The Year in Review

A whirlwind year to begin with, 2008 was marked with promising, rich, eventful as well as bittersweet experiences.

It all began with my initiation into the entrepreneurial world. I started my consultancy-which hasn’t really taken off as I had hoped. Partly because I am way too caught up with my full time job and have not aggressively promoted it. With Hubby dear being the back bone of this new endeavor, I hope to surge ahead in the new year.

I became a volunteer community mediator-one of my proudest achievements. I didn't mediate a lot of cases but the ones I did have made me realize how gratifying and enriching it can be. Other than meeting interesting, diverse people and making new friends, I have learned more about myself having evolved in ways I didn’t anticipate. I am surer of who I am, what makes up my beliefs and expectations. Mediation has also given me a way to ‘give’ back to the community in a very non-traditional way.

D and A have blossomed into beautiful toddlers – in their own special way.

A- my sweet little A, accomplished all milestones she could at her age, is a kid always on the move, someone who likes to keep us on our toes, funny, spunky, free-spirited, strong-willed, bold yet unexpectedly shy. She discovered singing, especially nursery rhymes and coloring, among other things. Give her a few sheets of paper and a box of crayons- you don’t have to worry about her for a couple of hours. Or put on some music or sing along with her, you will find yourself with a very content and happy child. She overcame her dislike for travel. The year started out rough with the trips but ended well with the last one we made. She literally ‘behaved’ the entire 8 hours we were in the car. That’s my girl! She established herself as her mama’s helper- yes, I look forward to the day when she will do everything that I abhor doing around the house. Wishful thinking? I know but there’s no harm in doing that, right? And last but not the least, she proclaimed her undying love for ……….Barney! She ADORES Barney. I wouldn't be surprised if the little tyke disowns her family for that purple dinosaur!

D- my man.. is a toddler who is on his way to boyhood. He cannot wait to turn five – a moment he has been looking forward to since his 4th birthday. His love for superheroes including Star Wars grew several folds this past year. However, his favorite was and perhaps will always be Spider man. He transitioned beautifully to his room without any hiccups. He became a proud owner of a study table, magnetic calendar among some other new possessions (read toys). He graduated to a bike this summer, riding it for hours on long, beautiful summer nights. His vocabulary has increased by leaps and bounds. He is more comfortable with numbers, letters and has begun to read (with help, of course!). His compassion and consideration shines through despite fits of anger and outbursts. He too established himself as a helper- a glorified one at that. Whether it’s getting the dining table set for food, fetching a glass of water, cleaning up the room or watering the plants, he is ever ready to help. He is more independent and feels ‘cool’ when he accomplishes something with no aid. And he became his sister’s protector. A responsibility he has taken on beautifully and is hugely proud of.

Out of the several trips we made this year, the two that stand out are our trips to London in May and India in October. Both were fun and interesting in their own way. London was an out-and-out touristy trip while India was reuniting with family and friends. We returned broken hearted but with a ton of wonderful memories to last us for a lifetime.

I took guitar lessons-something I have always wanted to do.

I spoke at a few professional events and conferences. An accidental discovery of a talent I didn’t realize I had. Conducting a training workshop and speaking at a conference is NOT the same thing. I love doing both but the latter makes me feel important- in a very nice, competently confident way!

I got myself a Face book account. Is this an accomplishment? Heck yes...at least for me. I am still trying to figure it out- it's somewhat complicated for a tech buffoon like me.

Hubby dear and I had a couple of intermittent fall outs-nothing to cry home about. In retrospect, it was good because they made us tighter. He is still my rock and I am still his mirror.

I gained weight- the New Year’s feast will be my last binge. See, I have no self-control and am as greedy as ever!Gosh I love my food!

So there...my personal highlights of 2008. There were other things that took place....external things, events that occurred around us, outside our cocoon, our safety net that some way or the other impacted and influenced our views, thoughts, beliefs and actions. This year, particularly was another year of suffering and loss. Terror attacks in Mumbai took one of our own-my sister-in-law. There were other countless disasters- bomb blasts, floods, famine, genocide to name a few. Some man made while others not, irreparable, meaningless and senseless loss of humanity, events that made us all lose our hopes, our dreams, that gnawed away at our spirits, weakened our very core. But we managed to pick up the pieces…yet again, reunite and continue on our journey. As we come out stronger, firmer and more resilient, we pay our respects to those who were snatched away from us, those who sacrificed their today’s for our tomorrows. Once again RIP brave souls, we salute you!

On this solemn note, wishing you all a very happy and PEACEFUL 2009.