Spontaneity and Afterthoughts

25 Random Things About me!

2009-06-15T00:35:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-06-14T02:17:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-06-12T11:56:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-05-13T13:04:00.000-07:00

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!!

2009-04-20T15:39:00.000-07:00

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.

Its been long but I am still here!

2009-03-16T11:44:00.000-07:00

It’s been so long I have not posted. So followers came and then went past. Some blog friends have become good friends and some friends were reintroduced in the blog world.
Lately it seems I have been more on the update mode instead of posting blogs of my days on this precious Earth. So, I thought of taking a break.
The world is spinning at its own will- politics, religion and lust for power. I hear, I read and I comprehend. But I never got down documenting all that has been on my mind- my feelings, my sentiments.
Lost a childhood "so called friend" and in all sincerity it was a good thing.
Watched the Oscars and applauded Rahman for Roja/Bombay more than for "SD".
Watched a number of foreign movies mostly on Indie and Sundance channel and I am falling more and more in love with these movie channels.
Weekends go by partying, dance practices, shopping for our home and then working at our home.My study is shaping up beautifully.
In another week my corner of the world will be fresh and ready to rock. I will be back in the Blogland soon.
But am I even being missed, I wonder? We all know how wonderful it feels when we realize we are wanted and missed. I know, some beautiful people do think of me often.
But I love this place and I miss my blog mates, in ample!

Hosted a Party, Watched the Presidential Inauguration and Still Trying to Comprehend the Indian Political Scene..

2009-01-24T03:38:00.000-08:00

The last 10 days seem like a flash passed by . We celebrated a triple celebration- Birthday, Wedding anniversary and Graduation. We decided to make an elaborate event of it and the planning’s took a whole month which finally was realized last weekend and I would like to think it was a success. I have been stone tired for the last one week. And did I mention I joined a dance group and we had a practice session and I pulled muscles at unmentionable places and my truck tires screamed in protest every time I get up to pick the glass of water. But I tried my best not to miss the gym sessions but then religiously hogged on the leftover chocolate cake so that my body does not miss all the calories that I leave at the elliptical. A musical venture is in the sidelines.

The Presidential inauguration was such a spectacular and such a craze. I have sore eyes because I was rarely blinking during the whole ceremony. Also I must mention the HBO live pre inaugural star studded musical concert against the Lincoln Memorial with every musical whose who and Hollywood stars and sparkle serenading the occasion. It was spectacular and I am glad I was able to catch the repeat the next morning again.
Obama has already put many of his promises into action- He has signed orders for Guantanamo Bay toshutdown within a years time. Our new President supports stem cell research, which brings relief and assurance to Bay Area which has some of the most extensive stem cell research labs. President Obama also supports abortion measures. I appreciate all the measures and also his thoughts on tax respite of tax payers. Although I am not sure about the details but a respite is a good one. One worry for Californians is that the state is going bankrupt so probably no Tax refund checks coming in near future. We are supposedly the richest state in US. Rich going bankrupt- Oxymoron. But this one is no laughing matter to California residents.

What a week this has been. I have had loads of fun and loads of fodder for thoughts too. The blog world has been very active and I feel so outdated and need to gobble all the information. Indian politics is not much different from personal and social politics- arrogance, drama, bad mouthing and being judgmental about everything but self. I have enough matters around my social networks which make me go yikks… But the Indian politics is turning real filmy as of now. And a real C-grade one for that.
But when was it not?

TaG-O-PiC

2009-01-13T21:52:00.000-08:00

I have been very busy the last week and then I caught cold and have a sore throat. All you people who love talking know what a torture it is on “the being”. No talking is even more painful, than pain itself, I declare.I have been going to the gym, planning a graduation party, working around the house, reading like a maniac and joined a dance group. This also meant less laptop time, all of which was spent reading as many blog posts as I could.

I also completed this tag offered by Eve’s Lung.

The rules are simple: Answer the questions below and do a Google image search on your answer, pick a picture from the results on the first page, with minimal explanation.

Although I gave it a slight twist of my own to make it more fun. Since I google everything, I flickr-ed this one. The pictures are courtesy Flickr search. And just to flicker my creative bug, I made a collage of my pictorial answer.

1. The age you will be in your next birthday: Ask the moon.
2. A place you'd like to travel to- Ladakh, Tibet.
3. Your Favorite place- A bright and cozy corner full of books and goodies.
4. Your favorite food/drink: Shammi Kababs and Cocktails, particularly margaritas and pina coladas
5. Your Favorite pet: Doggies, each one of them.
6. Your favorite color combination- Yellow, red, green.
7. Your favorite piece of clothing: Handlooms- cotton weaves, silks, natural wool, embroideries. I drool over all of them.
8. Your all time favorite song: Hazaron khwaishe Aisi- Mirza Galib.
9. Your favorite TV show: Planet Earth and Blue Planet- I have been trying to catch the repeats too.
10. Full name of your significant other: I call him my Super Hero (SH)
11. The town in which you live- Mountain View (Google it ;-))
12. Your screen name/nickname- Spontaneous Mini.
13. Your First job: Math Tutor.
14. Your Dream job: Singer.
15. Bad Habit you have: I am so lazy that I often ditch my lunch.
16. Your worst fear: Being lonely and sad.
17. The one thing you'll like to do before you die: Live on the edge and have lots of fun.
18. The first thing you'll buy if you get $1,000,000: Probably a Dream House with a breath taking view.

Courtesy- Flickr.com
And now you can do the mix and match the pic ans. with the black on white ones!

I would Lou for Goofy Mumma to do this tag (I promise I will do all the tags you want me to). And Piper, Reflections, IHM and Tharini. If you have done already do lemme know pliss.

Reading List- Jan 2009

2009-01-07T15:43:00.001-08:00

To mark how serious I am about my book reading/ reviewing resolution I have decided to chronicle my reading list. Both of us share the love for reading and also like suggesting books for each other. So while I pulled out “The Enchantress of Florence” 2008 by Salman Rushdie for SH, he collected “Reading Lolita in Tehran” 2003 by Azar Nafisi for me from the library.

But that’s not the book that I am reading right now. Currently, I am reading, “The Other Queen” 2008 by Phillippa Gregory. This is the second book by the author that I was able to pick from the library best seller list. Last year, I read “The Other Boleyn Girl” 2001, when I heard they were making a movie based on the book. The author, I assume is obsesed by the very controversial Tudor English Era. She has written six historical fictions based on Tudor Era. "The Other Boleyn Girl" was the first and "the Other Queen" is the lastest.

I also have “The Secret life of Bees” 2002 by Sue Monk Kidd on my night stand. I came to know of the book only when the movie released. And because I like reading more than watching movies I decided to read the story before I sit to watch the movie. This is my reading list for the month.

Also while you are here please do check my shutterbug frenzy here and let me know what you think because it is of much significance.

Better late than never,here is a very beautiful friendship band that IHM gave to all her readers during Xmas. In the same tradition I will pass it on to all blog lovers and friends of peace in honor of a beautiful New Year, 2009.

Resolution 2009

2009-01-06T12:26:00.000-08:00

I do not believe in making resolutions for myself, simply coz determination in keeping good habits is not one of my talents. But this year, I just felt like taking a few baby steps towards good things that bring pleasure- Happy ones which will just keep me going.So here is the very short list.Isn't it?

1. Give more attention to my Book Reviews. Amen.

2. Make new friends. And celebrate the year in honor of good friendships. Hopefully get drunk with friends and keep the torch (glass) of comradeship raised high!

3. Eat more of salad and fruits. Let’s include "Simply Orange" and Apple cider?? Wine? Beer? No seriously Champagne fits right in here.

4. Finally let the trip to the East Coast materialize. Niagara Falls, Times Square, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Washington DC or maybe East coast for me means Florida Keys and Everglades NP.

5. Join a book club or a dance club or a music club or a knitting club at the lib. If I don’t get into one then I will start my own. Or maybe Pub?

6. Treat my hair to regular hot oil massage. Permanent straightening has b(r)ought me a lot of praise but I received enough compliments on my step cut curls too. The memory of the whole process, with 5 hours of torture at the salon makes me faint.

7. Be regular at the gym and remain just as dedicated to Gastronomical indulgences. I can DO it! Ahem!

8. Take up speaking Spanish seriously or write in Bengali beautifully.

9. And probably not be such a gadget annihilator. Thakur, not accident prone to such an extent, please.

10. Complete all the knitting and cross stitch works that I started last year before I pick another project.

2009, work is already cut out for ya!!

All's gonna be Mast and Fine, Here's to 2009!!

2009-01-01T20:47:00.000-08:00

Year 2008, Slides off the exit gate.

We recap, year past and recheck our weight.

With renewed vigor, welcome the New Year,

A better economy, harmony, and kind peer(s).

Pray for peace and love to Allah, God, Ishwar,

All the higher orders you revere

Prayer on my lips and love in my heart, I wish each one,

Good Food, Happy Family Life, Wonderful Friends and Baskets of Fun

Wishing You A Wonderful New Year filled with:-

Happiness and Contentment.

Excitement and Enthusiasm.

Love and Good Spirits.

Better Economy and Financial Liberties!

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Lotsa Love, Luck n' Laughter

Xmas Xcursion Xtc!

2008-12-30T23:42:00.000-08:00

This Year's final Holiday trip was not as grand as last year's (Hawaii) but still was as much fun or maybe more!
Some glimpses of the fun filled moments.

24th Dec. We started after lunch from Bay Area and drove for five hours towards Southern California. Ventura is the name of the city where we had booked our Xmas holiday abode. we stopped once for coffee break in between and reached Ventura at supper time. We had hoped to dine at the hotel itself but they closed early for the holiday. Since we are not big fans of McDonald's and Burger kings we went to the restaurant that the front desk person recommended. We ordered, hot and sour soup, egg rolls, kung pao chicken and rice. One of the worst Chinese we ever had. A revelation since we thought this was near impossible. Disgusted I came back and logged in to Yelp for future assistance.

25th Dec. We woke early morning to a cloudy sky. Denny’s was our savior. I ordered stuffed veggie omelet with muffins. SH ordered a Denny’s Special scrambled eggs and we shared a huge hot mug of chocolate mocha. The beach and harbor were off limits for the day since there was a wind advisory with waves being high - 20fts.
We decided to take a hike over the hills and headed towards nearby hill city Ojai. The drive was picturesque with beautiful hamlets amidst ranches and citrus orchards. The fruit laden trees looked wonderful and very pulp on both the sides of the road. It was soon drizzling and then the drizzle turned into a steady shower so we abandoned the plan to hike, instead decided to get lost among the hills. Just as SH kept meandering through the valley we reached Lake Casitas and on impromptu we decided to take a dekho simply because there was a ticket charge, which meant it had to be good. The rain drops receded by this time but it was windy and bone freezing chill. We braved the cold and spent a good hour walking around the lake watching the ducks and gulls going about their job. Lake Casitas is huge with patches of beaches around it. We gazed at the fall colors and lucky houses with owners who woke up to this view each day. When we got back into the car we realized it was 43F outside(Shivers!!).We drove back late afternoon. A piping hot white chocolate mocha along with holiday ginger and lemon cakes is so Christmas- Yee! The evening went by quickly walking by the harbor.
We headed back to Denny’s for dinner of Grilled Shrimp Skewers and Grilled chicken with rice pilaf, dinner breads and sides. This was rounded off with a hot fudge topping sundae. MERRY CHRISTMAS! We then drove in the direction of Santa Barbara just to watch Xmas lights and ended up on the boardwalk which was deserted. There was a beautiful lit Xmas tree and being there was so romantic. But then we realized that the few cars parked around were not empty. I am sure someone was upset on us just as we were!!

26th Dec. We woke up very early in the morning since we wanted to catch the 9am ferry to Santa Cruz, one of the islands that makes the group of NP Channel Islands. We planned to be back late afternoon to go for whale watching trip. When we reached the harbor we were told that the morning rides had been cancelled due to the high surf and tough wind forecast. So we chose to take the Channel Island ferry. Lightening can strike the same place twice, because the next place that we went for Chinese was worse. It was a crime to call that dung Chinese food. The two grumpy faces headed towards downtown to get some coffee and pastry to swish. SH spotted a busy joint where the customers appeared happy and the servers looked busy. The décor of the place was very European but the food options were mostly American fusions- Brownies with cream tops, wafers and crisps. I ordered a brownie with fruit toppings, cappuccino and SH ordered a Jalapeno bagel, white chocolate mocha. The food was so divine; it made us grin from ear to ear. Why does food rule our emotions?
All happy we headed to the harbor. The ferry ride to Santa Cruz Island (the biggest island among five islands under the NPS) was rocky. SH managed the backpack and avoided being rocked across the deck, But I pranced all corners of the boat taking pictures and making videos. Once on the island we took a mile long hike till Cavern point. We were breathless by the time we reached the top in spite of the short hike because of the altitude. 400ft from sea level in a span of half an hour. The view was gorgeous and as breathtaking as was the wind which almost blew me away.
We chatted long with the volunteer who was interested in knowing how many Indian languages I knew. And why I lived in India and not Bangladesh since we were Bengalis. Interesting question! Being an Indian is complicated- just the way we Indians like. We watched sunset on our ferry ride back, am I repeating “breath taking” too many times?
We got back to our hotel for some rest after such a rocking time (pun??).

27th Dec. After dreaming the whole night about desserts and frothy mochas, I was late for a breakfast so brunch it was again. We decided to go to the same awesome place. This time we ordered from the menu – crab cakes with Benito eggs, stuffed omelets with croissant and frothy creamiest white chocolate mocha cups. DIVINE. By this time we knew, this trip was turning into a bon appetite excursion. We drove to Santa Barbara to meet SH's cousin from Philadelphia, who was on a whirlwind tour across the west coast. Student’s life is the best- Carefree, no responsibility other than your backpack and more importantly youth. Priceless.
We were delayed by the young trekkers, who lost their way in spite of the Garmin help. After spending some time on the ocean front and the Cabrillo pier we started for Solvang. After an hour n half, we reached Solvang. Stunning is to say the least. Off the highway we passed beautiful vineyards and romanticized horse ranches before we reached the Solvang downtown. Between the hills of California we found a piece of Denmark. The houses were made in West European style, in keeping with the Danish spirits. The sight totally transformed us to a dream land that was so unexpected. We had done some research and knew that the bakeries and wineries were the highlight of the town. I had shortlisted three bakeries and all of them were a must. We took a map of the town and decided to take a walk through the town. There was a horse drawn carriage with footmen wearing bright red uniforms, giving the tourists a tour of the town. We were not sure how much time this ride would take, since we wanted to devote more time to our bakery tour, we had to forgo the carriage ride. It’s on the to-do-list for the next trip. The cyberShot kept shooting at every corner. Our first stop was at the Danish Mill Bakery. We decided to sit and gorge on some chocolate pastry and Danish almond wafers. One bite and we needed to order some more frothy mocha. It was an absolute high teatime perfecto. With a renewed vigor we started our expedition across the town. They have made quaint cottages, windmills, clock towers. The town also has a mermaid fountain, a smaller version of the Copenhagen mermaid. We visited Olsen Bakery and Solvang Bakery and ordered bread, Danish cookies, ganaches, strudels, almond Kringle and Danish wafers- this meant a lot of cream, sugar and calories but we have this one life to enjoy!Righteous So!

Reached bay Area by 9pm and ordered biryani, gosht to-gos.
Now I am going through the pictures again and again and reliving the past week.
What a wonderful way to windup the year.

I offer to raise a toast to many, many and some more years of fun and happiness.

See you all nextYear!! Happy 2009
Love, luck n’ laughter!

The Road to Peace is a Bumpy One!

2008-12-29T02:03:00.000-08:00

This picture is taken on a traffic stop. Just as I was ready to click, the lights turned to green and this is the result. I did not get a second chance. Do we get or give a second chance to peace and friendship? I was on a most wonderful holiday trip, but the mind has its own way to make you brood.. even during moments of absolute contentment, breath taking sunsets, scenic drives, soothing coffee sips, sufiana / Bengali songs. The mind will wander off….

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A day before Xmas, I read a random post and commented (comment no.8) on an impulse. I read the comment response during Xmas break. I laughed it off as a sadistic stunt. Mostly I stay away from unhappy, malign rants. This time, I did respond and got ditched.
So I did some analysis for myself. The incident has no importance but I had to document so that I learn from my actions. The questions I posed to myself and the brainstorming follows-

Why I had to post a comment?
What Jagjit Singh said against the Pakistani singers is irresponsible but the post retaliation seems rather harsh. The language seemed so harsh, rude and ugly that I felt bad for JS even though I do not agree with his actions. The title and the content was just too violent for a Christmas Eve day. Personally, I am so happy and content in my current state. Just wanted to put a friendly word to forgive and forget. I saw too much of negative energy and ignored the call for individual freedom of expression.

I should have stayed away.

The comment response
It was meant to be hurtful and upset. Just because someone does not agree with your views does not require you to snub them. Freedom of speech is an act of responsibility and need not be practiced by only famous people. Being a nameless nobody does not mean one can act up as foolish juveniles.

My stand –
We can have differences of opinion without being hateful. It is a weak argument when people say that if he can talk like that why can’t I, because that is when Peace becomes extinct. Violence cannot be curtailed by more violence. I feel sorry for folks who lack the sensitivity and compassion to understand situations that do not support them. I successfully practiced it in this situation. I sent good wishes, pleasantries and humor their way (comment no.16). I will also practice forgiveness but never to forget because I need to remember and stay away from negative attitudes.
So enough about that blather, a passé.

A wildflower near Lake Casitas, Ventura. Braving the adverse weather.

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The year is winding up with wonderful personal memories for me. I have many happy memoirs to share, and infinite special ones to dream about. I had a great Xmas time, with scrumptious brunches and delectable Danish desserts….. freezing but fulfilling hikes and long scenic drives.

And, I see beautiful rainbows on every corner.

Looking forward to a Wonderful New Year filled with Happiness and Good Fortunes!

My Big and Cozy blogging Proximidade!

2008-12-23T11:30:00.000-08:00

I am grateful to Goofy Mama who has once again bestowed a special award on me. I sincerely wish I can be a good friend to her as well as to all my loving friends. The term proximidade means neighbourhood or being in close proximity, meaning friends, people who are close and dear.
Me thinks!! I will take some time to decide before I pass on the award, because love and being loved, my honor and respect of others and being close to friends and holding close friends to my heart is something I do not consider light. Therefore I request sometime here.

Currently I have a paper publication to work on and some packing for a Xmas trip. We leave for Santa Barbara and Ventura tomorrow afternoon. It’s a five hours drive. Xmas day will be spent in a quaint Danish township and the following day we plan to make a trip to Channel Islands. I have heard that Whales make a crossing here and sometimes they make a break journey at the favored spot. That has me all excited.
So my dear friends I will see you after Xmas and hopefully before New Years!

Wishing ya’ll A Merry Xmas and Season’s greetings.

Ma- Baba and Birthdays

2008-12-17T13:34:00.000-08:00

It’s your birthday Baba,
Ma called to remind me.
I hesitate talking to you. You know.
Nothing I do is good enough for you.
Why did I come to US,
Why did I not sit for Civil Exams?
Why I choose to be a house-wife,
Not the lecturer that I was?
You forget it’s my life,
Not your dream.
I know you care,
And it makes me edgy.

I call you.
You pick the phone on one ring.
Were you waiting for me to call?
You sound excited and happy.
Why am I surprised?
Did I do something right?
We talk about fish, and gifts,
Cousins and gas/petrol prices,
Basmati rice and American economy.
Both of us are on best behaviors,
Ma is happy that we both are polite,
No heated exchanges.
Are we doing it for Ma?
Because I think I forgot her birthday too.

Happy Birthday!

A Weekend update on a Thursday!

2008-12-11T01:23:00.000-08:00

I can never be a Breaking News journalist. But then I openly declare my slothful leanings.
So the weekend goneby is the "Big Weekend" after three tough years, I want to chronicle.

Finally, SH is done with his MBA course and we are both relieved. I have been so excited and have dreamt with such passion about how we are going to spend our time post graduation; travelling, hiking, learning golf together and going swimming.
The Big day fell on 4th Dec. And for the lack of any talent to express how excited we felt, we fought and quickly proceeded towards a cold war to avoid any harsh language. So that’s how the night was spent without disturbing any individual routines and meals. It felt he still had his exams and I stayed out of his way.
Slight digress-our fights have always proved to be advantageous for me (read flowers, tiramisus, more importantly help around house!).
Then comes Saturday morning and since we had made big plans for our first freedom weekend we got dressed and walked towards the garage. Remember, we are still on a cold war!

We went to one of our brunch-favorite joint and ordered classic sandwiches on cibatta bread and creamy chicken, soup of the day. Since I love sourdough bread it was taken for granted that I will consume the bigger share of soup and he will finish my leftover sandwich. What with recession even “cold wars” need some love.

After brunch we dropped some food items at the food drive project for homeless and needy. Then we headed for some retail therapy. I wanted to check the sale season. The constant buzz of deeper sale than ever was enticing and one that I did not want to miss. By the time we headed home I had lazer-ed into the wallet with two jeans and 2 cute sweaters. I am so ready for the Xmas season. We picked “Singh is King” for a movie time.
It was such a hilarious movie that the cold war is just not happening anymore.

On the way back I lamented on not being able to find a wristcase for my ipod classic. All the cute cases are either for shuffles or iphone. The market is ignoring the classic, I say. And I also needed to buy toys for the toy drives we intended to participate.

This year because there is a rise in unemployment and homelessness all over the country, the local media keeps requesting for donations from individuals who can contribute to the cause, in kind or economically. We have been contributing for the toy donations each year but this year we planned to participate in the food drive as well. But I am still doing it in my way; no non vegetarian food although that is exactly what the American media emphasis upon. Non perishable canned non vegetarian. But I have found high protein options; almond mix cornflakes, kidney beans, pasta, canned fruits and baby food. And we have been doing this every alternate week.

On Sunday after brunch of uttapam and chutney, we picked the toys and then went shopping perfume for SH. Finally he bought Chrome Azzaro. After 6 months of coaxing. I also liked a wonderful winter formal jacket in camel color for SH which he liked so much he could not deny himself. Finally found an ipod wristcase and lastly we bought some fine red wine to celebrate. The wine was so smooth.
We feasted on delicious to-go from our neighborhood Chinese joint and discussed our on coming Xmas road trip.
We watched “Rock On”. The songs are wonderful and even better with wine.

Right now I am busy preparing for the party that we have on Sunday. A small gathering of SH’s grad school fellows along with their spouses.
For once I will have some common topics to discuss and reason to celebrate with complete strangers.

In Appreciation...

2008-12-09T12:27:00.001-08:00

Some time ago I had thought that each month I will talk about a couple of blogs that I like reading and discuss how I came across the blog and what I like about the blog. After all it was a blogger who inspired me to start my own blog.
And this seems the best way to start giving note to my beloved fellow blog buddies. I also need to acknowledge my fellow Blog buddies since most of the time I do not leave a comment to announce my arrival.
Also because I have yet to add them on my blog list although they are all on my computer favlist.

I have received my first award. Goofy Mama Bestowed a pretty award at My creative and Photo Blog. I am grinning like a drunk baboon.(check my profile pic for reference)

Thank you so much.

So this award goes to-
1. I came across Odessa when I was looking for fellow bloggers from Bay Area and I have become a fan of this quiet and talented girl with a lot of depth.

2. I reached Eve many months ago and she kept me from writing my blog posts because I couldn't stop reading hers.

3. I have to mention Orange because her Photo blog is so cheery and she reminds me of my schools/college times.

4. Absolutely beautiful things has introduced me to such lovely ways to be creative in my own limitations.

5. I love Creative Pooja because her blog is an inspiration for all foodies and proud vegetable lovers. Hers is a happy blog I want to go back to again and again.

6. Straight Arch in a Squarish Circle writes about life as it comes at you; then a dash of humor and a pinch of irony. He makes me go all nostalgic.

7. A focus in the wild experience is the kind of life, I would wish for myself. Her Photo blog and her work are very much appreciated by me.

8. I reached Roop through Unchaahi and she makes me realize that we all can make a difference. This award is for both because they are together.

9. Metrodad does not like awards but I can not help it. As a young married couple with no kids yet, he is the only parent blogger whom am able to connect with and who makes me reflect and realize that we have to make the best of what God has given us.
.
10. Indian Home Maker is one of the coolest Blog girl I have met "virtually". Her blog is an absolute thinking blog for me.
.
11. I would like to award it back to Goofy Mama because her quake rites make so much sense to my life. Also most of the traffic my way is thanks to Goofy here!
.

Live Full.Love Max.

Some things

2008-12-08T12:30:00.000-08:00

This week I took some time to reflect on what is vital to my being.
I had a most wonderful weekend filled with lots of fun and laughter.
And I figured that Happiness and Love figure at top.

I recall some Kabir verses- One says that we must look inside ourselves when we want to find faults, while another talks about finding love all around when we give a chance to others.

And here are some things I love that I wish to share with others.
1. I love to take walks along beaches, with warm sand wrapped around my feet.
2. I love yellow. My wardrobe is shades of yellow; gold, mustards, oranges, reds, and some blue-greens. Can’t help it!
3. I love the sun! Bright, warm, sunny days bring me a lot of joy.
4. I love romantic and cute comedies. I love movies that make me cry (it’s catharsis), and movies that make me laugh like a Hyena is it?
5. I love crème brulee and bread-butter pudding. They remind me of my mother, my birthdays and that everything will always be fine with my world.
6. I love hiking on a sunny and breezy day, reach the top of a meadow and watch quiet deer family in their peacefulness. I love contentment.
7. I love coming across wild animals on our nature expeditions; elephant seals, wild dolphins, jackals, wild bears, bob cats and snakes. Few that I have been fortunate enough to spot.
8. I love my camera. And I appreciate all the love and attention that comes my way due to it.
9. I love being lazy and read a magazine or book, do some crochet/ knit or just be a couch potato.
10. I love the blog world- it makes strangers become friends It makes me aware of various information, ideologies, dogmas, I never knew existed. It helps me grow into a person I would like to be someday.
11. I love talking, being part of discussions and arguments simply because it makes me reflect within me and helps to expand my horizons.
12. I love to listen myself sing out aloud; Tells me I am truly happy.

Will I ever get over this ?

2008-12-02T10:57:00.001-08:00

How can we blame Pakis, the terrorists and their leaders.
When we have such brain dead and loser politicians, I feel ashamed that these cranks are the leaders of our country and who represent us.
And I am not sure if even this complies with me.

This is something I agree with. And this expresses what I mean.

Need- Love and Prayer, Pride and Humility!

2008-12-01T19:41:00.000-08:00

This conversation started here.
This is the response from H:-
I was busy mobilizing friends for the Candle Light Vigil last evening hence couldn't reply earlier. We had a turnover of around 300 people in the bone chilling winter of England. Yes I include myself when you say Indians and that is obvious and comes automatically..... so answering that question seems absurd to me.My grudge against us Indians is that despite being educated, landing into posh jobs and making a decent living, we are not concerned for India as a country. While I was mobilizing friends one of my Indian colleague refused to join us as it would meant canceling a dinner invite for her.... now when I look at that I wonder, what is the magnitude of tragedy that will move her to join a cause like this.Even at the vigil there were some notorious elements who kept commenting on us organizers as "Pseudo secularist", and other things...... I agree the desis in UK are called Paki and that is seen as abusive and you can take a person to court if it hurts anyone's sentiments.Yes, it is tolerance and respect that makes heterogeneity (read multi cultural/ethnicity/religion/region) beautiful else it leads to confusion and complexity...
-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x-x--
And my reply to H is the following:
Totally Love your reply. You are a gem.
When ppl use abusive languages towards you/each other remember its always their own inferiority and weaknesses they are refering to. Uska koi dharm nahi hota.
When ppl avoid/abuse me I have always seen its for the same thing.
Reason- inferiority, and that has no religion.I am very proud of you.
oxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

The other friend of mine, who is Muslim by religion and an Indian national, seems so hurt that it seems she is unable to comprehend that both of us (she and I) are saying the same thing albeit in different languages perhaps.
For me the petty squabble ends here because there are much more important and bigger things to accomplish. But before I cremate this raw tide of emotions and make better use of my strong sentiments for our beloved nation. I have to state a few facts.
This childhood friend of mine, who thought it was important to defend herself as a Muslim has a very dear Military link. S’s brother is a Naval Officer serving our nation.
So this private friction is demeaning to our being. I am trying to put my energy into something constructive.
Please send me your suggestions and guide individuals like me how we can serve our nation even though we live half a world away. I do not want to just keep write about it but much more. Just cant afford to be a passive writer/reader anymore. I have to be proactive.

I bow at H’s inspiring words- it is tolerance and respect that makes heterogeneity (read multi cultural/ethnicity/religion/region) beautiful ........
.... the Core.

A Tribute to Mumbai and all Indians

2008-11-30T19:53:00.001-08:00

This is a creation of Awasthi. Dedicated to Mumbai,India.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=reoQhqpZ_b4

This is my way of paying homage-

This is a tribute to Mumbai, Kashmir, Ahmedabad, Delhi, Chennai-- India and her citizens.

This is dedicated to all our army, Navy and Military personnels who have devoted their lives to save ours.

This is in remembrance to all Police servicemen and Firemen who face danger so that we remain safe.

This is to our mother: India whom we need to protect and preserve, love and cherish, Respect and worship.

This is to all the innocent 400+ victims of terrorism in the year 2008 and the countless human lives that have been lost and beloveds left alone due to the inhumane, brainwashed theories of the psychotic fanatics.

Facebook, Friends and Faith (in ourselves)

2008-11-29T14:49:00.000-08:00

Every Indian has a strong feeling of nationality which is very complex namely because it is entiwined with our religion, regionalism, language, castes, social standings (for some its pure economics). Wednesday night attack on Mumbai(India) brought many of us together for a larger cause. Twitter was abuzz and still is (a bit). Facebook/Gmail statuses of friends were charges with emotions with their individual ideas and thoughts. Being away from India, our Motherland, makes many of us feel helpless and this was one way we could make our voices heard.
So when Pandora's status read the following; there were many emotions running high.
My friend Pandora’s facebook wall read - P believes these terrible terrorists are making things difficult for her good Muslim friends! 1:06pm
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S said at 1:20pm November 28
Thanks for your empathy P...these are one of the times when one is lost for words!
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Spontaneous Mini at 3:39pm November 28
Right now my sympathies are only with India and the victims. did u watch CNN and Pak medias anger?
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S at 6:14am November 29
India also has a good number of Muslims who are just as tolerable and shocked as the rest of India...it's not wise to confuse them with Pakistanis!!!
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H at 11:14am November 29
I agree with Sahar.......
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S at 11:31am November 29
oops.........tolerant!
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Spontaneous Mini at 2:30pm November 29
Hi S and H, Have not heard from you guys in ages. Plz do not defend yourselves my friends. I adore and love both of you like my sisters. You both are a part of my childhood that is ever so dear to me. Both of you know my best friend and sister is Zaheera, whom I love like I love my brother and parents.
Pakistani civilians are not to be blamed here nor are Muslims. This war/attack is not about religion.Terror and terrorism has no religion. Plz do not drag any religion or religious belief here.
India is secular. We are Indians first even if we speak different languages, pray to Allah, God and Bhagwan, live in various parts of the world; we strive and live for India as Indians. No blame game is needed. We just need to be educated and vigilant citizens. Jai Hind!
**********

Since this is my blog I will explain myself. I maybe incorrect but I have a viewpoint that must be voiced and needs to be heard.
1. Why do we have to be patronizing towards anyone? Who has (has not) suffered meanness or bias in their lives. Ask the person you patronize have they never rebuked anyone? Have you never witnesssed prejudice?
2. What are you trying to defend here? After 9/11, Sikhs were and still are often mistaken for arabs they have still stuck to their attire and customs. So have faith in yourselves and educated people.
3. When I say,"My heart goes to all Indians." I am sure I mean everyone who believes that he/she is and India. Religion has nothing to do with that. Please understand people Hindus are not the only ones who are affected by the terrorist attacks in India.
Have confidence in yourselves and in others. You may think that the other persons actions are meant to insult you. But have you ever thought that it is just your thinking in someway that makes you just as biased?
4. What is the definition of tolerance? How do we say that we are tolerant while the other is not? How and when can we decide that stretch of tolerance that is all inclusive? If we say the other is not tolerant, are you still able to tolerate them and how? Are you able to hug them. Have you even spoken to them?
5. My family hails from Lucknow (now), Gonda, Gorakhpur- My family speaks bengali, often mistaken to be a Muslim because of my surname and my Hindi diction. I am proud to be an Indian! A multilingual.
In US I have often been mistaken for a Hispanic, as must be true for many other Indian girls. I feel proud of this fact. Yes, I am an international citizen.
My identity is as an Indian. Not as a UPites or Mumbaikar, Kasmiri or Assamese, Bengaluru or Manipuri..
I am an INDIAN!

Why do we lack such confidence in ourselves, then so ready to blame the other person for our own wrongful thoughts? Have we ever sat and made an analysis ourselves before we get upset with others actions and severe the ties of friendship and walk into the pit of enemies. We need to stick together people and remain friends forever.

Unity and sticking close together, is one of the laws of nature. Even wild animals live in herds, fleets, schools to keep the enemies at Bay (slight pun!).
This is atleast one lesson to learn.

Not again

2008-11-27T22:27:00.000-08:00

I am constantly watching this: http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/video/video_live.aspx?id=0

watching the encounters live on NDTV live is such a scary ordeal.
its 10:35pm at night.
Added: We were awake the whole night. following the ordeal till 4am on Twitter and NDTV mostly. The CNN IBN just would not work. Morning has been just the same. I forgot to take my medicine as well as get up tp make tea.
God has to be on our side only because the terrorists do not have one.
Allah, God, Bhagwaan, VahiGuru, Christ.. who is on their side?

Finally its over. There is a deluge of news updates from all sides. I am recording most of it on my twitter onliners. will have to sit and compile all of the info simply because enough is enough. this time it will not be forgotten and never forgiven.
Ofcourse we are resilient... we will never give up. Never giveup on our hopes and dreams. Never giveup the brotherhood that we have among ourselves inspite our our diffrences.
Who is this person who thinks that he can scare us, kill us and it will make me forget my sister??
Zaheera you are my sister, I am Kasib and Ali's Khala. That will never change.
Who is this evil who thinks that he can change the truth by the tip of his evil gun?

Mumbai bomb blasts and Indian Determination!

2008-11-26T23:09:00.000-08:00

How does it feel to be hit on your gut just when you do not expect it?
I was peacefully watching "Who wants to be a Millionaire" on ABC, when there was an national emergency alert about the numerous Bomb blasts in Mumbai. I immediately switched over to CNN and have been following the constant news about the Mumbai bomb blasts since morning. It is now almost 12 hrs since the first breaking news. My stomach churns at the thought of what the people of Mumbai have to go through and more specifically for the people who have to go through such a tragic ordeal.
No one really has any concrete news and its all quite confusing. Whatever I have been able to understand till now is that : there is now a new terrorist group added to the long list of dirt people the “Deccan Mujaheddin”. This is the group that has taken the responsibility of now in total of ten attacks in various tourists and heavy populated areas. 2 Hospitals, 2 Hotels, Restaurant, movie hall, major railways stations and other areas. We living in US have to depend on the international News channels which in turn have to depend on the Indian news correspondence so it is very scattered.
At this time its reported that 101 people have lost their lives while more than 200 people are injured. What is even more worrisome is that the Indian/Mumbai police has lot three of their top officers. The Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) chief Hemant Karkare, two Indian Police Service (IPS) officers - additional police commissioners Ashok Kamte and Sadanand Date and Mumbai Police “encounter specialist” Vijay Salaskar were also shot dead in these terror encounters. US intelligence officials have lost their lives in this encounter. Many innocent lives of people who were going about their lives having dinner, attending a party, leaving or arriving in the city that they loved or would grow to love soon. So many dreams, opportunities, expectations and happiness are all lost.
I am watching the constant barrage of news the videos and pictures sent by restorers as well as amateurs and cringing as I sit in my cozy living room and imagine what is wrong with the world that these terrorists mean to solve by bomb blasting and killing innocent people?
They have also been showing the pictures of a couple of terrorists. They look like college students. To be precise to my eyes they look like bright youths from well to do families. This is my inference from the way they are dresses, their physical assessment and their body postures. Why would young men like them do something like this? What may have happened in their lives to make them take such a drastic and demonic step? What must these youth feel when they were gunning down surprises innocent people?
They were supposedly looking for American and British citizen. But now we hear that many of the hostages that are yet to be rescued are Israelis. If their intention was to take foreigners hostage why did they target hospitals, railway station and movie halls? What is the real intention of these terrorists and how can they call these evil actions as holy war?
My head is swirling and blood gushing to my brains every time I am thinking of what the people have to go through each time constantly, consistently. These are the times when I think and repeatedly call my God and ask him for action to tell me and everyone else what is the right path.
For all like me, we have to pray for the well being of the world. We have to rise above all the negative doings of the people who understand no better and bring down the evil spirits. We have to keep our sanity and face these religious fanatics with our constant resilience that makes us the Proud Indians.

We Indians will never give up!!

The Week went by.....

2008-11-25T15:15:00.000-08:00

.. in a blink, giving me no time to scribble my updates.
I am worried because I do not want to forget. With age catching up I need regular dosage of Brahmi to remember every moment that I am alive and happy. Since I am unable to get my hands to the Himalaya Ayurvedic capsules I will do the next best and keep an account of my life.
The weekend was a very happy and content one. It was dedicated to good food, good conversations and excellent company.

For a while I have wanted to eat luchi- alloo dum just like it’s made at home. I had luchi and chola r daal a couple of times during my Indian holiday. But not luchi- allo dum homestyle.
SH had luchi-alloo for breakfast during our long stay at Hyatt, Kolkata and I shared it with him until we discovered their gobi and methi parathas! (was so yummy, thats for another post)
So this was the week when I finally decided to have luchi and allo r dum for brunch. Woke up very late on Saturday and was quite flustered precisely for the same reason. I made hurried uttapam and had it with leftover sambhar- chutney. I had no time to prepare luchi-alloo r dum because Sh had to leave for a group project. It was a bright day and after SH left I decided to take off. I went for a real long walk which did not seem that long with the pod classic for company. One of the neighbours were cleaning their apartment their pet was left to bask in the balmy sun. I spent some time talking to him and then I caught this fabulous sight and spent the rest of the time looking up towards the beautiful blue sky. Remember the airship Hindenburg and the midair fire and then crash? It is similar technology. Well, it was gliding over the sky in a slow motion similar to a hot balloon, a beautiful sight and so unique. I totally have to do this now that i have seen it.
You can check better pics of the Zeppelin airship and the article by clicking on the pic.

Watched a wonderful movie named “Venus”. With a name like that I expected something different. But after a while I realized it was an offbeat, art imitating life movie. It had one of my favorite (my ever favourite) songs which kept playing in the background. The movie was very British, dry humor, achy breaky emotional doses on relationships, friendships, old age and infatuations. I have come to love that kind of stuff by now- remember the “Office”, the Kumars at no 42 on BBC, well these were my favorites. Then “Angus, Thongs and Perfect Snogging” that I watched on the flight back to SFO. The evening was warm and cozy with SH coming home with veg patties and I made cardamom flavored tea. Later the dinner consisted of fried rice, potato crisps, cauliflower, raita, payash. I call that quite a potential day!

Sunday I literally dragged myself out of bed to make luchi and alloo r dum and boy were they good! We absolutely were smacking our own fingers. My ego is all puff up with this experience. The taste reminded me of weddings where luchi, cholar daal, allor dum and jilepi is the morning breakfast/brunch for the days that lead to the wedding. So the day started on a great note which continued. Sh was so happy and content and in spite of his workload office/school, he insisted we go out: any place I like. So, we went shopping! I am avoiding eating out and so meals were all home made however oily and spicy but mostly veg.
Monday: I wake up early morning only to be told that I can go back to sleep because SH was working from home. And I did. So the, breakfast was once again luchi-alloo r dum and payash (remind me this when I complain that I am fat). So the day went into a flurry catering to you know who! Monday seemed like an extension of the weekend if I can say so.
I spent quite a lot of time reading blogs and making friends with the blogger in my mind because Ipresume our similarities or applaud their talents.

Also a lot of time was spent making holiday plans once SH graduates from school and finally completes his MBA program.