The year that is, soon to be Was.

I look upon this month with a mixed feeling, cause this is usually the time I review the last year. Rationally I know looking back really does nothing good, that its best to move forward from where we are. But I like looking back at the quiet drama that my life is.

2006 started off badly for my cyberlife... I lost my old ID, I was so sad and angry, nay, I was depressed, mainly because I had a whole list of family and friends ID that I lost. I recovered some from memory, but there are those that I dont remember. I am taking a zen-esque view of it, so I am telling myself that it was time's way of telling me to move on. And now I learned to not trust technology more than having a paper and pen backup job.

I started to blog sometime in November 2005. Originally, my intention was to write my opinions about the different happenings around me but then I discovered that I could write only if I felt for the topic. So I got back to what I used to do in my Teens, write poetry, recording some incoherent thoughts, rambling over unfounded theories and short stories that no one read(cause no one saw them). In the process I discovered beautiful people, enjoy their writing, get a glimpse of how others live(yes I am a curious person but not curious enough to stalk), feel the kindred spirits in the mothers, the parents and friendship. Its been such a lovely experience. Thank you my friends and unknown kind strangers for letting it be so.

My kids have been what they are - my source of awe, unconditional love and tenderness, amusement and hair-pulling episodes. My daughter is in the 1st grade now and is totally enjoying her math and reading sessions. She plays the keyboard by the ear quite well(planning on putting her into a paino class soon). Her favorite activity seems to be doing puzzles, drawing, colouring and crafts. Last month, her request was "Mom, when are you going to teach me to cook?" So I had to tell her "when you can stand and stir at the stove without needing a chair".

My son is in pre-school, this year was good at least he didnt fall ill every month, so I guess his immune system has adapted. He will be in KG next year. He loves to do anything his sister can do. He plays twinkle twinkle on the keyboard, again by the ear. Hes knows to write most alphabets and sound off the words, he loves to jump off the sofa(should I let him bungee jump?) and worships his sister. He also likes according to him "Karate". He likes to doodle and have stories read or narrated to him. Any time music is turned on, he likes to do the goofy dance(giggling), its very hilarious to watch. Both are such clowns, they like to laugh and make others laugh. Yes, they do have their moments when they are at each others throats, thats when Mommy the Umpire steps in, and they know they have both lost the fight.

My husband, well, hes as bald as ever and as funny as ever. Among all my decisions I made in life, Marrying him was the best One. He did something for me that I never dreamed he would do... He actually took care of the house and the two little ones for over a month, so I could visit my mother and be back. yes ! I am blessed to have him and hold him. Hes had a very busy work schedule this year...sometimes I miss him though I live with him , but this too shall pass.

I visited home this year, so I miss them a little less than I did last year or maybe I am getting used to existence without them. My mom is hanging in there, inspite of her numerous health complications. Somedays are good, some worst but I am glad for the time I have with her. While I was there, I did spend some time going with her to the hospital so that my dad could take a break from routine, wish I could do more. My dad is tired, from all the looking after and the errands he does at his age, he is seventy and hes been my mom's sole caregiver for over 6 years now. My brother and Sis-in-law had their daughter this year in March and they are happy. They have very busy lives with their work schedules and looking after the baby.

My cousins, three of them married this year, I was there for one's marriage... So I got the food, met most of my relatives and my gran who is 91, so things are good. I finally made it to see my cousin's newly built home(which was about 3 years ago) and to anothers home for the first time after she married (about 6 years ago). Living in a different part of the world from your family is a painful when I think of the things I should have been there for. But this is a choice I have to live with.

I met some of my friends while I was in Bangalore, we spent time going to our old haunts and talking about how life has changed and how we managed to remain the same for each other. Its amazing what affection can do. I got to visit most of my favorite eateries(yeah I love food, typical Indian food). Everyone is in the kids and family mode but scratch the surface and you see that carefree side we shared at school and college.

We bought a house this year(finally). I got a part time job(one day a week) working as a montessori pre-school teaching assistant(a step in the right direction?). I dont know what I feel about it other than the fact that I am amazed at the workings of kids minds. They make me want to do more for them, build a strong base for them when it comes to learning and attitudes. I didnt gain or lose any pounds this year(good thing? bad thing?). I havent done as many paintings or sketches as I wanted to do or crochet for that matter (bad time manager?)but I did write poetry and stories and read a few books.

All in all its been a good year... Life is as it should be... Hoping you all had a good year too..

May the coming Year bring into your lives and homes much love, peace-of-mind, happiness, good health and prosperity.

Happy Hannukah!!
Merry Christmas!!
Happy Kwanza!!
And
A Very Happy New Year!! to you all.