Book number 2 for the week.
Had me enthralled prior to starting my week of evening shifts.
Definitely the new author discovery of the year thus far
Friday, January 10, 2014
Book Number Two - Case Histories
Book number 2 for the week.
Had me enthralled prior to starting my week of evening shifts.
Definitely the new author discovery of the year thus far
Saturday, January 4, 2014
Book Number One - I've Got Your Number
A re-read to begin the year of reading for 2014.
A quick, lovely, heart warming and charming read to ease my way back into this habit.
Here's hoping I meet my own Sam Roxton this year.
Thursday, July 25, 2013
When what you need falls into your lap
Desiderata - Max Ehrmann
Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy
Monday, May 20, 2013
A country tale
On an unseasonably cold February morning this fabulous lady found herself being exiled to the bush. Gone were the fabulous afternoons spent at the Paris end of town, clicking about in Louboutin heels with the aroma of Coco Chanel blessing all those who passed near. Instead shoes were traded for gumboots, the Paris end for the prairie and an odour that would never grace the likes of Coco.
Into each life some rain must fall, and this young lady found herself shielding from the floods. Suddenly, a career that had brought so much joy, passion and stability turned into an ordinary job. One that required dreading the alarm clock, the telephone and the setting and rising of the sun. A simple task to be completed to keep the bank accounts full rather than an endeavour to look forward to when leaving one's beloved home.
But it's always darkest before the dawn and wherever there is rain there must also be sun. Little rainbows appeared behind those stormy clouds. An adoptive family to be cherished, a group of workmates that were to be socialised with, nights out and red wine, the return of discipline, bird like poses on the bedroom floor and a passionate reacquaintance with the written word.
Universe, I am ready.
Into each life some rain must fall, and this young lady found herself shielding from the floods. Suddenly, a career that had brought so much joy, passion and stability turned into an ordinary job. One that required dreading the alarm clock, the telephone and the setting and rising of the sun. A simple task to be completed to keep the bank accounts full rather than an endeavour to look forward to when leaving one's beloved home.
But it's always darkest before the dawn and wherever there is rain there must also be sun. Little rainbows appeared behind those stormy clouds. An adoptive family to be cherished, a group of workmates that were to be socialised with, nights out and red wine, the return of discipline, bird like poses on the bedroom floor and a passionate reacquaintance with the written word.
Universe, I am ready.
Sunday, May 19, 2013
The lost year
As the feeling of Sunday night dread sets in, as yet another Monday morning and twelve others in a far away town await, I stumble upon this long neglected memoir of sorts and am compelled to document the lost year.
January
The final month of being sheltered in my chosen specialty. Friendships and admirationships of those who have gone before me - Miss Joyous, Miss Not-as-terrifying-as-she-wishes-to-portray, Miss No Nonsense. Lunch times in the sun at the nearby dumpling house, sneaking off for midday yum cha, warm nights frolicking around time, settling a major purchase. The perfect way to end the beginning of my career.
February
Growing up quickly in the Ivory Castle. Study schedules, an earnest (but failed attempt to keep up with the timetable), learning to multitask and be responsible for those below me. A month that passed all too quickly. Another valentines day without roses and the birthday of the golden ball of fluff that has enriched life beyond words.
March
Flying away from the eternal nest and moving in with a Cambridge sister. Nights (alternative) spent cultivating our culinary skills, sneaking away for a warm cooked meal in the prodigal home, an unexpected turn of events requiring a change of body clock and endless attempts at discipline that ended in procrastination.
April
Weeks on and weeks off at night and day. Days spent getting used to house noises at day time, howling winds and snuggling under the doona at day-night. Sneakily studying during the day, a close friendship with Miss Barbie and breakfasts when everyone else was at work.
May
More of the same as above. First times, scary times, lives almost lost but then saved. Losing respect for colleagues, lives endangered.
June
Back to every day life on the toughest team at IC. 12 hour days as the normal, orchestrating the riskiest of medical procedures. Blowing out candles on a lovingly made chocolate fudge cake by a new best friend. Progress made in study. Novels given up for a year.
July
Back on reverse body cycle but without the pleasure of Miss Barbie. Having to work with someone who I wish never to be like when I grow up. More lives almost lost, frustration at what could have been prevented with some competence and knowledge. Further attempts to study
August
The glory of holidays. A strict study and diet timetable. Rhubarb compote with porridge. Weeks in the Orient. Nights spent admiring athletic glory
September
Meeting some of the most amazing women in a specialty that I did not think I would ever come to love. Losing amazing women and feeling the heartache deep in my core. The start of 0300 mornings.
October
More of the above
November
Finally a break from the heartache and sadness. Those above me sharing picnic lunches, bread and alcohol somehow combining into one, solo procedures, putting up with the insane.
December
More study. Boxing day sales. Another Christmas day not spent at home. Meeting amazing teachers and a passion for something that certainly did not come naturally.
January
Eat. Sleep (a little). Study (a lot).
Panic and anxiety
Here's to the rest of 2013 with stories worth documenting.
January
The final month of being sheltered in my chosen specialty. Friendships and admirationships of those who have gone before me - Miss Joyous, Miss Not-as-terrifying-as-she-wishes-to-portray, Miss No Nonsense. Lunch times in the sun at the nearby dumpling house, sneaking off for midday yum cha, warm nights frolicking around time, settling a major purchase. The perfect way to end the beginning of my career.
February
Growing up quickly in the Ivory Castle. Study schedules, an earnest (but failed attempt to keep up with the timetable), learning to multitask and be responsible for those below me. A month that passed all too quickly. Another valentines day without roses and the birthday of the golden ball of fluff that has enriched life beyond words.
March
Flying away from the eternal nest and moving in with a Cambridge sister. Nights (alternative) spent cultivating our culinary skills, sneaking away for a warm cooked meal in the prodigal home, an unexpected turn of events requiring a change of body clock and endless attempts at discipline that ended in procrastination.
April
Weeks on and weeks off at night and day. Days spent getting used to house noises at day time, howling winds and snuggling under the doona at day-night. Sneakily studying during the day, a close friendship with Miss Barbie and breakfasts when everyone else was at work.
May
More of the same as above. First times, scary times, lives almost lost but then saved. Losing respect for colleagues, lives endangered.
June
Back to every day life on the toughest team at IC. 12 hour days as the normal, orchestrating the riskiest of medical procedures. Blowing out candles on a lovingly made chocolate fudge cake by a new best friend. Progress made in study. Novels given up for a year.
July
Back on reverse body cycle but without the pleasure of Miss Barbie. Having to work with someone who I wish never to be like when I grow up. More lives almost lost, frustration at what could have been prevented with some competence and knowledge. Further attempts to study
August
The glory of holidays. A strict study and diet timetable. Rhubarb compote with porridge. Weeks in the Orient. Nights spent admiring athletic glory
September
Meeting some of the most amazing women in a specialty that I did not think I would ever come to love. Losing amazing women and feeling the heartache deep in my core. The start of 0300 mornings.
October
More of the above
November
Finally a break from the heartache and sadness. Those above me sharing picnic lunches, bread and alcohol somehow combining into one, solo procedures, putting up with the insane.
December
More study. Boxing day sales. Another Christmas day not spent at home. Meeting amazing teachers and a passion for something that certainly did not come naturally.
January
Eat. Sleep (a little). Study (a lot).
Panic and anxiety
Here's to the rest of 2013 with stories worth documenting.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Book Number One - The Lost Art of Keeping SecretsThe
The Lost Art of Keeping Secrets - Eva Rice
It took me almost a month to get through this book but boy was it a riveting read. Once I had a few hours to myself I simply could not put the book down. Can't wait to read more from the same author and I hope she brings these characters back for another book.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Book Number Forty Seven - Freakonomics
Freakonomics - Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner
Simply the best non-fiction I have read all year. A fascinating insight into our world from a whole new set of eyes. Loved this and can't wait to read part 2.
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