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. 😆