Life in the In-Between

Hi,

I’ve missed writing so much! Lately, my plate hasn't just been full. It’s been overflowing. Between being there for my father during his recovery and managing my other responsibilities, life has felt like a bit of a blur. But I’m adjusting, finding my footing, and taking it one day at a time.

Speaking of work, it’s officially Exam Week at USM! Usually, I’m the early bird who has everything wrapped up by now, but this time, my schedule was pushed back by about two weeks. I’m still working on finalizing the coursework marks for my MAT223 students. I was honest with my class about the situation, and I honestly can’t thank them enough for their kindness. They’ve been so patient and understanding about the delay. I’ve promised them that those marks will be released a few days before the final exam so they can focus on their revision.

Final lecture of the semester with this amazing bunch.

Among my favourite girls. They always know exactly how to wow me with their hard work and creativity.

For now, I’ve packed up and moved into my parents' house for a 10-day stay. My main mission? To make sure the house feels warm, busy, and full of life. Between the marking, the caregiving, and the general hum of a family home, I know it’s going to be a busy and slightly chaotic stay, but it’s the best kind of chaos. It feels good to be where I’m needed most.

This season is teaching me that we don't always have to be perfect to be purposeful. Even when the plan changes and things get messy, showing up for the people we love is what truly counts. If you’re also feeling like you’re juggling the world right now, just remember, it’s okay to slow down, it’s okay to ask for patience, and you are doing much better than you think. We’ve got this!

The Great Ferry Nostalgia Trip

Hi,

Today, I did something I haven’t done in literal ages. I ditched the car, ignored the traffic, and hopped on the ferry to the island. Usually, my hospital runs will be from my workplace, but today? I just wasn't feeling like driving all the way to USM. I was suggested to try the ferry, and my brain went, "Why not? Let's turn this commute into an adventure!"

My first time testing out the brand-new ferry system.

Since it’s the weekend, I traveled from home, parked at Penang Central, and let the ferry do the work. Honestly? It was so smooth. No road rage, no traffic jams. Just me, a prime window seat, and a stunning view of the Penang Bridge and the city skyline to keep me company.

Ferry rides, skyline vibes, and a heavy dose of 90s nostalgia.

The best part? The nostalgia hit me like a massive wave! I started thinking back to 25 years ago (yes, back when I was a young and energetic teenager! 😂). My best friends and I used to literally sprint along the pathway to catch the ferry so we could head to Prangin Mall. Anyone who grew up in Penang in the late 90s or early 2000s knows exactly how important those ferry-to-mall missions were!

Seeing the old, unused jetty paths brought back so many memories.

Back then, Prangin Mall was the biggest, coolest mall around, and catching a movie there was the ultimate weekend highlight. If we missed the ferry, that was 30 minutes of standing around agonizing over whether we'd make it before the opening credits! 

Now that I’m officially in the 'fabulous 40s' club, my sprinting days are mostly reserved for chasing down students who haven't turned in their assessments... so sitting quietly and enjoying the sea breeze felt like a true luxury. It feels so good to break the routine and do something purely for the joy of it. I’m not sure when my next sea voyage will be, but I’m definitely doing this again.

Moral of the story: Sometimes, the best way to move forward is to take the slow boat! 🚢❤️

Progress, Not Perfection

Hi,

It has taken me some time to find my words again. I have so much I want to share, but lately, the starting line has felt a little far away. Life has been moving at a pace that sometimes feels more like a machine than a person. Every minute is accounted for, every task is timed, and sometimes, my body simply tells me it’s time to rest before I’m even ready to stop.

I hold onto the memories of our recent winter trip to Harbin like a hidden treasure. I want so badly to write down every laugh and every snowflake for my children to read one day. Coming home brought a shift in season, not just in the weather, but in my heart. From the joy of vacation to the quiet weight of new worries. I know those stories are still there, safe in the corners of my mind, waiting for the right moment to bloom.

There is a gentle light shining through, though. My father is coming home. He continues to show positive progress, and while we know the path ahead looks different now, we are walking it with him. We are meeting this new chapter with steady support, determination, and a whole lot of love.

Life can change in a heartbeat. One moment you are the child being cared for, and the next, you are the one making the big, brave decisions. Juggling the roles of a daughter, a mother, and a professional is a delicate dance, and I’ll admit, I often forget to put my own well-being on the list.

But even in the exhaustion, I am hopeful. I am learning that it’s okay to be 'in progress' just as much as my father is. I’m looking forward to the days when the smiles come a little more easily and the laughter feels a little lighter. We are all doing our best, and that is enough.

This was my last big smile before reality shifted. Even with a freezing red nose and rosy cheeks, my heart was full.

Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. Better, brighter days are on the horizon. 💕

Beyond the Scans

Hi,

I’m back with an update. We are officially on day three of this 'waiting game', and honestly, I’ve surprised myself with how much I can handle.

From never visiting Penang GH to feeling like a local resident. The 'waiting game' life is real.

For the record, my dad is currently fighting a brain bleed. It’s a very uncertain situation. To put it simply: his CT scans show the bleeding has reached a very sensitive area (the fourth ventricle), which usually means bad news. But here is the miracle, clinically, he is doing amazing. His brain is functioning well despite the pressure.

The neurosurgeon told us that Dad is a true fighter. He even said Dad must have done a lot of good for the universe because, in this condition, his survival is a miracle. If you know my dad, you know that’s true. He’s the man who never says a bad word about anyone, always happy, always cooking, and always making sure everyone is fed, no matter who they are.

Currently, he’s in the Neurosurgical Ward at Penang General Hospital under the care of specialist Dr. Jayaseelan, an amazing person. They are monitoring him closely and doing scans every morning. If things get worse, they will operate immediately. But for now, he is fighting through this with nothing but painkillers and his own strength. The doctor says his ability to self-heal is truly a miracle.

Please keep him in your prayers. Thank you. 🙏

2026’s Icy Adventure: Hello from Harbin!

Hi everyone,

Long time no type! First thing first… Happy 2026! How did you celebrate? I kicked off mine by pretending to live in an actual freezer. Yep, I’m in Harbin, China, where cold doesn’t even begin to cover it. Let me paint the picture. At noon, it’s -17°C. That’s cold enough to make your tears freeze. But by nighttime? We’re talking -28°C. That’s the kind of cold where your phone battery gives up and your eyelashes get frosty. Sounds wild, right?

But here’s the secret. If you dress like an onion, layer after layer after layer, you actually start having fun. I’m wrapped up so much I can barely move my arms, but hey, I’m warm(ish) and loving it! I can’t possibly tell you everything in one go, this trip deserves a few stories. But let me start with the basics.

Harbin is famous as the Ice City in winter. And it totally lives up to the name. Imagine walking down a street where instead of buildings, you see giant castles, animals, and sculptures… all made of ice. And not just small ones, I’m talking ice buildings taller than houses! Because it’s so insanely cold, these icy artworks don’t melt, even in sunlight. It’s like a sparkling, frozen wonderland everywhere you look. Mind-blowing stuff.

Talk about first impression. This was my welcome sight just moments before landing.

This scene holds a piece of forever in it.

But there’s more! As soon as the sun sets, Harbin becomes what I’d like to call, the Light City. Every building, tree, and street lights up in bright, beautiful colors. It’s not just one or two spots. The whole city agrees to glow together. Walking around feels like being inside a rainbow or a giant fairy tale. With all those lights shining all night, they must use crazy amounts of electricity. Maybe they have a secret power plant run by yetis. No surprise there!

Extra glow, courtesy of the moon

The roadside trees are all dressed up in twinkling lights.

 

My kind of walk.

So that’s my quick intro to life in the freezer. I’ve still got a few more days here to explore, take silly photos in my marshmallow outfit, and drink a lot of hot coffee. More stories (and maybe a tip on how to wear five layers of clothes) coming soon.

Bye for now, stay warm! ❄️✨