Masks have been a part of our lives since April 2020 or was in May.. it seems like forever and now they are a part of our lives. In the initial months, it was hard to recognise people. I think one of the reasons behind that was also the chaos in our heads. We just wanted to spend as little time outside of our homes and almost everyone avoided eye contact with almost everyone else.

When schools resumed for face to face learning, we were required to have masks on for school pickup. MsAn would recognise me despite the mask. I know it sounds funny but I was genuinely worried about her not recognising me. But, what amazed me most was when her friends started recognising me too, despite the mask. I know, I know – my fears were baseless.

But, we got over the second wave and the restrictions were removed and masks were not mandatory as long as we were able to maintain a safe distance. The first day I went to pick up MsAn without a mask, her face just lit up. ‘Mumma, you don’t have your mask on. I can see your face!’ And then, ‘ are you sure you don’t need a mask?’ She was excited when I told her I was sure.

Masks are still required indoors, now in the new pre-COVID world. However, we have all embraced it. They are not the most comfortable but we know they keep us safe. Masks have become a part of our life – you know remember to take your keys, phone, mask when you leave home.

Over the last couple of days, I have come across people I know , while at the shops or at the doctors and we recognised each other despite the masks.What triggered this post is that moment of recognition.You know that moment when your eyes meet and you recognise the person behind the mask and your eyes light up – that moment- that joy – the crinkling of eyes that follows as you both smile, the quick muffled conversation and that belief that everything is getting better .. everything will be ok…this is normal- the new normal. Masks are our friends, masks are here to stay as they keep us safe.

What are your thoughts on this ? Do share.

❤️ Trish

#blogathon2021

MsA and I had an impromptu coffee date after an appointment today.. Love my little chats with her, especially since we hardly get any one on one time anymore.

She started asking me about my school days, friends, crushes etc. She laughed her head off as I was telling her about my teen escapades and was shocked when I said I couldn’t share everything with my parents, seeing as her Nanu and I are so close now.

She thinks my stories are hilarious and I should make a show about my life. It would be very entertaining! Entertaining or not, I am just going walk in the clouds today because she thinks I am funny!! My TEENAGER thinks I am funny! That’s a big deal 😃😃

As much as I worry about her – it’s my job as her mother- little chats like these are reassuring and heartening as I can see my excited little girl peep out occasionally from behind the cool teenager that knows everything.

That being said, I dread the day when MsAn turns into a teenager.. I am hoping I would be able to lean on MsA for intervention or advice.

Excuse me, while I bask in the happiness that my firstborn has bestowed upon me today …

Much ❤️

Trish xx

#blogathon2021

I don’t have any new year resolutions for this year, but I have set some intentions. Investing my time wisely in two things-

1) People that matter – I am going to make time to meet them .

2) Books – I have always been an avid reader but in the last year or two, I have noticed that I struggle to read – either lack of time or motivation. I still visit the local library regularly, borrow books, try to read, renew them to try again and then return them half read.So, this year I am consciously making the time to lose myself in books again.

I loved reading ‘Big Little Lies’ by Liane Moriarty . It was quite gripping and an absolute page turner. I kept trying to guess but at the same time, didn’t want to guess – I wanted to read the suspense. And I wasn’t disappointed.. I was worried for the characters but the ending was unexpected. Brilliant read.

What are you reading currently? Do you have recommendations for me? I look forward to hearing from you.

❤️ Trish

I have been thinking .. wondering really- why am I finding it so hard to stay on track with every day blogging. I have done it in the past, then why not now?

I don’t know.. it could be that there is so much noise in my head that the thought of talking is tiring .. and isn’t blogging a way of talking too? I guess it’s my one sided monologue. And sometimes it becomes too much of an effort to even string two sentences together.

This past week I went into the office 3 days out of five.. and I came home tired .. happy .. T.I.R.E.D! As the resident teen likes to say, “ I didn’t realise how much energy socialising takes out if me”. We are quite comfortable working from home, plugging away quietly, but add voices in the background, people stopping by talking to you , and it’s a whole different game. It is exhausting – this focusing on your work, while trying to process multiple stimulations in the background.

And then, there’s the eternal question of what to wear. Why are sweat pants and PJs not official enough? I have been wearing my jeans with a nice top to work but I was a part of the interview panel last week and had to find my office wear. I think I need new office tops. I have lost a little weight and so my old tops all have a potential for wardrobe malfunction! 😃

Speaking of clothes, I caught up with a friend after 6-7 months. It was so nice to catch up. As we were meeting after a long time, I decided to wear my new Lakhnawi kurta. We didn’t remember to take photos but I came home, applied some lipstick and took a selfie ( just like that!)

When I started this post, I wasn’t sure whether I would be able to write anything. But I did 😊 So, I will end this here and leave you with a photo of me 😊

Much love,

Trish ❤️

You know you are in trouble when your daughters start borrowing and claiming your shoes, Jackets, clothes, eyeliner, lipsticks, perfumes, hair dryers, shoes… the list goes on and on… presenting pictorial evidence 👇🏻👇🏻

Time to shopping ?? 😃

More later ,

❤️ Trish

All my intentions of starting the year on the right foot were set aside due to Mowgli falling sick in the first week of New year.

But I started Week 2 with the right intention. I only set one intention for that week and that was to be organised. Sharing last week’s menu and coming week’s menu here in case anyone needs any inspiration.

I cook only once a day – usually at night. Lunch is either leftovers or toasties or eggs and toast . I find that if I leave it too late to start cooking , I lose all motivation to cook and then, there is only one option left and that is takeaway. Or else I am rushing to get meals on the table. But if the meals are ready, I am not stressed and can actually relax after finishing work.

But bulk cooking meals, though efficient and smart, doesn’t work in our house. The family either wants to try everything and as a result, there is not enough left for a complete meal and as they have already tried everything, they don’t want to eat it in the following days . Defeats the purpose of bulk-cooking to save time.

So, I tried a new strategy last week. I cooked and prepped each meal one night in advance. Here’s what I did :

Sunday Night : I cooked the Rajma curry while SP & I were watching a movie. I honestly can’t remember which movie.

Monday Night : I boiled the chicken for sandwiches on Wednesday and marinated chicken for the wraps for Tuesday night.

Tuesday Night : Cooked the chicken for the wraps and cooked the paneer curry for Thursday evening. Wednesday was a super hot day, so the sandwiches hit the right spot. Best part was not having to cook or worry about meals 2 nights in a row! Winning!

Friday night was a simple meal of yogurt and rice & for Saturday- I got a pre-marinated Tandoori Chicken from the local butchers and that wrapped up the week.

I feel very accomplished and motivated to stay organised for the coming week. I have goat curry simmering as I write this post. Below is the menu starting from tomorrow :

I’ll be sure to update if I stayed on track.

More later,

Trish xx

Mr M is on a slow road to recovery. His appetite and energy levels are still quite low, but every now and again we see a shadow of our happy boy again.

He has started coming upstairs since last two days and the first thing he did after coming upstairs was check out if everything was the same.

He had his follow up visit yesterday with his regular vet and she seemed happy with the way he is recovering. She did tell us that it can take 4-6 weeks for his to regain his full strength and character. He is still sleeping a lot but that’s alright as long as it’s helping him get better.

He is still on the staple diet of rice and chicken and I have started adding some veggies to it now. He is loving it. Now to slowly transition him back to dry food .

#blogathon2021 #mowglitales #getwellsoonmowgli

Living it up this Friday night watching Tandav on Netflix while working my way through a new jigsaw puzzle, it’s just what I needed after a busy week at work.