DAY 147

Jan 26

1) Today was a holiday for us! I still had one class in the afternoon, but that was on library and retrieval skills so it doesn't count. Woke up late today (8.00am is late for me in winter haha), went downstairs to make breakfast and to pack my meals, before walking to the library. Basically I revised anatomy for the whole morning and part of the afternoon.

2) I paused for a short break to have my lunch and to unwind. Then it was another bout of studying, making notes and trying to condense as much info as possible into my brain. At 2.00pm, some of us had to attend the small group tutorial, in which they taught us how to use the RCSI Website to search for journals and how to cite and reference them. It was really helpful, especially considering we have an individual and team project coming up.

3) A bit more studying afterwards, and it was evening. Decided I'd take a break from study, and walked to college to change my clothes. I'd promised the Running Club I'd come for their first run this semester - a leisurely 4km stroll. What I didn't account for was the cold - running with just one jacket on is definitely NOT ideal in winter, much less so here in Ireland, where the winds get really strong as night approaches. After our run, I headed to another event - the Orthopaedic Research Night & Stryker Demonstration, organised by the RCSI Orthopaedic Society. Basically, there were some student research presentations, before a short break, followed by a demonstration on hip and joint replacement, by a company called Stryker. Zi Yan and I asked a representative loads of questions and we learnt so much about how bone and tissue engineering. It's such an interesting field to be honest.

4) Took my bath and changed, before coming back to the library to have my dinner. I've noticed my appetite increasing (quite substantially too) during winter, and I suppose it's the body heat we lose due to the cold. I certainly would not want to return to Malaysia as a roly-poly haha. Anyways, a third round of studying - this time on Immunology, and I was done for the day. I must say, almost all my friends here are absolutely crazy. They stay in the library all day like me, but unlike me - they don't seem to take breaks! Oh well, at least it's great motivation for me to try harder. That sums up my day, and I hope you enjoyed reading about it. Thanks very much as always, and have a great day. Cheers!

Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland ^^

Breakfast for today

My usual spot at the Mercer Cafe

That's supposed to be my lunch, just laterally rotated XD

Event of the Night!

Hip and Joint Replacement Surgical Tools

Learning more about orthopaedics and bone replacement surgery from a representative of Stryker,

the largest medical technology industry in Ireland

(excuse the informal wear - I came directly after my run!)

That's me and Zi Yan

DAY 143

Jan 22

1) Today has been another lazy Sunday for me haha. Believe me when one becomes a medical student we tend to forget the days of the week. The only tell tale sign that today is Sunday is the streets are a lot emptier in the morning, since most people wake up late or have gone to church. As usual, I got up late, had breakfast, and strolled over to the library.

2) Began my usual study routine, and stopped for a short break during lunch. Again I had pizza today, but tomorrow I will be having the rice I cooked the previous night. Just after lunch, I had a nice long conversation with my parents, as we would be spending our first Chinese New Year away from each other. Ah well, they may not be physically near me, but they will always remain close to my heart.

3) Took a short nap after that, and woke up feeling refreshed. Gained a second wind to continue studying, again stopping for a rest during which I had my chicken korma dinner. Came back to my desk, to continue studying for the third and last time for today. Took a breather to have my supper, and that was it for the day. Packed my stuff and headed back home, to cap a rather monotonous, yet productive day. That's all for now, and I hope you enjoyed reading. Thanks as always, and have a great day. Cheers!

Batch cooked for the next six meals ^^

That's my next set of meals (chicken tikka masala with rice)

Dunnes Pizza for lunch

Chicken korma with rice, mixed veggies and roast potatoes for dinner :D

DAY 141

Jan 20

1) Today has been a great day for me! For starters, my sore throat has subsided substantially, while my flu still remains though. At least I got a good night's sleep haha. Anyway, woke up really early to make it in time for the 8.00am class. Morning lectures are an absolute pain to wake up to, especially during the cold seasons. I guess I have to get accustomed to it then XD

2) Two lectures and an anatomy session later, and we had a break for lunch. Headed to the Coffee Doc, where I had my pizza with some friends. We still had some time afterwards, so I decided to study a little. Had to sit for the next lecture after that, before another short break and a small group tutorial after that. I took the opportunity to go to the library and unpack my stuff. Then I went over to Dunnes to do buy some bread and oranges.

3) Came back to the library, and before long I had to return to the college for one more small group tutorial. In this tutorial, we were assigned into groups of six, and we each have to contribute to a team project which has to be submitted in March. I am very excited to work together in a team ^^ Retuned to the library after that, where I had dinner. Took a short break + a short nap, before continuing to study till the night. I'll be going home soon... Anyway, that's been my day and I hope you enjoyed reading about it. Thanks as always, and have a great day. Cheers!

Toast for breakfast (I've finally finished the jam)

Dunnes Pizza for lunch

Baked chicken korma with roast potatoes and mixed veggies on rice

(My dinner)