10 January 2022

Highlight of 2021 - Joining Talent Trust.

First post of the new year. Here it is. 

I have not shared about this, not like officially here because the past few months have been like a dream. 

I resigned from Holiday Tours Penang as a Corporate Sales Executive to become a full-time mom, but 2 months later into that full-time role, I tendered my resignation - to myself. Heh. Two months were enough to make me realize that being a stay-at-home mom is not my cup of tea. 

To cut the story short, I joined Talent Trust in August this year, and it has been a wow journey so far. 

If I can choose only one highlight of 2021, for me it would be being a part of this TT Family. I don't think it is because I am the newest baby in this company, and everything still feels nice and warm and all, but let me tell you a little bit about Talent Trust. 

Talent Trust is run as a business, but at our core, we are a ministry that cares for our members. We are established based on the principles of the good stewardship found in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25: 14-30). 

We partner with Aetna International (one of the world's leading international insurers) to give missionaries the physical, mental, and financial care and support so that they can thrive as long as needed in their calling. 

I remembered going through a few series of interviews and at the end of each call, I would pray and ask God to give me this job. Hah. I even prayed for a desk that has a sea view. I know right. Haven't got the job yet, but praying for a nice sea view desk all d. Hah. Being positive at its best. 

Anyways, after many long phone calls and video calls, I got offered as a Customer Success Associate, and my desk was right next to the window - with a sea view! Kid you not. Now, changed to pantry view because SOP so must sit far away from each other a bit, but I don't mind it cos the pantry also very nice view. Heh. Actually, the whole office is very nicely designed okay. Even our working desk is also the wooden, modern type looking - super best. Heh. 

I was working from home for a few months since it was during MCO when I got the job, but it was not difficult because my teacher, Gladys did such a great job in training me during the onboarding phase. When it was finally time to go back to the office, it was a bitter-sweet thing. But it was mostly good things because we finally got to meet with everyone in person and of course, it is a lot nicer working in an office together. Heh. 

Please go see our team bios thank you - Talent Trust Family as of January 2022 :) 


Anyways, I found THE job, or the job found me. Hah. I align with their mission, and I am so happy and glad that I am (in a way) serving God by taking care of His missionaries worldwide. 

When I got the offer, the first few things that came to my mind were, "What would Ps Heok Cheow say?". I miss this man, a lot. In many ways, he was like a spiritual dad to me. Don't know if you get it, but yeah. There is a part of me that wants to make him proud. I remember his face when I resigned as his PA and to no longer work in the church. I cried like a baby because there was a hint of guilt in me, but I knew very well that I needed to do that. I remembered him comforting me in our church pantry during lunchtime, although it was really hard for him to accept my resignation that time. But he did, and he continued cheering me on. Ah, miss you, Pastor! 

But now, I think he would be proud of me because I finally found something that I can align with - my purpose and my desire to serve. I finally found it, can I say that? I will say that. 

Oh, and I finally got to take professional photos that made me look like a legit working professional person - with a blazer and all. It was fun working with Matt Brandon (Penang Headshots). We were asked to choose 3 top favorites and then pick just 1 to put on the main website. I couldn't choose. I had to ask my family and friends to choose for me. The chosen one was a crowd favorite so win. 


So yeah, that was fun! 

And so... my highlight of 2021 is Talent Trust

I am only 4-months old here, but I already feel like I have been with them for years. The people here worked so well together, like a family, and like in any family dynamics, there will be moments when you don't see eye-to-eye, but you don't keep it and be bitter. You talk it out, and you get better. You built that relationship, and that is something I appreciate here. 

I am beyond thankful for everyone in TT, that is for sure. Thank you Nathan and Pansy for believing in this newbie girl. To more adventures and noisy, loud lunch talks together :) 

Oh, and we had our company's retreat not too long ago, at The Prestige Hotel, Penang and it was so much fun! Most of them could not stay 2-nights but it was still such a great time to connect and bond with each other, and the Prestige Hotel is probably one of the nicest hotels I have ever stayed at. I love their rooms' designs and stuff. So so cantik. 

Anyways, here are some photos from the retreat. 

Thank you Jesus for this family :) 


Reminder to myself for the Year 2022 - to be more thankful. 

Till next time, bye now. 

29 December 2021

Sofia Turned Two!

I remembered vividly when she was latching onto me in the middle of many nights in the span of that 6-months, I had silently wished that she would grow quicker so that she can start to sleep through the night and no need for few-hours-feeding time. I regretted that now. At that time, I was sleep-deprived, but now I miss it. 

I miss her being a baby and so dependent on us then. But I also like that she is independent now. I CAN NEVER WIN WAN SERIOUSLY! Everything also I want. Hah. 

But yeah, we celebrated Sofia turning two last week and I got all mushy inside because I realized how fast time can fly us by, and now I miss her. 

She is still a baby (for us), and it has been such a journey watching her grow. Her personality is so different than Alex's and she is such a drama queen, please. She surprises us every day with her patterns and guess what. We have not been really able to "discipline" her for the past 2 years because she just has her ways of turning our frowns the other way. 

It was quite a tough decision when I was planning for a "small" party - whether to have it or not. I obviously decided to go for it and invited family and close friends only. For Adrian, he would probably prefer to have like just us. But he lets me decide on this so, a party it is. Hah. 

Choosing the venue was a tough one. It was the toughest for me. It took a long time. I wanted a space that is only for us, some sort like a private room in a restaurant but must be large enough to cater to our guests and not feel like we are sardined together. I also did not want to spend a lot of money "renting" the space and cater food separately. I wanted a place where I can do both together, safely with SOP in place. I wouldn't want abang polis come visit. Heh.

I had many suggestions but they were all above Adrian's budget and I also did not have the excitement to go for it. It didn't feel like it is. 

So, no choice right? I went to Adrian and told him I needed his help. Hah. I told him he needs to help me with the venue. 

Within 10 minutes, he said, "How about McDonald's?" 

And then it clicked! I was like yes, yes, and yes. 


I did some research and made a few calls to both McD Greenlane and Birch House, and decided to go for Birch House, because:
  • They will reserve the entire second floor for the party
  • Walk-in customers are not allowed to go upstairs
  • The second-floor space is huge and there are plenty of spaces for everyone to move around
Spend a minimum of RM500 and you can have the entire space for 3-hours - decorations included. Okay so much win, please. Their decorations include those small and big balloons that kids love. It's really impressive, to be honest. 

There are also 3 games included with this Party @ McD thing where the assigned staff will organize everything. We gau-gau added some games for the adults because the kids just need balloons and they will have fun already. 

We played musical chairs and charades and then we chit-chatted till it was time to go home. 


It was so good to be able to have this small gathering with each other, after being deprived for close to 2-years. I am thankful for each and everyone who came to celebrate with us. You guys are not only close to us (parents), but the fact that you are in Sofia's life is just a blessing really to Adrian and me. I always say this and I will say it again. Thank you (so much) for loving Sofia and Alex like they are your own. They are so blessed really. 

Also, special thanks to all our friends, and families, and Sofia's fans (strangers become friends) who wished us on social media and WhatsApp. I wished we could invite all of you but obviously cannot la right. I have received many messages about how little snippets of Sofia's video can make you smile, and really many times, I told myself that I got to try to post at least a video of her every day. 

She is our little influencer, for sure. 

So yes, thank you, thank you again for being a part of Sofia's journey. 

Here are some photos to remember this day. Thank you to those who helped us take these photos! So much love for you guys :) 



Big shout out to Sofia's daddy for being so supportive and agreeing to have this party. If you did not already know, Adrian has a very big soft spot for Sofia. And it is not like he loves her more than Alex. The dynamic that he has with Alex is so different than with Sofia, and both are equally so strong and magnetic. 

Surely, they both come to me when they need comfort. No wait, actually Sofia is starting to go to Adrian a lot now when she seeks comfort but the point is, the relationship, the bond, the connection that Adrian has with his daughter is such a magical, lovable, and unbreakable tie. I know in my heart, body, and soul that no matter what/who life brings, Sofia will always be Adrian's precious little one. It's just a little something that I cannot describe to you. It's an everyday interaction thing. It's how their faces light up when they see each other. Err, I don't think Adrian's face got ever so lighted up when he sees me also. Hah. But yeah. 

And Alex is not jealous of their closeness, because when Adrian is with Alex, it's another different set of dynamics. It's a father and son thing - a lot of teaching moments and Alex always seems to not listen to him, but deep inside, we can tell that Alex is always waiting for Adrian to play and spend time with him. It's a strong boys' bond thing. 

I do get jealous at times, not because I want Adrian to "sayang" me the same way he does with them. But I get jealous of their relationships because they are so magnetic to each other, in a very different way from me. But it's not like a bad jealous la. It's a good jealous (if there is such a thing heh). It's the kind that makes my ovaries burst ten million times and I want to have more kids kind. Hah. 

So yeah, thank you baby for being such a good supporter. Behind every happy wife, is a very supportive husband. So, thank you. Heh. 

Till next time, bye now. 

28 November 2021

Outdoor Steamboat at Cheang Kee Restaurant, Tanjung Bungah!

Do you love eating steamboats and do you love dining outdoor?

If your answer is yes and yes, you need to dine at this Cheang Kee Restaurant! They used to be at Chulia Street, but they decided to move to this new place due to a high rental fee. I have not tried them when they were in Chulia Street so it was our first time trying them. 

My cousin found this place when she saw her friend's IG and we immediately booked for our staycation weekend. 

They are not fully done with the outdoor dining so it's best to go in the early evening when it is still bright and dry. We were there at 6pm and it was perfect, but sadly it started to rain so we had to move the tables indoors. 


Here is the menu that they sent us through WhatsApp a week prior to our dinner week, and we pre-ordered our meals. They have ala cartes and mini steamboat sets. 


I do think that it is better to make a reservation before heading there, as they may not have the outdoor settings for you, so yeah - call first. 

Their number: 017-411 5177
Their address: 551-L, Jalan Wee Hein Tze, 11200 Tanjung Bungah. 


They have different types of soup, but their top 2 best selling ones are the Premium Chicken Soup and Shaoxing Wine Chicken Soup. We ordered the Shaoxing one, and it was truly, so good! 

I thought that the price was quite expensive. My fish set of personal steamboat was RM32.90 with just 5 thin slices of fillets. What shocked us most was paying RM10.90 for a small glass of orange juice. Hah. 

But overall, I love the soup and the environment so I will go back again. Maybe next time I will try other food on their menu. 

But yes, such a nice find :) 

Till next makan, bye now!

13 November 2021

Must Eat at Balik Pulau & It Is Not Laksa & Durian!

When people say Balik Pulau, the first few foods that come to mind are laksa and durian, and brown sugar pau. 

I always must have my lemak laksa at the Kim Seng Kopitiam, but that Saturday's spontaneous trip brought us all the way into the inner part of Balik Pulau, called Kampung Pantai Acheh. 

Yes, we have been living in Penang for like 30-years, and never have I ever been to Kampung Pantai Acheh. It is not that far from the Balik Pulau town. You can waze it and it will bring you there. 

Don't count on me to give you instructions on the directions there, because you may end up in a jungle. 

You must be like thinking about what triggered us to even know how to get into Kampung Pantai Acheh. Well, that brings us to a few years back when Covid-19 has not happened yet and Adrian and I were both enjoying our bowl of beef noodle soup along Carnavon Street when an elderly couple came and shared a table with us. 

We started talking, and before we know it, they were sharing their travel experiences with us. They lived in the mainland and would always make their way to Balik Pulau (more specifically Kampung Pantai Acheh) to eat fried oysters (oh-chien). But that was it. We didn't go and explore that part of Balik Pulau. 

Not till recently when we were there and we suddenly remembered about this local goodness! We were just looking for the fried oyster when we saw the roasted duck stall next to it and boy, they were looking fine - like finger-licking-fine. Hah. 

So, we ordered one of each and we devoured it in the car. And then we went to order some more to tapau back. 

And in the same Kopitiam, they also sell like seafood items - so we went back another time and tried all! HAHAHA.

FRIED OYSTER  (Oh Chien) - RM10
He says: Oh so good, so tasty! I like the chili sauce. 
She says: I could taste the oyster on my first bite and there wasn't any oyster in that bite. Super aromatic and need to enjoy it while it's hot. We had this in the car. It was perfect. 

ROASTED DUCK WITH SESAME SEEDS - RM46 (a whole duck)
He says: Best in the world!
She says: Crispy skin and tender juicy meat. So so so good! We bought it back for my grandma and she loves it so much she kept talking about it. And she is a real food critic, please. Heh. Really love this! 

This is the coffee shop where you can find the two goodies. I think if you love eating duck, you need to try this one. We are not big fan of duck meat, so we cannot really "judge" if it is really good, But as far as our tongue is, we definitely approved this duck. Hah. 

STEAMED MUSSELS - RM22
He says: Okay nia la. 
She says: Fresh mussels. Will love it more if it comes with some type of sauce. 

FISH HEAD WITH BITTER GOURD - RM20
He says: Okay nia pun.
She says: I am not a big fan of fish head but I am a big fan of bitter gourd, so this dish is quite a win. The sauce is very yummy and old-school. 

STIR-FRIED KAPAH WITH GINGER & GARLIC - RM15
He says: This is pretty good - fresh!
She says: Super fresh and super yummy. We love it so much we ordered it again to snack on after we finished eating everything okay. 

HOR KA SAI 
He says: Not as 'kau' as I thought it would be!
She says: Yummy!

FISH AND PRAWN PORRIDGE - RM15
He says: Not bad...
She says: If you are a fan of seafood and porridge, then this is a definite must-try! Both the fish fillets and prawns - fresh kau kau.


Their stalls are right next to each other, facing the road. I don't think you will miss them as you reach Kampung Pantai Acheh. We didn't explore anymore after eating all these! 

Was it worth the drive to go further into Balik Pulau? 

ONE HUNDRED PERCENT A DEFINITE YES. 

The duck stall is open only on the weekends (12pm-7pm) but the rest I think should be open on Thursday onwards - and all these stalls are in this LP Hoe Kopitiam okay! 

Go try them and let us know what you think okay! 

Till next makan, bye now! 

03 October 2021

Is It Okay to Cuss?

Have you ever cussed before? If yes, when and where and why?

Growing up, I was taught that cussing is very bad and if any of us cussed or say any vulgar words - we would be punished. 

Now that I have grown up, things changed. Heh. Read on first before you start assuming things in your head. Hah. These are all my opinions only okay - so even if it is not a popular one and everyone disagrees with me, it is absolutely fine with me - just don't throw eggs at me hah. 

I still think that it is not okay to cuss - not out loud anyway. What are the intentions of using cuss words? What is the message that you want to convey by using the cuss words? To make your conversations more dramatic?

Now, I can testify that prior to becoming a mother, I have gotten very frustrated before (to the point of crying) and upset and whatsoever right, but nothing that was able to compare to the intensity of these same emotions after becoming a mother to two kids. 

The intensity of those frustrations is usually tripled and I find myself just want to cuss so I could feel better. Don't ask me why and how I got that "idea" that cussing could sort of help take some frustration away - because I don't have the answer to that. 

It's funny because it is not something I would usually do or want to do. So, it's a mystery for me too.

Anyways, at times when I needed to let out my frustration (could be caused by kids melting down for the lamest reason or they accidentally hurt me physically while doing something they were told not to do or spilling water all over the floor after I have just cleaned up the house or just upset with certain situations or people), I could not because the kids are with me and watching

So, I would run (okay maybe not run so dramatic but go) to my room, plant my face deep into a pillow, and shout really loud (but muffled) and long, "f***!!!!"

Of course, before doing that, I will make sure that the kids are not in the same room with me. 

Or sometimes I will go to the toilet (or anywhere with no one else around), and let out a whispered but firm frustrated cuss. And yes, I will feel much better after that - almost instantly. I don't know what is the magic behind it la, to be honest. I just know that it works and I will feel much better after that. 

Having said that, I realized that it was slowly becoming like a "habit" (I don't get that kind of intense frustration often okay please ah) and every time I had to let out a cuss, I felt bad. My mind would start thinking of other ways to "let off" an instant frustration but this seems to work the best. This means I will not end up screaming at my kids or intentionally starting an unnecessary argument with Adrian. 

And I finally came to a justification (for me) to be okay (and not feel bad) for needing to use the f*** word in silence. 

And that is, as long as my intention of cussing is not to hurt someone else, and not to cause anyone to stumble and no one is hearing it (except God I guess heh) - then it is okay. I always only do it in the secret anyways. 

For me, I will always ask myself if I want Alex and Sofia to cuss (at any point in their life) and my answer is absolute no. At least not with the intention to hurt someone or to stumble people around them. 

FYI - You don't appear 'cooler' if you normalize using the cuss words. You also don't appear 'screwed up' if you use them. I would like to think that it is something that people sort of adapt to when they surround themselves with people who say it out in the open and somehow it has become like a language in itself. Maybe can like do self-control wan la. You know like how people spend some time in western country then when they come back here, their accent still remains western-ish? Can turn off wan la right. Self-control ni ma heh. 

I have friends who cuss out loud in their conversations and I love them the same as my friends who do not. So, don't be passing judgments around.

It's like smoking I guess. It's a habit that is hard to break and it is addictive. Hello, sometimes when I get frustrated a little also, I will go somewhere quiet and alone and say, "f***!". So I totally understand how hard it is to break the "habit" and "addiction" especially when it is something that helps you feel better. 

This is where self-control comes in. 

There were many times when either Alex or Sofia would go crazy in the car and they would cry all the way home, and all I wanted to do is cuss. But I would bite my lips and I would take few deep breaths. 

Then, there were times Adrian would be working at the dining table and got frustrated with a certain situation, and he would walk into his 'gym room' and cuss (instead of saying it in front of us). Of course, sometimes I can still hear him because his whisper is not a whisper and his cuss words vocabulary is wider haha. In this kind of situation, I would talk really loud or sing to Alex and Sofia so they won't hear him. This is called teamwork la okay. Hah. 

This does not mean that we are screwed up. This means that we are humans and that we are trying. Adrian and I will always remind each other of our intentions whenever we do or say something - be it to each other, to our kids, or to other people. 

So, for me, I think it is fine for me to cuss into my pillow (when I need to) as long as no one else hears it and that is the main point. The last thing I want to do is to stumble people. 

Which then brings me to the next question - why then do I want to talk about it here? 

Well, because this is as real as it gets. 

Someone once asked in our group of friends if they think that I would ever use the "f***" word. Out of the 4 people, 1 answered yes. That was gazillion years ago and I disagreed with the 1 person. I told him that I would never. 

Look at me now, a mother with 2 kids and I do cuss sometimes (IN PRIVATE). Hah. So yeah, people will change so never say never. Heh.

Maybe you have a more effective way to let off your frustration and if that works for you, then really good! I guess as long as your 'way' is not by hurting someone else then that is fine. 

So yeah. I do that so I don't let off my steam by screaming at my kids or purposely saying mean things to my husband. It helps me. But I need to always be reminded not to be 'addicted' to it because before I know it, I may be saying it out loud. 

In summary, if you cuss with the intention to hurt people or/and people may be stumbled by it, then it is not okay. What is your intention then to use these cuss words? Is it necessary? And don't go around trying to hurt people with your words la - now pandemic and everyone is hurting in one way or another so be nice. Heh. 

Okay so in the summary of a summary, having kids is really good lah - they help you do self-check because everything that you don't want them to do or say, you will also not do or say. So, you get to improve yourself every time. 

The struggles are real, and I am glad that I finally found a method to make me a less-screaming-into-my-kids-ears and more-calm-down-respond-better person. 

I hope that from this rambling, you will be able to consciously find a way to channel your frustration and a way to let off your instant anger or something - without stumbling to others and hurting others of course. 

Till next time, bye now.