~Smiles~ Unlimited!!

All WORK and NO PLAY!!

2008-09-19T18:34:00.004+12:00

Well.. that’s the story of my life these days….Life is busier than ever, super busy with work, busy juggling the social calendar and did I mention I am doing some papers at the business school, yeah I know.. I too amaze myself sometimes :)….As the weekdays are a bit overstuffed lately, weekends seem to me like a lifeboat and I try boarding without many plans as I occasionally like my weekends vague and empty. Anu has another outlook altogether on weekends and what to do with them. He likes to jam in as much as possible into fragile weekends and I can only look on in awe.

The nine year old is, well let’s say he’s quite into all. I look across at him sometimes, sitting next to me in the couch or walking with me alongside and I begin to see a hint of the teenager that is yet to come. Staring at his own horizon, thinking I can’t imagine what and looking.. well, older let‘s say. It’s the last thing a sentimental mum like me needs to see, I am someone who always wish kids to stay at a certain age forever, like a character from the Simpsons or something. But I guess it isn’t to be. Your children all grow bigger and older around you, leaving you feeling small at times, that is how it’s meant to go, I suppose (sigh!!)…

Yay!!! Spring is here….after the doom and gloom of winter, my favourite season is upon us at last and my spirits are instantly lifted. As spring flowers raise their heads all around you, Sun god decides to make more frequent visits, so yeah all great and bright things on the way….I honestly believe that this year is racing at an amazing jet pace, can you believe daylight saving starts next week? tell you what, I am certainly looking forward for the longer evenings.

Well, that’s about it from me. Might make a cuppa and see if I can make anymore headway with the mountain of Ironing I got to do… Hang on, phone ringing. Oh gosh, must dash – I totally forgot about something important I had to...More in next...

In a Perfect World -

2008-07-24T20:26:00.006+12:00

....You could actually sleep in without worrying to get to work on time
....You could have great hair without the need of a blow dry
....You could work for 4 hours a day and get paid like the CEO of a multi national!
...You could live on chocolates, cakes and ice creams without ever putting on weight!
....You could drive around in the poshest car without a drivers license
....You could sit by the beach and watch the sunrise and sunset everyday (I Should stop watching Home and Away)

And aww it was my b'day on 17th July. In a perfect world, ideally should've posted something...oh well!…Whatever!

Aaj Ke Daur Mein Ai Dost...

2008-07-03T10:16:00.003+12:00

aaj ke daur me.n ai dost ye ma.nzar kyuu.N hai
zaKhm har sar pe har ik haath me.n patthar kyuu.N hai
Daur: Age, Course, Reign Manzar: Aspect, Outlook, Visage

jab haqiiqat hai ke har zarre me.n tuu rahataa hai
phir zamii.n par kahii.n masjid kahii.n ma.ndir kyuu.N hai
Haqiiqat: Truth, Reality Zarra: Grain, Speck, Minute Particle

apanaa a.njaam to maaluum hai sab ko phir bhii
apanii nazaro.n me.n har insaan sika.ndar kyuu.N hai
Anjaam: Conclusion, Consequence Sikandar: Alexander the Great, Emperor

zindagii jiine ke qaabil hii nahii.n ab "Faakir"
varnaa har aa.Nkh me.n ashko.n kaa sama.ndar kyuu.N hai
Qaabil: Competent, Deserving Ashk: Tears Samandar: Ocean

In case you were wondering..

2008-06-20T14:57:00.006+12:00

Alright here I am, yeah I know that I have been a lazy girl of late and have been wallowing in guilt about that.. I still think of blogging and blog in my head all the time. Ok, I made up the blog in my head bit but I still think of the blog! Promise! To be fair it wasn’t just sheer laziness, I was ridiculously, CRAZILY busy at work and fuel to fire is the social calendar, which has been bursting at the seams lately and there is also this outbreak of leavedo’s at work, the other day we took a colleague out for lunch and managed to terrify a restaurant full of innocent people in the process, it was fun believe me :)

Now that I got the formalities bit out of my way :)....Is it my imagination or are the days really going faster?? Winter appears to be passing by faster than I thought and at this rate it might even slip by before me enjoying the chance to hibernate a little….think about it, family snuggling in front of the television while its cold and bleak outside, in the cosy living room with garam cup of chai and snacks to chomp on… ahhh a perfect clichéd MasterCard(priceless) moment, right? Here’s hoping I get to enjoy one of those days pretty soon…As the old saying goes, sometimes we need to stop and smell the roses, I suppose a sanity check always helps, just taking a step back and taking stock of where we’re at with our lives and ourselves. Life is precious and short and I think it is up to us to make the most of it…

And here is some wisdom from Garfield, I just LOVE this guy, he is full of humour and quite a classy one may I add..

Ok gotta go and finish some work before I say Ciao to the week…more in next…

Garfield says it all..

2008-05-22T08:09:00.002+12:00

Need I say more??? Nah.. don't think so...

Mothers Day!!

2008-05-10T17:24:00.002+12:00

...bachche tujhe sataate hain baraso tujhe rulaate hain,

doodh toh kya asuan ki bhi kimat nahi chukaate hain,

hansakar maaf tu kar deti hai unake dosh tamaam,

ay maa tujhe salaam, apane bachche tujhako pyaare raavan ho ya ram...

Being a mum is one of the toughest gigs around. It’s a 24/7 job with no holidays, you don’t get a promotion and there is no retirement. However, nothing compares to the joy it brings. It is Mothers Day tomorrow and to all the mums out there, have a fabulous day..

To my Dearest!!

2008-05-01T10:37:00.009+12:00

My dearest blog,

Please accept my humblest apologies for heartlessly ignoring you over the past month. Life is good but I just haven't had anything really exciting to blog about lately. Yeah right!! as if that ever stopped me from blogging :), truth is I haven't actually had any time to write anything. Rest assured my lack of posts doesn't mean I haven't been thinking of you....

I’ve been crazy busy between work and ridiculously busy schedule at home and this newly found love affair with IPL has taken away that little time I had on hands. I am an average cricket fan not a huge cricket buff but with family and friends going gaga over this IPL fever, the line seems to be blurred for the moment. IPL has certainly managed to impose a great dilemma upon its fans, what exactly should we support here – cricketers, teams, or celebrities? Too much confusion.. For the time being me sticking with Deccan Chargers, the team from home town and all. Time only will tell how this new concept will work but until then lets enjoy this twenty 20 frenzy.

Once again my apologies - Hang in there. I'll be back...Signing off with these wonderful words by Gulzar…

"Likhte rahe hai tumhe roj hi magar
Khwaishon ke khat kabhi bheje hi nahi, nahi
Ainak lagake kabhi padhna woh chithiya
Ankhon ke pani mein rakhna woh chitiya…"

Holi Aaye Re!!

2008-03-21T19:23:00.006+13:00

Holi ke din, dil khil jaate hain,

Rangon me rang mil jaate hain!

It's here! Holi... Indian festival of colors! Time to sing and dance, time to cheer, be merry and paint the town red, blue, green etc etc. I love the energy and spirit behind the festival. It is symbolic of the various shades of life and how we must look at our entire life as the festival of Holi - multi-coloured. Holi couldn't have come at a better time this year, right midst the Easter break, plenty of time to have fun!! Abha is hosting Holi party, she is one brave woman I'd say, don't you agree? I will certainly try to post some pictures this time..

Wish you all a very happy and colorful HOLI!!! Hope this Holi brings in colours of happiness and love into our lives.

Celebrating the Green!!

2008-03-17T15:46:00.003+13:00

It is hard not to get into the spirit of St Patricks Day when almost everyone in the office is wearing something gorgeously green, a prize is up for grabs for the best dressed. We had a shared lunch too and no prizes for guessing what was on the menu, all ghaas poos.. literally had to force them down my throat…well.. there were some baked cakes and cookies with green icing, I didn’t dare touch them as me is on a healthy eating regime these days.

And for the ignorant, Saint Patrick's Day, colloquially St. Paddy's Day is an annual feast day which celebrates Saint Patrick, one of the patron saints of Ireland, and is generally celebrated on March 17. The Irish have observed this day as a religious holiday for thousands of years. St. Patrick's Day is bursting with folklore from the shamrock to the leprechaun and to pinching those that are not wearing green. Today, the tradition continues with people from all walks and heritages by wearing green, eating Irish food, and attending parades.

Chicago is also famous for a somewhat peculiar annual event, dyeing the Chicago River green. The tradition started in 1962, when city pollution-control workers used dyes to trace illegal sewage discharges and realized that the green dye might provide a unique way to celebrate the holiday. That year, they released 100 pounds of green vegetable dye into the river—enough to keep it green for a week! Today, in order to minimize environmental damage, only forty pounds of dye are used, making the river green for only several hours.

Philosophy at its best?

2008-03-14T09:47:00.003+13:00

Aadmi aadmi ko kya degaa
jo bhi dega wohi khuda dega

Mera qaatil hi mera munsib hai
kya mere haq mein faislaa dega

Zindagi ko kareeb se dekho
iska chehra tumhe rulaa dega

Humse pucho dosti ka silaa
dushmanon ka bhi dil hilaa dega

Ishq ka zehar pee liya 'Faakir'
ab maseeha bhi kya dawa dega

Tagged!!

2008-03-07T16:15:00.003+13:00

I have been tagged by Abha to list 7 weird things about me…So, here are the seven.. yes, yes, they are many weird things about me, but for now let me stick with seven.

I am a neat freak…my wardrobe and draws are organised and tidy with neatly folded clothes. From time to time I re-fold all clothing in the wardrobe (even if they are already nicely folded) to keep them wrinkle free. Freaky??? Wait there’s more…my hangers must match and all have to be facing the same way.

I have these acute cravings for chocolate now and then and feel like I am going to faint if I don’t have it. I believe Chocolate is the instant fixer of bad moods, bad days, etc etc…..God bless the divine thing!!

I am very careful about my stuff and can’t stand it when people meddle with them. I am possessive about everything I possess. I hate it when people borrow stuff and never return them.

I think I am a person full of contradictions too… I am very emotional and mostly I think and act from my heart but again I am stone hearted at times…Forgive and Forget are the words I have trouble finding in my dictionary…. weird right???

I can totally switch off in the middle of conversations that are not worth lending an ear to and easily drift away into a different world, people keep wondering how can I be soo patient with all the hammering, well,…now the cat is out of the bag...yeah fine...I am not a nice person!

I am germophobic.. I wash my hands for god knows how many times a day….at work I have Hand sanitiser on my desk, once my hands are off the keyboard and mouse, I have to use it.

I can eat pretty fast, bcos I LOVE food u see but I cannot drink anything fast, be it coffee, tea, juice or even water, I drink very slowly in small sips, as if I am savouring every minute of it.

... well…..this is only a part of my weirdness.. and believe me people who are close to me have to put up with a lot more! :). I am not tagging anyone in particular but anyone who wish to join the weird lot, consider yourselves tagged..

Aah.. the goodness of quotes..

2008-03-04T17:51:00.012+13:00

Today a good friend of mine has sent these, I enjoyed reading them soo much that I decided to post them on my blog..

*Let us not misunderstand what courage really is. The absence of fear is the courage of the mad. Doing what is right in the presence of fear is the courage of the noble. -Philippos

*Never tell your problems to anyone…20% don't care and the other 80% are glad you have them. -Lou Holtz

*You must experience and accept the extremes. Because if the contrast is lost, you lose appreciation; and when you lose appreciation, you lose the value of everything. -Philippos

*Being sad with the right people is better than being happy with the wrong ones. - Philippos

*If your problem has a solution then…why worry about it? If your problem doesn't have solution then why worry about it? -Chinese Proverb

*The ultimate measure of man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. -Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

*Pain never really goes away; you just elevate and get used to it by growing stronger. -Philippos

*Sometimes the people who hurt us the most are people who were hurt more than us. -Philippos

*Our tears are what happens when it rains deep inside our hearts and we cannot hold the rain any longer. -Philippos

*Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us. -Thomas Paine

*Things don't go wrong and break your heart so you can become bitter and give up. They happen to break you down and build you up so you can be all that you were intended to be. -Charlie Jones

*Laugh when you can, apologize when you should, and let go of what you can't change. Kiss slowly, play hard, forgive quickly, take chances, give everything and have no regrets. Life's too short to be anything but happy. Remember to take the good with the bad, smile with the sad, love what you've got, don't forget what you had, learn from your mistakes, but never regret, people change, things go wrong, but remember life goes on!

Have a Nice Day!!

Let's Celebrate LOVE!

2008-02-14T14:47:00.007+13:00

“Celebrate love. It is the breath of your existence and the best of all reasons for living.”

I personally feel that it doesn't require a special day to express Love...every ordinary day is special when you are sorrounded with people you love... anyways, here's wishing you all a great one.... A very Happy Valentines Day to all you peeps. Have a LOVEly time with the people you love. Enjoy your day whatever you do!

“If you have love in your life it can make up for a great many things you lack. If you don't have it, no matter what else there is, it's not enough.” ~ Ann Landers

Why do people marry...

2008-02-08T09:29:00.000+13:00

"Because we need a witness to our lives... There are a billion people on this planet.. what does anyone's life really mean? But, in a marriage, you're promising to care about everything.. the good things, the bad things, the terrible things, the mundane things.... all of it, all the time, every day.. You're saying.. your life will not go unnoticed, because I will notice it... your life will not go unwitnessed, because I will be your witness.."

Above are the lines by Susan Sarandon from the movie "Shall We Dance"?, yeah yeah the one with Jennifer Lopez dancing and all that... hmmm... sounds too honest..why do you think??

Marriage is that relation between man and woman in which the independence is equal, the dependence mutual, and the obligation reciprocal.

Top of the World!!

2008-02-05T14:20:00.000+13:00

Aaj main oopar aasmaan neeche
Aaj main aage zamaana hai peechhe
Tell me o khuda Ab main kya karoon
Chaloon seedhi ki ulti chaloon

Finally I fit into a pair of jeans I have put aside for the past 5 months.... Girls, u know how it feels!! To top it, I am listening to some awesome music these days, amazing tunes and melodious voices...

I had couple of weeks off and indulged in some quiet afternoons, lazy reading, munching junk, shopping, late night BBQ’s and plenty of couch time…Yesss MOVIES, hoping to post the list very soon. Anu and me saw all the Harry Potter movies once again and here are some of the good lines I remember by Dumbledore.
*It is not our abilities that show what we truly are... it is our choices.
*For in dreams, we enter a world that's entirely our own.
*Happiness can be found even in the darkest of times, when one only remembers to turn on the light.

Oh, and one more thing, a major achievement to account for my holidays - Venu and me managed to clean our backyard which we have been putting off for quite some time, it was some hard work I tell you…I have some friends who take great pleasure in gardening and claim it to be relaxing but I can never get my head around that concept. Now that the backyard is clean and tidy we need to get on to landscaping.

Right now my head is spinning with the sole thought of getting back to the grind but I suppose nothing can drag me down as I am a bit carried away with my new jeans.

and where were we with the song again.. Yoonhi bin baat ke chhalke jaaye hansi, Dole jab hawa laage gudugudi, Sambhaloon gir padoon, lalalla...

Happy Birthday to my Darling Son!!

2008-02-01T07:15:00.000+13:00

May God always shine his blessings upon you
Every path you take may he guide you
We love you soooo much and so
Always want to see you happy and aglow

May your day be filled with joy, wonderful gifts and goodies, too
May all your wishes come true and all your dreams flower and bloom
I wish for you loving smiles and caring looks that earthly gifts cannot replace
I wish you simple pleasures, many years of laughter and all of life's best treasures

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANU!!!

You truly are a very special boy, a miracle from the stars above. Happy Birthday darling!! Hope you'll enjoy your treat today and party tonight! It is your day, have fun!!

Children are the happy memories of the past, the joyful moments of the present, and the hope and promise of the future….Author Unknown.

Taj Mahal - A Symbol Of Eternal Love!!

2008-01-22T13:02:00.000+13:00

Ek shahanshaah ne banvaa ke haseen taj mahal
saari duniyaa ko muhabbat ki nishaani dee hai
iske saaye me sadaa pyaar ke charche honge
khatm jo ho naa sakegi vo kahaani dee hai

taaj vo shammaa hai ulfat ke sanam khaane kii
jiske parvaanon mein muflis bhi hai zardaar bhi hai
sang-e-marmar me samaae hue khvaabon ki qasam
marhale pyaar ke aasaan bhii hain dush-vaar bhii hai.n
dil ko ek josh iraadon ko javaanii dii hai

Ulfat - Affection, Love, Muflis - Poor, Zardaar – Wealthy,

Sang-e-Marmar - Marble Stone, Marhale – Destinations, Dushvaar - Difficult

taaj ik zindaa tasavvur hai kisii shaayar kaa
iska afsaanaa haqiiqat ke sivaa kuchh bhii nahii
iske aagosh me aakar ye gumaan hotaa hai
zindagi jaise muhabbat ke sivaa kuchh bhii nahii
taaj ne pyaar ki maujon ko ravaanii dii hai

Tasavvur - Fantasy, Aagosh - Embrace, Gumaan - opinion, thought

ye hasin raat ye mahaki huii purnur fazaa
ho ijaazat to ye dil ishq kaa izhaar kare
ishq insaan ko insaan banaa detaa hai
kiskii himmat hai muhabbat se jo inakaar kare
aaj taqdiir ne ye raat suhaanii dii hai

Purnoor: Full of light, enlightened, illustrious, Fazaa - Atmosphere

Happy Sankranthi!!

2008-01-14T13:18:00.000+13:00

Sankranti is one of the most auspicious days for the Hindus, and is celebrated in diverse ways with great devotion, traditional gaiety and enthusiasm in various parts of the country.

Wish you all a happy and prosperous Sankranthi. May god bless all with prosperity, happiness, health and good fortune. Enjoy the festive season and have fun with your friends and family...

Taare Zameen Par!!

2008-01-08T13:45:00.000+13:00

What can I possibly say that hasn’t already been said about this movie, except repeat “A MUST WATCH”…A very courageous conventional film that insists to take a good look at ourselves as parents, teachers and individuals and stop seeing all the children with the same eye as every child is different and special in their own way.

Flawless and simple direction, brilliant script and an unusual topic ‘dyslexia’ - Aamir Khan is wonderful though he makes an entry just before the interval, but what the heck, he is still amazing as always and Ishaan Awasthi aka Darsheel Safary is simply OUTSTANDING, it is only fair to say that he stole the show from Aamir Khan. The tender moments of the movie are touching and emotional, every aspect of the movie is exceptional.

The songs stay true to the film’s script but a serene number that moved me to tears is “Maa”, a heartfelt track with simple and effective lyrics. Shankar Mahadevan has outdone himself in this song…..
Main Kabhi Batlata Nahin Par Andhere Se Darta Hoon Main Maa
Yun To Main Dikhlata Nahin Teri Parwaah Karta Hoon Main Maa
Tujhe Sab Hain Pata, Hain Na Maa..Tujhe Sab Hain Pata, Meri Maa

Every Child is Special and so is this movie.....Kudos to Aamir Khan for a heart warming directorial debut.

Ring out the Old, Ring in the New..

2008-01-01T14:07:00.000+13:00

It is difficult not to believe that the new year will be better than the old one! And this illusion is not wrong. Future is always good, no matter what happens. It will always give us what we need and what we want in secret. It will always bless us with right gifts. Thus in a deeper sense our belief in the New Year cannot deceive us. Let this coming year be better than all the others....

Happy New Year, and may it be a wonderful one for everyone :)

Have a Magical Holiday Season :)

2007-12-21T18:36:00.000+13:00

Well, no one really asked, but I'm going to ramble off anyway.. though my inbox does not have any frenzied "where are you? and "miss you" mails, I would like to think that the blog missed me….Me busy climbing up the corporate ladder and been very very biji lately (tell you what, who ever said that the higher up you get, the lesser work you do? - I say, shoot him/her). Well, me back to the blogging world (I think, atleast for now)

Where has the year gone?? It is so hard to believe that we are a little over a week from welcoming 2008…WOW!! It doesn’t seem that long away it was Christmas and now we haven't that long to go until it is Christmas, crazy how time flies...please don’t tell me that the older you get, the faster time flies..

Christmas cheer is so infectious that it is hard to be unmoved, whatever our beliefs. The air of celebration and the festive atmosphere renew a sense of fellowship. Remember, if Christmas isn't found in your heart, you won't find it under a tree.

You’d better watch out, you’d better not cry
You’d better not pout, I’m telling you why
Santa Claus is coming to town..

He’s making a list, he’s checking it twice
He’s gonna find out who’s naughty and nice
Santa Claus is coming to town..

He sees you when you’re sleeping
He knows if you’re awake
He knows if you’ve been bad or good
So be good as Santa Claus is coming to town!!

Merry Christmas to you and yours… If you are one of those who don’t celebrate Christmas like me, enjoy the break anyway :) Have fun and be safe!!

Yeh sapne yeh rishte yeh dhaage..

2007-12-04T15:06:00.000+13:00

Yeh sheeshe yeh sapne yeh rishte yeh dhaage
kise kyaa khabar hai kahaan toot jaayen
mohabbat ke dariyaa mein tinake vafaa ke
na jaane ye kis mod par doob jaayen

ajab dil ki basti ajab dil ki vaadii
har ek mod mausam nayi khvaahishon kaa
lagaaye hain hum ne bhi sapnon ke paudhe
magar kya bharosa yahaan baarishon kaa

muraadon ki manzil ke sapnon mein khoye
mohabbat ki raahon pe hum chal pade the
zaraa door chal ke jab aankhen khuli tho
kadi dhoop mein hum akele khade the

jinhen dil se chaaha jinhen dil se pooja
nazar aa rahe hain vahi ajanabi se
ravaayat hai shaayad ye sadiyon puraani
shikaayat nahin hai koi zindagii se

Life is GOOD!!

2007-11-09T11:16:00.000+13:00

I know I have "gone missing" from the blog world for the last month and I know quite a few are wondering why!! Thanks a ton for the emails making enquiries..:) Life is good!! I'm doing great and all is well at this end. It was rather a busy October raining parties and lot of action on work front, it was a wee bit tricky to find the time whilst doing 1001 things, hence my apologies for not sending smilez everyone's way..

I will be back pretty soon buzzing on the blog.... Hope everyone is having a great time! and Wishing everyone a very happy and a safe Diwali!! Have a Blast!!

Watch out world… here comes India

2007-09-25T12:58:00.000+12:00

12 countries, 14 days of pure cricket, 26 exciting matches, two rivals in final and 1 winner... that is India…CHAKDE INDIA!!

A huge rounds of applauds (dhan..dhana..dhan) for the Indian team led by Mahendra Singh Dhoni for winning the inaugural Twenty20 World Cup.

The Indian selectors have finally showed us the future of Indian cricket. Probably, for the first time in the history of Indian cricket they have chosen an international squad based solely on form and ability without the burden of selecting the team on seniority. While the ageing stalwarts Sachin Tendulkar, Sourav Ganguly, Rahul Dravid have opted out of the Twenty20 event, Dhoni was named captain of a young side that went all the way to win the title beating arch rivals Pakistan.

Well done Boys!! you have made us proud.... going forward lets hope that the least we see from the Indian Cricket team is some attitude, tremendous skill and a hell a lot of fight.

Life is a festival only to the wise..

2007-09-19T15:55:00.000+12:00

Life always gives us choices! We choose what we want….here are two amazing stories depicting the same:

A) An old man lived alone in Minnesota. He wanted to spade his potato garden, but it was very hard work. His only son, who would have helped him, was in prison. The old man wrote a letter to his son and mentioned his situation:

Dear Son,
I am feeling pretty bad because it looks like I won't be able to plant my potato garden this year. I hate to miss doing the garden, because your mother always loved planting this time. I'm just getting too old to be digging up a garden plot. If you were here, all my troubles would be over. I know you would dig the plot for me, if you weren't in prison.............................. Love, Dad

Shortly, the old man received this telegram: "For Heaven's sake, Dad, don't dig up the garden!! That's where I buried the GUNS!!"At 4 a.m. the next morning, a dozen FBI agents and local police officers showed up and dug up the entire garden without finding any guns. Confused, the old man wrote another note to his son telling him what happened, and asked him what to do next.

His son's reply was:
"Go ahead and plant your potatoes Dad...... It's the best I could do for you from here."

Moral: No matter where you are in the world, if you have decided to do something deep from your heart, you can do it.

B) Once upon a time there was a race of frogs. The goal was to reach the top of a high tower. Many people gathered to see and support them. The race began. In reality, the people didn't believe that it was possible that the frogs would reach the top of the tower, and all the phrases that one could hear were of this kind: "What pain! They'll never make it!" The frogs began to doubt themselves. The people continued: "... What pain!!! They'll never make it! ..." And the frogs, one by one, admitted defeat, except for one frog that continued to climb. At the end he, alone, and with an enormous effort, reached the top of the tower.

One of the quitters approached him to ask him how he had done it, to finish the race. And discovered that he was deaf! Never listen to people who have the bad habit of being negative... because they steal the best aspirations of your heart! Always remind yourself of the power of the words that we hear or read - always think POSITIVE!

Moral: Always be deaf to someone who tells you that you can't and won't achieve your goals AND MAKE YOUR DREAMS COME TRUE.

Happy Birthday to my dearest husband...

2007-09-14T05:56:00.000+12:00

You're a husband who's soo wonderful.... I couldn't ask for more and words could never tell you all the things I love you for... I want you to know how fortunate I feel to have you in my life. You have brought soo much happiness to my heart and a rainbow of love that will forever color my world with joy. Thank you for being the wonderful person you are and for making such a beautiful difference in my life.

All good things that life can bring...
great joys, and small ones too,
success you value, heart's content...
all this and much more...I wish, with love... for you.

Happy Birthday!!!! Enjoy your day!!!!

Let the Game begin!!

2007-09-07T11:16:00.000+12:00

Less than 24 Hours remain until the Rugby World Cup 2007…The sixth global tournament starts in France this Saturday.. World Cup favourite New Zealand signified serious intentions for its opening match by choosing practically its best team to meet Italy at Stade Velodrome on Saturday. After winning the inaugural tournament on home soil in 1987, New Zealand has reached the final only once since - in 1995 when it narrowly lost to host South Africa. The All Blacks are looking to break a 20-year drought at the Rugby World Cup.

The Rugby World Cup first took place in 1987 and takes place every 4 years. The only nation ever to win the cup more than once is Australia. The Webb Ellis cup is the prize given to the winner of the World Cup and is named after the man credited for creating the game of rugby. The trophy was chosen in the World Cup of 1987. It is 38 centimeters tall and is silver gilded in gold. The trophy is kept in the museum of Rugby in England.

The International Rugby Union World Cup (RWC) is right now the one of the world’s top three sporting competitions (The Soccer World Cup and The Olympics being the other two). The 2007 World Cup will be broadcast to 3.7 Billion households and 1.8 million match tickets will be sold.

Winning Nations of The World Cup:
1987 - New Zealand (Hosts)
1991 - Australia
1995 - South Africa (Hosts)
1999 - Australia
2003 - England
2007 - Awarded on the 21st of October 2007

All Blacks performing Haka

The Haka is a traditional dance native to New Zealand’s Maori people performed by the All Blacks before every rugby match. It is traditionally a war dance used by the native Maori before charging into battle. The All Blacks perform two kind of Haka, the original “Ka Mate” and most recently a modern version called the “Kapa O Pango”. The Haka is a source of energy for the All Blacks, it is a very aggressive dance, it pumps up the players mentally and builds up their confidence before a game, as well as intimidating the opposing side at the same time.

Results since England won the last Rugby World Cup dictate that most pundits have to choose the All Blacks as the side to beat. All Blacks have won the Tri-Nations and Bledisole Cup, their game might not be perfect but it is certainly in a good shape.
Anu is looking forward for the games and so am I, Anu has put an alarm in his clock to watch the opening ceremony at 6.00am NZT. Some colleagues of mine have booked their entire year’s annual leave for this tournament.. 48 games, 3840 minutes, 64 hours of… RUGBY!! May the best team win....

Happy Fathers Day!!

2007-09-02T07:38:00.000+12:00

"The greatest gift I ever had came from God, and I call him Dad!"

When the good lord was creating Fathers, He started with a tall frame. And a female angel nearby said, "What kinda of father is that? If You're going to make children so close to the ground, why have You put fathers up so high? He won't be able to shoot marbles without kneeling, tuck a child in bed without bending over or even kiss a child without a lot of stooping." God smiled and said, "Yes but, if I make him child-sized, who would children have to look up to?"

A dad is someone who holds you when you cry,
scolds you when you break the rules,
shines with pride when you succeed,
and has faith in you even when you fail...

I have asked Anu what is Dad to you and jhat came the answer, someone you ask when Mom says no..:) Happy Fathers Day to my Dad and all Dads... Have a wonderful Fathers Day!!

Happy Rakhi to all you brothers and sisters!!!

2007-08-28T10:00:00.000+12:00

Rakhi, the bond of togetherness… A small thread, which alone is of no value but the moment it is tied on the hand of Brother, it becomes invaluable...

Raksha Bandhan is a festival celebrating the bond of affection between brothers and sisters. The day when the siblings pray for each others' well being and wish for each others' happiness and goodwill. As the name 'Raksha Bandhan' suggests, 'a bond of protection', Raksha Bandhan is a pledge from brothers to protect the sister from all harms and troubles and a prayer from the sister to protect the brother from all evil. Though brothers and sisters share and enjoy the bond of love between them throughout the year, Rakhi is the day when they get an opportunity to express their love and affection towards each other. It is an opportunity for them to commemorate their loving memories, loyalty, closeness, trust and friendship that is lasting and true.

Raksha Bandhan is celebrated every year on 'Shravan Purnima' (Full Moon Day of the Hindu month of Shravan), which generally falls in the month of August. Rakhi for many centuries encompassed the warmth shared between the siblings but now it goes way beyond it. Some tie rakhi to neighbors and close friends signifying a peaceful co-existence of every individual. Celebrations like this promote the feeling of unity and a commitment to all members of society to protect each other and encourage a harmonious Social life. The day certainly has a deeper perspective in today's scenario. The occasion holds for a life long pledge to practice moral, spiritual and cultural values. The values and the sentiments attached to the rituals of this festival are worth inculcating by the whole human race, the sentiments of harmony and peaceful coexistence.

Happy Raksha Bandhan!!

Let's Celebrate!!

2007-08-15T15:23:00.000+12:00

"If there is one place on the face of earth where all the dreams of living men have found a home from the very earliest days when man began the dream of existence, it is India!" - French scholar Romaine Rolland

We celebrate our 60th Independence Day today... August 15th, the day when India woke up to freedom back in 1947, a day that marked new beginnings with the triumph of numerous martyred souls. On the stroke of midnight, a country came into life again as the British handed over the governance of India to the Indian leaders. It was on this historic date that Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime Minister of India, unfurled the Indian tricolour on the magnificent Red Fort, symbolically marking the end of the British colonial rule…

Now at the age of 60, India’s image is that of a resurgent, confident regional power racing to compete with China and the West. India’s economy is now 10th biggest in the world and a new middle class of up to 200 million has been created. The economy is currently growing about 9 percent a year. Though the country still faces huge problems like poverty, infrastructure, etc.. for today, let us bask in the glory of the nation that we love dearly, India - the cradle of civilization and culture.

Today is an occasion to celebrate the freedom of our great democracy while we remember with great reverence the sacrifice that thousands of our brave countrymen gave for this cause. …Here's Wishing everyone a very Happy Indian Independence Day .… Jai Hind!!

Work Week!!

2007-08-08T11:15:00.000+12:00

Good Morning folks!! Does your work week look something like this??

the Simpsons

2007-08-03T15:19:00.000+12:00

Finally, they’ve made a movie out of television’s greatest animated series. In its 18 years, the show has won 23 Emmys, featured more than 300 characters across 400 episodes, which have been broadcast in more than 90 countries, and has been translated into more than 45 languages, generating business worth US$5 billion. After nearly 150 hours of television, you might think they had run out of ideas, but guess not...

Anu is an ardent fan of “Simpsons” and hardly ever gives it a miss. He loves Bart and Homer. What I find quite amusing when Anu watches the show is the fact that he just bursts out laughing any time a character falls down, gets kicked in the face, hit in the head or when Homer belches after drinking beer, when the poor guys behind the scenes worked soo hard writing the wittiest dialogues. I manage to catch the glimpses of the show now and then and my favourite character is Lisa Simpson simply for her intellect and her remarkable ability to have developed some sort of sanity coming from that crazy family.

Anu wants to see the movie so we might be catching all the action on big screen at some point this weekend… Anyway, I had better be off now, have somethings to wrap up before I say Goodbye to the week. Be safe out there and have a great weekend everyone!!

The Invitation!!

2007-07-30T12:55:00.000+12:00

It doesn't interest me what you do for a living.
I want to know what you ache for, and if you dare to dream of meeting your heart's desire.

It doesn't interest me how old you are.
I want to know if you will risk looking like a fool for love, for your dreams, for the adventure of being alive.

It doesn't interest me what planets are squaring your moon.
I want to know if you have touched the center of your sorrow, if you have been opened by life's betrayals, or have become shriveled and closed for the fear of future pain.

I want to know if you can sit with pain, mine or your own, without moving to hide it, fade it, or fix it.

I want to know if you can be with joy, mine or your own, if you can dance with wildness and let ecstasy fill you to the tips of your fingers and toes, without cautioning us to be careful, to be realistic, or to remember the limitations of human beings.

It doesn't interest me if the story you're telling me is true.
I want to know if you can disappoint another to be true to yourself, if you can bear the accusations of betrayal and not betray your own soul.

I want to know if you can be faithful and therefore be trustworthy.
I want to know if you can see beauty, even when it is not pretty every day, and if you can source your life from its presence.

I want to know if you can live with failure, yours or mine, and still stand on the edge of the lake and shout to the silver moon "Yes!"

It doesn't interest me to know where you live or how much money you have.
I want to know if you can get up after a night of grief and despair, weary and bruised to the bone, and do what needs to be done for the children.

It doesn't interest me who you are now or how you came to be here.
I want to know if you will stand in the centre of the fire with me and not shrink back.

It doesn't interest me where or what or with whom you have studied.
I want to know what sustains you from the inside when all else falls away.
I want to know if you can be alone with yourself, and if you truly like the company you keep in the empty moments.

- by Oriah Mountain Dreamer

Dil keh raha hai..

2007-07-25T11:16:00.000+12:00

Is it Friday yet?? I’m tired…It’s been a busy couple of days and not quite sure how but the week became chaotic and seriously, my mind just won’t settle down even at night. It continues to churn all night thinking about the stuff I need to get through this week. Too much to do!! Earlier on, the week seemed manageable, but then things just kept piling up.. I have been assigned two new projects. I gotta do some catching up this weekend to be on track for next week.

I’ve got to get the Quarterly reports done, most are automatic that can be run on BO, never were a big of a deal but right now, you guessed it, it’s fuel for the fire!! With all the distractions, somehow domestic work has got out of hand. I purchased something that needs to be assembled… because I don’t have enough to do already, right? Enough of my rants now…

“Celebrate love. It is the breath of your existence and the best of all reasons for living.”

Here’s wishing Happy Anniversary to dear friends Abha and Govind - May today be filled with happy memories of the past and bright hopes for the future. Have a BLAST!!

It is ....17th July!!!!!

2007-07-17T15:44:00.000+12:00

Happy Birthday to me.. Happy Birthday to me.. Happy Birthday to dear meeeeeeeeee.. Happy Birthday to me!!!

If you carry your childhood with you, you never become older....Another year is behind the closed doors.. Isn’t it funny? When you were younger you sooo wish that you were older and once you get to the age that you want, you suddenly want to turn back the time and go back to where you were......

Of course, I haven’t forgot the tradition of making some resolutions.....It is way too exciting than window-shopping, sach-much :)

Be more accepting of things like having to WORK on your birthday and not complain about it to everyone, except on your blog, a very healthy and cheap therapy, don’t you think....:)
Do some form of exercise regularly aside from whinging & complaining..
Be a better listener and be kind.
Stop being obsessed with the perfectionist thing.
Cut down on sweet stuff and eat healthy
Really make an effort for the above.....

“For today and its blessings, I owe the world an attitude of gratitude.” … Thank you all for warm wishes, pressies and flowers… Thank you soo much for making me feel special... I know I am blessed when I have such loving people around me to love and bless me for all the good things in this world. Love you all!!!!

The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate….

Tension nahi lene ka...

2007-07-06T09:17:00.000+12:00

The moment you are in TENSION
You will lose your ATTENTION
Then you are in total CONFUSION
and you'll feel IRRITATION
This may spoil your personal RELATIONS
Ultimately, you won't get COOPERATION
And get things into COMPLICATION
Then you may raise CAUTION
And you have to take MEDICATION
Why not try understanding the SITUATION
And try to think about the SOLUTION
Many problems will be solved by DISCUSSION
Which will work out better in your PROFESSION
Don't think this is a free SUGGESTION
It is only for your PREVENTION
If you understand my INTENTION
You'll never come again into TENSION!!!!!!

Gyaan dose for the day -
Life gives Answers in three ways..
It says YES and gives whatever you want
It says NO and gives you something better
It says WAIT and gives you the best.

“Don’t just dream.. Live your dream”.... Have a great weekend folks!!

A bit of this and a bit of that…

2007-06-28T10:18:00.000+12:00

Watched Cheenikum and Metro.. two very different movies and I liked them both. Cheenikum is an ordinary love story with an extraordinary dosage of satirical humor, simplicity of the movie appealed to me the most and I am totally obsessed with the title track sung by Shreya Ghosal (sweetness, sensuality, tone – one gifted female) I must have heard it a zillion times already - it's ghooming in my ipod of mind and driving me nuts!!!
Life in a…Metro is more an exploration into relationships. It was a tad short of being truly impressive. It somehow did not add up to a sufficiently moving experience, the whole is not as good as the sum of the parts, nevertheless a good attempt. Shiney Ahuja deserved a more meaty role, was a bit disappointed to see soo little of him on the screen. Pritam's melodius composition surely made up for everything..it ROCKS!! My personal favourites are In Dino and Kar Salaam….

Do people really change, or do we remove the rose tinted glasses, or do we just learn more about them in time?? I suppose people can't keep up the facade forever…sigh!!! I have an amazing intuition about stuff, people, places and how things will transpire, don’t ask me how?? I just know... it is of an immense help, trust me..

Of late I have noticed a wee change in my outlook, I am almost certain that it is pessimism. I still smile and laugh a lot but only that a little bit of negativity is troubling me. Not sure why! There is some fear and sadness. I hope this phase will pass very soon and I will be back to being the eternal optimist who believes that Jo bhi hotha hai accha ke liye hotha hai! I wish I could have me back soon.. I really miss myself.

Kay Kay is GOD…...He has got an awesome voice and every time I hear to his “Kya mujhe pyaar hain?” It really makes me think and the answer, of course is blatantly obvious. His latest song in Raqeeb, Jaane Kaise only proves that he is the BEST!!

Greys Anatomy and Boston Legal are added to my list of guilty pleasures alongside Lemon Tarts and Chocolate Brownies. I miss watching cartoons..I don’t watch too many cartoons these days. I am pretty picky about what draws me to the couch, gotta watch Popeye this weekend..

Guess what!!! I have been soo busy in my own world, I even failed to acknowledge the fact that I have turned 1 on June 17th (atleast my blog did), sooo bad nai...anyhooo better late than never.. A belated Happy ding-dings to me and myself… Wow how time goes by...so far, blogging has been an awesome thing…Thank you so much to all who has dropped by with crits or encouraging comments. Time is something that isn't cheap and I appreciate that you choose to spend a little here :)

Yeh jo zindagi ki kitaab hai.....

2007-06-21T10:43:00.000+12:00

Yeh jo zindagi ki kitaab hai ye kitaab bhi kyaa kitaab hai

kahin ek haseen saa Khvaab hai kahin jaan-levaa azaab hai

[azaab=torment/anguish]

kahin chhaanv hai kahin dhoop hai kahin aur hi koi roop hai

kayi chehare is mein chupe hue ik ajeeb si yeh naqaab hai

kahin kho diyaa kahin paa liyaa kahin ro liyaa kahin gaa liyaa

kahin cheen leti hai har Khushi kahin meharabaan behisaab hai

kahin aasoon ki hai daastaan kahin muskuraahaton ka bayaan

kahin barqaton ki hai baarishen kahin tishnagii behisaab hai
[bayaa.N=tale; barqat=prosperity/good fortune; tishnagii=thirst]

Yeh jo zindagi ki kitaab hai ye kitaab bhi kyaa kitaab hai ...

Musings!!??

2007-06-08T19:15:00.000+12:00

I’m sitting here staring out the window as the rain pours down and I can’t help but smile. In fact, I want the rain to get heavier and I want it to continue for the next two days – that way I won’t feel guilty about my plans. Now, please don’t get me wrong. I love a nice, sunny weekend but there is something quite self indulgent about just lying on the couch with a hot cuppa and a good book and at times the remote control for company while a wintry storm pounds the windows. You can kid yourself that, because of the weather you can’t really do anything else but settle in for some quality time with Brad Pitt, George Clooney and likes. I’ve been soo busy lately that this weekend the only commitment I’m making is to the television and some books I got from the Library couple of weeks back. I think every so often there is absolutely nothing wrong with doing nothing. Bring on the rain!! Have a great week….

Recent Learnings -
Secrets are always fun to hear but ultimately the responsibility of keeping a secret can be too much, even for a well-intentioned person like me. As a friend once told me secrets are something you tell people one at a time. Is liye tho soch rahi hoon ki I should give up the momentary titillations of a good piece of gossip and live in comfortable ignorance.

Here’s something to tickle your funny bone :)
Ek Gadha: Yaar, mera maalik mujhe bahut maarta hai
Dusara Gadha: Tho tum bhaag kyun nahi jata
Pehla Gadha: Bhaag to jaata par yahan future bada bright hai ... maalik ki khoobsurat beti jab shararat karti hai tho maalik kehta hai, "teri shaadi gadha se kar dunga...!" bas isi umeed mein baitha hoon.

Famous quotes by Navjot Singh Sidhu

2007-06-05T13:17:00.000+12:00

That ball went so high it could have got an airhostess down with it.

There is light at the end of the tunnel for India, but it's that of an incoming train which will run them over.

Experience is like a comb that life gives you when you are bald.

This quote was made after Ganguly called Dravid for a run and midway sent him back and Dravid was run out in the third test against the West Indies at Barbados. "Ganguly has thrown a drowning man both ends of the rope."

Sri Lankan score is running like an Indian taximeter.

Statistics are like miniskirts, they reveal more than what they hide.

Wickets are like wives - you never know which way they will turn!

He is like Indian three-wheeler, which will suck a lot of diesel but cannot go beyond 30

The Indians are going to beat the Kiwis! Let me tell you, my friend that the Kiwi is the only bird in the whole world, which does not have wings!

As uncomfortable as a bum on a porcupine

The ball whizzes past like a bumblebee and the Indians are in the sea.

The Indians are finding the gaps like a pin a haystack.

The pitch is as dead as a dodo.

Deep Dasgupta is as confused as a child is in a topless bar!

The way Indian wickets are falling reminds of the cycle stand at Rajendra Talkies in Patiala one falls and everything else falls!

Indian team without Sachin is like giving Kiss without a Squeeze.

You cannot make omelettes without breaking the eggs.

Deep Dasgupta is not a Wicket Keeper, he is a goalkeeper. He must be given a free transfer to Manchester United.

He will fight a rattlesnake and give it the first two bites too.

One, who doesn't throw the dice, can never expect to score a six.

This quote was made after Eddie Nichols, the third umpire, ruled Shivnarayan Chanderpaul 'NOT OUT' in the second test at Port of Spain "Eddie Nichols is a man who cannot find his own buttocks with his two hands."

Anybody can pilot a ship when the sea is calm.

Nobody travels on the road to success without a puncture or two.

You got to choose between tightening your belt or losing your pants.

The cat with gloves catches no mice.

Age has been perfect fire extinguisher for flaming youth.

You may have a heart of gold, but so does a hard-boiled egg.

He is like a one-legged man in a bum kicking competition.

The third umpires should be changed as often as nappies and for the same reason.

Kumble's bowling at the moment is flat as a Dosa.

Happy Anniversary!!

2007-05-29T12:56:00.000+12:00

An anniversary is a time to celebrate the joys of today, the memories of yesterday, and the hopes of tomorrow....

You have brought pure delight into my world and have given my life joy beyond reason. Nothing in this world could ever be as wonderful as the love you've given me. Happy Anniversary!!
Even when I forget to say these words each day, remember that I love you more than I say…

Waqt nahi..

2007-05-25T14:31:00.000+12:00

Har Khushi Hai Logon Ke Daaman Mein,
Par Ek Hansi Ke Liye Waqt Nahi.
Din Raat Daudti Duniya Mein,
Zindagi Ke Liye Hi Waqt Nahi.

Maa Ki Loree Ka Ehsaas To Hai,
Par Maa Ko Maa Kehne Ka Waqt Nahi.
Saare Rishton Ko To Hum Maar Chuke,
Ab Unhe Dafnane Ka Bhi Waqt Nahi.

Saare Naam Mobile Mein Hain,
Par Dosti Ke Lye Waqt Nahi.
Gairon Ki Kya Baat Karen,
Jab Apno Ke Liye Hi Waqt Nahi.

Aankhon Me Hai Neend Badee,
Par Sone Ka Waqt Nahi.
Dil Hai Ghamon Se Bhara Hua,
Par Rone Ka Bhi Waqt Nahi.

Paison ki Daud Me Aise Daude,
Ki Thakne ka Bhi Waqt Nahi.
Paraye Ehsason Ki Kya Kadr Karein,
Jab Apane Sapno Ke Liye Hi Waqt Nahi.

Tu Hi Bata E Zindagi,
Iss Zindagi Ka Kya Hoga,
Ki Har Pal Marne Walon Ko,
Jeene Ke Liye Bhi Waqt Nahi.......

To MUM, with Love…

2007-05-13T09:48:00.000+12:00

I know I can say anything I want without fear of losing you, do anything I feel like and still have you understand. You let me walk all over you and you still love me. You listen to all my rants, my crazy ideas, my endless aspirations....you taught me to aim higher and you made me believe in myself.

You have given me untiring support through every stage of my life. Thank you Mum for the unconditional trust, love and understanding. Patience, humour, laughter and love even from across the miles....I miss you mum!!

Mothers really are remarkable beings with brains that are leak proof. If you look up for the words “multi tasking” “hard working” and “self less” in the dictionary instead of a definition there should just be photographs of mothers. Every mother is special in her own way.

When you are a child she walks before you, to set an example
When you’re a teenager she walks behind you, to be there should you need her
When you’re an adult she walks beside you, so that as two friends you can enjoy life together.

For anyone who is, has or knows a mom – Happy Mothers Day!!

Tagged!!

2007-05-04T13:25:00.000+12:00

Got this tag as an email forward and me decided to complete it - I have this weird theory that junta resorts to doing these kinda tags only when they have nothing better to do... Any idea why I am doing this one?? :)

1. Yourself: Bold and Beautiful (without an ounce of modesty, hee hee..)
2. Your boyfriend/spouse: Onida (Neighbours envy, owners pride!)
3. Your hair: Medium length
4. Your mother: A remarkable human being
5. Your father: the BEST Dad..
6. Your favorite item: ummm...should I be saying Diamonds here??
7. Your dream last night: Lemme think…naahh...can’t remember.
8. Your favorite drink: Water
9. Your dream car: Merc Benz
10. You are in: My Office
11. Your fear: Heights
12. What do you want to be in 10 years? Happy and smiling!
13. What you're not? Hypocrite
14. Muffins: Divine!!
15. Time: very precious!
16. The last thing you did: Attended a boring meeting
17. Your mood: Ekdum Bindaas (weekend very soon hai yaroon…)
18. What are you wearing? Jeans and Tee (Friday casual wear)...
19. Your favourite weather: Summer, Auckland ka (not Indian waala)
20. The last book you read: The Zahir by Paul Coelho
21. The last thing you ate: Muesli for Breakfast
22. Your life: is beautiful.. I love it :)
23. The last movie you watched: Honeymoon Travels
24. What are you thinking about right now? What am I having for Lunch…
25. Whom do you turn to for advice: My Heart, never lets me down!
26. What are you doing at the moment? What do you think…typing this, duh..
27. Your relationship status: Happily Married
28. Favourite Colour: Grey and Blue
29. What is the weather like? Sunny
30. When is the last time you laughed? I am laughing...

Nope, I am not tagging anyone…but all you lovely people, please feel free to pick it up if you have some time to kill…

Where's the good in goodbye?

2007-04-27T10:31:00.000+12:00

After family, friends are what I consider one's greatest blessing...Life is so much better when one has friends, those confidantes we can turn to at any point, the ones who aren't merely cheerleaders, but who are with this us through thick and thin and the only well wishers we have after family.

Our dear friends, Sadiya & Naushad say good-bye and are all set to travel to the land of dreams, Dubai to pursue their dreams. The day we all have been dreading for is almost here, it is hard to say goodbye to all the good times we had.. We will miss you heaps... I can speak for each of us when I say we will genuinely miss you. Hopefully you will come back and visit us very soon! It just won't be the same without you.
“Distance never separates two hearts that really care, for our memories span the miles and in seconds we are there. But whenever I start feeling sad coz I miss you I remind myself how lucky I am to have someone so special to miss.”

Sometimes it is hard to find the rights words to articulate and sometimes words are just not sufficient to express the multitude of emotions you are experiencing. All I can say for now is I'm soo sad you're leaving us, I will miss you a lot but the memories of times we all have spent together are enough to keep me smiling. Love you all loads and you better believe that we have already started planning our trip to Dubai.
“No distance of place or lapse of time can lessen the friendship of those who are thoroughly persuaded of each other's worth.”

May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face and the rain fall softly on your fields. And until we meet again, May God hold you in the hollow of his hand…

“Nothing makes the earth seem so spacious as to have friends at a distance; they make the latitudes and longitudes.”

The Sunshine Tag..

2007-04-23T10:22:00.000+12:00

Kavya wanted me to write eight things that I loved about summer, so here goes a mediocre attempt....

I spent my childhood in boarding school, so coming home for holidays was something I used to look forward big time. Summer Holidays were certainly special as they meant NO School for two and half months!! They also meant 2 1/2 months of non-stop fun, long days filled with pure joy and excitement. Like every desi baccha on the block, I used to spend a part of the Summer Vacation at my Grandparent's (Nani Ma's) place where my chacha's, chachi's, maama's, maami's and cousins would descend too. .... Ahhhh those were the days...climbing trees, running across the fields, plucking stuff from the fields and getting into trouble, all cousins together with elder ones teasing the younger ones, playing games till late night, being pampered by Grandparents... Ooh.. undoubtedly the best times of my childhood!!! (*Sniff sniff.. I miss those days!!*)

Summer Nights - I miss those summer nights where we used to have our cots out in the open under the sky and doze off to sleep listening to all the princess stories told by my Granny. Those nights never seemed long enough.. Falling asleep watching the sky brightened by the moon and stars and waking up when the golden rays of sunshine caress my face upon sun's awakening and to the sounds of the birds chirping early in the morning… absolutely priceless!!
I still love to wake up early in the morning to witness the glowing beauty of the rising sun. There is something special in the sunrise…watching the world wake, as the veil of darkness lifts is astounding.

Jhoola – Grandma's house had a cool jhoola. After my tummy was filled to its capacity with the scrumptious food. I used to hop on to that whiling away the time just swinging, reading, silly talks, short naps, and so much more...it is the best place for a nap…seriously, taking a nap while gently swinging, simply amazing I tell you...

Food - Being the favorite of Grandpa, I had lots of perks in the house, got all the attention, not to mention the butter and all goodies. It wasn’t too difficult to coax my aunts into a deliriously happy mood that they rushed in to make sweets especially for me. My granny is full of enthusiasm and also an amazing cook, she used to make all the sweets I love. Some of her 'surprise' treats were not always the tastiest, but she would insist that they were good for our health and is brain food to do all the hardwork at school.

Sharbath (Nimbu Paani) – To beat the sweltering heat, there was a late afternoon ritual to have Sharbath, a cool thirst-quenching refreshing drink. My mom makes the best sharbath, she used to say that it helps in not only keeping us cool and healthy but also brings out that shine to our skin and glow to the face. I remember having litres of lemon juice during summers. I still love freshly squeezed limejuice.

Comics – Being the book-worm I was, I tremendously enjoyed reading Amar Chitra Katha, not to mention Chandamama, Tinkle and likes... I used to love stories, (reading, listening..whateva) Reader's Digest, Archies, Enid Blyton, Hardy Boys, Nancy Drew, the list goes on…I used to read even when the power went off with torchlight or a lamp and would end up being growled at by Mom.

Bandi ke Baraf golas - I miss those yum treats. Best part of the summer was to eat the tanda icekrots in the scorching heat from the ghooming bandies. We used to have them quite often in the afternoons chup chupke from the elders as that was a big NO NO(not hygenic )... Ignorance is certainly a bliss, never really bothered about what involved in making them, all that mattered was we love them so we gotta have them.

Mangoes – Of course Mangoes, who wouldn't miss those yummy, juicy mangoes..I remember Dad bringing gazillions of Mangoes for us that the whole house used to smell of Mangoes. That was a treat for us to relish after lunch… Aaahhh I want to eat them now..

Lazy evenings – We would wind down too with the sun set, settling down to play some board games like Chess, Ludo, Snakes and ladders or cards (I was a queen of Rummy in those days) feeding off some snacks. We talked about school, discussing our plans for future and what not ..

Thanks for the tag Kavya!! Hamari bhi kuch sair hogayi un yaadon ki galion mein...

Life is a succession of moments; to live each one is to succeed…

2007-04-17T13:44:00.001+12:00

Life is all about waking up each day to discover something new, about meeting wahi puraane log but making new conversations, walking through puraane galiyan but still feeling kuch accha about it, realising that you have grown a day older but still feeling young at your heart, meeting busy schedules, but still finding time for old friends, being nostalgic about beethe huve kal but still looking forward for aanewaala kal…

We go through life trying to make sure everything is perfect. Through the most important moments of our life, we check all the details, brush the little speck of dust on the new coffee table, and make sure all the people who matter are present.
All this, while life happens, takes it's own course, leaving you wondering. It's humbling to learn and accept that we cannot control it all. Life battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster, but sooner or later the one who wins is the one who thinks he/she can.

Here is a paragraph that explains Life!
Arthur Ashe, the legendary Wimbledon player was dying of AIDS, which he got due to, infected blood he received during a heart surgery in 1983. From world over, he received letters from his fans, one of which conveyed: “Why does God have to pick you for such a bad disease?”

To this, Ashe replied: “The world over 5 crore children start playing tennis; 50 lakh learn to play tennis; 5 lakh learn professional tennis; 50,000 come to the circuit; 5000 reach the grand slam; 50 reach Wimbledon; 4 to semi-final; 2 to the finals, When I was holding a Cup
I never asked God “Why me?” And today in pain I should not be asking God, “Why me?”

Happiness keeps you Sweet, Trials keep you Strong,
Sorrow keeps you Human, Failure Keeps you Humble,
Success keeps you Glowing, But only God Keeps you going..

Life consists not in holding good cards, but in playing those you hold well. We can choose our attitude even though we cannot always choose our circumstances. We cannot control all the events that happen in our lives but we can control how we deal with them. The choice is always ours.

This life is worth living, and we can say, since it is what we make it. We owe it to almighty to give it our best shot, and even if it falls short, we know one more way of how not going about it..… Live life to the fullest…. Always look behind with forgiveness, ahead with hope, above with gratitude…

aur ab suno what the crabby lady, Maxine has got to say about Life..

Action - Adverb Combos

2007-04-05T10:01:00.000+12:00

Awesome action-adverb combinations to lead a better life...

Relish-----------Fully
Converse---------Softly
Walk-------------Humbly
Eat--------------Sensibly
Breathe----------Deeply
Sleep------------Sufficiently
Dress------------Smartly
Act--------------Fearlessly
Work-------------Patiently
Think------------Truthfully
Believe----------Correctly
Behave-----------Decently
Learn------------Practically
Plan-------------Orderly
Earn-------------Honestly
Save-------------Regularly
Spend------------Intelligently
Love-------------Passionately

I am sooo psyched right now as the much awaited Long weekend is just 6 hours away (Dinchak Dinchak Da)....Off I scoot now.....Have a safe and happy Easter!! Enjoy your break..Gobble up all the hot cross buns, Easter bunnies and Chocci eggs..

Laugh a Little!!

2007-04-03T09:44:00.000+12:00

By the time a Marine pulled into a little town, every hotel room was taken. "You've got to have a room somewhere," he pleaded. "Or just a bed, I don't care where."
"Well, I do have a double room with one occupant, a Navy guy," admitted the manager, "and he might be glad to split the cost. But to tell you the truth, he snores so loudly that people in adjoining rooms have complained in the past. I'm not sure it'd be worth it to you."
"No problem," the tired Marine assured him. "I'll take it."
The next morning the Marine came down to breakfast bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.

"How'd you sleep?" Asked the manager.
"Never better."
The manager was impressed. "No problem with the other guy snoring, then?"
"Nope, I shut him up in no time." Said the Marine.
"How'd you manage that?" asked the manager.
"He was already in bed, snoring away, when I came in the room," the Marine explained. "I went over, gave him a kiss on the cheek, said, 'Goodnight, beautiful,' and he sat up all night watching me.

*************************************************************************************
A coach tour driver is travelling with a bus load of pensioners down the motorway when he is tapped on his shoulder by a little old lady. She offers him a handful of peanuts, which he gratefully munches up.
After about 15 minutes, she taps him on his shoulder again and she hands him another handful of peanuts. She repeats this gesture about five more times.
When she is about to hand him another batch, he asks the little old lady,
"why don`t you eat the peanuts yourself?".
"We can't chew them because we've no teeth", she replied.
The puzzled driver asks, "Why do you buy them then?"
The old lady replied, "We just love the chocolate around them."

*************************************************************************************

One Sardar was enjoying Sun on a Beach in America. A lady came and asked him, "Are you relaxing" Sardar answered "No I am Banta Singh. "Another Guy Came and asked the same Question. Sardar answered "No No Me Banta Singh". Third one came and asked the same question Sardar was totally annoyed and decided to shift his place.While walking he saw another Sardar enjoying the Beach. He went and asked him " Are you Realxing?". Another Sardar was much educated and answered Yes, I am realxing. The Sardar slapped him on his face and said "Salay, Sab tere Ko wahah doond rahe hai aur tu Yahaan Aaram Kar raha hai."

*************************************************************************************

A donkey kicked Santa and ran away...
Santa ran to catch the donkey...
He finally caught up with a zebra and started beating it....
Saying.. 'SALA Tracksuit Pahan Ke Dhoka De Raha Hai..!!.

..And ME scores a Century!!

2007-03-29T09:22:00.000+12:00

This is my 100th post!!! Yesss I am 100 posts old... And still going strong.. :)*Zordaar Taaliyaan (huge round of applauds) to All Smiles for making it this far*

I became familiar with the blog world after reading my friend's blogs, who happen to be my best buddies in real life and I got inspired to start blogging. Sadiya's blog was the first ever blog I read in and out. I never thought I would/could write anything at all. The mere thought of writing something and putting it for public display is something that I could never comprehend. I am way too protective of my thoughts, and don't like being judged by any aira gaira (random) person. Considering the person I am, I still can’t believe that I have got to 100 posts and still having fun!!

I am not here coz I have ample of time to kill or coz I am lonely. I am here only for my sheer love of writing and sharing experiences. I believe experiences and adventures shared together, without a doubt, make up some of the most precious times of our lives. If, over the past months, I have managed to put a smile on someone’s face then I haven’t wasted my time. If I have caused any of you to groan I sincerely apologize.

All those lovely people who leave comments and say many kind words encouraging me, those lurkers who silently endorse this space, this post is a small and humble token of appreciation to you all....THANK YOU!!

On that note, pour yourself some bubbly…lets clink glasses and raise a toast for those small and simple pleasures that make Life soo beautiful. I know I am quite late in the game and got some ground to make up for.... So, all you loyal readers of this blog, be assured, I will be around for some more time to come!!!

Monday Blues????

2007-03-26T10:28:00.000+12:00

Oh Gawd….It’s Monday!! I have hoped and hoped this morning that the clock would magically turn back and make it Sunday again, so I wouldn’t have to leave my cozy warm bed and face the world... well, can you blame me after the performance of Men in Blue (meri izzat ki tho waat lag gayi).....Yeh Ghalib ji ka sher unke naam -

nikalna KHuld se aadam ka sunte aayeiN haiN lekin
bohot be_aabru hokar tere kooche se hum nikle

Anu is right! I gotta get my loyalties right, Go Black Caps!!!

Why is it that weekends always pass in the blinking of an eye, while five days of work doesn't? - An eternal mystery to me. Kaash.. only if we could do something to make them a bit longer. I am pretty sure I am not the only one to think like this, come Monday morning you see the very same pepped up individuals who sang ‘Have a great Weekend’ dragging their steps with long faces on Monday. I know what my goal for the future is now, to find a job where I can have a three-day weekend (Lucky Govind). But on second thoughts how would the weekends be special if we didn’t have 5 weekdays (Ssshhh..this is my confused soul speaking)

So, chalo all you smart people – here is your mission for the day….Put your thinking caps on and figure this out - How do we make the weekends longer?? While you do this, I will try and figure out if there is a way of dozing away on desk with my eyes open.

Chalo ab thoda sa kaam bhi karloon…Signing off with hope on this splendid Monday morning that holds the promise of a wonderful week ahead - Have fun!!

Garaj Baras -

2007-03-23T08:50:00.000+12:00

Main aur meri Lapie aksar yeh baatein karte hain,
Agar sangeet na hota tho kaisa hota,
yeh duniya kitni bejaan aur sooni si lagti,

Zindagi kitni adhoori si hoti,

Main aur meri Lapie aksar yeh baatein karte hain...

(For the ignorant, Lapie=Laptop)

I LOVE music...no, actually, I am obsessed with good music. If I am not listening to music, I will be humming (every nook in my bathroom is waqif with this talent of mine) and other times I play soundtracks in my head, an oddity of mine (ah haa just when you thought you knew everything about me)…I like anything that has soul stirring lyrical values, words move me.. I can listen to a melodious voice reciting words that pierce your soul till the cows come home..

So, what am I listening to right now? Ghazals by the indisputable Ghazal King, Jagjit Singh.
He is awesome – his amazing voice blows me away every time I listen to him. The range of emotions he flaunts in his ghazals are unmatchable. Listening to his tracks invoke all sorts of emotions in you. Here is one elegant ghazal from the album I have been listening to, Insight –

Garaj baras pyaasi dharti par phir paani de maulaa
chidiyon ko daanaa, bachchon ko gud-dhaanii de maulaa

do aur do ka jod hamesha chaar kahaan hota hai
soch samajh waalon ko thodi naadaani de maulaa

phir roshan kar zehar kaa pyaalaa chamakaa nai saliben
jhoothon ki duniyaa mein sach ko taabaani de maulaa

phir moorat se baahar aakar chaaron aur bikhar jaa
phir mandir ko koi meera deewaani de maulaa

tere hote koi kisi ki jaan kaa dushman kyon ho
jeene waalon ko marne kii aasaanii de maulaa

A soulful rendition - incredible lyrics by Nida Fazli and the velvety voice of the maestro himself... An absolute treat for the ears.

Happy Ugadi!!

2007-03-20T10:33:00.000+12:00

The New year festival or Ugadi comes close on the heels of Holi. While the strong colors of Holi start fading away, the freshness of spring lingers on with sprightliness all around. Ugadi is celebrated with festive fervor in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Karnataka. While it is called Ugadi in A.P. and Karnataka, in Maharashtra it is known as Gudi Padawa.

Ugadi marks the beginning of a new Hindu lunar calendar with a change in the moon's orbit. A day when mantras are chanted and predictions are made for the New Year. Prayers for health, wealth, prosperity and success are part of the festival. Ugadi is considered the most auspicious time to start new ventures and make new beginnings.

The celebration of Ugadi is marked by religious zeal and social merriment. Special dishes are prepared for the occasion. "Ugadi pachchadi" is one such dish that is made of new jaggery, raw mango pieces and neem flowers and new tamarind, which truly reflect life - a combination of sweet, sour and bitter tastes! The inner significance of this preparation is to indicate that life is a mixture of good and bad, joy and sorrow and all experiences have to be treated alike…Welcome everything and accept it with grace.

Here’s wishing a very prosperous new year to everyone. May this year usher in peace and serenity to the world, less/no natural calamities, and bring joy, happiness & fortune to all.

Yay!! it's Friday!!

2007-03-16T12:22:00.000+13:00

It is amazing what a stretch of fine weather can do to your moods.. Yup, that’s right! I belong to one those weird sorts and just when the weather lady got me all excited with an upbeat forecast for couple more weeks to come, Surya maharaj has decided on playing peek-a-boo.. Oh, well...Watch out for dark days ahead..In case you've forgotten, the clocks go back this weekend, meaning less daylight for another six months or so. We'll miss you daylight saving.

Of late, I have developed this annoying bad habit where I am not completing any book, just reading the first 10-15 pages and jumping to another book, still trying to figure out what has overcome me.. Venu thinks it is the book (samajhdhaar bachha) and me thinks it is ME. Before I forget, did you see how West Indies strangled Pakistan by 54 runs(thukku thukku kottarule) ..

I had a fantabulous week and no, it has got nothing to do with me being in the office only for 3 days (Do you really believe that??)
Observations of the week -
* Cute guys should never be invited to training sessions as they can be very distracting and any possibility of you listening and asking intelligent questions to impress everyone in the room is out of the window.
* The consequences of your past behaviour dictate your future behaviour, YES I have used the oven mit this time.
* Some people are just soo dumb and will remain dumb. No point in making excuses for them.

Ok, must dash now.. It is Big Guys’s turn today and he is treating us to a lunch at
Al Dente...Yummyyy..no pigging too much ‘cause dinner pe jaana hai and “Pehchan Kaun” is cooking (hmm...slurp, slurp). Phir Milenghe till then be safe and have a good one!!

Might a dark horse steal the show this time?

2007-03-13T09:44:00.000+13:00

The 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup is currently taking place in the West Indies from March 13 to April 28, 2007. There will be a total of 51 matches played at the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, which is three fewer than at the 2003 World Cup, despite the two extra teams taking part. It will be contested by 16 nations divided into four groups of four teams. The top two teams from each group will then compete in a "Super 8" format, similar to the previous "Super 6" format, from which the semi-finalists will be decided. The Greenfield Stadium, Trelawny, Jamaica hosted the Opening Ceremony on 11 March.

Will India Win The World Cup?

Good news for all the cricket lovers, The 2007 World Cup will not, after all, be a one-horse race. After dominating the cricket season for nearly a decade since winning the World Cup in 1999 the Australians look vulnerable this year. It might be cruel to call this good news as its fans are undoubtedly hurting but let's admit it, there's also an extra thrill in seeing a cocky and arrogant champion lose his crown. The King from Down Under is not expected to abdicate the throne willingly so lets not expect the Aussies to turn over and play dead.

Two teams to watch out for are South Africa and New Zealand. The former have, ever since their re-induction into international cricket after decades of apartheid-related boycott, been reduced in earlier Cups to the bridesmaid but never the bride. But the law of averages and the law of cricketing balance favors them this time. New Zealand, if it keeps current form going, can be a handful for any team on any day at any venue. And as for West Indies, to rely on a single batting genius - Brian Lara- to carry West Indies through a six-week tournament is just asking too much, don’t you think?

Pakistan teems with raw sporting talent and those mercurial men in green are quite capable of springing a surprise if they keep their heads calmly together. That's a big if, though.

India is still the strongest team on paper, but cricket sadly is played in the outdoors. On paper, India boasts of at least three of the highest batting averages in One-Dayers - those of Sachin Tendulkar, Saurav Ganguly and Rahul Dravid. Virender Sehwag, Mahender Singh Dhoni and Yuvraj Singh are known for quick scoring. Their strike rates are up there among the best in the business. Why do I sound a bit skeptical? Quite simply because I'm not sure the present bunch has enough all-rounders to tilt the scales in their favour.

Cricket, like life, can turn out to be a graveyard for grumpy predictions. That is its charm and its poetry. Lets hope and pray Rahul Dravid lifts that Cup on April 28.

Wishing the Indian cricket team all the best in the World Cup matches….

Qualities Of A Leader

2007-03-09T15:02:00.000+13:00

Short and crisp list of qualities....This caught my attention while browsing, so I decided to post it on my blog, atleast for future reference (mmmm... did I mention, I am full of myself? :))

THE 21 INDISPENSABLE QUALITIES OF A LEADER - By John C Maxwell

1. Character: Be a Piece of the Rock
2. Charisma: The First Impression Can Seal The Deal
3. Commitment: It Separates Doers From Dreamers
4. Communication: Without it You Travel Alone
5. Competence: If You Build It, They Will Come
6. Courage: One Person With Courage Is A Majority
7. Discernment: Put An End To Unsolved Mysteries
8. Focus: The Sharper It Is, The Sharper You Are
9. Generosity: Your Candle Loses Nothing When It Lights Another
10. Initiative: You Won’t Leave Home Without It
11. Listening: To Connect With Their Hearts, Use Your Ears
12. Passion: Take This Life And Love It
13. Positive Attitude: If You Believe You Can, You Can
14. Problem Solving: You Can’t Let Your Problems Be A Problem
15. Relationships: If You Get Along, They’ll Go Along
16. Responsibility: If You Won't Carry the Ball, You Can’t Lead The Team
17. Security: Competence Never Compensates for Insecurity
18. Self-Discipline: The First Person You Lead Is You
19. Servanthood: To Get Ahead, Put Others First
20. Teachability: To Keep Leading, Keep Learning
21. Vision: You Can Seize Only What You Can See

Me says...

Chalo, off I go now...Take care and have a great weekend people!!

HOLI HAI!!

2007-03-02T15:36:00.000+13:00

Gulal, red, green, yellow and countless
A day's canvas - a riot of colors
Lively crowd running hither and thither,
rejoicing at the marvel of colors.
A day filled with lustre and gaiety,
A day to smear our dreams-
with a splash of vibrant frenzy colors
Holi Hai! A spring of unbounded fun and frolic!!

Holi...Indian festival of colors! It is also a festival to welcome the first stirrings of spring. Colours fill the atmosphere as people throw all sorts of colours in the air showing great joy and mirth in the arrival of this Spring Festival. Holi marks the end of the winter gloom and rejoices in the bloom of the springtime, the other name of the festival is FUN. It is such a colourful and joyous sight to watch huge piles of bright red, magenta, pink, green and blue everywhere on the streets. Buying those colours seems as you are bringing joys and colour to your home and into your life.

Songs, dance, drinks, food everything goes in excess when it is time for Holi. It can be said, "Life turns Colourful" when it is time for Holi.

A Very Happy and Colourful Holi to You and Yours. Hope this Holi paints your life with colours of happiness and love.

BAS YUN HI...

2007-02-27T14:41:00.000+13:00

The best way to get even is to forget...

Feed your faith and your doubts will starve to death.

God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts...

Some folks wear their halos much too tight...

Some marriages are made in heaven, but they ALL have to be maintained on earth...

Unless you can create the WHOLE universe in 5 days, then perhaps giving "advice" to God, isn't such a good idea.

Words are windows to the heart.

It isn't difficult to make a mountain out of a molehill, just add a little dirt.

A successful marriage isn't finding the right person-it's being the right person.

The mighty oak tree was once a little nut that held its ground.

The tongue must be heavy indeed because so few people can't hold it.

To forgive is to set the prisoner free, and then discover the prisoner was you.

You have to wonder about humans, they think God is dead and Elvis is alive.

It's all right to sit on your pity pot every now and again. Just be sure to flush when you are done.

You'll notice that a turtle only makes progress when it sticks out its neck...

Sorrow looks back, worry looks around, and faith looks up...

One of 'those' weeks!!

2007-02-23T10:43:00.000+13:00

You know it has been one of THOSE weeks when…

- You almost doze off on your desk, promise yourself that you will go to bed early and manage to go to bed only after 11 pm.. Nateeje mein this conversation every morning this week -
At 6:00
The man of the house: Chinnu..
Me: Umm..
The man of the house: Utto, zara time dekho..
Me: Umm…yeah

At 6.15
The man of the house: Chinnulu...
Me: Umm, yeah yeah...
The man of the house: Ab utto na, You'll be late..
Me: I’m getting up ... one minute, pleeeeasssee.

At 6.20
"CHINNU!!!!! We are getting late to work almost everyday now, get up now or no lunch for you today!!!" (Ohmegod, no food??!!)
Ok Ok..I'm up, stop it now!

- you reach office and realize you didn’t bring your laptop with you (Duh!! what was I thinking)

- every time you enter the kitchen to make a cuppa, either the coffee machine is broke or it has run out of the coffee beans.

- you are on an important call and then realise your cell phone is just about to die before you even got to THE point.

- A colleague brings in a cup of coffee (choo chweet) and you spill it all over your favorite shirt.

- You notice the computer is playing up and when the IT guy comes to have a look, it behaves, absolutely no fuss…

- You send an email and realise you have sent it to the wrong person when you get a reply with all"????????!!!".

- You change the date of a major meeting and forget to inform all those involved! (Need I say what an embarrassing experience it was!)

- You very meticulously draft an email...check and recheck, even read it aloud to see how it sounded and send it to yourself…(don't even bother to think how I managed to do that)

Goof ups...mistakes...galtiyaan .. you name it and Yup, done them this week.. and did I mention my desk is in a royal mess… AAARRGGHH… two words to describe my week – Perfect Disaster.

But I hope everyone else had a grand week.. signing off with a hope for a good one ahead.. Have a great weekend folks!!

Speechless eerrr Postless

2007-02-20T16:13:00.000+13:00

With tangled thoughts and feelings I am really struggling to articulate… and also I have nothing to say! Absolutely nothing.. now how boring is that.. Well, there is this possibility of ranting about my work, the deadlines and how the long hours are getting to me. But, honestly I am so tired from the crap, I really cant be bothered.

I have nothing to gloat about either -

Have I done anything cool lately? No
Have I visited any special places? Noo
Atleast Have I seen any good movies? NOOOO

Enough said..I will bow out now, take some pain killers for my thumping headache and get back to my work..

LOVE is in the air...

2007-02-14T09:20:00.000+13:00

Valentines Day! A special day to remember all your loved ones...

There is no feeling more comforting and consoling than knowing you are right next to the one you love – With a loved one on your side every day is special and calls for a celebration.

Wishing you all A VERY HAPPY VALENTINES DAY!
Hope you all find and cherish LOVE and HAPPINESS in abundance!!!

Mohabbat ki hai dastaa zindagi

Mohabbat jahaan hai wahaan zindagi
Mohabbat na ho to kahaan zindagi
Mohabbat hai to ek jaavedaa zindagi hai …

The Story of the Pencil....

2007-02-12T10:07:00.000+13:00

A boy was watching his grandmother write a letter. At one point, he asked: ‘Are you writing a story about what we’ve done? Is it a story about me?’

His grandmother stopped writing her letter and said to her grandson: ‘I am writing about you, actually, but more important than the words is the pencil I’m using. I hope you will be like this pencil when you grow up.’

Intrigued, the boy looked at the pencil. It didn’t seem very special. ‘But it’s just like any other pencil I’ve ever seen!’

'That depends on how you look at things. It has five qualities, which, if you manage to hang on to them, will make you a person who is always at peace with the world.

‘First quality: you are capable of great things, but you must never forget that there is a hand guiding your steps. We call that hand God, and He always guides us according to His will.

‘Second quality: now and then, I have to stop writing and use a sharpener. That makes the pencil suffer a little, but afterwards, he’s much sharper. So you, too, must learn to bear certain pains and sorrows, because they will make you a better person.

‘Third quality: the pencil always allows us to use an eraser to rub out any mistakes. This means that correcting something we did is not necessarily a bad thing; it helps to keep us on the road to justice.

‘Fourth quality: what really matters in a pencil is not its wooden exterior, but the graphite inside. So always pay attention to what is happening inside you.

'Finally, the pencil’s fifth quality: it always leaves a mark. In just the same way, you should know that everything you do in life will leave a mark, so try to be conscious of that in your every action.’

- From Paulo Coelho's 'Like a Flowing river'

Kabhi kisi ko mukammal jahaan nahin miltaa..

2007-02-07T08:56:00.000+13:00

Kabhi kisi ko mukammal jahaan nahin miltaa
Kahin zameen to kahin aasmaan nahin miltaa

Jise bhi dekhiye wo apne aapmai gum hai
Zubaan mili hain magar humzubaan nahin miltaa

Bujhaa saka hain bhala kaun wakt ke shole
Ye aisi aag hain jis mein dhuaan nahin miltaa

Tere jahaan main aisa nahin ke pyaar na ho
Jahaa ummeed ho is ki wahaa nahin miltaa

One of my favourite Ghazal by Nida Fazli, incredible words conveying the saddest truths of life...the song seems to say it all.

So true and so profound about life in general, and probably applies to almost every one in some way or the other..... but I suppose that's life. We need to count our blessings, feel blessed, and live life in the best way we possibly can appreciating everything life brings with it, joy and sorrow..

This is one of those beautiful Ghazals one can listen to on a cool summer evening, sitting on the deck, sipping a hot cuppa, watching the sunset, reflecting on life ....

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SONSHINE!!!

2007-02-01T08:18:00.000+13:00

We wished for a bundle of joy, happiness for a lifetime and
we got YOU!!, you are God’s wonderful gift to us.

May each day of yours be full of happiness and may all your wishes
come true....

May many blessings come your way
as you celebrate this special day
May you be blessed with many more years
may there be laughter and a life full of cheer.
Happy Birthday Anu!! YOU mean the world to us.
God Bless you sweetheart...
Loads of love from me and papa...

Mera Bharath Mahaan..

2007-01-26T09:30:00.000+13:00

On 26th January 1950 we became a Republic. It is the day we proclaimed to the world that we are a Sovereign Socialist Secular Democratic Republic and our constitution came into force. Republic Day, in a lay man’s term is a day when our constitution got working. This is the day when we got our "rights" and "duties". They were given to us as a part of the democratic and republic setup.

As a kid Republic day was always special to me, yes! there was the holiday thing and also the Republic Day parade which I used to sit back and enjoy. A republic day parade is much more than showcasing your weapons, army and people to the world!! It marks the independence of our nation in terms of defence, technology and other strategic areas. The various presentations depicting the endless art forms and the people of various states reminds us that "India is still a nation with many colors".

And let me not forget the patriotic songs that were the order of the day on Radio and Television. The songs promote communal harmony and bring a sense of pride for the country in the heart of its citizens.

There are many gems out there but here is one song which always make me feel proud as an Indian..
Jahan daal-daal par sone ki chidiyaa karti hai baseraa
woh bhaarat desh hai meraa
jahan satya, ahinsaa aur dharm ka pag-pag lagataa Deraa
woh bhaarat desh hai meraa
This song from Sikander-E-Azam, beautifully sung by Mohammed Rafi aptly describes the Rich India. A beautifully worded song which gives ample satisfaction to an Indian to be proud of its rich heritage, tradition and prosperity... truly a Masterpiece..

Happy Republic Day to all my fellow Indians..

Jai Hind!!

Wah Wah Ramji!!! Jodi Kya Banayi???

2007-01-22T14:44:00.000+13:00

Finally!! the cat is out of the bag...

Ending months of media speculation, the most talked about couple in Bollywood, Bachchan Junior and Ms.Giggles have made it official that they are tying the knot sometime later this year.

All I can think of saying is, Arre yaar, aap bhi na...ja jaake gire bhi tho kahan? ASH-tray mein?? (sniffs, sniffs)...What have you got to say??

What the eye does not admire the heart does not desire…

2007-01-17T14:22:00.000+13:00

Aankhen neechi hui tho hayaa ban gayi,
Aankhen oonchi hui to dua ban gayi,
Aankhen jhuk kar uthi to khata ban gayi,
Aankhen uth kar jhuki to adaa ban gayi...

Sankranti Subhakaankshalu!!

2007-01-12T14:03:00.000+13:00

Wishing you all a memorable festive season of good luck and prosperity. Have a wonderful Bhogi & Pongal.

Sankranti is one of the most colorful and popular festivals of A.P celebrated with a lot of fervour and enthusiasm. It is a harvest festival celebrated in most parts of India under different names .. Sankranti(A.P, Karnataka), Pongal(Tamil Nadu), Makar Sankranti (Maharastra and Gujarat) and Lohri (Punjab and Haryana).

Sankranti is the most important festival for Telugus, considering it to be an omen of more light and sunshine in life. Sankranti is celebrated over three days, the first day (13th Jan) is called 'Bhogi', the second day (14th) is 'Sankranti' and the third day (15th) is 'Kanuma'.

Inspite of the fast changing times, the spirit behind the way we celebrate this festival has not quite changed. I vividly remember Bhogimantalu (a bonfire) lit in early morning on the Bhogi Day symbolizing ringing out the old to ring in the new. All the old stuff is thrown into the fire signifying the cleansing of the house and a fresh start to the New Year. Also during this entire festive season women decorate their ‘vaakili’ (the entrance to the house) with 'muggu/rangoli' and place Gobbemmalu (small balls made from cow dung and decorated with marigold flowers)in the centre.

Another great sight in villages during Sankranti is a decorated bull with multi-coloured attire moving from one house to another led by its master who plays the nadaswaram. The 'gangireddu' is trained to perform a variety of feats and old clothes, raw rice and money are given away to them in charity on the occasion.

and also we get to eat the traditional sankranti sweets and savouries like Ariselu and Bobattulu, Semiya payasam, Paramannam, Pulihora.. yummmm…

Enjoy the festive season and have fun with your friends and family...

To new beginnings...

2006-12-31T09:12:00.000+13:00

Let there be respect for the earth
peace for its people
love in our lives
delight in the good
forgiveness for past wrongs
and from now on a new start...

A very Happy New Year to all of us! May it bring more joy and success.

Quote for today - Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right - Oprah Winfrey

Hohoho!!

2006-12-22T13:56:00.000+13:00

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow;
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true….

Merry Christmas to you and yours… Enjoy the break …
Have fun and be safe out there on the roads…..

Lage Raho Gandhiji!!!

2006-12-19T16:19:00.000+13:00

A great ad.... showing popularity and respect to Gandhiji....Ironically from a non- Indian company!! And none the less this ad won the EPICA awards for best ad.

Click the link below to see the clip...

http://www.epica-awards.org/assets/epica/2004/winners/film/flv/11071.htm

To love and to be loved is the greatest happiness...

2006-12-15T14:52:00.000+13:00

A kindergarten teacher has decided to let her class play a game. The teacher told each child in the class to bring along a plastic bag containing a few potatoes. Each potato will be given a name of a person that the child hates, so the number of potatoes that a child will put in his/her plastic bag will depend on the number of people he/she hates.
So when the day came, every child brought some potatoes with the name of the people he/she hated. Some had 2 potatoes; some 3 while some up to 5 potatoes. The teacher then told the children to carry with them the potatoes in the plastic bag wherever they go for 1 week.
Days after days passed by, and the children started to complain due to the unpleasant smell let out by the rotten potatoes. Besides, those having 5 potatoes also had to carry heavier bags. After 1 week, the children were relieved because the game had finally ended.
The teacher asked: "How did you feel while carrying the potatoes with you for 1 week?" The children let out their frustrations and started complaining of the trouble that they had to go through having to carry the heavy and smelly potatoes wherever they go.
Then the teacher told them the hidden meaning behind the game. The teacher said: "This is exactly the situation when you carry your hatred for somebody inside your heart. The stench of hatred will contaminate your heart and you will carry it with you wherever you go. If you cannot tolerate the smell of rotten potatoes for just 1 week, can you imagine what is it like to have the stench of hatred in your heart for your lifetime???

Moral of the story:
Throw away any hatred for anyone from your heart so that you will not carry sins for a lifetime. Forgiving others is the best attitude to take! Life is to be fortified by many friendships.
To love & to be loved is the greatest happiness. Fate determines who comes into our lives. The heart determines who stays………………….

A nice story that I have come across in recent times.... Life is too short, Try to make it as sweet as possible... :-)... Keep smiling... Life will smile upon you...

Music Playing -

Maine dil se kaha, dhoond laana khushi
Nasamajh laya gum, to yeh gum hi sahi

Bechaara kahan jaanta tha
Khalish hai yeh kya khala hai
Shehar bhar ki khushi se
Yeh dard mera bhala hai
Jashna yeh raaz na aaye
Mazaa toh bas gam main aaya hai...
That is one lovely song from Rog.....

These might help you somewhere :)

2006-12-11T15:05:00.000+13:00

No one can ruin your day without YOUR permission.

Most people will be about as happy as they decide to be.

Others can stop you temporarily, but only you can do it permanently.

Whatever you are willing to put up with is exactly what you will have.

Success stops when you do.

When your ship comes in. ... make sure you are willing to unload it.

You will never "have it all together."

Life is a journey... not a destination. Enjoy the trip!

The best way to escape your problem is to solve it.

I've learned that ultimately 'takers' lose and 'givers' win.

If you don't start, it's certain you won't arrive.

We often fear the thing we want the most.

The biggest lie on the planet: "When I get what I want I will be happy."

Yesterday was the deadline for all complaints.

Look for opportunities...not guarantees.

Life is what's coming....not what was.

Success is getting up one more time.

Now is the most interesting time of all.

When things go wrong.....don't go with them.

Sometimes the majority only means that all the fools are on the same side.

God can mend all broken hearts. You just have to give Him all the pieces.

A person who asks a question might be a fool for five minutes, but a person who doesn't ask, is a fool forever.

Our eyes are placed in front because it is more important to look ahead than to look behind.

I don't have to attend every argument I'm invited to.

A coincidence is when God performs a miracle, and decides to remain anonymous.

Your worst days are never so bad that you are beyond the reach of God's grace... and your best days are never so good that you are beyond the Need of God's grace.

Assumption (absolutely innocent)!

2006-12-08T15:31:00.000+13:00

On my mind…

2006-12-05T08:33:00.000+13:00

They say you should never discuss xxx, politics or religion at a party, but getting into the great weight debate can be just as dicey. Your weight used to be something that was off limits, but these days weight loss (or gain!!) war stories are traded regularly. Not a day goes by in office when at least one of us doesn’t comment on “weight”. Now, I’m the first one to admit that I yearn to be able to wear a pair of skin tight jeans and actually look good in them but the reality is that its never going to happen (I blame my food binge habits) and I’m OK with that.

Weight loss is a hot-button topic that is on the mind of many women, there is this increasing pressure to be thin with a big deal of focus on it constantly. Even the teenagers are feeling a push to be as small as possible. Magazines and entertainment programs glamourising the skeletal bodies of the celebrities aren’t really helping. I mean, look at some celebrities, they look like a gust of wind can blow them over!

Many people cannot loose much weight no matter how hard they try, and promptly regain whatever they do lose. I don’t think there is a single weight-loss diet that shows success in losing a significant amount of weight over the long term, not one. Isn’t that amazing? It’s not as if Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig and the thousands of other companies making billions of dollars from promises of weight loss haven’t been trying. One possible factor making it difficult to loose weight permanently is that our bodies may adjust to situations of reduced food intake by lowering metabolic rate and increasing the proportion of food stored in the body as fat.

We all believe that weight is a simple matter of input (intake of calories) and output (expenditure of energy) but it turns out that human bodies are far more complex systems. Don’t you think nature and nurture both exert influences on body weight?

We need to be happy and comfortable with our bodies. Not like this is easy!! but being healthy is far more important than being thin. In my opinion, weight loss should be about being healthy and happy, not whether you can finally fit into a bikini or whateva..

Happy Birthday Aayushi!!

2006-12-02T09:16:00.000+13:00

Happy FIRST Birthday to my beautiful niece, Aayushi..

Happy Birthday!
Today’s the day we get to say,
We’re happy you were born, Hooray!!!!

Happy Birthday Darling!!! May God bless you with all the best things in life.... Love you loads and loads...

Communication – Demise of the Spoken Word

2006-11-27T12:37:00.000+13:00

6.00am – your bedside alarm wakes you with the sound of breakfast radio. You shower, and flick on the breakfast television news before firing up the computer to clear the five emails that arrived overnight.

On your way to work you plug into your ipod as you drive past five advertising billboards and send three text messages to friends while stuck in traffic.

Upon arrival at work you listen to three voicemail messages, respond to 10 emails, send a fax, have a brief online conversation with an overseas friend, flick through the newspaper at morning tea and open the day’s mail. Before you know it, it’s lunchtime and you’ve communicated in over 10 different ways... all without opening your mouth.

You’ve been communicating, right? Well, maybe not! An English dictionary defines communication as: ‘The imparting or exchange of information, ideas or feelings’. However, communication these days is so often conducted without a spoken word and not always a lot of thought for feelings.

Email has vastly changed the way communication is handled. Instead of simply speaking to a colleague at work place, email has become the preferred communication method. But is email really all it’s cracked up to be? Sure, it’s quick and easy – but not always ideal. In the heat of the moment it’s easy to send a cranky or poorly worded email that can’t be retracted. Face-to-face communication has the benefit of context and tone – and that can make all the difference.

Next time you have something important to say, why not take a minute and communicate the old-fashioned way – face to face. The emotion, spoken words, eye contact and touch all add up, and have a far greater impact than any single aspect of communication alone.

If you don’t have the opportunity to be in the same place, the phone can at least provide a two-way exchange – which, after all is said and done, is what we are really trying to achieve when we communicate.

Wrong Email Address-
It’s wise to remember how easily this wonderful technology can be misused, sometimes unintentionally, with serious consequences. Consider the case of the Illinois man who left the snow-filled streets of Chicago for a vacation in Florida. His wife was on a business trip and was planning to meet him there the next day. When he reached his hotel, he decided to send his wife a quick email. Unable to find the scrap of paper on which he had written her email address, he did his best to type it in from memory.

Unfortunately, he missed one letter, and his note was directed instead to an elderly preachers wife, whose husband had passed away only the day before. When the grieving widow checked her email, she took one look at the monitor, let out a piercing scream, and fell to the floor in a dead faint.

At the sound, her family rushed into the room and saw this note on the screen: Dearest Wife, Just got checked in. Everything prepared for your arrival tomorrow.
PS. Sure is hot down here.

Happy Birthday to my dearest Brother!!

2006-11-13T10:56:00.000+13:00

May your spirit keep the freedom of a butterfly in spring,
May your heart be filled always with the joys of simple things,
May your essence claim the freshness of the new laid morning dew.
All of this...and more... is my Birthday wish for you.
Happy Birthday Kalyan!!

God Bless and keep smiling!!

You are at the top when . . .

2006-11-10T11:01:00.000+13:00

You clearly understand that failure is an event, not a person, that yesterday ended last night, and today is your brand new day.

You have made friends with your past, are focused on the present, and optimistic about your future.

You know that success doesn't make you and failure doesn't break you.

You understand that others can give you pleasure, but genuine happiness comes when you do things for others.

You are pleasant to the grouch, courteous to the rude and generous to the needy.

You can look back in forgiveness, forward in hope, down in compassion and up with gratitude.

You stand in front of the Creator of the universe and He says to you, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant"..

How Smart Are You????

2006-11-07T14:16:00.000+13:00

1. How long did the Hundred Years War last?

2. Which country makes Panama hats?

3. From which animal do we get cat gut?

4. In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution?

5. What is a camel's hair brush made of?

6. The Canary Islands in the Pacific are named after what animal?

7. What was King George VI's first name?

8. What color is a purple finch?

9. What country do Chinese gooseberries come from?

10. What is the color of the black box in a commercial airplane?

How many could you answer?? check out the answers in comments -

Itni Shakti Unhe Dena Daataa ..

2006-11-03T13:37:00.000+13:00

Music has an extraordinary power to transform the ambience and influence your moods. A loud foot-tapping music can send you into a boogying state while a peaceful chant could propel you into the path of a meditative journey.

This is one of my favourite song from the album Ankush, I love the melodious music of the song, wonderful lyrics, rendition and just everything about it. I dedicate this song to a person who is very close to my heart and is going through some tough testing times. May god bless him with enough strength to stream through these hard times.

Itni Shakti Hume Dena Daataa
Man ka Vishvaas Kamzor Ho Naa
Hum Chale Nek Rasthe Pe Humse
Bhulaakar Bhi Koi Bhool Ho Naa...

Har Taraf Zulm Hai Bebasii Hai
Sahamaa Sahamaa Sa Har Aadamii Hai
Paap Ka Boj Badthaa Hi Jaaye
Jaane Kaise Ye Dharti Thami Hai
Bojh Mamtaa Kaa Tu Ye Uthaa Le
Teri Rachanaa Ka Ye Anth Ho Naa...

Door Agyaan Ke Ho Andhere
Tu Hume Gyaan Ki Raushani De
Har Buraaii Se Bachake Rahe Hum
Jitni Bhi De, Bhali Zindagi De
Bair Ho Naa Kisikaa Kisiise
Bhaavana Man Me Badle Ki Ho Naa...

Hum Na Soche Hume Kyaa Milaa Hai
Hum Ye Soche Kiyaa Kyaa Hai Arpan
Phool Khushiyo Ke Baate Sabhii Ko
Sabka Jeevan Hi Ban Jaaye Madhuban
Apni Karunaa Ko Jab Tu Bahaa De
Karade Paavan Har Ik Man Kaa Konaa...

Hum Andhere Mein Hain Raushanii De,
Kho Naa De Khud Ko Hii DushManii Se,
Hum Sazaa Paaye Apne Kiye Kii,
Maut Bhii Ho To Sah Le Khushii Se,
Kal Jo Guzaraa Hai Phirase Naa Guzare,
Aanevaalaa Vo Kal Aisaa Ho Naa...
Hum Chale Nek Raaste Pe Hamase,
Bhulakar Bhii Koi Bhuul Ho Naa...

Itni Shakti Hume Dena Daataa
Man ka Vishvaas Kamzor Ho Naa…

Happy Halloween!!

2006-10-30T11:54:00.000+13:00

Tomorrow is Halloween, a day mostly awaited by kids to trawl from house to house looking for lollies. Though I don’t have a problem with it, I do have a wee concern about kids knocking on houses where they know nothing about the occupant and I know for a fact that there are many parents out there who agree with me.

Usually, Anu is happy to stay indoors and watch the fun when kids come knocking on our door. He wants to make a picture of an orange pumpkin tonight and hang it onto the letterbox to welcome all the witches, ghosts and everything else. A house just opposite to ours was brilliantly decorated last year with witches, lights and some spooky music.

I need to remind Venu to bring lollies on his way home for the kids that are out trick or treating. Anu suggested this morning that we make some fancy cup cakes too for the occasion, lets see if I can get to that this evening.

Happy Halloween and don’t forget to stock up on lollies :)

Weather – Raining, it appears as spring has been postponed until weather god changes his mind.

Mood – Gloomy and yes I am blaming it on the weather or is it the song that I am listening to.

Listening – Tere liye hum hain jiye, honton ko siye, Tere liye, hum hain jiye, har aansoo piye
Dil mein magar, jalte rahe, chaahat ke diye, Tere liye …

Pondering – It is the Attitude and not the Aptitude that determines your Altitude.

Some Good Advice..

2006-10-26T11:49:00.000+13:00

Haven’t had the time or inclination to write anything…but at the same time I hate neglecting my space! So here is some good advice I received from a friend in an email.

Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth. Oh, never mind. You will not understand the power and beauty of your youth until they've faded. But trust me in 20 years, you'll look back at photos of yourself and recall in a way you can't grasp now how much possibility lay before you and how fabulous you really looked. You are not as fat as you imagined.

Don't worry about the future. Or worry, but know that worrying is as effective as trying to solve an algebra problem by chewing bubble gum. The real troubles in your life are apt to be things that never crossed your worried mind, the kind that blindside you at 4 p.m. on some idle Tuesday.

Do one thing everyday that scares you.

Sing.

Don't be reckless with other people's hearts. Don't put up with people who are reckless with yours.

Floss.

Don't waste your time on jealousy. Sometimes you're ahead, sometimes you're behind. The race is long and, in the end, it's only with yourself.

Remember compliments you receive. Forget the insults. If you succeed in doing this, tell me how.

Keep your old love letters. Throw away your old bank statements.

Stretch.

Don't feel guilty if you don't know what you want to do with your life. The most interesting people I know didn't know at 22 what they wanted to do with their lives. Some of the most interesting 40 year olds I know still don't.

Get plenty of calcium. Be kind to your knees. You'll miss them when they're gone.

Maybe you'll marry, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll have children, maybe you won't. Maybe you'll divorce at 40, maybe you'll dance the funky chicken on your 75th wedding anniversary. Whatever you do, don't congratulate yourself too much, or berate yourself either. Your choices are half chance. So are everybody else's.

Enjoy your body. Use it every way you can. Don't be afraid of it or what other people think of it. It's the greatest instrument you'll ever own.

Read the directions, even if you don't follow them.

Do not read beauty magazines they will only make you feel ugly.

Be nice to your siblings; they are the best link to your past and the people most likely to stick with you in the future.

Understand that friends come and go, but for the precious few you should hold on. Work hard to bridge the gaps in geography and lifestyle because the older you get, the more you need the people you knew when you were young.

Accept certain inalienable truths, prices will rise, politicians will philander, you too will get old, and when you do you'll fantasize that when you were young prices were reasonable, politicians were noble and children respected their elders.

Respect your elders.

Don't expect anyone else to support you. Maybe you have a trust fund, maybe you have a wealthy spouse; but you never know when either one might run out.

Don't mess too much with your hair, or by the time you're 40, it will look 85.

Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it's worth.

Happy Diwali!!

2006-10-21T08:18:00.000+13:00

Diwali, also known as Deepavali (literally means a row of lamps), is perhaps the most important and ancient of the Indian festivals. It is colloquially known as “The Festival of Lights” the time when families light small oil lamps (known as diyas) and candles around the home and set off firecrackers and fireworks.

Traditionally Diwali is celebrated for five days, each day having its own significance, rituals and myths. Though the reason for celebrating Diwali is different in different parts of India, the spirit is same for all, as Diwali signifies the triumph of light over darkness, good over evil, and renewal of life.

Wishing everyone a very happy and a safe Diwali!! Have a Blast!!

Laws of Aayushi..

2006-10-19T08:30:00.000+13:00

We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that the child is someone today. - Stacia Tauscher

This cute, adorable, precious, bundle of joy is my 10 mth old niece, Aayushi. She is just learning to take steps by herself and is into everything at the moment. According to my mum and dad, she is a cutie pie and a smartie pie, cutie pie is alright but mum says she is smarter than (ahem, ahem) me :). She already knows what she wants and loves listening to music and playing with new toys. I always look forward to seeing her in the weekends. Here are some laws she had already laid for all of us..

1. If it's in my hand, it's mine.

2. If it is on the floor, it's mine.

3. If I found it, it is mine.

4. If it moves or if I can make it move it is mine.

5. If I can take it from you, it's mine.

6. Even if you take it from me, it is still mine.

7. If I had it a little while ago, it's mine.

8. If it looks just like mine, it's mine.

9. If I think it's mine, it's mine.

10. If I want it or like it, it is mine.

11. If I'm doing or building something, all the pieces are mine.

12. Your keys become mine when you put them down.

13. If you give it to me, I don't want it until you don't want me to have it anymore.

Love you lots and lotttsss Aayushi.. God Bless you!!

Reading – Digital Fortress by Dan Brown

Song Playing -
Ae jaate hue lamhon zara thehro, zara thehro,
Main bhi to chalta hoon, zara unse milta hoon
Jo ek baat dil mein hai, unse kahoon ..

One of my fav quote (hee hee)
If you think your boss is stupid, remember, you wouldn't have a job if he was smarter. - Albert Grant

I realise …

2006-10-17T09:59:00.000+13:00

That prayers don’t guarantee miracles, but they still heal.

That every emotion doesn’t need words for expression, you can feel someone's care through their eyes.

That eyes speak volumes, you can estimate perfectly the beauty and truth underneath the skin.

That unless you learn to be your own emotional anchor, you cannot be one to someone else and someone else cannot be one to you.

That a lesson will be repeated again, till you’ve learnt it well enough.

That there is no shame in tears, but you still don’t want the world to see your vulnerability.

That sometimes being alone helps you disentangle your intricacies, but you secretly wish there was a shoulder you could lean on.

Kids Think Quick!!

2006-10-13T15:15:00.000+13:00

TEACHER : Maria, go to the map and find North America.
MARIA : Here it is!
TEACHER : Correct. Now class, who discovered America?
CLASS : Maria!
____________________________________________

TEACHER : Why are you late, Frank?
FRANK : Because of the sign.
TEACHER : What sign?
FRANK : The one that says,"School Ahead, Go Slow."
______________________________________________________

TEACHER : John, why are you doing your math multiplication on
the floor?
JOHN : You told me to do it without using tables!
______________________________________________________

TEACHER : Glenn, how do you spell "crocodile?"
GLENN : K-R-O-K-O-D-A-I-L"
TEACHER : No, that's wrong
GLENN : Maybe it s wrong, but you asked me how I spell it!
______________________________________________________

TEACHER : Donald, what is the chemical formula for water?
DONALD : H I J K L M N O!!
TEACHER : What are you talking about?
DONALD : Yesterday you said it's H to O!
______________________________________________________

TEACHER : Winnie, name one important thing we have today
that we didn't have ten years ago?
WINNIE : Me!
______________________________________________________

TEACHER : Goss, why do you always get so dirty?
GOSS : Well, I'm a lot closer to the ground than you are.
______________________________________________________

TEACHER : Millie, give me a sentence starting with "I."
MILLIE : I is...
TEACHER : No, Millie..... Always say,"I am."
MILLIE : All right... "I am the ninth letter of the alphabet."
______________________________________________________

TEACHER : Can anybody give an example of COINCIDENCE?
TINO : Sir, my Mother and Father got married on the same day,
same time."
_____________________________________________________

TEACHER : George Washington not only chopped down his father's cherry tree, but also admitted doing it. Now, Louie, do you know why his father didn't punish him?"
LOUIS : Because George still had the ax in his hand.
______________________________________________________

TEACHER : Now, Simon, tell me frankly,do you say prayers before
eating?
SIMON : No sir, I don't have to, my Mom is a good cook.
______________________________________________________

TEACHER : Clyde, your composition on "My Dog" is exactly
the same as your brother's. Did you copy his?
CLYDE : No, teacher, it's the same dog!
______________________________________________________
TEACHER : Harold, what do you call a person who keeps on
talking when people are no longer interested?
HAROLD : A teacher.

It's all in the punctuation:

2006-10-12T11:38:00.000+13:00

Everyone teases me at work saying I have a love affair with punctuation marks as I seem to use them quite generously.. Yesterday while writing an email, I was stuck with punctuation.. use of Apostrophes, silly as it may sound, I was suddenly unsure when writing a plural in possession, whether I use it at the end of the word or before and there it was, an opportunity for me to learn about Apostrophes and well cutting a long story short now I know all the rules for the correct use. Learning never seems to stop..

An English professor wrote the words,
"Woman without her man is nothing" on the blackboard
and directed his students to punctuate it correctly.

The women wrote: "Woman: Without her, man is nothing."
The men wrote: "Woman, without her man, is nothing."

Thought for the Day!

Many Moods of Tweety –

2006-10-10T13:37:00.000+13:00

Which one can you relate to?? I am a bit annoyed today as my BO reports are testing my patience..

Phir Bhi Koi Kami Si Hai...

2006-10-04T09:47:00.000+13:00

Yun To Guzar Raha Hai, Har Ik Pal Khushi Ke Saath,
Phir Bhi Koi Kami Si Hai, Kyun Zindagi Ke Saath

Rishta Vafayen Dosti, Sab Kuch To Pass Hai,
Kya Baat Hai Pata Nahi, Dil Kyun Udas Hai,
Har Lamha Hai Haseen, Nayi Dilkashi Ke Saath,
Phir Bhi Koi Kami Si Hai, Kyu Zindagi Ke Saath

Chahat Bhi Hai Sukun Bhi Hai Dilbari Bhi Hai,
Aankhon Mein Khawab Bhi Hai, Labon Par Hansi Bhi Hai,
Dil Ko Nahi Hai Koi, Shikayat Kisi Ke Saath,
Phir Bhi Koi Kami Si Hai, Kyun Zindagi Ke Saath

Socha Tha Jaisa Vaisa Hi Jeevan To Hai Magar,
Ab Aur Kis Talaash Mein Baichain Hai Nazar,
Kudrat To Mehrban Hai, Darayadili Ke Saath,
Phir Bhi Koi Kami Si Hai, Kyun Zindagi Ke Saath

A soul stirring ghazal from the album “Muntazir” by Jagjit Singh!

Happy Dussehra!!

2006-10-02T09:36:00.000+13:00

On this pious day where we celebrate the triumph of good over evil, wishing you all happiness, peace and prosperity. Happy Dussehra everyone!!!

I don’t want to Work today...

2006-09-29T10:33:00.000+12:00

Have this really strong urge to stand up and yell...I DON’T WANT TO WORK TODAY!!

No prizes for guessing, I am not in a mood to work today and I have no valid reason whatsoever. We all have some good days and some bad days and some days that are neither, probably like the one I am experiencing today.. where you get up in the morning and feel sooo lazy and just cant be bothered with anything.

Venu did suggest that I should take the day off..which obviously I haven't as I don't have a valid reason for asking leave! What do I tell Fiona? "Hey, I am not coming in today as I am not in a mood to work!"-Yeah right! But when you think about it..IT IS a valid reason! Mood swings are not in my control and if my moods are hostile to work..not much I can do, is there?? Also what is the point in dragging myself here when I am not even a bit productive …. maybe companies should start granting leaves for an extremely “Productivity@work impacting” reason like this, wot say? Mujhe kaam karne ka mood nahi hai tho main kya karoon????

Anyone listening!!...I AM NOT IN A MOOD TO WORK TODAY!!

Reading – A huge round of applauds please.. At last done with “As the Crow Flies”.

Song Playing – Beheta hai man kahin, kahaan jaante nahin, koyi rokle yahin..
Bhaage re mann kahin, aage re mann chala, jaane kidhar jaanu na.. from Chameli

Thought for today - Relationships
Came across the below lines.....we say this to ourselves many times "we hurt those we love the most"...but I loved the way it's been put across in these lines...

There's one sad truth in life I've found
While journeying east and west
The only folks we really wound
Are those we love the best
We flatter those we scarcely know
We please the fleeting guest
And deal full many a thoughtless blow
To those who love us best
- Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Which one are you??

2006-09-27T09:10:00.000+12:00

Thought of the Day!!

2006-09-22T10:13:00.000+12:00

Logic will get you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere...

Without leaps of imagination, or dreaming, we lose the excitement of possibilities. Dreaming, after all, is a form of planning.

A trip to remember..

2006-09-19T12:53:00.000+12:00

We have been to the Whakapapa ski fields with Abha & Co. on Saturday and had a great time, the ski fields are on the northeasterly slopes of Mt Ruapehu. It is New Zealands biggest and busiest ski area. Like most areas in New Zealand, Whakapapa has treeless alpine conditions and the skifield itself is divided in two by an ancient remnant lava flow.
Below are some pics... Needless to say kids had a fantastic time..

A magnificent view of the snow clad mountains

Anu with Aman and Ishi

Anu on the snow board followed by Aman and Govind with Ishi

Surrounded by stunning volcanoes, bush clad mountains and a spectacular landscape lies the largest freshwater lake in the Southern Hemisphere, Lake Taupo.
The water is stunningly blue - the air fresh and unpolluted - the town bustling with cafes and the scenic delights greet visitors at every turn.

Abha(in white top) tried her best to look as tall as me.. hee hee

Just a short drive north of Taupo are the Huka Falls, New Zealand's most visited natural attraction. The thundering Huka Falls provide a fantastic photo opportunity - more than 220,000 litres of water tumbles over the cliff face per second! The falls occur when the Waikato River, after flowing over a comparatively wide bed, is abruptly confined for about 250 yards to a narrow rock-bound chasm less than 50 ft wide. At the lower end the whole discharge of the river is precipitated over a cliff 35 ft high into a deep circular basin. The name “Huka”, meaning “foam”, is appropriate and the falls look awesome.

All of us together

Happy Birthday to my Hubby dearest..

2006-09-14T09:22:00.000+12:00

Tumhe aur kya doon main dil ke siwaye,
tumko hamari umar lag jaaye...

May everything happy and everything bright
Be yours on your birthday
From morning till night and then through the year
May the same thing hold true
So that each day is filled with life's best things for you!
Have a Happy Birthday Chinnu..

I wake up every morning with a smile on my face because of you on my side. You make my world a better place, Love you loads and loads… Muuuaaahhhh..

Happiness!

2006-09-13T09:25:00.000+12:00

Happiness is a conscious choice, not an automatic response.

Happiness grows at our own firesides, and is not to be picked in strangers' gardens.

Success is getting and achieving what you want. Happiness is wanting and being content with what you get."

Act happy, feel happy, be happy, without a reason in the world. Then you can love, and do what you will.

Until you make peace with who you are, you'll never be content with what you have.

Tis easy enough to be pleasant,
When life flows along like a song;
But the man worth while is the one who will smile
When everything goes dead wrong.

Even a happy life cannot be without a measure of darkness, and the word happy would lose its meaning if it were not balanced by sadness. It is far better to take things as they come along with patience and equanimity.

A happy person is not a person in a certain set of circumstances, but rather a person with a certain set of attitudes.

We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have.

Happiness is not something you postpone for the future; it is something you design for the present.

Happiness does not come from doing easy work but from the afterglow of satisfaction that comes after the achievement of a difficult task that demanded our best.

You can complain because roses have thorns, or you can rejoice because thorns have roses.

Happiness adds and multiplies, as we divide it with others.

The greatest happiness of life is the conviction that we are loved - loved for ourselves, or rather, loved in spite of ourselves.

Happiness is good health and a bad memory.

Watch your manner of speech if you wish to develop a peaceful state of mind. Start each day by affirming peaceful, contented and happy attitudes and your days will tend to be pleasant and successful.

They say a person needs just three things to be truly happy in this world. Someone to love, something to do and something to hope for.

The best way for a person to have happy thoughts is to count his blessings and not his cash There is no goal better than this one: to know as you lie on your deathbed that you lived your true life, and you did whatever made you happy.

Being happy doesn't mean everything is perfect. It means you have decided to look beyond the imperfections.

This is how it all started -

2006-09-12T10:12:00.000+12:00

Can’t wait for Garfield 2 (A Tail of Two Kitties) to hit the screens..

Thought to Ponder -The reason people find it so hard to be happy is that they always see the past better than it was, the present worse than it is, and the future less resolved than it will be.

Happy Birthday Abha!!

2006-09-10T08:34:00.000+12:00

Wishing you all the joy that you can wish for!!
Hope you have a fantabulous day and the year ahead has in store all that your heart desires!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!

God bless and Keep Smiling!!

Men and Women ...

2006-09-08T12:15:00.000+12:00

"According to a recent survey, men say the first thing they notice about a woman is their eyes, and women say the first thing they notice about men is they're a bunch of liars"

"Woman begins by resisting a man's advances and ends up blocking his retreat."

"Women have a wonderful instinct about things. They can discover everything except the obvious."

"A woman has got to love a bad man once or twice in her life, to be thankful for a good one"

"Men always want to be a woman's first love - women like to be a mans last romance."

"A man's face is his autobiography. A woman's face is her work of fiction."

"Every woman is wrong until she cries, and then she is right, instantly"

"Women always worry about the things that men forget; men always worry about the things women remember"

"Women marry men hoping they will change. Men marry women hoping they will not. So each is inevitably disappointed."

"Most women have all other women as adversaries; most men have all other men as their allies"

"Woman's dearest delight is to wound Man's self-conceit, though Man's dearest delight is to gratify hers"

Thot of the Day!