2016

2015 is over. Done and dusted. Who would have thought? It doesn't really feel like a new year although the thought of being almost 30 is a little alarming. December was quite a month and that's why the lack of posts. Lots of ups and downs. I had quite a bizarre list of highlights from 2015 but then gave up on it. It included a bizarre conversation with a Lyft driver who called me a 'mature and passionate woman' and said 'religion has never caused any harm' (plus insisted I sit up front and patted my knee). He was serious, I was intent on making it home. I've never had such a bizarre experience with Uber and having used a few more Lyfts around town, some of it is Lyft (which I am going to try and not use at all anymore).

So

I just don't have the words. Or I do, I just don't know how to bring them here. There isn't a lot of sense-making going on these days - each day is its own day, for better and for worse. 2015 is going by fast and it has been nothing short of extraordinary in every which way. Perhaps I will find it in myself to write about it someday. Until then, here's another whimsical piece apropos nothing:

https://medium.com/@ShrewTea/a-round-up-of-daily-tragedies-505fa0835420#.3re1169vc

Medium

Now trying something new. I'm still here and kicking, it has just been a few full weeks (this is one of my personal favorites and I sent it for publishing twice but with little to no luck - everyone wanted me to change something and I did not want to change anything :))

https://medium.com/@ShrewTea/on-loss-and-language-20eedba7d178#.v4llqoa37

Diwali ki Badhiyaan

I'm back, back and back. I have Netflix in the background, caffeine in me and the laundry done. Take that jet lag (I don't think I get jet lag but it is a good substitute word for my regular tiredness for a week). It was an exciting trip and eventually it flew fast. I met friends and family. The wedding was so, so much fun. I danced my heart out and simply couldn't get enough. It was full of love, laughter, jokes, sunshine, music and booze. All great ingredients for any celebration. It also helps that I have lost my shyness and can enjoy the moment.

A Jigsaw Piece in the Wrong Puzzle

I'm home. I am not sure if I am home but you know what I mean. I am typing this on a scrunched up tablet keyboard. I chose to not get my laptop this time, a wise decision for my travel. It was one of the smoothest trips I have had, if only for my obsessive planning. Nasal spray, face mist, fleece booties, pouches for EVERYTHING.

Whirlwind

It has been a whirlwind of a week and then some. Work has picked up pace and is very interesting, especially with a lot of analysis and data cleaning and Excel and processes. Travel takes about two hours both ways and I actually am grateful for it, especially when I am returning home. It forces me to pause and relax so that by the time I am home, I am less wired. I think about what I want to do when I get home (usually the bed has a magnetic pull and I lay on it and watch Netflix but occasionally I'll pack a lunch or clean).

Lists

Updates in lists (I don't have the creativity for sentences this week):

• I now have a library membership. This means free access to e-versions of Cosmo and Elle and Marie Claire and they are so fucking annoying: 60 pages of ads and 20 pages of microscopic content. They have good books but I didn't find many on the shelves. The online hold system means the good stuff is on the hold shelves
• Since I have watched The Office thrice, now I have Friends playing in the background (I am trying to switch to the more educational radio, but it takes time)