Handover

I hardly mentioned work anymore but lots have transpired over the past couple of years.
During this time, i was given a significant pay rise. Glad the company took notice of my hard work!
Over the last few months (despite my long absence due to MS), I was also given a promotion. I am now a "Head". Haha not like titles meant much to me but I am now head of sales operations for both APAC and US. In total, i have 6 direct reports. Given my company's practices to only review pays in June, I was not given another pay increment with this promotion.

With the promotion came added responsibilities, of course! I started preparing my handover list today for my impending maternity leave and it was only 3 pages long. How is it that I find myself really busy but when it's time to drop your work, you just cannot put it down in writing? No matter what, i still hope my presence will be missed and come June, I will see my rewards!

A little addition

It took me 3 holidays to get over the emotional trauma of losing the baby earlier last year. In July 2011, I took the plunge again and was rewarded with positive news! Positive news were followed with countless visits to the hospital as I was spotting from early weeks. Seriously, why does it have to be so difficult?? I really thought it was another goner.

The spotting finally stopped in Week 7. What followed were however months of misery. I was diagnosed with hyperemesis. It meant I could not work and was literally bed-bounded. I am so thankful to have an understanding boss. I stayed away from office for nearly 2.5mths and lost 8kg! Not surprising when I could not even swallow water without puking it straight out. Some lucky ones suffer from just 3 weeks of MS, my puking persisted till I was 24 weeks along. Once I could eat, I piled back the weight! To date, I put back 12kg but given i lost 8kg, it's just 4kg that i gained. Phew!

I am 35 weeks along today. It is fascinating to feel the little one move everyday. Honestly, I am not prepared. On one hand, I cannot wait to see the little one, on the other, i cannot imagine how our lives will change. It will be exciting times ahead.

Settled in a new home

After 2.5 years of wait, we got the keys to our new place. Whoopie it's good to be back east. I am sick of travelling from Jurong to the office in Chai Chee!

Sourcing around for an ID or contractor was no fun. We had to spend hours talking to people, sharing the same ideas over and over again. Eventually, we settled on a contractor who reminded me of Phua Chu Kang. He was only missing the yellow wellingtons. He was also the only contractor who actually produced 3D drawings without extra costs. Even asked how many 3D drawings I wanted. Funny. However, once we have decided on the contractor, doing up the place was great. I thoroughly enjoyed choosing the laminates i like, wallpapers, space planning, furnishings and the list goes on. Of course, I can once again indulge in shopping for crockery and utensils so that I can perhaps start cooking again?

After nearly 2 months of renos and settling defects with the developer for our unit, we moved in officially on 20 Jan 2012. I was overwhelmed to finally be able to say, "Welcome Home".