I've been suffering from pains in my right arm and wrist and hand for the past three weeks. While I was off from work earlier this month the pain wasn't so bad, but after returning on Monday I was in terrible pain; the one in my forearm felt like a knife slicing into bone. It's difficult to grasp a pen to write and/or move a mouse.
I made an appointment with my GP and was diagnosed Friday with RSI, and am schedule for physiotherapy starting Dec 4 (the earliest available appointment). I'm also on anti-inflammatory painkillers. I'll be speaking with my lady boss tomorrow about having Occupational Health do an evaluation of my desk space.
I also went back to the opticians on Saturday as my glasses had been given me headaches. I was retested and my prescription slightly reduced, and new lenses made, for no additional fee. Good deal.
Saturday, October 21, 2006
I’d like to see you after class
A good week at uni - I've been able to keep up with the content of the lectures and even the maths seem fun and interesting because the Prof knows how to get the information across in an entertaining way. Plus, I've made some good contacts with fellow students.
I "volunteered" to become a student union rep for my particular degree this week, as I thought it might put me in good stead and because we were told one of the 8 of us would be forced to otherwise.
I also turned in an application for one of two very generous bursaries that the Big Oxford Computing Company is offering --again, only to students in my particular degree. I could use a bit of extra dosh, and £2500 is nothing to sneeze at.
Monday, October 16, 2006
10 Half Days = 5 Full Days
I'm having difficulties with the class schedule.
Specifically, I had thought (until earlier this year) that a part time program like the one I am in would offer classes outside of work hours, but that is not the case. Nevertheless, my employer has been flexible and is allowing me to work the time that I miss by staying late or coming in early on the days I don't have class.
Then I thought I'd just be out of the office one morning a week, but during enrolment I found out that there are actually three classes a student in my particular programme should be taking this semester. Later during enrolment we were told a change in schedule required one of the 3 to be on a different day of the week than the other two. I had to drop that one; perhaps I'll be able to take it next year.
The two remaining classes are on Tuesdays; the first is from 9 to 1 and the second is from 5 to 6. My line manager has asked me to return to the office in between them in case there is something that needs my attention. I tried this the first week and because of the over-crowded buses and road construction, I spent a total of four and half hours on the bus that day and missed the evening class. I can't keep doing that.
Perhaps I should just break down and get a car. Today I looked up the web site of a company that advertises auto insurance on the TV, and plugged in details for a fictional 8 y.o. VW Golf. They only wanted £127/month (~$240) for 3rd party (not comprehensive) insurance.
I decided, since I have annual leave to use or lose, to ask for the next two weeks' mornings off, to catch up on reading and coursework and domestic issues. It was lovely sleeping in until 9 this morning.
I don’t know whether these next two items are good news or bad news:
Oxford now has its very own Subway sandwich shop.
Oxford now has its very own Krispy Kreme donut shop. It’s in the recently redeveloped Oxford Prison (shops, restaurants, tourist attraction) about a quarter mile from my house. I went by last Wednesday morning, thinking I might take some to work to show off this uniquely American product.
A dozen were £7.49 ($13.80). I don’t like my colleagues that much.
Last weekend, SK and I played phone tag, trying to arrange our first get together since she had been unceremoniously chucked out of the unit. Sunday evening we finally managed to get together for a burgers and nachos meal at Maxwells in Queens Street. After, we went to see Irish comedian Dylan Moran at the Oxford Playhouse (SK had an extra ticket as her mum was poorly).
The seats were good and I like the theatre, and Dylan Moran was quite funny in parts. I thought it very odd that he smoked and drank the entire time he was on the stage. SK wasn’t keen on the idea of comics having “encores.”
We had a drink at the Eagle & Child after, and had a chat about education and history. SK said her time in school was less than useless, and was surprised (& mocked me endlessly) when I told her I’d been salutatorian & that I believed my Senior year of secondary school was among the best of my life. She also couldn’t understand the merit of a graduation ceremony for students at that level.
I may explain why 1985-86 was so great later, but for now I just want to point out that I graduated 20 years ago today, in a small but meaningful ceremony in High Wycombe’s Town Hall. As with any other milestone, it’s been a chance to look back and assess how my life’s been since.
My meal at Maxwells: £17
Ticket for Dylan Moran: £17
Ice Cream during intermission: £1.80
Total for evening: £35.80 (~$66)
Wednesday, May 24, 2006
I'll Holiday in my Back Garden
I went out after work last Friday to the Britania, to say goodbye to a colleague of ours whose last day it was.
During the course of the evening, I was invited to join a subset of the group on a weekend trip they are planning to Dublin at the end of June.
Monday I was given the details of the flight (on discount airline RyanAir) and hotel (very central), but when I started the booking process I figured out I just can’t afford it right now.
RyanAir only charge £24 for each leg of the flight, but charge £2.50 each way for every checked bag and £2.50 each way if you pay via debit or credit card. Airport and other taxes add on another £12-15 each way.
The hotel room would have been £98 for two nights, but as I would have to room alone (all the other travelers being young women), I wouldn’t be paying half that like the others, and I’d also have to pay a £15/night single supplement. (I don’t get that–I’d be using half as many towels and sheets and eating half as much food, so why do I have to pay more than two people sharing?)
I just don’t have £200+ to spend right now. I’ve tentatively planned a day trip to the sea side (Bournemouth) for mid-June instead.
One good thing about living in a country with free health care is that I don’t have to pay for eye exams, and I get a voucher for a free (under £55) pair of glasses if needed.
I need.
I went for an exam a fortnight ago and my eyesight is slightly worse (hyperopia) and I still have an astigmatism. Spectacles were recommended.
CM is going with me either this weekend or next to have a look at the various options. Unfortunately, £55 gets you a refurbished pair of vintage post-WWII “rationing is still in effect” glasses, so I’ll have to contribute a bit more towards the purchase if I ever have any hope of making new friends again.
I found a site online that lets you upload a photo of yourself so you can see what different styles of eye wear might look like on you. Can you guess which one I’m leaning toward?
