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:
Halloween is almost here! Candy & Dress-up what more would a kid want?
Today when I pass by the local Target or Home Depot store, I show the little scary monster, witches & skeletons to Kutie and he just looks at it and smiles. He thinks of them as just things that seem to lit up and make noise. (the only thing that he seemed scared about was when the monster made a loud 'arrrrrrrrrrr' sound). I guess fear is a learned behavior to most extent.
Now that we have moved (& settled) into our new house, I am hoping that our neighbors are into Halloween, so that I can do some decorations, get an outfit for Kutie to go trick-or-treating! If nothing, I guess since Kutie can walk now I will be able to take him to my office for a some quick Halloween treats and fun! Now, if only I can decide what Kutie should be - a wizard, a ninja, a lion, a superhero or .... Lets go shopping!(graphic courtesy of coolholidaygraphics.com)
I am sure everyone has been through the pains of moving and settling into a new house, felt the distress of not finding that right cup for your morning tea, or having to browse through a pile of clothes the next morning to get to work! I think the worst part is cleaning out the old apartment and making sure you move the last remaining pile of boxes!
Through all this Kutie is showing signs of discomfort as well! Poor guy, he seems so lost. He was without his favourite toys for two whole days before we were able to open it for him, he is most likely missing his friends from the apartment too.
But one blessing was that he started to walk last week (on Grandparents Day, no less) and since then he got at least a week's head start before we moved into the house with complete hardwood floors. I can't imagine the pain of walking on fours on hardwood floors! Of course, Kutie seems to enjoy walking and making loud noise on the floors. Once his cars were out in the open, he seemed to have more fun in driving it, now that it moves faster and makes even more noise (even without the music turned on).
But the pile of boxes still remains! I am hoping that we get done with most of them by this weekend - otherwise I am sure the pile of boxes will just be transfered into the garage where its likely to sit for another century!
I just find it amazing how many things tie humans together - and for the most part we miss them out completely!At least within my limited capacity of knowledge ( and I know I am not a scholar on anything) I notice so many irrefutable things.
Today is Ganesh Chatruthi and for many Indians marks the beginning of a lot of festivals and celebrations in the coming months. During my childhood days, our neighborhood would put up a pandal and have the celebrations in a grand scale for 5 days. Each night the kids would put up shows (dances, songs, magic tricks) and it would turn into an informal competition - especially our group and another building group. It would be a a matter of great honor to ensure that we get the majority of praise the end of our program. Today as I turn around and look at my childhood self, I want to tell her to stop being so aggressive and have more fun instead. I am sure the next generation is going through the same thing - though the groups have changed - and new affiliations have formed.
Listen to a baby's babble, see them walk, see them trying to get our attention - all of them - blue eyed or brown, blonde or brunette - they all do the same thing!
I hope Lord Ganesha - the remover of obstacles - brings us the knowledge and understanding and brings everyone closer together!
House-warming is done, & we got some painters to paint the house. But our major work of packing and moving still remains.
Last couple of weeks were spent in ensuring that painters do a decent job and shopping around for new appliances. My parents arrived the day after labor day and its been a great blessing. Kutie adjusted pretty quickly to them and is growing very fond of them. He is pretty good with new people, especially loves kids and the attention from grown-ups.
This weekend is the big move. I am sure it will take us weeks before we find a place for each of our stuff and settle into life in the neighborhood. But the actual moving and cleaning out the old apartment- is so much of work that it almost bores me.
Wish I could just blink my eyes and transport everything to its place in the new house!
A good home must be made, not bought.
Joyce Maynard, "Domestic Affairs"
My home is not a place, it is people.
Lois McMaster Bujold, "Barrayar", 1991 US science fiction author
And my favorite --
Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home.
John Howard Payne (1791 - 1852)
A big event for home-owners, its the ritual to boil milk, basically lit the fire in the kitchen for the first time ever. It is considered auspicious to spill milk as its a sign of prosperity and well-being.
We decided to conduct our house-warming ceremony on the first day of Onam which is a great day and the Muhurtam was set for 6 AM to 6.20 AM early morning on August 26th. We invited some close friends over for the simple event and breakfast afterwards.
We woke up early that day, took a bath and headed over to our new house. We were running a bit late, & got to our house only by 6.10 or so. My honey and I entered the house and I let the diya and placed some flowers at the altar of Lord Guruvayoorappan.
Then we rushed to the kitchen, to lit the stove and heat the milk. We had a new vessel especially bought for the ceremony and we waited anxiously to see the boiling of milk. As if on cue, our friends arrived in time to see the spilling of milk. Since it is considered "prasadam" we decided to make some payasam out of the same milk for everyone.
My mother-in law and her friend started to make idly and tea for everyone. I played the grand hostess and walked everyone around our new house. Kutie was at his best behaviour (even though he woke up very early) playing with everyone and running around the large empty house. He seemed to enjoy the hardwood floors and crawled around with so much noise that we were afraid that he will get hurt!
We came back to our apartment for lunch and to get some rest. As it is customary to sleep in the new house on the day of grihapraveshnam we went back home. Next day being Monday, we had to get up early and rush back to our apartment to get ready for work.
All in all, the event was a great! It was interesting to wake up in our house and move around. I find myself dreaming of what it will be like to have actually move in here ... which would not happen until 2nd week of September.
Yes, we are finally done with our house hunt! We got our dream home(today we got the keys). A nice little cozy house where we are going to build our home!
What a roller-coaster ride it was!
During the last 6 months, weekends were spent in checking out open houses, looking at real-estate websites and running all around the Bay area. Sometimes irritated with our agent, at times tired of checking out bad houses, its been one big journey. Offers fell through and there was a point when I thought this was not going to happen for us! But now all that is in the past!
This is my first official house and I have mixed feelings about it. I am elated at owing a property, thrilled at the prospect of decorating it, scared out of my mind knowing how much I owe the bank! I guess, mixed feelings are part of anything new....
Yes! Thats what I hear from my little one year old! Well no! He can say only a couple of words, most are still unintelligible, but I can tell by his behavior that's what he is thinking!
Take away his favourite toy or be a second late in getting his food ready, he will crawl away from you, turn around and cry out loud. And then suddenly the tears flow, his eyes look so disappointed, that you give in!
I know, I know, you are going to tell me who is the adult, but common on - you look into the eyes of a cute one year old and tell them No ... and see if they understand! Think about it ... poor baby, they seem to understand most of what we say to them, they are learning to walk, to explore. Unfortunately they are not the best communicators yet. Even now, the only tool they have are cries, yells and tears! Wouldn't you do the same thing if you were in their shoes - say in a foreign land, and no understanding of their speech!
Babies (and adults in a foreign land) learn to communicate as best as they can. They tell you (my son points to objects, makes various sounds to show us his displeasure or needs) but we often understand it a bit late! And for my son, that delay is unacceptable! I am sure he will learn patience (hopefully) and until then he gets to be the boss! (Sort of!)
Here are some pictures from our trip to Lake Oroville
The Ride over the Dam
View of the Lake
The Marina
Kutie's birthday was a great day. He was at his best behavior (like always) and everyone had fun. The event went by without much hiccups (we could not get the music system to play, and we forgot all about ice cream with cake, though guests got a second round of desert). The day ended with a peaceful yawn from Kutie.
Since all his cousins were here, the house feels full with all the noise - the kids are always on Playstation, we are trying to catch up with all the gossip our sisters and inlaws and Kutie trying to squeeze in more attention with his cute antics! It was a great reunion.
We decided to treat ourselves and we made a trip to Lake Orville. It was a nice 3 hour drive, without any major events. We got to the hotel, checked in and went out for a drive along to see the dam and the part of the lake. Monday we had planned to be in water all day long with our sea-doo and water boats. Since the kids were underage, we took turns in taking them in the water for a full four hours. Blasting off at 6000 miles, riding the waves was truly fun for everyone. We did get a little sun burnt, but all in good fun.
After a picnic lunch and a little swim near the shores we got back to land tired and happy. We got back and after some time off, the elders went to sleep while we took the kids out to the river beach. The kids P and S had some fun time on the beaches. S was driving his new toy - a remote controlled car and even Kutie was awestruck with the toy. The day was finally over!
Next day we drove back home, and some of the guests started to leave and I realized that the party is finally dwindling down. I am not sure how Kutie will be next week, with everyone gone! Wonder if he will become fussy or get back into his old groove!
Either way, it was a great time ... summer with family and loved ones is one of the best gifts everyone should get. I only hope we can do this more often as Kutie grows up so that he will always have wonderful memories when he grows up.
Happy First Birthday, my dear handsome son!
What a bright sunny day it is,
Glorious for you are with us.
We love you, dear son,
We wish you the very best.
Twelve months have flown by
You smiled, you cried
You laughed, you babbled
You crawled and you blew us a kiss,
Your grandparents are proud of you
And happy as can be!
They think you are a miracle,
Waiting to unfold!
Know that we will always be with you
Helping you every step of the way
We wish we can take away all your tears
And grant you all our best wishes.
We wish you all the happiness
We wish you lots of special friends
May you grow up strong,
May you have all that you wish for!
We think you are just perfect
You are our dreams, personified.
Our very own bundle of joy!
Happy First Birthday, my dearest one!
T minus 1
The guests have arrived, and Kutie has already taken a likening to his big cousin. Follows him around like a little puppy! We are almost ready for the big event.
Just hoping, wishing, praying for a nice, blissful event!
T-minus 3
My oh my! Oh my! I feel like the rabbit from Alice's world trying to find all the things that needs to get done soon. Cake, decorations, party list, outfits ... oh dear!!
The guests are pouring in - yesterday evening my aunt-in law and her husband came with their grandson. She is a very nice lady, really sweet. I am exited for Kutie to be meeting so many family members - we think it will be great exposure for him.
My work week has been very hectic - had to be on a call till 12 AM last night - hopefully this busy schedule will end soon and tonight I will get done with cake order and decorations and I will feel much better.
Does it exist? Or is it like the Friday the 13th scare (of course this Friday is a 13th, so we will see)
Well, we are in our 7th year of marriage, and I think this is all a big hoax!! If it did, my parents missed their quite a few of their chances. Yes I agree marriages do fail, but if your love is strong it can go through anything. Of course its not easy...
Marriage means being a team, being together, being each others cheerleader! It also means being each other's critic, being each other friend (and friends do have arguments) and being each others advocate. There might be days when one is down, or needs that extra hug! While on other days one wants their own space. One thing to remember is that the person you love had a different lifestyle, a different upbringing (you might like bullseye, he might like an egg white omelet) but you love him/her for their differences. There is definitely a learning curve in understanding this complicated being that you love - its not easy, but its possible!
These are a few other wonderful thoughts that I have come to love ~
Happy marriages begin when we marry the ones we love, and they blossom when we love the ones we marry. ~ Tom Mullen
There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved. ~ George Sand
It is only possible to live happily ever after on a day to day basis. ~Margaret Bonnano
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