Hi friends,
So I realise that I haven't blogged in the last few weeks. I'm sorry! I fully intended to write something every few days, at the very least once a week, but I just haven't. So, here's a brief outline of the past couple of weeks:
- classes are kinda boring
- my music method is pretty great
- I've written a couple of new songs
- I got placed at Figtree High School for my initial placement, teaching music
So, regarding my last point there, I had my first day of placement today. There are a bunch of us uni students placed at Figtree, so it was pretty good to arrive there with a pile of people who were in the same position as I was. Two of us are there for music, and so the way that it's going to work for us at the two music teachers is that we'll sit down together and work out exactly which classes Liz and I are going to work with, instead of sending one of us with one teacher and the other with the second teacher. Since the two of them work so closely together, it just made sense to do it that way, which allows Liz and I to see a greater variety of classes and teach a wide variety of students.
The day overall was pretty hectic; there were a bunch of merit award assemblies for the different years. Since the music teachers tend to be in charge of running these sorts of things, we spent two and a half periods watching those. We also watched a year 9 class in the morning, a year 7 class as they presented their handmade instruments, and a...ahem, challenging year 8 class. I don't think I could quite put into words, but as soon as I get a better idea of what it's all like, I'll let you all know!
Sunday 18 March 2012
Thursday 16 February 2012
Adventures in the Australian health care system...
I've been here for almost two weeks now, and apparently my body decided that it was high time I investigated the Australian medical system. So, here follows my slightly hazy account (with a bit of aid from the discharge summary) of my health care adventures on February 16th.
I woke up at around 2:30, 2:45 in the morning, with a heck of a lot of pain on my right side. I thought at first that it might be a really bad cramp, however it rapidly got a lot worse, and I vomited a couple of times. As soon as I realised that the pain wasn't going away, I called the emergency line at Campus East, since I didn't actually know the number to call for an ambulance...anyway, the RAs here all banded together to help me out, and two of them took me to the emergency room.
We got there, and then I had to attempt to answer questions for the insurance forms, thanks to the fact that I'm not Australian; thankfully Billie, one of the RAs, was there with me because I couldn't think straight, and help me answer questions about the timeline regarding what had happened. Finally, after I answered more questions, and attempted to stop hyperventilating, they took me to a bed in the emergency room, put on one of those wonderful hospital gowns, and they gave me a bunch of morphine for the pain, and hooked me up to some machines to monitor my vitals.
Over the course of the day, some doctors poked and prodded me, and gave me drugs to counter nausea. I couldn't actually keep any food down until the afternoon, so they kept me in until I didn't bring anything back up. I was sent for an ultrasound in the afternoon as well, which lead to my diagnosis of an ovarian cyst that ruptured. When the doctor explained the symptoms associated with that particular diagnosis, it all fit, and the ultrasound proved the theory.
Anyway, so there's what happened to me over the course of the day yesterday. I'm all good now, just a little bruised on my arm thanks to where they had to put in the IV, but the nausea's all gone, thankfully.
I woke up at around 2:30, 2:45 in the morning, with a heck of a lot of pain on my right side. I thought at first that it might be a really bad cramp, however it rapidly got a lot worse, and I vomited a couple of times. As soon as I realised that the pain wasn't going away, I called the emergency line at Campus East, since I didn't actually know the number to call for an ambulance...anyway, the RAs here all banded together to help me out, and two of them took me to the emergency room.
We got there, and then I had to attempt to answer questions for the insurance forms, thanks to the fact that I'm not Australian; thankfully Billie, one of the RAs, was there with me because I couldn't think straight, and help me answer questions about the timeline regarding what had happened. Finally, after I answered more questions, and attempted to stop hyperventilating, they took me to a bed in the emergency room, put on one of those wonderful hospital gowns, and they gave me a bunch of morphine for the pain, and hooked me up to some machines to monitor my vitals.
Over the course of the day, some doctors poked and prodded me, and gave me drugs to counter nausea. I couldn't actually keep any food down until the afternoon, so they kept me in until I didn't bring anything back up. I was sent for an ultrasound in the afternoon as well, which lead to my diagnosis of an ovarian cyst that ruptured. When the doctor explained the symptoms associated with that particular diagnosis, it all fit, and the ultrasound proved the theory.
Anyway, so there's what happened to me over the course of the day yesterday. I'm all good now, just a little bruised on my arm thanks to where they had to put in the IV, but the nausea's all gone, thankfully.
Monday 13 February 2012
I had my first day of class today, starting at 8:30 in the morning and finally finishing at 6:30 thie evening. Wow this is gonna be a lot of work. I had plans to find a job and working while doing this degree, but I honestly don't think I'll have the time...I might have to stick with just finding craft shows whenever I can and do those for a little extra spending money. But, I'll muddle along.
The one class that jumps out at me as being really different here was my 8:30 class: aboriginal education. I was always really interested in the First Nations culture in Canada; I've been to a number of pow wows in different parts of Ontario, and we camped on the Sucker Creek reserve on Manitoulin Island a few times. This course looks like it'll educate us about the Australian aboriginal culture, and how to incorporate that into our classrooms. I think it'll be really fascinating.
Learning and Behaviour seems like it'll be pretty average. The class is split into two parts, however: the first is just the UOW-Wollongong campus, and the second half is a video conference, with the lecturer talking in front of us in Wollongong, and the other three campuses along the coast tuning in via the internet in their lecture halls. It's actually kinda neat. The other campuses tune in via video conference for Aboriginal Education too.
Finally, I'm really stoked for my music method class. The prof is fantastic; really enthusiastic, really seems like he knows his stuff (though I'll find out for sure over the course of the year.) It was pretty funny, actually; he reminded me of a male Dr Kun. He has mentioned that he spent five years teaching in BC, having done his masters and DMA in conducting in the States. As we were introducing ourselves around the class of eight people, I mentioned that I did my undergrad at Laurier, and asked if he knew Dr Kun, and oddly enough, he does. Small. Freaking. World.
Anyway, enough of that. I'll keep y'all posted about the rest of my classes as they happen. I don't actually have any tomorrow (only cuz tutorials are cancelled), but we shall see what Wednesday brings. Here's a picture to tide you over: I found this gorgeous little pond/fountain thingy smack dab in the middle of the campus.
The one class that jumps out at me as being really different here was my 8:30 class: aboriginal education. I was always really interested in the First Nations culture in Canada; I've been to a number of pow wows in different parts of Ontario, and we camped on the Sucker Creek reserve on Manitoulin Island a few times. This course looks like it'll educate us about the Australian aboriginal culture, and how to incorporate that into our classrooms. I think it'll be really fascinating.
Learning and Behaviour seems like it'll be pretty average. The class is split into two parts, however: the first is just the UOW-Wollongong campus, and the second half is a video conference, with the lecturer talking in front of us in Wollongong, and the other three campuses along the coast tuning in via the internet in their lecture halls. It's actually kinda neat. The other campuses tune in via video conference for Aboriginal Education too.
Finally, I'm really stoked for my music method class. The prof is fantastic; really enthusiastic, really seems like he knows his stuff (though I'll find out for sure over the course of the year.) It was pretty funny, actually; he reminded me of a male Dr Kun. He has mentioned that he spent five years teaching in BC, having done his masters and DMA in conducting in the States. As we were introducing ourselves around the class of eight people, I mentioned that I did my undergrad at Laurier, and asked if he knew Dr Kun, and oddly enough, he does. Small. Freaking. World.
Anyway, enough of that. I'll keep y'all posted about the rest of my classes as they happen. I don't actually have any tomorrow (only cuz tutorials are cancelled), but we shall see what Wednesday brings. Here's a picture to tide you over: I found this gorgeous little pond/fountain thingy smack dab in the middle of the campus.
Sunday 12 February 2012
Sunday night: I finally start classes tomorrow morning, the entire reason that I came halfway across the planet. I've come to enjoy it here. Everyone I've spoken to has been incredibly friendly and incredibly helpful. But I gotta say, I've been a little bored over the past week, so I'm looking forward to tomorrow morning and actually starting class. Aboriginal Education, much as that sounds like it'll be a very interesting class, is at 8:30 in the morning...we'll see how that goes.
Tuesday 7 February 2012
On Monday, I finally had my first school-related event. Orientation for the students of the GDE/GradDipEd-Secondary was at the main uni campus at 9:30, which was my first visit there. I just gotta say, the campus is gorgeous. Everything around that isn't road, pathway, or building is so lush and green. It's almost like I'm going to be going to school in a bloody rainforest.
There are probably around 100 people in the secondary program, around 20 or so of those are international students, and of those 20, only 3 aren't Canadian. The program itself looks like it'll be pretty good; I'm really intrigued about one particular class this term: Aboriginal Education. I'll let you know how that one is once classes actually start.
Aside from that, things are good. I think I might finally be adjusted to the massive change in time zone (I didn't wake up at 3:30 this morning...yay!). I'm also finding that maybe about half the time when I cross the street, I actually look in the proper direction. As for the local lingo, I still have to ask what things mean sometimes, but I'm learning. I don't think the standard greeting ("how're you going?" as opposed to "how are you?" or "how's it going?") will ever sound right coming out of my mouth, but you never know...maybe I'll try it out!
There are probably around 100 people in the secondary program, around 20 or so of those are international students, and of those 20, only 3 aren't Canadian. The program itself looks like it'll be pretty good; I'm really intrigued about one particular class this term: Aboriginal Education. I'll let you know how that one is once classes actually start.
Aside from that, things are good. I think I might finally be adjusted to the massive change in time zone (I didn't wake up at 3:30 this morning...yay!). I'm also finding that maybe about half the time when I cross the street, I actually look in the proper direction. As for the local lingo, I still have to ask what things mean sometimes, but I'm learning. I don't think the standard greeting ("how're you going?" as opposed to "how are you?" or "how's it going?") will ever sound right coming out of my mouth, but you never know...maybe I'll try it out!
Sunday 5 February 2012
Day #2
Oh jetlag. How wonderful. I made it to about 8:30, 9:00 last night before I completely passed out. The issue with that, however, was the fact that I woke up at 3:30 in the morning. It worked out nicely however, because I was able to skype my parents and brother, thanks to the time difference.
I did go back to bed for a while though, woke up again around 9:30, and eventually made my way out to the bus stop to go into town to get some of the stuff I didn't end up getting yesterday. I ran into two RAs and a new international student at the stop, so I wandered around with them for a while, and collected information regarding the cell phone that I'm going to set up for myself. I couldn't do it today, because I didn't actually bring my passport as a form of ID. I'll probably go tomorrow, after my program orientation.
I got home, had some dinner, and discovered that there are not one, but two pianos on the property! There's an upright piano in the games room, and a grand in the main building, so I spent about an hour playing.
My plan is to stay up a little later tonight, in an attempt to correct my body clock, but I'm really looking forward the orientation stuff tomorrow.
Oh, and here's a picture of some odd-looking birds that I saw:
I did go back to bed for a while though, woke up again around 9:30, and eventually made my way out to the bus stop to go into town to get some of the stuff I didn't end up getting yesterday. I ran into two RAs and a new international student at the stop, so I wandered around with them for a while, and collected information regarding the cell phone that I'm going to set up for myself. I couldn't do it today, because I didn't actually bring my passport as a form of ID. I'll probably go tomorrow, after my program orientation.
I got home, had some dinner, and discovered that there are not one, but two pianos on the property! There's an upright piano in the games room, and a grand in the main building, so I spent about an hour playing.
My plan is to stay up a little later tonight, in an attempt to correct my body clock, but I'm really looking forward the orientation stuff tomorrow.
Oh, and here's a picture of some odd-looking birds that I saw:
Saturday 4 February 2012
The Journey Begins...
I've arrived. Finally. I'm exhausted, I'm slightly delirious, but I'm here.
Mum's and my trip to Los Angeles was pretty fantastic. We went on a sightseeing tour of a bunch of LA hotspots, stars' homes, and the Hollywood sign, and then went for a tour of the Warner Brother's studio. The whole time, we were looking for any celebrities, but the only time we got anywhere close to that was when one of the members of our tour group said he saw Daniel Radcliffe (who was on the property to be a guest on Ellen). The following day, we wandered up and down the Santa Monica pier, and then drove down to Sony Pictures studio...and visited the sets for Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and Two Broke Girls.
Leaving Mum at the airport on Thursday night was rough. We got to the airport, and got me checked in, but faced with the reality of me leaving through security reduced both of us to tears. She stayed as close as she could as I went through all the required hoops, but then I had to turn the corner, and start the next chapter of my life.
The plane flight was totally uneventful. I ate gross airplane food, slept, watched part of a movie, fell asleep, and then ate some gross airplane breakfast...and then I was in Sydney! All the sleeping meant that the 14.5 hour flight didn't actually feel that long, but my sore behind when I got up certainly belied the amount of time I spent in that tiny chair.
I cleared customs, found my bags (luggage trolleys at the Sydney Airport are free, FYI), and made it to the driver who was taking me and one other student to the university. Along the drive, the driver pointed out a number of sights along the road, and even stopped at a gorgeous lookout point, and a spot by the beach, before dropping me off at Campus East.
I checked in, got my bags to my room, and started my running around to get the internet hooked up, and whatnot. On one of my trips to the reception desk to ask another of my umpteen questions, I met a person who turned out to be one of the Residence Advisors for my area of the building. She offered, since she had a car, to drive me to a cheap store to get dishes and pots and pans and stuff, since my roommate won't be checking in until February 20th. She also showed me a few of the usual bars and clubs in town that students like to go to, and talked a bit about the sorts of events that happen around the residence campus and the university. She also roped me into doing one of the booths at an International Food festival...not sure when exactly that is, but I'll be making poutine!
Oh, and just to maybe make you a little bit jealous, this is where I live now:
Mum's and my trip to Los Angeles was pretty fantastic. We went on a sightseeing tour of a bunch of LA hotspots, stars' homes, and the Hollywood sign, and then went for a tour of the Warner Brother's studio. The whole time, we were looking for any celebrities, but the only time we got anywhere close to that was when one of the members of our tour group said he saw Daniel Radcliffe (who was on the property to be a guest on Ellen). The following day, we wandered up and down the Santa Monica pier, and then drove down to Sony Pictures studio...and visited the sets for Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and Two Broke Girls.
Leaving Mum at the airport on Thursday night was rough. We got to the airport, and got me checked in, but faced with the reality of me leaving through security reduced both of us to tears. She stayed as close as she could as I went through all the required hoops, but then I had to turn the corner, and start the next chapter of my life.
The plane flight was totally uneventful. I ate gross airplane food, slept, watched part of a movie, fell asleep, and then ate some gross airplane breakfast...and then I was in Sydney! All the sleeping meant that the 14.5 hour flight didn't actually feel that long, but my sore behind when I got up certainly belied the amount of time I spent in that tiny chair.
I cleared customs, found my bags (luggage trolleys at the Sydney Airport are free, FYI), and made it to the driver who was taking me and one other student to the university. Along the drive, the driver pointed out a number of sights along the road, and even stopped at a gorgeous lookout point, and a spot by the beach, before dropping me off at Campus East.
I checked in, got my bags to my room, and started my running around to get the internet hooked up, and whatnot. On one of my trips to the reception desk to ask another of my umpteen questions, I met a person who turned out to be one of the Residence Advisors for my area of the building. She offered, since she had a car, to drive me to a cheap store to get dishes and pots and pans and stuff, since my roommate won't be checking in until February 20th. She also showed me a few of the usual bars and clubs in town that students like to go to, and talked a bit about the sorts of events that happen around the residence campus and the university. She also roped me into doing one of the booths at an International Food festival...not sure when exactly that is, but I'll be making poutine!
Oh, and just to maybe make you a little bit jealous, this is where I live now:
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)