tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-159867012024-03-18T04:03:51.916+01:00Boo's Baby Talk!B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.comBlogger655125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986701.post-84494381275383544302023-06-27T00:01:00.006+02:002023-06-27T00:01:00.141+02:0027.06.2023<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"> Dearest Antu,</span></p><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4MnstxK_tAUJjCtwDBguPPGtrI6m2sTMnD0rnhGFRYnxoD7xlW1Gxj62kcfiB7hDyxXzjGtoFCrlqLR19pU0Rj1B7hbrG25JMXs5-Vx7Vm7ZDrl8dkwQHpTZ-2_wsXzg8-DTuIQKadhQ14azbV_sJ0SR_IZJHl-y3dmKbVTZXCYUfKz7sPBM/s3648/IMG_20220727_105637.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4MnstxK_tAUJjCtwDBguPPGtrI6m2sTMnD0rnhGFRYnxoD7xlW1Gxj62kcfiB7hDyxXzjGtoFCrlqLR19pU0Rj1B7hbrG25JMXs5-Vx7Vm7ZDrl8dkwQHpTZ-2_wsXzg8-DTuIQKadhQ14azbV_sJ0SR_IZJHl-y3dmKbVTZXCYUfKz7sPBM/w150-h200/IMG_20220727_105637.jpg" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><div>15 is a nice round number. No pressure of the 16 yet. Not too far from 13. One can get away with pretty much anything. One is either “such a responsible kid at such a young age” or “they will grow up and learn." You are a mix of both and being a second born, have the added benefit of parents taking it easy after losing it miserably in the first round. You are lucky in a hundred different ways but none of them as beneficial as having a rocking sister who has paved your way for you with rose petals while she has to forge her own path. Its a blessing and a curse to have a perfect sibling. Ask me. But you are dealing with it much admirably than I did. I still struggle. May you both remain close and be there for each other long after I am just a traumatic memory you bring up to your respective therapists! </div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4A0lhjqa6DZy5fCRY_VjpRy8nEhA-l3nV99QJscIfmOch5NOpr4aIAg5O-fElxmNcCkusyrnSE_4beY8lwfQZwQyUXrIJXX7hqd7bfjYhaY_ec8QPbBu9_Roa1UPJJN_SmYjY4OvDXkpmOf8Te6Bl6_pCq-feUg7YeWbBiwwxBe2HtiouPjU/s3648/IMG_20220730_143904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); clear: right; float: right; font-family: trebuchet; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf4A0lhjqa6DZy5fCRY_VjpRy8nEhA-l3nV99QJscIfmOch5NOpr4aIAg5O-fElxmNcCkusyrnSE_4beY8lwfQZwQyUXrIJXX7hqd7bfjYhaY_ec8QPbBu9_Roa1UPJJN_SmYjY4OvDXkpmOf8Te6Bl6_pCq-feUg7YeWbBiwwxBe2HtiouPjU/w150-h200/IMG_20220730_143904.jpg" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">This year has been fun with back to regular traveling. An india trip after a while, a long weekend to Barcelona, our annual ski trip to Austria, visiting families and loads of day trips. This year has also been a hectic back to back traveling for me, the most fun being my New york trip with your sister for her 18th birthday. I made sure to ask your blessing before booking the tickets. And you were ok with it though slightly jealous that it was to NY where you have never been. And then I had a girls trip with my friends to Porto, Italy trip with my parents and the anniversary trip to Lisbon with your father. Though I failed to see the pattern, you made sure to mention that I have gone on trips with everyone except you. What a shame! Am glad you brought it up and I ll rectify this situation soon. It feels nice to be needed. Not to mention how brave of you to vocalize your feelings and not to be afraid of being vulnerable.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRzGYsmwha83j_rlFYjyzHlB1UM594OcIGd78absHCOy7LoMLRD9ho1nT0G1xG6rwrmHrlvY4pFtLCZsRdS3G5Xsw5t_bLWyUPzO7KwbuORaufWX3HQBjmpubI_WTQ9WnrD8IRyaNHLSWHRlvsUmK7MAXDqM9cfYwzCj7QtLgHtAzPUnrAFkw/s3648/IMG_20230326_163423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); clear: left; float: left; font-family: trebuchet; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRzGYsmwha83j_rlFYjyzHlB1UM594OcIGd78absHCOy7LoMLRD9ho1nT0G1xG6rwrmHrlvY4pFtLCZsRdS3G5Xsw5t_bLWyUPzO7KwbuORaufWX3HQBjmpubI_WTQ9WnrD8IRyaNHLSWHRlvsUmK7MAXDqM9cfYwzCj7QtLgHtAzPUnrAFkw/w150-h200/IMG_20230326_163423.jpg" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Music has been a huge part of your life and Taylor Swift, your own Goddess. You are continuing your piano lessons even though you are losing interest a bit. You have been wanting to quit learning carnatic music and I can’t lie that its not heart breaking for me. You have been learning for 6 years and your teacher was shocked when I mentioned your disinterest. According to her, you are the most sincere student and you have an uncanny grasp of the songs and have an insane memory power. Not to mention, a beautiful voice to go with it. You were extremely frustrated when your father and I insisted that you continue. We are at a stalemate now and I don’t know what the next school year brings but I wish you keep at it. One day you will thank yourself for not giving up. But that said, if its not bringing you joy, do something else that does. Don’t let your talent go waste. Not everyone is blessed with such a gift.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvxA0J9pO0jWOaVU5psYeX9aZgqJR-uzj7vlWA-jBAmwlkybMc5ODbi4ZRf141RCJQB_By9p5bM5ZFyhLcLMKkyxEKvXL5PPtBKUZomuIBspfwAiQTctPx3jjFqiUDFU_KyWxIJyE0s_Xg05-KD7SVgo3bhwgKsbnaPjN7uGiNShM4-Y8gTVu/s3430/IMG_20220628_201033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); clear: right; float: right; font-family: trebuchet; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2572" data-original-width="3430" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwvxA0J9pO0jWOaVU5psYeX9aZgqJR-uzj7vlWA-jBAmwlkybMc5ODbi4ZRf141RCJQB_By9p5bM5ZFyhLcLMKkyxEKvXL5PPtBKUZomuIBspfwAiQTctPx3jjFqiUDFU_KyWxIJyE0s_Xg05-KD7SVgo3bhwgKsbnaPjN7uGiNShM4-Y8gTVu/w200-h150/IMG_20220628_201033.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">You joined me to run a 5K in May and it was a huge accomplishment for me. Thanks for the motivation and the support. I couldn’t have done it without you. You never make fun in a mean way. You are always encouraging. And you are nice while being honest. All stellar qualities straight from your father. No wonder you both have your secret club and secret smiles and roll your eyes at your sister and me for our crazy dramatics. You also made sure to let me know when I am being horrible with how it is affecting you instead of a character assassination. Its all in the attitude after all and you have it in spades. One does nt have to be cruel to speak the truth. But I fail miserably at that in every turn while you choose your words wisely. Oh teach me, Master. Happy 15th Birthday, Kanna! May your year be filled with all things that bring you joy.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Love,</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">அம்மா.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986701.post-13766271274679933972023-04-27T00:15:00.004+02:002023-04-27T00:15:59.734+02:0027.04.2023<span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Dearest Ashu,</span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUW9MH-S0haO5X3YplwaCCSUhT_H6vpseqePcXs20tnLzqdzMpnjPxW2MLgRqQb9_oyDfreOGmw6HFyXyQT10Pvic5T_ges0oqgNZ7fal7Ef5g7x0wJNH3bVm87vw8NaG34ffk0woFMwRGC3qtdCnDiXmHRBopvl7OQ8Mv8B34-Z5zwJQIfg/s3648/IMG_20220726_075014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUW9MH-S0haO5X3YplwaCCSUhT_H6vpseqePcXs20tnLzqdzMpnjPxW2MLgRqQb9_oyDfreOGmw6HFyXyQT10Pvic5T_ges0oqgNZ7fal7Ef5g7x0wJNH3bVm87vw8NaG34ffk0woFMwRGC3qtdCnDiXmHRBopvl7OQ8Mv8B34-Z5zwJQIfg/s3648/IMG_20220726_075014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUW9MH-S0haO5X3YplwaCCSUhT_H6vpseqePcXs20tnLzqdzMpnjPxW2MLgRqQb9_oyDfreOGmw6HFyXyQT10Pvic5T_ges0oqgNZ7fal7Ef5g7x0wJNH3bVm87vw8NaG34ffk0woFMwRGC3qtdCnDiXmHRBopvl7OQ8Mv8B34-Z5zwJQIfg/s3648/IMG_20220726_075014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="369" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUW9MH-S0haO5X3YplwaCCSUhT_H6vpseqePcXs20tnLzqdzMpnjPxW2MLgRqQb9_oyDfreOGmw6HFyXyQT10Pvic5T_ges0oqgNZ7fal7Ef5g7x0wJNH3bVm87vw8NaG34ffk0woFMwRGC3qtdCnDiXmHRBopvl7OQ8Mv8B34-Z5zwJQIfg/w240-h369/IMG_20220726_075014.jpg" width="240" /></a></div></span><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Your 18th Birthday is here. I have nothing to say. (and then she wrote a 10,000 word essay, dear Reader!) </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Live your life. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Be brave. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Be righteous. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Make mistakes. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Learn. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Be kinder than necessary. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Help. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Ask for help. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Love many things. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Let go. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Trust the Universe. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Read. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Laugh. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Create. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Share. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Travel. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Dream.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Just go forth and conquer the world.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">I am immensely proud of you and I will always have your back. Today, tomorrow and forever. Happy 18th Birthday, Kannamma! </span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><i>"How should we like it were stars to burn</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><i>with a passion for us we could not return?</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><i>If equal affection cannot be,</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><i>Let the more loving one be me."</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><i> ~W.H. Auden~</i></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Love,</span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">அம்மா.</span></span></div></div></div>B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986701.post-40072511434859946722022-06-27T00:01:00.011+02:002022-06-27T00:01:00.162+02:0027.06.2022<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"> Dearest Antu,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><a href="" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1368" data-original-width="1824" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuA6s5UiYpopj8mr34VuZhzjizIfQTFVMWQicb8zP8nQwNmBGXJjT--jhJegyVosHJx3hhsLWT74pwBbXu8N3gl3UKPASfQpibXW8vTcsZ7D6Sqqem1N4t5ZStgSg5vBwwKHoK4kNqRPUhAEftk0pJgko-sBG-UEA9tIoLJmil5xvIXyN-GQ/w200-h150/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-06-26%20at%208.08.38%20PM%20(2).jpeg" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Time flies like it always does. It also shows us what really matters. When I sit to write these birthday posts every year, it makes me think of the all important milestones and happy memories and reminds me to be grateful. And also to be in denial about all the things that should nt matter but still does. But hey, progress not perfection, right? You are fourteen today and I am still trying to adjust that you are a teen! You can be a total baby one minute and a mature old soul the next. Cuddling one moment and banging the door the next. Being silly and goofing around and then all emotional and upset. We spoil you rotten and in return you make us fell that we are your whole world. Your father dances to your every tune and you both belong to a secret club of two where I am not allowed. Who wants to belong in this silly club anyway? Im not at all jealous! We both have lot of fun together doing umpteen things without the rest of the family. You are my favorite car passenger. And my favorite person to cook for because you enjoy your food and never fail to compliment. Are you sure you are not adopted?</span><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1824" data-original-width="1368" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcchjzRLSX_U0qxk6d3xvruFkKVL4jjZUvO0VcOk3zRmF16lea7VsO9mrXoxVFqjxhl7gpJeSV2DRJ8SX4Mr97fSLeskXMMF0HgC4PVvxlnTpRtxH7RK1nBLSsJvUDdq6kBeS8J6yDFI6JG0iUXNvO81v10bY2_uNrpWDCIDBPK9o_NcCaA/w150-h200/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-06-26%20at%208.08.37%20PM.jpeg" width="150" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">You have completed one year of secondary school and has made new friends. And that has been a total relief. I used to think you are more social than your sister but things have been hard in that department as you have become reserved and quiet in the past couple of years. Are nt school years supposed to be all about friends? Guess you and your sister take it quite seriously and actually learn! I thought Ashu had high expectations for herself but she has mellowed a bit in high school. You are a menace though! Anything less than a perfect grade and you fall apart. I am exhausted giving you pep talks and making you feel secure about yourself. And to accept life as it is. Let me say this again. You are smart. Believe in yourself. You are thriving in all things music. You play piano like a dream. Pick up carnatic songs with ease and music theory is something you love too. Never lose the interest. Just keep at it even when things plateau. Challenge yourself and don’t forget to enjoy the process. You are barely hanging onto swimming and tennis and am glad you are doing something sport related even though you are not a fan. Your father really wants you to take up running and join him in his weekly runs. Lets see if this is the year. Go on and make your old man happy, why don’t you?</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1824" data-original-width="1368" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0C1CZ4QSOfsfxVHtSeWl0BfPTzcFgckqumC9ZXesOW9zniQ4sh1dCXiVU8yQMdnbgaHqzC8wXEqTUY_nDlxaep8I8UraEfZYrxruOtzTVCnDrS2LRpvxCsbxjdy82047EArkMAZqOkFsNgbIqi5Zolm1wHwfz_XtMsSj-rkjSWPnGtlHxg/w150-h200/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-06-26%20at%208.08.38%20PM%20(1).jpeg" width="150" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">We took care of our neighbors small dog off and on this year and you totally fell in love with the little one and took care of the dog with so much love and affection. It was heart breaking to say bye to the dog each time and you have upped your nagging about getting a dog of our own. It would tug at my heartstrings but unfortunately I have none! I really really wish we could. But its not practical so Im against it. But at times I feel I should give in. Believe me when i say that no one likes to have a dog more than me in this household. So lets see if the universe conspires. Your sister hooked you into Marvel movies as well and its the one thing uniting all four of us in the household right now. Books have been bought. Cake themes have been done. Endless discussions have been had. Its fun to have something in common with the resident youth. Thanos is your favorite character much to your sisters annoyance but still she made a Thanos cake for your birthday this year. You both fight like crazy sometimes but also giggle over silly things. You want to emulate her in every way and she pretends to tolerate you. Its unbearable sometimes when you both are at it but while the bad times are bad, the good times are very good. So there.</span><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1824" data-original-width="1368" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjD2sHWxJo1EaSC4EVb5WoO50mZAWfY7Exp05sroDjBj8MQ1EG5H-Y3udKqIwqFn5fx8O02n9cCcSl8xQR0M6rL5XyJLHOGCpR9x8D3_yuS-VZUNvrAtPB5gjxRc-l7bWhocgLCwxHszjC73sB3oA00vSVhlO8sFXcODd5tcGG5RX1tie5Iw/w150-h200/WhatsApp%20Image%202022-06-26%20at%208.08.38%20PM%20(3).jpeg" width="150" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Mistress of questions, that’s what you are at this age. You love to know everything about everyone. Right from favorite color to the deepest darkest secret. Its so easy to talk to you. You hardly judge and even if you say something hurtful, you are quick to apologize and own your mistakes and make the necessary changes. Which is a phenomenal character trait to have, according to me. And it comes so easily for you. Your emotional maturity astounds me sometimes. You are very clear in your beliefs and at the same time, willing to listen to the other side. I wish I could be as empathetic as you. I sometimes get upset with you for no reason. I overcompensate for your sisters indifference. Blame you for stupid things. But I hope and pray I have nt killed the spirit in you. I am genetically obligated to take your side against the world but you make it look like the right choice and I thank you for making my life easier. Go forth and flourish and I wish life is kind to you in all the ways I am not. Happy 14th Birthday, Thangamma!</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Love,</span></p><p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">அம்மா</span><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">.</span></span></p>B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986701.post-83870640678095627092022-04-27T00:30:00.003+02:002022-04-27T08:17:32.178+02:0027.04.2022<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"> Dearest Ashu,</span></p><div dir="auto"><a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieXIgUAdhOkEVAxhmp-Itw-Vk96J97PTq2JcRoQA8NlAGbOkkLf_L7tatDRWiBDeCk6B0AMBJbmnB5XMh47-l9uRg_fMew5Sc1GlH7oZqWOBVdozjR_YcD402m2GdwxfB-2vz8C4URYxq2P2HRn66nKaj99f1MVTmfIKcJG1MizaJFupCTwg/w150-h200/IMG_20211225_180313.jpg" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">17. One year short of a legal adult. Just one more year of childhood. Give me a moment here to contemplate my life. …… Fine. Lets move on. This year has gone by in a blink and I am not sure it sunk in that you are 16 yet before another birthday has zoomed in. Whats the rush? School has consumed your life and whatever time is left over, we either ignore each other or quarrel. As soon as you open your mouth, I see disrespect and cynicism. And when I do, you see anger and disappointmentl. Match made in heaven, that’s us. If not for your father and sister, I wonder how anything would get resolved between us. They both are the solid rocks to our tidal waves and I hope you appreciate them for all they do for us. I analyse my behavior constantly and feel regret and guilt and like a colossal failure as a parent. I would die for you without a second thought and at the same time, can’t bring myself to be more patient with you. What is it that is wrong with me? Nothing in particular but everything in general, you might say! Yes, I see my faults in you. At the same time, you are also the favorite part of me.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggP9ek3Fx-NieVS5w1aWG_mYya-2fxobhfx902uuSmIIEkYWBbMjUb1k3laTMsSqbUKc-SSRxoDEt674yEPoj--AFvWmspesYiGUEYixudt89er22hUd02JZP-szMcvW-AXz3F8fDJ3m8wMV7nhaSLJ_4DJpHs7Xm5uXKbDtAN2fcKKl-LjQ/w150-h200/IMG_20210513_155403.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">You have such a morbid sense of humor and a healthy dose of pessimism. Deadly combo, that. You should come with a warning! This one time we were discussing the point of life and your sister who has nt yet been disillusioned with life by high school was giving me quite a peppy answer while you commented, “there’s no point. we are dead already". And I turned to Antu and said, “Please hit me in my head if I ever ask her anything anymore” and without missing a beat you quipped, “Can I do it for her?” Ha. Ha. Ha. I was making a photo album for your grandparents a few months back and under the family photo, I had written “Putting the fun in Dysfunctional” and thought that was quite witty. Until you came back from school and commented, “More like putting the fun in Funeral”! I rest my case. </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3648" data-original-width="2736" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8E91T-4H0vSAT4hmWqFnOOvDB_rNUO78eC0xKIzdbC-c8M7oiBJZxvKaakEFTFZlVYVdeWZlm8WIHnqahuV0GRbwQAeo2JoF3Itv9QkOLKwRAJC1d6gso_wmHQgBF2qSReSr0lR-InZUtZjldiIG3A3CRhc-ASeNJH3-Zlkhjz_-IOGDRg/w150-h200/IMG_20210717_105235.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">We had such fun having a family reunion at our place in October and after the pandemic panic, it was so nice to see you and Antu with your grandparents, aunt and uncle. We have not been out of Swiss in the last 3 years and finally bit the bullet and traveled to Sicily earlier this month and we had a fantastic time. I will never ever take travel for granted again. Nor should you. You have grown leaps and bounds in the cooking and baking area. Being a total perfectionist helps. But at the same time, be kind to yourself too when something does nt go your way. Be patient and don’t give up easily. You take fantastic photos but hate it when I take pics of you. You love to cook but eat very less. You like school but are a grumpy bear on weekdays. You are a bunch of contradictions and a riddle wrapped in a mystery and as you grow older and older, I feel I know you lesser and lesser. Guess, that’s every parents journey and I hope I have the grace and dignity to accept it. Give me time.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2736" data-original-width="3648" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLa6lX0xmcsd_Ef5Z3dN3xmrBQQgCJxEjLVW-mTDloXZHlfd6Rwk-vl_cm7rAlifAXxR2inDZAvyBL2LMlaxnvfMvD5wv5v0p16fvmgVfp-f4RZA9Wsg2-ICEdq7q5Tx1F_5AUqD3MGmy03m2IW9WuBKevXxSUeXtsJVosR-F9SBJYQWPiGw/w200-h150/IMG_20210711_103340.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">The only time we bond is when we watch TV. And we have been doing that quite a lot this year as you are interested in all kinds of movies and shows now. More so than before. You nagged me and Antu to watch the Avengers movies with you if we want to watch the new Spiderman and Doctor Strange movie and after some initial resistance from me, we did a marathon for 10 days straight and watched that many movies and by the time I watched Endgame, a fangirl was born. (Black Widow is your favorite Avenger. Captain America is mine!) WandaVision followed next and now I am hooked. We watched Secrets of Dumbledore recently and were collectively disappointed. Even though for completely different reasons. (Give me more Grindeldore!) Nothing like art and entertainment to bring people together. One day, I will be able to wish you a happy birthday without choking on my own heart but that day is not today. Happy 17th Birthday, Kannamma! I love you 3000.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Love,</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">அம்மா</span>.</span></div>B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986701.post-16237311805025215902021-06-27T00:25:00.000+02:002021-06-27T00:25:37.086+02:0027.06.2021<p><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Dearest Antu,</span></span></p><p><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nh-KDf4lqE/YNem-McFRmI/AAAAAAAAHw8/Oebrd7sdWa0slPGL0IUxkaJY9O5VKgjDwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201001_131543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); clear: left; float: left; font-family: trebuchet; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--nh-KDf4lqE/YNem-McFRmI/AAAAAAAAHw8/Oebrd7sdWa0slPGL0IUxkaJY9O5VKgjDwCLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/IMG_20201001_131543.jpg" width="150" /></span></a></p><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Welcome to the teens! Though you have unofficially been a temperamental teen for a quite a while, you can confidently get away with it now. You are slouching more. Are more grumpy. Started wondering what's the point of school. More screen time. Less time outdoors. Fewer friends. More fights with your sister. The beginning of door slamming. Way more sensitive. Basically, the works. Thankfully, no big surprises there, thanks to you being the second born. Ashu paved the way well. While I was crawling on all fours trying to keep up with her, I am skipping and dancing along right with you. Hope to retain my sanity and sense of humor through all this. You are more vocal about your feelings and that helps. Every time we have an argument or a discussion, I get the feeling that you are trying to convince yourself more than me and you want to come out of the conversation feeling better about yourself. Which is a rare quality in our family. I hope you never lose it. Or I hope as a parent, I never squash it. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8xFcomfuji8/YNem91t-EWI/AAAAAAAAHw4/zE6eHd18GLoArLqSK2sFZtLbpDCVuRofwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2613/IMG_20201224_151131.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: trebuchet; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2613" data-original-width="1203" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8xFcomfuji8/YNem91t-EWI/AAAAAAAAHw4/zE6eHd18GLoArLqSK2sFZtLbpDCVuRofwCLcBGAsYHQ/w116-h200/IMG_20201224_151131.jpg" width="116" /></span></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">We managed to travel within Swiss whenever we could in these uncertain pandemic times and you are a great travel companion. You love the planning, the houses we stay in, exploring hiking trails and trying new restaurants. For the first time, you said no to ski lessons and your sister and you went on your own this year. I was really worried. We just dropped you both at the gondola station and you girls just went off on your own without a backward glance. Scaling mountains. Skiing down. Finding a restaurant for lunch. And then meeting us back at the time and place we have agreed upon. So grown up! And trusting your sister implicitly even though she says that you are the bane of her existence. You will follow her to the ends of the earth and won't deny her anything. Long live sisters and the sisterhood of the traveling (ski) pants! </span></div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFaEfN8sPTA/YNem-bMG-PI/AAAAAAAAHxA/UmiW4dYH-ccDZaAG50P-J4vCL9i7mLD-wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201114_185605.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: trebuchet; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XFaEfN8sPTA/YNem-bMG-PI/AAAAAAAAHxA/UmiW4dYH-ccDZaAG50P-J4vCL9i7mLD-wCLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/IMG_20201114_185605.jpg" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">You finish 6th grade which is the end of primary school here. So a big milestone. You are going to start in a new secondary school from August and none of your best friends are in the same school. You are both nervous and excited. School has been a little too easy for you this year and may be you were a bit bored because of that. Your stellar report card made me so proud and I hope the secondary school is challenging enough for you to keep you motivated. You enjoy your piano lessons and the Carnatic music lessons and very soon your digital piano is going to be replaced by an acoustic one. I have no music knowledge to speak of and all I wanted to know was how heavy the damn thing is going to be and how to make place for it in your room. I hope and wish you continue to learn music and enjoy this amazing world. </span></div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIDWLghmEvc/YNem-1CmA2I/AAAAAAAAHxE/bilpjItOW0Q3ulWrc4mj_sQjUzXDWsS9QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210404_152719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: trebuchet; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fIDWLghmEvc/YNem-1CmA2I/AAAAAAAAHxE/bilpjItOW0Q3ulWrc4mj_sQjUzXDWsS9QCLcBGAsYHQ/w150-h200/IMG_20210404_152719.jpg" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">Finally you are getting a proper phone with a sim card and I don't know how we managed to stretch it this far. Like I told your sister 4 years back, use it well. It's all downhill from here, I know that now. But its inevitable and I guess I have to accept it. You are lot like me in one aspect and that is to mould ourselves to fit in with other people. I used to feel like a fake sometimes and wonder if I am hiding my true self. But when I look at yo</span><span style="font-family: trebuchet;">u, I know its because you genuinely care about people and want to make them comfortable around you. You don't think its weak to show love and kindness. You forgive easily. It's so difficult for parents not to see their own faults when they look at their kids, but a glimpse of strength here and there gives me hope and not succumb to the existential despair of parenting. Happy 13th birthday, Chellamma! Rock your teens!</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Love,</span></span></div><div style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">அம்மா.</span></span></div><div><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: trebuchet;"><br /></span></div>B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986701.post-7700926740497911652021-04-27T00:01:00.001+02:002021-04-27T00:01:00.265+02:0027.04.2021<p><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Dearest Ashu,</span></p><div dir="auto"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dtdeZrEAxLk/YIXec4qRUMI/AAAAAAAAHwM/b6DIBTgVv2MF2JHbKYqmuY3MuJ0FBDetACLcBGAsYHQ/s1024/IMG_20200706_211612.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dtdeZrEAxLk/YIXec4qRUMI/AAAAAAAAHwM/b6DIBTgVv2MF2JHbKYqmuY3MuJ0FBDetACLcBGAsYHQ/w240-h320/IMG_20200706_211612.jpg" width="240" /></span></a></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">STOP PRESS. You turn SIXTEEN today! How in the world am I supposed to cope with this? I can’t even drown myself in alcohol since I don’t drink! But wait a minute, you can!!! You are legally allowed to drink wine and beer in this country from today and if that is nt a sobering thought! Sixteen is special in many cultures and the only Tamil culture that refers to this age is in the movies and most of the time, girls this age fall in love with a stupid boy, lie to their parents and elope with the said boy. So please refrain from doing any of them. You graduated from middle school and got into high school this year and its a big deal in the school system here. You chose the school you wanted to go and the subjects you wanted to take and made so many important decisions in your life. I am so proud of you. This fierce independence streak is something I admire in you. Please do ask for help when you need it though. There is no shame in it. Help is always given to those who ask for it. Not only in Hogwarts, but at our home too. Anytime. Anything, Anywhere. OK?</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQoKFi8rXR8/YIXedmczB3I/AAAAAAAAHwQ/ng5rA96kepwVtK6OE9JqVHO83c9k7gzVgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20200826_202527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="276" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TQoKFi8rXR8/YIXedmczB3I/AAAAAAAAHwQ/ng5rA96kepwVtK6OE9JqVHO83c9k7gzVgCLcBGAsYHQ/w207-h276/IMG_20200826_202527.jpg" width="207" /></span></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Our long lunches together have rapidly decreased ever since you started high school and I miss them dearly. Weekends and holidays are the only time we got to spend time together and have fun as you have lot of school work. You are complaining that you don’t have enough time to read for pleasure anymore and its heartbreaking. You are listening to lot more music though. You are keeping at it with Violin and Tennis and Table tennis and all the stress-baking, of course! Due to the pandemic, we have been traveling within the country for the holidays. Since Swiss has no dearth of exotic places, there were many hikes, many lakes, a week of skiing and snowboarding, day trips and what not! They were sometimes accompanied by sulking and complaining and tantrums and resistance. Its a task to get you out of the house. You drag your feet, steal my socks, tease your sister, try your fathers last ounce of patience. But you relent. You listen. And I am thankful for that. You do you. We will get by. </span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3vAS_jkAOEU/YIXeeHzVz0I/AAAAAAAAHwU/PRI6L4G8Mc06jYzt5Q0HqIvNygkbYBIywCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20201004_153027.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="225" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3vAS_jkAOEU/YIXeeHzVz0I/AAAAAAAAHwU/PRI6L4G8Mc06jYzt5Q0HqIvNygkbYBIywCLcBGAsYHQ/w300-h225/IMG_20201004_153027.jpg" width="300" /></span></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">I call you selfish a lot of times. "Its always I, me, myself with you", I say to you. But when I actually sit and think about it, you are far from it. I know for sure I did nt do even a fraction of what you do when I was your age. Its not just doing the laundry. Its also folding the clothes into neat little squares and taking them to each persons room and leaving them on their bed. Its not just making two cups of tea for me and your dad. Its the perfect ratio of ginger to milk to sugar. Its not just baking a cake for each one of us. Its the personalized touch in each one of them. Its just not setting the table for a special dinner. Its the napkin folded into flowers and the exquisite taste in decorating. Its not just recommending a secondary school for your sister. Its the research you do and the pros and cons you list. I can go on. I am sure you get the gist. If and when you do something, you give your 100%. I am the selfish one to want more. I am sorry to be so greedy.</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtfInHzWTp4/YIXeeCEs93I/AAAAAAAAHwY/AZcEdMJzCxc0W4p4XVAuQ8K1N2DMIYmKACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_20210106_182825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YtfInHzWTp4/YIXeeCEs93I/AAAAAAAAHwY/AZcEdMJzCxc0W4p4XVAuQ8K1N2DMIYmKACLcBGAsYHQ/w240-h320/IMG_20210106_182825.jpg" width="240" /></span></a><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">The other day we were joking about something and JK Rowlings name was mentioned as it invariably does in our household and you said, “I don’t like her that much anymore”. It could be because of JKR’s Transphobic comments or something else, I am not sure now. But it was a huge moment for me. I told you how this “cancel culture” is very prevalent these days and quite toxic. One can say, "I like JKR but I don’t like some of the things she says”, instead of a blanket “I hate her” comment. No one is perfect. People would nt be people without flaws. This strive for perfection whether its the physical look or the mental strength or that amazingly shot insta photo or the perfect grade in a school test, its impossible to expect it from people including oneself. We make mistakes. We learn. We forgive. We are forgiven. Life would be so dull otherwise. So please overlook the flaws and find the goodness in everyone. And forgiveness is so underrated. We forgive not because the other person deserves it, but because we deserve peace. I wish you all the peace and happiness in life, Kannamma! Happy sweet Sixteen!</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">Love,</span></div><div dir="auto"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: trebuchet; font-size: medium;">அம்மா.</span></span></div><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986701.post-49219403360687592182020-06-27T00:01:00.000+02:002020-06-27T00:01:01.269+02:0027.06.2020<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dearest Antu,</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0xIRF65Dik/XvZpwsnCVgI/AAAAAAAAHsU/spNp_CC60bc2KuizN_v5okB7KCKMqH39ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20191221_083230_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-n0xIRF65Dik/XvZpwsnCVgI/AAAAAAAAHsU/spNp_CC60bc2KuizN_v5okB7KCKMqH39ACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_20191221_083230_1.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You think that you have figured me out. That I am sad that you are one more year older and that I am going to flood the house with my tears that my baby is turning 12. But I refuse to be predictable. I am very excited and very happy, I would like you to know. 12 is a wonderful age. Just perfect. One year closer to the Teens. I cant wait! See? I can do it. I am smiling and NOT at all crying inside. I am NOT looking at your baby photos and its NOT breaking my heart into a million little pieces. In fact, I am so overjoyed that…. Fine! I give up. Who am I kidding? I am dying, alright? The world as I know it is coming to an end and I am terrified that I am gonna have two teens at home by this time next year. You have changed so much in the last one year. Unlike your sister with her devil may care attitude, you care too much and get hurt too much which in turn hurts me way too much even though I am the one causing the hurt most of the time. Go figure! Dysfunctional family, for the win!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PWgwUHmYZ98/XvZpvYxc5SI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/3W29VmArSsA0ree6g0DnppXVemYr6R6igCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20191223_093743.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PWgwUHmYZ98/XvZpvYxc5SI/AAAAAAAAHsQ/3W29VmArSsA0ree6g0DnppXVemYr6R6igCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_20191223_093743.jpg" width="150" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You are very insightful and the topics of our conversations throughout the day range from favorite color to existential questions like “Who will tell your story when you die?” Sometimes I have to take a moment and reexamine my whole life just to answer a simple question from you. You are obsessed with all kinds of games like 21 Questions, Would you rather, What if.. and drive the whole family crazy with your non stop questioning and I do wonder if you would do well as a lawyer or a counsellor when you grow up! This one time you nagged your sister to play with you and she being who she is came up with “Would I rather play this game with you or jump into that pond there?” and you earnestly replied to her with a “jump into the pond?” half hoping you got the right answer and at the same time worried that she means that! Oh my poor little darling! Always worried about when your moms going to blow up, when your sisters going to get upset, when your father is going to stop making you pancakes! (The last one will never happen, you and I know that!) We all love you in our own way and would do anything to make you happy, got it?</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vT_qqKGWbd8/XvZpxo7kA-I/AAAAAAAAHsc/zeFYlUhUKUEFRtPIaH8800cJ1Vs8cJQ6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200223_133504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vT_qqKGWbd8/XvZpxo7kA-I/AAAAAAAAHsc/zeFYlUhUKUEFRtPIaH8800cJ1Vs8cJQ6gCLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_20200223_133504.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You are majorly into paper crafts and make all kinds of awesome stuff watching youtube videos. The 3D and pop out cards you make for us are legendary in our family and I have no clue how you got to be so talented. Taken after your sister, truly. Also the reading. We have turned you into a total potterhead too. You finished reading all of the Harry Potter books multiple time in both English and German and and currently you are reading them to your dad. Interesting thing about reading books in two languages, I asked you the other day if you prefer to read in English or German and you said “I prefer German if they are originally written in German” and I was blown away by that information. Go forth and conquer, my girl! Music is also a big part of your life. You are very interested in what I am listening in Indian film music. You are learning to play Piano, you have made a huge progress in Carnatic music and can sing like a dream. (Though extremely shy to sing in front of an audience!) My favorite part of the day is when I am prepping dinner and you sit near the kitchen with your Shruthi box and practice your singing. I could nt be more proud of you.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-doUuvqBNhJQ/XvZpw6rWgqI/AAAAAAAAHsY/A4rJLJZtoT48ShXeSzpSZaX2ZJSJbdV2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200112_102114.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-doUuvqBNhJQ/XvZpw6rWgqI/AAAAAAAAHsY/A4rJLJZtoT48ShXeSzpSZaX2ZJSJbdV2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s200/IMG_20200112_102114.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">School and friends are your <span style="background-color: white;">raison d’être and the 3 months of lockdown this year was quite </span>hard on you. But it also gave a chance for you to be glued to your father like you used to long back and its heart warming to see you both spend so much time together. That man has been a goner from the moment he laid his eyes on you, the exact second you took your first breath but he’s truly and deeply wrapped around your little finger now and I am equal amounts proud and jealous of that fact! You worship your sister and any praise from her is a gift from the Gods for you. You respect me but also afraid to disappoint me. You adore your grand parents and uncle and aunt and very much upset about the cancelled travel plans this summer to meet them all. You are kindness personified and almost always make the right choice. May be, you will tell our story, Antu. I would very much like that. Keep being you, Kannamma. Wishing you a wonderful 12th Birthday!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Love,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">அம்மா.</span></div>
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B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986701.post-37439865985324908562020-06-05T00:30:00.000+02:002020-06-05T00:30:01.380+02:0005.06.2020<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fGsveWCHyY/Xtlh1WnDRUI/AAAAAAAAHpE/iWFHfJZTVNMMPdnJfYmo4ns70lDXDDbCACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200604_230310.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6fGsveWCHyY/Xtlh1WnDRUI/AAAAAAAAHpE/iWFHfJZTVNMMPdnJfYmo4ns70lDXDDbCACLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20200604_230310.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms", sans-serif;">Yes. It's one of those mushy anniversary anecdotes. 20 years together and I think it deserves some reminiscing. The husband of mine is an enigma. And I don't mean that in a mysterious or layered way. He's just an unpredictable idiot with a side of adorable. You can put any two beings together for 20 years, throw in a couple of kids, privileged life, barely-there-first-world-problems and I ll bet my last Rappen that they both can live relatively happy ever after! Same goes for us, I guess. Nothing earth shattering there. Love, shove, death do us apart are all fine and good when ones young and clueless but if the art of loading a dishwasher is what makes or breaks a marriage, we are at a strong 8/10 after 20 years of training. (I mean how hard is it to try to fit one more spoon, I ask you?)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /><br />Hiking with the kids is always accompanied by some weird games Antu comes up with. Shes the master of Questions. So this one time, we were playing a mix of "Would you rather", "Two Truths and a Lie" and "What would you do if..." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>Question 1:</b> Which one thing or one person would you take with you if you are stranded in an island?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />Me <i>(even before she finishes the question) </i>- Your father!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />The said father<i> (after thinking about it for 2 whole minutes)</i> - A dog!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>Question 2</b>: If theres one thing you would change about Appa/Amma, what would it be?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />Me <i>(after thinking about it for a bit)</i> - nothing exactly. No, wait a sec. I ll change something so that hes not allergic to pollen anymore. Hes really in a bad shape in spring.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />The said allergic Wimp <i>(immediately) </i>- Her anger! I ll make her less angry!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /><b>Question 3:</b> Two truths and a lie?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />Me <i>(Baring my heart and bringing out childhood trauma and untold secrets) </i>- </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />1. I had a crush on a boy when I was in 5th grade. (True.)<br />2. Once I did nt talk to my father for three whole months (Also true.)<br />3. When I was 15, I went on a hunger strike for 5 days. (Lie. It was only for 4 days!)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />The said Enigma:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />1. I like Jasmine<br />2. I like spiders better than bees<br />3. I like flying.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />I swear on God, I was ready to kill the man in spite of his 8/10 dishwasher loading capabilities. No one is that desperate for perfection! (Fine! Who am I kidding? Perfection or death is my motto in life!) Anyway, the man is the Ron to my Hermione. Especially his "emotional range of a teaspoon"! Of course, hes also an ace strategist like Ron and got out of his murder situation by explaining that he would nt want me to suffer with him stranded in an island and he would always want the best for me and went all deep with Q2 "I like you just the way you are. But you are always upset with yourself about your anger and I want only what you want for yourself"! (Ahem. Where's the damn tissue? May be I am allergic to pollen too? <i>*wipes tears*</i>) But that still does nt explain his LIE. He does nt like jasmine, it seems?? WHAAAAA? Which self respecting Tamil Male does nt like jasmine now?? Whats the next big reveal? He does nt like (H)alwa also? Anyway, I digress. What I am trying to say is that you think you know a man after twenty years of being his jailmate out of which the last 90 days, you were literally his cellmate thanks to the lockdown but he still manages to surprise you!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />Dear Enigmatic Idiot,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />I would hate you if I did nt love you so much. I don't know what good I did to deserve you in this life, but I hope I am doing enough good to deserve you in my next too. Happy 20th! </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Never stop surprising me.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />Always yours until the end of time <span style="font-size: x-small;">aka</span> the elusive 10/10,<br />S</span><br />
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B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986701.post-77333912474170533222020-04-27T00:03:00.000+02:002020-04-27T00:03:27.514+02:0027.04.2020<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Dearest Ashu,</span><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d9tGkQE1mgA/XqXieL4zcMI/AAAAAAAAHnw/MCz8lfV7JaARc9tLu8DCKqAD1Y7z84YFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_5088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d9tGkQE1mgA/XqXieL4zcMI/AAAAAAAAHnw/MCz8lfV7JaARc9tLu8DCKqAD1Y7z84YFQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_5088.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Yet another year gone by and you turn 15 today amidst interesting times. The last 6 weeks of being cooped up together in our house with the four of us with just a break here and there and we both have nt attempted to murder each other. As yet. I am so proud of both of us. Not just for these past weeks but the whole last year where I finally feel we have grown up in our tumultuous relationship. You are showing much maturity and I think Im inching towards being patient. A big phew and all that! That does nt mean you are nice or anything. You are the reputed snark queen in the house and sarcasm could be the lowest form of wit but its your choice of weapon to wield! Oh and how you wield it! I used to get so annoyed with your utter lack of respect and my oft repeated mantra "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything!" fell to deaf ears. But later I realized that a snarky, sarcastic Teen who is at least talking is better than one who keeps to herself and never shares anything! So bring it on, Girl! After all, you learnt from the best and I can give it back as good as I get it! Challenge accepted! </span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VxOsyIswNsY/XqXid92zAXI/AAAAAAAAHns/ySituRziBoA_W3XchVsiyoqEIFv21zV5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200426_185404.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VxOsyIswNsY/XqXid92zAXI/AAAAAAAAHns/ySituRziBoA_W3XchVsiyoqEIFv21zV5wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20200426_185404.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">You are very creative and have such clever hands. Be it playing the violin or plaiting your hair or your sisters. Playing Table tennis and winning medals in school tournaments or baking and decorating delicious and stunning cakes. Solving rubic cubes or drawing and sketching. Setting up elaborate projects on domino effect or making and editing ultra cool videos. You are a true star! Your talent astounds me and the amount of hard work and dedication and creativity you show at this age makes me feel like I was a total Buffoon when I was your age. And if my ego would allow me to say it, I still feel like one! </span><span style="color: black;">You still </span>have nt met<span style="color: black;"> a book you </span>did nt like<span style="color: black;"> and listen to music all the time! Billie Eilish is your current Queen and your devotion to her is up there with JK Rowling and that's saying something! Keep reading and keep yourself surrounded with music and do something creative every day of your life!</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eETDbX-z1js/XqXidlwxP1I/AAAAAAAAHno/sW37AEVhX2ETsKH-qRKT649TAI7YOaB2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_20200426_191011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eETDbX-z1js/XqXidlwxP1I/AAAAAAAAHno/sW37AEVhX2ETsKH-qRKT649TAI7YOaB2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_20200426_191011.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My second best moment of the past year would be our girls trip to Berlin back in October. I had always wanted to go on a trip with just us three girls and decided it was high time for me to adult and we flew to Berlin for 4 days. To put it mildly, I was terrified! But we had such fun and you were so responsible and were so happy and had such a good time that we were planning another trip even before we landed back in Basel. Which has nt happened yet and seeing how the world is going right now, it might not happen again in a long, long time but we will always have Berlin, won't we? And in December, we 4 went to the Andalusian region of Spain and we had a fantastic 8 days in Seville, Malaga, Granada and Cordoba. You were in love with the choice of food there especially the churros and chocolate combo and wanted so badly to extend the trip. We walked close to 100 kms in those 8 days and had an amazing time sight seeing. Even if we are quarantined for eternity, I could look back at all our family vacations and be content knowing how we have such a wonderful travel history. Especially you at this young age. Always remember that you have been gifted with this privilege and please pay it forward in any way you can.</span></div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-icyE-pJOooY/XqXidWwSOSI/AAAAAAAAHnk/E4IQ_4Zpn7AdBLCW0TeN-UY1DyZxZb6FQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_4527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-icyE-pJOooY/XqXidWwSOSI/AAAAAAAAHnk/E4IQ_4Zpn7AdBLCW0TeN-UY1DyZxZb6FQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_4527.JPG" width="240" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Now onto my most favorite heart melting moment of you at Age 14! A little history first. So its a known fact that I love Harry Potter. And I have a love/hate relationship with a certain Mr. Snape. Both you and Antu cannot for the lives of you understand why I adore him one moment and call him a selfish B@$T@&D, the next second. And having watched the movies like 17 times with Alan Rickman portraying Snape as if he was born to do the role does not help my case one bit. And I am ALWAYS, ALWAYS (Get it?) attracted to these kind of grey roles. Good is boring. Bad is terrible. But the ones in between are just right and delicious to devour in fiction. I love to analzyse these characters to death. And there's one scene in the 7th movie which is my favorite scene in the entire HP franchise: the back profile of Snape against a huge window.</span><span style="color: black;"> I love that scene and the framing and keep telling you all that I would love to own a poster of this frame whenever we watch the movie.(which is a lot!) Its just such a melancholic and breathtaking scene even without a single dialogue. So what do I see when I open my birthday present from you this year? A handmade notebook with a cover of the above said scene. WHICH YOU HAND PAINTED! I cried. I ugly cried. I cannot begin to describe the emotions I went through when I saw your thoughtful gift. All I will say is, I love you Pattu. Have a wonderful 15th Birthday. Stay blessed. Always.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Love,</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">அம்மா.</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><br />
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B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986701.post-53827692036853204702020-04-13T08:05:00.001+02:002020-04-13T08:05:45.375+02:00Life in times of Corona aka Life goes on...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Exactly one month ago, on my birthday, the lockdown began in Swiss. Hd had a dinner date planned for me and we were wondering whether to go or not. Ashu who loves any chance to get the adults of the house insisted that we go. "Could be the last time", the ever morbid teen prophesied. And I am glad we did! At least I ll remember fondly my last romantic meal in an Italian restaurant when I am dying on a overdose of Rasam and Rice with a side of kids whining and not to mention Hds annoying zoom calls!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The first week was a breeze. The kids were happy with no school. Hd was working from home and relaxed. I was cooking and cleaning and generally grateful for life. The second week was a bit crazy. The kids got school work and were stressed. Hd was putting out too many fires at the same time at work and I was cooking and cleaning and slightly grateful for life. The third week was painful. The kids were spending too much time on screen and fighting like dogs! Hd was using too many coffee mugs to my annoyance and I was cooking and cleaning and cursing my life. I planned to set up a hunger games sort of thing for the fourth week to see who would come out of it alive but I did nt want the prophecy of the resident teen to come true because obviously she would come out on top because she has been planning our murders for far too long! So I resigned to my fate and cooked and cleaned and screamed and yelled and all was back to normal. Amazing how we get used to things given enough time, huh? </span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hd and I go out for a walk almost every day. One of us go out to do groceries twice a week. We get almost everything. We are safe and healthy and relatively happy and still it feels like we are in a limbo. I stopped reading news except once a day. Not reading or clicking on any forwards unless and until a certain stubborn sibling calls up and yells at me to see it because I will like it! (I did nt!) I am reading like crazy. (Questionable content though! Don't ask!) I finished a 12 week coursera course I began in Jan as a new year resolution and am very proud of it. Began another short course three weeks back. I am so thankful for technology and all my privilege but still it does nt stop me from yelling at Hd when he comes back with Avocados from the grocery store. Current gen dudes are useless in the face of apocalypse or what? In his defense, it was on sale it seems! Like I said, we are doomed!</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Jokes aside, I hope you and your loved ones are safe. I hope the totem stops spinning soon! (The kids are nt the only ones with too much screen time!)</span></div>
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B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986701.post-38739983843986235032019-06-27T00:02:00.000+02:002019-06-27T00:02:05.909+02:0027.06.2019<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dearest Antu,</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPp6Y9iUQu_2yfrde33XVT-XoJmOO5IpnnrjL5ouRr9hAmnI1fp7BYKk1d7NAJ2_CqlGQd-z7nSuh_C4dBlxZsr8_BD1bH6DJ0088aDyEyXiXnAXRiomigLuGnqZ1Ixm0k8Bd/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_2da0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="429" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglPp6Y9iUQu_2yfrde33XVT-XoJmOO5IpnnrjL5ouRr9hAmnI1fp7BYKk1d7NAJ2_CqlGQd-z7nSuh_C4dBlxZsr8_BD1bH6DJ0088aDyEyXiXnAXRiomigLuGnqZ1Ixm0k8Bd/s200/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_2da0.jpg" width="142" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Your birthday party is already done and I wept so much while lighting the ELEVEN candle that you did even have to blow it out! If I was telling the previous sentence to a live audience, here's where you would have chipped in with a "you are lying, Amma. That did nt happen!" Sigh. You and your being fair and always so righteous! Thats you in a nutshell! Whether tattling to the teacher about your best friend cheating in a test (Ashu and I gasped in unison when you came home and reported this incident!) or speaking your mind (I like my room the way it is ok? You may not like it. But I do!) or helping me around the house without a peep or going above and beyond to help people, you are your great grand father and grandmother rolled into one! Do not ever change and keep the world at its toes!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesD4d5v0hO0xpFcwnMWpIbXVzARP4u4gooh1qmwQLliCKNewq2yqqFZFAeLcqOHGSn9SKK3yZDO2s-BnKq4SHcw7c38dXSOjaeItdYK97Aye_dfO6H1juDHIFN7aSKBhNJnCz/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_14a87.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgesD4d5v0hO0xpFcwnMWpIbXVzARP4u4gooh1qmwQLliCKNewq2yqqFZFAeLcqOHGSn9SKK3yZDO2s-BnKq4SHcw7c38dXSOjaeItdYK97Aye_dfO6H1juDHIFN7aSKBhNJnCz/s200/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_14a87.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Friends and family are everything to you. Of course we have to compete with lego friends and sylvanian family and every other cute little plastic thingies! You have a long list of requests for toys, books and apps that you absolutely "need" at any given point of time! Slime is the word of the year. Various liquids in various stages and smells line your shelves and sometimes my fridge too! "Poison! Do not eat!", you left a note thankfully! (Which your sister removed and stuck it in my muesli!!) Your dads shaving cream, my contact lens solution, shampoo, baking soda, everything is fair game in your slime making process! One liter of glue is one of your birthday presents this year! Music is life to you. We went to Anne Marie concert in May and when we surprised you and Ashu wi</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">th the concert tickets, you let out a ear piercing shriek and hugged me and started bawling because you were so overwhelmed! Its worth doing everything for you just to witness the sheer joy in your face. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Its lovely to travel with you. Whether we are visiting a museum or a cathedral, a beach or a national park, you are 100% into it and you ask a million questions and enjoy the little things. You walk for hours without complaining or whining. And most importantly, willing pose for my photos! You eat like a bird and that's quite a problem when we travel. But you are healthy and growing, so I guess I have to count my blessings. You love animals and collect info and trivia about them like a passion. Getting a dog would be your dream come true. Wonder when thats gonna happen though! You know everything about everyone. Whats our favorite color, favorite food, our likes and dislikes and individually cater to everyones needs. Theres never a dull moment with you around and you are the glue holding us all together and I thank you for that.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXxfb5Xn2pFfw8eDiu8PH01DkGGuG3bAHIByv7hJt2mJaIZJ5ZwZ-beIlyHIRRweo66ekGMWesDBsKsdA2-7G6cct8JPKZ_hjxkg8iH0zrVU92hX-hjRtIbVqN3KxdhNsqPdK/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_14e80.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOXxfb5Xn2pFfw8eDiu8PH01DkGGuG3bAHIByv7hJt2mJaIZJ5ZwZ-beIlyHIRRweo66ekGMWesDBsKsdA2-7G6cct8JPKZ_hjxkg8iH0zrVU92hX-hjRtIbVqN3KxdhNsqPdK/s200/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_14e80.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You are a confident and independent kid and I'm always learning from you a thing or two about loving and giving. The kind of mother I am to you is totally different from Ashu and its a very bittersweet feeling. We spend more time together and goof around more. You and Ashu are like chalk and cheese and its very difficult for me to be kind and nice to her when she's grumpy and is not ready to receive my love and kindness. How to give when one refuses to receive? But I look at you being your loving self and never changing the person you are in any situation. While I become a screaming banshee and unkind and mean and rude. Says a lot about me, does nt it? I tend to blame Ashu for bringing the worst in me but the worst should exist to come out right? If I keep changing myself that easily, who am I then? </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">This one time when Ashu was very mean to you, I told you to stop talking and interacting with your sister. And even though you were hurt by her, you pounced on me with a "But I want to talk to her, Amma. I don't care what she says or thinks about me. I will always like her!" I don't know how a spiteful me gave birth to this zen monk! You are also very emotional and empathetic and broke down and cried when we heard the news on 29th May that my paternal grand mother has passed away. You were affected by how much I was affected by the news and hugged me. How the tables turn! I would never forget that in my whole life. Thanks for being there for me, Kannamma. It means a lot to me. Happy 11th Birthday and keep spreading your love and kindness to the whole wide world!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">Love</span><br style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;" /><span style="caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333;">அம்மா. </span></span></div>
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B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986701.post-66620990201814943142019-06-06T10:52:00.001+02:002019-06-06T11:07:08.857+02:00Pattamma. (1916 - 2019) <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">My dearest grandmother (Pattamma to me) passed away last week at the over ripe age of 103. We were all expecting this. Actually praying for it. But when my mom sent this news at 7.22 am on a Wednesday morning, the world stopped spinning for a moment. I could nt talk. And I broke down and bawled like a baby. Well, I have always been a baby for her. My grandpa who I was extremely close to, passed away 20 years back and Pattamma never really fully recovered from his loss. With 6 daughters and 4 sons and dozens of grand kids and great grand kids and half a dozen great great grand kids, its an understatement to say that she lived a full life. And here I cant seem to manage two kids! I am so happy Ashu and Antu spent quite some time with her and knew her and will remember her. Ashu has played many a pallankuzhi games with her, helped her to scrape coconut, interviewed her for her school project (Pattamma had a pet green parrot growing up and it talked and repeated her mothers scoldings!) and has generally been around her more than Antu. Pattamma was smitten by Antu from the first time she saw her and like me, she was babied by her a lot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Pattamma was fit and healthy well into her 90s helping my parents around the house, washing her own clothes and climbing the stairs. But around 5 years back, she slipped on a step and broke her hip and everything went downhill from there. With every visit, I could see she was suffering more and more. Being bed ridden, being fed, having to wear a nightie instead of a saree, being helped by the nurse to take a shower, having to use diapers, .. everything was a torture for her. And she hated being a burden to her children especially to my parents and my uncle/aunt who took care of her between them. And when she turned 100, it was party time! All her 10 kids under one roof and all she wished was the sweet release of death. The last three years, that's all she thought about. "Naan eppo poven dee?", she will ask me and I would say I will pray for you, Pattamma. She was of sound mind and could see, hear and talk quite well until the very end. The last two years when we visited her, Antu would sing the carnatic songs she is learning and she enjoyed listening to her. Only 6 weeks back, Antu sang "vara veena" to her and Pattamma was mouthing the swarams and the lyrics along with her and her right hand was automatically tapping to the beat. It moved me to tears. The way our brain works is just amazing, no? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I will miss her kind voice the most. The way she said "Take care of yourself" and "Take extra care of the kids" (Nee udamba paathuko. Kuzhandhela jaakradhaya paathuko). You knew she meant it. They were nt just hollow words. Only a grand parent can give you that kind of unconditional love. "Be kind to the kids. Talk to them kindly. They are good kids. Be patient" she repeated this to me every time we met! Its another story that I never listened! A couple of years ago when she was talking to me and was complaining why God would nt take her away, I had a brilliant idea! "Why don't I take this pillow and smother you and kill you Pattamma? Do you want me to do it? Just nod your head and I will do it", I told her! Yes, we had that kind of relationship! Her reply is still echoing in my ears - "andha paavam unakku edhukku dee ma?" (I would nt want that sin in your hands!) I don't think I can love anyone like that ever in my life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">I love you very dearly Pattamma. And will remember you always. Your food. Your kindness. Our conversations. Your warmth. You suffered a lot in the final years and that broke my heart. If I could do one thing, I would like to see you now and tell you "You are gone, Pattamma. You have passed away. You got what you wanted. God did take you with him" and would like to see you smile one final time. "Neenga poitel, Pattamma."</span></span></span></div>
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B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986701.post-70642718843792957252019-04-27T00:01:00.000+02:002019-04-27T09:32:36.298+02:0027.04.2019<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dearest Ashu,<br />We celebrated your 1st birthday in India and now after all the years, we are here for your 14th birthday. From a Noddy themed birthday party where 100 people were invited to “I don’t want a party. I don’t want a cake. I don’t want any gifts, just get me a better phone. This one is dying”. May be you tried to say the same when you were 1 too and as usual I did nt listen! You are enjoying this trip and am glad I decided to come in this scorching heat because it’s so heart warming to see you so happy. When Thatha was driving the car from Kumbakonam to Chennai, you fought with me for the front seat and sat there and talked and laughed and enjoyed the trip with him. In contrast to Swiss where you put your headphones on and sit at the back and don’t say one word to me. You are so patient with both set of your grandparents and talk to them kindly and help them while you won’t even give the time of the day to your sister. I guess I need these India trips to realize that the problem is not you, it’s me!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWCqAEt5D7jO9wTUCh5N-Q3moEjGKUVmTVrO8LMbjowlUc3_xwhS70koNG4-fpvmNKVxEob-4bsGQSJhhlUklttrI_MSwpm3Y-uBSxMujalnu92pty3QvzAdMWgvexgJSpXn-/s1600/6A6551CB-F513-4C0D-9515-116211A1EDA2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKWCqAEt5D7jO9wTUCh5N-Q3moEjGKUVmTVrO8LMbjowlUc3_xwhS70koNG4-fpvmNKVxEob-4bsGQSJhhlUklttrI_MSwpm3Y-uBSxMujalnu92pty3QvzAdMWgvexgJSpXn-/s200/6A6551CB-F513-4C0D-9515-116211A1EDA2.jpeg" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Your big wish came true this year. You always wanted to go to the USA on your own to your aunts house and I thought it won’t happen in the near future because why would nt Antu and I come too? But then the universe conspired and Antus passport did nt come back in time and we let you go first and we both joined a week later. My heart was in my mouth when I waited at the boarding gate and you walked to the plane. I came home and kept tracking the plane and thought I must be the worst mom in the world! You had a wonderful week and everyone had only good things to tell about you. We also went to Austria for the ski holidays, to the beautiful Croatia and then recently to Canary Islands which you loved! Mainly for the resort we stayed in. “ Will you promise we will come back here, Amma?”, you asked when we were checking out and I thought what spoilt kids I am raising and how hard adulting is going to be for you both! But then we sleep on a mattress on the floor in India and your grandmother drags you in an Auto to temples and you want to come back here too every year. So I guess all’s not lost. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk21XMMgf54fNWWylgzJ3YfBk_47tq1-zXdHtHNrC7L3Ne-C9dDXiEFiEjmBGCTd2xySZTzX1vivW_6-Mu7f1HG6zhTiXAQOJYTPLfsKm9UNOCkPsa7fnlHi-aE7EI7W95dllw/s1600/39E82EF9-D2E1-4A4B-8BBC-D86478EC0970.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1334" data-original-width="750" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk21XMMgf54fNWWylgzJ3YfBk_47tq1-zXdHtHNrC7L3Ne-C9dDXiEFiEjmBGCTd2xySZTzX1vivW_6-Mu7f1HG6zhTiXAQOJYTPLfsKm9UNOCkPsa7fnlHi-aE7EI7W95dllw/s200/39E82EF9-D2E1-4A4B-8BBC-D86478EC0970.png" width="111" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You have adjusted to Basel now and have made a few friends. You are very hard working in school and doing good. Come rain or snow, you cycle to school, do your laundry, leave the kitchen sparkling after your baking experiments, a little perfectionist in whatever you do and it makes me so proud. In school this year, the kids need to find a job for one week in May. And you sent out resumes to a dozen companies and none of them were doing this short internship programmes. You tried in book shops and libraries as it’s your dream come true job! Then desperately got in touch with our neighbor and went for an interview and got the job in their manufacturing department. What an amazing experience! I hope you enjoy and learn a lot! Good luck, Chellam! You also sneakily watch Netflix, listen to Ariana Grande all day long and read like your life depends on it. You are continuing to learn violin and play a little bit of tennis and table tennis. But would rather stay in your room than get out of the house. And these days I have to check with you before accepting dinner invites because “I have a test on Monday. I have to study for it. I can’t come out” excuses have begun!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFe2yTlZd7nF8EvGAGOnDZszEOqY9s1uiup8frSM037YcqCW7fJEHRkmXyvV1Y6aUszJBmsNl7nQiYUkz77-q_TUg_sNtimf7hWwD_mvkC4iACo-saqUboxCEo6lyCTZn-8r-/s1600/84BBAAD7-9A48-40FC-A145-ED62CAA8B8D0.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFe2yTlZd7nF8EvGAGOnDZszEOqY9s1uiup8frSM037YcqCW7fJEHRkmXyvV1Y6aUszJBmsNl7nQiYUkz77-q_TUg_sNtimf7hWwD_mvkC4iACo-saqUboxCEo6lyCTZn-8r-/s200/84BBAAD7-9A48-40FC-A145-ED62CAA8B8D0.jpeg" width="150" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Our fights have got more intense and more frequent much to my utter disgust but I don’t know what to do about it. There’s a thin line between letting you do whatever you want and making you do whatever I want and I seem to be struggling to find it. Please know that I am trying. I swear on your favorite Nutella that you are precious to me. It’s not easy to like you at this grumpy age but it does nt change my undying love for you. Please believe. In yourself and in your mother. Antus devotion to you and your fathers pride in you will never diminish. Not to mention the extended family which thinks the Sun rises and sets for you! So much so that my father plays the skip card to Antu but never to you in the Phase 10 card game much to all our protest! If that’s not love, I don’t know what is! Though you are not touchy feely and vocal about your feelings, your love for everyone shines through when you bake for them or when you make something for them. I miss the cuddles and kisses and I love yous and I guess I have to grow up and accept that you are growing up. But please don’t feel shy to compliment, to love, to appreciate and to say a kind word, Ashu. Live life and live it well. Happy 14th Birthday, Chellamma! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br />Love<br />அம்மா. </span><br />
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B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986701.post-68977276196930549912018-10-29T15:34:00.000+01:002018-10-29T17:34:09.542+01:00Croatia.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNLA5jHvUb4_JWKArJjkkr4AB868tjXjY5zFcQVvTxw4zcagesoLl4_cDD9C3hMOVzQmaxb1QfbgQx2fFj8QIT6E_MdaznnBAELX2mynWVm3yOcWSs4nKIQBqaMpUoWaBme-D/s1600/IMG_9638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdNLA5jHvUb4_JWKArJjkkr4AB868tjXjY5zFcQVvTxw4zcagesoLl4_cDD9C3hMOVzQmaxb1QfbgQx2fFj8QIT6E_MdaznnBAELX2mynWVm3yOcWSs4nKIQBqaMpUoWaBme-D/s320/IMG_9638.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It was Destination Croatia during the fall break earlier this month. I don’t think I have ever visited a country and then not rave about it! So Croatia was no different. In fact, it will easily be in one of the top spots. What a spectacular place! We had a fantastic week and came back glowing! We landed in Split and rented a car and drove straight to Plitvice National Park. On the way, we made an unplanned stop at Krka National Park and one look at the view, the walk and the waterfalls and I was in love. I was wondering how Plitvice could be any more beautiful than this! But I was so so wrong! The next morning, we left early for the Plitvice lakes. Parked our car, bought our tickets and ventured inside. It was quite chilly until the sun came out. It is a huge park with 16 lakes and hundreds of waterfalls. Theres a wooden boardwalk all around the park. Short hikes. Caves. Stunning views. Boat rides. We spent about 8 hours there, walked about 12 kms and with barely any lunch as the choice of food inside the park was not great for vegetarians. But we did nt mind. It was a magical place. A slice of heaven on Earth. I was telling HD “Lets go back home now. Nothing else we see in Croatia is gong to match this!” Famous last words!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7NuTEENITEKw7pgyMjgCBcysDGBnuAtjK9hYGLe86oJcjxvlDNeRNmiqyhqp85yuRaGA7iDw_UYCikBneM1ge6TCYQUxDGETzMlYVUbPFrBjK6b5iBpQIm5IrVUMjx5TlCgO/s1600/IMG_9872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv7NuTEENITEKw7pgyMjgCBcysDGBnuAtjK9hYGLe86oJcjxvlDNeRNmiqyhqp85yuRaGA7iDw_UYCikBneM1ge6TCYQUxDGETzMlYVUbPFrBjK6b5iBpQIm5IrVUMjx5TlCgO/s320/IMG_9872.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The next day we drove back to Split stopping in Zadar for lunch. It was a quaint little port town. We found an amazing Italian place for lunch. Then we reached Split, chucked our luggage in the house we were staying and walked to the Diocletians Palace. We spent some time at the sea side, walking around and then called it a day. The next day, it rained in the morning. So we left late and drove to Trogir. Thankfully, the sun came up and we had a great time in Trogir. Its a small town by the Adriatic coast. The historic centre of the town is part of Unesco world heritage sites and it was pretty as a picture. Small alleys, cute shops, loads of restaurants,… We explored a bit and found a nice place for lunch. Then we drove back to Split and walked to the palace again, visited the city museum and hiked the Marjan hill before stumbling into a vegan restaurant for dinner.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMNZmnxXApobeGBD-jCoJHN6TEtfARH7pT6Wve6K0rXRj7jgTaOYYMHLBTwYi-exiQ3zGPZvfOP9OlvtfhuWXOe3fhAIKfyQVBm35rEghZ-qeqQyJLBEBTaKgTBXD0zQDAIbg/s1600/IMG_9971.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKMNZmnxXApobeGBD-jCoJHN6TEtfARH7pT6Wve6K0rXRj7jgTaOYYMHLBTwYi-exiQ3zGPZvfOP9OlvtfhuWXOe3fhAIKfyQVBm35rEghZ-qeqQyJLBEBTaKgTBXD0zQDAIbg/s320/IMG_9971.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Day 5 was the highlight of the trip. Giving stiff competition to Plitvice was Brac Island. We took a ferry from Split to Supetar and then drove to the Bol beach. I swear that that was the most beautiful beach and the most beautiful spot in the world. White pebble beach. Bluest of blue water. So calm like a pool with no waves. Absolutely no crowd. Water was warm enough to go for a swim. And the most interesting fact is that the beach is V shaped with the Adriatic Sea on both sides and I have never seen anything like this in my life. I was going round and round like a dog exploring the small stretch with pine trees on one side, beach on either side. We swam for a bit and then I sat and kept looking at the water in a trance. I never wanted to leave. Hd and Antu had to be dragged out of the water too. We had a blast. Ashu was happy that she found a crepe stand and was stuffing her face with a nutella crepe. Not wanting to miss the ferry back, we drove back with a small detour for a breathtaking view of the beach from a cliff! The ferry ride back to Split with the spectacular sunset would be etched in my memory forever.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nuQSzwP5mHkjrY0Nh8ZigNkqI2WCDdUPO2GYobQ4rO_z6ZRpgvnUWD9u_SNwnSTapbunCkF2k7lBjWgHIBLat5iP9d-_-N_9dQ6qOqX6W90H0MSivNgrouTnZOy7Ip-OBikS/s1600/IMG_0319.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1nuQSzwP5mHkjrY0Nh8ZigNkqI2WCDdUPO2GYobQ4rO_z6ZRpgvnUWD9u_SNwnSTapbunCkF2k7lBjWgHIBLat5iP9d-_-N_9dQ6qOqX6W90H0MSivNgrouTnZOy7Ip-OBikS/s320/IMG_0319.jpg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Day 6 we drove to Dubrovnik and usually I am not impressed with hyped up places and I was like “bring it on”! But clearly I don’t learn a lesson. After a pizza lunch, we walked to the old city and it felt like we walked into a movie set or went back in time! I also realized why Plitvice and Brac Island were almost empty. Everyone was in Dubrovnik! It was mad crowd everywhere. We explored a bit and then walked back to our house. Though it was about 15 mins walk, we had to climb like a million stairs! Every side street is a staircase, I tell you! Am glad we went when we went. I don’t think my knees would take this in my old age! Which is not very far!!! On the next day, Hd and I woke up early and walked to the old city to look at the sunrise. With no crowd, the place was even more beautiful. We came back after breakfast with the kids and visited the Fort Lovrijenak, Rectors Place, a few churches, went for a walking tour inside the city and had lunch at another nice Vegan place we found. We also bought tickets to walk the city walls and it was a stunning stunning view from the walls. By the end of the day, we had walked 16 kms and climbed 78 floors. Kudos to the girls!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Our last day, we drove back to Split from Dubrovnik. We decided to drive via Bosnia and make a quick stop in Mostar to see the pictueresque medieval old bridge. The drive was long in narrow roads with no village or town in sight. And hardly any cars. Finally we reached Mostar, grabbed some lunch and took a few pics and were on our way to Split. There were like a million Pomegranate trees lining the road and a kind man gave me two for free! They were yummy! Our flight was early next day and I don’t know how one week flew by. For the first time, we stayed with Airbnb for the entire trip. Usually I hate to make beds and fix our own meals in vacation because thats all I seem to do in my life and always prefer hotels. But this was a pleasant experience. Lots of friends have warned us about food in Croatia. So it worked out well that we managed lunch outside and fixed ourselves a simple dinner almost every night. There was more space and character and it was nice to talk to the local hosts. So thats that! Croatia - I will be back!</span><br />
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B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986701.post-64266963950813644112018-06-27T00:01:00.000+02:002018-06-26T23:49:20.795+02:0027.06.2018<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1qy4A6F1UjD4lyVBSwc2c2HUNCtjoU_pZMO1nacgcwBSIxEYeYNVWXF5oat_wpOlR6Usr1MJP1RLWu-ssWL2Z3aZwDg-lA-fcVdJ3-H91jutDCS0Y8nmXnHmn6ijWufSJSKb/s1600/DSC_0846.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1065" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL1qy4A6F1UjD4lyVBSwc2c2HUNCtjoU_pZMO1nacgcwBSIxEYeYNVWXF5oat_wpOlR6Usr1MJP1RLWu-ssWL2Z3aZwDg-lA-fcVdJ3-H91jutDCS0Y8nmXnHmn6ijWufSJSKb/s200/DSC_0846.JPG" width="131" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You are 10 today. I feel like I am 100. People we meet in the parks and on the street used to give a big smile when you were a toddler with your chubby face and curly hair. And I did nt have eyes for anyone but you. And now I am longingly looking at other peoples babies and sighing. How did this happen to me? What is your hurry to grow up? It has taken me three years to accept that your sister hit double digits and before I could digest the fact that she's a teen now, you have to go and grow up on me. Not fair! And as if to make things worse, you have a sleepover tonight at your school and even your teacher said you don't have to stay since its your birthday. But NO!!! Whats a silly mother compared to a school sleepover?! Traitor!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBffKrtfb_pp2US-7cubeCvOtQkwPI5m9loATjB1LlF-X5Px34qg45iqIFfpjHxn77VJlpQX-F9QgJaA24FCFXGW3TgPvREcdMGOGoRy3ruVu2Ql2-MK3ddJ7Fa0o46-gmnzu/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_f737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZBffKrtfb_pp2US-7cubeCvOtQkwPI5m9loATjB1LlF-X5Px34qg45iqIFfpjHxn77VJlpQX-F9QgJaA24FCFXGW3TgPvREcdMGOGoRy3ruVu2Ql2-MK3ddJ7Fa0o46-gmnzu/s200/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_f737.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">This year was a big change for all of us with the move to Basel but you were the one who truly took it in your own stride and has already made a beautiful life here. Friends in the neighborhood - check. BFFs in school - check. Ballet class - check. Piano lesson - check. Playdates and birthday invites - check and check! And we also found a carnatic music teacher for you and you are enjoying the lessons quite a bit. You have a sweet voice and a good musical sense and memorize songs so quickly. Its amazing to watch your progress in the last one year. I have zero knowledge in this subject and your father is worse than me so good job overcoming our genes. We celebrated your birthday last weekend with 4 of your school friends. Thats 4 more people than what I had on my birthday, so good job there as well! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUa4EUXdj_Q4jDI_-DmCkwWBa8Nmq8jQxIvD9cbe3_soX4pNmS8XwAPaO0zp18VlIOxkj0lCnehEwlU1Wo_tObeZegmKOcjsgJITTjM9qAPdTVFtslHJyFHSk40oSTnQFfXul4/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_12855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUa4EUXdj_Q4jDI_-DmCkwWBa8Nmq8jQxIvD9cbe3_soX4pNmS8XwAPaO0zp18VlIOxkj0lCnehEwlU1Wo_tObeZegmKOcjsgJITTjM9qAPdTVFtslHJyFHSk40oSTnQFfXul4/s200/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_12855.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">You still love traveling and the great outdoors. You enjoyed your London trip last year. And every park and every museum. I love your company and picked you to go with me when I got two tickets free for the Foundation Beyeler Art Gallery recently. Not that I had anyone else to go with! (Monet was good Amma but I did nt like Bacon. Why is his self portrait so ugly? He does nt look that ugly in his photo!) We have an ongoing bet in our house that you can't last longer than a minute without laughing! You laugh all the time. Everything is funny. You find mundane stuff hilarious! Please don't ever change. And your love for animals is ever growing. You would do anything to get a dog. The other day we found a small dead bird in our balcony and Ashu would nt even step into the balcony and I was feeling very weird too. But you were the one who moved it into a bag and threw it away. My big little brave girl!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR081b_JYIarnfEQ9HXhZee1uQclCcN8O-Wpq2fYfYrCEd3cCvQFWOTe7jcaerZKKliHXVcbszrcMqD8FxPoGmQRG1PIg6-zy3HV4ibkCecXZm_BZvTOrUGF1qEoYM2rjtmwlm/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_138e5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR081b_JYIarnfEQ9HXhZee1uQclCcN8O-Wpq2fYfYrCEd3cCvQFWOTe7jcaerZKKliHXVcbszrcMqD8FxPoGmQRG1PIg6-zy3HV4ibkCecXZm_BZvTOrUGF1qEoYM2rjtmwlm/s200/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_138e5.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">One day you decided you were going to cook an entire meal and baked bread. Made soup. Cooked pasta. And made these pretty little dessert with puff pastry. Only with little help from me. Another day you saw the yoga mat on the floor and created this elaborate set up with all your stuffed toys and we were nt allowed to move anything for a week! Like I need an excuse not to exercise! For your sisters birthday, you decided you wanted </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Harry Potter decor on the cake and did all the research. Shopped for the decor items and patiently decorated it too. Your sister who is not that easily impressed was simply stunned. And you were so happy that she was happy. Yet another day you decided you were going to be a part time DOG and named yourself Yoyo and would answer me with a bark whenever I called you. How can you be so annoyingly cute? Keep enjoying your life, Kannamma. Happy 10th Birthday!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br />Love,<br />அம்மா.</span><br />
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B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986701.post-75202228955977281122018-05-08T14:06:00.002+02:002018-05-08T14:06:58.852+02:00Gopala Gopala...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqSNaTuD1aV9X9xWu0iuW5xYyYyF6ESMDjNSNBqe2Z3pfJQ_iwqvInXD1e9OaLYGaik-zHwWXBYDvzGmgQD2em_bVKvM21gX8lojzkjEOnVDY3CVCsTFn0VKrNs0z-EJvHEtV/s1600/thumb_13a5a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAqSNaTuD1aV9X9xWu0iuW5xYyYyF6ESMDjNSNBqe2Z3pfJQ_iwqvInXD1e9OaLYGaik-zHwWXBYDvzGmgQD2em_bVKvM21gX8lojzkjEOnVDY3CVCsTFn0VKrNs0z-EJvHEtV/s320/thumb_13a5a.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Antu and her Perippa FaceTiming.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Antu - Did u see the chicks? 🐤</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Perippa - Cakes aa?🍰</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Not cake! Chick! 🐣</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Check aa?🤑</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">NO! CHICKS!!!🐥</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">What?🤔</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Me - *<i>singing</i>* kozhi kunja thedi vandha gopala? 🎶</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Perippa - Oh!! Chicks aa?? 🐤🐣🐥</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Antu - 😡</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Antu's class is raising chicks. The eggs hatched last week. Highlight of her life!</span></div>
B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986701.post-37261931405267623182018-04-27T11:07:00.001+02:002018-04-27T11:07:37.872+02:0027.04.2018<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dearest Ashu,</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hGjf_bHKyoVwjVzKxX2XcePxlX14QQ11Mx2T30-ZNhAnyM1K39aQm3LlE7560AeBTRgCKwvOwKqoeY7eKXVt_JYV5otyWcDNs-0LWfhzUuTQ6Q7jSIPFHssOluggy18H9neL/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_d10d.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8hGjf_bHKyoVwjVzKxX2XcePxlX14QQ11Mx2T30-ZNhAnyM1K39aQm3LlE7560AeBTRgCKwvOwKqoeY7eKXVt_JYV5otyWcDNs-0LWfhzUuTQ6Q7jSIPFHssOluggy18H9neL/s200/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_d10d.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">13. 13. 13. Give me a second. Let it sink. THIRTEEN. Fine. I have officially a teen living in my house. There. I said it. You are celebrating your birthday in Basel for the first time after you were born here so I am extra nostalgic and emotional this year, if thats possible. We both went shopping yesterday to get you some summer clothes and when we got back home late evening, I had this acute deja vu. How thirteen years back, your grandma and I were coming back from grocery shopping and I was lunging a heavy bag and Paati said I don't look like I will deliver anytime soon. But of course, you arrived the same night proving her wrong. This wee little thing I was expecting to meet. I get the possessive mothers and the arrogant fathers now. How this little thing we gave birth to can make independent decisions? How can they talk back to us? How can they tell us what to do? How can anyone be more important to them than us? I am so glad I don't have sons. I would make a horrible MIL. Just keep me in check and warn your future partner, Ashu!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SFMcPhphUab6iMxFK1iYpvPzCxifVwboR9OBIo_IcO_4UeBhilCiT_Si_fnOfvP18l4YPoakqhkAF12hI86Jk4NZHe8NUbP7LhyphenhyphenzpKFS5zpPMVDKpKPCRdxqbUXWKVfoicpL/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_e35f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2SFMcPhphUab6iMxFK1iYpvPzCxifVwboR9OBIo_IcO_4UeBhilCiT_Si_fnOfvP18l4YPoakqhkAF12hI86Jk4NZHe8NUbP7LhyphenhyphenzpKFS5zpPMVDKpKPCRdxqbUXWKVfoicpL/s200/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_e35f.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This year was very hard for you since we moved to Basel from Zurich and you hated us for that. You have not made a single friend here in the last 9 months and it is very worrying. When I bring up the topic you have a very clear answer. "I have friends. They are in Zurich" and of course the eye roll and the groan and the accusing glance all accompany that statement. Sigh. But you say you are happy and ask me not to worry. So I won't for now. You have become super independent. You wake up on your own, dress up and do your hair, pack your snack and your lunch and cycle to school which takes 6 mins. You take trams and go to your various classes. You even took a tram and went to a shopping mall to buy a gift for your friend (zurich friend, of course!!) when I did nt have time to take you. You really wanted to go to the USA on your own and see your uncle and aunt. But baby steps, ok? </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_ePF5ttLXiZt-Da_gbScAUN3axU-qQzmmq9P9xboiYeBoJLxlSRRffiSabW280DL4ggq7I5__OioE0EYu3NcomEAOIPR_tCQalNXNGuoyGDM45VpU7KqSf6jsrSzlef6Uz7P/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_f9db.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV_ePF5ttLXiZt-Da_gbScAUN3axU-qQzmmq9P9xboiYeBoJLxlSRRffiSabW280DL4ggq7I5__OioE0EYu3NcomEAOIPR_tCQalNXNGuoyGDM45VpU7KqSf6jsrSzlef6Uz7P/s200/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_f9db.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Even though you hate to step out of the house, you like to see new places especially the food! When I was looking for photos of you from last year, the only photos you let me take of you were the ones with food! Crepes with nutella and banana, Ice cream sundaes, cakes, any dish with paneer in it, nachos, pizza, pasta,... Now that the summer is almost here, I am making banana milk shakes for you every other day and sometimes I feel the only reason you even tolerate me is because I cook! You have this fiercely independent streak right now and you can't bear it that I am bossing you around and you have to be dependent. That you can't binge watch season 2 of series of unfortunate events. That you can't eat read all day and all night long. That you don't have a mini fridge in your room!!!!! Slow down dude! I would like to be alive and kicking at the end of your teens too, ok?</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhle8gAIUdlGHtdcAmJz5mYWP7G7qodU5R0zN8-vkC60YT7QqGQ5B006VClYeaa-8v82iB8_IBkrzM2zYVb_RMVQah1l_YsrI-N8Mrav6I91wym7zDhnxWw7L96de2s3rqkmVMu/s1600/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_d189.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; display: inline !important; float: right; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhle8gAIUdlGHtdcAmJz5mYWP7G7qodU5R0zN8-vkC60YT7QqGQ5B006VClYeaa-8v82iB8_IBkrzM2zYVb_RMVQah1l_YsrI-N8Mrav6I91wym7zDhnxWw7L96de2s3rqkmVMu/s200/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_d189.jpg" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We made a big deal this morning. You got a denim jacket, the harry potter illustrated book, cash, your father made you nutella crepe for breakfast and I made you lunch and dropped you at school. You were all smiles and thanked us so many times and looked so happy. It pains me that you are so grumpy most of time and thats mainly because of all that we expect from you. Growing up sucks. One wants all the freedom that comes with it but not the responsibilities. When I was a teen, I remember all I wanted to do was skip physics tuition and watch Doogie Howser MD (from Doogie to Count Olaf, I see a pattern here, Neil Patrick Harris!) But now that I am the parent, I have to police you. Its hard for me too. I hate to have become this monster mom. I will try to tone it down though. I promise. Anyway, welcome to your teens! Happy 13th Birthday! </span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Enjoy the best years of your life. You will always be my baby girl, Kutti!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Love,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(51, 51, 51); color: #333333; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">அம்மா.</span><br />
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B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986701.post-576112304368012462018-04-10T10:44:00.001+02:002018-04-10T10:44:57.775+02:00Antu's First School Trip.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3dRz7ujCs4nsrJs3ptVsv3WhJRJClmGEifp7-387qIArOQJ1SuUFhbkE7XIXkmz_QnEcTFEkf_n1M5fDvpKH-QQO-0ez3IshYtX8VS7ofeVSdpjZcrnkZEOZVbeiPBgJMqkq/s1600/IMG_5690.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="600" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS3dRz7ujCs4nsrJs3ptVsv3WhJRJClmGEifp7-387qIArOQJ1SuUFhbkE7XIXkmz_QnEcTFEkf_n1M5fDvpKH-QQO-0ez3IshYtX8VS7ofeVSdpjZcrnkZEOZVbeiPBgJMqkq/s320/IMG_5690.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">May 2013 - Ashu went on her first school trip. I worried about it for a month. <a href="http://boosbabytalk.blogspot.ch/2013/05/ashus-first-school-trip.html" target="_blank">Wrote a blogpost how worried I was.</a> Hd, my dad and I walked to her school and sent her off and came back home with a heavy heart.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Today - Antu went on her first school trip. I kind of remembered about it only this weekend. Hurriedly helped her pack last night. Forgot to even mention about the trip to important family members like my dad! I walked her to school this morning and said goodbye and left even before she got into the bus. The only consistent thing was my question to her if she really wanted to go on the trip. And she consistently rolled her eyes and walked off!</span></div>
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B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986701.post-44596477915004750652018-03-05T15:13:00.000+01:002018-03-05T15:13:22.551+01:00Solo Trip to Iceland.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRqBzimpfL5jyHomzbT8CXam2SF3KuOQOdHcEAi7I1EXd9iAvMv-vJ-EaisRuQWrGrlBJ8wgjYgLBFf6hRRVBhtoRV8ISU7DPIXEkTSRtNl3zA_-HcF4c8cb0ge9z4w4uUaHa/s1600/IMG_4200.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSRqBzimpfL5jyHomzbT8CXam2SF3KuOQOdHcEAi7I1EXd9iAvMv-vJ-EaisRuQWrGrlBJ8wgjYgLBFf6hRRVBhtoRV8ISU7DPIXEkTSRtNl3zA_-HcF4c8cb0ge9z4w4uUaHa/s320/IMG_4200.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A solo trip before turning 40 has been in my bucket list for the last 5 years and finally it happened in the nick of time. Even though I have lived alone for a while during college and later for a couple of months when Hd was abroad, I have never traveled to a new place and stayed in a hotel all by myself. I was a bit scared and kept putting it off and there are not many options in winter and I decided to do a trip in spring or summer. But the trip was meant to be, I guess. The dear husband thought he can't miss this opportunity to get rid of his wife and surprised me with flight tickets to Reykjavik! One week in Iceland in February! Any more proof needed for his evil plan? I shopped for new hiking boots, new winter jacket, new cap and new gloves. I even practiced taking a good selfie! I was like a kid on first school day! I was also extremely nervou</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'trebuchet ms', sans-serif;">s and the thought that I have to take decisions on my own without consulting another adult was petrifying. I never realized how dependent and spoilt I am! Not to mention, I can't use my kids as shields! Wont have parents or friends or sister as buffer. Who am I going to be on this trip?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I planned and planned and decided to do Reykjavik on my own for two days and a 5 days trip with a tour company. Booked hotels after double checking with the husband. Booked the tour after triple checking with him. Found out that I have forgotten to book hotel for one more night and did that after talking to him. Currency, R? Do I need to take the big suitcase, R? Should I buy a sim card there, R? Airport shuttle bus, R? Im sure Hd was extremely confused at this point on how his super independent, bossy wife has turned into this scaredy cat! I even tried to bribe the girls to come with me but they would nt fall for it. Oh yes, about the girls. A cousin of mine asked how were the girls reacting to my solo trip plan and thats when I realized there was no reaction! Hd and I kept talking about it and planning and the kids knew about it but did nt really say anything. Except that I saw Ashus eyes gleam with happiness whenever I mentioned how I am going to be away for a week! With a family like this, who needs enemies? </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJqKBWAltsYkURqPcBI0syOn19oVOiESLpIpSGIYn8vGdDJvMxjEAsJNp_66FecSo5XP-FuEZeLpRJdBNMbtfMMCl7FdbPBsQbXBwu0q3t8LT5Dz4wBXelqdY7gAo_7ozo6Nb/s1600/IMG_3460.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIJqKBWAltsYkURqPcBI0syOn19oVOiESLpIpSGIYn8vGdDJvMxjEAsJNp_66FecSo5XP-FuEZeLpRJdBNMbtfMMCl7FdbPBsQbXBwu0q3t8LT5Dz4wBXelqdY7gAo_7ozo6Nb/s320/IMG_3460.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">9th February arrived and Hd dropped me at the airport at the crack of dawn and then I was on my own. I had this huge smile on my face during the flight sitting in my window seat without the girls on my either side. It felt like I was out of prison on parole!<span class="sewtmm6qlmasufq"></span><span class="sewj66dq6kebh05"></span> Reykjavik was fantastic. I could walk everywhere and see everything and the walking tour was the best way to explore and to get an idea of the city and what interests me. Had an early dinner and went to my hotel. The next day was the beginning of the 5 Day Tour with the <span style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #0a0a0a; line-height: inherit; text-transform: uppercase;" title="5 Day South Coast, Snaefellsnes and Northern lights">A</span>rctic Adventures travel company. I had a great time with the other people in the group and we all had dinner together every night and got to know each other. And this was so refreshing for me since we never do that when we travel as a family. And the whole point of going solo is to go through these new experiences. Day 1 of the tour was excellent. We visited the must see in the South coast including a lava tube and it was total winter wonderland and freezing cold!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">A storm hit Iceland the next day and all plans were cancelled and we reached Reykjavik by noon and I spent the day watching 3 movies on TV and stepping out only for dinner. It was extremely windy and I could nt walk more than 5 minutes. The next day was was the beginning of the <span style="box-sizing: inherit; color: #0a0a0a; line-height: inherit; text-transform: uppercase;" title="5 Day South Coast, Snaefellsnes and Northern lights">SNAEFELLSNES </span>peninsula tour and a few new people joined the group and we also had a new driver/guide, Maria. She was amazing and I would strongly recommend this company to everyone.<span class="m_3426217504366585588sewvy3gtapgtro3"></span><span class="m_3426217504366585588sewolly1jvbhozf"></span> Thankfully the weather was nt crazy that day and we could do the Golden circle, black sand beach, see icelandic horses upclose and also two stunning waterfalls. I might have lost a few fingers and toes but it was totally worth it! Going from Swiss, I had completely under estimated how cold it would be in Iceland. Its never this windy in Swiss thanks to the mountains and since Iceland is completely open to the elements, it was crazy windy with snow flying everywhere and theres no way in hell a tourist could drive in such conditions. Renting a car in Island is perfectly safe and a great idea in summer but extremely dangerous in winter. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuremimfUNMLlvRL-Vt_u2gIGqfy7knAweASSMEaFsUwUC1KMiYQYUu3UTKxQvGTP52hpXkw6y8c9TvrU9fGzZJXyE4X6b_XqlmyswIVxb3sjk0PjnEf-PzEJtwVY5j-Jncyyv/s1600/IMG_E4094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuremimfUNMLlvRL-Vt_u2gIGqfy7knAweASSMEaFsUwUC1KMiYQYUu3UTKxQvGTP52hpXkw6y8c9TvrU9fGzZJXyE4X6b_XqlmyswIVxb3sjk0PjnEf-PzEJtwVY5j-Jncyyv/s320/IMG_E4094.JPG" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">The sun was out the next day too and it was the best of all days! I fell in love with the diamond beach and the glacier lagoon and the Glacier cave tour and the monster truck drive in the glacier. It was like being in a different planet. The black sand and the ice crystals shining like diamonds. The bluest of blue glaciers. The stunning views. I did nt want the day to end. It kind of did nt because two girls in the group and I stood out for 3 hours in the freezing cold that night to look for the northern lights as it was the first clear night sky since we got there and though we saw like a million stars, the aurora forecast was nt great for that day and we finally gave up around midnight. Every night before and after were cloudy or snowy and that was a little bit upsetting that I could nt see the northern lights in this trip since I was so looking forward to it and believed that I will get lucky at least once in an entire week. But Ms.Aurora had other plans. But I should nt complain. Iceland is amazing in winter and jaw-droppingly stunning!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Day 5 of the tour hit bad weather again and the roads were closed. We waited the storm out and started driving towards Reykjavik around 2 pm only and reached around 9.30 pm and I said good bye to the group with a heavy heart. The next day went in walking around Reykjavik and catching the sights I did not see the first day, shopping and ending the day relaxing in a thermal bath. The next day on 16th Feb, I had a morning flight back to Basel and when I got home at 4 pm, the girls opened the door for me with a huge bouquet of flowers and also yelling at each other for some random thing, so it was straight back to reality! I heard from Hd, my sis and my mom at different points of time that Antu was uncharacteristically quiet and that she missed me. At least, some one still needs me! And when I asked Ashu if she missed me at any point of time, she answered "only this morning, Amma. When I baked a cake for you and it got stuck in the tin!" My poor little darlings!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">* Iceland is SO expensive. And thats saying something living in the Swiss! Everyday, I ate the complimentary breakfast and packed a fruit and 2 slices of toast for lunch. And carried some snacks. Dinner was the only meal I spent on and that too only because it was nice to meet new people and also I was really hungry!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">* Reykjavik is the northern most capital city in the world and street art was quite big there. The streets were so pretty. People are extremely nice and kind.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">* Except in Reykjavik, all the other hotels I stayed in were in totally remote places in the middle of nowhere and the views were fantastic. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">* Theres this one ring road which goes around the island for about 1300 kms and the only way to explore the country is by driving on our own or through one of the travel companies. Theres no public train system.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">* I created an Instagram account finally before this trip to upload photos and keep in touch with folks. Heres the link - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mail2subha/">https://www.instagram.com/mail2subha/</a> All the white, grey and black photos are taken in Iceland. A good friend who visited Iceland last summer refused to believe my photos were taken in the same places she went to!<span class="sewj66dq6kebh05"></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">* This trip was so liberating for me. I did nt wake up in the morning with the list of things to do. I was not charge of anyone but me. When I wanted to step out, it took 5 minutes from the the time I had the thought to actually get out. Every meal time was so peaceful and in the moment and every time I was looking at a spectacular view, I was nt worrying if the kids are enjoying it the way I want them to! Its very difficult to explain in words. I actually wanted to go for a 3 or 4 days trip and when Hd said one week, I was shocked. But it was a perfect week and I could nt have asked for more. Thank you my dear husband for the greatest birthday gift this stay at home mom could ever have, whatever your intentions may be! :)</span></div>
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B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986701.post-60873630525436485332018-01-16T11:56:00.003+01:002018-01-16T11:56:45.781+01:00Madras, Margazhi, Music & More.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hope 2018 is going good for everyone. We were in India for two weeks for the christmas holidays. The day we landed, we attended the Ranjani-Gayatri concert at Narada Gana Sabha and nothing we did in the rest of the trip matched that high point. Antu and I had the privilege to sit in the very first row and completely drowned in the duos music. I felt tears rolling down my cheeks during "<i>charnam charanam Raghu Rama</i>". Something totally magical happened the entire 2 hours 45 minutes and I can't put it in words even if I tried. Just a heartfelt thanks to the Universe.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The kids had a blast though Ashu never wanted to leave the house even there! Was hooked to the star movies and HBO channel and she watched like 4 movies a day! I kept my mouth shut. We went to Kumbakonam for two days and the kids were so upset that we were nt staying longer. It was good to see my grandmother who is 101 years old now. Good and heart breaking at the same time. Antu sang a few songs to her and it was such a sweet moment. It was so strange to go home when my mom was nt there. (She's in Canada.) I felt grown up finally! Adulting is hard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Otherwise, the entire trip was one Food Marathon. Hd came with us on an India trip after like 5 years so we made the most of it and ate our weights worth! We also went for morning walks in the beach to balance it out a bit. New years eve dinner at Rain Tree was fantastic. Nothing like Indian hospitality. We were waited on hand and foot and the staff were so thoughtful and nice and surprised the kids with a gift, it was a memorable dinner! Hd and I left the kids and managed a dinner at Hamsa, which was out of the world! The decor, the plating, the staff,.. everything was extraordinary. The food was heavenly! But I don't understand the appetizer portion sizes in India. They are huge! Hd and I got greedy and ordered three starters and we could nt even finish them between ourselves and went straight to dessert after that. I think I have to go again next time to try their main course. But the Raw banana and pomegranate tikki and the apple jalebi (again 4 huge pieces which we could nt finish!) were sublime! Its best if we are at least a group of 4 people to go to any restaurant in Chennai. However do lone diners manage?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wishing everyone a belated Pongal and hope 2018 brings all things wonderful!</span></div>
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B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986701.post-74023151184481016012017-12-11T00:11:00.001+01:002017-12-11T00:11:59.970+01:00My Daddy Strangest!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">There is this riddle about two fathers and two sons and there are three seats in a train and all of them get a seat. How? Antu asked me this once. I gave her the simple answer that there was a grandfather, a father and a son. But I guess its deeper than that simple answer. My father is visiting us. My mom visited us in May and exhausted her visa and finally dad agreed to come after lot of nagging and whining and complaining. (all by Antu!) Anyway, Mom also gallivanted to Canada to visit my cousin (her <i>peraadha pullai*</i>, in her own words!) and is kooch-icooing with her grand niece much to Antus jealousy. (fine! I am jealous too! But only a little.)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyway, back to my fathers trip. He has been here for a few weeks. Antu is over the moon and spends every waking minute with him. Ashu smiles and laughs a lot more than usual and is so patient and so nice and kind to him that I am both proud and sad at the same time. Things were all fine for the first two weeks when I kept my mouth shut and ignored everything and did nt say a word against Ashu, the only person my dad would save even if its her against the rest of his entire family! The one day I lost my patience, all hell broke loose. I was the mother, no longer the daughter. He was the grandfather, no longer the father. Ashu was nt sure what she was at the moment. Hd regretted the day he said yes to this dysfunctional family and went to sleep! And Antu picked up a book and shut herself in her room. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Long story short, it was very, very awkward. A 68 year old man yelling at his 39 year old daughter because she yelled at her 12 year old daughter. He just does nt get the irony. I wanted to be his little girl and cry on his shoulders but I was afraid I would strangle him instead. God knows what he was thinking because the man does nt believe in talking. Shoving everything under the carpet is his speciality. And here you think you are doing so much better than your parents only to find out that theres no pleasing when it comes to your children and they hate you no matter what! Yes, yes, I get that irony too. Do you get the riddle now?</span></div>
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B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986701.post-22684294201809687512017-10-26T14:03:00.000+02:002017-10-26T14:03:16.894+02:00London.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnb-IeTRh_HVC3ZavqsBRYWl4Qd4HBGw8OIV8YskxlKJb8G-Tei_wMESlfwkccI76BIStquUCuoRhDiQXE84GNMfrqmq3UO1aHeumWepVkxUcMnepsQ9YUaiyXi-2olsg0P7j/s1600/IMG_0971.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinnb-IeTRh_HVC3ZavqsBRYWl4Qd4HBGw8OIV8YskxlKJb8G-Tei_wMESlfwkccI76BIStquUCuoRhDiQXE84GNMfrqmq3UO1aHeumWepVkxUcMnepsQ9YUaiyXi-2olsg0P7j/s200/IMG_0971.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Hd and I lived in the UK for a few years long before the kids came along. It was my first "foreign trip" and first foreign home so it has always been extra special. That was 14 years back. In the last 10 years of living in Swiss, we have always wanted to visit London. Especially, to take the kids there but the visa was painful to get and so expensive. Not to mention, there were so many Schengen countries to visit so London had to wait. Finally it happened earlier this month. I was so excited to visit London and thrilled to take the girls. The spoilt brats were of course whining why we had to go anywhere at all not knowing that I had a huge surprise for them. I realized quite late that the Harry potter Studio tickets need to be purchased in advance and scrambled just a week before our trip and there were tickets only on one day, the first day of our one week trip. Managed to buy them in nick of time and kept telling the kids that theres a huge surprise. I had also booked tickets for Matilda musical which was supposed to be a decoy surprise. Yes, I take surprises very seriously! :)</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We landed on Sunday afternoon, met an old friend for dinner and the next day, proceeded to Watford. The kids were dying to know where we were going and the excitement was building! When they saw the shuttle bus at the train station, their faces completely lit up! We had a great time at the studio. I don't know who was more excited, them or me! We 3 had good fun making fun of Hd who was the weakest Potterhead in the family. Wands were bought, butter beer was drank, props and costumes were seen, the sets were enjoyed,... It was truly a magical time. Then we rushed to a very special friends house who I met though this very blog! It was only the second time we were meeting face to face and the first time was when her family came to Zurich 4 years back. We had a scrumptious dinner at her place. Thanks, Rads. I finally made it! :)</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hRorn5vYmO2OZRy9T7pZE8x38hqEuZJ_NARi8O_qlkWkTmefG7gwwg3sF4a1jgSpjrhcm572RL7nF_gLx6NT5c4Q73NHAofV660FF-GxvvQ64159uj1XcWeVsuu3o1j5ipK3/s1600/IMG_0910.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7hRorn5vYmO2OZRy9T7pZE8x38hqEuZJ_NARi8O_qlkWkTmefG7gwwg3sF4a1jgSpjrhcm572RL7nF_gLx6NT5c4Q73NHAofV660FF-GxvvQ64159uj1XcWeVsuu3o1j5ipK3/s200/IMG_0910.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I realized it was a bad idea for having planned the HP tour on day 1 because the girls did nt want to get out of the hotel room the rest of the week! All they wanted to do was stay in and read! It was a huge pain to get them out of the room every morning. Anyhow, we managed to see the touristy sights, the must see museums and my long list of restaurants. Matilda was excellent. Kids were thrilled to visit Hamleys and Harrods and were quite excited to see the bookshops because all the books are in English! Simple pleasures. But that meant, books were bought and were finished even before the train ride ended. Reminded me of the good old days when I would nag my dad to buy me a Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys from the Higginbothams or one of the platform shops before our overnight train trips. A trip to Windsor and a visit to one of our oldest friends concluded the trip and the next day, we flew back to Basel. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtvHMUUkubFo2kydq7OO1tUMOn7lqRwuGtI_l1IHp3Rnn0VeYj2q9_duuM5HiHmmU6sXfjS7dusmg9USz-eKzfHSdLjKRnEv93F9jpxgcgA9OYlL5Wt6_8-hgZAZp9VofZ93q/s1600/IMG_0921.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHtvHMUUkubFo2kydq7OO1tUMOn7lqRwuGtI_l1IHp3Rnn0VeYj2q9_duuM5HiHmmU6sXfjS7dusmg9USz-eKzfHSdLjKRnEv93F9jpxgcgA9OYlL5Wt6_8-hgZAZp9VofZ93q/s200/IMG_0921.JPG" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Loved this trip a little bit extra because it was nt a new place and I did nt have this obsession to see everything and it was wonderful to show the sights to the kids and enjoy it with them. Lots of <i>andha kaalathula*</i><span style="font-style: italic;">... </span>dialogues were used much to my chagrin. How I stumbled upon my first harry potter book in WH Smith while waiting for Hd and how we both waited in a long line to watch the first HP movie, how I used to pretty much live in the British Museum and National gallery, the shop where I bought my first winter jacket, that our first Swiss trip was from London, etc... etc... Ashu could nt roll her eyes any faster and Antu could nt ask questions any quicker! When their aunt asked them how London was, "its like India. Very dirty", was the reply! Sigh. Irony just died. Well, I will always love you, London! God save the Queen. Cant wait for Season 2 of The Crown! :)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">* In those days...</span></div>
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B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986701.post-56262495188029394352017-10-20T10:16:00.000+02:002017-10-20T10:16:08.081+02:00Back in Basel.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Almost three months since we moved to Basel and finally I feel kinda sorta settled. We are still in Swiss and only an hour from Zurich but I have been whining as if Hd made us move to Antarctica! He is much happier with the 10 minutes public transport commute to work, occasionally coming home for lunch and having more family time. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Ashu got the room upstairs and thankfully the stairs are in the living room so we see her come and go. If she had direct access from the front door, I doubt if we will see her at all other than meal times! She is cycling to school and back, has loads of free time and spends all of them reading or on her phone. Sometimes, both together! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Antu is the second happiest after her father. Making new friends and enjoying school. She comes home everyday for lunch and does not have school 3 afternoons in a week so my ears are bleeding with her non stop talking! Ask me which teacher is getting married, why Jack did not come to school last week or what Sophia's favorite color is and I will tell you! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Found a Carnatic music teacher for Antu and she is continuing ballet and piano lessons too. So lots of driving around for me since not everything is nearby like in Zurich. Since we live close to the German border, the girls actually go to the music school in Germany for their violin and piano lessons. Go figure! And I also do loads of shopping there since its much cheaper and we also get the VAT back.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Deepavali is a bit strange without loads on invites to pick and choose from. But I had invited a few people for Navarathri Golu last month and I am getting to know people and making friends so it is not all bad. Thankfully, found a German course for my level as soon as we moved and it feels good to get out of the house and meet people. Basel is very bicycle friendly since its quite flat and we are enjoying biking here more than the old neighborhood in Zurich. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">We had been to London for a week earlier this month and the kids had a blast! It was their very first trip there. I will write more about it later. But while coming back, I asked the airlines staff if our luggages are checked in until Zurich and she gave me a look and said "this is a Basel flight, M'am"! The girls and Hd dragged me away before I broke down and shared my sob story with the lady. Basel will surely grow on me but I will always miss you, Zurich!</span></div>
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B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986701.post-51811020219243355032017-07-14T10:25:00.000+02:002017-07-14T10:25:05.628+02:00End of Klasse. 6 & Klasse. 2 & a Move.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222;">Another school year gone, just like that. Ashu finishes her primary schooling this year and joins the secondary school from August. The kids are separated into different streams after grade 6 in Swiss and she worked really hard and maintained decent grades to get into the more academic oriented stream. So proud of her. The swiss school system is fantastic for the students but then quite a shock to my system!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Antu danced and jumped and skipped through Grade 2 and is super sad that the year has come to an end. She scored the most points in reading in her class and is most proud! She had two teachers this year and both teachers told me in different occasions that they wish there were more Antus in their class. So Im most proud too!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And we are moving! After 10 1/2 years in good old Zurich, we are moving to Basel end of this month. When our USA move did nt happen 3 years back and Hd took up a new job in Basel, we thought we ll manage living in Zurich and he can commute to Basel everyday. The 100 Kms drive took a little more than an hour and he thought he can do it. But it has been tough and stressful for him and the whole family. So finally, we decided to move. Looking forward to new beginnings! And life in Swiss has come a full circle now that we are going to Basel where Ashu was born and where my blogging began! :)</span></div>
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B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15986701.post-12672705396677310992017-06-27T00:01:00.000+02:002017-06-27T00:01:09.075+02:0027.06.2017<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dearest Antu,</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZ44DQGUiCzq4gJZrxkcSKKv5qB8OmW3JM-teTswHKojesw15mr3gpMNvasjAdzsz-8QxZbUtl3mD12nPoPOo5UKgn86bXaXzWMGPU2-2vQz4KDfBkf4s3pGkfSDhQVW0pmX6/s1600/IMG_5133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBZ44DQGUiCzq4gJZrxkcSKKv5qB8OmW3JM-teTswHKojesw15mr3gpMNvasjAdzsz-8QxZbUtl3mD12nPoPOo5UKgn86bXaXzWMGPU2-2vQz4KDfBkf4s3pGkfSDhQVW0pmX6/s200/IMG_5133.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It is that day of the year you look forward to eagerly. You start planning your birthday as soon as your sister's birthday is done in April. You loudly announce that its your birthday month on 1st June. You begin to wish for presents and finally narrow it down to three from which you know you will get one. And as usual, you ask if I have bought the present the previous day just to make sure! And nag your dad to take that day off even though you have full day school! We don't call you high maintenance for nothing and you prove it every day of every year. We do love that about you and life would be so boring otherwise.You are so excited about our special days too and you could be a poster child for Hallmark! Birthdays, anniversaries, valentines day, mothers day, christmas, navarathri,... Name it and you are there 100% into it. Your enthusiasm is infectious and we all bend backwards to please you. And looks like, we always will.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1V8eJezhXDeDon6Tz9gJ9SjKNdrjOVGFUCtZKvhFnGu005eaR0FRmzfQ6M2VGVeBZHP9pzVqHHA2Gw8B2ye8kYV_73bgRZ-ljWu0nCydxVhyphenhyphen14X48_yeobdOjuO_Dkz9TZ_EX/s1600/IMG_6669.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1V8eJezhXDeDon6Tz9gJ9SjKNdrjOVGFUCtZKvhFnGu005eaR0FRmzfQ6M2VGVeBZHP9pzVqHHA2Gw8B2ye8kYV_73bgRZ-ljWu0nCydxVhyphenhyphen14X48_yeobdOjuO_Dkz9TZ_EX/s200/IMG_6669.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This year has been totally glamorous, travel wise. San jose trip, Alaska cruise, Corsica, Ski trip to Solden, Bombay wedding, Milan and Gardaland, .. you do live the high life! You have had a terrific time everywhere. And your ballet school has an amazing show once in two years and this year you performed in six shows over two weekends in June. It was a 2 1/2 hours show with around 200 kids and you were in three group dances with costume change and everything. You had rehearsals every saturday and sunday for the last two months. And on wednesdays and fridays for a couple of weeks. You missed loads of play dates, birthday parties, .. You were tired and you complained. But you did nt give up. You worked hard, you enjoyed the rehearsals, you loved dancing in the show and were so proud of your accomplishment. We all were. These are the times I realize theres life beyond school and the commitment and responsibility, hard work and accomplishment is a lesson well learnt. Kudos to you, my little Ballerina! </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpXwyFlQQR4Lc2K-1l-QD2n9x4BIatKlZbnvu_YUKHy3_viZ_2VuMvOwIdja0Kp3d201s2-f6HcG58Wnk_xf-8-1iCZdjzgtptSRTO59d96_xOdAMxqHni-Tm-sP94EGoBzMY/s1600/IMG_8228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpXwyFlQQR4Lc2K-1l-QD2n9x4BIatKlZbnvu_YUKHy3_viZ_2VuMvOwIdja0Kp3d201s2-f6HcG58Wnk_xf-8-1iCZdjzgtptSRTO59d96_xOdAMxqHni-Tm-sP94EGoBzMY/s200/IMG_8228.JPG" width="150" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">You have this amazing world inside your little head and you live in that little world of yours. Everything has to be fair, everyone has to be nice, every little thing has to be perfect and its always fun, fun and more fun there. You are always humming or singing or dancing or doing cartwheels and sometimes I am afraid to call your name and pull you away from that perfect world. You imagine a new world in every mundane thing. Rescuing the good potato person from the evil rasam rice, saving the soap bubble from the bad shower head, building a house made of grass for the ants, the tiny baby spider trying to find its mom,... Theres an interesting story behind every bug you see, every toy you have, every twig you find and every place you visit. Oh to be as young and as carefree as you! Though I am the stupid adult now, its so heartwarming to be part of your wonderful world once in a while and I will always cherish it. Keep dreaming, little girl!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjF8Z5HSlhAh1emeK0uduYvHxERxY9BfrmEnfyEmR24IQ6fiw1AiWdqq6jD6vFabQmbS_J_TeLPBGTvT1sz21ssW31aw5SLv-lbv8Sc3NXD4JvteIJdh6sSKAKBAOm3mTZcKv/s1600/IMG_9336.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirjF8Z5HSlhAh1emeK0uduYvHxERxY9BfrmEnfyEmR24IQ6fiw1AiWdqq6jD6vFabQmbS_J_TeLPBGTvT1sz21ssW31aw5SLv-lbv8Sc3NXD4JvteIJdh6sSKAKBAOm3mTZcKv/s200/IMG_9336.JPG" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Your friends mean the world to you. Your dad is your hero and your sister the boss. I am your universe and you will do anything for us. You are a proper Swiss who likes only freshly made bread, gourmet cheese and dark chocolate. You are a recent owner of a brand new swiss army knife (you assembled it on your own with your name engraved on it) which you always take with you on your hikes. You play outside snow or sun and speak Swiss German with an adorable accent. You are so funny and so practical. The other day I was brushing your hair and you were screaming bloody murder as usual. I asked you why you scream like that and you answered that it hurts. "I<span style="color: black;">s it going to hurt any less if you scream, Antu?", I asked. "N</span><span style="color: black;">o, Amma. But you might stop doing it!", you replied. Jaw, drop and all that. But it is so you. Love you to bits, Pattu. Happy 9th birthday!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">அம்மா.</span></div>
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B o ohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17351744309107088656noreply@blogger.com7