Career
It was truly a year of career high for me. We had pushed out a couple of org-wide stuff and got a few awards for L&D and leadership development.
At the same time, my organisation nominated me for HRM Awards 2011 under Best HR Manager category. I was shortlisted among other four. Though I didn't win, it was a huge form of recognition for me to be nominated and shortlisted. I was never in HR, but handled L&D and leadership development for a couple of years. This was an affirmation of what I was doing and I am always thankful for the opportunities given to me and the trust and belief my bosses had in me.
Family vs Work
Perhaps it was slight burnout that I really thought about what I wanted at that point in time.
I always think that I'm not the sort who can stay at home full-time. Even if that happens, I already told Clem, "Keep the maid".
I don't mind doing housework. In fact, I can be quite OCD and definitely have higher standards than any maid. I proclaim that my house is cleaner when my maid goes on home leave, cos I can't a single stain, a stray toy and have to set them right immediately. With my maid, I close one eye cos I don't want to be too hard on her.
Why I need the maid, is because I rather spend time with kids than on housework. Also, I don't want to spend my time yelling at them to clean up the mess. I can be a monster mom that strikes terror.
However, I've been having this niggling thought about spending more time with the kids.
Then, during Grace Retreat, the speaker was talking about different forms of idolatory. We were given a pop quiz. I realised that I had career and power idolatory.
That retreat gave me a lot to think about, to reflect on my priorities, on what I want for my life.
I shared with a cell friend. She shared that I should do it for Verity. Verity is a bright girl and she has a mind of her own, even at a young tender age. If I don't catch her now, I may lose her when she grows up.
That is gem to me. As I reflected, I realised that I only gave Verity my leftover time.
Since Cavan started K2, I had been going through his work everyday, paying more attention to him. Verity would hover around, brought out her own worksheets to revise and beckon me to look at her colouring, her crafts and worksheets. I would do that when we're done with Cavan's spelling and Chinese.
Whenever, Verity wanted to do painting/ reading, I would tell her wait till Vesper is asleep as baby needs my full attention. So she would potter around, waiting patiently and grabs any time pockets to do what she wants.
By staying home, I could spend more time with her too.
At that retreat, I made a decision to focus less on building a career and explored the options. With understanding bosses and supportive colleagues, I committed to a 2/3 work arrangement for 2012.
In the News
Another high note was the family appeared in the newspapers! This was for some Green Ambassador movement by the ENV, Southwest CDC and Dairy Farm Group.
Cavan and Verity won some awards for their diligence in helping to save the environment and the media wanted to feature a family. We did English interviews and a Chinese one for the TV news. Eventually, we appeared on Wanbao.
It had been an exciting year. Also one that I looked forward to end, so I could start my part-time arrangements. It has been such joy with the kids. They are growing up simply too fast!
