First Hosting Gig!

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!

Oh, The Places You’ll Go! 小学校6年

As we walked under the fully bloomed sakura trees earlier today, I asked you how it felt to now be on 6th grade. You said it’s almost unbelievable you’re the seniors now as it was just yesterday that you were in 1st grade. Indeed, indeed. And for me, it seemed just like yesterday that I held a cheerful baby in my arms.

For the spring break, literally, we Oohhhed and ahhhed at the places we went to in Europe. But that’ll be for another blog.

For now, I am wishing you well as you start an exciting year for you.

Just this evening I read your previous homeroom teacher’s assessments of you (we didn’t have time last March as we had to fly early the day following your last day at school) and read about her compliments on how you take on leadership roles at school.

You have it in you, baby. I can see that. And I hope you’ll continue to nurture that ability and learn more, so you could lead with wisdom.

She still has that baby dimples on her hands🥰

Life with a grade schooler: Confessions!

A couple months ago, Yui told me she has a crush on one of her teachers in her after school school.

Last week, she told me she confessed and expressed her feelings to the guy, 12 years her senior and twice as tall. I wanted to ask details about how she said it, what was the setting, (and most importantly) what he said. She just wouldn’t share she eventually got angry because I kept on badgering her.

And then this evening, she suddenly blurted out, without preamble: he told me to say again what I said ten years after (in Japanese).

I was at first confused on what she meant. Then it dawned on me. Ahhhhh!!! I’m happy for my baby though.

My baby. Now a lady with crushes.