December 29, 2011

 2011 has been a very interesting year for us, and I can say the most common phrase in our home has been “we’re almost there, just keep going, stay positive.” Coming back to Singapore 12 months ago today remains the best decision we’ve ever made, but it was not an easy decision. This is not a place to be without the financial means to support oneself, so we’ve had our heads down, focused on building our business empire. We’ve had a lot of great success, but we are not at a plateau of ease yet – and that, more than anything, has been really really hard – let’s just say that my aching jaw from the constant uncertainty is testament to that fact. But 2012 is going to be our year of ease. I’ve never been one to make decisions that provide a smooth journey in life. I’ve picked up and moved countries seven times, and within that, the moves in-country would probably add up to about 70 or so, with more than 20 in the last three years. I know, what the hell is that all about? All I can say is I’ve never felt “settled” anywhere and up until this year, have never really wanted to settle in one place. Once I got a taste for this big magnificent world, I’ve never wanted to do anything but keep experiencing it. However things are changing – or maybe I’m getting old – as we have decided Singapore is our home, and as long as it will have us, we are very very pleased to be here. Singapore just works for us in too many ways to mention, but the most important thing is the boys love it here – this is definitely an amazing place for a young family. But Steve and I love it here as well, because while the rest of the world wallows in recovery, Singapore is boom-town, and with that comes hope and energy. We’ve also got a community of awesome friends here. It’s just great. A recent bonus was the return of our helper of two and a half years, Vicky, into our lives just over a week ago, and while she is recovering from a terrible personal tragedy, it is amazing having her back in our family. She is so beautiful and loving with the boys, and over the next 12 months, she is focused on getting herself sorted out in a way that means she can go back to the Philippines and achieve ALL of her dreams. We’ll do everything we can to make sure that happens, because she deserves the world. Knowing that we have her with us for the next 12 months will be the difference we need, because with Vicky backing us up we can conquer the world. Additionally, every time I see Vick, I am so grateful to her and because she lost her little love, I am even more grateful for my lads.  More than anything else, it is Vicky that will get us across that “almost there” chasm. We can’t do what we want to do without her, because our boy’s happiness remains our number one priority. The last two ladies we’ve had this year just didn’t have Vicky’s magic, and that took one of us out of the game, which we just can’t do right now. For me personally, I have loved being back. I’ve been able to work again – something that hasn’t been able to happen as much as I wanted since the boys came along. To say I’ve spent four years frustrated is an understatement, as Steve could attest to, watching me champing at the bit in my early years of motherhood – continuing to want it all. The thing I know for certain is I am most happy when I am working, and the best part of my working life now is I get to spend 90 per cent of it writing – both personally and professionally. My aim on returning to Singapore was to write, so that makes me very happy indeed. I am also thrilled to be back with old friends, but also making new friends everyday – people from all over the world, who have different ideas and values – and that is one of the things I love most about being in Singapore. The diversity of people I get to meet and welcome into my life.  I love that. So while we haven’t yet hit our threshold of ease, we now know it really is just around the corner, and we also know that 2012 is going to be a sensational year – with lots of travel, laughs, exciting work, success, fun – all the while surrounded by amazing friends who inspire us to be better people. That’s all we want and it’s nice to finally hit a time in my life where I’m OK to chill and take it all in. I don’t know why I’ve always needed to be on the move – hungry for more – but I know I’ve had an amazing life because of that hunger. Now it’s time to stop and smell the proverbial roses for a while. I can do that now, I’m ready, but please, don’t accuse me of settling. Anytime people mention the “S word” it makes me want to pack up and move on again. I won’t be having that. Although I do plan on buying a cat, and that, more than anything else, is a sign that I am standing still for a good while. It’s also going to be a Rex, if I can convince Steve – although I have mentioned that he doesn’t get a say in it…. With that I would like to wish everyone a very very Happy New Year, Happy New Holden – as some people from Wodonga like to say – and please ignore all of the doomsday predictions, be happy and be positive, because 2012 is going