nice breakfast of crumpets and maple syrup, I went out to lunch and then to a movie with my lovely boyfriend who gave me a gorgeous gold and diamond ring. Later we went to my mum's house for a birthday dinner of roast beef.
It was an emotional day for me and I shed a few tears (for no good reason) but it was a nice birthday nonetheless.
Now I'm gearing up for my Halloween costume birthday cocktail barbeque party on Saturday. Stay tuned for more updates on that.
Saturday, October 22, 2005
EBL is over
The 3rd International Evidence Based Librarianship Conference is now over! After devoting the last 18 months of my life to being on the Organising Committee for this conference I now feel somewhat anti-climactic. I really my time on the committee and many of the tasks I carried out but I'm glad the stress is now over.
Rather than prattle on here, I thought I might just share a few pictures....
This is me at "The Evidence Base". This wall was set up to take people's comments about EBL, particularly in responses to the daily questions posed. I created this sign (one of the tasks I enjoyed and am quite proud of).
This is the Kookaburra Queen where the conference dinner was held on Tuesday night.
This is my suite at the Holiday Inn. Here my fellow committee member and good friend, Rachel, and I are making Steve's dreams come true!
Rather than prattle on here, I thought I might just share a few pictures....
This is me at "The Evidence Base". This wall was set up to take people's comments about EBL, particularly in responses to the daily questions posed. I created this sign (one of the tasks I enjoyed and am quite proud of).
This is the Kookaburra Queen where the conference dinner was held on Tuesday night.
This is my suite at the Holiday Inn. Here my fellow committee member and good friend, Rachel, and I are making Steve's dreams come true!
Friday, October 14, 2005
Drink up
This week I have been soooo busy. Meetings, dinners out, meeting Steve's mum and sister, Steve's birthday, preparing for the EBL Conference, etc, etc...
Anyway, one thing I have been really enjoying in my busy schedule is planning for my own birthday party. I'm turning 30 in 11 days and I'm having a party to celebrate. But this is not just any old birthday party. Oh no. It is a barbeque. It is a cocktail party. It is a costume party. It is a Halloween Party.
I have got my costume (I'm the Queen of Darkness). So I've set to work on the recipe list for the cocktails. The first on the list is a Strawberry Daiquiri, seeing as strawberries are in season.
I decided to take bit of a break and do one of those Blogthings quizzes you might have spotted here on my blog. Appropriately enough I decided to to "What mixed drink are you?". Have a look at the results.....
I think that's a sign, don't you?!
Anyway, one thing I have been really enjoying in my busy schedule is planning for my own birthday party. I'm turning 30 in 11 days and I'm having a party to celebrate. But this is not just any old birthday party. Oh no. It is a barbeque. It is a cocktail party. It is a costume party. It is a Halloween Party.
I have got my costume (I'm the Queen of Darkness). So I've set to work on the recipe list for the cocktails. The first on the list is a Strawberry Daiquiri, seeing as strawberries are in season.
I decided to take bit of a break and do one of those Blogthings quizzes you might have spotted here on my blog. Appropriately enough I decided to to "What mixed drink are you?". Have a look at the results.....
You Are a Strawberry Daiquiri |
 You're a fun, playful drinker who loves to party. You may get totally wasted, but you're always a happy drunk! |
I think that's a sign, don't you?!
Friday, October 07, 2005
Needles and pinz...ahh!
Well I saw the surgeon about my foot. There was a lot of talking done in that session. He offered a new solution to me which might have negated the need for surgery. Given the cost and ramifications of the operation, any alternative is worth discussing.
The alternative treatment was a cortisone injection into the affected nerve. He said it might give me as much as 6 months relief or only as long as the local anasthetic wore off. I have found it to be the latter. To add insult to injury, my pain now is more constant, more widespread and more severe.
Where to now? I just don't know. I just want this to be over.
The alternative treatment was a cortisone injection into the affected nerve. He said it might give me as much as 6 months relief or only as long as the local anasthetic wore off. I have found it to be the latter. To add insult to injury, my pain now is more constant, more widespread and more severe.
Where to now? I just don't know. I just want this to be over.
Tuesday, October 04, 2005
Walking on marbles
Tommorow I'm going to see an orthopedic surgeon about a condition I have in my right foot. I am suffering from "Morton's Neuroma". This is basically a swelling in the nerve between the 3rd and 4th metatarsals. Click here for more information on Morton's Neuroma.
I have had pain in my right foot since I was about 8 years old. I always put it down to dropping a large tin of beetroot on my toe. I thought I had broken my toe and that it had healed crooked and that's why I had pain. It wasn't until just this year that I decided to actually speak to a doctor about my problem. She had my foot x-rayed to look for any old fractures and ordered a blood test to check for arthritis, lupus or anything else which might be causing the pain.
When I went back to the doctor for my results I ended up seeing a great GP who had a particular interest in feet. She examined my foot (far more thoroughly than the previous GP) and immediately spotted the symptoms of Morton's neuroma. She sent me off to a podiatry clinic for confirmation. The podiatrist agreed with the GP - I had a textbook case of Morton's Neuroma.
The podiatrist assessed that the condition had gone too far to be treated with orthotics and I was a surgical case. So back to the GP I went. She then referred me to an orthopedic surgeon of my choice. That's who I'm seeing tomorrow.
I must admit that I'm quite scared but I'm a little excited that this might all be over quite soon.
The medicos I have seen and the books and resources I have read all describe the feeling of Morton's Neuroma as being similar to "walking on marbles". I have news for them! This is like having a red hot poker piercing into the sole of my foot, followed by a radiating heat which takes over my foot and goes all the way up my leg and into my thigh. Marbles?!?!? Yeah right! Only if the marbles are made out of metal, heated and covered in barbs! Actually, barbed wire being dragged through my leg from the sole of my foot to my thigh is perhaps a better description.
That said, I see the surgeon tomorrow.
I have had pain in my right foot since I was about 8 years old. I always put it down to dropping a large tin of beetroot on my toe. I thought I had broken my toe and that it had healed crooked and that's why I had pain. It wasn't until just this year that I decided to actually speak to a doctor about my problem. She had my foot x-rayed to look for any old fractures and ordered a blood test to check for arthritis, lupus or anything else which might be causing the pain.
When I went back to the doctor for my results I ended up seeing a great GP who had a particular interest in feet. She examined my foot (far more thoroughly than the previous GP) and immediately spotted the symptoms of Morton's neuroma. She sent me off to a podiatry clinic for confirmation. The podiatrist agreed with the GP - I had a textbook case of Morton's Neuroma.
The podiatrist assessed that the condition had gone too far to be treated with orthotics and I was a surgical case. So back to the GP I went. She then referred me to an orthopedic surgeon of my choice. That's who I'm seeing tomorrow.
I must admit that I'm quite scared but I'm a little excited that this might all be over quite soon.
The medicos I have seen and the books and resources I have read all describe the feeling of Morton's Neuroma as being similar to "walking on marbles". I have news for them! This is like having a red hot poker piercing into the sole of my foot, followed by a radiating heat which takes over my foot and goes all the way up my leg and into my thigh. Marbles?!?!? Yeah right! Only if the marbles are made out of metal, heated and covered in barbs! Actually, barbed wire being dragged through my leg from the sole of my foot to my thigh is perhaps a better description.
That said, I see the surgeon tomorrow.
Tuesday, September 27, 2005
My Chinese Horoscope
Time for another Blogthings insert!
| You Were Actually Born Under: |
 You're very compassionate and protective of those you love, sometimes too protective. Your home is really your castle, and you make sure your home is comfortable and well furnished. You don't like to argue - and you prefer a quiet, peaceful life. You are most compatible with a Goat or a Pig. |
| You Should Have Been Born Under: |
 Resourceful and practical, you are a quick thinker. You are very observant - and it's hard to get anything past you! A total perfectionist, you are especially picky about looking your best. You're a big dreamer - such a big dreamer that reality can disappoint you. You are most compatible with an Ox or Snake. |
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