Shazzam

I went to the Strand again today. It was a lot of fun to say the least. THERE WERE ACTUAL WAVES! ...and by actual waves I mean itsy bitsy ones that were just barely body-surfable. After climbing on the web and swimming I watched my friend and some of his friends do some breakdancing/gymnastics/parkour - it was quite entertaining. I really wish I could be more awesome (hah). The way home was a bit of an adventure, but I'd rather not post about that. Just ask me about the boot if you're curious. Nothing too epic though.



Went to Molly Malones tonight - Irish pub. That was another interesting addition to the day. It was an epic night on all accounts - good stories to not post on a blog haha. Interesting to watch though: people letting go and surprising you, magnetism, names, what qualifies as one day... etc

Five til Die

I went to the RSPCA yesterday with a friend to the volunteer’s orientation. It was extremely sad. The buildings are all run down except for the reception area. Parvo is being spread around, little puppies sticking their heads out of the cracks and fences, dogs coming up and wagging their tails at you just wanting to get out, to be petted, and to be loved. The kittens/cats seem to have it better. Maybe it’s in their nature – that they don’t have to depend on companionship as much as dogs, but I still think they need some TLC. I was surprised that there were so many puppies and kittens. I always figured they would be snatched up asap. They were back at home, but the demographics and peoples lifestyles here are different. Income is different. They had a section where dogs come in that people say “have been wandering around their neighborhood” which translates to “I have a dog that I don’t want anymore because I can’t afford it, I don’t have the space, its too much of a hassle, and I don’t want to pay the fee to drop off my own pet.” There were so many of them.

The real kicker: animals that come in, after being vaccinated/fixed/checked out and such, pass/fail a temperament test, and then are only given FIVE DAYS before they are euthanized. Think about it, you did absolutely NOTHING but love your caretakers – maybe piddle in the wrong spot occasionally – but your life is going to end because someone was just so careless and irresponsible. You are no longer going to exist because there isn’t enough care for you in a home, in a shelter, and definitely not on the streets. People wanted to bring you into the world for money, show, etc. and you’re just taken out with the push of a syringe.

I’ve only seen one euthanasia back in the states. It is a sad sight to have seen and definitely is one too many. This is the one thing I dread about going into veterinary medicine. Surgery is fine for me, at least I’m trying to keep them alive, and they have a fighting chance.
I hope I can work there. My friend decided that she won’t have enough time to put in the 4 hours. She said she’d drive me anyway and just go to some nearby place and do work while I’m there. Can I really accept this offer? Is it too much to ask – all the petrol she has to pay for? I’d chip in. Should she have to go out of her way?

BUT – It’s the quality of live I’ll be helping to give to these animals. What is the price on life? Time and money – how much of it would you give to a total stranger? Are they strangers? Dogs and cats are usually going to be a friend even if they have never met you in their life. You walk up and look into their eyes as they wag their tails and initiate you into their life forever. How can you turn down the offer to take a dog on a walk, or play with some cats, just to make their lives that much happier? They make my life happier – time to give back.



On a lighter note:
I’ve been going to the Fisher Shield bball games the past few nights. I never really thought I liked basketball as much as I do now, but I think that’s mostly because my friends are all playing. The girl’s team is doing better than the guys, but they’re both enjoyable to watch. I must say though, the girls are quite vicious.
Pharmers party tonight then Uni club – still debating if I should go.
I’ll figure it out. CLASS TIME NOW!

Genesis

I went climbing yesterday for the first time in a long time. I had high expectations.

Though overall they were not met, I had a lot of fun and my arms are decently sore. It was at a gym, not a climbing gym, and so therefore the focus wasn't on proper climbing. We used automatic belay devices that I don't like (because I'm not used to it mostly and I feel like they don't give that much control), the wall was covered in sand that got into your eyes (ok so its dirty when you climb outdoors, but this was still not too pleasant), they don't belay certify you (SCARY) and there was no bouldering/traverse wall - but I guess we managed.

Flipside - the facility was really nice: staff was friendly, the place was clean and bright etc.

Other random points:
- 3rd friend went to the hospital
- 2 midterms and a paper to write
- wrote another piece for the other blog, though it was rather quick. give feedback?
- not sure if I should shell out more money on top of already paid to go dive the Yongala (expensive, but worthwhile, but no friends going... 4 day trip)
- cyclone was a big bust here, but apparently did damage elsewhere
- RSPCA orientation on Thursday
- trying to figure out how to get close to my professors, they're all scary
- wondering about life, who walks in and out of it, who stays, who returns. funny to think about

Cyclones and Multi-Colored Pens

I've been pretty busy doing things - and stressing out about being busy doing things.

I feel like there is so much I HAVE to do, then so much I WANT to do. Back at home I was used to (mind you, I was not completely content) with just doing work all day everyday with Shams or whoever. Here I find myself falling between a friend saying "hey Rayna lets go out!" and my head saying "GRE! TESTS! PAPERS! PRACS! VET PREP!...etc."

I definitely enjoy going out here. Flinders/the Strand are pretty cool no matter day or night - anything suits your mood. I suppose I'm just having trouble getting out there and balancing my workload (mostly my emotional load).

Get out and meet more people/chill with my current friends, or plan and be practical for my future by doing work? I'm sort of bummed that I won't be going to vet school right out of college. I want to get it over with. I want to start my life already, which I feel like will happen once I can reach my goal of being a vet and having that someone special in my life. I guess I just have trouble living in the now. Which is better: working your butt off now for something you really want badly later? Or enjoying now and dealing with whatever comes your way/as a result of current actions?


On another note:
This weekend I'm supposed to be getting open water certified - but theres a cyclone heading this way. I have to hand in my prac a bit early in case we get stuck on Orpheus Island (where we're diving).

Me and 2 friends made a path between St Pauls and Rotary - we showed the boys tonight.. but they weren't as excited as we had hoped. Its still pretty sweet: steps and all.

Been jogging everyday for a short while in the morning.

Oh - going to do some searching for a flight for lecture break - Brisbaaaaaaaaaane!

Billabong

Perhaps one of my favorite days here so far was yesterday at the Billabong Sanctuary.

Its definitely a hot tourist spot (naturally, I fit right in). I went with 3 of my friends around 8 or 9 am. The sanctuary was absolutely empty! There were really funny looking birds that came up to us since they're used to everyone feeding them. Sorry to say we teased them a bit because we didn't have food, but they didn't know that. We then stopped off to see some koalas - definitely cute, definitely sleepy. Then I found some roos that were literally "just chillin" on the side in some mulch. I wanted to pet one so badly, but when I tried a little it flinched and I jumped back. We later realized that they're all over the place and will actually come up to you (because they're used to it - haha don't try this at home folks) so there was no need for the apprehension.

We walked around the rest of the park and saw a lot of birds and snakes, lizards and other mammals. One of my favorites were the pademelons (above) - cute little rodent/kangaroo like creatures. The pads on their hands are extremely thick, so it feels funny when they grab your fingertips looking for food in the palms of your hands. I had a hard time obeying the "Please don't pick the Pademelons up" sign.

It was really interesting watching them and the roos/wallabies walk around. I knew they used their tails for balance, but man! when you touch their tail its PURE muscle. They use their front legs and the tail as a tripod as they advance their hind legs, then stretch out their extremely skinny arms for support again. Its really interesting to me and I really wish I was EEC instead of CMB back in the states.

Anyway - back to being SuperTourist that I am, I paid a bit of money and got to hold a koala and wombat. That was right up there with holding a croc, black headed python, a skink (my cousin had bigger ones though..), and seeing crocs being fed, and walking through the aviary.

I applied to volunteer here, but they aren't taking anyone until August. Figures. Amazing place with lots of animals is booked. I'm going to try and work at the RSPCA though, and they have wildlife as well as cats/dogs/other pets. I really want to work with or around animals while I'm here. Not only for the "looks good on the resume" aspect, but because it makes me feel better. I like doing something that has nothing to do with work or art - something just plain enjoyable. I may not get to cuddle with every animal, but its definitely something I want to do - no matter where I am. Verification of my future job? Yes. Definitely.

Slip Slop Slap

I haven't been holding up on my plans for the weekend (especially the work aspect).

Plans changed and I ended up going to the Strand again with one of my friends. We had a whole group going to Rolling Stone - but today was great and I wouldn't change it. I'm really enjoying time with the Aussies. Its nice to have a new aspect on things, someone to take interest in things that no one else will listen to, and to not be stuck in the same old deal.

My friend gave me a tour as we drove around and she told me about all about herself, where things were, what I would be interested in, etc. I think she's the definition of how I'd picture an Aussie. She definitely has the whole overly friendly and generous thing going on. While just floating around in the water we talked for a long time about absolutely everything. She isn't overbearing or intimidating about me not knowing any Aussie culture - rather, she likes telling me things and offering to show me/teach me/bring me whatever. On top of that, she is extremely curious - comparing culture and asking me questions about my beliefs on things and stories about me. There is all of this in addition to her inviting me to stay with her over break, or borrowing her car so I could do this volunteer job... etc.

I was worried about getting stuck grouped/grouping with Americans. I feel like I still am in class when my American friends surround me and I don't seem to meet anyone new. I mean, don't get me wrong - my American friends I'm definitely glad to have met them. I have a close group of them so far that I will definitely see after this semester (the joys of coming from the same country). Who cares where they are from - its about the quality of their hearts, right?

To some extent, I also get embarrassed by some of the Americans and all the stuff that comes out of their mouths, (Who really believes you can ride a roo?) but oh well. My only job is to concern myself with me, make a good name, and enjoy my time.

Theres also the whole "the aussies have their own friends" deal too. I wish I was staying here longer. I'd get to know them better, its so incredibly beautiful, I like meeting all these new people, and get this: If I started as a fresher this year for vet I would get done and be a vet done one year earlier than I would in the states, if I started next semester I'd ahead by a semester, and I'd even out with all my schooling if I just started next year (undergrad+vet).

I really should have gone to school here from the start! Plus, the opportunities with animals here I feel like is 1000x greater.

Scraps

So, its been a while.

I suppose nothing all that exciting has happened since I wrote last. Just been going to classes and preparing myself for a large work load. Hopefully today I'll start some research for one of my papers or do some prac work.

Likelihood of that getting done to an acceptable level = not likely at all. I get out at 3:50, dinner at 5ish. One of my friends wants to make icecream (totally game for that) and another wants to go to Uni Club. I expect that to be pretty much the plan for the night.

My 3 sci courses are going well but they look kind of scary from here with the prac/trips/papers etc. Painting is cool; we get 2 days for a painting - but can only go as fast as he teaches the technique. Its sort of frustrating because I just want to paint. I know theres room for improvement in technique and in general skill... but I'm not sure how happy I will be with the paintings if I can only do technique part 1, then have to leave early and not work on it all week. I wish they had open studio.

Tomorrow I think I'm going to Rolling Stone with a few people and hopefully Billabong Sanctuary on Sunday. I'm trying to get a license here so that I can borrow my friends car and volunteer at Billabong. I'll see how that goes. Honestly, I'm really scared about driving here.

Over the first break (April) I will be going on a 3 day camping field trip for my Vert Anat Class. Depending on that and prices, I'll either be going to Melbourne or Rockhampton. I think I would prefer Melbourne (I WANT TO SEE AN AFL GAME! and theres a bunch of other great things to do there), but Rocky its close to the tail end of the reef (apparently good if you like water sports - SO I CAN SURF!) and is cheaper. Again - money issue - plane tickets are expensive!

Depending on money/parents etc I may get my open water certification - which will be 9-11 dives. I only have to redo the pool dives (since I took the course, and these will just be refreshers). I'm not sure how worth it this all is. Scuba is way more expensive than snorkeling, but then again diving is better

...after all, it IS the Great Barrier Reef.