tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-246936672024-03-15T07:38:52.715+13:00Journey to Slimsville ... againLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.comBlogger656125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24693667.post-55262064966524412002009-01-21T10:59:00.000+13:002009-01-21T11:00:28.636+13:00This blog is now going private ... apologies to all concernedLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.com49tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24693667.post-67317180408671588732009-01-12T10:07:00.003+13:002009-01-12T10:10:17.642+13:00Back to my old self againQuick post ... I'm in between jobs and pager could go off at any mo...<br /><br />Weighin this morning ... 102.6kg ... 600g loss ... yay happy with that. Brings me back to my 20kg loss mark again.<br /><br />Feeling much happier today. Thankyou all so much for your comments ... was a highlight of my gloomy couple of days. Don't really know what came over me ... maybe midlife crisis??? lol<br /><br />Felt blah all day yesterday and blobbed around the apartment, staying in my pj's till just after lunch. Got an early night and feeling back to my normal self today... thank goodness!!<br /><br />I wonder if some of it was mental/physical burnout ... and with having a rest made all the difference.<br /><br />Oops gotta go ... cya all!!Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24693667.post-6292391546718929622009-01-10T16:29:00.002+13:002009-01-10T16:38:01.610+13:00It's my party and I'll cry if I wanna!!I usually shy away from doing 'woe-is-me' posts as that's not really who I am ...<br /><br />But today I'm feeling rather lonely and blah!! why??<br /><br />Cuz it's my birthday and I'm here in Auckland by myself ... all alone ... not even a flatmate to chat with. <br /><br />I got rung up at 10.15pm last night and asked if I would do a 'recall' which basically means I go to work on one of my days off and get paid time and a half for it. So at the end of the day it means around $200-$300 extra in my pay packet next week. Originally I told him to see if he could find someone else (I was too shy to tell him it was my birthday that day) and Bill was saying in the background "go for it, you can do it" ... so in a moment of weakness I gave in and said yes.<br /><br />So what that means is that on my birthday ... the one day of the year that I should be celebrating me ... I had to wake up at 3.30am, drive to Auckland, start work at 6am, work my arse off all day at the busiest station in the country ... go back to an empty flat (my flatmates are both away) and sit by myself ... on my birthday!! damn it!!! Not worth going home cuz I have to go back to work in one more day.<br /><br />The biggest reason I'm feeling sad and lonely today is that my best mate in the whole world (we've been friends and fellow ambulance officers for the past 3yrs) is not speaking to me ... and it's my birthday!! damn it!!! It's a long story and basically she's not mad at me (I don't think) just an awkward moment where a few heated words were spoken. I have tried to make peace, both in person, txt, email and any other way I can think of ...<br /><br />... I don't think she knows its my birthday ... and I dont really want to tell her cuz then it sounds like I'm trying to make her feel guilty or manipulate her which I'm not.<br /><br />Any I'm allowed a sad day ... and today is my sad day ... Happy Birthday me :(Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24693667.post-66117721652677254242009-01-06T23:36:00.002+13:002009-01-06T23:41:01.372+13:00short and sweetWeighin this morning and 103.2kg ... 400g loss ... happy with that. Not a staggering 2.sumthin kgs I lost last week but hey can't expect miracles like that every week.<br /><br />Just a short update tonight, doing nightshift, it's 11.45pm and I'm tired with a long part of the night to go. And for those of you who were wondering ... yes even tho I'm at mangere station this week, no I didn't go to that fire. Not on my shift ... lucky, don't like going to jobs like that, not nice, especially when kids are involved.<br /><br />New flatmate moving in next week. She seems nice enough, no complaints. See what happens.<br /><br />Nite nite everyone, hope you enjoy your cosy beds, think of me :)<br /><br />Lyn :)Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24693667.post-66379830611681490342009-01-04T15:58:00.003+13:002009-01-04T16:04:39.308+13:00new truck to play withI'm having a fantastic day today. Was a little nervous coming to work as I'm posted at another station that I've never been to before (Mangere Station). But it's going really well. My partner and I are driving one of the brand new Mercedes Benz Ambulances (only a couple of months old) so that's a bit of fun tutuing with all the knobs and gadgets ... yay!! Ohh yeah and also trying to save some lives!! hehe<br /><br />Had a catchup with a friend on my four days off and hmmm what was supposed to be a couple of drinks ended up being a 3am finish and staying the night and being VERY hungover next day ... but hey is good to do it every once in a while.<br /><br />Spent the next couple of days sculling water with the huge dehydration I inflicted on myself and was stunned to see after all the water consumed I am still 300g down with another 3 days to go before weigh day. Yay, this plan is really working for me.<br /><br />Basically I'm doing weightwatchers but taking out the starchy carbs (breads, pasta, rice, potato, chips, cereal) and it seems to be happening for me.<br /><br />Hmmm ... that's about all the news for today ... thanks for all the encouragement guys :)Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24693667.post-34858059183144494432008-12-30T09:35:00.003+13:002008-12-30T09:41:29.992+13:00Finally have some mojo back and a loss!!I didn't want to admit this till now but I stood on the scales 10 days ago (just before Christmas) and I was a shocking 105.9kg!! ouchy!!!<br /><br />That was the kick up the butt I needed and am happy to say I have done 1 whole week on the no carb thing with great results ... today ... 103.6kg ... that's 2.3kgs in just over a week ... very happy!!<br /><br />I'm all inspired again to lose ... finally!! Been a very long time since I had that ol' mojo. My hubby giving me a plane ticket to Rarotonga certainly helped, gave me something to work towards and a definate timeline, which is what I need ... goals!<br /><br />It's a little tricky organising food to eat on the road while on the ambulance. Almost all processed packet/tin food has lots of carbs in it. But so far I've been able to work it out.<br /><br />Yay glad to be back losing again!!!<br /><br />Hope everyone had a fab Christmas! I spent the day with my family and extended family at my sister's place. Was a lovely day!<br /><br />Last day at work today 9am - 9pm shift then off for for days and back home to Waihi Beach ... yay!! Still loving it but I'm bit buggered today, need some sleep!!! :)Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24693667.post-75063621384994703042008-12-17T19:12:00.002+13:002008-12-17T19:28:33.921+13:00what doesnt kill me will make me strongerWell I'm not sure if anyone will read this update as it's been so long since I updated my blog. Apologies for that :(<br /><br />Life is like a whirlwind!! It feels like I just finish one day and onto plans for the next. I'm still loving my work! I thought I loved ambulance work in Waihi but didn't know true satisfaction till the last month. In Waihi I would get heart palpitations every time the pager went off I think mainly from the fact that I was pushed into a leadership role far before I was really ready. I realise now how much that knocked my confidence.<br /><br />The last couple of weeks I have been working with an advanced paramedic who is so cruzy and discourages any stress yet at the same time has taught me so much!! I'm absolutely loving my work!!<br /><br />As for commuting back and forth I still find the first night up in Auckland hard, feeling huge amounts of homesickness. Missing my kids bucketloads. Especially when my 6yr old Christmas present (yes early I know) of a trip to Rarotonga in May (my holidays) for 10 days, kid free, stress free, hubby free!! So my best friend and I are off for 10 days of bliss, staying at my sisters bach!! Roll on May!! Now that's gotta be motivation to get down in weight!!<br /><br />Talking about weight ... to be honest I haven't weighed myself in over a month ... last month weighing in at 103kgs ... not too bad ... still maintaining. But I'm definately not in the weightloss mode at the moment. Guess it's a case of trying to balance life and until everything settles down I can't focus on weightloss. My jeans still fit so I guess that can't be too bad. But I know I can't let it go on for too long, gotta get back to it.<br /><br />Janene (from Lean Janene) is a huge motivation for me at the moment ... I'm so proud of her! She's a sweetie from within and on the outside. I can't wait to see her transformation ... huggggs chickey!!!<br /><br />Well that's my update for today, life is still good, still chaotic, still happy with my career path, as challenging as it may be at times. But hurdles are good if it makes us stronger, and stronger I HAVE DEFINATELY BECOME!!!Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24693667.post-76608518224730481472008-10-14T14:15:00.002+13:002008-10-14T14:23:27.156+13:00SatisfactionLife is good ... things are still working out well with my four days on, four days off and commuting back and forth between Auckland and Waihi Beach. I find by my last shift on I'm getting pretty tired but recover pretty quickly on my days off. The first day I have a couple of hours sleep in the morning before I leave Auckland, travel to Waihi Beach and keep myself awake and go to bed early, have a good 12hrs sleep and wake up feeling pretty good.<br /><br />It's bliss having the four days off and I'm finding I'm spending some really good time with Bill and the kids. <br /><br />The flat in Auckland is still going well. We are all (3 of us) working pretty long hours so we all don't see a huge amount of each other. Infact sometimes I might go 3 days without seeing anyone, quite bizarre. But when we are all together there for dinner we have quite a good social catchup. I think it helps that we're all a bit older in age group and maybe a bit wiser and past the whole 'party mode' era.<br /><br />My weight has stabalised at the moment and I've stayed the same (102kgs) for the past 3wks give or take 100g. So I'm happy with that.<br /><br />Got a few more things to catch up on here in Waihi before I head back to the big smoke tomorrow.<br /><br />I certainly can't complain about anything ... Life is good!!!Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24693667.post-1381979503329544682008-09-29T12:24:00.003+13:002008-09-29T12:42:04.534+13:00Time is so precious!!<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/billshoney/SOAWFCX4d5I/AAAAAAAAAcQ/Fq3PAyYeQBY/kids.jpg"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/billshoney/SOAWFCX4d5I/AAAAAAAAAcQ/Fq3PAyYeQBY/kids.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><div>This pic was snapped on my phone camera this morning ... the kids were cracking up because Bill was trying to tickle my bottom with a toi toi flower behind my back as I was snapping the photo!! This photo captures our time together as a family!! I'm loving it!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>A BIG HI to Debbie!! Debbie's sister in law is in the same intake as me in Auckland ... I won't mention her name (ya never know who is reading round the corner) but she's a VERY COOL CHICK!! A real doll!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I've done two shifts on the road now and it's not as scary as I thought it would be! And everyone around me is so supportive, even tho I am the 'newbie' :)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And yes I have been flopping into bed at the end of my shifts but I'm absolutely LOVING IT!! I still have to pinch myself to think I'm being paid to do something that I've done volunterally for the past 2yrs and love so much!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I've just finished my first 4 days off and have had a wonderful time with my family. We've been down to the beach, gone for walks and sat and talked ... very cool time!!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I'm back up to Auckland this afternoon for day shifts the next 2 days and 2 night shifts.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>And no I wasn't at the stabbing in Auckland last week. I started the very next shift (half an hour later) and it wasn't in the area I was working. (I've had heaps of people ask me that lol)</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I finally got on the scales yesterday ... first time in nearly 3 months!!! Wow time goes quick. And I'm not too disappointed ... a gain of 2.4kgs ... could be worse but of course I could have been lighter too!! Water under the bridge. Things are still a little crazy to go back to counting points just yet ... as always I'll get back to it when my world settles down and I get used to this new routine.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>I usually find I get a little homesick the first day or so (mainly in the evenings) then my mind gets busy and I come right. Bill said the kids are the opposite, they're fine for the first few days then they start asking when I'm coming home, saying they miss me ... :( That's the hardest part in all of this. But they are coping very well and our time together is precious, and we all treat it as so.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Anyway better get my butt back to Auckland ... so sorry I haven't commented on any blogs lately!! I have just been soo soo busy!! Miss you all!!</div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24693667.post-15529651882688116922008-09-17T18:09:00.003+12:002008-09-17T18:24:25.048+12:00scary caves!!Sorry for the HUGE delay in doing an update!! In the last 10 days tonight is the first night I've had at home where I've had no assignments/homework to do!!!<br /><br />IT'S CRAZY!!! But I'm still loving it!! Scared shitless but loving it!<br /><br />We're still in class at the moment. My first shift on the road is at Howick station next Thursday night (not tomorrow but a week away). Our days have been filled with assessments, assignments, tests, lectures and a WHOLE LOT OF LEARNING!!!<br /><br />On Monday we had a scenario to do where we went (in pairs) to an apparent "fall/collapse" in the garage of the station. As we walked in we checked scene safety then as all looked clear we walked up to the patient and he told us he had been assaulted ... then out of nowhere a big maori guy with tats, beanie and dark glasses came running towards me with a baseball bat swearing at me "what the FUCK DO YOU WANT!!!" I threw my hands up, told him to stop and ran as fast as I could backwards towards the door!!!! My heart was in my throat!!! Don't think it had beaten that fast in a very long time!! And I'm sure I lost a couple of kilos there and then!! He got very close to me and thank goodness he was an actor otherwise maybe I might not have been here to tell this very horrific story!!!! lol<br /><br />We went on to learn how to defend ourselves in scary situations. We had to go through situations of this guy hurling abuse at us and what we would do!! It's actually a very scary thing to go through but very important all the same!!<br /><br />Today we got sent to an address in Devonport and we were met by a guy who told us his mate had collapsed down a dark cave (which he took us to the entrance of). Our team was the only team (1 of 3 teams) who refused to go in the cave to a guy who had apparently cardiac arrested. The lesson was no matter how serious the condition, if our safety is potentially at risk ... don't go!!! yay we passed that one by telling him (in between him screaming at us!!) that I'm very sorry but until we get someone here to help us (the police) we can't go in there.<br /><br />The course has been very demanding with them putting us in all sorts of situations but I'm really happy with how it's going and the things I am learning from it!!<br /><br />This weekend I am off to Thames for my inclass course for my Diploma in Ambulance Practice so it will mean 9 days straight working, then I have one day back (my first shift on the road) then ... bliss ... 4 days off!!!!<br /><br />Think I might need it by then!!!!<br /><br />P.S. my belt buckle has gone down a hole since I got here!! Something must be working :)Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24693667.post-8332362849235455722008-09-09T17:11:00.002+12:002008-09-09T17:33:46.828+12:00I made it to the big cityI've been in Auckland now for just 2 days and it feels like I've been here forever!! So much has happened in the last two days.<br /><br />I arrived Sunday night after spending two days in class on my National Diploma in Ambulance Practice course in Thames, so I was knackered. My flatmates had cooked me a lovely dinner, very nice welcome!!<br /><br />Went to bed for a rough night of tossing and turning, I guess all the anxiety of what tomorrow would bring. Helped a little that I'd rung Bill and the kids earlier in the evening and everything was going well at home.<br /><br />Woke up at 4am and couldn't get back to sleep. So by 5.30am I decided to get up. I had to be in Downtown Auckland at 8.30am and I really didn't know how much time to allow to get there from Manukau with peak hour traffic. Given I wanted half an hour to relax with a coffee once I got there I figured if I left just before 7am I should make good time.<br /><br />What happened?? I arrived there at 7.20am!!! Over an hour early!!! LOL! Think the guy thought I was a bit over the top keen turning up that early. But much rather be that than the other way round.<br /><br />As the people started arriving (12 of us in all starting that day), it was good to have a chat and see where everyone else came from.<br /><br />8.30am came round and first on the agenda?? A test!! Straight into it! Then a little introduction from everyone giving our backgrounds. They then got us to stand in a line side by side and proceeded to repremand each of us on what was wrong with our uniforms. Lucky I escaped that one with a "you're not too bad" but oh boy... felt like I had joined the army, not St John ambulance!!! After bracelets, necklaces, gum removed and name badges straightened, buttons done up properly, jackets zipped up by everyone we were able to move on.<br /><br />We were then given 1 minute to come up with a 2minute speech on a topic and to speak for not a second less not a second more!! Oh boy!! What had I done??? I was feeling rather homesick by this stage.<br /><br />The rest of the day was filled with more tests, explanations of what was to happen, what stations we were all going to, rosters etc, etc, etc!!<br /><br />I arrived home to the flat very tired and brain drained to say the least!<br /><br />Today I was up at 5.30am to be at Mt Wellington station by 7am start on a driving course. We spend the first 3hrs driving an ambulance through the tiniest and busiest streets of Auckland in peak hour traffic!! Fun!!<br /><br />Then this afternoon was in class learning more theory about driving. Tomorrow we are out at Whenuapai Base to do backing and ambulance and skidding skills.<br /><br />Talk about busy ... full on!!! But I'm LOVIN IT!!!! And to think I can be paid to have this much fun!!Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24693667.post-85530854446750763952008-08-29T06:18:00.002+12:002008-08-29T06:27:53.716+12:00A few panic attacksI just finished my last Waihi Beach First Responce shift last night and today is my last Waihi Ambulance shift ... sad and exciting all the same.<br /><br />I'm having a few drinks at the station tonight to celebrate them all getting rid of me, so that should be a bit of fun. Although I found out the other day that the other girl I know (from up the coast) who also applied for Auckland and didn't get in, is going to be at the station tonight doing a shift ... whooopsie!! lol. I told my station manager and she said "who cares?? It's your station not hers, if she wants to be here to do a visitors shift, you have every right to be here too!" Ahh well, she'll get over it I guess.<br /><br />I had all my medical checks and blood tests the other day. They tested my Blood Pressure (which was a little on the high side, I'm thinking from all the stress and the fact that I've been sick for the last 2weeks), hearing test, vision test and immunity status for things like Mumps, rebella, Hep C etc.<br /><br />I've been having dreams the last week which makes me think I'm a little nervous about this move to Auckland. One where I can't find my car on my first day, then work out it's a campervan which only goes 50kms/hr, so means I'm going to be late, then the road turns into a dirt track, then eventually becomes a deadend and I can't make it there.... stress?? ... um yep think I'm a little stressed.<br /><br />But deep down I know this is a good move for me and one that will improve my self esteem, confidence, and ambulance skills. I'm sure I'll be fine once I get there.<br /><br />I go up to Auckland on Sunday/Monday to sort out my flat, get spare key, find out where my station is, parking etc.<br /><br />Then I have a week off from ambulance, spend some time with the family. On Saturday (6th Sept) I go to Thames for a 2 day course (for ambulance), then up to Auckland Sunday night for my first shift Monday morning (8th Sept)<br /><br />Deep breath Lyn, it will all be fine!!!Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24693667.post-89867462333782712192008-08-18T09:00:00.002+12:002008-08-18T09:26:13.149+12:00the pieces are coming togetherWow it's overwhelming to read all your lovely comments!! Thankyou so much!!<br /><br />Although I didn't think I was too phased about the fact that I hadn't organised anywhere to stay in Auckland yet, subconsiously I think it was playing on my brain.<br /><br />I had a couple of options up my sleeve but they all had a little tweaky thing that didn't make it 100% suitable.<br /><br />Here was my criteria ...<br /><br /><ul><li>needed to be close to the motorway for easy access wherever I might be put for that day</li><li>needed to be more south auckland than anywhere else, for closer commuting home and I know the layout of south auckland better given we lived there for 7yrs</li><li>wanted a quiet household where I could easily sleep during the day when on night shift</li><li>no kids</li><li>no party house</li><li>no lawns to mow</li><li>reasonable rent</li><li>off street parking for my car</li><li>secure area given I would be coming and going all hours of the day and night</li><li>friendly flatmates who I could relax around</li></ul><p>Option One ... Had been offered a place with an ambo friend who lived out at Kawakawa bay. She's a lovely lady and they are a retired couple but it was so far out of Auckland (35mins on a good day)</p><p>Option Two ... My cousin and his wife have just moved to Auckland in Onehunga. While I get on really well with them she is pregnant due to give birth in October and they have a big barking dog. I could see myself having sleeping issues there.</p><p>Option Three ... Sandybee from on here said she had a friend looking for a housemate but was located a little off the motorway and more east auckland than south.</p><p>I really wasn't sure which of these options to pursue. Last week I rang a really good friend of mine (who I worked with for 5yrs at The Warehouse in Manukau). She was sooo excited when I told her I was going to be coming back to Auckland. "You HAVE to come live with me!!!" She said. Turns out her and her flatmate had said the week before they wanted to get another flatmate in. They live in a 3 bedroom 2 storey townhouse (only 3yrs old) right in the centre of Manukau City ... 500mtrs off the motorway.</p><p>I have a double room for $150 a week which includes rent, power, phone, internet, off street carpark, as many toll calls as I want (she's on a flat rate call plan) and she and her flatmate are in their 40's, with no kids and not into frequent parties. They both work full time so will have the place to myself during the days (when I'm doing nightshift). And we get on like a house on fire!!!</p><p>ABSOLUTELY PERFECT!!! As soon as it was confirmed that's where I'll be living it was like a huge weight came off my shoulders!! Made me realise how stressed I actually was about it.</p><p>I can't wait to catchup with her again... it's all fitting in perfectly!!!</p>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24693667.post-7576433732597498272008-08-06T14:38:00.003+12:002008-08-06T14:53:35.940+12:00IT GOT IT!!!!!<a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/billshoney/SJkRsXSgLvI/AAAAAAAAAa4/GwSto9hxu60/frog_freddy_acting_froggy_lg_wht.gif"><img style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 161px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 138px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" height="186" alt="" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/billshoney/SJkRsXSgLvI/AAAAAAAAAa4/GwSto9hxu60/frog_freddy_acting_froggy_lg_wht.gif" border="0" /></a><br /><div>The phone rang ... and I just knew!!! So I wasn't surprised when I heard the voice on the other end introducing himself from Auckland Ambulance Head Quarters ...<br /><br />"Congratulations! ... " I don't remember the rest of the conversation!! I am absolutely flabagastered, jumpin jimbo fantastically excitedly ... ecstatic!!!!!! I GOT THE JOB!!! WAHOOO I GOT THE FRIGGEN JOB!!! I can't believe after doing just under 3000 volunteer hours last year that I'm finally going to be paid to do the job I LOVE!!!!!!<br /><br />WAFRAHIIGIN HOOOOOOO!!!!!<br /><br />For the minor details .... start date 8 September, where? South Auckland, staying with a friend until I can find myself a good flat/boarding place, commuting back home on my days off ... 2 night shifts, 2 day shifts and 4 days off.<br /><br />I'm a paid ambewance owfiser, I'm a paid ambewance owfiser, I'm a paid ambewance owfiser!!!! Heheh!!!!</div>Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24693667.post-8286977342340413542008-08-05T13:14:00.002+12:002008-08-05T13:17:14.788+12:00nail biting stuffThankyou all so much for your support!! It means so much!<br /><br />I haven't got much more to say but since it's been nearly a week since my last update I thought I'll keep you all posted as to what's happening ...<br /><br />So what's happening?? lol ... nothing!! lol<br /><br />I'm still waiting to hear back whether I got the job. I was told 2 weeks before I'd know and it has only been one week ... so I just sit and wait, and wait, and wait... nails getting shorter and shorter (no I'm just kidding, I'm not a nail biter)<br /><br />I'll certainly keep you posted as soon as I know anything!!!Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24693667.post-34421220608872213792008-07-30T20:57:00.005+12:002008-07-30T21:21:51.625+12:00Glad it's over!!Lucky!!! I made the decision a week ago to go up the night before and stay in a motel room!!! I got to Auckland and settled into my room, turned on the news to see that the Kaurangahake Gorge was CLOSED!!! (due to heavy rain, flooding and slips!!) If I hadn't have gone up early I wouldn't have made it in time!!<br /><br />Feeling quite alone in my room I set out to Silvia Park Mall for dinner and to buy a few bits and pieces I hadn't got (an exercise top and breakie/lunch for the next day). I got told to eat carbs for my dinner meal before. Given I hadn't eaten carbs for the last 28 days I was a bit nervous at choosing a pasta meal. My tummy groaned for a bit afterwards but was fine.<br /><br />I didn't sleep well waking up every hour from 3am onwards. At 6am I was up and having a shower making sure I didn't wet my hair (that had been straightened) or my ankle (that had been strapped just in case) so was a very tricky shower.<br /><br />I left the motel room at 7.20am and made it to Head Quarters at 7.25am (35mins early). Much rather to be early than late. The rain was horrendous!! First up was a group Team exercise and fortunately was with a really great bunch who all worked well together. The comment was made afterwards how well we worked together (which was the whole point of the exercise) Check one done!!<br /><br />We then went on a rotational basis for our next 5 assessments. First up for me?? THE PHYSICAL!!! Two of us were doing it together and with me was a huge 6ft guy!! Stretches (including the one I was nervous about putting one arm over my shoulder the other under and touching) done!!! Phew!! Step ups?? DONE!! Carry chairing a 70kg dummy up and down 3 flights of stairs twice!! DONE!! (harder than I thought it would be) Pressups?? DONE!! (and done easy thanks to my training) Walk around the block carrying 4 pieces of equipment??? Given I was with a 6ft guy I had to take 2 steps for every one of his which made me push myself a whole lot harder ... DONE!! And 30 secs UNDERTIME!!! I was so happy to have the physical out of the way ... AND PASSED!! YEEE HAHHHH!!!<br /><br />Next ... My formal interview ... I answered my best. It was none of the questions I thought it would be but they commented on a lot of answers what a good answer that was and finished off how good it was that I gave so many examples of situations I had been in. They couldn't believe that I was a full time volunteer that didn't get paid!!<br /><br />Next ... a 40minute drive on the motorway and around the suberbs. I nearly didn't completely stop at a stop sign because I was too busy chatting to the assessor but realised just in time!! Phew!!! Passed!!!<br /><br />Then map reading exam ... yay another passed!!<br /><br />Then the clinical ... 40mins of questions assessing my medical knowledge. There was only one question I struggled on which I got ... eventually. Thankfully the assessor gave me the time to think about it. He said at the end that I was the best he had in this intake of people ... another yay!!!<br /><br />Then a psycho analysis ... just answered the best I could and no way of telling how I did on that one.<br /><br />It was a full on day of intense assessments!!! But at the end of it I really felt I did the best I possibly could!! I gave 100 percent and wouldn't change a thing!!!<br /><br />Now I have 2 weeks of waiting for the outcome. If I get accepted I have a start date of early September which is just over 4wks away!!<br /><br />I was absolutely buzzing on my way home ... a good days hard work!! As I was driving home the first news report said the gorge was still closed!! I only had 1/4 tank of gas left just out of Paeroa ... if it was still closed I would have to go all the way down to Matamata, over the Kaimai's to Tauranga and home ... an extra 1.5hrs on my journey. Lucky the gas station at Paeroa was still open as I came through so I filled up. The guy there told me that he thought the gorge had just opened but wasn't sure. So I took the chance and YES fortunately it had just opened as I came through ...<br /><br />... home!! Finally!!! And glad to be so!! What a day ... but a happy day!!!Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24693667.post-50636251647540384172008-07-28T10:46:00.002+12:002008-07-28T10:56:56.211+12:00Here we goooo!!!TOMORROW IS THE DAY!!! The day I go to Auckland, stay the night and have my interview first thing in the morning. I have to be at Head Quarters at 8am sharp! I've managed to get a room to stay just down the road from there and I'm really nervous already!!!<br /><br />I've been given advice from EVERYBODY!! And I've decided that I can't do any more now for my interview. If I don't make the grade now then I never will. For the past 28 days I have dieted, walked my butt off, done hundreds of pressups, step ups, crunchies, studied and memorised my proceedures, practiced and practiced my questioning of a sick patient, practiced my answering of interview questions, practiced my cpr and practiced my mapreading ...<br /><br />... and now I'm over it!! I'm practiced out! I'm dieted out! I'm exercised out!! For the next 36hrs I will do nothing ... no I correct that ... I'm doing one more walk tonight and then NOTHING!!<br /><br />I have a list of things to pack and a list of things still to do ... including getting my hair done tomorrow, sorting my exercise outfit out, getting my ankle strapped by my physio and packing my bag.<br /><br />I'M SO NERVOUS!!! Let's hope I can get these nerves under control by Wednesday morning!!<br /><br />Oh and by the way ... weighin I was exactly the same again ... 99.8kgLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24693667.post-10639062746115798452008-07-21T14:15:00.002+12:002008-07-21T14:58:22.703+12:00Waiting GameI got home on Thursday night, excited that the next day was D Day!! The day we would get the phone call whether our sale had gone unconditional ....<br /><br />... sadly I got home to news from Bill that the agent had rang to say the buyers wanted more time to think about it. I was so angry I burst into tears!! How could this be?? Everything was going to plan so well!! I felt mucked around. Either it was yay or nay ... not a maybe, maybe not!!! It doesn't give me a good feeling.<br /><br />I spent the night crying, and everytime I woke during the night, hoping it was all a bad dream the realisation that it wasn't a dream but reality sent me into another episode of crying.<br /><br />Initially I was going to pull of my ambo shift on Friday but made the decision to carry on, knowing that sitting at home thinking about it all, would only make me worse.<br /><br />So I turned up for duty on Friday with red, puffy eyes. My duty officer that day was very caring and listened to my blabbering, trying to add words of comfort.<br /><br />Friday night was our ambulance awards dinner and I promised myself I wouldn't be focusing on the shop but enjoy myself, concentrating on my enjoyment of ambulance service.<br /><br />We had a great night and I managed to keep my mind away from the disappointing news. Than an exciting unexpected thing happened ...<br /><br />... I won the top award ... "Ambulance Officer of the Year" complete with certificate and trophy cup!! Yay!!!<br /><br />And as far as my weighin ... I stayed the same this week ... which I'm ok about.<br /><br />Now we continue to wait ... I HATE WAITING!!Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24693667.post-14320041263121234722008-07-10T08:30:00.003+12:002008-07-10T08:43:17.201+12:00I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!!!!OHHH MY WEEK JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER!!!<br /><br />Official weighin today .... At 5.50am getting up and ready for ambo duty today I hoped on the scales and my eyes jumped out of my scull like a cartoon character!!! <br /><br />99.8kg!!!!!! <br /><br />Can you believe it???? I'm struggling to .... I'M IN DOUBLE DIGITS!!!! FINALLY!!! After 18mths I'm finally under 100kgs!!! Ohhhhh those numbers looked so beautiful today!! I was dancing round the room singing 99.8 ... I'm 99.8 ... 99.8 ... I'm 99.8!!! While Bill trying to sleep grumbled at me ... I didn't care ... I'm 99.8!!!!<br /><br />So in one week I lost 5kgs!!!!! exactly!! 104.8kg I was last Thursday. I've never lost that much weight in one week!!!! Shows what complete determination can achieve!!! And this is the most determined I've EVER been to lose weight!<br /><br />And to top it off I was talking to the First Aid tutor here at the station this morning who lives in Auckland (there's a First Aid course being held at the station today) and we got talking about my Auckland application and she said if you need a place to stay on your days up there come stay with us. Absolutely perfect!!! She's with St Johns so she understands my work, they're a retired couple (so no late night parties to keep me awake) with no kids at home in a 4 bedroom house and they both work during the day (so I can sleep when I need to after night shift) and they were looking for a border!!! I can't believe it!! Fantastic!! Ohh and she's on a weightloss program too so no temptations!! She just has to go home to talk it over with hubby but she said she thinks it will work out perfectly!!! And she's a sweetie!!!<br /><br />Ohhhh this is all just perfect!!!!! Doin the 90's girl jig today I tell ya!!!Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24693667.post-23627116098725795882008-07-07T08:06:00.003+12:002008-07-07T09:31:12.560+12:00You wouldn't believe it!!And I thought things were looking great when I did my last post .... since then ...<br /><br />I got a phone call on the ambulance from my station manager on Thursday to say someone from Auckland was trying to contact me and gave me his details ...<br /><br />It was the Auckland job application ... I was so nervous making the phone call back to him ...<br /><br />My ambo partner was quietly squeeling in the background ... she had to pull over she was beside herself ...<br /><br />"Congratulations!! you have been shortlisted for your Auckland job application! We were inundated with hundreds of applications and well done you've made it to the final 20! Congrats!!" He started ...<br /><br />I had to take a deep breath ... I couldn't believe it!!!!<br /><br />He then proceeded to tell me about the 8hr interview I'll be having on the 30th July ... yep you read right .... 8 hours!!!!! I have to be at Mt Wellington HQ at 8am and it's over at 5pm!! Ohh my friggen goodness!!!<br /><br />Here's whats involved ...<br /><br />- a 45minute driving exam in an ambulance, both suburbian and motorway<br />- map reading exam<br />- group lateral thinking scenario and individual assessment afterwards<br />- literacy exam<br />- clinical exam<br />- resusitation scenario<br />- phsyco and ethical analysis<br /><br />and ....<br /><br />A 45 MINUTE PHYSICAL!!! including a 1km run with 20kgs worth of gear to carry, 25 pressups in 1 minute, 45 situps in one minute, 45 step ups, and a whole lot more stuff ...<br /><br />I got off the phone and the other officer (who calls a spade a spade) says "Right you have some phone calls to make ... ring Bill, now ring Pauline (my station manager) ... now listen ... you have 28 days left ... you have to pull your finger out of your ass and get out there walking and exercising and get back into losing some major weight girl!!! You have to do this, you are too good to miss out on this opportunity because of your fitness ... get out there and do it!!! Sorry to be so blunt but you know me I tell it like it is and someone has to say it.<br /><br />I actually wasn't offended at all and thanked her for her honesty. She was exactly right!! It was the exact thing I needed to kick my ass into gear!<br /><br />So I've put myself on a very strict regime for 28 days ... no starchy carbs at all!! Meat and vege for dinner and a protein shake for breakfast and lunch, snacks of fruit and 2 bottles of water. 30mins (at least) of exercise 6 days a week. I'm not a huge fan of protein shakes long term but I have to think about it like a body building working up to a competition ... I have to go hard and whatever works I HAVE to do ... I haven't got time to muck around ... I have 28 days!!! That's it!!<br /><br />Here's my weights so far (have been weighing daily)<br /><br />Thurs - 104.8kg<br />Friday - 103.6kg<br />Saturday - 102.7kg<br />Sunday - 101.5kg<br />Today - 100.9kg<br /><br />Nearly 4kgs in 4 days!! ... I know I won't be able to keep losing at that rate ... but boy I have to do my damned best!!! I soooo want this job!!!!<br /><br />Ohhh and Kathryn ... yes I would be very interested to find out more about that boarding opportunity!! I don't know (if I get the job) which station I'll be at and which area of Auckland but if you could get back to me with where they live for a start ...<br /><br />I'm sooooo excited ... and nervous!!!Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24693667.post-68424112343556086402008-06-25T13:28:00.002+12:002008-06-25T14:34:48.089+12:00One door closes, another opens ...I have to admit I was wrong. I imagined Bruce's funeral to be a bundle of nerves and stress for us all, but it all went really well. We had a lot more people come than expected with the last few in the hall having to stand at the back. <br /><br />It was a simple ceremony with the minister opening, Bill giving a eulogy and then the floor opened up for anyone to speak and tell of their stories of Bruce. And heaps of people came forward to say their bit. There must have been over 20 people speak in the end. We had laughs and lots and lots of tears and everyone left remembering what an amazing guy he was. Some who took life by the horns and lived it without boundaries. It was sweet seeing grown men in absolute tears for a mate who they loved and respected.<br /><br />The last of the family went home today so it's just us again. Back to peace and quiet with no screaming kids or screaming adults for that matter. Although in saying that it was really neat catching up with all the cuzzies again.<br /><br />Turns out the job I applied for at the lab (admin one) probably won't eventuate. They've decided they can get away without employing anyone now. Ahhh well.<br /><br />A few days ago I learnt that the casual ambulance officer position probably wasn't going to happen for exactly the same reason. But I had a strange peace about it all. I know something will come up. <br /><br />Then yesterday my boss at the station called me aside to say that the RSO (my boss's boss) was so impressed with my work on the road that he rang his boss (who employs the casuals) to put in an excellent word for me and persuade him to employ me and all without my knowing. I was blown away!! I've been told I should hear back in the next couple of weeks on that.<br /><br />I also had it suggested by my station manager to apply for Auckland. They are currently taking on officers. In the past I've always shyed away from this knowing they are run off their feet. It's a hectic place up there, but in saying that I know that it would be good for me. It means putting myself way out of my comfort zone but deep down I know it will sharpen my skills and confidence on the road.<br /><br />So yes you guessed it, I've put my application in for Auckland. I can hear all your questions now ... but where will you live? are you moving back to Auckland? What about Bill and the kids?? The kids are happy here in Waihi and very settled. If I get the Auckland job it's a 4 day on four off roster, so I'll find myself a flat or boarding place up there, Bill and the kids will stay in Waihi and then I'll come back home to Waihi on my days off. My long term plan (if I get this job) is to get my skills up and a good look on my cv for when the new officer position comes available back in Waihi (in around a year to eighteen months). We'll wait and see, don't even know if I'll get a look in for the job... ambo jobs are very very hard to get (so I've learnt)<br /><br />The shop sale is going as planned so far. Still have to wait for it to go unconditional in a couple of weeks time, but everything looks good so far.<br /><br />We've found ourselves a place to rent in Waihi. It's still being built at the moment and will be ready a week or so after we move from here, so might mean going on a little holiday first maybe. It's a brand new brick and tile 3 bedroom place with ensuite, heatpump, new carpet, new kitchen ... thank god!!! We have lived in grotty little holes since moving from our new house in Auckland. To have a place that doesn't have the wind whistle threw when all the doors and windows are shut, a place that actually looks clean once it's been cleaned, a place with a front door (not a back coridoor from the back of a shop as the front entrance), a place to call HOME!!! Our current house is not a home, sure we have our furniture there but it is just accomodation. So to have something brand spanking new ... yay!!!Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24693667.post-86789607115370864332008-06-19T08:12:00.003+12:002008-06-19T08:33:37.873+12:00I might just have to go shoppingWow thankyou guys. It's good to be back blogging again. I think the break was good to make me appreciate the simpleness of the reasons why I want to blog. I started to get caught up in should I say this? shouldn't I say this? who is reading? what will everyone think? When at the end of the day blogging is not about all that stuff ... it's purely and simply a ways of communicating to a bunch of friends. Having the break away made me realise how I was over complicating it all. At the end of the day I missed my bunch of mates, and THAT is why I blogg!<br /><br />The funeral organisation is nearly done. Poor Bill has had it all on his shoulders to organise it all. There are 5 boys in the family ... the oldest is in Aussie so can't really do much, the next went over to Switzerland to bring Bruce back, the next one works full time and didn't really put his hand up, the next was Bruce and lastly baby bro Billy. He's done well considering, although I've had to take my hands off given it's not my brother and I can see things being done a little ... umm... shall we say ... corner's cut. I tried to put a gentle word in to give some advice which wasn't recieved too well so have left it to him and will just have to bite my lip for a bit. But that's ok, I'll get over it! lol<br /><br />Bruce arrives home tommorrow and is being brought down by hearst from Auckland airport to Paeroa where the funeral director is. He will stay there for the next few days till the funeral on Monday, allowing anyone who wants to go see him to be able to there. I was a little nervous when Bill said he wanted to go see him. I warned him that Bruce has been dead for nearly two weeks now so he won't look the same. Infact he will not be looking very good at all, and that I hoped Bill won't have that memory stuck in his head and will be able to remember him as he was, not as the empty remains he last sees him as. I understand Bill's point tho that until he sees him there won't be a closing for Bill. It's all still too much like a story that happened somewhere over the other side of the world.<br /><br />As for the sale of the shop not much else has happened. Basically now it's a matter of waiting for the time to go by. And I'm sure it will be going by veeery, veeery, slowly.<br /><br />Onto weightloss, after all that is the whole point of my blog!! lol ... and laugh out loud I have to do. It has certainly not been my focus for the last month but it never is when my world feels like a tornado. I've been doing this for long enough to recognise that when things settle down again I will get back into it and start cracking the whip again.<br /><br />And I need to do this ... because I have a friggen ball to go to ... like an evening wear ball gown ball!!! I have nothing to wear!! I got out some dresses I had from my slimmer days and had a little try on last night. Of course most were too small but one of them nearly fitted ... just the overly endowered boobs popped out the top!! Just imagine that?? On the dance floor and a boob decides to go for a runner, not a good look!!!! lol<br /><br />So I guess I need to do a little shopping before the date of the ball ... 28th June, either that or lose 20kg by then ... hmmm ... don't think so!! lolLynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24693667.post-91040694220794302732008-06-17T09:10:00.002+12:002008-06-17T09:27:24.479+12:00Catch upWhere to start??<br /><br />Thankyou all for your lovely comments. I'm sorry for not updating in such a long time. No excuses really, just got into a funk and decided to take a break for a bit, from weight watchers and blogging. No other reason.<br /><br />It's been a crazy month ...<br /><br />Firstly, I didn't get the ambo job. Got a bit disalutioned at first wondering if I was wasting my time thinking I could ever get a paid ambo job. After a couple of days sulking I snapped myself out of it and realised I still love doing my ambo work regardless of whether I get paid or not.<br /><br />I was informed by one of my bosses that the only reason I didn't get onto the short list was my qualification level and to keep working on that. So that's what I'm doing. I've since been asked to apply for a relief officer position which I have and am waiting to hear back about. If I'm successful in this it will give me something very positive to put on my cv and the pay is very good when you do get work, although can be very speradic. But it all helps at the end of the day.<br /><br />We got some very sad news last Monday 9 June. Bill's brother in Switzerland died in an absailing accident. We still don't have all the exact details as to what happened. His other brother is over there at the moment organising bringing his body back to New Zealand for burial. In the meantime Bill has been organising his funeral and I've been running the shop and house. He was only 36 years old! Far too young for anyone to die!! He arrives back in the country on Friday and his funeral will be here in Waihi on Monday.<br /><br />The other news is that we have had an offer on the shop which we are going to accept. There's been negotiations back and forth for the last couple of weeks and we have come to a price both us and the purchaser agree on. It goes unconditional in the middle of July with settlement date 31 July. It still may fall over, as with any sale it's not final until the money's in the bank but I feel very positive about it.<br /><br />Both Bill and I are excited about the next chapter in our lives. Not quite sure what we're both going to do but to be relieved of the burden of the shop which we have worked our butts off in for the last four years will be very nice.<br /><br />We've decided that for the meantime we will stay in Waihi, shifting from the beach into Waihi itself (a bit cheaper rent and more jobs). The kids are happy and settled here so hopefully we can find a job ... see what happens, who knows??<br /><br />I've applied for a part time admin job in a research lab here in Waihi. I've made it to the final two people and find out in the next 3 weeks if I'm successful or not. So hopefully with that and the relief ambo stuff will be enough to get us by. Then Bill will also keep his ear to the ground for some work.<br /><br />So very sad and exciting news all in the same post.Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24693667.post-48426140792540770802008-05-16T06:34:00.002+12:002008-05-16T06:43:54.611+12:00Flu jab ... is it worth it?So much for having my free flu jab ... I got the flu!!! Almost back to normal now just a nagging cough lurking around.<br /><br />Still no word on my job application yet, they're taking a while.<br /><br />Weighin on Wednesday brought a 700g loss. I'm picking my brains to find a strategy to get below the 100kg mark. This one is so physcological for me and I'm not sure why. I keep bouncing around that mark and just can't quite get under it. A big part is that I still feel like I have such a long way to go. Remembering back to when I did Jenny Craig nearly 20yrs ago my start weight was exactly 100kg ... that was JUST my START WEIGHT!!! And here I am 20yrs later still at 100kg!!<br /><br />With some of my friends stopping blogging I've lost my accountability or more importantly that comrardery, the hype that builds eachother up to get through those tough moments. I really need to sort something out here. The local ww meeting closed down months ago and I don't want to go to SureSlim (too expensive for me). And I get so busy, time is an issue.<br /><br />I'll have to keep thinking on this one. But for this week I've had my first two days OP so that's a good start.Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-24693667.post-47792391500590813832008-05-07T07:32:00.003+12:002008-05-07T08:08:04.696+12:00Gotta get movingI went to his funeral on Monday and my emotions surprised me. I found myself feeling really angry. It felt like such a waste, he had a beatiful wife and kids and so many people around him who loved him. The room was absolutely packed out!!! There would have been over a thousand people there. We were in a side room with standing room only. So many people spoke of what a fantastic guy he was. Such a waste! His wife came up to me and gave me a hug which was really nice.<br /><br />Onto the weight front ... yeah a yucky gain this week but I expected it. I can never count points properly when other stuff is going on. 1kg up but onto a good week. No more time mucking around, gotta get to those double digits!!<br /><br />Ohhhh and I almost forgot ... I played netball last night, first time in over 20yrs!!! And I ran (yes ran!) up and down the courts 8 times!! First time I have run on my ankle since breaking it 18mths ago. It's very sore today but I'm proud ... ohhh and we won our game!! 25 to 7 !! yay!!Lynhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06740345393170781183noreply@blogger.com5