What improvements am I making?

What improvements am I making?

2013:

I'm trying to get better at organizing my life. Cleared up my desk for first time with no clutter on it. Working on making schedules to have routine tasks.

2014:

I've decided my 'One Little Word' to be FOCUS. I get distracted very easily. So, I'm hoping to work on that. As it is, I've made some major improvements in reaching my goals. Scrapped more than I ever have, made more photobooks for gifts, learned to create lists for reminders/tasks and using them on regular basis. That alone has helped me a lot on staying focused or making sure that I get things done. Just need to continue doing it more often!

2015:

I've made huge improvement in CrossFit. I'm getting stronger and faster everyday.

2016:

Last two years have been major ups and downs. I've gotten up from bottom up and there is no looking back. Very pleased to say that kids and I made a great team over the last year and overcome every obstacle. Looking forward to see what 2017 brings for us all.

2017:
I don't think I've made much improvement in any area. However, I've got a better job, so I won't need to depend on Avni as much. Neil has finished his first semester at SFSU in dorm. Pooja has a better job. JK is actually earning money now, as little as he contributes at home, he's still earning. That's a first.

2018:
I've been reading a lot more this year. I read 45 books this year! I think that's the most I've read in a year so far. Lots to put in practice.

After two years of break in Crossfit, I've made major improvement in last 6 months by going about 2-3 days a week. It had been once a week or sometimes only once a month!

I've set 100 goals to achieve in 1000 days and working on many of them. It gives a direction on what to do on free time and not just let the time waste away, rather doing things intentionally.

Did I smile or frown more today?

2012:
As much as I hate to say, it has to be more frown. Started my day with attending 'pooja'/services for Geetaben's mom who passed away last week. There, I also learned that her husband, Vinit, had suffered from cancer last year. That alone is enough to put a damper on your mood.

Then, JK started talking about getting a new car for Pooja (or giving mine to Pooja and getting me a new car), which wasn't exactly something to smile about when we're still uncertain about our finances.

Not having any decent furniture in my room really has me going too. This morning, I wanted to pick a white dress from the bag, after 2 attempts of picking out wrong ones after moving everything from top of the bag and in front of the bag.. I just about had it!

2013:
Update: I did end up giving my car to Pooja and buying one for me. I'm glad that I was able to put almost $8000 down payment, but still not happy about having to take out the loan. My goal was to pay it off by end of the year, but obviously, that didn't happen. Thanks to losing $10K to home deposit that didn't work out.

BUT... I definitely smiles more than frowned today. I worked from mom's home. Pinal was leaving for Chicago at 3:30, so I was glad to be able to spend the day with her. We went out for a walk and had a lunch in the backyard. Great memories!

2017:
hate to say, but more frown than smile, at least at home. At least I have a better job now, something definitely to smile about (Tesla). The car mentioned in 2013 got totaled in 2015 (was kind of a lemon anyway - BMW SUV), and leased Toyota Prius. Hoping to buying it off when the lease ends.

Dh has no grasp of finances of home and that frustrates me more than anything. He's been Uber driving, but most of his earnings goes to pay off his own expenses.

had a great time with Pinal, her family and Pooja being home. Definitely all smiles there!

Worked with Shirley Beaudrew today and had good time talking with her. Going to Doug's Christmas party and meeting up with crossfit friends. Sure to have great time there.

2018:
Definitely smiles! At work, I noticed the email from Elon Musk about Full Self Drive Test Program and he was offering free autopilot software and rebate for premium interior totaling $10000 discount. So after talking to Pinal and JK , I decided to go for it!! I had planned to surprise Neil and Avni by just taking them to pick up the car in the morning, but later, the delivery time got changed to evening and I knew I wouldn't be able to get them to come with me (NYE).

Because of slow work, I ended up coming home an hour early, so I Called Avni on my way home. They had just come home from their Yosemite trip. I couldn't wait to tell them about the car an told them over the phone. Neil was super excited about it. Avni was happy too, but a bit comprehensive about the  'unnecessary purchase'. Anyway, When I got home, they were both home and I Got to spend some time with them before Avni headed off to her home.

Today I felt

2012:
Major accomplishment!!!! I've been wanting to clean out my desk, make it more organized forever and I finally did it!!! It's functional, tiny and neat! Let's hope I can keep it like this on regular basis!

2013:
Happy! We took kids' photoshoot and pics turned out so great!!!! I stayed at mom's home overnight and worked from home on Monday.

2018:
Energetic. I got so much done yesterday that I want to continue that momentum today and keep on going! Of course, I didn't get enough sleep because of that and I might crash as soon as I get home, but I still want to get few things done when I get home.

Also, adventurous and risk taker for making a spontaneous purchase of Tesla car!

What's worth fighting for?

2012:
Something that you strongly believe in. Injustice.

2013:
I've given up fighting for anything. Just go with the flow.. if you don't like the flow, change the direction/path.

2018:
for your principles.

How much did I eat today?

2012:
Well, since it's Thursday today, not very much! Had a banana, some craisins, few 'rasmalai' at mom's home and routine dinner (4 rotis, shaak, dal).

2013:
I took biryani and yogurt for lunch from home. I love making biryani (made it for Christmas) but hardly eat much of it on the day I cook. So, I enjoyed eating leftovers. For dinner, it was usual.

The music genre I listen to the most is...

2012:
I usually set my iPod/iTune on shuffle mode so that I get to listen to everything. But I do like to listen to soft music the most. And if I'm listening to playlist, it's usually instrumental or religious music.

2013:
Mostly Bollywood music or my audio recordings from when I visit Santram in India. I love to get lost in that time I spend in India thru my music recordings.

2018:
soft music, pop, and bollywood with lots of bhajans, dhoons mixed in.

What was my weakness today?

2012:
Being good to those who can care less about me. There is just no such thing as appreciation!

2013:
Snagging those chocolate cookies that dad gave out to all kids. I might've grabbed one too many of those. They're so good!

What is one thing I was told today that I don't want to forget?

2012:
It's been very quiet day today. No one at wok due to Christmas Eve. No one was online. No kids at home, they're at Arnav's home. So, I haven't talk to anyone at all whole day. At least nothing that needs to be remembered.

2013:
Same as last year. quiet day. I did go to mom's home before going home though.

2018:
Only the opposite. Want to remember everything about the day. It was perfect in every way. Neil and I left home at noon to go to mom's home. Pooja and and Avni had just got there when we got there. We spent entire day watching TV show The Crown on Netflix and played the game Trekking - The National Parks entire day. Actually, until 1AM!!!

Who do I wish had been part of my day?

2012:
No doubt, Pinal! I was at mom's home tonight and Pinal's name came in conversation quite a few times. I wish she was living closer here where we could get together on regular basis.

2013:
My wish came true! Spent entire day today with Pinal! She just came here last night at 12:30, so kids and I stayed overnight. I worked from home and spent time with her. Took a walking break from work (as I normally do in afternoon anyway) and went for a walk with her, ate lunch in the backyard and just relaxed for a bit before getting back to work. After my work was done, we sat down for a bit to watch TV, went to Costco for some quick grocery shopping and had dinner together before heading home. It was the perfect day!

2018:
Of course, Pinal! Even kids were waiting for her to book her tickets till last minute. It's just so much fun having her and the kids at Christmas time. We've told her to book the tickets for next Christmas already!

Who is the strongest person I know?

2012:
Can I just say, me? :) If I can be fair, I suppose JK is strong too! Nothing has been able to break him so far and he keeps going. Other than just us, there are many friends that are strong or stronger than me in different aspects. But there is one lady in girl scout that stands out. She's physically disabled due to accident at work, yet she is unwilling to just sit back and feel sorry for herself. She's active in her troop in every way she can.

2013:
I would say all of my friends that are single moms have to be very strong to survive and raise kids.

2018:

Was I a positive or negative person today?

2012:
I started out being a positive person. But as day went on and negativity kept piling on me... even though I know that I shouldn't let it get to me. I did let it get to me and in turn, I ended up being negative. I hate when I let that happen to me! :(

2013:
Definitely positive for most part! Went to Melanie's Christmas party in the evening. Had a great time catching up with her and others.

2018:
Definitely positive. There were moments that triggered me to e negative, but I decided not to waste my energy on that and keep on  moving. It sure made a difference in rest of my day.

Today, I chose to

2012:
let go of my grudges and move on. I also decided on my focus for 2013. I want to get better at scrapbooking, memory keeping and mastering skills of photoshop and photo editing. I will be trying my best to scrap almost everyday and trying out new technique in every layout.

2013:
Keep thinking positive about my future. There is no other way. I might even update my resume and apply at Workday.
Update about last year: 2013 has been the best year for me as far as scrapbooking goes! I scrapped 4 photobooks (Yosemite, Urbanathon and Alaska), 2 versions of calendars finished and printed before November(!) and almost done with Project Life. I've already got the book for Jan-June printed!

2018:
There is Christmas party for HomeInstead caregivers. I've been tempted to skip it considering I've been working for 12 hours and I haven't brought change of clothes. But I think I'm just going to go ahead and go visit everyone. I need to get out more often and see more people.

What is the last place I visited online?

2012:
The Lily Pad store.. to shop and download freebies! Got some 4x6 photo templates to use for P365 pages.

2013:
JustFab.com I got the email about the special going on. Free shutterfly with with any purchase. So, I thought about checking out the boots. I already have 1 credit for the boots, so I wouldn't be spending any extra money on it, but still haven't been able to decide on the boots. I might pass on the deal, but I really can use the free book credit since I need to print a book for Coach Brian.

2018:
YouTube.. watching stupid Ambani videos.

What are three things I need to do tomorrow?

2012:
I need to call about sweatshirts for boy scouts.
I need to contact eBay seller regarding the nail polish I order over two months that I still haven't received yet.
I need to get a life!

2013:
Go to CrossFit in the morning.
Go to Costco to buy wrapping papers on the way home.
Wrap the photobooks to get started on our brand new Christmas tradition.

2018:
Wake up a bit earlier so that I have enough time to tune in to Patricia Moreno's live video for The Miracle Morning. She's very energetic and I love her warm up affirmation program.
Go to work.
Talk to Neil about when he's coming home, how his finals are going.

What was the first thing I saw when I woke up this morning?

2012:
Of course, my cell phone. That's my alarm clock and morning newspaper! :)

2013:
Yeap, my cell phone.

2018:
Other than usual cell phone, all the exercise equipments at Crossfit.

How was my day today?

2012:
It was busy. JK has volunteered for food for Rotary club's christmas/Diwali party. So, I made palak paneer and jalapeño popper dip for 50+ people all on my own. Also made french onion soup sandwich for lunch. Oh.. also made waffles for breakfast. And while JK made pasta for dinner, I made garlic bread. Busy, busy day in the kitchen! Ended the day with watching the movie This Means War while straightening hair for Avni.

2013:
Not bad! Went to work.. was supposed to take Neil to Boy Scouts, but JK volunteered because Ba isn't feeling well. I really wanted to go though, because boys were going to make gingerbread houses for competition! Well, that gave me extra 2 hours and I used them to scrap 2 pages! So, it was a productive use of the evening!

2018:
Sundays at work are pretty much always slow and boring. However, we had potluck (Nacho bar) and secret Santa gift exchange (I got backpack! YAY!), so that was exciting. I've also starting working on one report. That is mentally challenging until I get the hang of it. I did enjoy that.

Pooja is coming home today!!! Landing at SFO as I write this!

She spent an hour or two at Neil's apartment, had dinner with him and then Avni brought her home. We spent about an hour over dinner table and enjoyed our time. I shared my DNA results from 23andme with them. It was fun to look thru it. Funny thing is, Pooja was planning to buy me the kit from 23andme, because it's totally something mom would like to get done!! lol I guess I ruined her plan by getting it done right before Christmas! ut I had wanted to get it done for over 2 yrs and when I saw it on Black Friday sale and I I had budget for it, I just went for it.

I showed the backpack I got for secret Santa gift and Avni wasn't happy about it, Apparently, she bought me the backpack for Christmas gift too! I'll see if she ends up changing it or give me the backpack anyway. I did tell her that I have no problem with two of them.

Then, Avni asked Pooja to visit my bedroom Pooja was super scared about it. She didn't know what to expect!! Finally, we got her to come to my room and she was super surprised. She said she was feeling dizzy and very disoriented by the change in there! I have complete makeover of my room complete with queen size bed on a bedframe, headboard and all bedroom furniture. I've never had the furniture in my room! IT was super fun to see Pooja's reaction!

What word am I using too much lately?

2012:
I have caught myself saying 'Exactly the same' a lot lately! Trying to get rid of it! lol

2013:
Can't think of any right now.

2018:
I do say "it always works out in the end" a lot, which, I don't think is a bad thing anyway. IT just means I have faith in the way things work out for me, regardless of the circumstances.

How am I expanding my mind?

2012:
I wish I was expanding my mind more... but even with the best intentions, it doesn't happen too often. Whenever I have some down time, I do try to read up some blogs on learning new recipe, new ways to organize, taking some tutorial videos, or just plain reading forums and learn more about people.

2013:
I take Creative Live classes when I have a chance. Other than that, I've subscribed to 'Get It Scrapped' site for the classes. I read those when I get a chance. I want to improve on my design (for scrapping) and storytelling skills.

2018:
This year, I have read more mind-developing books than I ever have. Also, taking many more CreativeLive courses and listening to podcasts. Putting lot of it to practice. One of them is to wake up early and get the routine going. I feel so much more positive energy because of that.

How much of my day did I spend completely alone?

2012:
I spend most of my days completely alone. At work, it's just me. Janis is usually on phone most of the day, so I hardly see her unless I really need to talk to her about something. When I get home, kids are in their own rooms, doing their homework. JK is working late tonight, so, it's just me in my room. Yes, me being people person, it does get lonely.

2013:
Today, I hardly had much time to myself. Woke up at 4:30 and went for workout. Then, to work (which was a bit lonely). After work, went to Christmas party back at workout place. There was tons of people at the party. I didn't get home till almost 11:30!

2018:
About half a day. Went to work out at 7 and then, straight from there, I went to Homegoods for shopping and visiting friends. After that, stopped by at Nordstrum Rack. By the time I got home, it was noon. In half an hour, I fell asleep and by the time I woke up, JK had left. So, I was pretty much on my own rest of the evening.   

What was weird about my day?

2012:
Nothing weird about MY day... Today was 12/12/12... last time in the century to have this kind of sequence. I finally got my VPN working... what was weird about it is... Helpdesk had me perform the same fix (reinstalling soft token, resynchronize) quite a few times and it didn't fix the problem and today CSO had me do the same thing and it finally worked!!!!

2013:
Nothing really.. now there was something, but it was more funny than weird considering the person. Pinal called to share the story with me. It's Nima's birthday today and she messed up her settings on FB, so no one could wish her Happy Birthday on her wall. so, Sandipkumar posted on his own wall (an image saying Happy birthday, with someone else's name erased). Ronak 'liked' the post, so he said thanks to Ronak for helping him out. Since his intention was to get more wishes for Nima, but no one has paid attention to his post. I think it was more because he just joined FB a week ago and doesn't have many friends on it.

2018:
Nothing weird, but this morning, Kalpu sent photo of her new tattoo. It is combination of Om, mountain range and a tree. Kind of a mix of Pooja and Avni's tattoos. Almost makes me think that Neil should have Om for his tattoo.... OR.. If I get a tattoo, it should be similar to Kalpu's expect add whatever Neil will have and that way I would have something to represent of all three of them.

UPDATE: I stopped by at Avni's home on my way to home and Avni showed me the sketch of Pooja's tattoo from back in March that she had shared with us. It is EXACT copy of Pooja's sketch, including the little moon on top! None os us had shared it with Kalpu!!! How creepy/weird is THAT!!!

Am I holding grudge?

2012:
Yes, some. I've been much better than before though. I've learned to let go and move on, but there are days when it all comes back. Must try harder to let go...

2013:
Yeap! Easier said than done.

2018:
It has its seasons. Sometimes, I let it all go and then, it all comes back. But I'm conscious about letting it go and keep working on it.

I realize tomorrow

2012:
is Jury Duty date! I hope I don't forget to call in. That's what happened to me last time. Forgot the date till after almost a week!

2013:
is Boy Scout Christmas party! Looking forward to it!

2018:
is Friday!!! ok... it's Tuesday, but Friday for me, since I have Wednesday, Thursday and Friday off!

What am I passionate about?

2012:
Humm.. lots.. but mainly about keeping family history. I love to take tons of photos for memory keeping. And now, I am trying to add the stories with the photos thru scrapbooking.

2013:
Being a family historian.

2018:
All kind of things! preserving the memories (I need to do better job at this though), making the memories, spending time with kids, hiking, being in the nature, health and fitness, cooking and trying out new recipes, list goes on!

What relationship did I nurture today?

2012:
Definitely mom! Neil was supposed to go for his biking trip at 7, so, I made him scrambled eggs for breakfast. Took Avni (and Pooja) to Girl Scouts Holiday Bazaar for henna painting. We made $41 for Avni's fund raising.

2013:
Spent most of the day making a photobook for Dharmesh/Kalpu of their Alaska vacation for Christmas gift. Avni was making her photo gift for her cousins, while Neil shopped for gifts for the boys. All in all, it was a great day working on gifts together.

2018:
Almost all of them. Had samosa chaat for lunch, so I asked Avni to come over for lunch. Had a great time having lunch with her and go over her wish lists. CrossFit Tribe had Christmas party, so I had asked JK to stop by if he could. Made batata Vada for potluck. JK came over at around 8:30. Had a great time hanging out with friends. JK enjoyed being there and despite him keep telling me that he'll leave soon, he ended up staying till 1!!! I took him upstairs to 're-room' (recovery room) and he loved the massage chair!

What do I wish my job was?

2012:
I like my job just the way it is. However, I would like it more if I was working with a team of people on same project. I love people interaction, brainstorming, exchanging ideas with each other and coming up with better solutions.

2013:
Any job would do as long as it had lots of problem solving, troubleshooting, people interaction and lots of activity.

2018:
Coaching people, helping out. Home Instead has helped me with my need to help out people. I had great three years working with senior people and helping them out. I Still try to volunteer for the job as I can, but lately, it's been more like once a month thing.

It would be great to have a job where I'm challenged, need to put my brain to work and trying to troubleshoot the problems, coming up with solutions. Maybe the right job is just waiting around the corner.

What makes me sweat?

2012:
Deadlines! Specially the self-produced deadlines to send out newsletter to my site members. So glad that I'm done with it all and moving on!

2013:
As far as the situations goes, I haven't been into one that would make me sweat lately. But since I've started working out, many of the workouts make me sweat really bad.. and it feels good when I do!

2018:
Nothing really. Exercise has been making me sweat lot more than it used to five years ago, but other than that, Nothing makes me sweat emotionally or mentally. There were day when at the end of the month I wouldn't have enough money for the rent and I would hate having to take money from Avni or Neil. If I didn't have their backup, that is one situation that would've made me sweat at every month.

How much money is in my wallet?

2012:
$23.. that's more than what I usually carry. Cash just makes me nervous. I rather use debit card so that I can keep track of where it went. With cash, I tend to forget what I used it for.

2013:
More than I should have! $52! Kohl's paid back about $40 for their mistake in checkout on Black Friday shopping and then, Greta paid me $40 for helping her with Etsy and Paypal. Obviously, we've used up most of Greta's money (about $20 at Cafe Taza, $10 for Avni's eyebrow and $10 for Avni's Secret Santa gift).

What memory do I want to keep from today?

2012:
Tomorrow is mom's cataract surgery, so I stopped by to see her before going home. I munched on bunch of snacks while mom and Kalpu worked on the dinner (for tonight and tomorrow night since tomorrow is Kalpu's late day).

2013:
Dropped off JK at the airport for NY at 4am. Avni had Girl Scout meeting at 7-8 and Neil had Patrol Leader meeting for Boy Scout at the same time - 7-8. I thought about asking Pooja to pick up Avni at 8, but she had to attend a meeting for her school project at 7:30. Neil's meeting was on other side of the town, about 10-15 minutes drive from where Avni's meeting was. So, I ended up dropping Neil off first, then dropped off Avni (about 15 minutes late into the meeting!). Then, I stopped by at Costco to fill up gas and headed to pick up Neil. I had asked Neil to be out about 5 minutes early so that Avni doesn't have to wait too long for us. But he couldn't leave early. He came out exactly at 8, so as soon as he got in the car, we took off for Avni. We got text from Avni at 8:02 asking, "How much longer?" lol We got there at 8:11. I was relaxed about Avni because I knew Melanie was going to be there and she would be ok waiting for me for few minutes, specially when I had a legit reason for running late. It all worked out just fine!

2018:
JK to Neil: You have your sisters, your mom and me ordering you around. Don't you feel anger sometimes?
Neil: Being angry is waste of time. It doesn't solve anything!

So much wisdom! May he continue with this kind of wisdom!

Who's the first person I saw today?

2012:
Of course, Neil, since I wake him up every morning.

2013: Trung among other crossfitters.

2018:
Crossfit guys at 7AM!

I really wish...

2012:
we could just be happy family. It's been like walking on eggshells most of the time and I'm getting tired of it.

2013:
I had solid career path by now. As of right now, I don't even know what to do next when my job contract is over. All of my old skills are outdated and what I've been doing at AT&T is mostly with legacy systems and of no use in outside market.

2018:
Well, I don't walk on eggshells anymore. I've learned to speak my mind and let others know when they hurt me or play their games. It has made tremendous difference. Kids and I are happy. JK and I are in good place for most part. I still got some work to do on that, but it's work in progress.

I've had 2-3 different 'career path' since 2013. Worked as cashier and in cash office for three years at HomeGoods. At the same time, also worked as caregiver for Home Instead (and still do as on call) and quality inspector for Tesla. I don't know what my future holds. I tried for over three years to find the right job, but as I had suspected about my job experience, nothing came my way.

I might sound like a broken record, but I really do wish I had my own home. Soon.. it HAS to happen!!!

Who is my best friend?

2012:
Tina(work), Darcy (Digi scrapping) and Lisa ( Oct 99 playgroup)! Sadly, none locally.. or anyone that I would call and talk on regular basis. But, I'm ok with that.... most of the time. Kalpu fills that void for me. We go to movies, shopping, eating out often enough for girl time.

2013:
Same.. Tina, Darcy, Lisa and have reconnected with Pinika (school), but I don't get to talk to her as often as I would want. Time zone of UK doesn't help either.

2018:
Same as above, however, I would like to add Crystal as my new friend. We've been talking, suggesting  about books for a while and when I ran into The book The Miracle Morning, I asked her to read it. She asked me to be her accountability partner and rest is history. Our friendship has grown lot deeper and more meaningful to enrich our lives.

I'm happy to say that I'm finally gaining a LOCAL friend that has become a great friend. I met Bhavana when I was visiting Pinal in Chicago and soon enough, her husband got the job at Livermore Lab. She contacted me when they were visiting the town to get the feel for it. Ever since then, we've been great friends and spend time together whenever she is here. Finally, in two weeks, she moving here for good and I'm looking forward to spend more time with her and have great times!