Friday Things #5

Happy Friday! After a brief hiatus for Labor Day weekend we're back with the highlights of our week!

Ekta

1) My cousins came to visit

I love my tribe of cousins but I have a huge soft spot for my ones in Dallas. They're geographically the closest family I have which means that we end up spending more holidays together. I also just love them because they're kind, smart, and interesting. My cousin helped me buy a long board and gave me lessons. The younger one was a riot and I love talking about books, shows, and movies with her.

2) I explored the hong kong market

I really miss exploring NYC and buying weird/uncommon things. I'm so glad that my uncle wanted to make Thai and we stopped by to pick up all the essentials plus extra. I think our best finds were vegan oyster sauce, chinkiang vinegar (chinese black vinegar), lotus root, fresh jack fruit, boba, fresh rice noodles, and those old school sodas with the marble on top.

3) I went canoeing and swimming

I love Texas summers because even though it's broiling during the day, by 7PM there's a nice breeze and it's the perfect time to go to the lake. I'm lucky because my parent's neighborhood has a bunch of lakes that are intended to help with flood control but are really nicely developed for recreation. The large one has a canoe/kayak garage and a couple of islands to explore. Because of Covid and insane work projects, I didn't really have a chance to explore but finally made time this weekend.

4) I made an extremely sour key lime pie

Akash, my cousin, and I love sour things. Our favorite dessert is key lime pie so for Labor day we decided to give binging with babish's key lime pie. BUT we doubled the lime from 2/3 to 1 1/3 and accidentally used the zest of an unripe orange. Also I managed to cut my finger pretty badly. However, the pie was delicious and because no one else could handle the sourness the three of us basically got to have the whole pie.

5) My dada (maternal grandfather) learned how to make whatsapp calls

My dada like many others struggles with technology. It's kind of mind boggling to think about all the changes (tech, social, etc) that have happened in their life time. I'm really glad that he finally learned how to use his iphone and video chats us on the daily.

6) I learned how to make chai!

Since my grandparents came to visit, I don't think I've washed more than 2 bowls. In exchange I've decided to wake up early and spending quality time with my dadi (grandma) over a cup of chai(tea).

7) I went on an incredible birthday trip to Spicewood with my bestest friends from college.

Video in case you don't believe me!

8) I reconnected with friends from college and high school.

I have a hard time remembering to text/call people back. I'm so glad that I have forgiving and loving friends that always make the effort to reach out.

9) During a three day work week, I managed to churn out 4 deliverables.

It's a small win but I forget how motivated I can be when I comes to vacations.

10) My birthday presents have started to arrive.

I'm probably going to cave and start opening them ASAP but for the sake of my loved ones I'm going to try to keep it together for another 3 days.

Sidra

1) I'm back in NYC

I've returned to NYC to begin packing up my apartment and pack up all my winter clothes to gear up for the Wisconsin winters. I've cleared my two week self isolation and am very excited to see NYC friends!

2) The U.S. Open was this weekend

Going to the U.S. Open was on my NYC bucket list for the last year before I moved (thanks Covid). Despite having not watched tennis since I stopped playing in high school, watching the open this year reminded me how much I love it and has inspired me to dust off my racket.

3) Packing Packing Packing

There's been a lot of packing at the apartment, between my roommate moving out, another roommate moving in, and me beginning to pack everything up. I've been channeling my inner Marie Kondo these days as I work through 4 years of accumulated trinkets.

4) Catching up with old friends

My college roommate and I had a FaceTime date to catch up. So much has changed since we last chatted (moves, engagements, new jobs... Covid), but if felt like we were right back in our college apartment.

5) Having roommates again

The last time I was in NYC I was holding down the apartment on my own for 3 months. It's been so nice to be back along with my roommate. Everything is more fun with friends!