In Memory

Dressed in a white, full-sleeve shirt and a mundu I remember my Chachan (maternal grandfather) as a very God fearing, humble, down-to-earth person. For as long as I can remember his mornings were spent in reciting Gita and other prayers, the only break he took was for a half an hour for breakfast and then he would go back to his prayers until afternoon. After his prayers he would offer everyone in the house some Chandanam or flowers. In those days, I found the whole meditation process needless to say boring … I would much rather sleep in, waking up around 10-11 AM and having a late breakfast that my dear ammamma (grandma) would have made. Sometimes when he would be done with his prayers and bring the chandanam, I would still be in my pajamas and he would give me a knowing, mischievous smile (a smile that I see reflected in Kochunni).

Most summer vacations, I spent my time in Bangalore and it was during late evenings that my grandfather had the time to spend with me. He would tell me stories of Krishna’s exploits or books that he had read like The Three Musketeers or we would point out the stars and the planets on a starry night. He had a wealth of knowledge that he was ready to share, never treating me like a baby but would rather discuss matters.

One summer afternoon I remember our trip to watch the movie Durga. After the movie was over and everyone was discussing its merits, my grandfather mentioned he was disappointed with it and when pressed further he said, "I assumed the movie was about Goddess Durga, and not the standard run-of-the-mill affairs". We must have told the above story umpteenth times to family and friends and had a hearty laugh, but today when that man passed away I regret not realizing his innocence and his unshakable faith of God. I never recall him preaching his faith or his way of life to anyone - not to me or to any of his 5 kids but he seemed to have a firm belief in Lord Guruvayoorappan; so much so that even at age 90 he was ready to make a trip to Kerala for His darshan. He was always ready, willing and able to take on any challenge that life would throw at him.

When I was back in Bombay, he would tell me to write him letters describing in detail my school trips and other mundane activities. He would always respond with warmth and insight in the next correspondence. In a way, he instilled in me a love for writing.

A few years ago, he had been very sick and was at the hospital. I myself being here only had conversations with my mom about his health and battle to survive. At that time the memory of my gradma passing was still quite fresh - I had seen her last at my own wedding and was never able to a say a proper goodbye. I could only pray and hope that he survived, and for some unknown reason I was drawn to a picture of myself, my Ammamma (grandma) and chachan(grandfather) from my younger days. I looked straight at Ammamma and asked her to be patient and somehow make my dear chachan live on, and that I was not ready to let go just yet. And he did live on to see me and later my son and even learn about my second pregnancy.

This lovely, wonderful person passed away last April. I firmly believe that he joined my ammamma (grandma) in Heaven and they are now looking down on us happy and content that they are finally together -- forever. I do regret that he did not get a chance to meet Kunju, but one of the unexplainable little things, Kunju was born exactly 13 days after his passing.

This year as Kunju’s birthday approaches I remember those wonderful evenings of stories, those mornings waking up to a loud, distinct voice reciting the Sanskrit hymns, the wonderful man I knew as my Chachan. Love you, forever!!!!

Its different

It's around 1 AM and I am wide awake typing up this little thought into my iPhone.

These days being awake for feedings are easier and far more interesting; catching up on news, checking updates from friends on Facebook and of course reading up on blogs has becoming a customary outing at night. Four years ago with Kochu the nightly feedings in comparison was much more mundane, almost archaic in comparison.

It's amazing how things have changed in four years. In comparison, so much more would have been different when my mother gave birth to me. No baby monitors, no fancy musical swings, no car seats!

Can you imagine how much more it would change by the time our kids become parents?

*Image courtesy via Google Search

I want ...

About four days ago, Kochunni asked me for a car - to be specific a "Dinoco car" from the Cars movie. This was not the first thing he asked us for. There have been other things before - like the time at the shop when he asked for a toy car or when he told me his friends have a "big Iron man" and he would like to have one too. If we are out shopping, I would tell him that we came to the shop to buy something else not his toy and he would understand, or if we are at home I would tell him to pick up another car from the already overflowing collection. But this time it was different.

He never once relented. Every couple of hours he would ask, so when are we going to the shop to buy the car? So much so, that it was the first thing he asked me the next morning, 'Can we go to the shop today?' and then again on our way back from daycare, "Are we going now to the shop?" Two days of continuous questions. There was a couple of tears that followed, a little drama around "You are not buying it" but mostly the questions were it. The fact that he pursued it for two continuous days were most amazing to me.

My mind was in turmoil. The car probably would not cost much and I would have the pleasure of seeing his bright smile, at his wish being fulfilled; but a nagging thought persisted about teaching him values, about learning the difference between needs and wants. I talked to him, on how I cannot get all the cars his heart desires, Amma knows no magic I said. But he persisted, I have been a good boy he duly noted. Of course you have, but we are not shopping right now. I will think about it. After all you have so many similar cars, even McQueen the main car. But I don't have The King. I don't want Chick Hicks - he is the bad car, just Dinoco. And so it went. Little pep talks that followed his questions. But he persisted, in his little way.

In the end, I did buy him the car and I got to see his lovely smile. Later, he showed it off to everyone at home, even little Kunju and promised to share when he grew up.

This surely is not the last episode of a little desire that his heart will have but the first one that he pursued. I might not have done the right thing by buying the car, it might come to haunt me when he insists on the next toy. Then again, hard lessons take time to learn. I need to learn them too - on when he needs a little indulgence and when I need to draw the line. It's a hard road for both of us, but the road must be taken. So when the next 'want' comes along I will need to be better prepared for the both of us. Good luck to both of us.

*Image courtesy Google search

Little bundle of joy!

Happy Vishu!

New year came with a bang in our house with the arrival of little baby boy. Unlike Kochunni who was late and kept us waiting for weeks on end, this guy ended up being early. At 6 lbs and 3 oz, 20 inches long he is our little Vishukaineetum, being born on April 15th.

This wonderful tax-deduction was pleasantly welcomed by Kochunni. He has become my little helper - helping me during diaper changes and feeding times. The little guy for his part does his part well - sleeping, crying, eating. Of course, tiredness, sleeplessness is part of the package. But with a great family to help out its been a crazy, wonderful, busy first week.

Family

I am an only child. There I said it loud and clear. Now go on think back to all the readings you might have on this blog - do I sound selfish, bratty, aggressive, lonely, or even spoiled rotten? I can deny it, but you would want to talk to my mom or dad first, wouldn't you? I get it, it’s the bad reputation that we ‘only children’ have. But from my perceptive, family comes in all shapes and sizes. I recall the first time I saw the Pride and Prejudice I wondered quite extensively how cool it might be to be in a family of 5 sisters - the Bennet sisters seemed like the epitome of sisterly love and it wasn't until I actually read the book that the various layers of book made it clear, or I probably became less romantic. Did I get lonely during my childhood days - yes, there were those days. But I learned to entertain myself. Did I get completely pampered – no I don’t think so. Our house had the “majority rule” policy, so that for many decisions if mom and dad joined forces I had no way of getting away!

Now that I am having a second, I think a lot about how the family dynamics would change when the little angel arrives. Already, my husband complains how I spoil Kochunni – no not with toys but sheer hugging and cuddling every day. In my mind though this is the only time – in a few years he probably would want to walk away from it all. Then all I have would be memories and I want a treasure-trove of them. But back again to family, I know of many sisters, many brothers and many brothers and sisters – but I haven’t been part of that – that is not until a few weeks from now. In a few weeks time my only child will be first born, “dethroned” to accommodate the younger child. I wonder about his reactions from awe & curiosity to jealously and even anger. And what about the younger child? Would he complain that he never received the one-on-one attention or about the fact that he always be the baby of the family?

What about the dynamics of having two kids at home. We are already wrestling with the idea of daycare, school and other costs. I cannot even comprehend how the emotional and physical ride might be? I think I am mentally prepared to have the second baby, but feelings of doubt often do creep up. What especially worries me is when I hear stories about how much kids fight and don't get along with each other and when that flows into their adulthood. But even with a multitude of questions, one single thought emerges – family is an ever-growing constant. By birth or by choice the family grows and multiplies but it is still the one constant in most of our lives.

So I realize that all I can promise my little ones is to provide a “home” full of fights and fairness, laughter and sadness, ups and downs – a place where commitment to family and love will supersede other choices.

The family - that dear octopus from whose tentacles we never quite escape, nor, in our inmost hearts, ever quite wish to. ~ Dodie Smith

Pregnancy so far ...

So after the scare a few months ago, pregnancy is going well currently (kala tikka). It is actually fun - I can feel the baby move around quite a bit and the kicks are quite a tickle. I often try to grab Kochunni’s hands when the baby is moving to let him feel the baby but so far haven’t been very successful; maybe a couple of times but I am not sure if Kochunni has really felt it, since the kicks are still so light. Sometimes I look at my ever growing tummy to see if I can see the little jabs but that hasn’t happened either. I am sure all in good time.

Best thing of all, I am already looking forward to my time off for maternity. Last time around this was a great time of bonding, sleeping, movies, books and my venture into the blog world. You can tell, I am glossing over the nightly feeds, diaper changes, the advent of colic around evening and many such not so pleasant memories. But by far the good times outweigh the troubles. I am sure I am would be singing a different tune post-baby, so writing this post to jot down my feelings today to remind me that everything is a phase.

I hope to enjoy the cuddles, the gurgles and one more ride into mommy-hood! Wish me luck!

Calling all moms

There is a tag that been going around for a while in mom-o-sphere blogs, known by various names - ‘around the world in 80 clicks’, motherhood – why do I love it etc, that grabbed my attention. The reasons were varied and many but a universal theme of love certainly binds these conglomerate of posts together.

Even before Kodi's Mom tagged me for this tag, I was thinking about what would be the five things that I would put down for why I love being a mother. I started to think back to the time when we started talking about parenting and bringing a child into this world. Pregnancy itself was a breeze, though delivery & post delivery was a cyclone of emotions. Now all said and done, I am forever a doting mother to a very rambunctious boy. So what does of the last 2 and half years do I love the most?

1. I love the raw emotion that pulses through every thought, deed or action. The pride in his everyday milestones, the fear when he is sick, the happiness when he gives me a sudden hug or kiss, the sheer joy when he calls “Amma”. Its potent enough that when I return a hug I am scared of hugging him too tight.

2. I love the fact that its helping me become a better human being. I know I am less judgmental of other parents as I know how difficult it is to hear all the advise that pours in and still knowing your child better than any of advice givers to seep through and pick and choose. I am more patient, more careful in everything I say or do, as means of setting an example.

3. I love seeing the connections I see Kochunni building with my parents, the adoration in my parents eyes, Kochunni making 'best friends' with his muthu (muthashan/granddad). The bonding with his cousins, aunts, uncles and all the extended family and friends. It’s a beautiful how Kochunni seems to realize when we are among family and friends and then opens up to them.

4. Even though the momentous decision to have the baby was ours, the right of motherhood, the privilege and the responsibility given to me from the Lord has in turn made me feel more humbler, more closer to His divinity.

5. And lastly I love the fact that I will forever be a mother, and with that I can wear multiple hats – the teacher, the story-teller, the ‘boo-boo go away’ magician, the friend.

Now the rules of the tag
Just write a post of your own (5 things that you love about being a mom/dad) and find someone to link to and tag - someone from your own country, if you like, but definitely someone from another country (Google is a good resource if you don't know any; Google any country name and 'mom/dad' in their blog search function) (be sure to let them know that you've tagged them!) - and link back here and HBM and leave a comment.

Since this venture was started to connect moms around the world, here's my feeble attempt to make a few new friends, courtesy of this tag. So I tag these folks that I just Googled up, in no particular order -

Pensive Thoughts from Philippines
My Oweini Life from Middle East
From the land of monkeys and princess from Texas (I think)
See the woods and the trees from Ireland
Come, mommy

The Mom Style

I had some free time, so I took up this quiz.

The results: You are a mama of the earth!

Eco-protector, green thumb, way cool, I said. I gripe about the extra running water when you're brushing your teeth, it takes only a second to close and open the tap when you need to. And oh don’t you dare let the light/fan on when you are not in the room.

So let’s see what juice box jungle had to say –

• You make sure your kids are fed the best organic food and are enabled to express their creativity freely. Check! Well ok I try to, there, happy! Whatever. On to the next.
• You are quite able to chill out and let the little cub(s) wrestle and play: Check!
• And if the Lion is the King of the Jungle, then you - Cool Cat that you are - must be Queen. Of course, with two guys in the house, I have to be Her Royal (pain-in-the-butt) Queen
• As queens tend to be, you are more suited to expert supervision than down and dirty tussling with the cubs. Do you know I have a boy, and boys mean tussling all day long. Doesn’t matter if it in the mud , the bed or the bath. Hmph! (might be true of girls too, check with my Mom on that one!)
• You know how to involve them in important activities of course, but Mama's got to have her space! Yes, but that space is somehow becoming shorter and less frequent! :)
• But watch out! With your laid-back nature, laissez-faire discipline and hands-off play style your kids may think you are less interested in being a part of their play than you actually are. Or not. :) Whatever!

So I dare you, what are you?


Note to Kochunni: Dont read too much into this, for I am sure I will have changed my style to "Ms.Whip Cracker" or "Ms.Chief Family Officer" or even "Ms.Cool Mom" depending on your age and my sanity level! Mostly the later, so really no use fighting.

In 8 days

We are off to India, what many folks here would consider a vacation of dreams – for 3 whole weeks! My colleague almost fell off her chair, saying that it was 'awesome'.

Now tell the same thing to your desi friend and they give you knowing smile saying its been a while since you have gone back, haven’t you?

But it doesnt matter, 'coz I AM GOING TO INDIA IN 8 DAYS

I can’t hardly wait. To meet my best friends from college, to maybe see some of my school buddies, meet my parents, my family, travel and the BEST part – watch Kochunni’s reaction to everything. I am not sure how he will do – not a clue, but the anticipation is a joy every day.

Here I come ....

Kinda dumb. Don't You think?

Movies, I admit are one of my weakness. Does this make me any less smart?

Wanna watch a movie where a ‘pharin-returned’ (foreign) hero is so dumb that he keeps his hard-earned cash with him rather than a bank and then goes on lose it all in a fight with the bad guys on a rainy afternoon – watch Maine Pyar Kiya

If you want to watch a couple fall in love with one massive blow out kiss in rain and then never ever communicate with each other, watch Raja Hindustani

If you really craving for some melodrama about a guy only noticing the woman of his dreams – “the Bharitya nari in chiffon saris” watch Kuch Kuch Hota Hai

For a simple way of life becoming so messy and complicated with one trip down the flight of stairs watch Hum Apake Hai Kaun. Stairs=death, take the elevator always!

So why do I sit and poke holes at some top movies from yesteryear's because of this question that seems to be on everyone’s lips these days – Three not so great plots or stories – Rab De, Ghajini, Chandini Chowk are churning out money like popcorn (haven’t watched either of the above mentioned ones). Time and again, people have spent money and time to sit through movies that have gaping holes in them, to make them ‘blockbuster’ of the year. Does this mean the audience which is You and I, are idiots or better at suspending our rational thought for 3 hours? Pray tell.

To me its personal - I could only watch KKHH once and that too was a pain in ass, because the portrayal and the story of Shahrukh’s character and Kajol (Rahul/Anjali) felt so wrong to me. Clothes maketh a man, but what about personality, compatibility, do they not count in a relationship? I felt so bad on the whole – I mean you could make KKHH part two with Rahul and Anjali’s kid trying to re-unite Anjali and Aman (Salman), because oh Rahul dies on his way to work! Jeez! And what with 8 letters, didn’t she have time to write a few more? On the other hand I can still watch MPK especially the first part for the innocence, the laughter and fun portrayed. On the other hand I could have choked myself to death watching Kabhie Kushi Kabhie Gam – especially every time the song came on, which was like every minute. There have been decent movies too with a plot and a storyline– Lagaan, Rock On, Dil Chahta Hai etc that make movie watching a fun experience. Unfortunately they might not be the biggest blockbusters. On the whole the theater run is scared, movies that don’t get the best reviews are for a DVD rental or TV movie only. That’s just me.

The point, yes there is one, is when you go watch a movie you have the suspend your beliefs, but the distinction is by how much. How much suspension might depend of how much you like the star, how much you ‘want’ to like the movie, how much fun you had while watching the movie and so much more. I don’t think ‘dumb’ movies are restricted to any particular language or country either, it’s what you are exposed to and how the matter is presented that matters. For instance, so many movies portrayed a hero who could beat up bad guys and emerge triumphant at the end, heroes who don’t even looked the part, but Matrix changed the dynamics of the plot/story to actually portray the same by calling it all an illusion, and that worked. This time around, it looks feasible. But certainly not all plots lends to justification of the story or a scene like the 100 year old Harrison Ford surviving a nuclear explosion by sitting inside a refrigerator. WTF!

So go on, have a popcorn, waste the $’s, suspend your beliefs and ENJOY ‘if’ you can or move over the dumb patrol is already on the scene. :D

Time flies

Kochunni is officially 2 and ½ years, and I have absolutely no idea how the past years went by. Today can’t imagine the lifetime before we had him (not true I remember the days I slept for 28 hours over a 48 hour period). He is almost a boy, playing with his trains and cars lying flat on the ground.

Gone are the days when he got his first red car (a hummer) and all he did was to hold it without letting go, (even if we showed him to let the car run on its own a 100 times, he wouldn’t let go). Today he will ask you to sit at the opposite end so that he can race two cars towards you.

Gone are the days when he was trying to crawl, today he runs ahead and is upset if by some luck you made it past him and came first.

Gone are the days when all he could do was to put a spoon into his mouth as he tried to chew it off or bang the spoon on the plate, today he makes chapatti’s with his amma. (He rolled the dough to the perfect little roti)

So my budding chef, my rising star, Here's to a wondrous new journey, that's round the corner.

The last post of 2008

So how do I do the last post of the 2008?

I have been racking my brains on this – seems like a big thing – you know ‘end it right’, sorta thing. Thought of many things to do - a summary post (who has time), a time capsule (Dottie did a far better job already, see here), a resolutions list (come on you know I won’t keep it) or maybe a snapshot of the blog that is rocking and all that jazz (who am I kiddin', my readership has probably fallen to the deep abyss already)

And then it hit me. I do the last post (drum roll please) with CELEBRATIONS! Because, I made it to a 100 post per year this year. Isn’t that reason enough? :D

Here’s wishing you all a HAPPY HAPPY 2009! May all that be blessed come your way. And here are some great pictures of how everyone is celebrating.

Lastly a prayer

O Krishna, we praise and thank you for the gift of living this year,
This year has been a time filled with many blessings,
a few challenges and some opportunities, joys and sorrows
While we trust and believe in You,
Sometimes it’s been difficult to understand Your ways.
Guard us and show us the right way
May we continue to grow in age, wisdom, knowledge and grace
Throughout our lifetime.
Jai Shree Krishna.


Happy New Year!

Burning: Inside/Out

A couple of weeks ago, Tharini of Winkie's way's posted a text challenge - basically offering 6 words that we needed to work into a sentence, it reminded me how years ago when, as part of language exams we were given a word that we had to use in a sentence. This was one of my favorite parts of the exams - for once you could not memorize anything, had to come up with the sentences in the one hour that was given for the exam, apart from doing all the other things that was asked from us to - fill in the blanks, true or false questions etc. I would feel proud when I came up with a clever answer - it was probably not the best, and with around 80 students in the class, I am sure the teacher found lots of clever, wise, touching and amusing ones. But to me, it was a matter of accomplishment.

Two days ago, there was another challenge on Winkie's way, these were the words - 'Remind Prodded Grasped Message Companions' and the rules were to use the words as is and in 18 words or less. This is the sentence that I came up with "Prodded to action by challenge my message companions is of peace, if you have grasped please remind all."

Nothing extraordinary, far better ones have been written, but today morning as I opened up my news box & I read stories of Mumbai under attack. I shuddered, and rang up friends to make sure that they were home safe and sound. Its been 24 hours and still no resolution, and I come back to sentence that I typed up less than 24 hours before - no I am not reading too much into it, but a million questions surge in my heart, all beginning with one word "Why" I have no answer but as my beloved city, the city that I grew up in, the city that taught me so many things, the city that never sleeps, Burns .... all I say is ENOUGH!!

Enough with violence, enough with the bloody politicians who are only good at bashans; either get down from the high pedestal, get out of your bullet proof car or just shut up! And for once, join force with the people and do something about the attacks, spend money on intelligence rather than getting more money in your pocket.

Prayers to each and everyone. My eyes are moist, the places attacked are part of history, part of Mumbai's heart and soul, I feel so helpless, I cannot watch the news no more ...

'Tis was the night ....

Of jubilation's, of tears, of winning! And wonders of wonders, a nation, a world watched an historic event unfold. As Obama made his speech, his words rung true to millions of Americans across the country –“ Yes, we can” do what we set our heart & our minds to do.

And as I see little Kochunni say the same slogan like his favorite TV character I can dream a little dream – maybe the world will be a better place and change is in order. Who knows in another 48 years, he could be running for President himself and would have a fair chance of winning, if he so chose.

"This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time — to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can't, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people: Yes, we can."

So many words, yet so little

There was talk on a radio show that I often listen to on my way to work about Ivana Trump getting married to her boyfriend who is quite a few years younger to her. They kept calling her a “couger”. Now, in reality couger is a mountain lion or panther – a beautiful animal native to the Americas. But here the reference is more of an older woman who preys on younger men. Note the word is even the #1 buzz word according to Time.

This got me thinking how many words we use to describe woman’s exploits and some of it is just not fair ...A married man dating another woman is just a cheat but his girlfriend becomes a mistress, if the situation were reversed the man still doesn’t have an equivalent to the word mistress while the women would be called a b**ch. Again the word is not ugly by itself – it’s just the female of the dog specie – an animal who is loyal and cute; but the connotations it draws in the minds of people is of a hard core woman who will do anything to get what she wants.

Of course, you might argue, that one should love being called a couger for the matter of empowerment and all. I mean here is this reversal of the typical December-May romance. But calling any human being with an animal name is never in my books a good thing? Not that an animal is anyways better or worse than humans, it just doesn’t seem fair to either species. What say you?

(image from: http://weblogs.cltv.com)

Angels

Saturday, honey came back from a two week long trip to India and it was perfect. Kochunni got tons of books that my mom sent, a little wrist watch and even a wooden car that he played around for hours on end. Of course poor honey was tired from jet lag, but the little fella wanted to do everything with his “Acha” (daddy) – from sleeping on his shoulder to playing.

By Sunday he was in full swing with all his parental duties. When evening came, we decided to go out and get his car cleaned up for office today. Of course we ran late and the place that we usually go to closed up at 6 PM. Since the car was dirty we decided to stop at this new place. Five minutes into the thing made us realize that they were less efficient than the ones we normally go to – and this would take more than half hour to get the job done. It was cold and already getting dark, I was sure Kochunni would get bored within a few minutes and looked around on what could be done.

Right opposite to us was a pumpkin patch and I decided that might be the best thing for me to do with the little fella. We walked across the street, the little guy holding my hand and exclaiming at all the cars that were going past right beside us. When we reached the counter he was exited and when I finally let him loose in the little jumper his joy knew no bounds. He jumped, he tumbled and he flipped to his heart’s content. After a little while, I asked him to come out thinking that it might be best to start our walk back to the car.

As he came out, he saw the little stairs going up for the big kids to come down the slide. He asked me, could I go amma? I was skeptical and answered back, sweetheart I can’t come there with you, you will have to go on your own, can you do that? He immediately looked straight into my eyes and nodded his head in a yes. I was surprised and little worried. I knew he would not get hurt being an air jumper set but still he could tumble down and get frightened. I again tried to explain that you need to go alone, can you do it? He started to pull my hand towards it. I finally decided to let him go and helped him climb the first two steps. As I looked, he walked up the first few stairs and then as the little stairs started to curve at the top, he was on all fours. My heart beat a little faster but I noticed that the girl right behind him, instead of pushing past him, was beginning to help him. I smiled and realized that there was now a queue of kids behind, and as the girl did not go past him, everyone had slowed down to meet Kochunni’s pace. I walked over to the side of the slide and waited for the little guy to emerge. Right at the top, he looked down and smiled and when I asked him to come down (almost afraid that he might just sit there) he perfectly did what I had asked of him at every other slide he has been too – sit down and move up close to the slide and then come down smoothly. Due to the big slope he just whipped down in an instant and with a triumphant smile walked over. I was beaming with joy!

Of course, one time is never enough and he asked “Eeniyum” (again), I gently reminded him we need to leave and started to dial hubby’s number, they were already done with the cleanup and were on their way. Kochunni was still pulling me to the steps and trying to climb the first step, as I quickly hung up the phone and helped him on. This time right after the first few steps he fell and almost slid backwards. As I shouted to Kochunni to be careful and hold the edges, a little boy probably around 4-5 turned around and asked me “Should I help him?” Of course, please do. So this time the boy helped him all the way and even waited for Kochunni to finish his slide before plunging himself. I yelled a big thank you and asked Kochunni to do the same.

As I walked Kochunni back, I realized what great kids the two kids were, I probably forget their faces in a few days and only remember some varied details like the girls pink and white sweater and boy’s dark blue shirt and trousers and curly mop of hair. But what they showed me yesterday was that even without any adult supervision kids are intrinsically good, not bullies nor little terrors that we often imagine them to be!

Thank you, my two angels for helping my son to do the things he ought to be doing, to let him grow just a little today! I hope one day Kochunni repays our debt and helps some other hapless little 2 year old.

Happy Onam 2009

With a small attempt at the traditional pookalam in front of the house, Onam celebrations are at full swing at our house.
Here's wishing everyone a great Onam.

The long weekend

For the past several years we have routinely made a trip someplace for the Labor Day long weekend – it was our annual anniversary celebration, plus the end of summer getaway – sort of the last hurrah. This year though we had no plans, but it turned out to be one roller coaster ride after all.

On Saturday we decided to make a trip to the Palo Alto Junior Zoo & Museum. It’s really a small place, but packed with lot of fun for toddlers. There are rabbits, turtles, fishes and a small pond for the ducks, and a little “bridge” for Kochunni to walk up and down as if some sort of a king! A miniature cage for the rats, while a darkened corner for the bats and the owl. (Kochunni really got scared of the sleeping owl – it was so huge and was sitting with his eyes closed, reminded me of Dumbledore for some weird reason).

The museum area was fun for the little guy as he tried his hands at every toy around. It’s definitely a place to be, when you have nowhere else to be. I am sure Kochunni will outgrow the place quickly, since it is really a mini zoo cum museum but for the opportunity it provides with its clean surroundings and close to the heart of the bay area and light on the purse (they only ask for a merger $3 donation) it is well worth it. (recommended to all bay area moms and dads)

The next day we decided to make a trip down further to the Oakland Fairyland. Now this is definitely a privatized version of Palo Alto Zoo, and no I am not even comparing it to Disneyland with its acres of attractions and fun.Its definitely not a place to be if you have a kid who is over 3 (max 4) once past that age it’s a sheer waste of time and money. But for a two/three year old it can be fun. For a two year old its more about the slides, the whale (Kochunni was so happy trying to get to the little fishes on the slippery slope) and the little carousal. For a three old who knows all the rhymes and nursery stories, it can probably be a wonderland – with the puppet shows, different set ups based on the stories. As for us, (the grey haired oldies) you can be happy if you see a happy child right! Ah well! Of course, you cannot get in without a child (there is a board at the front desk – No child without adult and no adult without a child) so I guess they are fair. One tip: If you are taking a boy – don’t bother with the Magic key – he is not going to have the patience of inserting it into the boom box and listening to the song, when he can rather run in circles trying to make his mama lose some weight. So if you still have a toddler at your house, do make a trip – don’t compare it to Disneyland and you shall have a day of fun.

By Monday I was down with a cold and woke with my eyes burning hot and heavy (I think it was my husband who brought it home last weekend from office, I just hope the buck stops with me). We decided to call it a movie day and ended up watching one of my favorite police detectives John McClane see what he does best – beat up bad guys at their own game in Live Free and Die Hard. So what if the story had holes in it like the size of the watermelon, if he can still say his famous line “Yippee ki yay …” with a sly smile on his face I am down for another movie all about McClane! :D

So that was our weekend, and I am now looking forward to a short week and of course high hopes for a special day tomorrow! ;) How about you, how was your last weeks of summer?

To make it to 150 ...

I ask you where are the fodders for your blog, when you really need one? No tags floating in the blog-o-sphere these days, no ‘news’ worthy events that need my two cents! I triple checked my drafts folder & even though there are a few things that I have written, it’s just not perfect yet. I should potentially try Preethi’s route and do a walk down memory lane – but me too lazy at this moment, so here I go, I cheat!

No don't be dis-heartened if you stopped by for a wonderful read [such a pompous a**, am I], I am posing a question for you and would greatly appreciate your feedback.

Answer me this – Is there a direct ratio on women becoming working mothers to their moms who did not or vice-versa for that matter? Just a thought that’s floating around in my mind ...

Yes to weekends

Utah is the first to vote for a 3-day weekend, due to soaring gas prices, and according to few an environment friendly action. Whatever it is, would you say “Yes” to longer weekends?

Growing up “weekends” as a concept never hit home. My school (being totally weird) had Thursday’s and Sundays off. Dad had half-days on Saturdays (though he probably made it home on time on Sat about 10 times only) and Sunday’s off. So Sunday was the only day when the entire family was together. All this changed when I landed in US - the meaning, the luxury of having two full days to yourself to do as you please started to make sense. And now that it has, I can be greedy enough to move to Utah just to get the 3-days off :)

Wouldn't you?

More time to spend time idly “Kaling” (coloring) with Kochunni, finger painting butterflies, the suns and stars?

Of course, there are the chores – the cleaning, the scrubbing, the dusting that we need to attend to … but it pays when in the evening you can sit out in your own backyard listening to the birds up on the lemon and orange trees; pluck ripe sweet apricots from the tree and eat to your hearts delight. Read late into the night and sleep in the afternoons, go on long drives ... just about anything to take the monotony of life out.

So what do you say?