Salam and Hello,
I hope you are well.
I am going to tell you about the most fun weekend getaway I have ever had. And by that I mean serious fun.
:)
I abbreviated my friend Syafiqah as S, and Kamilah as K. So, here we go:
To begin with, well, S and I had to take the train on the gloomy Friday evening to Sheffield! The connecting train in Doncaster before arriving Sheffield was a complete confusion as there were fleets of trains there, way too many. See, Doncaster is one of the hot spots for train interconnection to many destinations around the UK . So there we were, sorting out which platform and what time our mini train to Sheffield would be! Alhamdulillah the journey was smooth-sailing, and K waited for us at Sheffield train station. As we got off the train, we took few snapshots on the platform before meeting K with shimmering joy and excitement. It was the best reunion ever.
I was cheerful to see K again. I remembered all the good times we had in house #60 back in her undergraduate days in Durham. It was a pure joy hanging out with this sister of mine, and once we chat, we chat endlessly. Girly talks that guys could never understand, womanly giggles and 'pouring-out sessions' that men struggle finding the rationale of so doing. Well well.
****
S and I were mesmerised by the size of the metropolitan. By the time we arrived Velocity apartment, we stepped inside with an utter amazement! Fully-furnished, and warm! The apartment glows and this is no exaggeration!
:P
Then S and I helped K with some food preparation; apparently we were not the only guests for the night there was a weekly Qur'anic Circle session to be held and K was the hostess for the week. We took care of the chicken tettrazinni in the oven and K had her nasi goreng and bubur kacang ready on table. We did meet five friendly Bruneian sisters that attended the session.The Quranic circle was spiritually fulfilling and most of all, it was a great joy berukhuwwah dengan ahli2 circle ni.
Saturday was the Meadowhall day, where we had fun in the shopping mall, and ate some halal Nando's and got a Subway takeout before we headed home. Sheffield impressed us with its Eye and lively night look. We rushed home for X Factor though. Aha.
And Sunday was fun as we strolled around Sheffield Uni campus and had a local burger lunch! I have started feeling feverish, perhaps I was bit tired and have had so much fun. No regrets though.
The photos are self-explanatory. I'll put them under a separate entry and you may view them later.
To K, thanks so much for being such an amazing hostess,but most of all, thank you for always being there for me, as a friend, and definitely,as a sister! Wished you were still here in Durham :'(
Love from
Me
(One of the first two guests that has arrived in Velocity)
Friday, 12 November 2010
Saturday, 6 November 2010
Thursday, 4 November 2010
The Unique You
Salam and Hello Reader,
Alhamdulillah I have recovered from fever, and many thanks for your care and concern. Really, really appreciate it. May Allah bless you for all the wonderful du'a that you have made for me, amiin..
At the moment I am currently looking forward to reading the book called Personality Plus from Lutfi, which is currently read by Syafiqah. I'll be the next to borrow this copy!! The book covers 4 different types of personality traits that have been extensively explained by Lutfi to us in many different occasions (ahah) and well-analysed by Syafiqah and myself. The book content sounds pretty much fun and informative, and I seriously can't wait to read it in the near time. It's fun to discover who you are and to appreciate the uniqueness and shortcomings not only in yourself but also in others.
My point is that, it is often easy to be self-proclaiming that you know who you truly are, but really there is no harm in discovering your hidden potentials and weaknesses through extra reading. We fully utilise our individual strengths, and certainly, improving the weaknesses in due course. Insya-Allah.
As vicegerents of Allah, each individual is born unique and not one is similar to the other. That is the beauty of Allah's creation. The world is an utter boredom if everyone has identical personality traits.
That reminds me of Hujurat 49:13
O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is (He who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).
The ayat says that men is created in pairs, and the phrase 'into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other..'denote getting to know others of different backgrounds. The apparent fact is that human beings are of great variety and we should not hate or despise others on the basis of these differences.
I may draw an abrupt conclusion here, that: I am unique, and so are you :)
Curious in finding out the uniqueness in me, I took a random online character test just recently, and below is the result:
Relationships play a key role in Amalina's life, she tends to be a very trusting individual, she enjoys making new friends and developing new relationships. She often finds herself involved in many things at once and loves social functions. Amalina enjoys encouraging those around her. People see her as a person who frequently inspires others.
Recognizing the value of a good relationship, Amalina is very patient and caring when relating to others. She is even-paced; and Amalina usually remains calm and relaxed, even in situations that may ruffle some others. She likes the role of a peacemaker, when working through problems, Amalina tries to rely on successful strategies that have proven results.
Amalina prefers to work through problems by analyzing things that worked in the past. She is willing to follow another person's lead if they display adequate ability and if Amalina has confidence in their ability. She is someone who is able to lead, if necessary; but usually prefers to wait and see if another person volunteers first.
Not afraid to take a bold approach, Amalina is willing to challenge the status quo. She is original and creative, and acts with confidence when implementing new solutions. Amalina will tend to use a balance of intuition and facts when making decisions, and once she has made a decision, she will not be afraid to take action upon it.
(from the Personality Awareness Impact Report)
That's just me :). You may or may not wholly agree.
And as for you,
May Allah and your loved ones appreciate the uniqueness in you. Because, at least to me, you are indeed special. Very:)
ps: I will read Personality Plus and will tell more. Meanwhile, I should be blogging on Sheffield trip after this!
With love from
Me
Alhamdulillah I have recovered from fever, and many thanks for your care and concern. Really, really appreciate it. May Allah bless you for all the wonderful du'a that you have made for me, amiin..
At the moment I am currently looking forward to reading the book called Personality Plus from Lutfi, which is currently read by Syafiqah. I'll be the next to borrow this copy!! The book covers 4 different types of personality traits that have been extensively explained by Lutfi to us in many different occasions (ahah) and well-analysed by Syafiqah and myself. The book content sounds pretty much fun and informative, and I seriously can't wait to read it in the near time. It's fun to discover who you are and to appreciate the uniqueness and shortcomings not only in yourself but also in others.
My point is that, it is often easy to be self-proclaiming that you know who you truly are, but really there is no harm in discovering your hidden potentials and weaknesses through extra reading. We fully utilise our individual strengths, and certainly, improving the weaknesses in due course. Insya-Allah.
As vicegerents of Allah, each individual is born unique and not one is similar to the other. That is the beauty of Allah's creation. The world is an utter boredom if everyone has identical personality traits.
That reminds me of Hujurat 49:13
O mankind! We created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and made you into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other (not that ye may despise (each other). Verily the most honoured of you in the sight of God is (He who is) the most righteous of you. And God has full knowledge and is well acquainted (with all things).
The ayat says that men is created in pairs, and the phrase 'into nations and tribes, that ye may know each other..'denote getting to know others of different backgrounds. The apparent fact is that human beings are of great variety and we should not hate or despise others on the basis of these differences.
I may draw an abrupt conclusion here, that: I am unique, and so are you :)
Curious in finding out the uniqueness in me, I took a random online character test just recently, and below is the result:
Relationships play a key role in Amalina's life, she tends to be a very trusting individual, she enjoys making new friends and developing new relationships. She often finds herself involved in many things at once and loves social functions. Amalina enjoys encouraging those around her. People see her as a person who frequently inspires others.
Recognizing the value of a good relationship, Amalina is very patient and caring when relating to others. She is even-paced; and Amalina usually remains calm and relaxed, even in situations that may ruffle some others. She likes the role of a peacemaker, when working through problems, Amalina tries to rely on successful strategies that have proven results.
Amalina prefers to work through problems by analyzing things that worked in the past. She is willing to follow another person's lead if they display adequate ability and if Amalina has confidence in their ability. She is someone who is able to lead, if necessary; but usually prefers to wait and see if another person volunteers first.
Not afraid to take a bold approach, Amalina is willing to challenge the status quo. She is original and creative, and acts with confidence when implementing new solutions. Amalina will tend to use a balance of intuition and facts when making decisions, and once she has made a decision, she will not be afraid to take action upon it.
(from the Personality Awareness Impact Report)
That's just me :). You may or may not wholly agree.
And as for you,
May Allah and your loved ones appreciate the uniqueness in you. Because, at least to me, you are indeed special. Very:)
ps: I will read Personality Plus and will tell more. Meanwhile, I should be blogging on Sheffield trip after this!
With love from
Me
Tuesday, 26 October 2010
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
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
Thursday, 14 October 2010
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
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
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
Tuesday, 12 October 2010
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
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
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