This has been a crazy few days. London on Friday for a BMA academic committee meeting, followed  by a family packed weekend. In summary, two 6-foot Christmas trees have been hauled into the back of a small Renault Clio and put up in two different houses. Thirty or so Christmas cards written; various parcels posted; a church Christmas party has been enjoyed with friends, followed by a Christingle locally on our estate – very nice.

Something the PhD is teaching me about the importance of time management. The decision to allow time for rest and recuperation is essential to ensure that you have to complete your studies. Academia, medicine and work in general have insatiable appetites; if you don’t allow time between courses you’ll end up with bellyache.