BAMBI News January 2016
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Dear Members,Yes, 2016 is finally here.Not sure if there is a point in me preparing a list of resolutions this year. I find it difficult to follow and it is best for me to periodically work on tasks rather than follow a yearly goal list. It is also less disappointing at the end of the year to discover what I have accomplished and moreover – what I haven't.What's on YOUR 'to-do' list?At the time of writing this letter, I haven't left yet for my holiday but by the time you read these words – I will probably have had a good time visiting family and friends out of Thailand. Then it will be the usual jet leg upon our return back to Bangkok, and a few days later – back to school. Both I and the kids need some adjustment time after our winter holiday. Maybe it is the weather – there, it is cold and possibly rainy; here it is hotter and humid, even during the 'cool' season. And maybe it is the fact we come back from a different routine which the holiday allows: everyday family breakfasts, late bedtime, many coffee/tea meetings with friends & family, leisure time etc. (but also doing all the household chores on my own with no help around). Going back to school afterwards is hard not only for my kids but also for me – especially the mornings – getting up early, preparing their lunch-boxes when I am still half asleep, driving them to school (in opposite side traffic), being productive again, not spending my daytime chilling out or reading books for leisure (these nice moments will be kept for night hours after the kids will be in bed). But going back to school is also rather nice, as I can have a few quiet hours to focus on my own tasks while the kids are busy in their classes. On holiday it is usually 24/7 with the kids, unless grandma and grandpa are taking charge and allow me a few kid-free hours. The bottom line: I can't complain about either – holiday with the family has its advantages and going back to regular day/ school routine is enjoyable too. It is a good mix, a good balance for our life. We definitely need them both every now and then.As in every month (unfortunately), we bid farewell to at least one committee member who steps down. This month we say Goodbye and Thank You to Therese Guyot-Becker who served as our Benefits Coordinator and to Armanda Gaikema-Smit who was our energetic Charities Assistant and is leaving us now to go to Tokyo.If you wish to step up and volunteer for BAMBI – we are always in need! Please visit our “BAMBI Needs You!” section on page 27 and see what opportunities we have for you this time. It could be your new resolution for 2016: Give BAMBI a hand.Before I send you to your reading – please mark your calendar with the BAMBI New Year Party on 23rd January at SISB Ekkamai. We will welcome both 2016 and the Year of the Monkey with fun activities, performances, a lucky draw with fantastic prizes & more surprises!Happy New Year! Ravit El-Bachar Daniel View PDF
Dear Members,Yes, 2016 is finally here.Not sure if there is a point in me preparing a list of resolutions this year. I find it difficult to follow and it is best for me to periodically work on tasks rather than follow a yearly goal list. It is also less disappointing at the end of the year to discover what I have accomplished and moreover – what I haven't.What's on YOUR 'to-do' list?At the time of writing this letter, I haven't left yet for my holiday but by the time you read these words – I will probably have had a good time visiting family and friends out of Thailand. Then it will be the usual jet leg upon our return back to Bangkok, and a few days later – back to school. Both I and the kids need some adjustment time after our winter holiday. Maybe it is the weather – there, it is cold and possibly rainy; here it is hotter and humid, even during the 'cool' season. And maybe it is the fact we come back from a different routine which the holiday allows: everyday family breakfasts, late bedtime, many coffee/tea meetings with friends & family, leisure time etc. (but also doing all the household chores on my own with no help around). Going back to school afterwards is hard not only for my kids but also for me – especially the mornings – getting up early, preparing their lunch-boxes when I am still half asleep, driving them to school (in opposite side traffic), being productive again, not spending my daytime chilling out or reading books for leisure (these nice moments will be kept for night hours after the kids will be in bed). But going back to school is also rather nice, as I can have a few quiet hours to focus on my own tasks while the kids are busy in their classes. On holiday it is usually 24/7 with the kids, unless grandma and grandpa are taking charge and allow me a few kid-free hours. The bottom line: I can't complain about either – holiday with the family has its advantages and going back to regular day/ school routine is enjoyable too. It is a good mix, a good balance for our life. We definitely need them both every now and then.As in every month (unfortunately), we bid farewell to at least one committee member who steps down. This month we say Goodbye and Thank You to Therese Guyot-Becker who served as our Benefits Coordinator and to Armanda Gaikema-Smit who was our energetic Charities Assistant and is leaving us now to go to Tokyo.If you wish to step up and volunteer for BAMBI – we are always in need! Please visit our “BAMBI Needs You!” section on page 27 and see what opportunities we have for you this time. It could be your new resolution for 2016: Give BAMBI a hand.Before I send you to your reading – please mark your calendar with the BAMBI New Year Party on 23rd January at SISB Ekkamai. We will welcome both 2016 and the Year of the Monkey with fun activities, performances, a lucky draw with fantastic prizes & more surprises!Happy New Year! Ravit El-Bachar Daniel View PDF