Amanda 1st position in class

This mid-year Exams, Amanda did exceptionally well. She came in 1st position in class. She was in the 6th position out of 197 for the whole sec 2 cohort. In addition, she had a distinction in History, top in her class for Literature, and the top in the whole sec 2 cohort for English.

Matthew was top in class for Maths (92 marks). He came in 5th position in class out of 33 students.

To celebrate the children's success we had dinner at Jack's Place on Saturday.

On Sunday, Amanda and I had high tea together with Ah Ma, Auntie Maureen, Shyan Ray and his dad at Hotel Royal.

On Sunday evening, Amanda and I went to the gym. We needed to exercise after all that eating!

Jerome's 5th Birthday

On Sunday evening, we went to East Coast. John (7th brother in-law) had booked a chalet there to celebrate his son, Jerome's 5th birthday.

We went early as the kids wanted to rollerblade. We drove all the way to the jetty end where there was less crowd. The kids didn't have their knee and elbow protectors. Unfortunately, Matt fell as he tried to rollerblade too fast. He suffered some bruises below the knee.

In the evening, we met the other family members at the chalet. The children went cycling for a while. Afterwards, we had steamboat cum barbeque food for dinner.

Monday morning, I brought Rita (my mum's maid) to the Indonesian Embassy to renew her passport. Unfortunately, the Embassy was closed for an extended Vesak Day Holiday.

In the afternoon I went for a second interview at Harbour Front. It was the fastest interview I had. I wasn't very confident.

I also went for my gynae check up that day. Doctor said my fibroid remained the same so there was no need to do anything. Next check up is 6 months' time.

Mother's Day Celebrations

On Sunday, we celebrated Mother's Day at Ah Yat Restaurant at Turf City. We ate dim sum for brunch. There was a 50% discount for dim sum. We all enjoyed the good food.

After that we went shopping at Turf City. Alvin bought the kids each a pair of rollerblades. They are quite cheap.

Later, we went to Causeway Point to shop. The kids and I went to buy Jerome's birthday present while Alvin went for foot reflexology.

To quit or not to quit?

Over the weekends, I searched the recruitment ads. I have already sent out a few job applications. I went for an interview last week, and will attend another one tomorrow.

Alvin and I talked about it, we agreed that I should lower my salary expectations so that I stand a chance, if at all. Besides salary, my age was another disadvantage. I had to call some friends to ask for recommendations or referrals.

After that recent emotional outburst, things got a little better. So at one point, I was in a dilemma. To quit or not to quit? I asked myself what are my priorities? Well, my health, my family and my happiness are most important. That's it. I have made up my mind. I am quitting. I want what's best for me and who knows there are better opportunities waiting for me out there!

Discouraged

The stress is showing on my face! My friends and colleagues all sympathised with me. This is one of the most difficult period in my working life. I have always been a positive and cheerful person. Somehow, I can't seem to overcome this "problem". Every Sunday, I go to church to pray for a miracle. Everyone prayed for me including Amanda. I am thankful for my friends, colleagues and my daughter, who is such a sweet and sensitive girl for her age.

I thought I will stay in the job till my retirement. So when I had to update my resume I burst into uncontrollable sobs. I could never imagine that this would happen to me after 20 long years. I feel so lost and confused!