test scheduled post

Feeling good today..

Thanks for the wishes. I am feeling much better and even had some lunch today (noodles). Throat is hurting much less and I haven't had to take Advil today. I stayed home today because I hadn't been on antibiotics for 24 hrs as of this morning. I'm looking forward to work though as I'm sick of staying home. Ugh.

I got to watch the Inauguration of President Obama today. Wow, what a speech. Absolutely blown away. And the crowds, my goodness. All the way from Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial. That is a lot of people! I'm watching the parade right now and every time the reports say 'President' I expect to see Bush! It's weirder for me because ever since I've been in America, I've only seen Bush as President. It's awesome! This is the first transition of power I'm seeing. All these festivities don't get coverage in India for sure.

Strep..I thought it only affected kids

Let me start by saying I have excellent immunity. I rarely get sick, and when I do it is just cold or cough. When I was in the doctor's office today, I realized it is my first sick visit in America..EVER! I started getting sore throat on friday night. It was bitter cold and we were working late. My friend S and I offered to pick up dinner for everyone from BajaFresh. I felt this thing in my throat while driving back home that night (at 11PM, mind you). Mehul was sleeping on his bed, DH was also in bed. I just changed and crashed.
Saturday morning, left side of my throat was hurting. It was much worse than last night. I had difficulty swallowing. Let me mention that 3 weeks ago, DH had sore throat. He said, at least only one side is hurting for you. His both sides hurt when he was sick. GREAT. This is a competition. (He's a great guy, really, just not used to me whining because of being sick). I got back into bed. I felt awful and like I had no energy. I didn't even want to talk to my parents on the weekly phone call. Talking hurt. They gave me a list of things to try and mostly talked to Mehul and DH. I ran a temperature throughout the day and just lay in bed. I had chills and could not get warm with thick socks, sweater, Overcoat and a comforter on top.
Sunday was the worst day I've experienced in a long time. The infections spread to the other side and I could feel the lower throat touching the upper (still feel it). It is LARGE. Forget eating, swallowing was making me cry! There was fever and a lot of laying down again. Our company has MLK day (today) as a holiday but I was supposed to go in for a customer demo. I called S (who was working with me on the demo and wasn't supposed to go in on monday) to go in place of me. I just couldn't go in like this! Thankfully she agreed and the demo went very well today.
Today I finally went to the doctor because this thing isn't going away on its own (my usual course of action - give it 2-3 days and it will get better). Strep was confirmed and antibiotics were given. Doctor said the glands were very swollen and would take a week to go back to normal. After I'm on the antibiotic for 24 hrs *and* fever-free on my own, I'm fit to be around people. The biggest concern now is to keep Mehul away from me so he doesn't catch it.
I gulped when I saw the antibiotic. How am I supposed to swallow this huge pill? I have trouble swallowing already, remember? So I take advil (200mg, coated with something) 30 mins before and then try the antibiotic. It worked this afternoon.
I am really tired of soups and tea. I want a real meal which includes solid food -- my last one was Friday night's Baja Fresh. I hope I'm better by tomorrow just so I can eat something. And I really hope no one else catches it from me. That would be very bad.

So, there's my first real sickness in a LONG while. You get a full guided tour. LOL! What, it's not like I get sick everyday! I can tell I'm getting better already :)

Proof of stitching

I'm so in love with this project. This here is Thistle Stop by Crossed Wing. The fabric is from Silkweaver, it was part of a grab bag (the only grab bag I ever did). I don't have the name for it, sorry. It is sparkly and has clouds. Love it. So far, I've finished the bird and the part of the feeder below the bird and backstitched the bird. I've made some progress on the upper side since the picture was taken. I started this on 24th December.

I finished reading the entire Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich last month. There are 14 novels in the series so far, I think I read them in a month and a half. I thoroughly enjoyed it - the beginning novels are just amazingly hilarious but as you get towards the end, it gets repetitive. But I would still recommend the novels for a quick read. As you can imagine, I didn't have much time for anything else - no stitching was done. I am also knitting 2 scarves currently as my car projects. One of them is 2/3rd done. Hope to have a HD soon.

2008 Meme

I've seen this one making rounds - Let's do it.

1. Where did you begin 2008?
At home. In company of DH and DS

2. What was your status by Valentines Day?
I got flowers from DH and card from DS (teachers helped, I'm sure).

3. Were you in school anytime this year?
Just to leave and pickup DS from his daycare.

4. Did you have to go to the hospital?
Took DH to the emergency room when he hurt his eye. Nothing serious.

5. Did you have any encounters with the police?
Nope

6. Where did you go on vacation?
London for 5 days and then India to visit with Family.

7. What did you purchase that was over $100?
Wii, Cannon Digital camera, Brother 77 stitch Sewing Machine, Living room furniture.

8. Did you know anybody who got married?
Three of my neighborhood 'kids' back home got married late this year. Two cousins of DH also got married.

9. Did you know anybody who passed away?
Nope.

10. Did you move anywhere?
Nope.

11. What sporting events did you attend?
Do 4YO DS's soccer classes count?

12. What concerts/shows did you go to?
None unless Gem & Jewelery Show counts :) I think I went there twice. Maybe 3 times.

13. Describe your birthday.
It was pretty laid back this year. Just flowers, cake and candles at home. I want something specific for a gift but it is very pricy. I am willing to wait for it.

14. What is the ONE thing you thought you would not do, but did, in 2008?
I didn't think I'll have a stitching related finish as I have been in an ongoing slump. But I did finish Angel of Love. Woot!

15. What have been your favorite moments?
Seeing DS wrap everyone around his little fingers. Seeing Delhi through his eyes.

16. Any new additions to your family?
Sadly, none.

17. What was your best month?
October because of the vacation.

18. Who has been your best drinking buddy?
Don't drink much.

19. Made new friends?
I think so.

20. Favorite Night out?
DS's birthday dinner in India would be it.

21. Other than home, where did you spend most of your time?
Work.

22. Have you lost any friends this year?
I realized two of the people I was counting as friends weren't.

23. Change your hairstyle?
Nope.

24. Have any car accidents?
Thank God, no.

25. How old did you turn this year?
32

26. Do you have a New Years resolution?
Lose weight.

27. Do anything embarrassing?
Must have but I can't remember. I do embarrassing things routinely.

28. Buy anything from eBay?
I almost bought the lot of silk after seeing someone's post on an online board, but I realized I have forgotten the login ID LOL!

29. Get married or divorced?
Nope.

30. Get hit on?
Don't think so.

31. Been snowboarding?
Nope.

32. Did you get sick this year?
Got a cold towards the end of vacation. That was it.

33. Are you happy to see 2008 go?
I'm excited for 2009.

34. Been naughty or nice?
Mostly Nice.

35. What are you looking forward to most in 2009?
Expanding our family.

101 Things ~ 2009 Version

101 Things in 3 Years ~ 2009 Version



The items in blue are new, others are left over from existing list. I have left a few spaces because I always find new things and then there is no room. This time the Hobbies take up half the list LOL! Many new things to learn and share in the coming years. I am looking forward to 2009!

	A	B	C	D	E	F

. . 101 Things in 3 years Modified December 28, 2008 . . Mission To complete the following list of things in a period of 1001 days Leftovers from previous list . Start Date 1st January 2009 New items . End Date 31st December 2011 . % Complete 0 . % In Progress 0 . % Not Started 100 . . . Goal Type Index Description Schedule Action Additional Info . Personal 1 Take Daily Multivitamin (for 30 days) Daily . 2 Get a new credit card Once . 3 Regular Dentist Visit (every 6 months for 2 times) 6 Monthly . 4 Workout 3 times a week, for life Daily . 5 Include a protein serving in one meal a day (for 30 days) Daily . 6 Go without sugar for 15 days (Splenda ok) Daily . 7 Go without white flour for 15 days Daily . 8 Achieve initial goal weight 123lb Once

. 9 Achieve final goal weight 113lb Once . 10 Learn swimming Once . 11 Make 2 new friends Once . 12 Henna my hair monthly (for 3 months) Monthly . Housekeeping 13 Scan photos brought from India Once . 14 Print photos and arrange in pre-wedding albums Once . 15 Print photos and arrange in pre-Mehul albums Once . 16 Print photos for Mehul years 0 - 4 Once . 17 Print photos for Mehul years 4-7 Once . 18 Dust furniture weekly (for 4 weeks) Weekly . 19 Donate the donate pile (2 years) Annual . 20 Sort through Mehul's toys and donate 1/3rd of the total Once . 21 Nightly cleanup routine for 30 days Daily . Family 22 Have Family portraits done (2 consecutive years) Annual . 23 Go to Temple atleast once a month (for 3 consecutive months) Monthly . 24 Move Mehul to his own room Once . 25 Get a fish tank Once . 26 Expand our family! Once . 27 Visit a Farmers Market Once . 28 Visit an Antiques Market Once

. Travel 29 Have a Disney World Vacation with Mehul Once . 30 Visit the west coast Once . 31 Visit a new Country Once . 32 Visit a new State Once . 33 Go Skiing/SnowTubing Once . Life and Financial 34 Start a 401K for Me Once . 35 Start a Roth IRA for Mehul Once . 36 Get a will for myself Once . 37 Be more involved in home finances (for 3 months) Monthly Pay bills, look at statements, track accounts on MS Money . Home and Garden 38 Maintain a schedule for lawn care (for 2 years) Annual . 39 Organize Master WIC (Add more shelving) Once . 40 Organize Mehul's WIC (Add more shelving) Once . 41 Decorate and Organize Craft Room Once . 42 Decorate and Organize Play Room Once . 43 Organize Kitchen cabinets Once . 44 Finish organizing my makeup drawers Once . 45 Finish organizing DH's grooming drawers Once . 46 Paint Guest bedroom Once . 47 Paint Hallways Once . 48 Buy Living Room furniture Once

. 49 Paint Living/Dining Rooms Once . 50 Hang curtains in Living/Dining Once . 51 Hang curtains in Master BR Once . 52 Tile Backsplash in Kitchen Once . 53 Make a new perenniels bed in the back yard Once . 54 Plant an ornamental tree in the front yard Once . 55 Plant a new bed in the front yard Once . 56 Plant bamboo, banana, or palm Once . Hobbies 57 Frame Angel of Love Once . Stitching 58 Finish one big and 2 small/medium stitching projects a year Annual . 59 Sell some stitching stash no longer needed Annual . 60 Finish Peacock Tapestry by December, 2009 Once . Digi-Scrapping 61 Make London scrapbook/photobook Once . 62 Make India scrapbook/photobook Once . 63 Complete & Print Recipe Booklet Once . Reading 64 Read 24 books in a year (Rereads don't count) Annual . 65 Read/Listen to LOTR Trilogy Once . 66 Read books by at least 5 new authors Once . JeweleryMaking 67 Learn new jewelery making techniques (at least 2) Once . Photography 68 Learn to use DSLR on manual Once

. Knitting 69 Knit a pair of socks yearly (2 years) Annual . 70 Knit a neckwarmer yearly (2 years) Annual . 71 Knit a wristwarmer yearly (2 years) Annual . 72 Knit a new set of scarves, hat for Mehul (2 years) Annual . Sewing 73 Try atleast 3 new finishing techniques (needlebook, needleroll, pouch, book cover) Monthly . 74 Learn to sew a Kurta Once . 75 Learn to sew a Top Once . 76 Make a new Apron and maybe matching potholders Once . 77 Learn to make a framed handbag Once . Cooking 78 Learn to make Garam Masala Once . 79 Learn to make 2 types of Pickles Once Mango, Lemon, Ginger/Garlic, vegetable . 80 Learn to make two new desserts a year (2 years) Annual . 81 Learn to make two new Appetizers a year (2 years) Annual Phyllo dough appetizer & pastries, puff pastry samosa, veggie sushi rolls . 82 Learn to make two new Main Course dishes a year (2 years) Annual . 83 Make urad dal wadis (for 2 times) Annual . 84 Make white butter (for 3 times) Monthly . Any 85 Make atleast 4 ornaments a year -- stitched/beaded/other (2 years) Annual . 86 Any hobby atleast 3 nights a week Daily . 87 Decorate Rangoli every year Annual . 88 Wear or carry something I made consequently for 5 days (two times). No repeats Monthly Could include clothing, jewelery, or accessories like handbag, scarf, sock

. 89 Wear Sari at least twice a year Annual Diwali, Birthday, Anniversary, etc. . 90 Buy a cocktail dress Once . 91 Sell some handmade Jewelery or at least try to Once . 92 Redo blog design yearly (2 years) Annual . 93 Take a community course Once Intermediate photography, jewelery-making, or sewing . 94 Try a new fruit or vegetable on each grocery trip (for 4 times) Bi-weekly . 95 Make New Year cards for 2 years Annual . 96 . 97 . 98 . 99 . 100 . 101 When 1001 days are up, update this list, then make a new list, including carrying over any of these not completed. :-) Once

101 Things in 1001 Days Review

Sorry to disappear for more than a month! I haven't had blogging mojo at all. I've been spending my time knitting, reading, cross-stitching and making new jewelery. I have loads of pictures to share, but first, I have to share my old 101 things list and how I did, and then present the new list 101 things list for 2009-2011.



101 Things 2006-2008


% Complete - 66


% In Progress - 0


% Not Started - 34



I had a lot of home routine, organization stuff on this list. I found the list to be very helpful throughout the 3 years. Every couple of weeks and sometimes months, I would look into the list to pick up a new task. I had recurring tasks like haircut/trimming nails/carwash, etc. and I was constantly reminded of them. Many of these things I never have time to do, yet they take minimum amount of effort on my part. With the list I started writing down when I did something last - like for monthly task I'd write the month, for yearly I'd write the year I did something and then be reminded of it again while browsing the list. I had to start over on many of the tasks (cleaning bathrooms, for instance, was the worst task) because I kept missing a week or two. Eventually I kept a bi-weekly maid service for that LOL! But for the most part I did actually get into a habit of doing the tasks right off and crossing off items felt great. A few items became obsolete and I replaced them with other tasks.



I use Google Docs for a lot of the lists, wishlists, etc. It is really great. It allows me to be able to access my lists from anywhere and I'm able to do some simple calculations in the spreadsheets. This format worked great for the 101 things list too. I have made the new 101 things list and it will be revealed here tomorrow.

	A	B	C	D	E	F

. . 101 Things in 1001 days Updated 12/21/2008 . . Mission To complete the following list of things in a period of 1001 days . Start Date April 2006 . End Date 31st December 2008 . % Complete 66 . % In Progress 0 . % Not Started 34 . . . Goal Type Index Description Schedule Action . Personal 1 Learn Struts Once Done . 2 Regular Haircut Every 2 months (for 1 year) 3 Monthly Done . 3 Regular Dentist Visit (every 6 months for 2 times) 6 Monthly . 4 Keep Navratra fast (for 2 times consecutively) 6 Monthly Done . 5 Annual physical checkup (2 consecutive years) Annual Done . 6 **Personal** o Done . 7 Workout 3 times a week, for life Daily . 8 Apply moisturizer in winters daily (for 30 days) Daily Done

. 9 Take Daily Multivitamin (for 30 days) Daily Done . 10 Eat 5 fruits and veggies daily Daily Done . 11 Eat 3 servings of dairy daily Daily . 12 Drink 8 glasses of water daily (for 4 weeks) Daily Done . 13 Charge cellphone daily Daily Done . 14 Drive daily (for 1 month) Daily Done . 15 Trim n File nails every month (consecutively for 3 months) Monthly Done . 16 Learn to make a new dish a month (for 3 consecutive months) Monthly Done . 17 Achieve initial goal weight 123lb Once . 18 Achieve final goal weight 113lb Once . 19 **Personal** b . 20 Get a job Once Done . 21 Get a new credit card Once . 22 Be more involved in home finances (like paying bills, etc.) Once . 23 Learn to make a good Indian desert (Kheer) Once Done . 24 Learn to make a good Western desert Once Done . 25 **Personal** Weekly Done . 26 Visit a Farmers Market Once . Housekeeping 27 Organize Master WIC Once . 28 Move Mehul's outgrown clothes out of closet and in a box every year Annual Done

. 29 Backup Pictures every month (3 times consecutively) Monthly Done . 30 Make Mehul's First Birthday scrapbook Once Done . 31 Remove clothes not worn in one year annually (for 2 years) Annual Done . 32 Keep clothes back after removing (everyday for a month) Daily Done . 33 File papers monthly (for 3 months) Monthly Done . 34 Car Wash for both cars - Monthly (for 3 months) Monthly . 35 Clean the car 3 monthly (for 2 times) 3 Monthly Done . 36 Organize Mehul's closet every month (for 3 consecutive months) Monthly Done . 37 Clean Refrigerator every 3 months 3 Monthly . 38 Regular drycleaning in winter Annual Done . 39 Mow the lawn monthly (for 3 months) Monthly Done . 40 Arrange family photos in albums Once Done . 41 Empty the stitching drawer, rearrange stuff and throw away drawer Once . 42 Sort Laundry in a reasonable time-frame i.e within a week of doing it for 30 days Weekly Done . 43 Cook n Freeze weekly meals after I start working (for 30 days) Weekly Done . 44 Clean master bath every 2 weeks (4 times consecutively) Weekly Done . 45 Remove items from the refrigerator that are no longer needed after weekly grocery shopping (for 4 weeks) Weekly Done . 46 Dust furniture weekly (for 4 weeks) Weekly . 47 Vaccum Weekly (4 times consecutively) Weekly Done . Family 48 Have Mehul's portraits done (2 consecutive years) Annual

. 49 Have Family portraits done (2 consecutive years) Annual . 50 Go to Temple atleast once a month (for 3 consecutive months) Monthly . 51 Wean Mehul off the bottle Once Done . 52 Move Mehul to a big boy bed in his own room Once . 53 Potty train Mehul Once Done . 54 Get a dog Once . 55 Get a fish tank Once . Fun 56 Go to the Beach when Mehul is 3 Annual Done . 57 Build a snowman every winter Annual Done . 58 Put up Diwali/Christmas lights every year Annual Done . 59 Decorate Rangoli every year Annual Done . 60 Decorate a Christmas tree every year Annual Done . 61 Start scrapbooking - some themes - Mehul, Travel, Birthdays, Family Fun Annual Done . 62 Have one weekend to relax monthly Monthly Done . 63 Movie night at home once monthly (for 3 months) Monthly Done . 64 Date night with Girish once monthly (for 3 months) Monthly . 65 Have family outing at-least once a month (for 4 consecutive months) Monthly Done . 66 Have a Disney World Vacation after Mehul is 3 Once . 67 Make Mehul's Memory box Once Done . 68 Learn swimming! Once

. Life and Financial 69 Restore savings balance to *** by December 31, 2006 Once Done . 70 Restore savings balance to *** by December 31, 2007 Once . 71 Get a will for myself Once . 72 Get a life insurance policy for myself Once Done . 73 Start a 401K for Me Once . 74 Start a Roth IRA for Mehul Once . 75 Sell or Rent Townhouse Once Done . 76 Move to the Single Family Home Once Done . Home and Garden 77 Fertilize front lawn 3 times a year 3 Monthly . 78 Plant annuals in front lawn Annual Done . 79 Plant herbs in pots or backyard Annual Done . 80 Plant Perennials in Backyard Once Done . 81 Water plants daily in hot months Daily Done . 82 Re-paint and re-decorate Mehul's room Once Done . 83 Touch-up Home-office paint Once Done . 84 Paint Stairs (? or touch-up with existing white) Once Done . 85 Get an all-in-one big boy bed for Mehul Once Done . 86 Remove watermarks from Powder Room paint Once Done . 87 Tile Backsplash in Kitchen Once . Hobbies 88 Frame a stitched project within 6 months 6 Monthly Done

. 89 Finish one big and 2 small/medium projects a year Annual Done . 90 Sell some stitching stash no longer needed Annual . 91 Stitch atleast 3 hours a week Daily Done . 92 Finish Angel of Love by 2008 Once Done . 93 Finish Peakock Tapestry by 2008 Once . 94 Scrap atleast 3 hours a week Daily Done . 95 Print Scrapped projects in 3 months timeframe 3 Monthly . 96 Backup Scrapped Layouts monthly (for 3 months) Monthly Done . 97 Start a Recipe Booklet (Do some LO, print, continue adding) Once . 98 Start a Travel Album(Do some LO, print, continue adding) Once . 99 Run a 5K Race Once Done . 100 Read 12 books in a year (Rereads don't count) Annual Done . 101 When 1001 days are up, update this list, then make a new list, including carrying over any of these not completed. :-) Once Done .