one year ago

One year ago it all came true. The culimination of everything I had been working for for so long finally came to pass. One year ago I wrote, and passed, my Royal College exams.
I was sitting in the OR listening to the soft beep beep of my monitors as the surgeon continued on with surgery and I realized what the date was. I realized that right then some of my friends were in the middle of their exams. I told this to the nurses, and told them that one year ago I passed my exams. I got goosebumps.
I remember that day so vividly. I remember not wanting to eat breakfast because I was nervous, but knew I had to have something in my stomach. I remember putting on the suit and special shoes I had bought for the occaison. I remember driving in our rented car and getting stuck in construction and worrying about not being there in time. I was stressed, but trying to calm my hubby down (who was driving). I remember the big white tent outside the Royal College. I remember the little "pep talk" they gave before the exam. No, not what he actually said, just the small room and little chairs, and a dozen nervous faces all chuckling at his poor attempt at humor. You could cut the tension in the room with a knife. I remember how I felt after each question. The first set really good, the next not as good, and by the last was thinking that I hadn't done so well. I remember rushing through the little survey they had at the end so I could leave. I just had to get out of there! I remember stepping out of the building and frantically phoning my hubby to come and pick me up, but he was there, a crooked little smile on his face. I remember feeling, what? Relief that it was over? Trepidation? I am not sure, but there was a rush of emotions and as soon as I saw him, I started to cry. Like I said, I had talked myself into thinking that I hadn't done very well.
Later on, we went for dinner with my best friend and her partner. It was a lovely meal, only slightly spoiled with a phone call. One of the other people I had written with had phoned to tell me that she had found the exam SO easy and that she had just found out she passed. I never knew how much I really disliked her until that moment. What if I had not passed?
Finally, the moment of truth. Shaking, I typed in my password onto the computer, to wait for what seemed like an eternity, to find out I had passed! Oh, the joy in that moment. I doubt there will ever be a greater feeling in the world than that. I truly cannot describe it.
Since that moment my life has only gotten better. I work in a great environment, have a new house, and am generally loving life. I feel truly blessed.
So much has happened in a year and it all started one year ago.

I hate The Brick

I hate The Brick.
We have bought a lot of stuff from them over the years - two couches, two chairs, etc. Always because we liked their products and we thought they had OK service. That was until we actually needed their service.
We recently bought a washer and dryer set, and a mattress and boxspring set. Not cheap items. Everything was ducky until we told them where we live. Now, because we live 10km outside the city, their service has gone to shit. They only deliver "out of town" on certain days of the week, and never at night or on the weekend. What a bunch of crap! I can run 10km! So you can't tell me that it is really that far.
We had to fight with the manager to get our stuff delivered at a time when we would actually be home. But, it doesn't stop there.
The first guy who sold us our mattress was really gung-ho, but didn't really know anything about what he was selling. I have since learned that a mattress is not something to take lightly. You don't just buy one because someone tells you it is "the best". Since buying that mattress, my back has ached every morning. In fact, I can't sleep more than about 5 hours or so because I have to get up secondary to pain. Luckily, they let you try out the bed and you can change it.
When we went to the second guy he asked us all sorts of questions about our sleep habits and immediately was able to tell us that the mattress was too firm for us. So, why hadn't the first guy asked us all this?! We wouldn't need to have our mattress exchanged if he had actually known what he was talking about! Not to even mention the washer and dryer. The guy helping me knew less about the machines than I did! I am not some house wife who sits at home dreaming of a new washing machine, but I had at least done some research. He could have too! I finally settled on a set because my husband was fading with interest fast, and the guy couldn't even tell me if they carried the one that I wanted. What a bunch of idiots!
And now we are in the delivery problem again. I took today off, thinking that it would be delivered today, which is what they told us. But, here I sit without a new bed! Apparently, it isn't even here and the date they told us about was only tentative. So, when were they planning to tell us?! Now, I have to try and rearrange my life again so they can bring out a mattress that will, hopefully, be better at some imaginary later date that they have yet to tell us about.
They should be happy they even still have customers in an era like now. That is my new mission in life. I am going to tell everyone about what poor service I have received at The Brick and what idiots they are. Hello blogger, hello Facebook. Bring it on, Brickey.

accidents happen

Ever since Monday I haven't slept right. Ever since Monday I have been afraid. Ever since Monday I have felt sick in the bottom of my stomach. Monday night I crashed my car.
I was on my way to work to start my evening of call. I was rushing. Someone hit me and crashed in my car. It was my fault. I have no excuse, just rushing.
No one was hurt, and yes, that is the most important thing. However, I still feel sick. I feel terrible. Not only for the damage to a car that technically isn't mine (my hubby pays for it), not only for the fact that it is a brand new car, not only that I damaged someone elses car, but because it could have been a LOT worse. No, no one would have died, but anyone of the people invovled in the accident could have been hurt.
Now, whenever I drive down the street I am anxious. Is something else going to happen? Will this time it be someone elses fault, but still not a good outcome? I can still hear the sound of metal against metal, the brakes screeching, and, of course, my own screams in my ears.
I wish I could go back through time. I wish I could make it better, but I can't. Accidents happen, I know, but it doesn't help this feeling.
At least they are fixing the car. At least soon it will be over. A bad memory, but that is all. Sigh. I just wish I could get over it a bit sooner.

spring fun

I love spring and summer. After a LONG cold winter I relish the sun and warmth. Today was a fantastic day! So warm and lovely. Even Jurgen decided he could stand to be outside a bit. We went to the driving range here in White City to "slice" a few balls. So learning to golf! So not good! Alas, but it is still fun. I may be able to convince hubby that we should take lessons. That might be a nice hobby we could do together.
Kitties decided they wanted to be outside too. They have discovered that being out is fun with all the new sights and smells. This time, however, it was Seven who rolled in the dirt! Good thing I invested in some kitty bath wipes! I do love to see them happy, though.
A few more weeks and we will be out at the lake!