1. I have an unhealthy obsession with radio 4
2. I have sand boarded the deserts of Huacacina in Peru
3. In my ideal world, all men would still wear 3-piece suits, don monocles and tip their top hat as I cycled by on my Penny Farthing
4. My signature song on karaoke is 'Islands in the Stream' by Dolly and Kenny
5. I have 'The Week' delivered every Friday and think it's the best magazine available in the UK - buy it!
6. I'm still not sure where Israel and the Gaza strip is
7. One of my guilty pleasures is watching Tyra Banks drive mentally unstable wannabe models crazy on America's Next Top Model
8. Despite have a degree is engineering, I still can't do my times tables up to 10
9. I tend to obsess about people who treat me badly, and dismiss those who care for me
10. I can draw the brachial plexus unaided
11. People say my older sister is the double of me and she used to say I looked like Lance from Neighbours so she was really just taunting herself
12. I lived in Australia for the first half of 2007
13. I tried to do a Closer crossword with Laura on Wednesday and failed miserably. It was a low point.
14. Sometimes I can't believe how lucky I am to have managed to get into graduate medicine in my home town and have my house.
15. I like to cycle through Leaze's park despite the children that laugh at my fold-up bicycle
16. Pisco sours are my favourite cocktail but alas they are not widely available in the UK so I settle for margheritas
17. I tend to watch Judge Judy episodes for hours on end on youtube at the most unhelpful times i.e. when an exam is pending
18. I go in monthly cycles of desperately wanting a partner to wanting no-one at all
19. I adore my china tea set and wireless radio
20. My bed is my favourite place to be
21. I know several people that I see and greet regularly but don't know their names, but it's too late now to ask them so I'm stuck - Argh!
22. I worked in an orphanage teaching in Peru in 2006 and as a health care assistant in India in 2007
23. The only people I really trust to drive me anywhere is my mam and dad. It makes getting around hard.
24. I make a mean dahl, thai green curry, risotto and falafel. How am I still single??
25. My scent is Hugo by Hugo Boss
Tuesday, 3 February 2009
Tuesday, 13 January 2009
Half a year in...
I started this blog almost a year ago and slowly documented my acceptance into Newcastle medical school only to be overwhelmed by the workload and go into hiding as I desperately tried to hold on to my newly found medic status.
It turned out that the first lot of exams in November were not at all as bad as I had worked myself up for them to be. They were difficult but entirely do-able and the questions I messed up were simply parts that I had neglected to go over enough through revision.
Newcastle university has been a tremendous experience for me so far. I've been able to relive my university life the way that I would have done could I have gone back in time to my first year at Imperial. The medical school has so far been nothing short of brilliant in terms of the support and feedback we receive as fast track students. Our exams were marked in 2 days with 3 PDFs sent to us containing detailed analysis of the questions we had answered; it really does put Imperial's 3 week (usually a lot longer!) return policy to shame there.
This week however has been a terrible blow to me personally as a student I knew quite well who dropped out late last year committed suicide. Everything in my own little bubble Im currently in which consists of medical texts to PBL talks to feedback sessions have all been shifted into a new perspective. I was so close to a break down before the exams thinking that this exam meant everything and if I failed it would be the end of the world but it wouldn't have been. Nothing is ever worth taking your life for and it tears me up to think how bad this person must have felt to do this. I've never had such a tragic event happen to me and it has shaken me big time.
It turned out that the first lot of exams in November were not at all as bad as I had worked myself up for them to be. They were difficult but entirely do-able and the questions I messed up were simply parts that I had neglected to go over enough through revision.
Newcastle university has been a tremendous experience for me so far. I've been able to relive my university life the way that I would have done could I have gone back in time to my first year at Imperial. The medical school has so far been nothing short of brilliant in terms of the support and feedback we receive as fast track students. Our exams were marked in 2 days with 3 PDFs sent to us containing detailed analysis of the questions we had answered; it really does put Imperial's 3 week (usually a lot longer!) return policy to shame there.
This week however has been a terrible blow to me personally as a student I knew quite well who dropped out late last year committed suicide. Everything in my own little bubble Im currently in which consists of medical texts to PBL talks to feedback sessions have all been shifted into a new perspective. I was so close to a break down before the exams thinking that this exam meant everything and if I failed it would be the end of the world but it wouldn't have been. Nothing is ever worth taking your life for and it tears me up to think how bad this person must have felt to do this. I've never had such a tragic event happen to me and it has shaken me big time.
Friday, 2 January 2009
2008 Re:View
Where did you begin 2008?
In Jesmond dressed as Pat Sharpe. I started as I meant to go on. But then I took off the mullet.
What was your status by Valentine's Day?
Single but still living with my ex. Boo-yeah!
Did you have to go to the hospital?
Oh yes I was in the General in the early hours of a Saturday morning after my mum had a fall and it was HELL ON EARTH! I also had to visit patients and elicit ICE (Idea's Concerns and Expectations for all you lay people ;P ) which is pretty hard when they've had a stroke I tell thee
Did you have any encounters with the police?
I think I played Roxanne a few times
What did you purchase that was over $500?
Well if by $500 you mean £250 then yes, yes I did. A laptop, my tuition fees and a house - ommm!
Did you know anybody who got married?
No
Did you know anybody who passed away?
Yes again vaguely
What sporting events did you attend?
Well I watched a gay rugby match but I dont think that counts.
Where do you live now?
Back to where I belong, Newcastle Upon Tyne in my own house where I am the landlord and I say put as many bastard posters up as you want with pins or blu-tac
Describe your birthday:
I revised the circulatory system as my phase I exam was imminent :-s go me!
What's the one thing you thought you would never do but did in 2008?
Get into grad med! It was a Mariah Carey Moment (against the odds)
What has/have been your favorite moment(s)?
Definitely getting into medical school and probably taking blood for the first time - a real adrenaline (or should I say epinephrine) rush!
Any new additions to your family?
Yeah Thomas II was born
What was your best month?
Probably September when I finally moved into my new house and met a load of brilliant people at Newcastle uni
Who has been your best drinking buddy?
Too many to think erm... claire rasul for red wine nights, sarah for forth action, skidz for free booze at boring PhD conferences, belima for drag at molly moggs ...
Made new friends?
My facebook friendship list expanded beyond comprehension seeing as I probably speak to about 10% of the 600 people that were there. I had a cull.
Favorite band of 2008?
I would have to say Kings of Leon as Sex on Fire is just incredible when youre pissed in the middle of a crowded bar
Favorite nights out?
My first night out in the Czech republic with the boys and all the nights out at uni
Favorite book you read in 2008?
The unbearable lightness of being
Favorite film?
There was a lot of shite out this year. A lot. I enjoyed Wall.E though. I walked out of Dark Knight and wanted to walk out of Mamma Mia but it was too cold so I endured Meryl Streep committing career suicide in front of my eyes
Any regrets?
Hmm yeah I should have celebrated my 25th instead of thinking I was going to fail med school
What do you want to change in 2009?
My front garden needs some real attention! Im thinking a vegetable patch is in order what with the credit crunch et al
Overall,how would you rate this year?
Well on balance a fair year, but I think 2009 will top it easily
Have any life changes in 2008?
Well I began my path to doctor-ville and began to nurture my God complex
Change your hairstyle?
Nope same old dirty blonde shizzle
Get a new job?
Yeah I quit TBS and worked for the NHS as an engineer for the Summer before med school
Do you have a New Year's resolution?
To keep up the vegetarianism
Get married or divorced?
I married Boron after a long affair with Tortora
Be honest did you watch American Idol?
If by American Idol you mean X-factor then yes. If by American Idol you meant American Idol then no.
Start a new hobby?
Cycling & yoga. I may be able to touch my toes come 2010!
Been snowboarding?
No
Are you happy to see 2008 go?
Yep bring on 2009
Been naughty or nice?
Mostly nice
What are you wishing for in 2009?
To pass this godforsaken accelerated year!
In Jesmond dressed as Pat Sharpe. I started as I meant to go on. But then I took off the mullet.
What was your status by Valentine's Day?
Single but still living with my ex. Boo-yeah!
Did you have to go to the hospital?
Oh yes I was in the General in the early hours of a Saturday morning after my mum had a fall and it was HELL ON EARTH! I also had to visit patients and elicit ICE (Idea's Concerns and Expectations for all you lay people ;P ) which is pretty hard when they've had a stroke I tell thee
Did you have any encounters with the police?
I think I played Roxanne a few times
What did you purchase that was over $500?
Well if by $500 you mean £250 then yes, yes I did. A laptop, my tuition fees and a house - ommm!
Did you know anybody who got married?
No
Did you know anybody who passed away?
Yes again vaguely
What sporting events did you attend?
Well I watched a gay rugby match but I dont think that counts.
Where do you live now?
Back to where I belong, Newcastle Upon Tyne in my own house where I am the landlord and I say put as many bastard posters up as you want with pins or blu-tac
Describe your birthday:
I revised the circulatory system as my phase I exam was imminent :-s go me!
What's the one thing you thought you would never do but did in 2008?
Get into grad med! It was a Mariah Carey Moment (against the odds)
What has/have been your favorite moment(s)?
Definitely getting into medical school and probably taking blood for the first time - a real adrenaline (or should I say epinephrine) rush!
Any new additions to your family?
Yeah Thomas II was born
What was your best month?
Probably September when I finally moved into my new house and met a load of brilliant people at Newcastle uni
Who has been your best drinking buddy?
Too many to think erm... claire rasul for red wine nights, sarah for forth action, skidz for free booze at boring PhD conferences, belima for drag at molly moggs ...
Made new friends?
My facebook friendship list expanded beyond comprehension seeing as I probably speak to about 10% of the 600 people that were there. I had a cull.
Favorite band of 2008?
I would have to say Kings of Leon as Sex on Fire is just incredible when youre pissed in the middle of a crowded bar
Favorite nights out?
My first night out in the Czech republic with the boys and all the nights out at uni
Favorite book you read in 2008?
The unbearable lightness of being
Favorite film?
There was a lot of shite out this year. A lot. I enjoyed Wall.E though. I walked out of Dark Knight and wanted to walk out of Mamma Mia but it was too cold so I endured Meryl Streep committing career suicide in front of my eyes
Any regrets?
Hmm yeah I should have celebrated my 25th instead of thinking I was going to fail med school
What do you want to change in 2009?
My front garden needs some real attention! Im thinking a vegetable patch is in order what with the credit crunch et al
Overall,how would you rate this year?
Well on balance a fair year, but I think 2009 will top it easily
Have any life changes in 2008?
Well I began my path to doctor-ville and began to nurture my God complex
Change your hairstyle?
Nope same old dirty blonde shizzle
Get a new job?
Yeah I quit TBS and worked for the NHS as an engineer for the Summer before med school
Do you have a New Year's resolution?
To keep up the vegetarianism
Get married or divorced?
I married Boron after a long affair with Tortora
Be honest did you watch American Idol?
If by American Idol you mean X-factor then yes. If by American Idol you meant American Idol then no.
Start a new hobby?
Cycling & yoga. I may be able to touch my toes come 2010!
Been snowboarding?
No
Are you happy to see 2008 go?
Yep bring on 2009
Been naughty or nice?
Mostly nice
What are you wishing for in 2009?
To pass this godforsaken accelerated year!
Sunday, 27 July 2008
Mathematicians take heed!
T-mobile, you are a genius! You have managed to rip the fundamental laws of mathematics up and finally offer a solution to what was always considered impossible; what value can one assign to ∞ in an equation?
It was always considered that infinity was an unlimited number that was undefinable and therefore a value could never be equated with it and it's use lay in limits (i.e. where x tends to infinity but can never reach it). However, when signing up with T-mobile for Unlimited mobile broadband in May it seems that my antiquated notion of what unlimited meant was foolish. For today a letter arrived from T-mobile saying that I had exceeded 3GB and was therefore contravening their terms of use. It seems that unlimited means 3 x 10^9 bytes(obviously) as per the small print which I surprisingly did not read.
I discussed this curious redefinition of unlimited with a delightful chappie from T-mobile who did not seem phased at all by the brazen lies his company told to trap me into this Godforesaken 24 month contract! It turns out that I had a choice; I could have my connection throttled or I could upgrade my unlimited package. How can you upgrade an unlimited package? I hear you say (this is what I asked John Doe at T-mobile). Well apparently you can upgrade to the other unlimited package where they have defined unlimited as 6 x 10^9. Ahh right I see.
So infinitey now has a dual value that only T-mobile may control. If you pay enough money infinity can even equal 10 x 10^9! (The '!' is not a factorial by the way but a mere output for my shock and horror). Wallis take note cos you were like totally wrong.
It was always considered that infinity was an unlimited number that was undefinable and therefore a value could never be equated with it and it's use lay in limits (i.e. where x tends to infinity but can never reach it). However, when signing up with T-mobile for Unlimited mobile broadband in May it seems that my antiquated notion of what unlimited meant was foolish. For today a letter arrived from T-mobile saying that I had exceeded 3GB and was therefore contravening their terms of use. It seems that unlimited means 3 x 10^9 bytes(obviously) as per the small print which I surprisingly did not read.
I discussed this curious redefinition of unlimited with a delightful chappie from T-mobile who did not seem phased at all by the brazen lies his company told to trap me into this Godforesaken 24 month contract! It turns out that I had a choice; I could have my connection throttled or I could upgrade my unlimited package. How can you upgrade an unlimited package? I hear you say (this is what I asked John Doe at T-mobile). Well apparently you can upgrade to the other unlimited package where they have defined unlimited as 6 x 10^9. Ahh right I see.
So infinitey now has a dual value that only T-mobile may control. If you pay enough money infinity can even equal 10 x 10^9! (The '!' is not a factorial by the way but a mere output for my shock and horror). Wallis take note cos you were like totally wrong.
Tuesday, 1 July 2008
Jobsworth
I have been 'working' at the Royal Free hospital as a medical engineer for almost 2 months now. I use the inverted commas because the job has been a bit of a joke really and really has made me question how on Earth the NHS has survived as long as it has. They have been paying me the best salary of my life to effectively sit in front of a computer and divert calls. Why on Earth would the NHS do this? It turns out that my degree in medical engineering wasn't enough for them to trust me to fix any high risk equipment (syringe drivers, infusion pumps etc) despite my years experience working on them at my previous job. A fear of litigation was palpable about the department. They would only let people with level 3 certificates in the specific devices work on them. Oh and of course they wouldn't send me on the day course to get the certificate because I was just a temp. It begs the question why on Earth they hired me in the first place really and after 2 weeks of asking this to various members of the management I resigned myself to the fact that they were happy to pay me a lot of money to answer the phone and fix sphygmomanometers. It's sad really but the apathy amongst the staff is catching and though I feel quite disgusted by the lack of focus on where NHS money is being wasted, at the same time I have to pay the bills.
Friday, 23 May 2008
I ain't your mate, mate
Sometimes in life I do inexplicable things time and time again: picking off scabs too early, sleeping with my contact lenses still in, drinking til they're cute etc etc but none of these make as little sense as my re-applications to Fitness First gyms, which I make every other year almost. Like a moth to the flame I am drawn to them and as soon as I utter "yes, I can spare 5 minutes," I begin to wince at the thought of the upcoming hard sell.
At least today I made sure I did not fill in any contact details (don't fill them in unless you want Buzz from the gym to call you every week saying yeah mate totally rock offer on and all that), and I didnt even attempt to feign any interest in the fact that the gym had lockers and tvs (like wow!) So we got down to the nitty gritty and the usual spiel about me being so incredibly lucky to there today because they have a special offer on today and today only.
"So, mate, we can give you this Fitness First bag, powerpack of earphones and water bottle, one sunbed session and a towel plus the admin fee which is worth £170 for only £30."
"Right... I don't want the bag, I dont want a towel, I dont want the powerpack nor the earphones or water bottle"
"You have to have them though..."
"OK, well it seems that if your company is prepared to give me £170 worth of stuff for £30 then surely they'll be making a saving giving me nothing but a membership card, right? Save themselves £140 here and now?"
"No mate it doesn't work like that"
"How does it work then?"
"You have to pay the £30 and take out a 12 month £45 per month contract"
"Can I go away and think about it?"
Those immortal words obviously meaning there is not a chance in hell I'm getting stuck into another 12 month contract with you guys. Bye Buzz! I guess I'll settle for the Royal Free gym which in fairness is crap compared to Fitness First but there are no contracts or 'admin' fees to deal with.
At least today I made sure I did not fill in any contact details (don't fill them in unless you want Buzz from the gym to call you every week saying yeah mate totally rock offer on and all that), and I didnt even attempt to feign any interest in the fact that the gym had lockers and tvs (like wow!) So we got down to the nitty gritty and the usual spiel about me being so incredibly lucky to there today because they have a special offer on today and today only.
"So, mate, we can give you this Fitness First bag, powerpack of earphones and water bottle, one sunbed session and a towel plus the admin fee which is worth £170 for only £30."
"Right... I don't want the bag, I dont want a towel, I dont want the powerpack nor the earphones or water bottle"
"You have to have them though..."
"OK, well it seems that if your company is prepared to give me £170 worth of stuff for £30 then surely they'll be making a saving giving me nothing but a membership card, right? Save themselves £140 here and now?"
"No mate it doesn't work like that"
"How does it work then?"
"You have to pay the £30 and take out a 12 month £45 per month contract"
"Can I go away and think about it?"
Those immortal words obviously meaning there is not a chance in hell I'm getting stuck into another 12 month contract with you guys. Bye Buzz! I guess I'll settle for the Royal Free gym which in fairness is crap compared to Fitness First but there are no contracts or 'admin' fees to deal with.
Sunday, 11 May 2008
You're Hired!
I found myself back in the hot seat on Thursday as I awaited the medical engineering manager at the Royal Free hospital to interview me for a new job. To tell the truth, I couldn’t have given two hoots about getting this job and I approached it with a somewhat indifferent borderline destructive attitude. The night before I had caught up with some Imperial buddies and drank a few too many coronas (something I wouldn’t have dreamed of doing before an interview for medical school!) and my research about the department was pathetic (a Google search and scroll on the hospital’s website).
Nevertheless, I answered the questions fairly well and my lack of want for the position allowed me to be totally relaxed which made me far more forthright with my questioning of the interviewer about the rates of pay and hours I would accept. I left thinking that I had asked for too much money and the flexible hours were unreasonable but within 20 minutes I had the job! I’ll repeat that – 20 minutes! If only medical schools were so hasty with their decisions; it would have relieved me of many sleepless nights. I start on Monday morning doing pretty much the same job as I was doing at the Princess Royal, but for more money and less hours(!)
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