This morning, I met CH for breakfast. Years back, before Kai entered primary school, she stared at me when she learnt that I sent the boys to child care on Saturdays so that I could squeeze more work in. Thanks to her, and another friend who also berated me for doing so, I reflected and stopped sending them to child care on Saturdays.
That was the first step towards where I am now.
That was the first step towards where I am now.
CH took years off work to take care of her family too, and returned to the workforce when her kids were grown. So she understands and encourages me all the time. She's turning 63 and on NPL, but fully occupied doing voluntary work in the ageing sphere. Using words from Yang's textbook, CH 是值得我学习的好榜样！
But unlike her, I doubt I would return to the workforce later... I really enjoy my life now.
On school days, I spend the morning cleaning etc, preparing meals, writing, going out with Sito and meeting friends. When the kids come home, I get them fed and coach them in their studies. Then it's relaxing time with them before their bedtime and my drama series with Sito :p If there's no school, I do less cleaning and cooking, but still have time for myself when they're playing or doing revision.
And I'm not bored. Cleaning is a chore but there's satisfaction in sitting down on a sparkling clean toilet for instance! I like to feed my family. Coaching the kids take a toil on my lifespan, especially when it comes to Chinese, but it's meaningful. I realise I also improve my English and Chinese along the way coz need to know more to teach!
When they're grown? Read more, go on more dates with Sito, meet more friends. I don't need work to occupy my mind. If I really have nothing to read and nowhere to go, I can always follow CH's footsteps and volunteer somewhere.
But wow, four years as a stay-home mum and homemaker. I'm happier than ever. Ageing for sure, but I applaud myself that I'm not a total 黄脸婆！:)
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