Spring is in the air

Proud of my little girl who did really well during her Awesome Aussie presentation. August had really been a full on month, both at work and with the kids. The wet winter weather didn’t help as well, everything felt difficult and overwhelming.

We caught up with Jaso for a mid week dinner. I was glad we had something nice to end what was otherwise a horrible day at work. I’m changing bosses again, not that my current boss was any great shakes, but after months and months of speculation and him being completely checked out from work, it was just a very underwhelming and uncomfortable period.

I’ve missed Do-dough, the first bakery that made me realise how wonderful a fresh out of the oven pain au chocolate can be. I actually got off the bus to pick up these sweet treats for my team prior to work, they really needed a pick me up after such a horrible work week/month.

I already knew I would enjoy bringing Saitaoha for her very first high school interview. She did really well and I was amazed at how my daughter can now hold her own. I loved spending time with her, just two of us on the bus, we both also enjoyed buying kolo mee back for her dear grandparents.

She’s really a lot more nowadays. I can only hope that this becomes a life long love for her. I remember being so obsessed with my books when I was young that I would bring it into the bathroom with me when I showered. This week I picked up a favourite James Herriot book and felt comforted by the familiar warm stores of animals and a kind vet.

TGIF at my sister’s! I was craving Korean bbq and she obliged 🥰. I really enjoyed this meal so much.

The kids are now learning to play guitar from my father. We gathered on Saturday for their weekly guitar session and I made mian bao xia. I still need to perfect this recipe. I pray that the kids will continue learning from ah pa for a long long time, I want them to inherit my father’s musical talent and love for music.

A new cafe with R, recommended by a school grandma. The pastries were very good but the service was a bit stressed. I think the Malaysian owner is a very good pastry chef but not a very efficient waiter 😆.

This was the first weekend when it really felt like spring had arrived. I am hoping the warm and sunny weather stays and that it signals warmer, calmer days ahead where birds sing and flowers bloom again.

Wake me up when August ends

It’s only the first week of August and already I’m worried about surviving the rest of the month. The kids will have their dance concert next week, heralding the many early morning practise sessions. This is especially hard on my parents who have to ferry them back and forth during this cold and wet winter season 😓.

We are making the most of weekends, eating out, having family gatherings. I was commenting to my colleague the other day that even though I sometimes have doubts and worries about my current role, I am still very thankful to have a job that doesn’t require me to be ‘on’ during weekends.

I wonder how big the tree in front of the house will be in a few years when we have our new home! Yes we’re finally getting down to building a new house, it is not at the lot I thought it would be, and definitely not within the timeline as well, but at least we’re taking a step forward so I’m happy about that.

Sometimes I have little niggles about our finances, are we biting off more than we can chew? But deep down I know we are ok, the years of frugality have paid off and we do deserve a new home. The girls are my biggest motivation, I really want them to have their own bedrooms and a nice space where they can invite their friends over for play dates etc. The eternal host in me also loves the idea of a big kitchen and being able to invite family and friends over for home cooked meals.

I am looking forward to our holiday in September! It will be nice to just relax and hang out with the kids all day. I just have to survive August and we will be almost there 😄.