Socialized vs. Private??

I have wondered how to word this entry, because I don't want to come off as political, or "unpatriotic." Rather, I just want to point out some differences in a socialized vs. private healthcare setting. There are certainly positive and negative aspects to both. 

If there's anything I have learned working in Australia, is preventative medical care is key. 

Will result in less co-morbidities, healthier families, and less stress about hospital visits. 

Should healthcare be included as a basic human right? I do believe so. It should not just be for those who can afford private insurance, or for the employed. But who should be responsible to ensure everyone is cared for? That begs the real question. 

I do believe personal responsibility is the next key. People need to know their bodies, know their General Practitioner, know their family history, know their medications and why they take them.  

The first part is actually much easier- insuring everyone. Whether it's the government, or another form of money, if everyone is insured the easy part is done.

I think the next part, the most challenging thing for America will be changing an entire state of mind. Educating people that healthcare is a team effort- with players including medical staff as the coaches, and citizens of the world as all the players. If one player or coach doesn't pull their weight, then all members fail. 

The next best lesson I have learned is: that healthcare integrity is universal across the ocean. I count myself very lucky to have worked with an incredible team of healthcare professionals in the United States, and also to work with an equally smart, honest, hard-working group of professionals in Australia as well. All work for the common good of society, and all practice good medicine. 

Pest control in a world full of them...

I have indeed met my match.

Not many things scare me. In fact, more things should frighten me. Not the bungy, not skydiving, and certainly not moving to Australia (the people are entirely too friendly here for it to be scary at all!)

The MICE. 

Those little shits. 

They are little, but fast and furious. And sneaky little buggers. And they cause me to have chest pain. I can't sleep, I can't relax, and every time the wind blows I think the mouse is going to jump on my face. 

I tried to nicely shoo them away. Who am I kidding? Besides for a brief moment of consideration of the humane traps, I have been trying to rid my house of these evil beings for 2.5 weeks now. Now it's time to bring out the big guns, the Navy Seals of pest control. 

Maybe then, I won't have to sleep with the lights on, with shoes near my bed so I can throw them at places before I step on them. 

I suppose this is something I should get used to, living in Australia? No? 

Shanjean and Kelli's Thanksgiving Extravaganza!

I really have so much to be thankful for this year... in keeping with the theme, I would say as far as my Aussie life goes, I am oh so thankful to have found an American "mate" here, Shanjean, a Duke University Medical Student doing research here in Melbourne. Together, we have weathered the storms of awkward living arrangements, the Melbourne housing crisis, homelessness, and health care worker related culture shock. 

Even though we are quite content not in America right now, we knew we needed to properly bring a Thanksgiving holiday to Australia. After all, with English ancestry in all of us, we so have the common factor of being happy to be in our respective countries.

I now realize fully what goes into planning a Thanksgiving meal, and I am happy to report, we TRIED to go all out, but with lack of certain resources, it made for a slightly modified, better-than-the-average, Aussie style Turkey celebration!

What we wanted: 

Turkey, cooked, dressed, trimmed, and whatever else you do to the turkey made and baked by us. In two hours since it was NOT an Australian holiday and both of us had to work...

Gravy, also made from the turkey, homemade. 

Mashed Potatoes, freshly picked, mashed, and buttered to perfection. 

Sweet potatoes, only the recipe from Jean Snyders. And my favorite part of the meal...

Green Bean Casserole, keeping with the theme, homemade, with freshly picked green beans and onion...

Cranberry sauce, not from a can.

Pumpkin pie, yes- homemade crust, with homemade pumpkin as well...

Apple pie, same thing, only with freshly picked Australian Granny Smith Apples

Football: Would stream game online to have in the background and to nap to post-turkey

What actually happened:

Turkey, ordered from Rosie, the sweet African lady at the Victorian Market. A perfectly smoked, marinated to perfection turkey breast (turkey on a diet, not nearly as fat as our American turkeys!)..

Sweet potatoes: Yes, using Jean's recipe- never as good as mom's, but still, you get the picture...

Stuffing: homemade WITHOUT measuring cups, or taking into account the metric system... I think it worked....

Cranberry Spread: no, worse than cranberry from a can... but you get the idea. Had some dried cranberries on hand for those missing out on the flavor. 

Apple Pie bought from Woolworth's grocery store, heated up in pans to look like we made them... totally worked. 

Guest Appearance! My pet mice... they were also hungry, and since they can't show their face, decided scurry around the house like little rascals and make pests of themselves... oh those little shits.......

And it was all perfect! And I appreciate all our friends who came to the occasion and pretended they were celebrating Thanksgiving too! 

Also, would like to throw out a special tribute, to a special man- My Grandpa Jim, who turned 80 this week! Now for those of you who don't know his story, know that this man has given the world a great lesson on the resilience of the human spirit. He's a tough man, but a softie at heart. I am so thankful for his story, and for what his life has taught me about the true meaning of living. So thank you!

Medical Terminology/Slang

Australia vs. American Medical Terminology/Slang

Posturals vs. Orthostatics

Cannula vs. PIV(peripheral IV)

TOE vs. TEE (for Trans-esophageal Echocardiogram, who spells Esophagus, Oesophagus?!)

Gastro vs. Diarrhea

Panadol vs. Tylenol

Wee vs. pee

Mate vs. Sir

Bowel action vs. Bowel Movement

Registrar vs. Attending

Nasal prongs vs. Nasal Cannula

(Sorry for all the fecal references, part of my job!) 

Important Life Lessons 101

I am a firm believer that life experience will provide one with more lessons than any classroom can teach... so here is a list of things I have learned along the way- some good, and some- maybe not so good.

Housing Crisis: 

   Learned quickly that a flat/apartment complete with my own bathroom, bedroom set, and fantastic Australian flatmates doesn't appear magically. Therefore, many hours will be spent on gumtreee.com upon arrival into new city. 

Awkward Moments: see above. 

   Going into various stranger's homes, looking around.... but small chat does get less awkward after the 200th house....

Problem Solving:

   Dropping toothbrush, toothpaste, all contact lenses just bought from states, inhaler, retainer into hostel toilet isn't a total loss. Perhaps will meet a dashing Australian optometrist....?

Socialism:

   There are no more tears in the pyxis room at work. Everyone helps out. And no, that crazy lady in the hallway fingerpainting with her poo isn't just YOUR responsibility. 

Nutrition:

   It's not ok when you are homeless to eat lolli's for meals. Will result in nutritional deficiencies, leg cramps, and exhaustion.

Homelessness:

   Even Lonely Planet messes up sometimes with recommendations. Because the hostel they say "everyone stays here for weeks because it's so homey" may not be that hospitable. A park bench may be safer than some beds. And syphilis can be just as airborne as swine flu.... 

Patient Population:

   Neurological patients are the same universally. Inappropriate. Getting yelled at in English is one thing, or Spanish. But Italian and Greek may be different. Especially when other patient's can translate. "Um nurse, that patient just told her to go get stuffed..."

Accents:

   "What part of Canada are you from?" 

   "The Southern part. South Dakota. you know, the United States?"

Skin Care:

   A hole in the ozone layer does result in much higher levels of UV exposure. Never leave home without sunscreen.

New Life Motto:

   Work to live, don't live to work. 

Public Transportation:

   ... Is a game... and inefficient. Walking is much more time friendly.

Aging:

   As a result of walking everywhere: Swollen feet, sore muscles!  Must get TED hose... 

To be continued....

New Levels of Bravery... or Pathetic?

So moving to a new city of 3.3 million is a little more of a daunting task than my South Dakota mind had grasped upon leaving the midwest. I mean, you have to find friends, accommodation, a "usual" coffee place, a place to cut your hair, etc. It's not as if you land in a new country, go home to a furnished, organized flat in the most beautiful part of town, close to your work, because you don't have a car....

Haha, so goes my life in Melbourne... I wish I could report I had a home, a usual coffee place, and a great hairdresser. Haha what I have found is this city is pretty damn amazing- anything goes- people don't judge here (except for the homeless woman who asked for money while I was on my run, and when I say no, she told me I needed to wash because I was smelly...). 

Week 1 in Melbourne consisted of flat hunting... yeah that's about all it entailed. It came to the weekend, and my two friends in the city were working, so I decided I would try something new.... go to the bars alone.

I have nothing against people who go to bars, movies, restaurants alone. However when I do see them sometimes I ask them join me, because sometimes even bad company is better than no company. Luckily I felt comfortable enough in Melbourne to experiment...  if it was a disaster, then I would just never show my face again...

New travel tradition: Christen the town by going to the Irish Bar. There are plenty of Irish Bars in Melbourne, so off to the finest Irish Bar in Fitzroy, a funky suburb of Melbourne. I immediately spotted a Bulmer's - a sure sign- ordered it, and quickly scanned the place for the perfect place to plant my feet... "no spots at the bars... no open tables... I will have to join someone else's... ok... this is awkward... just walk over.... ok I'm here, talk to me!" I realized I was the only one in the bar not nearing retirement, and the men at the table by me looked at me strangely. So I did the only awkward thing I knew how to do, and pulled out my travel journal. I acted really busy ( I wasn't) and chugged the Bulmer's and sped my way out of there. 

As soon as my feet in the outside pavement, I started laughing at myself... "that was soooo awkward." But I was determined....

Next place: Wine bar down the street. Got good vibes walking by. Lots of people inside. Spots at the bar. Perfect!

I quickly ordered a wine- A New Zealand wine for luck- sat a table by the bar, scanning the crowd. There were couches and people working on laptops, so I figured the journal was more appropriate now. 

By the end of the first glass of wine, the bar was filled with couples. Yes, it was date night (Friday!) and I was the creepy girl in the corner. What the hell though, I will just have another glass of wine... 

By the end of the second glass, no one was looking approachable, unless I wanted to get advice on dating in Melbourne. Apparently I was not approachable either... time to move on! 

Last bar of the night. It had a lot of people, and I could just blend in... or stick out like a sore thumb. I walked in, marched right up to the bar and ordered my Bulmer's.... and waited, and waited.... scanning the crowd.. .maybe I'll just have to go talk to them. 

Finally someone looked approachable. A nice engineering student from RMIT. I wish I could say there were fireworks, or butterflies... instead it consisted of some nice conversation about record players, engineering, and really bad music. 

Lesson of the night: Be careful who you meet when you are desperate for company.

And the adventures of the South Pacific continue everyday! It's a beautiful life.... 

The End of an Era...

well kids, another day has dawned, another era has ended in the traveling world of Kelli and Kelli.

Haha, before we get too sappy here, let's remember the fun we had, and all that lies ahead....

My New Zealand chapter ended on Thursday, not regretfully, but with some tears, some consideration that "what if I just got a job here and lived here." Now we all know that would be a terrible idea, being that the ultimate goal, the big GEM was always Australia, and I have to go....

SO HERE I AM!!!! Not to assume that I don't want to be here. It just took getting on the plane to realize it is where I am meant to be. I am grateful for every single second I had in New Zealand, woudln't have done ONE thing differently- even the fines listed below.

So the chapters close, for now, but are never done, because as we all know, people may be in your life at one point, and just when you think you will never see them again, they appear.

Now begins the true test of my love of the South Pacific! We all know I can holiday out here and adore every moment- but can I live, work, and be a PRODUCTIVE member of society?

I think the answer is yes!

I will let you know how that goes on Monday... or perhaps my new co-workers will....

I fought the law....

And the law won....

Getting in trouble in the country is a rather unique experience. There's no anger, no begrudging- just a "hey, here are the rules, you broke them, pay our infringement fine, and then please go on your merry way. And hey, enjoy your holiday!"

List of unnecessary fines incurred while in the country:

Border control infringement fine of $200. Offense: Failure to remove or finish consuming half eaten chicken CROISSANT from LAX. 

Waiheke Scooter fine $105, loss of mirror and light indicator. 

NZ Tourism Toll Fine of $26. Failure to stop and pay toll fee. Wait, we didn't know we HAD to stop and pay the toll fee at the non-existent toll booth. They really had cameras? 

Speeding ticket: Pushing 79 in a 50 km/hr zone. Just trying to get to Queenstown. Despite the speeding, it still took us 14 hours to get somewhere when it takes the locals 8.5....

Rental Car fine: unknown. Returning our shitty Toyota Corolla named Candy not full of gas. We were pressed for time, almost missed a bus... 

Parking ticket fine: $40....Wellington, NZ... offense: not being able to read.... 

All important, and expensive lessons in the journey of travel and life. Thank goodness for the oh so strong American dollar, as these fines end up not hurting the bank account too much :/ I think New Zealand is trying to tell us to leave, but I think I am in love anyway :)

WWOOF-ing

Despite being born in an agriculture and farming state, I know my level of knowledge in both those fields is rather pathetic. Imagine the shock my mother had when I said I was working on an organic farm for the week in New Zealand....

Bob and Jennie Crum own an organic blueberry farm just outside of Renwick, NZ in the South Island. Kelli and I looked into WWOOF-ing (Willing Workers on Organic Farms) for A) the experience B) to learn more about organic farming and C) to be in New Zealand longer....

Throughout the week, we have:

- Shelled walnuts for 4 hours, making them more marketable at the local farmer's market

- Moved "biosea" - a natural ingredient used to enrich soil fertility so the use of chemicals is not needed

- Shoveled sawdust onto blueberry plants- blueberry plants will prosper in acidic soil

- Raked up grass, also placed back onto the blueberry plants- nothing goes to waste

- Weeded out the blueberry plants- no competition for these guys!

Other experiences:

- Cooking, a foreign concept to me, the Crums provided us with a nice "blueberry cottage" with all the ingredients to make any meal, my first creation: Lentil burgers (I forgot an ingredient, but they were edible anyway..)

- Baking: We wanted to show our hosts what we learned, so we made blueberry brownies from scratch.... they were almost as good as mom's....

-Vineyards: We are in the wine capital of New Zealand, Marlborough.... also known as 'heaven' to wine-o's. 

- Biking, is a common past time in these parts

- Political science: Bob is a political buff and soaks up information like a sponge. And since he's from America, he has a lot to discuss with us about American politics!

I guess the point of this is to teach not that one should support the organic industry for any other reason than they preserve soil for use for generations, rather than ruining soil with the use of chemicals. We all have an obligation to take care of our earth, and keep it healthy.....

Reasons to fall in love....

Here are just a few of my favorite things, about the Great White Cloud (New Zealand)... and why I love this place....

1- Tourism, no warnings, no labels, no liabilities, no worries. 

2- Milk Bottles, the best "lolli" (candy) ever.... you can eat heaps of them at a time!

3- Guides, Guides, Guides (be it a rafting guide, glacier guide, anything... male....)..... so passionate about the environment....one will be my future husband

4- Maori Culture. Integrated into daily life of both English and Maori descent. 

5- "No Worries" attitude. Everyday is good. Everyone is happy!

6- Kumara Chips

7- Adventure.... you never know what you are getting into... until you squeeze yourself into a wet suit and find yourself in the ocean searching for a dolphin....

8- Recycling. No holes in the ozone layer will be because of the clean Kiwis!

9- Transportation..... learning to entertain oneself with lack of radio station, CD player... MP3 hook up...... 

10- Accents. Accents. Accents. 

New Zealand tourism....

.... Is a Gold Mine, in fact. This truly is a playground for travelers, endless possibilities, and endless adventures. Why this place isn't completely flooded with tourists all the time is a mystery to me.

I should note some comparisons made to US tourism/culture, and NZ tourism. There is much to contrast, actually....

Kelli and Kelli, two AMericans decide to rent scooters. What is required? A short drive around a field to prove we aren't completely incomptent. What is not required? Driver's license, test, vision test, etc. So we cruised an island for 12 hours, sharing the road with cars and trucks. Our only instruction? Have fun!

Since the scooters were so fun, and we mastered left-side driving so fast, we decided the country would be be explored by rental car, as there is no "Deutsche Bahn" in NZ. Again, no background checks, although they did ask to see our US driver's licenses. Our only instruction as we drove off in our Toyota Vitz (affectionaly known as 'Vikki' now) was "no smoking, otherwise, it is good. No worries!"

Sand duning: one of the most popular spots in NZ said our handy Lonely Planet guide. As we cruised up to the top of NZ, we expected signs pointing to the sand dunes. Nothing except a petrol station marked "last petrol before the Cape," in other words, if you make it to the top, you better have enough petrol to get you back down!

Lucky Vikki gets excellent gas mileage (we aren't sure how many km to the litre she really gets) and we soon found ourselves staring at the face of many sand dunes in the middle of a dense forest. Where is the ticket booth? The warnings of iminent death if rules are not followed? The waiver? The directions!? and of course, the sand boards?!

Insert Sandwoman, the holder of the sand boards, located on a farm just 7km off the beaten path of the sand dunes. She lent us the boards, took our name, and sent us on our merry way with a reminder "Bring those back like good girls!"

Back to the dunes we went. Unsure of how these work, we spent 30 mins trying various positions to get us down the sand dune. We weren't moving. We tried running starts. Nothing. It was then we realized we really had to climb these sand dunes (imagine a snow hill, at a 15 degree angle). After sweating our way to the top, we tumbled down the mountain, in our boards. At the bottom there was sand in our hair, our shoes, our fingernails, everywhere. But the biggest thrill of the trip!!

So here are more reasons I love NZ, and in it's way, it's innocence. The people here have a sense of trust in the human race, and truly want us all as visitors to enjoy their country.

As long as, of course, you do not try to sneak chicken croissnats into the country....

The Kiwi Experience... thus far...

Has been memorable, eventful, and full of twists and turns, as we figured it would. The journey over here nearly didn't happen due to lack of organization and planning on our part, and also due to lack of knowledge on behalf of American Airlines of New Zealand immigration laws, which of course we read thoroughly.....

Enter SFO, 2pm, with a 4:20 scheduled departure time. Yes, a little later than we had anticipated, considering neither of us knew which airline we were departing on (I think it's Alaskan air.... or Air Pacific..) wrong on both. 

Put us in American Airlines check-inn center, once again, panting, short of breath, and sweating under our well-planned out "flight outfits." 

"You cannot check in for this flight without a return ticket" declared the attendant. 

In my head I knew with about 65% certainty that was not true. All the immigration department required was a passport, and proof of funds to feed yourself AND get yourself out of the country within a timely manner. 

"You must phone Air Pacific and check," which was the airline we were flying into Auckland with. "You have their phone number, correct."

Of course we didn't. At this point we do trust the system enough to assure that they would contact us should our flight be delayed/cancelled/changed for any reason. 

She magically found the phone number, and of course Kel and I were correct in our reasoning for not purchasing return tickets. 

We raced through security, and found ourselves sitting in our assigned seats just as the flight was boarding. 

Which brought us to LAX, where we savored final moments with our cell phones, phoned our favorite people, and cried over the thought of not seeing them for such a long time. We reiterated this was all a part of the plan, the plan much bigger than us. 

Air Pacific became our home for the next 24 hours, and surprisingly, they provide comfort and great service for people traveling so far. I can say it was the shortest 11 hour journey I have ever undertaken, and I did not even need the Benadryl tucked away in my luggage which I forgot to grab before we checked in. 

Upon nearing the Island of New Zealand, we watched a brief, but informative video on entrance into New Zealand. The message: "we patrol some of the toughest borders in the world." We kind of chuckled at that thought as in my head, I imagine New Zealand as two Islands of fun, happiness, and a care-free attitude.

New Zealand is an agricultural country, with it's greatest resources being exports of it's natural resources, fruit and dairy products, wool, wood, and paper products. It's citizens take great pride in protecting it's ecosystem. Little did we know, bringing any seed item or meat threatens New Zealand's natural ecosystem. Not that we had any in our possession except for Kelli's apple bought at LAX, and we certainly did not plant to plant it in a remote location and grow a new kind of apple. 

Rick, one of the MIF border dogs, managed to locate Kelli's apple, and it was kindly taken away. Now we just had to get through a series of questions, and an x-ray of our luggage before being "free."

Not so fast- an old smashed chicken croissant was discovered in Kelli's carry on, and we were promptly taken away to an area where the questioning began, the the most politeful way:

"WHere did you get this croissant?"

"Did you pack your own bag?"

"Why didn't you declare this croissant?"

"What are your intentions in New Zealand?"

Luckily, they only slapped Kelli on the wrist based on "forgetfulness" and gave her a $200 fine/entrance fee, and we were free to go, not without registering into the New Zealand agricultural network.... hopefully there are no more offenses to follow....

In all, it's been a great experience, even the customs police, because they were so pleasant even as we got into trouble. Aucklanders, also known as JEFA's, are some of the friendliest, diverse people in the world. Auckland has the highest Polynesian population of any city in the world, and there is a huge European, Pacific Island, and Asian influence here. We are here to bring the American influence.

More to come, oh there is so much more to come.... 

Greetings from the International Dateline.... where did Friday, Sept 4 go? Lost somewhere over the Pacific between Cali and Fiji, where I currently sit, sipping Fijian coffee, surrounded by mountains, international company, and the friendliest people in the world! 

And so it goes....

The journey has begun, phase 1 began last night with the ending of my career at the Nebraska Medical Center. No one ever thinks they are going to cry leaving a job that involves more feces, mucous, and other bodily discharges than any other career in the world. The patient's decided to give me a proper send-off, and secreted more bodily discharges than usual, leaving me to spend most of my day ensuring my patient's had shiny, ulcer free rear ends, and treating their TB, MRSA, and other communicable diseases.  I love my job, maybe that's why I cried all the way to my car, but man, this vacation will be essential to preventing early onset nursing burn-out....

Now, my address is South Dakota- and I will spend the next 4 days attempting t0 convince my mom and dad that I am not 'crazy.' Chance of success is minimal, so instead I will scare my mother as I move all my personal belongings into her basement. And maybe tell her at the end there is no plane ticket to New Zealand, but I just needed an 'in' to living in her basement.... hahahah it's funny, but really not!

After that, it is all in God's hands. But wait, it always is. 

My Country 'Tis of Me, Sweet Land of Liberty....

...Of Thee I sing...

I should have celebrated Independence Day with a little more jubilation than I did- I am afraid to admit, it's 10pm on 4 July, and I am about to retire the computer for the evening and head to bed- in full appreciation of all the American citizens exploding fireworks in around me.  And very, very thankful to be in America right now. :)

The times they are a changing....

Oh yes they are.......

At some point, my "stable"  (haha!) life in Omaha changed, and now I am remembering what it is like to be a traveler, so soon, I can once again, join the ranks as an explorer. It's been a long time coming, and I am prepared for the challenge. 2 weeks from now: move out of apt and become homeless....

Just spend 12 glorious days with Katrina- friend from Greece, and showing her the sights and the sounds of American life- which all include baseball, beer, jag, dinner parties, shopping, "clubbing...." It's been so wonderful to have her here- she's a consistent reminder of why it's important to travel. 

And now, I once again wake up to an empty apartment- no more houseguests, no passed out bodies lay across the living room, and with it, a strange cleanliness which this apartment rarely sees. Now, life is a daily reminder that things will inevitably change...

Still have received no word on the status of my Nurses Board Application. Just shot them an email today to see how many more corrections I have to make to my name on my application.  I realize, I am getting slightly nervous. In the end though, I have a plane ticket (one-way), a backpack, and enough funds to grant me food or housing as I backpack across New Zealand... The rest will fall into place, it always does. 

Still Crazy After All These Years....

"And we talked about some old times

And we drank ourselves some beers

Still crazy afler all these years

Oh, still crazy after all these years"

Thank you Paul, once again for your brilliant words!

This weekend was proof that the K-Team still has it. Luckily we haven't been sucked too deep into the world of work, responsibility, and insurance to do a little traveling and take on yet another town. 

Enter St. Louis, Saturday afternoon. Neither of us had any previous Missouri experience (oh wait, that choir trip to Branson, MO seven years ago...) but St. Louis remained unchartered territory. In typical fashion, we arrived in sweat pants after the 7 hour drive, our excitement increased 10-fold from the carmel apple suckers that now accompany every road trip. Map quest brought us without incident directly to the bottom of the famous Arch in downtown St. L. Not quite dressed appropriately for this occasion, we transformed ourselves from grungy pajama-wearing slobs into classy, sophisticated 20-somethings ready for the town. All in 2.4 seconds. In our car. A few snapshots later, we had accomplished the feat of experiencing yet another worldly wonder (we have our own 297 wonders of the world) and declined a ride to the top in favor of beers at a nearby bar (the ride was sold out anyway...) 

Walking through downtown St. Louis gave me a sense of downtown Sioux Falls- quiet and cute. Not what we were looking for. Especially since we had Paul Simon on our mind, and had been anxiously awaiting his live concert for our entire lives. Walking through, we couldn't find a place that was calling our name... Mutch says "hey let's keep walking and wait for a sign."

4 seconds later:

"Ladies! half price beers!"

That's all we needed. Into the bar we go. There was a sign of Rachel Ray on the front as this place's pizza was featured on her show. Must be a good place.  Insert 4 U.S. Army men. they had gotten weekend passes of the base and we could sense their excitement/freedom. 

"Girls! we haven't seen a girl in months!"

Creepy.... I thought. But Mutch was entertained, and I figured I could enjoy some entertainment as well. After conversation about Ninja skills, and their lack of female companionship, we set off, not willing to miss a second of Paul. And of course an exchange of numbers we would later regret.

Arriving in Fox theater prompted me to immediately text my mother and tell her to get her butt to St. Louis and check out all the dashing middle-aged men flocking the theater. Most of them were accompanied by equally beautiful wives or mistresses, but some were free agents. We quickly realized we were the youngest patrons at the event, and our creepy scope of the social hour only made us look like desperate golddiggers. Unless we wanted a lesson on colonoscopys or AARP, we decided to limit conversation with fellow patrons to just about Paul Simon. 

Sometimes when experiencing something so great and anticipated- like a wedding, or graduation- it's hard to believe at that moment that you are experiencing it. Sometimes I feel like it's an out of body experience. Now, I adore Paul Simon and had many of his songs on my IPOD. Part of my drive to see him though, is his legend, and his influence on the music world as it is today. So when he entered stage, I couldn't believe I was seeing Paul Simon... it's sort of unreal. One of his songs has been on my most played for a while because of it's significance to leaving. It's the Father and Daughter song. I had decided long ago those lyrics must be given to my father upon my departure (don't worry, I am saving Billy Ray and Miley for mom!) When Paul started singing the words it brought the first wave of incredible sadness that I have about leaving my family. It reminded me how important family is. I couldn't do ANYTHING without the love of my family.

"I'm gonna watch you shine, I'm gonna watch you grow. 

 I'm gonna paint the sign, so you'll always know

 As long as one and one is two, 

 there will never be a father who loved his daughter more than I love you."

Mutch pointed out that whatever the reason, or the season, Paul has words which can bring you great comfort, or joy. Or in my case, great sadness. These words can put into meaning what I cannot do. Once again, thank you Paul.

The concert was a brilliant display of true talent that withstands the test of age. I hope some of the artists of today can continue to display talent well into their golden years like Paul has. Who knows, maybe we'll find ourselves going to Britney Spears 40 years from now....

We de-classed as quickly as possible after the show, and found ourselves in an equally unclassy part of St. Louis. "We went from classy to trashy so quickly." Stated Mutch. The pouring rain did not help "class factor" (frizzy hair), although I still don't understand how every other girl out had sleek and shiny straight hair...

Despite our drowned rat appearances, we painted the town red, in typical Kelli fashion. There is no away around it. And we got up early, started the long journey back to Nebraska. And also in typical Kelli style with the comment: 

"If only Joan and Jean knew...."

No Worries Mate!

For some reason, what I was expecting out of a phone interview with a "ward" in Australia is not quite what happened. I thought they would ask many more questions about surfing, vegemite, and my travel goals. While they did ask those questions, they also asked some clinical situation questions- who would have thought?

Corey: "You are taking care of patient X and he has central------ poly----- myelinosis. What do you need to know in order to take care of this patient?"

Me: Um, can you repeat that disease process?"

Corey: "Central ------ poly------ myelinosis."

I start to sweat balls when I realize this is not a disease process I have even heard of, let alone know anything about. I ponder if I should make some deductions based on central: central nervous system. Poly: many?. Myelinsos: Degenerative disease process of the myelin on the central nervous system? But what are the clinical indications? Is it quickly progressing? Or slow, like MS? 

I ended up taking the easy way out and saying since I clearly don't know what this is, I would have to look it up before taking part in any sort of care of this patient. 

"No worries, mate!" replied Corey.  Ha, I hope so! And I hope that is the mantra of life in Australia- no worries!

P.S. He also stated- everyone gets 6 weeks paid vacation and one day off per month! And 8 hour shifts.... And the Board of Nursing in Victoria establishes a patient: nurse ratio that cannot be exceeded. I appreciate that, and firmly believe in order to prevent unnecessary errors, every Board of Nursing should do the same. 

That's all for now! Happy St. Paddy's Day!

Sir Isaac and Tater tot!

These two magnificent boys deserve a blog all their own (actually their mother has one, check it out!) However, I feel I owe these two an entry dedicated solely to them!

This week, I had a abundance of days off and in order to break the monotony of multiple days off (by the way, I have a FABULOUS day-off routine!) I hopped in the car and headed up to SD to see my two favorite boys!!

Isaac (2 1/2) also known as "Sausik" or "cute" is just a bundle of life! Sometimes it is overwhelming for those around him (we were once asked to excuse ourselves from church with Isaac) however he truly has been given a gift not everyone has. Everything in life is exciting and new and MUST be touched, jumped in, thrown, or screamed at. Obstacles don't matter, and certainly mom and dad's time-outs don't ever break his spirit. Don't get me wrong, this kid is an angel... most of the time. My wish for him is that no one will EVER break his spirit, tell him he can't accomplish something, or diminish his love for new experiences. Hugs and kisses are rare from this child- he would rather be playing, singing, laughing, or dancing. However, a hug and a kiss from Isaac are one of my favorite things. And very genuine. Except when he wants something. Ok, he's two, and he's a genius!

Tater (Cayden,) just turned 1 yesterday, and he is also my godchild. I identify with Cayden because he is the second born, much like myself. Isaac is much like my sister was a child (so I am told) and Cayden is much more quiet, and much more a mama's boy, like I was. My sister handled her first born not being a clinger SO well, she definitely deserved Cayden. Cayden is easily dominated by Isaac, however he has a quiet determination, that will surely give him extraordinary gifts! Cayden will not be one to stay in the shadows, he will also do amazing things with his life. He is also one very special gift from God, just inquire about the story of his birth!

I write this because well, this blog is dedicated to my quest for Australia. On Thursday, when I drove back from Sioux Falls, for the first time in my whole entire life, I felt a part of my heart hurting. Hurting for the things I will miss, and wishing I could have the best of both worlds. I wish I could go off and see the world and have my family present with me. However, I go back to the quote from the "Alchemist" about how true love does not stop us from pursuing our dreams, but those in our lives who truly love us, will support us, and be present on that journey to our dreams. A constant battle in my head is that I want to be a large part of their lives, however I don't feel as though South Dakota is my home right now. Maybe someday. God has something in store. He always does!

That feeling is one always in the back of my mind, and I am aware of what I am leaving, and what I will miss. That doesn't stop the excitement of the unknown, and all the new people and things that will be a part of my life. I think this is a quote of my Grandma Ruth's which said "the world is full of friends we haven't met." 

Life is a journey, and happiness is a journey. 

Sorry for the sentimental post. Don't know what overcame me. I am tearing up as a type this. Ridiculous!

Letting the cat out...

So... we have plane tickets. Well sort of. We have a one-way ticket from San Fran to Auckland, NZ. Still need to work out some minor details, such as getting to Frisco, and then onto Oz. Hell, we don't even know where we are going in Oz. Hopefully somewhere with sandy beaches, lots of Aussie men, and maybe a place to work. Minor details such as getting to Frisco, and what we will actually do while "backpacking" in NZ are simply minor details. 

First challenge (after the plane tickets) was telling the family. God Bless them all, but I think they fail to understand the depth of my obsessions. I am quite different than all of them and I used to believe I was switched at birth. but as I grew, I gradually began to notice a slight physical resemblance to the rest of my family. But they don't seem to share my enthusiasm for messes, lack-of-plans, and all-in-all flying by the seat of one's pants. Wasn't sure how they would handle my plans on living in the South Pacific. That "cat" came out with little drama. Thank you mother and father. Once that cat came out, came the next hard part... telling my boss 8 months before I leave that I want to live in Australia. So for those of you who MAY wonder why I want to go to Australia, I will give you a slight rundown...

- No husband

- No children 

- No commitment

- Pure insanity

I have also learned in my life that life is made to be lived. Houses are meant to be lived in, cars are meant to be driven. Clothes are made to be worn, and and your body is certainly made to be run down. The world is meant to be seen and enjoyed by all. You never know when life can change, or how long you have on this earth. I truly believe every person should have a bucket list, and it should be pursued with every chance. I don't think i will make it to every country, or every great wonder of the world, but I certainly hope to make a dent... better get moving.