LOGIN TO MY WORLD

Attitude from the genes?

2009-08-26T13:35:00.002+01:00

It is amazing how the genes get transmitted & how it reflects on the views & perceptions from the mother to the children. It is true but & yet untrue!

My son was playfully asking me – “How old will my sis be when I am 7 yrs old?” This question went on almost consecutively till he was 22 years old!!

And I responded to the last question that his sister will be 20 years old when he will be 22 & that I will be an old lady @ that time!!!!!!

And phew! Both my kids got upset on the fact that I will be an old lady! Infact my daughter even said that she will not be 20 years cos I will be old by then!!!! Both of them are very averse to me getting old or looking old or even the mere fact of old age being mentioned. It is probably (in my perception) cos they don’t like their mom to look old & maybe also cos they sub consciously relate to old age & death.

Now what amazes me here is heart of heart Im also not particularly fond of old age -meaning the thought of growing old is not so welcome! Wrinkled skin, grey hair, aches n pains, diseases.....! But yes, I know there is no escape from it & have been reconciling myself to accept the fact of life. And I must admit that I have been succeeding! However, these inner feelings / thots of mine have never been discussed with anyone including my kids!

And I was indeed amazed to see this reaction from them to my growing old! Is it from the genes?

However having said that I must also say that the contrary is true! My mom has never felt this way towards old age. Infact she is happy to have grown wiser with age & experience & also believes in ageing gracefully!

So don’t ask me how I got this view on ageing!!!

Good morning!!!

2009-08-07T11:50:00.003+01:00

Yippe! Yippee! Im back! Been missing my space a lot! And I hope I would more regular & that I will visit all your blogs very soon. Thanks to Blogeswari, Umm Oviya , Teesu etc for the motivation to restart yet again!

I couldn’t think of a more apt way to start again, than greeting you all “Good morning”

To my little knowledge, this term “Good morning” is used to greet people anytime in the morning till noon. Thereafter I think it is “Good afternoon / Good evening”. But no, some people think differently!!

I first noticed this with a colleague who greeted me “Good morning” just past noon. I initially ignored thinking he wasn’t aware that it was past noon. Thereafter I started noticing that he would greet me thus, irrespective of the time of the day…once it was post lunch & once closer to 5 in the evening!

Hence I thought he ought to be corrected. So the next time he greeted me “Good morning” in the afternoon, I reciprocated with a “Good afternoon”! But no he got offensive & explained to me that you need to wish “Good morning” when you speak / see the particular person for the first time during the day!!!!

OMG! New meanings!!

I soon shared this joke with yet another more sensible colleague. She laughed & said that apparently this is a common practice is many other companies.

And true to her words, I noticed this with my (multinational) Banker, some consultants & also some professional organizations! You call their office & the receptionist says “Good morning……” even at the closing hours!!! Is it by default? Or sheer ignorance?!

Nevertheless, “Good morning” my dear bloggers! (Hoping you are reading this in your morning hours!!!)

The past months

2007-09-15T11:46:00.000+02:00

I really cant believe myself that I've been out of blogging action for almost 6 months! Gosh! Missed reading all the lovely blogs....gotta catch up!

For those of u wondering y I was away for so long.....it was cos of the relocation. It has taken me some time to set things on the home front & the career front. And I just thot it was better to have a break & get back rejuvenated! :)

During this period there was so many things that I wanted to write on my blog & kept telling myself that I shall post them soon. But as usual when its the time to post I just cant recall what exactly I wanted to post!!!!

Kids are doing well.....they are now used to the life here. The older one is busy with his skool & younger is soon learning all the tricks from her brother!

Some of the highlights during this period of 6 mths

1. Enjoyed shopping things all over again for the new home!
2. Spent time with kids...taking them out whenever possible (& at the same time put up with all their tantrums...sometimes patiently....sometimes it was too much 2 handle!)
3. Learnt some yoga (tho not practising now as theres no enuff time)
4. Tried driving the car in the Chennai traffic.....but gotta get better!
5. Painted a nice name board
6. Went to most of the "Aadi sale"/ "Anniversary sale"/"yearly sale" etc of whatever interested me! :)
7. Met up with lot of, one-off characters & self-learnt few things for myself
8. Had a great time with my aunt & umpteen cousins who visited me during the period
9. Same with my friends - we caught up after many years....some close friends visited Chennai & had a super duper time!
10. Went for the much raved Sivaji movie with my son (a big fan of Rajini) - soon after it was released & enjoyed him enjoying the film, more than enjoying the film!!!!!

okie enuff abt me.....will blog hop soon & try n catch up!!!!

Not a NRI

2007-03-29T09:44:00.000+02:00

Have been a NRI (Non-Resident Indian) for some time now.....but before other people brand me as a Not Required Indian, I thot it was probably wiser to get back to India! :)

As v r relocating, I will be away from the blogosphere for a few days! :-(

I am gonna miss all ur blogs but hope to catch up very soon.

Let the good times roll on..............:-)

Mind ur language!

2007-03-21T10:24:00.001+02:00

My 4 yr old has been using words like "stupid, shut-up, holy shit" etc. He has picked these from his skool mates. He hardly even knows the meaning of such words but uses these cos its taboo, cos his friends (@ skool) use them & also cos I keep telling him that they are bad words.
I have tried to explain to him, punish him etc for using such vocabulary, but in vain.

He started saying "stupid" almost a year ago & the more I was insisting on him not to say the word, the more he wld. Surprisingly he has used holy shit only once. He said it & I didnt react much...I just said it wasnt something nice to say. And after that I have never heard him say that again. I hope that trick would continue to work.

However I am wondering how do I make him stop saying stupid, shut up etc? He uses those words whenever he is angry & with any one. Any tips anyone?

There were 2 other funny instances of his usage of words.....

Once hubby had a boil on his forehead & he wanted to know what it was. So hubby said it was a boil. So he asks hubby - "What's boiling on ur forehead?"

Another day when I was preparing dinner (caneloni) he came running to me & wanted to know what I was cooking cos of the v.good smell. And he compliements me - "Amma u r a v.good cooker!!!"

Miss these

2007-03-13T15:27:00.000+02:00

I am gonna be missing these from next month -

1. Luxury of an inhouse maid (Gladys) -
Gladys stays in the servants quarters outside my house but within the same compound. She is my maid cum nanny. She keeps my house clean & also takes care of kids while I am @ work. She is supported by another maid who washes the clothes, irons them, cleans the yard, does the dishes, waters the garden & cleans my car. Glayds is there @ my beck & call whenever I need her for any help. She is quite good with kids & my daughter just adores her. We are gonna be missing her a lot.

2. My Gym instructor - Ross
He is one helluva of guy! He is around 50+ but so physically fit. His classes are so much fun. I try my level best never to miss his classes. He has a big fan club & makes hi impact aerobics soooooooooo interesting. He has helped me shed those extra calories after my 1st delivery. Now Im in the process but not yet reached there. Im gonna miss his work out.

3. My office room -
It is the best room one can ask for! I spend most of my time during the day here. It is huge, well ventilated, decorated with some plants & paintings. And it is almost the size of my bosses' room! And there have been many jealous colleagues as I have a this wonderful room just for myself! Whilst it offers me privacy, it also gives me a good view of what is happening outside the office & what my assts are up to!!! :D

4. My car -
I luv my 4X4 ......Toyota Rav 4. I enjoy its height, size, sun roof etc. It was such pleasure to drive it esp during my pregnancy where I had a huge huge tummy (due to water retention).

5. Being a compere -
I have hosted many cultural shows here & have a big fan club! Infact some friends even address me as "The official MC"! My shows include Diwali programs, Onam programs, fund raising programs & the latest was when I was the MC when Usha Uthup was here. Have also done some shows impromptu. I also got an offer from a professional troupe to be part of them.

6. Religious events -
I am part of a sahasranam group where we meet up all weekends & recite the same. I m also gonna miss the satsangs & other special events @ the temple. Satsangs have been so energetic & lively here.

7. Garden -
I have a huge garden in front of my house. It has a nice lawn & a nice kitchen garden in the backyard. Kids love this space to run, play & explore. They r really gonna miss it! And I will also miss the luxury of living in an independent house.

8. Winter -
Tho I used to hate winter initially, past 2 winters I have started to enjoy the same. However I still prefer summer but not the humidity.

9. Rooiboos -
This is herbal tea or bush tea. Not many like this but I just love it! I started drinking this during my pregnancy as this is supposed to be cafine free. Ever since I have been drinking only this & just love it! Ofcourse if its not avlb, I resort to the ordinary one.

10. Social life -
We have had a hectic social life here. Have enjoyed hosting the parties thoroughly & also being invited for the same. Sometimes weekends r much more hectic than the weekdays, due to our high social commitments. Have really enjoyed the same! :)

Handle with care!

2007-03-06T09:57:00.000+02:00

My mom always says that u never know when & how another person might be of help to u & hence you shd deal each person u meet with extra care & minimal damage! I was reminded of the same when these two incidents happened recently.

I was looking around for a good car to buy & came across this car dealer. I liked the car but for various reasons was taking my time to decide on the same. Finally when I thot of buying the same, unfortunately I had a tiff with the car dealer & the deal was called off.

Now, I have been trying to sell my car & I was referred to the same dealer! I quite forgot abt the incident of (thinking of) buying from him but he seems to be rememebering me v.well! Needless to say he wasnt interested in buying my car! Shucks!

This other incident thankfully I wasnt in the receiving end!!!

There is a middle aged lady here whose husband is a reputed business person & quite well known. I had to deal with her a while ago as I was hosting a fund raising show & she was gonna sing. Hence I had called her to get some info & she was kinda rude to me & took quite some time to give me the reqd info. I was pissed off with her & thot I shd even mess up the announcement b4 her song!! Anycase I wanted to be a good MC & hence didnt resort to any such means.

Two months later, this lady has joined my office as a trainee assistant & works under me! Now she plays her cards well enuff!!

Anycase. I think it is better to handle each person with care! :)

Copy Cats!

2007-02-23T16:51:00.000+02:00

My kids just love to copy what me / hubby do. This post is to remind me of the same!

My 15 mth old daughter watches me w/o a blink of an eyelid when I am dressing up. She tries and imitates me thus.

1. Tho we’d just shaved her head, not only does she take my comb & comb her bald head but also wants to put my clip on her head!

2. She wants to apply cream on her head as she mistakes her head (actually her hair!!) for face!

3. She has seen me apply kajal with the kajal pencil & attempts the same by using a toothpick she found somewhere. This is damn dangerous….& thankfully I caught her on time.

4. She wants to wear my high heeled shoes & go out with my hand bag!

5. She also wants to drive my car (standing on the seat)

6. She wants to put my bindi (whenever I am wearing one). She tries to remove the same & thinking she is putting it on her forehead, keeps it on her (right) eye!

7. She loves my duppattas & scarves. When she feels like it, she wld snatch it from me in a jiffy & wear the same.

8. She even adores my jewellery! Esp the chains that she can easily remove from my neck, she insists on wearing it on her neck! And the earrings she wants to put them inside her tiny ear!

9. She attempts to remove my watch & wear the same but seldom succeeds to remove from my hand. However, if the watch is lying around loose, she tries to wear it on her hand.

10. She keeps her hand, calculator or anything that vaguely resembles a phone & keeps saying ‘alo, alo’.

These are the things my son copies us for:-

1. He wants to wear formal shirts to skool cos his dad wears them to work!
2. He imitates exactly the way his dad speaks on the phone in his imaginary conversation with his friends on his toy phone.
3. He wants to drink beer & other “drinks” cos dad drinks them. Have told him that dad is drinking medicine to cover up! Dunno how long he wld buy that!
4. He wants to explore his culinary skills by putting all the masalas (& any other ingredients) while I cook.
5. He wants to wear a belt for all his dresses cos dad wears it!
6. He loves Formula 1 & loves to see those car (& bike) races as dad is crazy about them.
7. He actually painted his nails (on the sly) when mom carelessly left behind her nail polish.
8. He almost wore mom’s lipstick! Thankfully mom came 2 the rescue right on time!
9. He wants to wear his dad’s shoes & socks! And sometimes even dad’s shirts which are way too huge on him!
10. He claims to be going for training / meetings or conferences whenever we are having one!

What's in a name?

2007-02-16T16:46:00.000+02:00

I was on the look for a gardener to trim & clean the lawn & water the big garden (yeah, yeah....the lazy me!). I managed 2 get someone for it as a piece meal job. This was our conversation -

Me - Can do u clean & trim the lawn & water all the plants?
He - Yes ma'am
Me - Ok good. Whats ur name?
He - God knows
Me - What?
He - God knows
Me - U mean u dunno ur name
He - God knows ma'am
Me - So how do I call u?
He - God knows
Me - U mean ur name is "God knows"
He - Yes ma'am

And we all burst into laughing as how someone can have a name like God knows!

But after I settled myself I realised we even have Indian names which mean similarly...like Ram Jaane (which when translated from Hindi is God knows!)

The other funny name I found of a security guard was "Thousand". And I was thinking how can ppl have such ridiculous names! But again I realised the Indian (tamil) equivalent is "Kanairam". When translated it is even worse....it means "Thousand eyes!!!"

There are also other names like Charity, Beauty, Kiki, Angel etc...but well I think there are somewhat equivalent Indian names too! And told myself, what's in a name?!

Have u come across any such "funny" names?

Night Bird

2007-02-13T11:47:00.001+02:00

Firstly many thanks to all your concerns regd my previous post. Yup the kids are doing better now, but I am still a bit tired & stressed....and sure....waiting for my break! ;p Have been very busy & hence havent managed to blog hop much...will catch up soon!

This post is dedicated to my 15 mth old daughter, who I think is a nite bird....and thanks to her father's strong genes for that! ;)

This happened a few nites ago, where I was waiting to sleep as it was already past 10. My son had just slept & thinking my daughter would also sleep early as she hadnt slept in the afternoon I turned off all lights waiting for her to sleep. Hubby said that he was gonna be late from work that nite. Hence not wanting to wait I decided all of us shd sleep esp as the next day was a working one.

But behold, my daughter, gets off the bed, goes around to the living room, dining room & other bedrooms all by herself in the darkness! She was even banging herself against things! So I switched on the corridor light while I was pretending to be asleep. I thot by doing so, she might follow suit! But no....she goes on strong...puts the mats on her head, comes near me & gives a big smile, tries to wake up her sleeping brother & continues to do her non-sense! Then she decides to take all of hubbies perfumes & starts to lick them up! *Yuck*

Tho I was enjoying her do all this I was getting a bit irritated too as I was sleepy & had a long day the next day. Her activities carried on for a while & thankfully hubby came after that & then the father & daughter spent time together for a while!

Then this other incident happened last nite. Hubby was trying to make her sleep & she refused to sleep as usual! She wld get on the bed & wld want to peep thru the window onto the road. So hubby wld raise his voice a bit & in an angered tone ask her to lie down. She wld do so, wait for further reaction from him & then throw her arms around him, kiss him & get up again!!!! And this cycle repeated for a around 5-6 times atleast!

She did the same to me as well...she got angry when I refused to give her my car keys & hence she pulled my hair. I screamed & immediately she pushes her lips in front & leans forward for me to show my cheek to get a peck from her! It was really so cute!

And on a separate note.....

Valentines day is round the corner. They seem to be celebrating the same in my son's skool. And he has been asked to come dressed in red or white. I am debating this to myself - is it right to be celebrating valentine's day @ this young age? When I was 4 I didnt even know such a day existed or what it meant! Ok valentines day can be celebrated with all the loved ones (including parents, siblings, friends etc) but still most of us consider only the "special" person to be a valentine. So was wondering is it right to induce such a thot into kids whilst they are so young? whats your thot?

Leave letter

2007-02-07T14:43:00.000+02:00

I wish my leave wld be granted!!!

A tired mom....waiting for a break!

Dear Hubby

This is tell u that I wld be on leave for the next 3 days. The last few days have been extremely taxing on me esp with 2 sick kids, job pressure, house hold chores, winding up, sleepless nites etc. To top it up, there has not been much help from u. All u can think of is your work & your office. U fail to realise that you have a (sick) family & that we also need time from u.

Hence I want u to handle everything for the next 3 days as I will not be available to do so. I wanna take a break. Once you do the job atleast I hope that you will start appreciating my thankless job!

Signed
Tired wife and mom

I really wish I cld indulge & pamper myself for a nice good break! However I know it is not practical esp cos of the kids.....they need me more now cos they are down with flu. I only pray to God to gimme the strength thru this rough patch!

"Item" numbers

2007-02-02T11:00:00.000+02:00

I have wondered about the life of the women who perform in the so called "item" numbers & are branded as "item" girls & the like. If you are still unsure of what I am referring to, you may check here and here. There are many others too....!

Well some may have been forced or compelled, some for the want of money or fame, but I guess they are still there cos they like it! They want all the lime light & would like to be branded as the "sex symbol" I only ask WHY? I mean why do they want to be branded thus?

Agreed they are a big source of entertainment & lust quenchers for many but then what sort of a life do they have? Do they ever get any respect? Are they ever looked up on? What do their families & friends ever think of them? Can the family ever feel proud of their daughters' profession? Will they ever have a decent / normal family life?

Yes they are doing it as a profession, for a living I am sure......but is it at the cost of self dignity?

There is also the other side....the %age of women these days who tend to wear skimpy clothes are on the rise, pre-marital sex is getting more common, women smokers are also increasing. But still these "item" girls are branded thus. And their talent for acting is not even considered.

Even the other actresses like Aish & Bipasha do reveal. But y the difference & why this brand to them?

In my point of view it is maybe cos Aish, Bipasha etc r branded as actress...they do more of acting (& releaving is just a part of it!). Also they dont carry that "oomph" image of themselves. They portray themselves better. And they have got a class in them.

The "item" women may become succesful in what they wanted to achieve. But do they justify this saying - "Success is measured, by what you had to forego in achieving the same."

Tag time!

2007-01-29T14:34:00.000+02:00

Been a while since I did a tag! But ahoy! Artnavy wanted me to take up this one. And so here it is!

This tag is to reveal 10 things abt myself! Its kinda difficult to talk abt myself....anycase I've tried to! :)

Where do I start?

1. If I were a country - It has to be India. I never realised the value of our country till I came out! I just seem to love our culture, heritage, values & everything that is Indian from the food to jewellery to clothes!

2. If I were a form of food - I would be curd / yoghurt...flexible & goes with almost all sort of food, cool & the favourite for many! ;)

3. If I were a part of our body - I would be the heart! Heart is one of the vital organs & also cos thats where is the love. Like many I tend to think from the heart!

4. If I were a form of Entertainment - I would be a mixture of dance, music, humuor & bit of fashion & art!

5. If I were an animal - I wldn't be one....the pure vegetarian that I am!!! ;)

6. If I were a colour - I wld be all of them! I just love colours....esp all the vibrant & lively ones like bright red, fiery orange, vivacious blue etc.

7. If I were a vehicle - I would be an aeroplane cos I believe I can fly.

8. If I were a flower - I would be a rose. Pretty, full of love & has thorns to guard itself!

9. If I were a Drink - I would be water. Needed by all, quenching & can't be w/o it!

10. If I were a sweet - I will just be me!!! LOL! Okie jokes apart, I love all kinda sweets.....from cakes/puddings to mysore pak/rasamalai....well anything thats sweet & tasty!

I actually managed this, eh?!

I am not tagging anyone in particular.....whoever wants to do this can take it up! :)

Babble

2007-01-22T15:32:00.000+02:00

Normally to make my son's appetite a bit better, I divert his attn onto something else so that he doesnt realise that he is eating (the pathetic eater that he is!) Usually I make my own stories abt his friends or other things that interest him.

However the other day, for a change, he created his own story & told me the following during his dinner time! The story doesnt quite make sense but I liked the way he tried to say so & it was just so spontaneous & very expressive too! Read on if u like the made up babble!

Once upon a time, there was a man who lived in the forest. This man had big and strong muscles. The lion came to fight with this man but as this man was so very strong, he fought with the lion very well. The lion was very hungry and weak but it was stronger than the tiger. The lion boxed the tiger & the tiger fell down. Then the lion jumped on the polar bear & it went inside the water. In the forest there were elephants, rhinos, hippos, cheetahs, leopard, monkeys, giraffes etc & they all wanted to eat more food to become more strong.

Then this man wanted to do his shopping & he drove his car & came to X(my son's favourite shopping mall). He bought himself a big quad bike, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, beans etc. He also bought skating shoes, toys and paints.

And then comes his dad & oopsy there ends the story in the excitement of seeing his dad!

Maybe some of you have heard this already....I think it is quite true...."If you have a child, you are a parent, if you have two, you are a referee!!!" My kids live upto this!

My one year old loves to bite her older brother & also hit him! Knowing very well that my son can't bite her (not atleast when I am around!), he says this to me abt his little sis - "Amma, I think she ought to have a small little baby brother who is also gonna bite her & beat her nicely"!

I said " I am not gonna have any more babies...the two of you are more than enuff." He says "No I want u to have....otherwise I'll put a big injection in your tummy and a baby brother is gonna be born...just to bite her"!!!!! *How simple eh?! And mean too?! ;-)*

Behavioural changes

2007-01-12T16:08:00.000+02:00

I have been thinking on y this is so? Suggestions welcome! :)

There was this newly wed girl who came here to join her hubby. I liked her as I found her bubbly & enthusiastic. We used to meet up once in a while & have a nice chat. Once she even self invited herself & her hubby for lunch @ my place. We were ofcourse not the best of pals but then whenever we met up, it was good n lively.

Then suddenly (for no reason....according to me) she kind of stopped speaking to me ie a very cold hello or a half smile & no talk, whenever we met. (@ some social gatherings, parties or during shopping etc.) I didnt find a need y she had to behave thus. But me being me, reciprocated the same to her henceforth.

It was going on thus & I heard she was pregnant. I thot I wld wish her whenever I bump into her. But unfortunately she had a mis-carriage. I felt very sad for her but again never got an opportunity to meet her.

A few days later there was a big party @ a common friends place where both of us were invited. And suddenly there she starts to speak to me as if nothing is wrong....like how she used to talk to me originally. I was amused @ these behavioural changes.

This time too I reciprocated her behaviour tho I wasnt keen. I think I did so more out of compassion cos I felt sorry for her cos of her miscarriage.

Anyway - what made me blog abt this sort of human behaviour changes?

There used to be an Indian Banker in one of the Indian banks here. He was kind of dumb, unfriendly & very unhelpful to other fellow Indians. Most people found it difficult to deal with him including me. It was even worse cos his predecessor was just the opposite. He even used to go out of his way to help others.

Most people had learned to put up with this person & with no much choice accepted him too!

Unfortunately on new years day, we got this horrible news that this man, his wife & his daughter died in a very tragic road accident. It was just so so shocking! I was also v.sad & felt sorry for him. Now upon hearing this horrible news all people overcome with grief & sorrow started saying all good things about the dead man.

Why are we thus? Should we say nice things only when something tragic / unpleasant happens? When a person is gone forever? While a person is alive we hardly ever appreciate......Why is the human attitude thus?????

To blog or not?

2007-01-05T11:18:00.000+02:00

Wanting to put up a new post
But not sure on what

Too many things to blog about
Dunno which one to choose

Too many thots
But too few words

Too many ?s to ask
Seeking many suggestions

But alas nothing fruitful to blog about
And hence this post for my blog!

GREETINGS TO ALL MY FELLOW BLOGGERS! :D

New year special

2006-12-29T12:44:00.000+02:00

Happy new year to all!

Sorry I have been out of much blogging action offlate! Hope to catch up with all ur blogs soon. Especially now that my holidays are almost finishing.....which is depressing too.

BTW, talking of new year, any resolutions, anyone? If so what & do u tend to stick onto them?! Or break them too soon?

As for me, I normally try to make a new resolution most years....but only what is feasible by me. This year Im thinking of what resolution to make.....

So enjoy 2007 & may it be a prosperous & wonderful year ahead for all of us!

Gifts

2006-12-14T19:09:00.000+02:00

I wonder why many a times most ppl fail to mention their names in the gifts that they give esp in big parties, weddings etc! Is it just absent-mindedness? Or sheer laziness? Or is it that they r ashamed of their gift? Or is it that they wanna remain anonymous?

Loos & shopping

2006-11-30T12:27:00.000+02:00

I've been into my usual shopping spree but not yet into my full flow! The reason being, my daughter is not v.co-operative & hence I'm unable to do much. She clings onto me & refuses to go to anyone else. And wants me with her all the time! Whilst I enjoy that I'm also restricted @ the same time. She's not keeping too well (fever, cold cough....) & hence I need to take her along wherever I go! And so shopping is not so pleasureful! :s

Coming to the topic, I noticed something. There r so many good shops & malls all over Chennai. Some even tastefully done...gr8 clothes, superb accessories, smart shoes etc etc but then the loos r still the same....dirty, smelly & messy! In one of the big shops, there were even some 3 lady cleaners in the toilets...but all they were doing was having a good time amidst themselves!

As soon as we landed @ the Chennai airport, my son wanted to use the loo & when I took him, the first thing he said was...yuck, this is so smelly!!!

I wonder y is that we lack the basic cleanliness even in these big places which r frequented by the educated class? Y cant they be kept more clean? Sometimes ppl use the toilet but dont even flush? Isnt it the basic step to do so?!

Wishing there were cleaner & smell free toilets.........!

Highlights so far

2006-11-26T11:37:00.000+02:00

After a long & tiresome flight, reached home. The flight seemed forever! Phew!

My home town Chennai seems the same but yet changed! Increased cost of living, many new joints, new eatouts, horrible traffic, yummier food, trendier outfits.....etc etc.

I enjoyed shopping tremendously & I even picked up a tiff @ one of the (fairly big) shopping centres with a very very rude salesman. I was quite shocked with his audacity to tell me that he shall not open the dresses for us to choose & decide & his laid back attitude. Hence gave him a piece of my mind & also complained against him & reminded him that he is in the service industry. Anycase looking forward to do more shopping @ the other places. Shopping tips welcome! :)

Hosted a small party for close friends & family & hence got 2 meet up with everyone.

Also went to Tirupathi & had a good darshan.

Despite the pollution, humid weather, long traffic jams, clogged drains, stagnant water, etc. it's good 2 be back @ home, home sweet home! :)

Time out

2006-11-16T11:46:00.000+02:00

Do u guys ever feel the need to have some time alone for urselves amidst you busy schedules? Somehow for me it is rather essential atleast once in a while. Normally I tend to switch myself off @ the gym, or while driving or when I go for a walk or when Im having a quick bite etc. whereby my body does the needful but my mind is far far away in my own "dream"(?) land! Does it happen with u as well? Or is it just me?! This happens more so when the mind needs to ponder about something but even if there isnt anything, it just tends to float away to that land!

BTW guys this post is really for telling u all that this is time out for me from blogsville cos I'll be away for few days as I am going 2 India. However I shall surely be blog hopping & posting as well whenever time permits. Till then take care & enjoy! :)

Wrong notion

2006-11-10T17:32:00.000+02:00

If u sit till late hours in the office you are considered very hard working and the boss is impressed.

I know not all bosses are thus, but since mine is, what can be done abt it?! Ofcourse he is also impressed by good work etc but he always thinks that if ppl sit till late in the office, they r extremely hard working! I've also tried hinting subtely abt it, but he is strong on his hold esp considering that he is of the old school of thought!

Suggestions welcome to enlighten him! ;)

Clear Desk

2006-11-07T10:53:00.000+02:00

How effective do you think is the clear desk policy?

Needless to say that it is indeed a pleasure to work on a clear desk with no unnecessary files / papers etc. But is it really practical?

Almost every other day tho I clear my work table / room, they get piled by various files from my 5 assistants & other unexpected clients! Moreso now, cos Im gonna be away for some time. Im rather sick n tired of clearing the unending series of work! Phew!

Also since our office is supposed to adhere to the clear desk policy in the cubicles, all my assts dump their current working files in my office which results in my office looking more like a filing room! *Sigh*.

The worst is, this is the starting point of files beginning to miss. This in turn leads to wastage of time spent in searching of these missing files. And when it is fruitless it is even more frustrating!

I wish I have some creative alternate solution to the clear desk policy! Do u?

Helping hands

2006-11-02T08:58:00.000+02:00

1. When I went shopping this weekend, just as I got out of my car, there was a shopping trolley parked in the next bay. The car park was rather full & I saw a car wanting to pull into that bay. So I moved the trolley away, allowing him to park. He came & parked happily, without even thanking me or even acknowledging the same. Ofcourse not that I've done anything great but I thot one has to be a bit courteous atleast. I see them inside the shop too & not even a smile & he just looks thru me as if it were my duty to move that trolley! Needless to say he was an Indian!

2. Went for a 2 hr aerobathon which was quite tiresome. At the end of the class one boy requested me to drop him home as he was just too tired to walk. Feeling sad, I agreed & dropped him. Few hours later I needed to go out & I get into my car only to find a horrible horrible stink.....it was the stink of his sweat! Yuck! Yuck! Tho I used air freshners & perfumes, & kept my car windows & sunroof open, the yucky smell lasted me for almost a week.

3. I know that my office messenger is a greedy guy. I used to think that well, he is not so well to do, so thats why he tries to earn extra bucks by making some exhorbitant travel claims. Hence we normally use him only for delivering documents etc that are very important & urgent. Once there was something very very urgent to be submitted to the tax department due to a deadline & told him to do so. He does so & claims 25 bucks for the same! He came to me for approval & I was totally zapped cos the building is next door! I told him this is ridiculous cos he wld've walked it across. Anycase I got my boss to approve the same & he did it cos he is a local who is not so well to do. After a few days I hear from other local staff members that this guy actually does money lending business (with high interest rates) in his own personal capacity & we used to think that he is actually not so well to do!!!

Communication

2006-10-31T09:33:00.000+02:00

Sorry ppl! I have just not managed to blog or blog hop in the past few days. :((( Just been awfully busy with many many things. Im glad Im able 2 post something today atleast & hope 2 catch up with all ur blogs soon! :)

Im communicating the same 2 u all cos read this on & u wld know the importance of communication in our day 2 day lives! And pls note that this is a true story! Names & places changed for obvious reasons.

Sundar & Liza were a newly married couple, living in Trichy. Unfortunately a day prior to Liza's birthday Sundar had visit Chennai for official reasons for 3 days. He was sad that he cldn't be with her on her bday. He called her in the morning & wished her. And wanting to surprise her a bit, told his assistant Srikanth to get her a bouquet of flowers of her birthday from Sundar.

The "smart" assistant promptly gets flowers for Liza & gives them to her wishing her a happy bday but obviously "forgets" to tell her that the flowers r from Sundar! Now Liza is damn impressed with Srikanth for not only remembering her bday but also getting her the flowers. And she thinks to herself that Sundar cldnt even get her flowers for her bday! Another common friend Anand, calls Liza to wish for her bday & Liza tells him about the beautiful flowers she recd from Srikanth.

Sundar speaks to her again during the course of the day & wonders y Liza doesnt thank or even acknowledge the flowers! But fails to ask her the same.

The next day Anand happened to speak with Sundar & Anand casually mentions to Sundar that Srikanth has wished Liza for her bday with flowers! And sundar feels like the biggest fool for not having told her that the flowers were actually from him!

So beware & communicate properly....atleast to the near & dear ones! :)

Special days

2006-10-24T08:33:00.000+02:00

I was just wondering how everybody celebrates special days. Special days like Birthdays, anniversaries, promotions etc.

For sure these 'celebrations' used to be more fun & more exciting while still in skool/college I feel. Cos more friends, more time, less commitments, & lesser responsibilities too! And when you r younger u do look fwd to growing up! But I guess after a certain point u don't want to get older anymore!!! Isn't it? ;p

So how does one bring back the joys of celebration & the enthusiasm back into their life?!

Pls do lemme know how u make those certain days special & how u celebrate with ur family. :)

Diwali wishes

2006-10-20T08:54:00.000+02:00

Happy Diwali

With festivity in the air
Show that you care
Light up lamps
Light up lives
And lighten your mind
So that you unwind

Celebrate with crackers, sweets and new clothes
Here comes good Diwali wishes in loads

Happy Diwali wishes to all my blogging pals & their families!

Justice...finally!

2006-10-17T14:09:00.000+02:00

At last the guilty has been convicted! I am indeed referring to the Priyadarshini Mattoo case.

Even though after a much delayed process, the truth has been triumphant & the guilty convicted. I just hope that this would be a lesson for others (i.e persons with such a mind as Santhosh Singh) & that they wldnt indulge in such acts.

Whenever I do read about such incidents I always wonder why such acts are committed firstly?

Does it give them any pleasure? Pleasure @ the cost of someone else's pain?
Do they wanna prove their machoism? Is this really machoism I truly wonder?!
Or is it some sort of revenge that they r fulfilling? Revenge fulfilled by raping & killing the girl & the family's happiness?
Or is it just a simple reason that they cannot control their lust quenches? What sort of humans are they if they cannot curb/curtail their lust?

Whatever be the reasons.....they shd just remember the consequences of committing such acts & also remember the bad karma they are causing to themselves. And above all, remember that God is watching us!

I sincerely pray & hope that no more such incidents happen in future & that the world is a much safer place for all beings.

Heights of Blogging

2006-10-13T08:52:00.000+02:00

Warning - This is a fairly lengthy post & might not be of interest to all cos this is abt my kids! But I'm blogging about the same so that I can recall all the naughty things that my kids did/said in the years to come. Also they might laff abt it when they read abt themselves in the years to come! Thanks to I2w for this idea!:)Here S - refers to my 3 1/2 yr old son & D refers to my 10 1/2 mth old daughter. Read on if u r still interested.

Height of reward-
S - The innumerable hugs, kisses & appreciations I get from him.
D - The love bites I get all over my face when I return from office

Height of challenge-
S - Spiderman…wants to do everything that spiderman can!
D - Wants to do all things that her brother can do!

Height of dieting-
S - Food – no thanks…I’m allergic to it
D - Gimme all the tasty food u eat….not the boring tasteless cereals

Height of desperation-
S - Y cant I come to office with u?
D - U r going out & enjoying……Take me 2 pls.(Ps – Out is anything outside the door!)

Height of competition-
S - Mom to give all attn only to me & not any one else….not even to dad or sis.
D - My bro… grrrrr…………

Height of anger-
S - He is one helluva short tempered guy! Temper can rise within a fraction of a second! But good thing is it goes away quickly too!
D - When mom returns from office & doesn’t gimme enuff attn. esp when she’s busy. Also when mom’s going to office (or out) leaving me @ home.

Height of choice –
S - Yes anytime for coke, chips, chocolate & any other junk other than a proper meal
D - Anything new (toys, food etc) takes precedence to the older ones

Height of dadagiri –
S - A born Dada
D - Fast learning from her brother

Height of cruelty -
S – Loves to kill insects esp ants
D – Ignores her caretakers the moment she sees her parents

Height of frustration -
S - Used to bang his head on the floor as a toddler whenever frustrated
D - Tries to babble by speaking few words in baby language & with an expression as if – don’t u get me?

Height of creativity –
S - I was pleasantly surprised recently when I returned home to see a nicely arranged “golu” (arrangement of dolls done during the festive navarathri season) with his toys & books on the floor.

Height of copying –
S - (imaginary conversation with his friend over the phone) Speaking just like his dad…addressing his friend “machan” (meaning buddy) exactly the way his dad does!

Height of excitement –
S - When he gets a “surprise” (meaning a new toy etc) from parents for something that was “well done” by him.
D - Removing all the vessels from the kitchen cabinet.

Height of favouritism –
S - Rajinikant…he is just toooooo crazy abt him & his song “Devuda”. Also likes Shahrukh…all his Indian clothes (ie the kurta pyjama/sherwanis are called shahrukh khan dress!) And yes Amitabh impresses him too!
D – Just loves music…any song (bhajans, filmi, rhymes etc) can do the trick! :-)

Height of Bhakti –
S - We went for an Indian cultural programme where @ the entrance there was a lamp lit. He thot of it as the aarathi & put his hands over it & kept it over his eyes!

Height of imagination –
S -He loves to make up his own “real” stories! His friend Sanjay hadn’t been to school for over a week and this was our conversation –
Me – Did Sanjay come to school today?
He – No. His is down with cold
Me - Oh! How do you know?
He – His mom told me
Me – Where did u meet her?
He – At the hospital
Me – How did you go to the hospital?
He – With Teacher Celest!
And ofcourse none of the above was true! But he answered them all so spontaneously as if it had really happened that I wasn’t even sure for a minute!

Height of preaching –
S - Bosses around his little sister like the way we teach / preach him

Height of generosity –
S - Showers me with non-stop instantaneous genuine compliments – like – u r looking good in this dress, ur jewellery is it new – that looks damn good on u etc!

Height of embarrassment -
S - Asked me in front of few ppl – How did my baby sister come out of ur tummy?
D -I c any new person who comes home & start to cry as if they r torturing me

Height of chauvanism -
S - Y aren't u wearing a pottu (bindi) today? He also likes me wearing sarees cos he claims that I look very good in sarees. *And unfortunately Im not too fond of wearing sarees but seem to be wearing them (for festivals/functions etc only) cos of the special request from my son!)*

Height of possessiveness –
S - When my dad visited me a yr ago, he hugged me & said “My daughter”. He didn’t like it one bit & said no she’s MY daughter. Similarly if hubby says I’m his wife, he gets angry & says no she’s MY wife!

Height of logic –
S - He had learnt a new story in school and was telling me the story – “The thorn had poked the lion in his leg & the monkey removed the thorn for him.” As he had just got a part of the story, I was trying to get more out of him & asked him – “What did the lion do after the thorn had poked him?”
Prompt came the reply – “Ouch!”
I further asked – “How did the thorn poke the lion?”
He (spontaneously) – “Cos the lion was not wearing his shoes!!”

Height of irony –
D - When she cries for anything serious it always begins with a “ma” or “amma”. However when I ask her to call me amma, she wld refuse but instead blow kisses. I think she thinks amma means to kiss!

Height of appreciation –
D - When she does anything we tell her to do…like correctly point @ the fan, or do govinda, or saying bye bye, she has to appreciate herself immediately by clapping her hands with a BIG smile & appreciate herself.

Weirdo!

2006-10-10T14:46:00.000+02:00

Been tagged, yet again. This time it is I2W. Gotta list down the weird things abt myself!

Now firstly, am I weird?!!! Well read on & u can decide!! ;)

1. I think I’m quite a freak when it comes to discipline but only on certain issues. For eg. I push myself v,hard & try to work out @ the gym despite the time constraints. (the results r not fruitful is another story tho!) Similarly I used to religiously attend my CA classes & hate bunking. Pls don’t think I’m studious cos I used to love 2 bunk my ICWA classes & BCom classes! So my self imposed discipline is only for things that I like / want & I try to stretch all means to achieve the same.

2. I just hate cream in milk / curd. I kinda feel like throwing up when those things get onto my tongue! However I just love the sweetened whipped cream that laces the cakes n puddings!!

3. While I can be damn tolerant with many things with my kids, I don’t think I can be as tolerant with other kids! Like for instance b4 I’d my kids, we’d just bought a new couch & a friends’ son came over & was jumping on the same & I was trying to sweetly pick that kid away from the couch! But now my son jumps on the same couch day in & out & I hardly seem to say a thing! Double standard I think & I know its not quite right but then being a mother u tend to accept ur children for whatever they do I guess!

4. There are times when I just love to dress up for occasions / social gatherings / parties. (Actually most of the time I do!) But if I’m just not in a mood or don’t feel like it I don’t care to take the extra pains to do so. (However must admit that its v.v.rare).

5. I hate to waste things even if they are not mine. Like if the water taps are not closed tightly & water is leaking I get damn cheesed off (not just @ home!) Similarly I don’t like to see electricity being wasted if one’s not using the same. However when it comes to food, if something that’s not so tasty (or when I’m too full) is served onto my plate I admit (sadly) that I do waste it cos I surely can’t stuff myself with it.

6. I don’t like to talk ill of others, esp people who are close to me / whom I like. I also don’t like people saying things for the hec of it. However, my ears are open for (harmless) gossip of other people! ;p

Now this next tag is courtesy Patty!

3 Smells I love:
1. Most Perfumes 2. Smell of rain 3. Smell of petrol

3 Smells I hate:
1. Fish 2. sweat 3. foul smell

3 Jobs that I have had in my life:
1. TV show hostess 2. Market researcher 3. Chartered Accountant

3 Movies that I could watch over and over:
Sadly I don’t have any to state. Cos its either I didn’t enjoy the movie or if I did enjoy I don’t want to get bored watching the same! However I do like to watch some good movies after a real long time.

3 Fond memories:
1. When I knew I was pregnant
2. The birth of both my children
3. When I passed my CA

3 Jobs I would love to have:
Anything that pays well & doesn’t make me slog much!!! ;p

3 Things I like to do:
1. Sleep w/o any disturbance 2. Eat w/o worrying on addln calories 3. Shopping with no constraint on time (or money!)

3 Of my favorite foods:
Anything that’s yummmmmmmm

3 Places I would like to be right now:
1. Australia (Sydney) 2. Switzerland 3. Niagara falls

3 Things that make me cry:
1. Anger 2. Disappointment 3. When dear ones depart (temporarily or permanently)

Now comes the fun part.....the ones I need to tag! :DDD

Anyone can feel free to do the tag. But I wld in particular like I2W (for the other tag), KK, s0ul, Patty, Mommyof2, Pavithra, Priya, Keshi, Sush, Gils n Prithz.

PSssttt...Syam please note that u r exempt (only) this time!!!

Silence is golden

2006-10-05T16:31:00.000+02:00

Hiya ppl! Im back from my lovely rejuvinating experience! I experienced tremendous peace, joy & happiness for the past few days. I had been for the advance course of Art of Living

It was residential course for 3 1/2 days. Out of which the last 2 1/2 days we had to be in silence. We had to have satvik food during these days. (i.e veg food without any onion or garlic & not too spicy or oily)

The routine was something like this.
6.30 - 8 - yoga & kriya
8 - 8.45 - Breakfast
8.45 - 9.30 - Seva / time with nature
9.30 - 12.30 - Different meditation sessions of abt an hr each(followed by dance & other creative things)
12.30- 1 - written questions answered
1- 1.30 - Lunch
1.30 - 2.30 - Seva / time with nature
2.30 - 3.15 - Knowledge sessions (Video)
3.15 - 6 - Meditation sessions of abt an hr each(followed by dance & other creative things)
6 - 6.30 - Dinner
6.30 - 7 - Seva / time with nature
7 - 8.15 - Satsangs
8.15 - 9 - Knowledge sessions (Video) / written questions answered

The best part of this course was the silence! Enjoyed the time being with just myself & no unnecessary efforts taken to talk to anyone! Didnt know I cld fall more in love with myself. Before we could go into silence, when few people wondered about being silent, the Swamiji who was conducting the course replied that if you cannot spend time with your own self, imagine the plight of others, if your own company is so boring for urself!!! LOL! true!

As for me, I managed to be in complete silence for two days. (not even gestures). Fortunately or unfortunately, as visitors are allowed to join in for the sastangs the last day of the satsang, I cudnt resist talking to my son!!! Tho it wasn't anything much (just a few words), I got excited & kind of forgot that I was in silence!! And well & then again I resumed into silence for the balance 1/2 day!

I also enjoyed the dancing sessions, singing in the satsangs, satvik food & few other things that we learnt @ this course. Also gained some spiritual knowledge. And the other best thing about this course was that since we were totally cut off with the rest of the world, there were no unnecessary things to think of or ponder about. No worries, no stress! :)

All in all it was a very memorable & happy experience. If you do get a chance to do the course, please dont miss it!

Silence

2006-09-29T16:18:00.000+02:00

Can u be without talking for a few days? (apart from probably the absolutely essential ones & manage with gestures?) (I hope)

I intend doing so i.e be without talking....just in silence....just be with myself for the next few days. This is the first time I plan to venture into something like this! Will let u know how it was in the days to come.

Hence will be out of blogging action for the next few days. Will come back & catch up soon.

Meanwhile lemme know how you would cope without communication! And dont forget to wish me luck! :)

Watch ur words

2006-09-26T08:43:00.000+02:00

Yet another short story which was told by a knowledgeable & spiritual person.

There was a man in the village who was very helpful & a kind hearted person. One day few saints were travelling past his village & hence this man invited them over for lunch.

While he was cooking their meal in his yard, an eagle flew past with a snake clenched in its feet. Unfortunately (& coincidentally) as the eagle had a strong grip of the snake's neck, the venom of the snake fell into the cooking pot. The man cooking wasn't aware of the same. He served the food to the saints and due to the venom, they all died.

A few days later there was another saint who was travelling through this village & wanted to be feed by this kind hearted man. So he enquired from an old lady the directions for his house. The old lady exclaimed - "O Saint, y do u want to go to the house of the person who killed other saints like u?"

Now the truth as we know, is the kind hearted man didnt kill the saints. Nor did the eagle or the snake intend to kill the saints. So God was wondering who should be responsible for the death of the saints?

And then He heard the old lady accusing the kind hearted man of killing the saints. By saying so, little did she realise that she was taking the blame of the death of those saints on herself. Because there was no one in reality to be blamed for the death of the saints.

And that is why we need to watch our words & not say something which in not true. If u do not know what the truth is, might as well keep quiet rather than say something that is not right. Do not spread unnecessary rumuors. Use speech for saying good & sweet things rather than gossip or unpleasant talk.

I am also reminded of Socrates' triple filter test (when we speak / gossip about another person).
1. Is there truth in what you say about the person you are talking of?
2. Is ur talk of any use or benefit to any one?
3. Is it any good that you are saying of the other person?

If the answers to these questions are negative, there is no point in speaking further about another person. This was what was told by Socrates.

So, do u watch your words?

Reel vs Real

2006-09-19T09:35:00.000+02:00

This post is specially for s0ul :)

In my previous post Mushy Crushy most people had referred to their crushes to be the filmy heroes. So I thot I shall share my secret of who used to be my favourite film hero. Please remember I didnt have a crush on him....but thot he was just a gr8 super hero . And remember - laugh as much as u can cos I know it will be way tooooooooo funny but don't curse me!!! ;p

I used to be so damn crazy about M G Ramachandran, popularly known as MGR from about 3 years till I was 5! And I seriously used to believe that this man could actually do all the stunts / fights as in the films & had all the magical powers in real life too! Hmm how I used to take the reel life to be real!! Gosh! And to tell u how crazy I was about him.....here's what I did when I was about 3 yrs old!

I had to be operated for tonsils & so my parents wanted to take me to the hospital & when I asked them the reason I was going to the hospital, they told me that we were going to see MGR!!! And I believed them!! :D And gladly went to the hospital & eventually into the operation theatre!!!

And again I must have been around 4-5 years old & I heard that MGR was contesting for the TN elections I used to frantically pray for him to win!!! * How crazy could I have been?* I wanted to vote for him but was v.disappointed to note that I wasnt allowed to vote. I went to the polling booth & insisted to my grandparents that they should vote only for him!!!

How I used to adore his fights & other fancy things he used to do! And used to feel so thrilled when the movie finishes on a happy note with MGR emerging victorious,& successfully bashing up the villians!

Slowly but thankfully it dawned on me that this was all only in the movies and wasnt the case in the real life! *Phew! What a relief!* :)))

So have u had any such silly episodes in life, which u laff about now?

Live it up

2006-09-12T17:57:00.000+02:00

I'll be away from blogsville for the next few days....will come back & catch up with all ur posts........till then happy blogging! :)

This post is dedicated to all the people who lost their lives & their families in the 9/11 attack & 7/11 bombings

Obviously, yesterday I did think of the unfortunate 9/11 victims & my heart was filled with gloom & sorrow. And honestly, more sorrow for the families of the victims cos they can never get to see their loved ones again as they are still alive & the life will not be the same for them anymore after loosing the loved ones.

The victims ofcourse were the innocent ones who wld've started their day as yet another regular usual day, not anticipating what is in store for them.....that their life is actually gonna last for just a few more hours?

And that is the thought that prompted me to write this post. If suddenly you know that you are going to die & that time is not with u, would you have any regrets of not having done/achieved/said something during your lifetime? On the lighter side, I just remembered one of my school mates saying that she shd never die as a virgin! LOL! I knew of two people who lost their lives v.suddenly as they had started their day as just another normal usual day of their life but unfortunately that was their last day.

I think the key to my question would be to live each day to its fullest & to think that it is going to be the last day in your life.

- Be more loving & caring to ur family & loved ones
- Spend enuff time with them
- Say good things & be more generous in compliments
- Smile, hug & kiss the loving ones
- Fulfill all ur (feasible) desires
- Minimize ur regrets
- Leave behind a pleasant impression & memorable thoughts
- Do not save that perfume for a "special" occassion.....make each day special
- Donate ur eyes & other organs if you can
- Share the secrets with the person who is supposed to know

That was what I was able to come up with. Pls feel free to add on your list.

Mushy....crushy!

2006-09-08T16:36:00.000+02:00

Ten years ago -

My cousin brother who was 5 years old came to me & said, "Akka, (elder sis) u know my mridangam teachers' grand daughter is just sooooooooo cute & I love her!" And I am zapped!

Then he added, "whenever I go for my class she is sleeping & she looks so sweet!" I am still speechless.

Further he says " Her bday party is there this weekend."

Me - How old is she?
He - She is turning 2!

Me - Does ur mom know that u like her?
He - hush hush! *Closing my mouth* No! Dont tell her pls! Promise ok??!

A year ago -

My son tells me - "Amma, this girl is my class is just so cute esp when she smiles!" Hmmmm, already?! ;)

Now when did u've your first crush? And how?! And yes, which is ur most memorable & favourite one?!

As for me, my first crush was when I was in class 4. I thot a world of the school captain! Tho I have never spoken to him, I thot he was damn impressive!!! I was his secret admirer!!! *blush*

And the most memorable one is the one with my hubby, which was ofcourse more than a crush! :D

Assumptions

2006-09-05T09:51:00.000+02:00

The other day, my husband, his colleague & I were walking towards the car park after a function. My husband's colleagues' wife left earlier on as she had to rush else where. As we were walking towards the car, it so happened that I was chatting with my husband's colleague & my hubby was walking a step ahead of us.

Another lady who was getting inside her car, assumed that I was the colleagues wife, & said bye Pushpa! And I smiled & said I am not Pushpa! And she was totally embarassed.

This got me thinking as to how this lady just assumed that I was Pushpa just cos I was walking with her husband. And mind you, Pushpa looks much different from me...she is 'extra' small made & much shorter than me! How she took it for granted!

I then realised how we all take many things for granted and assume things sub consciously, albeit right or wrong. And we are so caught up in our own web that sometimes we fail to see the brighter side of things. Make a conscious effort not to drown in your own assumptions and reach out to the stars!

Bias

2006-09-01T16:38:00.000+01:00

Most people care for & love their own people. Why is it that they cannot shower the same amount of care and love for other people too (when others face similar situations in life)?

Even the way they treat, speak & feel for their own people is different compared to others.

Why this bias I wonder?

Microwave users

2006-08-31T13:33:00.000+01:00

I received this as a forwarded email. Dunno how true this is but then thot this is vital if true! And my gut feeling thinks it could be true. Anycase you are the best judge & I leave the decision to you!

There are some pics as well depicting the below but blogger is not in a mood & hence unable to upload. Shall upload when blogger is courteous with me!

Microwaved Water - See What It Does To Plants

Below is a science fair project. In it she took filtered water and divided
it into two parts. The first part she heated to boiling in a pan on the
stove, and the second part she heated to boiling in a microwave. Then after
cooling she used the water to water two identical plants to see if there
would be any difference in the growth between the normal boiled water and
the water boiled in a microwave. She was thinking that the structure or
energy of the water may be compromised by microwave. As it turned out, even
she was amazed at the difference.

I have known for years that the problem with microwaved anything is not the
radiation people used to worry about, It's how it corrupts the DNA in the
food so the body can not recognize it. So the body wraps it in fat cells to
protect itself from the dead food or it eliminates it fast. Think of all
the Mothers heating up milk in these "Safe" appliances. What about the
nurse in Canadathat warmed up blood for a transfusion patient and
accidentally killed them when the blood went in dead. But the makers say
it's safe. Never mind then, keep using them. Ask your Doctor I am sure they
will say it's safe too. Proof is in the pictures of living plants dying.
Remember You are also Living. Take Care.

FORENSIC RESEARCH DOCUMENT

Prepared By: William P. Kopp
A. R. E. C. Research Operations
TO61-7R10/10-77F05
RELEASE PRIORITY: CLASS I ROO1a

Ten Reasons to Throw out your Microwave Oven

From the conclusions of the Swiss, Russian and German scientific clinical
studies, we can no longer ignore the microwave oven sitting in our
kitchens. Based on this research, we will conclude this article with the
following:

1). Continually eating food processed from a microwave oven causes long
term - permanent - brain damage by "shorting out" electrical impulses in
the brain [de-polarizing or de-magnetizing the brain tissue].
2). The human body cannot metabolize [break down] the unknown by-products
created in microwaved food.
3). Male and female hormone production is shut down and/or altered by
continually eating microwaved foods.
4). The effects of microwaved food by-products are residual [long term,
permanent] within the human body.
5). Minerals, vitamins, and nutrients of all microwaved food is reduced or
altered so that the human body gets little or no benefit, or the human
body absorbs altered compounds that cannot be broken down.
6). The minerals in vegetables are altered into cancerous free radicals
when cooked in microwave ovens.
7). Microwaved foods cause stomach and intestinal cancerous growths
[tumors]. This may explain the rapidly increased rate of colon cancer in
America.
8). The prolonged eating of microwaved foods causes cancerous cells to
increase in human blood.
9). Continual ingestion of microwaved food causes immune system
deficiencies through lymph gland and blood serum alterations.
10). Eating microwaved food causes loss of memory, concentration,
emotional instability, and a decrease of intelligence.
Have you tossed out your microwave oven yet?
After you throw out your microwave you can use a toaster oven as a
replacement. It works well for most and is nearly as quick.
The use of artificial microwave transmissions for subliminal psychological
control, a.k.a. "brainwashing", has also been proven. We're attempting to
obtain copies of the 1970's Russian research documents and results written
by Drs. Luria and Perov specifying their clinical experiments in this area.

My little angel

2006-08-28T15:35:00.003+01:00

About a year ago I visited one of my colleagues house and they were leaving this place for good. His daughter & my son were classmates in their play skool & were good friends. His daughter is younger to my son by 6 mths & she was barely 2 yrs @ that time.

I've heard from others that this colleague acts a little weird when anything is mentioned about his 'cute' daughter! Meaning he was just too over protective about his daughter.

And funnily I had also experienced the same that day! He wanted to take pics of the kids together & so these 2 kids were posing so sweetly & smiling. HER mom suggested that my son puts an arm around her. And they looked damn cute! And we had some lovely pics together. As soon as the photo session was over, her dad (ie my colleague) tells his 2 yr old daughter "This is ur bhaiya (brother)!!!!" God!! I cudnt control my laughter!!!!

I know each person gets too possessive about parenting their daughter but here they are just 2 years old & still so innocent & to top it up, he was leaving for good & I don't even think these kids have any chance of meeting each other again!

I am not saying it is wrong to call my son her brother, tho their age difference is just 6 months. But the fact that he made my son her brother just cos he put his arm round her for the photos (as suggested by his wife), I think is ridiculous!

On a separate note -

Now that I've a daughter (who is just 9 mths old), I often wonder how I would be as her mother in the years to come. Meaning, will I be too conservative or too modern? Too friendly or too rigid? How much of liberty will I give her? What will be her limits?

I would like to know how each person would react with his / her (real or imaginary) daughter. Where will you draw the line of freedom for your daughter (if / when) you have one?

Egyptian Extravaganza

2006-08-24T12:20:00.000+01:00

This post details the wonderful holiday my hubby & I had @ Egypt. Although we went there in 2001, the memory is still fresh as ever.

Actually I had written a detailed travelogue as soon as we returned from the trip & for some strange reason I cant seem to find the same. :( Anycase Im trying to recall as much as I can from our trip & post the same.

Day 1 -
We were based @ Cairo & reached there @ bfast time. The first day we visited the magnificent Pyramids & the Sphinx & were totally spell bound @ the beauty of the pyramids. We also went to the shopping area & did shopping. All Indians are called Amitabh Bachan!!! There is tremendous amount of bargaining that can be done & I loved shopping all the curios etc. Late evening we went fr the sound @ light show of the pyramids & the Sphinx, which is evident from the attached picture.

Day 2 -
We visited the famous musuem & saw all the treasures of King Tutenkhaman. Wow! That was just amazing. Soooo much of gold! Unbelievable. That nite we went for a dinner cruise along the River Nile & guess what....there was belly dancing as well!!! We throughly enjoyed the same & also danced along!! It was fun & quite tiresome too!

Day 3 -
We went to Alexandria & saw the Roman theatre, museum, light house, palace etc. It was a full days' trip. We returned to Cairo & strolled around the city.

Day 4 -
The next day's target was Port Said. We went by road & the most beautiful thing was to drive parallel to the Suez Canal. There was a striking contrast of the road, the desert & the canal. And the colours were just too good...black road, golden desert & beautiful blue.

Day 5 -
Always wanted to visit an oasis & hence went to Al-Fayum Oasis & also visited Lake Quaron. On the way back went to the step pyramid of Zoser etc.

Day 6 -
Whole day @ Cairo where we went to Pharonic village as we didnt have time to visit Luxor & Aswan. Did yet another Nile cruise.

There were many other interesting anecdotes but dont want to mention all of them here & make this a long post. Hence just given the gist of our memorable trip.

Shopped a lot wherever I could! :) Bought beautiful papyrus paintings. They were so beautiful that I wanted to paint one myself. I was able to get plain papyrus & I ventured into painting the same & this is how they came out. Unfortunately it is not v,bright in the picture but it has nice bright colours & they have a glitter even now.

The first painting has the names of me & my hubby in Hieroglyphics. :)

The second painting has Horus & is supposed to depict a scene from their mythology which I cant remember correctly.

I wish I had bought more plain papyrus. As I was unsure whether I cud paint nicely on them, I restricted to buying just 2 of them. Wish I had bought more of them!

And this is how they adorn my house currently.

Tangy Tag!

2006-08-22T15:32:00.001+01:00

I am tagged on this one by Quills & Priya

So here it goes....

I am thinking about a slight change in my profession...i.e shiftin to another dept. I am still thinking & not yet decided!

I said something on the phone

I want to go back to India

I wish all the goodness in the world be bestowed upon my kids.

I miss my college days

I hear few ppl chattering

I wonder tho all of us r humans yet we are all so different

I regret something? Normally I dont like to have any regrets....but offlate I am not sure if some decision of mine is a regretable one. Well, time will tell me.

I am a vegetarian scorpion mother of 2 & a blogger! :D

I dance @ parties, when I am happy, & with my kids

I sing @ satsangs & bhajans

I cry to relieve myself of the worry. It sure makes me feel better! And I cry when I am alone!

I am not alcoholic nor a smoker

I make with my hands paintings, (glass, fabric, tanjore, papyrus....anything that I can lay my hands on!) food, gestures

I write my blog & mails

I confuse whether my intended decision is right or wrong

I need to be surrounded in good company amidst good friends

I should spend more time with my kids

I finish this tag! :)

Now who all can I tag.....? I know most ppl have done this tag already. Anycase lemme try my luck with Geetha, Patty, Syam, Endevourme, Ekta, Harish & anyone else who hasnt taken up this tag & is interested in doing so.

Kidz

2006-08-18T16:47:00.000+01:00

Wanted to share this funny incident that my 3 yr old said a few mths ago.

My son had become less friendly offlate & also tends to withdraw into his shell when he sees people. My hubby & I've been trying to break his shell & hence whenever a kid or a close friend visits us or vice versa, we tell him to give a hug / kiss to the kid or to the uncle or aunty inorder to break ice & for him to get more friendly.

Once my mom was with us. Suddenly my son urged his grandmom to come out of the house. He then told her to say hello to the gardener & my mom not knowing why, said hello to please her grandson. Then my son orders to her - "Go & give a hug to him & then kiss him!!!!!!!!"

Since then we r extra careful in telling him what he's supposed to do!!!!!

Similarly, once my hubby had taken him for a party & my son promptly picked up a tiff with another kid his age. The other kid had bet my son who came cryin to his dad. My hubby asked him - "what do u think u shd be doing if he has hit u?" So, he wiped his tears & charged to the other kid & hit him hard.

Another lady @ the party saw my son beating the other child & asked him politely y he was beating him. And guess what he says? He points to his dad & says "He told me to do so!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And u can imagine the embarassment!

Have a good weekend & enjoy what these other kids have written abt the sea.

1) This is a picture of an octopus. It has eight testicles.(Kelly age 6)

2) Oysters' balls are called pearls. (James age 6)

3) If you are surrounded by sea you are an Island. If you don't have sea all round you, you are in continent. (Wayne age 7)

4) Sharks are ugly and mean, and have big teeth, just like Emily Richardson. She's not my friend no more. (Kylie age 6)

5) A dolphin breaths through an asshole on the top of its head. (Billy age 8)

6) My uncle goes out in his boat with pots, and comes back with crabs. (Millie age 6)

7) When ships had sails, they used to use the trade winds to cross the ocean. Sometimes, when the wind didn't blow, the sailors would whistle to make the wind come. My brother said they would be better off eating beans. (William age 7)

8) I like mermaids. They are beautiful, and I like their shiny tails. How do mermaids get pregnant? (Helen age 6)

9) I'm not going to write about the sea. My baby brother is always screaming and being sick, my Dad keeps shouting at my Mom, and my big sister has just got pregnant, so I can't think what to write. (Amy age 6)

10) Some fish are dangerous. Jelly fish can sting. Electric eels can give you a shock. They have to live in caves under the sea where I think they have to plug themselves into chargers. (Christopher age 7)

11) When you go swimming in the sea, it is very cold, and it makes my willy small.

12) Divers have to be safe when they go under the water. Two divers can't go down alone, so they have to go down on each other. (Becky age 8)

13) On holiday my Mom went water skiing. She fell off when she was going very fast. She says she won't do it again because water shot up her fanny. (Julie age 7)

Annoyed

2006-08-17T11:02:00.000+01:00

These were the top 3 latest things that annoyed me in the recent past!

3. One of my friend's wife (who is still an acquaintance to me) met me @ the shopping mall car park unexpectedly. She was trying to slyly look into my shopping trolley to see what all was in it! How sick! I mean of what concern is it to her what I shop?

2. I met this old man (a client of mine) and we were in a general discussion about the economy, Government, etc. And during the discussion he casually said this which pissed me off totally! "Thankfully my daughter in law doesnt have to work cos my son is doing very well in his career & earning enuff". How disgusting for him to think that women go to work only to earn money.

1. This one takes the cake. I did a favour for another client of mine this morning. Unfortunately he has a senior partner (in another business) cum relative (who is also a local big wig), & has an attitude problem. The gentleman I deal with, was trying to be so nice to me & this other man had to be arrogant & says its my duty to do so & speaks as if he is favouring me! Eik! Even if u cant show ur thankfulness & be nice, ppl can atleast not say rude things!

Has anything annoyed u recently? Do share.

Kabhi Kabhi - Part II

2006-08-14T13:41:00.000+01:00

The story so far....by Harish :-

Sagar was bored. Neither Mukesh's Kabie kabhie playing on his ipod neither the John Grisham on his lap managed to keep him occupied.

"Flight No 1721 from Chennai to Kolkatta has few technical problems and we expect an hour’s delay in the schedule. We apologize for the inconvenience caused to you" beamed the Rasagulla in the stewardess dress. Somewhere far he could see a woman crying on the shoulders of a man with lot of luggage. Must be newly married and traveling he thought.

This reminded him of Sowmya. Sowmya. Technically speaking she was an archived record in his memory database. It popped up at times and reminded him if some of his pleasant youthful days. Sowmya and Sagar had been in the same colony for almost 20 years and had been family friends. Sagar had a soft corner for her and was waiting for an opportunity. After his graduation Sagar got an offer for an interview and he was at the airport with Sowmya. Gathering all his courage he told her.

She smiled. Sagar was never so happier in his life. His happiness doubled when he got the job and he knew that everything was well set. But then that would be a perfect love story, isnt it? The demons of caste, religion, status and ego made sure that their love was buried deep in the cemetery of life. They parted as friends with each deciding to themselves that they would never see the other for the rest of their life.

10 Years had rolled by. Sagar heard from someone long before that Sowmya was married to some guy and had a kid. He had seen their marriage photo in his friends’ house and he had to say that her hubby was smarter than him. He did feel jealous. Sagar too got married to Asha and they had a daughter. Asha passed away in labour and Sagar felt as if he was carrying some curse where everyone close to him perished. Despite his parents constant nagging to remarry he had resisted it and managed to raise his daughter with their help.

"Excuse me." Someone broke his thoughts as he realized that his bag was in the middle of the pavement. He got up and removed the bag and apologized.

He was shocked to see Sowmya with her husband and kid.

Ok. I know the ending. Lets see how you people can take the story ahead.
Start the music :-)

And now continuation of the story (my version!!!)

Both r thrilled to c each other & @ the same time, too many mixed emotions. She introduced him to her hubby (as her family friends' kid) & they start speaking to each other.

Shortly, her naughty daughter started running around & her hubby went behind the kid. Then Sowmya started enquiring abt Sagar & was terribly shocked to note that he has lost his wife & that he had a daughter too. She cudnt resist giving him a hug with tears in her eyes. She took his contact details b4 they left.

Sowmya still loved Sagar & had a soft corner for him. She used to often revive the good times she had with him & always wondered how it wld be if they were married. She wanted to tell him many things that were happening in her life but felt that it was not the right time to do so & hence refrained from doing so.

Few months later.....

As usual he retd home from work & was pleasantly surprised to see Sowmya & her kid there. His parents were happily talking to her & the kids were playing together. His parents had to go for their evening walk in the nearby park & the kids went along with them to play & they were left alone.

They didnt know what to speak or how to react. There was gloom & sadness in her eyes. After a while, Sagar broke the silence. How is ur husband? She cldnt control herself anymore & burst out into tears & ran into his arms. He was shell shocked to hear that she & her husband have separated.

Apparently he was a womaniser & had cheated many women & ruined their lives. Two of them even had a child of his. Not only that, he was also a supplier of arms to the terrorists. Unfortunately, Sowmya came to know of all this only in the recent past.

Sagar was still in a state of shock (& loss of words) to see his loved one in such a state. Sowmya looked totally devasted & dreaded the future of her daughter & her upbringing. Just then the doorbell rang & his parents were back from their walk.

Sowmya had already told her story to them & they were more than compassionate with her. After Asha's death, they repented every single day for turning down the love of Sagar & Sowmya. According to them, this was the right time for both of them to get back & be happy together.

Heart of hearts Sagar was more than happy to have Sowmya back. His long time true love that she was. Sowmya also knew that she could live happily with him forever & her parents also would oblidge this time for sure. But..............

Now u guys can decide how u want the story to be!!! ;) Speak up & let's see if its any different from what I've in mind!! :D

Excuse me.......

2006-08-11T11:45:00.000+01:00

A learned wise man (rishiji) once told me this story which is worth sharing & the context to the same in our real life.

There was man who had to cross a lake. His only way of getting across to the other side of the shore was by means of a boat. So he got on to one of the boats & took control of the oars & started rowing inorder to reach the other side.

However after rowing for sometime, he realised that he wasn't progressing enuff and his hands started to pain after rowing for sometime. He concluded that there was a problem with the oars & hence came back to the shore & got into another boat & started rowing the new boat.

But oops! there seemed to be a problem with the oars of this boat too. And so he kept changing the boats. And started cribbing about how bad the boats were maintained & that the oars were not good at all & failed to cross the lake.

But what was the truth?

The truth was he did not now how to row a boat!!!

Moral of the story (in relation to our real life)

1. It is easier to blame someone else to cover our defects & come up with all sorts of excuses. Rather take the responsibility ourselves & face the situation & deal with the same.

2. While coming up with excuses, we fail to focus on the main goals in life. So rather focus on ur goal rather than the problems.

3. Learn to overcome your defects to be successful.

Love & Hurt

2006-08-08T14:43:00.000+01:00

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you see the above mentioned words - "Love and Hurt"?

It is strange, but aren't they kind of synonymous? Cos if u r in love, u r bound to get hurt! And funnily we all seek love in one way or the other!

All relationships where ever love is involved, you tend to get hurt, either by their actions or by their words. There will be a moment when u feel hurt by the person u love. You might tend to patch up & continue smoothly yet again with them, but then why is it that we get so hurt albeit for that fraction of a second? Too much love eh?! ;)

Funnies!

2006-08-03T16:29:00.000+01:00

Between peers

2006-08-01T11:26:00.000+01:00

If u thot this post has to do with some management topic.........u got it wrong!!!

The peers in this post are my 3 yr old son & his friends! They are all such show offs! Each morning when I drop him off @ skool, each boy (including my son) would have something new to brag about....just to give u some samples.....

"Look @ my new spiderman bag"
or
"See I've got a new batman T-shirt"
or
"I went for go-carting yesterday"
if not
"I got a new play station" etc.

Naturally kids being kids, they wanna have the same thing that their friends have or do the same as their friends! So their demands are more, for the sake of friends, than to really satisfy their needs / wishes. And I was wondering how would the not-so-well-to-do parents cope with such high demands from their kids? To give an example...

As soon as my son's birthday party was over, I was dropping off about 4 kids to their houses. Enroute, I asked the kids, "So, did u enjoy the birthday party?" One of them spontaneously said, NO & I was taken aback cos I knew the kids had a blast. And then he added, but next year I'll also have my bday party here!

Then only I realised that this kid didnt have a party on his bday & was actually referrin to his b'day party & I felt so sad for him.

I can't believe that kids @ this young age have already fallen a prey to peer pressure! And who has to face the brunt of it? None but the parents!

I love getting new clothes, shoes, toys etc for my son but then he shouldn't take things for granted nor should he demand for the same. Also he should not be branded as spoilt. I would like him to enjoy too!

So far, thankfully haven't really had this problem but then how do I handle it as he grows? Yes, I could probably speak to him & make him understand the same. But it is easy for kids to succumb to their friends.

I remember, when I was a kid, one of my classmates used to steal new erasers, new pencils etc from other children! Not only that, she also used to steal money from her parents just to buy things that she wanted to have. Ofcourse not all kids are thus but as parents, it is our prime responsibility to teach these to our children & to instil the right things in them.

So how can we as parents help our kids handle peer pressure? Any suggestions?

Relationships

2006-07-28T16:16:00.000+01:00

I believe that most of our lives revolve around relationships that we have with near & dear ones. Everything that we are and everything that we do, I think, boils down to relationships. And in some way or the other we need these relations & also depend on one of them, if not more. So how do u deal with ur relations? With extra care? Or just taking it easy? Or just not bothered?

How do u handle the situation when the following are rude to u or have upset u?

1. Parents
2. Spouse
3. Kids
4. Friends
5. Colleagues
6. In-laws
7. Strangers

I know this is a general question & is likely to depend on the situation. But just wld like to know ur stand on the same in the vast sense. Speak up!

Statisticians!

2006-07-26T07:24:00.000+01:00

You are invited for a big party with lot of people. Needless to say there is some great food, mouth-watering desserts etc. Just looking @ these yummy stuff with their great aroma, hunger pangs start to creep in! *Drool* But the party is going on still & no one has yet ventured into the food! *Sigh* But yes ofcourse most ppl are secretly wanting to attack the food....either to satisfy their craving for the food if not finish off the party soon to head home!

Finally the host invites all the guests to start eating! *Thank God!* The food tastes as good *if not better* than it looks! *Slurp!* The host being kind hearted, insists on indulging in more! *WOW!* And ofcourse giving in to greed & unable to resist, more generous helpings are taken! *Gee!*

And then is when the trouble started! There were some people @ the party who were unable to rejoice the food either cos they were extra diet / figure conscious ; if not could not bear to see others enjoy ; or simply cos they couldnt rejoice the food themselves due to their health or some other reason.

These people were so damn jobless that they actually keep track of the number of helpings each person takes! And come up with comments like A gulped 4 rasagullas, B ate 5 bhaturas, C drank 3 cups of payasam & D had 2 helpings of the cake & pudding etc! *Whoa, what great statisticians! Wish they could use these skills more usefully!*

These above mentioned stasticians are actually better than the second kind! *Cos they atleast comment only after the generous helpings are taken!* The second kind actually stare at you when you head for the helpings! And some even have the cheek to remark, Oh my! you are taking yet another serving?!

Hang on, its not done yet! Now comes the spiteful category! These people dread being the host. They would comment *on the sly* "You know X ate 6 masala dosas at Y's party! If I were to invite X for my party then I have to be cooking non-stop!" But you know the best part, they would comment this but still crib & invite X to their party sometime! *Hypocrites!*

Anycase I just wish these jobless statisticians to venture into more constructive work if not start rejoicing food & life better! What concern is to them how much each person eats? Its their life after all! When the person eating is not bothered abt the extra calories why be so nosy in what others do! I dont mean to say all of us should be gluttons or just binge more....but just not to be looking at what others eat, count what they eat & then comment on what all they've eaten! To me its just too disgusting! Each individual knows how much they want & how much they can eat. So why bother @ the rest?!

Just look into ur plate & listen to ur tummy! Do not worry abt the rest! Count ur blessings not what others eat! Life is too short to miss out on all the goodness *especially the good food!!! ;)* What say?!

Friends & Colleagues

2006-07-21T15:43:00.000+01:00

I just wanna take a quick poll on the above topic & want to know what u all think.

My question is - "Can colleagues be friends?"

Case #1
By colleagues I mean people you work with in ur own Department or with whom you need to liaise with & work with most days. Colleagues here can also refer to Boss or subordinates & not just peers.

Case #2
Here by colleagues I mean people in another Division / Department but in the same organisation. Again, colleagues here can also refer to Boss or subordinates & not just peers.

Case #3
Would you like your friends to become your colleagues i.e boss / peers/ subordinates?

Your views on this please.........thanx.

Triple Tag!

2006-07-19T14:16:00.000+01:00

There have been these three tags pending on me for sometime now! So here I am finally!

The first tag -

Been tagged by KK, Starry, and Scribblez on this one! :)

1. Desired Celebrity

I am into Art of living & it has made a positive difference in my life & all thanks for the same goes to Guruji Sri Sri Ravi Shankar (Above pic). Special heartfelt thanks to Rishi Vidhyadharji for introducing me to the same & Rishiji u know u r my favourite! :)

2. Wanna do this someday

Design my own palace! Well I mean my own lovely house.....just the way I want. Infact I've already done the design on paper........wondering when it'll come true!
Just to give u an idea.......it has 4 bedrooms, 1 study, 2 carports, a prayer room, living room, dining room, jacuzzi, family/entertainment room, super kitchen, & an amazing garden. Wish I can build this soon enuff & post the real pic!! heee heeee :D

On the serious side, I would love to trek Mount Kilimanjaro.

3. Place to visit

Know what? I wanna be a globe trotter! I just love traveling & seeing new places. Wanna see most of the places in this world. Was v.keen to visit Egypt & thankfully it came true & I visited Egypt in 2001. There are few other places I really wish to go to like Brazil, Kenya (Serengeti), Europe (esp the small towns) & many many more.

PS - Im just plain lazy to post the pic for this one! :)

4. Random Favourite

I just love the smile of babies n kids! Cutie pies..........:)

Here's my second tag....

Was tagged on this one by Shanthi

The ten favourite dishes cooked by my mom.

1. Yummy Mysore Pak
2. Softy Rotis
3. Mouth watering Sabudana Kichidi
4. Pongal - Both sweet & the salty ones
5. Simple but tasty Dal
6. Healthy Keerai Masiyal
7. Lip smacking payasams
8. Masala Capsicum (Green pepper) curry
9. Delicious Thogayil (with Brinjals, snake gourd, onion etc)
10. Quick Rasam

Hmm....Im hungry already & cant wait to eat these! :)

And for the final tag....by Geetha

Five things in my freezer
1. Ice
2. Icecream
3. Frozen Corn
4. Tamarind cubes
5. Bhel puri chutney

Five things in my car
1. CD's
2. Driving licence
3. Sun glasses
4. Tissues
5. Old clothes (pending to be given to the orphanage!)

Five things in my closet
1. Clothes
2. watches
3. Perfumes
4. Jewellery
5. Reserve cash!

Five things in my handbag
1. Purse
2. Cheque book
3. Credit card
4. Pens
5. Keys

I am not tagging anyone in particular for any of these tags cos I think most people have done the same. Incase anyone's not done the same pls feel free to do these!

Mumbai Blasts 7/11

2006-07-12T10:07:00.000+01:00

It was so terrible & shocking to hear about these series of blasts in Mumbai last evening. It was so pathetic to see the bodies, victims, surviours, witnesses, injured etc in the news & each story was scary, touchy & so very depressing.

I dunno if the date of this blast is coincidental with 9/11 attacks or was it meant to be that way.

Y do they do such barbaric acts affecting the many hundreds of innocent people, shattering their dreams & their families dream? Don't they have a heart? What do they achieve doing this? How can they have peace of mind? R they human too? Why do they want to scare the people doing such things? There is so much fear I can sense. Each morning when a person leaves home, they are unsure if they would return safely. OMG...what a terrible feeling! Can't things get better?

All we can do is to pray for peace and to make this world a much better, safer n happier place to live in.

Essense of Life

2006-07-11T07:56:00.000+01:00

What do these 3 words mean to u?

1. Love
2. Attitude
3. Gratitude

To me these are 3 key words of life which gives us happiness, success & thankfulness for all our blessings.

1. Love is the ultimate. Love is God. It is a great feeling. It is a great source of happiness & inspiration. It is the basis of life. The more you give, the more you receive.

2. Attitude matters in everything that we do. When we put our heart and soul into our actions, the results are bound to be fruitful. Attitude is the first step to reach the destination of success.

3. Gratitude is to give thanks and show our appreciation to all who have made a difference in our lives.

Today is Guru Poornima day (thanks giving day).

I would like thank my dear God -

- For being so kind and showering me & my family with His continuous grace & blessings & protecting us.
- For all the happiness and joys that He has bestowed upon us
- For leading us the in right path always and being our Guide
- For giving me great parents, loving kids & husband, & a loving family
- For granting my wishes and making my dreams come true
- For giving us good health, wealth & peace of mind &
- For the countless good things that He has done & that He will be doing for all of us all the time................

What do you have to say?

Blues

2006-07-07T10:54:00.000+01:00

I am in my blues since yesterday.....frustrated, irritated, angered, depressed.......ya all the negativity in peak!

The day didn't start on a the right note. Tho I was up @ 4.45 I was running late.

Things @ work were pissing me off totally. Major arguements with boss (but boss is always 'supposed' to be right u c!). I just felt like saying to hell with ya. The irony is I've another good job offer in hand but can't accept it right now due to various other reasons & it was such a tough decision not to go for the other job tho it was kinda tempting.

Had to also deal with some irritating clients. They are just so ignorant but refuse to accept the same & trying to be so assertive to me, thinking that they are correct & refusing to budge from their stand. I wonder how they manage to do business! It took me a lot of patience, time & anger to explain the whole simple thing to her & guess what she burst into tears suddenly & I still dont understand why!

On the home front, my 3 yr old son throws his terrible tantrums for every little thing making me loose my cool. Refused to eat, wanted to go to his friends place, made his sister cry, wanted a new (toy) car, messed with food on the table.....phew!

Feeling mentally stressed, I wanted to go for the satsang (prayer/bhajan) (to get some mental peace) in the evening. I was able to leave office late but still thot I cud make it. Rushed everything & when we were just about to leave home after comforting my crying daughter, my son decides to do his poo in instalments! And it is not an easy task for him as he is constipated. By the time I finished with him it was quite late & I didnt want to go when the satsang wud nearly be finished. So we had to sit @ home. :(

And my son continues with his tantrums! I call to check on my husband to take charge but unfortunately he tells me he has to work very late to meet his deadline. Grrrr......Eventually I land up with a head ache.

And finally by the time I made the kids sleep & finish my work it was past 10 & then I had some time for myself. And all I cud do was to feel so helpless & just surrendered to God to help me.

And I remembered this email that I received yesterday morning.......

Ten Guidelines From God

Effective Immediately, please be aware that there are changes YOU need to
make in YOUR life. These changes need to be completed in order that I may
fulfill My promises to you to grant you peace, joy and happiness in this
life. I apologize for any inconvenience, but after all that I am doing, this
seems very little to ask of you. Please, follow these 10 guidelines

1. QUIT WORRYING:
Life has dealt you a blow and all you do is sit and worry. Have you
forgotten that I am here to take all your burdens and carry them for you? Or
do you just enjoy fretting over every little thing that comes your way?

2. PUT IT ON THE LIST:
Something needs done or taken care of. Put it on the list. No, not YOUR
list. Put it on MY to-do-list. Let ME be the one to take care of the
problem. I can't help you until you turn it over to Me. And although My
to-do-list is long, I am after all... God. I can take care of anything you
put into My hands. In fact, if the truth were ever really known, I take care
of a lot of things for you that you never even realize.

3. TRUST ME:
Once you've given your burdens to Me, quit trying to take them back. Trust
in Me. Have the faith that I will take care of all your needs, your problems
and your trials. Problems with the kids? Put them on My list. Problem with
finances? Put it on My list. Problems with your emotional roller coaster ?
For My sake, put it on My list. I want to help you. All you have to do is ask.

4. LEAVE IT ALONE:
Don't wake up one morning and say, "Well, I'm feeling much stronger now, I
think I can handle it from here." Why do you think you are feeling stronger
now? It's simple. You gave Me your burdens and I'm taking care of them. I
also renew your strength and cover you in my peace. Don't you know that if I
give you these problems back, you will be right back where you started?
Leave them with Me and forget about them.. Just let Me do my job.

5. TALK TO ME:
I want you to forget a lot of things. Forget what was making you crazy.
Forget the worry and the fretting because you know I'm in control. But
there's one thing I pray you never forget. Please, don't forget to talk to
Me - OFTEN! I love YOU! I want to hear your voice. I want you to
include Me in on the things going on in your life. I want to hear you talk
about your friends and family. Prayer is simply you having a conversation
with Me. I want to be your dearest friend.

6. HAVE FAITH:
I see a lot of things from up here that you can't see from where you are.
Have faith in Me that I know what I'm doing. Trust Me; you wouldn't want the
view from My eyes. I will continue to care for you, watch over you, and meet
your needs. You only have to trust Me. Although I have a much bigger task
than you, it seems as if you have so much trouble just doing your simple
part. How hard can trust be?

7. SHARE:
You were taught to share when you were only two years old. When did you
forget? That rule still applies. Share with those who are less fortunate
than you. Share your joy with those who need encouragement. Share your
laughter with those who haven't heard any in such a long time. Share your
tears with those who have forgotten how to cry. Share your faith with those
who have none.

8. BE PATIENT:
I managed to fix it so in just one lifetime you could have so many diverse
experiences. You grow from a child to an adult, have children, change jobs
many times, learn many trades, travel to so many places, meet thousands of
people, and experience so much. How can you be so impatient then when it
takes Me a little longer than you expect to handle something on My
to-do-list? Trust in My timing, for My timing is perfect. Just because I
created the entire universe in only six days, everyone thinks I should
always rush, rush, rush.

9. BE KIND:
Be kind to others, for I love them just as much as I love you. They may not
dress like you, or talk like you, or live the same way you do, but I still
love you all. Please try to get along, for My sake. I created each of you
different in some way. It would be too boring if you were all identical.
Please, know I love each of your differences.

10. LOVE YOURSELF:
As much as I love you, how can you not love yourself? You were created by me
for one reason only -- to be loved, and to love in return. I am a God of
Love. Love Me. Love your neighbors. But also love yourself. It makes My
heart ache when I see you so angry with yourself when things go wrong. You
are very precious to me. Don't ever forget......

Touch someone with your love.

Rather than focus upon the thorns of life, smell the roses and count your blessings.

Woes of a working mom

2006-07-04T15:33:00.000+01:00

Many a times I've debated myself with this issue of career vs family. To me they are both important. Ofcourse my kids do take precedance over my career. Well I guess that would be the case for a man too, isn't it?

Apart from the financial independence I have by having a career, it also gives me a sense of achievement and satisfaction. I am passionate about my job. I like the exposure it gives me and the variety of challenges it has to offer. It also breaks the monotony of life albeit being stressful attimes. It also prevents me from rusting by offering me new things to learn both professionally & also life in general.

On the other hand my kids miss me while I am away @ work. As a result whenever they get to be with me they thrive for attention. They look forward to me being home soon. There are times when they are cross with me, for me leaving home to go to office.

I am trying my level best to spend time with them & be with them esp @ the most wanted times. I hope I can do so for the rest of my life as well. I would like to offer them the best in life.

I remember when I was a child, I too didn't like my mother working. I used to complain to her & was jealous of my friends whose mothers used to be home to welcome them from school. But my mother put forth her options to me giving me the pros & cons of her working & left the choice to me. I liked the fact that she treated me as an adult. I felt mature enuff to understand the scene & thot it was better off for her to be working. However she did ensure that she did spend a lot of time with me & was always there for me. (even now, tho she is retired!)

Now the same cycle is back again but me @ the receiving end! The only difference was I was a bit older when this incident had happened to me as a child. The children these days are much smarter than us. They are attimes a generation ahead of us I feel!

I also thought to taking a short break & then resuming after a couple of years. But then I felt it might not be practical cos coming back to the corporate world after a break is not so easy & it wld be almost as good as starting from scratch. I am considering a part-time job also as an option. It can get mentally demoralising but never mind I guess if it is the right break for me. As long as I can strike a good balance between my family & my career I hope to be in peace. God, please help me in doing this.

Once the children are a bit older they will have their own things to do....their own activities....their own friends etc. And I will (hopefully) still have my career to continue with (& hopefully the blog-o-sphere filled with blogging pals as well!) :)

Beautiful love

2006-06-30T16:37:00.000+01:00

I was touched by this. Good read.

This is a true story that happened in Japan.

In order to renovate the house, someone in Japan Breaks open the wall. Japanese houses normally have a hollow space between the wooden walls. When tearing down the walls, he found that there was a lizard stuck there because a nail from outside hammered into one of its feet. He sees this, feels pity, and at the same time curious, as when he checked the nail, it was nailed 10 years ago when the house was first built.

What happened?

The lizard has survived in such position for 10 years! In a dark wall partition for 10 years without moving, it is impossible and mind boggling. Then he wondered how this lizard survived for 10 years! without moving a single step--since its foot was nailed!

So he stopped his work and observed the lizard, what it has been doing, and what and how it has been eating. Later, not knowing from where it came, appears another lizard, with food in its mouth.

Ahh! He was stunned and touched deeply. For the lizard that was stuck by nail, another lizard has been feeding it for the past 10 years...

Such help! such a beautiful love! Such happened even with this tiny creature ... What can help do? It can do wonders!

Help can do miracles!

Imagine? it has been doing that untiringly for 10 long years, without
giving up hope on its partner. So true love.

Think, will u do that to your partner ?
Think that will you do it to your Mom,
Who brought you after a big struggle of TEN long months ?
Or at least to your Dad, Friends , Coworkers, Brothers & and Sisters ?

Imagine what a small creature can do that a creature blessed with a brilliant mind can't.

I heard this story and started wondering about relationships between family members, friends, coworkers, brothers, sisters etc.

As information and communication technology advances, our access to
information becomes faster and faster. But the distance between human
beings . . . is it getting closer as well?

How many of us actually care so much and are willing to do such things for our loved ones? I pray that God grants us all such a loving, generous and kind mind to help one another esp in times of need.

With such true love, life becomes absolutely beautiful. God bless.

Wishlist

2006-06-27T16:37:00.000+01:00

This is my wishlist....an almost impossible wishlist. Its impossible simply cos I know that they are not really practical! But hey, what the hec, what's wrong in wishing for the sky! Atleast they are possible in my dreams for sure!!!!!! So here I go dreaming n wishing for these impossible wishes to come true! :D

1. I want to reach out to the stars and moon. I especially love the full moon & even feel like giving it a big hug!

2. I wish I can eat all the goodies that I love & still not put on weight & have a perfect figure!!!!!!!

3. I wish we never loose our near and dear ones. They are always there for us whenever & wherever we need them.

4. I have always wanted an older brother. Dunno y! But right from my childhood I've always wished for a very caring, loving & proctective older brother.

5. I wish I had the purchasing power to buy anything I wish....like in those magic tales...put ur hand in ur pocket & there comes the money! If not a fairy / genie comes & says - oh u want this....here it is!!!

6. I wish there is no poverty, starvation or violence in this whole world & see this place as a united, harmonious n peaceful place to live in, filled with nothing but joy, happiness & love.

7. I wish I were taller. Not that I am short but would love to be much taller.

8. I wish I never age! I know the secret is to be young @ heart but still wish we could get younger day after day & but more active & youthful & never get sick!

9. I wish whatever I cook tastes absolutely YUM & that it is very healthy. No deep frying, no extra calories, nothing to worry about....cos its just so good for health!

10. I wish I were brave enough to get totally adventurous....like bungee jumping, parasailing, rafting etc.

Do you have any such wishes?

Colours

2006-06-23T16:23:00.000+01:00

What all wonders colours do! I am so fascinated by colourful things. They make it so much more vibrant. A touch of colour makes a world of difference to me.

But what I fail to understand on colours is this. Why is it that pink is associated with girls & blue for the boys? I dont see anything feminine abt pink nor anything masculine on blue!

When my daughter was born most of her gifts (clothes, blankets, accessories etc) were all pink & for my son it was all blue! Infact if at all I were to dress my daughter with any of my son's old blue clothes everyone assumes that she is a boy!!!

I have also seen many expectant mothers, once they know the gender of their baby, decorating the baby's room with the respective colours.

Thankfully for us women we can get away by wearing all blue coloured clothes. But imagine if a guy were to wear a (shocking/bright) pink shirt! He would for sure be given a second look!

I love almost all the colours (except for the dull, boring & depressing colours). Be it my painting or my dressing I prefer the lively colours to the dull ones. Cos I think they add flavour to life! :)

Cancer

2006-06-22T10:43:00.000+01:00

I wish I were talking about the zodiac sign cancer or any such other light hearted subject. But no, it is indeed abt the horrible disease cancer.

When I was in my III std. I lost my grandma to this dreadful disease. She had cervix cancer & by the time we discovered the same it was in the very advance stages. She was around 65.

When I was in my X std. I lost my aunt (mom's bro's wife). She was less than 35 when she died cos of breast cancer. And it was so sad to see her two young daughters, my uncle & her parents who were totally helpless.

About three years ago another aunt of mine (mom's sis) who I love dearly was again detected with breast cancer. Thankfully till date she is doing fine due to medication. But more than medication, she is one helluva lady who has gone very spiritual. (Infact she is my spiritual guru!). I pray that she does not succumb to this dreadful disease.

But right now the main reason for me to post on this dreadful post is cos the doctors are suspecting cancer of the liver for my dad. And it is so upsetting. The chances right now are 50-50 accordingly to them as they await the test results. And I am praying desparately for his well being.

When will our medical world ever find a proper remedy for this awful disease?

Zzzzzz's

2006-06-20T14:15:00.000+01:00

Relax......this is not another Z list like my Mmmm list tag!

I have had this experience twice & had to blog about it! Wondering what? Okie, here's the first one. Yesterday I had a client meeting right after lunch. It was with a nice person who is an old man. He speaks in a sing-song tone & is rather elaborate in his speech without coming to the point. If you ask him one question he will give you ten answers and you have to choose whichever is applicable or deem correct!

I was trying hard but oopsy,...my eyes were dozzzzzzing off....& the harder I tried to be awake & listen to him the more difficult it seemed. His non-stop talk was now my lullaby! I almost fell off sleeeeeeeeeeping! Ofcourse he being too busy in his own talk didn't even notice the sleepy me....by now actually the embarassed me.

Finally inorder to prevent further embarassment, I had to interupt him and asked him for a glass of water & tried to wake myself! And it was then that I remembered about the other similar incident few years ago.

We had invited my husband's friend for lunch one weekend. I had prepared a sumptuous lunch & all 3 of us had a nice heavy lunch. I was hoping that this chap would leave after lunch so that I cud get my quota of zzzz's....but oh no! He sat there and spoke & spoke and spoke for a long time that too on very boring subjects. Again, I almost fell off sleeeeeeeping! And I could see the same in my husband's eyes as well. I think this guy would have also seen us doze off, but refused to budge...as he had nothing else to do after going home!

Ofcourse I have slept many a times during those boring school/college lectures but seldom when there is a one to one conversation. But ofcourse for these two times which were just irresistably good for a superb afternoon nap!

Speed kills

2006-06-15T14:03:00.000+01:00

As my husband was away officially & wanting a change from driving my Toyota Rav4, I was driving his BMW for the past 2 days. *I am not gaga about cars...for me it is just a means of transportation.* I never realised I was speeding until I narrowly missed another vehicle ahead of me! That lead me into thinking some of the experiences I've had / have heard on speeding.

Tale #1

The worse one on the above topic was with a friend of mine who happened to be involved in a freak accident. She was waiting to turn right from the main road & thought she had enough time to turn before the forthcoming car. Unfortunately she misjudged. As a result, the car banged her car which went spinning & hit 2 padestrians & both of them died. She had minor injuries and the driver & the passenger in the other car also didnt have major injuries. But the padestrians were caught unknown & sadly it had cost their life. Ofcourse even though this accident resulted cos of misjudgement, it was also due to the fact that the other car was much over the speed limit.

Tale #2

This one is not so bad as there were luckily no loss of life. A couple of friends went to see off another friend early morning to the airport. On their return they just decided to have a race between them! One of them (who had actually put his car for sale) sped way past the other....zooming! But very unexpectedly another vehicle just in front of him decided to take the right & indicated. So he had to cut his speed drastically! But phew he was over speeding! And boom! his car went & hit the other. Luckily no major losses but then his car was a total write off!

Tale #3

We were travelling for a cricket match (Aus vs SA) & we wanted to get there before the other car! Ya ya racing again! So one of my friend who was driving was speeding & we were all encouraging him to go faster just for the hec of it. And there was a BIG pothole caused by the previous days' rain. He decided to avoid it & hence had to go on the opposite lane & there was another fast car in the opposite lane! He got tense & lost control! The car took a 360 degree turn for got dragged for less than half kilometer & got stuck in the fence in the opposite side! Phew! It was just a pure miracle than none of us even got a scratch. (except lots on the car ofcourse!)

So my dear fellow bloggers, watch ur speed & be wary when u drive. Take care.....

Be Happy

2006-06-13T10:56:00.000+01:00

I just couldn't resist sharing this lovely article on happiness.

Sri Sri Ravishankar

Every moment that you spend here on this planet, know that you are for a unique, big purpose, far greater than just to eat, sleep and talk. You are here for a greater cause. Just remember that.

Take a challenge "Come what may, I am going to smile today and be happy!"

For our growth, and to strengthen our lives, we need to follow some rules.

These rules are called "yama" (social ethics) and "niyama"(personal ethics). They are the first two steps (or limbs) of yoga of inner union.

Yama

There are five rules to living peacefully in society and the environment:

The first rule is "ahimsa" or non-violence. Non-violence unites you with the whole of creation. Just as you don't harm yourself, you don't harm the rest of creation. Everything is part of you, so how can you harm anything?
Ahimsa is the practice of yoga, of not harming, and realising that everything is here.

The second rule is "satyam" or truthfulness. You don't lie to yourself, do you? You can't lie to yourself. If you are weaving beads, you don't say, "I am not weaving beads." You are, and you know it. When you have chocolate in your hand, you don't say, "I don't have chocolate in my hand." You do have chocolate in your hand!

The third is "astheya", meaning, not missing what you don't have at this moment, nor wishing things were different from what they are at the moment not regretting. Astheya is not: "I wish I had a voice like that person! I wish I could sing like that person. I wish I were young like that person. I wish I could run like that person. I wish I could be as intelligent as that person" It is not comparing yourself with others, and wishing for what they have and you don't have.

Fourth is "brahmacharya", meaning, not interested in the shapes and forms of the body. The mind, here, sees beyond the physical, to the infinite. Brahmacharya is keeping the mind on bigger things. "Brahma" means big; moving in bigger things. "I am small", "I am a man", "I am a woman", "I am a good person", "I am a bad person", "I am hopeless" * all these are small identifications.

Fifth is "aparigraha", meaning, not taking what people give you. You know, it is surprising that you often take the insults people give you, much more than their compliments! Right? Sometimes, they are not even "giving" you these insults * they are simply taking the insults "out of their pockets", but you grab them, and keep them very safe with you! If someone is giving you garbage, they may not even really be giving you the garbage * they may simply be throwing it out, but you collect the garbage and hold on to it very safely! This is what most people do. They are ready to bounce up,take negativity and keep it to themselves.

Don't take anything from anybody, including insults! Of course, compliments don't really bother us! They just go to our heads! What really bother us are the insults, the hurt, and all the negative words that we take from people. Don't take them! Do you understand? This is aparigraha.

Niyama
There are five rules for one's inner development:

The first is "shaucha", everyday cleanliness. It includes showering and keeping yourself clean, wearing clean clothes, and seeing that you don't have bad breath. If someone stinks, they don't notice it, but those sitting next to them do!

The second is "santosha" or contentment* happiness. Be happy! If you don't take a step towards being happy, nothing in this world can make you happy, and you go on complaining about this and that.

Once, a farmer was complaining that the apples on his trees were not too good. Then, one year, he had very good apples! He had apples in plenty three times more than the usual crop! Then he started complaining about having too much work to do, about having to pick all those apples, about how many were rotting, and about how the prices had gone down!

There's no end to complaining but life goes on anyway! It flows like a river. How do you want to live the rest of your life the remaining 30, 40, or 50 years?

Smiling or grumbling, feeling horrible about yourself, and blaming the whole world? So, the second rule is to be happy and content.

Third is "tapas" * forbearance or penance * meaning, something is uncomfortable, but you still put up with it happily. It's like people who go on marathon walks for 20 miles or 20 kilometres. If we had to simply walk 20 kilometres, we would grumble, but when it's a marathon, then one says, "Oh! I am going to walk!"

Whether you walk in a marathon, or you walk because your car broke down, your legs go through the same pain! But when you think you're in a marathon, you come back the same, sweating and tired, but with a smile: "Oh! I did it!" This is tapas * willingly taking it. Suppose you have to travel in a plane for a long time * say eight or ten hours * what do you do? If you were asked to sit for ten hours, you would never do it, but in a plane, there is no way out! You have to sit with a seatbelt on! You can watch TV to keep your mind occupied, but you still have to sit! So, willingly accepting opposites is tapas. This makes your body and mind strong.

Whatever you can change, change. What you cannot change, accept. If it is too cold, put on a sweater. It's as simple as that! When it is raining very heavily, and you get wet, inspite of an umbrella * get wet!

Fourth is self-study * "swadhyaya". Observe your mind, see what your mind says, how you behave, how you act, how you feel* Do you feel good? Do you feel bad? If you are feeling bad, just observe, you start feeling good again. When you are feeling good, observe. All feelings * good or bad will change. Swadhyaya is self-study, self-observation.

Fifth is "ishwara pranidhaana", meaning, love for the Divine. Surrender to the Divine. When you feel you are helpless, you say, "Oh, God! You take whatever it is that I am feeling!"

These are the ten rules that will make you strong, and feel whole and complete.

Not so easy

2006-06-06T14:13:00.000+01:00

We have known each other for the past seven years & are very good friends. We have a good time together & fool around as well! Her hubby & mine are close friends too. Our children are almost of the same age....hers being 5 months older to mine. They had their child after about 9 years of marriage.

I have always wondered....although we are rather close to talk about anything under the sun there has been this thing which I am just unable to talk to her about. Its about her daughter who is around 3 1/2 years old.

She was a premature baby & hence was a little slow in everything right from the beginning. *Thats what I was thinking* But almost a year ago more than one person asked me if something wasn't right with that child. I said its only cos she was a premature baby that she was slow.

But once another parent pointed out to me that I was wrong & that this child is affected by Down's syndrome. I tried to argue that she was wrong but she proved me otherwise. And I had to agree with her as she has specialised in that field & unfortunately her son is also one. I was just so shocked & upset for the next 3 days unable to believe this.

Apparently when I spoke to my hubby about this, he said he knew this fact right from the time of her birth & never mentioned to me as I was pregnant that time & didnt want to upset me.

I wondered why my friend has never spoken about this till date. We always discuss our kids (about their pranks, activities etc) but never once has she even mentioned anything about this. She treats her child like any other normal child. Then I thought this is something to be appreciated cos they have accepted the fact very very well.

But the irony is although they have accepted it well they are not doing anything towards the same. Meaning not taking her to any special school nor any special activity or any special treatment to make things better for this sweet child.

I have been hearing from few others the amount of extra effort one needs to take as parent for these children & earlier the better. Our husbands have discussed this. He agrees to my husband (regarding the special needs etc) but strangely has never done anything about it!

My hassle is I don't know how to bring up this topic to her as she has never spoken about this. It is just not as easy as it sounds as this is such a sensitive issue. But I really wanna help out that child but wondering how to break the ice on this regard.

Any suggestions?

Solace?

2006-06-01T16:16:00.000+01:00

This couple had just returned from their bi-annual holiday from India. Unfortunately within a week of his return, his dad passed away yesterday. He is my husband's colleague. He left for India this morning with his family for the last rites. So we went to his house yesterday evening & there were many others too sharing his loss.

He was trying his best not to let his emotions out & hardly speaking much. Though his father had a very sudden death it was a peaceful one.

One of the ladies who was there last evening was being a loud mouth. She went on & on bragging as to how it was good that he had died! She was saying good cos he had a peaceful death. *And I thot it was crazy cos u've still lost someone dear to u!*

Maybe she meant it in the right way but her tone really put me off & I was wondering how this chap wud've felt! She just didn't stop there! She went on talking about many other things under the sun that the gathering turned more like a social one! Here we are trying to provide some sort of a solace to the bereaved family but this lady was trying to make it like a fun one! Well probably she was trying to cheer them up I thot? Even if she was, I don't think she was doing it the right way!

I got rather cheesed off! All I cud do was cut her short & told the hosts bye. And thankfully the rest of the crowd followed me (including Mrs. Big mouth!!)

Have u encountered such people? Or is it just me?

The funky dude!

2006-05-30T16:13:00.000+01:00

This is rather cool n creative as well, isn't? What do u think?

It should be the haircut of the year!!!!

Reservations

2006-05-26T14:54:00.000+01:00

I just hate this policy on reservations. It's the heights....on one side the Government tries to abolish the caste & religion by promoting inter caste marriages etc & on the other side creating reservations for the OBC's, SC/ST etc! Does it make sense?

This thing on the castes starts right from the time the child is admitted in school. Of what concern is it to the school authorities which caste / religion the child belongs to?

India is known for its cultural diversity. We are probably one of the very few countries in this world where there are so many different culinary styles, languages, cultures & castes co-exist together. That is a beauty by itself. Can't we leave it as is & why politicise this issue?

We need to be producing world class professionals & I believe we have the caliber in us. Whom are we actually favouring by having these sort of reservations? Why should caste come in when there is quality? Do we realise that we would be achieving sub-standard results due to these reservations? The deserving are deprived of opportunites. Just because they belong to the FC, is it a mistake they have committed? Or are the ones born as SC/ST/OBC more luckier? Qualification needed is caste and not merit? I just can't understand.

Anyway, here are Mr Premji's views on these reservations. Hope he has sent it to the Government!

Wipro chairman Mr. Ajim prem ji's comment on reservation:

I think we should have job reservations in all the fields. I completely support the PM and all the politicians for promoting this. Let's start the reservation with
our cricket team. We should have 10 percent reservation for muslims. 30
percent for OBC, SC/ST like that. Cricket rules should be modified
accordingly. The boundary circle should be reduced for an SC/ST player. The
four hit by an OBC player should be considered as a six and a six hit by a
OBC player should be counted as 8 runs. An OBC player scoring 60 runs
should be declared as a century. We should influence ICC and make rules so
that the pace bowlers like Shoaib Akhtar should not bowl fast balls to our
OBC player. Bowlers should bowl maximum speed of 80 kilometer per hour to
an OBC player. Any delivery above this speed should be made illegal. Also
we should have reservation in Olympics. In the 100 meters race, an OBC
player should be given a gold medal if he runs 80 meters. There can be
reservation in Government jobs also. Let's recruit SC/ST and OBC pilots for
aircrafts which are carrying the ministers and politicians (that can really
help the country.. ) Ensure that only SC/ST and OBC doctors do the
operations for the ministers and other politicians. (Another way of saving
the country..) Let's be creative and think of ways and means to guide INDIA
forward...Let's show the world that INDIA is a GREAT country. Let's be
proud of being an INDIAN.. May the good breed of politicians like ARJUN
SINGH long live...

God save us & India!

A Tribute

2006-05-22T09:40:00.000+01:00

It was a regular morning of May 2005. Just within an hour of reaching office I got a panicky call.

The retail distribution company in which my neighbour (cum friend) works, was on fire. Oh my God! I immediately called her to check her safety and thankfully she was fine. She was saying it was such a sight to see the whole huge office cum warehouse in flames.

But she added, that one of our common friends who works there as a warehouse manager was not to be seen around & nobody knew where he was for sure. I kept praying frantically that he should be safe.

He was a sweet, friendly & very helpful person in his late thirties. He was married with two daughters. He had left home the usual way that morning and everything was absolutely fine and normal till the fire broke out.

I kept calling to check if there were any news about his whereabouts. Nothing was known still. But people slowly started loosing hope that he might be alive. Unfortunately they were even unable to find his body as the flames were still high.

After great efforts by the firemen, the fire then was under fair control. And everybody started hunting for him.

And finally after over 3 hours they found his body hidden under a table....fully charred due to the high amount of smoke that had suffocated him, causing his death. The irony was, I believe, he was out that morning and after seeing the smoke had lead many of his warehouse workers to safety and he has gone inside again to check if all the workers were out and in the process got caught in the fire.

Apparently that morning in their warehouse there was a short circuit and since the warehouse stocks many things including highly inflammable items, the fire caught on very rapidly even before anyone could realise.

It has been a year since we lost this good friend and it still pains us tremedously when we even think of this tragic incident.

Smiles for u!

2006-05-18T10:21:00.000+01:00

This one is just tooooooo cute! It is a forward that I received on "Why God made Mums" and these are the answers given by second grade school children.

Why did God make mothers?
1. She's the only one who knows where the scotch tape is.
2. Mostly to clean the house.
3. To help us out of there when we were getting born.

How did God make mothers?
1. He used dirt, just like for the rest of us.
2. Magic plus super powers and a lot of stirring.
3. God made my Mum just the same like he made me. He just used bigger parts.

What ingredients are mothers made of?
1. God makes mothers out of clouds and angel hair and everything nice in
the world and one dab of mean.
2. They had to get their start from men's bones. Then they mostly use string, I think.

Why did God give you Your mother & not some other mum?
1. We're related.
2. God knew she likes me a lot more than other people's mums like me.

What kind of little girl was your mum?
1. My mum has always been my mum and none of that other stuff.
2. I don't know because I wasn't there, but my guess would be pretty bossy.
3. They say she used to be nice.

What did mum need to know about dad before she married him?
1. His last name.
2. She had to know his background. Like is he a crook? Does he get drunk on beer?
3. Does he make at least $800 a year? Did he say NO to drugs and YES to chores?

Why did your mum marry your dad?
1. My dad makes the best spaghetti in the world. And my mum eats a lot.
2. She got too old to do anything else with him.
3. My grandma says that Mum didn't have her thinking cap on.

Who's the boss at your house?
1. Mum doesn't want to be boss, but she has to because dad's such a goof ball.
2. Mum. You can tell by room inspection. She sees the stuff under the bed.
3. I guess Mum is, but only because she has a lot more to do than dad.

What's the difference between mums & dads?
1. Mums work at work and work at home & dads just go to work at work.
2. Mums know how to talk to teachers without scaring them.
3. Dads are taller & stronger, but mums have all the real power 'cause
that's who you got to ask if you want to sleep over at your friend's.
4. Mums have magic, they make you feel better without medicine.

What does your mum do in her spare time?
1. Mothers don't do spare time.
2. To hear her tell it, she pays bills all day long.

What would it take to make your mum perfect?
1. On the inside she's already perfect. Outside, I think some kind of plastic surgery.
2. Diet. You know, her hair. I'd diet, maybe blue.

If you could change one thing about your Mum, what would it be?
1. She has this weird thing about me keeping my room clean. I'd get rid of that.
2. I'd make my Mum smarter. Then she would know it was my sister who did it and not me.
3. I would like for her to get rid of those invisible eyes on the back of her head.
children!!

Hope this brought out smiles for u like it did to me! Oh! children & their innocence....so chuveet! :)

Mmmmm list

2006-05-14T09:14:00.000+01:00

This is a sort of a tag....from Chandni.

And this is what it reads.......

The Instructions: Comment, and I shall give you a letter. Go back to your journal, and write ten words beginning with that letter, including an explanation of what those words means to you and why.

I found this rather cool! And the letter that Chandni gave me is M. So I made a "M" list & then I realised there there were things that I like that begin with M & there were also things I don't like so much that begin with M! So here are both the lists!

My "M" list - likes :-

1. Mom - She's one of the persons I love the most!
2. Music - Whats life without some melody?!
3. Miracle - Miracle happens to only those who believe in them (& I do believe in them!) :)
4. Mail - U got mail....makes me happy esp when its from a loved one
5. Madras - I know its Chennai now...but to me it wld always remain as Madras...Oh I miss it so much! Home sweet home...despite its drawbacks
6. Medals - Wud love to win them
7. Movies - I am a movie buff! I like the pure entertainers rather then the heavy stuff. And I like to watch them undisturbed :)
8. Money - Needed for survival & for comforts & luxuries too!
9. Masalas - I like my food spiced up with masalas (but ofcourse not with an overdose)
10. Mangoes, Melons, Milkshakes - food....yummm...some of my favourites! :)

Now here comes my other "M" list - stuff that I don't like much!

1. Mosquitoes - I'm sure no one else likes them too!
2. Measles/Mums/Malaria - Sickness...less said the better!
3. Mean - I don't like persons who r mean or who r nasty for the hec of it
4. Mess - I hate to see a mess (tho I admit that I take my time to clear it! :p)
5. Misers - Life is short...so enjoy as much as u can...don't be a miser1
6. Meat - I am a veggie...and I don't like animals being slaughtered to fill our stomach. Ofcourse I m not against the non-veggies...u like it - so u eat it. This is just my personal preference.
7. MCP's - Ohhhh those chauvanists....grrrrrrrr......
8. Missing - I don't like to waste time when things go missing
9. Misery - Given a choice I wud love to end the misery for everyone
10. Mayhem - I don't like it when things r chaotic

So that's my mmmmm list! :)

PS - Its alright if u come up with just 10 of them as the instructions say...I just segregated them for more fun.

Hats off....

2006-05-09T17:19:00.000+01:00

She is my angel
She is a star
She is my guide
And my best friend

She is so warm
And so full of love
She is so caring
And always there for me

She is right behind me
To prevent my fall
To hold me tight
So close to her heart

She is so supportive
So encouraging
So motivating
And inspiring

I am so thankful
Thankful to my dear God
For giving me the best
And its none but my MOM

Dedicated to my dear sweet mom on mother's day. Happy mother's day!

I would also like to dedicate it to my mom's sis who is also a mom to me. :)

The following is a beautiful forward that I received which I wanted to share with all moms & to be moms...

Before I was a Mom

Before I was a Mom
I made and ate hot meals.
I had unstained clothing.
I had quiet conversations on the phone.

Before I was a Mom,
I slept as late as I wanted
And never worried about how late I got into bed.
I brushed my hair and my teeth everyday

Before I was a Mom
I cleaned my house each day.
I never tripped over toys or forgot words of lullabies.

Before I was a Mom
I didn't worry whether or not my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations

Before I was a Mom
I had never been puked on
Pooped on
Spit on
Chewed on
Peed on
Or pinched by tiny fingers

Before I was a Mom I had complete control of:
My thoughts
My body
And my mind.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom
I never held down a screaming child so that doctors
could do tests or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom
I never held a sleeping baby just because I didn't want
to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small could affect
my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom
I didn't know the feeling of having my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond between a Mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
Could make me feel so important.

Before I was a Mom
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
Every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay
I had never known the warmth
The joy
The love
The heartache
The wonder
Or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much before I was a Mom

I dedicate the above to my darling son & cutie daughter.

Handicapped?

2006-05-05T16:47:00.000+01:00

My laptop is going for some routine maintenance & re-imaging etc & as result I can't do much over this weekend. Booooo.....

I feel so handicapped without it (already!)....Oh my! So much of dependence on the computers. I really wonder how they did without one just a few years ago? Oopsy! Its unthinkable for me.

I guess once we start getting so used to (& addicted as well) then we become so dependent by these comforts & luxuries of modern life that u wonder how we managed without them all long! (also applicable to cell phones & the like). Now its like a part of me is missing!

Gosh, how I wish I weren't this dependent!

Election special

2006-05-03T11:32:00.000+01:00

With elections just round the corner in TN, I would like to get first hand information from my fellow bloggers as I'm an NRI.

I get to watch only SUN TV here, which we all know is biased. Their silly ads r just irritating! Anycase they gotta do their bit of canvassing. I also heard of a new party started by IITians called Lok paritran. And what is our Amma's strategy?

Pls do keep me updated on every little thing from a common man's perspective, from now on until the results r out - right from the riots, celebs, kalla votes, campaigns, media hype, people's views etc etc.

Waiting to hear them allllllll............
Thanks :)

Change

2006-05-01T10:24:00.000+01:00

I read this somewhere -

"Change is the only constant thing in this ever-changing world!"

And then I thought yup, its quite right.....everything / everyone changes....& most of the time it is warranted & welcome if it is for the better.

But on second thoughts I felt there are so many things nice just the way they are & needn't change at all! (like a mother's love, values, morales, scenic beauty etc. just to name a few.)

Lemme know ur views on "change". What changes in general are required for the betterment? And what need not change. :)

Play it safe

2006-04-27T07:36:00.000+01:00

Tale # 1

She is a sweet lady, in her mid forties & serves tea in my office daily. She had lost her husband about 2 years ago.

Now, for no fault of hers, she is suffering & counting her days. She is tested positive for HIV. She has been made a victim by her husband who was apparently cheating on her.

She tries to take extra precaution of her health, spends too much time & money on medication & tries every little bit to prolong herself & stretch as much as she can. And her main concern is of her teenage daughter.

Tale # 2

He is the secretary cum typist in my office. A good worker. And on the verge of dying. Anyone who is well versed with the consequences of HIV will know for sure that he is one by just looking at him. The cause for this is his own self.

Tale # 3

He was well built & was a very hard working trainee in my office, in his early twenties. Very ambitious. He was down with the initial stages of malaria & just within a week he became less than half his size & terribly weak. The medicines of malaria were not acting on him as he was yet another HIV positive victim. The following week he died as he had not taken enough precaution.

I think more awareness needs to be brought out along with the consequences of being unsafe and would request all of you to do as much as you can and reach out to the people.

Thanks.

Tagged....Tagged.....

2006-04-24T08:48:00.001+01:00

Yes as just as the caption says, I've been tagged twice....& almost simultaneously! Once by Patty & again by Mind curry. :) Thankfully they r both different tags!

Name 10 of life's simple pleasures that you like the most and then pick 10 people to do the same (optional). Try to be original and creative and no to use the things someone else has already used.

Here they go.......

1. To be good health & be able to do all 'normal' things. - I realised this the most right after the birth of my sweet daughter...I was rather bed ridden &; cudnt even manage to get up from bed or even turn to the side without any help. Phew! it was just terrible.

2. To be surrounded by loved ones

3. To pray & see the prayers being answered

4. Sweets.....Puddings.....Chocolates......desserts.....yum!!!

5. To dream.....make all things go just the way I want!

6. To shop till I drop! :)

7. Admire nature, beauty & travel - I wud love to go to almost every beautiful place possible

8. Babies - their smile, their innocence, their ?s, how they very much live in the present moment, their forgiving nature......well I can just go on!

9. Enjoy the best gift from God - MOTHER.....I just love my mom & also enjoy being one.

10. Just to be & do whatever pleases me....get excited / happy about small sweet little things in life - like receiving a compliment, making someone happy, solve some problem, feeling on top of the world for no particular reason etc...

Okie now here's the second tag.....

On your mark, Set, Go..

1.Grab the book nearest to you, turn on page 18 and find line 4.
Guess what? There r no books here right now that I can easily lay my hands on....only files, files files & more files that need to be reviewed & cleared by me!

2.Stretch your left arm out as far as you can.
& catch air?

3. What is the last thing you watched on TV?
Can't remember - but something on SUN TV I think.

4.Without looking, guess what time it is?
10.15

5. Now look at the clock, what is the actual time?
10.20

6. With the exception of the computer, what can you hear?
A truck that passed some voices outside my office room.

7. When did you last step outside? What were you doing?
Apart from being in office this morning, yesterday night, returned after a dinner party..yummy food eh! :)

8. Before you started this survey, what did you look at?
Reviewed some file, planned my staff's leave, & ofcourse visited Mind curry's blog

9. What are you wearing?
A black skirt & a white shirt with a jacket.

10. Did you dream last night?
Must have...i usually do...but can't recall the dream.

11. When did you last laugh?
few minutes ago, @ my assistant's silly remark!

12. What is on the walls of the room you are in?
A calendar & a painting

13. Seen anything weird lately?
not worth mentioning

14. What do you think of this quiz?
Good 2 fill in for the hec of it

15. What is the last film you saw?
Can't recall 4 sure....but I think it was Rang De Basanti

16. If you became a multimillionaire overnight, what would you buy?
I would prefer travelling the whole world as much as I can & go to all my dream places & then buy a dream house with whatever is left!

17. Tell me something about you that I dunno.
U have to find out more about me!

18. If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do?
Free / relieve everyone for all sorts of pain...try to end suffering as much a possible

19. Do you like to dance?
Yes a lot

20. George Bush.
Why even mention about him here?

21. Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her?
My first child a boy...the second is a girl. :)

22. Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him?
My son...darling...sweetheart....sweetie pie...my baby

23. Would you ever consider living abroad?
Fortunately or unfortunately I am living abroad now

24.What do you want GOD to say to you when you reach the pearly gates?
Oh my sweet baby & greet me with a warm hug & kiss

25. 5 people who must also do this meme in their journal.
Now regarding the people I am gonna tag......anyone reading this can feel free to get themselves tagged. However, I would also like to tag few people & shall do so in their blogs...u can feel free to do it or opt out cos I dont like to force anyone. But ofcourse wud b v.happy if u did! :)

Happy tagging! :)

Converting threats to opportunities

2006-04-18T09:47:00.000+01:00

I would like to share this with all my fellow bloggers & yes this is related to my previous post "Special".

I had dropped off my son @ this kiddies birthday party & he had to be picked within the next hour. Feeling lazy to drive back home & then coming shortly to fetch him, I thought it was a better idea to stick in the near by shopping mall. The original idea was to do only window shopping...but me being me...binged in the unwanted shopping spree!

The first (& the last that day!!) place I went to was this shoe shop. I have enough shoes but I am still shoe crazy! They seemed to have many different types of footwear that fancied me. But I told myself I shouldn't buy more than one at the most! After trying on the different pairs, I short listed them based on my likes, price, colour, design, comfort etc. In the end I just couldnt resist two of them. And I decided big deal, lemme just get them both! :D

The one in the pic was obviously the one I went for. However, what I fancied about it while buying was that it had a big beautiful (metal) flower inbetween with a big stone and it looked attractive to me. The very next day I wore it & was all excited. But my happiness was just too short lived cos the metal flower fell off....sob sob! And that left me with a ugly pair of ordinary black plain shoe.

I was too depressed cos I knew I wouldnt use that shoe the way it was & at the same time I didnt feel like using it cos it was new & I had shopped for it with much love and paid a good price too. What do I do?!

Meanwhile, the other pair I had bought was a fancy party wear one. I had worn it for a party & my friends admired it a lot & knowing that I'm into painting asked me casually, if I had painted it! Whoa! Then it struck me...oh yes! Then I also remembered how I had painted one of my canvas shoes whilst I was in school.

After that I just couldn't wait to get my hands on this ugly shoe! I just managed a quick half hour while my son was asleep & ventured into this. And the result u know already! :)

Special?

2006-04-13T14:20:00.000+01:00

Is there anything special in the pictures u see? If so, what do u think is special?

And on a separate note - Eniya puthaandu vazhthukal (Happy new year) / Happy Easter!

Cheap thrills!

2006-04-11T16:52:00.000+01:00

It was a hot Sunday afternoon & 3 friends met up. Feeling bored and just for the sake of an outing they just decided to hang out near the beach.

The beach as expected was almost abandoned that afternoon. They were feeling totally bored and didn't know what to do!

They spotted a car in the parking lot. But as they drove past the parked car, they realised that the car was not just parked! The engine was on & it had dark tinted glasses. Being mischief girls, they wanted to play some prank for fun & for timepass!

One of them walked upto the car & knocked on its window. A guy rolled the window down after her third knock and there was a lady beside him. She gave them a dirty inquisitive look. He stared back at her.

Then Ms.Mischief asked him - Are you not Mr X?
The puzzled guy - No.
Ms. Mischief - No I know u are Mr.X...cos this is his car! How dare u deny?
Mr X - No you are mistaken
Ms. M - I know u are denying cos u r cheating on my friend! U are going around with my friend but yet dating someone else at the same time? Shame on u! Wait till I tell her about u.
Mr X (scared by this unexpected interrogation!)- No ma'am I am not the one.
Ms M - Okie then what's this lady's name?
Mr X - Err...no...
Ms M - Lady, whoever u r, don't trust this guy....
Lady - Is it?
Ms M - Ya this man is shameless...he is also going around with my friend
Lady to Mr X - Is that right?
Mr X - (doubtfully!) - No
Ms M - Ok, I am anyway gonna tell my friend about this...bye

Ms Mischief then narrates this incident to her friends & they have a hearty laff. After having their share of the cheap thrill on a hot Sunday afternoon, they went & apologised.

You are invited

2006-04-07T16:45:00.001+01:00

Here is your invite, from my son, for his third birthday party. :)

Dear Bloggers,

One, Two, Three
I am turning Three
So keep yourself free
As it'll be fun you see
To play under the trees

It's party time!

So join in and have some fun!!!

Day - Tomorrow
Time - As per your convenience
Venue - E-garden, @ E-world

Love,
Son of "Has to be me"

Vote please - Head or Heart

2006-04-05T15:44:00.000+01:00

I am in a better mood today (as you would have guessed), cos my son is doing better today. Thanks for all your prayers and comforting words of reassurance. Now I am just keeping my fingers cross for the birthday party to be a big hit.

That prompted me into writting this blog. How easily our minds sway with events and how it is not that easy to actually control our mind. I know these are just passing phases in life and that we gotta take them well into our stride. But how often does that happen in reality especially at that moment of occurence? These botherations can be in any form & for sure varies person to person.

It is more of heart rules the head rather than head rules the heart. Probably many out there do have heads ruling the heart - well then you do need an applause.
(Psss...Please share the secret with me!)

I would like to know how many persons have head ruling the heart or the heart ruling the head (like me!):)

Please Vote for Heart - If u think that heart rules your head
OR
Please Vote for Head - If u think that head rules your heart

No cheating....okie!

Thanks :)

Worried mom

2006-04-04T17:26:00.000+01:00

I was planning to post some nice blog today. But I'm in just no mood. I'm rushing home shortly cos my 3 yr old son is unwell & he is missing me. It's so sad to see him this low cos when is fine, he is bubbling with activity & full of mischief.

And the irony is this weekend I've planned for his birthday party & even sent the invites! And I'm desparately praying that he is fully fine by then. No even before. Please say a small prayer for his speedy recovery. Thanx.

Memories.....savour the fond ones

2006-03-30T12:43:00.000+02:00

There were two friends....the best and thickest of the kind you can imagine.

When they were Teenagers:
They shared their good times, bad times, thoughts and were with each other through the ups and downs. They had the same wavelength in their thinking which was the greatest bond between them. Even without speaking out loud, they could understand not only their feelings but also read their minds.

In their early 20's:
Time went past and they were getting busy with their life ahead but still found time for each other and had a jolly good time together. They went to the movies, restaurants, picnics etc & had a whale of good time. They knew they always had the support of the other in all their ventures & a ready shoulder to cry on too.

5 years later:
Everything was going on very well & smooth. No hassles at all. If at all any, were sorted immediately & that only made the bond grow stronger.
But there was a fright, for a reason. Their future might tend to separate them. OMG! Wish we can still be together....that was their sincere prayer. And wow! their prayers were answered after a small separation of 2 years.

After 2 years:
They were so glad that they could meet and be in the same place. But....times had changed....or rather people change with time. They were still close but not as before. The calls, outings, & the good times together shortened as the years went past. And the distance kept growing.

3 years later:
Whenever they met - Oh hi! howdy? Are things well with u & ur family? Whats news @ ur side? They were just more than acquaintances.

And they wondered...did anything go wrong? Why this distance? R v just too busy with our lives, families, careers? Or new friends replaced old? Or plain just no time for friends any more? Or "don't care" attitude?

They just decided to stick to the sweet past memories - " U know, I used to have such a close friend.........few years ago" and they linger & relish on that sweet thought.

Ageing? But stay young!

2006-03-27T12:10:00.000+02:00

An interesting one -

George Carlin's View on Ageing

Do you realize that the only time in our lives when we like to get old is when we're kids? If you're less than 10 years old, you're so excited about aging that you think in fractions.

"How old are you?" "I'm four and a half!" You're never thirty-six and a half. You're four and a half, going on five! That's the key

You get into your teens, now they can't hold you back. You jump to the next number, or even a few ahead. !
"How old are you?"
"I'm gonna be 16!" You could be 13, but hey, you're gonna be 16! And then the greatest day of your life . . . you become 21.

Even the words sound like a ceremony . . YOU BECOME 21. YESSSS!!!

But! then you turn 30. Oooohh, what happened there? Makes you sound like bad milk! He TURNED; we had to throw him out.

There's no fun now, you're Just a sour-dumpling. What's wrong? What's changed?

You BECOME 21, you TURN 30, then you're PUSHING 40. Whoa! Put on the brakes, it's all slipping away.

Before you know it, you REACH 50 and your dreams are gone.

But wait!!! You MAKE it to 60. You didn't think you would!

So you BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and MAKE it to 60.

You've built up so much speed that you HIT 70! After that it's a day-by-day thing; you HIT Wednesday!

You get into your 80's and every day is a complete cycle; you HIT lunch; you TURN 4:30; you REACH bedtime.

And it doesn't end there. Into the 90's, you start going backwards; "I Was JUST 92."

Then a strange thing happens. If you make ! it over 100, you become a little kid again. "I'm 100 and a half! "

May you all make it to a healthy 100 and a half!!

HOW TO STAY YOUNG
1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them.
That is why you pay "them "

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle.
"An idle mind is the devil's workshop." An! d the devil's name is Alzheimer's.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves.
Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever.
Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9 Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. TELL THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE THAT YOU LOVE THEM AT EVERY OPPORTUNITY..

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

We all need to live life to its fullest each day!!

Useful info

2006-03-24T18:35:00.000+02:00

Thot of sharing this useful info which I recd as a fwded email:-

1. Emergency number: The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of coverage area of your mobile network and there is an emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you and interestingly this number 112 can be dialed even while the keypad is locked. Try it out.

2. Locked the remote keys in the car? This may come in
handy someday. Good reason to own a cell phone: If you lock your keys in the car and the spare keys are home, call someone on your cell phone. Hold your cell phone about a foot from your car door and have the other person at your home press the unlock button,
holding it near the phone on their end. Your car will unlock. Saves someone from having to drive your keys to you. Distance is no object. You could be hundreds of miles away and if you can reach someone who has the other remote" for your car, you can unlock the
doors (or the trunk). Editor's Note: *It works fine! We tried it out and it unlocked our car over a cell phone!"

3. Imagine your cell battery is very low, you are
expecting an important call and you don't have a charger". Nokia instrument comes with a reserve battery. To activate, key is *3370# Your cell will restart with this reserve and your instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged
when you charge your cell next time.

What to dream about?

2006-03-23T12:46:00.000+02:00

As a school going girl, I dreamt of being a career woman. But what career to choose? What do I do? Science or Commerce? Tho' initially I dreamt of becoming a Doctor, I decided that Accounting would be a better profession. So I started looking forward to do my CA......

I started taking my CA course & I was dreaming of becoming one soon. Will I make it or not? I was looking forward for my qualification..........

Once I got my qualification I was looking forward to work in a good multinational organisation......

God's grace I made it. Then I started dreaming about my life partner........

God's grace again & it clicked. Then as per the usual way of life I was looking forward to become a mom..........When will I get my baby?

I was blessed with a smart & loving son. But I wanted a daughter as well....desparately! And again, I was dreaming & wishing for a daughter...........Will I get one?

God being very kind to me, gave me a cute daughter as well, just a few months ago.

Most of the phases of my life I would say are complete.

But now what is there to dream about??? Ya I know I can seek for better career advancement or some materialistic things......but I am looking for something more......something else....dunno what tho......As a parent I do look forward to many things from my children......but that's from my children....nothing personal. Looks like there are no more thrills and suspense in my life from now on? (I am referring only to the pleasant ones).

What is there to look forward to in life after this stage? Does my "wishlist" end here? I wonder how it is for others.

It's a man's world..........

2006-03-21T15:52:00.000+02:00

I have always thot about the phrase " It's a man's world".

Man, ain't he lucky in comparison with his female counterpart, especially in the corporate world? Some of the common reasons being :-

Women are not that efficient
Women do not like to work late
The men do not go on 3 months paternity leave each time a baby is born
Women give more importance to family etc
And I don't know what else is there in the employer's mind cos they think twice while promoting women!

The first reason that women are not that efficient is just not true...I infact feel the other way...not cos I am a woman but I've seen in many instances that women indeed perform much better than most men.

Women do not like to work late - true in most cases cos they also have to work at home! (and most men seldom help much). But I am personally against working late....be it men or women. If you cannot complete your work in time implies you are not efficient. Yes, I know there are deadlines to be met and require late hours but these are not regular. These can be pre-arranged with the employer at the time of employment.

Admitted that even if I were an employer, I would not be too thrilled each time the lady is away to deliver...but hey C'mon thats the way the life has been designed. (For my delivery, I was in labour & I rushed straight from office to the hospital! Not only that I started work within a month of my delivery despite being very anemic. It was due to the heavy work load and also to prove that I am still in the race & not to be written off!)

Women give more importance to family...very true again...that is their priority (surely for me too). But tell me, is family any less important for men? Children sick, school activities, cooking, cleaning, etc.....all these are attended to by most women. Not only they do the house work but also work at office. Isn't that commendable?

Being a working mom, I need to double up my pace just to prove that I am as efficient (if not better) than my male counterparts. I work in a BIG 4 international firm, but just till about 6 months ago, women were not given any housing allowance (unless single) cos their silly argument was - you are staying in ur husband's house! It pissed me off sooooooooo badly but nonetheless I kept fighting for over 5 years. And I have only won 1/3 of the battle cos we are given only less than 50% of what the men get! Ridiculous but true. Not only that, being expats, women are not given passage yet again for the same reason. If these big firms are to discriminate this way, imagine the other places of work!

My boss knows and has seen women faring much better and doing a much better job and also receiving much appreciation from clients time and again. He does appreciate but again when it is increment / promotion time his excuses are the usual which does frustrate. My boss does prefer to employ women for the simple reason that they work better & his costs are lesser.

Infact a client of mine once commented in surprise - "A lady with a "big corner" office?" But guess what at the end of the assignment he agreed - " U must be a tough competition to the other men who work with you!"

I don't deny - many women have excelled in their fields and have proven themselves over & over again. But my point is - why is there so much of struggle? And yes not to mention about the few male colleagues who seldom appreciate a female colleague equaling them or being superior to them.

And that's why I tend to think that - It is a man's world indeed and a juggle for the women between work and home.

Spiderman

2006-03-17T14:32:00.000+02:00

I dropped off my 3 yr old son @ his play school this morning. And every morning my son & his friends greet each other by shouting "spiderman" & try to cast the web like spiderman. Infact they are all sooooooooo crazy about spiderman that they even fight that they are spiderman!

I was so amused by this cos I wonder why these kids are so fascinated by spiderman! What is it that the kids are so attracted by Spiderman?

Where are we heading?

2006-03-17T12:15:00.000+02:00

A couple of days ago, after a hectic day at work, I just wanted to sit & do nothing much in the evening. So I turned on the TV for some news. And these were the stuff I got to hear.....

1. Murder of a mother & daughter (both lawyers) in Delhi
2. Alleged rape of a 52 yr old woman in Mumbai by the owner of Sreeram mills
3. The buffalos being drugged with Oxytocin to produce more milk thus causing harm to both the animals & the people drinking it (especially children).

I switched off the TV immediately & thot I was better off at work.

But this thought is still lingering in me.....where is the world heading?

Memory recall.....

2006-03-16T18:38:00.000+02:00

Guess what? The times when my mind is free I think of hazar things that I should write about whenever I start my blog site....now here's my blog site finally & alas! I am wondering what were the things that I wanted to pen about!!! Shall think it over & hope to update this site sooner or later........(God knows when that's gonna be tho!)

Conception....Pregnant....Delivery!!!

2006-03-16T17:59:00.000+02:00

Hmmm....Blogging has been in my mind for a long time.(conception!)....but obviously haven't managed to do so for quite sometime till now! Reasons - been busy, plain lazy, "not now", or just some silly reason!

Then I had this thot for sometime - "Big deal!....Y do I just rattle about this thot & not make it happen?" (pregnant!)

So here I am! Venturing into blogging! (Delivery!)

Thus finally the birth of my blogsite!

Wish me Goodluck!!