Today's the last day of 2020

Last year, this day headed to Mystic Lake Casino after dinner. There were many concerts and programs going on and regular parking lots of full. It took good 10 minutes to get to the parking lot, it was far from the buildings and was a cold day. Luckily, I had pants and warm jacket on. 

2020 finished so fast with covid, almost no travel and working from home. This was a tough year without travel but, lots of PTOs. There is always positive side of everything. After Tampa trip in February, I took one week off in July, October, November. I also took four Fridays off in September and another day off, that makes it a week. Then again two and half weeks in December. Every bit of saved up vacation and newly earned vacation had to be used else we would lose it. 

Basically, almost two months off this year and mostly were stay-cation, didn't go anywhere. This year, also spent time with only limited friends, no family visits and nothing. The plan to have my parents over also didn't happen. 

On the positive side, I did whole lot of cooking, got some rest for my wrist during all these times off. I walked a lot around my area, did others exercises too. Not to mention, this is the first time in many years, I didn't go to gym as it has been closed or due to pandemic. 

 Although 2020 was a tough year with different things, I have no complain. I hope 2021 will bring good things, hope to find peace, be happy, good sleep and many more things. Lets welcome 2021.

Who would have thought you can make cake from Greek Yogurt

I was just surfing the net to see if I can make a cake using cocoa powder, baking soda. While surfing, one thing led to another and I came across a Yogurt cake recipe. I have Plain Organic Greek Yogurt sitting in the fridge as its cold, I don't always feel like having it. I didn't know how it would turn out as I don't have Baking Powder, white sugar etc. I gave it a try anyway with a thought, if it goes wrong, it will be a waste of all the ingredients, my effort and the gas to bake. 

The recipe said to bake at 350 degree for 50 - 60 minutes on a 9 inch pan. After 50 minutes, it wasn't done in the middle completely and added 10 more minutes. Same thing, another 10 minutes at 350 degree. But this time, covered it will silver foil so the heat stays inside and the top won't get darker than it is. 

The cake turned out pretty tasty and below is after it's been cut into pieces. Very yummy

For dinner, I made some Shrimp Stir Fry with colored peppers, red onion and jalapenos. Along with that was some Brinjal (eggplants). Awesome dinner.

Shopping shopping shopping

How many of these turns out to be nice, not sure yet. I also purchased few sizes and color from another store. Black size S arrived and I know its going back to the store. That also means, rest of the jackets will go back to the store. I guess Nautica never impresses me in person.

Vince Camuto Zipper coat, 90 Degree By Reflex leggings, Poof sweaters, Bernardo jackets and Scorpio Sol leggings.

Sunday afternoon to evening movies

It was already sunny outside and I couldn't let the sunshine just get wasted without walking outside. I had a very good walk followed by some Yomari, tarkari, kaygu. Then, went to the Vietnamese temple in Dale Street, got some peace. Then, a short stop at the Rosedale mall and some Indian grocery and home. 

As usual, Samosa tasted so good from there with some Sriracha and Ketchup. Then, after a bit decided to start watching movies. 

Below are few of the movies, I had saved to a 'Watch it later' list. All of these movies were so good, enjoyed every single drama, action and thriller. A beautiful relaxing Sunday.

The Little Traitor 2007 ‧ Drama 

Road House (1989) Action, Thriller

Black Butterfly (2017) Thriller

Tithi Birthday weekend

 Everything went as planned, the cake, Yomari, kaygu kwaa, aloo waligu. It was a nice time with few friends and the two cutie pies. 

Yomari and yomari pasa, all of us enjoyed it, yummy.....

Some new dishes and addtion to my workout pant

I wasn't thinking to buy anything but, just looked at what's available. And that's when I found this pair, love it other than the soft material but, I can live with that. It also came with side pockets, win win. 

Additional airfried dishes on Friday and Saturday

I came across this Coconut Shrimp picture and I decided to look at the recipe. It was quite simple. I wanted to make it but, didn't have Coconut so decided to make it without it. So, here is my AirFried Shrimp.

 

 

Then on Saturday, I had a different dish in my mind. I had the Tilapia fillet outside and thought, how about I air fry the fish and then make Fish chilly out of that. I also decided to make chicken chilly. For dinner, I made Sushi rice which was somewhat sticky. The dinner was awesome, I had Fish chilly with rice and broccoli. 

 

 

My Sunday started around 7am, its cold and glommy outside

I didn't eat until 10am, the cookie I made didn't turn out very nice. But, after eating a tasty lunch decided to have start watching movies. Today is my movie marathon day. First movie was nice, second was just blah....Third moving is so so...I don't think second movie is worth mentioning.

Apple Mortgage Cake (2014) -  Drama | TV Movie 20 April 2014

 

A Taste of Romance, Comedy, Drama, Family | TV Movie 14 January 2012

Mind which sometimes ....

Stress causes a lot of us to do many things, think constantly about things that you don't want to. Same thing then causes more stress, frustration, anger, sadness. Although life is full of ups and downs. Some of these things do not make sense why it has to happen. What life is trying to teach and tell you? So, far in my life I have done everything as I have planned to do things in life. 

Out of all those things, some happened on time, some later but, I never lost hope and kept working for it. Sometimes things happen with pressure and those things always bother you. No matter how much you try to let it go, it seems to come back over and over as you are living that day and day out.

Some recent shopping

 I had purchased a beautiful pair of Reebok which I had to return as it didn't have much support for ankle and around due to it being mesh. It was a beautiful pair. 

LIQUIFECT 180 2.0 RUNNING SHOE - WOMEN'S

 

Since then I have been looking for another pair just in case. I would love to try Nike airmax even though its expensive. It doesn't seem to come in bright color except white. Long story short, I had my birthday reward along with other rewards, I purchased this pair in mint green. Its beautiful, I wish it was slightly darker in mint. The shoe is comfy and its going to be my second Dr.Scholl's. Not made super good, but this is the pair didn't give me ache, so I am sticking to it for now.  I was able to get a weekender for free this time.

Dr. Scholl's BLITZ WALKING SHOE - WOMEN'S

 

Xfinity internet's free TV week

 I have received few free TV weeks in the past. However, I have never made the use of this except this time. I decided to login to Xfinity and check it out. So, far this is good. Today, I'm watching the 3rd, movie, 1st movie was pretty cool. Second was blah...

A Simple Favor, a 2018 Mystery/Comedy. This was a fantastic movie for an evening. With Anna Kendrick, Blake Lively, two beautiful sexy ladies and nice acting. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Working Girl - 1988 Comedy, Drama, Romance 

So, far this movie is nice. IMDB has a review of 6.8 and hoping this will be a good movie as well.

Thanksgiving day today

 This year is different as the last two years, I went to have lunch/dinner at A and Js. This year due to covid, I had to pass. It will be five months, I saw them last. I want to see them but, just with rising numbers, had to say no. 

I hope to see them sometime soon. On the other hand, today talked to my friend S, so nice to talk to her. And then I made some Deviled eggs, turned out good minus a bit little too much mayo in it. To be continued....

The process of making Sushi roll

 I am not sure what made me wanted to eat Sushi so badly. I watched few videos of how to make few of the items and there I go, more hungry for sushi. 

Just a few weeks ago, I was talking to my friend M, she mentioned about the Sushi kit. I right away checked in Amazon and then ordered it last week. It came just before Thanksgiving, two days before they said, it will arrive. Awesome. 

I drove all the way to uptown to buy Seawood paper for Sushi, found wasabi powder too. Then it was time for Sticky rice for Sushi which I found in Target next door. I had everything I needed. I came home and started looking for how to make Picked Ginger. Normally, young ginger is used but, I only had regular ginger and I gave it a try. 

I thinly sliced the ginger, put some boiled water in it, let me sit for few minutes. Then, got the other stuff ready. I also, tried the stretching the Shrimp so that he would not curl. I made the Tempera batter and got Shrimp Tempura ready. I also chopped some Salmon and cooked slightly with Sriracha and Soy Sauce.

Since, I had purchased some Tilapia (whole Tilapia got it cut into small pieces). I decided to fry those, which took a while. I made some soup of the fish head too with veggies. I didn't quite liked the taste so threw it away. 

Soon, it was 6 pm and sticky rice was cooked. And I started the process, it wasn't too bad. I wanted to make Dragon roll and Spicy Salmon. I didn't have plastic wrap so, couldn't put the Avocado on top and cut it. No worries, it turned out good without it. At first, slicing was a bit challenge, but the small knife did the charm. Pickled Ginger turned out pretty good too. In the end, the only thing missing was hot sake, chilled Soju just didn't work for me. 

I even managed to make a roll with Spicy Salmon and pieces of Shrimp in it. It the one on the left plate, the big Seaweed roll. The overall taste was so good. Will I make it again? I would love to except, its a bit of work. I think next time, I might cook shrimp slightly and make it instead of frying. 

It turned out to be a bit high calorie dinner. Ate about 6-8 pieces myself. I think for sometimes, this is fun to eat.

A year with almost one to no travel

As planned, I was going to travel a lot this year and make many countries which were on hold previously. I had saved up vacation and such. Then, pandemic hit and everything changed with that. All around the world, people are not able to travel much. Even though they can, its recommended to avoid if you didn't have to. 

It was beginning of March when I started working from home and now its the end of November. I had never imagined in my life something like this to happen. I had also never worked from home for more than few days a week. Not regularly but just occasionally when I needed. 

As its almost Thanksgiving, I am starting to feel more side affect of no travel. The year of 2015, I was in Thailand this time around. It was so much fun. The heat made me feel irritated and that taught me something about me which I had not known before. That was not a pleasant experience but, now I know what heat does to me. 

The food, beautiful blue water most places just was great. Often times, when I want to entertain my thoughts, I think about those beautiful beaches. I also had another memory around that time, where babu and I held hands and walked towards that spectacular fishing area. It felt like when we were growing up, I don't remember us holding hands and walking together haha...I still remember that and brings me smile on my face. 

I hope the pandemic will pass soon, we all can travel and have a normal life ahead. I meant being able to go out, travel, eat, shop etc etc...For some pandemic gave a lot of family time, for some it gave time to extend their family and I feel so happy for them. 

The year of 2020, the year of mask, the year of working from home, the year of no travel and soon will it will be 2021. It will be a year baby boomers, a year of vaccine etc etc.

Thanksgiving week, one whole week off from work, third time this year

Pandemic hit, spring came  and gone, summer came and gone, fall came and gone and now winter is here which will remain for a long time. Its not like other seasons which goes fast 😁. 

With the pandemic, working from home, time is flying. Every year seems to fly but, this year seems to be going even faster with no travel, work from home, walk, cycling, Pilates and no gym. First time in nine years, I haven't been to the gym for this long. I guess there is a first time for everything. No gym is not a great one though. 

Since we have to finish all our PTOs,I am taking a week off this week again. Once again, this is the first time in my work life, I am taking a week off to stay home, and this is the 3rd time. After this, I will be on PTO for two and a half weeks off. That will also be the first time. I really want to fly to Australia to see Ren, Sam-ma and everyone. 

I would go if there wasn't a two week quarantine period. I miss the ocean, beach and family time. I just want to sit by the beach, listen to the waves and do nothing. Or if the beach has a chair and umbrella maybe a book with a nice drink on the side. Oh wow, that sounds so awesome. 

Well, back to reality, its a Thanksgiving week and not doing much. Hopefully, we will figure out something to do and enjoy the time.

Mohani nakha: and my week off

The festival started and gone too. Three days, I cooked different dishes, the best part was Rasbari dessert, turned out very well. There is some improvement to make and that is for next time. 

Kuchi bhoye, celebrated with Sonnet and his friends. It was nice to see all of them. Syaku-tyaku next day was just at home. Then the following day, Tika was nice. I had Ansa family, Nolan cha chak-chakey was so fun along with Logan. I was finally able to hold him and rock him to sleep. Poor baby, couldn't fall asleep maybe due to change in home. Overall, it was a nice Mohani Nakha. 

And here I am typing and posting some pictures of food. Rasbari on the left and Syaku-tyaku bhoye on the right. Now, Swont nakha: is next in November.

Frustration leads to an anger

I mean there are positive things too but, also need to use a lot of energy on explaining little, and very simple things which one should know as an adult. I don't mind teaching but, when it comes down to writing one line email, "how to address, how to end", frustrates me. Not knowing whether to use 'I' capital or small is just simply not acceptable. And by the way, 'Thank you" is a two word not one. 

Trying to explain practical things about life, every single little thing, which parents were supposed to teach. For an adult who has done everything on self effort, learning, teaching oneself and many things, its hard having to teach, explain to an adult all these simple things. As I wrote earlier, somethings are just really unacceptable for an adult to not know. 

Frustrates the heck out of me, unfortunately sometimes feeling of being trapped, stuck and helpless, sleepless. These are not a very good feelings, needing a companion but, stuck with a project which needs a lot of work.

When a person goes to print, you need to ask the price. You need to look at the papers which you are going to print upfront. After printing, you need to look at what you printed, whether everything is there and you need to remember to bring everything that you printed along with an external drive if you took one. These are the simplest things, having to explain these are painful. Head hurts, it hurts more when one doesn't admit their weakness or fault and learn from it.

Finally found an okay pair of walking shoes

It has been few months I have been searching for a good pair of walking shoes as my current pair of Reebok has given me enough miles. The pair of New Balance I purchased was a bit bulky and when I wore it, it was not comfortable and ached. Got 1/2 size bigger same thing and I had to return. 

As I have been searching all over, I saw this pair from Dr. Scroll's at Macy's caught my eye. I purchased two sizes, received the shoes, grey with egg plant purplish laces, beautiful. I tried it on, since there is no Wide option, the left pinky toe ached. I tried the 1/2 size bigger, it felt loose. 

The search saga had to be going. Then found another pair of the same brand in DSW, purchased it online and the shoes arrived. The reviews for this pair was slightly better than the one before. The previous pair and this both, felt comfortable when I tried it on. They are not super greatly made, but definitely better feel than New Balance. 

I tried it on few days to walk around the house every day to check the feel. Then, I felt the pinky toe pain on the left again but, not as bad as the first pair. On a Thursday, early morning I decided to wear it outside. It was slightly odd but, I gave it a benefit of doubt being a new pair. So, far its good. I love the color and shoes. It could use some more cushion on the heels though. 

Blitz Walking Shoes From DrScholls

A beautiful Saturday with a heavy heart

One more Saturday today, supposed to be a beautiful day outside. I woke up around 7:30 am, went for a walk for almost 6 miles. I even talked to Punu for a long time, and came home. After a long walk, I needed some Green Tea and oatmeal cookies, which I deserved. 

I came online on my computer, did my regular thing and got fresh. I thought of dropping to Macy's to return the beautiful sneakers I had purchased. Unfortunately, those didn't work for me, one size was tight and another was too loose. It has been a while I went to the Mall wearing my high heels. 

 After returning the shoes, I was wandering around and that's when I saw Jessica Simpson's Pump on sale. It wasn't the price I wanted to pay but, still was a good price. I asked for the person to check the size for me but, it wasn't available in the store. So much excitement for nothing haha...

 

I'm still waiting for a good deal to come up someday on these. The Red pair and the Parisah color. That day when I found in Southdale, the price was so right except the size was a tad small. I still miss that.

Then it was time to come home as I didn't have a place to go anywhere else. I came home, what I saw bothered me.

So, far every Thursday this month has been my Friday

 It's very nice to take Friday's off which I have been doing this month. Guild conference started at 11AM CST, some where interesting.The first few were framework developers or who have been working in these Automation Test Frameworks such as Selenium, Cypress, Gherkin, Mocha chai, Applitools. Some others were discussed, I can't remember the names.

As I was attending one of the sessions, I saw an email popup. I have been waiting to hear a good news. I was hoping the email would say 'congratulations' instead it read 'unfortunately'. 

I was slightly disappointed but, it's for good is how I took it. So, far I have received emails with wording along this line. 'Although your skills and experience are impressive, we have decided to pursue other candidates at this time.' Even though, these are not the word you expect when you apply for an opening, this gave me an indication to me that, they read my qualifications. There is a lot of competition and I need to be better, word harder. 

My heart felt heavy but, I am sure, there is something better waiting for me. It's just a matter of time and that time is coming anytime.

Covid-19 Lockdown's dress shopping, wohoo....

 I haven't shopped for a while and when I did, I did big.  

 

ANNE KLEIN Floral Flora Midi Dress

VINCE CAMUTO Side Ruched Dress

CONNECTED
Petite Sleeveless Embroidered Mesh Faux Wrap Dress

 

 

KASPER Petite Color Block Sheath Dress 

Centennial Lake for a walk, calm and nice

After picking up the painting material from work, I decided to make a stop at Centennial Lake Park and we did. It wasn't very quiet but, wasn't too crowded like during Farmer's market.

It was a beautiful walk with the nice lake view and tall buildings around. The outside seating in the restaurant at Tavern23, made it nice. I remember just about a year ago meeting friends for a Happy Hour, I miss it.

No matter how I was feeling inside, the beautiful view, lake made it so much fun.