Changes
Since arriving here in Melbourne nearly 3 months ago, my life has changed rather drastically. Like having to adapt to the wintery chills after years in a tropical country, to being a full time stay-at-home mom/housewife, a whole different universe from when i was working (and childless).
Some of the new things which i have to grapple with:
- Handling a growing child. This child, being my own, is vastly different from handling other people's children during my course of work. For one, i am responsible 24/7 as opposed to just 2-3hrs when the child is in school. It is a daily challenge to keep up with her growth and provide the necessary/appropriate food, stimulation etc. At work, as long as i continue to cater to the same demographic of students, my work can be pretty much the same but with Avery, i have to 'tailor' my stuff to grow with her, almost on a daily basis. It is a constant watching and adjusting that i have to do, on everything from the type of food she eats to the behaviour she displays.
- Trying to organize my time which revolves around baby, hubby and home. When working, there was at least a structure. Have to get to work by 8am. Leave work by 6pm. Lunch time is at 12. Same thing from monday to friday. Over here, everyday is like the weekend. It took me 2 months to get some form of structure in place... and even that, it was conform to fit into baby's meal/nap/play/sleep routines.
- Thinking (as opposed to worrying) about financial matters. True, that we have a stash of savings put aside for coming here but that, cannot last _forever_. So here i find myself watching every single penny going out for nothing is coming in (save the money held in various stocks/investment left in Spore - but in this economy... i just have to be thankful that i am not 'losing' more money instead). Previously, i wouldnt even blink an eye splurging on a thousand odd dollar bday gift for my brother (incidentally, a bally's briefcase for his first offer of job), now it is a treat if i get to buy bubble tea.
- Doing _real_ housework and cooking. I mean, as a daily thing, as oppose to doing it for 'fun' or on a whim. Sure, i did used to do them when i was young (when family was poor and parents were both working) but for the longest time, i had lived with domestic helper present in my home and didn't have to lift a finger to do any real housework/cooking (studying in London doesn't really count because i didn't have my own family then, and could pretty much make do with anything).
Sometimes, the changes are tough and i do find myself wondering what am i in for.. being with a child in a foreign country. There's so much learning and UNlearning to do. On the good days, it is all very exciting and interesting. On the not-so-good days, i wondered if i made the right choice in giving up everything familar to me for a life that i have now.
Well, guess we can only look ahead. :)
Some of the new things which i have to grapple with:
- Handling a growing child. This child, being my own, is vastly different from handling other people's children during my course of work. For one, i am responsible 24/7 as opposed to just 2-3hrs when the child is in school. It is a daily challenge to keep up with her growth and provide the necessary/appropriate food, stimulation etc. At work, as long as i continue to cater to the same demographic of students, my work can be pretty much the same but with Avery, i have to 'tailor' my stuff to grow with her, almost on a daily basis. It is a constant watching and adjusting that i have to do, on everything from the type of food she eats to the behaviour she displays.
- Trying to organize my time which revolves around baby, hubby and home. When working, there was at least a structure. Have to get to work by 8am. Leave work by 6pm. Lunch time is at 12. Same thing from monday to friday. Over here, everyday is like the weekend. It took me 2 months to get some form of structure in place... and even that, it was conform to fit into baby's meal/nap/play/sleep routines.
- Thinking (as opposed to worrying) about financial matters. True, that we have a stash of savings put aside for coming here but that, cannot last _forever_. So here i find myself watching every single penny going out for nothing is coming in (save the money held in various stocks/investment left in Spore - but in this economy... i just have to be thankful that i am not 'losing' more money instead). Previously, i wouldnt even blink an eye splurging on a thousand odd dollar bday gift for my brother (incidentally, a bally's briefcase for his first offer of job), now it is a treat if i get to buy bubble tea.
- Doing _real_ housework and cooking. I mean, as a daily thing, as oppose to doing it for 'fun' or on a whim. Sure, i did used to do them when i was young (when family was poor and parents were both working) but for the longest time, i had lived with domestic helper present in my home and didn't have to lift a finger to do any real housework/cooking (studying in London doesn't really count because i didn't have my own family then, and could pretty much make do with anything).
Sometimes, the changes are tough and i do find myself wondering what am i in for.. being with a child in a foreign country. There's so much learning and UNlearning to do. On the good days, it is all very exciting and interesting. On the not-so-good days, i wondered if i made the right choice in giving up everything familar to me for a life that i have now.
Well, guess we can only look ahead. :)
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