With my cousin in Varanasi 
Papa and I 
Mum and I 
Bua Phupha in New Delhi 
Casey 
Mike
I was looking forward to October and as expected, the month brought in good times with family. Though I am still wondering about the ten months of the year and that they have flown by somewhere, October was full of happiness and food.
Looking back at the month, I am grateful for a lot of things but the one topping my list is seeing my parents. They live so far away that as much as I want to go spend a weekend with them, it is impossible even in my thoughts. It would take me a ride to the airport, then a flight, then a cab ride to get back home. And that too, Papa and Mum would have to come pick me up. So it’s a whole day of travel not just for me but for my parents too. But Diwali is one time, I want to travel and see them. Not that I celebrate the festival with them but seeing is fulfilling.
So now you know why this month was a happy one. Adding to the list were many other things and here they go in no particular order.
♥ This being the festival month, I ate home cooked food without worrying about the calories I piled up. Mum made fish curry and packed some kebabs for my journey to in-laws. In the box, were some sweets for my sweet tooth. Parents will always be parents and their love is unparalleled.
♥ My counterpart from US, Mike traveled to India for the first time at the start of the month. We have worked together for a good time of the year but his visit was the first time we met. It was great to be able to talk work and India all the time. Good people come rarely in life, and when they do they leave memories of good times.
♥ Seven years ago, when Casey left India she said, “I don’t know when in life I will see you again”. Since then, we have met twice. This time she came over to India after seven years. Life is good that ways. It gives you what you don’t expect. Pun intended. I am grateful we got to spend time together and that I have her as a friend and confidant.
♥ With work and the related schedule, there was fun too. I am grateful that I work at a place that lets us learn off the job. We had a few guest speakers at work and their respective life stories and journeys were inspiring. To top all, I got to hear the legendary Usha Uthup live.
♥ When I plan a trip up North, I do get a chance to meet my extended family. I am grateful that this time, I met my cousin in Varanasi and my bua-phupha in New Delhi. The Delhi hop over was memorable. It felt like old times when I would spend days in that house studying or chatting with bua and phupha. Some times I want to go back to those carefree days from college but then I know I can’t. What’s good is that I do feel the same love and affection and that’s what family means. Isn’t it?
♥ At my in-laws, they had planned for a night long Durga pooja. It’s called a Jagran. It was my first time and glad it went as planned. Faith is a big thing. People from the neighborhood helped and sat through all night long.
♥ During Diwali and the Jagran, I turned into a photographer. Got some good shots and enjoyed playing the role. I loved that some kids from the neighborhood wanted me to click their pictures because I had a camera. I will share a few in days to come.
Working out was not regular because of the travel but I will catch up in November and December. With a few lows, this month was overall a good one. VT and I have been reflecting about 2019 and that this year hasn’t been the best for us. It has brought us a lot of anxious days but looks like that’s what life is all about. Full of medium ups and lonely lows. We can only choose to celebrate the good days. The not-so-good ones will need to be remembered. Gratitude does help to see the bright side and that’s what I am choosing to do.
Tell me about your October. How was it?
Linking up with Vidya’s gratitude circle this month.
happiness and food 
Thanks for the look back at October and all the events and celebrations you had with friends and family. I can’t believe my trip has already come and gone…it was such an incredible time; the sights, history, people, colors, food and friends. Thanks for making the trip welcoming and tell VT hi for me!
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❤ Will do! and come back soon, Mike!
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Wow!! thats an awesome month for you Parul and so happy to see you enjoying yourself to the fullest. Family time is the best and you seem to have made the most of it.
Thanks so much for motivating me on the workout front-its really helped me out a lot.
Wishing a blissful November ahead with equal happiness and food 🙂
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Thank you Shalini! I’m glad the little judges helped you. It helped me too cos I had to report to you all. Wishing you too a great November. Hugs and love.
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Sounds like it was a good month for you Parul! Glad you were able to visit family and friends and connected with people regularly. Hope November is just as fab!
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Thank you, Sanch!
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That was awesome ! My month was mixed
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Hmm.. tell me more!
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It feels so good to know that you have had a good month. My October was bad. But November is off to a goad start. And honestly, things can only get better.
I am liking this idea of a gratitude list. I might try one too , someday soon.
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If you have never done that, you must Jyothi. I have seen my perspective change since I started writing one. I have a journal where I write every day and then month, I turn it into a post like you read 🙂
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Diwali and all the happiness that comes with in. Ghar ka khana is the best 😀 wow Usha Uthup. She was my favorite while I was growing up. She has such a strong personality. So inspiring. I love all your pictures from your workplace. It looks like a great place to work 😊
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It is a very good place to work. 🙂 Usha was amazing and at 70+ she rocked her part.
Agree Ghar ka khana is the best.
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Such a happy post, I’m beaming 😀
You are lucky to be blessed with such a nice family, Parul.
Wishing you a happy November as well. Let’s meet soon 🙂
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Life is surely good when you feel good and happy being with the parents, in-laws and the extended family. Every festival memory for me is the delicacies cooked by my mother so I can understand your happiness for all the yummy food you got to eat this Diwali. My October was good. I felt less anxious, read 3 books, visited the city parks, enjoyed the autumn hues and the high point was overcoming my hesitation, killing my dependency on husband and taking a bus ride with Dhruv to visit and explore a neighbouring city, Lancaster. Of course I planned to the T.
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Such a delightful month Parul. Going home seems to be the best thing when staying away. The celebration is the staying together na! Very nice. Looks like October was exactly like Diwali – fun filled and exciting and cherishable. Such a lovely smile you have. 🤞 Happy November Parul
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Glad you had a hectic but good October – especially with your family and friends, Parul.
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