Andrea (K-enabled)

Old Brisbane gal, returning to my roots.
2 cats.
Working in the CBD, living just north of Brisbane.
Rolling into retirement (hopefully soon).

I am the Brisbane version of [@Andrea](https://social.chinwag.org/@Andrea )

Gratefully residing in: Gubbi Gubbi country
cat A: Phizzy - a tortoiseshell cat.
cat 1: Pi - a silver spotted Bengal

Public Key

npub15twsezjmq2c3q4waxdnuw3qjdjjs3c4m0ek8lw72yhm3xqfzz52sw6c5f0

NIP-05 Address

andrea_at_bne.social@momostr.pink

Profile Code

nprofile1qqs29hgv3fds9vgs2hwnxe78gsfxefggu2ahumrlh09ztacnqy3p29g0ee2cm

Author Public Key

npub15twsezjmq2c3q4waxdnuw3qjdjjs3c4m0ek8lw72yhm3xqfzz52sw6c5f0

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Last Notes

2024-10-24 05:19:54

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absolutely the same. West End is my dream location.

2024-10-23 00:40:58

Bugger. Just checked my approved compressed fortnight and looks like it was approved with a delayed start date.
I'm not waiting another fortnight for a day off. TOIL request submitted. Otherwise I'm taking a personal day.

2024-10-21 08:03:58

I had a quick 10min swim after work (first one since my big op 4 months ago - good stretch through the mid-section, no pain in the shoulders/upper quadrant).
But now my body wants to succumb to exhaustion, but I need to do grocery shopping, and then dinner cooking, and then....

2024-10-21 06:42:35

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I suspect I've been in denial about burnout for quite a few months now. It's been head down and get to the next deadline.
But deadlines are done now and work levels are sustainable, so I'm out of survival mode?
Yes, 2 months to a proper break, and in the meantime I'm focusing on the supportive things and not giving in to the collapsing.
So nice food, good friends, and gym & swims it is.

2024-10-21 05:50:25

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it's our in-joke - which I accept doesn't translate here. 🤣
cowboy = pardner = partner

2024-10-21 05:06:21

My father sent my 🤠 a friend request on FB. Partner advised me before accepting.
Last time my father saw 🤠 he complained that 🤠 didn't post anything. 🤣🤣🤣

2024-10-21 00:33:11

It's 2 months until I have holidays.
I've got a few weekends away coming up in November, and my compressed 9 day fortnight starts then too.
I am ready for a long break now though, but alas no leave built up - mostly because I've pre-booked a week of leave at Xmas and a week at Easter.
Hmm, I wonder if my body is finally saying nope, this is what burn out looks like.
I'm tired, have no motivation, and just want to run off into a forest - or maybe sleep and wander aimlessly around my house.

2024-10-20 07:13:42

I did the thing today.
My tax return is done, bar the final review and lodging. And the estimate of what I owe is about what I expected.
It's taken me around 18 hours of number crunching to get here. I definitely deserve a treat tonight!

2024-10-19 09:14:17

I met my 🤠's trans son for the first time last night.
I have never met a happier, more well-adjusted 18yr old in my life.
🤠 Has always spoken of him with pride and love (and vetted me for acceptance before we progressed past a 2nd date (and that he did was a huge green flag for me)).
Anyway. I'm looking forward to being in this young man's life, and that of his slightly other brother, and their much older father - for a long time to come.

2024-10-19 08:41:39

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hopefully you are now in ED and on the way to being pain free.
💜💜

2024-10-17 21:27:13

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💜

2024-10-17 10:22:00

Gym ✔️
Mostly walking.
A few machines at the lowest weight possible, and even that stressed my core - which is the point. Gently, gently. Not aiming for beefcake here. 🤣

2024-10-15 07:57:04

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💜

2024-10-15 07:10:44

Casting my net wide.
Anyone (or their responsible youngsters) interested in house & cat-sitting in the north of Brisbane for 2 weeks over Xmas/NY - approx Dec 20-Jan 5.
Paid gig.
House has aircon, a pool, and 2 cats.
I'm currently looking at catteries, friends & family, and cat sitters. (My parents are my standby, but I'm not sure their health currently can cope.)
Bonus if you're coeliac/gluten free.

2024-10-14 22:42:05

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It's done!
Now to put everything in cupboards and then move them around 3-4 times.
https://assets.bne.social/media_attachments/files/113/308/160/050/430/354/original/ca43c701d2101851.jpg
https://assets.bne.social/media_attachments/files/113/308/160/035/874/572/original/1c04629ec9cb3857.jpg
https://assets.bne.social/media_attachments/files/113/308/160/036/002/199/original/3f3e58f26def1263.jpg

2024-10-10 04:00:32

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As at the end of day 2.
Just waiting on:
- electrician and plumber to return tomorrow to install the appliances,
- tiler on Monday to make the walls pretty,
- more door handles (somehow everyone miscounted?)
- and one new cupboard door that got damaged during the install.
https://assets.bne.social/media_attachments/files/113/280/923/548/551/058/original/0e8820072ae79fa9.jpg
https://assets.bne.social/media_attachments/files/113/280/923/873/333/392/original/a1bf75dba3f576e5.jpg
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2024-10-09 23:52:11

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💜

2024-10-09 21:33:00

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One small SNAFU - when the door* to my new butler's pantry is open the drawers won't open in the lower cabinets.
Not really practical.
One email and photo to the project manager yesterday afternoon and it's getting fixed this morning. I'll lose about 10cm in width, but gain so much functionality.
*No other possible position for the door, and a sliding one etc also won't work. A door is needed because, cats.
https://assets.bne.social/media_attachments/files/113/279/596/001/636/846/original/ac995b32a765eb09.jpg

2024-10-09 21:27:28

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As at the end of day 1.
https://assets.bne.social/media_attachments/files/113/279/569/118/076/889/original/6ba9878399695985.jpg
https://assets.bne.social/media_attachments/files/113/279/569/463/114/169/original/6e7d84389263769a.jpg

2024-10-09 06:14:15

Look at me, joining a gym on my birthday.
🎉🏋️‍♀️🎂

2024-10-09 02:23:14

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the most useful pain scale I've seen in ages.
I used to call my pain* a 2-3, by this it would be 7-8.
I guess that's one of the issues with chronic pain.
*Most pain is now a thing of the past, my residual pain level is a 2-3.

2024-10-09 01:24:40

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💜💜💜

2024-10-08 22:43:09

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My mother called to say 'Happy Birthday'. And to say the cats are really enjoying their stay and are being very well behaved.
It really does seem that Pi only misbehaves when I am around.

2024-10-08 22:41:44

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I just had the bright idea to have a cup of tea.
But the power is off right now.
Oh the humanity!

2024-10-08 22:28:06

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An empty kitchen space with lots of mess on the floor.
https://assets.bne.social/media_attachments/files/113/274/153/937/066/799/original/42e41ea409d77537.jpg
https://assets.bne.social/media_attachments/files/113/274/153/903/923/233/original/9c641370f49e9151.jpg

2024-10-08 21:39:59

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Original
https://assets.bne.social/media_attachments/files/113/273/962/104/588/450/original/a3d445edac37f0f3.jpg
https://assets.bne.social/media_attachments/files/113/273/962/071/786/504/original/72c787b097cc04f0.jpg

2024-10-08 21:37:01

Good morning Fedi!
It's kitchen demo day.
There are currently 5 bodies in my kitchen (not including me). Two banging loudly and ripping out the 30-yr old kitchen, one plumber disconnecting water and setting up a much anticipated dishwasher, and two electricians.
It's also my birthday. I guess I bought myself a kitchen?

2024-10-08 19:45:44

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💜

2024-10-05 12:13:18

🤠 had taken me away for the weekend to celebrate my imminent birthday.
Special dinner tonight, so we got dressed up to pretend we are adults and know how to do the fancy adult thing.
A friend recently gave me a Lisa Ho dress that didn't suit her, so I gave it a whirl.
✔️ I felt both fancy and adult.
The wait staff in the fancy restaurant sang me "Happy Birthday" when delivering dessert. (For the first time in my life I wasn't embarrassed/mortified.)
https://assets.bne.social/media_attachments/files/113/254/747/428/136/720/original/1eb4b7f4a29d935d.jpg

2024-10-01 22:50:34

I had a lovely 3 day weekend away in Toowoomba with a friend. One of those quintessential "girl's weekends" you see in the movies.
Came home to my 🤠 just finishing off painting my new butler's pantry before the cabinets get installed next week. He was there to feed the cats, painting was a hopeful, but unexpected bonus - and he far exceeded the minimum I'd hoped for.
Better yet, when I got home he expressed just how much he missed me being there, how glad he was that I was home. Dinner was prepared, etc etc etc.
And now I'm in Melbourne for work for a few days and he's still looking after the cats.
And the week is not done yet.
He's taking me away for the long weekend for my birthday. He's planned everything.
My heart is not just full, it's overflowing. I guess I'm channeling some of that gushing here.

2024-09-29 04:23:49

Proof of flowers in Toowoomba.
https://assets.bne.social/media_attachments/files/113/218/922/567/515/866/original/773f5725084aa54e.jpg

2024-09-28 07:36:20

Hello Toowoomba!

2024-09-26 08:59:02

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and I'll be up in Toowoomba this weekend!
Barely spending a day at home in the next 10 days.

2024-09-26 08:28:12

Heading down to ol' Melbourne Town on Tuesday and back home on Thursday.
Couple of days in the city for a workshop.
Just in case anyone sees someone they think looks like me, it probably is me.
I'll be back properly at the end of the year for some proper fun time.

2024-09-25 05:07:41

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Sitting in my home office today and the aircon just came on! The room had hit the max allowed. So nice!!!

2024-09-24 10:55:05

Ready for summer, and winter, and summer, and...
Air-conditioners installed. Wi-Fi adapters connected.

2024-09-23 08:51:02

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I just found a swish gluten free cob loaf at the shops. So it's bread with lashings of butter for me!

2024-09-23 07:28:47

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🎉 congrats!

2024-09-23 07:27:41

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Today I discovered that Pi can climb ladders.
Today Pi discovered there is a huge mystery room that he's been denied access to.

2024-09-22 23:22:29

Pi supervising the air-conditioners getting installed.
Work stopped while we encouraged him to return to the inside of the house.
https://assets.bne.social/media_attachments/files/113/183/768/194/365/276/original/7df93180b141f22d.jpg
https://assets.bne.social/media_attachments/files/113/183/768/186/046/527/original/32298a9d9d144cfe.jpg

2024-09-21 08:20:01

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Brisfest - Rainbow serpent drone show
https://assets.bne.social/media_attachments/files/113/174/559/758/751/207/original/f15ccadb2f1c6ccb.mp4

2024-09-21 08:09:47

400 drones over the Meanjin (Brisbane) River taking part in story time.
2 thumbs up, appropriate use of technology!
https://assets.bne.social/media_attachments/files/113/174/514/414/978/672/original/cd9b901d5719e69d.jpg
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2024-09-20 00:56:12

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For the last 2 weeks I've been acting at the level that I'm apparently not suitable for.
My GM just commented on what an excellent job I've done, that I've achieved important things and been clear in my communication of technical things to non-tech people and collaborate well across teams. You know, all the things I was just judged as not effective at.
Me? Salty? No, not at all.
I accept that perhaps my application didn't hit the right notes. The opportunity to seek feedback would have been good though.

2024-09-20 00:04:12

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does a pool count as a type of bathtub?

2024-09-19 22:32:05

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sleep is so good!

2024-09-19 22:31:21

Made it to the CBD for a WFO day.
Coffee acquired.
New lid for coffee acquired after they very kindly out a gluten-filled treat on top.
Ordered my bagel for pickup - bonus discount!!
Realised I forgot my work pass - visit to security is next.

2024-09-19 21:22:28

Pi has earned extra treats.
I had tagged today as my "work from office" day.
I set my alarm last night, but slept terribly, so probably no surprise that I slept through my alarm.
Enter Pi to the rescue. He was awake, wanted food and to play - so he stood on me in bed and meowed loudly and repeatedly into my face.
I made it to the train station on time (after feeding the cats).
(Probably not the immediate reward he was looking for.)

2024-09-17 22:51:26

Perhaps I'm just delusional?
I've had any number of senior colleagues and managers push me to apply for positions at the next level up, telling me I'm better than at least half the people in those positions already.
Quietly I know I've only got a few years left of work, hoping to retire well before 60, but I don't disclose that info at work.
I end up applying for these positions and then getting told I'm not good enough to even make the merit list. Which is very demotivating despite me not really wanting the position in the first place (minimal extra $$ for a lot of extra stress).
Are these managers, etc, just blowing smoke up me arse?
Anyway, probably time to cut my losses here and transfer out. I may not have time to work up more levels elsewhere, but I'll "expand my experience" and reduce my internalized shame at not being deemed 'good enough'.

2024-09-17 22:45:01

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hmm, could be B-12 /Fe levels contributing though. Getting them tested this week anyway.

2024-09-17 22:37:28

Next stage of the kitchen reno - the plasterer arrived at 8am. The cats are locked out on the back deck. Pi is not happy about not being allowed to supervise.

2024-09-17 00:14:44

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💜
It shouldn't be, last K test (a few days ago) was good. Getting weekly tests currently.
I think my brain is just overloaded currently. And wishing I didn't need to work still.

2024-09-17 00:07:39

Tested to be sure. Although the fatigue is real.

2024-09-16 23:48:56

Long weekend away and I've got a serious case of the blues.
Not helped by the implied "we don't think you're good enough" lack of email about merit list for acting opportunities. (And my boss is still on leave so I can't debrief with anyone.)
Also not helped by the sheer amount of organization I need to do at home for upcoming renovations + life admin.

2024-09-13 05:27:42

In happy news for a Friday, I have received official notification that I've been found suitable to be added to a merit list for acting opportunities at my current level (the level that I'm at the top of the band already by virtue of merit rather than time in the job).
No word on whether I've been found suitable at the next level up. So I am assuming I haven't been.
This is the job I've been killing myself in over the last 6 months, and have just achieved a negotiation which no-one else had managed.
Very rude. Very not impressed.
When is retirement?

2024-09-10 11:34:37

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oh no

2024-09-10 07:18:14

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fabulous!!! ♥️

2024-09-10 04:57:30

The builder company confirmed my new pantry room would be started today (I did ask how long it would take, no answer, I guessed 2 days). They had previously booked it for the week before my kitchen gets installed, but I said I'd need more time to get it painted in time.
I delivered the cats to my parents on Sunday so that the builders had clear access.
At 2pm the on-site builder informed me the first stage was completed and now I had to wait for the plasterer, and then the builder would be back to do the architraves, etc.
No date for that though. Absolute silence from the builder company.
So now I have no idea what days I need to make sure I'm working from home, when I can confirm various medical appointments, when the cats can come back, when I'll be able to paint, etc.
I fully expect the builder will complete the work on their original timeline, which means I'll be painting the walls at night to achieve the required deadline.
Grrrr. And fuck trying to plan.

2024-09-09 00:00:45

I am working from the office today.
I am the only person from my division in the office - collaboration and face-to-face time is so important!!!
It's the only day this week I could come into the office, and apparently a bum on seat / recording door swipe stat is more important than any discussion about relevance and practicality. 🤷‍♀️

2024-09-06 23:23:31

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🤠 had never had one before either, he's definitely a fan now.
I may be corrupting him, but he's not complaining!

2024-09-06 10:50:24

The espresso martini goon bag has been cracked!
[@mike](https://social.chinwag.org/@mike )
https://assets.bne.social/media_attachments/files/113/090/217/294/642/427/original/9bc203c409e4efaa.jpg

2024-09-05 05:37:15

It's K-time!
🍌🍌🍌🍌
I like bananas so much I have a case for them.
There are 50 foods more potassium rich than bananas. But sure. I now prioritise bananas in my diet so that I can shut the random doctor up when they suggest I eat bananas. 🙄
https://assets.bne.social/media_attachments/files/113/083/300/799/031/019/original/5e445cc1d37d2cd8.jpg

2024-09-04 02:04:12

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I also take iron supplements, but they don't seem to do enough.
K 🤣
Spinach, salmon, banana, chocolate, and milk consumed!

2024-09-03 23:00:00

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yay for iron!!
I must remember to ask for a blood test to check if I need my next iron and B12 done again yet. It would be about 2.5 months now.

2024-09-03 08:10:14

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ooof, hugs.

2024-09-03 08:09:03

Did the last 6 months doctors have been snidely suggesting I need to see a dietician, that clearly I don't know what to eat to keep my potassium levels stable.
I'm reasonably intelligent and having successfully navigated coeliac disease, fructose malabsorption, and other random dietary constraints I do feel I know how to research nutrients, food, etc.
But they wore me down and so to shut them up I made an appointment to see a dietician.
She's just told me that I'm doing everything right, and there's nothing else she can suggest.
So, yeah.
Now I just need to get a badge made that says, "Yes, I *do* eat bananas, even though they are 12th on the list of potassium-rich foods".

2024-09-01 23:58:20

My 🤠 and I are coming to Melbourne for NY.
We're both train/team ppl without being gunzels about it.
We're doing Puffing Billy, but I'm keen to know what else might be happening around that time we should block out time for.
Tentative Xmas to 4 Jan.

2024-08-30 05:57:55

#CatsOfMastodon
The last few packages to arrive have been non-conducive to cat happiness.
But this one! Wowee! A bit overkill in the box size (it contained a normal size pizza tray), but Pi is not complaining.
https://assets.bne.social/media_attachments/files/113/049/431/205/924/087/original/0fcc9320077fb258.jpg

2024-08-30 05:54:58

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🎉🎉🎉

2024-08-28 07:58:09

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💜

2024-08-28 07:57:07

The last 6 weeks have been... a lot.
2 work deadlines completed, both requiring mega extra hours - deadlines met, regular hours now 🤞, but it's been too much for this older person.
A month's worth of medical tests - results Friday - in search of K.
3 month post surgery - recovering well, but it's a 12 month thing.
House improvement quotes and admin - sigh, $$$ when I can get them to actually respond.
New relationship - truly wonderful and supportive and amazing, time & emotional commitment gladly undertaken.
Parental health - ongoing, slow decline, time and emotional commitment gladly undertaken.
House-mate moving out, unknown date. Change.
Very busy September and October planned with 2 weekends away in Sept, & internal building works, 1 weekend away in October & new kitchen. Then backyard work in November.
I'm feeling very flat tonight, but also stressed.
Adrenaline crash I assume.

2024-08-24 04:17:59

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yeah, first test wasn't a good enough sample. Coffee enabled again Monday morning!

2024-08-24 04:00:49

I had an early start and went op-shopping with a friend this morning. My mission was to find some summer clothes for my new body. 5 shops, bought something in all of them. Highly successful morning.
All clothes now in the wash.
Home now and trying to gather the motivation for yard work.
Day #3 caffeine free. This is not a good look for me.

2024-08-22 21:52:44

I'm on a train!
Pros & cons
+ 50c fare
~ First time working in the office since surgery 3 months ago.
~ First time working in the office since the crazy workload/hours started 5 months ago.
- Caffeine free for another 3 days :(
+ Breakfast bagel
~ Forgot to pack my lunch
+ Probable drinks after work with an about to be married colleague
+ Dinner with a friend
- Not having dinner with my 🤠

2024-08-22 21:47:02

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hope you improve rapidly and that it's nothing serious.
And enjoy the drive!

2024-08-21 01:33:32

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💜💜

2024-08-20 02:06:44

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difference between the hip inner-city vibes and country far-north Brisbane. 🤣

2024-08-20 00:29:52

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my GP plays Country and Western in the waiting room.
I'm a fan, must find out what station it is.

2024-08-20 00:29:06

My coworker stole my office chair.
#CatsOfMastodon
https://assets.bne.social/media_attachments/files/112/991/512/742/061/749/original/e0d8842c3fffbbda.jpg

2024-08-17 12:05:32

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I did! You were with your family so I didn't want to disturb. 🤣

2024-08-17 06:14:25

Lovely day for a walk around Mt Coot-tha botanical gardens.
(Don't you reckon @npub1m0e…mqsy ?🤣)

2024-08-16 04:55:54

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💜 hope the pain is manageable and is best case scenario rather than lesser case scenario.

2024-08-15 23:50:40

It's going to be 27° in the north of Brisbane today!
#WeatherToot

2024-08-11 14:04:04

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💜💜
Do better? Woman you're doing things perfectly!

2024-08-09 02:00:27

Walk in to get my scheduled echocardiogram done and realize I forgot my referral.
Hoping I'd emailed it through when I made the appointment.
No joy.
Hoping I'd taken a scan to email it for one of the other tests on the form.
Yes!!
New strategy implemented. Take scans of every form I receive.

2024-08-08 21:58:55

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I sent my new guy a good morning message with the photo of my long-awaited coffee.
He responded with "good morning, nectar of the gods".
Currently trying to work out whether he's referring to the coffee or me. 🤣🤣🤣

2024-08-08 21:47:09

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Ahhhhh ☕🤣
https://assets.bne.social/media_attachments/files/112/928/593/900/754/788/original/ebc330d0ba45c501.jpg

2024-08-08 21:44:20

Ooohhh!!! Choices!
#Caffeine
https://assets.bne.social/media_attachments/files/112/928/582/529/876/886/original/f7d0d0400267f42f.jpg

2024-08-08 11:17:51

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yes!

2024-08-08 11:02:11

Day #3 of no caffeine draws to a close... At 9pm!
Seriously, I can't seem to achieve a thing without caffeine!

2024-08-08 08:40:31

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💜💜

2024-08-07 06:33:07

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Day #2 of no caffeine. Today is much better.
Panadol enabled (thanks @npub1scp…6zy8!)
Plenty of ice water.
Also some allowed snacks (my standard snacks are not allowed, despite being healthy, so I've gone to the unhealthy ones🤷‍♀️).
A full night's sleep may or may not have helped as well. Hmmm.

2024-08-06 11:39:04

Me: No, no. Caffeine doesn't affect me at night. I'm just a night person, always up until midnight.
Me after a caffeine-free day: Gee I'm feeling weary, think I'll go to bed early (9:30pm).
I am choosing not to examine the cognitive dissonance too closely.

2024-08-06 02:58:33

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paracetamol may or may not be on the allowed list. I need to check.

2024-08-06 02:30:41

I cannot have caffeine (and a heap of other specific foods) for the next 3 days prior to a test.
Half a day in and the headache is real! :(

2024-08-05 01:55:36

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we're planning dates around the cheap fares for the foreseeable future.
Frugal, not tight-arses. 🤣

2024-08-05 00:12:00

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Ah the great Monday morning context switch where I have to get used to work again. Good morning :)

2024-08-04 22:49:10

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I hated it for years because it was so different from the book. But rewatching it as an older adult I came to appreciate it. Same themes portrayed subtly differently.
#RAH

2024-08-04 11:59:40

The sign for Osprey House was one of the first things I noticed when I first moved here 18 months ago.
Today I finally got to visit it.
A short raised walk along the mangroves with larger areas looking out over the Pine River. An educational centre aimed at kids.
As we were leaving we were looking at the man made osprey nest just as one flew in after a successful fishing trip. Perfect timing!
https://www.moretonbay.qld.gov.au/Services/Environment/Environment-centres/Osprey-House

2024-08-03 05:13:36

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💜💜

2024-08-02 07:08:02

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the ATO is never kind, obviously a scam.