Happy New Year

Happy 2024 folks. Even as I write my first post of the year, a lot has happened and a lot more is around the corner. 2024 promises to be the most ‘happening’ year for our entire family.

To begin with I have started on a new ad‘venture’ that is nothing like I’ve ever done before and a lot out of my comfort zone. There’s a little bit of anxiety but the big H has been a big support (H=husband 😀). So there’s that.

The best part is that after almost two decades I am stepping out each day. I am surprised how easily I have glided into this new role — as if some long-lost muscle memory has kicked in putting me in auto-pilot work mode.

It has been just over a fortnight so perhaps it’s the newness of the whole thing that has carried me along. Whatever it is, I’d like to focus on the ‘now’ and for now, I’m liking it.

Yesterday night when I got home N hugged me and said, ‘I’m glad you’re back to work. I like the way you smell (?) and I like the way you dress now.’ Not the best compliment to my old self yet her words dispelled my biggest worry – that the children would be unhappy with my absence.

But, more on that later and believe me when I say there’s lots more.

Here are a few other things that are making me happy every day.

1. First, dressing up for work is so much fun. I hadn’t even realised I had so many formals tucked away among my everyday tracks and tees.
2. It has been ages since I left home behind for hours at a stretch and, I have to admit, it is a welcome change. I feel the worries of home falling away as I drive to work.
3. That said, I find it reassuring that I am only a short drive away from home.
4. I enjoy the daily interactions with a wider cross-section of people.
5. I love my tiny workstation with my laptop, my flask of tea and a box of biscuits by my side. Though the desk isn’t exactly made for writing, that’s what I find myself using it for. I enjoy the quiet for now since things are still to take off.
6. It’s a joy to watch the children becoming more independent. The twins have always pitched in with chores but most often they are doing what they are told to do rather than taking responsibility for tasks, because I was always around. That’s one area I have faltered as a mom. Now, however, I find them chipping in with undone chores on their own. H walked in the other day holding a packet of bread and eggs that I had forgotten to replenish.  That made me happy.
7. And perk of perks – there’s a Crossword Book Store coming up right across from ours. We’ve been asking them each day when they’ll get functional and the husband has (very thoughtfully) asked for and reserved the first customer slot for me. I’m a tad bit worried they might just ban us for stalking.

I know there will be a new set of worries waiting in the wings once things get going. For now, though, I’m going to enjoy this phase and I’m hoping that by the time the children fly the nest I will be so set in this new life that I might miss them just a little bit less.

That’s it from me. What’s new with you?

PS: The comment situation is sorted, so I’d love to hear from you. One-sided conversations are just meh, right?