The Upside of Downtime #GratitudeCircle

I really meant to get his post up on time, but zero network, stress over something that needed my offline presence and a multitude of other tiny things kept me from sticking to the date. Nevertheless, I am going to backdate this to the correct date: 30 August 2018, the last Thursday of August.

Why?

Simple. Because I can.

Now, I am going to draw on my sense of humor, good nature and tendency to look at the silver linings to proceed with this month’s Gratitude post. I will list the happy highlights of the month, just because I’d rather focus on those. It’s good for my health!

♥

After a largely pleasant summer with my son, who did his summer internship from home, we accompanied him back to campus in the beginning of the month. I have a secret resolution: as long as he’s there, try and cover a bit of Himachal, because I am truly in love with the region. Also, love his campus and its people.

♥

So yes, we had a wonderful four days together visiting Chail and Kufri, Himachal Pradesh. We stayed at the Palace and it was a great experience. We were fortunate to have pleasant weather—that is always a worry as it is monsoon and landslides are common. On the down side, we had practically no network. After some initial worrying, we decided to lose ourselves in nature and enjoy our trip, laughing and immersing ourselves in our surroundings.

♥

We returned to my son’s campus and headed back home from there the next day. Of course I met my little friend and had a lovely time. I am amazed at how dexterous even little ones are with a mobile phone. She clicked photos of me and instantly WhatsApp-ed them to me, with messages.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmQopGAjjSK/

And funnily enough, after we were back home, I replied to her Mom’s WhatsApp messages, only to discover it was the little one I was chatting with! Whoa! Hilarious.

One interesting thing about this trip was we actually clicked pictures of ourselves. Normally we only take pictures of what we see, so this time was unusual. I am glad!

♥

I haven’t been able to blog as often as I’d like to, but I didn’t stress over that. I just focused on my priorities. But yes, I’ve been posting on my health blog.

♥

This month, Mother Nature’s full fury hit Kerala. It is heart-breaking to see the devastation, loss of lives and livelihoods. I am grateful I could do my bit, even if I am only a drop in that ocean. I could mobilize clothing, supplies, groceries and other essentials to send with the trucks that our Facebook group team organized. Efforts continue and will do so until things are better.

Natural disasters like these put life in full perspective. At least, for my part, each time I hear about floods/droughts/accidents—I step back a little and take stock of what’s happening in my life. I am always grateful for what I have.

♥

Remember that I had mentioned in July’s Gratitude post about my excitement over a new client? Well, that fell through quickly and I am so grateful for that. Some things are just not meant to be even if they seem wonderful initially. Glad I had the sense to see that in time.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BmNDDzSjJRN/

Oh, technology continues to love me! My computer monitor went on the blink. I’ve stopped freaking out over things like these now. Luckily, my workload is light right now and it was just as well. Took my time getting it fixed.

♥

My phone died last month. I didn’t get around to buying a new one. Too many other unexpected expenses cropped up, pushing this down the priority list. I do have another phone I am able to manage with. It is amazing what a relief it is not to be tied to a phone! I confess I prefer talking on a landline, anyway!

♥

I almost forgot! My little one-year-old young friend who moved to the US a few months ago is growing up rather rapidly, and her mom sent me loads of photos and videos of her—I was so thrilled! Joy is in the little things, especially when it is relationships.

♥

I am rather excited that after a long search, I finally found someone to service my sewing machine, and I am looking forward to some fun DIY. I love sewing!

♥

On the health front, things are so-so. I keep myself happy focusing on the good stuff, while working with what I have. Because invariably, this too shall pass, eh?

Also, embracing September–it is my birthday month, after all!

How was your August?

Join me for the August 2018 Gratitude Circle blog hop.

Write your post, grab the badge and add your post link to the linky below.

Thank you!