Coogee to Bondi walk and meet old friends

Woke up in night then got up after 8 read book for 30 minutes then had awful back pain so laid on foam roller which didn't really help. Rachel got up 9.30ish by the time had breakfast, showers put suncream on didn't catch train til 11.15. Get to Central and luckily as soon as we got to the bus stop, bus arrived and got to Coogee at 12. First stop toilet when stepped out saw one of my old patients relatives was very nice as wasn't sure as had problems with the family. Had a quick look round the shops but nothing to buy, also not really beach weather as sun kept going in and out. So in the end about 12.30 decided to the Coogee to Bondi walk as perfect day to do it since not too hot and cloudy. First stop Gordon's Bay and was busiest seen it a lot off people laying on the rocks, then Clovelly and Bronte. Stopped at Bronte as had a few cafés to get something eat but most quite busy ended up going to G'day Bronte. The cafe is set on the hill can just see the beach ended up having salmon sandwich and a juice 'fat fighting' which was orange, strawberry and apple. Next to Tamarama beach which is only a small beach which had the best toilets along the walk. Then to walk to Bondi where found a nice lookout point of Bondi and even got our picture taken together. Once got to a Bondi walk through icebergs a swimming club founded in 1929 and first walked through wasn't as impressive as expected. It was then to catch bus to Bondi Junction once there had a quick look round to see if could find Santa hat but no luck. Then get train back to Rhodes got back just after 5ish and straight to food court to get banana bread as Rachel not had yet. So as soon as back had cup of tea and banana bread which she liked but not as good as one in Jamaica. Then time to get changed as meeting Adam and his girlfriend Sarah tonight, he lives in the same village as me and in Sydney for 2 weeks. Eventhough we had an hour and half to get ready still ended up rushing for train as only had 7 minutes to make train so had to run for it but luckily made. Got to central station and met Adam and Sarah there at 7.40pm decide to go to Surreyhills as not far from us and plenty of places to eat. Thought off going to Forrester as always looks busy but unfortunately no table so ended up going to the 'clock hotel'. The clock hotel is a laid back and eclectic bar home to one of the best balconies in town and offers something for everyone. Luckily we got to sit near the balcony which had a nice breeze and we had steak Me and Rachel shared wine. Was nice to catch up with Adam and remember old times but only in Sydney til 4th January then goes to Melbourne. Tiago was also in Surreyhills with his work colleagues but didn't end up seeing as wasn't sure where he was. Probably good job didn't meet him as think only just made the last train at 12ish. Spoke to Mum on train on way home as can't believe Nanna went out in car yesterday when asked if should and Mum said 'No' also she knows not supposed to go in car for 6 weeks after operation. Once home have cup of tea and bed after 1 was hoping for good sleep but woke up in night to turn fan off.

Bondi beach

Woke up just before 8 but read book for abit got moving after 8.30 shower then breakfast. Rachel got up after me and not feeling the best but once had raisin toast was feeling ok. Somehow vent though up relatively early didn't get movng til 10.30 and got to Bondi beach just after 12. Was a few on Bondi but not as busy as I have seen it was also quite windy so think a few people on grass. Which if I had thought think would of been a better idea as not the best been on just a towel on the beach when windy. By 4 had had enough of the sand as seemed to have lots on me and didn't help as didn't like been sand blasted. So left but felt needed shower as didn't feel the best so went to Bondi Pavillion as thought water might be warmer than shower on side off beach. But unfortunately was cold shower then saw one which said hot so waited for it but then false alarm was cold aswell. Sat outside for abit afterwards to dry off then wander up to Bondi cafés 5ish as needed food as only had crisps since breakfast. Ended up gong to Nikos we both went for set menu Halloumi and Moussaka but Moussaka took a while so gave us complimentary garlic bread and salad whilst wait. But not sure if it was really worth the wait as was nice but abit crispy at the edges definitely not the best I have had that would be Cyprus. Left just after 6.30pm but decided against going to Tiago's Christmas Eve celebration as probably abit late now. Also we felt minging and probably not the best to meet more of his family as wouldn't give the best 1st expression. But I did feel abit guilty not going as would off been nice to meet more of his family and would definitely off gone if Rachel not here. When got back to Rhodes was still warm so had ice-cream with magic chocolate on the balcony and read more of my book. Shower then speak to Mum and Dad on Skype, won't be long now til there here whilst watching 'Love Actually' one of my favourite films at this point Rachel asleep on bed. Finished watching film and updating blog got to bed after 11.30 then Rachel up wanted cup of tea then bed.

Days off and Rachel arrive

Yeh now off for 6 days and trust me to wake up at 7.30 but luckily went back to sleep til 9am. Was nice sunny so decided was definitely a beach day so caught train just after 10 and got to Coogee after 11. Wasn't too busy when I first got there but by the time I left just after 3 the beach was very busy so a few peopke must off had the same idea as me. Was tempted to stay longer but then thought I best go before I ended up getting burnt. Once off beach first stop Melon Head for fresh juice got Anton this time which is ginger, pineapple, orange and carrot think this may be my favourite so far. On way back hone stop in city first to go to British sweet shop for selection box and haviananas for part of Tiago's Xmas present. By time got home was 5.30pm so quick shower, change and out the door again in less than a hour as having dinner out with Nat, Lou and Vanessa. Eating at 'Wats on Crown' a modern Australian restaurant in Surreyhills got there just after 7pm Nat and Lou were already there. But had to wait for Vaneesa as had kindly invited her as thought would be nice for her to come out but struggled to get parked so didn't get to restaurant til 7.45. By the time she arrived everyone was hungry so ordered straight away I had the kangaroo but didn't like idea of beetroot mash so got chips instead. It was then pudding as couldn't resist as all looked nice had peach tart, only one who didn't have was Nat. Was a great meal will definitely go again luckily we were sat upstairs which I think had a nicer atmosphere. It was then to swap Christmas presents as won't see Nat and Lou now til the New Year since got friends and family arriving. Left just after 9 and was nice not to have catch public transport as Vanessa drove so alot quicker to get home. Once home watch TV and was starting I drop off so went to bed 11.30 then woke up 2am for toilet. At this time Rachel also texted me to let me know that she now arrives later into Sydney at 12.05 instead off 07.05 as had long stopover in Abu Dhabi. Went back to sleep but woke up again at 6ish then back to sleep til 9 when eventually got up and have breakfast. Had to stay in this morning to wait for a parcel to arrive from Hayley which was a shame as looked a nice day. But thought since had to stay in thought might aswell do something conservatives on cleaned the place ready for Rachel and did more washing. At 11ish thought would go check mailbox had card from Mum and Dad also my parcel outside front door and hadn't buzzed to let me know. Just after 12 went to Coles to get a few things ready for Rachel but will probably have to go again tomorrow with Rachel so she can get what she wants. Come home have lunch a toastie and watch episode of 'Hart of Dixie' and only one more episode to go. Then just before 3 go for swim did 20 lengths and lay round pool for about an hour to dry off but wasn't as hot as I would of liked. Once upstairs make bolognese for tea tomorrow and then catch train to city which was delayed. So once at city Tiago already there and sat waiting for me on Town Hall steps. Go straight for food went to 'Joe's Kitchen' for a change as doing buy one get one free on steak and was good. Walk to Wynyard and get back to his 8.30 chilled for abit then his a Dad did BBQ about 10ish but not really that hungry so just had a little ribs. Not sure what time went to sleep but woke up 2ish, then 9 and Tiago still tired but I couldn't get back to sleep, eventually got moving just before 11am. Left his at 11.30 as had to go via Bondi Junction before going to airport as had to pick something up from Gabrielle's aunties whos having get together tomorrow. Then straight to airport to wait for Rachel to arrive she landed at 12.45 so arrived a few minutes late. Was stood waiting at arrival gate but somehow we missed her and she got outside without us seeing her met her 1.30ish so nice to see her. On way back stop at Tiago's drop food off which aunty gave him and got to mine 3ish. First thing after fetching luggage upstairs was food just went to Rhodes shopping centre and had aporto burger. Have a quick look round shops afterwards as wanted Santa hat but couldn't find all too small then Tiago left to give me and Rachel sone time to catch up. At just after 6ish Rachel feeling tired and nodded off on sofa for abit so had a shower to wake herself up. Went to Coles 8ish to get a few things then come home and have bolognese I made yesterday with spaghetti. My aim was to take Rachel to watch fireworks at Darling Harbour but instead ended up staying in and watched carols in the Drummyone. Which made you feel more Christmassy with Christmas carols after rest we had ice-cream with manic sauce. About 11ish both girls asleep on the sofa as Vanessa also had busy day volunteering wrapping presents. So somehow I was actually in bed before Rachel just 11.30 and needed fan tonight as quite asleep after 12.

Work 2 days then holiday

Woke up to Tiago leaving and then back to sleep til 8.30 have breakfast, shower and left just after 10am. Got back to Rhodes just after 10.30 and straight to liquorland to get some red wine for when Rachel arrives since doesn't like white. Home was going to watch 'Hart of Dixie' but took me while to find remote which I eventually found and got to watch 1st episode of season 3. Have lunch just banana bread and make smoothie to take to work with me. At work on B side and still only open to 24 patients but we actually only had 11 patients on our side, do not bad.. Was a nice shift not that busy and had a student with us who did most of the observations only thing was a febrile patient which is normal. Michelle gave me lift home and sort of decided what to do about NYE since working late and doing a cruise. Quickly phone Mum ponce in to clarify when talking on Skypr then not tired so watch 2 episodes of 'Hart of Dixie' with wine. Woke up 6ish which thought abit early to get up but took abit to go back to sleep then woke up 7.30. Speak to Mum and Dad on Skype who are getting very excited about coming but connection went twice near end but did speak for 40 minutes. Just after 9 went for run was nice and warm but managed to do 3.52 miles non stop even though got stitch. Got back have breakfast smoothie then watch 2 episodes of 'Hart of Dixie' whilst updating my blog. Then time to go to work and still on B side had nice shift still only open to 24 patients. Was hoping might close to 18 patients as we had a few discharges but unfortunately no such look. At afternoon tea break Katrina made chocolate cake for Irene's birthday on Monday was very nice but couldn't have too much as very rich. Finished abit late and Shar casual pool staff gave me a lift home as wouldn't let me walk home on my own. Once home see Vanessa watch TV and drink wine then we both ended up falling asleep on the sofa bed 12.30.

Tiago's birthday weekend off

So nice to have a full weekend off work but is Tiago's birthday this weekend so couldn't really not. Woke up 9.30am but didn't  eventually get moving til 12ish when went for late breakfast and a little walk. Got back watch 'Hobbit' then tea ready 5ish prawns, veg and rice then finish watching rest of 'Hobbit'. The Hobbit : An unexpected journey which follows title character Bilbo Baggins is a thrilling adventure. Think I actually enjoyed it more than a Lord of the Rings as seemed to take its self less seriously and didn't seem like it was 3 hours long. Then time to go for a drink wore my new Nine West animal print sandals with a black dress. Just went local to 'The Oaks' which is literally only 5 minutes away from Tiago's place but was quiet when first got there. The Oaks bar offers a range of drinking options the bar we were in was classic, comfy and sophiscated. Here we enjoyed a teapot vodka cocktail in the couches which is actually prepared in a teapot. We tried 2 varieties which were both good and even got little teacups to drink out of. Got more lively later on people dancing but was definitely more girls than boys was quite amusing watching. Tiago asked if wanted to dance but found it a lot more enter tsing to watch ended up leaving just after 11pm so not a late one. But was feeling hungry so went via Coles got garlic bread watch more TV and bed 1ish. Woke up 8.30 then back to sleep til 11am and Tiago's birthday got interrupted a few times as family phoning to wish him happy birthday. But didn't really get moving til 2 when rest of family there and Gabrielle's parents so just 8 of us for Tiago's birthday including us and wore my New York dress which wearing for 1st time. When went out was starting to cook food but was not quite ready but had a few pieces of sausages to keep us going. Whilst waiting for rest off BBQ, Tiago opened his presents from me which he liked especially the British teddy and Sydney picture. Then time for food was steak sliced, sausages, potato salad with a slight twist had olives in and rice all very nice. We had to wait abit for pudding to defrost so whilst waiting me and Tiago went to liquorland to get wine.  Once back had pictures taken first but was difficult to get one off all eight off us but did get one and Tiago looked so disappointed when candle went out. As Gabrielle had got him a ice-cream cake from Ben & Jerry's which was very nice but couldn't eat too much. Gabrielle's parents left just after 5pm so us 4 just watched 'Walking the Dead' watched 3 episodes is ok but prefer Homeland. They left after 9 and not much too so we ended up watching another 2 episodes after but ended up going in his room as connection playing up sleep 12ish. Didn't even hear Tiago get up but saw him before he left after 7 was reading book and fell back sleep til 9am. Place empty when got up so had breakfast then catch bus but delayed 15 minutes as waiting for new driver. Got to city 10.30 look round shops still sale on in Quiksilver got Tiago black t-shirt for Xmas. Then catch train home get to Rhodes after 12 and raining so decided wouldn't go for run yet as no point getting wet. Eventually went for run at 1.30 but got stitch so had to stop before 2 and half miles but managed to do 3.01 miles. Come back have lunch and thought best use the leftovers so had mushrooms, tomatoes with cous cous. Then decided best go to Coles to get a few things since back at work tomorrow and spent more than expected. Come back catch train to city got there 6ish sit on wall outside Town Hall read book whilst wait for Tiago to arrive. He arrived 6.20pm then go to irish pub for dinner but not that hungry so just had salt and pepper squid with wine. Got back to Tiago's just after 8 just in time to watch final episode off 'Homeland' but not impressed with the ending. We then watched a episode of 'Walking the Dead' which I ended up falling asleep whilst watching then woke up in the night. 

6 days of work

Sunday 8th December woke up 6.30am was hungry but thought no way would be open yet and Tiago had back pain so stood on his back which helped. So since awake so early and not tired probably as had so much sleep yesterday so watched 2 episodes of 'Homeland' and had crackers and olive dip to keep so going. Then went for breakfast and went to place where been before only had poached eggs and toast. Once back chill for abit then Tiago kindly drove me home and his Dad offered to do BBQ but couldn't as unfortunately had to go to work. When back home see Vanessa and then Tiago very thoughtfully dropped me off at work at 3.30pm. Had nice shift only open to 24 patients but only had 10 patients each nothing eventful happened. Did have febrile patient later but luckily no blood products which made it a pleasant change and even finished on time. On walk home phone home, mum not working so said speak on Skype once home and also put the lights on Xmas tree for first time since decorated, looked pretty. Spoke on Skype for 15 minutes then connection not best was blurry but managed to speak for 20 more minutes. Told me all about Nanna and hopefully coming home tomorrow and Mum not sure what to bring on holiday to Australia and not long now. Couldn't get to sleep at first think eventually fell asleep after 12 and woke up during the night. Got up 8.30am have breakfast, watch episode 'Suits' then thought I best go for a run. Ended up going for run after 10am did 3.24 miles was hard work felt sluggish and right knee hurt also pace was slower than normal. Once home watch last episode of 'Suits' season 3 so not sure what will watch now since this has now finished. Then go to post office to post remaining Xmas cards and go to Coles to do food shop. Prepare lunch for tomorrow, do fruit salad then have lunch only sushi then just chilled in front of TV and update blog before going to work at 3.30pm. Ended up getting moved wards to 6 North orthopaedic ward not really my favourite type but our ward only open to 18 patients. Couldn't believe how much better ratios were had 8 patients between 2 staff and pace alot slower than used to which was nice for a change. So sometimes it's nicer to move as have better shift, even finished abit early and had to go via my ward which still looked busy. Phone Mum on way phone to see if knew what was happening with Nanna but still no news yet if off home. Not tired at first then fell asleep 12 and woke up after 1am as forgot to brush teeth back to sleep woke up 6ish and then back to sleep til 8.30am. Have smoothie for breakfast and found out Nanna now home which is good but Mum had to collect as no ambulance as had problem with medications. Also nice to know whilst Nanna was in hospital had good care as had peopke I knew looking her who kept me informed how doing. Thought since up early might aswell wrap rest of Xmas presents and Tiago's birthday present then put under Xmas tree. Was a nice day so decided would go for a run only managed 2.11 miles as very hot but at least managed to run it all. Home potter for abit before work and did the usual updating blog and playing on the internet. Also got to stay on my ward today but a few staff got moved as still only open to 18 patients so had 9 patients on each side. Had nice shift even had time to sit aswell which made a pleasant change and had students aswell. Even managed to finish 10 minutes early which made a refreshing change and phoned Mum on way home. Was telling me all about Nanna now been home and how was abit off confusion yesterday when picking up and didn't collect her til 8pm. Once home not really so naked smoothie for breakfast tomorrow, shower and then bed think asleep 11ish. Didn't sleep best again woke up 4, 5.30 before alarm at 5.45 then trust me to nod off til 6am then thought best gym up. On way to work speak to Dad to ask about English bank account as noticed money going in and out but nothing to worry about is only refund for car insurance. At work still only open to 18 patients but somehow managed to keep 6 staff which was a surprise. Had nice shift then in afternoon open to 24 patients but at least only transfers which wasn't too bad. Finish on time but I was last to leave as phone staff health first since rash on wrist worse but was no answer so left message. Once hone had parcel my eBay tops and parcel from Nat in South Africa my Xmas present and more DVDs which was good since finished others. Shower then catch train to city got their 5ish look in Myer for secret Santa present but nothing wanted. Then to Quiksilver to get Dads present which saved last week and found another one liked so got both one for Xmas and his birthday. It was then to David Jones to get secret Santa got her foot pamper set and chocolate coins from Haigh's. Next to Apple store as need new case foe iPad as mine broken but unfortunately only had one colour 'Grey' which got and Tiago met us there. Supposed to go out for dinner but instead ended up going back to Tiago's place chilled for abit then his dad made us dinner BBQ chicken and lamb chop with rice. Then watched rest of 'Homeland' as only got to see 20 minutes before dinner also starting to get good and can't believe only one episode left of season 3. Had choice of either staying at Tiago's tonight or going home but Tiago said would drive me home tomorrow morning so decided might aswell stay. Woke up 5.30 and ended up leaving just after 6ish luckily traffic not too bad whilst I got changed Tiago went for coffee. Also gave Tiago his birthday presents since he had car and then he dropped me off at work. Open to 24 patients and somehow managed to keep all off our nice staff was nice shift. Did line change with educator but not done for a while so needed a few prompts but apart from that was ok. Also had very constructive as managed to get our chemo and blood products up before finishing on time and staff health phoned back will refer me to allergy clinic. But not happy as got new roster and working late New Years Eve which definitely can't so not sure what to do yet then to library to print off NYE tickets. Straight to Coles afterwards but 1st liquorland to get a Bailey gift set for Tiago for Xmas  and get a few things at Coles. Then to Boost to get orange and carrot juice, once home aim to go for run but thought best let juice settle first. So played on internet read book and ended up falling asleep for an hour so unfortunately didn't end up going for run. Woke up and made tea chicken, mushroom, tomato in pesto sauce and pasta whilst watching TV. Go to bed 10.30 but read book for abit as not really tired probably because had nap earlier. Didn't end up sleeping very well woke up 2, 4, 5.30 then eventually got up after 6am but really wanted to go back to sleep. On way to work phone home to tell mum and dad supposedly working late on NYE also see how Nanna doing and doing well. Told them would have word with NUM which never ended up happening as she didn't seem happy and a lot off people complaining about roster. At work was hoping to be floating but on B side but person working with slow as I did 7 patients medications and she had only done 4, also I did 3 washes. Rest of shift not too bad had patient with a lot of pain and not happy been connected to IVflyids all the time so gave IVAB's early then hep-locked and was happy. Didn't end up going to lunch til 1.30 as wanted to make sure all 2's done first. Managed to get everything done by 3.15 but somehow still managed to finish 10 minutes late. Was very hot when walking home aim to go for run but decided too hot soo went to Rhodes shopping centre to get birthday cards. Then home chill and didn't end up getting to Tiago's til 8ish aim was to go to pub but didn't end up eating til 10ish. His Dad had cooked ribs and sausages also Diego their aswell then watch sone of 'Walking Dead' was ok about zombies and probably bed 11ish.

Abseiling and Manly

Woke up before 5am texting a few friends then time to catch train before 6am to Central Station to go abseiling with Hisako. Met Hisako at Central Station just after 6.30am then to find the pick up point which was YHA central. Was supposed to get picked up at 6.45am but was a few minutes late and was a full coach 10 people and 2 instructors both calked James. Doing tour with Eagel Rock Adventures which had booked through Groupon. Unfortunately this was our third time booking it but at least doing it now and was only $60, which wasn't too bad. Once on the mini bus we headed to the South Coast which took 1hour and 30 minutes and stop at Bald Hill in Stanwell Park for toilet stop. Bald Hill is one of Illawarra most well known and most popular lookout situated a top the hill off that name. Not only are the views excellent, the area is also internationally known as a major hang gliding point. After a few minutes admiring the view was off to our abseiling place still in a Stanwell Park 1st get all our gear on then walk down Wodi Wodi track. Once at site first get abseiling preparation and practice thb could have practice on little wall first before doing big one. Thought might be a good idea to have a practice first went ok but went a little too the right but one person wouldn't even have a practice. Then time to abseil off cliffs off up to 30 metres did twice and felt getting better each time have Tim Tam, which provided. It was then to do it once more then time for break/lunch at 10.30am had sandwich which were homemade by instructors. Was very good for homemade was chicken, salad, feta, chilli and avocado nice that food supplied only thing didn't get drinks luckily bought with me. It was then time to go abseiling again did 3 more times and tried the other rope which was slightly faster. Ended up finishing at 12ish then get to Seacliffe bridge which is a balanced cantilever bridge, it's entire length is 665 metres. Walking across you get spectacular views which never loses sight of the sea and took about 20-30 minutes but didn't matter as a lovely day. Got picked up at other end of bridge and go to Scarborough hotel for a drink where sat in beer garden. From the beautiful gardens it has fantastic views out to sea and along the coastlines. Trust once we had just got our 2nd drink then time to go but luckily gave us an extra few minutes before we left. Was starting to fall asleep then we stopped at Southgate shopping centre for toilet stop and some to get alcohol. Really enjoyed abseiling and was definitely fun to get out off Sydney for the day, now tempted to do canoeing. Get back to city just before 4 and luckily once back didn't have to wait long for train straight to Rhodes. Once back get Xmas then chill once home and then eventually get organised and packed bag for weekend and only ended up getting to Tiago's at 8ish. When got to Tiago's he was feeling tired do laid in his room playing a game. His Dad making us tea so whilst waiting watched episode 'Homeland' and didn't have dinner til about 10ish prawns and rice. Then aim was to go to the local pub but didn't happen instead we ended up falling asleep. Woke up 8.30 but think we must off fallen back asleep and eventually got up 12ish were found cockroach in my bag which Tiago got rid off. Then eventually we got moving and got to Manly 1.30, Tiago drove and got packed quite easily. Since not eaten first stop was food ended up going for fish n chips probably not the best thing for breakfast. Went to fish shack which gave nice views of beach and good fish will definitely go again but couldn't eat all fish so Tiago finish it all for me. Was quite windy so not really beach weather so instead walk round to Shelley beach. Once at Shelley beach was nice and sunny also the busiest seen beach in a while. Where parked was only allowed 2 hours so left after 3ish and when got back had place to ourselves. So chilled for abit then watched further episode of 'Homeland' our aim was to go out but woke up 9. Then ended up falling back asleep til midnight so not really time to go out, so just ended up going back to sleep.

Days off, Nanna's hip and work Xmas meal

Woke up 11 after my night which wasn't the best as meant I probably only had about 2 and half hours sleep. Once up have breakfast, watch 2 episodes of suits then at 1ish thought best do something but couldn't decide what to wear as a funny sort of day. Eventually got moving and first go to Rhodes shopping centre to ge post office to post rest off Xmas cards. Then went to DFO but unfortunately was still a few shops which were not open which was a shame. But managed to get Debbie's Xmas present some biscuit pyjama bottoms from Peter Alexander. Proves how disappointing DFO must off been as only ended up there just over an hour and didn't get anything for myself. Once back quickly go to Rhodes shopping centre to get some tape then home wrap Debbie's Xmas present. Made it to post office before closing and post Debbie's present and next time definitely buying in UK with free delivery. Then back home chill for abit and catch train 5.30 to city and meet Tiago at QVB building. Go for food and went to Irish pub had bangers & mash for a change instead off steak with wine. It was then to V bar were cocktails only $10 had long iced tea and Tiago had caprioska which was better than last time. Back to Tiago's were aim was to watch 'Homeland' but never happened had rest of tawny then early night. For some reason I had in my head that Nanna was having hip operation tomorrow but was actually today. Unfortunately didn't sleep the best woke up a few times with bad backache, heard Tiago leave in morning and I woke up 8ish then couldn't get back to sleep. Heard Nanna's hip operation went well as texting them and my old work colleague Jo looking after her. Read some off my book and ended up leaving just after 10am and speak to Diego first who was their busy working. It was then time to go shopping couldn't find what I wanted from Duo jewellery for Nat's Xmas present. Go to Quiksilver found top for Dad but not 100% sure so took picture to send to mum later but luckily will save a week for me to give me chance to decide. Next stop was the British sweet shop to get Tiago a English teddy for his birthday and me some British treats crisps & dime bar. Look in David Jones but couldn't find anything I want tried on Michael Kors red dress very nice, but not sure. However I did end up getting Lou's present a bracelet and found Nat a nice bracelet on the ground floor of Westfield. Next to Ripcurl where I got Tiago's birthday present a black shirt then food at 2ish but already eaten British goodies so only had crepe. Then to American Outlet where got myself a stripe dress and back to Peter Alexander to get another present for Tiago for Xmas. It was then back to Quiksilver as had seen a top liked for Ben but trust by time got back wasn't there. Then time to head back home 1st stop post office to collect parcel an advent calendar from Mum and Dad. Quickly go to Target to get lights for tree then once home decorate Xmas tree which not best but at least feels more Christmassy. Time then to get ready to go out as our works Christmas meal at Hurricanes in Top Ryde. Was thinking would have to catch bus their but luckily Reena picked me up with her boyfriend and got dropped off right outside Top Ryde centre. Were 2nd to arrive and the last person arrived after 7pm ended up been 17 of us had a good night lots of fun. On arrival had a glass of sparkling wine and was a 3 course meal but was full after calamari and half each of pork ribs. As calamari was big for starter and most of us had ribs since speciality of Hurricanes so we all had our bibs on. But was a struggle to fit in the selection of pudding so only tried a little but the food was all good and was definitely plenty. I was sat next to Edna and Kelly certainly had a giggle did have Xmas hats on but off course didn't last long and had fun playing with cracker toys. Katrina kindly gave both me and Reena a lift home so got in 10.30ish speak to Vanessa then to bed since early start tomorrow.