Last night, I submitted my last paper for the semester. It was a briefing report for DESC9147 Sustainable building design principles. We had to do a "redesign" of a sustainable building from a previous assignment. Our group's building was the Singapore National Library, which we had to "relocate" in a location in Sydney. It was interesting to do, but I had to say that our enthusiasm was already waning since it was already the last one. Well, I hope we will do just fine... although, I failed to do a 3d model because I could not download the program needed, Sefaira.... just keeping my fingers crossed!
I have to say, I actually enjoyed learning this semester. The course is really interesting (and relevant), and I admire how the professors seem so knowledgeable about their craft. I could not be more pleased with my choice of program and uni. Also, I have made some cool, awesome friends who are really good in their craft as well. All my subjects were intensives, which meant that we only met for five times for the whole semester. The classes were 9am-5pm, with classrooms spread out across uni. We also learned new programs too- Design builder, Climate consultant, and Sefaira.
It is without saying that the semester was not a "walk in the park." Definitely had some down times.
It was during holy week (3rd week of April) that I felt ill. The pain started from my lower back then radiated to my right leg down to my knee. It was horrible. I have never felt so much pain in my life. I cried several times, because it would take me almost half an hour to just stand from my bed. I did not want to worry Mommie, so I could not tell her how bad it was, until I felt I had to go to an emergency room. It was a Sunday, and my housemate/classmate, Harold, offered to go with me to RPA Hospital. We waited for three hours before I could be seen by a doctor (it was a triage hospital.... the doctor was young and hot, btw. lol. I just had to say that). She said that it was muscle spasm, and not the nerves. I was really scared since with what happened to Jankie and all, it was really frightening. I had a follow up check up with a GP here in Marrickville. A Vietnamese doctor. He gave meds the first time, but did not seem to work. I had xrays done, and thankfully, they were all clear. He gave me some muscle relaxants and some prednisone (steroids), told me to do some stretches. After about 5 days, I was well again. I did not have to use the cane my housemate bought for me from Daiso. It was a good thing, too, that I asked Jankie's physical therapist for some exercises to do. I think that really helped.
That experience was indeed a wake up call. I should have gone to see a doctor right away, and not wait for it to worsen. I was immobile for 10 days before I decided that it was getting really serious. At first, I thought it was UTI, so I drank cranberry juice and all those home remedies stuff. It turned out, it was my sedentary lifestyle that was the culprit. I needed to move more a lot, which was not necessary the case, and the intensive classes did not help either.
On a lighter note, I finally was able to purchase one of things on my "checklist." After researching for several weeks, I found a legit camera store that sells the cheapest in Sydney (based on some forums). It was a Fujifilm XT20 with 16-50mm lens (silver). I got it for $1,299, which I think was a good deal, 'cos other stores sell it for $1700 just for the body! Anyway, I don't want to convert it to pesos since I could already buy a motorcycle with that amount. lol. Next on my checklist is a Yamaha travel guitar... hmmmm.....
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The time just flew so fast... Two of the "clingies" are heading home and my closest foreign friend is going home, as well. It's kinda sad, but it's a reality we all must face. Sydney is just temporary. And all these is just gonna go down in our memory banks.
I am starting to have anxious thoughts of what I will do when I come home. Should I practice in Zamboanga? Teach in WMSU? Put up my own firm or go try my luck in Singapore, perhaps? or maybe I can teach in Silliman University or San Carlos in Cebu. Wherever my feet may take me, I hope I will have peace of mind.
But..... let's not worry about that yet.
One thing I know is for sure, SEMESTER TWO IS A WRAPPPP!
