Toddler-Free Day(s)

So back in October, a friend (who also has a toddler) and I met up sans children. The husband stepped up and took over caring for toddler E while I was out.

It was a gloriously bright and sunny day as I made my way over to the meeting point and I actually had some time to think without a chatty toddler demanding my undivided attention for the entire trip over.  

I almost did not know how to act on the MRT train, being used to people giving up their seats when I have toddler E in tow, now I was just another faceless single commuter who is obviously able-bodied and therefore no seats were offered. I also felt awkward about taking an open seat because I've become more sensitive to elderly passengers and those who have children with them since having my own kid. Damn my over-active conscience! It took a good while before I could stop all these thoughts and just take an open seat (that is not meant for the elderly, disabled or those who are pregnant or travelling with children).

It was lovely being able to walk as fast as I wanted, no bulky stroller to manoeuvre though the crowd of oblivious commuters. I was also travelling light with a small handbag instead of my usual bulky backpack or diaper bag. 

I could cuss whenever I felt like it without feeling guilty and I could use my iPhone for as long as I wanted without toddler E wanting to watch YouTube videos or play games on it. 

It was pure bliss.

Kitchen Design - Yard Area

I logged into the HDB website to find that the estimated completion date of our BTO flat has been brought forward to 2nd quarter 2014!! Very exciting, but also a little panicked because we have not really looked for a contractor.

The husband does not want an interior designer because he's good at design and can provide the 3D drawings with ideas. He just wants a contractor who can do the work. I'm happy to let him choose the contractor, I think one of his relatives can provide the services we need.

So I wrote about the kitchen design that I wanted in a previous post. This post is supposed to be about the yard area where the washing machine goes.

I really like the floor in this picture, mosaic tiles look bright and colourful.

Source

To save space, I might get a washer/dryer combination, both my parents and in-laws recently switched to a Samsung washer / dryer so I'll see how it works out for them before actually getting one for our new flat. I've been told that washer / dryer combinations can be risky because if the dryer or washer function breaks down, it can affect the entire machine and be expensive to repair as compared to a dedicated washer or dryer.

I'll need storage for washing powder, cleaning liquids etc to be kept above the washing machine so that it stays out of my toddler's hands. I'm not sure how practical cupboards above the washing machine will be so I'll have to run this idea by the husband.

Will also need to figure out where to hang wet laundry and whether we want to put up grilles on the windows in the yard area.