Woman, Never underestimate yourself

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This first workweek of the year has been very stressful. And well actually, I’ve made quite a lot of people get stressed as well because of the shift I made.

I was here and there trying to resolve my access issues yet I was still dutiful in fulfilling my tasks for the different projects I’m with.

I was so stressed and spaced out and distracted in that when we had the leads’ meeting to brainstorm on potential cost reduction ideas, I thought that I (the only woman in the room) have no additional ideas to bring to the table. In truth, I went to the meeting to relax from the stress of catching up and resolving issues.

I tried to stay silent while the men talked.

Then the project lead asked for my opinion.

And as usual, I just let myself go with the flow of talking and speaking my mind.

Later, when the Lead summarized our ideas complete with his and Deputy Lead’s initial sift prior to sending to PMT, I was very surprised to see that actually, out of the 15 cost down ideas listed, ALL 4 of my ideas were 4 of the only 6 ideas that were feasible for cost down.

So girl. Remember. Never underestimate yourself.

New Year’s Day 2025

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Happy that after several years, after having our Hatsuhinode, I could finally attend choir practice for New Year’s Day Mass and not be late at actual mass (NOT that it meant I sang perfectly haha).

Hatsuhinode (sunrise from 6:53am). Sacred Heart Cathedral. St Ignatius Church (Sophia University campus).

Tokyo meet up with friends from Houston and hearty conversations.

And a good New Year’s Day dinner at home. Well done, Day 1❣️

Plus cardio load/zone minutes/calories burned are doing great with all the walking from dawn.

First Hosting Gig!

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One day in early October, an old friend (my husband’s bandmate in university) sent me a message in Teams asking me if I could host this year’s Quality Day for our Company.

It is so. Out. Of. The. Blue. So much so that my first thought was “why me?!?”.

I got intrigued with the work though; and with my “try everything” and “take the chance” mentality, I accepted the offer. Even when I have never done any hosting prior.

Fast forward to Nov 13 and I was put in front, putting on the deepest voice I could muster (I really could never tolerate girly high pitched voice when the speaker is in front of the public), I was speaking in front of top management and employees, onsite and online, more than 5,000 people at least.

Funniest thing was I had to stand on top of a makeshift pedestal (a stack of unopened package of A4 and A3 paper) because the camera wouldn’t be able to see me as the podium was too high for me.

After the event, I could not even say bye to the Chairman of the organizing committee as I had to rush to check my P&IDs which are due to be issued the day after. I couldn’t have his pat on my back.

But I know I did well. And I hope I have this talent. But most of all, I thank God for giving me a clear head, stage presence, and clear voice during the event itself.

Will this be a new sideline work? Let’s see!

Takayama/Shirakawago/Kurobe Nov 2024

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The week flew by so fast!
Takayama (sarobobo), we meet again. The last time I went to Takayama, 2010, it was a solo trip on my last weekend as a sort of “goodbye Japan” for me. The Monday after the trip, I was offered an extension for another project and there met my husband. The rest is history.


Shirakawago, I am sorry I could not have a photo of you that would do you justice. You’re so beautiful! I hope you will keep your beauty for generations to come.


Kurobe Dam hello again. We missed your peak autumn foliage but it’s nice to see you again.
Mikurigaike Pond and Murodo Plateau, you’ll be memorable to me in many ways.

And my favorite!! Prefectural Road 158. I’ll drive your whole length one of these autumns!!
Drive a total of 900km in three days! Of course, I’ll do it again and more.

Just Show Up

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I’m reminded today of how important this is.

Last night our project lead commented harshly on my Team’s output. I was so bothered with it and the feeling of being incompetent and impostor pervaded within me the whole night and the following morning. Curiously and thankfully I could sleep well. My thoughts and feelings were so grey the following morning that the only thing that made me wanting to go to office was because I committed to prepare a document that needs to be turned in by 10:30am (btw bus schedule and all, I arrived at the office at 10am; I turned it in at 10:28am and was returned without comments, ready to be issued.

And as today wore on, things unfolded in a way that validated my reasoning last night. I was right after all.

My decisions were right after all.

If I hadn’t showed up today, if I called and feigned sickness, I wouldn’t have known that.

Just show up.

I’m glad I just showed up today.