WINDS OF CHANGE ✍️

Some of my friends, who didn’t know me when I was a child, recently saw a picture of me as a 4-year-old child. Apart from the smile, most of them found it really hard to believe that the cute little girl in the picture was ‘me’. Time has changed the way I look to such an extent, that the baby version of me, bears hardly any resemblance to the grown-up me. The features have altered a lot and the same person, now looks like two completely different individuals.

As I looked at the two pictures of myself, I thought of this saying that I’ve often heard. It states that, ‘Change is the only constant in life’. 

Looking back at my life thus far, I realize how much truth there is, in that one statement. As ironic as it may sound, it is the constant changes that happen in our life, that keep our life on track. If not for them, our life would be like a stagnant pool of water, lacking energy and vivacity. 

The varied experiences that we have everyday, the different people that we encounter at every stage of our lives and the diverse situations that we come across, somehow all contribute to the steady progress that we make in life. They help to spice up our lives and make it worth living.

From the day I was born upto this day in my life, 27 years later; so many things have changed in my life. 

I was born in Bandra and then 4 years later, moved to a new suburb that was to be my home for most of my growing years. Now, having lived in Borivali for over two decades, I’ve grown so accustomed to this place, that I wonder what it would feel like, if I ever have to leave it, to go and live somewhere else. 

Bidding farewell to my school, I was anxious about what college life would be like. However, by the time I had to leave college, I had grown so attached to it, that parting ways from the place and the friends I’d made there, was heart-wrenching.

My life as a student, started off sitting on one side of the classroom amidst my peers, looking at my teachers with so much of expectation in my eyes. Today, I find myself standing on the other side of the classroom, with 60 pairs of eyes looking at me, with that same expectation.

The building where I reside has seen its share of alterations as well. Many of the neighbours that I grew up with, have moved away over the years. I’ve seen old neighbours pave the way for new ones. So many of the friends I’ve grown up with in this vicinity, now have spouses and kids of their own. 

There’s just no end to the list of things, that have changed in and around me. There are times, when these changes have happened gradually. At other times, the swift pace at which the change has taken place, has literally taken my breath away.

I’ve realized that if I went on to list out, all the changes that have taken place in my life, I would completely run out of paper; thereby proving the statement, that change is indeed one of most constant aspects of life itself. As long as life exists, things will evolve and keep changing. Sometimes, these changes will be acceptable to me. At other times, it may bring pain and a sense of loss. There may also be occasions when changes are a sign of new beginnings and fresh starts.

All in all though, change is something that is difficult to do without. The earth and the universe itself, is constantly evolving; and if the mighty universe, cannot withstand the winds of change, then we are but mere mortals and our efforts to resist change, would be totally insignificant. The only way to cope with the constantly changing world therefore, would be to go with the flow and live life one moment at a time. ✍️

THE YOUNG ONES ✍️

A LESSON FOR LIFE -
'FROM THE MOUTHS OF LITTLE KIDS COMETH FORTH WISDOM'.

“In the Education of children there is nothing like
alluring the interest and affection;
otherwise you only make so many asses laden with books.”
- Michel De Montaigne, French moralist and essayist.

As an English Teacher, one of our aims is to help our children, develop the art of communicating in the English language, both orally and in writing. In the process of our classroom interactions, there are many instances when my students and I, go way beyond the topic at hand. 

Children at a younger age have an extremely active imagination, that is still to be tampered with by adult minds. Their thought processes are unadulterated, and their hearts are pure.

Contrary to what most adults believe about little children, I have always been of the opinion, that the young children in today’s world, are extremely aware and conscious about things that happen around them. Their tender minds do think about complex issues, that they watch on their television screens, or that they hear their parents speaking about. 

What is required of me as a teacher therefore, is just to help them, to channelize their thoughts and feelings.

Some months ago I conducted a small exercise, for the students of Class 5 at school. For us in Mumbai, the memory of the 7/11 bomb blasts was still very fresh then. Many of the children had someone known to them, who was either injured or killed in those blasts. 

So, I first spoke to them about the issue and asked them how they felt, having experienced something as terrible as this, at such a young age. While fear, anxiety, sadness and anger were very common feelings, there were also a few who said that they wondered why such a thing had happened to our city. I realized that so many of them had stories to tell. 

Mumbai is such a large city, with a population literally spilling out of it; and yet, almost everyone knew someone else, who had been affected by that tragedy. I discovered that little children in Class 5, had grown up well before their time. This incident had weakened some of them, and toughened others. It had made some of them worry, and some of them think about revenge, at the tender age of 10 and 11.

After giving them a chance to express their feelings about the event verbally, I focussed my attention on 'Mr. Terrorist'. I tried to help the children understand, that the whole Muslim community was not to blame for acts such as these, just because the suspects happened to be Muslims. 

Having established that fact, I then asked the children to write 'A Letter to Mr. Terrorist', telling him how they felt about all that had happened, on and after 7/11. 

Most of the children, wrote about how they were frightened, when their parents came home late that day. Many of them mentioned feelings of sadness, at the loss of so many innocent lives. 

However, some of the answers literally surprised me. It taught me, how little children think so differently, from mature adults.

Here are some extracts, from the letters that had a slightly different tone to them,

“Everyone says you don’t have a heart, but that cannot be true, since every human being has a heart”

“People say that a terrorist can never change, but I know that you can change”

“I pray to God that he may not punish you, if you can only try to do some good deeds, to make up for what you did.”

These answers came 'straight from the heart', and they touched my heart as well.

We teach our children to be 'Forgiving'. This activity taught me that little children are ready to forgive, even the gravest wrong. Their power of expression, communicated a valuable lesson to me as well. ✍️

TWO MONTHS LATER

A lot of people have been visiting my blog recently and as a result I’ve been walking with my head in the clouds. I’m absolutely loving all the compliments and the good things that people are saying about my 'Writing'. Besides being extremely encouraging, it has also filled me with a lot of Joy, to know that there are lots of people out there, who enjoy reading what I put down on my blog.😊

When I first started this blog, sometime in April this year, the first couple of articles that I posted, were things that I had already written earlier, (since I've really always been writing, ever since I was a student in Primary School).

Gradually, I began writing about my school, teaching, my friends, the 5 musical wonders who also happen to be my friends, and just random things about life and people in my life; things and individuals, that in some way or the other had some connection with me.

Over a period of time, I’ve realized that I have a knack for writing things, that emerge out of my own personal experiences. I have an ability to put my encounters with people and situations onto paper. It’s a God-given ability and talent that I am extremely grateful for, because in moments when I’ve been happy, I’ve sat down and written about it. In my moments of dejection and loneliness, I’ve picked up a pen and put my pain into words. At times when I’ve had no clue about what was happening in the world around me, I’ve sat before my computer and tried to make some sense of the senselessness in the world around me, by putting my thoughts and feelings into words.✍️

(I had planned to post at least twice every month; but I’ve managed to skip one month in between. Have just been extremely busy with school. The Second Term tends to be more packed than the First Term; and so, I’ve just been pre-occupied. Will try and make sure that I don’t take a two month long holiday, before my next appearance.)

WHEN DEATH LAID ITS ICY HANDS ON A CHILD 😢

I’m sure every single one of you who is reading this post will have experienced 'Death', in some form or the other. For some of us it must have been a sudden personal loss of a family member or a close friend. For others, it could have been watching someone fight a long and hard battle against cancer. 

If we have been lucky enough, not to have had a close encounter with death among the people we know, we have definitely come face-to-face with death, thru’ the innumerable acts of terror we watch on our TV screens or read about in the newspapers every single day.

I too, have had a 'close encounter with death' in the very early stages of my life. I lost a younger sibling, when I was just 10 years old…There was no warning. My family and I, were totally unprepared for that loss. Without any prior intimation, death swooped down upon us and whisked away the youngest member of our family. 

When that happened, we cried. When something happens that suddenly, it is initially difficult to fathom, what has really happened. After the initial shock, the truth gradually began to sink in. Over time, we cried some more and we keep crying, every time the old memories, decide to take a walk thru’ our minds.😔

I remember looking at my little brother in his coffin. He looked so 'Alive'. Even after he was buried, I kept wondering whether he would suddenly wake up inside his grave, dig his way to the surface and come back home. 

As a child the concept of death is extremely difficult to perceive and understand. You understand that the person is gone forever; because that’s what everyone tries their level best to explain to you. You see everyone who is close to you, sobbing and weeping bitterly; and you know that something bad has happened. Then you see the body in a coffin, so life-like, yet cold and still. That’s enough for you to know, that something has gone terribly wrong.

Although you cannot fully comprehend, the things that happen in front of you, your mind takes pictures of all that is unfolding before your eyes. The film takes a few years to develop in your mind’s eye. 

As you grow up, those pictures begin to be accompanied, by feelings of loss, pain, separation, longing and a lot of questioning. The “what if” stage lasts forever, because our imaginative mind keeps playing tricks on us. It makes us want to ask the same questions, over and over again. 

What if he were still alive? What would life have been like if he were still around? Would he be a handsome young man? Would we be happier than we are today? I find myself asking these questions time and time again.🤔

Generally, people tend to become bitter towards life and people, when they experience a personal loss. Thankfully, I was born in a family that believes that 'God has a Plan', for everything that happens to us in our lives. Although, we may not be able to understand what kind of a sordid plan he has in mind, when we lose someone dear to us; if we live with the belief that ‘GOD KNOWS WHAT HE’S DOING’, then even something as difficult as the death of a loved one, becomes easy to deal with.

For us as a Family, the pain has never gone away. It’s always there in the cozy home it has made for itself in our hearts, and makes an appearance from time to time. 

But it has taught us a very valuable lesson; and that is, to make the best of the time we have here. It has taught us to 'Value Relationships' of all kinds – Relationships with family, friends and other people who are dear to us. It has taught us to be 'Thankful' for what we have, rather that grumble about the things, that we do not have. 

Above everything else, it has taught us to be grateful for every breath that we take during our life, here in God’s beautiful world.✨️✍️

I JUST CALLED TO SAY 'THANK YOU' ✍️

Just this morning, I was talking to my boys in school, who were sharing their plans for the Diwali holidays with me. Many of them said that they would be going out of town for the holidays. A few mentioned that they will be spending those three weeks in Mumbai itself. 

As I was listening to them speak, one of them stood up and said, “Miss, I’m sure the holidays will be a lot of fun. However, there’s one thing that I don’t like about the holidays; and that is, that we will not be seeing 'You', for almost a whole month.” 

This statement, made by a little boy of Class VI, completely made my day. I felt on top of the world; and try as hard as I could, I found it absolutely impossible to wipe that 'Smile' off my face, right through the day. 

Without actually using the word ‘Thank-You’, this little 12 year-old boy, had conveyed his feelings of Gratitude to his Teacher. It wasn’t Teacher’s Day; and yet, this boy in his own sweet way, had said the biggest Thank-You to his teacher.✨️❤️

I’m sure every single one of you has experienced these little moments in your life, when someone conveys their feelings of 'Gratitude', either through a warm hug, a bright smile or a simple Thank You. 

Unfortunately due to our fast-paced lives here in Mumbai city; these moments when these feelings are conveyed, are very few and far between.

I guess that’s why there is a need to set aside a day, especially for conveying our heartfelt thanks and gratitude, to those significant people in our lives, whom we often forget to thank. That’s the day we refer to as ‘THANKSGIVING DAY’.

The American traditions of Thanksgiving, revolve around a huge and lavish meal, usually with the Turkey as the centerpiece. As tradition has it, in most families, a special prayer of thanks precedes the meal. In many homes, family members mention something, that they are very thankful for. Thanksgiving in that culture, is a time for families to create traditions and memories that last a lifetime.

The actual origin of this day however, is probably the harvest festivals, that are traditional in many parts of the world. India has some wonderful traditions as well. Many states have their unique and extremely colourful ways of celebrating the harvest and giving praise and thanks to God for his blessings.

Although the way it is celebrated, differs in various cultures and countries, the underlying sentiment is the same in every culture.

Thanksgiving Day is just one more opportunity, for us to convey our thanks to the people we Love. It is just one more occasion to be Grateful, for the blessings we have received, in the form of the people who are an integral part of our lives. 

As we celebrate Thanksgiving Day this year, let’s be Grateful to our Heavenly Father, for every blessing that he keeps showering on us constantly. Let’s remember all those people whose presence in our lives, has made the world a better place for us to live in. More importantly, let’s try and made everyday a day of THANKSGIVING.😊✍️

IS IT CHRISTMAS TIME ALREADY??? 🎄🎅

Conchorde-Get Down Santa!!

Christmas is still a few months away but I've absolutely fallen in love with this Christmas medley by 'Conchorde', and couldn't stop myself from sharing it with all my friends. 

Once again,I have no words to describe how awesome these five guys are. I've been telling everyone I meet, about their music. 

These are a normal bunch of guys from Mumbai (Of course, they're not all in Mumbai now. Some of them have moved out of here.) However, more importantly, these guys are my friends (hehehe....You can't blame me for showing off. Their singing is so amazing).😄

Just in case you have some trouble hearing them on this blog, just log onto http://video.google.com/videosearch?q=label:conchorde and search for Conchorde Acapella. 

You'll find all three of the videos that have been uploaded so far.If you love listening to 'acapella music', I promise you, your ears are in for a real treat.😊🎶

I TOUCH THE FUTURE...I TEACH ✍️

I met an old school friend a few days ago,
It had been ten years since we’d parted ways,
And the moment we met, we began looking back
We reminisced about our delightful school days.

We talked endlessly about so many things,
After all, we hadn’t spoken in ten years.
We remembered little incidents from long ago -
The happy and sad moments, the smiles and the tears.

Then she asked me a question quite out of the blue,
A question that for a moment made me stop and think;
Why did you choose to be a 'Teacher' over everything else?
Teachers don’t get paid very well, she said with a wink.

It didn’t take me long to answer her
Cause I’ve been asked this question before,
This job makes me 'Happy', I said with a Smile
I don’t really need much more.

From the time I was a student myself,
One thing I always knew in my heart,
That I would surely be a teacher one day
I knew from the very start.

What I didn’t know then, was only this-
Before I could decide, what in Life I would do,
The decision had already been made for me,
I had been chosen to be a 'Teacher', before I even had a clue.

God had picked me, for this purpose alone,
The depths of every child’s heart to reach,
I’m Grateful that I have been given this chance to say
I Touch the Future…………..I Teach.✨️✍️

THE BEST 'BATHROOM SINGERS' YOU'VE EVER HEARD 😊🎶

Acapella - Conchorde having fun

You've got to listen to these five friends of mine - Gerald Misquitta, Neuman Pinto, Vivek Antonio, Dean D'Souza and Aloke Shetty. They sing so well, it's simply amazing. Their group was called 'Conchorde'. 

Unfortunately, they don't sing together anymore, but their singing lives on in videos like these.

Those of you who know these guys will know that they can be absolutely crazy, most of the time. That shows in this video. It's that crazy streak in them, that everyone loves so much though.

...And when they start singing, you're forced to stop and listen. They are unbelievably good.

So, HAPPY LISTENING! 😊🎶

BORN FREE ✍️

It's that time of the year again. The time when politicians make speeches. The time when patriotic songs can be heard all over the place. The time when people suddenly remember that they are Indians and so they need to show a little sense of patriotism to their nation.🇮🇳

If you work in a place like a school, the way I do, the patriotic feeling is rekindled for about 2-3 weeks around this time. The primary reason for that being, that there would be some patriotic song competition or a fancy dress competition of world leaders, happening in school around this time. 

The whole campus is suddenly abuzz with speeches of freedom-fighters. Teachers and students prepare small skits, etc. in order to celebrate that one special day - The day the Indians finally bid Good-bye, to their British rulers. 

This is the month, in which we talk about Unity in Diversity, Peace, Gandhiji, Jawaharlal Nehru and every other National Leader, we can think of. 

The sad part is, that within a few days, we get back to our normal lives, and forget all about this.😔

Most of you who may be reading this, are citizens of 'Free India'. We've never participated in one of Gandhiji's Satyagrahas, or heard one of Jawaharlal Nehru's speeches. We've never been looked down on, by a British ruler and we've never experienced a feeling of our country being in bondage. 

So for us, the 15th of August, is just like another Indian festival. To many of us, it may just be another 'National Holiday'. Many of us, may never even bother to attend a flag-hoisting ceremony, being held somewhere in our vicinity. We may not even think of switching on our television sets and singing the National Anthem as the flag is hoisted in Delhi.

Many may say, Patriotism is not just saluting a flag or singing the National Anthem. It is far more than that. No doubt, there is a lot of truth in that; but can we do at least that, this year. Doing something great for the nation comes later. 

Everyone may never rise to the status of a Lokmanya Tilak or a Shivaji; but these great leaders showed us what true Patriotism and Nationalism is. Can we pick up a lesson or two from them, and adopt it in our lives this year?

Of course, let it not be just for the 15th of August; but let it continue and stay with us right through the year.✨️✍️

DON’T THEY HAVE A HEART??? 😢💔

It happened again. A repeat of 1993. This time, it was our local trains that were the target. I'm safe and so is everyone in my family; but looking at the pictures on the TV, and seeing the number of lives that have been lost is unbearable. 

When I went to school this morning, there were kids in my class, whose parents hadn't reached home as yet. People were pretty tensed up. In fact, Borivali station, where one of the blasts had taken place, wore quite a deserted look today. A station that is usually crowded at any time of the day, was almost empty. I also overheard a conversation between two rickshaw drivers, who were talking about how they had barely done any business all morning, because a lot of people hadn't ventured out. Two of the schools in Borivali closed early, becoz many teachers hadn't been able to get to school, due to the disrupted train services.

The news has been painful to watch all day. It’s been 24 hours now, since the news of the blasts first began coming onto our TV screens. 

Just a few minutes ago though, I heard some more news. This time, it was not thru’ my television screen; but it was over the telephone. Someone I know, has been one of the victims of this terrible tragedy. He was the brother of a priest friend of mine.😢 

As long as I was watching all the commotion on the TV, it was 'News'. News about something that had happened, really close to where I live...News that was terrible…But it was still, ‘Just News’. 

I guess the truth only hits you, when someone you know, is part of the whole tragedy; and after hearing about this person that I know, the truth has actually began to sink in. All this while, it was news about my fellow Mumbaikars. I was sad and moved; but I don’t know if I was truly heart-broken, by what had happened. 

Now, it is news that affects me personally, because it concerns someone I know. Selfish as this may sound to someone who is reading this, I think it is only 'Now', that this news has really touched me.😔

The unfolding of all the events that have happened since the last evening, have made me think a lot about ‘Death’. Everyone knows that death often comes without any real warning; but I’m not so sure about a death of this kind.

Whatever kind of death I am destined to have, this is definitely not one of the ways I would want to die.

Imagine going to work one morning, and never coming back home at all. Imagine leaving home in one piece; and then having your arms and legs strewn all over the railway tracks. Just the thought of it makes me cringe. 

There are so many people who are still searching desperately for their loved ones, who haven’t reached home as yet. They are hoping against hope, that they’ll find them lying injured in some hospital; and if not that, then they are at least hoping, that they will be able to locate their remains somewhere. Even that would be better than not finding them at all. 

That’s such a terrible feeling. I can’t even begin to imagine what all those families must be going thru’ right at this moment.😪

All of last evening, when I was watching the news, and even this morning; it was these thoughts that kept running thru’ my mind. I kept wondering about what was wrong with those people, who had planned something like this? 

I mean, don’t they have families? Don’t they have people that they love? How is it, that killing off so many people on a single day, makes absolutely no difference to them? Don’t they have a heart?🤔💔

TOUCHING HEARTS THRU’ MY WORDS ✍️

I’m no Shakespeare and I think it’ll be many, many years before I can refer to myself as an 'Author'. However, I do hope that someday people will call me a ‘Writer, whose Words touched their Hearts’.❤️ 

Apart from wanting to be a 'Teacher' my whole life, the other thing I’ve always wanted to be, is a 'Writer'. I’ve always wanted to fill up pages with Words. When computers still hadn’t made an appearance, I scribbled away on bits of paper all the time; and from the time I lay my hands on a keyboard, the monitor in front of me, just filled itself up with 'Words'.✍️

Words have been my 'Constant Companions', over the years. They’ve been there, in moments when I was sad, during and after a dreadful family tragedy, at a very young age. Growing up, I found solace in words, whenever I was lonely and felt that I had no one to talk to. I could always put down in 'Words', every feeling that I ever wanted to express. When I was happy, it was these 'Words', that shared my joys. They laughed and smiled with me, at times when everything around me seemed beautiful.😊

It has been 'Words' that have kept me connected to old friends and loved ones. It’s thru’ these very 'Words' that I tell my dear ones, how much I love and miss them. They just flow out of me, at any time that they feel like, and they convey my every thought, feeling and emotion, to those who’ve been waiting to hear from me.

They sometimes come out in verse and tug at the heart strings, of all who cast their eyes on them. At other times, they write themselves into a narration, of experiences that I’ve been through, and the wonderful times I’ve had. Occasionally, they also turn themselves into a post on a blog, where they paint 'word pictures' of people, experiences and things, that matter to me and that are special to me.😊

'Writing' has always been something I’ve loved doing, above a lot of other things; and to have people read my work, no matter how insignificant or small, has always made me happy. To realize that people are able to draw connections and parallels to their own lives, through my 'Words'. To discover that reading my short posts, makes people take a walk back into their own happy childhood memories, fills me with so much joy.

I love the company of 'Words', and I hope they love every moment they spend with me as well, because we definitely seem to get along really well.✨️✍️

THE WONDER YEARS ✍️

I used to enjoy the holidays tremendously when I was a student in school. Used to look forward to the months of April-May every single year. After an endless academic year that just seemed to keep going on and on, I couldn’t wait for the holidays to begin

But then, a few weeks into the holidays, and I remember that I would get very bored. After all, you can only play for that much time. We spent a large part of our holidays playing in the building compound, or in some of our neighbours houses, at that time.

When I was growing up, we survived on 'Fun-Time' on DD Metro, during the holidays. That was all that we had to look forward to, at 12 in the afternoon. Cable TV hadn’t arrived as yet and Computers in India, were still in their infancy stages. 

So, we played and played and played; and very soon we got fed up of it, and actually began to wait for school to begin. Much as the thought of going back to school reminded us of homework and tests and exams, at least it was better than the 'boring holidays', with nothing else to do other than playing.😄

I remember being very excited about the first day of school. Even if my family and I went out of town for the holidays, I would always want to be back, a few days before the re-opening of school, just because I didn’t want to miss that 'first day'. There was something very exciting about Day 1. 

Meeting the friends I hadn’t seen for about 2 months, wondering who our new class teacher and subject teachers would be, covering new books, occasionally a new school bag and water-bottle, going to school with an umbrella and a raincoat, if it was a rainy first day, wondering if there were going to be any new admissions in class; and more importantly, just being back in the place, that was my second home at the time. The place where I really blossomed, from a tiny bud into a sweet smelling flower.😊

Those were the Wonder Years of my life...the days when I was still in school. I enjoyed college a lot more than school (I guess everyone who goes to Xavier’s does); but there was something very memorable and unforgettable about my school days. It was an experience that I treasure in my heart and my memory even today; and I guess I loved it so much, that when the time came to choose, what I would want to do for the rest of my life professionally, I chose to go back to school.

Of course, being a 'Teacher', the experiences I have in school now, are quite different. Besides, while I studied in an all girls school, I now teach in a boys school. 

Despite that fact, there are some things that have remained unchanged. While I anxiously wait for the holidays to come, I’m completely bored by the end of it; and somehow, I just can’t wait to get back. I find myself looking forward to the first day of school with a lot of excitement. 

Now, I wonder about which students will be in my class this year. What activities will I help to organize in school. What methods will I use to make certain lessons and chapters interesting for my students. I still wait to see if there will be some new admissions in my class, etc, etc.😊

Though the world around me has changed a lot, I guess in certain ways, I’ve managed to stay the same. I’ve tried not to let go of the child in me, who laughs aloud when she’s happy and sheds a tear when she’s sad. 

Though I’m the teacher now, it hasn’t managed to stop me from being like a child, on the inside. For me, the best way to stay connected to the children you teach, is to try and hold on to the child in you. 

Yeah, the 'Wonder Years' for me, were a lot of fun; but I’m not so sure, if they’re over as yet!!!🤔✍️

THE RIB OF CREATION ✍️🤔

Till a few years ago, when we received a wedding invitation, it was mostly addressed to my Mum and Dad; and I was always just included in the “and family” part of the card. (Something that I hate very much, by the way; because even close relatives who know my name, often referred to me as 'fly.'…Extremely irritating!!!🙄 I can’t understand why people don’t write all the names on a wedding card, especially when they know every member of the family. I just think that it makes the invite more personal...But anyway, that’s my opinion.)

Over the past couple of years though, things began to change. My name suddenly began to appear on some of the wedding invitations, and I began to receive a number of invites that were addressed, only to me. 

This was all new and exciting, because now, it was no longer friends of my parents who were getting married, but my own classmates and friends from school and college, the friends in my building that I played with as a kid, the friends in my choir and youth group in the parish.

With every passing year, the number of wedding invitations have increased steadily; so much so, that some of my colleagues in school have often said, “You’ve been going for a lot of weddings lately, haven’t you?”

I guess it’s that stage in life when most people my age, decide that they need to settle down and start a new family together. Many of my friends have been lucky enough to get married to that 'One Special Someone', who started off as being their friend many, many years ago; and after all those years of knowing one another, they decided to turn that long friendship into a 'lifelong relationship of trust and love for one another'.

There have been other friends who’ve met someone just a couple of years ago; and after a year or two of courtship, they’ve decided that this was the person they were meant to spend the rest their lives with.

I felt very happy every single time I heard that some friend of mine was soon to tie the knot. At every wedding of a close friend, that I’ve been for in the past few years, I’ve been overjoyed to see the smiles on the faces of the happy couple. I’ve been a part of some of the wedding preps. as well; and learnt that it can be one of the most difficult jobs on the planet, to plan a wedding.

The amount of things that have to be co-ordinated and done are just never-ending; and that whole year or so of preparation, is just for about 5-6 hours, if you count both the actual wedding ceremony and the reception…But when one thinks of how all of that, is going to make someone’s wedding day memorable; I guess it’s worth the effort and the time spent.

One thing that scares me in this whole situation though, is that suddenly everyone around me seems to be getting married. Gradually the number of 'Single Friends' I have, is beginning to decline.😔

While I feel happy for my married friends, I sometimes envy them because they’ve been blest to find a friend, who eventually became their 'partner for life'.

But more than anything, seeing all these weddings happening around me, makes me think of myself, and wonder, when God will bring the person he has made for me into my life. 

According to the story of creation, Eve was created from one of Adam’s ribs…Just makes me wonder, whose rib was I created from???🤔

LOVE ALWAYS, LYNETTE ✍️❤️

I developed a hobby when I was still in Class 4 or 5 in school and that hobby has stayed with me even 15 years down the road. 

It’s something that most people find extremely difficult to do, in this fast paced world that we live in. 

Somehow, I’ve managed to make time for it, despite everything, at least so far...And I’m very happy that I’ve been able to, because it’s something, that has filled my life with a lot of Joy.😊

'Keeping In Touch', with people that I hold dear and cherish, as often as is possible; and trying to coax them, as hard as I can, to 'Stay in Touch' as well. 

That’s a hobby that I’ve kind of mastered over the years. I often feel really proud of myself, when I think of how many old pals, I’m still in touch with.

Every email I receive from an old friend, every time I speak to someone over the phone or on the internet after a long time (Mostly things that may seem really mundane and not even worth mentioning, to most people)...These simple moments are some of the 'happiest times of my life'. I actually get excited about a two-line email, that some old friend suddenly sends me.😄

I guess, I’m just a person who feels Happy at the smallest of things. I don’t require diamonds or roses or any huge gift, to make me happy. To me, the people that I Love, are worth more than all the material gifts, one can receive in one’s lifetime. Spending some Time with them or just hearing from them after a long time, is more Precious to me, than many other things this world has to offer.❤️

I know, that some of those 'Special People' in my life, like my FAMILY and FRIENDS, may be reading this post, at this moment. If I’ve never told you this before, you know now, that you are extremely 'Special' to me; and that’s why I’d hate to ever lose touch with you.

With all our work and busy schedules, it is often absolutely impossible, to stay in touch with the people we love, frequently. Our extended families, uncles, aunts, cousins, other relatives and the innumerable friends we make along the way in life, in school, in college and at our places of work. There are just too many people we connect with, over the course of One Lifetime.

Often we manage to 'Stay in Touch', for a few months or maybe a year, and there comes a time, when we’ve lost touch completely…

...And then many years later, we suddenly re-connect with a few; but with so many of our Friends, we tend to lose touch completely.😞

I’ve lost touch with many of my friends as well, over the years; but thankfully, there are quite a few, that I am still connected to. 

Here’s hoping that we 'Stay Connected', for many more years to come, because 'Goodbyes' are just not my cup of tea.

Love Today and Always, 

To all those 'Special People who Matter, in my Life', 

LYNETTE.✍️❤️

SINGING TILL THE SUN GOES DOWN 🎤🎶

In answer to a special request of an old college friend, I’ve decided to write about some amazingly cute guys I used to know in college. Most of them were short and small in stature but were exceptionally talented when it came to music.

They were absolute wit personified and they had humour flowing thru’ their veins instead of blood. They knew just when to say the right words that would send everyone in the canteen foyer at Xaviers into splits of laughter. Every time they opened their mouths to speak, it would bring a smile to every face around them.😊

I’ve spent hours listening to this merry gang singing away harmoniously. From a strictly all-boy click in the JC, this little singing group graduated to co-existing with members of the fairer sex, in the Degree college. This great turn of events happened, when they realized that they were fast running out of good talent, and as always, they had to turn to the girls in the college, for assistance.😂

Of course, another reason for this major change, (and the reason that these guys are more likely to agree with), was that they couldn’t bear the pestering any longer. The girls had been bugging them for ages, to form a singing group that would consist of both guys and girls; and so these fellows, since there were so nice and cute, finally gave in.😄

It’s been a while now since we all stepped out of the canteen foyer, the Woods, the college hall, the arches, the old staircases, the hostel steps and every other ‘kopcha’ in college where you would often find these gifted guys practicing away. Thinking about it, makes me very nostalgic. 

I don’t know how Xaviers is faring these days in the singing department, when it comes to inter-college events; but I remember that when my awesome friends were around, they did not let a single Inter-Collegiate Trophy for Singing, slip away. They were so amazing, that every Judge who ever saw them performing, was completely fascinated with their talent; and being as cute and lively as they were, most often, they had the entire audience in every auditorium, eating right out of their hands.✨️🎶

When I think of my days in Xaviers, I have many 'Happy Memories' to choose from; but I guess one thing I’ll always be thankful for, will be the fact, that I met these guys in college. They filled my days with sunshine, their harmonious singing often left me spellbound, their witty remarks and crazy antics, are simply unforgettable.😊

Guys, I know most of you have gone your separate ways now. While some of you, are still in Bombay, there are a few of you, who have moved to different parts of the world. Wherever you are though, please continue Singing, because all of you have a Talent and a Gift, that is simply amazing. So, although the group you sing with may change, just Keep Singing.🎤🎶

THANK YOU FOR MAKING ME, 'ME'.✨️❤️

Ok, so now I’ve written something about Xaviers (couldn’t resist writing that)…I’ve written loads of stuff about teaching (and there’ll be more of that in future, because I just can’t help it. I love my job and I can’t help talking about it whenever I get the opportunity)

So, what next???🤔

A friend who read thru’ the blog suggested that I should write a little more about ‘Me’ on my blog…Was an interesting thought (after all, it is ‘My’ blog)…but the only problem is, ‘ME’ is a very complex thing to write about…After all, where do I begin? How do I start? How much do I write? What do I leave out?😉😄

It’s been a couple of days since I talked to my friend; and I still don’t know what I’m going to write about. So, I’ve just thrown myself into the pool, and I’m going to learn to swim as the words come out…Hope the end result turns out to be worth reading.

If you go to a thesaurus and pick out all the synonyms of ‘Happy’…That’s ‘ME’ in a nutshell. Can literally 'Smile' from sun-up to sun-down, and that’s no exaggeration. People have told me, that they don’t know how that’s possible. They wonder whether someone can genuinely be 'Happy' all the time. I’ve been asked time and again, how I never get tired of smiling. 

Frankly speaking, I don’t know how it happens. I guess, it just springs from always being happy on the inside, from not getting caught up in things like anger, envy, jealousy, hatred and also sadness.

Of course, I haven’t fallen from heaven. So, it’s not like I do not feel all of those things. I’ve had my share of all those experiences, feelings and emotions; but, I think I could attribute it to the fact, that I am able to 'by-pass it all and look ahead'. Somehow, I have been blest with the ability to 'Forgive, Forget and Live in the Present'. By not holding on to the past and by not worrying too much about the future, I think I have been able to sail thru’ every difficult moment in life.🤷

Most importantly, I think it has been God, who has helped me to weather every storm I’ve gone thru’ in life. Though many people my age, would hate to admit it; it is God who gives us the courage to face every challenge, with a smile on our lips and a song in our hearts.😊🎶

...and as I end my 'Reflections' for the day, I’d just like to Thank God for making me, ‘ME’. There are things about myself that I don’t particularly like; but on the whole, He sure did a swell job when he created me (even if I may shamelessly say so myself)✨️😄

NOT JUST A COLLEGE…BUT A WAY OF LIFE! ✍️

When I finished school way back in ‘96, it seemed like I was leaving so much behind…

Then I joined Xavier’s and the next 'five years' were my most memorable years ever.

People said I would miss school, but I didn’t…I guess Xavier’s does that for people. Once a Xavierite, always a Xavierite!!!

It’s only people who’ve been there, who will be able to understand what it’s like. You just can’t wipe out the feelings, the joy, the memories, the pride, the thrill of those five years that you spend in that college...

Thinking of Xavier's and the times I spent there, makes me happy even today.😊

Dropped in for NOSTALGIA, the Reunion organized in college earlier this year…It brought back so many memories, just to be in the campus again.

Many of my friends didn’t show up; but I met other old friends, whom I hadn’t expected to bump into. It was nice to know what people had been doing, over the past five years since I had left Xavier’s. 

I kept looking around and staring at how things had changed. A lot of things were different; and yet, everything was still the same.

Xavier’s was my 'Home'…I’d been away from my Home for 5 years; but still, I didn’t feel like I’d ever left the place. There is a feeling of belonging with that college, that cannot really be expressed in words.

But, in the words of the old 'College Song' by Kim Cardoz, that I Loved so much, ‘St. Xavier’s, You Gave Me Wings…and it’s those wings that will always help me fly back to you'. Wherever life may lead me, if there’s one thing that I will always hold on to, it will be the memory of the times spent in Xavier’s.✨️❤️

THE EASIEST JOB IN THE WORLD…SAYS WHO??? 🤔

People often say, a teacher’s job is the best, because one gets so many holidays and works for only half a day…

My response to that is only, “You have to actually live in the same house as a teacher, to understand how easy it really is.”

For, in which other job, do people work from 7 in the morning upto 2 the next morning? Where else do people carry their work home every single day, day after day? The deadlines are scary and they come every two months like clockwork. 

For almost 11 months of the year, a teacher looks at herself in the mirror and sees stressed out expressions, dark circles and eyes deprived of sleep. 

Despite that, she has to be creative and innovative every single day. She has to be up-to-date and well-informed She has to have read up everything, that she could lay her hands on. She has to be able to answer the weirdest questions and handle the wildest tantrum.

And most importantly, she has to be able to survive it all, with a constant warm motherly smile on her face.😊

Of course, it’s a fun job because you’re always with children, who are fun to be around; but the 'workload' is definitely killing. Every person who thinks, that it’s the easiest job in the world, is sadly misinformed and hasn’t really bothered to look beyond, what is visible on the surface. 

I would welcome all those brave souls to come and try it out for a week or two. I can safely guarantee, that they wouldn’t last much longer than that.😄

IT’S BEEN TWO YEARS ALREADY!!! ✍️

In a few more days, I will have completed two whole years as a Secondary school teacher. Can’t believe how fast these two years have flown by.

Looking back on these two years, I think I can say, I’ve had a lot of fun. In two years I have made so many new friends, both among my colleagues and my students.I’ve gained in experience. I’ve become a genius at multi-tasking. I’ve spent more sleepless nights than I did, when I was studying for all my board exams put together (and I’ve appeared for 5 of those).

I’ve read more illegible handwriting than I ever did before. A red pen has become almost part of me. I lost my voice for a whole year. I’ve been off ice-creams and everything cold for 11 months of the year. I’ve yelled and screamed louder than the fisherwomen in the market. 

I’ve been heart-broken every time I had to bid farewell to a batch of students, and I’ve been overjoyed every time a student has done something to make the school proud. 

My life has practically revolved around my boys at school; and most importantly, I’ve loved every single moment of the past two years.

What more could one ask for??? ✍️

MY FIRST TEACHER ✨️✍️

I had only taken my first few breaths...
That was the first time she spoke to me,
She looked with joy at my tiny nose,
And with her eyes, said a thousand words.

I had only taken my first few steps...
And she gently guided me along,
She was standing right there, just in case,
I suddenly decided to fall.

I had only uttered my very first word…
She was so glad I’d called her name,
She smiled at me and I smiled back,
Now we could chat all day.

She taught me how to speak without a word,
She guided my every step,
She showed me how to smile and be happy,
Even when things were hard.

As I’ve gone thru’ life, I have been blest
With teachers both haughty and nice,
But no one quite compares to that very first one,
'My First Teacher was truly The Best'.✨️❤️