It's time to go... Jules

No, this isn't Big Brother

I haven't been evicted. I will shortly be heading south, to Melbourne. By choice. It was dependent on a little more than a decision in my head. For those who don't know, I will be commencing my Graduate Ambulance Paramedic position with Ambulance Victoria on Wednesday 25th March. I needed to be successful throughout the selection process that included psychometric testing, panel interview, medical and fitness assessments and referee checks. I had to also successfully complete my undergraduate paramedic degree. All those boxes have been ticked. My recent challenge has been finding accommodation. That has also just been sorted. I’m renting a 1 bedroom flat in Mentone (Bayside).

While I was walking along the Moreton Bay Cycleway last night (Saturday), it occurred to me that I don't have a lot of time left to do what I need to do before I head into the real world. The world where you are not protected and sheltered. The one where you have to be Miss (Ms or Mr) Independent; where you have to work full time and pay taxes; and deal with life's challenges without the parents helping you out (much).

What else occurred to me?

There's some stuff that I'm really going to miss about my intermittent residency at my parents place in Bayside Brisbane. By 'stuff', I mean people and things.

1. My family. Gee that was a no-brainer! And one that requires no further explanation.

2. My cat. I won’t initially be able to take my (almost) 5 year old burmilla (burmese/chinchilla) cat, Mishka with me to Melbourne. It's going to be painful saying goodbye to her. I love her tons. I hope to be able to buy a place in the not-too-distant future OR find a rental place that will allow me to have her indoors.

3. My work. For the past two months I've been a lifeguard at the Brisbane Aquatic Centre. It's been fabulous. I've built some confidence and improved my communication skills. I've also met a bunch of great people - my fellow lifeguards, and some members of the public. A by-product (or benefit) of my casual employment has been staff membership of the gym and aquatic centre. I haven't used the gym much (okay, I’ve gone once!) as I am a member else where, but I've used the pool a bit. I'll miss that for sure.

4. My physio/pilates instructor. Tim has to be Australia's best physiotherapist. Okay, so I could be just a tad biased. He is so committed and his knowledge base is amazing.

5. My gym and my PT, Gavin. How can I get so attached to someone I've only known for err 2 hours (1x 30 min introductory session & 2x 45 min sessions so far)? Easy – I just can. I just did. Gavin is really cool. He’s pushed me heaps and we’ve had fun. I vote that he phrase “I can’t” should be removed from the global vocabulary. If you physically can’t do something now, in time you will, if you want it bad enough… unless you’re talking about something that is physiologically beyond your ability. Anyone can run, anyone can do bench press, anyone can lift heavy things ;) Just how fast and how far you can run and how heavy the things you lift is the question.

6. My friend, Chris. I met Chris through doing pilates with Tim. Chris is about the only friend I have in Brisbane!

7. Moreton Bay Cycleway. I love doing my run/walk sessions along the Esplanade. I use MapMyRun to work out my turn around point so I know how far I’ve run.

Why do we get attached to 'stuff'?

We're emotional creatures, that's why. I don’t think I can do justice to this question so I’ve hand balled it on to my mentor. I’ll let you know if I get a response.


My question for you today is, if you had to move (by choice or need) what would you miss about where you live, and the people and things in your world?