04/21/2024 Fast forward

 Life appears to be going in fast forward mode lately. 

I spent  early Thursday morning finishing the script for a skit my students will be performing at the children's festival next week. Then, on a whim, made a trip to the salon to get highlights, as it suddenly dawned on me that I might not even have much hair left, let alone be able to color or style my hair, post surgery.  I hurried back from the salon, picked up both girls and went to visit Boys and Girls Aid Society in south east Portland. Raaga and I have been following the awesome work they do to help young adults aging out of the foster care. The visit told us so much more about the organization and how they have been around for over 100 years, helping homeless children! We rushed back to the burbs just in time for Taara's talent show dress rehearsal. She aced it as always :). I then drove Taara to dance and took Raaga for some last minute stuff needed for her photoshoot the following day. That was just Thursday!

Friday was the photoshoot. It truly took a village even for something seemingly routine as shooting some pictures of the dancer! The props, the missing accessories, lunch and snacks, the dancer's makeup and hair, uff- grateful for the teacher Anu and my cousin Harini for handling all the logistics of the day and thanks to all the friends that pitched in with all kinds of needs and props!

Right when I was helping Raaga change her outfits during photoshoot, the surgeon's assistant, Brenda called. We played phone tag a couple of times as I initially didn't answer her calls. When we could eventually connect, she excitedly told me that they were able to fit my surgery back in for April 30th, as opposed to May 6th. She told me I'd need an MRI on April 29th, with contrast, needing IV, of course. I begged her to schedule it for the same day and save me from the torture of at least one round of IV. She said she will follow up with radiology to move things around. I will have my fingers crossed.

Saturday was Raaga's piano recital at the ribbon festival, followed by Sri Rama Navami festival at the temple where Taara and group recited some verses from Ramayanam. The day finally ended with the awards ceremony live zoom meeting in the evening, hosted by Kathakala, the art of storytelling. 

That was just three days. With the surgery scheduled for April 30th, I know the next 8 days will similarly have long list of things for me to do- car registration renewal, changing address on the ID card, taking care of the Clark county traffic ticket I got recently on way to GPTA ugaadi, continuing PT for left knee ligament, Taara's talent show, Manabadi Children's Festival, clean up around the house in preparation for the downtime...

It is going to be a mad dash to my hibernation!

Outside the salon, highlights fading in the bright sun

At the shelter that focuses on helping foster kids

With Angie, one of the shelter's coordinators

Taara at the dress rehearsals

Raaga on way to photoshoot

Got to dress up for the family pictures as part of the photoshoot

First prize for two of my stories! $116 cash prize and unlimited bragging rights :)

High from the adrenaline of winning the prize :)