Showing posts with label Memories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Memories. Show all posts

Sunday, March 29, 2020

Taking a Pause


More than a few of my posts over the decade of blogging have been around the "missing hour", "not enough time", "always running around" and of course the "mysterious balance of work and home"

As we all charter through these turbulent waters of "Covid-19" which for all intensive purposes feels like a "pause on life", I sit on my couch which has become my work from home table and ponder on what this means to me.

Firstly, THANK YOU to all the professions deemed 'essential' and risking the unrelenting virus to keep us safe, pantries stocked and above all as I sit and complain on "slow internet" these people help patients every minute to go back home. Their dedication, stories and perseverance is inspirational! So THANK YOU

Secondly, touch wood, we are blessed. We have stayed self isolated, connecting with friends and family over video calls, play board games with the family, cleaning some closets, cooking a lot more and above all in the midst of this realizing what a wonderful and supportive network of friends, family and co-workers I have. 

Work has been busy but no commute has helped the productivity, more check-in calls with teams and definitely getting to know the co-workers and their families since invariably we have some much needed background levity with the group. 

We are all staying paused and positive. Its been an experience! We stocked up on groceries some out of pure fright, some out of peer pressure and some out of "what if". A friend reminded me I love being around people and this must be weird for me. In a lot of ways it has been and in some ways, its been a breath of fresh air also. I am connecting more to myself also in the process also. Something that in my now not so recent Pitt trip I was chided for! It's also been more hair oil days, PJ days, home made face masks, reading, zoom virtual meet ups, video calls and above all just being "chilled". 

Kids have been AMAZING. My gosh, I cant say that enough. Luckily their spring break coincided with this self isolation order, so they have sort of gone with the flow. Of course they miss their friends, there are occasional outbursts of "what now" but they have built puzzles, learned cross stitch, caught up on their worksheets, learning new "computer" skills and picking up chores as much as possible! Our cousins universities shut down abruptly and the two of them are over adding fun to the stay-at-home party. They are such amazing influences on the kids. Above all the 6 of us are definitely making most of this. Coming  week "e-school" begins and we will have to establish "new schedules" again!

Life is "Paused" and we continue to keep it "Positive". I miss my massage place, my eyebrow place, my lazy evening with friends, the 'normal' schedule, the endless chatter with friends, the dinners, the normalcy of life. But I HONESTLY am making the most of the newly filled peace and quiet, the LAUGHTER and relaxed smiles of those around me!

How is your "Pause" been?


Monday, March 2, 2020

Food & Loosing in family game night does bring me Joy!


And it was.

A regular Monday night, I came home, the kids were away with Sumit for some errands. I had the home to myself! (Insert Grin Cheek to Cheek)

After changing into my 'home uniform aka PJ's ', I started Rafi station on Alexa and got into the rhythm of the music and cooking dinner. Visualize this, music is on at a higher than normal volume and there is clanking and chopping and beautiful aroma's emanating from the kitchen. There was rhythm in the house, not just with the music even with the food. By the kids came home, dinner was served!

They all changed, laid out the dinner table and we sat down for a family dinner. The relaxing atmosphere whilst I was cooking made me ambitious and I was happy to make a favorite item for everyone: Bhindi for the little lady, Lauki for me, Green Daal-palak for hubby and paratha for Miss Chatterbox. And of course topped with Raw onions and chilli's!

We enjoyed our dinner together, chatted about the day, complained a little, high fived a little and played a game called "Don’t say No or any negative like not, don’t etc etc" My gosh, was it hard! I lost miserably, even simple statements like "Lets not waste food" has a negative, an alternative way would be "Lets clear up our plates" We giggled, we chuckled, they tricked me into saying 'no' way more times than I would have (I think).

Of course the evening ended with the mundane chores like clean up time, homework time and other regular evening to do's

But as I sit and type this, those 2.5 hours that Monday evening " Brought me complete and utter joy"!

Now think about what those moments were when you were just in the moment and really be 'Joyful'. Be thankful for them!

Thursday, February 20, 2020

What brings me joy!


Year after year, my resolution every year is keep the calendar as open as possible and just go with the flow. And then the weeks start rolling and kids events, our events and general planning nature kicks in and calendar starts filling up. And here goes the first resolution out the window!

But then there are some times, when we consciously keep the weekends free for "just in case trips" especially the long weekends. This time around, the strategy worked. Except I missed a dear friends birthday and I need to celebrate with her! We could make a short trip on the long weekend and really reminisce with our friends, get amazing parenting tid-bits from a couple I think have gotten it figured out this parenting thing. And of course we called friends who were en route the road trip to see if we could pop in to say Hi! It worked out beautifully for this short trip!

Whilst in Pitt a cozy afternoon, Our friend had volunteered to take the kids to D&B, till this point I am not sure if it was for him or for the kids. But thank him for that since his wife, Sumit and me spend a wonderful afternoon admiring the Warhol Museum and then just sitting in a coffee shop for over 2 hours! (Sans Kids!) Of course Sumit found this amazing board game made in 1970's and that provided the right fodder to just truly "be in the moment"

There was no farce, no judgement, no pretenses, just the three of us bonding over this game and enjoying ourselves immensely! We had no clue how the time flew. During a conversation we asked a friend just hitting her milestone birthday. What's important to her to 2020? She being a highly self aware individual said "Do more of this(referring to the afternoon in the coffee shop), simple things but things that bring me more Joy" and as we continued the conversations over dinner with the rest of the family what she said resonated in my mind!! "Do things that bring more Joy"

Do I know what those things are? Definitely Not yet! But I will learn from her and Sumit's wisdom and may be do things and figure it out along the way.  If I could predict, a lot of them will be around food! But I am excited to learn over the course of 2020 and start a new tag "Bring me Joy".

And before you think we had an epiphany moment over that coffee, no, we made enough jokes over the 'Mary Kondo' philosophical viewpoint as well!

So you think about it: What brings you joy?

Monday, January 27, 2020

Food Frenzy and Fun!


This is a story of when the excitement of making a "side dish/ a dip" decided the entire main course menu.

Miss V is currently on a rotation class at her school for Home Economics. A part of her curriculum was focused on fun recipes. She has been excitedly sharing this with us.  So on a nice Saturday Morning, as we chat what to make for lunch.?She chimes in, "I want to make Hummus" Hmm, so we changed the menu and being the(awesome) supportive parents decided to make a Mediterranean Meal instead!

What a feat.

I have made falafel before and I did want to try the Air Fryer! For hummus however I leaned in on Miss V. She looks up the recipe, on a cold snowy morning we head to the stores, get what we need and ta-da!!!

Our platter was quiet significant
4 types of Hummus
  1. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
  1. Roasted Serrano Pepper Hummus
  1. Original Hummus
  1. Olive Hummus
Pita
Salad
Yogurt Dip

A picture just to make you salivate a bit! And yes, it was delish!!!

Cooking with Chatter Box and Little Lady  is always fun. But of course, She lost her temper more than a few times since "I was not following instructions", I was on the edge a few times since "The kitchen looked like a war zone".
In the middle we called truce and decided to experiment! And hence the 4 different types of hummus!

The recipe should come from her, so I will have a guest post sometime soon!

But all in all, a delish meal and a wonderful experience.
The girls and I try to cook together (mainly in winters!), we have baked cakes,made crumbles, assembled onion rings, executed a "homemade restaurant" and above all we bond over food, over the mess, over the laughter and enjoy the experience. 

Open up your recipe book, have the kids bookmark what they want to eat and go for it! Just be prepared for the mess, eye rolls and lots of deliciousness coming your way!
I highly recommend it!

Monday, January 6, 2020

A good Year 2019


If there are two words I can use to describe the year that went by it will be "Busy" and quite possibly "Satisfying"
2019 = Busy & Satisfying

The year started nice and easy, as always Chicago gets cold but good friends and chatty evenings make it  warm and cozy. Spring through fall, this year was a blur for me! We had family visiting from India for most of it which meant endless beach trips, shopping trips, foodie excursions and of course lots of laughter and endless laundry!
Work was equally busy to the point, I don’t remember having a single night off for 7 continuous months. (Read: Self Pity!) I remember tucking the girls in and then just logging on till the wee hours of the morning. Sumit and I were trading our long work nights so the other one could be with the kids.
But still very satisfying, since kids thoroughly enjoyed the pampering of the grand parents, I did enjoy the professional high and developed an increased gratitude for a simple life. It is a great feeling!

This year is dotted with great highlights: The girls are now finally in the same school which makes life, schedule and discussions so much easier. Touch wood, they both are thriving. The older one planned a Birthday Surprise for me which was completely out of the blue and really well thought of. It still makes me smile, my 11 year old coordinating and executing along with Sumit. And of course, how can i miss: Miss V got her phone (flip phone, much to her angst! But a phone none the less)
The girls got involved with a non-profit this year which they participated in, led and tracked the progress of the work. This was such a fulfilling experience for us a family and as we continue this into the coming years, the life's lessons will be unparalleled.
We continue our travels and adventures. A few weeks in summer across Europe. 8 countries travelled, traversed and ending at a friends wedding were brilliant. We managed a few quick weekend getaways to Lake Syracuse and then of course a much needed Mini Re-Union trip to NYC. Of course the end of the year is marked by 2 weeks uninterrupted time  with my family while enjoying everything Dubai!
Travelling as a family comes naturally to us. The kiddos are such amazing explorers and adventure seekers. Next year, I would like to get more national parks and some fun hikes under our belt!

As the years go by, I get more and more relaxed about my friendships, more secure in some relationships and definitely I am continuously working to reduce the FOMO. As a family, we met some wonderful people this year whom we look forward to get to know better. Friendships have deepened, which in my definition is showing up with a 10 min warning in PJ's and just chilling! Knowingly or Unknowingly I have not been able to keep up with some people and have realized "That's okay.  Life is busy and with kids, work, BAU and just simple silly things, I feel content." 

2019 was a Good Year. I am glad to hit the new decade with renewed energy, more smiles and above all more peace within myself. My belief of "If I am happy people around me will be happier" continues to deepen. I am grateful for a wonderful year and I look forward to the New Year and the New Decade!
And of course more jumping shots!



Hope you rung in your new decade with smiles and surrounded by family and friends and endless hugs and silliness!
Wishing you all a Very Happy New Year





Wednesday, December 18, 2019

SSSSSSEEEEEEVVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNNNN

That's how old the Little Lady is now.
Over a long pre-birthday celebration lunch, the Little Lady told me: " Mummy I fell Odd" and of course I asked her why?. She responded "Since I am turning Odd years old"

Aaah!

I was reading her birthday posts at 3.5, 5, 6 and oh my gosh, hasn't the theme of Musical, Rainbow- Unicorn loving and slow eating continues on!
My Little Lady, you continue to mesmerize me, keep me on my toes in a good way and you amaze me with your darling charms!

My Annual Letter to Her
Dear Sassy Seven year old.

We ALL love you. You are amazing, very generous, empathetic and above all very affectionate. You talk with a smile, you dance with a smile, you sleep with a smile and you even cry with the lips turned upwards!
I love you through your "crying at a drop of a hat", "endless chatter", "slow eating","super long chats" and above all Endless Hugs.

You do LIGHT up a Room.
You do annoy your sister and also you miss her the most when she is away
You pick up an extra lollipop for your didi ALWAYS
You sung, hum, chant, play the piano and every thing musical
You skip more than you walk.
You ask "I dont understand that?" And continue to ask questions until you get it
You leave little post-it's around the house: "Teach me chess", "Can i see TV"
You have read "Harry Potter Book 1 & 2" before your 7th birthday!
You can spend hours watching TV without blinking
You need to know everyone in the room or the party
You can hug, my gosh you can hug!
You have your favorites and then you add more to your favorite list of people
You can debate with a smile and generally get your way

And above all: You teach us to Smile More and above all you show sympathy and empathy way above your age. It makes our heart melt.

Dear Little Lady, continue being who you are. You  make my heart go mush and you make me teary eyed without your kind heart and empathy!

We love you my 7 year old,  Sassy,  Eye Rolling, Expressive, Loveable and chanting Little Lady


Monday, July 8, 2019

Thank You Chicago Police

We were caught at the wrong place at the wrong time.
We were stuck in the middle at the Chicago Navy Pier  4th of July Chaos!
This incident it has left a mark on us.... which will be hard to fade away. Especially in the mind of my 6 year old and 11 year old.

They were shaken up, but on the tough discussions, the one thing that stood out for them is the bravery of the Chicago Police. So they decided to write Thank You Letters.
With their permission here it is

My 6 year old, Little Lady


Dear police,
Thank you for keeping us safe from the bad guys. I was at navy pier on 4th of July 2019. I got scared when the crowd was running towards me. It was scary when I saw blood and people hurt.You were very brave.
                                      Thanks alot,





     
My 11 year old, Miss Chatterbox
                

Dear police,
     I am writing to you to say thank you. I was part of the chaos in Navy Pier on July fourth. Before that day, I used to get annoyed when in the night I would hear the high screeching sound of the police cars. Now, I feel safer when ever I hear that exact same noise. I got very scared when the big stampede started racing towards me and my family. Then, when the stampede died down, and you yelled with a gentle voice to duck, I did exactly that, knowing you would keep me safe. It was quite a relief that my mom and dad and sister where right there next to me. I admire your bravery when you yelled to duck, but stood up straighter yourself. That amount of braveness and courage is mind-blowing. When I was ducking, I was crying because I thought there was a criminal on the loose with a gun. I was relieved when I read the news saying that no shots were fired. There is one thing engraved in my head still- When a police came up to our scared family and said these exact words ‘ You can get up. It is safe.’. Once again thank you.
                 Sincerely,
                          
 Fate goes ever as fate must.- from Beowulf.                      

Their City Their Home

      

Monday, May 13, 2019

Anti-Climactic Mothers Day!!!

When I look back now, i think it was very Relaxed , but at that time I was feeling "Cheated" and that was maybe because I was "Entitled" to it!
Plus now I truly feel how pressured a "hallmark holiday" can be!

So it all started with: " We have a plan for Mother's Day"
Breakfast in bed, a bike ride, a picnic in park, a lovely dinner with closest friends like family to celebrate all mothers, grand mothers and a day of pampering (aka my pampering)

And let me just say...."It was anti-climactic"
There were "tantrums" mainly mine. Overly dramatic... since i am like, its mothers day and its all about me and my MIL. (Read: Entitlement syndrome) But it wasn't. So i yelled (Sort of politely "not").
I gave myself a "Timeout" and folded two loads of laundry.
I gave myself a "Timeout" again and then cleaned up feverishly.
I gave myself a "Timeout" again and then just stomped my feet around the house like a BIG baby.

We (The Girlies and I) did make up by the afternoon over some hugs, some more hugs and some flowers... Always Flowers!
And then the day improved..... We were snuggling in and watching a movie, getting misty eyed when the Indian national anthem played in the movie and kids laughing at me. I should have fond memories of a lavish lunch and an even more lavish colorful dinner at home. Above all I should have the fondest memories of the bubble bath with the girls and having a "bubbles" funky hair!


So yep..... but I will remember "my own tantrums" from this Mother's Day and I do really wish the girls remember the "bubble bath fight"  instead. Time will tell!

But that is parenting, some good, some bad.... and not always perfect.
I had wished my mom-friends in the morning
"Happiest Mothers Day... these kids make us stronger, weaker, happier and angrier with all the emotions in between! May we have the continued patience to love them more than we already do"

I just didn't know that that's exactly how my day will go!

Tuesday, February 5, 2019

It sticks in the Universe... but we okay


Man, I wish I had said something like "Solve World Hunger" and it would have stuck in the universe! But no, vain me had said "It's going to be a long winter" and long behold the universe heard that and that's what sticking!!! Damn Me.

Be careful of the spoken word!!! Rudimentary mistake.

Last week was well "interesting" and funnily in a good way. We battled polar vortex and counted our blessings that we had the luxuries of a warm home, a supportive team and kids who managed to keep themselves entertained. And we got to new additions on our "Art wall"


  • We tried the "Throw boiling water in air and watch it turn to snow" Successful"
  • We tried the "Blow bubbles and watch them freeze" Un-successful"
  • We worked crazy long hours since no commute and the work just got more intense!
  • Hubby worked, picked up all my slack and definitely the supportive team comes in play (Again!)
  • But we ate amazing food: Mexican Bowl, Bhajia's, elaborate Indian Meal, Super bowl snacks and above all lots and lots of "Kadha aka Golden Bliss aka Herbal power juice"
  • We saw DDLJ!!! And that my friends was the best part!

We oddly celebrated the onset of vortex and having the crazy cold go away with friends. We are like that(!). Simple pleasures or just need to be a little silly.

But the week was. Memorable. Again, i can only be thankful for staying indoors, being warm and above all being able to choose how I reach to such weeks.

The kids were also reminded of this. I often wonder how can we raise kids who are "thankful" and "not entitled" to these things. Open to all suggestions.


Tuesday, January 1, 2019

2018: Year in Review: The year of Self Revelations

Before I start with my year in review, I read the past few years summary and it makes me smile. It reminds me of how blessed I am, how life goes up and down but what counts is the good memories and the not so good ones which make me tougher and stronger.

To continue the tradition of Year in Review: 2018: The year of self revelations

The year started with a planned surgery. This kind of set the pace ahead for me. My mum kept her life on pause and came to help me. My gosh, she just picked it up and ran with it. She managed everything in the house and Sumit managed all the other stuff. I was pampered, well cared for and above all the path to recovery was so much simpler! A few friends went over and above (as always) and saved me from "cabin fever". Getting a surprise Paint the Town Read, the night before the surgery was awesome.

Over the years, I think i have improved at figuring out my relationships, some are social, some are true, some are simple and some are complicated. The year just past makes me feel more and more at ease. Sometimes I did feel petty, but then common sense trickles in and I breather a huge sigh!

We had an intense discussion among dear friends recently and the moral of the conversation was "Go Deep not Wide" Now mind out of the gutter: The point was, friendships will always get wider, we meet new people, develop new relationships etc. However the depth in the relationship is what matters.

The other big self revelation was: "It's fun to be silly and being silly is fun"
Over a college reunion this summer, I felt like no time had passed in our friendships. We pushed each other in pools, we chatted till wee hours, we bitched, we laughed and on and on. And there was no judgement. It was just so simple.
I was recapping this to my older daughter, Miss V later. She said "Mum you and your friends are so silly and so cute". This made me smile.

As I see pictures of the year gone by, my favorite ones are the "silly ones" and not those pretty perfect ones! The new family mantra is "It's fun to be silly and being silly is fun"

A very dear friend of mine and I were talking at how "unexpected" life can be. I remind her often (by yelling at her sometimes). The unexpected makes us tougher and there is always light at the end of the tunnel. We just need to be patient. This year has reminded me Again: Life happens, resilience is helpful. And it will be OK.

Now to the travel of the year!
We soaked in the sunshine in Tampa with my parents, cousins and the kids got to enjoy the Harry Potter World. The girls got pampered by their grand parents over summer. Their 2 months of summer were split in India and Africa with cousins, loads of laughter, ice creams and lots of TV. What an experience! We traveled to New York, South Korea, Canada, India and ended the year with another "unplanned planned" trip to California.

My girls are becoming mini adults with full blown emotions, tantrums and laughter. As the year draws to a close, I feel eternally grateful to my parents, i wish I am half as self-less as they are. My
brother and sister in law, who are just a phone call away (though I barely call). They always pick up and I can just be the little girl of the house again. The friendships which have soared, deepened and above the support system here gets stronger. Of course, the partner in crime who continues to be the rock solid support.

2018 A year, filled with ups and downs and surprises, some good some just like a bad dream. A year with loud fights and even rowdier laughter. A lot of game nights and even more biking on the lake.What a year it was!
Looking forward to 2019 with dreams, successful recoveries, more laughter, more travel, more gatherings with crazy laughter and above all more simpler times!

Thursday, September 20, 2018

I CAN go in on my own...

The 7 words of my kindergartner at school drop off: I can go in on my own!

And this is how the journey of growing up, being independent begins... and no breaks in sight. Yep, a good thing I know.
Of course she followed there words by "I really don't need help" with a subtle eye roll and smile.

The school at her age group has a car line. I drop her off, she takes her stuff, goes to the locker, prepares and heads into class. Alone, Well not alone but with all her friends chatting and giggling away. But no parents.

At pick up- she packs her stuff, waves her (long) good byes and then as her name is called, she comes out, buckles up in the car and the school day is done.

The baby of the house still skips, twirls, hops and humms around the house. But now she claims, she can go in to the school on her own.

The logical part of my brain says, they are growing up and its a part and parcel of growing up.
The practical part of the brain says, you have done this before with the older child.
And yet,
The emotional aka the mush part of the brain says... Noooooo They cant grow up yet!

So yes, as much as my 5 and 10 year old claim they can do stuff on their own, I hate to break it to them: I plan to continue to helicopter-mom them!



Sunday, June 24, 2018

A little nostalgia


Did you know Jurassic Park was released in 1993??? 25 years ago!!

Gosh, I should say, I feel old. But you know what, I actually don’t. I still remember sitting in my seat for Jurassic Park in iconic Eros theater exploring the independence of being allowed to go out for movies with my friends and no chaperone... well one chaperone!

I remember being scared, looking over my shoulders and rationalizing that this could really happen in the future! Dino's felt real, the movie felt real and the fright of the shaking Jello as the Dino walked... felt real. It made me read most of the Michael Chricton books at the time

And it's this nostalgia that makes me go back for-every-single-movie-installment over the past 25 years. Even though its not Steven Speilberg! My husband happily obliges every few years and this time around, we made it to the preview show, sitting in the front rows and enjoying the pop corn.


The movie had too many people and very few dino's. And the dino's that were there were shown locked up for the better part of the movie. There were lesser scary scenes and more empathy scenes towards the Dino. Of course the Dino's were bad, some good, some massive and some cute critters just because! But nostalgia makes me like the movie none the less!

As I sat in the theater on the preview night, I was again a little kid sitting in the theater, but this time with no chaperone.

I am awaiting the 2021 edition of the movie and I imagine, My little dino's holding their hand as they experience the Fright of the T-rex with me as their chaperone of course!


Thursday, June 21, 2018

Half Yearly Report


School’s have ended, summer has almost started and kids have hit their ½ year mark, the grand parents pampering has begun… so as always… here you go.

Miss V, the decade old lady with the wisdom of a century old person and the sassisness of a 16 year old!!!

This past school year she switched schools. So though she is adjusting well academically, musically and sportingly.. it has taken time to adjust socially. She has a lot of friends around her new school, she laughs, she cannot get through the corridor without the hellos and good byes, but she misses the deep friendships. And that's where her wisdom kicks in, she knows it takes time. So the wise lady says... lets be patient!

She calls herself a "Ten-Ager" now and that's actually true. Times she is a baby and will snuggle and cozy up and deep meaningful conversations and then there are times she gets all sassy and unreasonable and says "shut up" and gets mean. The dichotomy!

At times she will sit with her little sister and help her with math and challenge her to speak backwards and contrastingly, they will fight over "which lollipop is more pink!"
Miss V a list maker, a planner and her toughest critique. Being your own critique makes very driven- she will keep at it until it’s done! She will also get equally frustrated at times in the process. She is now realizing that the world is not black and white and hates that!
With the world cup now on, there is only ONE discussion for my budding Soccer Superstar!

The Conquerer

Little Lady:
I wonder how I put this nick name for her, she is true for it- Little Lady. She is a charmer, a pleaser, head strong and amazingly caring personality. Her empathy often leaves me dumbfounded and awe stricken.

Her latest obsession is with hair- my hair specifically. She will patiently braid my hair, play with them, and comb them. On a school day, she demands different hair styles for school and has gotten "better" at eating vegetables since I told her- it’s good for the hair. But to be clear, she still is a VERY slow eater.

Can I brag a little? She has started reading Harry Potter- I am not sure she comprehends it all, but has started reading it with ease now! She was Dorothy in her school production of "Wizard of Oz". From the shy kid to her commanding the stage is so amazing.

Oh man, remember head strong, oh well, she is a cute head strong. She knows exactly what she wants and will bat her eyelids, throw in an extra hug and get her way and you won't know what hit you! Ohh- and she can bike now WITHOUT Training wheels
Little Lady

Summer is here now in Chicago and we have sort of compressed them- We have hit the beach, plucked strawberries, drenched in crown fountain, biked Lake Shore, shared picnic in the park and even BBQ'd!

Half year mark has been wonderful and I am excited for the next 6 months of these little wonders until I start the Birthday Planning Cycles.
I heard at a comedy show recently: "The only person who you can love unconditionally is your children" and that is so true.... no matter how annoying, messy, clumsy these girls get. To me, they are MY perfect little ladies!

Chicago Summer


Monday, April 16, 2018

A tale: From shorts to pants


Changing back into Pants From Shorts... how simple can that be. Very Simple.

But recently such a task was "Oh man" moment for me.

With my parents visiting, we had an impromptu trip to Florida for part medical and part Lets take a break! I think Sunshine brings out the best in us! I was happy when I landed from Chicago in mid 70's at 10 pm in Florida. We were in flip flops, shorts, singlets and hats and sun glasses. We carried lemonade through the day to keep us hydrated and enjoyed the sun shine.

The short trip was good. Always nice to get a decent bill of health and in addition soak in some sun!

On our way back at the Florida airport, kids were asked to remove the shorts from their sun kissed selves and wear full pants, long sleeved shirts and their sweaters.

And that's when it came all flooding in!!! IHATE the weather in Chicago in April!
Its should be Spring weather at least, may be mid 60's instead of snow!
This time is for

  • Kids to stomp on the playground and smell fresh flower buds, instead they are covered in layers.
  • We should trade in the heavy jackets and bring out the bright and cheery sweaters.
  • It should be the time that sniffles die away.
  • It should be a time of green, sun and breaking away from the dreary grey

To be transparent, I don’t mind winters at all, don’t get me wrong, its manageable and sipping hot tea and enjoying fresh snow flakes has its charms, but still in April: Cold, Grey and Snow is VERY depressing.

As I settle back in my routine with layers and jackets here in Chicago, I await the moment when I can trade my warm pants to something cotton, light and colorful and shorts!!!!

And may be in the next 6 weeks, I can wear the shorts for a brief 6 week period, if we are lucky here in wonderful Windy Chicago

Friday, March 23, 2018

Tradition.. just because

At the doctor's for the kids annual exams, I have a tradition, the girls dress up in the 'Paper Dresses' and I snap pictures of them.
Since 2014, so I can call it an annual tradition right?

Look at those faces, aren't they adorable. The nurse walks in just as I was coercing them to 'smile naturally' for this amazing tradition and the nurse chuckles and asks- Why?
I respond, I love the story of 'The Paper Bag Princess' and ever since I read that story, I do this... It's like an ode to the book written in 1981. They did know the reality even then!!
If you have not read it, please do.

What is a silly tradition that you have in your family? just because!

On a side note, Here is my Little Lady's new installment on 'Kids Say the Darnest Things'
Evening time, while the kids sip on their milk and argue about the silliest thing, this conversation ensues

Little Lady: " Did didi (Miss Chatterbox) grow up in your tummy?"
Me, the smart mom: "Yes honey, she did"
Little Lady: " Did I grow up in your tummy?"
Me, the smart mom: "Yes honey, you did too"
Little Lady: "Oh that means we both met each other in your tummy and have been friends since
Me, the smart mom: "Uh well, not exactly since you both were in my tummy 5 years apart"
Little Lady: "But we both were in your tummy and I know her since then! I remember!!. We used to fight even then"
Me, the confused mom: "uh- okay"

And then as always, laughter ensues!! "She remembers the fighting!! Is this her justification, man... I am creeped out. I think.


Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Day 2: Great wall of China... Kids Edition

China tales continue...... See here for our Day 1, Our itinerary and some pointers before travelling to china with kids

"Great Wall", this remains the unanimous highlight of the entire trip of 14!
The older kids of course knew what the "hoo haah" was about... and the little ones, well were just sharing the excitement.

The day started with a trip to the Jade Museum and it was as touristy as it sounds. But we did find an amazing hidden 'picturesque' spot and of course the photo taking began and we had to pull everyone back in the bus saying "enough with the pictures man!" But it's never enough!


As the roads winded to the Great Wall, all guests were gasping and oohing and aahing. It's much bigger than any picture you may have seen, its more mesmerizing and the mystery of why it was build in the first place leaves you asking more questions! We got off, geared up, bundled up and started the "hike"

My nephew, 2.5 years of age is super active and believes in running more than walking, so rightfully so, my brother and sister in law decided to enjoy the foot hills of the wall and just catch a breath! The rest of us started the 'trek'

What a trek it was!! The steps are high, uneven and rough, but it inspires you to climb more and conquer this wall.

My friend bundled her baby on one of those carriers and climbed up... yes all the way to the top. God bless her soul. She did more than any of us combined.
The hike and the climb to the top is worth it. We were blessed with great weather and the higher we climber, the stronger the sun got and more layers came off. The kids were competing with one another, and definitely my friend (fittest of us all) kept up to their speed and reached the top.
Please do this hike with your kids. Please do, yes you will be slower, they might complain, carry water, candies and hats, but please hike up. The sense of achievement my 5 year old, Little Lady felt was amazing, she still recants with utmost pride! My Chatterbox has hiked plenty before this, but I feel the amazement of a man made wonder with such rich history left her speechless!

The views, well a picture speaks a thousand words.

Our descend was of course quicker and honestly more "treacherous". We paired up and climbed down and again, my friend had the baby tied to her back... I think she deserves a standing ovation or a really nice leg massage!!! Of course I came down to my nephew jumping with joy and giving us high fives! The sweet innocence.


After a traditional Chinese lunch, we returned back to the hotel, by now, bone tired. But again, the "rule breakers" that we are... we all had had our own experiences to make that evening! One family went on to see a mesmerizing show of the dynasty. One family decided to stay back and just enjoy down time with the kids and do local shopping and well the rest of us, once again boarded the local train and headed to the silk market. And we had fresh orange juice from a vending machine, yes FRESH. I have a video to prove it and content kids to talk about it with!

The market itself, what an experience! I don't think I have it in me to bargain or withstand the aggressive selling they do!


The ladies were done in for the evening, imagine, girls saying no for shopping!!
We took a cab home with the kids and pretty much collapsed after some food and packing up. Sumit and our friend returned victorious after some more shopping and finding an Indian restaurant with delicious food, yep, I was jealous!

The next day was an early start to check out, head to a medicinal museum, Summer Palace and then onwards to Shanghai-Wuxi. We bid adieu to this city, the old and the new!