"Mummy, I am in your Tummy"

It has always been very important to us that we make a conscious decision about becoming parents and that we wait until we are ready for the parenthood. So, here I’m, only 4 weeks from my “due date” and we are so over-the-moon excited for the very special arrival into our lives.

I know the feeling of soon mommy-to-be cant be explained in words. In next 4 weeks or so, someone special, someone new in our family will be chirping all day long. We are so excited and cant wait to hold those little fingers and make our little bunny a promise to hold him/her whenever he/she needs us. We have studied everything we could about how to become a good parents, how to help or baby learn and grow, we have been watching tons of videos on how to massage our little one, how to be prepared for his/her first bath at home, how to dress up little monkey, We are trying our best to make our baby’s arrival very special and with full of joy...

I have heard/read that baby in the womb feels whatever mother feels! Dear baby, do you really feel what I feel? When I am scared, do you feel scared too? Do you think what I think? Do you hate what I hate? Do you love what I love? If you really feel everything then you must know that we have loved you from the very first day you started growing into me.

Dear munchkin, just little more wait until you meet your dad. You have been knowing me for a long time now but your daddy is fantastic too. I know he is going to be a wonderful daddy. When I decided to hold his hand for a lifetime, the only thing I saw in him was his good heart, his love and care. He doesn't show but he loves you more than I do. He already bought your first toy to accompany you from hospital to home and be with you forever. With your daddy in our lives, we are sure to have lots and lots of laughter and fun.

I still remember it was May 13, 2012 when my best friend @twinkle delivered a baby and I bought the pregnancy test home. The thought of just knowing whether I was expecting or not had made me so excited that not sure how I would feel when I will be holding a little pumpkin in my hands for real. As soon as I had opened the test, I read through the instructions and rushed towards the bathroom. Test insisted to wait for 3 minutes but I couldn't wait and stared at the result, it took only few seconds to form a plus(+) symbol on my test strip. I was the happiest. Immediately I rushed towards daddy-to-be and I was like.. yeyyy Its positive!  He was like "Are you serious??? " and we both laughed. That was the moment we had been waiting for a long time. It was unbelievable. I was carrying a baby in my tummy and the thought of becoming parents just overwhelmed us. Finally after 12 years of togetherness, we would have someone in this world who will be our replica. oh my god, I just cant imagine how our world is going to change in few weeks...

It really didn't take a while to pass these 8 months. I have already completed 36 weeks and 4 more weeks for the big day. My hospital bag is ready too, washed all baby’s clothes and blankets. Little bassinet is ready as well for the baby to sleep peacefully. I bought all those cute baby things which I just cant wait to use, ordered all best baby products to make sure I don't harm the extra sensitive skin. OMG the list is endless. I told chirag the other day that we are almost done with the baby’s preparation but i still need to get my mani-pedi, facial and hairs done before baby arrives and he was like we are going to hospital to have you deliver a baby and not for baby’s wedding :) I told him that bringing our baby home is no less than any celebration. I want to look my best when my baby look at me for the first time :) Aww.. I am going crazy, i guess...

Two weeks ago we attended those childbirth classes at the hospital just to have an idea on how to prepare for labor and delivery. It wasn't necessary at all but we thought to have a little knowledge than being so dumb at the time of delivery. I was asked about my main concern, whether I am afraid of labor and delivery but the instructor really got surprised with my answer as I said I am not at all nervous. We are all ready to hold baby in our hands, We are excited and don't want that fear and nervousness come closer to us :)

My due date is January, 20th and since I am approaching my date every passing day, everyone is asking me: “How do I feel?” As I said earlier the feeling will never be expressed by any expecting mother. My friend @twinkle always teases me that, your baby is gonna be a football player as every time she asks me how am I doing, I tell her that baby is moving/kicking a lot and I am sure he/she is not like chirag who is so calm and quiet and we both start laughing. Really, it feels just great when you know that someone in your tummy is growing since past 8 months and within a month or so a part of you will make a grand entry to this beautiful world. This is just incredible and I call it nothing but god’s miracle happening to every woman.

As they say, all good things bring little pain. Pregnancy is no exception in this. Those first few months with mood swing and nausea are the worst things anyone could ever suffer in the life. I was so frustrated during my initial days of pregnancy that thinking of passing next few months made me so nervous but as days passed and our baby grew every day, it made me feel so fresh and wanted to enjoy this 9 months as much as I can... Also, the extra cuddle and love and care I have been getting from my dear hubby is the best-est from all other feelings :)

Little one, you don't have any proper name yet but we promise you to give you the best identity we could ever think of. We are struggling so hard to find an appropriate name for you and we think this is the toughest job of all in the entire pregnancy. You have an eager family waiting for you. You will be treasured and celebrated and admired. We are so excited to meet you but still we will wait patiently for you while you get ready to enter this beautiful world. we would not ask you to hurry... Come when you are ready.

Lots of love,
Mommy-Daddy

Turning 30!

Today, I turn 30.


When I was little, I used to think that people at their 30 were really old. Now that I am in my 30s, that perception has quickly shifted.

Standing where I am today, I still feel like a little kid, except I’m doing my best in playing the part of an adult- trying to fit in with other grown-ups and subsequently hiding little kid within.

To be very honest, I was not thinking of writing an article on how I feel on turning 30. If you ask me, I will say, there is nothing different at this age except for the sheer fact of growing older with this number definitely makes me look back in my past and reminds me of all good things I had done for the ppl around me, some silly mistakes I had done, how many ppl got hurt by my “not-so-acceptable” attitude and the commitment to my own self on putting as much efforts I could to change myself for the better tomorrow and to make all those ppl happy and proud who really love me and care for me.

Its been 3 decades I have been on this earth and I have been loving my existence to the fullest. Lot of ppl tell me that “I am self obsessed!” My answer to them is: "I am not self obsessed. Its just that I love myself more than you do." I could love ppl around me with my dear heart only because I love myself and that feeling has inspired me to write down what I really feel at this age. You cant be connected to yourself if you don’t appreciate, don’t love your existence.

When you are in your 30s, ppl around you would expect you to be wiser but believe me you don’t have to be that way. I am not saying that being wiser is not good. Its just that no need to change yourself only because you are getting older. Life’s good the way you take it. Life’s good the way you enjoy it… Its OK to behave like a 10 years old when you have a sweet tooth and someone leaves you alone at the dessert bar… lol

While writing this article and recollecting old days to realize what I had missed out in last 30 years that I shouldn’t have missed, the only regret I have is I couldn’t express my dear ones, my family, more often that I love them a lot and every minute staying away from them reminds me of all good times I had spent with them. So today, I don’t want to miss this chance to say I love you all. I appreciate your presence in my life. I am no one without ya’ll.

Life gets real, life gets better when you grow older. It helps you understand true meaning of your existence. Don’t worry and stay happy. Its always good to witness our own self going through the changes at every passing moment…

I am excited. I am more energized today as I step into a new year with lots of hope, courage and dreams of doing something extra for myself and everyone around me.

8365 miles

8365 miles... Can you guess what is it about? Okay, I will make you guess as you read through this article and yeah, don’t be so impatient to read “THE END” because sometimes entire story is better than knowing just the end. :)

When are you visiting India? Don’t you miss your parents? Don’t you wanna have fun with your friends back home? Don’t you wanna cuddle your niece and nephew? Do you not miss little fights with your sis? Hey you missed that gorgeous wedding, you used to prepare such a beautiful ‘Rangoli’ when you were in India, we had so much fun on a kite flying day, we bought new car and I wish you could experience the first ride, the new restaurant opened at the corner of our street is so amazing, hey you gotta taste the pani puri on xyz road its just delish, dad’s 60th birthday party, mom’s injured but cant go home and soothe her, niece scored first in the competition but couldn’t be present to enjoy her success, my nephew talks on phn about new toys he bought home, meeting parents is a web cam thing now a days, relatives know me on phone only, I have no idea all the lil kiddos of my cousins back home grown up so big in last 4 years….. oh my god, there are countless things that are happening on the other end of the earth and I am glad ppl still care about me being left out from their celebration and talks about all the fun they have had without me…

Whatever I just described is a bitter truth now days for almost everyone. There are so many things to miss when you are away from home. Away from home doesn’t define only away from India, it means away from your family, your childhood memory, your relatives, your friends. Lot of ppl who live in india might feel the same way as I do besides the distance. They are away from family because of career, studies and plenty of other reasons. I am sure all is going to attach their selves with this article and going to call their dear ones soon after reading this article :)

Even though I am away from home, I am living my dream here. I remember once I dreamt of going to a different land to explore new culture, new tradition, new opportunities and I am glad I did it today. I know lot of ppl won’t agree with me on this but there are so many things to do/feel/experience besides home land. I have discovered the magic after stepping my foot out of my horizon and dared to dream something new, something which had me sacrifice so many things. I chose to be strong enough and accepted my new life, accepted to experience something new every day. You will laugh at me but using a toilet paper was so weird to me on my first day in USA but now it became just a part of my life. So, accepting a change is not as difficult as it seems!!! I just adopted new life and it was as easy as tearing your old attire after you bought new one… lol

I am living my dream. I am a free bird and I want to fly high and high and high. This is what I think every day and walks out of the house to explore something new. Every day is a new challenge here. Challenge to live without family, challenge to grow every day, challenge to understand different ppl you meet all day, challenge to come back home with the same job, challenge to have trust in your own self to wake up as the same person you were night before. These are the things you learn when you are away and life teaches you how to face the everyday challenges.

My priorities have been changed in past 4 years. I never thought of creating my blog and writing a single article, I never thought of travelling a world, I never thought of doing something extra for my family but spending some lonely days without dear ones made me divert my mind in writing, the beauty of nature surrounded by me inspired me to travel the world one day, being away from my parents made me think/care more about them each day. When I call my dad every weekend and he passes a joke saying” he completely forgotten that he has 2 daughters” made me rethink on the fact that I haven’t met him since 4 years. :( All these are little things but affect your life in many ways.

As I am sitting on a couch, looking outside my window, I feel like life is so uncertain. At this very moment you have everything but still you are missing something. Being on a different land has lot to do with your strong heart and focused mind. Things look so different when you are sitting at the other end. Just yesterday I was talking to someone in India and that person asked me “Don’t you feel like meeting your parents? Don’t rush behind money and come back home!!!! “I felt so sad after knowing what ppl out there really think about me staying away from home. I have only answer to them: “I do miss my parents and I am not running behind money. I love this life and I chose to live my life differently. I was with my parents/friends/relatives for 25 years of my life and not meeting them for couple of years should not make anyone think that I don’t miss them.” I know lot of ppl won’t agree on this attitude but that is what keeps you going…

I started this article to let everyone know that there are so many things in this world to explore, to experience. Don’t be afraid, wake up and go out of your comfort zone. You have just one life and you don’t want to keep rolling it around same old routine.

Be a bird and fly away!!!

8365 miles is the distance I flew from India to USA on September 5th, 2008, had so many dreams, achieved some of ‘em, waiting on many of ‘em and few will never be fulfilled but I am glad I made this far. I know one day I would be able to show this new world to my dear ones the same way I am experiencing it right now.

What are you waiting on? Do google right away and see how far you are from your home? Distance is just a number. The only thing matter is how you would try to fill the gap!!!

Miles to go before I sleep… :)

50 Things I Learned the Hard Way!

I would highly recommend everyone of you to have a sip of atleast one thought with your morning Tea/Coffee... I bet you wont regret in your life. I have been implementing some of 'em for quite some time and believe me I feel the difference. I have made some mistakes in past and made some wrong decisions without considering their outcome but I dont want anyone of you to reapeat the same mistakes I have made. I am not saying that you will never make mistakes if you would follow below words written by some great people but I would guarantee you that you will have no chance to regret in your life which is kinda "you must do" rule these days. 

1.  Life isn’t fair, but it’s still good.
2. When in doubt, just take the next small step.
3. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone.
4. Your job won’t take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch.
5. Pay off your credit cards every month.
6. You don’t have to win every argument. Agree to disagree.
7. Cry with someone. It’s more healing than crying alone.
8. It’s OK to get angry with God. He can take it.
9. Save for retirement starting with your first paycheck.
10. When it comes to chocolate, resistance is futile.
11. Make peace with your past so it won’t screw up the present.
12. Don’t compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
13. If a relationship has to be a secret, you shouldn’t be in it.
14. Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don’t worry; God never blinks.
15. Take a deep breath. It calms the mind.
16. Get rid of anything that isn’t useful, beautiful or joyful.
17. Whatever doesn’t kill you really does make you stronger.
18. When it comes to going after what you love in life, don’t take no for an answer.
19. Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy lingerie. Don’t save it for a special occasion. Today is special.
20. Over prepare, then go with the flow.
21. Be eccentric now. Don’t wait for old age to wear purple.
22. The most important sex organ is the brain.
23. No one is in charge of your happiness but you.
24. Frame every so-called disaster with these words ‘In five years, will this matter?’
25. Always choose life.
26. Forgive everyone everything.
27. What other people think of you is none of your business.
28. Time heals almost everything. Give time time.
29. However good or bad a situation is, it will change.
30. Don’t take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
31. Believe in miracles.
32. God loves you because of who God is, not because of anything you did or didn’t do.
33. Don’t audit life. Show up and make the most of it now.
34. Growing old beats the alternative — dying young.
35. All that truly matters in the end is that you loved.
36. Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting everywhere.
37. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw everyone else’s,we’d grab ours back.
38. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need.
39. The best is yet to come.
40. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
41. Yield.
42. Life isn’t tied with a bow, but it’s still a gift.”  
43. Love and you shall be loved.
44. All people smile in the same language.
45. Thank God for what you have, TRUST GOD for what you need.
46. The choice you make today will usually affect tomorrow.
47. Do what you can, for who you can, with what you have, and where you are.
48. Live now. Make now always the most precious time. Now will never come again.
49. Choose a work which you love and you won't have to work a single day of your life.

  and last but not the least,

  50.  There's only one perfect husband in the world & every neighbor has it... lol

Hope you got it right and ready to implement in your life. I want you to breath deeply and introduce NEW "YOU" to the world! Everyone around you is waiting to see the change you are just going to make in your life by understanding few simple things which I learnt the hard way!!!

Isnt it amazing?

Hawaii : Heaven on Earth!

Hello

It’s been over 6 months since we had our most special vacation in Hawaii. Indeed, it feels like we just got back from the fabulous place. It's really impossible to erase the stunning experience. The magnificent memory of those days encouraged me to write this article.

  

I must say, I spent days in researching about this place before we actually booked our package. We wanted to have a romantic and adventurous vacation in all possible ways. As we were going to celebrate our 10 years of togetherness, we thought that Hawaii is the place where you could feel great comfort under the beautiful sky, could go for adventures in all shades of green and blue water, you could also give yourself a good workout by going on a long hike and of course Hawaii is a great place for shopping!!!! I think those were the best days of my life so far.

Up from the Air

I never thought Hawaii was such a beautiful and spectacular place until we landed there.I could still portrait every single minute from my trip but I don’t wanna hold you for days just to read about how beautiful this place is, rather I would like you all to visit it once in your lifetime ;)

Okay, so here is our week long vacation/A Journey to the heaven/A walk in the clouds/ The best-est time ever spent in the presence of someone I really love :)

We visited 3 major islands in Hawaii :

1) Hawaii’s Big Island (as the name suggests, it's one of the biggest islands in Hawaii)

2) Oahu (Most popular island in the state of Hawaii)

3) Maui (A very calm, quiet and romantic island with beautiful landscape)

We could not visit "Kauai" because of the shortage of time (Heard it has nice botanical gardens, forests and nice hiking trails)

@ Atlanta Airport

 Day 1 (December 5, 2010) – We had a flight at 9:30 in the morning! So we had left our apt at 6:30AM. Well, I couldn’t sleep that night thinking about all the fun we had planned on!!! We drove to friends place to park our car and from there took the train to get to the airport. It was a 45 minutes ride on train and we reached airport around 8:00ish and took our boarding passes. Looked at the time and thought we were bit early for the flight. I had taken out our brand new camera and as always started clicking pictures at the airport.

Lei Greeting!

Finally there was a call to get on the aircraft. I was so excited but was bit gloomy about 10 hours long flight + we had 2 hours layover at Dallas. We reached Honolulu airport around 8PM. We already had a booking with the transportation company to take us to the hotel. On our way out, we received a Hawaiian Lei Greeting which certainly had made our arrival so special! :)

It was 20-25 mins drive to our hotel - Aston Waikiki Joy and we reached there around 9PM. Since we had to leave for a one day trip to Big Island very next day, Chirag arranged the ride back to the airport as soon as we got in the hotel room. We were so exhausted from the day long flight, we had our dinner in the room itself and were soon ready to hit the bed. Nighty Night!!!!

Day 2 (December 6, 2010) -  We woke up at 4:00AM to catch the 8AM flight to the BIG ISLAND. Got ready and as the clock struck to 6:30AM, we received a call from the reception to let us know that cab had been arrived to take us to the airport. We clicked some pics in my new dress and headed downstairs in no time. The cab driver was a really nice person. Because of his talkative nature, we were lucky to get more information about Hawaiian people, their way of living, their culture and much more in half an hour than in entire trip.

Ride of the day - Mustang Convertible!

We reached the airport, took boarding passes and headed to the sitting area. On our way we took our breakfast, though I did not enjoy it much but was enough for few hours.We had a booking at Hawaiian Airlines and I could very well see the runway from my sitting area. I really didn't know why but I was so excited about flying Hawaiian airlines. As I had expected, when we got on the flight, a beautiful hawaiian lady greeted us Morning! She had a beautiful flower placed in her hair just behind the left ear. I had seen Chirag’s questionable expression after looking at the flower’s position!!! (In Hawaiian culture, flower on left side meaning being taken or Married and Right side meaning you are single)

Anyways, it was only 45 minutes flight and we landed at Big Island. Quickly we headed out to grab our ride of the day. Hubby rented Mustang convertible for the day and that added more excitement to our adventure on the land well known for having active volcano. 

Smoke coming out of the crater created by volcano!

Finally we reached at the Volcano National Park: main attraction on the map of Big Island. We went to the visitors center and collected some info on where to start our adventure. Unfortunately, we couldn't see active volcano at that time but I am glad, we have got another reason to visit Hawaii again :)

 We did roam around for few minutes and then started our long hike down to see the BIG crater created by volcano. I must say, I had never seen such a beautiful and scenic hike before. To my surprise we finished 4 hours long hike without any difficulty and made it to the top by early evening.

Black Sand Beach!

As we wanted to explore as much as we could, we headed to the Black Sand Beach in the evening. Oh my God, I was so amazed to see BLACK SAND. It looked so beautiful and unique. The beach was so calm and felt like It was extending its arms and telling us to sit and relax for hours and hours. We really enjoyed the calmness of that place and headed back to the airport to catch 6:30 flight back to Honolulu. On our way back, we quickly had few slices of pizza from the Pizza Hut to satisfy our stomach :) We got back to our hotel in honolulu around 9:30PM. It was a very long day and we decided to go to bed early to charge ourselves to explore Honolulu next day. Nighty Night!!!

Waikiki Beach, Ohau

Day 3 (December 7, 2010)- Okay, Lets explore the beach today. The good as well as the bad thing about beaches in Hawaii is that all the beaches are public. Waikiki beach is a well known beach in Ohau(Honolulu). We decided to spend a day at the beach and then Polynesian dinner show at the Sheraton hotel at night. The beach had such a beautiful view of a blue water. Any one could spend hours and hours gazing at that silent monster. After an hour or so we fixed ourselves to one place and looked around to have some fun in the water!! 

Aqua Cycle

Aqua Cycle was the best water vehicle I had ever seen. It was a tricycle that could easily float on a water when you paddle it.

I had also tried standing board(I did it on my knees though!). I never thought I could ever enjoy any water sports that could risk my life! I enjoyed it like anythng and left Chirag with a suspicious feeling of me being in a deep water all by myself :)

Noon was almost over and we were starving for food. Apart from sea food, Subway was the only restaurant we could see from where we were, so we had sub for our lunch. Just after we ate our food, we headed to the hotel to get ready for our evening show.. Later!

It was 6:00 in the evening and I was all set to enjoy Polynesian dinner show. Since the place was only couple of blocks from our hotel, we set the map on my phone and started walking. Without any hassle we reached at Sheraton hotel a half hour early. As we already had a reservation, just confirmed our tickets and entered the hallway.

MAI TAI :)

As we sat on the table, waiter came by, greeted us and asked us for a choice of drink. Since we had landed in the hawaii, I had been hearing a lot about famous Hawaiian drink “Mai Tai”. I asked waiter about its contents and made my mind to have it. Pineapple juice with rum made me high that night but I could manage to control myself though ;) After I had finished the drink, We got up to decorate our plate with delicious food but unfortunately I couldnt find anything vegetarian except for the salad :( However I enjoyed my salad followed by some water melon considering the fact that average only 15% of the world’s population are vegetarian! lol )

@ Polynesian Curtural Show



 As performances started, we had been asked not to click any pictures and enjoy the show. It was so much fun witnessing the Hawaiian culture in their own style. There was an after show photo session with all the performers who performed that night. We were not exception in that and had few memorable clicks with them.. On our way back to the hotel, we had to take few stops to complete my shopping for the day! We found that Ohau looked totally different in its black shades!!! End of the day. Nighty night!!!

Day 4 (December 8, 2010) - Today was the day to explore Polynesian cultural center where you could see the culture of 7 different islands and performance from all these islands. We spent all day there exploring each and every islands. Had some sushi for lunch and as we were coming to an end to get off the Polynesian center, we took our canoe ride to get to the front door. That was an awesome ride!

We took the circle island tour while heading back to the hotel. It was a scenic ride and saw few beautiful beaches, celebrity bungalows, pineapple fields, amazing mountain range, few movie locations and much more. In addition, we were also able to see some international surfers performing their stunts for the on going competition. Then we also stopped by a place where they sold famous macadamia nuts in all different flavors. We grabbed some too :)

Polynesian Cultural Center!

At the night, we again decided to take a walk on the street and explore night life. We were so lucky to enjoy xmas decoration in the Ohau city. It was like a sky full of starts came down to earth just to celebrate our presence in the hawaii!!! lol  We stopped by at California Pizza Kitchen for dinner. It felt just too good to sit in the patio and having a piece of your fav pizza and at the same time enjoying stunning view of the street. We got back to the hotel after dinner and had some last minute shopping in ohau as we were leaving for maui next morning!!! Night!

Day 5 (December 9, 2010) - .And it was a time to leave Ohau :( We had really enjoyed our stay in Ohau and also we were more excited about our next destination- Maui :) We had finished our breakfast quickly and headed to the airport. Again for no reason, Hawaiian Airlines added some more excitement to my journey. We reached Maui 10:30is in the morning. We were scheduled to take a helicopter flight at 12:30 in the noon. So very quickly we got out the airport, rented our ride to explore Maui (as we fell in love with mustang, we couldn't resist our self to ignore it and rented the same beauty for next 4 days :)).



Posing after safe landing of our helicopter flight!



Okay, I knew that I had never experienced a helicopter ride before in my whole life and being scared was obvious but when the lady handed some paper to sign on it, I realised how much did I love my life, but with the brave heart I had signed the disclaimer stating that they would not be responsible if anything had happend to us while we were on a flight.. lol

I really enjoyed my first helicopter ride and glad I am in one piece to write this article :)

While going to our resort after the helicopter flight, we discovered the real beauty of Maui. Beautiful mountain range took our breath away and after looking at our Marriott resort, I couldnt speak a single world. I just whispered to Chirag: “WOW!!! Thank you so much”! We didnt do much that day after we got settled in the resort, Just took a walk by the resort’s private shoreline and enjoyed the nature at its best! We had to go to bed early as next day was planned for the “Sun Rise Tour”.

Among the clouds!

Day 6 (December 10, 2010) - Our tour guide took us from the resort at 4:00 in the morning to see the 6:00AM sun rise. The day didnt start so well as when we got on the bus for sun rise tour, our tour guide had informed us about the bad weather and tstorms on the way up to the sun rise tour.

We got there on time but because of the heavy storms we couldnt see the sun rise. I still remember It was freezing up there and I was wearing a single jacket which was really not helping me to stay warm.
 

Scenic circle island tour



We got back to the resort around 9:30AM and were bit upset because of the weather. We were supposed to go out for a Zip Line adventure that afternoon but rain had spoiled all our plans. We then went to the shopping mall as it was the only indoor place worth going on that horrible day :( But as they say everything happens for a reason! As we couldn't go to zip line adventure, we thought to explore an island and to my surprise that day became the most memorable day during our stay in Maui :) Sky turned out so nice with all shades of gray and under the sky there was a shiny blue water and when rain was falling, it felt really really great. Oh my goodness.. that was more like a fantasy!

Cabana!

By the time we had reached our resort in the evening, rain got quiet and we got some time to explore our resort. I had put on my bathing suit and we headed out to rent a cabana. Since it was a bad weather, sun already set in the sky and there were no more ppl out to rent a cabana, we got it for free and that made me more happy :) We set by our cabana and just recollected our memory from past. That was the most romantic part of our entire vacation!

Day 7 (December 11, 2010) - Chirag had woke me up this morning by these lovely words : “Happy Anniversary baby!!!” I was so excited to celebrate our 3 years wedding anniversary in a different way. We had planned to go on a scenic drive to Hana. Hana is 52 miles long scenic drive and you will see wonders as you explore every mile. I really cant explain our experience in words. I set my camera to the sports mode and clicked one after the other :) There were also places on our way where Jurassic park was shot.  

Hana scenic drive, Maui

Now comes the most beautiful romantic place I have ever been till now. Everything was at one place - water fall, small swimming pool like pond with black sand and deep blue ocean. It was a little hike down the hill where on the one end you could see the fall and swim in the pond beneath it, and on the other end, there was huge mighty ocean. It was a place where you could sit for hours and days looking at the ocean and still you would think that you were not satisfied!!! I just didn't want to leave that place but we were running out of time so left the spectacular place in an hour or so an headed back to the resort.

We got back to the room in the evening and got ready for the anniversary dinner. We had our dinner in our resort restaurant .That was the best anniversary celebration so far :)

Day 8 (December 12, 2010) - Last day in Hawaii :(


Today we were leaving for Atlanta in the 6:30PM flight but before that we had to do one BIG adventure - Snorkeling :) We had never done it before so we were very much excited about it.

Chirag is scared of water but he still wanted to try it. We got on the boat and he convinced all his senses that he could do it but when the time had arrived to really jump in to the 40 ft ocean, he chickened out, but I could easily snorkel :) I was amazed to see under water world with my naked eyes. That was just great! No words. Period.

Snorkeling :)

We had also tried SNUBA where you go deep in the water with the oxygen mask. We could not finish the adventure though. We came out half way as It was so freighting to go deep in the water with oxygen mask.. I am not that brave yet :) May be on our next trip.. lol

Snorkeling Adventure was the high light of our (or should I say my :)) trip as we had never did it before. We got back to the resort around 1:00PM. We had to leave the resort as we already past the 12:00PM check-out time. With our special request they extended our stay for 1 more hour and gave us some time to pack our bags. We left the room at 2:00PM, had lunch and headed to the airport to catch the flight back to ATL.



@ Maui Airport - returning back to atlanta 



We arrived atlanta on Monday, December 13, 2010 at 9:45 AM. I was so exhausted again with the 10 hours flight but had to go back to the work same day. I directly went to the office from the airport and jumped to the work!!!

...and here is the end of our vacation!!!

 Hope you have enjoyed Hawaii :)

Happy Birthday, Pinky!

How would you like to wish your childhood friend on her birthday? I thought sending a simple note on face book wall should not be well enough to wish happy birthday to a simple, loving, caring and a very down to earth girl who happens to be your most favorite childhood friend. Although I can't wish her in person; I will send bunch of happy thoughts for her to make her day very special!

Today is my friend pinky’s birthday (Her real name is Minal but I am used to call her pinky. I know she might not like calling her with her nick name but I tell you, I am not going to change myself for this.. lol) …. And for a few moments I would like to drift back in time where we both grew up. If I am given a chance to live my past again, Bilimora would be the only place in my dictionary where I would like to go back and live every single moment I spent there with my lovely friends.

I still remember both of us sitting on a terrace sharing hopes and thoughts and dreams for the future. On her birthday, I wanted to take a moment to wish her all the happiness and comforts in life. I wish life’s brightest joys illuminate her path, and may each day’s journey make her dreams come true.
We grew up through the kinder garden, primary and high school together, celebrating birthdays every year by distributing chocolates in the entire community where we lived together for almost 17 years. I just cant forget those priceless moments and fighting for the small things till death!!! Playing all the silly games with great excitement, dancing on the bollywood track, going to cinema every time new movie hits the market, eagerly waiting for the results after exams are over and once result is out comparing grades with each other, borrowing money, borrowing scooty or sunny every other day, eating pani puri at the railway station.. oh my god, the list is infinite...

Today we have both married and still stayed in touch all these years. I would like to take a chance to tell her that I really miss her and all the fun we used to have. Today on her birthday, I am wishing her good luck to convert every single dream into reality.

Dear,

May this birthday offer you as much joy and happiness as you give to all who know you. Make the most of this birthday!!! Remember you are really very special!

Because time itself is like a spiral, I truly believe that something special happens every year. A birthday is just the first day to start another 365 days long journey. Enjoy the trip with great eagerness!!!

 Happy Birthday!!!