It’s the end of the month (well, almost) which means it’s time for the monthly gratitude post – the one thing I haven’t missed writing even when I have been on a break from blogging.
Mostly because writing this post (or rather the notes for this post on my phone – all month long) keeps me in pretty high spirits pretty much all the time, as I constantly find things to be grateful for. Due to which the inevitable small bumps in the road do not bother me all that much any more.
Which is why, as odd as it might sound, over and above anything else, I am super grateful that I finally got hooked on to this habit of writing a gratitude post every single month. It might not sound like a big deal, but it’s made all the difference when it comes to my sanity, peace of mind, and overall happiness.
Oh and speaking of happiness…as I’m writing this post, I am also getting ready to go on a week-long vacation to Florida in a few hours. Which is also the reason why I am sharing this post before the month is even over.
I cannot even tell you how long I have waited to go on this trip. Actually to go on any kind of vacation really. Because if you don’t count India trips (which I don’t count as vacations, even though they kind of are), it’s been 4 years since we took a proper family holiday.
But if I am being entirely honest, it’s not the vacation, but the location that has me really excited. Universal Studios (more specifically The Wizarding World of Harry Potter) has been at the very top of my US bucket list, and I’m beyond excited that it’s finally time to head over there.
And even though I would have wanted to visit this place sooner, I am also kinda glad we waited, because going sooner would have meant lugging around an unruly toddler as opposed to an equally excited 6 year old, which let’s face it would have made the vacation a whole lot more work than any vacation should be.
Moreover, on this trip we are also visiting Walt Disney World, and D being 6, I think it’s the perfect time for this visit, because at 6, he is still at the magical age which is full of joy and wonder, and yet is old enough to understand and appreciate the varied experiences DisneyWorld has to offer.
All that to say: I’m going on vacation starting tomorrow & I am over the moon about it. Super grateful that we get to do this as a family, and I cannot wait to get this started already. 😀
That being said, I realize that so far this entire gratitude post has been dominated by this upcoming trip of mine, but I guess it was inevitable because pretty much my entire month of April has been about planning and prepping for this trip – because trust me these particular parks (Universal & Disney) are a lot of work to figure out, and get “right”.
And the sheer amount of research on the internet to “conquer” these parks is mind boggling! Which of-course meant that I have spent the better part of the month going down the rabbit hole of information & research. Because let’s face it, even though no vacation should be this much work, it’s just the kind of soul food my Type A self thrives on, so win-win! 😀
Having said that, in the little time I had left over (when I was not obsessing over the upcoming vacation), I fixed some of the big issues on the blog back-end that had to some extent triggered this current blogging break of mine. And while the issues are far from sorted, for now I am at the point where I can resume posting on both the blogs, which is something I am really grateful for.
Because this means that once I’m back from my vacation, I can get back to my regular posting schedule of one post a week (in addition to Chatty Blogs of-course). Moreover I will also be able to finally start posting regularly on The Love of Spice too. And hopefully it’s only onwards & upwards from here on out. Fingers crossed.
That’s all from my end folks. I would love to hear from you! How did you spend your April? Are you going on any vacation this summer? What are you most looking forward to in May? Do share!
*Linking this with Vidya’s Gratitude Circle
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How I envy you for this trip. Thanks so much for sharing pictures. It really is a whole different world. So happy for you. Every Harry Potter fan deserves this. That said, I’m looking forward to having back with your book reviews.
Obsessivemom recently posted…Vacations, train travel and other happy things
Thank you, Tulika. This trip was a lot of fun, and it’s one that every Potterhead deserves to go on.
I’ll be sharing more about the Wizarding World in upcoming posts, along with the book reviews and the usual fare. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Coming Back From a Blogging Break and Vacation Recap #ChattyBlogs May Linky
What an exciting trip to look forward to, as a Potterhead! Enjoy your trip, Shantala! Good to hear that some of tthe backend stuff has been fixed. Vacations are an essential aspect of life and contribute to our well-being. Can’t wait to hear all about it!
Thank you for being part of the Gratitude Circle.
Vidya Sury recently posted…The Zen of Being More Dog
Thank you so much, Vidya. We had a great time. This trip was just simple undiluted fun.
Oh and thank YOU for hosting the gratitude circle every month. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Coming Back From a Blogging Break and Vacation Recap #ChattyBlogs May Linky
I’m so jealous that you get see the wizarding world! It is on my list and I’ll get there soon.
Travel is very important, Shantala. It helps one discover so many things about each other and oneself. Vacations are a really great way of looking back and ahead at the same time. I just came back from a two week vacation to Europe at the end of March to celebrate our anniversary and honestly, I’m already planning my next vacation 🙂
Happy holidays, Shantala and looking forward to more book reviews and recipes from you this May.
Soumya recently posted…Action Replay + Gratitude List: March & April 2018
Thank you so much, Soumya. And yeah, I realize that now. Vacations are not a luxury but a necessity. They do a world of good for maintaining a healthy state of mind. They relax, inspire, and energize, all at the same time.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Coming Back From a Blogging Break and Vacation Recap #ChattyBlogs May Linky
WIZARDING WORLD!! I hope you enjoy the shit out of that trip, every Potterhead deserves it.
Also, totally with you on the rabbit hole of research, I have a feeling that my anxiety has roots in this particular rabbit hole.
Happy May 🙂
My anxiety definitely stems from this and my Type A issues. But well, that’s a huge part of what makes me me, so I’ve kinda learnt to live with it.
Oh and this vacay was a LOT of fun. The Wizarding World was as wonderful and magical as I always expected it to be. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Coming Back From a Blogging Break and Vacation Recap #ChattyBlogs May Linky
Yay! I am glad you are already on vacation now. No wonder you are excited. Everything about that part is charm and fun.. Have loads of fun.
My April was two weeks of vacation and I can’t complain 🙂
Parul Thakur recently posted…Gratitude List – April 2018
2 weeks is a good time frame for a vacay. So far, this week-long one was our longest vacation, but probably when we go to Europe, we’ll take a longer one.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Coming Back From a Blogging Break and Vacation Recap #ChattyBlogs May Linky
Happy end of month!! The Harry Potter amusement park sounds amazing — a friend offered to pay for me to go with her to it earlier this year, and I was sorely tempted. I ended up saying no, because I know I’ll be able to afford it another year, and she ended up not being able to go anyway. But I still really reeeeally want to go, and I can’t wait to hear all about your trip.
Jenny @ Reading the End recently posted…SFF Short Fiction Project: April Update
Oh yeah, you should definitely plan a trip there. It was as wonderful and magical as I expected it to be. Posts to follow soon!
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Coming Back From a Blogging Break and Vacation Recap #ChattyBlogs May Linky
Happy HOlidays Shantala. Enjoy your days and create memories together with your family. And oh yes, researching the internet to make the best of these parks is indeed mind boggling. All I can say is, do just a basic one, and follow your instincts and get going
Thank you so much, Ramya. The research was daunting, but in this case was well worth it. We had a great time there! 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Coming Back From a Blogging Break and Vacation Recap #ChattyBlogs May Linky
Woww. Florida… Now that sounds like an awesome. Do write a travelogue … I would love to read about it 😀 Your kid is at the right age to take in all the magic 😀
Rajlakshmi recently posted…How I am Learning to do Forearm Balance – Pincha Mayurasana
I will, definitely. I am writing a few posts around the parks and the holiday, so they’ll be out soon enough. 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Coming Back From a Blogging Break and Vacation Recap #ChattyBlogs May Linky
Wish you a great vacation Shanaya. And yes, kids are better during trips when they are little big and manageable.
True. Thank you so much, Geethica!
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Coming Back From a Blogging Break and Vacation Recap #ChattyBlogs May Linky
Have fun! Parks in Florida are great. Last time when I was there, we were all down with high fever and couldn’t enjoy much – our bad luck. Have been meaning to make another trip but will wait for the little one to grow up – maybe after few more years. My whole month went ok planning and making bookings for UK trip.
Avada Kedavra recently posted…Hugo Nominees 2018 TBR
Oh that sucks. Being sick on vacation is a bummer, but you can always go there again, and yes, probably after the little one is a bit older. How’s the UK trip planning coming along?
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Coming Back From a Blogging Break and Vacation Recap #ChattyBlogs May Linky
Wow, exciting times ahead for you three Shantala! I am sure you must be as excited or maybe more excited about the trip than your little one! Tots justified, I say! Looking forward to seeing your updates and pics from your fantastic holiday destinations! Moi? No such luck, one kid is free and the other one begins exams 🙁
I hope the exams went well. You always have the summers to look forward to na?
Oh and yes, I was definitely the most excited one for this particular vacation! 😀
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Coming Back From a Blogging Break and Vacation Recap #ChattyBlogs May Linky
Good to hear that you are going on a vacation, Shantala. I can imagine how exciting that is. Vacations excite me as well and we took a short one to Kodaikanal at the end of March – first week of April. We all needed that break. Otherwise unlike other years, April has been very hectic. I have to write my gratitude post still. Should do it in a couple of days I guess. Will share more there. Hope you have a great time. And wonderful news about the blogs too. Have a wonderful May and a fantastic vacation. I had been to Universal Studios in LA and had truly enjoyed myself there.
Thank you so much, Rachna. It was indeed a wonderful vacation and a much needed reset. I have heard great things about Universal Studios in CA too, so it’s on the list of places to visit, though I don’t think it’s going to be anytime soon.
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Coming Back From a Blogging Break and Vacation Recap #ChattyBlogs May Linky
You are right, holidays are more enjoyable when the kids are also equally involved and excited!
Have fun!
Thank you so much, Ruchi! We had tons of fun! 😀
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Coming Back From a Blogging Break and Vacation Recap #ChattyBlogs May Linky
Happy holidays Shanaya and this wish comes loaded with a lot of envy- Harry Potter world!!! Sigh!!!!!!!!!!! I hope you are planning to write a huge post with tonnes of pics on it for peeps like me to drool over 😉
The vacation was a LOT of fun, and yes there are several posts coming real soon, with loads of pics, so stay tuned! 🙂
Shanaya Tales recently posted…On Coming Back From a Blogging Break and Vacation Recap #ChattyBlogs May Linky