Celebrate

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi 

2 October 1869–30 January 1948

Mahatma Gandhi was born today in 1869. Being father of a nation means that everyone gets to celebrate your birthday. We are doing that today by sleeping in until 11 AM and reading the wiki article on the man so as to be slightly less ignorant of his grand deeds.

We also promised the dogs a trip to the dog park but will probably not make it around to that and just hope they didn't understand the word 'park'. I suspect they were just happy having us spend the day with them and receive the occasional scratch. 

We will be enjoying a fine Indian meal tonight and celebrating our own special occasion - 18 months since our first date. We try to keep the 2nd of each month as an excuse to go on a date, treat ourselves to something nice that India has to offer. Punjabi by Nature is today's place and I would compare it to an Indian restaurant in America. 

Kari will be enjoying a Birthday in 9 days! Who knows maybe she will be enjoying two? I have some plans for the big day but nothing quite as lavish as last year. My big surprise was ruined in a good way when our friend John (and chef) became temporarily in need of work last week. We've hired him to teach cooking classes to Rita. Was going to have John produce a surprise Birthday meal but it's kind of hard to keep that one under wraps now that he is at the house three days a week.

Back to holidays and the perks of foreign service.... We get 10 US federal holidays per year plus 10 local holidays observed in New Delhi plus a couple days here and there when my boss feels like giving me a 4 day weekend! Every month is sprinkled with a few things to celebrate, commemorate or just enjoy. I think my 'Christmas' lights will be used three times a year here! Do you know how happy that makes me? I wish I owned more! I think I only brought half but I will have to wait until I unravel them all to know for sure. If anyone wants to do some day after Christmas shopping for me, just let me know. I would be interested in any LED Christmas lights at 65% off or more. With preference towards a lot of (any) one color.

This November a groomsman of mine is getting married! Kari's brother Jason. Being that we are half a world away, Kari and I will probably not make it but we are planning to celebrate in full Indian wedding outfits here and over skype. All focus will soon be turning to Mitchell as my only groomsman still rocking the bachelor life.... The pressure must be intense. I hope it's not too much for that bright 15 year old to handle!

It seems our calender is filling up with more things to celebrate than days in the year! With nephews and nieces, friends with kids and kids on the way. Anniversaries, holidays and days set aside to remember sad days from the past. 

Happy Birthday Gandhi! and happy day that we celebrate meeting Kari (and Scout, Bella)! and happy birthday Rachael Cupp! and happy days to come all!