Absent Blogger

I know it's been a while since i've posted anything. But a lot has been happening behind the scenes. I got a part-time job and i'm currently in the middle of completing my final exams. I honestly don't know how most people that work full-time juggle that along with studying and life in general. It's been quite hectic over here, but i haven't completely neglected the blog.

During my study break (and a few sleepless nights), i was able to come up with an idea that has been lingering on my mind for quite sometime. Without giving away too much, i've decided to go along with this idea and it'll come to fruition sometime at the end of July, i'm thinking the 24th of July. But i'll definitely give you guys a heads up before it happens.

Until then, hope you are all enjoying life as it is. To all the blogs i follow, don't worry, i've been reading every single post, just haven't gotten into commenting yet. 

Just Do It

For as long as i can remember, procrastination has always been my thing. I always seem to wait till the last minute before i start something. Even on the occasions i try to start early, i always feel crippled and incapable of completing the task if there's no pressure around the corner. I guess the fact that i've always done well under these pressures meant that i didn't put much effort into facing my procrastinating demons.

Source

But recently, things have changed, albeit at a slow pace. I'm getting much better at doing things earlier instead of waiting till the last minute for that pressure to set in and get me going. I usually start by writing a list of all the things that needs to get done and the deadlines i have for them. In regards to university assessments like reports, i draw up a plan/ draft of how i want to structure my work. With the basic footprint in hand, i simply dive straight in and get on with it.

Previously, i'd take a while to think it through and psycho-analyse it to see if it's possible or not. But i noticed that this habit led me to procrastinate even more. By going ahead without giving it too much thought, it makes me work through it. It was quite difficult at first and some days it still is, but then, i'm a work in progress

Generating Ideas...

...and moving on to implementation. As i type this, i'm on a 10 minute break from listening to an online stream of my International Business lecture. It's quite an interesting lecture as it's covered Plato, political economies, Thatcher-ism and Regan-economy in the last 60 minutes. But that's not what this post is about...

Source

My little brain has been churning some unexpected ideas over this semester and i took the opportunity to jot some of them down at the time. But as of last night, i read a few of them and it got me thinking of putting some of them into action. My problem at the moment is that my ideas are just all over the place. There doesn't seem to be some sort of pattern that i can work with. This means, i have to actively try and create that pattern for myself.

I seem to generate ideas unexpectedly which leaves me taking notes on my phone so i can jot them down when i get home. The beauty of listening to my lectures online is that i actually generate academic and non-academic ideas during the process, so it always helps that my laptop is right in front of me to take these notes. While listening to this lecture, i had an idea of something that i could do with my blog come next semester; i'm actually quite interested in it at the moment.

So, do stay tuned as i'll be sure to let you guys know if i choose to go through with some of my random ideas. But until then, they'll remain my baby secrets. Just out of curiosity, is there anything you'd like to see me blog more of?

Bored With My Current Meals

Has anyone ever gotten to that point where they're so bored with what they eat that you're no longer motivated to cook? Well, that's me right now. This picture totally explains how i feel

Source

I have no idea why i feel this way. I'm not aware if this has happened to me in the past or not. With this in mind, i really do need your help. Can anyone please recommend recipes to me that i can make for 2? And also some great snack ideas for me? Thanks in advance :)

Books, Books...

...and more books. This is pretty much what my week has been like. I took a break from job hunting to focus more on studying for my exams.

Source

I've got three exams this semester and my first one is on the 11th of June. For some reason, i feel like i have too much to cover and too little time to go about it. I don't know if it's because my flatmate is busy panicking about her exams, so through some form of psychological osmosis, it is affecting me. I've been spending some time at the library much to my surprise. I personally hate studying in the library, everything there just distracts me right from the people to the atmosphere. I generally feel more sleepy studying in the library than i do on my own bed; and when i'm not feeling sleepy, i'm watching people come and go.

But recently, i've convinced myself to study in the library by bribing myself with a nice cup of coffee. I used to be a caffeine addict so i decided to stop drinking coffee unless necessary. And in the situation of the library, i think it's necessary because it stops me from falling asleep. Or, am i just making silly excuses? Who knows? All i care about now is being well prepped for my exams next month.

I leave you all on a happy note, i got an offer to study a Masters in Strategic Human Resource Management at my uni :) Hope you all have a lovely weekend

Grad Outfit Ideas

This post is quite late; but here are the ideas i currently have for my graduation

Source

My mum has offered to make me this dress if she's able to make it to Australia for my graduation {this is just one of the few things i want her to make for me}. This is great cause the sleeves are long and we'll be in the middle of the Australian winter during graduation. I should note that in the 3 years i've lived here, i still don't own a winter jacket. I get by just fine with a blazer and a cardigan; the reason behind this might be the fact that i moved here from the UK.

 

These pictures are from Tumblr. I think i can recreate a similar look with my black blazer, twill trousers from ASOS and a white shirt OR i could wear a simple cream cotton blouse underneath OR a breton stripe cardigan. But since i'm a lazy dresser, i won't be shocked if i opt for a long sleeve tee :)

Source

This simple linen dress from ASOS comes in 4 colours so i'm spoilt for choice. At A$77.06, it seems like a very reasonable investment for my scanty wardrobe.

I'm Drowning...

Source

Drowning in my mind's eye

Drowning in my emotions and everything surrounding me

I'm trying so hard to swim but it feels like i'm going against the tide

Everything seems like such a hassle and demands so much energy

It's like everything's slowly been washed away

I want to run away

Far away from it all

Right to the end of the earth with only a book and my glasses for company

Where i can get away from it all and calm my mind and unravel my thoughts

Breathe in some fresh air...

I feel the need to spring clean my life and surroundings

A bid to starting afresh as a means of creating some much needed balance...

Adopt the mantra of less being more

But where's the time for that?

How do i carve out this much needed time when i already feel short of time?

While i try to figure it out, i have to face the reality of today...

...and the weeks ahead...

Textbooks, application forms, presentations and exams

Girl About Town

Source

One by One

Source

The bulbs in my apartment are dying off one at a time. As i type this, all the lights in the kitchen are out and i cook with the light on the hood. Last night unfortunately, the one in my room went off as well; i was living off just one as the other three went out. But now, its all dark except from the light coming from my laptop screen. I can't even imagine the amount of times i've called the real estate asking them to send someone over to fix all the lights. I would have fixed them myself, but unfortunately i can't. 

Whosoever designed the fixtures for the lights doesn't like me at all. I can see so much wiring from where i stand; and what the bulbs attach to is so tight and fixed in too deep that i can't reach it properly. A runny nose and several tries later, i've given up. So, i have to wait until Monday to make another call (and possibly go to their office if i'm feeling any better) to see if someone can come fix it ASAP

I'm lucky that i love turning off my room lights at night. The only problem now is i have to do all my studying in the living room, with the TV as a major distraction (not like there's anything fun on free TV). Maybe this will help me plan my time better and go to bed earlier

Sick Baby

Source

I feel like i haven't experienced this week at all and it's already Saturday afternoon here in Australia. I've been sick all week although i managed to sit my weekly tests on Monday and Tuesday. Since then, i've been home curled underneath my duvet with my heater next to me and my laptop for company. My birthday was on Thursday and i couldn't celebrate much or make myself anything special because i was too weak to cook. But then, that's the least of my worries because i plan on celebrating it sometime later.

I haven't had the chance to do any of my assessments because i've been ill. So, i have to apply for special consideration because i won't be able to hand any of them in by the due date. I have so much catching up to do. I really hate being sick and it feels like i've been in bed for years already.

I know i promised to post my graduation outfit ideas but i haven't gotten round to it yet. But hopefully i'll do that next week when i feel much better.

Hope you all have an amazing weekend :)

It's Just Sunk In

Source

It's only just sunk in that i'm graduating in July. Granted, it's not my first graduation ever neither is it my first from university. But it'll definitely be the first one that i'll be attending; i skipped my graduation in England because it clashed with my orientation week here in Australia. I applied for my graduation last week but it wasn't until yesterday that i really started thinking about it. My Mum called me to ask me if i'd thought of outfit ideas for my graduation or if i want her to buy me something. 

I felt like someone had just woken me up from some sort of dream; i can't believe that 3 years has gone by so fast. Of course, during the process of each semester, i certainly whined about how annoying things and people were and that certainly hasn't changed as i type it. But i've also learnt a lot about myself during these years here. It has also become more obvious to me what i'd like to research for my PhD. It's a bit of a mish mash of different courses i've taken over the last 7 years and there's just a few people here in Australia that are willing to supervise this area of research as most universities here don't offer courses related to it. Luckily for me, we do Business Innovation here at my university and it is a key aspect of the research i'm thinking of doing.

But a research is still far off as i still need to start my Masters. In line with that, i'm yet to apply for my Masters because i'm just too lazy to fill out the form; i definitely need to do it soon if i plan on applying to other universities. But with mine, since i'm already a student i can actually apply on the day my final results are released because as long as i pass, i'll get a place.

Now, back to that outfit idea. After my Mum talked about it, my head just kept rambling with ideas which made sleeping a little bit difficult for me. I don't want to get anything that can only be worn during special occasions. I want something that i can easily incorporate into my daily life after graduation is over. So, my next post will be on the outfits i currently have in mind (i really don't want to buy any shoes). Until then, why not share your ideas on what this curvy lady can wear on her day? It'll be winter here :)

I Just Had To...

Source

...Anna Paquin looks absolutely divine in her outfit. I don't know if it's because i have a thing for pale girls, but everything here works for me. Hope you're all having a blessed Sunday

Someone's words

"Love isn't about the romantic nights or gifts. It isn't about the fireworks going off around you when you have that first, real, kiss. Love isn't about kissing in the rain and dancing beneath the stars. It isn't about the big moments or big surprises. Love is not a fairytale. Love is about still having the butterflies after years. It's about the second looks and laying in bed wide awake, all night, because you can't go to sleep mad at each other. It's about being willing to sacrifice, literally everything for someone, just because you care so deeply for them. It's not about buying them gifts, but it's about leaving them little presents here and there, just to remind them that you are constantly thinking about them. Love is about all of the little things that add up to really big things. Love is rare and special, but should not be treated as if it would break. Love needs to be thrown around and beat up a little bit, worn in, but not worn down. Love needs to be a comfortable feeling, a place to go when NO ONE else in the world can relate. A safe place, where you know no matter how ugly you look or how angry you are, you will still be...loved".

Unknown (via atomos) 

Camel Coats...

Source

I don't know why, but for some odd reason, all my dreams last night were dominated by camel coats. Both men and women wore them in my dreams. I don't remember the particulars of any of the dreams i had last night, all i remember is the similarity in what everyone had on. The funny thing is, i'm really interested in getting a navy blue or khaki green military inspired coat for our upcoming winter in July.

There's No Title...

Hi everyone. How did you spend your Easter break? To those that celebrated Easter, a happy belated Easter from me. Hope you all indulged in some form of chocolate consumption. I didn't; not because i didn't want to but because i'm lactose intolerant and couldn't be bothered looking for brands that sell diary/lactose free chocolate.

Well, here in Australia we had a 5 day long weekend due to Easter and ANZAC day coinciding in the same period. Hence, today is the last day of my 5 day weekend.

I have to say i spent most of the weekend thinking and evaluating myself at the current state and just....well....thinking.....like i tend to do most of the time. I was actually planning to go to church on Sunday, but  something occurred that morning that got me a bit upset; and i have no intentions of talking about it anymore because Sunday is already over and as at Monday morning, i promised myself i'll try my best to let go when people piss me off instead of going to bed with my frustrations. I usually try not to be vocal when i'm upset with someone because i'm blunt on a daily basis and extremely blunt when i'm upset. So it's always better for me to bite my tongue and shut up until i've calmed down a little bit. The funny thing is i don't even show my anger; but thanks to my inabilities of being a good liar, my irritation is generally written all over my face!

Anywhoo, this weekend, i was just thinking what an amazing world it would be if all religions just accepted each other and didn't feel the need to point out that their own way is better than the other. I'm a Christian (or as my Mum likes to call me, a partial Christian because there are certain things i don't accept); i was born into a strictly religious family so i know all i'm meant to know and abide by as a Christian. On Sunday, i chose to listen to/ and read some of the Easter sermons that were preached here in Australia and in England. I have to say i was quite offended by some of them and it almost led to my Mum and I having an argument (she's a Pastor). Luckily for me, i like to be a good child so we agreed to disagree and all is well in our modern-daughter relationship :). Even though we have our disagreements once in a while, i'm so lucky to have a mother who listens to what i have to say even though she doesn't accept and isn't common in the small town i come from.  

The Sunday conversation got me thinking about how my cultural upbringing keeps fighting with me on what i believe in and what i choose to accept. I guess it's one of the downfalls of being an only child; there's so much pressure on you to be everything they would dream of in all their kids. My mum never ceases to complain about how western my thoughts are and how i need to become more Nigerian. Us Nigerians are too judgemental for our own good and we always want to assume that our way is the only right way

Well, i beg to differ. If our way was so perfect, our nation wouldn't be the way it is. The advantage of being educated in different countries is the ability to observe and absorb other cultures. No one is perfect as a human being and there's no one right way is which to find the path to a happy life. I truly hope that when my mum comes over to visit for my graduation, she'll understand why i'm the way i am and also open up her mind to other notions other than what she assumes to be the 'only correct way'.

On Monday morning, i decided to take Catherine R. Staat's advice from this post and slowly incorporate it into my life. The universe was obviously listening to my thoughts because i got this lovely post in my inbox and Shannon posted this on her blog; these made my Monday quite a good beginning to this lovely week. I'm still a bit stressed as per my last post, but things are moving along slowly and i very much appreciate it.

Happy Tuesday everyone

PS: Upon reading this post, i've just realised how much of a boring ramble it has been. Sorry if i've bored your eyes but i just had to :)

There's A Void

There's an emptiness inside me that i'm constantly trying to fill.

I've felt this way for years but all my attempts to remedy it hasn't yielded any positive results.

It seems like as the years go by, the more difficult it is for me to fill this void

So i'm always trying to keep my mind busy so that there's less chances of me worrying about it

But at the end of the day, the void is still there; and sometimes, it leads to sleepless nights

For some reason, this feeling has been pronounced lately

I feel like i'm at a standstill because i have no idea what to do anymore

And that feeling in itself frustrates me

And now it's becoming a struggle to fall asleep at night because i can feel it right there

And at that very moment, i can't run away from how i feel

Some Sort Of Update

I've been on uni break since last week and that has definitely put me in the slow groove of things. Nothing much has happened lately, i've just been relaxing and enjoying the fact that i don't have any tests to study for neither is there a need to go to lectures. But all that is slowly starting to change as i do have classes from next week accompanied with my regular weekly tests and an essay due. Without further ado, i'll let you in on what's been happening with me over here

* I joined thy gym AGAIN! On Wednesday last week while at the mall with my flatmate, we came across the Fitness First stand where they offered a month free as part of the 12 month gym membership. So i went to have a good look around the gym again to see if i was interested. Although the month free promotion was good, i needed more to tempt me to sign a contract. After a lot of teasing and haggling with their general manager, i got offered a Results First program for free. Basically, it's meant to cost $70 and comes with 3 sessions going for 45 minutes at a time with a personal trainer. You also get a customized workout and a few other bits thrown in; but because i wasn't sure if their joining fee was worth my money, the manager offered to pay for the Results First program only if i signed up on that day. Of course, i jumped on it!

* On Thursday of the same week, a sales party was organised in the mall where all the stores had some sort of offer going on. Funny enough, i was very tame and didn't spend much. I got workout clothes and saved $70 in the process; and a pair of military boots. I had my eye on 2 actually but i had to pick only 1 (similar to the picture above). The only problem is i keep dreaming of the 2nd one. It's not your regular biker boots you find here in the mall (or so i think); and because of this i want it soooo much! It has buckles in the exact manner i've always pictured my perfect biker boots. The only problem is it's in black and i already have a black pair. So it's a bit difficult for me to justify buying another. Now i'm considering putting it on lay by

* I watched Paul on Thursday night and i absolutely loved it! Ok, maybe i'm a bit biased because i have a thing for movies written by Brits and also movies with Aliens in it, but it absolutely rocked. We were actually meant to go watch Fast 5 cause the lady here told us it was already out in ShellB. But when we got there, we realized it not out anywhere until this Wednesday. It does have quite a few profane words in it so if you can't stand that, i suggest you don't go watch it or just have your mind prepared :)

Source

* At the moment, there are lots of items saved on my ASOS basket. Thank God for the 'save for later' button they added to their page. I can't seem to get this dress off my mind and it currently retails for A$63.09. Maybe i should give it to myself as a graduation present...here's hoping that ASOS still has it in stock come July

Happy Monday everyone

Denim Jackets...

Source

It seems to me that everywhere i turn, there's denim jackets; i'm loving the one Emily Blunt has on. I know it's Spring for the rest of the world but here in Australia, Autumn is still playing hide and seek. But that hasn't stopped the local stores also carrying denim jackets. With my new found obsession with all things maxi, i can definitely see a place for a denim jacket in my life. So all i need to do is hunt down the perfect one; i want something with a western look

On another note, i've gotten all my mid session scores back and all i can say is PHENOMENAL! Happy Tuesday bloggers

Picture Perfect

Ladies and gentlemen, i've had a very long day. I just did 50% of my assessment for one subject in the space of 5 hours and now i have to wait patiently for the next few weeks before i find out my scores. At the moment, i feel refreshed, relieved and extremely tired. I know, all those words don't seem together, but for some reason i feel all those things at the same time. My eyes are heavy because i'm tired and in need of a long sleep in. I don't want to go to bed too early so i don't wake up in the middle of the night with nothing to do. I was too tired to make anything to eat tonight so i had a bowl of custard and two handfuls of red grapes; washed the entire thing down with a large cup of water and i already know that it was too much to drink all at once.

How's everyone's day going? Just to express my relief on the fact that my academic week is over, do enjoy the pictures below and have a lovely time :)

 Katie Holmes

 Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen

Jason Statham & Rosie Huntington-Whiteley

Photos

Currently Suffering From...

...BRAIN FREEZE. Something has to be said for having so many assessments back to back. I truly hope my exam timetable isn't going to mirror this. My brain has shut down and i can't assimilate anything further. It took me 10 minutes to read one page and that was enough sign for me to give up. I'm going to go get ready for bed now and clock in at least 8 hours of sleep so i can be refreshed for my next assessment in the morrow. I just felt the need to drop by and say a quick hi to you guys :)

Hope all is well and you are all having a fantastic Tuesday!