2019 seemed to go by in a flash (but I noticed that I wrote in the same way at the beginning of each year review). The year was expensive for
us with 3 trips out of the country, an investment and a hybrid car (a dream come true for Raj), home stuffs etc.
Khala had a minor brain stroke after she had gone to her village during Qurbani holidays, we became really worried as to how run things without her. But she lives in denial and refuses to go back to her not-so-interesting village life and things are as they were before, her facial twisting and occasional complaints bearing the sign of it. Sickness and old age overpowered Boro Fupu and Raj's Boro Khalu. In the midst of the apprehension of losing loved ones, marriages take place, new babies arrive in the world. Because that's how it is - "the way of the world".
It's said the journey is important, not the destination. But we humans keep thinking about the future, awaiting for results to decide on the next steps. That's how life moves on.
Tomtom went through visible physical changes. I also think she is
undergoing hormonal changes and an expert said it happens after the 10th/11th
year. The reason behind my assumption is her reaction with tears and abrupt
responses to issues and instructions from us. She had a busy year participating in
Language League 2019 held at North South University in which she didn’t get any
prize in the Chinese language competition, but competed against the big
kids and came 4th in the English Grammar segment. She also
participated in Math Olympiad 2019 in which she didn’t qualify for the top 10
like 2018 and was upset. Good thing about Tomtom is she moves on.
Tomtom started doing canvas painting in her art lesson which is a big improvement and received the first prize at UN Day Art Competition (in class III). She surprised her language teacher with her essay and got the first prize in annual essay competition; consequently, submitted an essay on acts of kindness for Japan's 'goipeace foundation' but didn't get any buzz from them. She finished her school year obtaining the 3rd position in the merit list and was promoted to class 4. She continued performing on the stage and joined the Sports Club to become a footballer. She continued her piano lesson and after her teacher, Shimul Sir, informed us about her problem of lagging behind in her practice, we bought her a new digital piano with the hope that she will improve. Tomtom had a desire of having long hair like Rapunzel in the past, but this year she decided to go for short haircut which I think suits her a lot giving her a boyish appearance (at language league some organizers thought she was a boy) but a few aunties didn't like it (meh). She continued being friends with almost everyone in-and-out-of-class, got invited to the birthdays of Labiba, Mehjabeen, Naisa, Nabiha, Troyee, Mahjab and made me exasperated because attending all these birthday parties had a toll on me. More birthdays were celebrated in the family too. My interest in organizing get-together programs hasn't diminished, we had Pohelaboishakh and 31st celebration at my place like usual.
Birthdays!
Tomtom with friends
Tomtom started doing canvas painting in her art lesson which is a big improvement and received the first prize at UN Day Art Competition (in class III). She surprised her language teacher with her essay and got the first prize in annual essay competition; consequently, submitted an essay on acts of kindness for Japan's 'goipeace foundation' but didn't get any buzz from them. She finished her school year obtaining the 3rd position in the merit list and was promoted to class 4. She continued performing on the stage and joined the Sports Club to become a footballer. She continued her piano lesson and after her teacher, Shimul Sir, informed us about her problem of lagging behind in her practice, we bought her a new digital piano with the hope that she will improve. Tomtom had a desire of having long hair like Rapunzel in the past, but this year she decided to go for short haircut which I think suits her a lot giving her a boyish appearance (at language league some organizers thought she was a boy) but a few aunties didn't like it (meh). She continued being friends with almost everyone in-and-out-of-class, got invited to the birthdays of Labiba, Mehjabeen, Naisa, Nabiha, Troyee, Mahjab and made me exasperated because attending all these birthday parties had a toll on me. More birthdays were celebrated in the family too. My interest in organizing get-together programs hasn't diminished, we had Pohelaboishakh and 31st celebration at my place like usual.
One great achievement was getting a presentation award from Lokkho Presentation Academy - it wasn't given because I read news well but because I've been in this business for over 10 years. I can't even trace back how more than 16 years passed with news... I participated in a cooking show for Grameenphone Bioscope. Academically nothing much happened except one virtual conference where I presented a talk on the use of Padlet. As usual got myself placed in different committees to organize programs at Daffodil and AUPF (Asian University President Forum) happened to be the biggest one. We were put to face more challenges and Questioning Question Project was such a one. The authority pushed us for Scopus publication as well, but I couldn't produce any. I think I don't have the spark for research, though I do love reading and continued pursuing the hobby/habit. I also continued doing yoga for ensuring my mental & physical well-being and it surprises me how I keep discovering new ways to challenge myself. I took up violin lessons in June with much apprehension (because I also don't think I'm musical enough) but the instructor gave me confidence and so far I think I'm faring well. The decision of learning something new each year is going well.
I met Mithu Fupu after 20 years which was quite a treat because she hadn't changed much. She decided to come back and settle in Bangladesh (what a contrast!). Meeting up with friends happened less as one isn't comfortable in public, one is in a cocoon and one is having hormonal problems. Lol.
In the beginning of the year Raj went for Umrah and missed my birthday for the first time after our marriage. We went on a free trip to Singapore (Mami is still crazy), then spent two Eids in Malaysia and Thailand, went to Chandpur with students, Sara Resort with Humaira and Shajek with Poly. Parisa and I had outdoor time but all three of us appear some way or other to be digitally much involved. Screen time involvement increased much due to Nintendo Switch, Netflix. It's like an addiction when I'm hooked into a series. Endgame and Joker were hyped in 2019 and both movies created a mark. Parisa seems to take up this common family hobby exceedingly well. We even watched Jumanji and Frozen II back to back!
With students and colleagues
I met Mithu Fupu after 20 years which was quite a treat because she hadn't changed much. She decided to come back and settle in Bangladesh (what a contrast!). Meeting up with friends happened less as one isn't comfortable in public, one is in a cocoon and one is having hormonal problems. Lol.
Friends
In the beginning of the year Raj went for Umrah and missed my birthday for the first time after our marriage. We went on a free trip to Singapore (Mami is still crazy), then spent two Eids in Malaysia and Thailand, went to Chandpur with students, Sara Resort with Humaira and Shajek with Poly. Parisa and I had outdoor time but all three of us appear some way or other to be digitally much involved. Screen time involvement increased much due to Nintendo Switch, Netflix. It's like an addiction when I'm hooked into a series. Endgame and Joker were hyped in 2019 and both movies created a mark. Parisa seems to take up this common family hobby exceedingly well. We even watched Jumanji and Frozen II back to back!
Trips
Khala had a minor brain stroke after she had gone to her village during Qurbani holidays, we became really worried as to how run things without her. But she lives in denial and refuses to go back to her not-so-interesting village life and things are as they were before, her facial twisting and occasional complaints bearing the sign of it. Sickness and old age overpowered Boro Fupu and Raj's Boro Khalu. In the midst of the apprehension of losing loved ones, marriages take place, new babies arrive in the world. Because that's how it is - "the way of the world".
