Having moved around quite a lot growing up, and managing to keep in touch with the people of my past, it's weird watching them change from afar. It's different from growing up together. When you move away, those people forever remain in your mind as they were when you leave and so, in my case, as 15yr olds. It's crazy what five years can do. It's crazy how much people can change -- physically and personally.
Sometimes I wonder what my life would be like if my family had stayed in Seattle. And I went to high school like my friends, then college... I wonder if my life would have been more... movie-like. Much like theirs seem from half a world away. Don't get me wrong -- I'm glad we moved back to NZ and I wouldn't want it any other way; the only reason I'd go back to America would be to study more. But it doesn't stop me wondering every once in a while about the version of myself in that parallel universe. I'd be different, that's for sure.
I had such a fun day today, catching up with a friend of mine from university. We've both been so busy this semester and it was nice just hanging out. We watched Pirates 3 which was waaaay to long, but entertaining I guess. We went out for lunch in town and then ended up getting a coffee at the Botanical Gardens. Good conversation. Good fun.
It's my birthday in a couple weeks and I love that I have a friend who was born on the exact same day and year as me. What are the odds, huh? But it's a pretty cool thing. We were planning on organizing something or other (or, at least I was) but I think we're both too lazy. Talk is cheap, ay? LoL. I'm meeting up with him for lunch tomorrow so I guess we'll see. Regardless, it's gonna be a good birthday this year. Twenty. Hahaha... who would've thought.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Monday, June 25, 2007
literary promiscuity
As we passed the bookstore on our drive into town this morning, I had a reflex thought to spend some quality time there and buy something to read -- it's my holiday after all. However, like all reflexes, it passed very quickly as I realized I had literally half a bookshelf of unfinished novels. Just this weekend I started two very good books which I have every intention of finishing... eventually.
When/where/how did I develop such a habit which, upon first examination, can appear so utterly horrendous? Going from book to book, actually finishing maybe every fifth book (at best). But I think the worst part of it all is, I've come to terms with this promiscuous Anna. My justification? What a librarian once told me -- that it was the reader's prerogative to put down a book. I guess I really took this to heart. [It's weird cos when it comes to movies, I've never stopped watching one mid-way through with the exception of Little Nicky which was, without a doubt, one of the worst movies ever made.]
One of the books I started reading this weekend - and will finish, I promise! - was Orwell's 1984. It's six years overdue, actually, since I've been meaning to read it since the 8th grade. And what I've read so far has been fantastic.
It's been so cold the past few days, snowing like crazing, which is a nice change. In the five years I've been in Dunedin I've never seen it like this before. It's absolutely lovely! If only it coincided with Christmas. Regardless we have been playing Christmas carols all weekend with the fire roaring in the background. All we need is some hot apple cider. Yum!
When/where/how did I develop such a habit which, upon first examination, can appear so utterly horrendous? Going from book to book, actually finishing maybe every fifth book (at best). But I think the worst part of it all is, I've come to terms with this promiscuous Anna. My justification? What a librarian once told me -- that it was the reader's prerogative to put down a book. I guess I really took this to heart. [It's weird cos when it comes to movies, I've never stopped watching one mid-way through with the exception of Little Nicky which was, without a doubt, one of the worst movies ever made.]
One of the books I started reading this weekend - and will finish, I promise! - was Orwell's 1984. It's six years overdue, actually, since I've been meaning to read it since the 8th grade. And what I've read so far has been fantastic.
It's been so cold the past few days, snowing like crazing, which is a nice change. In the five years I've been in Dunedin I've never seen it like this before. It's absolutely lovely! If only it coincided with Christmas. Regardless we have been playing Christmas carols all weekend with the fire roaring in the background. All we need is some hot apple cider. Yum!
Sunday, June 24, 2007
in the stillness
What an interesting week it's been. Fun, to say the least. It was nice to just get away from Dunedin for a while, even if it was a "working" holiday. They sure did keep us busy though. Surprisingly enough, I actually did get a lot out of the whole trip -- a real insight into rural health, and consequently, a real admiration for the people of Te Anau. What an amazing town, and so beautiful and quiet. And though I could never be a rural GP (not because it's rural, but because I don't think I could ever do GP work, period) the whole experience served as a reminder that I love... politics. It really has a way of getting me riled up -- that frustration inherent in bureaucracy, injustice, and The Man. I loved that by the end of the week I was starting to get passionate about their cause.
I think I could get passionate about any cause, as long as it was the cause of the underdog -- the forgotten people. And I love the idea of kicking it to The Man. The very reason why I didn't get into international law is probably gonna be the very reason why I'll get into international health policy. I keep coming back to it. It must be for a reason.
We had a lot of interesting discussions throughout the week, some of which became very political. I loved it. I voted on dividing NZ into two countries (North and South), and then having a system of government based on federal and "state" laws. Or, maybe even Shane's very Brave New World concept based on incorruptible dictators, happiness and drugs -- need I say more?
I loved the cold, going for runs along the perfect lake, being surrounded by national parks, and the absolute quiet.
I think I could get passionate about any cause, as long as it was the cause of the underdog -- the forgotten people. And I love the idea of kicking it to The Man. The very reason why I didn't get into international law is probably gonna be the very reason why I'll get into international health policy. I keep coming back to it. It must be for a reason.
We had a lot of interesting discussions throughout the week, some of which became very political. I loved it. I voted on dividing NZ into two countries (North and South), and then having a system of government based on federal and "state" laws. Or, maybe even Shane's very Brave New World concept based on incorruptible dictators, happiness and drugs -- need I say more?
I loved the cold, going for runs along the perfect lake, being surrounded by national parks, and the absolute quiet.
I miss it already...
Saturday, June 16, 2007
demystification and catch-22s
Demystification: to rid of mystery or obscurity, to clarify.
Growing up is all about demystification; ignorance is bliss. And in all honesty, I'd rather not know. Peter Pan really knew what he was talking about.
I'm glad my break is finally here. No doubt, I could do with a few weeks away from the med school and my class. Just to clear my head and take a step back.
Went to a great Thai restaurant today - it was absolutely delicious. Will definitely have to go back sometime soon. You what else is great? West Wing. And great oratory. And witty, intelligent, stimulating TV shows featuring great oratory. Oh -- and Al Gore. He should definitely run for President (not that I have a say since, you know, I'm not American) -- his reasons why he won't is the very reason why he should! I miss American politics...
On another note, life is full of Catch-22s. Why???
I'm having issues... the upside of having issues is that it drives me to immerse myself in studying and go for long runs. Coping mechanism? Probably. Healthy? Depends on your definition, I guess.
I've been in a weird place for the past month or so. I've been not myself lately. Hopefully it'll pass.
Oh -- and that episode on Friends where Rachel (or was it Monica/Chandler?) mistakenly watches a video of someone giving birth and it totally freaks her out? I can say, without a doubt, her freak-out was T-O-T-A-L-L-Y justified!!! No woman should have to know and, worse(?), SEE what's involved. Like I said, ignorance is bliss. And knowledge is TRAUMATIC. At least, in this case it is.
p/s - I miss South America. Or, more specifically, I miss the food we ate while in South America... mhmm... I salivate just thinking about it.
Growing up is all about demystification; ignorance is bliss. And in all honesty, I'd rather not know. Peter Pan really knew what he was talking about.
I'm glad my break is finally here. No doubt, I could do with a few weeks away from the med school and my class. Just to clear my head and take a step back.
Went to a great Thai restaurant today - it was absolutely delicious. Will definitely have to go back sometime soon. You what else is great? West Wing. And great oratory. And witty, intelligent, stimulating TV shows featuring great oratory. Oh -- and Al Gore. He should definitely run for President (not that I have a say since, you know, I'm not American) -- his reasons why he won't is the very reason why he should! I miss American politics...
On another note, life is full of Catch-22s. Why???
I'm having issues... the upside of having issues is that it drives me to immerse myself in studying and go for long runs. Coping mechanism? Probably. Healthy? Depends on your definition, I guess.
I've been in a weird place for the past month or so. I've been not myself lately. Hopefully it'll pass.
Oh -- and that episode on Friends where Rachel (or was it Monica/Chandler?) mistakenly watches a video of someone giving birth and it totally freaks her out? I can say, without a doubt, her freak-out was T-O-T-A-L-L-Y justified!!! No woman should have to know and, worse(?), SEE what's involved. Like I said, ignorance is bliss. And knowledge is TRAUMATIC. At least, in this case it is.
p/s - I miss South America. Or, more specifically, I miss the food we ate while in South America... mhmm... I salivate just thinking about it.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
background music and all
It's really amazing just how powerful one glance can be; how profoundly it can change your whole mood and outlook, and subsequently your entire day. It was one of those things today where, once I started thinking about it I started to notice it more and more:
There are those glances, or, more specifically, one glance from one person that you wish you could experience in slow motion... and then rewind and watch over and over again like a scene from a movie, background music and all. Then there's the glance from the random chick walking past you as your headphones get caught on the door-handle, and the stupidity and embarrassment you'd feel if no one saw you is ten times greater because the look she gave you made you feel like that awkward 13-year old again; the glance from a certain person you wish you didn't notice, and, to some degree, ignore; the glance from the guy you always run into and think you must know from somewhere but just can't put your finger on; the surprisingly nice glance you exchange with a stranger in passing on the street.
I'm still thinking about that first glance and filing it away in the "slow motion glance" box inside my head.
My parents are thinking of building a house (again!) and the saddest thing about it all is that, according to them, you're no longer allowed to have open fires or wood-burners in new homes. I'm all for decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting our environment (ever since I read Silent Spring in 8th grade) but heaters, heat pumps and pseudo gas "open fires" just aren't the same.
Kirsty and I are planning on going to the UK for a few weeks at the end of the year to see the sights and visit friends, with maybe a stopover in New York to see our cousin and his wife. It's exciting, but at the same time daunting thinking of how much it's gonna cost. A part of me is reluctant (the idea of my savings being depleted so quickly), but the other part of me is thinking if I'm gonna do this why not dive head-first and do the North America trip I've been wanting to do since I left Seattle five years ago? I've got some time to think about it, I guess.
There are those glances, or, more specifically, one glance from one person that you wish you could experience in slow motion... and then rewind and watch over and over again like a scene from a movie, background music and all. Then there's the glance from the random chick walking past you as your headphones get caught on the door-handle, and the stupidity and embarrassment you'd feel if no one saw you is ten times greater because the look she gave you made you feel like that awkward 13-year old again; the glance from a certain person you wish you didn't notice, and, to some degree, ignore; the glance from the guy you always run into and think you must know from somewhere but just can't put your finger on; the surprisingly nice glance you exchange with a stranger in passing on the street.
I'm still thinking about that first glance and filing it away in the "slow motion glance" box inside my head.
My parents are thinking of building a house (again!) and the saddest thing about it all is that, according to them, you're no longer allowed to have open fires or wood-burners in new homes. I'm all for decreasing greenhouse gas emissions and protecting our environment (ever since I read Silent Spring in 8th grade) but heaters, heat pumps and pseudo gas "open fires" just aren't the same.
Kirsty and I are planning on going to the UK for a few weeks at the end of the year to see the sights and visit friends, with maybe a stopover in New York to see our cousin and his wife. It's exciting, but at the same time daunting thinking of how much it's gonna cost. A part of me is reluctant (the idea of my savings being depleted so quickly), but the other part of me is thinking if I'm gonna do this why not dive head-first and do the North America trip I've been wanting to do since I left Seattle five years ago? I've got some time to think about it, I guess.
Monday, June 11, 2007
from A to B
I realised today, after four hours of organogenesis lectures, that one of the reasons why I've been having a semi-hard time thinking about my life as a med student (and doctor) is that I miss, for lack of a better phrase, thinking for myself in that very liberal arts/humanities kind of way. I guess what makes it worse is having the experience of studying for the summer at Harvard and how much I loved my two classes -- the lectures, the discussions, the reading, the essays... without a doubt, the zenith of my academic career thus far. I miss the stimulation, forming my own opinions, reflecting on human actions/inaction, past and present. So much of science and medicine is going from point A to B: not knowing something to knowing and understanding that something. Period.
Maybe I'm just dwelling on the past. I've always tried to look ahead and to never regret... and I don't. But that doesn't erase the fact that so much of what I used to love and, I'm beginning to realise, still do love, is gone. And I guess I just miss it.
When I was deciding between medicine and history/law, the bottom line was that I thought I could help people more directly as a doctor -- a general appreciation, but at the same time frustration at the complexities of international relations, along with a desire for the power to create more immediate change. The bottom line was I thought I could... be more... useful? But maybe that's not necessarily the only way... I dunno... I dunno...
Boxing always seems to help. Sweating out my stress -- fun. :)
Maybe I'm just dwelling on the past. I've always tried to look ahead and to never regret... and I don't. But that doesn't erase the fact that so much of what I used to love and, I'm beginning to realise, still do love, is gone. And I guess I just miss it.
When I was deciding between medicine and history/law, the bottom line was that I thought I could help people more directly as a doctor -- a general appreciation, but at the same time frustration at the complexities of international relations, along with a desire for the power to create more immediate change. The bottom line was I thought I could... be more... useful? But maybe that's not necessarily the only way... I dunno... I dunno...
Boxing always seems to help. Sweating out my stress -- fun. :)
Sunday, June 10, 2007
smokin' hot
It's taken me twenty years, but I finally understand what people mean by "smokin' hot" -- the words just seem to roll off my tongue... so naturally. Prison Break season 1 was sooo good; am excited for season 2 to come out on dvd next. And yes, I googled Wentworth -- oh my goodness, he comes from an academic family. Need I say more??
Hot, smokin' hot... seriously.
Saturday, June 9, 2007
diazepam, you give them diazepam
Just got back from work this morning and had my lunch. While eating, Kirsty told me about the London 2012 Olympic Campaign commercial that got pulled from the air because apparently, the 'authorities' (according to my sister) were afraid it might cause epileptic seizures. So she went to YouTube and downloaded it for me to watch:
Fifteen seconds into the commercial:
Me: Hey, this is kinda cool, but I don't see what it has to do with the Olympics...
Ten seconds later:
Me: You can't help staring at it...
Fifteen seconds later:
Kirsty: PAUSE IT!!! ANNA!! PAUSE IT!!!
Me: [shocked and confused, rush to pause it] What??!!?? Kirsty what?
Kirsty: So... what do I do if you have a seizure??!!?? [smiles]
Almost gave me a heart-attack, she did. And yes, she was making fun of me and the fact that epilepsy came up on my mid-year exams -- it caused a bit of an uproar in my class cos nobody expected it. It wasn't that bad... the pharmacology was pretty killer though if you didn't study it, which most people didn't.
I'm glad this week of working so much is over. Never again will I volunteer to work so many extra shifts.
Had a really great day yesterday though, relatively speaking. We had about three hours free time so one of our friends made us lunch and we hung out at his flat, warming up and watching Korean movies. Even though I couldn't understand a lot of what they were saying, I got the gist of it most of the time -- at least, enough to follow what was happening. It's been soooo cold the past couple days, snowing and everything. I love it -- the snow, the cold, the roaring fire, it's all so... romantic. :)) Although, I'm not sure how some friends of mine who have gone tramping to Mt Cook are doing; hopefully it's not too horrible. I guess that coal will come in handy.
Fifteen seconds into the commercial:
Me: Hey, this is kinda cool, but I don't see what it has to do with the Olympics...
Ten seconds later:
Me: You can't help staring at it...
Fifteen seconds later:
Kirsty: PAUSE IT!!! ANNA!! PAUSE IT!!!
Me: [shocked and confused, rush to pause it] What??!!?? Kirsty what?
Kirsty: So... what do I do if you have a seizure??!!?? [smiles]
Almost gave me a heart-attack, she did. And yes, she was making fun of me and the fact that epilepsy came up on my mid-year exams -- it caused a bit of an uproar in my class cos nobody expected it. It wasn't that bad... the pharmacology was pretty killer though if you didn't study it, which most people didn't.
I'm glad this week of working so much is over. Never again will I volunteer to work so many extra shifts.
Had a really great day yesterday though, relatively speaking. We had about three hours free time so one of our friends made us lunch and we hung out at his flat, warming up and watching Korean movies. Even though I couldn't understand a lot of what they were saying, I got the gist of it most of the time -- at least, enough to follow what was happening. It's been soooo cold the past couple days, snowing and everything. I love it -- the snow, the cold, the roaring fire, it's all so... romantic. :)) Although, I'm not sure how some friends of mine who have gone tramping to Mt Cook are doing; hopefully it's not too horrible. I guess that coal will come in handy.
Thursday, June 7, 2007
quarter life crisis
I've been thinking a lot lately about why I decided to go to medical school in the first place. I mean, back when I applied I definitely had my reasons -- I was one of those people who came into it with a purpose and a plan -- but I'm beginning to wonder how much of that still stands, and if so, is it worth it?
I thought all this... confusion, for lack of a better word, was because of general exam stress, but my exams have come and gone and not much has changed. Being physically (and emotionally?) tired doesn't help matters either -- common men experiencing extreme hardship get caught up in revolutions; immunocompromised patients are vulnerable to other illnesses; tired and stressed Anna starts to re-think what she's doing with her life.
Maybe it's all just because I've been working almost every night this week on top of classes or just in desperate need of a break, but I've seriously started to wonder, is it worth it? You can downplay it all you want -- "It's only three more years until you graduate" -- but in the end it's not about graduating, or becoming a registered doctor, or specialist/consultant, etc. The point is, medicine becomes your life, full stop. And by that I don't mean you're working 24/7 or you can't do anything outside of your job. That's not my point. It's that the way you think begins to change. With any other profession you bring who you are to the job, but with medicine so much of who you are changes or has to change or has to be placed aside while on the job. It's what will make you a good doctor, yes, but... I dunno...
I knew medicine was going to be challenging -- that in itself was part of what attracted me to it cos I love a good challenge, making it over that seemingly insurmountable hill. But what if, as you start to venture upwards you find the "uphill" you're on never ends? You could argue it's about the journey, the experiences on the way, but that doesn't make it any less tiring.
Tired... I must be tired. That just about sums up this semester, and, I'm beginning to realise, maybe the rest of my life. Let's hope not.
I thought all this... confusion, for lack of a better word, was because of general exam stress, but my exams have come and gone and not much has changed. Being physically (and emotionally?) tired doesn't help matters either -- common men experiencing extreme hardship get caught up in revolutions; immunocompromised patients are vulnerable to other illnesses; tired and stressed Anna starts to re-think what she's doing with her life.
Maybe it's all just because I've been working almost every night this week on top of classes or just in desperate need of a break, but I've seriously started to wonder, is it worth it? You can downplay it all you want -- "It's only three more years until you graduate" -- but in the end it's not about graduating, or becoming a registered doctor, or specialist/consultant, etc. The point is, medicine becomes your life, full stop. And by that I don't mean you're working 24/7 or you can't do anything outside of your job. That's not my point. It's that the way you think begins to change. With any other profession you bring who you are to the job, but with medicine so much of who you are changes or has to change or has to be placed aside while on the job. It's what will make you a good doctor, yes, but... I dunno...
I knew medicine was going to be challenging -- that in itself was part of what attracted me to it cos I love a good challenge, making it over that seemingly insurmountable hill. But what if, as you start to venture upwards you find the "uphill" you're on never ends? You could argue it's about the journey, the experiences on the way, but that doesn't make it any less tiring.
Tired... I must be tired. That just about sums up this semester, and, I'm beginning to realise, maybe the rest of my life. Let's hope not.
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
To mosh or not to mosh?
My friend Boomi and I went to the music store today to get tickets for the Evermore concert coming up at the end of the month:
Me: Hi, can we get tickets to Evermore?
Record store guy: Sure, I'll just get 'em.
Me: Can we get tickets for the seats upstairs?
R.S.G: Umm -- actually we only sell general admission tickets in the downstairs standing area. If you want seated tickets you need to go to the Regent Ticketek.
Boomi and I look at each other and discuss the situation in a microsecond telepathically (re- How I Met Your Mother).
Me: Yeah... we'll go to the Regent.
Sure we felt like a couple of old grannies, especially in front of the 'hip' record store guy, but standing around for two hours being squished and jostled around by random sweaty guys is not my idea of fun. Experiencing the incredible high of live music is enough for me, and better enjoyed in a comfortable position!
Me: Hi, can we get tickets to Evermore?
Record store guy: Sure, I'll just get 'em.
Me: Can we get tickets for the seats upstairs?
R.S.G: Umm -- actually we only sell general admission tickets in the downstairs standing area. If you want seated tickets you need to go to the Regent Ticketek.
Boomi and I look at each other and discuss the situation in a microsecond telepathically (re- How I Met Your Mother).
Me: Yeah... we'll go to the Regent.
Sure we felt like a couple of old grannies, especially in front of the 'hip' record store guy, but standing around for two hours being squished and jostled around by random sweaty guys is not my idea of fun. Experiencing the incredible high of live music is enough for me, and better enjoyed in a comfortable position!
Monday, June 4, 2007
something fierce this way comes
Watching "Without A Trace" - an episode in season three when this middle-aged guy abducts a little boy who reminds him of his dead son:
Mum: You know, I understand where he's coming from.
Me: Who? The dad?
Mum: Yeah. If my kid died, if I were in his situation, I think I'd get pretty crazy too.
Me: Yeah -- I think everyone would. You'd be sad and go crazy, but you wouldn't abduct some random little boy.
Mum: [pauses] I don't know... I'd go pretty crazy...
Having breakfast:
Me: Mum, why do you always seem so tired and stressed? You're constantly thinking and worrying.
Mum: That's cos I'm always thinking about you and your sister's future.
Me: But Kirsty's 23, working full-time. I'm almost 20 and in med school. When are you gonna stop worrying?
Mum: When I'm dead.
My mum -- the fiercest 4foot9 woman I've ever met and will ever meet in my entire life. How can such a tiny woman be so... scary?? (In a good way!)
Mum: You know, I understand where he's coming from.
Me: Who? The dad?
Mum: Yeah. If my kid died, if I were in his situation, I think I'd get pretty crazy too.
Me: Yeah -- I think everyone would. You'd be sad and go crazy, but you wouldn't abduct some random little boy.
Mum: [pauses] I don't know... I'd go pretty crazy...
Having breakfast:
Me: Mum, why do you always seem so tired and stressed? You're constantly thinking and worrying.
Mum: That's cos I'm always thinking about you and your sister's future.
Me: But Kirsty's 23, working full-time. I'm almost 20 and in med school. When are you gonna stop worrying?
Mum: When I'm dead.
My mum -- the fiercest 4foot9 woman I've ever met and will ever meet in my entire life. How can such a tiny woman be so... scary?? (In a good way!)
Sunday, June 3, 2007
tired hearts
I feel alive again -- somewhat. I was pretty much out of it all day yesterday, like my head was disconnected from the rest of my body. I tried sleeping, but couldn't find a comfortable position; watching TV, which made my headache a thousand times worse; reading, which definitely was NOT a good idea... so I was just dozing in and out, trying to sleep but failing miserably. I had a really bad fever too; I don't usually get fevers but yesterday I was burning up! Luckily, thanks to some good cold meds (with sedative properties) I got a good eleven hours of sleep last night and I feel alive again. Not fully myself, but at least my fever's gone.
I have to admit, sometimes I actually like getting sick. It gives me an excuse to do nothing, sans the guilt. And me getting sick this weekend was actually pretty good timing because, with all the 'drama' that's been going on with my parents about the possibility of me moving out, it reminded me that there are definitely upsides to living at home... especially when you're feeling half dead.
Kirsty's been working this entire weekend, which sucks, but she did stop by the video store for me and I feel up to it today... maybe.
Yesterday when I was trying to fall asleep, there was a moment when I was very aware of my beating heart. And it dawned on me: your heart is always pumping. Okay, so it's not so much of an epiphany in itself, but I actually started to feel sorry for my heart. It never gets a break; it never gets to stop pumping, cos once it does you're dead. I wonder if it gets tired ever...
I have to admit, sometimes I actually like getting sick. It gives me an excuse to do nothing, sans the guilt. And me getting sick this weekend was actually pretty good timing because, with all the 'drama' that's been going on with my parents about the possibility of me moving out, it reminded me that there are definitely upsides to living at home... especially when you're feeling half dead.
Kirsty's been working this entire weekend, which sucks, but she did stop by the video store for me and I feel up to it today... maybe.
Yesterday when I was trying to fall asleep, there was a moment when I was very aware of my beating heart. And it dawned on me: your heart is always pumping. Okay, so it's not so much of an epiphany in itself, but I actually started to feel sorry for my heart. It never gets a break; it never gets to stop pumping, cos once it does you're dead. I wonder if it gets tired ever...
Friday, June 1, 2007
bike jousting?
It's been a loooog day, to say the least. Woke up early to get some last-minute studying done before my exam at eleven (yes, I've resorted to doing the very thing I always promised myself never to do). On my way to the exam room I stopped by the bookstore because I realized this past week the only thing that will keep me sane this year is 'pleasure reading.' So I splurged and got Thomas More's Utopia. It's been one of those books I've always wanted to read, so that's my big plan for the three-day weekend -- I'm excited. I WAS gonna go get West Wing Season 6 and watch 16-hours of pure unadulterated TV as per tradition after an exam (to purge my mind of all things school-related), but...
I'm sick. Ugh. After my exam Kirsty and I went out to lunch to a restaurant by the beach. I had two hours until I had to be back on campus for a lecture, but -- well, to cut a long story short, we got to the restaurant at 1.30pm and our pizza didn't come out till 2.40pm and by that time I had to head back (they felt so bad they didn't charge us, which is an upside, I guess). So no lunch... and then work... and while I was at work tonight, I could feel that pre-cold/flu, not fully sore but strangely... engorged? Is that the right word? Engorged throat feeling you get before you just know you're gonna be sick. And then by the end of the night, my nose was full-on running and my throat was just plain sore.
Hence, probably won't be doing the West Wing thing this weekend (bummer) but Utopia will keep me entertained, I hope.
The exam itself? It was alright, I guess. But I never dwell on exams after they're done. I'm just glad it's over and I can finally stop studying or thinking about how I should be studying. I can just... sleep. Nice. Here's to a weekend of staying in my pyjamas (with the exception of going to the gym, if I'm not too sick). Not as exciting as "bike jousting" as is the plan for a classmate of mine (guys do the weirdest things) but it's exactly what I've been missing these past three months.
p/s - I wish Joe Fox would bring me daisies when I'm sick!
I'm sick. Ugh. After my exam Kirsty and I went out to lunch to a restaurant by the beach. I had two hours until I had to be back on campus for a lecture, but -- well, to cut a long story short, we got to the restaurant at 1.30pm and our pizza didn't come out till 2.40pm and by that time I had to head back (they felt so bad they didn't charge us, which is an upside, I guess). So no lunch... and then work... and while I was at work tonight, I could feel that pre-cold/flu, not fully sore but strangely... engorged? Is that the right word? Engorged throat feeling you get before you just know you're gonna be sick. And then by the end of the night, my nose was full-on running and my throat was just plain sore.
Hence, probably won't be doing the West Wing thing this weekend (bummer) but Utopia will keep me entertained, I hope.
The exam itself? It was alright, I guess. But I never dwell on exams after they're done. I'm just glad it's over and I can finally stop studying or thinking about how I should be studying. I can just... sleep. Nice. Here's to a weekend of staying in my pyjamas (with the exception of going to the gym, if I'm not too sick). Not as exciting as "bike jousting" as is the plan for a classmate of mine (guys do the weirdest things) but it's exactly what I've been missing these past three months.
p/s - I wish Joe Fox would bring me daisies when I'm sick!
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