25 Random Things About me!

Dear GoofyMumma had tagged me a life time ago but the procrastinator just wasn't able to come up with the list. But after what seems an infinity and late nights I have come up with this list. Hope you appreciate the effort cause I had to scratch myself sour to come up with the list. Phew!! But me to got to know some bits about myself. WINKS!!
So here it goes....

1. I have a habit of nonstop bickering with people close to me- my parents and SH think of me as "The Sadist" they can’t live without while friends see a funny jester who always makes them laugh. Bottom line: Don’t get close to me.

2. I love animals especially dogs, but around the Bay Area every time I approach a dog I ask the owner if he bites which sometimes annoys the owner. - Bottom line: I am annoying, not always.

3. I am a creative person and will do anything to be surrounded with anything that has to do with art, culture and creativity so music (vocal/instrumental), dancing (Indian/western), craft/needlework, writing, recitation, photography and Photo Shop, all of these are my interests - Bottom line: I am over imaginative and delusional.

4. I am generally late for appointments. - Bottom line: I don’t like waiting alone.

5. My first job was as math tutor for grade 8 even though I am scared of math. - Bottom line: I am a daring person.

6. I love reading all kinds of literature available, I love television, I love the radio and I love my I pod. - Bottom Line: I am confused about my choices.

7. Although I am a God Fearing person I am not disciplined enough to practice my puja rituals every day. - Bottom line: I have no self determination and good habits do not suit me.

8. I still have the same best friend since class four. - Bottom line: I don't take to changes easily or probably my friend is my blankie???

9. I miss my beloved doggie Zubi-Zubi very much and although he is no more with us I sometimes feel he is there with me. - Bottom Line: I just hope he knew how much he means to me.

10. My tongue sometimes does not coordinate with my brains. Bottom line: I have often said stuff that makes me bite my tongue.

11. I can listen to a favorite song the whole day, whole week, whole month till I can count each break, breathe, and every note is perfect. – Bottom Line: that’s just one example of many OCDs.

12. I don’t like people who are too formal, over familiar, talkative, who are not funny, or are hyper, who are trying too hard for don’t know what! Bottom line: I have few friends

13. I have a closet (small one) full of dresses I don’t fit into but will not part with. Bottom line: I am a greedy, selfish person.

14. I spent 10 years in a boarding school and couldn't wait to get out and once the boards exams got over I knew what I will miss all my life. - Bottom Line: I am a tube light.

15. I have had meaningful conversations with an Iguana and a turtle respectively. - Bottom line: I love animals and they are attracted to me ;-)

16. I have seen a live volcano and flew over it on a helicopter. Bottom line: It’s was such a thrilling experience I have to tell it every time I get an opportunity

17. I have a habit of only sharing good news with most of the people, the troubles and hardships are not discussed with many if any. Bottom line: Few people have access to the core.

18. I love sleeping but I don’t like going to bed early. - Bottom line: I am controversial.

19. I have married the same person twice in the same year but went for a honeymoon after two years. Bottom line: Yup, He is being punished for that at all times.

20. I am hot tempered, short tempered, temperamental, angry vicious person. Bottom line: I said he is being punished na!

21. I love playing Tetris and Sudoku online. - Bottom line: I am prone to addictions.

22. My proudest moment was when I rented my own place in CRPark, Delhi and could afford to pay all my bills. Bottom Line: I draw inspiration from those days so bear me and my repetitions.

23. During school days I was a good hockey player and was an excellent middle distance runner. – Bottom line: I love to brag about my popularity days. SIGH!

24. I love bread and butter; rice and mutton; roomali roti and kebabs; besan ka laddo and boonde ke laddu (Ritz, Lucknow) and this list could go on but…. Bottom line: I am fat.

25. I am lazy. Am I repeating myself? Well, that means it’s the most important thing you need to know about me. Bottom Line: I AM SPONTANEOUS LAZYBUM MINI!!

Not tagging anyone. You are welcome to share your thoughts though :-)

A Perfect Saturday is...

You get up at 9am without rush; switch on the TV to watch the weekly Hindi programs. Sit and watch Shahrukh dance and ogle at John Ibrahim in New York teasers. Make some “Illaichi waali chai”. Sip it while watching Mallika Sherawat’s in “HISSSS” teasers. Between sips agree with spouse on what an awesome “cha-maker” you are and plan the day. Should you go to Costco to buy the cleaning stuff because you are out of Clorox wipes and also want some mushrooms and “palak”. Or go to the Indian grocery for “gobi” of both kinds for the coming week’s veggie quota. Don’t you need to go to the library to pick the golf DVD and also return those cords that won’t work with the laptop?

All the while thinking about the wonderful weather that’s happening outside- make use of it before it turns all temperamental once again. One of you will suggest chucking all the chores- stuff and driving to the beach. The other one will pick the good opportunity for a fight and get proactive. Will continue fighting over breakfast, washing and while getting ready (to go out some place yet a wonder). Then realize it’s too late to prepare lunch and one will suggest the Indian Vegetarian buffet thinking about the malai koftas, the other will agree promptly thinking about the yum vegetarian pizza and no hanging in the kitchen. Drive together thinking of the entire list to be taken care of, then drool over the awesome food laid in front of us.

Start with chaat papri, dahi-vadas, cold slaw and macaroni. Then move towards pav bhaji, puri-allo, pakoras and the VEG PIZZA. Then the main course consisting of chowmein, Manchurian gobi, veg pulao, malai koftas, and navratan korma. Nope, we are not done yet. Dessert consists of samplers of pastries, fruit cakes, sweet buns, cookies and gajar ka halwa.

Yes, the fight is over and the decision is made.

Content and happy you head towards the beach. To the very beach that was in news the previous day that a family of gray whales had decided to make this their home for quite some time. The weather is cooperative and the blue horizon in sight. We decide to walk on the trail instead of walking on the sand. As you walk uphill on the trail enamored by the natural garden that keeps unfolding itself- Purple, pink, yellow, white, orange wild flowers everywhere and beyond is the blue-green pacific, with the horizon clear in view. It’s a special day- you are happy being sun stroked instead of fog soaked.

And just like that you see it. Straight and clear in view, the gray whale huffing and puffing and blowing water fountains. You stand still as you take in the truth- you are watching a Gray Whale at its lunch hour. The whale breached twice in a span of 10-15min and then it became elusive, showing itself in irregular periods giving no time to capture the moment in camera. But you do not need this moment in camera this will be forever in your memory. You take the trek to the top of the hill. Sit on the ledge for a long time, and keep a watch for the gray whale to surface while you look at the lone sea lion busy with luncheon on and off.

The day, the ocean, the hills, the flowers, the town itself is perfect.

Then drive along CA-1 for a while and come back home. Have another fresh cup of “illaichi wali chai”, prepare dinner and recall and talk about the times you drove 3 hrs to see the humpback whale and her calf, drove to Point Reyes NP for some whale viewing instead saw a school of dolphins display synchronized performance. And each time just as surprised by the beauty of nature.
Gray whales are added to the list.

It is real and it is perfect.

Some Thoughts...

What is this about that I miss an opportunity to get to know a new person? What makes me want to keep myself busy enough reading a camera manual just to avoid talking to a person sitting inches from me? And we are forced to share this long, long flight together sitting next to each other. We are not sleepy; we have just the flight shopping magazine to read or left to our own devices. Probably, pretend to be sleeping (it sure works). But still we will not turn to the other person and exchange a warm “HI”. I remember the last time I had to fly alone and how fun the flight was because of the stranger who sat next to me. We talked about our education, profession, and travels and felt so much richer having taken this opportunity to converse. We do not feel the need to exchange names and numbers because we feel we are better friends because of the connection we have made already nothing more is needed. Then the very next moment I am shut to the world, do not want to be a part of any group and prefer being alone all time surrounded by potential friends.

There are days when I love everyone I come across, and everyone seems to adore and compliment me on how cool and friendly I am, and then there are times when I just think that I am above everyone and everything around me. I am not sure how long I have been going through this temperamental tidal but it has been a while since I began to notice my attitude towards certain people at particular times. And don’t ask me to put labels because I do not think I will be able to list any typecasting here. It just happens.

So I wonder what is it that some people become my friends the moment we share the same space. And with some there is such discomfort that even years of circling the same contacts and sharing common friend circles we never get around to be able to carry a conversation on our own.

And the weirdest part of all this is that sometimes this may happen simultaneously. I am friendly to one and covertly hostile to another. Well, I have been on both sides of this story so I guess I may claim to understand how it may feel. Also I have seen that sometimes I don’t get along with people who may actually share more than one common interests or traits with me.

Iwonder and I wonder and some more…

I get Bherry Atyachaar-d, before I get rational!

There must be infinite things that get me fuming, make me angry, spike me mad.
My emotional atyachaar can be of quite an echelon. I can let it go to such heights that my stress level can break all mercury levels. And thus I have tutored myself into some personal version of rationality, which includes empathizing with the culprit, ignoring the act/fault-person and imagine they no more walk on this earth. And smiling (read grinning ear to ear)helps when nothing goes ones way.
Also I count my lucky stars (10, 20, 30.. 100, 1000.. so on...) that I am not like the person who irks me!!
IHM tagged me to come out with my set of emotional Atyachaar and I am prompt to act on it(3weeks down).
I agree with all that IHM has to say about her “atyachaar list”… in an effort not to repeat I came up with my list with incidental emotions that have made me evaluate myself.


1. People who are constantly hypercritical about others. I sincerely think they don’t give themselves enough time each day and probably need to meditate on themselves rather than nitpick on others. Oh!! They have opinion and advice for everyone but self. Dare anyone do a wrong and they are eager to reprimand with tight slaps and harsh language because they have the copyright to be rude, ill-manners, being judgmental hypercritical and everything gone wrong.


2. I hate eve teasers and perverts who will blame the victim for being beautiful, sexy or simply a woman who actually forced the teaser to eve tease the victim. Really loser!! Do you ever think for a second what the women in your family are going through on a daily basis?


3. I am quite peeved with this thing of always being politically correct. Why should everybody get so touchy all of a sudden? I would prefer people who will speak the truth so that I know whom I am relating myself with. Its far more dangerous if I have to associate with people who believe one and speak another. And so I ask, where do I practice my freedom of speech?


4. I love animals: I can’t understand how people can mistreat, torture and ignore them. I will also never understand people who don’t like animals and pets and that includes my SH too.Birds must not be kept in cages, hamsters and guinea pigs teach kids to be responsible and kind, cows and deer have the most beautiful eyes, the best music is made by whales, dolphins are genius beings, and I will give every wink of sleep and every mouthful for a pup in distress.


5. It beats me to understand people who are sweet on my face and bitch like, that’s what they were born to do in life. These characters make me extremely angry because such kinds have cost me potential relationships, but I feel sorry for them because they need some serious psychiatric help instead are roaming unattended. But that’s where the next point comes.


6. I dislike free advise because most of the time I perceive it as being nosey. If I don’t see you as a family stay out of my family decision. Being a friend and being taken for granted are two separate concepts.


7. I don’t get jealousy, so deal with it. I care a hoot if you have gold plated bathroom fixtures or platinum toilet seats when you plan to do some serious community service and help some needy I will truly understand how invaluable you are.


8. I will never understand wars, executions, violence, robbing helpless people, burglary, rivalry killings, honor killings (what’s so gallant this), wife battery, flogging to retain family respect.- this list has much more to add….

9. I don’t like show offs. Oh Gosh! This one is a never ending list. School friends have turned rivals here. Whose husband earns more, what position they work, how big a house do we have, what signature brands one uses. It’s really sick. Well I don’t really mind them doing it till they start asking me questions.


10. Women not being respected in the society. Women being used as an object, a commodity- used as a mode to take revenge against family, clan, country. Women who is treated as a nobdy then becomes responsible of the family honor, society, clan and so on. Ghar ki izzat, Khandaan ki izzat, honor killing, honor rape, rape as a war weapon, trophy, a cattle who can be sold to feed the rest of her loving family.


11. Racism Vs Casteism Vs Religions Vs Regionism Vs Communism Vs gender bias Vs Sexual orientation Vs Immigrant cultures Vs “what is the melting pot”, Should I go on??? Also this ongoing thing about Indian and Amreeka for me gets to me. Please people I love where I live and this is my home. So don’t ask me if I miss India. I have grown up in a residential school all my life. So I am used to being homesick even in the happiest of times. It will be difficult for people who have not experience a hostel life to understand where my comparison comes. Nothing more to say here (maybe another post in another time)

12. Wrestling, boxing, animal fights in the rings. I sincerely want them to be banned. It’s plain torture for me even to think that people enjoy and pay to watch these events.
Long list, sorry folks. So here is a pic MiNi Louuus and hope you do too Coz this one is for all of you.

The Angel in my house.

(check more here)

I would like to extend the tag to (if they have not done it already)
Roop
Goofymumma (http://goofymumma.blogspot.com/)
Eve’ Lung
Odessa (http://makeshiftwords.blogspot.com/)
Reflections

A Chirpy Twitter.com causes a Roar!!

Have you noticed the way Twitter is taking the whole celebrity fan following, social do-good, media and communication to an absolute new level? I first noticed Twitter at Lekhni’s blog. I got curious but not enough to join. I was already bored with the couple of social sites I am a part of.

Then Mumbai attack happened. I was informed how Twitter was helping victims, the government, reporters in guiding and accurate real time reporting and maybe even supporting the enemy. I immediately joined twitter because the latest news releases, online broadcast information and instant transmits were announced and available. I kept awake for 2 whole nights, being a passive twitter, reading the available tweets and experienced the feeling of comradeship, being there for my fellow countrymen, it felt like suffering the ordeal along sides with my countrymen even though I was miles away.
But once Mumbai settled as she always does and the hullabaloo mellowed, people went back to their usual ways, my tweet world receded into oblivion, just as my Facebook craze paled and Orkut daily connections loosened.
But my CNN fever is a constant. I adore Anderson Cooper and Don Lemon. And they have something that I call “Twitter obsession” on their News programs. So I had to catch that bug sooner than not. They kept reporting of how McCain was using the Tweet Power to boost his politician ideologies as they used tweet communication to interact with their audiences in real time. This was sure a new way of interaction and inclusion; An oxymoron of “fun and serious” exchange of politico and moral ideas between media front and the public in Real time.

And then Ashton Kutcher took it to another level. He declared that if he reached a million followers before CNN he would donate as many mosquito nets to the malaria cause. CNN joined the race of the good cause and took up the challenge.
Well, Ashton won, Friday morning (17th April) and then Oprah joined the crazy frenzy and made it even crazier. Of course since I am on the Pacific corner of America I was not included into the East Coast real time. I went ahead and followed Oprah and she introduced me to the whole Bandwagon of Celebrities hooked to the Tweet World.
And today as I sit to watch “The View” sipping my cuppa Tea and what I hear?? Barbara Walters who does not want to feel left out of all the twittering Fun Frenzy was going to put her ever first Tweet real time from her..ahem BLACKBERRY(my red blackberry is cuter!!), on the “The View”. This is what she typed as we watched her nimble fingers go Tweet-A-Tweets “ I AM LOSING MY TWEET VIRGINITY”.
The Twitter.com founder was up on Oprah on Friday Live. They are San Francisco based small company of 35 which makes me wonder about their revenue sources.
Anyways, so the world is going all crazy about the tweet. I am kind of surprised about the whole whirlwind that TWITTER.COM has caused enough to blog about it and not study for the terrible test that I have tomorrow.
I am now following about a dozen of my favorites.. Tweetered Ashton and got no reply. But still gotta say it’s fun. I will next tweet Ellen and see if she replies back!! (winkies!!)
See now I am all into it.
ps- Barbara Walters misspelled virginity and had to be corrected. I thought that was funny and yup OK. It makes me feel a whole lot better about myself.