My pre-residency has pretty much taken over my life (in a good way).

1st pic: A set that costs more than half a million pesos. NOT MINE, obviously. 2nd pic: Some of the instruments I bought. 3rd pic: My seniors assisting in a penetrating keratoplasty (corneal transplant) surgery.

We had our convention during the first few days of December. There were lectures from foreign and local experts on the latest clinical and surgical management of selected cases/diseases. Several companies had booths showcasing and selling their products (drugs, instruments, etc) and giving away freebies. There was even free ice cream!

Our department celebrated its 25th year and we had our first Christmas party (more freebies!) on the second night. My co-pre-residents and I had to perform a dance routine that we practiced for two days. We didn’t suck…that much.

There was a fellowship night the next day that included photography and dancing competitions. It was pretty fun; we danced with our seniors and consultants(!) for hours. The fact that we were the only institution that did so (=my seniors are awesome) kind of validated my decision to undergo residency here.

I skipped much of the last day to catch this year’s Pride celebrations. I could finally say that I’ve attended a Pride event. Technically. I got there during the lull period between parts 1 and 2 of the celebration so I didn’t see much of anything, but it was nice to be surrounded by kindred spirits. I then left for this year’s Hipster Christmas Party. It was okay save for the fact that my cough had worsened by the time I got to Alabang and I spent much of my time there sleeping in Shinji‘s room.

Last Thursday, I went to Red‘s exhibit at SDA. I then accompanied him and Tim to their friends’ exhibit, which happened to be TECHNOTEAPOT: A Gothic and Steampunk Tea Party. I’ve added it to my mental folder labeled ‘Favorite Exhibits’.

I got a Tarot reading during the event. I didn’t have any specific questions so I just asked for general readings on my career, family and ~love life~ for the next five years. There was this card that kept popping up. The dude doing my reading said it signifies migration. That bodes well for my plans to train abroad after my residency. Again, sana nga.