Unusual Saturday Story

Hi,

It's the weekend and this is exactly what I've been waiting for! It means I get to spend more of my mornings at home. Usually on weekdays, I'm out the door super early, like around 6 or 6:10 AM, just to beat that crazy traffic to work. My workplace, USM, is about 35 kilometers away. Normally, it's only a quick 30-minute drive, but with heavy traffic, it can turn into a loooong 90-minute journey each way! So yeah, I always try to tweak my schedule to avoid being stuck in the car for ages every day.

So anyway, guess what exciting adventure I embarked on Saturday morning? Forget scaling Mount Everest or discovering ancient ruins. I faced my fears and headed to Pathlab for a blood test! Now, this wasn't just any spontaneous decision. The last time my precious bodily fluids were analyzed was way back in 2022. Yes, you read that right, three whole years ago! 

You see, I'm a firm believer that while the outside might look like a perfectly tuned sports car, the engine underneath could be running on fumes. So, armed with curiosity (and maybe a tiny bit of apprehension), I marched myself into Pathlab for a full health screening. After all, what's a little prick for peace of mind, right?

And get this, they're having a deal so good, it's practically a steal! We're talking 62 complete tests, plus 10 cancer markers, and a HST Test, all for a mere RM357. That's like getting a VIP pass to see what's happening inside for the price of a fancy dinner! Seriously, you might want to check out their Facebook page because deals like this don't come around every day. 

Pathlab's promo runs until June 30th, and I added RM60 for the HST test.

Now, the waiting game begins. I get to pick up my results on Wednesday, and I'm crossing every finger and toe that everything's going along nicely in there. 🤲

But my day of excitement didn't stop there! As the sun began to set, I swapped my curious medical patient hat for something a little snazzier and headed to the Math Society gala dinner. From vials of blood to equations and algorithms, my Saturday was truly a mix of everything!

With Nash, the head of MathSoc who's a huge help to the school and me.

Recently, I've been spending quite some time working with these smart students. They were incredibly helpful in so many ways. I knew that showing up at their important event would make them incredibly happy. And honestly, it made me happy too! Sharing dinner with them and seeing their joy was really heartwarming. I remember being exactly where they are now, full of youthful energy and big dreams. Events like these aren't just about food; they're about celebrating hard work, making new friends, and creating memories that stick with you forever. 

It was a genuinely fun night, full of laughter and a pleasant trip down memory lane to my own student days. So, that was my Saturday, a perfect blend of health check-ups and heartwarming connections! All in all, a pretty epic day.

Right now, I'm currently enjoying my best after midnight life, serenaded by the washing machine as I try to get some writing done. Guess a Mom life never truly clocks out, does it? And always include a laundry basket! 😂

My Mid-June Mix-Up!

Hi,

Okay, here we go! It's me and my words again, and honestly, I'm a little bit confused right now. I'm feeling so torn in between so many things, and it's just so hard to make decisions on stuff that feels way beyond what my brain can even process! Some things really need a good chat, but if that discussion doesn't happen, well, it's just so tough to make a smart choice. But you know what? It's okay, let's just forget about it for now!

Speaking of other things, get this: I accidentally tripped over my ankle yesterday! Well, that's just typical me! I can be quite clumsy sometimes, always keeping things interesting!😂I thought it was nothing big, but somehow the pain has stuck around. It's not like, super painful, but it's definitely there. Fingers crossed the pain decides to pack its bags and leave real soon!

Anyway, the third week of June is finishing up, and this month has been absolutely jam-packed! My personal calendar is probably the fullest it's ever been. Juggling everything is definitely a challenge, but hey, I'm still doing good so far! 

Whenever there's a school event, you can always count on seeing these faces there! They're my amazing crew! 

Alright, weekend, let's do this! My list is already packed with plans, and I'm totally ready to rock it! Until then, have a wonderful weekend everyone. Catch you later, bye!

Seizing the Day

Hi,

Good morning from Penang! It's Tuesday, and while there’s no lecture on my schedule today, my calendar is already buzzing. I’ve got a long list of tasks staring me down, and the day is shaping up to be a true test of focus and time management.

My view: Soaking in the sky's simple beauty.

You know those days when you look at your schedule and wonder how you’ll fit it all in? Today is one of those! Every viva on my calendar means four dedicated hours are set aside. That leaves just a few precious hours for everything else. My day is packed with back-to-back student meetings, and later, an important Zoom call with a potential research collaborator. My fingers are crossed that everything turns out to be fruitful today – I'm pouring a lot of energy into these interactions!

As I wait for my first student meeting this morning, I'm taking a moment to simply write. And let me tell you, it feels so good to put thoughts down. It’s funny how we communicate, right? There are basically two ways to share what’s going on in your daily life. One is talking to a person, and for me, I find comfort in connecting with you, my virtual readers.

Sometimes, life just doesn’t allow for much time to chat with others, not just about work, but about life in general. But I truly believe it’s incredibly important to find a way to express yourself. Whether it’s a quick chat with a friend or scribbling notes in a quiet moment, these connections keep us grounded.

So, as I dive into this busy Tuesday, I'm grateful for these little pockets of time to reflect and share. Wish me luck for a productive and rewarding day! And to all of you out there, I hope you have a fantastic and fulfilling day too, wherever you are! 

Aligning My Stars

Hi,

It's another night for some serious thinking, though not that serious. I rarely get the luxury to sit down and truly reflect on myself, so when the opportunity arises, I take it. I'm writing this down so my future self will know that I was also taking care of 'her' despite all the other responsibilities I'm juggling.

The last few days were a bit chaotic. I was working on something that didn't quite turn out as planned. It was a bit disappointing at first, especially after investing so much effort, to see things not go according to plan. However, after a thorough discovery session regarding my readiness, I've decided to slow-cook this idea, perfecting its flavor so it truly serves the subject's best interest, not just my own.

It's somehow been a powerful realization that some things are best done slowly, like a perfectly brewed cup of coffee. Building a strong foundation is key, and the biggest lesson for me has been to truly understand my "why." Am I doing this for the sheer joy of personal gain, or is it for the bigger picture, to genuinely benefit others? Turns out, the latter feels way better!

Once I made that decision, the universe apparently got the memo because everything suddenly started to align. Like today, I unexpectedly met two secondary school teachers from the "Pengetua in training" program, Ms. Lam and Mr. Lem.

A brief encounter with Ms. Lam from SMJK Sacred Heart, Balik Pulau and Mr. Lem from SMK Taman Sejahtera, Bukit Mertajam. 

They basically popped out looking for opportunities to collaborate, and somehow, the cosmic GPS guided them right to me! I was absolutely thrilled to cooperate, mostly because I know I could gain so many secret weapons from their experience in teaching SPM Mathematics AND Additional Mathematics, two most hated subjects for SPM candidates. Think of it as a Jedi training for my brain! 😂

And just like that, I feel like my direction is finally set and clear. I need to take some time to strategically mapping out my next moves, focusing particularly on solidifying the groundwork. I'm currently so happy and excited about this path! 😊

Alright, enough thinking for tonight. It seems stargazing really means a lot to me. Have a wonderful weekend, everyone! Catch up soon. Bye!

An Eid al-Adha Tale

Hi,

Happy Eid al-Adha, or as we call it here, Raya Haji or Raya Qurban! While many are focused on the Hajj season and the sembelih lembu (it's a public event!), I'm mostly excited about the public holiday perks. Come on, who doesn't right? 😉

Guess what, I kicked off Raya night with a movie marathon at Gurney Plaza – the only spot still showing "Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning", while the kids were busy with "Karate Kids Legends." That night outing was a blast for all of us, although quite unexpected for the night before raya!

As usual, every Raya Qurban, kids have been waiting to be the spectacular of their Tokwan doing the sembelih. Especially Adam, I still remember when I feel like tying him up because he wanted to poke the cow's eyes. Oh my Adam. 😂

Tokwan and his little apprentice! If I don't keep a close eye on him, he'll be on top of that cow in no time.

And speaking of personal victories, today marks the glorious return of my fingernails! As a qurbani this year, I've been on a 10-day no-cut challenge for hair and nails. So, get ready for some serious clipping today! 😁

So, that's my Eid story in a nutshell! I'm making the most of this holiday until Monday, then it's back to reality. Hope you had a truly blessed one!

The Little Boss in Me

Hi,

It's late, but the hum of the washing machine signals my designated "thinking and writing" time! There's something truly therapeutic about these quiet moments, especially when I get to spill all the thoughts that have been renting space in the rooms of my brain onto the page. Seriously, I always feel so much lighter and clearer after I write.

Life can be a funny thing, right? We're all out here trying our best, juggling responsibilities, chasing dreams, and sometimes, trying to figure out if that weird noise in the car is serious or not. Amidst all this, there's often one tiny little thing that trips us up more than anything else: ourselves. More specifically, that sneaky little thing called ego.

Peeling back the layers of my ego through self-reflection.

Imagine your ego as a mini-boss inside your head. It’s the part that really likes to be right, look good, and maybe even show off a little. It’s like that friend who always wants to choose the restaurant, even if you’re craving sushi and they know you don't favour pizza. Sometimes, this mini-boss gets a bit too loud, and it stops us from seeing things clearly or making smart choices.

For example, maybe you're trying to decide on a new project at work. Your ego might whisper, "Just say yes! You're super capable! Don't let anyone think you can't handle it!" even if deep down, you know you're already swamped. Or maybe you messed up, and your ego shouts, "It wasn't your fault! Blame the coffee machine!" instead of letting you learn from the mistake. It’s in these moments that your ego can actually keep you from making the best decision for you. It pulls you into its shadow, where you can't see the full picture.

So, how do we get this mini-boss to chill out and let us lead? It all starts with being honest with yourself. And I mean really honest. Not the "I swear I only had one cookie" kind of honest, but the "Okay, I totally ate the whole box, and I regret nothing (or maybe everything)" kind of honest.

Once your ego learns that you're in charge – that you can see through its little tricks and make decisions based on what's truly best – it starts to relax. It’s like a pet that finally understands you’re the one holding the leash (and the treats!). When your ego accepts that you're the one in control, it stops pushing you to hide in its shadow. Instead, it lets you step into the light, confident in who you are and the choices you make.

Remember, this isn't about getting rid of your ego entirely (we all need a little self-confidence!). It's about teaching it to be a helpful teammate, not a bossy tyrant. So, next time you feel that little voice trying to steer you wrong, just give it a gentle nudge and remind it who's truly in charge. You've got this!💪

Big Sister's Pride

Hi,

This post is especially for my wonderful younger sister, Fatin! Don't let her petite size fool you – she has the biggest, most unstoppable drive when it comes to her dreams.

Since I was little, I always wished for a younger sibling, and then she came along, making me the official big sister in the family! She's the third in our lineup, born four years after me. 

I remember taking my big sister duties super seriously, whether we were at home, at school, or practically anywhere else. That habit definitely sticks around, even now that we're all grown-ups – my younger siblings still come to me for just about anything!

Speaking of which, she once told me about her interest in working for herself, right after graduating from UIAM. She asked for my two cents, and I told her, "Go for it, if it makes you happy!" But I also remember saying, "Whatever you choose, make sure you really rock it!" And guess what? She totally did it!

That big sister role? It totally sticks with you, no matter how old we get!

She decided to focus on becoming a confinement lady, giving new mothers the best care possible. Alhamdulillah, she's been doing that for over 10 years now, and she has really built an amazing reputation for herself in the industry. Her dedication is so inspiring!

We might have totally different personalities, but we share one big goal: making our parents proud. And honestly, that's what truly counts! 😊

Seasons Shift, People Shine

Hi,

Did you know that June 1st is a really interesting day, not just for the calendar, but for nature too? Today marks a big meteorological change in the weather around the world. If you're in places like Europe, North America, or most of Asia (the Northern Hemisphere), you're officially welcoming summer today! That means longer days, warmer weather, and lots of sunshine. It's a time for outdoor fun and vibrant energy.

But down south, in places like Australia, New Zealand, or South America (the Southern Hemisphere), they're actually welcoming winter! I personally love the cold winter in the South. It's not usually as harsh as some northern winters, but it's still nice and chilly, especially near the beach. It’s perfect for me!

Winter in the South often means it's time to get cozy at home. You've got every good reason to just relax in your warm house, maybe in your favourite pyjamas, enjoying the heater without having to pile on layers just to go outside.

This cool switch in seasons makes June 1st even more special for all the amazing people who were born today. Just like the changing weather, these folks bring their own unique warmth and spirit into the world.

Whether they're as bright and lively as a summer's day or as comforting and cozy as a winter's evening, people born on June 1st have a special charm. They add their own bit of magic to life, whether it's through being creative, kind, a great leader, or just by bringing joy to those around them.

So, as we notice the seasons changing today, let's also take a moment to celebrate the wonderful people in our lives who have a birthday on this date. To all the fantastic June 1st birthday folks out there, no matter where you are or what season you're enjoying: Happy Birthday! I hope your day is full of happiness, warmth, and everything that makes you feel loved.