New Year's Eve

Go to Watson bay on morning of New Year's Eve have coffee first when we got there and the sun was shining for us. We then walked to the gap as such a lovely view and Tiago now had his new phone to get some nice pictures. It was then to Doyles for fish n chips and was quite busy had to wait a while, we then sat in there cafe overlooking the sea the fish was good but unfortuantely the chips were abit crispy. It was then to Bondi junction as Tiago wanted to go to his doctors for his ears which were sore so gave him some more drops. Whilst Tiago was at doctors gave me chance to look round shops and got myself some Mr Hug pyjamas for myself and Ellie from Peter Alexander. We then had quick look in Woolworths to see if anything there we fancied for dinner tonight but wasn't. Once home relaxed for abit then go to gym and best run for abit ran 3.51kms but pace just over 10. Also aim was too only run for 10 minutes but ended up enjoying it more than I thought so ended up doing 20 minutes and 5 minutes cool down. After gym went to Coles to get a few things since is shut tomorrow and get more wine for tonight. Once home had shower then sat on the balcony to admire view and have the left over coronas. It was then to have starter which was oysters to start with lemon which were good with rose wine have a little rest before main. For main course it was lamb shank with mash which was all bought in and limited amount off cooking required as didn't really want to cook. We then watched the 9pm fireworks from the balcony it might not off the best view but at least you could see them. Then for pudding was the homemade lemon tart with strawberries and blueberries which was doubtful about but tasted good. It was then to open the bottle of sparkling wine in preparation to welcome in the New Year. The fireworks were awesome yet again and seemed to go on for a while and sydney is the first to welcome in the New Year. Even though I spent my first New Year's Eve at home whilst in Australia am glad I did as no sore feet in morning and was just me and Tiago no one else. Unfortuantely on New Year's Day had to go to work but at least I was on a late shift and got to watch the british fireworks on TV before I went which were amazing.

Christmas 2014

Can't believe it's Christmas Eve already don't know where the time has gone. At least all Xmas shopping done apart from one secret Santa present which will get later. So this morning have nails and feet done and decided to go Xmas colours so went for a nice red colour. Since Xmas was giving sparking wine so off course would be rude not to have one. I then picked Tiago up from work at 1ish at Bondi Junction, to be nice since it is Xmas. We were going to get secret Santa present and get something to eat but was too much. So ended up just coming home and I went to Coles to get a few things since shut for next few days. As Tiago met his brother to go to Vodafone to sort phone out but didn't end up getting new phone. I also got a nice bottle off sparking wine for secret wine but when got home Tiago also got baileys gift set for secret Santa. We decided to us the baileys gift set and keep the wine for us on New Years Eve. But unfortunately no wrapping so had to improvise luckily had a red chic bag which fitted it. We were expecting to get a lift with Diego and Gabriella to Gabriella's aunties house tonight in Bondi Junction. So that meant we would have to make our own way there and said I was happy to drive back, but Tiago drove there as wasn't sure where it was. When we got their most were already there but we won't the last which was good. We also found out some exciting news that Monica and Mauro (Gabriella's brother) are expecting a baby in July but is a secret. Gabriella's was very excited about the news which is understandable as will be her first niece or nephew. It was then time to eat and was certainly plenty of food to choose from and Tiagos favourite brazilian fish dish. Then time for present opening but only got a few as left all ones at home from each other and my family to open on xmas day. From Gabrielle and Diego I got a hold-all  bag which will be good for our holiday and Tiago a  snowboard bag. There seemed to like there presents especially the picture of all of us snowboarding last year at Perisher. We also got presents from his auntie and uncle who's place we were at me a guess purse and Tiago a selfie stick, luckily we had also bought them a present. It was then just to chill and chat, then later was the secret Santa present opening with nearly 20 presents. There was a few silly presents and at first the rules kept changing as no one sure what to do when your present taken. But eventually sorted that there can't take from someone else only from the remaining presents otherwise can go on forever. Tiago was hoping to win back the baileys he bought for secret Santa but everyone seemed to want it and his number wasn't close too the end. So in the end we got a hand cream set, some chocolate and a tea and shortbread set so at least something we could use. Ended up leaving after midnight offered for us to stay but didn't really want much preferred to drive home and sleep in my own bed as would probably just be on the floor. On Christmas when woke first to open presents and unfortuantely not got all my presents from home yet. As the only ones I had was from mum and dad who got me a nice purple handbag, Radley watch, socks, chocolate and hand cream. Tiago got me the new Viktor & Rolf Bon Bon perfume set, sunglasses and 2 Thomas Sabo charms a red shoe and plane very nice. I also got more hand creams,a bag from Natalie, necklaces from Louise and Rachel and even got a gift from chic beauty salon to have a paraffin pedicure. Felt very spoilt and Tiago even liked his presents as got him a shuffle, backpack, clothes, red wine aerator, Mr Strong teddy and pyjamas. We then went back to Gabriella's aunties house again in Bondi Junction for lunch but most had been early and got take away to go to the beach. As was the first christmas since been here that it was nice and sunny but luckily still some the brazilian fish dish which Gabriella had saved for us. So there wasn't many of us there since everyone been earlier and we only ended up staying less than 2 hours and even got a coffee. Afterwards we ended up coming home and chilled was invited to go to Monica and Mauro's place but declined as knew would end up been there a while. Later on Diego and Gabrielle came to ours afterwards to try my pigs in blankets which everyone enjoyed and most were eaten. We then had choice of pudding lemon tart or scones but decided to serve the scones as wasn't sure how the lemon tart would taste. Then unfortuantely I had to go to work at night as start nights from Christmas Day for 4 nights and trust to start to raining. Luckily work ok and also gave me chance to speak to family on FaceTime whilst on my break, since not had time whilst at home. Was nice to speak to them on FaceTime so I could actually them and Ellie was enjoying playing dress up. Tiago started his diving course on Boxing Day in Manly which was good as by time got home he had gone so gave me chance to sleep and Boxing Day night was busier shift. The rest of my Christmas arrived before I went on holiday 1st was from Sharon, Ben and Ellie who got me a Radley bag, make up brush, bra set and calendar. Then next was the one from Nanna a star scarf, Thomas sabo black shoe charm and some chocolate. After I came back fom holiday I got Sarah's present a London shopper bag and a Cath Kidston bag.

Tiago's birthday Ifly

The Week commencing 8th December had two short shifts to do at the start of the week which was nice. Even had chance to go to DFO one day to be abit of xmas shopping and get some birthday presents for Tiago but didn't get much. Then on the wednesday I had a study day on Palliative Care Outcomes Collaboration (PCOC) with Robert, Louise and Wendy. The PCOC is our assessment which we use on the ward to measure and benchmark patients in Palliative Care. We couldn't of asked for a better location for our study day was at Circular Quay and could see the Sydney Bridge snd Opera House from the window. It was also nice to have a lie in as the course only ended up been 10 til 3ish with food provided which even tasted good. After the course we decided to go for a drink and had dinner aswell with Robert, Louise and Kelly just in the pub near by. I invited Tiago to come join us but unfortuantely he was already on the bus on the way home. Was a nice chance to have a catch up and think we actually spent more time catching up than on the study day as got home after 9.30ish. On Thursday had a lazy day emailed ANMAC regarding my skills assesement for my visa. As once got my ANMAC skills assessment then I can apply for my permanent residence independently since work been a pain. Then unfortuantely had to go to work at night on Thursday and had one off sick but still had 3 nurses and 1 AIN to special patient. The night shift was busy at the start but then ok but ended up sleeping on break as felt so tired. In the morning saw Cate the NUM who asked me to be acting NUM again in June. Which I agreed as won't be as long as last time and I actually quite enjoyed it I the end and is a nice change from the ward. Once home didn't sleep the best woke up at 12 had something to eat then back to sleep 1 til 3 so only had about 3 hours which is normal for me. I then decided to try to make the scone recipe Amy gave me which is only lemonade, cream, flour and salt. Was my first time making scones by myself  as usually do with mum or just eat her so wasn't sure how would turn out. But actually turned out ok as decided to make scones instead of cake for Tiago as not really a cake fan. I was very good and didn't actually eat the scones til Tiago got home and actually tasted ok will definitely make again. Only thing is Tiago only likes his scones with cream I much prefer jam and cream on mine and warmed up for 30 seconds. On Friday had to go to work again which was ok and at least my last night as only doing 2 nights this time. Only thing is I couldn't go to sleep when I got home as had to go for Tiago's early birthday present a IFly Downunder. Ifly Downunder is the equivalent of a freefall skydive from 14,000 feet. This is an incredible amount of fun and a fantastic introduction to what it feels like to FLY for all ages and abilities! Ifly Downunder is an Indoor Skydiving which is the latest thing in action sports. Whether you’re 3 or 103, it offers the most exhilarating, involving and rewarding experience imaginable. Inside our giant glass tunnel, a massive wind generator lifts you effortlessly into flight on a cushion of air. So unfortuantely was not enough time to go to bed as Ifly Downunder is in Penrith about an hours drive away and have to check in an hour before flight. Ended up having to leave before 10 as Tiago's Ifly Downunder is an 12 so had to be there at 11ish. Got there exactly on time and the check in only took a few minutes did it all online. But gave me chance to have a coffe as thought might need one to stay awake since not had much sleep. Also whilst waiting gave us the opportunity to watch the other fliers as has a stylish all round viewing platform to share the magic with everyone. Decided to get Tiago the Ifly high which means you get fly up to the top of tunnel with the instructor by your side. Otherwise is only the Ifly intro whuch stays at the bottom of the tunnel and only $10 extra for the high one. Whilst watching made me wish I had decided to do but didn't think it would be a good idea after nights. But am I sure I can always do it another time and didn't know if it would be as good as my actually skydive. Tiago has an hour long introductory session and went through before 12 to have his pre-flight training, jumpsuit and all safety gear.  It was then to find a good spot to watch Tiago do his Ifly experience and to try to get a few pictures which I managed to get a few. There must of been about 10 people in his group to do the experience and Tiago was one of the first up. With the package you get to do 2 flights the first one you stay at the moment of the tube and the second one go up high. It was amazing to watch him into the vertical glass tube and have a massive wind generator propel you effortlessly skyward. During in the flight it looked like he was enjoying as had a massive smile on his face. After everyone had done the Ifly the instructor then show what you can do in the tunnel like aerobatic abilities. When Tiago finished it was then to look at the pictures there took and couldn't resist had to get one, see first picture. It was then to get some food and luckily was Harry's Wheels cart next day so got to have a meat pie. Then time to go back home didn't feel tired at first but once in the car after a few minutes into the journey I fell asleep for a few minutes. Tiago also felt abit tired on the way, so once home we ended up going to bed for a few hours. When we got up we went to the gym at 18hrs was only there an hour but actually went running on treadmill which not done for over a month and was ok but pace over 10. It was then to Coles to get something for dinner and I let Tiago choose what he wanted which was toad in the hole. Then on Sunday we went to church in the morning but his brother Diego and Gabrielle not there as her grandad passed away last night in Brazil. So after church I let Tiago come his presents even though his birthday is tomorrow I got him a shirt, shorts, t-shirt and Peter alexander underwear. We were all supposed to be going out for Tiago's birthday to a brazilian BBQ in Petersham about 10 of us. But because of the death of her grandad it was on,y me, Tiago and Diego who went for meal. We went to Casa Brazil in Petersham an authentic brazilian dining experience it was the first time me and Tiago had been. It was nice but not as good as Braza at Darling Harbour service was abit slower and thought not much choice of meats but still enjoyed it. On Monday Tiago's birthday I was on early and whilst at work on break heard about hostage at Lindt cafe in Martin Place. Was a little worried at first as I know Tiago gets train from Martin Place but then I knew he wouldn't go there for coffee. Was very strange there been a hostage situation in Sydney as just don't really expect, expect more in USA or even London. Luckily Tiago got home alright just train diverted past Martin Place and had nice birthday meal Tiago's choice cottage pie with sweet potato mash. When we went to bed the hostage situation was still going on and was praying everyone would get out safely but 2 died plus the gunman. The rest of the week went ok only worked another 2 days then had 5 days off so did the rest of my shopping on the Thursday. Got Tiago a iPod shuffle as wanting to get the new iPhone 6 plus after xmas and thought would be too big for gym so shuffle better. I also met the girls from 5 East in Burwood for food and to go to Cinema to watch hunger games which was nice. Then on the Friday I starting making food for our xmas dinner as having at Gabrielle's and Diego's and since not as many as last year need to make things. So I decided to make some pigs in blankets as thought be nice for everyone to try and also 2 desserts decided on lemon tart and cheesecake which will do on 24th. So on Friday just made the pigs in blankets made 20 then put 4 for us to try which had for dinner. Then on Saturday was shopping day as Tiago asked what I wanted, said Thomas sabo charm and couldn't find one so went to Rhodes first. We also did some xmas shopping as still not bought for his famiily as just found out now going to his aunties for xmas at bondi junction. So had to get his aunty a present, his niece got her hungry hippos game and his brother and Gabrielle a ski picture and frame. Was at Rhodes longer than expected it was then to DFO for Tiago to get some new clothes which he got. Went to gym when got back about 6ish, then we met his brother & Gabrielle for drinks later. Tiago wore his clothes he got from DFO  and we decided to go to the city and there drove us in. Aim was to go to Baxter pub on York St which specialises in whiskey drinks but actually ended up at Barber Shop on York St next to Baxter Pub. Was a nice little pub had a lovely cocktail just a shame didn't end up at Baxters but was a long queue to get in. Barber shop is a small hidden bar in the heart of Sydney and there aren't many places where can get haircut and cocktail at same time. Then after everyone hungry so went to Harry's wheels in Woolloomoollo for a hot dog then home.

Watson bay with relations, nights, Xmas party for 5 East

Met Gina and Siobhan at gelatismo at Circular Quay at 12.30 on Monday 1st December first day of summer and we were all there just before 12.30. At first wasn't sure whether to go to Watson Bay or Manly as there haven't done both. In the end decided to do Watson Bay as it's one off those places you don't automatically think going to whilst in Sydney. Unfortunately just missed ferry to Watson Bay at 12.30 so had to wait over 30 minutes for next week. But gave us chance to catch up as probably not seen Gina since she was little. Gina is my mums cousins daughter so not sure what that makes her to me, but luckily we recognised each other from facebook. She has been here nearly a year arrived in January and working in marketing in Gold Coast. Siobhan is her friend over from York and who fly back to England tomorrow been travelling for 2 weeks whilst she has been here. Have only been in Sydney since Wednesday so only here a short time only 6 nights. Was there first time on the ferry in Sydney and liked the view off the Sydney Bridge and Sydney Opera House, perfect opportunity for pictures for them both. Got to Watson Bay just after 1.30 first get fish n chips from Doyles take away mine came out first even though ordered 2nd. Then there's seemed to take a while but was probably only a few minutes and probably took longer as ordered something different than regular fish n chips a fish burger for Siobhan. Everyone seemed to enjoy the fish n chips even if it didn't come the English way with mushy peas and even liked the chilli plum sauce. It was then to walk up to the gap but some of the pathway was shut for refurbishment and we had chance to have. pictures taken with all 3 off us. Made the ferry to go back to the Sydney at 2.45 and once back Siobbhan went to souvenir shop to get present for dad. I then showed them were to get the free bus up to central station as got taxi earlier. Then I came back home was tempting to go to shopping but decided against it and had to wait abit for the bus. Once home didn't do much as home alone as Tiago is melbourne on a study told him I would picked him up from airport but made his own way back. I then started nights on the 2nd December which was a lovely day so went to balmoral beach for a few hours. It was then nights for 4 nights which went ok and I actually slept very well after my first night slept for over 6 hours which is good for me. But then didn't sleep the best after the rest of my nights which is nothing unusual for me and also started looking into holiday for January. As unfortuantely I had put my name in for the pool for the New Year week off but unfortuantely I didn't get it. So had pleaded with my NUM to have a week off from 5th January for a week so at least me and Tiago could go away. Unfortuantely we couldn't go to Japan snowboarding with his brother and Gabi as too expensive so decided on Gold Coast and Cairns instead. On the friday 5th December had a lovely thunder and lighting storm which was a amazing to watch beautiful colours, see picture. Just so glad I was inside whilst it was happening but when it thunder and lightings it always reminds me off home a little. Then on the Saturday night the 6th December was 5 Easts Xmas meal which I was going to. Was at Baia the Italian restaurant at Darling Harbour at 7pm which never been to before. Was ready was going to be late but needn't of worried as a few were running late. Also trust it to raining once I got off bus at Wynyard but luckily had my umbrella. The most annoying thing was walking other the planks near Sydney Wildlife Centre as had to watch stepping. After I arrived Michelle, Charlotte, Kate and katrina arrived so I sat with Michelle and Charlotte. It was then to the bar the set menu did not include so I had a Cuban raspberry mojito. Which was very good came in raspberry or lychee but not sure on lychee also came nicely presented on a jam jar. By the time got drink was still waiting on a few to arrive and trust May to be the last to arrive as struck in traffic. The NUM if 5 East also gave everyone a glass of sparkling wine from 5 East kitty. Was 2 set menu but to avoid confusion there decided that we would all have the michelangelo menu obviously the more expensive one. To start with we had a tasting plate to share of garlic sourdough, Italian meatballs, tiger prawns and marinated olives. Then for main I had the Angus Rump Wagga Wagga and Michelle the Barramundi then we shared think I prefer the Barramundi. We also did the same with dessert which was tiramisu and pancotta definitely preferred the tiramisu. Was a lovely night good to catch up with everyone from 5 East and Charlotte is so funny. Ended up leaving about 11.30 a few were going out for drinks but didn't really feel up to as starting to feel abit tired. Also trust by the time I made it to the bus stop I just missed but didn't have to wait too long til next one. Then on Sunday up early went to church then I took Tiago too the nice cafe I found Bourke Street Bakery and only a short walk away. There our famous for there ginger brûlée tart which I have tired and it was good but preferred the rhubarb snd almond tart. But this time only went for coffee and whilst having our coffee was some lovebirds playing with the sugar. There were very cute and couldn't resist getting a picture or two of them but sugar supposedly not good for them.