The wonderful year of 2015

2015 has been such an eventful and wonderful year for the family. So eventful, there was simply no time to blog. I am now trying to summarise a year's worth of important events in one single blog... Wonderful not because it was devoid of difficulties or disappointments. There were plenty of shit to go around but in hindsight all that shit was worthwhile and we grew as a family and as individuals.

The Year of the Marathons

Kenneth certainly ran a lot this year, starting from the Hong Kong Marathon...

Then Tokyo Marathon (which he has plenty of praise)

Then Osaka Marathon 

Then we started running as a family for the 2km Santa Claus Run,

Then Megan started complaining that her Stanchart 700m kids dash is way too short! 

"So fast finish ah?"

Morgan's first year

Didi posing with his best friends...

Morgan has congenital hearing disability in both ears. It had been a learning curve for us because we we are parents who have no idea what is the difference between frequency and decibel. Morgan, of course hated these extra devices stuck in his ears (preferring a world of comforting silence). 

To prove his point, he constantly tore these thousand dollars electronics from his ears to munch.... Trying to force a kid to give up the prize in his mouth and stick them back into his ears every 20 minutes needed a world of determination. Often we gave up, feeling oh so sorry for the wailing boy. But you can't hear, you cant talk... so here goes... again...

Having two kids is double the trouble but triple the fun. Megan is the bossy and protective sister, Morgan is the super chilled bo chap brother. If he bothers to do anything, it is to destroy and climb...

The Relocation

The most life changing event that happened this year must be our relocation to Shanghai.  Ken got a new job that is based in Shanghai and the plan was for me to quit my job and relocate the whole family there for 3-5 years. 

I love the whole idea. A new environment, a new role as a housewife. Finally a place we can immerse in one of the oldest culture on earth. I love the Chinese language and it is my greatest regret that I am not well versed in it. I know too little and Megan is technically a kang tang. Yes!! Let's go to China!!

We freighted part of our stuff over and I stayed with Kenneth in shanghai for a month setting up the necessities. Found a great international school for Megan and a nice neighbourhood to call our home. Filled our new place with furniture, electronics and worried over what plants to grow. Chenhao, being the true blue local, gave me all the life tips we needed - what transport/shopping/entertainment apps to download, where to eat, which farmer to buy direct from etc... Shanghai is awesome. Now I just need to move the 2 kids over...

The Relocation AGAIN

I returned to Singapore to serve my notice period, put our apartment up for rent, sell the car and wait for Megan to end her school term. 

Within a few months, suddenly Kenneth got headhunted by another company who wanted him to relocate back to Singapore!!! He said YES and started packing again. Most of the items in Shanghai, he gave away, the rest packed into a container back to Singapore. Damn he gave away my fav chopper! 

On my end, everyone felt cheated having so much farewell parties for me. And I had to go back to boss and tell her "hey, actually I am not leaving... hahaha". And of course beg Megan's kindergarden to take her back.

The year for visiting Japan

Seriously no idea how we can visit Japan 3 times in one year. But Megan absolutely loves Japan. 

I guess, we consider food a good enough reason...

The Year of Fun Working

I opened Como's first beach club in Phuket. Super achievement YY. The club turned out exactly how I envisioned it to be. This project was so fun, working with Paola, Jeff and my super demanding yet accommodating boss. 

Although 2015 was not a good year for most people with a lot of structural changes within the office, I found myself gaining a lot more than I lost (if I ever lost anything). I made more friends, stood my ground against bullies. Pushed my own boundaries and lost my fear. I know what I want to be and I am not afraid to get there. Amidst the general negativity, Teck Bun taught me a timely lesson on compassion, gratitude and courage. Ken also bought me a book "When things fall apart". It was a fantastic read and it gave me a sense of peace. 

In other news, I was back full time in Nov (and how I missed 4 days week).

Melissa handed me the first publication with all my illustrations. What joy!!! Could not remember how it all began but Como hotels will now have kids clubs and I am designing them. Plus illustrate kids activity books and kids passports and stamps. Hahaha. Working with the mummies in office on kiddy stuff actually set up the foundation for a lot of what I do with Megan. I am certainly a better mummy because of this work experience. 

Great Year with Megan

4 years old is a great age to play. I can't really connect with babies but Megan at 4 is so much fun. Kids are like sponge, they absorb everything and when I look at these photos, I am impressed we have so much toys in the house.

4 years old is a great party age too...

Megan discovered her passion for cooking and baking. She started insisting to help on little things like mixing the sauces. By the end of the year, she was slicing fruits, cutting prawns, mashing potatos, making doughs, frying eggs. Keep that up gal, you are making mummy very happy. 

MnM Birthday Party

This is the biggest party we ever threw... Gosh.... All I can say is Megan was very happy. 

Bye Bye 2015. You have been good to us. I know 2016 will be even better. Cheers!