Up The Farway Tree

Speakers Project and Parties

Emily was staying last weekend as she was running a Speakers Project in Glasgow. This is a Live Life Then Give Life initiative which aims to help people who have had experience of transplant (themselves or relatives/friends) learn skills on how to speak publicly about these experiences.  Although I have spoken before, I found it particularly useful for looking at time keeping and condensing the message effectively when given a short time slot.  I am not so good at stopping talking haha!  Andrew also came along and I think he enjoyed the experience and he was very good at giving his talk - I think it's actually harder for a partner or relative to talk about the experience than it is for the person themselves.  There were 2 sessions because you can only about 5-6 per session ideally, as every one has to practice giving a talk.  Myself and Victoria went to both session because Emily decided she needed some 'lungs' for the afternoon.  I really enjoyed the afternoon as I met a lady who had a heart transplant 10 years ago, a lady who had undergone 2 kidney transplants and also caught up with Catriona, whose son had a small bowel transplant.  It was fascinating to hear their stories.

Deep concentration

It was also great to catch up with Emily.   Seb was delighted to see her again, and as he did the last time she visited, he followed her everywhere!  I think he was in love.  He did knock her door a few times during the night but was then quite good and just lay outside the door.  At one point he heard her coughing though and started crying because he wanted to go into the room!!  It's very odd but rather cute :-)

Work has been super busy and I ended up staying late every day, which is not a good habit to start.  I think possibly the fact I have had quite a few study days and holidays coming up has also made things busier, as you do end up still trying to fit in the same amount of work.  It's not as if patients can choose to not get unwell just because I am going on holiday.  Today is a bank holiday so that is giving me a wee rest and then it's a busy week.  I am presenting a case at teaching on Wednesday morning and all day Thursday and Friday we are running an organ donor desk for LLTGL at the Freshers Festival.  This should be a great opportunity to get people signing up, although I imagine an exhausting couple of days.

At the weekend we have all Andrews friends (also mine of course) coming to stay.  I am looking forward to this and it should be a good laugh.  I have at least finished decorating so the place is in some kind of order haha.

I am also working hard on getting support for the Halloween Party.  I will only have about 10 days once I am back from holiday to get sorted so if people want tickets can you let me know asap, before I go away.  I had a meeting down at the union and had another look at the venue - it should be fab with all the decorations.  They are going to put some posters up, as are the medical school.  We do need more people though so if you are at all interested please get in touch.

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