Dee's days

A day in exile

2012-01-27T23:31:00.001+08:00

This is what happens when you deny kids a little fun!When they get the chance they will make the maximum of it!And I can't say I blame them!

With gran on a trip,and more freedom at hand, I decided to give my dawter and her friends lunch at our place.

So I cooked up a meal and made the home sqeaky clean, as if there was going to be a home inspection!

I have the image of being the mum that says "no" more than any good hearted mother would...

And, so was told by dear dawter to become invisible during her first ever lunch party!
So, I became defensive and went on an adventure of my ownsome lonesome!May I add it was around 8 degrees and I did not enjoy that!Ah!The things we mother's do!
Some pics from my day of exile!

Thank You Bikram and Vaidegi

2012-01-21T12:59:00.000+08:00

I was excited to be tagged by Bikram and Vaidegi for the VERSATILE BLOGGER award! Thank you so much Bikram and Vaidegi...you both are such wonderfully versatile bloggers yourselves and I really enjoy reading all the different kinds of posts that you write on your blog- a reflection of the interesting people you are!

Thrilled to display this badge!!!

Well here are the rules for the tag!

The Rules for the Versatile Blogger Award says:
Nominate 15 fellow Bloggers
Inform the Bloggers of their nomination
Share 7 Random things about yourself
Thank the Blogger who nominated you
Add the Versatile Blogger Award picture to your Blog Post

Seven Random things about Dee:

I love sweets, and can't resist them!
I have a strong fear of barking dogs, ghost stories, and flying still traumatises me...a wimp!
There are things I would change in my life, but I have learned to accept and realise it could have been much worse! So through my fear and trembling heart I kept going with hope! So Thank you GOD for what is!Life seems better that way!
I love SRK since Fauji! Ahem!
I decided to wear the Burkha a couple of years ago, not for purely religiuos reasons!Actually it was a sort of personal reaction to the distrust towards Muslims at the time, not out of any coercion (hardly any women in my family wear it) ! I just wanted to be visible about who I am and not hide it! People are pleasantly surprised when they get to know me ,that I am not a jihadi or any such thing, which is what I have wanted the reaction to be...!
I love the smell of earth when rain falls...
I love Mohamed Rafi songs!

The tagging bit is so hard- I thing I would tag the following bloggers that are amazing-
Smita
Swaru
Hip Hop Grandmom
Vimmuu
Usha
Scribby
Shilpa
Uma
Corinne

I wish I could add Vaidegi and Bikram but they tagged me...and I can't add any more unfortunately ! Oh well!
Have a great day!

Sleep overs

2012-01-15T15:37:00.001+08:00

As a kid , most sleepovers were for pre-exam joint all night cramming !Rarely did we do so for fun. And our parents had to know the kids coming and the parents before I could get an YES from my protective mother!

Luckily these study sleep overs were safe and the hosting friend's family took utmost care of us!No bad experiences!

These were comforting memories , as one had a friend/friends that was as scared /unprepared as oneself .We helped learn lessons and then take up from each other , over flasks of black coffee, in between sighs of despair and panic !I always ended up throwing up in the morning as my mind would blank out，and my nerves would shatter due to lack of sleep and nervousness .

Nowadays , sleepovers or slumber parties are a trend and many reports in the news reveal that the antics adventurous kids do lead to sad endings.A night of joy turned horribly wrong!And I read many are opting not to have them ,as well !

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/32288857/ns/today-parenting/t/no-sleepovers-many-parents-ban-tween-ritual/

Well, after I had my own kids, I grew cautious , and in hubby's family staying at a friend's house is unheard of and not done!

Recently the younger son was disappointed by yet another sleepover opportunity being forsaken!He is sulking and is feeling hurt at this rule!And he says since I had been allowed why can I not make the others see that it is not as unsafe as they think or is it?Oh not to forget ,my daughter has a perennial whine about being never allowed !!
sigh !!!Oh The woes of listening !

Do you allow staying over? Were you allowed? Were they always safe? What's your take ?

WW

2012-01-11T16:03:00.001+08:00

An Fb grumble

2012-01-08T11:01:00.001+08:00

See...as far as fb goes I am still a novice ! Yeah sure ...I have been on it for eons and in fact have seperate account just for school and college buddies , but usually we only inbox close friends , put some pix up and comment on others !Which isgood enough activity , I know but still ,I am not sure what else is to be done there !
Now , at the beginning of the year yet another old school buddy joined fb !We were all part of a gang and she was a floating member !!God !Am I really talking school girl stuff at this age ...the things blogging brings out in you !
Well she was talented ,smart and bit of a loud mouth and sharp tongue and bully ! Yes ,I had some hard feelings about her manners back then but all in time things faded !Plus we left school anyway !She moved on to become well known in her own right ...acting on tv / movies ,and then settling into marriage in the film industry . I can't say more !
Well so in our joy at getting back in touch the gang have been all posting on one another's wall and tagging pix etc !I had put up two old pix for old times sake ! Hrmph ! And then I get a comment to not do so for privacy reasons !I totally get it !She has a point being a public figure !But grrr ...I felt embarassed to see the comment on the wall !
Honestly, I was miffed that it could have been inboxed rather than on the wall !I don't know if I am just over reacting or it is the past dislike that is coming up or whether I am right !
But my feeling is it would have been nicer if such things are inboxed .What say ?

web pic

Beginning with a dilemma...

2012-01-06T18:22:00.002+08:00

Hmmm....how interesting that the new year brings new beginnings....or are they unnecessary changes I should not welcome? There in lies the dilemma!

Well, for the past five years, me and my family, have been residing in a lovely, posh suburban area towards the airport side and so far have enjoyed the beauty, the quiet and the comfort it offers, although people think we live wayyyy out of town . And yet, at times, when it comes to the centre of activity, for all our shopping needs, family doctor, and social activities we are forced to head out to town , which takes a good hour long journey.Yes, it is crowded, and not so pretty, but everytime we need something, or someone needs a medical visit we have to take that MTR ride down to this area and spend almost half a day getting all the work done before we can head back again!And on Eid, several times I have just missed or just caught the congregational prayer thanks to the time it takes to get to the mosque! Plus that was where we used to live earlier, and despite it's rush-rush scenario we do remember it with a mixture of fondness and, sometimes relief that we are out of it!

Come March, our family must make a decision-whether to hold on to the current flat or move back to the previous area, which would be more central for hubby, as well as all major shoipping needs, and other matters. The price we would have to pay differs by a few thousand and we hear there is an economic down turn going to frown upon us this year...so that's the other thing! Wait a bit more before we decide so that we can take advantage of( hopefully) lower rents or take the plunge now?

Here are two videos that I am flicking off youtube to show you both areas , just to get an idea! I know many would tell me , just stay where you are, as it is such a pretty area, but then for all practical purposes we keep running to the town side...which I am used to after five years but, well gets tiring...so should we just move there instead...whether the flat is pretty or not? Sigh sigh and triple sigh! Why did I ever want to grow up and be a big girl??? When will my dream house present itself? Will my thoughts do all they should to get me what I want? But what is it that I want...aha!!! I wish I could decide!

Help!!!!!!

This video shows where we live now, and I am not to blame for the droning voice of the person, as it isn't my video I just found many on YT and uploaded one that seemed to show the area properly!

And now here is the place we may move to, and have lived in before but am worried about moving to again...gasp gasp....ohhh....I'm running around in circles...turn left? turn right? or just sit down where I am and RELAX? Pleeease God help! What would you choose????Tell pleej!

The fourth...already!

2012-01-04T23:17:00.001+08:00

Wow... that was fast!! Just over the weekend we were still welcoming in another new year,and now it's already half way through the first week! Oops!Where are my manners...wishing you all a fruitful and blessed new year!
Love,
Dee

New year moments

2011-12-22T10:52:00.001+08:00

I have not made new year resolutions since my academic days ! Does anyone make any that even lasts a month into the new year?? If you have, do make me feel that it can, infact be done , and share your tale of sheer grit! By the way, hats off to you!

I must add that things have changed this year past: a more serious desire to stay healthy ensured a walk became part of the daily routine!

A renewed passion for trying out new dishes has ensured that I do not fear baking anymore! I did that , and more , making family happier in the tummy!

Well, if at all I wanted to make a resolution I would have chosen improving how I want to look!Although at my age, I have become complacent beyond belief, the odd comment or two from anyone that misses my correct age by a good 5-6 years makes me think...hmmm...maybe a little care could help maintain myself longer! I mean why not?

But, anyway looking forward to a good year! What are your plans?

Good night...sweet dreams?

2011-12-17T22:06:00.001+08:00

A day of soul searching...revisiting ghosts of past wounds.

How true to itself is life!It always brings you face to face once again with things you believed were buried under the debris of old and now shelved experiences.

ok! I sound cryptic...its just that life has come full circle.

Again I see a wonderful perfectly matched young couple wanting to be together ...an uncompromising,cold dad in the way...the pain, the struggle, the sorrow...have I not seen this before in what seems like a lifetime ago!

How terrible that history does repeat itself...but why?

Blue office

2011-12-15T20:56:00.003+08:00

I am utterly bored! I have nothing to do. I'm stuck at the office (hubby's) while he is busy on an errand! What to do?

I looked through some web pages, caught up with some bolly gossip! Then took to stretching, wiping a speck of dust from the desk!Searched for some apps for the phone...and died for a breath of fresh air!

I feel myself go stiff in the neck region, and I want to get up and walk around, but can't! Argh!!!!!

Why do I come to the office when I could have been lazing at home?

Yawn!

Good Morning post

2011-12-13T08:32:00.002+08:00

web pic

Good morning everybody! Well today, as I was having my morning chai, with biscuits, I thought of what others must be taking with their first cup? Is it chaklis, chivda, biscuits or breakfast? Don't mind me, I just like being nosy, that way. Maybe I should have taken sociology or people watching as a subject at college.I like sharing these titbits of life! Do you?

And yesterday was apparently THE Rajnikanth's 62nd birthday. The Tamil channel that I have subscribed to,was holding a celebration. Now, I could not call myself a fan,in the true sense, but I have slowly started appreciating his over the top style..and punch dialogues! Never thought this would happen! Well, I could see he is immensely loved by his diehard fans, and family, and it is truly astonishing to see the rise of a simple man to such dizzying heights! However, despite all this, what I could not fathom was the way participants were semi-deifying the man, as to me he is just a very good entertainer, and possibly a very good man! I don't understand why actors or anyone for that matter gets called "deivam"? I don't know...I honestly can't get that! It's probably an emotional response, do you think? But anyway, do wish him good health, and a long life, and more entertaining power to him!

And well, the Xmas break is near for the young ones, and the hubby returns soon.I've missed him, and his loud presence! Yes, I am the quiet part of the partnership, and he the life of it! It's just always been that way!

And then , the eldest will be home from university, for a well deserved break!

I hope all this won't prevent me from blogging more often...and yet, I know that it is likely! I love this "me" time and am possessive of it, like I am of all things and people I love...so will probably try my best to write what's on my mind , despite the slowdown!

Speaking of on my mind...it's embarassing/ appalling to find that the song "Twinkle twinkle main little little star ban gayi" is playing on my mind! I mean .....what???!!! I mean how...?? Sheesh!

Take care... and do put in your chai answers!Good Day!

Bolti bund

2011-12-10T22:55:00.001+08:00

It's their school event today, and although they are just helping out in the stalls, I would have loved to go! I somehow suspect the tickets deliberately got sold out, so mum wouldn't come...oh I'm being mean....they probably did really sell out!

At any rate, as the kids got ready for the event, I was asked if what they were wearing was looking ok....I gave an honest appraisal, and then got on with my work.Usually, my appraisals come with a host of...no's, don'ts and over my _____ body's! Ahem!Soon, much to my chagrin, I saw that gradually, I was totally left out of the preparations...and only the eldest son was being asked by the younger siblings, about matters of fashion! In fact, My younger son told me in a polite yet definite tone...“Ma, it's ok, I think I'll ask bhai about this..you carry on, you are busy nah?"

My daughter, actually, didn't ask at all...well...erm...!

You know, I'm not saying anything...but, you know that weird feeling...of growing old? Yeah, sometimes kids can so innocently bring it home to you! ahem...yeah... that's it for now...Happy Weekend!

A sigh with an ouch!

2011-12-05T21:05:00.001+08:00

I am feeling a slight headache starting to increasingly throb in my temples...and my forehead is creased with the pain! My neck is stiffening up, and my shoulders want to relax but can't...

I'm feeling whiny, and want my mother's cool hand to stroke my head, as I lie on her lap! I wish someone would prepare me a kaada, or hot drink of some sort to loosen my knotted muscles...I want to be babied!

I wish someone would do the dishes, and say, go to sleep...

The comfort of childhood seems so sweet, when I could just roll over , and turn off the lights!

Now, I know, I will be the last one to sleep, checking on everyone, all doors , locks, windows, and switches....before I can hit the bed! Wish hubby was back from his travel, to share the burden...

I have to answer every tiny query, and attend to every call....before I can call it a day...

As my kids sit up with assignments on hand, and will burn the night lamp studying, I will probably not fall asleep with ease , till I hear the click of their lights shutting...

Not long ago, I was at the receiving end, and now at the giving...

Sometimes, I wish for just one more day as a child again...!

Silk

2011-12-03T14:52:00.001+08:00

I just had to write this post! She was a part of our childhood southern movie experience,just as the wonderful Helen was part of our Hindi movie one,...so how could I not? I have watched her forbidden songs sizzle the screen, in all her thunderous fleshy appeal, and been captivated by her seductive eyes! Now don't get me wrong, but a sensuous person is a sensuous person, and no doubt she oozed sensuality, and it just could not be missed, by anyone !

I'm , of course, speaking of every southerner's original oomph girl-Silk Smitha ! I remember the day she died, the news sent shock waves throughout Chennai, and I was overwhelmed by the sadness of how her life had ended! The void she left in Southern cinema , of course, has been variously semi-filled by other similar stars, but certainly none were a match to her honest, earthy passion! Lately, the TV channels have been blaring on and on that ooh la la number so often, that it got me curious about the movie, that may or may not be, a biopic of the star-The Dirty Picture ! Yes, I am a fan of Vidya Balan as well, and was keen to know how she transformed into this oomphy character, as she has more often been seen in more sedate roles! It must have been hard work for her ! But I am just hoping , that she has done full justice to the role! Although, there are claims that the character, also named Silk, is not based on the southern siren, the name and certain aspects point to some similarity between the two !

Well, as we were growing, she was the glamour queen, that exuded raw sensuality, and was the source of much giggled ribbing, between women that watched her songs! They urged each other to become a Silk Smitha, to the husband that was returning from a long business travel, all this while we eves dropped, while entering their rooms to find a place to hide, from friends during games! Some of the songs I remember were super hits and still are...like nethu rathiri with Kamalahasan !

However, one of my favourites is this one in which she plays a village girl in love, and even the simplest of feelings of longing are laced with passion!

Now, if Vidya has matched even a single expression of these yester year sirens, then I think she would have done enough....because, as far as I'm concerned, the original is gone forever, and is missed...there can never be another fantasy quite like them!

Hope to catch it soon, has anyone of you watched it or plan to? What's it like? Bye for now!

WW

2011-11-30T18:00:00.000+08:00

Books and thoughts...

2011-11-29T10:03:00.001+08:00

I am currently reading "The key to living the Law of Attraction" by Jack Canfield! You can click on the title to find the PDF version! It's an interesting, simple read and explains fairly well the concept, of the need for positive thinking in order to bring about positive changes to your life!

There are so many books dealing with this, that you get fairly swamped by the myriad ways that the same idea is put across by each author! I for one have picked up these books in a desire to cut the negative thoughts in my head, and get going with life! I've tried Napolean Hill, Dale Carnegie, the Alchemist, The secret and what not....they state what they have to sometimes with anecdotes , sometimes as a fable, and expect you to do the rest! I get the point, it makes utter sense, and then I get lazy when it comes to incorporating these lessons into my own life! I lose track, and resort to the "I'll do that later" trick! Which is what I have liked about this book that it guides you through the changes one must make in oneself, and acts like a semi-tutorial , as you read it!

What I have done is accepted these concepts, and found that they match my spiritual take on things....I find it is prayer that they are talking about, is not having belief and faith and asking the "universal energy", which I think is God, then simply the act of praying for what one wants to the Almighty? Well, that's my take....whereas hubby takes all these books with a large pinch of salt, and depends solely on common sense, God, and himself!

At any rate, I'm into the fifth chapter of this wonderful book, and find strange things happening!

Like yesterday, I was at the local fresh market, buying fish from the same old sulky Chinese vendor that usually looks broodingly at all those that speak back to him in English, when he addresses them in Cantonese! I can't help but have a tiny bit of fear when I get to his shop, cos I know the language struggle will be on in minutes!

My luck must have been shining extra bright on that cool, wintery morning, as I handed him a $ 1000 dollar note. He mistakenly said, "Ok One hunndreddd dowlars! " , as he took it from me ! And I corrected him quickly "No, One thousand !" And he looked at it and laughed, God help me, literally beamed, and said, "Yes, yes, one thowsanddd Dowlars ah ma!" No yelling in Chinese at how customers lack common sense for asking him to give change for this amount, and to top that...a hearty laugh! What?!!!! Was he OK? Was something different in the air? I mean in all the past years that I had bought from him, I had not seen such cheerfulness in the man, not even a smile! And this whole exchange went so pleasantly...

So? What should I think? Is the Law working? Am I going to break more ice along the way? Is this going to mean I will be filled with abundance of all kinds? I sure hope so...kyunki...sochne main kya jaata hai bhai?

Have you read any such books, and seen strange changes happen ? What were they?! Do share your experiences!

Oh and by the way I'm sure you've all heard the kolaveri song...! Could the huge popularity of the song be another example of positivity at work? My first reaction to this song was...such madness?? I mean what Tang-lish is this? Yet it's simple tune and lyrics grow on you, and so now ,what do I say to Dhanush for making this Tamil slang word universal but...pinnitey pa...(you've aced it)! Well, after looking up every youtube version that has cropped up...right from the slap version to the chipmunk one to the office goers version and then the Japs dancing to it I found this...kids version! Wonder if they even know what they are singing, and if they, at their tender age, should have been made to sing this at all?!

And have a great day folks!!!

Smart phones and songs...

2011-11-22T16:40:00.001+08:00

Up until the time that I acquired a smart phone for myself, I was happy in the simple pleasures of a simple phone!

It had a good music system. Sound quality was good. Camera teek taak.The battery lasted long enough. And I had no complaints with it's peachy pinkness! So while others enjoyed their smart phones, I was quite complacently happy with my own simple one!

But, now...it's a whole new story! Oh God!! I can Whatsapp hubby for free...while outside the home!!! I have access to my mail, FB, and other laptop stuff...in my hands!!! Why was I refusing all these years for...?God....I must sound silly to old hands! well, another thing is that I have downloaded apps that I think I would use...like radio apps, weather, news, songs, health and such stuff! I'm still searching for other god ones, and desi ones too...and I'd be happy to hear your knowledgeable inputs too! Please make suggestion to this novice!

Of the apps that I have found , the happiest addition has been the Mobile radio app that has a link to Vividh Bharti! I mean....yessss!!!!!! I know this must sound very odd...to be this excited for this radio channel...but, honestly it has been a favourite, despite the droning, staid style of presenting shows! Hey come on, it is what I find endearing...as it brings back childhood "after school", and bedtime radio listening memories! Ah...bhule bisre geet...etc!

The other one is also a radio app called Tunein...and I've created my own list of fave radio stations! I simple love the Asian BBC station, as it has a load of latest Bolly news/views and chat shows! And, so now you know what a radio person I am! Oh and I've also added Saavn. Well, many other non music related apps, too!

Recently, there have been a few songs, occupying my mind and playing over and over again...for a period of time...till another takes it's place...is it the onset of winter that is doing this to me....the need for warm melodies ???! :D

Anyways, before I start my loop list, the first song is not really on the list, but is there because it was shot in HK where I live...and I feel 'oh so tickled' by the sight of familiar places looking all snazzy in a video! The fact that an Indian movie crew was here...ah...such a lovely thought! So, do look at the video for me, even though you may not understand the language(Tamil) of the song, atleast , just to see my city! I usually watch this one, clapping my hand over my mouth in delight! After I calm downI say..."Hey , they have shot this here, oh they went there also....oh wow...how did I miss them !!!" It has my fave Surya , in it you see! Yellae lamma from 7am Arivu !

Now here is the loop list:

I love you from Bodyguard !This song had really captured my mind space, and paid me no rent, whatsoever...consumer court jaaon? This was for about three weeks...honest!

Mehmaan by Nafees! Now, this I picked up from the Asian BBC...it is a must listen....and don't blame me if it attaches itself to your mind...blame the guy...Nafees....he looks kinda...ahem...like he should not be in his own videos, but sings so well!

Maula mere maula by Roop Kumar Rathod ! I bet this one is something everyone knew much before me...but, I just found it....and enjoyed every magical note!

Well folks, that's it...do share some app ideas...! Have a great day!

The Scooby doo Gulp

2011-11-03T14:41:00.003+08:00

I was first introduced to the term gulp, while watching that childhood favourite cartoon...Scooby doo ! He did it so often, that I think we as kids had literally learned to say it like him, that is the word "gulp" while gulping! Yeah...kids! The other source of this word was the Archie's comics! Was that where you heard of this too?

Nowadays, I do the real thing, in mostly real life situations!

Here is an example:

My younger son was narrating the tale of some vampire clan. This he had been reading for some coursework, for his A levels. As he goes head on into the nitty gritty of the story, the devout prayerful part time help that I call in once in ten days enters in just when he says: "And you know, Her father was the devil! " Right, now, a mother-son conversation could not have sounded more unusual!

Yes, this happens , a lot...! Particularly since the kids go after Dad, who feels nothing awkward when others mistake what he says innocently...well, a good thing, errr... I guess!

He does it a lot too!

Sometimes, when we step out on our walks, half our discussions revolve his business deals! Earlier, I used to cringe at the way he would speak as if the person whose neck he wanted to wring was right before us...obviously, it looked rather bad to onlookers! As of now, at this late stage in our marriage, I have developed a thick armour-like layer of emotional skin...I act like I am looking intently at the ground as I walk .....and do an invisible gulp!!!

Well, to be fair, I am certain that I make them cringe too..! Like when I straighten my son's hair without realising we are in public, with my fingers, just when he thinks he looks oh so cool ! I mean these funny mohawk styles are so argh ! I can't stop my hands at a times! I even feel like pulling up their trousers...but, then being fully grown adult looking chaps it would be terribly demeaning, I assume!

And I know I do much more...enough to be gulped at...but, then will leave it out!

So, let's get on with my question of the day : what do you gulp at???

Wishes and more...

2011-10-26T15:32:00.006+08:00

It is the wonderful festival of Diwali back home, and although we do not celebrate this ourselves, it brings back lively images of firecrackers, espy the softer phool jhaddis, fountains, and diyas! We also loved the guns, the snakes and the chakras! We were usually allowed by our parents, to join our friends in their festivities,and were bought a parcel of our own crackers to burst along with them!

The building my gran stayed in had a family that outdid itself each year, buying the loudest possible phatkas, and of greater numbers each time!It was a competition they held with themselves! Also, the two brats of the building always managed to send atleast one rocket into some neighbours home or the other, and get a severe complaint issued to their parents without fail! Such are the memories I hold...fun, colourful, and very alive!

Anyways, here I see fellow Indians dressed in colourful attire, and some risking placing diyas (it is not allowed here) at their doors! I guess they have some beach or other open spot where they gather to burst crackers! I don't get to see that though! Sigh!

When one falls ill, let it be an eye infection, or a throat ache, or something far graver, one comes face to face with how well one copes with a set back! I don't know where I stand regarding this yet!

I've been stuck with this eye condition called KERATITIS , thanks to some problem with my soft lenses! I had got back from the hols, got down on my hands and knees, to clean out the dust infesting my two month closed home! I did this with my lenses on, ignored the itching and kept going for days! Now, I can't wear them at all and am stuck with my granny glasses! Yuck!

And, then came the throat ache! And then the fever, and then the sneezing and blocked nose etc etc! Well, yes, the past few weeks have seen me housebound, and a bit quiet!

I have been attempting to read. despite my infected vision, a book on memory! It is called Brain rules by John Medina, and claims to help one's memory! I need this...badly! I am currently pulling through Chapter Three and have thus far learned that exercise is vital to one's brain power! Oh dear...with my morning walks currently down the drain...I feel even more desperate to get these annoying sicknesses out of the way!! Anyways, do look at the website and the video that explains the 12 brain rules ! It is interesting, and just might help anyone that want to know how to improve their memory!

Anyways, here is a picture that I found in my collection of holiday pix...(both taken by my daughter on the chath of our home in the village) reminded me of a song instantly:

1. Kabootar ja ja jaaaa
I am amazed at the red eyes that these birds have...

Anyways, wishing you all a very Happy Diwali !!!!

WW

2011-10-12T11:13:00.004+08:00

A song for Saturday

2011-10-08T17:46:00.002+08:00

Adele, a young singer whose name I had heard floating around at home, in snippets of conversations, that I'd overhear!

Sometimes, I would hear this song play, and ask, "Hey who sang that song?!!! Sounds so good! "
And, it was her again!

So I chose a song I like , by this young talent, but if you ask me why she was setting fire to the rain etc...I don't have an honest clue, at all! The lyrics are a bit....above my understanding perhaps, but, well...no harm in enjoying the voice and rhythm, right?

Hope you like it too!

Diaries...dance...and time...

2011-10-04T15:29:00.014+08:00

Apart from the new clothes and food items, that I brought back from home, we had the added weight of my old diaries! Atleast 6-7 of them, covered with stickers and for the most part well filled, with memories.But on some pages, completely dry of words, except for the occasional eloquence of ..."bl*#*Y awful day" scratched across them! Good and bad days, the content of which, I have now, long forgotten! Another life altogether!

This was my youngest one's idea! She said, " Ma, they will be moth eaten by the time we visit again! I'll read them...bring them please!"

Let me tell you, being the mother of a teenage girl, allowing your old teenage self to be revealed to her , can be quite a dynamite situation! Did I have time to scratch over the stuff I would cringe at ??? It was a bit late though, as she had already read two volumes, in the summer heat of our hometown! I was brought face to face with the very things I scold her for, and had done and shelved into the past.

Deciding or being badgered into allowing your kids read them is very dangerous, I tell you! Don't do it , I'd say!

"Ma, who was the cute boy that stood in the corner of the street, on the way to school??? Did you finally ever speak to him? oh soooo you too had crushes! God!!!And who is Shashi Kapoor?? "

The boys , of course , just groan and roll their eyes! And this very mother tells her boys that looks aren't everything , son ! The girls that compliment you are being silly! Stop looking in the mirror, and put down those dumbells!

Ahem! Well, I belonged to the human species once, child! Although, I refuse to accept it at this age! Now I am an anointed saint !

"You went to Goa for TEN DAYS with your school??? What!!!! And you panic if I want a SINGLE NIGHT sleepover right in the same city? !!! What ma?!!! "

The pages are filled with teenage angst, school jealousy dramas, depression, braces, glasses, the desperate need to be liked,acting unaffected, hiding the feelings of smallness, wondering about the life ahead, and what love is supposed to be all about, foul language...and sweet poetry! The very stage my daughter is going through now...but to be truthful, she is way more sensible than I was at the same age!

And, despite the threats of dire consequences that I had issued long ago, to all those that dared try read my diary,(on the front page of every diary, in red ink, mind you), I knew, even back then, that in my heart and in all honesty, these were not merely for recording memories. I had written these diaries for my future unknown kids, to read and understand me more...and for me to remember what it was like to be a youngster....just in case I forgot in time...which I did!

There is one particular incident that I want to find the date for in my diaries!

Years ago, my best friend and I, set off to join this new dance class that was advertised about in the Midday newspaper! Something very rare to find when we were growing up!

The classes were in Grant road, in an old school, near the station! And without telling either of our parents, where exactly we were headed, we met up ,and after a circus trip of misdirections, hunted down the school! Only to see that there was a Taekwando class in process that day! The dance classes were on another day of the week! Haaaaa hoooo ! Flop! After that we did not have the guts to adventure another attempt!

Anyways, why I wanted to look up the date, was because I recently saw this Shiamak Davar's interview where he mentioned his early beginnings and about that Grant road school! Tch! I just knew, that had my friend and I looked for the classes on the right day, we would probably be traipsing in leotards, and animal prints, in Bollywood stage shows, or have become legends, by now! Ahem!!! A loss to the world...you bet!!!

Anyways, parting with my diary, and making my kids privy to the wanna-be wild child that was their mother, is going to be strange, but something I secretly want! And then again, I'm scared!

I have so far, made sure they have forgotten where the diaries have been kept! They are busy in their routines as it is! However, if and when they come across them, I know that they will be shocked that , yes, impossible as it may seem to them now, Mum was a child once, and behind this strict, stern, solemn, scarfed person lives that girl that once was....I want them to know!

WW

2011-09-21T11:22:00.000+08:00

WW

2011-09-14T11:22:00.000+08:00

Hello everyone! Remember me?

2011-09-10T11:33:00.002+08:00

After a shameful neglect of my blog - I'm back! I have several reasons to excuse myself , top of the line being, going back to India after a long time! I was too busy to read or write ! Forgive me!

And if you are still reading...I'll just go on!
Firstly, how are you all? I will check your blogs to see what I've missed!

Getting back to base, in my case, the far east, I feel a renewed connection to my roots, and a happy feeling to be back where I currently belong...a happy mix of good emotions!

I still have fresh in my mind, the warm faces of our people, the colour and splendour of places I visited and the conversations replay from time to time, filled with loving enquiries, deep concern and longing...

After a long time I went to Kanya Kumari...this time with the kids...

Then a trip to Ponmudi, near Trivandrum...

And several other places too...in Sri Lanka...

I wish I could place my memories in writing, but, nothing I attempted would do justice to the experience!

At any rate, getting back has meant cleaning out old things to make place for the new...

Hope I was missed...

~Summer holidays~

2011-06-22T10:14:00.006+08:00

Remembering childhood holidays is such fun!

I don't want to sound cliched but, it is true, that we can never get back the joy, and carefree abandon of those days! Now, no matter how much one looks forward to the break, being one of the captains of a family ship, we have to keep an eye on matters all the time! Earlier, the biggest responsibility, was just to finish my hand writing practice book, by the end of summer! By hook or by crook, or someone else's help!

When holidays meant staying in Mumbai, where I was raised, it was the hottest time of the year, and so afternoons were spent playing doll-doll, (yes that was the name for the game!!!), in some friends flat, by turn! Evening we would be allowed to run down and occupy the building compound with our mad screams , and games of chor police, gutter gutter(yes, that really was a game too!) , kho , and what not! We had a crochety old uncle on the ground floor, that would yell out to us when we were noisy, and due to this ,on that side of the building we actually managed to control our squeals and just hoarsely whisper,while bravely making faces at his open front door!!!

We ate Bhelpuri, pani puri, kulfis with a regularity that we couldn't during school days: that's cos mothers always cautioned us about falling sick then! Cycling on Marine Drive in the morning, and movies, with or without parents as chaperones!Those were the days, and I hear my nieces and nephews have not enjoyed the same experiences, despite living in that same building! Times have changed and free time is spent mostly on laptops, and malls, I guess!

Summers spent in our hometown transported us to another fascinating rural world! We were in awe at seeing what we have "seen in the movies", first hand! It was like living another life! Small town existence was a like a captivating, promising new book! Despite it's power cuts, water drawn from wells, nosey relatives, and a trail of awestruck kids staring at these city bred new comers, we threw ourselves into it, arms legs and all!We wore the traditonal pavadai dhavani, gajras in the hair, and tried out the look like it was a contraption from yesteryears! But it was wht my sweet cousins wore beautifully everyday, and looked oh so dainty! We even tried our hand at balancing water pots on our hips, which I have still not mastered!!!!

Our cousins would introduce us to their ways of masti! Sitting on the house terraces with packets of smuggled pickle, secretly bought by our house help, and ice golas made out of really bad water, but that cooled us no doubt....ooooh that was simply too exciting to forego!

We saw a love story unfold before our eyes one summer! My eldest cousin sister, would take our little troupe of cousins up to the top of the tank ! We would sit sucking on the golas, have peanut candy, peppermint eye balls, and all sorts of goodies stashed away for our evening! We would listen to the Tamil Radio,broadcast from Sri Lanka, which fascinated us, and watch people passing bye, sometimes pouring water over a choice few!

Now, the romance! Well, he would be on his terrace...supposedly studying, and she supposedly taking care of her young city cousins! They would wave, make cutesy signs, and signal to make a call,stating time and other issues in their own mutual language, all before our eyes! It was a world of a palpable yet covert romance! And, we youngsters got our first taste of semi-adulthood! That this couple was aided and abetted by our summer presence is no small statement! And that they are happily married , for many years now, is my pleasure to inform you!

Anyways, so our Summer holiday awaits us at the end of next week! It's a completely different ball game these days, isn't it? But,however, a trip to the hometown is a must, and I want to narrate to the kids the things they miss nowadays, and show them all the spots that hold such fine memories! I'm sure they will enjoy listening to it !

Well, that's all for now! Shall try to keep updating during the vacation !!!

It's bye for now!!!

WW

2011-06-01T19:20:00.001+08:00

Long lost post!

2011-05-27T13:52:00.009+08:00

Well, I am not on holiday yet, just in case anyone felt that my absence on my blog was due to this! I have been lazy to blog! And caught up with "life" ,and so unable to put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard for long enough as to write out a good old post!Not that it was noticed!

Well, atleast, I am better than Vimmu who seems to have taken to writing once in a purple moon! Or also my elder son, (who was the one that started me on blogging), his blog, I see,hasn't been updated in a while either!!

Anyways,we've been sitting for exams! I mean my elder kids have! It always feels like they are mine too! And the youngest's start in two weeks! those that have read my previous blogs know what a time I have had with that little girl during exams! "I go berserk"- would be putting it mildly! This year , I have stopped doing that, and left it to her! After all she is fifteen now! I can't be there spoon feeding through school and college, tempted as I am! I am being very hands off about it now! And I deserve a pat on the back! Let's just hope she handles it! Please God!

Well, there have been birthdays and an anniversary! Two of our children are born in this month! And our anniversary was just yesterday!We've held on for so long, and hope to forever! It's not been easy, nor completely trouble free! Like all couples, we've been through huge ups and downs! Yet, we hope God will always bless us with the love and support of each other!

And then,here summer is in full swing and people are shedding clothes like skin out here! And I try to keep a straight face at all the various stages of undress, as I walk past them! They probably look at me in equal surprise at being so totally covered in the sweltering heat! One man's food is another man's poison and all that!

Recently, I have been on attempting new recipes more often! I have dug out my old cooking books, and tried at least a few dishes a week! And there is a chef on youtube that has simple nice recipes that are great to try out, and usually turn out well!I have tried the shrimp biryani, the spicy paneer, and the brinjal chutney and many others!I wanted to share it with the foodies out there!

This is turning out to be a very nutty post on stuff I've been upto...bear with me!

You know, for the first time in many years, I was followed!And it felt terrifying! I have almost forgotten that back home we were used to dodging weirdos on the loose! And now after so many years, I felt such a panic!But reacted with calm! The last time any such thing happened was at Pattaya beach when a few of the desi tourists teased my daughter! Normally, I just ignore stuff, but I guess sherni mom was released that day, as I strolled right back to the comment passers and gave them a mouth full of curses, much to my own shock! I usually NEVER do that,just like this time, except ignore! But, this was my child and...I couldn't stop myself at all!

At the office, I continue to be the errand girl! Peon style, I hand over files, write out lists, watch as Mr.Man deals with people,and sit on the sidelines seeing when I can help! It's not my fault that I don't know the trade! Is it? Atleast , I help do errands and also listen to Mr.man's woes, and sort of work out his schedule at times! In between, facebook , and all that!Just twice or thrice a week, to get out of my own routine!

Nowadays, I feel the urge to chuck out or temporarily hide my sons dumbells! They are placed in odd places in the houses, and I never know when I will hit my toes against them and yelp in pain!Honestly, at this stage it's all gymming, and exercises, and looking at one's abs in the mirror! Soon, I may cover the hall mirrors up...it's annoying to be answered to, with a pulled up tee shirt, and no eye contact! I swear, boys in our days never were this self conscious!

Our vacation plans are more or less in place, and I'm hoping all goes really well!I need the break, and look forward to some shopping too!
Well, so that's the update from my side ! Will Blog hop to catch up on all my favourite bloggers!

Take care, and have a great day!!!!!!!

Rant of the season

2011-04-26T11:21:00.001+08:00

Right! Here I am back with a seasonal rant!

Having a home of teens at various stages can be quite a life experience!

My kids are not particularly difficult, touch wood, but yes they each have their concerns, and being their mother, they become mine too!

As of now, the daughter has a seasonal flu ! Medicines and balms, and rest and some irritation are the norm! I have tried to sit with her, all along as , surprisingly she wants me to be there! I guess behind all that, " I'm all grown up now , Mum" is my little child that comes out of hiding, for a while! Ouch ! her cough hurts me!

The eldest and younger son have exams as of next week, and I see them cram, quite like I used to when I was their age- with a fear that if I didn't I would not pass the grade!

The holidays are at the end of all this, but we have been wracking our brains for a feasible plan! Where do we head, for how long, who has what to do during this time? Confusing to say the least, and I have unceremoniously gotten up from these discussions and walked away! Yes, I'm p***ed !

Well, the thing is the two boys want driving lessons and one needs extra classes to be fitted in! The elder lot of us need health check ups for our part! The Daughter just wants to shop and unwind! Now, India is our chosen destination but with relatives here and there, how do we fit the holiday with the activities? Ahhhhhhhhhhhh! Oh and did I mention the eldest one's job internship? No? Hah...now how did I forget that too!

Ahem!

And so my little rant ends!

By the way, how has everyone been? I know blog hopping has been a bit slow on my part! I will be doing that today!

I will meet you there!!!!

Saturday Songs

2011-04-16T10:15:00.001+08:00

I have been a little low this week! So, have been inactive on the blog and commenting! I either overblog when feeling this way or withdraw into a shell! That's just me!

So, well, here I'd like to post songs that have days, or numbers , or some list like that in the song even names or nonsense words are included! I guess the songs I've chosen will speak for themselves!

Mera kuch samaan for the things listed!

Well, EK do teen for obvious reasons!

Eena meena deeka

Gnayir enbathu for the days!

Mera joota hai japani for the contries and clothes!

Sardi Khansi na malaria hua for the sicknesses

Kalyana samiyal saatham for food items

Lovolgy for the subjects!

And last but not the least an English fave too , again for subjects!

Have a good weekend friends!

Randoms...

2011-04-07T11:35:00.003+08:00

At times, I just have bits of things to share! So then I make my post into short parts of different things, and thoughts!

And today's is one such post! I have small threads of thought that I have to clump together to form a sizable post!

First point-do you buy things that you think you will definitely use, against your own better judgment, and on a whim? Sometimes, people with you while you make this unwise purchase, would have warned you at it's utter uselessness, and yet...you go ahead! Stubbornness or stupid mood?

I have a bottle of red cabbage relish lying in the corner of my fridge! I love red cabbage salads and thought that this must be a different take on a favourite food item! I stubbornly ignored my hubby's frown and placed it defiantly in the super market trolley! Yes, I was in a mood! I need to secretly dump the bottle now! But , me being me, I will probably make an announcement before sliding it into the bin!

And then there are those Vitamin tabs that I thought made good sense! Ahem! Bad purchase again! Uh yeah, I had been warned, but you know...!

************************************************************************************
There is a building that will be coming up, right in front of us, thus blocking the view! Petitions were signed and meetings held to try to keep the height of the building low, so as not to bring down the value of the complex we live in! Well, I guess, whatever comes up, the view of the sea will eventually be partly gone! And work has started slowly, but surely, and I took a picture to remember how it all began1 If I'm still in the area some years hence, I'll put up a picture of the completed building! By the way, ye builders Tsunami se nahi darte kya? LOL!

***********************************************************************************

I was amazed to know that the parent of a child in my kids school, studied with me at college in Mumbai! How small is this world?! Six degrees of separation and all that! Some quick exchange of sms's between our two kids, and we had linked back to a time when we were probably walking past each other in the college canteen, and knew each other at least by name! Hmmm....it was quite a laughter filled rewind!Life never ceases to surprise us!

**********************************************************************************

Let me tell you a small story now!

I recently met myself of long ago, fleetingly, when my guard was down and I was at ease!

I recognise that she is not me,anymore!

But, what I saw, pleased me!

She is not as hardened , nor blunt, nor hurt as I am! But she was me!

I saw her, shy, timid, scared of life, and people, afraid to speak up, and I smiled! You have learned much since, I thought, and she turned up her eyes to meet my gaze!

She seemed calmer though, less bitter, less sceptical, less cynical! I envied her innocence, untouched by all the meanness she was yet to face! The treachery, and the disillusionment still not in motion!

She is me, I know yet, I will not be her again, for fear that I will lose the lessons I have learnt so far! What if I have to learn them again, more painfully than before?

No, no! I had to quickly step away and leave her there, alone and afraid, but I felt those emotions even more than her, once again!

So , I broke the gaze we held, and stepped back into now...leaving her behind, in the closed chamber of my memories...

She is me, but, alas, I am no longer her...

Has this happened to you?

Wordless Wednesday

2011-04-06T02:30:00.002+08:00

Walk update

2011-04-04T14:42:00.002+08:00

Some time in February, I determined myself to go on walks, and it's the first week of April, and I am still going strong on them!

In between, there was a lull due to work, and other matters, but as of late , I have pushed myself to keep at it! It gives me some much needed privacy, and time to clear my mind, and stay fit! I seem to have lost some weight, though I won't say a lot!

The other new addition to this fitness spurt is that I have decided to avoid the umpteen escalators that dot the path I take, and use steps as and when I see them! So I took this one UP:

AND this one DOWN:

Oh I know going down steps does not amount to much exercise, but just to keep the effort on, I did that! Yes there are more steps I could have taken instead of the escalator, but I came up with the idea only half way through the walk! So, am not to blame! I think!

However, I had to cheat on my way back, as I headed to the market to buy ginger, garlic, spinach, onions , capsicums, tomatoes , potatoes and and a gel ice pack from another store for my son's ailing twisted ankle! So, with this huge load to carry, I took the shuttle bus !

Atleast, I'm being honest, and backing up my exception, with valid points! :D

Chalo that's all for today! And HEY, Congratulations to all fellow Indians on the win!!!!!

Saturday Songs

2011-04-02T15:52:00.003+08:00

The only songs for today , would be an obvious choice!

Chak de from that movie! Smita don't call him hakla yaar! And sorry Kanagu today no Tamil song! But next week, pukka! :)

And, baar baar han from Lagaan!

Anyways, I will not pretend to know what the term BLEED BLUE means! Someone please educate me! Why should one bleed ...and that too, blue???

After, seeing my school buddies smuggle in tiny transistors to school, and follow the great Gavaskar's every move, I tried to follow the game, just to seem in with the gang! I sincerely tried to learn , but, all that excited me was the handsome faces of Ravi Shashtri and Imran Khan!Ahem! So much for attempting to gain deep seated cricket gyan!

So, after being "the pest" that asks illiterate questions, and never gets the point, I quit trying to follow!However, I do support our team winning!The sons are doing their bit by joining friends to watch the match, and scream themselves hoarse, as if the team could actually hear from thousands of miles away!!! It's all in the positive energy , as they say nowadays!

So, Go for it guys! And, I hope no one goes on a rampage, just in case, they don't! But, I won't utter such utter nonsense, and will just say:

CHAK DE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-30T09:49:00.001+08:00

You can't get better than that

2011-03-29T20:55:00.006+08:00

As I am the middle generation, sandwiched between the elder and younger ones, my recent days have been spent explaining the latter to the former and vice versa!

And so Sunday , was a day of immense heartache! But, I will not go into my exact woes, not in this post at least!

Well, I'm certain that I feel like writing, cos I just want to have a little relaxation! It untangles the innumerable webs of confusion in my mind!

But, what do I write about?

Being the youngest, in a family of large age differences, I sometimes wish my siblings had been sisters rather than the brothers that I have! We don't have much of an interaction, and I cannot turn to them with my domestic chatter! Compounded by the fact that, age gap has ensured, I am always treated like I am the youngest and so barely exist!

In times of trouble, who do you turn to? Friends cannot be told everything, and family is a land mine! And so my mind wanders , between heaven and earth! And raise my hands in prayer!

I've been telling God- look I love you! You probably love me too! So, then can you quit the stream of misery, you know! Also send me wads of cash! Yeah you know, truck full of it!

He seems to be the only one I can moan on and on to...and he listens quietly, does the needful when he feels he should, and the rest he leaves to me to figure out!

And, so I thought, so basically in the end it's only the two of us that can do anything about any situation isn't it!

So who better to turn to, than yourself and God!

Saturday Songs

2011-03-26T00:21:00.002+08:00

Alright, it's early morning of Saturday here ! Which means songs on my blog! I may get busy tomorrow so am up finishing this post!

This time it's songs that I remember playing on my dad's old black suitcase gramophone box! Long before CD's became the norm, we had this player , and later video cassettes and stuff!I could operate it on my own, and took pride in looking after it! It made for some melodious hours, and even more melody filled memories! I can feel my childhood tug at my heart strings again...

Later, hubby and I continued to buy records at Rhythm house, just to keep using the player!

Of the songs, I remember listening on dad's box when little, here are a few!

Baagon mein Baahaar hai from Aradhana

Main Shayar tho nahin from Bobby!

Sawan Ka mahina from Milan

Chalte Chalte from Pakeezah

Wordy Wednesday follows

2011-03-23T10:57:00.006+08:00

Below this post, is my input for the WW of the week! Now, I want to speak!

I will be heading for my walk in the afternoon today! It's too chilly right now, and I've been put off by the fact that the weather has cheated me of hopes of spring! Just a few days back it was so warm, that it felt like summer, and now temperatures are back to cool! Tch! make up your mind will you!

Usual morning chores were completed, and I sat down to read one of the library books I have brought home!

The one on the complete idiot's guide to Critical reading! As I read some pages, I saw them refer to two poets that I had done an in depth comparative study of, forced by lecturers of course, not out of free will, William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge, romantic poets of their time!

Now, I was actually astonished that I have completely , and totally seemed to have wiped out all memory of these kind of details of my college life! I had even forgotten that I had also done studies like this in economics and politics , and don't ask me what in the world they were about!that phase of life has blanked out, and I'm amazed at how much I have forgotten! I do remember Adam Smith and his Wealth of Nations for some vague reason! Oh that was another life, another time, another me , altogether!

The other day, I went to school on a special meeting arranged for parents on how to motivate teens!I am trying to see how to put all the info I gathered into my own motivational plans with my teens! Sigh o sigh! Parenting , I tell you!

(PS edited the post as it was long winded and even worse than this edited version!!!)

Bye for now!

Wordless Wednesdays

2011-03-23T08:35:00.002+08:00

Chalo, wish me!

2011-03-21T01:00:00.026+08:00

Yeah, it's my birthday! Happy birthday to me, I guess!

If there is a cake that I would love to hog right now, it would be the world's most delicious (IMHO) cheese cake!

By the way, what are your family birthday traditions? Do you have a simple or lavish celebration, or none at all? Tell me please! I would love to know!

Mum loved to make me feel special on that day, and would sing Happy Birthday in her broken way, and shower me with love, kisses and hugs, and her prayers and blessings!Dad wished me, and readily financed the gifts mum wanted to give!

Growing up, birthdays were mandatory sweets (usually eclairs or parle) for school kids days! You had to walk around with a shy grin, dropping sweets on classmates tables, and then the teacher would ask the grateful classmates to belt out a united "happy birthday to you" song! At lunch break, I would give my gang of girls an ice cream from the canteen, and in return get bumped on the floor, with as many bumps as I was old, that day!

Later. as we grew older going for a lunch and movie was a must! Kobe's was the ultimate back then! hehe!

At home, a simple yet special meal, some dessert, and ice cream treat to cousins! And of course, praying for all that is good in life to come our way!Very important!

Post-marriage, the hubby's family does not do much on a birthday , and so it became less special a day! And, I changed with time, enough to not want anything to be done anyways! Hmmm...hope that sounds convincing!

Anyways, it's just another day , in my life, but wishes would make me feel really nice-so chalo-go ahead-wish me!

A second SS

2011-03-19T23:44:00.003+08:00

It's past 11:30 pm here! So, that means it's still a Saturday for the next half hour! I was listening to this song play, and I couldn't help but cry! I know some may find it too mushy! But, I always feel sad hearing it! First, I have always had to bear with long trips away from one another, that's the hubby and me, and i know this is what we both feel!And then the other, is that despite this being a romantic song, the words also apply to home, as in home when I was a kid, and mum was still there...!

So, do enjoy my second SS input of the day or rather night! :)

Good Night folks!

Saturdays Songs-simple needs/wants

2011-03-19T10:00:00.007+08:00

Starting life years ago, first time away from the cosy comfort of life with our parents, starting from scratch! It's been a long struggle, up and down, down and up, and still not quite where we want to be...but getting there...one step at a time-miles to go before we sleep! And these songs remind me of some of our earthly dreams!

What's going on?

2011-03-18T09:09:00.007+08:00

Yesterday as I headed back from a doctor's visit, I get a frantic call from my MIL that someone has asked us to stock up on salt! Yes, salt!

It was another crazy rumour making people stock up on iodised salt, as apparently it helps with reduciing radiation effects! And apparently the whole region, right upto Beijing has succumbed to this new madness! Mil had charged down to the local super market to find it empty of salt, and so the last resort was the Indian store across town! Hmm....

A few days back it was Japanese brand baby milk powder!

But, honestly, all this is making me uneasy!I am not the world's bravest woman, and no amount of nonchalance on my part could hide the panic stirring in my heart!

To make matters worse, the BIL from UK , sends a radiation plume chart he found online to monitor! It's the financier in him that makes him so chart crazy, I thought (and I have a son studying for the same thing-shaking my head!) Aren't we a family of panickers?! And he states, if this starts moving inward towards Asia, pack your bags and leave!

Thank you very much for sending me off on another adventure dear! I think I've had enough (and it's quite enough) of packing and leaving in one lifetime, to want to do it again! I'm sure the kids must be fed up with the life their parents have given them so far as it is!

Seriously, I'm going to sit down and deep breathe, and probably watch something light and entertaining, in between rounds of my prayer beads! I don't know what else to do, but wait and watch!

P.S It's amazing how hubby is , always and invariably, out of town when I have to handle such nonsense all on my own!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-16T09:48:00.000+08:00

Somethings...

2011-03-15T14:18:00.002+08:00

First things first! Where is that Vimmuuu brat? OK, I know we are probably having some peace and quiet because of his vanishing act! And why, why am I spoiling bloggerdom peace with an open invitation to insane comments! Tch! But, seriously, has llife in TRV enchanted him so much that he has forgotten to blog? Enna pillai ithu?

Anyways, I received a message from my eldest, and it stated something about the rain in the next few days having radio active particles, and to be careful of it's effects, if it rains in the coming days! I had expected such stuff to circulate, post the nuclear blast in Japan on Sunday! I guess my son got it from one of his Uni friends! I am wondering whether to take it seriously or not, although it does seem a miniscule matter, compared to what has happened there!

I had wanted to write more! But am scurrying to get ready and leave for our office, half way across town!

Maybe I will people watch on the MTR and post on that later! just publishing this anyhow!!!

Have a good day folks!

PS. Just saw the HK observatory notice that the radiation cannot reach here! So the message is a spam here too!

Saturday Song

2011-03-12T07:28:00.002+08:00

(I had written this yday as I am heading to China today! the Japan quake as a huge shock! praying for the people there! My cousin and his family are there, and are thankfully safe! May god protect us all!Ameen!)

OK! Continuing with my Saturday theme...here is my second installation! These song posts were for Saturday's, as I have less time to write then, but this one is going to have a full post!

Band Baaja Baaraat! When I first heard the name of this movie, it barely registered! I honestly thought nothing of it! Then I skimmed through the cast, seeing that it had Anushka Sharma (I thought she had lost it for accepting this one, three movie contract , not withstanding), and a new comer! Hmmm...just another movie to hit the screen soon, I thought!

And then came the promos! And this song! It was catchy, a bit cheesy, the lyrics- a bit new and hard to follow, but funny when I actually concentrated and caught the words!!! Ainvayi Ainvayi was on my lips in no time! And the lead actor's dance moves seemed really energetic and arresting to watch! I liked it-a lot!!! Amitabh Bhattacharya had really written the song lyrics so well, and I became a chai mein doobi biscuit, listening to them!

Finally news trickled in that the movie was out, and was different ( I yawned at this description)!! Huh-different-heard that , a million times for some movies that were plain boring ! Still, on a jobless evening, I thought, let's give it a watch! And shock of all shocks, I had to eat my words, as I was blown away!!!!!

I had never ever, and I mean seriously ever, thought anything of the movie, before watching it! Nor anything of Ranveer Singh! But he turned out to be fantastic! As was Anushka, for the first time! I know I sound like Karan Johar did on KWK interview about the stars, but, I do agree with him , on this! After watching it, I can't tell you how stupid I felt! I LOVED IT! Bitto and Shruti rocked! Wedding planners were interesting folk! Delhi lingo was fascinating! Basically I was totally surprised by the whole movie!

I found the acting very spontaneous! And a huge part of the whole impact, was because of the totally fresh, and alive dialogues written by Habib Faisal ! I loved them! Oh I wanted to learn them up! I googled the very obscure name of the writer, and became a huge fan ! Lol! Yes, I'm a grown woman please, don't doubt that! But, I felt this way! Bread pakode ki kasam!!!!

And, fellow bloggers, as I do a little jig! Please enjoy this fun filled number! Do PLEASE forgive and overlook my childishness!)

Back to my walks...

2011-03-10T12:30:00.001+08:00

At Last, with the fair now just behind us, I have restarted my morning walk sessions!

But, unfortunately, being a burthal (as they call an idiot, in my fave TV show ), I forgot to take any snaps!

But, my mission was clear- to get back to the routine!

As I walked, I decided that I should get some books , from the library! Last time, due to the office work, I ended up not completing the books, and on top of this, forgetting to give them back on time! Obviously, I had a huge fine to pay, as I missed the due date by nearly 2 and a half weeks!

At the library, I made snap decisions this time! I guess it was all in the mood I am in today-let's get things done!

So here was the first book!I need to improve my trivia knowledge! Now don't ask further questions about why, and so on! I just feel, I feel I need to! I'm...erm...forgetting stuff like this...trivia is now trivial! So a refresher!

The next one is partly for my younger son, who is a bit annoyed by his Literature! Like I said before, I suggested he choose that as one of his subjects, since I have done it too! I might as well refresh my memory with this book!

And now this book is for myself! Although, this may happen sooner or later in life, who knows, I might as well read up on it- for later reference!

By the way, I am also 1/4 through The Alchemist ! I have heard and heard about the book, but the name sounded so chemistry related ( a topic I hated, blame it on Ms.Gupta, the teacher), that I ignored the book in shops for very long! Am I enjoying it now? Hmmm...I like some of the feelings he expresses, the doubts , the thoughts! I haven't come to the part where the whole message of this book lies...but I think, SRK taught it to me already, and it was probably picked it from this book!

AhemI I mean :

Kehte hain ki ...... Agar kisi cheez ko dil se chaaho to puri kayanat usey tumse milane ki koshish mein lag jaati hai.

Remember - OSO wala dialogue?? That's the gist of the book right?

Anyways, walking back, I kept thinking of all the work I had back home, and how to time manage it! And how I'm good at that now!

I wondered if I used to be less time conscious at a younger age? Hmmm... certainly, I used to take long baths, spent more time than I had intended to with my gang of girls, and also chatted on the phone non stop with no sense of time! All that has ,of course, taken a U turn, in my life! Then, can I blame my youngest one for being her mother's daughter right now?

Anyways, how is the cricket fever? Who is doing well? Which team do you think will win? Do keep this cricket illiterate updated- I might as well know!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-09T07:38:00.001+08:00

Happy Birthday to my ladla

2011-03-07T10:20:00.004+08:00

Well, as you can see from this T shirt he bought, he loves to tease me, with things that would wind me up! This T-shirt was bought precisely for my reaction! A strong one!

But, in reality, he is the one that frets about me, most openly! The others, observe silently, and do the needful quietly! He will express his love in his hugs, and ready helpfulness! And he insists that I give him a smile, demanding it of me, whenever I seem down! It worries him, if I am sad! And, I love all of them for the love they show!

Wishing my younger son a very Happy Birthday!

Saturday Song(s)

2011-03-05T19:00:00.001+08:00

Henceforth, Saturday will be dedicated to a song or more!!! Usually Saturdays are days when we are so busy we cannot sit down and enter a post! So I came up with this idea! Do you like it? When stuck without time to write anything on the weekend, you can try this theme of mine (not that we don't put up songs on other days! :D) !!!

Here are two songs on the theme of superficiality/ seeing only the outer side of a person !!It is so true that we are quick to judge people by their outer! Hope you enjoy them! Happy weekend!!!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-03-02T09:38:00.002+08:00

Breathless...

2011-02-28T12:29:00.005+08:00

Is everyone's blogger blog working? Mine is not opening properly, also it looks all wrong! The layout is totally skewed! But, I am risking losing this post, as it's been 4 days since I last wrote, and right now I WANT TO RANT!!!!

Hai !!! Where do I start! To begin with I am a low batteried person! I mean to say, I am low on energy, always! I blame this on various things! I had poor eating habits as a teen, delivering my first kid took three whole days, and then there is the typhoid and para typhoid!!! Endless reasoning not withstanding, it is a fact, I am a low batteried person!

The minute my body gets pushed over it's limit, my mind sinks! And then again, when my mind is over weighed with stuff, my body feels the aches and pains increasing along with this!!! Sigh! What a totally limiting feeling this is!Something I live with and wonder , will it ever get better?

I am ashamed of myself, when I see very old people raring to go with energy, whereas I am barely there! Hence , the walks I was so far into...

What happened to them? Will I get back into this fine morning routine that was keepung me revved up all day? I think I will!

Right now, THE FAIR, is what is weighing on our minds! Hubby and I are working hard to make this a success for us! We are doing this for the first time, independently! And so, back and forth to office, loads of stress, and hopes, and sweat!

But then, is home and hearth far behind? Nope! Unfortunately, that has to be dealt with too...or we all go hungry! So, hopefully, three square meals are attempted to be readied, through all this!

I try to sneak off online to blogs, and forums that I visit, to relax! Alas, I can hardly put in ten minutes at a time....mostly when hubby is off guard ! I catch up with my fave show, online, as and when I can! You know how such things can break a woman's joie de vivre! Sigh !But jokes aside, rest is rare, and I guess it's a small price we have to pay!

At home, I have other things that remain the same, and don't reduce just because I'm helping outside! Why did I ever egg my younger son to take Literature as one of his subjects?! To pay for this , I was made to sit with him, writing a murder mystery in Gothic style on Saturday!

I swear, my mind is now all mixed up with kitchen items, office matters, and school subjects- all in one!

The daughter takes her time getting back from her project work, making it hard to monitor from afar! The eldest still wants food packed over the weekend, to stack away for the week in his Uni fridge! And, I'm bending myself backwards!

Anyways, enough boring already! I have to go, as I am going on and on about nothing...I just had to blabber today!

Back to the grind...have a good week all and do wish us luck!!!

The boss

2011-02-24T16:10:00.002+08:00

It's late afternoon, early evening now!

I've been sitting and helping at the office since morning!

How do you ladies do it? Work so hard, I mean? And then get back and work some more at home?

Today is one of those days for me where I have to help share the burden out here, as the load has increased, and an extra pair of hands were needed!

Doing this day in, and day out, I salute women out there, that do it regularly !!!*Stands up and salutes

I hear some offices are very strict about chatting, taking a coffee break, a small chat in the corridors! Is that really true?

Here, the minute I stepped in, hubby declared," Look here we are not hubby and wife! We are working together and that is all we should do!"

I smirked, thinking he was kidding me! I knew he would break into a joke or a song, in minutes!

Time ticked on, with our heads bent over work-not a tune slipped his tongue, nor an unnecessary word!!! Should I sulk now? Or rejoice at his professionalism??

I guess he is just tense with the work, and wants to ensure it will be done at maximum speed with minimum time wastage!

Oh well, if a husband can turn into a slave driver, what could I expect from a boss?

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-23T09:39:00.000+08:00

Cancer and Mobile phone towers

2011-02-21T13:27:00.001+08:00

In recent years, with the increase of mobile phone usage, our hometown has seen a rapid sprouting of mobile phone towers, almost everywhere!

I believe the household that is offered to host the tower, is paid monthly for this purpose, as well as being given an initial lump some!This is what I hear from the grist mill, back home!

I know nothing about medical matters, but do try to read up things when I can, just for general knowledge and since we have already lost a family member, my beloved Father-in-law, due to cancer!

I know a lot has been written denying the link between mobile phone towers and Cancer!
They say the radiation is just too low to have any real affect!

However, I find something amiss in this! Is it surprising that we have seen a drastic leap in deaths by cancer, in relatively healthy individuals, since such a tower was installed nearby their homes! I cannot write about all the deaths I hear of, as they can get too much to read! But, one was certainly my Father in law, whose flat in Chennai had one just on the terrace his living room faced-he developed Cancer soon after and passed away in about a year and a half later! He was fit, strong, active and had no major illness, at all!

Yesterday, again we heard of another demise, of a very bright, active, young boy, of throat Cancer! His home was also very near such a mobile tower! He had been the apple of everyone's eye, and the news was quite shattering, to say the least!

I would not be exaggerating if I said, I hear such news from my hometown, every other week! And this is certainly not how things were, before the advent of these towers, some years ago!I believe people are starting to get agitated at the way things have been tragically worsening, and the town heads will be addressing this matter soon!

I was wondering, how far we can believe these denials, and take the irresponsibility on the part of the government and other sources! Is this just a cover up for the sake of making money?

It hurts to think we maybe being fooled! I hope we are not being denied the truth!

It is such a powerless feeling...

An embrace

2011-02-19T12:32:00.002+08:00

Seeing you write with such clarity, through it all, maintaining such dignity! I want to say, I am honoured to know you, through your blog!

The way you deal with this pain,I am sure is with immense courage, and a resolve that needs renewing everyday!I admit to still feeling strong waves of pain as I think of those days, and how it was for you...the same bond many readers must share with you, I'm sure!

Reading your latest post I wanted to say, we love you and all you stand for, in our eyes- a woman/mother/human of substance!

I'm proud of each step you are making to make healing real!

God Bless!

A million excuses

2011-02-17T10:38:00.005+08:00

I did some yoga yesterday, from the book I had bought two months ago! I felt nicely stretched ,loose and supple after that..so I did not go for my walk!

Today, the man of the house returns! Then there is the new carpet that reaches sometime this morning,and I have a report card day!

Speaking of report card day-I am going with a mixture of hope and anxiety! Mr.Jones, Ms.Mcdonnell, Mr.Kwan, Ms.Coulter,Ms.Chiu etc ...I've written down the names and will not miss any of the appointments! No matter how much I have been pleaded with to just meet the class teacher and head back home like a non interfering mum! Uh huh! No such luck kiddos! I want to hear it ALL! Hopefully good things!

Since yesterday it has been incredibly foggy! And according to the observatory that is how it will be...

Old readers have seen my previous Wordless Wednesday's and the view from home on a clear day is vast expanses of the sea,and the airport on one side! Do you remember?

Can you imagine that now I can see nothing beyond my balcony railings? I look down and visibility is very poor!

So how do I go on a walk? Oh well, waiting for the weather to get better!

And here's introducing a wonderful new blog on the block by my friend SIMI !Do visit it, she writes really well!

Here are some pix I took this morning of the way it looks outside!

When I don't fall asleep...

2011-02-16T20:45:00.000+08:00

Do you sit up and stare at the darkened room, hoping you will lull yourself into a slumber?

I panic at the thought of having yet another sleepless night...and the fear itself kills sleep further...

What usually starts with a needless thought process/a niggling string of poorly timed worrying/fervent prayers that go on all night...ends in the misery of tiredness!

Hot milk helps...

Breathing deep and slow helps...

Emptying the mind helps...

A bit of calming meditation too...

But sometimes,nothing does.

What do you do, when you face such nights?

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-16T13:02:00.002+08:00

Another day, another tale

2011-02-15T15:08:00.006+08:00

I think I'm creeping people out with my snap taking, while out! They see this woman stop, and aim, and they look at me in dread! Cmon, it's only a mobile camera! Pffft!

Anyways, so I had to resign myself to one shaky pic of a flight of stairs!

Why this dull stairway?

It's because I was walking down it's 'wet with rain' steps like I feared I would skid off it!
I may not have, but the fear of wet surfaces has become deep!

Last month, on hearing the door bell, I stepped onto the freshly mopped floor, with my new pair of house shoes, very shiny and smooth on the bottom, and skid across the floor some four or five feet ahead!

Actually, the fall ended in a huge thud on the head! I could not see anything before my eyes, not even the stars that cartoon character's see when they fall!I could feel my head shake inside, and was completely disoriented by the slammed head experience for a good time after! I even head a hollow feeling, no pun, on the spot that hit the hardest!

So you see why, me and slippery places don't get along! Anyways, I got down that stairway without gripping the railing (which was wet too at any rate) to get to the library!

Today, I seem to have zeroed in on highly interesting books! I do have some half read books at home, but they are my own, and I can wait to finish them later!

The books I took today are:

This one is about a woman's guide to recovering balance and meaning in everyday life! Ahem!

And others, one on business etiquette, and another on meditation/unwinding!

Nice nah?

Now I have to choose one,and then get down to reading it, hopefully with some focus, and some determination to complete it!

Well, that's all for today!It's bye for now!

Braving the cold

2011-02-14T15:36:00.001+08:00

In my new found determination to keep fit, I pulled on my heavy jacket, slipped on my shoes and went out for my morning walk! The Third day, so far...pix to prove the same will follow at the bottom of the post!

It's so true, that when it is cold, you yearn for the warmth of Summer, and when it is hot you yearn for cooler months to arrive!Hmm...year in , year out, nothing ever changes on that front!

I have decided a few things that I must not do while out...

End up for breakfast at Macdonalds...

Walk like I'm moving at one mile per hour...

Panic at the sight of ferocious dogs, out on a stroll!!

Step on their poo...

Sit down for a break for more than 20 minutes...

Not take the bus back home, but walk it...

Look like I'm tired/shivering already, when women older than me, are doing circles around the area, in this cold weather...and that too in shorts!

Go into the grocery as an excuse to stop walking...only after is allowed...

And or step into the library before I finish the walk...

There! Am I not being serious about this? Don't I deserve a pat on the back?

Maybe, if I continue like this for the next month...I will give myself one! :)

Pix of proof below...I took thesepix of the ladies weeding the grass, the hills behind us, and the trees...dull light because of the weather!

Bye for now!Have a good day!

Time flies...

2011-02-13T16:40:00.007+08:00

We went around the area where we used to live yesterday! And unknown to myself, I have been missing it!

Of course, when we first settled here, we were putting down roots on shaky ground! Our circumstances were such!

To start from scratch, in a new surrounding, far different from what I was used to, I was scared,petrified actually, and overwhelmed!

Whatever elements scared me about the city then, are precisely what I have come to like and appreciate about it now-it's fast pace, hard working spirit, efficiency and futuristic feel! I wasn't used to things happening on time, working out as they should and felt a kind of pressure to perform equally well! And it's sheer modernity-oh I just could not cope!

Walking past the first school my kids attended last evening, I recalled our fear that they would not handle the public transport! Their dad had gone with them for about a week, to show them the way! One day he sent them on their own, but reached the bus stop before them, to see if they got off at the right one! And they did!!! It was such a fear, but then, such a relief to see they did not get lost!

I still use sign language by the way,or terribly Chinesefied-English to get through to shop ladies! Hearing me, anyone from back home would be horrified, at the way I have to murder the language! I'd make a bigger a mess if I spoke broken Cantonese, so I guess I am forced to stick to this, to be atleast a little understood!

I'm glad this post did not come out too mopey or sobby, as I did not want to recall the uphill task we faced! Those were tough times, and I think, talking about them or of old pains can only make one feel miserable! I remember writing a GUEST POST on Corinne's blog, on that phase of life already!Which felt nice,however,to do for her!

Anyways, Life has not come full circle yet! I still feel new here in many ways, but, am more used to it, no doubt!

I hope one day I will feel completely at home here...sooner than later...I hope to be still blogging when I do...

How goes the heart?

2011-02-12T15:30:00.001+08:00

I often look back to see how I have changed, over the years of my life! It can be both interesting as well as embarassing to review!

Where is that enthusiastic, life loving girl, I used to be? Or is that enthusiasm a part of the early phase of one's life? But wait a minute! I see elderly people, middle aged people (I'm getting there) living with such gusto, I am ashamed of myself!

I have read so many articles that state that everything is in the state of mind! Even staying fit, begins first with one's attitude to life! I have seen many old people, dress well, smile broadly, live fully...and wonder if I could ever be the same at that age!

Whereas , I would certainly love to, I doubt that I have the grit to keep smiling through all the aches and pains, like these wonderful people!

I tried to think about, what are the things that keep me happy, what is it that I enjoy doing when I'm feeling down! Perhaps, that is what I should do more,whatever I enjoy!

I love chocolates (too much could be lethal!)

Reading books (I'm trying hard to work on my lack of focus, I swear!)

FB, twitter etc etc (Yes, that seems to be the easiest thing to do!)

I love watching a good TV show or movie (Something more productive would make me feel less wasteful!)

I love good food (then I'd have to deal with the weight!)

I would love to go out with a gang of friends Like I used to when younger(but then one has a family to raise and a home to run!)

Self care ( post kids it's the last thing on my mind, but wish I did more of it)

Outings (Too expensive)

Travel (Holidays are more expensive!)

Pray (yes that is a lifeline)
Believe that all that happens is for the best (one of the best options!)

Hmmmm...

Obviously, I have many excuses and very few real answers to staying positive!

I wonder how others keep their spirits at optimal levels...good enough to get through a hard day?

Oh well!

2011-02-11T20:40:00.004+08:00

I guess I'll try to make this post diary-like!

What happened today?

Did I go out on the promised walk? Yes, that I did and captured a few pics to put up too! Remnants of the Chinese new year decorations, that will probably be taken down by next week!

Here are the pix I took on my morning walk !

All of a sudden it's cold again today, and I swear I was surprisingly sweaty just yesterday! Odd weather! Oh global warming and what not!

I had a sudden and rare baby sitting favour to do today! The kid was so cute and could read every word in the book he brought along, and kept me amazed at how much is crammed into the little heads of 3 year olds! I was nothing like this at 3 for sure!

And, listening to the rambling of an elder person is also a kind of baby sitting you know! I have not only listened to the ramblings of the cute kid, but of an elderly family member! About everything from bodily aches and pains, to family dispute and gossip! I'm literally feeling tired , from just all this listening I've done today!!!

Hehe! Anyways, have nothing else to add...so see you for now! It's dinner time!

Walks

2011-02-10T15:26:00.004+08:00

Although a stroll in the evenings can be quite refreshing and a mood lifter, there is nothing as energising as a brisk, morning walk!

The mood on both occasions can be quite different! Straight out of slumber, just after morning chores are done, a walk in the morning can actually seem a daunting task! Isn't it just far easier to browse the net when the family has headed out to brave the world, and just before you attack the job of making lunch!

It takes a bit of a push to don your clothes and head out, and do somethings about your laziness! Unless, of course, you have to...like if you go to work or school or something!

For the average housewife , that draws her day out as per her family's need, time for oneself is rare! And often ridden with some guilt...at least for me!Looking through facebook, watching my favourite show, Rang badalti Odhani, or reading other blogs, are now,however, permitted indulgences-ahem!

Usually, my walks have a reason,like to do the grocery or some errand, in the late evening, or to head out with hubby, in order to discuss things , away from eve's dropping ears at home!

Today, I decided that I just had to walk, for myself! And so, although, I did have to go down to the laundry as well, I made this a conscious effort to get out for my own good , more importantly!

Well, hopefully, I will attempt to get out like this as frequently as my day allows!

While stepping out of the laundry, I noticed that the 7-eleven store that our whole complex relied on for everything from midnight cups of instant noodle, to refilling our MTR octopus cards
was all closed down and emptied out! I was really sad to see the door that I've swung through so many times looking so impersonal and unfamiliar now!

I remember when we first moved to this complex, tired and still unpacking, we had to depend on the tuna sandwiches that they sold down at this store! I also remember, my bestest old school mate's young son, making a last minute demand for a pack of batteries, and us running in to get them, just in time before the call taxi arrived!

Oh well! Now whatever comes there to take it's place, better be something worthwhile, as this was one handy shop for every little need!

Coming up the escalator, I found that they have changed the flower display this week, and I hadn't even known...and now it looks like this...

Not bad!

Hmmm...just goes to show, how little I step out, and how little I know of the changes that are happening around me!

Anyway, if I do make this morning walk thing a regular, I'll feature all the new discoveries I make, as and when they happen!

Hope you have a nice day!

Wordless Wednesday

2011-02-09T00:15:00.001+08:00

NaBloPoMo

2011-02-08T19:41:00.002+08:00

I am new to the website "Nablo..." and was wondering how it helps with blogging?

I know some of you girls do the month long posts, like Swaram is attempting this month...however, I'm just back to blogging and dare not attempt that just yet!You keep it up Swar!

How else does one use the blog? Is it good just for writing prompts or...?

Waiting to hear from the pros out there!!!

Tuesday before tomorrow...

2011-02-08T14:06:00.000+08:00

I am at my dining table, the one that serves as a multi purpose work space for the family!

It's quite a surprise that the weather is this warm in mid-Feb !

Lunch has been prepared-prawn gravy-style, rice and veggies!

There are a few things that I have to look into, through the course of the day-like some beauty care! This never features high, on my list of to-do's! But, today, I must push myself to get some self care done!

I also want to read a bit...so many books, and so little focus...such a predicament! Let's get that fixed! If I read anything at all, I will blog about it tomorrow!!!

Ah!!! This feels good!

2011-02-08T12:40:00.000+08:00

Ah! So here I am with my shiny new blog!

I won't be planning a thing! It will be filled with my spontaneity!

I just want to enjoy this! Hoping readers will enjoy it too!