If we were having coffee I’d probably be gushing today because I’m H.A.P.P.Y. You’d have to struggle to get in a word but you might as well give up because I’m too excited to let you have your turn. And then when you’d throw up your hands in despair because I wouldn’t be making any sense in my eagerness to explain, I’d calm down enough to tell you that I was going on a holiday… with friends… just us.
Our coffees would lie untouched as I’d go on about how excited I was because it was the very first time I was doing this in ten whole years – since I had the kids. The only other time I travelled without them was for my sister’s surgery so that didn’t really count (even though it turned out to be a kind of a Roman Holiday for me).
And no matter how much you rolled your eyes (because you’re the cool, calm, collected kind of friend) or tried to say it wasn’t a big deal my spirits would refuse to dampen because it was a big deal.
If we were having coffee I’d tell you of the crazy bunch I’m going with. How one was only thinking about the clothes she’d carry and the pictures we’d click while the other couldn’t stop dreaming of strawberries and cream. And I’d tell you how all I was looking forward to was a clean quiet room to revel in for one whole day.
‘Drink your coffee’, you’d say and then proceed to ask How? What about the kids? And a tiny line of worry would probably cloud my forehead as I’d reach for my coffee and, even though I was feeling a tad unsure, I’d tell you they were well looked after in my absence. As I assured you I’d probably be reassuring myself too.
If we were having coffee I’d tell you about my SIL who had volunteered to take care of the kids. And then as I would think of her calm smiling face the worry lines would melt because I know she’s good with them. She’d make sure N had a tiffin of her choice, she’d run after H mock threatening to embarrass him by hugging him as she dropped him off to school, she’d pamper them silly and they’d probably think I was back too soon.
And as I tell you this I’d fill up with gratitude for a wonderfully supportive family; for having people in my life who step in to lend a hand without my asking; who brush away my guilt trips with their no-nonsense talk.
I’d tell you how grateful I was for the way the kids had handled it with N making me promise to send her selfies ‘on Bua’s phone’ while H had sacrificed a birthday party without much of a tantrum.
As we would drain our cups I’d feel better for having talked to you, for having aired my worries and chased them away. And I’d tell you how grateful I was to have you to share my joys and sorrows always.
Wish you many many more happy moments. What a lovely prompt.
Thanks Alka.
Aww..that is so adorable and you are so lucky! Your SIL seems to be a wonderful person.. and you're making the most of it 😉 😛
Cheers
That she is. I am ever grateful.
Wow! This sure must have been a while lot of fun! 🙂 I want to hear all about it…over a steaming cup of coffee 🙂
We had the greatest of times. And a coffee with BARmates is long overdue.
How very lovely, Tulika. I would love to take a short trip with friends too. Yes, there is a lot to be grateful about. After all what would we do without a supportive family.
Absolutely. This would have been impossible without my SIL and for that I am truly grateful.
Aww! That is adorable. And I hope you have an awesome trip. Looking forward to hearing all about it. Maybe over another cup of coffee? 🙂
Sure Sid. Like I told Vidya I so want to have a real coffee with all of you. Meanwhile this virtual one will have to do.
Such a delightful read this is! And you are right – this IS a big deal. 😀 I am so excited for you. When are you going? Where? For how long? You owe us an update post about the trip!Looking forward to it. 🙂
Post coming right up Shantala.
Its really the best thing isn't it? Hope you have many more such holidays. Kids are much more adjusting than we give them credit for.
Hey LS you're right about the kids. That's something I learnt on this trip. They were so well-mannered according to my SIL that they didn't sound like my kids at all.
I am wishing you many occasions exactly like this. And I tell you, one day we WILL have that coffee and you WILL be telling me all sorts of good things! Enjoy every moment, Tulika! Hugs! And thank you so much for joining me. Your post is delightful! And I am not saying that just because of the coffee…although that photo looks delicious, too!
Oh my coffee at Bangalore is long overdue. I am glad I could join you for the blog hop.
Woohoo, a holiday with the gal-pals, super-cool! Everyone deserves to take a break like this, experience their own – Zindaagi Na Milegi Dobaara moments! Great that you have a good support system in your life. Enjoy!
Girlfriends are the best, aren't they?
Happy holidays!! Have fun!!
Thanks Deepak. We did.
Sounds so wonderful to have this trip to look forward to. As a devoted mom, you sound like you are long overdue for a trip and deserve it. Having fun with friends is the best stress reliever ever. Have a good time!
Right Cathy. If you find the right kind of company it's the best stress buster.
A Holdiay with your BFF's is like a retreat. Am glad you have family supporting it and go enjoy and color that town RED.
Thanks Ruchira. We're back and we had a wonderful time.
R U serious ??? or is that a fascination ?
I hope U R serious . If U R am really happy for U.
But part of me is annoyed too for having never planned it with me . Love U n miss U loads. and I know its me on the other side of coffee table 🙂 except for the description of (because you're the cool, calm, collected kind of friend) .
Miss the coffee dates.
Hee hee. Unbelievable, isn't it? But we did do it. If it's coffee it has to be you.