i used to be mortally scared of ghosts and such. ask mugs or prabha, they'd tell you what a fulltoo fattoo being i was. i would rather not drink water at night for the fear of having to getting up to pee in the night. i never ventured into dark corners, avoided places that to my mind, looked haunted, shat bricks after watching *****all serials like shh koi hai ...
but that was before. now i can do all of the above and not die of palpitations. because of ita. it has nothing to do with maternal urges or anything, just the thought that she is gonna pick on my nervousness and i am loathe to letting her grow up like that.
last evening, sri's driver was attacked by 4 armed hooligans. they hit him on head several times with the butt of a country made rifle and took off with his mobile, watch and wallet. the entire loss can be summed up to roughly 1,000 Rs.
the incident occured not 5 minutes walking distance from our house, in a crowded residential area at 9.15 P.M.
i am back to being scared.
Thursday, March 19, 2009
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
why i love holi
I love holi. Absolutely, completely, totally, love it. Here is why:
Colours
Bura na maano holi hai attitude
Jalaoing Holika
All that water
Dancing to the tunes of the dhol
Bawdy songs, bawdier jokes
Everybody looks the same under all that goop
Warm bath after a round of thorough dunking is heavenly
Warm food is even better
A nap feels just right
Gujjias
and such good photo ops.
superk.
Happy Holi children.
Colours
Bura na maano holi hai attitude
Jalaoing Holika
All that water
Dancing to the tunes of the dhol
Bawdy songs, bawdier jokes
Everybody looks the same under all that goop
Warm bath after a round of thorough dunking is heavenly
Warm food is even better
A nap feels just right
Gujjias
and such good photo ops.
superk.
Happy Holi children.
Wednesday, March 04, 2009
i don't know what to say
... but baby, sometimes love just ain't enough.
... and sometimes long distance support ain't enough either.
... and sometimes long distance support ain't enough either.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Unwound.
i didn't climb a mountain
i didn't climb a tree
but i feel a lot better
i feel free
we didn't talk of troubles
we didn't go on a spree
but i feel lighter
i feel free
bring on the worries
bring on the woes
i am ready for the battle today
3 months down the lane, who knows ...
sometimes taking time out for doing nothing but eating junk, reading junk, venting and watching a tv serial for hours together with kindred souls can be more therapeutic than a week's vacation in an expensive place.
i didn't climb a tree
but i feel a lot better
i feel free
we didn't talk of troubles
we didn't go on a spree
but i feel lighter
i feel free
bring on the worries
bring on the woes
i am ready for the battle today
3 months down the lane, who knows ...
sometimes taking time out for doing nothing but eating junk, reading junk, venting and watching a tv serial for hours together with kindred souls can be more therapeutic than a week's vacation in an expensive place.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
this one's for me.
after a long, long time ... i am going to do something utterly completely totally selfish.
i am going to take time off and do what i want.
money be damned.
for two days, i am going to be uma. just uma. no wife. no mother. no responsible adult.
yay.
i am going to take time off and do what i want.
money be damned.
for two days, i am going to be uma. just uma. no wife. no mother. no responsible adult.
yay.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Thursday, February 05, 2009
Tagged... by Soo
I’ve been tagged by Soo to do the sixth picture meme, so here goes:
This picture was clicked on Bandstand, Bandra, Mumbai sometime in March'04.
Meera. Mugdha and I were meeting up after Mugdha's shaadi. She was visiting us from Hyderabad. And she had a new digi-cam. And all three of us wanted to be in the picture at the same time. We were drunk on the joy of being together, the sea, silliness.
The episode resulted in a whole series of absolutely mad pictures. This is the one where I have been almost completely elbowed out by Meera (in green and red).
I tag:
Mugs
Maddie
Sri
Austere
Andy
Gaya Tree
This picture was clicked on Bandstand, Bandra, Mumbai sometime in March'04.
Meera. Mugdha and I were meeting up after Mugdha's shaadi. She was visiting us from Hyderabad. And she had a new digi-cam. And all three of us wanted to be in the picture at the same time. We were drunk on the joy of being together, the sea, silliness.
The episode resulted in a whole series of absolutely mad pictures. This is the one where I have been almost completely elbowed out by Meera (in green and red).
I tag:
Mugs
Maddie
Sri
Austere
Andy
Gaya Tree
This is what you have to do:
- pick the 6th picture from your 6th photo folder.
- tell the story around it.
- pass it onto 6 other people you like.
A huge blackboard
"its like your brain is a blackboard with lots of things chalked down on it ... and then, this giant hand with a giant duster just rubs it all out ..."
thats Alzheimer's for you.
bastard disease.
thats Alzheimer's for you.
bastard disease.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Ankita Puraan - 3
All my life (well almost all my life), one of the biggest issues I have had is with my hair.
I have grown them, I have had them trimmed, cut, coloured, massaged, streaked and so on and so forth ... but I have never ever been truly happy with them. They have always been too thick, too unruly, too nonsensical to be of any use to mankind. Ok, womankind. Oh alright, me.
It must be karma of some kind.
Ita has all of 7.5 hair on her head and she is almost 7 months old.
Now what do I do with all the cute clips I have bought?
I have grown them, I have had them trimmed, cut, coloured, massaged, streaked and so on and so forth ... but I have never ever been truly happy with them. They have always been too thick, too unruly, too nonsensical to be of any use to mankind. Ok, womankind. Oh alright, me.
It must be karma of some kind.
Ita has all of 7.5 hair on her head and she is almost 7 months old.
Now what do I do with all the cute clips I have bought?
Monday, January 26, 2009
Ankita Puraan -2
Dharam sankat situation has happened. We have 3 names and we like them all.
Meghna
Krita
Ankita
Both the grandmothers like Meghna. So does Kannan, the uncle-in-law.
Krita is different and both sri and I kind of like it.
Ankita is preferred by all three aunts and the maama. And us, of course.
We thought we still had days to decide as we sauntered into the lawyers office.
The adoption deed had to go in with the name.
And so, we had a grand total of 30 seconds to decide what she was going to be called.
Yes, the lawyer was very scary looking. Like Amrish Puri in Damini, minus the oily hair... and the bad guy part. So it was that we went to file our papers with our lawyer and came back with our daughter's name. Ankita.
I just hope she doesn't hate us for not calling her Krita or Meghna. Because now, after 3 months, I kind of like Meghna better than Ankita. Go figure.
Meghna
Krita
Ankita
Both the grandmothers like Meghna. So does Kannan, the uncle-in-law.
Krita is different and both sri and I kind of like it.
Ankita is preferred by all three aunts and the maama. And us, of course.
We thought we still had days to decide as we sauntered into the lawyers office.
The adoption deed had to go in with the name.
And so, we had a grand total of 30 seconds to decide what she was going to be called.
Yes, the lawyer was very scary looking. Like Amrish Puri in Damini, minus the oily hair... and the bad guy part. So it was that we went to file our papers with our lawyer and came back with our daughter's name. Ankita.
I just hope she doesn't hate us for not calling her Krita or Meghna. Because now, after 3 months, I kind of like Meghna better than Ankita. Go figure.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
All ours.
Today is a good day. Actually, a very, very good day. Special day. Nice day. You get the picture right?
The daughter is finally all ours. The court has granted us custody.
Till the time the lawyer's assistant came up and told us to collect the final deed, I hadn't realised that there was a vague nagging fear, a fear that ita would be taken away from us... didn't realise that at a sub-conscious level, I was scared to death. But thats all over now.
Ankita Sriram Iyer. My baby ... the bane of my existance, the love of my life is mine. All mine.
Ok, "ours" as sri would insist on me saying :))
The daughter is finally all ours. The court has granted us custody.
Till the time the lawyer's assistant came up and told us to collect the final deed, I hadn't realised that there was a vague nagging fear, a fear that ita would be taken away from us... didn't realise that at a sub-conscious level, I was scared to death. But thats all over now.
Ankita Sriram Iyer. My baby ... the bane of my existance, the love of my life is mine. All mine.
Ok, "ours" as sri would insist on me saying :))
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
Ankita puraan
I started keeping a diary (the old-fashioned kind) during my initiation period as a mother. This is one of the first write-ups…
7th April 2008
ANKITA – Empress, one with auspicious marks.
Our daughter… our hearts, as they say are forever destined to walk out of our bodies.
We brought her home on the 10th of March 2008 from Missionaries of Charity, Delhi. Today, she is already the apple of everyone’s eyes; the grandparents, the aunts, the assorted neighbours. Ankita or ‘ita’ as we call her, is an absolute joy, except when she is sleepy and doesn’t know how to go to sleep; then she is a cranky, pain in the backside.
As I write this, she lies here next to me in an outrageously big fluorescent green shirt, dreaming. I always wondered why parents dress their kids in such awful clothes … now I know.
It could either be because the child is being so squirmy/crabby/ touchy that the parent picks the first set that is within reach OR the child, very considerately throws up/does su-su/potty at the exact moment the parent has finished dressing it up and hence are forced to do a: A ill-fated fashion disaster or b: Resort to point 1 which is to grab the first thing available to sight. There is one other reason, probably the biggest one. Gifts.
The minute people hear about so and so having had a baby, there is an influx of clothes in said person’s place. Now there are a few sensible souls who send the parents thoughtful gifts, like vitamin tablets but the others … baby sets, booties, jackets, socks and so on … in colours they think are cute (or stereotyped by the cruel marketing focused fashion police) – pink for girls, blue for boys.
Do you have any clue how a pile of pink looks to someone who last slept Lord knows when, has a howling infant waiting for her bottle and the flask has played deserter again? YES … like a strip of digene.
So the parent does what anyone with frayed nerves would do. Forage for anything that is not in pink (or blue) – clips, shoes, bibs, nappies – and put them over the antacid representing apparel.
From now on, when you see babies dressed like they are from Saturn … do not blame the parents. Give them a smile, maybe even a pat on their back. Beget some good karma. When you have a kid of your own; you will need all of it.
I thought we were smart. The day before Ankita was to come home, we went and got her a bunch of clothes in blue. So, now when we take her out, she is either dressed like Britney Spears with dark hair or gets mistaken for a boy.
7th April 2008
ANKITA – Empress, one with auspicious marks.
Our daughter… our hearts, as they say are forever destined to walk out of our bodies.
We brought her home on the 10th of March 2008 from Missionaries of Charity, Delhi. Today, she is already the apple of everyone’s eyes; the grandparents, the aunts, the assorted neighbours. Ankita or ‘ita’ as we call her, is an absolute joy, except when she is sleepy and doesn’t know how to go to sleep; then she is a cranky, pain in the backside.
As I write this, she lies here next to me in an outrageously big fluorescent green shirt, dreaming. I always wondered why parents dress their kids in such awful clothes … now I know.
It could either be because the child is being so squirmy/crabby/ touchy that the parent picks the first set that is within reach OR the child, very considerately throws up/does su-su/potty at the exact moment the parent has finished dressing it up and hence are forced to do a: A ill-fated fashion disaster or b: Resort to point 1 which is to grab the first thing available to sight. There is one other reason, probably the biggest one. Gifts.
The minute people hear about so and so having had a baby, there is an influx of clothes in said person’s place. Now there are a few sensible souls who send the parents thoughtful gifts, like vitamin tablets but the others … baby sets, booties, jackets, socks and so on … in colours they think are cute (or stereotyped by the cruel marketing focused fashion police) – pink for girls, blue for boys.
Do you have any clue how a pile of pink looks to someone who last slept Lord knows when, has a howling infant waiting for her bottle and the flask has played deserter again? YES … like a strip of digene.
So the parent does what anyone with frayed nerves would do. Forage for anything that is not in pink (or blue) – clips, shoes, bibs, nappies – and put them over the antacid representing apparel.
From now on, when you see babies dressed like they are from Saturn … do not blame the parents. Give them a smile, maybe even a pat on their back. Beget some good karma. When you have a kid of your own; you will need all of it.
I thought we were smart. The day before Ankita was to come home, we went and got her a bunch of clothes in blue. So, now when we take her out, she is either dressed like Britney Spears with dark hair or gets mistaken for a boy.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
such a pig..
MCP: so that woman, have you seen her boobs? i mean you cannot miss them. haha. i forgot her first name. but... who cares about that right? wow. she must have been a size ...uhm ... arre! i forgot i was talking to a woman
Me: fuming*. yes. you forget i know her.
MCP: wahi toh! you woman toh would know what size just by looking, why am i wasting my energy by trying to guess....
Me: very amazed at how idiotic the people of the opposite gender could get.
Me: fuming*. yes. you forget i know her.
MCP: wahi toh! you woman toh would know what size just by looking, why am i wasting my energy by trying to guess....
Me: very amazed at how idiotic the people of the opposite gender could get.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Mooch part 2, with photos
and so was chronicled our hairy brunch :)
cheers~
ps: bloody mooch tickled nose bad, wonder how people have it for ever and ever?
Monday, October 20, 2008
mooch nahi toh kooch nahi
we were supposed to meet over brunch this sunday ... and i forgot, so did sri.
we had all of 10 odd minutes to announce our departure, put ita to sleep, leave instructions for when she would wake up, get out of pyjamas, wear clean clothes (damn the bath, damn the bath... it was sunday!) and leave.
minutes before our destination and in the middle of the zillionth signal, we noticed an auto driver trying to commit suicide under a water tanker. on closer observation we realised that the guy had wedged the auto (almost) underneath the tanker so he could clean his windsheild with the water dripping from the leaking tap behing the tanker. we almost missed the bearded salesman during our enthusiastic photographing of this cleansing ritual. almost but not quite.
the false beard and moustache set we bought for Rs.15/- turned out to be a riot at the brunch meeting. fulltoo paisa vasool. all of us tried it on, with variations of course - with moustache, without moustache, the beard on the head (a few drinks later) ... and got ourselves photographed.
it was one of the most amazing meals i have had. we laughed more than we ate, which if you know us, would really tell you how much fun we were having.
if only i could find the picture of mugdha and me posing as sardars now.
we had all of 10 odd minutes to announce our departure, put ita to sleep, leave instructions for when she would wake up, get out of pyjamas, wear clean clothes (damn the bath, damn the bath... it was sunday!) and leave.
minutes before our destination and in the middle of the zillionth signal, we noticed an auto driver trying to commit suicide under a water tanker. on closer observation we realised that the guy had wedged the auto (almost) underneath the tanker so he could clean his windsheild with the water dripping from the leaking tap behing the tanker. we almost missed the bearded salesman during our enthusiastic photographing of this cleansing ritual. almost but not quite.
the false beard and moustache set we bought for Rs.15/- turned out to be a riot at the brunch meeting. fulltoo paisa vasool. all of us tried it on, with variations of course - with moustache, without moustache, the beard on the head (a few drinks later) ... and got ourselves photographed.
it was one of the most amazing meals i have had. we laughed more than we ate, which if you know us, would really tell you how much fun we were having.
if only i could find the picture of mugdha and me posing as sardars now.
Friday, October 17, 2008
No matter what.
upset or sad
yell or shout
hungry or in pain
for a hug, for a cuddle
mums are the best.
i didn't quite get it.
until now.
no matter how much i yell and keep her from doing fun things (eating the chappals, toppling dustbins, putting fingers inside sockets) ... she holds up her little hands and wants her mother to comfort her ...
i am going to miss it when she grows up.
wonder if my mum does too.
yell or shout
hungry or in pain
for a hug, for a cuddle
mums are the best.
i didn't quite get it.
until now.
no matter how much i yell and keep her from doing fun things (eating the chappals, toppling dustbins, putting fingers inside sockets) ... she holds up her little hands and wants her mother to comfort her ...
i am going to miss it when she grows up.
wonder if my mum does too.
Thursday, October 09, 2008
willpower
must ...
lose ...
weight ...
uhm... is that a blueberry cheesecake? i'd like 2 slices please.
lose ...
weight ...
uhm... is that a blueberry cheesecake? i'd like 2 slices please.
Thursday, October 02, 2008
i hate sequels.
thanks to the delhi book fair, i have loads of books to read. and then, there was the landmark sale. so you understand just how many options i have, right? wrong. you know why? coz, i read the part 3 of christopher paolini's eragon series: 'Brisingr'... and the thought of having to wait for another 2 years for the concluding part to arrive is driving me batty. so batty, that i cannot concentrate on any other book.
bleddy nonsense.
superb third book btw. go pick. atleast just so we can all discuss and crib about the waiting period.
bleddy nonsense.
superb third book btw. go pick. atleast just so we can all discuss and crib about the waiting period.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Monk-ita
Apparently, ankita looks like a buddhist monk.
Only we know that she ain't no peaceful meditating kind.
So, between all of us we have agreed to call her Monkita ... half monkey, half monk, full timepass :)
Only we know that she ain't no peaceful meditating kind.
So, between all of us we have agreed to call her Monkita ... half monkey, half monk, full timepass :)
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Sea Saw
The husband had to travel to Chennai on business and the 'lukkha-aatma' that I am these days, ankita and I tagged along.
I had so forgotten how beautiful the sea is. And how wonderful the breeze feels.
We are lucky that the sister in law has a house that faces the sea. And thanks to the crazy schedule the daughter keeps, am up at all hours ... staring at the sea. I have seen so many shades, so many moods, so much loveliness.
And, I have been eating kaccha aam and sundal and boiled channa and bhutta ... no wonder sri ka standard joke these days is ... what did the baby elephant say when he saw toinks? Mommmmmyyyy :D:D:D
Ok bye.
I had so forgotten how beautiful the sea is. And how wonderful the breeze feels.
We are lucky that the sister in law has a house that faces the sea. And thanks to the crazy schedule the daughter keeps, am up at all hours ... staring at the sea. I have seen so many shades, so many moods, so much loveliness.
And, I have been eating kaccha aam and sundal and boiled channa and bhutta ... no wonder sri ka standard joke these days is ... what did the baby elephant say when he saw toinks? Mommmmmyyyy :D:D:D
Ok bye.
Monday, September 08, 2008
my mobile phone
is not letting me download the pictures i took with it.
and i am too lazy to re-charge the battery of my camera.
stupid mobile phone.
and i am too lazy to re-charge the battery of my camera.
stupid mobile phone.
Saturday, August 30, 2008
inglis is my 18th language and i spik it well
i was reading the Zoya factor by Anuja Chauhan (nice, nice) and i actually noticed that most people around me speak just like the characters in the book. very very desi english. it is is so much easier to communicate when you have a masala mix bag of several languages and you can pluck and choose and plug in words from all of them to form one gloriously riotous language that reflects your deepest thoughts in the most effeiceint manner, unlike this long sentence.
for example, if you had a brilliant idea, you can't just say hey, i have a brilliant idea ... it is wayyy better if you say something like, abbe sun, i have this super tohdu idea. i mean .. do you see the difference?
and then we have some drastic classic examples. like the names caterers give their "special" concoctions.
like stay fried vegetables
like paneer saslick
like hukka nudles
so cool neh? they make for so much entertainment.
chalo abhi katlo.
for example, if you had a brilliant idea, you can't just say hey, i have a brilliant idea ... it is wayyy better if you say something like, abbe sun, i have this super tohdu idea. i mean .. do you see the difference?
and then we have some drastic classic examples. like the names caterers give their "special" concoctions.
like stay fried vegetables
like paneer saslick
like hukka nudles
so cool neh? they make for so much entertainment.
chalo abhi katlo.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
go... went ... gone
after the initial flush, this sudden window that enables freedom is beginning to look daunting.
tomorrow is my last day at work.
i
am
so
freaked
out.
we went out for a nice lunch today. just soo, nigel, nishtha and me. and i realised, i am not going to have anybody around to maaro my stupid pjs on.
nobody is going to understand sarcasm.
nobody is going to sit with me and crib about the nonsense deadline.
nobody. nothing.
and worst of all ... no pay cheque at the end of every month.
how am i going to pay my phone bills?
and my credit card bills?
penury ... here i come.
older and poorer, thats what my tomorrow looks like. and lonelier.
mumma :(
tomorrow is my last day at work.
i
am
so
freaked
out.
we went out for a nice lunch today. just soo, nigel, nishtha and me. and i realised, i am not going to have anybody around to maaro my stupid pjs on.
nobody is going to understand sarcasm.
nobody is going to sit with me and crib about the nonsense deadline.
nobody. nothing.
and worst of all ... no pay cheque at the end of every month.
how am i going to pay my phone bills?
and my credit card bills?
penury ... here i come.
older and poorer, thats what my tomorrow looks like. and lonelier.
mumma :(
Monday, August 18, 2008
i am obsessed
with dragons, elves, dwarves, fairies, magic and such.
now i cannot read anything else.
please tell me it is just a phase.
now i cannot read anything else.
please tell me it is just a phase.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
to chronicle or not to chronicle
i want to write about every little thing she does...
the way she looks
the way she smiles
about how she loves curds like a good tam-brahm kid
about how she babbles all the time
the way her eyes shine on spotting a newspaper
the way she tries to put everything in her mouth
...
i don't know how or when i morphed into a wannabe mommy blogger
and i always thought i would never ever go on and on about ita.
...
and all ye parents, i do not want to hear your "we told you sos".
go and smirk some place else.
buggers.
the way she looks
the way she smiles
about how she loves curds like a good tam-brahm kid
about how she babbles all the time
the way her eyes shine on spotting a newspaper
the way she tries to put everything in her mouth
...
i don't know how or when i morphed into a wannabe mommy blogger
and i always thought i would never ever go on and on about ita.
...
and all ye parents, i do not want to hear your "we told you sos".
go and smirk some place else.
buggers.
Monday, August 11, 2008
The bald baby
there is this baby i know,
who used to touch her bottom when the nappy was off ... just to make sure her bum was still there.
the other day, her parents went and got her head shaved ...
and now she alternates between assuring her head is on and her bum is still there.
very very funny.
to know more about this baby, check her papa's blog.
who used to touch her bottom when the nappy was off ... just to make sure her bum was still there.
the other day, her parents went and got her head shaved ...
and now she alternates between assuring her head is on and her bum is still there.
very very funny.
to know more about this baby, check her papa's blog.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
For the first time
.. in over 9 years, I am not going to have a job.
i have no plans
and i am loath to take up other offers.
the prospect is daunting.
and strangely liberating.
now would be a good time to catch up on all the housework.
and to go to the gym.
and maybe ... just maybe, it is time to revive an old dream.
pruthvi - a fistful of earth.
dreams and schemes
crown and glory
one more chance
one more time...
i have no plans
and i am loath to take up other offers.
the prospect is daunting.
and strangely liberating.
now would be a good time to catch up on all the housework.
and to go to the gym.
and maybe ... just maybe, it is time to revive an old dream.
pruthvi - a fistful of earth.
dreams and schemes
crown and glory
one more chance
one more time...
Monday, August 04, 2008
peter peter, pumpkin eater
alright, it is supposed to be something like:
ita, ita, potato eta (eater)... but the pumpkin version sounds better.
sri, ita and i went out for brunch last morning.
and she managed to destroy a toast and polish off a wedge of boiled potato ... toothless as she is.
now we know she is our kid.
never say no to potatoes. in any form. any time. tooth or no tooth.
ita, ita, potato eta (eater)... but the pumpkin version sounds better.
sri, ita and i went out for brunch last morning.
and she managed to destroy a toast and polish off a wedge of boiled potato ... toothless as she is.
now we know she is our kid.
never say no to potatoes. in any form. any time. tooth or no tooth.
Friday, August 01, 2008
am gonna miss you amigo
was flipping through 'The Roald Dahl Treasury' this morning and was relishing the beautiful illustrations and thinking to myself ... Soo would love these ... when it came to me, she would not be around at office anymore... to discuss a design, admire a cover, talk about animation movies or share books with... and i am gonna miss it, lots.
have not known her for long, and i know we will be in touch ... but i would like to thank her now before i forget to be properly grateful ... for letting me inside her world of colours and teaching me to observe the beauty of lines drawn just so.
thank you, and i now know why you insisted on calling them graphic novels and not comic books :)
rock on, become insanely famous, write many-many books, make pots of money ... and share it with us poor folks. okbye, happy sailing ~
have not known her for long, and i know we will be in touch ... but i would like to thank her now before i forget to be properly grateful ... for letting me inside her world of colours and teaching me to observe the beauty of lines drawn just so.
thank you, and i now know why you insisted on calling them graphic novels and not comic books :)
rock on, become insanely famous, write many-many books, make pots of money ... and share it with us poor folks. okbye, happy sailing ~
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Thought bubbles
sometimes i think of those people, who touched my life briefly and vanished
when a current life incident triggers a buried memory
when a word, a song brings forth a face to my mind
when i am traveling and have nothing to read
i think of them
and wonder about where they are today
and why we fell out of touch.
i don't miss them
not like i would miss some others
but i would still like to say hello sometime.
just for old time's sake.
underneath the mango tree
there was a girl
waiting, waiting, waiting ...
when a current life incident triggers a buried memory
when a word, a song brings forth a face to my mind
when i am traveling and have nothing to read
i think of them
and wonder about where they are today
and why we fell out of touch.
i don't miss them
not like i would miss some others
but i would still like to say hello sometime.
just for old time's sake.
underneath the mango tree
there was a girl
waiting, waiting, waiting ...
Friday, July 25, 2008
All you people in Bangalore..
please tell me you all are safe...
Can't get through to most of you.
you bloody asswipes who planted those bombs ... may your liver be eaten away by red ants.
Can't get through to most of you.
you bloody asswipes who planted those bombs ... may your liver be eaten away by red ants.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Have you ever
... confused a person for someone else and had a long conversation with him?
I did.
Today. Over the messenger.
Not my mistake actually. He shares his first name with another good friend. And his second name. But still.
Mighty silly.
I did.
Today. Over the messenger.
Not my mistake actually. He shares his first name with another good friend. And his second name. But still.
Mighty silly.
Monday, July 21, 2008
letter in earnest
To,
The husband
Please come home. And take over midnight-baby feeding-changing routine.
Yours lovingly
Dog tired wife.
2 weeks have never seemed so ridiculously long. sigh*
The husband
Please come home. And take over midnight-baby feeding-changing routine.
Yours lovingly
Dog tired wife.
2 weeks have never seemed so ridiculously long. sigh*
Thursday, July 17, 2008
how do i say i am sorry ...
... when i have never met the person who has passed away
... when i have never experienced a similar pain
... when i know the words are going to sound superficial
... when i cannot look her in the eye
... when i have a frozen tongue
how do i tell her ... that life will go on after her father's death?
i know it will, painful as the times would be ... but how does one go and offer condolence?
condolence ... such an ugly word. a poor representation of the anguish one feels for a friend going through a terrible phase.
i can only hope and pray for the soul
hers and the departed one's ... and mine
peace unto you.
... when i have never experienced a similar pain
... when i know the words are going to sound superficial
... when i cannot look her in the eye
... when i have a frozen tongue
how do i tell her ... that life will go on after her father's death?
i know it will, painful as the times would be ... but how does one go and offer condolence?
condolence ... such an ugly word. a poor representation of the anguish one feels for a friend going through a terrible phase.
i can only hope and pray for the soul
hers and the departed one's ... and mine
peace unto you.
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
a cat lives in my throat
and is trying her damndest to get out.
itchy scratchy cough-scarred throat.
bring on the sympathy and some hot water. and also strepsils. forgot those at home.
okbye.
itchy scratchy cough-scarred throat.
bring on the sympathy and some hot water. and also strepsils. forgot those at home.
okbye.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
I have noticed
that there are two kinds of people in my industry.
one who can write
the others who think they can.
one who can write
the others who think they can.
Tuesday, July 08, 2008
Poetry from inside a cement pipe
I pinged prabha late last evening and asked her to take a dekho at my brand new blog header. I was super proud of it plus I needed to know if she was ok with being pictorially associated with my blog.
She was. Said she would have probably killed me if I hadn't put her snap.
Ok, its prabha we are talking about. She is so mild, she would probably just have gone all silent on me. And that would have killed anyway. So coming back to the long drawn point, she was quite ok with it. She ought to be. We share history. We wrote poems together. Whilst sitting inside an abandoned cement pipe. In the middle of a ground. Next to a gutter.
And she has got amazing memory. She actually remembered a couple of them. The following is the product of two kids with too much time at hand, a book and a pen.
She was. Said she would have probably killed me if I hadn't put her snap.
Ok, its prabha we are talking about. She is so mild, she would probably just have gone all silent on me. And that would have killed anyway. So coming back to the long drawn point, she was quite ok with it. She ought to be. We share history. We wrote poems together. Whilst sitting inside an abandoned cement pipe. In the middle of a ground. Next to a gutter.
And she has got amazing memory. She actually remembered a couple of them. The following is the product of two kids with too much time at hand, a book and a pen.
I met a girl from fairyland,
She had in her hand a magical wand.
She looked at me with a friendly glance
And invited me for a little dance.
But I couldn’t dance as I was in a trance.
And so I missed my only chance to dance with a girl from fairyland.
And that is the dream I had had and so I am sad because I missed my only chance to dance with a girl from fairyland!!
Now if I can only find the book so I can treat you all to some more classic pieces of work.
Monday, July 07, 2008
My head needs to go for a walk
I know I ought to share, but it kills me to let anyone else bask in her smile.
But I know I am being bad, so I force myself to leave her with them.
And then hang around just beyond the door, watching, hoping... she'd miss me.
I know I ought to move on, but it hurts to know that my reputation is dog shit.
But I know I have a point to prove, and hang in there.
And pray everyday that they would give me a reason to say good-bye.
I know I need to confront her, but it scares me to think of not having her around anymore.
But I know I am being a coward, and I pick the phone up to call her.
And tell her about how it rained heavily today.
Mugs used to say that I carry a lot of baggage.
She must have been speaking the truth.
Suddenly the weight is overwhelming.
And I am not even talking about it in Kgs.
Let it up,
Let it go,
Heavy heart
Feather light.
But I know I am being bad, so I force myself to leave her with them.
And then hang around just beyond the door, watching, hoping... she'd miss me.
I know I ought to move on, but it hurts to know that my reputation is dog shit.
But I know I have a point to prove, and hang in there.
And pray everyday that they would give me a reason to say good-bye.
I know I need to confront her, but it scares me to think of not having her around anymore.
But I know I am being a coward, and I pick the phone up to call her.
And tell her about how it rained heavily today.
Mugs used to say that I carry a lot of baggage.
She must have been speaking the truth.
Suddenly the weight is overwhelming.
And I am not even talking about it in Kgs.
Let it up,
Let it go,
Heavy heart
Feather light.
Friday, July 04, 2008
sometimes
the sun shines
and it rains, hard
clouds converge
and the wind blows
happiness happens
and sadness seeps in
in and out
out and in
over and over again
cycle of life.
and it rains, hard
clouds converge
and the wind blows
happiness happens
and sadness seeps in
in and out
out and in
over and over again
cycle of life.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
this and that
The only thing I seem to talk about these days is about the daughter.
I really ought to write about my life.
Now, wait a single minute ... what life am I talking about?
Mera jeevan ek susu potty nappy dudu routine ban ke reh gaya ...
Arrrgghh ...
Ok. Am so not letting the boredom demon seep in.
But it is difficult.
To suddenly be house bound. Not meet friends. Not have brain storming sessions. No deadlines. No lunch time gossips...
Am I a bad mother then? Because I cannot seem to find complete joy in just looking after my child?
I love the kid. I would hate to miss a second of her life. But somehow, the heart seems to crave for more. Not like I have the energy for more though.
Oh well, the silver lining is the number of books I have been able to read. Buddha the graphic novel, the entire artemis fowl series plus everything else that eoin colfer has written, the avalon series, a couple of daniel steels and ...uhm, a few mills and boons...
Oh and, the daughter has managed to crawl ... in reverse gear. Doesnt seem to get why the toy she was crawling towards suddenly seems so far.
Total nutcase.
Cheers~
I really ought to write about my life.
Now, wait a single minute ... what life am I talking about?
Mera jeevan ek susu potty nappy dudu routine ban ke reh gaya ...
Arrrgghh ...
Ok. Am so not letting the boredom demon seep in.
But it is difficult.
To suddenly be house bound. Not meet friends. Not have brain storming sessions. No deadlines. No lunch time gossips...
Am I a bad mother then? Because I cannot seem to find complete joy in just looking after my child?
I love the kid. I would hate to miss a second of her life. But somehow, the heart seems to crave for more. Not like I have the energy for more though.
Oh well, the silver lining is the number of books I have been able to read. Buddha the graphic novel, the entire artemis fowl series plus everything else that eoin colfer has written, the avalon series, a couple of daniel steels and ...uhm, a few mills and boons...
Oh and, the daughter has managed to crawl ... in reverse gear. Doesnt seem to get why the toy she was crawling towards suddenly seems so far.
Total nutcase.
Cheers~
Monday, March 24, 2008
The Golden Period
... ah, that would be a time when I get 8 hours of sleep, but thats not what I started to write about.
Since the time I hit 25, my monthly cycle has been a pain, I have often wondered how anyone could call it "chums"... admittedly some of my so called friends are bigger pains, but firbhi. Nausea, backaches, drowsiness, cramps, headaches ... its a wonder I have not plunged a knife and removed the bloody uterus myself yet.
So, when the other day the periods arrived, I was overjoyed. No trouble at all. This motherhood thing must work. Man ... I can stand them sleepless nights. Fair exchange I say.
And then, just like when the brat lets out an almighty yowl when we are sneaking out of the room after a 45 minute marathon session to put her to sleep, the tank dries up.
WTF? False alarm and all that.
No golden periods for you sweetie. Howdy womanhood.
Since the time I hit 25, my monthly cycle has been a pain, I have often wondered how anyone could call it "chums"... admittedly some of my so called friends are bigger pains, but firbhi. Nausea, backaches, drowsiness, cramps, headaches ... its a wonder I have not plunged a knife and removed the bloody uterus myself yet.
So, when the other day the periods arrived, I was overjoyed. No trouble at all. This motherhood thing must work. Man ... I can stand them sleepless nights. Fair exchange I say.
And then, just like when the brat lets out an almighty yowl when we are sneaking out of the room after a 45 minute marathon session to put her to sleep, the tank dries up.
WTF? False alarm and all that.
No golden periods for you sweetie. Howdy womanhood.
Monday, March 17, 2008
Joys of Motherhood ...
and nope, am not talking about the book by Buchi Emacheta.
Our daughter Ankita is currently the source of Joy. Well ok, most times. Except when she wakes up at 2.30 A.M and for no reason. I mean, if a kid wants food or needs to be changed ... I get that. But if a kid gets up just for kicks ... I SO DO NOT GET IT.
Anybody who knows me understands that sleep is next to Godliness in my book. Does this 1 foot nothing tyke get that? No sir, not her. No respect for elders. Whats this generation coming to... tch tch tch.
Ok bye. The Empress is upset that I would rather stare at the computer than look at her making bubbles. Nonsense.
Our daughter Ankita is currently the source of Joy. Well ok, most times. Except when she wakes up at 2.30 A.M and for no reason. I mean, if a kid wants food or needs to be changed ... I get that. But if a kid gets up just for kicks ... I SO DO NOT GET IT.
Anybody who knows me understands that sleep is next to Godliness in my book. Does this 1 foot nothing tyke get that? No sir, not her. No respect for elders. Whats this generation coming to... tch tch tch.
Ok bye. The Empress is upset that I would rather stare at the computer than look at her making bubbles. Nonsense.
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
And the award goes to ...
I had borrowed the 'sisterhood of the travelling pants' from Soo.
Loved it so much I insisted she pick up the other parts for me (Lucky woman lives closer to the Landmark store than I do).
Read them all and felt strange. Like someone had placed a camera inside our lives. Mugs, Meera and I.
I knew Mugs had to read the book. So, with permission from Soo, I couriered it to her.
She loved the book and as usual, tried to whack it. Dire warnings about lost front teeth and bad curse for stealing third person's book had her couriering it back.
Got the courier today, and Soo ... just like that, gave the book away to me... because, it would complete my set. So cool! And, her note inside the book says:
Lifetime Reading Award :)
Of course, afterwards she keeps chuckling about how my lifetime is over at 30.
But wot the heck. I have the full set. Yipee!!
Loved it so much I insisted she pick up the other parts for me (Lucky woman lives closer to the Landmark store than I do).
Read them all and felt strange. Like someone had placed a camera inside our lives. Mugs, Meera and I.
I knew Mugs had to read the book. So, with permission from Soo, I couriered it to her.
She loved the book and as usual, tried to whack it. Dire warnings about lost front teeth and bad curse for stealing third person's book had her couriering it back.
Got the courier today, and Soo ... just like that, gave the book away to me... because, it would complete my set. So cool! And, her note inside the book says:
Lifetime Reading Award :)
Of course, afterwards she keeps chuckling about how my lifetime is over at 30.
But wot the heck. I have the full set. Yipee!!
Monday, February 25, 2008
fearless warrior
and to doom i walk
all alone all alone
solitary soldier
braveheart girl
... half wise woman
on the way to work, i bit into a piece of roti ... and a part of my wisdom tooth just fell off.
now, it does not hurt or anything
i am not scared of the dentist or anything
but forces beyond my power (read very painful colleagues + husband) are insisting i go get martyred at the decay doctor's rickety chair.
so good bye and fare thee well beloved world.
... half wise woman
on the way to work, i bit into a piece of roti ... and a part of my wisdom tooth just fell off.
now, it does not hurt or anything
i am not scared of the dentist or anything
but forces beyond my power (read very painful colleagues + husband) are insisting i go get martyred at the decay doctor's rickety chair.
so good bye and fare thee well beloved world.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Monday, February 04, 2008
No hang ups, no worry
Can I be like you?
You, who has lived and never learnt,
To feel the bitterness
That life has to offer…
You, who has lived and never learnt,
To feel the bitterness
That life has to offer…
Can I be like you, little girl
The one who has been cheated
But still bears no grouse
And is willing to give it one more try?
Can I be like you?
You …
The one “Maya” doesn’t seem to have a hold on?
Can I?
Please?
You might not know it, but you kick ass. Thank you Meera.
Thursday, January 10, 2008
C ycle of life
I remember the days I used to come home from the playground to find my grandmom (my mother's mom) and my dad arguing loudly. She called him a cheat. He would respond in kind. They would glower at each other and walk their separate ways.
The fight was always about a game of carrom. Granny had her own set of rules. Dad was a pro. Both of them, bull headed. My poor mother, tired after a long day at work would be besieged with complaints from both the parties. I am sure most days she would have gladly rammed the carrom board down their collective throats.
One would think after an evening of bitter fighting grandma and dad would let up on their evening ritual. But no. The carrom board was a shrine they visited regularly. The ensuing argument, their homage.
Fast forward 2 decades... and I walk in on my mother and husband playing carrom. And they were accusing each other of cheating. When my presence was detected, complaints poured in.
Fulltoo deja vu happened :-)
The fight was always about a game of carrom. Granny had her own set of rules. Dad was a pro. Both of them, bull headed. My poor mother, tired after a long day at work would be besieged with complaints from both the parties. I am sure most days she would have gladly rammed the carrom board down their collective throats.
One would think after an evening of bitter fighting grandma and dad would let up on their evening ritual. But no. The carrom board was a shrine they visited regularly. The ensuing argument, their homage.
Fast forward 2 decades... and I walk in on my mother and husband playing carrom. And they were accusing each other of cheating. When my presence was detected, complaints poured in.
Fulltoo deja vu happened :-)
Tuesday, January 08, 2008
Jai Mata Di
Ever since I have come to Delhi, I have always, every single time, tried to prove that Mumbai was way better than this *insert hugely popular bad word* place.
Mumbai locals blah blah
Public transport blah blah
Safety for women blah blah
People in general blah blah
Better food blah blah
The sea and the rocks blah blah
Closer to the mountains blah blah
Decent autowallahs blah blah....
The Delhiites hate it. Hate me. Tell me to go back to where I belong. And all that. Sometimes I grudgingly accept that the roads are way better and the Himalayas are worth the pain... and the forts and monuments and history is worth another round of paneer parathas ...
But today, when my ma got off the train, my hand reached for her bag and positively grabbed the bottle of water I knew she always carries with her when she is travelling and took one long swig out of it.
Ma gave me a smile and said "Bombay ka paani? :)"
Sigh *
Mumbai locals blah blah
Public transport blah blah
Safety for women blah blah
People in general blah blah
Better food blah blah
The sea and the rocks blah blah
Closer to the mountains blah blah
Decent autowallahs blah blah....
The Delhiites hate it. Hate me. Tell me to go back to where I belong. And all that. Sometimes I grudgingly accept that the roads are way better and the Himalayas are worth the pain... and the forts and monuments and history is worth another round of paneer parathas ...
But today, when my ma got off the train, my hand reached for her bag and positively grabbed the bottle of water I knew she always carries with her when she is travelling and took one long swig out of it.
Ma gave me a smile and said "Bombay ka paani? :)"
Sigh *
Wednesday, January 02, 2008
HNY 2008
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joidNeA5Q-Q
Starring:
Kiran as the God
Sriram as the God's 2nd pair of hands
Meera as celestial dancer part 1
Uma as celestial dancer part 2
That was what I was doing. Well, part of the time anyways. If the good Lord above made this year half as much fun as the last 8 days then I would so so so achieve Nirvana :-)
Rock n Roll...
Happy New Year.
Starring:
Kiran as the God
Sriram as the God's 2nd pair of hands
Meera as celestial dancer part 1
Uma as celestial dancer part 2
That was what I was doing. Well, part of the time anyways. If the good Lord above made this year half as much fun as the last 8 days then I would so so so achieve Nirvana :-)
Rock n Roll...
Happy New Year.
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Was gonna write about this and that but ...
I have just got to write about this beautiful conversation that Mugs and I were having:
Actually, I need to copy paste it.
Brilliant eh? I tell you, I can make a living out of inventing new new gaalis.
Actually, I need to copy paste it.
19:19 me: :D
sun
i have an idea of sorts
a business idea
wanted to discuss with you and laloo
Mugs: *choke
another one?
:D
me: yes
:D
19:20 asshole
Mugs: lol. i loved doing that.
go on shoot
me: bloody constipated chicken's intestine
Mugs: lol
me: nice eh?
19:21 graphic enough for you
Mugs: yeah.
me: :D
bcci
lol
lol
lol
lol
Mugs: lol
me: takes a bow
19:23 am copy pasting this onto my blog.
Brilliant eh? I tell you, I can make a living out of inventing new new gaalis.
Friday, November 30, 2007
must write must write
must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write must write .....
oho deep in my heart,
i do believe that,
i have gotta write someday.
oho deep in my heart,
i do believe that,
i have gotta write someday.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Raindrops keep falling on my head ...
Plenty has happened. Plenty to go. We are at the crux where the road can take us anyway. To the top. To the pits. Across. Within. No place. Every place.
There are so many thoughts in my head that the words are all rushing in causing a jam at the fingertips.
One thing that escaped the chaotic neurons was the immensely beautiful trip to Mukteshwar.
The weather, the food, the company, the locals and of course, theHimalayas .
Temple temple burning bright :)
Himalayas... gorgeous
The mad gang
For more pics, check out my flickr account ya?
There are so many thoughts in my head that the words are all rushing in causing a jam at the fingertips.
One thing that escaped the chaotic neurons was the immensely beautiful trip to Mukteshwar.
The weather, the food, the company, the locals and of course, the
Temple temple burning bright :)
Himalayas... gorgeous
The mad gang
For more pics, check out my flickr account ya?
Monday, September 24, 2007
we won we won we won...
yay
we won
we are the champions
we won
we are the amazings
we won
we won
we bloody won
the world damned cup
we won
we SO SO SO won
though,
i was not allowed to watch the match
that was on at work
because
my husband called and informed my colleagues
that i was a jinx
bull c r a p.
grrr.
but anyways. what the heck. i can live with that.
we won.
oh joy.
we won
we are the champions
we won
we are the amazings
we won
we won
we bloody won
the world damned cup
we won
we SO SO SO won
though,
i was not allowed to watch the match
that was on at work
because
my husband called and informed my colleagues
that i was a jinx
bull c r a p.
grrr.
but anyways. what the heck. i can live with that.
we won.
oh joy.
Friday, September 21, 2007
ringa ding ding ding
Ask no questions, get no lies
Hear no sound, hear no cries
Sympathy, Empathy… wasted words
Hello no more, no more byes
Sluggish rivers, blackened skies
No more hows, no more whys
Stalled connections, crossed swords
Bleeding ulcers, heartfelt sighs.
Ps: No idea how this came about. Generally only. Am not even depressed. Nonsense.
Hear no sound, hear no cries
Sympathy, Empathy… wasted words
Hello no more, no more byes
Sluggish rivers, blackened skies
No more hows, no more whys
Stalled connections, crossed swords
Bleeding ulcers, heartfelt sighs.
Ps: No idea how this came about. Generally only. Am not even depressed. Nonsense.
Friday, September 07, 2007
Not all relations have names...
Stumbled upon this group on Orkut sometime ago and it made so much sense that I joined up pronto. The introduction to the group goes thus:
Not everybody is someone's brother, or sister...
Or someone's father or mother...
Or boyfriend or girlfriend...
Or lover or friend...
Or......
Some relations go beyond the human confine of words...
Some relations which define you...
But you can't define them, no matter how hard you try...
There are indeed so many such relations that we come across through our lives. So many people we cannot call brother or friend or relative. So many faces that are dear to the heart, but have no labels attached to their names. So many acts of spontaneity that have moved and touched you ...
I want to say this to you folks whom I cannot for the lack of vocabulary (mine) categorize under a bracket:
You are the dew drops of my life. Rock on.
Not everybody is someone's brother, or sister...
Or someone's father or mother...
Or boyfriend or girlfriend...
Or lover or friend...
Or......
Some relations go beyond the human confine of words...
Some relations which define you...
But you can't define them, no matter how hard you try...
There are indeed so many such relations that we come across through our lives. So many people we cannot call brother or friend or relative. So many faces that are dear to the heart, but have no labels attached to their names. So many acts of spontaneity that have moved and touched you ...
I want to say this to you folks whom I cannot for the lack of vocabulary (mine) categorize under a bracket:
You are the dew drops of my life. Rock on.
Monday, September 03, 2007
Hallelujah, Its raining books :)
13th Delhi Books and Stationary Fair
Pragati Maidan
Joy. Joy. Joy.
Gaya and I made a killing
Sri... is the best husband ever :)
Pragati Maidan
Joy. Joy. Joy.
Gaya and I made a killing
Sri... is the best husband ever :)
Thursday, August 30, 2007
tra la lee
i was gonna watch ratatoille (spelling is galat, i the know)
got together a bunch of friends
got husband to agree
got cousin to agree
and then got stuck in a meeting that went on.
and on.
the friends left for the theater
husband and cousin reached the theater
while i sat in a meeting ...
the point being, i missed the movie
but i did make it to the mall... where i waited for the people-who-got-to-see-the-rat-that-cooked
i waited in a bookstore
and i ended up buying 11 books and placing an order for 4 more
the day was not all that bad now was it?
got together a bunch of friends
got husband to agree
got cousin to agree
and then got stuck in a meeting that went on.
and on.
the friends left for the theater
husband and cousin reached the theater
while i sat in a meeting ...
the point being, i missed the movie
but i did make it to the mall... where i waited for the people-who-got-to-see-the-rat-that-cooked
i waited in a bookstore
and i ended up buying 11 books and placing an order for 4 more
the day was not all that bad now was it?
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Tuesday, August 07, 2007
Realization...
I do not love him anymore
Probably never did ...
sigh*
Growing up simply kills all your youthful fantasies …
And to think I moped around for almost 14 years over it.
Bloody hell.
Monday, August 06, 2007
Good, bad and a happy friendship day
Monsoon has become a crazy time. Sometimes I pray with all my heart for a few stray showers and sometimes I keep my fingers tightly crossed, wishing the clouds away. The emotion is directly controlled by the day, traffic and road conditions.
Friday was a bad day. A few hours of rain and
Little did I know that it was indeed going to be a long day. By the time we were done for the day, the car broke down on us. If it hadn’t been for the non-poetry appreciating caveman I would have been royally jacked. Didn’t expect to find help, don’t usually accept help… but cars and such are so not my forte.
Then I hear of a friend’s father being grievously hurt.
A few hours later, I hear of another friend’s mother being critically ill.
And all I could do was pray. And worry. And pray some more.
Time has this strange way of becoming sluggish when mental trauma is at its peak. The minutes ticked by like they were tied to enormously heavy metal balls. The wait to hear the all well sign played havoc on my nerves and once again I realized what I wanted most out of life … proximity to my friends… to people I could talk with …
It was then that I turned to my ever present buddies. Books. Marley & Me by John Grogon is an amazing tale of the relationship between a dog and the family that adopts him.
Just the right book to read on Friendship day.
Hope you guys had a great one…
Thursday, August 02, 2007
So, who am i?
i speak in english, i think in english
i speak hindi, sometimes i think in hindi
i speak in marathi, seldom think in marathi
i speak in tamil, i concentrate to be able to speak in tamil
i listen to songs
english, hindi, marathi, tamil
i love them all...
english and hindi are just languages to me. a way to communicate... and i always felt closer to marathi than tamil despite being a tamilian.
the other day i listened to carnatic music and abhangs back to back.
both managed to touch me... deeply.
and suddenly, today i dont know where i belong anymore.
it would be so much easier to say i am an indian and go on with life.
i speak hindi, sometimes i think in hindi
i speak in marathi, seldom think in marathi
i speak in tamil, i concentrate to be able to speak in tamil
i listen to songs
english, hindi, marathi, tamil
i love them all...
english and hindi are just languages to me. a way to communicate... and i always felt closer to marathi than tamil despite being a tamilian.
the other day i listened to carnatic music and abhangs back to back.
both managed to touch me... deeply.
and suddenly, today i dont know where i belong anymore.
it would be so much easier to say i am an indian and go on with life.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Partnered our way to Jaipur. Almost.
Friday night was gonna be movie night. Yay. With husband and Gaya-tree and her friends. Yay.
The movie we were gonna watch was 'Partner'. Er, yay. Starring Salman Khan. Ugh. And Govinda. Yay.
Let me cut the yaying and get to the point.
Bloody nonsense movie.
Super nonsense movie.
The last movie I truely wished to walk out of was Hum aapke hain kaun... but even that seems like a wholesome entertainer after that utter wastage of blood and tissues - Salman Khan showcase. Grrr.
So to compensate for all that torture and to clear our heads, we decided we'd drive down to Jaipur.
At 1.30 A.M.
So, we drove on and on. Listening to some good music, munching on some agreeable chips.
And then Gaya says she has got to catch Maya ... and we think she is going to go philosophical on us ...
Only, Maya is her maid who comes in at unholy hours (like 6 A.M.) and is not often catchable/ cornerable.
So we went about 3 quarters of the way and u-turned our way back home.
Slept till 9... and I never heard Maya.
Wish I hadn't heard of Partner either.
The movie we were gonna watch was 'Partner'. Er, yay. Starring Salman Khan. Ugh. And Govinda. Yay.
Let me cut the yaying and get to the point.
Bloody nonsense movie.
Super nonsense movie.
The last movie I truely wished to walk out of was Hum aapke hain kaun... but even that seems like a wholesome entertainer after that utter wastage of blood and tissues - Salman Khan showcase. Grrr.
So to compensate for all that torture and to clear our heads, we decided we'd drive down to Jaipur.
At 1.30 A.M.
So, we drove on and on. Listening to some good music, munching on some agreeable chips.
And then Gaya says she has got to catch Maya ... and we think she is going to go philosophical on us ...
Only, Maya is her maid who comes in at unholy hours (like 6 A.M.) and is not often catchable/ cornerable.
So we went about 3 quarters of the way and u-turned our way back home.
Slept till 9... and I never heard Maya.
Wish I hadn't heard of Partner either.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Nostalgia: Now three pence less
thats a line that was part of a sonnet ... or was it a couplet. thought it beautiful enough to put it here.
read some more and stumbled upon another gem:
The puppet thinks:
It's not so much,
what they make me do...
as their hands inside me.
a colleague sat on my desk whilst i read through that and he didn't get it. didn't get such simple lines. why? he is not dense or anything, usually is quite a bright chap... but when it comes to poetry... i have seen people just scampering away like they'd catch some dreaded disease or something.
i mean, i don't boast of understanding the rhymes and meters and haikus of most poets, but atleast i try to read it and if it reeks of reality, if the meaning hits home, if it smells of truth and honesty ... then i know i like it.
am blabbering.
sigh*
i miss you soo ... atleast you got poetry.
read some more and stumbled upon another gem:
The puppet thinks:
It's not so much,
what they make me do...
as their hands inside me.
a colleague sat on my desk whilst i read through that and he didn't get it. didn't get such simple lines. why? he is not dense or anything, usually is quite a bright chap... but when it comes to poetry... i have seen people just scampering away like they'd catch some dreaded disease or something.
i mean, i don't boast of understanding the rhymes and meters and haikus of most poets, but atleast i try to read it and if it reeks of reality, if the meaning hits home, if it smells of truth and honesty ... then i know i like it.
am blabbering.
sigh*
i miss you soo ... atleast you got poetry.
Monday, July 02, 2007
Blog, I love you
No, I truly do.
So why have I been ignoring my blog?
Well, that my friend, is the million dollar question...
...
What?
Am already gone. To find the answer or Nirvana in the process.
Toodles~
So why have I been ignoring my blog?
Well, that my friend, is the million dollar question...
...
What?
Am already gone. To find the answer or Nirvana in the process.
Toodles~
Wednesday, May 23, 2007
talk, talk, chatter, chatter, gossip
i spoke with her last evening. the one we used to call laddoo. she has been unwell for a while now... didnt know about it, until a chance encounter of the orkut kind. spoke with her for a long long time, about masala pavs and cutting chais, slimy profs and handsome editors, crazy classmates who are now papas and mommas.
i spoke with him last evening. the one i used to call ass****. he has been through a lot of crap. i did know about it, but never managed to call him as often as i should have. we spoke very briefly, thanks to bad coverage. we exchanged the mandatory insults, bitched about work, cities, lack of money, lack of time, lack of life.
i spoke with her last evening. the one we used to call bambola. she is the reason i have faith in God. she is the one who makes me believe in smiling when life comes up with a lemon after another. we spoke about the one who got married and the one who has got promoted, shared pjs, shared worries, laughed a lot and then she disconnected because an Amitabh Bachchan movie was coming on cable.
now i know why i don't mind travelling 50 kms one way to work. i get to catch up with people who matter...
i spoke with him last evening. the one i used to call ass****. he has been through a lot of crap. i did know about it, but never managed to call him as often as i should have. we spoke very briefly, thanks to bad coverage. we exchanged the mandatory insults, bitched about work, cities, lack of money, lack of time, lack of life.
i spoke with her last evening. the one we used to call bambola. she is the reason i have faith in God. she is the one who makes me believe in smiling when life comes up with a lemon after another. we spoke about the one who got married and the one who has got promoted, shared pjs, shared worries, laughed a lot and then she disconnected because an Amitabh Bachchan movie was coming on cable.
now i know why i don't mind travelling 50 kms one way to work. i get to catch up with people who matter...
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Reality bites
Muscles and bones
Ache and groan
The injury, forgotten
The pain remembered
Actions and gestures
Tears and bonds
The gaps, monumental
The memories remain
Torn with concern
Anguish and sympathy
Whom do I hurt for?
The one who is distressed physically
Or the one who doesn’t even know?
Ache and groan
The injury, forgotten
The pain remembered
Actions and gestures
Tears and bonds
The gaps, monumental
The memories remain
Torn with concern
Anguish and sympathy
Whom do I hurt for?
The one who is distressed physically
Or the one who doesn’t even know?
Monday, May 07, 2007
gloat glee gloat...
been a while since one posted
but am back, to gloat
and show off
all hail latest pair of footwear
they are the comfortablestest floaters on earth...
anndddd ... they are in O R A N G E ... how cool is that!!!!
ps: ignore foot, admire the footwear ok?
but am back, to gloat
and show off
all hail latest pair of footwear
they are the comfortablestest floaters on earth...
anndddd ... they are in O R A N G E ... how cool is that!!!!
ps: ignore foot, admire the footwear ok?
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Corbett is one of the best places, ever
Jim Corbett did us all a favour by helping build the Tiger sanctuary.
No, we didnt get to see a Tiger ... that royal of all royalty.
But we stayed in a forest reserve guest house
where we had chinkaras (blackbucks) for company
with occasional visits from stags and deer, who had been fed and raised by the forest officials
and how could i forget the peacocks?
Dancing gaily and calling out to each other all day .. and practically all night
This was my second visit. I loved it the first time. I loved it this time around. I am going back. Promise.
A lonely tree against a blue blue sky
The game of stones in which the older generation won, hands down
Staple evening diet ... Maggi Noodles :)
No, we didnt get to see a Tiger ... that royal of all royalty.
But we stayed in a forest reserve guest house
where we had chinkaras (blackbucks) for company
with occasional visits from stags and deer, who had been fed and raised by the forest officials
and how could i forget the peacocks?
Dancing gaily and calling out to each other all day .. and practically all night
This was my second visit. I loved it the first time. I loved it this time around. I am going back. Promise.
A lonely tree against a blue blue sky
The game of stones in which the older generation won, hands down
Staple evening diet ... Maggi Noodles :)
The steps to the machaan
The ancient Banyan
The little bugger who kept head butting me all over the place :)
cheers~
The little bugger who kept head butting me all over the place :)
cheers~
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Long chutti yay!
after a long long long time,
we finally have a couple of days off.
Yay.
yay.
yaaaaaay.
~happy :)
we finally have a couple of days off.
Yay.
yay.
yaaaaaay.
~happy :)
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Monday, March 12, 2007
God threw ice at me
when i first heard the sound
i didn't quite believe my ears
or my eyes either
but when comprehension dawned
i ran helter skelter in an undignified dash
to catch up with the ice-rain
sigh*
my very first hailstorm
i freaked out
until the time the wind blew some huge chunks over my way
then i froze.
ps: not a good pic, but thats the best i could get with the mobile... the grass did look awesome... like someone had dropped a bag of diamonds on a sheet of green velvet... pretty :)
i didn't quite believe my ears
or my eyes either
but when comprehension dawned
i ran helter skelter in an undignified dash
to catch up with the ice-rain
sigh*
my very first hailstorm
i freaked out
until the time the wind blew some huge chunks over my way
then i froze.
ps: not a good pic, but thats the best i could get with the mobile... the grass did look awesome... like someone had dropped a bag of diamonds on a sheet of green velvet... pretty :)
Monday, March 05, 2007
Colours and some more
It sure feels good to blog again. really good. i should ideally start with the stuff i had typed out last week... the one about the trip to Jaipur... but i'd so much rather speak about Holi.
Such a beautiful festival... and i celebrated it like it should be... with family and friends and some of the loveliest people i call my neighbours. For the first time since i moved base to delhi, i felt at home. i felt like i belonged. that i mattered to people... and this holi, i am right where i should be... finally.
here are some more pics. colourful aren't they?
Such a beautiful festival... and i celebrated it like it should be... with family and friends and some of the loveliest people i call my neighbours. For the first time since i moved base to delhi, i felt at home. i felt like i belonged. that i mattered to people... and this holi, i am right where i should be... finally.
here are some more pics. colourful aren't they?
Monday, February 12, 2007
Home sweeeeet home :)
The rain God played party pooper and we had to cancel our trip to Surajkund Mela... was a major disappointment, especially since it would have been my first visit to the place and I have heard so much about it...*mutter mutter silly rain god fella mutter mutter*
Trying to make sense of all them bills...so many of them :(
In the end, I was forced to do the very thing I wished to avoid by going off to the Mela ... unpacking. Bleh.
Tch.
But its ok, I clicked a lot of flop pictures.
*tadaaaaa*
Presenting... our house, in delicious disarray:
Presenting... our house, in delicious disarray:
Who stole the washbasin?
The only reasonably sane place at home
The terrace garden thats supposed to have picket fences *fumes*
The bed of roses?
The guest room. The guest can come and unpack ;)
The guest room. The guest can come and unpack ;)
Trying to make sense of all them bills...so many of them :(
Stairway to heaven ... kitchen :)
A study in chaos
Friday, February 09, 2007
The long road to work
…is one of the best one, ever.
We have taken to driving through this diversion instead of the highway and I personally believe it is the single biggest reason for my feeling a lot happier in life.
Yes, it does take me a trifle longer thanks to the added Kms, but it is so much better than being stuck in a stagnant traffic jam amidst boring motorists who cannot seem to get one simple fact… constant blowing of the horn does not help un-jam the situation.
So, coming back to this new route, it leads me through a village, up a hill and fields.
Tiny mud houses, whitewashed and fresh
Little children, stirring awake
Ladies sashaying about their chores
Colourful ghaghras, multi-hued turbans
An old couple drinking chai, seated on a charpoi
A lazy bunch gathered outside a shop
Buffaloes and cows and calves
Some dogs and goats too
Fresh air and the smell of earth
Ripe with cowdung and last night’s fire
A dhabba cum puncture repair shop in the corner
Boulders and thorny bushes on either side
The kali temple, the other one dedicated to an unknown God
And a thousand other things that hold me enthralled
In the 20 odd minutes it takes me to get to the city again
I hit paradise.
We have taken to driving through this diversion instead of the highway and I personally believe it is the single biggest reason for my feeling a lot happier in life.
Yes, it does take me a trifle longer thanks to the added Kms, but it is so much better than being stuck in a stagnant traffic jam amidst boring motorists who cannot seem to get one simple fact… constant blowing of the horn does not help un-jam the situation.
So, coming back to this new route, it leads me through a village, up a hill and fields.
Tiny mud houses, whitewashed and fresh
Little children, stirring awake
Ladies sashaying about their chores
Colourful ghaghras, multi-hued turbans
An old couple drinking chai, seated on a charpoi
A lazy bunch gathered outside a shop
Buffaloes and cows and calves
Some dogs and goats too
Fresh air and the smell of earth
Ripe with cowdung and last night’s fire
A dhabba cum puncture repair shop in the corner
Boulders and thorny bushes on either side
The kali temple, the other one dedicated to an unknown God
And a thousand other things that hold me enthralled
In the 20 odd minutes it takes me to get to the city again
I hit paradise.
Monday, February 05, 2007
a box full of memories
you know whats the best part about moving homes? the fact that you never know what little treasure is gonna be unearthed during the process.
my find was an ancient wooden casket.
it was all rusted and mouldy. perfectly lovely :-)
so once i had it suitably dusted and sandpapered, i painted it in brilliant shades of green and blue.
i even tried my hand at vegetable patterns... which flopped miserably. but we shall not discuss such trivial things. all in all, an excellent way to spend a saturday.
even if the end result leaves the husband completely perplexed.
my find was an ancient wooden casket.
it was all rusted and mouldy. perfectly lovely :-)
so once i had it suitably dusted and sandpapered, i painted it in brilliant shades of green and blue.
i even tried my hand at vegetable patterns... which flopped miserably. but we shall not discuss such trivial things. all in all, an excellent way to spend a saturday.
even if the end result leaves the husband completely perplexed.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
P M S.
Your head hurts,
Your stomach rolls
You feel drained,
You lose control
You curse God
You curse Nature
For gifting you
With this monthly torture
Shallow eyes
Sleepless nights
Easy arguments
Quicker fights
Fiery temper
Weak in the legs
Drunken stupor
Stop it, I begs
Take it back
Gift of woe
I willingly offer
Take it and go.
Had posted this once before here. But a topic like this, deserves mention. Over and over again.
*shuffles away, feeling miserable*.
Your stomach rolls
You feel drained,
You lose control
You curse God
You curse Nature
For gifting you
With this monthly torture
Shallow eyes
Sleepless nights
Easy arguments
Quicker fights
Fiery temper
Weak in the legs
Drunken stupor
Stop it, I begs
Take it back
Gift of woe
I willingly offer
Take it and go.
Had posted this once before here. But a topic like this, deserves mention. Over and over again.
*shuffles away, feeling miserable*.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Cartons; full and labeled. Not.
we gonna move in
we gonna shift
new home,
here we come
the smell of fresh paint
the shiny taps
cabinets in deep wood
i would live in them
(if i could)
cartons lugged
cartons, big and small
up the stairs
and down
aching limbs
sore muscles
we barely felt
as we bathed in the lights
of home, our home
our hearts did swell
our eyes took in
every precious corner
and
thats where we spotted
the damaged wall.
seepage!
sacrilage!
i am so bloody killing the plumber.
we gonna shift
new home,
here we come
the smell of fresh paint
the shiny taps
cabinets in deep wood
i would live in them
(if i could)
cartons lugged
cartons, big and small
up the stairs
and down
aching limbs
sore muscles
we barely felt
as we bathed in the lights
of home, our home
our hearts did swell
our eyes took in
every precious corner
and
thats where we spotted
the damaged wall.
seepage!
sacrilage!
i am so bloody killing the plumber.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
The (F)art of Fine Dining.
it was a day to celebrate. so i asked around and zeroed in on a fine place to dine.
beautiful ambience - check
soothing music - check
well mannered staff - check
a dream, it was... before it all came undone.
the first indication of disastor was the audible gulp that came from the husband. the table, neatly tucked away in a corner (thank god for that, thank god for that...) looked deceptively tame.
in its fold it held an assortment of cutlery that i failed to recognise. i almost turned to ask the waiter if we were expecting company.
so, the guy-who-takes-the-order came over. he put a card that listed all the wines they serve. i for one know of only port wine and white wine. the husband is well... er, lets just say he is a beer guy. after much deliberation, we asked the person responsible for putting us in the situation for suggestions. that done, we turned our attention to the food list aka menu card.
i am starving said the husband
so am i, said i.
we ordered for a platter of blah blah something for starters.
i think they take you literally in that particular restaurant. they did get us a platter. a really huge one. nice and white and ceramicy. only, there was barely anything IN it. a tiny piece of cheese here and a sauteed capsicum there... oh and, plenty of crunchy lettuce.
moooo to you too.
the order guy looked definitely disapproving when we used the wrong fork. until that minute, i didnt know there could be any such thing.
its my birthday and i don't think i wanna eat here says husband
situation = bad.
our main course arrived.
my 2 year old nephew gets larger helpings.
we ate in silence.
paid the bill.
headed out to the nearest mcD/ barista/ cafe coffee day.
fine dining is not for us.
ps: Jai Hind. Go India!
beautiful ambience - check
soothing music - check
well mannered staff - check
a dream, it was... before it all came undone.
the first indication of disastor was the audible gulp that came from the husband. the table, neatly tucked away in a corner (thank god for that, thank god for that...) looked deceptively tame.
in its fold it held an assortment of cutlery that i failed to recognise. i almost turned to ask the waiter if we were expecting company.
so, the guy-who-takes-the-order came over. he put a card that listed all the wines they serve. i for one know of only port wine and white wine. the husband is well... er, lets just say he is a beer guy. after much deliberation, we asked the person responsible for putting us in the situation for suggestions. that done, we turned our attention to the food list aka menu card.
i am starving said the husband
so am i, said i.
we ordered for a platter of blah blah something for starters.
i think they take you literally in that particular restaurant. they did get us a platter. a really huge one. nice and white and ceramicy. only, there was barely anything IN it. a tiny piece of cheese here and a sauteed capsicum there... oh and, plenty of crunchy lettuce.
moooo to you too.
the order guy looked definitely disapproving when we used the wrong fork. until that minute, i didnt know there could be any such thing.
its my birthday and i don't think i wanna eat here says husband
situation = bad.
our main course arrived.
my 2 year old nephew gets larger helpings.
we ate in silence.
paid the bill.
headed out to the nearest mcD/ barista/ cafe coffee day.
fine dining is not for us.
ps: Jai Hind. Go India!
Monday, January 22, 2007
line up for the autographs
The husband and I were on national tv last afternoon.
We were invited to be special guests, experts, awesome couple (ok, this was not listed, but what the heck) on a show that spoke about marraiges that are fixed over the internet vis a vis the traditional offline version.
A lot of people asked a lot of questions ... some innocent, some blooming out of ignorance and some downright moronic.
I liked it. A lot.
Despite having to sit there in a stuffy studio with cameras catching your most inopportune angles (er ... and the decent ones being?)
Despite having a terrible allergy that made me want to scratch my forehead off
Despite having to wear a knowledgeable/ agreeable grin when Team India was taking a bashing by nonsense WIndies
I liked it.
Know why? The very reason people called up to ask, argue or chat up was because the Internet had managed to rouse their interest. Which is incredibly good.
I believe in the power of the www.
Hardcore fan.
Go Internet.
We were invited to be special guests, experts, awesome couple (ok, this was not listed, but what the heck) on a show that spoke about marraiges that are fixed over the internet vis a vis the traditional offline version.
A lot of people asked a lot of questions ... some innocent, some blooming out of ignorance and some downright moronic.
I liked it. A lot.
Despite having to sit there in a stuffy studio with cameras catching your most inopportune angles (er ... and the decent ones being?)
Despite having a terrible allergy that made me want to scratch my forehead off
Despite having to wear a knowledgeable/ agreeable grin when Team India was taking a bashing by nonsense WIndies
I liked it.
Know why? The very reason people called up to ask, argue or chat up was because the Internet had managed to rouse their interest. Which is incredibly good.
I believe in the power of the www.
Hardcore fan.
Go Internet.
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
Good help is non-existant.
One day, I shall write a book ... nay, a trilogy... on the trevails of building a house.
For anyone out there who has ideas about doing the same (building a house, not writing a book silly)... just remember, you need immense dedication, patience and energy.
Dedication to see the project through
Patience to out think, out manouver, out argue (?) the masons, carpenters and painters
Energy to survive and go on with life.
Cheers~
For anyone out there who has ideas about doing the same (building a house, not writing a book silly)... just remember, you need immense dedication, patience and energy.
Dedication to see the project through
Patience to out think, out manouver, out argue (?) the masons, carpenters and painters
Energy to survive and go on with life.
Cheers~
Friday, January 12, 2007
let me tell you about the tree
the neem tree
it swayed gently
green... so green
right outside my window too
beautiful, majestic, grand...
squirrels made it their home
and the birds
oh the cute little chirrupy birds
the cacophony
the symphony
i stared at it
dreamily
many a morning
and then
last evening
i stood staring
at a naked tree
stripped
off all her glorious leaves
and branches
raped
mutilated
left for dead
and all her tenants
my lovely neighbours
gone
but i have faith
in nature
in my tears
in my brave tree
she will come around
i think
i pray.
it swayed gently
green... so green
right outside my window too
beautiful, majestic, grand...
squirrels made it their home
and the birds
oh the cute little chirrupy birds
the cacophony
the symphony
i stared at it
dreamily
many a morning
and then
last evening
i stood staring
at a naked tree
stripped
off all her glorious leaves
and branches
raped
mutilated
left for dead
and all her tenants
my lovely neighbours
gone
but i have faith
in nature
in my tears
in my brave tree
she will come around
i think
i pray.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
Happy new year and its a boy!
Happy New Year to ye all ...
and my lil sistah has had a baby boy...
Yay boy.
Cheers~
and my lil sistah has had a baby boy...
Yay boy.
Cheers~
Friday, December 22, 2006
Have a blast ok?
dear people mine,
you guys, each single one of you
is a rock star.
so when the old year bids adieu
think of things to do anew
that makes me cringe
that makes me smile
that makes my life, worthwhile.
love, luck and laughter
toinka~
you guys, each single one of you
is a rock star.
so when the old year bids adieu
think of things to do anew
that makes me cringe
that makes me smile
that makes my life, worthwhile.
love, luck and laughter
toinka~
Thursday, December 21, 2006
a season for change
2006:
i moved out of a sheltered existance
to learn new things
and when the dream began to show signs of rot
i am all set to move on.
am going
am going
am going deeper underground
theres too much panic in this town...
i moved out of a sheltered existance
to learn new things
and when the dream began to show signs of rot
i am all set to move on.
am going
am going
am going deeper underground
theres too much panic in this town...
Monday, December 18, 2006
a view to die for...
and to trudge to work on a monday
... when it is freaking cold.
But yeah, the view is beyootiful.
when the sun takes his final bows
he gifts us with a rainbow sky.
And then, there are the hawks. They are so damned royal. Really. Its a treat to stand on the terrace (13th floor) and watch them glide around lazily.
Maybe, just maybe there are some high points to coming to work.
Ha, pun intended :)
Cheers~
Monday, December 11, 2006
Blurred images apart...
Vegetables or bhaji shopping was always dad's forte. He would set out with a bag and a mile long list and come back with several bags and almost nothing from the list. I have seldom bought anything from the sabzi mandi ... except for the occasional potatoes, onions, ginger, chillies or coriander. It never took more than 30 seconds. I mean ... how much time can one spend staring at a 3 by 2 feet cart laden with some very tired looking vegetables?
Here, my concept of buying vegetables has changed... thanks to the weekly Bazaar. It is an amazing concept based on the weekly market funda. Every day of the week, a gathering of vendors (fruits, vegetables and household products) converge at an alloted spot in a particular sector. Thus, people around the area get to pick and choose from a large variety and they also do not have to travel miles for it. The vendors get to sell their wares to a wider mass and they get to pack and unpack in a different place everyday (look ma, am a gypsy). Our area hosts the mela on Saturday... hence the name 'Shani Bazaar'.
It is an awesome, awesome experience. But there are a few ground rules:
Too much dust = carry a hanky or a tissue to cover you nose
Too many people = be prepared to be jostled around
Too many people = beware of pickpockets
Too much variety = remember, you have only ONE fridge and only ONE week to finish stuff
Too many vendors = drastic difference in prizing and quality
So... here are a couple of blurred pics. Have the fun ok?
Here, my concept of buying vegetables has changed... thanks to the weekly Bazaar. It is an amazing concept based on the weekly market funda. Every day of the week, a gathering of vendors (fruits, vegetables and household products) converge at an alloted spot in a particular sector. Thus, people around the area get to pick and choose from a large variety and they also do not have to travel miles for it. The vendors get to sell their wares to a wider mass and they get to pack and unpack in a different place everyday (look ma, am a gypsy). Our area hosts the mela on Saturday... hence the name 'Shani Bazaar'.
It is an awesome, awesome experience. But there are a few ground rules:
Too much dust = carry a hanky or a tissue to cover you nose
Too many people = be prepared to be jostled around
Too many people = beware of pickpockets
Too much variety = remember, you have only ONE fridge and only ONE week to finish stuff
Too many vendors = drastic difference in prizing and quality
So... here are a couple of blurred pics. Have the fun ok?
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Wednesday, November 22, 2006
the mirror
i was part of the media
i was proud
once upon a time.
bursting at the seam, gloriously, gloatingly proud.
a snake chasing a toddler
a wife beating her husband
a child trapped in a pit
a man with a tail
a father's anguished plea to be left alone
a daughter naming her mother for a pimp
news. news. news.
coverage. 24 hours of in-your-face coverage.
100 Tibetan protestors... bundled and sent to jail
for protesting against the guy who represents their misery, their anguish, their loss of the place they called Home
not newsworthy. nope. such things dont matter. people are arrested. people are not let out even when their bail can happen. not just worthy of a coverage.
its just a bunch of people you know ... fighting for their rights... how can that possibly be better than the miraculous appearance of the image of a God on a tree? i mean... toinks, how dumb can you be?
i am part of the media
i cringe, shrivel
every single time.
ashamed.
edited to add:
redemption in sight: http://www.rediff.com/news/2006/nov/22jintao7.htm
Monday, November 20, 2006
i am big brother
the little one,
she grew up quick.
the little one
the one i played all my pranks on
the one who cried when i said boo
the little one
who pointed fingers
the little one
who hung on to my words
and followed me everywhere
the little one
... yeah ... that little one ...
she grew up quick
she is gonna be a mommy
she says she is gonna be brave
only, i am supposed to go into the labour room with her
and she tells me ...
"tu aayega na? tu mera bhai hai na... "
gulp.
i dont think she is gonna be very thrilled to find out how 'brave' her older sistah is.
i don't wanna do any bhai giri...
i don't wanna end up on the labour room ka floor ... along with her husband...
muummmmaaa... stoopid lil girl saying bad bad things ....
Thursday, November 16, 2006
Cya next Sunday… be on time ok?
Week after week, every Sunday, at 6.30 AM, we met next to the tea stall, under the indicator of platform no 2, Dadar station, western line.
Week after week, for almost 3 years.
He would be late most times and so would I; Teju and Monu took turns … but never Preeti… she was always there on time. We arrived at the designated spot from a variety of directions. We bantered and argued our way to Churchgate and almost ran all the way to the Unit.
1 Maharashtra Air Squadron, NCC.
We trained
We learnt
We laughed
We cried
We shared
We fought
And of course, most often, we were punished.
Crawling
Frog jumps
Running
Marches
Blood and sweat fought to mingle with tears and smiles.
Torn uniforms… Dropped rifles… Lost berets … Missing badges … Shoe polish … were an intrinsic part of our lingo.
And then, one day… we passed out.
The mighty ‘C’ certificate holders.
The ‘group’ held on for sometime.
Some of us managed to hang in there, connecting, communicating, keeping the bond alive… while others floated away.
He … was one of the floaters
He … one of our best buddies
He … of the miserable pjs
He … the Jordan follower
He … who first coined the term mput.com … monu, preeti, uma, teju
He … the guy we called Pandu, PC and an assortment of names
He … who came back to our midst last week
We spoke, like always … a gaali here, a rotton joke there … 10 minutes of long distance calling to bridge the gap built over years.
Damn the miserable twit for getting me all choked up but I am so glad to have him back… just so we can skewer him to the first signal we come across.
Oh and, Thank you Internet for your billion networking sites.
Week after week, for almost 3 years.
He would be late most times and so would I; Teju and Monu took turns … but never Preeti… she was always there on time. We arrived at the designated spot from a variety of directions. We bantered and argued our way to Churchgate and almost ran all the way to the Unit.
1 Maharashtra Air Squadron, NCC.
We trained
We learnt
We laughed
We cried
We shared
We fought
And of course, most often, we were punished.
Crawling
Frog jumps
Running
Marches
Blood and sweat fought to mingle with tears and smiles.
Torn uniforms… Dropped rifles… Lost berets … Missing badges … Shoe polish … were an intrinsic part of our lingo.
And then, one day… we passed out.
The mighty ‘C’ certificate holders.
The ‘group’ held on for sometime.
Some of us managed to hang in there, connecting, communicating, keeping the bond alive… while others floated away.
He … was one of the floaters
He … one of our best buddies
He … of the miserable pjs
He … the Jordan follower
He … who first coined the term mput.com … monu, preeti, uma, teju
He … the guy we called Pandu, PC and an assortment of names
He … who came back to our midst last week
We spoke, like always … a gaali here, a rotton joke there … 10 minutes of long distance calling to bridge the gap built over years.
Damn the miserable twit for getting me all choked up but I am so glad to have him back… just so we can skewer him to the first signal we come across.
Oh and, Thank you Internet for your billion networking sites.
Monday, November 13, 2006
Don Bhai, Salaam.
The husband and I went to watch Farhan Akhtar's Don the other day.
We came back with our faith in Mr. Akhtar's skills intact.
Nice movie.
Heard a fellow movie watcher comment: "Would have been a bumper hit if only he had chosen another name for it..."
Maybe.
Maybe not.
We liked it anyway.
Nice Film there ... despite Shahrukh Khan... and *shudder* Kareena Kapoor.
We came back with our faith in Mr. Akhtar's skills intact.
Nice movie.
Heard a fellow movie watcher comment: "Would have been a bumper hit if only he had chosen another name for it..."
Maybe.
Maybe not.
We liked it anyway.
Nice Film there ... despite Shahrukh Khan... and *shudder* Kareena Kapoor.
Friday, November 10, 2006
I gots amazing T-shirt
It says a lot of stuff on one side of the face like: Chameli, Kamli, Saheli, Paheli, Mahakali, Gussewali, Nakhrewali, Gharwali, Kaamwali and some others I forjots.
And just one thing on the other: Ek Paheli
Ain't it the coolest thing ever?
*thrilled to bits*
Thanks guys :)
Wednesday, November 08, 2006
Even in dreams, Australia wins
This is so frustrating.
Yeah they are a good team, maybe the best even, but I so do not like them and their we-are-superior-than-thou looks.
They have brought down cricket.
And to think, even in my dreams, they continue to triumph and wear a very irritating sneer.
I mean, it is MY dream and I should be the first, second, third umpire, right? RIGHT?
Yeah they are a good team, maybe the best even, but I so do not like them and their we-are-superior-than-thou looks.
They have brought down cricket.
And to think, even in my dreams, they continue to triumph and wear a very irritating sneer.
I mean, it is MY dream and I should be the first, second, third umpire, right? RIGHT?
Friday, November 03, 2006
am bored.
i took the day off yesterday
took the parents shopping
bought a truckload of clothes
oohed and aahed at the great indian weave mela
spent more money
avoided husband's probing finance related questions
ate some not so good but heavanly smelling food
am back in office
and it is friday
i so do not wanna work
i am very super ultimately completely bored. i am so bored that i am going to find words @ thesauras for synonyms for bored...
... ok. am also lazy.
boo.
took the parents shopping
bought a truckload of clothes
oohed and aahed at the great indian weave mela
spent more money
avoided husband's probing finance related questions
ate some not so good but heavanly smelling food
am back in office
and it is friday
i so do not wanna work
i am very super ultimately completely bored. i am so bored that i am going to find words @ thesauras for synonyms for bored...
... ok. am also lazy.
boo.
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