About me

[Tangliss]

Today I have been spending most of the morning doing my research for my PBL coursework, as well as trying to arrange my seminar group and update the ones who did not make it to yesterdays meeting. I must admit, it's hard going, but it is keeping me occupied which is the main thing. The actual presentation is not due until the 7th December, but I am making sure that we have the PowerPoint stuff ready for next monday in order for it to be revised if needed.

I have loads of work to do and catch up on. Sitting in lectures I don't tend to take it all in so I have to end up doing my own work and tend to fall behind on it. So today, I have a mountin of things to print out, notes to write and questions to answer.

Tomorrow it is Carter's 5th birthday. Martin has decided to take a half day so we can collect him from school and take him to McDonalds, which is not exactly the choice I would have made, but as Carter is insisting on going there then we have to I suppose. I have decided to leave Lauren at nursery, as she tends to moan and spoil things.

Oh, I have been interviewed by my local newspaper. They spoke to me last friday with regards to getting into medical school with two children in tow, and last night they took a photo of me and the kids. So, I'm going to be a local celeb, lol!

Right, I better get myself motivated and work, work, work....but first a coffee is in order.

[Tangliss]

It's been a while since I wrote in this thing, so I better update it.

I have offically broken up from uni for Christmas and have been spending my first day studying for my MBM exam. There's so much to go through, I have an A4 folder full of lecture hand-outs and notes, I am never going to be able to cover the whole module.

Yesterday, I had my first hospital visit and I loved it. My group and I were located to City Hospital in Nottingham, and we visted a cardiology ward where we spoke to a patient about her condition for an hour. She was lovely, and we ended up having a natter about her life in the end I must admit it was really strange walking around a hospital ward dressed as a doctor, lol! We were told that we had to wear our white lab coats and stethoscopes, which made me feel I was a fraud. I had this image of a pateint walking up to us asking for help thinking that we were doctors, but none of us knowing anything.

Last week we had our PBL presentation and it went really really well! Our talk lasted the full 20 mins and we even devised a quiz for the other group to answer. Yesterday I picked up our group results and we got 72% which is a first!!!!

Christmas is coming and I am not prepared like I usually am. I still have lots to buy, and christmas day is little over a week away. I think it's because I have so much on my mind what with all the exams I have in Jan!

Right, I am off for a bath as I am still in my PJ's.

[Tangliss]

Revision is not going well. I have to admit I have actually done quite a lot over the past two days, however none of it is sinking in which is highly frustrating. I have been mostly studying the science subjects mainly Molecular Basis on Medicine and Excitable Tissues. I think some of EXT is being absorbed, but I have no clue with MBM.

Why do I always wind myself up over exams....

Carter breaks up from school today. We spent most of last night getting him to write cards to all his school friends. He has the most cards in the house, and for someone who socailises less than most certainly has a lot of little pals.

Lauren is getting naughty by the day. She is only two and she is a little madam! She even thinks she can get away with bossing me about which is over stepping the boundaries, as if you speak to anyone I know well they will tell you I am not one to take any crap!

Nursery does not breakup until this Friday, which is excellent as it means I get the house to myself in order to study...I have to get as much done as I can as Martin normally moans if I spend time looking at the books on the weekends, and it's Christmas and Boxing day next monday and tuesday, which rules out studying.

Martin has got the whole of next week off from work, so when the kids go back to nusery next Wednesday I have advised him that he will be doing DIY, so that a) I can study and b) we can get this hell hole I call a house in check in order to put it on the market asap.

As for Christmas, I am pleased to say I have got all my presents, which are wrapped and under the tree as well as most of my food and booze in To be honest, I'm not really looking forward to Christmas this year as I have got so much other things on my mind. I usually look forward to Christmas eve, eating my picky bits, watching xmas films and drinking mulled wine, yummy.

Today, I have tried to get into the spirit by playing my 'Now That's What I call Xmas' Cd, but ended up turning it off as it was interferring with my studying

Right, I have managed to fill my study break with writing about my boring life, lol!

On with the show....

[Tangliss]

The last time I posted in this thing was before Christmas, doesn't time fly! So I shall start from then.

Christmas was really good this year, the kids were excited about seeing Santa, although to my surprise it was more Lauren than Carter. She kept on pointing to all the decorations and when doing so kept on calling everything Santa. She was even singing Jingle Bells every two seconds which was very cute.

Christmas day, the kids opened all their presents with excitment, while Martin and I drank coffee to try and wake ourselves up. After the present opening session, the day was followed by games, films and a big dinner!

Boxing Day was pretty much the same, except my Mum came to visit and gave us loads of presents. We even decided to go into Nottingham to check out the sales, but most of the shops were closed and the sales had not started

The following weeks has be followed with revision! Boy how much do I hate that word I have SO much to learn and there's just far too much to get into my non-existant brain it's untrue! Although, I have not ended up doing as much as I wanted as Carter has been ill.

Last Wednesday, Carter woke up with severe breathing difficulties. When I finally managed to get through to my GP surgery (after 10 as the phone was constantly engaged!) I asked if the doctor could come out on a home visit after explaining to the receptionist how bad he was, he could not even speak by this point yet alone walk all the way to a bus stop. She gave me a vague respose about 'seeing whether doctor would TRY and make a visit, but they don't like doing home visits blah blah' then suggested a provisional appointment when I suggested calling Martin at work and getting him to drive all the way home from Nottingham to take him.....and this is what ended up happening.
When Martin went into see the GP, he took one look at Carter and rang for an ambulance! I had to get a taxi to the QMC and run to A&E, where he was lying in a bed in childrens bay. After two hours on nebulisers and oxygen, he was moved up to a short stay children's ward where he was out on constant oxygen. I was told that I had to stay in with him that night, and it was the worst nights sleep I had in a long time! The next morning I looked like a zombie and felt really drained. Thankfully by that evening, Carter was well enough to go home although he only went back to school today.

Ok, I have been on this thing too long and I have a lot of work to be getting on with. So I will leave it here.

[Tangliss]

Since my last post I am pleased to say that I passed all my exams, apart from MBM which I did not end up sitting as I was ill and signed off by the Doctor! As a result I will be sitting it as a first sitting in September, which means regardless of semester 2 results I will have to revise over the summer. However, I can't complain as it gives me something to do and I have 3 months to prepare. I just hope I don't have any resits from this semester!

Uni is fab, I can't believe that after my 4 week easter break, I only have 4 weeks left before my exams! Semester 2 has been so hard, I can't believe I moaned about last semester considering the sheer volume of work we have now!!! This time I am dreading the exams even more as two of them are negetively marked, plus we have a spotter exam and our OSCE!

Today, like everyday this week, I am going to study. I think some of it is sinking it as I seem to know something which was more than I knew last week, lol! All I can do is my best and I am trying to teach myself not to get so stressed when it comes to exams! I was in a right state when I was waiting for Semester 1 results I had convinced myself I had failed one of my exams and ended up making myself ill. The ironic thing was it was my best mark!

It's Carter's last day at school, he breaks up for Easter for two weeks. I'm quite worried about him at the moment, as he has been referred to a audiology department with regards to two failed hearing tests at school! However, if there is something wrong with him I would rather it get spotted and dealt with sooner rather than later!

As for Lauren, she is Mummy's little star! I think I am flavour of the month! She keeps on following me around and copying everything I do, it's quite funny. Her speech is excellent, and I have been told by nursery staff that her development is advanced for her age.

Next weekend my friend Simon is coming to visit. He was the one who came to ours a couple of years ago and I got frustrated as Martin and I had to pay for everything! Although, he has promised wine and has been really sweet and brought the kids a little something

Right, I better stop using this blog as an excuse not to work!

[Tangliss]

Well quite a lot has happened since I last wrote in this thing. Firstly I am offically a second year medic!!!!! Due to the demanding second semester I neglected one of my subjects in order to concentrate on anatomy which lead me to fail it first time around. I also had to take one of my modules from semester 1 as a first sitting, both of which were worth a lot of credits. Needless to say I found out on Saturday I passed both with flying colours (shame one of them does not count) I can relax once again knowing I have another year at Nottingham!!!!!!!!!! This has been an eye opener for me as there is no way I want a repeat of it, the stress was horrible and I was convinced I was out! This year has also made me realise that I have a very special group of friends who have supported me, which I would also like to thank very much! *Oscar speech is over*

Carter is now in his second year at school!! He is loving it and has made a lot of friends. I have yet to meet his new teachers but they seem nice by what I have been told. Two weeks ago he had to be admitted to hospital due to breathing problems which is scary! I can't believe how fast someone can go from running around to unable to stand up. This time his chest way X-rayed and was told that he had a virus. He had to stay in hospital for two nights but at least he's ok now! Martin told one of the 4th year medics that I had exams that week, and she told one of the Doc's who told Mart that I will do well which was really sweet!

Lauren, where shall I start with that one! She is growing up so fast!!!! Her speech is fantastic and I have been informed by several nursery staff that she is very advanced for her age!!! I have also been told that she scares most people due to her demanding ways which includes a couple of 8 year olds. We are currently trying to toliet/potty train her which is proving more difficult than we thought as she keeps insisting she is 'Mummy's Baby' and therefore wants a nappy.

Martin is doing well at work, he is currently doing a short law course and if he passes will be given a little pay rise, which is not much but I can't argue!

I have less than a week before I am back!!! It's strange because I am going to be a medic parent to some little first year I hope I can give them good advice and help them as much as my Medic Mum, although I have adopted Natalie, a fellow NNM chum. If it was not for her excellent notes there is no way I would have done as well as I have in some of my modules this year!!!

Right, I am going to leave this here for now!

[Tangliss]

I was up early today in order to take the kids to nursery as later I am off to Lincoln with Mollymouse aka Samantha! We, well I am going to give an insight into what to expect at Nottingham and talk a bit about the Lincoln course, followed by answering any questions the new cert sci students have, this is where Sammyboo comes in handy. The last time I was in Lincoln was when I graduated which was over a year ago, so I am really looking forward seeing the place again especially as both Samantha and myself miss it.

I'm getting a little stressed with the Student Loans company again, but what's new! This is the second year my payment shedual letter has yet to arrive which is need by monday 24th Sept! I am relying heavily on it dropping through my letter box by Saturday the latest as my loan HAS to go in next week otherwise I a screwed big time! Everytime I try and call Student Finance Direct the network is always busy or the operators are!

The weather has changed so fast!!!! It was freezing this morning. It wont be long before it's icey and I am moaning about having to leave the house lol!

As for my house, it's been on the market for 4 months now and not one offer! I am starting to get frustrated as we really need to move now the kids are getting bigger and sharing a very small room. If it doesn't sell soon the only other option would be to sell it for a low price, enough to pay the mortgage and any loans we have, and rent. I really do not want to go down that route, but what can you do?

Right, I'm off to make a coffee and tidy up.

[Tangliss]

The first three weeks back at uni have been hectic to say the least. I thought semester 2 last year wall pretty full on but this semester seems double the work, needless to say I am enjoying it apart from dissection. It's not the actual dissecting I have a problem with especially as it's really interesting and our group have a banter while we are at work, but the fact we are assessed at the end of each 3 hour practical. I hate being asked to identify X, Y & Z followed by impossible questions which makes me look like an even bigger moron because the rest of the group end up getting the same mark. I should try not to worry so much about it as each question is hardly worth anything towards our anatomy grade, but I still get nervous come 12:30 in the DR

At the moment I am finding the endocrine system interesting and I am also enjoying CLS. The subject which I think most people are not quite following is the Kidney as the lecturer makes it all sound so complicated when it's not as bad once you read the recommended texts. I think I am going to have to keep on making my own notes for that one if I have any chance is passing the exam in Jan.

Last week was my first hospital visit of year two, we had to do an abdominal exam on patients who actually had enlarged livers due to acholoism and cancer. It was really interesting feeling the border of an enlarged liver and the differences depending on the illness, also the presenting problems differed a lot between the two patients.

Today is my day off so I decided to update my blog in order to avoid anatomy revision for tomorrows DR session. I have been also tidying the house as we have a viewing at 2 today which I have a very strong feeling is going to be a complete waste of time, but at least it motivates me to clean the house.

Tonight is Ilkeston fair, so Marts went in early to work in order to get back home in good time in order to take Lauren and Carts to it. I don't think Lauren realises what it is as the last time she went she was very small, however Carter is excited and can't wait to go on all the rides, which me thinks is going to cause a massive hole in my bank balance.

Tomorrow I am in uni from 9-5 but I am not in on friday (well I should be but I have decided not to travel all the way into uni for a one hour lecture at 9) so will have the much deserved lie in I did not get today.

Argh, Moore & Argur is calling me to open it's pages so I better stop typing and actually do some work.

[Tangliss]

It's nearly Christmas!!!! Thankfully I managed to get the rest of my presents on Tuesday which was a nightmare! First of all the bus driver drove so slowly into Nottingham that it took an hour to get into town from Ilkeston, and considering there was no traffic so to speak and that on average a bus would take little over 30 mins to get into the city centre, took the mick! Then when I got into town I only had an hour to get all of Martin's presents and had to que for ages in each shop! But at least it's over and done with now, all I have to get is the rest of my food and booze shopping at the weekend and I can relax......or maybe not as in just over two and a bit weeks I have my first exam, anatomy!!!

This year I am so underprepared for my exams it's untrue! I wish like some universities that ours got our exams out of the way just before Christmas as that way I could relax with my family over the festive period. Although this year our exams have been prepared by the central exam board instead of the medical school which means they are spread out over a two week peroid with 3-4 days in between each one!

Last month Carter had to go into hospital once again, his third admission this year This time however he was finally diagnosed with Asthma and now has to take a steriod inhaler indefinitely. Since Carter has been back to school I have had trouble with one of the 'helpers' regarding his asthma and the fact that they wanted an inhaler for him, which was fair enough so I put one in his bag (even though the Docs told me that he probably would hardly use it, and besides we all know that once an attack starts the preventer is redundent) but nursery took it out thinking it was for them. So this 'helper', who might I add is the same cow who picked on Carter last year when he first started school, rang me while I was in uni and basically shouted and me and implied I was a bad parent because nursery took his inhaler! I was so mad that I made Martin call up the school, and it turns out that the head teacher knew all about Carter and the inhaler situation and had no idea this beast of a woman took it upon herself to stick her nose in a situation which had nothing to do with her! Since then I have had a written apology from the school with a note saying that they were looking into this matter further with this so called individual!

Lauren is getting bigger, she turned 3 last week and we had a party for her and Carter on Saturday which cost a fortune! She now understands Christmas which is really cute and wanted to open her presents the other day, the cheeky monkey!

Martin is currently looking for a new job because his company are moving to Mansfield which is miles away and would not work out for us at all, but since it's so close to Christmas I don't see anything on the horizon until the New Year.

Right, I better make myself a coffee and start reading Natalie's (my third year medic friend) notes.

[Tangliss]

Argh I have my first exam on monday and I am not prepared for it at all Monday's exam in a hour long essay paper for anatomy and I don't have a Blue's Clue what might come up, although I know section A will be on reproduction. I have another two exams on Thursday which are my anatomy spotter and anatomy T/F/A paper, then that's it until the following week. We are starting exams so early this year and what with Christmas and everything I have not been able to study as much as I wanted. Last year our first exam was 18th Jan which gave us 5 weeks to prepare, but like I mentioned before at least this time they are spread out

Apart from stressing over revision and exams I have had a really good Christmas and New Year. It has been enjoyable spending time with Martin and the kids, I now miss them because they are not here

Carter saw a consultant yesterday regarding his asthma, although we were told that it's not really asthma as such and he will probably grow out of it, much to my relief. As well as his steriod inhaler, Carter now has to Montelukast everyday. It was quite funny when the consultant was explaining to us how it worked because I have an exam next week which covers it.

Lauren's new thing is to tell on everyone at every given opportunity which is very annoying. I think she picked it up from one of her little pals. Every two mins it is 'Mummy you know Carter...' or 'Mummy you know Daddy....' ARGH!

Well that's my revision break over, I better go and learn some of this stuff for monday!