Thursday, April 17, 2008
For today's foundation of Occupational Therapy prac, we learned how to manipulate a wheelchair. My coursemate Jess picked me up at 10am and drove to the South Geelong train station. 3 of my other coursemate were waiting for us there. The South Geelong train station was just about 10minutes drive from my house. As soon as we got to the train station, we bought our tickets and caught the 10.20am train to Footscray (the stop before Melb-southern cross station). I wish International Students is eligible to apply for a student concession card. Its not fair, just because you are not a local student and a full-fee paying student..u cant apply for one?!! In short, 'Students' should be given concession price for train,bus or tram fair. A return ticket to footsrcay cost $12.40!
The bus fair system in Geelong is different from Melbourne or Adelaide. In Geelong you buy ur bus tickets on the bus itself as in from the bus driver. Adult fair is $1.80 and the machine will print out a small piece of paper...stating the time and validity (which is 2 hours). Sometimes if you are lucky enough, you will meet a kind bus driver who thinks you are a high school student and charge you 90cents. Feels lucky to look young at times when you are not. Muahaha. Another trick is to act like you-dont-know-anything , if the bus driver says concession, say yes and he might charge you 90cents. If he ask to for your concession card, just simply show him your student card and he will say..'thats not a concession card, u need to apply for one'...sorry la full fare then.
When we all got on the train, one of my local friend forgotten to show her concession card to the person selling train tickets and she got herself the full fare ticket. Haha i told her to sell off the ticket and get herself another one..this time a concession one..jokingly. We arrived Footscray at 11.20am. I am very surprised that non of my local friends has been to Footscray. Before we make any further move, the first stop was the toilet in the train station. For the first time in my life, i saw a toilet door which is half exposed?..hmm..as in you could see the person's head from outside..or if possible the person doing business.
There is only one toilet and another for disabled. We were all laughing saying how ridiculous the door is.
After all the toilet jokes, we went searching for the bus stop that we need to take to the Independant Living Centre (ILC). To my surprise, Footscray city looks shabby. Dull and grey with alot of pigeons. An instant different feeling from Geelong. More asians and less 'white people' ( My local friend said the same thing as well)..."more of your kind"..HAHA. I think they were bit culture shocked. I felt the same when i first got to Geelong. There were quite a fair bit of asian groceries shop and restaurants...somehow i felt like i was in a different place, felt like i was in the open market back in kk...the area near Le Meredien Hotel except..its not as stinky and dirty.
Foo-da-scrayy
We managed to find the bus stop and waited for the bus to come. Its about 20minutes ride to ILC. Everyone was getting ready small change and i told them that we could use the train ticket for busses or trams..which is good cause u dont have to pay extra. We were very new to the place...and have no idea where to stop. My local friend was like..'i think its here...' 'quick press the button'...we all look blankly at each other and couldnt find the button anywhere nearby cuz we were sitting at the sits for elderly,disabled and pregnant which we arent suppose to. So i remembered seeing ppl pulling a string on top next to the handle bars..HAHA..so i quickly pulled it and 'TING' .Based on the map and instructions we manage to find our way but we got bombarded by the bus driver cause we press the stop button a lil too late. so what.
We were half an hour early and we registered ourself. The whole practical was fun. We were given a talk on the different types of wheelchair, usage and how to select a good wheelchair for a patient based on their conditions. we also learned the types of materials used to make the wheelchair sits..which wouldnt harm the patient and to support their body weight not putting pressure on the pelvic bone. Interesting. We were then thought on how dismantle, fold a wheelchair and test how heavy the wheelchair is. HAHA. There were really light ones..that looks fragile to me. I never realise there are lots of different types of wheelchair, i find this one interesting:
Introducing the beach wheelchair!! Specially used for those who wants to go to the beach.
Next we get to try on the different wheelchairs.so we were goin round and round as if we were having a wheelchair marathon. There is a purpose to this, because we have to write a report on the wheelchair that we would choose if lets say we have a disability. Mmmmm.
You can tell that some wheelchair are fast and smooth as in when you apply force on the wheels..and some have less comfortable sits. Some wheelchairs with arm rest can be distraction when you push the wheels. It can be quite tiring to push the wheels..not easy.
It was an interesting and educational day. The ILC also sells other types of products for disabled people, like cutlery and some other equipments. I went to the disabled toilet and to my surprise it was really really huge! there was a bed..hmmm maybe a matress...i have no idea what is it for. For one moment i thought i was in a simulation room.
On our way back to Footscray train station, i notice bus driver's driving skill is quite ganas and also there are too many stops along the way. Like after 3-5seconds the bus will stop. Hate it when the bus driver press on the break paddle really hard!
Overall the trip to ILC was fun. Ohhh and my coursemate offered me a 'Hot Jam Donut' sold at the train station. 70cents for one and its one of aussie's popular food besides lamington and vegimite. I thought Krispy Kreme is popular but my friend told me...'nahh'...'Krispy Kreme is expensive'...ahaks..and damn sweet to me.
Alrites...gotta get back to my studies. Human Structure & Func test on monday...Hell no.
The bus fair system in Geelong is different from Melbourne or Adelaide. In Geelong you buy ur bus tickets on the bus itself as in from the bus driver. Adult fair is $1.80 and the machine will print out a small piece of paper...stating the time and validity (which is 2 hours). Sometimes if you are lucky enough, you will meet a kind bus driver who thinks you are a high school student and charge you 90cents. Feels lucky to look young at times when you are not. Muahaha. Another trick is to act like you-dont-know-anything , if the bus driver says concession, say yes and he might charge you 90cents. If he ask to for your concession card, just simply show him your student card and he will say..'thats not a concession card, u need to apply for one'...sorry la full fare then.
When we all got on the train, one of my local friend forgotten to show her concession card to the person selling train tickets and she got herself the full fare ticket. Haha i told her to sell off the ticket and get herself another one..this time a concession one..jokingly. We arrived Footscray at 11.20am. I am very surprised that non of my local friends has been to Footscray. Before we make any further move, the first stop was the toilet in the train station. For the first time in my life, i saw a toilet door which is half exposed?..hmm..as in you could see the person's head from outside..or if possible the person doing business.
There is only one toilet and another for disabled. We were all laughing saying how ridiculous the door is.After all the toilet jokes, we went searching for the bus stop that we need to take to the Independant Living Centre (ILC). To my surprise, Footscray city looks shabby. Dull and grey with alot of pigeons. An instant different feeling from Geelong. More asians and less 'white people' ( My local friend said the same thing as well)..."more of your kind"..HAHA. I think they were bit culture shocked. I felt the same when i first got to Geelong. There were quite a fair bit of asian groceries shop and restaurants...somehow i felt like i was in a different place, felt like i was in the open market back in kk...the area near Le Meredien Hotel except..its not as stinky and dirty.
Foo-da-scrayyWe managed to find the bus stop and waited for the bus to come. Its about 20minutes ride to ILC. Everyone was getting ready small change and i told them that we could use the train ticket for busses or trams..which is good cause u dont have to pay extra. We were very new to the place...and have no idea where to stop. My local friend was like..'i think its here...' 'quick press the button'...we all look blankly at each other and couldnt find the button anywhere nearby cuz we were sitting at the sits for elderly,disabled and pregnant which we arent suppose to. So i remembered seeing ppl pulling a string on top next to the handle bars..HAHA..so i quickly pulled it and 'TING' .Based on the map and instructions we manage to find our way but we got bombarded by the bus driver cause we press the stop button a lil too late. so what.
We were half an hour early and we registered ourself. The whole practical was fun. We were given a talk on the different types of wheelchair, usage and how to select a good wheelchair for a patient based on their conditions. we also learned the types of materials used to make the wheelchair sits..which wouldnt harm the patient and to support their body weight not putting pressure on the pelvic bone. Interesting. We were then thought on how dismantle, fold a wheelchair and test how heavy the wheelchair is. HAHA. There were really light ones..that looks fragile to me. I never realise there are lots of different types of wheelchair, i find this one interesting:
Introducing the beach wheelchair!! Specially used for those who wants to go to the beach.Next we get to try on the different wheelchairs.so we were goin round and round as if we were having a wheelchair marathon. There is a purpose to this, because we have to write a report on the wheelchair that we would choose if lets say we have a disability. Mmmmm.
You can tell that some wheelchair are fast and smooth as in when you apply force on the wheels..and some have less comfortable sits. Some wheelchairs with arm rest can be distraction when you push the wheels. It can be quite tiring to push the wheels..not easy.
It was an interesting and educational day. The ILC also sells other types of products for disabled people, like cutlery and some other equipments. I went to the disabled toilet and to my surprise it was really really huge! there was a bed..hmmm maybe a matress...i have no idea what is it for. For one moment i thought i was in a simulation room.
On our way back to Footscray train station, i notice bus driver's driving skill is quite ganas and also there are too many stops along the way. Like after 3-5seconds the bus will stop. Hate it when the bus driver press on the break paddle really hard!
Overall the trip to ILC was fun. Ohhh and my coursemate offered me a 'Hot Jam Donut' sold at the train station. 70cents for one and its one of aussie's popular food besides lamington and vegimite. I thought Krispy Kreme is popular but my friend told me...'nahh'...'Krispy Kreme is expensive'...ahaks..and damn sweet to me.
Alrites...gotta get back to my studies. Human Structure & Func test on monday...Hell no.
5:14 PM
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Its been a while since i last updated my blog. Once again im back to my quiet life. Mom and Dad left Aus 3 days ago. They came for bout 2 weeks for my bro's graduation and spend a week in Geelong with me. My room looks less empty now..with the rest of my stash brought back from Adl..and my parents went to this 2nd hand shop nearby my house and bought me a round medium size table for $5!!!! HAHA..and its still in good condition with solid metal frame and the top bit made out of wood. I dont have to eat on top of my study table anymore..hehehe. You could get lots of 2nd hand goods from the shop like cups, plates, bowls, magazines (not latest ones) for 20cents!! there are clothings and other furnitures as well. Good bargain.
Dont know why i'm having such bad days lately but in between there is a bit of LUCK in it.
Incident no. 1:
The nigth my parents arrived Geelong, we unpacked all the things they brought for me and my room was partially in a mess. My dad sorted out his luggage and he placed his passport wit other important documents and then locked the luggage (zip attached to the lock with ur 3 pin numbers). Then my mom wanted to take something out of the luggage, but couldnt unlock the luggage althought the pin no. combination was correct....which means someone must have reset the pin no or the lock just went gaga. So i have to start from 000-999 to find the correct combination. Took me bout 45mins to do it.=.= LUCKILY....half way through i manage to get the right pin and everyone decides not to use the luggage lock..just incase. LUCKILY it happened in my room and not in the custom section at the airport.
Next........
After fiddling with the 3 digit number locks..........i went to my study table and realise my room keys was no where to be seen. So...we turned the entire room 360 degrees...upside down just to search for the bloody key. I always hang the key around my neck whenever i m out of the room and i clearly remembered that i took it off when we were about to have dinner but just couldnt recall where i have placed it. Started digging into the drawers, search through the kitchen, fridge....LOL..everywhere!! That lasted for at least an hour and a half and in the end...i found it in my sling bag. Lots of question marks...HOW THE HELL DID IT ENDED UP IN THERE????
LUCKILY i didnt lose it or i wouldnt get my $50 key deposit back and i have to duplicate a new one...=<
....i had such a marvellous night........
Incident no. 2
...............EMBARRASSEMENT....................
Few nights ago, i was pissed off with something and i sort of kicked the toilet door then this China girl started screaming (in shocked but it sounded like in pain scream to me). There are 3 sinks in the toilet and she was standing at the sink nearest to the toilet door washing her face. I thought the door hit her hips/butt...so my immediete reaction...was that i started........rubbing her hips..like well for example..if u accidentally hit someone's hand u tend to rub the person hand immedietly and just kept on appologizing (some ppl would react that way and normally girl to girl)..thats what i did ........I just kept on saying SORRY SORRY SORRY, cuz i thought the toilet door really hit her hips hard! Then she started..mumbling..'uhhh stop rubbing my butt'..in mandarin...OMG then i realise it and started jumping away from her...SOooooooo sorry....i didnt mean to touch u or anything..its just my reflex action.........ahh then i asked her if the door hit her hips..she said..'no'.............................................my face was as red as the tomato.....................ishhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh embarrassing. Felt so stupid but she is silly as well...and should use her common sense that its advisible not to stand at the sink near the toilet door if u want to bent down and wash your face...cuz if someone pushes the door..then u know whats gonna happen.
Fuhhh...
Incident no.3
I was finishing up my assignment yesterday in Uni and almost forget to unplug the pendrive out from the USB port before my tutorial starts. After tutorials, i thought of editing my work..and decided to print it off at home. I also saved a copy of my work in the uni's computer JUST INCASE anything happens. True enough..something bad did happen. As i got home, i realise my pendrive is not in my pencil case.............if its not in my pencilcase or my bag............it means that i freaking left it in Uniiiiii!!!!! Ahhhhh.....but what came into my mind is to reassure myself that i have saved a copy of my assignment that is due today! So i skipped my first lecture in the main campus today, decided to go early to uni and hoping that i cud find my pendrive. Too bad, i see no sign of my 4GB pendrive, its not in the lost & found box either, i went to the Deakin Uni student life office filled in a 'lost property form' and they said they will call me if they manage to find my pendrive. sigh..someone must have taken it. Its a 4GB memory stick man! LUCKILY i saved my assignment in the school's comp or else....i m in deep hot soup.
...sigh...
Ahhh more assignments pilling up. Human structure & func test next week and have to get started with my research work...plus preparation for a group presentation in few weeks time!!! We have to do a 50minute presentation and my group is goin to demonstrate on how to wrap a present..say a wine bottle, round or square boxes or even create ur own wrapping paper!~~
Have to write a journal on this as well ....and another 1600 word essay. Oh dear...!
I m off to take a short nap. Till then.
Dont know why i'm having such bad days lately but in between there is a bit of LUCK in it.
Incident no. 1:
The nigth my parents arrived Geelong, we unpacked all the things they brought for me and my room was partially in a mess. My dad sorted out his luggage and he placed his passport wit other important documents and then locked the luggage (zip attached to the lock with ur 3 pin numbers). Then my mom wanted to take something out of the luggage, but couldnt unlock the luggage althought the pin no. combination was correct....which means someone must have reset the pin no or the lock just went gaga. So i have to start from 000-999 to find the correct combination. Took me bout 45mins to do it.=.= LUCKILY....half way through i manage to get the right pin and everyone decides not to use the luggage lock..just incase. LUCKILY it happened in my room and not in the custom section at the airport.
Next........
After fiddling with the 3 digit number locks..........i went to my study table and realise my room keys was no where to be seen. So...we turned the entire room 360 degrees...upside down just to search for the bloody key. I always hang the key around my neck whenever i m out of the room and i clearly remembered that i took it off when we were about to have dinner but just couldnt recall where i have placed it. Started digging into the drawers, search through the kitchen, fridge....LOL..everywhere!! That lasted for at least an hour and a half and in the end...i found it in my sling bag. Lots of question marks...HOW THE HELL DID IT ENDED UP IN THERE????
LUCKILY i didnt lose it or i wouldnt get my $50 key deposit back and i have to duplicate a new one...=<
....i had such a marvellous night........
Incident no. 2
...............EMBARRASSEMENT....................
Few nights ago, i was pissed off with something and i sort of kicked the toilet door then this China girl started screaming (in shocked but it sounded like in pain scream to me). There are 3 sinks in the toilet and she was standing at the sink nearest to the toilet door washing her face. I thought the door hit her hips/butt...so my immediete reaction...was that i started........rubbing her hips..like well for example..if u accidentally hit someone's hand u tend to rub the person hand immedietly and just kept on appologizing (some ppl would react that way and normally girl to girl)..thats what i did ........I just kept on saying SORRY SORRY SORRY, cuz i thought the toilet door really hit her hips hard! Then she started..mumbling..'uhhh stop rubbing my butt'..in mandarin...OMG then i realise it and started jumping away from her...SOooooooo sorry....i didnt mean to touch u or anything..its just my reflex action.........ahh then i asked her if the door hit her hips..she said..'no'.............................................my face was as red as the tomato.....................ishhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh embarrassing. Felt so stupid but she is silly as well...and should use her common sense that its advisible not to stand at the sink near the toilet door if u want to bent down and wash your face...cuz if someone pushes the door..then u know whats gonna happen.
Fuhhh...
Incident no.3
I was finishing up my assignment yesterday in Uni and almost forget to unplug the pendrive out from the USB port before my tutorial starts. After tutorials, i thought of editing my work..and decided to print it off at home. I also saved a copy of my work in the uni's computer JUST INCASE anything happens. True enough..something bad did happen. As i got home, i realise my pendrive is not in my pencil case.............if its not in my pencilcase or my bag............it means that i freaking left it in Uniiiiii!!!!! Ahhhhh.....but what came into my mind is to reassure myself that i have saved a copy of my assignment that is due today! So i skipped my first lecture in the main campus today, decided to go early to uni and hoping that i cud find my pendrive. Too bad, i see no sign of my 4GB pendrive, its not in the lost & found box either, i went to the Deakin Uni student life office filled in a 'lost property form' and they said they will call me if they manage to find my pendrive. sigh..someone must have taken it. Its a 4GB memory stick man! LUCKILY i saved my assignment in the school's comp or else....i m in deep hot soup.
...sigh...
Ahhh more assignments pilling up. Human structure & func test next week and have to get started with my research work...plus preparation for a group presentation in few weeks time!!! We have to do a 50minute presentation and my group is goin to demonstrate on how to wrap a present..say a wine bottle, round or square boxes or even create ur own wrapping paper!~~
Have to write a journal on this as well ....and another 1600 word essay. Oh dear...!
I m off to take a short nap. Till then.
11:56 AM