The Small Things...

I can honestly say that this is the happiest I've been in a long time.  Actually, it's probably the happiest I've ever been, and every day I'm realizing the importance of counting my blessings and being thankful for what I have instead of being frustrated by inconsequential things.  The other day, Nish and I watched the Oprah episode in which she interviewed Dr. William Petit - a man whose wife and daughters were tragically murdered in their home three years ago.  Nish and I were both overcome with emotion as we watched this man talk about losing his family.  He was totally alone.  Totally broken.  When asked what reminded him the most of his family on a daily basis, he answered that he was reminded of his family whenever he saw a father teaching his daughter how to ride a bike, a family out to dinner, a father and daughter playing basketball.... in essence, "the small things."  Nish and I were struck by these words.  Everyone says "it's the small things in life" that are truly important, but despite this, they are often taken for granted.  I hope that we all continue to cherish the happy moments that life brings us: the laughter, the tears, the achievements, the warmth, the light, the love, ... the small things.  

"If there's anything to be gained from the senseless deaths of my beautiful family, it's for us to all go forward," he said. "Help a neighbor, fight for a cause, love your family."   
- Dr. William Petit

A Few of My Favorite Things...

I love the holidays.  Here are some reasons why:

SCENTED HOLIDAY CANDLES

STARBUCKS PEPPERMINT MOCHAS

CHRISTMAS MUSIC

And last, but not least....

COOKIES :)

Turkey Day 2010

Thanksgiving this year pretty much consisted of eating, drinking, dancing...and a lot more eating.  Satish and Bahar graciously hosted us for four nights, and we had a great time.  What were we thankful for this year?  That we were able to spend Thanksgiving with the Joshis before their big move to Nepal next year.  It was perfect.  Here are some pictures of the weekend:

NISH MAKING US YUMMY MARTINIS!

PRITI'S AWESOME PEANUT BUTTER-HERSHEY KISS COOKIES

FIRST THANKSGIVING AS HUSBAND AND WIFE

MANAV BRINGING US 'GROCERIES' FROM "TADA JOE'S"

CARVING THE TURKEY & POURING THE WINE

OUR AWESOME THANKSGIVING SPREAD

NISH COULDN'T GET ENOUGH

El Greco Grande

This past Tuesday, our friends Troy and Liz had their beautiful (big!) baby boy, Peter (named after Troy's dad).  Troy is Greek and Liz is Mexican.  Traditionally, Greek men name their sons after their own fathers, so two names are consistently repeated every other generation.  So little Peter's son - if he follows tradition in the future - will be named Troy. On Thursday, Nish and I visited Troy, Liz and their 10 lb. burrito (or gyro, depending on which you prefer).

NISH FEEDING LITTLE PETER

ME WITH THE HAPPY FAMILY

                                                                                       

Home for the Holidays!

This year, we're all heading up to Seattle for Christmas!  I can't wait.  It just doesn't seem like the holidays in Los Angeles.  It's way too sunny and warm, which makes it hard to justify cravings for hot chocolate.  Also, there's nothing like spending holidays with family.  For the first time in years, everyone will be at my parents' house: Priti, Kom, Harsh, Nish and I, and Harshada and Anand (which should be comedy).  I'm looking forward to lounging around our always toasty house (thanks, mom and dad!) and spending Christmas day with both the Patil and Kumar families.  And we finally get to meet little Rohin!  Perry Como sang it best:  "There's no place like home for the holidays!"  

A Time to Blog

Welcome to our new blog, Keeping Up with the Kumars!  Our wedding was almost two months ago, and Nishant and I are enjoying settling into married life.  Because we don't always get the chance to pick up the phone and call our family and friends, we figured that keeping a blog might be a good way to let those who are nearest and dearest to us know what's going on in our lives.  Enjoy!