13...

Yep, Jay turned 13 on October 26th… A teenager now. We celebrated at Dave and Busters in Orland Park with his classmates and kids that he grew up with. William,Jonathan, Preston, T J, Sachin, Rohan, Vinny, Carter, Ryan, Alana came to the party and took part in the festivities. Vinny turned 11 the following day. Needless to say overload of birthday cookies and birthday cakes.

The Kumars, Srinivasans and Srirangams came over to our home and we had a small get together to show off our brand new room addition which we started building in April and finished in August. Torrential rains and elements beyond our control delayed the project quite a bit. But it turned out to be a nice cozy space which we enjoy. Thank you Kenny, Gina and John.

Our trip to Italy and India was fun. We spent 4 days in Italy visiting sites in Rome, Pompeii and Naples. It was my first time in Europe after so many years and the first time ever for the family. We picked up a few words in Italian and embarrassed ourselves trying to converse with the locals. The dinner at the tiny cafe in Trastevere was memorable, also shopping for snacks in the grocery store. Vatican was overwhelming, Sistine Chapel was magnificent. Coliseum, the Foro, the fake Romans walking around taking pictures with visitors for money, gelato after a long days sightseeing, bus ride to Pompeii, Vinny buying his fancy hat which he proudly wears to school, Ruins of Pompeii, Naples, the list is endless. In India we visited Baroda, Goa and Mumbai. Apart from the fact that Air France lost our bags on multiple occasions it was a great trip.

 My siblings arranged the trip to Goa to celebrate my 50th birthday. Our first time to Goa and it was memorable. The service apartment, beaches, my brother getting a fake tattoo, Vinny getting a Hat to remember Goa, all the kids, my nephew and nieces bonding with all of us, it was quite a treat. Apart from the fact that Air France lost our bags on multiple occasions it was a great trip.

Went camping to Wisconsin to Nelson Dewey State Park. It was an experience to live without electricity in the wilderness and cooking on a fire pit.

Lata had a surprise birthday party for me at Karingada residence. Needless to say, I was overwhelmed.

Jay played volleyball for his middle school and did really well. Vinny was the team manager and got to travel with the team. They both played flag football, Vinny,his last year as a Steeler played well and made it to the second round of play offs. Jay's team went all the way to the Superbowl ( OFFF) and finished second to a very strong Chargers team.

Here are some emails from their coaches:

-Coach John Doolin- one of the nicest coaches I have ever come across. I am glad John and Jeff Kirby were my kids' coaches. Both Jay and Vinny played for John before Jay moved on the Patriots-

"I wanted to take a quick moment to say Thank you for allowing myself , Coach Kirby, Coach Raj, Coach Rodg, and Coach Rich  to spend some time with your kids. I'm much better in email than in person.  I tend to get emotional when it comes to this team and kids.  They really are a GREAT group.  Though yesterday may have been a tough loss  they really did the best they could.  Saturday's WIN was our Super Bowl, and  was a moment they will hopefully never forget.  I will take my group vs. any other team I've seen.  These kids have a tone of character, and most important a can do attitude even when the chips are stacked against them.  It always amazes me how they move on.   I wish I could say that for myself.  It's not about winning or losing, however it always "stings" a little bit as their coach for not being able to get them to the BIG show.  To my guys that move on:  Vinny, Eli, Mickey Browne, and Jason.  No matter what you decide to do moving forward we hope we have taught you some life lessons that you can  take, and apply to good things. Go on and be great , and make a difference.  This time of year I always look back and think about some off the kids that have come through ,and I smile to myself because I see them; even when they don't see me , and they have  gone on to be good, positive productive students ,and most important young adults.   People always ask why we still do it without kids on the team?  One reason,  and one reason only:" 100 years from now it won't matter the clothes I wore (even my ripped jeans Mrs. Doolin its only weird if it doesn't work:) , the car I drove( STEELER 1 ) ,  the house I lived in , or the amount of money in my bank account...but what may matter is maybe, just maybe I was important in and made a difference in the life of a STEELER...." Have a great winter, spring, summer, and holiday season .  We will see you ALL right back here next fall.

STEELERS FOREVER! -John "

-Coach Tim Meline, another great motivator and Coach for Oak Forest Patriots replied to my email in which I had mentioned that Jay was really upset with himself after the loss to the Chargers-

"It was a great season.  I love coaching these players and hope they do learn a lot about football, but more importantly, a lot more about sportsmanship and life. Please make sure Jay does not take it too hard.  All the players played their hearts out all year long, including yesterday.  None of the players and coaches were perfect every play of every game.  He was a tremendous asset to the team.  He is a great kid, one of the most polite and respectful kids, and I love coaching him."

First Trimester of the school year is over.......boy where did time go, I have to stop blinking.......whoa... We had our first Parent Teacher conference and it was hearwarming to hear all the praises the boys get from their teachers. Mrs Nix said " The Pillai kids make Arbor a better place", I was almost on the verge of tears. Mrs. Jelley had so many good things to say about Jay, I could not speak or think straight for a few minutes :-).

Jay is going to try out for the school Basketball team, meanwhile he is swimming with Tinley Park Thunders. Vinny is continuing with Taekwondo. Earlier this year they both got their second degree black belt in Taekwondo.

We had promised the boys Xbox one last year for getting straight A's in their respective grades. Finally got around getting the Sony PS4 after a long wait because Xbox 1 did not get released till later. I picked up the unit at midnight after standing in line for a couple of hours.

2013 is almost over. We still have to paint and clean the condo that we bought on lake front and rent it out. Jay has promised to help. We hope to finish it early this month and get it ready for tenants as early as January 2014. It’s the holidays, people are more relaxed and friendly and it is great to partake in the festivities that holidays bring. One does not have to follow a certain faith to observe the holidays..just join in and enjoy,  don't know what morrow brings. Celebrate!!