DAY 224

Apr 13

1) Today has been a rather boring day for me in the library. For the most part of the day, I was trying my best to focus on my studies. Sometimes, my mind would just wander off and refuse to absorb anything, so I knew I needed a break. Then, I would just listen to the Headspace app which I got free access to, after signing up as a volunteer for the programme. It basically teaches the mind to relax, and each session lasts only about 10 minutes.

2) The one exciting thing I managed to do today was to set up a page for raising money for charity. I recently signed up for the SSE Airtricity Dublin Marathon, which takes place somewhere in October this year. Along with that, I chose to raise funds for the Irish Cancer Society. They sent me an info pack, with information on how to set up a website, and how to ask for donations. I think it's a very worthy cause, as all the proceeds would help fund cancer research.

3) If anyone is willing to donate, I'll attach the link to the website, and just click on the Green button that says "Give Now". The sum you donate is inconsequential; what matters most is the thought that goes behind it. Anyway, back to the day's activities. In the evening, my friends and I met up at the Mercer Cafe, where we booked the accommodation for our summer trip. Hopefully things go smoothly, and we'll have a very enjoyable and well-deserved vacation.

4) The rest of the night was, as you may already have guessed, spent on studying. I'm careful to know my own limits - and I'm only pushing as far as I can. As long as I don't have to repeat any module, I'll be satisfied. Anyway, that's my whole day summed up. Thanks for reading as always, and have a great day. Cheers!

P.S. Here's the link: https://sse-airtricity-dublin-marathon-2017.everydayhero.com/ie/irish-cancer-society-fundraiser

Back to the bones then XD

Lunch

DAY 175

Feb 23

1) Today has been a busy day for me. Oddly enough, we had the shortest amount of lectures ever, at only two hours! So what was keeping me occupied for the rest of the day? Well, for starters, I went to Beaux Lane House (just opposite Mercer Library) after class ended, for an interview with Professor Kathleen Bennett, Associate Professor in Pharmacoepidemiology and Biostatics in the Population Health Sciences Division, RCSI.

2) Along with Dr. Caitriona Cahir, Prof. Bennett asked me about my background and my interests in conducting research over the summer. After a nice long talk, we agreed that I would be doing statistical analysis in the month of August, for approximately four weeks. I was delighted to know that I would have the opportunity to not only gain some research experience, but also to come up with an abstract for the research done!

3) Furthermore, I've agreed to volunteer to test out a new app called Headspace, which basically teaches us how to relax through meditation. Research is being conducted into this and I signed up to provide feedback on it. That means I get a full year access to the app, provided I fill in some questionnaires about my experience thus far. Free access AND better mental health - what's not to like? ^^

4) In the evening, I went over to the National Surgical Training Centre (just opposite RCSI) to chart my laporoscopic surgical skills progress. I finally managed to do all five laporoscopic tasks (which included extracorporeal and intracorporeal suturing) and we were introduced to two new tasks, one which tested manual dexterity by using one hand to fit in pegs into the pegboard. The other task required us to (virtually) position a rotating arrow so that it was perpendicular to a cube. They were both a lot of fun, and will provide valuable research into how our manual dexterity varies over time across a broad range of factors i.e. training, hobbies, sports etc.

5) Returned to the library after that, and it was freezing outside! The winds have gotten THAT much stronger, as if it weren't already cold enough. Perhaps Dublin should try installing one of 'em wind generators, to provide free electricity for everyone XD Anyway, that's all for today, as I have my Card Signing tomorrow. Thanks for reading as always, and have a great day. Cheers!

That's a fully functional artificial human body, capable of reenacting human-like body function

(and reportedly costing upwards of €100k)

That is my last batch of fried rice :)

 

Before the pegs are placed in the pegboard

After ~~