It is the first day of Diwali today and my day started with cleaning. My mom ordered me to clean the house with her and I followed because I did not want to go hungry for dinner. Not like she is strict or anything but Diwali cleaning is a tradition similar to spring cleaning. We were supposed to do all of this before today but being busy with work and other engagements we were unable to accomplish this. However, the house is clean now and thanks to several upgrades we made during the renovation the cleaning was done in under two hours. I had woken up early and quickly done the task of taking a progress photo and also began drinking water. I knew the day would be busy so I had kept myself flexible to all hurdles. As soon as cleaning was done I went out of the house for my first workout.

Since I had used up most of my energy cleaning, I skipped the gym and headed straight for my swim. At the swimming pool I was on a time limit. I had to finish my swim and then take home bananas in time for the maid. She was going to help with the extra cleaning. I swam my laps did around 1500 meters because I was in a rush and my mind was busy with the thoughts of the day ahead.

Headed from there to the fruit vendor and he did not have bananas strangely, so headed to the other fruit vendor and purchased a dozen bananas and headed home. The maid was already there so I had to quickly shower as my mother kicked me out of the house after that so they could get the house cleaned, apparently in “peace” because I wasn’t there.

I had not eaten anything and I had a work appointment anyway so I went straight to the meeting. I finished that and headed straight to the snack centre for breakfast. I had Poha (comment for recipe) and coffee for breakfast and took some home for my mother after.

Went home from there and the house was spick and span. I got back to work until lunch. For lunch my mom made dosa today and the chutney she made was fire. I mean very hot and tasty as well but too hot for my palate. I complained about it but was shut down by a quip and followed by a roast immediately. Leaving me dumbfounded by her quick wit I simply ate the food and left my mother to her devices as I had to return to mine.

I got back to work from there and eventually caught up with the reading task of the day. I was able to finish the gallon by the evening before my walk. As I headed out for my walk I noticed an upbeat energy in the air and people were in a festive mood. Some children were bursting crackers on the road and it caused quite a ruckus but ’tis the season so I did not mind.

I walked around on my usual route and noticed a huge increase in traffic and people were crowding around shops buying things for the festival. There is a fair going on in the area and the traffic in that area in particular is very heavy. I had to navigate through hoops and hurdles to get around that. As soon as I headed on the home stretch I noticed a couple of men arguing apparently one of them had driven his vehicle into the vehicle of the other and they were unable to come to a mutual understanding. Its quite a common occurrence unfortunately as people are afraid of accountability and fear prosecution by society and/or law. Its true that this cycle won’t end for a long time to come. Anyway I headed home from there and my day ended with more work. Although I did enjoy the food today despite the heat and the unexpected roast from my mother.

I have for some reason gained weight despite staying well below my calorie limit. I went from 108.1Kg to 108.3Kg. Day 9 was a success.