My Lady of the Lantern

Figlia has just turned 4 and a half, and she is doing good in several regards. She is taking her baths herself and is able to shampoo her own hair (there is some amount of supervision to check for leftover lather, or whether hair has been washed properly). The door of the bathroom is wide open when she is bathing, so that any of the adults can enter as needed. She is able to wear most of her clothes on her own, and combing her hair is the job she does least well.  Figlia is also showing keen interest in sketching, and that is a habit I am encouraging, because it keeps her off any screens, is enjoyable and engrossing, and she can spend a good half hour on it when she is in the mood.  Everyone says that M's temperament is changing. He has taken a turn for the naughty, and is one of the more vocal kids of his age-group in the daycare. One needs to be worried, if he is in another room, and completely quiet. M has had his share of fun lately...hurling raw eggs as tennis ba...

I am in a very twisted place right now. I am not happy with myself.  I hate the sight of me in the mirror. I am not really loving my job. At some point of time, I loved the job for what it was. I now like it more for the peanuts I earn every month (I relatively earn more peanuts than what similar institutions in the same city can offer for my position). There has been huge work-related stress lately.  Figlia took up swimming recently, and I have not been able to take her to the class regularly, because we are unable to match schedules.  Gracy met with a road accident, and she is sufficiently beat up to not be there for atleast a month. The other day I noticed Figlia yelling at M, completely mimicking my shrill voice when I have a noooooo- directive for either of the kids, and I realized that I am not doing very well as a parent either.  I don't want to play victim. Something is bound to change, and I just don't know what hole to plug first. I am ...

#1 The water he poured from the bottle to the tumbler, went straight to the floor when he tried to pour back into the bottle. #2 He wanted to pull off the plug of the refrigerator and is not being allowed to. #3 We snatched his cache of stuff that he was attempting to throw from the balcony.  #4 I am taking a bath and have latched the door from inside. #5 He is not being allowed to climb into the refrigerator. #6 Because Figlia is crying (heart-melting, but also a pull-out-your-remaining-hair moment) #7 Because he can .