365 solid days

Yet another year is set to pass by and yet again we wait for the new year with bated breath. Life always takes abrupt turns. She doesn't promise to give you all thar you want. Sometimes, she gives you things that you dont want. My life has always been smooth, but it has taken two solid twists twice. Once, in the year 2000 and next in the year 2005. On both the counts, it has made me only more independant, self-reliant and more insightful. Beginning of the year was shaky but when I look back, it has got better and more peaceful. As I wait to welcome 2006 with both arms and open mind, I wanted to share something with you guys. I believe, each one of us has a burning candle within ourselves. If you take a closer look at it, the point next to the flame is blue and burning. The part that we see, the one that spreads the light around, is bright. Similarly, each one of us has some sorrow deep inside us, some regrets, some disappointments, some lost opportunities that makes our life "Blue", but we also have this "inherent radiance" that camoflauges the blue. This is HOPE. We all have this shining ray of light, that lights up our lives and the lives of people who matter to us. Don't let the flame die. So with this, I wish you all a Happy New year and am sending across this ray-of-light from my house to your house. This light symbolizes: Freedom from darkness [evil thoughts and negative forces] Brightness [in form of optimism and hope] Finally, the hand that prevents the flame from dying [in form of support from friends and trusted people, who help you to stay strong when winds threaten to sway you away] I am glad that I met all you guys here and believe me, I treasure each one of you:) See you in January 2006. Until then "Salaam Namaste" Lets all welcome the New Year in a positive light!!

My "connection"with IIT-D

The date 26th December and 27th December have been really special for me. Apart from the fact that its Christmas time and I was busy in all sorts of activities, it marked the birthdays of my Munh bola bhai, Pradyot) and munh boli sister, Kiddo [Who unfortunately has bid farewell to the blog world] Somehow, I cannot explain the deeper meaning behind these few people with whom I have formed a very different camaraderie. I first met Pradyot on Sayesha's blog. The first thing, that caught my attention was his upside-down picture. Later, I happenned to read his Creative writing section, reading which I thought here is a nerd who is creative as well. Who is realllly young and his occasional posts on Technology, books etc baffled me and somehow deep inside I thought, if ever I had a brother, he would have been this way. Smart and confident. I find him really intelligent and someone who keeps a lot to himself. A kid with stars in his eyes [Sorry for using the word Kid, Prad, but I am sure you wont mind] One day, I confessed to him, that I never had a younger brother and maybe thats why I think about him in this manner. Funny, he started calling me "Tai"[Sister] as well. So as of now, I think I can cooly give any gyaan to him, and he wont say a word to me:D The only person in my life who calls me Tai. I have always been the youngest of all siblings and cousins, so I was the one who addressed my sisters by that name. I have probably chatted online with him thrice, exchanged emails not more than 20 times and talked on the phone once on his birthday for 3 minutes. Later, this string of connections started forming beyond blog circle. I accidentally hopped to this post on Nitin's blog and was amazed to see yet another IIT-ian with a panache for writing stuff, about love and romance. In blog circles, I have found very few guys who actually touch on the topic of love, relationship in a romantic and a beautiful manner. Nitin is one amongst them. With him, its friendship on a different level. All of 21 too, this guy also became my brother. The only guy who took a long time to figure out how to address me. Finally he started calling me "Di" On his blog, I met Kiddo. I hopped to Kiddo's blogs whenever, I felt like reading some real good poetry. She has the ability to give any poet a run for their money. Sad, I dont get any opportunity to read her work anymore. She is yet another girl, who is more than 5 years younger to me and thats why I feel even more concerned for her. I have never chatted online with her, never exchange emails and talked to her on the phone once for 1 minute on her birthday. Now she addresses me as "Dids". Funny, she even recognized my voice, when I called her yesterday. So, from there on, I have formed this amazing connection with IIT-D fellas, who all are well connected to each other. And here they have a sister, whom they have never met, probably never chat with and rarely email. Though Kiddo has disconnected herself from the blog world, I meet her on Orkut , a place I never knew existed until Nitin introduced me to. Initially, I thought its just another trendy place in cyberworld. But the meaning of it has changed now. Since, thats the only place where I interact with her and know about her life. Its all in the family now, coz I even have a kid in IIT-D:))) Our blogs are as different as can be, eventhough, there is a commn ground of communication. I am still in the process of figuring out, why you feel the way you feel for some people. Somehow, interacting with these people gives me that happiness of being called a didi. When I talk to them, it makes me feel 5 years younger than I am. I relive my college days with them. We fight, we quarrel, throw tantrums. I feel concerned for them, just like I would if I would have had a younger brother or a sister. I can now understand why my sister feels that way for me and why I am still the 21 year old girl in her eyes. I think, tommorrow even if these kids become CEO of a company, they would still be the Third year and Final year IIT-D kids, whom I met in blogsphere and who are the talented kids on the block. Strange, I have never been to Delhi and never had a friend from IIT-D, and now I have brothers and sisters over there!

I am a happy sadist

[Guys sorry, havent replied to any of your comments. I am just plain tired.Will reply tommorrow] I am sure, we all get exhausted at some point of time. Some get tired everyday, travelling etc! But, have you ever felt tired and still it doesnt affect you? I think for the past so many days, maybe months..I am working round the clock! I have not taken a single day off on my own to stay at home and chillax! No matter, how much I complain about the stress, which builds up eventually, I still feel thats my driving force! I am enjoying the stress. Its "happy holidays" and people are busy making New Year plans. Some are doing extensive travelling. For some its break. My Department looks desolate too. Everyone gone and few others who come at 9:00 and leave at 3:00. But, I am enjoying being there when everyone else is gone. I used to wonder, how it would be to stay and work during Christmas. The feeling gave me knots in the stomach. Beyond the 20th of December, I got this unnervy feeling that it would be lonely and sad here with everyone gone. Well, like they say people who have work to do, are seldom lonely. I was thinking of going and visiting my cousins who are scattered all around the US. Looked for some flight deals to go to NJ, but I killed the thought in my mind. I like the feeling that my heart irks to go nowhere:O Somehow, I am enjoying the 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM lab time. The feeling of working without break. The feeling that causes malaise in my whole body by the end of the day but doesn't let me sleep until wee hours of morning. The feeling that I dont get enough time to have long telephonic conversations. The feeling of drafting endless spreadsheets, of getting frustrated, of not having enough hours for me to think of miscellaneous matters. Of running down to the nearest gas station in the evening for the much needed caffeine and finally of coming home to my blog to write everything down with a tea in my hand and sleep in my eyes! I am sure I will go crazy if this continues, but as of now,my enthusiasm for work is peaked and I like it!

My first accident

1.15 PM on Monday afternoon. I pulled out of my parking lot and was about to take a right turn to go South. I was on my way to see Jas off at the airport. A bicycle driver is driving straight and in flash of seconds, I realized I hit him. I could not believe my eyes at the first instance. I got down of my car and started apologizing coz the man started screaming on top of his voice as if all hell broke loose. He asked me to "park my car"[My first mistake] and I did that. Secondly, he called the police. By this time, I was almost into tears. The guy aggravated the situation by asking for my Driver's license, information, my phone number and blah blah blah. I think, everything in life is aligned properly. Had I not found my license yesterday, I would have been responsible for yet another offense. I thank God for saving me a lot of trouble. Plus, he started giving me gyaan as to how I should look on the left and right before I pull off my car on the street. Can't imagine in three years of my driving experience, I would hit a bicycle rider and he would actually advise me on the basics of driving. I immediately called two of my good friends (A and P) and one of them is actually quite informed about handling such stuff. P, drove his car from his house to mine in straight 10 minutes [I dont know how]!! The bicycle rider from how he sounded has run into a lot of accidents before. Coz, he almost shocked me by saying that his bicycle costs 1500$..Is he crazy or what?? Then he says "the rim of the cycle is a little damaged, the chain has come off" etc etc. He then adds "This is why, you have insurance" I did not utter a word to this guy as I was damn pissed. The police finally came and this person says "I have all the info from her and there is not much damage. I will take this cycle to the bicycle shop and get an estimate of damage". The police never looked into my ID, did not ask me for my insurance and told him "if you have sorted it out amongst yourself, there is nothing much left for me to do" After the polic left, this guy got on his cycle and started riding it again, much to my amusement! He was making a huge drama over the whole thing, when in reality the way he actually behaved was strange! He wasnt hurt and if his bicycle chain had indeed come off, how can he ride it?? Either he knows, I mean no harm to him or either he thinks I am plain stupid. My looks dont suggest either of them. And if he indeed slams a hefty bill in front of me, I also have evidence. We clicked a picture of him riding his bicycle immediately after the so called"accident". First of all, he dude was super smart. He asked me to park my car and his bicycle lay on the spot of the "accident". Thats what I was told by P, never move your vehicle from the spot even if it stops the entire traffic. Secondly, I should carry my digicam everyday. I think, I have to yet learn a lot of things. Especially, how to handle cunning people. As of now, yet another important lesson learned. Never mess with "Bicycle riders and Pedestrians" Do not get intimidated if someone screams on top of his voice Do not forget the basics of driving After all this drama, I got back home. Quite shaken up actually and I am spending the sunny day locked in my apartment. Making notes in my blog, for future reference!

The downtown lights

This was my fourth Christmas in the US of A. Looking back, its been a real long time! Every year has been good and this year was not an exception. Except that, this year I was home! no extensive travelling. Working and still having fun. The best part is today being sunday, I am happy that tommorrow is holiday as well. We went to the downtown yesterday and it was a different experience. I agree, the downtown in Omaha is no where closer to the one in NYC and I believe, any major city but there was a difference. The usually crowded area full of clubs and restaurants was quiet. No people on the street, being Christmas eve. I did see couple of "couples" walking on the streets and a few of them travelling in "tongas"[A horse pulled vehicle, for those of you who do not know]. It was nice to see a tonga in the US [have seen one in New Orleans too]. But wonder, how people can sit in the open vehicle in that cold:O So well, we decided to explore the beauty of Omaha which we usually fail to notice on regular days. It was nice to see millions of lights on the naked trees. This was one of the pics taken in downtown and in the background you see one of the tallest buildings in Omaha [There are not many, anyways] also you see a frozen lake over there:) Today, was no different than yesterday. Closed shops, deserted streets, empty roads and lonely streets. Christmas is family time, so we decided to have a look at the houses in Omaha. It was quite a sight. Different decorations and plenty of lights. Reminded me of Diwali:) We also passed through "Warren Buffet's"house! The only thing that Omaha can actually boast of:)) The entire road belonged to us! I invited few of my friends over for dinner. Later, we decided to drive down to a destination unknown. Only to realize that we were actually heading towards Iowa (around an hours drive from here). The long drive indeed was fun. We did things we never did before. Like, there was this Indian who was driving a Camry on the next lane, one of my friends actually got so excited as if shes never seen a desi before, and started waving at him! Poor guy probably got intimidated and took the next exit! On the way, we listened to Telugu songs [the friend who was driving did not have any other CD in his car] and it was total fun. Listened to "hot"telugu-english songs such as "Gili, Beat in my heart, Dating, Shaka-la-ka baby". For some reason it felt great to listen to songs that I totally could not decipher. But the friend was patient to explain the lyrics! Maybe thats the magic of friendship. Few surprises always await you. We decided on going to Casino to see the lights there. It was all lights, lights, lights in our minds. I did not have my id nor my wallet in order to go to the casino [thats the best part]:D We turned back and started heading home. On the way, I utter "The road seems familiar, where are we going" Friends:"Duffer, we are going to your house to watch a movie. Thank god, you don't drink" We came home to watch "Ishq Vishq" [The only DVD I had at home]. Just as I put my hands in my Coat pockets to find my keys, I found my ID:D I get a scornful look from them. Hahahah..forget it. Lets not drive for another 60 mins. Lets just stay here and watch the movie. Only guy in midst of three girls. The girls busy watching "Ishq Vishq", the guy decides to read "Reader's Digest", instead:)) Though, there was nothing extraordinary about the evenings. It made me realize that the best vacation is not the one where you just pack your bags and leave! Sometimes, staying in your place is actually not a bad idea. Even though, you might have spent an entire lifetime in that city, there might be areas that are still unexplored. There might be friends whom you might want to know. There could be things that you probably did not notice! Thats exactly, what I did!

Letter to Santa

Its Christmas time! Everything around us is bright and splendid. Everyone seems to be happy and looking forward to a dream year ahead. This is the Christmas tree that stands alone in my school auditorium today. Lighting up the rather deserted school:D This is a miniature pine tree in my house, to give me company and maybe coz it represents "Peace" So my dear brotherPradyotand my "kid"Chapaathave tagged the poetically challanged ROS to write a 55 word poem that rhymes! So, here is my pathetic attempt to scribble few lines that rhyme! Its fun time coz its Christmas time Time to wine and time to dine Put on your party shoes As there is no time to lose Forget your sorrows Do not bother about tomorrow New Year is not far away Lets get together and play Coz Santa is on his way Since, Santa is riding his sledge, I thought he would be happy to give me some gifts as well. So this is the letter am going to leave in the imaginary stockings, tonite:) Dear Santa... I have had a busy year. I have been lucky too. Formed great friendships that are going to be everlasting. Discovered something new. Few succesful endeaveours and some things left behind. I have hurt few people and have nursed few. I have been a bad girl too. But, to compensate for that, I have been involved in some charities. Over all, I have been a good girl. So here's my wish for this Christmas. Give people all that they deserve. I want you to make this world a happy place. I want some people to get jobs, few people to get married to their soulmates, few people to find their soulmates and some people to Graduate:) For myself, I want "endurance and patience" . A little bit of success on the way, wouldn't hurt:P & I want you to keep my boss in great spirits ALL YEAR:) I know its a long letter, but its a wish that summarizes 365 days of a year into 4 lines. Thats not asking for much:O OK! I am getting greedy:O Have edited the "Wish-list" for third time now:) Merry Christmas Guys:) So go ahead and ask few wishes too, I will make sure I will slip in your notes in the stockings, as well:)

The guy on the 4th floor

So as it is quite evident, I am kinda "vella"today. I have tons of stuff to do, however when you see mounds of expts to do and some experiments have got ruined, you are not too elated to get on the driver's seat. Secondly, I have fever and the best part is I did not know that:O I dont even remember when was the last time, I ever had fever or flu:O Atelast, since I came to US. My body aches and eyes hurt, but I assumed it was coz of the fact that I went skating the previous day, coz of which its just purely exertion. So, I went to the Doctor for bodyache and he concluded it was fever:) Man! I dont even have the enrgy to prepare a "buffer" Thirdly, I realized I lost my Driver's license and I am kinda not worried about it. The cop cannot catch me as my "Princess" is sick:)) Also, the picture on the license is the worst pic, I have ever had:)) So here, I am listening to the song "Final Countdown" from and it takes me flashback into the 12th grade. At that time, me and my friend Priyanka used to do "combined-studies" almost every day. Just when we were burning the candle at all possible ends, preparing for our "Board Exams" at her place in the balcony. So now, why only the balcony? Couple of reasons: Coz she lived on the fourth floor and this was the view that we got from her balcony Trains: That gave us company until the wee-hours of morning. Secondly, coz of a "guy who lived on the same floor, but in the opposite building" and we could see his window from the other window in her house. So, we never really "met or saw" that guy ever, in person. The only thing we knew about him was "He was called "Pintya" [coz his mom always screamed at him by that name:D], he used to make tea for himself whenever we studied there, and his window was always closed. & This was the main reason for us to sit there "He used to whistle beautifully to the tune of "Final Countdown" totally in-sync and without taking a breath! I think he was singing to the tune of "Mere rang mein rangne wali" from the film "Maine Pyara Kiya" which is quite similar to the Final Countdown, maybe uthaoed from that:) The way he whistled was absolutely adorable! That apart! But, isnt it amazing to see how different people have a knack of whistling to beautiful tunes. Such that, you are kinda mismerized with that tune and it haunts you for a long long time! Its been 10 years that I passed 12th grade, but everytime I see or listen to the songs of "MPK", I remember Pintya. Maybe, this was what tempted me to take a picture of a view from her balcony, this time when I visited her:) The best part is he probably never knew we were fond of his tunes:) Though, I dont know "How Pintya looked, talked, walked etc" neither of us ever wished he ever opens the window though:) I bet even Priyanka never saw him. We just had a mental image of that person which was "He must be tall, skinny, a decent cook and probably quite romantic and shy":)) Dont really care if he indeed was that way. Sometimes, you dont really need to have the windows rolled down to see whats outside!

A mental mould to fit people

{It has nothing to do with my previous posts. But, off late, I have experienced a lot of "typecasting"amongst people. All this is purely my experience and not meant to be targetted at anyone in general} P.S:-Contrary to what this post reflects, I am not angry or pissed or anything. Just hoping that people do not have any pre conceived notions about anything:)] As you all know, I am from Bombay. So what??Just like some people live in Hyderabad or Amritsar or any other city. Agreed, that people are usually known by their mentality. Like, people from Mumbai are generally considered to be "open minded and adaptable" [I have been told this many times, and have heard it a zillion times], but in a city where majority of nation's population is condensed, you find people who are not only "not open minded but extremely narrow minded"as compared to a person in any other town in India. Likewise, women from Bombay are considered to be "fast, party lovers, ambitious and anything but homely".People might debate that this is not true. But, believe me I have heard this about US. Well, life in Mumbai is fast but on what basis do people generalize or typecast others. Despite living in Mumbai, I have never been to discotheques. Its not that I never wanted to, but at that time, I was focused and was not thinking about anything beyond my career. So does that make me "oh-not-so-mumbaiyya"? Amongst women who go to professional colleges and who work from 6:00 AM until past mid night, there are girls who do not make a career for themselves. There are an assortment of people anywhere you go. You dont generalize people by making claims that "people from one city are necessarily that way". Girls from villages need not be "docile and naive"and there are naive and docile girls in metropolitan cities too. That was the case in India. Here in the West and people's perception about "Uncle Sam": There are people who think that Americans marry and have pre-nuptial agreements for "when"they get divorced, and not "if"they get divorced. Agreed that the divorce rates are high here, but does that mean some people do not trust the institution of marriage here? Or is it that people in India do not get divorced? Its because, people here refuse to take crap from their spouses. You abuse your wife and you will be presented with divorce papers. We Indians believe in keeping up relationships. Many wives prefer to be beaten up by their spouses and living in a bad marriage only coz divorcing a husband is still not accepted in Indian society. Does it mean that Amroos do not have a heart or do not treasure relationships?? Read on:- My Professor in Shreveport has been with his wife since the age of 14. They have been together for more than 35 years now. He always told me "Some people find their souldmates at the age of 14 and some at the age of 24. Since, I have known what Love is, she is the only one whom I have ever loved". Another stereotype: "Amroos are meat eaters. They cant think beyond beef and pork" Aah! the same professors both the daughters are vegetarians! They had a Thanksgiving party sans turkey but with vegeterian pizza. (American Born Confused Desi) and food: So here this friend of mine who has done her UG in USA has invited all of us for dinner. She had Samosas and Alu parathas as part of the meal. So this smart Indian dude says "you make samosas" or you "ordered them". She cooly took a part of the dough and made a triangle and filled it with the filling. This guy was shocked! So, you KNOW to make samosas, despite being an ABCD? OK! now in which dictionary is it written that Indian girls raised here or spent their growing up years in the US cannot cook?? That girl started cooking since she was 16 or 17 and I never cooked until I came here at the age of 22. To this date, I cannot make samosas. I also know of few girls who have spent their life in India and who came here and who still live on Maggi and frozen food. So why, do people make such claims? Who decides, how a particular class of people are supposed to behave? They are all resultant of our beliefs and a set of standards that we use in order to compare people. Yet another: "For people here, USA is the world. Any other country is "rest of the world" Really?? Go get your basics right before you did that. My personal experience again goes back to another Irish professor of mine who has lived in the US for 45 years now. He is an American citizen now. He is someone who took the recipe for "Alu gobi" from me, and who makes the same dish better than I do". He is aware of every other spice, orders it from the web and stocks it too. There might be many Indians who do not stock "asafoetida" (hing in hindi) in their kitchen, but my professor even knows in which dish you need to add that spice to. They do know what India is and what it is famous for. 3 out of 10 people might still consider India to be a third world country but the remaining 7 do know about "Indian food, clothes, Bollywood, Bangalore, Mumbai, Taj Mahal" are. This same professor of mine has watched "Lagaan" to understand what is the hype about "Cricket". Following stereotypes is one thing and blindly making judgements is another thing. You have to think outside the "box" in order to benefit out of diverse culture. Just harping about people, city and how bad a country is, are not signs of an educated person. Education is meant for people to live in harmony with others, in growing out of differences and thinking beyond "color"! Talking of which! The only colors that one can identify a person is with "black" and "White" First of all they are just skin colors that does not reflect your true self. The very first time that I entered this country and spent one year of my life is "Louisiana". A state rich in terms of Afro-American history. Exactly! Afro-American is THE word. Nor "Black, Kallu, Shyam bhai". It irks me when I hear people using such terms for one who is not even responsible for the skin color he has got. They do not scare you. They are one amongst us. They do normal jobs like we do, they also get degrees and earn a living. The other day a person and me were having a discussion. When he quipped, "Gorya mulee saglya changlya distat" [Meaning:All "white"girls look good"] I detest using the term white for a person. "Caucasian"is THE word. Why only a skin colors determines "beauty"of a person?? Isnt beauty a cumulative word given to "features" that includes eyes, nose and the face TOO?? Enter Marriage "Market" the demand is for fair and educated wife! When you yourself ask for a "fair" girl do you really think you are "Educated"?? Much emphasis is laid on the skin tone than any other quality that a girl possesses. Why, cant a dusky girl make a good wife?? Of course! it depends on each individual as to how exactly he wants to define "wife":) To me it signifies "Narrow minded mentality" and "hypocrisy". People who claim to be educated lots and who still judge a person with respect to his color and who are broad minded to that level that "watching hollywood movies and drinking alcohol suggests sophistication" Wish people could judge a commoner based on what lies within rather than the exterior! Just going abroad and getting yourself a degree does not mean you are educated. Remember, someone somewhere is judging you based on what you say.

A-Z and beyond

Quite opposite of what my current mood is. Hope while writing this, a smile shows on my face. OK! yet another revelation. Tagged by Puneet. So for the records, I have honestly talked about 50+20=70 things about me. Now you can add 26 more to the kitty:O A - Age you got your first kiss Just like everyone. when I was born:) You want me to be honest:- OK! Never been kissed:O (*Dont roll your eyes now*) B - Band listening to right now:… Right now, thousand drums are playing in my head! On the radio: "Stacy's Mom" -Fountain of Wayne C - Crush: Can count on finger tips. Definitely not more than 10. Huge crush when comes to celebrity has been "Anil Kumble" D- Drink of Choice: "Adrak Chai and Starbucks "Cafe Breve Coffee" E - Easiest person [people] Vikram:O [By this, I mean..someone who is chilled out types] F - Favorite band at the moment: All time fav has always been MLTR G - Gummy worms or gummy bears? None! Never fond of these. H – Holiday: Someday want to go on a beach holiday maybe to Melbourne. Want to go to Venice and Paris. Now even Bombay seems like a holiday spot. So all these places are incomparable to a vacation in Bombay:( I - Instruments: Has to be the guitar. J - Juice: Mango juice and Sugarcane juice (Oos-ka-juice:D) K-Kids: Of course, Aryan:D L - Longest car ride ever: From Shreveport (Louisiana) to Omaha (Nebraska) 817 miles in one day:O Started morning 9:00 reached this place at 2:00 AM. Thunderstorms greeted us all the way. Of course! I was not doing the driving. Otherwise, I would never be here:)) M - Major: Music. My soul. My life. N - Nicknames: Aah! too many:- Mony, ROS, ROSie, Pakao, Paks, Duffer, Item,Sunrays,Chamiya, Mand!! O - One wish: Want to retire to a place best described by this song: "Jahan ghum bhi no ho, ansoo bhi na ho, aur pyaar hi pyaar pale" [ A place where this is no sorrow, no tears and only love abounds) P - Phobia[s]: Deep water. Ships make me sick! Q - Quote: "Never frown, you do not know who is falling in love with your smile" R - Reason to smile: Aryan, Tai, my friends and my blog/blogpals S - Song you sang last: A song by Des'ree titled "Life". Life indeed can be fun If you really want to Sometimes living out your dreamsAin't as easy as it seems You wanna fly around the world In a beautiful balloon Life, oh life Oh life, oh life T - Time you woke up [today]: 7:30 AM U - Unknown fact about me: Despite living in Bombay all my life, I have never been to Pune. I dislike perfumes. My head hurts. But, I totally adore the fragrance of "Axe Effect":O V - Vegetable you hate: Though am a veggie, when I was a little kid, I used to only like to eat Potatoes and Cabbage. Nowadays, I eat anything thats veggie:O Veggies that top my hate list are" Brocolli and Bhindi (Okras or Ladysfinger) X-rays you've had: Chest and Dental Y - Yummy food: Pav Bhaji and sadak ka paani puri:O Z - Zodiac sign:Cancer…Sentimental, moody and friendly. Passionate and romantic. Thanks Poo!! writing this gave me a lot of respite. Enjoyed it:) I tag 5 people: Of course, if they are interested: Nandya Thanu Sayesha Virdi Pradyot

Phool tumhe bheja hai

They say, "Flowers say it all" December marks the most memorable month! Today being my Sister's fourth wedding anniversary! Nothing special about it, its not the first nor the twenty fifth. But, looking back I think every occassion, birthday or an anniversary means something. It reflects how far one has come in life. How much they have achieved and how much is yet to be achieved. The past years, being the "gold standards" of one's life. Thats why, I consider it a special event to make someone special feel really special. Its the time to celebrate yesterday's dreams that came true! In today's world, where people break up for no apparent reason, anniversaries are indeed a milestone. For the first time, I sent these 51 roses to my sister. The thought itself fills my heart with undending joy. Dont these flowers look amazing? Bundle of roses representing bundle of happiness. I remember the time when she was getting married and I was yet to come to terms with it. The thought that the sister with whom I spent 21 years of my life, under the same roof is suddenly going to go to someone elses house. Though, I have known my jeeju for a long time before that. The first question that I asked her was "What will you call your M-I-L as? So she said "Mummy". I was like "How can you call someone else other than our Mom as "mummy":D Around the time, when I was set to come to US. Even after she was married, I made her spend 3 days of the week with me and I would go spend the weekend at her place. Yes! as ridiculous as it sounds, I did that only coz I wanted to spend all my time with her before coming here. That continued for 7 months after their marriage. She never uttered a word and poor Jeeju (B-I-L)has been tolerant to tolerate two hyper girls, like me and she!!! Now, she is a mother of one child. I feel cute when Aryan said to her today "Mamma, tujha lagna aahe"? [Meaning: Mom are you getting married], when he saw people wishing her. The kid also knows that his "Maoo" [Aunt] is supposed to call for every important occassion. What's more the e-mail that my sister sent, makes the feeling priceless:(Of course edited, for privacy purposes) "Thanx a lot for making me feel special. You do everything so properly! How can u manage all this at such a small age? The roses r so real n good as if u came here n gave it to me personally. " Wonder what it is with sisters? They never feel you are old enough! She still feels, I am the 21 something girl who left home to get a degree and she stopped growing beyond that:D What is incredible is that, my Jeeju who was supposed to be working in Germany until the 25th, gave her a surprise by pre poning his trip and reached home on their special day! Thats the beauty of it! A reason, is all we need, to stop and realize the beauty of life and richness that relationships provide us with. Sad, that "I never knew how close I was to her until I came far from her"

Woh lamhein woh baatein

Since past two days, I have got calls everyday at 5:00 PM. Yes! its december and two of my friends left to go to India for a month long vacation. In the next ten days, two of my friends from Omaha are heading home. On both the occasions, the guys got me really nostalgic. Though, its not even 6 months, that have passed that I was home. On this instance, it was one of my good friends Pandyha who was heading home! So, this guy and me have been friends since college. One who knows whats best in me and whats worst in me. With whom, I share a love-hate relationship.Hahaha.."hate"is an extreme term to use in this case. But, he pissed me off really well, when he did. "You say that we've got nothing in common No common ground to start from" It was exactly that way. He the typical to-the-point Gujju and someone who was quite flamboyant and a "Kanhaiya" , always sorrounded by 10000 girls at one time:O A typical western-Bombay lad. I still do not know how we became good friends, but at times it is not necessary to think on where and how it all started! I recollect quite few instances with him. Mostly, all the stories start and end with laboratories. Each day, we had 4 hours of practicals in college. We worked in pairs and he was was my friend Mayura's lab partner. Oh..how she liked working without him:O. He did not mind it when I accidentally threw a test tube of "glacial acetic acid"(a corrosive chemical) thinking that it was water:O. I ended up tearing his jeans and injured his fingers too. One who: Was always late Never had any stuff needed for practicals (usually) Never had his lab journals completed on time Had a shabby handwriting. How he pissed me off when: He borrowed my clean lab coat Finished off my lunch-box well before lunch time Used to retort by saying "Dont think a lot, tere chote se dimag ko traas mat de" [Dont overstress your small brains by "thinking" He called me names such as "Mand"[slow], ghati [short for maharashtrians], pakaoo {one who can bore you to death] He would laugh, when I cried He used to give me "fundas" all the time He gave his stupid anatomy journals at the end of the year for me to draw diagrams With his carelessness With this big inflated ego (He is a Leo) When he lived by the philosophy of "I am the most important person in my life" He made fun of my sister also which she did not seem to mind:O Neverthless, he is one person who has been there at the toughest of times when the going got tough. Someone who always reinforced that "Sympathy is the worst emotion that one can have for anyone". He has taught me a lot of things too and with whom I have had the greatest of Mumbai experiences. By Mumbai experiences, I mean:- Helping me to navigate at Dadar station:- [Dadar is the most complicated station in whole of Mumbai. Its the place where, all the three lines viz Central, Western and Harbor lines merge leading to utter confusion in everyone's life]. At one time, I was waiting at the central side platform # 1 and he was looking for me at the Western railway terminal. Without a cell phone, during those times, getting lost at Dadar station is not exactly the nicest thing:O Traveller and eating buddy: Mumbai life is no fun without food. Him and me had the traveller's spirit. Though, we lived far from each other and during the times when we finished our B.Pharm and applying for Programs at US, we did travel a lot. From Kalyan-Dombivli-Mulund-Andheri-Bandra-Churchgate (all located in a 2 hours distance]. Eating everything from Pani puri, Raj Kachori, Bhel, Canon Pav-Bhaji. During Applications and coping with rejections: Still remember the day of GATE results. I was one paranoid soul, who used to cry incessantly in anticipation of results. Though, I was confident that I would pass with nothing less than a first class. During, one such time after I had taken my GATE exams (for getting into M.Pharm) when I wanted to go check my results at IIT-Bombay. Man! it was crazy. Poor guy, was laughing all the time in the rickshaw as to why I was crying when it did not even matter if I got into M.Pharma or not (at that time I was intending to take my GRE). He accompanied me everywhere from then. He almost killed me when I cracked the exam and secured admission for M.Pharm. He has acted as a sponge absorbing whatever I threw at him. You always need a friend who would switch on your logic button whenever it switches itself off. Later, when I was intending to take my GRE and I did not even have my passport. This guy accompanied me everywhere right from Passport office to USEFI, that involved so many rounds of passport office. One who knew that I am going to mess up in the "Analytical"section of GRE, coz he was aware that my logic sucked. At times of utter confusion: During those times, when I was going crazy, torn between continuing my education in Bombay or coming to US. Helping me make a decision. Those walks at Juhu Beach: & in the hustling bustling Marine Drive Somehow, his presence at that time when life was almost as clear as a foggy day, made a huge difference. When life was at the threshold and probaly one of the most confusing stages of my life. Don't we all need a friend who can act as an anchor? One who can irritate the life out of you, still provide a comforting shoulder for you to lean on?? Later, who accompanied me to the "Visa office" too. ********************************************************************************** I think our journey is left incomplete. Just like any other friendship, we also suffered few setbacks, just when I was set to come to US. 20th July, 2002. We talked few times, but the equations were changed. What curtailed is something that probably does not hold any significance in present. Sometimes, things go wrong without any reason. The last, I saw of him was at the airport when he came to see me off. I was done with the immigration check and everything by that time. I had almost given up the thought that he was going to show up, but at a subconsious level, I was looking for my friend. True enough, when I was given the permission to see my family just for 5 minutes, thats when I saw him standing there sipping "Nescafe". We still talk, maybe we still try to connect just like we did before. But sometimes, even though a torn dress can be patched at some places, you cannot get the original appeal. Now that he has gone home, I truly hope he brings back memories that we lived by! I don't think, I ever had that kind of guy-friend again!

In the wake of one morning

Aah! I already see the weekend. I got up late today, that too when the phone rang. Imagine, in your sedated voice, you pick up the receiver and say a yawwnieeeeeeee"Hello". And the voice at other end is of your labmate, something went wrong and which requires your immediate attention. Jump out of the bed and straight into shower. Its Thursday, so well those tresses require a clean bath. On the way, you get a call from "Blockbuster" that you had to turn in a movie before noon today. Dazamnnn..that cursed movie, which I inserted in the DVD player twice for two consecutive nights, and still did not watch it. No way, I am going to pay a late fee on that:( The temperature is well above 30 and with light snow. I wanted to just let those tiny flakes brush me. I just did that, just a light jacket and no other "Weapons":O Result: I have been sneezing non stop for an hour (almost 20 sneezes:O) And the Amroos are already feeling as if I am sick and might transmit flu or something:)) Its amazing to see snow in the backdrop of sunshine. One of my colleagues just quipped"You know when, rain and sun come together, it means ghosts are getting married:)) Ya rite:D. Wonder who is getting married when snow and sun come together:)) *************************************************************************** My morning coffee has evaded me twice. One..coz I broke the Coffee Pot! Thadddddddd... Secondly, when I finally found another container, I did not realize that I had to add coffee powder in that filter before I poured in water:O Dumb Me! Now, its close to lunch time, finally when someone was kind enough to realize that I got up on the wrong side of the bed and made a cup for me:) Plus, there was this smart dude who was wondering when I graduate!!!!! and asked me that just that very moment, when I was Grrrrrrrrr:O Few things, never ask a graduate student on any given MORNING!! ***************************************************************************** U2 is going to be performing LIVE in OMAHA today. I can give my life to hear "With or without you":( But, I am not going, coz the tickets got sold out way before in february of last year!!! But, Jasmine is going and I am happy, that I would hear about everything from her. Plus the tickets are freaking expensive. I just heard that after the concert, they are going to stop over at a pub in Old Market 15000 people are expected to go flock the place!! Aah! there's going to be a stampede:)) **************************************************************************** Plus, the song Aadat from the movie Kalyug is playing in my head, non-stop! Loved the lines: Juda hoke bhi tu mujhmein kahi baaki hai Palkon mein banke aansu tu chali aati hai Juda hoke bhi

A tale of Pooja and Vijay!

{No this is not a fiction. This is my story. My longest post to date! Sheesh, taken me like so many days to finish the entire matter} I have always known myself (in my early growing up years) as someone who had plenty of friends, who never went and talked to strangers on her own. This was true until the age of 18. Yep! I have no clue, how I formed friendship in the formative years of my life. That aside, my first telephonic conversation with a complete stranger was, when I was in the second year of Pharmacy. Someone, who was not my classmate, not a friend, nor a friends-friend! That was the first time, I ever talked to someone on a "blank call". Believe me, when I say, I was scared to death. Only if my mom would have found out. After all a 18 year old girl is not supposed to talk to someone "for no reason". On a lazy sunday afternoon, my phone rings and only me, my sister and two of my cousins were home. I just picked up the phone and heard a complete unknown but a great sounding voice at the other end. Voice at the other end (VAOE) says: "Who's this" Me:"You have called up, you should know, whom you want to talk to" [Always direct, to the point] VAOE:-I don't know you, you don't know me. But, I like your voice" Me: (In hushed tone to my youngest cousin G) Hey, koi to ajnabi hai!!! She grabbed the phone and said, "just talk to him"."Let's see what he says". So, I started talking to him reluctantly and curiosity got the better of me. That was the first time, some person told me I sounded good! Obviously, I was flattered! VAOE: So what is your name? Me:(Looking ar G)..who whispers in my ears "Tell him, your name is Pooja Kulkarni" So, thats what I did "I am Pooja Kulkarni" VAOE: Wow, thats a nice name..I am Vijay Verma" [Me thinking in my mind] "Naam to accha hai, awaaz bhi acchi hai..Let me talk to him" VAOE: "So Ms.Pooja, what do you do??" Me: (Unsure what to say, dont want to reveal my identity) and again looking at my cousin who whispers in my ears "Tell him MBBS" This was getting exciting! VAOE: Wow, thats interesting. How old are you?? Me: I am 18 VAOE: Thats young!! I am 25. Me: Thats old!! VAOE: [Hears the giggling voices of my sisters] "So where do you live" Me: [Fear of being stalked, started looking at my cuz again] She again gives me gyaan and tells me "Say you live in a girls hostel" I do the exact same thing. VAOE: Thats exciting. I live in Pune. Me" So what makes you make a call from Pune to Bombay (At the time, Pune-Mumbai calls were quite expensive and you probably had to make an STD call) and how did you get my number. This incident was freaking me out to a large extent, actually! VAOE: "Don't ask irrelevant questions. I randomly dialled your number. Liked your voice so thats why I am talking. And as far as STD calls are concerned, I am calling from my company, I am a CA" Dumb girl, that I was, actually believed him. Without thinking, that who the hell works on a sunday afternoon and has the patience to make calls to strangers" Me: Well, if you say so. But, I have to hangup now. VAOE:"So can I call sometime, again" ME: [It did sound tempting, but if this dude calls again when mum is around!!!].Ok, you can call me after 8:00 [At the time,we used to watch the TV and all that, so wont get wierd looks from her] We giggle over the matter and my cousin says, "We should do crazy things such as this" Me and my sister, were quite scared coz after our cousins left, we would have to handle the matter ourselves! So my sister clearly says "Tu jaane aur tera Vijay. I am not involved, if Mum asks" Sheesh! man. I am doomed. I hope the guy doesn't call me EVER. After a week, my University exams commence and I was returning from my exam,w hen the phone rings at exact 8:00 PM. The onus of picking up the phone was with me. The guy calls me again!! "Hi, this is Vijay" Mom"Who is it, ROS"? Me: A friend mom, discussing about how the exam went" Him and me talk for almost 15 mins. It became a routine for him to call up at that time almost everyday for a week. It started showing up on my face, coz mom gave me those wierd looks. Usually, she would never interfere as to what we talked on the phone and to whom we talked. One of the tell-tale signs was that "I never talked to my friends over the phone in english". It was either hindi or marathi or hinglish:) and here I was talking to someone in proper english and that too nothing academic! And somehow, Moms just guess it! So one day, when this guy calls me again and my mom picks up the phone, he asks for Pooja! Obviously, my mom said that he has got the wrong number. Later, she mentioned how homes where there were girls, such calls were frequent. Thats when I confessed the entire drama to her. The origin of Pooja Kulkarni and the whole episode and that this guy called from Pune:O My mom laughed at the whole thing, saying I was such a kid in the block, and that no guy was going to spend that money on a blank call"!! "This is just the beginning, you are going to meet many such people, who are going to pretend to be something that they are not" ..Mom said "Watch out for those people and remember that dont believe everything that someone says to you" I guess, that advise is proving to be a much needed Girl's guide for survival:) Few months back, one of my very good friends here, was getting married and when I asked for his fiance's name..he mentioned as "Pooja Kulkarni, MBBS from Bombay":O Thats it! What goes around comes around. I was destined to meet her:) Now, when I have moved much beyond that time..7 years down the line, when I talk to people-whom-I-don't-know, I know what to expect. I know, I should not believe everything that I hear". I think, my mom knew when i would need her advice the most!

Jog Jog Jogging Along

Have you ever been on a jogging trail? Have you experienced companionship with people who are fellow joggers? No, am not talking about the movie "Jogger's Park" here:p. Close to my home here, there is a jogging trail (Elmwood park), where I used to go jogging everday during summers. I met different people every single day, new faces, new feelings and new experiences. We exchanged smiles, sometimes those smiles made way to conversations and interesting rapport built up with the passage of time. Made few friends, whom I lost soonafter! But, most of the times, it used to be ME, as I never had a running partner. If, I found someone on the way, great! If not, that didn't stop me from experiencing fresh air everyday. Every day, you start with a clean slate and every day some person scribbles something new. They accompany you for a while. Their company is invigorating and they provide joy, while they are there. Its been 2 months, that I have not been there, due to the cold. I don't see those people anymore. Though, I still drive through those lanes every single day. This is the case every summer! Wonder if some people come into your life for a season?? If we do meet again, we'll smile indeed; If not, 'tis true this parting was well made---William Sheakspeare

Out of Office Reply:)

It was time to make a weekend call to Bombay yesterday. Today I got my sister all for myself. With Jeeju gone to Germany for 25 days, MIL gone for veggie shopping and Aryan enjoying the weekend sleep. So, it was time for us to catch up with "things". I have realized, off late my blogs have a more frequent mention of my sister! Donno why. I have also noticed that though, I keep smiling oh-so-often, I haven't had a "Laugh" in quite some time now. I used to not be that way. There was a time, when I was told that if I continue laughing so loudly, my in laws would disown me. I donno what is it with girls and soft-talks and hushed smiles. Today, my sister (Tai) got back that hidden laughter that was pent up within me. And for the first time in long time, I laughed "dil-se". Alright, the incident that she narrated might not be especially funny, but it was to me. It so happened that Tai, sent a stupid forward to my jeeju at his office email address and since he was away he had an "Office Auto Reply Message" turned on. So she got an immediate automated reply saying "I will be in Germany from ABC to XYZ. Kindly contact Mr.XYZ at so and so number in case of urgency". [I know the exact sentence, coz even I had tried sending him a stupid fwd:))] !!! Now, my sister who completely ignored the "subject line" that said it was an "Out of Office AutoReply" just checked the body of the email, and also replied to him saying "Whats this? I think I know that u r in Germany, y did u send this mail to me?" Later, when she realized her folly, she couldn't control her laughter and while narrating this to me, I could not contain it either. I think, jeeju has not checked his email yet:D Just got me nostalgic and took me back to the time when I used to actually write down jokes that we discussed in college and go back home to open the "Joke-bag" to her. I would love to make her laugh. Even though, my jokes were mostly of the sardar levels! But, yesterday I did narrate a Vikram level joke to her:), which I had royally killed:D Thanks, Tai for bringing back those times!!

Aah! These Women

{Disclaimer: Read at your own risk. This is just my perception and not directed at anybody personally. All this just applies to single and not-so-single ladies and its just about them.Not for married people. Marriage is an altogether different ball game. Never been there. Never done that} Girls and guys live in a mutual state of co-existence. Sometimes the Martians dont understand the Venesians and vice versa. Nevertheless, the planet earth is beautiful coz of both the genders. But, the Venesians sometimes, drool over the Martians to such an extent, that it changes the entire equation. Girl wants a guy and guy wants a girl. Its always a symbiotic relationship, but the moment it turns into a parasitic one, there is utter confusion in everyone's life. I am not saying I am a perfect woman or anything, but I do believe that all the below mentioned things are something, I would never do (rather wish, I would never do);) As said by Susan Sontag " What is beautiful in most women is something masculine" For eg:- I hate it when women want men to tag along everywhere with them. If guys refuse to go clubbing, whats the harm in going with the other girls??So what, if guys dont want to watch a movie with you on a friday night? Can't you just not watch it with girls? I don't understand, why men need to be a part of all the enjoyment that a woman can very well have without them??? I hate it when women stop doing things that they love doing, just coz guys dont find it appealing. I love wearing lipsticks and I look sick if I dont wear it. I wear it only when I go out (that means everyday). I don't want a guy to tell me that I should not be wearing it. Thank you, I know the cons of it, but I can live with that. Your suggestions on the colors are always welcome but the choice of wearing it or not is entirely mine. I hate it when women think that car problems and assembling a furniture should be dealt by guys and only guys. If its your car and you drive it, you should know whats wrong with it and be willing to handle it if something goes wrong. Have few numbers handy instead of waiting for a guy to come show up, to help you with that. I hate it when women attach overimportance to the existence of men in their lives. Well, its always good to think about someone in a special way and to have that special someone, but it does not mean that your thoughts should revolve around that person pepetually. To get paranoid if the guy doesn't call you one day. To do something only to seek attention. Totally uncool. Breathing spaces are absolutely essential. {This one is edited based on previous comments. I think this wording goes well, with what I am trying to say;)} I hate it when women expect men to pay for everything when they go out. Right from the cab to the dessert. Its totally draining on one person's pocket and so not cool. Atleast pay up for the coffee or the dessert or the tip!! I hate it when not-so-single-girls stop interacting with those friends of their own, only coz their guys dont like those friends. This I have seen happen with girls who have close set of guy friends. YOU have the right to choose friends and unless the friend is being bad to your guy, you have absolutely no logic to sever of a close friendship, only coz someone is not comfortable with it. Learn to accept each other's world just the way it is. Being a woman is a difficult task, no doubt! Coz she has to live with men and still be a woman! After all "You are young and pretty, there is nothing that you don't have":)

Yeayyyyyyyyyyyyy

OK! Guys I am prematurely celebrating, I guess!! Nevermind! Let me enjoy my happiness eventhough it might be for a very short time!! Just got a call from my mechanic's wife, that my car is ready to be picked up:) And TOUCHWOOD (I am a little superstitious about stuff). Can you beat how much was the cost and what the problem was?? I have been working around the car for almost a year now. Futile attempts at getting to the root of the problem, unforetold expenses, frustrations and everything! I am not overemphasizing here. Believe me, its been a test of my patience to the core!! Anyhow, finally my faith in my car and my mechanic has paid off. There was something wrong with a "fuse" that kept tripping off and can you beat that the expense is 13$???? As compared to buying a car, 13$ is peanuts. I was anticipating an amount that was going to cause a big big hole in my pocket. With God's grace and that "Angel", I finally am happy! I hope that its just that. I still got to confirm and see it with my own eyes and wait before I start partying. Anyhow, I met this mechanic (Danny) at a crucial time last winter accidentally. He wound up my entire expense in 106$ when the total expense was around 450$. Since then, I have never ever gone to any other mechanic. They say, its a blessing to find a trustworthy mechanic and hairdresser. They might not know what actually works best but they know what would be the best! He and his wife Linda have been really really nice to me. The main motivation for me to go to him apart from the fact that he doesn't exploit is that his son has Cerebral Palsy. The kid is merely 6 years old and needless to say, the treatment is expensive. Well, if nothing I could help in some ways by getting few things done from him, if its of any use to him. Quite a few of my friends have had car problems and he has been of great help to them. I mean, how many times in lifetime, do you meet people such as these? Who have no selfish motive, who have problems of their own but help people anyways. On quite a few occassions he has not even charged me for labour and has given me home grown tomatoes and chillies. So well, like I always say, "Persistence pays". But you do need to have the faith too. Hope my car runs forever now:). We will have to wait until the next time when the temperature drops real low:O

My Poor Princess

My day today. 6:30 AM- My first alarm goes off 6:45 AM- My second alarm goes off 7:00 AM- My third and last alarm goes off. Snooze, snooze and snooze! Finally, I curl out from my blanket at 7:30 AM. First thing that comes out of my mouth, whenever I get late" Oh shit". Such a bad way to start off a day. I had changed it a little bit and practised saying "Aai ga" [Oh mother], but that did not happen today. Sheesh! had an inspection in the lab at 8:00 AM. I am going to miss it.. 7:45 AM- In the shower. Come out. Finally, get ready to leave the house at 8:30 AM, after wearing my winter clothes. Reach my car. Damn thing does not start! OMG! Here another day going down the drain. Mental images of everything that I am missing in the lab comes in front of eyes. Top of that, the guilt of sitting at home on a weekday. I hate my car. But I love my car. I hate her only when she breaks down and poor thing is not able to take the intense cold and its battery drains down oh-so-often:( Poor thing, has a new battery and a new alternator. She has been looked at by all the "eligible bachelors" [Read:Mechanics]. Still none understands her. I practically, know its psychology. I kinda had a deja vu that this was going to happen. Whenever someone enquires about her, as in "How is your "little girl" doing", the next day she behaves like a vain princess:( No time for a jump start either. Think hard. Finally, I went to the University of Nebraska Campus, which is walkable distance from my place. Even that took me a good half hour today. From there, I could take a bus to my school. It was 9:15 AM already. Damn! missed my 9:10 bus. Next bus: At 9:45 AM. OK! standing there in the biting cold weather for half an hour did not seem like a good deal. My thoughts race back to lab and then to my car. Need to do something to fix her. I do the first thing that comes to my mind. In a confused state of mind, I start walking from the bus stop. Totally oblivious of the sorrounding weather and when I realized the cold doesnt seem too cold, I decided to go home. If I went to school, god knows when I would return and then again, my car will be lurking there and tommorrows day would be screwed too. My day is already screwed up, so let me not waste tommorrows day. These were my thoughts en route home: {Oh how I miss the BEST bus route number 313. The one that went from Kurla station to Santacruz. Every time, we saw a bus passing by, another would be on its way. Oh, how I miss the wonderful "Dukkar gadi". Dukkar means a pig, in marathi. This is one peculiar 10 seater hybrid vehicle between a rickshaw and a matador.We went to the college in this vehicle and it cost us mere 5 bucks and college was just 10 minutes away from where I lived. Situation is exactly similar here. My school is just 10 minutes away from where I live here. Neverthless, transportation is a huge problem. No trains, buses or rickshaws here, that are convenient to me. I did not drive a car then, still felt like a princess. Never did I get stranded anywhere. Here, I have a car, still if you dont have a trustworthy car, you better pray each time you start your vehicle in the morning} Called up a friend of mine, on the way. Usual conversation. Him "How many times, have I told you, just buy a new car":O As if buying a car is like buying eggs and bread and come on, thats the last thing I want to hear today. Called up my sister and she says "Why do you need a car to go to school?, why can't you just WALK". Well, I can walk 6 miles to and fro but I really dont think with those files and bags and snow,I want to do that. Else, I would become invisible. Ok, then "Why dont you buy a new car?" Aah! here we go again! Ok! fine.Maybe the time has come. Few tips from my friends. They all know a lot about cars. "You should buy a Toyota or a Honda. All desis buy those. They are trustworthy and reliable" {Me}:"But, dude I have a Nissan. That is supposed to be trustworthy too!!! "But, you should buy a used one. You cant afford a brand new one." {Me}:- "Of course, I know that too" "No! there is no point in buying another used car. Why dont you buy a new "Hyundai or a Kia" "You can get one for 8000$. Pretty Cheap!!!! {Me}:- "Dont know since when Grad students started finding a car worth 8000$ cheap:O "No, but you know these Korean cars can't really be trusted on" {Me}:Aaaghhhhhhhh!Please talk about my existing car! All I need right now, is a jumpstart. We can buy whatever we want provided I move from this place!!!! Its 4:30 PM now:- My car did not jump start either. Its ready to be towed.

Fragmented thoughts

We mourn for a while and then life goes on. Lessons continue forever. I am my father's child. What I learned will be with me forever. Life is a continuous learning experience. People come and go, they leave their footprints on sands of time, which gets etched permanently or gets washed off by the waves of ocean. In the end, what remains are the true"reflections" of yours back in the time.

Just speak up!

I don't understand why can't people just speak up, when there's a problem? Ya ya, they all have the right to go into their resepective shells, but does that mean, you should treat people according to your whims?? Its different, if you are the usual isolated types, when people just don't bug you even if you assume that quiet nature. But, if you are the social-chirpy-bubbly types, and you suddenly appear like a sanyasan and cut off, what is the rest of the world supposed to do? Don't ask me to turn a blind eye and deaf ears! It works as long as the person is not in front of you. But, the moment you see the person face-to-face, you want to shake that person up and ask him to vent it out,once for all!!! Don't let your face speak up for you. I can't read that. Tell me in plain words, whats bothering you. I might be in a position to help you or I might just stay away. I won't ask you 105674 times, if there's a problem. But, I am concerned, coz you are my friend. Please, dont move around as if the entire world's "weight"is on your two tiny shoulders:O What is the use of language, when you can't express? What are friends for, when you can't share your load?

A winner in some ways

Everyone of us, have "won" something in their life time. For some it might be a gold medal that they won at an exam, for some it might be a pricey dress, shoes or some values. For someone it might be someones heart that they have won. I might not have won a lot of things worth narrating, but ... I am a winner, each time, when-- I dont let my insecurities get the better of me I be my own self without letting any person affect my persona I maintain my dignity and not let anyone trample on me I remember people for the impressions that they have left behind and not what they have done, or whether they are with me now. I skid each time, I drive on snow and am able to steer myself out of the storm I meet a new person with an open mind and keeping in mind that he/she might not be permanent I remember people who are no more companions in this journey, fondly. When I don't tear away the greeting cards or photos, that were treasured possessions. When, I choose to keep sweet memories in a seperate closet from the not-so-sweet memories. I admit my fears and apprehensions to a loved one and do not consider crying to be a job of the weak hearts I refuse to take everything thats served on my platter and prefer to serve myself I refuse to look at the world with rose-colored glasses and accept the reality, no matter how harsh, and manage to move on I confess So, guys..are you winners too??

A Talk to remember

Talking is not communicating! Words don't make up for a conversation! Sometimes, things are more visible in the dark than in day-light. Sometimes, silence is eloquent. Eyes speak volumes. I am a person who has an unlimited capacity to "talk", but there are some people with whom I can be myself without talking a word. With whom, I can have the best conversation ever, without exchanging ideas, thoughts! Not, because I get tongue-tied! But, coz somehow words become insignificant. And they say "Silence kills" when I believe silence can be elightening and words can kill ruthlessly!

I love you Tai

For people who are non marathis and who do not know the meaning of Tai..it means Elder sister. Don't know what am going to write in this, but let the thoughts flow. I had a boombox here (Cassette+CD player) which has been with me, since I got to US. Pretty cheap, $20 stereo. Suddenly, it stopped working and even though my laptop blares with music all the time, woh baat nahi thee. Know why?? Coz, I could not play my cassettes in there. Yes! call me primitive, but like all the other senti things in my life, these things mean a lot to me. I have audio cassettes, from the era of Kishore Kumar until Abhijeet Sawant. When me and my sister, were growing up, that time CDs were not the "in"things and were quite expensive. We used to buy cassettes from our monthly savings. Aah! the best part was since, we liked one or two songs from each movie, we used to painstakingly make lists and then finally record it. That was quite an ordeal. In the end, we had quite a good collection of songs. Tai was nice enuf to give all the cassettes to me, when coming here. I realized that I haven't played any of those songs in ages. Today was the day. I got all the music on and am listening to those "Golden Collections" for almost 8 hours now. These include: ABBA that I stole from my Mama (Uncle) and which he still doesnt't know. Jagjit's Marasim, that was presented to me by my school friend, Yogesh. A cassette dutifully recorded by my friend, Shamik. Hold your breath, it has all those "Boy Band" songs, which I used to listen to in my teenage years. Man! don't remember, when was the last time, I heard that song from "Boyzone" or "Backstreet Boys":)) [Respectively called as "Un Ladkon ki gali" & "Peechlee gali ke ladke":)) by our gang;) MLTR's "Paint my love", the first cassette that I purchased from "Planet M" One incident that I still recollect has to do with the movie "Darr". I was listening to this song"Jadooo teree nazar" and flash came things right in front of my eyes. The thing is, my sister is very beautiful and resembles Juhi Chawla to a large extent. Though, I still refuse to believe that :O I am saying this with a lot of ease right now, but believe me I had a hard time accepting that, when I used to hear it oh-so-often. Right from bajuwalee aunty to road romeos, everyone used to call her "Juhi". I donno why, my heart used to clench at that time. I used to get very jealous at that. For no fault of my sis or Juhi, I hated watching Juhi's movies. I was pretty naive at that time and of course I was jealous that my sister was prettier than I am . There was a time, when I used to flip the channel if I saw her movies and my sister would not say anything. She was a Psychology major student and knew what exactly sibling-rivalry meant. I would call her "Juhi Chaywalee" instead. All this sounds childish and stupid. As I am writing this post, even I get a feeling. Now, we both are at that stage that none of these things matter to both of us. Funny, we are hardly into hindi movies these days. She is busy with her life and me busy with my own life. Strange enuf, both of us don't discuss Bollywood at all. Our discussions range from "what-did-you-cook" to "what-are-your-plans"..from "diamonds and golds" to "bracelets and bangles" Guess, I have really grown up. Dont know why, we can't have those conversations again, those innocent jealousies that we all grow up with. Some small little things that make you smirk when you are kids and brings a smile when you are adults. If someone calls her Juhi Chawla now, she will probably laugh it off:) Right now, this song "Jadoo teree nazar, is growing on me and I have already listened to it, 20 times since past so many hours. And, I am enjoying it like never before. Had been to India this summer. Coincidentally, "Hum Hain rahi Pyaar Ke", which happens to be our favourite movie as well, was playing on the TV. Well, me and her just went to "Cafe Coffee Day" to grab a Latte and spend some quality time, instead:O

20 and still not done..

So, this time I have been tagged by Vi to write 20 more things about me! OK, now for the real post.For those who did not know me earlier and who still don't know me, can read Me, Myself in my own words! post where I had some trivial details about myself. Of course, if you care to:) So, here I go, yet again the process of self-evaluation begins. 1.Like Mom like Daughter: 1. I never wanted to be like someone. I love being myself. But, there is one person, I find myself trying to match up with. My Mom -At a subconsious level, I always wanted to be like her and I am getting there. While growing up, I wanted to look beautiful like her, wanted to have long dark hair like her, wanted to be modest like her and now when I have grown up (I think), I want to be able to cook like her. 2.I love lively homes and peaceful lives: Home means a place full of love, plenty of pampering and hugging. A kitchen where food is cooking or the coffee is brewing. And there is music going on. I get queasy amidst arguments and quarrel. A little bit of healthy bantering is more than welcome, but I cannot stand to live amongst people who raise a fight for no apparent reason. 3. My inability to say NO: Often times, I find myself in a position wherein I cannot just say NO. Its not a very good quality and I realize that. If there is someone who asks me for a favor, I cannot refuse him/her. I quickly yield and sometimes go out of my way to fulfill that. 4. Ice-ice baby I prefer warm food over cold. I prefer hot beverages over cold soda. A warm shower is more relaxing than a cold bath. Warm hearts that can feel are more desirable than cold insensitive hearts. 5. A complete Water-Baby: Water is very soothing to me (typical cancerian trait). Go absolutely gaga over beaches and water fall but totally skeptical to go in the middle of sea or ocean. Deep waters threaten to swallow me. 6. Love designing homes: A domestic kind of person who loves decorating her house. Likes the idea of framing pictures, adorning homes with plants and wall-hangings. A house for me, is about free expressions and not about making impressions [Adapted from movie, Yours Mine &Ours]. 7.Oh those Chiffon sarees: Want to be able to carry off a chiffon saree one day. Remember the one where Madhuri Dixit is wearing a blue colored saree in freezing cold temperature (in Pukaar). Ah! Sarees are awesome and chiffon sarees give that thing to a woman's personality. 8.I love working behind the scenes: I can organize and event and love event managment, but I cannot be in limelight. I cannot be on the stage (except for recieving an award). Have a stage-fright. 9. Hates reptiles: I dislike crawling creatures. Sorry Nandu, I know you won't like it:p But, lizards and snakes are absolute No no. They give me the creeps. 10.Greeting cards: I think cards say it all. I love making my own greeting cards. Since, I do not get the time, I prefer buying one. But, I take my own time, to look for the card just so apt for a person whom I am intending to buy it for. 11. Art: I know to make artificial flowers, have learnt embossing and gravering. Have done fabric painting and embroidery. Sad part is, I haven't done any of these in more than 5 years and quite likely have forgotten it:( 12. Unlike my name: I cannot write poems. I just cannot. Thats why, I think my given name doesn't suit me. I am in absolute awe of people who express themselves poetically. Robert Frost, remains my favourite poet and amongst bloggers, I think Princesse and Phoenix can really write well. I am sure, they don't need my acknowledgment. 13. Travelling and reading: Love to be in midst of people who are well-read and well-travelled. People who are well read, always make interesting conversation & people who are well-travelled always have interesting experiences to share. 14. OCD I have obsessive-compulsive-disorder (OCD)!!!! for keeping my sink clean. I hate vessels being left in the sink overnight. They should either be washed and kept away or should be kept in the dish-washer. I keep cleaning the kitchen sink area everytime. I also have OCD for vaccuming my carpet. I cannot stand hair strands stuck into the carpet and make every attempt to remove it, the moment I realize it. I have a checking behavior also. I keep checking my car whether the headlights are off, whether my door is locked, whether my iron is plugged off, whether my stove top is switched off and whether my door is locked. Phew! I am highly disordered:)) 15. Creases: I never wear unironed clothes. For some wierd reason, I always iron my jeans as well. 16. Modesty is a rare virtue: These days, where the world is fiercely competetitive, I think modesty is long disappeared from our lives. I personally think, and have experienced that even though people might not have anything to brag about, they do. I have met very few succesful people who are humble and modest. 17. Intuition: I consider myself to be very intuitive. Maybe all girls are. But, I have a very strong intuitive power. I can judge a persons mood and his state of mind with his/ her voice and the way he writes. 18. Hospitals make me sick There is something about hospitals. I do not like the feeling of being there. Would not want to elaborate further on this. 19. Fault finders: I abhor people who find fault with everything you do. If it not your clothes, its the way you look. If its not your look, its the way you cook. In short, fault finders find fault even where non exist. The revel in the ego boost they get out of ridiculing people. Of all the people, I can't stand people, who find fault with the food that someone cooks. Considering the fact that, you take so much pains in making the dish and it might happen that something might be amiss. If you can't appreciate the efforts, you don't have any right to condemn, unless you are the one who made it. 20. Expressions: Last but not the least, love people who are expressive. People who can express themselves in a way or the other. Art, music, drama or mere gestures. I am not comfortable in midst of people who are sly and who have flat facial expressions. Wow, am done. Can't believe, I am made of so much that I have so far written 70 things about myself.Hahahahha. Must say, enjoyed writing this.Thank you, Vi. Now, to pass on the honors: I think, I more or less "know" my blog friends here, through their blogs. So would like to tag people who have recently become my friends. Would love it, if they oblige:) They are: Princesse & Gangadhar