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🩷