Had a really productive 'OT' day today

This morning I ran a group work session with Katie and Tracie, and as nerve racking as it was, I feel everyone involved enjoyed it! Everyone participated, despite some more difficult behaviours presented; and the feedback we received was good. Although I don't really understand being asked my opinion on something and then being told that "no, that's not really right..." - IT'S MY OPINION ¬.¬

As I hadn't done any groups on placement, the only thing I could work from was the seminar from last year - Katie and Tracie hadn't experienced one either, so I think we were the most unfortunate group in that respect. But our clinical reasoning was sound, and we could justify our reasons and decisions made for/about the group, so all in all it was a positive experience.

Tonight I went to KEEN again with Katie, it was a puppet making group. It was great fun, and I feel it's really good just to get the experience working along side people with a variety of learning disabilities. I really enjoy it, it's a really rewarding group to be a part of, and it's fun too!
I'm hoping to gain as much experience working with different client groups, just through volunteering, because it will increase my abilities and my confidence in speaking to and engaging with people on a professional level, and hopefully the experience will look good on my C.V - I should have additionally skills and knowledge that other people who graduate with the same degree won't necessarily have gained just though their lecture/seminar/placements that all OT students have to complete.

Looking forward to meeting Michael on Wednesday for lunch, as it feels like ages since I've seen him, even though it was only about a month ago! So I really am excited about going up to stay with them as it's been months since I've seen Kim as well!! Plus the bed at theirs is super comfy! 

Suppose I haven't seen Nanna since before I left for uni, as the last couple of times I went home, she was still on holiday - So it will be nice to see her in about 10 days, as long as she's not at bridge the entire time I'm home haha!

(Mummy, please can you make cauliflower/leeks in a cheesy sauce - I don't care what it's with. And sausages or frankfurters...Mmmm hotdog sandwich with ketchup! Thank you! Yay looking forward to coming home, and not just for being fed!!! I can buy a bottle of wine and we can have a catch up because I don't bother phoning as you never pick up haha.)

Sammi, I expect to see you at some point, sorry I couldn't be down for half term to make a den with you! Ps, the toast bar should be back up and running if we can find the toaster.

NAN: Do you have the toaster mum bought me? I'm sure she said you did... 

On the accommodation front, I have finally stopped banging my head on the walls, but still sometimes forget when the windows are open! But it must be at least 3 days, which is probably my record. 

I love having a radiator I can place right next to my bed, it keeps me toasty warm - Or counteracts the draft that I get from the cupboards to the eaves, either way, I like it.

*note to self* Must remember not to sleep in the same place in the middle of the bed as it's making a depression, and that's just back ache waiting to happen. 

Think that's all for now,
Good night, over and out, ciao, etc. 

xx

Sooo... I have a lot to write, but I can't really be bothered.

Because I'm ill and sleepy, but here goes.
So I finished all first full week - well 3/7 haha. Took me 3.5 hours from my campus to Ben's house; would have been quicker if I got taxi/buses instead of walking, but oh well. So I spent friday night in the pub, and got dinner there, by my self I may add as Ben had already eaten. Before heading back to open my presents from him. Got me 2 cds, a Grand designs dvd and a voucher for 2 people to spend the day at a Bannatyne spa, lovely!!! As well as Cards and pressies from the rest of the Jackson clan!

Saturday was lovely, cos I spent all day on the beach, the weather was perfect, absolutely amazing considering it was October!! Collected my parcels from home, And filled col's boot up with my boxes. Didn't manage to see any family, but I didn't want to spend all weekend getting buses, so hopefully will be down again next weekend.
Went out with the girls, and met Ben and Dave out in newport, was a great evening :) Sunday was spent going to the lifeboat for lunch, had a yummy roast, and then heading to the seafront for Ben's nephew's party. I had to leave early however to go meet Kel, Freya and Dan, in Southampton for dinner, which was lovely!!!
I had a great extended birthday hehe.

This week Uni has really felt like I was learning the proper OT stuff, like the fundamentals, not just the theory but how to exercise professional thinking, and use of clinical reasoning, and things like that. But my gosh is it in depth, hard work, and intense, but it's great, and I'm loving it!!! As I have two days off a week it really enables me to get stuck in to the work, and do the extra reading.

Tuesday night I went with Katie to an information session on volunteering for Keen, which looks a great experience! As well as gaining an opportunity to help out in an area that I am familiar with, find interesting and enjoy, it gives me more 'contact time' with people, to enable me to hone my people skills more than I would be able to in the 1000 hours placement time.
Wednesday I went for dinner/drinks with the OT lot at The White Horse, in headington. Had a great night chatting with the girls! And got totally drenched walking home.

So I must go and finish my notes from this week, I'm starting to get into a routine now, which is good.

xx