HipHop Grandma's post stirred my mind. Like all of us, I have experienced fear after taking a wrong turn on the road or waiting for someone too long. However, many of these fears got diminished with time, maturity and understanding of the situations.
One of my worst nightmares was what I experienced on Nov 1 1984 in New Delhi. The day before, Oct 31 1984 had started out just as any other normal day. At that time and even now my parents live in West Delhi, which has huge Punjabi and Sikh population. I was studying in Grade 4 in school run by a retired Sikh military officer. A year before, my brother had left the school to join a middle school. All of us - my parents, my brother and I used to leave and come home in four different times. We all had spare home keys with us but usually it was me or my mom who would come home first. Few months back our house had got burgled and I developed a fear of entering the house alone. I was able to overcome that fear with time. Hence, many times I would sit in my neighbor’s house waiting for my mom to return and then enter my home.
In the afternoon of On Oct 31, which was a Wednesday, I was sitting in a bamboo chair outside my neighbor’s verandah and doing my homework. I remembered I forgot to get my Moral Science work book from the school after the teacher had corrected it. Just then my mom arrived in an autorickshaw and her face was tensed. She greeted my neighbor and asked her if she knew the news. My neighbor nodded and my mom hurried me home. I understood that the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi was assassinated. My mom had heard of some disturbing violence in few places in Delhi. My brother and dad arrived at their usual time home that evening. But the atmosphere in the neighborhood was apprehensive. Nobody could comprehend what an assassination of a Prime Minister would mean. I told my mom about my work book but she mentioned that I would not be going to school for couple of days as they had declared national mourning.
On Nov 1 1984, the newspapers were filled with news about Indira Gandhi and the future of India. After brunch, I was sitting with my parents in their bedroom. My brother was in the next room. My dad was reading the newspaper. I don't remember what my mom was doing exactly but I was reading a book and actually enjoying a sudden vacation in the middle of the week. I had not fully understood how grim the situation was. Suddenly we heard a faint shouting. The cry seemed to become stronger every second. Then my brother came into the room we were all in and all of us went to the front door, opening the door slightly. Our neighbors were also outside. We did not understand what was happening till we saw a huge mob emerging from the nearby streets. This huge crowd surrendered the last house in our street. That house belonged to a Sikh family. Thankfully, the family had escaped the previous evening. The mob broke into the house and took away every thing they found and finally burnt the house.
I was terrified and nobody had any answer. My parents were speechless by such human atrocity. The policemen were standing and staring and did not do anything to curtail the mob's actions. In the evening, we heard that my school was also burnt down. I believe my workbook must have also been reduced to ashes. The next few days were horrific. We heard and saw so much human hatred that I thought the world would come to an end. The sky was dark and gloomy with smoke. I never went back to that school. I joined my brother in his school in the middle of the year.
With years, things slowly returned back to normalcy. In our colony, they built a temple, Gurudwara and Church next to each other to promote communal brotherhood. I have never got answers to such horrific act but they get repeated often in some form in every part of the world. I don’t know how all these would end. But it made me realize to respect the only religion that should prevail the world - humanity.
Showing posts with label Tag. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tag. Show all posts
Friday, June 5, 2009
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Life on a Refrigerator
Suma tagged couple of weeks ago on the stories told by my fridge. Take a look.
It shows many places that we have visited. There are photos of how my kids looked when they were 2 years old (which is not too long ago). There is a picture of me and my daughter(next to the doll in top left corner) in a county fair. Me and little A were pretty excited as this was the first fair we were attending. I had no expectations but by the end of 3 hours, we had won 20 soft toy as prizes. It was so much for us to carry that we had to get hold of an unused garbage bag to put in all the toys. Incidentally all these soft toys were nice and different. My son at that time was 3 months old and we surprised him by showing a whole soft toy jungle. Since then we have attended 2 more county fairs but no such luck.
Travel makes one young and liberal. We come to learn new culture, get a taste of new cuisine and experience the life of locals. Of the 28 Indian states and 7 Union territories, I have visited 12 of them and lived in one of them. Of the 50 US states, I have visited 20 and am living in one. Hopefully I will be able to cover many, if not all the 195 countries in this life.
I am very excited about collecting a souvenir where ever I go, fridge magnets if possible. In fact I would like to have a world map and fill in the places we have visited with a souvenir brought from there. I remember once when visiting Sumana in Chicago, I drove everyone crazy shopping for an appropriate souvenir. People like to collect different things, one person I know likes to collect caps from places visited and the other likes to collect Tshirts. What do you like to collect?
I pass on the tag to Monika, Prats, Sumana, Arc, Archana and anyone else who would like to pick it up.
PS: I took the photo from my phone camera. Will post a clearer picture taken from a regular camera soon.
It shows many places that we have visited. There are photos of how my kids looked when they were 2 years old (which is not too long ago). There is a picture of me and my daughter(next to the doll in top left corner) in a county fair. Me and little A were pretty excited as this was the first fair we were attending. I had no expectations but by the end of 3 hours, we had won 20 soft toy as prizes. It was so much for us to carry that we had to get hold of an unused garbage bag to put in all the toys. Incidentally all these soft toys were nice and different. My son at that time was 3 months old and we surprised him by showing a whole soft toy jungle. Since then we have attended 2 more county fairs but no such luck.
Travel makes one young and liberal. We come to learn new culture, get a taste of new cuisine and experience the life of locals. Of the 28 Indian states and 7 Union territories, I have visited 12 of them and lived in one of them. Of the 50 US states, I have visited 20 and am living in one. Hopefully I will be able to cover many, if not all the 195 countries in this life.
I am very excited about collecting a souvenir where ever I go, fridge magnets if possible. In fact I would like to have a world map and fill in the places we have visited with a souvenir brought from there. I remember once when visiting Sumana in Chicago, I drove everyone crazy shopping for an appropriate souvenir. People like to collect different things, one person I know likes to collect caps from places visited and the other likes to collect Tshirts. What do you like to collect?
I pass on the tag to Monika, Prats, Sumana, Arc, Archana and anyone else who would like to pick it up.
PS: I took the photo from my phone camera. Will post a clearer picture taken from a regular camera soon.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Time Travel
Suma tagged me to reveal what I did 10 years ago and plan to do 14 years hence.
Two questions in each category answer them and then tag your friends from the blog-o-sphere. (Simple enough right) Leave a comment on their blog letting them know they have been tagged and you are all set.
Yesterday - Your oldest memory - What were you doing 10 years ago?
Today -Your first thought today morning - If you built a time capsule today what would it contain?
Tomorrow - This year ….What do you see yourself doing 14 years from now?
Yesterday:
Oldest Memory: When I was a first grader, I had a school uniform tunic, into which I could get in easily but had great difficulty taking it out. Every afternoon after my mom was back from work, we had a comic scene at home when my grad pa will hold my hands and my mom would use her full force to take the tunic off my head.
10 years ago: Oct 1998. My friends and me got our job placements and we went to Shimla on a class trip. There are wonderful memories of endless chat, playing cards late into mid night and singing for 8 hours straight while travelling in a bus.
Today:
First thought in the morning: Woke up smiling. Did not have any dream but something is giving me peace.
In a time capsule: All the wonderful moments in my life which I would like to treasure for ever with the same fervor.
Tomorrow:
This Year: I would become an aunt in couple of weeks. I am looking forward to meet the new arrival.
14 years hence: If I could.... Okay let me be practical. Hopefully I would still be writing something. I wonder if travel to Antarctica or moon would have become affordable.
I tag Arc, Archana, Madhu, Dinker, Subha and any one else who wants to take it up.
Two questions in each category answer them and then tag your friends from the blog-o-sphere. (Simple enough right) Leave a comment on their blog letting them know they have been tagged and you are all set.
Yesterday - Your oldest memory - What were you doing 10 years ago?
Today -Your first thought today morning - If you built a time capsule today what would it contain?
Tomorrow - This year ….What do you see yourself doing 14 years from now?
Yesterday:
Oldest Memory: When I was a first grader, I had a school uniform tunic, into which I could get in easily but had great difficulty taking it out. Every afternoon after my mom was back from work, we had a comic scene at home when my grad pa will hold my hands and my mom would use her full force to take the tunic off my head.
10 years ago: Oct 1998. My friends and me got our job placements and we went to Shimla on a class trip. There are wonderful memories of endless chat, playing cards late into mid night and singing for 8 hours straight while travelling in a bus.
Today:
First thought in the morning: Woke up smiling. Did not have any dream but something is giving me peace.
In a time capsule: All the wonderful moments in my life which I would like to treasure for ever with the same fervor.
Tomorrow:
This Year: I would become an aunt in couple of weeks. I am looking forward to meet the new arrival.
14 years hence: If I could.... Okay let me be practical. Hopefully I would still be writing something. I wonder if travel to Antarctica or moon would have become affordable.
I tag Arc, Archana, Madhu, Dinker, Subha and any one else who wants to take it up.
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
An affair to remember
Prats tagged me couple of weeks back asking me to describe my journey with books.
Do you remember how you developed a love for reading?
I was born into a family of book lovers. For me reading is as essential as eating food.
What are some books you read as a child?
As a child, I read all the classics that my family presented to me on my birthday – Tom Sawyer, Rebecca, Jane Austin novels, TinTin, Asterix, Enid Blyton novels.
What is your favourite genre?
It has changed from mystery, romance to humorous non fiction.
Do you have a favourite novel?
Books do touch us in many ways and expand the mind horizon. At each stage of life, different books have fascinated me. But recently “Match Made in Heaven”, “Alchemist” and Scotland series of Alexander McCall Smith seem to guide me.
Where do you usually read?
In my couch. I tried listening to audio books but somehow I don’t have a resource which has good collection. But any day I would prefer reading a book than listening to it.
Do you usually have more than one book you are reading at a time?
Sometimes.
Do you read nonfiction in a different way or place than you read fiction?
How can you do that? I thought the only books that are read differently are the course text books.
Do you buy most of the books you read, or borrow them, or check them out of the library?
Either buy or check them out of library.
Do you keep most of the books you buy? If not, what do you do with them?
Yes.
If you have children, what are some of the favorite books you have shared with them? Were they some of the same ones you read as a child?
I am waiting to reach that stage. Hopefully timeless classics will still enchant the next generation.
What are you reading now?
Kabul beauty Salon by Deborah Rodrigues.
Do you keep a TBR (to be read) list?
Yes. Its a different question whether I get to finish them.
What books would you like to reread?
It’s very hard for me to re read either a book or watch a movie again. The only ones I have re read are Tintin, asterix and Calvin Hobbes.
Who are your favourite authors?
Currently Alexander McCall Smith. But I admire lot more for their way of writing and take on life.
I pass on the tag to Archana, ugich konitari, Suma, Ziah, Tys. Anyone else is welcome to pick it up.
Do you remember how you developed a love for reading?
I was born into a family of book lovers. For me reading is as essential as eating food.
What are some books you read as a child?
As a child, I read all the classics that my family presented to me on my birthday – Tom Sawyer, Rebecca, Jane Austin novels, TinTin, Asterix, Enid Blyton novels.
What is your favourite genre?
It has changed from mystery, romance to humorous non fiction.
Do you have a favourite novel?
Books do touch us in many ways and expand the mind horizon. At each stage of life, different books have fascinated me. But recently “Match Made in Heaven”, “Alchemist” and Scotland series of Alexander McCall Smith seem to guide me.
Where do you usually read?
In my couch. I tried listening to audio books but somehow I don’t have a resource which has good collection. But any day I would prefer reading a book than listening to it.
Do you usually have more than one book you are reading at a time?
Sometimes.
Do you read nonfiction in a different way or place than you read fiction?
How can you do that? I thought the only books that are read differently are the course text books.
Do you buy most of the books you read, or borrow them, or check them out of the library?
Either buy or check them out of library.
Do you keep most of the books you buy? If not, what do you do with them?
Yes.
If you have children, what are some of the favorite books you have shared with them? Were they some of the same ones you read as a child?
I am waiting to reach that stage. Hopefully timeless classics will still enchant the next generation.
What are you reading now?
Kabul beauty Salon by Deborah Rodrigues.
Do you keep a TBR (to be read) list?
Yes. Its a different question whether I get to finish them.
What books would you like to reread?
It’s very hard for me to re read either a book or watch a movie again. The only ones I have re read are Tintin, asterix and Calvin Hobbes.
Who are your favourite authors?
Currently Alexander McCall Smith. But I admire lot more for their way of writing and take on life.
I pass on the tag to Archana, ugich konitari, Suma, Ziah, Tys. Anyone else is welcome to pick it up.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Post Perfect
Numbers are one of the greatest puzzles to human mind. They can cause excitement, anxiety and fulfillment. There is something complete about whole numbers. You feel little satisfied and at peace on achieving something, however small it is. That's why I always used to get an itch when Bata used to price most of its shoes at Rs 99.99.
Anyone striving for perfection knows that the journey from 99 to 100 is more difficult than 0 to 99. You can feel the anxiety and excitement built when a cricketer gets closer to century than any other score. I remember when Nadia Comaneci attained a perfect 10. Though the digital displays were not ready to show the score to the world, her splendid display made it crystal clear. In many fields, it is a landmark. Once you have achieved it, no matter how long you go, you know you have earned a marble in the jar.
Once in my student life I had experienced the ecstasy of scoring a perfect figure and years later the disappointment of missing it by few points. Today, I became little dizzy when I realized this is my 100th post. It took me 15 months to write this, a little longer than I expected. But as it is said, joy is found not in destination, but in the journey. It has been a wonderful odyssey indeed and am honored to be bestowed with such good blog friends and the awards – one from Suma and other from Monika. Thank you and I herewith pass on the “Brillante Weblog” to (that is if I could find any who has not received it yet):
Archana – She has a knack of creating an interesting post from almost anything.
Archana – Her tidbits about life and the way she looks at it is very refreshing and encouraging.
Sumana – Her tiny and little not only brightens her life but our day too.
Ceedy – His short stories need to be compiled into a book. Very well thought over and beautifully written.
Anyone striving for perfection knows that the journey from 99 to 100 is more difficult than 0 to 99. You can feel the anxiety and excitement built when a cricketer gets closer to century than any other score. I remember when Nadia Comaneci attained a perfect 10. Though the digital displays were not ready to show the score to the world, her splendid display made it crystal clear. In many fields, it is a landmark. Once you have achieved it, no matter how long you go, you know you have earned a marble in the jar.
Once in my student life I had experienced the ecstasy of scoring a perfect figure and years later the disappointment of missing it by few points. Today, I became little dizzy when I realized this is my 100th post. It took me 15 months to write this, a little longer than I expected. But as it is said, joy is found not in destination, but in the journey. It has been a wonderful odyssey indeed and am honored to be bestowed with such good blog friends and the awards – one from Suma and other from Monika. Thank you and I herewith pass on the “Brillante Weblog” to (that is if I could find any who has not received it yet):
Archana – She has a knack of creating an interesting post from almost anything.
Archana – Her tidbits about life and the way she looks at it is very refreshing and encouraging.
Sumana – Her tiny and little not only brightens her life but our day too.
Ceedy – His short stories need to be compiled into a book. Very well thought over and beautifully written.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Read, get inspired and take on life
Prats tagged me to list my top 10 literary characters. If it were authors, it could have been easier. I would try my best to remember the character names but there are various unnamed characters in many books that have influenced my life. Every time I read a book, I take something out of it. Sometimes I get impressed by the fictional personalities but many times it is the author’s style of writing. Here goes the list:
1. Tintin: As a kid I used to love this character and actually wanted to own up a dog lik
e Snowy. Growing up, I started to enjoy Asterix/Obelix more but I still remember my fascination for Tintin in my younger days.
2.Enid Blyton characters: Like many others, I grew up with these fictional personalities being part of my daily routine. I can't decide between George, Julian of Famous Five and Fatty in Five Founouters. I liked them all in their own ways.
e Snowy. Growing up, I started to enjoy Asterix/Obelix more but I still remember my fascination for Tintin in my younger days.2.Enid Blyton characters: Like many others, I grew up with these fictional personalities being part of my daily routine. I can't decide between George, Julian of Famous Five and Fatty in Five Founouters. I liked them all in their own ways.
3. Sherlock Holmes: Sir Arthur Canon Doyle's creation has been my all time favorite. I have read all the four novels and the short stories. As a teenager, I would eagerly look forward to Sunday for watching the tele-series. I actually cried watching "The Final Problem", in which Sherlock Holmes disappears. 3 years back, on our way to India, we had to stop over in London. You can imagine my excitement seeing a 6 feet tall statue of Sherlock Holmes on 221 B Baker Street.
4. Liz of Pride and Prejudice. I loved her independence and romance with Darcy, whom I admired too- Tall, rich and reserved. Years later, one of my friends commented why girls fall for guys who are reserved and don't look at guys who talk and make them laugh! Well, it’s not true but Darcy character is pretty attractive.
5. Tom Sawyer for his adventourous and independent spirit.
5. Tom Sawyer for his adventourous and independent spirit.
6. Anne Frank from Diary of Anne Frank: For a girl who has gone through nightmares of world's worst times, she has indeed been brave and learnt to live life even in those tough times.
7. Erma Bombeck: She is actually a humorist who has written about 15 best sellers. Her main character in all her books is in first person. So, I am assuming this is about her life as I do not know the name of the main character.
8. Jason Bourne of Bourne series by Robert Ludlum. He might not be a popular character but I admire him for his precision and presence of mind.
9. Elliott Goodman of "Match Made in Heaven": I see the life similar to how he does and liked his attitude of never giving up, even when it was a game with God. If you have not read this book, I recommend you to pick it up in your next visit to bookstore or library.
10. Amir of Kite Runner: Though he seemed to be submissive and not standing up for injustice done to his dear ones, he did gain courage and went back to face the battle and win it. There is something enigmatic about this character which draws my attention.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Wanna know me more?
Just when I was struggling in my mind on what to write, Thinking Aloud tagged, that too with a minor challenge. As usual, all the tags have always been fun to do. So here we go:
Last Movie You Saw In A Theater:
Rang De Basanti and am really happy about it.
What Book Are You Reading:
Actually I am listening (audio book) to My Life by Bill Clinton
Favorite Board Game:
Scrabble.
Favorite Magazine:
Reader's Digest
Favorite Smells:
Baby smell, bakery, rain on mud/brick
Favorite Sound:
Soft instrumental music.
Worst Feeling In The World:
Helplessness and self pity
What Is The First Thing You Think Of When You Wake? :
If I can sleep for 5 more minutes.
Favorite Fast Food Place:
Chaat place
Future Child's Name:
I'll faint if I come to know I am going to have another one.
Finish This Statement. "If I Had A Lot Of Money I'd...”:
I'll travel around the world to remote places and help needy children with food, shelter and education
Do You Drive Fast? :
No. I am a law abiding citizen. The cop who gave me a ticket for speeding was wrong in his part.
Do You Sleep With A Stuffed Animal?:
No
Storms-Cool Or Scary? :
If trees do not sway hard, cool else I don't want to look outside.
What Was Your First Car?:
White Ambassador
Favourite drink:
Nice cup of tea
Finish This Statement, "If I Had The Time I Would .....” :
Read and travel
Do You Eat The Stems On Broccoli?:
I don't eat the broccoli florets let alone the stems
If You Could Dye Your Hair Any Color, What Would Be Your Choice? :
Auburn
Name All The Different Cities/Towns You Have Lived In
Delhi, New Jersey
Favorite Sports To Watch:
Tennis, one day cricket, world cup soccer, olympics, gymanstics, skatting, basketball
One Nice Thing About The Person Who Sent This To You:
A great personality and I really look forward to meeting her someday. I love what she writes and my day starts with a visit to her blog.
What's Under Your Bed?:
Nothing
Would You Like To Be Born As Yourself Again?
Sure but with some changes.
Morning Person Or Night Owl?:
If I am with a friend or have a work to finish or prepare for an exam, I can be either.
Over Easy Or Sunny Side Up?:
Neither. I like hard boiled eggs.
Favorite Place To Relax:
Any vacation place. If home, I like to have a quite time with myself reading a good book.
Favorite Pie:
Mango pie.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor:
Hot chocolate fudge topped with chocolate chips
Of All The People You Tagged This To, Who's Most Likely To Respond First?
I think Arch or Archana
And I tag Arch, Archana, Madhu, Ziah, Sumana.
Last Movie You Saw In A Theater:
Rang De Basanti and am really happy about it.
What Book Are You Reading:
Actually I am listening (audio book) to My Life by Bill Clinton
Favorite Board Game:
Scrabble.
Favorite Magazine:
Reader's Digest
Favorite Smells:
Baby smell, bakery, rain on mud/brick
Favorite Sound:
Soft instrumental music.
Worst Feeling In The World:
Helplessness and self pity
What Is The First Thing You Think Of When You Wake? :
If I can sleep for 5 more minutes.
Favorite Fast Food Place:
Chaat place
Future Child's Name:
I'll faint if I come to know I am going to have another one.
Finish This Statement. "If I Had A Lot Of Money I'd...”:
I'll travel around the world to remote places and help needy children with food, shelter and education
Do You Drive Fast? :
No. I am a law abiding citizen. The cop who gave me a ticket for speeding was wrong in his part.
Do You Sleep With A Stuffed Animal?:
No
Storms-Cool Or Scary? :
If trees do not sway hard, cool else I don't want to look outside.
What Was Your First Car?:
White Ambassador
Favourite drink:
Nice cup of tea
Finish This Statement, "If I Had The Time I Would .....” :
Read and travel
Do You Eat The Stems On Broccoli?:
I don't eat the broccoli florets let alone the stems
If You Could Dye Your Hair Any Color, What Would Be Your Choice? :
Auburn
Name All The Different Cities/Towns You Have Lived In
Delhi, New Jersey
Favorite Sports To Watch:
Tennis, one day cricket, world cup soccer, olympics, gymanstics, skatting, basketball
One Nice Thing About The Person Who Sent This To You:
A great personality and I really look forward to meeting her someday. I love what she writes and my day starts with a visit to her blog.
What's Under Your Bed?:
Nothing
Would You Like To Be Born As Yourself Again?
Sure but with some changes.
Morning Person Or Night Owl?:
If I am with a friend or have a work to finish or prepare for an exam, I can be either.
Over Easy Or Sunny Side Up?:
Neither. I like hard boiled eggs.
Favorite Place To Relax:
Any vacation place. If home, I like to have a quite time with myself reading a good book.
Favorite Pie:
Mango pie.
Favorite Ice Cream Flavor:
Hot chocolate fudge topped with chocolate chips
Of All The People You Tagged This To, Who's Most Likely To Respond First?
I think Arch or Archana
And I tag Arch, Archana, Madhu, Ziah, Sumana.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
I like you, I like you not
XH tagged me on 10 things I do not like about opposite sex. He tagged me couple of weeks back but it took me this long to jot down few points. Can you imagine that? Few years back, I would have given a long list of things I dislike in guys but now growing wiser and more patient, I do not think any of these characteristic are freaky. I have understood that Men are from Mars and Women from Venus and God knows what we are doing in Earth. Whatever said and done, even if we share lots of common philosophy and ideals, we still look life through different glasses. I doubt if I could cover 10 things about what I dislike in guys. I would be happy if I can cover 5. So guys, who are reading this, please do not bloat under the assumption that I think you are great and perfect, just that I have come to terms with reality, which are mentioned in the above lines.
1. Not picking up the call: It does not matter whether a guy is loaded with cell phone, black berry, pager and other electronic gadgets, there are very few individuals I know who actually pick up a call the instant they receive it. I have no clue what these gadgets add value too other than being girl's equivalent of jewelry to guys.
2. Converse: I understand that sharing and conversing depends on individual's personality. But I have realized whenever I would like to converse regarding something that seem important to me, the other person is always quiet and would not like to talk, maybe because it is not of so much importance to him. Hence the only conversation going on is between me and my conscience, which keep advising me to grow up. In reality, the whole episode is forgotten but the lessons learnt keep bugging me.
3. Assuming things to be done by gals: I dislike if a guy thinks that cooking, cleaning and other stuff are to be done by girls alone. I do enjoy these but do not like to be taken for granted. My feminist self is especially flared up when they give their opinion on changing name after marriage or quitting job after kids.
Other than that, I just reiterate the fact that I think man and woman are two different species but with some efforts and understanding can bring the Heaven to earth.
I’ll tag Arc, Ziah, Prats and Thinking Aloud as I think they can do some more justice to this tag.
1. Not picking up the call: It does not matter whether a guy is loaded with cell phone, black berry, pager and other electronic gadgets, there are very few individuals I know who actually pick up a call the instant they receive it. I have no clue what these gadgets add value too other than being girl's equivalent of jewelry to guys.
2. Converse: I understand that sharing and conversing depends on individual's personality. But I have realized whenever I would like to converse regarding something that seem important to me, the other person is always quiet and would not like to talk, maybe because it is not of so much importance to him. Hence the only conversation going on is between me and my conscience, which keep advising me to grow up. In reality, the whole episode is forgotten but the lessons learnt keep bugging me.
3. Assuming things to be done by gals: I dislike if a guy thinks that cooking, cleaning and other stuff are to be done by girls alone. I do enjoy these but do not like to be taken for granted. My feminist self is especially flared up when they give their opinion on changing name after marriage or quitting job after kids.
Other than that, I just reiterate the fact that I think man and woman are two different species but with some efforts and understanding can bring the Heaven to earth.
I’ll tag Arc, Ziah, Prats and Thinking Aloud as I think they can do some more justice to this tag.
Monday, February 25, 2008
Me, Myself and people dear to me
Thinking Aloud and NM tagged me for revealing myself and my dear ones.
Rules For The TagPost 5 links to 5 of your previously written posts. The posts have to relate to the 5key words given : family, friend, yourself, your love, anything you like. Tag 5 other friends to do this meme. Try to tag at least 2 new acquaintances (if not, your current blog buddies will do) so that you get to know them each a little bit better.
I realized most of my posts reflect about my family, friends and things dear to me but have not written exclusively on any one of these. I'll try my best to link to the post which relates closest to the keyword.
Family: This post describes an important era of my life. I do have a separate blog, which talks about how my sweet little daughter colors my life.
Friend: I seek for friendship in every relationship I have - spouse, mother, father, brother, sis-in-law, kids and of course friends. I have been fortunate enough to meet wonderful people in life and gain their friendships. Though I have not written any post entirely on any friendship I have cherished, I would link this, this and probably this one too.
Myself: The tags reveal the most in me. So, here you go. Enjoy this.
Love: There is couple of things I love - books, driving. This would probably give you an idea.
Anything I like: Few posts back, I have compiled a list of things I would like to do.
Now for the tagging part, I would like to tag the following for going down the blog lane and reveal themselves one more time:
Ziah: I know wonder blog that you would link in your family key word.
XH: A new acquaintance, I would like to know more about you.
Any other readers are most welcome to take it up.
Rules For The TagPost 5 links to 5 of your previously written posts. The posts have to relate to the 5key words given : family, friend, yourself, your love, anything you like. Tag 5 other friends to do this meme. Try to tag at least 2 new acquaintances (if not, your current blog buddies will do) so that you get to know them each a little bit better.
I realized most of my posts reflect about my family, friends and things dear to me but have not written exclusively on any one of these. I'll try my best to link to the post which relates closest to the keyword.
Family: This post describes an important era of my life. I do have a separate blog, which talks about how my sweet little daughter colors my life.
Friend: I seek for friendship in every relationship I have - spouse, mother, father, brother, sis-in-law, kids and of course friends. I have been fortunate enough to meet wonderful people in life and gain their friendships. Though I have not written any post entirely on any friendship I have cherished, I would link this, this and probably this one too.
Myself: The tags reveal the most in me. So, here you go. Enjoy this.
Love: There is couple of things I love - books, driving. This would probably give you an idea.
Anything I like: Few posts back, I have compiled a list of things I would like to do.
Now for the tagging part, I would like to tag the following for going down the blog lane and reveal themselves one more time:
Ziah: I know wonder blog that you would link in your family key word.
XH: A new acquaintance, I would like to know more about you.
Any other readers are most welcome to take it up.
Monday, February 11, 2008
Home Sweet Home
The object of my affection is my home in Delhi, where I grew up. I have been in the same house till I came to New Jersey 7 years back. That house has heard me crying as a baby, seen me taking my first steps, dancing as a teenager, slogging through nights for exams, arguments with my mom, partying with friends, jumping with ecstasy on various achievements and understanding life and becoming more sober as situations demanded. Its walls are the only ones who have seen my true emotions and seen me growing up into what I am today.
We have a beautiful house with a lawn and a kitchen garden. My dad, an engineer himself, was it's architect and my mom decorated it. It is very much their dream house and was built a year before I was born. As a kid, when my dad used to tell me that he built (gave its architecture) the house, I thought he literally built it - as in put in the brick and mortar. I used to assume he built at night since he had to work during the day. It was later I understood what he meant. We have not changed the house much except for rearranging it in the interior. So, on the exterior, it looks the same as it was built three decades back. My brother who was a toddler when it was being constructed used to come in his tri cycle with my parents to see how it was building up and learnt to write the alphabets in its walls.
For our primary (elementary) education, we went to a school close by. Till my brother was in the same school, we went either by cycle or walk. Later I used to take the school bus. Those days, sometimes my mom had to go to the University for her exam invigilation duty in the afternoon. She used to make some nice tempting snacks that we could have after lunch - jelly, custard, papdi chaat. Me and my brother will make these snacks as our lunch and hardly finish up our main course. I remember in various occasions, my brother's friends would accompany us home from school and would share these nice treats. I would pray silently if they could stop coming in the afternoon so that we can devour all these goodies ourselves.
For few years initially, my grandparents lived with us. I remember the day my grandfather passed away. I was 7 years old and could not understand what was happening. My parents were very sober and quiet that day. I mustered up some courage and told my mom that I had a test next day and I had not studied for it. Instead of being angry, she replied calmly that I would not be going to school next day. Even though the situation demanded otherwise and I was pretty confused, I still remember the pang of joy I felt about bunking the school. I remember the fun we had during summers when my cousins visited us. It was literally a gala time. I think it would require a different post to write down all the stupid and fun games we played.
After few months, my brother went to a different high school while I continued in the same one. In the afternoons, it was either my mom or I who returned first. One day when I returned home, I could not get in. When my mom came a little later, we assumed that my brother must have fallen asleep watching a cricket match and bunked the school. All these seemed very unusual and only later we realized that the house was burgled. I still remember those days vividly when the police came up with a dog to do the investigation. I was a little scared but learnt another aspect of life. We rearranged the house and made a different room as the drawing room for security reasons. My dad insisted that I should be brave and come home after school. He had made the home more secure and added an extra door in front of the main door. It was made in a way that there was a small place between the two doors. He said if I felt scared, I can be in that place and enter the home when my mom comes. They also kept few books, comics, biscuits and water for me. Every day I would pray that my mom should reach home first. The days my prayers were answered I would dance with joy.
Years passed and Delhi witnessed riots and human hatred. We rearranged our house as situation demanded to make it more secure and safe. I grew up fine, brave and understanding that life is actually not a fairy tale. Me and my brother played miniature versions of various games of cricket, tennis, table tennis, soccer and 5 stones(a girlish game that I taught my brother) inside the house with modified rules. The house witnessed each of my birthday celebration when my mom would bake a yummy chocolate cake and my friends, without fail, would greet me.
We had to rearrange our house one more time because both I and my brother demanded a room of ourselves. We had two choices - a room, well ventilated and well lit with sunlight and the other which was not that well ventilated but had an attraction - telephone. The first one is a very good room, warm in winters and cool in summers. The second one is exactly opposite. Being a teenager, I ended up choosing the second one. My brother, more than happy, would tease me that I lived either in Sahara or Siberia while he enjoyed the cool Mediterranean.
With all this rearrangement of the house, one of my parent's friend jokingly remarked that when they come to our home, they ring the door bell and stand as they would not know which door is going to open to welcome them in.
I remember myself slogging for my 10th, 12th boards and college exams. That was when I actually became interested in Vaastu shastra. I could see that if my study table was placed east, I got better marks than when it was placed north. Though I knew in my heart it was purely attributed to the way I studied. This room saw me sharing life with my good friends. I remember innumerable occasions when instead of finishing off our projects, we would end up chatting till sunrise.
The home experienced more celebrations of my brother's graduation, his job, his wedding ceremonies, homecoming of his bride and of course, me graduating, getting a job and getting married. I miss my home the same way as I miss my parents - the only difference is that my parents can come and visit me.
Thank you Thinking Aloud for tagging me on "The Object of my Affection". I really enjoyed doing it.
I pass on the tag to Archana, Madhu, Sumana, HHG and who ever is interested in taking it up.
We have a beautiful house with a lawn and a kitchen garden. My dad, an engineer himself, was it's architect and my mom decorated it. It is very much their dream house and was built a year before I was born. As a kid, when my dad used to tell me that he built (gave its architecture) the house, I thought he literally built it - as in put in the brick and mortar. I used to assume he built at night since he had to work during the day. It was later I understood what he meant. We have not changed the house much except for rearranging it in the interior. So, on the exterior, it looks the same as it was built three decades back. My brother who was a toddler when it was being constructed used to come in his tri cycle with my parents to see how it was building up and learnt to write the alphabets in its walls.
For our primary (elementary) education, we went to a school close by. Till my brother was in the same school, we went either by cycle or walk. Later I used to take the school bus. Those days, sometimes my mom had to go to the University for her exam invigilation duty in the afternoon. She used to make some nice tempting snacks that we could have after lunch - jelly, custard, papdi chaat. Me and my brother will make these snacks as our lunch and hardly finish up our main course. I remember in various occasions, my brother's friends would accompany us home from school and would share these nice treats. I would pray silently if they could stop coming in the afternoon so that we can devour all these goodies ourselves.
For few years initially, my grandparents lived with us. I remember the day my grandfather passed away. I was 7 years old and could not understand what was happening. My parents were very sober and quiet that day. I mustered up some courage and told my mom that I had a test next day and I had not studied for it. Instead of being angry, she replied calmly that I would not be going to school next day. Even though the situation demanded otherwise and I was pretty confused, I still remember the pang of joy I felt about bunking the school. I remember the fun we had during summers when my cousins visited us. It was literally a gala time. I think it would require a different post to write down all the stupid and fun games we played.
After few months, my brother went to a different high school while I continued in the same one. In the afternoons, it was either my mom or I who returned first. One day when I returned home, I could not get in. When my mom came a little later, we assumed that my brother must have fallen asleep watching a cricket match and bunked the school. All these seemed very unusual and only later we realized that the house was burgled. I still remember those days vividly when the police came up with a dog to do the investigation. I was a little scared but learnt another aspect of life. We rearranged the house and made a different room as the drawing room for security reasons. My dad insisted that I should be brave and come home after school. He had made the home more secure and added an extra door in front of the main door. It was made in a way that there was a small place between the two doors. He said if I felt scared, I can be in that place and enter the home when my mom comes. They also kept few books, comics, biscuits and water for me. Every day I would pray that my mom should reach home first. The days my prayers were answered I would dance with joy.
Years passed and Delhi witnessed riots and human hatred. We rearranged our house as situation demanded to make it more secure and safe. I grew up fine, brave and understanding that life is actually not a fairy tale. Me and my brother played miniature versions of various games of cricket, tennis, table tennis, soccer and 5 stones(a girlish game that I taught my brother) inside the house with modified rules. The house witnessed each of my birthday celebration when my mom would bake a yummy chocolate cake and my friends, without fail, would greet me.
We had to rearrange our house one more time because both I and my brother demanded a room of ourselves. We had two choices - a room, well ventilated and well lit with sunlight and the other which was not that well ventilated but had an attraction - telephone. The first one is a very good room, warm in winters and cool in summers. The second one is exactly opposite. Being a teenager, I ended up choosing the second one. My brother, more than happy, would tease me that I lived either in Sahara or Siberia while he enjoyed the cool Mediterranean.
With all this rearrangement of the house, one of my parent's friend jokingly remarked that when they come to our home, they ring the door bell and stand as they would not know which door is going to open to welcome them in.
I remember myself slogging for my 10th, 12th boards and college exams. That was when I actually became interested in Vaastu shastra. I could see that if my study table was placed east, I got better marks than when it was placed north. Though I knew in my heart it was purely attributed to the way I studied. This room saw me sharing life with my good friends. I remember innumerable occasions when instead of finishing off our projects, we would end up chatting till sunrise.
The home experienced more celebrations of my brother's graduation, his job, his wedding ceremonies, homecoming of his bride and of course, me graduating, getting a job and getting married. I miss my home the same way as I miss my parents - the only difference is that my parents can come and visit me.
Thank you Thinking Aloud for tagging me on "The Object of my Affection". I really enjoyed doing it.
I pass on the tag to Archana, Madhu, Sumana, HHG and who ever is interested in taking it up.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
The time starts now...
Thinking Aloud tagged me for my plans of next ten years. This has been a real good exercise on racking my brains for making some personal goals.
- I am happy I have made a start in writing but I would like to take it to the next level and make something concrete out of it.
- I would like to go on a vacation with my family every year. I would also like to camp/trek/ hike/bike every summer with them. I am sure these bonding and understanding would be very much needed when the kids grow older and require (demands) their space.
- I would like to organise my life in many aspects - my routine, home, work and relationships.
- I would like to be in a stronger position professionally.
- It has been a childhood dream for me to own a small library at home which would hold a good collection of timeless classics and modern bestsellers. With all the technology advancement and Kindle being here, I still love to feel and flip the pages of a book.
- Playing sports has always worked as a synergy for me. I would like to play Tennis and Volleyball more often and if possible, make Tennis as a weekend must-do-chore. I would also like to watch live tennis matches in all the 4 Grand Slam courts and be a regular for the US Open.
- As a kid I learnt the Indian classical Violin.I was able to renew my wish and am learning the western classical now. Playing Violin gives me some peace and pleasure. Hopefully, I would continue this and inspire my kids into some sort of music.
- I would like to watch more of the theater plays and musicals.
- I would like to spend more time in cultivating a home garden. Till now, I have not been able to save any of my plants from the severe winter chill but I want this to change.
- Life teaches us lesson at various stages. But I would like to have a better grasp of what is reality and what is dream. Many times, the line has blurred for me causing confusion.
- Family and friends have always supported and inspired me. I would like cherish the strong bonds and like to strengthen few ones.
- I would like to read mythological stories and philosophy from different parts of the world.
- I would like to give back to humanity in some way. I am not able to decide how but hopefully, it would be clear in couple of years.
- Last but not the least, finish the embroidery that I started 5 years back !
I would like to tag Arch, Madhu, Sumana, Archana, Dame's Diary, Ziah and VivekRam
Anyone else interested are most welcome to take it up.
- I am happy I have made a start in writing but I would like to take it to the next level and make something concrete out of it.
- I would like to go on a vacation with my family every year. I would also like to camp/trek/ hike/bike every summer with them. I am sure these bonding and understanding would be very much needed when the kids grow older and require (demands) their space.
- I would like to organise my life in many aspects - my routine, home, work and relationships.
- I would like to be in a stronger position professionally.
- It has been a childhood dream for me to own a small library at home which would hold a good collection of timeless classics and modern bestsellers. With all the technology advancement and Kindle being here, I still love to feel and flip the pages of a book.
- Playing sports has always worked as a synergy for me. I would like to play Tennis and Volleyball more often and if possible, make Tennis as a weekend must-do-chore. I would also like to watch live tennis matches in all the 4 Grand Slam courts and be a regular for the US Open.
- As a kid I learnt the Indian classical Violin.I was able to renew my wish and am learning the western classical now. Playing Violin gives me some peace and pleasure. Hopefully, I would continue this and inspire my kids into some sort of music.
- I would like to watch more of the theater plays and musicals.
- I would like to spend more time in cultivating a home garden. Till now, I have not been able to save any of my plants from the severe winter chill but I want this to change.
- Life teaches us lesson at various stages. But I would like to have a better grasp of what is reality and what is dream. Many times, the line has blurred for me causing confusion.
- Family and friends have always supported and inspired me. I would like cherish the strong bonds and like to strengthen few ones.
- I would like to read mythological stories and philosophy from different parts of the world.
- I would like to give back to humanity in some way. I am not able to decide how but hopefully, it would be clear in couple of years.
- Last but not the least, finish the embroidery that I started 5 years back !
I would like to tag Arch, Madhu, Sumana, Archana, Dame's Diary, Ziah and VivekRam
Anyone else interested are most welcome to take it up.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
I am Tagged!
Thinking Aloud did think me over to do the following tag. Thank you and hope you are still around after knowing me better :)
Tag Name :Seven Random and / or Weird Things about Me.
Rules : Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself.
Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
Let each person know that they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
The Seven Seas:
1. Afraid of aging: As a kid I used to think I would age gracefully. Not that I am not, but I am now afraid of celebrating birthdays. Mind you, I don't mind getting gifts but dread the age.
2. Books: I have always loved books. If I like a book, I tend to read more by the same author. I also get so inspired and overwhelmed with what I have read, that I blurt it all out to my friends. Archana and Madhu must have gone crazy hearing the books I read of Alexander McCall Smith.
3. Not too much into financial: Even though I have worked in financial industry and love math, the financial numbers don't attract me at all. I do want to learn but have never gone beyond half a page of a financial book.
4. Wacky brain: As a teenager and a young gal in early 20s , I used to love all PJs and all wacky mind teasers. When my brother and sis-in-law left for US after getting married, I accompanied them to the 1 hour drive to airport. Instead of being emotional, me and sis-in-law played the Bruce Lee series the entire way. E.g what is Bruce Lee's fav vegetable - Moolee (radish or dicon). After years, my sis-in-law is much saner but my mind still enjoys these wacky games.
5. Try to clean: After two kids, my house is decently(Ok Ok for most parts) clean but definitely not going to win Martha Stewart's best cleaned home. I have this eternal guilt in me of cleaning the house, which drives H crazy. Unlike India where cleaner comes every day, in US we have a cleaning lady coming every 2 or 3 weeks. I feel so terrified what she would think, that I clean most part of the house before she comes. H teases me that to have the house cleaned , just ask her to call us every week.
6. Driving: I actually enjoy driving. I knew I would enjoy it even before I learnt how to drive or got the license. I seriously don't mind making 2-3 trips / day to a mall or shop to get something.
7. Love marriages: I like love marriages esp between couples from two completely different cultures/religion/sect/region. Even though people have voiced their opinion saying that in these marriages, culture, languages etc get mixed up and tend to get lost over generations, I adore it because it brings the basic human quality of love and acceptance.
The seven people who need to cross the seven seas at their own risk are :
1. Arch
2. Madhu
3. Archana
4. Sumana
5. Ziah
6. TysOnIce
7. Sreejith
All you lucky people, plunge if you feel like . Otherwise, it is fine too. All other readers, if you feel like taking up this tag , please be my guest.
Tag Name :Seven Random and / or Weird Things about Me.
Rules : Link to the person that tagged you, and post the rules on your blog.
Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself.
Tag 7 random people at the end of your post, and include links to their blogs.
Let each person know that they’ve been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
The Seven Seas:
1. Afraid of aging: As a kid I used to think I would age gracefully. Not that I am not, but I am now afraid of celebrating birthdays. Mind you, I don't mind getting gifts but dread the age.
2. Books: I have always loved books. If I like a book, I tend to read more by the same author. I also get so inspired and overwhelmed with what I have read, that I blurt it all out to my friends. Archana and Madhu must have gone crazy hearing the books I read of Alexander McCall Smith.
3. Not too much into financial: Even though I have worked in financial industry and love math, the financial numbers don't attract me at all. I do want to learn but have never gone beyond half a page of a financial book.
4. Wacky brain: As a teenager and a young gal in early 20s , I used to love all PJs and all wacky mind teasers. When my brother and sis-in-law left for US after getting married, I accompanied them to the 1 hour drive to airport. Instead of being emotional, me and sis-in-law played the Bruce Lee series the entire way. E.g what is Bruce Lee's fav vegetable - Moolee (radish or dicon). After years, my sis-in-law is much saner but my mind still enjoys these wacky games.
5. Try to clean: After two kids, my house is decently(Ok Ok for most parts) clean but definitely not going to win Martha Stewart's best cleaned home. I have this eternal guilt in me of cleaning the house, which drives H crazy. Unlike India where cleaner comes every day, in US we have a cleaning lady coming every 2 or 3 weeks. I feel so terrified what she would think, that I clean most part of the house before she comes. H teases me that to have the house cleaned , just ask her to call us every week.
6. Driving: I actually enjoy driving. I knew I would enjoy it even before I learnt how to drive or got the license. I seriously don't mind making 2-3 trips / day to a mall or shop to get something.
7. Love marriages: I like love marriages esp between couples from two completely different cultures/religion/sect/region. Even though people have voiced their opinion saying that in these marriages, culture, languages etc get mixed up and tend to get lost over generations, I adore it because it brings the basic human quality of love and acceptance.
The seven people who need to cross the seven seas at their own risk are :
1. Arch
2. Madhu
3. Archana
4. Sumana
5. Ziah
6. TysOnIce
7. Sreejith
All you lucky people, plunge if you feel like . Otherwise, it is fine too. All other readers, if you feel like taking up this tag , please be my guest.
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