2025 started off great. Mom was with me until the middle of January. We celebrated our neighbor’s twins first birthday. After she left, it was kinda hard to get used to not having hot breakfasts served up even before the hunger pangs hit. But I consoled myself saying she’d be back in May. My daughter was graduating from UNC and my mom and brother were flying down to attend the ceremony. My cousin who loves A to bits also flew down for the ceremony. Often times as immigrants with little or no family around us, it’s usually just the parents and siblings that attend school concerts, award ceremonies, and graduation events. But to see her grandma and uncles show up for her big day was so heart warming. So grateful for all the love and support my little girl has from her extended family.
Mom and I made a weekend trip to see my good friend S in Pittsburgh. We had fun going to the conservatory (my mom loves plants). We made a trip to the museum and also got to taste her husband’s cooking. Every morning we were treated to frothy coffee that would put Starbucks to shame. All in all it was such a relaxing and enjoyable trip. So grateful for old friends that are like family.
2025 is also the year that I got back to yoga after a huge hiatus. Again, credit goes to my dear friend N who kept nudging me and sending me links to yoga videos. So grateful for her and how much she shares with me and how much she cares for me. Eternally grateful for her friendship over the years.
We made 2 trips to DC this year—once to pick up my mom and the second time to drop her off. The first trip was a quick one but the second time we got to spend time with my cousin M and my aunt plus a good friend and his family. My mom enjoyed spending time with folks her age.
Throughout the year my friend G and I went to a couple of musicals, dance performances, several dinners, and parties at her house. Through her I’ve met some interesting people and my world view has expanded. She’s the friend I can count on to lift me up when I’m down in the dumps or say it like it is when I need a reality check. Highlight of the year was our trip to Jersey to meet her friend who runs a fashion boutique and I ended up being their model for a couple of days!
My cousin came back for a visit in July and then again during Thanksgiving. A lot of laughs and shopping later, we put up my little Christmas tree together. It was a nice way to end 30 days of gratitude. The people in my life are the true blessings!
A few other neighbors and friends have also been a source of joy (and food!) and I’m grateful for them as well. Picnics with S and her daughter plus blueberry picking on a sultry summer day.
And last but not the least, thankful for my job and the flexibility it gives me. Thankful for good coworkers and a drama-free workplace.
Thankful for all the love and blessings that are yet to come and hope and pray the next year has this and many more other things to be grateful for.
December is going to an exciting month for many reasons and I can’t wait to wrap up the year with the people I love and cherish! And start the new year on a positive note.
Punctuate Life 