The Great Campus Discovery

Hi,

It’s the dark side of a long weekend and here I am, doing what I do best: catching up on all the life updates I’ve stuffed into a mental drawer during the work week. Weekdays are a whirlwind! I have so many thoughts that beg to be written down, but by the time I crash at night, the only thing I can manage is silence. Midnight on a weekend? That’s my payback time. 😎

I knew my work schedule involved sitting still long enough to fuse to my chair, so I decided to combat the Zombie state by getting outside. I’ve found my sanity hack, and it involves trading four wheels for two feet. Now, my official work day starts with my very own, very determined outdoor morning walk at 7:30 AM, solely dedicated to sending my boy off to school on foot.

We’re a happy little duo, hands clasped, joining the swarm of other students who are buzzing down the campus roads, rushing to make their 8 AM classes. The best part? The distance to his school is a pathetic 850 meters. Yes, seriously, it is THAT close! It’s practically a hop, a skip, and a jump. 😂 

However, that 850 meters is a journey of epic proportions. It typically takes us 12 minutes, which includes the mandatory stops for inspecting centipedes, giving a respectful nod to any unfortunate baby snakes that didn't make it, and, of course, chasing a few birds. We call it The Wildlife Commute.

After a cheerful (and slightly sweaty) goodbye, the real adventure begins. I continue my walk around campus for another 30 minutes, usually until 8:30 AM. My rule is simple, no plans, no maps. I use a different, unplanned route every single time. I just follow where my feet bring me, and I don’t stop until my watch proudly announces I’ve hit the 4 or 5 kilometer mark.

This little ritual has become pure joy. I get to wave and say hello to random people, but my favourite part is the quick chats with the uncles and aunties who are diligently sweeping up the fallen leaves. They make my day! Especially when they assume I’m one of the undergraduate students frantically rushing to an early lecture. Naturally, I say, "Yes, rushing right now!" It’s like a tiny, fun act of youthful identity theft every morning. 😅

Before this, I’ve been using my car to move around USM, totally missing everything. I lived right beside the beauty without ever appreciating it. It’s a bit embarrassing, really! But now that I’m exploring places on foot, I’ve stumbled upon so many beautiful, hidden spots that I’d love to revisit. Our campus has such a gorgeous landscape, and I was just zooming past it, focused on finding the nearest parking spot.

Before I started my morning walk routine, I've been living comfortably in the G31 bubble for more than a decade. Now I’m finally giving myself the chance to explore every nook and corner. It feels good to appreciate the beauty of our campus and everything it offers.

That morning glow! ✨ 

This stunning Penang Bridge view is just a glimpse of the beauty we have right here on the USM campus.

I’ve been hitting my daily challenge of 10,000 to 15,000 steps for months now, and the energy is still going strong! It’s not just about feeling physically healthier (though that's a huge bonus), but the mental clarity is phenomenal. I definitely recommend ditching the car and letting your feet lead the way.

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to post this before my long weekend finally collapses into sleep! Keep that energy strong, lovelies! Bye! 💕