Category Archives: beginnings

Happy New 2026!

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明けましておめでとう御座います！

At least for the last three years or so, we have enjoyed perfectly clear sunrise, with nary a cloud in sight.

This morning though was quite cloudy, and we waited for about twenty minutes for the sun to peek through (and peak above) the heavy clouds.

Because of the clouds though, we were able to witness an incredibly lovely sight: the sun’s rays forging through. Priceless.

And of course the always, always, shines through.

This year we chose a new location and thankful we could get a good view. It was worth the try.

Happy 2026!!

I can love myself better than you can

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My oldest mentor finally had to bid the Company goodbye. So we held several special programs for him. On one instance, I was tasked to buy flowers. Before the program, I had to attend several meetings so my seat mates could just see the flowers near my desk but couldn’t ask me from whom it was.

Then during the Leads’ meeting, finally my seatmate had the chance: who gave you flowers?

My instant reply: I bought for myself .

The look on his face was priceless. Same as the look the other male colleagues in the meeting room had (I was the only female Lead). They couldn’t fathom that a lady would buy herself flowers.

My joke was so satisfying I laughed for some time before I cleared it up. That it was for the oldest member in our division who’s retiring.

I can buy myself flowers.

Life with a grade schooler: graduation

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Today, you had your graduation from your after school.

It was leagues more special than your school graduation itself.

All the previous teachers who left the after school either joined in person or online in the “graduation event” that your after school made just for you. They also presented you with handmade gifts and wrote messages on your yearbook. Even the teachers who already left the after school were able to write in their own handwriting on your yearbook. Which meant they made the effort go to the school to write on the book in addition to actually joining your small party.

As a mother, I am so so so happy to know that you are so much loved.

I am very thankful.

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.

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!