Happiness index

I do miss writing in my blog. I haven't done so for a while mainly because my new commander-in-chief, Muhammad Alman, strongly resents my indulging in any activity that excludes him. Or he would simply confiscate everything, laptop and all.  Just have to wait for him to understand that this blog is actually dedicated to him.

The situation has become more acute with the departure of my two angels, the cleaning lady and the cooking assistant, for the raya holidays.  Taking over their chores are giving me new challenges daily.  I remember the back-breaking days when I had to go through the same thing whenever Umi went back for holidays ('Moving on without Umi"). The difference is those days I was racing against time to get on with my head-hunting jobs while this time it is to be ready when Alman comes down and to maintain quality time with him throughout the day.  My new routine requires me to start my day an hour earlier.  It means sacrificing my morning walks and learning to play calisthenics with the vacuum cleaner and mop and being content with breaking a sweat at the ironing board and the stove.  I wonder if all those life-enrichment gurus I've read actually had to go through something like this too before they wrote their best-selling books about putting love in everything you do.  True....housewifery or domestic slavery can bring its own joys and sense of fulfillment, depends how you choose to take it.  Thank you, Alman....you are bringing up Opah too.

Whatever happens, I still flick through the papers daily.  Seeing regular articles about what true happiness means, I'm compelled to share my two cents worth.  I have a different happiness index for each role that I play but the best are what endures and grows...like being a 'BFF' of your children over the years.  It was  a heartwarming day last week when Idzfan called, panting happily, immediately after completing his 14 km run in Sydney, when Izaz asked for my opinion about an adventurous plan for next year and when Izwin shared with me her recent spiritual awakening.  Some of my happiest days are those when my husband would clear all the dishes, pots and pans despite not feeling well or being very tired after a long drive home....invaluable lesson for Alman when he is old enough to observe.  And I hope he will remain my best friend forever too.

Have sacrificed some sleep tonight, but writing my heart out is happiness too.   Have to get on with my notes for a workshop at the end of the month.  Still struggling with it but it is usually easier first thing in the morning, even before the morning prayers.