Last year (2021) on my birthday,

I woke up at 7.30 am on Saturday to carry out Aunty duties.

I drove for 45 minutes  across town to my brother's house.

He had to take the newest female member of our family for routine immunization.

My mother, my mother's friend's and my maternal and paternal aunties, 

all played a part in my upbringing.

I must continue the tradition and be 

available for my nieces (and my nephews too!)

So I woke early and drove across town on my birthday,

because my niece who was barely a year into this world

needed to know that she was worth it and so much more!

I have had strong women around me all my life. 

They taught me how to be, 

they often remind  me who I am.

They told me tales of where I am from,

not just through words but through their actions. 

I am immensely grateful to have the opportunity to be an Aunty. 

To play with them,

To cuddle with them,

To cook for them,

To laugh with them,

To calm their nerves,

To reassure them that no matter what they are loved and accepted.  

My mother is no longer on this earth.

By me carrying out these actions with her grand children 

I feel like I give them a little piece of her to keep alive each time.

Making: A new life. I did it. Packed my bags, got on a plane and I moved to a new country during a pandemic. I started a new job. Now let's see what I make of this year...

Drinking: I am trying to return to my two-litres-of-water-a-day routine.

 I am taking it slow because I want it to become the norm again. 

Reading: I have started my masters studies in public administration- social and public policy .

 I spend most of my time reading for coursework. 

It has crossed my mind to write about my experience on the blog, not yet sure if I will.

Watching: Wow...where to begin? I have been watching a lot on Netflix and Viki. 

Here's my complete list so far

Hotel Del Luna 

Trust No-one : The Hunt For The Crypto King

Listening: Not much to report here. My podcast game is sadly lacking. Do the ones I listen too as part of my coursework count? The most recent one was about mixed methodologies in policy research.

Wishing: For healing. 

Loving: Having a washer and a dryer. Laundry days are so easy and enjoyable!

Eating: The best French toast and blueberry jam instead of birthday cake at 3 Trees Cafe

Knowing: I am getting older and it is scary sometimes. 

Thinking: I am getting older and it is scary sometimes.

Giggling Over: Ugly Beauty...it wonderfully written fun #Kdrama that shows the awkwardness of being a teenager so well.