I hear people have morning routines. Some open their eyes with folded hands and express gratitude they are alive. Some others head to the beach or the gym. Still others engage in yoga. And here I am. I run to the kitchen and start whipping up fresh food for my girls. You cannot undermine the importance of setting that tone to your day right!

And every single morning my older teen arrives at the dining table for breakfast, swishing about the living room acting important, as though she is starting out on Mission Mangal, readying her bag, books, wallet, stuffing her lunch box with all her might, while that poor little school bag begs her for mercy. But on she goes, drinks down her brekkie and out of nowhere she checks with her sister on the time.

“Its 6.59”

“Oh phew… I thought I was late”

Three seconds later,

“Is it 7 already?”

“Yes it is”

And there she goes, full throttle,

“Oh my God I am late. And the lift is going to take three minutes. And it will stop at every floor. And I will have to fly to the MRT station. And then there are six escalators to take…”

One look at her and we all burst out laughing.

Every single morning this Bollywood drama queen finds some mole to make a mountain of. And that 7am ruckus is a happy reminder I woke up on the right side of my bed. And whether Singapore woke up to a warm sunrise or dark clouds, I know for sure I am alive and kicking and it is the best start to another beautiful day.

Some days are more special than others. Today happens to be a lunch date with vitamin F (friends). And despite an awfully busy morning that refuses to come to an end, I choose to leave my house and all my incomplete chores as is, shower, dress up, powder and perfume up and show up with sass.

There is something about deciding on a dress code, getting ready like a princess just for yourself and showing up with utmost enthusiasm when you meet your girlfriends. There is no place for small talk or pleasantries. We jump right into deep conversation – a phenomenon peculiar to women on the wrong side of forties. All competition, mean comments and gossip give way to mutual admiration, solid connection and boosting each other’s morales. Something very beautiful emerges towards your kind when you realise, unlike what Virus from 3 Idiots says, life isn’t a race after all.

The afternoon continues with plenty of very desi and chatpata kind of food that a friend has spent all morning prepping. Food that we have all grown up with. And the added tadka on top is the non-stop charcha over everything from fashion and weddings to travel and selfie time. As the afternoon turns into early evening, and it is time to say goodbye, I leave yearning for a little more time in their company.

But there are a ton of incomplete chores pulling me back like a spell forcing Cinderella back in time. Back home, I get to hear I am glowing and chirpy. I can’t stop staring into the mirror and reminiscing about the compliments that made me feel like a queen.

P.S. You may be busy with work most of the time. Life may be dotted with waves of success and failure. But it is always a few chosen souls that uplift you. And that is what keeps you going. Whether it is family or friends, vitamin F is the best drug to be addicted to. As I come to the end of today’s post, it is past 10pm already.

Notes to self – I must work on a dedicated writing hour for my posts.