A Weekend With The Kids

I've been spending the last of the Bank Holiday weekend in Northampton with my friend, Joy, her partner and kids. It's a long drive from Manchester where I live, but I wanted to make the trip as we don't see each other very often. The weather has been glorious, and the local park we went to spend the afternoon was choc-a-block with families picnicking, screaming children and the strong smell of barbecued food was making me hungry.

Over the weekend, I've had the opportunity to do a bit of babysitting. Oh my goodness, it is totally shattering! The constant running around, telling off, trying to appease a moody kid...I don't know how millions and billions of parents all over the world do it. From tantrums to tucking into bed, every activity is a battle needing to be won.

In all the chaos, my friend eased in her role of mother as if it's the most natural thing in the world. And I really admire her, and mothers like her for such patience...and love.

I honestly don't know how I would cope. Being so used to a life without children to look after, the concept of looking after such precious souls is alien to me. And yet when I do the occasional babysitting duties for friends and see how precocious, full of wonder and innocent children are, I get a glimpse of what mothers must feel for their kids.

I may have the freedom of being able to do what I want, when I want, but I'm only too acutely aware that I'm missing out on a whole other world my friend Joy is fortunate enough to live in.

Old Friends, New Friends

Today, my hubby and I said our goodbyes to one of our very good friends.

As she made her way to Terminal 2 of Manchester International Airport, we wave sadly at her, knowing it may be some time before we see her again.

I've become used to this scene. It seems that one by one, our friends are moving on to pastures new. They take on new jobs, go home to their own country, and sometimes we simply lose touch.

At first, it was heart-breaking. Saying goodbye is never easy, and even with the best of intentions, you tend to lose touch, except perhaps during special occasions like birthdays and Christmas. Then after a while, you meet new people and develop new friendships, and one day, they too will move on elsewhere. It's the Circle of Life.

Sometimes I think, is everyone else moving on but me? I've been here a decade now and I've seen countless people come and go. I sometimes wonder what it would be like for me to move on, get another job in another city or even another country. I get excited just thinking about it and daydream of my 'new life'.

However, no matter how many times I think about it, I know this is where my life is - with my husband, in our humble abode, in Manchester. It's making a difference in this city, making a positive contribution in my local community and be a familiar face to Filipinos who have made Manchester home, if only for a few years as they pursue Masters and PhD degrees.

One day, I know I will retire to my homeland where I will enjoy the gorgeous white sand beaches, gloriously warm sunshine and gastronomic fares familiar to me. But until then, it's Manchester for me. And I'm going to make the most of what this city has to offer.