From Surabaya Memories to Campus Days

Hi,

Finally I'm back reporting. The past few days had been a whirlwind. Hang on, I say that all the time, don't I? It seems like there is never a dull day in my life lately. Or to be more precise, I cannot fit dull into my daily schedule because I really don't have time for that. Secretly, I kind of wish I did though. Haha.😆

Anyway, today I want to talk about something fun. I'm not sure if I have mentioned this here before, but last year I went to Surabaya for a mobility program with Universitas Brawijaya, Indonesia. I had the chance to deliver a guest lecture there, and I chose a topic that is very close to my heart: Solitons.

November 2025. Almost a year ago. Time really flies, doesn't it?

Without really checking who the audience was beforehand, I just dove right in and shared what I think makes the world of wave mathematics so fascinating. Turns out, sitting right there in the crowd was a professor whose research is closely linked to that exact field. Not long after I got back home, I received an invitation to collaborate with him. Of course, I accepted the offer with open arms.

We are working on a few different projects together now, and one of them involves student supervision. He proposed sending a research student over to work with me for a short term, and she arrived last week. I finally got the chance to meet her in person. My main goal right away was simple: I want her to go back to her university and tell everyone only good things about USM. So naturally, that standard has to start with me, her local research supervisor.

First meeting. No serious research talk allowed on day one. 

We just kept it relaxed so she could get comfortable and feel at home.

During my visit to their campus, the hospitality shown by the faculty members was out of this world. We felt so welcome, and every single moment spent there was worthwhile. 

Such a beautiful campus. 

Green and grey are the main colors I see everywhere, and it is so pleasant on the eyes.

Because of that, I feel it is only right to match that same level of warmth and care for her here, if not more. Aside from our shared research work, I am looking forward to showing her around and helping her settle in nicely.

Okay, I guess that is just a little glimpse into one of the many things adding color to my calendar lately. To be honest, I really need a little breather. I will be traveling to KL for some family matters this Friday. Wish me a safe journey so I can come back stronger for the coming weeks.

Have a pleasant weekend, everyone. Bye!💕

Teacher, Mom, Survivor

Hi,

I just wrapped up my lectures for the week, and teaching a brand-new course two days in a row is no joke. Seriously, it feels like an endless cycle of prepping from a blank page, stepping into the lecture hall, watching four hours vanish into thin air, and then immediately starting the whole loop over again. My brain is basically running on fumes and leftover motivation at this point.

To make things extra interesting, Monday kicked off with a bang. My girl was sitting for her first big exam, so naturally, every nerve in my body was tuned right into her wavelength.

As a teacher, my whole world revolves around helping students succeed. I pour my heart and soul into it because I genuinely want them to thrive. But imagine trying to apply that exact same teacher-mode intensity to your own kids. Oh man, it is a whole different beast.

I constantly feel like I'm walking a tightrope. On one hand, I don’t want to be that pushy parent who makes them feel like life is just one giant checklist of expectations. On the other hand, I really want to nurture a genuine, natural love for learning in them. I want them to realize that books and studying aren't just about surviving exams, but they're training wheels for that massive, unpredictable thing we call life.

It’s a constant balancing act. Being a mother who just wants them to grow up happy and kind, versus a teacher who wants to see them shine in every possible color, academic or otherwise. How they'll turn out in the end is totally out of my hands, of course. All I can do at the end of the day is take a deep breath and tell myself, "Hey, you tried your best."

Thankfully, Auni's exam wrapped up on Wednesday, which meant I could finally swing the spotlight back onto my own mountain of to-dos. Meanwhile, Adam's turn isn't until 2029, but let's be real, I'm already nervous. Raising a boy and a girl requires completely different playbooks.

Post-exam celebration! Just two kids and my life is already a circus. 

Massive respect to those with bigger families!

And here I am now, trying to decompress after an absolute whirlwind of a week. I'm hiding out in a nice, shady spot somewhere outside my office. After my lecture ended, my brain felt so stiff and fried that a little campus walk felt mandatory just to get the gears turning normally again. There is something strangely therapeutic about a quiet stroll under the trees when your week has been entirely too loud.

Even a coffee shop knows how to pull your heartstrings. Sneaky, huh? 😂

Of course, the universe couldn't just let me rest. I have another workshop coming up next week, which means my weekend plans officially involve staring at slides and lesson plans. Classic.

The eLearn series with Amirah^2 has pretty much become a branding around campus. 😅

So that's what’s been keeping me on my toes. I hope your week treated you well. Have a fantastic, restful weekend with your loved ones! Bye! 💕

Perfectly Unbalanced Life

Hi,

It’s past midnight. The house is quiet, which means my brain has officially decided it’s time to host a loud, fully interactive panel discussion on everything that went wrong over the past week. Classic midnight brain dump hour.

To be fair, I spent the whole weekend grounded at home. My daughter is currently sitting for her very first primary school exam, the infamous Ujian Penilaian Matriks. Since her batch is the guinea pig, I mean, pioneering batch for this exam, the collective anxiety among Malaysian moms right now could power a small city. Naturally, I stayed glued to home base to support her, which mostly involved offering quiet encouragement and hiding my own twitchy eye.

As for my own life? Well, it’s been running on its usual schedule, peppered with a few dramatic plot twists that nobody asked for.

First exhibit: My phone has grown a lightsaber.

Yes, a vertical column of dead pixels has permanently etched itself onto my screen like a glowing Jedi weapon 😆. It was annoying at first, but manageable until the exact moment I needed to read an important number sitting directly behind the glowing beam of death. Cue the universe telling me, “Girl, it’s been five years. Let it go.” I could technically just replace the screen, but where is the fun in that? We are officially upgrading. Rest in peace, old faithful.

Speaking of tech betrayals, my Microsoft Surface keyboard decided to throw a theatrical tantrum right in the middle of my recent workshop.

Picture this: I’m ten minutes into introducing the session to a room full of people. I’m in my zone, explaining eLearn stuff, and suddenly poof! The keyboard goes completely dark. Zero response. Total rebellion. Mid-sentence, I had to frantically swap machines and spend the rest of the session navigating a completely unfamiliar device while sweating bullets. Did I panic outwardly? Absolutely not. Did I smile like a swan while my feet paddled furiously underwater? You bet. Alhamdulillah, everything went smoothly, but my heart rate definitely hit a personal best.

Over the weekend, I dragged my broken keyboard to Harvey Norman to see if it could be saved. Nope. Just a dead keyboard, nothing else. So, of course, I had to buy a replacement immediately. Ehem, fun fact: I’m actually typing this post on my brand-new keyboard right now. The click-clack feels suspiciously satisfying.

Thanks Harvey Norman! I gave them a call, reserved a set, and drove over to pick it up. 

Easy peasy!💕

And because the universe loves a triple scoop of chaos, guess what happened on the very first day of lectures last week?

I scratched my car.

Huwaaaa. 😭

My heart practically shattered right then and there.

Anyone who knows me knows I am painfully obsessive about my car. I am the kind of driver who gets actual chest pains if a parking job is even slightly crooked. If a stray leaf looks like it might scratch the paint, I will avoid it. So imagine the sheer, soul-crushing sound of metal scraping against a pillar. I wanted to cry. But class was starting in ten minutes, so I had to slap on my best professional face, walk into a two-hour lecture, and pretend my soul hadn't just left my body.

Every time I look at that scratch now, a tiny piece of me dies inside. But hey, it happened. I can’t un-scratch it.

So, what’s the takeaway from all this tech failure, parental exam stress, and parking lot tragedies?

It’s a gentle reminder that no one lives a perfectly balanced, flawless life. Social media will make you think everyone else is out here glowing, sipping matcha, and gliding through life like royalty. But reality? Reality is us dealing with dying phones, rebelling keyboards, scraped bumpers, and midnight existential crises all at once.

We all have our downtimes. Sometimes they even come in a neat little trilogy.

Right now, I’ve got a new phone, a fresh keyboard, and a car with a brand-new "character mark." As for the scratch? I've decided my new coping mechanism is just waving hello to it every time I walk up to the driver's door.

Here’s hoping my quota of "exciting colors" for the month is officially full. I don't need any more palettes, thank you very much! 😘

Vibe-Checked Math on Day One

Hi,

It was the first day of a brand new semester. I walked into the lecture hall right at 11:00 AM, only to watch my students shuffle in looking like zombies. Their eyes practically screamed, 'This is a killer course. I just want to survive and walk away with a C-minus."

And I get it. 

This is the exact same batch of students who survived my Ordinary Differential Equations (ODE) class. They thought they had seen it all. Derivatives flying everywhere, integrals haunting their dreams. But today? Today we were stepping into a whole new dimension, which is the Partial Differential Equations (PDEs).

Observing the way they walked into the hall, I knew I had to make them understand that PDEs are a completely different beast. So, for the first lecture, I decided to throw out the syllabus, ditch the lecture notes entirely, and commit a crime against traditional academia: I made them move. A lot.😂

Activity 1: The 12 PM Pizza

What is the ultimate universal language at noon? Calculus? Physics?

No. It is pizza.

Before talking about single variables or boring definitions, I forced.. I mean, gently persuaded my hungry students to talk about a piping-hot pizza fresh out of the oven. At 12 noon, nothing else is more appealing.

Why pizza? Because heat distribution is the classic gateway drug to understanding PDEs! 

We talked about how heat spreads across the crust. It is not just changing over time t. It is changing across different spots on the pizza (x and y). Boom. Just like that, multivariable chaos replaced single-variable comfort.

Looking at this, the only variable I care about right now is extra cheese. 😋

Activity 2: The Human Guitar String

Next up, I requested 10 volunteers to lend their hands and dignity to science. I asked them to stand up and pretend to be a vibrating guitar string. They weren't just students anymore, they were the living, breathing graph of a function.

Space (x): We looked at how different parts of the string moved left and right.

Time (t): We watched how the whole shape rippled and shifted as time ticked on.

Imagine ten university students wiggling in sync, trying to represent mathematical waves. It looked less like a classroom and more interpretative dance class, but guess what? It clicked.

By the time class ended, the vibe in the room had completely flipped. The "I'm going to fail" panic had melted into actual laughter and curiosity. PDEs sound terrifying, but at their core, they describe the real world. How waves ripple, how heat travels, and how fluid flows. 

I reminded them that they don't need a heavy textbook to grasp that. They just need a little imagination, some imaginary pizza, and a willingness to look ridiculous with their classmates. 😁

If my students learned anything today, I hope it’s this. Math isn't just a monster to survive. Sometimes, it's a guitar string, sometimes it's pizza, and most of the time, it's way more fun than you think.

 

A lot of mathematics is involved in generating this beautifully. 

We get to carefully play around with the function U=U(x,y,t).

Until then, wish me luck for the next 14 weeks of lectures, I totally need it! See you next time. Bye! 💕

Wordless Wednesday : A pleasant, unexpected recharge

 

Doing What You Love

Hi,

It’s late Friday afternoon, and I’m sitting quietly in my car, just waiting for my boy’s swimming lesson to wrap up. To be completely honest, I’ve been feeling pretty under the weather all week, battling a stubborn headache and running on very little sleep. But when you have a family to look after and a full schedule waiting for you, you don't really have the luxury of pressing pause. You just take a deep breath, tap into your willpower, and keep moving forward one step at a time.

And looking at my calendar right now, there are definitely a lot of moving parts to juggle. Classes for the new semester start next week, and I’ve decided to push myself out of my usual comfort zone. Instead of teaching Ordinary Differential Equations like I usually do, I am taking on Partial Differential Equations this time around. It is a fresh challenge, and I am actually quite excited to dive into it with the students.

Checking in on my favorite lecture hall. You want to know why? Because it’s located a whole 20 feet away from my office 😉

Right alongside my lecture prep, I’ve also committed to running a series of workshops on eLearn@USM. Even though I’ve been teaching these sessions for years, the demand never really slows down. We always have new lecturers joining us, and let's face it, watching Moodle randomly update its interface and move all the buttons around can send anyone into a panic.

Coming real soon. I definitely have some prep work to do.

I totally get why technology stresses people out. Digging into backend settings and configuring online platforms isn’t everyone's idea of fun. For me, though, it comes naturally because I just love clicking around and figuring out how things work. So, helping colleagues untangle those tech knots feels less like a chore and more like solving a fun little puzzle.

Some people assume I take on these extra workshops purely for the money. But honestly, that’s never why I say yes. I only ever agree to things if I genuinely enjoy doing them. The honorarium is just a nice, unexpected bonus at the end of the day, kind of like passive income that I rarely even track, right alongside grading papers or serving as thesis examiner.

It really is a good reminder for all of us: if you focus your energy on doing things you love without constantly keeping score or expecting a reward, you actually find deep joy in the process. And whatever financial blessing comes out of it? That's just the cherry on top.

So that’s a quick look into my world lately. Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend ahead. Bye! 💕

Wordless Wednesday : The Horizon

Saving the Memories

Hi,

Another midnight brain dump from me, mostly because I want to capture these memories before they quietly slip away. Honestly, I just think it’s so fun to record my days so I can read them back later. Imagine scrolling through all of this when I’m fifty years old? At least I’ll still remember who my real friends were, what my absolute favorite snacks were at this age, and how I managed to squeeze in a little joy between adulting.

It’s wild looking back at older entries and seeing how much I've changed, physically, emotionally, and every way in between. I started out as a carefree twenty-something writing about literally everything under the sun, and now I’m a mom of two trying to balance a full-blown career. These days, I’m a lot more selective about what I share. Sometimes a whole lot happens in a week, but I prefer to keep the private moments just for me and my inner circle, only sharing the cozy highlights here.

There you go. Even my little life update took two whole paragraphs to get started. 😂

Anyway, the real reason I wanted to write today is to talk about my ultimate weakness: food adventures while traveling.

Here’s a fun fact about me: I am notoriously careful with my money. I’m not a luxury handbag person, I don’t wear makeup, I don't buy fancy designer clothes, and I don't collect expensive things. There are genuinely only two things in this world I will happily spend my hard-earned money on: travels and really good food.

So, if you ever wonder where all my extra money goes (after paying all the boring adult bills we all share), it's right there. Someone says, "Hey, let's fly to Jakarta next month?" I will say yes before I even open my calendar app to check if I’m free. Someone says, "Let's try that new restaurant in town!" My shoes are already on.

When I’m traveling or catching up with friends who share this exact same obsession, we always order a mountain of food just so we can try everything on the menu. That’s the best part of dining out with a group, you get to taste a little bit of everything!

Take my recent food stops, for example. I’ve been dying to try Din by Din Tai Fung. Back home in Penang, the local version is non-halal, so finding the halal version felt like hitting the jackpot. We had an absolute feast. Since I am a massive fan of Chinese comfort food, I loved every single thing we ordered: the smoky, wok-hei fried rice, the juicy soupy dumplings, the crisp sesame greens, name it, and I loved it.

Then, I tried some proper traditional Korean food. Not the instant cup ramen or generic chain-store kimchi you get everywhere, but the real, soulful, deep-flavored kind. You can honestly taste the difference when it's made the traditional way.

And of course, Japanese food is always a safe bet when you want to treat yourself. I tried Lucky Kong for the first time, and their street-food-style menu was incredible. It only made me want to visit Japan even more to eat my way through every street market they have. I am putting that out into the universe right now, manifesting it hard. One day!

Okay, I'll stop rambling before this turns into a full cookbook. Just a random, happy brain dump for today. I hope reading this gave you a smile (or at least made you hungry).😉

Till the next update. Have a fantastic weekend. Bye! 💕

Back to the Grind

Hi,

And hello to the sweet embrace of reality. I’m officially back from a brief hiatus, and my brain is currently running on about 3% battery. Normally, coming back to work involves a tiny spark of motivation or at least a mental checklist of things to look forward to. Unfortunately not today.

Walking back through the parking lot today hit a little different. You know that morning feeling where you usually have a shiny countdown going, but today's vibe is just... pure survival mode? Yep, that's me.

As for why I vanished for a few days? Am I going to spill all the juicy details right now? Well... probably not. I'm keeping my cards close to my chest until the universe aligns and I feel like storytelling. For now, we're sticking strictly to the surface level.

So, what went down? My trusty sidekick Wen Eng and I headed over to USM@KL for a two-day event. Why us? Well, since we’re the designated ringmasters (read: coordinators) for certain things back at the school, it’s not like anyone else was stepping up. Obviously, the heavy lifting falls to the dream team.

It was fun meeting new faces from totally different fields and other universities too. 

We actually had a great time and picked up some solid insights. Honestly, adulting and work processes are mostly just figuring out where the starting line is; once you grab the gist, you can casually freestyle the rest. Plus, while we were there, our inner event planners woke up. We scouted their facilities as a reference point. Let's be real, ditching the boring old hotel ballroom for a setup like this next time sounds like a genius move.

The Math reps. Who else could it possibly be? 😂

So, that’s the wrap on the KL chapter. Short, sweet, and surprisingly fulfilling. Even if a tiny part of me secretly wished a few things had gone slightly differently (doesn't every trip have that one plot point?).

If the stars align and the mood strikes me later, I might just tell more stories. Until then, catch you on the flip side! Take care.💕

Travel Diary : Doing It My Way

Hi,

It’s another solo travel day for me today! And as per my usual tradition, I didn’t touch a single piece of luggage until the night before.

Honestly, I had mixed emotions. I wasn’t exactly thrilled about the work duties waiting for me at my destination, but I was definitely looking forward to the little adventure that comes with any trip.

Speaking of packing, last night’s session was a speedy one. I mentally mapped out what I was going to wear for the next few days, piled everything right in the middle of the living room floor, and started organizing. Oh, and yes, packing in the living room is my absolute go-to habit. I just find it so much easier to manage out in the open.

Now, why do I usually dread packing? Because I have a tiny flaw: I need my suitcase to look obsessively nice and tidy.

So, I plan everything meticulously based on what I’ll need day by day, sort them into their designated packing cubes, and then carefully arrange the cubes inside the suitcase.

After careful planning, this is usually how it turns out. And unpacking becomes a breeze because I know exactly where everything lives.

Now, imagine doing that for a family trip instead of just for yourself? You do the math. 😂

But you know what? When you finally see the finished product, neatly organized cubes, everything looking like a mini department store display before you zip the bag, it is deeply satisfying. Plus, it makes life so much easier on the road. You instantly know where everything is, instead of having to tear apart a massive pile of clothes just to find one tiny pair of socks.

Of course, because I started packing at midnight, I only finished an hour later. And then? Classic travel insomnia struck. My brain decided it was time to overthink every little detail, and I ended up staring at the ceiling in the dark until almost 4:00 AM.

Luckily, my flight wasn’t until midday. I simply parked my car safely at my office, booked a Grab ride to the airport, and glided right through.

Everything went smoothly, and here I am now, chilling out at the airport lounge for a few hours.

Here’s a quick travel tip from someone who loves a good hack: if you want to travel comfortably without paying extra fees just to sit in a nice lounge, look into credit cards that offer complimentary local and international lounge access. I only use cards for expenses I'd be paying for anyway, and the perks just quietly pile up in the background. Zero extra cost!

It’s an absolute lifesaver, especially when you’re traveling solo and just want some quiet privacy. Sitting here with a light meal while I unwind is truly unbeatable.

While they usually have a wonderful buffet spread, I just wanted something light like toast and coffee. Not having to pay for expensive airport meals is a total bonus

Alright, that’s all for my little travel diary today! Every journey has its own unique flavor, and I’m ready to see what this one brings. I’ll share more updates soon. Bye for now!

Chapters, Not Books

Hi,

It feels a little heavy to start writing tonight, but I’m going to put these words down anyway.

Remember when I mentioned how September would unfold new chapters in my life? Today is one of those pivotal days. After a few years of building a strong, reliable circle of support, I had a quiet realization today, one I want to hold onto for a long time. Some people are given to us to be a profound comfort, without needing to become our entire world.

There are rare souls who walk into your life for a temporary season. They shape your mind, steady your spirit, offer wise guidance, and gently correct your missteps. Not to gain anything for themselves, but simply because they genuinely want to watch you grow. In a fast-moving world where everyone is looking for credit, it is a rare gift to meet someone who serves as a quiet mentor without ever asking for a spotlight.

Looking back, I realize just how deeply lucky I’ve been to cross paths with a person like that.

Without that chapter, I would still be the Amirah of 2024, floating along with a vague sense of direction, especially when it came to expanding my career as an academic. I would have happily stayed nestled inside my comfort zone, doing what I’ve always done for the past ten years, without ever pausing to ask if I could become something more, or do something truly remarkable.

This chapter showed me that stepping out of my comfort zone wasn't about changing who I was, but about uncovering what I was capable of achieving.

Even though this chapter was temporary, it stands out as one of the best parts of my journey. It fundamentally shifted my horizon. If you asked me whether I’d relive those moments all over again, I’d welcome them with open arms. But even as that season gently closes, the value, wisdom, and confidence left behind are imprinted so deeply in my heart that I will treasure them forever.

We often measure the importance of a relationship by how long it lasts, believing that only the permanent things truly matter. But perhaps the most beautiful connections are the seasonal ones, the temporary anchors who show up precisely when we need to grow, teach us how to stand taller, and then peacefully let us fly on our own.

Wordless Wednesday : Sweet Comfort

Something to Ponder 💭

Hi,

It’s that time of the week again. Time for a little workplace rant!

Right now, I’m sitting in a computer lab doing invigilation duty. Today’s event? The special semester-break exam. It’s actually a fantastic opportunity for students to boost their final grades, especially if they already scored well in their coursework. I always cheer my students on to take it. Raise that GPA, absolute win, right?

So, if it’s such a great initiative, why am I ranting?

Well, because the execution is pure comedy.

When the university assigned me this invigilation slot, I checked my schedule. No conflicting meetings, no family emergencies, calendar clear, so I happily accepted. Duty calls!

My temporary workstation for 3 long hours

Fast forward to this morning. I walk into our computer lab, step through the door, and spot three familiar faces. Now, these are my colleagues, so I knew they weren't here to re-sit a paper. Then, tucked away in the back row, I saw her, one poor, anxious-looking girl staring into the abyss of her upcoming paper.

After swapping "good mornings" with everyone, the hilarious math finally hit me:

There were FOUR invigilators... for TWO candidates. 😂

And to make it even better? The second student went completely M.I.A.

So picture this scene. One terrified student, taking a high-stakes exam, completely surrounded by four full-grown adults who clearly had a hundred other things on their to-do lists. Talk about maximum security! If she so much as sneezed, four pairs of eyes would instantly track her movement.

Now, I get it. Rules are rules. The handbook strictly states that every exam venue must at least have one Head Invigilator, one Academic Rep, one School Rep, and one Exam Unit Rep. On paper, that makes total sense for a hall of 100 students. But when the total candidate count is one? Having a whole committee hovering over a single student feels less like an exam and more like an interrogation scene from a movie.

Thankfully, I brought my computer along so I could quietly get some actual work done. And to give the poor girl some breathing room, I planted myself as far away as possible so she wouldn't feel like she was being watched by a tribunal.

It’s just hilarious how institutional rules are sometimes created in a cozy meeting room without anyone asking, "Wait, what if only one student registers?" Surely there’s a more practical way to handle this without summoning a small army!

For some reason, this got me thinking about how often do we rigidly stick to "the rulebook" in our daily lives, work, or routines, just because that's how it's always been done. Even when common sense is practically screaming at us to adapt? Sometimes, the most efficient thing we can do isn't following a protocol to the letter, but having the courage and flexibility to simplify it.

After all, structure is meant to help us function better, not make us look four-against-one absurd. Letting it sink in. 

Wordless Wednesday : Treasured🩷

Stepping Into September

Hi,

It’s the final day of August 2026, and here I am, quietly counting down the days for so many different chapters unfolding in my life. Time really does fly when you’re busy living it, doesn’t it?

Before I dive into today’s thoughts, I need to pause and say a proper hello to all of you. Honestly, I’m still not entirely sure how some of you stumbled upon this quiet little corner of the internet, but over the last few months, I’ve noticed the reader counter steadily ticking upward. You’re visiting from all around the globe, and that blows my mind! Hello, beautiful souls! 💕

A snapshot of my weekly readers from all around the world

Welcome! I’m so glad you’re here.

If you’re new around here and wondering what this blog is actually about… well, join the club! I don’t have a specific theme or a fancy content strategy. I just write whatever is on my mind. Some days, it’s about my day job as an academic at a public university here in Malaysia (which involves a lot research papers, staring at mathematical equations, and not forgetting, coffee). Other days, it’s about my chaotic, heart-warming life as a mom of two.

And because I’m human, I also write about the emotional rollercoasters that shape our daily lives. If you find something here that brightens your day or gives you comfort, take it with you. If I’m just rambling on a bad day, feel free to leave that behind!

The most surreal realization lately? Learning that people of all ages are reading this. From fellow adults all the way down to primary school kids! Knowing that makes me pause before I hit "publish." This "aunty" right here suddenly feels a very big responsibility to set a good example and keep things uplifting!

So, to my younger readers out there: life is a wonderful, messy, beautiful adventure. Don't rush through it. Live happily, stay curious, and trust me when I say that the best chapters of your life are still waiting to be written. 😘

Thank you all for being part of this journey with me. Here's to stepping into September with a hopeful heart!

Late Night Thoughts

Hi,

It’s late, the house is quiet, and the mood to sit down and actually write has finally hit me.

Right now, I’m just staring out at the moon through the glass wall. It’s a full moon tonight. It’s not quite as bright as the picture-perfect moons that usually flood my social media feed, but there’s still something so mesmerizing and calm about its presence. Just sitting here and watching it feels like a soft mental reset.

And honestly, I needed it, because today was actually a really good day!

I survived a postgraduate viva defense and we wrapped the whole thing up in under three hours! If you know academic defenses, you know that completing one in less than three hours is an absolute achievement.

It’s been a non-stop, back-to-back viva season for me lately, and I’ve got four more coming up soon in my role as an internal examiner. Even after doing this so many times, that pre-session knot in my stomach never completely goes away. But the moment the defense ends, seeing that massive wave of relief and pure happiness wash over the candidate’s face? That feeling makes every bit of the tension worth it.

On a completely unrelated (and slightly heartbreaking) note... I just found out that my absolute favorite drink from Zus Coffee is getting discontinued soon.

Why must good things end?! 😭

I have been loyal with their Matcha Lemonade forever, with the Tahitian Lime as my go-to backup whenever I need a refreshing pick-me-up. Now I find out both are being pulled from the menu after September 30th! That gives me officially one month to enjoy my Matcha Lemonade before it vanishes into the coffee graveyard.

It really makes you wonder, doesn't it? Why is it that the things we genuinely, deeply love always seem to leave the fastest?

Whether it's a favorite drink, a peaceful moment, or a good phase of life, maybe the trick is just to savor every single drop while it’s still here. 💕

A Week in Reflection

Hi,

It’s been a week, and to be completely honest, writer’s block has been knocking on my door. Some days, my head feels full of thoughts, stories, and moments I want to capture, but the moment I sit down, the words just freeze. They hover right there, unwritten, and pass by before I can put them into words.

I’ve always believed that writing things down is the best way to tuck away precious memories. You know, the tiny, fleeting details that are so easy to forget if we don't mark them. But when your brain is occupied with bigger responsibilities and a tight schedule, creativity needs a little room to breathe. That’s usually when you find yourself staring at an empty canvas.

And that’s okay. Sometimes, your mind just needs a change of scenery.

After a few quiet days of staying just indoors, I finally stepped outside to see the world, breathe in some fresh air, and let new inspiration trickle in. It’s amazing how a simple walk and a shift in perspective can clear the mental dust.

Running through a route as messy as my mind! 😄

I’m stepping into the days ahead with a hopeful heart, ready to find fresh inspiration in small places. Here’s to lighter days and clearer words. See you again very soon! 🤍

Blinked and It’s Monday

Hi,

I honestly have no idea where my weekend vanished to, but ready or not, it is now Monday and the daily grind resumes.

When the university semester break officially started, I foolishly thought my days would finally calm down. Spoiler alert: That is absolutely not how life works! 😅

Juggling work life and family is a constant balancing act where both sides demand 100%. But as my kids grow up so fast, I try my absolute best to be present for their big (and little) milestones. Even the small moments matter. So, the entire weekend was dedicated to them for their KAFA Sports Day!

With the event held right on the USM campus and they had another program scheduled for the next morning, we turned it into a mini-staycation by staying at a residency nearby.

Sunrise over the Penang Bridge and horizon. What a view.

By the time we got back home on Sunday, reality hit. As anyone with kids knows, returning from even a short sleepover means facing a mountain of unpacked bags and endless chores. Facing a laundry mountain of epic proportions, I told Mom I wouldn't be able to bring the kids over for our usual Sunday visit.

Well... my family had other plans!

Instead of us going to them, the whole squad showed up at my house! And to make things ten times better, they brought an entire dinner spread so we could all eat together. Honestly, besides being close to family, what more could I ask for?

Just the omelet was made in my kitchen. Everything else came from Mom's home with love, including my all-time favorite crispy little ikan goreng! 😋

And just when I thought Sunday couldn't get any better, my sisters volunteered to hunt down the latest Inside Scoop ice cream collab which is their exciting new drop with local Malaysian brands. It’s such a brilliant, creative twist on local flavors, and I honestly loved every single scoop! 🍨

We grabbed the party pack with all 9 flavors!

My absolute favorites? The Kaya Butter Toast from Oriental Kopi and the Peanut Butter Jelly from Thumbs (Kacang Nganyin). They take me right back to my childhood instant nostalgia, sneakily eating spoonful of Lady’s Choice peanut butter blueberry jam straight from the fridge. 😂 It was such a fun night. A simple dinner with loved ones and delicious desserts to finish. My laundry pile might still be waiting, but my heart (and stomach) are completely full. Ready to take on Monday! See you next time! 💕

A Proud Farewell

Hi,

It’s another day, another goodbye to one of my PhD students!

This year has felt like a continuous farewell tour. At my peak, I was supervising 13 PhD students at once, which, looking back, wasn’t just a research group; it was practically a whole soccer team with substitutes! Managing my own time while making sure everyone had the right direction was a wild balancing act. So, I’ve decided to put a temporary cap on new intakes and focus purely on giving my current students my full attention.

Most of my students came with sponsorships from their home countries, meaning their drive to finish on time was sky-high. My role was to steer the ship and offer a safe harbor when things got rough; they did the heavy lifting themselves. Watching them transform from nervous fresh arrivals stepping off the plane in Malaysia into confident researchers waving goodbye on their last day? There’s no feeling quite like it. I feel like a proud big sister every single time.

Today, I want to give a special shoutout to Li, my only PhD student from China. Back home, he’s a college math teacher. For his research, he decided to take on exact analytical solutions for partial differential equations.

In plain English? He chose to tackle the kind of monster math problems that make most researchers run in the opposite direction because most of the time, you hit a complete dead end.

“Where others saw a brick wall, Li saw a puzzle waiting to be solved.”

Did he hit roadblocks, failures, and moments of utter confusion? Absolutely! That’s just scientific research for you! But he stuck with it, proposed his own brilliant method to solve some of the toughest equations, and unlocked answers that future researchers will be using for years to come.

To make his story even sweeter: Li wasn't fighting the PhD battle alone. His lovely wife, Zhou, was also completing her PhD at our school under a different supervisor!

Seeing the two of them walking hand-in-hand around campus, working on completely different areas of mathematics, yet cheering each other on through every single deadline was just the cutest thing.

And as if finishing two PhDs together wasn't enough of a plot twist... they are expecting their first baby! 👶

Happy to be in between two PhDs and a Calculus baby in the womb. 

Talk about perfect timing! After three long years of hard work, their baby boy is arriving right as they are about to cross the academic finish line. I can already tell you this little guy is going to be a genius. You know why? He’s been listening to advanced calculus and mathematical proofs straight from the womb!

And the cherry on top? He’s expected to arrive right around my birthday! Hello, little Scorpio buddy! 🦂

Mentoring students from all corners of the world has been one of the greatest privileges of my career. My new official bucket list item? Traveling the world to visit all my former students in their home countries and seeing them thrive in their element.

Until the next graduation, see you around! Bye!💫

Wordless Wednesday : It’s Never Too Late

Notes from Wollongong

Hi,

Lately, Australia has been calling my name again. There’s just this gentle pull making me check for flights and dream about heading back, even if it’s just for a quick visit! ✈️

Looking back at my time there, I can’t help but chuckle at how much of a culture shock the language was at first. Australian English is an entirely different species! During my first few meetings with my supervisor, I actually had to ask for permission to record our conversations. I was sitting there nodding along, but my brain was desperately trying to process the heavy accent and high-speed technical terms. 

Outside the university, things weren't any easier! Wollongong is a lovely, quiet town with a lot of friendly retirees who speak in the thickest, most glorious Aussie accents imaginable. At first, listening to them felt like trying to decode a secret language. But once my ears adjusted, it became so much fun to learn the local lingo.

If you ever head Down Under, here are 5 iconic Aussie slang words that will instantly tell you you’re talking to a local (plus how to use them):

1. Arvo (Afternoon)

A: "Are we still meeting up later today?" 

B: "Yeah! Let's catch up this arvo around 3 PM."

2. Brekkie (Breakfast)

A: "I'm starving. What do you want to do for brekkie?" 

B: "Let's grab some pancakes and coffee down the street!"

3. Sunnies (Sunglasses)

A: "It is so bright outside today!" 

B: "Hold on, let me grab my sunnies from the car before we leave."

4. Servo (Service Station / Petrol Station)

A: "We're almost out of fuel!" 

B: "No worries, there’s a servo just around the next corner."

5. Macca's (McDonald's)

A: "Need a late-night snack run?" 

B: "Yeah, let's do Macca's run and grab some fries!"

Bonus Phrase: "No worries!" 

Warning: This phrase will completely hijack your everyday vocabulary.

"Thank you!" >> No worries.

"Sorry!" >>No worries. 

Minor existential crisis? >> Still, no worries! 😆

My secret to learning these slangs wasn't just textbooks or cafes, it was Susan.

One day, I'll go back to Wollongong and pay her a visit.

For almost two years, I worked for Susan, a lovely lady originally from Tasmania who decided to spend her retirement days in Wollongong. Every week, I’d pop over to her house for about three hours to help with basic cleaning. But truth be told, Susan didn’t really need a helper, she just wanted a companion.

As I moved around cleaning, Susan would follow me from room to room, happily chatting away about her week. I listened very carefully to every story, and that’s where I naturally picked up so much of the local Aussie slang. She lived alone, and spending those weekly sessions with such a kind, gentle lady was an absolute joy. I went there to clean, but I left with a warm heart and a whole new vocabulary.

The funny thing is, no matter how hard we try to use the slang, the locals always know the second we open our mouths that we aren't from around there. But that was the best part! Everyone was always so warm, polite, and genuinely kind. Even as someone who obviously looked different and sounded like a visitor, I only ever experienced warmth and hospitality.

That genuine kindness and memories with wonderful people like Susan is what made Wollongong feel like a home away from home. And it’s the exact reason why I keep wanting to go back today. 💕

My New 24/7 Companion

Hi,

Welcome back to the weekend series!

It’s just another calm, quiet weekend at home today, or at least, it looks calm on the outside! My boy wasn't feeling so well last night, which meant he couldn't sleep peacefully at all. He woke up almost every single hour, demanding cuddles each time. It’s been his classic pattern since he was a little baby. Whenever his body feels a bit uneasy or sick, he becomes a full-time velcro child.

So, guess who was the official overnight mattress and cuddle-dispenser? Yours truly! 😌

By morning, he was back to his usual energetic self, which brought such a huge wave of relief. Even though I’m running on minimal sleep (and now it’s my turn to feel a little dizzy from exhaustion!), seeing him okay makes it all worth it. We went to a dentist appointment earlier today, so far he's still in the high spirits.

On a brighter note, remember my poor watch that went sick and stopped working a few days ago? Well, I’ve officially got a replacement on my wrist! 😍

And guess what? It’s in my all-time favourite colour: apple green! 🍏Just imagine this super fresh, vibrant pop of bright green sitting on my wrist, it instantly perks up my mood just looking at it. I absolutely love it! 

If you know me, you know I wear my watch almost 24/7. The only time it leaves my wrist is when I take a shower. The second I dry off, it goes right back on until the next shower! Because of that, it tracks pretty much every single detail of my life, my sleep hours (or lack thereof, thanks to last night!), my workout records, my daily steps, my heart rate, and even my stress levels.

At this point, it’s basically the most loyal, trusted gadget attached to my body. And the fact that it was a gift makes it even more special, I’ll be wearing it with so much pride. Imagine how much love is in every bit of it. Now, I’m truly enjoying every single detail of my new companion. It’s so much more than just a watch, it’s practically my essential! 

Quick update! Took him out for an outdoor run, and my new watch performed amazingly well recording the whole session. I'm finding more and more reasons to love this new companion

Till then, wishing you all a cozy, restful weekend! 💕

Wordless Wednesday : Gone, but forever loved

 

The August Kickoff

Hi,

It’s only the second day of the month, but August has already decided to show off two completely opposite personalities. If these first 48 hours are any preview of what’s to come, I’m holding onto my seat! 😄

Day 1: Saturday Controlled Chaos

Yesterday, I was out from morning until late afternoon playing driver, referee, and chief event planner. My kids had been bugging me endlessly for a playdate with their friends. Luckily, my dynamic duo happens to be besties with another sibling pair, which made planning between us moms a breeze.

The girls are sweet, but this pre-teen era is nerve-wracking! 😑

By the end of the day, their names were known to all. 😂

Managing my own two is already a full-time cardio workout. Now double that? Pure, unfiltered chaos. But honestly, it was the best kind of chaos! They had a absolute blast, and even with the high-energy madness, I’d totally do it again. (After a brief recovery period, of course.)

Day 2: Channeling My Inner Domestic Goddess 

After a full day out, today was dedicated entirely to the house. specifically tackling The Closet of Forgotten Clothes. You know, those piles that sit untouched for so long they practically start demanding their own rent? 

I finally rolled up my sleeves and sorted through everything for donation. My kids have outgrown so many of their things! Naturally, I kept a few special pieces for nostalgia's sake, but the rest went straight into the donation pile. I also confronted my own closet and parted with so many items I haven't worn in years.

I made sure everything was washed, smelling fresh, neatly folded, and properly labelled. They’re all still in fantastic condition, and my heart feels full knowing someone else will get good use out of them.

All packed and ready for their next chapter

So, that’s my August wrap-up... two days in! Something tells me this month might bring a bit of a rollercoaster ride, but hey, we’re ready for the turbulence.

See you all again soon! 💕