My darling angels

My first-borns are big now. Last September witnessed them entering secondary school just after celebrating their 12th birthday. Their new school is 2.3 miles (approximately 5 kilometres) away from home. They have agreed to cycle to school everyday using the spanking new bikes a friend presented.

Now that the days are getting shorter and colder, I have to ensure that they are well-dressed and equipped so that their cycle is bearable, if not pleasant. Another boy living closeby, who used to take the public bus, has even asked whether he could join them everyday. With this boy, they have discovered a short-cut and also the delights of Ye Olde Traditional Sweet Shop (now THIS I've got to keep my eye on!).

Some days, I feel a tightening sensation in my chest as I send them off at the door with prayers and kisses. My boys are big now... May Allah guide and protect both of you (and the other two) always!

When stressed out...

Today I thought I'd end the abuse I've been giving my body (denying the exercise it deserves and the indulgence in caffeine, sugar and carbohydrate) by getting back to my oldself and making that 5 km run. Okay, so maybe I brisk-walked more than run today, but boy, it sure made me feel good! Hoorah!!

I need to get all these negative vibes and ugly thoughts out of me. I need to walk out of gloomy scenarios and walk my stride. I need to get back in control. With His guidance, of course...

Sometimes it's more than annoying when you get into that situation where you find yourself searching for that bit of crumb that fell into your shirt, lost in between your cleavage. You know it's there - you can feel it - but you can't seem to reach it and get it out. Sorry guys, it's perhaps a girl thing. No men is expected to understand this but I'm sure the honeys do.

The last evidence of snow in the form of a giant snowball in our garden has finally melted. The sun is out, the sky is blue. Winter's moving away and the days are getting longer. Pangs of sweet mementos in the crisp air never fail to remind me of yesterday and how much he is missed. I know he'd like me to sweat it out, so that's what I'm doing...