Dignita: The Store with A Story

In the streets of the Red Light District, where hope shatters for most women who were being trafficked and forced into prostitution for a living, lies a cafe called "Dignita", a former brothel transformed into the store with a story....

100% of profits gained from the store and cafe goes towards supporting the work of Not For Sale (NFS).

And every Tuesday and Thursday night, volunteers will come and distribute food to the prostitutes working along the Red Light District.

Curious about how the organization works, I asked them a few questions...

How does this organization helps in tackling human trafficking?

They provide food and comfort in any way they can to the women working in the Red Light District. Policemen do investigate if the women there are being trafficked or are there voluntarily. And if the police finds people who are being trafficked there, we provide training for the victims to be able to sustain themselves in the future, having to leave their old life of prostitution behind the window or glass doors.

Does it matter if the women chose to be there willingly? And how would you be able to find out who is there voluntarily rather than being trafficked there? 

It doesn't matter if the women chose to be in the Red Light District willingly or not because most of them do not choose to be here. 

The store sells pretty cool items for you to buy in support of the organization and has a small seating area for a group of 3-4 to fit and watch videos on human trafficking that often occurs behind the Red Light District

They even sell quite affordable tea & coffee ! There was no reason not to support their cause especially after watching the video again and again, which really got to me....

The soup kitchen is also part of the cafe....

And they also store their supply of basic clothes, footwear and drinks for the ladies in the store...

It was literally the light at the end of a dark tunnel,

You could even come on Tuesdays, or Thursdays-Sundays at 6PM to get free information about the Red Light District. The informative talk will give an inside look into the history of the Red Light District, The Culture and Realities of the Red Light District, Legalization of Prostitution and Life Behind the Windows which will only take 30 minutes of your time

I've even attached a link of a very interesting yet viral short clip tackling the issue of human trafficking in the Red Light District down here, 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uta5xdGJcqI

You can find the location on Google Map as 'Dignita Retail' but nevertheless, here's the address,

Oudezijds Achterburgwal 82A,

1012 Dr Amsterdam

Please do visit and support their cause :)

Also, please do share this post to inspire others !

The Day We Bought More Than We Can Carry

So, as you can see, mum's finally here in my uni !

And I kinda gave her a rough start, literally haha. 

Anyways, since we're gonna be here for another 2 months or so, we decided to shop as much as we can for the 2 months straight away (Just cause I have exams coming up and I didn't want her to carry the heavy stuff alone, which was really not much of a point as you can see her lifting all the weight as well..... hehehe)

She told me to bring the grocery shopping trolley to Tesco's and I kept on insisting her I could carry all the stuff.... which we all know I can't but I just didn't want to bring the granny trolley around town before going Tesco ! You know.... the one that looks like this....,

We left for town before going to Tesco and FoodInc (where you get all them halal stuff at like a runcit store), and mum decided to look her best for our first day out in town together ! Wearing her new boots and all.... not knowing that she would regret her decision at the end of the day hahaha

As you'd expect, we got lost in town ! Not surprising eyy? Its cause I barely go to town...Also trying to secretly prove to my mum that I'm a good student who doesn't go out often, which we all know are liesssss !! Its just that I barely go to town, doesn't mean I don't go out ;)

So after making her walk around for hours, we went grocery shopping ! And I told her the list of food I was craving for which she would have to cook for, so imagine how much we bought..

We got ourselves some chicken, beef & minced meat, which wasn't so heavy....

Till we went Tesco and got ourselves some milk and wait for it,

5 kilo rice !!

Don't know how we ended up filling 2 huge grocery bags !! 

The worst part was the walk up the hill to my uni from the bus station....

Mum went like "I'm too dressed up for this ! Dah la dengan boots ! Go take the grocery trolley from one of your friends and come down again!"

And I insisted my mum that we could carry them up the hill... which we did ! With a lot of stops from laughing too much at each other carrying more weight than we actually could hahaahaa

After all the good laughs, and a 15 minute walk up the hill which usually takes me only 3 minutes, we made it !

Got ourselves lying flat on my bed after with a long nap right after that to reward ourselves for our unintended workout.... not forgetting the magnum we bought at tesco's !

Datelines, Datelines

*'We are the Champions' song cues in*

Yesssss ! I've submitted 2 assignments of my core modules today. It was the EU Law Assignment of 3,000 words due on the 8th of March and Company Law Assignment of 2,500 words due today; 10th of March. Finally, a little taste of freedom :)

I didn't do this assignment last minute though, I've started drafting in 2-3 weeks in the due date. But, restructuring and understanding the question again and again took forever. The worst part was knowing that there's still a lot of legal sources out there that I could've read and add into my essay. Which as you would've expected, I keep on adding points to my essay that I even exceeded the word count limit by 500 words ++

I thought if I didn't do last minute work, I might be able to get enough sleep, at least 4 hours, but I thought wrong !!

For the past 2 weeks, my sleeping schedule was literally a roller coaster ride. I had frequent naps in the day and stayed up all night till 5AM; essentially till I do my morning prayers. Then, I'll try to sleep before the sun comes up and get myself started for the day.... which was only a few hours of sleep really.

Spent my night completely awake 2 nights ago, and still woke up for my 9AM tutorial on the 8th after submitting the assignment *phew* (it was cause she's quite a firm tutor). I came unprepared, thinking someone might come with the answer the questions for me but apparently, NO ONE CAME ! So I had to be honest with the tutor that I came unprepared and she was totally cool with it. But she still insisted on me coming for another tutorial replacement next week, which is totally fine by me.

But last night though, was a mess! I had my nap in the evening from 3-5PM (Well, if you consider a nap as 2 hours sleep). And I stayed awake since then and till this exact moment I am writing this post, 1PM. Its cause I'm working and I had classes this morning that I'm still awake, although my mind and body isn't functioning well for human interaction.

Celebrated submitting 2 assignments that I was quite satisfied doing, with a bowl of ramen and an episode of 'The Big Bang Theory'!

Now, just gotta wait for my shift to end, and I can finally get the sleep I deserveeeee before I go to Tesco's. According to my calculation, I would've been awake for 23 hours if I manage to get my sleep at 3PM after work, whoaaaaaa. Never imagined a sleeping pattern or a busy schedule like this when I was in college. I thought SPM and A-Levels drained my sleep enough.

Oh ! Before I forget, this is my first time submitting 2 assignments back to back without coffee but all on healthy eating and endless cups of green tea :) (also, self-proclaimed mental strength hahaha)

How I wonder if there was any law student that made it through law school with enough sleep and without coffee though....

And after this long deserving nap, I gotta start prepping for my 6-minute speech for the Commercial Awareness Initiative Competition and a thousand words essay regarding the topic I'm planning to talk about. And no, I'm not even complaining cause I actually am excited (but also nervous).

Also, note that there might be a lot of grammar errors in this post because as you would expect, my brain isn't functioning as sufficient... sleep deprived.

Salmon Spinach Lasagna

Hi there ! 

A couple of my friends requested for a recipe for the Salmon Spinach Lasagna I made on Monday, and I usually just throw everything in when I cook (and God bless, it was kinda sedap and edible haha). But anyways, here's sorta a basic yet simple way I would reckon anyone would be able to bake this Salmon Spinach Lasagna ! Also, since I'm a student, I have limited amount of money, time, resources etc so this is as simple as it can get :)

Servings : 2-3 people (depending on your appetite!)

For the Lasagna

- Bake the Lasagna Sheets in boiling water for 8-10 minutes

- Be sure to stir it all the time, and pour in a little bit of olive oil

- Set aside the Lasagna Sheets in cold water 

For the Salmon

- Heat up some olive oil

- Cook about a teaspoon or two teaspoons of garlic

- Chuck the salmon in and cook it with herbs, black pepper and salt

(I used mixed herbs cause that's the only herb I have in my cupboard lols)

And set it aside !

For the Spinach + White Sauce 

- Grab as much spinach as you'd like (I used about 400 grams)

- Chop some garlic and red onions (or any onions really)

- Cook the garlic and onions, then throw in the spinach into the pan with some herbs

- Once it's cooked, set it aside to cool down and chop the spinach into smaller pieces 

Whilst waiting for the spinach to cool down, you can make your REALLY SIMPLE white sauce !

- Mix in 75ml of Double Cream and 150ml of Creme Fraiche into a mixing bowl (I used a whisk at this stage just to mix them well) 

- Beat an egg in 

- Add loads of cheese into the mixture (I used a little bit of Mozarella and loads of Cheddar)

- Add a bit of butter in (possibly a table spoon) and salt 

And you're kinda done with the white sauce ! 

Mix the spinach into the white sauce, and we're good to go ! 

Finally,

- assemble all the mixes together (it took me only about 15 minutes-20 minutes to prepare for all 3 mixtures)

- I started off with a pasta base, then the white sauce, then I threw in the salmon pieces on every base  

And you're done !

Just put it in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes at 180 degrees or 160 degrees fan oven uncovered and you should get a nice golden layer at the top

I think this recipe is really easy and can the ingredients can be substituted with other ingredients easily. And I kinda did this Lasagna based on a mix of about 5 different recipes posted online.

Anyways, hope that helps, 

Enjoooooooy ! :) 

A Beautiful Sunday Morning

Its rare that you get a sunny day in the UK especially when its approaching winter. But it was definitely a beautiful sunny Sunday ! I usually don't post much about how my day went but I guess its not such a bad idea once in a while ? :)

Anyways, the Malaysian Society organized a Traditional Games Day Out. The guys were playing galah panjang and baling selipar (although failed many times due to the utter windy weather!) and the girls as usual, ended up playing with the the Post Graduates' kids !

And I found the kid I loved layaning the most, Akhta ! He was going all imaginary with the creative games he invented just for us to play with which I find it to be super adorable. I just love kids who use their creativity to play games outside and interact rather than play their iPads in the sun.... hmmm. 

Anyways, they were selling roti jala and nasi lemak which were all so sedaaaaap! The wind actually smelled like Malaysia again hehehe. Then we took some good shots under the sun. Just had to post this picture with my Subang babe, Farah, since '09 though :)

It was definitely one of the best Sunday mornings I've ever had since I've been here. A Sunday morning to be remembered :)

Why Robert Kuok is more than just 'The Sugar King'

"I will only leave a legacy of precious teachings, but not wealth or fortune to my children. Our business empire can be sustained for many generations to come if they follow the precious teachings taught to them"

I usually take weeks or months sometimes not even finish reading a book, but this was definitely one of the most interesting book I've ever read. One thing I definitely could conclude was that Robert Kuok was definitely more than just 'The Sugar King', well to me atleast. I could not help but to share the good attributes that he has to everyone else cause everyone should try to imply the principles he has (although biased based only by this book) 

Here's a couple of quotes that I personally love, 

"We cannot take wealth into our graves. Leaving too much fortune behind will ruin our offspring instead of helping them. Having too much money is like having poison, and wouldn't that eventually damage their brains? But because of love, we must leave something for them, so that they will have the opportunity to rise"

"I have often said that there are two things we need to do when we are alive.  First, it is to work hard to raise the family and secondly, to help those who need help in their education. Only by doing this will society progress, become harmonious and stable" 

Although his mother was not educated much, she played a very important role in his life and successful path in pursuing his business, 

"The only advice my mother gave us walk the virtuous path and that we should not become materialistic as we made money"

And he tries to help others and the environment as when he can,

In 2012, Shangri-La stopped offering shark fin dishes. At the same time, the hotel also phased out bluefin tuna and Chilean sea bass. 

Although he is a Malaysian, he still had a soft heart for China since his parents were people of the Mainland China. His mission was to help develop China. 

The path for him might've seem easy in the public's eyes, but he actually went through some difficulties and hardships in building his first Shangri-La in Singapore. It was his first set up and in the first few months, he actually went through a huge loss. Beyond that, Robert Kuok had to find his way around the rigidity of China's investment system through connecting to the locals since China did not welcome foreign investors willingly, after their reformation.

Upon his perception towards progress in Malaysia,

"Kuok said that if Malaysia wanted to progress, the Malays would need to be more open-minded. He believed that education is crucial in determining a country's development, that the government shouldn't lower the standard of education but should instead address educational issues seriously"

Eventhough the sugar business might not be of a high profitability, Kuok quoted,

"Never be greedy because it is big, nor give up because it is small", which happens to be one of his business mantras. 

You would've expect that when it comes to friendships, he would pick friends that would benefit him. But he made friends who believed that would stay and has good attributes. When it comes to friendships, Kuok believed to "Make friends. But be able to distinguish the good and the bad"

The most important bit was when he shared the secrets of being a successful leader. Kuok believed that a successful leader would have to,

"Have a strong and highly efficient team of management talents and work closely with every level of subordinates. Be fair and honest. And to have a strong determination to strive"

There's so much more of his business attributes that many of us should practise in doing our own business but I guess the only way to find out is to read this book ! (it was actually sold out the first few weeks it was out which took me quite a struggle to grab it at some bookstores). All the quotes were extracted from the book of Robert Kuok by Kanyin Publications. Note that the story might be a bit draggy at the beginning but it gets really good after that. This blog post does not even do justice on how good the book is. 

It's Not Just Another Internship

Some people might say, you'll have your whole life to work. Once you start working, you can never stop. The time will come. What do you even want from an internship anyways? They don't really pay you that well anyways. On the other hand, there'll be those people who are just naturally workaholic. Some might be doing internships just to boost their CVs. Well, everyone has their own reasons in making their own choice, either to do or not to do an internship.

My decision to proceed with an internship for 6 weeks wasn't planned months ago, it came along the way throughout my Summer holidays. It was when my cousin convinced me into applying at ZulRafique & Partners. Alhamdulillah, being accepted as an intern there, I could say, it's one of the best decisions I've made in my life (well, so far hehe). But why so ?

Beyond networking, you'll get great advice from others who has been in the legal field for a way longer time. Partners, legal associates or even the other chambies would probably give you a heads up on what you should expect in your career, what you should do to make yourself more prepared into the working life, and the most important part, is when they tell you the things they wished they had done or did not do to get them to how they are today. These advice that they give might be considered as a 'shortcut' to success in life or a 'cheat' for those who implement them I guess ;)

Then, the working life experience comes. You usually would get real working life experience if you've interned for a month at least. The longer the time of your intern, the more colleagues/seniors would be able to give more work to you, the more they trust you and the cycle of getting more work continues ! Beyond that, working 9-5 everyday isn't as easy as it seems; or as 'okay' as to many. It took me a week to get used to the idea that my life was going to be behind a computer from 9.30-6.30PM for 5 days a week. Not just that, there were times that I even had to come back from the office around midnight and miss a couple of lunch (not that I'm complaining) but that's the reality, work life is tough. Your 'movements' are somehow rather limited as well and you won't get as much freedom as you might have had in your uni years. You'll actually get the struggle how other people strive to make money for their living everyday.

Besides that, you'd probably enjoy the extra income (provided that the firm pays you for your internship!). You'd also most likely get a clearer view of what you'd want to expect out of yourself and how you'd aspire to be like in a few years time. You might enjoy studying the subject, but you might not enjoy the job scope of it, or using it in practice. Well, an internship is kinda the right time to find out ! Either if you prefer to use the knowledge and skills acquired from your degree into your working life. 

And after all that, you'll have a great time ! (Well, at least I did). Every experience is valuable hence, I don't see a harm as to, what not give it a try ? What is there to lose? Why not ? :)

Reciting the Quran

Most muslims usually learn to recite the Quran at a very young age, which is good really, since it's easier for us to learn and remember when we were younger. However, some of us tend to not read it as often at a certain phase of our own lives. For instance, when you're busy catching up with coccuricular activities in high school, assignments in college or even catching up with your own friends in university. Basically, most of us tend to have our own phase whereby we tend to prioritize everything else and abide our obligations in reciting the Quran, which is normal. People just get busy chasing their goals sometimes, although we try to balance our current life and after life ambitions.

Anyways, the problem is that in this phase of life, most of us get a little rusty on reciting the Quran. We miss out on the little things that is important in reciting the Quran like the 'hums' and 'tajwids'. Then when we start to grab hold of the Quran and start reciting it often again, we think we're doing it right.

For me personally, I learnt to recite the Quran when I was 5 years old roughly. And I managed to finish it when I was about 12, in a way, 'khatam'. Throughout high school, I did not really spend as much time reading the Quran. Gotta admit, my recitation got a bit rusty. When I was about 17 years old, I started to read it again. Alone, in my room, usually after prayers after roughly 4-5 years of reciting the Quran during 'festive' season or whenever necessary. I've definitely lost my touch.
However today, I decided to tag along with my mum to her 'Quran Recitation Classes', or in a way 'Tadarus'. And I stuttered on a few words.Then I realised, I really need to start reciting with guidance again. So many Arabic words I've pronounced wrong. I needed to stop thinking I was good enough to read by myself, that I needed a teacher.

It came across my mind, that so many of us might be doing the same mistake out there. There's so many of us who suddenly decides to start reciting the Quran often again, thinking we've got it, but we actually lost our touch.

It occured to me that, we need to put our ego and over-confidence down. Language is not that easily remembered if not practised. That we need a teacher to be really fluent and pronounce this beautiful Arabic language properly. Its okay to learn again even if it means from scratch, rather than to continue reciting the Holy Book wrongly. Doesn't matter how old you are, or how many years it's been since you've last read it, it's always good to learn or atleast have someone to guide & teach you. And it's definitely not about how fast you've read it, or how many times you've finished reciting it (khatam), but the concern should be more on the quality of your reading and what you understand about this significant Holy Book that is supposed to guide you in your life-making decisions :)

Gotta Love Being Single in my 20s

My close friends would know that I've never stayed single for more than a week max since I was 15. I have always been in relationships. Unsure if I am actually inlove with the idea of falling inlove, being in love or just loving the person himself. 

But its been 4 months atleast since I have been single and I am really loving it ! I even started wondering, 'Why have I been in relationships all this while?' (not to say I regret my past decisions or I'd change them)

You gotta just love,

1. The no more phone beeps !

Ahh, with the group whatsapp buzzing a lot nowadays, its pretty nice to just not have your phone beep. Its amazing how my phone beeps so little nowadays from personal whatsapps. It even got to an extent that when I got a personal whatsapp message, I was like 'WHOA, I haven't heard that for a long time!

2. The long walks alone with your thoughts :)

The serenity you get walking alone in the evenings with your thoughts is just mesmerizing. And the best part is, you won't be thinking of 'What you would do for him' or even like 'How much you love each other' and stuff. Your thoughts changes when you're not in a relationship. I think more about myself and the world nowadays, like 'What I can do to improve myself' and 'How can I help contribute to the world?' (well, sorta haha)

3. Being able to do anything you want, anytime 

No obligations at all ! If you feel like just going out randomly tonight, you'll be able to just jump off your feet and go out without thinking, 'If I should spend time with him' or even 'Would he be okay with it'. For me personally, it's the ability to just book a ticket and hop on a plane to travel anywhere I want to, anytime !

4. Building your own character

You make decisions for yourself, on your own grounds, not anyone else's. The things you choose to do is not because 'he likes doing it' or cause 'he thinks its cool'. You'll end up doing it cause, 'I'm just gonna do it just cause I feel like it'

5. Those hours of sleep

You'll be able to sleep for hours without any disturbance (not that sleeping for hours is that much good of a practice, but ya know what I mean). You wouldn't get random night phone calls or text messages obliging you to reply or be there for that particular person

6. Your energy, time and effort can be put into something so much more worth of doing !

The time you spent when you're in relationships, are an opportunity cost to other things you're capable of doing (talking like an economist) but yeah, seriously though. You could spend that time doing charity, giving your love to those who deprive it more. Spend your time with your family cause in the end of the day, they're all you've got

7. Not-Feeling-So-Pathetic-Anymore

'Oh, why isn't he replying me? Calling me? Or texting me?'. No matter how 'secure' you feel, it is inevitable for most of us to feel this way. Gotta love how my emotions doesn't revolve around another person's 

8. Thinking about these last few years

There's a high possibility you'll probably meet the love of your life, and settle down etc soon especially when you're in your 20s, without even trying. And you'd spend years and years of your life with your partner, possibly even 50 years ++ ! So just chill now in the single lane while you still can :) 

But..... if the 'right one comes, at the right time, I don't see a reason, why not?' Haha 

The Student Life You Want

Hey,
Here's a post that's a little bit personal.

As days go by in my first year in uni, I never still fail to ponder what kind of student life I want. What I want from my first year or throughout my university life.

The things I have been participating with recently have been intellectually engaging,
For instance the 'Teh Tarik Sessions with Prominent Speakers', 'Speaker Series', Projek Amanat Negara, London International Model United Nations etc. Name it, the moment you tell me there's such an event, I would just get on my feet and go for it.

But recent events have made me wonder,
You know how in university life people make friendships that will be everlasting memories ?
I'm starting to ponder if I am missing out on that, really badly.
And those just 'chill out' days,
As I spend my nights researching about current world issues,
Believing that I need and want to equip myself with such knowledge.

For instance, this weekend, its Derby Day !
Where Essex University plays against East Anglia University which is supposed to be one of the most fun days and night of the year. A couple of my friends will be competing then, which would be great to watch them play and we'll have a chilled out night later on.
On the other hand,
There'll be the Law Career Convention in London on that day itself as well. Which would be a great opportunity to mix around and build my career background.

But honestly I feel, the chilled uni life is only once in a lifetime. And you can take your whole life to build your career. Though at the same time, it's always good to build a great career background and network from now. Hmm.

In simple words, I am caught in between having the 'chilled back student life' or the 'career building/workaholic student life' and I couldn't wish it to be any more easier :)

10 Steps of Moving On :)

Hey girls (or possibly even guys) ! I know tumblr quotes might be cheesy , but they're quite handy if you could relate to them anyways so be aware that this post might contain many. 

Anyways, as we all know, moving on is the most difficult part of relationships or life as we know it. So here's a post on how I handle 'moving on' and so far has always been a success :

1) Let it out

Just cry it out ! Or shout ! Possibly even talk to someone about it. Make yourself feel better instead of keeping all your emotions in. But, never beat yourself up. Just bear in mind that the tears, the pain, is all temporary. Everybody moves on even though at that particular moment you feel like 'Its end of the world'

2) Think with your brains, not your emotions

Know that relationships in reality are trial and errors. You fall in love, and you try to work it out between the two of you, and if it doesn't work out, its simply just not meant to be. There is literally no point of beating yourself up and making yourself miserable over something that was not even destined to happen in the long run or part of your future. 

'This is all part of life'

3) Keep yourself occupied

Mentally or physically. Pronto !

4) Make yourself a better person, in order to find/deserve the better person

We would always feel as if we can't find someone better than the last person we were with. Then, do something about it ! Rather than just merely accepting that fact. Make yourself a better person, in order for you to find someone better. Someone who can make you as happy or happier :)

5) Focus on building your own character

One thing we all know is that being with someone for too long sometimes makes us lose our own character, our own personality. Because we spend too much time with that particular person. So, since you're finally available, you would have so much time to figure your own identity and build your own character !

6) Prevent yourself from being alone for too many times

Being alone too often makes one over thinks unnecessarily. But I don't literally mean occupy yourself with booze, parties and friends all the time since you've broken up (Well, you could do that if that works out for you. Hahaha). What I guess you should do as well is, consider doing good to others ! Doing good to others can surprisingly make you feel better. If not, be part of a student body or society. Think and do something progressive ! Possibly even something to do with starting up a business maybe ? Haha 

7) Never give up on yourself 

' She is unstoppable not because she is successful. But because she never stops picking herself up no matter how many times she's fallen' 

If you ever feel down again, and again, depressed or possibly upset, stop beating yourself up, and pick the pieces of yourself up again and again. Never give up. Remember, everybody goes through this. And you definitely can make it !

8) Know it yourself, you are going to be a stronger person !

Give a tap on your own shoulder for making it through so far. Moving on is difficult but you'll get through it. Everyone does. And you'll definitely be a stronger person from then on :)

9) Life is too short to be pondering about the past

You are not who you were yesterday. People change everyday, whether its a little or a lot. So whenever you think about the past, think back again about who you are today. You're definitely not the same person as who you were when you were with that particular someone. You're definitely a better and stronger person, so pondering and complaining about the past is just a waste of time !  Life is too short, look how many years have passed already in so little time. Go out ! Go for a jog ! Make yourself productive !

10) Take the good, leave the bad (Acceptance)

In everything there is good and bad. Just take the good, and leave the bad. Learn from your previous relationship and make your next one, a better one, and possibly everlasting. That person came into your life for multiple reasons, just accept the many reasons (good and bad), and think how it is going to be beneficial for your future !


In the end of the day, we are destined to be with that particular someone and there's just so many fishes in the sea, that probably we haven't met the right one, just yet :) 

Having a Degree, Being Involved or an All-Rounder is Not Enough,

The things we have always been taught in life is to either be really good in academic or be an all-rounder. Those are the two main routes in life that we were most taught off. But there is more than that,

I began to reflect on myself, that even when (insyAllah) I graduate with a Law Degree, would that mean I'm an intellectual or smart student ? Would I feel that I am a smart student myself ? They say, be the person who you wish to meet, Am I even close to being the person I wish myself to meet?  Would I feel satisfied with what I have achieved in my 3-4 years of university life ? Or am I just another graduate who appears smart based on papers ? 

This post is never to tell you or myself on the solutions to my questions but is definitely good to ponder on to keep track of ourselves. To open up how we look at things and experiences we have gained in life. To think of when we make future decisions. 

10 Reasons Why I Don't Drink :)

Hi there !

So here's a post, on why I personally don't drink (and maybe some valid reasons for those out there who drink, intending to stop anyways )

1. It can be unattractive
- I've seen my friends lying on the floor suddenly in the kitchen at 5AM, throwing themselves around guys, throwing up at the toilet bowl, and yeah if you intend to look good, getting drunk is definitely not one of the ways. Some guys even find it a turn off to look at a girl who's to drunk. Anyhow, you can let loose of yourself and have a good time still, just with limits, which is definitely assured if you're sober !

2. You can't remember the things you did when you were too drunk
- You might do things you'll regret. Even my British friends say that to me. Definitely a way to get yourself out of trouble.

3. Save money !
- Yes, you get to save a lot of money by not splurging on alcohol ! A bottle of vodka would cost an average of 10 pounds and with 10 pounds you can buy at least 3-4 tubs of Ben&Jerry's ! Which to me personally, is worth more spending on than some drinks that would only last a night.

4. The picture says it all !

5. A burden

- Sometimes , you can actually burden someone else with your drinking habits. For instance, when you're drunk or even tipsy, you would throw yourself to guys and your friends would feel the courtesy to take care of you.

6. For a real good time !

- Nobody says 'if you don't drink, you're not gonna have a good time' . If you intend to go clubbing or to pubs, just let loose, enjoy the music and have fun ! Doesn't necessarily have to come with the idea of being drunk or tipsy :) 

7. A healthy lifestyle

- Drinking has more bad side effects than good side effects (only if you don't include in medical reasoning). And most of the time, hung overs restrain you from having an early fresh jump start the next day !

8. Mentally Challenge Yourself

- To actually not drink in a crowd of people who drink can be a peer pressure to people sometimes. So if you could actually not drink when everyone is drinking (and have a good time at the same time), congratulations ! You have managed to prove yourself that you have a strong will and mind!

9. It's not the solution to your problems

- When you come across problems, you tend to want to forget all of it by just drinking. But that's not the way. You can put things aside for awhile by going for a run, watching comedies or games, go out with your friends, or even gaming. Drinking is only one of the many not-so-suggested ways. Sometimes you might even get hooked to it to an extent where you become an alcoholic and BOOM, there goes another trouble to worry about in your life !

Last but not least,

 As a muslim, if you drink, for 40 days your blood will somehow-rather-be contaminated
- I psychologically tell myself that if I ever drink, for 40 days, my prayers will not be accepted (in a way) as my body is contaminated. And in that 40 days, anything can happen. For instance, my mum could've passed away within that 40 days and my prayers wouldn't even mean a thing for her.

Do's and Don'ts in a Relationship

Hey guys ! Frankly speaking, Im not an expert in relationships. I've only been in one serious relationship my whole life (that lasted for only 5 years) , but I can sorta kinda figure how relationships work really. Its pretty simple, I think.  It just gets complicated when you ponder too much about the unnecessary stuff.

I usually go by the quote that ,

' IF ONE LOVES ANOTHER, ONE SHOULD KNOW HOW TO TREAT THE OTHER'

But anyways, 

Here's my perspective on the Do's and Don'ts in a relationship ! 

DO ! 

1) Give each other space 

Girls : Give your guys space; like gaming or bro times . They really just wanna chill with their bros once in awhile. Its not like they're flirting with other girls at that moment. So, just chill :)

Guys : Give your girls space a little, but generally most girls don't quite enjoy too much space. But if you don't give them space that they need ( not like they want it ) , they're gonna be too dependent on you and in the long run, that ain't good . Do show you care guys !

Both Girls & Guys : Space is necessary for a healthy relationship ! For both of you to grow 

2) Trust 

Girls : Trust your guys, but not a 100%. Just trust them enough not to appear clingy or bother them with infinity questions on every girl they talk to. If he cheats on you, that's his lost. Don't try to work things out with a guy who doesn't know how to treat you right. 

Guys : Trust your girls ? Hahaha I really don't know much about this. Most girls like it when guys get a little jealous but too much can be nuisance I guess. Show like you care atleast, no matter who she goes out with .

3) Talk with each other, Communicate ! 

Both Guys & Girls : Seriously people, you guys just have to stop fighting too much in relationships ! Negotiate, talk about things. There is no necessity to ask for a break up after every single fight. Discuss what you guys want , likes and dislikes , and try to work things out from there. Pretty sure you guys can work things out together. Don't just expect one to understand another without even telling each other what's wrong.

4) Respect 

There's just really not much to say about this. I dont find the necessity for anyone to be taught on why they should respect each other. Hahaha. 

5) Apologize

Apologize to each other for every small mistake. But then again, don't apologize too much cause it can seriously get annoying. 

DON'Ts !

1) Have a third person in a relationship

Both Guys & Girls : A relationship is between just the 2 of you. You don't need another person to be in between trying to solve any problems you guys are facing. Just try your best to stick to just the both of you 

2) Throw yourself in the relationship too much 

Girls : Most of my girlfriends tend to throw themselves into the relationships too much and end up regretting it. Save yourself some dignity cause there is no assurance that the guy you're currently dating is your 'happily ever after' 

3) Expect it to be one sided

Girls & Guys : The thing that somehow sucks about relationships is that you have to negotiate. That's why some people enjoy being single more ! But yeah, negotiate with one another. Give and take :)

4) It's not a Disney Channel Movie or a Romance Movie

Girls : Seriously do not expect a freaking happily ever after like the disney movies. Real relationships are just not like that. Stop day dreaming on the Prince Charming and get back to reality. 

5) Expect too much from each other

Girls & Guys : Expecting too much from each other can hurt one another. It can also make your head pretty bothered thinking about each other's expectation so frequently. Just hope the best for each other, and really, stop giving indirect messages or indirect expectations

6) Fight on social media

DON'T . Just don't ! 

7) Give up trying

Never give up trying to work things out together. But if ever tonnes of trials, and it doesn't work out, I guess it's just not meant to be then .

Nevertheless, if you're single now, enjoy it !

You'd get to spend more time to work on yourself rather than a relationship or each other :)

When the time comes, the time comes. 

Put your head back, chill and get high on life !

The Weekend Gamble ; From Colchester to London to Oxford

HI !
Frankly , I've never been to the UK so this is kinda my first time to travel around this part of the world and I'm so pumped to travel and post more about travelling around here more often !

Anyways,
Selamat Hari Raya Aidil Adha :)
And,
Here's my post on my Weekend Gamble to Oxford !

I left campus on the 62 bus to North Station in Colchester about 1PM , from University of Essex, took roughly about 20 minutes to arrive roughly. Oh, and was travelling alone to London btw ! Haha. For those who might go to London through the North Station, there's an interval of roughly every 15 minutes of train so it's not that long of a wait :) and the ticket was about 30 pounds for an open return without a railway card. Try to get a railway card if possible for discounts btw. 

Arrived at the Liverpool Street and met with the travel buddy for the weekend, Azam !

IMPORTANT ! If you're about to travel around London, do get yourself the Oyster Card at the train station. You could use it around tubes and buses, basically almost all public transports in London as far as I know off.

Got on the train heading to Marble Arch, crossed the street towards Hyde Park and waited for the X90 or OXFORD TUBE bus for a couple of minutes. If I'm not mistaken, about 20 minutes of intervals for the buses. X90 cost me 11 Pounds return ticket, Oxford Tube would probably cost about 13 Pounds, but its more of a comfortable coach.

This is all like a gamble to me honestly, to come down to London in the first week of settling in the UK and heading to Oxford over the weekends ! 

So we made it to Oxford Brookes University after an hour and a half, (felt like it was shorter), and met our subang friend, Ridhwan !

Arrived quite late though, about 6PM. We couldn't do much though, so stayed in and cooked Buttermilk Chicken. Yes, there's a tesco that sells Halal Chicken here in Oxford as well !

OMG sedap gila kays dapat makan ayam, its been a week long since I last had chicken kays !

Slept over one of the nicest girl I've ever met's house, Teekay ; for the night :)

Since it was a Raya Haji weekend, the Kumpulan UMNO Oxford made a gathering on the sunny Sunday. Woke up around 10am the next day,

got a cab to Oxford Uni and joined the KUMNOX gathering. They served the best malay food ever. Alhamdulillah, malaysian food ! 

Met a lot of great intellectual & interesting people here, definitely. And the event was really fun ! 

But it was getting a little late around 2PM so we headed to the famous Oxford City Centre.

Walked along Queen Street for a couple of hours, passed by Radcliffe Square which was B-E-A-UTIFUL ! 

Definitely one of the must visit places in Oxford. Me and Azam were actually walking to a nearby mosque at Bath Street (took us 15-20 mins of walk to get there), when we passed by this square and a couple of other tourist-y spots .

That's the Riverside Terrace, for those who come hoping for some romantic paddle in Oxford .

Note : The buildings and architecture in Oxford are mostly old and castle looking. They're so beautiful !

And here's the mosque at Bath Street, 

Around 6PM, we headed back to Oxford Brookes and decided to eat at Atomic Burger. It was superbly delicious ! Note that it comes with making a hole in your pocket too. An average of 8 Pounds per burger so I shared with Azam one burger. Lols. The vegetarian burger here tasted as good as beef burger though ! And it's a really cool concept Burger Shop. 

That's Evon btw, she was kinda like our tour guide for the day in Oxford. A good friend of Azam's .

And that's the Vegetarian Burger and Fried Sweet Potatoes. Yummmms .

        

Initially , I was suppose to head back to uni on Sunday night but it got too late. We were still chilling in Oxford at about 7.30 PM. So we decided that I should stay in London for one night, it was either that or to head back to Essex at about 11 PM which was quite dangerous. Arrived at London around 10 PM, said my goodbyes to Azam and chilled with my good friend staying near Hyde Park, Aqil.

Part of the gamble was that I had to crash over my friend's place in London last minute, Fauzan ! *phew, nasib baik ada member/relative kat London ; Queen's Mary *.  Gotta admit though, got a bit of an adrenaline with all the spontaneous plannings but overall, it was definitely a fun and adventurous weekend ! Left early about 8AM and headed to the Mile End station, 

Got back to Uni the next day, Monday, around 10AM and still had a couple of hours to get ready for the first class of my first year, Contract Law, which was only for an hour. Could've spent more time in London though. Haha .Oh wells. No rush, will be here for the next 3 years anyways ! 

Alhamdulillah and thanks everyone for such an awesome weekend , God Bless :) 

Special thanks to Azam for making it all possible, just a day before the trip ! It was all unplanned, kinda I guess is one of the fun part of the trip !

Kays, gotta get back to my books. Would definitely write about travelling soon, hopefully !