The Countdown is Almost Over

Hi,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

See you next year! ❄️✈️

Winter Packing 101: Gadgets Every Travel Mom Needs

Hi,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

I’m also bringing my Travel Tech squad:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Cold Truth About Exam Integrity

Hi,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Power of Just Listening

Hi,

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

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

The Mystery Flower at the Forbidden Door

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

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

Now, tell me how could I not tear up?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Small Wins, Big Heart

Hi,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My Kampung Victory!

Hi, 

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

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

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

The Mandatory Certificate that Caused Mass Chaos. 😂

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

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

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

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

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

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

Talk soon! Bye! 👋

The Final Sprint

Hi,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Efficient and effective. I’m a fan!

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

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

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

Unspeakable Calm of Midnight

Hey,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conquering the -25°C Winter with Kids

Hi,

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Witnessing Our Graduates Shine

Hi,

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

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

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

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

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

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

My favourite girls.

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

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

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

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