Stating the obvious, just because..

Yeah, i just HAD to.


I should really sleep soundly knowing all is fine and dandy and the whole Mayan 2012 thing was a hoax or rather  a  marketing gimick whatevs right? yeah i'm not surprised it wasn't real like-seriously? It's just that I keep seeing/hearing about commotions on Facebook/twitter and other social networking about all this, so you know, i just had to have my own take for the whole 12.12.12 thingie.
Oh and i can't sleep even though i now know the world is not ending (not today at least) because someone is snoring super loudly, can't be sure who cos there's like 7 people in this house.
going to go grab a pillow to smother the sound kbye
X

What to do when it's winter?

*this picture  was taken using my phone, of food i have been eating, i really do spend a lot of time thinking of food btw and mostly missing Malaysian food*

So year 2, semester 1 of Uni is done with. Except for a few assignments due in January, i am now on 

Christmas break! Happiness yes?

Not really. It's realllyyy cold and it's not fun to be outside meaning I spend most days indoors then exploring London. But i'll wrap up and brave the weather soon because i can't just hibernate the whole of winter, thats crazzzyyy. 

Bila lagi nak experience the atmosphere of "christmas" in London kan? 

but for now i'm just going to hibernate for a few days and think of food, then i'll brave the cold weather. I plan to blog about the places I go, we shall see how disciplined i am. I think i will though, update with pictures/info on the places i go visit, because :

1) its like a journal kind of thing

2) i have this hope that it will be of help to someone/anyone because i've gotten so much info from so many other blogs so i thought i would start :) 

*goes back into blanket and hibernate for a while*

X

Fuss free dinner

When you're a student, you tend to have a few constraints when it comes to food and meals.

1) Budget

2) Time

3) Amount of effort we're willing to put in.

So when i take a break from work i search for easy cheap meals to make. And i came across this student  tips website that gives recipes for students, that of course works well for students budgets.

I bought leek the other day from the supermarket because i felt like trying it. And then i found a recipe for baked leek from the student tips website, I literally ran to the kitchen to make it because the picture looked really good. How did mine turn out?

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And the finish product...

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It was easy and soooo yummy. 

Words of Wisdom by Prof Shad

I've always enjoyed reading Prof Shad's column, he writes with such depth while  at the same time being humble of his vast knowledge and experiences. This particular piece will probably always be my favorite.

So much so that I took out the page of the newspaper and kept it in my room. It's from January 2012, and I think it will always be relevant. In my opinion, a good piece of article or writing will always be relevant.

Every once in a while when I needed a pick me up or advice I read it, and now that I'm in London pursuing my dreams, there are bound to be days when you don't feel on top of the world.

And yes, I brought the piece of newspaper with me here to London. I told you, it'll be my favorite piece of work by him. I read it again today because I really needed something to keep me going, and I'd like to share it with everyone. After I finished reading it today, I thought of framing it because I would like to preserve this piece of gem, but I am yet to find a frame to fit it so I scanned it, and of course, posted it here in the hopes as many people see's it.

*Please double click on the image and save it on your computer, it will be easier to read it that way, I could not have the image in it's original size on the blog because it doesn't fit my blog's layout. I hope whoever reads it will feel inspired and motivated by it.

For when you've had a long day, something to keep us optimistic

Under the weather

As predicted, i am still adjusting to the weather therefore i got a bit ill. Just a little bit.

I say that because i still somehow managed to have enough energy to walk to Harrow town center, buy toiletries, then pop to Tesco to buy ingredients to make chicken soup.

Then when i got home, i managed to whip up a big pot of chicken soup.  It was my first time making chicken soup, yes i know it doesn't look all that fabulous (my landlord had some family over, and her cousin asked me if it was chinese soup, to which I tried my very  best to not roll my eyes and politely reply, "no it's chicken soup") but it tasted nice. And I feel better now, thanks.

Where the Magic happens

I'm still learning the whole shooting a video and editing and stitching it up, so it's not a very good video. Shaky bits here and there, but it gives an idea of the place. I loved it, it was amazing!

Stop and look at the ground

Because there might be something nice to look at. 

The start of something new...

                  

The first part of my autumn in London was spent walking around London, enjoying the (surprisingly) nice weather.

The weather is getting colder by the day, and it rained for hours today.

Classes starts on Monday which means getting back to serious mode,with some time put aside to explore London/Europe of course, because that is part of the purpose of studying abroad, to explore and experience the sights, sounds and culture! Will update, my adventure is just beginning!

My packing adventures (Part 2)

The final entry on packing.  I know this is long overdue, but it's worthwhile, because i've discovered key things along the way.

If you're going abroad, and in my case to study, bring the least amount of things possible.

The picture above shows my things. Although not all of it are mine, (of course not! that would be just plain ridiculous) A part of those are actually my things but i did bring a lot of stuff with me which will bring me to my next point : only bring what you really really need. 

Why?

Because it is a  hassle  when you're moving in, and of course i realized this when i had to carry and unpack all of my things.

So to wrap it all up, from my personal experience, only bring the essentials. Buy the rest of the things here because it is less of a hassle to lug things around . Also i think it's cheaper to buy than having to pay for extra baggage at the airport anyways.

Also i plan to ship most of my things back when i've completed my studies, to also minimize the hassle of dragging things with me.

I foresee myself being very busy with classes which starts next week, so future post will most probably be shorter, yet still, (dare i say it) interesting? i hope so.

Cheers! (feeling very British)

Happy Eid

My (not) so exciting packing adventures (Part 1)

When I first started the countdown, it was 48 more days until London. Fast forward, and BAM! 26 more days !

I haven't even started packing. So naturally I frantically started packing. 

But the question is, what to pack when going to study overseas? 

Here's what I grabbed while under the temporary panic attack (please try not to laugh)

This is how far I've gotten with "packing"

Yeah okay so it's not much, but hey at least i've started. That's progress, considering my procrastinating habit.

Although I am yet to pack any clothing items. 

Okay time to be honest, I hate packing. I don't know why. I hate packing and I hate unpacking. I usually throw a bunch of things into my suitcase a day or a few hours before my flight. So I usually have awkward mismatched clothes during my vacations, but I don't really care because it's a vacation. 

It's a different case altogether this time round. This is NOT a holiday. I am literally MOVING to another city. To a place where the weather is completely different from what I am used to. So, what should I pack to prepare myself for life in London? 

My first instinct : Everything in my closet. 

But that's just plain ridiculous. 

So I've come up with a few list. My first list is 

What to prepare

1) Suitcase - I know this is an obvious one but do bear with me, I have my reasons for including this on my list. So prefarbly, get a LARGE suitcase since obviously one would be there for a long time, so there is much to pack. But if like me, you do not own a large suitcase and do not want to purchase one, go to point number 2 

2) Boxes - I will be putting most of my things in boxes and organize it into categories. Eg; bedding, food, etc. This will make it possible for me to not have to squeeze  my clothes with a million other things I will be bringing. Also, it keeps all the things in good condition (nothing will be crumpled, smashed or squished) 

Part 2 will include a list of essential items to pack. 

But it is past midnight, I need to sleep in the hopes of  being able to make wise decision when I continue packing after a good long sleep.

Four Randoms

My weekend in 4 random pictures.

Night lamp, just got it fixed and started using it again. 

Colorful kuih ketayap I bought from Bazaar Ramadan. Didn't taste as good as it looked though.

Pretty Eid decor at The Curve, I went there yesterday to...

buy this! I needed a new laptop so got it from Ikano.

Because I feel very blessed

Alhamdulillah finally finished my Diploma. Really looking forward for my future. Things changed so much in such a short time, it's like my life is a movie. But then again movies were mostly inspired from real life situations so i suppose it makes sense.

Will not be able to be a part of the convocation ceremony in October 2012 because I won't be in Malaysia then, but it's ok. I've accepted it, if you want something, there are certain things you have to let go and i'm fine with it now.

Ramadhan is coming soon and it's my favourite month because i feel so calm and peaceful every Ramadhan, preparing to make it a better Ramadhan this year Insyallah,

I feel so blessed, and I'm feeling July will be a good month :)

Countdown: 68 days

The Story of Keep Calm and Carry On

This makes me excited to go in September.

I imagine myself going to 'Barter Books' store and spending hours there.

And the film was nicely put together, if you have 3 minutes to spare do watch the evolution of what has become a much loved  poster all around the world.

Ranting about time- yes i'm pissed off.

How a person respects your time reflects that person's level of respect towards you.

So- if you make me wait, without giving valid reason's prior, yes i will be angry.

Time  is money, if you've never heard of that qoute before start reading and stop being so damn ignorant.

Seriously don't expect me to be nice to you when you clearly have no respect whatsoever towards myself and my time.

Watch me walk away.

Be thankful

• Be thankful that you don’t already have everything you desire. If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

• Be thankful when you don’t know something, for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

• Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.

• Be thankful for your limitations, because they give you opportunities for improvement.

• Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.

• Be thankful when you’re tired and weary, because it means you’ve made a difference.

It’s easy to be thankful for the good things.A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.

This is so beautiful

I find it amazing how people who go though so much yet are able to see the good in things and be so positive.

Really respect her, she articulates her thoughts well and by watching the video you get a glimpse of her beautiful outlook on things.

May Allah bless their marriage.

Literate myself.

Here's the books I bought using the book vouchers. I'm quiet impressed, please excuse if I sound self-pretentious i really am not. hahaha.

Just impressed with the selection of books I bought. I like to think I collected "book gems" this time round. I started reading one of it, but i'm probably going to leave the stack aside first. I'll start readin it when I'm done with my final semester.

Thailand. Raya. Fly ! Inshallah, so much to look foward too. Screw the rest of the things going on in my life. I have so much to look foward in my future ;)

Random sentences.

Semakin pahit pengorbanan, semakin manis kejayaan itu akan dirasai.

Notes

Rabbighfirli (Tuhanku, ampuni aku)
Warhamni (sayangi aku)
Wajburnii (Tutuplah aib-aibku)
Warfa’nii (Angkatlah darjatku)
Warzuqnii (Berilah aku rezeki)
Wahdinii (Berilah aku petunjuk)
Wa’Aafinii (Sihatkan aku)
Wa’fuannii (Maafkan aku)

Looking on the bright side

Can't believe it's March already!

So soon. I think time passes by real fast especially when you're busy, and i have been swamped. But it's all the good type of busy. I'm enjoying my final semester even tho I have classes on Saturdays - yes no sleeping in on Saturday :( but I have good people around this semester, new people so it's refreshing.

I think this year will be a really busy year for me, lots of things happening. Im excited :)

Can't really write what the plans are here but will write about it when the time is nearer.

Have a good month everyone !

note to self

If not now, when?

Images from Sunday lunch with family.




Staying up to write a review for Incubus' album- If not now when. Not really liking it so far, we'll see if I change my mind by the time I'm done listening to the whole album.

Bye Sunday- Hello Monday, Hello work.

I just came to say Hello

First day of class today. Watched a documentary in class. It was very thought provoking, very..heavy to digest. But good for the mind, I needed to kinda "jog" my mind. If it even makes sense to anyone. One week of holiday kinda made my brain lethargic.

This was the documentary I watched in class, titled "The Imam & The Pastor"





Anyways, it's February already ! I could have sworn it felt like New Years was just yesterday...hmm. May February be good to everyone :)




image taken from i wish i were a ghost

Letting go

Let go of:

• people who don’t call you
• the t-shirt from the ex, 
• the insecurities about the way you dance, or sing, 
• the shoes you’ve had in your closet for 6 years and are so raggedy but they still fit
• that nagging feeling you’ll die alone
• That one time somebody called you ugly, that one time you got dumped, that 10th time you got dumped
• your fear of flying, 
• your fear of never traveling, 
• your fear of being the one who makes the first move, 
• your fear of failure,
• being so negative, feeling like you shouldn’t feel optimistic about things
• the odd way you think your thighs and nose look, and being worried about how your hair frames your face
• 86% of your doubt
• the bad friend
• having to go to the movies with somebody and not alone
• staying home on a Friday, going out and feeling like you’d rather be home, feeling alone, 
• pretending like you always WANT to be alone
• getting caught in the rain without an umbrella, saying cheesy things about the rain
• being worried you’re being too honest, being worried about being rejected
• being worried about ordering dessert
• being sad that your love life is kind of boring
• constantly putting yourself down before somebody else does, being afraid of being disappointed, holding yourself back.
• Feeling bad about being clumsy 
• feeling bad your nails are always chipped
• bad habits you cling onto
• feeling guilty about thinking too much about the past
• getting nervous about how you can’t quite grow up just yet
• most of your guilt
• feeling terrible about the things you haven’t done yet 
• comparing yourself to people you aren’t
• comparing others to the people they are not, that one or two or thirty people you know you should.

taken from think yogurt

Canoodling fluorescent

This was my lunch on Friday. There's this shop in Bangsar Village II where the tablecloth is made of paper. The best part? The have a can full of Crayons on every table, so while waiting for your food you can sketch or doodle :) Great idea yes? And the place I'm talking about is "Canoodling".

So yeah, my internship ended last week. I was happy and sad at the same time. As with all things, there were good and bad. I'm obviously going to miss the good parts. But rest assured, there were more good from my internship than the bad parts.

I felt like time just zoomed past me though during the whole duration..it was weird in a way.. I suppose that's a good sign meaning I enjoyed it since I didn't dread it.

I'm on a week break and I start my final semester after the Chinese New Year break. I'm spending my break with family and friends because during my internship I was a bit anti-social, I was busy and by the time I got home I pass out almost every night-ridiculous i know, I wasn't used to the whole working idea ;) But I think I've gotten a hang of it. Still i felt like I haven't spend enough time especially with my family so this whole week is spending time with them.

Happy Chinese New Year to those celebrating :)

*what I'm listening to now:



To those in Malaysia who have a long break this week- Have a good time, and if you're traveling, travel safely !

Stay in the clouds

A belated Happy New Year :)

In a week I will be ending my internship. It has been a hectic crazy wonderful experience and I am truly grateful for it.





the picture above shows loan items. I usually go out to loan more items than this, but since this was for a beauty photo shoot it's not too crazy. And the Forever 21 bag are items i bought for myself ( yes i got a little distracted...)



and here are books I am going to review for the magazine. I'll start on it soon, and probably post my opinion on it on the blog too? We shall see :)

And lastly, the amazing view of the city on New Years Eve, minus the fireworks. I was busy staring at the fireworks during to actually photograph it. New Year's eve was really nice and mellow minus the crazy crowds as i spent it with my family ♥




Have a good year ahead everyone !