September 05, 2015

What led me to nursing?

I decided pretty suddenly to become a nursing student, it was 1st July 2013, art student, no idea how to get my life into career mode - when I decided to do something I never prepared myself for, to move my thoughts away from the creative area and become a healer of sorts instead.


I didn't like the sciences during high school, never did health subjects or anything to do with the human body, I couldn't wrap my head around it all (except I managed to get through philosophy, I don't understand my reasoning on that one). I was solely focussed on art, and that's ok, it is still my biggest passion. But that was almost 3 years earlier and maybe I could manage human sciences now. So I thought I'd give it a shot.

Whilst growing up I had huge interests in trying to make the world a better place, I had dreams of volunteering overseas to help people or animals, I wanted to make some kind of difference. I'd spend hours researching ways I could do that and places I could send myself to when I was old enough. Just to help build a building or cuddle animals or make a child smile somehow.

For many years I've been fascinated with spiritual and natural directions in health, natural products, stones, using your mind and thoughts as a powerful tool to a life you want. I wholeheartedly believe in these things, but only if you want it and feel a connection with it within yourself, it's not for everyone.

So I guess it's all these things, plus being a solid career, which led me to choose to give nursing a good go. I imagine being a nurse will give me a life of real experiences, real knowledge and confidence in myself to do so much. In March 2014 I began my Diploma of Nursing to be an Endorsed Enrolled Nurse, and it's been tough, but I'm almost finished and qualified! 6 more days and 3 weeks of clinical placement to go.

I have applied for university to study the Bachelor of Nursing for the next 2 years, leading me to be a Registered Nurse. I'm looking forward to it and I feel like it will be refreshing to be a uni student and delve deeper into everything I've learnt so far, and more.

I'm not sure where I want to be as a nurse just yet, I haven't found where that passion is through the areas I've been so far, but I'm looking down the path of midwifery, neonates, paediatrics, and maybe one day paramedics. That is where my mind goes when I think of being a nurse, and that is what makes me feel proud to be doing this.

EDIT: I also applied for a Grad Year position and I got it! So I will be deferring university while I complete my job as a grad nurse in 2016!

August 25, 2015

Snow

It doesn't snow here every winter, it basically never snows in my backyard, but some years we're lucky to get a day or two where the snow manages to land on the ground up in the higher altitudes. This is Mt. Franklin, a mountain in relation to the place I live anyway. It was a volcano, now extinct, but I think it's a pretty great mountain, it has a crater and pine trees and without driving 4 hours to the proper alpine region it's the closest you'll find. On one of those rare snow days it was thankfully a weekend and my partner, his family and myself could drive out to enjoy the thin layer of white stuff.























March 17, 2015

Autumn Folk


Autumn colours are my absolute favourite. Today is the perfect overcast, not too cold weather, and my heart is dancing with it. I'm wearing my green leggings to give a little ode to Ireland - not because I'm Irish or care about when Christianity arrived there - but because of the beauty of the land and my love of history and folklore.




  


March 13, 2015

Marching


I'm still here, I can't believe a month has flown by since I last posted.

I thought I'd do a quick wrap up of what has happened, I'm not sure it's much, but it's enough to drag me away from my computer and spare time.

01 | I went to the broadway show of The Lion King, it was spectacular, particularly the opening scene which made me cry for some reason! I think the giraffe and the music did it to me most - I mean, 'Circle of Life' kind of has that ability any old time, let alone with seeing such artistry right infront of you.

02 | The main reason I have been away is school, learning to be a nurse takes a lot of time out of your week - assignments, tests, study and many empty attempts at study - it takes its toll! But hopefully all it entails will be second nature one day.

03 | I haven't been feeling the best. I can often spend hours on my computer, doing whatever comes to me, but over the past three weeks I've been getting headaches and just simply cannot be bothered doing things on my computer. Three weeks though! Does anyone else get periods like this?

04 | I honestly can't think of much else! I photographed an engagement party and a 2nd birthday last month which I hope to post a couple of photos from soon. And just the usual hanging out with family, going for a day trip or two, just life strolling by.


It's Ben and I's two year anniversary this Sunday, maybe we will do something a little different for that. And I hope to get back to sharing soon, holidays are in two weeks which might help!

Have a great weekend. xx

February 16, 2015

Thank You, Sky Gods

Last night we had a storm, and it was spectacular. A brilliant orange covered the sky like a fire burning angrily in the distance; but the anger was in the sky. Flash after flash. Deep rumbling. Surreal, other-worldly sensations vibrating at their highest possible intensity. Incredible.









February 13, 2015

The Best Way to See Tasmania


If you ever plan on visiting Tasmania - which you should! - I can't recommend bringing your or at least a car, enough. Completely and utterly the best thing. And unless you are hiring from the airport - which means you can't bring all the camping and fishing gear you want (plus, baggage weight restrictions...) - the only good way to start a road trip of this magical state of Australia is on the Spirit of Tasmania.

Drive on from Port Melbourne, drive off at Devonport and you're on your way. Changing scenery, winding roads, wildlife and feelings of gratitude and awe are abundant!

My small but biggest secret for making the most of your overnight trip on the Spirit - wake up before dawn, explore the decks, go outside, and watch the sun rise from well below the horizon. Wandering the ship in the early morning light and air is the most gorgeous sight and sensation. Plus, if you're up and ready to go, you won't see any likely bathroom rush when the wake-up announcement comes on (we stayed in the recliner seat section which faces the back of the ship).













There are enough things on board to occupy your evening, here are a couple of things I did:

01 | Take advantage of the tourist info shop, there's plenty of pamphlets to more than likely get you all the way around Tassie, plus they sell National Park passes here, get one, you'll need it.

02 | Watch a movie in the cinema - there are two movies each night and they're a good way to fill in a couple of hours.

03 | Look around the souvenir shop, because souvenir shops are fun!

04 | Sit down and enjoy your mini-cruise! After all, if you've never been on a ship before it's an exciting experience, have a couple of drinks, watch the city lights as you depart, and relax for the evening.


I cannot wait to go back to Tasmania for another road trip, one of the best things I've done in my life so far. Have you been to Tassie before or been on the Spirit of Tasmania? If you have a post I'd love to see! Or if you've got any questions, go ahead and I'll do my best, I've got a couple of tips for the trip.