Sooo, I am now currently working again! Not full or part-time, but casually. Casual work is another term here that we don't seem to have in the States. At least not that I know of. It is sporatic hours. Joseph helped me get connected with Karingal, http://www.karingal.org.au/, to become a PWS, or a personal support worker. So far, I am working with younger adult men who have acquired brain injuries, and helping them with their independent living skills. I may help someone out with their exercise regime, food prep, house cleaning needs (step by step directives, so it gets done), and then go out for a coffee or a movie or shopping or a meal. It's rather nice and the pay is decent- around $23 an hour. It is not my dream job, of course, but it is my first employment in Australia. I've gotten my foot in the door! Today, we went to the gym and did a client's workout regime (I did some exercise along with him on some awesome Nautilus equiptment since they have multiple machines of each) and then to a weekend market, where I bought some fresh, crusty bread to take home and he bought a verry cherished, new Led Zepplin Hoodie :o) He was all smiles with his new treasure. I cannot share names and specifics, obviously, for confidentiality purposes, but wanted to give you a general idea of the job description. The goal is to get them to become fully sufficient in taking care of themselves again through establishing an order to things and making a schedule become habit. Of course, some may always need the transportation to and from places such as the gym...
Right now, I have three clients, so mondays, wednesdays. and fridays are my working days. Hopefully, I will get another client or two soon as well. The pay is always useful, but I also like being able to help the clients. They always have interesting stories about their past lives before their accidents, and they still have hopes and dreams.
Wedding plans are slowly finalizing (I now have to spell that "finalising", as over here, they don't use the z's too much- and z is pronounced "zed" here, not "zee"), and I am pleased to announce my Aunt Shirley is making the trip over to be present for the big day! I am now just needing to get the flowers for the church and reception completed and the reception music figured out. Dress alterations and a makeup trial is on schedule for this upcoming week, and my hair trial is next week. I found two great people in this little town of Lara! What a miracle! Oh, and I found out that tanning beds or "solariums" cost about $95 for 10 sessions. Holy crike-a-billy!
I am still not sure what we are doing for the honeymoon, we are just taking off down the coast and not turning back until we have to...There are so many awesome seaside towns along the way. It's all like a holiday for me here, as it is all so new, so I am happy with that as the plan. We were going to go to Tasmania, and we may very well still go, we just haven't prioritised the honeymoon plans as much as the wedding plans... we still have over a month to figure it out.
Anyhow, that's news from here. Driving around in the car on the left side of the road is second nature now, THANK YOU GOD!, so that has helped the stress level go down immensely. Having to drive clients around for appointments has helped me learn the different towns quickly. The brain is an amazing thing, isn't it? It adapts so well after some transition time.
I hope to hear from you, dear friends and fam, soon. I miss you all and hope you are all well!
Toodles from Down Under,
a.
