Queensland adventures

The eye of the storm

So, the work seems to have settled a little now which is beyond excellent. I've even had a bit of time to think about some research of my own (Sandra will be pleased to hear!). I am incredibly mindful however that students are out on prac again in week 11 (now week 7) so the relief is somewhat fleeting. I'm trying to use this time effectively now and use my existing teaching committments to fulfil the requirements of the ECARD programme. Also, to plan for next semester (where I tweak and repeat the classes that I did this semester - for CP5 (my unit) anyway) so that I am doing as little work day to day as I possibly can. I'm going to streamline my teaching to 2 units ... 1 practical (Clinical Practice 2) and 1 theoretical unit (name still coming given a restructure of the course). Both of the unit co-ordinators are part of the "Newbies Club" ... the group of the new staff members to QUT at the beginning of the year ... and where I won't be too challenged in terms of learning entirely new stuff from the get go. I'm happier with this already which is great.

I met with a fellow called Paul Barnett the other day ... the man who signs off on our $15K ECARD funding. Half an hour allocated - 10 minutes used. I'm choosing to think that I'm just an effective communicator. He was happy signing off on my expenditures - some education stuff for my own professional development as well as employing a research assistant (RA) to help get articles published from my thesis as well as beyond that into further studies. Also, funds for a conference (probably OS somewhere but still to be determined). Pretty happy about that. I'll tighten the actual budget today and get that signed off. It's subject to change so if something much more exciting comes up so not set in stone.

Well, I think that's all I've got at the mo ... I hope everyone is well in their sphere of influence :-)

All my love,

Naomi

Exhaustion

You'll be pleased to know that there is a direct relationship between exhaustion and the onset of Graves disease symptoms. Last week was a big week. Long days, reasonably stressful content and flying around the countryside finally caught up with me. Saturday night saw the "I can't breathe/palpitations/dizzy" combo that I was triaged for at Concord hospital at the end of last year. Frightening to go back there. Got pretty teary and had to go home from a party (thank you Tanith and sorry Dingle). Slept for nearly 12 hours and felt somewhat better but I have got to keep my stress levels and sleeping patterns in check. It was dad's birthday on Saturday and we had lunch for him down at Lake St there (mum and dad's place). Mum said that I looked a bit like a reverse panda ... big dark circles under the eyes and white everywhere else. So attractive!

I'm going to try and prioritise my work better this week. Haven't figured out whether it is my bad management of work activities or the sheer volume of work to be done. I'll get there in the end. I hope!

All my love,

Naomi