Mottai - Do it yourself.. well almost

First it was a Samosa- Do it yourself.. 

now it is a mottai.. I simply could not handle the wet hair post yoga. Started getting migraines last three days. Decided enough was enough. Hair Focus, the salon I have been going to for 18 years is not opening anytime soon.. so this is it. 

Jr. the budding nurse, who will have to eventually learn to shave using something like this eventually got some practice ahead of time..

The little one is not looking at me.. San and MIL think I went over the top..  Jr. is happy with her handiwork. 

Me, just relieved!

Tamil New year - a delayed photo op

My mom got me a few shirts and pants to wear for this years occasions on my last India trip in December. This year we were not exactly in celebratory mood for Tamil New Year two weeks ago. 

We had just finished 30 days under lockdown and were at the stage where everyone was ready to kill each other within the house. The good news is we are all doing okay and are all healthy. 

I have been pushing the family to come for a photoshoot to get a family picture and tonight they obliged.. it was not possible to make everyone dress up as some folks expect me to be happy for them even showing up for the picture. 

We did have some good eats on April 14th to celebrate but we were in stay-at-home clothing.

Here is last years photo..

and this years photo..

and another photo to remember this time and this year..

Next year Jr. will be in college and given Tamil New Year falls on April 14th, chances are she will not be visiting.. it might be a good  8 years before we see the family in one place for this. . . which is why I was pushing for these pictures in the first place!

This year started in quarantine and has set the bar very low for any year in our lifetime. We sincerely hope that things will get better and we get back to at least 50% of our routines.

Given my grumpiness and the actual day being spent in back to back zoom meetings and calls...

I wish you all a better year! 

Hope by next April we are all back to normal! 

Recreating an old photo

It was with extreme pleading that I managed to get the kids to co-operate for a photo recreation effort..

This was a photo taken in late 2006 or early 2007.. Used it as my Facebook Profile when joining in 2007. It has remained my profile photo since..

Today after many many years, the kids agreed to a retake. My photographer did her best but sometimes they are slightly out of focus. She was going to beg the kids for another take, but it is what it is..

if it was meant to be, it would have come out as intended..

Maybe in another 10 years we can try this again and that time I will have a better shot at this..

Proud of my dollies for agreeing to this.. they were sportive enough!