“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 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…

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