‘Monthly Ketchup’ is a fun post inspired by Shalini (Kohl Eyed Me), where I’m to catch up with you through some standard questions and prompts every month. I just chose December because it is my favourite month! Why Ketchup? Because Shalini wanted those good ol’ Tomato days to stay with her (her blog was formerly known as ‘Tale of Two Tomatoes’).
Normally, this blog is written on the last day of every month. But as December has just flown by and I barely touched my laptop, here we are on the 5th day of the next month of the new year. This is merely a chit-chat post where I will be talking about the various things I loved, enjoyed, hated, felt, thought, etc. in December. So, if you are interested, stay with me and read on.
Only 1 book as I had already finished reading 39 books by November. The book was called A House for Happy Mothers by Amulya Malladi and told a sweet story of the struggles of surrogacy for all parties involved. It was free on Amazon Kindle Unlimited, so, with this, I completed my TBR Challenge of reading 40 books in 2023. A big pat on the back for me though I’ve registered for 2024 and reduced the number to 25.
Pictionary, cards, Wordle, Scrabble, Boggle, air hockey, etc. I also tried playing on the PS5 with my son but couldn’t go beyond the first level. Since then, my son stopped asking me to join him.
‘The Archies’, ‘Babli Bouncer’, ‘Sleeping with Other People’, ‘Koffee with Karan’, etc. I also finished the series ‘Aarya’ and ‘Guns & Gulaabs’ finally after several months. I have ‘Lucifer’, ‘The Blacklist’ and ‘The Crown’ half-watched for a while now. I want to watch ‘Dunki’, ‘Animal’, ‘Sam Bahadur’ and ‘Kho Gaye Hum Kahan’ soon.
With my kids, I watched ‘Erin and Aaron’. I felt it was one of those over-acting American shows that I don’t understand why my kids love. Due to our hectic December schedule (despite no travel), we plan to watch Christmas movies in January.
Exhausted as it began getting hectic from the last week of November.
Trusted when a colleague kept his toy poodle with us for a few days.
Proud when my kids took good care of the poodle.
Happy when a childhood buddy joined us for dinner after many years. Also, when family and friends passed by for a visit.
Inspired when exploring art galleries at the Museum of Art and Photography and the Art Walkthrough at T2 of Bangalore Airport with my blogger friend Noor Anand Chawla. She is an independent journalist. Read her article in the Sunday Guardian here.
Tired waiting from 4.30am to 6.30am for my daughter’s bus to leave for their overnight field trip. And also completing 8000+ steps in heels due to the Art walkthrough that day.
Fatigued on 1st December – Dropping my son for his school picnic at 7am. Buying groceries for donation before picking my son up at 4pm. Finally, picking my daughter up at 8.30pm after a 2-hour wait with bated breath due to their adventurous bus breakdown. Then getting ready to have a few friends over to welcome my husband’s birthday at midnight.
Funny that my husband chose to take us for sushi on HIS birthday despite HATING sushi.
Drained on Sunday the same weekend after attending the 8am mass, donating the grocery items and dropping and picking my daughter to and from her play-date. We live in Bangalore and traffic is a nightmare.
Guilty for not putting up the Christmas decor until 8th December when I usually start decorating in October.
Annoyed when some friends wish me in advance as if they are travelling to the moon on my birthday.
Delighted when some friends came over to bring in my birthday. Also felt gorgeous when my photographs came out well that night (wound up doing a mini photoshoot in the dress my husband bought for me). Thank you Yonzy!
Great to have my picture in the newspaper Deccan Herald on my birthday (12/12) though it was just a quote by me in an article written by Noor on page 13.
Pleased to know that most of our visitors felt comfortable and relaxed during their stay at our humble abode.
Nostalgic to have random jam-up sessions with friends.
Enthusiastic to have our Christmas dinner with friends because our extended family and close friends chose to travel miles to celebrate Christmas and New Year with us.
Exhilarated while dancing my heart out at the Christmas and New Year celebrations. I think my body has been coughing up some aches since then just to let me know I’m not 20 anymore!
How Would You Feel by Ed Sheeran multiple times though my playlists are always on almost every morning during my walks.
Many new products and services, none of which I want to highlight here. But, what I’m proud of myself for trying is kicking a small lizard out of the foyer (while wearing slippers). I succeeded while my husband was screaming! Hahaha!
Some of the dishes from the 5 items on my menu whenever friends came home. They enjoy the dishes in different forms though because I just cannot replicate a dish.
Sushi on both our birthdays! And ate out a lot this month. My central provinces are showing!
Almond milk (I’ve taken a liking to Borges) and water (faithfully having this natural liquid every day). My body water has become excellent (as per my DrTrust 360 weighing scale).
My mom almost every single day to pray with her. Thanks to the WhatsApp video calling feature we can see each other regularly despite the forced physical distance.
Less this month because I sent more audio messages instead. Have I become lazy?
A lot about how to organize our plans during the month as they just kept coming. So many birthdays, visits and celebrations. Also, I thought about how I could have improved many not-well-organized events I’ve attended. I think it’s something that requires my intervention next time around.
My mom’s dreams would finally come true.
Every blog post I’ve published. Most of my social media handles are created because of my blog. I should remember to pin this blog post, too.
About the Blogaberry Creative Challenge (monthly) (January is open now). Also, I’ve shared my recent outfits as I have the time to search for my clothes and match my accessories as my kids dress themselves up now.
Driving all over Bangalore with friends and family. Visited Oia, Bangalore with my girl friends.
Watching my kids performing on stage for Christmas.
Nothing that I can think of… I guess I stopped allowing myself to hate! Oh yes, I hated going to the dentist. My poor son has bad teeth.
Birthdays, Christmas and New Year. This is the only reason we decided to get married in September.
My new perfume from Bvlgari. Sometimes even ‘sweat’ because I preferred sleeping when tired rather than bathing. Hahaha!
A Christmas hamper that I was happy with!
God for all that he has blessed us with! Family, friends, good health, a sweet home, a lovely house and food on the table.
Starting the year by pitching to publications, organizing trips, doing some yoga, writing more, dancing more. Let’s see how much I finally do.
2024 with a BANG! Went to a friend’s New Year’s Eve party in heels and drove back home barefoot! Check out my attire for the theme ‘white with a tinge of black’.
2023 with a SMILE.
I could’ve mentioned what I did each day of this month but I assumed it would bore you because it would just go on and on! So stuck to only this much! Hope you enjoyed reading all of the above.
Now you tell me, how have you been? How was December for you? Any big or small achievements you would like to share with us from 2023? We would love to know!
This post is part of The Year & You Blog Hop hosted by Swarnali Nath.
55 Comments
“Your year-end reflection blog is a delightful journey through the December that zoomed by! 📆✨ The witty anecdotes, personal highlights, and reflections on the year add a heartwarming touch. Thanks for inviting us to catch up on your adventures and share the laughter. Here’s to a new year filled with more joy, growth, and memorable moments! 🥂🎉
Thank you, Krishna!
Thank you for sharing your December adventures! It sounds like you had a vibrant and eventful month filled with various experiences. Your detailed reflections on each aspect of your life, from reading and playing games to family moments and birthday celebrations, provide a vivid snapshot of the month. Wishing you continued joy and success in 2024!
Thank you, Akshi!
This article’s playful reflection on the past December and year-end roundup is both entertaining and insightful. It’s a refreshing take on how quickly time flies, filled with personal anecdotes and lessons.
That was a perfect WRAP tribute. I sincerely hope this year also brings a blast with celebration, success, and much more..!!!
your blog has captured almost all life aspects and this as well serves as a source of input on what you wish for 2024..
I am a big fan of your work and the way you manage your two kids, active blogging, hops, challenges, and much more is truly inspirational. I sincerely pray you reach the heights you deserve. I manifest tons of positivity and inner strengths to take up more and more tasks/projects and ventures.
Thank you, Kiran!
2023 seems to have been one quick breeze of experiences and emotions for you. I am sure that you enjoyed every minute of the year. I am sure you will be looking forward to 2024 with enthusiasm and continue to rock yourself through the year. All the best for 2024.
My December was celebrated with a tinge of sadness after losing someone dear. It is a testament to the enduring love and cherished memories that linger in our hearts, blending poignant remembrance with the warmth of tradition. In honoring their presence through rituals and cherished moments. We found solace in the bonds that transcend physical absence, keeping their spirit alive in our celebrations.
Sorry to hear that. May God give you strength sooner to overcome this loss.
Your “Monthly Ketchup” is a delightful journey through December’s moments, Cindy. From completing your TBR Challenge to diverse family activities, you’ve woven a tapestry of experiences. The mixture of emotions, accomplishments, and reflections showcases a month filled with laughter, joy, and occasional exhaustion. Your honesty and humor, from the lizard-kicking triumph to family time and birthdays, make the narrative entertaining. Here’s to a December wrapped in smiles and a spirited start to 2024! Cheers to another year of shared stories and adventures.
Thank you, Harjeet!
Come to think of it, you did ALL of this in just the month of December. I wish I could change cities and enjoy this fun life like you, coz most of mine would have me doing stuff I can’t even remember now. Haha! You looked super hot in your birthday pics, Cindy! Keep up that swag and style always, and hope we get to meet again soon!
Hey Varsha, we will surely meet soon!
Enjoyed your update, Cindy! Your life sounds busy and exciting. The pictures are beautiful, and your list of shows is impressive—I haven’t seen any of them except ‘Guns & Gulaabs’ . Wishing you a fantastic 2024 filled with joy, success, and exciting experiences. May your mom’s dreams come true, bringing happiness to both of you.
Thank you, Abha!
Such a fun party Cindy and I love the idea of a ‘ketchup’. Enjoyed reading about all you got upto in December and laughed and smiled along with you 🙂
Wow, what an incredible journey through December you’ve shared! It sounds like a whirlwind of joy, challenges, and memorable moments. Your adventures with family and friends, the games you played, the shows you watched, and the moments you cherished are truly heartwarming.
I couldn’t help but smile as you described your husband’s unexpected birthday sushi outing, your successful lizard eviction (bravo!), and the delightful Christmas and New Year celebrations. The love and warmth you feel for your family and friends are palpable in your words.
The December birthdays, Christmas, and New Year festivities seem like a blast, especially with your kids’ performances and the heartwarming moments with your loved ones. Also, kudos on completing your TBR Challenge, and here’s to the new reading adventures in 2024!
Wishing you a fantastic start to 2024 filled with more smiles, laughter, and exciting experiences. May your mom’s dreams come true, and may this year be a canvas of joy, success, and beautiful memories. Cheers to an amazing year ahead! 🎉💖
Thank you, Monidipa!
Loved your post, Cindy. How beautifully you wrote what actually we do day in and day out under separate headings. It was fun reading your post. Lovely pics, especially your birthday pic. Best wishes for 2024 !!
What a brilliant post, Cindy! I loved how you described your activities by clubbing them under different headers. The pictures are lovely. I wish you the best in 2024. Happy New Year:)
Thanks, Aditi and I wish the same for you!
Enjoyed reading your post…glad to know you had a great month. Good luck for the new year. May whatever you’ve ‘considered’ come true. Happy new year.
Hahaha! Thanks, Janaki!
This was a unique read and I loved how you elaborated each word and put an entire year in it! But oh my God !! That pic of yours is just AMAZING !! on a lighter note, I seriously need some weight loss classes from you!
Thank you and you’re welcome, anytime, Chinmayee!
Thanks for taking us on a captivating month-long tour, Cindy. You have creatively formed your journey over the past years, as you always do. Let the good work and fun co-exist more and more in this new year. Best wishes for 2024.
Thoroughly enjoyed reading your “ketchup” post, Cindy. It was indeed quite an action-packed one for you. Loved the pics. You have quite a watchlist there. I haven’t caught up with even half of them. Wishing you a blessed 2024 and for your mom’s dreams to come true.
Thank you so much, Ritu!
Oh, Cindy, Your ‘Monthly Ketchup’ is like a breath of fresh air. Loved to read your December recap – your adventures with books, the gaming showdown, and those movie choices were amazing… And I felt in all your pics too- you’re rocking it. And who knew waiting for a bus could be a fashion marathon in heels 😄. And how can I forget to write about that stunning pic of yours? Speechless!
Keep rocking those mini photoshoots and make headlines dear. ❤️
No no, I was waiting for the bus without heels but during the rest of the day I was in heels! Sorry about that confusion! Most of the walking was done in heels though! Bus waiting was done standing in my slippers!
What an exciting month you’ve had
You in that birthday outfit photo is 🔥 I remember going ‘whoa’ when I saw it on Insta
This monthly ketchup sounds like a fun thing to do. Maybe I’ll do it too. Let’s see.
The line, “Annoyed when some friends wish me in advance as if they are travelling to the moon on my birthday.” had me LoLing because I feel the same when people forget my birthday or send advanced/belated wishes.
Hope 2024 turns out great for you, Cindy.
Keep inspiring with your content and your initiatives.
Thanks, Manali!
Cindy loved every word you have written ❤️. Not 20 anymore , slept after your workout brutally honest yet cute post . December and Jan I am watching a lot of films. Kho gaye hum kahaan was good. A feel good in the bollywood style.
Yes, I also want to watch that one, Sivaranjini.
I absolutely loved this format of writing, Cindy. It forces you to think everything you’ve done and come up with a very interesting list. I especially loved reading the ‘Felt’ section. I’d like to give a special kudos to you for kicking the lizard, I could never imagine doing it haha.
Hahaha! Dashy, may you kick one soon!
What a beautiful montage with wonderful glimpses of your year. Have an awesome 2024 too
Oh Cindy,
Do you know how fantabulosly fantastic you are in whatever you do in your life? The reason behind this as per me is your self love ❤. Correct me if I am wrong.
The way you love yourself actually stay active, energetic and vibrant every time. Be the person who you are and be that outspoken person who is ready to call a spade ♠️ a spade ♠️ always. I really like this nature of yours.
I will not take the name but there is one girl who remained a participant in one of the previous seasons of blogberry dazzle one day while conversing with me hit whatsapp said ” you checked the pic of Cindy on instagram she shared on her birthday…. she is so hot 🔥…. who will say she is mother 👩 of 2″.
So just imagine your charisma is impressing so many people 🤔. You look vibrant and confident in whatever outfit you dress 👗 up. For me you are naturally gorgeous.
You hosted your bloghops beautifully, I read your blogs it was brilliant 👏 besides being an active cause a chatter contributor you are a beautiful family person who loves cooking, hosting friends, dance, play, and what not.
In short you are outstanding. Keep up the good work in 2024.
Love ❤
Samata
Wow, Samata, your message this morning has made me smile. What a lovely start to my morning! Thank you for your kind words, I try my best.
Wow Cindy, such an amazing way to recollect your memories and cherish the good things. Absolutely loved the way you have written the post. A nice flashback to the gleeful moments and praying for the new year to come with more joy and laughter. Thanks for participating in the blog hop and making it successful with your delightful presence. Gratitude. Wishing you Happy New Year.
Hoping the same for you, Swarnali dear.
I love the phrase monthly ketchup! It was so good to read the different emotions you went through the month. I love that photo of you in the dress and the whole vibe of it. Keep shining Cindy – may your 2024 be wonderful.
Thank you, Suchita, and hope you have an awesome 2024, too!
Wonderfully expressed with photographs, Cindy!
And all this for December month.
December 2023 documented for life!
Wishing lots of smiles for 2024 too.
Thank you, Anita!
Ohh..my..my..that was a lot happened in December. But thats the beauty right. Taking each day as it comes, we don’t realize how much we have covered. We played a lot of board games during kid’s Christmas break. Taboo was one of the family favorite games. Sending you warm wishes and a hug for 2024..
Thanks, and same to you Alpana!
Wow, Cindy, such a cool list of your achievements in 2023. I loved looking at your photos that resonated well with your writing. Wishing you more happiness and success in 2024
Thank you, Geethica!
A lot happened in December! I play a scrabble version called WOW on the phone but added Pictionary to my list now. You sizzle in that birthday dress. I also ended up reading far more books than I had planned, around 50. But have kept a moderate list of 31 this year. More power to a happier 2024.
Thank you and same to you, Ambica!!
So nice and full of fun. Enjoyed reading it. Keep writing
What a month it was. So blessed and thankful for every experience. Sushi stories never end.. lets have sushi next time 😄
Ya I had a plan for sushi but it was just stamped and crushed hahahahahaha!