Deep Thinking...: Forty-fied!!

They say you grow wiser with age. True that, no doubt. But here’s the truth – you also grow OLDER

. The word “wise” is just a way to distract you from reality lol.

With that out of the way, yeah, I grew “wiser” this weekend. Hit the top of the hill, started the “prime” of my life, etc etc. In short, I “forty-fied”

. And I was celebrated this weekend. That is actually an understatement. It was a festival in itself. I felt like I was on cloud nine. So, I just couldn’t stop myself from putting this long post.

So yeah, I’ve lived half my life, right? Pretty much. And it was very few times in these past twenty-something years that I ever had a birthday party; you know, invite friends over, cut cake, get samosas and chips, or take my friends out for a birthday treat when in college. I was pretty used to not being the center of attention. I was one of those underestimated and under-valued kids that didn’t deserve the attention.

Cut to Friday, Aug 25th - Sunday Aug 27th 2023. I felt like a QUEEN. Like I was on top of the world. Like the whole world was celebrating my milestone birthday. I cut cake four times this past weekend. FOUR. TIMES. And each time, I was surrounded by amazing friends that I felt lucky to be blessed with by God. I had video messages from friends and family from around the world, all wishing a very happy 40th birthday. It felt unreal. I couldn’t believe that they were all celebrating ME! I cried each time my friends and family threw me a surprise party. I was overwhelmed, happy, emotional, grateful, everything at the same time by the outpour of SO. MUCH. LOVE.

On that note, I want to mention a few people in my life that have made such a huge huge difference, and their wishes on my birthday meant so much to me.

I will start with my parents Rama Nagaraj Nagaraja PS, who did everything right by my side to provide me with the right values, education and a good life. Thanks Pappa Amma

I love you so much!

Next, it is my sister Deepa Tarunkumar, who is not just my Akka, but my best friend, my confidante and pretty much my second mom. I don't know what I'd do without you.

The love of my life, Vijay Jayaram. You are my rock, my biggest supporter and motivator, and everything in between. I can’t imagine life without you and our kids. You guys are my entire world.

My in-laws – Amma and Jayaram Aragam Shivaswamy. Mom, I miss you. But I am grateful for those 13 years I got with you. Thank you for loving me so much that I never felt like I am a daughter-in-law. Always your daughter.

Santosh Setty – If there is any word bigger than “Best Friend”, that is YOU. You are my bestessssssssst buddy in this whole wide world. No one, and I mean it, NO ONE can take your place. Love you so so so much!

Neha Khanijo Karia – You’re my childhood pal, my love! I have fought with you so much, but the love still remains. Thanks for always having my back girl… and hey… you’re gonna join the club soon

Pankaj Singh Sunil Kumar -- True Bros, you guys. Always there for me. Being with you was like being in the "no judgement" zone.

Sachin and Parag -- I can never forget our Bangalore days! Fun times! So many fights, so many restaurants and so many drinks!

Anuja Parulekar and Akshay – You are my very first friends in the US! And I will be forever grateful for your friendship, and your timely help when we really needed it.

And then, Santosh Sahu Naismika Sahu Nishant Krishna Neelam Singh -- sending you lots of hugs!

Shraddha Joshi -- You're my soul sister, my person. I love you with all my heart, and I am so grateful for you in my life