My laptop died...

I'm not too upset, I felt like killing it enough times myself. But while I'm waiting for the new one to be ready my only sources of internet are my phone and Mum's computer. So. That is all.

Workplace Assessment. Sigh.

I had a workplace assessment at the Vet Clinic today. I had a grand total of one hour's notice- I'm not sure if that's a good thing, less time to worry about it? Or just scary.. but I think it went ok. I still have a year and a half until I graduate and I'll have to have more assessments before then, but I guess it's good that the first one is over. I don't blog about either of my jobs much, mainly for the sake of the patient's and staff's privacy, but I thought a small update would be ok. :)
In other notes..
I've finished 10 books and Veterinary publications since term started 9 weeks ago. When I was a teenager all I did was read, and I loved it. I sort of ran out of time and patience for reading after high school, but I'm pushing myself to get back into it, and it's great. :)
It's Friday- and football night... go Tigers!!!
I've started a Classical Counter Conditioning program with Frank, for his fear of men. We've done 4 sessions so far and he has made some good progress. Still a long way to go and several frustrating setbacks, but he's worth it!!

High Tea.

The family and I went into the city for High Tea this afternoon. It's my Aunt's 50th Birthday and she wanted to go. As I suspected, not really my thing- being a non-tea drinker and a vegetarian it was pretty much a $40 scone. They put your napkin on your lap for you, and when you say you'll just drink water they ask if you want sparkling, distilled or bottle... ummm, tap? I don't know! It just all served to remind me how NOT posh and fancy I am. I was a little irritated (as I always am) that they did not allow dogs, so poor Spud had to stay home alone. We visited a pet merchandise store though and Dad bought me some Shih Tzu socks as an early Birthday gift.
All in all it was ok- slightly boring but when it comes to our family that's usually a good thing! And yes, that is a photo of the ceiling.
I have a day off tomorrow and I'm SO glad- I'm still sick and was off work most of last week unfortunately.

My Canine and my Shoes- a diary entry.

I've noticed that my dog, Frankie's life revolves around shoes. He doesn't chew them or steal them like some dogs do- he uses them in place of a clock and a calendar.
His day starts with waking up, diving on me (Dad lets him out of the laundry where he sleeps), peeing, having breakfast- and then sitting on my bed, waiting for me to put on my shoes.

Between studying, working, doing work experience at the Vet, errands and other social activities, no two days in my week are structured the same- so Frank has learned to use my feet to judge what day it is.
If I put on my walking shoes he goes crazy- his tail spins like a helicopter and he races for the door where we keep his lead.
If I put on my work shoes he lowers his tail and walks to the top of the stairs, where he sits with his head on his paws and sighs, making me feel like the worst mother on earth for leaving him. Sometimes, (to make me feel even more guilty?), he heads straight for his bed in the laundry while I lock the house up.
If I put on the shoes I wear to class and to and the Vet, he gets excited- he knows these shoes mean he might get to go on a car trip and come someplace with me. If I don't take him, he heads back to the top of the stairs and gives me that look that makes me want to cry.
And if I put on high heels, or boots, or even some kind of sandals- he just looks confused. It's interesting that he figured this stuff out, since he's not a particularly reactive dog to clothing in other ways- he doesn't care what outfit I'm wearing, which pants, or whether I have a hat or sunglasses on. Just the shoes. Probably because he's small and they're around his face height.

I was reading in a book the other day, about how a person's life changes when they get their first dog, including wardrobe and shoes, the impracticality of high heels. (The book was "Pack of Two" by Caroline Knapp- read it if you love your dog!!) I've never been a crazy shoe obsessed woman, but years ago when I was studying Event Management I practically lived in skirts and any shoes that weren't completely flat. Looking back it was not a particularly happy time in my life- I was heading in totally the wrong career direction, surrounded by people who had that kind of "socialite" personality I just do not have.
When I started Vet Nursing 2 years ago, it was just like entering a whole other world- you can't shovel hay in heels and a skirt! You need comfortable shoes to chase animals around all day. And forget dressing fancy at all because you're probably going to get peed on, pooped on or thrown up on. And yet I prefer life this way- animals don't ask you to be someone you're not. They're fascinating and honest, and in most cases sweet and loving. The people who love them are often that much nicer too.
So I'll never be one of those girls who spends $700 on shoes and freaks out if anyone touches them. But I do spend that much and more on Vet bills, and I will freak out if you touch my fish tank. :)
They say dog is a man's best friend, and diamonds are a girls best friend- but Frankie is definitely mine.
And if and when the time comes, I think I'd be quite happy to be proposed to with an engagement puppy instead of a ring!

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads (and single Mums!) out there!
Well, I am officially sick- thanks to my Dad and his insistence on hugging me all last week while he was sick. I told him to go away, but he would not... now instead of waiting on him on Fathers Day, I gave him and gift and made him a fruit slice and that is all he is getting.
We went to the cemetery on Friday to visit Opi's grave and I called my paternal Grandfather this morning to say sorry we couldn't visit but we'll see him next week- he was like "ohhh that's not good that you're sick.... but are the pets ok?" Haha easy to see where my love of animals comes from!
So now I should be resting only I feel horrible and guilty if I sit down for more than 5 seconds since I haven't walked the dog or answered e-mails and I have no idea how I'm going to manage work and classes this week if I don't stop coughing my respiratory tract out (at least that's what it feels like!)

Canine Art.

Thursday seems to have become something of a 'creative day' for Frank and I lately (when I'm not working, that is.)
Three weeks ago we tried out a doggy paint kit which modern people would describe as an "epic fail." Last week I cut his hair for only the second time ever, which was surprisingly successful, and today we did plaster. It was in my hair, on the floor, on the door, in the sink, on the bench, in the grass and of course on the dog by the time we finished. It was a bit tricky because you have to mix it just right- if you stick his paws in it too soon you get a gluggy mess, and if you wait too long the plaster just cracks- but we got one masterpiece out of it. Sort of. I will treasure it like mothers of four year old humans treasure finger paintings :)
I know I'm an obsessed dog owner here, but if I didn't love my dog as much as any human, how could I devote my life to studying and working with them? It took me 23 years to get my first dog, and I always said that when I did, I'd do EVERYTHING with him- so I do. :) And that's today's mess. :)
On a happy note, it's finally Spring. On a less happy one, I think I might be getting the flu that's been making its way through my family for several weeks. I had avoided it this long and was hoping to stay clear of it, but we'll see- I'm determined not to get sick!