Surviving the Holiday Weekend

Hi,

Finally, a quiet night. There is nothing quite like the sweet, beautiful silence of a house where the tiny humans are fast asleep, leaving you free to scroll aimlessly through Shopee for 11.11 deals you definitely don't need. 😉 

If you call a long school holiday weekend a "holiday," you are probably laughing right along with me. Let’s be honest: a holiday with kids around just means you are working the exact same job, except you're doing it in your own living room with a live audience and zero coffee breaks.

My long weekend went a little something like this:

Saturday: Full-scale expedition to the indoor playground with the kids and their friends. By the end of it, I was exhausted more than they were.

Sunday: Grocery shopping. If you’ve ever tried sticking to a shopping list while two human tornadoes are asking for random snacks and sneaking them into the cart faster than you can put them back, you know the struggle.

Monday: Deep-cleaning marathon. Because we are barely ever home during the workweek, whenever we actually get a free day, the entire house suddenly transforms into a deep-cleaning operation.

Then, earlier today (Tuesday), I had to get back into work mode while still keeping an eye on the holiday crew. My strategy? I essentially locked myself in my room for most of the day and practiced the fine art of professional evasion. "Out of sight, out of mind, kids. Go do whatever you want just don't knock down the walls!"

And now, after a whirlwind of chaotic days, I finally have my peace. I always cherish this exact time of night. That magical window where I can finally rest my brain without a single shred of mom guilt.

Tomorrow, it’s back to the usual grind. And oh boy, is there a mountain waiting for me. Test 1 is happening this Thursday, which means I’ve got a mountain of printing to sort out before then.

To top it all off? I am traveling to a neighboring country in less than a week, and I haven't packed a single thing yet.

Anyone who knows me knows this is so not my style. Normally, I am the queen of early preparation. Packing lists checked twice, outfits sorted out days in advance. But this time? Total last-minute mode. I keep telling myself, "Hey, it’s not my first time visiting there, I'll be fine!" But let’s be real, that low-key travel anxiety is definitely whispering in the back of my mind.

You know that strange, bittersweet feeling when life is moving a million miles an hour, and you just have to pause everything, take a deep breath, and trust that you'll figure it all out when you get back to it?

Yeah, that’s where I’m at right now. But for tonight? I’m just going to let the quiet hold the space for a little missing. No, let's be honest, a whole lot of missing. 💕

Checking Boxes & Catching Breaths

Hi,

Another week has flown by, and while I’m so happy to see a satisfying stack of checkmarks on my to-do list, the list itself seems to have a magic trick of growing two new items for every one I cross off! Lately, everything on the agenda feels like it’s waving its hands in the air, shouting for attention as if tomorrow doesn't exist. Can anyone else relate?

Thursdays and Fridays are my heavy lecture days with two solid hours of teaching each. By the time I wrap up, my brain feels like it’s been running a marathon at full throttle. When I finally get to sit down, take a deep breath, and let my mind pause, the sense of relief is honestly unmatched.

Right after my lecture today, I had a special moment wrapping up with my visiting student. Since her time here is coming to a close, we sat down for our final meeting to say goodbye. It’s always bittersweet to see a visiting researcher pack up and head home, but I told her she is always welcome back in our academic family anytime. Seeing how much she's grown and contributed during her stay has been such a joy!

Such a smart girl! I hope she keeps up the amazing work.

To add a little extra excitement to the day, it was also report card day for Adam! I managed to squeeze in some time to meet his teacher and catch up on how he's doing.

Hearing the teacher's description of him made me smile. He sounds like the ultimate blend of a little rascal and a secret scholar. Super mischievous, always full of energy, and a natural ringleader who tends to influence his classmates in both wonderful and slightly chaotic ways. Naughty and nerdy! That last part might require a little keeping an eye on, but it certainly keeps life interesting.

He always keeps me on my toes, but I still love him unconditionally.

As for Auni, her report card is coming a little later in the final week before the school holidays roll around. Looks like I'll be making another school visit soon to hear all about her progress, too!

First round of school visits is done! Next one coming up soon.

Here’s hoping your week is winding down just as nicely. Have a wonderful, relaxing weekend, everyone!💕

Wordless Wednesday : Wishing for a night drive, granted.

Forty-one, captured.

Another year, another age. 

It has been quite a journey. 

One marked by quiet resilience and gentle self-care. 

Navigating what’s here alongside what’s missing.

Stepping into this new year with a steady heart.

And finding beauty in the stillness.

Here’s to another year of embracing the journey, holding space for growth, one quiet moment at a time.

Finding comfort in the little things.

❤️, AA

An October Wrap-Up

Hi,

It’s officially the final day of October, and let me tell you, this month was really something.

Work demands have been hitting me like a bullet train lately, with zero sign of breaking. It’s true what they say: when you achieve something or get awarded a milestone, the responsibilities that come with it multiply right along with it. In my case, this year brought two different types of grants. One for research and another community-based one. It looks great on paper and checks all the right boxes for KPI requirements. But as anyone in academia knows, getting a grant is only half the battle. Actually managing it is a whole different story.

There is a very specific kind of frustration that comes with a project where everything requires approval at a ridiculous number of levels. It’s tough when you know the funds are there to support the work, but you can’t simply use them because someone somewhere thinks it might not be quite appropriate, forcing you to write endless justifications for every single little detail. It certainly keeps you on your toes!😑

Alright, enough with the job ranting for today.

Earlier this week, I shifted back to handling the final stretch of our eLearn workshop series. We ran three sessions in total, two were held online, and the final one was conducted physically because so many participants requested it. It went really well, and we are so glad that everyone who attended managed to successfully complete their blended learning criteria especially the assessment category on the teaching course portal.

On top of that, supervision with my visiting student from Universitas Brawijaya went smoothly too. Since she is also diving into partial differential equations, I invited her to join my lectures. I figured getting a firsthand feel for how classes are conducted here would be a great, memorable experience for her as she navigates her research visit.

Catching up with her for our weekly sync.

That’s just a little snapshot of how I'm wrapping up October. After a whirlwind of administrative hurdles and busy workshop days, I am really hoping for a calm, quiet weekend this time around. Hopefully, that wish gets granted!

Enjoy your weekend, everyone!💕

The Hospital Night Shift (Mom Edition)

Hi,

Here I am, writing from the comfort of my own house. After a few days of round-the-clock duty at the hospital, I'm finally home. And even though I wasn't the one lying in the hospital bed, the physical and mental exhaustion is almost unbearable. The biggest culprit? A severe, relentless lack of sleep.

When you are the full-time caretaker of a child admitted to the ward, you quickly learn that hospital nights have an entirely different rhythm. You are constantly running on adrenaline, and the nurses, as dedicated and attentive as they are, will gently wake you up almost every single hour to check vitals, administer medications, and monitor progress.

Just to give you a little peek into what those nights looked like:

• 12:00 AM: Just when I was finally drifting off and closing my eyes, a soft knock on the door:

  • "Puan, sebut nama penuh anak ya, kita nak bagi antibiotik."

• 1:00 AM: An hour later, a quiet check-in:

  • "Puan, temperature masih tinggi, tapi heartbeat okay."

• 2:00 AM: The middle-of-the-night routine continues:

  • "Puan, sekarang kita nak bagi ubat cair kahak, sebut nama penuh anak ya."

• 3:00 AM: Adjusting the lines:

  • "Semua ubat dah settle, sekarang kita kena sambung drip ya Puan."

• 4:00 AM: A familiar spike:

  • "Temperature naik balik, kita nak drip PCM, sebut nama penuh anak ya Puan."

• 6:00 AM: Dawn breaks, time for morning meds:

  • "Puan, ada 2 ubat oral yang kena ambil. Check nama penuh anak dulu, lepas tu boleh kejut untuk makan."

• 7:00 AM: And right on cue, the cutest alarm clock goes off:

  • "I'm hungry, Mom." 

Anything for that smile, as long as it helps him heal.

That was pretty much how I spent every single night at the hospital, playing nurse's assistant, watching the monitor, and making sure Adam felt safe through every single checkup.

Now that we are finally back in our own space, let's just say I feel like sleeping for three straight days without moving an inch. But seeing him resting comfortably in his own bed makes every single sleepless hour completely worth it. 

The Unexpected Weekend

Hi,

I thought this weekend was going to be all about catching up on sleep after the kids finally finished their exams. I was so ready for a quiet, peaceful couple of days in my own comfortable bed. But life, as it always does, had completely different plans for us.

Instead of a relaxing weekend at home, I am spending it right here in a hospital room.

Back here. Though not quite the place I planned on.

It all started quite suddenly this morning when Adam came down with a high fever, followed by non-stop vomiting that left him completely drained. By the afternoon, we were rushing off to Pantai Hospital Sungai Petani to see his pediatrician. After a thorough examination and some quick blood tests, we finally found out the culprit behind it all, a stubborn bacterial infection called Mycoplasma pneumonia that regular penicillin cannot touch.

Admitting him to the hospital was the absolute last thing I ever wanted to do. But when a trusted specialist tells you he needs extra care, close monitoring, and all the right checks to ensure a safe recovery, you say yes in a heartbeat even if your heart breaks a little bit while doing it.

Seeing Adam like this is so hard. Normally, he is a joyful, non-stop ball of energy. He loves running around the house, playing martial arts moves, and staying active even when he is playing completely by himself. Seeing him lying in bed with no energy to even sit up or eat is just heartbreaking for any parent.

I’ll be right by his side, taking care of him here at least until Sunday. If you have a spare moment, please keep him in your thoughts and prayers for a quick and smooth recovery. And please send up a little prayer for my well-being too, because as every mother knows, a mom simply cannot afford to fall sick when her little ones need her the most!

He is truly a mom's boy. Clinging tight and close to his mom today and honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.

Wishing all of you a wonderfully restful and cozy weekend at home. I will be trading my quiet weekend plans for hospital duty. Take care, everyone! 💕

The Sweet Sound of Silence

Hi,

Finally, I am having my calm time. Let me tell you, every single night, I look forward to that one sacred window when the daily chores finally come to a complete halt.

The kids are fast asleep, the laundry basket is actually empty (a minor miracle, really), the house is neat and tidy, and the school bags are safely loaded in the car. Those are the final, glorious checkpoints that whisper, "Okay, enough for the day, please go sit down and have a good rest." It is the exact moment my shoulders finally release all the tension.

If you are a parent, you know that exam season is basically an Olympic sport except instead of winning a gold medal, you just survive on caffeine, panic, and reviewing topics you haven't thought about since 1990s. We are currently staring down the final day before exam weeks come to a sweet, sweet closure. Tomorrow is the final day. I really can't wait.

Honestly, I have been shifting my entire focus entirely onto the kids for what feels like a solid month now. It started with the Matriks exams, rolled right into UASA, and now they are wrapping up KAFA. My parenting approach to all this madness is pretty simple, as long as there is genuine effort, the grades come second. No matter what, they are getting rewarded for working hard, regardless of what the final report card looks like.

So, you want to know what I really want to do the second all of this is officially over?

Apart from catching up on the kind of beauty sleep, there is one specific thing I have been daydreaming about for so long. Going for a late-night drive to nowhere. I just want to hit the highway and drive aimlessly into the night, with the occasional random stop at any petrol station along the way. Don't ask me to explain the logic, but there is something magical about convenience stores at Petronas, Shell, or Caltex. They always seem to have the best little treasures tucked away in the aisles.

In fact, I have two absolute non-negotiable petrol station essentials whenever I’m travelling by car: a cold bottle of iced lemon tea and a good almond chocolate bar. I know, I know, the health police would probably look at my sugar intake and faint on the spot. But hey, if a little chocolate and sweet tea are what make a midnight road trip enjoyable, then why not? Life is too short to skip the good snacks.😉

Realistically, a midnight joyride isn't happening right now, mostly for safety reasons, because driving at midnight when you are already half-asleep is a fast track to dangerous sleep deprivation. But a girl can dream, and if I ever get the chance, I am definitely making it happen one day.

Such a lovely night for a quiet drive, isn't it? 

That’s a quick, random little update from my corner of the world for tonight. I hope your week is treating you fairly, and if you’re also surviving an exam season or an endless pile of chores, I’m sending you a virtual cup of coffee. ☕

Bye for now!💕

Hidden Sky, Muted Heart

Hi,

Sometimes I look out the window at the city, and it reminds me so much of watching the skyline through a thick, gray haze. Think about how it looks on a clear night, everything is sharp, bright, and wide open for the world to see. That is pretty much what life feels like when our energy is high, our minds are clear, and we feel totally seen and understood by everyone around us.

But then, out of nowhere, things change on us. Just like heavy smog rolling in and wrapping completely around tall buildings, tough and heavy days happen to all of us. The buildings are still there, standing tall and strong, but they get totally hidden behind a thick gray veil. The colors blur together, the little details fade away, and the whole atmosphere suddenly feels quiet, heavy, and muted. 

When life gets overwhelming with stress and busy days, we often end up feeling just like that hazy skyline. On the outside, we keep moving, going to work, and showing up for everyone who needs us. We stay strong and put on a brave face. But on the inside, our voices can feel muffled, and our bright edges get worn down by daily tiredness, worry, or quiet struggles, making it feel like nobody really notices what we are carrying underneath.

If you happen to be feeling a bit hidden or muted today, I just want to remind you that it is totally okay to slow down and catch your breath. You don't have to be full of energy and shining brightly every single minute of the day, because taking a break is just a normal, necessary part of being human. It's actually good to embrace these quiet periods instead of fighting them. Just because your personal battery is running low right now doesn't mean you're losing your spark. Sometimes, quiet seasons simply give us the safe space we need to recharge in peace.

Most importantly, keep in mind that the haze never lasts forever. The clear, bright sky hasn't gone anywhere. It is just waiting patiently behind the clouds until the air clears up again. Your true inner light is safe and sound inside you, resting quietly until the right moment comes for it to shine. So be kind to yourself, take things one simple step at a time, and let the heavy air clear out at your own natural pace. 💕

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. 💕