I’m nearly done with my first week in the IT department. Wow, what a difference from working in the Unit. I’ve been in meetings almost constantly this week and it is a huge adjustment. When I’m not in meetings, I’m sitting in front of my computer. Needless to say, I am enjoying it. I’ll have a better idea of what my true role is in the next few weeks as I become much more comfortable in my duties.

Another thing on my mind is deactivating my Facebook. I rarely go on and I really don’t care enough to keep up with it. I might miss some people, but it’s not really like I communicate with most people. I find it easier to email. Who knows what I might do?

I finished my last shift in ICU for the next 6 months this morning and while I’m so excited to move on to the next adventure, I’m nervous about being away from the bedside. I’ve been a nurse for a very long time and to move to another position where I sit at a desk worries me. I’m hoping I’ll settle into the position quickly and enjoy the new challenges.

I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep right away so I went to the shops this morning to buy groceries. I spent way too much money in a very short time. From now on, no shopping after a long night shift.

I’m often asked for the differences in the names of medications here in Australia.

Here is a perfect example.

https://www.priceline.com.au/pharmacy-services/6-prescriptions

I’m making Christmas biscuits, AKA cookies, and listening to Christmas music as a major summer thunderstorm rages outside. It still seems odd that Christmas happens in summer, but I’m getting used to it. We decorated this morning and I’ll string the Christmas lights later tonight. My shopping is almost done. I have two busy weeks at work before my schedule calms down. I can’t wait until next Saturday.

It’s the official start of summer and I’ve had a busy few weeks. My Mum just flew back to the US on Tuesday and I’m back to work. Today is the first day of job sharing for me. I’ll be part time in the ICU and part time in my new IT position. In January, I start full time in IT for 5 months. I’m nervous and excited about this change in my career. I never imagined it going in this direction, but I can’t wait to see where it leads.

I had an amazing time with my Mum. After 2 years of being in Australia and not seeing my family, I was thrilled to spend time with Mum. It was a difficult goodbye for me as well. I don’t know when I’ll see her again. But I’m being positive and looking forward to the time when I can see her once more.

I can’t believe Christmas is just a few weeks away. I need to finish shopping ASAP so I’m off to the shops.

Australia really doesn’t celebrate Halloween. It’s is my 3rd year and I’m finding that I’m not missing the holiday as much as I had. The second year was the hardest. I hadn’t had anything pumpkin (American Pumpkin, not Aussie pumpkin). This year we are going out for a nice Mexican dinner. f

It seems that Australia is starting to embrace the idea of Halloween. There are parties all over the city, but few of them are actually on Halloween. Now I know that next year, we’ll have to plan far ahead.

One of my favourite places in the world is the Taronga Zoo.

Wow…I can’t believe I have been in Australia for 2 years already.

I touched down at 1140 am on 22/11/2012 after leaving the United States 2 days prior.

I remember being scared although my husband, then my boyfriend, was waiting for me on the other side of customs. My heart was racing. I was about to start a new life in another country. It was exciting and frightening all at once.

Now, I couldn’t be happier with my decision. I love Australia.

My job is amazing. I have great coworkers and wonderful patients.

In a few weeks, I’m taking a step forward in my professional life and will be taking on a new temporary role.

Everything is falling into place and I couldn’t be happier.

Living in Sydney is very expensive. I have to say it was quite a shock when I first arrived nearly two years. Although rent, food, and petrol is expensive, I found that my money goes further. I don’t have to pay for cable. I don’t have monthly car insurance payments. I pay once off yearly and then I don’t have to worry about it. I purchased a car with cash. It’s an old car and costs were low and in the end, it was much cheaper to buy an old car because a new car in Australia is just too expensive. Basically, I pay my rent fortnightly, pay for internet every month, and pay for electric and gas quarterly.

I found shopping at Aldi has cut my food costs significantly. I also buy from the cheaper food stores. I found that Coles has the some of the best prices when sales occur. I’ve cut out soft drinks from my diet. Holy Cow! $25 for a case of diet coke. It’s just ridiculous. But it has made me think about what I am purchasing.

I love not having to pay for cable. The free to air television is  nice. I found a few shows that I love to watch. The Aussie drama, Neighbours, is one of my favourites. We do get quite a bit of American TV here, but you do have to wait days to weeks to see it.

http://www.buzzfeed.com/simoncrerar/sydney-ruins-you-for-life?utm_term=4fn6cmj#3pr7c3