#tryingtostudyreally

🌼27/07/2020🌼

Over the weekend, I finally discovered the appeal of my mum's small teapot. I personally didn't like using it because I was using a normal-sized mug, which meant the teapot lasted for about 2 cups. Which isn't really fun for me. But then I remembered! We have smaller cups! And now I get several cups that lasts me the day. Why is this better? I can't explain it but I just like it. Details. Today, I have coffee again. But I added cocoa powder. Thought it will miraculously taste more chocolate, I was sort of aiming for mocha. Nope. So this was a failed experiment. Maybe I needed more cocoa powder.

I have my online graduation later today. I'm still not sure how they're doing it, though I think they will just broadcast videos sent in by students. We'll see.

✨24/07/2020✨

Well. It’s been a while. A good few months.

To be honest, I did want to post more, especially throughout my final year project. Alas, the project took up most of my time so I couldn’t post anything. So enjoy this one photo of my bench area (I have others but I can’t post them? For some reason?) And it snowed for a day, well it snowed for several days, but it was visible on the ground for only one day, and I jumped out of bed and went out in my pyjamas to take photos. Granted, it was my first time seeing snow.

Due to the pandemic, I came home much earlier than expected. I’ve been back in Malaysia since March, and dealt with assignments at home. It was nice to be with my family for Ramadhan and Eid but to be honest, my family could see my bad studying habits, oh well. I got a first for my degree, however, and I’ll have an online graduation in a few days. There goes my degree life!

I have been searching for postgrad openings in local unis. I’d love to further my studies overseas but well it isn’t the best time to be travelling, really. I’ve sent my cv to a few people, and was called for an interview a few days ago. It was a physical one and I was sooo nervous, but the guy was so chill. Rather than an interview, it was like a chat. I treated myself to Creme Brûlée ice cream after the whole ordeal, just because. I have another interview scheduled in about a week and it will be online but with the top people of the institute. Safe to say, I am scared. (The other half of me, however: Fuck it, just go for it)

Today, I have coffee and cinnamon roll (I’ve been baking so much nowadays! Though I know a lot of other people are too). I’m editing a video for my online graduation, just a simple one really. I’m only allowed 15 seconds. I’m not so happy with an online graduation, but we have to make do with the situation. 

Finally, with the recommendations! I’ve been binge-watching anime for a few weeks now (ah, the joy of being a new graduate), and I’m recommending everyone to watch Haikyuu! It’s been trending for a bit at the moment, as the manga just ended (and I am at loss, the manga is so good and I cannot wait for everything to be animated). One word to describe it: Wholesome.

🌼29/07/2020🌼

🌼03/09/20🌼

Update on my life!

Been baking/making desserts a lot and I'm proud if these two (aesthetically and taste-wise). The top is a Malaysian delicacy - Kek Batik, with a special twist, cream cheese and chocolate ganache layers above it. The other photo shows my creation from today, brownies! With chocolate whipped cream frosting!

30/9/19

Oh god, it’s been ages, hasn’t it...

To be fair, I was too lazy to care about this blog considering my exams ended. I had a rather unproductive summer, and really just stayed home for most of it. I went out a lot when I had to start preparing for my final year, met up with friends, apply for my visa, etc.

Well, I’m in the UK! For my final year. Phew, I’m a third year student already. I really cannot believe how much time have passed by. The idea of uni used to be so daunting and now I’m about to finish? Crazy.

I just started classes today, with my first module in genetics. We also had a session (on our first day, no less) about out final year projects that will start in January. It’s exciting, but I’m also very very worried. I realise I worry a lot. This is not a good trait, by the way. Anyway, I’m hoping, hoping, that I will do better this year (hah! I have no other choice anyway) and that I will procrastinate less (not looking good, mind you). Again, I worry. Can’t do much about it.

UK has been...okay, I guess. The weather is really unpredictable. It’s super cold right now, and I can’t imagine how I’d be during the winter. Coming from a humid country, I’m amazed by the locals wearing shorts and t-shirts when the temperature is 15-20 degrees. But on days when the sun is out and the wind isn’t so strong, ahhh I love it. I’m walking way more than I usually do back home, simply because I won’t sweat much here (and a lot cheaper!). If I walked even five minutes at home, I’d be sweating buckets. I also keep on forgetting that time zones exist, and it makes me so confused when my family is chatting in our family chat. I also can’t keep track of Kpop stuff because of it, and I’ve been missing new songs and releases already. Other than that, I’m eating well (too well), sleeping well (ugh I really need to fix my sleep schedule), and I’m looking forward to the year!

A lot of other unis should be starting around this time too, right? Good luck to all of you, may the year be kind, and may we all stop procrastinating (especially me).

song rec: Seventeen - Fear

✨5/5/19✨

I just wanted to share these two paragraphs from the book I’m reading. From my understanding, it basically talks about how when we love, our brain changes to incorporate that person in your life. But if anything bad were to happen, you will suffer because your brain’s already built around that person. Your brain basically needs to unlearn that person in order to move on.

I have never experienced heart break, but I have experienced the passing of people I care about. It was, and still is difficult. Every now and then, I still need to remind myself that they’re gone, and somehow that leaves me...in a weird state of mind.

Anyway, I just find it amazing. Your brain changes so much, even for another person, and it’s beautiful. It’s a bittersweet concept, I think.

Anyway, this is from The Brain that Changes Itself by Norman Doidge. I’m interested to specialise in neuroscience later on, and this was a recommended book that I found at a bookstore. The author writes it nicely enough that I could understand what’s going on, despite me barely knowing much about the brain. So, I highly recommend!

🎼 now playing: Ateez - Twilight

✨6/5/19✨

Ramadhan Kareem to all my fellow Muslim brothers and sisters! The first day of fasting just ended for me, and after all my prayers are done, it’s time for me to focus on my notes.

✨20/5/19✨

Aaaaandddd it’s 2am.

Burning the midnight oil tonight, with reliable coffee to keep me awake. Though I’m really not motivated to do much 🙃

Anyway, the panic is seeping in. I have essays for my exams this time around, and it scares me. The amount of facts needed...is a lot...and I barely remember anything right now.

I still have time before the paper, so 💪🏻💪🏻

🎼 now playing: A.C.E - Under Cover