Happy Birthday to the Queen of My Heart

Hi,

Happy 65th Birthday to the incredible woman who deserves all the applause (and maybe a lifetime supply of her favorite treats)! Today, we celebrate my amazing Mom, the one person in this whole wide world I look up to with every fiber of my being. Honestly, if you see me today, just know you're witnessing about a third of the energy she was at my age. Seriously, Mom, you were operating on a whole other level!

Where I find my strongest emotional comfort. 

Talk about a superhero in disguise! This lady was a total boss at work, leading the charge and making things happen. And then, BAM! She'd switch gears faster than a Formula 1 car to become the most amazing mom to FIVE kids by the time she hit 40 (with a surprise encore at 43!). Watching her juggle it all with such grace was my childhood's greatest show. I used to tag along to her office, wide-eyed as she navigated work dramas like a seasoned pro. Then, the moment we walked through our front door, the 'boss lady' hat was off, and the 'supermom' cape was on. All within the blink of a 24-hour cycle!

From the time I was tiny, if anyone asked me who I wanted to be when I grew up, the answer was always crystal clear: my Mom. Now, not everyone always understood her methods, especially when it came to raising us wildlings. Let's just say her parenting style earned her the legendary nickname "Garang macam tentera Jepun" 😂. But did she let the critics get to her? Nope! She just kept on loving and guiding us in her own amazing way. Mom, thank you for being you, for your strength, your love, and for showing me what true grit and grace look like. We love you more than words can say! ❤️ Happy Birthday!

Small Acts on a Quiet Day on Campus

Hi,

Taking a moment to jot something down on this rather unusual Friday. See, here in USM, it's a WFH party for most folks thanks to our scheduled aquatic adventure – a few days of water disruption across Penang. So, the memo went out: work from home! Except, plot twist, that memo clearly missed my inbox. School's still in full swing for yours truly, so my daily grind continues, bless its consistent little heart. 💖

The campus vibe today? Totally strange. The legendary parking lot, usually a battle royale by 8 AM, looked like it was hosting a car convention... of nobody. My office view, normally a bustling scene of students power-walking to lectures, was eerily calm. It was so quiet around the building, you could probably hear a pin drop... if anyone was around to drop it. Seriously, felt like the whole place had collectively decided to take an unscheduled nap. 

Anyway, life's gotta life, right? I had a couple of appointments scheduled with my minor project students at our usual think tank: the gazebo! Now, this place is normally a glorious noise of student chatter and frantic last-minute idea generation. A bit crowded and noisy during peak hours, sure, but the vibe is strangely motivating. Open air, open minds, that's the magic of the gazebo.

And then, the unexpected plot twist of the day! While we were deep in discussion, this dude appeared. I'm pretty sure I've seen his face somewhere – and he was carrying six jasmine flowers. Like some kind of fragrant fairy godfather, he handed us two each, wished us a good day, and then just... poof! Vanished.

A tiny bloom and simple purity of jasmine that brighten the day.

We were all a bit 'huh?', but definitely said thank you. Honestly, there's something wonderfully odd about getting a flower from a random person. It's not about the flower itself being some prize-winning bloom, but just that little spark of 'hey, someone thought this might make your day a bit nicer.' A tiny floral reminder that even when the water's out, there's still a bit of unexpected sweetness in the world, one little fragrant stalk at a time. 🌼

So, that was my slightly bizarre but definitely brighter Friday. Goes to show, even on a potentially 'blah' day, a little unexpected bloom can make all the difference. Happy weekend!

Vacuum Hoarder Chronicles

Hi,

It's raining. Like, the sky is having a serious cry kind of raining here in Penang. The little ninjas (aka my kids) are glued to Karate Kid, living their best late-night weekend lives. Meanwhile, yours truly is their official movie-watching chaperone... except my eyelids are almost down now. Pretty sure Jackie Chan is doing his own roundhouse kicks on my face. 😴

But hey, silver linings! While the cinematic martial arts are unfolding, I just conquered another quest: assembling the stand for my new cordless vacuum! Yes, you heard that right. I might have a slight... enthusiasm for keeping things spotless. Let's just say dust and stray hairs are my enemies, and my vacuums are my trusty sidekicks. I practically high-five them after a good sweep. 😉

So, I've been in this cleaning campaign for a while now, flaunting the Electrolux Ergorapido (my OG dust-buster from wayyy back then!), the Khind 22.2D (thanks, HSBC points, you're a real one!), and now the shiny new Dyson V8 (present power-up!🥰). It's like having a mini-league of extraordinary cleaners, each with their own quirky strengths. More on their epic battles against the fluff later, maybe after I survive this movie night!

The Three Musketeers of Clean.

Look, I get it. There are a lot of great cordless vacuums out there these days. The Electrolux Ergorapido is a solid contender, and the Khind 22.2D is a local hero we should all support. But let's be real, when it comes to sheer suction power and that futuristic Dyson design, nothing quite compares. After just one week? Let's just say my heart (and my floors) belong to this one now. 

Don't get me wrong, the other guys do a great job. The Ergorapido is nimble and perfect for those quick clean-ups, and the Khind packs a punch for a very reasonable price, although a bit too fragile. But the Dyson V8? It's like a little cleaning machine from the future. The way it glides across the floor, sucking up every last crumb and whisking away dust and hair with effortless grace… it's truly a thing of beauty. Okay, maybe 'sexy' is a bit much, but seriously, the motor sound is oddly... right. You'll see.

And let's talk about that design. The Dyson V8 is just cool. It looks like a piece of high-tech art, not just a vacuum cleaner. It's sleek, futuristic, and frankly, makes me feel a little bit cooler just owning it. So, while the other brands certainly have their merits, when it comes to the ultimate cordless vacuum experience, I'm officially Team Dyson. 🙋‍♀️

Disclaimer: This post is based on my personal opinions and experiences. Your mileage may vary. (But I doubt it! 😉).

Finding Strength and Love at (Almost) Forty

Hi,

Well hello there, fellow '85 babies! So, we are officially hitting the big 4-0. Remember when that age sounded ancient when were little? Now, here we are, probably wondering where our 20-year-old knees went. Ohh my.😂

Born way back in '85, I'm bracing myself for the big 4-0.

Send coffee (and maybe some anti-aging cream)! Thank you. 😉

Let's be real, this "forties" thing is a bit of a rollercoaster. Physically, things are… shifting. Like, suddenly my back makes noises my car doesn't. And finding a comfy pajamas feels like a national treasure hunt. Emotionally? One minute I'm Wonder Woman, the next I'm crying because I saw a cute lion cub on TV. It's a wild ride!

Spiritually, I'm trying to figure out what "inner peace" actually means. Is it when the kids are quiet for five whole minutes? Is it when I finally remember where I left my car keys? I suspect true inner peace is about finding calm amidst life's chaos, accepting imperfections with grace, and perhaps even finding a little peace in the humor of the ongoing search. 

Career-wise, it's like, "Okay, I've climbed this mountain… is there another, slightly less steep hill now?" Some days I'm conquering the world, other days I just want to conquer my overflowing inbox. It's all part of the adventure, right?

And the people around us? Kids are growing (and talking back more!). Parents might need a little extra care. Friends? They're the superheroes who understand when you cancel plans because your pajamas are calling your name. Love? The nature of love is ever-evolving. What once burned brightly might need nurturing to glow again. Or perhaps, life surprises us with the delicate beginnings of something entirely new. Who knows!

Look, turning 40 isn't about having it all figured out. It's about figuring it out with a few more wrinkles, a few more stories, and definitely a better sense of humor about the whole beautiful, messy thing. We're strong, we're smart, and we've survived the 90s! We can handle this.

So here's to us, the '85 crew! May our coffee be strong, our laughs be loud, and our journey through this amazing decade be filled with love, growth, and maybe just a little bit of glorious chaos. Cheers to 40 – let's see what you've got! 😉

P/s: And in a beautiful coincidence, today marks the radiant 40th birthday of one of my dearest friends, Thara. Sending her a cascade of heartfelt prayers on this truly special occasion. 💕

Hope and Standards with MQF

Hi! 

Quick hello from our workshop organized by the School of Mathematical Sciences, USM, here in Penang. It's Friday prayer time, so a quick pause for me to type this. As some of you know, our school has a new Dean, and I'm part of the new team helping him out. So, for this workshop, we started the day with a fun get-together with our admin team – lots of smiles and chatting. But then, the management team is split off to do some serious thinking. 

The entire management and administration team.

All cheerful. Before the brain scratching session.

The mood during the session was entirely serious. No fun at all. 😂

So, why are we spending our Friday focusing on this MQF thing for our postgraduate programs? Well, think of the MQF – the Malaysian Qualifications Framework – as a national standard for education quality in Malaysia.  Hopefully, by ensuring our postgraduate programs align with these standards, we're paving the way for our graduates to earn better qualifications.

It's like having a gold seal of approval on their hard work and the knowledge they've gained. This helps our graduates when they're looking for jobs, pursuing further studies elsewhere, or even just showcasing their achievements. It also means that the way we teach, assess, and structure our courses meets a certain benchmark of excellence.

What's crucial right now is ensuring everything is clearly documented. We need to make sure all the courses offered at the School of Mathematical Sciences properly align with the Legislation in Higher Education (2) – Act 679. It might sound technical, but our goal is to make this alignment straightforward for everyone at the school to understand.

Even though PR isn't our thing, Wen Eng and I still need to get the whole story.

So in short, today we're working on some important papers for our postgraduate courses. It's all about making sure our programs follow the rules set by MQF. It's a bit of a brain-scratching session, trying to make the right decisions. 

Wish us luck as we try to sort things out as much as we can when we get back to discussion.

Rain or Shine, the Fun's Divine! ☔️

Hi,

You know how Malaysian weather loves a good plot twist? One minute it's all sunshine and blue skies, perfect for a dip in the pool. The next? BAM! A downpour that could rival a dramatic scene in a Bollywood movie. But you know what's even better than a sunny swim? A rainy swim, apparently! These kids clearly missed the memo about "staying dry." 😅

These little water babies were having an absolute blast today. They started off splashing under the glorious sunshine, all giggles and questionable synchronized swimming routines. 🤭 Then the heavens decided to open up, and instead of the usual frantic towel-grabbing, something wonderfully chaotic happened.

Their eyes widened, not with fear of the cold but with pure, unadulterated joy! It's like someone yelled "Surprise water park upgrade!" Suddenly, the pool wasn't just a place to cool off; it was an adventure zone! Their laughter echoed through the downpour.

You see, growing up in this era, you don't always get the chance for a proper "play in the rain" experience. Either we're whisked indoors by well-meaning adults who fear the sniffles as if a little rain ever hurt anyone...much. (ehem, I'm sorry, kids), or the rain is the kind that comes with thunder and lightning, making outdoor activities a big no-no unless you fancy auditioning for a superhero origin story.

So today was a rare treat, a chance to embrace the elements in a safe and fun way. They were catching raindrops on their tongues (pretty sure at least one tried to swallow the raindrops too), pretending to be little submarines navigating a surprisingly warm monsoon, and generally behaving like the happiest, wettest, and probably soon-to-be-sneezing kids on the planet.

On the rare occasions when I allow them to get wild in the rain... I can't help but feel a pang of FOMO. I almost regretted not packing my swimsuit! 😁

It was a beautiful reminder that sometimes, the unexpected twists in life can lead to the most joyful moments. Who needs a perfectly sunny day when you have the thrill of a rain-soaked adventure? Their happiness was infectious, and honestly, watching them embrace the downpour with such enthusiasm made my heart feel all warm and fuzzy, despite the fact that my phone was probably getting slightly waterlogged just from taking these pictures. 😂🌧️

Definitely a core memory made today. Proof that with the right attitude (and maybe a family-sized box of Panadol later!), even a sudden heavy rain can turn an ordinary day into an extraordinary splash-tastic adventure! 

Life's Delicious Delays

Hi,

You know that saying, "You can have everything, just not all at once"? It's like someone looked at my life and decided to write a fortune cookie specifically for me. Because honestly, my brain operates on a "gimme all the things now" setting, much like a toddler spotting a shiny toy. But reality operates on a slightly different timeline. More like a sloth trying to win a marathon, especially when you're stuck in traffic that seems to defy all logic.

And that's where this "everything, not at once" thing starts to make a quirky kind of sense to me. Imagine trying to cram all the deliciousness of a vibrant night market into one single bite. You'd miss the smoky satay, the crispy apom balik, or soft and wobbly well-made tau fu fah. It'd be an overwhelming, slightly chaotic mess, and you wouldn't truly appreciate the individual awesomeness of each treat.

Life, I'm slowly realizing, is a bit like that night market with a glorious spread of possibilities. Career goals, family joys, personal growth and that perfectly brewed local beverage – they're all there, tempting us with their deliciousness or frustrating us with their scarcity. But trying to grab them all at once is a recipe for indigestion, both literally and figuratively. You end up feeling rushed, stressed, and probably not enjoying any of it properly.

So, lately, I've been trying to embrace the "one delightful bite at a time" approach. Appreciating the perfectly brewed coffee in front of me, even if that promotion at work is still simmering on the back burner. Savoring the laughter of my family in our little corner of the world, even if that dream vacation is still a glorious pin on my imaginary board.

It's not always easy, mind you. My inner toddler still throws the occasional tantrum when instant gratification doesn't materialize. But then I remember the wise words of that fortune cookie – or a wise someone. Reminding me that the best things often take time. And that maybe, just maybe, the joy isn't just in having "everything," but in appreciating the wonderful "something" I have right now.

Coffee. Beach. Sunrise. 

Appreciation of small joys.

Besides, if I had everything all at once, what would I have to look forward to? Where's the fun in a life where all the presents are opened on the first day? It's the anticipation, the gradual unfolding, the little victories along the way that make the journey worthwhile. So, here's to savoring the current flavour, knowing there's a whole menu of awesomeness yet to come. Just not all at once, okay universe? 😘

Balancing Deadlines & Denial

Hi,

I think I've officially wrung out every last drop of Raya story. We're a week out, and I'm trying to remember what 'normal life' even looks like. Turns out, it involves a lot of 'trying to tell my body to stop being so full of sickness'. Seriously, I'm down with everything. I'm basically a human blanket fort, but you know, with more tissues and less fun.

And let's be real, lying down all day is a fantasy reserved for, like, unicorns and people who don't have tiny humans demanding snacks and stories. Oh wait, that's me! Who am I again? A mom, am I right? So, yeah, that fantasy's just gonna have to stay in my dreams. 😂

My fantasy universe. 

Surrounded by the mysterious cosmos. 

Now let's talk about my work email. Looks like we're on a 'see you Monday' kind of relationship. I peeked, saw nothing on fire, and decided to let it marinate. But! I did get a lovely reminder from IPS about my thesis report for viva. Apparently, the end of the month is 'thesis deadline' time, and I'm only about a third of the way through my reading. Which is, you know, just peachy. That's definitely going on the 'things to panic about later' list.

On the bright side, I'm not teaching this half of the semester! I've got a whole five weeks to complete as many things as possible before I inherit MSG328 from my colleague. Five weeks sounds like a lot, right? Wrong. It's basically the amount of time it takes to blink and then suddenly realize you're late for everything.

Anyway, I think I've successfully expelled all my worries into this digital void. Feels much better! I'm officially declaring myself 'on the path to catching up.' Wish me luck, because I'm gonna need it. See you again, bye!

The Raya Rollercoaster: From Joy to Jitters

Hi,

Okay, so apparently, 'sleep' is just a suggestion tonight. I tried, I really did. But blame the cheese naan and tandoori chicken for throwing a full-blown party in my stomach. It's like they're having a tiny, spicy rave, and I'm the unwilling DJ.

And to add to the fun, I've been running on 'Raya resilience' for days. A delightful cocktail of 'I'm feeling awful but the kids need their relatives fix.' So, yeah, PCM and Difflam? My Raya besties. I'm basically a walking pharmacy. But hey, the kids had a blast, and that's what counts, right?

But just like that, my Raya break is doing its disappearing act. Two days, and poof! Back to the 'real world,' which apparently involves staring at exam scripts until my eyes cross. Just looking at that bundle makes me want to reenact a dramatic 'run away from the scary monster' scene from any horror movie, but, you know, with less screaming and more grading. 🤢

And to top it off, my siblings are all doing the 'leaving the nest' thing at dawn. Mom's place is about to become a ghost town. The kids are gonna miss their cousins like crazy. They see each other so rarely, goodbyes are always a bit of a tearjerker. But hey, we've got a KL trip planned for the end of the month, so there's that. Onward and upward!

Let us take a moment to enjoy some of the studio photographs taken of the children with their cousins and grandparents during the Hari Raya celebrations.

With Atok & Nenek in Jasin. (2025)

Tokwan & Maktok in Telok Air Tawar (2023)

My favorite photo ever taken in 2019. They're so adorably tiny, I can't handle it! 🤗

Alright, rambling session over. I'm officially signing off. Time to try and negotiate a truce between my stomach and the tandoori chicken rave. And then, it's hospital appointment time! Wish me luck. I'm gonna need it. Good night!

Raya Rocket to Penang!

Hi,

Well, just like that, Melaka's Raya fiesta has packed its bags and waved goodbye! Day one? Let's just say 'hectic' was putting it mildly. I'm pretty sure my baju gained a few stress wrinkles. 😅 But, oh, the heart-warming moment! I got to surprise my other grandmother, who's currently living with my Aunty in Batu Berendam. She's been bedridden for many years and I haven't seen her for quite some time, and seeing her little great-grandkids on Raya? Cue the waterworks! Seriously, that's what Raya's all about – making your loved ones beam with smile.

And now, I'm on the ETS, zooming away from Melaka like a Raya rocket, heading back to Penang to unleash the family chaos! All my siblings are converging at my parents' place, which is basically the annual 'Cucus vs. Maktok & Tokwan's House' showdown. We see each other, sure, but Penang reunions? That's a whole different level of madness. Sorry, Mom, but they've been plotting this cucu-invasion for ages. Prepare for maximum decibel levels and a serious shortage of kuih raya! 😂

Our train, bless its punctual little wheels, departed at 4:08 PM, and we're scheduled to roll into Butterworth around 10:45 PM. Six and a half hours of train-tastic fun! And guess what? Nenek, bless her snack-packing soul, has basically turned our seats into a mini-grocery store. She's terrified her little munchkins might starve. It's like she thinks they're going on a desert trek, not a train ride.

Boy was happy, Nenek packed a ton of snacks for him.

Of course, kids being kids, they're already plotting a cafe raid. 'Mom, can we get ALL the snacks?' As long as they're behaving (and not trying to trade their baju Raya for train conductors' hats), I'm a happy, snack-stocked mama!

And then, of course, he wanted snacks from the cafe. 😂

So, to Butterworth we go! Hoping for a peaceful train ride and a joyful reunion in Penang! Bye!