It's already September

Wow. Look where we are today. Already.


I have not been reflecting as deeply as I imagine, but I think it may be cathartic to list down my (random) thoughts.


The highlight in the past month has been me surviving solo-parenting. The husband went away for work for 3 full weeks, in a different time zone, and it was so amazing to welcome him home this morning. Hooray.


In this time, I realise that life is able to operate on auto-pilot. Yes, I still have to nag the kids. Yes, I still have to plan our time. Yes, I get cranky. Yes, we got into fights and I yelled at them. But overall, the moments pass and I hope the children remember more of our cuddles and discipline in routine (especially with doing homework) and our special time together (eating waffles and ice-cream, for example) than the boring/displeasing grind. I know I want to remember our fun outings, than the homework time.


Our weekends were relatively filled with baby-time (with the nephew and godson), and family time, and library time. The daughter and I definitely have a clear routine of Sunday breakfasts with each other and I kinda like that together.


My gym membership has ended and I am now trying to get back into the routine of working out by myself and the reliable youtube videos/Nike Training App. I still don't feel very fit but I think I'm still keeping pretty active.


Some key highlights in the past 6 months:


1. We went to USA!
Yes, for 2 solid weeks, my family and I were together. It was an amazing time together celebrating family love (even getting annoyed with each other), experiencing the Big Apple and more. We ate we shopped, we laughed, we drank... we also survived the very very long flight with 2 oldies >60yo, 2 young ones age 7 & 10, and an 11-month baby - what an experience!


2. I raised S$3,080 for my Race Against Cancer!
On a whim, inspired by some gfs, I signed up for a 15-km run. The highlights was that I ran it with the husband, and I started a fundraising site then unabashedly called for donations and pooled S$3,080. It's my first time trying this and I must say it was a humbling experience. I was so touched by the support, and also ran a good run with the husband. Win-Win!


3. I learnt how to rollerblade
While I did not invest time or money in the courses I thought I wanted to do, I did end up learning something I shelved for years (5 years, to be exact. Ever since K learnt how to blade when she was 5). I am not great, but I can blade and it is so fulfilling to do so!


4. Routine, routine, routine
It is already Sep and we have a decent routine. Yes, it is still painful at times, but generally the kids get it. They go to bed between 930pm-10pm, they play/do some work in the afternoons, I go home to them and revise work/hangout with them... the big girl has gotten into the hang of getting through her school term so far pretty ok - with no paid tuition. I think it has been fulfilling and the more we do it, the easier it is. Yes, we still fight but I think it is still pretty... ok. The boy has no issues with his school or work and is receptive to doing extra revisions that I set for him so yay. No drama.


4. Relationship work-in-good-progress
This is probably my biggest heartache/heart-love. It's still a work-in-progress, but it is still lovely and we are working at it.


In two weeks, my daughter turns 10. What a milestone!