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.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, May 8, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
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!
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!
Saturday, April 25, 2009
indoor outdoor cat
I like watching my cats in their new surroundings. It really emphasizes the differences in the two of them.
We went outside today and I left them off the leashed to let them explore a bit. Seven, who has been outside lots before, was so interested in all the new sounds and smells. She would hear something and try and see where it was coming from. Then stop, sniff a bit, and then hear something else and be off again. She loves it out there! I think she imagines herself as a big cat exploring the forest looking for prey. Queen of the jungle.
Then, there is Stupe. We got her form a pet store, so she has never lived outdoors and it shows. She comes outside because she is curious, but alas, not curageous. She saw Seven out there and thought that maybe she could do it too. So, she went all the way to the field where Seven had been "hunting", but it didn't take long before something scared her and she made a bee-line back to the deck! She did, however, decide to roll in the dirt to prove to everyone that she had been outside (lucky me, I had to wipe her clean before she came in).
I think we all go back and forth between those to states. One day we are truly curageous. We push our limits and explore the jungle to become the hunter. Confident and comfortable.
The next day, we really want to be curageous so we venture out. We cover ourselves up so no one knows our fears, but ultimately something freaks us out and we bolt back to our comfort zone!
In the end, hopefully we all end up happy warm and in someones arms (or lap if you really are a cat) regardless of the adventure we might have had that day.
Puuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
We went outside today and I left them off the leashed to let them explore a bit. Seven, who has been outside lots before, was so interested in all the new sounds and smells. She would hear something and try and see where it was coming from. Then stop, sniff a bit, and then hear something else and be off again. She loves it out there! I think she imagines herself as a big cat exploring the forest looking for prey. Queen of the jungle.
Then, there is Stupe. We got her form a pet store, so she has never lived outdoors and it shows. She comes outside because she is curious, but alas, not curageous. She saw Seven out there and thought that maybe she could do it too. So, she went all the way to the field where Seven had been "hunting", but it didn't take long before something scared her and she made a bee-line back to the deck! She did, however, decide to roll in the dirt to prove to everyone that she had been outside (lucky me, I had to wipe her clean before she came in).
I think we all go back and forth between those to states. One day we are truly curageous. We push our limits and explore the jungle to become the hunter. Confident and comfortable.
The next day, we really want to be curageous so we venture out. We cover ourselves up so no one knows our fears, but ultimately something freaks us out and we bolt back to our comfort zone!
In the end, hopefully we all end up happy warm and in someones arms (or lap if you really are a cat) regardless of the adventure we might have had that day.
Puuuurrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Our new home!
This is our new house! We now live in White City, which is a suburb of Regina. It is a brand new home that has never been lived in before us.
This is the back. As you can see, it backs prairie. It is so peaceful out here!
The living room has cathedral style 20ft ceilings! There are built in shelves adjacent to the fireplace and tv in which to store our many finds!
Both Seven and Stupe have been enjoying sunning themselves in the many windows. Doesn't she look happy?!
Friday, April 10, 2009
home
Since leaving home at the tender age of 17 I have never lived in a house. Apartment, condos, even townhouses, but not a house. Well, now is the time. It is Easter Weekend and we are moving into our very first house with a yard, and everything.
The little bungalow-style condo that we live in now was fine for when Jurgen lived here by himself. Occaisionally, I would stay for a month and bring the cats. No problem. We each had our own space. However, after living here for 6 months I soon realized we needed something more. So, the search began.
We looked for only about 4 months. At one point we were planning to put an offer on a house (the one we ended up buying, in fact), but I got cold feet. It just didn't seem right. In the end, it boiled down to the house of our dreams versus a house in the city. The house that we bought it actually in a suburb of the city about a 10 minute drive from where we are now.
Now, every time I am out there I feel a bit more happy, a bit more excited, and even a bit more relaxed. I can see how one could easily slip into small town life out there. Less traffic. Less noise. Less hassle. The only real hassle is the drive back into the city, and that is not a big deal. Afterall, we did just buy a BMW this year.
So, as much as I hate moving, it is good. The packer came yesturday to pack everything up. Today, being Good Friday, nothing happened and we are living in a house full of boxes. Tomorrow, the movers come. Yes, tomorrow will be stressful with moving and unpacking, but in the end it will be worth it.
I am so excited to have a yard, to landscape, and have what I would call a true HOME.
The little bungalow-style condo that we live in now was fine for when Jurgen lived here by himself. Occaisionally, I would stay for a month and bring the cats. No problem. We each had our own space. However, after living here for 6 months I soon realized we needed something more. So, the search began.
We looked for only about 4 months. At one point we were planning to put an offer on a house (the one we ended up buying, in fact), but I got cold feet. It just didn't seem right. In the end, it boiled down to the house of our dreams versus a house in the city. The house that we bought it actually in a suburb of the city about a 10 minute drive from where we are now.
Now, every time I am out there I feel a bit more happy, a bit more excited, and even a bit more relaxed. I can see how one could easily slip into small town life out there. Less traffic. Less noise. Less hassle. The only real hassle is the drive back into the city, and that is not a big deal. Afterall, we did just buy a BMW this year.
So, as much as I hate moving, it is good. The packer came yesturday to pack everything up. Today, being Good Friday, nothing happened and we are living in a house full of boxes. Tomorrow, the movers come. Yes, tomorrow will be stressful with moving and unpacking, but in the end it will be worth it.
I am so excited to have a yard, to landscape, and have what I would call a true HOME.
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