The ROI of a Coffee

Had a long catch-up on the phone with a childhood friend today right before lunch. It was nice, but it got me thinking. As a working mom, the "cost" of hanging out for a yumcha session isn't just the price of the bubble tea or coffee—it’s the ROI on my energy.

I’ve become so calculative. 

Sebab 1: Masa. 

Sebab 2: Tenaga.

By the time the weekend hits, my battery isn't just low; it's blinking red macam Ultraman. My idea of a perfect Saturday? Hibernating. I’d rather be home recharging, hanging with my four boys, or tackling the "Mount Everest" of laundry that’s been mocking me all week (jujur, kadang berminggu-minggu dalam bakul). Groceries, spring cleaning, and the most super important activity of all: TIDUR.

People ask, "Where did the time go?" I'll tell you where.

On weekdays, the alarm screams at 5 AM. I’m at the office from 8:30 to 5:30. By the time I crawl home, it’s practically Maghrib. Between feeding the kids, getting them settled, and what-not—I’m out until the next day. Then we repeat. 

So, where is this "extra time" or "real-life drama" people talk about? Mana ada! Penatttttt. Honestly, I feel like I'm getting old and overwhelmed 24/7. I just cannot anymore.

I used to think that changing my career to work closer to home—cutting out that soul-sucking commute—would solve everything. I told myself:

"I'll have so much energy. Maybe I'll join a gym, poco-poco ke. I'll be so active" 

Konon-kononnya lah.

Plot twist: Sama je. The house still wins. The exhaustion still finds me.

Thinking back to that phone call, we recapped the last 4–5 years. Total tea-spilling session sampai kering air liur. It reminded me that back in the day, I was always the "designated listener." A gaduh with B? Both would come to me. And me? I just sat there like a neutral statue. No sides, no interference, and honestly? No feelings about it. Don't know why they love it.

I guess I’ve always been the "Mak Ayam"—but these days, this Mak Ayam is too busy managing her own coop to care about someone else's drama.