So near and yet so far!

It's been so long since I've written here. Most of the time it's because I'm lazy, at other times I've got nothing interesting to write about, and hence my blog is gathering virtual dust. :-P

We are nearly at the end of the journey: less than a year to go before my scholarship runs out... I've finished my exams, and am now officially a PhD candidate. Now, I've got to focus on my prospectus and get moving in order to graduate on time. I am finding it hard though to motivate my self lately; lack of regimented schedules and self-appointed deadlines tend to do that to you. Plus, I am rather lucky to get a supervisor who's kind of laissez faire; she's not really the type to brandish a whip! (ha ha). But yes, the thought of being stuck here without money scares me enough to know that I have to work harder! Lately, I am more homesick than ever; I can't wait to get it done and go home! I have this gnawing feeling that life is at a standstill and it's time to move on! People think it's exciting to be in the States doing your PhD, but believe me there is nothing to envy! I know I am learning a lot more here, much more than I would have had I been in Malaysia (not just in terms of academic life) but I am also losing a lot: sacrificing my physical health (stress will do that to you!), buying a house, having kids, spending time with my family etc. I am luckier than most that I have my other half here, and I should be grateful for that but it's doubly hard also for both of us in terms of coping with the challenges that come, financially, emotionally, physically etc. If I looked back, and knowing what I do now, I am not sure if I would have made the same decision. I would have in hindsight perhaps, chosen to study at a country where I can come home easier (on the pocket + less distance) so I can fall back on family support if I needed it... Well, you can't turn back time or regret your decisions but I am not 100% sure that this is the path that I would have chosen had I had an alternative...

Well, on to more errr... less gloomy things. :-P We've had bouts of really bad flu for the last week or so. I've been lucky that in the four years that I've been here this is the first time I've had it so bad. Probably because the weather has been the coldest it has been since 2009. And with winter comes a host of other problems: our car has been causing a lot of problem lately because of it! Tapi nak ganti sayang kan coz it cost money, and we have less than two years to go so we will probably bear with it till the end. Jgn sebut2 nak ganti, nanti kereta tu merajuk! ha ha ha

All in all, I can't really wait for this journey to be over and move on to other, more important things!

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Terrible weekend!

Source: Phd Comics (funny stuff!)

What a terrible weekend, health-wise!

I am still holed up in the apartment most of the time, trying to study for comps. Last weekend was no different. On Saturday I was working and trying to print a bunch of notes and the cat lunged towards the printer. Foolishly I tried to lift him from the printer to prevent him from grabbing the papers that was coming out from the printer and he was so jumpy he scratched me in a bunch of places! (including neck, both wrists, fingers). Now Toby is quite a good cat; I can count the number of times he scratched me and the times he has hissed from the three years he has been with us. He only scratches or hiss when he feels threatened, scared or surprised; which I suppose is a primal reaction common to animals. I didn't realize how bad it was until I looked at myself in the mirror. There was quite a bit of blood, my necklace was ripped from my neck (and chain broke sob sob) and I saw puncture wounds in my wrist. I didn't really think anything of it; dressed my wounds and bandaged it and continue working. By night however, one finger has swelled and I couldn't bend it. 

So, the next day we went to a minute clinic in CVS (was a Sunday and it was conveniently open and no appointment needed!). The nurse told me I was indeed infected and she prescribed some antibiotics for me. I did swipe my wounds with alcohol and some ointment but apparently it just didn't work. Today, the swelling has gone down although my right index finger still looked a tad fat. :-( Hopefully it will be OK by tomorrow; its my typing hand OK! More cause for concern though it's my blood pressure. She did say it wasn't high but borderline worrying. I told her I had exams so maybe that's why it spiked up. I haven't had much sleep over the last two months and I've been waking up at night worrying about my comps. I know my sedentary and stressful life-style (especially for the last two months) is also to be blamed: e.g. convenient and infrequent meals, long hours in front of the PC reading and typing, limited sun (to be fair, it's almost winter!) and lack of fresh air... I swear I will have to do some life-style changes once I finish my comps!! I have to.

It made me think if all of this is worth it. Working towards a PhD for the last three years of my life is costing me a lot: having offsprings, buying a house in Malaysia, spending time with family and now my health. I could probably have better coping skills, but doing a PhD is stress inducing for anyone, and especially challenging for an international student not used to the US (or any other foreign country) education system. I just have to accept that this is my challenge, complain less and do better. It feels good though to let this out. Now, excuse me while I get back to work. :-P

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Post Eid update

It's probably a bit late, but Eid Mubarak to my Muslim readers! We had a pretty normal Eid. We cooked a simple Raya fare, had a few friends over and that was it. I used to feel a twinge of sadness in my first year, but it's now the beginning of my fourth year here so I am numb to it I think. Besides, I spent almost one month fasting in Malaysia and how glorious it was!

Post eid, it's back to the normal routine for us. For me, writing and reading. I have my prelim submission due date coming up in two weeks so I am ironing out the paper and polishing it up. I don't know how good it is, or if I am able to pass it or not but it has to be done. Wish me luck! The cat meanwhile has calmed down a bit. He got a bit hyper when we arrived and wouldn't stop meowing for two days. Now he's feeling more secure and is more quiet, but he's still following me from room to room. I think he's still not sure if we are going to walk out at any moment and leave him alone for three months! 

The weather has been pretty good here. It's been a bit sunny but not humid. Just nice. As we move into fall, I am crossing my fingers and hoping that winter will come late again this year. It's time to get back to work again, will write more time & mood permitting. 

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Happy birthday to me!

Wow... this is one of the longest time since I stayed away from my blog. Dah bersawang dah pun. He he he. Sometimes I think I should shut it down, but the urge to blog is still there only time does not permit it. Have no fear though, if I don't blog it means I am relatively busy, but happy. :-P

My recent birthday just passed. This year, although have been up and down, things are good. I am grateful for all His blessings. I am healthy, my family is well  and I have a good husband. Financially, we are also doing OK. Studies are good. So all in all, I have a lot. And I am grateful for it. We didn't do much on the day; a friend was moving to Michigan so we headed to her house to help her clear away her stuff (and there was a lot, she have been staying there for twenty years!). I am also a bit saddened as this friend is one of the most helpful and kind people here and not having her here is sort of like losing a family member. But it's OK, I can always phone and now that Emee is here in the US I am not lonely at all. :-)

This year, the snow is late. There was a flurry on my birthday, but it has cleared. I am guessing it will come back next week but the weather is not too cold compared to last year so that's great! I am on winter break for a couple of weeks so I just plan to relax and take care of hubby n cat. My prelim paper is waiting but I plan to submit it in March or April. All in all, things are going according to plan although I am a bit behind schedule. My brother is getting married in February and I feel sad that I am going to miss this joyous occasion. But that can't be helped so I can't dwell on it. Being away makes me appreciate my family and I wish that I had more time to spend with them. I cannot wait to finish my studies so I can go back home.

To all of you celebrating Christmas, happy holidays! I will write more when the mood strikes. 

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It's funny...

Source: Google Images

How people view themselves... Mean people never think they are mean, they're just being 'direct'... Pushy people never think they are pushy, they're just 'standing up for their rights' and trampling on everything that gets in the way... and of course if you disagree you're ignorant and backward! Bullies never think they are bullying, they are just merely 'expressing how authoritative, confident and knowledgeable they are'... And those who are bullies, mean + pushy are very proud for being a despicable excuse for a human being.... And it's funny how they are always quick to puff up like a proud peacock at their supposed 'strengths' and never see it as the ugly truth that it is... And time after time as they boast, I see right through that charade...

On other fronts, I am really, really tired. There has been lots of ups and downs lately but I've been tested again and again with alarming frequency lately. This time, I am not sure if I can get through this particular hurdle. I really feel like going home. Is it time to throw in the towel?

p.s: Please ignore the bulk of this post. I will write more when I feel better. 

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"What a classless airhead!"

How fast Ramadhan is going: I can't believe there's less than two weeks left before Raya! Sebab cuti, I've been spending some time catching up on leisurely reading and going on You-tube. Found the P Ramlee documentary directed by Shuhaimi Baba on the History channel. Maybe most of you caught it already. I found it extremely fascinating, and of course sad. It's a classic case of not appreciating something/someone until they are already gone. What's intriguing to me is also the conspiracy theories and allusions to the reasons for his downfall upon returning to Malaysia. I've seen it a couple of times and am still not bored with it. For some interesting titbit on reactions to this documentary, go to this blog. You can read between the lines in the blog post and comment box, and get some clues as to who the author think is a major player in P Ramlee's downfall.

Class is also starting in two weeks. I am only taking one class but I am not really looking forward to it;I have yet to think of a suitable topic for my preliminary paper. Plus, it's my last semester of coursework so I will really be on my own after this. It's hard to keep  motivated but I have to keep telling myself that I want to get everything done on time, Insya-Allah...

We also managed to have iftar with an interesting lady here, who really epitomize the meaning of 'sojourner'. Being away from home and family requires every bit of strength you have, and this lady did that with very little support! You are worth ten of them, OK! There are things that I wish I could just ignore, and I am glad somebody agrees with me, and is able to see past the shenanigan, plastic behavior and saccharine smiles. When the idea of 'collectivistic group' is abused so liberally and wantonly, why would you want to be part of it? Her similar tales of woes convinced me that we are doing the right thing.

While I spend the final vestiges of my holiday, I need to clear my head of all rubbish and regroup. Enjoy the rest of Ramadhan, people!

PS: Tajuk post takde kene mengena dgn kandungan blog. Ha ha ha.

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Update orang malas :-P

Waity katy no more! Source: Google images

I'm on my summer break at last. Yahoo! (Sekejap je pun). I got summer class but that ain't starting in a week's time. It's nice to finally just sit back and do nothing. Here's some short updates:

1. It's my second year anniversary tomorrow! 
2. This semester was the hardest. I met the strangest academician ever. This person seems to look down on woman (non-Whites, that is). I've got news for you mister, that is not only disgusting but makes you look really, really outdated! I really also hope that I manage to do OK for my three classes. I have just another semester to go to complete my coursework so time is running out for me definitely
3. The weather is really pleasing right now, not too hot nor cold. But it's been raining for a couple of days and hopefully it will stop soon
4. I am not going back this summer like last year. Last year we came back because hubby had things to finish at home but this year we don't have the same excuse (or money for that matter!). I take it as an opportunity to travel close by... maybe a road trip or two. Since we are here, we might as well!

The kids are all right!

Wow... it's been quite some time since the last update. I've been busy tying things up for this semester, and I think I am doing OK for my classes except for Stats III. The instructor is mercurial, very prone to sudden outbursts and plays favorites in class. Therefore, things are definitely unpredictable. Last semester for Stats II, we could tell the lowest grade we were getting was a 'B' (and that is guaranteed even though you get all As for your assignments!) but this semester what worries me is that the lowest grade is a 'C'. A 'C' is bad because I have to repeat the subject, and I know this won't be offered again next semester because he is leaving and they haven't found a replacement for him yet. Oh well... as usual I try my very best and hope that everything is OK. People often ask me about my grades in grad school. Really, it doesn't really matter because at the end of the day, in the academic world people look at the quality of your thesis. All the 'As' in the class don't really matter if you can't apply it all to a good thesis! 

Add to that my classmates (who are mostly Americans) are really very laid back about grades and are not really competitive. And I love it this semester that there are about 5 of us in the same boat and we are working together (e.g sharing notes, doing homework together)... that definitely takes the stress out of things. However, things are not the same in all departments. I was shocked when somebody I knew (who was in a different course, and in an almost all international students kind of course) remarked that she didn't care about the 'learning' in class and was intent on collecting all As and getting a 4.0 every semester!!! This was rather strange coming from a grad student OK! And isn't that a lot of pressure on yourself? But who am I to say... he he he he he. Students in Malaysia are typically concerned about getting As all the time through regurgitating and taking as many extra classes as they can. An education system that is set up in rewarding academic achievement by how many As you get... can you really blame them?

Original poster. Source: Google images and this website

Anyway... I digress. I wanted to write about the movie I saw recently. I know, I know, it's a bit late to write about it since the Oscars already came and went but this movie is totally worth the watch. You should already know that I guess from the all star cast: Annette Bening, Julianne Moore, Mark Ruffalo... I now know why some people thought that Annette Bening should have won for her portrayal as half lesbian couple. It was interesting that they portrayed lesbian couples are very similar to the traditional hetero couples; one is earning and the other one keeps house. Annette is excellent as the 'man of the house': self-absorbed, tight assed, overworked and over-entitled! Their kids grows up wondering who their father is and they seek out their sperm donor, a rather disheveled looking Mark Ruffalo. Turns out he wants to play dad without having the burden of responsibility, and is rather a cad. He turns out sleeping with one of the lesbians (huh??) whilst having already an affair with another young lady working in his cafe (he has his own business). BTW, that young lady is played  by Yaya DeCosta who was formerly in America's Next Top Model. I must say she's a pretty decent actress! (better than expected!). Lest I spoil the plot for you (TMI?) all is well in the end. I really loved their realistic treatment of the modern blended American family and the sensitive portrayal of how lesbian couples face the same problems like all other couples: empty nest syndrome, defining success with academic achievement, not taking for granted your partner etc. I am not sure if this movie has been (or will be) shown in Malaysia due to the sensitive topic, but if you have a chance to watch this, please do! Watch the trailer, too if you're curious!

Have a great week, everybody!

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Quick updates

Picture courtesy of Shabby Blogs

This is the first week that I've had a bit of a breather. I think last week was the most hectic (1 annotated bibliography assignment, 1 statistics homework & 2 presentation in two days!) so the worst is over. Since I have a bit of time, here's some short updates during this never ending winter:

1. This semester is my second last for coursework, and I've yet to narrow my topic down but hopefully that will happen soon. This semester is a bit more difficult than the last but I think I'm doing OK (so far)

Happy birthday to me! :-P

It's been quite some time since I updated my blog, here are some random bits and pieces.

Studies

It was OK although much harder than previous semesters. I put it down to increased expectations, difficult subjects as well as lecturers who have been extra meticulous. I've learned a lot, but I have to admit this semester has been a roller coaster; swinging up and down. I find myself being demotivated more often too. And I just can't wait to get this done once and for all! Or does this happen to all PhD students at all stages? Those of you who are going through the same thing, any advice??! And I've had two exams which were postponed due to bad weather. And speaking of bad weather...

How do you spell 'squall'?

You can barely see anything!

This year is relatively worse than last year. We had the lake effect; snow storms and squalls  that descended upon our place rather suddenly, and caused drastic drop in temperature. There were some abnormalities compared to last year; for one thing, winter is really quite early this year. Secondly, the effect was more monstrous this year. Campus was actually closed for two days, it was very windy and you couldn't see anything except white everywhere! We were basically snowed in and couldn't move outside our apartment for at least two days. For those of you who think winter is fun, sadly it is not. But if you think I have it bad, other people had it worse; my classmate poor thing who had to travel down to class for the exam, found it postponed and couldn't go back home as she stayed two hours away. She had to find lodgings in town, and let me tell you renting a motel isn't cheap! It made sense that somebody told us to always have an extra batch of clothes and your shovel in the trunk of your car, just in case.

Happy birthday!

Looks good, and tastes good!

To me. Ha ha. I can't believe it's that time again. In just another two birthdays, hopefully Insya-Allah I will be home in Malaysia with my beloved family and friends. This year the celebration was more low key, but I think more peaceful and happier. We had a friend over, and I cooked some comfort food. Hubby even got me a lovely ice cream cake. It's really good! Looking back a year, I think I've come to peace with a lot of things. There are always going to be nasty people around, and you can't stop what comes out of their mouths. What you CAN do is never to stoop to their level. So go ahead, say what you want about me but I don't care.  You can recruit as many 'sheeps' as you want but at the end of the day, I am not afraid of you, or your  blind followers, I am more afraid of Allah and what punishments He will dish out if I act exactly like you. And yes, I have a lot to be thankful for this year; I am married to a good man and things are good, Alhamdulillah. What better birthday present than that?

Toby updates

That blanket is mine! Give it back!

Ni untuk peminat2 kucing. Ha ha. He's growing really fast; at the age of 7 months, he's packing on the pounds. I am not sure if it's because of winter, and he sure isn't eating a lot but the growth spurt seems to be relatively surprising. And for a cat with thick fur, he seems to like cuddling under fleece blankets. Teruk betul! And oh, right before winter he had a 'friend' waiting outside our window. It's a beautiful Russian blue cat who comes almost daily and plops himself comfortably outside our window, and these two cats have a staring contest for at least 15 minutes. In the end, Toby will pace up and down, as if begging to be let outside. No way that is happening!

All in all, it's been a pretty good month. I have about three weeks just to vegetate before the next semester. begins Perhaps a book review will be forthcoming if the right mood prevails. We are also planning a short road trip close by if the weather permits. In the meantime, have a good weekend, friends and readers!

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Sigh...

Credit: This website

Pernah tak datang mood yang semuanya serba tak kena? Angkat tangan sape yang pernah mengalami situasi macam ni! I'm really having one of those horrible week where you have a sinking feeling that everything will go wrong, and when it surely will, it will go wrong spectacularly!

It started last week, actually. I did horribly for my mid-term last week. I am sure of it (but I figure I'm not the only one; a couple of people left really early, with frowning faces and others were actually sighing during the mid-term!). Plus, my homework also went all wrong. Stats is so difficult to understand, especially if it's not structured. It gets very frustrating when you can't figure out why this figure is this much, and how did it come about.  Of course, the instructor won't help because it-so-obvious-even-an-ignoramus can figure it out! Thing were bearable up till a couple of weeks ago, and this week's assignment is like looking for a needle in a haystack, and you have very little information on what needs to be done! Sigh. 

I have to get a copy of this book below! Yes, I know it's ironic. My program is very quantitative. My background is also,  very quantitative (which is supposedly an advantage). But truth be told, it doesn't really help. He he he he he. I have a feeling a  really trashy chick lit, or a huge bowl of Dairy Queen would be about right at the moment. What do you guys do when stressed?
 

There's no 'think' for me. I do hate it, and hate it intensely most of the time!

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Phew....

 Doesn't he look funny in his picture? He's trying to take the tag off, with minimal success!

I can now finally take a breather for few days!

This week, one class was canceled while for the other one we were supposed to have a mid-term, but now the mid-term is postponed, much to everyone's glee and relief. So I have some time to blog and do other stuff. Today since it was a weekend, we brought Toby to the vet. He needed to be vaccinated. The vet clinic, which was supposedly one of the more cheaper pet clinics  in Kent surprised me. It's decor was tasteful, the staff friendly and doctor was very professional. Not bad for a place with discounted price on medicines and vaccination! I complained about Toby's propensity of being 'loud' and the vet said if he's well fed and not ill, then it's 'all in the head'. Just give him plenty of attention! Ha ha ha ha. Anyway, we pitied Toby because he looked so scared of the needle. But to his credit, he didn't struggle or scratch the doctor / vet assistant. He just gave one long, piercing yelp! Now he has a vaccination record, as well as a tag to remind us of the shot he was given. Isn't that picture of him funny?

Yesterday, we also had an event at school to commemorate some of the more well known alumni of our school as well as two centennial award winners. The centennial award winners are a prolific couple that started our school in 1982, and they were there until early 2000 before leaving for Arizona. The wife was even named the third best female scholar (and most published) in communication, in the US! It was a bit daunting, intimidating as well as an awesome experience to meet them. After thirty years in the business, they astound me with their enthusiasm for what they do. So it is possible to have a career, as well as have a family! I was also impressed with their team work, neither took too much credit for the other person's work and its obvious that they complemented each others strength and weaknesses.

Winter is also in the air. I feel it coming. I know there are few sunny days left and I am feeling a wee bit depressed about that. It really makes you appreciate the summer-like year long weather we have in Malaysia! We took a tour today of the nearest shopping mall to check out the sale, but I didn't buy anything. It's just funny that winter clothing is much cheaper in the fall and summer, rather than in the winter. I'm all set for the coming winter with all my winter paraphernalia as last year's clothing will do just fine;  the only thing new I just bought  last week was a woolly type swing coat to add to my collection, which brings me to my next question: what am I going to do with all these winter clothing once I finish here?

Have a good weekend, people!

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I've been meaning to write...

 Boleh tak kalau jgn monopoly sofa?!

Really I have, but things are sooooooo hectic right now!

PhD Stuff & other adjustments

As usual I am still busy with classes. This fall, I am taking two statistics based course and my major: interpersonal communication. I also have new instructors that I have to work hard for. But this semester, one thing's different. I am learning to work with others more as we go through unfamiliar territory (nobody likes advanced statistics with confusing instructors!) and I am pleasantly surprised for the most part. Most of them on my study group are unselfish and they really are diving into the working together spirit. So that's good! I also met up again with my supervisor (as I mentioned in my PhD blog) and moving quite well. I have one more year to go to finish my coursework before starting on my comprehensive exams and dissertation.

Right now though, both of us are trying to get into a schedule that would work. Last year I was the only one busy with homework, assignments and readings. Now both of us are piled with academic work, there is a bit of adjustment on both of our parts. Alhamdulillah, we're managing alright now. I am lucky to have someone who is understanding, patient and also hardworking at the same time.

Raya updates

We had a couple of open house to go, and we are supposed to be hosting ours. But we're not sure yet when to play hosts, Sad is busy with his residency week this weekend and my homework's really piling up. However, we have met new Muslims here plus a few new people in my class so I will make sure that it gets done, at least before the Syawal is up. Kak Hana, if you are reading this I also miss my  adorable nephew and nieces and also especially my little brother, Aim. Terlupa plak nak kasi duit raya kat korang ek... tunggu nanti bila dah balik Malaysia for good ek? he he he he he.

Toby updates

He's big now at almost five months, with new antics everyday. Right now he's addicted to any keyboard in the house (sits on 'em anytime you start to work), wont' play with his toys, settled into a routine of play, eat and sleep quite easily. He also doesn't seem to miss the company of other cats, he only seems to get anxious every time we head out of the door; pantang dengar bunyi pintu! But after finally beating the tick problem during summer, there's no way we are letting him out anytime soon! And oh, why didn't anyone tell us that Maine Coons are loud, loud cats? 

Will write more when time permits. Enjoy the weekend, people!

p.s: There was a previous post that I uploaded and deleted now. I think I am finally feeling an inner peace, but that was after a long, long period of reflection, and of course after much discussion with Sad. I now know that all that frustration is not good, and I realized I have a lot to be thankful for!

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Another week to go!

Today is a public holiday so I am feeling a bit relaxed. I also have just another week to go before a full two month summer break! I can't wait. For the next week though I have my getting published workshop. But it's better since it's only from 9.00 am to 1.00 pm, so I have plenty of rest in between. I also heard that most of the work done is going to only be in class so that's a relief. :-)

On another note, I also figured out how to make certain posts password protected, so now if a post is too personal or private, I can just password protect it to make sure that only I (or selected readers can access it!). I got a really detailed, step by step tutorial in this blog, which came in really handy. If you want to see an example, go to my PhD blog, which I can now happily keep open!

And yes, to add to my cheery disposition, summer is finally here, so I can put away my sweater and coats for a while. It really does get hot like Malaysia, only here it's windy and it rains pretty often, too.

Have a good week ahead, people. :-)

UPDATE: Due to popular demand (he he he dua orang je pun!), here's a more accurate link on making private posts. If this link is not clear, you can click here. If you are still confused, I am willing to write a step by step tutorial. ;-)The tutorials in those blogs are quite explicit so I don't anticipate any difficulty. Just make sure you follow all the steps, and don't forget to backup your template! Good luck!

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Summer scholar visit

This week I am busy attending a class by a visiting summer scholar. She's really cool; she's only in her 40s and she's really informal. But what I like best is how she knows so much about her field. Very inspirational. Yesterday she showed us a video that was so hilarious... people, if you have parents who are too concerned about your life, don't add them on Facebook! He he he he he.

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Busy bee

Hey all...

This week and the next will be the most hectic. I have three proposals due, one teaching session and two final exams to complete. I'm mostly numb, my back hurts and I can't remember the last time I really enjoyed my food. :-( Hopefully things will be better when the semester winds down...

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This and that

Note: this post is messy not really well organized. :-P

Semester is nearly over. I now breathe a sigh of relief. We just have another three weeks to go before this semester officially ends. And I'm just taking 4 credits only for summer. :-) Today, I also had an official program review  with the department committee members for graduate program, to look at things you have done and courses you are due to take, and I was pleased that one of the reviewer said "You're doing well in Quantitative class, you should already be able to do small projects and collecting data". Coming from my current Stats guru, that was really nice to hear. The committee also told me that I am well on progress, and should be able to finish in four years. I am glad that I am on the right track and that I should be able to finish on time. Yeay for me!

* * *

It's now spring in Kent. I just love the weather now. We had a couple of hot days last week, and just short bouts of rain so it reminded me of the Malaysian weather. The cherry blossoms are also blooming (refer to pic) so when taking a slow walk to school, I felt really breath-taken with the view.  Hopefully, summer won't be too hot. Looks like spring is my favorite season!

***

Did I mention that we had a new set of wheels? Tapi procedure nak legalize status tu payah betul! Don't be disillusioned. Bureaucracy is everywhere! Nak tukar nama secara sah, kene buat bende berikut:

a. Get Ohio driving license (written and practical test). Tapi yang best kat sini boleh pakai kereta auto (tak yah pakai kancil manual :-P) and lagi bagus pakai kereta sendiri.

b. E-check. Tu macam puspakom lah. tapi tak susah sangat, Alhamdulillah lepas

c. Dapat hard plate (license plate) permanent. Ini perlukan dokumen title; to say that the dealer has officially changed the owner of the car to your name. This is the hard part. It seems to take ages, and the dealer keep on giving excuses. Hope to get it by next week.

Since I am ostensibly busy with school work (dan jugak malas nak drive! ha ha ha ha ha) I let Sad handle everything. :-P Thank goodness he is a very good driver, and is handy with car repairs. Save duit sikit!

***

The cat is missing. Has been for one week. My guess is that one of our neighbors dropped her off to the pound, or somebody adopted her. :-( I am sad but its better for her because she will get better care with either of the two options.

***

There was a very strange note left outside our door. Somebody was looking for a guy named "Justin" and "Justin" was asked to call the person, and receive some documents before it becomes a "warrant situation". I was worried for a bit, but there were no more notes this week slipped under our door. Wrong house, maybe? Harap2 takde encik polis tiba2 muncul depan rumah ye! In the meantime, I've been calling Sad "Justin", much to his annoyance. Ha ha ha ha ha.

Guess this would be it for now. The weekend's coming so I'm going to enjoy myself! :-)

Jotted by,

Alhamdulillah!

This was on today! :-)

Jotted by,

Spousal sacrifice

I subscribe to the Malaysian students in the US e-group. There have been some interesting discussions there lately. I am mostly a lurker; I enjoy the read but I rarely comment. The author of the recent post was commenting on sacrifices husbands make when accompanying their spouse the the US. He went on to list down several husbands who left well paying jobs to become a house husband. Kudos to them!

I felt like commenting because I related so well to the post! It was not an easy decision for us to come here. We gave up a lot to come here. Family, cars, opportunity to settle down and buy a house, and other job offers. For my husband, the sacrifice was even bigger as he had to go on unpaid leave. Scholarship was up for grabs and we knew that we could not wait anymore. Since I got the placing first, he decided to follow me and apply for his PhD program later once we got here. I can't tell you how much that meant to me. Not all husbands would sacrifice themselves for their wives and everyday I am thankful for that. At one point, I even contemplated of continuing in Singapore (which was still overseas :-P) but he stopped me because he knew how much I wanted to continue in the US, as the exposure here would benefit me so much because of the way the program is structured. And now, I can truly say that the only reason I am able to be here is because of my husband.

And he has been constantly supportive since we got here. Everyday when I come back, dinner's ready on the stove. He also stayed up to accompany me if I had to finish my assignments. When I am feeling down, he will always encourage me. He lets me have the TV after class because he knows that it relaxes me. In the morning, if he gets up early, he tries to make as little noise as possible because he knows I need the rest. And recently, for my birthday with the money that he kept stashed away from doing some part time work (without me knowing) he bought me a lap top because he knew mine was about to crash. I know it sounds really corny, but I really teared up at the time because I am touched by how selfless he is.

Jodoh is something that is up to Allah; He always matches you with someone who truly suits you. There may be ups and downs along the way, but it will totally make sense in the end. You just have to stick with it. And I know I don't say this often enough, but it is VERY true: sayang, you are the best husband for me! I am a truly lucky woman. :-)

Jotted by,

No need to be so kiasu-lah....

p.s.: This is not an entry about kiasu people. You have been warned!

I've come almost to the end of this semester, I just have the final exam tomorrow night. Overall, I think I did OK in all three classes. I found the teaching class most useful, as I have not gone through any formal training and I think all instructors should value teaching as well as research. There were a couple of glitches here and there (I messed up the syllabus and teaching project exercise) but I think I did OK for the proposal, reading/journal logs and teaching philosophy. What's good about this class is that the assessments are varied so if you mess up a bit it's still OK. Between foundation and communication theory, obviously I did better for the theory class! He he he he. The foundation uses applied communication research skills; something I still need to sharpen. I think my base is not too good. :-( On the other hand, my presentation skills is improving; I am relaxing more in class, contributing more and I am able to lead discussions better when it is my turn to present. But as always, I prefer writing to speaking. Why did I become a lecturer again? :-P

One thing I notice is that in post-grad you are no longer really that concerned about grades, although you do have to maintain a respectable CGPA, and the satisfaction you get from completing each task is more appreciated (coz you had to sweat a lot to finish it!).

I am just worried I am not picking up enough as things are going to get tougher next semester. I can't play the I don't know stats card anymore as I am taking a stats class next semester. He he he he. I should also probably think about selecting a supervisor soon and I still have no clue about who to pick. Oh well, that can wait. I don't want to make any hasty choices.

Anyway, I think on the whole it's been a good semester, despite the shaky start and the bouts of insecurity I have. I now have one month to relax. Yeay!

Jotted by,