Hola...
I hope you all had a Merry Christmas. The day was filled with lots of love, good food and company. In my last post I discussed about gifts so I hope you all received whatever you secretly wished for.
The holiday season continues and so the euphoria will continue till the New Year. There is some exultation in the air or in our hearts and we all want to enjoy around this time of the year. When we were young our schools used to closed around this time with our annual exams being over. The new academic year would start in mid January and we would love this time. This time was popular for picnic and family functions. The winters in my native is still sweet. There was some joy basking in the winter sun and peeling the oranges and sharing amongst all. As much as we dread winters here, people in my native wait for winters. The soft sun rays is something people wait patiently. The day breaks with fog and the sun slowly shows up. As a kid we used to dread taking bath and our mothers of course never gave up. Sweet memories.
The schools are closed now and hence there isn't any routine that's followed presently. The cupcakes are eaten at breakfast while lunch could be just a spoon of rice with some sautéed vegetables or a slice of chicken. The situation is relatable to many homes I know hence its 'normal'.
I do not think I will be able to jot any more blogs in this year but then I would take the opportunity to wish everyone a very Happy New and a prosperous New Year. May the new year bring lots of goodness and happiness in your lives. Stay blessed and stay happy
Wednesday, December 26, 2018
Thursday, December 20, 2018
Santa is coming
Hola...
How are you all doing? We are just sailing through the tides today. It isn't a pleasant day at our house today. The morning started with dark clouds and rain. The kids slept longer and I had to almost drag my S out of bed. It seemed the holiday season kicked in him earlier than it should.
He did wake and started to cry for some insane things. But the biggest storm was the question 'What is Santa getting me for Christmas?' I calmly tried to explain him that presents can be anything and need not be exactly what we want. But I found it hard to explain that gifts are just and should not be compared to someone else's.
I exactly know how it feels to see kids who are blessed with gifts and presents on their birthdays and other events. Children of low income families realize it pretty early that life isn't fair to them. Some kids get almost half of the toy store if not the entire store whereas the others smile with some coloring books and a candy stick. There have been years after years when we never got any presents but that didn't stop us from loving our friends and neighbors. The concept of sharing was more alleviated i guess. My son constantly says that a child in his class has a nice apple watch and he keeps looking at that, to which my husband says keep looking till you earn it in the next few years. Of course he bursts into tears.
Children these days are quite sensitive and can gauge the emotions very easily. The sense of being less privileged dawns in them very early in life. I knew a kid who used to pester his mom with questions. Does Santa visit only the rich families? Does Santa have any monetary problems? Why isn't he fair to all the children? The questions used to haunt his mom and at times the mom used to burst out failing to answer those.
We as parents know where the nicely wrapped presents come from. We all love our children and want the best for them but in that process lets teach them the quality of compassion and contentment. Contentment is very, very important in life. It teaches us to balance between expectations and desire.
Well, concentrating on Santa, I would like to request Santa to instill the sense of love and sharing amongst the people. Children of low income groups always have to feel the pinch every year while their peers are blessed with a nice ipad or any gadgets that others can just dream of. Parents of that group work tirelessly to set up a decent Christmas meal and bring some joy at their children's face. They struggle all year to pay bills and other necessities but on this day let there be joy and smiles in all the homes. Let the smell of cakes and cookies be stronger and hugs be more tighter.
If you agree with me 'high five'...
How are you all doing? We are just sailing through the tides today. It isn't a pleasant day at our house today. The morning started with dark clouds and rain. The kids slept longer and I had to almost drag my S out of bed. It seemed the holiday season kicked in him earlier than it should.
He did wake and started to cry for some insane things. But the biggest storm was the question 'What is Santa getting me for Christmas?' I calmly tried to explain him that presents can be anything and need not be exactly what we want. But I found it hard to explain that gifts are just and should not be compared to someone else's.
I exactly know how it feels to see kids who are blessed with gifts and presents on their birthdays and other events. Children of low income families realize it pretty early that life isn't fair to them. Some kids get almost half of the toy store if not the entire store whereas the others smile with some coloring books and a candy stick. There have been years after years when we never got any presents but that didn't stop us from loving our friends and neighbors. The concept of sharing was more alleviated i guess. My son constantly says that a child in his class has a nice apple watch and he keeps looking at that, to which my husband says keep looking till you earn it in the next few years. Of course he bursts into tears.
Children these days are quite sensitive and can gauge the emotions very easily. The sense of being less privileged dawns in them very early in life. I knew a kid who used to pester his mom with questions. Does Santa visit only the rich families? Does Santa have any monetary problems? Why isn't he fair to all the children? The questions used to haunt his mom and at times the mom used to burst out failing to answer those.
We as parents know where the nicely wrapped presents come from. We all love our children and want the best for them but in that process lets teach them the quality of compassion and contentment. Contentment is very, very important in life. It teaches us to balance between expectations and desire.
Well, concentrating on Santa, I would like to request Santa to instill the sense of love and sharing amongst the people. Children of low income groups always have to feel the pinch every year while their peers are blessed with a nice ipad or any gadgets that others can just dream of. Parents of that group work tirelessly to set up a decent Christmas meal and bring some joy at their children's face. They struggle all year to pay bills and other necessities but on this day let there be joy and smiles in all the homes. Let the smell of cakes and cookies be stronger and hugs be more tighter.
If you agree with me 'high five'...
Wednesday, December 19, 2018
Tiffin Tales 74
Hola...
Friends this year the winters aren't treating me well. They are pretty unfair to me. Every other day a winter bug visits me making me sick and dull. Hence I am unable to enjoy the season as much I could or should have. Well we have somewhat prolonged winters so I am hopeful that I will get time to enjoy winters and some snow too. But I feel there is some kind of conjuration between winters and Christmas. The alchemy between them makes everything look dazzling even the white snow.
There isn't much to do outdoors in winters. I remember in my childhood the winter special vegetables used to look different. To me they were fresh and so very colorful and we weren't familiar with the word 'organic'. The fruits and vegetables were seasonal and my grandmother used to remind my father not to get anything unseasonal. Now with yearly produce we never seem to miss any fruits and vegetables. But i miss the color of the seasonal produces. Mangoes are best in summers but whenever I see them in winters I feel they look upset too. As a result we keep making the same curry with the same set of vegetables almost all year round. These day I rely on some food groups for creative ideas. I am not very creative but love to explore and in terms of posting pictures of my dishes I am almost in a different planet. On seeing the same set of vegetablesI scratch my head thinking of a new dish every alternate day. Health is also a priority hence I am not very liberal with oil and spices. My thoughts though!
This morning was a rushed one since I woke up late owing to my poor health. I made some 'puri' with some vegetable curry for lunch box. You must be wondering why i indulge in 'puris'. My S likes them and i don't mind him in indulging in his growing up years of his life. Mother's love you see. His snack had a few pieces of apples and some blueberries and yoghurt.
I hope to get better even though i am still not fully recovered. You guys enjoy your day and moments because misfortunes and sickness never inform anyone about their arrival.
Friends this year the winters aren't treating me well. They are pretty unfair to me. Every other day a winter bug visits me making me sick and dull. Hence I am unable to enjoy the season as much I could or should have. Well we have somewhat prolonged winters so I am hopeful that I will get time to enjoy winters and some snow too. But I feel there is some kind of conjuration between winters and Christmas. The alchemy between them makes everything look dazzling even the white snow.
There isn't much to do outdoors in winters. I remember in my childhood the winter special vegetables used to look different. To me they were fresh and so very colorful and we weren't familiar with the word 'organic'. The fruits and vegetables were seasonal and my grandmother used to remind my father not to get anything unseasonal. Now with yearly produce we never seem to miss any fruits and vegetables. But i miss the color of the seasonal produces. Mangoes are best in summers but whenever I see them in winters I feel they look upset too. As a result we keep making the same curry with the same set of vegetables almost all year round. These day I rely on some food groups for creative ideas. I am not very creative but love to explore and in terms of posting pictures of my dishes I am almost in a different planet. On seeing the same set of vegetablesI scratch my head thinking of a new dish every alternate day. Health is also a priority hence I am not very liberal with oil and spices. My thoughts though!
This morning was a rushed one since I woke up late owing to my poor health. I made some 'puri' with some vegetable curry for lunch box. You must be wondering why i indulge in 'puris'. My S likes them and i don't mind him in indulging in his growing up years of his life. Mother's love you see. His snack had a few pieces of apples and some blueberries and yoghurt.
I hope to get better even though i am still not fully recovered. You guys enjoy your day and moments because misfortunes and sickness never inform anyone about their arrival.
Monday, December 17, 2018
Tiffin Tales 73
Hola...
Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle all the way...Yes, we are just one week away from Christmas. The air smells cakes and everything around us looks so festive.
This morning my S woke up singing these lines, perhaps Santa visited him in his dreams last night. He smilingly asked me if today was Christmas or not but I lovingly replied that its next week. The schools will remain closed for ten days for the Christmas and New Years and the children get a break to soak in the festive season.
Growing up our way of celebrating Christmas was different from the way my children are celebrating now. We knew Santa but he never brought any gifts to us. Now that I buy small little presents for my children I wish to revisit my childhood, not for any gifts but to experience that level of innocence. There were limited number of bakeries in my place but they used to work over time to meet up with the demands. Now i wish Santa answers my prayers. If i dream through my children's eyes, i wish to get a pair of wings. I want to fly and meet my parents. Days, months and years pass I wait to catch a glimpse of them perhaps a pair of wings will help to cover the distance shorter.
Magical dreams and wishes are a part of this festival. I pray that who ever is reading these lines, all their wishes are fulfilled. Please pray for me too. On this good note today i made sandwiches for his lunch box. I also added some chips too. His snack box had a fruit bar a few crackers and yoghurt.
Enjoy this festive season to the core. I pray may peace reign all over...
Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle all the way...Yes, we are just one week away from Christmas. The air smells cakes and everything around us looks so festive.
This morning my S woke up singing these lines, perhaps Santa visited him in his dreams last night. He smilingly asked me if today was Christmas or not but I lovingly replied that its next week. The schools will remain closed for ten days for the Christmas and New Years and the children get a break to soak in the festive season.
Growing up our way of celebrating Christmas was different from the way my children are celebrating now. We knew Santa but he never brought any gifts to us. Now that I buy small little presents for my children I wish to revisit my childhood, not for any gifts but to experience that level of innocence. There were limited number of bakeries in my place but they used to work over time to meet up with the demands. Now i wish Santa answers my prayers. If i dream through my children's eyes, i wish to get a pair of wings. I want to fly and meet my parents. Days, months and years pass I wait to catch a glimpse of them perhaps a pair of wings will help to cover the distance shorter.
Magical dreams and wishes are a part of this festival. I pray that who ever is reading these lines, all their wishes are fulfilled. Please pray for me too. On this good note today i made sandwiches for his lunch box. I also added some chips too. His snack box had a fruit bar a few crackers and yoghurt.
Enjoy this festive season to the core. I pray may peace reign all over...
Friday, December 14, 2018
Tiffin Tales 72
Hola...
We all have managed to come this far of the week. I mean it's Friday and how many of us excited to let our hair down and just relax. I think relaxing is reserved for some affluent section of people and rest of us are or will be trudging along.
I was so excited yesterday about the weather and boy it started to rain after a couple of hours. It somewhat washed my excitement away. The rain poured all night and this morning its dark and cloudy.
Fridays are usually longer for us and we try prepare ourselves for the weekends. The children with their activity classes occupy lions share of our times over the weekends. We try to take turns so that all of us not exhausted together but for that we prepare our weekly plan of Fridays. Now that sounds like some serious plan but trust me a little bit of planning saves quite some time and extra energy. This weekend i have to organize my mad closet which is chock a block with mittens and scarves and socks which is missing its partner. Its one pile of a mayhem that needs my immediate attention and today i have to put in extra effort to keep me stable for the coming week.
This morning I made vegetable fried rice with a small gravy curry for lunch and dinner. My S was good enough to carry in his box. His snack box was different today with a small pack of chips and a small muffin. He was so excited today.
I hope you all enjoy your weekend and have ample time to take rest and energize yourselves. I will bug you all on Monday...Til then enjoy every moment of your lives...
We all have managed to come this far of the week. I mean it's Friday and how many of us excited to let our hair down and just relax. I think relaxing is reserved for some affluent section of people and rest of us are or will be trudging along.
I was so excited yesterday about the weather and boy it started to rain after a couple of hours. It somewhat washed my excitement away. The rain poured all night and this morning its dark and cloudy.
Fridays are usually longer for us and we try prepare ourselves for the weekends. The children with their activity classes occupy lions share of our times over the weekends. We try to take turns so that all of us not exhausted together but for that we prepare our weekly plan of Fridays. Now that sounds like some serious plan but trust me a little bit of planning saves quite some time and extra energy. This weekend i have to organize my mad closet which is chock a block with mittens and scarves and socks which is missing its partner. Its one pile of a mayhem that needs my immediate attention and today i have to put in extra effort to keep me stable for the coming week.
This morning I made vegetable fried rice with a small gravy curry for lunch and dinner. My S was good enough to carry in his box. His snack box was different today with a small pack of chips and a small muffin. He was so excited today.
I hope you all enjoy your weekend and have ample time to take rest and energize yourselves. I will bug you all on Monday...Til then enjoy every moment of your lives...
Thursday, December 13, 2018
Tiffin Tales 71
Hola..
How is your Thursday moving? It's a nice sunny day here and the temperatures are sweethearts today. It's a splendid day to go out for a quick walk or perhaps a little running. Well, if not all then why not some shopping though? I know, great minds think alike you see.
My shopping list as of today is nothing fancy. My list is kinda boring at least to me. I have to get from snacks to tissue rolls to floor cleaner and what not. Ironically all these cannot be grabbed at one store. So i will have to hop from one store to another. I might change my plan though. The weather looks so enticing that i might forget my list and settle down with a nice warm sundae or a tantalizing moist piece of cake though. Guilty right?
So many plans, you see. For starters i think i will have to clean this hugely messed up play area of my house. The play area looks no better than a junkyard. The wheels of the cars and trains are missing. The aircraft is missing its wings while the fire truck doesn't know its ladders. The alphabet board is missing all its alphabets while the numbers are all unsettled. I cannot give a better picture than this.
Okay, I think i should start with my cleaning then. If I am left with some energy then i will cook some nice risotto or some cauliflower rice or i will have to settle with some some leftovers. This morning I made 'roti' with vegetable curry for lunch box and his snack box was fruits and yoghurt.
Friends, catch you later and hope you all enjoy a nice warm day...
How is your Thursday moving? It's a nice sunny day here and the temperatures are sweethearts today. It's a splendid day to go out for a quick walk or perhaps a little running. Well, if not all then why not some shopping though? I know, great minds think alike you see.
My shopping list as of today is nothing fancy. My list is kinda boring at least to me. I have to get from snacks to tissue rolls to floor cleaner and what not. Ironically all these cannot be grabbed at one store. So i will have to hop from one store to another. I might change my plan though. The weather looks so enticing that i might forget my list and settle down with a nice warm sundae or a tantalizing moist piece of cake though. Guilty right?
So many plans, you see. For starters i think i will have to clean this hugely messed up play area of my house. The play area looks no better than a junkyard. The wheels of the cars and trains are missing. The aircraft is missing its wings while the fire truck doesn't know its ladders. The alphabet board is missing all its alphabets while the numbers are all unsettled. I cannot give a better picture than this.
Okay, I think i should start with my cleaning then. If I am left with some energy then i will cook some nice risotto or some cauliflower rice or i will have to settle with some some leftovers. This morning I made 'roti' with vegetable curry for lunch box and his snack box was fruits and yoghurt.
Friends, catch you later and hope you all enjoy a nice warm day...
Wednesday, December 12, 2018
Tiffin Tales 70
Hola...
Happy Wednesday.. Hope the midweek is going smooth as honey for you all and if not, hang in there good days are coming soon.
We are slowly but swiftly marching towards Christmas. The season of joy, love, merriment, sharing and caring. The Christmas carols are playing all across the stores and public places. The bakeries are overworking to bake those scrumptious cookies and cakes and the sounds of jingles just adds the sweetest music to the ears. On a cold winter day the sounds of the carols and jingles peps up any gloomy day. It seems cheerfulness is all around.
These days I have been teaching my kids especially my elder one the art of compassion. We should be compassionate not only towards our fellow beings but also towards any living beings. Like animals. These wonderful creatures add so much to our existence and in turn we can always offer them love and compassion. They cannot speak but can express. They truly understand the language of love and especially when it comes from children.
The season of Christmas also teaches us to share and be compassionate. We are not blessed with everything in this universe but we all can give back a little back to the universe. I feel sharing and caring are very influential in human lives. We need to be more responsive towards our surroundings and people. Let us spread a little bit of cheer in someone else's lives. I hope i can impart a small amount in my children too.
This morning my S wanted some 'puri' with some potato curry for lunch. Well, i was not in a mood but did not want to dishearten it. His snack box had pears, a few grapes and yoghurt.
Take care and more for tomorrow. Enjoy!
Happy Wednesday.. Hope the midweek is going smooth as honey for you all and if not, hang in there good days are coming soon.
We are slowly but swiftly marching towards Christmas. The season of joy, love, merriment, sharing and caring. The Christmas carols are playing all across the stores and public places. The bakeries are overworking to bake those scrumptious cookies and cakes and the sounds of jingles just adds the sweetest music to the ears. On a cold winter day the sounds of the carols and jingles peps up any gloomy day. It seems cheerfulness is all around.
These days I have been teaching my kids especially my elder one the art of compassion. We should be compassionate not only towards our fellow beings but also towards any living beings. Like animals. These wonderful creatures add so much to our existence and in turn we can always offer them love and compassion. They cannot speak but can express. They truly understand the language of love and especially when it comes from children.
The season of Christmas also teaches us to share and be compassionate. We are not blessed with everything in this universe but we all can give back a little back to the universe. I feel sharing and caring are very influential in human lives. We need to be more responsive towards our surroundings and people. Let us spread a little bit of cheer in someone else's lives. I hope i can impart a small amount in my children too.
This morning my S wanted some 'puri' with some potato curry for lunch. Well, i was not in a mood but did not want to dishearten it. His snack box had pears, a few grapes and yoghurt.
Take care and more for tomorrow. Enjoy!
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Tiffin Tales 69
Hola...
How are you all doing? The last few days have been a bit tough for me, health wise. But the best part was my daughter's birthday. It helped me in way to feel more energized and bounce back.
We always complain about our lives and our surroundings. But when the granted for things in life are challenged we realize their weight and importance. When our bodies are up and running we tend to somewhat ignore it or assume it to be a punch bag. These days our life styles are frenetic too which sometimes takes a huge toll.
The last few days when every muscle in my body was wriggling in pain, I started to count my blessings for each healthy day. I was on soups because my body could not keep the solids. This winter is proving to be a bit harsh for all of us.
Birthdays are always special especially when it your chid's birthday. Even though I wasn't in best of my health, yet I tried in my best possible way to make her day special. The little one cannot say thank you but her smile was enough to make me feel better. Cake, balloons, some frills and decorations, my daughter cut her cake. I couldn't sing but clapped for her though.
I am still a bit weak but my S cannot go without lunch box. Slowly i woke up in the morning to make him some warm pasta in tomato sauce and some grated cheese. His snack box had grapes, some berries and a small piece of sweet.
Friends take care of your health and savor every moment of life. It never comes back. Enjoy your day!
How are you all doing? The last few days have been a bit tough for me, health wise. But the best part was my daughter's birthday. It helped me in way to feel more energized and bounce back.
We always complain about our lives and our surroundings. But when the granted for things in life are challenged we realize their weight and importance. When our bodies are up and running we tend to somewhat ignore it or assume it to be a punch bag. These days our life styles are frenetic too which sometimes takes a huge toll.
The last few days when every muscle in my body was wriggling in pain, I started to count my blessings for each healthy day. I was on soups because my body could not keep the solids. This winter is proving to be a bit harsh for all of us.
Birthdays are always special especially when it your chid's birthday. Even though I wasn't in best of my health, yet I tried in my best possible way to make her day special. The little one cannot say thank you but her smile was enough to make me feel better. Cake, balloons, some frills and decorations, my daughter cut her cake. I couldn't sing but clapped for her though.
I am still a bit weak but my S cannot go without lunch box. Slowly i woke up in the morning to make him some warm pasta in tomato sauce and some grated cheese. His snack box had grapes, some berries and a small piece of sweet.
Friends take care of your health and savor every moment of life. It never comes back. Enjoy your day!
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Tiffin Tales 68
Hola...
Thursday is here are we are on a new day with a new vision to look around us. The winds are less severe today but its pretty cold.
Last night we had a long chat with our S and we gave some life's lessons on discipline and mannerisms. We tried to explain him how important it is to behave and learn to listen. Listening is very important but with the kids being restless these days listening is not a very cool thing. If i specifically talk about my children they are simply wonderful but a tad slow in listening. They are obedient but somehow listening is slow.
We took some good time to explain things and we tried to keep things really simple. It's the age when their tender minds wants to process a lot of things but cannot do that. At the end of our deep conversation my S played with his dad and we ended the day with an ice cream. I do not know how much he will remember but as parents we want to leave no stone unturned in giving them a good upbringing. Time almost flies if not runs and kids grow faster i guess hence we have to keep up with the pace.
This morning looked a bit smoother but i do not have too high expectations though. This morning we saw some sunshine which in itself helps to heal and rejuvenate. I had some boiled chickpeas so for lunch box I made chick pea rice with small salad. For snack box it was apples, a few grapes and yoghurt.
Enjoy your Thursday guys. Catch you all on Friday. Till then enjoy and rock on.
Thursday is here are we are on a new day with a new vision to look around us. The winds are less severe today but its pretty cold.
Last night we had a long chat with our S and we gave some life's lessons on discipline and mannerisms. We tried to explain him how important it is to behave and learn to listen. Listening is very important but with the kids being restless these days listening is not a very cool thing. If i specifically talk about my children they are simply wonderful but a tad slow in listening. They are obedient but somehow listening is slow.
We took some good time to explain things and we tried to keep things really simple. It's the age when their tender minds wants to process a lot of things but cannot do that. At the end of our deep conversation my S played with his dad and we ended the day with an ice cream. I do not know how much he will remember but as parents we want to leave no stone unturned in giving them a good upbringing. Time almost flies if not runs and kids grow faster i guess hence we have to keep up with the pace.
This morning looked a bit smoother but i do not have too high expectations though. This morning we saw some sunshine which in itself helps to heal and rejuvenate. I had some boiled chickpeas so for lunch box I made chick pea rice with small salad. For snack box it was apples, a few grapes and yoghurt.
Enjoy your Thursday guys. Catch you all on Friday. Till then enjoy and rock on.
Wednesday, December 5, 2018
Tiffin Tales 67
Hola...
It's windy Wednesday here and the winds are really strong here. There were slight snow flakes as well and in all its a cold day.
The kids have been sneezing since morning and i am anticipating more sneezing and tissues all over the house in the weekends. How predictable. The winters always challenge children's immunities and each year they grow stronger. The route to strong immunity is pretty rough though. Endless nights of blocked nose, congestion and further down to ear infections as well.
Okay, I am not scaring people who haven't been through but talking from my experiences it takes a while before the kids develop their immunities to combat these. Wonderful life cycle I guess.
As i said the children are sneezing I needed to be around them more. I had some writing work which had to be put on hold and such other works which are paused at this moment. I made a big bowl of tomato carrot soup even though husband would have wanted clear chicken soup. But i couldn't manage to go to get some chicken hence made the tomato carrot. It was equally comforting though.
Let's hope the sneezing doesn't get stretched too far or for too many days. I am so looking forward to this coming weekend. I also hope for all my friends who are reading these have a nice and comforting times. Todays lunch was 'Puri' with vegetable curry.
Hope to catch you all tomorrow.
It's windy Wednesday here and the winds are really strong here. There were slight snow flakes as well and in all its a cold day.
The kids have been sneezing since morning and i am anticipating more sneezing and tissues all over the house in the weekends. How predictable. The winters always challenge children's immunities and each year they grow stronger. The route to strong immunity is pretty rough though. Endless nights of blocked nose, congestion and further down to ear infections as well.
Okay, I am not scaring people who haven't been through but talking from my experiences it takes a while before the kids develop their immunities to combat these. Wonderful life cycle I guess.
As i said the children are sneezing I needed to be around them more. I had some writing work which had to be put on hold and such other works which are paused at this moment. I made a big bowl of tomato carrot soup even though husband would have wanted clear chicken soup. But i couldn't manage to go to get some chicken hence made the tomato carrot. It was equally comforting though.
Let's hope the sneezing doesn't get stretched too far or for too many days. I am so looking forward to this coming weekend. I also hope for all my friends who are reading these have a nice and comforting times. Todays lunch was 'Puri' with vegetable curry.
Hope to catch you all tomorrow.
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Tiffin Tales 66
Hola..
Happy Tuesday. I hope you all are enjoying the second day of the week. The sun is almost hidden and its a cold day. I have a couple of fresh tomatoes and carrots and i am hoping to making a nice warm soup.
Last night as we were doing homework, my S showed signs of opinions. He wanted exactly his way of doing his work. Even though we always encourage independent thinking but these days he is opinionated. Children these days prefer to do things the way they want. They put their thoughts very clearly and emphatically.
With times behavioral approach is also changing. Children these days are blessed technologically and most of the children look for help online. From solving a simple mathematical problem to seeking advice from anonymous for any life changing events children seek refuge in the world of web. As a result go through lots of words, pages and hours together. Their thoughts are more far more wide and spread out.
Cut to my S, he also clear opinion on whatever he deals with in his day to day life. Along with opinions we as parents are also trying our best to guide him patiently. While we have experience these kids of today have more updated information which we tend to miss at times. We do not want to force our experience on him rather we want to be his guide and let him know that we always have his back...
So on that note today's lunch box was vegetable sandwich and a small packet of chips. I tried to layer the sandwich with mashed potato and some vegetables. The bag of chips was an incentive though. For snack box he took some grapes and pears and a pack of yoghurt.
Hope to chat with you all tomorrow. Stay happy...
Happy Tuesday. I hope you all are enjoying the second day of the week. The sun is almost hidden and its a cold day. I have a couple of fresh tomatoes and carrots and i am hoping to making a nice warm soup.
Last night as we were doing homework, my S showed signs of opinions. He wanted exactly his way of doing his work. Even though we always encourage independent thinking but these days he is opinionated. Children these days prefer to do things the way they want. They put their thoughts very clearly and emphatically.
With times behavioral approach is also changing. Children these days are blessed technologically and most of the children look for help online. From solving a simple mathematical problem to seeking advice from anonymous for any life changing events children seek refuge in the world of web. As a result go through lots of words, pages and hours together. Their thoughts are more far more wide and spread out.
Cut to my S, he also clear opinion on whatever he deals with in his day to day life. Along with opinions we as parents are also trying our best to guide him patiently. While we have experience these kids of today have more updated information which we tend to miss at times. We do not want to force our experience on him rather we want to be his guide and let him know that we always have his back...
So on that note today's lunch box was vegetable sandwich and a small packet of chips. I tried to layer the sandwich with mashed potato and some vegetables. The bag of chips was an incentive though. For snack box he took some grapes and pears and a pack of yoghurt.
Hope to chat with you all tomorrow. Stay happy...
Monday, December 3, 2018
Tiffin Tales 65
Hola....
Friends, I hope you all had a rocking start to the new week. This month of December brings lots of winter happiness and layers to woolens to wrap up. All about cozy moments and some cup of cheer.
The last week was a bit turbulent for me. I missed writing my post on Friday. Both my kids fell sick and were throwing up crazy. I had a tough time when both of them fell sick at the same time because both of them wanted mother's special attention and care. While the father did the other chores, I was almost glued to them all the time. But thankfully things got better towards Sunday evening and Monday started positively again. This weekend was all about cleaning, comforting and lots of hugs.
Sunday evening we had guests too, hence had to do a bit of cooking. It feels great when someone comes over and spends some time. It certainly has a rejuvenating effect on the mind and within hours the kids forgot about their health and enjoyed for some time. The weather was certainly damp but could not dampen our moods.
I am still feeling a bit tired after this weekend but this morning my S insisted the Christmas tree be taken out. So somehow my energy level has spiked up again and will open the box to set it. I am hopeful of completing the task by today, if not then certainly by tomorrow. Monday snack box had was egg fried rice with some beans and carrots. The snack box had some raspberries, slices of apples and yoghurt. Okay, so now i am off to my next assignment. I hope you all enjoy your day and more for tomorrow.
Friends, I hope you all had a rocking start to the new week. This month of December brings lots of winter happiness and layers to woolens to wrap up. All about cozy moments and some cup of cheer.
The last week was a bit turbulent for me. I missed writing my post on Friday. Both my kids fell sick and were throwing up crazy. I had a tough time when both of them fell sick at the same time because both of them wanted mother's special attention and care. While the father did the other chores, I was almost glued to them all the time. But thankfully things got better towards Sunday evening and Monday started positively again. This weekend was all about cleaning, comforting and lots of hugs.
Sunday evening we had guests too, hence had to do a bit of cooking. It feels great when someone comes over and spends some time. It certainly has a rejuvenating effect on the mind and within hours the kids forgot about their health and enjoyed for some time. The weather was certainly damp but could not dampen our moods.
I am still feeling a bit tired after this weekend but this morning my S insisted the Christmas tree be taken out. So somehow my energy level has spiked up again and will open the box to set it. I am hopeful of completing the task by today, if not then certainly by tomorrow. Monday snack box had was egg fried rice with some beans and carrots. The snack box had some raspberries, slices of apples and yoghurt. Okay, so now i am off to my next assignment. I hope you all enjoy your day and more for tomorrow.
Thursday, November 29, 2018
Tiffin Tales 64
Hola...
Happy Thursday! Excited about the weekend that starts tomorrow. okay, yes, tomorrow evening after you get back from work and slowly the weekend feeling sinks in. Well, technically Mothers do not have any weekends whatsoever.
The only noticeable changes for the weekends are the schedules where the alarm doesn't go on at devilish times. There is a different menu for the weekends and lots of birthday parties. Of course activity classes are tucked in too. When you realize you have successfully accomplished those, Monday comes smiling to you.
This morning was a bit crazier than yesterday. I have been using my rice cooker for a couple of years but it died down this morning when i was making lunch for my S. I didn't realize till it looked unusual time that it was taking. The lights of the rice cooker went off and it stopped working. I tried changing the electricity points hoping it would work but it just simply gave up. So i hurriedly had to take my trusted stove top cooker out and transfer the contents and cook it accordingly. I was planning to make fried rice with egg but i had to boil the egg and add separately to the rice with vegetables. To cheer him up i added some extra butter which was blended with herbs and cheese. I hope it gave the rice some extra flavor.
How was your Thursday? I know not many people read my line but if you, please spare a line or word or two to make me realize that some human actually does. It will certainly make me happy...Take care and enjoy because Friday is almost here...
Happy Thursday! Excited about the weekend that starts tomorrow. okay, yes, tomorrow evening after you get back from work and slowly the weekend feeling sinks in. Well, technically Mothers do not have any weekends whatsoever.
The only noticeable changes for the weekends are the schedules where the alarm doesn't go on at devilish times. There is a different menu for the weekends and lots of birthday parties. Of course activity classes are tucked in too. When you realize you have successfully accomplished those, Monday comes smiling to you.
This morning was a bit crazier than yesterday. I have been using my rice cooker for a couple of years but it died down this morning when i was making lunch for my S. I didn't realize till it looked unusual time that it was taking. The lights of the rice cooker went off and it stopped working. I tried changing the electricity points hoping it would work but it just simply gave up. So i hurriedly had to take my trusted stove top cooker out and transfer the contents and cook it accordingly. I was planning to make fried rice with egg but i had to boil the egg and add separately to the rice with vegetables. To cheer him up i added some extra butter which was blended with herbs and cheese. I hope it gave the rice some extra flavor.
How was your Thursday? I know not many people read my line but if you, please spare a line or word or two to make me realize that some human actually does. It will certainly make me happy...Take care and enjoy because Friday is almost here...
Wednesday, November 28, 2018
Tiffin Tales 63
Hola...
Happy Wednesday and hope this day went well at your end. For us the sun did come out behind the clouds and shone on us a bit. The cold winds were a bit milder and we pray that the winters pass quickly as does the summer months.
Last night i forgot to turn my alarm on and boy, this morning i was so late. Everything seemed to running faster than me and my children added to my misery. My daughter spilled her entire glass of milk on the floor which needed immediate mopping while my S seemed to struggle with everything today. He needed help with his feeding breakfast which he complained was too handle to his zip of the jacket getting stuck to his shoe laces getting messed up. What a messy morning it was today. We somehow managed to reach the bus stop just on time.
Learning the importance of time is very important. Along with education children should be taught to respect time whosever it is. First one own's time and later some one else's too. Being punctual is something that needs to be cultivated right from childhood and i strongly believe that 'the early bird gets the worm'.
The messy morning was further aggravated by the fact that this morning i decided to pack 'puri' and 'potato curry' for his lunch box. Mixing and kneading dough takes a decent amount of time and i should have skipped it today. But my S insisted that he wanted 'puri' and i could not chop vegetables in a jiffy to make something else. His snack box had fruits and a cheese stick and his regular yoghurt.
I earnestly hope that i will never forget to set my alarms on weekdays and avoid a messy day that followed the entire day. Hope you all enjoy your day...
Happy Wednesday and hope this day went well at your end. For us the sun did come out behind the clouds and shone on us a bit. The cold winds were a bit milder and we pray that the winters pass quickly as does the summer months.
Last night i forgot to turn my alarm on and boy, this morning i was so late. Everything seemed to running faster than me and my children added to my misery. My daughter spilled her entire glass of milk on the floor which needed immediate mopping while my S seemed to struggle with everything today. He needed help with his feeding breakfast which he complained was too handle to his zip of the jacket getting stuck to his shoe laces getting messed up. What a messy morning it was today. We somehow managed to reach the bus stop just on time.
Learning the importance of time is very important. Along with education children should be taught to respect time whosever it is. First one own's time and later some one else's too. Being punctual is something that needs to be cultivated right from childhood and i strongly believe that 'the early bird gets the worm'.
The messy morning was further aggravated by the fact that this morning i decided to pack 'puri' and 'potato curry' for his lunch box. Mixing and kneading dough takes a decent amount of time and i should have skipped it today. But my S insisted that he wanted 'puri' and i could not chop vegetables in a jiffy to make something else. His snack box had fruits and a cheese stick and his regular yoghurt.
I earnestly hope that i will never forget to set my alarms on weekdays and avoid a messy day that followed the entire day. Hope you all enjoy your day...
Tuesday, November 27, 2018
Tiffin Tales 62
Hola...
It's the last week Tuesday of November this year and i sincerely hope all is well at your end. It's somewhat a back to school in my house today. It's been quite a vacation week for the last one week even though we were mostly home. The snow fall almost pushed us to stay inside which wasn't bad either. The only downside is the amount of cooking that needs to be done when everyone is home. But isn't what vacations are for? Eat and eat.
The past week I observed to children try to mould themselves according to the environment. Each child is distinct with his thoughts and actions. But the environment that we create at home is perhaps the greatest factor to give them a healthy mental upbringing. How we talk and how we treat each other impacts their social behavior hugely. When children go out for play dates they closely interact with their friends and in those discussions comes out lot of anecdotes which they watch or listen in their families.
In these days I feel children constantly feel restless. They are always seeking something and satisfaction level is low. While i am no expert to analyze these, yet somewhere I feel its the lack of time they get at home or any personal attention they want, kids these days are more lost in the virtual or web world than in their families. Cousins have been replaced by internet friends and friends have become families. I have sparse idea whether it is for greater good or not but this lack of communication in family is something I would clearly like to avoid all throughout. They should clearly get the feelings that they are always loved and they prioritize over everything. My house lacks lot of gadgets which eventually might find place but I promise there won't be any dearth of love and understanding. You always have our back but then do not make the entire world or friends as family while you alienate your own family. Well, my two cents though.
I will keep touching this particular chord from time to time but for today i will end here. It's been a bit tiring day after cleaning the house which was a bit messy after this vacation home week. This morning I made my S some pasta in tomato gravy with some grated cheese and packed it in a thermos. With the temperatures dipping every day food gets cold almost instantly. His snack box had peaches and some crackers with a yoghurt.
Hope to catch at least a few of you tomorrow. You know someday we might meet too...
It's the last week Tuesday of November this year and i sincerely hope all is well at your end. It's somewhat a back to school in my house today. It's been quite a vacation week for the last one week even though we were mostly home. The snow fall almost pushed us to stay inside which wasn't bad either. The only downside is the amount of cooking that needs to be done when everyone is home. But isn't what vacations are for? Eat and eat.
The past week I observed to children try to mould themselves according to the environment. Each child is distinct with his thoughts and actions. But the environment that we create at home is perhaps the greatest factor to give them a healthy mental upbringing. How we talk and how we treat each other impacts their social behavior hugely. When children go out for play dates they closely interact with their friends and in those discussions comes out lot of anecdotes which they watch or listen in their families.
In these days I feel children constantly feel restless. They are always seeking something and satisfaction level is low. While i am no expert to analyze these, yet somewhere I feel its the lack of time they get at home or any personal attention they want, kids these days are more lost in the virtual or web world than in their families. Cousins have been replaced by internet friends and friends have become families. I have sparse idea whether it is for greater good or not but this lack of communication in family is something I would clearly like to avoid all throughout. They should clearly get the feelings that they are always loved and they prioritize over everything. My house lacks lot of gadgets which eventually might find place but I promise there won't be any dearth of love and understanding. You always have our back but then do not make the entire world or friends as family while you alienate your own family. Well, my two cents though.
I will keep touching this particular chord from time to time but for today i will end here. It's been a bit tiring day after cleaning the house which was a bit messy after this vacation home week. This morning I made my S some pasta in tomato gravy with some grated cheese and packed it in a thermos. With the temperatures dipping every day food gets cold almost instantly. His snack box had peaches and some crackers with a yoghurt.
Hope to catch at least a few of you tomorrow. You know someday we might meet too...
Monday, November 26, 2018
Tiffin Tales 61
Hola...
How are you all doing at the start of another week? We had almost a snow blizzard last night and the area looks like covered with a thick blanket of ice. This morning early commuters were seen busy cleaning up their cars especially the wind screens and the cars were taking longer than the usual time to warm up. As there was a snow prediction for Sunday hurried shoppers including me thronged to the grocery to pick up the necessities for the next two days. I realized that i needed some bread, jam and a tray of eggs to keep us happily moving in the snowy days. But the long queue at the cash registers almost threw me off.
Later in Sunday we got a call from the school authorities to inform us that the schools will be closed due to heavy snow and boy you should have seen my S's happiness. He was elated with his extended vacation. This morning after he had his milk he requested me to go out in the snow for sometime. We bundled up and we played outside till it started to hurt in the knuckles and there were tears in eyers due to the wind. We took some customary pictures to share with our families. Our families always warn us not to play outside but i guess we have built some sort of immunity towards these words over the years. Whenever we share pictures the first reaction is always heavy and sombre followed by love and affectionate words.
As there was no school today we had some leisure lunch. The meal was a typical Bengali lunch with 'dal', 'kumro chochori' and fish curry with 'dhone pata'. Dinner will be noodles with vegetables and eggs. Tomorrow another school week starts and so starts the grind.
I hope you all enjoy the last week of November and the new season brings lots of warmth and smiles in your lives.
How are you all doing at the start of another week? We had almost a snow blizzard last night and the area looks like covered with a thick blanket of ice. This morning early commuters were seen busy cleaning up their cars especially the wind screens and the cars were taking longer than the usual time to warm up. As there was a snow prediction for Sunday hurried shoppers including me thronged to the grocery to pick up the necessities for the next two days. I realized that i needed some bread, jam and a tray of eggs to keep us happily moving in the snowy days. But the long queue at the cash registers almost threw me off.
Later in Sunday we got a call from the school authorities to inform us that the schools will be closed due to heavy snow and boy you should have seen my S's happiness. He was elated with his extended vacation. This morning after he had his milk he requested me to go out in the snow for sometime. We bundled up and we played outside till it started to hurt in the knuckles and there were tears in eyers due to the wind. We took some customary pictures to share with our families. Our families always warn us not to play outside but i guess we have built some sort of immunity towards these words over the years. Whenever we share pictures the first reaction is always heavy and sombre followed by love and affectionate words.
As there was no school today we had some leisure lunch. The meal was a typical Bengali lunch with 'dal', 'kumro chochori' and fish curry with 'dhone pata'. Dinner will be noodles with vegetables and eggs. Tomorrow another school week starts and so starts the grind.
I hope you all enjoy the last week of November and the new season brings lots of warmth and smiles in your lives.
Friday, November 23, 2018
Tiffin Tales 60
Hola...
Today is Friday and its raining pretty much here...This week we did not crawl towards the weekend, we almost jumped at it. The reason i say so is because we had a leisure days this week hence we happily made it towards Friday and now looking forward to a fresh new week.
Friday was almost a 'Fryday' for me. Made quite a few fried items as we somehow were craving for some given the weather outside. Well this is what holidays are all about. Indulge in some guilty food and wish no extra calories were ever added to your bodies.
With quite a decent amount of cooking i am somewhat a bit tired and will try to read something or enjoy a movie. I am planning to surf Netflix to see the recently added section. This is by far my smallest post yet i like to share it here irrespective of anyone reads or not. This blog is like telling my day to day happening to some long lost friend who is just my listener. I would like to meet some day too.
Have a blessed weekend friends. May the universe provide you with extra energy to enjoy all the beauties of life. Take care...
Today is Friday and its raining pretty much here...This week we did not crawl towards the weekend, we almost jumped at it. The reason i say so is because we had a leisure days this week hence we happily made it towards Friday and now looking forward to a fresh new week.
Friday was almost a 'Fryday' for me. Made quite a few fried items as we somehow were craving for some given the weather outside. Well this is what holidays are all about. Indulge in some guilty food and wish no extra calories were ever added to your bodies.
With quite a decent amount of cooking i am somewhat a bit tired and will try to read something or enjoy a movie. I am planning to surf Netflix to see the recently added section. This is by far my smallest post yet i like to share it here irrespective of anyone reads or not. This blog is like telling my day to day happening to some long lost friend who is just my listener. I would like to meet some day too.
Have a blessed weekend friends. May the universe provide you with extra energy to enjoy all the beauties of life. Take care...
Thursday, November 22, 2018
Tiffin Tales 59
Hola..
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I hope you all are enjoying this wonderful day surrounded by the warmth of family and friends over scrumptious food.
As we actively do not celebrate this day yet we can feel strong vibes of this day all around us. Over the years i have seen people celebrate this day awaiting for their loved ones. Parents enthusiastically wait for their children to arrive for a break and share some food and laughter. The empty nests are once again filled with chirpiness and giggles before the birds once again fly out.
We started our day a bit late enjoying some extra sleep time. I am extra grateful to my children who let me sleep a bit more today. Breakfast was late and so was lunch. Everything was moving at snail pace today even though no one seemed to complain. Music was playing almost the entire day even though it was an eclectic combination from nursery rhymes to jazz to Indian classical music. We did not cook anything elaborate today even though my S wanted something different today as its a holiday. So along with his dad, they baked a fresh batch of orange muffin and the house smells delectable.
I am so so grateful for these moments in my life for these moments are the true treasures for me. I might not know the true essence of this day but i can always express my gratitude for this day and for the days to come.
Have a blessed day not just today but for all days to come. Enjoy...
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone. I hope you all are enjoying this wonderful day surrounded by the warmth of family and friends over scrumptious food.
As we actively do not celebrate this day yet we can feel strong vibes of this day all around us. Over the years i have seen people celebrate this day awaiting for their loved ones. Parents enthusiastically wait for their children to arrive for a break and share some food and laughter. The empty nests are once again filled with chirpiness and giggles before the birds once again fly out.
We started our day a bit late enjoying some extra sleep time. I am extra grateful to my children who let me sleep a bit more today. Breakfast was late and so was lunch. Everything was moving at snail pace today even though no one seemed to complain. Music was playing almost the entire day even though it was an eclectic combination from nursery rhymes to jazz to Indian classical music. We did not cook anything elaborate today even though my S wanted something different today as its a holiday. So along with his dad, they baked a fresh batch of orange muffin and the house smells delectable.
I am so so grateful for these moments in my life for these moments are the true treasures for me. I might not know the true essence of this day but i can always express my gratitude for this day and for the days to come.
Have a blessed day not just today but for all days to come. Enjoy...
Wednesday, November 21, 2018
Tiffin Tales 58
Hola...
It's almost Thanksgiving, well can say eve. I hope those of who are celebrating this day are all set to celebrate and feast on the delicacies.
This morning I drove my children to some classes and on my way back had few grocery items to be picked up. The stores and the parking lots were seriously packed. The stores filled with last minute shoppers browsing through vegetables, dairy section and of course the bakery section. Even though our list was a small one yet, it took us some good amount of time to steer through and checkout with our purchases. The roads were rushing too. A lot of people are traveling out of state to be with their family and loved ones. Festivals are such a thing, we all want to rush to our families.
While we do not celebrate this day but even living far away from families this day makes us yearn to rush to our families. To see the twinkle in their eyes, the love expressed through food, the moist eyes when we leave all these additively makes me rush to them anytime. Life is tough, i must say but fun too.
As there was no school today, hence no lunch and snack box. But for breakfast i made pancakes with store bought syrup. Lunch was with 'dal makhni' and fish curry. Dinner will be pasta in tomato basil sauce.
I hope if you are traveling may you reach at lightning speed, of course safely. Let love and positivity be around you and indulge in your cravings. Catch you all tomorrow.
It's almost Thanksgiving, well can say eve. I hope those of who are celebrating this day are all set to celebrate and feast on the delicacies.
This morning I drove my children to some classes and on my way back had few grocery items to be picked up. The stores and the parking lots were seriously packed. The stores filled with last minute shoppers browsing through vegetables, dairy section and of course the bakery section. Even though our list was a small one yet, it took us some good amount of time to steer through and checkout with our purchases. The roads were rushing too. A lot of people are traveling out of state to be with their family and loved ones. Festivals are such a thing, we all want to rush to our families.
While we do not celebrate this day but even living far away from families this day makes us yearn to rush to our families. To see the twinkle in their eyes, the love expressed through food, the moist eyes when we leave all these additively makes me rush to them anytime. Life is tough, i must say but fun too.
As there was no school today, hence no lunch and snack box. But for breakfast i made pancakes with store bought syrup. Lunch was with 'dal makhni' and fish curry. Dinner will be pasta in tomato basil sauce.
I hope if you are traveling may you reach at lightning speed, of course safely. Let love and positivity be around you and indulge in your cravings. Catch you all tomorrow.
Tuesday, November 20, 2018
Tiffin tales 57
Hola...
I think someone up there must have gone through my posts, because the sun is shining today. It's chilly outside but the sun rays makes everything look bright and shiny. The golden rays are falling on the floor and its such a joy to see bright sun on winter days.
It's the week of 'Thanksgiving' and people are looking forward to the break and some family time. With the schools closed for this week, it will be a complete mad house. The time table will take a backseat and desserts will come out for breakfast. I haven't planned anything for these few days and i am planning to let my hair down.
I am planning to keep my home look like jungle for the next few days. Let toys stay where the kids put them, battered and scattered. Lots of snuggles and warm food is what i am planning for this week. This morning there were very few children at the bus stop. A lot of kids are suffering from cold while a lot of them have flown out to be with their families to celebrate the day. When my S was about to board the bus he excitedly came running and asked me, "Mamma, what did you pack for lunch today?" I laughed and said vegetable and egg fried rice to which he smiled which was wider than mine. His snack box had apples and grapes and yoghurt.
I hope you all enjoy the day and if you are celebrating this day i wish you all have a blessed one.
I think someone up there must have gone through my posts, because the sun is shining today. It's chilly outside but the sun rays makes everything look bright and shiny. The golden rays are falling on the floor and its such a joy to see bright sun on winter days.
It's the week of 'Thanksgiving' and people are looking forward to the break and some family time. With the schools closed for this week, it will be a complete mad house. The time table will take a backseat and desserts will come out for breakfast. I haven't planned anything for these few days and i am planning to let my hair down.
I am planning to keep my home look like jungle for the next few days. Let toys stay where the kids put them, battered and scattered. Lots of snuggles and warm food is what i am planning for this week. This morning there were very few children at the bus stop. A lot of kids are suffering from cold while a lot of them have flown out to be with their families to celebrate the day. When my S was about to board the bus he excitedly came running and asked me, "Mamma, what did you pack for lunch today?" I laughed and said vegetable and egg fried rice to which he smiled which was wider than mine. His snack box had apples and grapes and yoghurt.
I hope you all enjoy the day and if you are celebrating this day i wish you all have a blessed one.
Monday, November 19, 2018
Tiffin Tales 56
Hola...
Welcome again to another new week. The temperatures are dipping down mercilessly and we have started to bundle up. The house looks like some flea market strewn over with all the woolen hats, mittens, jackets and other winter accessories.
The divorce rate of socks who go to washer is driving me insane. Winters have just begun and my children have at least half of a dozen socks which doesn't have its companion. I wonder if my washer has some invisible hole which swallows only one from the pair.
The fun doesn't end there. Over the years my socks, gloves, hats seems to have disappeared and i am thinking of getting some professional help to figure them out. Winters are so taxing to me you see.
The weekend was snowy. Although there was no much accumulation, yet the roads looked as though from rain. This morning is cold and cloudy. The sun did appear from an hour or so but its cold enough to make any flavored ice cream outside.
Last night my children had extended play time with their father and they slept late. This morning i had request S to wake up so that he doesn't miss his bus. He asked for some butter rice with soya bean nuggets for lunch today and i made it. I hope enjoyed his lunch. His snack box was green grapes, pears and small pack of yoghurt.
Enjoy all the weather or the moments you are experiencing now. It's will change too...Happy Monday!
Welcome again to another new week. The temperatures are dipping down mercilessly and we have started to bundle up. The house looks like some flea market strewn over with all the woolen hats, mittens, jackets and other winter accessories.
The divorce rate of socks who go to washer is driving me insane. Winters have just begun and my children have at least half of a dozen socks which doesn't have its companion. I wonder if my washer has some invisible hole which swallows only one from the pair.
The fun doesn't end there. Over the years my socks, gloves, hats seems to have disappeared and i am thinking of getting some professional help to figure them out. Winters are so taxing to me you see.
The weekend was snowy. Although there was no much accumulation, yet the roads looked as though from rain. This morning is cold and cloudy. The sun did appear from an hour or so but its cold enough to make any flavored ice cream outside.
Last night my children had extended play time with their father and they slept late. This morning i had request S to wake up so that he doesn't miss his bus. He asked for some butter rice with soya bean nuggets for lunch today and i made it. I hope enjoyed his lunch. His snack box was green grapes, pears and small pack of yoghurt.
Enjoy all the weather or the moments you are experiencing now. It's will change too...Happy Monday!
Friday, November 16, 2018
Tiffin Tales 55
Hola...
It's Friday again and its a windy, cloudy day here. Today is a slow day and i feeling a bit low. I guess it could be because of the weather, yet the weekend looks packed with onus of things to do.
This morning was a bit crazy. It's cold here and both me and S were missing our gloves. Strangely we both one of the each pairs. We were crazily looking for those and in the pursuit of our search we messed up a lot of stuff. We searched for ten minutes but created a mess which needed close forty minutes to clean them.
At the end of my search i found out one of my long lost of scarves. I remember i searched for that scarf almost entire last winter. It isn't any branded or any gift. I remember buying it from a lady at a local store in my native place. The scarf had some unique feeling which used to give warmth. As i had bought it from my native place a unique feeling would caress me. I always felt it smelt different too. It was a winter evening and me along with my parents had went out to visit a local fair. There were stalls from adjoining states showcasing best of their exclusive stuff. One lady was there selling woolen items. Her collection was very vibrant and she claimed every single item in her stall was hand woven. The collection included sweaters, mufflers, scarves, some stoles, baby socks, mittens and woolen caps. I stopped and and was quite impressed with the play of colors at her stall. The best part of her stall was her smile. She smiled at every single customer she was attending and her smile was pretty infectious. The smile was so communicable that a lot of ladies complemented her right away. I chose a scarf which had a nice floral design. Not only did i carry the scarf with me but her smile somehow got etched in my memory and perhaps that's the reason i can so clearly remember and jot it down.
With the avalanche of clothes that children collect each year for every season, my scarf got buried somewhere. Last winter i frantically looked for it and declared that i lost it and perhaps shed a tear or two. But today owing to the loss of our mittens i found it again and i so glad to be united with that. It certainly has the warmth of my place and whenever i wear it i feel i am not so far from my native place.
Friday is officially Pizza day for my S, hence i made him some 'paratha's' along with a cheese stick for his snack. I hope you all enjoy your weekend. Do everything that rejuvenates you and catch you all next week.
It's Friday again and its a windy, cloudy day here. Today is a slow day and i feeling a bit low. I guess it could be because of the weather, yet the weekend looks packed with onus of things to do.
This morning was a bit crazy. It's cold here and both me and S were missing our gloves. Strangely we both one of the each pairs. We were crazily looking for those and in the pursuit of our search we messed up a lot of stuff. We searched for ten minutes but created a mess which needed close forty minutes to clean them.
At the end of my search i found out one of my long lost of scarves. I remember i searched for that scarf almost entire last winter. It isn't any branded or any gift. I remember buying it from a lady at a local store in my native place. The scarf had some unique feeling which used to give warmth. As i had bought it from my native place a unique feeling would caress me. I always felt it smelt different too. It was a winter evening and me along with my parents had went out to visit a local fair. There were stalls from adjoining states showcasing best of their exclusive stuff. One lady was there selling woolen items. Her collection was very vibrant and she claimed every single item in her stall was hand woven. The collection included sweaters, mufflers, scarves, some stoles, baby socks, mittens and woolen caps. I stopped and and was quite impressed with the play of colors at her stall. The best part of her stall was her smile. She smiled at every single customer she was attending and her smile was pretty infectious. The smile was so communicable that a lot of ladies complemented her right away. I chose a scarf which had a nice floral design. Not only did i carry the scarf with me but her smile somehow got etched in my memory and perhaps that's the reason i can so clearly remember and jot it down.
With the avalanche of clothes that children collect each year for every season, my scarf got buried somewhere. Last winter i frantically looked for it and declared that i lost it and perhaps shed a tear or two. But today owing to the loss of our mittens i found it again and i so glad to be united with that. It certainly has the warmth of my place and whenever i wear it i feel i am not so far from my native place.
Friday is officially Pizza day for my S, hence i made him some 'paratha's' along with a cheese stick for his snack. I hope you all enjoy your weekend. Do everything that rejuvenates you and catch you all next week.
Thursday, November 15, 2018
Tiffin Tales 54
Hola...
Happy Thursday...It's so dark and addled day here that we almost turned our lights on for the entire day. This morning it snowed for an hour so too.
Today's post is almost a rant post. I ordered some clothing items online and they were delivered too. But when i went to pick up my packages they were missing. Hell, where did they disappear? I took hours selecting the right sizes and some good colors and of course paid for those items and someone casually picks up my packages and disappears. How delirious i felt! Well, this is not the first time my packages went missing. I am so tired of running at my front door the moment i see my packages delivered status.
Dear anonymous friend, please try to understand its not an amusing thing to pick up someone else's packages. There are people like who have to brave the ice cold weather at times to go shopping. We confide in those shopping sites to deliver some 'essential' stuff at our doorsteps. Please do not make our lives more complicated. We spend our hard earned money and we do pay our taxes too. We find it pretty demeaning when our hard earned money is 'stolen' like these. Staying at home doesn't mean we have to be a constant at the door steps to figure when is the delivery truck coming. There are some sites who pay the refund but not all. Who pays for that?
Well enough for Thursday i guess. I am looking for a better Friday and a sunnier weekend if not weather wise technically. For today's lunch box i made 'poha' with peas and ground nuts an 'ghee'. His snack box was grapes, apples and a small piece of cake along with yoghurt.
I hope people get a bit more sensible enough to understand others and let them live in peace. We all do not live for ever.. Enjoy 'now'.
Happy Thursday...It's so dark and addled day here that we almost turned our lights on for the entire day. This morning it snowed for an hour so too.
Today's post is almost a rant post. I ordered some clothing items online and they were delivered too. But when i went to pick up my packages they were missing. Hell, where did they disappear? I took hours selecting the right sizes and some good colors and of course paid for those items and someone casually picks up my packages and disappears. How delirious i felt! Well, this is not the first time my packages went missing. I am so tired of running at my front door the moment i see my packages delivered status.
Dear anonymous friend, please try to understand its not an amusing thing to pick up someone else's packages. There are people like who have to brave the ice cold weather at times to go shopping. We confide in those shopping sites to deliver some 'essential' stuff at our doorsteps. Please do not make our lives more complicated. We spend our hard earned money and we do pay our taxes too. We find it pretty demeaning when our hard earned money is 'stolen' like these. Staying at home doesn't mean we have to be a constant at the door steps to figure when is the delivery truck coming. There are some sites who pay the refund but not all. Who pays for that?
Well enough for Thursday i guess. I am looking for a better Friday and a sunnier weekend if not weather wise technically. For today's lunch box i made 'poha' with peas and ground nuts an 'ghee'. His snack box was grapes, apples and a small piece of cake along with yoghurt.
I hope people get a bit more sensible enough to understand others and let them live in peace. We all do not live for ever.. Enjoy 'now'.
Wednesday, November 14, 2018
Tiffin Tales 53
Hola...
It's a nice Wednesday with somewhat a mix of cold and sun. The sun rays feel nice and comfy inside the house but outside the winds somehow tear you apart. The weather channel predicts chances of snow tomorrow. Sigh!
It was quite heartening to see my S doing his tasks last night. Without too many reminders he did his homework last night and helped in cleaning. I was happy and was sensing some sense of responsibility dawning upon him until he said that he was tired of eating rice or roti for dinner and wanted some egg noodles. It was a blend of emotions for me. I liked the way he asked and offered his help but i didn't want to make anything since dinner was already cooked. I conceded since he requested for it.
Sometimes moments like these makes me full of gratitude. The commixture of mischief and innocence in children we want to enjoy. Time doesn't stand still and we never stop growing. Today's moments will be tomorrow's memories. So, it's wise enough to appreciate before the tides of time washes them away.
Last night i made S his favorite egg noodles with some vegetables. This morning for his lunch box i made him 'puri' with potato curry. I hope enjoys his lunch even though the fluffy puri must have deflated by his lunch time. His snack box was fruits and a piece of oreo with yoghurt.
I hope you all enjoy the mid week with some fun and good food. Take care of yourself because 'you' are important too...
It's a nice Wednesday with somewhat a mix of cold and sun. The sun rays feel nice and comfy inside the house but outside the winds somehow tear you apart. The weather channel predicts chances of snow tomorrow. Sigh!
It was quite heartening to see my S doing his tasks last night. Without too many reminders he did his homework last night and helped in cleaning. I was happy and was sensing some sense of responsibility dawning upon him until he said that he was tired of eating rice or roti for dinner and wanted some egg noodles. It was a blend of emotions for me. I liked the way he asked and offered his help but i didn't want to make anything since dinner was already cooked. I conceded since he requested for it.
Sometimes moments like these makes me full of gratitude. The commixture of mischief and innocence in children we want to enjoy. Time doesn't stand still and we never stop growing. Today's moments will be tomorrow's memories. So, it's wise enough to appreciate before the tides of time washes them away.
Last night i made S his favorite egg noodles with some vegetables. This morning for his lunch box i made him 'puri' with potato curry. I hope enjoys his lunch even though the fluffy puri must have deflated by his lunch time. His snack box was fruits and a piece of oreo with yoghurt.
I hope you all enjoy the mid week with some fun and good food. Take care of yourself because 'you' are important too...
Tuesday, November 13, 2018
Tiffin Tales 52
Hola...
In continuation to my last post i found a quotation by Rabindranath Tagore, "Don't limit a child to your own learning, for he was born in another time." I wonder how aptly he said that and perhaps this is what we call vision.
Our children are born out of us but they are independent individuals. We need to guide them but they cannot be completely our shadow. Just like the way we grew up and graduated to become parents, similarly they need to use their own wings rise and fly high in the sky. The initial years of a babies life are perhaps the years when they are completely dependent on us. With time they start to grow, develop, discover and gradually take decisions.
I realize it everyday that with each passing year my children especially my S is getting self reliant with his thoughts and activities. He needs very little help to do his daily activities and quite clearly expresses his opinions. Sometimes his way of looking at things leaves me dumfounded but at times i swell with pride that he is getting vocal of the things he sees around.
Most often than not we get affected with our surroundings and we try to protect our children but unless our children a bit of adversities how will they learn. Life has its own way of teaching a lesson to everyone but as parents we try to shield them from all.
This morning my S demanded 'puri' for his lunch box but a cursory glance at my clock refused to agree. Hence unwillingly he carried in his lunch box rice with boiled egg and steamed vegetables. I promised to him 'puri' tomorrow which somehow saved the day from meltdown. His snack box had fruits, a small fig roll and yoghurt.
I hope life gives you many moments to smile. Hold on to them tight, because they escape very soon...
In continuation to my last post i found a quotation by Rabindranath Tagore, "Don't limit a child to your own learning, for he was born in another time." I wonder how aptly he said that and perhaps this is what we call vision.
Our children are born out of us but they are independent individuals. We need to guide them but they cannot be completely our shadow. Just like the way we grew up and graduated to become parents, similarly they need to use their own wings rise and fly high in the sky. The initial years of a babies life are perhaps the years when they are completely dependent on us. With time they start to grow, develop, discover and gradually take decisions.
I realize it everyday that with each passing year my children especially my S is getting self reliant with his thoughts and activities. He needs very little help to do his daily activities and quite clearly expresses his opinions. Sometimes his way of looking at things leaves me dumfounded but at times i swell with pride that he is getting vocal of the things he sees around.
Most often than not we get affected with our surroundings and we try to protect our children but unless our children a bit of adversities how will they learn. Life has its own way of teaching a lesson to everyone but as parents we try to shield them from all.
This morning my S demanded 'puri' for his lunch box but a cursory glance at my clock refused to agree. Hence unwillingly he carried in his lunch box rice with boiled egg and steamed vegetables. I promised to him 'puri' tomorrow which somehow saved the day from meltdown. His snack box had fruits, a small fig roll and yoghurt.
I hope life gives you many moments to smile. Hold on to them tight, because they escape very soon...
Monday, November 12, 2018
Tiffin Tales 51
Hola...
It's another day of another week and i hope you all have been enjoying the season. The leaves are all gone and so are the pumpkins. My neighbors have have beautifully decorated their houses with lights and the houses look dazzling indeed.
Today i would like to discuss something different. We all at some point do it in our lives, not necessarily with our children but in any relation. We compare either ourselves or our state or relations with others. As my children are growing i am increasing finding it difficult to restraint myself from comparing them with others. When we are blessed with a second child we tend to compare them with their older sibling. Every new act or activity is compared with the previous one irrespective of gender. We monitor the time frame when the elder one started to talk and compare the younger ones time they take. I know we all are uniquely different.
This weekend i was upset with my S because he made some pointless mistake while calculating his numbers in school. I knew from him that a few other students had scored well while he made those childish mistakes. When i further questioned he promptly requested me not to compare him with others. I was surprised to an extent.
For most of the weekend i questioned myself that what exactly is wrong. Is it wrong to expect that your child does well in class or to expect that your child will do well like the other students of the class. Even though i fairly get the fact straight that we all make mistakes and mistakes are learning steps, yet somewhere i am still confused with comparison and expectation.
It might sound a very trivial to some and perhaps to me too in few years from now yet the profundity between the differences is somewhat surprising me. With time i might get all my answers or time will teach me in its own way. As of now my thought of the day should be to encourage my children and compare less and less to others children. Well, i am a human too...
Todays lunch box had 'roti subzi'. I do not know how far he will eat that but i trusted my cooking skills and packed it for him. His snack box had peaches, a few green grapes and yoghurt.
Thanks for stopping by and i hope you all enjoy the day and rest of the week.
It's another day of another week and i hope you all have been enjoying the season. The leaves are all gone and so are the pumpkins. My neighbors have have beautifully decorated their houses with lights and the houses look dazzling indeed.
Today i would like to discuss something different. We all at some point do it in our lives, not necessarily with our children but in any relation. We compare either ourselves or our state or relations with others. As my children are growing i am increasing finding it difficult to restraint myself from comparing them with others. When we are blessed with a second child we tend to compare them with their older sibling. Every new act or activity is compared with the previous one irrespective of gender. We monitor the time frame when the elder one started to talk and compare the younger ones time they take. I know we all are uniquely different.
This weekend i was upset with my S because he made some pointless mistake while calculating his numbers in school. I knew from him that a few other students had scored well while he made those childish mistakes. When i further questioned he promptly requested me not to compare him with others. I was surprised to an extent.
For most of the weekend i questioned myself that what exactly is wrong. Is it wrong to expect that your child does well in class or to expect that your child will do well like the other students of the class. Even though i fairly get the fact straight that we all make mistakes and mistakes are learning steps, yet somewhere i am still confused with comparison and expectation.
It might sound a very trivial to some and perhaps to me too in few years from now yet the profundity between the differences is somewhat surprising me. With time i might get all my answers or time will teach me in its own way. As of now my thought of the day should be to encourage my children and compare less and less to others children. Well, i am a human too...
Todays lunch box had 'roti subzi'. I do not know how far he will eat that but i trusted my cooking skills and packed it for him. His snack box had peaches, a few green grapes and yoghurt.
Thanks for stopping by and i hope you all enjoy the day and rest of the week.
Friday, November 9, 2018
Tiffin Tales 50
Hola...
It's Friday and its snowing here. Yup, its just November and a long way to go before the winter ends. I also realized that it's my 50th 'Tiffin Tale's' post. It might sound a bit cliche but i am super happy in noting down my day to day thoughts. In a few years from now my S will perhaps stop carrying his lunch box but i guess i enjoy reading these snippets of his school days.
We woke up to a fresh layer of snow which is apparently seasons first snow fall. Dressed in boots, hats and mittens we went outside to check if its thick or thin snow. Luckily it wasn't thick but good enough to get some pictures clicked though. Thankfully it isn't going to snow on this weekend though.
The week has been crazy and its going to super crazy over the weekend. The house looks like a battle field with festive clothes, scattered toys, candles, piled up and un opened letters, unwanted boxes. I think i will some super man power to organize everything and come back to life.
This morning woke up to a strange pain in my left feet. The entire day has been a bit slow and i wanted some rest after all the running. But with a toddler at home its a distant dream. With the Diwali fervor i forgot that milk containers needs replenishment, so i had to rush. Even though i am a bit exhausted yet the smiles on my children's face after they are fed properly gives me some divine level of satisfaction. As i m typing these lucid words i am helping my S with his homework while the other one is constantly trying to grab my attention.
I will try to wrap it for this week. For today's lunch box, it was just his snack box which had parathas and a cheese stick and a few pieces of pear. I hope you all enjoy your weekend amidst all the stress and running. Please pray for me too, so that my feet gets some rest.
It's Friday and its snowing here. Yup, its just November and a long way to go before the winter ends. I also realized that it's my 50th 'Tiffin Tale's' post. It might sound a bit cliche but i am super happy in noting down my day to day thoughts. In a few years from now my S will perhaps stop carrying his lunch box but i guess i enjoy reading these snippets of his school days.
We woke up to a fresh layer of snow which is apparently seasons first snow fall. Dressed in boots, hats and mittens we went outside to check if its thick or thin snow. Luckily it wasn't thick but good enough to get some pictures clicked though. Thankfully it isn't going to snow on this weekend though.
The week has been crazy and its going to super crazy over the weekend. The house looks like a battle field with festive clothes, scattered toys, candles, piled up and un opened letters, unwanted boxes. I think i will some super man power to organize everything and come back to life.
This morning woke up to a strange pain in my left feet. The entire day has been a bit slow and i wanted some rest after all the running. But with a toddler at home its a distant dream. With the Diwali fervor i forgot that milk containers needs replenishment, so i had to rush. Even though i am a bit exhausted yet the smiles on my children's face after they are fed properly gives me some divine level of satisfaction. As i m typing these lucid words i am helping my S with his homework while the other one is constantly trying to grab my attention.
I will try to wrap it for this week. For today's lunch box, it was just his snack box which had parathas and a cheese stick and a few pieces of pear. I hope you all enjoy your weekend amidst all the stress and running. Please pray for me too, so that my feet gets some rest.
Thursday, November 8, 2018
Tiffin Tales 49
Hola...
So with Diwali festivals are 'almost' over. We Bengali's have a common saying that "we have 13 festivals" in 12 months. We take pride in celebrating those but Diwali is now almost a national festival. People celebrate Diwali irrespective of religion or region.
We tried our best to celebrate Diwali in our small little way. I made a couple of dry and gravy items. I tried to make a small little 'rangoli'. In the evening we dressed up a bit, we lit all the candles and celebrated with a few sparklers. The joy on my S's face was unparalleled.
Each festival has its own uniqueness. What each festival does is to bring the families together. We always look for that perfect moment to celebrate but in the process of making that moment perfect we add memories for lifetime. Make each moment so precious that you would like to remember them lovingly.
I am still in a 'Diwali hungover'. Life is rushing so fast but i want to pause a bit. To breathe, to relax and watch my children growing. They are growing up at an agile speed.
I somehow woke up early this morning and cleaned up all the candles and the drops of wax. For my S's lunch box i made him egg fried rice with some vegetables. His snack box had apples, a small sweet and yoghurt.
Enjoy your day folks and cherish every moment of it...
So with Diwali festivals are 'almost' over. We Bengali's have a common saying that "we have 13 festivals" in 12 months. We take pride in celebrating those but Diwali is now almost a national festival. People celebrate Diwali irrespective of religion or region.
We tried our best to celebrate Diwali in our small little way. I made a couple of dry and gravy items. I tried to make a small little 'rangoli'. In the evening we dressed up a bit, we lit all the candles and celebrated with a few sparklers. The joy on my S's face was unparalleled.
Each festival has its own uniqueness. What each festival does is to bring the families together. We always look for that perfect moment to celebrate but in the process of making that moment perfect we add memories for lifetime. Make each moment so precious that you would like to remember them lovingly.
I am still in a 'Diwali hungover'. Life is rushing so fast but i want to pause a bit. To breathe, to relax and watch my children growing. They are growing up at an agile speed.
I somehow woke up early this morning and cleaned up all the candles and the drops of wax. For my S's lunch box i made him egg fried rice with some vegetables. His snack box had apples, a small sweet and yoghurt.
Enjoy your day folks and cherish every moment of it...
Wednesday, November 7, 2018
Tiffin Tales 48
Hola..
HAPPY DIWALI...
I hope everyone around, near and far is celebrating this day of with twinkle in their houses and hearts. Bengali's are celebrating 'Kali Pujo' today. Whichever form of the Goddess you are worshipping, all it matters is devotion and celebration.
My S woke up hurriedly and excitedly to celebrate Diwali in the morning itself but since the schools are open, he had to go to school. I promised him that we will have our share of fun in the evening. Childhood is perhaps the only time in our lives when we celebrate all the festivals under one roof and at one table. As we grow up and get bounded by our duties, celebrating all the festivals together with the family becomes one beautiful dream. We constantly go back to our growing years and visit those memories. While we try to make new memories with people around, those childhood moments always remain fresh in our garden of memories.
I do not have any guide book for raising my children but i try to teach them to be always compassionate to the people who are in need. Diwali is indeed a festival of lights but there are scores of people who go hungry to sleep, or lights in their houses. Sweets and other festival food items are dreams for them. We can change their plights in one day or Diwali night but to think about them, say a prayer for them and whenever we get a chance to help them with whatever way possible is something i want them to learn. Celebration is always happy when everyone around is happy and helping someone in need is perhaps provides the greatest level of satisfaction. It's my self effacing way to give back the world something for everything the world has given me.
On the occasion of Diwali, today i made a few dishes like paneer pulao, choley, dahi vada and namakpara. It consumed a good amount of time but then its Diwali..
For my S lunch box i packed vegetable rice and a small salad. His snack box had pineapples, kaju roll and yogurt.
Enjoy Diwali and make tons of memories....Good wishes from my family to you and your's....
HAPPY DIWALI...
I hope everyone around, near and far is celebrating this day of with twinkle in their houses and hearts. Bengali's are celebrating 'Kali Pujo' today. Whichever form of the Goddess you are worshipping, all it matters is devotion and celebration.
My S woke up hurriedly and excitedly to celebrate Diwali in the morning itself but since the schools are open, he had to go to school. I promised him that we will have our share of fun in the evening. Childhood is perhaps the only time in our lives when we celebrate all the festivals under one roof and at one table. As we grow up and get bounded by our duties, celebrating all the festivals together with the family becomes one beautiful dream. We constantly go back to our growing years and visit those memories. While we try to make new memories with people around, those childhood moments always remain fresh in our garden of memories.
I do not have any guide book for raising my children but i try to teach them to be always compassionate to the people who are in need. Diwali is indeed a festival of lights but there are scores of people who go hungry to sleep, or lights in their houses. Sweets and other festival food items are dreams for them. We can change their plights in one day or Diwali night but to think about them, say a prayer for them and whenever we get a chance to help them with whatever way possible is something i want them to learn. Celebration is always happy when everyone around is happy and helping someone in need is perhaps provides the greatest level of satisfaction. It's my self effacing way to give back the world something for everything the world has given me.
On the occasion of Diwali, today i made a few dishes like paneer pulao, choley, dahi vada and namakpara. It consumed a good amount of time but then its Diwali..
For my S lunch box i packed vegetable rice and a small salad. His snack box had pineapples, kaju roll and yogurt.
Enjoy Diwali and make tons of memories....Good wishes from my family to you and your's....
Tuesday, November 6, 2018
Tiffin Tales 47
Hola...
All excited for Diwali? Me too.... The house looks squeaky clean and feels so good. The divine energy is strongly felt even though a thick aura of home sickness is making my heart a bit heavy. Festivals are the time when we miss our loved ones. I am yet to triumph over that feeling of missing my home and parents. Some things never change with time, we just get used to living with that.
At present, I am gearing up to celebrate this year Diwali with my small little family. My S is super excited to light up those 'diya's' and candles. Wearing those festive dress and festive smile everything looks luminescent. Well, that's what is Diwali. Brightening up and penetrating through the darkness, lights all around Diwali is a celebration of lights.
Another legend goes that after a long battle with Ravana, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman. The people of his kingdom welcomed them and celebrated this day as his homecoming.
There can be so many legends but to celebrate and be happy we all need is to be happy and spread the happiness. Friends celebrate this day as a victory of lights over darkness, let the positive power take over your minds and lives. May happiness be with you and your families all throughout.
Any festival involves tons of cooking and Diwali is no different. I have quite a to do list and will happily share here tomorrow. Today was a holiday too but tomorrow is a regular school day. For lunch i made a simple Bengali meal of 'shaak', dal, mixed vegetable curry and a fish curry. For evening snack i made 'dahi puchka'.
Enjoy your day and the season.
All excited for Diwali? Me too.... The house looks squeaky clean and feels so good. The divine energy is strongly felt even though a thick aura of home sickness is making my heart a bit heavy. Festivals are the time when we miss our loved ones. I am yet to triumph over that feeling of missing my home and parents. Some things never change with time, we just get used to living with that.
At present, I am gearing up to celebrate this year Diwali with my small little family. My S is super excited to light up those 'diya's' and candles. Wearing those festive dress and festive smile everything looks luminescent. Well, that's what is Diwali. Brightening up and penetrating through the darkness, lights all around Diwali is a celebration of lights.
Another legend goes that after a long battle with Ravana, Lord Rama returned to Ayodhya with his wife Sita and brother Lakshman. The people of his kingdom welcomed them and celebrated this day as his homecoming.
There can be so many legends but to celebrate and be happy we all need is to be happy and spread the happiness. Friends celebrate this day as a victory of lights over darkness, let the positive power take over your minds and lives. May happiness be with you and your families all throughout.
Any festival involves tons of cooking and Diwali is no different. I have quite a to do list and will happily share here tomorrow. Today was a holiday too but tomorrow is a regular school day. For lunch i made a simple Bengali meal of 'shaak', dal, mixed vegetable curry and a fish curry. For evening snack i made 'dahi puchka'.
Enjoy your day and the season.
Monday, November 5, 2018
Tiffin Tales 46
Hola..
I am optimistic that you all had a nice weekend. Saturday was windy and Sunday all day it just poured and poured. Well certainly not a happy weekend for us here. But yes, on Sunday we all took a long nap to beat the rainy mood blues and certainly it helped to an extent.
My Diwali shopping is still incomplete. The major part of cleaning and dusting is done and no i haven't made sweets or any goodies yet. Bengali's worship Goddess Kali on this day while mostly others worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on this day. Lights adorn mostly all the houses and people use 'diya's' too illuminate. With changing times and different locales people use candles, especially tea lights to brighten up.
When we were growing up Diwali was much awaited festival because of the fire crackers. I along with my brother always used to enjoy bursting those and till this date i have fond memories of them. As we are from a meagre income family, our fire crackers weren't varied or too many. We had limited number of crackers but our excitement to burst them would multiply the happiness. Sometimes we used to wonder at our neighbors who used to burst tons of them probably but our parents always comforted us saying that happiness is never in them. Deep down in our hearts we weren't convinced but always being the obedient kids we were we never revolted. I can only dream of those days now because the winds have changed and these kids almost bring the house down when their expectations aren't met.
Over the years with the pollution levels going alarmingly high, its indeed wise to restrict Diwali lights and spreading the cheer with sweets and savories. The smoke from the crackers are quite disruptive not only on the day of Diwali but for for the consecutive days. People with asthma, babies and elderly people and animals who are the worst affected because they cannot express their despair. A lot of people have over the years have given up their love for crackers but there are scores who are yet to give up this love.
My children will perhaps never experience the joy of bursting crackers, but being a responsible citizen i refrain from polluting the air around me. For them Diwali should be lighting the house, knowing the reason behind celebrating this festival and spreading positivity.
Today the school is closed hence i got an escapade from making 'tiffin' but of course i had to make detailed lunch. Let's hope the festive week brings joy in all our lives...
I am optimistic that you all had a nice weekend. Saturday was windy and Sunday all day it just poured and poured. Well certainly not a happy weekend for us here. But yes, on Sunday we all took a long nap to beat the rainy mood blues and certainly it helped to an extent.
My Diwali shopping is still incomplete. The major part of cleaning and dusting is done and no i haven't made sweets or any goodies yet. Bengali's worship Goddess Kali on this day while mostly others worship Goddess Lakshmi and Lord Ganesha on this day. Lights adorn mostly all the houses and people use 'diya's' too illuminate. With changing times and different locales people use candles, especially tea lights to brighten up.
When we were growing up Diwali was much awaited festival because of the fire crackers. I along with my brother always used to enjoy bursting those and till this date i have fond memories of them. As we are from a meagre income family, our fire crackers weren't varied or too many. We had limited number of crackers but our excitement to burst them would multiply the happiness. Sometimes we used to wonder at our neighbors who used to burst tons of them probably but our parents always comforted us saying that happiness is never in them. Deep down in our hearts we weren't convinced but always being the obedient kids we were we never revolted. I can only dream of those days now because the winds have changed and these kids almost bring the house down when their expectations aren't met.
Over the years with the pollution levels going alarmingly high, its indeed wise to restrict Diwali lights and spreading the cheer with sweets and savories. The smoke from the crackers are quite disruptive not only on the day of Diwali but for for the consecutive days. People with asthma, babies and elderly people and animals who are the worst affected because they cannot express their despair. A lot of people have over the years have given up their love for crackers but there are scores who are yet to give up this love.
My children will perhaps never experience the joy of bursting crackers, but being a responsible citizen i refrain from polluting the air around me. For them Diwali should be lighting the house, knowing the reason behind celebrating this festival and spreading positivity.
Today the school is closed hence i got an escapade from making 'tiffin' but of course i had to make detailed lunch. Let's hope the festive week brings joy in all our lives...
Friday, November 2, 2018
Tiffin Tales 45
Hola...
It's last day of the week, well working day of the week. There are people who work on weekends too but we all love to call Friday as the start or weekend.
Today i went to get some groceries and i was surprised to see the parking lots full. I usually go to get some fruits and veggies but since other grocery items were running low i made a list to get those too. Upon entering the shop i quickly realized that its the last weekend before 'Diwali'. People were busy buying sweets and other savories to relish at Diwali. The shops carried some nice home decor for Diwali and they indeed looked eye catching. While i managed to grab some vegetables i didn't venture much to get other grocery items. The cash counters had a long queue and i didn't want to wait for too long.
On the other hand there were stores which were full items for Thanksgiving gifts or food items. The stuffing for Turkey, different flavors of eggnog, cakes and baked goodies. It gave me a very good feeling of festive season with the on start of November. The atmosphere looks and feels celebratory and convivial nature. Starting now everything will wear a cherry look till the New year starts. The temperatures will start going downhill and sipping on hot beverages will be comforting.
My S is yet to open and enjoy his birthday presents. Even though he had a quick glimpse of the gifts i asked him to wait for weekend to open individually. Thankfully he obliged. I know most of them would require a bit of assistance in setting them and yes i have ordered some batteries which would be required. The batteries in my house disappear like some fresh baked muffins. From television remote, to toys to other gadgets everything needs batteries and i somewhat exhausted buying them. I do not run batteries though, lol..
As it's Friday i am sure my S is enjoying his pizza platter. Hence i made some mixed vegetable parathas with a cheese stick and a fig roll to go as his today's snack. Have a relaxing weekend and enjoy your last minute shopping if are celebrating 'Diwali'. For others you can save some nice Turkey recipes and make a detailed plan for that. Enjoy....
It's last day of the week, well working day of the week. There are people who work on weekends too but we all love to call Friday as the start or weekend.
Today i went to get some groceries and i was surprised to see the parking lots full. I usually go to get some fruits and veggies but since other grocery items were running low i made a list to get those too. Upon entering the shop i quickly realized that its the last weekend before 'Diwali'. People were busy buying sweets and other savories to relish at Diwali. The shops carried some nice home decor for Diwali and they indeed looked eye catching. While i managed to grab some vegetables i didn't venture much to get other grocery items. The cash counters had a long queue and i didn't want to wait for too long.
On the other hand there were stores which were full items for Thanksgiving gifts or food items. The stuffing for Turkey, different flavors of eggnog, cakes and baked goodies. It gave me a very good feeling of festive season with the on start of November. The atmosphere looks and feels celebratory and convivial nature. Starting now everything will wear a cherry look till the New year starts. The temperatures will start going downhill and sipping on hot beverages will be comforting.
My S is yet to open and enjoy his birthday presents. Even though he had a quick glimpse of the gifts i asked him to wait for weekend to open individually. Thankfully he obliged. I know most of them would require a bit of assistance in setting them and yes i have ordered some batteries which would be required. The batteries in my house disappear like some fresh baked muffins. From television remote, to toys to other gadgets everything needs batteries and i somewhat exhausted buying them. I do not run batteries though, lol..
As it's Friday i am sure my S is enjoying his pizza platter. Hence i made some mixed vegetable parathas with a cheese stick and a fig roll to go as his today's snack. Have a relaxing weekend and enjoy your last minute shopping if are celebrating 'Diwali'. For others you can save some nice Turkey recipes and make a detailed plan for that. Enjoy....
Thursday, November 1, 2018
Tiffin Tales 44
Hola...
I hope everyone had a spooky and enjoyable Halloween yesterday.
Hello November. Welcome to the second last month of the year. 2018 is almost coming to close with lots of memories and experiences. The month of November is a mix of spring and winter. The last batch of leaves in tree fade away and the days get shorter and shorter.
It's a cloudy day and we need lights to see things clearly inside the house. Lots of kids came yesterday for trick or treat and along with them came lots of dried strewn leaves. This morning the hallway smelt somewhat sweet. People must have used pumpkin and cinnamon candles yesterday and the air was still stuck.
Today after a long time spoke to a person who almost rejuvenated me. I in fact texted her asking about her wellbeing and she in turn called me back and funnily enough our conversation lasted for 1 hour. Lots of catch but i enjoyed was a candid conversation. She is an honest person but as matter of fact people always do not enjoy people much. Fake things and people captivate others more while the honest are little left aside. As for myself i do not have galore of friends but there are some who are keepers for life.
This is what i want to teach my children. Having a lot of things doesn't have immense happiness. The real happiness is in sharing, being compassionate with others and enjoying whatever we have. I certainly do not expect the tiny humans do understand such profundity but i am hopeful that some of efforts will be appreciated if not all.
Halloween comes with lots of candies and gorging on a few of them my S wanted something salty but less spicy and it was he who was me for 'upma'. I made it with cauliflower, peas and carrots. HI snack box had apples and grapes and yoghurt.
I hope you enjoy your Thursday and i will share another snippet with you all tomorrow.
I hope everyone had a spooky and enjoyable Halloween yesterday.
Hello November. Welcome to the second last month of the year. 2018 is almost coming to close with lots of memories and experiences. The month of November is a mix of spring and winter. The last batch of leaves in tree fade away and the days get shorter and shorter.
It's a cloudy day and we need lights to see things clearly inside the house. Lots of kids came yesterday for trick or treat and along with them came lots of dried strewn leaves. This morning the hallway smelt somewhat sweet. People must have used pumpkin and cinnamon candles yesterday and the air was still stuck.
Today after a long time spoke to a person who almost rejuvenated me. I in fact texted her asking about her wellbeing and she in turn called me back and funnily enough our conversation lasted for 1 hour. Lots of catch but i enjoyed was a candid conversation. She is an honest person but as matter of fact people always do not enjoy people much. Fake things and people captivate others more while the honest are little left aside. As for myself i do not have galore of friends but there are some who are keepers for life.
This is what i want to teach my children. Having a lot of things doesn't have immense happiness. The real happiness is in sharing, being compassionate with others and enjoying whatever we have. I certainly do not expect the tiny humans do understand such profundity but i am hopeful that some of efforts will be appreciated if not all.
Halloween comes with lots of candies and gorging on a few of them my S wanted something salty but less spicy and it was he who was me for 'upma'. I made it with cauliflower, peas and carrots. HI snack box had apples and grapes and yoghurt.
I hope you enjoy your Thursday and i will share another snippet with you all tomorrow.
Wednesday, October 31, 2018
Tiffin Tales 43
Hola...
Happy Halloween to everyone who or whose children are celebrating. The pumpkin gets a royal treatment today and forgotten tomorrow. Children today have donned lots of nice character dresses and the elder ones got the opportunity to dye or paint their faces.
The boys mostly wear the spider-man, batman, star war characters while the girls enjoy various Disney princess characters. My visual experience so far. There are so many options in the market these days to create some unique characters. Last year i saw a lot of kids dressed up as trolls characters and they indeed looked adorable in those.
This morning students near the bus stop were almost unrecognizable with all their masks and helmets. Everyone was super excited to scare the other and it was a fun to see all the children. Last night we had a small birthday celebration and my S overjoyed on seeing his friends. A small gathering over cake and pizzas and a tired S went to bed early. This morning he woke up a couple of minutes earlier and i was surprised. I almost thought i would have to drag him out of bed given his energy levels went down yesterday after all those giggling and running around. With a twinkle in his eyes he explained that he wanted to open his gifts and that's the reason why he woke up early. Both the mommy and son excitedly opened and appreciated each gift that he received.
It is very important for kids to learn about gratitude and be appreciative. Over the years i have gently tried to explain him that size of the gift box never matters. It's the love and emotions that counts. I do not know how far my teachings will remain with him in the long run but at least i can comfort my self that 'i tried'.
On a Halloween day he wanted to eat something colorful. So i made him beetroot rice and gave him sautéed vegetables separately. His snack box had grapes and fig bars and a yoghurt.
All from the month of October. Catch you all in November.
Happy Halloween to everyone who or whose children are celebrating. The pumpkin gets a royal treatment today and forgotten tomorrow. Children today have donned lots of nice character dresses and the elder ones got the opportunity to dye or paint their faces.
The boys mostly wear the spider-man, batman, star war characters while the girls enjoy various Disney princess characters. My visual experience so far. There are so many options in the market these days to create some unique characters. Last year i saw a lot of kids dressed up as trolls characters and they indeed looked adorable in those.
This morning students near the bus stop were almost unrecognizable with all their masks and helmets. Everyone was super excited to scare the other and it was a fun to see all the children. Last night we had a small birthday celebration and my S overjoyed on seeing his friends. A small gathering over cake and pizzas and a tired S went to bed early. This morning he woke up a couple of minutes earlier and i was surprised. I almost thought i would have to drag him out of bed given his energy levels went down yesterday after all those giggling and running around. With a twinkle in his eyes he explained that he wanted to open his gifts and that's the reason why he woke up early. Both the mommy and son excitedly opened and appreciated each gift that he received.
It is very important for kids to learn about gratitude and be appreciative. Over the years i have gently tried to explain him that size of the gift box never matters. It's the love and emotions that counts. I do not know how far my teachings will remain with him in the long run but at least i can comfort my self that 'i tried'.
On a Halloween day he wanted to eat something colorful. So i made him beetroot rice and gave him sautéed vegetables separately. His snack box had grapes and fig bars and a yoghurt.
All from the month of October. Catch you all in November.
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Tiffin Tales 42
Hola...
Today's post is dedicated to my dearest S on his birthday. I am equally excited as him because it was on this a mother was also born. S and me are growing up together albeit on different parameters. A child adds a completely new meaning to our lives. While growing they discover the world while we discover the world through their eyes and from a different angle. I have always been grateful to the Almighty for my children but their birthday's are a special occasion when i say a long prayer of gratitude.
This morning we woke to the birthday message calls from our families and friends and relatives. While mostly stuck to wishing on social media, grandparents called perhaps twice or thrice. I could sense their elevated level of excitements. Let me try in my own way to express my gratitude through this humble post.
Today's post is dedicated to my dearest S on his birthday. I am equally excited as him because it was on this a mother was also born. S and me are growing up together albeit on different parameters. A child adds a completely new meaning to our lives. While growing they discover the world while we discover the world through their eyes and from a different angle. I have always been grateful to the Almighty for my children but their birthday's are a special occasion when i say a long prayer of gratitude.
This morning we woke to the birthday message calls from our families and friends and relatives. While mostly stuck to wishing on social media, grandparents called perhaps twice or thrice. I could sense their elevated level of excitements. Let me try in my own way to express my gratitude through this humble post.
- First of all thank you for a mother was born on this day too.
- S taught me to relive my childhood. His naughty expressions and mischievous smile always makes me yearn to go back to my childhood. Thankfully with i get to retrospect those moments.
- S is quite an emotional child. Post delivery i also used to get emotional at every unwanted things. I think along with him i also getting a grip of my emotions over the years.
- S likes to make friends. He can be friends with almost with everyone. He is quite a chatterbox but with every birthday i feel he is getting close to the digital world and it worries me to an extent.
- He is religious. He doesn't understand God but he likes to offer his prayers everyday and secretly i admire it.
- His aim in life keeps changing every week. For example as of this week he wants to be a truck driver. The reason is truck driver gets to travel a lot and he drives on lanes where others don't not bother him much. Well, i see a point in that.
- If there is a concept of rebirth i would like to be blessed to be your mother over and over again.
I cannot think much at this moment because i am a bit overwhelmed with work. I hope and pray that the Almighty always showers his choicest blessings on you. More details tomorrow. Today's lunch was peas pulao with boiled eggs. His snack was on his special request a packet of Lay's chips and a small yoghurt.
Take care and catch you all tomorrow.
Monday, October 29, 2018
Tiffin Tales 41
Hola...
I hope you all had a nice and rejuvenated weekend. Over here, it was dull and windy. Even though we went out, the winds definitely tried hard to blow us away. It wasn't raining consecutively but certainly accompanied the dull day. Monday seemed to start with some sunshine, and i hope we receive sunshine abundantly.
My neighborhood certainly looks gorgeous. There are different shades of yellow and red. Most of the trees have shed their leaves especially over the weekend. I see people piling up bags of dried leaves near their homes. Everything about the fall season is so dazzling and cheerful. Different shades of same color, the smell of cinnamon spice and hues of every color. It's in a way to instill optimism before the winter sets in. Winters can very harsh, low and addled and fall colors before winters certainly helps to believe that 'if winters come, can spring be far behind?'
My S was feeling very sleepy this morning. When i asked him to wake up, with sleepy eyes and mischievous smile he said Sunday isn't over mamma, it will be over only when i wake up. We had a good family moment over those lines and wished that Sunday visits us often.
Sundays cannot come everyday, but mother's are always there for their children. With time, children grow up but the urge to stay with parents never die. Well, not in my case though. I would like to see my parents every day but since that is not possible i try to stay connected in every possible way. There can never be another mother. On that thought today i made vegetable pulao with basmati rice and ghee. My S likes to have that and i hope he enjoys the aroma of basmati rice. His snack box was pears, yoghurt and a small piece of home made cake.
Happy Monday everyone....
I hope you all had a nice and rejuvenated weekend. Over here, it was dull and windy. Even though we went out, the winds definitely tried hard to blow us away. It wasn't raining consecutively but certainly accompanied the dull day. Monday seemed to start with some sunshine, and i hope we receive sunshine abundantly.
My neighborhood certainly looks gorgeous. There are different shades of yellow and red. Most of the trees have shed their leaves especially over the weekend. I see people piling up bags of dried leaves near their homes. Everything about the fall season is so dazzling and cheerful. Different shades of same color, the smell of cinnamon spice and hues of every color. It's in a way to instill optimism before the winter sets in. Winters can very harsh, low and addled and fall colors before winters certainly helps to believe that 'if winters come, can spring be far behind?'
My S was feeling very sleepy this morning. When i asked him to wake up, with sleepy eyes and mischievous smile he said Sunday isn't over mamma, it will be over only when i wake up. We had a good family moment over those lines and wished that Sunday visits us often.
Sundays cannot come everyday, but mother's are always there for their children. With time, children grow up but the urge to stay with parents never die. Well, not in my case though. I would like to see my parents every day but since that is not possible i try to stay connected in every possible way. There can never be another mother. On that thought today i made vegetable pulao with basmati rice and ghee. My S likes to have that and i hope he enjoys the aroma of basmati rice. His snack box was pears, yoghurt and a small piece of home made cake.
Happy Monday everyone....
Friday, October 26, 2018
Tiffin Tales 40
Hola...
It's Friday again and like most of us i am excited and exhausted both. Friday seems to be a hope that the next two days will be different but on the contrary the opposite happens. My S has activity classes, the refrigerator needs some refill, family wants something appealing on the table, piles of clothes and if the stars are unfavorable on the kids will have a runny nose or coughing. Hail weekend.
Well, this weekend i have promised to organize myself a bit more . I will plan my weekends going forward without the promise that my plan will be successfully completed. If so there will be a detailed post about my plan and how smoothly i could execute it.
To come to this day, it's been quite backbreaking till. I had quite a few pending task and some good driving to complement that. SO today my post will be bit short not because i am getting dramatic about Friday but because both my eyes and brain need some rest. I am completely going to ignore the state of house (which is mess) now and pretend to get some sleep. Of course i am blessed with the most caring children who will evenly make sure i do not lie down unattended for too long.
The morning started with the thoughts that a few important things need to be taken care of whereas my S was sheepishly happy because he isn't going to carry his lunch box today. Instead he would be digging in to his slice of pizza and giggle with his friends. I did pack his snack box though. I packed mixed vegetable 'paratha's' and a pack of string cheese. He insisted on a fruit bar and i happily packed it too.
Let's see how this weekend unfolds but i hope and pray that you guys have an enjoyable and relaxing weekend. Catch you on Monday!
It's Friday again and like most of us i am excited and exhausted both. Friday seems to be a hope that the next two days will be different but on the contrary the opposite happens. My S has activity classes, the refrigerator needs some refill, family wants something appealing on the table, piles of clothes and if the stars are unfavorable on the kids will have a runny nose or coughing. Hail weekend.
Well, this weekend i have promised to organize myself a bit more . I will plan my weekends going forward without the promise that my plan will be successfully completed. If so there will be a detailed post about my plan and how smoothly i could execute it.
To come to this day, it's been quite backbreaking till. I had quite a few pending task and some good driving to complement that. SO today my post will be bit short not because i am getting dramatic about Friday but because both my eyes and brain need some rest. I am completely going to ignore the state of house (which is mess) now and pretend to get some sleep. Of course i am blessed with the most caring children who will evenly make sure i do not lie down unattended for too long.
The morning started with the thoughts that a few important things need to be taken care of whereas my S was sheepishly happy because he isn't going to carry his lunch box today. Instead he would be digging in to his slice of pizza and giggle with his friends. I did pack his snack box though. I packed mixed vegetable 'paratha's' and a pack of string cheese. He insisted on a fruit bar and i happily packed it too.
Let's see how this weekend unfolds but i hope and pray that you guys have an enjoyable and relaxing weekend. Catch you on Monday!
Thursday, October 25, 2018
Tiffin Tales 39
Hola...
It's a very cloudy Thursday here and temperatures have dipped own a bit. For the last few days we are constantly switching from light to partly heavy jackets here. The pumpkins are mostly carved and people have put up in their patios, near the doors or windows.
My S had an interesting project this time in school with pumpkins. Even though his teacher instructed that no carved pumpkins would be allowed (which was a blessing for me) they wanted students should do something creative with their favorite cartoon character on the pumpkins. They can color, paint, decorate and basically do anything except carving to bring out the character.
Last evening we realized that October 26th is the last day for submitting that project and instantly all hell broke loose. A panicked mother son duo got into that assignment. While i got mad that he didn't remind me, he on the other argued that he is too small to remember anything. Well, we both burst into laughing. Together we sat and decided to figure a way out. He insisted to get a big pumpkin and then i convinced him that a smaller one would need less time. He agreed though. His current favorite seemed to be Humphrey the Hamster. We quickly took out an image from the internet and then began the final tasking of drawing that image on pumpkin. I have to openly admit that i am not good at drawing but both of us took turns to draw Humphrey. Even though its a far cry from the images from the internet still i think it looks decent enough if looked from his eyes. His satisfaction levels were strong enough to assure me that together we put up a decent show. He was quite excited to show it to his teacher and his friends. It was a quite a hectic evening and when he fell asleep i realized that these moments down the years will give me warmth once he leaves my nest.
Children have so many layers. They can make you strong and weak both at the same time. They can cry and smile together and i have witnessed it so many times. This morning for his lunch box i made 'sooji upma' with peanuts and vegetables. I usually add a generous amount of ghee so that it doesn't get too dry. His snack box had pineapples and grapes and a pack of yoghurt.
In this worldly rush, pause a bit sometimes and look at the world through the eyes of a child. It will both be refreshing and different. Enjoy your day...
It's a very cloudy Thursday here and temperatures have dipped own a bit. For the last few days we are constantly switching from light to partly heavy jackets here. The pumpkins are mostly carved and people have put up in their patios, near the doors or windows.
My S had an interesting project this time in school with pumpkins. Even though his teacher instructed that no carved pumpkins would be allowed (which was a blessing for me) they wanted students should do something creative with their favorite cartoon character on the pumpkins. They can color, paint, decorate and basically do anything except carving to bring out the character.
Last evening we realized that October 26th is the last day for submitting that project and instantly all hell broke loose. A panicked mother son duo got into that assignment. While i got mad that he didn't remind me, he on the other argued that he is too small to remember anything. Well, we both burst into laughing. Together we sat and decided to figure a way out. He insisted to get a big pumpkin and then i convinced him that a smaller one would need less time. He agreed though. His current favorite seemed to be Humphrey the Hamster. We quickly took out an image from the internet and then began the final tasking of drawing that image on pumpkin. I have to openly admit that i am not good at drawing but both of us took turns to draw Humphrey. Even though its a far cry from the images from the internet still i think it looks decent enough if looked from his eyes. His satisfaction levels were strong enough to assure me that together we put up a decent show. He was quite excited to show it to his teacher and his friends. It was a quite a hectic evening and when he fell asleep i realized that these moments down the years will give me warmth once he leaves my nest.
Children have so many layers. They can make you strong and weak both at the same time. They can cry and smile together and i have witnessed it so many times. This morning for his lunch box i made 'sooji upma' with peanuts and vegetables. I usually add a generous amount of ghee so that it doesn't get too dry. His snack box had pineapples and grapes and a pack of yoghurt.
In this worldly rush, pause a bit sometimes and look at the world through the eyes of a child. It will both be refreshing and different. Enjoy your day...
Wednesday, October 24, 2018
Tiffin Tales 38
Hola...
The festive season is kinda over but hey, Diwali is still there...We Bengali's are still holding on to the last biggest festival of the year. Perhaps after thats it's back to everywhere or wherever want to go. Lakshmi Pujo is always fun but the arrangements take up almost the entire day. Earlier women of the house used to divide the workload and the entire day of fasting or even some extended hours never mattered. From doing the arrangements of 'bhog' to making 'alpona/rangoli' everything used to be somewhat streamlined. With time in most households its one woman army army or if fortunate enough would be two people to share the load and worship the Goddess.
It's all about time and timings. When we are late time rushes, and we are slow time almost stops. Happy times makes the clock run while hard times pauses it i feel. When my S was a baby i wondered when would be grow out of diapers and now with each birthday i want him slow down. Human psychology i guess!
This morning i saw my S staring through the window. He sat for quite a few minutes and seemed lost. A few minutes later i tried to probe. He was somewhat deeply thinking why does weather change, why not everything can remain same. I explained to him that if things remain same it would be boring. He somewhat agreed to an extent but he didn't like. He doesn't want the trees to shed their leaves, relatives visiting going back, his favorite shows going off air. He loves people around, laughs and endless conversations. To him life should be exciting. He is too naive to understand the intricacies of life. Children have completely different mindset. I wish we never lose our innocence even when we grow up. The element of innocence should should somehow never leave us.
After that discussion he asked egg fried rice for lunch to which i added vegetables and eggs of course. His snack box had pineapples and a sweet today and yogurt.
Enjoy your day and watch your surroundings, everything keeps changing everyday. Cherish them....
The festive season is kinda over but hey, Diwali is still there...We Bengali's are still holding on to the last biggest festival of the year. Perhaps after thats it's back to everywhere or wherever want to go. Lakshmi Pujo is always fun but the arrangements take up almost the entire day. Earlier women of the house used to divide the workload and the entire day of fasting or even some extended hours never mattered. From doing the arrangements of 'bhog' to making 'alpona/rangoli' everything used to be somewhat streamlined. With time in most households its one woman army army or if fortunate enough would be two people to share the load and worship the Goddess.
It's all about time and timings. When we are late time rushes, and we are slow time almost stops. Happy times makes the clock run while hard times pauses it i feel. When my S was a baby i wondered when would be grow out of diapers and now with each birthday i want him slow down. Human psychology i guess!
This morning i saw my S staring through the window. He sat for quite a few minutes and seemed lost. A few minutes later i tried to probe. He was somewhat deeply thinking why does weather change, why not everything can remain same. I explained to him that if things remain same it would be boring. He somewhat agreed to an extent but he didn't like. He doesn't want the trees to shed their leaves, relatives visiting going back, his favorite shows going off air. He loves people around, laughs and endless conversations. To him life should be exciting. He is too naive to understand the intricacies of life. Children have completely different mindset. I wish we never lose our innocence even when we grow up. The element of innocence should should somehow never leave us.
After that discussion he asked egg fried rice for lunch to which i added vegetables and eggs of course. His snack box had pineapples and a sweet today and yogurt.
Enjoy your day and watch your surroundings, everything keeps changing everyday. Cherish them....
Tuesday, October 23, 2018
Tiffin Tales 37
Hola...
It's another celebration day for Bengali's. People in other parts of my country worship Goddess Lakshmi on the day of Diwali but for Bengali's its celebrated on the seventh day after Durga Puja. This day is also known as 'Kojagori Lakshmi Pujo'. On a full moon night or 'purnima' the Goddess of wealth and prosperity is worshipped by the women folk.
On the day women fast the entire day. During the day, women do all the arrangements of the pujo. Various sweets dishes are prepared on this day. Another integral part of this festival is 'rangoli' or 'alpona'. There are lot of women who expertise in drawing this on the floor of their houses. Usually women use flour or rice paste diluted with water. There is a reason behind that. Earlier people never had access to fancy colors, they used these and the floors used to look bright. Moreover it is still super easy to clean. These days markets are flooded with colors and designs but still there are thousands of women who use this home made paste.
Flash forward, i am still fasting, yes i am. But the house has to keep moving if not running. I am unable to run today but yes making sure everyone's needs are fulfilled. I have lots of preparations to complete now. The morning started a few minutes late today and since then i am moving too. Sensing it's a different day today my S insisted on repeating his lunch idea from yesterday. He liked his soya bean rice yesterday and was quite generous with his compliments too. I happily obliged as i was looking for some options too. The snack box was usual with fruits and cheese.
I rushed to the market to get fruits and necessities for the Pujo and now will start with the preparations. I sincerely pray that the Goddess will visit this part of the earth and my home and bless us. Fasting is always optional and i have been doing that for years but every tear it seems to be a new challenge especially with the kids. Let's see how the Goddess streamlines the day. Happy Lakshmi Pujo to everyone celebrating.
It's another celebration day for Bengali's. People in other parts of my country worship Goddess Lakshmi on the day of Diwali but for Bengali's its celebrated on the seventh day after Durga Puja. This day is also known as 'Kojagori Lakshmi Pujo'. On a full moon night or 'purnima' the Goddess of wealth and prosperity is worshipped by the women folk.
On the day women fast the entire day. During the day, women do all the arrangements of the pujo. Various sweets dishes are prepared on this day. Another integral part of this festival is 'rangoli' or 'alpona'. There are lot of women who expertise in drawing this on the floor of their houses. Usually women use flour or rice paste diluted with water. There is a reason behind that. Earlier people never had access to fancy colors, they used these and the floors used to look bright. Moreover it is still super easy to clean. These days markets are flooded with colors and designs but still there are thousands of women who use this home made paste.
Flash forward, i am still fasting, yes i am. But the house has to keep moving if not running. I am unable to run today but yes making sure everyone's needs are fulfilled. I have lots of preparations to complete now. The morning started a few minutes late today and since then i am moving too. Sensing it's a different day today my S insisted on repeating his lunch idea from yesterday. He liked his soya bean rice yesterday and was quite generous with his compliments too. I happily obliged as i was looking for some options too. The snack box was usual with fruits and cheese.
I rushed to the market to get fruits and necessities for the Pujo and now will start with the preparations. I sincerely pray that the Goddess will visit this part of the earth and my home and bless us. Fasting is always optional and i have been doing that for years but every tear it seems to be a new challenge especially with the kids. Let's see how the Goddess streamlines the day. Happy Lakshmi Pujo to everyone celebrating.
Monday, October 22, 2018
Tiffin Tales 36
Hola...
Welcome to a new Monday. New day, new promises, new challenges and of course a new you. No matter we might feel nothing around has changed yet, a new day brings with itself everything new.
This week is looks pretty hectic to me. Lots of things need to be taken care of and oh yes, it's my S's birthday next week and i have tons to things to assemble. This excited mom has made some simple yet special plans to make that day a bit memorable.
Life rushes when we are busy running to make something memorable. It's those moments that go down the way to make the journey historic. We often think we are celebrating our child's birthday or of our kids but the way they look at things are completely different from how we perceive. With every birthday they are more developed than the last year, with upgraded thoughts and ideas and of course with umpteen number of questions. In my case the way of celebration is also opinionated. Children these days have their favorite cartoon characters and some of them want their party supplies to be based on those characters. Well, i have long back offered my apologies saying that i cannot run or walk that extra mile to get that exact character swirls or balloons or that Birthday badge. It will always be a nice small celebration which may not be grand but it will be sweet.
This year too i am not planning anything huge but our all time emphasis on the taste of the cake. Even though a Bengali, i feel my sweet tooth is somewhere hidden and occasionally pays a visit. So i will try to explore my neighborhood to find a nice, not overtly sweet cake. Yes, i can get his favorite character on the cake top too unless its an animal. When he was around three he insisted on Daniel the Tiger's face on the cake and i almost went berserk looking for a good baker who could bake such. I thing i took the vow shortly after that.
Well, let's see how things spice up this year. For today's lunch it was his all time Soya bean rice with some carrots. I at times try to replicate those soya nuggets with baby potatoes or minced meat balls, but as i said with every birthday wisdom and intelligence is quickly triumphing over mommy's trick. This mommy surely needs to buckle up. His snack is almost static with fruits and yoghurt.
More talk tomorrow. Take care and take rest....
Welcome to a new Monday. New day, new promises, new challenges and of course a new you. No matter we might feel nothing around has changed yet, a new day brings with itself everything new.
This week is looks pretty hectic to me. Lots of things need to be taken care of and oh yes, it's my S's birthday next week and i have tons to things to assemble. This excited mom has made some simple yet special plans to make that day a bit memorable.
Life rushes when we are busy running to make something memorable. It's those moments that go down the way to make the journey historic. We often think we are celebrating our child's birthday or of our kids but the way they look at things are completely different from how we perceive. With every birthday they are more developed than the last year, with upgraded thoughts and ideas and of course with umpteen number of questions. In my case the way of celebration is also opinionated. Children these days have their favorite cartoon characters and some of them want their party supplies to be based on those characters. Well, i have long back offered my apologies saying that i cannot run or walk that extra mile to get that exact character swirls or balloons or that Birthday badge. It will always be a nice small celebration which may not be grand but it will be sweet.
This year too i am not planning anything huge but our all time emphasis on the taste of the cake. Even though a Bengali, i feel my sweet tooth is somewhere hidden and occasionally pays a visit. So i will try to explore my neighborhood to find a nice, not overtly sweet cake. Yes, i can get his favorite character on the cake top too unless its an animal. When he was around three he insisted on Daniel the Tiger's face on the cake and i almost went berserk looking for a good baker who could bake such. I thing i took the vow shortly after that.
Well, let's see how things spice up this year. For today's lunch it was his all time Soya bean rice with some carrots. I at times try to replicate those soya nuggets with baby potatoes or minced meat balls, but as i said with every birthday wisdom and intelligence is quickly triumphing over mommy's trick. This mommy surely needs to buckle up. His snack is almost static with fruits and yoghurt.
More talk tomorrow. Take care and take rest....
Friday, October 19, 2018
Tiffin Tales 35
Hola...
It's Friday again and its drizzling here. The temperatures have dipped a bit and we all are looking for some comfort food. Be it a bowl of hot soups, or some nice warm dinner this weekend is going to be spent at home and lots of food.
Today is the day of Vijaya Dashami when goodness triumphed over evil and Goddess Durga returned to her abode. People with tears bid a farewell to her and wait for return for the following year. Bengali women on this day go near the Durga idols offer her vermillion and sweets and seek her blessings. Following that all women exchange sweets, dance and those sweet moments become memories till the Goddess visits again.
Bengali homes on this day cook special meal even though food is an integral part of her homecoming. Most households make puffed 'luchis' and spicy chicken or mutton curry for dinner. Tonight even though i do not have any such plan but definitely have plans for 'luchi' though. There is a subtle difference between 'luchi' and 'puri'. I am still wondering what should be the accompaniment. I do not have any chicken in my freezer so will mostly make some cauliflower curry.
When i woke up this morning, the first thought that came to my mind is that Maa Durga is on her way to her home. Even though a part of me became sad yet the faith that she is omnipresent somehow consoles us.
The past week all my posts have been on the Goddess. In the midst of everything we include her, in our thoughts, in our dreams and of course in our craziness.
My S wanted 'aloo paratha' today for lunch. Even though making them early morning is tedious yet i happily adhere to his request. Less on spicy with some additional butter i packed him 'aloo parathas'. The snack box was a bit different with some pears, fruit bar and a cheese stick.
Enjoy your weekend and take rest. Your body needs nourishment so does your soul.
It's Friday again and its drizzling here. The temperatures have dipped a bit and we all are looking for some comfort food. Be it a bowl of hot soups, or some nice warm dinner this weekend is going to be spent at home and lots of food.
Today is the day of Vijaya Dashami when goodness triumphed over evil and Goddess Durga returned to her abode. People with tears bid a farewell to her and wait for return for the following year. Bengali women on this day go near the Durga idols offer her vermillion and sweets and seek her blessings. Following that all women exchange sweets, dance and those sweet moments become memories till the Goddess visits again.
Bengali homes on this day cook special meal even though food is an integral part of her homecoming. Most households make puffed 'luchis' and spicy chicken or mutton curry for dinner. Tonight even though i do not have any such plan but definitely have plans for 'luchi' though. There is a subtle difference between 'luchi' and 'puri'. I am still wondering what should be the accompaniment. I do not have any chicken in my freezer so will mostly make some cauliflower curry.
When i woke up this morning, the first thought that came to my mind is that Maa Durga is on her way to her home. Even though a part of me became sad yet the faith that she is omnipresent somehow consoles us.
The past week all my posts have been on the Goddess. In the midst of everything we include her, in our thoughts, in our dreams and of course in our craziness.
My S wanted 'aloo paratha' today for lunch. Even though making them early morning is tedious yet i happily adhere to his request. Less on spicy with some additional butter i packed him 'aloo parathas'. The snack box was a bit different with some pears, fruit bar and a cheese stick.
Enjoy your weekend and take rest. Your body needs nourishment so does your soul.
Thursday, October 18, 2018
Tiffin Tales 34
Hola..
Today is 'Maha Navami' and the final day of Navratri. Today is the last day of Durga Puja and tomorrow the Goddess leaves for her home agin with her four children. It's a mix of happiness and sadness for children as the Goddess leaves. Her homecoming for the year comes to an end and after three euphoric days of fun festivity people will get back to their usual lives once again.
People like us who live quite far away, even the sound of 'dhak' sets our adrenaline rushing. Dura Puja is incomplete with the sound of 'dhak' and this sound is somehow synonymous with Durga Puja. This year at our local celebration my S got a small chance what he calls 'drums' to play. He was so excited and thats when i tried explaining him this sound is an integral and inseparable part of Pujo. I do not knowhow far he got it but the fat he got a chance to use those sticks and hit it aimlessly was enough to bring him smiles.
Today morning woke up thinking thats it's the last day of the Goddess's sojourn for this year. After completing my morning chores took a shower and offered my prayers sitting in my small prayer room. I will miss you and will patiently wait for another calendar year for you to come. Till then take care of all your children. The world is in utter chaos and helplessness is reigning supreme. Love is fading and negativity is proving victorious. Let there may be more compassion, love and acceptance in this world.
With these thoughts in my mind i prepared a simple lunch for my S this morning. Last night he insisted on having noddles but i made it clear that with the ongoing Pujo i will make a simple vegetarian noodles devoid of any onion and garlic. He complied though. With truckload of vegetables the noddles were somewhat buried but make sure it tastes good. I had to pack that in a thermos so that by his lunch time he gets some nice warm plate of noddles. The snack box was usual with fruits and yoghurt.
Take care and enjoy the season...
Today is 'Maha Navami' and the final day of Navratri. Today is the last day of Durga Puja and tomorrow the Goddess leaves for her home agin with her four children. It's a mix of happiness and sadness for children as the Goddess leaves. Her homecoming for the year comes to an end and after three euphoric days of fun festivity people will get back to their usual lives once again.
People like us who live quite far away, even the sound of 'dhak' sets our adrenaline rushing. Dura Puja is incomplete with the sound of 'dhak' and this sound is somehow synonymous with Durga Puja. This year at our local celebration my S got a small chance what he calls 'drums' to play. He was so excited and thats when i tried explaining him this sound is an integral and inseparable part of Pujo. I do not knowhow far he got it but the fat he got a chance to use those sticks and hit it aimlessly was enough to bring him smiles.
Today morning woke up thinking thats it's the last day of the Goddess's sojourn for this year. After completing my morning chores took a shower and offered my prayers sitting in my small prayer room. I will miss you and will patiently wait for another calendar year for you to come. Till then take care of all your children. The world is in utter chaos and helplessness is reigning supreme. Love is fading and negativity is proving victorious. Let there may be more compassion, love and acceptance in this world.
With these thoughts in my mind i prepared a simple lunch for my S this morning. Last night he insisted on having noddles but i made it clear that with the ongoing Pujo i will make a simple vegetarian noodles devoid of any onion and garlic. He complied though. With truckload of vegetables the noddles were somewhat buried but make sure it tastes good. I had to pack that in a thermos so that by his lunch time he gets some nice warm plate of noddles. The snack box was usual with fruits and yoghurt.
Take care and enjoy the season...
Wednesday, October 17, 2018
Tiffin Tales 33
Hola...
It's a bright sunny day and my heart cannot contain my excitement. Even after years i still feel like the small girl in frock waiting for Maa Durga. Yes, it's 'Maha Ashtami' today and we went to visit Maa.
She is on a sojourn and for Bengali's her sojourn is a grand affair. I am a bit drained after all the excitement and travel but the moment we see her idol some magic takes over and all negativity melts away. That's her power or motherly love.
I woke up supremely enthusiastic about going to the temple. Having taking care of all the materialistic needs we packed our spiritual minds and hearts. My daughter had to go to different to accept the 'Kanjak Puja' or in Bengali popularly known as 'Kumari Pujo'. In northern part of India, on the eighth day of Navratri, people worship little girls who are apparently considered the form of Goddess. The younger the better. They clean their feet, wipe them, touch their little feet and offer something as a gift. They also offer them 'Puri, Kala chana and semolina halwa'. This is very special and the offertory is so yummy. In Bengali community little girls are worshipped at the temples.
Draped in a crisp 'tussar silk' i took extra caution so that i do not flip off. Wearing a saree comes naturally to a Bengali girl and no excuse comes to rescue. Together as a family we went to visit Maa, offer her obeisance (anjali), pray and have the amazing 'bhog er khichuri' (offertory). Words fail to explain the sense of euphoria it makes me feel. With a satisfied heart and a nourished soul and tons of love from Maa we came back home hoping to meet her soon.
As you can guess today S didn't go to school hence no lunch box. Tomorrow it will be the same day. My mind is already getting abrasive with scratching thoughts but let's see what Maa has in store fro us.
It's a bright sunny day and my heart cannot contain my excitement. Even after years i still feel like the small girl in frock waiting for Maa Durga. Yes, it's 'Maha Ashtami' today and we went to visit Maa.
She is on a sojourn and for Bengali's her sojourn is a grand affair. I am a bit drained after all the excitement and travel but the moment we see her idol some magic takes over and all negativity melts away. That's her power or motherly love.
I woke up supremely enthusiastic about going to the temple. Having taking care of all the materialistic needs we packed our spiritual minds and hearts. My daughter had to go to different to accept the 'Kanjak Puja' or in Bengali popularly known as 'Kumari Pujo'. In northern part of India, on the eighth day of Navratri, people worship little girls who are apparently considered the form of Goddess. The younger the better. They clean their feet, wipe them, touch their little feet and offer something as a gift. They also offer them 'Puri, Kala chana and semolina halwa'. This is very special and the offertory is so yummy. In Bengali community little girls are worshipped at the temples.
Draped in a crisp 'tussar silk' i took extra caution so that i do not flip off. Wearing a saree comes naturally to a Bengali girl and no excuse comes to rescue. Together as a family we went to visit Maa, offer her obeisance (anjali), pray and have the amazing 'bhog er khichuri' (offertory). Words fail to explain the sense of euphoria it makes me feel. With a satisfied heart and a nourished soul and tons of love from Maa we came back home hoping to meet her soon.
As you can guess today S didn't go to school hence no lunch box. Tomorrow it will be the same day. My mind is already getting abrasive with scratching thoughts but let's see what Maa has in store fro us.
Tuesday, October 16, 2018
Tiffin Tales 32
Hola...
Subho Saptami to everyone, even if you have no clue what i am saying. It's the seventh day of Navratri celebrations and first day of Bengali Durga Puja. Goddess Durga does not specifically bless just one community so my small little prayer to her is that she bless us all. That's the reason why we fondly call her Maa (Mother).
Growing up every year before the Pujo we remember our father used to get this magazine (not typically though) called 'anandomela'. This magazine used to be subscribed by most households. It's a bengali magazine mostly for children published fortnightly. During Pujo there used to be 'Puja Barshiki' or 'Durga Puja Special' which was much awaited thing for avid readers. Over the years its popularity has multiplied but now with all those ebooks and kindle versions i wonder how passionately people still wait for the Pujo editions.
Living outside my place i have very limited access to this magazine but i sincerely request if the publication house can come up with e version of this magazine i can revisit my childhood a bit. I still do look forward to read those short stories and get transformed into a different world and who knows in that process my children can get a sneak peak how their parents grew up. My wishful thinking of the day.
Yesterday i had soaked and boiled some kidney/rajma beans. This morning i used some of those boiled beans to make some rice for my S's lunch box. He likes beans and i added some salad to the rice. His snack box was fruits and yoghurt and as a part of the on going festivities this Mom sneaked a small cookie in his lunch box. My small way of bringing smile at his face amidst the festivities.
Until tomorrow enjoy your day and life....
Subho Saptami to everyone, even if you have no clue what i am saying. It's the seventh day of Navratri celebrations and first day of Bengali Durga Puja. Goddess Durga does not specifically bless just one community so my small little prayer to her is that she bless us all. That's the reason why we fondly call her Maa (Mother).
Growing up every year before the Pujo we remember our father used to get this magazine (not typically though) called 'anandomela'. This magazine used to be subscribed by most households. It's a bengali magazine mostly for children published fortnightly. During Pujo there used to be 'Puja Barshiki' or 'Durga Puja Special' which was much awaited thing for avid readers. Over the years its popularity has multiplied but now with all those ebooks and kindle versions i wonder how passionately people still wait for the Pujo editions.
Living outside my place i have very limited access to this magazine but i sincerely request if the publication house can come up with e version of this magazine i can revisit my childhood a bit. I still do look forward to read those short stories and get transformed into a different world and who knows in that process my children can get a sneak peak how their parents grew up. My wishful thinking of the day.
Yesterday i had soaked and boiled some kidney/rajma beans. This morning i used some of those boiled beans to make some rice for my S's lunch box. He likes beans and i added some salad to the rice. His snack box was fruits and yoghurt and as a part of the on going festivities this Mom sneaked a small cookie in his lunch box. My small way of bringing smile at his face amidst the festivities.
Until tomorrow enjoy your day and life....
Monday, October 15, 2018
Tiffin Tales 31
Hola...
So, the much awaited week starts today. It's 'Shosthi' and Maa is at her father's home. This morning i woke up to a wonderful feeling that She is home, somewhere so near, so close all around. Her aroma is everywhere and her presence is so strong that everything else seems blurry.
The weather looks good outside. It's windy but the sun is shining and the leaves are hastily disappearing. Sitting near the window i am wondering how the world looks so different from a child's eye. There are so many things, perhaps quite some are minuscule that do not escape a child's eye. They have some exclusive way to decipher things which is so pure and pristine.
Over the weekend we had lot of discussions and in one of those discussions my S asked why can't everyone be happy? Why do people get sad? What is sadness? Even though i tried in my lucid way to explain him sadness where we get upset when our expectations aren't met properly, to which he said , if we cannot get a certain thing why not concentrate on something else. While it was difficult for me to explain him that there are diverse ways to look and solve a problem he wasn't convinced. Everything looked simple to him and complexity of any problem didn't seem to make any sense to him. For any problem he always has a solution which at times makes us burst into laughters but we never forget to encourage him.
This afternoon as i sit near the window and trying to find ways to solve a few daily life problem i am thinking about my S. Had he been around he would have come up with quirkiest of solutions and solve all of them in a jiffy.
As of now, i am leaving all my problem at Maa Durga's feet and asking her to take care of them. For today's lunch box i packed vegetable rice with some raisins and dried cranberries. I hope he likes the sweet and a pinch of sour taste of the rice. The snack box had peach and cheese a small pack of yoghurt.
Take care and enjoy your day.
So, the much awaited week starts today. It's 'Shosthi' and Maa is at her father's home. This morning i woke up to a wonderful feeling that She is home, somewhere so near, so close all around. Her aroma is everywhere and her presence is so strong that everything else seems blurry.
The weather looks good outside. It's windy but the sun is shining and the leaves are hastily disappearing. Sitting near the window i am wondering how the world looks so different from a child's eye. There are so many things, perhaps quite some are minuscule that do not escape a child's eye. They have some exclusive way to decipher things which is so pure and pristine.
Over the weekend we had lot of discussions and in one of those discussions my S asked why can't everyone be happy? Why do people get sad? What is sadness? Even though i tried in my lucid way to explain him sadness where we get upset when our expectations aren't met properly, to which he said , if we cannot get a certain thing why not concentrate on something else. While it was difficult for me to explain him that there are diverse ways to look and solve a problem he wasn't convinced. Everything looked simple to him and complexity of any problem didn't seem to make any sense to him. For any problem he always has a solution which at times makes us burst into laughters but we never forget to encourage him.
This afternoon as i sit near the window and trying to find ways to solve a few daily life problem i am thinking about my S. Had he been around he would have come up with quirkiest of solutions and solve all of them in a jiffy.
As of now, i am leaving all my problem at Maa Durga's feet and asking her to take care of them. For today's lunch box i packed vegetable rice with some raisins and dried cranberries. I hope he likes the sweet and a pinch of sour taste of the rice. The snack box had peach and cheese a small pack of yoghurt.
Take care and enjoy your day.
Friday, October 12, 2018
Tiffin Tales 30
Hola...
Yay, its Friday and yes it's for real today unlike yesterday (if read my last post, you know what i mean). Today we woke up to some freezing numbers and stayed the entire day. Cold winds with low temperatures and it was a lethal combination.
While i am regulating my room calefaction, my cousins are almost set for Pujo and these days, they are busy doing some dress rehearsals before the Goddess arrives. Durga Puja is a big festival and owing to enormousness and complexity of rituals it is not possible to do without priest. The preparatory measures are many, that the reason only a handful of qualified priest can perform this Pujo. It almost takes half of a village (if i am not wrong) to organize and maintain the celebrations seamlessly.
An average Bengali looks forward to Pujo for multiple reasons. More than being religious its another way to welcome their daughter Durga at her father's place. Bengali's wait for an entire calendar year to meet their daughter and immerse in celebration. Apart from waiting for their daughter and preparing hundreds of delicacies it's another way to bypass the regular lifestyle and do regular jobs differently. People fly from different parts of the world just to gather with family, friends and even neighbors. For Bengali's its the bonhomie that supreme's everything.
I will share a different post on Pujo special food that are available during this time. As i am sitting cosily and enjoying the pictures that my cousins are sharing, my S is curious to know more and more about the festival. I feel happy and sad at the same time, because i believe somewhere my words fall short to explain the magnanimity of this festival and this is where experience matters, which i am unable to give him. Someday... Till then i will hold on to my faith and wait for some magic to happen soon.
Coming back to reality and grinds of life, i went outside to get some groceries. Braving the wind i conquered but lost a pair of my cute gloves. Now i have to do some treasure hunting to find another pair to beat this weekend's wind. Today my S took 'paratha's'for lunch with some sautéed vegetables. His snack box had pears and a fruit bar.
Have a wonderful weekend friends. Whether you are preparing for Pujo or you are enjoying through the pictures, enjoy till it lasts for they become memories very soon. Take care!
Yay, its Friday and yes it's for real today unlike yesterday (if read my last post, you know what i mean). Today we woke up to some freezing numbers and stayed the entire day. Cold winds with low temperatures and it was a lethal combination.
While i am regulating my room calefaction, my cousins are almost set for Pujo and these days, they are busy doing some dress rehearsals before the Goddess arrives. Durga Puja is a big festival and owing to enormousness and complexity of rituals it is not possible to do without priest. The preparatory measures are many, that the reason only a handful of qualified priest can perform this Pujo. It almost takes half of a village (if i am not wrong) to organize and maintain the celebrations seamlessly.
An average Bengali looks forward to Pujo for multiple reasons. More than being religious its another way to welcome their daughter Durga at her father's place. Bengali's wait for an entire calendar year to meet their daughter and immerse in celebration. Apart from waiting for their daughter and preparing hundreds of delicacies it's another way to bypass the regular lifestyle and do regular jobs differently. People fly from different parts of the world just to gather with family, friends and even neighbors. For Bengali's its the bonhomie that supreme's everything.
I will share a different post on Pujo special food that are available during this time. As i am sitting cosily and enjoying the pictures that my cousins are sharing, my S is curious to know more and more about the festival. I feel happy and sad at the same time, because i believe somewhere my words fall short to explain the magnanimity of this festival and this is where experience matters, which i am unable to give him. Someday... Till then i will hold on to my faith and wait for some magic to happen soon.
Coming back to reality and grinds of life, i went outside to get some groceries. Braving the wind i conquered but lost a pair of my cute gloves. Now i have to do some treasure hunting to find another pair to beat this weekend's wind. Today my S took 'paratha's'for lunch with some sautéed vegetables. His snack box had pears and a fruit bar.
Have a wonderful weekend friends. Whether you are preparing for Pujo or you are enjoying through the pictures, enjoy till it lasts for they become memories very soon. Take care!
Thursday, October 11, 2018
Tiffin Tales 29
Hola..
I woke up thinking today is Friday...lol...I looked into my phone only to realize my feelings were very momentary. As i dragged myself out of bed, all of a sudden i started to skid and almost skated in bed of lego pieces and found myself rolling in the floor. It was indeed a very good morning and to shake myself up. Ouch!
As i discussed yesterday the importance of talking in native language, yes, i blasted in my language this morning. Starting from the weather to the clock, to the toys and finally at the dishwasher which i had forgot to turn it on. My misery knew no bounds when important pieces of the kitchen were in the washer and turning in cycles, i was struggling a bit with sleepy eyes to put everything together. Sensing a trouble brewing, the other members kept a safe distance from me this morning. Oh yes, i was murmuring in my language.
As the day settled down, and sense dawned upon me i realized that for most of the things i was to be chided. Had i slept with the alarms on, i wouldn't have been late. Had i paid a bit more attention and turned on the dishwasher, the morning would have been different. Had i shown some extra patience and helped my child in cleaning up his toys perhaps i would not have tipped off. Extra of everything would have made it but i guess i was too tired. We all like anything 'extra'. From extra cheese on pizza to extra minutes of sleep, to an extra day off we all look forward to our extra moments. From extra morning snuggles with my children, to requesting the clock to provide extra minutes, we all look forward to these additional. This morning i couldn't say anything to my husband, he came pretty late and was almost drained out to have that 'extra' patience to help in cleaning or other jobs.
Whenever i visit my parents i always secretly wish for some miraculous extra days. Miracles do happen but never for mere mortals like me. For my S extra is extra cheese, extra piece of his cherished cake, extra playtime, extra screen time. While he doesn't like any extra food except his favorite one's but secretly wishes for extra holidays though.
As of today i will stick only to the positive side of extra. Not all extras are enjoyable. In my next post i will discuss a few anecdotes of what undesirable extra did to my family (humorous though). Today my S carried 'upma' as i had shortage of utensils and cooking equipments and this dish seemed like a quick fix. Snack box was regular with fruits and cheese though.
Have a great Thursday folks...
I woke up thinking today is Friday...lol...I looked into my phone only to realize my feelings were very momentary. As i dragged myself out of bed, all of a sudden i started to skid and almost skated in bed of lego pieces and found myself rolling in the floor. It was indeed a very good morning and to shake myself up. Ouch!
As i discussed yesterday the importance of talking in native language, yes, i blasted in my language this morning. Starting from the weather to the clock, to the toys and finally at the dishwasher which i had forgot to turn it on. My misery knew no bounds when important pieces of the kitchen were in the washer and turning in cycles, i was struggling a bit with sleepy eyes to put everything together. Sensing a trouble brewing, the other members kept a safe distance from me this morning. Oh yes, i was murmuring in my language.
As the day settled down, and sense dawned upon me i realized that for most of the things i was to be chided. Had i slept with the alarms on, i wouldn't have been late. Had i paid a bit more attention and turned on the dishwasher, the morning would have been different. Had i shown some extra patience and helped my child in cleaning up his toys perhaps i would not have tipped off. Extra of everything would have made it but i guess i was too tired. We all like anything 'extra'. From extra cheese on pizza to extra minutes of sleep, to an extra day off we all look forward to our extra moments. From extra morning snuggles with my children, to requesting the clock to provide extra minutes, we all look forward to these additional. This morning i couldn't say anything to my husband, he came pretty late and was almost drained out to have that 'extra' patience to help in cleaning or other jobs.
Whenever i visit my parents i always secretly wish for some miraculous extra days. Miracles do happen but never for mere mortals like me. For my S extra is extra cheese, extra piece of his cherished cake, extra playtime, extra screen time. While he doesn't like any extra food except his favorite one's but secretly wishes for extra holidays though.
As of today i will stick only to the positive side of extra. Not all extras are enjoyable. In my next post i will discuss a few anecdotes of what undesirable extra did to my family (humorous though). Today my S carried 'upma' as i had shortage of utensils and cooking equipments and this dish seemed like a quick fix. Snack box was regular with fruits and cheese though.
Have a great Thursday folks...
Wednesday, October 10, 2018
Tiffin Tales 28
Hola...
Hope everyone is blending in well with the changing weather, situations, upcoming festive season or if not anything the upcoming winter season. It's just another week before Bengali's start celebrating their greatest festival of the year 'Durga Puja'. While living outside home and place our minds and hearts constantly oscillate between both the places.
This morning after my S left for school i was chatting with a friend of mine. She is a close confidante of me and over the years she can almost sense what is going on in my mind. We started with exchange of pleasantries and the weather to festival and importance of celebration. After our discussion a lot of questions started to bang my head. How am i doing in teaching my children our traditions and cultures? Are they getting a fair idea about their customs? Will they be able to identify themselves with the people of their roots? Will the binary surroundings leave them confused? What will they finally accept? These questions left me dumfounded for quite a few minutes until i stopped them from owning my mind.
According to me the first step is to talk to them in their first language. It is very, very important to teach them their native language because its their first identity. Language plays a very imperative role in building minds and identifying themselves. While it is also essential to know the local language for better adaptability, yet it is equally important to speak the native language at home. I believe you can express your true emotions only in your language. I may be completely wrong though. Many people have friends or spouses who do not speak the same language yet they bond over lifetime, but somewhere i feel its critical for the children to learn their first language first.
These days with the rapid changing scenario people back in my place are ignoring to teach their children their native language and teaching them to be global. While i am certainly not against it but what i fear is that down the lane the kids do not forget their roots. I have always been vocal about teaching my children my native language and faced criticism too. My S struggled in his initial school days but children i feel are are super absorbers. They grasp the situations pretty rapidly. While its a mix of two languages currently at home, yet i feel privileged to be talking in my first language. At least when i lose my judiciousness and i indulge in jargons (occasionally though) my S can figure out and help me with a glass of water. Hope he can read my mind in the near future too.
On a happy note i made cauliflower rice with a boiled egg for my S and snack box had fruits and smoothie. Catch you all tomorrow with some more rants...Till then enjoy....
Hope everyone is blending in well with the changing weather, situations, upcoming festive season or if not anything the upcoming winter season. It's just another week before Bengali's start celebrating their greatest festival of the year 'Durga Puja'. While living outside home and place our minds and hearts constantly oscillate between both the places.
This morning after my S left for school i was chatting with a friend of mine. She is a close confidante of me and over the years she can almost sense what is going on in my mind. We started with exchange of pleasantries and the weather to festival and importance of celebration. After our discussion a lot of questions started to bang my head. How am i doing in teaching my children our traditions and cultures? Are they getting a fair idea about their customs? Will they be able to identify themselves with the people of their roots? Will the binary surroundings leave them confused? What will they finally accept? These questions left me dumfounded for quite a few minutes until i stopped them from owning my mind.
According to me the first step is to talk to them in their first language. It is very, very important to teach them their native language because its their first identity. Language plays a very imperative role in building minds and identifying themselves. While it is also essential to know the local language for better adaptability, yet it is equally important to speak the native language at home. I believe you can express your true emotions only in your language. I may be completely wrong though. Many people have friends or spouses who do not speak the same language yet they bond over lifetime, but somewhere i feel its critical for the children to learn their first language first.
These days with the rapid changing scenario people back in my place are ignoring to teach their children their native language and teaching them to be global. While i am certainly not against it but what i fear is that down the lane the kids do not forget their roots. I have always been vocal about teaching my children my native language and faced criticism too. My S struggled in his initial school days but children i feel are are super absorbers. They grasp the situations pretty rapidly. While its a mix of two languages currently at home, yet i feel privileged to be talking in my first language. At least when i lose my judiciousness and i indulge in jargons (occasionally though) my S can figure out and help me with a glass of water. Hope he can read my mind in the near future too.
On a happy note i made cauliflower rice with a boiled egg for my S and snack box had fruits and smoothie. Catch you all tomorrow with some more rants...Till then enjoy....
Tuesday, October 9, 2018
Tiffin Tales 27
Hola...
Hope you all have started to a great week. To those who are celebrating 'Navratri' enjoy all the nine days of devotion, food and festivities. These nine days nine forms of the Goddess Durga will be worshipped. Many people will be observing fasts and having special food in place of regular food. The main emphasis will be on fruits and dairy products.
Bengali's do not observe fasts for nine days but the last four days known as 'Saptami, 'Ashtami', 'Navami' and 'Dashami' are of paramount importance. While it comes to eating Bengali's differ. Most people have vegetarian food on those three days while the larger section likes to devour non vegetarian items made specially on these days. On the day of Asthami Bengali's unite to have special 'Bhog' offered to the Goddess and relished by all. The Bhog is so special to Bengali's that all throughout the year no other day of the year the same Bhog tastes the same. Yes, i know all the Bengali's will unite on this thought.
We all have our different ways to praying and celebrating but what amounts most is our devotion and perhaps more than devotion is our acts and thoughts. Years back growing our parents would try to explain these things and lay stress on good deeds and actions. They never asked us to follow anything religiously but let us follow if our hearts wanted to do so. Now being a parent i also want to be a free thinking parent but somewhere my heart wants my children to learn and imbibe those things among themselves. I will never enforce or institute anything but anything that belongs to my roots and followed by my children will be my victory.
The above lines may seem philosophical, illogical, emotional or skeptical but holding on to ones's traditions and values can be a daunting task while living out of your place. There are distractions all around but inner voice should be the ultimate guide. These lines are an allegory to my morning conversation with my S. Tomorrow i shall discuss in details about our chit-o-chat. Please bear with me. Today's lunch box was beetroot rice and an omlette and the snack box had peaches and strawberries.This week yoghurt has been replaced by smoothie and shall continue this week. Take care friends....
Hope you all have started to a great week. To those who are celebrating 'Navratri' enjoy all the nine days of devotion, food and festivities. These nine days nine forms of the Goddess Durga will be worshipped. Many people will be observing fasts and having special food in place of regular food. The main emphasis will be on fruits and dairy products.
Bengali's do not observe fasts for nine days but the last four days known as 'Saptami, 'Ashtami', 'Navami' and 'Dashami' are of paramount importance. While it comes to eating Bengali's differ. Most people have vegetarian food on those three days while the larger section likes to devour non vegetarian items made specially on these days. On the day of Asthami Bengali's unite to have special 'Bhog' offered to the Goddess and relished by all. The Bhog is so special to Bengali's that all throughout the year no other day of the year the same Bhog tastes the same. Yes, i know all the Bengali's will unite on this thought.
We all have our different ways to praying and celebrating but what amounts most is our devotion and perhaps more than devotion is our acts and thoughts. Years back growing our parents would try to explain these things and lay stress on good deeds and actions. They never asked us to follow anything religiously but let us follow if our hearts wanted to do so. Now being a parent i also want to be a free thinking parent but somewhere my heart wants my children to learn and imbibe those things among themselves. I will never enforce or institute anything but anything that belongs to my roots and followed by my children will be my victory.
The above lines may seem philosophical, illogical, emotional or skeptical but holding on to ones's traditions and values can be a daunting task while living out of your place. There are distractions all around but inner voice should be the ultimate guide. These lines are an allegory to my morning conversation with my S. Tomorrow i shall discuss in details about our chit-o-chat. Please bear with me. Today's lunch box was beetroot rice and an omlette and the snack box had peaches and strawberries.This week yoghurt has been replaced by smoothie and shall continue this week. Take care friends....
Monday, October 8, 2018
Tiffin Tales 26
Hola...
'Subho Mahalaya', yes thats how on this day Bengalis all over the world greet and wish each other. Our belief that Goddess Durga had descended on earth and will be celebrated and worshipped all across in her various forms or 'avatars'.
Since it's my children's childhood now, i walk an extra mile to coach and develop their thought process towards our cultures and traditions. My belief is that even if we are not deeply religious but we should have fair idea about our roots and institution. Growing up we used we wake at 4 am and somehow waking up so early never seemed to be an effort. The excitement was so much that most of us would look forward to that very day. I have always been a morning person but the ones who weren't (cousin's) would comply with that exceptional day.
This morning was a bit different. The weekend was dampened with all most all of coughing and i had a brake fail runny nose. No amount chicken soup or warm lemon water was able to keep a tab on my runny nose. Goodness, it was terrible. Today even though the number of tissues are certainly less yet i have a sore throat and almost a baritone voice. Of course everything has its own influence. I hadn't had the need to request anything twice to my children because of my gravity of voice. The schools were closed today and we had a lazy day today at home.
My S is always fond of home made cookies and cakes. The morning started with 'chandi path'by the legendary Birendra Krishna Bhadra. Mahalaya is incomplete without him and we still get goosebumps listening to him. I tried my best to explain in nutshell to my S the significance though i am not sure how much he could fathom. In the evening he requested me to bake something and i oblidged. I baked him some orange flavored muffin and now my kitchen smells heavenly. We grated some orange peels because we never use orange flavor. Fresh orange zest always adds special kick to the aroma to the cake/muffin. My S was impeccably happy and what else could i ask for.
Have a wonderful time and catch you all tomorrow. Love!!!
'Subho Mahalaya', yes thats how on this day Bengalis all over the world greet and wish each other. Our belief that Goddess Durga had descended on earth and will be celebrated and worshipped all across in her various forms or 'avatars'.
Since it's my children's childhood now, i walk an extra mile to coach and develop their thought process towards our cultures and traditions. My belief is that even if we are not deeply religious but we should have fair idea about our roots and institution. Growing up we used we wake at 4 am and somehow waking up so early never seemed to be an effort. The excitement was so much that most of us would look forward to that very day. I have always been a morning person but the ones who weren't (cousin's) would comply with that exceptional day.
This morning was a bit different. The weekend was dampened with all most all of coughing and i had a brake fail runny nose. No amount chicken soup or warm lemon water was able to keep a tab on my runny nose. Goodness, it was terrible. Today even though the number of tissues are certainly less yet i have a sore throat and almost a baritone voice. Of course everything has its own influence. I hadn't had the need to request anything twice to my children because of my gravity of voice. The schools were closed today and we had a lazy day today at home.
My S is always fond of home made cookies and cakes. The morning started with 'chandi path'by the legendary Birendra Krishna Bhadra. Mahalaya is incomplete without him and we still get goosebumps listening to him. I tried my best to explain in nutshell to my S the significance though i am not sure how much he could fathom. In the evening he requested me to bake something and i oblidged. I baked him some orange flavored muffin and now my kitchen smells heavenly. We grated some orange peels because we never use orange flavor. Fresh orange zest always adds special kick to the aroma to the cake/muffin. My S was impeccably happy and what else could i ask for.
Have a wonderful time and catch you all tomorrow. Love!!!
Friday, October 5, 2018
Tiffin Tales 25
Hola...
It's Friday once again and it's raining here. It's an dark, dull and cloudy day and all i can think of is hot 'samosas' or 'pakoras'. Well, yes, i can only think of those goodies.
My house cleaning is in full swing and waiting for the Goddess to descend on earth. I am not sure if she will personally visit my abode or not but all i can do or try is to create a refreshing environment for her.
Mahalaya has many tales. It's said Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga before embarking on his final battle to win over Ravana. Lord Rama worshipped the Goddess in autumn and used 108 lotus flowers to please the Goddess. The Hindu Bengali's worship the Goddess on this time of the year. Of course Durga Puja is celebrated twice a year but the celebration in autumn is more popular. Mahalaya marks the end of 'Pitri Pakkha' and 'Devi Pakkha' starts. On the day of Mahalya people offer prayers for the departed souls of the family known as 'tarpan'. People do 'tarpan' at the crack of dawn on the riversides. As Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga before the battle this signifies the awakening of the goddess on the day of Mahalaya. Many people start shopping after Mahalaya.
Well, no extensive shopping for me but i try to follow a few rituals around this time. I don't know if the Goddess is watching me or not but my children are doubtlessly watching me and making tiny imprints on their minds. Somewhere the mother in me wants them to learn and know if not follow.
As it's been raining since last night i woke up a few minutes late and decided 'not' to make any lunch for S. Since he loves cheese pizza i thought of letting him have it for lunch and packed his snack box instead. His snack box had fruits, cheese and a small fruit bar. Hope he likes it.
Have a good weekend friends. Enjoy the weather, situations and surroundings for they rush very soon...Cheers too that!
It's Friday once again and it's raining here. It's an dark, dull and cloudy day and all i can think of is hot 'samosas' or 'pakoras'. Well, yes, i can only think of those goodies.
My house cleaning is in full swing and waiting for the Goddess to descend on earth. I am not sure if she will personally visit my abode or not but all i can do or try is to create a refreshing environment for her.
Mahalaya has many tales. It's said Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga before embarking on his final battle to win over Ravana. Lord Rama worshipped the Goddess in autumn and used 108 lotus flowers to please the Goddess. The Hindu Bengali's worship the Goddess on this time of the year. Of course Durga Puja is celebrated twice a year but the celebration in autumn is more popular. Mahalaya marks the end of 'Pitri Pakkha' and 'Devi Pakkha' starts. On the day of Mahalya people offer prayers for the departed souls of the family known as 'tarpan'. People do 'tarpan' at the crack of dawn on the riversides. As Lord Rama worshipped Goddess Durga before the battle this signifies the awakening of the goddess on the day of Mahalaya. Many people start shopping after Mahalaya.
Well, no extensive shopping for me but i try to follow a few rituals around this time. I don't know if the Goddess is watching me or not but my children are doubtlessly watching me and making tiny imprints on their minds. Somewhere the mother in me wants them to learn and know if not follow.
As it's been raining since last night i woke up a few minutes late and decided 'not' to make any lunch for S. Since he loves cheese pizza i thought of letting him have it for lunch and packed his snack box instead. His snack box had fruits, cheese and a small fruit bar. Hope he likes it.
Have a good weekend friends. Enjoy the weather, situations and surroundings for they rush very soon...Cheers too that!
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