Surf camp weekend

On Friday when woke at 2ish could hear dog barking and just assumed was dog next door then looked over stairs and saw a dog. Luckily I knew who's dog it was, it was Ji-Sun's dog 'Rocky' a golden Labrador and he came up to see me when I looked over. Next minute I went to the toilet and I thought I had shut the door but obviously not as next thing I knew I had a nose pecking through. When Bianca got home told me that looking after Ji-Sun's dog 'Rocky' for her overnight and is a lovely dog. Once Debbie home time to get organised for surf camp weekend luckily all packed but still had to adjust a little using my new Ripcurl bag and can fits lots in. Got train to Central station then time to find wake up hostel but it wasn't where I thought it was but found it in plenty of time. As had to be there for 6pm and we arrived before Sarah & Dave luckily we didn't have to wait for big bus and got to go on mini bus was only 13 of us with driver 'Mitch' left just after 6pm. On the way we stopped half way at Paul's burgers on Princess Highway for Paul's Famous Hamburgers. Which has provided Sydney-siders with 50 years of tasty burgers and has become labeled as the iconic Aussie hamburger. It was very good I had a cheese which was very tasty but messy definitely needed to sit down to eat it, left at 8pm. Took another hour down the Princess Highway before we reached 7 mile beach, Gerroa where surf camp is for the weekend. Seven mile beach is one of the longest beaches on the south coast at 12.5km (7.8miles) in length. We were the first bus to arrive just after 9pm and had to wait for other buses was about half an hour but whilst waiting got biscuits and juice. It was a big double decker bus that arrived which had our luggage on as wouldn't fit on our mini bus. Then time for orientation and the plans for weekend as 2 surf groups for weekend as nearly a 100 of us the talk was very entertaining and lots of different cultures. It was then time to get allocated our rooms and all four of us got to stay together with a double bed for Sarah and Dave with 3 bunk beds. We ended up sharing with 3 others girls who work for Ripcurl Cathy, Sammy and Loz and I ended up with top bunk. We got to bed 11ish and was abit of noise at first people socialising outside as our room near main near, but eventually nodded off.
Saturday 23rd march and first day at surf camp work up at 7ish must of been because of all the excitement for surfing. But unfortunately were 2nd group so our lesson not til 10.30 so me and Debbie went for a wander round the resort found a jumping pillow but deflated, so couldn't play. Then got back and chilled for abit on the hammock outside our room and read my kindle whilst waiting for breakfast. For breakfast was just simple food toast and cereal with some fruit but ran out of bananas so had to have apple instead and I do like a banana in the morning.. It was then time to put sunscreen on and get fitted for our wetsuits decided not to wear board shorts and rash vest under as was quite warm. We then had to walk to the beach which seemed to take abit but was probably only 10-15 minutes. Once on beach which looked lovely, so long could see for miles before we got put in our groups we all went for run and did stretches. It was then spilt into our groups we had Jake and Sammy as our instructors who seemed very entertaining was 9 in our group. Seven mile beach is good for surfing as there is many breaks along the beach which is very good for learners. After having abit of teaching on the beach it was then time to go get in the water and luckily I had a blue board, my favourite colour. Just hoping I will be able to stand up on board and I did manage but was only up for a short time then fell straight off into water. But was certainly lots of fun trying and didn't feel like we were surfing for 2 hours it flew by and hopefully might stand up on board for longer. After lesson was time to walk back to camp and passed other group on way to theirs when got back was lunch just sandwiches. Then we got to chill for abit was going to lie round pool but thought probably not enough time so just read. Our next surf lesson was at 15.30 this time played a game off soccer before surfing which couldn't be bothered it that probably how got hit in face by ball. Had different board a green one, would off preferred blue but none left, the waves were supposedly better but didn't seem it. We also had to decide on our team name somehow ending up been called 'One Eyed Willie Cupcakes' as was a mixture of different ideas. It didn't seem that waves were better as I didn't manage to stand up once as was hard work to even get on board and hit in back by someone surfing who wasn't paying attention. After lesson we had to carry our boards up the beach to the storage unit down a little pathway think hit board a few tines on trees. Was abit disappointed but is always tomorrow and might not off helped as probably slightly tired from the morning session. When got back was so nice to have a hot shower then fancied something to drink but shop closed so went for walk. But other shop also closed but managed to find drinks at the other caravan park as had vending machines. When got back tea was nearly ready was BBQ which was good and Sarah bought out her iced tea vodka box, definitely have again.. We then got to watch the photo showcase which was video and some off the pictures from today some were very entertaining but none off me stood on board. A few people were off for drinks at the pub up the road but we won't bothered so went for a walk and got to play on the jumping pillow, lots of fun.. When got back most people gone to pub but we stayed played cards and ate chocolate which Dave bought out, staff happy when shared with them. It was then early night for us as didn't want a late since first group in morning.
Sunday and we were first group this morning so up at 7am for breakfast and got woken up twice at 1.30 and 4.30 by the girls coming back in after night out. At breakfast still no bananas again so had to make do with cereal and toast with peanut butter, no coffee as no good. Time to put wetsuits on at 8am, then walk to the beach and had to carry our boards down to the beach. Then it was another game of soccer to warm up but think would of preferred a run but put in abit more effort than last night. The waves were good but for some reason was not as good as yesterday morning only managed to get to knees. I think it must be the boards fault as unfortunately no blue board again for me ended up with a green one. When got back was time to take a few pictures of us in our wetsuits to proof that we have actually been surfing since none so far taken by photographer. Time to chill before lunch so me, Debbie and Sarah went to shop which was open today as wanted a decent coffee got a latte. Lunch at 11.30 today which was better than yesterday had breadcrumb chicken done on BBQ with a roll and salad. It was then time to get organised, shower first then do packing and obviously had bought too much with me hadn't worn everything, we also had to strip our beds. It was then to go play on the jumping pillow again and was 2 little girls who came to join me and was copying me do star jumps etc. Then back to the camp for our board talk off things to know when surfing alone, also got to see pictures and film for weekend. It was then time to leave, was a fun weekend had really great instructors with a lot of energy that are determined to make you get the most out of your time at Surf camp. Learnt heaps about surfing but still need to improve more, had plenty of time in the water, but think might need one to one surf lesson. We got picked up at 3ish by Mitch and got to go back on the mini bus again and stopped for ice-cream after about 10 minutes. Stopped at scoops ice-creamery at Gerringong had hokey pokey was good is vanilla ice cream with limps of honeycomb toffee. When got back to city went to 'Side bar' which is under the wake up hostel for free drinks but Debbie felt tired so went straight home. We were first bus back and was no-one in the bar when went in could have any drink so had glass of wine and bought out chips. Only stayed for one drink left with Sarah and Dave when left the big double decker was just arriving so good timing. When home spoke to Sharon and Ellie at 8.30 on Skype as Ellie's first birthday today but Ellie just wanted to play with the keyboard keys not interested in aunty Jo and connection went a few times. I then spoke to Mum and dad in Skype and the connection was still not the best think must off gone nearly 3 times.

Nights and online shopping

So first night tonight Monday 18th march and first off four nights, told had to change wards again. This time I had to go to 6 North orthopaedic which I don't like at the best times as out of my comfort zone and had 12 patients. I also had a PCA machine which I am not used to and never seen no many bedpans as most patients using overnight. Early on morning had a patient with temperature 38.5 trying to tell him to take blankets but doesn't understand as non English speaking. Only thing was that I finished slightly earlier at 7.15 had arranged to go for run with Debbie but too tired so shower then bed. Woke up at 12 for toilet then back to sleep til 2 once up relaxed for abit, before sorting out what uniform to send back. Then thought might aswell go to Rhodes to post the uniform luckily post office not too busy and got a few groceries whilst there. When got home Jen round visiting Bianca but all I wanted to do was chill for abit before work, which is what I did. Tuesday night someone had to move wards again but luckily not my turn this time as I have moved the last two shifts. Only open to 24 patients and we weren't full I had 7 patients and were nice only thing I had was someone had low blood sugar so gave honey and soon came up. We also had a MET call but was not my patient and only did MET call as patient had a reaction to a IV infusion,but ended up having abit later at slower rate and after having anti-histamines.
When got home supposed to go for a run but my throat felt dry and sore so thought not best idea to go for a run. It took abit for me to get to sleep as kept coughing and made sure had a good drink before going to bed as thought throat might be dry due to dehydration. I then woke up and I thought I had been asleep for ages but turned out it was only 9am so not even asleep a hour. But luckily got back to sleep til 12 when woke up for toilet and then back to sleep til 2 when I eventually got up. Chilled for most of day as supposed to be meeting Dan, (the lad I met at establishment) later on at Olympic park for catch up as down from Canberra for Bruce Springsteen concert. Whilst waiting to find out what time he would arrive my other board shorts arrived and Bianca arrived home early as not feeling well, so work sent her home. Didn't end up meeting Dan as he was late leaving Canberra and got struck in traffic so wouldn't be another time before his concert. Dan couldn't apologise enough about not been able to meet but not worth it for a hour and rushing, will just meet next time he is in Sydney. Instead I watched My Kitchen Rules (MKR) with Bianca which was sudden death of two teams and glad that the team went out. Then to work and I had the same patients plus an extra one so had 8 patients and was ok. But was so tired at about 3ish and actually slept on break but didn't want to get up, but obvisiously I did as work to do. One of the staff was very as had patient who had high blood pressure whilst having a blood transfusion then low after, so helped the staff in morning.
When got home couldn't get to sleep as still coughing abit but determined to stay in bed as long as possible as surf camp at weekend. I woke up a few times but didn't want to get up as wanted a good sleep, so got up at 4pm. When got up Jen and Bianca downstairs watching DVD as Bianca still not feeling 100% so phoned in sick for her night shift tonight. Even though my throat still felt dry and sore thought best still go to work and got throat smoothers which will hopefully help. Also so glad that my final night but open to 30 patients but one person off sick, so at least no-one had to move wards and good job I didn't phone in sick. So had 10 patients each and got an extra staff who just floated who was very helpful did all the observations for me in morning. Before left went to toilet bad idea and somehow I managed to drop my phone down the toilet but at least on a good note toilet was clean. I suppose thats what you get for playing with your phone on the toilet when tired but at least phone seemed ok afterwards. Went to Coles after work to get a few nibbles for our journey later on to surf camp and realised once home phoning not ringing so put in a pan of rice to soak up the moisture.

Make-up and shopping

Monday 18th March woke up 8ish but stayed in bed for abit as couldn't be bothered getting up but eventually got up 9. Then went to Rhodes with Debbie to pst parcel home for Ellie and Sharon's birthday and also collected parcel my Rip Curl board shorts. It was then off to the city to have my make-up done at clairns at 11am and just made it in time but so had my beauty consultant 'Madeline'. When asked how I wanted my make-up I said I wasn't bothered but would prefer a natural look as didn't want to dressy as only 11am. The end result I was happy with had two shades of brown eye shadow and a nice chocolate lipgloss as not really a lipstick fine. Clairns is a leader in european luxury skincare but people forget that their have a make-up line which is very good. I ended up buying the chocolate lipgloss as like Debbie says I normally play it safe with my make-up so will be nice to brighten up for a change. Wasn't sure if had to get two things but did so also got 'fix make-up' a mist to set make-up and revives radiance. I definitely like clairns make-up and maybe when I finish using what am using now I might purchase claims next. It was then to go look in the new Michael Kors shop in Westfield had some lovely bags and clothes. Which wasn't as expensive as I expected, might even buy a dress at some point but probably wait for outlet one first at DFO. Debbie then wanted to go look in the surf shops as wants some board shorts for surf camp ended up getting two. I had seen some board shorts which I liked at Roxy but didn't have in the shop so went to the surf shop at Darling Harbour but still didn't have, so may have to but online. On the way to Harbourside saw the place were mum and dad are going to be staying when they come and looks nice. Is the yellow building in the picture and when i have time I will actually have to go inside at some point, to see what looks like. Then for food and fanncied KFC since didn't have yesterday was nice but didn't like the chips or mash, gravy was strange. Time to head back after that but got train to North Strathfield so could go to DFO before home and was only 15-20 minute walk. We didn't spend long at DFO as we knew what we wanted me nothing but got top from Seafolly and Debbie two bikinis. Then walk back home but not before going via Olympic park as I really wanted a milkshake and nowhere to get one from at DFO so went to McDonalds instead. When got home went for a lay down as thought best have a rest before work think might of nodded of for 20 minutes. Then got up and I made tea for me and Debbie was only ready made pasta and sauce, then off to do my night.

St Patrick's day

Sunday 17th March and St Patrick's Day what to do....Woke up 11 which not bad since didn't get in til 4.40, chilled for abit and then just wanted some fatty food. I really wanted a good fry but didn't have so instead had fried egg sandwich, which did the job and so thirsty. We were on about going to Manly but by the time we had actually got our selfs organised realised wouldn't get there til 3.30 as nobody moving fast this morning. So decided against going to Manly and instead went round the pool for a hour or so was very quiet only one other person. Then we walked to Olympic park as said we would go get ice-cream so went to 'Cold Rock Ice Creamery' which hadn't tried to yet but looked good. At 'Cold Rock' you get to choose your favourite ice cream and mix ins and watch them smash to create a unique flavour!! There is over 3000 flavour combinations, they was just so many to choose for but in end decided on peanut butter ice-cream with twix was good, definitely have to try again.. On way back from Olympic park went via Coles to get a few things and to rent DVD's for tonight as had offer for rent one get one free so got mental and change up. When ordered take-away pizza as good offer on still for 3 pizzas, garlic bread and bottle of come for $25, so might aswell use it. I then spoke home but the connection was awful think we must of lost Internet connection about 5 times and there getting snow again. Then watched final of master-chef professional final and so glad Rhys won as he deserved it. Then to decide what film to watch decided on 'Mental' which is a comedy that puts the fun in dysfunctional. It is a hugely entertaining Australian comedy-drama with terrific comic performances from a fine ensemble cast. Shame we never went to the St Patricks parade and event at Hyde park as look like it was fun, but is always next year...

Night out Beresford and Kings Cross

After been shopping at DFO was time to get ready for going out tonight but not before having our fish finger sandwiches, which were good..It was then time to decide what to wear did a little fashion show for Bianca to decide what to wear. I had a choice of 2 dresses pink or star and my playsuit which not sure even wore yet, decide to wear the playsuit. Obviously whilst getting ready we had to have a glass of wine or cider for Debbie as would be rude not too and music playing with my speakers. We got train to central and then had to walk to the Beresford which not good in heels when going up hill took about 20 minutes. Got to Beresford about 21.30 and others not arriving for about an hour so decided might aswell start with a cocktail. Their was a few sharing cocktails to choose from but we went for the 'Group Hug' which was Zubrovka Bison Grass vodka, apple juice, soothing chamomile, fresh mint and lemon stirred in a carafe and lengthened with lemonade. Must off been good as we ended up having a two off them then we wander for a upstairs was live band but not too sure so came back downstairs. Then others arrived about 22.30 Nat, Lou, Dan Matt and some of their friend so stayed downstairs for another one then went upstairs to have a boogie as band now finished. We had a giggle and even got a drink bought for me by James who wanted my number but think accidentally gave him wrong number. We then all went to king croissant at 1.30 but others had all gone on without us had to wait abit for a taxi. Then met them at O'Malley's pub which was built in 1907 and is superbly situated in the heart of Kings Cross and for over 10 years has been one of Sydney's premier live entertainment venues. O'Malley's bar is a popular meeting place for international and domestic visitors alike who come to experience O'Malley's famous Irish hospitality and sensational Live music. It was our first time in King cross and was good probably as was a few off us out but not sure if O'malley's was best place to go. After Lou and Nat left we went aswell and went to another bar which was more dance music only stayed for a short time. By this time by feet were hurting so was off to McDonalds for our usual chicken and cheese burger. Where we got chatted up by some lads on a stag do who invited us back to their hotel to go in hot tub we declined and went home instead getting in at 4.30.

Work, shopping and pancake on the rocks

Tuesday 12th March woke up 7 then went back to sleep til 8.30. Then was woke up abit I went for a run with Debbie only did a short one 1.04 miles as thought might rain but didn't just little sprinkle. I then went to Coles after breakfast to get a few things which I didn't end up getting on Sunday, when got home made lunch for tomorrow as on early and chilled. Went to wok early as meeting Hisako before work for catch up had coffee and my usual toasted banana bread. At work was on A side was actually nice and Michelle made some blueberry muffins for everyone were very good. Whist on my break their was a MET call so we came out but there had everything under control and not my patient. At about 9 we were told that a patient moving next door to 5 North and closing to 18 patients and when finished had to wait for Debbie but only 10 minutes.
On early Wednesday and did not sleep well last night think must of woke up about 3 times but got to walk with Bianca to work. When got to work on B side thought work going to be awful as to start with only me and someone from emergency department, not the best. But then luckily we got a extra staff and Michelle came to my side so the shift wasn't as bad as I had expected. On break checked my emails and a couple interested in a place who had seen ad on Gumtree, checked with Debbie and happy for couple so sent reply. At work had to keep getting Katrina the educator to do central lines with me and even got to practice doing some, be so good when eventually can do on own. Thought Bianca on a early but then texted me to say doing double so happy as means can just chill at home on my own and even laid outside in sun for abit.
Thursday on another early and didn't sleep well again think woke up maybe only twice last night so slightly better. Mum also texted this morning to let us know sorted out her accommodation now staying in apartment 2 bedroom and 2 bathrooms at Darling Harbour, looks nice. Considering not many staff at work was ok but only open to 18 patients and even finished abit early before Bianca, so I went home first. Also the couple who were interested in our place have now found somewhere else to live but still time to find someone. When done went to DFO with Bianca and her workmate Liu and it only took 20 minutes to walk there. Think since had someone else with us I wasn't so bad at shopping only bought fossil purse, overnight bag from rip curl and present for Ellie as so cute. Bianca ended up buying what she went for as wanted to get her sister's present and found some lovely shoes at Nine West which was good price. After finished shopping we walked to Coles to get something for tea and Bianca made Thai prawns and spaghetti was good.
Friday on another early and slept slightly better think only woke up once for change and walked with Debbie to work. Was only 5 staff at work but only 18 patients nice morning but had fussy relative who must off mean with the Dr nearly 30minutes going through timing of medications for her mum. Then one staff on my side got some bad news so left work early but luckily had an extra staff member who came to my side. After work went to Rhodes as me and Debbie had to collect our new uniforms and do some grocery shopping. Since had so much stuff to carry used a trolley to the entrance off Liberty Grove as can't take trolleys inside. When got home tried on our uniforms and mine fit but didn't like skirt with tunic top but Debbie's too big. It was then time to get ready as off out tonight to Pancake On The Rocks as Ann in Sydney for a day. I got train to Wynyard and walked when got their Ann was already stood outside but thought would wait for Michelle and her family to arrive. But we didn't realise when Michelle arrived that May already here so at least we didn't have to queue to get in like you normally do. I decided to have greek crepes for a change as usually have pancakes was good, Michelle and Ann shared pizza and pancake. Got to try some of the pizza had sour cream & guacamole on and some of May' s ribs which were very nice. After food we walked past the bridge to Circular Quay train where me, may and Ann got train and was on a go slow then changed at town hall got home just before 10.
Saturday and on another early didn't want to get up for work and we were all at work for a change. This morning when got to work someone had to move to 6 East so I volunteered to move as knew Debbie on this morning. But did not put us to work together not that their knew we were flatmates was a nice shift was so cute had twins and husband & wife. On break went downstairs to my ward as promised would help someone order uniform, ended up helping two so measured and showed them how to access online. I also had a text from someone asking if room still available and replied 'Yes' but got no reply back. So I didn't actually mind working on 6 east but think would off been more fun if me and Debbie worked together also finished at 3. Bianca not finished so me and Debbie went on without het as off to DFO after work. I was very good I didn't buy anything ended up taking Ellie's present back which bought Thursday as Sharon says will be too small. The original plan was to change for a bigger size but unfortunately did not have one, will just have to keep checking and can get later. Debbie had wanted to go to DFO to get board shorts and new outfit for tonight which she got just black skirts, but saw nice dress at esprit but still full price.

Botanical Gardens

My last day off, of 4 days and has flown by Debbie off today aswell so decided to go to Botanical Gardens since never went yesterday. Monday 11th March got up 9ish to go for run couldn't get motivated at first but eventually went for run at 10ish and did 2.69 miles round the lake where we went yesterday. Then me and Debbie headed into the city to go have a nice wander round the Royal Botanical Gardens.The Botanic Gardens is situated overlooking Farm Cove, and is east of the Sydney Opera House, Circular Quay and Macquarie Street. The gardens is 30 hectares in area, and is bordered by: the Cahill Expressway to the south and west, Art Gallery road to the east, and Sydney Harbour to the north. The Botanical Gardens are beautiful with so many different areas to see, so big couldn't get round in one day. The pond area was lovely and didn't even realise that their was a shop and cafe in the gardens. Was great to get some fresh air away from the noisy city and would be nice to enjoy with a picnic, maybe next time. It was then to meet Nat at Opera House at 2ish and straight to food but was nothing we fancied round Circular Quay so ended up at Bar 100 off George St at the Rocks. Bar 100 is a heritage listed Mariners Church (est.1856)it is now a stylish multi-level venue that offers various event spaces, bar and dining options. Set over four levels, this beautifully designed venue is the perfect mix of old and new, food was ok just had a light bite but had a nice cocktail menu, will definitely have to try sometime. Then it was back to Botanical Gardens where we just chilled on the grass for abit since a nice day. It was then time to head back home as needed to be back home for 6.30 as Bianca cooking tea tonight. The train was so busy but luckily we made it back in time for tea and Jen here for tea aswell, Bianca did pasta with salmon, chives and cream very nice but Debbie didn't want any. I also had 2 parcels one was my old work shoes from mum and the other my new heart fob watch. Then just chilled the rest of the night but Nat had mentioned about advertising place on Gumtree so did that as free.