2011 was marked with many happy memories! Rutha’s team made it all the way to the World Finals of Odyssey of the Mind. On the way they competed at the Liberty Regionals, then State Finals, and then the World. Their 8 minute problem was titled “Le Tour Guide” and the team of 7 took an Amelia Bedelia tour through the Egypt, Venice and then to Duct Tape World – a fictional place. At the Finals they placed #21 among 65 teams and 9th for the Spontaneous Problem Solving Session. It was a veritable fest of creativity at the University of Maryland with an important highlight of “pin-trading”. This was like a global marketplace of young ones, with a great stomach for risk, exchanging beautiful pins that represented their state or country. I had a hard time letting them part with some of the pins – so at the end of it I just watched from afar.
Both the kids played chess at tournaments and did fairly well. Rutha seems to lose interest while Rohun’s interest is still on the rise.
My Mother’s greatest achievement this year was getting her US citizenship. This is a huge milestone for her that required her to learn about US history – 100 questions/answers to memorize on US laws, government, & history – and be able to confidently hold a conversation in English. Anybody who knows my Mom – a soft-spoken timid person – will understand what a daunting task this was for her. We are immensely proud of her!!
The summer began with a bang! Kids & mother were dropped off at Toronto & the next weekend P & I went to Penn State. It was a great weekend – I returned after years, met friends I had not seen in at least a decade – it was all very nostalgic! The meet was inspired by friends who had relocated to India & were visiting with their daughters. We all were pleasantly surprised how “young & relaxed” they looked compared to the rest of us .
I went to Miami Beach for a conference in July before going to India. Kids left for India in mid-July along with Pramod. Mummy left a week before them. I reached there on Aug 6th direct to Poona – the most convenient flight ever! I was in my living room 40 minutes after the plane hit the runway! We had a wonderful time in Poona meeting family & friends. The sad note was that our dear Uncle was not around. It is always hard going back to India and missing dear ones since there just is no closure . I did Panchkarma which was basically good ole oil massages & steam baths. The massage did get too intense & by the 3rd day I had some black & blue spots! We went for a day trip to Mavalshrushti – my cousin Vijay made it memorable with his jokes and comedy routines. Old memories were revived on several occasions at get-togethers with cousins, aunts & uncles. As I was explaining to a friend here my India trips are like condensing family meets of an average American over 2 years – at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter, Super Bowls etc – into a little over 2 weeks.
Although it was hard to leave the parents they had a lot to keep them busy – a wonderful trip with friends to Israel, Jordan & Egypt, house-painting & renovations, Sunita’s visit at Christmas time.
We sold 1725 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies – my last year as Cookie Manager for the troop. Rutha became a cadet this year – she loves it! Rohun joined Cub Scouts & has been enjoying soccer. Both take swim lessons, Ro does tennis & piano & Ru does violin, flute & choir. Rutha is now 3/4th of an inch short from 5 feet & 5 inches at 12 years! Rohun is 4 feet & 6 inches at 7 years. Ro was saddened by a comment from his classmate who called him a giant. He is my unique son – keeps us so entertained with his fast comebacks!
I also trained to take over the Kitchen at a very successful fund-raiser that the school has every year at its Craft Fair. I introduced Indian food donated by a local restaurant – alums of the school – and it was a big hit! The craft fair is mostly visited by non-Asians & people were concerned about rocking the boat but all was well! This year 2012 I take on this challenge with my neighbor again!
I finished a good number of knitting projects – including keeping the ongoing tradition of knitting preemie Christmas hats for babies at the Princeton NICU. Rohun enjoys the trip to the nursery! I had a great time trying out new recipes. Following suggestions from my ravelry friends we also made a sugar-almond-coconut oil body scrub as home-made gifts, chocolate ganache balls & blocks to make your own hot chocolate in nicely wrapped mugs. We baked sugar, lemon, white chocolate cherry, rote & butter ball cookies and Sangeeta’s signature fruit cake at Christmas! I was not in the best of health in December so we did not have our traditional Christmas party with 40+ friends and family. Instead it was a small affair on Christmas Day with friends from MD, Abu Dhabi, a dear friend about to relocate to the West Coast and family – P’s cousins. We all had a great weekend – lots of laughter, great conversations, saw a lot of songs from old & new Indian movies – just an awesome time!! Was able to keep the focus of Christmas where it rightfully belongs for my kids – focusing on God, relationships with friends, family and the needy.
At work this was a difficult year – layoffs were announced at the end of the 1st quarter and executed at the start of the 4th quarter. Saw a lot of good friends & colleagues affected. Was very thankful for my job but have learnt to keep things in perspective at all times. It has resulted in a realignment of priorities and an urge for implementing significant changes in lifestyle.
As a family we have been so blessed in 2011 year with favor in every part of our lives, rich meaningful relationships, good health, opportunities, peace, contentment and growth! We look forward to everything that 2012 brings on knowing that God is in control!
My notes on life.
Monday, January 2, 2012
Saturday, November 5, 2011
3rd Quarter 2011
Playing catch up here. School started off to a great start for Rutha(6th grade) and Rohun(1st grade). But middle school can be challenging even for somebody as well organized as Rutha! Missed and lost items, completed homework that doesn't get turned in etc. Rohun brought in a homework project about my favorite things one Wednesday-handed it to me and declared, "Mama please finish this tomorrow its due on Monday!"
Struggling to keep it all together, little things that I took for granted when my Mom was with me were a challenge to manage. Prayerfully I have started to learn to manage my expectations, emotions and time.
This time of the year I always feel stressed about planning for the holidays, organizing things from the year and starting afresh for the next year. To that effect I am planning to use the GTD techniques more aggressively.
My parents went on a trip to Israel, Egypt and Jordon leaving Bombay on October 23 and returning on Nov 2nd. They had a great time there!
My company went through a big round of layoffs - a trying time for all - just the emotions... My job is safe for now. Although NOBODY was left unaffected! Did feel that this experience "grew" me in many ways. There was a peace that I can attribute to my faith coupled with a lot of prayer support, a resilience and maturity that I guess comes with age ... ha ha!
The kids now have a new piano & violin teacher - it was hard to say goodbye to the previous one. The new one is a Mr. Jerry Yochelson, must be in his late 60s I guess - but oh so knowledgeable and electronically savvy! Rutha is also in his Scout Band - all thanks to her BFF Vicki. She plays the flute & the fife in the Band & they got to recently play at Rosedale Park (where the Battle of Rosedale happened) at a Boy's Scout Camping event. All the band was dressed in civil war costumes - thanks to the Cranbury Historic Society. It was a beautiful day & an enjoyable performance on Oct 23, 2011.
Struggling to keep it all together, little things that I took for granted when my Mom was with me were a challenge to manage. Prayerfully I have started to learn to manage my expectations, emotions and time.
This time of the year I always feel stressed about planning for the holidays, organizing things from the year and starting afresh for the next year. To that effect I am planning to use the GTD techniques more aggressively.
My parents went on a trip to Israel, Egypt and Jordon leaving Bombay on October 23 and returning on Nov 2nd. They had a great time there!
My company went through a big round of layoffs - a trying time for all - just the emotions... My job is safe for now. Although NOBODY was left unaffected! Did feel that this experience "grew" me in many ways. There was a peace that I can attribute to my faith coupled with a lot of prayer support, a resilience and maturity that I guess comes with age ... ha ha!
The kids now have a new piano & violin teacher - it was hard to say goodbye to the previous one. The new one is a Mr. Jerry Yochelson, must be in his late 60s I guess - but oh so knowledgeable and electronically savvy! Rutha is also in his Scout Band - all thanks to her BFF Vicki. She plays the flute & the fife in the Band & they got to recently play at Rosedale Park (where the Battle of Rosedale happened) at a Boy's Scout Camping event. All the band was dressed in civil war costumes - thanks to the Cranbury Historic Society. It was a beautiful day & an enjoyable performance on Oct 23, 2011.
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Summer 2011
It really flew by!!!
Kids off from school on June 21. Kids & Mom in Toronto - Pramod dropped them off & we drove them back here. Then Mom left for Poona on July 13th, Pramod & the kids left on July 22nd. I flew to Miami for JSM in the last week of August. Oral presentation at JSM. Did not like Miami in general - although a fresh fruit market on Sunday was great! Returned on Aug 3rd & left for Pune on Aug 4th. Direct flight was awesome! Plane landed at 3:45 - hit the runway & at 4:30 am I was home! Poona was all that it was meant to be for me - meeting family & friends, good food, walking around the city - shopping away. Only in moderation this time!
Was thrilled that all my health numbers had improved. Did Panchkarma - the massages initially hurt - was black and blue in some places but then in general the benefits were good - great looking hair - skin glowing and relaxed! Of course you never get to do all that you wanted to do, eat all that you wanted to eat, meet everyone that you wanted to meet. The comfort lies in knowing that you will be back again - God-willing!
Met interesting people, did interesting things...
Kids off from school on June 21. Kids & Mom in Toronto - Pramod dropped them off & we drove them back here. Then Mom left for Poona on July 13th, Pramod & the kids left on July 22nd. I flew to Miami for JSM in the last week of August. Oral presentation at JSM. Did not like Miami in general - although a fresh fruit market on Sunday was great! Returned on Aug 3rd & left for Pune on Aug 4th. Direct flight was awesome! Plane landed at 3:45 - hit the runway & at 4:30 am I was home! Poona was all that it was meant to be for me - meeting family & friends, good food, walking around the city - shopping away. Only in moderation this time!
Was thrilled that all my health numbers had improved. Did Panchkarma - the massages initially hurt - was black and blue in some places but then in general the benefits were good - great looking hair - skin glowing and relaxed! Of course you never get to do all that you wanted to do, eat all that you wanted to eat, meet everyone that you wanted to meet. The comfort lies in knowing that you will be back again - God-willing!
Met interesting people, did interesting things...
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Half of summer 2011
A very busy summer so far... School ended June 21st. Play dates and birthday parties ensued. Kids had a blast in Toronto with my sister Sunita. Its fantastic that they can shore up lovely memories of their time together! They visited museums, parks, libraries, cinemas, science center, besides hanging out with cousins.
Pramod & I went to PSU for a reunion - it was a fabulous time to see our friends after years - just connect right away & have major catchup time. Part of growing older with the cohort of friends who literally were uprooted from all over India a couple decades ago and just happened to land in the same school - went through similar struggles and triumphs! Met Ganesh & Anju who traveled from Bangalore with their lovely daughters Aaina & Ishira; SP & Sukhdeep with their handsome sons Karan & Manu from York PA; Shefali & Nikhil with their sweet kids Anusha & Viraj from Virginia; Girish & Bhawna with their cute kids Mohit & the enticing Naina (everybody wanted a picture with this cutie! Umesh who flew down California. And last but not the least the warmest hosts Jayashree & Nagesh Sonti with J's Mom!!
We chatted late into the night & the next day Girish, Ganu & us drove in tandem all the way to Buffalo, NY. Then we drove on to Toronto. This was major catch-up trip - chatted with my high school friend Rabia Khan who recently moved to Toronto!
Watched Harry Porter final movie in 3D in NYC the day before its official release.
Mom left for Poona (sad sad for me...) - she was my huge support here! Of course my Dad was happy - you could hear it in his voice for days before she arrived!
Work pressures are tremendous - have done my best to keep the anxiety of the uncertainty at bay but sometimes it surfaces - to be quickly clamped down with the trust that I have in God & in His plans for me & my family.
Rest of the family is off to India tomorrow!
Knitting coming along OK - need to address all the wips! Finished a triangular shawlette (turned out to be too small) for Mummy, a hat for Pritish as he heads off to school in the fall & finally presented Kent with the scarf we made for him!!
Treated myself to some lovely yarn at LYS for my b'day last month - to make things for Pritish, Roanna, Pramod & Bev.
Veg garden & hanging baskets doing great so far - lets hope things don't awry with all our crazy travel schedules!
Pramod & I went to PSU for a reunion - it was a fabulous time to see our friends after years - just connect right away & have major catchup time. Part of growing older with the cohort of friends who literally were uprooted from all over India a couple decades ago and just happened to land in the same school - went through similar struggles and triumphs! Met Ganesh & Anju who traveled from Bangalore with their lovely daughters Aaina & Ishira; SP & Sukhdeep with their handsome sons Karan & Manu from York PA; Shefali & Nikhil with their sweet kids Anusha & Viraj from Virginia; Girish & Bhawna with their cute kids Mohit & the enticing Naina (everybody wanted a picture with this cutie! Umesh who flew down California. And last but not the least the warmest hosts Jayashree & Nagesh Sonti with J's Mom!!
We chatted late into the night & the next day Girish, Ganu & us drove in tandem all the way to Buffalo, NY. Then we drove on to Toronto. This was major catch-up trip - chatted with my high school friend Rabia Khan who recently moved to Toronto!
Watched Harry Porter final movie in 3D in NYC the day before its official release.
Mom left for Poona (sad sad for me...) - she was my huge support here! Of course my Dad was happy - you could hear it in his voice for days before she arrived!
Work pressures are tremendous - have done my best to keep the anxiety of the uncertainty at bay but sometimes it surfaces - to be quickly clamped down with the trust that I have in God & in His plans for me & my family.
Rest of the family is off to India tomorrow!
Knitting coming along OK - need to address all the wips! Finished a triangular shawlette (turned out to be too small) for Mummy, a hat for Pritish as he heads off to school in the fall & finally presented Kent with the scarf we made for him!!
Treated myself to some lovely yarn at LYS for my b'day last month - to make things for Pritish, Roanna, Pramod & Bev.
Veg garden & hanging baskets doing great so far - lets hope things don't awry with all our crazy travel schedules!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Rohun's current purpose in life!
Last month when Rohun visited NYC for "take your kids to work day" he quipped loudly as we passed a group of business-clad men & women -- "these people with sticks on fire in their mouths - are they smoking"! He walked around in amazement looking like a country bumpkin seeing the big city for the 1st time. :-)
These days his sole purpose is to compete with his sister - 5 yrs older than him! Last night he was up till 10 am reading several kiddie books to equal her 1 book of 248 pages! His total was barely 145 pages! He would not let me finish my late dinner but was dragging me to find him books to read all the time talking non-stop about how he has to read for the "family" so that Rutha does not win! And would I want that to happen? - he asked! Finally Dad had to declare that the contest would have 2 prizes - 1 for the most books read & 1 for the highest number of pages read!! His teacher was very surprised when I told her about his competitive attitude at home - he does not display it at all in school!
Today he was talking about how if he tries to blow a balloon it could choke him and could cause him to die so when he goes to heaven the babies there will be able to read his name in the Bible. I think he had the Book of Life all confused with the Bible!
These days his sole purpose is to compete with his sister - 5 yrs older than him! Last night he was up till 10 am reading several kiddie books to equal her 1 book of 248 pages! His total was barely 145 pages! He would not let me finish my late dinner but was dragging me to find him books to read all the time talking non-stop about how he has to read for the "family" so that Rutha does not win! And would I want that to happen? - he asked! Finally Dad had to declare that the contest would have 2 prizes - 1 for the most books read & 1 for the highest number of pages read!! His teacher was very surprised when I told her about his competitive attitude at home - he does not display it at all in school!
Today he was talking about how if he tries to blow a balloon it could choke him and could cause him to die so when he goes to heaven the babies there will be able to read his name in the Bible. I think he had the Book of Life all confused with the Bible!
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