Ten points to prove that shifting places and new postings can be fun !

February 26, 2015 by SweetyKannoth

Life of an army wife is no different from a nomad’s . We literally live off suitcases . No home is our home forever . We move . We stay . And just as we fall in love with a place , we pack up and leave again .

Life is not stable , never static . It is action packed for life , or at least till we choose for it to be .

There are many of us , who enjoy it , while a few of us don’t . This shifting of base , every two or three years comes with a lot of benefits and unfortunately with a few negatives as well . But then , it depends on you , whether you want to see the glass half full or half empty .

Here are TEN points to prove that new postings and constant shifts have their benefits :

1. Getting to see new places : This of course may sound like a cliché , but it is indeed the truth . A defence life is the best way to travel across the length and breadth of the country and sometimes even , abroad , without much of an effort or expense . Defence wives , particularly Army wives , can boast of a rich travel experience , including in depth knowledge about the culture and cuisine , of different places , sometimes , the most uninhabited and far off lands too ! So if you are looking for new adventures everyday , get married to an army officer , and you are sure to have one !

2. Collection of handicrafts from across the country : Visit an army house , and it will prove this. Whether it is the artifacts , local handicrafts , an exquisitely furnished center table or a leather bean bag ! We have it all . Each time you visit a new place , or get posted to one , it provides one with ample opportunities to make a collection of the unique cultural exhibits of that place .

3. A unique collection of Sarees and other dress materials : Every army wife makes it a point to shop for clothes , especially handcrafted sarees , specially designed dress materials etc from the place where they are posted . India , being a country rich in a variety of colors and crafts , offers a wonderful shopping opportunity to one and all . The need is to explore these places and crafts , and as far as army wives are concerned , it all all ready made for them !

4. Ready made vacations : Every new place you get posted to , has a list of weekend getaways already tried and tested by your predecessors ( army officers and families have the unique ability to find spots for picnics , even in the most inhospitable areas ! ) and you just need to follow the ready made itinerary and

have fun .

5. Tension free schooling : In most places , there are Army schools and Central schools that enable your kids to continue their education hassle free , even in a ‘middle of the year’ posting .

6. Adaptable kids : Most parents in the defence life , are often worried about their kid’s education and the fact that their child’s overall development may be hampered when they travel so often , and get into the ‘not -so-good’ schools . But , if one does look around , it goes without a doubt that Army kids are smarter , more flexible and adaptable than their civil counterparts . They adjust to new surroundings faster and also cope better with stress in school and outside , owing to the unpredictable nature of their father’s occupation .

7. New homes : The main change that comes with every new posting is a new house , different , similar , inferior or superior to the previous one . This has its advantage in the fact that , you tend to ‘de-clutter’ your home every two years , (each time you shift ! ) and try to avoid collecting junk at home , compared to your civil counterparts , who while living a stable life , tend to keep collecting unwanted stuff , over the years .

8.New neighbors and new friends : Every new posting comes with a lot of new neighbors and friends , which adds more fun to life . Besides , the fact that we would leave in a few year’s time , makes us more tolerant to ‘bad’ neighbors too !

9. New Jobs :Though a lot of women complain about the instability , in the lives of their army men , to be the main cause for them not being able to pursue their respective careers , I personally feel that a lot of these places do provide ample job opportunities , and the short service period prevents you from getting bored with your job . Besides , these days online jobs and freelancing can be carried on uninterrupted , in all areas with a stable net connection . Teaching is , without doubt the best career option of Army wives , and most army cantonments have a school , where you can do so , conveniently .

10.Variety is the spice of life : A new place removes the monotony from our life and adds spice to our romantic lives too .

With new places to explore each time and new adventures to indulge in , life can be anything but boring .

So cheer up !

Writing 201: Hero(ine)

February 23, 2015 by SweetyKannoth

Writing 201

Whether it’s a hero or a heroine, your poem today should focus on a person with an outsized personality — someone who makes a splash (or a mess) whenever he or she crosses others’ path.

The following is my response to this prompt. It is a poetry that is written surrounding a heroine (which is my mother ) and I have tried to use the form of ballad , hoping you all like it ! )

There was once a maiden

A gentle woman was she

She spent her days in the kitchen

making meals and serving tea

Oh our dear maiden..