Yes folks, I've finally started working! It certainly took some time, but now that I've started I'm all booked up until January 9th! Wahoo! It started off with a bang, filling in for my cousin's friend who had the flu one day. And then the next two days I worked at my cousin's clinic. Now that I've seen some income (which is so exciting when you're so used to bleeding yourself dry of money) I'm getting excited! Money is NOT everything, but it is certainly necessary when you have tons of debt :s Haha! Oh yeah, and since I'm only working MWF over the holidays I've asked Lululemon if I can work for them on my off days... I have a one-on-one interview coming up with them! Gotta love staff discounts... hope that still applies to seasonal staff! :s
This week (Halloween actually) I start a 2.5 week locum just west of the city, followed by a 2 week locum in Mount Gambier (fully furnished apartment provided, and a really decent sized retainer! Wahoo!). Then back to McLaren Vale to work at the cousin's clinic while they are at a conference in Brisbane, then house-sitting and working north of the city for my cousin's friend again. AND I'll be covering her maternity locum come April. YAY! So that's finally come together!
Not too much else going on down here. Of course, the weather is becoming very warm, and even with sunscreen on every day I start to notice lines from my shirts when out running for a MAX of 45min... gotta be very very careful down here! I'm headed to the Australia Tennis Open January 14th with my friend Claire who lives in Sydney (another displaced chiro). She and I actually have the same birthday too! How cool is that? I also am looking at an opportunity to head to Africa for a couple of weeks in March ;) YIPPEEEEE!!! Haha that would be so awesome! And even looking at flights, it costs less for me to fly there from Australia (and longer) than it would for me to fly from Canada! Hello Dubai!
Back in Canada my best friend just had her first son.... Aidan! He's absolutely GORGEOUS! I just got off of skype with her (and him, and both cats and dogs), and we chatted for just over an hour. What a treat! He's super cute too ;) Another of my good good friends at home has a bunch of exciting work stuff going on... some terrific opportunities! So I'm thrilled to hear from her as each step occurs... can't wait to find out the result!
Christmas is coming soon (I know tomorrow is Halloween, but still, right after those decorations go down Xmas stuff comes out!). It's really really strange to see Christmas decorations out and about, with pictures of frosted windows, snowy tree scenes, etc, when it's 30C+ outside... eeek! It'll also be a bit strange house-sitting over the holidays. I work Christmas eve, just the morning, so I'll find myself a lovely Uniting church somewhere close to where I'm staying. It'll be my first Christmas on my own! Interesting... I'm sure! Christmas day I do believe I will be spending it with a couple of toddlers, some other lovely Canadians, it should be good times. Right now I'm just trying to get some cards (and itty bitty gifts) put together to send off to Canada. Let's see what we can get done while we're focused! Haha.
Love and miss you all... especially with this weird hot-holiday thingy going on. Beach and Christmas and summer seem like really conflicting ideas when used in the same sentence :s
xoxoxoxoxo Me
Monday, October 29, 2012
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Progress! A little bit, but still!
WE HAVE PROGRESS! Yes folks, this is a much more positive blog posting than last week! So sorry about that, it wasn't exactly the happiest of all posts :s I'm sure it didn't help that I'd just broken up with the guy I was seeing, so I was in an overall funk for a couple of days, but we're all past that now :D In fact, feeling very happy and at peace and back to my old self! SO, here are the updates on my little move across the globe:
Registration: COMPLETE! Yup, got the police check in to them on Tuesday, and by Friday I had an email saying my registration has been completed! What does this mean? Well, it means that I have finally reached the end of my 'getting licensed in Australia' saga! No more exams, no more ridiculous fees (other than PI insurance). Nope, it means I have no more hoops to jump through! Now I just need the jobs to roll in... haha! I have locums already set from the last week of November right through until the first week of January (and those come with house-sitting roles too, yipee!). I also have a potential locum from April to the end of my work visa (June 29th?) Then it will just be a matter of figuring out the process for getting sponsored. I know I have the sponsor already, just need to talk to Immigration to see if I can go right into the permanent residency process... fingers crossed! Ideally, I would like to be working as soon as next week :s At least, that's when my PI insurance kicks in, so I could legally begin working then! But yes, I am now, officially, LEGALLY, a chiro in Australia! WAHOO!
Cargo: SO CLOSE and yet so far. Haha, my cargo has indeed arrived in Adelaide, and has made it to the shipping yard where I'm supposed to eventually meet a quarantine inspections officer to go through it all, however one little hiccup. I received an email from the shipping company stating that they found bugs in the container which my stuff was in. So, now I am waiting for my stuff to be fumigated (well, the whole container of stuff, not just mine :p), then aired out, and THEN I can book my quarantine appointment! I'm just DYING to see what I packed away again! Haha, can hardly remember what I (aka Stephanie) packed. And of course, when quarantine asked if I packed everything myself I said yes... at least I knew what went IN to the bags/trunk, right? And thank GOODNESS I had skype proof last weekend (at Heather's birthday dinner) that Chatty Kathy did NOT make the overseas trip to join my in Australia. Let's just say, if I had opened a bag to be inspected and found a doll I would have just zipped it back up and said, "Nope, sorry, not my bag!" Ah well, won't be long and I will be reunited with my dresses, summer clothes, hats, shoes (hurray shoes! Now I just need someplace to wear them...), sporting equipment, and best of all my TEA! I'm relieved too that David's packs their tea in tins that are sealed tightly! I would not have been happy to get fumigated tea :(
In other news, the weather is getting SOOOOOOOOOO lovely out, I'm back to my usual summer colour. This is from going out and running in the mornings, or cross-stitching in the backyard in 20C weather. I'll be glad when I get my favourite sunscreen in my luggage! On the friends front, I'm reminded (by some wonderful people) that I DO have friends down here in Australia. Yes, 3 of them live in Sydney (Amanda, Claire, and Sydney), but I'm also reminded I have a friend in Melbourne (Jenn!!!). Claire has suggested, if we are both free in the middle of January, that we meet in Melbourne and go to the Australian Open! Now, I don't really follow tennis, but I would never give up a chance to take a quick flight to visit with some friends! Now knowing Jenn is there I could visit her too! Then I'm thinking I will need to pop by Sydney before I start a more long-term locum... maybe a Valentine's visit? Claire, would you be my date? Haha! I also have made some friends here in Adelaide, and although I don't get to see them too much I have had some great chats with them and know that I have friends around if I ever need someone to catch-up with :)
Okay, I hope this post makes everyone feel a little better about me being down here. Haha, I got a few 'perk up, it'll get easier' emails/messages on facebook after the last one... now you can all be jealous of my wonderful beach view, palm trees in the backyard, and awesome roo wildlife! MUAHAHA!
xoxoxo D
Saturday, September 15, 2012
And Still Waiting...
There have been so many hoops to jump through in order to register as a chiropractor down here in Australia. And unfortunately, the national registration board for chiropractors hasn't exactly been consistent state to state! I met a new friend while writing the board exam in Sydney, and we both filled out the same application, sent in the same required paperwork, have the same working Holiday visa, and yet since she sent hers in to the Sydney office (still for the same national organization) and I sent mine into the Adelaide office, well, she is registered and I am not. Why? you may ask... well, because Adelaide has asked for me to send an original Police Check/Clearance from back in Canada. Did my friend have to do this? No she did not. She asked, when I mentioned that I had to do it, and they said that they do their own police clearance. You would also think that since we both have arrived down here through a visa, which meant we had to be cleared police-wise via immigration before coming, that it would count. But this is not the case. Anyways, venting nearly complete, my police check was done with the help of my wonderful mother, and a letter sent by me (yay electronic signatures!). As well, I was lucky enough to leave my old passport, the very full one (from backpacking a few years ago) and my SIN card at home, which counted as 2 pieces of ID. Hopefully this means that at the end of next week I should have a number to be registered as a chiro! YAY!
Next venting point, my cargo. Haha, I can't wait to see what is IN it because I've almost forgotten now! It'll kind of be like shopping through my own stuff! I'l have more than 4 pairs of pants, more than LuluLemon clothing to wear, and my camping gear. As the weather is getting nice here that is on my list of things to do (love camping!). Back to the quest for my cargo: I have been to Customs House, I have paid more than $400 AUD on this side for just the shipping, and yet another $100 when I cleared quarantine, but I still have to book an appointment with an inspector once my cargo has become available to me. Yes it is here in Adelaide, and I think it has arrived at the shipping house it's supposed to go to, but it just hasn't been released from its crate yet. I have to wonder whether they are having problems moving my trunk? Hahaha! I even was completely honest with my quarantine form saying that I had loose leaf tea, and when she read through that and my packing lists, she was only mentioning that I would probably be questioned about my camping materials. Funny, since mum and I actually bought the tent here in Adelaide! Ah well, good to know that I can get some of my favourite teas sent over from Canada every now and then! I haven't found a tea house yet that has all of the spectacular blends like David's. And you never know, maybe eventually they will open a store somewhere in Australia!
The one thing I have come to realize during this move, is that it is a bigger deal than I realized to pick up and leave your friends, and more importantly, your hobbies/groups. It's probably even tougher because I have to wait for work to start so I can have an income so I can finally stand on my own two feet. It was great having a gym membership (trial) for 14 days, because then I had that to go to again. Right now I'm walking and running outside... but I do miss those evil... ahem... motivational group workout classes! And now that I'm not studying, and no longer looking for a car... well, it leaves me with a lot of time, and it's weird! It would be so nice to be able to call up a buddy, and say, "Hey, let's go camping!". And yes, it's great to have family around, but it's just not the same. I know this will get better, and it will get better when I finally start working and can settle in a certain area, join an orchestra in that area, join a gym in that area, and get myself a life again, but right now... well, it feels a little lonely. Thank gosh for skype, because I don't know what I would do without it!!! If only it was 4D... then I could eat dinner with the family for birthdays, get hugs from friends and family at home... ah well, it will get easier as time goes on :)
Hmmmm, alright, I realize this probably wasn't quite as 'feel-good' like most of my other entries, but just keeping it real hahaha. The GOOD thing is the weather is becoming REALLY NICE!!! The downfall again, even though it's 20C, I can feel my skin roasting rather quickly! And we all know that the sun and I have a very good relationship, but I gotta watch out here... not quite as much ozone layer :s
Hope everyone at home is doing well, and I hope my friends around the world who are reading this are doing well too. I miss you all. And please remember, you are ALL welcome to come and visit! Well, of course, that is when I have my own place ;) And as long as you bring your own bed ;) Hahaha!
xoxoxoxo Me
Next venting point, my cargo. Haha, I can't wait to see what is IN it because I've almost forgotten now! It'll kind of be like shopping through my own stuff! I'l have more than 4 pairs of pants, more than LuluLemon clothing to wear, and my camping gear. As the weather is getting nice here that is on my list of things to do (love camping!). Back to the quest for my cargo: I have been to Customs House, I have paid more than $400 AUD on this side for just the shipping, and yet another $100 when I cleared quarantine, but I still have to book an appointment with an inspector once my cargo has become available to me. Yes it is here in Adelaide, and I think it has arrived at the shipping house it's supposed to go to, but it just hasn't been released from its crate yet. I have to wonder whether they are having problems moving my trunk? Hahaha! I even was completely honest with my quarantine form saying that I had loose leaf tea, and when she read through that and my packing lists, she was only mentioning that I would probably be questioned about my camping materials. Funny, since mum and I actually bought the tent here in Adelaide! Ah well, good to know that I can get some of my favourite teas sent over from Canada every now and then! I haven't found a tea house yet that has all of the spectacular blends like David's. And you never know, maybe eventually they will open a store somewhere in Australia!
The one thing I have come to realize during this move, is that it is a bigger deal than I realized to pick up and leave your friends, and more importantly, your hobbies/groups. It's probably even tougher because I have to wait for work to start so I can have an income so I can finally stand on my own two feet. It was great having a gym membership (trial) for 14 days, because then I had that to go to again. Right now I'm walking and running outside... but I do miss those evil... ahem... motivational group workout classes! And now that I'm not studying, and no longer looking for a car... well, it leaves me with a lot of time, and it's weird! It would be so nice to be able to call up a buddy, and say, "Hey, let's go camping!". And yes, it's great to have family around, but it's just not the same. I know this will get better, and it will get better when I finally start working and can settle in a certain area, join an orchestra in that area, join a gym in that area, and get myself a life again, but right now... well, it feels a little lonely. Thank gosh for skype, because I don't know what I would do without it!!! If only it was 4D... then I could eat dinner with the family for birthdays, get hugs from friends and family at home... ah well, it will get easier as time goes on :)
Hmmmm, alright, I realize this probably wasn't quite as 'feel-good' like most of my other entries, but just keeping it real hahaha. The GOOD thing is the weather is becoming REALLY NICE!!! The downfall again, even though it's 20C, I can feel my skin roasting rather quickly! And we all know that the sun and I have a very good relationship, but I gotta watch out here... not quite as much ozone layer :s
Hope everyone at home is doing well, and I hope my friends around the world who are reading this are doing well too. I miss you all. And please remember, you are ALL welcome to come and visit! Well, of course, that is when I have my own place ;) And as long as you bring your own bed ;) Hahaha!
xoxoxoxo Me
Monday, August 27, 2012
Really becoming an Aussie now!
I know, it's been even longer than the LAST post! So sorry about that... I've been finding little things to do that keep me somewhat busy! It seemed to be easier to write a blog when I was supposed to be studying... haha! But, some more updates on life down under for all you lovely northerners (and whoever else is reading this from the southern hemisphere!)
First of all, I passed my exam! Did I say that before? Bad memory now that I don't have to study, hahahaha! So yes, I passed my board exams down here! Yippeeeee! Just waiting on my license now to be processed so I can start picking up locums like lulu pants pick up dog hair. Also in terms of licenses, it seems like I won't be using my acupuncture any time soon... or not legally ;) BUT I'm not just letting that go... I'll figure out a time to start looking into that more. Right now the important thing is just to get the chiro stuff going!
Secondly, I bought a car! I am now the proud owner of a little red 2001 Toyota Echo (No Matt, not an E-HO or just plain HO, a whole ECHO!) It's cute! Only 2 doors, hatchback, and lovely to drive :D AND thanks to Lee and his brother Ian I have a pretty awesome stereo in it now! It only had a tape deck before... yeah, pretty dated even for a 2001! Anyways, vast improvement. If any of you saw my facebook you would have seen that Thursday last week was rather scary for my new car... it nearly got cleared out by a fallen telephone/hydro pole! Crisis averted though... however it took the bulk of the afternoon and evening to get it repaired, and phone/internet wasn't even repaired until the Saturday! Darn Telestra! I'm currently holding a naming contest for the car. So far my favourite name is Rosie. Others suggested include Pucker-Up (P-U for short), JB (for jelly bean), CiCi (C.C. actually, for clown car), Tinto (Vino Tinto?), and Canuck. Anyone else?
Let's see... any other news? OH! I now hold a South Australian driver's license! However, I had my Ontario license confiscated (for the time being) as Ontario licenses and Irish licenses have been forged for people to get a license more easily down here??? Anyhoo, they will be sending it back to me once it has been verified by the appropriate people. WEIRD! But yes, soon I will hold my own piece of Australian ID! Teehee!
Headed to Melbourne this weekend for a pediatric seminar on cranial work! Pretty cool! I've also been told that Melbourne is a lot like Toronto... so I guess it'll kind of be like going home down under! Should be fun!
Hope everyone back at home is doing well, and of course everyone everywhere else too!
xoxoxoxo D
P.S. I've included a lovely photo of the car! Also, check out my mobile uploads for a picture of the kangaroos I saw on a doggie walk this morning!
First of all, I passed my exam! Did I say that before? Bad memory now that I don't have to study, hahahaha! So yes, I passed my board exams down here! Yippeeeee! Just waiting on my license now to be processed so I can start picking up locums like lulu pants pick up dog hair. Also in terms of licenses, it seems like I won't be using my acupuncture any time soon... or not legally ;) BUT I'm not just letting that go... I'll figure out a time to start looking into that more. Right now the important thing is just to get the chiro stuff going!
Secondly, I bought a car! I am now the proud owner of a little red 2001 Toyota Echo (No Matt, not an E-HO or just plain HO, a whole ECHO!) It's cute! Only 2 doors, hatchback, and lovely to drive :D AND thanks to Lee and his brother Ian I have a pretty awesome stereo in it now! It only had a tape deck before... yeah, pretty dated even for a 2001! Anyways, vast improvement. If any of you saw my facebook you would have seen that Thursday last week was rather scary for my new car... it nearly got cleared out by a fallen telephone/hydro pole! Crisis averted though... however it took the bulk of the afternoon and evening to get it repaired, and phone/internet wasn't even repaired until the Saturday! Darn Telestra! I'm currently holding a naming contest for the car. So far my favourite name is Rosie. Others suggested include Pucker-Up (P-U for short), JB (for jelly bean), CiCi (C.C. actually, for clown car), Tinto (Vino Tinto?), and Canuck. Anyone else?
Let's see... any other news? OH! I now hold a South Australian driver's license! However, I had my Ontario license confiscated (for the time being) as Ontario licenses and Irish licenses have been forged for people to get a license more easily down here??? Anyhoo, they will be sending it back to me once it has been verified by the appropriate people. WEIRD! But yes, soon I will hold my own piece of Australian ID! Teehee!
Headed to Melbourne this weekend for a pediatric seminar on cranial work! Pretty cool! I've also been told that Melbourne is a lot like Toronto... so I guess it'll kind of be like going home down under! Should be fun!
Hope everyone back at home is doing well, and of course everyone everywhere else too!
xoxoxoxo D
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
I'm still alive... I swear!
I know I know... it's been a while! I DO have a good reason though, I just finished writing my exams in Sydney! Okay, well, I finished writing them on Friday last week, but it's been rather busy until now!
I'm also currently battling in terms of who to cheer for in the Olympics. Obviously my original allegiance lies with Canada, and whenever Canada is leading then that is who I cheer for! BUT, being in a different country it's hard to cheer for Canada when you NEVER see them on TV! It makes sense that Australian races and athletes are what are shown here, but still, it wouldn't hurt for them to show OTHER countries or athletes! Hahahaha. I've ranked my allegiance/cheer-efforts as such: 1-Canada, 2-Australia, 3-Spain (for obvious reasons). This usually gives me SOMEONE to cheer for in every race or sport!
Now, about the CCEA (licensing) exam... here's my breakdown. There were 8 of us writing the first day, just one guy was writing only that day because it was the radiology (x-ray) exam day. The images were fine, x-ray positioning fine, x-ray interpretation paper fine, then the radiographic physics/science was BRUTAL! That's right... brutal! So many calculations which I never learned in school... none of us (0/8) had any clue with more than half of that exam. Now, having said that, I could say I had a somewhat educated guess with a lot of that exam, but still was unsure about 40% of the questions :s The only other very tough exam was the neuro/ortho exam, which was so long that even I (the extra fast exam writer who finished every other written exam within half the time) was just collecting my booklets together when they said, "Please put down your pens." So yeah, 4 of the 7 of us didn't finish the neuro/ortho exam! Anyways, should know within a couple of weeks as to whether or not I've been successful. On the plus side, I've been successful in Canada and Ontario! Not that I'll be using that license any time soon, but it's nice to know I passed a very very tough exam back in Canada :)
Let's see... what else is new. While I was in Sydney I got to visit with Sydney, my neighbour from back home! Just like seeing a sister! It was great to catch up with her and meet her roommate, and just have a place to crash in the city! The train system wasn't too hard to figure out, and only took me an hour and a bit to get from Bondi Beach to the school Macquarie. I also got to catch up with my old roommate from MtA, Amanda! It was so great! We went for a 'few' drinks at the Opera Bar (right beside the Opera House), caught up... it was just like no time had passed at all! In reality, we hadn't seen each other in 6 years! But, it was really good to meet up and just know that I have yet another friend down here in Australia :D Lastly, I met a NEW friend during my exams. Claire just graduated from AECC (one of the schools in the UK) and we got to study together and share the train together on the way back from the exam every day. She's great! She also came to the Opera Bar and had a couple drinks, met Amanda, it was great! Hopefully she'll come visit in Adelaide, and I'll be sure to go visit in Sydney again sometime!
Hmmmm, I updated everyone about my new beau here... happy to say I'm blissfully in love in Australia! Who knew I worked so fast! HAHA! Yup, it might be a little different now being back from exams, but just a happy-go-lucky young Canadian lady... happy as a clam, with her man! Hahaha! I can't wait for other people (from home) to meet him eventually! He has now met the entire family clan down here in Australia (Elizabeth and her kids... mum's niece, and Kim Brian and their kids, dads niece!). He'll get to meet them more and more so I'm excited to introduce them all and have them all get to know each other :)
Anyways, must go take the dog for a walk... just like old times ;) Hope everyone is well in Canada (or everywhere else people are reading this blog!). And please keep ME up to date with YOUR lives! Facebook works for me!!!
Hugs and kisses... xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo Dr. D
I'm also currently battling in terms of who to cheer for in the Olympics. Obviously my original allegiance lies with Canada, and whenever Canada is leading then that is who I cheer for! BUT, being in a different country it's hard to cheer for Canada when you NEVER see them on TV! It makes sense that Australian races and athletes are what are shown here, but still, it wouldn't hurt for them to show OTHER countries or athletes! Hahahaha. I've ranked my allegiance/cheer-efforts as such: 1-Canada, 2-Australia, 3-Spain (for obvious reasons). This usually gives me SOMEONE to cheer for in every race or sport!
Now, about the CCEA (licensing) exam... here's my breakdown. There were 8 of us writing the first day, just one guy was writing only that day because it was the radiology (x-ray) exam day. The images were fine, x-ray positioning fine, x-ray interpretation paper fine, then the radiographic physics/science was BRUTAL! That's right... brutal! So many calculations which I never learned in school... none of us (0/8) had any clue with more than half of that exam. Now, having said that, I could say I had a somewhat educated guess with a lot of that exam, but still was unsure about 40% of the questions :s The only other very tough exam was the neuro/ortho exam, which was so long that even I (the extra fast exam writer who finished every other written exam within half the time) was just collecting my booklets together when they said, "Please put down your pens." So yeah, 4 of the 7 of us didn't finish the neuro/ortho exam! Anyways, should know within a couple of weeks as to whether or not I've been successful. On the plus side, I've been successful in Canada and Ontario! Not that I'll be using that license any time soon, but it's nice to know I passed a very very tough exam back in Canada :)
Let's see... what else is new. While I was in Sydney I got to visit with Sydney, my neighbour from back home! Just like seeing a sister! It was great to catch up with her and meet her roommate, and just have a place to crash in the city! The train system wasn't too hard to figure out, and only took me an hour and a bit to get from Bondi Beach to the school Macquarie. I also got to catch up with my old roommate from MtA, Amanda! It was so great! We went for a 'few' drinks at the Opera Bar (right beside the Opera House), caught up... it was just like no time had passed at all! In reality, we hadn't seen each other in 6 years! But, it was really good to meet up and just know that I have yet another friend down here in Australia :D Lastly, I met a NEW friend during my exams. Claire just graduated from AECC (one of the schools in the UK) and we got to study together and share the train together on the way back from the exam every day. She's great! She also came to the Opera Bar and had a couple drinks, met Amanda, it was great! Hopefully she'll come visit in Adelaide, and I'll be sure to go visit in Sydney again sometime!
Hmmmm, I updated everyone about my new beau here... happy to say I'm blissfully in love in Australia! Who knew I worked so fast! HAHA! Yup, it might be a little different now being back from exams, but just a happy-go-lucky young Canadian lady... happy as a clam, with her man! Hahaha! I can't wait for other people (from home) to meet him eventually! He has now met the entire family clan down here in Australia (Elizabeth and her kids... mum's niece, and Kim Brian and their kids, dads niece!). He'll get to meet them more and more so I'm excited to introduce them all and have them all get to know each other :)
Anyways, must go take the dog for a walk... just like old times ;) Hope everyone is well in Canada (or everywhere else people are reading this blog!). And please keep ME up to date with YOUR lives! Facebook works for me!!!
Hugs and kisses... xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo Dr. D
Sunday, July 22, 2012
So much to 'ketchup' on! Or should I say 'tomato sauce' on...?
I know it's been a whole week since I last posted... it's been a bit busy this week! Several things to update everyone on. These include: job hunt, visa issues, boyfriend, upcoming exam, entertaining Aussie-isms. Shall we begin?
First of all, the job hunt. I did get a second interview with Lululemon, and they were soooooooooo positive! They wanted to hire me so so so badly, however due to my visa restrictions it would mean that they would only have been able to hire me for 6 months, and they just couldn't validate hiring someone for that short a period, only to have to go through the same process in another 6 months to refill the position. However, they did tell me that they wanted to keep in touch and consider hiring me for the holiday season (November thru to January!). Also, they asked me to let them know if anything changes with my visa, so they could hire me right away! As I said, positive, yet still a little sad because I didn't get the job :( Other than that job, I've contacted one of Kim and Brian's patients about working as a bartender at a golf course near McLaren Vale. I'm also going to contact a bunch of different wineries in the McLaren Vale area to see about doing labour out there!
Second topic: visa issues. I've just found out the regular way of going through the whole permanent residency thingy has changed, so I guess I'm going to be a pioneer for new chiros coming over to work in Australia! Have emailed the government and am going to call them when Kim and Brian come back, just in case they're a little more up to date with things going on over here too. I'll keep everyone updated there!
Third topic: upcoming exam. Yup, I leave tomorrow (Tuesday the 24th) for Sydney to write my skills recognition exam. It looks like there are 7 or 8 of us writing at any time. It's all spread out nicely too... as in, over the 3 days. Day one is all radiology and radiography. Day 2 is the 2 2-hour papers (1st paper is neuro/ortho, 2nd paper is diagnosis). And lastly the Friday is technique for 15 or 30 I believe, followed by a 45min VIVA panel where we go over a case with a set of examiners, and I don't actually have to do any of the tests on them, but I would just have to talk through what I would do for my history, physical, what my diagnosis and differentials would be, then a treatment plan. Should be fun!
Fourth topic: Aussie-isms. Haha, I keep hearing things thinking, what on earth does that mean! Some of the obvious are ones that I didn't really expect to hear over here but I guess it would be as cliche as someone hearing 'eh' in Canada! G'day is a common greeting I hear while walking the doggie :) Red pepper is in fact capsicum here, and dinner or supper is referred to as 'tea'. Not the drink, just the action of 'having tea'. Teehee! Or should I say, 'tea-hee'! Reckon is another popular term used here... as in, I reckon... (I would say so). Some are Aussie-isms that I just won't repeat here on the internet, hahaha but they're rather entertaining! Lee, if I've missed any of the other ones that I make fun of you for, can you add them in a comment and explain what they mean? Please? Yippee!
Which leaves me with the fifth topic: Boyfriend. Can I call him that? Is there any kind of required time-frame before that title can be applied? Meh, boyfriend it is :) What a spectacular man I have been lucky enough to find here! His parents are complete gems, as is his brother and sister-in-law. His father, Gary, plays guitar, and even has a violin (which I broke the A-string on when I was trying to tune it... whoops!!!!!). His mother, Judith, is just about the nicest person you'll find! She and I were talking 'baking' the other day... I may have to show her a couple of things... one being pumpkin pie! Down here they use pumpkin in a savoury way, NOT in a dessert way. Hahaha, a certain someone was making fun of me for talking about pumpkin cheesecake and pumpkin pie. Well, I'll show you Aussies how delicious we can make squash taste!!!
Lastly, I met the most important people in Lee's life... his daughters! It was the 6th birthday of his eldest, and so we got to go to an indoor playground (similar to a place called Busy Bodies back in Oakville... Carter's 2nd bday was spent there!). Well, most of you know just much of a big kid I am, and so I had a blast! Easy to say I was just as happy to climb and slide and spin and jump like the rest of the kids. A few of the parents there said to me, "sometimes it's fun to be like a kid, hey?" Hahahahaha they probably just thought I was being a big kid for the sake of the girls but nope, that's just the way I am! YAY indoor playgrounds! After that we went back to Lee's place, had pizza and cake, and had a ridiculously good time playing on those birthday horns or birthday blowers.... you know the ones that curl out and make a sick-duck sound? That's the ones! I was able to prove that you can blow 4 of them at once and have quite a harmonious sound. Lee proved that he could blow one out of each nostril at the same time, and his eldest proved that you could in fact blow one out of the nostril and one out of the mouth at the same time. She sure showed her dad, who didn't think it was possible! Muahahaha! I think it's fair to say though that a good time was had by all. At least I HOPE it was a good time had by all! If Lee's parents had any notion that I was a very sophisticated and mature person before this past weekend, I'm sure that's all gone down the drain now... hahaha! BUT how can you resist wanting to laugh so hard! WHAT A WORK OUT!
Okay, must study or someone will have my head :s Actually, multiple people would have my head :s
xoxoxoxoxoxo Dr. Canuck
First of all, the job hunt. I did get a second interview with Lululemon, and they were soooooooooo positive! They wanted to hire me so so so badly, however due to my visa restrictions it would mean that they would only have been able to hire me for 6 months, and they just couldn't validate hiring someone for that short a period, only to have to go through the same process in another 6 months to refill the position. However, they did tell me that they wanted to keep in touch and consider hiring me for the holiday season (November thru to January!). Also, they asked me to let them know if anything changes with my visa, so they could hire me right away! As I said, positive, yet still a little sad because I didn't get the job :( Other than that job, I've contacted one of Kim and Brian's patients about working as a bartender at a golf course near McLaren Vale. I'm also going to contact a bunch of different wineries in the McLaren Vale area to see about doing labour out there!
Second topic: visa issues. I've just found out the regular way of going through the whole permanent residency thingy has changed, so I guess I'm going to be a pioneer for new chiros coming over to work in Australia! Have emailed the government and am going to call them when Kim and Brian come back, just in case they're a little more up to date with things going on over here too. I'll keep everyone updated there!
Third topic: upcoming exam. Yup, I leave tomorrow (Tuesday the 24th) for Sydney to write my skills recognition exam. It looks like there are 7 or 8 of us writing at any time. It's all spread out nicely too... as in, over the 3 days. Day one is all radiology and radiography. Day 2 is the 2 2-hour papers (1st paper is neuro/ortho, 2nd paper is diagnosis). And lastly the Friday is technique for 15 or 30 I believe, followed by a 45min VIVA panel where we go over a case with a set of examiners, and I don't actually have to do any of the tests on them, but I would just have to talk through what I would do for my history, physical, what my diagnosis and differentials would be, then a treatment plan. Should be fun!
Fourth topic: Aussie-isms. Haha, I keep hearing things thinking, what on earth does that mean! Some of the obvious are ones that I didn't really expect to hear over here but I guess it would be as cliche as someone hearing 'eh' in Canada! G'day is a common greeting I hear while walking the doggie :) Red pepper is in fact capsicum here, and dinner or supper is referred to as 'tea'. Not the drink, just the action of 'having tea'. Teehee! Or should I say, 'tea-hee'! Reckon is another popular term used here... as in, I reckon... (I would say so). Some are Aussie-isms that I just won't repeat here on the internet, hahaha but they're rather entertaining! Lee, if I've missed any of the other ones that I make fun of you for, can you add them in a comment and explain what they mean? Please? Yippee!
Which leaves me with the fifth topic: Boyfriend. Can I call him that? Is there any kind of required time-frame before that title can be applied? Meh, boyfriend it is :) What a spectacular man I have been lucky enough to find here! His parents are complete gems, as is his brother and sister-in-law. His father, Gary, plays guitar, and even has a violin (which I broke the A-string on when I was trying to tune it... whoops!!!!!). His mother, Judith, is just about the nicest person you'll find! She and I were talking 'baking' the other day... I may have to show her a couple of things... one being pumpkin pie! Down here they use pumpkin in a savoury way, NOT in a dessert way. Hahaha, a certain someone was making fun of me for talking about pumpkin cheesecake and pumpkin pie. Well, I'll show you Aussies how delicious we can make squash taste!!!
Lastly, I met the most important people in Lee's life... his daughters! It was the 6th birthday of his eldest, and so we got to go to an indoor playground (similar to a place called Busy Bodies back in Oakville... Carter's 2nd bday was spent there!). Well, most of you know just much of a big kid I am, and so I had a blast! Easy to say I was just as happy to climb and slide and spin and jump like the rest of the kids. A few of the parents there said to me, "sometimes it's fun to be like a kid, hey?" Hahahahaha they probably just thought I was being a big kid for the sake of the girls but nope, that's just the way I am! YAY indoor playgrounds! After that we went back to Lee's place, had pizza and cake, and had a ridiculously good time playing on those birthday horns or birthday blowers.... you know the ones that curl out and make a sick-duck sound? That's the ones! I was able to prove that you can blow 4 of them at once and have quite a harmonious sound. Lee proved that he could blow one out of each nostril at the same time, and his eldest proved that you could in fact blow one out of the nostril and one out of the mouth at the same time. She sure showed her dad, who didn't think it was possible! Muahahaha! I think it's fair to say though that a good time was had by all. At least I HOPE it was a good time had by all! If Lee's parents had any notion that I was a very sophisticated and mature person before this past weekend, I'm sure that's all gone down the drain now... hahaha! BUT how can you resist wanting to laugh so hard! WHAT A WORK OUT!
Okay, must study or someone will have my head :s Actually, multiple people would have my head :s
xoxoxoxoxoxo Dr. Canuck
Sunday, July 15, 2012
It keeps going and going and going...
Who knew things could be so amazing on the other side of the world? I feel like everything is starting to come together now :) It just took a move to the other side of the world! This is where we're at in terms of my to-do list:
- get a tax file number: Okay, so I've registered for this, it should be in the mail any day now!
- open a bank account: done!
- get a phone: also done, I've bought a Samsung Galaxy Y, just waiting for the sim card to arrive but I've got a month-to-month plan figured out!
- find a job: I have my second interview, a one-on-one, set for Tuesday at 3pm (Adelaide time) with Lululemon! Gosh knows it would be awesome to work there until this whole doctor things pans out... :)
- study: this I have been doing! I've received a lot of radiology slides from the school that's hosting the exam, and I'm just reviewing all sorts of information now! Wahoo!
- Added bonus: FOUND A GUY! Enter story...
So here's the dish. I went for a walk on the beach on Tuesday, as this is the norm for me and Bailey. We usually do 2 walks a day, they usually last at least an hour each, sometimes 2 hours. Turns out this is also good for me since I haven't found a gym yet, nor do I have money for a gym! Anyways, we were trucking down the beach, and Bailey, who has decided to be more friendly as of late, trots on over to visit some random guy out for a stroll. This guy, LEE (keep that in mind folks...), used to have a black lab himself, but had to send him to live with family as he was too busy with work to give the dog enough attention. So needless to say, he was pretty excited that Bailey, a yellow lab, came over to visit! Asked me some questions about the dog... loved my Canadian accent (pffffft, if you could only all hear his incredible Australian accent! WOOHOO for me!), and we just ended up walking the rest of the beach together and chatting the whole time!
Yup, this guy is a keeper :) Not only does he like the outdoors, but he also plays guitar (and well! Probably better than me :S). He's funny, sweet, REALLY good looking (I know he's probably reading this, but whatever, he already knows these things!), and so smart!!! It's nice to find a new friend over here on the other side of the world :) I'm not replacing the ones I have back at home, but he'll certainly hold me over :) His parents and brother and sister-in-law are really nice too (I know, I've already met them... but it was a very convenient thing to do on the weekend, go out for lunch... and tea!). It's not like I had any other plans, so why not meet some more people! Won't replace my family, but they certainly are great to meet up with, and so interesting :)
SO, now you all know where I stand... more or less. If you could all see me now I look like one of those idiots that is grinning all the time, and can't stop, because they're just so happy! I think my cheeks might start to cramp actually :p I hope this all satisfies you for now, until I tell you all more about him. If you're all curious too you can always look him up on my facebook :) He's there... my new Aussie buddy ;) Hey Buddy... hee hee!
Ugh, must go to bed. It's so late! So much studying to do still, and Lee certainly makes sure I study, just in case my mother is reading this and worrying about me focusing on the task at hand... don't worry mum! He is making sure I study!!! Love you and miss you all, though must say I'm quite convinced now that I made the right move coming down here. And as I've always said, anyone is welcome to visit! This might be best to wait until I've got my own place... but once THAT has happened you're all welcome to come on down.
That's it for now,
Dr. D
- get a tax file number: Okay, so I've registered for this, it should be in the mail any day now!
- open a bank account: done!
- get a phone: also done, I've bought a Samsung Galaxy Y, just waiting for the sim card to arrive but I've got a month-to-month plan figured out!
- find a job: I have my second interview, a one-on-one, set for Tuesday at 3pm (Adelaide time) with Lululemon! Gosh knows it would be awesome to work there until this whole doctor things pans out... :)
- study: this I have been doing! I've received a lot of radiology slides from the school that's hosting the exam, and I'm just reviewing all sorts of information now! Wahoo!
- Added bonus: FOUND A GUY! Enter story...
So here's the dish. I went for a walk on the beach on Tuesday, as this is the norm for me and Bailey. We usually do 2 walks a day, they usually last at least an hour each, sometimes 2 hours. Turns out this is also good for me since I haven't found a gym yet, nor do I have money for a gym! Anyways, we were trucking down the beach, and Bailey, who has decided to be more friendly as of late, trots on over to visit some random guy out for a stroll. This guy, LEE (keep that in mind folks...), used to have a black lab himself, but had to send him to live with family as he was too busy with work to give the dog enough attention. So needless to say, he was pretty excited that Bailey, a yellow lab, came over to visit! Asked me some questions about the dog... loved my Canadian accent (pffffft, if you could only all hear his incredible Australian accent! WOOHOO for me!), and we just ended up walking the rest of the beach together and chatting the whole time!
Yup, this guy is a keeper :) Not only does he like the outdoors, but he also plays guitar (and well! Probably better than me :S). He's funny, sweet, REALLY good looking (I know he's probably reading this, but whatever, he already knows these things!), and so smart!!! It's nice to find a new friend over here on the other side of the world :) I'm not replacing the ones I have back at home, but he'll certainly hold me over :) His parents and brother and sister-in-law are really nice too (I know, I've already met them... but it was a very convenient thing to do on the weekend, go out for lunch... and tea!). It's not like I had any other plans, so why not meet some more people! Won't replace my family, but they certainly are great to meet up with, and so interesting :)
SO, now you all know where I stand... more or less. If you could all see me now I look like one of those idiots that is grinning all the time, and can't stop, because they're just so happy! I think my cheeks might start to cramp actually :p I hope this all satisfies you for now, until I tell you all more about him. If you're all curious too you can always look him up on my facebook :) He's there... my new Aussie buddy ;) Hey Buddy... hee hee!
Ugh, must go to bed. It's so late! So much studying to do still, and Lee certainly makes sure I study, just in case my mother is reading this and worrying about me focusing on the task at hand... don't worry mum! He is making sure I study!!! Love you and miss you all, though must say I'm quite convinced now that I made the right move coming down here. And as I've always said, anyone is welcome to visit! This might be best to wait until I've got my own place... but once THAT has happened you're all welcome to come on down.
That's it for now,
Dr. D
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