Home!

Well I am getting closer to actually settling in to have a space of my own and unpack my bags. It has been a long time coming. It is interesting what things become important when starting with basically nothing. After getting a mattress, my next big buy was a mini trampoline, and an exercise ball. Hopefully I can get into a routine to use it too; otherwise I will have sacrificed a couch for unused exercise equipment. With the blank walls I feel there is a lot of potential for some sort of artistic expression. If I create anything exciting I will send pictures. So far the tie dyed sheets are it for artistic expression. In the picture you see the open space from 3 sides. behind the walls with tie dy is my room. It was meant to be 2 small rooms but I was able to rent the place before they finished the renoes so it is one bigger room. By the kitchen is the bathroom and laundry place (not machine just sink and one of my purchases is a wash board. It's also mu goal for my abs!!)
Other than the cabinets in the kitchen there are no closets (good thing I don't have much!). The best storage is Tupperware and other plastic containers so I am slowly acquiring different sizes and colors. The place is quite open and I feel very much at home in the space (I can even do some regular exercise like skip, jog on the tram, and stretch on the ball).
Although there is only one window, there is good air flow and the place seems relatively cool. I was in the place when it started to pour rain as well and so far it also seems dry. The open ceiling seems to work to let in light and air but not the rain!
So far I have carried most things home bit at a time so it is nice to have time to gradually get settled. There are many children on this street and they are very welcoming. I have heard many times "What's your name", and they have remembered mine while I am just figuring out how I will ever remember theirs. (maybe by the end of the year or maybe I will give them name tags). My walk to work is very pleasant, I feel like I am in a city with many conveniences but also enjoy the country feel when I go by open fields, and farm animals. The walk home is a little busier on the streets with traffic (so I have given up my unrealistic fear of snakes for the very real potential of getting run over.)
I have found a good weekly activity, some of my coworkers go regularly to the sports comlex. I haven't got a close up picture of the soccer nets or the grass but I'll just say that I wont have anything to complain about when I get home. I think the field is not used that often for soccer but it is a good place to hang out and My coworkers are already becoming wise to the joy of kicking the soccer ball. The picture did not turn up that well. I will try again.
The track is also really cool. I can run without fear of dogs and traffic and there is a bit of spring in the track. My new fitness passion for the next year is track running. Well I better go.
Thinking of back home and all of you.

at work

Hi
I am having a bit of a break at work today. In the picture you can see I am wearing my scrub tops. It helps the patients know I am a PT and I am there to work. On occations when I don't wear them, and forget to introduce who I am, the patient will sometimes ask if I am a doctor. I guess I get pretty descriptive in the treatments. (Other times they probably just wonder - who is this person?)
I am also sipping at my ice coffee. Yes my drink of choice at work. I haven't given up the coffee but I had to give up the hot. You may notice I've been sweating and look a bit haggared. It is hard work especially with the children but even more it's just hot today. I was sweating before the day started.
Well I have asked Ati Bing if I could take her picture while she was making our merienda (snack) for the afternoon. It will take time to adjust to what NO merienda when I come home, I especially enjoy the home made snack. Today is apple pancakes.
Many of the pictures above are from my weekend trip with a friend I met here. We were able to enjoy this privot resort with everything from a morning swim in the pool, relaxing time, fun company, and great food (that's me making a special dish that requires pounding with the stick, actually I stepped in for the final pound or two!). On the saturday we were out on the ocean fishing. Across the world fishing stories all the same. Yes the big one got away. The next day we spent time at the falls; the drive was very nice and I thought of banff as we were approaching the montains. It was very interesting to see the rice fields at different stages of harvesting and to see the small farms at the side of the roads. At the falls the water is actually cool (I mean cool like a good thing) You could swim in different parts of the river and the sound of the falls was very relaxing while wild monkeys on the other side of the bank were entertained.
This week is busy, I am gathering the few essentials to get my place set up. Never thought I would get so stressed buying plates!
It's a bit overwhelling to know what I need or don't need and where to shop. I think I will start with a mini trampoline and cushions to sit on. I also had my first sleep in a hammock this weekend (that may also have to go on the must have list). I'm thinking there will be a lot of potential with the blank white walls and the red cements floors.