Thursday, February 27, 2014

Adjustments

After moving to Singapore (for the 2nd time), there have been major adjustments we've gone through while we've been here. From adjusting to the hot climate, being a little homesick, Jason's busy travel schedule to making new friends, things around here are a lot different than they used to be.

One major change that we have here though is that we have a live-in helper (maid). Here in Singapore, most expats have them, as labor is so cheap here. I had gone back and forth debating whether or not we wanted one but we both agreed that it would be beneficial to our quality of life here. Most helpers are nannies too but I decided that I want to be Olivia's main caregiver (shocking, I know). Besides watching Olivia nap while I go to the gym and babysitting after she goes to sleep so Jason and I can have date nights every now and then, N's primary job is to do all the housework and cooking. I was a bit apprehensive in the beginning because I wasn't sure how it would go having someone else in our house and in our space. I must say that I am very thankful that we live in a 4 story townhouse. N has her own room and bathroom in the basement and doesn't come up to levels 2 and 3 until we are up. She is also very good at being a ninja and sometimes I don't even realize she is around. I am very thankful to have her, especially when Jason is away. Now it is much less likely that I will call 911 (or 999… whatever) because I think someone is breaking into the house (which may or may not have happened a couple of times when we were back in the US…haha) and I just feel much more secure while he is away… which seems to happen more and more frequently. N has been working with us for over a month now and I must say it is an absolute dream. I am enjoying it way more than I thought I would (or should). I guess I never noticed how much time went into keeping up a house because I had to do it. Now instead of having to cook or clean, I spend that time playing with Olivia and I get to be the hands-on Mom I've always dreamed of. Also, I find that I actually enjoy cooking more because I don't do it because I have to, I do it because I want to. Spoiled? Probably but I consider it a perk from being so far away from my family and friends back home. It's not like my Mom can just pop by anytime to watch Livi for us like the good ol' days. And let's be honest, every mom needs a break every now and then. I must also mention that Livi LOVES her, to the point where I have actually become jealous a time or two. I have to remind myself that I want Olivia to feel as loved and happy as humanly possible. And it helps that when she falls down, she calls for me. ;)

I originally wasn't going to mention that we had help in my blog (in fact a couple of women I know actually advised me against it) but to me it would be lying by omission and as I've said time and time again, I want this blog to be real. Plus, now you will know where Olivia is while we are scuba diving. ;) 

P.S. The whole helper thing is hard to comprehend unless you live here and realize how common it really is. In fact when we lived here the first time, no one could understand why we didn't have one even though back then it was just the two of us. 

Tuesday, February 25, 2014

Hiatus

As you may (or may not) have noticed, I took a bit of a hiatus from my blog. I could easily say it is because I've been busy with the baby, or that we've been away on holiday or that we are just beginning to settle into our new home in Singapore. But since day one I have always said that this blog is an honest representation of my (our) lives and I fully intend to keep it that way. It is the REAL life of an expat wife, after all. So this is really why I have really taken a break…

I have come to a bit of a crossroads while writing this blog. I have come to the realization that it is way more public than I thought it would become. Several people have googled my name and this blog has come up on the search. Although flattering, it also makes me realize that what I write has an impact on all those around me who are apart of my life. That is a lot of pressure, especially because I don't want to sugarcoat things or hurt anyones feelings with any of my opinions in the process. And this blog is just that, my opinion and my take on my life and experiences. This blog is a representation of my feelings and life in the moment, not what others "think" I should say or feel. I guess maybe I need to write a fine print on my home page because it is never my intention to hurt anyones feelings with my writings (or lack thereof). Nothing in particular happened to come to this epiphany. I just feel an overwhelming sense of responsibility because I am friends with people from all over the world, in all different cultures, and don't want anyone to have hurt feelings. So why don't I just keep this blog private? Well, I believe that some of our experiences would be beneficial to more people than just my friends- to the common traveler.

I have also found that I miss my writing. It is so hard for people to stay caught up with our lives back "home" because I don't have the luxury to call my friends or family for a quick chat to catch them up with what is going on in our lives. And I also miss how much a stress reliever it had become.

So here I am, back at the drawing board. I have so much to say and I'm not sure where to start so please bear with me. The next few posts may not be in order but I am going to try to stop being a perfectionist and just write.

More to come soon…

xx