jr.

Navrathri 2015

Golu 2015 went by fast. We are done with the Saraswati pooja already. Tomorrow is "learning day". Time flies!

This year was probably the most hectic Navarathri season in recent times as there was only one weekend to visit our friends golus! We did the best we could from a scheduling stand point.

The photos of the golus are still being processed.. but as usual, here are some backyard shots and "out takes" courtesy of the quirky Jr. 

 Jr. was "humoring" me with Yoga poses .. 

Was tempted to say "switch your right hand the other way.. remember  mama give me money!".. instead, decided to just enjoy the moment and keep clicking. The girl seems to be bow legged just like daddy.. seems to put all her weight on the outer edge of her feet. It took me a year to stay flat footed on this pose.. where were we? These days I cannot stay on the same train of thought for more than 30 words. Backyard pictures.. that was the topic!

Usually we get at least three sets of pictures.. this year we got only two. 

Also Jr. had to go to a dance performance which lasted all of 5 minutes . There was 30 minutes for make up, 45 mintues driving.. have informed the family that going forward they have to submit an ROI spreadsheet and I will review it before going to such "performances".

Remember this Photoshop masterpiece from three years ago? 

Tried to recreate it this year. But got only 4 kids this year instead of the 6. There is still time. If they pose for me tomorrow in another set of fancy clothes just for the photo, we can make a "teen saal baad" (three years later) collage. 

On the plus side, my photoshop skills are still intact. Took me all of 20 minutes to get this picture done. Three years ago, it took me hours. 

Wishing everyone a great closure to Navrathri celebrations. Tomorrow is Vijaya Dasami. A day to start learning new things and a very special day for arts and crafts.. Maybe I will pick up my guitar and play Stairway to Heaven.. who knows. 

Given I am cranky as hell last few weeks, it is time to surprise myself and the family!

Out of time, out of place

Conversation with Jr. while driving her back from class

Me: did you know that your cousins and uncle went to a high school football game ? Apparently it is called a .. 

Jr. : Homecoming game.. I know. Do you know why it is called a homecoming game?

Me: No. 

Jr. : (starts explaining something about games, winning, losing, parties, etc. etc.) and sees my eyes glaze over in the rear view mirror and asks "do you know what a homecoming is?"

Me : No.

Jr. : didn't you have any school rivalries when you went to school?

Me: No.

Jr. : Didn't you have homecoming games?

Me: No.

Jr. : thinks for a second and goes "okay. let's start with the basics. Did you go to high school?! "

Next time I have to start steering the conversation in a different direction.

A new tank

Earlier this morning, Jr. and me realized that the fish tank needed cleaning. She volunteered to help. So we started. 30 minutes into the thing when we were cleaning the gravel, a sharp stone (which had been recently added to the tank by Mommy and the little one) came and hit the glass and the tank broke!

Given the fishes were all in a small bucket and all the cleaned parts were all over the bathroom floor, we had to act quick. So went with the kids to the local Petco and got a new tank.

The kids agreed to come with me to Petco on one condition. They get to go shopping for what goes inside the tank as well. The replacement tank was 15 bucks. They shopped for ornaments and plants for another 50 bucks! Given this tank was bought during 4th of July in 2005, thought it was time to give the fishes some new furniture!

The old tank has seen its share of ups and downs, and we now have 6th generation fishes living in the tank. 

We now have the new tank all setup and the fishes are exploring their new decor. Hope they like it.

They were talking among themselves about Yoga theme in the house and thought they had picked a Buddha. At the counter, they told me "no appa. it is Zen Girl ! that is why we picked it!"

Zen girl looks pretty good to me!

Had other plans for the day. Go biking with kids, get some sun, etc. This turned out to be equally exciting.