Today's Cooking

Forget days, seasons are flying by this year. Little one's birthday party, Navratri and Diwali saw lots of cooking, fun and festivities with family and friends. I completely forgot to take photos of the big spread I had created for the Diwali party. 

I have too much on my plate. I want to accomplish a lot. And there is a big but...But, days blend into one another as I rush through the days tackling lists of tasks only to crash, after dinner, in front of the TV while doing more chores/surfing the web/crocheting before dosing off in my extremely cozy recliner. My recliner-- the most comfortable and cozy piece of furniture I own!

Lists--digital and paper based--help me stay sane, focused and timely. I know quite a few people who get overwhelmed by lists but I would be less productive without them. Which reminds me that I should start adding blogging to my daily lists.

Many topics have swirled in my thoughts and I find myself thinking that I should blog about it...only, something else of more immediate nature pops up and the thought remains a thought. A few things that have been on my mind a lot lately are:

Family-- I love my nuclear family but what about my parents and in-laws? How do I take care of them while they are miles away? Should I sacrifice my dreams and aspirations for myself and my kids in order to comply with that of my parents? In this changing world, how does one take care of elders living in distant lands while pursuing her/his goals?

Friendship-- I have moved so much in the past few years that most of my very good friends live in far off cities. Working from home does not present many opportunities to meet other interesting people. And becoming friends with the ones you meet takes so much work...why does it get harder to make friends as you grow old? Are we more set in our ways and less tolerant? Are people tired of all the other commitments that they don't want to invest time and energy into new friendships? 

Parenting-- I start out each day with a prayer to be the best person and mom I can be. Some days are super fantastic. But most days, I find myself thinking, "why is parenting so frustrating?" or "I never said that to my parents, where does she learn all this from?"  And then I see an old photo while passing by a room, or stop folding the socks to think how tiny the little feet are, or receive a big hug/I love you so much and I know why I gladly choose to be a parent every single minute of the day.

Saving-- I grew up in a family where the importance of living within your means was drilled into our heads. Somewhere along the way we lost that philosophy and I am trying to get my family back on track. I am also trying to impress upon my kids the importance of saving. But sometimes it is a losing battle as I sound like a broken record to my own ears and the little ones find it difficult to understand why they can't have the Lalaloopsy dolls, etc. 

And so, I march along...with the days blending into one another, with the rapidly changing seasons, with the hope that the lists will keep me focused and the knowledge that I am doing my best right now.