dimanche, mars 15, 2015

Last day at work

I finished working on Friday! The last six and a half month went by so quickly. I had positive work experience with this programme, having a very nice colleagues. I worked hard but with almost zero stress, and this was perfect given my condition.

I had a feedback meeting with my supervisor, who now became a friend. She asked me about my thoughts on how to improve the management of the project and even her own strengths and weaknesses. We had a very frank discussion. She also gave me her evaluation on my performance, and she told me that she was very happy and I did well. I was so pleased to hear that I contributed well to the team, and she thought my management and technical skills were great. She encouraged me to pursue this area of work (prevention of violence against women and girls.) This is an emerging area in the gender based violence field where response (services to victims/clients) dominates for obvious reasons. However, with this scale of problem, prevention also becomes the key, as we learn more about why men commit violence.

As I enter a new phase of life, I need to think over my career. I am now going to take probably six months off. I have no idea how I feel about going back to work, whether I feel wanting to stay as much as possible with the child or eager to get back as soon as possible. Now, I need to balance work and family life, which I never had to think about before. Besides, it is not always easy to have the best choice work depending on how we prioritize my career or my partner's. I am OK to let M.FR's work to dictate where we live etc for now. Even though I came along with him to YGN, I feel that I got a great opportunity and most out of being there. In this sense, I made no compromise in the last year and a half with the two jobs that I held. I could probably keep taking consultancies for a while, but eventually I would like to have a more substantial position with more responsibility. I am considering taking a few online courses to enhance certain skills in coming months (if compatible with the baby..!)

Let's see! We go with the flow. We have enough things packed this year with the baby and the wedding. We are not quite sure re. what is happening with M.FR job after a month or so. We may be both taking a self funded parental leave (a.k.a. en chomage) until we figure out our next steps.

Now anxiously waiting to see when the little guy decides to come out and meet us.....    

dimanche, mars 08, 2015

妊婦単身赴任 Almost the end of my solo maternity life  

37週目突入で、快適妊婦単身赴任生活もほぼおしまい。木曜日にFR氏がこちらに合流してくれて、これからは二人、そして三人になる。最近はそれまではお腹にいてねって、毎日お願いしている。

結局、仕事の契約も延ばして、6ヶ月少し働いた。妊娠が分かって、すぐにオファーがきた仕事で、最初は不安定な時期に単身赴任になるのは迷ったけど、受けて良かった。タイミング的に、こちらの医療機関に健診に行けたし、ここで出産するので、街にも慣れる事ができた。これからは半年程は休むつもりなので、仕事のブランクも短くなるし、出産と育児資金も溜められたしね。

小さいチームのプロジェクトだったので、私は専門的なことから、雑用まで何でもやり、ストレスもほとんどなく、楽しく仕事をさせてもらえた。何より上司がすごく良い人で、この数ヶ月で仲良くなって、これからも友達でいられるような関係を築けた。今までは女性に対する暴力の被害者支援を中心にやってきて、今回は防止という実はまだあまり進んでいない分野を勉強することができたのも良かった。仕事に戻れるようになったらこの経験を活かしたいと思う。

マタニティー生活は快適で、一人なのに一人じゃないって感覚がとても新鮮で、たまに不安になる時もあったけど、幸せな気分だった。自分は楽天的というか、あまり何も考えてないような気もするけど!日々変化して行く自分の体が、興味深くて、お腹で赤ちゃんが育つことが本当に神秘だと思うし、こんな素晴らしい経験ができたことだけでも有り難いと思う。

FR氏も普段は素っ気ないタイプだけど、妊娠してからは、毎日電話してきてくれて優しいし、いつまでも妊娠していたいくらい!

これでもう正規産の期間に入ったので、いつ陣痛が始まるのかと思うとドキドキする。未知の経験に武者震いするような気持ちと、赤ちゃんに会えるのが楽しみなのと、激変する生活に、私達二人が付いて行けるのかの不安が混じった複雑な心境。兎に角、元気で産まれてきてくれますように(木曜日以降に!!)。

mardi, mars 03, 2015

Baby Shower

American cultural experience even though I live in BKK.

A friend of mine (American) offered to organize a baby shower for me. I didn't really feel comfortable for being a centre of attention and creating an occasion for gift giving, so we settled for Japanese dumplings (gyoza) making party where I teach other guests how to make them.

We made three kinds: pork, vegetarian ones with mushrooms and prawns among other dishes. I prepared the fillings and put everyone to work in wrapping the filling and pan-fry them.

M.FR is still busy working, so he couldn't make it. But, his cousin is staying with me, so she came to "represent" the family.

I received many nice gifts, including the baby towel that I am wearing in the photo.... with a duck head. It was so nice to be in a supporting circle even though I haven't been here of so long when I am starting a new chapter of life.

お友達が、私のベビーシャワーを催してくれました。餃子や、おにぎり、獅子唐の炒め物などを作って、皆でお腹がはち切れそうになるまで食べた。デザートはシュークリーム!

お祝いのプレゼントも色々頂いて、買おうと思っていたエルゴのだっこ紐ももらって助かります。何より、皆の暖かい心遣いがとっても嬉しかった。私も、これから産まれてくる子も幸せ者だなーと思った。産まれたら、ご報告を兼ねて、日本風にお返ししなきゃね。写真はアヒルのフード付きのタオルを被ってるところ。

もう臨月に突入で、仕事も残り後1週間ほどです。