Lost in the Long Weekend

Hi,

It’s another day of pure, unadulterated leisure over here. The dynamic duo is currently having the absolute best time with their favorite people, which means Mom gets some much-needed, golden quiet time.

And can we talk about Kuala Lumpur right now? The city is gloriously empty! Moving from one hotspot to another is such a breeze. No traffic jams and no honking, just smooth sailing. To top it off, the KL skyline is looking absolutely gorgeous tonight, flaunting itself like it knows it’s pretty.

Under the same sky, but this specific view hits different.

I’ll be soaking up the peace here for one more day before heading back to my own cozy nest. Don't get me wrong, traveling and exploring is incredibly fun, but there really is no place like home.

...Hold on, because I just realized something. The school holidays don't actually end until after the first week of June! How did I miss this?! If my calendar math had been functioning properly, I would have booked us a ticket to somewhere exciting weeks ago.

Ever since primary school routine officially locked us into its strict scheduling grips, our travel adventures have been strictly limited to the official school calendar. I'm just too much of a guilty mom to let the kids skip classes during the term, so like it or not, we wait for the break.

And now that the break is finally here? I completely dropped the ball on planning! 😅 The last time we actually left the country was our epic, sub-zero winter wonderland trip to Harbin back in January. My internal travel clock is clearly still frozen in the ice.

You know what? It’s completely okay. Lesson learned. The next school holiday won't know what hit it, but I will be planning our next getaway with military precision.

For right now, I’m going to consider this a win. The kids are currently making core memories and living their absolute best lives with their cousins, running around until their batteries hit 0%.

Wishing you all a wonderful, traffic-free, and deeply relaxing long weekend!💕

The Butterfly Effect

Hi,

We often think of advanced mathematics as something hidden away in quiet university rooms, buried under long, scary equations. But the big ideas behind our research rarely start on a chalkboard. More often than not, they begin with the simple, beautiful patterns we see every day in nature.

In our latest research paper, we looked at a powerful mathematical formula through a very unique lens, the simple, perfect design of a butterfly's wing.

When you look at a butterfly resting on a flower, your eyes are naturally drawn to its symmetry. If you draw an imaginary line right down the center of its body, the left side is a perfect mirror image of the right. This is called bilateral symmetry.

But if you look closer, microscopically closer, the symmetry becomes mind-blowing.

The mesmerizing patterns on a butterfly’s wing aren't just painted on. They are made of thousands of tiny, microscopic scales overlapping like shingles on a roof. For the butterfly to look the way it does, its DNA has to execute a flawless mathematical command while it is developing inside the chrysalis. It has to count, map, and place millions of colorful pigments in exact, mirrored coordinates on opposite sides of its body. If one tiny cluster of cells shifts out of place, the symmetry breaks.

Nature uses this geometric precision for survival. The symmetrical eyespots on a butterfly's wings are designed to perfectly mimic the face of a larger predator, tricking birds into staying away. In short, the butterfly uses a strict, underlying geometric blueprint to create order out of millions of random, developing cells.

The White Admiral.

Deciphering the mathematical blueprint behind her beauty.

In mathematics, we look for this exact same kind of structural balance, but instead of mapping colorful wings, we look for balance inside complex differential equations that describe nature's wildest movements.

In our paper, we focused on a mathematical model known as the extended Estévez–Mansfield–Clarkson (eEMC) equation. This high-order partial differential equation is a master tool for describing how nonlinear waves and optical solitons (stable wave packets) travel through complex, messy mediums without breaking apart.

Left on its own, this equation is incredibly difficult to handle. Because it deals with space, time, and changing wave amplitudes simultaneously, trying to calculate a solution directly is like trying to catch smoke with your bare hands.

That is where the logic of the butterfly wing comes to the rescue.

To crack this monster equation open, we used a specific mathematical technique called Lie Symmetry Analysis.

Think of it as the ultimate algebraic x-ray vision. Just like recognizing the center line of a butterfly allows you to instantly understand its entire layout by looking at just one wing, finding a hidden 'mirror line' (or invariant transformation) inside a chaotic equation allows its complexity to collapse.

Here is how the method works in three steps:

1. Finding the Infinitesimals: We first calculate the continuous transformations such as scaling, translations in time, or shifts in space that leave the form of the eEMC equation completely unchanged.

2. Reducing the Dimensions: Once these mathematical symmetries are locked in, we use them as structural shortcuts. This allows us to perform a similarity reduction, transforming a terrifying partial differential equation (PDE) down into a much simpler ordinary differential equation (ODE).

3. Unlocking Exact Solutions: With the equation streamlined, we can solve it analytically to uncover beautiful, exact wave solutions such as kink-type waves and solitary wave packets.

The next time you see a butterfly flutter past, remember that its beauty isn't random. It is walking proof that nature loves order, balance, and geometry. Underneath all the messy, unpredictable chaos of the universe, nature is keeping a secret. It hides a beautiful, balanced blueprint of symmetry and by using Lie symmetries, we can decode that blueprint to better understand the world we live in.

Want to dive into the mathematical heavy lifting, formulas, and exact steps behind the magic? Check out our full paper HERE.

The Decision Dilemma

Hi,

We’ve all seen those beautifully aesthetic, highlighted quotes on Instagram or Pinterest. Usually, I scroll past them while snacking, but this one by Jim Rohn hit me right in the face:

Simple, right? Brilliant. Ground-breaking

Except, if you are anything like me, your brain’s immediate response to this is: "Okay, but what kind of tree would I be? If I move, what if the new soil is bad? What if I get hit by a rogue lawnmower? Maybe I should just stay put and sprout some leaves."

I have a confession to make: I am chronically, painfully bad at making decisions.

I am the person who takes ten minutes to pick a flavour of chips at the grocery store, only to panic at the checkout line and ended with buying plain salted. Over and over again. Now multiply that anxiety by a hundred when it comes to important life decisions like career paths, moving cities, or setting personal boundaries.

When a big choice comes up, my brain essentially turns into a Windows 95 computer trying to run a modern video game. It just freezes, makes a loud whirring noise, and hopes the problem goes away. Because making decisions is scary, I often fall into a very comfortable, very dangerous trap, sacrificing my own happiness for the sake of literally anything or anyone else. It's just easier to let other things dictate my life! 

For example: The "Sure, I'll do it" Work Trap: Agreeing to take on extra projects that I have zero time for, completely wrecking my weekend, just because I didn't want the other person to feel stressed. (Spoiler alert: Now I'm the stressed one, crying over an Excel sheet at 12 midnight).

We do this because we want to be helpful, nice, and accommodating. But here’s the truth I’m realizing today in which constantly setting yourself on fire to keep other people warm just leaves you covered in ash. Jim Rohn is right. We aren’t rooted to the ground. If a situation, a job, or a habit is draining your happiness and taking you for granted, you are allowed to lift up your roots and walk away.

Making decisions is terrifying because there is always a chance we might make the wrong one. But staying stuck in a place that makes you miserable just because you're afraid to move? That's a guaranteed way to wilt.

If you're currently standing in a spot that doesn't feel right, consider this your gentle, humorous sign to take one step forward. Worse case scenario? You walk into a wall, laugh at yourself, and turn a different way. At least you're moving! 😅

Fueling the Dream

Hi,

And just like that, I am popping in with another quick update before I inevitably slide out of radar again. (Hey, at least I’m consistent, right? 😉)

If you know me, you know that weekends mean one thing, family time to the absolute max. This past weekend was a whirlwind of household chores, which included the dreaded task of restocking the house. Now, let’s be real, I do not do grocery shopping often. The mere thought of fighting crowds for a carton of milk makes me want to stay in bed. But when I do finally go? It is a massive, military-style operation. I buy in bulk like the apocalypse is coming. The good news? I am officially set and don’t need to step foot in a grocery store for the next eight to ten weeks. Success! 🥳

When we aren't traveling out of town, my kids have a weekend routine. They essentially demand to be taken to Maktok and Tokwan’s house. It is their absolute favourite place on earth, run by their favourite people (who, let’s face it, completely spoil them).

While hanging out there, I got a wonderful surprise. I had the chance to catch up with my aunt, whom I hadn't seen since 2017! I honestly didn't realize it had been nine years since her last trip back to Malaysia. Time flies when you're busy growing up and managing life.

Pictures like this only happen once every few years.

She is currently on a one-month break and decided to come back to Penang to stay at my mom’s place for a few days. Sitting down and talking with her did something dangerous to my mind. It kicked my wanderlust into overdrive. Hearing about life on the other side of the world made my desire to move abroad shoot through the roof.

In fact, I am already plotting our next big family adventure. I’m dreaming of taking the kids to visit their Tokngah Ainnah and Grandpa Mike all the way in Wisconsin for a magical winter holiday! Fun fact: My aunt is 68 years old and still thriving in her career as a software engineer. Why? Simply because she absolutely loves what she does.

[Mental Note]
Current Status: Plotting a trip to Wisconsin. 
Timeline: In a few years when the kids are a bit bigger and can actually survive an 
ultra-long-haul flight without a total meltdown.

Looking at my aunt and hearing her stories just gave me more reason to chase that dream. There is a whole wide world out there waiting to be explored. I don't know exactly when or how, but mark my words: one day, I will realize that dream of living abroad.

Until then, I’ll be right here, surviving the daily grind and enjoying my eight weeks of freedom from the grocery store. 😆

When Life Demands a Reset

Hi,

It’s past midnight, and the rain is absolutely pouring outside my window. There is something about a heavy midnight rain that makes you want to sit back and reflect. And honestly? I owe you an update. I’ve been completely off the radar for the last two weeks. Where did I disappear to? Nowhere, really. Life just happened all at once. Between a mountain of extra activities and the official start of my classes, I have been on my toes from morning till night.

A couple of days ago, things hit a breaking point. It was one of those deeply challenging days where I had to juggle a packed schedule while carrying a very heavy heart. Do you know what the hardest part about days like that is? It’s the performance.

In front of your students and peers, you have to appear completely professional, positive, and full of "I can do this!" energy. But in reality? All you actually want to do is sit alone in a pitch-black room, do absolutely nothing, think absolutely nothing, and just let all the hidden emotions out. But life doesn’t always give you a timeout when you want one. Of course I didn’t get that alone time. I had to keep moving.

After surviving that incredibly tough day, I knew I needed a reset the next morning. So, I settled the morning errands early and headed to my absolute favourite food spot for some comfort food. I got there at 7:00 AM sharp, right as they were flipping over the "Open" sign. I sat down, ate, and by 7:20 AM, I was done. It was a short 20 minutes, but it was exactly what I needed. Heavy heart or not, life must go on. I realized I had to quickly pick a direction and force myself back onto the right track.

Ghee thosai with extra chutney. Always my ultimate comfort food.

Later that afternoon, as the stress started creeping back, I reached for an energy bar to keep myself going. Honestly, I wanted to eat more than the three of them. When we are stressed, it is so easy to turn to emotional eating and overindulge. But I stopped myself. I ate exactly what I needed and no more.

Nothing beats my all-time favourite, Whittaker's Almond Gold. 

And as for Ferrero Rocher? Who would ever turn those down? 😋

Self-control is everything in moments like this. If I had followed my emotional cravings, I would have tripled the amount in one go. But I chose not to betray my body just because my mind was having a hard time. Keeping that small promise to myself felt like a victory.

Did a quick breakfast and a snack solve all the problems worrying my heart? Not even close.

But it did make me feel good about my choices. At the end of the day, we can't always control the bad things that happen to us, or the sudden waves of stress that come with a busy life. We can only control how we handle them.

It is completely okay to feel overwhelmed. Cry it out if you need to. But once the tears are dry, get back up, grab your comfort food, and keep moving forward. 💕

The Place My Heart Keeps Visiting

Hi,

Have you ever looked at a suitcase and seriously considered packing a one-way ticket inside? No return flight, no "see you soon," just a venture into the unknown?

I’ll admit it, I have. I have a very specific place in mind, a land so dear to me that it feels like a second home. I’ve visited many times, and every single time I’m there, I find myself manifesting a permanent life in one of its quiet, leafy suburbs.

There’s a certain magic to the lifestyle there. I can perfectly picture my life in a weatherboard house with a small garden, waking up to that crisp, cool morning air that makes you want to wrap your hands around a hot mug. I miss the routine of walking down to a local cafe, the kind tucked away in a hidden lane or on a charming corner, where the coffee is world-class and the brunch culture is basically a local must-do.

But it’s not just the quiet corners I love. I often think about the contrast of the city itself. Standing back and watching the modern skyline illuminating the cold night, a glowing forest of glass and steel reflecting against the dark water. There is something so grounding about that view. It feels both electric and peaceful all at once.

A place that manages to be both vibrant and incredibly calm at the same time

The pace of life there is just right. It’s a place where you can spend a morning browsing through a bookstore or wandering a weekend market, then take a short drive to see the rugged coastline or find yourself under the shade of massive, ancient trees in a public park. I have so many beautiful memories into those streets, from the sound of the trams humming in the distance to the way the afternoon light hits the Victorian-style architecture.

Every time I’m back in the daily grind, that one-way ticket starts calling my name. I truly believe that by constantly manifesting it and keeping that vision alive, one day it won't just be a place I visit, but the place where I truly belong. Maybe, just maybe, the universe is listening, and I’ll finally get to call those glowing lights and leafy streets my permanent home. 💖

A Mathable Story

Hi,

Hello May! You’re a bit impatient, aren’t you? Just when I’m about to enjoy my final days of April, you came in with a BAMM! and we’re already into the second day. Since the first was Labour Day, I spent the whole public holiday at home. You know how it is when you have a schedule that is tight on a daily basis, the second the weekend hits, you just want to be lazy. Well, at least for me!

I made sure to hit my goals, eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, cooking good food for the kids, and prepping my weekly cooking supplies. I even tackled the hard laundry, like beddings and towels. That’s also the time I do spot checks on the kids' school bags. where I always find the most hilarious treasures. Parents, you know the vibe right? Honestly, kids can make your heart stop in so many ways. 😂

Anyway, we are currently obsessed with a board game my daughter introduced me to called Mathable. I’ve played Scrabble my whole life and still love it, but a few months ago when she brought this out, wow, I'm hooked. It’s basically Scrabble’s brainy cousin. It’s just as fun as playing with words, but this time you’re building with numbers. Instead of trying to fit the letter "Z" into a word, you’re using basic math tiles to build equations on the board. 

Our latest family favorite. ➕➖✖️➗

It’s a fantastic family activity, and you don’t need any sophisticated mathematical formulas to win. As long as you know the basics like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, you’re good to go. It turns out that playing with numbers is just as addictive as playing with letters. Don't be surprised, though, sometimes the kids are actually better at the quick mental math! We adults tend to focus on the complicated stuff, looking for the most complex equations, while the kids swoop in with a simple 5+2=7 and steal the victory right from under our noses.

The new favorite head-cracking session

Speaking of which, I’ve definitely missed a few winning opportunities to my seven-year-old son. It can get very intense, but when it does, we slow down and just enjoy the bonding time instead. Trust me, after a head-cracking session like that, the kids will have the longest uninterrupted sleep at night. Sadly, I’m not included in that deal! 

So, that’s a little look at my long weekend. I hope yours was great too! See you again next time. Bye! 💕