It was great fun Halloween (except for the after-shocks that we got in the afternoon at work). Kutie was happy to wear his little costume and carry around the 'large pumpkin' basket and go to the neighbors. Of course, when we got there he would rather be picked up and ‘be safe’ in our arms. But as a first real Halloween for him, it was great fun for us to watch this little lion run around wagging his tail and blowing kisses to everyone.
The day started just as usual, the skies were a bit gloomy, perhaps in anticipation? Since our office was throwing a Spooktacular Halloween event, I decided to work from home so that I could take Kutie for the event. By afternoon, the skies cleared and we made our way to office. Kutie dressed up as a lion (I had to fool Kutie to make him think that it was a hooded jacket), looked so cute and happy. At first he was a bit scared to see so many people, but within minutes he settled down. Bunch of colleagues had brought their kids and with all the shows put up, it was a fun time!
We got home and then after a quick walk to the park and back, we settled into the nightly activities of setting up for dinner. As mom was feeding the baby, I decided to catch some TV shows that I have missed over the past weeks (thanks ReplayTV). Dad was in the other room reading news on the internet, and honey just came home and joined me in the living room.
Right then, the earth shook! Yes literally!!!
With a look of utter disbelief I turned to my husband – his face held the same expression. A second later, he said – “It’s an earthquake!” I jumped out of the sofa and ran to the family room and screamed “Get the baby out of the highchair”. A second later, dad was asking should we get out of the house. Standing with Kutie in my arms, I was urging everyone to get underneath the doorway (that was the only thing that I could remember from my survival studies). The moment passed – all was calm.
Neighbors started pouring out confirming our fears, that it was indeed a severe quake though most of us were well. We went back in and tried calling our friends. Of course, lines were jammed for a while.
The news came on 10-15 minutes later about a 5.6 magnitude shake whose epicenter was about 8 -9 miles from our house. A chill ran down our spine!
Throughout our late night dinner, the discussion centered on what we did and did not do. I did not want Kutie running far from me and kept him close, within my arms reach until bedtime.
Having a real life scare right before Halloween is kind of weird and surreal. It was my first quake experience and boy was it a scare! Of course I am happy that everyone was ok and there were no major mishaps, but hope to God I don’t go through one again this lifetime!
Thank You! Lord!
This Sunday marks the beginning of the 9 day festival of Navratri (9-nights) - celebrating through 9 nights and 10 days - Goddess Durga. Its a celebration of good triumphing over evil.
We celebrate with nine nights of Garba (traditional Gujarathi dance) and prayers. Its a great time of vibrant colors and songs.
Since Kutie got one of the traditional outfits from our cousin's mom, I wanted to try it on. We went to the temple on Sunday - of course honey was complaining that the shirt looks more like a dress! But believe me he looked so cute and handsome! I just loved it.
All moved in, the unwanted pile of boxes have moved into the garage and we sort of know where everything went. So what do I do next, go back on to school for my project management classes. I am hoping to get everything done by May of next year, so I take the weekend classes which sucks badly as now time with family is reduced to one Sunday!
I am in middle of the lunch break at this class, no distractions as everyone is out of the classroom (and having done with lunch myself) I can peacefully sit and write. But the blank white sheet stares at me as not one cohesive thought comes to mind to write about.
So many events have taken place – Kutie got his first haircut – a complete shave! Two reasons – First he never seemed to have hair and one suggestion was a complete shave to let new hair grow in its place – a fresh start so to speak. Its also part of the tradition to give babies a full shave in the first years of life. We were unsure of how to do this as we are not familiar with any salons doing a full shave for babies, so we decided to take a stab at it ourselves. I held Kutie in my arms and my honey sat with the razors. We heard a few cries of protest but overall Kutie was a trooper and now he looks so different from his usual self now that we see his complete round, bare head!
Kutie is growing up to be a wonderful talkative mischievous one year old. It is so wonderful to see the inquisitive curious brain at work. I thank Lord Guruvayoorappan again each time he smiles, laughs and runs into my arms!
Its been ages since I posted about my lakshya or g and no prizes to the correct guess – I have been avoiding it. No & I did get my desired weight and my son is almost 15 months, and I am miles away from my goal. So many things pushed me off – house hunting, school, work … Fine they are excuses but they are real.
So why am I writing about it again? My hall-of-shame – should be deleted from my blog!!! If I had the guts, I think I would do it. Or maybe the day I hit rock bottom … Since that hasn’t happened and there is a silver lining I am writing about it again!
Our office opened a new gym and with a colleague joining forces with me, it been fairly easy to hit the gym for at least for about 30 mins each day. So new ground rules:
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