Failed Experiments are Norms!

I guess I can't help it. For two weeks I've been struggling with the no-results syndrome. It's TOTALLY NORMAL! Yes, I know, and all I need to do is to exhaust all possibilities before I will bow down to the word "defeated". I know many of my fellow scientist readers would feel me, and mentally support me through this "darkness". At least, I'm still doing work. That's something to rejoice for. It's JUST PCR. What wrong can it go, right? Well, it's just probably 101 things which can go wrong in a simple tiny tube with 20 microlitre of PCR reagents. *Laugh ironically*

When I'm in despair, I am automatically brought to reminder of this particular bible verse (2 Corinthians 4:8-9).

Nope, I shan't be crushed, I shan't be in despair, I shan't be abandoned, I shan't be destroyed.

I will come out stronger than ever, because every single moment of failure helps to bulk up the "what not to be done" Pandora box. I was to the point of giving up by telling myself that if it were not meant to be, then it would be okay to give up, but God didn't give up on my intention of completing this PhD. Second chance is received. And so, this is not the time to mope for too long. I'll just whine for another few more seconds and then continue the second part of my day.

Exciting times ahead in June: First year report which will enable my upgrade to proper PhD candidate is due in about two weeks' time (Sorry, not even there yet when it comes to first year report! *sad face*). Then it's the season of viva voce to defend my research and to prove my worth (as much as I don't like to use this as a benchmark of who I am and the potential that I have). And yes, Erasmus+ Students and Alumni Association (ESAA) Kickoff Event in Brussels.

Fingers crossed I'll be ready for the adrenaline-pumping June. I just want to live my life to the fullest, because I only live once, and this God-gifted life I have is not exactly mine but His, given to me freely so that I may live a life of grace and joy.

Now, who says great scientists can't be great believers? I am not a great scientist, nor a great believer. I'm just a trying scientist and a trying believer. If Albert Einstein and Gregory Mendel were great scientists and great lovers of God's own heart, then I can.

Me no want to live a life with excuses, justifying things I did wrong and in regrets all the time.

Positive Workplace Attitudes

I'm under a lot of stress trying to come out from the state of stupidity and uncertainties (with not much progress these days). I'm trying to grab as many hours of solo working as I can in the office with perfect lighting for work. It means asking an owl to wake up and hunt in the morning. Not much of choice, since morning is the best time to work as there is practically nobody in the office before noon!

Source: http://images.fineartamerica.com/images-medium-large/sleepy-owl-mandy-wiltse.jpg

I've recently saw an infographic which I found rather useful as some form of self-motivation. I don't have anyone who would "be there and support" me no matter what happens. Nope, nobody could truly understand the estrange condition and dysfunctions of that institution/structure of which I am a permanent member (not by choice). So, I only have God as my only source of strength, and yes, friends who have been my friends long enough that they are my family, my spiritual home. When I go through difficult times, the thought of God is with me (c.f. Psalm 46:10) helps me go through those periods.

Here's something everyone could do with, rather than complaining all the time of that workplace situation, make a difference by making a change in our own life!

Source: http://designtaxi.com/news/366397/Infographic-18-Ways-To-Be-More-Positive-At-Work/

I'm not perfect, and never will be. All I hope is I could complete this PhD and go on doing something which makes a difference in my battered life and in the lives of others.