Hiya, it’s week eight of our local ‘lockdown’ this week, some school grades went back to school on Monday (yay!). It is pleasing to see that some restrictions have eased (check out your local media site for more detailed info); while importantly, a lot of families will be (and have been) able to reunite and spend some much-needed quality time together. The girls and Mister C won’t be able to go back to school until next week (is very much needed); we are all looking forward to this milestone! The girls have assignments and exams already due (the pressure is on?) and will have to get this work mostly done at home, before they go back to school (not to mention the itchy masks!). Mister C has been (mostly) focused on his home schoolwork, doing his best to complete many online tasks; not being a teacher myself (like most parents), the pressure will be eased when this responsibility will be handed back to our lovely teachers (yay!). I have (mostly) enjoyed spending time with Mister C and the girls, working with them on their individual learning (has been a juggle though); it certainly will be a time to reflect back on in years to come…
I was pleased to have been able to take both the girls to my hairdresser (thanks heaps!) on Saturday. We all had a trim and style- gosh, did we feel instantly better! I had to laugh, while we were waiting for our turn in the salon, I took a before snap of the girls and both looked like they had not been out of the house for many weeks! Of course, I took an after pic too and they did look beautiful (not biased or anything!). Husband tried to take Mister C and himself to the local barber on Saturday afternoon, unfortunately the line was out the door, with at least ten people waiting in and out of the salon. Mister C was pleased as he didn’t want to get a haircut (what next?); he told me he wanted to grow it very long, like a male friend at school who had similar orange hair (very cute). So, Husband diligently went back the next day with Mister C and were able to get straight in for their chop-chop; both arrived home an hour or so later looking much fresher (and a little bit handsome too!). Mister C was very proud of his special shaved lightning bolt, the kind barber made for him as a treat (thanks!); making it worthwhile getting his orange locks cut off this time. I did say to Mister C, “When you’re eighteen, you can grow your hair all you want!” Mister C giggled and said, “Of course, Mummy; when I’m eighteen I will be able to do whatever I like!”…
Last week, a few colleagues of mine at my unique workplace, celebrated their special holiday festival known as the ‘Dashain Festival’. It was wonderful to see my colleagues excited about their event and it was lovely to see some beautiful multicultural images on social media from their celebrated days. Naturally, I wanted to know more about this unique festival, so I ‘googled’ it (love the internet!). I noted this festival is usually observed for up to two weeks; according to ‘Above the Himalaya Trekking’, the… ”Dashain Festival’ in Nepal is an occasion of great joy, delight and enthusiasm for all the people. People indulge in feasting and rejoicing, they also clean their houses, put on new clothes, and taste various types of delicious foods. There is a public holiday during the festival for all the schools, colleges, and offices. On this day, people also embark on new enterprises and start their journey; of which is an occasion of peace and goodwill’… https://abovethehimalaya.com/blog/dashain-festival-of-nepal.html
Okay, let’s go back to 2020 (oh no!). Now the end of April-early May, the school holidays just over (phew!), the kids were able to return back to school approximately over the last two weeks of May, for a staggered return to school (not unlike at present!). I recall how relieved I was when school did return, it had been a somewhat stressful time, ensuring both the girls and Mister C had their work done each day and had completed all their assessment pieces as well. I was in desperate need of some ‘me time’ (as I’m sure most parents were feeling as well), particularly with having to find the time to continue with our blog, let alone get a shower at some point too! At the same time however, the kids did bring us much joy and laughter during some dark days; for me personally, without the kids, I don’t think I would have been as organised, calm and adjusted to the everchanging world back then, let alone also now in today’s current Covid climate.
With most families, plans and holidays had to be postponed or cancelled, until the restrictions around Australia and the world had eased again. Husband and I booked our family holiday to Vanuatu the previous year, for early May- actually over Flossy’s birthday. It was a sad day, having to tell the kids we couldn’t go on our holiday, but we managed to put the whole situation into perspective, with us not having (yet) lost a loved one to Covid (important to do this with children). Widy and Mister C were fairly understanding (Mister C did stomp his foot a few times in disgust); Flossy on the other hand was very sad and it took many chats and hugs to settle her down, with some reassurance and Mum kindness. We were fortunate to be able to obtain a credit for the flights and a refund (minus the fees!) for the accommodation (of which we still haven’t been able to use yet!).
We had planned to travel on Flossy’s actual birthday (she chose the date), so, naturally we had to change the plans, but still celebrate our beautiful daughter turning the wonderful twelve. Husband commented, “My beautiful daughter’s number twelve birthday! She got lots of pressies, we were trying to make today extra special, as we planned to fly out to Vanuatu today; but because of the pandemic, was postponed for ages.” Husband also commented, “Amazing, for the first time in about six weeks, I spotted some toilet paper in a supermarket!”… Flossy had a close friend over for a sleepover, but we unfortunately couldn’t go out anywhere just yet. I recall spoiling the girls with face-masks, pedicure time, fun baking brownies and ordering their favourite pizzas for tea. It was a fun night, but still not the same as walking on the warm soft beaches of Vanuatu (we can still dream!).
Early June, the kids were heading back to school, as a planned staggered approach (yippy); Husband also turned forty-something, another year older- but fortunately not a grey hair in sight yet. By this timeframe, some restrictions had eased and we were able to go out together for a day outing. Husband commented, “I had a lovely birthday! Wife and I had a day together for the first time in over two months; we went to Bowral and did some great shopping at ‘Rivers’ (one of my favourite stores), then to a nice café for lunch.” I have to also mention it would have been Husband’s dear dad’s birthday too (two days later), he would have turned eighty-four, instead he sadly passed away twenty years ago (dearly missed). Husband also commented, “It is a combination of so many things that makes life so wonderful, like much more calmness and many more nice moments at home; while also getting to stay at Ma’s house three nights a fortnight, along with work being overall quite good…”
A Word From Mister C…
“I love my best friend, Mummy!” Mister C grinned, after his friend had a play at our house and then went home (before lockdown). “What do you like about your friend, Mister C,” I said smiling back (relieved there were no dramas during the play-time). “Well, I love it when my friend plays ‘Minecraft’ with me; we have fun building our base together.” … “Wow, what else do you like, my son?” I said, getting Mister C’s drink bottle to refill. “Well, I love my friend’s shark puppet and my friend has a cool voice that he uses to play with it; he makes me laugh. We have lots of fun together; I think we think the same, we must be twins!” … 🙃
Stay tuned…
For more 2020 stories, as we head into 2021 and then eventually into real time! My original plan (and wish) was to start the year for writing the blog at the beginning of 2012, when we conceived Mister C. I did not know it would take over one hundred and ten (give or take a few!) blogs, to make a full circle back to the current year (a lot of writing huh?). I am so please it has worked (I think so!) and again thanks for your ongoing support while you keep reading each blog each week. Well, not long now until our book events at the Goulburn Library (NSW), who I might happily add, opened back up this week. The events are for pre-school and younger aged children (with a parent), bookings are required in order for the library to comply with ongoing restrictions and capped numbers (sorry!). I will also hopefully be signing up for the Book Fest event, that has been booked for late March next year (so exciting!). We just have to keep on going… Hugs Me and Mister C…❣
Love to read this blog from Mister C and Me!!