Back from "Holiday"
Spent 5 weeks in HK, Humen and Shanghai with the family and finally we are back in Melbourne again.
A few thoughts:
- Lovely to see how well Kiddo adjusted to different places and seems to enjoyed herself. She has become even more vocal and i think it is because of the 'stimulation' the trip has provided. She is always surrounded by loved ones giving her attention and talking to her. However, we also noticed that she is also now more fearful of strangers and take a longer time to warm up to people she has not met. But once she warms up, she is chatty and interactive again.
- Kiddo has also picked up quite a bit of Mandarin on our trip. I insist that everyone speaks to her in Mandarin and typically she is able to reply in Mandarin as well. She has also learnt a few Mandarin songs (from the adults around her and watching CCTV). She is particular entranced with Mandarin Operas ever since our visit to HK museum where they had a display of Opera singers (with piped in opera singing). On mornings when she was cranky, the only thing that cheered her up was turning on to CCTV 11 where there was usually some chinese opera going on. She calls it the "Ah ah AH" (with similar intonation).
- Realized from the trip that Wilkie much preferred that type of hustle-bustle lifestyle of HK/Shanghai etc.. And sadly, after a while, i was very much clamouring to come back to Melb for some peace and quiet. In fact, i was rather disappointed when we push back our return for another week. Of cos, i am happy to be around my folks and brothers, having no housework to do and ready meals on the table (good homecook food that my mom's helpers prepared, things that i love to eat, nice meals outside like sashimi and roast goose) but, i didnt quite enjoy the chaos, the noise and the pollution.
- I did not buy a single thing for myself throughout the trip, despite our brimming luggage and 6-7boxes still left in China awaiting freight. They are mainly Wilkie's fish/shrimp online business stuff, materials for making more of his creations and Kiddo's stuff. Even Wilkie, who didnt really shop, got himself two new sling bags. Me.. zilch. Sigh...
- It was nice spending time with my brothers respectively in HK and Humen. Had a few occasions where we had some level of 'heart to heart' (why i say some level? cos you know brothers aint gonna let their SISTER in fully on what's really going on) talk. Attempted to bridge some gaps and hopefully it works.
- Good to see my folks again, esp my dad. My mom looks fine and seems to be not as obsessive abt her 'condition' but my dad looked really tired and i think could do with some attention from my bros.
- Had a pretty nice time travelling this time to Shanghai, with my folks and also the helpers, Kaka Ann and Yati. Much better than the other trip we made with my folks and their friends to Guilin. They had been really helpful and when we went for the toy expo, Kiddo had a field day spending it alone with the grandfolks who taught her two impt phrases: 玩具 and 买东西.
- Managed to catch up with an ex colleague and her family at Disneyland in HK. Spent a wonderful day with Grace, Colin and Natty nat. Glad that Kiddo made a new friend and got reacquainted with Disneyland again. Must say that she enjoyed herself more this time round, probably cos she is more aware of what's happening. Nowadays, she is quite fond of watching the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse series, alas, which is not showing on aussie tv.
That's just some stuff off the top of my head regarding the trip. Coming back and settling down is alot easier now.. lesser 'homesick' pangs cos i am actually looking forward to coming home to Melb. Not much 'adjustment' was needed, just busy with unpacking and doing the chores after 5 wks of absence (lotsa dust bunnies!). The big excitment abt being back is actually getting the news that the school which interviewed me (and was waiting for me to get my registration in 3 mths time) actually wanted me to start work ASAP. The principal tried to reach me last week not knowing that i have delayed my return. I originally thought she was just going to tell me that they wont be able to wait for me and will start interviewing other candidates. Instead she said, after i was gone, the panel decided that to work around the 'registration' issue, they would just give me a title of a "counsellor" but in essence, with same job scope/pay. The contract would be for 3 mths, after which, hopefully i would get my registration and a new contract would be drawn up for "psychologist".
Of cos i was quite happy with the news. The principal thought that when she couldnt reach me that i wasnt interested in the job or have found something else. So when she heard that i have not, proceeded to strike while iron is hot, sent me the contract the next day and ask me to start next monday. So at the moment, i will be looking at going back to work for 3 days a week, starting monday. Quite amazing how quick things seems to happen.. and i felt more than a little overwhelmed. I think i accepted the job without much thought (i didnt really think!) but when i accepted it, i suddenly realized how momentuous this could be. That means i will not be with Kiddo 3 days a week and Wilkie will have to take care of her, on top of writing his thesis and doing his online business. I felt quite bad but he has been really supportive so i am quite glad. But still, i have not fully grapple with how Kiddo will cope without me at home (or how i would cope being away from her after 23mths)!
Guess things are just moving along faster than i anticipated and i dont really have much time to consider the "what ifs". I guess if it doesnt work out, i can always fall back on staying at home again. It also struck me that Kiddo is growing up fast and even if i am not working, she may have to start sch/childcare soon beginning next year so perhaps it is better this way, for her to get used to me not being always there and learning to cope with being with only her Dadi... Sigh.. Let's just hope for the best bah!
A few thoughts:
- Lovely to see how well Kiddo adjusted to different places and seems to enjoyed herself. She has become even more vocal and i think it is because of the 'stimulation' the trip has provided. She is always surrounded by loved ones giving her attention and talking to her. However, we also noticed that she is also now more fearful of strangers and take a longer time to warm up to people she has not met. But once she warms up, she is chatty and interactive again.
- Kiddo has also picked up quite a bit of Mandarin on our trip. I insist that everyone speaks to her in Mandarin and typically she is able to reply in Mandarin as well. She has also learnt a few Mandarin songs (from the adults around her and watching CCTV). She is particular entranced with Mandarin Operas ever since our visit to HK museum where they had a display of Opera singers (with piped in opera singing). On mornings when she was cranky, the only thing that cheered her up was turning on to CCTV 11 where there was usually some chinese opera going on. She calls it the "Ah ah AH" (with similar intonation).
- Realized from the trip that Wilkie much preferred that type of hustle-bustle lifestyle of HK/Shanghai etc.. And sadly, after a while, i was very much clamouring to come back to Melb for some peace and quiet. In fact, i was rather disappointed when we push back our return for another week. Of cos, i am happy to be around my folks and brothers, having no housework to do and ready meals on the table (good homecook food that my mom's helpers prepared, things that i love to eat, nice meals outside like sashimi and roast goose) but, i didnt quite enjoy the chaos, the noise and the pollution.
- I did not buy a single thing for myself throughout the trip, despite our brimming luggage and 6-7boxes still left in China awaiting freight. They are mainly Wilkie's fish/shrimp online business stuff, materials for making more of his creations and Kiddo's stuff. Even Wilkie, who didnt really shop, got himself two new sling bags. Me.. zilch. Sigh...
- It was nice spending time with my brothers respectively in HK and Humen. Had a few occasions where we had some level of 'heart to heart' (why i say some level? cos you know brothers aint gonna let their SISTER in fully on what's really going on) talk. Attempted to bridge some gaps and hopefully it works.
- Good to see my folks again, esp my dad. My mom looks fine and seems to be not as obsessive abt her 'condition' but my dad looked really tired and i think could do with some attention from my bros.
- Had a pretty nice time travelling this time to Shanghai, with my folks and also the helpers, Kaka Ann and Yati. Much better than the other trip we made with my folks and their friends to Guilin. They had been really helpful and when we went for the toy expo, Kiddo had a field day spending it alone with the grandfolks who taught her two impt phrases: 玩具 and 买东西.
- Managed to catch up with an ex colleague and her family at Disneyland in HK. Spent a wonderful day with Grace, Colin and Natty nat. Glad that Kiddo made a new friend and got reacquainted with Disneyland again. Must say that she enjoyed herself more this time round, probably cos she is more aware of what's happening. Nowadays, she is quite fond of watching the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse series, alas, which is not showing on aussie tv.
That's just some stuff off the top of my head regarding the trip. Coming back and settling down is alot easier now.. lesser 'homesick' pangs cos i am actually looking forward to coming home to Melb. Not much 'adjustment' was needed, just busy with unpacking and doing the chores after 5 wks of absence (lotsa dust bunnies!). The big excitment abt being back is actually getting the news that the school which interviewed me (and was waiting for me to get my registration in 3 mths time) actually wanted me to start work ASAP. The principal tried to reach me last week not knowing that i have delayed my return. I originally thought she was just going to tell me that they wont be able to wait for me and will start interviewing other candidates. Instead she said, after i was gone, the panel decided that to work around the 'registration' issue, they would just give me a title of a "counsellor" but in essence, with same job scope/pay. The contract would be for 3 mths, after which, hopefully i would get my registration and a new contract would be drawn up for "psychologist".
Of cos i was quite happy with the news. The principal thought that when she couldnt reach me that i wasnt interested in the job or have found something else. So when she heard that i have not, proceeded to strike while iron is hot, sent me the contract the next day and ask me to start next monday. So at the moment, i will be looking at going back to work for 3 days a week, starting monday. Quite amazing how quick things seems to happen.. and i felt more than a little overwhelmed. I think i accepted the job without much thought (i didnt really think!) but when i accepted it, i suddenly realized how momentuous this could be. That means i will not be with Kiddo 3 days a week and Wilkie will have to take care of her, on top of writing his thesis and doing his online business. I felt quite bad but he has been really supportive so i am quite glad. But still, i have not fully grapple with how Kiddo will cope without me at home (or how i would cope being away from her after 23mths)!
Guess things are just moving along faster than i anticipated and i dont really have much time to consider the "what ifs". I guess if it doesnt work out, i can always fall back on staying at home again. It also struck me that Kiddo is growing up fast and even if i am not working, she may have to start sch/childcare soon beginning next year so perhaps it is better this way, for her to get used to me not being always there and learning to cope with being with only her Dadi... Sigh.. Let's just hope for the best bah!
