Goggles In Space

Pickyour trail  ---------------------------------------------- Kandy -Radisson pinnawala elephant orphanage Gen Museum Gem buying Premadasa Tooth relic Batik - guna ?? Nuwara Eliya day trip and Labokelle tea estate visit shopping in municipal market Bentota - Thaala Travel from Kandy and evening in beach Betota sight seeing , boating, cinnamon island, shopping , evening in beach (hotel) Colombo-Radisson raining Independence square Lakshala shopping

Sree and I bought cult membership on mother's day this year and i am glad that until now i have been pretty regular except for vacation breaks - kerala holiday in Aug for 2 weeks (onam plus nagarjuna),Goa in July and Lanka in Oct. I am also not glad he hasnt used it for more than 4-5 months. Since the Canada trip in June, he hasnt had any good workout sessions. I am grateful i can many things i couldnt an year back and is slowly getting back to normal. My knees dont feel heavy as it used to be but i still dread to take a dance fitness session. After 1 such session in Jul, my knees were very sore.

Today, as I watch you step into another year of life, I find myself reflecting on my own journey. In my late teens, I dreamt of IIT and BITS. Those never saw light. In my early twenties, I dreamt of going to the US and building career and lot of money. Instead, fate connected me to a stranger who became my life partner—your father. and life took a different path. An year later, when I finally made it to the US, life had other plans. My first baby was coming, and I returned to India by 7th month. Cheeku was born and 4th month onwards, i joined work. It was tough but daddoo didnt let me extend my leave. It was hectic with early mornings, handling a new born and also ensuring office work is done to the best ! before i could settle into the new rhythm, you entered our lives, and before i knew, everything was changing within me, around me. I was no longer chasing dreams for myself. I started dreaming for my children. You and Cheeku became the center of my world. My days were fil...

'Baby bro' - thats how Sreya has stored your name on her phone ! XX--------------------------------X---------------XX More delicate than your sister, you were always our baby—the one we held a little closer and cared for a little more. You grew up around us, always wanting us to be part of your day, yet exploring your own world—Pokémon, Beyblades, puzzles, legos,books, athletics, soccer, cubing, chess… and so much more. Electronics was a weakness from very young age. In the early years, to gently wean you away from it, we spent hours together at the library—bringing home piles of books, turning reading into a shared joy. Bringing up two bundles of energy was very challenging. I struggled in many ways, but. I was completely invested in you— ensuring your safety , cooking every meal, driving you to classes, listening to your stories between my meetings, catching glimpses of your school activities, and joining you in running, hiking, and everything in between. My words and actions...

 IIMB UGET  for the new Data science and economics UG programmes exam in Dec'2025 - percentile- 97.4% but just missed cutoff for interview call Jee mains- Jan24 Peenya 97.3 percentile Jee 2 attempt  April 4 - 92 percentile Manipal - April 13 (AIR 208) BITS - April 16 1st attempt - 201 marks   KCET - 23,24 (Yelahanka stay) -???? IIIT Hyd UGEE - May 2 (didnt meet cutoff) ComedK - May  9, 96.9 percentile , Rank 3445 JEE advanced-May 17 (73 marks, no rank) BITS - May 26 2nd attempt - 226 marks  

 serious studies from November Appu preboard then CBSE and JEE mains first attempt on Jan 24- Peenya board exam JEE second attempt KCET, ComedK, Manipal,BITS

That little roadside mango stall (weekend only) in HSR became a part of our summer routine this year. It wasn’t just about buying fruit—it felt like visiting someone we knew. A mother and her daughters ran it, their smiling faces inspite of the long hours standing, with the pride that comes from putting something honest on the table. Sree found it during his weekend runs and then over the weeks, we found ourselves going back again and again. Sindoora, Mallika, Raspuri—we tried them all, sometimes repeating our favorites without even checking the price. Each variety brought its own sweetness, its own mood. There was a trust within us the mangoes were like from our own farm and all we did was enjoying whatever was ripe that day, bringing home a nice 6-8 kgs of them. For Appu, milk shake became the breakfast most days instead of the regular puttu or corn flakes, while we indulged in eating them, as a whole or as cut pieces.  For almost four or five weeks, not a single weekend went by ...

It all began as a practical plan built around an important date—Appu’s BITSAT exam on May 26. Sree had already booked an Airbnb for Monday stay, and somewhere along the way, I suggested we extend the stay by another day. There wasn’t really a plan beyond that—no detailed itinerary, no must-visit list. But sometimes, it’s these unplanned decisions that quietly turn into the most memorable experiences. This little trip became one such unexpected, wholesome staycation. We started from Bangalore on Sunday around 11 a.m., after Sree came back from 10K Freedrom Run. There was a quick stop at Cheeku’s MIMS hostel—dropping off some biriyani for her lunch along with freshly baked ragi cupcakes —before we headed towards Mysore. The drive itself felt easy, setting the tone for everything that followed. The Airbnb turned out to be a lovely surprise—a spacious, fully furnished one-bedroom apartment that instantly felt comfortable. Appu took over the bedroom to focus on his studies, while we settled...

Sreettan loves surprises , which most of the time becomes pleasant for me also. While i like to work within a rigid frame of things and find it difficult to adapt to rapid changes, Sreettan is the other type.  Mar 14, 2026 (Saturday) he planned a travel for me to Kerala and booked flight tickets. After deliberating on the decision, i finally flew down leaving the kids in Bangalore. I was as excited as a kid to meet Sreettan after 2 (long) weeks and also nervous to leave kids (almost adults) alone here. Panakkal opening pooja and annadanam was planned for Mar15 Sunday and the idea was to be part of it.  Saturday morning , after my regular gym training and cooking for kids , i went to airport to catch 4:30pm flight. Nimmy (RBD) was on the same flight , so we had some nice time catching up. Sree came to Tripunithura to pick me at the metro station.I took a connection metro from airport and around 7:30pm we met. He suggested going to restaurant for dinner but having eaten lunch fr...

It was past midnight and i was in deep slumber. Sreettan was as usual in official meetings. After winding up work, he came and woke me up gently with a small gift in his hand - a swaroski earring fashioned like a flower. A pleasant and extremely sweet moment! Our first valentine's day is still fresh in memory when he got me a barbie doll and wrote "To my one and only valentine". He is not a person who keeps track of dates,brings gifts etc, so when he does they are cherished. 21 years hence - This time with deeper warmth and love. More than the gift, the gesture captivated me.  I wore it, he clicked a pic and it did look beautiful. I may forget many such beautiful moments over the years but just like the 1st V day, this one too shall we remembered !

2025 had started on a great note. Welcomed the year with energetic Bangeloreans in the crowded streets of Koramangla. Child 1 was settling in her college routine, made friends and was excited about her course. Few days into the year, dance teacher told me to get ready for the first stage. Wow ! Am i ready ? May be yes. And then in Param Dham meditation center, i performed cholkettu with fellow kalaanjali friends. Nervous and overwhelming at the same time Etched in memory ! it wasnt a great one but a big leap for me. Couple of months later, all of a sudden,legs started paining. Muscle was rolling up and it started getting painful to squat and sit down. Thigh muscles cramped up and it was annoying. I would wake up every morning, hoping things would get better but didnot. Since the orthopedic didnt find anything , i approached a physiotherapist. 20 sessions , some very painful due to needling but i felt a lot better. Sreettan was in Canada at that time and with the sore legs , i managed ...

Groom : Bobby chettan's first cousin aniyan chettan's son This was a wedding i was looking forward from last 2 months. The energy to attend doubled after getting new silk saree from Mysore (This saree is proclaimed the replacement of the "kalyanathinu kayyil thanna" yellow and maroon saree ,which tore a couple of years ago) .Attending weddings are more for 'my' pleasure than anything else. It would mean dressing up,wearing the jewelry which seldom gets to get sunkissed and getting some uninterrupted time with family. Good food is a bonus !Now that family functions have become rare, every oppurtunity is priceless.  The wedding invite came few weeks earlier and the date was "marked", in my calendar, in my mind. November was packed with a Hyd trip, kerala trip for utsavam and then this wedding. Lekha chechi, Bobby chettan and amma travelled here the day before (Friday) .Stay was arranged on the farmhouse.Neethu ,Subi chettan and Sheela chechi joined the...

Lakshadweep – Where the Sea Meets Serenity Lakshadweep is everything one dreams of in a tropical paradise — soft white sands, turquoise blue waters, and endless sunshine. Breathtaking and relaxing in every sense. Arrival and First Impressions Our group — Leeja, Shalini, Raji, and I — landed at Agatti Island around noon on 17th September . The aerial view of the sea below was simply mesmerizing. As we stepped out of the tiny Agatti airport, the warm sunrays and sea breeze welcomed us with open arms. Coincidentally, it was “Yatri Diwas” , and the locals greeted arriving tourists with a vibrant Kolkali performance . The airport itself is quite small — just two rooms, one for passengers and the other for baggage. Our local sponsor Rameez received us at the gate, helped verify our permits with the officials, and soon we were ready to explore the island. 🏝️ About Lakshadweep Made up of numerous small islands — some inhabited, many uninhabited — Lakshadweep offers much more than scenic...

2025 has been one of new ailments, medicine and treatments. For me who hates to be sick or visit hospitals, not the kind of year. But fortunately my illnesses haven't affected the family's routine, that is the good part.  Since 2024 i started experiencing pain in left high post excercise/running and i could feel a round ball like thing rolling while trying to sit, squat etc making it tough. However, it used to get better with rest, yoga etc. But from March 2025 , it was more permanent. Sree said it was the IT band pull and would get better with time, using  stick etc but i was in pain all the time . Ortho suggested some exercise but the pain was bothering.Family didnt seem very bothered , so finally, on March 31, i went to a physio therapist near RBD.  Have heard about IT band for sports people ,runners etc but why me ? i was doing yoga and badminton but with good before and after stretches ( IT band is a thick band of muscles in the thigh ). The therapist identified mult...

I n the blue room, where medical wisdom unfold On the couch I lie, trying to be bold The heart aches deep, needle makes its ride Twitching and stinging but no 'beloveds' by my side. Each prick, a whisper of silent woe Am i aging and not taking it slow ? When tears roll down my cheek What can I do but quietly let them leak My dreams - hiking, trekking and dancing i cant but watch them go crashing Let me live my life, and say goodbye To relieve the pain, I take more and sigh ! To dance and sway and climb the steps  with mindful leaps and soulful preps.

 Mar 30 ,2025 Sunday : Sree woke upto Mahesh's call..it must have been around 6-6:15 am and i was just about to get up too. The call which started on a casual note soon changed tone and didnt feel right. I thought it was probably one of Sree's projectmate Mahesh informing about family member's health issues/death/unexpected travel etc and asking for leave. Sree got up from bed and as soon as the call disconnected told me , Manoj marichu ! i was like 'which Manoj' ? and what followed was silence and shock ! Our friend Manoj collapsed at the Costco (retail giant in Bay Area) passed away in California. This was not even in my the farthest thoughts, so took time to accept.  Sree spent the next few hours informing his seniors at Infosys, to extend all HR help etc. We wondered what could have happened all of a sudden and how to help Rajitha. Thanks to some of our friends who stay near her place, Jayasree, Sajitha, Smitha, Beaula who rushed to her with their husbands to su...

Everyone is born with a purpose, they say but i dont know what i am born for.  In early years, i didnt know anything about purpose of life. I was just like any other kid in the little town of Tripunithura, school going with lot of lice in my curly, thick, oily hair and stuffy nose. In high school purpose in life was excelling in academics, be teacher's pet, and carve a path to get a job. Financially independent and helpful to parents not give them any headaches. Especially, those 'grave' days when ammuma sold off 'Gokulam' which was supposed to be for amma without even informing achan/amma and achan would lie on bed,in deep thoughts. May be about the housing loan he whad to pay off and our education expenses. Inspite of treading on a virtous path, i failed as a daughter very many times. I have failed as a mother inspite of taking utmost care of the children from the moment they were conceived. Cooking the most nutritious food for the children, maintaining extra hygi...

Usually i dont take new year resolution but this time if at all anything, i want to reduce junk food and buying clothes (dress, saree everything) - i really really want to !  -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Stroke of midnight : Amidst crowd in Koramangla enjoying new year ! It was Sree's idea to go out and see the crowd after he finished work around 11 pm. I was pretty sleepy but any chance to be out, i cant resist. HSR seemed very silent so we drove to Koramangla, parked the car somewhere and walked into the crowd. Bottles on the side, ,loud music from pubs , policemen and women to control the crows, it was a different experience. My fears as always were within, so i held on to Sree's hand. First New Year without Cheeku with us. Spoke to her on phone. They did a small cake cutting , she looked happy. 1:30am: Reached home after witnessing New Year crowd in pub streets of Koramangala. i was dead sleepy by then and Appu...

 As another year rolls by, the one thing i have amassed is undoubtedly gratefulness - For not having fallen sick or bedridden or hit by cyclone or met with an accident or stranded on an unknown street. Grateful for the little bounties of happiness:  pleasure of dancing - Methil Devika concert in Feb, the many monthly meetups 'Arangu that i coordinated at Kalaanjali and the dance year culminating with Annual Day 'Shakti" where i was part of semi classical dance 'Thaye Yashoda'. For Dusseshra , i did a with few other ladies under Shamil's choreography and it was well appreciated. rasika joy - attended many carnatic concerts in person - Sandeep Narayan,Malladi Brothers, Akkarai sisters, Dr Ramaprasad and many online ones too Finding Nadasurabhi and Ranjani Fine Arts was a blessing. Retail therapy- Shopping for Cheeku college and my teeny tiny online shopping including 2 kurta from Shrishti collections, near poornathrayeesha temple. Movies-  opening of PNR felicity...

It indeed was a Shakti pareeksha, atleast for me. Like for all Kalaanjali functions, irrespective of whether i am performing or not, i was excited from many days. When Uma chechi handed the draft script and asked me to start selecting music, i was involved.  When i was finalised for 'Thaaye Yashoda' ,i was the happiest. I could dance with Krishna, thinking about him, listening to the stories. After learning Bhairavi jatiswaram, i had requested Uma chechi for teach a krishna song, so this was double sweet. I would look forward to every practice session and felt his divine presence in each. Costume was finalised and color code was blue-green, tying the saree in maharashtrian style.  Since Shakti's date coincided with my periods date, i started medication too. First time in life, without thinking of the side effects it may cause or the conflict with my medical condition. I didnot tell anyone at home for fear of being rebuked. After a couple of days, i felt like i am putting on...