My daughter was very excited when she discovered my YouTube channel. It was a channel I set up quietly to build up my skills using the camera function on my phone. I think she loved seeing her face in the videos rather than anything. She became my 25th subscriber.
She also asked me to make more videos for 2025. I will think about it. Until I get my FYP results for psychology, my mind is not really resting.
I realised that at KPPN, Ee’s learning methods hugely adopt the use of digital technology and presentations. Laptops are super useful. My husband bought him a Dell that is useful for coding works considering that Ee is in the Digital Innovator Programme (DIP). The subjects are slightly different from the Pure Science Programme. Printers are nice to have. Ee does not have a printer but Ee has his A4 papers. So if he needs to print something, he will use his dorm-mates printer and pay him based on what they agree on (for using ink).
Ee has been exploring how to use Canva and other website-building tools. I’ve noticed his vocabulary improving through his WhatsApp conversations with friends, especially during group work discussions. During the last school break, he asked for my help in shooting a video for their group presentation. He already had a clear idea, and I simply assisted with the execution. Ee explained that he needed to create the video first as an example or template for his team members. He was also supporting his friend, the team leader, who is naturally a bit quieter. Interestingly, the tutor intentionally selected quieter students as leaders this time, so Ee stepped in to lend a hand. He’s also learning to navigate disputes among team members—a tricky skill, but I’m letting him figure it out on his own. It’s all part of the learning process.
It’s the exam season at the moment. His last paper is next Monday. I hope he has been keeping up with his studies. He only has himself and his friends to remain disciplined in his studies. It’s easy for a 13-year-old to be enticed by the freedom to do whatever they want such as gaming or watching movies, considering they have access to laptops and internet access. I cannot wait to see him for the upcoming end-of-year school holidays.
Whenever you reach a stage in your life where money can buy you anything your heart desires, learn to live below your means. So that you will be able to appreciate life and experience happiness in the simplest things.
A few months ago, I had a realization: choosing to spend money lavishly (which I don’t necessarily do) might lead to a lifelong cycle of chasing dopamine highs. For instance, if dining at Secret Recipe becomes just an ordinary meal, the urge to seek out even more upscale restaurants arises when celebrating or wanting a more special experience. Many people my age likely remember a time when KFC was considered a luxury, a treat for special occasions. These days, for most, KFC is simply a convenient way to fill their stomachs, disconnected from the joy of shared moments with loved ones. It’s no longer the rare indulgence or meaningful family experience it once was.
This cycle of seeking greater thrills or pleasure can also explain why some individuals turn to drugs. When everyday activities lose their charm and no longer bring happiness, people may resort to extreme measures to feel something. Or anything. Much like how the joy of simple treats like KFC fades when they become routine, the fulfilment from ordinary joys diminishes, driving some to pursue more intense experiences. Over time, this pursuit can rob them of the ability to find joy in the simple, meaningful aspects of life.
Thus, I’ve made a conscious effort to simplify my lifestyle. I’ve toned down on online shopping, resisting the urge to constantly seek excitement through new purchases. Instead, I’ve focused on cooking more at home, rediscovering the joy and satisfaction of preparing meals for myself and my family. These small but intentional changes have not only helped me save money but also brought a sense of fulfilment that no extravagant splurge could replace. It’s a reminder that happiness often lies in the simple, deliberate moments we create for ourselves.
Ask anybody who saves in GOLD, and they would probably say they wished they started early. Including myself. I honestly thought that gold would never be in my life because I don’t wear jewellery. I was so wrong.
Personally, I love saving gold with PG because it allows me to do so without any pressure or hard selling. I can stay in my own zone, saving gold at my own pace and within my budget. There’s a supportive WhatsApp group available, and I can casually reach out to my Introducer if I have any questions. Most of the time, I prefer doing my own research and managing everything independently—it’s truly an introvert’s paradise. Even as an Introducer/Priority Dealer, there are no targets to meet to maintain my status. My primary focus with PG is simply to grow my personal assets.
Naturally, I have come to a stage where I feel compelled to share the benefits of saving gold with PG. Hence, I am open to discussing this with a small group of people. In Melaka. Preferably at a place where there is an internet connection so that it will be easier to demonstrate it online. If it is a cosy group (less than 10 people), 1.5 to 2 hours is enough for a sharing session. No charge for me to be present but having food or drinks during our discussion would be nice. Ha ha ha.
As usual, I booked this room through AGODA. COM. The tax rates are palpable nowadays. On top of the room rate, there is an additional 5% service charge, 8% tax (no mention what) and 10% tax (also, no mention what). So my total was RM272.67 per night after a cashback reward of RM22.67. It is carrying itself as a 4-star hotel. We will see how it is for many years to come.
This stay was for our 14th wedding anniversary. Since I was not able to take leave on the 31st due to ‘quota cuti MO per day‘ issues, I thought we’d celebrate it a bit later during dinner. Nowadays, I have decided to take on the ‘NVM, What to do’ approach to all things that do not go my way. I cannot bend the rules, I can only control the way I react to it.
Hotel Tamara just started its services in September 2024. It is hidden in a residential area near Kampung Tujuh. It turns out that it shares the same compound with an apartment complex, Kenanga Residence. I had to go through security as it was a gated residence. Parking was plenty at the hotel grounds. Check-in was a breeze. I did have to pay a deposit of RM50 and a Melaka tourist fee of RM2. There is a FREE WIFI. There is also a mini fridge and a hairdryer in the room. I like that they provide soap too.
The air-conditioner took its time to cool the room. I tried my best to be calm and patient in waiting for the air-conditioner to take its effects. It finally did after an hour. Initially, I wanted to enjoy the Xmas buffet but perhaps due to a less enthusiastic response from the public, it has been suspended. So, I ordered our dinner from Zikgu Burger, had it delivered to our home first and then packed it to bring to the hotel.
I loved the breakfast buffet. Especially, the sambal ikan bilis for the nasi lemak. The selection of pastries and food on the menu is adequate for hotel standards and multicultural Malaysia. Insya-Allah there is something for everybody. The pool is open to the public. I had no idea they had one. I would have brought extra clothes for that. However, there is no staff or lifeguard on duty. Hence, parents with small children need to be careful.
Overall, I enjoyed our little staycation. My husband gifted me perfume and I bought him the Pua Kumbu tumbler from ZUS for our wedding anniversary presents. It has been a year full of kesabaran on my part. I pray that Allah will grant me more patience and resilience as I sail through this marriage.
Minci Moss 