A stressed student's diet.

Mine mainly consists of Digestive biscuits. And cheese. And soup.

To be fair, apart from all the tea and biscuits, and the amount of cheese, my diet is very balanced and healthy. Katie is a vegetarian, and whilst most of her meals are yummy, and colourful, I have taken a dislike to lentils.

Her 'salad':

It may be healthy, but it is ugly and gross looking. 

Also, we bought matching awesome lunch boxes. I really like mine, I keep showing it to people. We have got compliments from random people at uni about how cute they are. 

I really enjoy making my lunch every day now. The combinations are endless. 

xx

Today was unusual

Today I 'modelled' vintage clothing for the wonderful Lovely's vintage emporium. If you can call an awkward and slightly too big, 5' 3'' person trying to stand up straight and not to look to gormless 'modelling'.

It was fun! Getting to wear fur coats made me feel either very glamorous, or like a pimp. Although squeezing my feet into a pair of size 4 shoes for 2 hours wasn't the most comfortable. And it was a tad on the chilly side to wear just a cotton dress with no tights! Lynette seemed happy with the results, even if the location was slightly odd and we got a few strange looks. It was a fun experience I must admit. Although I don't know how models do it - I would get fair too bored!!!

I had a lovely dinner with Liv and Becky tonight, with a 50% off voucher, £20 for all 3 of us - main dessert and drink, and it was tasty, not bad at all!!!

Really must crack on with the dissertation now though, scary!!!

xx

Christmas

Christmas 2012 was pretty awesome.
We'd just got back from our holiday. Had a few brief days of catching up with family and friends and getting bits and pieces finished. I decorated the Christmas tree with Nanny the day before xmas eve, which was lovely, and we did Christmas baking on Christmas eve. Christmas eve dinner was Anti Pasti, which was a change, and a lovely, easy, help-yourself meal.

Christmas day morning was spent driving around seeing family and popping into Ben's to drop off Christmas presents before driving home. This year it was mum, nan, Ben and I. Weird without a baby Freya there. K + M were in New York having a wonderful time!!!

Christmas dinner was, as per usual, the best meal of the year! Because my nanna is the most amazing cook!!! It was nice and chilled out, we retired to the lounge before Sammi popped round and we enjoyed a civilised game of trivia pursuit.

Boxing day was spent at Ben's as it was his big Bro's birthday. Lovely meal at a pub, good company.

Christmas has come and gone so quickly this year, I think it's because I am now an adult. But that doesn't stop me from loving all the jolliness and festivities that come with it!!!

xx

Lovely weekend with the 'wife'

Katie is my wife. We decided this due to our slightly clingy and boundaryless friendship. It works well for us both.
Saturday we went to Windsor. It was sunny, and warm(ish), and it's a pretty place. We mooched around the town and got some lunch, did some shopping and vented about placement etc. It was lovely. I bought a couple of bits in tkmaxx, and now I've gotten brave (I'm totally over my fear of unordered shops -such as tkmaxx, and getting on the tube unaccompanied) I think I may shop there more often. I bought a lacy long sleeved black top and a big cream cardi, which I've named my polar bear top, it's warm and snuggly and looks polar bear like, yep!

Today we met in central london, and had a mooch about. Went to Harrods and had a look around, which was exciting in itself, and then we went into Christmas world. Oh my god. I was so excited!!!!!!!!!!! IT WAS AMAZING. Obviously we had lunch again, because all my friendships revolve around food. It was a shame Tracie couldn't join us, but I think she has whatever germs I picked up recently as I haven't felt good all week, and am only just starting to now.

**Posting lots of entries I have written, but not posted.


xx

The whole xmas/new year period!!

Now to try and recap everything... apologies if I forget something/someone!

Wednesday 21st December - I had my exam. It went ok I think, I had revised the right information, and had an idea of what to write for each question. When the exams man said we could leave the hall was literally the most exciting moment in a long time - it was officially the start of xmas for me!!! So after a rather brief goodbye to all my OT ladies. I headed home to finish packing. Bus ride to the station and an hour and a half on the train later and I was on the bus to the ferry. An hour and a nice cold pint, and my chocolate polar bear from Katie, and I was finally on the isle of wight. Driven home by my dad, it was an amazing feeling!!
Obviously I was joined by my special child hours after arriving home!!! ♥

Thurs - I had my hair cut, see previous pics. Short!!!!
Headed over to my lovely Boyfriends to have a bit of dinner down the pub and watch a band!

Friday & Saturday - Just a blur of lots of food and many drinks!

Christmas day - Was perfect! So chilled out, it was great. We eat out at a restaurant, great food and great company, could I ask for anymore?

Boxing day - Tom's birthday, we were down the local for something to eat, again a lovely chilled day!

Wednesday - Dinner with my mum and nan. It was yummy!!

Now at some point between then and NYE we went out with my special child and some of Ben's friends, was good even if she threw a hissy fit as there was no fast food places open! ♥

NYE was brill!!! All dressed up, Bugsy malone theme, and Liv joined us. Had a fab night!!!
Shame about the walk of shame the next morning. But was treated the most yummy dinner cooked, of course by my nanny! Beef wellington, mmmm!!!!

I have managed to see everyone I had hoped to. Thank you all I had a fab time!!!
It's just a shame not to have see Kim & Michael (however hope to see them soon!!) and my sister et al. Sooooo weird not seeing my baby niece on christmas day! As it is all about the kids, the only factor that made up for that slightly was seeing bens 3 nephews opening their presents.

Bring on 2012!!!!

xx

All I can think about at the moment is food...and neurones

Tea, toast and biscuits for dinner. Pasta when I get in later, maybe?
The lack of fruit and veg means I'm breaking out constantly. And the amount of tea and I'm drinking means I'm peeing far too often...and brushing my teeth like 3/4 times a day.
I really want salad, a whole bowl, a big bowl, a mixing bowl sized bowl, or salad, fresh crunchy salad, in a balsamic vinegarette. Possibly with sun dried tomatoes. and maybe some cheese, swiss cheese, edam, or smoked austrian. Mmmmm.
Also craving bbq food, chinese and indian food. My grandmother's Chicken and Rice, Spaghetti bolognaise and a roast. My mother's potato bake, and everything-you-find-in-the cupboard sauce chicken (usually saved for said bbq).
My usual cheese on toast made in the microwave (thanks for the tip) or jam on toast with lots o butter that I usually have at my dads.
And the MaccyDs I used to frequently (and we're talking at least once a week) have with my favourite blonde-to-brunette Sammi.



Aaaand to the neurones...I'm doing my revision and last MCQ... it's all about brains, spinal cords etc.
But on the plus side I have finished, submitted and peer marked my intervention plan. I gave 74% I think that's equivalent to 2:1. I was kind.
But the peer making does give an overview into the marking criterior, means that you learn and understand it, and know how it's applied to your work. I've done 14/30 questions on my MCQ. I hope to reach 20/30 by tonight.
Despite how much work I've got, (and trust me, it's a lot more contact hours than most courses, more independent learning than most- although less assessments, but I think that's worse, because it has to be 100% motivation for selfish reasons, not out of fear of failing a test) I love my course. Although none of this is told to you before you start the course...I learnt quickly.
It's totally me, I think. I can't wait to find out about my placement now! I think I have an idea of a possibility for accommodation. I'm excited, I just want to go now!

Bit of a rant to be honest...

This weekend I have a lot to finish...then again I have the whole weekend to myself so it should be easy. (I say it should be easy, I'm prone to a fair bit of procrastination...)
I have to finish - and by finish I mean proof read and edit my PinP essay, and finish referencing, and then print that.
Do my week 9 concepts case study stuff and make a start on the case study its self, it not finish it.
Work on my mcq
Revise my A & P (because that is the hardest part, well anatomy is anyway)
Read through my skills stuff, and attempt to practice that.
And then do a bit of reading.
Washing. I NEEED to do some washing.
I'm actually looking forward to having a weekend to myself, it means I can get a lot done, this 'get everything done' attitude is facilitated by jas going home and Kate going out...a lot less distractions (hopefully)!!

I need to do a bit of food shopping, only for the basics, because I have everything else, and only 2 and a bit weeks left, which is soooooooo scary, and I have to eat all my stuff in the freezer. (I'm pretty sure we have to defrost our freezer over xmas?!?!)
Last few bits of xmas shopping need to be done. Already got my wrapping paper etc.
Want to get it all done and sorted before I go home.
So on Dec 1st we are going to have a 'Christmas evening', consisting of: mulled wine, mince pies, xmas songs, wrapping presents, getting into the xmas spirit, if you catch my drift.
I also need printer paper. That is a definite!!!!
And a coat. Might try and find tx maxx for a coat.
After all this, the only thing I should need to spend is on my tickets home for xmas, unless someone drives up and gets me.

I got my uniform trousers the other day, it really brought home the fact that my placement is soon…
I can’t wait. I love my course. And I love the profession, I can’t wait to just get stuck in!!!
I feel so studenty with my little room, and my desk, and books, lots and lots of books!
Those trousers along with my polo top….mmmm I look dead sexy. Might even post a pic!

I am really enjoying every aspect of my course and uni it’s self, but I feel that what you get told about it, is very idealist, and not in detail enough.
I definitely think that schools should teach financial planning, budgeting, nutrition, basic cooking skills, organizing, filing of paper work, etc. I haven't struggled with any of this as I was pretty much doing all of that before heading to uni, however I am aware of people that have come straight from living at home, who've had no responsibilities and struggled with all of this!
Oh! AND people should be taught etiquette and common courtesy, compromising skills and how to be respectful of other people whilst living communally. Because clearly some people don't have any notion of this what so ever.
When I started uni I carefully worked out a budget per week, on a spreadsheet. This included the dates of all payments both in and out of my account. I have stuck to this, and stayed under my budget religiously. However, due to the way I'm funded, I go overdrawn twice before I stop paying rent. After which I amass a fair amount :/
The system clearly doesn't work. I really didn't want to go into my overdraft (I know, I know, I must be the only student not living on their's!!) But as it's interest free, I don't really mind, as long as it's only to cover the necessities.

I feel lucky because I chose a career. I chose the degree (not that I had a choice in said degree as such), and I'm working towards a career orientated goal.
Whereas I know people who've come to university with no idea of what they want to do, and have gone to uni because it's what's 'expected' of them, and I don't believe that's a good reason to go. Nor is going for the sake of going, as it means you don't have to get a job. It's a waste of money, and resources; and if and when the personal finally decides on something they want to do, if it requires a degree or training, they have to go through all the financial stuff again.
I really think that there should be more support in schools, more helpful careers advisers, as personally, mine was sodding useless, and didn't even know what it was I wanted to do!! Saying that a member of the 6th form staff didn't either, yet still told me my degree would be worth nothing (so a recognised qualification, eligibility to register with a professional body, and being qualified to practice in a profession that is evidence based is worth nothing?!?! I beg to differ you pompous idiot who can't keep a consistent story on what university he went to, and thinks that pushing the ranking tables is the best way to make an informed decision about a university. It's not,you elitist idiot!)

I am so glad I came to university, I have already learnt so many things, things I wouldn't have learnt, or had the chance to experience had I not done this.
You meet people and become friends with people you never would have at school. To the small narrow minded, those that strive to stay within their 'Clique', that doesn't happen at university!! You become so much less ignorant to the beliefs and practices of other people.
You learn, or hone so many skills, life skills, and skills that are transferable to many different situations.

I know that I could never do what I want to do, or get to where I want to be in life without going to university. Simple as that. I could do a job that was....similar...but not the same. I would have to do more, have more responsibility, work harder, for less gratification, less satisfaction, less appreciation and less money. Although the money is no motivation for me choosing this career path, it certainly facilitates a more comfortable life in every respect.
I hope by the time I reach 25 to have started a career path that will keep progressing, that I have paid off a fair amount of my debt, and that I am in a position to start thinking of things like saving for a deposit on a house. Because at the end of the day, it's going to be hard.
I like the idea of working in the nhs for the security, the benefits, the fact that the job I'd be doing will always be needed.  I read somewhere that whilst planning for the future you should save the same % of your earnings a year (after tax) as your age in years. E.g. At 25 you should save 25% of you earnings towards things such as a retirement fund.

I guess this all sounds a bit boring and middle aged, but that's what I am.
I'm a planner, a list writer, a forward, future thinker. And I can't wait to be middle aged.
I'm already watching grand designs, and midsommer murders. I like ironing, I have become almost obsessed about cleanliness and washing up. I use a spreadsheet to manage my finances. I am boring!!!

I can now see what people mean when they say 'university is the making of you', and I certainly hope it will be for me!

smiley smiley :)

I think all this not eating junk food, and crisps and chocolate and snacks etc, not consuming foods high in fat, eating meals regularly and having salad everyday, might be paying off...I don't feel like my hips and thighs are so chubby. Not lost weight, but feel more toned! Yay!! Gunna start swimming and maybe a fitness class next week.

I've also stopped biting my nails completely :S it's weird. and they look quite nice and neat! Although I have to have them short, and can't wear anything but clear nail varnish now! Think I'm going to grow my hair, although it's not so much a choice as a necessity, because I can't really afford the £40 odd they ask for up here!!

There is a lot of things I miss about home though, I miss how close I was to my friends, and my family, and Ben. I miss my pusscat. I miss the familiar things! But I'm also enjoying the change of scene!!
I love Oxford, but it's even better when I can share it with those that I love and care about (come see me *hint hint*) I want to share all these new and exciting things with everything that I miss from home!!

Started making plans for Halloween with le flatmates!! Can't wait because Sammi will be up here, so it will be just awesome!!! And then after Halloween its Christmas!!! And most my flatmates are as excited as me!! yay!!!
And then new year, and then my placement. I think these three years are going to go really quickly!!

I am quite looking forward to going home at Christmas because it'll be nice to catch up with everyone; I really miss my Thursday sessions, although there's gunna be a Thursday-Sunday session soon!!!! And i miss just being able to jump in my car and go for a drive, and the freedom that allows. I really hate having to go back to using buses, although they are (a fair bit) more reliable than Southern Vectis shitty buses!!
And have a break from studying will be nice, as it's going to get very intense!!
I think I'll miss my lil room, I've grown attached to it quite quickly!! And my darling flatmates, they are all so wonderful!!! 'Have you made a uni best friend?' Bless you!!!
I feel really happy, and positive; settled on where I am and where I'm headed. Which is nice, because I haven't really felt like this before, content with just about everything in my life right now!
For lack of better words to articulate myself better, I am really smiley!!!

xx

P.S. I've just realised how often I use exclamation marks!!!!!!!!!! :P

Exploring Oxford city

Today I got the bus into the city with Jas. We walked along the main high st where there's lots of posh and expensive shops; every other shop was a Oxford outfitters. We then walked the back streets, where there's the cobbled streets, and the amazing architecture, so pretty!!!
We eventually found the more 'high street' end, with the shopping centre, and covered market. I couldn't see many places advertising work though, which is slightly concerning!

I think I have pretty much sussed the buses out, which is very handy. There's one bus a day, well it's in the evening (Mon-Fri) that goes to the Tescos in the business park, gives you 40 mins to shop, and then goes back to the halls. It runs twice a day on a saturday.
I got lots of food, although I did forget a few things, I pretty much stuck to my shopping list. It was alot cheaper than I expected at £24. I bought a lot of stuff too. I need to get some mugs...Hopefully Mummy will bring up my Grumpy mug when she comes to see me?!

Got to have an early night tonight as I am going to 'roll on' :P, or in other words, enroll, tomorrow. And it means getting up and ready for the bus at 8:45ish.

I love my little room, I'm pretty much settled in. :)  xx