Hey rockstars, 

So I wrote this blog post last night, but then promptly fell asleep before I could upload it. So oops. Anyway, earlier this week Katie and I realized we are massively overdue for BFF time, so we decided to get sushi from this place we’ve always admired from afar. Everyone in this sushi place looks so calm, and posh, and put together?

Katie described it like: everyone in there seems like they already achieved all their bucket list items and now they’re just living in their fancy house in the Kentlands and going nearby for sushi. Oddly enough, I knew exactly what she meant.

So we decided to moonlight as fancy house-owners who have crossed out our bucket list items as well. So we get there right at 12 when it opens, and we’re the only people in the entire restaurant. A true private dining experience, I’d say. And the sushi was pretty good! … But I gotta say, once you’ve had the Seared Salmon Belly at Kaz, it’s kind of hard to have sushi anywhere else. Help. I’ve become exactly what I always told myself I wouldn’t: a sushi snob with a go-to sushi restaurant and order.  There’s no going back now. 

Most of my day was supposed to be spent doing work. I had a call scheduled with one of my favorite coworkers-turned-friends, TJ, about an absolute doozy of an assignment we were given on Thursday. You know the kind: the one where you know you need to start but cannot bring yourself to start it? Still, it was nice to talk it through with someone I genuinely enjoy, someone who makes work feel lighter just by being on the other end of the call.

So after our sushi date, I grabbed a pecan-something kind of latte to go and came home, fully prepared to get cozy in my room and settle in. That lasted about two minutes before the doorbell rang.

Normally, I ignore doorbells. I’m not about to be caught in the opening scene of a horror movie. But it was daylight, and if I’m being honest, I’ve always secretly hoped that one day the doorbell would ring and something magical would be waiting for me: a surprise gift, an unexpected package, or a surprise visitor that I’m thrilled to see! None of that has happened yet, but I remain optimistic. One day my daydreaming will pay off.

“What are you waiting for?” 

“Idk, something amazing I guess”

So I went downstairs and opened the front door, only to see through the glass that it was our lawn mower guy. He smiled and said, “Hey! Is your mom home?” And in that moment, those five words made me way happier than I ever would have expected.

If someone had asked me that as a teenager, or even in my early twenties, I probably would’ve felt defensive. Like, *Um, how dare you? I’m an adult. I’m responsible. I can handle whatever it is you need.* I would’ve wanted to prove something.

But now? Now I was thrilled.

Yes. My mom is home. I am but a mere child, and I am incredibly lucky to be able to pass along all responsibility to a real adult who is clearly in charge.

There is something so comforting about that realization. About knowing that no matter how grown-up I may look, no matter how many bills I pay or meetings I attend, I’m still someone’s kid. I still get to exist in this soft space where I’m cared for, backed up, and protected.

I may look the part, but I promise you, I’m not fooling anyone important. I’m just their little girl, living life for the first time, just like they are! And I’ve said plenty of times, I am constantly grateful for the familial love in my life. And I hope, being a kid (especially their kid) is something I’ll never stop being grateful for.

Until next time!

xo

Sandhya

Celebrate my 30th year around the sun with me! Click the follow or subscribe button to stay updated! You can also connect with me on twitter, my coffee and checkins Instagram, my podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, or Amazon Music. Have a topic suggestion? Email me at coffeeandcheckins@gmail.com! I’d love to hear from you! 🙂❤