Friday 13 June 2008

Frugality with Love


We spent dinner out on the front yard, underneath the moonlit sky. Candles are lit, cushions are spread about and a humble feast has been laid out on the bamboo mat. Gratefully my mother minded Alipuddin' and left my husband and I alone for our romantic dinner for two. The dinner had to be a short one as baby was having fits of jealousy for not being invited to join his parents outside. No matter, once my baby was back in my arms, we've both had our fill of love and conversation after a day spent apart from each other.

Once the food's been cleared away and Alipuddin asleep after having his fill, I drank the last drop of tea and breathed in deeply the fresh night air. There was a breeze and I can smell the sweet scent of the flickering candles from underneath the mango tree. My husband has retreated indoors and I was on my own. I felt calm and at peace. Praise be to God, my prayers for a contented heart came to fruit. But not without a little effort on my part.

Due to the rising price of petrol and food, the cost of living has skyrocketed. For simple folks like us, a daily dose of our favourite beverage at the local mamak will soon burn a hole in our pockets if we're not careful. It's been hard for me to give up this pleasure. It's a chance for me to enjoy a short stroll in the neighbourhood and a change of scenery with my husband after a long day. But finally I had to let it go. It had to take a little desperation to squeeze out inspiration to make do with what we have. But in the end it made me realise that quality of life does not need to depend on a lot of money. Just a smidgeon of ingenuity served up with love.

Tuesday 3 June 2008

In Becoming Eve


This evening my husband said something romantic to me. He said he doesn’t know what I’ve done but these past few days at work he couldn’t help thinking about me (glee).

I think I might know the reason why. It's been a long, hard road to come to this point but I've been practicing diligently in the housewifely arts. I took it upon myself for his laundry, daily meals, kept the house tidy and organized, and every morning for the past couple of days I got up early to make his breakfast and made sure his morning routine goes smoothly for him right up until he goes out of the door. No matter how late I slept the night before or how much the cozy mattress beckons to me to snuggle back to sleep I know this is what God has ordained me to do. As my husband is the provider and protector of our family, it is my responsibility to take care of his home and property. Even though we are still living in my parents’ home, there are areas that only his wife can do it best. This is my responsibility, my sphere, my career.

Another crucial thing I did is to keep in check my tendencies to complain and criticize. I know I am not perfect and neither is he. So it is not my place to put him down and become his nagging mother! I mean, what man want to come home to find a scowling wife greet him at the door?

I'm also practicing generosity by building my husband up with words. I try to express my admiration in his many qualities and strength which is becoming more evident the more I know him.

To top it off it's also important that I become his beautiful and sexy companion (blush). It is a constant challenge, one that I have to work hard on to look impeccably put together. Putting on lipstick is one thing, preserving the look for the rest of the day when the weather is constantly hot and humid is another. My biggest challenge is to make sure no repugnant smell reaches his nose. I put on deodorant, scented talcum and spray on perfume to achieve this. I shower twice sometimes three times daily. It is difficult to beat the weather but try I must.

Another bone of contention is my hair and what to do with it. It’s long, course and wiry. The only hairstyles I can think of are the ‘bun’ or the ‘hair-caught-in-a-jaw grip’ looks. God help me! It has to be practical, it cannot be complicate so what else is there for me to do? I am looking through websites for pretty hairstyles that doesn’t require investment in products or heat styling, and one that can be done in a hurry.

I do all this because number 1, I love him; number 2, he works so hard for our family that he deserves everything and more. This is how I show him my love and gratitude. I want to become indispensable to him so that he has no need of ‘spoil’-ever. This is what we daughters of Eves are put on this Earth for. As God’s handmaidens we are to submit to our husbands after we have submitted to the Almighty. It feels right and it's truly soul satisfying. Now pray and hope that I can keep this up!

Your Worth as a Homemaker

  Mother and children, oil on canvas, 1941, Fernando Amarsolo My work, like others who choose to take on the role of homemakers, revolves mu...