Fever and Thesis Writing-they don't rhyme!

Salam and Hello,

I was going to update on my trip to Sheffield that took place last weekend, but, alas, I am not feeling well today. So I'll blog on the fun Sheffield trip later this week. I have taken some paracetamol tablets, a Clarinase flu tablet, and 4 strepsils in the last 24 hours and I experience some signs of recovery but I think I need to rest a bit more.

My body has a slight temperature to it, alongside the minor cold.

The morning weather was horrible. It was 4 deg C, but the windy rain indeed made it worse, they undoubtedly contributed to the horror morning scene!It was taxing walking in winds blowing from all directions. I have positioned my umbrella in few ways but nothing worked. Instead the strong wind almost broke my umbrella. Almost.

I continued walking along the River Wear,heading towards my supervisor's office at Old Elvet. I arrived and apologized for keeping him waiting for about 10 minutes. The meeting we had today was postponed from the last week as he had to look after his son who was ill. We then proceeded with the discussion, going through my 13,000-word chapter, completed with his comments and suggestions.

Thesis editing is what I should be doing now, but before that I will take a rest as my body craves for it. Health is top priority.

Anyhow it's now Zohor time. Hayya 'alassolah.

Me

Magnet Sepanyol

Salam and Hello Readers,


A gift from a Japanese colleague who recently went on a vacation to Spain. He bought two identical magnets, one for Dijah and another for me. It's Picasso's and he got it from Barcelona. His enviable 10-day trip covered Madrid and Cordoba too!

Thanks for always cheering us up in the office Ryugo, and many thanks for the kind thoughts you had for us during the vacation.


Me

Figs, Pears and Alfredo

Salam and Hello readers,

Just had a healthy supper; two pears and some soft, dried figs! Yummylicious.
Well, my dinner just now was Alfredo spaghetti which is so easy to make. Saves up time and tastes good. You probably have heard or even know or familiar with the recipe. Allow me nonetheless, to share this simple, tasty, delicious recipe. Here goes:

(Serves 1 person)
1. 1 tablespoon of butter or margarine (preferably unsalted, although slightly
salted is ok)
2. 1/2 cup of whipping cream
3. 4 tablespoons of grated cheese (unfortunately i cannot find a halal parmesan
cheese, so i used cheddar instead)
4. 1 tablespoon of black pepper
5. a pinch of salt (yes, very little, especially if the butter is salty enough!)
6. chopped flat-leaf parsley (I didn't have this in stock today, if you have, please
add to your pasta before serving!)

Steps:

1. Heat butter, whipping cream and grated cheese on a SLOW heat.
2. Stir gently until the butter and cheese melted.
3. once melted, add black pepper and salt and continue stirring.
4. sprinkle the freshly-chopped parsley leaf and ready to serve.

This sauce goes great with any pasta be they spaghetti, fusilli, conchiglie, penne, macaroni, well anything! Unlike most dairy-based recipes which are typically 'memuakkan', this recipe is to my taste. Have a go, and happy eating!

Have a fun, alfredo hour!
Lots of love from
Me

Let go, and move

Salam and Hello readers,

How are you?

I have now settled in my new home! Alhamdulillah, I now base at Claypath (seakan gaya askar melaporkan lokasi!) and no longer live in Bowburn. Still in Durham though.Yes, my beloved Durham, I am still with you.

I prefer and I guess I need to stay in a place closeby to everything; office/department, shops,coffee place and the city of course, especially now that I am in my final year of phd. It just came across in mind that all things should be close and accessible.Whether in free or busybee hours, at least I am close to office, and could stroll down the city for a short break and to de-stress if need be.

I love the fact that I have these options for I came to realize that rigid schedule does NOT work for me. Well, that doesn't negate the fact that focus and persistence are the pre-requisites of phd...and life! life needs istiqamah; life requires commitments. And commitments are blessings insyalh.I pray that my hijrah to the city brings more barakah to my life as His servant, and may I be able to focus on priorities insyalh.

My first week in Claypath was tough; I miss my two-year life in Bowburn! Separating with Shabana and K Suhaili my two previous housemates is not easy. Although I am a frequent goodbye sayer to my Other Half (coz of our long-distance marriage), every goodbye is bitter regardless of the relationship. Marital's the hardest to bid farewell; but friendship and sisterly love are special bond nevertheless. It's hard to let go, but life goes on. After all, love transcends distance..love is in the air, always, and forever :)

I still keep in touch (and meet) with Kam (now in Sheffield pursuing her masters degree..), Dijah, Pkah, Lutfi (who will be relocating himself to city tomorrow,with Mr R and Mr H in the near time!) and certainly K Eli (who is still in Durham)..

I am currently getting acquainted with new housemates. It's a beautiful house of 5 bedrooms and I'm loving it alhamdulillah. Today, it's exactly one month since I first moved in. Long way ahead.

I'll blog again soon. I miss you.

Me
30 days in Douglas Villas