Tips for saving water

1. Tara says, "No more baths." Well I agree. Instead of a bath, how about a short shower instead. Even better than a shower is to fill up a bucket with enough water and use a sponge/wash cloth and a rinse cup..or mug..or beaker type thing.

2. Turn off water when brushing teeth. Running water is wasted while we brush. So fill up those glasses and turn off the taps.

3. Do laundry sensibly with a full load.

4. Don't take too many clothes out all at once. Tara sometimes likes to wear trousers in the morning and a frock a while later if she has dropped something on herself. Nothing wrong with a bit of a smudge on clothes.

5. Don't wash the car too often. If the car needs to be cleaned, how about avoiding the hose pipe and using the good ol' bucket and sponge instead?

6. I know it's a bit of an ask with summer around the corner but how about reducing the water level in play pools.

7. Get a water saving device for the toilet flush.

8. Wash the fruits and veggies in a bowl instead of under running water.

9. Make sure taps are turned all the way so there are no wasteful drips.

10. Collect rain water in empty pails or containers.

11. Do you think someone could clean up some of the water in the oceans around this little island so it can be used?

Can't think of anything else yet but I'm sure we can find a few more ways...

What is Drought?

Question : What is Drought?
Answer :  When human demand for water exceeds the available supply of water, it results in a Drought.

The severity varies from country to country, making us introspect about how we can attempt to acknowledge the sheer scale of suffering and sacrifice in our own small way.

DROUGHT IN THE UNITED KINGDOM :
A hose pipe ban has been introduced in some parts of the United Kingdom in the last few days. Drought has been declared. Below: the River Derwent (source www.guardian.co.uk)

DROUGHT IN SOMALIA, AFRICA:
Sand and dry land as far as the eye can see. The rugged landscape strewn with the bones of cattle, dead zebra and other forms of life that once was. Some pictures too difficult to post here. I tried putting myself in this Mum's shoes for a second, and I  jumped right back out as the sheer scale of horror I felt at her helplessness. Below: a family in Somalia (source www.telegraph.co.uk)

DROUGHT IN INDIA :

A farmer and his means of survival, both on the edge. Many of the farming community in India have been driven to suicide as they are unable to provide sustenance to their families. This desperate act leaves behind vulnerable women and children with further consequences to face. Below: a farmer in India  (source www.indian-commodity.com)

The Husband is out with Tara climbing rocks somewhere, while I'm supposed to be relaxing. How can I? My mind is racing faster than usual. After I finish cooking, I need to sit down and list out ways to save water. Will get Tara to help too. I try not to shield her from life and it's challenges, but given her age, I have to hold back as well.  There is a fine line between trying to make a child aware, all the while not frightening her with too much of stark reality. Age appropriate, that's important.

If anyone chances this post, do share it around...and don't forget to share ideas too! My next post will be a list of ways to save water. Do add your ideas to comments. I will put it all together and perhaps print it out for local libraries, schools etc. What do you think?

When a Mum falls apart...

I have written before about my strange circumstances. I'm on hold. It's been difficult not working and looking after Tara full time. Difficult financially, but tremendously rewarding on the personal front. The Husband is working away and trying very hard to secure a permanent post so we can all be together like a proper family. Finally after a meeting at work today, there was talk of something permanent coming up towards the end of this month. No promises but a "strong possibility."

I can't bear it! Which is so strange. The last year and a half I have been keeping myself together and keeping our little home held together with positivity and optimism. Many times I lulled my brain into a false sense of security, just to stay above board and keep things going, because when a Mum falls apart-the home falls apart.

The news of a possibility today should have reassured me. Instead I have a splitting headache and am losing the will to keep things together. Why was I able to cope for all those months, only to be on the verge of collapse so near the finishing post?

It's the Easter holidays. The Husband has some rare time off to spend with us till Tuesday. My logical brain is telling me to get a grip and enjoy it. But I don't feel that way. I need some alone time, which is not happening with Tara being around me all day, and me not giving in to the television or the computer.

I think I have finally decided what the toughest thing about being a Mum is. It is not having the luxury to fall apart at will. Not when you have a four and a half year old looking up at you with adoring eyes. Because as I said earlier, when a Mum falls apart - a home falls apart.

Having written all that down, I have recharged myself for another few hours till Tara is in bed. Then I have scheduled a controlled meltdown, obviously not spontaneous or ideal...but someone has to have a ear on the baby monitor. 

Alone

It's really a surreal experience writing knowing fully well that no one is reading. But I still do it. Why? I'm not entirely sure but will try to explain.

Reason 1. Documenting Tara's experiences for her to read when she is older. As an adult whatever her life experiences, she will realize that she has experienced her Mum's unconditional love, through the daily grind of life and its many challenges. I LOVE YOU TARA. MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE..EVER..You have taken my human experience to a whole new level.

Reason 2. Writing is therapeutic. It is like talking aloud to someone non judgemental. Many of life's difficult times are made palatable by writing things down, and breaking them into bite sized issues that can then be addressed one by one. Sometimes this introspection throws up a life lesson that can be enriching.

Reason 3. Just as the body needs a bit of exercise everyday, so does the mind. Writing is like a lovely cat stretch for the brain.

Reason 4. It's like looking for life in our galaxy. Am I alone?  Or is there someone out there who has visited my world. Someday...someone may actually read my thoughts and leave me a comment or just say hello. It would make me all fuzzy and happy if that happened. Don't know why :-)

I don't think my life experiences mean anything to anyone else. Though I do have some golden tips on certain subjects that might prove useful to many Mums out there.

Until then, I float around with my thoughts in my little world..Alone.

Six months later

It will be six months since Tara started school. Decisions taken six months ago proved fruitful.

When Tara turned four in August, we were inundated with paperwork about school, choices, catchment areas etc. etc. I just went with the flow and got her into the best school I could find. I did feel it was a bit too early for school, Tara having just turned four. But being a first time Mum I did not know about my options about school starting dates, shorter days etc. So off Tara went to school, looking a little too small in the uniform that engulfed her little body.

It was one of the most traumatic times I remember, and I sometimes shudder going back and reading the previous posts which remind me what my little girl went through. I was wavering about sending her to school, questioning if I had put her in the right school, and a whole lot of other things. The teachers who are probably used to this drama playing out every year, were unruffled and told me to wait it out for a while.

Here we are six months later. Tara has settled well in her school. She actually skips into school humming a little ditty, and hugs and kisses me goodbye every single morning. That was all I ever wanted. The first time she did it was right after our winter vacation. Like a switch had gone on in her brain. I cried in my car that day. This time the reason was different. Pure relief.

I learnt a valuable life lesson too. Give it time, whatever it is. Whether it is a floundering relationship, a prospective relationship, a new career, or even a cake in the oven. It takes a bit of time sometimes.