Tag: faith

2024 went by fast! Even this letter is being written and edited in under a few hours. So to keep it tight, we have all selected a word for the year and messaged our portion of the letter around it. Hope this gives you a fast peek into our lives.

Bambi

My word for the year is “pampered”. 

I turned 12 and have been subject to many “old man” jokes in the house. Yes, I was taken to the ER once and it’s true, that I was feeling fine by the time mom and dad drove into the parking lot of the hospital. What can I say, these ‘old man’ jokes, are costing my dad some good dollars…that 2-hour visit costed him ~$850! On a more serious note, I am on two pills twice a day, one for my heart and the other a diuretic. But I am also on a 24/7 regimen of sympathy at home. I get treats every time I swallow these pills. I have also learnt the art of hiding them in my mouth and spitting them out after a few minutes. My parents have caught on to this – now, they wait before serving me my treats. 🙄 🙄 

I have guilt tripped my family into taking me with them on vacations. So this year, I had the opportunity to visit two new states, taking my total to 17 states in the US. Next, I need to work on getting upgraded to business class. Talking about upgrades, my mom has been giving me homemade organic chicken breast and salmon. Yummy. I am slow to move around, I need frequent pee breaks, my heart beats faster, etc etc but this extra love and pampering is worth some of my discomforts. 

To my human family members, I see your love, I see your care and I sincerely look forward to my next holiday!! 😜 😜 

Yash

My word for the year is “thrilling”.

Capturing the year in one sentence. I brought home three new pets – Frodo (an Axolotl), Raz (a Jumping Spider) and Mycroft (a Gargoyle Gecko), got my driving permit, made a PR of 10.2 in Pole Vault, learnt to shave and I am now the tallest in the house! 

So yes, it has been a super thrilling year and to counterbalance all this thrill, I sleep in till 2PM on my days off. To the other peasants in our home, I’m done here…please don’t bother me with your edits!

chitra

My word for the year is “focus”.

Yoga has kept me grounded and I do go into a different zone while I’m researching, practicing or teaching. My family only wishes that I stay in that yoga zone all day long, but they aren’t that lucky. I do have to shed my yoga calm state and regularly showcase my crazy (screaming) state to ensure that my house remains habitable! Among my three boys, it is only Bambi who consistently gives me the vibes for practicing my yoga calm state. For the remaining two fellows, focus and, at times, very deep focus is mandated.

Nutrition is another area of focus for me. I regularly experience eye rolls from my meat loving boys. Maintaining my high nutrient vegan protocol takes effort and discipline. My Sunday zoom calls with friends who are reaping the benefits of focused nutrition are a life line that motivates me and restores hope. 

This year I have also made focused decisions of how I spend my time. Reading, over the years, has taken a back seat, so getting focused reading time has been a priority. I will neither confirm nor deny certain home videos where I have been caught drooling while napping over an open book. Experiencing nature, new cities (with Bambi) and spending time with people who ooze positivity have made this year extra special! 

Suresh

My word for the year is “blink”.

This year went by in the blink of an eye! It seems like yesterday that I started my new job and I seldom say this, but “I am loving it”.  It certainly is a combination of the role, my colleagues and more importantly where I am in life. I am able to focus easily on what is really important and have been able to cut out any noise.

This year, Chitra and I celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary and our relationship is still passionate! 😃 We fight with passion, we argue with passion and I agree to everything she says with equal passion! 

In a blink, Yash is now taller than me, he is driving with us, exercising with me (and doing it better) and hopefully, soon will be ready to get off our payroll!! 

Sharing the Menon family love

2024 meant something different for each of us. Here’s wishing you and your loved ones a new year filled with multiple moments that “pamper”, “thrill”, “focus” and go by in a “blink”. Have a healthy and memorable 2025!

past annual letters

2023

2022

2021