Who is the last person to tell you they loved you?

2012:

MJ! He didn't say it directly, but I felt it the minute he talked to me. As soon as I heard his voice, I was filled with so much love and gratitude that I was just speechless for a moment.

2014: 

It's been a long time since I've talked to MJ. I'm just not ready to call him yet. Want to wait till I have some good news to share with him. I'm hoping it will be real soon. Because I've really missed talking to him. 

Anyway, last person to say, "I love you" has been JK. Kids aren't so much into expressing themselves... probably taking after me! :)

2015: probably JK.. who else? I miss talking to MJ, but haven't called him for the same reasons as a year ago. :(

2017: JK

2018: No one...

2019:
No one really, however, I had called MJ today and as soon as he picked up the phone, he said, "Jay Maharaj Beta, Shubh Ashirvaad!" It was filled with so much love and care, I keep reliving that moment over and over!

My house is a home because ____________

2012: That's where we build the stories! Memories and laughter are made here!

2014: We stick together thru thick and thin! 
2015: Because we cook together, eat together, hike together! Kids still love to hang out with us and go places! From what I've heard, that doesn't happen much with other families once the kids are teens. 

2018: that's where I crash after long day of work? :) 

2019: It's the glue to my family. It binds everyone together!

What was your last major purchase?

2012: This computer! 27" iMac!!! $1600! 
2013: My ticket to India, if that counts.
2014: Nothing major, but I did buy JK a Samsung watch (Gear?) that syncs with his phone. It was originally $200, but we got it for discounted price because it was returned(open box) item and then, I had 15% off coupon for all clearance/open box items. While we were at it, I got myself FitBit Zip to track my daily activity and steps. Other than that, one major 'purchase' is Avni's Spain trip from her class, which is about $3500 and Neil's Philmont trip is about $1800. 
2015: Avni just left tonight for her Bahama cruise, but that is all paid by her. Since I haven't had a job for almost a year (!), no major purchase from me! Just happy to be able to pay monthly bills! My workout shoes for $17 seemed like a MAJOR purchase for me, but I had worn out my old ones that I bought  over 3 yrs ago!

2017: I guess my and Avni's car? Mine got totaled and Avni's car (Pooja's old one) needed to go too, so we both ended up buying the new cars within a month from each other.

2018: Few months back, I bought Rotimatic for about $700. Other than that, bought myself a new iPad for $300? That was my gift to myself for getting a job at Tesla. 

2019: Since JK took over my Prius and I was left with his old Merc, which has 244,000 miles on it, I had been constantly considering the next plan. Just then, offer came at work for discounted Tesla and I jumped on it. It was $49,500 and with $10000 discount and $10000 tax credit, it turned out to be a good deal if I was going to buy the car in near future. 

Tomorrow I will _________________________

2012: Start working on another long term project? Photo a day.

2014: Work on catching up on scrapbooking Project Life 2013. Somewhere along the way, I fell behind and I really need to catch up on it. 

2015: Go hiking/exploring with Pooja and Neil (1/30/15). Avni just left for her Bahama cruise with her girl scout troop, so it's just three of us!

2017: Just a normal Sunday for me. Working at 6am. Haven't thought of what I'll be doing after I get home from work. Probably nothing. Looking forward to see Kassandra's new car that I helped her buy last night.

2018: working 12 hours. I don't think there will be time or energy to do anything else after that!

2019:
Work 12 hours till I'm dead tired! This is really getting old!!!

How much did you spend at the grocery store the last time you went?

2012: $107.43 at Costco and $24.43 at New India Bazar.

2014: Costco - $95.90, New India Bazar - $15.50 , Costco - $62, New India Bazar - $23.

2015: Food Maxx - $23 Tomatoes - $.69/lb, Avocado - $.39 each, pasta - $.33 per package 

2017: It's been a while since I've done grocery shopping. I buy bare minimum lately. Pretty much milk, tofu, eggs, cheese. Not much else. On the other hand, I did buy tons of hot chololate mixes, chocolate gift baskets, cookies and such at incredible savings from HomeGoods. 

2018: Yesterday, Avni and I went to Costco and had fun shopping for fun foods. We haven't done it in long time! We bought juice, potato chips, Hot cheetos, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, cheddar chess biscuit mix and shampoo/conditioner. Total damage - $100

2019: Took Avni and her friend Derek and Slo (Johnathan) to Business Costco. She was like a kid in a candy store. It was her first time at the business Costco. She was so excited and happy there! It was worth the trip there! I didn't buy much except the basics - frozen vegetables, Cashew clusters (treat for myself!), Craisins, and few other things. $46.

Today the temperature was __________________

2012: 39* at 7:30AM when we left for school/work(2/2/2012)

2014: 75*!!!!! It's been this warn all January, while rest of the country is experiencing polar vortex! 

2015: 66*! NY is hitting Snowmegddon and closing down the city. Historical event!

2017: It was 31* at 6 o'clock in the morning!!! Later, it warmed up to 50's. It's been a cold winter this year!

2018: 78*!!! (2/2/18)

2019: 65*! In meanwhile, Chicago is about to get record low of -45*, colder than arctic and Mt. Everest!!! That's the difference of 110* between here and there!!!!

What is your favorite thing to drink?

2012: 
Kids would say it's green smoothie! But I do appreciate cool lemonade on hot summer days

2014:
nice cold water is all I care for!

2015:
Mint or lemon infused cold water!

2017:
Right now, I have been enjoying experimenting different herbal teas. 

2018: Hot chocolate and herbal tea.

2019:
Hot chocolate.

What are you looking for from life?

2012:
Humm, that's a deep one! After spending last 12 yrs in financial turmoil, definitely looking for some financial peace. Other than that, I'm pretty content with life. Couldn't ask for more.

2014:
I think I pretty much have what makes life beautiful in deeper sense. Everything else is just materialistic. Things that might make life easier, more comfortable.. but nothing really 'lacks' right now from letting me enjoy and appreciate what I already have right now.

2015: 
At this point, just closer relationship with kids, family (Which I already have, but would like to keep it that way, or even closer) and enjoy the life that is filled with laughter and happy memories.

2017:
I want to create a beautiful canvas of life. Something that makes you feel peaceful and makes you smile when you look back. I want to make my home inviting for family and friends, friends of kids and make it their favorite hangout place.

2018:
Lots of adventures, laughter and fun with kids, spending time with family and friends and making great memories.

2019:
Good relationship with family, life filled with , happiness, good times and laughter.

What made today unusual?

2012:
All the people that are important to me and are near and dear to my heart are far away from me and talked to all of them today - MJ, JK and Pooja.

2013: I was in India, enjoying my time with MJ at the temple!

2014: My car was ready from repair shop, so it was time to return the rental car! Everyone loved driving/riding Toyota Prius. Well, while I returned it, I didn't realize that JK had transferred snowshoes from my car to rental. So, now we need to go back and get those back.

2015: I can't believe this! Today, I had the SAME kind of car accident as a year ago! Got rear ended and had a spare tire dragging behind the car. Kids are excited about the rental car! 
I also did box jump at 31.5", which is a record for me. After I bumped my shin while trying to jump 24", I had fear of jumping high, took me a while to jump 20", but never dared to jump 24" again and today out of nowhere, with encouragement of friends, I dared to jump 30" and did it with no problem! So, tried a bit higher and that was successful too!

2017:
Nothing really. Usually, I work on Mondays, JK picks up Neil from school, I take him to Boy Scouts and then, I leave for my evening/night shifts. However, Neil has finals for his AP Bio class tomorrow, so he went to library after school with friends and skipping Boy Scouts tonight. He'll be coming home around 8. 

2018:
I had volunteered to work today (2/2, Friday). When I got there, I found out that they had cut down on all overtime. Sam, my manager asked me if I can only work 8 hours today. While it hurts the paycheck, it was good to be out after 8 hours. Went to workout, which normally doesn't happen on Fridays due to high traffic on my way home. 

2019:
From today, I started working at Model 3, general Assembly. It is kind of frustrating where few of us ended up and we keep getting reminded to be happy to still have the job. Part of my job is to bring the door trims on pallet jack, something I never thought I'd be doing at work. Such is life.

Tomorrow will be better because ___________________

2012: Today is ending on a good note. 
2013: I was in India, each day was better than the previous one! :)
2014: Everything is going in right direction. Today is Pooja's first day at USF. She's making good progress after some setbacks. Avni and Neil are doing great in their schools. JK seems to be making progress. And if all this goes as expected, my retirement days are getting closer!
2015: I'm going camping with Neil and his Boy scouts to Pinnacle. I'm expecting the money from Citibank after dealing with them for 6-8 months. If all goes well on JK's end, we might have something to celebrate about!

2017: At the rate everything is going, it can't get any worse. So, yes, tomorrow WILL be better day. I'm going to make it a point to have a better day tomorrow.

2018: I will make sure that it will be a better day. 

2019: Humm... I don't know about this one. Tomorrow will be better at the knowledge that I Still have a job, while so many others lost it at the moment of notice? 

Today I wish I had more _________________

2012: Time and energy to be more creative.
2013: I was in India... revisiting Karamsad Santram Mandir (where I got married) on my 22nd wedding anniversary.

2014: challenging work to keep me busy.

2015: Motivation to utilize all this free time I had on hand! I feel like I'm wasting away valuable time.

2017:
faith in better future. As much as I want to believe that better days are ahead, something happens and it makes me second guess if everything really will be ok. 

2018: time management skills to utilize my time better. 

2019: Energy and drive to get to my goals.

What was the hardest thing you’re dealing with?

2012: Getting back on track with finances.

2014: Waiting patiently for JK's deal to come thru while trying to accept the fact that if it doesn't come thru, I've hit the wall and can't make life any better than it is right now. Not that it's a bad life, but to be able to come up with cash for bigger expenses in the future isn't going to be easy.

2015: Still the same as 2014! 

2017:
Being taken for granted. Being side stepped. 

2018: Oh how I wish I can say that things have changed since 2014, but they haven't. However, I've managed so far and I have confidence that I will in the future too! It doesn't matter what life throws at me.

2019: Unfair treatment. Both at work and at home. Why do I let everyone take advantage of me and step all over me? For most part, it's because I don't want to deal with it and trying to pick my battles, but the end result is, I feel resentment at the end of the day.

My current favorite website is _________________

2012: Pinterest, TMMO (The Money Make Over)

2014: Facebook, SmugMug (to check my completed scrapbook pages and photos)

2015: I spend way more time on Facebook than I should. I need to stay away from it, but it's my window to outside wolrd. I learn so much from the articles my friends post on it.

2017:
Currently, it's been ravelry for inspiration for crochet project. There are some amazing project out there. I want to make so many of them.

2018: I bought one year subscription for CreativeLive classes, so I've been watching some classes on there. CL has always been my favorite and I've loved to watch whatever class is on at the time, so this is great to watch whichever class I want to watch whenever, rather than catching the right one at the right time. Besides, I do have weakness of signing up for classes. :)

2019: I barely go to any website. Mostly, it's Amazon, Facebook, library app to listen to books.

The best part of today was ______________ .

2012: Talking to MJ and Pooja.
2013: Probably getting on flight on time.. after a bit of scare of flight delays due to snow in London.
2014: Making vegetarian manchoorian for dinner at the last minute and surprise kids with it. 
2015:
Making Dal baati for dinner and have it ready by the time Pooja came home from work. 
2017: Working for 23 minutes and getting paid for 4 hours! Shannon wanted me to meet up with client's daughter before she head back to city, but I wasn't available for entire 4 hours, so Shannon had them agree to have me meet with with her at 7am for an hour and pay me for four (I guess their minimum hour requirement). Well, we went thru everything real quick and I was out the door by 7:23. Can't beat that. I know I was looking forward to sleeping in after so many days, but it was worth it. 

Taking Neil to DMV for his road test. Unfortunately, he didn't pass the test, but I enjoyed the ride with him. 

2018: Finding out that if we work extra day during our regular 3-day work week, it's overtime for first 8 hours and then, double time for rest of the day. Unfortunately, they stopped overtime as of today, but when it does come back, this is great news! (2/2/18)

2019: Coming home to be by myself and not having to work next day! It had been long day at work with the announcement of lay offs and I just couldn't wait to just get home and crash! 

What am I grateful for?

2012: Talk with MJ and finally getting to talk to Pooja after 2-3 weeks.

2013: My trip to India tomorrow! Love it how it all is coming together! I'm meeting with Pinika in London after almost 30 years! Meeting Neha in temple! Getting to spend time with Pinal and Dilan in India, specially at the temple.

2014: Health of my family and how close kids are with each other. It's just pure bliss to see them all having good times together.

2015: People around me in our difficult times! Friends who cares and gives moral support, Ron who has waited for us to pay the rents, Coach Brian who has waived my monthly bill for last 4 months...

2017: Despite  everything else not going right in my life, I'm ever so fortunate to have great kids who is so understanding and do not demand anything. Even though working two jobs with uncertain schedules, things always fall in place like puzzle pieces. Sometimes, its amazing how different aspects of my life fall in place within minutes of each other. 

2018: My new job at Tesla, amazing kids. Despite having lots of setbacks, I'm fortunate to be thriving right now and each day is better than the previous one.

2019: Being surrounded by good friends, great kids, moving in positive direction in life. Finally having insurance!!!

Who am I in love with?

2012: Kids, of course! :)

2013: Still the same answer... kids!

2014: Family! 

2015: Family

2017: Kids, of course! 

2018: Kids!

2019: Kids! :)

Who last called me on the phone?

2012: JK on conference call with Pooja.
2013: Pinal in the morning, before leaving for airport and later Kalpu regarding dad's tickets to make his confirmation. Along with few calls from JK.
2014:
Car rental company to find out when we're picking up the car(replacement for my car that's in repair shop). JK picked out Toyota Prius. Looking forward to drive a different car for few days.
2015:
JK and Citibank. Citibank to call to confirm that my funds will be transferred to my account in 48 hours. Let's hope so!

2017:
JK, to meet up after work.

2018: JK

2019:
JK to ask for the plan for the dinner.

What did I get done?

2012: LOTS! Created new forum for digital awards, added new profile field for software, finally got to call MJ after trying for a week, cleared out all emails at work, created this blog and almost catching up with last month's questions and night is still young! :)

2013: Talked to Neha and decided on the date to get connected in India, got Pinal's phone number for India, along with Sonal's and Mital's numbers. Confirmed with Kalpu that she brought camera lens from office to home for me to take it to India. Took Neil to Boy Scouts meeting. Finished working on page 2 of week 1 of Project Life.

2014:
At work, I was pretty busy entire day trying to troubleshoot one issue with Presenter 8. After I got home, I attended boy Scout Committee meeting. We had some productive discussions about uniforms, website and this year's budget issues. 

2015:
First thing first.. CrossFit at 6AM! Decided to catch up on this blog/project and hoping to continue with it in timely manner. Later, planning to scrap for a little bit.

2017:
Not much except the routine. came home at 8:30am from overnight shift. And went back to work at 12:30-10. I did get a chance to eat lunch with Avni and Neil today before heading to work, something I don't get to do anymore. So, that's a big plus.

2018:
After getting done with work, went to exercise. After coming home, caught up here and now, I'm current.
2019:
Went to workout earlier at 5:30am, came home, had reakfast, started watching the movie with real intention... One of my goal is to watch 10 classic movies, so I looked up the list of classic movies and settled down on White Christmas. Just as I finished watching the movie, I got a call for senior care, So I went to work right away and worked 12-4. got home and coked dinner, watched two episodes of The Crown in family room. Overall, pretty good day!

What did I have for dinner today?

2012: Roti, green beans, dill/mung dal, cilantro chuteny, bundi chuteny, dal, sample of thick sev.

2013: Masi is moving to India in two days, so I had invited her for dinner tonight. I made deep dish pizza for dinner! Everyone loved them! They turned out really good!!!

2014: Dal dhokri.

2015: Ha! just had dal dhokri for lunch - leftover from last night. 

2017: Shak dhokri (papdi)!!! Anyway, making garlic tofu for Avni, so I might take a bite or two from that before going to work.

2018: Tuver kadhi and bhakhari.

2019:
Ba-Dada just went to India this morning, so JK asked if we should invite Sameerbhai and Jaimini for dinner. Neil and Avni were coming over at 6. So, I took out carrot/sweet potato soup from the freezer. Then, I made capsicum curry, Sambar rice, dhaba style dal fry and roti (courtesy of Rotimatic). It was pretty good dinner with two new recipes. Both turned out great!

What is making you mad?

2012: Not being able to get what kids want/need. Having to get student loans for Pooja rather than cash flowing.

2013: every little thing, lately. I'm losing my patience about having better future for us.
2014: 
not much lately.. as I've been numb or realize that getting mad isn't going to solve anything. I do get irritated/annoyed by the attitude sometimes. 

2015:
Citibank!!! They closed our account for inactivity 6-8 months ago and we're still dealing with them to get our money back from them. The money that belong to us, which they decide to close the account on, yet making us jump thru roofs to claim it back!!! ARGH!!!

2017:
Almost everything!!! 

2018:
Nothing really. I'm just living one day at a time. Try not to let much bother me.

2019:
I really wanted to come up with something, was digging deep and still found nothing. There isn't anything that I can think of that makes me mad. There might be something that I may not happy about it, but I've worked hard to create the life that flows with positive energy and I'm calm and content with everything surrounding me. 

What’s your favorite accessory?

2012: Cell phone?

2013: Camera! I love to take pics all the time!
2014: I guess earring as I hardly ever go out without earring on.
2015: Earrings all the way!

2017: Earrings
2018: I'm such a boring person. Very low maintenance. Don't really care for much. Cell phone would be one thing... oh, speaking of cell phones, AIR PODS!!! Love those things!!! 
2019:
Apple watch. I don't go out without it either.

What made you smile today?

2012: Talking to MJ on phone!

2013: The fact that I was able to help someone (Mary from TMMO) get free Adobe software from Adobe site and help her start on digi scrapping! 

On other note... I did talk to MJ just 2 days ago and when he asked how is everything, I told him that everything is going fine. So, he said that hubby must be around for you to answer so sincerely. That gave me a good laugh and I still smile when I think about it.

2014:
Just got impromptu haircut today with Kalpu and Sapna. I'm loving how good it looks. I posted the photo (basically just changed my profile photo, without mentioning anything about new haircut or anything) and I keep getting compliments about great hair! Brings me smile at every new comment!

On other hand, there were lots of laugh out loud moments yesterday with kids last night. I got into car accident (rear-ended) yesterday and kids had a good time picking on me. Then, JK showed them a photo of me that he took on Sunday and asked them to caption it.. they came up with, "Seriously?", "Really?", "What the hack?", "Where is the money you've been promising me?", "Why are you taking so long to take this photo?" among many other good ones! And then, Pooja and I watched Downton Abbey together, which brought lots of good laughing moments.

2015:
AT CrossFit, I was helping out a new person showing how to do split & jerk. Coach Brian saw that and made a comment that now, I'm a veteran and showing others how to do stuff. That just brought a smile on me. It's amazing how far I've come. I don't normally notice it, but now that we have lots of new people, I can see where I used to be and how far I've come! I also had fun working on handstand walk (3 ft) and high jumps (27.5 inches) on the box.

2017:

Had a busy day today. Came home from overnight shift, then, took Neil to school, made idli and took it to Kimi's for her 99 yrs old father-in-law. Had a great conversation with Kimi. It's been raining really hard this week (winter storm), so when I got there, she was waiting for me in garage, so that I don't have to walk in the rain. We talked for over an hour. Then, she shared photos of her son's wedding. When I was leaving, she came with umbrella to my car to protect me from the rain. The care I get from her is just so heartwarming. 

Of course, after that, I went to mom's for lunch and that's always a fun afternoon to spend time with mom and Kalpu.

I love it when I'm working at store and people make comment about how strong I am.  When I was helping customer with the rug, he was surprised that I came to help him. He was like you're too skinny to be strong enough to carry the rug. Same thing happened with another customer when they needed to carry out tall mirror. They always seem to be shocked that I can carry heavy stuff. Yeah! That always makes me smile!

2018:
When I got home from work, I called Neil and he was at his friend's. He came home within minutes to spend time with me and have dinner with me. We talked over the dinner, then, looked over the NorthFace store to shop for my jacket and stuff. He shared some pics from his hikes. It was fun evening with him as I don't get to spend much time with him. 

2019:
Neil had gone to campus for work and Avni picked him up from Bart and brought him home. I had made dinner, not knowing they'll be home for dinner and it turned out to be their favorite. Of course, I had more than enough for them both, so that was not a problem. But I was glad that I had cooked something that they loved. I had made corn curry with coconut and and jalapeno popper soup. Both turned out yummy! Seeing their smiles from good food always puts me in good mood! 

Oh, Avni got straight A's for her college. That was a great news! Neil missed out on straight A's by only 5 points. He got 88 in one subject that kept him from getting an A. 

What is your current favorite snack?

2012: Currently, it's been sprouted beans - mung, adzuki, moth, urad, garbanzo, lentil...

2013: Same as above. I still love the taste of fresh sprouted beans mixed with chopped tomatoes, some green chili peppers, salt, red chilli powder, chaat masala.. Yum!!! But I have to say I still can't resist a bowl of sev... that is my all time favorite!

2014:
Lately, I haven't been snacking much. But I do have a container of walnuts that I munch on at work. 

2015:
No snacks at all since I've been home. 

2017:

Don't snack much, but I like to keep granola bars handy. Other than that, ratlami sev, masala peanuts, and stuff like that. I do like to get back to sprouts though.

2018:
Masala peanuts.

2019:
Not much. I've been bringing grapes, persimmons, clementines for snack at work. I do love my spicy snacks, but trying to limit those. 

What is the last “good” thing you ate?

2012: I only eat good things! But on serious note, we made indian style pizza with paneer and pizza sauce with indian seasoning. That was delicious!

2013: Panipuri and bhel! Made panipuri last week and then made bhelpuri few days later! Yummy!!!

2014:
It's just after lunch time and I just had yogurt for lunch. Lately, I've been loving yogurt for lunch. Other than that, I recently found a good recipe for black bean salsa for Quesadilla. Love it! It's just a mix of black beans, corn, onions, tomatoes, jalapeno, lemon, salt and pepper.

2015:
Made Dal baati and gatta biryani few days ago, which is always a family favorite! Haven't tried anything new lately!

2017:

Jalapeno popper dip! Kids made it for Christmas Eve dinner. This year, we didn't have Thanksgiving dinner, so the whole menu got moved to Christmas eve. Most of the items from menu, we only make it once a year, so we all look forward to it. Popper dip is one of them. It's so good, just can't stop eating it!!

2018:
It's been a while since I've had anything good to eat. :( Oh... I recently learned to make beet pulao, which tastes amazingly good!!! So is beet salad!

2019:
Chilli nachos that Kalpu made last week at her home. I all ate so much of t! I'm planning to make it at home!

Can people change?

2012: Only if they really want to. The change has to come from within.

2013: Some never change, but I would love to give them benefit of doubt. 

2014: Sometimes circumstances change people. It may be for good or bad but that depends on the person which way to go.

2015:
Not really.. deep down, eventually, they go back to the roots.

2017:

Nope! It's a lost cause! At least for some people!

2018:
Nah

2019:
No, not really. 

Ok, I take it back. I'm going to focus on positive and not worry about the negatives. I did change my habits, for good. I used to stay up late and preferred sleeping in, unless there was something going n in the morning. Once I started CrossFit, I started going to 6AM class. EVen when I didn't have a job, I preferred to wake up early even when I didn't have to. Right now, I wake up early as in at 6AM on Sundays when I have no CrossFit to go or no hiking scheduled. I just wake up and srta reading a book (not even Facebook!).When you start living with intention, whole mindset changes and you feel burst of energy to do something productive. 

What possession could you not live without?

2012: Internet? Computer and cell phone. I would add Kindle too, but I suppose I can read books on computer and phone. :)

2013: Camera for sure! I'm always snapping, either on my phone or camera. And something to read.. so, iPad?

2014:
when I was in India for a week, I didn't miss internet for a bit! Even when internet was available, I didn't care for it. But I was still clicking away and taking pics. So, camera wins again!

2015:
My computer. Being home for almost a year (YIKES!!!), computer has been my lifesaver!

2017:
Smartphone. That takes care of pretty much everything... my camera needs, computer, phone...

2018:
Smartphone.

2019:
Smartphone! I was just mentioning to Bhanva last night when she asked me if I started to leave from her if I grabbed my purse that my phone is my wallet (ApplePay), my car key (Tesla app! YAY), my cmera and everything else that I need for daily basis! Technology has come a long way!!!

What was the last major accomplishment you had?

2012: Surviving 6 months of unemployment without borrowing a penny!

2013: Cash flowing our trip to NY for the wedding. Having kids go a week ahead to explore the city. Then, save enough money to cash flow Neil's Seabase (FL) trip, Washington DC trip and then my trip to India. 

2014:
Even after major setback (lost $10K in house deposit) and buying a car with $8,000 down on it, I've bounced back and getting back on track of saving money. For the first time in my life, I've paid attention to physical fitness and started to CrossFit. That's something I never would've thought possible, specially the weightlifting part! 

2015:
Another year of unemployment! Regardless of that, sending Neil to Philmont (83 miles backpacking trip) and Avni to Spain! So glad I had paid ahead (or had money allocated for it) for trips. Barely, but surely surviving the unemployment.

2017:
Between Avni, Neil and I, we've survived 2016 without any problems! Bought new cars for Avni and me. 

Finished Spartan trifecta. That's three obstacle races of 5 miles, 9.5 miles and 15 miles, with elevations and 15-30 obstacles. I never would've thought of being able to do it! The best part is, I was so much fun for me, I wanted to do the next one right away. My body didn't feel it either. Maybe hiking for all those years really paid off. That's where most people were having trouble with - going uphill and high altitude. 

2018:
Getting a job at Tesla. 

2019:
Hiking Everest Base Camp!!! Closed off the year with buying Tesla on 12/31!

What is your best memory of last year?

2012: Summer vacation with Pinal and her boys!

2013: Priyanks' wedding in NY, my trip to Chicago, Nevada fall hikes with Ronak, Dolly and then Nima.. But best of all, Kalpu's move to San Ramon.. excitement of the whole process, home searching, moving, unpacking, picking colors for the walls, getting new furniture, being part of every little process of the move. 

2014:
Although we ended up not getting our dream home (1867 Sannita place), we had a great time in planning for the whole move, doing virtual shopping, packing, decluttering and dreaming about better life. This was major part of our summer.

Other than that, Pinal's surprise visit for 2 days, her visit for Christmas break, Meeting Pinika in London for first time after almost 30 yrs, Pinika's visit with her family, my visit to India with Pinal and staying in temple for almost a week, reconnecting with old high school friends, having Pooja at home and seeing her reconnecting (bonding as they say) with Avni and Neil.. it had been a great year! 

2015:
Hiking trip to Big Sur with kids! We had so much fun exploring! Even the three hour drive to Big Sur was full of laughter. Taking pics of the shoreline along the drive, hiking, finding another trail on the way back and finding the perfect, secluded spot on the ocean was just amazing!!! 

Pinal's and Fali's visit on Thanksgiving that included surprise visits from Nikhil and Reema. At first, kids were surprised to see Pinal and Dilan, then two days later, Reema gives a surprise visit, and then, Nikhil shows up!!!! Kids couldn't have been happier!

2017:

Pooja's surprise visit back in March. That was just awesome!!! Then, our trip to Yosemite when Pooja was visiting in July. My surprise visit to Chicago to attend Henal's birthday and then, Pooja showing up there too! Visiting all the old friends in Chicago, finally being able to go to Garba with Pinal and meeting more friends there. My three Spartan races! I can't believe I actually went thru all three of them!! That was so much fun!!! 

2018:
My Spontaneous visit to India!!!! Pooja's visit for Neil's high school graduation. Spending a week with her, going to Yosemite, San Francisco, my visit to Chicago for Sanam's engagement, Getting to see Prexa, Anup and family after so many years, Pooja's surprise visit for Neil's birthday and her popping up at my work(!!!), Christmas with Pinal and her family, having Pooja over for Christmas break! 

2019:
2018 had been a great year! First off all, I got to hike Everest Base CAmp with Dharmesh and Kalpu among many other friends, then, Sanam's wedding in Chicago. It was so much fun spending time with family for entire week! And last but not the least, Pooja's visit over Chistmas break. Spenind three days at mom's home and just chilling, watching the TV series The Crown with Pooja and playing board game Trekking the National Parks with kids till 1AM! IT was the best Christmas ever!