My 2009

My annual tradition continues, but this time in my blog - A recollection of moments this past year. (Okay I only now noticed that this still was a draft. So I am publsihing it as is)

Did I spend 2009 well? Did I do the best I could in everything I did? A lot has happened this year. In previous years I have always felt that I have done a lot of things, but this year is filled with so much more.

I started out 2009 as usual with some resolutions. Was careful not to keep too many this time after the 2008 disaster :)

1> Live healthy
2> Do some serious running
3> Love truly if it should come my way

For once I think I have done all three. I can already see where people's focus is going...lol
However the year was really filled with travel, workouts, friends, love and movement.

Early this year I was told that there was a possibility of me going back to India. I started to get mentally prepared for this and then it did not happen. I got to enjoy the wonderful summer in Minnesota. Did not waste a bit of it this time unlike 2007 where I was doing 13 hour work days all summer long.

I took up running seriously. Did some 5Ks, an 8K, 10K and then my first Half Marathon. Was not very clever with the training and overdid it. Outcome - the last 4 weeks of training landed up being zilch and had to attend physical therapy instead so that I could at least walk right. Still ran the HM against doc's orders. It was the best thing I ever did! The feeling at the end of it is unbelievable - to have done something that most people don't ever think of doing.

Living healthy came naturally with all the running. My food habits changed and proteins were the choice of the day. Took up cycling and doing a whole lot of outdoors activities in general. I love MN in summer. The lakes and the breeze make it a delight to be there.

Life needed a boost though and instead of letting my brains rust, I decided to give the GRE. Four weeks of intense studying and then the exam. It was not the greatest and I was pretty disillusioned by the mock tests. But it was fun. a taste of something different.

Then the time to come back home actually arrived and I was ready. Coming back to India was a challenge. I don't want to sound pompous. But initially I could not cope with the crowds, weather and breathing the fumes that I had long forgotten my body pretty much rebelled. I couldn't recover from the flu. Took 4 weeks of a hoarse voice before I could carry any sort of tune. Now everything is good though. Settled in pretty well. It is so nice to be back with family and friends. Living with my grandparents was really nice and I love that I came home to a place where I am truly welcome.

More news!! I quit Patni after 6 years. The only job I ever knew. It felt like taking this giant step and I was super scared. But the new job seems exciting and I got a hike in pay, designation and role. So it was a no brainer to go for it :) Thank you Vinod!

The new job brings me back home to Pune and I am living in my Mom's place again. Big baby :D Well there are new babies at home. Brutus and Brandy - my puppies. I love them and they have their own ways to show they love me. Rottweilers are not the easiest of pets, but I wouldn't trade them for the world.

Bought a new car. My third baby. A Honda Civic. A bit big for Indian roads, but it is a joy to drive her.

Coming back to Pune brings me to the last of my resolutions :D
Yes love did come . Something totally unexpected. He is the sweetest man and he makes me feel like a princess. I cannot say that it has all been ups. There have definitely been downs too. But, love is a roller coaster...there is no thrill without the downs and the woosh up again.

My friends have played a major role in shaping my year.
Silvia, Meghna, Anahita, Amol, Rambha, Ashdin, Forrest and Vasudha - thank you all for being the wonderful people you are!

The year has been a great one and I hope 2010 can keep up!