aridhingra

[aridhingra]

Getting older every year is very much part of the whole growing up part that children do! It just feels like the first year of Archie's life has gone by so incredibly fast. But that also means I've been in Merrock a year and haven't decided that it'd be better to be back on the road exploring different places which is pretty big. I'm looking forward to so many things as he gets bigger and more curious. He's actually started walking -- or taking steps. Kind of the weeble wobble steps before falling down but he's really determined. Something summery, maybe fruit forward. I have been personally victimized by pickles, yes, it's true. As long as pickles aren't in my vicinity I'm safe, at least I think I am, are you trying to say I may not be?

I would call it miraculous that he’s turning a year but I feel like growing older is the natural course of things!  I know it’s a hard but you’ve got so many new and exciting things to look forward to. I mean, this time next year, you’ll be looking forward to the terrible twos. I’m happy to keep you sane and distract you though.   I am pretty sure that I could come up with something you’d like.  The question is what kind of a mood or flavor profile are we thinking about aside from nothing involving pickles.  I feel like I should ask if you’ve been victimized  by pickles today. Are you safe? Are you okay? You can tell me.

[aridhingra]

"Thank you, and worse comes to worse, I take him to the toy store and get him stuffed animals from there, he's never the wiser." Bouncing slightly with Archer in the carrier on his chest to keep him happy. "I know I'm going to stay away from the tossing a ring around the bottle game, I don't want to bring home a fish to have to take care of. Between a baby and a dog, it's more than enough to care for." He chuckled shaking his head. "I heard they have those water gun games, those are usually pretty easy." Glancing up at the woman, "Oh I know, he already seems to be fascinated with all the flashing lights and noises, and he's not even a year, I can't imagine when he can run around this place."

"You may be right. I wish you luck in your attempts at bribery," Cherie chuckled. She found Ari's dilemma quite amusing seeing as how young Archer was. "Just think about what game you may have the best skills for and try your hand at that first. There is a higher likelihood of winning that way. Then you can work your way down the list." At least that was her best strategy with carnival games. "And be ready to do this every year. Kids love toys."

[aridhingra]

Who: Ari Dhingra & Lucie Newman ( @lucie-newman )

What: Archer officially turns one!

When: July 23, 2025

Somehow, in the blink of an eye, time had flown by and Ari was now the father of a one year old. There was something bittersweet about knowing he was officially taking steps, being nurtured by the people around him to grow into the best human he could be. Today being Archie's actual birthday he had made sure to take the day off, planning to spend time with his son and Lucie, a little something between both parents in a way to celebrate the child they had brought into the world. While they were sharing custody and time between both of them, they had wanted to make sure that holidays and other celebrations were something they were both present for. Todays plans were probably simple to most, but, a trip to the aquarium to let their son explore the ocean creatures with wide eyes, and then some kind of baked treat of their choosing when they were done after dinner. After changing into tee shirt and pair of jeans Ari headed down to the studio he often met Lucie at when picking up Archie, arriving and letting himself inside, seeing his son attempting to take some steps, "There's my boy, look at you come to daddy." Crouching down holding his arms out for the little guy.

[aridhingra]

Can I be honest with you, Archie is turning a year old in just a couple of days, the 23rd, and I'll admit, I think I'm starting to grey a little over the thought of having a one year old. Basically I'm trying to say I'm not going to be a spaz but if you ever feel like attempting to keep me sane, it's much appreciated. Thinking a drink might just help tonight, so tell me, what's something you're going to recommend? I'll try anything... as long as you promise it won't involve pickle juice. @sunnynardelli

[aridhingra]

Ari wasn't exactly an expert in fishing, but he enjoyed it well enough when he wanted to go out and just do something a little more peaceful and relaxing. As he headed up towards the docks, he heard someones voice and turned, "Aw, shit." When the man's hook caught onto his shirt. "Houston think we have a problem, don't throw any line, I'd make horrible bait."

WHERE: The Marina/Docks OR the river, any body of water!

WHO: Dani & your muse ( can be the one fishing, walking by, get caught in the net ... anything goes with me! )

@merrock

"You wanna be the first to throw the line, you just let me know. I'm on this spot otherwise. ... unless you about to tell me to move?" The fisherman glanced over his shoulder, coarse brows already high up enough to disappear. Now, he had lived here all his life. Anybody could have any prerogative they liked. But come on. What was the point of this spot if not to use it for fishing?

[aridhingra]

[aridhingra]

Giving a warm smile to the woman, when she approached them, "I feel like a lot of that will depend on who is working at what booth. Some may be more apt to take payment over others." Ari said, "But I' also not afraid to try and win. Figure I have to at least give it a shot, right?" It wasn't like his son was going to call him out on how good or bad his form was in playing the games, given he wasn't even a year old.

Cherie was wandering around the carnival, getting a feel for all there was to do. Coming across Ari and Archer, she greeted them both with a warm smile. She couldn't help but laugh softly at the question, shrugging her shoulders. "I am not sure about the bribing, but I am sure that if you play enough, you can win something. Unfortunately, it will cost you."

[aridhingra]

"Pretty much know." Ari said, at least he assumed this was no different than any other carnival, that they somehow rigged the games so that people weren't winning left and right. "I grew up taking my the kids my parents fostered to carnivals when they came to town, or well, my parents took us." He clarified, "So I always felt like I kind of grew up around these, and we always managed to win a little something but it was never those giant stuffed animals that edveryone wanted -- and were always jealous when you saw that one random kid walk by practically dragging their giant stuffed animal. Which now, looking back on it, makes me wonder if their parents did the same thing I'm thinking."

"Think or know?" Sav said, a hint of an awkward laugh behind her words, with a know-it-all discernment attached. She recognized the guy with the baby almost instantly, even though it was the briefest encounter— a severe New Years hangover and a guy stripped and ready to freeze his balls off donning a cowboy hat with a similar can-do attitude did that — the kid attached to his chest well, (shockingly) the most recognizable. And then Lou's mentions of Archie's dad all made sense. "My brother was a Carny for like a summer once, that summer he bought a car. Used. But still." She laughed at the memory, giving Archie the tiniest of waves and a smile.

[aridhingra]

There was something about a carnival, maybe it was because it was one of the things that no matter how much money they had or didn't have, they could manage to squeeze in when he was growing up in a house filled of foster brother and sisters waiting to be reunited with their families, or the ones that became real siblings when days turned to months or years. For Ari, there wasn't a memory that wasn't happy when he thought back to carnivals and fairs. "It would be cheaper to bribe them for sure, but are we sure it's easier? I feel like they know that they'll make more money off of me if I'm playing the games rather than letting me pay outright." Ari chuckled as he shifted around towards the brunette. "The darts aren't too bad but there's something about the milk bottles, I'm 90% sure they're somehow magnetized with a really strong magnet to not fall over."

Since childhood, Elena had always loved Merrock's carnivals. Getting to ride the rides with her big sister, watching her dad win them the biggest stuffed animals possible, taking home a goldfish if they were lucky enough... and the food? Every little kid loved a sno*cone, a bag of cotton candy, and slice of pizza. There really was nothing about the carnival that she didn't love. And as an adult, it was somehow even more fun, maybe just to see it through a fresh set of eyes. "It would be easier to bribe them," Lena confirmed with a nod of her head, "but it's a lot more fun if you play to win fair and square. I recommend the water gun games, I feel like all those take is a really, really steady hand, which is a little easier than throwing darts at balloons or balls at milk bottles, you know?"

[aridhingra]

[aridhingra]

Who: Ari Dhingra & open! What: Summer Beach Bash - first night of the carnival When: July 4th, 2025

It was the day that he had been waiting since the announcement of it. When Ari had moved to town a year ago, last July, he really hadn't known that he'd end up making Merrock so much of a home for him. Really the carnival felt like his kind of celebration for making it a year in one place and now raising his son -- something he didn't really know he'd ever have before. With his son strapped into her carrier onto his chest, looking outwards towards the crowd that was steadily growing now that the carnival area was open and running for the night. The first night he had a feeling would be busy, and he wasn't wrong, "Okay, little man, what do you say we find some games." he said pushing along the stroller he had brought with knowing at some point the not yet year old would end up falling asleep. Seeing the fascination in the young baby's eyes was something he'd definitely remember. As a person approached next to him, standing near a few different booths, he held onto Archer's hands, letting his legs kick wildly. "You like the lights don't you?" he asked, "Okay so, I know games are rigged but what are the chances I can actually go home with one of those giant stuffed ones? Or do you think it's cheaper to bribe them with money to get one?" Turning to the person next to him.

[aridhingra]

Who: Ari Dhingra & Rory Ellison @roryellison

What: Summer Beach Bash

When: July 2025

Given that Archer was not even a year old, he was pretty sure all the excitement he had to bring the small one to the beach and then later that night to the first night of the carnival was definitely all him. The night before he had checked and double checked everything making sure he had everything the little boy could possibly need in the diaper bag, making sure he knew where his little swim suit and of course sunscreen was. As he made his way to the beach that morning, he knew that it'd be a good little start with the few things he had found online to make it so they could enjoy as stress free as possible. Finding himself down on the beach, he glanced, "Do you mind if we set up here?" Archer contently strapped to his chest looking outwards the water kicking his feet, yeah, he definitely had a lot of Ari in him already loving the sound of the water. "Don't worry we'll dip your toes in." he said dropping the bag onto the spot. "Your old man just needs to get things set up first." Turning to the woman, "Looks like a great day to kick all this off, doesn't it?"

[aridhingra]

Exactly, it's not a downright now, it's just a passive 'I wouldn't get your hopes up' which feels a lot nicer. Who likes hearing the word no anyway? Running, hiking, heading out into the water will be my ways to enjoy working out this summer, and into the fall. Think those are really great ways too, not that I've done a ton of horseback riding to know how much of a workout it is. It's such a weird thing, watching those events where you can't look away but also feel like how can you keep watching. That was that one show -- fear factor? I would always get sucked in. I only watch shows at night when I'm home and not heading back out, an episode or two here or there. I'll always take being outside any time, but sometimes we all need a little bit to unwind. I wouldn't say you would be classless, I'd be more concerned about what your feet were going to come in contact with at the carnival, all those rides -- bad mix.

That's true, you wouldn't outright be saying no! You would be saying no after a lot of hard, well-thought consideration, and no one can really be angry with you for that one. I think I mostly just like to stick with running and horseback riding, if I'm getting my exercise by doing both of those things, I shouldn't have to worry about trying to run any sort of obstacle course, right?! I don't see anything wrong with that logic! Those are the ones, and I always felt bad, because the entire purpose is to watch people… get hurt, and like what is that, other than cruel, and yet. I couldn't look away. Although I have yet to watch Squid Games! I'm not a big TV person, especially this time of year, I'm so bad at keeping up with anything that I normally watch. I was going to say… can you imagine? Not only that, but you'd be the laughing stock of the whole party! I just go barefoot. Not to the carnival, though, I have some class.

[aridhingra]

"There are definitely some flavors that mix great together, probably more than people even realize if you give it a try. Pretty sure there's at least up to five I can think up off the top of my head that would go great with each other. "Good thing purpley-brown doesn't scare me." he said, "But I'll refrain from worrying everyone else and stick with just a couple that I know will go well together -- or at least I think they will." he said as he moved up and ordered his little mixture.

"Don't get me wrong, it has the potential to be great… like if you got three flavors that really tasted good together and melted them into a soup? Genius. Did that a lot as a kid. But if you start mixing flavors that don't go well…" he trailed off. making a soft 'tsk' sound with his tongue. "But no, it's going to be a purpley brown, no matter what you throw in there!" And then be deceiving when it didn't actually taste like chocolate. "My plan is genius," he said with a laugh, "always get yourself to the point where you have an excuse for junk food!"

[aridhingra]

He did enjoy looking at all the fish, as much as an almost year old can. Archie's to the point he's not quite walking but on his own but he will if you hold his hands and he definitely liked getting to 'explore' in that capacity. Curious little guy. Feel like anytime you combine time at the beach with a carnival you're going to be promised a good time. Know I'm really looking forward to it either way no matter what. There were some great celebrations, I had a great time myself. New relationship? Well, congratulations. Nothing better than a new and happy relationship being celebrated during Pride.

That's awesome! It must feel really great, then. I bet he loves looking at all those fish. I'm glad you both had a good time! Oh yes, I have been told that one is the big one of the summer, and it's got a really fun vibe going. I have really loved it, actually. I always love getting involved in the parades or whatever celebrations there are. But over all, it's been probably the best Pride month I have had in a while, minted a brand new relationship at the top of the month, so we've been pretty much living the dream.

[aridhingra]

"No, I mean you can study, just like you can kind of work out a little bit, stretch, get yourself put together but attempting to overdo it? It doesn't really help with anything." Ari admitted, if they had been training they had to hope they had done enough to get through the course and be happy with their performance. "Would, wouldn't it? Mean I don't want to miss out on getting a chance to get out there and compete, but at least there's just the night to get through, how much can go wrong between then and tomorrow morning?"

"Exactly, like when studying for a test you csnt cram the night before," he smiled whilst nodding, knowing he trained as much as he could and trusted his body to get through the challenge. He was taking the night before to rest and relax, both in body and mind, not wanting to psych himself out. "That would suck, moreso than getting hurt whilst competing to be honest. At least you could say you pulled a muscle while doing the challenge but beforehand? That shit would suck."

[aridhingra]

There'd be more hesitation, some pretend consideration, talking about potential strategy and then a no. Figure at least it'd be a noble way of letting someone down easy for these kinds of things, make them thing you're at least considering their offer. I saw clips of those Japanese game shows and those people always looked like they were having the worst time as they were being bounced across the room while wearing uncomfortable protective gear that didn't look like it would really protect you from all that much. Think it's still decently popular, isn't it what kind of played into inspiring Squid Games was the whole overly competitive obstacle courses but then make it -- dystopian? You do need a decent variety but mine are mostly sneakers and hiking boots, I do have a pair of sandals for the beach given the upcoming beach party. Can't go in full on sneakers, the hell it would be having all that sand end up in there.

If I were to ask you in a few months, you would say no, but with more hesitation? And that's just me projecting on you exactly how I would answer that kind of question if someone asked me! Remember when they used to do those Japanese game shows where they would just show the people getting absolutely obliterated on obstacles? Wild. That kind of stuff was so popular! I guess it still is, a little bit -- people watch videos of people getting hurt all the time, that kind of thing. Flip flops for the beach, sandals for at home or out to eat for a nice lunch, but sneakers for the barn or work or doing errands! You need to have a good variety!