Friday night

Hmm...

10pm Friday. Could be out - movies, dinner, dancing...

But really, tim tams and the world wide web are about as much energy as I can muster.

1 week left of this job. It's been worthwhile, and I've learnt lots, and enjoyed stuff too (not that recent blog entries reflect this, I know). But the emotional batteries were already rather drained and January didn't recharge them as much as I'd thought. Now, it's a matter of enough sleep, proper meals, friends and getting through...

Good notes to balance the crap:
Being able to see the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony live! Well, the rehearsal, complete with duck, and a random sound guy standing in for Delta & choking on all the firework smoke. Thanks M!

Being thanked by 2 patients.

Also had weird conversation with patient's mother, who ran through our whole (large) team, correctly picking who had kids & who didn't by their approach. I had her stumped. I'm taking this as a compliment - seems I can relate to the kids / teenagers but not parentally!

Cooking.

Running in to 8 different colleagues that I haven't seen in ages, & feeling part of the community of this hospital.

Interactions with my Dad. Thanks!

Considering where I should spend my 5 weeks off.
Options already considered:
- Thailand
- Burma
- France
- London
- Thailand
- Burma
- Thailand
All of the above excluded due to financial & being-sensible-re-above-emotional-drainage-and-culture-shock issues. Have 2 engagements in Victoria already and am thinking Oz will have to be the answer.

Suggestions welcome...

Helicopters flying to heaven

Today, we mourn two young lives.

As much as it's unfair, we play favorites. And these two were up there for me.

A baby girl, facing her challenges with an angelic smile and
fierce stamina.

A toddling boy, grown so much since we met, playing footy on the grass near my house.

Today, there are two holes in the universe, and in my heart.

My tears spent, and with the golden afternoon hours ahead, I sit in the light, with sun-warmed figs and a glass of wine. I read a picture book, for them. For what they cannot do for themselves.

Go well.

In other words

Mae Tao Clinic is in Maesot, north of where I was working but with the same issues. It was started by Dr Cynthia, known throughout the border area for her ability to care for the Burmese population with few resources. My mate from uni is currently working there and his blog makes me laugh and ache with renewed grief for those I worked with.