2nd In Charge

My beloved sister is away travelling for about 10 days. This is her first time away for so long and she is very concerned about the extended time away from her 4-year old. Her motherly duties have been divided among the nephew's favourite grandma, the serious aunt (that would be me) and our new flatmate. My sister is so used to being on top of her game and running the show at home that she had a difficult time letting go and delegating duties to, in her mind, less capable people. Well, it is no wonder she thinks that way because when she is around we mostly prefer to stand back and mind our own business (Shu is guilty as charged)!

She was telling a million little things on her way out of the house and at several transits she had in Sri Lanka, Bangkok and finally at the destination, China (of which only a 40-60% may have made it to my long term memory). Several times I had to tell her to just shut up and go enjoy the trip because we will be just fine!

1. If he has a cough, do this, this and this
2. Don't forget to pick him up from school ON TIME
2. Use THIS pan instead of THIS one to heat his food
3. Be nice to him (yeah, you wait and see how he's going to get un-pampered by the aunt *evil grin*)
4. Don't forget to feed the turtle and clean its bowl (great, a 4-year old AND a turtle)
5. DO NOT let him do this, this and this
6. Make sure to check his homework diary and send the things the school wants
7. Etc, etc, etc (I'm pretty sure I was supposed to remember more than that!)

And if THOSE were not enough, we have a dummy's guide to walk us through for 10 days plastered to the kitchen cupboard (isn't she extremely thoughtful??):

Why, there's online consultation on Skype and Whatsapp too!

The moment she left, my 'responsible mode' kicked in. And I have been on top of things in her absence. Of course, I have plenty of help so it's easier. And I already have my expert certification in looking after 2-4 year olds. The kid's an interesting specimen to work with and observe; trying out quicker ways of eating food, hypnotherapy watching the effects of different types of training and coaching, etc. Results of data gathered will be used to research further on how best to bring up sensible and well rounded children.

Sigh. Military style techniques in Aunt Shu's School of Reform is only effective with persistent practice. It won't help when grandmas are too nice and accommodating of all requests!

Today, while buying doughnuts for his school snack, I was shocked to see the various types of doughnuts on display. They looked SOOO SUGARY that these might as well be called sugar coated diabetes. My teeth shuddered just looking at them.

Here's the latest addition to the family - a red-eared slider, aka. Toto the turtle.

I miss my super sis.

High on Life

Cruising along the waves of life, I am sailing on happy seas these days. Surrounded by good company, having all my needs looked after, having opportunities to make others happy, having yet another holiday (home) next month, having short-term objectives to work on and hearing good news from many close friends (jobs, weddings, babies, etc). Oh, and the radio seems to be playing more good music than not these days!

Maybe it's hit me that this feeling will pass and I'll have to leave all this behind soon to build a new life from scratch once again. So I'm subconsciously enjoying the moments, being more patient and I am thankful for all the good things I have.

I sought services of a cobbler today. Just how many people take their shoes to them these days? Or rather, can you even find cobblers on the roadsides now? This elderly person seemed quite comfortable in his seat on the floor, surrounded by all his tools and raw material. He even had two small suitcases next to him, I'm guessing to pack up his stuff and leave by night. He has been on that spot for as long as I can remember and is never short of customers. Maybe he likes a mobile, rent-free office space. He charged a fair fee and did a satisfactory job. Shouldn't one commend people like him who work hard and fairly to make a living?

The other day, I went to watch The Script - a three membered alternative Irish rock band - perform live in concert. I was standing waaaay at the back on a less concentrated spot. I had very little expectations for an outdoor performance after the last Usher concert I went to. But this turned out to be the best live performance I have ever been to. The music they make is AMAZING, the lyrics are absolutely heart warming (heart breaking?) and the lead singer's vocals are divine - this added to neat visual stage effects, totally won me over. It was not one of those concerts where the crowds danced like crazy. This was one where people sang along and swayed to the emotions the music triggered (ME included). A truly talented trio and I SOOO look forward to hearing more of them.

BECAUSE I CAN'T

Oh my, feels like a lifetime ago since my last blog.

I have a long overdue post, which I shall not try to tackle today in order to be fair to it.

It's been a little over a week since I got back from my holiday. The revitalised feeling is gone. I have caught up with friends and family. Photos have been uploaded on social networking sites. Bags have been unpacked. Office work is up to date. The bad flu I brought back is gone. A few more things to get on track, but nearly there.

One more concert tomorrow and I need to take a much-needed break from social activities. I miss my weekends at home. But I must admit that these days I am overwhelmed by the love of family and so many great friends around me. That's what fuels my life force these days.

I just (semi-consciously) said 'Thank you' to a scavenger mouse for dropping me a piece of rare scrap metal on Mousehunt. A sign I need to go get some sleep!

Damn, got to LOVE this song. Can't get it out of my head, sounds awesome played loudly over the radio while on the roads (best enjoyed without the video).

The title of this blog, is to vent over the fact that I have an innate inability to say NO to people, especially in the cases where I have to make decisions on the spot, which lands me in all kinds of unnecessary trouble sometimes.