Two Types of Work Days

Some days, I come home from work and wonder why I even bothered to show up? I could swear that no one noticed my presence, nor would they notice my absence. Or maybe it’s a day where no matter what I do, I keep hitting dead ends or getting blank stares or seem to get criticized for whatever I do, or don’t do. It’s when decisions make no sense or your frustrations seem to fall on deaf ears or no matter how much you try to be transparent and fair, it backfires in your face. It’s days like those that make me wonder why I do what I do. It’s days like those that I go home and I re-evaluate what I’m doing and what I set out to do. 

My Friend’s Parents

As a kid, I would go to India with my parents and we’d be dragged to random people’s houses for chai and a quick visit. Sometimes it would be family members, but from time to time, my parents would go visit the parents of their friends. I never really understood why–they weren’t necessarily close with their friends’ parents, why go visit them? I’m finally understanding why.

30 Day Challenges

I have four days left in my NoBloPoMo challenge and I’m really proud of how far I’ve come. It hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve managed to write every day (I consider a day before I go to bed, not necessarily midnight). While my posts have been random, they’ve been getting done and I’m proud that I’ve managed to stay on task and focussed so far. And I’ve been getting it done, even with being out of town and what not. 

Thankful for New Beginnings

Tonight I celebrated Friendsgiving with some friends who I’ve known for almost 15 years. It also marked a huge change for one couple as they were moving to New Mexico after one of them had spent his entire life in Illinois. As someone who’s done the pick-up-and-leave-everything-you’ve-ever-known-behind move, I’m excited for them but can also relate to the boatload of emotions that come with the move. 

My Advice to Parents

A lot of my friends are married and having babies. A lot. How many you ask? Enough that I can tell you about breastfeeding and tongue ties and different sleep training methods and feeding techniques as well as personal parenting styles and bedtime routines. I can change a diaper, I can carry a kid with one hand (leaving the other one free for having a drink), I’m perfecting my raspberries, and I genuinely believe that having a baby/kid fall asleep in your arms or on your chest is one of the best feelings in the world. 

When Did You Become a Reader?

My friend asked me today when I became a reader. Truth is, reading has always been a love of mine. I can’t remember the exact moment I became a reader, but it was sometime before high school and then again after I started working post-college. It might have been The Babysitter Club or Sweet Valley that sucked me in, but Amelia Bedelia was my friend way before that, right around the time that Curious George and I met. And then after I survived the mandatory readings in high school and college, it was Dan Brown and Keith Follett that brought my love back into my life. As I got older, I discovered non-fiction and what beauty it could bring into my life.

Happy Thanksgiving

While I’m not your typical holiday-loving person where I count down the days until a holiday or transform my home into a holiday haven, I do enjoy the holidays. I never really make plans nor do I have any traditions that I really follow, yet. (I can’t wait to create my own one day when my feet are a little more planted.) To be honest, it’s usually a last minute game-time decision on where to go, what to do, and who to spend it with.

Grateful For…

Thanksgiving in the US is usually the reminder that the holidays are here and the end of the year is just around the corner. It’s this time of year that you usually wonder where the time went and also simultaneously wonder how you’re going to get everything done by the end of the year. Before the panic begins, take a moment to pause and reflect on the things that you’re grateful for. After all, when the turkey is done, and the family is back to their respective homes, all you have left is yourself and the thoughts that go through your head. Pay homage to them. 

This Year, Ruin Thanksgiving

For most people, the holiday season is a time to get together with your loved ones, eat great food, and be merry as you create new memories for the future. You may see the family who you haven’t seen since last year, and can’t wait to smoosh them up in a huge hug, but you might also see that one relative that you dread seeing because they always give you a hard time about your life choices or maybe they have opinions that fundamentally go against what you believe in. Whatever the case may be, it’s a once-in-awhile type of get together so you bite your tongue, turn a blind eye, and keep the peace.

Maybe it’s time to ruin Thanksgiving.