Ahh, in case anyone is ever, remotely interested in my work… after dedicating 2 full days of re-learning some of Google’s products in detail, I’m happy to blog an entry for myself – I’m back to being an Adwords Certified Professional! *throws confetti in the air*
The last time I was certified was when I first made the switch from traditional media to digital media back in 2010, so indeed, this is quite the milestone for me despite having recent on-the-job experience for the last 1.5 years, which does not even explore the full capabilities of the Google Adwords products. To have sat through 6 hours of lessons…condensed from 24 hours of learning material and take a 90 minutes exam answering 100 questions right after, for 2 days, have been exhausting and giving me heart palpitations.
With both exams requiring a 80% passing rate each, and me finishing each exam with about 2 minutes left to time limit (and you are unable to pause the timer once you start taking an exam, even if the computer shuts down or you lose your connection!), I’ve no idea how most (admittedly, younger) folks in the room manage to complete it with 45 minutes to spare! Perhaps postpartum brain is a thing after all!
That said, it’s been refreshing to attend proper lessons (the last time I took the exam, it was based on self-learning) learning about advanced online advertising concepts, best practices and optimization in greater detail coupled with relevant examples and Q&As. I’m glad that I’m finally fueling the quest for growth and knowledge…slowly but surely.
I will be challenging myself further by going for the Video Advertising certification next. And maybe, just hopefully, also be a few steps closer to having a home office which looks like this:
Meanwhile on the parenting front, I also wanted to take a moment to mention something significant which happened and validated the recent commitment I’ve made as a parent. I was about to pick Liam up from Berries class when his teacher requested that I stay back for a while so that she could have a word with me.
“Oh no, what is it this time?”, I thought to myself, conscious that we had to rush over to swim class and slightly annoyed that clearly, we were going to be later than usual for swim lessons. Besides, the last time the teacher had a word with me was just 2 weeks ago, citing that Liam needs more practice in reading and writing.
Little did I anticipate what she was about to say. She started by asking if I noticed a “棒” (which means “well done” in Chinese) sticker on Liam’s tee. I nodded, and she explained that it was because he did very well in class and was the only student to score a 10/10 when it came to sight reading and when asked to read her chosen page of his curriculum book. She was pleasantly surprised and asked what could have caused the drastic improvement. I mentioned it might have been the self-reading pen he’s been using to go through 2 chapters every night for 10 minutes in the last 2 weeks coupled with flash cards which I’d test him, before we start our bedtime story and winding down routine.
The teacher praised Liam for being independent in going through his lessons and turned her attention back to me. “I told Liam he did very well today, that he was the only one with no mistakes in reading and writing and he was very confident in his delivery”, and I want you to hear this compliment from me as well, that your son did very well and should be praised for his effort. At that very moment, my watery eyes could no longer contain more tears that it started to overflow, with pride.
It was such a wonderful moment to revel in, taking 30 minutes out of my everyday to spend time with the kids reading, singing, dancing, writing and playing tickle monster actually made a positive difference. And as if I wasn’t surprised enough, the fruits of my eureka moment continued to labour that very afternoon when Liam’s piano teacher commended on his playing making vast improvements as compared to the previous weeks. She was so delighted that she wanted to teach him 2 new songs, despite Liam negotiating for only 1 new song to be taught.
Oh my sweetheart, my firstborn! While I feel guilty about not writing and celebrating about your growing-up enough, conveniently making the excuse of being bogged down with work (but it’s true!), moments like these make me so proud to be your mom. You’re a testament that a little more love and quality time can create many more wonders with a wonder itself – you.
With 2 weeks to your 5th birthday, and all I have is a customized cake and cookies for 24 pax with no venue, no guest list (so far only your bff has said yes), no activities and no clue to whether a celebration with your friends is going to happen, part of me is afraid of disappointing you and me. Yet another part of me is fighting to say if I continue taking time out to spend with you consistently every night, it will more than make up for the lack of anything to celebrate you turning 5.
Thank you for being patient and loving to this little family of yours, and for letting me and your papa reap the joys of parenthood in a timely reminder that even when parenting gets tough, every little purposeful action counts and goes a long way.
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