My husband once
commented to me, way back before we even got married, that he didn't
think I was ever going to be a domesticated woman. He didn't think I
would be happy being home-bound or that I would be very motherly. Was I
insulted? Yes. But I let it pass as I didn't think I was going to be
that domesticated anyway. To me, I was going to be a working wife and
mother. I never thought the day would come when I would be a housewife.
Well, I am a housewife now. My primary duties have to do with the
needs of my family. I do not go out to work, nor do I earn a living for
now. I should be unhappy (probably according to some people). But I am
not. I am feeling contented as a wife and mother. Perhaps knowing this
might not be a permanent arrangement helps.
My daily duties revolve around getting the kids ready for school,
preparing snacks or lunch for them to bring to school; doing the
laundry, doing some light cleaning, shopping for groceries and cooking. I
am learning to enjoy doing all of these. Yes I still wake up early in
the morning. Earlier than I usually wake up to go to work. I get busy
from then until the kids and hubs leave for school/work. Then my life
slows down to a pace that most people will envy. I can have a leisurely
breakfast on my own, or I can start taking things out from the freezer
to thaw, or do the laundry, or just sit and watch TV, or read, or get on
the computer to chat with friends, or get on fb.... the list goes on. I
have spent most mornings-afternoons either going out with new friends,
or attending bible study, or just have a leisurely morning-afternoon
doing next to nothing if I like. There is no rush. There is no one to
rush me. There is no deadline to meet. There is no real necessity to do
anything urgently.
I am learning Mandarin. I have had some classes and am learning to
speak better, widening my vocabulary somewhat, and also learning to
recognise the Chinese characters so that I can at least read some
rudimentary words. My tutor is quite happy with my progress. I am happy
with my progress.
Here, I do not have really nice clothes. I did not bring most of my
nicer clothes. I have mainly t-shirts and pants/jeans. I only have 2
dresses and 1 skirt, and a few shirts. I didn't even bring shorts so I
had to buy a few pairs. I have only one pair of sneakers (which is already falling apart) and slippers,
and 3 pairs of shoes. I carry one handbag most of the time, sometimes I
don't even carry a handbag but my canvas carry-all bag. In my bag, there
is usually an umbrella (in case it rains) and at least one shopping bag
should I decide I need to go and buy things.
My life is really simple. I don't have a lot of wants now. I am just satisfied being who I am. And I am counting my blessings.
