Author: Layla

  • A year on: Graduate school, impostor syndrome, and all that jazz.

    A year on: Graduate school, impostor syndrome, and all that jazz.

    This time last year, I was on the phone at work, asking for the entrance exam results for graduate school admissions.

    At first, I thought I heard it wrong, I had to ask the admissions staff to repeat the exam result to me, and I was told, “See you at the orientation.”

    That felt unreal. It still felt like it.

    Now, here I am, in my second semester of graduate school, trying to comply with requirements despite a pandemic, sitting in front of my desk bleary-eyed, trying to think of an objective for a certain topic for a research proposal. (more…)

  • My Tuesday playtime: A trial and error account of prettifying myself for absolutely no reason at all

    My Tuesday playtime: A trial and error account of prettifying myself for absolutely no reason at all

    Happy Friday, everyone!

    Hope you are well and safe wherever you are.

    A few days ago, I promised myself a treat after handing in the first part of my coursework. No, it has nothing to do with food, but a lot to do with making my soul happy by dressing up and putting on makeup. It’s been a long time since I put on work clothes and makeup on my face.

    It’s been two months already. I missed prettifying myself and getting dressed for work!  So, a little playtime was in order. I looked at my wardrobe a few days ago and checked if there’s anything in it that I haven’t worn. Or if there’s an outfit I haven’t tried doing. So here I am, wearing black, with a pop of nude and red here and there. (more…)

  • Quarantine Diaries 2: Attempting to live in the “new normal”.

    Quarantine Diaries 2: Attempting to live in the “new normal”.

    In which I attempt to make cottage pie that isn’t even a real cottage pie, and an apple tart.

    Hola amigos and amigas! I’m back.

    Looks like our cherished dream of going back to normal isn’t going to happen anytime soon.

    We’re still cooped up inside our homes, trying not to get crazy, trying not to get sick. But hey! We all make our own good times. Yes, cooking now counts as a “good time”.

    Why not? Who doesn’t like to eat healthy, nutritious tasty food that’s not processed food? Yeah, that’s my family! For the past few weeks, we’ve been donning our imaginary chef’s toque, whipping up dishes we’ve never eaten in a long, long time, or yes, for the first time, even. But more on that, later. (more…)