Reflecting on the adventures of the past year, it’s been nothing short of an emotional roller coaster. As the final chapter unfolds, it’s time to recount the highs, lows, and unexpected turns that marked the passage of time.
The journey kicked off in January with a surprise 50th birthday bash orchestrated by Nidhi, setting the tone for a year of unexpected twists and turns. Despite the tumultuous rains, spirits remained high as friends embarked on a memorable trip to Vegas, creating memories to cherish.
February, however, brought the first loop—a professional shakeup that reverberated through my life. The unexpected layoff of my team, coupled with the directive to offshore several others, left me grappling with a mix of heartbreak and gut-wrenching emotions. Adding to the complexity, my freshly graduated daughter faced a similar fate. Amidst this chaos, a silver lining emerged as I secured a new home in the Bay Area—a peculiar blend of emotions, to say the least.
March unfolded as a month of transition, marked by me learning about culture and setting in place professional relationships in eastern europe. Simultaneously, preparations for a move on April 15 demanded attention—from flooring and paint to window blinds and garage cabinets. Juggling these tasks, I also delved into the process of renting out my existing house.
April ushered in a new chapter as we settled into our custom-renovated home. Yet, challenges persisted as existing tenants in NC provided their notice, necessitating a search for replacements. Work-wise, I delved into early morning interviewing engineers for the offshore location. Meanwhile, my daughter found her way back into the workforce, albeit in a different team in the same company. The month concluded with a decided surrender to the need for a well-deserved vacation in late May, spanning nine Scandinavian cities.
May, however, brought its share of unwelcome surprises—a moldy refrigerator, water leaks, and the need for mold tests in the new house. Amidst this, we invested in window plantation shutters and custom curtains for our bedroom and kitchen, adding a touch of comfort to our evolving space.
June marked the onset of summer—a season of forging new friendships in the new neighborhood, and becoming part of a vibrant community. Professionally, the focus shifted to building on a solid recruiting foundation.
July became a month of reunions, celebrating a magical 20th anniversary with Sonal & Kislay, and enjoying a much-needed break from the constant grind. The joy of these moments, however, set the stage for the challenges that lay ahead.
August brought relief as I successfully hired 25 new engineers in the new offshore location. Yet, the professional front saw strains as my manager expressed dissatisfaction with my performance. On a personal note, September brought tension with rumors of another looming layoff, scheduled for October 1.
October 1 arrived with unexpected news—my existing company’s record sale in cash, causing a surge in stock prices and a temporary sigh of relief. However, Halloween brought a personal twist as I found myself among those laid off.
November blurred into a mix of depression and therapy, intensified by my father’s mysterious illness. Though tempted to travel to India, plans held for a later date—November 25.
As the year wound down, December became a month of recovery and celebrations. Amidst the challenges, my 51st birthday was celebrated at a magical marriage ceremony in India. The festivities continued with the commemoration of Murli and Charu’s 25th anniversary—a poignant reminder that amid the upheavals, there is always space for joy and celebration.An emotional roller coaster of a year comes to an end. New friendships were forged, milestones were celebrated, good byes were said, and new journeys were birthed.
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