Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lie our growth and our freedom ”
Viktor E. Frankl
Viktor E. Frankl
We are trying to survive being the parents of a high school freshman. Swati, after a rocky start, is finally settling down. She continues to follow her passion for debate and science and explore what she wants to pursue in the future. She challenges us and gives us a great sense of pride at the same time. We call her a quantum particle, as we can’t predict where she will be at a given time.
Agastya continues to grow socially - he is forming deep friendships. He is crazy about playing video games especially Minecraft with his friends. Swati is his biggest source of inspiration and it is too cute to see him defend his sister unconditionally. He is into the Presidential election and it’s hilarious to hear some of his comments.
We have been looking for a wilderness place for years – finally this year we found one and we are excited. Though we have been there only a few times, it does help us unwind and connect with nature. Swati and Agastya enjoyed picking ripened blackberries from the bushes by the creek and floating on the river singing “Bare Necessities”
Ashish’s startup became part of Stripe. He will be spending a year at Stripe and is also looking forward to the next phase in his research with his crowdsourced decision-making platform.
Ruchi is doing well and enjoying her work with Watson and finding occasional time to paint.
For the first time in past 14 years, Ashish and I went on a trip to the French Riviera sans kids. We had forgotten what a vacation is like without kids. Do we need to say more?
Some things I wish could have gone better this year – Ashish’s own physical fitness, our parent’s health, and a bit more time for vacation. Well, good goals to have for the coming year!
Here’s to you and yours and to another year of hope, health, and peace. May your hopes be great and joys fulfill you. We wish you every happiness this Diwali and in the years to come.
Agastya, Swati, Ruchi & Ashish.
October 30th, 2016
