Sick Day

So yesterday was an early morning was early. I woke up at five, and Jola was up and ready. Beata requested that I have vegemite with toast and butter, Jola kindly prepared it for me. It was a familiar flavour, like brewer's or nutritional yeast, sort of nutty and sour. I'll admit it wasn't terrible, and it's something I can see myself eating once in a while. Beata and Piotr stumbled downstairs and had some raisin toast before John came downstair. With goodbye hugs for Max last night (he had a cold) and morning goodbye hugs with (Jola), it was super sad. I had to try really hard not to cry because she has been so amazing (I'll admit to tearing up later though).John, Beata, and Piotr dropped me off. I gave huge hugs because truly, I had the most brilliant and fantastic time (the best of Australia yet). The moment I turned around, I started choking up because I did not want to leave. I had no idea what to expect prior to Melbourne, but it didn't matter since my time with the Starkowskis would have exceeded any expectations anyways.

I came with perfect timing and boarded the plane right after a quick walk through security. The plane was off by 6:55, and I slept a bit on the plane. I noticed my throat was scratchy, and with the combination of not enough sleep, I assumed I caught a cold from Max. No worries about that though, since colds happen. I hopped off the plane not too long after eight, and took the train to central station. I switched rails and arrived in North Sydney. Luckily for me it was Dr. Brown's birthday so there were treats on the table, and I snagged a chocolate hot cross bun. I was noticing that my throat was getting scratchier and that my nose was getting a bit stuffed, so I decided not to work with patients. I worked on my assignment that Lisa asked Rhea and I to give to the staff. I posted pictures of my family, boyfriend, my friends/the hotel/beach of Union Pier, choir, and a few other miscellaneous things about me.

I wound up leaving early because I wasn't feeling well, and the moment I got home at 4:30, I fell asleep. I only meant to sleep till 6:00, but I woke up at 9:40 (oops!). But really, I needed the rest, and my nose was even stuffier! I worked on some dental school stuff until about midnight when I went to sleep (without a problem surprisingly). I guess I was still just so exhausted and sick. I woke up no better, so I called Rhea to tell her I wouldn't go to work. I mean I only have a few weeks left here in this country, and I know that my colds have a knack for becoming ear/nose/throat/respiratory infections. Ultimately, I am not having that happen, especially if I'm going to scuba dive (you can't dive if you can't clear your ears, and if I have a cold, that effects everything). So I slept in until 10:30, and I'm feeling a bit better. The sleep was needed (5 hours + 6 hours + 4.5 hours = a well rested Stephanie), and it's over cast, so I don't feel guilty about staying in. I'm drinking water and tea right now as I work on dental school stuff, which I needed to get around to while Roger Moore is on the telly (The Saint is on). He such a smooth operator that Roger Moore. I'm going to go grab some lunch, Skype with Mum and Kyle, and look at Port Douglas for a few days of vacation and scuba. Maybe I'll head back down to Melbourne again if I have time.

In any case, I'm starting to realize that next week is my last week of work, and I have only a few weeks remaining of one of the most incredible experiences of my life. And that makes me so incredibly sad. While the country is incredible, it's the people and memories that I'll miss most. My co-workers are all absolutely brilliant and individual. I'll be leaving everybody with all of my contact information because I hope to stay in contact with everyone as best as I can. Greenwood has been an absolutely stellar, and
I cannot thank them enough for the way they opened up the office and hearts to me.

Tony Randall is on next, he's so cute in Pillow Talk. He's like an American Cary Grant.

Things I still need to do in Sydney: a show at the opera house, the Sydney Aquarium, and have an amazing seafood meal. Those are my last goals. Tomorrow I'm going to see if anything is going on at the Opera House, and Friday I think I'll go to the Aquarium. I've got time to have my seafood dinner.

As for now, a shower and then skype time with the family and boyfriend!