I am really happy at work.
Now this sounds really weird, coming from me. I am never happy about work. There are always things that I'd like to spend more time and effort on, and I have been asked to do things that are just unbelievable. I would like work to feature less in my life, so that family can take the centre-stage.
It's my 7th year in my workplace. Scary thought, to think that I had been in one place for so long. If there's anything I'd be proud to share, I have made some solid critical friends in the 6 years (strictly speaking, it's been 4 - 1 year spent overseas doing Masters, 1 year spent on maternity/no-pay for Ziping). I have no qualms seeking clarification / help / opinion over work matters. I speak freely about my personal thoughts about professional issues, I enjoy the cerebral and sometimes not-so-cerebral conversations I have with my work mates.
I will almost always have alternative views to counter mine, and we could spend the next 30 minutes arguing out our stand, and leave the conversation satisfied. It's not about who wins the argument, it's more about exchange of our inner thoughts to matters that resonate in our hearts, but may never get resolved. :-P
I have been trying hard to think back to how/what contributed to this development of firm friendship and camaraderie. I guess I will be spending some time thinking about this.
Ahhh!! I love working with psychologists! :-)
A.
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
Goodbye 2009, Hello 2010
It's been a 2-month hiatus since my last blog, and I suddenly realised that I do not blog when I am unhappy and burdened. Personal revelation!
Sure, I have b*tched about work and moaned about motherhood through my many entries, but I usually have my resolve, and am not burdened or worried or undecided.
The last two months of the year was a test of my family togetherness. Through thick and thin, that's what families should do... Stand by one another, bite the bullet, and face the roughest tide. My family went through one such crisis , and I am ever so thankful that we came out of it stronger, more affirmative of the importance of one another in our lives, and so hoping that there will NOT be a second time. My weak heart just can't take this much pressure, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.
Sometimes the one up there works its way so beautifully, you could only label it 'divine intervention'. At a stage where I was lost as to what I should do (the right but painful thing, or the easier and less painful alternative), the one up there sent its message to me so loud and clear, yet so subtle and gentle, I would not believe that it was pure coincidence.
At least all's well before the end of 2009, and I am more than happy to sing Auld Lang Syne to a long year. It's been a year of hard work -- trying to achieve the all-elusive WORK-LIFE balance. Judging by the amount of late work I turned in in 2009, no prizes for guessing which side of the balance I chose. :-P While work was pure work, life was far less straightforward. Time with my now 30-month-old son, time with hubby, time with my family, time for myself...... oops forgot the last one in the 2009 equation!!
So before I know it, it's HELLO 2010!
I am not one to make new year resolutions, but there are some things I would like to see myself doing in the next year:
Be available, for family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, strangers, stray cats... when I am needed.
Be present, at work where I am most useful.
Be kind, to myself and to others. Time to take care of this physical shell that is housing a life-loving soul. Time to seize this tongue of mine, refrain from sarcasm (I promise to do less, I will die if I stop), and start being more forgiving.
Looking forward to my 10-year wedding anniversary, Ziping's 3rd birthday, more personal revelations, and a smooth and not-too-eventful year ahead!!
Cheers,
A.
Sure, I have b*tched about work and moaned about motherhood through my many entries, but I usually have my resolve, and am not burdened or worried or undecided.
The last two months of the year was a test of my family togetherness. Through thick and thin, that's what families should do... Stand by one another, bite the bullet, and face the roughest tide. My family went through one such crisis , and I am ever so thankful that we came out of it stronger, more affirmative of the importance of one another in our lives, and so hoping that there will NOT be a second time. My weak heart just can't take this much pressure, especially when it comes to matters of the heart.
Sometimes the one up there works its way so beautifully, you could only label it 'divine intervention'. At a stage where I was lost as to what I should do (the right but painful thing, or the easier and less painful alternative), the one up there sent its message to me so loud and clear, yet so subtle and gentle, I would not believe that it was pure coincidence.
At least all's well before the end of 2009, and I am more than happy to sing Auld Lang Syne to a long year. It's been a year of hard work -- trying to achieve the all-elusive WORK-LIFE balance. Judging by the amount of late work I turned in in 2009, no prizes for guessing which side of the balance I chose. :-P While work was pure work, life was far less straightforward. Time with my now 30-month-old son, time with hubby, time with my family, time for myself...... oops forgot the last one in the 2009 equation!!
So before I know it, it's HELLO 2010!
I am not one to make new year resolutions, but there are some things I would like to see myself doing in the next year:
Be available, for family, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, strangers, stray cats... when I am needed.
Be present, at work where I am most useful.
Be kind, to myself and to others. Time to take care of this physical shell that is housing a life-loving soul. Time to seize this tongue of mine, refrain from sarcasm (I promise to do less, I will die if I stop), and start being more forgiving.
Looking forward to my 10-year wedding anniversary, Ziping's 3rd birthday, more personal revelations, and a smooth and not-too-eventful year ahead!!
Cheers,
A.
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Insight into Zee Peng's Cognition
This just happened today.
Time: 4.45pm
While leaving Ah Ma's house, Zee Peng wanted to feed the stray cats by the lifts. I told him that there was very little cat food left (pai seh, I have a box of cat food in my car boot), and had to go and buy cat food.
Zee Peng repeated 'Buy cat food'. And I said yes, buy cat food.
Went to fetch hubby from school, went for dinner, went grocery shopping, went home, and we did not get the cat food, as promised.
Time: 9.00pm
Zee Peng was falling asleep in his cot, and there I was accompanying him, when suddenly, out comes 'Oh oh! Buy cat food! Oh oh!' And he covered his mouth with his hands, and giggled. 'Mama, oh oh! Buy cat food! Oh oh!'
Oh my! He remembered, and what's more, he was able to display the exact emotions (verbal intonation, physical gesture, the works) when you suddenly remembered something you should have done!!
Bravo to the 27-month-old!
Amazed,
A.
Time: 4.45pm
While leaving Ah Ma's house, Zee Peng wanted to feed the stray cats by the lifts. I told him that there was very little cat food left (pai seh, I have a box of cat food in my car boot), and had to go and buy cat food.
Zee Peng repeated 'Buy cat food'. And I said yes, buy cat food.
Went to fetch hubby from school, went for dinner, went grocery shopping, went home, and we did not get the cat food, as promised.
Time: 9.00pm
Zee Peng was falling asleep in his cot, and there I was accompanying him, when suddenly, out comes 'Oh oh! Buy cat food! Oh oh!' And he covered his mouth with his hands, and giggled. 'Mama, oh oh! Buy cat food! Oh oh!'
Oh my! He remembered, and what's more, he was able to display the exact emotions (verbal intonation, physical gesture, the works) when you suddenly remembered something you should have done!!
Bravo to the 27-month-old!
Amazed,
A.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Finally, I will have worked off my BOND!
I would have completed my 4-year bond (yes, went on my postgraduate course on gar-ma-ment money), if not for the slight disruption... birth of Ah Boy, a year ago.
I think I had about 8 months' bond to go, before I went on a 9-month childcare leave. I then returned to work on 2/3 part-time work arrangement. Sent an email to Personnel a month ago, and finally, a month later (erm, yes, it took Personnel a month to get back to me on my end-of-bond date), I got my reply!
My bond will end when September ends!
无bond一身轻！:-)
Relieved,
A.
I think I had about 8 months' bond to go, before I went on a 9-month childcare leave. I then returned to work on 2/3 part-time work arrangement. Sent an email to Personnel a month ago, and finally, a month later (erm, yes, it took Personnel a month to get back to me on my end-of-bond date), I got my reply!
My bond will end when September ends!
无bond一身轻！:-)
Relieved,
A.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
And then he turns 26 months
In 5 days' time, Zee Peng turns 26 months.
Oh my god, I must say time really flies. One moment, we were thinking about getting things ready for his 2nd birthday, and the next thing you know, he's 2 months past 2 years old!!
Life is not exactly a breeze, I must say, trying to stay afloat at work, while still making sure that I am with Zee Peng every step of the way, from the time he wakes up to the time he falls asleep, every day, 7 days a week, no break in between. Looking at Zee Peng growing and learning each day, seeing him developing physically and mentally, emotionally and socially. Happy and secure, good-natured and inquisitive.
It's a lot of hard work, it's 'bye' to whatever career plans for now, but it's worth it!
A.
Oh my god, I must say time really flies. One moment, we were thinking about getting things ready for his 2nd birthday, and the next thing you know, he's 2 months past 2 years old!!
Life is not exactly a breeze, I must say, trying to stay afloat at work, while still making sure that I am with Zee Peng every step of the way, from the time he wakes up to the time he falls asleep, every day, 7 days a week, no break in between. Looking at Zee Peng growing and learning each day, seeing him developing physically and mentally, emotionally and socially. Happy and secure, good-natured and inquisitive.
It's a lot of hard work, it's 'bye' to whatever career plans for now, but it's worth it!
A.
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Investment of TIME
It was rather exasperating.
There I was at the meeting with the dad, after observing the target child in class. Target child was diagnosed with ASD 3 years ago. His second year in school and he is not coping academically.
Earlier on, when I observed the child in class, he was a happy sight. Mild-mannered, awkward gaze at people, but perfectly able to understand and follow teacher's instructions, and fully participated in the group game led by the teacher. Although not able to contribute fully in the pair-work, he stayed at his seat, and watched his partner do the work. He helped by pasting the pictures onto the worksheet. In other words, minimal behavioural problems. He could read, but currently has difficulties with comprehension.
3 years on after the initial ASD diagnosis, what have the parents done? Taken him to some early intervention programmes, went through some speech and language therapy, but all stopped because dad says 'see no progress'. Parents then proceeded to send him to a child centre at 6. Dad seemed very happy that child had picked up social and communication skills at the child care centre. What happens when he starts P1? Spends half a day in school, and the other half at the before-after school care. He goes home only at 7pm.
'You have an only child with ASD, and all you have done as parents was to send him ELSEWHERE so that OTHER PEOPLE can help teach your son?!?!' I was slowly fuming inside. 'So what does your child do on weekends?' I asked. FULL DAY of tuition from 9 to 5 on Saturday, and Sunday is rest day for the child, where father will take him wherever he would like to go (current craze is the airport where there's lots of brochures full of maps). What can I say... What can I say?
How much time you invest on your kid will determine what returns you get. This is true of your average child, and it's even more true for kids with special needs. Why do we label these children as having 'learning disabilities'? It's plain English - they are disabled in their learning. They need adult intervention to help them learn better, because left on their own, they will not have the ability to pick up learning strategies, improve on them, and become independent learners all by themselves. Your average child can, your child with special needs can't. If you are currently unwilling to invest time on your child, this is what you will get. A struggling kid in school. My heart did ache for this boy, because all he needs is more one-to-one guidance to help him pick up learning strategies and problem-solving skills. He is not intellectually slow, neither does he exhibit behavioural problems that prevent learning. But there he is, the dad, saying that if the school really don't want his child, then he will send the child to a special school.
HALO!! Your kid does not need a special school, he needs significant adults in his life who are willing to sacrifice their time now to help him navigate in his world of learning.
And that's why I lament, if you don't invest time in your kids now, then when?!
Exasperated,
A.
There I was at the meeting with the dad, after observing the target child in class. Target child was diagnosed with ASD 3 years ago. His second year in school and he is not coping academically.
Earlier on, when I observed the child in class, he was a happy sight. Mild-mannered, awkward gaze at people, but perfectly able to understand and follow teacher's instructions, and fully participated in the group game led by the teacher. Although not able to contribute fully in the pair-work, he stayed at his seat, and watched his partner do the work. He helped by pasting the pictures onto the worksheet. In other words, minimal behavioural problems. He could read, but currently has difficulties with comprehension.
3 years on after the initial ASD diagnosis, what have the parents done? Taken him to some early intervention programmes, went through some speech and language therapy, but all stopped because dad says 'see no progress'. Parents then proceeded to send him to a child centre at 6. Dad seemed very happy that child had picked up social and communication skills at the child care centre. What happens when he starts P1? Spends half a day in school, and the other half at the before-after school care. He goes home only at 7pm.
'You have an only child with ASD, and all you have done as parents was to send him ELSEWHERE so that OTHER PEOPLE can help teach your son?!?!' I was slowly fuming inside. 'So what does your child do on weekends?' I asked. FULL DAY of tuition from 9 to 5 on Saturday, and Sunday is rest day for the child, where father will take him wherever he would like to go (current craze is the airport where there's lots of brochures full of maps). What can I say... What can I say?
How much time you invest on your kid will determine what returns you get. This is true of your average child, and it's even more true for kids with special needs. Why do we label these children as having 'learning disabilities'? It's plain English - they are disabled in their learning. They need adult intervention to help them learn better, because left on their own, they will not have the ability to pick up learning strategies, improve on them, and become independent learners all by themselves. Your average child can, your child with special needs can't. If you are currently unwilling to invest time on your child, this is what you will get. A struggling kid in school. My heart did ache for this boy, because all he needs is more one-to-one guidance to help him pick up learning strategies and problem-solving skills. He is not intellectually slow, neither does he exhibit behavioural problems that prevent learning. But there he is, the dad, saying that if the school really don't want his child, then he will send the child to a special school.
HALO!! Your kid does not need a special school, he needs significant adults in his life who are willing to sacrifice their time now to help him navigate in his world of learning.
And that's why I lament, if you don't invest time in your kids now, then when?!
Exasperated,
A.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Excerpts of my mid-year WR
Boss: So how are things?
Me: Hahahaha (nervously)... ok lar
Boss: Big boss said,'Huh? Angelia still on part-time? When is she coming back full-time?'
Me: (eyes BIG BIG)... Er... Sorry ah, next year not possible ah.... Full-time? Unless big boss come and look after my boy lah!
(AWKWARD SILENCE)
Me: (must slowly slowly get to where I want to go). Next year not possible lah... maybe the year after?
Boss: The year after?
Me: Yah, but big boss must pray that I don't have a second one....
(SILENCE)
Boss: So how about PhD?
Me: (Shook HEAD vigorously)
Boss: So what is your 5-year plan?
Me: Erm... go back to school?
Sigh... and your good friend here had a WHOLE lecture (complete with graphics) on why I should stay where I am until I am guaranteed to go back to school as VP or P....
The moral of the story.......
WAIT LONG LONG!~!~!~!~!
Me: Hahahaha (nervously)... ok lar
Boss: Big boss said,'Huh? Angelia still on part-time? When is she coming back full-time?'
Me: (eyes BIG BIG)... Er... Sorry ah, next year not possible ah.... Full-time? Unless big boss come and look after my boy lah!
(AWKWARD SILENCE)
Me: (must slowly slowly get to where I want to go). Next year not possible lah... maybe the year after?
Boss: The year after?
Me: Yah, but big boss must pray that I don't have a second one....
(SILENCE)
Boss: So how about PhD?
Me: (Shook HEAD vigorously)
Boss: So what is your 5-year plan?
Me: Erm... go back to school?
Sigh... and your good friend here had a WHOLE lecture (complete with graphics) on why I should stay where I am until I am guaranteed to go back to school as VP or P....
The moral of the story.......
WAIT LONG LONG!~!~!~!~!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
