The last few days have been hectic as I have been juggling various aspects of my life such as cooking, personal time, and work, pretty well :D I am usually pretty bad at juggling as I am a can-do-one-task-at-a-time person. Most ppl assume that I am a cdotaat 'cos I am aiming for perfection - let me disabuse you of tht idea :D All I want is to complete the damn task so I can take a beeg break :D
So it came as a wonderful surprise that I was pretty good at juggling all the items and could also be pleasant at the same time :) OKkkk.. today's breakfast of Semiya did not look like the Semiya shown in ads -looked more like paste :( Well, thts the arien's fault for having purchased sevai instead of semiya. Anyways, I went ahead and made Dosa instead and then proceeded to work like nothing hpnd :) Usually, something like this would have left me short-tempered and bugged till I reached work where something else would absorb all my interest. Hmmmm :|
I strongly feel that we all have the ability to do almost anything that we set our minds to and if luck by chance is also on our side - well then, there is nothing that stops you from doing exactly what you want. Its been a while since I felt this way and it is a wonderfully happy feeling. Now, if only I could feel the same way 'bout my fitnes... oh well, too much of a good thing is not healthy :P
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Monday, February 2, 2009
Of Human Bondage and the In-laws
The term "Bondage" to most folks, is akin to slavery. To some, it is a rule that imposes restraints, physical or mental. When the in-laws come visiting - marriage does seem a bit of both and that makes the daughter-in-law (D-I-L) an outlaw :D
While you are busy imagining the dil in a cowboy outfit: the stud hat with its brim pulled low, a lit cigarette on her lips, standing with her feet apart wearing those leather boots with the stars, showing utter disdain for all folks especially the in-laws; CUT! - ok folks, not tht kinda outlaw. And why would an outlaw b wearing a cowboy outfit, anyway?? Does it matter wht kind of outlaw the dil is??
What is it with marriage that makes two self-respecting women who have managed life, career, children transform into co-wrestlers in a mud wrestling match, when they stay under one roof? The refree is the hapless young man whom they both lowe but who will of course be covered in mud, sometimes punched by both of them, before round 2 begins!!
In a general conversation between colleagues, a cube-mate stated "The saas and the bahu can never be friends. And it is a miracle if they can live together without getting on the hapless young man's nerves." We all laughed out loud.
I have heard ppl advice newly married dils to keep their mouth shut, do what they were told to do, smile appropriately, laugh softly, help out when required, and all-in-all behave exactly like a dutiful dil. This may earn them some brownie points and help them have a happy life ahead. This is so easy when you are talking without personality types in mind. Can you imagine restricting a Leo gal or an Arien woman :) Surprisingly, the moment the arien gal dons the role of a dil or a mil - she changes :P Both of them are unable to shake free from the role and be themselves - which is a tragedy :(
On Sunday, as Roger battled with Rafa - I wrestled with the whole in-law/out-law stuff. I had my entire paltan over for lunch and dinner. My co-sis entered the kitchen and started on the kababs, my sil started serving the paltan - the hapless young man charmed everyone with his rendition of chocolate fudge and I made the tea :D Yes Yes.. we were the hosts and they were the guests :D When the last guest left - it was 12 in the morning.
The house was a mess, the kitchen looked like it needed a make-over, I was tired and cranky and mil was shedding tears of joy!!! At that point, I was not sure who was the bound one anymore - I had felt bound by the old family tradition that I was forced to follow and she was bound by her emotional ties with her family. The hapless young man sauntered in, after seeing off the last guest. His mothers tears did not move him and my cranky expression did not faze him, because he was expecting both. He decided to occupy himself with shutting down the computer while we attempted to comfort each other.
Tomorrow is a new day, we would have had time to recoup, sharpen our claws, and be ready for round 1 of mud wrestling :D
While you are busy imagining the dil in a cowboy outfit: the stud hat with its brim pulled low, a lit cigarette on her lips, standing with her feet apart wearing those leather boots with the stars, showing utter disdain for all folks especially the in-laws; CUT! - ok folks, not tht kinda outlaw. And why would an outlaw b wearing a cowboy outfit, anyway?? Does it matter wht kind of outlaw the dil is??
What is it with marriage that makes two self-respecting women who have managed life, career, children transform into co-wrestlers in a mud wrestling match, when they stay under one roof? The refree is the hapless young man whom they both lowe but who will of course be covered in mud, sometimes punched by both of them, before round 2 begins!!
In a general conversation between colleagues, a cube-mate stated "The saas and the bahu can never be friends. And it is a miracle if they can live together without getting on the hapless young man's nerves." We all laughed out loud.
I have heard ppl advice newly married dils to keep their mouth shut, do what they were told to do, smile appropriately, laugh softly, help out when required, and all-in-all behave exactly like a dutiful dil. This may earn them some brownie points and help them have a happy life ahead. This is so easy when you are talking without personality types in mind. Can you imagine restricting a Leo gal or an Arien woman :) Surprisingly, the moment the arien gal dons the role of a dil or a mil - she changes :P Both of them are unable to shake free from the role and be themselves - which is a tragedy :(
On Sunday, as Roger battled with Rafa - I wrestled with the whole in-law/out-law stuff. I had my entire paltan over for lunch and dinner. My co-sis entered the kitchen and started on the kababs, my sil started serving the paltan - the hapless young man charmed everyone with his rendition of chocolate fudge and I made the tea :D Yes Yes.. we were the hosts and they were the guests :D When the last guest left - it was 12 in the morning.
The house was a mess, the kitchen looked like it needed a make-over, I was tired and cranky and mil was shedding tears of joy!!! At that point, I was not sure who was the bound one anymore - I had felt bound by the old family tradition that I was forced to follow and she was bound by her emotional ties with her family. The hapless young man sauntered in, after seeing off the last guest. His mothers tears did not move him and my cranky expression did not faze him, because he was expecting both. He decided to occupy himself with shutting down the computer while we attempted to comfort each other.
Tomorrow is a new day, we would have had time to recoup, sharpen our claws, and be ready for round 1 of mud wrestling :D
Friday, January 30, 2009
Last Woman Standing
January has rushed past and I am left wondering which one of my New Year Resolutions still stands. We were given an unexpected 4 days off during the last week of December and that made me come up with umpteen resolutions. Does it sound like I am blaming the person who gave us the off? Well, ya. The off gave me a lot of time on hand, and I came up with resolutions which I know for sure, I won't keep. I came up with them hoping I would keep them - but deep down I know I won't. Ufff.. this is one helluva vicious cycle.
Anyways, I have the usual ones that include going to the gym regularly to keep fit, keeping in touch with friends (especially school and college frends), remembering anniversaries and birthdays of extended family members and inviting MIL over.
I also had this whacky list that included getting a decent sized colourful tatoo done, going bungee jumping, learning odissi, growing out my hair, curling my hair, getting a total makeover, playing a part/role in a movie or play, and learning to skate in an ice-rink. Whaaa?? Whyy are you laughing?? Do I have to wait to have a terminal disease to come up with the bucket list kinda wish list - why not come up with it now so I have no regrets later...
Then comes the status update: Of the usual ones, most of tht stuff except the fitness stuff is on track :D Of the whacky ones - not one :(
I guess the lack of time is one reason why a bucket list works - but let me prove it otherwise. Wish me luck fellas and gals :D
Anyways, I have the usual ones that include going to the gym regularly to keep fit, keeping in touch with friends (especially school and college frends), remembering anniversaries and birthdays of extended family members and inviting MIL over.
I also had this whacky list that included getting a decent sized colourful tatoo done, going bungee jumping, learning odissi, growing out my hair, curling my hair, getting a total makeover, playing a part/role in a movie or play, and learning to skate in an ice-rink. Whaaa?? Whyy are you laughing?? Do I have to wait to have a terminal disease to come up with the bucket list kinda wish list - why not come up with it now so I have no regrets later...
Then comes the status update: Of the usual ones, most of tht stuff except the fitness stuff is on track :D Of the whacky ones - not one :(
I guess the lack of time is one reason why a bucket list works - but let me prove it otherwise. Wish me luck fellas and gals :D
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
The Day the Earth Stood Still
It was a weekday and I really felt that I needed to watch a movie - the Arien decides on the new Keanu Reeves movie - The Day the Earth stood still. I am totally against watching this movie. The Arien refuses to budge. He tries to make me like it by telling me that it is a remake of an old sci-fi film and that Will Smith's son is acting in it. I think I growled in response... Anyways, once the Arien's mind is made up - it is very difficult to change it and so I decide against my will to watch a sci-fi movie. What do I have against this movie b4 I even start watching: Firstly, I hate sci-fi movies. Secondly, Keanu Reeves has done way too many alien type movies and he looks pretty old in this movie - in the trailer tht I saw. I decided to watch 'cos I wanted to know who was Will Smith's son.
After watching more than half the movie - I was in total agreement with my earlier view - I do not like Sci-fi movies. For a change, the Arien called it Bakwas - Tht is indeed rare! Of course, he watched the movie till the end to see if there was a single saving grace :D I wud have liked to call Will Smith's son the saving grace - but the role was cliched and really after his role in "The pursuit of Happyness" - this was a major let down.
The movie starts as follows: Somewhere in the icy mountains of India, an alien spaceship that looks like a gigantic sphere, is sighted by an explorer, Keanu Reeves. The explorer moves closer to the sphere and makes contact - I am distracted by the pressure cooker's shrill whistle. When I return, Keanu is lying on the ground - asleep? fainted? Dead? no clue - the Arien does not answer! I realize tht he (not the Arien) has fainted and is gradually becoming conscious... he notices a scar on his hand. The next shot is at Manhattan - in Jennifer Connelly's class room. We are introduced to her son who calls her by name and generally does not seem like "goody two shoes". Well, Well, Well... tht is pretty normal - only he wasn't an adolescent yet.
All scientists, including Jennifer are summoned by the government as an alien missile is going to crash land in Manhattan within an hour. The alien spaceship - the same sphere - lands in a park in manhattan. An alien, Klatu, gets off and attempts to make contact with Jennifer who, suprises or surprises, is the only scientist close enough. Klatu is shot at and a giant robot kinda alien (GORT) disables the wiring of all the vehicles. Keanu is rushed into surgery with Jennifer holding his (its) hand.
I pick up my book - this is so bollywood ishtyle! Klatu looks like Keanu Reeves - you are told tht the aliens had come earlier to take a sample - if it was an old bollywood movie - there wud be a white hypnosis inducing circle used to signify flasback or rewind - that was thankfully not added - but you get the picture :D
There is more - Klatu recovers after a whole lot of Uggghhhy stuff is removed, including the bullet. He wants to speak to the UN and he is refused by a bureacrat (this is oh so India). He is then injected with truth serum - which Jennifer cunningly substitutes with H20 - and is then sent to take a lie-detector test - he escapes. He then goes to the airport and gets smne to call Dr. Jennifer and she comes to rescue him. There is more but this is where my story ends.... I got so bored by the very predictable turn of events tht I decided tht my book was a lot more interesting :D
If you would like to know wht really happened - catch the movie. Jes don't tell me that I didn't warn you :D
After watching more than half the movie - I was in total agreement with my earlier view - I do not like Sci-fi movies. For a change, the Arien called it Bakwas - Tht is indeed rare! Of course, he watched the movie till the end to see if there was a single saving grace :D I wud have liked to call Will Smith's son the saving grace - but the role was cliched and really after his role in "The pursuit of Happyness" - this was a major let down.
The movie starts as follows: Somewhere in the icy mountains of India, an alien spaceship that looks like a gigantic sphere, is sighted by an explorer, Keanu Reeves. The explorer moves closer to the sphere and makes contact - I am distracted by the pressure cooker's shrill whistle. When I return, Keanu is lying on the ground - asleep? fainted? Dead? no clue - the Arien does not answer! I realize tht he (not the Arien) has fainted and is gradually becoming conscious... he notices a scar on his hand. The next shot is at Manhattan - in Jennifer Connelly's class room. We are introduced to her son who calls her by name and generally does not seem like "goody two shoes". Well, Well, Well... tht is pretty normal - only he wasn't an adolescent yet.
All scientists, including Jennifer are summoned by the government as an alien missile is going to crash land in Manhattan within an hour. The alien spaceship - the same sphere - lands in a park in manhattan. An alien, Klatu, gets off and attempts to make contact with Jennifer who, suprises or surprises, is the only scientist close enough. Klatu is shot at and a giant robot kinda alien (GORT) disables the wiring of all the vehicles. Keanu is rushed into surgery with Jennifer holding his (its) hand.
I pick up my book - this is so bollywood ishtyle! Klatu looks like Keanu Reeves - you are told tht the aliens had come earlier to take a sample - if it was an old bollywood movie - there wud be a white hypnosis inducing circle used to signify flasback or rewind - that was thankfully not added - but you get the picture :D
There is more - Klatu recovers after a whole lot of Uggghhhy stuff is removed, including the bullet. He wants to speak to the UN and he is refused by a bureacrat (this is oh so India). He is then injected with truth serum - which Jennifer cunningly substitutes with H20 - and is then sent to take a lie-detector test - he escapes. He then goes to the airport and gets smne to call Dr. Jennifer and she comes to rescue him. There is more but this is where my story ends.... I got so bored by the very predictable turn of events tht I decided tht my book was a lot more interesting :D
If you would like to know wht really happened - catch the movie. Jes don't tell me that I didn't warn you :D
Monday, January 12, 2009
Automotive Expo 2009 - Food Court
The food court at the Automotive Expo was located to the right of the expo and was a separate unit. The food court was almost as big as the Expo. That surprised me. The Arien remarked tht food was indeed a gud business to be in - whether it is in a temple, an exhibition, a road show, a concert - the food business is assured gud money!! That reminded me of our visit to ISKON where we could order for Gobi Manchurian at the resturant located in the basement.
The food court was teeming with ppl and most of them were eating Sandwiches, Paav Bhaaji, Noodles, and of course, Chaat. To say we were not tempted, would not be true - we decided we must try smthng at the food court. We decided to opt for the ever popular Chilli Bhajji. We decided to drown the oily snack with Minute Maid's Pulpy Orange and happily did that. The Arien decided that he was hungry for another snack. I was not too sure if that was a gud idea but the Arien was sure and decided to order Paav Bhaaji which was selling like hot cakes. We walked over to where a man was making Pav Bhaaji after paying for the same. As we watched the entire process of Paav Bhaaji making/serving, I did not want to eat it -neither did the Arien. What do you think?
This is the place where all those who visited the Auto Expo, parked their vehicles in as organized a manner as possible, including us. To say that we were parked in a hapazard manner would be very fair - the moment we entered we were asked to take the first right - after doing so - we were left to struggle as there was no space in sight - finally a savior arrived to show us a chuntu space where we could park our car.
The number of vehicles parked outside was a zillion times more than the number of vehicles on display inside :D
The food court was teeming with ppl and most of them were eating Sandwiches, Paav Bhaaji, Noodles, and of course, Chaat. To say we were not tempted, would not be true - we decided we must try smthng at the food court. We decided to opt for the ever popular Chilli Bhajji. We decided to drown the oily snack with Minute Maid's Pulpy Orange and happily did that. The Arien decided that he was hungry for another snack. I was not too sure if that was a gud idea but the Arien was sure and decided to order Paav Bhaaji which was selling like hot cakes. We walked over to where a man was making Pav Bhaaji after paying for the same. As we watched the entire process of Paav Bhaaji making/serving, I did not want to eat it -neither did the Arien. What do you think?
This is the place where all those who visited the Auto Expo, parked their vehicles in as organized a manner as possible, including us. To say that we were parked in a hapazard manner would be very fair - the moment we entered we were asked to take the first right - after doing so - we were left to struggle as there was no space in sight - finally a savior arrived to show us a chuntu space where we could park our car.The number of vehicles parked outside was a zillion times more than the number of vehicles on display inside :D
Automotive Expo 2009 - BIAE 09
The Bangalore International Auto Expo 2009 happened at Palace Grounds from Jan 9th to Jan 11th. The Arien wanted to leave as early as post lunch so the place would not be too crowded but whom was he kidding - the crowd at the expo never ceases to amaze me. We finally left only at 5. We have almost made the Auto expo visit a tradition - the Arien truly lowes going to the expo - I can only say that I am dragged along.
The drive takes almost an hour and a half - thnx to B'lore traffic - and we walk into the expo at 6:30 - the Arien is pretty upset as the expo closes for the day by 8:30 and he feels we may not have time to see everything. The Arien stands in the queue for the tickets that are reasonably priced at Rs. 49/- per person and reminds you of Bata and their 399, 499, 199 pricing style. The Arien informs me that the change is never returned and so whts the beeg idea of this stooopid 49, anyway - they cud have priced it at Rs.50/-
The first thing we both stare at in awe are not the latest wheels but the Bangalore Palace - if you have not been to this part of the Palace Grounds - there are chances you may not even be aware that this palace even exists in Bangalore - I have lived here a solid 10 years and I have been to the Palace Grounds a zillion times for shows, concerts, etc. but have never set eyes on this palace. The Bangalore Palace has been modeled after the Windsor Castle in England and is currently owned by Wodeyar. The Arien's mood has been restored and he is happily shooting away.
The expo was not as huge as usual and we were a lil surprised at tht. I was thankful - we wud be able to see all the exhibits and also my feet wud not hurt much :P For once, I was wearing sensible sandals - not footwear that was gud-looking and not meant for walking. My patience level was a lot higher than usual, thanx to my comfy shoes :D
An interesting exhibit at the expo was the Garuda project from the RV College of Engineering. Their exhibit was already in the news sometime ago and so we thot we must talk to a few of the students - however, the sheer number of folks milling arnd - made us change our mind. We took a few snaps and moved on. It looks kinda like the car in the movie "The Fastest Indian".
The next place tht we moved to was so crowded - I was not so sure I wanted to get pushed and pulled - however, one glimpse at the ATVs and I was drawn in. The one thing I noticed was tht it did not matter how rich or how poor you were, what age group, gender you belonged to - the ATVs had everyone staring in awe. In case, you are wondering wht the hell is an ATV? - Do not worry - I was also bulbing until the Arien told me it stands for- All Terrain Vehicles. Ppl flocked to take snaps of themselves with the ATVs - it was so funny!
Yamaha had their own stall. There were quite a few stalls that consisted of all the accessories such as the hub caps, interiors, navigational systems, and a lot others. The women who were sharing brochures of these "marty" Ovilon interiors - were dressed to kill - they were wearing leather boots, denim skirts, and clingy tops - me thinks most men went there jes to stare at them :P
Was it boring? Naaaah... I guess it jes did not enthrall enuf :( We left by 8:10 - after visiting the food court.
The drive takes almost an hour and a half - thnx to B'lore traffic - and we walk into the expo at 6:30 - the Arien is pretty upset as the expo closes for the day by 8:30 and he feels we may not have time to see everything. The Arien stands in the queue for the tickets that are reasonably priced at Rs. 49/- per person and reminds you of Bata and their 399, 499, 199 pricing style. The Arien informs me that the change is never returned and so whts the beeg idea of this stooopid 49, anyway - they cud have priced it at Rs.50/-
The first thing we both stare at in awe are not the latest wheels but the Bangalore Palace - if you have not been to this part of the Palace Grounds - there are chances you may not even be aware that this palace even exists in Bangalore - I have lived here a solid 10 years and I have been to the Palace Grounds a zillion times for shows, concerts, etc. but have never set eyes on this palace. The Bangalore Palace has been modeled after the Windsor Castle in England and is currently owned by Wodeyar. The Arien's mood has been restored and he is happily shooting away.The expo was not as huge as usual and we were a lil surprised at tht. I was thankful - we wud be able to see all the exhibits and also my feet wud not hurt much :P For once, I was wearing sensible sandals - not footwear that was gud-looking and not meant for walking. My patience level was a lot higher than usual, thanx to my comfy shoes :D
An interesting exhibit at the expo was the Garuda project from the RV College of Engineering. Their exhibit was already in the news sometime ago and so we thot we must talk to a few of the students - however, the sheer number of folks milling arnd - made us change our mind. We took a few snaps and moved on. It looks kinda like the car in the movie "The Fastest Indian".
The next place tht we moved to was so crowded - I was not so sure I wanted to get pushed and pulled - however, one glimpse at the ATVs and I was drawn in. The one thing I noticed was tht it did not matter how rich or how poor you were, what age group, gender you belonged to - the ATVs had everyone staring in awe. In case, you are wondering wht the hell is an ATV? - Do not worry - I was also bulbing until the Arien told me it stands for- All Terrain Vehicles. Ppl flocked to take snaps of themselves with the ATVs - it was so funny!
Yamaha had their own stall. There were quite a few stalls that consisted of all the accessories such as the hub caps, interiors, navigational systems, and a lot others. The women who were sharing brochures of these "marty" Ovilon interiors - were dressed to kill - they were wearing leather boots, denim skirts, and clingy tops - me thinks most men went there jes to stare at them :P
Was it boring? Naaaah... I guess it jes did not enthrall enuf :( We left by 8:10 - after visiting the food court.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
The SMB Phenomenon
Finally, a Trip!! I was finally travelling out of Bangalore - and we were not driving down - Yeah!! Ok.. So it was a temple visit but I am travelling out of Bangalore, na? Yeah!! Yippee!! Followed by Bing Dance. While I was busy dreaming of the journey - it has indeed been a while since we travelled by train - the Arien was trying to book tickets. We found to our horror that we may not be able to travel until Feb :O
Senior Arien decides to solve the issue by opting for Tatkal and calls an agent who wud get us the tatkal tickets. While we are in limbo - nobody can say for sure if we are travelling - I am busy sharing my sob story with a friend and he adds a new dimension to my worries - the SMB.
SMB does not stand for Small and Medium businesses - rather, it stands for Side Middle Berths. If you travel regularly by train - you must be aware that there are a total of 8 berths in a compartment. I was told that now there are 9 berths and this addition is the brainchild of Laloo Prasad Yadav - the railway minister. The 9th berth is the SMB. If you are wondering where is the space for the middle berth - some changes have been made to the existing side berths to ensure the SMB can be included to the greater inconvenience of the passengers!
You can see the badly camouflaged side middle berth that looks like an extension to the side upper berth. This kinda works if the journey involves ur falling asleep as soon as you start. If not - well, where do you sit? The side berths have split seats and so only two ppl can sit there unless you are travelling as a family or your travelling companions are open to sharing their seat with you. Don't get me wrong - most folks are sweet and nice n all that - but do you want to be at their mercy? Maybe that is too strong but I feel that for women travelling alone and senior citizens - being at the mercy of the other passengers for help in unfolding the side middle berth or for a seat - when you have paid for the seat jes like everyone else - is really too ridiculous. I did hear that railway authorities offered concessions on those berths - yet to be confirmed!
The tickets arrived and both the arien and the senior Arien spent a lot of time trying to figure out if any of us were given the smbs - which the agent assured us we were not! First of all, we were not sure if the train we were travelling on had SMBs. Second, the numbers would have changed and so both myself and the taurean felt that they were wasting their energies ;P
Whenever I travel by train, I find that I am either unusually early or running late. This time, we started an 1hr and 15 mts early and still it looked like we were going to miss the train - thanks to the amazing traffic jam at MG Road and of course, the Metro construction work. Surprisingly, we didn't miss the train thanx to our driver :D The first thing I noticed in my compartment was the presence of the SMB. Next second, I was franctically checking if any of us had that number - No!! Relief flooded all our faces - it was a sight to watch :D
When I returned from the trip, I was not too surprised that sm folks had actually started an online petition on SMBs. I have added my name - pls feel free to add yours at this site:
http://www.petitiononline.com/SN2SMB2/petition.html
Senior Arien decides to solve the issue by opting for Tatkal and calls an agent who wud get us the tatkal tickets. While we are in limbo - nobody can say for sure if we are travelling - I am busy sharing my sob story with a friend and he adds a new dimension to my worries - the SMB.
SMB does not stand for Small and Medium businesses - rather, it stands for Side Middle Berths. If you travel regularly by train - you must be aware that there are a total of 8 berths in a compartment. I was told that now there are 9 berths and this addition is the brainchild of Laloo Prasad Yadav - the railway minister. The 9th berth is the SMB. If you are wondering where is the space for the middle berth - some changes have been made to the existing side berths to ensure the SMB can be included to the greater inconvenience of the passengers!You can see the badly camouflaged side middle berth that looks like an extension to the side upper berth. This kinda works if the journey involves ur falling asleep as soon as you start. If not - well, where do you sit? The side berths have split seats and so only two ppl can sit there unless you are travelling as a family or your travelling companions are open to sharing their seat with you. Don't get me wrong - most folks are sweet and nice n all that - but do you want to be at their mercy? Maybe that is too strong but I feel that for women travelling alone and senior citizens - being at the mercy of the other passengers for help in unfolding the side middle berth or for a seat - when you have paid for the seat jes like everyone else - is really too ridiculous. I did hear that railway authorities offered concessions on those berths - yet to be confirmed!
The tickets arrived and both the arien and the senior Arien spent a lot of time trying to figure out if any of us were given the smbs - which the agent assured us we were not! First of all, we were not sure if the train we were travelling on had SMBs. Second, the numbers would have changed and so both myself and the taurean felt that they were wasting their energies ;P
Whenever I travel by train, I find that I am either unusually early or running late. This time, we started an 1hr and 15 mts early and still it looked like we were going to miss the train - thanks to the amazing traffic jam at MG Road and of course, the Metro construction work. Surprisingly, we didn't miss the train thanx to our driver :D The first thing I noticed in my compartment was the presence of the SMB. Next second, I was franctically checking if any of us had that number - No!! Relief flooded all our faces - it was a sight to watch :D
When I returned from the trip, I was not too surprised that sm folks had actually started an online petition on SMBs. I have added my name - pls feel free to add yours at this site:
http://www.petitiononline.com/SN2SMB2/petition.html
Christmas 2008
Wish you all a Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year. A sweet Christmas Carol for you - I hope you like it :)
We Wish You A Merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year.
Glad tidings we bring
To you and your kin;
Glad tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!
We want some figgy pudding
We want some figgy pudding
We want some figgy pudding
Please bring it right here!
Glad tidings we bring
To you and your kin;
Glad tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!
We won't go until we get some
We won't go until we get some
We won't go until we get some
So bring it out here!
Glad tidings we bring
To you and your kin;
Glad tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!
We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
And a happy New Year.
Glad tidings we bring
To you and your kin;
Glad tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!
We Wish You A Merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
We wish you a merry Christmas
And a happy New Year.
Glad tidings we bring
To you and your kin;
Glad tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!
We want some figgy pudding
We want some figgy pudding
We want some figgy pudding
Please bring it right here!
Glad tidings we bring
To you and your kin;
Glad tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!
We won't go until we get some
We won't go until we get some
We won't go until we get some
So bring it out here!
Glad tidings we bring
To you and your kin;
Glad tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!
We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
We wish you a Merry Christmas
And a happy New Year.
Glad tidings we bring
To you and your kin;
Glad tidings for Christmas
And a happy New Year!
Christmas Preparations - Wednesday
Wednesday turned out to be pretty hectic. I had meetings to attend - work to complete and so I was very sure I would be unable to help out in the crib decorations. We are invited to a family get-together at a relative's place at 5 pm and I opt out. The Arien decides to represent the two of us and is all set to leave at 4:30.
When I return home on wednesday arnd 7:30 - the crib looks the same! The Arien is not at home. I am very surprised. He walks in sheepishly half an hour later - with a goody bag the relative has sweetly sent for us. I am all ready to yell - "How could you forget the Crib? Aren't we supposed to be finished with it by now?" Acting as if I had completed the decorations all by myself ytdy and all he had to do was to get the crib ready. Hehehehehe :D The Arien is totally nonchalant - full of solutions/plans - "We have loads of time - I can finish it in a few mts - I jes need to get grass - paint box - blaah blaah."
Dinner was at Dad's house and I am all set to leave and I find the Arien is intent in his painting of the walls of the Crib, a reddish brown. I agree that it looks lovely - jes like a brick wall and can we get moving when he drops his bomb - He is planning on painting the roof green!! I am unable to suppress a grimace. The Arien takes the hint and decides to accompany me to Dad's place for dinner.
Dinner happens in a rush - Dad (henceforth known as Senior Arien) and bro (Taurean) are wondering why we are late... Grrr.. Taurean has to meet up with frends and is off at the unholy 9:30 pm and the Senior Arien's only comment is "Take the key". I echo the same and the Taurean grins "I have the key but I want Dad to open the door for me" and runs off before we all clobber him :D Senior Arien is busy hiding his yawns - he must be very tired - I signal to the Arien that we must leave. We leave after the Senior Arien wishes us a Merry Christmas amidst two huge yawns.
On our ride back home - the Arien happens to chance upon hay used as packing material - stacked outside a shop that is closed for the day. He hits upon the idea of using hay in the Crib and wants to collect them in the plastic bag that we carry arnd with us. I am scandalised beyond compare and attempt to steer myself away frm such behavior. I get off the bike and walk the rest of the way. Was I hoping tht my reaction would make the Arien change his mind??? ROFL :D While I was walking all alone on an almost empty road, he was busy collecting hay for the crib. We enter home and the Arien busies himself with the Crib and we are finished by 11 p.m. I accept that the Hay has indeed made the crib look pretty real and nice. 
I am wondering why we are still awake and I am angrily informed by the Arien "Baby Jesus can be placed inside the crib only at 12 - midnight. " I realize I am yet to learn the nuances of christianity as followed by his family. At midnight, baby Jesus is placed inside the Crib, candles are lit, we say a lil prayer, and soon we are dead to the world as tomorrow... I mean today - was going to be a hectic day - It was Christmas.
Merry X-mas to all you folks :)
When I return home on wednesday arnd 7:30 - the crib looks the same! The Arien is not at home. I am very surprised. He walks in sheepishly half an hour later - with a goody bag the relative has sweetly sent for us. I am all ready to yell - "How could you forget the Crib? Aren't we supposed to be finished with it by now?" Acting as if I had completed the decorations all by myself ytdy and all he had to do was to get the crib ready. Hehehehehe :D The Arien is totally nonchalant - full of solutions/plans - "We have loads of time - I can finish it in a few mts - I jes need to get grass - paint box - blaah blaah."
Dinner was at Dad's house and I am all set to leave and I find the Arien is intent in his painting of the walls of the Crib, a reddish brown. I agree that it looks lovely - jes like a brick wall and can we get moving when he drops his bomb - He is planning on painting the roof green!! I am unable to suppress a grimace. The Arien takes the hint and decides to accompany me to Dad's place for dinner.
Dinner happens in a rush - Dad (henceforth known as Senior Arien) and bro (Taurean) are wondering why we are late... Grrr.. Taurean has to meet up with frends and is off at the unholy 9:30 pm and the Senior Arien's only comment is "Take the key". I echo the same and the Taurean grins "I have the key but I want Dad to open the door for me" and runs off before we all clobber him :D Senior Arien is busy hiding his yawns - he must be very tired - I signal to the Arien that we must leave. We leave after the Senior Arien wishes us a Merry Christmas amidst two huge yawns.
On our ride back home - the Arien happens to chance upon hay used as packing material - stacked outside a shop that is closed for the day. He hits upon the idea of using hay in the Crib and wants to collect them in the plastic bag that we carry arnd with us. I am scandalised beyond compare and attempt to steer myself away frm such behavior. I get off the bike and walk the rest of the way. Was I hoping tht my reaction would make the Arien change his mind??? ROFL :D While I was walking all alone on an almost empty road, he was busy collecting hay for the crib. We enter home and the Arien busies himself with the Crib and we are finished by 11 p.m. I accept that the Hay has indeed made the crib look pretty real and nice. 
I am wondering why we are still awake and I am angrily informed by the Arien "Baby Jesus can be placed inside the crib only at 12 - midnight. " I realize I am yet to learn the nuances of christianity as followed by his family. At midnight, baby Jesus is placed inside the Crib, candles are lit, we say a lil prayer, and soon we are dead to the world as tomorrow... I mean today - was going to be a hectic day - It was Christmas.
Merry X-mas to all you folks :)
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Preparations - Tuesday
When I walked into my home on Monday - I was expecting the house to be all decorated and ready - what do I find: Firstly, the front room looks absolutely bare - none of the decorations have been put up. Secondly, Arien has jes arrived home. Thirdly, I am feeling sick. I cancel my plans for going out for dinner - Arien looks tired out as well and so after irritating him 'bout his challenge of completing everything by himself on Monday - I get some much needed sleep.Tuesday
The maid has taken off for 3 days - starting today - Soooper Timing. Thanks to her, my mornings are a lot worse than usual, especially considering I am not an early riser. We have a meeting at 7:30 pm and so I am allowed to reach late - Thank God for small mercies :) Before you know - the day has flown past and it is time for the meeting - considering almost everybody is away on vacation - the call duration is shortest ever - 20 mts :D I am grinning ear-2-ear and I rush home, happy at the respite.
T
he first thing I notice, is that the door has a "Merry Christmas" tagged to it. I ring the bell, though I have the key and as the door is opened, I note the the dim lighting and all the decoration that the Arien has completed all by himself - I am feeling very proud.He has done an amazing amount of work and is looking bone tired. I am busy staring at the decoration and I hunt for his camera and start shooting.
Everything looks so lovely and cute - I feel very special - I know it has not been done for me but for Christmas - but I am feeling goody good, anyways.The cute little balloons, bells, that are part of these decorations look cute and bright and I am soon focussing on them. I somehow feel the pictures do not capture the look and feel of the decorations but that does not stop me from shooting.
I hear the Arien, flopped on the sofa, comment that the crib is not ready yet. I ignore his comment. The foundation is ready - rather the outline or structure is ready - it will be completed later - but this was done on Tuesday, all by himself with no help frm me or anybody else. He plans to get grass to decorate the roof as Jesus was born in a stable house that was a little more than a hut - he is still wondering if he must paint the roof green - I am busy shooting pics.
I totally miss the Christmas tree - a chuntu one that is also decorated with cute little balloons,
bells, Merry Christmastag, that is sitting close to the crib. I am wonderstruck that he managed to complete so much in a day and he grins "I told you - I can." I know that I cannot decorate the house in this manner in a week but I can totally appreciate anyone who can :D
I also note the Merry Christmas Wreath that is resting happily on the curtain rod. I ask the Arien if we shd put it out on the door. He disagrees as he worries it may get stolen. Hmmm... Well, allrighty :)From Zero to Hero - our Christmas decorations have indeed changed a lot :D I wonder what it will be like tomorrow - we have but one day to complete it - knowing the Arien - I am sure it will all be done by the time - I get home. Yeah... Yippee - Yooo Yooo - followed by Bing dance :D
Oopps... forgot that I have to wash the damn dishes... Grrr.... Can I not have one totally lazy
day??? Ok - Don't answer that :)I started this post showing you how the house was bare of any Christmasy decorations on Monday evening. This is a snap taken from the same angle to show you how the house looked on Tuesday evening when I reached home.
Well, lets see what Wednesday holds for me :) Hopefully, the plan is not to dump Wednesday decorations on me :(
Merry Xmas and a Happy New Year, if I don't catch you b4 that :D
Monday, December 22, 2008
Christmas Preparations - Week of Christmas - Monday
Finally, after waiting (im) patiently for Christmas - we were finally at the week of Christmas :) What I really lowe 'bout Christmas is the shopping. Considering I wasn't buying anything for myself - that is indeed surprising!
Last year we had been to Mandya to shop for cute stuff for the kiddoes - we went by bike -received royal scoldings frm most of the family junta, boring lectures on the perils of going by bike frm everybody who knew us - "Going by bike was way too adventurous - U shd have taken the bus- blaah blaaah"- and so this time, we shopped at Bangalore. Was it adventurous - well, Ob No.. unless you want to discuss driving in Bangalore or finding parking space - which cud easily be another post - but, we did have some fun.
We had planned to start decorating our home two weeks b4 Christmas.
Finally, the last weekend b4 Christmas also went flying past. On Sunday evening, I initiated the Gift Wrapping session. I still recall how we spent the day before Christmas last Year. We were multi-tasking (wrapping Gifts, decorating our home, arranging the crib), we were also losing our patience and our tempers, the crib design turned out to be too complex to begin with and it was close to midnight. I did not want a repeat of that, this year. We finished Gift Wrapping by 8 p.m. I was planning to do a Bing dance and stopped myself jes in time :P
Monday morning on the week of Christmas dawned late in our home - I awoke only at 7:45 and the Arien got up at 8:15 and we realized tht home decoration was going to take up a lot of time.... and we were yet to start on that. The Arien jumped at the challenge and decided to finish the entire decoration for Christmas by himself, on Monday. I would have liked to laugh at the plan but I would probably be asked to help him out until midnight and so I said "All the Best" and left for work :D
On my way to work, a former colleague and gud frend, calls me twice in the span of an hour, and follows it up with a message that simply says "Call me" and soon I am agreeing to a dinner plan with some of my gud ole frends - all thoughts of X-mas decorations go flying out of my head :(
Last year we had been to Mandya to shop for cute stuff for the kiddoes - we went by bike -received royal scoldings frm most of the family junta, boring lectures on the perils of going by bike frm everybody who knew us - "Going by bike was way too adventurous - U shd have taken the bus- blaah blaaah"- and so this time, we shopped at Bangalore. Was it adventurous - well, Ob No.. unless you want to discuss driving in Bangalore or finding parking space - which cud easily be another post - but, we did have some fun.
We had planned to start decorating our home two weeks b4 Christmas.
Finally, the last weekend b4 Christmas also went flying past. On Sunday evening, I initiated the Gift Wrapping session. I still recall how we spent the day before Christmas last Year. We were multi-tasking (wrapping Gifts, decorating our home, arranging the crib), we were also losing our patience and our tempers, the crib design turned out to be too complex to begin with and it was close to midnight. I did not want a repeat of that, this year. We finished Gift Wrapping by 8 p.m. I was planning to do a Bing dance and stopped myself jes in time :P
Monday morning on the week of Christmas dawned late in our home - I awoke only at 7:45 and the Arien got up at 8:15 and we realized tht home decoration was going to take up a lot of time.... and we were yet to start on that. The Arien jumped at the challenge and decided to finish the entire decoration for Christmas by himself, on Monday. I would have liked to laugh at the plan but I would probably be asked to help him out until midnight and so I said "All the Best" and left for work :DOn my way to work, a former colleague and gud frend, calls me twice in the span of an hour, and follows it up with a message that simply says "Call me" and soon I am agreeing to a dinner plan with some of my gud ole frends - all thoughts of X-mas decorations go flying out of my head :(
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Can I have 1 more?
Everytime I look at a shoe store - the Arien makes me feel like Oliver Twist. His reaction is akin to Mr. Bumble's shocked exclamation "Oliver has asked for more". I, of course, feel that I have very few pairs of shoes in the first place.
Last weekend we went shopping for Christmas. I wanted to get myself two pairs for day-to-day use especially as my pair of sandals had suddenly turned squeaky... Yupp - it squeaks as I walk and is a total embarrassement to me :( Well, if I was hoping that Christmas was going to make the Arien change his mind - then I don't know the Arien at all - and so I am Oliver Twist yet again. Grrrr...
I am totally cheesed off at his reaction and decide that I need a major distraction or I was going to be cranky :P and so I pick up "Lord of Chaos" of the Wheel of Time series. I am back to my sweet and calm self after an hour of reading. I venture out of the room to see what the Arien is upto and what do I see: All the pairs of shoes that I have ever owned are placed in a neat line. As I stare at the long line - I am dumbstruck. I did not know I had so many pairs. In fact, I do not remember when and where I purchased one pair. I see the two pairs I had purchased for my wedding - one looks fab - the other looks dirty and is in need of repair. One cute pair looks enticing and I am soon wearing it, excitedly, like a child.
As I look around for the Arien - I find him at the computer watching me. I smile sheepishly. The Arien has to of course, rub it in. He wants me to wear all the shoes one by one while he takes a snap of all the shoes that I have in my possession. That way, when I say I want to buy one more - after seeing this collection - I may decide not to.
I am not too happy with this idea but I decide to go ahead with it - with one small change. I plan to wear the salwar suit that the shoe goes best with while taking the snap. The Arien is fine with the change.
What he does not know is I have quite a few salwar suits that won't have matching shoes or sandals. I can go shoe-shopping once again b'cos of his snaps. (Evil Grin :D)
Last weekend we went shopping for Christmas. I wanted to get myself two pairs for day-to-day use especially as my pair of sandals had suddenly turned squeaky... Yupp - it squeaks as I walk and is a total embarrassement to me :( Well, if I was hoping that Christmas was going to make the Arien change his mind - then I don't know the Arien at all - and so I am Oliver Twist yet again. Grrrr...
I am totally cheesed off at his reaction and decide that I need a major distraction or I was going to be cranky :P and so I pick up "Lord of Chaos" of the Wheel of Time series. I am back to my sweet and calm self after an hour of reading. I venture out of the room to see what the Arien is upto and what do I see: All the pairs of shoes that I have ever owned are placed in a neat line. As I stare at the long line - I am dumbstruck. I did not know I had so many pairs. In fact, I do not remember when and where I purchased one pair. I see the two pairs I had purchased for my wedding - one looks fab - the other looks dirty and is in need of repair. One cute pair looks enticing and I am soon wearing it, excitedly, like a child.
As I look around for the Arien - I find him at the computer watching me. I smile sheepishly. The Arien has to of course, rub it in. He wants me to wear all the shoes one by one while he takes a snap of all the shoes that I have in my possession. That way, when I say I want to buy one more - after seeing this collection - I may decide not to.
I am not too happy with this idea but I decide to go ahead with it - with one small change. I plan to wear the salwar suit that the shoe goes best with while taking the snap. The Arien is fine with the change.
What he does not know is I have quite a few salwar suits that won't have matching shoes or sandals. I can go shoe-shopping once again b'cos of his snaps. (Evil Grin :D)
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Fitness and Me - Past and Present
This is one of those crazy posts where I discuss fitness and the sometimes Wah Wah! and most times Blaaah relationship that I have with it. Jes like how work does not seem like work when you are enjoying it or having fun - I feel fitness does not feel like work when you are having fun. Having said that, it takes a while for a person to identify their "Zen option for Fitness" - the first option you try out may not be the best or even the right one for you.
I have tried out quite a few fitness options that worked for me such as: Yoga, Odissi, Dance Aerobics, and Gymming. Of course, my issue with fitness is entirely different. Consistency is the only way by which you can have a fantastic relationship with fitness. Of course, inconsistency is my middle name. I could say that I prefer variety - but that would not be true :P
I opted for Yoga because there was a Yogashaala, next door. Also, everyone at home swore by Yoga. Initially, I struggled to conform to the new regime. Before I knew it, I was a regular - lost a lot of weight - regained the figure I wanted - and my confidence soared. Before long, I forgot that Yoga was keeping me fit and dropped out of class - did not continue Yoga at home - and generally went back to lazy ole days.
When enlightenment dawned, yet again - I enrolled for Odissi classes alongwith my cousin - it seemed like an interesting option to combat after office boredom and would probably help me shed some weight as well. After a few months, the teacher moved to Dubai. Instead of waiting for a new teacher - I decided to join Figurine Fitness for Aerobics.
To be honest, Dance Aerobics taught at Figurine Fitness was/is my favorite way to get fit. I lost a lot of weight - most frends, who knew me frm the fat n flab days - were totally zapped at seeing me looking so fab and fit - I was thrilled at receiving praises - I cud fit into my Jeans - I purchased new ones - I was into only wearing Jeans - and then I go back to good ole lazy days yet again.
As confessed already, I am totally inconsistent. Over the last 4 years - I went back to Yoga - dropped out - went back to Aerobics - dropped out - joined the Gym - (I totally hated the monotony of a Gym. Nothing prepared me for the blaaah mode of the Gym.) - lost interest. I went arnd trying the same fitness options but remained inconsistent.
Currently, I am trying my very best to like the Gym (Fingers crossed). Yup - I have now gone back to that fitness option. Also, I am trying very hard to be consistent (Fingers crossed). Will update you on the latest happenings on tht front when there is something to report - if I am back to inconsistent - well... I hope not :D
I have tried out quite a few fitness options that worked for me such as: Yoga, Odissi, Dance Aerobics, and Gymming. Of course, my issue with fitness is entirely different. Consistency is the only way by which you can have a fantastic relationship with fitness. Of course, inconsistency is my middle name. I could say that I prefer variety - but that would not be true :P
I opted for Yoga because there was a Yogashaala, next door. Also, everyone at home swore by Yoga. Initially, I struggled to conform to the new regime. Before I knew it, I was a regular - lost a lot of weight - regained the figure I wanted - and my confidence soared. Before long, I forgot that Yoga was keeping me fit and dropped out of class - did not continue Yoga at home - and generally went back to lazy ole days.
When enlightenment dawned, yet again - I enrolled for Odissi classes alongwith my cousin - it seemed like an interesting option to combat after office boredom and would probably help me shed some weight as well. After a few months, the teacher moved to Dubai. Instead of waiting for a new teacher - I decided to join Figurine Fitness for Aerobics.
To be honest, Dance Aerobics taught at Figurine Fitness was/is my favorite way to get fit. I lost a lot of weight - most frends, who knew me frm the fat n flab days - were totally zapped at seeing me looking so fab and fit - I was thrilled at receiving praises - I cud fit into my Jeans - I purchased new ones - I was into only wearing Jeans - and then I go back to good ole lazy days yet again.
As confessed already, I am totally inconsistent. Over the last 4 years - I went back to Yoga - dropped out - went back to Aerobics - dropped out - joined the Gym - (I totally hated the monotony of a Gym. Nothing prepared me for the blaaah mode of the Gym.) - lost interest. I went arnd trying the same fitness options but remained inconsistent.
Currently, I am trying my very best to like the Gym (Fingers crossed). Yup - I have now gone back to that fitness option. Also, I am trying very hard to be consistent (Fingers crossed). Will update you on the latest happenings on tht front when there is something to report - if I am back to inconsistent - well... I hope not :D
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