Son of the Soil

Ever since my wife started posting, I have been itching to write on my own. In my pursuit to blog, I first started reading other blogs; I even wrote a professional blog; then decided that I will not blog. You know my thoughts are fairly simple, either I decide to do something, or I just don't do it. This time I have decided to write, and I am calling this post the "son of the soil" - a simple man (my definition) . I would like to think of me as the Son of the Soil, particularly because I simply simplified my life 3 weeks ago. I am married, I have a 3 year old son, and I am a lawyer, Nuff said 'bout me - yes I too am influenced by Uncle Sam.

Until recently, my mother was living with us, and helped us with my son. One day she decided that she needs to diversify her interests from her "only" grandson, and dedicate the remaining part of her life pursuing her other interests - namely her other two grand children. OK... whilst she embarked on a new adventure, I was left seriously worried. I was shamelessly and completely useless around the house. All through the time my mother was with us, my dear wife, at first, lovingly, and at other times almost threateningly, asked me to help around the house. My mom always intervened and she never let me do anything.. Great, now, she is not staying with us to save my skin any more, so I come up with a brilliant plan and decide that I will work from home, when my wife goes to office. (My wife travels for 25 kms one way in the hot sun, for about a hour and a half every day). She is skeptical of my home management skills, she is supportive.

OK.. Now...

DAY 1 - I get the UPS installed in our house, I get the water purifier repaired, I feed my son, and it is 4:30 already and my wife is back home.

DAY 2 - I am amazed by the very fact that there is a 5 hour load shedding, and "i can still use my fan." I feed my son, and I decide to play the cool dad, and take my son down to play. Did not foresee that how something so innocent as taking your son out to play can make you a villain. This is what happened, few women, who were with their children, asked me if I was on leave, I say no, first mistake. Next question, why are you home, and I respond... "I am working from home." This other lady then asks, so you are home and your wife is in the office? I respond "YES... that is correct."

The other lady: Doesn't your wife travel for about 2 hours every day?

Me: Yes!! Thats right...

The other lady: And you are working from home?

Me: Yes, thats correct.

That's it, I play with my son, and come back home. The next day however, the two ladies were giving sympathetic looks to my wife, and all the while menacingly staring at me. I could see the "THIS HORRIBLE MAN IS MAKING HIS WIFE WORK, WHILE HE IS ENJOYING HIS TIME AT HOME" look in their eyes. For avoidance of any doubt... I don't feel guilty that I am WFH, and the look that I just spoke about, is not a figment of my imagination.

That day.. I kept the curtains open, spoke loudly on the phone, and made sure that about half of our apartment complex knew that I am working from home. This was my simple solution. The Jury however, is still out.

If any one out there wants to help me be a "hero" he/she is welcome.

PS: Now I can make bournvita and "wafer thin" chapatis. I am after all.. "the" Son of the Soil...