And so it begins again...

I started a new placement today working in the community. While in a way I am going to miss the freedom of research weeks, I do welcome a more structured schedule.

Today was a day of introductions and discussion on what it is I will be doing. This took up a great portion of the morning (well all of it actually).

The afternoon was spent getting prepping for a program that was running tonight. The program pairs local chefs together with teens giving this group exposure to cooking (among other things). I attended the actually cooking portion of the evening and had a chance to see how things ran. The evening wrapped up around 8:30 pm thereby concluding my first day (nothing like a solid first day at work)!

Working downtown shall definitely be an interesting experience...now if only I could find a cheap place to park...!

Cheers,

T.

When the Parents are on Vay-Cay...

I come home to dog sit!

I've been at my parent's place this past week looking after their little pooch, Mac. He's just over a year and pretty darn cute (even if he does bark at just about everything he sees).

Here's a photo of him:



Despite it being the middle of July, everything in the garden is full of colour. I took an opportunity today to snap a few photos in the back yard...


One of the many Hostas in the garden. Still wet from a brief rain shower.



I love the colour of this flower - so vibrant!



The "creek" at the back of the property. From time to time actual herons come to visit it!




Playing around with the features on my camera. Lavender in a planter box just off the deck.

The next few weeks are filled with all sorts of events. I shall try my best to keep this updated as best I can!!!

Cheers,

T.

Second Placement Done? Check!

Wow – it’s now just over a month from my last post. I’m completely finished my second placement and am now into my research weeks. I really did enjoy my clinical rotation...which really pleasantly surprised me!

I made a conscious choice not to post on this placement – I wanted to make sure that everyone’s privacy (both patients and members of the health care team) was respected.

I don’t want you to think that just because I didn’t write about my experiences, that I didn’t find them valuable...this is quite the contrary. I have learned SO much in just those four weeks. I’d like to share a few of the most important things that stuck with me:

- I was surprised to find that that I really enjoyed interacting with patients.
- I enjoy working with seniors. I find their life stories fascinating and could sit and chat with them for hours.
- I am in awe of the strength that patients show on their road to recovery. I only hope that if ever faced with the same situation, I would be as strong.
- Life doesn’t always go as planned but this doesn’t mean that you have to give up your dreams. Disabilities may change your life, but don’t necessarily end them.

All in all, it was an amazing experience and I really hope that each successive placement goes as well as my first two!

Cheers,

T.

Back Home in London...

I made it safe and sound back from Ottawa and am now (somewhat) settled back into my place here in London. I started my new placement on Monday and I can definitely say it is a completely different experience than my last one. The week has flown by and I honestly cannot believe that it is already Saturday afternoon. I've got so much to do before Monday and I'm not quite sure how it will all get done!

My trip home was rather uneventful. I stopped in the Toronto area to have a late lunch with two good friends and was back in London last Sunday for dinnertime.

Perhaps when things slow down a bit, I'll have a chance to catch up on some Ottawa topics that I didn't have a chance to write about while I was there.

Happy Saturday!

Cheers,

T.

Doors Open Ottawa

I couldn't have imagined a better way to spend my last day here in Ottawa then by taking part in Doors Open Ottawa. The weather was fantastic. It was sunny and warm with a light breeze which made walking from location to location quite delightful.

J and I had decided the evening before that we would focus on seeing Embassies and Consulates as these are typically not open to the public on a day-to-day basis.

We were able to view the Algerian and Croatian Embassies, the Brazilian Ambassador's private residence and the British High Commissioners Residence. Unfortunately all of these locations didn't not permit photography inside. We did however manage to get some nice photos of the exterior and gardens of many of the locations. Oh I almost forgot, we also got to meet in person (and shake hands) with the British High Commissioner and his wife!!! Pretty nifty eh?

Our first stop, the Algerian Embassy. A beautiful building with beautiful gardens. We were also treated to figs and wine as we left. Such wonderful hospitality!


Flowers in the garden of the Algerian Embassy.


"Wildlife" in the garden of the Algerian Embassy.

A photo in front of the Brazilian Ambassador's Residence.

In addition to these locations we also visited the Lester B. Pearson Building (headquarters of the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade [DFAIT]) and we had a chance to visit Rideau Hall and the surrounding gardens.

Holding the torch that will be used for the 2010 Olympic torch relay.

We were fortunate enough to be able to take a tour of the the building but had to wait a while before our tour time came up. With it being around the noon hour, J and I nipped back to a cute little shop called Sconewitch to grab some lunch. We bought AMAZING goat cheese, tomato and pesto scone sandwiches and headed back to Rideau Hall to enjoy them. If you are in Ottawa, stopping at a Sconewitch shop is a MUST!

The delightfully delicious scone sandwich.

During our tour of Rideau Hall we found out during the tour that Her Excellency (the Governor General) was actually in residence. Just like royalty, the flag of the Governor General is only flown when she is actually in the building.

The flag of the Governor General.


J and I in front of Rideau Hall.

As I write I'm in the midst of packing and watching the hockey game. I really cannot believe how quickly the time has gone. I will miss Ottawa and all that it has to offer yet at the same time, I am looking forward to seeing friends and family back home. While I have done a great deal while here, there is still so much I'd like to see. I guess this means that I'll just have to come back to visit!!!

Cheers,

T.

Canadian Forces Day - Run/Walk

I'm going to break with tradition and post out of sequence. I've officially finished my placement and I can't think of better way to cap off my four weeks then to participate in the annual walk/run for Canadian Forces Day. The walk took place downtown along the Rideau Canal and the weather couldn't have been more perfect.

All employees and their families were encouraged to participate in the event and as you can see, there were tons of people there!

Me with some of my co-workers!


The view looking ahead.


The view looking behind...look at all those people!!!!

It was a great day.

I'm off to take my two roomies out to a thank-you dinner. This weekend is Doors Open in Ottawa and so J and I will taking part tomorrow.

Happy Friday!

Cheers,

T.

Last day!

Well I've made it through my first rotation - yeah! Will post more on the week's events shortly.

Tomorrow is Friday - don't forget to wear your red.

Cheers,

T.

PS: A photo of parliament taken while I was waiting in the line for the tour.