A Christmas to Remember

It's Christmas again. Season of giving.

Unlike previous working environment in Malaysia, office here in Singapore is more into gift exchange among the colleagues. Well, when you are in Rome, do as the Romans do, I kind of take it as a moment of appreciation and cherish the relationship with my very nice colleagues.

This year, I baked Brownies, written wishes in a uniquely made greeting card and presented to my fellow colleagues.

As for the Christmas Lunch cum get-together, an unofficial annual event that was initiated by our selves for the office, I baked a banana bread. As I forgotten to buy banana in advance so it was not very ripe when I made this. The cake was not moist enough.

Don't ask me why the Banana Bread were cut like Brownie,
I just noticed my mistake.

Anyway, we had pot luck. Let me show you our huge team effort to make the feast a successful event:):

[photos courtesy of SD]

I enjoy working with the people around me even though the system and procedure do suffocate us sometime. But I guess nothing is perfect and it is all about give and take, suffocation occasionally is still bearable. Ha~! I try to look at the bright side of my life. But seriously, I am getting very comfortable under this shelter, where it gladly accepted my return to work force after stay-at-home for two years plus. For the past 3 years, this job of mine not only allowing me to gain knowledge and skills but also learn to have healthy work-life balance.

Yes, work-life balance is important for us. We do not have maid and extended family support is not throughout the year. Considering Jiejie is attending P1 next year and we are worry on the impact of change (from pre-school setting to a formal school environment) on her. I have been thinking for a solution... since last year. If I continue to work full-time, she will only see me after 7 everyday, I can imagine her anxiety and lost of love. At the same time, I do think that I should spend more time with little Bomber. She will be terrific two next year! So early of the month, I sat in front of my boss and asked him to allow me go for part-time working scheme for next year. With his support, it was processed and had been approved by HR!

This is the best Christmas gift I received.

Like what June mentioned, income is shrunk, and I have seen it coming. SC and I agreed that we should cut our expenses, i.e. no more part-time cleaning services and no dining out during weekdays, big impact on my shopping. However, part-time employment also mean more time with the girls and perhaps a little bit less zombified morning for my self.

It will be hectic, as I will be equally involved between work and family. Work lesser hour doesn't mean workload lesser, but more hours with the girls will cause me some kind of disorder. These days, technologies give us no reason to defer our response to an instruction or a question. Best is, dinner preparation, laundry washing and folding, toilets cleaning, floor mopping, etc are all in my never ending to-do-list. Not forgetting that tough coaching in Jiejie's learning and more 'thinking corner' for little Bomber.

Still, I look forward to it. I will find a way out if I suffocate from the kids or the house chores or the emails. If someone ask me what's my resolution for 2012... I would say, stay sane and alive.

Anyway, wishing you Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.