Picnic at Perth Park

Missing Launceston's beautiful scenery and weather. This was from some time last year that we took a walk down to the park near Perth river and it was absolutely wonderful. Singapore is fantastic with it's city life and multitude of things to do. But it lacks natural beauty and calm peaceful locations. We had a beautiful time, even found a home made bong which someone had stashed among tree roots. That's something your never gonna come across in Singapore lol.

I do but I dont.

You know how everyone tells you growing up is not fun and they all claim they want to go back to school? I see why now. Being an adult means bills bills bills and all the things you never thought about before, like how EXPENSIVE it is to buy a house in Singapore. We have recently been on the look out for a 4 bedroom condominium so Jacob can have his own bedroom. But boy are they expensive. We had someone from the bank come down and evaluate our house and even with the low housing market, we still got a nice 3 mil figure. But let me tell you, we've had a few people through our house and the best offer we got was still 2.75 mil which is not acceptable by my parent's standard, considering all the new 4 bedroom condos are smaller than 2000 sq ft, which is the size of our current 3bed + maids room. Don't shoot me for saying this but I'm missing our house in Australia, with the beautiful back and front yard, and its spaciousness and most of all I miss the 4 seasons. As much as I was dying to come back, I have seen the people whom I wanted to see the most, and I've even started working again. Working is extremely fulfilling and I love it, even more so because I am working for a dear friend who already knows my work ethic and trusts me. Having absolutely no formal training in marketing, and only the experience of working as marketing executive in a club for a few short months, I've learnt so much from my amazing boss who is patient and kind. But that's me, my dearest husband is still waiting on the ICA for his LTVP, and to be honest it's moving a lot slower than we expected. 

On the bright side Jacob's Singapore Citizenship settled quick, and the government even gave us a baby bonus which was a big help with getting started, but a man needs to work to feel good about himself, and Chris gains no satisfaction from hanging out at home everyday while Jacob goes off to school and I go off to work. We have finally been given the approval (in principle), I've made the payment, and chris has to finish some medical examinations. But we have still no idea if we have been given the LTVP or the LTVP+ which doesnt seem like a big difference, but basically that little '+' sign, is the difference between Chris being able to get a letter of approval to work, or having to apply for a work permit with a prospective employer and proceeding to MOM to get it approved (case by case basis). the + means he wont be counted within the company's foreign work quota, NO + means he WILL be counted in the foreign worker quota and I cannot recall if or if not they will have to pay the worker levy to hire him. BIG PAIN I KNOW. Also the residential time is also significantly longer with the +. Family or no family the ICA makes the decision. This decision will also be the thing that might have to send us packing back to Australia, and I am half half about this. 

I do but I don't. God help me I love working, but I want to be able to buy a lovely house with a yard for a reasonable price. The dream is to get a lovely 4 bedroom with a front and back yard for less than 500K. And in Australia that is more than reasonable. But anyway, that's my musing of the day. I'm really tired. Work is lovely but oh-so-demanding. Okay time for the baby's bath. Til later xxx 

Jacob's first birthday party, our back yard, launceston - tasmania - Australia Jan 2014 

habitual

I really need to keep the habit of blogging, its actually pretty good for the soul. I have just been so busy, and so tired. Times have been a bit rough on my family, as you know, my dad's office is based in Thailand, and KL, and what with the bad political situation and the bad economy, he is actually back here working with resorts world. So our finances are pretty low at the moment, we finally have an appointment with the ICA for hub's LTVP, and hopefully the LTVP +. Now this silly visa, has taken so long to finally get to this point, we have had to constantly extend his short term visa, and that requires us to go down to the ICA, and queue for ages, to get his passport stamped for a 30 day extension. You can get the first extension online IF you have been here under 89 days, following which is hey ho, off to the ICA you go. So lets cross our fingers and hope that they grant the LTVP +, otherwise I suppose we will have to get advice from MOM as to how to proceed for hubs to work. Would have thought having a Singaporean wife and child would make it easier, but no not really. So friends, I have happy to dole out advice and procedure should anyone need any info on how to apply for the LTVP and how it works.

Work has been going well, more clients under my belt, very busy as usual. Very tired as always. Today, I decided to learn to be grateful. Yesterday I had the misfortune of having a huge blowout with my parents, and it wasn't pretty. Personally I feel you shouldn't run your kid into the ground to make a point. Thank you mom and dad for making me feel like shit. BUT on my part, I suppose I shouldn't keep pointing fingers, and be grateful for everything I have been blessed with so far, and sticking together as family would be the ideal situation. I am TIRED of all the fighting and bickering and it is taking a toll on my little, or not so little brother. He's 20 but still mummys golden child. Anyway, so from today, I am determined, to be grateful, for my parents who have given me so much, for my brother, and mostly for my gorgeous husband and son. All aside, I am happy to be home. I dont have to keep proving myself to everyone, I can just be me. I am no longer a social butterfly, and my true friends have kept the faith. The once friends who have weedled out of my life because I am not fun anymore, or cant go out randomly anymore, or party anymore - I am a mother, and a wife, I have responsibilities. And I dont believe in dumping my child on my maid or mother and going out. Once in a while my lovely mother looks after my darling so hubs and I can go on a date, but no sorry, i will not do otherwise. So dear folks, thank you for making it easy for me, and walking out on me, because I know the people left truly care for me, and understand my situation. I am happier with my husband and son, than I have ever been with my superficial lifestyle of parties and splurging money on rubbish. I wish you all the best, and I pray you may find true happiness and peace like I have with my family.

A Dog's Purpose According to a 6 year old.

taken from 

http://pulptastic.com/a-dogs-purpose-according-to-a-6-year-old/

I don't always believe what I read on the internet, you never know what's made up and what isn't, but this is too sweet. 

<3