Where do I even begin? Again and again, each time I get into the momentum of actually blogging, I get distracted by other things like my kids, or even a new job, and even topics that go off tangent like my cravings for dark chocolate cake at the moment..
Okay, okay. So it has been a while! And before you know it, it is the end of 2018!
Alhamdulillah, I have reached yet another milestone. 1) Managed to raise 2 kids and stay as sane as possible, 2) my husband and I also rode different types of waves together, and made it back to shore without breaking the surf board. Indeed, am truly thankful for all the things that 2018 has taught my family and I.
For that, I shall celebrate by treating myself to a keyboard fest.
I apologise in advance for this lengthy post, but these updates will go in reverse chronological order – with the most recent experiences first.
Here goes..
November 2018
My second born turned 1! At 11 kilograms, he is the fluffiest baby ever – I kid you not!
However, he is a little slower physically due to his weight. Like, he took a while to learn how to crawl or even cruise along furniture; and it also took a lot of effort for us to get him to accept solid foods and even now, he is still as picky as ever. Thankfully, since he turned 1, he has been able to crawl fully and fast enough for you to lose him if you’re trying to get him from scooting off! He’s also great at walking a couple of steps with our full support, and is a pretty loud baby.
He’s pretty chill most of the time, but when he’s upset.. His screams could shake the walls!
Yupp, that’s him when he wants our attention!
We also had a mini celebration for our fluffy Musta’in, together with our immediate family and close friends, to celebrate his single digit age!
Just look at the qtie’s face!
A week prior to that, Hubs had his FA Cup Finals over at Jalan Besar stadium. The atmosphere was craaaaaazy, as Yishun Sentek Mariners FC went against Tiong Bahru FC. Hubs played for YSMFC and worked hard during their game against SAFSA before finally getting to the finals. They worked even harder during the finals with TB and clinched their first championship title everrrrr!
Congratulations, boys!
Anyway, I have been super snowed under with my boss wanting me to take on an additional role.. OH WAIT. Have I told you that I now have a new job? I don’t think I ever did talk about work on my blog. But, if you follow me on other social media platforms, you would know that I left UWC. I left shortly after I came back from my Maternity Leave, as I accepted a job offer at an international preschool.
I was with UWC for about 2 years (ish?) and that was more than enough. People have constantly asked me why because true enough, I was in a job that paid me rather well. The benefits were great, and the hours were good and in general, the place wasn’t so bad at all. My colleagues turned friends were (and still are) really nice people, my superior was not too bad, the environment was bearable (I think it’s only because I can filter bullshit very well).
But you know when something is just not your cup of tea? And the only thing that ties you down and makes you stay as long as you have are the monetary benefits?
That was me while I was there.
I was happy at work as I had people I could call friends, but I didn’t feel like I achieved anything while I was there. Day by day, I was doing the same, repetitive things again and again to a point where I just got plain lazy? I am someone who gets really bored pretty easily, and that wasn’t the kind of thing I could be doing for a long time.
So when I received an offer for a PA position at an international preschool in the East end (I know) of Singapore, I accepted it immediately. However, not long after, I received an offer for another role closer to home. It was something that came out of the blue, and it was the next best option for me at that time. I wouldn’t say it pays better. In fact, I actually took a $200 pay cut for this job.
BUT…
The hours and the flexibility make up for that monetary loss. During the interview, I was asked this question at the end: What motivates you to get up to work every day? And my answer was: My kids. The interviewer, who smiled and nodded while mouthing “me too”, is thankfully my boss today. đŸ™‚
He has been so flexible when it came to issues pertaining to my kids or school.
Alhamdulillah, really.
Oh, so school? Yup – believe it or not, I’ve just signed a death contract for late night studying and decided to pursue with a local Specialist Dip in Business (Human Capital) at SP. Crazy, right? I haven’t gone to school for 8 years now, and to be studying part-time while working and mum-ing and wife-ing is just… Crazy?
But, goodness.. Subhanallah, amazed at how I can even manage. It has been 3 months now and as I look back at how I pulled through the first semester studying for tests and completing essays and assignments, I am extremely proud of myself. Although it is only the first semester, but managing it with 2 kids and a husband is beyond belief.
Thankful for the people He let me meet in my struggles – syukur.
I was skeptical at first, as this would only mean I had lesser time with the kids. But taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture, the end of the road would be worthwhile for my family and I. Insya Allah.
Please make a little du’aa for my little family. ♥
I also recently went on a Bangkok trip with Mum and Iffah – the sole purpose of the trip was to shop and that was what we did the whole 4 days there. I’m so happy I managed to drag 15KG of foreign loots back to SG, without busting my budget. Among my favorite loots were the EOs and balms I managed to grab from Chatuchak, as well as the bundle of clothes I bargained for the boys.
It was also the first time I went on a trip (away for more than 24 hours) without my husband and the kids. It felt good, but lonely at some point. I appreciated the freedom and space, of course – but missed them every second I was there.
I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to do this again.
All in all, the past 6 months have been nothing short of amazing – with new adventures, new friends made, new experiences gained, and many more. I might be naughty and shy away from blogging for a while now.
Insya Allah, I’ll be back soon.
Meanwhile, see you on IG (@deexwong) to get latest updates on my cheeky children!
The Author: Dee Wong 