While the stormy winds blow

Right now it's raining outside... as usual. I'm sorry for my general mood of negativity toward the weather of this city- I'm trying to be positive, really, I am. It's just that it seems when it is sunny (a rarity) I am cooped up within the confines of the health science centre emergency department, and when I am off work with time to spare (such as today) the storm winds are a-blowin' and the rain is pelting. Which is all well and good for one day, it's cozy and such, but beyond that... let's just say I am prone to cabin fever.

But I should. not. whine.

This weekend, during the last couple hours of one of my day shifts, I think I can honestly say that it was the most intense experience at work I have had- ever. We got a call on the radio from EMS that there was a code 9 (cardiac arrest) coming... then as that person came in there was another call for a traumatic accident- needed to be put in one of the major rooms-- aka Rm 2, my assigned post for the day. I experienced sudden and intense tachycardia at this point- got my room ready, primed IV tubings, gathered blood tubes and syringes, sedation drugs.. then there they come in... nonresponsive, combative patient... needed to be intubated.. fighting the whole time, couldn't get him sedated... and here I am, primary nurse for this room. Flurry of doctors, residents, etc. It's just like on TV, almost. Since it was in my room I needed to write everything down and make sure everything got done and is in order... then after the dust settles I have primary responsibility for this patient... scary. But I had good help. In the meantime, there was some other serious stuff going on too. It's so weird... right in the thick of all this I wanted to a) cry and b) run away, but at the same time, there I was, had to do what I needed to do, and really, that's all you can do. The intensity of the situation is ridiculous. It's terribly interesting too though, and I can see how people become 'adrenaline junkies', so to speak. I am still too scared of it all to be at that point- but I'm learning a LOT.

We had a fire at the beach last night with a few friends and it was awesome. Not to mention freezing, but still great. The moon was almost full, the sky was clear, and although the wind was blowing right in off the Atlantic we got a roaring fire going as the waves crashed beside us. It was almost surreal. Really glad we made the effort to get out there to Middle Cove beach... and it's only about a 15 min drive from the city! Gotta love that... there's no urban sprawl here.

It's November. Oh my. 6 weeks today I'll be on a plane to Prince George for Christmas!

things to remember

Well, today being October 28th, 2009- marks 2 things.

First of all, exactly 3 months since I arrived in this city of St John's. After 3200 km of driving, the last 900 or so of that being across this huge island known as 'the Rock', Brian and I arrived as the sun was setting on that evening in late July. It felt weird. Kind of surreal, especially after our epic road trip through Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and the ferry ride across the gulf of St Lawrence to the northwestern tip of Newfoundland. And now, here I am. I can say that it feels like home here. For that I am thankful. I've learned that its possible for many places to be home, and to have multiple 'homes' at once. Its an adventure.

Secondly, exactly 18 months since a Tim Hortons coffee in Victoria, BC where Brian and I started our (official) journey together. Now here we are, on the other side of the country. So thankful for where we have come, what we have learned and how we have grown- looking forward to more adventures together.

It's a long and rugged road and we don't now where it's headed

But we know it's going to get us where we're going

And when we find what we're looking for we'll drop these bags and search no more

Cause it's going to feel like heaven when we're home

It's going to feel like heaven when we're home

- the Wailin'Jennys, "Heaven When We're Home"

Just breathe

Not feeling particularly inspired to write anything right now but I don't like leaving on a grumpy note as per previous post... so I will attempt to get out a little thought or two.

There is a ray of semi-sunshine shining through my window- wait, it just turned into real sunshine- which makes me happy. It's been very soggy here lately. Lots of rain and wind. They say that it rains horizontally in Newfoundland because of the wind and I would say that is true.

It's October 20 today. I have been in St. John's for almost 3 months. hard to believe. I definitely feel more settled here than I did even a month ago. It all takes time, though. Still sometimes feel as though I'm wandering in a fog... literally and figuratively.

I've been reading the Chronicles of Narnia- in order- I have a book with all 7 of the books in it that I never have actually read until now (I'd only read some of the 7). It's such a good story.

Prince Caspian... From Aslan.

Then, after an awful pause, the deep voice said, "Susan." Susan made no answer but the others thought she was crying. "You have listened to fears, child," said Aslan. "Come, let me breathe on you. Forget them. Are you brave again?"

~~~~

nocturnal

I am just not a happy camper right now. I had to work night shift last night.. and tonight... and tomorrow night. Bleh!! I don't mind one, but any more than that is too much. I don't get enough sleep, I feel gross, I miss out on doing things, miss out on seeing the rest of the world when they are in their fun acitivites after work. Also, today was blue sky sunny, which we havent seen for at least a week, and I had to spend it sleeping. Shift work is so annoying sometimes. It feels like you are at odds with the rest of the world and its 9-5, mon-fri rhythm.

Grumpy and annoyed. Argh. It better be a good shift. Last night it was, though.

On the bright side of things these are the last 2 night shifts before I switch to a casual status employee, then I can schedule myself to never be working more than 1 night in a row. And I plan on doing just that.

Alright, here goes..

fall days

It's another cloudy day here in St. John's. We seem to be getting a lot of them lately... or maybe it's just that they fall on my days off. Ah well.

Had a lovely weekend- went for a great hike, and did orienteering on Sunday. I love backpacking. I love being out there, along the edge of the ocean. The salty spray smells so good, those 'ocean mist' air fresheners have nothing on the real thing. Also, we saw REAL seafoam coming down from the waves, white tufts of bubbles. And I love the taste of food when you're out hiking- soup and crackers, cheese, mango, and dark chocolate... mmmm. Everything is better outside.

This weekend is packed full or work but I'll get through it. Can't believe that it's already October. Less than 3 months till Christmas. 3 months till 2010. 2010, can you believe it? But I don't want it to hurry too much. I want to savour the fall. Before I get wallopped with my first Newfoundland winter. Apparently, all signs point to it being a big one.

'how they shimmer and shine so bright'

Last night Brian and I walked around, up, and down Signal Hill. Signal Hill is a classic St. John's landmark, it's a rocky hill at the entrance to the harbour. From one side, you can see the city, and from the other, the open blue Atlantic. I love it.

The sun was setting as we started out, it was dusk as we made our way around the rocky side of the hill, and by the time we got to the oceanward part the stars were out. Lots of stars. I saw a shooting star, and there we were, right on the edge of the city. That made my night.

Today is a blustery and rainy day but I had a lovely little lunch date at the Pantry, a little restaurant-cafe tucked at the foot of the hill in Pippy Park. It was a leisurely lunch, the best kind.

Now I go to the ER for the night. Let's hope its calmer than the weather. You never, ever really know though. Though that makes this job exciting.

small things

3 weeks later already... time is flying here. Today is the official halfway point of September.
The air is crisp in St. John's and fall is definitely in the air. No leaves changing colour yet, but I'm sure it's coming.

It's been interesting here. This move has not been easy. If I look back, when I moved to Victoria it was difficult. When I moved to Vancouver a few months later it was also a big challenge. And now here, in St. John's, it has been no different. As I should know and expect. But it turns out that after I am nice and settled into a place, I forget the rocky time at the beginning as it fades into distant memory... hence, I kind of forgot what it was like to move. But, that will come again.

There were a couple sunny spots to this past weekend. On Saturday, Brianne and Robert-- Lindi's cousin/ my friend and her fellow- invited Brian and I over for a BBQ. It was just lovely. I have been aching a bit for that kind of fellowship and there it was. We sat in the kitchen with grilled chicken to perfection, golden corn on the cob (a rareity in these parts, such good produce!) and a splash of red wine. Good conversation and good fun was had by all.

Then, Sunday morning. Decided to try out a new little church, and it also happened to be the first Sunday that this church, Mosaic, was having their service in the morning instead of night. They are a small church which is held in the chapel on the Memorial campus.... and it was great. We walked in there, and people were SO friendly. They have half an hour before the service where you can just drink coffee and eat goodies and chat... met some really nice people. And it was authentic and though-provoking and reverent and worshipful and inspiring... and full of love. As someone pointed out to me, "Your heart was smiling there, wasn't it". Yes, it truly was. Looking forward to going back.

Sunday afternoon Brian and I went to the first introductory meeting of the St John's orienteering club. This involved being handed a map with flags on it, and running along the trails/ tramping through the underbrush trying to find the elusive (some of them) hidden flags. It was great fun. We'll do it again, thats for sure.

And its thing's like these that slowly help to make this quirky city poised on the edge of the north Atlantic more like home.