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So she was coming on Thursday night at around 10pm - perfect, something for Neeraj and I look forward to while we sit in this horribly boring class. Of course that would be the day that our professor would keep us late an extra 20 minutes…so we get to the airport about 10 minutes before Beth’s flight was going to land.

She arrived, and we knew from that moment, it was going to be an exciting 3 day weekend. So then that night we had leftover Indian food for dinner (at like 11 pm!). Beth said that she wanted to sleep in the next morning, and Neeraj & I were very okay with that. Guess who woke up first? Beth!!! Ya ya her “sleep in” was like 8.30! So then on Saturday morning, Beth and I made yummy and delicious pancakes on my griddle topped with strawberries and whipped cream!! It was amazing! Then that day we got ready and went to the Botanical Gardens. I guess because it was 4th of July it was free admission which was great for us.

Botanical Gardens were really beautiful, and we spent about three or four hours just roaming around there. Beth took lots of photos while Neeraj and I just looked around. Then once we were done there, we asked Beth what she would like to have for dinner. She knew that in our home every Friday night was Taco Bell Night, so she too, wanted to have join in the Verma Family fun of Taco Bell night!

Then we came home, and I don’t remember if we did much after that. We definitely didn’t know when the fireworks were going to be near our home, so we decided to take the walk to the area where the fireworks were going to be to check it out. We walked into the frozen custard place for some delicious dessert and then began to notice that there weren’t a lot of people around us. Beth said that we should ask someone, so we told her to ask the frozen custard ladies. So she went back in there only to find out that the fireworks are on Saturday! So then we walked home…only to watch some amazing fireworks in all directions — pretty awesome.

We came home to play a game of Settlers of Catan, which is the best game in the world. Even though we were playing the original version it was a very long game, at the end, I won. We went to sleep after 1 am.

Saturday morning came around, and again Beth woke up really early. She was tensed about a decision she was going to make very soon, hence wasn’t sleeping well. We spent the day playing tennis. It was absolutely wonderful! Beth is a great player, and Neeraj was great competition for her. We all played for like three hours, and it was very enjoyable. It was hard to tell that Beth hadn’t played for a while - she was playing in stride.

After tennis we came home and relaxed. After a while, we began to make dinner. Dinner was going to be great that night because I was going to make a traditional Indian dinner for her. She had her book and pen as she wrote down the recipes. We had samosas, kachoris, and spring rolls for appetizer, then we had mattar paneer, daal, rice, and naan as part of the meal. All was good, and the first time that I actually made the dishes with exact measurements so that Beth could write down the recipe. I shared with her all of my dear Mumma’s secret recipes - she is sworn to secrecy! Just kidding.

After eating sooooo much, we all flopped down, and chilled out before we headed for the fireworks again that night. We couldn’t go without having frozen custard, but this time, the line was out the door, so we knew the fireworks show was going to happen. The fireworks show was great but seemed to happen so quickly. It was synchronized with patriotic music, and it was really well done.

Then we walked back to our house (which by the way took about 20 minutes one way), and played the extended version of Settlers of Catan. So Diane and Daniel get excited, NP knows how to play the fun version of the game!!! Anyway, Beth won that game but it was alot of fun!

We went to sleep, and then on Sunday….finally…. Beth slept in!!! I had to go wake her up at 11am! We had pancakes and strawberries topped again, and it was delicious. Then we didn’t do much..atleast I can’t remember. We did watch the very awesome Federer vs. Nadal Wimbeldon final match. What an absolutely amazing match!!! Neeraj and I were going for Federer and Beth was going for Nadal. So it was quite funny because every time Federer got a point, Neeraj and I would make a lot of noise, and then when Nadal would come back with a point, Beth would cheer and make a lot of noise!!

The match was really long..we had STL style pizza (Imo’s) and then it was time for Beth’s flight. Neeraj and I couldn’t believe how quickly three days had passed - it just seemed like she had just gotten there, and the weekend was all over.

We really had a great time with her, and we hope to go visit her soon too! We do hope that she come back to visit us again too…after all the fun we had this time.

Alvida. Jai Mata Di.

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Neeraj and I battled the first winter here in STL. With a few icy days, and even days where the office was closed, overall the winter was long.

I went on my first business trip to Phoenix while Neeraj gets to stay home from the office a day or two because of the heavy snow and ice.

Our dear Chicago Bears were in the Super Bowl, and we got to watch the game late because we were at the movie theatre watching the horrendous Salaam-e-Ishq Bears eventually lost but we missed some eventful plays.

Poonam’s father was named Regional General Manager of the Year. His big prize was a trip to 2 on a cruise to Mexico. We were so proud of him. A well deserved award and vacation needed for the parents.

Suraj received a promotion at the end of last year, and he started his new role in the first week of March.

Neeraj and I surprised his family by showing up at Hindaun train station in India in March right in time of Holi. I still remember the surprised looks of my bhabhis, nanads, and nephews/nieces.

We went to India with big ambitions that we would be able to get two families US tourist visas (Neeraj’s parents and Lata Didi/Kishore Jijaji). Both that I may add were successful.

We brought Neeraj’s parents with us in April back to the US. They stayed with us till late May in which we went to see Niagara Falls, around STL and IL, and celebrated our 1st year anniversary party, etc…

Neeraj and I celebrated our 1st Wedding Anniversary with a grand party. We got to spend some genuine time with Kaush for the first time. We also rocked the house by dancing continuously for 3+ hours.

Neeraj’s sister, Lakshmi, gave birth to a baby boy (Anmol) in the summer.

Neeraj, Suraj, and I chipped in to surprise Papa with a brand new 2007 Chevrolet Impala for his 60th birthday in July. Boy, was he surprised.

Neeraj completed one year with our current company at the end of August.

Neeraj finally decides on a phone - the iPhone! Ended up being the only Apple product that we will ever buy for ourselves! Apple sucks!!!

Mumma, Papa, Suraj, Neeraj, and I went to Las Vegas for the very first time together in the first week of September. We gambled, we saw Hoover Dam, and even saw the Grand Canyon (in the dark!).

Our dear friend, Kavita, was in the US for some shows and came to stay with the parents for a few days. It was great seeing her after such a long time.

Neeraj and I made a huge investment by buying a house in September in STL. We completed one year in STL, and by making this investment it showed that we really liked where we are and are settling here long-term.

Neeraj and I started our first semester of the MBA program at St. Louis University in September. We took two classes and recently received our grades. Read further to find out if we passed.

With the house, we made some first time purchases - all which required major researching. Overall, it was quite fun to do it together.

Life was overall very busy with the office, the home, and MBA throughout October & November.

Neeraj and I convinced my parents to go to India for a 3 week vacation. It was perfect timing to go so that they could celebrate Roop Mama & Sangeeta Mami’s 25th Wedding Anniversary with the whole family. It ended up to be a great decision, and they had a blast!

As part of their trip, they were able to get my Nokia N73 mobile phone fixed & brought a beautiful Durga Mata’s murti (statue) for our home. Not only that, it was a trip of seeing celebrities, as they saw the baby from the movie Heyy Babby, Priyanka Chopra, Bobby Deol, and Rohit Roy in various different places.

I completed my first year at our current office in the end of November.

Neeraj and I completed our first semester at SLU in the mid of December. Yes, we both passed with flying colors.

Neeraj and I put our dear sweet, Jollyface (1995 Dodge Neon), up for sale. So far no takers.

Suraj received another promotion at his current job which he accepted.

With all the great things that have happened, we did face some tragedies as well. Neeraj’s eldest brother-in-law (Shobha Didi’s husband), passed away in Sawai Madhopur this year. Neeraj’s middle sister-in-law’s (Maya Bhabhi) elder sister just recently passed away all of sudden in Ahmedabad in December. We had one friend who was fatally ill (after recently giving birth to a baby girl) due to misdiagnosis by the doctors (this was in the US). Thank goodness for Mata Rani to remain with her, and she survived. We had another relative, this in India, whose doctor had told her that her pregnancy was normal, and gave birth to a baby girl who now they realize has no functionality from the hip down.

This was the first time that we missed the jagran for Narendra Chanchal. The temple in Chicago did not do a good job of promoting the event, and we found out after-the-fact on when the jagran had happened.

Overall, it has been a great year for our health. Because of Mata Rani’s blessings, both families had great health and no such worries. We hope that it remains this way for a very long time.

We hope that 2008 brings for you & your families and us & our families more happiness, joy, prosperity, and great health.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL!!!!!!!

Alvida. Jai Mata Di.

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Other News:
Congratulations is in order for Ankur. Congrats on your engagement! All the best to you and our new bhabhi!

Neeraj and I have found a house and saw it on Monday, had the parents come down on Wednesday evening to have a look, have put our first bid on Thursday, then were countered 45 minutes later (sellers are also desi), and then we have countered again on Friday. We are still looking at other houses if in case this one doesn’t come through.

The whole family is going to Vegas on Labor Day weekend - if only time would go faster and that time would come closer. I am really excited!

Parents are thinking about going to India in the end of November/December to attend a wedding in Nepal & see the family. I am looking for the best deal for them to Mumbai.

Even though Neeraj and I love watching Star Voice of India, the main problem that I see is this whole begging for votes. Why do they beg? “Please, please vote for me.” No, that’s not how it is suppose to be. The whole show should not be based on votes!! I have said that previously with Indian Idol, and its the same concept here. That bugs me a lot when they are begging to get votes. Otherwise they should just have an automated voice that says that if you liked phalana’s singing then please vote for him/her at this number.

Alvida. Jai Mata Di.

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Recent Meet # 1

Then there are other occasions that just make you realize that really, there is a God. I remember the first time that Ankur Raheja had come to our blog. During that time our photos link was open to the public, and Ankur would just write comments on the photos. So once I replied back to him and said,

Do you just look at the photos or read the blog too?

Since then he started commenting on my posts too. He got so involved with blogging that he started his own blog, and his bhabhi (sister-in-law), Manu, would also visit and comment on his blog. There would be instances where Manu Bhabhi and I would put double pressure on Ankur, especially on the topic of marriage.

As time went on Manu Bhabhi became Mannat, and she began to visit and comment on our blog as well. A small community was being built right around us. As we spoke more, I found out that Mannat and her husband (Ankur’s brother) lived in the same state as us but towards the south. We kept on telling each other that we will meet up, etc… but it never happened. Now that Neeraj and I have moved, we actually are even closer, and so this time Mannat & I decided that we will meet at any cost.

We spoke over messenger and setup a date and time to meet at their house. So on a Friday a few weeks back, we met up with Mannat and her husband. Now the first thought that would seem logical to ask is was there any awkwardness, after all, you never have met face-to-face previously? I would have to say no, and I hope that Mannat replies and gives her reaction as well. We sat for a very long talking about many things, as we had so much in common, such as her husband used to work in the same office where Neeraj works now. As well as her husband was in the same field as I am in, Information Technology (IT) Security. Poor Mannat was fed up with our tech talk. We had dinner together, thanks to a great meal made by Mannat, and enjoyed a cup of coffee as we spoke more just about life. We had so much fun that we didn’t leave until after 11 pm.

Interesting how that is right? After all we became friends with Ankur first, but met up with his brother and bhabhi first in person. Thanks to Mannat & Aman for a great time and inviting us to their beautiful home:!: We appreciate your hospitality.

Recent Meet # 2

I used to go to Deepak Jaiswal’s blog on and off, and every time I would go to write the comments, and I would see a message from “Kaush“. I had no idea who this person was, whether it was a girl or guy, but I was always intrigued by his/her response. Then she commented on my blog, and after that checked out her blog. Soon after I saw an email in my inbox from Kaushal - and it was a long letter explaining how she had been to our blog, and she was amazed from Neeraj and my love story, and she was going to a similar time. I wrote back immediately after reading, and we clicked instantly:!: After a few months of regular contact, I still had no idea what she looked like - we had been to online bloggers’ meet together, commenting, etc… but never I saw a picture. We would speak about anything and everything regarding relationships because we were going through so similar times. As with the situation with Mannat, Kaush and I kept telling each other that we will meet. Neeraj and I invited her and her family to come to our engagement party last November, but she said it won’t be possible because there would be no way to explain to her parents who I was. Kaush kept a promise that we would meet, someway or how, we would. She even sent us an engagement present through the mail. Really, thank you so much.

On October 15, 2006 that faithful day was here. Neeraj and I met the famous Kaush at the St. Louis airport. Yes, the airport. Kaush was on her way to another destination, and she had a stopover in St. Louis. It was just about an hour, and we sat at the coffee shop, shared a coffee cake that Kaush brought, took photos from our camera phones, and just chit chatted away as if we had known each other for years. Its these types of friendships that really make you love life even more — it was really great seeing Kaush, and we are looking forward to that day when we will get to meet her better half as well. A part of you is always with us now Kaush, the beautiful Ganeshji that you gifted us, thank you very much — everytime we look at that, we think of you. May God give you all of the happiness in the world that you very much deserve:!:

Thank you Kaush for letting us know that you were stopping in St. Louis - you truly are a gem of a friend:!: We really appreciate your friendship and looking forward to spending much more time with you in the future:!:

Alvida. Jai Mata Di.

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Taj Mahal
We woke up early two or three days after the 17th and were going to make the hike by car to Agra from Jaipur. We had a driver with us, so we woke up early that morning and made it to Agra in about 6 hours or so. We stopped once to have breakfast, and I remember the roads being so narrow. Our friends were very fascinated with the thoughts of 4 to 5 people being on one motorcycle or scooter. Its something that you don't see in America. We got to the Taj Mahal and went to the parking area. The minute we got out of the car, we were swarmed by all types of people — of course we were with foreigners this was bound to happen. Little kids asking for money, men selling brochures or postcards, tour guides, etc… I was very firm and slowly got rid of all them, but we did have a guide here or there that stuck around us. We had to take some type of transportation to get to the entrance of the Taj Mahal. There was an auto rickshaw type that sat 10 or 12, there was a small bus type, and then the ever popular camel ride. We took the camel ride, and there is this great photo of the camel that Jillian took that looks like he is smiling. That was enjoyed and then we headed towards the entrance of the Taj Mahal.

Of course Neeraj and I were stared at as if we were bringing Hollywood movie stars into the Taj Mahal with us. Neeraj headed to the area where we were suppose to get tickets, and many of the girls headed for the restroom. If you have been to the Taj Mahal, you know that you will have those Indian guides following you like a love obsessed fan. One of the guides was adament that he was going to get our business until Neeraj got serious and told him in two or less words to buzz off. Tourists tickets cost around Rs. 700 and Neeraj and my ticket cost around Rs. 30. The Americans also got free bottled water and those sock-type things to put on their shoes when in the Taj Mahal.

Then we headed to the line to enter, but the women’s line was very long. We also could not take anything like a book bag or cellular phones inside the Taj Mahal entrance, so we had to go to another area to get lockers. That took forever. We got the Americans past the main entrance and told them to wait as Neeraj and I got the lockers.

As we finally entered, we walked towards the garden area around the Taj Mahal. How beautiful it was!!!! I have seen it a few times but every time it is just even more mind blowing. Beth has this collection of taking photos of feet, so here we are (mine is the one with the red shoe ). We all enjoyed the Taj Mahal as everyone thought it was just amazing how it was built. We walked around, saw monkeys, saw a manual lawn mower, and then headed back. It was over 45 degrees Celsius and so everyone wasn’t enjoying the weather. We took the rickshaw bus on the way back to where the driver was, and we were on our way to Delhi.

Delhi
We got a wee bit lost on the way back into the city of Delhi. We were heading for my masi’s house, and it seems that we had crossed the border of Delhi and UP. We were stopped by the traffic police and the driver tried to explain. By that time, I had called my mausaji and Roop Mama who said that he would wait for us at the next stop light near us, and then we could follow them. We were pressed for time as well as the Katzes were heading back to the US with Suraj and my Papa. So we had to get home in time for them to get their bags ready, eat dinner, and head to the airport. The rest of us also needed to do the same but our trip was now moving to Mumbai. All ended well as we did reach Lata Didi’s house with it raining very hard, and everyone made their flights successfully.

Mumbai
We reached Mumbai early in the morning, and this was going to be home for the next three days. We went to the hotel, and then were going to have breakfast/brunch in Colaba. That’s where we asked our dear friends, Kunal & Bharti, to come and join us as we headed to the Elephanta Caves. We first went around the Gateway of India and there was a video shoot that seemed to be going on. Then we got the tickets for the Elephanta Caves ferry, and we were off. Throughout our time at the Elephanta Caves we were greeted by strangers who wanted to take pictures with our dear American friends. They finally knew what it felt like to be Tom Cruise or Julia Roberts. There were no guides at the caves, but this is the place where we needed one so that they could explain the carvings. Kunal and Neeraj were off to find one, and they got the security guard instead. He would explain in Hindi which then Neeraj, Kunal, Bharti, and I would explain in English. Soon we had a crowd around us that were listening to us. Here’s a photo of us taking the ferry back to the land of Aamchi Mumbai.

Because of Bharti’s contacts, we were also given a personal tour of the new Taj Mahal hotel near the Gateway of India. Her friend who works there showed us all the various suites, all of the famous people that have stayed in those suites, and just a wonderful grand tour. Here are all of us standing in front of the Gateway of India.

21st May was Beth’s birthday, we had gone out and celebrated by taking them to New Yorkers, this American/Mexican/Italian restaurant right near Chowpatty Beach. As we waited for our table, we had taken a stroll on the beach which was crowded because it was summer vacation and the weekend.

The weather was just outstanding in our time in Mumabi, and I think all of them really enjoyed the atmosphere of Mumbai the most. The last night we spent with my cousin, Raju Bhaiya, and his wife, Alif Bhabhi. They met up with us in Andheri at Fun Republic. We then went to the top floor to Bobby Deol/Sunny Deol’s restaurant for Indian Chinese. Definitely the friends enjoyed the most food there as Raju Bhaiya had them taste everything non-veg on the menu. He even went the extra mile by taking them to this great ice cream place where they have various seasonal fruit ice cream. It was delicious — licchi ice cream. Then to top the ice cream, they all got a big bite of paan, which I think no one ended up liking. Raju Bhaiya definitely treated them to a full meal.

Soon it was over, and it was time to head back to Delhi. We left our hotel right on time in the morning, in fact many of my friends thought we were late, but we were right on time. Chand, my cousin, met up with us at the domestic airport, and then of course our flight was delayed. Neeraj and I confirmed all of our friends’ flight from inside, and soon we were headed off to Delhi. All of the cousins (Kanika, Gautam, Rishabh, Chirag) had come to pick us up, and we went to McDonalds for the last lunch. Then a bit of shopping to pick up last minute things for the friends, and then they headed back to the US that night.

The trip was over for them, and we enjoyed their company. I hope they enjoyed their time in India, at the wedding, and also sight seeing around our beautiful desh. Many had said that they would come visit again once Neeraj and I settled in India — I hope that they meant it.

Next Post: Recent Rendezvous with Bloggers

Alvida. Jai Mata Di.

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Kaush was unable to come to our engagement even though she was in the US. In fact the distant was quite far, and then if your parents don’t know that you have a friend from the internet named Poonam then it makes it really tough to fly somewhere and stay with someone. So that was the main reason that she wasn’t able to come, but you know she is a very thoughtful person. Kaush and I have always had a bond because there are so many things that we have in common. Our situations have been very much the same, and she is handling it so well.

Sometime in late December, we received a package by courier. Neeraj and I had no idea what was in the box because we knew that no one in our house had ordered anything. Then we opened the great packing, and guess what???? It was the most beautiful engagement gift that we had received from our dear Kaush and Bhushan. The gift was a beautiful silver photo frame which was engraved. I will show you all a photo very soon. Kaush dear, Neeraj and I just want to say THANK YOU for being with us even when you were unable to be there. Really you didn’t have to get us anything, but it just really shows what a great person you are. You think for everyone that are around you and try your very best to keep everyone happy. You deserve the world’s happiness which I know that you will surely get. Aache log ke saath aacha hi hota hai, hain na? Thanks dear once more!

The second blogger is one who is very far away but someone else that I was able to develop a very quick bond. We both worked in the same company until just recently when she had resigned due to the fact that she is shifting to another country. Mona. Dear Mona. We have never met, but it feels that I have known her for ages. I share so many things with her, work related and also non-work related. She is so easy to talk to and so enjoyable! I can’t wait to meet her someday. Mona can bring a smile to anyone’s face. Just recently we received her greeting card that she had made which was wishing us for our engagement. Thank you Mona for thinking about us on our special day and sending this all the way from the far East. It really meant a lot to Neeraj and myself that we have such great friends like you that are able to take time out for us and send us something that was made by you. I will cherish it for the rest of my life! Thanks Mona dear!!!!

Alvida. Jai Mata Di.

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