My son was being naughty while playing with his box of sand and construction toys so we told him we would put away his box if he continued. He quietly got a marker and wrote his name down on the box as if to tell us “It’s MY box!” Even though the ‘N’ was upside down this is the first time I saw him write down his name. He also with one stroke of a pen (marker) was able to tell us who’s really the boss around our house!
Weekly Photo Challenge: Letters
The Pakistan Monument was completed at the end of 2006 and inaugurated on the National Day of Pakistan on March 23rd, 2007. It’s about 20 minutes drive from my home in Islamabad where I used to pass it by without bothering to visit for nearly 4 years until I left my home city to live in Dubai. Last week I was there for the spring holidays with my son and finally went to see it.
The four main petals of the monument represent the four provinces, while the three smaller petals represent the three territories. The inner walls of the petals are decorated with murals depicting the history and culture of Pakistan. The monument is located at the west viewpoint of the Shakarparian Hills, and is spread over a total area of 2.8 hectares. The high location makes the monument visible from all over the capital city of Islamabad.
Threshold: That moment when in a flash you see yourself driving a BMW in the future.
Weekly Photo Challenge: Threshold
When I visited San Francisco with my husband many years ago, I had the chance to photograph Lombard Street; its 8 sharp turns have made it known as the crookedest street in the world. We walked up the street as cars zigzagged by and we wondered how difficult it must be for someone who would have to commute by here daily. Apparently it was designed this way to negotiate the steep incline of the hill.
Weekly Photo Challenge: Street Life
I’m the kind of sleeper who even manages to sleep when hanging from one edge of the bed because her 4-year old decided to claim the bed in the middle of the night.
These days I’m sleeping late because I’m working on some freelance writing and I have a project to complete. Once I’m in bed I drop off to sleep quickly, but I’m a light sleeper generally. Sometimes I’m really tired and I don’t even notice when the little fellow slips into my bed but at other times I wake up when he comes. It’s a very funny sight to watch since he’s half asleep and literally drops into my bed.
I know I should actually be putting him back in his bed when he does that but instead I just kiss him and go back to sleep. It’s amazing how little space I need to sleep and how much the little rascal needs. The best position to sleep in when you’re confined in space is on your back with your arms folded behind your head. That is a strange position to sleep in but I’ve got to optimize my space.
I usually wake up before the alarm rings on school days and at the same time on weekends as well. My son has the same sleeping and waking routine on school days and holidays. I remember the time when before I was married I used to get up late on holidays. I remember, but just barely.
I’ve often talked about the lake near my house where I take my afternoon and evening walks. As I walk around this man made lake, I reflect on the day’s happenings, about my son and his future and generally about life. It’s a nice way for me to clear my head and I always go home refreshed and more hopeful. For this challenge I am posting photos of this lake that I have taken at different times during my stay in Dubai.
Weekly Photo Challenge: Reflections
My husband and I go out for lunch and a movie every weekend. We always go in the afternoon because I don’t like leaving my son in the evening or at night. I really enjoy this time we have as a couple. The rest of the week my life is focused on my son and my schedule revolves around him.
Sometimes, at the end of the movie, when it’s time to go home I wish I could linger a little longer. Maybe just do a little window shopping. Or have some coffee. But then my guilt takes over and I’m rushing to go home. Even though I know my husband and I deserve to have some time together I still feel bad when I leave my son at home. The poor fellow never makes a fuss about it; he just wants to know if the movie we watched had any monsters in it. Sometimes if I’m feeling especially guilty and I want to reward him for something I buy him a toy before we leave for home.
Every parent knows that caring for a child is no easy task. So when you sometimes get “time off” you just want it to last a bit longer. For me, coming back home after the movie is like coming back to reality.
