Week 2

I cannot believe how quickly my first week went!!! I don't know whether this is a good or bad thing!?

I went home for the weekend, and saw my mother, nanna, Kel, baby Freya and Kim, it was lovely to see them all, even if it was rather brief! Had a great time playing the MJ dance game on the wii, and the dinner was yummy (thanks nan!).
My journey back was awful, I had the worlds biggest suitcase. But I have perfected that struggling female look, and most of the time there was a man to carry my bag :) haha!

So today I was with another of the OTs on the ward, E. She was lovely, and takes a rather different approach to J, but this is good as I will gain a broader understanding of OT in mental health and how the OT process differs. I took part in three groups; a supported employment group, a walking group and a computer group. I also wrote up the notes, and was pleased with my achievement.

Once home I unpacked. I now have plates, and bowls, a pan etc, so I can actually cook dinner :) and saw one of the blokes I live with who told me that there wasn't any form of internet included in the rent...but he is letting me use his unlimited sky for free...yay!

Finally, I was told of some great news, so well done to my special child, told you you could do it!!!!

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

Goodbye Partnerships essay!

*waves* 
It's finally done, submitted, gone!!! (I almost forgot to submit via TurnItIn too, but remembered about 5 minutes ago!)
I'm allowing myself this weekend to have a break, and then straight into exam revision!

See/speak to you all 21st December when I am officially done until the end of January!!! - Although I may find the odd 5 Minutes to post, I seem to spend all of my waking hours working, and staying in doors...Like a hermit... Hopefully a hermit with a job at the end of these 3 years!


xx

Ps.
HAPPY 20th BIRTHDAY SAMANTHA WOODHOUSE! xxx

Snooker with Ben - 2/11/11 & weekend at home.

Travelled down last Thursday to meet Ben in Southampton to go watch the snooker. First stop was the Slug and Lettuce for something to eat, and it was rather yummy I must admit!!
Quick walk to the Guildhall where we found a rather long cue, over 45 mins before the doors even opened, but it didn't take long for the cue to move! The seats weren't allocated so we could choose where to sit - most of the close seats where taken, but we managed to get seats on the front row, on the block slightly further away. Still had a pretty good view though!

It was all rather exciting, and I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would. Despite the interruption to play due to a lady being ill, we saw nearly all of it, only missing the last 2 frames as we had to leave for the ferry. All in all a fun night! (Oh and happy Christmas Ben!!).

Friday I spent walking home from Ryde (thank you once again southern vectis, could your service be any worse or more expensive if you tried?!) to mum's house, via mum's shop for a quick hello and breakfast.
On my detour to Nan's house I saw Robin with his little baby dog, which is super cute! Saw nanna and mollie dog and had a nice shower! (Thank you Nan!!).

The word was 'Hoe' - By Sammi.

Was soon joined by my special child Sammi, for a mooch down to mums shop for her newspapers, and a day lounging on the sofa catching up. Yummy dinner cooked for Ben, Sammi and I by my lovely mummy, followed by several games of cards, and a rather amusing game of Pictionary.

Saturday meant a trip to Xmas world at Busybees (yesss!!) and then to Tescos with Ben's parents. 5 hours later than when we started, we were all finished and heading off toYarmouth to meet Layla and Matt for the fireworks. Pretty, loved it!!

Sunday was a lazy day, and I don't think we achieved much apart from a walk over cowes, a nose in the shops and some chips from the chippy! Decided to stay and travel back on the Monday.

I had the best long weekend, thank you all xxx

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

Easter weekend ♥

What a brilliant weekend it has been!!!!
(Thurs and Fri was the 'lets dye sammi's hair red' evenings...)
Friday I worked! I revised a little in the evening and then I saw sammi for a bit and an adventure up tescos; that was nice and chilled out!
Saturday I worked some more, revised a little bit and did not much else.
Sunday I worked, joined by Liv at the hotel!! Went home, showered and got ready, and was met by Ben. We went to Nanny's for dinner, which was mucho yummy as usual!! By the time we had left I was too tired and too drunk to go out to Ryde and meet Jac (sorry!!) so went to bed! ha!!

Today I worked, did a few hours in the kitchen (I love it there, have I mentioned that?!?!) and went home to grab stuff and meet Ben, and headed to the beach to meet Ben's parents, brother and friends. Saw Becky and Isaac too, which was nice!!
Weather was beautiful, and the company was great!! Got a little sunburnt, and had a picnic. Back to mine for a little buffet, perfect bank holiday!!!

Worked the last few days, looking forward to payday! My two days off and the weather goes bad...At least I will revise!

xx

I'm Home!!

And it's lovely!!!
A few beers with the one and only miss Woodhouse on Friday - Fantisimo! Ben Falls asleep!
Nanny's home cooked roast on Saturday, and then I can't be bothered to go out after - Ben copies me! So we watch one of my many downloads in bed.
All you can eat Chinese with Kelly for her birthday - was lush!!! I ate enough for 3 people, and loved it all! Bem fell asleep once we were home.
Monday I did shopping, brought cards for imminent birthdays, and ones as far a way as April (yes you Liv). Saw Jac and Viv and had a natter, met Ben, went home, had dinner, Ben falls asleep - recurring theme here!

It's really nice to have time alone, to get my stuff done, and chill, because I just didn't have the time when I was up in London, so this is really nice. Just would be easier if I still had a car!!!
I don't care how cold and rainy it may be, I want to go for a walk on the beach - It's the one thing I miss; the serenity of the beach.

Seagrove bay. The place where I spent all of my childhood summers.

I can now totally see why the DFLs are in seaview over the summer, however the appeal is slightly dampened due to the sheer amount of snotty people swanning about. Although, I have resided in Oxford and London... I reckon with with a Jack Wills or maybe a Superdry Hoody I could fit in easily. (Sammi it's our plan!! haha)
Today I think I might bake a cake, as the flapjacks weren't a success!So fat I've seen most people I need to.. And done most of what I wanted, but there's a few days left to finish my 'chores' :P. (Still wanting that fatty MaccyD's woman!!!)

I know I don't want to live on the island, And I don't want to live in London. Oxfordshire's nice, and the city itself is beautiful. I'm going to have to be one of those people that commutes into a city, sits far to long in traffic every morning, just because the view out the window that you wake up to every morning, it just to nice to miss.

xx

My weekend on 'the island'

So, I survived the trauma of London Victoria, and finding the Greyhound coach station. I read the entire way down, so the coach journey it's self wasn't bad. The hover was cancelled, so had a half hour wait... and then thought I was going to die because how rough the sea was.
So, Sammi picks me up, and we head in the general direction of tescos; 3 bottles of wine, and some hair dye later, we arrive, 20 minutes after Ben, at mine.

Lots of ebay presents to open when I got home. (Kim - Your predictions were nearly all wrong! Your losing your talent!!) A few drinks watching the rugby and catching up, was nice!
Southern fried chickens, chips and salad - Thanks mum, was yummy!!!! Mmmmmm.


A well needed lay in on Saturday, followed by yummy eggs and bacon - I had wanted eggs for weeks now!
Dye Sammi's hair..and off to the pub to meet mother we went. Jumped in a taxi to Ryde, found luis in the pub and then there was the arrival of Jac! A few drinks later, and we (Ben, Luis and I) got picked up by Katie!

Yummy dinner and a few drinks at the lifeboat, before the boys going to get ready, in whatever way boys do...and me and Katie heading to Becky's and joined by Sammi to get ready before heading to Newport in a taxi!

Long story short... Newport was rubbish!
But still it was nice to catch up with everyone! Taxi home, tea at Becky's and bed.
Did manage to get the obligatory toilet photo though!!

L-R: Beddy, Reecie, me and Sammi. xx

All done whilst avoiding the stabbing in East!


Sunday - the day of rest, was very...restful? Lay in, cheese on toast, and a walk along Ryde seafront. Winning myself some more sealife babies for my collection. Popped home quickly, cuddled the cat, packed my bag, said bye to mum and off I went again, braving public transport and mooching round London in the dark!!

Safe to say I made it back ok, had a nice bath and watched a bit of tele. Looking forward to my week on 'the island' before heading back to Oxford. I have plans that involve the sloop, Ben and Sammi, that I wish to fulfil in that week!

All in all, ignore certain parts, I had a great weekend!! Thank you all. See you soon

xx

Cheered up now.

Because of two things; 1. I am gunna go see Liv next weekend. 2. I saw this picture!

xx

Ignorance is bliss; but I cannot stop myself from being nosey.


I ♥ my late night, unplanned, and unnecessary trips to McDs with Sammi.
Miss you bitch!

xx

It's now November...

Sammi came up on Thursday!! How fantastic to see an old face (no, you don't have wrinkles darling, it's just an expression ;) ) Had dinner in burger king...was pretty good I have to say! haha! Brought alcohol from tescos,, and felt like a fucking donkey carrying all her MASSIVE bags back to mine!!
We drank...and then it got so late we didn't go out..aha!
Friday we went shopping!! Gotta love primark!! Got ready, started drinking and went out to lava with Kate & AJ (my flatmate and her lovely friend) and met Ryan (guy off my course) there!! It was shite at first...but I always forget in Oxford no one goes out til like 11... so it was pretty dead when we went in, but it picked up!!
It was a pretty great night, think sammi liked it. Pure cheese, and old rock classics, even a bit of 'Don't stop me now' one of our classics!!! Didn't rise til rediculous O'clock the next day!
We found the shopping centre near where we live! OMG, a 99p store, wilkos, iceland and a few other 'cheap' shops, a far cry from the rest of Oxford I'd encountered!!

We came back, had dinner, and got ready. It was halloween for us! A slutty zombie, a witch and a cat...and we hit town!!
Managed to get sammi up, ready and into town to get her coach the next day, so pretty much a success!!

Spent nearly 4 hours reading through my folder of notes for anatomy and physiology the past two days, going to read through text books tomorrow evening to! I think if I stick to revising all the material every week when it comes to exam prep it's all going to be relatively fresh in my mind!!
I really feel like an OT student now! I can't wait for my placement..this semester is going so quickly, soon my first year will be over!!
On thursday I had a skills session where we were learning about orthoses. We made our own, shown first and then left to get on with it, have a go, and then instructed on how to correct it. I loved this session, becaue it was hands on. Which is exactly the sort of area of OT I think I'd like to do, physical rehab..where I can make all these sorts of things!
I was pretty proud of my first splint; it was a thumb post orthosis, made of orfit, the purpose of which to support the MCP joint in some degrees of flexion. (Terms I'm using make me sound like I'm speaking another language, a secret language..and I love it haha!)
Ta daaaa Although it was made for Clare's hand, not mine!

All my online quizes are finito! as is my concepts presentation..Just got to do it on friday!
My mcq is 90% done and my wiki activity is done (on my part anyway!!) Slowly getting through all my work!! But I've got something to hand in, or be assessed on every week until xmas!!!
Talking about assessments, had my BLS (basic life support) one yesterday. It was essentially the same as the one I did at work, along with a few other bits of basic first aid!

I was doing some research for a couple of my projects and I came across (I say came across, but I always knew about this site, but had never really used it before). And it's interesting, and helpful...
NHS library

Really love spotify....(google it!!) Find any song and play it! Means it makes up for the 1000's of tracks I lost when my HardDrive was thrown away!! Listening to a bit of Mumford & Sons atm.
Haven't really listened to music much since I came here...but recently I've been listening to galaxy on the net, quite liking jack fm and glide fm, my two new local stations!! A mix of OLD classics, chart classics, top 40 and pure cheese!!!

xx

Friday to Wednesday....Almost a week on 'the island'...

Travelled back on Friday for nan and Bill's wedding anniversary do. I don't mind coaches.
It was a great night, they looked so happy, and I'm pretty sure they loved it!!! I hope they did anyway!! Got some really nice, and some really funny photos!!

Saw my family whilst I was down, very nice, I've missed you all!
Lunch with Jac, of course involving alcohol. Thank you, was fun!! (good luck with your wii :P)
Dinner with Katie...HAVE to do it again when I'm back...I miss nice food whilst I'm here!! And good company!!!

Watched more star wars with ben...and I actually quite like it!!! Watched him win snooker! I'm proud!!!
Done shopping for Freya's birthday and xmas pressies! Woop another one down!!
I've enjoyed my few extra days!!

Travelling back wasn't too bad, although I got sad and didn't want to come back!! I'm glad I have because I have much work to catch up on!!

Tomorrow my favourite Thursday girl is coming up!! woop!!!!!!!

xx

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