Etcetra, etcetra.....

Kala Ghoda 2012

2012-02-12T20:21:00.000+05:30

The Kala Ghoda Art Festival has always been on my priority list whenever it happens...but somehow, this time, I was not able to spend as much time over there as I would have normally done :-(. Yeah - no excuses!!!! But have been keeping pretty occupied. No - its not about work, but somehow my weekends have been even busier then the weekdays. I found myself wanting for some 'me' time. Have not been able to do a lot of things since the last few weeks and that has left me a bit restless. But, but, but....don't want to start a cribbing session here.

Went to the Kala Ghoda festival last sunday. Landed directly at Cross Maidan. That was a 'musical' evening. The performance by 'Band, Baaja, Bachhe' stole my heart :-). The kids belonged to the Salaam Bombay Foundation and gave an impressive performance. It was the first performance. There was not much of a crowd then. So lesser encouragement. Sometimes, I wonder, why such 'special' performances are slotted with the popular category of performance. Since its a 'not for profit' Art festival, these performances where it could actually make an impact to the lives of these children, should have been highlighted. But I guess - the organizers would have thought about that aspect.

The other "Star" performers of the evening were "The Other People", "Raaga Boys" and "Susheela Raman". I quite like the music the "The Other People" play but somehow I felt, there was an audience mismatch. They were really good... but the audience was I guess more towards the hindi - bollywood music types!!!

The Raaga Boys is a Pakistani Boy band and belonged to the 'Patiala' Gharana. Out of the 3 brothers who were the main lead, only one of them could sing properly. Felt there were too many people on the stage at the time of their performance. And well - they advertised their lineage a lot of famous uncles and cousins!!!!! And last but not the least, there was a performance by Susheela Raman. I think, I would have definitely liked it, provided I understood the language. She was singing in Tamil!!!! And she kept on singing in Tamil!!!....

Some Pictures I clicked....

The Other People

An exhibit

Raaga Boys

I would have loved to see more of Kala Ghoda, but paucity of time kept me away from it. It was by sheer coincidence that I met a fellow blogger Purvesh over there.

Kala Ghoda Art Festival has played an important role in what makes Bombay "tick". I thoroughly enjoy what all it offers to the Mumbaikars as well as the artists. I hope it continues forever and does not have to deal with the string pulling as a lot of other festivals go through!!!!

Cast in Stone

2012-01-24T22:00:00.002+05:30

We,

Stand alone,

Cast in stone,

Staring at the passers by,

The rustle of the leaves that dry.

The hurrying wind so cold,

To play along - we are told!

The trees that sway with the wind

Flutter of the pigeons that sing

Silent, stony notes are rhymed

There is no track of time.

We are captured for the nth number

Are we awake or in slumber!

The pose we strike, Angles alike,

The picture stays, memories linger!

Of us,

Cast in stone,

We stand alone!

Taj Mahal

2012-01-23T09:34:00.000+05:30

It has been written about scores of times. Endless amount of praise, endless amount of debate, endless amount of politics and the romance around this monument. Books written on it. Movies made on it. Songs sung for it. And yet all of this does not prepare you for the splendor and beauty that hits you when you see the Taj Mahal for the first time.

Yes - in the break before joining my new job, I had the opportunity to visit the Taj Mahal. The mention of it here --> Report Card is not exactly justice to the visit and the monument. It makes me wonder, why didn't I visit it before during my innumerable visits to Delhi to meet my innumerable relatives and friends. But anyways, better late than never.

I don't think I am good at taking pictures, but I try nevertheless. Missed my DSLR here but got my fill with the digital camera. Not sure, if the output would be as great but nevertheless. Visited the Taj twice - in two days. Once during the evening and the very next early morning. We just kept staring it.

Even after going to the Taj Mahal twice in a row, didn't feel it was enough. There is one view yet remaining. The one from across the river Yamuna on a full moon night.

Perhaps, some other time :-)

Warsaw, Poland

2012-01-22T20:27:00.001+05:30

Had gone to Warsaw, Poland as part of work earlier in January. Just after finishing off the new year celebrations. On the night of 1st January, I took off on a 9 hour flight to Warsaw. Nice, quite place. Neat and Clean. Fewer people on the roads (which was almost a cultural shock for me). It was pretty cold. Temperature ranging from 2 deg till 5 deg. Travelling alone is not much of my preferred activities but when you are travelling for work, you got no choice. In your free time, one's got to do his / her own R&D.

A giant Christmas Tree welcomes you along with the spirit of Christmas. The streets are lit up and you can come across odd groups of people singing carols on the streets in Polish of course. Further down, groups of students running to catch the last bus home. Sometimes, there is a drizzle. Indication of snowfall just around the corner. Which just makes you yearn for a hot cup of coffee and cookies. I loved the bakeries there. Fresh, oven baked muffins and waffles. Would grab some, especially on my way to work in the morning.

Over the weekend, paid a visit to Krakow. Once upon a time the capital of Poland during the Nazi rule. Very similar to Warsaw in terms of architecture and history but found it more livelier. Especially the market square. Reminiscent of eras gone by of the kings and the queens!!! Went to the St Mary's church of Basilica, the art musuem, Schindler's factory, the Jewish Ghetto and the fort of Wawel. Couple of hours in a day were just too less.

What was common between Krakow and Warsaw was the strong impact of World War II and the end of the communist regime 30 years back. The art, the museums and majority of the conversations express the history of war the nation had to face. Sometimes, war is all people have to give to their children. The remnants of War become the stories to pass on by. Because everything was razed very systematically by the Nazis when they left the country.

But also on a lighter note, what was common between Poland and India, was an artist (read sanyasi / baba) managing to position itself in the air!!!! ;-) Just the way our famed choti wale, saffron clad, barefooted babas do :-).

There's so much to write about my two week stay over there, but I guess I wont be able to do justice to it. But will keeping posting intermittently about the people, culture and comparisons.

Mercedes Benz

2011-12-20T10:13:00.000+05:30

Christmas is round the corner...festivity is in the air...love the month of December...celebration of 'birth' of a son, a new year and new dreams. My wish list ain't much but I'd like to share this song which I had heard long time back. Only if...it came true ;-)

Lot of versions are available for this song and even where Janis Joplin has sung it. But yes - I totally loved the way of expression. Coming on to my new job :-), I am liking it here. Well - in a different way. It does not have the same familiarity like a small company where there is always a personal touch and where everybody knows everybody. Its a different setup. Totally different language. A different ball game. I am liking the change. The team size is pretty big whereas till now I was a loner in my team. I and only I was responsible for the work that I was doing. Over here, things are slightly different.

I had made new year resolutions at the beginning of 2010 and had also done a series of posts pertaining to that. But the point is, my new year resolutions dont carry beyond the new year. They are forgotten pretty much in the first month itself :-P.

There's not much of a plan in place to celebrate the new year. Most probably there will be a house party. I am not much into getting sloshed in huge party places amidst rowdy strangers with obnoxiously loud music and pathetic food. Ya - call me boring.

But Yes - I will definitely pray to the good Lord to grant me and my near and dear ones his blessings, inner peace and a MERCEDES BENZ :-)!!!!!

Independence Rock 2011

2011-12-12T08:48:00.000+05:30

I am not really a Rock Music Fan, so when my Guitar Teacher, Zack D'Souza asked hubby and me to come along with him and his lovely wife Merelyn, we really were in two minds. Actually more than two minds. Rock music is really not our scene but hey what the hell... the entry was free ;-) ...hehehe.... so we could always leave if we didn't like the scene. Plus, this would be the first time I would be driving 3 people along with me or else its just me and my hubby Munish.

On the way, Zack educated us about "INDEPENDENCE ROCK" and its history. Initially it was held on independence day every year in Mumbai for all the rock fans. Soon the government started having security issues with alcohol and drug abuse. Now it is held much later and all the security. We were told that "Rock" scene in India is not really encouraging. There are different types of Rock Music - metal, heavy metal, black metal, etc etc...and ideally each of them should have their own concert.But here, in India, they put all of it together, so if you are new to this scenario it really is a tricky situation. He warned us to stay away from the Mosh's Pit - a terminology popular in rock, where severe head jamming takes place and people are on a HIGH....Munish and me stayed on the sidelines....infact on the sidelines of the sidelines....The event was covered live by VH1, MTV and some other channels.

Some of the bands that played and which we were and audience to were "The Other People", "Brahma" and "Bhayanak Maut". On a relativity basis, I liked the music played by "The Other People" but "Bhayanak Maut" gave me a splitting headache. I tried recording some bit of it in my cell phone but the clarity leaves a lot to be desired. But I found some clippings on You Tube.

This link pertains to the Mosh's Pit. We stayed away from it. We could see some bits and pieces on the screen and were glad that we were not standing in the middle of it. Here, have a look :

Link of some of the performance by "Bhayanak Maut"

Post this performance, both of us decided, that Rock Music was really not our scene. Should leave. Must Leave. But yes - to give it credit, really appreciate the dedication of all the rock music fans that for 26 years, they have been loyal to the music inspite of it not being very popular here in India (which is ruled by Bollywood Music). Cheers to them.

Random Musings

2011-12-10T17:21:00.000+05:30

Its been quite a while since I visited this space... especially after the month long holiday that I went too.... From almost posting daily to nothing at all.... Was inactive on my twitter account too except for maybe one or two sporadic tweets...

Life is pretty busy now between work and home and weekends....don't have as much time to practice my guitar or try and make a disastrous attempt in the kitchen over some wonderful receipes I used to discover earlier.

Not that I am cribbing about my current state of affairs, buts its refreshingly different from my previous state of affairs...:-) A lot happened in this one month break. For starters, I discovered the art of "DOING NOTHING" more of which you can obviously read HERE.

There are a couple of things and some unfinished posts that I would like to write about...some of them are saved in the drafts!!! And some, some are in my mind :-P, for how long - that is another thing.

Today, there is no such agenda for writing, but I just wanted to write. Been on my mind for a long time, and had started to feel guilty about it, so decided to drop in say "HELLO" :-)....

2011 is going to end soon... with Christmas and the New Years around the corner. Waiting for Christmas eagerly. It reminds me of school and my school friends. I try and recreate some of it at home :-) and thoroughly enjoy the day!!!!

But right now, today being a Saturday, catching up on some puzzles with tea and chips!!!!

So - see you soon again, hopefully with a new update and something interesting.

My Report Card

2011-11-15T22:04:00.001+05:30

Ahem!!!! My report card for the holiday I just had, which vanished into thin air...I just didn't realize that it was time to go back to work again. Now- Now - Now- To begin with, I followed a good friend's advice and also decided to enjoy the vacation as long as it lasts and not just keep ticking off my list. :-). Remember the list which I had made HERE, well here's what it is -->

Anyways, here's what it is:

1. I had decided to blog daily for the month of October, 11 as a part of a Blogger Challenge. Well- I blogged for a little more than half a month but come Diwali and I just forgot all about it.

2. Cooking / Baking: Well, I didn't go all exotic and stuff as much I'd like to do, but yes COOK - I did. 3 meals a day. All the time.:-P

3. Guitar: Well, my sessions did pick and I have improved with my chords progressions and can even strum and hum a song or two *collars rolling up*

4. Photography: Well, the only photography I did was during Bhaiya Dooj and our family visit to Taj Mahal, Agra. I clicked like crazy. :-) And no - I did not try to learn Photoshop :-P

5. Shopping / Cleaning / Dusting - NOW THAT - I did with full gusto. My home was sparkling and most importantly clutter free. *pats my own back*

6. Healthy regime - Ummmmm.....uhhhhhhhh *Still thinking*..... ummmmmm....uhhhhhh...*suffers from selective amnesia now* !!!!

7. I collated all my old photographs and re-organized them - ready to be printed and pasted. Scouting for a good deal. Got more than1000 photographs to print. Help required here. If any of selective, few readers who know a studio who could give me a good deal please get in touch :-)

8. Plants: *crying* :-( Well- they have all died thanks to the 15 days spent with my family and In-laws in Delhi :-(. The only survivor of this drought is my precious Christmas Tree !!!!

9. Read I did :-). Will be posting reviews on them soon. Currently reading Argumentative Indian by Amartya Sen. So far - I am liking it.

10. All in all, it was a good break. After a long long time, did I find so much time to gether to so do so much of Nothing. And I - terribly enjoyed it :-)

Yes - I could have been more active, could have extracted more....but I went slow...at my pace...with leisure and loads of pleasure ;-)

Cheers!!!!

Rockstar

2011-11-14T10:46:00.000+05:30

There are a lot of things which worked for Rockstar and lot of which didn't. I, for one, didn't like the movie as much as I thought I would like. I was fairly disappointed.

Well, to begin on a positive note, A R Rehman has composed some excellent music. There's variety of music and very soulful and addictive music. There's Kun Faya with a sufiana touch and the wonderful jugalbandi between the shennai and the guitar played onscreen by Late Shri Shammi Kapoor and Ranbir Kapoor. The song 'Sada Haq' takes some time getting used to but catches up wonderfully once you get the hang of it.

As much as the music is wonderful, the singer Mohit Chauhan does apt justice to the compositions. Both - the composer and the singer have done a wonderful job with the music. Some of the music easily reflects a 'Jab We Met'.

Ranbir Kapoor is a natural. With each performance, he is improving by leaps and bounds. He easily fits into the role and does wonderful justice to it. Sometimes, more even when the script gets weak in between the movie becomes slow. There are places of boredom in between. Probably, the script / screen play should have been tackled in a more effective manner.

Nargis Fakhri could have very easily been avoided. She did not bring anything new to the table. It could very easily be one our own desi heroines. Dialogue delivery is such an effort and so in the process, the expressions are not happening. Sometimes, I wish, we'd get over our 'thing' with the firang face and the accent!!!!

More than Nargis Fakhri, I enjoyed the performance of Ranbir Kapoor's manager who advised him to get his heart broken to managing his contracts.

Watch if you must but only for the music and Ranbir Kapoor's performance.

Rating: 3 / 5

The End of the Blogger Challenge

2011-11-08T23:29:00.000+05:30

I had participated in a Blogger challenge for the entire month of October, 11. A bunch of bloggers got together via twitter and started to blog for various reasons!!! I got in this simply because, one, I had never participated in a blogger challenge before, two, I wanted to improve on my writing skills and three push myself to write something worthwhile once a day.

But...but...but...mother of all But's... *no pun intended*.... Diwali happened. It happened with my immediate family, in laws and all the gang of outlaws - my relatives!!! My uncles and aunts and cousins!!! Phew!!! A friend of mine commented that I am going on a two week holiday to Delhi to get pampered - EXCUSE ME!!!!! I had no breathing space, everyday was different!!!! More on that later...

Anyways, coming to the point, giving no excuses, the challenge went for a toss :-(. I could not continue. Could not even check my mails and apologize for not contributing....found the time to do so only when I came back. I could post only for half of the month. Got to complete a story I wrote somewhere in between... got to thank all my blogger buddies I made... and wish to thank all of them, because the interaction with them has only made me richer!!!!

The Sheep and the Shepherd

2011-10-18T10:42:00.000+05:30

Its been more than a year and half since I last visited Ladakh. Had been wanting to do that ever since I saw my dad's photographs and visits. Must say, its all about the roads. There are close to 2000 photographs which we clicked. By the end of it all, we were so tired clicking. Everything was just so beautiful. But I maintain one regret. Actually two. Missed visiting the Nubra Valley and thanks to procrastination, never got around to working on those photographs.

Before showing one of the photographs, I would like to give a little bit of a background around it. This photograph was taken en route from Srinagar to Leh. We had decided not directly landing in Leh, cause we had wanted to explore the awesome scenic beauty of the route, which was highly recommended to us. This pic was taken multiple times from different mountains and different vantage point. Although I might add, the final picture which was taken was not by default. It was an effort to capture in a speeding vehicle!!!

If you see closely, you can see little specks of white on the green patch, well those are sheep!!!

This is from another mountain, a top view...now logically if there are sheep, there should be a spheherd :-). I was looking out for him...

I zoom in more, and there - I am able to locate him...running after one of them...trying to get it back in the flock!

And while I use my minimalistic photoshop skills, I give you this :-)

All pics displayed here are under (c) Meghna Garg

With this trip, I realized the importance of travelling. So essential. So necessary. So fruitful.

Working on some other pictures as well, will post them as and when the opportunity arises!!!!

The smile

2011-10-18T10:09:00.000+05:30

My father ,with respect to his work, has travelled in many a nook and corner of the country. . During his 3rd and recent visit this summer, I heard him complaining about how Ladakh has become so 'touristy'. He complained about so many people, so many vehicles and of course being an active environmentalist, the garbage that came along with the package.

(C)J K Garg, Aryan Valley, Ladakh

This picture was taken at the Aryan Valley, Ladakh about 7 years back during his 2nd visit to that region. It was not 'touristy' then as it is now thanks to the movie 3 Idiots :-). At that time, I was doing my masters in college. Was truly enthralled by this picture. The smile on her lips. The rosy cheeks. Reminded me of a nursery poem way back in kindergarten. I guess, this is one of the best pictures he has ever taken and every now and then, whenever I look at the picture, I see the happiness in the little girl's smile, sitting in her grandfather's lap with a plastic doll in her hand posing for a stranger and smiling away to glory!!!!

Duality

2011-10-16T22:26:00.000+05:30

Its been a crazy crazy weekend. Thanks to KarwaChauth I was busy - infact crazy busy !!! The pre-festival preparation, getting the mehendi done, getting the saree, bangles and all the tam jham ready took a toll on my time management skills.The D-day was as busy as ever. All that fasting and waiting for the moon in a cloudy sky took a lot of my time and energy that finally when the festival did get over, I did not have the time or the energy or the initiative to blog. On top of that, my brain was not giving any output. All it could dream of was my bed.

Sometimes I think as to how festivals give a different persona to a person. In this case, a girl / woman. The modern, working and the ah-too busy woman, leaves all that she has to do, pause a day or two, turn into a traditional Indian wife / D-I-L, wear a saree, sindhur, bangles, - the works, wait for the moon - the almighty before even touching a drop of water or a morsel of food. Sometimes, I wonder, how we live dual lives. Not sure, if I am putting it correctly, but on one side there is this ultra modern, independent woman who is an office going ultra busy professional or a traveller or a socialite or a novelist or a chef or an army person and on the other side, she is this 'bahu' / 'biwi'!!!

Not wanting to sound a feminist (hate being on either extremes), the duality in our traditions and our society amazes me and shocks me even.

Hmmmm....I guess, each one of us have their own point of views and thoughts about this. True - we enjoy the change, the festivities in the air, the dressing up, the delicacies, et al.... but all this leaves me brooding....

The Bar

2011-10-16T21:34:00.000+05:30

Previous Link: Friday Evening

"
They say dreams are born from the strongest desires hidden away in the deepest recesses of the brain. At times you feel, that dreams emulate real life and sometimes it seems that real life emulates dreams. Both of them are so hopelessly intertwined that it becomes difficult to decipher which is the origin. Dreams can make you laugh, cry and even plead. Dreams work in mystical ways and hold out a beacon that lights up the road to the future. They explain themselves to only those who are keen and accept them without trying hard to understand their message.
"

- Anita Menon, Dazzler's Diary

Prateechee sat opposite Amit on a high bar stool wearing a skirt that ended somewhere above her knees. She knew guys like him. Men like Amit. Tired of the wife sitting at home. Might as well enjoy a fling at the work place. And of course with trainees like her!!! She knew the symptoms. But she needed this training period to convert into a job. Badly. Yeah - she knew she had stars in her eyes. But she was not stupid. Well - atleast she thought so.

She came from a humble background. Doing her masters via an education loan. Her parents insisted on paying for her education, but she knew it would burden them financially. She wanted to make it big. Be on her own. Somewhere deep inside she knew she had it in her. To make it big. And for that, well - she needed 'jerks' like Amit. Well, if you google up the meaning of jerk, it really gives an interesting definition!!! And Amit, he just fits into that definition so perfectly.

Its so easy to be at two places at once. She thought while looking at the last remains of her Bloody Mary. Its so easy to be in her own thoughts while nodding mechanically at the slob, sitting opposite her, blabbering away about God knows what!!!

Friday Evening

2011-10-14T00:06:00.001+05:30

The corner most glass cubicle. The best corner. Entire view of the floor. Amit sat staring intently in his laptop in his office. Looking at the pictures of the previous evening's party. Pretty girl she is...the new summer trainee...stars in her eyes and a dream to make it big. Showed in her behaviour...yes - in her clothes too, especially the short skirt. It would be nice taking her out for a drink, especially with today being a friday. Whats her name - ya -Prateechee!!!! Niiiiice...he thought to himself....He called Meena. His wife. He's going to be late. A total "guy" thing.

She understood. He needed his space. Meena decided to make herself a quick Greek Salad and catch up on the latest Twilight movie on HBO. She liked to call herself the Homemaker. Used to work before marriage. Couldn't find a decent job upon shifting cities. Been 6 years now. Somewhere in between, she lost the will to work. Realized that she enjoyed staying at home. Doing this and that. Working on a novel actually. It would be a big surprise for Amit. She intended to gift him, her first published copy. Now THAT would be something.

Till then, she's might as well enjoy the vampire movie that everyone's so gungo about these days!!!!Till then, she's waiting....patiently...for her day to arrive... Till then, she decided, she'll wait it out...

P.S. [To be continued- MAY BE]. First attempt for a short story as a part of Blogging Challenge. And as one can obviously see, I have been a big fan of M&B in my teenage :-P.

Cleaning and Dusting

2011-10-12T22:43:00.000+05:30

With festivals round the corner, I have been breaking my back over cleaning and dusting my place. Here, I take this opportunity to thank God who has gifted me with a such a wonderful househelp - Padma Kaki. She has been actively helping me out - no, she I have been lazily helping her out to clean up our home. I just had to tell her my intentions, and KABOOM --> the plan was set...and the execution even severe. Tomorrow shall be last day of cleaning. YAY!!!!!

Cleaning and dusting is a very therapeutic activity for me. Very relaxing. I feel a lot of positivity in a a clean place. It frees you of the clutter in your home, in your space and hence it positively affects the corners of your mind too. Although, hubby dearest does not approve :-P... he likes things a bit messy...a bit scattered...his favourite quote is 'We live in a home, not a hotel'... 'I like things being imperfect...out of place'... Me- I am old school. Firmly believe, everything has an appointed place...and that - only that - is its right place. If its not that 'that' right place, then its out of place. If its out of place, then its -MESSY, - SCATTERED....

Hmmmm... With time, I would like to believe ;-), that we've found a middle ground, especially with Padma Kaki to the rescue for the annual, pre-Diwali, cleaning, I chew his brains a little bit lesser!!!!

Cleaning has its advantages... Have packed 2 cartons of old clothes to be given away. No books. I don't give away books as a rule. They are sacred to me. I discovered some old letters. Went through them again. Will post about them sometime :-). Some pieces of junk jewellery :-). Yeah - that too. Finally getting rid of them. And yes - that pair of old college jeans - when I thought, I could get back into them once again :-P...I kept them for 5 long years...yeah, am smiling about that....I yet dream about going to back to that size. Some nicks and pieces. All neatly stacked and packed ready to be given away. There's so much space created. Off with the old and the new is awaited (Applicable for old, non usable, crapy things only :-)).

Tomorrow or perhaps day after shall be last day of cleaning and I truly have only Kaki to thank for that :-).

Musical ache

2011-10-11T23:41:00.001+05:30

Exasperated... I put my guitar down...my fingers hurt from the all the strumming...am trying to get it right... but no - I miss the point. Like my teacher said, the technique is important, you'll get it everything right eventually. 10 months and 2 teachers later, its been quite sometime with my personal struggle with the instrument. So much so that it gives me a muscial heartache. I don't want to leave mid-way. I want to be able to play. Play simple songs, soulful songs...good songs... where everyone can humm along!!!

I guess, to quote Robert Frost... 'I have miles to go before I sleep'.

Currently practicing 'Knocking on Heavens door' by Avril Lavigne. Got it partially...yet not there....

Karwachauth

2011-10-10T23:37:00.000+05:30

I am not overtly fond of festivals in a religious way... actually I am not really a religious person...think I am an agnostic person. But Yes - I do celebrate festivals. Not for their connection to the God Almighty, but simply for the reason that its a one big family activity, happiness is in the air, the shops are in their full splendour, there is a change in routine, one gets dressed up in a traditional attire (not a fan of wearing saree) and of course the hogging of anything delicious and sweet.

I think I really am a homesick person. Always missing home. Always on an nostalgic trip. Of course, you can read my post on Navratri HERE and also the happiness when I tick something off my list.

google.com

The next festival on my list *eyes rolling* is Karwachauth. Yeah....I know...dharam patni and all... sometimes, traditions just do not leave you. I am not trying to demean a tradition / festival , but sometimes, people just don't understand the logic why it is celebrated. These days, the movies and the soaps have made it so fashionable to have a KarwaChauth PARTY *eyes rolling again* that even the people who have not celebrated it before, start following 'tradition'.

Hmmmm......I actually asked one of the learned astrologers who teaches in Gujarat University about the logic of the festival. 'Pati ki lambi umar' and all is really good, I want hubby dearest to have a long and a happy life.......but...FAST....sigh!!!!

Okay, the logic goes, in the old days, traders (read businessmen) used to travel far and wide to sell their wares or conduct their business. The wives were left alone at home. So they wished well for their husbands and prayed that no harm comes to them. It was tradition to celebrate Diwali at home and perform the Lakshmi Pooja, so it was evident that they come before Diwali...and this day being the last full moon before Diwali. Since, they were coming from so far, all the 'chappan bhog' was cooked and prepared and food was consumed only when one saw the face of the 'pati'.....Hmmmm...

There, thats it... and this thing has been followed for ages and ages....Hubby dearest is just a phone call away... does not travel far and wide...even if he does, he is just a phone call away... and the biwi - she is also working....just a phone call away.... even if she travels far and wide...even she is just a phone call away....but celebrate Karwachauth - we must...for the lambi umar of our pati!!!!!

P.S. Personally I think, half the festivals or traditions were made or followed to keep the biwi at home busy x-)

Your warmth

2011-10-10T23:13:00.000+05:30

Your Warmth,

Protects me from the cold

Around Us!!!

List - less!!!

2011-10-09T22:17:00.000+05:30

Ya... its that time of the year, when I make a list of lists...A list for each festival. A list of things to shop for each festival, things to do, things to wear, things to get sorted. Hmmmm....crazy!!! Ain't I???

Well to give you a hint, the first list was for Navratri. As per our tradition,

1. Buy 'Jowar' and two earthen pots

2. Sow Jowar in the pots

3.Water it for all days except on the 7th day.

4. On the 8th day, celebrate Ashtami by serving 'chana', 'puri' + 'halwa' to young girls.

5. On day 10, celebrate Dussera. Look at Curd and the silver coin in the morning.

6. Prepare the prasad

7. Do the Pooja and well - eat :-) the good food that I have PREPARED EARLY in the MORNING!!!

and not to mention, shopping for all the things required for the Pooja.

Hmmmm... tough....Next is Karwa Chauth, then Hoi Ashtami, then Diwali!!!! *eyes rolling*.

Now, I am not an overtly religious person per se, and nor I do bother much about the intricacy of the festivals celebrated, but yes - I guess this part comes with the package - of being 'married'. It is this time of the year, where I go bonkers shopping for trivia ...not to forget the not so trivial shopping of gifts for the family....but yes - after going bonkers, I go nuts!!!!!

But, but, but..... but of all buts...(no pun intended), I also enjoy the end result....after all the hard work and cleaning and dusting, preparing lists, their execution, shopping and blah blah blah.... at the end of it all, I really enjoy the outcome. There's a happiness and satisfaction :-)

I guess Festivals do that to you!!! Snap you of your mundane existence where your better time is spent running from pillar to post, where you struggle daily for your bread and better...festivals pull you out of that rut and let you enjoy some family time together...something which is not routine, not mundane and gives you a good excuse to just sit back and relax...and yes - give that odd phone call to your far flung relatives!!!! Now thats a good thing to add on your 'Phone call to relatives' list ;-).

http://arloandjanis.com

The Caliph's House

2011-10-08T16:23:00.001+05:30

Came across this blog while I was 'blog' surfing...one click led to another and I landed here.... dedicated to Morocco...Its a photo blog and while randomly browsing through the archives, the writer referred to a book - Yes, you guessed it right - The Caliph's House by Tahir Shah. Ordered this book from Flipcart (*eyes rolling*)...yes the website is burning a hole in my pocket, and immediately got down to reading it.

Its a wonderful wonderful book. It paints a vivid picture of the life in Morocco. About the writer's struggles to settle down, about the Jinn....yes :-).... about the locals, their idiosyncrasies and wise and not so wise happenings.... It also talks about the writer sticking it out there, when everything was against him. The exasperation of the author with his day to day dealings is well depicted. Some of the instances depicted in the book are actually hilarious. It also gives a message about complex problems having simply solutions!!!! At the end of it all, it will bring a smile to your face and make you dream of visiting Morocco...:-) atleast once!!!!

Review: 4/5, Recommended

My city...BESTEST !!!!

2011-10-06T23:44:00.000+05:30

Yeah, I know the title is not the best example of proper English. But heck - I just borrowed it from a popular advertisement tag line of 'My Daddy Strongest'.

Mumbai - one city that makes me feel at home. Its been a little above 5 years, since I moved here. It was on my priority list since I was in school when I had come here for the first time for my architecture exams. That was the time, when I decided that I want to come back here. Be here.

This city is vibrant. Full of energy. Of a mad rush yet one can feel the calm in it. There is so much noise in the air...of the people, corporates, stock markets, festivals, Gods and Politicians and not to forget the bourgois....I guess with so much around, you just need to find your favourite corner. Mine is at Marine Lines. Sitting there....watching the waves crash with the stones. The city lights turning bright. Your back towards the noise, of the people, of the traffic, behind. Just watching the skyline...of the Queen's necklace...sipping the chai that a chai wala sold to you for like Rs. 5 which is definitely not the best tea in the world. Its extraaaaa sweet and the plastic cup is too small. Its down in just two gulps. Yet, the sugary cup of tea added to my calmness...that I feel when I just sit watching the sea....

As much as you can fall in love with the city, its also very easy to hate it. For the population, pollution, crowds, commuters, the distances, the noise, people stepping on each other's toes and lives...everything...However much, I crib about it, I think of leaving this city and going anywhere else.

I can go on endlessly about Mumbai. It has its own personality. You can either love Mumbai or hate Mumbai...you just cannot be indifferent to it. :-) I guess, its my favourite city in the world.

Nothingness

2011-10-05T23:50:00.000+05:30

My mind is blank. Wondering what to write. Refuses to cooperate. Number of things going on. Practically last day at work. The Navratri celebrations at work. Phaphada Jalebi. Raas Dandiya. Last night of Navratri. Drum beats in the atmosphere. Friend at my place. Lot of conversation happening. Heart to heart. Mind filled with thoughts. But not enough to motivate. Not enough to write. Scanned the newspapers. The articles, Google, Twitter....searching for ideas, searching for issues. Still, not enough to form an idea. Not enough for a motivation. A blank mind. Clueless. Waiting till the last minute. Waiting for a spark. Still, something is lacking. My mind is not ticking. Its waiting for an inspiration. But right now, the only thing it stares at is Nothingness...

www.google.com

Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster

2011-10-04T12:26:00.000+05:30

Had been planning to catch up on a movie since quite sometime...After successfully avoiding Ready, Bodygaurd, Singham and Mausam, decided to watch Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster. A tribute to Guru Dutt's Saheb, Biwi Aur Ghulam, this version with the Gangster is quite the opposite to Dutt's romance in the Classical.

For starters, its set in the royal and a rustic town of Rajasthan with a fading haveli and a Raja only by entitlement, his Rani and the Driver cum small time gangster. The theatrics are perfect. One can actually see the poverty of the Raja in fading haveli and lack of finances, the desparation of the Raja to maintain his status along with the stints with his mistress while the Biwi goes frolicking with the Driver cum Gangster. A gripping movie, if you want to watch something different and are tired from the regular dose of testosterone and munnis & sheilas. The end almost justifies the means!!! Well - almost. While not letting out the story line, to me, there is many a twist and a turn which somehow makes me disinterested towards the end. The end could have been more refined...or maybe I was looking towards a more dramatic ending...

The performances by Jimmy Shergill, Mahie Gill and Randeep Hoonda were simply fabulous. Every character played their role to a hilt. The costumes, the gait, the language - all added to the rustic charm of the movie. Must watch if you are looking for 'something different'.

My rating: 3.5/5

View: Must Watch

Happy Birthday Ma!!!

2011-10-03T10:37:00.000+05:30

Its my mom's birthday today. Wish I could have done something special for her. But it seems not. Since the time, my folks have shifted from Ahmedabad to Delhi, she misses her garden the most. Totally in love with her plants as if they were her own blood, own children. There are plants, which we have been carrying from one house to other and are now 20 years old. Yes, there is especially one Jade Plant which is that old. Almost everyone in our neighbourhood in Ahmedabad has it. So now that particular Jade plant has siblings all over.

I remember whenever there used to be a house party or if small children were expected, she'd be on her toes. Not wanting even one leaf out of place. And if she has planted a new sapling, she'd go everyday to stare at it... see how much it has grown...be joyous over the new green leaves...

She had planted a papaya tree as well. And almost everyone, from our friends to neighbours have had a taste of it. She prides herself in her papaya tree. She even got 2 papayas for us in Mumbai when she came visiting us here.

Although I must admit, the gardener sure must be having a tough time with her. He gets good gardening lessons from her and sometimes from my dad. Botany was his major. Even now, when the house is rented out and my folks stay in Delhi, she sure has the gardener in control. Calls him up every fortnight to inquire about the health of her green 'children'....

The link to the garden pics at our home in Ahmedabad:

https://picasaweb.google.com/117414987688730479722/AhmGardenSnaps#

:-) She sure misses her garden... I hope, in the new place, she atleast gets a small patch to do something with it. Chances being rare in the capital but I hope nevertheless. BTW, I always wanted to play her the 'Mumma' Song from the movie Dasvidaniya. Someday, when I shall be confident of myself strumming and singing....I shall sing....for her...

Happy Birthday Mom...

Gandhi Jayanti

2011-10-02T15:35:00.003+05:30

It is Gandhi Jayanti today. Birthday of the 'Father of the Nation'. Man who played an instrumental role in getting freedom for India. Although there is a difference of opinion about that. A lot has been written about him. This post is not about that difference of opinion but about what he stood for - his principles - Truth and Non Violence. In this capitalistic and material world, in the daily grind of earning one's bread along with good amount of butter / cheese / mayo / veggies and salt :-). Gandhi is an idea. An idea which gives strength to many a movement in the country, the latest one being Anna Hazare's movement. Its also an idea which is used as a shield ...to hide behind it...while doning the 'Gandhian' garb and simultaneously being active under the table!!! Truth and diplomacy go hand in hand. How much of the truth is important and how it should be dispensed, to whom it should told and in what measure. This ensures are acceptability to a large extent at our work place. We call it Diplomacy!!! This 'Diplomacy' helps us maintain our professional / personal relationships and maintain sanity at a lot of places. Non violence is another idea. Promoted - but hardly practised. Promoted by a lot of politicians but its practice leaves me in doubt. In the 'Land of the Mahatma', there have been many a riot and many an instance of violence...against innocent, against the women, children...I guess thats the way the rioteers earn their bread...

On another note, its a National Holiday. No official, Government or otherwise, are supposed to be open or working. The offices, banks, government - everyone shuts shop and enjoys the day off. And if clubbed with the weekend, becomes more enjoyable. One of the reasons, why I look forward to Gandhi Jayanti (yeah - kick me!!!) This time the holiday is on a Sunday...Shucks!!!! Thats the reaction everyone gave at work - ek chutti ka nuksaan ho gaya!!!! Sadly enough, thats Gandhi Jayanti has become for the office goers!!!

Though its a Sunday and a Gandhi Jayanti, the maid is always on time. Does not realise its Gandhi Jayanti today. Does not bother. Gives a blank look and carries on with her work. Dusting, cleaning, washing... has her daily cup of tea and leaves... She is more excited about her Diwali bonus though :-). Because that is something which will make her Diwali brighter.

Us - we are enjoying our Sunday. Watching Singham on TV. Not aware of any 'Gandhi' movie on TV. Plus might go for a Garba night since its Navratri or an evening at a nearby mall and good amount of shopping will be good enough....

Sigh!!!! Happy Gandhi Jayanti!!!!

In between Jobs

2011-10-01T12:03:00.001+05:30

Ya.... I shall be in between jobs pretty soon!!! Well - not really. I have resigned from my current organization couple of days back and shall be joining another organization from mid - Nov. Since I had accumulated leaves of the last year and current year, my boss and company have been kind enough to just let me utilize them in my notice period which will result in a holiday of 1 month and 10 days!!!! Yay!!! Yipee!!!! Think its after eons I shall be having such disposable time with me, during the best time of the year and so many ideas in my head so that even if I come around to finishing half of them, I shall be a satisfied person :-). Here goes the list:

1. I shall be blogging on a daily basis. Which means, hopefully not, sometimes, my posts will suck due to lack of ideas or inspiration. I just hope, I don't find myself in the following situation:

Source: http//:motheru.com

2. I shall be cooking / baking. Which means, there shall be culinary disastors or NOT...*grins* but you shall have to definitely hear my sob stories.

Source: www.kerala2florida.blogspot.com

3. My guitar sessions will pick up. I shall be more proactive and hence shall be chewing the brains of my teacher. BTW, he is a wonderful wonderful teacher I have found and I just hope I am able to keep the pace.

4. I shall be spending more time with my camera and learn photoshop to some extent. I have been meaning to join a weekend workshop, but I think I am ducking out for the simple reason that its 6 hours on a Sunday :-P. What do you think? You know of any crash course I could attend during the week and not spend much time running to and fro...

5. Ah... now this is also interesting... I shall be shopping and dusting and cleaning for Diwali. Shall also be spending 2 weeks in Delhi with my parents and in-laws!!!

6. I shall try to follow a healthy regime and start off with my morning walk / jog, whichever is feasible...*am a bit lazy in this department*

Source: www.google.com

7. I have scanned some old photographs and got loads of digital ones too. I wish to put all of them into albums. Ya, I know its a wee bit old fashioned, but yet, I enjoy flipping through an album and enjoy the photographs rather then seeing them online.

8. I intend to work on the plants. The ones that I have, have lasted simply because they need less amount of care and nourishment.

Source: www.google.com

9. I intend to read more. Sensible stuff. Not romantic fiction. But just hoping for something sensible. Suggestions in this area are more than welcome.

10. Last, but not the least, I really really want to do all of it :-). I am going to give myself one big pat and a party if I am even able to accomplish 8 /10. Well point 10, is not really an activity, but just wanted to complete the number :-)

I know, I shall not be getting this time again... correction - this kind of a paid holiday again. I just want to make the best of it.

Source: www.google.com

Blogger Challenge

2011-10-01T11:15:00.000+05:30

Been wanting to upgrade my blogging skills since a long time. Many a times, I have been short of ideas, don't know what to write about. I read such wonderful blogs and wish many a times about having a blog like that one or this one!!!! Sigh!!!!

Well, my dilemma came to a pause when on twitter, Supriya was contemplating on joining a monthly blogging challenge. My thoughts precisely and I tagged along with her. Slowly, the group had 8 members :-). Shall be introducing them gradually through my posts but if you want to know more about that in detail, please go to this link http://blog0holic.wordpress.com/.

Shall by posting on another topic as a part of the blogger challenge subsequently. Hope you enjoy reading the blog as much as I shall enjoy writing!!!!

Navratri

2011-09-28T22:09:00.000+05:30

Navratri starts from today :-). Makes me nostalgic. I am a Gujarati at heart. Born and brought up in Ahmedabad. So Garba - Raas is something which I have been acquainted since childhood. Love the Dandiya nights. The entire night of continuous dancing and revelry. First Garba, then Hinch and then Raas. Raas being the easiest.

After my 12th Standard, I never really lived in Ahmedabad again. Been in Engineering Hostel and MBA hostel and then in Mumbai. Mumbai has a strong Gujarati community but its just not the same. Don't consider them true blue gujaratis. Some of my friends will kick me for writing this but there is a stark and a huge difference. I cannot really point it down. I was pretty disappointed the way this festival is celebrated here. There's just no zing and almost everyone turns up in a fusion of traditional and western, more so towards western dressing. Very few people are traditionally dressed and some that are, are way over the top and pretty loud. And I miss LAW GARDEN. The place for shopping for and during navratri. Sigh!!!! Its just not the same. This festival makes me nostalgic. Miss my gang :-(

My school gang at a garba night at St. Xaviers, Ahmedabad, 1998

Peeking Colleague

2011-09-26T19:32:00.000+05:30

You know, it really really really bugs me.... when somebody sneakily stands over my shoulder and stares into my computer. Especially when that someone is one of your colleagues with whom you get along just fine!!! Who is not the most loved colleague, avoided and given a chance mocking and insufferably rude!!!!

I so totally detest this. Well, this happened today while I was going through some entertainment articles on the internet. This particular colleague sneaked in and just stood behind my chair for good 2 minutes. And mind you, this 'colleague' is at a damn good designation, has good amount of work experience plus a professional qualification. So much for the 'experience' and 'education'.

Gave him my piece of mind on etiquette. Don't think its going to make much of a difference but got it off my chest.

Office etiquette is not something which everyone is educated in. Be it in terms of writing email, conversations, dressing, code of conduct or just general behaviour. It pains me to see qualified CAs / MBAs just lacking in general etiquette and inadvertently creating a negative atmosphere. But I guess, its not something which can be taught but imbibed via good observation.

Honesty!!!

2011-09-25T20:52:00.000+05:30

Like they say, 'Honesty is the best policy' but I guess it comes with a pinch of salt and in this typical case a wee bit of rudeness (from my end)!!! Not very proud of what happened and I regret it a lot that it happened, but might I say, not one of the best examples.

2 weeks back, a stranger called up on my mobile phone. He said, madam, I have your wallet with me, your PAN card, your driving license, bank cards and cash. I refused to believe since I already had my wallet and nothing was lost. He kept addressing me as Megha madam. Now, a lot of people do mess my name up and I find it very irritating. How hard can it be to pronounce MeghNA... Anyways, I said, No! thank you Sir, I've have all my belongings and have not lost anything. He called, close to 10 times. I went from being polite, patient and then rude. The guy persisted. He kept calling for 2 hours continuously and it really p******* me off. He started to sound sleazy on the phone and with a final police ka dhamki I slammed my mobile down!!! I mean - the nerve of the guy.

Hmmmmm... that was then!!!!

Last thursday, I met one of my college friends for Pizza. It was her birthday and uncannily she was called Megha :-P. Yes - you are thinking right. It was her wallet!!! And somehow, in some mannar the guy, now the autowallah, discovered my visiting card there and started calling me up. No - he didn't see her visiting card, her PRESS Id or anything, but MY visiting card.

Rest they say is history!!! I tried retrieving his number from my call log but it was long gone. My friend will now have to file an FIR and see if things can be recovered. Both of us were zapped. If only she had told me that she had lost her wallet I would have kept an ear open for her and in turn avoided a bad experience for the autowallah. No - she didn't chew my brains, because lot of people confused us with our names!!!!

The entire episode does make me sad in the sense, the next time something like this happens, the autowallah is surely not going to call up anyone and try to do something honest. He might as well throw it in a nearby bin or use whatever he can !!!!

Source: www.deesecret.com

Happy Engineer's Day

2011-09-15T23:01:00.001+05:30

Source: picturesof.net

Happy Engineer's Day to one and all - especially engineers. I especially congratulate myself for being one!!! I think all engineers are proud to be one even if they are jobless / mindless or plain dumb or for that matter successful / smart / building bridges or chips or bulbs or generating power. Well - engineers are a proud breed. Proud not because of the education or the degree or the job, proud because they went through the process of completing their engineering studies and finally getting a degree.

Well, there are 2 types of engineers. Now you would think - only 2??? Now - its not what you are thinking. I am not talking about the computers / electronics / mechanical / civil / instrumentation or even the environmental engineer. To be clear, once again, there are 2 types of engineers - first - those who went to an engineering college and lived at their homes with their mummyji and papaji and siblings!!!! And second - there are those engineers who went to an engineering college and lived in a hostel!!!! Aahhhh!!!! Now thats the breed that I am talking about. And truely, those are the engineers we are really proud of being.

Source: www.geocnc.com

Well, the hostel life in an engineering college is starkly different. I for one, did not have 5 star hostels. I remember, in our first year, we had a tin roof. Scarcity of water. Horrible food. Slow moving fans. Queues outside the washroom. We addressed our seniors as mam / sir. Till this day, if I happen to meet one of my long lost seniors, the mam / sir part remains. Its become a part of their name. I remember the first semester especially when the freshers HAD to wear salwaar kameez ONLY with dupatta and oil their hair and make a braid or tie it up. I remember the engineering drawing sessions and how I had mastered the Glass Tracing technique and submitted sheets and sheets of submissions. I also remember burning my mattress in this process (GT was forbidden !!!). I remember compering the engineer's day in college and being the food coordinator and ahem!!! going for tasting too. At the end of it all, my feet had hurt like hell. We had watched 6 AM movies in nondescript movie halls where tickets were cheap and to save money we would walk it up. The new year celebrations were fantastic. Oh, how we used to hog on food. We would have put anybody to shame. Maggie was a blessing in disguise. It was a saviour on many a night especially when you had discovered cockroaches in your mess ka khana. The freshers party and the farewell party - how all the year students would be busy in atleast one of them. And the exams!!!! We could finish books in one day. 37 was the magical figure for us ( 3 marks grace!!!).

Had mastered the art of scanning. The Xerox wala being a revered and reliable friend for notes and books. No - many times we did not buy books, we just got them photocopied. It was easy to distribute chapters among 2-3 people and study them. Its difficult to tear up books - chapter wise!!!!! Engineers per say, study only during the prep leave and the best of them study only during the exams. And once the exams are over, a movie it is - to unwind and prepare for the next exam day after tomorrow :-). Engineers are an odd lot. There are thousands and thousands of things which are coming to my mind right now. In this case, seriously, the journey is the destination.

Source: http://www.wittysparks.com

And so, I believe Chetan Bhagat did not write something sacred when he wrote 5 POINT SOMEONE!!! Apart from the story line - student falling for the prof's daughter - everything is known and accepted - amongst the engineers. And that is also why, I don't think, that 3 IDIOTS is great movie. Its an okay movie with almost no novelty thrown in. And then again, I don't quite get the 'shor' surrounding the Chetan Bhagat - 3 IDIOTS movie saga. Sure the book and the movie must be a great read and watch for a lot of people, but again, there is no point fighting over the copywrite infridgements because that is common to almost all the engineering colleges which have a hostel facility.

Anyways, I had been in a fix since quite sometime about the topics to blog about. Checked in on twitter and found my topic there :-). Did not waste time and got down to blogging!!!!

Marie Biscuits

2011-09-12T19:12:00.001+05:30

Name of snack: Marie Biswich

Preparation time: 2 mins

Ingrediants:

1 packet Marie Biscuits (depending upon the need of the snack)

Leftover green chutney from Sandwizza

Leftover oregano and chilly flakes from Dominoes

Free sachets of tomato sauce from Dominoes

Method:

1. Apply the green chutney over one Marie Biscuit

2. Put Tomato Sauce over it

3. Sprinkle oregano and chilly flakes

4. Cover it with another Marie Biscuit

5. It is now ready to eat :-)

I sure did enjoy eating this. It was a quick fix at my workplace :-P. Yeah - I do that too!!! Especially when you also have over enthusiastic colleagues as 'funky' as you!!!! Hehehehe, more than eating this, I sure did enjoy the process. Its a fun food. Not much of a thing in the culinary skills department, but hey, children could sure try this one out and its healthy too!!!! No extra calories and a flavour of oregano which gives a similar feeling to that of a pizza :-)

These days, am running short of topics to blog about. I want to write but am not finding a topic that I would enjoy writing about. Please feel to drop a suggestion as to what I could / can write about.

Guitar Trouble

2011-09-08T11:12:00.000+05:30

Its been quite a while since I posted about my time struggling with the GUITAR.

Guitar, it is said, is not one of the simpler instruments to play. Yes - it looks jazzy and stylish and all that, but it is definitely not easy to master it. I have been told that it will take good 5 to 6 years of practice before you actually to begin play songs the moment you hear them. I have been trying to some basic level of plucking and strumming with the instrument but somehow, I lose interest in between when I realise that I am not really progressing. Yes - I have not been very consistent in practising but I would like partly blame my inexperience in the kind of teachers I chose to begin with. I just hope and pray that I do not become an Air Guitarist :-P like the shown here in the cartoon below!!!

Source:www.google.com

I started off last year around June. A personal tutor, part time music teacher and full time struggler in Bollywood, came to teach me. He was pretty quick with the basics and taught me 12 scales, covering 3 octaves, in 2 months flat. We had even started off with the chords. I was good with the scales or atleast he seemed to think so. So we went at abnormally high speed with the instrument however, I felt we were going too fast. So decided to take a break and practice more so as to get more comfortable. Unfortunately for me the break lasted for 2-3 months mainly due to my procrastination. The teacher by then had left for greener pastures!!! (He got a good break it seems).

I then joined a music class which was closer to my home. We were a bunch of students of all ages and size in the class with one teacher. This new teacher had himself learnt to play the guitar 5 years back, so in a way, he was yet learning. He discarded all my learnings from the previous teacher. Taught me the "new" and the "correct" notations - Sa, Re, Ga, Ma...(which to my understanding then, were the same thing but had a different alphabet, which was right). He insisted I had learnt wrong and began from scratch. So again, I started with the scales from Sa scale instead of C. He taught the scales only one Octave and taught us some Bollywood songs as well. That was good as long as it lasted but that again left me feeling dissatisfied. So...... hmmmm.... I left that too!!!! By now, I am sure you must be thinking, that may be she has a "focus" problem!!! Maybe, I am not too sure. So- its been 3 months now, since I have stopped going to the classes or even touching my guitar for that matter. The hunt is on for another tutor........!!!! Hopefully I shall discover him soon enough!!! The one who will take over this lull and combine all my learnings (good or bad) together and make some kind of musical sense out of it (Filmy touch!!! )

Source:www.google.com

The reason I am writing my rant over here, that I really really want to play the guitar. I have always wanted to learn it and have discovered the time and the intention only recently. This post, hopefully, will keep reminding me about me procrastinating forever and ever....so much so that I might lose interest....:-)

Birthday Blues

2011-08-28T15:07:00.001+05:30

Am not a much of a "Happy Birthday" person. Hmmmm..... yeah... I always find it embarrassing to celebrate birthdays. Its not a recent phenomena but right since school / college. I am embarrassed especially when I have to blow the candles, cut the cake, smile politely and take in all the hullabaloo over turning a year older. Ah, well, this aspect of my life has not changed over the years (about which you can read HERE)

I had my birthday just last friday. Munish prepared a special midnight spread along with the cake et al. Had loads of wishes over phone, facebook, twitter from family, friends, acquaintances, colleagues, fellow bloggers - Phew!!! I felt special and good. Loved all the gifts which kept pouring in. Birthday gift from hubby is yet to be received (booked already), but I received little tids bits from special friends too. Like the latest header of my blog...thanks to my dearest friend Namit Bhatia...and Oh, he even wrote a poem for me (in return for THE ONE I wrote for him ;-) it was a deal) hehehe.... c'mon, don't you all giggle or laugh...this is his first attempt, and I must say, a pretty good one. Here it goes..........

The Maggitoes Rhapsody

I know a fine girl named Maggitoes,

Who has a penchant for writing prose.

She loves to travel far and wide,

A valiant voyager bona fide.

Photography is her leisure pursuit,

Be it nature or a random shoot.

A self proclaimed Bollywood movie buff,

One lousy flick and she goes, “I’ve had enough”.

Always at odds with the firewall at work,

Once granted access, tweet frenzy ensues as she goes berserk.

Recently bitten by the cooking bug,

Her hubby knows best and he dare not say “Ugh!” :P

Chirpy, bubbly and immensely adorable,

“Oh look! That’s the poem for you, now am I out of trouble?”

~ Namitoes (circa 2011 AD)

yay!!!! *clap clap*....his twitter handle is www.twitter.com/namit93 for all you interested in following his perky, quirky, funny tweets and yes - especially writing tailor made poems on oneself!!!!

Mahape to Andheri

2011-08-18T16:07:00.001+05:30

During the past two months, my work place has shifted twice. Once from Bandra Kurla Complex to Mahape and then from Mahape to Andheri. Don't know which one is more painful. One is in a beautiful location, surrounded by hills and trees and absolutely no traffic while the other is an island of traffic. You can read more about that on Purvesh's blog dedicated to Sakinaka, a particular painful area in Andheri.

While one took 2.5 hours to reach office, the route scenic and beautiful and the other takes painful 1.5 hours to reach amidst the honking and the slow moving bumper to bumper traffic. The evenings - well, they are worse from both the places. If you don't leave office on time, you are stuck for another 3 hours unless and untill one has some productive work to do.

All the shifting to Mahape, going there and working there took its toll on my life. My day would begin at 5:45 a.m. and end at 11:00 p.m. I would just go through the entire week not really being a part of it. I remember only the time at office where the better part of the day was spent. No cooking, no cleaning, no entertainment, not even during the weekends...and to top it all, Munish was also spending busy time at work, so even he wouldn't come home before midnight. My hobbies went for a toss and well for that matter blogging.

There was a constant nagging at the back of my mind, that I am missing out on something, not blogging, no thinking, no writing. I missed blogging. Even now, the reason I am writing this post is to reconnect with my blog. I have not been doing a lot of things lately with my time on the world wide web and I am missing that. So let me just hope, that I get back to my blog with a new zest and even more interesting things to post about.

Home Sweet Home

2011-07-29T14:16:00.000+05:30

Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam,

Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home!

-John Howard Payne

The lines stuck in my head since the last couple of weeks. Staying there. Stuck there. Bringing a sense of loss along with nostalgia with a feeling, that its never going to be the same.

My parents relocated to Delhi more than 3 years back but the relocation didn't really happen in my mind. The doors have now been closed finally. The house put up for rent. I feel a certain antagonism for the strangers who will now be living there...There's going to be a lot of ranting and cribbing here now... need an outlet...some of it may not make sense...some will be absurd...but you've got no choice...if you happen to come here, you have to listen to me...:-)

Ahmedabad has always been my home, my city, where I belong...and now I am bereft of it. My entire schooling was done there. I had a lot of childhood and school friends from this city (though I dont know where most of them are now), all the uncles and aunties and their children who were also my friends. They were invariably present on most of the occasions in my life. My birthdays and my marraige. My brother's birthdays and his engagement. They were all there. The neem tree near my house is familiar. Without its presence, we would miss the turn to our house. Honest Paav Bhaaji yet exists. The ice golas on the road. I learnt cycling there...on my own :-) (I am proud of it...). I got a lot of broken knees and bruises while playing with colony friends. My red BSA SLR...how can I forget her. My red Tobu tricycle. The lawn tennis academy near Gurukul road. Kanoria Arts centre where I went to learn sketching. Shreyas Foundation - where I learnt to swim. The tailor under the neem tream near the Shreyas Foundation who turned many of my jeans into shorts. IIMA. The chai wala near IIMA. The chinese corner near IIM. ATIRA. IMA. CG Road. The municipal market. CG road during Navratri & New Year. Law Garden. Bargaining at Law Garden and the wonderful chaniya cholis along with all the traditional junk jewellery at Law Garden. The street food at Law Garden and their very small amusement park.

Mount Carmel High School. Was and am proud to be Carmelite. My primary school at Khanpur, near Hotel Cama had a fabulous river side view. Of course, I was too young to realise it then. Remember taking Sunil Gavaskar's autograph on my hands when he had come down to our school. I remember Sr. Wilma, Ms Sandra, Ms Lopez. The Middle and the High School were at Navrangpura. Sr Flavia Dias, Sr Dulcine, Ms Mary Flory (who along with her brother Rody Flory became our neighbours at Judges Bungalows Road). Can't forget Ms. Ludvina who taught us needle work. David Colaco, our first 'active' sports coach who formed the first basketball team of our school of which I was its proud team member. Mrs Priya Kale, Mrs Sahai, Mrs Kerawala were my favourite teachers and of course Sr. Nirmalini :-).

Post my board exams of class X, I changed my school to St Xaviers Loyola Hall. Cannot forget Father Morondo. He was the best. Yet remember our inter school cultural festival - the Odyssey and of course the orange popsicles for Rs. 1 each :-). The school socials and the garba night and yes of course the class celebrated Raksha Bandhan too :-P. All through my school at Carmel and Xaviers, Chitra had been at my side. My "besty". I am in touch with her (thank God for small mercies :-)). Lot of my other school friends, Abhimanyu, Jeeshan, Jason, Errol, Kunal, Neha, Jaya & Sumati - I am not in touch with them. There are on my facebook friends list but thats different. I remember celebrating Christmas at Chitra's place. Going for the mid night mass. I remember the delicious fried fish - the first one - which I had. Her mom had prepared in a true Kerala style. I took an hour to eat :-). Yes - I remember that too!!! I miss Navratri. Remember how we used to take out our Kinetics and Scooties, drive around in our Chaniya Cholis and go visiting the different colleges and clubs and enjoy dancing to garba - raas. And then later stuff ourselves at IIMA with paav bhaaji because that would be the only place open at 4 AM in the morning.

There are so many memories which are flooding my mind right now and there's no way I can capture all this. But I know one thing, I am going to miss Ahmedabad terribly. Its not just because my parents are not living there anymore, its more than that. I grew up there. There are tons and tons of wonderful memories. I am going to miss going to Ahmedabad. But it shall always be where I come from, where I belong. My city.

Memory Revisited

2011-07-22T15:00:00.000+05:30

The article has been published as my first attempt on http://www.theviewspaper.net/ over HERE!!!. This entirely is a work of fiction and should not be understood in any other mannar.

Totally love the music of Indian Ocean. Famous for “Kandisa” and “Arre ruk ja re Bande” from the movie Black Friday being one of my personal favourites. Took some out and left early to attend their show at Bandra Times Festival. Komal and I got a place to stand just towards the end of the ground...we moved and swayed along happily...and were mightily euphoric listening to the group...

The strains of music beat down my ear drums... the strumming of the guitar and the synchronised drum beats and the tabla....the throbbing speakers... the loud, melodious voice....the cheer of the crowds... I was thoroughly enjoying the music....the presentation...my foot tapping incessantly...

I was transported....some 8 years back.... to the hostel days in my Engineering College. I had just discovered “Kandisa”. I had listened to it day and night. Didn't understand an alphabet of the song but I guess that was not required... Mayna and me were crazy about this music. We were in her room...listening to the cassette on her tape recorder....the local electrician made speakers thumping loudly....both of us lost in the strains...sort of in a trance....staring at the ceiling....at the slow revolutions of the ceiling fan...when she says, I hope we remain friends forever. And I say, Of course! Where else would I find a friend like you!!!

A loud cheer broke out...hands were applauding wildly....the bodies swaying in rhythm...the crowd was singing along ....I fail to remember the name of the lead singer...My friend Komal looks at me happily...unaware of the time I had just visited...the friend I had just met....She turned towards the stage again...cheering with the crowd....and where all in a sudden moment, I feel the void, an emptiness, a blank moment...of just missing my friend...of us choosing not to be together to enjoy the Ocean...together ..Or partly perhaps...

A loud cheer broke out again! The show concluded. The crowd cheered. There was a huge applause for the performers. The crowd starts to dissipate. I turn my back and start walking towards the parking lot...the feeling of the memory stays!!!

Mumbai - Pune

2011-07-18T14:27:00.004+05:30

Munish has a "thing" for a species under the category of "two wheeler - motor bike". Something, which he acquired rather late in his life. Especially when "late" is defined as a 26 year old, last semester at college, and learning to drive!!!! Since then, his "thing" for the particular category has always been on an exponential curve so much so that he refuses to sit in our cars much less “learn" to drive it.

Well - his beloved bike from college was almost in shambles when we got her from Pune to Mumbai. Had been in Pune under the care of many of his friends after he shifted to Mumbai. So finally, after a year of passing out, he did decide to bring her back to Mumbai :-). Well, off we went to Pune, collected his bike, got it repaired, PRAYED to God, counted our blessings and left for the road to Mumbai... It was one rickety ride... We lost our way many times, especially when we were closer to Mumbai. We reached JNPT and Uran by mistake. Took a detour again and then reached Vashi via Khopoli. Me - I was a mess. Wishing when the damned trip would end and dreaming about a hot bath and a warm bed. Mind you - I also took a cat nap in between and thus scaring Munish out of his daylights lest I doze off and fall of in the middle of the God forsaken highway!!!! My back was sore and so were some other parts of my body. Since then, I have always been wary of taking "long" drives on the bike.

That was then...my point of view changed. I tried hard to get out of this trip but Munish would not budge. He insisted on driving to Pune, with or without me :-O. Didn't want to let him go alone for two reasons, one - it is not safe to drive alone all the way from Mumbai to Pune, two - its monsoons and raining cats and dogs - so it becomes very risky!!!!

Hmmm....finally, I mustard up my courage and we started from our home. The first stop was at the garage to get the clutch repaired. Post that, all I can say is that I enjoyed every bit of the trip. Inspite of our rain gear, by the time we reached Lonavla, we got wet three times and also dried up three times!!! After reaching Vashi, we stopped at Mc Donalds for some burgers...I spilled the Pepsi :-P hehehe..[I guess I have to demonstrate some of my clumsiness !!!]...Then we stopped intermittently, to soak in the view... to have a hot makai and later at Khopoli for a highly sweetened masala chai at one of the innumerable tapris... :-). Only post Lonavla, did we stop for lunch at Toni Da Dhaba at 3:00 PM.... After stuffing ourselves with food, we then left for Pune which was only 30-35 kms away. Decided not to stop in between.

The entire trip was fabulous. The Mumbai - Pune highway has always been talked about for its beautiful lush greenary, especially in the Monsoons. It was simply thrilling. I have crossed this route many a times, but not during the monsoons. Feeling the cool breeze on our face, the green grass and trees, a cloudy sky, village women in the rice field with their umbrellas, the masala chai and the hot makai!!! It will always be etched in my memory.

P.S. I regret not having the camera lest it should get spoilled in the rains. Have clicked some pics from my mobile. Will put that up later.

Update: Pics taken from the mobile camera as below. The resolution is not all that great but nevertheless...:-)

Customer Service

2011-07-14T13:04:00.001+05:30

When I saw this popular cartoon strip in Times of India today, I could not help but realise that this just reflects the current state of "customer service" which is not infact a service really if you see closely. It mainly serves as a complaint box and sometimes is very effective in venting out your frustration (personal or professional) on an unsuspecting call centre executive.

The unsuspective call centre executive is "almost" at no fault. Hired by well established, big organizations at a throwaway price, trained inadequately in subject and almost to perfection when it comes to put your call on hold so that the required clarity can be obtained from the "Floor Manager".

The "Floor Manager" category of employees is a frustrated lot. The good english speaking + well mannered + a suitable degree for the profession guy is not a very happy employee when leading a bunch of untrained employees employed mainly to exploit the "cheap labour" scenario. There is little or no ownership of work.

Almost everyone ..... lets list down ->

1. The caller - frustrated because of the service rendered, from incorrect billing to firing for a spelling mistake.

2. The call centre executive - frustrated because the customer is yelling on the phone, he is untrained and to top it all, the boss is chatting with a PYT...

3. The floor manager - frustrated because of a non performing team, irate callers and the PYT is finally giving him "bhaav / attention" after all the months of pursuing.

4. The "big" organizations - frustrated because the billing for the calls which are most of the times TOLL free to the callers is getting higher and higher...

5. The telephone service provider providing the TOLL free service - frustrated because whatever which is earned in the "billing" goes in maintaining its own "customer service"....

I may not have covered all the bits and pieces of "customer service" but hell - we are one frustrated lot!!!! Not exactly a service, eh??!!!!

Banana Bread

2011-07-12T15:59:00.000+05:30

Banana Bread to my mind brings back an avid memory of sitting with Munish on a kitchen table and eating the homemade banana bread with Mr. Balbir Jootla in Dalhousie. We first visited Dalhousie on our honeymoon and had the most wonderful days there. Mr Balbir Jootla was our neighbour and had been living in Dalhousie and teaching meditation. That was the first time I had banana bread and the memory of the taste has remained with me ever since. It was always there on my to-do list but I just never found the time to replicate the receipe.

However, after all these years, keeping my limited culinary skills in mind, I searched for the simplest banana bread receipe on the internet and I found one :-) over here. It was one of the simplest receipes I found and easy to make.

I regret not having the bread loaf can so that the bread could take the desired shape. Due to the lack of it, the bread ended up looking like a cake :-P!!! But nothing beats the memory of the tasty banana bread I had in Dalhousie thanks to Mr. Balbir Jootla :-)

Rain rain go away...

2011-06-13T10:25:00.001+05:30

Image: http://www.google.com/

Not being the adventurous sorts to venture out in the rain, I was mostly under self imposed "house arrest" this weekend. Having ample time to think over things I started to wonder that how perspectives change. As children, monsoons were welcomed with dance in the rain, a paper boat in the puddle near by and juicy mangoes. I remember spending hours near the window,... brooding....at the view outside...notice small things...about how the street dog is getting wet, how the cows are huddled up and sitting under the tree...about how motorists in all their rain gear would drive carefully on the road splashing puddle water ...about how the cars would just do the same without bothering much. I remember watching other children too...in their umbrella and raincoats, floating the paper boats in the puddle...

After the initial euphoria, that is getting drenched in the first monsoon showers, most of the time was spent indoors. Had to make do with my younger brother as a 'play' companion. As children, we particularly didn't get along and almost most of the times, either one of us would go complaining to our parents about how the other one was cheating or disturbing or just being. I don't particularly like this season. For one, my birthday falls in this season and well, my name reflects the same too. As a kid, my birthday was always a damp affair...thanks to the rains which decide to arrive at precisely the same time, my friends were to come over. My mom would be very skeptical of the number of kids which would turn up. My friends from school almost never turned up if they didn't live near by. It was probably too much of a hassle for the parents. Well-my friends from the colony did turn up but they were few in number. We would play a lot of 'child'ish games but with an eye on the weather outside. All the delicious food which my mother would have prepared was not entirely consumed simply because of the lesser number of arrivals.

Today, when I look out of the window or stand in my balcony, I recall my childhood and the various memories associated with it. I think of all those non happening birthdays :-(. Even in college, it was the same. It was a bit of pain to celebrate my birthday because everyone would be loaded with their raincoats, umbrellas and definitely not their best dressed (you dont want to splash rain water on your good clothes - do you?). Both of our birthdays, Munish's and mine, fall in this wet season...and really, I am not too happy about that. Although, Munish is all very excited and happy with the onset of rains. Somehow, I cannot bring myself to share his enthusiasm as I forsee the wet, dark and cloudy months of water pouring all over forcing us to stay inside.

Monsoon ke side effects!!!!

2011-06-12T18:57:00.000+05:30

Mumbai has a love - hate relationship with Monsoons!!!! Mumbaikars... - well most of the them....wait for this season..... the sea has a different colour, a different feel.... the breeze is oh so wonderful... the hot makai and tapri ka chai...an umbrella which threatens to fly away with the wind.... and the noise of the pitter - patter....:-) makes you want to cuddle up with a good book, sitting near the window... as you watch the world go by....hmmmm.....

View from my balcony

On the other hand, for lesser mortals, who struggle during the week, there is the other side... there is the crazy monsoon traffic....we hope that "today" we are not late for work...due to the crazy traffic, non complying auto wallahs, the snobbish taxi wallahs and well - the local trains which are forever running later.... we just hope, that we reach to our workplaces....DRY....we just hope, that a car passing by, hopefully, will not splash the mucky roadside puddle water on your clothes.... we just pray that the leather that we carry (shoes / laptop bags / purses / wallets) survives...... hmmmmm.....

Well - monsoons has it side effects.....to begin just listing them would be sooooo unfair..... but then being put under house arrest due to the unpredictable rains is not fair...to the extent that we visited one of our friends uninvited :-P for tea and conversation...:-) We played a lot of games...sudoku, scrabble, pictionary ....had a lovely afternoon nap.... but all this was a bit too much.... even the play station was not spared....I did my n number of household chores....but I just could not concentrate.... I WANTED TO GO OUT.... I needed my SUNSHINE...... :-P and I was feeling awful because I was not getting out..... all this ranting induced me to crib on this space....hmmmm.... and dearies, this is just June....*eyes rolling*... the best is yet to come :-P

Miss my sunshine!!!!

2006: Puneet Gupta

2011-06-02T16:47:00.000+05:30

Been a long time since I updated the blog on the decade that went by. I had been thinking for quite sometime about writing on Puneet. Many a times or rather most of the times we take life for granted. We live in a eutopian world and believe that anything good, bad or ugly will not happen to us. We love to believe that....

Puneet was my cousin brother...he was 19 years old when he dissappeared from our lives. He was a damn good student. Topped his state in the boards and was studying in the 2nd year of BITS, Goa. That was the year 2006.

A class picnic on a Dussera Holiday. A bunch of kids just having fun under the watchful eyes of the college peons. He was no swimmer. So the question of him fooling around in the waves did not arise. He slipped. The sand gave away. The waves took him. He started yelling for help. There was no life guard on the shores. A classmate ran to help him. He died too. And another one too. Before he could reach the hospital, we had lost him.

It was a tough. One day he's between us and the next day he's not. How does one learn to tackle death of a near and dear one. Its so tough on the parents and the siblings. When you are 19 years old, you have so many dreams in your eyes. Of how the life is going to unfold. Of what you are going to be and achieve. Your parents have so many dreams for you. All comes to an abrupt end.

I had not met him for like close to 2 years. I regret it. I have no reasons for not meeting him. I was just too caught up in my own life in Mumbai. Well thats not an excuse. At his funeral, when I saw him lifeless, I was filled with sorrow and remorse. And wondered why him. My grandparents wailed. They were 80-85 and yet living. They cursed themselves. As to why did they have to face this day.

I regretted a lot those days. Losing a younger sibling or anyone for that matter is not easy. But sometimes, I feel that such a wonderful, talented and lovable life ended abruptly. Sometimes, when I go back home to Ahmedabad, I see a plant which he had planted in the garden or the photoframe which he had gifted my folks on their anniversary. My mom found some random scribblings. I feel proud of the person he was. Even though he is no more.

The experience didn't teach me much. Except that I regretted a lot that I didnt meet him enough. Am not very close to my extended family. But sometimes, events like this just come out of the blue and punch you in your face and make your realise that you are just one of the zillions characters in this world and anytime your role on this god forsaken planet might come to an end. And many a times, I feel its just not fair. To anyone. People should be given advance notice. So that they can finish the million things they need to do. Just so that everyone is ok. But I guess - thats life.

More to follow on the decade that went by....later !!!!

Another Phone Call

2011-05-27T16:48:00.002+05:30

The caller (a female voice) on my 'personal' mobile phone:

Caller : Hello???

Me : Yes....

Caller : Is this Meghna Garg from ABC ltd.

Me : Yes..... (hopes rising...:-))

Caller : I am xyz calling from blah blah consultancy

Me : Yes.....

(Hopes rising again - its good to talk to placement consultants especially when your resume is up on the job portal)

Caller : I wanted the number of your HR deparment......(pause)

Me : ???!!!! (confused) what??? why??? (thinking all sorts of things)

Caller : I wanted to ask about the empanellent of our consultancy at your company...

Me : (Mustering up courage... faking a stern voice) How did you get my number xyz???

Caller : From your resume on the job portal :-P :-) (perhaps grinning at her own smartness)

Me : Here goes.....xxxxxxxxx (

(chickened out from a smart cookie reply hoping someday she'd call me for the right reason ;-)

Me : (Aloud to my fellow co workers) What a NERVE!!!!!

A Phone Call

2011-05-17T23:06:00.000+05:30

This was a random call from a job seeker to the dealing room. The caller was calling for the 2nd time for a job opportunity. The first time he called, it was answered by a new joinee in the team who really didnt know how to respond. Then of course, the pro steps in ;-)

Caller : Hello???

Me : Hello. Who's this?

Caller : Hello, is this Dhasti?

Me : [He's got the name wrong, the name is Khyati], No- this is not Dhasti.

Caller : Can I talk to Dhasti?

Me : There is no one by the name of Dhasti over here. You've called a wrong number. [about to disconnect]

Caller : No, no. I wanted to apply for the job of the trader.

Me : Please contact the HR. They are responsible for vacancies in the company.

Caller : No - no. My friend Ashish told me that there is a vacancy here.

Me : Who am I talking to?

Caller : Ashish.

Me : Ashish from? [I meant the company]

Caller : Ashish from Ghatkopar!!!!

Me : :-P :-O [whaattttt] [ rejected already!!!!]

Me : Ashish, please get in touch with the HR team. They will guide you.

Caller : Give me the number?

Me : [ Rejected again - didnt use the word "please" and yes - I am not the receptionist]

Me : Its available on the company website.

Me : Thanks [putting the receiver down]

Me : [to myself] Phew!!!!! The nerve of the guy!!!

All of us : Ha ha ha :-D

Hyderabad

2011-05-17T23:03:00.001+05:30

The long weekend of Good Friday had been planned well in advance. The gang decided to meet (the gang about which I spoke in detail in one of my earlier posts). And well, it all materialised :-). Its been 5 years since we all passed out. 5 years since we all have been through the various phases of life. 5 years since we've become more wise, sensible and intelligent (well - hopefully) and 5 years since all of us met TOGETHER. Well, we have met in bits and pieces but not all of us together :-).

Ekta (Chennai), Munish, me and Megha (Mumbai) coordinated our flights to almost land at the same at the Hyderabad airport. Must say, its an awesome new international airport. One can easily spend time over here. After landing, we went on a treasure hunt. A Treasure hunt to reach Shobha's place with popular landmarks like Karur Vyasa Bank branch and a tree plus a random shop :-P. Finally, we managed to find each other after the driver pointed gleefully at the "laadies" standing on the sidelines ;-) (hehehehe). And yes - she is THE ONE. At whose place we would be crashing for 2 nights and 3 days. Free lodging, free boarding and free food. Plus a cute little girl called Aaradhya to hang out with (<3 :-) ).

So - all of us were eating at once, talking at once and me - trying to sleep for once. Dont blame me. I slept at 12 and woke up at 3 to catch a flight at 5. All the timings are in A.M. The rest can but I really cant do without my beauty sleep :-P. sigh!!!! I tried in vain to sleep for an hour but the little devil - oops ANGEL....<3 wouldn't let me plus all the loud laughter of the ADULTS was really it. Yeah - I am a lazy person plus I can sleep on demand :-).

Soumya came in later with her little 6 months old bundle by the name of Medhya. Sweet little darling (thats because she stays put, does not walk, talk or run) untill she grows up. I can imagine both the mommies, Shobha and Soumya, exchanging notes on the little developments of their champs.

Was meeting Ekta after 3 years. In the meantime, she has married and is settled in Chennai. Also working in a rival general insurance company. Well - we were also exchanging notes as to whose company is worser.

Our husbands exchanged notes on work and wives :-P.

There was a lot of coochie cooing all the time over the kids. I guess they were the centre of attention and attraction. Bouncing off like in game of passing the parcel, I am sure they must be enjoying every bit of attention.

We roamed the streets of Hyderabad in a traditional sense. Shobha and Rajneesh took us to Golconda Fort and treated us to some awesome medu vadas at a local shop nearby. Wish I had a picture. (Ya ya - I try not to be one of those who clicks a pic of everything eaten and updates it on facebook - I know quite a few who do :-) - In case you are one of those are reading this, no offence :-) ). Well - we had the vadas again.

There was a visit to Shilparaman, a permanent handicrafts exhibition, Charminar and Laad Bazaar. We shopped a lot. And hence by the time we got home, we were just about ready to eat anything.

Shobha and Rajneesh treated us to a Dominos pizzas. A treat for their new home. We wiped that one out in a matter of minutes.

Gaurav had got the game of Pictionary. Was playing it for the first time. :-P (Ya - go ahead - giggle or laugh out loud). We were yelling and fighting within 10 minutes of it already. And yes - we did get emotional while playing it :-P. Hence, for the sake of mankind and friendship we stopped :-D.

On our last day of our visit, Soumya treated us to a home cooked lunch at her place. Yes - she cooked. We ate. She served us snacks. We ate. She served us soft drinks. We drank. The desert - wiped out. WOW!!!!

It was time to leave. There was a flight to catch back home. Back to the regular rigamarole of life :-). It was a good and a welcome break. We actually enjoyed meeting the old and the new persons at the same time. It was interesting to note the growth of each one of us and note how all of us have turned out. And I must say, we pretty much did a decent job.

Looking forward to more of such heartwarming and lovely get-togethers.

P.S. For more details on sight seeing check this link out

Hyderabad - A traveller's perspective

2011-05-04T22:01:00.006+05:30

Hyderabad is the capital city of the state of Andhra Pradesh. It was founded in the year 1591 by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah. It is a city which projects a strong cultural influence along with a booming information technology industry. Famous for its Pearls, Biryani and Karachi Bakery biscuits, the city is small enough to provide a sense of comfort and big enough to let you grow.

The Hussain Sagar Lake is a popular tourist destination which offers a boat ride, a small lake side restaurant and good snacks. In between the lake stands a tall Buddha structure.

The Golconda Fort was established by Quli Qutb Shah. The fort is in a good shape except for the grafitti which is an eye sore at some places. It is really painful to see love declarations of the current generation on something which has such a historic value

If you look closely, you can look at scribblings on the wall

We climbed all the way upto the Golconda Fort and the city view which was visible to the eye from the top was simply beautiful. During such a climb, I realised that I must really build up on my stamina or the lack of it is really going to be a deterrant in other visits. There is a also a light and a sound show which we skipped since it was in the evening.

View from the top

We learnt from one of the locals that inadequacy of water, and frequent epidemics of plague and cholera persuaded Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah to venture outward to establish new city with the Charminar at its centre and with four great roads fanning out four cardinal directions. Hyderabad's fame, strategic location and Golconda's legendary wealth attracted Aurangazeb who captured Golconda after a long battle in1687. Making a grand 'Gate' is one the main architectural points of the Mughal influenced architecture... If you observe carefully in all the cities which were under their rule, there is a 'gate' for e.g. India Gate (New Delhi), Gateway of India (Mumbai), Dilli Darwaja, Teen Darwaja (Ahmedabad). Other than this they made tombs ...or maqbaras which are also famous...the most famous one being the Taj Mahal which is actually a tomb.

Charminar, Hyderabad

Anyways, Charminar is famous for its locally found authentic biryani and the famous hyderabadi pearls. There are scores and scores of shops and bargaining is the key. We went to a wholesale shop and one of our friends bought pearls to her heart's content. I was happy buying a small pendent set for a relative from the shop which costed me Rs. 125/- WONLY.....:-)

Ahead of Charminar, is the Laad Bazaar. Popular for the bangles made of lac. In Hindi, it is more popularly known as lac ki chudiyan....couldnt resist myself and bought myself a couple of them.

Apart from the traditional places of Hyderabad, there is also a permanent handicrafts exhibition at Shilparaman. One can find all kinds of traditional arts and crafts from paintaings to footwear to bedsheets to clay art to sketching to junk jewellery to wooden artifacts and what not.

I got myself a broad, shallow clay pot (dont know what to call it) mainly for the purpose of decorating rangoli or diyas during the Diwali festival for a mere sum of Rs. 100/-. In Mumbai, we find this at no less than Rs. 350/- :-O.

Wanted to get a wooden jewellery box but they didnt have the sections which I wanted. So I opted for a wooden artisan's box with appropriate sections for Rs. 150/-.

Our hyderabadi friends gifted us 2 beautiful masks as token of memory. Touching. And no - I didnt inquire of the cost ;-).

Other than the shopping aspect, there are people who will put mahendi on your hand in like 10 mins and sketch a portrait of you (well at least 60% familiar) in a very short time.

All in all, thoroughly enjoyed this trip to Hyderabad. Touched on its various aspects and felt enriched as to how another city / place has touched my life and how I will take back memories from here.

Office Comparisons

2011-05-03T19:04:00.004+05:30

Ekta and me were comparing notes on our work places when we met in Hyderabad. She works in a rival general insurance company. Rival??? - I am not too sure about the "rival" bit but anyways.....

Ekta : If there is a function in my family in Chennai, my boss asks me to leave early :-P

Me : Well mine too. Atleast he has never said no.

Ekta : We can use GTalk.

Me : Me too :-P

Ekta : :-P

Ekta : We have had no offsites.

Me : Me too :-P
Ekta : :-P

Ekta : No increment.

Me : Me too :-P

Ekta : :-X

Ekta : I get leaves without much hassle.

Me : Yeah!!! This one I am winning - I can take "SICK LEAVES" in ADVANCE and well accumulate them too :-O

Ekta : You WIN *clap clap*

Me : *Taking a bow*

P.S. I had to win this one ;-)

Of Godmen and Religion

2011-04-28T15:33:00.001+05:30

I do not follow religion very ardently...am kind of an agnostic. Not too sure about the existence of Gods and Goddesses. But yes, I do enjoy the festivities which surround it. A pleasant change from the daily humdrum of life. Well there are Gods and then there are Godmen.

Some events in the last couple of days, invoke me to think about lakhs and crores of people who place their faith, trust, money and selves at the feet of so called, self proclaimed, Gods. Somehow I am not able to take an objective stance. My beliefs and perhaps my prejudices seep in.

Sri Sathya Sai baba started on the path of being a "baba" at the young age of 14 with some tricks or "magic". He gradually collected followers and soon started gaining fame. Declared himself Sri Sathya Sai baba. Sometimes, I wonder, how can a person declare himself God. Shirdi Sai Baba never said he was God. He became famous much much later...perhaps after his death. How can a group of people declare one amongst them God and follow him ardently with complete faith.

Sri Sathya Sai baba dreamt that he would be ill for 40 days and later re-emerge again. Unfortunately that did not happen. He died on 24th April. Even that date is now under dispute.

Sri Sathya Sai baba was quoted in one of his followers book that a 3rd re-incarnation of Sai baba would be born in the year 2023 in Doddamalur. Giving ample time to the trust to consolidate and prepare for the next Sai. Apparently, he even pointed out a hut and has decided who will be the mother of Prema Sai!!!!

Apparently the "God"man needed a ventilator to live. If he was so sure of living after 40 days of illness, then why a ventilator, why hospitalization and the best of the medical facilities.

Sachin Tendulkar wept copiously at his death.

Taslima Nasreen asked him not to since the baba was already 85 years old and was past his prime.

The Prime minister and the Presidents crowded in the little village Puttaparthi which will now go on to achieve the status of Shirdi slowly.

The people who manage the Trust are now in danger. Of course, everyone wants a pie of the cake.

The saga continues...

Why do people place their faith so much in Godmen and the likes... Asharam bapu (multiple cases against him), Morarji Bapu and well Baba Ramdev (Well - he atleast teaches Yoga). Maybe, somewhere deep down, they want someone whom they can look up to...follow ...to guide them. Guide to what? Peace is achievable but only you can help yourself. Moksha? How? Do you know of any one person who has attained Moksha? and what is this concept anyways....Belief is handed over to generations....children learn from their parents and they from theirs...they question not. They just believe.

I am not here to judge to anyone. Each to his own sets of beliefs. But sometimes, I just wonder....

Arranged Match

2011-04-18T13:25:00.002+05:30

A arranged match was "fixed" between two individuals, for marraige, by the elders in the family. The girl, lets call her Hema and the boy, lets call him Dharam underwent or should I say endured the following process:

Round 1:

Dharam's Father : (On a phone call to Hema's father) Namaste ji !!!! Ji, we, I and my Missus, were just passing by your residence, thought we'll come and see (read - check out) your daughter and meet your family, of course, if that is not a problem with you (in the middle of a Wednesday afternoon :-O, of course its a problem, but nevertheless). By the way, Dharam is also with me!!!!

Hema's Father: Arre no ji...not at all...this is your house only...you are most welcome...I will immediately inform Hema's mother...(so that Hema can be made presentable for the occasion!!!!) and reach home in just 30 mins...

At home, Hema's mother hastily makes the preparations...orders a local mithaiwala to send in some "motichoor ke laddoos" immediately along with some "namkeen", "cream biscuits" and "cold drinks". Hema is given instructions to quickly get ready in her best salwaar kameez...she reluctantly obliges!!!!

Dharam and Dharam's parents ARRIVE...rightly so...

Everyone is seated in the drawing room and sipping tea / cold-drinks and looking at the prospective bride and groom :-)

Hema's Mother : (Thinking in her mind) The boy is a little bit dark....hmmmm.... my daughter has more degrees than him....she is M.A....while he is only B.Com...my daughter is also very fair...gori - chitti...thodi 'healthy' hai par thik hai...the boy's personality is also okay...not that great.....hmm... only son ....hmmmm.... well settled in family business....Jackpot :-)

Hema's Father: (Thinking in his mind) Dharam's father is in a related business...good for our family business...hmmm.... only son.... looks a little bit meek...sahi hai...Hema is smarter...of course, compromise toh karna padega...after all, one can't get everything in life....hmmmm...jackpot???!!!!!!

Dharam's Father: (Thinking in his mind) The girl is okay....fair....thodi moti hai...but my son is also dark and meek...good family...of course, a dowry has to be discussed....could be useful in business also....hmmm...jackpot!!!!!

Dharam's Mother: (Thinking in her mind) The girl is fattttt. Colour is okay...these days dusky girls are preferred...so what if she is fair...but she is definitely fatttttt. More degrees than my son...hmmm....too much education is also not good for the girl...will take some hard work to control her....hmmmm.....but she definitely has to reduce...atleast 10 kgs....has to join VLCC....hmmmm.....jackpot :-x

For the first 5 mins, only the sound of munching biscuits....and sipping of the cold drinks and tea is heard...after a while, Hema's father begins the conversation...

Round 2

Hema's father: So what do you think Ji....the children will look good together.... we toh ji like your son...simple and sober and shy (read submissive / meek)....Ji, your family is also good.... By God, Dharam's mother is also so simple and nice and quiet (well - as long as it lasts!!!)...

Hema's mother: Have some more namkeen ji...this is the best namkeen in this city !!! (Offering them the plate)

Dharam's father: Hmmmm... the girl is also good...simple and sober and shy and educated...(*Dharam's mother rolling her eyes*) What do you think Dharam ki maa?

Dharam's mother: Dekho ji, we like the girl.... but she is a bit fat.... she has to join VLCC....(Vandana Luthra will be sooooo happy)...we are a simple family...and we want a simple girl who will adjust...(read - education be damned...I am the boss)...

Hema's mother: Arre Dharam ki maa, do not worry at all.....our daughter is very obedient...(well - atleast she will be intially)... I have taught her everything...she makes very good Chole Bhature....She has made that for lunch today...you must have lunch and then only go....

Round 3:

Dharam's mother: Hmmmm.....Ji, thik hai....

Dharam's father: Hmmmm...thik hai ji....

Hema's father: (*Smiling*) thik hai ji....

Hema's monther: (*Smiling* - offering the "motichoor ke laddoss" ) these are best "motichoor ke laddoss" in the city ji...:-)

Hema's mother: Ae Ji, let the children talk for a little while....even they should know each other better...now that they are going to be life partners....Beta, you can go to the TV room and chat for a while (*smiling broadly*)....

The "children" apparently leave for the TV room and actually watch TV....leaving their elders to talk about other details!!!!!

Round 4:

Dharam's father: Ji, the marraige will take place in our city....and as told to you earlier also (referring to Hema's father), we will finalise the budget...Rs. XX,XX,XXX ...

Hema's Father: Ji, I am perfectly fine with this...but we will definitely have one small function over here also!!!!

Both the mothers are nodding in unison!!!!

Dharam's mother: Please buy more sarees for Hema......since we wear a lot of sarees....and yes - no jeans allowed...it is not in our culture you see....

Hema's mother: Dont you worry Samdhan ji....I will arrange for everything as per your requirement (read "including gold")...:-)

Hema: (thinking "ho gaya....life ka kachra....") *sigh*

Dharam: (thinking "Happy Budday") *sigh*

P.S. It happens only in India.

MIS reporting

2011-04-15T14:39:00.004+05:30

Sales guy to Sales Head: Sir, here is the weekly MIS

Sales Head : [Looking at the one page MIS] hmmmmm
                  : Sales Target has increased,
                  : Branches have increased....
                  : Increase the length of the MIS... make it 2 pages

Sales guy    : :-P (*eyes rolling*)

Silly, Stupid me...

2011-04-13T17:55:00.001+05:30

Was browsing on the internet when I came across some prose and paragraphs on bullying behaviour. There are some interesting reads on the same. This inspired me to write some and the resultant following lines are my responses on the same...

Pic Source: Google.com

I have nothing to say to you

I have nothing to want

Got no words left

Got nothing to rant.

Just let me be, stupid

And tactless and dumb

Just want to be mindless

Just want to be numb.

Want to run away from it all

Want to be left alone

Want to be left in a corner

In between the worlds, don’t want to be torn.

Dont want no ramifications...

Of my selfish and self centred acts...

Dont want no situation...

Where I cant get back...

An inseparable part of my life

My babble and stupidity

Dont want no divide...

Over life and its jamboree.

Dont want no conflict

Dont want no harshness

Dont want no curt

Over any brashness

I play along, unwanted

Try to be in sync

With the intelligence that is flaunted

Like a clown in a ring.

Not your ideal mate

Not your bestest friend

Not one tune to gyrate

To make your life grand...

I am and I will be

The way i am meant to be

Sorry, i am not intelligent

The way you thought

I would be.

I am just happy and content

To be a silly, stupid me....

Friday Again!!!!

2011-04-08T00:01:00.000+05:30

I spent the last weekend, a long one infact, at Ahmedabad. I had a list of To-Do's before I even reached there and bragged about it in my previous post.Just a small status update on that:

1. Bake a Cheesecake : Not Done :-( (my excuse - no blueberries and no strawberries)

2. Visit Adalaj : Not Done (my excuse - photography is not allowed there anymore)

3. Take some pictures in the garden: Clicked randomly for half an hour :-P (Ya - I know what you are thinking....:-P, will post some pictures in some new posts later on...)

4. Watch the World Cup Finals (Yes - I did :-) :-D ) and YAYYYYYYY!!!!!

With reference to point 4, that was awesome. After 28 long years, the Cricket World Cup is ours FINALLY!!!! Benefits of winning the world cup (for the nation and the cricketers) are as follows :

1. Its ours for the next 4 years!!!!

2. We can go on and on and on and on about it....It is etched in almost everyone's memories....easy topic of conversation and yes - no chance of offending anyone.

3. Finally my hubby and dad can be one side of the conversation...:-)

4. Bal Thackeray and Raj Thackeray watched cricket peacefully ....;-) (Mumbaikars were saved from further hooliganism...)

5. The crowd at the stadium did some serious celebrity spotting ....

6. We can give Kapil Dev a break and now start our conversations like, "When Dhoni's boys won the World cup.........."

7. General insurance companies got business...I hear Dhoni has now been insured for Rs. 34 crores..:-O (*gasp*)

8. The team can now earn more via endorsements and attending marriages.... hopefully there will be no match fixing rumors!!!!

and last but not the least...

9. Sachin Tendulkar....:-) can sleep peacefully....its like the icing on the cake...after giving 21 years of his life to the sport...he has been an important part of the WINNING world cup team.

And the cricket crazy nation can now get on with their lives.....(*phew*) :-)

Well to celebrate the success of the match, I decided to learn something new from my mom... made Spring rolls the next day...:-). Easy to make, atleast thats what it looked like, and definitely yummy.....:-) I wish I could remember the recipe and call it really my own making....:-P but I am sure, it can be "googled" easily :-).

P.S. My mom has become a fan of Zee Khana Khazana. I need to subscribe to that channel soon !!!!

Moments gone by....

2011-04-07T23:17:00.003+05:30

The lines on my face

The wrinkles near my eyes

Speak of my age

As time flies.

Of moments, of phase

Like stars in the night

Of time, of days

An era gone by.

Of moments happy and gay

Of dark and the light

Of clouds of grey

And evening sighs!!!

Shadows in the evening play

On a brink of a twilight

Waiting for murmers to say

What a wonderlife life!!!

Pic taken by Meghna Garg (c), Ahmedabad

Friday it is :-)

2011-04-01T13:13:00.002+05:30

Source: becomefitatfifty.blogspot.com

And yes- I am looking forward to it :-). Tonight, I will be travelling to my hometown Ahmedabad. Although my folks have shifted to Delhi, my mom keeps visiting. I love the city. Thats where I have grown up. Thats where I have done my schooling and my growing up. This may be my last visit because there are fair chances that our house might be put up for rent!!!!

Well, I do have a list of To-dos to do with my mom and the following tops the list:

1. Bake a cheesecake (A baking challenge sent to me by Anita). I am really hoping to make a success on this one.

2. Click some photographs of the flowers in our garden and if time permits, visit Adalaj.

3. Watch the India Vs SriLanka Finals for the World Cup, 2011 :-) (Astrologers say that Dhoni's stars are bright - hence dont want to miss the chance of missing out on seeing India win the World Cup :-))

On a brighter note, I have submitted 2 of my TP poems(Crappy Poem and Epitaph) to a Poet Rally and the responses have made my week :-)

To give you an update on my current working conditions, out of the total team of 5, 2 of my colleagues have resigned. Yesterday was the last day of Komal. Ashish went in the middle of the month. My other colleague Prathamesh is on leave. That leaves me and my boss :-), but luckily for me, he's a nice guy!!!! Feeling a bit left out though...Am sitting alone in the dealing room with 8 phones, 3 computers, 1 Reuters terminal and a CNBC anchor :-P ...But, hey no complaints :-).

In this Pic: Komal, Ashish and Me

India Vs Pakistan

2011-03-31T11:21:00.001+05:30

Source: desi-radio.com

Now that the India Vs Pakistan Match is over and done with, I guess most of the Indians can get on with their lives. India Won. We won. And what a match!!! There were some surprises though - The many misses by the Pakistan team - 6 misses actually, in terms of bidding farewell to Sachin Tendulkar (Referred to as God by many a cricket fan), Good bowling by Ashish Nehra - which was a surprise!!! As Rajdeep Sardesai said on his show post the match, It was as if the Gods had written the fate (read between the lines!!!!).

Me - am not a cricket fan. Don't enjoy the sport as much. Last time, I sat through a complete match was in 1996, India Vs Pakistan. Thats it.

Had taken half a day off for the match. Some friends had come over. So was more excited about the cheering, eating and high adrenaline levels. Munish was in his most excited state. I tried sitting through the match, but couldn't :-P.

Logged on the internet. Twitter was more interesting.... the cheering, the jeering, the abusing...well - that was some fun...and yes the Ashish Nehra jokes...Well that was more fun...

The city took on a deserted look...and I guess the same holds true for the entire nation. Thought of ordering some food...no response there too...:-O

Sometimes, I feel that all this....all this hype and hoopla, the drama...over cricket...cricket between the 2 rivals...is it really worth all the national wastage of time, energy and money...Why are our lives put on hold...why is it the leaders of our nation, leave everything and make their presence for more almost 8 hours for this match...Think they must not have so much time at office also...the bollywood celebrities, the industrialists...everyone...its like as if you been arrested by this craze....what beats me, why cricket...why not hockey or kabbaddi or swimming, or shooting or any other sport....Guess, we are one cricket crazy nation!!!!

Thank You!!!

2011-03-28T10:10:00.001+05:30

Source: Pic from my Home@Ahmedabad

Photographer: Mayank Garg

There are days....and then there are days....And when you are thinking of the days gone by...you realise that some of those days have been so special....This is a "Thank You" ....for one of those days...

TGIF - Thank God Its Friday!!!

2011-03-25T12:59:00.001+05:30

This week has been an unusually short one for me. Monday - Wednesday were spent in Delhi with PILs, thursday was almost half day, since the other half was spent watching the India Vs Australia Quarter Final and well - today is friday...Thank God :-). Havnt really got used to being back at work.

Must check out Twitter. Not one active member of the twitter fraternity does not comment on today being friday...and tag it with #TGIF ...everyone has plans ...though how many of them materialize is another story. And then these very members will comment on the coming Monday and its horrors...and then go ga-ga over the most awaited India Vs Pakistan Semi Final on Wednesday at Mohali and tag it with #WC2011. Twitter is one such active community where there are discussions over breakfast, lunch, dinner, shoes, sandals, bosses, politicians, etc...basically anything and everything...People love insulting...over twitter...and hey, they enjoy it too...the bouquets and the brickbats ...are all a part of the game...

Done with my morning comment of #TGIF on twitter.....decided to plan my weekend...well not much planning to do since Munish has a sprain in his right leg. He went hobbling to office today!!!! Will re-fill the refridgerator with veggies and juices!!! Got to store up some junk as well or else how is India Vs Pakistan going to be enjoyed!!!

Planning to go to Fort today after office...check out some camera bags ..which I saw in http://www.smartshoppers.in/ .... a very very useful website... will know which one is cheaper...the shops at Fort or the website!!!!

Mumbai - Delhi

2011-03-24T16:53:00.001+05:30

Had been planning for a trip to Delhi since quite some time. My In-laws stay there. Had got the tickets booked in December itself for the festival of Holi which was on the 19 / 20 of March. Being in investment banking, it becomes almost impossible for him to pre-plan a tour or a holiday. Not untill the last minute it is decided if the planned trip will happen or not.

Seems the trip was not going to happen (because of his work schedule). Got the tickets cancelled on thursday. Started calling up my In-laws... about the cancelled plan...regretted...they were dissappointed...hmmm...well...can't help it....

Just 2 hours after my regret call...Munish called and confirmed the plans....Now, we wanted to go but well - there were no tickets...no reservations....no bookings....sigh!!!!

We got the tickets booked...at a high festival premium....Hmmmm....Well - his trip was sponsored by the company :-) so that was a silver lining....I hastily started packing - AGAIN....rushed down the building...hailed an auto - got one quickly - and left for the airport...On reaching the airport...I realised I forgot my contact lenses...I was wearing my spectacles...

[well - about my contacts...I am virtually blind if I am not using them. Was using an old pair of specks...hence they were a number less :-(...]

There were long queues at the airport....was informed there was a system failure ....SpiceJet, Go Air and Indigo were affected....Munish came in half an hour later...directly from office.....Check-in was done manually....stood in the queue for nearly an hour...Well- we finally boarded the flight...45 minutes late....:-).

As soon as the flight took off, I dozed off...Was rudely awakened during landing....It was not a very smooth one...the breaks were screeching...I remember saying my prayers during the landing process.....we landed :-). It was almost 11:00 PM....Thanks to the flight authorities, the suitcase lost a wheel...so we literally had to drag it after a point of time...mercifully, there was no other hiccup....reached home by 1:30 AM...

And Holi celebrations began the next day!!!!

P.S. Ain't got no pictures to post :-(

Pic got clicked!!!! Yay!!!

2011-03-16T21:15:00.001+05:30

A quick update :-). One of the two pictures (The blue morning) which I submitted in the previous post has been selected for the contest. I don't expect to win anything, but I am just plain happy :-).

Thank you sooooooo much folks!!!!

Link: http://adayinlife.timesofindia.com/photoDisplay.php?photoId=161955

A Day in the Life of India

2011-03-15T21:49:00.000+05:30

The Times of India is running a photography contest "A Day in the Life of India". I have submitted two entries to this contest. Today was the last day. Not sure if I am up to the mark or not...but I guess I wanted to contribute...

This picture was taken at 5 AM in the morning at Nigeen Lake, Srinagar from our houseboat. I cannot put in words the serenity felt at that time. An Azaan was going on in a nearby Mosque. We were sipping tea when we witnessed this view. There has been no tricks played with the picture. Its just what we saw...don't know if "saw" is the right word for it but nevertheless.... Have contributed this pic for "Incredible India".

This picture shown below was clicked during our drive from Srinagar to Leh during one of the jams which we faced at the mountains. Have contributed this pic for "Overloaded India".

Road Signs

2011-03-15T12:35:00.002+05:30

Interesting Road Signs en route from Srinagar To Ladakh. There were many more of them, but must say that I was very unprepared for the unpredictable humour found on the nook and corner on the roads of Ladakh.

Another one of the interesting road sign we came across en route from Leh to Pangong Tso...:-)

Some more dedicated to Chang - La Pass and ChangLa Baba :-)

History of India_Viritten

2011-03-14T15:26:00.002+05:30

Attended the show "History of India_VIRitten" starring Vir Das at St. Andrews, Bandra on Sunday (13th March). The show takes you from the origination of "India" on planet earth to what it is on present day. It touches various aspects from the Harrappan Civilization, Indus Valley Civilization to the Moghuls, to Vasco da Gama, Britishers, Gandhi, Nehru, B R Ambedkar, Morarji Desai, Indira Gandhi, Sanjay and Rajeev Gandhi, to the Independence Struggle, to the Gujaratis, Bengalis, Delhites, 'Bandraites', Builders, 70s, 80s, 90s, to A Raja, Kalmadi, Common Wealth Games, Barack Obama, Marathi manoos, the riots......Phew!!!! The list is endless.

Needless, there was not one moment where one might have thought anything else. Either you love him for his comedy or you totally hate him (planning to shoot him). It was a very well researched and a thought out script. Well presented. There was a connect with the audience and more importantly the ability to handle eratic behaviour from the audience too.

Vir Das did an excellent job of taking his audience through the History of India with his comical touch that made you sit up and take notice and think - "Hey, Why didn't I think of that?". Not to forget, he had the audience in splits...laughing hysterically...well at the very obvious comments, and some of them at the very subtle ones too.

Thinking of Stand Up Comedy Acts, not many have dared to venture in this genre. Must say it requires a person to be well read, intelligent, articulate and well - witty. It takes a person of merit and bravery to tread where many have feared to tread or maybe not even given it a thought. India does not know many artists who can boast of having such an audience and following not to mention shows running all over.

Foot and the Shoe

2011-03-14T10:52:00.000+05:30

Are my feet too small or my shoe too large?!!

Source: Pic by Meghna Garg, Kala Ghoda Festival, 2011

Excuse - for one Lazy blogger

2011-03-11T12:11:00.001+05:30

Came across the link while surfing...decided it would be a good fit for my lazy blogger buddy Aditya. Had a random bet...that we post this and connect to each other :-P

Well, here it goes...and no i didnt cheat!!!! And in my defense, I am not as lazy as he is ;-)

OMG! I just woke up to the fact I have not updated this since you last visited... You would not believe that my hands were chopped off and I was waiting for bionic ones. Apologies to my regular readers! Even the little blue ones!.

I am going ahead with only your readership as life preserver, hoping you haven't found other blogs, just generally being asleep, dreaming and chancing to my husband, my day pisses me off from the first cockadoodledoo from the rooster to midnight. I am avoiding recapture. life is good.

I swear on the bones of my ancestors I will write something that makes sense soon. You wanna test me? This is for my ever faithful, devoted public..

With lots of luv

Epitaph for my friend Namit Bhatia

2011-03-08T16:47:00.002+05:30

Here lies Namit Bhatia
He died of blabbermania
As he spake too much of the spoken word
Of thoughts and ideas in his head
There was no dearth!

Here lies Namit Bhatia
Was very fond of trivia
Movies, music, comics and scrabble
And a lot of online babble
Anything and everything he liked to dabble

Here lies Namit Bhatia
Spending wisely was his criteria
Movies, music, comics and clothes
And of things about which he could gloat
No- he did not suffer from dementia

Here lies Namit Bhatia
He died of Gamophobia
As he tried time after time
Marry and make the two rhyme
But I guess it was not worth his dime!

Here lies Namit Bhatia
Was from Andulasia
As he travelled a bit too much
Across the green and the sand
Wherever his feet and the plane could land

Here lies Namit Bhatia
Under the dunes of Bahrain
Lays with all his energies drained
Under the basking sun
What next - his unending conundrum!!!

Update: On April 9, 2011

Hurray!!!! I have received the Perfect Poet Award for Week 41. I am honored to receive the award and I accept it. I would like to nominate Thingy for the next award.

Chocolate Cookies

2011-03-08T12:24:00.002+05:30

I have been reading a lot from Anita's Blog lately and must admit that I got bit by the baking bug. Hence over the previous weekend, decided to try out my first sample of chocolate biscuits / cookies... call them what you like :-P

Well this is what my first tray and sample looks like.

My key learnings from this baking experiment:

1. Do not use Ghee (or processed Ghee - in my case Amul Ghee): It left a slight salty taste on the edges.

2. Use a good measure of Baking soda (actually more than 1/4 teaspoon)

3. Try not to make plain chocolate cookies... some dry fruits or choco chips could add a different dimension.

4. Try baking more often....:-)

Receipe used for this baking experiment:

1. I dare not share it since the taste of the cookie was not something I was proud of.

2. The author might sue me :-P

Outcome of this experiment:

1. I praised my own baking to my mother and mother - in - law (since no one else was going to do it).

2. Hubby had half a cookie since he got a shock of how much sugar and "ghee" I had used.

Moral of the story:

1. Bake more.

2. Bake no more.

Think I will try the former :-)!!!!

Mid-week chutti - Yeh Saali Zindagi

2011-03-03T12:28:00.003+05:30

Had a mid week holiday yesterday...wednesday that is...occasion being Maha Shivratri... was observing fast... hence had some "fast" food -if I may say so...Komal came over to my place...since she was fasting too...thought it would be easier :-P..well it was not...not wanting to waste much energy and then end up feeling hungry later, we stayed put at my place ...watching television... Got bored very soon...had a mid day nap... got even more bored....finally we decided to drag our lazy selves and catch a movie at a cinemax near by... "Yeh Saali Zindagi"....:-). The smell of the popcorns was all around but we focussed on the movie... Overall, the movie was nice..worth watching..paisa wasool... Well, what follows below is not exactly a movie review but something which I wanted to write about ....

'Yeh Saali Zindagi' is a thriller...fast paced...does not waste time.... and as for the movie goer - one better be focussed or you miss out on the understanding bit...

The movie was very well scripted. All the characters were defined properly. Since, the movie was based out of Delhi, NCR, it missed the dialogue delivery style of a typical Dilliwala. However, towards the end, the movie tends to become a bit slow and predictable, making one wonder about the ending. Too much complexity or inter-connection between the characters works quite the opposite at times.

Irfaan Khan was outstanding in this film...excellent performance and a very mature one at that...Chitrangadha Singh was good.... and well all the actors gave a good performance.

Its a typical Sudhir Mishra film and must be watched. Its not everyday that one gets to see a good thriller!!!!

Self Praise :-)

2011-02-24T14:53:00.002+05:30

A little narcissism wont hurt I guess :-P :-) Some of the comments which matter....

Makes my day I guess!!!! Superlike!!!! :-)

7 Khoon Maaf

2011-02-21T14:48:00.006+05:30

Based on Ruskin Bond's 'Sussana's Seven Husbands', Vishal Bharadwaj has done a good job of making '7 Khoon Maaf' wherein Priyanka Chopra plays the main protagonist while Neil Nitin Mukesh, John Abraham, Irfan Khan, Naseeruddin Shah play one of her 7 husbands.

'7 Khoon Maaf' is a story....just a story. Its no thriller, no romance and no - its not a sad story. Its a story about a woman who's quest for undying love ends in a very unexpected fashion with the death of all her 6 husbands. The story does not have the edgy touch of Omkara or a Kaminey...it flows...sometimes a bit slowly. Although the end wherein Sussana marries for the 7th time, could have been made more clear...or maybe it was open to interpretation...Christianity, Coorg, Kashmir and Puducherry play their very important roles in the movie providing a credible background to the story.

Priyanka Chopra has done a fabulous job of playing Sussana. She plays the character very convincingly of a woman wronged...who just didnt get the love she desired. One actually feels the death of all these men is justified simply because of the way they treated her / cheated her / exploited her.

Neil Nitin Mukesh, Naseeruddin Shah, John Abraham, Annu Kapoor give a wonderful and convincing performance.

Comparing this movie to other of Vishal Bharadwaj's creation, it may not really match up. It may actually not be fair to compare them in the first place. Where Omkara and Maqbool were adaptations of Othello and Macbeth respectively wherein the feelings of love and revenge were strong, Kaminey was a racey thriller about the twins, their interactions with the underworld and the local politics. '7 Khoon Maaf' is a flow of events which unfold forming a story line. It is not required for it to be edgy or thrilling or romantic...It shows a state of mind, a state of being and the eventual ending...

'7 Khoon Maaf' may not turn out a favourite with a lot of people, but then I guess it was not meant to be.

Random Thoughts

2011-02-17T17:30:00.003+05:30

I want to chronicle my life...atleast some bits of it... however I am finding it a bit tedious to do so... I realise that once I start writing, there is no stopping me... Refer blog post 2006 and 2003. Hence, I have decided to take a break from it... infact have decided that I will write one post a month for that bit of jotting my past...well little bit...

Changing the subject, I am not really sure what I want to write about right now... but am just letting my mind do the processing... as various random events are floating through my mind...and I am sifting through them to decide as to what could possibly be an interesting read...Should I write about how much I have hogged today - well thats already on my twitter account... or should I write about the in-house marraige bureau I am running - well sort of... or should I write about my thoughts on the way my career is shaping...or should I write about how I have not written one single original thought on my blog... or one original shortest, tiniest story ....

On a sad note, my aunt died a couple of days back...she had been suffering from kidney failure for the last 4 years...had not met for almost a decade.... she always wanted me to come meet her...somehow I just couldn't find the time... or may be the will....makes me realise, life is too short....just too short...to do all that you wanted to do.... to be all that you wanted to be.... to laugh, cry, fight, or just be.....cos you never know which day might be your last....

Mumbai Local

2011-02-17T16:43:00.001+05:30

If you have avoided the trains (Local in Mumbai parlance), I must say that you are one of those really lucky few people...who either stay close to work or can afford not taking the Local...

But yeah, I must also say that you miss out, lets say "interesting", part of Mumbai...;-)

Well, for starters,
1. you miss out climbing the bridges up and down the different platforms....
2. you miss out on learning to jostle your way through a crowd without hurting or hurling abuses to others..in the crowd...
3. You miss out on the important dynamics of setting foot in the train... so that you do not get crashed by fellow passengers...while climbing in and getting out of the train...
4. You miss out on yelling at other "general" passengers who dare climb in the Ladies First Class....
5. You miss out on learning to fend for yourself when all the aunties and the oldies think that its their birthright to sit / stand / breathe first just because of their greying hair...
6. You miss out making "train" friends... who gladly exchange their place with you to sit / stand...
7. You miss out on eating all the chips and popcorn and wada pav on your way back home...
8. You miss out on doing some "Local" shopping of the cheap clips, book covers, etc sold in the train...
9. You also miss out on listening to music for full 1 hour (depending how far you commute)...one full dedicated hour...:-)

:-) there are a heck lot of things you miss out on... but most importantly I think I would gladly miss the Mumbai traffic...especially in long distance travel... but hey, no one's complaining...:-)

2006: The year when Munish and me decided to spend our lives together

2011-02-15T16:10:00.004+05:30

Strange are the ways of destiny... sometimes things happen when you least expect them to happen... :-) Munish and me had been good friends during college...Well-we were never the best of friends...never ever thought that we'd end up spending our lives together...

But I guess what will be ...will be....

Like they say, 'The heart has its reasons... which reason does not know!!!! "

We, in our own little important ways, were moving towards another life...but I guess Destiny had other plans....

However, after all the hankering, running around, discussions - wise and otherwise, what did materialize was my life with Munish ....:-)

[Thank God - well literally :-)]

Now before I get all mushy, on a day post Valentine's day, I wish I could understand the patterns or paths our lives take ..... the twists and the turns... and of course, the everlasting, never ending....HAPPY ENDING!!!!

Our wedding invite :-)

P.S. Happy Valentines Day !!!!!

2006: The year I completed my MBA

2011-01-14T12:21:00.007+05:30

I never thought that I would pursue a post graduation degree till I was in my third year of engineering. It was only in the final year, that I decided to get an MBA.... I wanted my last degree to be from a reputed institute....In my case - Symbiosis, SIIB (http://www.siib.ac.in/) .... Because, I have realised that the type and quality of education plays an important role in one's maturity levels in life...I took a break after my B.E....Joined a coaching class and started to train myself to score decently in the entrances so that I may secure admission in one of the reputed colleges in the country.

After all the entrances and the GD/PIs.... SIIB was it.... :-). The session was to start on June, 10, 2004. From then on, it has been one interesting ride. Hostel life of an MBA institute is strikingly different than what you normally see in engineering hostels. If engineering hostel is about growing up, making friends, having fun and lastly studying.... hostel life during your MBA is just the opposite... Well - for starters, you have individuals who already have formed their personalities...are focused (most of them), know for a fact that they have come here to get a degree and a well paying job, make an impression upon your peer group and faculty and lastly, if you have time, make a couple of friends...with whom you can hang out with.... you may / may not share the same level of comfort after you've graduated or one may just be in touch via a social networking site....:-) Well, thats MBA hostel life for you....Not to undermine it though, had a fantastic time out there ;-)

Going by my past experiences, I kept a very low profile here. Was cautious in my approach...at the end of it, didnt have grades to be proud of ...but yes made some damn good friends...:-)

Munish Aggarwal: A very decent bloke (especially coming from Delhi)....not at all like your typical Delhi MCPs.....We were in the same class, shared a bench in our Spanish Class....In fact I remember, sharing a bench with him for my entire 2nd year....almost...first bench in the right hand-side corner...:-) An honest and trustworth guy...He was trusted with the class attendence (inspite of a class representative already appointed) by the coordinators during the placement season and the guest lectures (which tend to be boring...) so much so that when word got across that Munish Aggarwal is taking attendence, automatically, the entire hall / classroom would start filling up with students....Oh...we cursed him a lot..., we are in the same group, ek proxy toh banti hai....but no....he wont budge...there were a lot of people who paid fines (running in thousands) due to their lack of attendence....thanks to him :-P well, Megha & Harvind were one of them ;-). To give him due credit, he was always there... for all of us...and many a times, him and me ended up arguing and not talking for months...but we shared the bench !!!! A good friend of mine....who I realised very very very late in my life (well, relatively - will become my future life partner <3)!!!!!

Abhimanyu Sharma: Damn good guy.... my teddy bear friend.... hard core foodie...knew him from my coaching classes in Ahmedabad...and we landed in the same campus...well, he landed at SCMHRD...and me at SIIB...rival institutes....I think it was me who introduced him to beer for the first time at a local restaurant Tammanna...:-P ....

It was the 2 of us who hogged 2 family size pizzas at Pizza Hut along with 2 servings of Garlic bread and Pepsi...:-P (yeah - it was)...never hogged all at one go...soooo much...

I cried (literally like a baby) on his shoulder when I feared that I wont clear my Capital Budgeting project....:-)hehehe...But hell yes - he is a darling....:-)

Currently he is based out of Bangalore and engaged to be married in 2011.

Girl Gang: Well, to boast about ourselves...we were the only girl gang that exists even till today....from our batch.... well, there were others.... but most of them had very bitchy fall outs...over boys / boyfriends / roomies, over rooms, over partying, etc etc... I mean we were infamous.... there was a lot of gossip about us....I mean what do these girls talk about....how come they are together...why havn't they fought....yet..... In fact one of batchmates, went to the extent of assuming that all of us had a thing for him o_O (what a nerve!!!!!) :-P.....but we stuck along....for good or for bad.... Shobha, Ekta, Soumya, Megha and myself...there were fall outs...and in future also, I guess, there we will be fall outs....but I guess, thats just a part and parcel of the game.

I remember our struggle to reach at class at 9:00 am sharp.... to eat break fast before that.... and if its a friday, we were in for one tough ride...it was compulsory for us to wear a sari...oh!!! how much we struggled....to get ready, eat breakfast and go for a guest lecture (usually from an eminent personality from the industry)....:-)....

I remember us hogging on food on special occassions...Republic Day, Independence Day, etc...

I remember us trying to atleast keep our eyes open while mentally we were elsewhere...to a greener pasture...

I remember us (in my case Ekta and me) struggling with our Capital Budgeting Assignment....and trying to submit it on time....

I remember, me struggling to keep awake in the middle of night (especially with books) since I am NOT a night person...

I remember me, awake till 5....when I watched the collection of 9 Drew Barrymore movies...in one shot...

I remember us, especially Shobha, Ekta, Soumya and myself awake for an entire night in their room watching movies till 5...

I remember our pool account for maggi...hogging maggi and relishing it....

I remember how each of us would take a book / novel for the presentation when a company used to come visit....waiting and reading...for the guest to ARRIVE and start presenting....

I remember, how each of us would wait with anticipation of all the interviews and their results...to see, if this is the company which is going to get lucky :-P...

I remember, how everyone was tensed..since I was the last in our group to get a campus placement...

I remember, how we went disc hopping, well, literally.....3 discotheques.....and all free free free!!!!! ;-)

hmmmm...I remember a lot of things...but cant really write them down :-)

Apart from them, there have been a lot of people with whom I had limited interaction in college.... but am in touch with them regularly...:-) apart from the social networking sites....:-)

Harpreet / Happy.... he was more pally with Munish....well, initally...;-)..but when we were all in Mumbai, got to know him better.... We both went to our Jive classes together.... and I must admit, he caught on the steps much faster than I did :-P... I was really really distressed :-P.... Ok..in my defence, he is Tall...i mean really Tall...atleast 6 ft 2 "...we look like bachaas in front of him.... When he left Mumbai, to join an IT company in Hyderabad, I felt very sad...much more than I thought I would be....:-(

He is now in Bangalore and is single....Looking for some Hot, single, Punju / Sardarni.... :-) to get married too;-)

Aditya / Adi...a very lovable guy....ready to listen....helpful....a computer addict....very very active on anything / everything related to the internet, social networking, blogging, word press, twitter, etc etc.... My best time with him was when we went to the German Bakery in Pune....and of course, whenever I landed myself in the computer lab :-). Someday, I hope to have nice blog like his... http://www.adityasanyal.blogspot.com/

Namit is one smart cookie.... very witty....full on chit chat.... we chat online a lot... infact, there was a time when we played online scrabble ( http://www.lexulous.com/ ) a lot.... :-) He is a smart person, yet single...looking for some Hot, single, sindhi female for him...... I've promised him that I will dedicate an entire post on him...

Well, I am in touch with more or less all of them....we've grown over the years...personally and professionally... we meet now and then.... especially when people keep flying for "official" work....:-).

Its been a good experience.... the range of the experience limited due to my overtly cautious stance.... but hey, no regrets!!!! :-)

2003: The year I became an Engineer

2011-01-07T17:46:00.003+05:30

Studying from an not so popular town (*not city) with mainly 2-3 restaurants worth eating at, with movies being the only saviour, at 3-4 single screen theatres and a joint near college called "Maurya" which served a pathetic Rs. 6 coffee (*but served the purpose) would be main locations which I would identify with my years spent pursuing engineering.

From a convent education background from Ahmedabad, which is a major city in every sense, where "hanging" out with girls and boys together, going for late night parties and Navratris was a sharp contrast with respect to 'life' at Dhule.

I had got a rude culture shock (since all the above mentioned activities were highly looked down upon) when I started realising where I had landed and this is what my future moments would be comprised of....o_O ...Well, for starters, I was simply horrible at studies... simply horrible. Words cannot describe it. Wanted to be an architech. Had cleared the entrance for CEPT, Ahmedabad and JJ College of Arts, Mumbai but my dad was adamant that I pursue Engg (*sigh!!!!). Was more of people's person and without any discrimination made myself a lot of acquaintainces (*who I thought were friends). Well, there were a lot a teething problems but had not been for my cousin, adjusting to a life overthere would have been difficult. I learnt to make friends fast... well - I made enemies faster :-P. Enginnering hostel life taught me a lot. From being an easy going, non chalant character, I became a "relatively" cautious and a quiet person (People who know me know would not agree!!! :-)). I learnt to be on my own, I learnt to stand up for my beliefs and what I thought was right (but what may actually be wrong !!!).

There a lot of people who made a very strong impression on me when I was in college....Many of my "best" friends, I am yet in touch with (Thank God!!!). Many of my "acquaintances", I am yet in touch with o_O :-)

Many of my friends which I made there, are not a part of my life now....I realise that they can be easily traceable on Facebook or Orkut...but I lack the incentive and the initiative... But I am happy, everyone's at peace in their own world...settled...

Alka: We have a history :-). When I say history, it is one. There have been phases in our relationship. A phase where we have been roomies, a phase where we have been on a cold war, when we fought, when we flunked, when we were in the opposite "warring" groups :-P, when we were at each other's throat, and also when we spent 10 days together at Pune going from MG Road, FC Road to Lonavla :-), when she was working in Pune and I was studying in Pune.., when she got married, when I went to Mumbai (at her "sasural"), when she flew to Cannada...when she keeps coming back to India intermittently...:-) ... we've spent 12 long and wonderful years going through these phases...and I cherish the relationship we share!!! She is now based out of Toronto, Cannada and has a loving husband and extremely pretty daughter.

Seena: :-). She is such a darling. My coolest friend from T.E.. She is been one of my pillars of strength in the 3rd and the final year. I have relished the Mallu food at her place for 3 weeks in row and God, I cannot forget those gastromically delicious days, that to date I still remember those 3 weeks. She has married Rajanikanth Rao, my senior from college, an amazing guy, very witty and very smart...and what a sense of humour. They have a beautiful daughter and are settled in Bangalore.

Geetika: She has been one of my best buddies, my roomie for 2 years and the most funny and fun loving person. Have spent a great amount with her and Parminder (then boyfriend, now husband). A very very close friend. These two were my "backing" in college :-). We had a fall out in the last days of college but we got back in touch (thanks to her - my inflated and misplaced "ego" does not allow me to call people) a couple of years back.

Manjusha: Ho ho....Manjusha Singh became my guardian in College. She was my senior. We used to hang out quite a bit in college. She was one girl from whom even the guys were scared of taking panga from!!!! hehehe...But ya, she has a very peculiar habit of dissappearing from the horizon now and then...She is now in Mumbai... We meet on and off...and yes - I would really like her to married and settled down :-).

Himani: I knew her from childhood. My first roomie, Ahmedabad buddy, family friend. Our folks have known each other since the last 30 years. We came to this college together. We really didnt hit it off at the beginning, but over a period of time found our spaces with each other. She shares her birthday with my mom's and BTW, my mom suggested her name "Himani".

Bhawani: My buddy. The guy with whom I used to hang out with. Rumours floated amok. Then GF didnt like me. I didnt like her. We "separated"..... We got back in touch in the last year of my college and till date, we've been friends.... :-) I thought, he is going to be an eternal bachelor...but thankfully, he has been hooked by the right girl in 2010 and is roaming the world with her :-).

Vikalp: I really dont know what to tell about him. Well, the guy is just there. Always, ready to listen, ready to give advice and yes - ready to eat (dont mean MTR, he is a hard core foodie). He is a "binder"... "glue".... if you know what I mean.... He "made" Geetika and me talk :-O :-) and I thank him from the bottom of my heart for this. God bless. He is married and has a good looking hunk for a son :-).

Babbli: My Manipuri friend. She left her engineering mid-way and dissappeared. But now I am back in touch with her again after a long gap of over approximately 7 years (maybe). She traced me on Orkut. She now works and lives in Noida.

Urvashi: I cannot cherish my memories of college without cherishing the relationship I had with Urvashi. She was my confidant. My problem solver. My agony aunt. My Mirror. My friend. We had a fallout (my fault). We never got back together again (my fault, my inflated ego, etc). I think I feel the void sometimes, but with time, I guess things..fade....

Puchu: My cousin. The reason my father could trust me in a strange land. I never thought we'd become friends. But then I never thought, a fight between us would turn ugly that even now after like 10 years... we dont talk. We "communicated" once or twice maybe, but then that was it. My mom keeps taunting me about it... but even that does not do any wonders.... I guess we just went on our different paths... I guess we both were stubborn...egoistic...(maybe)...

Pritesh: Nice guy. Been a good friend. But he found it hard to understand that a No means No. Would have been good to be friends with him though... but I am kinda out of touch...

There were a lot of other names... lot of other faces which I remember....lot of other events, happenings ....which is difficult to write about all in one go.... Regret not maintaining a diary...But over a period of time, as and when I remember, will keep posting...

There are a lot of people who came, impressed a thought and left..... They are one of my innumerable contacts on Facebook.... I know whats happening in their lives.... I keep commenting or "liking" stuff...give my contribution....and revel in the thought that "hey, we are in touch".... but its just not the same.... I guess, time flies...leaves a footprint...some are cast in stone...some in sand....some are washed away.... with time....

2003, shall and will always be an important chapter of my life!!!!

2010_The decade that was

2011-01-05T14:52:00.005+05:30

By and large, 2010 was good. Memorable in some ways and well, as I look back.... I will cherish this decade.... :) for a lot of things...

For starters, I began with the 2nd year of my engineering at Dhule.....3 years of my hostel life....made some wonderful friends :-)...and even more amazing enemies...:-P... some enemies became friends and some friends become enemies... and well - some - fell in almost categories.

Now that I have started writing, I feel I have so much write... so much to tell.... that makes me think I will divide this blog....

2003: The year I became an Engineer from SSVPS COE, Dhule

2006: The year I completed my MPIB (Finance), Pune

2006: The year when Munish and me decided to spend our lives together

2006: The year I lost Puneet, my 19 year old star brother.

2007: The year I left Deloitte to join ICICI Prudential AMC.

2007: The year I got engaged to Munish

2008: The year I got married to Munish

2008: The year we honeymooned in Dalhousie and I formatted the camera by mistake and lost all pics in the process

2009: The year we went to Goa

2009: The year I left ICICI Prudential AMC to join Universal Sompo GIC

2010: The year we went to Ladakh. The most awesome ('est) trip.

2010: The year I went to Goa for the 2nd time. Realised Goa is no fun without Munish :-)

2010: The year my brother Mayank got engaged.

Planning to divide it in 2001-03, 2004-06, 2006-08 and 2008 onwards.

:-)

Adios!!!

Till I post again!!!! :-)

2010_The year that was

2011-01-05T14:49:00.004+05:30

2010 was a decent year.... A couple of trips, some events on a personal level... but nothing much professionally..... In short, it was Maska Chaska - 50-50 :-P. Guess that was a poor joke.

It was a year of nothings I guess!!! But yes - there is a silver lining to a dark cloud....there were a few wonderful highlights.

My brother's engagement (December 2010) was like a milestone achieved in our family history. With a background belonging to a of very traditional "extended" family, it was a huge task of convincing almost everyone in the family to agree to a proposal of him getting engaged to a girl belonging to another community!!!! Especially my 90 year old grandfather... But looking back now, feel that he had more common sense than most :-). Had it not been for the diplomacy of my dad and my adamant mom and of course my undying support to my brother's decision, it would have taken another couple of months !!!! But all's well that ends well I guess!!! :-)

The trip to Ladakh was the best thing that happened in July 2010 A lot of firsts in a lot of regards... The first road trip....The first trip at 17,500 ft without any major health issues of puking or fever or symptoms of mountain sickness...The first time, we (Hubby and me) took more than 2000 pics from our first DSLR Olympus E520. It was an awesome trip, which gave me a taste of what travelling "seriously" would be like....It gave me a feeling of being so small and insignificant in this world, the magnificence of the Himalayas.... the different cultures... people, food, language, art, dance, climate, landscape...the beauty struck me... never seen anything like that....never been exposed to something so enriching and wonderful. This trip also introduced for the first time to joys of capturing pictures...it introduced me to the world of photography.

Only regret is not being able to visit Nubra Valley (the Aryan civilization)

Guitar (Since July 2010) was an instrument which I had been meaning to learn to play since I was like 13. Finally, after a lot of deliberation, I have started to learn to play the guitar. Have learnt scales, now working upon it. There has been a slow progression to chords as well.

One of the regrets being I had thought of appearing for the FRM certification but in the end I dropped the idea... now I regret it... Will be appearing for the Level 1 of the certification in May 2011 now.

There have been a few learnings as well. An easy, stress free job is good but not for a long time. It does not add value to you professionally. Its very important to be a bit agressive when one is young in one's professional life...can take it slow when old. Learning being, there is no gain without pain. Also, this year has sort of been a differentiator in a lot of ways. I have realised the important of family ties, learnt to discriminate and differentiate between acquantainces, fair weather friends and friends and professional buddies. There are some ties which you do not label. They just are....

By and large, 2010 was good. Memorable in some ways and well, as I look back.... I will cherish this decade.... :) for a lot of things...

My new Guitar

2011-01-04T14:31:00.002+05:30

Needed a new guitar....Hubby decided to sponsor it as a Christmas and a New Year's Gift :) Yippeee... Well, first things first...JustDial came handy... asking for information on all guitar dealers in the suburbs. Pat came all the smses...:) and also a call of Musician's Mall, Khar. The dealer was hell bent on selling me a guitar on phone...and went out by criticizing my choice :-X which I didnt like one bit. Hence, he got a curt reply and the call disconnected :-O. Well, we went to Raghuleela Mall, Kandivili (W). A nice gentleman had his store on the 2nd Floor. Par afsoos, the options weren't enough...We chit chatted and left :-).

Some more R&D later, we decided to go to town... Yikes... on a sunday afternoon... Now I am at my laziest best on Sunday afternoons...had it not been for the instrument, I would not have moved my lazy self. So, we went to Town...South Bombay or SoBo as it is now known - sometimes... Shalu Musicals (http://www.shalumusic.com/) it was... the Dealer had a range of guitars.... electronic, acoustic, semi acoustic, amplifiers, the works..... tried my hand on each of them... and finally settled on a beginners guitar... Hobner... :) Yay!!!! I then became the proud owner of my first NEW guitar :)

Will get it tuned by my music teacher.. hehehe...dont want to experiment by pulling the strings especially when I dont know how !!!!!

Check out the images....

The broken guitar

2010-12-24T12:55:00.000+05:30

:-( Broke my guitar... bro's guitar to be precise....:-( sigh... he's a follower on my blog and I know for sure he does not follow me that closely.... :-( Well, just 2 weeks I had gone to the guitar dealer, got the strings changed, cleaned it up, got new plectrums... and now its broken from the neck.... and as always, its not my fault... some random 8 year old just tripped on it and it fell .... and since the wood was old, it twisted... and when i pulled a few strings, it broke :-(

Hence, after mourning over the week, I am going to get a new guitar over the weekend....:-) hehehe...

Online Shopping

2010-12-22T20:45:00.000+05:30

Its all very convenient and comfortable and easy - Online shopping.... but its highly addictive.... You dont even realize and you've already hoarded a lot of things which you dont need...

Hence, as a measure of precaution and as well as a self control exercise, I un-registered myself from all the online shopping websites especially the ones offering a combination of deals and lot of discounts:

www.snapdeal.com

www.mydeal.com

www.99labels.com

www.fashionandyou.com

www.secretsales.com

www.homeshop18.com

etc etc etc...

Well, my inbox is relatively free of clutter and ads enticing me to buy something or the other....

And I am a much more peaceful person.... :-)

MAYBE!!!

Dinner Hassles!!!!

2010-12-10T15:16:00.003+05:30

Its dinner time (in my case, 11 PM).... Hubby and me lay the table... with the usual, daal, subzi, curd, chapatis and salads. There's some random movie on HBO.
Hubby: (*frowns)...hmmmm...... lauki again....yellow dal.... chapatis ......hmmmmm
Me: (*defensive)...dont expect me to cook chappan bhog at 9 PM....I am really not in the mood to cook after work....
Hubby: (*a sheepish smile)... no - not that....but LAUKI.... I hate LAUKI.... and TINDAS....BEANS....EGG PLANT.... LADY'S FINGER....PALAK....
Me: o-O .........and what should I cook then your royal highness..... I repeat "dont expect me to cook chappan bhog at 9 PM....I am really not in the mood to cook after work...."
Hubby: What about potatoes? Why dont you cook potatoes more often???
Me: Potatoes????!!!!! you are what you eat!!! ahem.. .and you have started looking like a potato....
Hubby: Here's the weekly dinner menu:
Monday: Aloo matar
Tuesday: Aloo gobhi
Wednesday: Dry aloo pyaaz
Thursday: Aloo methi
Friday: Paneer (for the wifey) and leftovers of thursday
Me: what about other nutritional needs? what about the green leafy veggies.....
Hubby: What about them?
Me: Ever heard about the concept of "Balanced diet"
Hubby: I have that at lunch in office?
Me: :-O whatttt?
Hubby: wada pav
Me: (*eyes popped out) Whatttt?
Hubby: Why ask the same question twice?
Here goes the lunch menu @ office
Monday: Wada Pav
Tuesday: Misal Pav
Wednesday: Bhajiya Pav
Thursday: Bhaji Pav
Friday: Idlis At RBI (since its a friday)
Me: Thats it then....
Hubby; Whatttt????
Me: Eat the lauki....
Hubby: So (* with a triumphant look) ... so we have agreed on the menu....
Me: YES- WE have agreed on the menu
Hubby: Since tomorrow is a Tuesday, Aloo gobhi it is (*glee)
Me: Yes, Palak it is!!!! (*sighs)
Hubby:(*sighs)
So much for our agreement!!!!! :)
Hubby: hmmmm (*sighs).....
Me: hmmmm

A Musical Note

2010-10-29T09:14:00.005+05:30

The light breeze, the stars above

The cheer of the crowd,

The music so sweet...

Touched a note...
A memory long lost...
In the rigamarole of life...

Of someone...A vision appears....

Standing right next to me...

Cheering with the crowd...

Of someone...

A friend she was...

A soul sister

Of a fellow co-traveller...

Lost...

Image: www.corbis.com

Snail's pace

2010-10-10T14:00:00.003+05:30

Life is moving at a Snail's pace and that too a snail whose view of world is blocked by larger issues in front of him....

Still looking for the courage to break free from this snail pace rat race

Tips for single female travellers

2010-09-28T15:14:00.000+05:30

My friend and me decided to go for a short break to Goa during the long weekend of Ramzan Id. My husband decided to stay back since he was busy with work. So, both of us headed towards destination Goa.
There were a few very important takeaways we had from this trip. So I've decided to distribute this "gyaan" to my "few" :-( readers... free of cost :-) :-P

1. Book travel tickets (works out cheap :-P)
2. Book hotel rooms (based on tips given by your friends / colleagues / family - wudnt want any surprises )
3. Pack your sunscreen (very important - wudnt want to be looking like a turnip when u come back)
4. Pack comfortable clothing (wudnt want to attract undue attention parading like a model in a strange land)
5. Pack comforable footwear (floaters - no point packing sneakers / heels for a beach place)
6. Pack a hat or buy one when you get there
7. Get a local map
8. Get some references for eating joints
9. Get some references for shopping
10. Do not ask geeky / nerdy looking tourists to click your photograph for you
11. Do not try and do a superman stunt on an unknown terrain
12. When in Goa, eat what Goans eat :)
13. Do not carry professional cameras (unless there is someone else to tag on to whenever you want)
15. When in Goa, try Fenny (I did - didnt suit my pallette)
16. Avoid mingling with foreigners
17. If people offer you something free, think twice
18. Get your own vehicle...(you wont have to depend on a "friendly" driver, driving you around)
19. Do not opt for tourist buses or tour operators.

and the most important thing,

Go without a plan.... :) let the trip surprise you....dont go rushing from one place to other... just relax, sit on the beach, close your eyes and feel the breeze :)

Guitar * ing

2010-09-01T07:49:00.003+05:30

Always wanted to learn to play a guitar...... ever since I was a kid...... there has always been a guitar around at home in my growing up phase.... my mom has tried her hand at the guitar.... so we have a Spanish Guitar at home.... since 1983 if I am not mistaken..... my brother - Mayank, has good vocal chords.... been good with the keyboard.... he got inspired from the movies, he got a Hawainn Guitar home.... went to a couple of classes.... played some scales, but couldnt continue as it was back to college for him.... my hubby, Munish, has been an owner of a guitar since quite some years.... he also tried his hand at it.... manages to pull a few strings ;) but thats about it.....

This has been the history so far..... So one fine day, I decided to put the resources available to good use....

Activated my lethargic self and found myself a guitar teacher.... a collegian I think... trying to make a mark in the music industry..... comes every weekend to teach me to "how to play a guitar"..... well - so far, so good... have learnt the 12 Major Scales.... he has left out the Minor scales.... trying to get my hand on the Chords now.... but it seems the age old guitar of my hubby is giving up..... time to get a new one... trying to save some money for it... "trying" being the key word....not much of a success....thanks to the Indian inflation of 14% ..... seems like it will be a while till I get myself a new guitar :(

hmmmmm untill then..... let me go, do some strumming ;)

Colours....You and me...

2010-08-15T12:52:00.001+05:30

my mind wandered to the barren mountains....

no soul in sight...

no words...

only brown and blue....

my mind wandered to the journey that was....

us on the road....

few words....

only black and brown and green and blue....

my mind wandered to the spheherds we came across....

with sheep and goats....

new words....

only white and black and grey and green and blue....

my mind wandered to the dances....

with drumming and the wind....

other words....

only red and yellow and brown and black and green and blue....

my mind wandered to you....

with togetherness and the spaces....

with silence and sometimes chatter....

only black and brown and green and red and yellow and blue....

Colours of life....

Me and you....

A thought

2010-08-10T23:08:00.002+05:30

Life is a journey.... journey is struggle.... struggle yields fun.... fun is ecstacy.... ecstacy is love.... love is hope.... and hope leads to confidence.... that.... someday, someway....life would be the way i want it to be!!!

Source: WWW

How true!!!

2010-08-04T00:18:00.000+05:30

So simple, so true.... a person is a culmination of some thoughts, feelings, experiences, exposure..... each day adds something new to you... some people make an impression in your lives and some just pass by.... but each moment well spent adds something to you... makes a new you.... makes an "additional" you.... and then I meet you every morning, evening.... I talk to you and disturb you during work :) and I fall for you.... all over again!!!!

Sunrays!!!

2010-08-04T00:11:00.001+05:30

Piercing through the leaves of the trees, competing with the cool breeze, the rays touch.... heal... providing warmth.... and life!

Ladakh - A trip to remember!!!

2010-07-27T22:07:00.005+05:30

@ Dal Lake, Srinagar, Beautiful town set inside a lake.... scenic, calm and peaceful..... boatman singing a Kashmiri song, hot pakoras and chai.... floating vegetation.....floating shops and eateries.... must come back here again....

@ en route to Leh via Kargill..... Sparkling tributaries, Mountains..... brown and white.... green and barren... hamlets, towns, museums, people so wonderful....breakfast - bread and chai..... a shepherd, his flock of sheep and goats ....all posing for a perfect score.... Jhelum’s rivulets, sometimes sparkling clean and sometimes muddy brown.... crossing the Rocky Mountains.... admiring their frown....

@Sindhu ghat....

@Hemis Festival, Hemis Monastary, Of museums, butter lamp house and prayer rooms....Of Buddha, Buddhists monks and kids.... Of dances, expressions and beats....

@Thiksey monastery, Altitude and peace, solitude and wind.....,A vast pan of fields, road and barren beauty.... as far as the eye can see.....

@Shey Palace, Home to Maitrey Buddha and the wheel of life

@Stok Museum, A different era, different belief, a different culture..... What remains are its pieces....a window to the world afar....

@Chang la baba’s temple, the friendly Indian army and a hot cuppa of ginger chai....

A snowball on my co-travellers face, a smile for the camera...

@Pangong Tso

Unbelievably crystal blue.... salty.... clear..... peaceful..... and Brahmi ducks.... so beautiful.....Hot Maggie and chai.... a camera in one hand.... sitting on the edge of the lake....Tired of clicking away!!!!

Brahmi Ducks

@ Rohtang La

A drive into the clouds.... cold and frosty..... a bumpy road.... a hot makai in hand..... driving down to civilization..... away from the magnificence of the Himalayas..... away from the beautiful people and experiences....

Ladakh was a wonderfully enriching experience. I was awed by the magnificience of the Himalayas, its beauty, its culture, its people and its food.... Never felt anything like it... .right from Srinagar to Manali.... the multi colour mountains, the crystal clear tributaries and so much more... The best of this journey was the road....:) which took us through such wonderful terrain of green and barren mountains, arid vegetation, the flowing ice cold water, the ladakhi songs - which we didnt understand but enjoyed every bit of it.... the waving hands of other travellers on the road, acknowledging their presence.... just roaming aimlessly through the streets of Leh, the shop vendors selling their wares, eating momo and aloo ka parathas in the same lane.... walking... talking..... a culmination of cultures - foreign and local..... it was simply amazing.... returning back to Delhi, was a jolt to my senses which had got so familiar with Ladakh. And I know, I will come back again :)

The trip to Ladakh was the most beautiful days spent.... the magnificence of the Himalayas empowers you....the beauty enthralls you..... such much so that when you get back to 'Planet Earth' it feels unreal....

Books

2010-06-01T16:19:00.005+05:30

I have met John Galt, princess of Arabia and her daughters...
I have met Jane, Twain, and lain under the sun...
I have met Tintin, Tinkle and Tarzen
I have been through the jungles and lived through Panchtantra
I have met kings of old and queens galore....
I have been through you, via you....to lands ashore....
I have seen lives unfold and stories re-told....
I have interpreted you....
I have tried to understand you.... sometimes not so successfully...
I have been interested...
I have been bored....
I have loved your interpretations....
I have been transported through time....
I have been ... touched.... enlightened....
I have heard you in my mind....
I have sifted through your pages
I have talked to you....
My friend, my guide, my fellow traveller...

Silver

2010-03-25T14:59:00.005+05:30

I remember, in the november of 2005, 2nd year of my MBA course at Symbiosis, we had gone on a camping trip to Rajmachhi Fort. We reached the foot hills by around 9:00 PM and had to walk quite a distance to get into the village.... to the ground where we could camp. The walk was around 2-3 kilometers... crossing the plain, a plateau and river beneath. It was a full moon. We started walking and I could not contain my wonder.... every thing was so silent, so quite, so peaceful and so beautiful. A gentle breeze was flowing.... except for the stomping of tired feet there was no sound, no noise, nothing....
sometimes "nothing" sounds so wonderful....At that point of time, I vividly remember, that these very lines had popped in my head....

I had not been able to save the memory .....either in a video or a photagraph.... I have decided to quote the poem over here....just so that I remember what it was like..... :)

Hope to revisit the memory in some other form in the near future....

Silver by Walter De La Mare

Slowly, silently, now the moon

Walks the night in her silver shoon;
This way, and that, she peers, and sees
Silver fruit upon silver trees;
One by one the casements catch
Her beams beneath the silvery thatch;
Couched in his kennel, like a log,
With paws of silver sleeps the dog;
From their shadowy cote the white breasts peep
Of doves in silver feathered sleep
A harvest mouse goes scampering by,
With silver claws, and silver eye;
And moveless fish in the water gleam,
By silver reeds in a silver stream.

Daffodils

2010-03-25T14:35:00.001+05:30

Daffodils by William Wordsworth

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
And twinkle on the milky way,
They stretched in never-ending line
Along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
Tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced, but they
Out-did the sparkling leaves in glee;
A poet could not be but gay,
In such a jocund company!

I gazed—and gazed—but little thought
What wealth the show to me had brought:
For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

Leisure

2010-03-25T14:25:00.001+05:30

Leisure by William Henry Davies

What is this life if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

No time to stand beneath the boughs
And stare as long as sheep or cows.

No time to see, when woods we pass,
Where squirrels hide their nuts in grass.

No time to see, in broad daylight,
Streams full of stars like skies at night.

No time to turn at Beauty’s glance,
And watch her feet, how they can dance.

No time to wait till her mouth can
Enrich that smile her eyes began.

A poor life this if, full of care,
We have no time to stand and stare.

IF...

2010-03-25T14:00:00.003+05:30

IF...... by Rudyard Kipling.... one of my favourite poems from school... always been at my personal dashboard.... always been an inspiration....Posting it on the blog....

"
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too;
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or, being hated, don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;

If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim;
If you can meet with triumph and disaster
And treat those two imposters just the same;
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to broken,
And stoop and build 'em up with wornout tools;

If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings
And never breath a word about your loss;
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on";

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - nor lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run -
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And - which is more - you'll be a Man my son!
"

Etcetra, etcetra.....

Kala Ghoda 2012

Cast in Stone

Taj Mahal

Warsaw, Poland

Mercedes Benz

Independence Rock 2011

Random Musings

My Report Card

Rockstar

The End of the Blogger Challenge

The Sheep and the Shepherd

The smile

Duality

The Bar

Friday Evening

Cleaning and Dusting

Musical ache

Karwachauth

Your warmth

List - less!!!

The Caliph's House

My city...BESTEST !!!!

Nothingness

Saheb, Biwi Aur Gangster

Happy Birthday Ma!!!

Gandhi Jayanti

In between Jobs

Blogger Challenge

Navratri

Peeking Colleague

Honesty!!!

Happy Engineer's Day

Marie Biscuits

Guitar Trouble

Birthday Blues

Mahape to Andheri

Home Sweet Home

Memory Revisited

Mumbai - Pune

Customer Service

Banana Bread

Rain rain go away...

Monsoon ke side effects!!!!

2006: Puneet Gupta

Another Phone Call

A Phone Call

Hyderabad

Hyderabad - A traveller's perspective

Office Comparisons

Of Godmen and Religion

Arranged Match

MIS reporting

Silly, Stupid me...

Friday Again!!!!

Moments gone by....

Friday it is :-)

India Vs Pakistan

Thank You!!!

TGIF - Thank God Its Friday!!!

Mumbai - Delhi

Pic got clicked!!!! Yay!!!

A Day in the Life of India

Road Signs

History of India_Viritten

Foot and the Shoe

Excuse - for one *Lazy* blogger

Epitaph for my friend Namit Bhatia

Chocolate Cookies

Mid-week chutti - Yeh Saali Zindagi

Self Praise :-)

7 Khoon Maaf

Random Thoughts

Mumbai Local

2006: The year when Munish and me decided to spend our lives together

2006: The year I completed my MBA

2003: The year I became an Engineer

2010_The decade that was

2010_The year that was

My new Guitar

Excuse - for one Lazy blogger