Letter to my princess - 15 years old!

 Chella kutty.. 15 da! You continue to amaze us, our pride and joy! 

Right now, you have two diametrically opposite personalities. One, where you are a spoilt brat, impulsive, slightly lazy and inconsiderate and the other where you are amazingly considerate,  kind, mature beyond your years, very perceptive and see the big picture like nobody! We never know which version we would get at any point in time and get very confused how to prepare to react!

Most adults who have a conversation with you are always impressed and make it a point to let us know how articulate, smart and impressively distinct you are. Not a version we as parents get to see most times. But then you specifically say you reserve your worst elements for us- since you feel you can explore those feelings only with us as back up! Not sure we enjoy it though!

You plan your own studies, you take responsibility and accountability for the results and you have a future plan mapped out- with back up plans. The fitness bug has bitten you and this holiday you went on a one hour non stop swimming marathon each day for 15 days to tone up and tone up you did. You are more conscious of making healthy choices and having a protein and fibre in every meal. You really do like salads as long as they have some cold pasta in them! (The birthday sugar overload let the preteen R peep a bit though!). Learning to do some simple cooking may have something to do with it.

This summer, appa was travelling for 3 weeks and I was unwell. I said I could not get groceries as I did not have any money withdrawn. You took your choir money, walked over to get the groceries and surprised me! You tried your best to do the household chores - though the lack of punctuality did my head in!

You are now at Grade 7 singing, having done and dusted Grade 8 LAMDA . Grade 8 Trinity is due soon. Silver Do*fe is done as well. You are thoroughly enjoying your choir and this coming year which is critical for you, you only want to focus on these. Badminton, CCF etc are going on a pause, once again.  As always, if you feel like you are not enjoying it - you do not want to pursue it. This is, as I have said, very different to my philosophy - which is to push yourself till the end, irrespective of whether you enjoy it or not. But of course, you are not me - in fact, not at all ! :)

You still have your joie de vivre and it is difficult for you to stay angry or sad or frustrated for long. There is no ' not talking' with you. You think it is pointless for people not to talk to each other - no matter how cross they may be with one another. 

The tenerife trip I took you and your friend V to is your best core memory this year and despite a very enjoyable Turkey trip with 7 other families, this turned out to be your favourite. You  gifted me a chocolate box with your choir money for having taken you on the trip.

There are so many people who are fond of you and a few who love you so much and care for you so much, but you take it all as matter of fact - as in - of course, I am R, I am so loveable - aren't I? (!!)

You most definitely are R, to know you is to love you thangame!

May you stay blessed for all the years to come and may you also come to cherish and appreciate more, all the love and blessings that surround you.

Continue to spread your light and joy kannamma.

Love you to the moon and back chella kutty.

Lots of love,

Amma

Birthday 2024

 This was one of the most memorable birthdays ever. The young one had her 3 day silver DOFE trip, so the plan was to cut the cake the evening before. The super seven were planning to come over but at the last minute dear A had to be hospitalised due to severe migraine, so that plan was rescheduled. 

But in a surprise twist, S had sent a gorgeous saree and jewellery set as a surprise gift which was very touching.

On a side note, though things were touch and go, had donated for annadhanam at the community centre for 30 @£5 each . This was also in place of the temple ther donations that were also being asked for. 

The young one had been very kind and thoughtful to me for the past week ( may this long continue!) and that already made me very happy. She came back from singing and before packing for the trip, she took lovely pictures of us all as a family. They had gotten cakes and flowers on their way back from singing. After the cake cutting session and lots of hugs and kisses from both, I relaxed while for the first time, the young one did all her camp/hiking packing for 3 days with absolutely no inputs from either of us. The only think I had to ask her dad to help wtih was to cut her toe nails right to the bone as the hiking would be too hard on the foot otherwise.

The next day I was up super early and  I went to wake her up and the first thing the groggy bug said was ' amma, happy birthday, I love you' and my heart just melted :).  She till had atleast an hour of sleep available. Did a quick prayer as usual and her dad dropped her at school at 7 am for the coach. He also dropped our Coco to the his friend Hector's place on the way back. We got ready and were out like a shot to London.

The drive was pleasant to say the least. Parked the car in Ra*ner*s lane. We then caught trains and tubes to London's best bakery the Tar*n bakery. And boy was it worth it. It was just a boutique place with place for just around 10 people, if that. But the almond croissant, the gooseberry and almond tarte, the walnut bake, the roasted almonds, hazelnuts, caramelised onion, tomator, cheese curd and ricotta salad sandwich on freshly baked sourdough, the honey and lemon cake with lemon curd, the pain au chocolat and the foccacia and of course the 'kulhad' hot chocolate ( though it was called something else here!) were out of the world! Half of this was given to us complimentary since the baker realised it was my birthday. Though it took as around 11.50 to reach there, the food was absolutely worth it. We could not, of course eat everything, so we packed it and set out on bus to enjoy nostalgic memories of central London and go to Kyo*to garden in Holl*and park.

We went to the first seats of double decker buses and thoroughly enjoyed the journey. The weather was absolutely gorgeous as well. The front seats were not easy to come by but come by they did and the rarity of it helped us savour it , just that much extra. The park was gorgeously green strewn with lovely colours. We had some icecream first in the park restaurant, pushed our dinner restaurant to later, given how full we still were and explored all relaxing nooks and corners before we made our way to the Fukushi*ma and Ky** gardens. Tranquility at its best! The gentle waterfall on the rocks  and the koi populated still pond with Japanese trees and garden features relaxed us instantly. We checked on A via phone ( M anna was being flippantly comical as usual!) and took out our loot from the bakery to enjoy. As we took the first bite of the almond croissant and the foccacia , we knew just this made our day special. The taste was that good!

We had a couple of squirrels and pigeons gently begging for food who we shoooed away as it was against the rules. We really, really relaxed especially at the bench facing the waterfall which again came free only post some waiting and walking around. We savoured it to be that much special when it came to our turn!

The toilet facilities were very neat for a public park. We freshened up and set out to the All Saint*s church. Once again double decker buses and eyes feasting on the gorgeously elegant central london properties. I had visited the temple with K on my star birthday ( the morning of it was rainy but had a fun birthday breakfast with D and S at the boutique Pau* at 41, Harb*rne) so, given I was wearing western and had nostalgic memories from my convent school of peaceful chapels, wante dto visit this central London church. The church was completely empty except for one single old gentleman. K and I had a really calm time at teh church enjoying the gorgeous stained glass windows, decorated tiles, wonderful triple height ceilings and the drawings. We lit a candle and prayed to Mother Mary with the baby jesus in her hand. For me, that figurine is very close to some of the deities in my religion and is my most favourite lady to pray to in a religion that is not what I follow in my daily life. I find looking into her eyes and surrendering to be very very calming and reassuring.

We tried shopping and gave up as it was too boring. We went to the Kolam*b* restaurant that was a 5 minute walk away. The blues restaurant next to it had some wonderful jazz going on. Once again the food was flavours we had not experienced before and the symphony in our taste buds were a delight.  These guys also sweetly lit a candle, sang happy birthday and gifted a mango shorbet. All in all a good meal.

Another group of friends N and gang checked to see what time we would reach home as they wanted to come over. I was touched but unfortunately we would not make it back on time, so let her know.

We came back to pick our car and drove back home listening to the best ilayaraja songs as the day melted into darkness. K and I were so comfortable and so in sync with each other on this day, it made the day one to always cherish ( Not to forget we had a tiff the night before and slept in seperate rooms and K made up by wishing and apologising on my birthday - I was planning to make up in any case as I realised late in to the night that we were just both tired from the week). We missed both our young ones, R and Coco but with both these out enjoying with their friends safely, we had no rush, no responsibilities and had all the time to ourselves - it was complete bliss.

We reached home with one hour to spare before my birthday ended. Had a little chat and a sweet conjugal end to the day.

 The super seven said they are planning to come the next day as A is feeling better. 

I was, just a couple of weeks before, at my lowest, what with the conflicts with the young one and my career going nowhere near where I want it to be and my health concerns for K and how I was nto losing weight no matter what I did.

All that aside, I had a truly blissful day and for that I am grateful and learnt two things. Not to take anything for granted and to ensure this is sustained by being more adjusting and to understand that , always, there is calm after the storm and vice versa and not get carried away either way.

May 2024

 After a year of no trips abroad - due to settling in the new house and the COL crisis, a massive 8 family trip to Antalya, Turkey was organised by one of our friends. While I wanted a family trip to spend some time with R and impart some life lessons before she flies the nest, K rushed and booked the non refundable trip! This meant that R had no time to pack as she had her end of year exams and we ended up flying on the last day of her exam, causing her to write the 3 subjects on her return.

The trip meant a lot of preparation for 7 days - including for R - as she had absolutely no time. The 8 ladies went to Bir*am for a shopping trip a couple of weeks before. I packed everything for R and I and on the last day took her straight from school to her now favourite H aunty for waxing, eyebrows etc and from there to H G for her hair. She was very happy as she thought she was going to the trip ungroomed. Especially since the trip had 7 teens  (5 girls and 2 boys)and 5 pre-teens (3 boys and 2 girls) and 1 toddler - they all wanted to look and feel their best. Especially since the next day was day 1 of her chums!

We rushed for the early morning flight as the airport had long queues due to maintenance and expansion. Photo sessions started from the airport itself and because it was the birthday of the eldest of the group, there was lots of hugging and wishing as well. One lady forgot her residency card and had to rush home and back - but still all of us made it. After an uneventful 4 hour flight ( which was hilariously funny with R entertaining us with cheesy, innocent and endearing teen 'date request' lines . I also managed to watch Amores Perros which I had downloaded earlier. 

We checked in at the Sea L*** all inclusive resort and gathered in the Birthday ladies room for cake and celebration. We then left for Hadrian's gate, took some pics and split from the group and went around the charming old town and ended  up in a high point view of the sea. We ladies also partied post dinner with the first day's enthusiasm. Late, settled in for the night with a very happy R as she had V as her room mate in our double room with a side view of the pool and sea.

Day 2 

Went for a morning beach side walk with the usual 3 culprits. Had breakfast, changed into our swim suits and went into the beach via the tunnel from the resort. All families dipped in and had a great time. As usual R and K went as far into the sea as they could and I was happy to see that R's chums did not stop her from activities any more. 

We moved from the sea to the resort swimming pool and had some fun there as well. Cleaned up, had lunch and left to see the Legends. Though we were scammed by the boat lady there, the ride there and the pics with the lightings made it a bit worthwhile.

Day 3

This was the day booked for Suluada island. Early breakfast done and boarded a bus. The bus and the boat trip had other people as well, so the 30 of us having fun did create some ripples. But to their credit, the Turkish people were never aggressive but very polite and respectful even when requesting some peace and quiet. After a 1 hour and 40 minute trip with a comfort break inbetween, we boarded a just about decent boat. Lots of dancing, singing and pics in the boat later we did some island hopping. We all took turns diving into the sea ( all the teens, some of the preteens, K and S who could swim, S and I who could swim). While the ladies who could not swim splashed about by the shore, S and I swam a little further and as usual my K and R went as far as they could.

One of our friend, T, was trying on the snorkelling kit for the first time and though he could nto swim, with the help of the kit, swam a bit farther and panicked when water entered the kit when he tried to tighten it. Another gent S who was near him tried to help him and T in his panic, scratched S's back and they both got in trouble. The other gents rushed to them and sorted them out. A, T's tiny 6 year old, went to her dad to help him and in his panic, he pushed her in as well but we managed to pull her out and all was well in the end. T was teased to no end and of course, H, T's wife gave him hell after!

There were 3 stops  in different islands. We all changed back and reached in time for a late dinner. Lunch was pasta, salad and french fries and chicken, fish and salad on the boat.

As soon as I landed int he resort, I booked a massage for myself as I was aching all over post the travel and the swims. N, my masseuse was perfect and I slept soundly post the same. 

R in the meanwhile went gymming (!), swimming in the pool and played table tennis and made friends with French, Algerian, Turkish, British tourists/residents/staff of all ethnicities and languages. Whenever we spotted her, she was chatting away with somebody and laughing!

Day 4

I went for  a long walk in the beach with K and thoroughly enjoyed it. It was preplanned to be saree day, so we all changed into sarees after breakfast and took pics in the beach. All residents and tourists both at the resort and the beach were very friendly and welcoming and some wanted to take pics iwth us. Unfortunately I twisted my ankle while taking pics in the pebbles and had to cut it short and let the others carry on.

I came back to the resort and spent the rest of the day with K, chilling and watching Theeran Adhikaram onru! We have this ritual of watching a tamil movie whenever we travel. K was feeling tired as well, so we took the day off :)

All the other ladies went shopping and had a great time.

Day 5

This was for Pammukale. It was a 4 hour travel one way and that nearly did us in. Atleast it was a private bus just for us , so we had loads of fun dancing and singing on the way in. But within 2 hours we were getting tired and cranky. We stopped at an outlet shop for a comfort break and then on to a small cafe for a decent lunch of soups, salads, pasta and sweets. Pammukale was magical and thankfully other than a couple of dry patches, there was plenty of water. It was scenic and beautiful though the weather was drainingly hot.

 We then changed went into the cleopatra pools and had a refreshing swim. We changed again and hiked to the Hierapolis. K and I split from the group and went to the Pluotonion - temple dedicated to the God of the underworld. We enjoyed this more than the climb to the amphitheatre.

We all came back down and by the time we reached the resort around 11 pm - being knackered was an understatement. I could not keep my ankle down on the floor and went straight to bed. K and R went to the Food in the box restaurant next door and had some delicious food. They also bought a wrap for me which I devoured in seconds (sinfully while still in bed)! The ladies had called me down to enjoy some midnight snacks that the resort provided, but I just could not step on my swollen ankle.

Day 6

This day, once again, some wanted to go shopping and then the Duden waterfalls but I just wanted to rest and recover. While R went with V and the dad M and the couple N and S, K sat in the sun as he had a slight temperature and I went for a quick swim in the resort indoor and then outdoor pool. We then had  lunch and rested and packed for departure the next day, before our couple's hammam. We had a wonderful massage, scrub and facial.

We then went to the Beauty saloon downstairs in the resort and I got my hair washed and blowdried and a pedicure done while K had an Indian head massage. The rates were way better than the UK , so it made a lot of sense. 

K and I then explored the top most floor and roof of the resort, took some pics,  took another long walk by the beach while the ladies did their final photo shoot with families in the beach. We had dinner and went for another night walk by the beach with a couple of the other families this time.

In the meanwhile , R had brought what I had asked her to buy for me and so did S, one of my friends. I was happy with both purchases. 

Day 7

Had a wonderful breakfast, took some last pics and took a very tiring and packed flight back to the UK. I stayed back home with Coco ( who by the way was on his own beach holiday at Norfolk with his carer family but rushed back into K and R's arms when they went to pick him up!) while K and R met the other families in C**Dosa at Cov** to eat some comfort south Indian food and packed food for me.

All in all, thanks to S, it was a very well organised trip and am very grateful that we all had a great time and came back safe and sound without any significant mishap.

Time to give some thanks to God - hopefully this weekend.