As you read this, I am probably at an internet cafe in Ecuador enjoying my dream vacation. I hate to close a year without a flashback and hence decided to type it in earlier – much earlier infact. Other than a few last minute additions about the trip I am quite sure (fingers crossed) I will not be editing much to the pre-typed draft.

January:

I welcomed 2008 with the two men in my life – my brother and my husband. Just back from our Hawaii trip, we were in great spirits. I would miss my bro as I welcome 2009 and I am hoping that I will get to welcome 2010 with him again.

First job – with dreams and visions I started my job. It has been a learning curve.

February:

Nothing but my dance program comes to my mind about this month. After hours of practice and excitement we went on stage. Some excitement, some disappointments. I learned some things, I realized some things.

March and April:

Flew past me as I dreamed about the upcoming India trip.

May:

This was the travel month. Back-to-back trips to Chicago and Seattle to meet friends and attend weddings. Tamil Mirchi – my latest obsession started its weekend shows. In spite of running around, I had so many moments to smile and savor the memories.

June:

This month was spent shopping and day dreaming. As I got ready to head home, I was always spotted with a smile on my face and stars in my eyes…but the month did not end good some drama started up and I ended up hurt and confused. The drama continued to drag on till I made peace with myself in late October.

July:

We started the month spending a few days in Dubai – shopping, bargaining, and gawking at tall buildings. Then we were home. This month flew past me. Shopping, laughing, eating, family, and friends took over my life. It was so much fun and with unshed tears I made my way back to Houston.

August:

Back in Houston, with the soul left behind I started the long process of getting back into to the so-called routine life.

September:

A quick trip to Newport beach for some R&R and things started spiraling downhill this month. Hurricane Ike took us by surprise. It brought back my appreciation and fear for Mother Nature and gratefulness for everything I have.

October:

Getting over Ike was the priority this month and then there were talks of mortgage crisis and recession. We kept counting our blessings and moving along.

November:

Festive times. I tried my hand in teaching kids. It was an experience which I am not sure if I want to repeat. Thanksgiving with family was amazing. Mumbai attacks left us shocked and angry and lost.

December:

The year is almost over. The vacation was our gift to ourselves. Our dream come true. And I type this line from a place that looks like it has been built based on my dreams. Life seems perfect!

Between the lines, between the 12 months there was an underlying current which had me worked up – which is still keeping me confused and angry. I am not yet ready to write about it. I’ll do it soon. I do not know when I will be ready to put my anguish and anger into words. It is a chain reaction, there are some steps that need to precede before I write about that.

This year also a big jump in my friends circle. I met and got to know people who later became good friends. Definitely a good thing. 2008 saw many of my wonderful friends tying the knot, and welcome babies into their lives and it looks like the trend will continue well into 2009. As another year draws to an end, I sigh in contentment and look forward to the new year – with smiles, with dreams, with hopes and with happiness.

Wishing you a wonderful 2009!