January has been really moving at a whirlwind speed for me. The kids are currently back in school as the new school year had just started for all.
The alarm has to be set for 6am on weekdays now as the boys have to wake up and get ready for school which starts at 7.15am. Everyone has to adjust to an early starting hour in the day and thankfully it hasn’t been too difficult for us to make the change.
Even though the day starts earlier for everyone I find that time passes much faster as there are more things to get done within the time frame of the day.
My word for 2015- Change
This year is certainly a year for CHANGE as I embark on an overhaul on all the major areas in my life. I am actively working on the resolutions that I set for 2015 and am determined to get everything on that list cross off come 1st January 2016.
The view from the service apartment in Penang
We had a great trip to Penang, Malaysia in December with the extended family. This time around we booked a service apartment as it would mean more space for the kids to run about. It was a great decision as we had 3 bedroom and a large living room with a magnificent view.
Peacock Feathers
We saw a few unusual birds when we were at Penang hill. It was the first time that the kids saw a crowned pigeon which had blood shot eyes. It was certainly a first for all.
A crowned pigeon
A ginger flower
We also saw some interesting insects and flowers while taking in the view at the peak.
Hello Kitty Waffles for Breakfast
Ensuring that the kids eat well for breakfast is something which I’m focusing on this year. Sunday is the day where we do not need to wake up early to rush for school or lessons .I have a bit more time to prepare breakfast for the family and we have been having waffles and pancakes so far.
Pinkie Pie and My Melody
The kids have started on a new hobby this year. They are doing Hama Bead Crafting. They have made quite a few designs so far since we started crafting and I love that it keeps them away from electronic gaming devices while enhancing their creativity.
How was your month of January like?
Join in this week for Wordful Wednesday by living your link in the linky below 🙂
It has been a really busy month for me this January. 2015 is here and there has been a lot of changes. If you do not already know CHANGE is my word of focus for this year.
Earlier on in this month I have shared my goals for 2015 and here in this post I’ll let you in on what I will be doing differently in 5 main areas in my life this year.
1. Be more disciplined in mentoring/teaching the kids.
Even though we do have a timetable which we follow there are still many activities which do not make it off the planning page of my scheduler. I’m certainly going to put in more effort this year to make sure that I am able to tick off every single activity which has been listed down in that book.
I have been wanting to do extra bible reading and build up their knowledge in GOD but it has been procrastinating a lot. Even though we do have devotional books at home I seldom get around to using it with the kids. I am usually tired out after following up on their academic subjects that spiritual development gets neglected. This is certainly not good!! No more neglect in this area.
I’m putting this down in writing here to remind myself that it is important in their overall development to develop a relationship with GOD and what better time then when they are kids to help them in this area. (Don’t you agree??)
2. Spending more time outdoors
Being outdoor certainly does wonders to clear one’s mind and to get some physical activity. Nowadays the kids and me hit the playground/ park almost daily after they have completed their homework. They get the chance to unwind by playing at the playground or going around the place on their skate scooters/ bicycles.
In fact Tiger girl goes to the playground twice a day as we have to walk pass 5 playgrounds en-route to her school. The temptation to stop and play is really too great for her.
Me in my exercise gear
3. Focusing more on ME.
Solo parenting has been very hectic for me. Being on standby and handling everything relating to the kids and household can be very draining. I need time to recharge and am scheduling more time for ME TIME on a daily basis.
I’ve step up my efforts in keeping a balance lifestyle and giving more attention to personal grooming and health. I’m exercising at least three times a week during the weekdays and have been documenting my weight lost effort over at the other blog- Rachel Dominique.
I’m looking at more you tube videos on different make up techniques and seek recommendations from friends on how to enhance my appearance and improve on my dress style.
I’m spending more time seeking GOD through bible readings and also developing my relationship with him through acting on his WORD.
It is important to take good care of oneself both inside and outside and I’m not going to neglect myself this year.
4. Focusing on my Marriage
A picture of R taken during one of his overseas business trip.
This year will be another challenging year for me as R is now stationed overseas for work. Even though we are physically apart we communicate daily via Whatsapp, Line, FB and even e-mail.
I keep him updated on what the kids and I are doing over here in Singapore in words and in pictures while he lets me know how work and living is over where he is.
It isn’t easy maintaining a relationship when both parties are physically apart due to work/ family commitment. Temptation is certainly great and it can be very easy to stray from the marriage.
Even though we have been married for nearly 14 years I do not take this union for granted. I’m working extra hard to spend time with him as much as I can by flying over to be with R whenever I can.
This year I’m flying off to spend some couple time with him during the Valentines day weekend and keep the sparks between us electric.
5. Living simply
Female Skates to give away (Singapore based readers only)
Living simply is what I aim to do. Since the start of January I have started de-cluttering all the rooms in the house one by one. Items that I do no longer use or have use for are given away to friends and relatives who have needs for the items.
Moving forward I will only purchase/keep items that I really need as I do not want to clutter up the house like it previously was.
The two pair of skates in the picture above are to be given away. If they do fit you and you are based in Singapore do drop me a comment and I will contact you on how I can pass the pair over to you.
What will you be doing differently in 2015?
Next on the Blog Train – Danessa of PrayfullMum
We seldom hear of people having mid-life crisis in their 30s but age is starting to creep up on me. There was no impulse purchase involving a yellow Nissan Skyline or another luxury handbag, but as my iPhone alarm woke me up bright and early one morning, I pondered, “Do I have everything — or nothing at all?”
Hop on over to Prayerfull Mum‘s blog as she shares her journey as a WAHM and a newbie at starting her own business. How does she plan to juggle motherhood and everything else? Danessa re-boots her life by doing 15 things differently this year…
