uniquely priya

Change of residence

2007-08-07T22:13:00.000+05:30

This blogger has decided to shift her residence to another locality called wordpress.com. The reason for this shift is being tempted by the attractive features of the new locality, especially the great templates.

All of you are cordially invited to visit her new home by clicking here.

The blogger sadly leaves her home for the last 4 months......

Monday blues

2007-08-06T11:32:00.000+05:30

Mondays are meant for feeling blue,
So do people say,
Much has been said about this day,
But I have felt like that
Only on very few a Monday;

However, today is different,
I am just back from a holiday,
Poor me is back in a confined space
After a week of freedom,
Back to the usual routine
After a 7-day vacation,
Back to my home
From the land of Chennai.

Back amidst familiar faces
Back amidst known voices,
Back after laughs and hugs and tears
Chitchat and gossip,
And roller coasters of emotions;

There is a load of work to do,
But my mind wanders,
I yearn for the lost freedom,
I wish I could have filled in
More enjoyment into these few days;

I wish to go back
And do all the things I didn’t,
I missed out on a lot of things,
Visits to relatives’,
The usual visit to the beach,
The shopping spree
And the dining out in glee,
The long hours of sleep and rest,
The books I meant to read,
The movies I meant to see,
All the things I had planned to,
But didn’t do
Due to constraints like time and health.

I am just back from a trip
And my heart longs for another,
But I know I cannot do that,
That makes this Monday bluer than ever,
Hence this poem I write
To let out my pain,
On my dear blog
I let my grief be etched.

:-((

For my friends

2007-08-05T15:12:00.000+05:30

Friends are special guardian angels that God made to walk the path of life with us. They are with us through thick and thin. They laugh with us in our joy and are there to lend a shoulder for us to cry on when we are sad. They make certain situations tolerable and certain moments all the more beautiful just by being there. And, we almost always forget to say a little 'thank you' to these people. So, on this friendship day, here's my note of thanks to those special people called friends who have been there in my life and have helped me survive! :-)

My mom - One of my bestest of friends, with whom I can share anything. She has been there with me through trying situations and in my achievements. Thanks a lot mom, for the wonderful relationship that we share!

Family - A special note of thanks to Shuba Chitti, Priya Bhabhi and Vidhya Bhabhi for being great friends. Thanks a lot for all that you've done for me! :-) Also, thanks to all my arunda vaalu cousins! :-)

School day friends - I have lost touch with most of these guys, except for Rushvi, Kunjan, Dolly and Honey.

Rushvi is my friend since kindergarten, who is soon getting married. We have shared some fun moments together and made our moms wild! :-)

Kunjan, Dolly, and Honey, I met when I was in high school and we grew to be great friends. Though I am not much in contact with Kunjan and Dolly now, I can never forget the beautiful times we shared in school. Weren't we quite a foursome in school? :-)

As for Honey, she requires a special note of thanks here. Thanks dear, for all the times you dropped in just to cheer me up. Thanks for all the support and love you have given over the years. Thanks for all the times you were there for me just within reach of a message or a phone call when I needed you. It has been 10 years, can you believe it? :-) Ya, ya, I know you'll get mad that I've mentioned your original name here and not your new name Srushti here. You know I'll never call you that, don't you, HONEY? :-)

College friends (grad and postgrad) - Well, I'm not in touch with any of these guys now, but I still remember the great days we had together. These friends made sure that even boring lectures were fun! :-)

Apartment friends - The only person I can mention here is Neha, who lives in the samd apartment as me. We have known each other for almost 20 years now. We know each other in and out. We started out as playmates and then grew to become the closest of friends. There have been days when we've practically lived together, terrorising our moms! :-) She has been a great support and source of confidence in my bad times. Thanks for being there, dear!

Office friends (Past and present) - Dear colleagues Khushi, Annu, Shefali, Indu, Uttara and Shyama, thanks for being there! :-) You guys made those boring medical files worth listening to. Thanks a lot for the great times we had! We had a great team of ladies! :-)

Well, that was about my past job. In my current job, I would specially like to thank Manmeet and Shilpi. Thanks for being there with me through some trying situations. (You know what I'm talking about, don't you?) Thanks for those daily dosages of IMs, mails and messages that make work life bearable. Thanks for reading and commenting on the inane blatherings that I put up on my blog. And most of all, thanks for acting as doctors and taking care of me! How can I ever forget the way you reminded me to take my medicines, the glasses of glucose that you brought for me and the bandages you helped me tie when I sprained my arm?

I would also like to mention the names of Pooja and Silviya, who used to work with me.

Blog buddies - Thanks to all you blog buddies who take the time to read my scribblings and comment. You guys keep me going. A special note of thanks to Niths and Sharan, who have been the siblings I never had. Thanks guys! :-)

Thanks all of you for being a part of my life! :-)

A letter to a friend

2007-08-02T09:13:00.000+05:30

Dear friend,

I met you as a stranger and treated you like a friend. You, for all this, gave me a beautiful gift in return. A stab in the back. You left me in the darkness when I expected you to lead the way.

Maybe you had your own reasons for doing what you did. I don’t know. I had somehow expected you to be different, but you turned out to be just like the other ordinary mortals of the world. That hurt, because I had trusted you. Maybe I expected too much?

Ironically, you turned out to be exactly one of those people whom you claimed to hate. But this is not to crib or point out your flaws. This is to thank you. Thanks for doing what you did. It made an invaluable contribution in my life. Yes, it shook my faith in humanity for a while, but it increased my inner strength and will a thousand times. My faith in myself and in Him is greater than ever before. And, this could not have been possible without your help.

Dear friend, you brought me face to face with reality. I would probably not have realized the perils lurking there in the world for me if you hadn’t pointed them out to me with your actions. You made me open my eyes wide. Now my path is clearer, thanks to you.

Thank you for bringing to home the fact that I yet have a lot to learn in life.

Thank you for the good times that I shared with you.

May people like you keep hurting the ones who trust them. For, it strengthens them in a way probably very few other things can do.

I do not wish to settle scores with you, for I know there is someone up high above who does that. That is not my job. He, the master accountant, has the debits and credits of everyone neatly registered in his books. He follows you, wherever you go. He makes note of all the minute things you do. And when he feels the time is right, He repays you for your doings, in his own special way. And I trust that hand more than anything.

I don’t know if it is your loss or mine that we are no longer friends, but I know for sure that you have lost the high respect that I had for you as a person. I believe losing respect in someone’s eyes is one of the worst things that can happen to anyone. But I am not so sure if you can feel that now.

Goodbye. Nice having known you. Thanks for everything.

A true quote

2007-08-01T12:10:00.000+05:30

People laugh because I am different....

And I laugh because they are all the same.

Glad to be back!!!!!

2007-07-27T20:38:00.000+05:30

After a brief hiatus from the blog world, I am back again!!!!! This time with some Hindi poetry by yours truly....

Haath hamare utthe dua mein,

Kisine hum se poocha,

Khuda se kya apne liye khushi maangi?

Humne kaha, haan,

Humne unke hothon ki hansi maangi...

Translation:

My hands went up in prayer,
And someone asked me,
"Did you ask the lord for your happiness?"
I said, "Yes, I asked him
That a smile always rest on my loved one's lips."

Ae khuda, humein lambi umr ki kaamna nahi,

Bas itni tamanna hai,

Ki kuch lamhe aise hon

Jinme zindagi samayi ho.....

Translation:

O Lord, I do not desire for a long life,
But I have one small wish,
Just give me a few moments
Which are full of life.....

Another excerpt from Coelho

2007-07-21T07:58:00.000+05:30

I am back with Coelho again! Can't seem to help it! :-) This is one of his best articles in the book "Like the flowing river". Many must have already read it before, but it is something that I would like to preserve and read again and again. Hence this post. Here goes:

The Story of the Pencil

A boy was watching his grandmother write a letter.
At one point, he asked:
‘Are you writing a story about what we’ve done? Is
it a story about me?’

His grandmother stopped writing her letter and said
to her grandson:
‘I am writing about you, actually, but more important
than the words is the pencil I’m using. I hope you
will be like this pencil when you grow up.’

Intrigued, the boy looked at the pencil. It didn’t
seem very special.

‘But it’s just like any other pencil I’ve ever seen!’

‘That depends on how you look at things. It has five
qualities which, if you manage to hang on to them, will
make you a person who is always at peace with the
world.

‘First quality: you are capable of great things, but
you must never forget that there is a hand guiding your
steps. We call that hand God, and He always guides us
according to His will.

‘Second quality: now and then, I have to stop writing
and use a sharpener. That makes the pencil suffer a
little, but afterwards, he’s much sharper. So you, too,
must learn to bear certain pains and sorrows, because
they will make you a better person.

‘Third quality: the pencil always allows us to use an
eraser to rub out any mistakes. This means that correcting
something we did is not necessarily a bad thing; it
helps to keep us on the road to justice.

‘Fourth quality: what really matters in a pencil is not
its wooden exterior, but the graphite inside. So always
pay attention to what is happening inside you.

‘Finally, the pencil’s fifth quality: it always leaves a
mark. In just the same way, you should know that
everything you do in life will leave a mark, so try to be
conscious of that in your every action.’

An excerpt from Coelho

2007-07-20T07:45:00.000+05:30

This is an excerpt from Coelho's famous book 'Like the flowing river' that I think I would like to remember for ever. So I am typing it out. It is from the article 'The Art Of Trying'. I know my blog is looking like a Coelho book of late, but I can't help it. His writing is captivating and thought-provoking, at the same time being simple and understandable. I can truly relate to his philosophy. I read this piece and I could only say 'Wow'! Here goes:

When we decide to act, some excesses may occur. An old culinary adage says : "You can't make an omelette without breaking eggs." It is also natural that unexpected conflicts should arise, and it is natural that wounds may be inflicted during those conflicts. The wounds pass, and only the scars remain.

This is a blessing. These scars stay with us throughout our life and are very helpful. If, at some point - simply because it would make our life easier, or for whatever other reason - the desire to return to the past becomes very great, we need only look at those scars. They are the marks left by our handcuffs, and will remind us of the horrors of prison, and we will keep walking straight ahead.

So, relax. Let the universe move around you and discover the joy of surprising yourself. "God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise," says St. Paul.

A warrior of light often finds that certain moments repeat themselves. He is often faced by the same problems and situations and, seeing these difficult situations return, he grows depressed, thinking that he is incapable of making progress in life.

"I've been through all this before," he says to his heart.

"Yes, you've been through all this before," replies his heart. "But you have never been beyond it."

Then the warrior realises that these repeated experiences have but one aim : to teach him what he has not yet learned. He always finds a different solution for each repeated battle, and he does not consider his failures to be mistakes but, rather, as steps along the path to a meeting with himself.

Realisations

2007-07-19T08:23:00.000+05:30

My arms feel heavy,
My legs feel leaden,
My eyes feel weary,
My heart feels wooden,
There is an emptiness
Where there should be happiness,
I feel unfulfilled
In the midst of plenty;

I look around me
And find
I have been carrying
The carcass of my dreams
For too long,
I have not mourned
The death of my hopes
For too long,
I have been existing
Without living
For too long,
I have not allowed my eyes
To cleanse my heart
For too long....

A fable on love

2007-07-16T14:24:00.000+05:30

I read this beautiful fable in "Like the flowing river" by Paulo Coelho. I found very sweet and touching, so I am posting it on my blog:

The Cloud and the sand dune

A young cloud was born in the midst of a great storm over the Mediterranean Sea, but he did not even have time to grow up there, for a strong wind pushed all the clouds over towards Africa.

As soon as the clouds reached the continent, the climate changed. A bright sun was shining in the sky and, stretched out between them, lay the golden sands of the Sahara. Since it almost never rains in the desert, the wind continued pushing the clouds towards the forests in the south.

Meanwhile, as it happens with young humans too, the young cloud decided to leave his parents and his older friends in order to discover the world.

"What are you doing?," cried the wind. "The desert's the same all over. Rejoin the other clouds, and we'll go to Central Africa where there are amazing mountains and trees!"

But the young cloud, a natural rebel, refused to obey, and, gradually, he dropped down until he found a gentle, generous breeze that allowed him to hover over the golden sands. After much toing and froing, he noticed that one of the dunes was smiling at him.

He saw that the dune was also young, newly formed by the wind that had just passed over. He
fell in love with her golden hair right there and then.

"Good morning," he said. "What's life like down there?"

"I have the company of the other dunes, of the sun and the wind, and of the caravans that occasionally pass through here. Sometimes it's really hot, but it's still bearable. What's life like up there?"

"We have the sun and wind too, but the good thing is that I can travel across the sky and see more things."

"For me," said the dune, "life is short. When the wind returns from the forests, I will disappear."

"And does that make you sad?"

"It makes me feel that I have no purpose in life."

"I feel the same. As soon as another wind comes along, I'll go south and be transformed into rain; but that is my destiny."

The dune hesitated for a moment, then said:

"Did you know that here in the desert, we call the rain paradise?"

"I had no idea I could ever be that important," said the cloud proudly.

"I've heard that older dunes tell stories about the rain. They say that, after the rain, we are all covered with grass and flowers. But I'll never experience that, because in the desert it rains so rarely."

It was the cloud's turn to hesitate now. Then he smiled broadly and said:

"If you like, I could rain on you now. I know I've only just got here, but I love you, and I'd like to stay here for ever."

"When I first saw you up in the sky, I fell in love with you too," said the dune. "But if you transform your lovely white hair into rain, you will die."

"Love never dies," said the dune. "It is transformed, and, besides, I want to show you what paradise is like."

And he began to caress the dune with little drops of rain, so that they could stay together for longer, until a rainbow appeared.

The following day, the little dune was covered in flowers. Other clouds that passed over, heading for Africa, thought that it must be part of the forest they were looking for and scattered more rain. Twenty years later, the dune had been transformed into an oasis that refreshed travellers with the shade of its trees.

And, all because, one day, a cloud fell in love, and was not afraid to give his life for that love.

A beautiful way of expressing that true love is selfless and it transforms....

True friendship

2007-07-12T10:59:00.000+05:30

A beautiful quote on friendship that I came across on the net. How true this is! A true friend is one with whom you can discuss anything, with complete trust and ease. Without fear that you will be misinterpreted. One with whom you can be your true self, without wearing a mask. And yet be sure that you are loved...

The K world

2007-07-11T08:05:00.000+05:30

This post is about the K world, the oh-so-famous world of Ektaa Kapoor's K serials. Well, I've never had the privilege (?) of watching these sagas of emotions that are world-famous and that go on for years and years together. I just sometimes happen to catch a glimpse of these dramas, as the home manager and her other companions in the family watch them on a regular basis. I must say, coming up with a number of K titles is an innovative task. However, some things never change in these serials. My humble observations on the working of the K world:

1) Generations may come and generations may go, but the grand old lady of the house goes on for ever. Would love to know the secret of her long life!!!!!!!!

2) The hero and the heroine do not like each other, but it is always circumstances that cause them to get married. And after marriage, they discover that they are soulmates.

3) The heroine's past lover always enters her happy married life. And he always finds a way to befriend the heroine's husband and comes to live with them in their house.

4) However middle class a family might be, the heroine always has money to spend on clothes of the latest fashion and matching jewellery.

5) The ladies will always be perfectly made up, irrespective of sickness or grief. Even when the heroine is in hospital, she will have eyeliner and lipstick and rouge on. She goes to bed looking pretty and wakes up looking pretty. Not even her lipstick is smudged.

6) Most of the people have their own signature style of dressing. They are always found dressed in that style. Heard of Shanti bindi, Kashish salwar kameez and so on?

7) You can know that a certain person is the bad guy/girl by the eerie music playing in the background when he/she makes an entry. The bad girl can also be identified on the basis of her makeup. She is the one with long nails painted in scarlet and garish, silvery eyeshadow.

8) Any little occasion in the house and it is time for a grand party!!!!!!!!!!!!!

9) When a person grows older, there is no change in his/her skin or posture. A few patches of grey appear in the hair and spectacles are added.

10) Bollywood film songs can play in the background at any time, any place!!!!!!!!

11) A lady can have 2-3 kids and still slim, trim and beautiful!

12) Each single festival and each single Pooja has to be celebrated lavishly in the family!

Certain scenes and dialogues in these serials are such that one cannot help but LOL! But, Ektaa Kapoor does rock in a majority of the homes in India. So, for now, the sagas continue........

Waiting for liberation

2007-07-10T08:06:00.000+05:30

O Lord of the Universe,

Hear my plea,

I have no one to turn to

But for thee,

My soul is weary,

Liberate me,

It pains my heart to see

The pain of my sisters,

Little, cherubic angels

Abandoned in the cold world,

To fight it alone,

Left in the wide, wide world

To fend for themselves,

Little angels like me

Snuffed out in their mother's womb,

Denied a life which is but their due right,

Disallowed to see the light of day,

My sisters ill treated,

Abused, scorned,

Forced to strip

To show their grief,

O great Lord of the Universe,

This I ask of thee,

Lord, sow the seeds of compassion

In people's minds,

Lord, let there be justice,

Let there be light,

Lord, let there be a smile

On the faces of all angels,

Lord, let there be true liberation

For the girl child.

It is really painful to see the society still bound by old traditions, customs and beliefs in these modern times when everything is changing. It is painful to hear about the plight of some young girls and ladies even today, whose only fault was that they were born a girl.

Read this and this and this.

Dearly beloved

2007-07-09T07:33:00.000+05:30

Pata nahi kyon, kuch kuch dard sa hai,

Shayad unhe kahin thokar lagi hai....

Happy moments!

2007-07-08T22:01:00.000+05:30

A lazy, dull Sunday afternoon. One of those days when you feel like doing nothing at all. Absolutely nothing. When you are bored out of your mind.

Suddenly, the doorbell rings and a few of your relatives drop in. They have decided to pay you a surprise visit. A short time later, a few of your friends also drop in.

In a few moments, voices fill the bleak confines of the home. Idle chit chat and laughter drift in the air. Everyone wants to share in the fun. No one wants to be left out. Everyone congregates at the same place and everybody says something. There is an uproar, but no one complains. Everyone shouts at a higher pitch to be heard above the din.

A kid starts crying. There is a lot of cooing and cuddling. A feeding bottle is prepared instantly.

Someone switches on the TV. Patti's 'Sunday Samayal' continues in the backdrop along with the discussions on various subjects.

Cups of tea are made and shared. Packets of snacks pass on from one hand to another.

Old family snapshots are brought out and there is much laughter and excitement. Statements like 'Oh! How cute!' and 'Where am I at the time of your wedding, amma?' are heard among the din.

Marriage ceremony CDs are played and everyone huddles together to watch the couple being united in the holy bond of matrimony on the computer screen for the umpteenth time. Again, there is a lot of oohing and aahing.

The house is in the state of pleasant confusion. The house that is usually spic and span is all in chaos. A shoe here, a sock there. A teether here, a ball there. Someone's purse lying on the bed. Someone's cell and keys lying on the table.

There is a lot of hullabaloo all around. But the house is very much alive. And happy. The normally silent walls of the house seem to be smiling too!

Connecting with myself

2007-07-07T09:33:00.000+05:30

My mind full of questions,
My world full of chaos,
Whom do I turn to?
What do I ask?

Then I recall
‘All lies within me',
And I turn to myself
To guide me on the right path.

I drop away from my surroundings
Am surrounded by peace,
I listen to what my soul has to say
And connect with a power higher than me.

I am lost to the world,
Nothing, nobody now exists,
I can hear
Only my inner voice.

Some quiet time passes by
I mull over what I want,
What troubles me?
What will make me happy?

Slowly, one by one,
All answers come to me,
My mind is now less clouded,
The path I need to walk much clearer…

Conveying death

2007-07-05T12:34:00.000+05:30

The Gujaratis have the habit of saying ‘off ho gaye’ ('off thai gaya' in Gujarati) when someone passes away, meaning that the person went off, similar to the action of a light being switched off. Like when someone’s grandmother passes away, the person will say, ‘dadima off ho gaye’, that is ‘grandma went off’. I find it a strange way of expression. A light switch flicked off by God, never to be switched on again? I just hope the process of death could be as painless and effortless as the process of a light being switched off…

Fond memories

2007-07-03T20:38:00.000+05:30

Alone she was and smiling,

Her eyes said she was lost

In a faraway land,

Someone asked her,

"Why are you smiling alone?,"

And she replied,

With shyness and love in her voice,

Sweeter than a thousand silver bells,

As only a woman in love can say,

"I have my beloved in my heart

And thoughts of him

In my mind,

Where am I alone?"

My first tag

2007-07-02T21:37:00.000+05:30

I have been tagged for the first time in my blogger-life by Niths.

Incidentally, this is my 75th post! So double bonanza dhan! :-)

The topic of the tag is 'books'. So here goes:

Books that changed my life

Most of the Enid Blyton books and 'Gokulam' that I used to read when I was a kid a long, long time ago. These books sowed the seed of creative writing in me and in a way 'changed my life'.

The other books that touched me were Chicken Soup for the Soul and Who Moved My Cheese. These books always inspire me.

One other book that I could truly relate to was The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I had expected a mind-blowing complicated book, but what I found was a simple story that depicted the profound truths of life. I could relate to the central character of the story, Santiago, very well. This book touched me a lot.

Well, 'changed my life' would be an exxageration, all these were books that inspired and touched me in one way or the other.

Books that I have read more than once

The Collection of Classic short stories from Readers' Digest
Chicken Soup for the Soul
All it takes is family by Sharon De Vita
Bride of my heart by Rebecca Winters
The Fraudulent Fiancee by Muriel Jensen

The last three are Mills & Boons' that I loved :-)

A book that I would take to a desert island

The Fraudulent Fiancee again! :-) On second thoughts, I would rather take something like 'How to survive alone on a desert island' ! :-)

Books that made you laugh

Tintin books
Hot Water by PG Wodehouse

Books that made you cry

Undoubtedly, it has got to be Chicken Soup for the Soul. Other books that made me emotional were The Fraudulent Fiancee and All It takes is family.

A book you wish had been written

A book on the life of Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam

Books that you wish had never been written

Love Story by Eric Segal. It was a bestseller, yes, but somehow, failed to touch me. Dunno why!
When the stars shine down by Sidney Sheldon

Books you are currently reading

The Painter of signs by RK Narayan
Excerpts from Gitanjali by Tagore

Books you've been meaning to read

This is one long list. Dunno when, how and if I will do it, but I have been meaning to read these books:
1) Like the flowing river by Paulo Coelho
2) Veronika decides to die by Paulo Coelho
3) By the river Piedra I sat and wept by Paulo Coelho
4) The Zahir by Paulo Coelho
5) How Opal Mehta got kissed, got wild and got a life by Kavya Vishwanathan
6) A walk to remember by Nicholas Sparks
7) The curious incident of the dog in the night time by Mark Haddon
8) The God of small things by Arundhati Roy
9) The works of O' Henry
10) The works of William Somerset Maugham
11) If tomorrow never comes by Sidney Sheldon
12) Swamy and friends by RK Narayan
13) The Bible (or atleast excerpts)
14) The Quoran (or atleast excerpts)
15) The Bhagwad Geeta (or atleast excerpts)
16) I moved your cheese
17) Simple steps to impossible dreams by Steven Scott
18) My experiments with truth by MK Gandhi
19) One night at the call centre by Chetan Bhagat
20) Harry Potter
21) Alice in Wonderland
22) The Wizard of Oz
23) Arabian nights
24) The wishing chair, I think it was by Enid Blyton, am not sure. Read it long, long ago.
The last few are kiddo books, but I would love to read them all the same. :-)

Now, I hereby tag Karthik. :-)

Thanks, Niths. Enjoyed doing this! :-)

The old tree

2007-07-01T07:48:00.000+05:30

I was a lush tree once,
Beautiful to look at,
With green, green leaves
And strong boughs,
The birds used to nest in me
And sing me beautiful songs,
My heart was filled
With gaiety and cheer.

Today I am all dried up,
My beauty all gone,
I cannot bear the sun's heat
And my dry limbs are cracking,
My trunk is turning hollow
My leaves are yellowing
And falling off
One by one.

The birds no longer
Perch atop my branches,
They no longer talk to me
As they used to,
My heart is filled
With loneliness,
My only companions being
Other withered trees like me.

Many a storms
I have weathered,
But now my roots are weak,
I can weather no more,
I await desperately
That one big storm
That will fell me
To the earth...

How the French Bean got its fiber

2007-06-29T08:08:00.000+05:30

An attempt at writing a story for children. Read at your own risk. Any kind of damage to the reader on reading this story will not be considered the blogger's responsibility. :-)

Once upon a time, in a land called Sabjiland, all the vegetables lived together. One day, all of them got very bored. They got together and decided to have a party the coming weekend. They all agreed to participate in organizing the party. They agreed that they would have a lot of fun together. There would be music, dance, food, games, everything.

The idea excited the vegetables greatly. Arrangements were made, food was cooked, beautiful decorations were made and the Town Hall was made ready for the party. Invitations were printed and distributed to all in Sabjiland. Each and every vegetable was invited – the onion, the tomato, the chilly, the potato, the French bean, the capsicum, the cabbage, the brinjal, the lady finger, all and sundry. No one was left out.

Excitement grew as the occasion drew nearer and nearer. Every one had been asked to perform something to exhibit their talent. Everybody was eagerly awaiting the D-day.

Finally, the day of the great event arrived. All the vegetables arrived at the Town Hall, dressed in their best clothes. There was noise and laughter all around. The vegetables danced together. Loud music blared out of Town Hall. Then food was served. The vegetables enjoyed the various delicacies.

Then the time came for the best part of the party – the talent search. Each vegetable presented an item. The tomato sang a nice, hip song which had all the vegetables rocking on their feet. The lady finger mimicked a famous actor of the yesteryears, which had everyone oohing and aahing. The chilly and the potato presented a witty drama. The capsicum recited a beautiful poem. The cabbage said a story that it had written on its own.

Then it was the turn of the rotund brinjal to present something. It had decided to present a dance before the other vegetables. The musicians started playing and the brinjal started dancing with great gusto. It was a fast number and the brinjal was performing wonderfully. All the vegetables were fully immersed in watching the dance.

Suddenly, the satin robe that the brinjal was wearing got under its feet. It slipped and fell. It tried to right itself, but could not. It fell on the stage with a loud thud.

At this, the French bean burst out laughing. The other vegetables told it to hush, that it sounded very rude to laugh at someone who had fallen, but the French bean could not control itself. It laughed and laughed and laughed till it fell off its seat.

It laughed so much that it split its sides. The town tailor was called urgently and its sides were stitched.

The brinjal was furious that the French bean had laughed at it. It said to the French bean, “You laughed at me when I had fallen down. It serves you right that your sides burst open. Now you will always have these stitches throughout your life. They will remind you never to laugh at someone in difficulty.”

The French bean apologized profusely to the brinjal, but the brinjal refused to take back its words.

Since then, the French bean has always had the fiber at its sides.

Am I a human being?

2007-06-27T22:10:00.000+05:30

Earlier today in office, I was reading some articles on the net. I was trying to open an article when I received the following message:

"In order to allow you to view this page, we need to verify that you are a real human being. Please enter the code given below in the box alongside to confirm."

?????????????????????????

Couldn't help but LOL at this....

For your information, it was proved that I indeed am a human being.:-)

The decision

2007-06-26T14:01:00.000+05:30

Lakshmi took out the wooden box almost fearfully from beneath the mounds of clothes in the cupboard, where she had hidden it out of sight. Her hands lingered over the latch for a moment before she opened it and emptied it on the table. ‘I hope I have enough,’ she thought ‘I want it so badly.’

Carefully, she counted the bunched up currency notes and the coins that she had saved. Drop by drop. The money she had saved from the amount that her husband gave her for the household expenses. She had tried to cut down unnecessary expenditure and save as much as possible. She had many a times fought the urge to buy groceries from the nearby mall, and had gone to the neighborhood fair-priced shop instead. She had resisted the temptation to buy that new set of plastic jars for the kitchen. She could always buy that later. Now, she wanted to buy that beautiful imitation jewellery set for herself – the one she had seen in the gift shop a few months ago. She hoped it would still be there and would not have been sold out. There had only been one piece available. 'Designer piece, madam,' the clerk at the shop had told her.

Lakshmi had gone to the gift shop to buy a card for her husband for his birthday. And then she had seen it. A beautiful choker necklace and matching earrings. It was beautifully crafted, exquisite. Made of white pearls and white stones, it had looked royal. She had picked it up and looked at it affectionately. She had fallen in love with it at first sight. She had run her fingers over it admiringly and looked at the price tag. Rs. 585, it had said. Her jaw had dropped open. That was too high a price. At least for her. Suddenly her heart felt heavy. She wished she could be like those ladies they show in TV serials. The ones who are always prettily dressed up and who seem to have no other job except going to kitty parties. She wished she belonged to the aristocratic class and not to the middle class. She wished she would never have to think twice before buying anything. Suddenly her name, Lakshmi, seemed ironical to her.

She knew she had been standing there and holding the jewelry box in her hands for too long when the sales clerk approached her. 'Yes madam, shall I pack it for you?,' He had asked. And she had come out of her reverie. Face to face with reality. 'No thanks. I will come later,' she had said. She had placed the box back on the shelf, throwing one last loving, lingering gaze at it. In that moment, she decided she would buy that set for herself. She would work hard at saving for it. She had paid for the card and exited the shop.

And now, she hoped she had saved enough to buy it. And she hoped with all her heart that it had not been sold. The last time she had passed by the gift shop a week ago, she had seen it in the display case. She crossed her fingers and began counting. Her savings amounted to Rs. 605. Just enough. Her face lit up and she got ready to go to the shop.

She walked down to the shop anxiously. She had barely reached the shop when she saw the set she so adored in the display case. So it had not been sold after all, she thought. Luck was on her side. Maybe it was meant for her. Waiting for her to come and buy it. Maybe it was meant to adorn her throat. She smiled at the irrational thoughts and entered the shop.

'Good afternoon madam,' the clerk at the counter wished her. She wished him back and picked up the box lovingly. Finally, she was going to buy it. It was going to be hers. A sense of joy filled her.

She was just about to ask the clerk to pack it up for her when her gaze fell on it – the leather business planner. She put the jewelry down and picked up the planner. It contained a diary, a pen holder and a visiting card holder. Just the right thing for her husband. He often complained of lost visiting cards and pens. His absent minded nature caused him to miss appointments. Sometimes his work had suffered due to this. This would be just the right gift for him. He could keep all his contacts in it and also plan out his daily schedule. She knew he had been planning to buy one for long, but had never got around to it.

She smiled. Poor thing, he would never buy anything for himself. Would always put his family first.

She looked at the price. Rs. 600, the label said.

She thought of all the love her husband had showered on her. She thought of the smile that would light up his eyes when he saw her gift. In a split second, a decision was taken. Love won over temptation.

'Please pack this planner for me,' she said to the clerk. In a few moments, she was out of the shop, clutching her precious parcel close to her heart, which was full of love and satisfaction, of a decision well taken.

Love is in the air....

2007-06-24T12:38:00.000+05:30

Some of my favourite love songs:

Note: Don't blame me for this post. It's the weather!! :-)

Mile kisi se nazar toh

Aahat si koi aaye

Hothon se choo lo tum

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Tumko dekha toh ye khayal aaya

Kiska chehra

Hosh walon ko khabar kya

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Huzoor is kadar bhi na

Ghar se nikalte hi

Sambhala hai maine

Baahon ke darmiyaan

Janeman janeman

Kab tak chup baithe

Listen to 12, get the 13th one free:

Tum mile dil khile

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Beautiful thoughts

2007-06-22T15:37:00.000+05:30

Some beautiful quotes collected from different places:

#1 If you love somebody, let them go. If they return, they were always yours. If they don't, they never were.

#2 You come to love not by finding the perfect person, but by seeing an imperfect person perfectly.

#3 Love is when you don't want to go to sleep, because reality is better than a dream.

#4 Sometimes we put walls around our heart, not just to be safe from getting hurt, but to find out who cares enough to break them down. It is called love.

#5 Wanna know what i want most in life? i want someone who can

-leave me,
-live without me,
-be strong enough without me

but chooses not to..

#6 Don't go for looks; they can deceive.
Don't go for wealth; even that fades away.
Go for someone who makes you smile,
because it takes only a smile to make a dark day seem bright.
Find the one that makes your heart smile.

#7 People come into your life for a reason, a
season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will
know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a
REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have
come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with
guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.
They may seem like a GOD send and they are. They are there for the
reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrong doing on your
part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do
something to bring the relationship to an end.
Sometimes they die.
Sometimes they walk away.
Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.
What we must realize is that our need has been met, our
desire fulfilled, their work is done.
The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a
SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn.
They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you
something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable
amount of joy. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime
lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid
emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and
put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and
areas of your life.

#8 When one door of happiness closes, another opens;
but often times we look so long at the
closed door that we don't see the one,
which has been opened for us.

#9 May you have...Enough happiness to make you sweet
Enough trials to make you strong
Enough sorrow to keep you human
Enough hope to make you happy
And enough money to keep you comfortable.

#10 The best kind of friend is the one you could sit on a porch, swing with,
never saying a word and then walk away feeling like that was the best
conversation you've had.

#11 Maybe God wants us to meet a few wrong people before meeting the right
one so that when we finally meet the right person, we should know how to be
grateful for that gift.

#12 The happiest people don't necessarily have the best of everything, they
just make the most of everything that comes along the way.

#13 A sad thing about life is that when you meet someone who means a lot to
you only to find out in the end that it was never bound to be and you just
have to let go.

#14 It hurts to love someone, and not to be loved in return but what is most
painful is to love someone and never finds the courage to let the person
know how you feel.

#15 Never say goodbye when you still want to try;
Never give up when you still feel you can take it;
Never say you don't love that person anymore when you can't let go.

#16 There are things you love to hear, but you would never hear it from the
person whom you would like to hear it from, but don't be deaf to hear it
from the person who says it with his heart.

#17 Giving someone all your love is never an assurance that they'll love you
back. Don't expect love in return, just wait for it to grow in their hearts
but if it doesn't, be content it grew in yours.

#18 Nobody can go back and start a new beginning, but anyone can start today and make a new ending.

#19 Dream what you want to dream;
go where you want to go;
be what you want to be,
because you have only one life
and one chance to do all the things
you want to do.

#20 The brightest future will always
be based on a forgotten past;
you can't go forward in life until
you let go of your past failures and heartaches.

#21 It's true that we don't know what we've got until we lose it, but it's
also true that we don't know what we've been missing until it arrives.

#22 Always put yourself in other's shoes. If you feel that it hurts you, it
probably does hurt the person too.

#23 Happiness lies for those who cry, those who hurt, those who have
searched and those who have tried. For only they can appreciate the
importance of people who have touched their lives.

#24 When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling.
Live your life to the fullest so that when you die, you're smiling and
everyone around you is crying . . .

#25 Love comes to those who still hope even though they've been
disappointed, to those who still believe even though they've been betrayed,
need to love those who still love, even though they've been hurt before.

#26 Love takes off masks that we fear we cannot live without and know we cannot live within.

#27 Love is when the other person's happiness is more important than your own.

#28 Life doesn't require that we be the best, only that we try our best.

#29 The only true gift is a portion of yourself.

#30 Life Is Not The Breaths You Take. It is The Moments Which Take Your Breathe Away.

#31 The beginning of love is to let those we love be perfectly themselves
and not to twist them with our own image, otherwise we love only the
reflection of ourselves we find in them.

#32 In life, there are only lessons, no failures……

#33 It is your attitude more than your aptitude that determines your altitude.

#34 Lord, don't move that mountain,
But give me the strength to climb
Lord don't take away the stumbling blocks
But lead me all around...

#35 Loving is not just looking at each other, it's looking together in the same direction.

#36 When you want to see how rich you are, don't count your assets, just drop a tear and look around at the number of hands that are outstretched to catch it..

And, lastly, something I got as an SMS and touched me a lot:

"We live in a funny world because pizza reaches home faster than the ambulance..."

Rain! Rain!

2007-06-21T10:35:00.000+05:30

Yay! Looks like monsoon has finally set in in Ahmedabad city. We had the season's first shower yesterday evening, just about an hour before I was about to start from office for home. It was beeeeeyyyyyooooootttttiiiiiiifullllll......Finally a respite from the heat...

Everybody rushed to the windows and corridors to see the rain! :-) Funny, how a spell of rain can change a busy and serious work day into chaos, fun and laughter. Soon, it started raining cats and dogs. Complete with lightning and thunder.

For once, the office didn't seem so drab. The light above my desk did not look like the one above a criminal being interrogated by a policeman in the police station. I didn't feel like dunking the punch machine in the sweet syrup that is brought in by the office boy that they call tea. I didn't feel like hitting a few selected characters in office smack on their grinning faces. For once, the egoistic attitude of certain other characters seemed bearable. Deadlines seemed achievable.

I couldn't find an auto and had to walk down home all the way! Not that I minded!!:-)The only problem was that my new leather chappals that I like a lot got soaked to the core. :-( As I walked down, I saw people thronging the 'dalwada' and 'corn on the cob' stalls on the roadside. There were literally traffic jams near these stalls! Both the customers and the stall owners were having a field day! People here sure know how to enjoy themselves to the fullest.

On the way, I noticed a poor family cooking food huddled inside a large drainage pipe, sheltering themselves from the rain. They were laughing and enjoying. Talk about contentment and making the most of what you have! Somehow, it brought a smile to my face. Yesterday was one of those days when I was grateful that I had a warm home and a family to go back to. The bowl of steaming Maggi noodles I had last night seemed heavenly after that!

It is cloudy today. Might rain. Might not. According to the newspaper, monsoons have not officially set in. :-( Full fledged rains are expected only towards the very last part of the month. A few hoardings and trees fell down and 2 people have been reported dead in yesterday's rain! Idhu trailer na real movie yepdi irrukumo!!:-) God save us!

Another busy day

2007-06-19T15:57:00.001+05:30

6.30 A.M. Morning alarm goes off. I scramble out of bed after a sleepless night.

7.00 A.M. As per the family custom, I light the earthern lamp in the pooja room and offer my daily prayers.

7.15 A.M. The morning cup of coffee and 2 pieces of toast.

7.30 A.M. A quick glance at the morning headlines in the newspaper.

7.45 A.M. I begin preparations for cooking lunch.

9.00 A.M. I am ready to go to office.

9.15 A.M. I drive down to office listening to Himesh Reshammiya's cacophonous crooning on the local radio station.

9.30 A.M. I enter my office with a bright smile and a cheery wave and 'Good morning' to every one.

9.40 A.M. I switch on my laptop, check my inbox and my schedule for the day.

9.45 A.M. Meeting with Mr. Sharma in Software about the new software to be installed.

10.15 A.M. Interview with two candidates for the post of receptionist and Accounts assistant, who are going to leave the job soon.

11.00 A.M. Call the three prospective clients and schedule a meeting with them.

11.30 A.M. I meet with the executives in the Software division and brief them about the targets for the month.

12.00 noon: I send emails to the clients I am meeting with in the USA on Saturday.

12.30 P.M. Design the report about the department's performance in the last month.

2.00 P.M. I hear voices from outside my cabin. It must be time for lunch. I head towards the pantry to have lunch.

2.30 P.M. Meeting with the head of the Accounts and Marketing departments.

3.45 P.M. A cup of black coffee with colleagues.

4.00 P.M. I reply to the pending emails in my inbox.

5.15 P.M. Call up the people who had left messages, which Maria, my secretary, has so efficiently taken down.

6.00 P.M. Confirm the travel arrangements as well as the lodging for my trip to USA with Maria.

6.15 P.M. I plan out my schedule for the next day.

7.00 P.M. Time to leave for home, a place that suddenly seems empty and haunted.

7.10 P.M. Drive back home with Jagjit Singh's ghazals breaking the eerie silence in the car.

8.00 P.M. I let myself into the house and check whether the maid has done the cleaning.

8.15 P.M. I switch on the T.V. and update myself about the happenings over the world throughout the day.

8.45 P.M. I begin preparations for dinner.

9.30 P.M. Have dinner, just because it is time to do so.

9.45 P.M. Call Mom and Dad and tell them not to worry about me, that I am O.K.

10.15 P.M. Have a warm shower and slip into bed, in the hope that today, finally, sleep would fill my tired eyes so that I can be ready to face yet another busy day tomorrow.

I only wish my mind would also be as busy. So busy that I would forget everything about you. Your enchanting smile, your ringing voice, your friendly banter, your confident attitude....The memories of you, that seem to be everywhere I go. Memories that creep up in my mind at any time, without warning. I wish I could banish the love for you from my mind. The love that I felt for you once. The love that I still feel. Maybe. The love that was not reciprocated. I wish I could banish that illogical voice in my heart which tells me that you might one day realise the extent to which I loved you....

Me and appa

2007-06-18T06:59:00.000+05:30

Dear Appa,

They say daughters are special to their fathers and sons are special to their mothers. I think this is true. You and I have shared a special bond, something which cannot be explained in words. You know what I want before I say anything and I know exactly what you are thinking, even if you don't say so.

People say my features are like you. I have got my gift of a strong intuition from you. Both of us are very similar in several aspects.

You have always been there to say a kind word, to lend a helping hand or to give me a shoulder to cry on. I know I always have your support in whatever rightful thing I do. Your steady hand was always there for me to hold when I was off-balance.

You ensured that I got good education. You ensured that I inculcated the habit of reading.

The things that you have done for our family are priceless. I cannot even begin to count the number of sacrifices you have made for the family's betterment.

You have never told us outright that you care, but I know you do. A great deal. Your actions say so. You are a family man, appa. You live for your family. You are the most loving and kind person I ever saw.

I know the storms you have weathered, the problems you have faced. You have always been cool and composed on the surface. I admire your composure in the face of problems. These storms brought us closer and strenghened our bond....

I am still the same little girl for you, aren't I? The little girl whom you used to take to the neighbourhood park. The little girl whom you used to lift and place on the baby seat to take her to school. I know you don't want me to get hurt. Rest assured, appa. I will never conciuosly allow your faith and trust in me to be shattered.

I never did express my feelings for you. How much you meant to me, how much I cared...Now I do, on this Father's Day.

Thank you, appa for all that you have done for me. Thank you for always being there when I needed you. I know 'thank you' would not be enough, but still...And, happy Father's Day. Love you.

Remember that, I'll be there for you too...always.

Your daughter.

It's Priya time!!!

2007-06-14T20:08:00.000+05:30

Some of my favourite Priya songs:

Nasha ye pyaar ka nasha - Mann

O Priya Priya - Dil

Deewana deewana - Daraar

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Kaun hai jo sapnon mein - Jhuk gaya aasman

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O Priya - Kahin pyaar na ho jaaye

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The ultimate dining experience

2007-06-12T20:36:00.000+05:30

This past weekend saw me enjoying myself thoroughly - with a childhood friend. We went out for dinner on Sunday. It was a very pleasant and happy experience because I went out for dinner after a reeaaallly, reeaaalllly long time. Moreover, I had a chance to share some fond memories with this friend after a very long time. We went to a restaurant near my place. Nothing fancy - a neat and cozy restaurant, which serves a great variety of dishes with a great taste. Both of us share the same taste in food and the same enthusiasm for life and food, so the entire thing was great fun. Time just flew!!!

The menu gave us a lot of scope for entertainment and timepass. I came to know that Panipuri is called 'Water balls' in English!!!! Moreover, I came to know that there are dishes like 'Chimp's choice' (a mocktail made up of pineapple, orange and lemon juice), 'Devil's choice' (again, a mocktail, which is made of chocolate, mint and icecream), 'Maramari' (a mixture of mosambi and pineapple juice), 'Sharp shock' (a mixture of black grape and apple juice), 'Red Alert' (a mixture of carrot and orange juice) and 'Junglee Paneer' (a sandwich consisting of paneer, cheese, mayonnaise, carrot and capsicum) and that people order and eat them too!!!! Ain't the names creative??? It sure was funny hearing, "Ek Red Alert de do."!!!!

There was a couple on the table next to ours - apparently a husband and wife. The husband held out the chair for the wife and ensured that she was comfortably seated before he had his seat. Both of them placed their order, but the husband's order was served first. He waited till his wife's order was also served and then both of them began eating together. So what is so exciting in that? Well, nothing except that both were well over their 60s. Me and my friend found it so sweet that they respected each other even after so many years of being together!!!

That is what I can an ultimate dining experience - fun, sweet memories, beautiful moments, great food and great company!!!

The effects of technology

2007-06-09T17:59:00.000+05:30

From a forward...

A difficult project

2007-06-08T08:17:00.000+05:30

Sanjay looked down at the mammoth project lying before him for the umpteenth time. How was he going to do it? It all seemed too difficult – so technical. He didn’t even have any idea of what the function of each little thing was. How did Anita manage to do it? Effortlessly, flawlessly, day after day?

He was just thinking of giving up when his gaze fell on his kid daughter Anu, who was watching her father’s frustrated attempts with wide open eyes. He pulled a long face at her.

Anu smiled, the expression lighting up her childish face. “Come on, Papa. Just do it. I know you can! If you need help, I’ll always be there for you!”, she said in an innocent but firm voice, echoing what he always told her when she had trouble with her school projects.

His heart melted as he looked at his little angel – her little body clothed in a powder blue frock, her hair all mussed up from sleep. He bent down, hugged her and gave her a kiss on her rosy cheek. “Yes, sweetheart, I’ll do it,” he said.

And then he turned to the task before him. He would do it, no matter what. He would learn. He would make mistakes, but then who didn’t? He would do it for Anu. He would do it for his beloved wife, who had brought this little miracle, this bundle of joy into their lives.

Yes, he would do it. He would prepare breakfast for his darling wife Anita on their 6th wedding anniversary before she woke up and surprise her with it.

PS: Cheers to my mom n dad who are celebrating their 27th wedding anniversary today! Wishing them many many more occasions like this!!

Timepass!!!!

2007-06-06T18:01:00.000+05:30

Here are some interesting facts collected from here and there:

Fact #1: A 'jiffy' is an actual unit of time for 1/100th of a second. (Didn't know that! Think well the next time you tell someone "I'll do it in a jiffy!")

Fact #2 : You share your birthday with atleast 9 million other people in the world.(Wow! Good to know that I am not alone after all!!)

Fact #3: The most common name in the world is Mohammed. (Oh, really? I thought it was Priya!!)

Fact #4: The Chinese ideogram for 'trouble' symbolizes 'two women living under one roof'. (LOL stuff this!!)

Fact #5: On average, a 4-year-old child asks 437 questions a day. (Only 437??? I don't believe that!!! My cousins' kids seem to ask 100 thousand questions in a day!!!)

Fact #6: The word "listen" contains the same letters as the word "silent". (Good way of saying that you need to shut up if you want to really listen!! Jokes apart, a nice piece of philosophy.)

Fact #7: American Airlines saved $ 40,000 in 1987 by taking out an olive from First Class salads. (Wow! Talk about taking small measures!!)

Fact #8: 'Hippopotomonstrosesquippedaliophobia' is the fear of long words.(Why such a li'l word for that????)

Fact #9: The average chocolate bar has 8 insect legs in it. (I am gonna pretend I didn't read this!!!!)

Fact #10: On average, 12 newborns will be given to wrong parents every day.(Ain't it scary????)

Bittersweet moments....

2007-06-04T07:47:00.000+05:30

Sam was the last person Niketan had expected to meet in a crowded shopping mall on a Saturday afternoon. Well, not meet, exactly. Come across. For, Sam - Samiksha that is- had not seen him. He had had a half day at office and his wife and kids had gone to his in-laws' place to visit. They would be back by tomorrow. He had been bored and had decided to walk down to the nearby mall. Where he had spotted her.

It had been more than 3 years since they had parted. The rainy afternoon when she had told him that she loved Parthiv and not him, that she was going to marry Parthiv, flashed through his mind. Heck, he had thought he had forgotten her.

Niketan glanced at her. She was busy looking through some crockery. She had always been fond of China plates and bowls. She didn't seem to have noticed him and was oblivious to his perusal. Oh, she had brought her son with her..... A cute kid, around 2 years of age. He had Samiksha's nose and forehead, he observed.

She had worn a red saree. Red had always looked good on her - it seemed to make her rosy complexion even rosier. She had dressed up to the hilt, the way she used to when they were in college. She had worn matching red bangles. A large red bindi adorned her forehead and a long string of black beads, the sacred Mangalsutra, graced her neck. The thick red streak of vermilion in her forehead parting gave testimony to her matrimonial state. She had become even more beautiful after marriage.

She seemed happy, satisfied with life. May she always remain happy in life, Niketan prayed. People like her deserved the best. He tore his gaze away from her.

Niketan picked up a book at random from the rack before which he had been standing, without so much as glancing at the title or the price. He headed off towards the cash counter. No, he would not talk to her, as much as he wanted to. No point in disturbing her smooth life.

He ignored the dull ache in his heart. Did he still have a soft corner for her? No, of course not. No, sir. He had a doting wife and two wonderful kids. They were his world now. He had a home to go back to. He would just get out of the mall, go home and read the book he had just bought, and Sam would soon be out of his mind.....

PS: On account of deadlines and heavy pressure at work, stressful situations at home and threats from the home manager (read amma) that I would be evicted from the home if I do not overcome this net addiction, posts will now onwards be sporadic.

The fox and the grapes

2007-06-03T08:18:00.000+05:30

We have all heard of the story of the fox and the grapes. I have tried to modify the original story a bit, in the light of the changing scenario in the modern times...Here it is:

Once upon a time, in a certain land, there lived a fox. The fox was known to be very cunning and intelligent. Whatever question was put before him, he would always have an answer.

Now, this cunning fox was passing through a vineyard one day. He saw fresh grapes hanging from a vine. The smell of ripe grapes filled his senses and his mouth started watering. The fox was hungry too. He looked around, but the owner of the vineyard was nowhere to be seen. He decided to have his fill of the ripe, juicy grapes.

The grapes were hanging at a great distance above the fox. He got up on his hind feet and tried to reach for the grapes, but could not. The distance was too great. He tried jumping up and reaching for the fruit, but all in vain.

After several such attempts, the fox finally got tired. He sat down on the ground to rest for a while. He was suddenly reminded of his great grandfather, who had been put in a similar situation years ago. Grandpa Fox had also tried to reach for a bunch of grapes in a vineyard, but had been unsuccessful in doing so. Ultimately, after many futile attempts, he had gone on his way, consoling himself that the grapes would have been sour anyway.

Our Mr. Fox thought, “The grapes might be sour, but maybe they are very sweet. They do smell ripe and juicy. How can I know unless I taste them? I will not give up the way Grandpa did. I have to think of a way to reach them.”

He started racking his brains for a way to eat the grapes. Finally he hit upon an idea. He called to his wife, and Mrs. Fox soon came there trotting.

He asked his wife, “Dear, would you like to have some fresh, juicy grapes?”

Mrs. Fox replied, “Hmmmm….. How nice that would be! I would love that.”

Mr. Fox said, “See those grapes hanging from that vine?” He pointed to them and his wife nodded. “I need your help in getting them. I will lift you on my shoulders and you get them. Then we can have them together.”

Mrs. Fox was only too happy to help her husband. He lifted her up and she grabbed the bunch of grapes. Then he gently put her down on the ground.

Both of them had their fill of the grapes. And, just as he had thought, the fruit was very sweet and juicy.

The husband and wife went back home satisfied and happy. Mr. Fox was very happy that he had not admitted defeat like his great grandfather had and had found a way to deal with the problem.

Super boss

2007-06-02T08:26:00.000+05:30

Mr. Sudhanshu Pandey – the head of the sales department- was having a meeting with his sales executives. He was quite a tough taskmaster and the execs under him were scared.

SP- So, how far have you achieved the target for the month, Ravi?
Ravi- Boss, closed a deal for 250000 yesterday. Still 500000 to go..
SP- 500000? And it is already the 25th. What did you do the whole month?
Ravi- Boss..
SP- I don’t want to listen to any excuses. I want the target achieved by the 28th.
Ravi- But boss..
SP- NO EXCUSES, I said. Work overtime if you have to, but it should be done by the 28th.
Ravi- Yes boss..
SP- That’s good.. What about you, Tejas?
Tejas- 150000 to go boss..
SP- Hmm, I want it done by tomorrow evening.
Tejas-Boss, tomorrow? I wanted to take a leave tomorrow, boss. Remember, I talked to you about it? It is my wife’s birthday.
SP- First things first, Tejas. Work should be your top priority.
Tejas- Boss..
SP- I cant help it, Tejas. I want it done by tomorrow.
Tejas- Ok boss..
SP- That’s better. Shripal, is your sales report for the month ready?
Shripal- No boss, it will be ready by tomorrow evening.
SP- I want it on my table in an hour.
Shripal- In an hour, boss? Gimme some time...
SP- I don’t like repeating myself….I want it ready in one hour.
Shripal- Yes boss...

At this moment, SP’s cellphone rings. He looks at the number. Its Super Boss calling. He immediately gets up and rushes out of his cabin, shouting ‘Guys, meeting dispersed’ after him.

Outside the cabin:

SP- Hi darling!
Super Boss-**&&$$##
SP- What?
Super Boss- ^^&&##*
SP- Sorry darling, I forgot. There is so much pressure at office.
Super Boss- !!$$**&&*
SP- Sorry dear, really sorry.
Super Boss- *&&^^%%
SP- Now? You want it now?
Super Boss- $$%^^**
SP- Darling, I'm in office, in the middle of a meeting.
Super Boss - **##**&&$
SP- Ok, I'm coming
Super Boss- %%$$$((##
SP- Coming, coming, just gimme 5 minutes…

SP goes back into the cabin, where the execs are still sitting and discussing what to do.

SP-‘Guys, received an urgent call. Have to leave now. Remember what we discussed in the meeting, ok?”

Kurai Ondrum Illai

2007-06-01T09:10:00.001+05:30

My all-time favourite Tamil song: Kurai Ondrum Illai Kanna

The great lyrics:

KURAI ONRUM ILLAI MARAI MOORTTHI KANNAA KURAI ONRUM ILLAI KANNAA KURAI ONRUM ILLAI GOVINDAA

KANNUKKU THERIYAAMAL NIRKINRAAY KANNAA KANNUKKU THERIYAAMAL NINRAALUM ENAKKU KURAI ONRUM ILLAI MARAI MOORTTHI KANNAA

VENDIYATHAI THANNTHIDA VENKATESAN ENRIRUKKA VENDIYATHU VERILLAI MARAI MOORTTHI KANNAA MANIVANNAA MALAYAPPA GOVINDAA GOVINDAA

THIRAIYIN PIN NIRKINRAAY KANNAA, KANNA THIRAIYIN PIN NIRKINRAAY KANNAA, UNNAI MARAI ODUM NYAANIYAR MATTUME KAANPAAR THIRAIYIN PIN NIRKINRAAY KANNAA, UNNAI MARAI ODUM NYAANIYAR MATTUME KAANPAAR ENRAALUM KURAI ONRUM ENAKKILLAI KANNAA ENRAALUM KURAI ONRUM ENAKKILLAI KANNAA

KUNRIN MEL KALLAAKI NIRKINRA VARADAA KUNRIN MEL KALLAAKI NIRKINRA VARADAA KURAI ONRUM ILLAI MARAI MOORTTHI KANNAA KURAI ONRUM ILLAI MARAI MOORTTHI KANNAA MANIVANNAA MALAIAPPAA GOVINDAA GOVINDAA

KALI NAALUKKIRANGI KALLILE IRANGI NILAIYAAGA KOVILIL NIRKINRAAY KESAVAA KALI NAALUKKIRANGI KALLILE IRANGI NILAIYAAGA KOVILIL NIRKINRAAY KESAVAA KURAI ONRUM ILLAI MARAI MOORTTHI KANNAA

YAATHUM MARUKKAATHA MALAIYAPPAA - UN MAARBIL EDUM THARA NIRKUM KARUNAI KADAL ANNAI ENRUM IRUNTHIDA EDU KURAI ENAKKU ENRUM IRUNTHIDA EDU KURAI ENAKKU ONRUM KURAI ILLAI MARAI MOORTTHI KANNAA MANIVANNAA MALAIAPPAA GOVINDAA GOVINDAA GOVINDAA GOVINDAA

The meaning behind the divine lyrics:

I have no problem Oh, Lord, Kanna! I do not have anything to say, Kanna! I have no complaint, Oh, Govindaa! You are invisible, Oh, kanna! Yet, I have no problem, Oh, Kanna! When Lord Venkateswara is ready to give us what we want, why do we desire anything, Oh, Kanna! Manivanna, malaiappa, Govindaa! You are standing behind a screen, Oh Lord! Only those scholars who are well-versed in the Vedas can “see” you. Yet, I have no problem; No problem even if I do not see You.Oh Lord, You are standing on a hill. I do not have any problem still.You have incarnated yourself into a stone-form recognising the necessity during Kali Yuga. You are permanently here in this Temple. You do not refuse the request from any of your devotees. You also have the merciful Goddess Lakshmi residing in Your chest. So, what deficiency can I have? I have no complaint, Kanna, manivanna, malaiappa, Govindaa, Govindaa!Govindaa, Govindaa! Govindaa, Govindaa! Govindaa, Govindaa!

'Person'ification

2007-05-31T08:02:00.000+05:30

I was going through some guys' profiles on a matrimonial site when I came across this:

"I am person who would like to meet the person who likes me in person and talk to that person because I believe all this is just a way of expressing the actual person can be known only if u meet that person."

Too much of 'person'ification? Can some person please tell me what this person wants to say?
_____________________________________________________________

Coincidence! Coincidence!

I received a forward on the same matter, which I am Ctrl+C and Ctrl+Ving here:

From guys' profiles on matrimonial sites:

Hello To Viewers My Name is Shekhar , I am single i don't have female, If anyone want to Marie to me u can visit to my home. I am not a good education but i working all field in bangalroe.. if u like me u welcome to my heart...when ever u want to meet pls visit my resident or send u letter.. Thanks yours Regards Shekhar
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i want very simple girl. from brahmin educated family from orissa state she is also know about RAMAYAN, GEETA BHAGABATA, and other homework(Homework?)
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Wants a woman who knows me better and can adjust with me forever. she may never create any difficulties in my life or her life by which the entire life can run smoothly. thank you (The principle of running life smoothly was never so easy!)
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she should be good looking and should have a service. she Should have one brother and one sister. she should be educated.(ain't it unique !! 1 brother 1 sister criteria !)
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I am a happy-go-lucky kind of person. Enjoys every moments of life. I love to make friendship. Because friendship is a first step of love. I am looking for my dreamgirl who will love me more than i. Because i love myself a lot. If u think that is u then why to late come on ........hold my hand forever !!!(The dilwale dulhaniya effect)
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i am simple boy.I have lot of problem in my life because of my luck now i am looking one gal she care me and love me lot lot lot(I don't know why but this is one of my favorites)
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My wife should be as 'Shivani' as in Kahani Ghar Ghar Ki and as Tanwerr as in KSBKBT......(Ok I haven't seen these soaps but I am sure he must be demanding too much,ain't he?)
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i want a girl with no drinks if she wants she can wear jeans in house but while stepping out of house she should give respect to our cast(by not wearing her jeans? Wat the hell...)
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I AM A GOOD LOKING BOY,WHO HAS THE CAPABILITY TO MAKE ANY BODY TO LOUGH.I BELIEVE IN GOD AND ACCORDING TO ME FRIENDS ARE THE REAL MESSENGER OF GOD. THE 3 THINGS I AM LOOKING FROM A GIRL ,THEY ARE 1.THEY MUST BELIEVE IN GOD.2. THEY HAVE TO LIKE MY PROFFESION AND THEY SHOULD NOT GET BORED WITH ME WHEN I WILL TRY TO MAKE THEM LOUGH. (all of us are loughing{laughing})
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whatever she may be but she should feel that she is going to be someone bride and she must think of the future life if she is too like this she would be called the woman of the lamp (I am clueless, I feel so lost. Can anyone tell me what this boy wants?)
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i love my patner i marriage the patner ok i search my patner and i love thepatner ok thik hai the patner has a graduate ok(I am again clueless but I liked the use of "ok". The person is suffering from "Ok-syndrome")
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HI IAM VERY COOL NUATHER OK MY HOBBY IS SEE T.V AND NEWS OK I HAVE 1 CAR AND 1 BONWL OK MY MOTHER ALSO GOOD OK MY FARUET WORLD IS OK (the "ok syndrome" again)
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I am pran my family history my two brother two sister and Father&mother sister complity marred(somebody please explain how to get married 'completely'?)
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i am very simpel and hanest. i have three sister one brother and parent. iam doing postal sarvice and tailor master my original resdence at kalahandi diste naw iam staing at rayagada dist. (actually what is this guy doing? Postal service or tailor??)
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my name is muhamad and i am unmarried. pleaes you marrige me pleaes pleaes pleaes pleaes pleaes pleaes pleaes(height of desperation! )
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Iwant one girl who love me or my mother. she love me heartly or she have a frank she's skin colour 'normal'not a black or not a whitey. I Think the main think is heart if your heart is beautiful then you are beautiful. but i am not a handsome guy or not a good looking. but my Mom say that Iam a good guy. My father already expired . THE CHOICE IS YOUR. bye bye.(uttama purushan)
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iam kanan. i do owo businas.one sistar.he was marred.(No comments)
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I AM LITTLE FAIR INDIAN COLOUR. I DON'T HAVE ANY HABIT. (maybe the poor guy meant BAD habits)
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hello i am a good charactarised man. i want to run my life happily.idivorced my first wife.her charactor is not good'. i expect the good minded and clean habits girl who may be in the same caste or other caste accepted ...(but credit cards not accepted..???)
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my colour is black,but my heart is white.i like social service(Zebra..???)
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i'm looking out for who lives in bombay , girl simple who trust me lot should be roman catholic, LOVE ME ONLY. (Now that criterion is a must, isn't it?)
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to be married on jan-2006. working woman perferable (this guy has fixed the marriage date too! But he is yet to find a bride. I wish him best of luck on behalf of all of us. I am sure he will get one soon.)
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i would like a beautyfull girl. and i do not want her any treasure. because girl is the maharani.(Now she is going to be a lucky girl! Any takers?)
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ssc failed three times and worked with privated ltd company which not paying salary at present.(Any takers again?)

Thollai

2007-05-30T07:50:00.000+05:30

DISCLAIMER: This post is solely for the purpose of fun. No offence meant to any one.

On a certain day, at 5.30 P.M.

Mom: Lalita, innuma ready agalai? Kalyanam mudhinjathuku apparama kelambaporeya?
Lalita: Nee poittu vaa, ma. Naan varalai...
Mom: Onnakaga dhaan indhu kalyanathuku poharom di. Nee vandhe aganum.
(Lalita, getting the hint of what is to take place at the kalyanam, rolls her eyes in desperation.)
Lalita: Seri varein, ma. 5 minutes irru.
Mom: Kelambittu kizhe vaa, naanum appavum wait panrom.

5.45 P.M.

Lalita comes down the stairs.

Lalita: Vaanga, pogalam.
Mom: Yenna di idhellam?
Lalita: Yenna, ma?
Mom: Idhu yenna dressnu pottutirke?
Lalita: Salwaar dhaane, ma? Kalyanathuku jeans pottuka kudhadhunu last time nee vessaye, adhinal dhaan salwaar potthundein...
Mom: Idhu oru salwaar-aa? Onga coimbatore thata veshti kattipale adha polai oru pyjama, shirt madri oru top...Agra mental hospital lendhu odi vandha madri irrukku di..
Lalita: Po, ma. Idhu parallells. Ipdi dhan irrukkum. Idhu dhan fashion, ma. Yennodai yella friendsum yennakku indha dress romba nalla irrukkunu sollaral.
Mom: Onnodai friends onna madri dhaan irrukum? Po, ponna lakshanama vera dress pottunda va..
Lalita: Late ahadu, ma. Irrukkatume..
Mom: Paar, indha kalyanathilai neraya paer varaporanga. Nee fashion nu yedho pottukittu nikkarai...Po di dress matrikittu va..
(Lalita recognises THAT tone in her mom's voice and knows that it is a losing battle)
Lalita: Aiyyo aiyyo, thollai...
Lalita goes off to her room to change.

6.15 P.M.

Lalita comes downstairs again, this time wearing a formal salwaar kameez.

Lalita: Idhu seriya irrukka?
Mom:(looking her up and down) Parava illai. Ozhunga dress pottunda nalla irrukke.
Lalita: Seri vaa pohalam..(feeling a sense of relief)
Mom: Iru di, oru nimusham..
Lalita:Ippo yenna, ma? (in a frustrated tone, feeling her peace suddenly shattered)
Mom: Talai la poove illai. Po naal poo vechundu va. Pottu kuda ittukalai...Yenna dhan panaraiyo?
Lalita: Viden ma...
Mom: Kalyanathuku ipdiya varuve? Po seriya kelambittu va...
Lalita raises her eyes heavenwards and goes back to her room.

6.45 P.M.

Lalita and her parents finally reach the marriage hall. The marriage ceremony is going on.

7.20 P.M.

Lalita's parents are talking to Mrs. Unnikrishnan, whom they just met, while Lalita is watching on.
Mrs. U: Idhu onga ponna mami?
(Lalita makes a face in anticipation of some dramatic happenings)
Mom: Aamam mami.
Mrs.U: Yenna paer?
Mom: Lalita.
Mrs. U: Ponn yenna padhichirka? Yenna pannaral?
Mom: B.A. padhichirka mami. Oru nursery school le teacher-aa work panaraal.24 vayasu. Avalukku yedhavadhu paiyan irundha sollungal...
Mrs.U: Yennoda mamiyarku tangai ponnuku macchinar irrukar. Indha ponnuku parkalam nu dhan kettain..
Mom: Paiyan yenga irrukan mami? Yenna pannaran?
Mrs. U: Papanasham le sweet kadai vechurkaan. B.Com. padhuchirkan. 28 vayasu...
Mom: Papanasham-aa? Kashtame...
Mrs.U: Yenna mami..Ippolam ponnugal kalyanam pannikittu America poharthugal. Neenge yenna Papanasham ku ivlav kavalai padarel?
Mom: (thinking twice) Seri parkalam mami.
Mrs. U: Paiyan photo kondu vandhurken. Parunga..

Lalita watches as Mrs.U opens her huge purse and takes out a photograph.

Mrs. U: Idhu dhaan paiyan.

They all take turns at seeing the photograph. Lalita looks at the photograph to find a fairer and fatter version of Veerappan staring back at her.

Lalita:(whispers in her mom's ears) Misai sooper, ma. Yenna fertiliser dhaan use panarangalo?
Mom: (in a low voice) Vazha mudu di...
Mrs.U: Yenna sollarel mami?
Mom: Onnum illai mami...Paiyan paer yenna?
Mrs.U: Hariharaumashankaraputra Rajamannar.
Lalita: (in a whisper) Hari nu paer vecha poradha?
Mom: (grating her teeth) Nee vazha mudu nu sonne illai..
Lalita: Hmm...Seri.
Mom: Jadagam kudungo mami. Parkalam.
Mrs.U: Adhum kondu vandhirken mami....Idho irrukku...

Rearranging letters

2007-05-29T08:55:00.000+05:30

I got this from a forward and felt it to be quite an interesting read:

DORMITORY
When you rearrange the letters:DIRTY ROOM

PRESBYTERIAN
When you rearrange the letters:BEST IN PRAYER

ASTRONOMER
When you rearrange the letters:MOON STARER

DESPERATION
When you rearrange the letters: A ROPE ENDS IT

THE EYES
When you rearrange the letters:THEY SEE

THE MORSE CODE
When you rearrange the letters:HERE COME DOTS

SLOT MACHINES
When you rearrange the letters:CASH LOST IN ME

ANIMOSITY
When you rearrange the letters:IS NO AMITY

ELECTION RESULTS
When you rearrange the letters:LIES - LET'S RECOUNT

MOTHER-IN-LAW
When you rearrange the letters:WOMAN HITLER

SNOOZE ALARMS
When you rearrange the letters:ALAS! NO MORE Z 'S

A DECIMAL POINT
When you rearrange the letters:I'M A DOT IN PLACE

THE EARTHQUAKES
When you rearrange the letters:THAT QUEER SHAKE

ELEVEN PLUS TWO
When you rearrange the letters:TWELVE PLUS ONE

PS: Any suggestions on what I should write about next?

A quest for love

2007-05-28T19:39:00.000+05:30

The lone traveler
Wanders about
In the huge arid desert,
In search of a priceless treasure,
A few times he sighted
His destination,
But it slipped away
Like sand from between the fingers,
Proving to be
Just a mirage, an illusion,
A search he has started on,
A seemingly endless one,
When he will find
His destination
Or will he even find it,
He knows not,
But he has hope with him
And that makes him go on,
Many a warrior before him
Has set out on this impossible task
Just to lose and return back wounded,
But he has heard
Of a few brave men
Who did reach the goal,
He has made up his mind
To complete this difficult mission,
To find a rose patch
In the dry desert,
To find true love
In a loveless world,
Nothing less will do,
He will wander about
Till he can search no more,
Alone and on his own,
For he knows
He would not find peace otherwise,
For he knows the sweetness
Of finding the treasure
Would be worth the wait.

50 and going strong:-)

2007-05-27T13:46:00.000+05:30

Yay! My 50th post!

Well, what does one write on her/his 50th post? I am at a loss for words, so I thought I would write the story of how I started with this blog.

Reading and writing for me is something special, something that I would not give up for anything. It is an essential part of me.

I have been reading and writing since I was a kid. I don't even know how old I was when I wrote my first poem. We have a huge library just opposite to our house, where I used to go as a kid. I used to spend hours at the library till the staff was sick of me. They knew me by name and still recognise me though I have stopped going there now.

I used to simply love reading and I still do. The number of Enid Blytons, Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drews, Secret Sevens, Famous Fives, fables and folk stories that I read as a child are uncountable. Then gradually, as studies took precedence, my reading habits dwindled, but thankfully, my love for reading has not changed. Now I have again started reading more on different subjects and, hopefully, will continue to do so.:-)

As a child, I remember writing stories and small child-like poems. I used to contribute to some children's magazines. Those days were sure fun!:-) Unfortunately, I have very few of those treasures left with me now. I was very curious and highly imaginative in my childhood. It was a tough time for my mom to put up with me.:-) Then, in course of time, like my visits to the library, the frequency of my writing also dropped. However, I never did leave the habit completely and kept penning down something or the other every now and then. Now, again, I have started writing at full blast.:-)

I don't know how I started writing. Maybe the facts that I am an only child and that am highly emotional and curious by nature has got to do with it. Whatever, I am really happy that I developed this habit. I find writing to be highly therapeutic. Writing takes me to a different world altogether. However sad or frustrated I may be, when I put my pen to paper, I change. When I finish writing, I am a different person altogether. I don't know how I write, but I still love it.

As I walked down the path of life, I felt the need for a friend with whom I could share everything- my loneliness, my happiness, my sadness and my idle ramblings. Then I heard about blogging and felt that it was a great idea. That is how my dear blog was created. Today is my 50th post on this blog and I have loved every minute of it. It has been an amazing experience. Hope to continue this beautiful journey for a long time to come.:-)

Ending this post with a special note of thanks to all those who have been reading my inane blatherings and commenting. I will continue to torture you....:-)

Understanding problems...

2007-05-26T13:13:00.000+05:30

Once again, a great forward that I received which touched me a lot:

One day I decided to quit...I quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality. .. I wanted to quit my life.

I went to the woods to have one last talk with GOD.

"GOD", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"

His answer surprised me..."Look around", GOD said, "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes," I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo,"GOD said.

"In year three, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit.In year four, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. I would not quit," GOD said.

"Then in the fifth year, a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern, it was seemingly small and insignificant. But just 6 months later, the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."

GOD said to me."Did you know that all this time you have been struggling,you have actually been growing roots?"

"I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you."

"Don't compare yourself to others." GOD said.

"The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful."

"Your time will come", GOD said to me, "You will rise high."

"How high should I rise?," I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?," GOD asked in return.

"As high as it can?," I questioned.

"Yes," GOD said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can. "

I left the forest and bring back this story. I hope these words can help you see that GOD will never give up on you.

Life is not a problem to be solved, but a gift to be enjoyed. Keep Smiling.

A dish of bhelpuri and philosophy

2007-05-25T18:35:00.000+05:30

Bhelpuri – a wonderful chat item that is a combination of sweet, sour and spicy tastes. Each of these unique flavors blend together to create a great dish.

Imagine that the bhelpuri has not been mixed properly. A piece of hot green chutney hits your tastebuds and you scream. The next bite has a bit more of sweet chutney and you relish it all the more after that having had that attack on your tastebuds.

Now imagine that more than the necessary amount of sweet chutney has been added. You would probably wrinkle your face in disgust on tasting it. You need a little bit of sour and spicy to create just that perfect flavour.

Isn’t our life just like that? A mix of sweet, sour and spicy moments? Too much sweet makes life dull. A few sour or spicy moments from time to time would create a more balanced life and would help us relish the sweet moments even more. We need to savour life as a whole instead of reflecting only on sweet times or sour ones…

Customer care????

2007-05-24T11:47:00.000+05:30

A hilarious but scary forward that I received :-)

Customer care in 2020

Operator: "Thank you for calling Pizza Company. May I have your ...?"
Customer: "Hello, can I order.."
Operator : "Can I have your multi purpose card number first, Sir?"
Customer: "It's eh..., hold on......88986135610 2049998-45- 54610"
Operator : "OK... you're... Mr Singh and you're calling from 17, JalanKayu. Your home number is 4094 2366, your office number 76452302 and your mobile is 0142662566. You are calling from home now Sir?"
Customer: "Yes! How did you get all my phone numbers?
Operator : "We are connected to the system, Sir"
Customer: "May I order your Seafood Pizza?"
Operator : "That's not a good idea, Sir"
Customer: "How come?"
Operator : "According to your medical records, you have high blood pressure and even higher cholesterol level, Sir"
Customer: "What? What do you recommend then?"
Operator : "Try our Low Fat Hokkien Mee Pizza. You'll like it."
Customer: "How do you know for sure?"
Operator : "You borrowed a book entitled "Popular Hokkien Dishes" from the National Library last week, Sir"
Customer: "OK, I give up... Give me three family size ones then. How much will that cost?"
Operator : "That should be enough for your family of 10, Sir. The total is $49.99."
Customer: "Can I pay by credit card?"
Operator : "I'm afraid you have to pay us cash, Sir. Your credit card is over the limit and you owe your bank $3,720.55 since October last year.That's not including the late payment charges on your housing loan,Sir."
Customer: "I guess I have to run to the neighbourhood ATM and withdraw some cash before your guy arrives."
Operator : "You can't, Sir. Based on the records,you' ve reached your daily limit on machine withdrawal today."
Customer: "Never mind, just send the pizzas, I'll have the cash ready.How long is it gonna take anyway?"
Operator : "About 45 minutes Sir, but if you can't wait, you can always come and collect it on your motorcycle.. "
Customer: " What?"
Operator : "According to the details in the system ,you own a Scooter,...registration number 1123..."
Customer: " ????"
Operator : "Is there anything else, Sir?"
Customer: "Nothing! .. By the way... aren't you giving me those 3 free bottles of cola as advertised?"
Operator : "We normally would Sir, but based on your records, you're also diabetic.... ..."
Customer: #$$^%&$@$%^
Operator "Better watch your language, Sir. Remember, on 15th July, 1987, you were convicted of using abusive language on a policeman... ?"

Love in waiting

2007-05-23T08:08:00.000+05:30

A wealth of emotions
Waiting to be felt,
A wealth of experiences
Waiting to be had,
A wealth of journeys
Waiting to be undertaken,
A wealth of dreams
Waiting to be realised,
A wealth of memories
Waiting to be created,
A heartful of love and trust
Waiting to be reciprocated,
A whole lifetime
Waiting to be shared,
Half of my soul
Waiting for the other half
To make it a whole,
Come, step into my life
Be one with me,
Come, make my life
More meaningful,
Let us multiply our joys
And divide our sorrows,
Let us stand united,
One against the world,
Come, let us make
The world more beautiful - together.

Never lose your value!

2007-05-22T13:28:00.000+05:30

Something great I picked up from a forward:

A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a Rs. 500 note. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this Rs. 500 note?"

Hands started going up. He said, "I am going to give this note to one of you, but first let me do this." He proceeded to crumple the note up. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still hands were up in the air."Well," he replied, "What if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty. "Now, who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air. "My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease in value. It was still worth Rs. 500/-. "

Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value. You are special.

Don't ever forget it! Never let yesterday's disappointments overshadow tomorrow's dreams.

Innocence

2007-05-21T16:39:00.000+05:30

I was a little girl once

Who believed in fairies

And guardian angels and Santa Claus,

I was a little girl once

Who believed the world was all

Chocolates and cakes and candy floss,

I was a little girl once

Who believed that everything

Could be set right with a hug and a kiss,

I was a little girl once

Who believed that pain

Was scraping your knee when playing,

I was a little girl once

Who believed that sadness could be cured

With a new doll or an icecream,

I was a little girl once

Who believed that nightmares vanish

With the light of day,

I was a little girl once

Who believed that every one

Who came to play was a best friend,

I was a little girl once

And I wish I could go back

To being that little girl once again....

The journey of life

2007-05-20T22:54:00.000+05:30

I am embarking
On a journey,
Life it is called.

I know the route is long and tough,
But there are sweet-smelling flowers too
On the way.

I take with me some companions,
Faith and Hope and Courage,
To help me tread my path.

There are milestones on the way
That I have to cross,
Knowledge, Success, Fame and the like.

I'll need to keep up
With my fellow travelers,
Who tread the same path as I.

'Tis a long path that I intend to trudge,
With hills and rivers and seas en route,
But I cannot stop
Until I reach my final destination.

Silence

2007-05-19T21:18:00.000+05:30

Silence stretches
Like an ocean
Between us,
Unspoken words
Hang heavy in the air,
The chasm widening
Between our hearts,
The priceless bond
We once shared
Dying a sad death.

Once upon a time
Long, long ago,
We could converse
In silence,
Words not being required
In our midst,
Now we have changed
And it is so
That we cannot understand
Each other's words.

Something, somewhere
Changed at some time
Amid us,
We became two
Different souls,
What? Why? When? How?
I cannot put
My finger on it,
What I know is
We slowly drifted apart.

But still I think
WE stand a chance,
Can't we meet again
As strangers
And start afresh?
Can't we again be
Two bodies and one soul?
Can't we build a bridge
And close the gulf
Between you and me?

Can't we again
Become comfortable
With silence between us?

An ode to blogging

2007-05-18T16:07:00.000+05:30

Main aur meri tanhai
Aksar yeh baatein karte hain
Blogging nahi hota to kya hota?

Main aur meri tanhai
Aksar yeh baatein karte hain....

Mann ke vicharon ko shayad na milti vaacha,
Shayad baant na sakte apne vichaar
Doosron ke saath,
Mann mein shayad andhkaar hota,
Kaise badhta gyaan?
Shayad aaye na hote yeh vichaar mahaan.

Main aur meri tanhai
Aksar yeh baatein karte hain....

Jab tak suraj-chaand rahe
Blogging ki pratha kaayam rahe
Mann ko zabaan milti rahe
Jalte rahein dimaag ke diye,
Dil ka bojh ghatta rahe,
Naye dost bante rahe.

Main aur meri tanhai
Aksar yeh baatein karte hain....

Jab fursat na ho baat karne ki
Kisi ke paas,
Kisi se kahi na jaaye
Kuch baatein aisi khaas,
Office ho ya ghar ho,
Jab bhi nikalni ho dil ki bhadaas,
Tab tab blog hota hai paas.

Main aur meri tanhai
Aksar yeh baatein karte hain....

Kisi se ho ladai,
Kisi se ho pyaar,
Kisi baat se ho pareshaan,
Kisi baat se ho hairaan,
Blogging hai har samasya ka samadhaan.

Main aur meri tanhai
Aksar yeh baatein karte hain....

It's all in the mind

2007-05-17T19:46:00.000+05:30

Gems from work:-)

2007-05-16T13:39:00.000+05:30

I used to work as a proofreader with a medical transcription firm earlier. Today I came across my old notebook which I used at work, in which I have noted the various mistakes made by transcriptionists and the correct version. I am posting some of them here.The transcriptionists had typed in something totally different from what the doctor was actually dictating, resulting in a great gaffe. Here goes:

1) Sentence typed: She feels like putting eyes on her thighs. (How do you do that?)
What the doc was dictating:She feels like putting ice on her thighs.

2) Sentence typed: She has food flow in her legs. (Wow!)
What the doc was dictating: She has good flow in her legs.

3) Sentence typed: The doctor is happy with money.
What the doc was dictating: The doctor is happy with my knees.(Thank God the doc didn't get to read that!)

4) Sentence typed: Dr.X has agreed to treat medicine.(Good to know that science has progressed to the point that even medicine can be treated!)
What the doc was dictating: Dr.X has agreed to treat Madison.

5) Sentence typed: She has got running ears. (Great, at what speed do they run?)
What the doc was dictating: She has got ringing in her ears.

6) Sentence typed: She is a muscled female.
What the doc was dictating: She is a Moslem female.(Poor female!)

7) Sentence typed: She does lift when she is at work and some of these when she was weighed more than 40 lbs., but she lifts some of the coworkers. (Must be one amazing female!)
What the doc was dictating: She does lift windshields at work and some of these weigh more than 40 lbs., but she lifts them a coworker.

8) Sentence typed: He has no blood pressure. (Wow! How is this man alive?)
What the doc was dictating: He has low blood pressure.

9) Sentence typed: The patient was noted with maintaining sleep on the way to the clinic. (One awesome driver he must be!)
What the doc was dictating: The patient was 10 minutes late due to automobile accident on the way to the clinic.

10) Sentence typed: She noticed that the cat had no color.(No comments!)
What the doc was dictating: She noticed that the cat had no collar.

11) Sentence typed: He has likely got a stomach bulb. (Oh really? And does his stomach glow in the dark?)
What the doc was dictating: He has likely got a stomach bug.

12) Sentence typed: She licks urine all the time. (Yuck!)
What the doc was dictating: She leaks urine all the time.

Go ahead, enjoy!!!!!!!!

The mask

2007-05-15T12:20:00.000+05:30

Its that time in the morning
To step out of the threshold,
Time to wear the mask,
The one with the wide smile
And the big, bright eyes,
Time to conceal all the hurt
And pain deep in your heart,
Time to smile and laugh and cheer,
And show that you have no fear,
Time to show that all is well
And blink back your tears,
Time to show that you are strong
Though you may be bleeding inside,
Time to show that you are prepared
Though you haven't a clue,
Time to hide beneath a facade
And put up a show,
No, you can't sigh,
You can't shed a tear,
You can't let down your guard,
You have to entertain the audience
For the show must go on,
This mask you must wear
Till the show is over,
And you reach the safe confines of your dear home......

Touching moments....

2007-05-14T13:49:00.000+05:30

This is something that I found in one of the magazines at office. I loved it instantly.

A little girl and her father were crossing a bridge. The father was kind of scared, so he asked his little daughter, “Sweetheart, please hold my hand so that you don’t fall into the river.” The little girl said, “No Dad. You hold my hand.” “What’s the difference?,” asked the puzzled father. “There’s a big difference,” replied the little girl. “If I hold your hand and something happens to me, chances are that I may let your hand go. But if you hold my hand, I know for sure that no matter what happens, you will never let my hand go…”

In any relationship, the essence is trust. So hold the hand of the person whom you love rather than expecting them to hold yours. This message is very short, but carries a lot of feelings…..

For Amma

2007-05-13T20:33:00.000+05:30

Dear Amma,

I know you are not going to read this, but I am going to write it anyway. Amma, for me, every day is mother's day. Not a single day of mine can go by without you. But I would like to take this opportunity today to say a heartfelt 'thank you' for all that you have done for me.

You have been one of the greatest ladies I have seen in my life. You have made so many little sacrifices for me, to ensure that I was well educated, well fed and well cared for. All without a grimace or tear. I guess the greatest reward for you was to see me do well in life. You have nurtured me, held me, fussed over me, kissed me, cried with me, laughed with me, scolded me - all with my welfare in mind.

Amma, you have always been my friend, philosopher and guide. I can talk to you about anything under the sun, comfortably. What would I have done without your suggestions and guidance? I guess I would have wasted away my life if it were not for you. You were always there to offer a helping hand and willing to be just a silent listener at times while I poured out my heart.

You are the first person I want to talk to when something goes wrong in life or when something works out very well. You are my respite from all the pain and grief of life.

You taught me the most valuable lessons in life. You taught me how to learn to bear pain and not crib, because it ultimately makes you wiser and stronger. You taught me to value people and relationships. You taught me compassion and empathy.

I know I can rely on you even when every one else goes out on me. I know you'll always be there for me. You can fight against any one for my sake. I know you love me more than myself, imperfections and all.

You have always been happy to see me smile and have cried when I had tears in my eyes. You know me better than I know myself. You can accurately predict how I feel inside just by looking at my face.

You have been my constant source of optimism, power and inspiration. You are the grease that ensures that my life keeps running smoothly, in perfect order. You are the powerful glue that binds the whole family together. All of us wouldn't know what to do without you, amma.

I know I cannot thank you enough for all that you have done for me. You are great! I will always be there for you, amma, whenever you need me. Thanks for everything. I love you a lot. Happy mother's day!

Hope

2007-05-12T21:04:00.000+05:30

Every day I stand
On the edge of the bough,
Every day I flap my wings
And try to fly.

Every day I realise
My wings are not strong yet,
Every day I fall down
And hurt myself.

Every day I try,
Every day I fail,
But every day I grow
And my wings become stronger.

Every day I wake up
Wiser than yesterday,
Every day my wish to fly
Grows some more.

One day I know I will fly
Up there in the blue, blue sky.

Loved ones say the sky is vast,
Don't go, you'll get lost,
But I'll never know
The true breadth of the sky
Until I spread out my wings
And fly,
Maybe I'll not get lost,
Maybe I'll find my way back.

Every day I watch
As birds larger and stronger
Soar high above,
What if they strike me?
My heart is filled with fear,
But I'll never know
My true strength
Until I spread out my wings
And fly,
Maybe I'm just as strong
Or even stronger.

How will I fend for myself?
Will I find my own food?
The unanswered questions are many,
But I'll never know the answers
Unless I try,
Until I spread out my wings
And fly.

So every day I try,
And will keep trying,
Till I know
I'm ready to soar,
Till I know I'm strong
And won't fall down again.

One day I'll be ready
To explore the whole sky.

The bitter truth

2007-05-11T09:02:00.000+05:30

Preetha stood near the display rack in the departmental store and wondered. She was confused. She had thought buying a good shampoo would be an easy job. But there was such a huge array of shampoo bottles on display that she did not know which one to buy. There were imported ones, the made-in-India ones, shampoos for oily hair, dry hair, normal hair, strong hair, silky hair, colored hair, shampoos for dandruff, shampoos for regular use, herbal shampoos…..what not? She picked up a few of them and read the description. Each one boasted to be superior than the others. Which one should she buy?

She had always been a simple girl with simple tastes. She had never been fussy about things in life, not the least over a bottle of shampoo. She had always used Shikakai powder for washing her hair, which her mother ordered specially from Madras. She had naturally long and jet black hair. She had never actually worried about her hair, but now…..Now, well, things had changed….

Now she wanted to make her mane look glossier, more silky, more beautiful…..His words had had a really deep impact on her.

She and Paras had been sitting in the garden near their office, when he had suddenly leaned closer and touched her thick plait. “Wonderful, beautiful hair…Preetha baby, I love your hair…” And her heart had skipped a beat. Paras had been a good friend, but now…..Now she wanted to look her best for him. She wanted him to have eyes only for her.

“……..Madam……”

“……Madam…….”

She was brought out of her reverie by the sales girl standing next to her. “Can I help you, madam?,” she asked. Preetha stiffened. For how long had she been lost in thought and been staring into space? No wonder the sales girl had intruded.

“Ummm…..I want a good shampoo which would make my hair look glossy and beautiful,” she said.

“We have just the right thing for you, Madam. Take this…..” She took out a bottle from the rack and handed it to Preetha. “This one has special conditioners which will make your hair look like you have just stepped out of the beauty parlour every time you use it. Your hair will look so silky and shiny…..”

Preetha looked at the description. It seemed to be an imported brand, promising everything that the salesgirl had just told her. No harm in trying.

“I will take this. Thanks.”
___________________________________________________________
On the same day, a few hours later:

A girl and a boy were sitting side by side in the municipal park. They were oblivious to the curious stares of passers-by. Suddenly the boy reached out and touched the girl’s cheek gently.

“Rajvi, baby, I just love your dimple. It makes you look so pretty. …..I could look at it for ever and ever…..,”he said.

The girl blushed and lowered her head in shame.

“Oh, Paras, you are so naughty…..,” she said smilingly.

I'll be there for you

2007-05-10T13:37:00.000+05:30

When spring spreads loveliness all around,
And the air smells sweet,
You'll find many people
To hold your hand,
But when the sky is overcast,
Or when the yellowed leaves
Tear off from the trees,
I'll be there for you.

When an empty feeling
Envelopes your soul,
When you start questioning
Your own identity,
When your mind deserts you
And you don't know
What next to do,
I'll be there for you.

When you feel as light
As a gas balloon
In the air,
With no cares in the world,
When your heart feels heavy
And it aches,
When someone has hurt you badly,
I'll be there for you.

When you feel tears
Welling up
In your eyes,
Without your knowing so,
When you miss that
Special someone,
And can't tell anybody,
I'll be there for you.

When you want someone
To pillow fight with,
When you want
Someone's shoulder to lean on,
When you want to go
For a long walk
Under the clear sky,
I'll be there for you.

When you feel
Like a king,
When you feel
The world is at your feet,
When you lose everyone
And have only yourself
Whom you can rely on,
I'll be there for you.

PS: This is something I wrote when I was in college....

A modern-day girl

2007-05-09T13:38:00.000+05:30

I received the following through a forward and am happy to put it on my blog. In a beautiful manner, it shows the predicament of an educated, modern and ambitious young girl who gets married.

Here is a girl, who is as much educated as you are;
who is earning almost as much as you do;
one, who has dreams and aspirations just as you have
because she is as human as you are;
one, who has never entered the kitchen in her life
just like you or your sister haven't,
as she was busy in studies
and competing in a system that gives
no special concession to girls for their culinary achievements;
one, who has lived and loved her parents & brothers & sisters,
almost as much as you do for 20-25 years of her life;
one, who has bravely agreed to leave behind all that,
her home, people who love her,
to adopt your home, your family,
your ways and even your family name;
one, who is somehow expected to be a master-chef from day #1,
while you sleep oblivious to her predicament in her new circumstances,
environment and that kitchen;
one, who is expected to make the tea, first thing in the morning
and cook food at the end of the day,
even if she is as tired as you are, maybe more,
and yet never ever expected to complain;
to be a servant, a cook, a mother, a wife,
even if she doesn't want to;
and is learning just like you are as to what you want from her;
and is clumsy and sloppy at times
and knows that you won't like it if she is too demanding,
or if she learns faster than you;
one, who has her own set of friends,
and that includes boys and even men at her workplace too,
those, who she knows from school days
and yet is willing to put all that on the back-burners
to avoid your irrational jealousy,
unnecessary competition and your inherent insecurities;
yes, she can drink and dance just as well as you can,
but won't, simply because you won't like it,
even though you say otherwise;
one, who can be late from work once in a while
when deadlines, just like yours, are to be met;
one, who is doing her level best
and wants to make this most important relationship
in her entire life a grand success,
if you just help her some and trust her;
one, who just wants one thing from you,
as you are the only one she knows in your entire house -
your unstinted support, your sensitivities
and most importantly - your understanding,
or love, if you may call it.

gals...b proud if yur one like this..
guys..dont let go a gal like this one..

The Mother

2007-05-08T19:24:00.000+05:30

She remembered the day when he had been born. She and Vinod had held the tiny bundle of joy wrapped up in a warm, pink baby blanket, his wide eyes taking in the new world around him. Her heart had filled with pride and her eyes had overflown. She and her husband had cried together over the miracle that now lay in her arms.

She remembered his first birthday as if it had happened only yesterday. He had put his podgy fingers into the black forest cake that they had ordered and had demanded to eat it immediately, before it had been cut. They had had a really hard time holding him back. She smiled. It had been a wonderful day.

She remembered the day when he had gone to school for the first time, looking cute in a little pair of shorts, a backpack saddled on his back and his favourite red water bottle slung over his right arm. He had been tearful throughout the car ride to the school. She had kissed his cheek and told him to a good boy. And he had obeyed. Like a good boy, he had waved to her and Vinod sitting in the car and had walked into the school.

She remembered the day when he had fallen down from the swing in the garden and grazed his knee. It had filled her heart with pain to see his face puckering and his eyes filling up with tears. She had cuddled his whimpering body close and had rocked it to quietness. She had whispered in his ear that it would be o.k., that it would hurt no more after she would take him home and apply antibiotic liquid on it.

She remembered the day when he had brought a ‘For you – Mother’ card home from school. He had fingerpainted it on his own. He had proudly given it to her and her heart had swelled with pride and happiness. ‘Thanks sweetheart” had been the only words she could say.

She remembered the day before his English exam, for which he had not studied at all. He had been in the 8th grade at that time. “Mom, I think I am going to fail this test,” he had said. She still remembered the worried look on his face. She had sat up the whole night, praying to God not to let him fail the test. She had lighted a ‘diya’ in the nearby Ganesha temple and not a single morsel of food had passed her throat till he had returned from school and said that he had done well in the exam.

She remembered the day when she and Vinod had bought him his bicycle. She remembered the look of pride and awe on his face as he rode his Street Cat to school for the first time. She had worried and fretted and fumed till he had come back home safely.

She remembered the day when the doctor had diagnosed him with jaundice. He had been in the 10th grade at that time. The doctor had said that his situation was critical and he would have to be admitted to the hospital. She had sat at his bedside for long days and nights together. She had fed him, cared for him and nursed him back to health. There was not a single temple in the city which had not visited after he came home safe from the hospital.

She remembered the day when he had told her, “Mom, I am confused about whether to take Commerce or Science. What should I do?” She and Vinod had talked to him for hours on end and had helped him discover his passion for accounts. Finally, he had chosen Commerce. And seeing him go ahead in his career, she had been happy that she had helped him in taking the right decision.

She remembered the day when he had got admission in the best Commerce college in the city. She would never forget the excited look on his face as he had come home that day, taken her by the arms and swirled her round and round till her head was spinning. “Mom, I’ve done it. I’m so happy,” he had said. She had wished him good luck as he embarked on his journey. He had gone on to scale great heights of academic excellence and make new forays into the world of commerce. She remembered holding Vinod’s hand excitedly as he stepped up on stage wearing a black coat to receive his MBA degree.

She remembered the day when he had got his first job – as Finance Controller in a multinational firm. He had returned home with a box of sweets in hand. When he had received his first salary cheque, he had bought her a beautiful saree and a shirt for Vinod. They had enjoyed a treat in his favourite restaurant in the evening – from him.

She remembered the first day when he had called from office to say that he would be late, to tell her that she and Vinod should have dinner and not wait for him. She had felt sad, disappointed. She had wanted to share fond memories of his childhood with him that day. She remembered how these delays became a regular feature in their lives. But she had always cheered herself up and reminded herself that her son now had a life of his own. She had chided herself for wanting him to be with her all the time.

She remembered the day when he had introduced her and Vinod to Anju, his colleague. “Mom, Dad, we want to marry each other,” he had said, “We want your blessings.” She had liked Anju on first sight. She knew that Anju would be perfect for him. She was glad that he had found true love in life, but couldn’t help the wave of sadness that rose in her heart at the realization that he hadn’t confided in her the first time he had met Anju. Somewhere along the way, there had been a rift in their relationship. Something had changed, something she couldn’t quite place her finger on.

She remembered the day he and Anju had left for America. He was being sent by his company. She and Vinod had gone to the airport to see them off. Both of them had kneeled down and touched their feet. She had watched them till they were out of her range of vision. She and Vinod had returned back home with heavy hearts. Later, she had cried her heart out in Vinod’s arms. She had missed him like anything. The only consolation had been being able to hear his and Anju’s voice when they called on the weekends.

She remembered the day when Vinod had had a heart attack. She and her neighbour, Mr. Rathore, had rushed him to the hospital. She remembered calling him up and breaking down while apprising him of the situation. He had tried to calm her down, “Mom, don’t worry. Dad will be just fine.” He had been wrong. It had been a massive heart attack and Vinod had left her forever after a week of suffering in the hospital.

She remembered how he had lit the funeral pyre of his beloved Dad. She remembered the determined look on his face as he had tried to convince her to come with him to America. She had hardened her heart and refused. She knew she would never be comfortable in that faraway place. She would never be able to relate to the place and its people. She had bid a tearful farewell to him and Anju.

She remembered how she had engaged herself in social service activities with a local NGO. She liked to keep herself active – that’s what she told people. But she knew that she did it because it helped her forget the pangs of loneliness that threatened to engulf her, atleast for some time. She remembered going through each day, plastering a smile on her face for the sake of others. The gloomy darkness in her heart she reserved for her long, lonely nights.

She remembered frantically calling him up a number of times, imploring him to come back to India. Only to receive the same answer every time – “Mom, I can’t come now. I have my work all spread out here. I cannot wind up my affairs here so easily. Why don’t you come here?” And she had always hung up heavy hearted. Ultimately, she had been left with her loneliness as her only companion.

Then, she could remember nothing…..She had tried to think about it till her head pained, but had drawn only a blank, a null, a void…..

Ah! Her head throbbed and her throat felt parched. As if there were thorns stuck into it. She tried to hold her throbbing head in her hands and felt something wet and hot. Blood! It was oozing out of a gash on her forehead. It had stained the pure white saree that she was wearing. Oh God! Why was she feeling so hot, so flustered, so different? What had happened to her?

Where was she? She looked around……The place seemed very familiar, as if she had always been there. Who were all these people around her? A few of them seemed familiar. Hey, some of them were crying…..Why? The atmosphere seemed charged with gloom, with darkness, as if something terrible had happened. She asked the woman sitting nearest to her, “What happened? Where am I?” No reply. It was as if the woman had not heard her at all. She tried asking again, this time in a louder voice. Again, no reply. Was the woman deaf?

She thought of asking someone else. It was then that she realized she was lying down. Why was she lying on the floor in the middle of the day? It did not seem like her usual style. And what was that hard, wooden thing beneath her?

She got up and as she did, she found that somebody had put garlands of flowers all over her. So that was why she had been feeling so hot? She brushed aside the flowers and got up. Nobody paid any attention to her. It was as if she didn’t exist at all! She went up to a man who looked familiar, who was talking to another man. “Where am I?,” she asked him. The man did not answer and ignored her completely. “WHERE AM I?,” she shouted. The man still stood talking, as if nothing had happened. She grabbed him by the hands and shook him. “PLEASE, tell me what happened.” The man just stood there unaffected, talking to the man beside him. Tears of helplessness started flowing down her cheeks.

Her eyes flew to the doorway. She knew in her heart of hearts that she was waiting for someone, someone whom she loved deeply. Someone whose face she could not find in the crowd around her. But who?

She strained her ears to hear what the man was saying. His voice was faint, as if it was coming from another world. “……Luckily, her neighbour, Mr. Rathore, found her lying on the street and brought her home. It seems a drunk driver hit her when she was going to the NGO……”

PS: This is what being jobless on your job for 2 days does to you.....

To work or not to work?

2007-05-07T21:34:00.000+05:30

I was surfing the net earlier today when I came across this.

I have been having the same kind of discussions lately with friends and with Amma- whether to work or not after marriage? From the article and the comments made by readers, the following questions emerged:

1) Why is it that only the woman is asked to make such a choice? Why not the man?
More or less, in Indian society, it is believed that the man is the breadwinner of the family and it is the woman's responsibility to raise the kids and to instill values in them. Well, I think a woman is emotionally programmed to take care of the kids, be patient with them and bring them up. It is a great role that has been traditionally assigned to women. It is a privilege to be able to mould someone's life and teach them the lessons of life. Of course, the child would have a better and fair understanding of life and its complexities if both his/her father and mother contributed equally in its upbringing. But, when it comes to staying at home with the kids and looking after them, women are naturally and instinctively better.

2) Why can't a woman have both - a career and a family life?
You can, but only if you are TERRIFIC! Having a full-fledged career and having to manage the household and the kids simultaneously does become nerve-racking at times. If you are lucky enough to have someone really dependable with whom you can trust the kids and who can also manage the house in case of emergencies, it is a pretty tough job. Of course, there are women who manage both, but ultimately it takes its toll on you.

3) Why does this question arise at all?
Women by nature are highly emotional. If they are career-oriented, they usually feel guilty after marriage for not being able to take care of the family and the home. On the other hand, modern-day women like to be better prepared for the challenges of life. What if my husband leaves me or passes away or he loses his job? - these are questions which many young girls think of before marriage, while contemplating whether to be a stay-at-home wife or a career-minded wife. And there is always the issue of financial dependence. Today's woman does not prefer being financially dependent on anyone. They also realise that it is a tremendous waste of talent and education to not work at all. Hence, the choice of making a decision arises.

I feel both these situations are extremes- either be a stay-at-home wife or work full-time. There are some in-between options too, like:
1) Pursuing a part-time job
2) Freelance work
3) Working from home
4) Taking up soft jobs such as tuitions instead of a full-time office job
5) Keeping oneself updated and active so that one can join the work force after the kids do not require staying at home
6) Making sound investments before getting married or before having kids so that you do not have to worry about being financially dependent

Of course, every case is different. One should decide upon her course of action based on her individual circumstances.

The taste of heaven

2007-05-06T15:02:00.000+05:30

Ever wonder what a piece of heaven would taste like? I guess it would taste like a bowl of chilled ‘Aamras’. Add to it steaming hot pooris or phulka chappatis and you get a heavenly meal. ‘Hmmmm……..’ is all you can say when the thick, yellow liquid hits your tastebuds and goes down your throat. Nothing better to beat the May heat than chilled Aamras. No wonder mango is called the ‘fruit of the gods’.

A lazy Sunday morning, the aroma of aamras enchanting your senses, chappatis straight from the gas………..sheer bliss. And after finishing your lunch, the way your eyes wobble and you drift off into the land of dreams……….Suddenly life seems so perfect……….

Reasons to rejoice.....

2007-05-05T15:05:00.000+05:30

Dear God,

I am writing to thank you for the various gifts that you have so kindly showered upon me.

Thank you for the gift of life. Thank you for breathing life into me and giving me a chance to have this wonderful experience called life.

Thank you for giving me a wide world to make my mark in.

Thank you for the gift of womanhood. Thank you for giving me the chance to become a mother, which is the next best thing to your divine self.

Thank you for giving me a loving family to shelter me from the flames of hatred and trouble.

Thank you for giving me a home where I can come to at the end of a tiring day.

Thank you for giving me good teachers who taught me to read and educated me so that I could always get the best knowledge and differentiate between good and bad.

Thank you for giving me friends who guide and criticize me so that I can be a better human being. Thanks for the helping hands that are always there for me.

Thank you for giving me people who are not well-wishers who spur me on to do my best and prove myself.

Thank you for giving me my daily food and water so that I stay strong and healthy.

Thank you for giving me a mind which can think, feel, reason, learn and create.

Thank you for giving me four faithful slaves, my hands and feet, which can help me do anything in the world.

Thank you for giving the gifts of sight and hearing so that I can see and hear the good and the bad and realize how lucky I am.

Thank you for giving me a mouth that can smile and bring a smile to other people's faces. Thank you for the gift of speech through which I can influence and express.

Thank you for giving me opportunities to progress in life.

Thank you for giving me challenges that bring out the best in me and make me realise my true potential.

Thank you for making me a unique personality that distinguishes me from others.

Thank you for being present in me in the form of my conscience and constantly guiding me on the right path.

Thank you for the joys that you give me that make my life better.

Thank you for the sorrows that you give me that make me a stronger and more capable person.

Thank you for giving me a pure and sincere heart that wishes well for everyone and is not entangled in vices.

Thank you for giving me all that you have given me. Thank you for giving me so much to be grateful to.

What's in a name?

2007-05-04T13:37:00.000+05:30

This is an excerpt from an actual call made by the marketing team in our office to a customer:

Marketing executive: Good afternoon, this is M$$$$$$ calling from xxxx. I would like to talk to you about a membership in our firm.

Customer: Good afternoon, M@@@@@@. Tell me.

Marketing executive: Madam, M$$$$$$ here. Can I talk to you now? Are you free?

Customer: Can you please say your name in Hindi? (???????)

I would love to know how one says one's name in Hindi! :-)

Making sense of ads

2007-05-03T20:08:00.000+05:30

Look at the matrimonial ads in any newspaper or even on the net and you will find a smattering of adjectives. Required a girl who is fair, tall, slim, well qualified, pretty, god fearing……….and the list goes on. Some are more specific, like “Wanted only a B.E. or doctor”. Somehow, this makes me feel as if they are product specifications. The product should be of the specified standard, otherwise it will not clear the quality control test. Sometimes there are 3 or 4 specifications, sometimes in certain specialized cases, they can go up to 8-10. What do you expect? A miracle woman or man?

‘Fair and slim’ seems to top the list. Everybody wants a fair and slim bride. No wonder Fair and Lovely and the like are doing good business in India. And, I would love to know, just how slim is ‘slim’, how tall is ‘tall’ and how decent is a ‘decent salary’. Just how broad is a ‘broad mind’? :-)

And, I never ever understood the concept of ‘god-fearing’. What exactly do people mean by ‘god-fearing’? Why should one fear God?

In fact, I am yet to understand many of the terms used in these ads. What does one mean by a ‘superman personality’? Can a girl be both ‘homely’ and ‘pretty’? I guess what they wanted to convey was ‘home-loving’ or ‘domesticated in household work’.

It is quite reasonable to know what your personality is like and expect similar qualities from your life partner. Here, I am referring to inherent qualities in the nature of a person and not about physical attributes. But, I cannot understand how one can have preconceived notions about the profession, complexion, weight and other such factors and then expect to find a partner who is tailor-made to suit these requirements. That makes marriage nothing more than an arrangement. Is that the purpose of marriage? What happened to the concept of finding a soulmate forever or that of finding love through marriage? How can one expect, “I will only fall in love with a person who is fair or who is a xxxx by profession?” Love just happens like that, atleast that is what I believe. Or are our parameters changing?

Blockheads!

2007-05-02T20:08:00.000+05:30

O.K. So you diet?

You eat only diet khakhras? That's great.

But, eating 15 packets of 50 diet khakhras in a month won't help.......

Sweet memories

2007-05-01T21:05:00.000+05:30

Today is 1st May, 2007. Exactly one month since I quit my last job, where I worked for 2 years. Quite an emotional upheaval that was - quitting that job. I thought about it for months together and finally decided to take the plunge. I had to do it for the sake of my career.

I still remember my last day in that office. It was quite touching to see everyone behave extra-soft that day, making special efforts to ensure that I left with beautiful memories of the place. I had stuck around for so long that people hadn't expected me to leave. They had gotten used to having me around, just as I had gotten used to the place. There were quite a few colleagues who said, "Next time, when we are doing this, please remind me to....", only to remember, "Oh, God! You won't be here from tomorrow onwards!"

One of my colleagues and friends remarked wistfully, "It's an April fool joke, na? You'll be back tomorrow?" Saying no to that was the one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life. That colleague went out of the way to rush home earlier than usual and when questioned by others why she was behaving like that, what she said tore at my heart. "Priya is leaving. I am afraid I might cry. And I don't want to bid her a tearful farewell." Sigh!

I was surprised to see even colleagues with whom I didn't have much interaction come forward to wish me 'All the best' on that day. One of them said, "You have been a very sincere and good person.May God fill your life with happiness." Sigh! Sigh!

My boss told me, "This is your office, Priya. You are always welcome here, any time you want to come back. Our doors are always open for you."

Taking photos with everyone was the fun part and the most touching part of that day. At that time, it struck me that I would maybe never return to this office again.

Amidst hugs and smiles and handshakes and 'farewell's and 'all the best's, I finally took that last step out of the office.

A week after I had left the job, one of my other colleagues and friends sent me a beautiful message which left me speechless. It was: "Kitni raatein beet gayee, Kitne din beet gaye, Bus beeta nahi toh.... Yaadon ka woh pal, Woh guzra hua kal, Beeti nahi toh aankhon ki nami Aur aap ki kami......" Sigh again!

My last job was actually my second job, but my first real one. The first job lasted for only 2 months. That place has been like a home to me. I have never felt like I have been away from home in that office. I used to call it 'a home away from home'. My colleagues there have been with me through thick and thin, even my boss. I am still attached to that office, though I am not part of it now. That place holds a special importance for me, maybe because it was my first real job. It's not that I am not satisfied with my current job, but that place somehow is very special and close to my heart. I have a whole lot of memories associated with the place.

That organisation and the people there have impacted me and my outlook in more ways than one. I'm still learning the ropes at my current job and I hope to form a similar bond with the people here as well.

Maybe as I go ahead in life, I will outgrow the feeling of getting so emotionally attached to everything. But today, I am feeling nostalgic...........Missing all of you guys...............

Surprise! Surprise!

2007-04-30T19:50:00.000+05:30

It was his birthday. She had a surprise gift for him and was asking him to guess what it could be.

She-Darling, just guess what I got you for your birthday! (Smiles slyly)
He-(Thinking 'These females!') A vacation for two in Paris?
She-Nope. Be practical, sweetie. Where would we leave the kids?
He-(flustered) Hmm....Didn't think about that. A tie?
She-Wrong again. I know you love ties, but you already have 128 ties. Why would I buy one more?
He-(thinking of her equally large collection of lipsticks, but sensing that it would be unfit to mention it now) A deo maybe?
She-Jaanu, you forgot! I gave you that on your last to last birthday. I wouldn't give the same gift twice, you know!
He-(beginning to get irritated) Then, a shirt?
She-(swats him on the arm like a typical housewife) You wear nothing but those horrible whites and greys. No way I would buy you one.
He-(crossing his fingers) Tickets to a movie, then?
She-Wrong, wrong and wrong. Is there any movie worth watching nowadays? I wouldn't take you to see some crap movie about infidelity and extra-marital relationships.
He-(thinking 'If you don't take me, won't I see it?') Of course, sweetheart. Cufflinks?
She-No. My parents gave you that on our second anniversary. You've never worn them. Now that's really bad. (Blows up her face like a kid who has been refused a chocolate bar)
He-(in a placating tone) I love them, jaanu. Honestly. I haven't had the occasion to wear them. Now, I will, ok?
She-(smiles) Ok, now guess again....
He-(nervously) Baba Ramdev's exercise CD? You did tell me my tummy is protruding these days.
She-Nope. That's not the kind of thing to gift for a birthday. You guys, never know when to buy what!
He-(relieved, but sensing deeper trouble) A candlelight dinner?
She-(bangs her hand on her forehead) Practicality, jaanu, practicality. We are past those days now. I wouldn't spend 1500 bucks to not even be able to see what I am eating.
He-(on the edge of his chair now) Have you cooked something special then? Remember, on my last birthday, you had learnt some new recipe from next-door Malini aunty and had made it for me? (Mentally pictures something white, gooey and yucky)
She-(laughs out loud) You still remember that? That was a Gujarati speciality. Remind me to make it again. You seem to like it so much. Ok now, don't divert my attention. Try to guess one last time.
He-(really worried now) Is your mother coming over? (Thinks of the last time when he had had the esteemed visitor over and the pains that he had had to take to impress her, pray with her, help laying the table and enjoy the various 'experiments' that mother and daughter made up in the kitchen every day)
She-(bringing him out of his reverie) No dear. Unfortunately, that's not the surprise. I know you love it when she comes over. You are her favourite jamaai too. We'll invite her over soon.
He-(literally on the verge of pulling out his hair) Darling, why don't you tell me now? I can't seem to think of anything.
She-(in a soft voice, as if she is discussing the greatest secret of the universe) Remember, we went to a party last week? You introduced me to your colleague's wife, Mrs. Khanna?
He-(heartbeats rising) What about that?
She-(batting her eyelids) I have also decided to become glamourous like her. For you, jaanu. So that people can envy you. A glamourous wife - that's my gift to you this time.
He-(smiling weakly) Thanks darling. But what are you exactly planning to do?
She-I bought 2 new sarees - you know, the ones with stone work? It is all the rage on T.V. soaps now. And I bought 3 fashionable short kurtis. You'll just love them!!!
He-(inwardly cringing, thinking of the cost that would involve) But jaanu, I love you just the way you are.....
She-Chho chhhweeeet! I know, darling. That's exactly why I love you so much. But I know you inwardly wish I were trendy and hip. Don't worry, I'll do it for you.
He-(feeling dumbstruck) I really love you, sweetheart.
She-(smiling broadly) And, you know, I got a manicure, a pedicure, a bleach, a wax and a facial. And as the bill exceeded Rs. 1500, I'll get a glam haircut absolutely FREE next week! Isn't that exciting?
He-(thinking, "Rs.1500? Dikhta toh nahi hai!") That's great, sweetie.
She-Just 3 more sittings and I'll be positively glowing like Mrs. Khanna. Wouldn't you love that?
He-(Trying to figure out what is 3 times 1500, failing miserably) Sweetheart, there is no need for all this, but I know you won't listen. Go ahead.....
She-Thanks jaanu, I knew you would say that exactly.
He-(Smiling weakly) Love you, sweetie. Now, would you please excuse me? I need to go to the bathroom......

Mr. Perfection?

2007-04-29T21:31:00.000+05:30

I am a voracious reader of romance novels. I love reading Mills & Boons and have been doing so since I was old enough to understand them.

The fluttering sensation that the heroine feels while meeting the hero for the first time, a tall, robust hero going down on his knees to propose to his beloved, the sweet little things that both say and do to express their love for each other - all this fascinates me to no end.

The heroes in these novels are depicted as the most eligible bachelors. (The heroines too, but I am expressing my view point.) They are well-to-do and are devilishly handsome too. Apart from being immensely successful in their careers, they have gem-like qualities.

The hero is shown to be so understanding that he does not mind cooking for his lady or helping her in cleaning out her apartment. He does not care about what the society says. He would even risk his life to defend the lady's honour. He endearingly breaks down into tears at the thought of her leaving him.

He charms not only the socks off the heroine's feet, but is also charming with her friends. He is excellent with her pet too.

He does not have second thoughts about going off in the midst of an important business meeting to be with his beloved on an impulse. He knows just how to sweep her off her feet at that dance. He knows just the sweet nothing to whisper into her ear to make her blush and come into his arms.

These stories sometimes make me wonder - are such men for real? The very epitome of perfection? Can life be so very perfect? Wish it could be so........

Gramps turns 89

2007-04-28T19:57:00.000+05:30

Today is gramps' birthday. He turned 89 today. And the most amazing thing is that (touch wood) he still has the will and the love to live. May God give him a long, long life.

He is quite different from other grandfathers. Think of a soon-to-be-90-grandpa and you will imagine a wizened, toothless old man with a cane. No, my gramps is not like that. He still stands tall and stalwart, and has determination in every step of his. He has lost his teeth and his hair is thinning, but his face still oozes will, sheer grit and confidence. If you look at his spirit and enthusiasm, he is a 30-year-old young man. We may get tired, but gramps never tires.

He is the one who handles all our apartment's correspondence, bank accounts and other administrative work. He is respectfully called "Dada"(grandfather) by everyone. "Dada, please sign this cheque", "Dada, please sign this notice" - there is always someone coming to our house to meet him for some official work. And he does it all smiling. And he loves every bit of it. Now, he has taken charge of another department - "Priya matrimonial department". He fondly calls me "Rani Mangamma".

He is the kind of person who would see a tubelight not working in the apartment compound and would immediately set out to buy one. He wouldn't mind standing in the rain and sun to watch over a neighbour's furniture getting shifted to another city. He can accurately remember which paper he has filed in which file. He would not hesitate to give away something to a needy person. A true softie at heart behind his stern appearance! "I don't need more than 2 pairs of clothes, " he has always said. And if someone gifts him a third pair, he will undoubtedly donate it to someone who needs it.

Gramps has always been my guide. He has helped me with school essays and college projects. "Why can't you do it? You can do anything you set your mind to," has always been his philosophy. He is a staunch follower of Prajapita Brahmakumaris. He goes to the Ashram every Thursday and meditates every day.

He has never tried to impose his views on anyone and has given his family full freedom. He is a stickler for discipline and timings, though he has never expected us to stick to a rigid timetable.

He is the most positive person I have ever seen. He has remained calm and unruffled even in the most trying circumstances. One of the other qualities that I admire in gramps is his ability to change with the times. He is quite broadminded for his age.

A few months back, when the chikun gunia epidemic struck, gramps was also affected. His kidneys started malfunctioning and he had to be admitted for the first time in his life. I will never forget the day when the doctor said that there was no hope for him. Even if he would get better, he would have to live the life of an invalid. The days when I visited gramps in the hospital in the ICCU are still fresh in my mind. Gramps would lie in the bed looking tired, frail and shrivelled, but he had not lost his never-say-die attitude. "Why didn't you go to office?," he would say, "These people have brought me here for no reason. I am going to pull out all these tubes and come home."

The thought that maybe we would never see gramps active again was unbearable for all of us. The few days that he was in hospital, we all realised what a great pillar of strength he had been for the family. My bond with gramps was renewed in those days. Fortunately, with God's grace and with sheer willpower, he pulled through. Today, he is as hale and hearty as ever. The doctors say that it is a miracle that he survived and is able to function well.

After his return from the hospital, his weakness did not prevent him from coming with me to my childhood friend's place to visit her as she had had a baby. Neither did he hesitate coming with me to his colleague's funeral, who also happened to be one of my friend's grandfather.

His grit and determination were evident during the massive earthquake in Gujarat in 2001. As our apartment is a high-rise one, everyone left it for some safe place, but gramps said that we would all stay home. "If we die, we'll all die together peacefully at the same place," he said. He instilled so much confidence in us that we were able to sleep peacefully even with the knowledge that there was not a single living soul in the whole apartment except us and that aftershocks could come at any time.

He is a truly great man. It must not have been easy for him, losing both parents at the tender age of 3. He grew up with relatives. According to him, life was a struggle and he would consider himself lucky if he could get even one square meal a day. In these circumstances, he studied Textile Technology and joined a mill. He worked night shifts and built a home of his own. He married Patti at the age of 22. He worked in the same mill throughout his career and retired as a Planning Officer soon after I was born.

I am sure gramps is not going to read this, but I cannot help pouring out my feelings for him on this day. May dear gramps continue to give shade, comfort, love and support to our family for many more years to come!

The VVIP

2007-04-27T16:51:00.000+05:30

She enters the house head held high, tall and gallant. After all, she has a monopoly. There is no one else quite like her.

Her appearance in the house lights up faces with smiles. Wherever she goes, people heave a sigh on relief on seeing her, knowing that their problems would now definitely be addressed.

For Amma, she is indispensable. Amma just dotes on her. Sometimes, poor me and dad have to become the butt of her scoldings if we hinder the lady's work.

She is the most welcome visitor around, to whom people unfailingly say, "Would like to meet you tomorrow too!"

According to our neighbour, she makes life worth living. She cannot imagine life without the presence of the great lady.

The VVIP is - our kamwaali bai.

Worship

2007-04-26T20:10:00.000+05:30

She was sitting in her huge verandah knitting a sweater for her husband. The kids had gone to school, so she was free. She was engrossed in her knitting when she heard her maidservant call her.
"Memsaab?"
She lifted her gaze up to focus on Kamla, who was standing before her, arms folded. Kamla's shabby garb presented a stark contrast to the opulent luxury of the bungalow.
"What is it, Kamla?"
"Memsaab, Raju wants to study further. He wants to become an engineer."
"So?"
"Memsaab," Kamla now had a pitiable expression on her face, as if she was about to break into tears at any moment. "You know how it is, Memsaab," she continued, "That good-for-nothing drunkard does not give me any money at all. I have to fight like anything to keep him from laying his hands on my hard-earned money."
"Hmm......"
"Memsaab, I barely make enough money to feed and clothe myself and Raju. Where do I have the money for his education?"
"Hmm......"
"Memsaab, I was thinking if you could ask Saab to support Raju's education financially....."
"Kamla, you said Raju wanted to become an engineer?"
"Yes, Memsaab."
"He is school now, na?"
"Yes, Memsaab, in the 8th grade."
"So it will take at least 8 more years for him to complete his education."
"Yes, Memsaab. Raju is really interested in becoming an engineer. He says he will first build a house for his mother."
Kamla wiped away the tears that now streamed from her eyes with the tip of her pallu.
"I understand, Kamla," she said, "We might support him initially, but we cannot support him throughout his education."
"Memsaab, please do whatever you can do to help. Later on, we will manage."
"How will you manage? You are thinking emotionally and not practically. Engineering is a costly affair these days."
"Yes, Memsaab, but....."
"Tell Raju to learn some kaam-dhaam and help you in your work. What is he going to do becoming an engineer?"
"But Memsaab...."
"Kamla, I told you once. You are dreaming of the impossible. Now let me go for my Pooja. It is getting late."
She stood up, putting the knitting aside on the cane chair in which she had been sitting. She walked into the Pooja room, leaving a stunned, helpless Kamla standing in the verandah.
She took out the dried flowers from the small marble temple that she had got custom-made and arranged fresh flowers in their place. She lit the diyas and placed them before each idol in the temple. Then she proceeded to offer the Gods the dishes of ghee and dryfruit-laden sweets that she and Kamla had painstakingly prepared that morning. "Hare Ram, Hare Krishna, Om Namaha Shivaya," she chanted busily. She opened the lota of gangajal and sprinkled some all around the room. "God, always keep your hand above my head and my family," she prayed. "Forgive our sins, Parampita. You are the Great Lord of the Universe. Forgive our wrongdoings. We are but mere mortals......."

A sad attempt at humour

2007-04-25T20:24:00.000+05:30

What is red and has black stripes?
An angry zebra.

What is blue and has black stripes?
A sad zebra.

What is yellow and has black stripes?
A zebra down with jaundice.

What is green and has black stripes?
A zebra jealous of a fellow zebra.

What is white and has black stripes?
Dumbo, every zebra!

The bride-to-be

2007-04-24T18:29:00.000+05:30

She has given her heart and soul,
She has given her word to him,
She is going to give herself,
As she awaits the day
When her hand would be entrusted to him,
She has a wondrous journey into herself,
She is filled with conflicting emotions,
She is not afraid of commitments,
She is sure she'll keep them,
She just hopes he values her little sacrifices,
She hopes he would keep his promises to her,
She knows he also is changing,
He has to play a different role now,
But as she goes through this new journey,
She just hopes he would always hold her hand,
She knows he has to toil hard to earn his bread,
But wishes he would always be there when she needs him,
She wishes he would love her long and true,
And hold her always in his heart,
She hopes he would always trust her,
And respect her will and wish,
The same way
She would do for him,
She hopes he would accept her
For what she is,
She hopes she would be able to overlook
His minor flaws, and he, hers.
She hopes he would hold her so close
She would never be able to see pain or misery,
She knows life is not a bed of roses,
There is still a long, long way to go,
She knows it is not a never-ending romance,
But she still wishes they always
Live happily ever after.

Growing up

2007-04-23T22:19:00.000+05:30

The things I used to wonder about
Are things of yesterday,
Today I am on another quest,
Seeking answers to other questions,
Maybe that is what is growing up.

Time will tell what is in store for me,
I know not now,
I have learnt to make lemonade
From the lemons life throws at me,
Maybe that is what is growing up.

Going on and on,
Refusing to give up,
Moving on ahead of grief and pain,
Learning to see the bigger picture,
Maybe that is what is growing up.

Learning to stop
Saying 'Life is not fair',
Caring to see deep enough
To find the fairness beneath,
Maybe that is what is growing up.

Realising that life
Is sometimes
Less than perfect,
Learning to live with the imperfections,
Maybe that is what is growing up.

Public moments

2007-04-22T14:43:00.000+05:30

He loved her dearly,
She loved him, that he knew,
He thought of asking her
To be his forever,
He took her
To their favourite restaurant,
There they sat in the open air,
Under the stars and moonlight,
He gave her the beautiful rosebud
That lay amidst the tall glass vase
On the pinewood table,
He looked at her longingly,
Took her hands in his,
With a flourish
He took out the ring
From the suit pocket,
And said in a soulful voice,
"I love you, sweetheart,
Will you be my wife?",
She gazed at him dumbstruck,
Then had tears in her eyes,
"Yes, I will," she said,
"I would be honoured to,"
Suddenly cameras clicked
And recorders and mikes appeared,
"Sir, when did you know
You loved her?"
"Ma'am, how does it feel,
Just being proposed to?"
He winced, "Not again, not now,"
But couldn't do anything,
After all, he was a celebrity.

Its Saturday again!

2007-04-21T21:54:00.000+05:30

It is the fun time of the week again! It is Saturday once more! :-)

I have always loved Saturdays. Saturdays have always signified a change from the normal routine. Every day, school started at 7 in the morning and on Saturdays, it would start in the afternoon at 12.30. College would begin every day at 12.30 noon and Saturdays would mean morning college. In school days, Saturday would also mean a movie on Doordarshan at night. At my previous office, Saturdays would mean 'casual day'. Colourful and funky dresses could be seen on Saturdays, breaking the monotony of dull-colored work clothes the whole week. My present job offers me a half working day on Saturday. So Saturdays have always been special.

Saturday - the day of Lord Hanuman. I love going to the nearby Hanuman temple on a Saturday to see the huge idol of Lord Hanuman decked in brightly colored clothes and adorned beautifully with large garlands of 'yerkampu'. On Saturdays, the idol has a special aura of power and beauty around it.

On Saturdays, I have observed that people everywhere are usually more relaxed, more happy. Looking forward to the Sunday ahead makes Saturday an even more special day. That is the 'funnest' part of Saturday. You can enjoy the day and still have the next day to enjoy more! You know, it is like relishing your last piece of sinfully chocolate-ey, yummy cake, just to remember that you still have one more piece left.

Love ya, Saturday! Come again soon! :-)

Ask and ye shall get

2007-04-20T21:23:00.000+05:30

I was surfing the net earlier today when I came across this article.

This article really set me thinking. How many things in life do people compromise with just because they don't ask for something better? I have seen some people go through great dissatisfaction, doubts and troubles, be it in their personal relationships or at their workplace, but they just don't ask for help. That's a real tragedy, I feel. These people know that they deserve better, they also know they should ask someone about their situation, they even have easy access to the person who can put them out of their grief, but they still don't ask! Ego, shyness or the how-dumb-will-I-look-if-I-ask or how-will-he/she-be-able-to-solve-my-problem attitude comes in the way.

Most of the times when I feel stuck, I don't hesitate asking the concerned person for help. I have always been asking questions - in my school life, in college and even at work. But I have always ensured that I ask the right person. Asking the wrong person for help can do more harm than good. In 99% of my experiences, I have found the people I asked more than happy to help because they found that I had a genuine reason to ask. And I have been appreciated because of my frank questions. Instead of not asking anyone and stewing inside, I feel better when I ask for guidance. I might receive it, I might not - that depends on the other person. But when I ask, I feel satisfied that I atleast put in an effort to improve my situation. Most of the times, help has been easier to get than I expected.

In my last job, I was feeling a bit dissatisfied. I talked to my boss about it, and I got a better job profile. A few months later, I felt I deserved a raise and I discussed it with him. I got the raise. I guess people get interested in helping you if they find that you are determined and interested in improving your situation.

The same is the case when I pray to God. I always say, "Dear God, I want this. I am going to work for it. If you feel I deserve it, please guide me in getting it." And He has always held my hand and guided me.

This is something I have always believed in:
"Seek, and ye shall find;
Knock, and it shall be opened unto you."

Nicknames

2007-04-19T23:23:00.000+05:30

Nicknames - they are funny little things. They can originate from anything. Sometimes, they truly reflect the creativity of the people.

The girl with brown hair comes to be known as 'Bhoorie' ('Brownie' in Gujarati). I have come across people popularly known as 'Karuppi' ('Blackie' in Tamil) and 'Sepi' ('Whitey' in Tamil), based on their appearance. I have also come across weird nicknames like 'Kothavarangai' (a green vegetable similar to a French Bean - in Tamil) for a very thin lady and 'Chaddidhari' for a person who loves wearing shorts.

A person can also be nicknamed on the basis of his attitude or behaviour. Like, a person I know is called 'Liti' ('Line' in Gujarati) by his colleagues because he maintains the office register and loves the task of putting a long line beside the names of those on leave. A person who asks too many questions is called 'Hansa' (of the 'Khichdi' fame).

Sometimes, original names are just shortened to make a nickname. Like 'Kamlesh' at my previous job was popular as 'Kamla' and 'Khushali' as 'Khushi'. And, how can I forget, 'Murgi' for 'Murugesh'. (Murgi, for God's sake?). Sometimes, if the names are very long, people find a shorter nickname easier to use. Like 'Mani' for 'Subramanian' or, worse, 'Chuppani'.

Then there are those foriegn-returned guys who adopt trendy names. 'Jai Kumar' becomes 'J.K.' and 'Madhavan' becomes 'Maddy'. Some people become known by their last names, like one of my cousins, who is known as 'Iyer' by all and sundry.

I am reminded of my high school days when we had named three of our teachers on the basis of the instrument of communication that they carried. Saurin Sir was popular as 'Saurin Cellular', Manan Sir as 'Mannu Mobile' and Raju Sir as 'Pappu Pager'.

Funny, the way these nicknames seem to stick on for life. 'Chinnan' ('Little Boy' in Tamil) remains 'Chinnan' even after he turns 60. 'Podhi' ('Fatso' in Tamil), who was chubby in her childhood years, remains 'Podhi' even after she becomes model-slim and becomes the mother fo a kid.

Fortunately or unfortunately, I don't have a nickname. At least, none that I know of. But I would sure love to have an interesting one.........

Your beautiful brown eyes

2007-04-18T21:54:00.000+05:30

You may conceal your innermost feelings,
But those beautiful brown eyes of yours,
They give you away,
You may say you don't love me,
But those beautiful brown eyes cannot lie,
The pain in those eyes
Haunts me long after we part,
Oh! What I would not do
To wipe out the sadness
From the depths of those brown eyes,
Those beautiful brown eyes of yours,
Make me want to live,
Those beautiful brown eyes of yours,
Make me want to digress from sanity,
'Hold me! Make love to me!",
They seem to say,
I wish I could drown
In those deep brown pools of your eyes,
Those beautiful brown eyes of yours,
They draw me to you,
I can feel your softness and warmth,
In those beautiful brown eyes,
I could look into them forever,
Those beautiful brown eyes of yours.

Waiting for the rain

2007-04-17T22:07:00.000+05:30

I was looking out my window,
Having little else to do,
I gazed down at the earth
Dry and parched,
Like a dry throat,
Cracked it was,
The glaring sun rays had made it so,
The leaves on the trees
All dried up,
Nobody in sight,
With the heat at its best,
As I watched on,
Clouds gathered in the sky,
Light changed to darkness,
And a drizzle began,
With the heady smell of the earth
Filling my senses,
The rain grew to a steady downpour,
And I observed
The plants danced with joy,
Looking green and lush,
The earth looked beautiful,
Like a bride on her wedding day,
Replenished, fulfilled, satisfied,
Its quest ultimately rewarded,
Like the earth I go on,
Waiting for the rain to come someday,
That day my quest will end.

I will grow

2007-04-16T20:20:00.000+05:30

The beautiful butterfly
The world marvels at
Was once an ugly caterpillar,
The swan so majestic and regal,
It was but an ugly duckling,
Mock me not, my fellow men,
For one day
My life too shall change,
I will put out roots and grow,
Spread out my shoots
And grow leaves,
One day I will grow into a mighty tree
From the insignificant seed that I am,
I will fight against the storms and the rain,
And I will sustain,
Then you will stand beneath my boughs
And enjoy my shade and generosity,
Then you will know me
For my true worth.

Employee Rules

2007-04-16T08:17:00.000+05:30

I got this from the net and found it HILARIOUS! :

A circular was found in one of the office notice boards
Dear STAFF ,Please be advised that these are NEW rules and regulations implemented to raise the efficiency of our firm.

TRANSPORTATION :It is advised that you come to work driving a car according to your salary.a) If we see you driving a Honda, we assume you are doing well financially and therefore you do not need a raise.b) If you drive a 10 year old car or taking public transportation, we assume you must have lots of savings therefore you do not need a raise.c) If you drive a Pickup, you are right where you need to be and therefore you do not need a raise.
ANNUAL LEAVE :Each employee will receive 52 Annual Leave days a year ( Wow! said 1 employee).- They are called Sunday’s.
LUNCH BREAK :a) Skinny people get 30 minutes for lunch as they need to eat more so that they can look healthy.b) Normal size people get 15 minutes for lunch to get a balanced meal to maintain their average figure.c) Fat people get 5 minutes for lunch, because that’s all the time needed to drink a Slim Fast and take a diet pill.
SICK DAYS :We will no longer accept a doctor Medical Cert as proof of sickness.- If you are able to go to the doctor, you are able to come to work.
TOILET USE :Entirely too much time is being spent in the toilets.a) There is now a strict 3-minute time limit in the cubicles.b) At the end of three minutes, an alarm will sound, the toilet paper roll will retract, the door will open and a picture will be taken.c) After your second offence, your picture will be posted on the company bulletin board under the “Chronic Offenders” category.d) Subsequent pictures will be sold at public auctions to raise money to pay your salary.
SURGERY :As long as you are an employee here, you need all your organs.- You should not consider removing anything. We hired you intact.- To have something removed constitutes a breach of employment.
INTERNET USAGE :All personal Internet usage will be recorded and charges will be deducted from your bonus (if any) and if we decide not to give you any, charges will be deducted from your salary.- Important Note : Charges applicable as Rs.20 per minute as we have 4MB connection.
Just for information, 73% of staff will not be entitled to any salary for next 3 months as their Internet charges have exceeded their 3 months salary.
__________________________________________________________
Thank you for your loyalty to our company. We are here to provide a positive employment experience.Therefore, all questions, comments, concerns, complaints, frustrations, irritations, aggravations, insinuations, allegations, accusations, contemplation, consternation and input should be directed elsewhere.
Best regards,HRD

Sensational translation

2007-04-15T14:07:00.000+05:30

I found this on the net and just loved it! The English translation of the Hindi song 'Beedi Jalai Le Jigar Se Piya'. I am putting it up on my blog:

DAAN DOONG DUDUNG DAAN DOONG DUDUNG……
NOT GLASS
NOT STOLE
COLD AIR IS ALSO AGAINST US
MOTHER IN LAW ( SASSSURRRIII…..!!!!!!!!)
NOT GLASS
NOT STOLE
COLD AIR IS ALSO AGAINST
MOTHER IN LAW ( SASSSURRRIII…..!!!!)
ITS SO CHILLY TAKE SOMEBODY’S QUILT GO AND TAKE FIRE FROM NEIGHBORS STOVE
TAKE FIRE FROM NEIGHBORS STOVE
LIT UP THE CIGGI FROM LIVER OH LOVER
THERE IS LOT OF FIRE IN THE LIVER
DAAN DOONG DUDUNG DAAN DOONG DUDUNG……
DONT NOT TAKE OUT SMOKE FROM THE LIPS DONT NOT TAKE OUT SMOKE FROM THE LIPS THE WORLD IS VERY CROOKED
LIT UP THE CIGGI FROM LIVER OH LOVER
THERE IS LOT OF FIRE IN THE LIVER
IT’S SO CHILLY TAKE SOMEBODY’S QUILT GO AND TAKE FIRE FROM NEIGHBORS STOVE
TAKE FIRE FROM NEIGHBORS STOVE
NOT GLASS
NOT STOLE
OLD AIR IS ALSO AGAINST
MOTHER IN LAW
ITS SO CHILLY TAKE SOMEBODY’S QUILT GO AND TAKE FIRE FROM NEIGHBORS STOVE
TAKE FIRE FROM NEIGHBORS STOVE
YEAH YEAH
NOT CRIME
NOT CHAOS
WITHOUT SIN DIED
U CALLED ME IN THE AFTER NOON
TALKED BANGALES
MASKED HIMSELF
BURN THE SMALL STOVE 4M FROM LIVER OH LOVER
THRE IS LOT OF FIRE IN THE LIVER
LIT UP THE CIGGI FROM LIVER OH LOVER
THERE IS LOT OF FIRE IN THE LIVER
NOT EVEN KINFE SHAPRPNEES
NOT EVEN PLOUGH OR PLOUGHER
BITE SO THAT IT LEAVE IMPRINTS
THIS CROP ANY FARMER VILL LEAVE
MAKE HOUSE OF CRUEL LIKE THIS CATO (billo)
MAKE HOUSE OF CRUEL LIKE THIS
CRUEL LIKE THIS
CRUEL LIKE THIS
MAKE HOUSE OF CRUEL LIKE THIS
NOT EVEN CALLED ME
NOT EVEN TOLD ME
U WOKE ME UP 4M SLEEP
I DONT KNOW 4M VER THIS FATE CAME
HE CAME NEAR BY MAKING ME EAT CARDAEMOM
BURN THE COAL FROM LIVER OH LOVER
THERE IS LOT OF FIRE IN THE LIVER

Tamil new year

2007-04-14T20:59:00.000+05:30

It's Tamil new year today. Being Saturday, half day today at the office. Came back early and had yummy payasam, bisi bele bhaat and mango pachadi. Interesting story behind the pachadi. The pachadi has mangoes in it for sour taste, fresh neem flowers for a bitter taste and jaggery for a sweet taste. It is said that life is a combination of everything - sweet moments and sad moments. That is, the good, the not so good and the bad. We should learn to savour the joyful times and maintain our composure during sorrowful periods. This pachadi is prepared on New Year's Day to remind us of this fact. My grandma keeps telling me this every New Year's Day. Somehow, I like the concept.

Received calls and messages from friends and from relatives in Chennai. Felt good talking to everyone after a long time. In the evening, went to the nearby temple with Amma. Fed some grass to the cows there. Then went to a beautiful art gallery and a park. Had dinner outside. Was overall a nice, satisfying and soothing experience. A change from the daily hectic routine.

Wish all days could be as beautiful and enjoyable as today. :-) Wishing all the Tamilians a very happy and prosperous new year.

Lost love

2007-04-14T14:48:00.000+05:30

I trusted you with my heart,
But you broke it to pieces.
I wanted you
To walk into my life,
But you walked away.
I wanted to lean on your shoulder,
To sleep in your arms,
But you just shrugged away.
I never wanted to be alone,
But you deserted me
When I had not a single soul around.
I wanted to be a part of you,
And for you to be a part of me,
But you never did care enough.
I wanted to be
Your soulmate for ever,
But you never bared your soul to me.
I never wanted to cry again,
Not a single day in my life,
But you left me pained forever.
I wanted to kiss
All your worries away,
But you never opened your lips to me.
I poured my heart into my letters,
Meant it when I said, "I love you",
But you never did.
When you bid adieu, I still waited,
Maybe you would turn back,
But you never did.

Magic cuppa

2007-04-13T20:14:00.000+05:30

Traffic jams, pollution, financial problems, pressure from spouse/girlfriend/boyfriend, pressure from parents, peer pressure.......phew! With all this weighing atop your head, you reach office. Just to find that you are 15 minutes late. The boss says nothing, but throws a suggestive glance at his wristwatch and raises a questioning eyebrow. "Sorry sir! Got caught in the traffic. It won't happen again!," you say and head towards your cubicle. You switch on your P.C., just to find that there is some technical fault and it will take a few minutes to repair. Exasperated, you bang your fist on your desk and sit down in your chair with your head in your hands.

Then the magic happens. The office boy comes in with your morning coffee mug. He sets it down on the table. The smell of fresh coffee relaxes you, invigorates you and eases your tensed muscles. Sip by sip, the magic elixir enters your system and revitalises you. You feel energised and refreshed now. You feel ready to take on teh world. A grumpy boss, your personal problems, bickering coworkers, a bad-tempered client, unbendable deadlines, that do-or-die meeting - you feel you can do it all now.

Strange, the way that little cuppa works from your tastebuds to your mind and entire being.

Feeling ill-tempered today? Subah coffee nahi pee kya? So grab your cup and get ready to face the day ahead and make the most of it.

Unspoken pain

2007-04-12T13:35:00.000+05:30

The party was roaring,
Drinks were flowing,
People were enjoying,
Dancing and chatting,
And the music was blaring.

The couple entered the hall,
All eyes flew to them,
They made a handsome pair,
He in a black suit and tie,
She decked in a mod mini.

"Oh dear! You look soooooo good!,"
Many complimented her,
"So different from your daily garb,
You look so sexy!"

She just smiled,
Said nothing at all,
Looking at the gleam of admiration
In her husband's eyes.

She went to the washroom
Under the pretext
Of refreshing her lipstick,
Or, maybe, to cry.

She looked in the mirror,
A cold, made-up lady stared back at her,
It was not herself,
She felt.

She took in her attire,
Tight, low-cut top and clinging skirt,
Her long, glossy mane reduced to a layered cut,
And she cringed.

But, she chided herself,
She would say nothing to him,
She would just 'enjoy' the party as best she could,
And leave it at that.

If it made him happy,
She was happy too,
She would do as he wished,
Just as she did every other day,
Even if a part of her died every day.

Will you be mine?

2007-04-12T08:19:00.000+05:30

Come rain, come sunshine,
Will you be by my side?
Come laughter or sorrow,
Will you hold my hand?
Will you step into my life
Just as you've stepped
Into my heart,
And left your footprints forever?
Will you be mine
And take me to be thine?
Will you be the answer
To my prayers?
Will you be my light
At the end of the dark tunnel?
Will you be the one
I can come home to?
Will you make my life more meaningful
Just by being in it?
Will you take me in your arms
And make the world drop away?
Will you be my soulmate
Forever and some more?

My first post

2007-04-11T20:20:00.000+05:30

Hey, my very first post. So excited about the whole thing. Was thinking of creating my blog for a long long time, but never really got around to it. Finally did it today!

Lemme start my blog with something I wrote a few weeks back. It is called 'Smelling the roses'. Here goes:

7.00 A.M. Morning alarm goes off.......
7.10 A.M. You get out of bed grumbling........
7.30 A.M. A quick glance at the headlines with your morning cuppa........
7.45 A.M. Go for a bath........
8.00 A.M. Decide your schedule for the day.........
8.30 A.M. Start for office........
8.30 A.M. Reach home from office.......have dinner, watch T.V., go to sleep......

Sounds familiar? This is the normal daily routine for most office goers of today. Whatever be your role in the organisation, you have to slog it out. You have to give your best in order to survive. Times are tough.

You leave for work when the dawn has just broken and reach home hours after the sun has set. Chances are you are becoming a workaholic, just like thousands of other career-minded people. "There is no time to stand and stare." So when do you smell the roses?

Ensure that you take the time off from your busy schedule for a friendly chat with that long-lost college pal. Take the time to reply to all those e-mails you received from well-meaning friends and relatives. Take the time to have a word with your parents. Take the time to hug your spouse and whisper a sweet something in his/her ear. Take the time to lend an ear to your child's growing-up woes. Take the time to affectionately pat the back of your neighbour's kid and say 'Hi!' to your neighbour. Take the time off for your favourite hobby. Take the time to listen to the music of the birds chirping in the morning. Take the time to gaze at the stars. Take the time to feel the sun on your face. Take the time to feel the cool breeze on your body. Take the time to count your blessings. Take the time to pray to God and to thank Him for the little pleasures in life.

Stop to smell the roses every now and then and you will find that the grind of life has suddenly become more bearable.