A new record

I thought a month was a really long time to not post. As of last week, I just broke that record.

What's been happenning over here? Lots.

Sam's Visit

My younger brother spent a week with me in February - both of us had a great time. One of the challenges of living away from Oz is keeping up with my (large) family. Particularly when my younger brothers are at a fairly non-conversational age and my younger sister can't talk (she has a genetic disorder called TSC - you can read about it here). So it was great to spend a week with Sam and observe him exploring Singapore.

Because I was working, Sam had a week to get around Singapore on his own. That's one of the things I love about this city - I had no qualms about him being safe travelling around by himself. The public transport is well organised and the people working in hospitality and tourism generally really friendly.

His highlights were the zoo and the bird park. I enjoyed challenging him to eat some new food and luckily he liked chicken rice or I'd have to consider dis-owning him. We did the usual satay at Lau Pa Sat, Chilly Crab at Ang Mo Kio and curry at Little India, too.

Our last day together wasn't the best though. We went up north (Pasir Ris) to Wild Wild Wet, a water park. My wallet went walkabouts. So maybe Singapore is not quite so crime free?

Sad news

Unfortunately, the day Sam had to fly back to Sydney I was woken early with the news that my grandfather had passed away. This meant an unexpected trip back to Australia that was surpisingly peaceful. My colleagues in Singapore fortunately covered my work for that week and I had the luxury of spending some time at my parents' house and joining B in the southern highlands where he was working.

The funeral mass was put together by my talented Mum and I'll never forget the image of my father and his 5 brothers carrying my grandfather in his coffin out of the church. It was a gift to be able to come back home without great stress or expense. It made me glad I am on my temporary arrangement and haven't taken a full transfer here.

My grandfather was a loving and generous man. It is a relief to know he is no longer suffering, but I do miss him.

Committment again

Sometime earlier this year I found out my team lead had resigned from the company. With me planning to leave in mid-April, this was going to leave the project in a bit of sticky situation. I was persuaded to take her role, which is an interesting new challenge, but also to extend my time here until June (or thereabouts). My wonderful B was very understanding, but nearly every day since I took the new role I have questioned my decision.

I am really starting to feel tired from being here. From being away from B, my Sydney friends and my family. From not really being able to make long term plans. From living in an apartment with none of my personality in it. From working so much. I do have moments of fun and joy here. I have some wonderful friends. But the balance is not there at the moment. I just want to be home.