Don't be too alarmed. I'm just a little frustrated at trying out different RSS readers. This is essentially a test message to see if a particular setup worked...I suspect not.
However, if you happen to know a good feed reader please let me know via the comments section.
Friday, February 06, 2009
Monday, December 22, 2008
99 Things Meme
THE 99 THINGS MEME
Thanks to Rachel for the inspiration to post this.
Things you’ve already done: bold
Things you want to do: italicize
Things you haven’t done and don’t want to - leave in plain font
1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars.
3. Played in a band.
I'm counting a church band I started.
4. Visited Hawaii.
5. Watched a meteor shower.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland/world.
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis.
10. Sang a solo.
This is an almost weekly occurrence for me
11. Bungee jumped.
12. Visited Paris.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.
Does card-making count? I could almost count music here as I forgot everything I was taught then had to teach myself again.
15. Adopted a child.
16. Had food poisoning.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty.
Can I use an elevator?
18. Grown your own vegetables.
badly
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France.
20. Slept on an overnight train.
not in a sleeper carriage though - bad move.
21. Had a pillow fight.
...with Suzy while Andy took photos!
22. Hitch hiked.
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill.
24. Built a snow fort.
25. Held a lamb.
26. Gone skinny dipping.
27. Run a marathon.
28. Ridden a gondola in Venice.
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.
both...over water
31. Hit a home run.
32. Been on a cruise.
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.
Quite a few, actually.
35. Seen an Amish community.
36. Taught yourself a new language.
Both doing and want to do - let's call this one a work in progress.
37.Had enough money to be truly satisfied.
Once
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person.
39. Gone rock climbing.
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David in person.
41. Sung Karaoke.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt.
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant.
44. Visited Africa.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.
...and got proposed to while doing it.
46. Been transported in an ambulance.
a few times.
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone deep sea fishing.
eww, no thank you!
49. Seen the Sistine chapel in person.
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud.
54. Gone to a drive-in theatre.
55. Been in a movie.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China.
57. Started a business.
I'm counting my business as singer/musician available for weddings and funerals.
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia.
60. Served at a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Scout cookies.
62. Gone whale watching.
63. Gotten flowers for no reason.
64. Donated blood.
not sure if I can.
65. Gone sky diving.
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp.
I think we all need to be reminded of how horrible people can be just so we are mindful not to become that which we detest.
67. Bounced a cheque.
68. Flown in a helicopter.
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial.
71. Eaten Caviar.
Eww! Fish babies!
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Times Square.
74. Toured the Everglades.
75. Been fired from a job.
...coz I turned 18 and that meant paying me more.
76. Seen the Changing of the Guard in London.
77. Broken a bone.
Left wrist. Fell off my bike after I ran over a dog which ran out at me. It was 13 days before my 13th birthday...spooky!
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.
80. Published a book.
81. Visited the Vatican.
82. Bought a brand new car.
...about 6 weeks ago!
83. Walked in Jerusalem.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper.
I'd like it not to be for any nasty reason though.
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited the White House.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
88. Had chickenpox.
I was vaccinated last year.
89. Saved someone’s life.
I counselled one of my clients who was suicidal. I'm quite certain that he would have gone through with it had I not intervened. We talked for about 3 hours and together we found solutions to the problems that plagued him.
90. Sat on a jury.
Been called for service 3 times but always got out of it.
91. Met someone famous.
Numerous Qld politicians, 2 Qld premiers, numerous Irish TDs, 2 Irish presidents, numerous actors and musicians (of varying fame).
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one.
too many
94. Had a baby.
95. Seen the Alamo in person.
96. Swum in the Great Salt Lake.
97. Been involved in a law suit.
98. Owned a cell phone.
99. Been stung by a bee.
no - it was a hornet.
Thanks to Rachel for the inspiration to post this.
Things you’ve already done: bold
Things you want to do: italicize
Things you haven’t done and don’t want to - leave in plain font
1. Started your own blog.
2. Slept under the stars.
3. Played in a band.
I'm counting a church band I started.
4. Visited Hawaii.
5. Watched a meteor shower.
6. Given more than you can afford to charity.
7. Been to Disneyland/world.
8. Climbed a mountain.
9. Held a praying mantis.
10. Sang a solo.
This is an almost weekly occurrence for me
11. Bungee jumped.
12. Visited Paris.
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea.
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch.
Does card-making count? I could almost count music here as I forgot everything I was taught then had to teach myself again.
15. Adopted a child.
16. Had food poisoning.
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty.
Can I use an elevator?
18. Grown your own vegetables.
badly
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France.
20. Slept on an overnight train.
not in a sleeper carriage though - bad move.
21. Had a pillow fight.
...with Suzy while Andy took photos!
22. Hitch hiked.
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill.
24. Built a snow fort.
25. Held a lamb.
26. Gone skinny dipping.
27. Run a marathon.
28. Ridden a gondola in Venice.
29. Seen a total eclipse.
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset.
both...over water
31. Hit a home run.
32. Been on a cruise.
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person.
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors.
Quite a few, actually.
35. Seen an Amish community.
36. Taught yourself a new language.
Both doing and want to do - let's call this one a work in progress.
37.Had enough money to be truly satisfied.
Once
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person.
39. Gone rock climbing.
40. Seen Michelangelo’s David in person.
41. Sung Karaoke.
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt.
43. Bought a stranger a meal in a restaurant.
44. Visited Africa.
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight.
...and got proposed to while doing it.
46. Been transported in an ambulance.
a few times.
47. Had your portrait painted.
48. Gone deep sea fishing.
eww, no thank you!
49. Seen the Sistine chapel in person.
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris.
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling.
52. Kissed in the rain.
53. Played in the mud.
54. Gone to a drive-in theatre.
55. Been in a movie.
56. Visited the Great Wall of China.
57. Started a business.
I'm counting my business as singer/musician available for weddings and funerals.
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia.
60. Served at a soup kitchen.
61. Sold Girl Scout cookies.
62. Gone whale watching.
63. Gotten flowers for no reason.
64. Donated blood.
not sure if I can.
65. Gone sky diving.
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp.
I think we all need to be reminded of how horrible people can be just so we are mindful not to become that which we detest.
67. Bounced a cheque.
68. Flown in a helicopter.
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy.
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial.
71. Eaten Caviar.
Eww! Fish babies!
72. Pieced a quilt.
73. Stood in Times Square.
74. Toured the Everglades.
75. Been fired from a job.
...coz I turned 18 and that meant paying me more.
76. Seen the Changing of the Guard in London.
77. Broken a bone.
Left wrist. Fell off my bike after I ran over a dog which ran out at me. It was 13 days before my 13th birthday...spooky!
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle.
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person.
80. Published a book.
81. Visited the Vatican.
82. Bought a brand new car.
...about 6 weeks ago!
83. Walked in Jerusalem.
84. Had your picture in the newspaper.
I'd like it not to be for any nasty reason though.
85. Read the entire Bible.
86. Visited the White House.
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating.
88. Had chickenpox.
I was vaccinated last year.
89. Saved someone’s life.
I counselled one of my clients who was suicidal. I'm quite certain that he would have gone through with it had I not intervened. We talked for about 3 hours and together we found solutions to the problems that plagued him.
90. Sat on a jury.
Been called for service 3 times but always got out of it.
91. Met someone famous.
Numerous Qld politicians, 2 Qld premiers, numerous Irish TDs, 2 Irish presidents, numerous actors and musicians (of varying fame).
92. Joined a book club.
93. Lost a loved one.
too many
94. Had a baby.
95. Seen the Alamo in person.
96. Swum in the Great Salt Lake.
97. Been involved in a law suit.
98. Owned a cell phone.
99. Been stung by a bee.
no - it was a hornet.
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Oddments
So the big news is that I bought a new car yesterday. I've never owned a NEW car so this is a pretty exciting experience for me.
I spent all of my work day today decimating a library collection. It's amazing how many people are horrified at the thought of a librarian throwing a book away. It's a medical library. The information has to be current. If you thought your physician was basing his/her diagnosis on information from the 1960s or 70s I'm pretty sure you'd want a second opinion. Libraries aren't Tardises (actually, what is the plural of TARDIS?). We don't have and endless abundance of shelf space. Old things have to make way for the new...that's just life. Never mind. The job is done now.
Tonight, I've been working on a poster presentation for a clinician friend and I've had a great time playing with the graphics. I think that will be my next career. I can't draw to save myself but give me a mouse and a decent computer with Office (pref 2007) and Photoshop and I'll amuse myself for hours and turn out a pretty good product.
While I'm waiting for her feedback on my work, I went back to Blogthings to do a little quiz thing to pop in this blog. I found one called "What Modern US President Are You Most Like?" I was cringing the whole time hoping that I wouldn't be someone messed up like Richard Nixon or wimpy like Jimmy Carter. I was totally honest with my answers and I ended up being the one person I really don't have a problem with.
However, I have to disagree with the fairytale life part. JFK might have had one but I certainly don't.
Well, I'm just about done in. I'll say nighty-night and slip into the shadows.
I spent all of my work day today decimating a library collection. It's amazing how many people are horrified at the thought of a librarian throwing a book away. It's a medical library. The information has to be current. If you thought your physician was basing his/her diagnosis on information from the 1960s or 70s I'm pretty sure you'd want a second opinion. Libraries aren't Tardises (actually, what is the plural of TARDIS?). We don't have and endless abundance of shelf space. Old things have to make way for the new...that's just life. Never mind. The job is done now.
Tonight, I've been working on a poster presentation for a clinician friend and I've had a great time playing with the graphics. I think that will be my next career. I can't draw to save myself but give me a mouse and a decent computer with Office (pref 2007) and Photoshop and I'll amuse myself for hours and turn out a pretty good product.
While I'm waiting for her feedback on my work, I went back to Blogthings to do a little quiz thing to pop in this blog. I found one called "What Modern US President Are You Most Like?" I was cringing the whole time hoping that I wouldn't be someone messed up like Richard Nixon or wimpy like Jimmy Carter. I was totally honest with my answers and I ended up being the one person I really don't have a problem with.
You Are Most Like John F. Kennedy |
 You live a fairy tale life that most people envy. And while you may have a few dark secrets, few people know them. |
However, I have to disagree with the fairytale life part. JFK might have had one but I certainly don't.
Well, I'm just about done in. I'll say nighty-night and slip into the shadows.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Monday, October 06, 2008
Pronunciation
I have a bit of an interest in linguistics (read that as total obsession!). I am particularly interested in mispronunciations, malapropisms, etc. A few which have caught my attention in recent times include:
...heard on a weather report...
"There will be smelly fog in Newcastle"
Deciphered as:
"There will be some early fog in Newcastle"
...heard prior to a morning traffic report...
"News up next after we check your underwear."
Deciphered as:
"News up next after we check your run to work."
...heard in conversation...
"There is a lot of iniquity in the education system"
Deciphered as:
"There is a lot of inequity in the education system"
...heard over PA system in Auckland Airport...
"Would Mr Anderson please report to the chicken counter?"
Deciphered as:
"Would Mr Anderson please report to the check-in counter?"
Honestly, people! ENUNCIATE! A bit of diction goes a long way!
Mind you, if it weren't for such little foibles as these, what would I have to write or laugh about?
...heard on a weather report...
"There will be smelly fog in Newcastle"
Deciphered as:
"There will be some early fog in Newcastle"
...heard prior to a morning traffic report...
"News up next after we check your underwear."
Deciphered as:
"News up next after we check your run to work."
...heard in conversation...
"There is a lot of iniquity in the education system"
Deciphered as:
"There is a lot of inequity in the education system"
...heard over PA system in Auckland Airport...
"Would Mr Anderson please report to the chicken counter?"
Deciphered as:
"Would Mr Anderson please report to the check-in counter?"
Honestly, people! ENUNCIATE! A bit of diction goes a long way!
Mind you, if it weren't for such little foibles as these, what would I have to write or laugh about?
Friday, October 03, 2008
New Home
You might have noticed that this blog has now moved to a new home.
My new address is http://fwibi.blogspot.com
Hopefully, I will now feel a bit more inspired to post more often but don't hold your breath.
My new address is http://fwibi.blogspot.com
Hopefully, I will now feel a bit more inspired to post more often but don't hold your breath.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Monday, July 02, 2007
Meez
If you go to my myspace page you'll see my meez. Here she is anyway:
Not sure if I really should be playing my keyboard in the library but it seems pretty empty and I'm the boss anyway. ;-)
Not sure if I really should be playing my keyboard in the library but it seems pretty empty and I'm the boss anyway. ;-)
Sunday, July 01, 2007
Spacious
My dear friends, I must inform you that I now have jumped on the Myspace bandwagon. My page is located at http://myspace.com/fionawb
Ummm...that's all I have to say here for now.
Ummm...that's all I have to say here for now.
Monday, June 04, 2007
I'M MARRIED!!!
I'm now a married woman!
The wedding was on Saturday 12th May.
We left for our honeymoon on Tuesday 15th May and went to Vancouver, Canada. We relaxed for the first week and explored downtown Vancouver. On Monday 21st we took a trip to Vancouver Island and the city of Victoria. We loved it there!
On Wednesday 23rd we returned to Vancouver and then headed of the next day to Whistler and to Grouse Mountain on Friday 25th.
On Saturday 26th we flew to Los Angeles and enjoyed a two and half days stay, taking in the sights of Beverly Hills and Hollywoods and points between. I had a great time walking along Hollywood Boulevard, Rodeo Drive and seeing the stars homes. The smog was a little too much for me by the end of our time there and I was glad to be leaving so I could breathe properly again.
Late on Monday 28th we took off from LAX and headed home via Auckland. We got into Brisbane at about midday on Wednesday 30th. Thanks to crossing the International Date Line we missed Tuesday altogether that week which was ok because we had two Tuesdays the week we flew out!
Now we are home and relaxing into married life. I'm glad to be back.
The wedding was on Saturday 12th May.
We left for our honeymoon on Tuesday 15th May and went to Vancouver, Canada. We relaxed for the first week and explored downtown Vancouver. On Monday 21st we took a trip to Vancouver Island and the city of Victoria. We loved it there!
On Wednesday 23rd we returned to Vancouver and then headed of the next day to Whistler and to Grouse Mountain on Friday 25th.
On Saturday 26th we flew to Los Angeles and enjoyed a two and half days stay, taking in the sights of Beverly Hills and Hollywoods and points between. I had a great time walking along Hollywood Boulevard, Rodeo Drive and seeing the stars homes. The smog was a little too much for me by the end of our time there and I was glad to be leaving so I could breathe properly again.
Late on Monday 28th we took off from LAX and headed home via Auckland. We got into Brisbane at about midday on Wednesday 30th. Thanks to crossing the International Date Line we missed Tuesday altogether that week which was ok because we had two Tuesdays the week we flew out!
Now we are home and relaxing into married life. I'm glad to be back.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
This is comforting...
| You Are 94% Ready for Marriage |
 This doesn't mean you should rush out and get married... But if you did tie the knot, it would probably work out great! |
Friday, April 13, 2007
Jitters!!!
The wedding is a mere 29 days away and I'm freakin' out here!
The boys have their suit fitting tomorrow and I have my dress fitting on Monday. At least we will not be naked on the day...until later ;-)
The boys have their suit fitting tomorrow and I have my dress fitting on Monday. At least we will not be naked on the day...until later ;-)
Friday, March 23, 2007
Time flies
Just a quick post to let you know I am still alive and that time has gone by so quickly that my wedding is a mere 50 days away!!!
Also, I have another blog at http://hccbuzz.blogspot.com/ which records the music my choir sings at our monthly Masses...if you are interested...which I suspect most of you will not be...but my choir is...so there!
That's all for now. I'll try and post again before the wedding.
Also, I have another blog at http://hccbuzz.blogspot.com/ which records the music my choir sings at our monthly Masses...if you are interested...which I suspect most of you will not be...but my choir is...so there!
That's all for now. I'll try and post again before the wedding.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Australians all let us rejoice!
In honour of Australia Day (26th January) I completed a "Slanguage" test on Blogthings and here are my results. I don't know whether to be proud or ashamed...ah well, I is who I is!
Your Slanguage Profile |
 Aussie Slang: 75% British Slang: 50% Canadian Slang: 25% Prison Slang: 25% Southern Slang: 25% Victorian Slang: 25% |
Friday, December 01, 2006
Rapid catch up with good news!!
Hello dear reader. You may have missed me...or not. It has been quite some time since my last blog entry. I am a lazy cow who doesn't deserve your devotion, I know. Blah apologetic blah.
Anyway, my foot is much better. I walk without limping. I wear whatever footwear I want (within reason). I can drive my car. I can dance and hop and jump. Nuff sed.
Now for the big news.....
On Sunday night (26th November 2006) after dinner, Steve and I went for a walk. Living as we do on a small peninsula, we walked to the end of our street and ended up on the beach. We walked along the sandy shore and looked at the lights out to sea and tried to work out if they were on one of the islands in the bay or if they were on boats. It was a calm night and we both felt very much in love.
After we walked along the beach for a while we stopped again and Steve looked at me and told me he loved me and then...
Anyway, my foot is much better. I walk without limping. I wear whatever footwear I want (within reason). I can drive my car. I can dance and hop and jump. Nuff sed.
Now for the big news.....
On Sunday night (26th November 2006) after dinner, Steve and I went for a walk. Living as we do on a small peninsula, we walked to the end of our street and ended up on the beach. We walked along the sandy shore and looked at the lights out to sea and tried to work out if they were on one of the islands in the bay or if they were on boats. It was a calm night and we both felt very much in love.
After we walked along the beach for a while we stopped again and Steve looked at me and told me he loved me and then...
asked me to marry him!!!
Naturally my answer was...
YES!!!!
So now I set about to plan my wedding.
Stay tuned for more adventures of Fifi D, the love squirrel.
So now I set about to plan my wedding.
Stay tuned for more adventures of Fifi D, the love squirrel.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Lie back and think of...
Part Two of the foot sugery saga..."The Recovery"
I arrived home on the Monday evening and wasn't feeling too bad, all things considered. Both Steve and my Mum took care of me and I was made comfortable in my new home on the couch.
For the rest of the week I moved only between the couch and my bedroom and only when necessary. Each day was the same as before...got up (with assistance from Steve), was taken to the couch, given breakfast and watched tv virtually all day until evening then off to bed.
On Thursday, following a call to the doctor, we removed the bandage and I got the first glimpse of the wound. This might sound like a weird thing to say but it was beautiful. I shouldn't have been so surprised at the neatness of the sutures because I know that my surgeon was talented in that area - that's one of the reasons I chose him.
Once the bandage was off, I made my first attempt to walk. Prior to that I had hopped on my left leg, used crutches (with extreme difficulty and discomfort) or been pushed around by Steve in my office chair. Walking was pretty awkward and painful but a distinct improvement on my previous attempts at mobility.
On Saturday I made my first journey out of the house since the operation. I took a short shopping trip with Mum. I wasn't out for very long but I was exhausted by the experience nonetheless. Oh I forgot to mention that by now I was using a walking stick. Boy, did that look odd...not to mention, it gave Steve the opportunity to call me "Grandma". Grrrr!
I arrived home on the Monday evening and wasn't feeling too bad, all things considered. Both Steve and my Mum took care of me and I was made comfortable in my new home on the couch.
For the rest of the week I moved only between the couch and my bedroom and only when necessary. Each day was the same as before...got up (with assistance from Steve), was taken to the couch, given breakfast and watched tv virtually all day until evening then off to bed.
On Thursday, following a call to the doctor, we removed the bandage and I got the first glimpse of the wound. This might sound like a weird thing to say but it was beautiful. I shouldn't have been so surprised at the neatness of the sutures because I know that my surgeon was talented in that area - that's one of the reasons I chose him.
Once the bandage was off, I made my first attempt to walk. Prior to that I had hopped on my left leg, used crutches (with extreme difficulty and discomfort) or been pushed around by Steve in my office chair. Walking was pretty awkward and painful but a distinct improvement on my previous attempts at mobility.
On Saturday I made my first journey out of the house since the operation. I took a short shopping trip with Mum. I wasn't out for very long but I was exhausted by the experience nonetheless. Oh I forgot to mention that by now I was using a walking stick. Boy, did that look odd...not to mention, it gave Steve the opportunity to call me "Grandma". Grrrr!
Friday, July 21, 2006
There's a hole in my foot, dear Liza
Since I started blogging here last year I have made a few references to the medical condition from which I suffer (i.e. Morton's Neuroma) and I had every intention of posting regular blogages (hehe) of how my condition was progressing...especially during the pre and post-operative period. Well the road to Hell is paved with stuff like that. It didn't happen. So here is the latest news in summary form...
I had lots of pain, couldn't walk comfortably, had an operation, surgeon removed nasty nerve with lumps on, surgeon sewed me up, did bugger all for a fortnight, still have difficulty walking, getting better. 'Nuff sed.
That was the abridged version. Like it?
For those who want more, here it is with a faithful representation...
As time drew closer to the operation it seemed my neuroma sensed it had only a short time to make my life a misery and it set about making the most of its last few weeks in my foot. The pain grew daily and I was able to do less and less. At the end of most days, even a simple thing such as climbing the stairs in my house was a daunting and excruciating experience. Along with the pain and inconvenience, flying in the face of common sense and logic and my own convictions, I began to fear the operation and the worst case scenarios played over and over in my head. I had no reason to be scared but I totally freaked out...all the time.
I attended the pre-admissions clinic as required by the hospital. During this appointment the nurse raised some questions about my suitability for anaesthesia due to my propensity towards dizziness, palpitations, etc and set off in a panic to find the anaesthetist to address these issues. Oh and there was no consent form and both of these issues could be quite likely to prevent the surgery from going ahead. Long story short: the anaesthetist told me I was just a fatty and that I'd be ok to be put under and I drove to another hospital to sign the consent form.
So the day of the operation arrives and all my tension and fears left me right up until I was all gowned up and sitting just adjacent to the recovery room while two nurses discussed my pre-op meds. Then all those irrational fears hit me again. This was not helped a few minutes later when the drip in my arm malfunctioned and the anaesthetist and nurse argued about whose fault it was...until the anaesthetist discovered it was an equipment malfunction which "would have been pretty serious if she [me] was in surgery".
Then they all did their jobs.
I woke in the recovery room and was only in slight pain from that point on. The rest of the afternoon passed without incident and Steve came and got me and brought me home.
Here endeth part one. I'll tell you about the recovery in the next instalment.
I had lots of pain, couldn't walk comfortably, had an operation, surgeon removed nasty nerve with lumps on, surgeon sewed me up, did bugger all for a fortnight, still have difficulty walking, getting better. 'Nuff sed.
That was the abridged version. Like it?
For those who want more, here it is with a faithful representation...
As time drew closer to the operation it seemed my neuroma sensed it had only a short time to make my life a misery and it set about making the most of its last few weeks in my foot. The pain grew daily and I was able to do less and less. At the end of most days, even a simple thing such as climbing the stairs in my house was a daunting and excruciating experience. Along with the pain and inconvenience, flying in the face of common sense and logic and my own convictions, I began to fear the operation and the worst case scenarios played over and over in my head. I had no reason to be scared but I totally freaked out...all the time.
I attended the pre-admissions clinic as required by the hospital. During this appointment the nurse raised some questions about my suitability for anaesthesia due to my propensity towards dizziness, palpitations, etc and set off in a panic to find the anaesthetist to address these issues. Oh and there was no consent form and both of these issues could be quite likely to prevent the surgery from going ahead. Long story short: the anaesthetist told me I was just a fatty and that I'd be ok to be put under and I drove to another hospital to sign the consent form.
So the day of the operation arrives and all my tension and fears left me right up until I was all gowned up and sitting just adjacent to the recovery room while two nurses discussed my pre-op meds. Then all those irrational fears hit me again. This was not helped a few minutes later when the drip in my arm malfunctioned and the anaesthetist and nurse argued about whose fault it was...until the anaesthetist discovered it was an equipment malfunction which "would have been pretty serious if she [me] was in surgery".
Then they all did their jobs.
I woke in the recovery room and was only in slight pain from that point on. The rest of the afternoon passed without incident and Steve came and got me and brought me home.
Here endeth part one. I'll tell you about the recovery in the next instalment.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
A Librarian's manifesto
I came upon this manifesto today and felt strongly that it should be read by as many librarians and information professionals as possible.
Please comment.
The user is not broken
I am going to print this one off and post it up for all my staff to follow:
"The most significant help you can provide your users is to add value and meaning to the information experience, wherever it happens; defend their right to read; and then get out of the way."
Please comment.
The user is not broken
I am going to print this one off and post it up for all my staff to follow:
"The most significant help you can provide your users is to add value and meaning to the information experience, wherever it happens; defend their right to read; and then get out of the way."
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