PhD Journey

Salam and Hi again…

Yesterday I had meeting with David, my PhD supervisor. Alhamdullilah, the discussion went well so far and received an effective and useful tips and advice from him as well. The discussions went on and on about my quality of writing and make my content more expansive. As I mentioned on previous post, I will share few experience about the truths of your PhD supervisor.

Enjoy your so-called '3 years research practical'. Enjoy and live your 'practical' journey to the fullest!!

Your supervisor’s ability.

Before you select and decide who is going to be your PhD supervisor, make sure you are select the right supervisor and he/she the one with you whom feel comfortable. Make sure that your supervisor is an experienced supervisor – check his/her profile and studies background on the website first because in the end of the day, you need a whole commitment from your supervisor and effective supervision through your PhD thesis writing completions. Gather information and ask questions before make your decision.

Don’t let your institution override your choice.

You choose your supervisor! And it is all about whom you feel comfortable for three or four years PhD journey. Inform your institution and give them rational explanations why your supervisor is appropriate with your thesis title.

Keep hunting your supervisor. Not waiting for them to email you.

I know it is impossible to find PhD supervisor with a strong profile – disappear, on sabbatical leave, etc. They are often declining your requests for meetings because too busy handling other projects, hunting for grants, attending conferences, travelling and all. But, don’t let them disappear for long time. Keep email and request if they are available for progress meeting. Don’t be scared. Just ask. Weekly supervisory meetings are the best! They are your supervisor – not man eater. LOL!

Don’t scare to ask. Your supervisor is your wise teacher and protector.

Your supervisor will protect you from ‘the system’ – ethical, annual report, monthly reports, presentations, progress meeting reports, etc. A good supervisor will protect you from the extremes of supervisory administration.  Your supervisor is your partnership! Your supervisor is the one ‘turbo change’ your work. 

Snow strikes again

Assalamualaikum and Hi everyone...

Alhamdullilah Allah gave me another opportunity to feel the snow again. I took my weekend off from my desk since I have been working for few days with thesis correction and make my subtopics more expansive. I only have 8 months left before my first year appraisal presentation -- I need to cover the whole Chapter 1,2 and 3. InsyaAllah one day, I will share the PhD experience with you all. The ups and downs of being a full time PhD student in foreign country -- far from home, family and all. It is so challenging...

Oh yes, I went to Sheffield last Saturday -- we wanted to join Malaysian Games at Sheffield University. Unfortunately, we were stranded at Peak District on our way to Sheffield -- blame the heavy snow! Heacy snow has been making its way across Peak District and leading to road and caused disrupting -- dangerous to drive on. 

MasyaAllah, it was sooo beautiful and freezing cold. I haven't seen 5-10cm of snow. The snow was thick. 

On our way to Sheffield - Peak District - fog, mist, cloud and snow. MasyaAllah.

I got so excited and forgot to put on my jacket. It was so freezing cold --- the temperature that time was -2'c. Brrrrrrr.....

The view of Peak District. Thank u Allah.. I was lucky enough to get out into the snow in the Peak District this year and capture some stunning pictures to share with all readers. 

Peak District is one of famous national parks in UK. It is located in the East Midlands.

Is this most mesmerising and pretty picture of the winter? LOL! candid photo of me. Thanks hubby! 

SLEDGING time and FEELING young again! yooohooooo! LOL!

And today is Monday. Monday is my working day.. So OK Nysa,, it's time to log off. Till we meet again beloved readers... Next post, I will share you my PhD experience and PhD tips from my supervisor. I hope next meeting with my supervisor, I can grab my phone quickly and snap a picture of my supervisor, David James and share in this blog. Hihihii! Byeee. Salammm xxxx

Early Aquarius's sweet escape

Salam and hi,

Yeay, it's my husband's birthday month! I would love to treat him to a short break in Europe, unfortunately he's working on Monday and we only have weekend for ourselves. I took him to the nearest Halal Indian restaurants in Lancaster for birthday dinner date at Moghul. The food was really nice especially the lambchop and beriyani. We had mango lassi and MasyaAllah it was really good! The environment is so romantic and it is suitable place for dinner date here.

Last Friday, we decided to go to Birmingham visiting my uncle and aunty and the next day we went to Stratford-upon-Avon - birthplace of amazing William Shakespeare. Stratford...a perfect place for a short break vacation for us - 3 hours from Lancaster. I was amazed with the beautiful culture and history and the Warwickshire countryside. 

The ducks walking on the icy River Avon.

I wanted to go for romantic boating, unfortunately, there were ice on the canal, freezing pipes and slippery surface. And the River Avon is frozen... and we decided to tour the market town in Warwickshire due to bad weather. But we had so much fun!

This is Shakespeare's Birthplace - where Shakespeare was born and grew up. Great display before you go into the house. 

Knock knock!

The experience is considered one of the finest in England. Sayangnya, the weather was too chilly for us to explore more.

Delightful Warwickshire town and one of my favourite town so far. Freezing cold. InsyaAllah we will come to Stratford again someday -- during summer or spring definitely! LOL :)

Who wants these postcards? Let me know! LOL :)

Till I meet you again -- the next post! Byeeeee! 

Stratford is one of my favourite place in England. The people is the most friendly in England, excellent gardens and parks, beautiful buildings and don't worry, there are many places to eat here. OK, till we meet again with my next destination! xxx

For the rest of my life

Motty left us forever...

I woke up yesterday's morning and I received a bad news from mama and abah.. Motty left us forever. A day before, mama and abah took him to vet after seeing Motty lying down all day. The vet informed us probably Motty got beaten when sneaked out from house couple nights before. I was so heartbroken after heard the news from my parents. But they did everything that they could to save him.

He was our bestfriend and he was the one who was getting us through our depression after my beloved baby sister passed away. Mama told me he was stiff and lifeless when she wanted to feed her and abah buried him after that. Motty seems prepared to die and he knew exactly when it's gonna happen... Ya Allah...it hurts so much. 

I couldn't work properly. I don't know what to do because I feel so down and I am still in shock. 

Motty, you are always in our heart and may Motty be waiting for us in the gates of Jannah with my beloved baby sister arwah Nashuha. I really miss you both.

He's busy packing our luggage. A night before we left Malaysia.

Before we off to the airport. Last goodbye from Motty - me with tears. I didn't expect this is the last picture with Motty... *mixed feelings! 

Alfatihah...

Khairun Nashuha Mustaffa Halabi. 

& 

Motty.