castles in the sky

Neurotics build castles in the sky

Psychotics live in them.

I believe we are just under the six week mark in the count down to exams. 

We still have material to cover, I have previous notes to finish, and revision to begin.

It is going to be an interesting six weeks.

It can be very difficult to have a study:life balance.

At least I think so.

I struggle with the balance concept,

I have loads of work to do, but I am more effective (and motivated, and happy) if I have had some Amy time, but then I probably have too little effective Amy time. By that I mean, I take a considerable amount of time for myself or friends during the week, but don’t always feel relaxed, or more motivated to study as a by product of that time – and I really think that I should. Making then my personal time effective – like my study time is.

This weekend I headed off to Nanga Bushcamp, in Dwellingup, with 59 others for Spinrphex’s (the rural health club for Med, Dent and Nursing) annual camp. It was a great opportunity to network, relax, get out of the city, connect and pseudo study. I really enjoyed the break from my normal pattern of weekend chores and study (as I enjoyed that last weekend too, with Tess here!) and taking the opportunity to strengthen friendships and to start some new ones too and sitting around an open campfire, dressed as murderers and murderees, staring at the night sky is a good forum to share stories, struggles and to study!

I also somewhat enjoyed (as I am not sure enjoyed is the correct term) the clinical skills we did. Cannulation, Phlebotomy, IV lines, dressings and teeth cleaning with the dent students! I am a little bit of a pin cushions, sporting 5 little red dots, rather a large haematoma in my right cubital fossa and some tape allergy. However, that also means that several other people are sporting the same injuries from myself! Learning new skills with friends is a really relaxed setting – and it was also a great way to build trust quickly in new friendships!

In the lead up to exams it is difficult not to either loathe or consume study, and I must say a little bit of both probably come naturally to me. Contrary to what I might say sometimes, most of the time I enjoy my study, I am consumed and caught up in the knowledge and the new insights that our cases bring. And in the spirit of being honest there are other times when I am probably building a castle in the sky. Actively dreaming of another life, where study isn’t the be all and end all, where life is fun and right all of the time! I’m not sure if that makes me a neurotic, imaginative, or simply hope-filled! (a little of all three?)

I will however, warn you when I start to live in the castle in the sky,

Then we may need to schedule and intervention.

Until next time

Amy

xox