Recently, a friend asked me where do I find time to blog regularly when I have to work full-time, take care of an active toddler and manage the household. The truth is… I have a good helper to manage our household, I rarely work overtime and I get my inspirations to blog when everyone is asleep.

My day starts as early as 6:15am. My typical weekday schedule with a 2 year-old attending pre-nursery class is as follow:

6:15am – Wake up and get ready to work by 7am.

7:00am – Wake my son up, get him ready for school. If he doesn’t fuss, my helper will feed and clean him, while I take a quick breakfast. If he fusses, I’ll have to feed and clean him (sigh) and breakfast will be in my office.

7:30am – Leave home, drive my son and my helper to school.

8:00am – Little Edison starts his class and I send my helper to my PIL’s house before going to work.

8:20am – Reach my office and start work. My PIL will pick Little Edison from school at 11am.

6:00pm – Leave from work. I try my best to leave on the dot so that I can spend more time with Little Edison. Frankly, I feel terribly guilty for sending him to school and make him cry in the morning. Thus, I make it a point to spend more time with him after work.

6:20pm – Reach my PIL’s house, play time with Little Edison, followed by dinner.

8:30pm – Return to my own home. Shower.

9:00pm – Activity time with Little Edison: read books, practice flashcards, play blocks or puzzles etc.

10:00pm – Pat Little Edison to sleep.

10:15pm – ME time finally! Read newspaper, blog, chat with hubby or doing some self-maintenance (facial, manicure, pedicure etc).

11:15pm – Crash into bed.

At night, when I’m in a relaxed mode, inspirations are pouring in and I have lots of ideas to blog. I write my blog entries and schedule them to the posted on my blog.

I need at least 7 hours of sleep everyday; otherwise I’ll wake up like a zombie the next morning. I wish I can be like my hubby, who needs only 5-6 hours of sleep (but I can’t). If I can cut down 1-2 hours sleep time everyday, I can even set-up a blogshop, something that I’ve been dreaming of recently.

My schedule may be a little crazy but I still try to manage it as much as I can. I’ve been reflecting on what it is that could possibly be the secret to achieve work-life balance. After some mulling, I think I know the answers. It is not so much on maximizing the hours by working at lightning speed, but to leave work at work! I seldom bring paperwork home with me; I take my mind off work when I’m with my family. Likewise, I try to leave family issues at the door when I get to work.

Last but not least, I love my work and the life I’m living in. I sacrifice my time for something that I’m passionate about, I’m happy and I’ve no complaints.

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I bought myself a Christmas present a week ago. It arrived last Friday, and I was truly delighted. Well, actually I buy presents for myself all year round. Christmas is just another excuse for me to shop. I’m in a festive mood now. Christmas present makes me happy!

This is it – my new Coach Bleeker Signature Tote Handbag in Plum/Brown. A roomy and light-weight multi-function tote with the classic look of Coach, I simply have to buy it the first moment I saw it on a blogshop.

I’m amazed by how much stuff I can throw into this tote and how sturdy it is. As I go to work this morning, I pack all my usual handbag stuff, my lunch box, an umbrella and my make-up pouch in this bag. It doesn’t feel heavy at all!

I’m so glad to find this awesome bag! And I’m happy to recommend it to you too!

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Last weekend, I celebrated my 32nd birthday with my loved ones.

After a certain age, birthdays become a reminder that we are aging. But I don’t really mind that since I’m not exclusively tied to the numbers. I’ve gone through a wild and rocky childhood, a tough and challenging young adulthood and I finally arrive into this happy world of motherhood. In short, I’m grateful to be where I am today.

During my teens, I was obsessed about turning 21. I would think about my life in the twenties – my first job, my first boyfriend, my first paycheck etc. But when I was in my twenties, I never think about my life in the thirties. I totally freaked out when I approached the big three-oh.

Being in my thirties now, I find life amazing. I look at myself juggling with career and motherhood everyday. I have an adorable son who takes up an incredible amount of time and energy from me. But yet, I find that I’m not spending enough time with him. I feel so guilty leaving him with my maid when I go to work every morning.

At work, sometimes I find myself not paying 100% attention. There are so many tasks to accomplish but my brain is all over the place. When Edison is unwell, I have to take urgent leave to take care of him. I’m glad that my work is pretty flexible. I can work anywhere as long as I have an internet connection, mobile phone and laptop.

On my own personal life, I miss staying up late on a Saturday night. I miss watching a good movie. I miss shopping alone at Orchard Road. I miss afternoon naps. I miss learning a new skill. I miss parents and siblings in Malaysia. I miss doing a lot of things for myself.

1st Nov – I celebrated happiness with my loved ones. My husband. My son. My family. My in-laws. My friends. And I heard my son saying “Happy Birthday, Mama!” I’m blessed.

Thanks to everyone for your love!

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This is ME, when I was 5 months pregnant with Little Edison. This picture was taken in May 2007 in Ginza, Japan. My biggest worry back then was knowing where to find the nearest 7-Eleven store because I was constantly hungry.

At the end of my pregnancy, I gained a massive 18kg in weight. My feet, fingers and face swell due to water retention. I walked like a penguin. I was clumsy and ugly! My tummy felt like a big watermelon – round, big and heavy.

Well, a lot has changed since then. My butt returned to a much smaller size. I gained about 3kg from my pre-pregnancy weight. I’m glad that I can wear my pre-pregnancy jeans now.

I love being a mother and watching my son learns and grows. His innocence and marvel at the simple things in life bring me joy. That love between me and him is the most precious thing that I ever had.

My life is so BEAUTIFUL with Little Edison!

P/S: This is the first time I publish picture of my pregnancy days in this blog. Hehe!

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I was completely over the moon when I received my job promotion last week. It was just soOoo unexpected. Although we maybe technically out of the recession now but I never expect to receive my promotion this year.

A promotion means (slightly) more money, more respect, but it also involves more duties and responsibilities. I want to meet the expectations of my superiors and prove to them that they didn’t make a mistake in promoting me.

I have been working with this company for almost six years. I’ve gone through many stages of my life here – from single to married, and now a mother. It’s amazing; I can’t believe that I’m still here. What’s wrong with me?

The beginning of this career was extremely tough for me. I worked twelve hours a day and even on weekends. The semiconductor supply chain is very challenging and complex. Rapidly fluctuating product demands are coupled with long manufacturing leadtimes. Manufacturing involves complex product routings that span the globe. Sudden demand upsides, materials shortage and capacity shortfalls are my biggest nightmares.

With proper guidance from my mentors and encouragement from my superiors, I learnt to deal with these challenges and overcame my fear. Now, I’m glad to say that I’m a ‘seasoned worker’ in this industry. I’ve been through a lot of ups and downs, and I’ve matured.

Although this is not my first promotion in this company, I still feel as happy as ever. I also think about how fortunate I am and am grateful for the things that I do have in my life. This positive attitude is the key of my life. I will continue to work hard for my future, my family and my Little Edison.

Jia You!

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