Interesting few months ahead.
The hb has just left his first job, and he’s with a local bank for two weeks now.
The official working hours are 0900 to 1830, half an hour more than the typical 8-hour work day; the unofficial working hours, as they have informed him matter-of-factly during the interview — 0900 to 2000, at the very least.
I’m getting used to the new routine. Going home on my own, getting dinner and dining alone. Or waiting for the hb to get back to have dinner together on days he manages to knock off before 8pm.
On top of Tuesdays for kickboxing, I have started attending Yogasana classes on Thursdays. Jogging is either on Thursday (before Yogasana class, if I work from home and manage to finish work by 530pm) or weekends. I’m now considering jogging on nothing-to-do Fridays.
But this brings back very very bad memories of my ex-company. Ha.
Something is really wrong with the local firms’ work culture.
Leaving at 8pm is almost an expectation. Setting meetings at 6:30pm is a norm.
His company off-site meeting is going to take place on a Saturday.
But well, it’s for his career advancement and he should grab every opportunity he has.
He’s getting used to it too. The 2nd week has been much better than his first week – where he got home past 8pm and fell asleep by 10pm. Almost like a little boy in his first week of school. 
The company is undergoing major restructuring – I can’t reveal details – but it’s going to be interesting and unsettling.
I’m actually looking forward to the start of the next fiscal year in July.
The hb’s sister would be staying with us for the next three months, starting tonight.
Her very smart school apparently posted her to do her internship with a company located in changi business park – when she stays in CCK. Of course we said yes, when she asked if she could stay with us for three months.
I’d be lying if I say I’m welcoming her with open arms.
And I feel bad admitting that, because if it were my own sisters, or even my ex tuition kid, I’d welcome them wholeheartedly.
I dislike kids who are spoilt brats, have attitude problem or are lazy, but I don’t mind them as much as kids who are rude and disrespect the elderly. Or kids who think the world owes them a branded bag.
I also feel bad for not liking her. And for not wanting to try.
But it didn’t stop me from lugging four heavy bags of toiletries and food stuff back home, just so she will feel reasonably comfortable staying with us.
I need a bigger and stronger heart.
Do not expect a thank you when you offer to wash her clothes for her. Do not look appalled when a 21-year-old says she does not know how to iron her clothes. Do not judge when she asks her brother who irons his clothes for him.
Damned if we do, damned if we don’t.
No one will thank us if we do this well.. but do something ‘unacceptable’, we will get all the blame. After all, “taking care” of someone is a very vague term that can mean anything from providing a bed to becoming her servant.
I’m hoping for a peaceful three months ahead.
