Phlog: A first

Many a times, I have come across blogs that have less words and more pictures. I always refrained from turning my blog into a photo blog a.k.a phlog, for the simple fact that I love writing. Also, I don't have a knack for taking pictures at the right time to be put up in my blog later. As we enter the final month of the year, I would like to break this rule and highlight some of the important highs of 2012.

1.

These two are the numero uno reason I am grateful for a smart phone nowadays. My folders are filled with their pictures and videos. If I had a guarantee that I will have children like these two angels above, I am ready to join the motherhood bandwagon tomorrow itself! Right now I am eagerly waiting for the day my nephew starts talking. Thank you kenchosum for their presence in our lives.

2.

This is a scary thought but I have often wondered how people manage to move on after a loved one's death, especially if it happens to be their father or mother. I cannot imagine my world without these two all important figures in my life. They have given so much to the people around them and yet they expect nothing in return. This year we had quite a few ups and downs in the personal front.

Dear Dad, 

I am so proud to be your daughter. Although you retired from government service this year, I know you are not someone to easily slow down. 2013 will bring new challenges your way and I know you will give it your all.

Dear Mum,

Sometimes I wonder how you managed to keep it all together despite having such an (over) principled husband and three having-a-mind-of-their-own kids. The four of us have given you some testing times. We still do. Yet you keep your cool and see that we are happy and content. Kudos to you for being the super woman that you are! Your promotion this year has been a long time coming so many congratulations. We love you.

3. 2012 is also the year we said goodbye to our Azang. What can I say? We will miss you Azang.

4.

Because our house has been our 'home' for the last twenty odd years and counting, it got a much needed makeover this november. Out with the three shades of green which had been painted haphazardly. Hello beige. The chocolate brown on the new window frames hit bullseye so far as I'm concerned. Also, our main sitting room has a bigger space. The mother-daughter planning seems to have worked wonders this time :))

5.

Ambom with her eldest son and youngest daughter

This was one of the most memorable days for Ambom. After Ababomphu's demise, all the struggles she has had to face inorder to see her children succeed in life has been well worth it. April 9th, 2012 was the day her eldest son, Agya Karma, got married. We were there in heavy attendance to see everything went smoothly.

And the picture on the right with the two beautiful ladies in red happens to be taken during the wedding reception of my beloved cousin (standing in the centre). If I had to mention the most fun I have had at a wedding then it would have to be this one. I was like a Duracell battery, working non-stop from 7 am and dancing the night away till as late as 2:30 am the next day. She recently welcomed a baby boy into this world so congratulations to the new parents.

6.

I couldn't find a picture with the two of them so here is a group picture. Dengyal and my sister share this amazing bond and it only seems to be growing stronger by the day. My sister deserves to be happy and I am glad Dengyal understands her perfectly well. He likes to believe (and actually it is true) that she would pick him over me any day. Nothing makes me happier than knowing two important people in my life care for each other as much as I care for them, individually.

7.

And in continuation with the previous picture, thank you Barbs for taking me as your own. Just like my sister has taken Dengyal to be her own sibling, you have accepted me with open arms. Out of all the birthdays this year, I remember having the most fun on your birthday (yes, you beat the surprise party too!). Thank you for the memory.

8.

Like I mentioned in a previous post, I started my campaign in 2010 with three goals in mind. This was the first one. After a year of struggling with data which meant that sometimes I was at the verge of committing suicide myself, I finally completed my dissertation. All the hours I put into this research seems to have paid off well.

9.

2012 also finally saw the official launch of The Gurkha's Daughter. The book is a refreshing read. I am so proud of my friend, Prajwal. If you haven't read it already, you are missing out on something for sure. Go order!

10.

And, lastly, the picture that had me in splits on a rather moody day. He knows how to make me smile just when I need it the most. The Taurean in you is evident in the giving-up-is-a-foreign-concept attitude but there are times you have this smile on your face that makes me want to treat you like a child. I love you with all my heart.

Hope 2013 has wonderful things in store for us all. An advance Happy New Year :D