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.