Just as I thought things are getting better home front, Venus, our domestic helper, dropped me a bombshell - she wanted a 3-weeks leave in March. OK, I know her biennial leave is long overdue, but for goodness sake, 3 WEEKS! IN MARCH (I.E. TWO WEEKS AWAY) ! What's more, while I was still stunned hearing her request and unable to think clearly, KA consented it right away! URRRGGGHHHH !!!!

I know I have all the rights as an employer to refuse her, but I also know in my heart that I will not. Why? Firstly, I don't want her to have any negative feelings. For over 4 years, she has been my trusted helper and my kids' beloved carer and playmate. We had a hell of a time with lousy maids before, so I don't want to risk losing a good one like her. Secondly, she deserves a break. To be fair, household chores are not easy tasks. She has been very hardworking, putting in extra effort after Jayden is born. For that, I appreciate her very much. Thirdly, she said it was her mother's decision (her mom happens to work in Singapore too). So it's unlikely that she can postpone it since they will want to go back together. Lastly, OK, I'm too soft. I can only blame myself for that.

Now, I'm frenziedly looking for alternative way to go on with our life when V is not around. We'll have to seek part-time helpers for the chores. As for the meals, they'll have to be taken outside or catered in. My biggest headache is Jayden because V is his main caregiver. Leaving him in the care of mom-in-law is out of the question, since now she is recuperating and a toddler can be quite a handful. It is quite impossible too for me to get a 3 week off from work - not now. I dread the thought of sending him to a childcare centre so young, but unless I can get a temporary babysitter, it seems like the only way out. It means that in two weeks time, I have to research for a suitable childcare centre, enroll him and settle him in. God, this is frightening!

URRRGGGHHHH !!!!