Collage - 1

This picture frame was compiled by AS .The black and white photos were taken when AS and SS were 5 and 4 years old respectively.The surrounding coloured ones are the more recent ones.By the way I am still learning how to put up pictures…..!

Family

Since this is my first post on my blog, I thought I’d give you all an introduction to my family.

I am married to IS, an engineer, product of IIT-Delhi. Based in Dubai he is Operations Manager in a company dealing internationally with children’s products, mainly arts & crafts, stationery and toys.

IS earlier worked in other fields dealing with metal components, seafood and computer data-processing.

Independent, hard-working, honest, sincere, well-mannered, are a few of his qualities that I was attracted to. His organizational skills, meticulous accounting and passion for his work is commendable but sometimes beyond my comprehension. He is domestically quite challenged ……….. but can make a cup of coffee, help clear the table after a meal, shine any kitchen implement to almost new and does offer to take me grocery shopping now and then. He is a doting father, always ready to go out of his way to help his children. He loves his food and drink and off late has become a committed chocoholic!

I have two lovely grown-up daughters AS and SS. AS is studying for her Masters in Design Management, aspiring to be a Designer in her own right. SS has finished her Masters in Supply Chain and Operations Management, now working ... dreaming about striking it Big sometime down her career line!

Only a year apart, both have distinct personalities. AS , the older one who was rather quiet and gentle as a kid has turned out to be the more confident and daring one. A dreamer that she is, compliments her artistic nature. SS, the younger , boisterous and energetic as a kid, is now a little shy and demure, but not short on confidence and with a mind of her own.

They both bond well together. Their laughter together…. which gets loud and infectious at times does bring smiles to both my husband and me. It’s wonderful to see them like this.

I raised my daughters with whatever parenting skills I had. It now feels like I went through it non-stop without pausing to think what the outcome would be like. Although some moments of their growing up were trying, it has been satisfying and enjoyable.

I raised them with no gender biases. No frilly frocks, no pinks, no overdose of Barbie Dolls. Besides their routine school activities they learnt Bharatnatyam, to cycle, play tennis and swim ....... to become Champion National level competitive swimmers. Proud of them!!

About myself… I did my Masters in Child Development at Lady Irwin College, Delhi. Had no great career plans for myself but did work in my field with various voluntary agencies and ended up running a nursery school for 13 long years, some of these when the kids were quiet small. Gave up working when we moved to Chennai and have ever since enjoyed the bliss of being at home. Now I am a full time SAHM (Stay At Home Mother). During this period I supervised building of our home in Chennai and moved house a couple of times, becoming quite an expert packer and shifter. I cook now which I never ever did my entire life and think I am doing a decent job of it. I enjoy being at home and caring for my family. But with the children grown up and taking turns away from home, I feel the urge now to occupy myself more productively. Besides carrying on the mundane household chores I have no long term plans for myself but a short term goal to become more computer savvy and follow my dream of becoming a blogger.

We are a close-knit family and share a lot. Hope we remain this way forever.

My family will always remain an inspiration for me…. to keep going…!

Newcomer

It was difficult choosing a name for my blog...."Blank Slate" seemed apt since it is my first time .I have never blogged before but regularly followed some Blogs especially one which is called "of this and that"which has truely inspired me.I am no good at writing...but my mind is full of thoughts which I want to bring forth. A blank slate , I hope would give me ample space to do just that.It is good to start like a child and learn as one goes along....I hope my plunge into the Blogosphere will be fulfilling.