Hey Everyone! As per typical Melissa fashion I've procrastinated writing this blog post for 8 weeks now. Oops. Anyways, where did I leave off, oh yes I had just finished exams. July was uni free (thank goodness) and I needed the break like I've never needed a break before. I was forewarned that the Master of Speech Program was challenging but I never imagined it to be as time consuming and life sucking as it has been. As of this semester my class is down from 28 to 20 people, I was very sad to see so many not currently continue with us but I have faith they will all figure out their path in life and I hope to see them all on campus next year! As for next year, gosh can it come any sooner. It's like I have ants in my pants. I'm so anxious to get home and see all of my favourite people! The days can't go by fast enough.
Anyways, back to July. Many people in my program had lovely plans to travel home or around the world for the month. I however was planning to do additional clinical placements but did not end up getting the opportunity (which was NOT the plan). But anyways, I made the most of it by relaxing and exploring Brisbane. Before the last of the flock left we went for an amazing brunch as a "pre-birthday" celebration for Miss Anita. Of course, that was followed up with a movie and afternoon tea break at Koko Black for the famous dessert platter because "we deserved it".
Anyways, back to July. Many people in my program had lovely plans to travel home or around the world for the month. I however was planning to do additional clinical placements but did not end up getting the opportunity (which was NOT the plan). But anyways, I made the most of it by relaxing and exploring Brisbane. Before the last of the flock left we went for an amazing brunch as a "pre-birthday" celebration for Miss Anita. Of course, that was followed up with a movie and afternoon tea break at Koko Black for the famous dessert platter because "we deserved it".
Then I was one of the few people from my program still in Brisbane for the winter and boy was it cold. This year parts of Queensland had snow which has not happened in over 30 years. As you can imagine this was traumatic for Australian's and many flocked that hour south to have their first look and feel of snow! When I wasn't freezing I was busy organizing my uni notes and planning for the semester to come. Of course I had a few adventures and a couple glasses of wine ;) Here's a quick look...
1. Day trip to Noosa: On a last minute split decision Ria and I decided to check out Noosa for the day. We had a fabulous lunch right along the river, checked out the markets, took in some ocean views and of course ended the day with an ice cream.
1. Day trip to Noosa: On a last minute split decision Ria and I decided to check out Noosa for the day. We had a fabulous lunch right along the river, checked out the markets, took in some ocean views and of course ended the day with an ice cream.
2. Mount Coot-Tah hike: Sarah and I decided to hike up Mount Coot-Tah. Once at the summit we treated ourselves to lunch. Take a look at those beautiful blue skies and the stunning view of Brisbane CBD.
3. Celebrating Sajini's Birthday: For Saj's birthday we decided to have a low key girls night. We went for a lovely dinner in West End and ended the evening with a way too delicious chocolate cake.
4. Day trip to Monteville: Sarah, Anna and I decided to venture north for a day hike and catch-up. The views were stunning and the town is quaint and unique. P.s. to those ever in Monteville you MUST try to fudge.
5. Tamborine Mountain Getaway: Sajani and I decided to go away for a few days and relax. We stayed at the lovely Eagle Heights Mountain Resort. During our few days we visited the Tamborine Rainforest Skywalk, Glow Worm Caves, took in a wine tour, and finished off the getaway with a facial and massage!
6. Brisbane Night Noodle Markets: Attending the Night Noodle Markets was bittersweet as it marked a year of living in Brisbane. Harvest and I enjoyed the evening & had a small taste from each different Asian cuisines. It was official the break was over and it was time to begin another semester.
This semester is turning out to be a bit less stressful than last, however I am feeling very anxious to get home. My courses this semester are more adult focused. I have had less experience or introduction to this aspect of Speech Pathology and am enjoying applying a large portion of my neuroscience degree to real life situations. This semesters course are: adult motor speech disorders, acquired adult neurological language disorders, clinical management of dysphagia (swallowing) and laryngectomy, and children with special needs. Additionally, my clinical placement this semester is at a community health centre where we are implementing the Hanen "It Takes Two To Talk" program to parents of young children with language delays. Thus far it has been a wonderful experience and different to the typical one-on-one intervention I am use to.
As for my social life, SAY WHAT, people have a social life... It's been pretty lame, okay VERY lame. We have had a few girls nights but other than that I think the most exciting thing that has occurred is purchasing a slow cooker. I don't know why I did not get one sooner. It's really nice to come home after a long day to meals that are basically ready AND additionally to have lunches for the days following. So while my friends are having babies (congrats Amy & Reade) and getting engaged (congrats to Susanne & Gunar and Alyssa & Andrew) I'm over here enjoying my slow cooker meals... BUT just in case you thought I was totally lame I promise I still enjoy a glass of wine every now and again :)
As for my social life, SAY WHAT, people have a social life... It's been pretty lame, okay VERY lame. We have had a few girls nights but other than that I think the most exciting thing that has occurred is purchasing a slow cooker. I don't know why I did not get one sooner. It's really nice to come home after a long day to meals that are basically ready AND additionally to have lunches for the days following. So while my friends are having babies (congrats Amy & Reade) and getting engaged (congrats to Susanne & Gunar and Alyssa & Andrew) I'm over here enjoying my slow cooker meals... BUT just in case you thought I was totally lame I promise I still enjoy a glass of wine every now and again :)