Sunday, August 21, 2011

Almost time.....

A lovely summer vacation draws to a close. A nice 4 month long vacation for me, V and our family. No complains. Only replenished energy to start regular life. With our move to London I had decided to take a sabbatical for a bit for us to get adjusted and assimilated with the new environment as Sumit started in his new role in a new country. I can't say we are completely settled in London, thanks to a few sore boxes around the house and more than occasional pangs of I miss Chicago. But overall, we are doing fine. Liking London and getting more active both socially and on the travel/ exploring front. Being at home for this extended period of time for the first time in my adult life, opened my eyes. A) Whatever I can do for our house in the condensed evening hours after work (also known as Daily Chores) takes the full day if one has time: implying you really don't get as much free time 'now that you are home' B) Your passions like 'cooking' take a back seat, since now first they start feeling like chores and second, you suffer from cabin fever. Big Time. C) Necessities like 'cleaning' also sadly follow the case of ' oh I can do that in the evening' and sadly the evening gets filled up with something else. Resulting in putting it off until later, 'now that I am home' I could go on and on.. Bottom line, my imaginings of a free afternoon at a cafe or a museum or at the park, 'now that I am pretty much home' is not that true. For me, I am a better house wife, and a better mom and a more balanced person (Again in my mind) when I have something concrete to keep me busy with, hmm, may be like 'work' or some other thing which forces a schedule at me. Having said that, I loved my time off. The traveling, the unexpected trip to India, week off to Hong Kong, a family trip to Scotland and oh yes the not so fun, moving, settling down, and figuring out the Brit way of things. Spending hours with V painting, doing her room and above all just being around was the best part. Plus picking up hubby from work and then exploring new city, taking walks with family and just catching up on reading (I read 8 books in less than two months!!!) were amazing. Nothing beats the relaxed nature of hours with the kiddo of course. But now V is getting ready to start her 'big girl school', Sumit is getting busier with work and business trips(!) and I am almost ready to get back to work. All this happens in less than a week. I am excited for V as she gets to meet more friends, enrolls in fun classes and gets busier. I am excited for me as I start work in a foreign country with a role that is both challenging and satisfying. Wish us luck, friends. New journey of normalcy begins. ( yes I did mean 'new normalcy' = craziness of once again juggling more than busy three calendars, ensuring hot food on plates and content kid. I am sure the renewed energy will get depleted fast enough!) but hey, let me enjoy it while I can. Vacation draws to a close, and I am for once okay with it. A quick recap of our summer vacation: London Touristy stuff
India- time spent with family
Hong Kong... the skyline... aaah!
A hike with Reindeer's in Scotland

4 comments:

Priyanka Rajkhowa said...

Can imagine V is already set for 'big school'...just seems like the other day when she was born...time does fly, doesn't it...good luck to you guys with your new ventures!

Gayatri said...

You guys are having so much fun! Love it :)

Gayatri

Teddy with fangs said...

For a long time now I've been wanting to lecture you on how you underestimate yourself everytime you say something like this...
"For me, I am a better house wife, and a better mom and a more balanced person (Again in my mind) when I have something concrete to keep me busy with, hmm, may be like 'work' or some other thing which forces a schedule at me. "

From the last I can remember, I am an adult, I have grown up, but I still can't face the fear of getting married, let alone have children. (and am crazy about kids!) I look at some of my greatest girlfriends (you, Rashmi, Vaibhavi etc.) and I just cannot help but gape at every time I hear a this and a that to do with family, motherhood, careers... the list goes on...

You guys are amazing lady... and its not for the world to judge that. Its you and your family... just always remember that.

Late in saying this, but good luck again! Wish I'd known so I could slip in a little lucky present for you too...

Lakshmi said...

Oh, Garima, I have missed so much of your happenings... You MOVED!!! Wow, and to London!! Awesome.. Congratulations...I am happy, because I will get to read about a new country - a country I have never been to :) Was just telling husband that after 3-4 years here, we should move to Europe... I am yet to read your latest blogs, but just this bit of big news got me excited and I had to tell you...Take care gal :)