Friday, March 2, 2012

Long and the short of it

Statement 1: ‘I have been lucky to live near work and travel less than 30 minutes to get to work.
Alternatively the above line can be written as:
Statement 2: ‘I have bullied Sumit for the past few years to have an apt. close to my work with little consideration for his work location.’
The latter though correct, sounds harsh. So I will stick to Statement 1: ‘I have been lucky to live near work and travel less than 30 minutes to get to work.
But, isn’t there always a but in such sentences.
I have now come to a time where though we live in a coveted area in Central London, work is FAR away. Door to door 2 hours away. And that is one way my friends. I promised myself, I won’t bitch about the travel, but when 80% of my thoughts are along those lines, it’s hard not to.
Yes, I know people have been doing this for years, it’s a way of life for many and yes, it’s normal.
Well I agree with all that, but I have to say, it’s not been my normal! And it’s taking a lot of getting used to this '4 hour' daily commute to work.
I love my work, the challenges, the people and above all the thrill of making a difference and achieving it. But the travel really sucks!
For reasons, the  Mon-Thursday travel doesn’t work for me. So I settle with commuting 4 hours a day.
On the pros, I have read 5 books in the past few weeks. In the long train ride seen a couple of my 'must watch' movies including 'Too big to fail!'.  And best of all, in my train, I have written long work proposals and drawn up enough presentations in the peace and quiet of being away from the net and phone. So yes, the travels have been productive.
But (Again the big word)
It sucks, I hate running in so that I don’t miss my fast train. I hate sipping on coffee by myself whilst hubby and V call me when they are munching the morning breakfast. I detest coming home just wishing the lights are on in my daughter’s bedroom so I can play with her.
It will take A LOT OF GETTING USED to. Luckily I have had a good and trust worthy support structure. Who
a. have been listening to my non stop rants,
b. giving me the neck massages I need after the long day and heavy laptop carrying
c. Taking care of the kiddo and her sleep schedules and above all for
d. The kiddo who comes to me as soon as I come home and says: 'Why dont you lie down on the couch and I will give you blankie. We can snuggle and read a book there'

This sort of pampering I could get used to.
Travel Woes... I am ready to face you. For today!

Sunday, February 5, 2012

A sneak peak on our snowy morning!

 A view outside our window.......................................s

 The little snow man..... Yes, V helped, and we left if mid-way since our fingers were frozen! Per V: 'We need to go back inside and thaw them'
A pe

Saturday, February 4, 2012

And it took snow

To make me come back to my "super ignored" blog to come back to life! It's earlY Feb, and I have no idea when was the last post I wrote, but tonight its snowing in London and as look out this window of mine, after a Long time I am inspired to write again! Yes, I miss Chicago, when it starts snowing in November more or less. You are snow covered and bitching about the weather 5 months of a year, but you still enjoy the snow covered roads, the snow on your face when you walk on the Magnificent mile, whatever! Bottom line, snow uplifts your mood like no tomorrow. but at the same time, I am enjoying this experience of living in London. I get asked a lot, which do you prefer, Chicago or London. My answer always is " I have phases" Truly, i miss my dearest of friends, buddies, mom chit chats, comforts and knowing the streets of Chicago, a city where my daughter spend the first three years of her life, a place which equates to home for both Sumit and me. At the same time, I am enjoying my new found friend ships, the new adventures of exploring the new restaurant, the new nook, the new kids class which make me and V skip a beat and laugh our hearts out. I love finding the new paths which make me discover a new ice cream place, a new hot samosa joint, a new place where i'll never go again. I like the newness and the familiarity of London. I think the experience of living in a new city makes you learn so many new things about yourself and your relationships. I am lucky to be here and learn. Being out of my comfort zone and yet being comfortable. Snow- in a lot of ways, just walking down the street with V this evening with our tongues out to catch the new snow flake makes me realize: you only live once, and sometimes just being out there makes you feel like 'you are home'