If you've been reading my posts, you'll know that I've recently been successful in obtaining a new role within the company I currently work. Well, I'm down to my last 4 business days, and I'm starting to get a bit anxious. I'm very much looking forward to what lies ahead, but I'm going to miss everyone I've had the privilege to work with over the past few years.
My last day is this Friday, and to go out with a bang, I've got my farewell drinks with all the people who mean a great deal to me. I'm going to miss Nomad's honesty and quirky stories, Mr Red's random bitching, and so much more. I know that I'm going to make some new friends and build some new professional relationships in my new role (oh did I mention it was at another branch?), but there are so many people I don't want to leave behind. Friday will undoubtedly be quite emotional, but I suppose if I want to move forward and build up on my success, I need to let go of certain things and certain people.
Moving from one branch to another will benefit me greatly. I won't have to dread running into Clyde every morning. Maybe that's the best thing about the move - being able to finally let go of the one person that kept me in the big city. As much as I'd hate to admit this, I was clinging onto a bit of hope for quite some time and refused to move forward, I refused to let go, and above all, I refused to forgive and forget. Now's definitely the time to do all of that. If he texts and asks to meet up for lunch or drinks after work, I can finally tell him he's on his own.
So long Clyde, and hello to a new beginning......
Monday, 5 December 2011
Starstruck
As mentioned in a previous post, I recently purchased an autobiography for Australian cricket sensation Brett Lee. Now, I'm not expecting everyone to know who he is particularly if you're not a cricket fan. To put it simply, Brett Lee is similar to the David Beckham of cricket. The only difference is Beckham is overrated and Lee has been awarded for his success. Anyway, Brett is scheduled to attend a local book store near work tomorrow and I'm going down there with one of my colleagues who, unsurprisingly, is also a Brett Lee fan.
Now, I don't want anyone to think I'm a crazed fan or that I haven't met any celebrities before. On the contrary, I've met quite a few, but Binga has been on my list of celebrities to meet ever since I was a teenager. Hopefully, after tomorrow, I can walk away with a photo, a signed book, and a memory I'll treasure for the rest of my life. Oh, and I'll be able to cross his name off my bucket list, too. You can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be blogging about him again tomorrow.
Binga, here I come! :D
Now, I don't want anyone to think I'm a crazed fan or that I haven't met any celebrities before. On the contrary, I've met quite a few, but Binga has been on my list of celebrities to meet ever since I was a teenager. Hopefully, after tomorrow, I can walk away with a photo, a signed book, and a memory I'll treasure for the rest of my life. Oh, and I'll be able to cross his name off my bucket list, too. You can bet your bottom dollar that I'll be blogging about him again tomorrow.
Binga, here I come! :D
Overboard
Today at lunch time, I did something I haven't done in quite some time - gone on a spree. I'm not talking about a girl's usual clothes spree. No, I went on a book spree.
When the clock struck 12, Mr Red & I walked down to the local book store in search of an autobiography for Australian cricket star Brett Lee. Frankly, that book was the only reason I was going down there because I wanted to get it before his book signing tomorrow. After finding the book, yours truly didn't even head in the direction of the nearest counter. Instead, I asked one of the book store employees for some recommendations for classics and literature. After the first book came another, then another, an another, and I eventually walked out with nine books and left $160.80 poorer.
It's not that I don't have enough books at home because somewhere in my room lies 24 unread novels. Even I must admit that I'm such a genius. As a means of motivation to finish those books, I'm going to endeavour to finish a book a week (provide nothing and no one interrupts me), and write my own critique and recommendations. I've always wanted to be a member of a book club, so I might as well start my own as the sole member.
My first book will be Mary Stewart's 'This Rough Magic'. It's meant to be a mystery novel. Well, here I go......
When the clock struck 12, Mr Red & I walked down to the local book store in search of an autobiography for Australian cricket star Brett Lee. Frankly, that book was the only reason I was going down there because I wanted to get it before his book signing tomorrow. After finding the book, yours truly didn't even head in the direction of the nearest counter. Instead, I asked one of the book store employees for some recommendations for classics and literature. After the first book came another, then another, an another, and I eventually walked out with nine books and left $160.80 poorer.
It's not that I don't have enough books at home because somewhere in my room lies 24 unread novels. Even I must admit that I'm such a genius. As a means of motivation to finish those books, I'm going to endeavour to finish a book a week (provide nothing and no one interrupts me), and write my own critique and recommendations. I've always wanted to be a member of a book club, so I might as well start my own as the sole member.
My first book will be Mary Stewart's 'This Rough Magic'. It's meant to be a mystery novel. Well, here I go......
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Giant's Birthday: The Aftermath
If you go back to my post yesterday, I mentioned that Crystal Blue's behaviour towards Giant's ex, Mechanic, could lead to some tension. Well, believe it or not, it did.
Giant texted me a couple of days later wondering if I'd noticed Crystal Blue's demeanour and undivided attention to Mechanic. I was a bit hesitant at first, but I had to be honest with Giant because our friendship goes back 17 years! I explained that I'd been keeping an eye on CB all night and that I didn't approve of her behaviour, and that I didn't want to say anything because the last thing I'd wanted was to stir problems between my two closest friends. Giant went ahead and vented for about two hours.We even exchanged emails while at work.
As much as it cut me up that Giant was hurting, I couldn't get involved and kept telling Giant that it was all probably blown out of proportion. Maybe Crystal Blue was trying to mediate between Giant & Mechanic and help bring them back together. Giant was unconvinced, but deep down knew that Crystal Blue wouldn't run after her best friend's ex flame. This had all taken its toll on Giant and she failed to sit for her university exam. I don't ever recall seeing her so depressed, hurt, and confused.
Fast forward 2 weeks, Giant sends me another email at work telling me that she'd spoken with Mechanic. He had admitted that CB constantly messaged him and called him especially after speaking with Giant about him. All the secrets and conversations had been exposed. This was definitely the turning point in Giant & CB's friendship, and there were definitely trust issues now. As much as I tried calming Giant down, it didn't work.
Giant, Lanky & I met up later that week for lunch and a much needed vent session. I had to clarify to both where I stood and how I refused to come between two friends. Giant was more than understanding and knew that everything would blow over in due course.
We'd agreed to go down for CB's birthday in February and act as if nothing had happened. Something tells me though that things will escalate further then. Let's hope, for once, my instincts are wrong and that we'll have a trouble-free weekend...unlikely perhaps?
Giant texted me a couple of days later wondering if I'd noticed Crystal Blue's demeanour and undivided attention to Mechanic. I was a bit hesitant at first, but I had to be honest with Giant because our friendship goes back 17 years! I explained that I'd been keeping an eye on CB all night and that I didn't approve of her behaviour, and that I didn't want to say anything because the last thing I'd wanted was to stir problems between my two closest friends. Giant went ahead and vented for about two hours.We even exchanged emails while at work.
As much as it cut me up that Giant was hurting, I couldn't get involved and kept telling Giant that it was all probably blown out of proportion. Maybe Crystal Blue was trying to mediate between Giant & Mechanic and help bring them back together. Giant was unconvinced, but deep down knew that Crystal Blue wouldn't run after her best friend's ex flame. This had all taken its toll on Giant and she failed to sit for her university exam. I don't ever recall seeing her so depressed, hurt, and confused.
Fast forward 2 weeks, Giant sends me another email at work telling me that she'd spoken with Mechanic. He had admitted that CB constantly messaged him and called him especially after speaking with Giant about him. All the secrets and conversations had been exposed. This was definitely the turning point in Giant & CB's friendship, and there were definitely trust issues now. As much as I tried calming Giant down, it didn't work.
Giant, Lanky & I met up later that week for lunch and a much needed vent session. I had to clarify to both where I stood and how I refused to come between two friends. Giant was more than understanding and knew that everything would blow over in due course.
We'd agreed to go down for CB's birthday in February and act as if nothing had happened. Something tells me though that things will escalate further then. Let's hope, for once, my instincts are wrong and that we'll have a trouble-free weekend...unlikely perhaps?
The Diagnosis
As mentioned in "A New Beginning", I was hoping my haematologist would give me some good news regarding my biopsy. Well, let's just say I was a bit over-zealous and I never got that good news. In fact, all I got out of the doctor's visit was pretty much what I've been getting for the past few months - nothing.
I settled into the doctor's office just after 5pm and quietly prayed for some positive news. All he had to offer was a diagnosis that neither of us found convincing or conclusive. I've been diagnosed with sideroblastic anaemia, a disease which also led to me sister's death almost three years ago. Thankfully, though, the sideroblastic cells have only just surfaced in my bone marrow, meaning the disease is at its early stages. Still, in the past, and most recently, I've responded to Erythropoitein (EPO) injections. If I indeed had sideroblastic anaemia, I wouldn't respond at all. Therefore, both myself and my doctor believe that I might not have it.
After almost half an hour with the haematologist, he has ordered some more tests including heavy metal poisoning (copper, zinc, lead etc.). Regardless of the results, he's referring me to a neurologist for a second opinion, meaning I'm going to go on for the next few weeks without any answers regarding my condition. I'm still optimistic and believe that if I do indeed have sideroblastic anaemia, then it's not as severe as my sister's. Hopefully, the tests will give me some answers and my condition is treatable.
To be continued.....
I settled into the doctor's office just after 5pm and quietly prayed for some positive news. All he had to offer was a diagnosis that neither of us found convincing or conclusive. I've been diagnosed with sideroblastic anaemia, a disease which also led to me sister's death almost three years ago. Thankfully, though, the sideroblastic cells have only just surfaced in my bone marrow, meaning the disease is at its early stages. Still, in the past, and most recently, I've responded to Erythropoitein (EPO) injections. If I indeed had sideroblastic anaemia, I wouldn't respond at all. Therefore, both myself and my doctor believe that I might not have it.
After almost half an hour with the haematologist, he has ordered some more tests including heavy metal poisoning (copper, zinc, lead etc.). Regardless of the results, he's referring me to a neurologist for a second opinion, meaning I'm going to go on for the next few weeks without any answers regarding my condition. I'm still optimistic and believe that if I do indeed have sideroblastic anaemia, then it's not as severe as my sister's. Hopefully, the tests will give me some answers and my condition is treatable.
To be continued.....
Monday, 21 November 2011
Giant's Birthday Part II
As per one of my previous posts, I proudly shared that I'd be going to my best friend's birthday party in the city and that Nomad & Mr Red were due to come, too. One of my closest friends was also going to come up from Melbourne. I'm going to call her Crystal Blue (no her name isn't Crystal and isn't even close to it).
Now, yours truly was so excited that I was already dressed by 5PM. I was scheduled to drive to Giant's house and if all went to plan, we should all be in the city by 7:30 the latest. Well, IF was the operative word here, and as you can guess, nothing went according to plan. By the time I'd reached Giant's house, the only thing that was ready was Giant's hair. Everything went downhill from there.
Crystal Blue & her sister needed to get their hair & make up done and asked none other than Giant and Lanky (Giant's sister) to do it for them. By the time they were all done, it was 8:45. 8:45 and we were still nowhere near the damn city. My blood was slowly boiling, and was perhaps on the verge of evaporating. Little did I know that poor Giant & Lanky were really upset too. Looks like the three of us are really good at hiding certain feelings. We didn't even leave the house until 9:00 and Mr Red & Nomad had both called and said they were outside the club. I had to buy us some time and told them both that we'd be there soon. Ten minutes later, both decided to bail, and quite honestly, I couldn't blame them. I'd specifically told them we'd be there like two hours earlier. I wasn't sure who to blame - Crystal Blue or Giant....the odds were against Crystal Blue at this point.
We finally reached the city by 9:30 and after finding some parking (thanks to Lanky's great eye), we were at the club by 10:10. We were waiting outside and getting ready to flash our ID to the bouncers when Giant's brother Giraffe approached us and said they wouldn't let him in the club. The fact the poor guy's name somehow didn't make the guest list didn't do him any favours either. Giant calmed him down and told him that once we were all in, she'd come back out and speak with the bouncers. As soon as we got in, the two fake bitches at the front desk informed us that the guest list closes at 10 and we were all up for a $20 fee. Fecking great we all thought. Not wanting to delay our celebrations further or let two bitches and fecked up bouncers ruin the night for us, we paid and didn't even argue. It took Giant & I another 30 minutes to convince the bouncers to let Giraffe in. The short bald maggot said: "I don't care how how you girls are, you're not bringing him in here, so don't cause a scene". All I remember saying was "If he isn't let in, you won't have a scene, you'll have a musical." That line, thankfully, worked.
Now, everyone was inside and drinks were going round in our private booth. Alcohol is definitely my best friend. Giant's ex boyfriend, Mechanic, was present and like any other guy, he was out there flirting and socialising. The one thing I'd noticed was that Crystal Blue was following him around. Both Giant & I were keeping a close eye on them both, and from what we both saw, Crystal Blue was the predator. I can honestly say that I'd never seen any guy look as comfortable as Mechanic had looked that night. The last thing any guy needs is his ex girlfriend's best friend trying to play follow the leader especially when the ex is around. It was at this point that I slowly began to lose it, but I had to keep it all in so that Giant's big night wasn't entirely ruined.
Fast forward to 2am, and after the bouncers had escorted everyone outside after closing time, Mechanic recommended going to one of the city's famous areas, The Cross. We all headed to our cars and Crystal Blue, who knows that I get car sick if I sit at the back, wanted to sit at the front because her "feet were killing" her. I told her it was fine, but Giant shot her a look that could literally kill. I got over it pretty quickly, and I think she should thank her lucky stars because I didn't get sick. Maybe it was because I didn't want to puke all over Giant's back seat after she'd had her car detailed.
After a long and confusing evening, we all made it back to Giant's place in on e piece and crashed at 5am. Ah, it was awesome. Crystal Blue and her sister both left the following day on their scheduled flight at about 6pm. For the first time in 10 years, I was relieved to see the back of Crystal Blue because she'd crossed so many lines and in so many ways. Somehow, I knew that what had transpired that evening would cause a bit of tension between Crystal Blue and Giant. What I also knew was that I would be the unfortunate sap who's caught in the middle....
To be continued........
Now, yours truly was so excited that I was already dressed by 5PM. I was scheduled to drive to Giant's house and if all went to plan, we should all be in the city by 7:30 the latest. Well, IF was the operative word here, and as you can guess, nothing went according to plan. By the time I'd reached Giant's house, the only thing that was ready was Giant's hair. Everything went downhill from there.
Crystal Blue & her sister needed to get their hair & make up done and asked none other than Giant and Lanky (Giant's sister) to do it for them. By the time they were all done, it was 8:45. 8:45 and we were still nowhere near the damn city. My blood was slowly boiling, and was perhaps on the verge of evaporating. Little did I know that poor Giant & Lanky were really upset too. Looks like the three of us are really good at hiding certain feelings. We didn't even leave the house until 9:00 and Mr Red & Nomad had both called and said they were outside the club. I had to buy us some time and told them both that we'd be there soon. Ten minutes later, both decided to bail, and quite honestly, I couldn't blame them. I'd specifically told them we'd be there like two hours earlier. I wasn't sure who to blame - Crystal Blue or Giant....the odds were against Crystal Blue at this point.
We finally reached the city by 9:30 and after finding some parking (thanks to Lanky's great eye), we were at the club by 10:10. We were waiting outside and getting ready to flash our ID to the bouncers when Giant's brother Giraffe approached us and said they wouldn't let him in the club. The fact the poor guy's name somehow didn't make the guest list didn't do him any favours either. Giant calmed him down and told him that once we were all in, she'd come back out and speak with the bouncers. As soon as we got in, the two fake bitches at the front desk informed us that the guest list closes at 10 and we were all up for a $20 fee. Fecking great we all thought. Not wanting to delay our celebrations further or let two bitches and fecked up bouncers ruin the night for us, we paid and didn't even argue. It took Giant & I another 30 minutes to convince the bouncers to let Giraffe in. The short bald maggot said: "I don't care how how you girls are, you're not bringing him in here, so don't cause a scene". All I remember saying was "If he isn't let in, you won't have a scene, you'll have a musical." That line, thankfully, worked.
Now, everyone was inside and drinks were going round in our private booth. Alcohol is definitely my best friend. Giant's ex boyfriend, Mechanic, was present and like any other guy, he was out there flirting and socialising. The one thing I'd noticed was that Crystal Blue was following him around. Both Giant & I were keeping a close eye on them both, and from what we both saw, Crystal Blue was the predator. I can honestly say that I'd never seen any guy look as comfortable as Mechanic had looked that night. The last thing any guy needs is his ex girlfriend's best friend trying to play follow the leader especially when the ex is around. It was at this point that I slowly began to lose it, but I had to keep it all in so that Giant's big night wasn't entirely ruined.
Fast forward to 2am, and after the bouncers had escorted everyone outside after closing time, Mechanic recommended going to one of the city's famous areas, The Cross. We all headed to our cars and Crystal Blue, who knows that I get car sick if I sit at the back, wanted to sit at the front because her "feet were killing" her. I told her it was fine, but Giant shot her a look that could literally kill. I got over it pretty quickly, and I think she should thank her lucky stars because I didn't get sick. Maybe it was because I didn't want to puke all over Giant's back seat after she'd had her car detailed.
After a long and confusing evening, we all made it back to Giant's place in on e piece and crashed at 5am. Ah, it was awesome. Crystal Blue and her sister both left the following day on their scheduled flight at about 6pm. For the first time in 10 years, I was relieved to see the back of Crystal Blue because she'd crossed so many lines and in so many ways. Somehow, I knew that what had transpired that evening would cause a bit of tension between Crystal Blue and Giant. What I also knew was that I would be the unfortunate sap who's caught in the middle....
To be continued........
A New Beginning
They say "Bad things always come in threes." In my case, they always come in the dozens. However, I've always believed that with the "three bad things" always comes "three good things." Recently, that's exactly what's happened to me.
A couple of weeks ago, I had two minor medical procedures: a laparoscopy and a bone marrow biopsy. Both procedures were a success, and just as I was settling back into work, one of the doctors called and asked me to come into the cancer unit at the hospital because he'd forgotten to draw some blood. What a muppet, I thought. So, I didn't really have much of a choice. I left work early, went for the blood test, and went home in a daze.
Around the same time, I was refinancing my home loan. My sister in law is my broker and financial advisor. After reviewing the paper work, we both concluded that I had at least a $2,500 surplus in my account on my previous home loan. After the new loan application had gone through and the home valuation had come through, the bank gave me a call to advise that I had a $1413.90 shortfall. Unbelievable! My old bank took the surplus cash and said it was for "fees". Fees my eye! So, yours truly then raced down to the bank which is in the same building at work, withdrew the cash, and deposited it in an account. A few days later, the bank sent through the paperwork confirming that the deal had been finalised and my repayments could commence within the following fortnight. PHEW!
During the same week of my laparoscopy, I applied for a new role at work. If I were the successful applicant, I would be transferred to another branch which is closer to home but for only 12 months. I submitted my application on a Friday, and would you believe it - I was called on Monday for an interview. As Monday was my day off (thanks to jury duty), I agreed for an interview on Wednesday. All dolled up and ready for action, the interview took approximately 45 minutes. I can honestly say, I've never walked out of an interview with such confidence. Deep down, I knew I'd nailed it, and that the job was mine. But, you guessed it, I got an email at the beginning of the following week telling me that the recruitment was on hold until further queries had been clarified. This was the last thing I needed given all the stress I'd been under regarding the biopsy and the home loan. Only last Friday I received a call from the manager of the team I'd applied for and you guessed it - I got the role! YAY! The good news didn't stop there though. The delay in the recruitment was due to my future boss wishing to make the role permanent and it's now official. That was well worth the wait and stress, I must admit.
So, over the past few weeks, I'd been hit with three obstacles and overcome two of them within a couple of weeks. I only have the results of the biopsy and laparoscopy which I should find out tomorrow. Given the odds, I'm pretty sure I'll feel good about the outcome and my stress levels can further decrease. Fingers crossed.
A couple of weeks ago, I had two minor medical procedures: a laparoscopy and a bone marrow biopsy. Both procedures were a success, and just as I was settling back into work, one of the doctors called and asked me to come into the cancer unit at the hospital because he'd forgotten to draw some blood. What a muppet, I thought. So, I didn't really have much of a choice. I left work early, went for the blood test, and went home in a daze.
Around the same time, I was refinancing my home loan. My sister in law is my broker and financial advisor. After reviewing the paper work, we both concluded that I had at least a $2,500 surplus in my account on my previous home loan. After the new loan application had gone through and the home valuation had come through, the bank gave me a call to advise that I had a $1413.90 shortfall. Unbelievable! My old bank took the surplus cash and said it was for "fees". Fees my eye! So, yours truly then raced down to the bank which is in the same building at work, withdrew the cash, and deposited it in an account. A few days later, the bank sent through the paperwork confirming that the deal had been finalised and my repayments could commence within the following fortnight. PHEW!
During the same week of my laparoscopy, I applied for a new role at work. If I were the successful applicant, I would be transferred to another branch which is closer to home but for only 12 months. I submitted my application on a Friday, and would you believe it - I was called on Monday for an interview. As Monday was my day off (thanks to jury duty), I agreed for an interview on Wednesday. All dolled up and ready for action, the interview took approximately 45 minutes. I can honestly say, I've never walked out of an interview with such confidence. Deep down, I knew I'd nailed it, and that the job was mine. But, you guessed it, I got an email at the beginning of the following week telling me that the recruitment was on hold until further queries had been clarified. This was the last thing I needed given all the stress I'd been under regarding the biopsy and the home loan. Only last Friday I received a call from the manager of the team I'd applied for and you guessed it - I got the role! YAY! The good news didn't stop there though. The delay in the recruitment was due to my future boss wishing to make the role permanent and it's now official. That was well worth the wait and stress, I must admit.
So, over the past few weeks, I'd been hit with three obstacles and overcome two of them within a couple of weeks. I only have the results of the biopsy and laparoscopy which I should find out tomorrow. Given the odds, I'm pretty sure I'll feel good about the outcome and my stress levels can further decrease. Fingers crossed.
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