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! ❄️✨

The Countdown is Almost Over

Hi,

The day is finally here! After months of dreaming and planning, we are officially jetting off to a winter wonderland in the northeast corner of the globe. This is my very first time visiting, and honestly? My only expectation is pure, uninhibited happiness.

I’m on a mission to soak up every second and make core memories with my little humans. They’re growing up so fast, and I want to cherish these adventures while they still want their mom right by their side before they officially turn into big kids.

So anyway, packing for a frozen world was a challenge, but somehow I won the Luggage Tetris championship! We have five bags in total. One giant, two medium, and two carry-ons. I’m actually shocked I managed to fit all those puffy jackets and three pairs of chunky snow boots without the zippers popping! The bags aren't even completely full yet, but I have a feeling they’ll be bursting on the way back once I stock up on more snow gear for the kids.

Winter gear organization. Compartments for everything means zero stress and easy access to all the layer.

The line-up! Those bags in the back are actually expandable.

I have a feeling that extra space is going to come in very handy for all the shopping later.

So, here is my final update for 2025. I’ll be spending New Year’s Eve literally in the clouds, flying over the Peninsula and the South China Sea. The next time you hear from me, it’ll be 2026, and I’ll be greeting you from a whole new country! 🇨🇳

Happy New Year, everyone! May your best moments of 2025 become the memories you cherish forever. I know I’m certainly tucking mine away in my heart.

See you next year! ❄️✈️

Winter Packing 101: Gadgets Every Travel Mom Needs

Hi,

I just set the laundry basket aside, which officially marks a hard-won victory in the war against a three-day mountain of clothes. Honestly, moms, how do you do it? I feel like if I don’t do a load every single day, the pile starts to grow a mind of its own and reaches for the ceiling. My biggest enemy isn't the washing, though; it’s the folding. If I don’t slot in those 15 minutes at night, the pile triples in size while I sleep!

There is nothing quite like the calm feeling of waking up to an empty laundry basket. It’s the little things, right?

Anyway, onto the main event, I am officially packing! ❄️✈️

I’ve finished the Priority Bags (one checked luggage and one cabin bag). These are the bags that contain our entire lives. I heard it’s going to be absolutely freezing the moment we step off the plane, so I’ve stuffed the cabin bag with thermals, down jackets, and gloves for me and the kids. We are basically going to transform into a family of marshmallows the second we touch down!

The ready-to-wear bag for that first blast of cold air.

Then there’s the Survival Bag. When you travel with kids, you aren't just a mom. You’re a walking pharmacy and a 24-hour cafeteria. Since their tiny tummies need a refill every two hours, I’ve packed enough instant fried rice and noodles to feed a small army. I’ve also stocked up on granola bars to 'power up' the kids whenever they start to get grumpy or tired. It’s amazing what a little snack can do for a kid's mood (and my sanity!). 🍫💪

I’m a huge fan of eating out, but I’ve learned that life is much easier if I fill up those little tummies before we even head out.

I’m also bringing my Travel Tech squad:

• The Shoe Dryer: Our literal hero! Since we’ll be trekking through thick snow, I refuse to let us walk around in soggy boots the next day.

• The Mini Steam Iron: Because my voile scarves deserve to look as good as the scenery.

• Travel Hangers: Because hotel closets never seem to understand that winter layers require a lot of hanging space!

• The Mini Pump & Vacuum Bags: My absolute lifesavers! Without these, those puffy winter jackets would take up the entire suitcase. I’m vacuum-sealing everything like a pro to save space for, well... more snacks.

• The Mini Pot: My secret weapon for those midnight noodle cravings.

So here are the gadgets every travel mom needs to survive a winter getaway.

I still have two more bags to prepare, but those are on low priority level. If I forget my own socks, I can buy them there. But if I forget the kids' favorite snacks? Total catastrophe.

Okay, enough sharing for tonight. I need to get some sleep before the next round of 'Mom vs. The World' begins tomorrow. See you again next time! Bye! 💕

The Cold Truth About Exam Integrity

Hi,

I just wrapped up one of my biggest tasks of the semester, handling the second test for MAT223. And let me tell you, compared to the chaos of Test 1, this was a smooth, drama-free victory!

To understand why I was so prepared today, you have to know what happened last time. Test 1 was... a choice. We had everything from sneaky phone users to a student who literally tried to swap himself with a body double! Unfortunately for him, my face-recognition skills are better than he thought. He was caught off guard, and let's just say, the replacement didn't work out. Too bad.

The biggest issue? The lecture hall. In a theater-style setting, it’s far too easy for students to hide phones in their jackets. With only two helpers, it was like playing a game with mobile devices. I heard the complaints loud and clear, and I promised myself, I will do better this time.

For today’s test, I came armed with a plan. If you want to beat the cheats, you have to change the environment.

1. New Venue, New Rules: I booked the Dewan Utama Peperiksaan. It’s huge, fits all 270 students at once, and the table layout is designed for actual exams, not just naps and lectures. No more hiding behind the person in front of you!

2. The "No Jacket" Policy: Knowing how cold the hall gets, I told them: Thick clothes? Yes. Jackets? Absolutely not. A few tried to negotiate, but sorry kids, mama didn’t raise a quitter, and she didn’t raise an easy target either. You can survive the cold for one hour for the sake of integrity. 

3. The Gadget Sweep: Students these days have more tech than a NASA control room. Smartwatches, tablets, dual phones, you name it. I ordered everything under the desks. Two suspicious characters tried to hide their smartwatches under their sleeves. Nice try! Those watches spent the rest of the hour on my desk.

I couldn't have pulled this off alone. On top of my two fantastic tutors, two additional amazing student volunteers sacrificed their early morning sleep to help me patrol the aisles. It’s not a glamorous job, but they did it with a smile. I am so grateful for their help, they were my extra sets of eyes! Including myself and the helpers, the five of us spent the entire hour patrolling the aisles like a high-security detail.

Huge thanks to Aleya and Hariz. They are my absolute favorites. Always ready to help and always there when it counts. 💕

I know I might seem like the "villain" to some, but it’s getting tougher to manage student behavior lately. My goal isn't to be mean, it’s to be fair.

Honesty is a trait that will take you much further in life than a smuggled phone ever will. I want my students to enter their final exams and their future careers knowing that success is earned through preparation, not shortcuts.

Now that the dust has settled, do I get a relaxing weekend? Haha. I wish!

I have three suitcases to pack for an upcoming trip. So, instead of grading papers in my pajamas, I’ll be folding clothes and playing Tetris with my luggage. Wish me luck. I think I’m going to need it more than the students did today! ✈️

Time to go from Exam Mode to Weekend Mode. Have a fantastic one, everyone! Bye! 😊

The Power of Just Listening

Hi,

Yesterday, I was a complete mess. I’m talking about the kind of emotional state where you’d probably apologize to a chair if you accidentally bumped into it. Usually, I’m the Cool Teacher. Calm, composed, and very professional. But the moment I’m alone? I turn into a puddle. I was getting teary-eyed over everything. A sad song? Sniffle. A slightly wilted leaf? Heartbroken.

Then, yesterday, I walked toward my office and saw a flower tucked into my door. My first thought wasn't "Oh, how sweet!" It was more like, "Who found me?!"🤔

The Mystery Flower at the Forbidden Door

See, I have a very specific rule. I do not meet students simply in my office. I’ll meet you at any public places like a cafe or a random bench around the school or under even a tree, but not my office. I have my personal reasons (mostly involving my secret stash of snacks 😋 and my desire to avoid unannounced quick questions that last two hours).

So, seeing a flower there was like seeing a glitch in the Matrix. I picked it up and found a small note. It was from two students who had just finished their PhDs. They were officially graduating and leaving Malaysia to start their real adult lives elsewhere.

Now, tell me how could I not tear up?

Now, you might be thinking, "You’re an academic. Students graduate all the time. Why the waterworks?" And honestly? Fair point. Usually, I just shake their hands, give them a good luck pat on the back, and wonder if they’ll ever return. But these two were different. They weren't even my students. And to add in more fun, they weren't even from my faculty!

We started as total strangers. They were struggling, drowning in the deep, dark ocean of PhD research, and I just happened to be the one with a metaphorical life jacket. I treated them like my own.

Watching them grow was like watching a tiny, stressed-out bud turn into a confident, blooming flower. To be honest, half the time they talked about their research, I had no idea what they were saying. (Physics? Biology? Chemistry? Who knows!)

But I didn't need to understand the science. I just watched their eyes light up whenever they made progress. It turns out, people don't always need you to be a genius or a miracle worker. Sometimes, they just need someone to actually listen to their rants, someone who won't roll their eyes when things go wrong and someone to just a simple "Hey, you've got this."

On his very last day at USM, I finally welcomed a student into my office.

It’s the most basic way to respect another human being, yet it’s the thing that hits the hardest. So, I stood there holding that flower, looking at these two human beings who were once lost strangers and are now ready to take on the world. I thought about the years of struggle, the breakthrough meetings, and the fact that they remembered me on their way out the door.

Now, you tell me again, how could I not tear up? My Cool Teacher reputation is officially in ruins, but my heart is full. 💕

Small Wins, Big Heart

Hi,

There is nothing more satisfying than reaching the end of the day and ticking off those big wins on my list. Today, my heart is extra full.

We started the day celebrating Auni’s amazing performance in her KAFA exams. Alhamdulillah! She did it again! 🎉

Now, here’s the funny part: Auni is basically a part-time student. At the start of every year, I have to politely tell her teachers that she’s going to miss a lot of classes. Why? Because this mom has a daily date with the monster traffic on the bridge, and I just can't wait until 5:30 PM every day! 🚗💨

The Promise: ✋ I promised her teachers that if she leaves early, I’ll be her home teacher to help her catch up.

The Reality: Most subjects were a breeze. I can still handle reading Jawi, and we actually had fun memorizing together. But then... we met Bahasa Arab. Oh boy. 🤦‍♀️ This mom has zero third language skills! While Auni was learning, I was basically a professional at using Google Translate. Let’s just say I am destined to struggle with languages forever, but at least we laughed through the confusion! 🤣

The Lesson: I truly believe you always need a teacher to learn properly, but I didn't want that to be an excuse for her to give up. I wanted Auni to know that trying your best is the most important step. Even with missed classes and a struggling mom-teacher 😅, she stayed focused and nailed it. I’m so proud of her for not drifting away and for giving it her all.

Good job, Auni! You’re the real star! 🌟 You’ve shown me that with a bit of hard work and a lot of heart, anything is possible. Thank you for making all those early pickups and bridge-traffic races totally worth it. You are my greatest achievement!💕

My Kampung Victory!

Hi, 

Hey everyone! Guess where I am? I’ve hit the road and landed in Jasin, Melaka, visiting the in-laws! Even though I haven't been back in ages, it instantly feels like my cozy, easy-going second home.

The best part? The little ones are having an absolute blast! They are basically tiny, fearless explorers, running wild, chasing all the kampung critters, and burning off all their energy. They don't get this kind of freedom very often, so I'm just sitting back and enjoying the chaos. Let them run! (And maybe apologize to the neighbour's cat later.) 😉

Now, for my major victory of the day! Since I had a little free time on my hands (shocking, I know), I decided to tackle the dreaded MMPA course. You know, that boring, compulsory training that all government folks have to finish?

The Mandatory Certificate that Caused Mass Chaos. 😂

I heard all the noise and panic the last few days about people struggling to log in (digital traffic jams are the worst!). But I stayed out of the rush. Honestly, I was too tired. I registered, then immediately put it on the 'I'll Do It Later' list for seven whole days.

This morning, though? After a fantastic night's sleep (eight glorious hours!), I logged in, and it was the smoothest mission ever! No crashes, no lag, just pure, uninterrupted course completion. I finished the entire thing before I even had my morning coffee! Talk about a win! 🎉

Finishing that course really made me think about our students and their online learning, like those Microcredential and MOOC classes. It’s tough! Now I totally get their pain and frustration. Since almost all the lecturers have now had to complete this MMPA course, I really hope we take away a lesson: Compulsory learning is hard!

I realized that I absolutely love reading and learning new things... unless I am forced to do it. When it’s mandatory, the fun drains right out. And that, I bet, is exactly how our students feel about subjects they are forced to take. It was a great moment of understanding!

So, between the family fun and my online course triumph, I also managed to get a lot of work done, including finishing all the marking for Test 1. Hooray! The results... well, they're a little frustrating, to be honest! It shows we have a serious challenge ahead. I need to figure out a new plan right away so my students can rock Test 2 and the Final Exam!

That’s my kampung update! I’m so happy I managed to tick off so many things on my list. Two more days of chill time before I head back to the normal routine.

Talk soon! Bye! 👋

The Final Sprint

Hi,

Hello, lovelies! How's everyone holding up? As for me, I'm currently operating at peak commitment capacity. Think of a finely tuned academic machine... that occasionally stuck because it forgot to refill its coffee. 😅

We're in the final stretch of the semester, and my calendar is looking like a battle plan: 3 chapters to go, 1 test, 1 assignment, and the final project submission. Not forgetting the 'elephant in the room', a stack of Test 1 and Assignment 1 papers that are patiently (or impatiently?) waiting for me to finish marking. Productivity is a journey, right? 😵Honestly, if anyone finds my sanity lying around, please return it. I need it for the next few weeks!

To make things extra spicy, I'm also donning the hat of Internal Examiner for several upcoming viva-voce sessions. While this means I have to read reports that could potentially rival the length of a small novel, it’s a role I genuinely enjoy.

It keeps me grounded. I get to read about amazing projects, and sometimes, they zoom light-years past my own expertise. That's how I know I'm still growing by being the student again while being the examiner! It’s an invaluable way to keep my knowledge base fresh and my thoughts agile.

Anyway, I'm a massive fan of the speedy viva (under two hours is a dream!). It's not a race, but when a candidate, their project, and the panel are all efficiently aligned, it feels like a harmonious academic ballet. No lengthy, unnecessary defenses. Just straight-to-the-point discussion.

Record-breaking. Among the shortest vivas I’ve ever experienced.

And another one of the quickest sessions I’ve ever been part of.

Efficient and effective. I’m a fan!

I have two more reports to prep for and two viva sessions for my own students coming soon. I'm crossing my fingers for quick and decisive sessions for them all!

This is the life of an academic. A constant juggling act of guiding, learning, and self-improvement. If you’re pushing through a tough deadline, a heavy workload, or a challenging personal goal, remember that this intensity builds resilience. Take a deep breath. Focus on the next small step, and celebrate every little win. We're all pushing to the finish line. Keep your head down, remember why you started, and just keep moving forward. You've got this!

I've started chipping away at my personal passion projects too, so here's to a smooth wrap-up for everyone. 💕

Unspeakable Calm of Midnight

Hey,

It's the peaceful midnight hour of the weekend, and I cherish these quiet Saturday nights. This is my chance to do the things I miss during the busy work week.

My neighbourhood is perfectly silent now. Everyone seems to be deep in slumberland already. Meanwhile, I'm here, enjoying the quiet by stargazing through my glass wall.💫

The moon tonight is truly stunning. It looks so full and bright, radiating a soft glow that makes the entire night feel beautiful, even when it hides behind a few clouds. I tried to capture it with my seasoned mobile camera, but the photo simply didn't do it justice.

It shines so brightly, I believe it's sending a message of promise to the world tonight.

Anyway, as I was relaxing, I heard a song on the tv called "P. Ramlee & Saloma". Now, the melody is completely stuck in my head! It's so hard to believe a simple song can fit this tranquil moment so perfectly. I think I'll listen to it again while watching the moon sets away from my sight.

And you know what? Finding this quiet connection in the night with the music and the stars is the perfect reset button for my soul. It's moments like these that make the hustle of the past week feel utterly distant and irrelevant. They remind me that true richness isn't found in relentless activity, but in stillness. A stillness that clarifies the spirit and prepares you to greet the coming week not with dread, but with quiet, renewed purpose.

And with that, my thoughts come to rest for tonight. I cherished this chance to write freely again. It truly felt restorative. Now, to embrace the lingering quiet a little longer before I surrender to sleep. Goodnight. 💕

Conquering the -25°C Winter with Kids

Hi,

Oh my goodness, can you believe it? It’s the first weekend of December, and while everyone else is humming holiday tunes, I’m in full-blown panic-prep mode for our big winter trip at the end of the month! This year, we’re going somewhere seriously chilly. We’re talking high temperatures of -13°C during the day and a terrifying -25°C at night! Brrrr! ☃

This isn't my usual trip. My main focus right now is making sure my two little adventurers are equipped with proper heat wear and enough medicine to stock a small pharmacy.

You know what’s the biggest relief? My kids are easier to handle now. Remember the long-haul flight to Melbourne last year? And the ten-hour layover at that foreign airport? They nailed it! They know how to manage their feelings when travel gets tedious. They’ll bring their trusty toys and books to keep themselves busy, and that’s the magic formula. Happy, calm kids equal a happy, calm mom! That was the most important lesson I wanted them to learn, honestly. Staying calm while traveling. 

Against all odds, the 8-hour flight to Melbourne with the kids was remarkably easy.

One of the many compelling reasons why Australia remains my favourite place to live?

The stunning natural palette everywhere you look. Deep green landscapes under an impossibly bright blue sky. Ahh, so stunning. 💕

I’ve never been one for travel agents. My style is strictly DIY. All are self-planned, and somehow, we happily survive every single time! It’s exhausting, but so rewarding.

The biggest challenge is always the language barrier. Trying to figure out what people are saying and adjusting to their way of communicating. That always takes the most mental energy. Everything else? Totally manageable. Especially when you're bringing little humans, the key is just proper preparation!

Speaking of preparation, I just have to tell you about my latest purchase! Universal Traveller is having their "Travel Madness" sale right now! Seriously, if you need a new suitcase, run, don't walk! They don't do this often, but when they do, it's a fantastic bargain.

Seriously, if you need any travel gear, you have to go check out the Universal Traveller website right now! The Travel Madness Sale is legit!

Why did I need a new one? Well, to add to my collection, of course! Haha, just kidding (mostly!).

The real reason? I absolutely needed an extra 24-inch bag. Why? Because winter gear for sub-zero temperatures is a nightmare! Boots, big puffy down jackets, thermals, they are all so fluffy and space-consuming! Trying to fit a family's worth of giant, marshmallow-like clothing into our old bags was just impossible. So, the new 24-inch bag is purely for Operation: Puffy Gear Transport! It's totally a challenge!

Anyway, that’s my current mental landscape. I need to channel my brain away from thermals and into school uniform now. It’s time for my son's school preparation. Talk soon! Bye!

Witnessing Our Graduates Shine

Hi,

What a day! We finally got to celebrate the incredible graduates from the School of Mathematical Sciences at the USM 63rd Convocation Ceremony!

And guess what? We got the very last slot. Honestly, I think the universe was doing me a favor. First, it's not my lecture day, which is a little win for any lecturer. Second, being the grand finale just makes it feel like the whole week was building up to celebrating our amazing graduates, the true stars of the show!

And here they are! The incredible Class of 2025 from the School of Mathematical Sciences!

Seriously, I have a thing for convocation. I don't know if it's the fancy robes or the general feeling of "I survived a thousand exams," but I make it a point to be there every year. It tells me that all those sleepless nights wrestling with theorems and complex equations were absolutely worth it! (Even the ones that made you question all your life choices.) 😉

With the Dean and a colleague, celebrating a successful day for the students.

Lining up and ready to go! The Maths team joins the procession to kick off the ceremony!

My favourite girls.

So, after a truly momentous ceremony, we all rushed out for the main event: The Photo Session! Capes, smiles, proud parents, and slightly confused staff trying to fit into the frame. It’s chaos, but it’s the best kind of chaos.

We gave them their degrees, now we just need them to remember to visit! 😉

To all our graduates: Go out there and use those brilliant brains! Whether you're balancing books, coding the next big app, or just calculating the perfect amount of pizza for a party, remember that you can solve anything.

That's a wrap on this year's glorious celebration! See you at the next one in 2026!

November's Final Day

Hi,

It's hard to believe we've reached the final day of November, which sadly means my favourite month of the year is drawing to a close. Overall, this month was kind to me, though I certainly had my fair share of bumps and challenges. While everything might have looked perfectly calm and manageable from the outside, that’s largely because I pride myself on handling chaos smoothly. In reality, I was often putting up a significant fight. It felt like wrestling a crocodile, and the biggest opponent was usually myself! 😂 

My past weekend was particularly eventful and fulfilling. On Saturday, I made a quick, spontaneous drive to Perlis to visit my cousin, whose family had been severely affected by the major flood that hit the area last week. I'm so happy I decided to go, because often, those who need help the most are the very people who will never ask for it, worried that they might burden others with their problems. 

As a family member and just a caring human being, I felt strongly that even if my efforts were small, they could truly help lighten their load. At the very least, just showing up and offering my support and presence would bring some happiness and comfort to them. I spent the entire day there assisting with the clean-up, and when I was finally ready to leave, seeing their house fully cleaned out and ready to be a proper home again brought me a deep and powerful feeling of satisfaction. 

Then, Sunday was a completely different kind of celebration, dedicated entirely to Adam. It was his kindergarten graduation, marking the official end of his preschool years and his preparation for the 'big kid life' ahead. In just a few short weeks, my youngest will be walking through the doors of primary school, and my greatest hope is that he embraces this next exciting chapter and gains every good thing it has to offer him.

He totally rocked the speech thanks to his bubbly personality.

So, that’s a quick summary of my past few days and the end of this month. Goodbye, November. Thank you for all the precious memories, the lessons learned, and the beautiful moments you brought. 💕

The Awkward Transition

Hello, reality! 

I'm officially back, typing this from the familiar surrounding of my workplace. After a glorious few days living completely outside my normal routine, I can confidently say the 'recharge' button worked... mostly. Now, I just need to find the on switch for my focus engine. Everything is waiting, demanding attention, and I'm staring at my to-do list wondering, "Where do I even begin?".

Speaking of being back on campus, it’s USM Convocation Season! Outside, the energy is electric, a massive, celebratory crowd, all dressed up and ready to graduate. Yet, inside my building? It’s a ghost town. It was so quiet, I actually heard a door slam at the very end of the hall. Either my hearing improved on holiday, or I'm in a horror movie where the office supplies are the next victims. 

After meeting with some students (who I'm sure are secretly counting down to their own ceremony), I went out for a quick look at the Convocation Expo. Sadly, nothing sparked joy (or was cheap enough to justify). Came back empty-handed and wallet intact!

Now for the real challenge: Operation to neutralize my body! My time feasting in Surabaya was pure. When I’m on foreign land, my appetite has a simple motto: "If it looks good, eat it." Sugary, salty, packed with MSG, deep-fried, you just name it. I was an equal-opportunity eater! Control went straight out the window. 

These are the absolute must-have foods. The ones I'd run back for!

But the moment the plane lands, the strict dietary sheriff is back in town. Time to reintroduce vegetables and avoid anything that requires a napkin after one bite. Seriously, I plan to pretend my weighing scale doesn't exist for at least two solid weeks. Wish me luck! 😅

That’s all the catching up I can manage for now. I’m currently locked in a wrestling match with my work mood, and frankly, the mood is winning. It’s a hard beast to tame, but I’ll keep trying!

Have a spectacular, well-rested weekend, everyone!

P.S. Hopefully, by Monday, my brain and my focus engine will have signed a peace treaty. 

Travel Goals Achieved

Hi,

Well hello there, night owls! It's past midnight here in Surabaya, and I just finished the highly important task of tidying up my suitcase. My soundtrack? Classic Indonesian rock legends! The hotel TV is currently blasting a concert by Ahmad Dhani and Pasha Ungu on MTV. Talk about hitting me right in the nostalgia bone!🎸 Hearing those jams instantly flashed me back to my undergraduate days at UTM, where these songs were the absolute must-haves on everyone's Winamp playlist. Ah, the good old days!

So, what exactly did I cram into my day in this amazing city? Honestly, there's too much awesome to unpack here. If I told you every single thing, you'd be reading this until sunrise! So, I'm skipping the serious stuff and only sharing the highlights, the fun, must-try experiences you might want to bookmark if you ever find yourself in Surabaya.

First order of business for any true traveller? Find the best local traditional massage! After all that academic matchmaking yesterday, my body was demanding some serious TLC. I had been heavily stalking Google Reviews for a well-loved spot, and today was the day!

This place is hitting all my happy buttons!

I tracked down EVE Reflexology (located easily at Tunjungan Plaza 2, Level UG). My verdict? I LOVE IT. I went for the 90-minute full-body traditional massage. And here's the best part, they didn't use that super-greasy oil that makes you slide off the bed and stain your clothes. Nope! They used this non-greasy green tea lotion that smelled so good, I honestly contemplated trying to eat my arm afterwards. (I resisted, don't worry.)

But wait, there's more! The price? Insanely cheap! Talk about IDR170000 (~RM40) for a 90-minute session? Seriously, I couldn't get this kind of luxurious goodness for this price back in Malaysia if I tried. Can someone please arrange a future trip for me that's just for a 90-minute massage session here? Asking for a friend (who is me). 😆

The absolute next highlight of the day was an unforgettable dining experience at JAVAROMA, the first-ever airplane café right in the heart of Surabaya!

I only paid for a massive almond croissant that cost a ridiculously low IDR42,000! My antioxidant iced tea was on the house.

I stumbled upon this gem thanks to a complimentary voucher from my hotel for a free drink. Initially, I thought, "Okay, cool, a hipster café with some airplane-themed décor." Little did I know, I was about to board a real, actual airplane that's been converted into a sophisticated, first-class setting!

It was such a cool, unexpected experience. It proves that sometimes, the absolute best memories happen when you're just expecting something totally normal. My time in Surabaya has been effortlessly awesome, literally and figuratively. Who knew claiming a free hotel drink would lead to a trip down a jetway?

The whole place was so chic and elegant. Every detail screamed luxury.

And that's the end of tonight's transmission. I still can't quite believe my time here is wrapping up in less than 24 hours. My wallet is lighter, my muscles are relaxed, and my heart is full. I officially know one thing: I absolutely have to fly back here soon! Knowing my tendency to book a flight before I even finish my first cup of coffee, don't be shocked if I show up here again next month!. 😂

That's all the adventure I have for you tonight! Here's a final, restful good night wish from amazing Surabaya! Good night!💕

A Day at Universitas Brawijaya

Hi,

It's another day, another pin dropped on the map!📍But before I tell you what kind of trouble I'm getting into in this new place, let's rewind and unpack the super-long, super-productive I had earlier. My mission was basically playing matchmaker: getting two institutions to hold hands and play nice. Think of it as academic speed-dating! 😉

We kicked off bright and early with a colloquium session, and yours truly was wearing the "International Guest Speaker" hat. Remember I was trying to ditch the old, boring, "death-by-PowerPoint" research presentation style? Well, I went for it today! I decided to bring the magic of waves to the hall, and guess what? It actually worked! I think I managed to 'soliton' everyone in the room. That's my new word for shocking them with fascinating physics and keeping them totally engaged. (If you don't know what a soliton is, just Google it! It's super cool, like a wave that holds its shape perfectly.) And yes, I gave the esteemed academics homework. They all have to go observe wave interactions at the nearest swimming pool or at leas a fish pond! Talk about an unusual assignment!

They nailed the whole setup! The hybrid format was so smooth that our participants joining us digitally from USM felt like they were right in the room.

The sharing session wrapped up at noon, and then came the moment of truth, lunch! Our hosts proved that you don't need a fancy, extravagant buffet in a soulless hotel ballroom to show warmth. Nope. We got the most delightful, simple lunch boxes! They were delicious and just so real. It truly felt like being welcomed into their home. We got to explore their awesome building, proving that genuine, down-to-earth hospitality is the absolute best. No black-tie event needed!

Whoever packed this box is clearly a mind-reader, because it's nothing but my favourites!

The afternoon shifted gears to a benchmarking session. Basically, we were comparing notes on our undergraduate programmes (yes, turns out we're practically twins!). It was a fruitful-yet-serious discussion. I'll spare you the nitty-gritty details, because let's be honest, talking about course syllabi isn't exactly prime social media content. 🤫

UB is such a soulful campus. They have a beautiful cage with a cheerful rooster standing guard right in front of every single department! Talk about a truly positive, wake-up-call symbol.

Meanwhile, I heard the students had their own parallel session and were having an absolute blast! They were probably swapping stories about the weird homework their international speaker just gave them. 😂 I really hope this trip becomes one of those core memories they'll talk about for years!

After all that mental gymnastics, the hosts spoiled us again with a dinner box filled with all my favourite things! Seriously, it was like they had access to my secret cravings list. Again, a simple, humble box made me feel so incredibly happy and appreciated.

The minute the event was over, I did the classic dash, back to the hotel, packed my suitcase in 3.5 seconds flat, and then it was time to move on to my next big adventure: exploring Surabaya! 🎉 Huge shoutout to the hosts. They even arranged a smooth ride with a university driver to whisk me off to the next location. Everything went off without a hitch!

It was a super long, brain-power-intensive, but totally awesome day. Now? I'm signing off for some serious, undisturbed beauty sleep. No alarm clock is being set for tomorrow morning. That, my friends, is what I call a vacation win! Wish me sweet dreams (maybe I'll dream of perfectly propagating waves).

Okay, that's all for now, bye! 👋

Bromo-bound and blown away

Hi,

I've officially crash-landed in Indonesia, and let me tell you, this place is already stealing my heart (and maybe a few hours of sleep, but totally worth it!). This is just Day Two, and I've already traded city lights for volcanic sights. I’m talking about a whirlwind pre-program adventure to the legendary Mount Bromo before my official bussiness with Brawijaya University!

How was Bromo? Let's just say "majestic" is what you call your neighbour's fancy lawn. This... this was a scene straight out of an actual other planet!

The journey started, as all good (and slightly insane) stories do, at midnight in a trusty jeep. This wasn't a gentle Sunday drive. This was an off-road, gravity-defying marathon! Seriously, if you're prone to motion sickness, pack an entire pharmacy, because this trip was an extreme sport. Luckily for me, my stomach has the resilience of a wrestler, and I absolutely loved the wild ride.

Okay, fine, I might have lied a tiny bit. Amidst the chaos of the bumpiest road on Earth, I actually managed to snag a quarterly power nap. Yes, you heard right. I was rocking asleep while being launched 3 feet in the air every 5 seconds. I don't know if I should be proud or concerned, but hey, it was a surprisingly refreshing snooze!

We finally arrived at the sunrise spot, and man, was it a chilly reception! The air was so crisp, it felt like Mother Nature was giving us a full-on, deep-freeze hug. I saw people wisely rocking huge, puffy jackets, looking like adorable, ready-for-the-arctic marshmallows.

Me? I only had my favourite jumper on. Why? Because I'm a temperature rebel! I wanted to fully appreciate this magnificent, mountain-top cold. The kind of chill that makes you feel alive. And to keep my internal raging while we waited for the sun's grand entrance, I engaged in a true Indonesian ritual. A a cup of boiling hot tea paired with instant noodles! Nothing, and I mean nothing, on this earth beats slurping on super-hot Indomie when the weather is trying to turn you into an ice sculpture. Pure, unadulterated bliss!

A little cup of heaven known as Instant Soto Ayam!

Around 5 AM, the guide signaled the main event. The weather was still playing hard-to-get. Super cold, and now a light drizzle decided to join the party! Thank goodness I had a raincoat (I'm basically a prepared adult... sometimes). I joined the pilgrimage, marching up the final peak with the eager crowd, ready for the spectacle.

The rain initially kept the sun's spotlight soft, but as the minutes ticked by and the day brightened, the clouds did a magnificent disappearing act. And then... BAM! The view unfolded.

Just a gallery sneak peek! This is the appetizer view. 

The main course is stuck on my memory card (and in my soul).

It was more than majestic. It was a sprawling, epic canvas of volcanic peaks, sandy plains, and a vibrant sky. Gazing down at the Bromo crater, I honestly felt like I could sprout wings and fly right into the scene. It was that unbelievably, spectacularly beautiful!

View so good, I felt like flying! (Must resist the urge to jump.) 😉

Phew! That was just the start, folks, and I'm practically vibrating with energy! There is so much more to spill, but my clock is ticking and my official work duties are calling (gotta earn that next travel ticket, right?). Next up: shifting focus to Brawijaya University, and then a quick exploration of the rest of Surabaya before I jet off.

Bromo adventure? Conquered it! Next challenge, please!

Back in the Game

Hi,

Well hello there, beautiful internet people! Can you believe it's been a whole week since I last scribbled down my thoughts? I've been busy, you know, fighting gravity and trying to convince my body to look less like a pillow and more like a warrior.

Speaking of that war... I just wrapped up my daily sweat session! I recently decided to spice things up in my cardio routine by strapping on some weights. At first, my heart rate was chilling, literally acting like it was just having a nice warm-up stroll. It was basically saying, "Nah, we're not running, we're just window shopping for calories." Rude! So I thought, "Fine, you want a challenge?" I added a dash more weight, and guess what? It worked! 🎉

I’ve started dating some heavy metal friends... they’re called dumbbells. 😉

In just one glorious week, I've torched more calories than I have in an entire month! My heart rate finally got the memo and has been living its best life in the fat-burning zone. The downside? My arms feel like they've been adopted by a gorilla.😂But seeing that tidal wave of sweat at the end of every session? Pure satisfaction! Those droplets are just my fats crying. Bawling their little eyes out. Damn you, fats! Get out of my body! 

I gotta do this, because let's be real, at this age, my relationship with food is firmly in the "It's Complicated... But Mostly Delicious" category. I eat what I want! And yes, once in a blue moon (or maybe last week), I indulge in my favourite midnight snack ritual, desserts at 10 PM, just a few hours before I hit the bed.

Like last week, I had a two-night stand with the most amazing pecan tart slices. They were almost as good as the legendary Woolworths AUD2 slices (a true staple of my life). Of course, when I find a dessert doppelgänger, I have to celebrate! I know, I know, sugar police would throw me in jail. But my philosophy is simple, love your desserts, love your workouts. So I balance it out with green things and daily exercise.

This isn't just a tart, it's a reason to cross oceans. 

Ugh, I might have to book an emergency flight to Australia just to get my fix

Anyway, can you believe we're already halfway through November? The end-of-year sprint is on! Next week, I'm off to Indonesia! 

This brings up a very important, slightly traumatic memory. Last year, I caught the dreaded Flu B on my trip to Bukit Tinggi. I'm contemplating getting the flu shot this time around. I think I need to level up my travel prep from pack clothes and passport to pack clothes, passport, and a vaccine. Wish me luck!

Okay, that's all the rambling I have for today. Time to rehydrate and try to convince my sore muscles they still love me.

Have a super lovely and completely cry-free weekend! Bye! 👋

Surviving Saturday

Hi,

Can you believe the first week of November is already in the rearview mirror? Poof! Gone! This month is secretly my favorite because it's when I get my annual dose of human connection. It always starts with a sweet birthday wish, and before you know it, we're catching up on everything. From major life updates to whether we've finally organized that junk drawer. I seriously appreciate everyone who shows me their kind side. You guys are the best! But let's be honest, if you bring the sassy energy, I'm definitely going to match it. 😉

So, since sleep decided to ghost me tonight, I figured I'd update you all on the chaos that is tomorrow's schedule. Mission mode activated! Will drive across the island and all over Penang today. Brace yourselves!

My daughter has a school event and is officially entering her too cool for mom pre-teen phase. She was all, "Just drop me off and pick me up later,". Hard pass, sweetie. You can go have your fun, but my eagle eyes will still be operating from a tactical distance. Don't worry, I brought snacks for surveillance.🍭

We fight. We match outfits. It's a complicated, chaotic, and beautiful mom-daughter mess!

And then there's my youngest. At the exact same time, he has a pre-selection test for KAFA next year. He's actually heading into his primary school life! Seriously, can someone please remind me how old I am again? Why are my children acting like they can file their own taxes already? This mom is not ready for them to be so grown up. Excuse me while I go have a dramatic cry in the corner. 😭

My favourite little bosses! They are the reason for all the beautiful chaos.

Right after my dual-mission-parenting is complete, I have another bigger mission that I have been delaying for ages. We need to get serious about preparing for their winter holiday. Think proper sub-zero temperature gear because no one wants a grumpy, chilly kid! My brain is already turning into a to-do list, so I really need to sit down and write everything out before I forget the essentials (like, you know, pants).

Okay, that's my transmission for now! I'm off to play the intense, multi-tasking role of Mom-on-Duty tomorrow. Have a fantastically amazing weekend with your loved ones! Bye for now! 💕

Our AI Training Recap

Hi, 

Hang on!✋Is it just me, or did the week hit the gas pedal? I'm currently running on Surabaya countdown mode with a mountain of to-dos! Less than three weeks till I hop on a plane to Indonesia, and my brain is a flurry of planning! Airplane? Check! ✈️ Hotel? Check! 🏨 Presentation materials? Err... maybe on the to-do list. Formal agenda? Nailed it! Informal exploring/snack-hunting? Definitely going with the flow! 

But before I lose my mind in airport transfers and meeting schedules, I have to spill the beans about the training we had last weekend: the Training on AI Enhancement for Semiconductors and Visual Computing. Phew, that's a mouthful, but trust me, it was awesome! I was there, rocking the roles of workshop instructor and chief enthusiasm officer (a.k.a. facilitator). 😉

Day 1 was all about dipping our toes into the wild world of AI and Semiconductors. Even I learned a few new tricks! My main gig? Throwing open the curtains and yelling, "Surprise! Math is the superhero behind absolutely everything in the semiconductor industry. From design blueprints to the factory floor!" Seriously, if you love math, you're basically an industry VIP.

Day 2? That's when the real party started! We kicked off with an incredible speaker from the industry. She didn't just share cool chip secrets, she gave our math grads the ultimate blueprint for how they can step up and become the in-demand math wizards the sector is looking for. 🤩

She revealed how math grads can be the unseen architects powering those incredible microchips.

Even us academics were totally blown away, realizing the huge role we can play in shaping the AI-semiconductor future!

Then came the grand finale! We split the brilliant students into four epic AI-powered clusters: Alexa, Bixby, Gemini, and Copilot! (Talk about a tech dream team!) Their mission, should they choose to accept it? Five hours to create a jaw-dropping, world-problem-solving proposal using a super combo of math and AI.

My mission during the group work? To be the chief energizer bunny 😆

After all that brainpower, we had the tough (but fun!) job of scoring every awesome proposal they pitched.

The energy in that massive ballroom was absolutely electric! Think fast-paced music pumping, students brainstorming like mad scientists, and the buzz of pure, focused creativity. They pitched their hearts out within their clusters, and the winning group from each one got to present their ideas to the whole crowd! It was so much fun, it should probably be illegal.

By the time we wrapped up, yes, we were all officially running on fumes (and maybe a little caffeine), but the feeling of accomplishment? Extraordinary! Watching those students bring their A-game and light up with ideas was truly inspiring. This isn't just a training; it needs to be an annual, must-attend event!

The enormous ballroom was packed. Hitting 10,000 steps in just a few hours was effortless.

We nailed it thanks to our strong collaboration and effective teamwork.

Well, that's everything about it! The event went off without a hitch. Even the organizing crew was totally hyped. That feeling of success? Worth every minute. Here's hoping we can keep this momentum going and do even more beneficial things for our students. Catch you later! Bye.