Because bullet points are my new best friend, here is a quick round-up of the year we called 2013.
Discovery of the Year: Mascara. Hitherto discarded as something that made my lashes bump into my glasses, I got the waterproof version and Oh. My. Lord. My life will never be the same again. On some days, I even manage to wear it clump-free and not look like Helena Bonham Carter’s Kumbh Mela twin.
Realization of the Year: I am capable of single-minded devotion and razor-sharp prioritization when it comes to relationships. Exactly 7 people in this world truly matter. Everybody else is lovely but entirely peripheral.
New-found loves: Pilates and dancing. And the former had a lot to do with the latter.
First-time travel: Seattle (stunning), Leavenworth (so charming), Las Vegas (dazzling), Blue Lakes (serene), Russian River (picture-perfect), and Carmel (quaint).
Where I would have loved to go: The little Gujarat village I yearn to see.
People: 2 women who came into my life in the latter half of the year and have benefited me tremendously. An addition to the family! One relationship I am relieved is over. My inner circle as supportive and blessed as ever.
Cities: Bombay, still home, still the city of my heart. San Francisco, a new love interest I am casually dating because… *pause for effect*….I discovered the Mission. London, the soulmate I continue to miss, knowing it is out there but we must live apart.
Time well spent: In a hospital. As a caregiver. Night and day, for weeks on end. I have never felt more fulfilled.
Culinary Development: Baking from scratch! Butter sponge (perfect texture, not enough sugar) and French Apple cake (bellissima! Yes, I’ll share the recipe sometime).
Focus: Telling stories for non-profits I believe in. Meeting some incredibly inspiring people through my work. Discovering that the Valley is a generous, socially responsible place.
Connections: To some really smart, successful, and interesting people who are part of the Indian diaspora doing wonderful work for the motherland.
Most terrifying moment: Watching a loved one battling for their life. May you never have to witness it.
Rediscovered: Swimming. How I love the water!
Lost: A pant size.
Gained: Two jasmine plants, a newly-minted sister-in-law, and the perfect gold pump. *respectful silence*
Not lost: The ability to roll on the floor at potty jokes. The hope that 2014 will be bigger, better, brighter. I’m champing at the bit to get started!
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Happy New Year to you, dear reader. 😀
Let’s wish each other’s dreams come true.
Wisdom Wears Neon Pyjamas 
Vox populi