Patterns 
It kept me company 
Chai time! 
A sun rise 
Cheat day 
My curled up rug
I am sure like me, you also can’t believe that today is the first day of November. I am up North with family and winter is setting in here. VT and I aren’t used to the weather but I am sure we will be able to sail through. It has been close to 60 days since we left home and we can’t wait to be back in Bangalore.
October feels like a blur. Usual downs and ups that we have been experiencing since July continued. There are good days and then there are days when I am not okay. But I am making peace with situation every single day. I am learning that when we take one day at a time, it’s easy to move forward.
As much as things are still unpredictable, I have my little list of things that were good through the month. Things that I am grateful for. So without any further delay, let’s get to those little things that kept me happy.
VT – I say this a lot but it’s important to be said out loud. The days I am not-okay, anxious and irritable, I am glad I have him to understand why I behave the way I do. Having a partner who is supportive and non-judgmental is important. I am grateful that he is the calm to my storm.
Food – The easy part about staying with parents (in-laws included) is that I don’t have to worry about what’s for meals. I am grateful that mothers in their own sweet ways manage all that without raising an eyebrow.
Nip in the air – The weather is changing. We left North of India some 15 years to make a life in Bangalore. Since then, we forgot the feel of winters in India. But this time, we saw the weather change. From using the air conditioning in September to operating ceiling fans at full speed and now closing all windows and doors at night is fun in a different way. I prefer winter over the summer so this feels good.
A bakery – There is a bakery here that VT and I have found a special liking to. We go there for puffs, cookies and all sorts of savories. Looks like I have found my north Indian version of Iyenger’s Bakery. I am grateful MIL recommended this one and we are loving what we get there for our afternoon and in between-work cravings.
Crochet adventures – My recent project was a rug I crocheted around an old t-shirt. It turned out a little curved but I am using it on our side table to keep knock knacks. I am now on a big project and making a shawl. Let’s see how that turns out but there are days I wonder why I did not pick crochet before in life. Looks like this hobby is here to stay. May be when I am 80, I will still be crocheting a gift for a loved one.
Routines and workouts – I was a bit lazy this month and I will blame the weather and cold nights. Since the start of 2020, October was the first month when I worked out only 18 days of the month. I will pick up the pace in November. I am grateful that I still managed on these 18 days of the month. VT and I walked some good distance (read 8 kms) one morning and that helped me stretch in a good way.
There has been sunsets, a few sunrises, good sleep, meaningful work, thoughtful conversations and many other little things that made me smile.
I love the last three months of the year for all the festivals and important days but this time I am stepping into the last two months of the year without any expectation. I want to continue to find joy in little things and stay calm, courageous and hopeful.
What are you grateful for?
Linking up with Vidya’s Gratitude Circle for the month of October.
happiness and food 
Winters is my fav weather too and I am loving this slight nip in the air. As of yesterday fans are finally off. Nights have become so much cooler and getting up early morning is now a chore 😉 I am glad to hear of you enjoying the wintery change, the bakery and the crochet hobby – keep at it as you are so good at it.
Sorry to hear that you are still out here- hope things are better and looking up. I am a phone call away if you want to chat any day. BTW I cant imagine you moody or sullen – you are the poster child of Sunshine in my head 🙂 Much love and hugs Parul XOXO
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Thanks Shalini! Both for the lovely comment and the words of encouragement. I’m not moody ever but this is the first time, my emotions are not in check. So I’m snapping a lot. And VT is telling me that it’s okay. I’m better and calmer. Situation is still unpredictable and I think I’m longing for better days.
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Hi, Parul! I definitely am with you on the food stuff! I just love being with my mom and at our house because I dont have to worry of what to eat, I love that she takes care of me and my sisters. 😂💕 There are so many thing I am grateful for this 2020 and a huge part of it is my blogging journey. Thanks for sharing this! 😊🌻
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Thanks Elle for stopping by and welcome to Happiness and Food. When I look back at my blogging journey, it gives me happiness so I can relate to what you said about yours. Keep at it!
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Love your photos as always. Especially the cover one of the sunset. It reminds me of beautiful Indian evenings. Feel nostalgia and it takes me back to the time I have spent in North India. Hope you continue to find many reasons to smile.
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Thanks Niki! Yes, that’s a sunset from Haryana. Wishing you happy days too.
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I’m sure you will enjoy winter season this time.
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Thanks!
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Nice to hear that you are in the north, enjoying the winter. Loved your list, the sunrise, Food, CHAI and everything you mentioned, thanks for sharing:)
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Thanks Angela!
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Be hopeful , positive and courageous . Lovely days are waiting for you .Your crochet adventure is worth praising .Keep it up .
Love & blessings to VT
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Thank you!
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Your gratitude list is always too good
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Thank you, Sir!
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This has certainly been a double whammy for both of you, Parul – the pandemic and the fact that you have to be out of home for a while. It’s understandable that you feel low and irritable at times. That happens more when we don’t feel in control of situations. I hope things are getting better. Take care and stay warm!
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Hugs, Parul! Seeing my own situation, I can say I understand how tough it must have been on you trying to make the most of the situation and when you say you’re snapping and getting emotional, all I can say is, don’t bottle it up. Let it out and share with your loved ones. I’m so glad you can be yourself with VT! Bless him for being your biggest support at this tough time. Hang in there, dear and remember, this too shall pass. I loved your gratitude post, Parul and reading those little things that made you happy did bring a smile on my face too.
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It’s okay to be irritable considering the situation, Parul <3. And I agree with your not looking forward to the last two months with too much expectation. This year has done that to us all. So, it's natural. But November is your birthday month, right? So, I'm sending my hugs your way and lots of positive vibes too. ❤
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Good that you guys went home, it was much needed!
I can understand being irritable. My work has been so crazy that it has been killing me. I’ve been agitated throughout the past few months. Thank God for our understanding partners! What would we do without them?
North Indian version of an Iyengar bakery? I don’t even want to think about it 😛
I hope you feel better soon. Message or call if you want to vent 🙂
Much love!
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Yeah can’t believe it is november already. Staying at home is so much fun and yes, food is the best part.i love the way you write about your husband, it is so cute. And love that rug. Wow… I cant wait to see the shawl. Have a fun stay. Enjoy.
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If anything 2020 has taught us that was to live in the present without any expectations. Right? I have left all my expectations somewhere in March or April, Parul. Also, irritable you say? That’s my permanent emotion now. I try to sit and do something my whole family one after the other comes with their stories, demands, etc, etc. I feel like running away sometimes. Dileep helps in calming me down, but he is mostly busy with his work. Since the wfh started people are swamped in work, right?
We enjoyed lovely food last December when we were in India. Staying with parents comes with good food options every day. 🙂
Don’t worry about your workout routine, dear. 18 days is more than half of the month. 🙂
Your crochet adventures are coming along so well. That rug is so cute!
Wishing you a wonderful winter month ahead! Much love to you, Parul!
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It’s always lovely to read other’s gratitude post. Yes, I agree that with moms, we don’t need to think menus and enter kitchen. Well, I am thankful to be with family and kids all through this lock down period and face the challenges together.
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