Most Indians who come to the States loose a name.To honour the memories of our grandfathers and their grandfathers or grandmothers and their grandmothers we are named after them. And as the Bengali folks say we all have "Bhalo" names. Telugu folks last names are family names. And boy oh boy do we have weird last names.. They are usually either the profession our ancestors followed, our places that they originated from or deities they worshiped etc. I am thankful for this custom because I wouldn't for the world want a father's name/husband's name attached to my name. Because I am defined by me - my name. I would not want to think I belong to my father or husband. I am not an object to belong to another human being. That way I like to have family names because I would like to think that I cannot not belong to a family. I just don't float around in ether!!!
Post marriage women are expected to change their last names to indicate that she has changed families. As is very evident in Indian marriage rituals a lot of things are changed along with the family name. Now what I fail to understand is how does the gothram change? (Gothram indicates the clan you are born into (originates to certain saintly being!!). The concept being you cannot marry into the same clan because you are in some way a sibling of everyone in the same clan.) So anyway how does the clan I am born into change after marriage? I would like to think that my children would belong to the new clan. I just wish that the Shastras had some way to accomodate this changing gotra thingy with a timestamp. Born into this gothra - married into this gothra sort of thing.
What also bothers me primarily is that by changing last names does it mean that I do not belong anymore in the family into which I was born. Am I going to shed them like an old sweater.(That we all cling to old frayed sweaters is a whole other story). In fact, if we look back to the good old days, families were inter- married. A girl is given in marriage to her mother's brother. Why would they do something like that unless the mother wants her daughter to live in the family which she grew up with and loves. Lets face it. We aren't going to love them any less. If anything, we love them even more now that we don't live there anymore. (Personally, I have got to respect my parents even more after getting married. )So why delude ourselves into thinking by just changing names our loyalties change in anyway!!!! Once again, I can drive home my point with the gazillion mega serials on our television channels, especially a certain one that my husband and I just watched a couple of months ago, with Banupriya jumping around during the credits!!!
Now coming back to Indian folks who loose names once they come to the States. My husband lost a part of his name, so did my brother. I think maybe they just picked one and said, I am done with this name. Now my case is a little different from these two... I gained a name... I inherited a middle name and a new last name. BOA couldn't fit my now wonderfully big name on my credit card so they chopped it in ways they deemed right... It bothers me with the brutality with which they hacked a name but hey..like I said, What is in a Name? Its always in the mind..
Friday, December 12, 2008
Sunday, December 07, 2008
J'ai eu un délicieux repas
Last night my husband threw me a surprise dinner party for just the two of us. We went to the L'Espalier located in the Back Bay area of Boston,MA. This was easily one of the most delicious meals of my life.
An avid foodie, I watch the Food Network channel and over the last 2 years learned quite a bit about the difficulties of gourmet cooking. So I appreciated the meal from all angles.
Us Indians have unique food tastes and almost each state in the country has their own unique cuisine just like our languages. But just we say in India there is "Unity in Diversity", there is a unity in our food. Our savories are deliciously savory and most of our sweets are jarringly sweet. Watching our mothers(and their mothers) cook we know that a dollop of ghee(clarified butter) will take a dish to new heights, a dash of milk will give any base a creamier texture and frying anything will make it taste better. So.. French food was a unique experience for me and I had an epiphany. Ah well it isn't exactly an epiphany if dozens of people already know about it but whatever they say about the French it is all true.
Our evening started out with small cheese puffs, which were little bite sized pieces of heaven. I think they were filled with a goat cheese and the pastry shell was just the right bit of flaky. Very quickly our waitress(I am not even sure if I should call her that) came to help us out with the menu( which was primarily in French - which neither my husband nor I know) She suggested we try the autumn degustation on the vegetarian version. Having lived in the States for a couple of years now I am aware of the limitations of knowledge people have about vegetarian food, deeming us to be eating grass most of the time.. So, I had steeled myself to significantly watered down fare.. To add to my fears our hostess said "Don't worry you won't go out of here hungry". It immediately got me thinking "Oh no!! We need to go hunt out some place to eat something on the way home.." But boy oh boy! was I wrong!!!! Shortly afterward we were served appetizers which were once again out of this world. Mine was a little mashed potato dipped in egg and rolled in bread crumbs and Deepak's was a variation on coleslaw.. Reading about it would make them seem like everyday dishes but the flavors were intense.. The chef was able to intensify the flavors of the creamy potato and the egg. I could taste the egg as well as the potato as well as each single bread crumb!!!!! I got a single one and I thought (ever the skeptic) with such small portions I am never going to feel full.. As soon as our plates were removed and our cutlery replaced the soup was brought out.. What I want to keep stressing is that the dishes sound everyday but the flavors were anything but.. Now coming back.. we had cauliflower soup (which based on my attempts at it - can be significantly bland) but quoting Deepak " tasted like amrutham". We were offered a choice of Sourdough, Foccacia,Walnut and a Kalamata Olive bread with little pats of butter. I had the Foccacia and the Olive ones while Deepak had the other two and although I have eaten the Foccacia before never ever ever had such airy bread before.. The Olive bread was also delicious and intense. Our salad course was a tad difficult for me because of the arugala being a tad too spicy for my liking. But again the salad was a combination of sweet and spicy and a bit of tangy thrown in for good measure. Hence the one dish hit different portions of my pallete which never before have had to work all at once. Our main course was slightly Thai based. Dumplings stuffed with ginger and other seasonal vegetables but primarily the ginger taste coming through. They were flanking a blanched Sweet Potato(which I thought was initially mango or papayya - purely based on the visual) which was on a bed of arugala. It came with a bright red bell pepper sauce and was an appealing visual as much as it was to eat. There was also a bite of slightly grilled pineapple. By the end of this Deepak and I were in 7th heaven and mentally blowing kisses to the chef. Our waiter had mentioned that the chef is known for his Risotto and hence I was eagerly awaiting it. Knowing the effort that goes into making the Risotto I wanted to taste this labour of love. And did it live upto its name or what!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Creamy Risotto with some kind of cheese it melted upon hitting the tongue. I am a fan and am now tempted to make it at home though I know that I could never ever re-create the magic.. Post the Risotto yours truly was full beyond measure. I have never been this full in the last 15 years of my life. I can say that confidently because as a kid when we used to go out I have gotten this full. And like a miracle they knew we would be full and waited a bit before they brought on the next course. The next course was a tropical fruit gellato with air bubbles on the side..I mean seriously, it wont do justice to call it foam but if you guys have watched any gourmet cooking show on tv you know what I am talking about!! Now, I am averse to any tropical fruits besides banana but the passion fruit with a hint of peach(thanks to Deepak for discovering this taste) and the tang of the grapefruit. For the first time in my 24 year exsistance I discovered the meaning of the expression melt in your mouth. It just literally melted in my mouth (especially the foam item). We then had our desert course which was again(how does he do it?????????) hitting different palletes (and all were sweet mind you).. One was a Banana flavored Chocolate cream, there was also a marshmellow, a chocolate mousse, yummmo Vanilla Ice cream, and more foam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And of course little candles, as we were celebrating a special occasion in our lives.. Now yours truly was offered and accepted a cappuchino during my desert course, and I had prepared myself as most would that it would taste bitter because of the desert. I was speechless..It stood its ground in spite of the desert. I saved myself some ice -cream to keep an after taste in my mouth (thanks to Dhanalakshmi whom I have been frnds with for too long)
Oh and I almost forgot, we had a cheese course before our desert..... Deepak who is not normally a fan of the cheese loved this experience as much as yours truly who will eat cheese in any which form, shape or size.. I cannot say the names of most of the cheeses I ate, though I did save the menu but every single bite was different from the rest.. We had a variety of cow's milk, goat's milk and sheep's milk cheeses.
Well ladies and gentlemen.. After a three and a half hour, seven course meal with several cutlery changes during the meal, MD and DK were the two most happiest folks on this side of phase earth, although DK bore a slightly significant dent to his wallet!!!
Huge shout out and thank you to Frank McClelland and the numerous gentlemen and the single lady who served us.. I have never eaten such an intensely flavorful meal in my entire life ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And last but not the least a thank you to my husband Deepaku who picked this place, made the reservation and gave me a beautiful meal and memory..
An avid foodie, I watch the Food Network channel and over the last 2 years learned quite a bit about the difficulties of gourmet cooking. So I appreciated the meal from all angles.
Us Indians have unique food tastes and almost each state in the country has their own unique cuisine just like our languages. But just we say in India there is "Unity in Diversity", there is a unity in our food. Our savories are deliciously savory and most of our sweets are jarringly sweet. Watching our mothers(and their mothers) cook we know that a dollop of ghee(clarified butter) will take a dish to new heights, a dash of milk will give any base a creamier texture and frying anything will make it taste better. So.. French food was a unique experience for me and I had an epiphany. Ah well it isn't exactly an epiphany if dozens of people already know about it but whatever they say about the French it is all true.
Our evening started out with small cheese puffs, which were little bite sized pieces of heaven. I think they were filled with a goat cheese and the pastry shell was just the right bit of flaky. Very quickly our waitress(I am not even sure if I should call her that) came to help us out with the menu( which was primarily in French - which neither my husband nor I know) She suggested we try the autumn degustation on the vegetarian version. Having lived in the States for a couple of years now I am aware of the limitations of knowledge people have about vegetarian food, deeming us to be eating grass most of the time.. So, I had steeled myself to significantly watered down fare.. To add to my fears our hostess said "Don't worry you won't go out of here hungry". It immediately got me thinking "Oh no!! We need to go hunt out some place to eat something on the way home.." But boy oh boy! was I wrong!!!! Shortly afterward we were served appetizers which were once again out of this world. Mine was a little mashed potato dipped in egg and rolled in bread crumbs and Deepak's was a variation on coleslaw.. Reading about it would make them seem like everyday dishes but the flavors were intense.. The chef was able to intensify the flavors of the creamy potato and the egg. I could taste the egg as well as the potato as well as each single bread crumb!!!!! I got a single one and I thought (ever the skeptic) with such small portions I am never going to feel full.. As soon as our plates were removed and our cutlery replaced the soup was brought out.. What I want to keep stressing is that the dishes sound everyday but the flavors were anything but.. Now coming back.. we had cauliflower soup (which based on my attempts at it - can be significantly bland) but quoting Deepak " tasted like amrutham". We were offered a choice of Sourdough, Foccacia,Walnut and a Kalamata Olive bread with little pats of butter. I had the Foccacia and the Olive ones while Deepak had the other two and although I have eaten the Foccacia before never ever ever had such airy bread before.. The Olive bread was also delicious and intense. Our salad course was a tad difficult for me because of the arugala being a tad too spicy for my liking. But again the salad was a combination of sweet and spicy and a bit of tangy thrown in for good measure. Hence the one dish hit different portions of my pallete which never before have had to work all at once. Our main course was slightly Thai based. Dumplings stuffed with ginger and other seasonal vegetables but primarily the ginger taste coming through. They were flanking a blanched Sweet Potato(which I thought was initially mango or papayya - purely based on the visual) which was on a bed of arugala. It came with a bright red bell pepper sauce and was an appealing visual as much as it was to eat. There was also a bite of slightly grilled pineapple. By the end of this Deepak and I were in 7th heaven and mentally blowing kisses to the chef. Our waiter had mentioned that the chef is known for his Risotto and hence I was eagerly awaiting it. Knowing the effort that goes into making the Risotto I wanted to taste this labour of love. And did it live upto its name or what!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Creamy Risotto with some kind of cheese it melted upon hitting the tongue. I am a fan and am now tempted to make it at home though I know that I could never ever re-create the magic.. Post the Risotto yours truly was full beyond measure. I have never been this full in the last 15 years of my life. I can say that confidently because as a kid when we used to go out I have gotten this full. And like a miracle they knew we would be full and waited a bit before they brought on the next course. The next course was a tropical fruit gellato with air bubbles on the side..I mean seriously, it wont do justice to call it foam but if you guys have watched any gourmet cooking show on tv you know what I am talking about!! Now, I am averse to any tropical fruits besides banana but the passion fruit with a hint of peach(thanks to Deepak for discovering this taste) and the tang of the grapefruit. For the first time in my 24 year exsistance I discovered the meaning of the expression melt in your mouth. It just literally melted in my mouth (especially the foam item). We then had our desert course which was again(how does he do it?????????) hitting different palletes (and all were sweet mind you).. One was a Banana flavored Chocolate cream, there was also a marshmellow, a chocolate mousse, yummmo Vanilla Ice cream, and more foam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And of course little candles, as we were celebrating a special occasion in our lives.. Now yours truly was offered and accepted a cappuchino during my desert course, and I had prepared myself as most would that it would taste bitter because of the desert. I was speechless..It stood its ground in spite of the desert. I saved myself some ice -cream to keep an after taste in my mouth (thanks to Dhanalakshmi whom I have been frnds with for too long)
Oh and I almost forgot, we had a cheese course before our desert..... Deepak who is not normally a fan of the cheese loved this experience as much as yours truly who will eat cheese in any which form, shape or size.. I cannot say the names of most of the cheeses I ate, though I did save the menu but every single bite was different from the rest.. We had a variety of cow's milk, goat's milk and sheep's milk cheeses.
Well ladies and gentlemen.. After a three and a half hour, seven course meal with several cutlery changes during the meal, MD and DK were the two most happiest folks on this side of phase earth, although DK bore a slightly significant dent to his wallet!!!
Huge shout out and thank you to Frank McClelland and the numerous gentlemen and the single lady who served us.. I have never eaten such an intensely flavorful meal in my entire life ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! And last but not the least a thank you to my husband Deepaku who picked this place, made the reservation and gave me a beautiful meal and memory..
Monday, December 01, 2008
Asked to be tagged
Normally I dont force people to tag me... LOL!!! he he.. But this time I requested I be tagged by Sam I have a final in about 3 days and as usual I am sitting here writing blog post. Here goes..
Your oldest memories
1) Watching Dalapathi with my dad in Devi theatre (I think)
2) Getting ready to go to Hyd after final exam(same day) to catch the Hyderabad Express.
3) Spending hours at R's house playing with her Baby Alive
What were you doing 10 years ago?
10 years ago I was 14. So I was in 10th. And you know all the good stuff that happens with board exams etc.. But I also remember Phanindra's tution and the irritating folks who went there..(Not you Archu) I meant the others!!! It was also the time when I was finding out about myself and I made frnds with K who I am frnds with till date.. I also discovered the value of my math teacher Mrs.Grace whom I hated with a vengeance before that. It was also the year I read "Not Without My Daughter" for the first time. I was also living in the Lloyds Road house where everyone around me went to DAV... Ah I can go on and on.. I think I also read Sidney Sheldon's Tell me Your Dreams coz V made me go to Eashwari and borrow it. I also think I read the un-abridged Pygmalion that year..
Your first thought in the morning
This morning it was Thank God it is Monday..ha ha..(I dont work on Mondays you see). I usually think about what I need to get done that day. Earlier it used to be what should I wear..
If you built a time capsule it would have
Two of everything.. ha ha ha..
This year..
I started my masters which was sort of my dream. I also think I improved as a cook, fell all over in love again with my husband, missed my frnds, have two licenses in two countries where people drive on opposite sides of the road, grew up in ways I could never imagine!!!
What do you see yourself doing 14 years from now
Who knows?? I don't think that much in advance.. I am a live in the moment kind of grl..No not really!! ha ha.. I probably plan a few months in advance.. More than a decade no way..
Your oldest memories
1) Watching Dalapathi with my dad in Devi theatre (I think)
2) Getting ready to go to Hyd after final exam(same day) to catch the Hyderabad Express.
3) Spending hours at R's house playing with her Baby Alive
What were you doing 10 years ago?
10 years ago I was 14. So I was in 10th. And you know all the good stuff that happens with board exams etc.. But I also remember Phanindra's tution and the irritating folks who went there..(Not you Archu) I meant the others!!! It was also the time when I was finding out about myself and I made frnds with K who I am frnds with till date.. I also discovered the value of my math teacher Mrs.Grace whom I hated with a vengeance before that. It was also the year I read "Not Without My Daughter" for the first time. I was also living in the Lloyds Road house where everyone around me went to DAV... Ah I can go on and on.. I think I also read Sidney Sheldon's Tell me Your Dreams coz V made me go to Eashwari and borrow it. I also think I read the un-abridged Pygmalion that year..
Your first thought in the morning
This morning it was Thank God it is Monday..ha ha..(I dont work on Mondays you see). I usually think about what I need to get done that day. Earlier it used to be what should I wear..
If you built a time capsule it would have
Two of everything.. ha ha ha..
This year..
I started my masters which was sort of my dream. I also think I improved as a cook, fell all over in love again with my husband, missed my frnds, have two licenses in two countries where people drive on opposite sides of the road, grew up in ways I could never imagine!!!
What do you see yourself doing 14 years from now
Who knows?? I don't think that much in advance.. I am a live in the moment kind of grl..No not really!! ha ha.. I probably plan a few months in advance.. More than a decade no way..
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Family Values
I would like to think I am a social person. I have been known to accost people and make frnds with them. I have made frnds in the strangest of circumstances. Like A who I met at Amethyst because she was a frnd of a frnd, or V who was my frnd's grl frnd. At Church Park, I was one who flitted between two rival gangs coz I had frnds in both. I remember L writing me a letter where she wrote and I quote" When I was forced to choose sides you taught me to choose none". So I went to and hosted cool co-ed dance parties while simultaneously going to watch movies in all girl groups. It took me probably all of about 1 week to make frnds with N at SVCE. And there were my families. Wow!! Anyone who went to SVCE between the years 2001 - 2005 had definitely heard about us. We were all strong, different minded individuals who became frnds with Family Values. Again, I hung with the wild crowd(N is going to kill me for this) while simultaneously being a member of ELEMENTS where the gang was relatively chammatu. Wipro brought on the POTS out of which two of us were thrown out because we got married. (Trust me, you don't want to know!!)
Now, getting to the point that I want to make, whenever we attend parties, I am hunting for frnds, every party that we attend, I am hunting out similar age couples to hang out with and do -couply things!!! Before attending the last party that we did, I made a list of all the young, married couples going to be there and told my husband to cover the husbands while I attack the wives!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So much so, that now its reached comical proportions. So if there are any couples living in Boston area give me a shout out.. ha ha ha... What else is a blog for..
Now, getting to the point that I want to make, whenever we attend parties, I am hunting for frnds, every party that we attend, I am hunting out similar age couples to hang out with and do -couply things!!! Before attending the last party that we did, I made a list of all the young, married couples going to be there and told my husband to cover the husbands while I attack the wives!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So much so, that now its reached comical proportions. So if there are any couples living in Boston area give me a shout out.. ha ha ha... What else is a blog for..
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Abhishtu Abhishtu
The cattle industry in the United States comprised a relatively setable 33 million head that were replaced by roughly 5.7 million beef calves - both male and female - each year.
There were nearly 9 million dairy cows in the United States requiring 4.1 million replacement heifers each year.
In the United States the $11 billion pork industry was vertically integrated and highly concentrated.
Management of Technology - Fall 2008 ($3150)
I was a tad amazed and quite grossed and wondering what a Masters candidate of Information Technology doing learning this. Thankfully, the $3150 is not coming out of my pocket.
Added about 10 minutes later
After a certain company conducted research and here is the quote "We conducted focus groups and when we looked at the data it was clear that the public had a very 'comic book' perception of what cloning was. In their mind they saw adult animals leaping fully grown from giant petrie dishes, which they certainly didn't want in their food."
To date clones had only been produced in small numbers under a "one off" approach. Going forward, clones would need to be produced by the thousands to fulfill commercial demand.
So I did get some useful information and some portion of the $3150 is worth it. I am still glad its not coming out of my pocket though
There were nearly 9 million dairy cows in the United States requiring 4.1 million replacement heifers each year.
In the United States the $11 billion pork industry was vertically integrated and highly concentrated.
Management of Technology - Fall 2008 ($3150)
I was a tad amazed and quite grossed and wondering what a Masters candidate of Information Technology doing learning this. Thankfully, the $3150 is not coming out of my pocket.
Added about 10 minutes later
After a certain company conducted research and here is the quote "We conducted focus groups and when we looked at the data it was clear that the public had a very 'comic book' perception of what cloning was. In their mind they saw adult animals leaping fully grown from giant petrie dishes, which they certainly didn't want in their food."
To date clones had only been produced in small numbers under a "one off" approach. Going forward, clones would need to be produced by the thousands to fulfill commercial demand.
So I did get some useful information and some portion of the $3150 is worth it. I am still glad its not coming out of my pocket though
Thursday, November 06, 2008
A dedication to NH4 and 35
To those who don't know NH4 is a highway connecting Chennai and Mumbai passing through Pune, Hubli and Bangalore. What Wikipedia failed to mention was it also passes through a significant monument we folks call SVCE, Pennalur. A significant part of my life in SVCE was bus no 35. N and I had long conversations and did a lot of soul searching on the gazillions of trips we made on that road in that bus. What we let off a few years ago, she resumed.. So here goes..
1) Ye Rozu Aithe Choosane Ninnu
This song is from a movie called Gulabi. This song has relieved many a headache that I have had and I absolutely love.
2)Yennai Kanavilaye Netrodu
Well this technically isn't a duet but many men sang it, so I am going to call it a duet. More than anything I really like the lyrics of this song. With my limited understanding of poetic tamil this song is as easy hear.
3)Hey GoodBye Nanba
This song is like an absolute fun song and I really really like the picturization. Once again, lyrically an easy song and beautiful picturization. The dynamics between them is cute.
4)Suraj Hua Madham
Need I say more. SRK and Kajol!!! Enough Said
5)Halla Gulla
This is the Bombay Halla Gulla (in case you dint hit the link). To be honest I don't know why I like this song. But I just do. I like the national integration lyrics that come somewhere halfway through the song.
6)Katre Yen Vasal Vandhal
This is a very relaxing song. I like the melody and to sound like a CTG (Crazy Teenage Girl) this was my caller back tune when Deepak and I spoke to each other. So this was the first piece of info he had about me :P
7)Thotu Thotu Yennai
I like the beats and the tune. I like the yenge naan ponalum part of the song. Once again, very cute naive picturization that I like.
8)Vennilave Vennilave
This is the one from Minsara Kanavu. Beautiful song. Beautiful lyrics. Beautiful chemistry between Kajol and Prabhu Deva. And pavam Aravind Swamy at the end of the song.
9) Irava Pagala
To be honest, I don't know who sang this song. But I really really really like it. Very calming and relaxing and cute.
10)Dekho Na
This is the Baba rip off in Swades. But I like this subtler version and also the romance between them.
To me there are a lot of factors that go into a song than just the music. When I listened to the song, does it hold any significance to me. Also, I don't listen to too much Tamil Music. I was initiated into Tamil songs by N. Also, these are restricted to two people in the song.
1) Ye Rozu Aithe Choosane Ninnu
This song is from a movie called Gulabi. This song has relieved many a headache that I have had and I absolutely love.
2)Yennai Kanavilaye Netrodu
Well this technically isn't a duet but many men sang it, so I am going to call it a duet. More than anything I really like the lyrics of this song. With my limited understanding of poetic tamil this song is as easy hear.
3)Hey GoodBye Nanba
This song is like an absolute fun song and I really really like the picturization. Once again, lyrically an easy song and beautiful picturization. The dynamics between them is cute.
4)Suraj Hua Madham
Need I say more. SRK and Kajol!!! Enough Said
5)Halla Gulla
This is the Bombay Halla Gulla (in case you dint hit the link). To be honest I don't know why I like this song. But I just do. I like the national integration lyrics that come somewhere halfway through the song.
6)Katre Yen Vasal Vandhal
This is a very relaxing song. I like the melody and to sound like a CTG (Crazy Teenage Girl) this was my caller back tune when Deepak and I spoke to each other. So this was the first piece of info he had about me :P
7)Thotu Thotu Yennai
I like the beats and the tune. I like the yenge naan ponalum part of the song. Once again, very cute naive picturization that I like.
8)Vennilave Vennilave
This is the one from Minsara Kanavu. Beautiful song. Beautiful lyrics. Beautiful chemistry between Kajol and Prabhu Deva. And pavam Aravind Swamy at the end of the song.
9) Irava Pagala
To be honest, I don't know who sang this song. But I really really really like it. Very calming and relaxing and cute.
10)Dekho Na
This is the Baba rip off in Swades. But I like this subtler version and also the romance between them.
To me there are a lot of factors that go into a song than just the music. When I listened to the song, does it hold any significance to me. Also, I don't listen to too much Tamil Music. I was initiated into Tamil songs by N. Also, these are restricted to two people in the song.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Vroom Theory
I am really stumped with this piece of information
The probability of reaching goal called Expectancy
The probability that the goal will actually produce the desired results called Instrumenality
The probability that the results are indeed desirable and satisfying called Valence
Motivation = Expectancy * Instrumentality * Valence
Who would have thunk that motivation can be reduced to a simple mathematical expression. And for those of you who want to look it up.. It IS called VROOM Theory
The probability of reaching goal called Expectancy
The probability that the goal will actually produce the desired results called Instrumenality
The probability that the results are indeed desirable and satisfying called Valence
Motivation = Expectancy * Instrumentality * Valence
Who would have thunk that motivation can be reduced to a simple mathematical expression. And for those of you who want to look it up.. It IS called VROOM Theory
Friday, October 24, 2008
Untag - Tag
What time did you get up this morning?
With a certain reluctance at 6:30 am
Diamonds or pearls?
Diamonds
What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
Burn after Reading and Saroja
What is your favorite TV show?
I data stream. I love Gilmore Girls. Because most folks around me watch some soap or the other I am trying to catch Desperate Housewives and Starter Wife when I can.
What do you usually have for breakfast?
Cereal in the summer. Oatmeal in the winter. Orange Juice and an occasional cup of Coffee
What is your middle name?
Legally its Desirazu (A former last name). Otherwise its nothing.
What food do you dislike?
None in particular. After some thought Sushi maybe
What kind of car do you drive?
The kind with four wheels and a steering wheel.
Favorite sandwich?
Grilled Cheese. It can also be the Subway Veggie Patty on Italians Herbs and Cheese
What characteristic do you despise?
Stupidity
Favorite item of clothing?
Coats/ Blazers.
If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?
Europe
What color is your bathroom?
Well one is white with Black stuff in it and the other is a blend of brunt orange and olive green. (Very Fall-y)
Favorite brand name of clothing?
FabIndia any day
Where would you retire to?
At the expense of sounding mokke - To my bed. Don't think that far ahead
What was your most memorable birthday?
21st. On the train back from Ooty with frnds.
Favorite sport to watch?
Being from Boston, I can't say none. So well ummm Golf!!!
Farthest place you are sending this?
Well I am going to tag N in Ohio and N in Wisconsin..
Favorite saying?
If all the world is a stage where is the audience. Live and Let Live
When is your birthday?
A long time away
Are you a morning person or a night person?
I used to be a night person but of late I am turning into an afternoon person.
What is your shoe size?
9 1/2
Pets?
No. Don't care too much for them.
Any new and exciting news you’d like to share with us?
I got a new plum sateen coat that looks super cool
What did you want to be when you were little?
I wanted to be a bunch of things. I think I went from Cardiac Surgeon to Computer Scientist to Food Critic to Playback Singer to Film Director.
I am an information technology engineer though.
What are you wearing today?
Black pants and a semi - formal orange top(courtesy mom)and a jeans jacket
What is your favorite candy?
Not much of a candy person. Like Chocolate though.
What is your favorite flower?
Not a big fan of flowers. Like looking at tulips though.
What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to?
Day as such I am not too sure. But if I had to pick a date it would be Dec 6th.
What church do you attend?
I used to go to the church in my school when I was little.
What are you listening to right now?
Nothing. Silence
What was the last thing you ate?
Kellogs Raisin Bran Crunch
Do you wish on stars?
Nope
If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Purple
How is the weather right now?
Freezing. It was 27 degrees this morning.
Last person you spoke to on the phone?
D
Do you like the person who sent this to you?
Yeah I guess :D Considering that she dint send it but I stole it from her.
Favorite soft drink?
Pepsi with Lime in it.
Favorite restaurant?
Kebab Factory in India, Cedars in Seattle, Red Sea Restaurant in South Boston.
Hair color?
Black
Favorite day of the year?
As a kid I used to love my birthday. Now I jus don't care
What was your favorite toy as a child?
My Doctor Barbie
Summer or winter?
Winters anyday
Hugs or Kisses?
Hugs
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Depends on my mood
When was the last time you cried?
I don't remember. Maybe when my parents went back to India.
What is under your bed?
Carpet
What did you do last night?
I wrote a mid-term.
Favorite smell?
Coffee. Chanel no 5
What are you afraid of?
Drowning
Plain, buttered, or salted Popcorn?
Masala Popcorn
How many keys on your key ring?
3
How many years at your current job?
Half a semester
Favorite day of the week?
Of late Friday nights
How many cities have you lived in?
5. Madras, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Edmonds, Boston
Do you make friends easily?
Totally
How many people will you be sending this to?
2
With a certain reluctance at 6:30 am
Diamonds or pearls?
Diamonds
What was the last film you saw at the cinema?
Burn after Reading and Saroja
What is your favorite TV show?
I data stream. I love Gilmore Girls. Because most folks around me watch some soap or the other I am trying to catch Desperate Housewives and Starter Wife when I can.
What do you usually have for breakfast?
Cereal in the summer. Oatmeal in the winter. Orange Juice and an occasional cup of Coffee
What is your middle name?
Legally its Desirazu (A former last name). Otherwise its nothing.
What food do you dislike?
None in particular. After some thought Sushi maybe
What kind of car do you drive?
The kind with four wheels and a steering wheel.
Favorite sandwich?
Grilled Cheese. It can also be the Subway Veggie Patty on Italians Herbs and Cheese
What characteristic do you despise?
Stupidity
Favorite item of clothing?
Coats/ Blazers.
If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you go?
Europe
What color is your bathroom?
Well one is white with Black stuff in it and the other is a blend of brunt orange and olive green. (Very Fall-y)
Favorite brand name of clothing?
FabIndia any day
Where would you retire to?
At the expense of sounding mokke - To my bed. Don't think that far ahead
What was your most memorable birthday?
21st. On the train back from Ooty with frnds.
Favorite sport to watch?
Being from Boston, I can't say none. So well ummm Golf!!!
Farthest place you are sending this?
Well I am going to tag N in Ohio and N in Wisconsin..
Favorite saying?
If all the world is a stage where is the audience. Live and Let Live
When is your birthday?
A long time away
Are you a morning person or a night person?
I used to be a night person but of late I am turning into an afternoon person.
What is your shoe size?
9 1/2
Pets?
No. Don't care too much for them.
Any new and exciting news you’d like to share with us?
I got a new plum sateen coat that looks super cool
What did you want to be when you were little?
I wanted to be a bunch of things. I think I went from Cardiac Surgeon to Computer Scientist to Food Critic to Playback Singer to Film Director.
I am an information technology engineer though.
What are you wearing today?
Black pants and a semi - formal orange top(courtesy mom)and a jeans jacket
What is your favorite candy?
Not much of a candy person. Like Chocolate though.
What is your favorite flower?
Not a big fan of flowers. Like looking at tulips though.
What is a day on the calendar you are looking forward to?
Day as such I am not too sure. But if I had to pick a date it would be Dec 6th.
What church do you attend?
I used to go to the church in my school when I was little.
What are you listening to right now?
Nothing. Silence
What was the last thing you ate?
Kellogs Raisin Bran Crunch
Do you wish on stars?
Nope
If you were a crayon, what color would you be?
Purple
How is the weather right now?
Freezing. It was 27 degrees this morning.
Last person you spoke to on the phone?
D
Do you like the person who sent this to you?
Yeah I guess :D Considering that she dint send it but I stole it from her.
Favorite soft drink?
Pepsi with Lime in it.
Favorite restaurant?
Kebab Factory in India, Cedars in Seattle, Red Sea Restaurant in South Boston.
Hair color?
Black
Favorite day of the year?
As a kid I used to love my birthday. Now I jus don't care
What was your favorite toy as a child?
My Doctor Barbie
Summer or winter?
Winters anyday
Hugs or Kisses?
Hugs
Chocolate or Vanilla?
Depends on my mood
When was the last time you cried?
I don't remember. Maybe when my parents went back to India.
What is under your bed?
Carpet
What did you do last night?
I wrote a mid-term.
Favorite smell?
Coffee. Chanel no 5
What are you afraid of?
Drowning
Plain, buttered, or salted Popcorn?
Masala Popcorn
How many keys on your key ring?
3
How many years at your current job?
Half a semester
Favorite day of the week?
Of late Friday nights
How many cities have you lived in?
5. Madras, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Edmonds, Boston
Do you make friends easily?
Totally
How many people will you be sending this to?
2
Friday, October 03, 2008
Desultory Deliberation
Can you know more about a person based on the books he/she reads? Would it make a difference if he/she doesn't read at all?
Do you think that engineers create products without understanding markets? Which leads me to the eternal question - Which came first the product or the need for it? haar haar haar
While hunting for that image I came up across this interesting piece of information. I assure you that I cant vouch for the autenticity of the information
"Put simply, the reason is down to the fact that genetic material does not change during an animalal's life. Therefore, the first bird that evolved into what we would call a chicken, probably in prehistoric times, must have first existed as an embryo inside an egg." Professor John Brookfield, a specialist in evolutionary genetics at the University of Nottingham, told the UK Press Association "the pecking order was clear."
Might be as old as the hills but as I am typing to the Ace of Base song "All that She wants". Does it remind you of the beat in the "Telephone Manipol" song from Indian
Do you think that engineers create products without understanding markets? Which leads me to the eternal question - Which came first the product or the need for it? haar haar haar
While hunting for that image I came up across this interesting piece of information. I assure you that I cant vouch for the autenticity of the information
"Put simply, the reason is down to the fact that genetic material does not change during an animalal's life. Therefore, the first bird that evolved into what we would call a chicken, probably in prehistoric times, must have first existed as an embryo inside an egg." Professor John Brookfield, a specialist in evolutionary genetics at the University of Nottingham, told the UK Press Association "the pecking order was clear."
Might be as old as the hills but as I am typing to the Ace of Base song "All that She wants". Does it remind you of the beat in the "Telephone Manipol" song from Indian
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Tan colored capri pants
I must take this oppurtunity to say that I have had it with people. People in general and nosy invasive people in particular. Folks who want to know what career choices I am making, when my husband and I plan to visit India, when we plan to have children or better yet telling me when to have children, where to look for houses, the easiest way to host 15 ppl (when I am going to host people is beyond me).I mean I have had it with people in general. Attended a desi birthday party last week and came home with a dull headach and a bunch of laughes. Loud music, parents trying to show off their kids apparent talents, pre-teen girls acting wiser than their age with make up, tons of jarring sweets. Its a 10 year olds birthday. Dont play bingo at it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Buy some pizza, cake and juice, have a bunch of kids over and let them play with the Wii.. D and I decided that our kids are not going to have any birthday parties with adults in them (till they become adults themselves). I used to go for dozens of these things as a kid myself and have had oh about 15 of them before I stopped but there were no adults at most of them. Atleast besides the kid's parents.
When one gets on the plane I think some sense of warped desi-ness props up. A holier- than-thou attitude. I was at the gym a few weeks ago when a nice young lady told me and I quote "I used to be like you. But now I have improved. My MIL has taught me how to be a good wife." I take freaking umbrage lady. I am a great wife. Excuse me if I don't get up at 5 am like an idiot to cook lunch for my husband when I can do it the night before. I also don't like the kind who proclaim that all things desi are soo archaic and try really hard to adapt with the life here and fail miserably. I know someone who is learning "Lawn Tennis"!!!!!
And what is with the dressing like "items". They are soooo awkward in clothes they evidently havent worn before. I mean there isn't a soul here who hasn't heard of India, why not wear clothes you are comfortable with instead of looking weird and extremely out of place.
On a tangential note, I spoke to a couple of my friends last week.. I must be honest it was soooo nice to hear familiar voices and familiar terms.. Took a while to get to common ground which saddened me a little bit.These are folks that I spent everyday of 4 years of my bachelors with. Spent hours talking with.. But I have to say I am super happy to be back on track.
And first prize to guess what the whole thing has to do with tan colored capri pants..
When one gets on the plane I think some sense of warped desi-ness props up. A holier- than-thou attitude. I was at the gym a few weeks ago when a nice young lady told me and I quote "I used to be like you. But now I have improved. My MIL has taught me how to be a good wife." I take freaking umbrage lady. I am a great wife. Excuse me if I don't get up at 5 am like an idiot to cook lunch for my husband when I can do it the night before. I also don't like the kind who proclaim that all things desi are soo archaic and try really hard to adapt with the life here and fail miserably. I know someone who is learning "Lawn Tennis"!!!!!
And what is with the dressing like "items". They are soooo awkward in clothes they evidently havent worn before. I mean there isn't a soul here who hasn't heard of India, why not wear clothes you are comfortable with instead of looking weird and extremely out of place.
On a tangential note, I spoke to a couple of my friends last week.. I must be honest it was soooo nice to hear familiar voices and familiar terms.. Took a while to get to common ground which saddened me a little bit.These are folks that I spent everyday of 4 years of my bachelors with. Spent hours talking with.. But I have to say I am super happy to be back on track.
And first prize to guess what the whole thing has to do with tan colored capri pants..
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Random Musings
I just discovered that I am not a big fan of Greek Yogurt. Now that could also be bcoz I ate non - fat plain. It was a tad too thick for my taste. I topped it up with some granola and a dash of honey. Maybe I should buy some flavored.
D and I have been trying to eat healthier of late. Which means that there are more trips to Whole Foods. But both of us are discovering interesting flavors. From the awesomely sweet Maple Syrups to the different types of cheeses including the soy - cheeses( which isnt as bad as it sounds!!!). I am going through a phase of experimenting with different types of granolas. D is attempting buckwheat. You need to boil it till the water evaporates and then add milk. I must warn you that it needs to be flavored quite a bit coz its pretty bland (well that is an understatement) I put in maple syrup/honey, bananas (or watever fruit you have at hand). I pretty much follow the recipe but I dont have patience waiting for the water to evaporate so I cook it in the pressure cooker.
We also switched oils. From Canola to Vegetable Oil. I usually have EVOO lying around the house as well. But sometimes you cant cook Indian with EVOO and of course we cant fry with it. I am really proud of myself coz I can actually differentiate between the canola and the vegetable. Something I couldn't do till atleast 6 months ago.
Oh! Oh! I also tried brown rice. Now tell me.. Has anyone eaten anything more buttery.. more nuttier than brown rice. And no.. Its no fancy pants brown rice from any organic store - Its the stuff one gets at the regular super market. I think that I am officially a convert. A while ago I had also bought Quinoa. I am not sure if I cooked it right but I wasnt a big fan. So the box is sitting on my kitchen shelf hidden behind boxes of my spices. I also gave whole wheat couscous a shot.. Yummo!! But again I load it up with veggies. Anything on hand.
Last weekend I made hummus. It was nice.. Maybe something was lacking.. It dint taste exactly like the store bought one so maybe I did something wrong!!
I donno if its possible. But I think I am getting a lil sick of cereal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyone who knows me even remotely knows that I can survive on cereal. I can eat three courses of it. But for the last few days it aint appealing to me much. a ten year run is coming to a slow down. I dont want it to stop.
I can strongly say that N is an inspiration for urs truly spending more time in the kitchen.
On a tangential note (its not even tangential its probably in a totally other quadrant). As folks get older I think they get a lil cranky and nutty. I just discovered first hand from an aunt of mine. I mean I have learnt manners from this aunt but I jus discovered that maybe as they grow older they kinda jus un learn all the stuff.. Reminds me of the stuff I read in the poem from All The World Is a Stage.
Well that is jus me cribbing but where better to do it tell me???
D and I have been trying to eat healthier of late. Which means that there are more trips to Whole Foods. But both of us are discovering interesting flavors. From the awesomely sweet Maple Syrups to the different types of cheeses including the soy - cheeses( which isnt as bad as it sounds!!!). I am going through a phase of experimenting with different types of granolas. D is attempting buckwheat. You need to boil it till the water evaporates and then add milk. I must warn you that it needs to be flavored quite a bit coz its pretty bland (well that is an understatement) I put in maple syrup/honey, bananas (or watever fruit you have at hand). I pretty much follow the recipe but I dont have patience waiting for the water to evaporate so I cook it in the pressure cooker.
We also switched oils. From Canola to Vegetable Oil. I usually have EVOO lying around the house as well. But sometimes you cant cook Indian with EVOO and of course we cant fry with it. I am really proud of myself coz I can actually differentiate between the canola and the vegetable. Something I couldn't do till atleast 6 months ago.
Oh! Oh! I also tried brown rice. Now tell me.. Has anyone eaten anything more buttery.. more nuttier than brown rice. And no.. Its no fancy pants brown rice from any organic store - Its the stuff one gets at the regular super market. I think that I am officially a convert. A while ago I had also bought Quinoa. I am not sure if I cooked it right but I wasnt a big fan. So the box is sitting on my kitchen shelf hidden behind boxes of my spices. I also gave whole wheat couscous a shot.. Yummo!! But again I load it up with veggies. Anything on hand.
Last weekend I made hummus. It was nice.. Maybe something was lacking.. It dint taste exactly like the store bought one so maybe I did something wrong!!
I donno if its possible. But I think I am getting a lil sick of cereal!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Anyone who knows me even remotely knows that I can survive on cereal. I can eat three courses of it. But for the last few days it aint appealing to me much. a ten year run is coming to a slow down. I dont want it to stop.
I can strongly say that N is an inspiration for urs truly spending more time in the kitchen.
On a tangential note (its not even tangential its probably in a totally other quadrant). As folks get older I think they get a lil cranky and nutty. I just discovered first hand from an aunt of mine. I mean I have learnt manners from this aunt but I jus discovered that maybe as they grow older they kinda jus un learn all the stuff.. Reminds me of the stuff I read in the poem from All The World Is a Stage.
Well that is jus me cribbing but where better to do it tell me???
Tuesday, September 02, 2008
All's well that ends well
The last few weeks have been of mixed emotions. But predominantly with an under current of uncertainty. Then finally the heavens shined forth and I decided what is that I wanted to do and heaved a sigh of relief and learning never to put things off until the last minute. Another thing I discovered in the last few weeks was that my husband and I have learned to enjoy our silences as much as we do when we are doing other things.
We went to Cape Cod last weekend and had a glorious day catching the wee end of the summer. We went on the water scooter and I sat frozen behind D miles into the sea without a tether and knew that if we fell off the bike I was doomed.. Then we went to Provincetown literally to the "place where there was nowhere left to go". We swam a little in the Atlantic and loved the sun. We enjoyed the sun tons that day. We packed a lunch dominated with Garbanzo in a variety of forms. Hummus and Channa!!! (I dint realize that until I got there). To go with that I threw in some bread. We also packed apples and some Tropicana Fruit Punch. We ended the day by picking up food at Subway as either of us were exhausted to cook.
The Labor Day weekend we decided to make good use of the sunny days before Fall sets in and get ready for the Wonderful (and I am not being sarcastic) New England winter. We watched Tropic Thunder Friday night. We played tennis on Saturday morning while a softball match was going on behind us. We decided to be all artsy in the evening and went to Boston's South End. We had a superb time acting all appalled at prices of shirts in Neiman Marcus and taking pictures near the Fountain at the Church of the Scientist building also in South End. Ended the day with dinner at PF Changs and a Great Wall of Chocolate cake. On Sunday D cooked his world famous sambhar. Afternoon we set out to see the Mansions in Rhode Island and the Tennis Hall of Fame. For a few minutes I was transported back to the Jane Austen books of balls and courtyards and balconies. The Rosecliff reminded me of the old Peters Road House. Here I saw a maid dressed in the good old maid's outfit - full sleeved black dress with a white apron and white lil hat thingy. I felt a tad sad for her as it was a good 90 degrees outside. I also saw a family trying desparately hard not to be Desi which kinda got to me!!!!!! The high temp caused D and me hunting for a soda shop but we finally ended up in a Whole Foods type store sharing a bag of chips and some fig bar (Heavenly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!).
Monday we went to the temple and met some family for lunch and packed in a good desi lunch discussing their baby( now two months old) and the sambhar. Monday winded down with D and me jus sitting down each with our books and some music.
All's well that ends well.
We went to Cape Cod last weekend and had a glorious day catching the wee end of the summer. We went on the water scooter and I sat frozen behind D miles into the sea without a tether and knew that if we fell off the bike I was doomed.. Then we went to Provincetown literally to the "place where there was nowhere left to go". We swam a little in the Atlantic and loved the sun. We enjoyed the sun tons that day. We packed a lunch dominated with Garbanzo in a variety of forms. Hummus and Channa!!! (I dint realize that until I got there). To go with that I threw in some bread. We also packed apples and some Tropicana Fruit Punch. We ended the day by picking up food at Subway as either of us were exhausted to cook.
The Labor Day weekend we decided to make good use of the sunny days before Fall sets in and get ready for the Wonderful (and I am not being sarcastic) New England winter. We watched Tropic Thunder Friday night. We played tennis on Saturday morning while a softball match was going on behind us. We decided to be all artsy in the evening and went to Boston's South End. We had a superb time acting all appalled at prices of shirts in Neiman Marcus and taking pictures near the Fountain at the Church of the Scientist building also in South End. Ended the day with dinner at PF Changs and a Great Wall of Chocolate cake. On Sunday D cooked his world famous sambhar. Afternoon we set out to see the Mansions in Rhode Island and the Tennis Hall of Fame. For a few minutes I was transported back to the Jane Austen books of balls and courtyards and balconies. The Rosecliff reminded me of the old Peters Road House. Here I saw a maid dressed in the good old maid's outfit - full sleeved black dress with a white apron and white lil hat thingy. I felt a tad sad for her as it was a good 90 degrees outside. I also saw a family trying desparately hard not to be Desi which kinda got to me!!!!!! The high temp caused D and me hunting for a soda shop but we finally ended up in a Whole Foods type store sharing a bag of chips and some fig bar (Heavenly!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!).
Monday we went to the temple and met some family for lunch and packed in a good desi lunch discussing their baby( now two months old) and the sambhar. Monday winded down with D and me jus sitting down each with our books and some music.
All's well that ends well.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Sometimes..
Transferring A Registration on A Newly Acquired Vehicle
The owner, if a person , must be at least 18 years old.
As opposed to cows which can be 5 I guess
In case it wasnt too visible. The caption was "All Lanes Closed"
And we would all just float in ether near the George Washington Bridge if we want to get to New England.
Near here are buried British Soldiers
An extremely personalized tomb stone!!!!!!!!!!!!
The owner, if a person , must be at least 18 years old.
As opposed to cows which can be 5 I guess
In case it wasnt too visible. The caption was "All Lanes Closed"
And we would all just float in ether near the George Washington Bridge if we want to get to New England.
Near here are buried British Soldiers
An extremely personalized tomb stone!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Hum Logon ko Samaj Sakho Tho...
Dropping of my family at the airport and returning home I was overcome with certain strong emotions. Not just because they were leaving but because of our living here!!! There are certain times when I just dont get the point of living so far away from familiar sights, family and friends.. (Currently none of my close frnds except for one live in Madras but you get the point!!) I was taken over by emotion for a few minutes and I felt sad for my husband and I. D promptly cheered me up and within 5 minutes of leaving the aiprort parking lot. I guess I had an immigrant moment which hazaars of families have had before me.. But hey it was a first for me.. Came back to our empty apartment and now a week later the suitcases that we cleared out of the guest bedroom are back in. The towels they left are washed and back in the closet and the tomato chutney that amma made is all eaten up..
Went for the India Day celebrations this weekend on the Esplanade by the Charles. I dint know that this many Desis lived in and around Boston. Salwar clad ladies and some kurta'd and some not kurta'd men standing in long lines to eat chat and drink sugar can juice... Hazaars of junta danced to bhangra and garba and maybe a bharatanatyam thrown in.. It was evident that these dances were choreographed by moms who were teenagers in 90s.. So someone created a medley of Taal songs which was apparently a fusion of Bollywood and Non Bollywood.. All in all it was nice to shove through lines and tap feet to early A R Rahman music..
Was invited to a Shravan festival at the home of one of my neighbors homes.. Ahhh to be married and attend random festivals at random households!! See when I was younger I could just avoid them with the lame ass college excuse.. But as a married Hindu woman you shouldn't not go to people's homes if they are going to give you pasupu(turmeric) and kumkum.. SO off I went in my finest armed with my mangal sutram and saree!!! Came home with a mega dose of guilt for not being a good home maker who cooks, cleans and folds clothes. To make up for it I cooked a giganto humongous batch of Indian food and pulled out D's t-shirts and ironed them.
Was cribbing to N about not going on hikes since we moved to Boston a year ago. This weekend D, R, S and I went on a hike on the historic Minutemen trail in Lincoln,MA. Was fun to be back in the wild and walk and take beautiful pictures of plants and wildlife..
Went for the India Day celebrations this weekend on the Esplanade by the Charles. I dint know that this many Desis lived in and around Boston. Salwar clad ladies and some kurta'd and some not kurta'd men standing in long lines to eat chat and drink sugar can juice... Hazaars of junta danced to bhangra and garba and maybe a bharatanatyam thrown in.. It was evident that these dances were choreographed by moms who were teenagers in 90s.. So someone created a medley of Taal songs which was apparently a fusion of Bollywood and Non Bollywood.. All in all it was nice to shove through lines and tap feet to early A R Rahman music..
Was invited to a Shravan festival at the home of one of my neighbors homes.. Ahhh to be married and attend random festivals at random households!! See when I was younger I could just avoid them with the lame ass college excuse.. But as a married Hindu woman you shouldn't not go to people's homes if they are going to give you pasupu(turmeric) and kumkum.. SO off I went in my finest armed with my mangal sutram and saree!!! Came home with a mega dose of guilt for not being a good home maker who cooks, cleans and folds clothes. To make up for it I cooked a giganto humongous batch of Indian food and pulled out D's t-shirts and ironed them.
Was cribbing to N about not going on hikes since we moved to Boston a year ago. This weekend D, R, S and I went on a hike on the historic Minutemen trail in Lincoln,MA. Was fun to be back in the wild and walk and take beautiful pictures of plants and wildlife..
Monday, August 04, 2008
News Feed
What is the desperate urge to know?? The social networking is finally getting to me. I mean its one thing to catch up with frnds.But a desparate urge to know gets to me. Status msgs.. The facebook what are u doing know thingy-s.. Public profiles.. the visual bookshelf!!! Why should someone know what I am reading right now?? You know facebook has the side questions thingy ( I dont remember its name). Do I like chocolates? Is it brown or black? What would I do if I were stranded on an island (I can assure you the chances of that happening are less thaan zero!!!!!!!!!!) If someone is dating someone or is someone married to someone.. I know of late people putting up their honeymoon pictures.. Now that is where I draw the line.. Why do people need to share the information with others. I mean some things like what is happening in my head this very second is private between me and my head.. If this much information is available right now imagine 10 years from now. Maybe we would have cool gadget thingys that we can put on like headfones or something which would give us our thoughts and we could choose to broadcast them over our private frequency or better still make them a podcast!!!
You know the facebook so and so is attending such and such party!! Imagine if I realized that people are throwing me a surprise party and I get to see the facebook invitation. Imagine how surprised I would be??????
Oh I just found out that two of my juniors(whose names I am choosing not to mention) who gave out mixed signals regarding if they were seeing each other or just frnds jus declared that they are in a relationship with each other!! And I am happy for the two of them. You know who u are and I am happy for you
Oh and Oh Check out tweet.com it does jus this
You know the facebook so and so is attending such and such party!! Imagine if I realized that people are throwing me a surprise party and I get to see the facebook invitation. Imagine how surprised I would be??????
Oh I just found out that two of my juniors(whose names I am choosing not to mention) who gave out mixed signals regarding if they were seeing each other or just frnds jus declared that they are in a relationship with each other!! And I am happy for the two of them. You know who u are and I am happy for you
Oh and Oh Check out tweet.com it does jus this
Thursday, July 17, 2008
old wine in an older bottle
I respect a movie I need to watch!!! I watch movies as I am writing papers or as I am cooking or generally doing other stuff.. and I have watched several movies in several languages and several episodes of koffee with karan and several awards shows etc and so on!! However, if there is a movie that I cannot understand this way then I respect it!!! And of late there hasnt been a movie that I needed to watch.. After decades of wanting to watch it I saw Sarkar Raj. Now there is no story and the actors (sad to say this about Abhishek) dint have much to do and there was hardly any story worth mentioning!!! But I had to watch the movie. I watched Jaane Tu Ya Jaane Na.. And I must say that a bunch of people were wasted in it.. It was brain numbing.. The two nice songs are over in the first 15 min of the movie!! On a tangential note I watched 27 Dresses and I must admit that its borderline silly..
Folks I must admit I started this post two weeks ago.. I dint get to finish it and this is what happens when I dont write in a flow...
Folks I must admit I started this post two weeks ago.. I dint get to finish it and this is what happens when I dont write in a flow...
Friday, July 11, 2008
Nanta's Tag
See here is the story.. I was walking down this crowded by-lane near the Harvard Yard and I saw a hole. I wanted to avoid it and so with great effort I walked or attempted to avoid it.. But in all my troubles I actually ended up falling into it!!!!!!
Sad, pathetic, lying rite?? So I shall not even attempt it. I got very crazy busy with a an extremely stressful class in what was supposed to be a not very stressful semester!!!! And I waited to do this tag bcoz it means a lot to me.. A fun post which reuired some thot process. So I am going to attempt it now..
10 Characters I fell for if they are Real
1) Arjun (am not sure of his last name) from Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni You know Arjun of the Pandava fame. The book depicted him very nicely..
2)Amit Chaterjee Who doesn't love him!!!!!!!!!! And I thot Lata was a huge bad word for rejecting him..
3)John Galt I read Atlas Shrugged at a stretch for a week. I loved her.. And his around 50 page speech..
4)Ron Weasley Coz he is just soooo cute..
5)Micheal Corleone He was soooooooooo much better in my head than AB Junior or Al Pachino
6)Kane (of Kane and Abel Fame) To be honest I liked Kane and Abel both a lot.. Would love to get my hands on that book again sometime
7)Charlie As the Crow Flies. Hard work pays all the time.
8)Rhett Butler I like him and he is the ultimate dream hero.
9)Julian (Famous Five) I don't remember why..
10)Mr. Pink Whistle Coz he is the coolest fun guy I know!!!
Favourite Random Authors
Enid Blyton
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Vikram Seth
Ayn Rand
Jeffrey Archer
Jane Austen
Maybe not favourite but I read a lot of
Sidney Sheldon
R L Stein - Goosebumps
Francine Pascal - Sweet Valley Series ( I went to an all girls Christian Institution)
Authors I downright hated
Danielle Steel - I gave her a chance a few times. But she failed me over and over again.
The Mills and Boon Series. I refused to be a part of the crappy romantic series reading genre!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sad, pathetic, lying rite?? So I shall not even attempt it. I got very crazy busy with a an extremely stressful class in what was supposed to be a not very stressful semester!!!! And I waited to do this tag bcoz it means a lot to me.. A fun post which reuired some thot process. So I am going to attempt it now..
10 Characters I fell for if they are Real
1) Arjun (am not sure of his last name) from Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni You know Arjun of the Pandava fame. The book depicted him very nicely..
2)Amit Chaterjee Who doesn't love him!!!!!!!!!! And I thot Lata was a huge bad word for rejecting him..
3)John Galt I read Atlas Shrugged at a stretch for a week. I loved her.. And his around 50 page speech..
4)Ron Weasley Coz he is just soooo cute..
5)Micheal Corleone He was soooooooooo much better in my head than AB Junior or Al Pachino
6)Kane (of Kane and Abel Fame) To be honest I liked Kane and Abel both a lot.. Would love to get my hands on that book again sometime
7)Charlie As the Crow Flies. Hard work pays all the time.
8)Rhett Butler I like him and he is the ultimate dream hero.
9)Julian (Famous Five) I don't remember why..
10)Mr. Pink Whistle Coz he is the coolest fun guy I know!!!
Favourite Random Authors
Enid Blyton
Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
Vikram Seth
Ayn Rand
Jeffrey Archer
Jane Austen
Maybe not favourite but I read a lot of
Sidney Sheldon
R L Stein - Goosebumps
Francine Pascal - Sweet Valley Series ( I went to an all girls Christian Institution)
Authors I downright hated
Danielle Steel - I gave her a chance a few times. But she failed me over and over again.
The Mills and Boon Series. I refused to be a part of the crappy romantic series reading genre!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Tag -1
My 6 quirks..
1) I can eat cereal for all 3 meals and snack in between and basically live that way for weeks.
2) I will never sit/ sleep directly under the fan as I am afraid it would fall on me.
3) I cant ahem answer when nature calls if I don't read. Last resort - shampoo bottles. I also cant sleep if I don't read. Have re- read dozens of stuff just cause I don't have a book in hand/
4) I think people with too many quirks are a little silly!!! he he he.. t
5) I will not study on the day of the exam. As in no last last minute cramming.. I also cant write any assignments on the day its due. If I am forced to do this I know that I am in for a bad grade.
I am not much of a quirky person (or so I think) As an experiment I am going to let D fill the last one..
Public Notice
For the lack of reading material in a rush - rush job I picked up Celebrity Detox by Rosie O' Donnell( I can hear ppl asking me why? ) I just did... Reading it scared me. Its by far the most chaotic book I have ever read. Almost as if its an insight into her mind (quite literally) I have always known that my posts are a little chaotic as I dont as much as run spell check on them.. If in the past any of my posts were un - intelligable I apologize for putting you through it...
1) I can eat cereal for all 3 meals and snack in between and basically live that way for weeks.
2) I will never sit/ sleep directly under the fan as I am afraid it would fall on me.
3) I cant ahem answer when nature calls if I don't read. Last resort - shampoo bottles. I also cant sleep if I don't read. Have re- read dozens of stuff just cause I don't have a book in hand/
4) I think people with too many quirks are a little silly!!! he he he.. t
5) I will not study on the day of the exam. As in no last last minute cramming.. I also cant write any assignments on the day its due. If I am forced to do this I know that I am in for a bad grade.
I am not much of a quirky person (or so I think) As an experiment I am going to let D fill the last one..
Public Notice
For the lack of reading material in a rush - rush job I picked up Celebrity Detox by Rosie O' Donnell( I can hear ppl asking me why? ) I just did... Reading it scared me. Its by far the most chaotic book I have ever read. Almost as if its an insight into her mind (quite literally) I have always known that my posts are a little chaotic as I dont as much as run spell check on them.. If in the past any of my posts were un - intelligable I apologize for putting you through it...
Monday, June 09, 2008
Times 3
Today na-manasu turns 3!!! That sounds weird.. To the non-telugu readers na-manasu means my mind.. So in essenece the earlier sentence meant that my mind turned 3.. In certain ways maybe it did.. I went back and read some of my older posts.. When I was fresh out of college, later when I used to work and went thru bouts of frndsickness, later I was busy getting married, suffering homesickness in a different land and finally now back in school.. Many readers have come and gone... But some have stuck it out.. My cousin P, my sis-in-law A, my best frnd N, my husband D, my dad who refuses to read my blog require spl mention.. My family and frnds in general who are often the subject of my posts.. My baby nephews S and N..
OK before it starts to sound like the Filmfare acceptance speech.. (Oscars anni galiju)..Thanks all of you.. Keep reading..
Yay!!! I managed to keep it running for 3 years.. Who knew???????
Thursday, June 05, 2008
Have Keyboard Will Type (with food on my mind)
I am hungry.. Crazy hungry.. See the thing is I have tried to go on some sort of weird diet where I eat whole wheat bread and cottage cheese with a dash of molaga podi thrown in for lunch..And now a few hours later I am ravenous.. And so a few hours later I reached for some mixture(courtesy my husband's grand mom). To the un-initiated mixture is well.. Trail Mix but unsweetened and all fried in oil!!! And then again a few hours later (at this point guilt struck) I ate some watermelon.. And I am still hungry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't know what my body is craving for.. But I am hungry. I was reading one of the self-help diet columns in Good Housekeeping(dont ask!! My vice)which is actually pretty nice. This month's column talked about how one shud give one's body what it wants when the body asks for it and the brain objects.. But at this point I jus donno what my body wants.. I could try feeding it some other stuff but its too close to dinner (8pm) and I dont want to not eat dinner coz my mom made delicious brinjal curry.. and I will prob eat that with my wheat bread and cottage cheese..
I am not a big fan of chips/tortilla chips/pita chips.. I dont mind popcorn though.. I am known to snack on weird food combinations.. But I have a frnd named Padmapadam(Real Name I swear) who eats pickle with poli(sweet).Now I could never top that And I am sure my vastly Indian readers know that by pickle I dont mean the vinegary one which you get here.. Indian pickles are dunked in oil (a preservative) and basically live in oil... But yeah.. I am a big fan of the American pickles as well.. In fact sometimes, when we go to the movies I just eat pickles!! And drink soda.. And D eats watever will probably justify asking for 5 packets of pickles(Poor guy)
On a not so tangential note.. Well maybe its a tangential note noticed that a few of my frnds and family are writing about food as well..Pichapaati and N
Has anyone read In Defense of Food.. Read rave reviews about Eat Pray Love.. But being Indian and all I thot the book was a load of **!!! I mean even Indians dont live like that.. The Swami mentioned in the book sounds kinda dubious considering that a majority(read 100%) of his followers arent Indian.. We are a lil too low to reach those stages I guess.. But I like some parts of religion that she talks about..However, I dont like to talk about religion and would hence refrain from elaborating and also digressing..
All the talk about food aint helping and I really need something.. Shall go and forage my mom's kitchen (for 3 months) after which it will become my empty one with boxes of pasta and couscous and Maggi.. Now looking at my kitchen makes my heart swell with pride.. Its stocked with stuff.. Stuff whose names I dont know and probably will never use..
I am not a big fan of chips/tortilla chips/pita chips.. I dont mind popcorn though.. I am known to snack on weird food combinations.. But I have a frnd named Padmapadam(Real Name I swear) who eats pickle with poli(sweet).Now I could never top that And I am sure my vastly Indian readers know that by pickle I dont mean the vinegary one which you get here.. Indian pickles are dunked in oil (a preservative) and basically live in oil... But yeah.. I am a big fan of the American pickles as well.. In fact sometimes, when we go to the movies I just eat pickles!! And drink soda.. And D eats watever will probably justify asking for 5 packets of pickles(Poor guy)
On a not so tangential note.. Well maybe its a tangential note noticed that a few of my frnds and family are writing about food as well..Pichapaati and N
Has anyone read In Defense of Food.. Read rave reviews about Eat Pray Love.. But being Indian and all I thot the book was a load of **!!! I mean even Indians dont live like that.. The Swami mentioned in the book sounds kinda dubious considering that a majority(read 100%) of his followers arent Indian.. We are a lil too low to reach those stages I guess.. But I like some parts of religion that she talks about..However, I dont like to talk about religion and would hence refrain from elaborating and also digressing..
All the talk about food aint helping and I really need something.. Shall go and forage my mom's kitchen (for 3 months) after which it will become my empty one with boxes of pasta and couscous and Maggi.. Now looking at my kitchen makes my heart swell with pride.. Its stocked with stuff.. Stuff whose names I dont know and probably will never use..
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Intelligent People and Daunting Experiences
Due to the lukewarm respone to my previous post decided to write a new one sooner than planned..
Watched Iron Man. A cool movie. Full of cool dude gadgets and gizmos and a man who flies to Afghanistan from US by himself in air. He also flies to the moon and back.. Or actually somewhere near the moon..As in, in the general vincinity of the moon.. Gweneth Paltrow was wasted though..
Turned a year older.. Its started getting scary.. I realized that one day before my birthday I still wasn't excited about it. Then the warning bells went off in my head.. I am not even near the quarter century mark as yet..But anxiety started.. Most of my childhood was spent thinking about when I would reach college and then for some reason my memory froze.. I never thought about what happens after college..So now at the ripe age of under quarter century and above a few years below that panic is setting in..
Folks visiting from India.. New experience when it turns out that your parents arent invincible. Spooked my mom totally about the smoke alarm to such an extent that she refuses to make dosas now.. Was exhilarating to see my parents at the airport but daunting to see them shiver in the New England cold.. Remembering all the Jhumpa Lahiri immigrant experience.. To be honest it wasnt such a culture shock for me when I arrived in the States as it is for my parents.. Why because I watched Friends when I was in India.. he he he... (Private joke for my husband who thinks most of my types learnt about America from FRIENDS.. maybe true to an extent)
Inspired by N I am planning to try to turn Vegan for a week.. Researching it a bit I realized South Indian Hindu Vegetarians are a weird brand of herbivores. We arent vegan and we arent what most other people consider vegetarian.. We dont eat fish.. We dont eat meat and we dont eat chicken.. And we think chicken is meat and fish is meat as well.. So its difficult to explain our brand of vegetarianism to folks here..Let me see if I can stick out vegan.. Coz I dont mind soy milk or tofu and found an ice cream that serves Tofutti Ice Cream at Harvard Square..
Talking about Harvard Square.. Most people know my love for Cambridge and the Harvard Square area.. And also my dislike for Dunkin Donuts.. I like the bagels. Not a big fan of Donuts in general and hence not sure but absolutely abhor their coffee.. And I think Starbucks rocks.. After extensive research( read walking around Harvard Square everyday last semester) I can aver (albeit hesitantly) that there isnt a Dunkin Donuts around Harvard Square except for in the station. There are 2 Starbucks.. 2 Au Bon Pains and even a Finagle Bagel.. Therefore I conclude that intelligent people drink at StarBucks!!!
Doing some interesting classes this semester one of which is called Negotiation.. Will update more on that later..
For now as its time to head to class Au Revior.. Have a Nice Memorial Day if you live in the States and a nice weekend if you live elsewhere
Watched Iron Man. A cool movie. Full of cool dude gadgets and gizmos and a man who flies to Afghanistan from US by himself in air. He also flies to the moon and back.. Or actually somewhere near the moon..As in, in the general vincinity of the moon.. Gweneth Paltrow was wasted though..
Turned a year older.. Its started getting scary.. I realized that one day before my birthday I still wasn't excited about it. Then the warning bells went off in my head.. I am not even near the quarter century mark as yet..But anxiety started.. Most of my childhood was spent thinking about when I would reach college and then for some reason my memory froze.. I never thought about what happens after college..So now at the ripe age of under quarter century and above a few years below that panic is setting in..
Folks visiting from India.. New experience when it turns out that your parents arent invincible. Spooked my mom totally about the smoke alarm to such an extent that she refuses to make dosas now.. Was exhilarating to see my parents at the airport but daunting to see them shiver in the New England cold.. Remembering all the Jhumpa Lahiri immigrant experience.. To be honest it wasnt such a culture shock for me when I arrived in the States as it is for my parents.. Why because I watched Friends when I was in India.. he he he... (Private joke for my husband who thinks most of my types learnt about America from FRIENDS.. maybe true to an extent)
Inspired by N I am planning to try to turn Vegan for a week.. Researching it a bit I realized South Indian Hindu Vegetarians are a weird brand of herbivores. We arent vegan and we arent what most other people consider vegetarian.. We dont eat fish.. We dont eat meat and we dont eat chicken.. And we think chicken is meat and fish is meat as well.. So its difficult to explain our brand of vegetarianism to folks here..Let me see if I can stick out vegan.. Coz I dont mind soy milk or tofu and found an ice cream that serves Tofutti Ice Cream at Harvard Square..
Talking about Harvard Square.. Most people know my love for Cambridge and the Harvard Square area.. And also my dislike for Dunkin Donuts.. I like the bagels. Not a big fan of Donuts in general and hence not sure but absolutely abhor their coffee.. And I think Starbucks rocks.. After extensive research( read walking around Harvard Square everyday last semester) I can aver (albeit hesitantly) that there isnt a Dunkin Donuts around Harvard Square except for in the station. There are 2 Starbucks.. 2 Au Bon Pains and even a Finagle Bagel.. Therefore I conclude that intelligent people drink at StarBucks!!!
Doing some interesting classes this semester one of which is called Negotiation.. Will update more on that later..
For now as its time to head to class Au Revior.. Have a Nice Memorial Day if you live in the States and a nice weekend if you live elsewhere
Friday, May 09, 2008
Of balance sheets and mega serials
There were tons of things I wanted to write about. However, I was caught up with some educational endeavors!!
Love it or hate it.. Most people use it.. I am talking about Microsoft Corp..Most people I know and you know as well would have started with some of Windows. Depending on their age it would be either 3.0,95,98,NT,2000,XP and Vista.. But the point is this is where it started. Not IBM 360! Not Apple ! Not Open Source.. Microsoft is sitting with large amounts of cash!! It hasn't head debt in a while and is worth about 240B dollars.. People talk about how Vista sucks.. Firefox is better than IE.. I am a lil sick of hearing this.. I can confidently state that most of these innovations happened while working on a PC..I can right a whole dissertation on the topic( and I did in 400 words) but I will spare u..Love them or hate them MSFT isnt going anywhere and if it does all those who are bitching about it are gonna be in deep deep shit!!!!!
I know folks, I know... Give me some time.. I will un learn wat I did..
Anyways talking about MSFT.. Wat is this talk about elitist?? Mass and Class (In my country we call it that way).. I am not endorsing any candidate for presidency. I dont support any candidate in an election I cant vote.. But this is not just true here.. Back home in India as well.. Hide ur wealth, dont tell people how much u make, live frugally!!! For crying out loud.. In India, several and I mean several opportunities were and are being given for young children to be educated. In my home state for instance, mid - day meals were offered as an initiative to come to school. the government hoping that atleast the ruse of food will attract children to school. Most middle class households will give up on luxuries to allow their children to go to a better school.. Why cant those who are being offered free education and a warm meal willing to give up a few hours of their time in order to secure a better life than the ones they currently exist in??
Reading The Name is Rajnikanth.. Sad excuse of a book.. Written badly, with no sense of grammar reads like a home blog of a person with poor writing skills(Note to self.. Look who is talking!!!!) Bad editing and proof reading. Costs 495 bucks a piece.. Read Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.. Amazing piece of work.. Tells the story of Mahabaratha from the perspective of Draupadi.. Reading it I thought(Oh no.. this is dangerous) this is the biggest mega serial ever created by an Indian.. D and I were once discussing the realness of the mega serials.. It struck me.. The plots and the sub-plots, the jealousies and the clandestine love affairs, the women pregnant before marriage and abandoning their bastard children, while secretly pining for them.. Brothers turning on brothers.. Name it and the Mahabaratha has it.. The ultimate mega serial of the good old times.. Also read Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri.. Interesting albeit a slightly depressing read. What is with the obsession with Indian authors???? I read others too.. Trust me
Apologies for the confusion of a post.. Several random thots and it took 2 days to pen(type).. U know when that happens u need to beware.. Trains of thought that dont reach a station..any station..
Love it or hate it.. Most people use it.. I am talking about Microsoft Corp..Most people I know and you know as well would have started with some of Windows. Depending on their age it would be either 3.0,95,98,NT,2000,XP and Vista.. But the point is this is where it started. Not IBM 360! Not Apple ! Not Open Source.. Microsoft is sitting with large amounts of cash!! It hasn't head debt in a while and is worth about 240B dollars.. People talk about how Vista sucks.. Firefox is better than IE.. I am a lil sick of hearing this.. I can confidently state that most of these innovations happened while working on a PC..I can right a whole dissertation on the topic( and I did in 400 words) but I will spare u..Love them or hate them MSFT isnt going anywhere and if it does all those who are bitching about it are gonna be in deep deep shit!!!!!
I know folks, I know... Give me some time.. I will un learn wat I did..
Anyways talking about MSFT.. Wat is this talk about elitist?? Mass and Class (In my country we call it that way).. I am not endorsing any candidate for presidency. I dont support any candidate in an election I cant vote.. But this is not just true here.. Back home in India as well.. Hide ur wealth, dont tell people how much u make, live frugally!!! For crying out loud.. In India, several and I mean several opportunities were and are being given for young children to be educated. In my home state for instance, mid - day meals were offered as an initiative to come to school. the government hoping that atleast the ruse of food will attract children to school. Most middle class households will give up on luxuries to allow their children to go to a better school.. Why cant those who are being offered free education and a warm meal willing to give up a few hours of their time in order to secure a better life than the ones they currently exist in??
Reading The Name is Rajnikanth.. Sad excuse of a book.. Written badly, with no sense of grammar reads like a home blog of a person with poor writing skills(Note to self.. Look who is talking!!!!) Bad editing and proof reading. Costs 495 bucks a piece.. Read Palace of Illusions by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.. Amazing piece of work.. Tells the story of Mahabaratha from the perspective of Draupadi.. Reading it I thought(Oh no.. this is dangerous) this is the biggest mega serial ever created by an Indian.. D and I were once discussing the realness of the mega serials.. It struck me.. The plots and the sub-plots, the jealousies and the clandestine love affairs, the women pregnant before marriage and abandoning their bastard children, while secretly pining for them.. Brothers turning on brothers.. Name it and the Mahabaratha has it.. The ultimate mega serial of the good old times.. Also read Unaccustomed Earth by Jhumpa Lahiri.. Interesting albeit a slightly depressing read. What is with the obsession with Indian authors???? I read others too.. Trust me
Apologies for the confusion of a post.. Several random thots and it took 2 days to pen(type).. U know when that happens u need to beware.. Trains of thought that dont reach a station..any station..
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
1. Last movie you saw in a theater?
Jalsa..OK Time pass movie.. Last English movie I saw in a theatre was Juno ( I think)
2. What book are you reading?
Blink - Malcolm Gladwell, All Souls - Micheal Patrick Mc.Donald. Just finished A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini and re -read Sister of my Heart.. I know I know.. I read several books at one time
3. Favorite board game?
Pictionary
4. Favorite magazine?
Filmfare, People, US Weekly..
5. Favorite smells?
Chanel No.5.. Cheese melting.. Coffee beans, Bread baking
6. Favorite sounds?
Personalized ring tone I have set for D or when my fone says "Amma".. My fone talks, I swear!!!
7. Worst feeling in the world?
Knowing you cant do anything about the shitty situation you are in!! When things are beyond your control and you are significantly affected..(or is it effected!!)
8. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up?
"Every morning when I wake up..Before I put on my make up.." OST My Best Friends Wedding..
9. Favorite fast food place?
Gangotree or Chef Express (for those who remember it). Not hugely into fast food..
10. Future child's name?
As a kid, I wanted to name my kid Sachin(after Tendulkar).. Now I am not so sure.. Lets just call it "IT"
11. Finish this statement. "If I had lot of money I'd....?"
be Tata Birla!!! he he he.. I would prob make a movie.. or more realistically buy more books and a house
12. Do you drive fast?
No, I drive notoriously slow.. S and N can vouch for that.. I drove at around 45 on ECR!!!
13. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?
Nope.. With two pillows though
14. Storms - cool or scary?
Cool if I am indoors, scary if I am driving...
15. What was your first car?
Fiat, The first one I drove though was a Santro
16. Favorite drink?
Indian Coffee, Java Chip Frappuchino, Water, Diet Pepsi with Lime
17. Finish this statement, "If I had the time I would...."
Read more..
18. Do you eat the stems on broccoli?
Yep
19. If you could dye your hair any color, what would be your choice?
I wouldn't dye all of my hair any color.. I wanted purple highlights though, I settled for a dark maroon or some such thing..
20. Name all the different cities/towns you've lived in?
Madras, Chennai, Hyderabad, Seattle, Boston
21. Favorite sports to watch?
Cricket if India plays.. Not a big sports fan.. Yeah I know I live in Boston.. And yeah I watched the Superbowl
22. One nice thing about the person who sent this to you?
Considering that all I know of her is that her name might start with an N!!! But otherwise, very nice writer and reading her posts remind me a lot about myself!!!
23. What's under your bed?
Carpet
24. Would you like to be born as yourself again?
Yes!
25. Morning person, or night owl?
Night Owl.I am not much of a morning person..
26. Over easy, or sunny side up?
Never an over easy person.. Haven't eaten egg in a couple of years now. But I almost always like it scrambled..
27. Favorite place to relax?
Hyd house on my couch..
28. Favorite pie?
I want to say Pecan, coz I like the way Paula Dean makes it.. But not much of a pie person..
29. Favorite ice cream flavor?
Vanilla with chocolate chips in it.. Mocha (coffee flavored).. Kesar Pista, The over sweet vanilla served at Indian weddings.. Good chocolate..
30. Of all the people you tagged this to, who's most likely to respond first?
I am tagging N.. coz her blog is dying... I wont let her give up this fast..
And now, I tag..
N .. Dandilsa...
Jalsa..OK Time pass movie.. Last English movie I saw in a theatre was Juno ( I think)
2. What book are you reading?
Blink - Malcolm Gladwell, All Souls - Micheal Patrick Mc.Donald. Just finished A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini and re -read Sister of my Heart.. I know I know.. I read several books at one time
3. Favorite board game?
Pictionary
4. Favorite magazine?
Filmfare, People, US Weekly..
5. Favorite smells?
Chanel No.5.. Cheese melting.. Coffee beans, Bread baking
6. Favorite sounds?
Personalized ring tone I have set for D or when my fone says "Amma".. My fone talks, I swear!!!
7. Worst feeling in the world?
Knowing you cant do anything about the shitty situation you are in!! When things are beyond your control and you are significantly affected..(or is it effected!!)
8. What is the first thing you think of when you wake up?
"Every morning when I wake up..Before I put on my make up.." OST My Best Friends Wedding..
9. Favorite fast food place?
Gangotree or Chef Express (for those who remember it). Not hugely into fast food..
10. Future child's name?
As a kid, I wanted to name my kid Sachin(after Tendulkar).. Now I am not so sure.. Lets just call it "IT"
11. Finish this statement. "If I had lot of money I'd....?"
be Tata Birla!!! he he he.. I would prob make a movie.. or more realistically buy more books and a house
12. Do you drive fast?
No, I drive notoriously slow.. S and N can vouch for that.. I drove at around 45 on ECR!!!
13. Do you sleep with a stuffed animal?
Nope.. With two pillows though
14. Storms - cool or scary?
Cool if I am indoors, scary if I am driving...
15. What was your first car?
Fiat, The first one I drove though was a Santro
16. Favorite drink?
Indian Coffee, Java Chip Frappuchino, Water, Diet Pepsi with Lime
17. Finish this statement, "If I had the time I would...."
Read more..
18. Do you eat the stems on broccoli?
Yep
19. If you could dye your hair any color, what would be your choice?
I wouldn't dye all of my hair any color.. I wanted purple highlights though, I settled for a dark maroon or some such thing..
20. Name all the different cities/towns you've lived in?
Madras, Chennai, Hyderabad, Seattle, Boston
21. Favorite sports to watch?
Cricket if India plays.. Not a big sports fan.. Yeah I know I live in Boston.. And yeah I watched the Superbowl
22. One nice thing about the person who sent this to you?
Considering that all I know of her is that her name might start with an N!!! But otherwise, very nice writer and reading her posts remind me a lot about myself!!!
23. What's under your bed?
Carpet
24. Would you like to be born as yourself again?
Yes!
25. Morning person, or night owl?
Night Owl.I am not much of a morning person..
26. Over easy, or sunny side up?
Never an over easy person.. Haven't eaten egg in a couple of years now. But I almost always like it scrambled..
27. Favorite place to relax?
Hyd house on my couch..
28. Favorite pie?
I want to say Pecan, coz I like the way Paula Dean makes it.. But not much of a pie person..
29. Favorite ice cream flavor?
Vanilla with chocolate chips in it.. Mocha (coffee flavored).. Kesar Pista, The over sweet vanilla served at Indian weddings.. Good chocolate..
30. Of all the people you tagged this to, who's most likely to respond first?
I am tagging N.. coz her blog is dying... I wont let her give up this fast..
And now, I tag..
N .. Dandilsa...
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Kimi Gayo
Sitting under the giant window sills at the back of Mrs.Simon's class in first standard I made a friend.We were assigned to be room-mates in the "hostel-hostel" game we were playing.Last month that friend got married and I couldn't attend. She defined the meaning of the word friend to me. She is the first friend I can think back to cronologically.Incidentally, she has shared many of my firsts with me.My first un-supervised outing,my first sleep over,my first major crush,my dream of leading my house(in school),my first experience in a co-educational institute, my first job interview, my first job and my first experience of living away from home.
The first memory I have of her is the above mentioned "hostel-hostel". The other one being our mothers standing under the big tree discussing us. Sitting for hours making plots to kill Pitchaikannu(individual who wrote 12th Maths Textbook -2001),DDLJ vs HAHK, "Hua kya naa jaana", plotting 8A vs 8B wars (yes wars!!!!)to sitting around after school trying to prepare for sports day.( I can aver that neither of us know squat about sports) while eating samosas and bugging lil chubby baby Manicha..(read Manisha).Then before we knew it we parted ways,writing in each others slam books,wishing each other the best in life and promising to meet up in the Buckingham Palace.(trust me you don't want me to go into detail - point is it dint happen).Four months later I get a call from her. She and I are in the same college. We laughed about the slam book.Entering the portals of SVCE she and I were in different departments, making new cherished friends along the way. Blooper in front of Archan-Preethi's Preethi.. he he he ...And before we knew it one stormy night we were both riding home in pouring rain "employed gals" with job offers.We parted ways shortly after that. We filled slam books again.This time we laughed about our prev entries.This time we promised to meet up in Bay Area..(again,trust me you wudn't want me there).6 months later my fone rings. This time though its long distance. She has been posted in Hyderabad.Could she room with me?? I was jumping with joy.My friend was rooming with me.Our mutual love for SRK!! and a certain member of the British Royal family, for hours at Red-E Food court reading a certain report(better left un elaborated), for Hyd and Prasads, for the thousands of movies watched at Satyam, hours spent chatting in Hyd with G3. Trying to cook food and dreaming up of setting up Dosas to combat with Chutneys. Hosting sleep over parties for office friends.
Intelligent,smart,padips,strong minded are all the words that come to my mind when I think of her. Her big smile, her amazing sense of humour. Here is wishing you all the best in your married life.
With lots of love from D Mugs to P Mugs.
The first memory I have of her is the above mentioned "hostel-hostel". The other one being our mothers standing under the big tree discussing us. Sitting for hours making plots to kill Pitchaikannu(individual who wrote 12th Maths Textbook -2001),DDLJ vs HAHK, "Hua kya naa jaana", plotting 8A vs 8B wars (yes wars!!!!)to sitting around after school trying to prepare for sports day.( I can aver that neither of us know squat about sports) while eating samosas and bugging lil chubby baby Manicha..(read Manisha).Then before we knew it we parted ways,writing in each others slam books,wishing each other the best in life and promising to meet up in the Buckingham Palace.(trust me you don't want me to go into detail - point is it dint happen).Four months later I get a call from her. She and I are in the same college. We laughed about the slam book.Entering the portals of SVCE she and I were in different departments, making new cherished friends along the way. Blooper in front of Archan-Preethi's Preethi.. he he he ...And before we knew it one stormy night we were both riding home in pouring rain "employed gals" with job offers.We parted ways shortly after that. We filled slam books again.This time we laughed about our prev entries.This time we promised to meet up in Bay Area..(again,trust me you wudn't want me there).6 months later my fone rings. This time though its long distance. She has been posted in Hyderabad.Could she room with me?? I was jumping with joy.My friend was rooming with me.Our mutual love for SRK!! and a certain member of the British Royal family, for hours at Red-E Food court reading a certain report(better left un elaborated), for Hyd and Prasads, for the thousands of movies watched at Satyam, hours spent chatting in Hyd with G3. Trying to cook food and dreaming up of setting up Dosas to combat with Chutneys. Hosting sleep over parties for office friends.
Intelligent,smart,padips,strong minded are all the words that come to my mind when I think of her. Her big smile, her amazing sense of humour. Here is wishing you all the best in your married life.
With lots of love from D Mugs to P Mugs.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Random Thots
Being married allows you to enter a secret adult club.. 50 year old aunties will tell you personal secrets!!! Other older married women will discuss periods,cycles, babies, labor and certain other gross details.. I dont understand how being married makes you privy to extremely personal, unrequired details!!! But this weekend we met up with another couple we did fun stuff, played games D played cricket and the girls beat boys at Sequence..Thanks to the R and S..
I keep thinking of funky things to write about on the way to college. Entire blog posts form in my head and then today when I sat down to write blankness happening!!!
Most people who know me would say I accost and haunt people. I talk a dime and dozen, won most extempore (excuse if typo) competitions and generally an extremely talkative human being!! I think I am the most un -techie person ever. I can probably code to save my life but beyond that I cant code. Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuut I jus discovered (courtesy my EA mid-term) that I am a techie. I think technically and write technically about non - technical aspects. I keep thinking that under grad is party time.. Where we (read I) blunder our way through, gaining life experiences.. Who knew that somewhere along the way something actually sticks.. SVCE Zindabad!!!
Watched a new Tamil movie after a long time. Its called Anjadhey. It was directed by a guy with a strange name. Anyways, if I want to be all "in" about it I could say,it was different, it had interesting camera angles, and very natural setting.. But I wont. It was a story that existed since the very famous "mera paas Maa Hai". There were no camera angles to speak of. There is a scene where the entire time the camera is showing people's feet. You know, I think that was different for the sake of being different. Prasanna had a horrible wig and Fab India kurtas. I din't know gangsters wore kurtas from FabIndia. The lead guy looked/acted like Surya from Kakha Kakha. Some assumptions are very drastic. You know there is one thing I did like about the movie. It had just one song. Atleast, strange named director guy realized that songs take away from the story in this movie. But anyways, I think the cast and crew tried something different and if people liked it then kudos to him. And for the record I think natural lighting should be left to PC Sriram and ManiRatnam movies.
Reading a book called 'Blink'. An interesting read and explains a lot of things. But beware read only if interested in non-fiction. There is hardly any story in it.
I tried thinking of a conclusion. There isn't any. Just covered the last few weeks of existence. Reading, socializing, movie-ing and in case you missed it mourning over my mid - term grades. So for the lack of a conclusion..
Thodarum!!!
I keep thinking of funky things to write about on the way to college. Entire blog posts form in my head and then today when I sat down to write blankness happening!!!
Most people who know me would say I accost and haunt people. I talk a dime and dozen, won most extempore (excuse if typo) competitions and generally an extremely talkative human being!! I think I am the most un -techie person ever. I can probably code to save my life but beyond that I cant code. Buuuuuuuuuuuuuuut I jus discovered (courtesy my EA mid-term) that I am a techie. I think technically and write technically about non - technical aspects. I keep thinking that under grad is party time.. Where we (read I) blunder our way through, gaining life experiences.. Who knew that somewhere along the way something actually sticks.. SVCE Zindabad!!!
Watched a new Tamil movie after a long time. Its called Anjadhey. It was directed by a guy with a strange name. Anyways, if I want to be all "in" about it I could say,it was different, it had interesting camera angles, and very natural setting.. But I wont. It was a story that existed since the very famous "mera paas Maa Hai". There were no camera angles to speak of. There is a scene where the entire time the camera is showing people's feet. You know, I think that was different for the sake of being different. Prasanna had a horrible wig and Fab India kurtas. I din't know gangsters wore kurtas from FabIndia. The lead guy looked/acted like Surya from Kakha Kakha. Some assumptions are very drastic. You know there is one thing I did like about the movie. It had just one song. Atleast, strange named director guy realized that songs take away from the story in this movie. But anyways, I think the cast and crew tried something different and if people liked it then kudos to him. And for the record I think natural lighting should be left to PC Sriram and ManiRatnam movies.
Reading a book called 'Blink'. An interesting read and explains a lot of things. But beware read only if interested in non-fiction. There is hardly any story in it.
I tried thinking of a conclusion. There isn't any. Just covered the last few weeks of existence. Reading, socializing, movie-ing and in case you missed it mourning over my mid - term grades. So for the lack of a conclusion..
Thodarum!!!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Chiku Bukku Tagged
Rules:
1. Put your MP3 player on shuffle
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write the name of the song no matter what. No cheating!
IF SOMEONE SAYS “IS THIS OKAY?” YOU SAY?
Adhi vo Alladhi vo - Annamayya..
OK!!! God's Residence..
WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Nandi Konda - Geethanjali
spooky!!! wtf?? I haunt ppl??!!! In a strange sense maybe coz I used to study well at nite and I was born in the nite!!!
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Boss's life - Snoop Dogg,50 cent
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My husband loaded this song in my i-pod so I guess!!
HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Century lo kotte vaise madhi - Aditya 369!!!!!
When you want something all universe conspires to give it to you.. With a mid-term on Monday I am writing this post..Shows how many centuries I am gonna hit!!!
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
Say Na Say Na - Bluffmaster
To get married???!!! Or to steal!! Donno.. Kinda weird..
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Ossa Ve - Happy
My motto is a crass lil known 'gaana' song from a semi- hit Telugu movie!!!
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Orru Deivamthanda Poove(Male) - Kannathil Muthamital
haar haar haar.. God's gift to them.. I sure hope so.. Was expecting loose penne( i must be honest)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?
A Whole New World Instrumental - Alladin
Okie..No comments!!!
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Naatu Saraku - Puthokotail Saravanan
Y are all the crucial questions lil known 'gaana' songs from flop movies.. If you don't know this song or never heard of it..totally fine!! Its that unknown
WHAT IS 2+2?
You and I - Jalsa
maybe 1+1 but 2+2 donno!!
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Its the time to Disco - Kal Ho Na Ho
Dedication to Pasha and Families
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Sunta Hai Mera Khuda - Pukar
My God listens to me!! Very appropriate so contended.
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
If its another gaana song I am gonna give up, I swear.. OK here goes.
Emi Sodhara - Tolli Prema
My life is a confusion na.. Naaku Kopam ostondi..Kinda like the time I got Catch 22 for the book I resembled most..
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Entrentum Punnagai - Alaipayuthey
Fair enuf.
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Chalore Chalore - Jalsa
We are gonna be travelling all our lives!! I donno..Hope not.
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Papa Kehte They - QSQT
I swear this is true. I am not making it up.. haar haar
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Considering I am already married,it should be did u dance..but anyways..
Happy Days - Happy Days
Would not have minded dancing for this..But hadn't released back then.
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Theme Music from Bombay
Was hoping it wouldn't be another gaana song..
WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Kattu Kuyilu - Dalapathi
Dancing around boghi fires. or thalivar.. considering its neither donno..
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Natpinule - Kadhal Konden
Ok!! I don't get it though
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Suvvi Suvvi Seethalamma - Swatimuthyam
D loaded this into my ipod.. Not sure how it relates to my frnds.. Dancing with pots near a river!! Maybe falling into Pykara falls..
WHAT SHOULD YOU POST THIS AS?
Chiku Bukku - Gentleman
Okie!!! Fun!!
Fun... Nandita tagged me.. I tag ttgiant and ne!!!
1. Put your MP3 player on shuffle
2. For each question, press the next button to get your answer.
3. You must write the name of the song no matter what. No cheating!
IF SOMEONE SAYS “IS THIS OKAY?” YOU SAY?
Adhi vo Alladhi vo - Annamayya..
OK!!! God's Residence..
WHAT WOULD BEST DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY?
Nandi Konda - Geethanjali
spooky!!! wtf?? I haunt ppl??!!! In a strange sense maybe coz I used to study well at nite and I was born in the nite!!!
WHAT DO YOU LIKE IN A GUY/GIRL?
Boss's life - Snoop Dogg,50 cent
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My husband loaded this song in my i-pod so I guess!!
HOW DO YOU FEEL TODAY?
Century lo kotte vaise madhi - Aditya 369!!!!!
When you want something all universe conspires to give it to you.. With a mid-term on Monday I am writing this post..Shows how many centuries I am gonna hit!!!
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE’S PURPOSE?
Say Na Say Na - Bluffmaster
To get married???!!! Or to steal!! Donno.. Kinda weird..
WHAT IS YOUR MOTTO?
Ossa Ve - Happy
My motto is a crass lil known 'gaana' song from a semi- hit Telugu movie!!!
WHAT DO YOUR FRIENDS THINK OF YOU?
Orru Deivamthanda Poove(Male) - Kannathil Muthamital
haar haar haar.. God's gift to them.. I sure hope so.. Was expecting loose penne( i must be honest)
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR PARENTS?
A Whole New World Instrumental - Alladin
Okie..No comments!!!
WHAT DO YOU THINK ABOUT VERY OFTEN?
Naatu Saraku - Puthokotail Saravanan
Y are all the crucial questions lil known 'gaana' songs from flop movies.. If you don't know this song or never heard of it..totally fine!! Its that unknown
WHAT IS 2+2?
You and I - Jalsa
maybe 1+1 but 2+2 donno!!
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR BEST FRIEND?
Its the time to Disco - Kal Ho Na Ho
Dedication to Pasha and Families
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Sunta Hai Mera Khuda - Pukar
My God listens to me!! Very appropriate so contended.
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE STORY?
If its another gaana song I am gonna give up, I swear.. OK here goes.
Emi Sodhara - Tolli Prema
My life is a confusion na.. Naaku Kopam ostondi..Kinda like the time I got Catch 22 for the book I resembled most..
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WHEN YOU GROW UP?
Entrentum Punnagai - Alaipayuthey
Fair enuf.
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU SEE THE PERSON YOU LIKE?
Chalore Chalore - Jalsa
We are gonna be travelling all our lives!! I donno..Hope not.
WHAT DO YOUR PARENTS THINK OF YOU?
Papa Kehte They - QSQT
I swear this is true. I am not making it up.. haar haar
WHAT WILL YOU DANCE TO AT YOUR WEDDING?
Considering I am already married,it should be did u dance..but anyways..
Happy Days - Happy Days
Would not have minded dancing for this..But hadn't released back then.
WHAT WILL THEY PLAY AT YOUR FUNERAL?
Theme Music from Bombay
Was hoping it wouldn't be another gaana song..
WHAT IS YOUR HOBBY/INTEREST?
Kattu Kuyilu - Dalapathi
Dancing around boghi fires. or thalivar.. considering its neither donno..
WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST SECRET?
Natpinule - Kadhal Konden
Ok!! I don't get it though
WHAT DO YOU THINK OF YOUR FRIENDS?
Suvvi Suvvi Seethalamma - Swatimuthyam
D loaded this into my ipod.. Not sure how it relates to my frnds.. Dancing with pots near a river!! Maybe falling into Pykara falls..
WHAT SHOULD YOU POST THIS AS?
Chiku Bukku - Gentleman
Okie!!! Fun!!
Fun... Nandita tagged me.. I tag ttgiant and ne!!!
Friday, March 07, 2008
On Feasting and Fasting
Before people accuse me of pilfering a title. The book is Feasting,Fasting. And for those of you haven't read it. Please do so(free publicity for Anita Desai).
Hindu families check the stars and the moons and various other planets before giving their child his/her morsel of solid food.And they call all and sundry and the sundry's friends and family.
When a friend visits abroad or when we need to go visit somewhere we check out the food available or carry loads of podis and avakais and appadams and vodiyams and goodness knows wat else. My parents had an exchange student from Minneapolis and that boy came with a whole suitcase of food.Mac and Cheese(first time I heard of it),loads of frozen food, chocolates and gum.
Weddings,funerals,engagements,birthday parties all revolve around food. The chunk of a wedding budget for the grl's father is the wedding meal.And they each have their special set of food. Telugu ppl serve Boorulu and Pulihara at weddings and Tamilians serve Boorulu at funerals. Caused a bit of quandry at my wedding. Birthday parties need cake. Engagements just need grand food period!!!
If we want something real bad we are advised to give up our favorite food.Amavasya,Pournami, Ashtami, Navami, Sunday, Saturday, The day the sun rises in the east at 4.45 am we give up solid food. Or maybe a meal. Most people I know who give up a meal hog big time on the other meal with tiffin. I thot the concept was you eat light or eat nothing or something.. If there is a pooja, festival, wedding at home then you need to chill till the pooja was over.. I for one could never do it.. So, I was snuck food when the pooja was going on. At my wedding folks found a work around for me.. Cereal isn't solid food. Its almost just milk.. So its ok.. And so Kellogs Wheat Flakes( I don't think they have it here in the States) it was..
Why does our life revolve around food..What to eat?? What not to eat?? What should I eat to shed the pounds?? What shud I eat if I need to control diabetes?? What did I do to get diabetes.. I mean besides being born into a family where its hereditary..??
Folks, shud excuse me if they wonder what the hell I am trying to talk about.. See the thing is I am learning to write management memos for my class(yeah the one where I am passing time!!) and they need to be absolutely to the point. And my blog is about having no point watsover. And my brain is just unable to make the transition fast enuf from that to this and vice versa.. Quarter life crisis, I guess..
In conclusion, Anna Datta( annam provider, need not jus be annam..watever one eats) Sukhi Bava(live well)
Oh!!Oh!!Oh!! In second conclusion, do any of you folks remember the scene from Nuvvu Nakku Nachav where Venkatesh prays to God for his dinner..Check it out..Hilarious.. and the non-golt blog readers check out the similar scene from Parent trap!!!
Hindu families check the stars and the moons and various other planets before giving their child his/her morsel of solid food.And they call all and sundry and the sundry's friends and family.
When a friend visits abroad or when we need to go visit somewhere we check out the food available or carry loads of podis and avakais and appadams and vodiyams and goodness knows wat else. My parents had an exchange student from Minneapolis and that boy came with a whole suitcase of food.Mac and Cheese(first time I heard of it),loads of frozen food, chocolates and gum.
Weddings,funerals,engagements,birthday parties all revolve around food. The chunk of a wedding budget for the grl's father is the wedding meal.And they each have their special set of food. Telugu ppl serve Boorulu and Pulihara at weddings and Tamilians serve Boorulu at funerals. Caused a bit of quandry at my wedding. Birthday parties need cake. Engagements just need grand food period!!!
If we want something real bad we are advised to give up our favorite food.Amavasya,Pournami, Ashtami, Navami, Sunday, Saturday, The day the sun rises in the east at 4.45 am we give up solid food. Or maybe a meal. Most people I know who give up a meal hog big time on the other meal with tiffin. I thot the concept was you eat light or eat nothing or something.. If there is a pooja, festival, wedding at home then you need to chill till the pooja was over.. I for one could never do it.. So, I was snuck food when the pooja was going on. At my wedding folks found a work around for me.. Cereal isn't solid food. Its almost just milk.. So its ok.. And so Kellogs Wheat Flakes( I don't think they have it here in the States) it was..
Why does our life revolve around food..What to eat?? What not to eat?? What should I eat to shed the pounds?? What shud I eat if I need to control diabetes?? What did I do to get diabetes.. I mean besides being born into a family where its hereditary..??
Folks, shud excuse me if they wonder what the hell I am trying to talk about.. See the thing is I am learning to write management memos for my class(yeah the one where I am passing time!!) and they need to be absolutely to the point. And my blog is about having no point watsover. And my brain is just unable to make the transition fast enuf from that to this and vice versa.. Quarter life crisis, I guess..
In conclusion, Anna Datta( annam provider, need not jus be annam..watever one eats) Sukhi Bava(live well)
Oh!!Oh!!Oh!! In second conclusion, do any of you folks remember the scene from Nuvvu Nakku Nachav where Venkatesh prays to God for his dinner..Check it out..Hilarious.. and the non-golt blog readers check out the similar scene from Parent trap!!!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Fancy Pants Writing, Ikat Writing!!!!!
The immigrant lady with her tightly made bun.She sits with her plastic bag of lunch in her lap. A wind cheater and lace up sneakers. She is hunched up in half her seat. The mom in her "mom jeans" and Walmart sweater. Her stroller in front which can seat two. Juice boxes and small toys litter the stroller.A bundled up daughter in it and her son peering out. The awkward "Hindu-East Indian" pregnant housewife. In ill fitting,brightly colored off the rack mass produced "Modern" clothes. The vermiliion in her parting and all jewellery to indicate her marital status. The African-American woman in her business suit and punching emails into her Blackberry. Her expensive hair cut and shoes-bag combo standing out. The pre-teen girl with her straight blonde hair. Her braces are still not out, her sidekick held out in front of her almost like a weapon and her fingers dancing over it. Ipod plugged in and playing "Hannah Montana".
And then suddenly the doors opened. It was my destination and I stepped out to run to catch the next train
And then suddenly the doors opened. It was my destination and I stepped out to run to catch the next train
Friday, February 01, 2008
You have grown up soo much!!!
Scenario 1
Fat old balding uncle to young kid. "Pappu,what do u do??"
Young kid to balding uncle. "I am in 4th standard."
Fat old balding uncle to young kid. "Good, you must have something to pass your time."
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Does it sound odd.. Well that is because its odd. Because no one ever tells a school going/college going kid that. Now read the scenario below
Scenario 2
Random guy/woman to me "So, wat do u do cogito??"
Me to this random person "I am doing my Masters in IT at such and such college"
Random guy/woman to me "Good, you must have something to pass your time."
NO!! I am not passing time doing masters. Wat sort of a mind can come up with this extremely hilarious statement. Apparently, lots!!! And its irritating me beyond words.. I dont pass my time writing Oracle 10g or read loads of papers on SLA and so on so forth to pass my time.. If I want to pass my time I will read Malika Badrinath and her recipes for cardiac arrest and high colestrol!! If I want to pass my time I will build a TV (Ok I think you get the point).These inane questions irritate me.. When I was in 12th I used to hate it when people asked me what I want to do with my life or better yet if I am studying?? No dude I spent all of my 12th standard I spent partying and watching movies..
I think that if people had nothing to say to me I would rather they not ask me inane questions. Imagine how much more peace would exist in the world if people dont ask dumb questions. Sometimes, I have been considered a snob because I dont ask polite(read dumb) questions. If I ask these questions, they end up sounding hilarious because, it sounds like I absolutely dont mean it.. And most often than not I dont mean it. I dont care!!! I genuinely dont care!!! And when I do mean it, it comes out very concerned. And people know I mean it.
Switching gears, I am really happy about starting grad school.Somethings dont change. I still wait for a bus. But again,there is no N at the bus stop. Psychologically, I dont want to sit next to anyone else. So, I just sit with my bag. N u were the best bus partner a girl could ever ask for.
Now, I have to go and pass time doing some time pass Oracle. And the ultimate inane question of them all.. "My God u have grown up soooo much since I last saw you!!" "No U dingabat, I expected to the same since 1986."
Fat old balding uncle to young kid. "Pappu,what do u do??"
Young kid to balding uncle. "I am in 4th standard."
Fat old balding uncle to young kid. "Good, you must have something to pass your time."
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Does it sound odd.. Well that is because its odd. Because no one ever tells a school going/college going kid that. Now read the scenario below
Scenario 2
Random guy/woman to me "So, wat do u do cogito??"
Me to this random person "I am doing my Masters in IT at such and such college"
Random guy/woman to me "Good, you must have something to pass your time."
NO!! I am not passing time doing masters. Wat sort of a mind can come up with this extremely hilarious statement. Apparently, lots!!! And its irritating me beyond words.. I dont pass my time writing Oracle 10g or read loads of papers on SLA and so on so forth to pass my time.. If I want to pass my time I will read Malika Badrinath and her recipes for cardiac arrest and high colestrol!! If I want to pass my time I will build a TV (Ok I think you get the point).These inane questions irritate me.. When I was in 12th I used to hate it when people asked me what I want to do with my life or better yet if I am studying?? No dude I spent all of my 12th standard I spent partying and watching movies..
I think that if people had nothing to say to me I would rather they not ask me inane questions. Imagine how much more peace would exist in the world if people dont ask dumb questions. Sometimes, I have been considered a snob because I dont ask polite(read dumb) questions. If I ask these questions, they end up sounding hilarious because, it sounds like I absolutely dont mean it.. And most often than not I dont mean it. I dont care!!! I genuinely dont care!!! And when I do mean it, it comes out very concerned. And people know I mean it.
Switching gears, I am really happy about starting grad school.Somethings dont change. I still wait for a bus. But again,there is no N at the bus stop. Psychologically, I dont want to sit next to anyone else. So, I just sit with my bag. N u were the best bus partner a girl could ever ask for.
Now, I have to go and pass time doing some time pass Oracle. And the ultimate inane question of them all.. "My God u have grown up soooo much since I last saw you!!" "No U dingabat, I expected to the same since 1986."
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
Its All "Relative"
Most little kids have a fav aunt. The aunt who is super cool. Who probably relates to the problems u are going thru and for some reason ur mom doesnt get it..the aunt who told u abt sleep overs and so on soo forth( by now my male blog readers are wondering what the hell I am talking about!!!!) Anyways,there is such an aunt in every little kid's life. And most of my adult married life (ie the last one year I have spent being married) I have aspired to be this cool aunt to my nephews and neices. These holidays I have managed to impress on of my kid nephews. When my sis and bro-in-law visited Boston recently, I was a tad sad ( he he the pun just sprung up on me i swear!!!!!!!!) bcoz they came in the middle of a bitter snow storm.. I figured my nephews wont have any fun and they were cooped up in a home with only Shrek for cartoons!!! anyways without going into nitty details... the one thing I did with the older one was take him out in the snow for a bit.. 2 steps outside the front door.. I made him a snow ball and let him throw it.. Forward to a few weeks later and my sis told me that the one thing lil N remembers about his winter break is playing in the snow with "Yours Truly" and he drew a pic and took it to school.
Mailed families wishing them for New Year and only C replied!!!! the non - comp family member wrote me an email and he was the only person who I expected wudnt reply. The others dint..
PS Its OK if you dont understand this its not meant to be understood by non-families members.. Just venting.. N u shud know.. I also dint mail you coz I spoke to u..
It sounds like The Sopranos or the Corleones but no its jus a bunch of my frnds.
Last Thursday the temp was around 10F also read . By Sunday it was about 34F and my other half and I walked around saying that the temperatures were moderate and the weather was improving!!!
In case u wonder what the title has to do with these un related pieces of information provided to you its a play of words on the word "Relative!!!"
Mailed families wishing them for New Year and only C replied!!!! the non - comp family member wrote me an email and he was the only person who I expected wudnt reply. The others dint..
PS Its OK if you dont understand this its not meant to be understood by non-families members.. Just venting.. N u shud know.. I also dint mail you coz I spoke to u..
It sounds like The Sopranos or the Corleones but no its jus a bunch of my frnds.
Last Thursday the temp was around 10F also read . By Sunday it was about 34F and my other half and I walked around saying that the temperatures were moderate and the weather was improving!!!
In case u wonder what the title has to do with these un related pieces of information provided to you its a play of words on the word "Relative!!!"
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