Sunshine with my sunshine

These days we have started spending an hour after school in the terrace. Sid carries his book to read, I my laptop and some snacks in a box.  We talk, eat, do our work sitting next to each other while getting some evening sun. I love this routine so much and have started looking forward to it everyday. The fresh air and the soft sun makes it even more pleasant.

Looks can be deceptive

I definitely did not think, getting to day 2 of blogathon would take so much effort. But then decided to show up instead of hitting the bed.

Had a long day after the travel back from native, Sid is back to school and me to work. When I was wondering what to write about today, this incident came to my mind.

I had to visit Sid's school recently to pay fees. Seeing one of the teachers in saree I asked Sid what her name was. I casually also added that she looks quite tall and beautiful especially in that saree.
He shook his head violently and said, "Don't fall for looks Mama, looks can be deceptive".  I was stunned! I was laughing and wondering how he knew to use that phrase and what he understood of it. He then clearly explained that the teacher was very strict and so not to fall for her looks!

I am in awe everyday seeing him grow. His smile, innocence and reasoning behind everything he says, his love for paneer, his passion for reading and even his anger - I just adore everything.

Mon, mama is your biggest fan ever :)

Twenty twenty

Here comes a new post after a long hiatus. Planning to do the blogathon this year. It is probably the only way to add some posts to my neglected blog.

I want to record the year that went by,

Sid moved on to fourth grade. He is more mature and growing up to be a fine boy.  His noni-noni (holding my hair) continues (had to write this!)although the frequency is reduced. He uses the "ink pen" now and refuses the replaceable plastic ones citing environmental reasons. Boy, am proud of you!

Better half is doing well in his new role and am very happy for him. He is going to make some life changing decisions in the coming year and we have to wait and watch how it turns out. Well, as always, am with him no matter what.

As for me, I am still working from home and this year managed to make some good friends at work. I got more regular with my workouts in the second half of the year and am quite happy about it.

We had fun trips with friends to Cochin and then a long drive to wonder planet - an amazing resort in Devala near Nilgiris. It was a memorable trip.

This year we also had to witness our best friends relationship go sour.  Getting to know how different and difficult some people can be was a learning for us.

With each passing year, I am more grateful for the blessings we have - good health and amazing family and friends. Looking forward to another year of life experience!

Lego

 Sid is a big time Lego boy.

When he is at it, he is in his zone. He can sit, sing to himself and do this for hours together. The focus he has while building Lego is amazing. He is currently building a London bus. He starts playing with it even when it is half built. The bus has a name already - Mack.

Makes me wonder where all the focus goes when he has to study!!

Tamil

I recently made a shocking discovery.

I am having difficulty talking Tamil!  Okay, I can talk absolutely fluently, but find myself struggling to get the appropriate word right in the middle of a conversation. This happened in the last few weeks as I started work and got to talk to a few in Tamil.  I stutter, stumble and sound pathetic. I think the fact that I couldn't find the right word, kills the rest of the sentence too.

Imagine me, someone who grew up learning Thirukkural and Thiruppavai, rattling the brain to find the basic words. What do you say for "difference" ? Is it Vithyasam ? That sounds like Malayalam?What do you say for "again"? Should it be marubadi or thiruppi ? If my friends were to read this, they will hack me to death.

I don't know whom to blame - a decade with one who talks mostly Hindi (He says "en re"and thinks that is Tamil)  or my diminished social circle or plain ageing. No one in the family talks Tamil now. The last Tamil movie I watched was Vishwaroopam and the latest song I followed was "kangal irandal un kangal irandal"!

I think I am completely mallu-ized now. Have watched more Malayalam movies and songs, talk much better Malayalam and love rice jaggery based sweets.

I have to get my Tamil back. High time I start watching Tamil soaps.

Learning sarcasm

From the drafts..

This happened a couple of years ago. Sid had started primary school and was just getting used to the new class.

One day he came back from school and declared he doesn't understand the teachers anymore. After a lot of nudging, out came the story.

That day, when his science teacher walked in to the class, the children were loud and not seated. She was annoyed and told them - "Only those who are interested in studying need stay in the class, the rest of you can leave".

I am sure a lot of us can relate to hearing this.

My little boy, seated in the front row,  closes the book and (loudly) says, "Oh wow! I anyway don't like this class". He got ready to step out - as suggested by the teacher.

You can very well imagine the after effects of this response.  Poor Sid, he was left confused as to why the teacher was angry when he was only following her advice!

I couldn't stop laughing when I heard this incident!

Later on, I explained to him that it was a "sarcastic" way of talking. 

How was your year ? 2018

Blogathon is the monsoon that brings posts to unattended blogs like mine for atleast a month. Thank you Ani for reviving my space this year too.

I realise that a lot of memories are here in this blog than in my brain. So here I go, about the year that went by!

Sid moved to grade 3 - in his words, the last year he will have to use a pencil.

Better half started work that is radically different from what he has ever done - and what probably the world never expects him to. Well, am with him.

Out of the blue, a friend calls up with a work from home offer.  Now officially, I am back to work!

Long awaited road trip for a week. Amazing journey with friends. Lots of travels for weddings and then the trip to centuries old Hampi. Trust me, its a must see in India.

Remember I mentioned minimalism - Been on it for more than a year now. Lesser stuff, lesser clothes and much less confusions. I am sold.

Every year is a learning about life. Looking forward to the next lesson!