Well here I am after a long break writing this blog on quite an auspicious day. Although I am 44, I tend to see myself as 50 minus 6... I know that sounds pessimistic but I can't help it. That big 50 is looming and even though I feel as if I am in my early twenties, I have to remind myself that I am twice that! Last week, during creative arts week, I was teaching lots of little ones how to bollywood dance; after 5 days of jigging up and down and changing the light bulb whilst patting my imaginary dog, my knees began to cave in and I almost felt like my mother does... desperately needing a knee replacement ... unlike Shakira, my hips were definitely lying!
Although most of my spare cash, after feeding my four cats, goes on anti-wrinkle creams, I am not frightened of getting older... I just hope I have whatever Joan Collins and Jane Fonda have... the secret of looking amazing and being fit. Will I be able to make a keep fit video like them?
I look back now at my 44 years and thank god for every blessing I have had. Fantastic parents...Thanks to my dad for my beautiful and apt name: those of you who know me, know I am truly a shy girl! Also for making me the driven person that I am ... always aspiring to achieve and realise my ambitions. Thank you to my mum who is the strongest rock on this earth... you have inspired me to be a loving, caring and generous mother and to cherish the wonderful life that I have.
I sometimes feel like I am a flower on a beautiful plant and alongside me are three other beautiful flowers... without whom my life would be so empty and lacking. I have been so lucky to have three amazing sisters all of whom are angels. Together we are Ramila's Angels. Thanks girls for all the amazing times we have had. Love you always.
I am also blessed with the most amazing in-laws. In fact saying in-laws does not feel right because, to me they are my family and I love them truly. Mum is not with us now but I feel she surrounds us in an amazingly spiritual way... I thank her from the bottom of my heart for teaching me great surti cooking; for instilling in me a sense of unprecedented generosity to all that enter my life: she was truly a role model. Thanks for dad for being dad... kind and so committed to faith. Thanks to my wonderful bhai and bhabhi who are like big brother and sister to me and thanks to Seetu and Hiren (and now Aileen) who have made me feel so special... I love you all.
Although I cannot mention everyone, I need to say a big I love you my nieces and nephews; you know who you are... thank you making me laugh and smile.
Coming to Spain, meant saying goodbye to one world and entering another. Those early days were lonely and I knew no-one but then slowly but surely, my little God, sent me some amazing guardian angels who have made me feel that I belong here: Rene, Pauline and Massimo to name a few... thank you for your love and friendship. I particularly must mention Pilar and Pepe... the two people who look after me and are there for me, Ketan, Krisha and of course my cats... Gracias por todo... os quiero mucho y para siempre!
But this blog would be incomplete if I did not mention two very special people who make my life complete and make me the person that I am today: Ketan and Krish: You are for me, my everything: If I have nothing but your love and your presence in my life, I will be happy. As my beautiful friend Pilar calls him Santo Ketan: he is truly a Saint and the man should be given an award for putting up with me and especially my snoring after I have had a few vinos rosados. Thank you for your eternal love: you are my Shah Jehan, my Romeo and my Amitabh, I will always be your Mumtaz, Juliet and Jaya (Badhuri) hahaha!!!
Krish no matter how far away you are physically, you are always in my heart. You have no idea how proud I am of you. You have quietly persevered and climbed mountains and reached summits and although your adventures have only just begun, in my eyes you have become a true explorer and I hope and pray that you have a life time of learning and never forget that it is not the destination that is important but the journey... enjoy and cherish the moments. Thank you for being the best daughter and friend a mother could ask for... hand on heart You are simply the best!
So if anyone is reading this and has got as far as this paragraph and you happen to be near a bottle of something wet and intoxicating, please pour some in a glass and raise it to toast Life! 44 years and here's to the next 44 and more!
