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Last Sunday, I gathered at Shravan's home in Cupertino to watch Super Bowl LX. Tickets were going for a minimum of around $6,000, so any fleeting thought of catching the game live at Levi's Stadium—just 10 miles from home—quickly vanished. American football still feels like a foreign language to me. Shravan patiently tried to explain the rules, and I grasped a bit more than before, but it's still not second nature. What mattered most was the company: spending quality time with Samarth, munching on Sangeetha's delicious pita chips paired with her homemade sauce. The three hours passed in a joyful blur, and before we knew it, we were heading back to Foster City.
The game itself turned out to be a rather one-sided affair. The Seattle Seahawks dominated the New England Patriots with a strong defensive performance, winning 29-13. It wasn't the most thrilling matchup—lacking dramatic comebacks or high-scoring fireworks—but the Seahawks' control made it satisfying in its own way. This marks my second Super Bowl experience; the first was back in 2008 during a business trip in Salt Lake City. (New England Patriots lost) Watching these events sporadically over the years reminds me how much life changes, yet some traditions endure. The Half time show was damp Squib to say the least. (Advertisements too did not live up to they hype that people talk about!).
These days, my routine at Foster City, has settled into a comforting rhythm centered around family. I spend about three focused hours each day with Minikki, giving her my undivided attention—no phone, no distractions, just being present like a watchful guardian. Then come the long walks: I've hit an astonishing 33,500 steps on one day, far beyond what I thought possible. A 90-minute nap recharges me, and I tag along with Eshwar on all his shopping or pickup errands, lending a hand wherever needed. House chores, like vacuuming and other small tasks, fill another couple of hours. Remarkably, my sleep has stabilized at a solid eight hours—from 8 p.m. to 4 a.m.—which feels like a small victory.
Starting February 15th, I plan to adjust the schedule once Radha can step in more fully. For now, though, I've stepped back from reading books, journals, or magazines. Time slips away so quickly in this phase of life, but I'm at peace with it. There will be opportunities to catch up later.
Sadly, the week brought heavier news. On February 7th, one of my college classmate (UG) from the Madurai, (batch of 1983) passed away in Madras after a battle with jaundice that led to multiple organ failure. At 63, he was far too young. He is the fourth from our group of 35 to leave us prematurely. These losses hit hard, serving as stark reminders of life's fragility and unpredictability. We never know how much time we truly have. May his soul rest in peace, and may we cherish the moments and connections we still hold.
In the end, days like the Super Bowl gathering and quiet routines at home blend joy with reflection. They ground me amid life's constants—friendship, family duty, and the quiet acceptance of what comes next.
Karthik
Foster City, CA. 9/2/26. 12Noon PST.
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