Annie's

And....she's back!

2006-08-27T21:09:00.000+01:00

After a very long break! This is partly because I have been very busy at work and partly because I have lost my digital camera so cannot adorn this lovely blog with pictures (to detract from my boring waffle!!).

So... I started work. I'm not going to dwell on it because I am not feeling the love, but it is a lot better now than 3 weeks ago, so I may start talking about it sooner or later...

Well it's bank holiday weekend...woohoo!! spent yesterday shopping with the lovely Rachel, and today I went to Brighton with the lovely Naomi.

I'm sure I have been to Brighton before though it was ages ago, so it all felt new! Had a lovely look round the shops in the lanes, before heading off to The George for lunch - yum! Then we headed down to the sea, and had a stroll along the pier...

After exploring the beach for a while, we stubled across Ian Bennett and the brothers of Sol a very pleasent sound to listen to when sunning yourself on the beach (not to mention the VERY cute trumpet player....)

Under the sea...

2006-07-13T10:57:00.000+01:00

Well, I have almost finished my Advanced open water course and have had the most fantastic week!! I had a reorientation dive on Monday, which was lovely and relaxing. On Tuesday I did two dives on the Um El Faroud - both to 30m, which was very exciting but a little nerve-wracking!!!

The Faroud

Yesterday I did two dives on the Rozi, both beautiful and really enjoyed them. The Rozi is my fav dive in Malta.

Rozi

Today I did my Navigation dive in the morning, and I am going to go on a boat dive to Comino in the afternoon! Absolute bliss!!!

It's better underwater!

2006-07-10T08:48:00.000+01:00

Hey guys...

Not much been going on - just chilling in Malta, spending time on the beach and by the pool, catching up with family and friends!

Going to start my Padi Advanced Open Water Diver course tomorrow - and have lots of homework to do!

Love the summer!!!

Malta, we love Malta...

2006-06-29T19:32:00.000+01:00

Hello,

well have had a lovely week with Mum and Donald, basically trying to relax but also sorting through my stuff etc. Mum managed to get herself and me a free week pass to Whittlebury Hall which is just my most favorite place for relaxing!!!

Last night Mum and Donald took me out to dinner last night to The Boat Inn in Stoke Bruerne - had lovely meal of Devilled mushrooms, Rainbow trout stuffed with crab and prawns, and mango sorbet! Yum yum!!!

The Boat Inn

Mum and Donald

Stoke Bruerne

Anyway, off to Malta tomorrow. Have a one way ticket so no idea where I will go from there! Sure I will work it out...

2006-06-24T19:54:00.000+01:00

Hello guys, have you missed me?

After results day, my brain kind of collapsed and I haven't really had the energy to update this. As you all probably know, I graduated on Monday which was absolutely fabulous! However, any of you who know me or my family well know how stressed I get when my parents are in the same room together, so photos kind of went by the wayside. I have a couple of me, and one taken with my phone of just the dress but they aren't fab. And I didn't get an offical one which I am kicking myself about now, or even any snaps with the family. But the stress was great, and all I could think about was getting through it, even though I didn't see any of my friends at the afterparty! Nevermind!

I spent the rest of this week sorting out all my stuff and unpacking and things. It is amazing how much stuff I accumulate and I have been recycling till the cows came home. Not literally, obviously. I am going to finish it all tomorrow, and as a treat book flights for my holiday.
There be the next big decision. In reality, I don't have as much time as it seems. The sensible option would be to have a week in Malta then go on holiday with Daphne to somewhere like Red sea for some diving, leaving me a couple of extra days.
But I want to run away to Australia....

A very happy Annie (despite the wonky hat!!)

The lovely dress! Wish I had a better photo! This was just my phone

Beautiful Sophie

Beautiful sister and beautiful neice

Last leg...(I hope!)

2006-06-14T19:47:00.000+01:00

I have been packing for days now and I am exhausted!! Moving out tomorrow. I have tried really hard to be good - I have taken 4 years worth of notes out of 14 lever arch files, and transferred them to 6 large binbags before taking them to the recycling centre, along with two bags of textiles, two bags of cardboard, one bag of telephone directories (why did I have 6?!?!?!) and two bags of general rubbish.

I have been having progressively more venomous thoughts about Nick, who typically left taking the bare minimum, leaving two binbags in the bin, both of which were too heavy for the binmen and broke so they left them... which of course I had to clean up. He also left loads of his rubbish behind so I am really pissed off.

However, I have finished packing up the sitting room, and now just have the bathroom (hopefully not too big a job) to do tonight, leaving the kitchen for tomorrow morning. Then some nice people are coming to take away my furniture and then I will start packing up the car.

Herein lies the problem... now I know I'm no good at spacial awareness, but I know that this...

(yes there are more boxes behind the door - how can a girl have so much stuff?!?!)

...is NEVER going to fit into this...

... which sadly means I think I am going to have to do two journeys!! Waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!! That's 10 hours of driving in 2 days!!! And I am so tired!!!!

Sob

Dear Dr Carter...

2006-06-13T18:15:00.000+01:00

As I said in my comment... there better be a Carter!!!

Reality hits...

2006-06-13T15:39:00.000+01:00

Oooooh my contract came today! How exciting! But also a little scary...

I'm going to be a REAL doctor!

Oooh also they changed my job for the better! Instead of vascular surgery, it now just says 'surgery' (dunno if that's good or bad) and instead of orthogeris I'm doing trauma and orthopedics! Very exciting!!!

Packing hell...

2006-06-12T09:21:00.000+01:00

Well, the party's over! (Ok that's an exaggeration, there is the Morrocan champagne feast tonight!)

But I do have to start packing up the flat as I am moving out this week.

Urgh I hate packing! Mum came over yesterday and helped me move all my furniture out, so now the whole place is just piles of my rubbish! I think I am just going to throw most of it out!!!

Anyway, useful procrastinating tool as this is, must get on!

I think this says it all....

2006-06-10T13:35:00.000+01:00

Oh god!!!!!!!!!!

2006-06-09T10:56:00.000+01:00

How am I going to survive today?!?!?

D day...

2006-06-09T08:05:00.000+01:00

Ok, so it's not even 8 am, but I have been up for hours... alright, in all honesty I haven't slept a wink!! Went out to celebrate end of exams last night and drank a very large amount and STILL can't get to sleep. It all hangs on today you know....

Party get started at Kat's house...

Moves on to the Traf...

What's the gossip girls?

And byt the end of the night we have a very merry Annie!!!

Another one bites the dust...

2006-06-07T15:16:00.000+01:00

Well second exam is down!! Hurrah!! I'm sure most of you will be pleased to hear that I didn't fold, and wore the outfit I was comfortable. Actually, just before I started this morning I bumped into the tutor who sent the email round about 'smart dress' and she said 'oh Annie, you've got your finals shirt on! I was admiring that when I was marking you in that station on Monday'... so that has to be good right? Must have been the right outfit!!!

Anyway, so glad that is another one done!!! Nothing too bad today. I mean, I did miss things and it can always go better. No major problems though!

As Radiohead so aptly said, No alarms and no surprises...

One more!!!

*sings Ramones* twenty twenty twenty four hours to goooooooo.....
(I wanna be sedated!)

P.S. this is what I am planning to do all afternoon - do you think it counts as internet revision?

Sheep

2006-06-06T13:42:00.000+01:00

Ok I am offcially a sheep..

After much careful deliberation I went into my exam yesterday wearing light checked trousers (from a suit) and smart cream shirt. I didn't wear a jacket because I thought it would be too hot and I would be uncomfortable.

However, walking in to the waiting room before the exam, I couldn't help but notice I was the ONLY one without a black suit!!! (Ok I exaggerate slightly, one person had a grey suit on!). So I went window shopping today, not really thinking about it, then I went into Next, saw a black suit and just bought it!! Now this isn't a disaster in itself. Although I don't really have money to throw around, it was a very reasonably priced suit. And it looked good on. And I'm sure I will need a black suit in my career.

BUT!!! What do I do tomorrow? Wear the outfit I am comfortable in? But feel uncomfortable about the fact that I must stand out? (not a black sheep though - haha!) Or should I go with the crowd - power dressed city banker look? But know I can just merge into the candidate pool, (not 'oooooh THAT student, without the jacket!)

The trials and tribulations...

One down...

2006-06-06T11:15:00.000+01:00

Well I had my first exam yesterday. 5 fifteen min stations. Can't say much about it since some people still have that part to go...

Spent most loads of time analysing it yesterday, but I think the best thing is to move on and try and forget about it!

Last night I went to Ceroc for the first time with my friend Claire. It was so much fun! Perfect way to relax after the exam! It's a mixture of Salsa and Jive. I've done a bit of salsa before and this was a lot easier (at least in the beginner bit!!) I think because they concentrate less on the foot work, and it's just about signals and moves. As a beginner you can do pretty much what you like with your feet which is great for me!!

Next exam is first thing tomorrow... can't wait till they're over!!

Ok, so I wasn't quite J-Lo! But maybe if I go often enough I will find my Richard Gere!!

24 hours to go...

2006-06-04T11:43:00.001+01:00

For some reason, my last entry seems to have been deleted. However, it was just moaning so perhaps best it is left blank.

My first exam is tomorrow afternoon. Have to be there about 3pm. I can't believe it is so close now. I am absolutely terrified, actually. I can't work out if my fear is rational or not. I mean, not passing is a distinct possability!

And the pressure.... argh!!

All my family are happily planning my graduation - my dad and sis are even flying over from Malta. They have their tickets. I don't even want to think about it...

Argh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I feel sick..

2006-06-03T12:15:00.000+01:00

Not Sezer!!!

2006-06-01T18:31:00.000+01:00

Oh no! Sezer is up for eviction!! What will I do without my eye candy in the evening?

Things not fab here - battle with absolute hopelessness and just can't wait till exams are over!!

P.S. vote anyone but Sezer!!!

iPod excitement!!

2006-05-30T08:34:00.000+01:00

Ok, so I had a BAD day yesterday, ending with the worst insommnia I've had in a long time. Sleep was interruped at 7.30 this morning though with a delivery of....

Yes! My iPod!

For those who don't know, I got it free with my phone contract! It is very exciting! I have a bad pic of it (coz I only had my phone to hand and it's early)

but isn't it pretty? Just what I need - another distraction from revision...

Motivational tips needed...

2006-05-29T16:30:00.000+01:00

Ok, so my exams start next week, I have a horrible cold and the weather isn't even nice! (well ok the occasionally sunny spells). I need some serious cheering up and motivation for revising so if any of you have any pearls of wisdom, I would be grateful to hear them!

In the meantime, I'm going to plan my month of travelling...

Happy pills!

2006-05-27T23:29:00.000+01:00

I needed a treat today so I went to Lush and bought myself a Happy Pill...

and I had a lovely long bath and finished 'The five people you meet in heaven' and now smell fab and am actually MUCH happier!! Hurrah!

Book was ok, rate it about a 6-7 out of 10. Nice and relaxing but not life changing or anything.

I love Lush!!

Sarah gets the blog bug!

2006-05-27T10:51:00.000+01:00

Check it out...

www.sarahlaing.blogspot.com

My latest crush...

2006-05-26T22:33:00.000+01:00

Is it just me? Or is Sezer in BB just lovely?? Yes, I know he is a total womanizer and a bit of a twat, but STILL....

*swoon*

Ever get the feeling...

2006-05-26T21:40:00.000+01:00

...banks are having you on?

I mean wouldn't it be great if they really WERE free?

Stinky leaves home...

2006-05-26T21:33:00.000+01:00

Poor Stinky! Since I am moving out of my flat in a couple of weeks, I had to find him some temporary accomodation. Luckily, lovely Sarah and Nikki agreeed to babysit for a while....

Stinky buckles up for the journey....

Stinky settles in to his new home...

2006-05-23T00:11:00.000+01:00

Fish Highway

2006-05-22T23:36:00.000+01:00

OMG!! I want one!!

http://www.fishighway.com/

Sunday and Monday

2006-05-22T20:50:00.000+01:00

Oooh, got so carried away with Saturday, I forgot about Sunday! Met up with Naomi and headed back to Covent Garden (Neal's Yard) for a drink (a smoothie this time! haha!) and a natter! Lovely!

Also bought 3 new books with a Waterstone's voucher I was given at Christmas that I'd forgotten about: (click on the pic for Amazon link)

Don't know anything about this one, it just sounded interesting. In fact, after I bought it Naomi told me she had read it and it was good! Yay!

Mum lent me the first novel byMonk Kidd (The Secret Life of Bees), so I thought I'd give this a go

And a new Picoult!!! I love this author! All her books are fab!!

Any comments?

The fab weekend

2006-05-22T18:57:00.000+01:00

Hello my lovelies!!

Well, last week was hell!! First, I still had my elective report and SSM to write (which I did! Yay!) but also had a week of revision lectures, every evening from 5pm till 10pm. Then on Friday I had an 8 hour ILS (now I can use a defib and shout 'CLEAR' very loudly!! Hurrah!!). This was followed, of course by revision lectures in the evening! As you can imagine, I was KNACKERED!! So I gave myself the weekend off, and thanks to my lovely lovely friends, I had a FAB time!

So, Saturday, I met the lovely Tim.....

in Leicester Square. We went for coffee, and then wandered around Covent Garden, (Malaysia week was on) before heading to the Wellington for a swift pint. We then met up with the lovely Rach, and Claire and Gawayne before heading to Cafe Rouge for lunch..

Gawayne, Rach, Tim and Claire at Cafe Rouge

After a lovely lunch of Moules et Frites (well that's what I had anyway!), Rach heading home for her Dr. Who fix (haha!), and the rest of us went for a drink at the Punch and Judy, before settling down for a couple of lovely bottles of wine at the Crusting Pipe (love that place!). After a couple of very happy hours, Susan...

..joined us. We had a quick wander around looking for somewhere to eat. Claire got bored so pretended to be an urchin..

... or was it a gargoyle? Anyway, Susan joined in.

We then went for dinner in a lovely Italian (albeit with some scary waitresses) but sadly I was fairly drunk at this point and cannot remember where it was or what it was called!

Claire teaches Tim the correct method of applying lip gloss

Susan and I perfect 'Jazz hands'..

Claire loves Gawayne so much she made him a crown...

No, really Claire, your nose ISN'T red!

A very drunk Annie at the end of the night..

After dinner, we headed to The Freemason's Arms for a final pint and the end of Eurovision (Malta nil point???? What happened?? I got very upset!!)

A unicycle chained to a lamp post...

At the end of the evening, Tim and I headed to a Travelodge (thanks Tim! :) where we drank whiskey and put the world to rights till the wee hours :)

What a perfect day! I had the best time at Reading University, but the best thing by far was meeting my lovely mates! Even if they don't comment on my blog (you've let me in on your secret guys, I know you read it! No excuses now!!)

Bognor

2006-05-22T18:32:00.000+01:00

Just a couple of pic of Bognor I forgot to blog...

And now, the end is near....

2006-05-13T20:30:00.000+01:00

Well, finished my GP placement on Friday. Had a mini - OSCE exam on the Wednesday before which went ok - hurrah! Am now back in London for revision and the final frontier...

Currently staying at a mate's house in Tooting which is lovely. We went out last night to Wimby, and ate at the lovely Piaf We just happened to be wandering past but I can highly recommend it! Great service, great food, fantastic wine! Very enjoyable evening.

Today was revision, but we had a break and went for lunch at Hoochie Mama's, which is always a good place to chill!

Anyway, should be revising....

One more week to go...

2006-05-06T20:34:00.000+01:00

One more week left at the GP, then three hellish revision weeks, followed by the mother of all stressful situations.... A WEEK OF CLINICAL EXAMS!!!!!

Bring on the Ramones..... I wanna be sedated!

May Day!

2006-05-02T09:17:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone,

Ended a busy weekend with May Day at my Gran's house. My Auntie Liz was over from France which was lovely! Had a great lunch followed by an afternoon of looking through old photos :)

My mum with her two sisters Liz and Kate

Liz with her daughter Jess (Cousin)

Liz, Jess and boyf Colin

P.S.

2006-04-30T18:55:00.000+01:00

Couple of new pages on the website too...

http://annie.portelli.googlepages.com/home

xx

Down the rabbit hole....

2006-04-30T14:50:00.000+01:00

Hello all!

Back at Mum’s again this weekend. Bognor still going well, and loving the beautiful South Coast! I have finally got some pictures organised so have updated previous entries!

Had a lovely weekend, drove up Friday afternoon and had a chilled evening with Mum and Donald. Saturday met up with Tim (from Reading) and we spent the afternoon wandering round Oxford, which is looking beautiful in the spring! Even found the Alice shop! Bliss for me! (Patience for poor Tim!) Then went out for dinner at a Mongolian BBQ, lovely lovely lovely! Went for a drive in the evening, round the Chiltern Hills (perhaps should revisit these in the daytime?) Tim introduced me to watching the motorway from bridges – I must admit I was slightly dubious at first, but I am converted! Exhilarating experience, slightly reminiscent of ‘pooh sticks’ but with a healthy dose of adrenalin! This probably explained my ridiculous fantasies about the ‘Chiltern Ripper’ as we walked back to the car in the pitch black!

Anyway…. Enjoy!

P.S. Exams finish 9th June, hopefully graduate 19th June. So have a month of freedom. Am trying to think of what to do (possibilities are endless) – so need your help! Any ideas? Answers on a postcard….

Bridge of Sighs: 'The Bridge of Sighs joins the two sections of Hertford College located on either side of New College Lane. Modeled on the famous Ponte dei Sospiri in Venice, it has become one of Oxford's most photographed buildings. But its construction was vehemently opposed when it was built in 1913, not least by the Fellows of New College who thought it would spoil the views of their college from the Sheldonian Theatre'

Tim outside the Alice Shop. It's good to catch up with old friends :)

Oxford in the spring..

Happy endings!

2006-04-21T19:32:00.000+01:00

Ok, so no camera photos, but I did take this with my phone....

I ordered what I thought was simple 'Strawberries and icecream'... Absolutely divine!

Back on the chain gang....

2006-04-21T12:22:00.000+01:00

Well arrived back in the UK yesterday. Malta was fabulous! Had a great time. Went to a new restaurant in Mistra where I can say I had the best meal I've ever had on the island. Stupidly, I have arrived back in Kingston (where I have internet) but have left my camera connector in Bognor (where I have no internet!) Very clever Annie....

But photos WILL be on the way!

Ok, some extra Malta ones....

View from Dad's house

Dad's garden

View from the pool house

George climbing trees

Sophie and George

Sophie's first shoes

Everybody loves Power Rangers

George with his Power Ranger Sword

San Pawl Il Bahar

2006-04-18T14:45:00.000+01:00

Well, holiday nearly over now, just a couple more days.

Went out on the boat yesterday with Dad, Jen and George. Just a little trip around the bay, but it was great fun. Went up to St Paul's Island, which may be my favourite place on the whole planet. Lovely to spend good time with the family.

Weather was beautiful yesterday though windy today. Have taken loads of nice photos but forgotten the cable that transfers from my camera, so will post them when I get back. The statue was built in 1845.

Dad's pride and joy - bought from NZ!

Faithful Dory - always there for us!

'Annie' bought when I was born!

St Paul, on St Paul's Island

Dad fishing - the only time he has this expression!

Malta, we love Malta...

2006-04-15T21:46:00.000+01:00

Hey guys,

Back on the sunny isle again.. woohoo!

Arrived Friday, had a lovely afternoon catching up with family. Weather is fab here, sunny and warm. This winter they had the most rain in 18 years, so the island is GREEN!

Today had a lazy morning, then spent the afternoon with the beautiful Daphne :) Good to catch up with bestest friend in the world.

Out for dinner this evening at Palio's.. yummy spagetti marinara.

Hope all is well with you and HAPPY EASTER!

Sophie, wearing the birthday pressie I got her!

Me and Sophie!

The hat club - Jen, Dad, George

The Easter Table!

Sunset in Qawra - I love this island!

Bestest friend Daphne!

Easter bunnies and new starts

2006-04-13T17:58:00.000+01:00

Hello boys and girls,

(Very silent boys and girls I might add! Maybe I really do have no friends...)

Finished another successful week in Petworth. Started seeing patients on my own this week which is always good. Getting most of the diagnoses right, which is good (though not hard since there are a lot of sore throats!).

Loving being by the sea... lots of lovely long walks!

Got the afternoon off today, so drove back to Kingston early. Nick and I went to the estate agents to terminate our contract this afternoon. I found it really emotional...

However, off to Malta tomorrow. Can't wait! I haven't seen Dad, Jen and George since before Christmas, and Bex, Lee and Sophie since Christmas. Also can't wait to catch up with bestest friend Daphne!

2006-04-08T21:24:00.000+01:00

Clear out day - managed to get 3 binbags full of stuff for the charity shop and room is now fit for revision. Shame I haven't done any... Also am getting rid of Darcy. Those of you who knew me at Reading may remember she was my first ever PC. She has served me well, but is nearly 10 years old now. She was once the envy of Wessex! (ok, maybe only for a month, but she WAS!)

Looked through old photos and year books, few trips down memory lane! Nice to do occasionally I guess. Need to get the scanner up and working though - found some fab pics of me as a little one.

It's lovely to be chilling at mum's. Northampton is so much quieter than London. Jerry is still the best company though he is an old boy now. Mum thinks he has kidney trouble and he spends most of the day sleeping. He is still my purry furry kitten though.

Have been mooching through all my old favs at the piano this evening, bit of Bach, bit of Chopin, Maxwell Davies of course, as well as Jay Kay and Morrisette, with a bit of Nyman thrown in. It's nice to catch up with old friends. Really miss my piano when I'm away! Might have to learn the guitar or something a little more portable.

2006-04-08T15:40:00.000+01:00

Have you seen Google Mars? Google is my new best friend....

2006-04-07T21:56:00.000+01:00

One week done....

Well, Bognor is great! Actually, I have no idea if Bognor is great, but Felpham is great - which is where I am staying. It is right by the sea, apparently, but with my appalling sense of direction I have not been able to find Felpham beach yet! But hey ho! I have, however, been to Climping beach, Rustington beach and Littlehampton beach.

My GP surgery is in Petworth, and if you go to their website you can see picture of all the lovely staff. They are so friendly and have made me feel completely at home. I know it has only been a week, but General Practice is growing on me. It always had the advantages of patient continuity and good hours, but I was afraid it would be mainly coughs and colds. How wrong was I? In just one week I have seen lots of interesting pathology. Let's hope it all keeps going in this direction. Next week, I should be seeing patients on my own....

This weekend I am home in Northampton with Mum and Donald. Looking forward to some R&R as well as getting some sort of revision plan going. Yes, I KNOW I haven't done it yet....

Also need to book some flights to Malta as am planning to go out for a few days over Easter. Can't WAIT!

2006-04-02T16:33:00.000+01:00

Right, well off to Bognor Regis tonight. Quite excited about it really. Spoke to my GP last week and he seems lovely. He said 'The main aim of your visit it to enjoy it. Maybe learn some medicine, but mainly enjoy it'. Definitely looking forward to being by the seaside, some calming walks in between revision! Keep in touch guys! X

2006-04-02T13:35:00.000+01:00

oooh it's me!

2006-04-02T13:05:00.000+01:00

Ooooh a blog! Or should I say, another blog! Blogs are one of those weird things, I can't quite decide if I want one or not, and if I do have one, should it be one all my friends see and comment on (nice and social) or should it be anonymous (perhaps more truthful, but lacking in point?) Well clearly this one has my name all over it, so it won't be used to vent on problems in the NHS (unless highly anonymised of course! haha).

Though it is a bit weird, I am currently procrastinating (of course!) and should be packing for my 5 weeks in Bognor, and instead I am starting a new webpage, new blog and organising photos for online sharing.... when I may be internet less for the next 5 weeks! Hmmm, wonder if this will be updated any time soon....