Good news and better news

So...despite the relatively slow start, this year is panning out pretty well and looks quite promising.

Firstly, I've gotten a small promotion...nothing spectacular, it is just a routine increment which all teachers get after completing another year in service...I'm now on Band 2 Step 3. I'm more thrilled by the pay rise though...the extra $4000 a year goes a long way for a financially stretched man like me.

But to more exciting news...Saras is now more than 13 weeks pregnant! We're expecting the child to be due sometime towards the end of November. Naturally, we're thrilled and looking forward to the new arrival but there is definitely a level of anxiety as well.

I just have no idea what to expect...as much as I adore babies and I've been unusually clucky over the last couple of years, I've never quite spent much time with them to understand how they tick. But one thing for sure...no matter how difficult things may get, I know deep down that it is going to be worth it and I wouldn't want things any other way.

Life will never be the same again...in a good way.

I will update you all with episodes of my journey in fatherhood...

cheers,

Kartik

What the Mind Retains...

Random moments I remember from every year of my life...

2008

The flash of a speed camera going off while I'm cruising on the Nerang-Beudesert road.

2007

Jumping up and down in joy in the living room and profusely thanking God...finally passed my driving test.

2006

Meditating in my bunk at Maju camp.

2005

Throwing a sponge at Thiagesh.

2004

Dancing to "Azhagina Azhage" at Madhan's place for someone's birthday.

2003

My surprise 21st birthday party at Curry Connections.

2002

Lying in bed on my bunk in Selarang Camp...reflecting on turning 20 and feeling very old.

2001

Fainting on the road in my camp at Ulu Pandan.

2000

Celebrating the new year at Pasir Ris park with the family.

1999

Running out of the CJC gates - playing truant for the first time.

1998

Being chosen for the finals of the Plain English Speaking Awards.

1997

Taking part in a Tamil debating competion against Crescent Girls School in Umar Pulavar Tamil School.

1996

Dancing 'Arpanam' at SJI's Chinese New Year concert.

1995

Turning up late on the first day of school and being told "no excuses".

1994

Leaning over my balcony at Pasir Ris heights, feeling shattered by my PSLE results.

1993

Being hospitalised at Tan Tock Seng for suspected fits.

1992

Gloating over news that I qualified for EM1 and the guy sitting next to me reading my report card in disbelief...loser!

1991

Topping my class in Science. First time I came in first in any subject.

1990

Being called up to the principal's office for writing an essay about how I hated her.

1989

Having an older female prefect carry my school bag up to my class because I was too weak to lift it myself.

1988

Stuffing paper fans into the pocket of a girl I had a crush on.

1987

Dancing solo to "Maha Ganapathy" at my kindergarten graduation ceremony.

1986

Visiting my aunt on the day cousin Naren was born.

1985

Grandmother giving me a bottle with hot milo.

1984

Sitting on the couch at my grandmother's flat in Bedok and feeling that my T-shirt was too tight.
1983 and 1982 - no memory