How to Say It

“How to Say It” is my 4^th project speech in Toastmasters. To tell you frankly, I have not thought much about what I am going to say. Then, I recalled having a blog and how I used to always have stories to tell. My last post was way back when?!!!!!! 25^th June 2015?!! And that was also a post update after 6 months. Have I really gotten myself go? To be honest, I guess I kind of lost my way trying to juggling everything all at once.

A lot has changed since I first started my blog….

1. Married
   Yes, to my friend of 16 years, boyfriend of almost 8 years and husband of 4 years.

   

   One if our so called date session that we squeezed in at Katie's Stove

2. Mother
   I have a very active toddler who is almost 3 and at a phase of learning about emotions

   

   My Little Chica, Channeling Elsa from Frozen

3. A Student
   Currently finishing my Masters in Open University Malaysia. It offers one of the most flexible program. Despite the hectic schedule, I still opted to take 3 subjects a semester because I LOVE THE PRESSURE! Haha! Not!

   

   One of my favorite group of people from my Business Research Methodology class last year.

4. Co-founder of Katie’s Stove
   Though my husband may be the owner and it is an expansion of my mom’s business, I’m very much involved in the managerial work; putting what I learn in class.
   

   

   With Ezry's Friend who has visited the restaurant like at least 4 times. 

   

   With my Dairy God Son at the Restaurant

   

   With Elaine.. Thanesh was the one taking the picture. 

   

   Our little team on the 29th February for a Birthday Party at the Restaurant.

   
   

   

   Favorite people at Katie's Stove

   
   

   

   More favorite people at Katie's Stove!

5. No longer as Active
   Used to be able to run for miles. After my pregnancy bleed episode, I became a slug. Thankfully, I found a very supportive and positive trainer and introduced me to other positive people who does nothing but inspire and support each other. Let’s save the story for some other day.
   

   

   Super motivating and supportive group of people!

   

   Completed my First ever Trail Run Gig to start the year.

   

   More positive People!

6. A member of Toastmasters
   Something I really wanted to do in order to improve myself. I’ve always had problem in public speaking and leading. This is also part of the reason why I decided to blog again.

   

   With Shanty the upcoming President of HP Toastmasters Malaysia

7. Hijab I now don a hijab. 
   It is more like a step-by-step kind of thing. I did not turn a 180 and suddenly become religious or something. Personality wise, I am very much me. ;) Please do not ask me if it is permanent or not. My decision to wear “tudung” is between me and God.
   **I started wearing some time in February so the pictures of me without tudung is before that. 

Now, here is what didn’t change…

1. Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) 
   I’m still working in the same company for 7 years! Just that my role has changed. Currently the Audit and Compliance lead, BCP Champion and ERT lead for GSD Malaysia. Slightly more active in the company joining the EHS committee and soon to be the Secretary of the HP Toastmasters Club Malaysia.
2. Parasite (Still staying with my parents) 
   Moved back into my parents’ house upon the arrival of my daughter. My mom doesn’t trust nurseries that she devoted her days to raising her grandchild. Now, I have moved into my in laws’ house so that my husband gets to spend more time with his family (ever since the restaurant opened in January, he sacrificed his weekends and did not get to see his family that much).
3. Balance Life as We Call It
   Yes, I am still struggling to balance life as we call it. I mean on top of the office work, balancing student life and helping out my husband in the restaurant. People normally get the weekend off but in my case, it is more like 7 days a week. Though I may seem relaxed, I am honestly exhausted and pressured. Going to work super early in the morning, coming home to attend to my daughter, brainstorming for the restaurant and waking up in the middle of the night for meetings, assignments and studies. It does take a toll. I tried to do my own laundry but could only do it at night after I’ve rested awhile and spent quality time with my daughter. Clothes only dries up in the mid-day while I’m at work and my mom will always end up helping me out because she can’t see things lying around waiting for me. She’s not only a Stepford wife but also a perfectionist. Maybe staying with the in laws will help me practice my household management since my Mother-in-law also works and will prolly come home about the same time as me.  Wish me luck!

Point No.3 of what didn’t change is prolly what this blog is going to be about. Because, as time passes by, I learned that we can’t have everything in life, my own definition of Wasatiyyah (moderation) and the goals that I have. Till next time…