Bliss.

Bliss.

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

Be Brainy.

^(That's the magazine we used to read at school when we were in 1st standard. :')

So today we (Sanjana, Makshi and Deepthi [from KIMS] and I) went to the Human Brain Museum at NIMHANS.

The Museum is located at the Neurobiology Centre and we had an anatomist (who has also studied Neurophysiology) to take us through the guided tour. The Museum mainly has innumerable brain specimens (both normal and diseased) and visitors are also encouraged to touch and feel the specimen on display. The curator seemed excited to see medicos in the museum and equally thrilled (probably more itself) to see an interested engineering student.

So we saw the brain specimens of patients of accidents, hemorrhage, cerebrovascular diseases, stroke, aneurysm, brain abscess and tuberculosis among many others. Later we saw some more specimens during foetal development, hydrocephalus, carcinomas, gliomas and neural tube defects (anencephaly)

It was a decision to visit the museum because it now has us all intrigued to know more, to read more and learn more on Neuroscience. The amount of information he shared and the sustained interest throughout the tour was truly noteworthy.

Do watch these videos or read the articles for some interesting Neuroscience updates! :)
  • Patient of Corpus Collosum Agenesis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHgClWAPbBY
  • Patient of successful hemispherectomy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MKNsI5CWoU
  • Adult Neurogenesis (until this, we had thought that regenerative power of neurons is lost after 3 years.
    • Seymour Benzer Lecture on Adult Neurogenesis: http://youtu.be/-jD5vl7xkuo
    • Neurogenesis (the birth of new neurons) continues postnatally and into adulthood in the brains of many animal species, including humans. This is particularly prominent in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampal formation. One of the factors that potently suppresses adult neurogenesis is stress, probably due to increased glucocorticoid release.

      Complementing this, we have recently found that increasing brain levels of serotonin enhance the basal rate of dentate gyrus neurogenesis. These and other data have led us to propose the following theory regarding clinical depression. Stress-induced decreases in dentate gyrus neurogenesis are an important causal factor in precipitating episodes of depression.

      Reciprocally, therapeutic interventions for depression that increase serotonergic neurotransmission act at least in part by augmenting dentate gyrus neurogenesis and thereby promoting recovery from depression. Thus, we hypothesize that the waning and waxing of neurogenesis in the hippocampal formation are important causal factors, respectively, in the precipitation of, and recovery from, episodes of clinical depression.
    • http://europepmc.org/abstract/MED/10889528
  •  Brain Myths: https://www.yahoo.com/health/5-brain-myths-that-wont-go-away-92839871807.html
  • Have scientists found our ‘soul’? Discovery of 'on-off' switch in human brain could help coma patients regain consciousness: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2683140/Have-scientists-soul-Discovery-consciousness-switch-human-brain-medical-breakthrough.html

  1. Father of Modern Neuroscience, Santiago Ramony Cajal first proposed (erroneously) that neurons cannot regenerate.
  2. The dentate gyrus is part of the hippocampal formation. It is thought to contribute to the formation of new episodic memories, the spontaneous exploration of novel environments, and other functions. It is notable as being one of a select few brain structures currently known to have high rates of neurogenesis in adult rats (other sites include the olfactory bulb and cerebellum.

    There's so much more that I heard today but I insist that everybody pays this place a visit. It's definitely an experience no person should miss. :)

    I am now going to begin:
  • The rise and fall of the third chimpanzee: Jared Diamond
Toodles. :D

Wait What?

Gimpi's B'day was the dabesht!
Treasure Hunt, Cake overload and more madness. :)
I made the brainless error of taking her on JB's road. (Memories, I thought. -_-)
*Screams JB's name right in front of JB's house.*
Me: *Talks RUBBISH loudly to overshadow her chanting JB's name.*
We do a U-Turn and walk past the house again.
*Do you know *JB's name*? I think he lives here* (Shouts. Mind you.)
Me: DIES.

HAHAHA.

Saturday, July 26, 2014

Soliloquy. Well, Almost.

I get the feeling that I'm addressing a large room which is nearly empty. Nearly, but not quite and that's enough. It's not that I ever had the feeling of addressing a packed football stadium audience either, come to think of it. :P

My previous blogpost (Lalbagh Ladkis Part 2) had pictures from the Photowalk (mostly Walk-and-Talk) with Vidha3 at Lalbagh. As always, it was nice to meet up with DST Pal and we chatted about college life and how drama exists everywhere! :P 

We went by her Gaadi and I clung on as tightly as possible (Yes, I make a terrible passenger. I feel all wobbly and unbalanced for no reason. -_-) but she navigated with ease through the early morning traffic (in spite of my pathetic direction skills) and we reached safely. I must say I was shocked as I passed through the Lalbagh gates, because the place was packed! It didn't appear anything like the promised 'Botanical Garden' what with hordes of people walking purposefully in all possible directions.

Post the Photo session and the customary trek up the Hill, we rode back to Basvangudi and had breakfast at Halli Thindi (Masala Dosa with a BIG cube of Butter and Akki Roti) and then V3 dropped me home. 
Hyder Ali commissioned the building of this garden in 1760 but his son, Tipu Sultan, completed it. Hyder Ali decided to create this garden on the lines of the Mughal Gardens that were gaining popularity during his time. Hyder Ali laid out these famous botanical gardens and his son added horticultural wealth to them by importing trees and plants from several countries. The Lal Bagh Gardens were commissioned by the 18th century and over the years it acquired India's first lawn-clock and the subcontinent's largest collection of rare plants.
Tuesday was the day with Pings.

We began late (As always, Classy girls need to dress up after all B) ) and took the direct bus to MG Road. We landed right in front of Hard Rock and Pings tried to tempt me (for a drink, what else?) but I acted all pricey [*I'm saving it for a special day*] and we ambled down the famous road. Although the theme was 'Classy' we were anything but that, what with ogling at fake Greek gods and giggling over wannabe models posing in shades (INSIDE the Metro. seriously?!). 
I Love Bangalore.

I got a book:
  • The Kite Runner: Khaled Hosseini
We had milkshakes at Lakeview Milk Bar.
 My Imagination:
[Dad: So where did you and Pinki go today?
Me: We went to a Bar. B)
Dad: Whaaaaaaaaaaaaat?
Me: A Milk Bar, Appa.

Dad: *breathes*]
 Lakeview Milk Bar traces a journey parallel to that of Bangalore. A legacy that is unbroken from its start in 1930. An Englishman named James Meadow Charles started the restaurant and sold it to a 19-year-old Indian Vraj Lal in 1947(almost symbolically)!
Hehe. 
 Post some window shopping and Masala Soda, we took the Metro to Indiranagar (The Posh part of Bangalore) and realized that it looks a lot like any other area in Bangalore except for the unbelievably huge number of eateries dotting every street. Claytopia was our initial choice but we were on the wrong side of Time and Distance, hence we decided to give Cafe Matteo a shot. 

Food. <3
Pasta.
We realized we've got to eat it with a Knife and Fork.
*sigh, I wish I'd learnt better table manners*

Post lunch we got back to our Original purpose (B'day Shopping for Gimps) which wasn't as successful as we'd expected but nevertheless its always fun to shop. Post a quick stop at McD, we hurried to Shivaji Nagar Bus Stand where we had to wait for what seemed like AGES until the blessed bus arrived and we scrambled to get seats.

Bangalore romances the Rain. No, seriously! :)
I got back a lot later than I thought I would but hey, this is Indian Stretchable Time (IST), after all, isn't it?

Wednesday passed with a flurry of messages, calls and confirmations and then D-Day arrived. I woke up early (A royal pain in the wrong end, considering that it's holidays and Sleep is a Way of Life, not a Luxury) and began preparations for my share of the meal: PALAK PANEER! (Yes, Palak Paneer has Deeksha memories associated. So do Aloo Tikkis! :P :D ) It was ready sooner than I expected and I fried the Paneer to a Light Golden shade so that it was still soft and melt-in-your-mouth kind albeit with a hint of crisp.

I was there at 9:10AM (As we'd decided) but then again IST pulled a fast one and it was 9:50 before we boarded the BSK bus and 11:00AM before we met the others at Lalbagh. Seeing everybody after nearly a year, I kept gaping at them open mouthed for no particular reason. Everybody was still the same! (Well, almost.) I was as apologetic as ever, thus attracting sarcasm and wit from Nirupama, Sanjana was on a 'Let's Capture The Moment' spree (so was I), Sonika was calm and composed as always while Sahana was hyper as usual (informing all those who care to listen to the *Jayashree looks for her brain on the pavement* joke.) Vaishnavi's accent remains the same and she thankfully refrained from pulling my leg) Ekta is still the cheery madcap while Lavanya's hair is simply beautiful. 

So we all met up at the Glass House, clicked a number of Groupies (or is it known as a Humpfie?) and ambled around in aimless circles (probably because we were engrossed in college talk and pulling each other's legs (mostly mine. -_-). We exchanged notes on the culture in each college, how 'progressive' and 'liberal' the colleges are (Subbaiah, ahem!) and the madness during exam week. All of us (Minus Sahana and Ekta) live outside Bangalore so we exchanged pointers on 'Bangalore stereotyping' that is rampant.

*So where are you from?* 
*Bangalore.* 
*Oh, Baaaangalore!! Acchaaa.* 
*(Gives a dark significant look and assumes that I'm this pub-crawling party animal who's been through more relationships than the number of vertebrae in my body.)*
We realized (too late, though) that there is no part of Lalbagh that permits harmless young girls from enjoying a good game of badminton, so we were shoo-ed from one location to another, in the hope of finding the Promised Land. Tired with all the walking, we crashed every 10 minutes into the nearest benches and played our favourite game: Dumb Charades! (As usual we came up with some regulars: "Manchurian Candidate", "The Shawshank Redemption"..) After a Juice Break, we 'trekked' up the stone hill, clicked more pictures (but the gusty wind got our hair flying so we look a leeetle freaky, truth be told) and tried to take a pic with all of us lying down in a circle (heads together) but the sun peeped out of the clouds so we're all mostly scrunching up our faces. -_-


It was too sunny!

After this, stomachs began to rumble so we descended downhill and sat around in a circle and each person opened their wares. So the plan was that each of us gets an item and shares it with everybody.(Apparently it's called Potluck) We're all used to the concept of eating out at fancy hotels so we decided to give this a shot considering how it's really very effective and economical.

  • Sonika: Plates, spoons, cups, juice and even a cake!
  • Lavanya: Chapathis
  • Ekta: Parathas
  • Vaishnavi: Shahi Paneer
  • Me: Palak Paneer 
  • Sanjana: Pulao (just like the one she used to get to college! :) )
  • Sahana: Chips
  • Nirupama: *drum roll* Curd Rice (which she periodically threatened us to consume, warning us with dire consequences. :P)

 Post lunch, we chatted some more, discovered that GK Pal, THE GK Pal, teaches at Nirupama's college (Jipmer), Oh and I almost forgot about Shahi! Shahi, or "Shahi The Faithful" was a dog that followed us during a major part of our time in Lalbagh. Shahi was christened over the fact that he was presumably following us for the Shahi Paneer) and it was only near the Stone hill that we managed to give him the slip! (Much to Vaishnavi's relief :) )

After a hurried cake session (harried as well, because some of us were convinced that the ferocious looking dog was barking to invite its mates for a quick Bite!) we said our goodbyes and it was time to go! Plans and promises have been made for another meetup in the coming year at Cubbon Park. *Fingers crossed*

We (Sahana, Sonika, Lavanya and I) took an auto back to our houses (I had my classes at 5!) and thus a beautiful day came to an event. I was simply exhausted and crashed into bed unimaginably early. (9.00PM. -_-)

Many of the gang-members couldn't make it because they weren't in town (or country) or their colleges had begun. But meeting them all made it seem like nothing has changed, we're still a bunch of girls who made it out of Deeksha sanity intact, who love to have fun and who are still simple and uncomplicated. :)

I miss everybody a LOT; the wit, the sarcasm, the PJs, the incessant photo madness and just the people! <3

Coming to another noteworthy matter, I downloaded books online!!
  • The Cuckoo's Calling: Robert Galbraith
  • Chanakya's Chant: Ashwin Sanghi
  • The Sisterhood of Traveling Pants: Ann Brashares
  • And The Mountains Echoed: Khaled Hosseini
  • Wolf Hall: Hilary Mantel
  • Les Miserables: Victor Hugo
  • War and Peace: Leo Tolstoy
  • Percy Jackson: Books 1 and 2
I've signed up for riding and driving classes and It's been over a week. I should probably chronicle that separately given how exciting it is. There's so much more I want to ramble about but that's a lot of blogging I've done at one stretch.

Toodles! :D

Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Lalbagh Ladkis (Part 2)








I can't type right now. I want to swear. Like SO Badly. Unsafe to blog, Tata!

Saturday, July 19, 2014

The Practice (Continued.)


Part 1 is here: http://moodymusings95.blogspot.in/2014/04/the-practice.html


Several uneventful weeks passed and Ayush was beginning to feel at home in the hamlet. The villagers were simple people; they respected him for his service and welcomed him with open arms into their fold. For his part, Ayush had grown quite fond of them and began spending his free evenings with the young lads over a game of cricket.

On one such day, He only had to work half the day and they began their game after lunch. One of the boys, Arjun, seemed to be in a hurry. He explained that his sister required his help that evening and excused him from the game. His hesitation and dalliance was sufficient to intrigue Ayush who questioned Arjun further.

"Need some help, son?" he inquired.

Startled that his discomfort was obvious, he quickly composed himself and gave an amicable smile. Ayush was not to be fooled, he insisted on accompanying Arjun and they proceeded a slight way off the main road.

Jamun trees lined the pathway and Ayush could see the rooftops in the distance. They walked quietly and Arjun stiffened as they approached the row of houses. The third house on the lane stood out among its peers with its clean frontyard, freshly painted facade and a small garden at the entrance with the customary Tulsi that is present in every Indian household. Arjun walked towards the house and ushered him inside. He motioned Ayush to have a seat in the verandah overlooking the garden and went indoors.

"Arjun, why are you late? Don't you know we need to go to the top of the hill? Hurry up!" a voice wafted from the interior. The voice grew louder as the owner approached nearer and though the woman sounded angry, there was a sweetness in her voice that overshadowed the anger.

Ayush perked up at the voice and looked around expecting a face to the voice he had just heard but none appeared. He wondered why he was here. He didn't have a strong reason and yet he didn't think it would matter. In the small world that he now lived in, very few things mattered.

"Akka, I'm coming. There is a guest in the house, stop shouting!" came a voice from another corner of the house.

Ayush smiled at this and wondered where this sister was. Her voice seemed intriguing enough. He thought about his college days; it all seemed like another era. Although he had waited through those years, the woman of his dreams never appeared, nor existed for that matter. He decided that work would be his companion and plunged wholeheartedly into healing people. He wondered if he would ever...

His reverie was cut short by the appearance of a young lady, presumably in her twenties. He stared in shock at the face. It was the Face in the forest. The face he had glimpsed just once, but etched forever in his mind. She was tall and beautiful without being imposing. Her movements had grace, fluidity and elegance. Her attire was simple and understated, yet she looked perfect. 

She smiled at him but a questioning look implied that he state the purpose of his visit. Ayush regained composure but realized the foolishness of his purpose. He was at a loss for words and managed a weak smile.

"I'm Ayush. I work at the local hospital in the village. I moved into the village about two months ago." he began.

"Ah, yes. We have heard about you. Arjun has mentioned you often. I believe you play with the boys in the evening." She replied. Her diction was perfect and she spoke with a refinement that seemed unusual in this region.

"Actually, Arjun seemed a little off-color today.. So I decided to drop in and make sure everything is fine." He explained, knowing that he sounded rather silly. He was still in a daze; he couldn't believe that he had finally found the Face.

She smiled broadly, as if she understood his predicament. It puzzled him, but she said nothing more and excused herself indoors to fetch refreshments. Arjun appeared at this moment, with a bagpack and sticks in hand. 

"We are leaving towards the summit of Indragiri. You may come with us" Arjun announced to a startled Ayush. Seeing that everything was proceeding in extraordinary fashion, he saw no harm in a trekking on the nearby hill. He seemed appropriately equipped for a short trek and he had nothing important to prevent him either.

"Sure, if you would like me to." he replied.

She appeared with a tray of biscuits and a glass of water which he gladly accepted. They ate in silence and then proceeded outdoors. He realized that in his dazed state, he had forgotten to ask her name. Being tongue-tied was a new feeling and he felt helpless. She sensed his gaze and turned towards him.

"I'm Aarthi. I guess we have met before." she said, with a glint in the eye that unmistakably reflected a smile. He could only stare wide eyed at this damsel.

Friday, July 18, 2014

The Storm Within.


The overcast sky reflected her turmoil,
The wounds were fresh and raw.
The wind howled and the trees swayed,
She couldn't stop herself anymore.


A clap of thunder followed the bolt of light,
The memories flashed by,
Each stirring the emotions she had stiffled so far.
The rain fell long and hard that night.


She smiled sadly at the good times gone by,
Bitterness she felt at the raw deal she had been dealt with,
Anger swelled inside her at the mockery she had borne,
And then the Pain consumed her.


The damp earth chilled her toes and she rose,
The storm raged on but her internal battle had just begun.
She wanted it all to end, she wanted the matter to close.
But to Him, she didn't exist, She was one among none.


Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Shine a Light Through An Open Door.

Unlike most people, I didn't leave right after the exams got over. The mass exodus began on 9th itself when people began leaving without any inkling (IDC) and 11th July was a field day for the autodrivers of Shimoga because most of the people were leaving then.

After Biochem we went out to the city and hogged as usual. (Mathura is actually pretty good for evening snacks) Then on 10th we all went out for the *last time* before college ended. I really hope we're all together again soon. Then again, Fate can be a friend or a foe, and you've got to deal with what you get. It was a fun day (Pizza @ Cafe Chillax, Boring Kulfi and Vadapav @Goli) and I was happy. We all had a nice time; leg pulling seems to be the order of the day during any outing and good food is necessary to satisfy us.

It's funny how things change in a matter of hours. The very same afternoon, Athi was giving me a piece of her mind for my lacklustre disposition and that evening I felt really good. Until then, the events of the past week kept crashing in, wave after wave with increased intensity. Little things can leave you dejected, you fight for reasons to be happy, and fail. You try to forget it all and put on a facade for a while and then you wonder why bother faking the happiness you don't feel. 

But I guess you've got to look at the good things that come your way in Life and try to forget the unpleasant memories. What's the point of latching on to hurtful incidents? What's the point of remembering the things that only leave you hurt and angry? The sweetest revenge would be none at all. Move on from the bad memories, let it mean nothing to you. 
Being happy is your birthright. :) Don't let anybody take that away from you.

All of us. :) Ehra was out shopping at More, though.

11th was the send-off day and Nammu, Deepu and I spent our day helping people with their luggage and bidding adieu. The evening was breezy (that's an understatement. The wind was howling.) and we had looong chat (3hours. :P ) about nothing in particular. Nobody could complain, the exams were over. The wardens could only look helplessly and try to find a reason to get us going.

We took the 11.30 Airavat back to Bangalore and I slept amazingly well on the bus (after all I had been warned to do so. :P ) Athi was at our place for the weekend and we all had a good time. (Although to be frank, I failed in my promise of 'showing her around Bangalore' given the paucity of time.) CCD Sandwiches, Night walks in the park, Pizza Hut Gopalan Mall so that she could meet her dearest friend (:P) and a quick visit to Omkar Hills. Di loves having guests at home (Can you believe it, she gets EVEN more hyper than she usually is! -.-) and she and Athira bonded really well (over Rock-Paper-Scissor). I really hope this happens more often. (MaPaDi happy, me happy and also roaming around B'lore just got a valid reason!) I guess Athi saw Bangalore during its drizzly days but all in all I can hazard a guess and say that she didn't have too bad a time. ;)

So we booked a Cochin ticket in a Volvo AC at 8PM and went to Omkar Hills (just in time for the 6PM bell). Post dinner (at Adyar) we went to the bus stand where we discovered that the bus was nearly empty. Only 4 people had booked tickets and another lady was expected to board the bus at Madiwala. Everybody was hyperventilating, Di didn't like that nobody was paying her any attention so she began crying and the bus was about about to start. Appa decided that MaDiMe should travel with Athi in the bus till Madiwala where hopefully the lady would board the bus. So we had a free ride to Madiwala and thankfully the lady arrived and we left soon. (Appa came via car to Madiwala) Later, she informed her brother about the matter and the panic subsided. But it was also a lesson for us to check all details before making reservations. :)


 Clockwise from L-R: Trying on clothes you'll never buy, Autoselfie, Nightwalk in the park.

And that brings us here, to the present. 
Plans for the holidays are plenty but they shall be revealed only in installments. I hope to give regular updates on them and I'm SURE that they'll be interesting. I intend to do a lot of things these vacations (considering the fact that our seniors warned us not to expect any more holidays of lengthy duration in the coming years). Let's hope it all works out! :)

Travel plans are being made as I type this and we're embarking on a new adventure. Thrilled to bits about seeing new places, new culture and nature at its best.

Here's a clue:


*Smirk Smirk*

The black pavilion built during the early part of Jahangir's reign (1569–1627), in the top terrace of the Shalimar Bagh, has the famous inscription in Persian, which says:

Agar Firdaus bar rōy-e zamin ast, hamin ast-o hamin ast-o hamin ast.

This is a couplet by the Persian poet Amir Khusrau, which is inscribed on many other buildings also in India and Pakistan.

Translated to English, it means.

"If there is a paradise on earth, it is this, it is this, it is this."




OH AND BTW:

A year ago, I began following a blog because I liked the concept. But I swear I hadn't bothered to read it after the first day. Today seemed like an auspicious day for such an activity and I was amazed at the information available.

For all those interested in reading about medical cases and the life of a medical superintendent working in a community hospital in Jharkand, do read this:

http://jeevankuruvilla.blogspot.in/

Here's an example if you're willing to look at pictures of medical cases.

http://jeevankuruvilla.blogspot.in/2012/03/photo-post-28-march.html

Community Medicine never seemed interesting until now. :)

Monday, July 14, 2014

And That's What Happened. (Atleast that's the version you're going to hear about.)

Picking up where I stopped yesterday,

Nammu ma'am and I boarded the bus back to Shimo and I reached at the crack of dawn and made our way back to the hostel. I met Vindhya before she left for her 'mini vacation' and she prepped me up for what to expect in the practicals.

  • During Viva, try to steer the topic towards a more comfortable area. (Of course this is an art and can't be tested on all examiners.)
  • Sometimes, if you don't know something, just say so. Instead of making up your own Physiology or Anatomy that might horrify the person at the other end.
  • Stay calm, take your time and present the answer well.
Actually our practicals were scheduled to be held '10th July onwards [tentatively]' so most of the students had gone home post the theory exams. They began arriving in trickles by Sunday night and by Tuesday most people were back.

Anat Department had kept the Histo slides and gross specimens on display so we all had a good look around. Then Vasudha ma'am gave us another orientation on Radiology

[Basically there are different views: AP, PA, Oblique, Lateral.. and you've got to identify if its a Plain Xray or a Contrast Xray (one had with a Barium meal (oesophagus) or a pyelogram (kidney) or a hysterosalpingogram (uterus and Fallopian tubes).. you've got to mention the bones you can see, the shadow of the organs you can make out, any fractures present and so on..]

And the Embryology models that we might be questioned on..
  • Paramesonephric Duct (My favourite!!)
  • Placenta Praevia 
  • Oogenesis and Spermatogenesis
  • Foetal Circulation (:D)
  • ... Lung development (Surprise Package of this year's Anatomy Paper I )
Barr Bodies formed by 'lyonisation'.

Yeah. These are Genetics charts. 

PMND and MND

Lung Development Model


*(Minor fainting episode overcome by Bournville)*

So we all had a good look at everything that we might possibly be questioned on during the 3 days prior to the exam. The cold and cough that began after I reached Shimoga manifested itself into a more virulent form and I realized that medication was essential if I didn't want to scare the examiner with my frog-like croaky voice!

Physio department allowed the students to practice on the the Clinical and Human experiments and we again had a look at the possible Case Study questions that we might face.

We peeped into the Biochem Department to have a glance at the spotters that we might be asked to identify. (Ryle's Tube for GFTs, Albuminometer, Urinometer, Hand Spectrometer) 

What ensued next can be explained in various versions but the basics are:
A slightly higher than recommended consumption of Benadryl (Idiopathic reasons) + 
loss of Birthday ring + 
Benadryl crosses blood-brain barrier + 
Sleepless night + 
Lacrimal activity commences + 
Morning walk in which my speed is 10cm/s + 
Anat revision in library + 
hyperactivity of Lacrimal glands + 
Chetan Sir delivers words of wisdom + 
Bournville consumption without rhyme or reason + 
Back to Library to read up on Radiology and Surface Markings.

Appa arrived around 3:45 and the rest they say.. is a series of *cough*- cry *cough*-cry *cough* until I was too exhausted and slept peacefully after a seemingly long time. 

The night was long and I had Coffee and biscuits to help me through. If I could write the Anatomy Exam on 4th July it was only thanks to Appa who listened to every word as I read aloud. I didn't want to give up without a fair attempt so I did what I could. What happens now is beyond my control and I'll have to accept whatever the outcome is. 

The spotters were fine and I identified the slides correctly (Kidney and Large Vein) but my diagrams could have been better and the 2nd examiner took great to be sarcastic about the size of the glomeruli in the kidney. Gross also passed uneventfully because the HOD didn't ask anything tricky. The other examiner seemed receptive. Surface Landmarks were the best because he decided to quiz us theory questions for some strange reason. :')

Post lunch was Viva and we were questioned separately by four examiners on different aspects. Radiology was a flop because the HOD didn't want to believe anything I said about the Cruciate ligaments. 

After Anatomy all I did was sleep. The next day I began Biochem but fell asleep for half the day (later the  cause was revealed to be 'ChestOn Cold' which is known to cause drowsiness). Appa left in the afternoon and I moved into Athira's room for the remainder of the college days. I spent an hour or two listening to Sumana chant the procedures for the Biochem experiments and slept uncharacteristically well. 

The Practical part was pretty much a fiasco due to so many reasons. Topography, Memory and Lucky had deserted me. The Examiner #1 clearly saw what was going on and questioned me accordingly. Examiner #2 was extremely interested about my Dad's occupation and other such details but that seemed to work in my favour. Prior to viva I had a coughing episode that distracted me from the forthcoming viva fear.

After this was Physio and most of us merely glanced at the books in the day before the exam. One of the examiner deserved a medal for his bitingly sarcastic responses. 

*If I kick you, you'll go fall in Chitradurga*
*Become a cowherd*
*Aren't you supposed to be a good student? Don't embarrass your teachers*

 But the same people were docile during viva. The externals were okay and only the internal (Vasanthi Bhai was having fun.)

*Plasma proteins. Name and function*
Me: (Blabbers)
*What happens if Plasma proteins decrease in the blood?*
Me: Osmotic pressure exerted will decrease : Hypoproteinemia and edema
*Ok. So what's your name?*
Me: Jayashree
*Oh, so you're Jayashree!* (evil cackle) *difficult questions follow*

And after this, we were officially FREE. B)

I can't type in my sleep. Unsafe blogging may occur. :P

After What Seems Like Forever.

I fervently hope that I haven't forgotten how to blog. But in case I have, there's ample time to re-learn the art. :)

The past two months have been eventful to say the least. I could go on and on about it but for now, the less said, the better. I'm going to focus on the positive aspects.

Exams came and went by. Those days were hectic, sleepless and tiring. Prior to the exams, the 'fear' of the exams caused a breakdown among most people. But once they began, there was no time to get scared. We had to do what could be done, there wasn't a moment to be wasted. 

As you probably know, Libu has been my haunt for most of the year. But towards the end, I finally mastered the art of studying in my own room (but then I had the company of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, etc.. ;) )

The tension on the night before the exams.. was written large on every student's face. We all just gobbled something down and hurried out of the mess. To sleep or not to sleep.. that was the question.

The bus journey to SIMS Government College was a terrifying one, especially on the first day. On the first exam, we literally had no idea what to expect. The avalanche of possibilities was overwhelming, the consequences weighed heavily on our shoulders and people seemed to forget the most basic things in the tension.

As we were walking through the corridor towards the exam hall, people were shooting questions at each other. 
S: "Hey please tell me the sympathetic and parasympathetic roots of Ciliary Ganglion!"
Me: Whaaat?! Plexus around Ophthalmic Artery I think.. And Parasympathetic is Nerve to Inferior Oblique...Wait... I'm confused. Let's ask somebody else. And tell me about Diploic veins please!
R: ....... Ok, don't worry you'll remember in the exam.

And before Physio exam:
Me: Dude, Olfactory Pathway!! Tell me the highlights.
Ap: Don't ask me anything!
Y: Striae, Bulb, Tract... Opercular Insular.. No sorry that comes in Taste Pathway.. Ask Somebody!!

And the epic one before Biochem exam:
Sumana: Salvage Pathway!!
Abhi: APRT and HGPRT are the enzymes right?!
Me: Yeah. Wait. What does it convert?
All 3: *Freak out* 

So that was us during exam week. 
Coffee has been my savior and soul mate in the past one year. But any health issues can be attributed to the same drink, unfortunately. The day before Biochem was a day of internal battles. And the exam by itself spread a pall of gloom that dampened the post-exam euphoria. 

Following these exams, I traveled home for a few days. Met my mad caps (Anjali and Medha). We had a lovely, loony day. I'm not sure which was the best part; being goofy and spazzed out or the food and beverages. (Tough choice, considering how people like me aren't sure whether they 'Live to eat' or 'Eat to Live') Anj gave us an introductory course on Korean pop which is pretty radical to say the least (All I remember is BigBang, Exo and a couple of guys grooving amazingly well). College stories were exchanged, Deeksha memories were recaptured and plans were made for future meetups. All in all, the company of fellow insane fools gives a warm feeling of comfort that one cannot gain anywhere else. 

And THAT REMINDS ME: I purchased books!! :D

  • The Water Babies (Charles Kingsley)
  • Gideon The Cutpurse (Linda Buckley-Archer)
  • If It Is Sweet (Mridula Koshy)
  • And.... My first M & B (Don't give me that surprised look. One must read all genres in their lifetime. I can only read it as a nineteen year old, not a ninety year old. ;) )
Plus, Medha has been kind enough to donate:
  • Fly By Night (Frances Hardinge)
Looking forward to restart my reading habit. It's been about 4-5 months since I read any novel and I'm eager to voraciously read as many as I can these hols. (Hello JustBooks!)

Following this, was the customary and cool visit to Vnagar. Hogged, chatted, went out with Nidhi, hogged some more and had a nice time.(Blueberry and GreenApple Mojito B) )

As has become a standard practice, Nammu ma'am and I boarded the bus back to Shimoga and I froze in the chilly air that night.

World Cup's begun, readers. I'll seeya soon. :)