THANK YOU!

Today...

I just applied for astronaut!

In 2008, I applied and kept it a dire secret, fearing admitting I applied AND didn't get selected was the ultimate demise.  Then three and a half years later, I grew up and realized there are SO many worse things that could happen.  Like the marshmallow man from Ghostbusters storming inside my new house and getting it all gooey.  Not that I have such nightmares or anything.

So now it's 2012 and I am hoping that decaring my excrutiatingly painful need for becoming an astronaut known to the world will bring me good luck.  The world...my blog readers.  Same thing. Right?

Here's the insider info.  First sign that you may get selected is they actually contact your references.  It's the slightest of hints but quite a big deal.  Second, of the 3500 applications, they give 120 interviews.  Then it gets cut down to 40.  Then it's however many they think are qualified for what they need.  8, 10, 17.  Probably 10 or 11 though. 

And that's why I am making myself not pretend I have a chance.  I am leaving it to yall to help me.

A year later...

It was a year ago today that we departed on what I am sure will prove to be a rare moment in life-our around the world trip.  The honeymoon of all honeymoons, as we were told.  It's almost unfathomable how much hasn't changed in our lives post-return to the States.  We are still homeless, still in an attic, still wearing the same five or six outfits, and still paying for storage 2000 miles away. You want to know the oddest part?  It hasn't really phased us.  Being a minimalist apparently comes naturally to me.  Now, don't get me wrong.  I miss my shoes.  A lot.  And my clothes.  I'd be lying if I said a manicure didn't conjure up the warm cozy feelings of the old Mamta.  My point is, however, that I don't mind life as it is given to me, granted the major things remain constant.  Gainful employment.  Family.  And food. 

The most major thing to happen this past year since returning from a trip that changed us both (in enlightening, appreciative ways) is we bought our first home together.  It's a great little place with wonderful potential.  I call it "Small but Mighty".  It seems that with every second look there appears a third thing to do.  But, it's exciting. 

This year has been about learning about myself and my husband.  And how the two of us complement each other.  It's been about finding our balance again.  And adjusting to so many of life's changes, welcomed or not.  It's been a year of excitement and frustration.  Of highs and lows.  Of promise and luck.  Family and new additions.  But, mostly, of patience, compromise, and learning to let go.

Maybe Starbucks is THAT Powerful...

If I had only known when I was single and eager to mingle...

I'm at the Starbucks again and I ask a guy if anyone was sitting in the chair next to him.  It's my only choice with an outlet nearby.  He was on the phone and quickly gestured that no one was sitting there.  When I am all setup and ready to start work, I notice I forgot my phone.  Eh.  We have so much going on with the house that forgetting my phone is a pain.  Oh well.

Well, not more than two minutes later, the guy asks if I have "my phone".  Or something like that.  He's not a native Englisher speaker so I assumed that was what he asked me.  So my response was so obvious to me...I mean, how could he know?  He must be telepathic.  So I said "Oh...No. I don't have my phone."  He replied, "You don't have phone?"  (He's got his own in his hands with the keyboard slid out and ready to type, mind you.)

"Correct.  I don't have my phone."

"Oh.  Okay."

I look behind me and "my table" is open so I move over, whilst realizing this guy wanted my phone number...not my phone.  I should mention I haven't been wearing my wedding rings because I have been painting the house...

I am, officially, the coolest person.  Ever.  I'd hit on me. 

Well...That's Starbucks Drinkers for You...

I'm at the Starbucks near Srin's work, happily enjoying Christmas music and all sorts of season's tidings.  When all of a sudden, the sweet young girl across from me and I hear "I want manager.  Get me manager.  I want manager.", crescendoing in volume and decrescendoing in the articles. 

It's a Starbucks emergency.  Some poor and now distraught affluent lady probably got whip cream from a can instead of the cow in the back in her venti-fied grande chai peppermint latte on the rocks topped off with a bit of Grinch. 

Geez..  I mean...I think the poor Starbucks lady heard you the first time when you asked for the manager.  Give her a moment to finish making the other drink (for heaven forbid she have two Starbucks drinkers yelling at her). 

Oh...you don't hear my sarcasm from across the store.  I wish you could because then maybe you would stop yelling.  Oh! It's so annoyingly loud.  And you sound psychotic since no one can hear the Starbucks lady.  Now I know what people in high school meant when they heard P and me argue. 

P.S. Yes, I agree with the Thanksgiving rule but do I really have power over Starbucks? Alas...I shall enjoy mistletoes and stockings and the smell of nutmeg, cinnamon, cloves...  I mean, technically, it is Thanksgiving week, right? 

I have a new niece!

Born November 14th, 2011 as Keira Laxmi Clarke.

Whoo hoo!  Love her already and can't wait to meet her. 

WE WON!

$3.