“Write something…, it doesn’t have to be perfect every time” the voice in my head keeps reminding me, but I’ve been overwhelmed by my 2019 goals, little else has been a priority. 2019 began with me doggedly chasing a Distinction in my Master’s degree. I’ve been reading scientific journals, working on assignments, essays, coursework and exams. In addition, I had to put in PhD applications and good ones take time.

In March, I was interviewed for the PhD. In

Hey there, friends! So, the little voice in my head keeps saying, “Just write something… it doesn’t have to be perfect every time,” but I’ve been swamped with my 2019 goals, and honestly, it’s been hard to focus on anything else. This year kicked off with me going all in to get a Distinction in my Master’s degree. I’ve been diving into scientific journals, tackling assignments, essays, coursework, and exams. Plus, I had to work on PhD applications, which, as you know, take time to do right.

In March, I had my PhD interview, and by September, I submitted my MSc dissertation. Oh, and don’t get me started on house hunting in the UK – maybe I’ll write an entire blog post about that adventure someday! Meanwhile, I’ve also been juggling part-time Reception Cover work to pay the bills and the ever-so-fun visa extension process. Whew!

But hey, I did manage to squeeze in a few good books and movies this year! I really enjoyed The Last Wish (The Witcher) and Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators. As for TV, Chernobyl, Walking Dead, and The Hateful Eight were fantastic. I just never found the time to chat about them here on the blog, but maybe soon!

I’ll be honest – 2019 has been one tough cookie for me, with very little time for the things I love most. My photography business and this blog have both taken a hit, but I know it’s all been worth it. I graduated with distinction, got accepted into the PhD program (which starts next week!), found a new flat, landed a job, and secured the visa. I’m feeling super blessed!

As for 2020, I’m not expecting it to be a walk in the park with the PhD challenges ahead, but I have faith that I’ll make it through. One thing I do want to focus on is taking better care of myself. I’ve gained 30 pounds, and my skin and lips are crying out for help! Time to find a moisturizer (suggestions welcome!) and start eating better and exercising. I also want to make new friends, go out more, and find a church I can call home. So yeah, my resolutions are all about self-care and boosting my social life (fingers crossed!).

Oh, and a little more money wouldn’t hurt. I couldn’t do the Christmas giveaway I had planned, and blogging isn’t exactly bringing home the bacon. Maybe I’ll share my “PhD diaries” with you all in 2020?

So, how about you guys? How have you been? I know sometimes it feels like I’m talking to myself here, but I’d love to hear from you! Let’s catch up and share our stories! 😊

September, I submitted my MSc dissertation. House hunting in the UK is a pain but perhaps I’ll do a whole blog post on this experience and hopefully my landlord would have fixed an extractor by then. I’ve also got part-time work doing Reception Covers because the power bills and rent have to be paid. Oh, and let’s not forget the visa extension process and costs. That too is stuff for a whole other blog post.

Amid all these, I’ve read a few books and watched a number of movies. The Last Wish (The Witcher) and Catch and Kill: Lies, Spies, and a Conspiracy to Protect Predators were good. Chernobyl, Walking Dead and The Hateful Eight was fantastic. I just didn’t find the time to talk about them here. I’d write the blog post title, put down a few lines and get distracted or abandon it to face real-life challenges… I don’t even know that I’ll publish this because I’ve got 2 textbooks to finish reading and may not get the time to proofread this.

Overall, 2019 has been my most challenging year with little time to do the things I really enjoy. I was simply a rat on the wheel. My photography business has suffered as much as this blog because academic success demands long hours of reading and intellectual pursuit, supported by many many pots of coffee. However, 2019 has also been rewarding and I feel like my hard work has paid off and every single one of my prayers this year was answered. I graduated with the distinction, I got the PhD and will resume next week, I got a new flat. I got work and I got the visa. I feel like God was already here.

I don’t know that 2020 will be easier because a PhD is challenging but God got me here and he will take me through. Meanwhile, I would like to take better care of myself. I gained 30pounds and my skin and lips are dry. I’m getting a moisturizer (recommendations are welcome) and going to eat better and do some crunches. I’d like to make new friends here and go out more. I also need to find a church I can attend regularly. That’s it for resolutions; a bit more self-care and a social life (very unlikely).

Oh, and a bit more money. I’m broke and couldn’t commit to the Christmas giveaway I had intended. As much as I love blogging, it isn’t making me sensible money so it’s difficult to make it a priority. Perhaps, I’ll bore you with my “PhD diaries” come 2020?

So how have you been? Much of the time, I don’t get a response and I feel like a schizophrenic talking to herself but I’ll ask anyway. I hope you’ll share something…

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Now tell me, how was your 2019? What are you doing differently in 2020?
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