Remembering our beautiful, waterfront Indian ceremony that took place on this day, last year, and how special it was for our families to come together as Joe and I completed our Hindu Bengali rituals together (Joe is a master at reciting mantras, nbd). We were lucky to have been able to honor both our cultures and traditions and to have Joe’s family embrace, and enthusiastically participate in every nuanced element of our celebrations with open arms.
From the “gaye holud” (haldi/turmeric ceremony), to the “ayeburobhaat” (bride-to-be’s final luncheon with her favorite dishes), “totto” (or tatwa, groom welcomes the bride to their family) and “bor boron” (bride’s mother and female friends welcome the groom), each distinctive event bonded us closer, for life.🔒♾️
I can’t even put into words how utterly grateful I am, and always will be, to my parents for giving their only daughter a wedding that dreams are made of. To have our extended family and friends from all over celebrate our union over the three-day wedding events was indescribable, and on our anniversary, revisiting over 3000 photos brings us back to the fun, laughter, tears of joy (and yes, of course a little bit of chaos…it’s a fusion wedding!). 🥳
We are blessed beyond words, for having each other and for having our families love and support us till the very end. We love you Ma, Baba, Deb and Steve!🥰
Venue: @roostertail
Makeup: @jhobby21
Hair: @hairbyaysha
📷: @kelliesaunders Detroit, Michigan
Remembering our beautiful, waterfront Indian ceremony that took place on this day, last year, and how special it was for our families to come together as Joe and I completed our Hindu Bengali rituals together (Joe is a master at reciting mantras, nbd). We were lucky to have been able to honor both our cultures and traditions and to have Joe’s family embrace, and enthusiastically participate in every nuanced element of our celebrations with open arms.
From the “gaye holud” (haldi/turmeric ceremony), to the “ayeburobhaat” (bride-to-be’s final luncheon with her favorite dishes), “totto” (or tatwa, groom welcomes the bride to their family) and “bor boron” (bride’s mother and female friends welcome the groom), each distinctive event bonded us closer, for life.🔒♾️
I can’t even put into words how utterly grateful I am, and always will be, to my parents for giving their only daughter a wedding that dreams are made of. To have our extended family and friends from all over celebrate our union over the three-day wedding events was indescribable, and on our anniversary, revisiting over 3000 photos brings us back to the fun, laughter, tears of joy (and yes, of course a little bit of chaos…it’s a fusion wedding!). 🥳
We are blessed beyond words, for having each other and for having our families love and support us till the very end. We love you Ma, Baba, Deb and Steve!🥰
Venue: @roostertail
Makeup: @jhobby21
Hair: @hairbyaysha
📷: @kelliesaunders Detroit, Michigan
Remembering our beautiful, waterfront Indian ceremony that took place on this day, last year, and how special it was for our families to come together as Joe and I completed our Hindu Bengali rituals together (Joe is a master at reciting mantras, nbd). We were lucky to have been able to honor both our cultures and traditions and to have Joe’s family embrace, and enthusiastically participate in every nuanced element of our celebrations with open arms.
From the “gaye holud” (haldi/turmeric ceremony), to the “ayeburobhaat” (bride-to-be’s final luncheon with her favorite dishes), “totto” (or tatwa, groom welcomes the bride to their family) and “bor boron” (bride’s mother and female friends welcome the groom), each distinctive event bonded us closer, for life.🔒♾️
I can’t even put into words how utterly grateful I am, and always will be, to my parents for giving their only daughter a wedding that dreams are made of. To have our extended family and friends from all over celebrate our union over the three-day wedding events was indescribable, and on our anniversary, revisiting over 3000 photos brings us back to the fun, laughter, tears of joy (and yes, of course a little bit of chaos…it’s a fusion wedding!). 🥳
We are blessed beyond words, for having each other and for having our families love and support us till the very end. We love you Ma, Baba, Deb and Steve!🥰
Venue: @roostertail
Makeup: @jhobby21
Hair: @hairbyaysha
📷: @kelliesaunders Detroit, Michigan
Remembering our beautiful, waterfront Indian ceremony that took place on this day, last year, and how special it was for our families to come together as Joe and I completed our Hindu Bengali rituals together (Joe is a master at reciting mantras, nbd). We were lucky to have been able to honor both our cultures and traditions and to have Joe’s family embrace, and enthusiastically participate in every nuanced element of our celebrations with open arms.
From the “gaye holud” (haldi/turmeric ceremony), to the “ayeburobhaat” (bride-to-be’s final luncheon with her favorite dishes), “totto” (or tatwa, groom welcomes the bride to their family) and “bor boron” (bride’s mother and female friends welcome the groom), each distinctive event bonded us closer, for life.🔒♾️
I can’t even put into words how utterly grateful I am, and always will be, to my parents for giving their only daughter a wedding that dreams are made of. To have our extended family and friends from all over celebrate our union over the three-day wedding events was indescribable, and on our anniversary, revisiting over 3000 photos brings us back to the fun, laughter, tears of joy (and yes, of course a little bit of chaos…it’s a fusion wedding!). 🥳
We are blessed beyond words, for having each other and for having our families love and support us till the very end. We love you Ma, Baba, Deb and Steve!🥰
Venue: @roostertail
Makeup: @jhobby21
Hair: @hairbyaysha
📷: @kelliesaunders Detroit, Michigan
Remembering our beautiful, waterfront Indian ceremony that took place on this day, last year, and how special it was for our families to come together as Joe and I completed our Hindu Bengali rituals together (Joe is a master at reciting mantras, nbd). We were lucky to have been able to honor both our cultures and traditions and to have Joe’s family embrace, and enthusiastically participate in every nuanced element of our celebrations with open arms.
From the “gaye holud” (haldi/turmeric ceremony), to the “ayeburobhaat” (bride-to-be’s final luncheon with her favorite dishes), “totto” (or tatwa, groom welcomes the bride to their family) and “bor boron” (bride’s mother and female friends welcome the groom), each distinctive event bonded us closer, for life.🔒♾️
I can’t even put into words how utterly grateful I am, and always will be, to my parents for giving their only daughter a wedding that dreams are made of. To have our extended family and friends from all over celebrate our union over the three-day wedding events was indescribable, and on our anniversary, revisiting over 3000 photos brings us back to the fun, laughter, tears of joy (and yes, of course a little bit of chaos…it’s a fusion wedding!). 🥳
We are blessed beyond words, for having each other and for having our families love and support us till the very end. We love you Ma, Baba, Deb and Steve!🥰
Venue: @roostertail
Makeup: @jhobby21
Hair: @hairbyaysha
📷: @kelliesaunders Detroit, Michigan
Covid+election year=🤯
I’ve been more vocal this year than years past, and am choosing to use use my platform to highlight the issues that resonate with me, personally, and advocate for equality in the truest sense. As an agnostic Indian-American, immigrant woman, married to an agnostic, Caucasian American and US Army veteran, I get asked a lot of questions and judgement/assumptions thrown at me on a DAILY basis.
The reason my relationship with Joe has worked so far, and why we chose to spend the rest of our lives together has nothing to do with race, faith or background. Our compatibility has everything to do with the fundamental values we share, which means fighting to unite, not divide. It means standing up for those who are underserved, underprivileged and need support through allyship, by advocating for systemic change, helping educate others learn the difference between covert and overt racism, and eliminating our own implicit biases from within. It means not having blind allegiance to any political party or person. It means standing by integrity, honesty and truth. These are the values that were instilled in me by my family, that we hope to pass on to our children.
When you don’t open your mind up to people or experiences outside your bubble, or think that the lifestyle, religion, or values you and your ecosystem follow are the only “right” ways, you block yourself from growing and empathizing with others who are different from you. By not acknowledging your privilege or deflecting the conversation to focus on your struggles, you are gaslighting others by questioning their reality, and the struggle they’ve faced for many years, and continue to in the form of covert and overt racism. All it takes, is putting aside your defense, and instead, listening and learning.
So remember that when someone else shares something seemingly hostile on social media, it might be coming from a place of personal pain, trauma or deep frustration for those who are marginalized. Open your eyes and listen to understand. I would much rather FEEL, profoundly, than bury my head in the sand.
It’s been a hard 2020, but we’ll get through this together. 🤎
Been lovin this man for 4.5 yrs, married for 1.5 and engaged on this day, 2 years ago. It was the love I never saw coming. He walked into my life like he had always belonged there. And now I can’t imagine not waking up next to this guy or living a day without him. Happy Engagement Anniversary, Joe ❤️
The proposal was absolutely perfect. Joe tricked me into thinking we were going to go see a house for sale, but instead drove us straight past the house, up to the most picturesque spot in all of Portland, Council Crest. From the top of the hill, one can see five mountains in the Cascade Range: Mt Hood, Mt St Helens, Mt Adams, Mt Jefferson, and Mt Rainier, in addition to fantastic 180-degree views of the city and surrounding towns.
It was a remarkably clear day (rare for the Pacific Northwest), not a cloud in the sky, but a little chilly. I was shivering so Joe gave me a giant bear hug and dropped to one knee with a beautiful ring he picked out, asking me to marry him! I giggled, cried, continued shivering and said YES! while onlookers watched and clapped, and our dear friend Kim, disguised behind a bush, captured the moments perfectly on camera. We celebrated that evening with our closest PDX buddies over a celebratory dinner at our favorite restaurant. We couldn’t wait to get married within the year!
Our proposal story was unique, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. 💍❤️. Will always look back on these pictures with butterflies in my stomach like it happened yesterday.
#engagement #married #inlove #anniversary #husband #lifepartner #celebrate #engaged #2019 Council Crest Park
Been lovin this man for 4.5 yrs, married for 1.5 and engaged on this day, 2 years ago. It was the love I never saw coming. He walked into my life like he had always belonged there. And now I can’t imagine not waking up next to this guy or living a day without him. Happy Engagement Anniversary, Joe ❤️
The proposal was absolutely perfect. Joe tricked me into thinking we were going to go see a house for sale, but instead drove us straight past the house, up to the most picturesque spot in all of Portland, Council Crest. From the top of the hill, one can see five mountains in the Cascade Range: Mt Hood, Mt St Helens, Mt Adams, Mt Jefferson, and Mt Rainier, in addition to fantastic 180-degree views of the city and surrounding towns.
It was a remarkably clear day (rare for the Pacific Northwest), not a cloud in the sky, but a little chilly. I was shivering so Joe gave me a giant bear hug and dropped to one knee with a beautiful ring he picked out, asking me to marry him! I giggled, cried, continued shivering and said YES! while onlookers watched and clapped, and our dear friend Kim, disguised behind a bush, captured the moments perfectly on camera. We celebrated that evening with our closest PDX buddies over a celebratory dinner at our favorite restaurant. We couldn’t wait to get married within the year!
Our proposal story was unique, and I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way. 💍❤️. Will always look back on these pictures with butterflies in my stomach like it happened yesterday.
#engagement #married #inlove #anniversary #husband #lifepartner #celebrate #engaged #2019 Council Crest Park
#MyNameIs Antara. It is pronounced “Un-tha-rah” in Hindi, and “On-tho-ra” in Bengali, my mother tongue. The “th” sound in this name (and many Indian words), does not exist in English and is a very specific sound in Hindi and other Indian languages, so it was a struggle for many of my non-Indian friends and acquaintances growing up to pronounce it properly. Antara means “heart of a song”, a musical name given to me by my mother. As many Bengalis are given two names: a “bhaalo naam” (formal name) as well as a “daak naam” (nickname), Antara was my formal name and Richa was my nickname, both given at birth.
Throughout my childhood, up until I was in my 20s, I primarily went with Antara, because it was too hard to explain to everyone where Richa (then, not a legal name) came from. Because people couldn’t bother to try to pronounce it, it got anglicized to Anne-Tera, Ann-Tarah, Ann-atra and sometimes just Tara. I was stuck with this anglicized pronunciation of my name well into adulthood because it was too big of an inconvenience for some people to attempt an ethnic name that they preferred to modify to their comfort. For the same reason, when I started going by Richa (Ri-chah or Ree-chah), while many people do try to phonetically pronounce it, my name often gets automatically “corrected” to Rachel. Let’s not even get started on my maiden name, Gangopadhyay….which looks like a tongue twister, but still phonetic nonetheless. (I had my fair share of getting bullied with all kinds of nasty names thrown at me).
Just a reminder to respect someone else’s “ethnic” name and not impose western customs to “make it fit” because it is unfamiliar to you. A name is someone’s identity, culture and roots and should always be respected and treated in a dignified way. Where I come from, Antara and Richa are as common as “Tracy” and “Mallory”, but I can’t recall ever changing a western name for my convenience.
Today, I’m proud of my names, where they come from and the culture they represent. Different does not = strange. I no longer allow anyone to change my name based on their convenience. In turn, I show respect by learning how to say the names of those I meet.
Happy Veterans Day and deep, heartfelt thanks to my husband, Joe Langella, and all the military out there that served and are serving today in all branches, who risked their lives to protect this country and all we stand for.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice so we can continue living in a free country. 🇺🇲
#veteransday #usma #usarmy #thankyouforyourservice #westpoint
Happy Veterans Day and deep, heartfelt thanks to my husband, Joe Langella, and all the military out there that served and are serving today in all branches, who risked their lives to protect this country and all we stand for.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice so we can continue living in a free country. 🇺🇲
#veteransday #usma #usarmy #thankyouforyourservice #westpoint
Merry Christmas and happy holidays from the Langellas to your family ❤️🎄. It was a quiet, low key one this year, but Joe and I relished every moment together as we opened presents, zoom chatted with our families and cooked a simple meal for two. Nothing extravagant but perfect, given everything this year has hit us with.
The holidays to me involve lots of baking, gift exchanges, excessive home decorating, playing old timey (and new timey) Christmas music, watching cliché Christmas movies, hot chocolate and marshmallows and catching up with friends and family. It also means forgiving any grudges, reconciling differences and moving forward with a sense of renewed optimism and positive outlook. Gifts are great, but there is truly nothing more heartwarming than people coming together to reconnect and rekindle their relationships, especially those we tend to take for granted. 🎅
I hope everyone had a safe and joyous Christmas and holiday season, wherever you are! Though I’m still trying to adjust to the whole West Coast/Pacific Northwest Christmas scene after growing up with snowy Christmases in the Midwest, I’m happiest spending it with my Joe ❤️.
Merry Christmas and Cheers to the new year!! 🥳🎉
#MerryChristmas #Christmas2020 #CovidChristmas #StaySafe #HappyNewYear #Family #HotChocolate #happyholidays
Merry Christmas and happy holidays from the Langellas to your family ❤️🎄. It was a quiet, low key one this year, but Joe and I relished every moment together as we opened presents, zoom chatted with our families and cooked a simple meal for two. Nothing extravagant but perfect, given everything this year has hit us with.
The holidays to me involve lots of baking, gift exchanges, excessive home decorating, playing old timey (and new timey) Christmas music, watching cliché Christmas movies, hot chocolate and marshmallows and catching up with friends and family. It also means forgiving any grudges, reconciling differences and moving forward with a sense of renewed optimism and positive outlook. Gifts are great, but there is truly nothing more heartwarming than people coming together to reconnect and rekindle their relationships, especially those we tend to take for granted. 🎅
I hope everyone had a safe and joyous Christmas and holiday season, wherever you are! Though I’m still trying to adjust to the whole West Coast/Pacific Northwest Christmas scene after growing up with snowy Christmases in the Midwest, I’m happiest spending it with my Joe ❤️.
Merry Christmas and Cheers to the new year!! 🥳🎉
#MerryChristmas #Christmas2020 #CovidChristmas #StaySafe #HappyNewYear #Family #HotChocolate #happyholidays
Merry Christmas and happy holidays from the Langellas to your family ❤️🎄. It was a quiet, low key one this year, but Joe and I relished every moment together as we opened presents, zoom chatted with our families and cooked a simple meal for two. Nothing extravagant but perfect, given everything this year has hit us with.
The holidays to me involve lots of baking, gift exchanges, excessive home decorating, playing old timey (and new timey) Christmas music, watching cliché Christmas movies, hot chocolate and marshmallows and catching up with friends and family. It also means forgiving any grudges, reconciling differences and moving forward with a sense of renewed optimism and positive outlook. Gifts are great, but there is truly nothing more heartwarming than people coming together to reconnect and rekindle their relationships, especially those we tend to take for granted. 🎅
I hope everyone had a safe and joyous Christmas and holiday season, wherever you are! Though I’m still trying to adjust to the whole West Coast/Pacific Northwest Christmas scene after growing up with snowy Christmases in the Midwest, I’m happiest spending it with my Joe ❤️.
Merry Christmas and Cheers to the new year!! 🥳🎉
#MerryChristmas #Christmas2020 #CovidChristmas #StaySafe #HappyNewYear #Family #HotChocolate #happyholidays
Merry Christmas and happy holidays from the Langellas to your family ❤️🎄. It was a quiet, low key one this year, but Joe and I relished every moment together as we opened presents, zoom chatted with our families and cooked a simple meal for two. Nothing extravagant but perfect, given everything this year has hit us with.
The holidays to me involve lots of baking, gift exchanges, excessive home decorating, playing old timey (and new timey) Christmas music, watching cliché Christmas movies, hot chocolate and marshmallows and catching up with friends and family. It also means forgiving any grudges, reconciling differences and moving forward with a sense of renewed optimism and positive outlook. Gifts are great, but there is truly nothing more heartwarming than people coming together to reconnect and rekindle their relationships, especially those we tend to take for granted. 🎅
I hope everyone had a safe and joyous Christmas and holiday season, wherever you are! Though I’m still trying to adjust to the whole West Coast/Pacific Northwest Christmas scene after growing up with snowy Christmases in the Midwest, I’m happiest spending it with my Joe ❤️.
Merry Christmas and Cheers to the new year!! 🥳🎉
#MerryChristmas #Christmas2020 #CovidChristmas #StaySafe #HappyNewYear #Family #HotChocolate #happyholidays
Merry Christmas and happy holidays from the Langellas to your family ❤️🎄. It was a quiet, low key one this year, but Joe and I relished every moment together as we opened presents, zoom chatted with our families and cooked a simple meal for two. Nothing extravagant but perfect, given everything this year has hit us with.
The holidays to me involve lots of baking, gift exchanges, excessive home decorating, playing old timey (and new timey) Christmas music, watching cliché Christmas movies, hot chocolate and marshmallows and catching up with friends and family. It also means forgiving any grudges, reconciling differences and moving forward with a sense of renewed optimism and positive outlook. Gifts are great, but there is truly nothing more heartwarming than people coming together to reconnect and rekindle their relationships, especially those we tend to take for granted. 🎅
I hope everyone had a safe and joyous Christmas and holiday season, wherever you are! Though I’m still trying to adjust to the whole West Coast/Pacific Northwest Christmas scene after growing up with snowy Christmases in the Midwest, I’m happiest spending it with my Joe ❤️.
Merry Christmas and Cheers to the new year!! 🥳🎉
#MerryChristmas #Christmas2020 #CovidChristmas #StaySafe #HappyNewYear #Family #HotChocolate #happyholidays
Merry Christmas and happy holidays from the Langellas to your family ❤️🎄. It was a quiet, low key one this year, but Joe and I relished every moment together as we opened presents, zoom chatted with our families and cooked a simple meal for two. Nothing extravagant but perfect, given everything this year has hit us with.
The holidays to me involve lots of baking, gift exchanges, excessive home decorating, playing old timey (and new timey) Christmas music, watching cliché Christmas movies, hot chocolate and marshmallows and catching up with friends and family. It also means forgiving any grudges, reconciling differences and moving forward with a sense of renewed optimism and positive outlook. Gifts are great, but there is truly nothing more heartwarming than people coming together to reconnect and rekindle their relationships, especially those we tend to take for granted. 🎅
I hope everyone had a safe and joyous Christmas and holiday season, wherever you are! Though I’m still trying to adjust to the whole West Coast/Pacific Northwest Christmas scene after growing up with snowy Christmases in the Midwest, I’m happiest spending it with my Joe ❤️.
Merry Christmas and Cheers to the new year!! 🥳🎉
#MerryChristmas #Christmas2020 #CovidChristmas #StaySafe #HappyNewYear #Family #HotChocolate #happyholidays
Merry Christmas and happy holidays from the Langellas to your family ❤️🎄. It was a quiet, low key one this year, but Joe and I relished every moment together as we opened presents, zoom chatted with our families and cooked a simple meal for two. Nothing extravagant but perfect, given everything this year has hit us with.
The holidays to me involve lots of baking, gift exchanges, excessive home decorating, playing old timey (and new timey) Christmas music, watching cliché Christmas movies, hot chocolate and marshmallows and catching up with friends and family. It also means forgiving any grudges, reconciling differences and moving forward with a sense of renewed optimism and positive outlook. Gifts are great, but there is truly nothing more heartwarming than people coming together to reconnect and rekindle their relationships, especially those we tend to take for granted. 🎅
I hope everyone had a safe and joyous Christmas and holiday season, wherever you are! Though I’m still trying to adjust to the whole West Coast/Pacific Northwest Christmas scene after growing up with snowy Christmases in the Midwest, I’m happiest spending it with my Joe ❤️.
Merry Christmas and Cheers to the new year!! 🥳🎉
#MerryChristmas #Christmas2020 #CovidChristmas #StaySafe #HappyNewYear #Family #HotChocolate #happyholidays
Diwali came early this year. Here’s to celebrating good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Bringing harmony and unity back to a country that has been holding its breath, holding onto hope for the needed change we will collectively work together to continue to fight for.
Letting go of the harsh rhetoric and widespread misinformation indoctrinated by a disgraceful leader, and replacing it with peace, unity, empathy, dignity and above all, tolerance. That’s the America I know and love, the America that brought me and my family to this country from India in 1989, the America we became proud citizens of 20+ years ago.
No more excusing misogyny, racism, bigotry, white supremacy and sheer incompetency as “minor character flaws”. Our new leaders will work hard so that members of the BIPOC or LGBTQ+ communities won’t have to continue fearing for their safety or have their freedoms questioned. No more allowing gaslighting by people who trivialize racism, both covert and overt.
We will tell our kids and our grandkids about this moment in history. That @KamalaHarris broke down barriers of color and gender to become the first woman, first Indian American and first Black woman to be elected vice president of the United States. That anything is possible, and they are represented by someone who looks like them.
MORE than half the country wanted change. More than half the country welcomes and embraces others’ differences, recognizes the impact of oppressive systems and actively participates in allyship. Grateful to those who never gave up hope, used their voice to bring awareness, fight for justice and used their power by voting.
There’s a lot of work to be done, and they’re already on top of it. I couldn’t be more proud to be an American than I am today, knowing that almost 75 M people resonated with our new leaders’ values, and had faith in their promise.
President @joebiden and VP @kamalaharris are the dynamic duo we need, deserve and will celebrate wholeheartedly the next four years and beyond. Here’s to celebrating democracy restored, soul of the nation renewed. Thank you America, for proving that #CharacterMatters.
Diwali came early this year. Here’s to celebrating good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Bringing harmony and unity back to a country that has been holding its breath, holding onto hope for the needed change we will collectively work together to continue to fight for.
Letting go of the harsh rhetoric and widespread misinformation indoctrinated by a disgraceful leader, and replacing it with peace, unity, empathy, dignity and above all, tolerance. That’s the America I know and love, the America that brought me and my family to this country from India in 1989, the America we became proud citizens of 20+ years ago.
No more excusing misogyny, racism, bigotry, white supremacy and sheer incompetency as “minor character flaws”. Our new leaders will work hard so that members of the BIPOC or LGBTQ+ communities won’t have to continue fearing for their safety or have their freedoms questioned. No more allowing gaslighting by people who trivialize racism, both covert and overt.
We will tell our kids and our grandkids about this moment in history. That @KamalaHarris broke down barriers of color and gender to become the first woman, first Indian American and first Black woman to be elected vice president of the United States. That anything is possible, and they are represented by someone who looks like them.
MORE than half the country wanted change. More than half the country welcomes and embraces others’ differences, recognizes the impact of oppressive systems and actively participates in allyship. Grateful to those who never gave up hope, used their voice to bring awareness, fight for justice and used their power by voting.
There’s a lot of work to be done, and they’re already on top of it. I couldn’t be more proud to be an American than I am today, knowing that almost 75 M people resonated with our new leaders’ values, and had faith in their promise.
President @joebiden and VP @kamalaharris are the dynamic duo we need, deserve and will celebrate wholeheartedly the next four years and beyond. Here’s to celebrating democracy restored, soul of the nation renewed. Thank you America, for proving that #CharacterMatters.
Diwali came early this year. Here’s to celebrating good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Bringing harmony and unity back to a country that has been holding its breath, holding onto hope for the needed change we will collectively work together to continue to fight for.
Letting go of the harsh rhetoric and widespread misinformation indoctrinated by a disgraceful leader, and replacing it with peace, unity, empathy, dignity and above all, tolerance. That’s the America I know and love, the America that brought me and my family to this country from India in 1989, the America we became proud citizens of 20+ years ago.
No more excusing misogyny, racism, bigotry, white supremacy and sheer incompetency as “minor character flaws”. Our new leaders will work hard so that members of the BIPOC or LGBTQ+ communities won’t have to continue fearing for their safety or have their freedoms questioned. No more allowing gaslighting by people who trivialize racism, both covert and overt.
We will tell our kids and our grandkids about this moment in history. That @KamalaHarris broke down barriers of color and gender to become the first woman, first Indian American and first Black woman to be elected vice president of the United States. That anything is possible, and they are represented by someone who looks like them.
MORE than half the country wanted change. More than half the country welcomes and embraces others’ differences, recognizes the impact of oppressive systems and actively participates in allyship. Grateful to those who never gave up hope, used their voice to bring awareness, fight for justice and used their power by voting.
There’s a lot of work to be done, and they’re already on top of it. I couldn’t be more proud to be an American than I am today, knowing that almost 75 M people resonated with our new leaders’ values, and had faith in their promise.
President @joebiden and VP @kamalaharris are the dynamic duo we need, deserve and will celebrate wholeheartedly the next four years and beyond. Here’s to celebrating democracy restored, soul of the nation renewed. Thank you America, for proving that #CharacterMatters.
Diwali came early this year. Here’s to celebrating good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Bringing harmony and unity back to a country that has been holding its breath, holding onto hope for the needed change we will collectively work together to continue to fight for.
Letting go of the harsh rhetoric and widespread misinformation indoctrinated by a disgraceful leader, and replacing it with peace, unity, empathy, dignity and above all, tolerance. That’s the America I know and love, the America that brought me and my family to this country from India in 1989, the America we became proud citizens of 20+ years ago.
No more excusing misogyny, racism, bigotry, white supremacy and sheer incompetency as “minor character flaws”. Our new leaders will work hard so that members of the BIPOC or LGBTQ+ communities won’t have to continue fearing for their safety or have their freedoms questioned. No more allowing gaslighting by people who trivialize racism, both covert and overt.
We will tell our kids and our grandkids about this moment in history. That @KamalaHarris broke down barriers of color and gender to become the first woman, first Indian American and first Black woman to be elected vice president of the United States. That anything is possible, and they are represented by someone who looks like them.
MORE than half the country wanted change. More than half the country welcomes and embraces others’ differences, recognizes the impact of oppressive systems and actively participates in allyship. Grateful to those who never gave up hope, used their voice to bring awareness, fight for justice and used their power by voting.
There’s a lot of work to be done, and they’re already on top of it. I couldn’t be more proud to be an American than I am today, knowing that almost 75 M people resonated with our new leaders’ values, and had faith in their promise.
President @joebiden and VP @kamalaharris are the dynamic duo we need, deserve and will celebrate wholeheartedly the next four years and beyond. Here’s to celebrating democracy restored, soul of the nation renewed. Thank you America, for proving that #CharacterMatters.
Diwali came early this year. Here’s to celebrating good over evil, light over darkness and knowledge over ignorance. Bringing harmony and unity back to a country that has been holding its breath, holding onto hope for the needed change we will collectively work together to continue to fight for.
Letting go of the harsh rhetoric and widespread misinformation indoctrinated by a disgraceful leader, and replacing it with peace, unity, empathy, dignity and above all, tolerance. That’s the America I know and love, the America that brought me and my family to this country from India in 1989, the America we became proud citizens of 20+ years ago.
No more excusing misogyny, racism, bigotry, white supremacy and sheer incompetency as “minor character flaws”. Our new leaders will work hard so that members of the BIPOC or LGBTQ+ communities won’t have to continue fearing for their safety or have their freedoms questioned. No more allowing gaslighting by people who trivialize racism, both covert and overt.
We will tell our kids and our grandkids about this moment in history. That @KamalaHarris broke down barriers of color and gender to become the first woman, first Indian American and first Black woman to be elected vice president of the United States. That anything is possible, and they are represented by someone who looks like them.
MORE than half the country wanted change. More than half the country welcomes and embraces others’ differences, recognizes the impact of oppressive systems and actively participates in allyship. Grateful to those who never gave up hope, used their voice to bring awareness, fight for justice and used their power by voting.
There’s a lot of work to be done, and they’re already on top of it. I couldn’t be more proud to be an American than I am today, knowing that almost 75 M people resonated with our new leaders’ values, and had faith in their promise.
President @joebiden and VP @kamalaharris are the dynamic duo we need, deserve and will celebrate wholeheartedly the next four years and beyond. Here’s to celebrating democracy restored, soul of the nation renewed. Thank you America, for proving that #CharacterMatters.
So….2021 has been off to a rocky start (to say the least) as we all somehow kind of expected the world to return to “normal” like a fairytale when the clock struck midnight on January 1st. I know that our country will heal and we just need to give ourselves some grace to get through these tough times.
All was not lost in 2020, as Joe and I celebrated a major milestone , something that has given us a new beginning…buying our first home! 🏡
Joe moved to Portland just a little under 4 years ago, going from living with roommates in a cramped apartment during his Intel internship, to a swanky 22nd floor high rise apartment (that looked like the Death Star) overlooking the beautiful city, to me moving in with him to share that space, to a suburban house rental where we spent the last two Christmas’, to finally owning a beautiful home to call our own…and a dedicated fishing boat space Joe gets to call his own! (Biggest win ever 🎣🚣🏼) #IYKYK
We moved right after Christmas (which is why our tree was only up for a week and we didn’t bother putting up lights!) and have been slowly putting the home together. Joe and @mattbob7 (always comin through!) were the all-star muscle men who successfully hauled and transported a very full, 4-bedroom house worth of stuff (that I might have been responsible for filling the house with 😅) over the course of just 3 days!
We are so excited to finally invest our time and energy into making this home unique, and especially looking forward to my favorite part: buying furniture according to my modern farmhouse aesthetic! First up: get rid of Joe’s bach pad couch!!! 🤭 I already have a long list of home projects to do, starting with re-painting the interior walls and exterior!
So excited to grow roots and a family here. 💕 Here’s to the start of something new 🥂
-Happy homeowners 🔑🪴
#startingfresh #2021 #newyearnewhome #newbeginnings #homeowners #weboughtahouse #oregon #oregondwellers #growingroots #blessed #homesweethome #nesters
