When mothers with no maid decide to have a night out, the biggest issue was not what-to-wear or where-to-go.

The one thing that can easily make the less resolute to have a change of heart -  was actually the two-legged kind.

From the husbands who bravely accepted the job of minding kids, resigned to their fate of having their couple of hours at the whims and mercies of kids who were not pleased at being left out of plans that usually include them.

To the kids who either passionately voiced out their unhappiness complete with teary eyes or those who pleaded and promised (to behave well) in order to be invited.

To babies who were supposed to be asleep but sensed the sneaky silhouettes of mothers trying to get dressed in the dark – and wondered loudly.

It definitely required even more craftiness than usual to leave a household without any howlings and a minder who would not mind doing the same thing next time – but it was like chicken soup to the souls of these weary mothers to be able to chat uninterrupted about everything from children psychology to herbal phentermine to travelling plans.

Personally, the best part was being able to linger over coffee in a restaurant.

Arriving at school at least half and hour early to pick our kids is normal for many parents in most schools.

When proper parking spaces are less than half of what is needed, coming early means we get to choose our parking spot – one that is easy to go out and as close as possible to the exit (my preference anyway).

Once I caught sight of a fellow parent whose child comes out only in 1.5 hours time, driving behind me as I turned in the school’ s entrance – I thought it was a little too much.

Not that he is the only one actually – as early as I usually arrive, there are other parents or guardians who are already there, much earlier than me.

But it’s good business for the school’s tuck shop though. Many of these parents spend their time there, piling in the calories to get energy for what is really the best fat burners kind of activity – carrying their children’s very heavy bags as soon the bell rang as they make a mad dash for their cars in a bid to get out of the school’s area before the heavy traffic jam – as in half an hour  just to get out of the school’s compound – starts.

But that’s just the typical school day life for us.

In the world of automotive, car category very much depends on the car specifications.

Physical shape is not always a clear cut indicator of its category. Hence we get a car such that looks every bit an SUV but is according to people like my husband, a station wagon.

In my eyes, it is all about the shape and there are only 5 basic kind of cars – sports, sedan, station wagon, MPV and SUV.

Sports car is an extremely low car which mean that its driver (and unfortunate passenger) will be practically lying parallel to the ground. Sedan is slightly higher than a sports car but still runs a risk of getting it’s underside scratched when driven around areas with high speed bumps. Station wagon is for moms who always shop with their trolley laden to the max with groceries with the occasional boxes of goodies from wholesale shoes or outfit stores. MPV is a glorified van and a blessing when travelling with kids because their multi-row seatings means you can sit them separately and they will less likely annoy each other.

SUV is on the other hand, a wonderfully high car adored by many small-sized drivers because of the excellent visibility,  ease to look down and intimidate drivers of lower cars to give you way (perfect when driving in very tight and busy area), spacious for kids – and my most important criteria, ready to handle any road conditions.

When it comes to books, I would not read any of Danielle Steele’s sappy novels even in the unlikely situation that I am dead bored.  Even reading the online magazine on atv riding is preferable than touching any Mills & Boons.

As for movies, I cannot remember the last purely romantic movie that I truly enjoy.

But recently, I came across something which surprised the prejudice in me. I watched the trailer, read the  plot and the haunting music video just sums it all up – and I am glad I watched it.

Anyone who has ever been in a long distance relationship will be able to relate to certain parts of the story. But more than this, it’s the characters that made the whole thing works so beautifully – even in the saddest episode.

They have great chemistry together and most importantly, you sincerely feel for their joy or pain and you will admire what they did. And I am glad they changed the ending from how it was in the book – because that is how it should be when it comes to fiction.

I certainly enjoyed Dear John – a straightforward, no nonsense and timeless romance.

Many many years ago, a good friend taught me one important lesson : do not wear your heart on your sleeve.

Do not let others have the ammunition to manipulate or control you. Do not let others judge you wrongly by that brief moment of emotional outburst. You might not have the chance to explain yourself or worse, you might even regret it later.

Remember, it is easier to explain about, for e.g sites like http://www.coloncleanserreview.net rather than why we behaved like crybabies or big bullies when we’re supposed to be mature individuals.

Your life is your right to live it anyway you want – but unless we live like a hermit, whatever actions and stands we make will affect others, whether favorably or otherwise.

BUT age is a factor, surely. At my age, we are and should be careful with what we share because for one, we are still “dependent” on the opinions of others to make life easier.

After a certain age, what others think about us matters little. We have done our most needed roles and responsibilities and we owe nothing to anybody else. Perhaps, that’s what made this kind of public sharing of personal matters easier.

*Picture : Bleeding Hearts Vine