Working closer to Home!

It’s the biggest Bliss when your workplace is closer to Home and I got to experience this for last 1 month. I was travelling to this place for one month of the Analyze phase of a project without having to battle the Bangalore traffic. It made so much transformation to my daily routine. I could eat breakfast along with reading newspaper as against rushing to work and eating in midst of chaos. The best was reaching home “without” the bizarre feeling to having travelling more than 60 minutes amidst the traffic, noise and pollution, not to forget the claustrophobic feeling at times to sitting in dirty Uber /Olas and directing each time.





No matter how many meetings you have attended or sat in front of the excel all day analyzing stuff and getting out of arguments and discussions on what seems like endless issues with limited timelines, I could still manage to reach home feeling good to start my evening with same energy as Morning. Usually its about getting my son back from his day center and rushing to his music classes ( which I enjoy listening), then making his fruit bowl, homework, bath, cooking, planning for next day cooking and the list is endless till I hit the bed. I love this phase and have enjoyed the most. Back to travelling from next Monday and hope not to lose hope…I need to stay inspired, excited and back home with same breeze!

My second project!

Am back almost after a year and really miss penning down  memories, my feelings and what am upto!


After a real battle of how am I going to start work and how to manage my little boy's routine, finally looks like things have fallen in place for me ! Its been quite a traumatic phase (  stress levels were really HIGH) to agree to work full time along with working on all kinds of permutation and combination to make this work for my little one and me. Its been Almost a year now and I have successfully completed a big project, enjoy the corporate life, got back that confidence and have got rid of the early morning butterflies !


My last post was all about what should I do next and now am already into my second big project !
Very eager, excited and all ready to prove myself again!!!


Shruti

when is the right time?

Its been a mix of this and that for last few months, revolving my routine , a bit of stepping out for fresh air with friends, a bit of relishing some good food outside, a bit of meeting with H's cousins, a bit of catching with my sister ranting about the kids, a bit of daily dose of coffee with the gang......and At end of day wonder where is all this leading to? Am I happy with just this? 

Am i ready for something more, to broaden the horizon and explore the unknown territory which has been an alien to me for past few years. Its the same question ticking my mind, whether I have jumped into a comfort zone which in reality just want to come out of it....Its just my mind fighting that I need to pull myself out of this and get going.....Its my son who is always my reason to convince that I can enjoy all this, yet seeing a working mother run around; ticks my gulit level higher....

So what is right? When is it the right time?

Can I go on like this? Is this all the Big 2 M's are about???? Marriage and Motherhood?

Where are my ambition to Travel, To earn and To find myself getting into adventurous zone every other day?

 Hope to find all this soon....

Coffee dates and Elephants!!!!

Coffee dates and Elephants!!!!

Well, the subjects talks of two different things which I have enjoyed (or) look forward to  the most in past 2 month!

First one is “Coffee date”, WITH MY HUSBAND.

2015 was all about ranting on how he just doesn’t grant enough time,  how he acts as an nonentity with me and it goes on and on like this and my rant has flown to deaf ears!!!……slowly have realized we have passed that stage of holding hands and making weekend plans…It just not him / us!

But something which has come as a refresher in past few days is our frequent trip to SLV hotel, for a cup of coffee and our small talks. It’s a 10 min walk from our place, which we plan adhoc and share a hot cup of strong coffee; talking for 10 to 15 mins and head back home…It’s the best time spent with H in recent times, energizing to be standing in a shade; in midst of crowd and enjoying our freetime together….I definitely love south Bangalore and this just adds to my happiness!

Next comes my love to read books, which has been my savior from being too drawn into household stuff / Sammy….have read many in last 2 months but the BEST has been this book by Lawrence “Elephant Whisperer”, absolutely engaging and every page is a learning along with  love for the life in bush and for elephants and for wildlife …… 

Its about Lawrence adopting a herd of Elephants and winning their trust and love which is the beginning of their remarkable relationship b/w man and beast!!! Simply loving it to every detail!!! Thanks to my friend SM who shared this book….Just pick this

Celebrating Feb 28th !!!

Just done with my Birthday celebration!!! I call it a celebration for couple of reasons!!!

>    I usually go out of Bangalore, away from my routine during this time but this time we stayed back at home and wishes showered from In-laws and Parents.

b)      My big boy made it special by getting a small cake and demanding a candle to be lit and cut it with me…what more can I ask for…

c)       Visited my parents, my Dad was sooper excited to have us at home.

d)      And finally we went out for dinner and I relished my fav Aglio-Olio!

FEBRUARY 2016

February is my favorite month of the year and what a better start to re-ignite this space. Its been a mix of stuff happening from January, with lot of ideas not really taking shape like planned, but the resolutions are etched hard this time in head! 

I will not spare myself and get lost in family drama ( not that they are not important) but refuse to use my busy family schedule as reason. I have not been able to even eat out a decent meal in peace outside, which is just on top of my list “ TO RELISH DIFFERENT CUISINE in multiple places” this year!

 I might not weight more than 60 Kg, but my love to eat out and try diverse tang just doesn’t abscond. I sense and dream of it at times, I watch cooking channels as if am watching a james bond movie….nah, make that a DDLJ movie!

I will make it a point to write every detail of the food am eating out , which might give me some peace J

First stop – MTR with my dad tomorrow….

and more resolutions coming up...

Crazy boy at 3.....

Its been mentally and physically exigent to manage the routine effortlessly, since Sammy boy doesn’t behave the same and its real crazy to match his temperament and his demand for my time; makes my PLAN go upside down. His spirit is unmatchable and leads to asperity in my voice all day long, troubling me at times with the behavior.

Maybe its age3 act with all kids; but the mother who handles differ and few might be apropos at this act, but I fail at times to hold the fort right. It starts from the time he wakes up; demanding for milk and screaming without reason until its time for his school..I would be half parched and then comes by home related work. The routine cutting, dicing and cooking continues day in and day out, reading in between which seems like my only means of peace at that moment. The rest of day continues with more drama and fun, playing in the park in the evening which is a pet of our routine now.

The most difficult part is the eating time and It surprises me that am still surviving…My complaints go unheard and its my job. So if anyone is asking me what am I doing all day at home, Its like what the hell?

( Am posting this after 3 months of writing,must say will come back  with the latest, which is sure a lot more better than the state of art it was )

Shrutz

My Mantra to Kill stress - FOOD!

My Love for FOOD!

Two back to back dinner celebration with harsha/ friends; just tells me its been a good week. I love Food and that’s enough to keep me excited in midst of my well defined routine.

Am a person who enjoys the simplest of food, relish without being crabby nor a critic. Anyone can just gimme a plate full of food (It has to be Vegetarian) and I don’t even lift my head till I am done…

I love cooking, simple south Indian dishes being my darling. Living in India is the biggest plus, the sight of vegetables vendors early morning with their fresh stock of veggies and greens is a scene I can’t miss and love picking them, they are so colorful; so fresh ; filled with little water drops and mud…

This week I have picked “Methi” as my fav green and have prepared a) Methi aloo parata B) Akki rotti with Grated carrots and Methi c) Methi daal…..loved them all!!!!

Enjoy cooking; Enjoy Eating!!!!

Welcome 2015!!!

Am so excited to start 2015, with lot of new ideas, resolutions, goals, don’t and dos, hopes…..I have loads to look forward to and everything is etched in my mind, which I soon plan to pen down and review it constantly which reminds me to move my a** from my comfort zone routine AND to take up challenges this year!!!!!

Yes, I have thought a lot during last month and in one sentence would like to describe my 2014 as “ Life cirled in a routine”; which I definitely plan to break it this year, now that samy is a year older.

DECEMBER ended well and fast, with last day with family and cousins, had gala time and good dinner. It was not a long partying night (as I wished); Harsha dropped us back home and went out partying….Yes, I can complain but choose not to….I reason it with myself that Sammy is young and he needs me by his side ……Harsha is one person I owe everything to, especially my self confidence, my happiness and whatever I had achieved is all because of him, so I shall take it easy now that I have my own precincts. At times, when I cant sleep I remember how much I loved my job and harsha was always so encouraging and inspiring to do more and was there with me always….My travels were made so easy cos of his support; which made me love the new cities and people and embrace them with the little time I was there….I picked interests in writing and investments; have proved to be a responsible daughter to my parents and a big sister..I owe a lot to my husband….. Just like the meticulous Piscean, I drown into the dreamland; just to get away from my well written routine (no regrets)!!!!

Its just 3 days into new year and my biggest agonize of Samrudh’s quirkiness and health ( assume it was his pending worm medicines) is washed off…My kiddo seem to be full of zip and doing fine, he is playing non-stop and talking non-stop; which is the biggest treat I can ask for..Its just the simplest things about him that makes me get back to existence and dream more….He demands and I Fret; but we hug tightly and cuddle each other like never before….We fight and I scream, he runs to me asking for the most cutest apology and its back to never ending kisses and cudles…so Beautiful !!!!I don’t miss to watch him sleep, Don’t miss asking him simplest and foolishest questions and just stare at him answering me so seriousy….Dont miss taking him out every evening and teachin him the smallest lessons of life, to love animals and treat women with respect, say Hello and smile, say No and Thank you, realizing how much in turn he is teaching me!!!!

Well, I shall start writing down my 2015 MUST –DO’s…Meanwhile A few for myself:

1.       Keep myself busy – ALL THE TIME…

2.       Read loads of books

3.       Write …Journal, my interests, Investments, learnings, new words…

4.       Learn Music ( long pending)

5.       Indulge in artistic stuff…do something at home…change that room looks!

6.       Exercise…Yes, I have a thin built, but focus on health and exercise, Yoga!

Just the basics….Wishing everyone a very happy and Prosporous new year!!!!

December 2014

I have been having pretty good month.....I have been active ( socially), with friends and dinner meets....I have been trying my hands on Instant cooking ( I mean decide at fag end and just chop and saute) ; keeping my son engaged in outings and games, fighting the challenges thrown by his mood changes and demands ( Yes, am prepared most of the time and I win!); Trading ( Loser most of the time); blog reading, planned get together with my parents and sis fly, making Christmas plans for Sammy boy, Shopping ( Big time with all those clothes waiting for labels to be removed); still checking online for sales( i fear); bank work, clearing policy bills, learning shapes and colours with lil one.......uff, Isnt this a big thing!!!!!

With H travelling most of the month, am just left with planning options so we dont miss him much....I missed the 'soul sante', which was so badly in my wish list ; sammy was unwell and dint wat to put him thro torture tagging him along. We skipped and played at home.

Making it up with 2 Lunch dates this week and I want Sam to try some different cuisines. Hopefully I can manage along with keeping up with my never ending wish to be out and try them all !!!!

2 Salwar suites for stitching pending but never dare to step out for that since its never turned out well...

I have done the biggest and most awaited thing all year..I chopped my hair by few inches and I feel so light!!!! Its not great but am loving the feeling....CHOP CHOP CHOP

Love
Shrutzzz

Am scared of BF/Lunch and Dinner time!!!

YES, its the toughest phase.....
Am just unable to find a solution to the ever increasing issues - FOOD issues with my son...
Only Chocolate and Ice cream seem to interest him.....Milk an Exception...
Rice is a Big NO NO
Vegetables and fruits - He seem to be losing interest....
Dosa and Idly - depends on his mood
Chappati - NOOOOOOO!!!!!

Now, i dont stop here and have tried many different recipes, which might interest him....
Bread toast with butter and Jam
Sweet Chapati ( My sisters son loved it)
Roti rolls....
Instant dosas, tailored to suit his taste buds...

NOTHING seem to interest him and he just runs away the moment he sees me with a plate.....
SOLTUION????? JUST LEAVE HIM ALONE
if he is hungry he will demand food....

Really?????

NoVeMbEr!!!!

This describes ME, My life , My current status!!!!

Well, Its November and 6 more weeks to conclude the lovely 2014!!!!

Its been mentally and physically exigent to manage the routine effortlessly, since Sammy boy doesn't behave the same and its real crazy to match his temperament and his demand for my time; makes my PLAN go upside down. His spirit is unmatchable and leads to asperity in my voice all day long, troubling me at times with the behavior.

Maybe its age3 act with all kids; but the mother who handles differ and few might be apropos at this act, but I fail at times to hold the fort right. It starts from the time he wakes up; demanding for milk and screaming without reason until its time for his school..I would be half parched and then comes by home related work. The routine cutting, dicing and cooking continues day in and day out, reading in between which seems like my only means of peace at that moment. The rest of day continues with more drama and fun, playing in the park in the evening which is a part of our routine now.

Loving the weather this month and today I took a walk to the bank while it drizzled, chucking my bike for a change. Weekend is almost here and my Plans are on to take my son to a bird santury this saturday. 

Sammy turns 3......

22- Sep-2014

My lil one is 3 yr old! Like all mothers, I started my day with the nostalgia; The anticipation during 3^rd trimester enjoying the big fat belly and all the eating ; Finally the pains, to the eagerness of what was awaiting ahead of us, the labor and then the lil Sammy in our lives....Holding my lil one was all it required for me to expunge what life had been before this? Really, I have no flow of it anymore….

In the past year, in the midst of my son learning to talk 2 different languages and struggling with one more, his pre-school learning’s and new tricks and games, unlimited energy to run , question things, explain us those imaginary and his stories, I have started to enjoy every bit of new-fangled phase and at the same time I have lost the ability to tolerate and stay calm, to an extent I get petrified when am I gonna just burst out or am just being Fatuous ? Maybe yes, Maybe No…Its that phase where am smiling at one moment and almost in tears next, throwing tantrums just like Sammy….

My major part of day / current phase of life is all about Sammy and his growing up….Its the tiny outings with my friends and H, family that I relish and fancy!

Well, the bday boy wore his new tee and shorts to school, his glee when he took those chocolates to share with his frens! His sweet innocent “Thank you”, when  someone wished him Happy bday was a treat for me personally….My parents visited us in the evening and then we were off to JWM for dinner which just made my day (our) fun to conclude…Food and Ambience was what alleviated me and what a perfect way to say cheers to the bday boy!!!!

Celebrations.....

We all jammed up at Ulsoorpet this morning, reason being its "Paksha masa", a tradition followed by Brahmin community to take blessing of the 3 generation who are no more, by giving tarpana.....You perform a ceremony to bring them in today and take their blessings and enjoy a sumptuous meal post that which includes my Fav Uddina Vada ( home made, simply YUM!!!!!).

Its definetely a look-forward day since my lil one gets to play with his cousins and let me free, while I get to tee-e tee with the women folk and take a look at cooking and rest of stuff....

We also celebrated Sammy's bday, who turns 8. Something unplanned yet a lovely time with the family!!!!

Looking forward for next week.....

Sooper Saturday !!!

Its one of the rare days, where the kitchen is not clamped and am not running around aimlessly giving bath to my son and helping MiL at the kitchen, at times wondering what should I really be doing????

 Its the mess which is deleted today and for a change started off as a nice, early-lazy-warm Saturday.....

Sipped tea in peace, while Sam ran around the house asking questions and trying to open up the fridge ( his fav this week) and searching for ice cream stock.....plan for first half of day is breakfast at hotel and hair cut for sammy boy; both turned out to be very rejuvenating for me....Sammy also gulped his breakfast without making a fuss, while we relished out hot dily-vada combo at Bugle rock grounds with friends....Its the most feel to just sit and eat; with nothing at back of mind, without having to worry to rush back home and to kitchen!!!! Its just this simple start I crave for, missing every inch in my routine.....

I will be off to RRnagar to meet my sis and Ani, we will be sending our evening together,might cook or just decide to sit and be served for dinner !!!!

Finished reading the long pending sidney's " tides of memory"...

More books pending for this month....

A very special month for us... loads of plan, trip planned, shopping in wishlist....looking forward!!!!!

Shrutzz

Me and Sammy Boy!!!!

I want to start writing again....
Its not easy since I have too many things that has happened in last few years and wish I had the time to pen down all the events....
Its really been a roller coaster ride, Mixed with enormous happiness, regrets, sad, cried for silly things, hyper activities which never existed before, questions , a routine....liike we have formed our own sweet world together - With my lil one....

He will soon be 3 yr old and its quite surprising how fast time has flown, felt me with little time to sit and analyse hows it really been all the way.

As I write this post, my son is in real pain, since he has caught some infection and has mouth ulcers..Its BAD! he cries in pain and it HURTS like hell for me...I can hardly remember when my son cried in pain last; since he is someone who doesnt sulk easily...UNLIKE me, who likes to be unhappy and have started liking it ..now thats a different story!

few things about us.....
> we have a routine together.....Am always with my son; never leaving him wherever I go and he is very much a part of everything I do....he needs me when he wakes up and to go back to bed...He needs me to feed him still and to drop him school...

> I want to be a hermetic ( in right sense) , and do things which is good for him and pour in lot of knowledge and disciple .....I keep reminding myself that there should be a purpose for having me quit my job and the sense of feeling is growing so strong as I see my son grow tall!

> School admission is a priority and wish he gets into one of the good schools. Now, I realy think whats it with Good school? I only want my son to understand that there can be no short cut for studies / academics so my No.1 priority would be installing that pleasure of understanding that and crave for knowledge....Thirst to know more and do well in the formative years.No.2 would be sports , wanna see him enjoy a sport...Means the school needs to have a good campus / a playground. No.3 the crowd needs to be Elite, since he gets his friends from here.....

More in my next post......
Shrutzzzz

SCHOOL TIME!!!!

My baby starts his L2 montesorri from today and its such a sooper cool day to see him run around the house and get his stuff in place and send him off to school......happy time bangara!!!!

Happy 2014!!!

Its been good so far :) I would like to keep away all the negative thoughts aside and en down all the lovely things thats happening from past 4 days...

Dec 31st was pleasant one, with my usual work at home and for my son... the excitement started to pick up by evening...A good refreshing bath was soothing to get rid of all my tiredness. While I was preparing tea for myself, Anu, Samith and Saara visited us. Samrudh was too ecited to see them and played with them ( relief to me), while Anu and myself chit chatted with tea.....
It was 7, when we fed Sammu with early dinner and had to get ready for our 31st evening, I wore my new WH kurta with black leggings and my new diamond studs and along with freids we were off to Chianti.
We started with Wine, followed by 5 course meal-all Italian and concluded with dessert; all while relishing every bite and having a good time talking on various topics. The comity at the dinner table was good and what better way to say good bye to 2013.....

December 2013!!!!!

Last few days of 2013, weather has been really chill in Bangalore.....I love my sweaters and its all out in open!
Samrudh has been sick for last few days, its some kind of viral doing rounds in the air. Its been dragging and sleepless nights and troublesome mornings continue to haunt us...Cant expect him to express whats he going thro and the cold, cough, fever, allergy has been making my son dull and restless :(

He seem to be better today, forcefully dragged him to school, walked back guilty thinking again for the 100th time, AM-I-DOING-RIGHT?

Its vacation time and there is no way I want all the health issue to spoil our plans....Am hopeful that Sammu will be fine and be set to enjoy his holidays. H is on vacation too and the very though is so exciting.
Sammu has his Christmas carnival at school trow and this is our First one of such. Am very excited to take him for the 2 hr celebrations and the dress code is red and white. Post that will be weekend and hopefully its a lazy Saturday and we are off to Mysore for a short vacation. Need to have a plan as to what Sammu will enjoy and need to take him out for some fun!!!!

More in my next post......

Anxiety

Samrudh started Montessori and its almost 2 months now......I have been very excited to start school for him for one reason - he will get to play with kids and learn from them and have fun. I had started to get restless and impatient trying to keep him engaged and this came as a breather to me and hopefully to him ( Assume!).
Preparations were in full speed, shopping for his school bag , clothes and water-bottle...I kept visitng GB, to make sure he is all set :)

Now that we almost complete 2 months ( with Dasara and Diwali hols in b/w); my expectations from a 2 yr old to happily go to school is just not reasonable. It pains to see him cry even before we start his routine in the mornings. Feeding him Milk and contemplating when to feed his Breakfast and hurrying him up is another story by itself.
 Like today, he cried all the way to school and held me tight; pleading me not to send him away. I was almost in tears ( first time); feeling deep guilt and made me rethink on my way back home that if am doing the right thing...Am I selfish? Yes, I need some time for myself, given that I have been with him 24/7 from the time he is born...Thoughts kept troubling me for three hours and mindlessly I cooked and cleaned, until it was time to get him back home..He seem to be fine, silent and maybe tired.... maybe he had fun running around and playing with toys, but will not know nor can he express. This feeling will continue to haunt me until I see him off happily:)