M-J time

Christmas is almost here. What better way to celebrate it than visiting friends? So, I went to M's place this week. Even though it's just the second time I am going to her home, I feel very comfortable there. She has set up her home beautifully! Everywhere I see, I can spot something cute or quirky. We were so excited about spending time together that we forgot half the things we thought we'll do :P

But the best part was in the evening. We went to her mom's place to pick up her daughter J. If you have never been treated like a celebrity, you should envy me! As soon as I stepped in, the whole family surrounded me. There were smiles and hugs and excited chatter! It feels so good to actually meet the people you have always been hearing about. I had a huge grin stuck on my face. M's parents have been living in that house for more than 15 years!! Veterans :D Their home is like a museum and I could explore it the whole day!

When we came back to M's place, J promptly took me to her room. And very kindly told her mom "Amma, you can go if you want"! ROFL!! We played few games and of course, Amma couldn't stay out. This is how the conversation went.

J: Amma, will you play with us?
M: Do you want Amma to play?
J: No

It was hilarious!! I wish I had taken pictures. Why do I always forget it :(

Growing up I did not like kids so much. Maybe because they took away the attention from me :P But when kids are at a tender age, probably below five or six, their innocence just wins me over. J would look at me with wide eyes even when I was on the phone. I have never felt so much love from a kid before <3 One day, she will grow up to be a smart, young lady, all too soon. I sincerely hope she remains the sweet little child at heart.

Home is where the heart is

It's a big day today! We booked an apartment!! :D

I have been waiting to move into our own house for ages. I just have to close my eyes and I can imagine a neat and tidy house with well-done interiors. There are plenty of shelves and cabinets to ensure everything in the house will have a home. A shoe rack for the dozens of footwear I have but rarely use. A comfortable couch placed strategically in front of the TV. A balcony to let in plenty of air and light, with a small table and couple of chairs to enjoy the evening breeze. A dining room which also has a cabinet to hold our precious crockery. A well-stocked kitchen, ready to cater to every craving. Cozy rooms with ambient lights and matching curtains along with a full-length mirror, of course! 

I also wish for a reading nook, tucked away in some corner <3 

Okay, back to reality! I still cannot believe we finally booked it. I know it's going to take a few years to call it our own. Nevertheless, it's a start. Long back a friend mentioned that he wanted to live in his own house by the time he turned 30. Unknown to him, the idea planted itself in my head and spread its roots deep into my heart. The years of budgeting and planning finances finally paid off. We have been scouring our area, visiting every house suggested by friends, relatives and agents alike. But this is where our destiny was waiting for us.

I hope I am not exaggerating when I say we found a near perfect deal. It is a 2 BHK apartment, situated on the main road, very close to the metro. There are two wings, only one of which is completed as of now. But we ran into a lot of people we know. I and my sister are buying this house primarily for our parents. We want them to settle into a comfortable colony and create a world of their own. Not independent of us but one where they won't miss us terribly. They will be safe and secure. They won't have to struggle for small household repairs. More importantly, they will be surrounded by friends and family (my cousin too has bought an apartment here).

If things go well, we should be able to pay off the loan in a few years. I am so grateful to God for making my wishes come true.

EDIT: We upgraded to a 3 BHK! How are we going to manage it! Panic mode on!

Singapore Swag

I have been feeling too lazy to blog. There are so many things to do that writing inevitably takes a back seat. But looking back upon these wonderful reminiscences sometimes helps to get through with a difficult present. So here I am. I have been lucky to go on two international holidays within a span of six months. I went to Thailand in December and holidayed in Singapore just two weeks back. I always wanted to take my parents abroad and my sister's birthday was coming up. It was a perfect opportunity to go out as a family. And that's what we did!

We arrived in Singapore on May 11th, early morning. This country is so neat and organized! We settled down for a bit and headed to Singapore river safari post lunch. We went to Bugis street the next day to get shopping out of the way. Marina Bay in the evening was cool and pleasant. We had a lot of fun at Madame Tussaud's and Trick Eye Museum on the third day. The last leg of the trip ended on a high at Universal Studios. That completed four days of our whirlwind trip.

We took the MRT (train) everywhere which was highly convenient. Not much of a problem with food as Indian cuisine is easily available. I found the general public polite and helpful where as the authorities seemed a bit rude. Honestly, four days is too less for Singapore. There are so many exciting things to see and do. Yet, I am happy that my parents had a lot of fun especially my dad. I kept reminding myself to take a lot of pictures. I am sure somewhere down the line, we will sit back and look at these pictures with lots of funny stories to share.

Look 20 Feel 18

2018 has arrived and it looks so promising already! The world is full of opportunities. We can make the best of it provided we try. I have always believed that life is all about learning, evolving and enjoying the process at the same time. I rarely competed with others. I have been my benchmark. The ultimate goal of my life is to be the best of me. Right now, I feel I have the scope to do a lot more in life. I just have to be more outgoing.

I have already chalked up few things for the upcoming year. As the days start rolling, we tend to get busy with our daily life. Making a list like this won’t let us lose sight of the things that matter to us.

To begin with, I plan to take my parents on a vacation. I know they will be the most comfortable with me around. After the Thailand trip, I think I understand how to plan a budget trip without cutting corners.

Last year, we did a slew of theme parties. I am starting off this year with an aviation themed one. I intend to up my game and use up at least half of the craft supplies I have amassed :P

The girls want to go on a trip to Andaman. I want to be better prepared for the water sports there. So I am thinking of enrolling for swimming classes.

I am getting a lot of appreciation for my fashion sense these days :) This has made me pay more attention to my outfit, hair and makeup.

Also, my sister has looked up some events which seem like a lot of fun. Big plans for this year. Fingers crossed!