Where in the world do you live? And, are you from there?
I live in the tiny red dot on the map called Singapore. (It’s the dot right next to Malaysia.)
I was born here, but my ancestors (that means great-grandfather and beyond) were from China. Based on my basic understanding of the Hakka people, my dialect group (which means “guests” in Chinese), we were a bunch of nomads, so I guess you can say I’ve got the travelling genes. I constantly bug the hubby to ship us off to somewhere. Still working on it (him) though.
What language(s) do you speak?
I speak English, Mandarin Chinese, Babblese, and Wifese.
When did you first become a mother?
On that fateful day in February 2009, when suddenly (okay, not so suddenly, it took nearly 24 hours) out of me, popped a tiny, teary, little baby. We named her Vera, which means faith and truth.
I did a re-run of that in May 2011, except it was a much calmer experience this time with a scheduled C-section. Javier was out within half an hour upon entering the operation theatre. Javier means bright.
Are you a stay-at-home mom or do you work?
I’m currently working part-time as a communications consultant. Many people tell me I’m getting the best of both worlds, and that I’m able to balance home and work better. True to some extent, but the flip side is I’m also getting less out of both. (Am I sounding a little disgruntled when I should be far more grateful?)
Why do you blog/write?
Words just jump out of me. I’ve really been writing all my life, just that I let my fears and insecurities stand in the way of my letting it run free, in messy splendor. Well, I’m making up for lost time. I love penning down ideas about motherhood, pregnancy, breastfeeding, learning, and strategies for dealing with a toddler gone mad.
I also blog for my family and kids. I have this utopian idea that they will somehow enjoy seeing the various episodes of their lives covered on my blog, and hopefully learn something about how they were raised and their family heritage.
How would you say that you are different from other mothers?
I. Am. Different. We. Are. All. Unique. And. We. Can. Respect. These. Differences.
What do you view as the challenges of raising a child in today’s world?
Today’s world has become increasingly complex. And I see real challenges in trying to raise my children to appreciate the simple things in life, embrace simple truths and values, and live out lives that are true to themselves and their calling. But I’m determined to do my best. I believe that we just need to model it out ourselves, and hopefully, the kids will follow.
Life is also becoming increasingly stressful, where everybody seems to be focussed on out-doing everybody else. I’m trying not to get sucked into that kind of mentality, and it is a challenge in itself.
How did you find World Moms Blog?
I first chanced upon it when I got to know Alison from MamaWantsThis. Following that, I saw Ruth from Mommy Cafe post about being a role model by pursuing her dreams. That was that. I got inspired. Hooked. And here I am.
This is an original post from our new writer and mother of two in the teeny, tiny dot country of Singapore, Mamawearpapashirt.
The photo used in this post is credited to the author.
Welcome to World Moms Blog! I’m so glad you’ve found us!
I agree with your statement, “I believe that we just need to model it out ourselves, and hopefully, the kids will follow.” I think it sounds so much easier than it sounds! I remember serving my kids healthy things to eat, and then I’d sit down and have something not so healthy. I though, “This isn’t going to work!” If I eat healthy in front of them, they will learn the behavior. I had to be role model. Don’t get me wrong, we still eat pizza, it’s just that I’m eating healthier now than I ever have since having kids. And, then this can be applied throughout all behavior we want our kids to model.
I’m looking forward to your future posts!
Jen 🙂
Thanks Jen, it’s great to be here! I know what you mean because I went through the exact same process! The benefit is that I’m much healthier these days so it actually works out well.
Looking forward too! 🙂
Welcome aboard!
We are raising our boys to appreciate the simple things in life too – it’s not always easy, as you say. 🙂
Thanks for the warm welcome, Karyn!
Welcome to WMB. I can’t wait to read more.
Thanks Maman! 🙂
I love your message and your style of writing. I’m pretty new to this world myself, but I already feel we are kindred spirits! I’m really looking forward to reading more of your writing and learning more about life in Singapore. Best wishes 🙂
Hi Simona, I’m glad you enjoyed that, and thanks for your kind words. Can I also say that it’s really lovely meeting people like yourself here. Makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside… 🙂
Welcome! I look forward to reading your posts. I lived in Singapore for seven years and miss it a lot, especially the food! Mmmm.
Thanks for the welcome! Love the food here too. When I studied overseas in Australia, I used to ‘smuggle’ my favourite food over. It’s ironic because now I miss the food in Aussie-land!
Welcome!!! 🙂
Thank you! 🙂