You don’t need to give up what you love when you have a family. These women tell us what they do for pleasure. BY BALVINDER SANDHU.
You don’t need to give up what you love when you have a family. These women tell us what they do for pleasure. BY BALVINDER SANDHU.
Wan Ridyaton, 37, executive assistant, with a nine-year-old.
Her me-time moment: Does pole dancing.
“I’ve been pole dancing for two years and attend classes two or three times a week. The studio is now like my second home, a place that makes me forget the outside world. Sometimes, my daughter even comes by to watch me in action.”
Lyndee Ng, 42, finance manager, with kids aged 15 and 12.
Her me-time moment: Works out at the gym.
“Every day, I spend 30 minutes running and 45 minutes doing weights. On certain days, I may feel lethargic but once I get started, it’s exhilarating and addictive. The post-workout rush is extremely pleasant and keeps me alert throughout the day.”
Olga Pleskonos, 30, owner of an online events company, with a five-year-old.
Her me-time moment: Goes hiking.
“Every weekday, I wake up at 5.30am and go to MacRitchie Reservoir, where I spend 90 minutes practising qigong, yoga or just hiking. This daily routine makes me happy and helps me reconnect with myself and nature. And when I’m healthy, happy and full of energy, I’m able to give more to my family.”
Debbie Tan, 29, stay-at-home mum, with kids aged five, three and one
Her me-time moment: Makes jewellery
“I’ve been handcrafting jewellery for a few months now for my online store. I work on it at least three times a week, and my family is very supportive of my hobby. My kids even try to help with stringing up the beads.”
Naeema Clark, 43, general manager at a PR agency, with kids aged seven and five.
Her me-time moment: Goes on foodie adventures.
“I’ve always been a foodie and I love discovering good eats. My girlfriends and I seek out new places at least twice a month. One of my favourite weekend pastimes is checking out blogs and articles on interesting places to eat at. My husband says it’s a very expensive pastime, but he benefits from it as some of our favourite date-night places are the ones I’ve discovered during my foodie adventures.” Debbie Tan,
Helen Chia-Thomas, 45, lawyer, with a six-year-old.
Her me-time moment: Plays the piano.
“I’ve been playing the piano my whole life, so even when I got married and had my daughter, I found time to tickle the ivories. Once a week for 15 minutes, I shut out the world and just play.”
Vivian Rodrigues, 40, teacher, with kids aged 14, seven and six.
Her me-time moment: Does body combat.
“I’m a gym bunny and, in a good week, I hit the gym five times. My kids like that I’m so physically active as it’s made me stronger, faster and more alert. My middle son told me how proud he was of me that I was able to pick him and his younger brother up at the same time. What pleased me the most was their screams and giggles of delight.”
Veronica Tan, 42, executive secretary, with kids aged 18, 16, 15 and 13.
Her me-time moment: Does zumba, salsa and Bollywood dance.
“I fell in love with dancing when I tried salsa in 2013 and now go for dance lessons two to three times a week. My husband is happy seeing me getting fitter, and more trim and toned. My kids loved seeing me perform on stage.”
