So, picture this: I’ve been hitting the gym pretty hard this week, you know, trying to stay fit and all that jazz. But today, when I finally plopped down on my sofa after a particularly intense HIIT session, I realised something… my legs were not happy campers.
I attempted to get up, but it felt like my legs were staging a rebellion against me. So, naturally, I blurted out, “My legs are killing me!”
And guess who decides to chime in, none other than my wise little Chhori. She looks at me with this innocent expression and goes, “How can your legs be killing you? It’s not like they have a knife!”
Seriously, folks, I was speechless. 😂 Anyway, just another day in the life of a fitness enthusiast trying to navigate the hazards of post-workout soreness!
Ever since I was a kid, I’ve had thin, fine hair. I always envied people with long, thick, luscious locks. So, when I got pregnant with my kids, I fervently wished they would inherit better hair than mine. Thankfully, both of them got their dad’s amazing hair genes!
AS has the most beautiful, thick, black hair. So far, he’s had no problems with hair fall and not a single strand of grey. His hair is just as perfect as it can be!
Chhori has inherited her dad’s long, thick, straight hair. It grows so fast! When she was a baby with short hair, it used to stand up like a punk rock style, even without any product. I had to put headbands and cute clips on her just so people would know she was a girl.
Now, we keep cutting it, but it just keeps growing back thicker and longer. I’m so happy for her because she’ll have so many style options as she grows up and won’t have to worry about thin hair like I do.
Chhora was born with thick, curly hair. We let it grow until he was three, and on his third birthday, we took a photo of his beautiful natural curls full of volume. But as he grew, it became harder to manage all the knots, and shower time turned into a big ordeal. So, we decided to cut it before he turned four. Now he has short hair, but it’s still so thick and lovely!
Hair has always been a bit of a struggle for me, but seeing my kids with their fabulous hair makes me so happy. How about you? What kind of hair do you have? If you have thin hair like mine, how do you manage it? Share your tips and stories! 😊💇♀️💇♂️
I love getting the whole family involved in everything, especially sparking fun conversations. The other day, I stumbled upon this trending idea where kids describe their parents in a single word, and I thought, “Why not give it a go?”
So, I gathered everyone around and asked them to describe each family member in just one word. Here’s how it went down:
Who
For Me
For AS
For Chhori
For Chhora
Me
Love
Empathetic
Radiant
AS
Beautiful
Happy
Cheeky
Chhori
Beautiful
Smart
Powerranger
Chhora
Nice
Smart
Princess
The whole conversation was a blast! I loved how it turned into a whirlwind of positive and emotional feelings. 😄💬
Have you ever done something like this with your family? Share any other fun games you enjoy! And how would you describe yourself in just one word? Let me know in the comments below! 🌟🎉
Ever found yourself caught between two worlds, not quite sure where you truly belong? I think many of us can relate to that feeling, especially if you’ve been born in one country, spent part of your life there, and then moved to another to settle down. The sense of belonging can be incredibly confusing.
When I first came to Australia, I felt like I would go back home to Nepal one day. At that time, Nepal was home. But now, when I think about home, it’s Australia. You know that feeling you get when you reach home? It’s definitely Australia for me.
Nepali flag
I’ve touched on this topic before, but as I grow older and add kids to the mix, the complexity of it all only deepens. I’ve been living in Australia for over two decades now, which means I’ve spent more time here than in Nepal, where I was born. So, when people ask me if I’ll ever go back to Nepal to live, my answer is a straightforward “No.” This response often surprises people, as it comes out so easily and without hesitation. But it’s the truth.
My emotions and feelings about this are usually pretty black and white, and in this situation, “No” seemed like the obvious answer. There’s no need to be diplomatic or politically correct about it. Some people might get offended by my answer, while others are simply surprised. But how can I be true to myself if I say “Yes” when I know in my heart that it’s “No”?
Australian Flag
Yet, there are moments when I question if I truly belong in Australia. Sometimes due to some people’s reaction to the the colour of my skin I feel a pinch in my heart. I occasionally find myself not getting the humour, which can make me feel like an outsider.
If you ask my Chhori (daughter), she’ll say I’m Nepali and she’s Australian. That’s the general perception people have of us. But then, when I visit Nepal, everyone tells me I’m more Aussie than Nepali because of the way I think, talk, and view life. This contrast only adds to the confusion as I grow older.
The concept of belonging is complex and personal. For me, Australia is home now. It’s where I’ve built my life, my family, and my future. That doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten Nepal or that it doesn’t hold a special place in my heart. It always will. But when it comes to where I belong, where I feel most at home, it’s undeniably Australia. And that’s okay. Each of us has our own journey and our own definition of home.
I think one of the main reasons for starting this blog was because of this same feeling. I want to connect with people in similar situations. As the world gets smaller and we travel and migrate more, sharing how we feel will help us stay grounded and feel like we are not alone in this complicated world.
If you’re in a similar situation, tell me how you feel. How do you manage your emotions? How do you find contentment amidst the confusion? Sharing our experiences might help us all feel a little more at ease in our chosen homes.
I’ve had the absolute pleasure of hosting my cousins visiting from the USA and Nepal. It’s been an exciting whirlwind, catching up after more than a decade, especially since we all live in different continents.
Watching my kids connect with my cousins was heartwarming. No matter how much you talk about family, it’s not until they meet in person that they truly realise they have relatives scattered all over the globe. As we get older, especially when living far from home, the value of family, culture, and community becomes even more precious.
One of the highlights of their visit was our road trip down the beautiful Sydney South Coast. Let me take you through our adventure!
Helensburg Temple
We kicked off our journey at the peaceful Helensburg Temple. I’ve written about this place before, and it never disappoints.
We entered this magnificent temple adorned with numerous Hindu idols. As we wandered through its sacred halls, we took time to pray and immerse ourselves in its tranquil atmosphere. The serenity you feel inside, with the soft murmur of prayers and the gentle waft of incense smoke, is truly on another level. The peaceful ambiance, enhanced by the rhythmic chanting and the soft glow of lamps, creates a profound sense of calm and spirituality that lingers long after you leave.
The vegetarian meals at their canteen are an absolute treat, and my cousins were equally impressed. We all left with full bellies and happy hearts, ready for the next leg of our trip.
Stanwell Tops
Our next stop was the stunning Stanwell Tops. This place is a real gem with its beautiful coastal, escarpment, and cliff views. The natural hills rising sharply from the coast to the escarpment, coupled with strong air currents, make Stanwell Tops a prime spot for hang gliding and paragliding. We snapped some fantastic photos and soaked in the panoramic views of the ocean, the escarpment, and the iconic Sea Cliff Bridge.
Grand Pacific Drive
After having some ice cream at Stanwell Tops, we hit the Grand Pacific Drive. This scenic route takes you through coastal rainforests and quaint seaside villages, and traverses along the iconic 665-metre Sea Cliff Bridge. The bridge itself is a marvel, snaking majestically over the Pacific waters. With the sun shining and the sky a brilliant blue, we couldn’t have asked for a better day to cruise along this stunning coastline.
Nan Tien Temple
Our final stop was the tranquil Nan Tien Temple in Berkeley, just 10 minutes south of Wollongong. This Buddhist temple complex is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere and offers a wonderfully calm atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to unwind and reflect after a day of exploration.
The architecture of the temples is stunning, but there are also beautiful gardens and a museum to explore. The museum houses a 1,000-year-old wood carving that is so intricately carved, it’s hard to believe anyone had the patience to create it.
The ornate decorations inside the temple are breathtaking. The gardens are lovely. The gratitude bell by the Buddha on top of the hill is wonderful and offers a stunning view of the pagoda.
A Day to Remember
Overall, we had a fantastic day filled with laughter, great conversations, and some much-needed family bonding.
If you ever find yourself in Sydney, I highly recommend taking a day trip to the South Coast. It’s a brilliant way to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region.
And if you’ve visited any of these spots, I’d love to hear about your experiences!
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