Ruminating

It's almost midnight, and here I am back again, typing at my little PC that I have grown to love. I shopped as did a million others here, on black Friday, taking advantage of the sales that retailers put out to prevent a gloomy year end forecast. This year, I did something intrinsically different, I went towards the Christmas aisle, shopping for a tree. Call it the living alone crisis. I have become bored not celebrating festivals at all, doing the same thing over and over, that I felt this time I needed my Navarathri or Karthigai (which by the way seems to be tomorrow, coincidence?) fix for myself. Hence the tree, complete with tinsel, lights and glass ornaments. The last time we had a tree was about ten years ago or more, me and my cousins being whimsical as ever, making a makeshift tree out of tropical evergreens (as they all are) and homemade ornaments. I still remember our presents under the tree (towels with Huey, Dewey and Louie on them).

I have always loved Christmas trees, and I am still pretty proud, and keep looking up at the shimmering lights. Strangely, the tree makes me feel more at home, keeping me company, as a puppy might be.

These days I feel lonely, content, depressed yet satisfied all at the same time. I can't help but wonder why is it so difficult for people to give others a chance at their own life. Everyone has their own two pence of ideas, given any topic, whether the other person needs it or not. This is so connected to our culture, which is why I love to hate it at times. I sometimes love my disconnect and revel in it as often as I do feel it and get that invariable urge to pick up the phone and call somebody or keep my T.V. on for company's sake and remain sleepless until early into the next day.

Culture, society, rules.. why do they matter? why do we care? I can keep up with anything, as long as it does not interfere my lifestyle. The moment it does, I do not like it anymore. I am happy with not knowing who my neighbors are, yet smiling and wishing them good morning, or holding the door open for them. I love hanging out with friends, as they don't tell me what to do with my life. It is my own to live. I just hope and wish that we (including me) learn to accept things as they are, and not want things to change for us, unless it involves us and only us. Then I guess it is a different story.

San Deigo

Last week I made yet another journey to the west coast, which I am falling in love with. California has a sweet charm of its own, so different from whats out here in the East; Laid back people, the palm trees, great weather, scenic vistas & pretty Spanish names, whats not to love? It really feels like vacationland, so much that it makes me wonder, how do people ever get work done?

This time the trip was preceded by moments of anxiety as I made my way into sunny Mexico, across the bridge to get that visa stamp on my passport. What if they needed more documentation, I kept thinking. But all was well, and a glimpse of Tijuana later, I was back in the mainland. We visited the Sea world and the other usual tourist spots spread all around the city map. I loved Old Town as well, as it reminded me of the village houses back home & I adored the mesmerizing display of craft work. The seaport village was nice too, with its paved roads and boardwalk offering a nice view of the bay bridge (not the big red one) and Coronado island. The lunches and dinners were great too, thanks to the culinary expertise of the Gaslamp's many restaurants. In short, it was great fun. It made me think about how fast time flies. To think I was in San Diego this time last week.

Diwali is coming up, and it makes me wonder what lies in store for the day. It has been four years since the last one I enjoyed with family. Why is it that we Hindus celebrate Lord Krishna killing Narakasura as our best festival of the year? Shouldn't Pongal, the harvest festival account for more? but it never did, somehow. Diwalis in India would mean a bountiful feast, lots of 'bakshanams' (ghee filled sweets and savories) , a time when you could consume the sweets before they were ceremoniously offered to Gods unlike the other festivals, firecrackers galore, TV shows, new movies, meeting friends, grandmas house in the evening with cousins... Diwali was always a happy time.

Last year's Diwali was memorable. It was Diwali, the American way. Potluck lunch, lots of variety, a day to wear traditional costumes, poker and a movie. In short, a good weekend with added surprises. Will we have half a good time this year, with all of us staying so far apart? I wonder.. and I hope and pray..