First review.... Done!!!!

I've been away for a while, now I could say that I've hidden myself in the office and have completely buried myself in the PhD.... but that would be lying. I have discovered that this aspect of the PhD journey is all about how to manage the distractions and develop discipline. I really need to work on that! However, my winter distractions have been rewarding and I have convinced myself that some of the active procrastination will in fact be beneficial to my learning.I know...clutching at straws maybe?! At the beginning of this journey it was expected that I would use the Researcher Development Framework (RDF) as a guide for my exploration of the skills required to become a good researcher....

With this in mind here are a few of my excuses for taking what seemed like an eternity to crack on with my first review:

London Marathon Training - Perfect, I could tell myself that this schedule is in itself encouraging me to express discipline, self motivation, perseverance, integrity and preparation.

Fundraising for the Iolanthe Midwifery Trust - Public engagement skills have been developed alongside strategy and project planning (essential when you mix midwives with cakes).

Maid of honour role - Once again, project planning, public engagement, ethics (tested to the max at the hen do), Income and funding generation (care of the kitty), People management, problem solving and argument construction (essential when the best man and the groom fell out a week before the wedding). Analysing skills were exercised when choosing what tone of nail varnish would be required for the big day.

Time spend on social media - Skills acquired included, information seeking, analysing, communication methods, society and culture, global citizenship.

Surfing - develops responsiveness to change, work/life balance and self confidence and language skills (surfing in Welsh is syrffio)

Midwife On call duties for friends - Maintenance of clinical skills, love, compassion and pure unadulterated joy for the work that I am so passionate about (not on the RDF planner but I think I may just add a new slice)

Just a few of the essential training sessions that I needed before completing that first review.  I can happily announce that I have passed through this important milestone with good feedback and positive constructive advice.... must have been all of that training!