Year 2012 in a Nutshell

Every December, I spend a couple of hours to do my annual reflection on what went well and what didn’t. This year is no exception. A round-up of the year’s highs and lows is good for memory’s sake, if nothing else.

So, here goes:

Major Purchases

This is a special year for us, because we have two major purchases. In January, V traded in his Toyota Altis for a Volkswagen Polo GTI. It’s a beautiful and hot hatch that comes with a panoramic slide sunroof, which we love so much.

With the rising COE price, I still think that it was a good time to buy. Otherwise, the longer we wait, the higher the price that we have to pay ultimately. The COE price went up from $48K in Jan to $78K now, and I don’t think it will go down in the next three years or so. So, I’m glad that we bit the bullet and went for it.

Another major purchase that we’ve made is a new 3BR apartment at Bartley Residences (TOP in 2015). With a price tag of SGD1.3 million, we agree that it’s pretty expensive. But considering its excellent location which is within walking distance to the primary school that we’ve intended to enrol Edison in, and my parents-in-law’s house, we find that this is still the best choice that we’ve made for the time-being.

It’s also within walking distance to the MRT, and less than 2km from my office. From the time that he is independent enough to go out on his own till he gets his driving license, he can conveniently take the MRT which is just directly opposite our new apartment.

Family

Everyone in the family is doing fairly well this year. No major illness, stress or trauma, which I’m really thankful for. The usual bouts of cold and cough are also very minimal.

Little Edison is five this year, and I can’t believe how fast time has flown by. It feels like we’re hurtling through his growing up years. Sometimes, he is incredibly grown-up and says the most amazing things like “Mama, I know I can count on you” and “Mama, I will always love you”, which touches me deeply.

Myself

As I prepare myself to enter my mid-thirties, I was unexpectedly diagnosed with Wegener’s Granulomatosis – an autoimmune disease (inflammation of blood vessels) that affects the nose, lungs, kidneys, and other organs. As a result, long-term immunosuppression is required.

Initially, it was quite depressing for me, but I’ve since learnt to appreciate life and live every day to its fullest. It’s okay to take medicine every morning. It’s okay to go for blood test every month. It’s not-so-okay to pile up 6kg, but I’ll try to do something about it.

At least, my condition is in control, and I can still live my life as a normal person. I’m taking care of my health, I exercise, I eat healthily, I think positively and I live happily. These are all the important things to me now.

Work has been challenging, but I’m grateful for the opportunities that have come my way. There are a lot of work-related developments this year, although I’m not expecting a big bonus due to the slow economy. I’m happy with my current scope-of-work, and this year, I manage to achieve the level of work-life balance that I want.

Blogging

This is the year when my blog generates real income from advertorials and sponsored posts. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities given to me, and of course, the support from wonderful readers like you. Thank you!

Nonetheless, the purpose of this blog remains unchanged. It’s still about Edison’s childhood, the everyday things in our family, my motherhood experiences, and to pursue my passion in writing. I calibrate myself once in a while, so that I don’t deviate from my original objectives.

Advertising opportunities, if they come along, will be a bonus and I’ll do my best for them. Otherwise, I still enjoy blogging on this space on a regular basis.

One last thing that is worth mentioning is the bunch of lovely Mom Bloggers that I get to know via Singapore Mom Bloggers (that lovely little grey button on my right sidebar) this year. It’s a wonderful experience to connect with them, learn from each other and grow in this community of mommy bloggers.

Well, that is year 2012 in a nutshell.

What will 2013 bring to us? I hope for another peaceful year for us. Health and happiness, that are all I need for my family.