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.

Key Fob

Every life science student would have one.

That includes me.

I still have one batch of samples.

The final batch before closing this chapter.

Whole year I was careful not to lock myself.

Guess what?

On this very weekend,

I locked myself out of the lab.

Yeah.

Of all the days.

I guess everyone would have to experience this once.

I found someone who can borrow hers.

Thank God I contacted her tonight.

Waking up early to catch her at train station.

God is good,

All the time. — feeling relieved.

Unfamiliarity

After days away from the lab,

I'm finally back to work.

It's a form of wrapping things up.

Suddenly everything seems so...

unfamiliar.

Things are where they used to be.

That's a relief.

But there are additional unused equipment.

For some reasons.

Cleared the dusty bench.

Moved a chair back to my prep lab.

Laptop on.

Dongle for GeneMarker back in the USB 2.0 port.

Time to see,

what to run for tonight.

Fingers crossed there won't be any power shortage

Perhaps after this,

familiarity will return.