The Break...

The long waited break is here fine.. I was looking forward to it.. too many things are happening or criss-crossing at this point in my life, like always :)

Ok, so tomorrow am off to Chicago for a 'surprise treat to parents'. I have this thing of surprising people, or more specifically close friends and family. My surprise treats head back to school days, or boarding days when I would show up at home in the middle of night or unexpected!

My Mom, would obviously be shocked, with a loud squeak or scream if she happened to open the door. And if it was dad, then after he absorbs the shock we would pair up to shock mom, :) ..

Thankfully I have been able to keep up with this trait, even while I was here in the US. I showed up at home, (India, Kolkata) on Saptami morning of 2006! It was such a big hit ! I was totally thrilled. Everything worked perfect!

Among friends, I have only surprised Shyam and Madan till date by visiting them other than usual B'day surprises to others..

Even this year when I was visiting India for my fieldwork, Dad, requested not surprise them as that changes there whole plan and program :) Somehow I was considertate!

So going with my self created legend, I have to keep up with myself...and surprise parents while they are here !

And hence my Chicago trip :) . With their Passport being stuck at the canadian embassy I was almost becoming a surprize to myself !! Thankfully it all worked fine and now they are ready to leave. They are expected to arrive at Chicago on Tuesday 5 am :) ..

I am yet to decide if I should just pat my mom from behing in the aircraft, or meet them at domestic terminal or at the exit of the International Arrival ! Not sure! Will do the final planning impromptu!

When I told this to my brother, he as usual gave his practical advice, use your money and time effeciently, :) It's true but all time and money is worth spending for a glipmse of that surprised, happy, unexpected, peaceful, smile on the faces of your loved ones..

So, as I was planning on this surprise came along a small surprise for me too :) . Meeting another online person. This year has been a year of 'Online Surprises' :)

And I think am becoming more and more confident with meeting strangers, having a good time, living for the moment, and above all enjoying life :)

Wish, there was some Offline surprises in store too :)