10 Months and still Honeymooning

 

Its been 10 months since we moved out from California, USA to British Columbia, Canada. 10 months is a pretty long time to get used to a new city and a new country. However, I still feel that I have not quite gotten used to my new surroundings. I feel like I am still on a long holiday and everything seems so comfortable, beautiful and yet, super hazy. If you've ever been on a honeymoon, you probably would understand what I'm talking about.  

Chilli Pepper House

Every once in a while you feel like having Chinese food. Hot and spicy noodles and fried rice with juicy tender crispy chicken in fresh and light gravy. Absolutely delicious! If I'm home, I cook up my own chow mein noodles and satisfy my Chinese food craving. If we are out and about, then

I'm Thankful for my Broom and my Mop

Today is Thanksgiving Day in the United States of America. A country which was home to me for the last 10 years. So I have 10 wonderful Thanksgiving dinners to be thankful for. Here in Richmond, Canada, its just another cold, cloudy, kinda rainy, Thursday. And I'm thankful. So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, here is my list of what I'm thankful for:

1. The people in my life-my friends and my family near and far. As for the people who've left this world for the world above, I am thankful for the good times and the wonderful memories
   

On Losing my Father

I lost my Father on July 29th, 2011. It's been almost 4 months since his death and ever since his death, there hasn't been a single day that I  did not miss him. Every day in the Mommyhood, there have been some quiet moments, some moments of pain, some moments of lost thought and a few moments of guilt. Hidden somewhere within these quiet, painful, thoughtful and guilty moments are the moments of pride and joy, the good times that strengthened the father daughter relationship and one big lesson-life goes on. Life does go on, the memories however, stay.

First Day at Preschool

Ayaan started preschool yesterday. I finally took the leap and enrolled him in the Kinderfun program at Cambie Community Center. This preschool is walking distance from my home and close to Aaliyah's elementary school. I can walk them to their schools if the weather is nice or if I don't have a car for any day.  Spending the last 10 months with him in my new role as a stay at home Mommy, did bring us very close to each other and letting him out of my sight for a whole two and a half hours was hard for me, or so I thought.

Ayaan was so excited to go to his own school. He was the happiest baby on the block. He got dressed quickly and listened to whatever I asked him to do.

Preschool Time

Ayaan and I were at the Cambie Community Center's Preschool today to observe and participate in their KinderFun playgroup session. I went there with my head filled with doubts of whether Ayaan will fit in. Within the first few minutes, I was certain that he will.

There were about 12 kids (including Ayaan), 2 teachers and 1 parent helper. They started with circle time where they sang a welcome song to introduce each other. I thought it was cute.

Red Poppies on Remembrance Day

Today is Remembrance day. A day to remember the members of the armed forces who were killed during World War I. We remember the dead "lest we forget." People throughout Richmond and probably across Canada are wearing red poppy pins on their left lapels. Keeping the memory of the dead, close to their heart.

 Being a new Canadian immigrant, I wondered why the red poppies? I found out that the red poppies symbolize the blood spilled on the battle fields where poppies grew in abundance. The poppies are mentioned in a poem "In Flanders Fields" written in 1919 during the WWI by Lt. Col. John McCrae.  That's why the red poppies. Its a very touching poem and I thought I would share it here. So, here it goes.

Better TV Watchers

My latest and greatest favorite show is Bade Acche Lagte Hain ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bade_Achhe_Lagte_Hain ). I just love this show on Sony channel. I started watching it when I was in India and was hooked right from the word go. This show is such a welcome change from the run of the mill Saas Bahu shows that abound Indian television. Its a story about a couple with extremely opposite personalities and how they end up marrying. Their married life is quite interesting I must say and can't wait till I bring myself up to speed with all the episodes on YouTube that I missed last month. I am addicted to it and honestly I feel I should put a tap on my addiction.

Now, I totally understand how hard it is for children not to watch their favorite cartoons/princess movies etc.  Whenever I realize that they have been watching TV for way too long, and despite my warning they would not budge,