Gouranga Duti Pada

Today I woke up late at 5am. Our hope was that I would get the boys up early enough to make it to the early morning service (mangala-arati) but I figured it wouldn't happen so I prepared for my home altar service. The boys got up relatively early for a weekend (and spring break at that) and they helped out a lot with the services. Since today is a Gouranga Mahaprabhu's appearance day, we planned a large festival and worship for Gouranga. I sewed a new outfit for Giriraj Lal, a turban, two dhotis and chadars for Gour-Nitai. I thought the turban would take more time and I wasn't sure if I would be able to finish it. Kanai volunteered to make garlands, he designed a garland for Giriraj that was adorable.
We took a breaks for breakfast and lunch but the entire day was full of preparations for the festival. I managed to finish the outfits before it was time to go to the temple celebrations. I changed Nitai into his new outfit and quickly showered and changed before we left to Radha Kalachandji's temple. When we got there, I immediately couldn't stand it. The place was already packed and the festival was just getting started. I wore my new yellow silk sari with this gorgeous embroidery work. I think it's my new favorite sari. After the temple's bathing ceremony, it was time for us to get home and do our home deity's bathing ceremony. We did a bathing ceremony, worship ceremony and I got to lead the Gour arati prayers. We were supposed to go back to temple for the procession around the block but the boys and I were hungry and exhausted so we decided to go back home and eat. Dinner was fantastic. I was full so I decided to lie down for a bit and check Facebook. Maria and I took some cute photos today but she's really good at taking photographs.
I wanted to shared a prayer in glorification of Lord Gouranga's two lotus feet:

The Lotus Feet of Gouranga are my life and soul.

They shelter and protect me from the onslaught of material suffering.

The Lotus Feet of Gouranga are my only refuge.

They are like an oasis in the burning, desert-like material existence

My Lord Gouranga has come with the gift of Divine Love of God

He freely distributes it to whomever asks for it

Regardless of whether one is qualified or not.

My Sweet Lord Gouranga has shown the path back to Godhead

By personally taking up the process of chanting the Holy Name.

May that Holy Name bring upon Divine Love in my heart!

May that Holy Name purify my existence!

May that Holy Name always dance upon my tongue!

The Lotus Feet of Gouranga are my treasure, my soul, my greatest solace! 

Productive Potato

It is snowing and the roads are iced over here. Krishna Chandra is sick so he stayed home today. Thankfully, my school closed for a faculty development and training so I basically stayed home, watched movies, and ate junk food with my husband. I did not forget about my exercise routine. Cheko and Dolly will be proud to hear that I have been doing light calisthenics every couple hours. I did lunges, swats, and jumping jacks. I can not go jogging outdoors, but I was thinking about using the treadmill next door for a half hour. This way, I can justify eating all that junk food, and not feel like a couch potato for sitting around all day. I crocheted some mrdanga head warmers, think tea cozy for clay drum heads. I practiced violin, harmonium, and even sang some scales. I didnot forget about the piano, I practice an hour of piano and aural skills in the practice room. This leaves my afternoon free for algebra study, violin, and work. I reviewed my algebra homework, and finished a practice exam. I feel productive. Chandaneswar prabhu read a chapter of Sri Chaitanya Charitamrita while I crocheted, and we had some stimulating discussions about Mahaprabhu's friends, associates, and their family members. In particular, we discussed Nrsimhananda Brahmachari, whose entire family were vaishnavas. Eventually Nrsimhananda brahmacari left his household and became the Lord's servant. I wish I had Vaishnava relatives. My relatives are all materialists, and my in-laws are dedicated mayavadis. Sometimes I tell my husband that I prefer a materialistic family over a materialistic mayavadi family.

Happenings and such

exactly what has happened within the past several days?

I spoke to an old acquaintance after a long time and had an incredibly comfortable conversation. It didn't dawn on me before but why aren't people good conversationalists anymore? Nobody has anything good to talk about anymore, everyone is hung up on frivilous entertainment and garbage.
Anyway, I haven't read anything in a long time. Several days perhaps... maybe I should get around to that soon. I want to start reading Caitanya Caritamrta again; lately, I've been so stressed and stretched for time. I don't know where it comes from because, honestly, I don't feel like I'm getting anything done, anything really significant at least. Story of my life... what is that called, "burn out"? I was reading CC everyday about one hour but somehow I started neglecting it. Actually, I started taking my walks in the mornings (because it's too damn hot to go out in the afternoons) and after re-arranging my morning schedule I realised that I was falling behind on my morning read and e-mails. The only thing I have to show for my jog is a nice tan I've acquired but I don't really like tans so much so it's pretty much useless. We have to find a trail that is shady in the morning because I don't want Krishna Chandra to get too much sun. He doesn't like putting on sunscreen and I'd rather avoid sunlight as much has possible. I guess I should go back to doing my morning yoga session instead of jogging out in the hot summer heat. I wish I had a working camera so I could take photos of the my home Deities and post them here. I feel more motivated to dress them up nicely when I know others will take Their darshan. Oh yeah, Krishna Chandra also ruined my laptop by the way, he spilled Deja Blue all over it. I'm thinking it was intentional but I can't prove it as of yet. I'm taking it to Garland Computers tomorow morning and see what can be done, if anything at all. That's about it... for now. :(