Hightlight: 2012 has been pretty fantastic, especially, as far as material gains are concerned. I invested in a studio apartment in Pune; not exactly a place I would live in but probably one I would go back to with my date to ****. If I was sure to live in Pune for years together, I would have probably got a bigger place, a place with a terrace where I could do coffee in solitude and have the date for company. However for now, it seems like a good investment given the dynamics of my life. I am happy about it.
Dad inherited a family land.
The highlight of 2012, though, has to be the house reconstruction that belongs to maternal grand mum. We did the pooja on November 19, and moved in soon after. It's wonderful living in the new house with greenish-grey, cold on the feet, kotha flooring. However, beyond the wonders of living in a new house, I am glad grand mum is back into a place where she spent the peak years of her life. A place where ladies stroll into homes without announcement and chat up. Camaraderie can be so vital in old age. I have seen aai (grand mum) absolutely thrilled and happy after a long time. For someone who hates walking even to the closest garden, she finds enough adrenaline rush to make to and fro rounds up the three storeys multiple times during the day. Let Ganapati Bappa continue to bless her with good health and minimal suffering!
It's wonderful to celebrate Diwali surrounded with family. This year was one of the finest Diwali celebrations in my life.
IBM: Six months ago, while aai lived with my sister in Mumbai, faced some health hazards. In order she finds some consistency with medication and hospitals, I decided to move back to Pune for a while. I have to thank my stars and Bappa that I work for IBM, an organization who does pioneering work for smarter planet that in turn translates to smarter work for employees. With just my laptop, I could move to Pune IBM location and work effortlessly. Not many organizations can boast of this flexibility. For this reason among others, I would always love and be thankful to IBM.
In general: Hemant got married on June 15 and he seems happy and content. He sort of has become a family man now, doing family things (like going to bed by 10:30 p.m. as he puts it ;-)). This year Hemant has lived up to the proverb, "A friend in need is a friend indeed", for me. I needed cash for the new house and he was the only one who helped me out financially. In my experience, I don't see a lot of people (/ friends) help out other people (/friends) with cash, so I would say, this act was very kind and I only state it here for "as a matter of fact" basis.
I am lesser involved with people emotionally than I used to be. In the prior years, I had passion for people I loved. Over the years, I believe, the number of people I have passion for has significantly plunged. These days I tend to notice the fluff people exhibit to create an impression of niceness. These are the worldly ways, I have realized. I play along, unaffected but appreciative of all they have to say. However, I let them volunteer a grand gesture for me to attach my soul to them. Once the gesture is done conspicuously or otherwise, I say to myself, "Okay, this gesture deserves a shot for my emotional investment." I believe, its life's way of helping me filter out the special ones from the Tom-Dick-Harry or Jill-Jane-Janice!
My God child, Sue, touched my heart this December with a special gesture. During the same time, on December 16, I attended Lekha's wedding. Both these women were the ambassadors to reinforce my faith in the niceness of people in 2012.
Secretly, I have begun to test the people I wish to invest my soul with.
Nevertheless, I am still very open minded and welcome friendships. Being open minded is the foundation of spirituality.
I picked up a Canon 100-400 mm lens in August hoping to further develop photographic skills.
My birthday this year was nothing extra ordinary.
The Kerala vacation was one of my best this year because of the opportunities it presented for photography.
January through March were a few tough months from a state-of-mind perspective. I have rarely felt lonely before but these months were a minor course study on "loneliness philosophy".
Dad inherited a family land.
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| Another new home |
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| Diwali time; aai in her new home |
IBM: Six months ago, while aai lived with my sister in Mumbai, faced some health hazards. In order she finds some consistency with medication and hospitals, I decided to move back to Pune for a while. I have to thank my stars and Bappa that I work for IBM, an organization who does pioneering work for smarter planet that in turn translates to smarter work for employees. With just my laptop, I could move to Pune IBM location and work effortlessly. Not many organizations can boast of this flexibility. For this reason among others, I would always love and be thankful to IBM.
In general: Hemant got married on June 15 and he seems happy and content. He sort of has become a family man now, doing family things (like going to bed by 10:30 p.m. as he puts it ;-)). This year Hemant has lived up to the proverb, "A friend in need is a friend indeed", for me. I needed cash for the new house and he was the only one who helped me out financially. In my experience, I don't see a lot of people (/ friends) help out other people (/friends) with cash, so I would say, this act was very kind and I only state it here for "as a matter of fact" basis.
I am lesser involved with people emotionally than I used to be. In the prior years, I had passion for people I loved. Over the years, I believe, the number of people I have passion for has significantly plunged. These days I tend to notice the fluff people exhibit to create an impression of niceness. These are the worldly ways, I have realized. I play along, unaffected but appreciative of all they have to say. However, I let them volunteer a grand gesture for me to attach my soul to them. Once the gesture is done conspicuously or otherwise, I say to myself, "Okay, this gesture deserves a shot for my emotional investment." I believe, its life's way of helping me filter out the special ones from the Tom-Dick-Harry or Jill-Jane-Janice!
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| Sue during her Mumbai trip in February; Lekha at her wedding in December |
Secretly, I have begun to test the people I wish to invest my soul with.
Nevertheless, I am still very open minded and welcome friendships. Being open minded is the foundation of spirituality.
I picked up a Canon 100-400 mm lens in August hoping to further develop photographic skills.
My birthday this year was nothing extra ordinary.
The Kerala vacation was one of my best this year because of the opportunities it presented for photography.
January through March were a few tough months from a state-of-mind perspective. I have rarely felt lonely before but these months were a minor course study on "loneliness philosophy".
May u have all the wonders in years to come :) with a very dynamic family and friends and your secret love :) Stay blessed
ReplyDeleteThank you Payal! God bless you too!
Delete"Over the years, I believe, the number of people I have passion for has significantly plunged."
ReplyDeletehe he... which clearly means you are getting old :) and will hit bed by 10:30 p.m. soon!!!! :)))
Happy 2013!!! Have fun!
Bri, you mean wiser right ;-)?
Deleteu are and always be significant part of my life,,,, luv u always
ReplyDelete