My Michigan Takeaways!

As I am all set to go back to my country, my city, my family and my usual routine.... I do hold lot of things in thought and have lot of things to jot as well.. Especially the kind of takeaways from my first visit to United States..... to me this is a journey which had been successful, well planned and highly educative and I am sure I have lot of good things that I can carry with me as I go back to hug my little one waiting at home.... The list in brief and if time permits, would keep this memories written and saved in my blog so that I can cherish any day... it begins
1. A Hard worked Project Success... the very objective of me coming to on site
2. Immense experience and value that I accumulated in a very challenging project
3. Gaining the people's trust and looking forward in my work- proved inter personal skills that got me friends in all teams from just being hostile colleagues from various streams
4. A childhood dream come true- Visit to NIAGARA FALLS....
5. Celebrating my child's 10th Birthday in USA
6. The Fragrance and Beauty of Tulip Gardens in Holland
7. Washington DC- Re-discovering the friendship of Srivi and family and the administration part of US- Watching Lincoln Memorial, White house, Capitol Hill and Luray Caverns
8. Amazing slide down the Sand dunes in Saugatek down to Lake Michigan
9. Cars and cars and cars-- Chrysler, Ford and GM Renaissance Centre- Only wish they survive for long, as Detroit and World needs them
10. Rediscovering Hindu faith and temple in Aurora Balaji Temple.. Beauty in devotion
11. Taking my family on top of Sears towers- the tallest towers in North America in Chicago
12. My classmate Madhuri coming to pick me up in Detroit- meeting after 16 years of school-Nothing changed
13. The Fall Colors- Enjoyed the greenery, beauty and amazing natural extravaganza of Michigan lakes, parks, roads and climate..... real Katrinil oru geetham!!!
14. The Silent hours after many years- staying alone,working average 18 hours a day, taking time off to write with passion and composing the devotional songs in weekends.. rediscovering my passions and hobbies.........just being alone..
15. Celebrating my birthday weekend with Manjit in Lake Erie on Canada Border
16. A Chance to watch the history happening with Obama winning US Election 2008
17. Last but not the least- taking with me the warmth of people in a new country who never let me feel alien here.. and few beautiful friendships that I would cherish for life
Thank You Michigan... I would write more on each of the takeaways as time permits...

To My Dad and Mom- Happy Anniversary!

12 November 1970, the day my parents tied the knot. Lucky I am to have such wonderful people as my dad and mom. Its almost 16 years that Papa passed away, but still today, he is amidst us in our thoughts and deeds. Today what these parents tranformed are three girls into very responsible citizens. Of the very few photos we have and cherish of my mom and dad, the one in this post is my beloved one...

This one was actually taken in 1982, during our first house warming ceremony.. what a lovely parents. If my mom is known for her self-less committment and responsibility towards us, dad is known for what he showed as love and goodness can be. Together, they made us just follow them. Though there are no celebration anymore on this day, we still cherish the day that brought in a couple and a beautiful family that had withstood the test of time and turbulances of a middle class urban living and sustain to grow with perseverance and faith. My mom taught us that nothing in this world is free and hardwork is the only way to success. Dedication, perseverance and responsibility towards your commitments is what she inculcated in us. On the other side, Dad taught us that money should always come to you and you should never run behind it. In simple words, do everything possible to grow in life, and do not expect anything. What is destined will happen and you are the sole owner of shaping your destiny... I dont remember them telling us or talking to us on these things, but they followed certain things that we inherited in us. Mom was like everyother mother whose anxious, vibrant and intolerant at times, but as we grew we understood the reasons why she was concerned when all three girls were in teens. Otherside my dad was a cool dude, with all smiles, always saying God is there to take care, and who put in us values of family, devotion and happiness. We love you Mom and Dad!!! You are the best!!!