Some experiences nudge us to happiness and this was mine

Sometimes, life throws opportunities at you that you must grab without a second thought. This is exactly what I did in June when the course coordinator for MA Public Policy, MCC called me and asked if I would be able to take the Behavioral Science Course for the MAPP second year students.

Having taught this at IISc in 2015, I was ready to embark on another semester of teaching BS. However, the entire orientation and focus of the course was different from what I had taught earlier. I had earlier taught Management and design students and the concepts were primarily focusing on psychology and management. This time, there was a lot of focus on economic concepts and for me, this was a whole new learning. Prior to each session, I would sit for hours reading papers, books and prepping for the session. And was absolutely thrilled with myself for creating unconventional question paper for them, with some abstract elements. For the uninitiated, academia is so much of hard work and I have immense respect for all my friends who are full time academicians; and for my teachers.

The class composition was what made teaching this course one of my best experiences ever. The students were intelligent, dynamic young women who knew what they were striving for and also why they were pursuing this course .They were from diverse backgrounds of English literature, Journalism, Psychology, Microbiology, Engineering, Public Policy (I hope I haven't missed any!). Each of them brought with them their share of unique experiences and working at the grassroots with different organizations for their internship.

Our classes were filled with experiential anecdotes, some that made us thoughtful and some laugh so hard, that our cheeks would hurt.

I absolutely enjoyed this 'teaching stint' and they will always be a special bunch of girls for me. Today, I not only took my final class with them, but I also invigilated a Psychology Practical exam that brought back tons of memories.

Some experiences nudge us to happiness and this was mine! Wishing the girls best for all their endeavors.

#Happiness #LoveTeaching #BehavioralScience #MyAlmaMater #ExistentialExperiences

Everyday is Ira's day! Every conversation, the Ira way

We all own a part of everyday that we live. Being parents to Ira, we realise this in many small ways every day.
There has been a tremendous increase in her imaginative play and it transcends home boundaries. We have her imaginary friends going shopping with us, going to park, restaurants everything.
Her world through her eyes seems so vibrant and we are often breathless catching up with her speed of thought and action. We ofcourse also have those moments when she is sitting with her mug of milk and day dreaming and smiling! This July, she turned 50 (months). We commemorated the moment with some books, weekend of play dates and her favorite food!
In a few weeks, she completes half a year of Mont 3. Does time fly or what?
A few things she says these days that we want to remember forever.

This is serious conversation. Don't laugh (When she is convincing us about something).

Mamma, will you relax please ( When I keep asking her to wind up her activities).

Papa, I am exhausted(When he asks her to skate or bike).

Woody told me to do this. I didn't do it (anything naughty she does, Woody or buzz light year are her partner's in crime)

Yes, I remember, in my brain (whenever we ask is she remembers something)

Bad word! ( a live censor at home, even guests are careful)

This is delicious (current description for her meals. We have moved on from yummy to delicious)

I have to keep it below my pillow. I will dream about them (keeps a book EVERY single day below the pillow, prophesying they will come in her dreams)

Say ok! (Like some solemn promise she asks for to an agreement we make)

A recent conversation when we were playing downstairs. "I will give you this flower. You have to run 10 times around me" ...well, I did run 10 times around her and was the proud recipient of that yellow flower and that sunshine smile.

Like I said, Everyday is Ira's Day!

Btw World! yesterday was Daughter's Day :)

Ira's mamma participated in a walkathon to raise awareness about abuse and support girls who are victims of abuse (deserves an individual post).

#Ira #Iraisms #TalesAtFour #IraAtFour #Parenting #Conversations #DaughtersDay

Chipku Movement, the Ira way

She is my mamma, I love my mamma. She is mine.

I was inundated with hugs and kisses when I came home from Chennai last night. Our little girl has been missing me as I have been travelling almost every week last few weeks.

She launched her 'chipku movement' last night and it is ongoing! She almost clung onto me when I dropped her to school and I had to tell her that I will be picking her up today. A part of me almost, just almost walked the guilt road.

She told Papa he is her friend only next week when I travel again. For now, it is all mamma. I was asked to make her favorite 'alu bhatebhaat' for breakfast today. That is mashed potato rice! However, during the course of breakfast today, she tells me, "Tie my jhuttu like Papa" and she actually made me redo it as what I tied was at an angle and her Papa ties it straight. Little human beings do have a mind of their own.

For now, am thoroughly enjoying the 'chipku movement'!

Till I travel again and have more tales to write.

#Ira #Iraisms #TalesAtFour #WhenMammaTravels #IraAtFour #Parenting #ChipkuMovement 

My two Heroes, my two Rockstars!

Last week when I travelled to Surat, before I left, Ira told me, "Mamma, am going to miss you!".

I began travelling on work when Ira was a little over 18 months. The first time was hard, harder for me than her. The significant other who has always epitomised the concept of shared parenting is a true rockstar. So, is my little girl.

Over the years, the two of them have made me believe that I can travel with no worries. I don't have to think of what they will eat ( P is a fabulous cook) as Papa always makes interesting food for even her lunch box on school days. I don't have to think if she has been given the meds when she is unwell and I have to travel. I don't have to worry if they can manage. They work like clockwork and even have their entertainment planned. Currently they are watching the superhero movies, one superhero at a time, each time I travel.

I come back home to a myriad of conversations that have transpired, to being told what new the superheroes are doing, how Ira and Papa went for a work meeting and how Papa made the yummiest cheese burger for her.

I love my work as a freelance consultant and am able to give it my best because I have two Rockstars who are my world.

This Sunday post is to them, my two heroes, my two Rockstars! And ofcourse, I miss them too when I travel.

#Ira #Iraisms #Rockstars #Heroes #TalesAtFour #IraAtFour #SharedParenting #Sneher #Gratitude #Happiness