Here I am again!

It's amazing how 6 months just flew past. It's been half a year since I posted anything here. I had always wanted to during this period, but somehow just did not get to do it.

In July/August, we drove down to Singapore to visit my family, but more so to catch our flight to Munich to spend our summer holidays with my in-laws. Our last visit as a family was in winter 2004. It was in this trip that we confirmed a very important decision, a decision to move to Germany, in summer 2010.

Life returned to normal in late August when school re-opened. Bart in 4th grade, Enzian & Ludwig 2nd and Johann started german kindergarten. It took Johann a week to settle in comfortably. He loves his teachers, especially Britta. He comes back with many things to tell us, songs to sing and wants to go kindergarten even on the weekends.

The boys went to several chinese trial classes held by different centres in the months of September October and November. They are now taking classes once a week at home with Emily, a chinese teacher from a local kindergarten.

Late September, we rented out our flat in Singapore, after leaving it vacant for 5 years. Should have done it earlier though.

I began sewing our first advent calendar the month before Christmas. The end result was more than satisfactory. The boys were delighted to countdown to Christmas daily, receiving littles notes from us and more importantly, sweets and small gifts.

In November, we had made another big decision for our family - we would not replace the maid when her contract with us ended in mid December. It would be the first time, after close to a decade, that we would be without a domestic helper. It turned out to be a very wise decision indeed. We are pleased with our joint efforts to work together as a family to upkeep the chores in this house.

I sat for my A2 german exam in early December, boy, it was a difficult paper. Even though I passed, the result was way below my average. I will be re-sitting this or next month.

Christmas was noisy but special. My younger sisters were here to celebrate with my family. It was enjoyable and memorable. Glad that we drove to Cameron Highlands and Cherating! Love the beach, hate those sandflies!

New year celebration was quiet. Made a good dinner, popped a few giant party poppers, drank a bottle of sparkling juice, exchanged new year greetings with our families and off to bed.