Wah Ustad Wah!

Finally got to attend Ustad Zakir Hussan's concert with Masters of Percussion and it was magical. Was elated with the jugalbandi between tabla and mridangam and sarangi. My first experience and hoping for many more such in the near future. 

Not a single day goes by..

..without me thinking of you Ajji...not a single day! You are being missed... and a lot!

Trust

I read somewhere how trust is like a paper once crumpled it can never be the same again. This is exactly why certain people may have to be removed from your inner circle ..you simply cannot take a chance!

My little DDs when you grow up you will have to make some tough choices and decisions and move on. 

Move on matey!

A lot depends on level of maturity which only comes through experience on how you feel on the inside and how you portray yourself to the outside world, which as we know can be two different things. When we make a decision however big or small we live through its consequences and for everyone things have a way of working out. You might want to shout it from the roof tops (currently Facebook I suppose ;)) that it went really well or  it absolutely sucked or you might keep it to your self. 

People will find happiness and contentment and things will work out - eventually! Period! 

STOP justifying the decisions made, if you are having to address and acknowledge it time and again could mean there is regret?

Winter break 2016 - Sun, Sand and Vitamin Sea

So we made a trip to Cancun, Mexico for our winter break and to celebrate the wonderful milestones we have had. It was simply awesome and our first official vacation out of the country - just us 4! Got to spend quality time with my girls and they had so much fun at the beach they didnt want to come back. Over all happy and refreshed and relaxed family when we got back.

As vegetarians I was a bit concerned on how things might be, but have to say Mexican food and all inclusive resort made our life super easy. I dont think I have had such a good Guacamole anywhere ever - super fresh and yummy it was out of the world!

We did a day trip to Chechen Itza and a got a quick tour of the the Mayan ruins. Rest of the time we just lazed and relaxed at the beach, kids had a kids club to hang out when they took breaks playing in the sun. Over all was a super awesome trip and would highly recommend. 

The last time we went to an all-inclusive resort was Jamaica before kids, was a couples only premium resort at Negril. It was definitely a different experience post kids, family friendly resort with tons of kids activities, daily evening shows to watch and unwind.

Milestones summary!

I have been on a sabbatical here ;) Cos its been a awesome awesome awesome milestone year this year. Planning parties one after another and I loved it. And summer we lived to the fullest. Hence stayed off of social media for a good part and it was wonderful .............

To begin with kids milestone birthday was wonderful pony party in a beautiful farm - yes a huge milestone as they enter Kindergarten. Kids had a blast and so did I. Lovely pony art and pony rides pizza and some feeding the animals and pets- was awesssome!!!!!

DH's milestone birthday was super fun. Made him a great video and all the friends came together to have a blast. Planning was super duper fun. We made him multiple videos from friends and family sending him wishes, to some crazy dance videos, to some movie style dialogue delivery videos (from his favorite movies). It was a complete blast.

And finally our anniversary milestone. We had an awesome peaceful daycation by the beach and the most awesome food ever!

Looking forward to many more celebrations!

And BLOGGER! I am back! ;)

Back

It’s been so long since I have come to this page.

Cos it’s been nice and busy. Yes busy! I have hands full and manage well and I like to acknowledge that J

A week-long trip to Mothership – near Frankfurt and summer fun has begun - beach trips, theme park visits, (amazing experience at storyland for the kids I must say), cousins visit from Cali, mom’s visit to Vancouver to see her aunt after many years, surprise birthday party for me (absolutely crazy and great experience thanks to a bunch of mates), pujas as shravan maasam begins –hosted a record number of 35 ladies for parentam at our house on Vratham day which happened to my birthday (Thanks to my MOM who has always been there for me) -  it’s been an awesome 3 months. 

Awaiting an awesome August ahead!

Happy 4th Birthday!

So we have clocked in 4 lovely years of parenthood last Monday! Girls had fun and clearly they have come a long way since their 1st birthday ;) We had 3 families over and totally 5 kids I had organized an evening at gym for them. And just a lazy day at the Kimball’s farm barely 3 miles away from home, pony ride, petting animals (Iguana, Ferret, a corn snake, a Boa constrictor, Alligator, Chinchilla). Kids loved it. They did bumper boat rides, lunch and the best part about Kimball’s farm – Ice cream. I believe I have tasted the Orange Pineapple flavor one for the first time and it was outstanding! A school friend was visiting the area from New Jersey and she stopped by as well to catch up briefly. Over all Kids had a lot of fun! AG got her orange cake with Belle princess and AL got her yellow cake with Sleeping Beauty! Kept it simple and fun! It was very relaxing for us parents too.

Been so long.....

I guess it’s just been so long that I don’t even know where to begin. Just a hiatus for no reason :-)

While we are all eagerly waiting for Summer to set it and the not so great Spring to pass it has still been blissful in other aspects besides our overactive social life which has now become more balanced. My parents are here and its almost close to 3 months now, kids are getting spoilt and so am I. Since from day 1 girls have been around them I guess they have a special bond. I have always considered it a blessing especially having 2 kids from Day 1! :-) While my friends spoke of managing independently with a single child I see the tide has changed once the second one enters, grandparents and any additional help and break you get is valued :-) Yep all I can do is grin and wink.

Kids turned the big 4 per the Hindu calendar yesterday. Did a small Puja at home and then we were thinking wow! it’s been 4 years of parenthood and how wonderful and blessed I have felt every moment. No amount of pictures or praises in albums or Facebook will ever explain the joy of being a mother to such beautiful daughters.

Finally I had the much anticipated make over haircut. Yep! I went CHOP CHOP CHOP and have got tons of compliments even from people who I never really spoke to at work in other areas. Job well done and I maybe my search has ended for the official favorite hairdresser versus the nomadic visits to different salons I have had in the past.

Last but not the least enjoying our days in the brand new house which is already a year and a half old now almost. We have been lucky to be able to build a customized house in the US. Literally from the flat land. Not having to adjust to a pre built model and deal with all that additional upgrades etc

Now waiting for some warm sunshine tick tock! Tick tock! :)

New Year...

It’s been a while since I have posted something. Deliberately did not post a summary of my disappointments or achievements of 2013; just hoping for a better year, each year like we always do. Lots of things to be grateful for, a few things that brought grief and sadness and a few others best forgotten…

As usual our social life has been nice and good-busy since summer and it’s not slowed down even in winter. Lots of occasions to meet friends, to host and have people over, enjoy some meals and time together and then the career part along with kids makes our days full and complete.

Winter has been amazingly cold this time too and lot of variations in temperature. Not as much snow like some other parts have received. But just very cold temperatures one week and rather warm the other. No complaints though it is what it is – Winter!

Winter beauty

So snow has finally arrived since winter has set upon us. It’s cold yet beautiful everywhere.  Nature and its seasons really amazes me. In New England we are blessed with 4 clear seasons and each season is so beautiful. I really cannot complain about it anymore. It sure has its shortcomings like any other season but this too shall pass like it does every year. This peace and quiet around is amazing!

Girls are very happy with winter and its snow. Despite getting their first cough and cold bout they maintain cheerful faces and run around. We have to really learn from such cherubic angels to live in the present and not complain. They are the fuel to our engines, truly such a pleasure to watch them grow and care for them.  We put up or first Christmas tree and Alex (after Alexander the Great!) our little elf arrived home this year. Life’s simple pleasures I must say.

As this turns out to be a busy December at work and is keeping me on my toes, my cooking adventure has also been going very well. I reached another personal milestone. A target I put for myself to cook and learn that I hadn’t tried before. Something very satisfying about cooking I love and enjoy. I put a lot of thought into methods and ingredients and it’s close to heart.

Girls are growing up as usual and talking a lot. Its simply amazing to see the kind of things they say and do now. One moment they teach me how to cook and another time they need to be held and embraced. Truly, girls are girls. They are Daddy’s girls and Mommy’s girls! Only those who have them know how blessed they are!

Thanksgiving and its been 2 years...

Thanksgiving at DE and PA was so much fun, Friends, pujas, dance parties sums up our 5 day trip.

As a friend purchased new home we were able to attend and as one big family and spend some good time. Even squeezed in a birthday party and attended my first even Sai Baba vratham Puja which I never did before in anyone’s house.  And then hanging out was a lot of fun. Kids did great; they had a lot of fun playing with friends.  Now we are busy planning NYE.

It was MIL’s 2^nd anniversary which we performed here. Went as planned and scheduled.

I should get back to more blogging amid all the fun….

Hiatus

Been away from this space for a while now, why? Well, for no apparent reason. Days and weekends have been nice and full! From lake house trips in Fall to NH with kids and the gang to sleepovers to birthday parties (almost every weekend!) to kids very first performance on stage at a social event and the umpteen practice sessions that I conducted for a dozen crazy 3-4 year olds in the basement for the event, to our first Diwali in our new home! It’s been awesome! And then my regular drives to and fro work and home are getting more and more scenic by the day, getting to appreciate the nature – fall at its peak and then the quiet winter setting in, amid some beautiful sunsets I have never seen before – it’s like the sky is strewn with these pink, orange and grey streaks! I look into the sky and there is this weird sadness that sinks in and then it reminds me of this amazing lady who has left me and my family with some amazing memories, my grandmother….and its back to our crazy routine with the kids who are growing up too fast and always bringing excitement and joys and reminding me of simple pleasures and be thankkful and grateful for what I have!

LOST!

That is what I have been feeling since over a week – just lost; when you lose a family member who is the backbone of the family for years and has an aura around her. A lady I was so proud of and derived my strength and heritage from, and someone who possessed so much radiance and warmth that it was beyond comparison. How am I to overcome such loss? Helpless is what I feel as my Ajji was found with a stroke and she was laid to rest few days back. A lot of emotions and memories, lots to talk about, I am unable to even pen down this loss right now. Absolutely not come to terms with it and at this point not even sure if I ever will. All I want ..............is this little lady with salt/pepper hair lying down with me on the sheet spread over the cool floor, on a hot summer afternoon, smelling of amrutanjan, fighting her sleep, narrating Ramayana and I would stop her at the part when payasam was being served to King Dashratha before the sons were born and I would get distracted and ask her to make some for me and that she would, a small portion just enough for me which I would lap like a puppy and then lie down again for her to continue the story until I napped.

Apples and Blueberry picking :-)

Aha!

The fact that we exactly get back what you give is such a simple logic yet so profound. If you disrespect someone disrespect or apathy is all you will get. You shower genuine love and concern that is what you will get. Yes kids let you take a step back and revise all your basics that way, don't they?. The person who gives attention and talks lovingly they will respond and reciprocate and develop bonding. Take a step back and think what have you given before you expect something or anything - isn't it?

Snoooze!

Snoozing the alarm 3 days in a row! Whattay week! :)

Thank God it's a short week!

Whattay week!

It’s been a crazy absolutely CRAZY but the fun type crazy week. Not sure where I should even begin. FOOD + FRIENDS = FUN I guess. Something we always do every long weekend with our friends from other states but we stayed local this time. In summary we had planned sleepovers with the local gang for the first time.  Friday we had a Karaoke night in the neighborhood at a friend’s. Then Saturday fruit picking – blueberries and apples and hayride at the Farm and we had 3 more families come stay over. It was like a wedding party home. Chaos and fun, I cooked a lot, cleaned a lot, exhausting late nights and sleep deprived but fun. We then shifted base to another friends Sunday night after Saturday night at our place. Due to inclement weather had to skip the whole picnic by the lake plan. Headed home Monday to host our friends from CA staying over for this week.  A short week and luckily quiet one at work (calm before the busy 4 weeks actually), so have been snoozing the alarm for an hour before I wake up. Plus kids have started a new class with new teachers and they think it’s a temporary thing and ask me when they go back to the old class when I drop them off.  They miss the old class without them knowing it.

Growing up I spent a lot of time at my Grandparents and somewhere looking at my Grandmom hosting people, cooking last minute for surprise visitors just became part of our life. In fact it was every single day. My grandparents were social butterflies and never cringed that they had to make extra coffee or tea or tiffins or meals or if someone stayed over their comb goes missing or the sugar dabba kept in the wrong place, it’s just too PETTY. There is always time after the guests leave to maintain your house the way you want or a way to get around things if it’s more mid to long term arrangement. But respecting and providing warmth and gracefully managing the situation comes with experience and am so thankful for the wonderful family I have been born into who have taught me that and also showed me the pleasure of GIVING in whatever way you can. While my Grandmom always said we should have be able to save for the rainy days. She also insisted on quality and quantity of food. Not a single day passed without giving some leftovers to the maid. She worried if there were no leftovers and I can see how it has rubbed on to me, makes me terribly uncomfortable. When you have so many people over minor wastages are part and parcel of hosting. I made a lot of Pudina Pulao for example and per my count it was more than enough for people I counted but not a morsel was left although it was apparently really good but I feel so guilty till today L  

I really hope these small things rub onto the girls. Plus I am learning so much from experience. Gaining new skills, I have never had to wait or share anything in my life being an only child. Everything was organized and kept the way I wanted where it should be. I have come a long way :) This weekend I would try to cook something for example and all kids would run around, playing very loudly, asking for so many things, my friends would need so many things from the kitchen or fridge etc or a towel - so many distractions so many things going on after only 2-3 hours of sleep for 2 days in a row I did not lose my cool or take it out on visitors or P.  Of course P is an important part in everything and pitches in both he and I dont see it as a “help” from a husband but an obvious instinct and responsibility from a family member of the house– since we do everything by ourselves unlike back home no one to makes our rotis, nor cleans the house, nor cut vegetables – we do everything from scratch and have fewer dependencies that way the perk is that we do everything as a family for our family and share the chores.

I hope the trend continues and the visitors keep coming. Until then catch up on some sleep for this weekend ;).

Pondering...

It’s been 3 years since my maternal Grandfather has passed away.  It’s one of those things I can’t express but just feeling the void. Memories of my childhood just come flooding, him teaching me shlokas, and poems and songs. My Grandfather was very kid friendly like my mother, loved children especially baby girls and played and sang to me so nicely. It feels so distant and so far away now, like another life.

Its Janmashatami tomorrow and it gets even worse.  Every single Janmashtami we have fasted in the evening and had large scale poojas in Kothi since I know and have memory and all of us sat together on the floor for simple and umpteen varieties of dishes. The Arghya recital and offering which is an important ceremony for Madhwas for Janmashtami my Grandfather used to perform.

All those days will never come back and so will this very present which will get buried in the past. And still people find enough time to hurt, insult, and gossip and what not to fellow beings.

This birthday I was thinking of how I have come full circle. I am back to being my old self in so many ways and being the REAL me; there are so many things I have to be grateful and thankful for. For all those lovely people and experiences in my life to the unpleasant ones who have taught me the hard way to value my ‘real’ relationships even more. My 2 girls who constantly help me become a better person. From the food I eat, to the things I say and I wished I had said – “its ok Amma, it happens” they tell me in the cutest of voices. I see divinity everyday in my house since these 2 angels entered my life! I am so glad I have daughters I feel truly blessed.

Ha! Finally

So many updates don’t even know where to start :)

Typical crazy summer weekends, just the way it should be - OUTDOORS!

I had a pretty quiet birthday otherwise, being a weekday and pretty busy weeks at work in general. The girls made my day by meaningfully wishing me Happy Birthday and giving some big hugs and kisses, later during the evening cutting cake and eating it with me. Simple pleasures I say! They cutely tried guessing my age starting 6 then 10 AG jumped to 50! :) I had lunch with girls at work we just got take out from favorite Sichuan place. Dan Dan noodles my favorite ;)

I had wanted a beach trip weekend after the birthday and that we did. My favorite beach – Crane beach! Kids had fun and we walked miles that day and collected shells and had a very relaxing day. Met a few friends there but absolutely loved the beach walk and kids didn't want to leave. Also went to Canobie Lake Park that same weekend. It was our first time and didn’t know what to expect but kids had a ball with the kiddie rides and then automatically so does the Mommy! They went on most rides independently which surprised me as we havent taken them to too many parks except one in PA whjch wasvery basic/small. Over all a fun and busy weekend post birthday.

Being our new home and all this time the Varalakshmi vratham was a different experience all together fun and hectic is all I can say. Having so many desis around has its perks mostly. What was supposed to be a visit from 9 ladies and them me visiting 3 or 4 houses became a good long night – almost had dinner at 10pm or so and hit the sack phew! Kids had a ball dressed in Indian clothes and P drove us around – our Pilot making frequent stops. I don’t think in India also I would have had pooja in this scale, actually am pretty sure the way festivities at home are declining in India we are doing a much better job here for all you know ;) lol  Girls also had great fun in general at home too ringing the bell and non-stop arthi time with pooja thali :)

Post that we went to Old silver beach at Falmouth on Saturday – was a total disappointment – it didn’t even come close to Crane or like Wingersheak! But after that long day we stayed over at a friend’s place watched Chennai Express even got a cut a yummy cake for the 8^th Anniv and it was over all a good weekend.

We continue to have busy weekends with some birthday party or potluck invites, but Fall is setting in as we are this close to Labor day weekend. Summer feels too short. P has done such a great job with gardening on the deck. That was totally his Project and he has done well. Sad that it will have to stop with the cold weather pretty soon, but I think our first year harvest he did a great job and I have to now use them to fullest in my cooking.

Over all been one of the busiest month/planning cycle at work too many things popped up, a lot of analysis work and to think next 2 months are going to be even busy with upcoming trainings and go-lives etc – phew! Totally looking forward to it, challenging but busier I get – the more I like it!