Movember 2010… Day 7 & Bhai Dooj

Home, UK     7 November, 2010     10.30am GMT

A lazy Sunday, although I’ve been up since around 7am!

Lazy in that I feel like relaxing and not doing much, although there is a lot to do. The decluttering that I started back in September, continues. That is a slow process… slower than I would like, however my excuse is that I have been away quite a lot in between. That said, I did some this morning, and will continue with it throughout the day… with lots of breaks in between. 😉 I must say that decluttering does feel very good. Lightening the load, making life simpler.

I was surprised to wake up this morning to bright sunshine and no fog! Last night was freezing and as the fireworks were going off, and the bonfires were being lit, I could see the smoke and what I thought would have formed this morning’s fog… just as I have experienced every single year. However, nothing. Was nice to wake up, sans alarm, and notice the sunshine.

Lazy, in that I will not shave today and give my face a rest. The moustache is coming along slowly, but with the stubble from not shaving today there does not seem much difference in the growth. Take a look:

Thanks to those of you who are supporting me in this. I now have £135 in sponsorship… I hope more of you can support my ‘Mo’ growth by donating (even if it is just £1 / $1 / Eur 1) to the Prostate Cancer charity via my Mo Space at

http://uk.movember.com/mospace/789888/

Last but not least, another Indian traditional festival today. The 5th day of the Diwali celebrations closes with Bhai Dooj… on the second day after the New Year’s new moon. Like Rakhi (Raksha Bandhan) which takes place around August, today is a significant day for brothers and sisters. It represents the strong bond and love between siblings.

The sister applies a ’tilak’ (red paste, horizontal mark on forehead) on the brother and prays for his long life. In return, the brother pampers the sister and pledges to stand by and look after her through thick and thin.

I try and make it to my sister’s house for the occasion, however it is not always possible as we are a few hundred miles apart. This year being one where I am not in her presence. I do miss her, however she is always in my thoughts and today of all days, I am thinking about her and hoping that she knows that I am always available for her for whatever she needs. I will of course be calling her later on, or meeting her on IM. Still, it is not the same as being in her presence. She is one of the nicest and kindest people I know and although I am her elder, I learn a lot from her. I wish her all the happiness in the world!

In closing, I would like to wish all brothers and sisters out there a wonderful, peaceful and happy Bhai Dooj.

My love, as always…