It's almost midnight, and here I am back again, typing at my little PC that I have grown to love. I shopped as did a million others here, on black Friday, taking advantage of the sales that retailers put out to prevent a gloomy year end forecast. This year, I did something intrinsically different, I went towards the Christmas aisle, shopping for a tree. Call it the living alone crisis. I have become bored not celebrating festivals at all, doing the same thing over and over, that I felt this time I needed my Navarathri or Karthigai (which by the way seems to be tomorrow, coincidence?) fix for myself. Hence the tree, complete with tinsel, lights and glass ornaments. The last time we had a tree was about ten years ago or more, me and my cousins being whimsical as ever, making a makeshift tree out of tropical evergreens (as they all are) and homemade ornaments. I still remember our presents under the tree (towels with Huey, Dewey and Louie on them).
I have always loved Christmas trees, and I am still pretty proud, and keep looking up at the shimmering lights. Strangely, the tree makes me feel more at home, keeping me company, as a puppy might be.
These days I feel lonely, content, depressed yet satisfied all at the same time. I can't help but wonder why is it so difficult for people to give others a chance at their own life. Everyone has their own two pence of ideas, given any topic, whether the other person needs it or not. This is so connected to our culture, which is why I love to hate it at times. I sometimes love my disconnect and revel in it as often as I do feel it and get that invariable urge to pick up the phone and call somebody or keep my T.V. on for company's sake and remain sleepless until early into the next day.
Culture, society, rules.. why do they matter? why do we care? I can keep up with anything, as long as it does not interfere my lifestyle. The moment it does, I do not like it anymore. I am happy with not knowing who my neighbors are, yet smiling and wishing them good morning, or holding the door open for them. I love hanging out with friends, as they don't tell me what to do with my life. It is my own to live. I just hope and wish that we (including me) learn to accept things as they are, and not want things to change for us, unless it involves us and only us. Then I guess it is a different story.
Friday, November 23, 2007
Thursday, November 01, 2007
San Deigo
Last week I made yet another journey to the west coast, which I am falling in love with. California has a sweet charm of its own, so different from whats out here in the East; Laid back people, the palm trees, great weather, scenic vistas & pretty Spanish names, whats not to love? It really feels like vacationland, so much that it makes me wonder, how do people ever get work done?
This time the trip was preceded by moments of anxiety as I made my way into sunny Mexico, across the bridge to get that visa stamp on my passport. What if they needed more documentation, I kept thinking. But all was well, and a glimpse of Tijuana later, I was back in the mainland. We visited the Sea world and the other usual tourist spots spread all around the city map. I loved Old Town as well, as it reminded me of the village houses back home & I adored the mesmerizing display of craft work. The seaport village was nice too, with its paved roads and boardwalk offering a nice view of the bay bridge (not the big red one) and Coronado island. The lunches and dinners were great too, thanks to the culinary expertise of the Gaslamp's many restaurants. In short, it was great fun. It made me think about how fast time flies. To think I was in San Diego this time last week.
Diwali is coming up, and it makes me wonder what lies in store for the day. It has been four years since the last one I enjoyed with family. Why is it that we Hindus celebrate Lord Krishna killing Narakasura as our best festival of the year? Shouldn't Pongal, the harvest festival account for more? but it never did, somehow. Diwalis in India would mean a bountiful feast, lots of 'bakshanams' (ghee filled sweets and savories) , a time when you could consume the sweets before they were ceremoniously offered to Gods unlike the other festivals, firecrackers galore, TV shows, new movies, meeting friends, grandmas house in the evening with cousins... Diwali was always a happy time.
Last year's Diwali was memorable. It was Diwali, the American way. Potluck lunch, lots of variety, a day to wear traditional costumes, poker and a movie. In short, a good weekend with added surprises. Will we have half a good time this year, with all of us staying so far apart? I wonder.. and I hope and pray..
Sunday, October 07, 2007
October
So here you are, probably bemused by the color change, or you must have guessed by now.. This is October, the month of Halloween, the hallmark of a fall harvest, the time to make the trip to the mountains to view the lovely colors of fall in resplendent display, go pick apples as I have done time and again in the crisp New England air. October is also National Breast cancer awareness month, a month to take a few minutes to visit your physician for an examination if you are a woman like me, or to encourage someone you know to do it instead of being lazy.
Time magazine had its cover story dedicated to Breast cancer awareness this week, and it took me by surprise that one in every eight women will be diagnosed with Breast cancer this year. The full story can be viewed
here. It also stunned me to see that the highest incidence of cases was here in the US and the highest number of deaths due to breast cancer were in my home country. Yet, upon reflection, over the last few years, we have seen it happening several times to someone near and dear.
Cancer, unlike many other diseases cannot be totally prevented. Genetics do play an important factor, but its likelihood of occurrence or its potency can be reduced with a few simple measures:
1. Learning how to do a good examination, is very important. With the ubiquitousness of you tube and Google video that brings home several funny clips on demand, also comes the added advantage of seeing and leaning how to do an exam decently. If you haven't' already, do take the time check out the videos.
2. Get yourself an ashtray; a nice expensive crystal one. and extinguish that cigarette once and for all. Smoking is a known carcinogen. But well, if you are a smoker, heart disease is more likely to come and claim you in a New York Minute.
3. Lifestyle changes. A good balanced diet and a moderate amount of exercise will not only keep your arteries unclogged , but also help with other bonuses. Thirty extra minutes of walking five days a week can help in ways unimaginable.
A few simple steps can one day save you or a loved one. So do remember to schedule time in your calendar to make the trip to your doctor's office. Visit the official site for more information.
Time magazine had its cover story dedicated to Breast cancer awareness this week, and it took me by surprise that one in every eight women will be diagnosed with Breast cancer this year. The full story can be viewed
here. It also stunned me to see that the highest incidence of cases was here in the US and the highest number of deaths due to breast cancer were in my home country. Yet, upon reflection, over the last few years, we have seen it happening several times to someone near and dear.
Cancer, unlike many other diseases cannot be totally prevented. Genetics do play an important factor, but its likelihood of occurrence or its potency can be reduced with a few simple measures:
1. Learning how to do a good examination, is very important. With the ubiquitousness of you tube and Google video that brings home several funny clips on demand, also comes the added advantage of seeing and leaning how to do an exam decently. If you haven't' already, do take the time check out the videos.
2. Get yourself an ashtray; a nice expensive crystal one. and extinguish that cigarette once and for all. Smoking is a known carcinogen. But well, if you are a smoker, heart disease is more likely to come and claim you in a New York Minute.
3. Lifestyle changes. A good balanced diet and a moderate amount of exercise will not only keep your arteries unclogged , but also help with other bonuses. Thirty extra minutes of walking five days a week can help in ways unimaginable.
A few simple steps can one day save you or a loved one. So do remember to schedule time in your calendar to make the trip to your doctor's office. Visit the official site for more information.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Birthdays
Another year, and yet another birthday.. This time, I had almost forgotten that it was coming up, before being reminded my the ones most dear. Somehow, they manage to reach out to you well in advance; to call you and feel happy for your presence, which somehow validates your existence.
I remember the birthdays of long ago, looming with the anticipation of wearing a colorful dress to school . A couple of days before the birthday, I would go shopping with my mom to choose a box and fill it with the candy that everyone loved. (In India, you had to treat your friends on your birthday, not the other way around. It still puzzles me.). Compliments accepted graciously, I would distribute the candy to eager classmates after they sang the most popular song in the whole world. Closest ones would get two pieces, of course. Then there would be the birthday party, with the homemade egg less cake and favors.
As school days mutated into college days, the scene changed a bit. No more candy boxes. Surprise parties hosted by friends who somehow felt that the birthday cake was not a thing to eat, but rather a buttery face cream for the birthday girl. Sweet presents and good times. You had to treat your fiends to a birthday feast at a good restaurant though.
Birthdays here were not very different, except that the "treats" dwindled but the celebrations persisted. Wishes flew across the internet, doubling the total messages on my scrapbook or wall in a day. A myriad of wishes, sometimes a simple "happy birthday", sometimes a personal email, or a call from a close one at midnight, they made me feel happy, loved & wanted, especially when I was not too exited (it's not the twenty first one, you know)
I was also able to catch a Broadway show this time with a good friend. "Les Miserables". We were both taken in & mesmerized by the beautiful art direction which cleverly reflected the Paris of the Nineteenth century.
Overall, it was a wonderful day, making me feel nostalgic, happy and loved all at once. Thanks to all the wishes from everyone near and dear.
I remember the birthdays of long ago, looming with the anticipation of wearing a colorful dress to school . A couple of days before the birthday, I would go shopping with my mom to choose a box and fill it with the candy that everyone loved. (In India, you had to treat your friends on your birthday, not the other way around. It still puzzles me.). Compliments accepted graciously, I would distribute the candy to eager classmates after they sang the most popular song in the whole world. Closest ones would get two pieces, of course. Then there would be the birthday party, with the homemade egg less cake and favors.
As school days mutated into college days, the scene changed a bit. No more candy boxes. Surprise parties hosted by friends who somehow felt that the birthday cake was not a thing to eat, but rather a buttery face cream for the birthday girl. Sweet presents and good times. You had to treat your fiends to a birthday feast at a good restaurant though.
Birthdays here were not very different, except that the "treats" dwindled but the celebrations persisted. Wishes flew across the internet, doubling the total messages on my scrapbook or wall in a day. A myriad of wishes, sometimes a simple "happy birthday", sometimes a personal email, or a call from a close one at midnight, they made me feel happy, loved & wanted, especially when I was not too exited (it's not the twenty first one, you know)
I was also able to catch a Broadway show this time with a good friend. "Les Miserables". We were both taken in & mesmerized by the beautiful art direction which cleverly reflected the Paris of the Nineteenth century.
Overall, it was a wonderful day, making me feel nostalgic, happy and loved all at once. Thanks to all the wishes from everyone near and dear.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Book reviews
So here I am back again, with perhaps a ton of things to say after my long hiatus. I have done so many things over the past few weekends, read quite a few good books, watched my share of movies and worked hard as well, that this would promise to be a loong entry if I do not filter through what I have to say.. so here goes.
Let me go over the few books I read; the one similarity between most of them being their Asian origins. I thank the five hour long journeys across three states over the course of two weekends for introducing me to them; The first was "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri.
I do not need to introduce this Pulitzer prizewinning artiste, but for some reason the plight of Gogol and his unfortunate name made for a much more pleasant and intriguing read than her "the Interpreter of Maladies". I loved the shattering of the stereotypes, the longing for a loved home back in a familiar country, tacitly expressed over chaat made from rice puffs. I could relate to the Gangulis in more ways than one, Ashokes' happiness over new opportunities, the start of a new life in a new home so far from home, Ashimas' initial apprehension which ebbs so much over the course of time that her old home becomes a stranger, all the ones she knew being gone a long time ago. She cries over the home she loves in a land that was once alien but is no more. Certainly the things we miss the most over the course of life are usually the ones we take for granted. Gogol resonated with me long after I put the book down. Of all the characters in the book, the protagonist was the least expressive, but managed to convey the most.
The second book was a comic strip novel called Persepolis; the author Marjane Satrapi had described Iran and the revolution so beautifully through her childhood eyes. What was it like to be at war, lose loved ones & live through it? What was it like to live in a country that did not support a free mind?
Iam now reading "The House of Blue Mangoes" by David Davidar, A book I have fallen in love with even over the first hundred pages, for it describes to my the very villages I grew up in, the very same traditions & customs, long tucked back in a corner of my mind, slowly emerging through the magnificent Imagery. I recollect the festivals of my youth, the temple fairs & my anxiety to get there before they sold out, Chitra pournamis (full moon day celebration) on the river banks, swimming against the current & ex foliating with the soft river sand, drining fizzy rosewater and sweet coconut water, running through the irrigated rice fields in a shiny silk skirt and so many such little memories, smells, tastes made during times I faintly recall. My mind wanders so much that I pause for a whole fifteen minutes between chapters sometimes; slowly churning up those childhood days and perhaps unique experiences. It makes me quietly wish for a pensieve to store all our most cherished memories to revisit when we wanted to, but then I realize not too soon that the pensieve does already exist in our minds & hearts, and it's what brings back the small bits of joy into our minds to ruminate over..Memories do sweeten as we revisit them...
Let me go over the few books I read; the one similarity between most of them being their Asian origins. I thank the five hour long journeys across three states over the course of two weekends for introducing me to them; The first was "The Namesake" by Jhumpa Lahiri.
I do not need to introduce this Pulitzer prizewinning artiste, but for some reason the plight of Gogol and his unfortunate name made for a much more pleasant and intriguing read than her "the Interpreter of Maladies". I loved the shattering of the stereotypes, the longing for a loved home back in a familiar country, tacitly expressed over chaat made from rice puffs. I could relate to the Gangulis in more ways than one, Ashokes' happiness over new opportunities, the start of a new life in a new home so far from home, Ashimas' initial apprehension which ebbs so much over the course of time that her old home becomes a stranger, all the ones she knew being gone a long time ago. She cries over the home she loves in a land that was once alien but is no more. Certainly the things we miss the most over the course of life are usually the ones we take for granted. Gogol resonated with me long after I put the book down. Of all the characters in the book, the protagonist was the least expressive, but managed to convey the most.
The second book was a comic strip novel called Persepolis; the author Marjane Satrapi had described Iran and the revolution so beautifully through her childhood eyes. What was it like to be at war, lose loved ones & live through it? What was it like to live in a country that did not support a free mind?
Iam now reading "The House of Blue Mangoes" by David Davidar, A book I have fallen in love with even over the first hundred pages, for it describes to my the very villages I grew up in, the very same traditions & customs, long tucked back in a corner of my mind, slowly emerging through the magnificent Imagery. I recollect the festivals of my youth, the temple fairs & my anxiety to get there before they sold out, Chitra pournamis (full moon day celebration) on the river banks, swimming against the current & ex foliating with the soft river sand, drining fizzy rosewater and sweet coconut water, running through the irrigated rice fields in a shiny silk skirt and so many such little memories, smells, tastes made during times I faintly recall. My mind wanders so much that I pause for a whole fifteen minutes between chapters sometimes; slowly churning up those childhood days and perhaps unique experiences. It makes me quietly wish for a pensieve to store all our most cherished memories to revisit when we wanted to, but then I realize not too soon that the pensieve does already exist in our minds & hearts, and it's what brings back the small bits of joy into our minds to ruminate over..Memories do sweeten as we revisit them...
Friday, July 13, 2007
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Las Vegas
Last week, around this time, I was sitting abroad a nonstop flight to Vegas. The start of a vacation is always happy, with all the anticipation and joy of meeting people and seeing new places. As I keep buying tabloids at the airport, I took along three Time magazines, strictly warning myself not to pick up another $2 trashy tabloid. But alas, what caught my eye this time was "A thousand splendid suns" by Khaled Housseini. It was so poignant and touching that I did not put it down until I saw the greenish glow of MGM grand through my cabin window. The man in the next seat was actually willing to take a bet that I would finish before we landed!
It was the first time that I experienced such scorching dry heat. The air was hot, seeming to arise straight from the desert dunes. It baffled me how in the middle of such a barren desert, an incomparably wealthy oasis had sprung up. Vegas has every pleasure man could possibly want, all at a price.
Each casino had its own decor and ubiquitous smoke. My favorite was the Venetian, with its gondola rides, to be seconded only by the Bellagio for its conservatory and fountains. I don't know if it was the place or the fabulous company, but I was in the best of spirits in a long time.
We took a ride out to one of nature's most beautiful creations, the grand canyon, the next day. The drive was breathtaking in itself, with the highway winding over the humongous Hoover dam and then through the strange Joshua (cactus) forests. One could actually picture the Indian hunter, abroad his faithful steed, galloping through the lands that he knew and loved. Eagles loomed high above, in the skies.
The sky walk was perhaps the highlight of our trip. Built by the Hualapai tribe in March, it was still pristine and not yet the tourist junction that it would soon become. Walking on the thin layers of glass over a four thousand feet deep canyon can give you the jitters initially, but soon you feel like you are flying. The sky walk also offers a great view of the nearby Eagle point; it is quite a pity that you cant' click your own pictures.
A OK lunch, followed my a bumpy fourteen mile mud ride (there are no roads for this stretch, yet) and we were on our way back to fabulous Las Vegas for our last night there, and on to Los Angleles the next day.
LA did nothing but increase my liking of California, with its scenic pathways and mountain terrain. We spent the first day at Universal studios, having the most fun at the House of horrors and on the Mummy ride, which I was petrified of until I boarded it; Day two was probably the best with a visit to the Hollywood Boulevard and Beautiful Santa Monica. We had a lot of fun battling the rough waves, and I must have swallowed at least a litre of sea water.
By the time we headed out for dinner at the Persian restaurant, the vacation was already over, and before I knew it, I was back at my desk at work. If only life had a rewind switch..
It was the first time that I experienced such scorching dry heat. The air was hot, seeming to arise straight from the desert dunes. It baffled me how in the middle of such a barren desert, an incomparably wealthy oasis had sprung up. Vegas has every pleasure man could possibly want, all at a price.
Each casino had its own decor and ubiquitous smoke. My favorite was the Venetian, with its gondola rides, to be seconded only by the Bellagio for its conservatory and fountains. I don't know if it was the place or the fabulous company, but I was in the best of spirits in a long time.
We took a ride out to one of nature's most beautiful creations, the grand canyon, the next day. The drive was breathtaking in itself, with the highway winding over the humongous Hoover dam and then through the strange Joshua (cactus) forests. One could actually picture the Indian hunter, abroad his faithful steed, galloping through the lands that he knew and loved. Eagles loomed high above, in the skies.
The sky walk was perhaps the highlight of our trip. Built by the Hualapai tribe in March, it was still pristine and not yet the tourist junction that it would soon become. Walking on the thin layers of glass over a four thousand feet deep canyon can give you the jitters initially, but soon you feel like you are flying. The sky walk also offers a great view of the nearby Eagle point; it is quite a pity that you cant' click your own pictures.
A OK lunch, followed my a bumpy fourteen mile mud ride (there are no roads for this stretch, yet) and we were on our way back to fabulous Las Vegas for our last night there, and on to Los Angleles the next day.
LA did nothing but increase my liking of California, with its scenic pathways and mountain terrain. We spent the first day at Universal studios, having the most fun at the House of horrors and on the Mummy ride, which I was petrified of until I boarded it; Day two was probably the best with a visit to the Hollywood Boulevard and Beautiful Santa Monica. We had a lot of fun battling the rough waves, and I must have swallowed at least a litre of sea water.
By the time we headed out for dinner at the Persian restaurant, the vacation was already over, and before I knew it, I was back at my desk at work. If only life had a rewind switch..
Friday, June 29, 2007
Tagged
Rules (aka Divya, kinda modified by me..)
Girish, Iblog, Zero..
1. Players start with 5 random facts about themselves.
2. Those who are tagged should post these rules and their 5 random facts.
3. Players should tag 5(I say 3) other people and notify them they have been tagged.
Girish, Iblog, Zero..
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Just a simple weekend
Was what I enjoyed (albeit the occasional boredom) for the past two days. The last weekend was quite a whirlwind, with the fun & frolic at six flags hurricane harbor followed by something that every Tamilian around the world must have done, the inevitable trip to the theatres to see the unmissable Shivaji. The movie was decent, probably its only fault being that it stuck to expectations to the T. Definitely over hyped, yet it was not a bad three hours. The "Thalaivar" did, as always do a good job. I found the sets very extravagant, and would have preferred a simple and sweet "Sahana.." on location. But the words captivated me far more than the surroundings. Say what you may, but a blonde & fair Rajnikanth is so not hot!!
Hurricane harbor ruined my carefully straightened hair, but it did bring back memories of a few amazing times in the pool. I was not one of those students who was good at sports, thanks to my klutzy ways and clumsiness on land. Swimming was the first sport that I felt (and still feel) graceful at; and I had some very happy moments in the water, with a few waves thrown in for our benefit. It did give us a great workout as well; we all felt it in our hamstrings that night.
I spent most of yesterday doing something that I like doing solo: shopping. Perhaps because of my complete patience at this activity, or due to the lack of it with my frustrated counterparts, I have always shopped alone. The several semi annual sales thrown in for good measure by the shops did but help burn a bigger hole in my wallet, forcing me to stay at home for most of the day today.
I picked up "The Queen" to watch before bedtime, as a bookend to a silent weekend. Based on the time of Mr. Blair's ascent to presidency and Princess Diana's' unfortunate death, the queen has intrigued me for the past fifteen minutes. A temporary hiatus, and I resume my movie watching...
Hurricane harbor ruined my carefully straightened hair, but it did bring back memories of a few amazing times in the pool. I was not one of those students who was good at sports, thanks to my klutzy ways and clumsiness on land. Swimming was the first sport that I felt (and still feel) graceful at; and I had some very happy moments in the water, with a few waves thrown in for our benefit. It did give us a great workout as well; we all felt it in our hamstrings that night.
I spent most of yesterday doing something that I like doing solo: shopping. Perhaps because of my complete patience at this activity, or due to the lack of it with my frustrated counterparts, I have always shopped alone. The several semi annual sales thrown in for good measure by the shops did but help burn a bigger hole in my wallet, forcing me to stay at home for most of the day today.
I picked up "The Queen" to watch before bedtime, as a bookend to a silent weekend. Based on the time of Mr. Blair's ascent to presidency and Princess Diana's' unfortunate death, the queen has intrigued me for the past fifteen minutes. A temporary hiatus, and I resume my movie watching...
Thursday, June 14, 2007
Quality time
It has been quite a while since I had the former with close family. The past two weeks just breezed by thanks to the company of my brother and Sister in Law. This was the first time I saw them after a timely two years since their wedding. As I was working at my co-op assignment during their wedding, I could but make a hassled week-long trip encompassing two days in an aeroplane; numerous events and parties which made it quite impossible to share but a few words with either of them.
I guess we were all satisfied at the end of two weeks of fun, tours, food and laughter. Normally known as a "quiet" person, I was surprised at the easy flow of conversation.
I think this is actually the first time that I got to spend time alone with my brother. When I was at school and he in Med school, we would meet a few weekends, yet we couldn't talk much thanks to the wide differences between us. We were quite the typical brother and sister, who had different kinds of friends and did very different things. Now that the gap has narrowed, it is easy to communicate.
The weather has been pretty good for this time of the year. Summer has officially begun. I do love the summertime for its icy frappes, cotton skirts and crowded streets. New York City somehow becomes a different place in the summertime. Suddenly there are more smiles. The subway station scorches and the relief on boarding the air conditioned trains is simply unbelievable. Then there's Sunday brunch and the cool museums.
I also love the beaches and the heat. Some of our most memorable vacations were at Cape cod and Maine. You can taste the salt in the crisp sea air, and hear the waves hit the beach as you walk down the sweet roads lined with beautiful cottages. You tend to enjoy something more only when you get very little of it. If anything, I always complained about the heat in India. The monsoon season is the best in the tropics, when you can smell the musty scent of the sand as the first rains hit the dry soil. On such days I would watch the rain from the veranda upstairs as I munched hot potato chips, freshly made by a loving mom. Oh those were simply the days.
I guess we were all satisfied at the end of two weeks of fun, tours, food and laughter. Normally known as a "quiet" person, I was surprised at the easy flow of conversation.
I think this is actually the first time that I got to spend time alone with my brother. When I was at school and he in Med school, we would meet a few weekends, yet we couldn't talk much thanks to the wide differences between us. We were quite the typical brother and sister, who had different kinds of friends and did very different things. Now that the gap has narrowed, it is easy to communicate.
The weather has been pretty good for this time of the year. Summer has officially begun. I do love the summertime for its icy frappes, cotton skirts and crowded streets. New York City somehow becomes a different place in the summertime. Suddenly there are more smiles. The subway station scorches and the relief on boarding the air conditioned trains is simply unbelievable. Then there's Sunday brunch and the cool museums.
I also love the beaches and the heat. Some of our most memorable vacations were at Cape cod and Maine. You can taste the salt in the crisp sea air, and hear the waves hit the beach as you walk down the sweet roads lined with beautiful cottages. You tend to enjoy something more only when you get very little of it. If anything, I always complained about the heat in India. The monsoon season is the best in the tropics, when you can smell the musty scent of the sand as the first rains hit the dry soil. On such days I would watch the rain from the veranda upstairs as I munched hot potato chips, freshly made by a loving mom. Oh those were simply the days.
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
Random
When we age, it does happen quite fast. The days fly by so quickly and before you realize it, another year has gone by and another birthday approaches. It is quite hard to digest the fact that a sweet sixteen was a long time ago, more so because of the responsibilities that people expect you to take over automatically, once you reach a certain age. These days, I can sense the pauses in conversation, as I don't want to talk about certain things. They are better left unsaid.
The city is becoming hotter. I remember this time last year, when I walked down Newbury steet with my friends, as we tried some of the fabulous culinary choices around the area. It was a carefree time, a life that I still yearn for. Somehow, things dont' feel the same anymore. New York, once so fascinating has now become routine. There are like, exactly seven places that I visit day and again. Yet, it does not have the same tranquil vibe as the Christian science center in Boston. A walk around the reflection pool was enough to pick up my spirits, any day.
The weekend was so much fun. My friends helped bring New York to life, and I struggled at one AM to keep my eyes open to enjoy the poker game that I kept cribbing about (well, thats' just me). Time flies so fast when you have company. I wish I could accumulate my days off and just enjoy them together with friends, rather than have restless weekend after weekend. I guess that it is not in my hands, like so many other things. Had they been, would it make things better? Or is the grass greener by the muddy bank? I wonder..
The city is becoming hotter. I remember this time last year, when I walked down Newbury steet with my friends, as we tried some of the fabulous culinary choices around the area. It was a carefree time, a life that I still yearn for. Somehow, things dont' feel the same anymore. New York, once so fascinating has now become routine. There are like, exactly seven places that I visit day and again. Yet, it does not have the same tranquil vibe as the Christian science center in Boston. A walk around the reflection pool was enough to pick up my spirits, any day.
The weekend was so much fun. My friends helped bring New York to life, and I struggled at one AM to keep my eyes open to enjoy the poker game that I kept cribbing about (well, thats' just me). Time flies so fast when you have company. I wish I could accumulate my days off and just enjoy them together with friends, rather than have restless weekend after weekend. I guess that it is not in my hands, like so many other things. Had they been, would it make things better? Or is the grass greener by the muddy bank? I wonder..
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Another weekend
Has arrived and is almost over. I remember a time when Sunday nights would make me gloomy at the prospect of a long week ahead, after all those movie nights and game-filled days. These days the gloom is gone. So is the thrill on a Friday morning, over a highly anticipated weekend.
Of Course, Saturday mornings are always good, meaning that I can roll out of bed as late as possible and quietly sip a cup of coffee for a good half hour. But after that, is when I get restless. It is a new feeling, alien to me, something that I knew not when I was surrounded by friends.Somehow, in Boston, even a trip to the pharmacy or the grocer was fun. I loved my solo walk and back to the whole foods around the corner, now it seems rather like a mundane chore. I wonder why?
This Saturday was a lot of fun, as I spent it with my friends & their parents.. An otherwise long day became short thanks to the delightful company and interesting conversation...
I have gone back to my books, thanks to the graduation present I got from my friends. "Rebbecca" by Daphne Du Maurier.. This book was reminiscent of Jane Eyre, yet there was a mystique added to the well told story, a very English feel. Manderley remains in your mind long after you turn the last page. You are also left wondering about the elusive Rebbecca..
I am now reading "The Memory Keepers Daughter". It is extremely poignant and touching, bringing to your attention the joy and agony of parenting. To each of us, our offspring is simply the most precious.. Will you not want your precious child if she is not perfect? What if you were giving her up to protect another loved one? The book brings to life the truest of human feelings, loss, pain, regret, love... and redemption.
Of Course, Saturday mornings are always good, meaning that I can roll out of bed as late as possible and quietly sip a cup of coffee for a good half hour. But after that, is when I get restless. It is a new feeling, alien to me, something that I knew not when I was surrounded by friends.Somehow, in Boston, even a trip to the pharmacy or the grocer was fun. I loved my solo walk and back to the whole foods around the corner, now it seems rather like a mundane chore. I wonder why?
This Saturday was a lot of fun, as I spent it with my friends & their parents.. An otherwise long day became short thanks to the delightful company and interesting conversation...
I have gone back to my books, thanks to the graduation present I got from my friends. "Rebbecca" by Daphne Du Maurier.. This book was reminiscent of Jane Eyre, yet there was a mystique added to the well told story, a very English feel. Manderley remains in your mind long after you turn the last page. You are also left wondering about the elusive Rebbecca..
I am now reading "The Memory Keepers Daughter". It is extremely poignant and touching, bringing to your attention the joy and agony of parenting. To each of us, our offspring is simply the most precious.. Will you not want your precious child if she is not perfect? What if you were giving her up to protect another loved one? The book brings to life the truest of human feelings, loss, pain, regret, love... and redemption.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Graduation
It was the perfect weekend for a happy graduation cermony. Boston, welcoming as always, was crisp & cold. I did shiver, but I loved it. Starting from the trip to the temple on saturday morning in Santosh's new car, a rushed run to to Matthews arena after a long search for unavailable parking, I and Sudan finally made it to the stands, where Natesh, Prabhu and Vikram were already all set. We made it to the stadium, filled with happy friends, proud parents & relatives. A very elating ceremony, one school song and the star spangled banner later, we were the proud graduates.
Holding the diploma (that I received two months ago in the post, by the way), I felt happy, yet a small corner of my heart was feeling the sadness at the change that had set into our lives. Our sights of Boston this time were filled with the certain knowledge that we were not going to be hading back there anytime soon, living that tranquil life, chatting over coffee at the local starbucks, with trips to the local Blockbuster. I have never been as attached to any place.. this kind of reminds me of what my friend Preetha wrote; Somehow I do not think it is the people alone that make a place so dear.. there may be a variety of factors. Of course, good company is very important but there is something about certain places.. the magic aura is infectious.
We had the best two nights of poker, movie nights (Spiderman, which did suck), long holiday-esque lunches, great company and laughter, lots and lots of it..
I have had my share of good times and bad times in Boston, but my mind recollects the good times much better..I hope I can say the same of future days to come..
Holding the diploma (that I received two months ago in the post, by the way), I felt happy, yet a small corner of my heart was feeling the sadness at the change that had set into our lives. Our sights of Boston this time were filled with the certain knowledge that we were not going to be hading back there anytime soon, living that tranquil life, chatting over coffee at the local starbucks, with trips to the local Blockbuster. I have never been as attached to any place.. this kind of reminds me of what my friend Preetha wrote; Somehow I do not think it is the people alone that make a place so dear.. there may be a variety of factors. Of course, good company is very important but there is something about certain places.. the magic aura is infectious.
We had the best two nights of poker, movie nights (Spiderman, which did suck), long holiday-esque lunches, great company and laughter, lots and lots of it..
I have had my share of good times and bad times in Boston, but my mind recollects the good times much better..I hope I can say the same of future days to come..
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
The world around me
Graduation day is fast approaching, and so is my enthusiasm rising.. I am looking forward to see dear Boston again, along with all of my friends; a chance to play yet another round of poker and giggle with friends..
Last weekend I saw a movie, "In the land of Women". My friend Jayshree was convinced that the movie basically sucked, but somehow I found that I enjoyed it. It was a simple but moving portrayal of a perfect looking family, good enough to put in a J. Crew catalogue, but still so dysfunctional. A stranger moves into the neighborhood, as he gets over a relationship that didn't quite make the name and to bond with his Grandma. Somehow, as we all know, it is a lot easier to talk about your deepest fears and insecurity with a relative stranger. Is it because you know it cannot hurt you or is it the other way around? You do not always say what you think to your loved ones, for fear of hurting their feelings.
Somehow all of us need that friend, someone to talk to, someone to confide with, someone who listens as we speak.. and for a mom of two stuck in a suburb, the stranger is of course the best companion. It was a very nice portrayal of a good friendship, not too many words, yet a lot said..
The weather is great these days.. the earliest shades of green are out, after the blossoms. It looks almost like a spray of green.. dandelions are everywhere and so are the tulips & hyacinth blossoms.. Spring is one of the prettiest seasons.. it does make the mind sing on your way to work..
Last weekend I saw a movie, "In the land of Women". My friend Jayshree was convinced that the movie basically sucked, but somehow I found that I enjoyed it. It was a simple but moving portrayal of a perfect looking family, good enough to put in a J. Crew catalogue, but still so dysfunctional. A stranger moves into the neighborhood, as he gets over a relationship that didn't quite make the name and to bond with his Grandma. Somehow, as we all know, it is a lot easier to talk about your deepest fears and insecurity with a relative stranger. Is it because you know it cannot hurt you or is it the other way around? You do not always say what you think to your loved ones, for fear of hurting their feelings.
Somehow all of us need that friend, someone to talk to, someone to confide with, someone who listens as we speak.. and for a mom of two stuck in a suburb, the stranger is of course the best companion. It was a very nice portrayal of a good friendship, not too many words, yet a lot said..
The weather is great these days.. the earliest shades of green are out, after the blossoms. It looks almost like a spray of green.. dandelions are everywhere and so are the tulips & hyacinth blossoms.. Spring is one of the prettiest seasons.. it does make the mind sing on your way to work..
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Fitness freak..
Or at least something I have been aspiring to become, over my lunch breaks at work. Ever since I joined the Wellness exchange at work, the group classes encompassing Yoga, Pilates, boot camps, steps & cardio kickboxing have been lots of fun! The exercise does make me pretty hungry as I head back home in the evening, but it is totally worth it.
We are all obsessed with health & fitness in some way or other, be it the diet coke we substitute for our regular fizzy soda, or the extra spoon of oil that we avoid while cooking. We have our own reasons, that range from losing weight(duh) to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Of course, like everyone else, I have tried the fad diets and the green teas. But now I am increasingly beginning to see that what matters is a healthy nutritious diet. So here are some of my tried & true observations:
* It's all about the calories. Eat what you like, but keep it under your daily requirement.
* Anything that is natural is good for you, even if it is not low fat. (Think milk, avocados, Bananas)
* Don't snack on an energy bar before hitting the Gym, that stuff is for the serious athletes. You will do just fine with a banana.
* Cut out the multiple servings of fluid calories (the second coffee with cream, soda,juice). If you must drink, go for herbal teas and diet soda(not regularly). Skip the fruit juice & opt for the fruit instead.
* Do not replace your favorite foods (potato chips etc.) with low calorie substitutes. It will not make you lose your cravings. Have a smaller portion instead.
* Lots of veggies, low on the carbs.
* Try different exercise routines everyday. If you are not a gym rat, try walking around your apartment for an hour.
The above pieces of advice are from me to my own self, as I struggle along with my fitness regime, just like you all do!
We are all obsessed with health & fitness in some way or other, be it the diet coke we substitute for our regular fizzy soda, or the extra spoon of oil that we avoid while cooking. We have our own reasons, that range from losing weight(duh) to maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
Of course, like everyone else, I have tried the fad diets and the green teas. But now I am increasingly beginning to see that what matters is a healthy nutritious diet. So here are some of my tried & true observations:
* It's all about the calories. Eat what you like, but keep it under your daily requirement.
* Anything that is natural is good for you, even if it is not low fat. (Think milk, avocados, Bananas)
* Don't snack on an energy bar before hitting the Gym, that stuff is for the serious athletes. You will do just fine with a banana.
* Cut out the multiple servings of fluid calories (the second coffee with cream, soda,juice). If you must drink, go for herbal teas and diet soda(not regularly). Skip the fruit juice & opt for the fruit instead.
* Do not replace your favorite foods (potato chips etc.) with low calorie substitutes. It will not make you lose your cravings. Have a smaller portion instead.
* Lots of veggies, low on the carbs.
* Try different exercise routines everyday. If you are not a gym rat, try walking around your apartment for an hour.
The above pieces of advice are from me to my own self, as I struggle along with my fitness regime, just like you all do!
Friday, March 30, 2007
Nilaa Sadham..
Yesterday I had my all time favourite dinner.. thair sadham and urugai (for the uninitiated, yogurt on rice with spicy Indian pickle). It made me think of those happy childhood days long gone..
Me, Anuj and Vats would be vacationing at our grandparents place during yet another summer holiday. A summer with my cousins always meant tons of fun! Starting from the long walk early in the morning to see the new railroad, to the castles we built on the pile of construction sand from the beach and whole cities with roads and rail tracks meticulously drawn by us with chalk, we were always on the out look for the most creative thing to do. Our grandparents encouraged us so much that we even had drawing classes, dance classes and music classes every day! Of course the tomboyish me and Anuj used to smuggle out instead of singing, while Vats was always the model student!
Thatha would take us to the stationery store, to buy the crayons and pencils we needed to create our artwork. I remember him urging us to try hard. He got us all the things we wanted, even as much as getting a carpenter to make us our very own set of wooden toy trains!
I can never recall calling my grandma "patti". To me she was always "Ambu" (a short form of her name), a name that I innocently gave her, and it stuck on, so that every one of my cousins and my brother would call her that.
Evenings meant dinner in the moonlight. Ambu would get a large bowlful of delectable thair sadham, and we would pick our favorite pickles. Lemon, Mango, Tomato, Neem leaf, Raw mango.. the list was endless. One variety was never good enough. Ambu would bring a plateful of all the pickles and would dole out small mouthfuls into each of our outstretched little hands..
Then it would be bedtime, which meant us cuddling together in the hand stitched quilts, and whispering conversations as Ambu urged us to sleep.
Even today, as I sit in my apartment eating my plateful of rice and pickle ( alas, I am old enough to be happy with one variety), my mind goes back to those wonderful days of infinite joy and not a care in the world. I realize that it was the infinite love that our grandparents showered on us that made those summer days even more sunny and beautiful..adding to our kaleidoscope of happy memories for years to come.
Me, Anuj and Vats would be vacationing at our grandparents place during yet another summer holiday. A summer with my cousins always meant tons of fun! Starting from the long walk early in the morning to see the new railroad, to the castles we built on the pile of construction sand from the beach and whole cities with roads and rail tracks meticulously drawn by us with chalk, we were always on the out look for the most creative thing to do. Our grandparents encouraged us so much that we even had drawing classes, dance classes and music classes every day! Of course the tomboyish me and Anuj used to smuggle out instead of singing, while Vats was always the model student!
Thatha would take us to the stationery store, to buy the crayons and pencils we needed to create our artwork. I remember him urging us to try hard. He got us all the things we wanted, even as much as getting a carpenter to make us our very own set of wooden toy trains!
I can never recall calling my grandma "patti". To me she was always "Ambu" (a short form of her name), a name that I innocently gave her, and it stuck on, so that every one of my cousins and my brother would call her that.
Evenings meant dinner in the moonlight. Ambu would get a large bowlful of delectable thair sadham, and we would pick our favorite pickles. Lemon, Mango, Tomato, Neem leaf, Raw mango.. the list was endless. One variety was never good enough. Ambu would bring a plateful of all the pickles and would dole out small mouthfuls into each of our outstretched little hands..
Then it would be bedtime, which meant us cuddling together in the hand stitched quilts, and whispering conversations as Ambu urged us to sleep.
Even today, as I sit in my apartment eating my plateful of rice and pickle ( alas, I am old enough to be happy with one variety), my mind goes back to those wonderful days of infinite joy and not a care in the world. I realize that it was the infinite love that our grandparents showered on us that made those summer days even more sunny and beautiful..adding to our kaleidoscope of happy memories for years to come.
Tuesday, March 20, 2007
A cup of Java, or hot chocolate maybe?
I am one of the several million coffee lovers in the world; the kind that takes great pain to buy an espresso machine and brew that perfect cup of coffee. And yes, I am one of the several Starbucks lovers who loves the smell of perfectly roasted coffee beans wafting up as you walk into the shop, the extremely pleasant ambiance where its' always great to chit chat over coffee with friends. Sometimes I just crave the caffeine, like many others do; but even then no bad coffee please!
The other Java is something I work with a lot, and get engrossed in :)
Today, I went to a sweet little chocolate shop called Leonidas, in the heart of the financial district. My colleague got a cup of coffee there on our way to an investment seminar. I love Belgian pralines (Cream filled delights), and I decided to come back to get some. On our way out, however I saw a sign advertising hot chocolate. I was intrigued. What better place to try hot chocolate than a chocolate shop?
On my way back home I decided to make a little stop. At $4, the drink was pricey, but it did come with a Belgian praline! and the store claimed that the hot chocolate was made from melted chocolate!
I walked out of the store, cup in hand, eager to taste that first sip, though it burnt my tongue. It was probably the best cup of chocolate I had ever had; a creamy delight straight from heaven! As I made my way back home, I contemplated several future visits....to my new found culinary crush!
The other Java is something I work with a lot, and get engrossed in :)
Today, I went to a sweet little chocolate shop called Leonidas, in the heart of the financial district. My colleague got a cup of coffee there on our way to an investment seminar. I love Belgian pralines (Cream filled delights), and I decided to come back to get some. On our way out, however I saw a sign advertising hot chocolate. I was intrigued. What better place to try hot chocolate than a chocolate shop?
On my way back home I decided to make a little stop. At $4, the drink was pricey, but it did come with a Belgian praline! and the store claimed that the hot chocolate was made from melted chocolate!
I walked out of the store, cup in hand, eager to taste that first sip, though it burnt my tongue. It was probably the best cup of chocolate I had ever had; a creamy delight straight from heaven! As I made my way back home, I contemplated several future visits....to my new found culinary crush!
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Women
I was reading a very interesting post written by my friend Divya. You can find it here. The post reminded me of something Carrie said in Sex and the city..
"Are women just waiting to be rescued? If prince charming had never come by to kiss her, would snow white still be lying there? Or would she have eventually woken up, got a job, a baby with the help of her local sperm bank and moved on
"Are women just waiting to be rescued? If prince charming had never come by to kiss her, would snow white still be lying there? Or would she have eventually woken up, got a job, a baby with the help of her local sperm bank and moved on
Power and Glory
Last weekend, I did something that several of my friends did as well.. I watched the movie 300. Despite the terrible New York times review, the movie was not "gorier than Apocalypto". I did enjoy it very much, along with a very enthused crowd, who applauded several times.
We are not even sure if the battle of Thermopylae happened as it was screened, and definitely there were no giant rhino like creatures involved, nor did King Xerxes have so many piercings, but the quest for power has been a true rage, right from those times.
We all long for power and recognition. Right from school where we compete for grades, or when we compete for that promotion, that chance to lead a project or make that acquisition. In days B.C. the quest for power was perhaps too straightforward.. it was decided on battlefields and courts of counsel and law. These days, it is anything but.
To be known, to be a someone for generations to come; to make use of this chance called life bestowed upon us.. is what would be wonderful. Sadly, not everyone of us can make it.. only when there are several stars, do we name one the brightest.. but to try we must, all we can.. in whatever ways we can..
Thursday, March 08, 2007
Code, Party, Cold and the like
I guess the title kinda sums it up. I have been doing a lot of the first, attended the second today and have been tolerating the third (if not yelling back at it) for a week. I went to Ikea last weekend with my friend Jayshree. It could only be described as a perfect day.. Shopping with a friend.. We spent five (yes five) hours at the store! It was chilly that day, but I have learned to like chilly thanks to Boston. But what came later; to say the least, was not pleasant stuff.
Later on Sunday, me and my friends went to this very good Indian restaurant (If they have masala dosa and mango ice cream on the buffet, then hell yeah, it's good). Then we wanted to check out Zodiac, but we went to Wild Hogs instead. It was silly, but funny.
Back to the work week, I guess the cold has given me the flu.. The illness sucks, but at least you eat less ;-)
Looking back to this time last year, in Amsterdam.. It was cold but we were too exited to notice. The canal tours, The Anne Frank house that I wanted to see since I was a little girl, and tours to places known and unknown..
Have you ever noticed that a perfect day is more perfect when you rethink it? It may have been but a run of the mill ordinary day, but the people that enriched it and the lights and the sounds make you want to hold on to it forever? If we only chose to rethink every day as a tranquil one, does it just require a strong mind and nothing else? Sure a day with friends beats everything, but sitting on sateen sheets and thinking of life and everything about it is not too bad either!
Company of course rocks, but spending time with your own self is not too bad either! As you are with someone whom you understand the most :)
Later on Sunday, me and my friends went to this very good Indian restaurant (If they have masala dosa and mango ice cream on the buffet, then hell yeah, it's good). Then we wanted to check out Zodiac, but we went to Wild Hogs instead. It was silly, but funny.
Back to the work week, I guess the cold has given me the flu.. The illness sucks, but at least you eat less ;-)
Looking back to this time last year, in Amsterdam.. It was cold but we were too exited to notice. The canal tours, The Anne Frank house that I wanted to see since I was a little girl, and tours to places known and unknown..
Have you ever noticed that a perfect day is more perfect when you rethink it? It may have been but a run of the mill ordinary day, but the people that enriched it and the lights and the sounds make you want to hold on to it forever? If we only chose to rethink every day as a tranquil one, does it just require a strong mind and nothing else? Sure a day with friends beats everything, but sitting on sateen sheets and thinking of life and everything about it is not too bad either!
Company of course rocks, but spending time with your own self is not too bad either! As you are with someone whom you understand the most :)
Thursday, March 01, 2007
Corporate life
It is so tough to digest that you are not a student anymore, getting up when you please and working late into the night and watching the crack of dawn beckon to you from your windowsill. These days my alarm is set to early morn, and yet I always get up before it rings. Then comes the obsession to clean everything in the apartment before I jump in the shower; a few minutes checking messages and then setting off to work.. a crowded PATH train, where it has never been possible to read the book that I carry.. unlike the typical New Yorker who balances his paper so perfectly as he checks the headlines. Ten minutes and the train sails into the World trade center, and up the flights of stairs along with a thousand others, who are in such a hurry that they push past you. Then comes the ten minute walk to work.. and then a busy day that goes on until six for me, mostly later for the rest.
The sun has set when I step out in the evening. As I pass the church and the Borders store, it is so tempting to just step into a blissful world of books and silent readers, but I hurry on, back to the PATH and then home. Then it's a quickly made meal, which just suits my taste, unlike the ones I made in Boston, according to my friends preferences.
I switch on the DVD player & TV and get into bed with F.R.I.E.N.D.S, until I get my comcast connection. Then sleep takes over, until tomorrow.
Life is so fast, and the days are short. A month has gone by before I realize it. Time moved faster in Boston as well, but over there it was measured by company and never ending trips and laughter over Poker.
I have been visiting Boston for the past two weekends, to catch up with my friends and Gala night at the ISSI. It always feels great to be back there, as the city is filled with the most wonderful memories of beautiful days and happy faces.
Monday, February 05, 2007
Boston Beautiful
Someone said that change is the only constant thing in our lives. When it comes, it does not come by as a breeze, but rather as a whirlwind, a vortex that sucks up everything in its path and replaces them differently.
My move to
I already knew and the countless intercultural experiences thanks to what is probably the best International Student organization in the whole of the
Working in an environment of intellectuals has been a blessing too. I loved every assignment, lecture and test, through all that cribbing.
And
The rooms at Snell library and ell hall will be revisited by many more students, like us. They will likewise laugh, cry or otherwise live life as they tread those steps to the buildings over & over again. I bet the school remembers all those footsteps as it silently stands watching a new incoming class every year and a class bidding fond farewell, and she always welcomes the new kids as her very own.
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