Weight Gain and Memory Loss

4/14/14 2:56 AM: M: Adolescence is a period of rapid changes. Between the ages of 12 and 18, for example , a parent ages as much as 20 years 😟😱

4/14/14 6:12 AM: M: You girls in Australia and America can supposedly see this

4/14/14 6:13 AM: M: (Posts an Image)

4/14/14 6:15 AM: C: Wow. I will try not to miss it.

4/14/14 8:52 PM: H: Happy birthday to Arva  M.

4/14/14 8:52 PM: H: (Posts an Image)

4/14/14 9:52 PM: M: Thanks.., and where did you get this pic?

4/14/14 9:52 PM: H: U sent it in 97!!!

4/14/14 9:53 PM: M: Oh my my ... I look so chubby 😄 Arva's 1st bday 😄

4/14/14 9:53 PM: H: Chubby but sooo healthy & glowing.

4/14/14 9:55 PM: M: I know ... No dark circles, wrinkles or pigmentation ... My god what 18 years does to a woman 😢

4/14/14 10:09 PM: A: Happy bday to Arva!!! God bless her!

4/14/14 10:09 PM: M: 😄

4/14/14 10:43 PM: C: A very happy bday to Arva! And you look great in the picture M. Don't worry about the wrinkles and pigmentation, but you should worry about dark circles!

4/14/14 10:46 PM: A: I still remember Arvas 1st bday party!!

4/15/14 12:29 AM: M: With all the late nights and me becoming an owl ... Dark circles have become a permanent feature 😭

4/15/14 12:30 AM: M: And I don't really remember her 1st birthday party ... How weird is that 😆

4/15/14 7:45 AM: S: Happy Birthday Arva! She was a very cute one year old and is a gorgeous 18 year old! M, you did marry very young. Tomorrow (April 16th) is my 14th wedding anniversary...I was married 3 years and a day after that beautiful picture was taken!

4/15/14 7:51 AM: S: By the way, I am the unofficial winner of the "chubby" title; the "biggest" gift Canada gave me first and foremost was a chubbier version of myself :) I am cool though...initially it was a shock, now I am used to it :)

4/15/14 8:09 AM: S: And finally, here is an interesting observation from a study...apparently, women lose a bit of their memories with every child birth! I don't know where I read it; it was a while ago! So, M, it is normal to not remember :)

4/15/14 8:09 AM: S: Have a good one everyone!

4/15/14 8:10 AM: M: Oh wow S ... You should get into writing ... You write really well ... Wish you a wonderful day tomoro 😄

4/15/14 8:14 AM: H: Happy anniversary in advance S.

4/15/14 8:15 AM: H: (Posts an Image)

4/15/14 8:15 AM: H: All set for tonight with daaru (booze) & food. Followed by biryani for dinner.

4/15/14 8:23 AM: M: Wow it looks sooooo yummyyyy

4/15/14 8:24 AM: C: H, it looks so yummy

4/15/14 8:24 AM: C: HA ha. M you and are thinking food

4/15/14 8:26 AM: C: M, I was also thinking the same thing about S's writing skills. Do you remember our English  literature class?  In the exam we all would take a lot of additional papers (at least I did) and S never would and still got the best marks!!

4/15/14 8:27 AM: M: It's what you write and not how much you write is important I guess 😜

4/15/14 8:27 AM: C: You bet! Happy anniversary S!! I am afraid I will forget to wish if I don't do it now.

4/15/14 8:28 AM: C: By the way, could not see the pink moon. It was a cloudy night.

4/15/14 8:29 AM: C: And it is raining now.

4/15/14 8:30 AM: S: First of all, H, is that your everyday style of dining? Wow! Seriously? You rock!

4/15/14 8:31 AM: S: C! It is snowing for us this morning!! Hans asked as he woke up, "Why is God doing this?"...Tell me about it :)

4/15/14 8:33 AM: S: And lastly, thank you for the kind compliments! It I am truly a writer, you are my best audience! Hugs to all of you!!

4/15/14 8:36 AM: C: You are S. If I had your writing skills I would write a book. Really!!!

4/15/14 8:37 AM: C: Still snowing in April?

4/15/14 8:37 AM: H: S, yes it is - with an additional bowl of salad & sans daaru (booze)!!!

We saw the red moon & Mars!!! It was beautiful & eerie!!

4/15/14 8:39 AM: H: Thanks girls.

4/15/14 8:39 AM: C: Really H? I am impressed. It takes a lot of energy, but I am sure it is all positive energy and worth the effort.

4/15/14 8:42 AM: H: Ha ha C - why do u think we are healthy looking ( read overweight ) ??? !!!

4/15/14 8:43 AM: C: LOL. You look perfect just the way you are.

4/15/14 8:48 AM: C: You carry yourself very well and are very comfortable in your own skin. I can learn a thing or two from you 😊

4/15/14 8:50 AM: S: H! I always thought of you as a Queen - a true Noble! I agree with C.

4/15/14 8:52 AM: H: Thank you girls. I am working towards getting fit- lost 8 kilos & 2 inches!!! Miles to go before I rest!!!!

4/15/14 8:53 AM: C: Do it for health and nothing else!

4/15/14 8:53 AM: H: That's the only reason C.

4/15/14 8:54 AM: S: Awesome! I have to start working towards a healthy goal as well...I am a little slow; will catch up with you H :)

4/15/14 8:59 AM: C: Cool! You go girls!

Reflections: It is amazing how we remember so much and forget just as much!

A Different World

3/11/14 7:15 AM: M: (Posts a Video)

3/11/14 7:16 AM: C: This is cute :). Who is this little girl?

3/11/14 7:17 AM: M: Don't know... Just a forward 😄

3/11/14 7:19 AM: C: Oh okay. I thought someone you know. Very cute.

3/11/14 9:57 AM: S: Too funny!! We are now on March Break and Hans (my 5 year old) has a play date with his classmate today! She (obviously) is a girl and apparently she adores Hans :) So, the video does capture reality very cutely! Thanks for sharing.

3/11/14 10:05 AM: M: But I would be actually thankful if my daughter has a boyfriend... Imagine a 'girlfriend' 😱 that kind

3/11/14 10:10 AM: S: Interesting M that you brought "that" up :) I tell my 12 year old, ASid, that when he is ready to date I am OK with any religion or race and I am also OK if it's a boy...the response almost always is an indignant "MOM!!" :)

3/11/14 10:13 AM: C: LOL. You are classic S :)

3/11/14 10:18 AM: S: Morning C! It is a different world our kids are growing up in! We have to be prepared for anything and everything, and support them through it! I am so glad you got a laugh out of it :)

3/11/14 10:22 AM: C: I am with you on it. I will be honest though, I get the jitters when Vi wants  Nokhi's hair bands to play :)

3/11/14 10:24 AM: M: I can't be that 'fair' about it... I am ok for my kids to marry anyone or date anyone... I am sure It will be very difficult for me to digest the fact if they turn out to be gay... But in the end will accept that too  because they are my kids,.. But won't be able to say it's ok by me from now on

3/11/14 10:29 AM: S: Cool M! I love your honesty and respect your feelings. Yeah, I am the typical worrier and over thinker :) I know what you are saying...

3/11/14 10:38 AM: S: C, you got me laughing :) Perhaps, you are over thinking as well?!

3/11/14 10:39 AM: C: Yeah, I do over think. At the end of the day, their happiness is what counts. I just want them to be happy

3/11/14 10:39 AM: M: C was always the over thinker 😆and the worrier ... She used to worry enough for me too. 😜

3/11/14 10:40 AM: C: LOL :). I am not as bad these days.

3/11/14 10:41 AM: M: 👏 good finally your kids helped you with that I guess 😄

3/11/14 10:41 AM: C: I am learning not to sweat the small stuff.

3/11/14 10:41 AM: C: Yeah, they did. I have 3 kids by the way. The oldest taught me the most.

3/11/14 10:41 AM: M: VJ has to learn that ... He is always hyper and I am like least bothered ... Total extremes 😣

3/11/14 10:42 AM: M: Ha ha ha

3/11/14 10:43 AM: C: And Bob is the just the opposite. Every thing is a walk in the park. I guess I need that to balance.

3/11/14 10:44 AM: C: He does drive me crazy though.

3/11/14 10:44 AM: C: I guess I worry enough for the both of us.

3/11/14 10:45 AM: M: The same way as I drive VJ crazy 😆 I guess this what they mean when they say ... Marriages are made in heaven 😁

3/11/14 10:46 AM: C: Yeah, and I am the devil.

3/11/14 10:47 AM: M: Sweet one though 😘

3/11/14 10:47 AM: C: With the halo on my head :)

3/11/14 10:48 AM: C: Ok. Will chat later. Have a meeting coming up soon. Bye!

Reflections: It is a different reality we live in today. Our physical world has gotten smaller than before; however, we have identified more differences than ever before. There are questions that can’t be answered; we look towards science for some explanation or we seek comfort in the never changing religions. Some of us lose our direction when we look for answers…and then we find the people who set us back on track. When we find these people and we want them to be happy, then answers don’t matter and all the differences disappear.

First Communication: March 6, 2014

3/6/14 9:13 PM: M: Hey S... Welcome 🎸😄

3/6/14 9:29 PM: S: Thanks so much for including me! It is awesome to hang out with the Hyderabad girls...even if it is virtual :)

3/6/14 9:58 PM: M: Yes 👍👍👍 where are you now? And send us a pic of yours

3/6/14 10:31 PM: S: Still in Toronto; 21 years and counting...I really don't have many pics of mine; will send one soon!

3/6/14 10:32 PM: H: Hi girls... Hi S, great to be in touch again :)

3/6/14 10:32 PM: M: 😄 send one of the whole family

3/6/14 10:37 PM: S: (Posts an Image)

3/6/14 10:39 PM: S: Hey H! I recently "caught up" with A and you on FaceBook :) You both are so lucky to be within visiting distance! And the pics were great!

3/6/14 10:40 PM: S: M, that pic is from my 38th b'day; that's the only one of the family I have on my phone...few more months and it is my 40th! So, it is not quite a recent pic :)

3/6/14 10:47 PM: M: So cute 😘

3/6/14 10:48 PM: M: I am already 40 😟

3/6/14 10:49 PM: S: In my eyes, you will forever be the 18 year old beauty queen...no kidding!

3/6/14 10:49 PM: M: In my head I am 18 till I die 😜

3/6/14 11:36 PM: A: Hey S🙋! Welcome!

3/6/14 11:38 PM: A: Me busy with my 2 yr old👶 when u guys were chattin away!

3/6/14 11:38 PM: M: I have forgotten what a two yr old is like

3/6/14 11:38 PM: M: 😜

3/6/14 11:39 PM: A: Hey girl

3/6/14 11:39 PM: A: Don't rub it in!!!

3/6/14 11:44 PM: A: How've u been?? Your latest picture was awesome. Love the haircut

3/6/14 11:45 PM: A: 💇

3/6/14 11:45 PM: S: Hi A! Your 2 year old is adorable...and I'd love to chat more! However, it is almost midnight here...gotta sleep :)

3/6/14 11:46 PM: S: Goodnight girls!

3/6/14 11:47 PM: A: Oh yes. U go off to sleep💤 Will catch up later

Note: Date/Time is in Canadian EST (Eastern Standard Time). No editing/proof reading on the chat; all punctuation/spelling is as is.

The Girls

C

In a country where long hair is revered, we have our girl who goes against the grain! The short hair should not fool anyone into believing anything other than our girl's choice to have it short! We all look at her as a super woman now. We didn't even notice when the girl became a woman (how could we when she looks the same as she did 20 odd years ago?!), but we subconsciously acknowledged it when we gave her that moniker reserved for aliens from Krypton. She does it all - balance projects at work, plan crowd pleasing birthday parties and still indulge in some personal time.

M on C:

She is the perfect example of 'selfless and egoless'. Yet she strives to achieve that. She has the energy that would put Duracell to shame. The only one I know who makes time for body and soul. If there was a better word than perfectionist, I would have used that. She doesn't compete with anyone but herself. If I have to describe her in one word, it would be 'unbreakable'.

H 

Her life is a labour of love. Sometimes it is a conflict within to be there for everyone; how much of herself can she give‎? And then she gives some more. She is the one who will pick up a phone and call a friend for no other reason than she cares! Her caring has earned her a maternal moniker, but beware there is a sexy beast in there!

M on H:

She has the warmest of hearts and a smile that warms your heart. Caring to the core! One wouldn't think she is a perfectionist ... But she is one and not about the material stuff but emotional ... Haven't met anyone like her yet. She has time for everyone who matters to her even if they are miles away. And for the ones close by it shows in the way she pours her love into what she cooks. Her dress sense is one of a kind ... The colourful bangles totally depict her vibrant attitude. In one word, I would describe her as 'exotic'.

A 

For a girl who looks like a tough cookie, this one is all melting heart. She is still super strong; there is no choosing with this girl - she comes first! But then she also puts the people in her life first and centre. ‎It is a fair trade! Her mind is preoccupied with helping the downtrodden; perhaps she gets it from her father.

M on A:

She reminds me of the movie ‘Annie’, full of fun; her laughter is infectious and her zest for life is something we all can learn from. Her Brit accent makes you want to continue hearing her forever and her giggle is so spontaneous that it would bring a smile to even the most morose person. The pride she takes in everything she does is so Leo. In one word I would describe her as 'spunky'.

M 

No one can pass by this one without doing a double take. ‎Sometimes the outer layer is given such importance that the inner soul becomes invisible! She avoids this tragedy by painting; she takes calm comfort in abstracts. Form has defined her and in some ways, contained her. So her paintings are formless. They reflect her inner beauty. And in a world that demands her presence, she is able to separate reality from perception.

S

Me!

M on S:
 

She is as soft as her name sounds ... Totally rounded in appearance and in personality, no harsh edges.  Believes in being herself almost to the extent of being rebellious ... But the word rebellious is harsh so doesn't suit her... I think I would say being herself without letting society dictate terms is what she is. Sees always the good in people and that is a reflection of her own soul. And in one word she can be called a 'wordsmith'.


Note: We are many different beings to the many people in our lives. The many perspectives of who we are define our combined being.

Prologue

The other day was the birthday of my ex-boyfriend. I haven't seen him for over 19 years and yet, it is like he is in the same room with me some days. So, I wished him a happy 43rd birthday. He looks just like the way he did all those years ago when he broke my heart and I cried myself to sleep for a good 3 months. So, why did I wish him at all?! Well, he is on WhatsApp and I am too. It is kinda rude to not acknowledge a birthday. How do I know how he looks like now?! From the profile pic he posted!!

For the last couple of years, I have been "found" many times. However, the reason I became a WhatsApp member was for my 4 friends who live in 3 different countries on 3 different continents. They are my WhatsApp Girls and on any given day, they keep me going. The ex-boyfriend is really irrelevant! Just threw him in there for some background info on this blog creation.

Back to the girls! Why write about them?! Enough has been written about girlfriends and enough has been aired on screen. In that sense, this is nothing novel or new. What makes it different is that we are 5 girls who perhaps spent 10 months together many moons ago and ‎many moons later, the connection is extraordinary! We don't see each other every day or go shopping together; however, we communicate on WhatsApp on most days. We are of different heights and different waists and different shades of skin. We are moms, wives, daughters and sisters. We have good days and bad days, and really sad days. Through it all, we bare ourselves and share our feelings…and Everyday Girl Chat was created to preserve and revisit some of the conversations.