happiness and food

365 more days have gone in a blink and here I am reminiscing about where did all these days go? Does a trip around the Sun take only 365 days? Funny but true how each year we talk about the same thing. Isn’t it?

As I look back at 2018, I know that it was a good year. A good blend of happy and not-so-happy things. A mixed bag of happiness and reflections. Of balance and extremes. Things that taught me a few lessons and things that affirmed my faith in who I am and what I intend to do. I met many new people, had some happy moments, learnt many lessons and tried to live day after day like I do.

Work was enriching and so was family time. Between the two sets of parents, I had time that I enjoyed. We traveled and explored many parts of India that I had never heard of. I am now more aware of who I am as a person. Thanks to MBTI and a few other personality tests! I am at a stage where self awareness is helping me a lot.

Like 2017, I would like to wrap 2018 by sharing some happy moments with you readers. Moments that make me feel grateful about the year gone by.

January

The year started on a good note. My cousins visited us and it was fun to start the year with them. We did a day trip to Lepakshi with them and it was a fun day out of office and on the road. Bangalore goes traffic free and smooth at year ends so it was good being in the city at that time. I am grateful for a good start to 2018. Sometimes, it sets the tone for the rest of the days to come.

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February

VT took part in Oxfam in February and he walked a 100 kms. This was his second and that challenge is one of its kind. The trail, the many teams and all that practice that goes into making this walk a success is all worth the personal stretch. I also ran 3 kms in a saree this month. I am grateful that I continue to experiment with so many things. To add to the fun, I forgot the day the run was scheduled and ended up a day before. A good laugh things sets the month right. Isn’t it?

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March

March is synonymous with Holi and it’s the only time of the year I cook willingly. So I rang in the festival with some traditional food and had friends over for dinner. VT and I watched a lot of movies together (at home) and had a relaxing month. We also began house hunting but that story for another day. At work, this month was the review time and I wasn’t disappointed. I am grateful to have found a good work-life integration.

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April

April’s highlight was our road trip. VT and I went to the North East and explored Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya. The month of many firsts and many learnings. We loved the mountains, the treks and the nature in the North East. For many reasons, including a flat tyre in the middle of no where in Meghalaya this trip would remain one of our favorites in many years to come. We also had the opportunity to stay in the guest houses of the Border Security Force in Shillong and Guwahati and I am grateful for that. The love and hospitality of the armed forces warms my heart. When we got back home after two weeks, we knew we had made memories for our lifetime.

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May

M for May and M for Mangoes. We went to a mango farm to spend a Sunday there. It was a fun activity plucking mangoes from the tree and getting them home to eat. VT and I also completed 12 years of being friends. I don’t know where all these many years went but it has been good. We have come to know each other much more than we had ever thought. Some times I wonder how did I get lucky?

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June – September

Many things happened in these four months. Work kept me busy and blogging added to it. I was listed as a top blogger (8th edition of Top Indian Blogs) and that sure was a morale boost. My office moved further away and that meant more travel time but with Quick Ride, I was able to manage. I still am. Met a lot of people and had some good conversations. Rakshbandhan and time with friends was the highlight in August. September, VT and I took a day trip to Gandikotta. Popular as the grand canyon of India, this was a beautiful destination and we got a much needed break.

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October -November

With October starts my favorite quarter of the year. I am sure many would agree. It’s the time for festivals, food and happiness. The nip in the air as if brings warmth in the hearts. I spent a lovely time home in the last week of October. Met friends, ate to my heart’s content and had a memorable time. Then headed to in-laws for Diwali. That meant more family time and memories for many years. November was also the birthday month and turned out to be good. Turning a year older was fun with friends. I am grateful for a loving family and friends who are my strength.

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December

December was a perfect end to the year. As it started, I was loaded with work and then in no time, we had hit the road for our Central India Road Trip. Being on road for 12 days teaches you many things. It’s not just about the uncertainty that can hit you. Stories that people share are the best about such trips. We are grateful for lot of things in life and talking to people we realize that when we want what others have, we forget what we have that some others don’t. This month, I forgave a friend. A person I admired and then had cut ties with. I realized that life is too short to hold any grudge. So a call ironed out many things. This friend was also happy talking to me and we agreed that we have to let go of the past. We should hold on to good parts of a relationship and that was a good lesson to end 2018 with.

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I took care of my health, gained some weight that I am determined to lose and kept going. Even on the days it was hard. I let work take priority when needed and I let life win when it was time. I read some books and I want to read more. Let’s forget about the reading goal that I did not meet. It’s fun to carry forward books to the next year. Isn’t it?

I wish a 2019 for you that bring you happiness. One when you choose happiness and look at life differently. When smile matters more than anything materialistic. Keep smiling, be grateful and if you get a chance, let me know one moment of 2018 that made the year special.

Wish you all a happy 2019!

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Linking up with Vidya’s Gratitude Circle.