As the year 2010 draws to a close now, I can’t help but find myself reflecting on the highs and lows of the year. It’s really mind-boggling to realize how quickly the year and all the events that occurred in it have passed.

In a nutshell, here are several fundamental and encompassing truths that I’m truly thankful to have experienced this year:

Career Advancement

I griped about it initially but I’m thankful for the opportunity given to me. The initial stage of taking over a new role and added responsibilities was overwhelming. At times, I felt like I’ve jumped out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Gradually when I settled down, I’m glad that I can achieve a lot more now. I love how my skills, knowledge and experience were challenged in difficult situations. I certainly feel that I’ve grown up so much professionally this year.

All Healthy

I’m thankful that we’ve been all healthy this year. My mother had discomfort associated with hip and leg pain. After a few physiotherapy with the specialist, her condition has improved dramatically. My father and father-in-law still stay fit, healthy and active as they age, which is a good thing.

In Aug this year, my mother-in-law was admitted to the hospital due to a life-threatening case of food poisoning. She recovered after four days with professional medical treatment. This incident made me realized how vulnerable we are as we dine out so often these days. How can we be assured of the food safety?

Growing up

I’m thankful to see my little boy growing in leaps and bounds each day. He has completed his first year of school in pre-nursery. The first month was so stressful for us. He went through a lot of tearful separations with me. I’m so glad that he finally settled down in school and in fact, he really loves going to school now. We got his progress report few weeks back. In general, he is doing well in his class.

Helper Issues

This year, we struggled quite a bit with our new helper who came on-board in Feb. For the past two years, I’ve never needed to fret about household issues because I had a capable helper. After her departure, I had a hard time re-adjusting to a whole new situation with a new helper.

My husband and I had difference of opinion in handling the new helper and this causes a significant amount of dispute too. The truth is she is unable to work independently and lacks of performance. To add insult to injury, she couldn’t get along with him partly due to her own stubbornness.

I’m back to being extra cautious over the next helper that we’re going to hire. In early 2011, we should see a positive change.

…..

The year 2010 opened happily and it is now closing happily for me too, despite some hardships and challenges in between. I’m looking forward to 2011 and what it has in store for me.

I wish everyone of you a very Happy New Year!

…..

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It’s time to get a haircut before the school re-opens in January. It’s good to look neat too on his first day at school.

We brought him to our usual place – Okinawa $10 haircut salon at Compass Point. I’m so glad it all went well without any crying or objection. He has finally overcome his fear of haircuts.

A child’s natural fear of haircuts is very common. For Little Edison, the worst part of his fear isn’t those looming scissors but the panicky feeling of being confined in a big plactic cape and on a high odd-looking chair.

To make haircuts as pleasant as possible, I usually bring his favorite toys and some snacks to distract him. Instead of using the plastic cape in the salon, I bring his own towel. For the past few occasions, I sat on the chair, covered with plastic cape before he sat on my lap and had his haircut. Gradually, he becomes less tense and able to stay calm throughout the process. I guess it’s also due to his familiarity with the salon and his friendly hairdresser after a few visits.

During his most recent haircut, he has completely overcome his fear. He sat on the high-chair all by himself and he surprised us by allowing the hairdresser to put on the plastic cape on him. He sat still for the entire ten minutes and the hairdresser gave him the best haircut ever.

I’m so proud of him. Well done, Little Edison!

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Finally, I’ve reached my last official day at work this year. Will be leaving at 12 noon today and have a nice Christmas eve lunch with V.

I will be spending this morning tidying loose ends – which means everything from tidying my desk to clearing the piles of used papers, making sure all e-mails are replied, cups are washed, out-of-office notice is put up, X’mas greetings are sent and presents are distributed. Today happens to be my 7th anniversary in this company too.

2010 has been a remarkable year for me. There are changes in responsibilities which are tough at the beginning but yet the most fulfilling when I settled down. I love my new role and I will continue to do my best.

To all my friends and readers – I wanna wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

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As I step my foot into the living hall, chances are I am stepping on a toy. It could be anything from a stuffed bear, a toy car (ouch, pain!), pieces of puzzles or wooden blocks. I know I’m not alone as a mother in this situation. Most of us are in fact living in a household with lots of toys scattered around. How much is too much, anyway?

During the first year, I was worrying if he had enough toys to play with. I bought many of them, and I also rented a few bigger toys to keep him occupied. As I sat in the living hall full of colorful toys, I watched him play. He had fun chewing, pulling, ripping and throwing them all over the floor.

During the second year, I started to feel that I may be focusing on the wrong aspects of childhood. Now that he has every option in the world of things to play with, he chooses me. Too many toys mean that he probably doesn’t even remember what he has. He wants me to bring him out whenever I’m at home. He prefers being outdoor now.

This year, I’ve stopped buying toys. Okay, not completely though. I only buy the ‘right’ toys, mostly educational toys and for special occasions only. Daddy V is the happiest because this decision of mine really saves a lot of space at home (not to mention the $$$).

We organise more weekend outings for him. Even when V has to work on weekends, I’ll bring him to the library on my own. He loves the library so much. We borrow some of the books, so that we don’t have to buy too much.

Next time when we’re in the toy store, I’ll tell him this, “We are only buying toys on special occasions like birthday. If you see anything that you like, we’ll put it on your wish-list.”. That should solve my problem for now.

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One, two, three, pick a sweet! Number activities can be a fun way to spend time with our children and teach them at the same time.

The other day, Little Edison poured all the Mentos sweets on the floor and he wanted to make a train with them.

I taught him to make numbers instead. He loves it. We count the sweets, sort them by colors and make numbers on the floor. It was fun.

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