Christmas is round the corner - the streets are lit up, people have a spring in their steps, shopping goes on in a frenzy. Santa is charming his way into the hearts of thousands of children. Though, the origins of the festival are religious in nature, I don't see any religious bearings about it now. I feel like partaking in the celebration, though I don't visit Church.
The same can be said about Diwali - the festival of lights in India. The origins of the festival had religious bearings, but today it is more of a merry time with lots of sweets, time with family, new clothes and ornaments. The whole community feels inclined to partake in the celebrations.
Since most of the fun about festivals is the fact that the community enjoys it as a whole, when people migrate to another part of the world, is it but natural for them to adapt to the new festivals? Why can't my Diwali be celebrated around Thanksgiving time in the US? I'll start my own tradition of Onion sambhar and piping hot idlis for Thanksgiving dinner (with laddoos for dessert)! That gives us ample time with family, and opens up the festive mood. Every so often, I find myself rushing home from work to celebrate Krishna Jayanthi, Diwali & Pongal. I would like to morph Navarathri with Christmas. I could innovate my idol display with Christmas day decorations, and have cows, sheep and camels squatting under my X-mas tree!
Or.....I could just continue doing what I am doing now. Celebrate everything - be it Thanksgiving or Diwali, Krishna Jayanthi or Christmas, Navarathri, Tamil New Year, English New Year, Easter, Karthigai and many, many more! If being happy is the motive of these festivals, why not take every conceivable occasion to spread joy?!
Happy Holiday Season to Everybody - HO HO HO!!!
Friday, December 23, 2005
Thursday, December 15, 2005
Dear Developer:
Recently, I was reading a blog on Echo's site, referring to the Indian software engineers' plight. I could identify with every aspect of it!
Indian software companies have quite a hierarchical structure - there are software engineers, senior software engineers, analysts, module leaders, project leaders, project managers, delivery managers, group delivery managers - you get the picture (The managed:manager ratio is sometimes as high as 1:1!)
Each of these people in the value chain need to feel valued, and feel obliged to contribute their share to the steaming cauldron already roasting developers in a hot pot of oil, over a slow fire.
A new proposal has been submitted, and after several victorious toasts by the marketing team, the project makes its way across the shores. A hapless set of developers are assigned to the project. A day into reading the requirements, and the optimistic developer is dreaming of how he should execute it perfectly this time...and then, he hears the timeline!
Developer To Module Leader: WHAT?! I know for certain this cannot be completed on time because of the following reasons:
(a) .....
(b) .....
(c) .....
Note: All reasons by the developer are in most cases valid!
Module Leader To Project Leader: I have spoken to the team, and it is certainly a challenge to take on this project, and commit to the timelines
Project Leader To Project Manager: The team feels there are certain difficulties in completing this project, but I am positive we can tackle these problems, given that we have x people on the team.
Project Manager To Delivery Manager: We have a wonderful team in place - all hard-working, bright people. So, though there may be some issues, I am sure we can deliver quality results in record time!
The Delivery Manager at this point smiles smugly (This may just be the break he was looking for in his career - a project that gets delivered ahead of schedule, if a little extra pressure is applied!)
Delivery Manager To Group Delivery Manager: We have an enthusiastic team in place, and am confident the project will be successful.
So, dear developer: Do not fret. Your conscience is clear. You have the right to voice your concerns, but management reserves the right to hear them!
Indian software companies have quite a hierarchical structure - there are software engineers, senior software engineers, analysts, module leaders, project leaders, project managers, delivery managers, group delivery managers - you get the picture (The managed:manager ratio is sometimes as high as 1:1!)
Each of these people in the value chain need to feel valued, and feel obliged to contribute their share to the steaming cauldron already roasting developers in a hot pot of oil, over a slow fire.
A new proposal has been submitted, and after several victorious toasts by the marketing team, the project makes its way across the shores. A hapless set of developers are assigned to the project. A day into reading the requirements, and the optimistic developer is dreaming of how he should execute it perfectly this time...and then, he hears the timeline!
Developer To Module Leader: WHAT?! I know for certain this cannot be completed on time because of the following reasons:
(a) .....
(b) .....
(c) .....
Note: All reasons by the developer are in most cases valid!
Module Leader To Project Leader: I have spoken to the team, and it is certainly a challenge to take on this project, and commit to the timelines
Project Leader To Project Manager: The team feels there are certain difficulties in completing this project, but I am positive we can tackle these problems, given that we have x people on the team.
Project Manager To Delivery Manager: We have a wonderful team in place - all hard-working, bright people. So, though there may be some issues, I am sure we can deliver quality results in record time!
The Delivery Manager at this point smiles smugly (This may just be the break he was looking for in his career - a project that gets delivered ahead of schedule, if a little extra pressure is applied!)
Delivery Manager To Group Delivery Manager: We have an enthusiastic team in place, and am confident the project will be successful.
So, dear developer: Do not fret. Your conscience is clear. You have the right to voice your concerns, but management reserves the right to hear them!
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Hide the Trash Please!
"Where are the dried prunes ma?" - I had left them in their dried pitted prunes cover in the refridgerator, and could no longer see it there. My mother insists it is right in front of my eyes. Dutiful daughter that I am, I open my eyes wider and look carefully. For the life of me, I cannot see it there! Back to mommie (Side note: I cannot imagine the day we would not go to Ma when we can't find things!) She swoops into the kitchen with an air of confidence, and takes one look -"See, there it is!"
I still can't see a Prunes container - am I going blind?! She waves in impatience and thrusts the Infant Formula Similac container in my arms. I open it to find Prunes in a grapes cover!
"PPLLEEAASSEE MA!! How am I expected to find this? "
"Do you want me to throw this container just because the formula is over?" - she asks with a look of incredulity on her face. I yield reluctantly. Slowly, my kitchen contains mustard seeds in Yogurt containers, dried fruit in Oatmeal containers and Olive oil in Gatorade bottles!!! Gone are the days when I had all uniform containers for all my groceries.
In fact, these days, I rush out with the trash bag diplomatically, lest she finds some stuff that I discreetly placed in the trash bag! Well, I can imagine that in their days, good containers were hard to come by, but if I were to preserve every piece, I would be standing outside for want of space in my home. Yogurt, milk, baby food, juices - the list is endless, and the recycle bin does overflow!!
Environmentally, we were better off with the milkman ringing our doorbell at 6 a.m. instead of placing 3 milk cans in the trash can every week!
I still can't see a Prunes container - am I going blind?! She waves in impatience and thrusts the Infant Formula Similac container in my arms. I open it to find Prunes in a grapes cover!
"PPLLEEAASSEE MA!! How am I expected to find this? "
"Do you want me to throw this container just because the formula is over?" - she asks with a look of incredulity on her face. I yield reluctantly. Slowly, my kitchen contains mustard seeds in Yogurt containers, dried fruit in Oatmeal containers and Olive oil in Gatorade bottles!!! Gone are the days when I had all uniform containers for all my groceries.
In fact, these days, I rush out with the trash bag diplomatically, lest she finds some stuff that I discreetly placed in the trash bag! Well, I can imagine that in their days, good containers were hard to come by, but if I were to preserve every piece, I would be standing outside for want of space in my home. Yogurt, milk, baby food, juices - the list is endless, and the recycle bin does overflow!!
Environmentally, we were better off with the milkman ringing our doorbell at 6 a.m. instead of placing 3 milk cans in the trash can every week!
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
Go Marathoners!!!
This time Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, has Sriks marathon achievement to thank for 24 modak entrees. The pot bellied Indian God is my mother's favourite, and everytime she is concerned about something she has little control over - she feeds him tasty modaks! (How can this poor God ever reduce?!)
As the marathoner's wife, I had well-fed butterflies in my stomach. Citing the sole participant in the car, the entire pack of us tucked in liberally on the carbs! So far Sriks had managed to train without any major injuries, and I was desperately hoping that he would not injure himself at the marathon.
The plan was for Manu/Meera (these sweet folks shall henceforth be referred to as M&M) and self to go and drop Sriks at the start line, and then meet him at the 5th and 10th mile points before heading back to the hotel to pick the rest of the support team, comprising Kittens and my parents. Thanks to M's persistence, we spent the previous evening poring over maps, drawing up checklists and the like. Strategic plans are made to go awry. That night Kittens did not sleep a wink. Four hours and eight minutes after continuously singing "Old McDonald had a farm..." in the night, I felt like I had run a marathon, and I was in no position to accompany Sriks to the startline.
So M&M and my father braved the biting cold to wish him victory. The start was nothing like they had expected - men and women on the riper side of 70 mingled enthusiastically with teens and middle-aged. My father took it upon himself to encourage all the senior citizens, and was cheerleading them with gusto! He was screaming himself hoarse - "Go Sir", "Excellent Job Madam!" Since then, he has vowed to walk at least 2.6 miles regularly!!!
After the first few miles (which according to Sriks is a little difficult considering the body yearns for the warmer comforts of a bed!), he settled into a smooth pace! With M&M's encouragement and presence, he sailed through till the 10th mile. His half run timing was very good and showed he was keeping a good pace.
At the 20th mile, the whole gang was waiting with placards and our little one cheering - "Up Up Appa!". The air was vibrant with music, lots of people cheering the competitors on, and a band playing nearby. The road was done up like a wall, to symbolize the runner's wall (the approximate distance at which the body begins to run out of Glycogen, and the mind works against the runner).
We scoured the crowd waiting for Sriks. Running socks or no, every marathoner has to endure a rough patch: an unexpected blister had considerably slowed him down. We finally spotted Sriks - in spite of the blister his spirits seemed high, as we ran towards him! Keerthana was tremendously pleased to see him, and started clapping hands and saying "Up, up appa" once again.
The atmosphere was almost festive, and we were thrilled to see the aged and the young compete in a true spirit of sportsmanship. As we cheered people on, I could not help admiring the sportsman behind each of these people. What made them tick? Where did they get the motivation and drive to accomplish so great a feat? I will never know - all I know is that my respect for these tenacious people increased exponentially. Ardous hours of training, sore muscles, bad weather, and yet they smiled and acknowledged our encouragement. Go Marathoners!!!
The 24th mile was yet another rendezvous, and by now several runners recognized us, as we
waited for Sriks. The mascot for the Senior citizen i.e my father, and the youngest cheerleader present, must have made their marks! Now, a visibly tired Sriks came prodding on. He said he finally knew what it was to experience the runner's wall. As a person watching him train for this feat, I have never seen him low during or after runs. Though I encouraged him that he was almost there - the worry that his spirits were dipping crept into my mind. (I know a problem cannot be solved by worrying, but what else can one do? ) As a spectator, I could make a half-baked attempt at explaining the runners wall phenomenon, but I shall leave that to people who have actually experienced this(Http://srikris.blogspot.com)
We promised to see him at the finish line, and took leave. M&M did a remarkable job of tirelessly getting us from Spot A to Spot B, in spite of all the road blocks and one-way streets. Words cannot quite quantify how much their presence and help meant - so, I shall not even try! We managed to park around half a mile away, and dashed just in time to catch our man sprinting toward the finish line.
The head held high, firm, long strides and the sudden burst of speed as he neared the finish line echoed his achievement to the world. The man who had shied away from any distance more than a mile less than 3 months ago, had just finished a 26 miler, and proved that the mind is truly the greatest power in the world. With the right attitude, nothing seems like an unachievable altitude!
As we were admiring his medal - the air crackled with the news of an 83 year old woman, making it to the Guiness book of World Records, by completing the marathon on 5 hours and 10 minutes! And that, is the beauty of the human spirit. Just when you think, it can't be done - somebody does it!!!
As the marathoner's wife, I had well-fed butterflies in my stomach. Citing the sole participant in the car, the entire pack of us tucked in liberally on the carbs! So far Sriks had managed to train without any major injuries, and I was desperately hoping that he would not injure himself at the marathon.
The plan was for Manu/Meera (these sweet folks shall henceforth be referred to as M&M) and self to go and drop Sriks at the start line, and then meet him at the 5th and 10th mile points before heading back to the hotel to pick the rest of the support team, comprising Kittens and my parents. Thanks to M's persistence, we spent the previous evening poring over maps, drawing up checklists and the like. Strategic plans are made to go awry. That night Kittens did not sleep a wink. Four hours and eight minutes after continuously singing "Old McDonald had a farm..." in the night, I felt like I had run a marathon, and I was in no position to accompany Sriks to the startline.
So M&M and my father braved the biting cold to wish him victory. The start was nothing like they had expected - men and women on the riper side of 70 mingled enthusiastically with teens and middle-aged. My father took it upon himself to encourage all the senior citizens, and was cheerleading them with gusto! He was screaming himself hoarse - "Go Sir", "Excellent Job Madam!" Since then, he has vowed to walk at least 2.6 miles regularly!!!After the first few miles (which according to Sriks is a little difficult considering the body yearns for the warmer comforts of a bed!), he settled into a smooth pace! With M&M's encouragement and presence, he sailed through till the 10th mile. His half run timing was very good and showed he was keeping a good pace.
At the 20th mile, the whole gang was waiting with placards and our little one cheering - "Up Up Appa!". The air was vibrant with music, lots of people cheering the competitors on, and a band playing nearby. The road was done up like a wall, to symbolize the runner's wall (the approximate distance at which the body begins to run out of Glycogen, and the mind works against the runner).
We scoured the crowd waiting for Sriks. Running socks or no, every marathoner has to endure a rough patch: an unexpected blister had considerably slowed him down. We finally spotted Sriks - in spite of the blister his spirits seemed high, as we ran towards him! Keerthana was tremendously pleased to see him, and started clapping hands and saying "Up, up appa" once again.The atmosphere was almost festive, and we were thrilled to see the aged and the young compete in a true spirit of sportsmanship. As we cheered people on, I could not help admiring the sportsman behind each of these people. What made them tick? Where did they get the motivation and drive to accomplish so great a feat? I will never know - all I know is that my respect for these tenacious people increased exponentially. Ardous hours of training, sore muscles, bad weather, and yet they smiled and acknowledged our encouragement. Go Marathoners!!!
The 24th mile was yet another rendezvous, and by now several runners recognized us, as we
waited for Sriks. The mascot for the Senior citizen i.e my father, and the youngest cheerleader present, must have made their marks! Now, a visibly tired Sriks came prodding on. He said he finally knew what it was to experience the runner's wall. As a person watching him train for this feat, I have never seen him low during or after runs. Though I encouraged him that he was almost there - the worry that his spirits were dipping crept into my mind. (I know a problem cannot be solved by worrying, but what else can one do? ) As a spectator, I could make a half-baked attempt at explaining the runners wall phenomenon, but I shall leave that to people who have actually experienced this(Http://srikris.blogspot.com)We promised to see him at the finish line, and took leave. M&M did a remarkable job of tirelessly getting us from Spot A to Spot B, in spite of all the road blocks and one-way streets. Words cannot quite quantify how much their presence and help meant - so, I shall not even try! We managed to park around half a mile away, and dashed just in time to catch our man sprinting toward the finish line.
The head held high, firm, long strides and the sudden burst of speed as he neared the finish line echoed his achievement to the world. The man who had shied away from any distance more than a mile less than 3 months ago, had just finished a 26 miler, and proved that the mind is truly the greatest power in the world. With the right attitude, nothing seems like an unachievable altitude!
As we were admiring his medal - the air crackled with the news of an 83 year old woman, making it to the Guiness book of World Records, by completing the marathon on 5 hours and 10 minutes! And that, is the beauty of the human spirit. Just when you think, it can't be done - somebody does it!!!
Thursday, December 01, 2005
The Countdown begins........
Months of preparation are finally coming close to fruition - the marathoner in our home, is gearing up to a run coming Sunday.
Meanwhile, the marathoner's wife is busy preparing for the trip. A formidable list is already in place - months of procurement for the marathon are finally being put to use.
1) Running socks and running shoes!
2) The foot pod, the heart rate monitor and the watch to go with it
3) The Camel Pak
4) The ubiquitous energy gel packets that are strewn all over my house, thanks to my baby's interest in these packets - there are orange packets, brown packets and orange/brown packets!
5) The large GU20 box (Sriks you may do well to know that my mother has had her eye on that container to store her pickles. So December 5th evening, it may no longer contain what you think!)
6) The Gatorade bottles enough for a team of marathoners!
The Non-Marathoner's Guide to a Marathon (For last minute revision before the exam - *wink wink*)
7) Running Shorts and running t-shirt (Somebody please enlighten me why these running attires are always in a shiny, bright hue)
8) Sleeveless Jacket (The D-Day promises to be a cold morning)
9) Medical supplies - pain relievers, balms and the like
10) Walking shoes and Walking socks (Can one walk in Running shoes??)
One thing is for certain - my dear marathoner husband is going to miss all the food pampering that has been happening lately thanks to the Marathon. The specially prepared Potato fries and the extra dollop of lentils over steaming rice with ghee!! Enjoy on dear fellow!
Waiting to see you cruise through the marathon,
The Marathoner's Family
Monday, November 28, 2005
To Eat or Not to Eat?
A delicious box of cashew laddus lies innocently on the dining table. My heart wants to eat, but my brain calculates the calories. There is salad with lots of broccoli nearby, and it is definitely delicious, so I settle for that saying the sweet is reserved for after the meal.
To further my chagrin, my parents proclaim how in the old days, ghee was served in "dhonnai" cups, and nobody was any the wiser! Of course, these ghee drinking tummies have provided us with hours of glee! Under my wise tutelage, my cousins and brother all aged between 9 and 2, would eye-ball the said tummies from the side, and swing from the loft above for an aerial survey. The owners of the tummies were too sleepy to take notice - how couldn't they be after wolfing down a meal consisting of vada^, payasam, 8 different kinds of vegetables, pacchidi, platefuls of rice, kesari, dhals, lentils, rasam, sambhar and curd?
Total calorie intake of 1 meal approximately = (Total calories required per day) * 3!
The tummy game was played as follows. Once the surveys were completed, each member would provide a "guess-timate" of the size.
Unit of Measurement used: palm lengths
So, I could say 6 palm lengths, and quietly measure the tummy with my palm to see how far off the mark I was! Occasionally, the tummies would begin to turn midway through the measurement process (the owner trying to shift positions during the nap!) Then, we had to change strategy slightly and measure from the base of the tummy to the belly button and multiply the result by 2.
Thank god, these meals were not a regular affair! I cannot imagine the effect it would have had on people's health!
The other day, while shopping at Costco, we lingered longer than necessary at the dessert section. There were 4 different flavors of icecreams packaged together (competitively priced), a large box of Tiramusu (also competitively priced) and a box of sugary mini puffs (also competitively priced) to choose from. My brain unwillingly looked at the nutrional content on those containers and my hand put them back!
My heart stopped at a smaller store on the way back to obtain a smaller pack of icecream.
To use the most hackneyed expression of all time - ignorance really is bliss. Maybe, we too would have been wolfing down cartons of delicacies, had we not read about obesity, calories and cholesterol levels. And maybe, teams of brats led by nephews and neices would have been measuring our tummies!!!
^ Indian delicacies made with no regard to calorific content, but pays the best compliments to the tongue!
To further my chagrin, my parents proclaim how in the old days, ghee was served in "dhonnai" cups, and nobody was any the wiser! Of course, these ghee drinking tummies have provided us with hours of glee! Under my wise tutelage, my cousins and brother all aged between 9 and 2, would eye-ball the said tummies from the side, and swing from the loft above for an aerial survey. The owners of the tummies were too sleepy to take notice - how couldn't they be after wolfing down a meal consisting of vada^, payasam, 8 different kinds of vegetables, pacchidi, platefuls of rice, kesari, dhals, lentils, rasam, sambhar and curd?
Total calorie intake of 1 meal approximately = (Total calories required per day) * 3!
The tummy game was played as follows. Once the surveys were completed, each member would provide a "guess-timate" of the size.
Unit of Measurement used: palm lengths
So, I could say 6 palm lengths, and quietly measure the tummy with my palm to see how far off the mark I was! Occasionally, the tummies would begin to turn midway through the measurement process (the owner trying to shift positions during the nap!) Then, we had to change strategy slightly and measure from the base of the tummy to the belly button and multiply the result by 2.
Thank god, these meals were not a regular affair! I cannot imagine the effect it would have had on people's health!
The other day, while shopping at Costco, we lingered longer than necessary at the dessert section. There were 4 different flavors of icecreams packaged together (competitively priced), a large box of Tiramusu (also competitively priced) and a box of sugary mini puffs (also competitively priced) to choose from. My brain unwillingly looked at the nutrional content on those containers and my hand put them back!
My heart stopped at a smaller store on the way back to obtain a smaller pack of icecream.
To use the most hackneyed expression of all time - ignorance really is bliss. Maybe, we too would have been wolfing down cartons of delicacies, had we not read about obesity, calories and cholesterol levels. And maybe, teams of brats led by nephews and neices would have been measuring our tummies!!!
^ Indian delicacies made with no regard to calorific content, but pays the best compliments to the tongue!
Wednesday, November 23, 2005
Itch Itch..Brain Itch!
Old Mac Donald had a farm - eiya eiya yo!
A "Moo Moo" here and a "Moo Moo" there
Old Mac Donald had a farm - eiya eiya yo!
Hey.....wait a minute, I have been singing this song incessantly in my mind for the past 2 days. I have to push this song out of my mind. So, I embark loudly on a slower melody
"Govardhana Giridhara Govinda, Gokula ...."
The minute I stop, the itching continues.
"Old Mac Donald had a farm - eiya eiya yo!"
Maybe, I should try reading a book. Concentrate dear mind, I prod myself - I am reading, but my brain is going "Old Mac Donald had a farm - eiya eiya yo!" in the background!
Drastic measures have to be taken now. I get up, and embark on a cleaning spree. After all, if you are busy doing something, Old MacDonald can't get you - Ha!
Clean clean scrub scrub
"Old Mac Donald had a farm - eiya eiya yo!"
More vigorously - CLEAN CLEAN SCRUB SCRUB
"Old Mac Donald had a farm - eiya eiya yo!"
The house is sparkling now, and Old MacDonald still has his farm!
A nap maybe? I wake up singing "Old Mac Donald had a farm - eiya eiya yo!"
If you can't beat them, plead with them. So, I plead with my brain - "Oh please - please stop singing this damn song!"
"Old Mac Donald had a farm - eiya eiya yo!" it taunts me further.
I try to uproot this menace at the source. I had picked it up while watching a Baby Einstein DVD, singing along with my baby. Maybe, I could try another DVD - that should stop it!
YES!!!! It worked - I am no longer bothered about Mac Donald and his silly farm. I am now thinking about the sea turtle enjoying the swim in the sea.
"Ohh yeah - I am having fun swimming in the deep blue sea"
Maybe, it will be easier to stop this one from getting to me.........
"Ohh yeah - I am having fun swimming in the deep blue sea"
A "Moo Moo" here and a "Moo Moo" there
Old Mac Donald had a farm - eiya eiya yo!
Hey.....wait a minute, I have been singing this song incessantly in my mind for the past 2 days. I have to push this song out of my mind. So, I embark loudly on a slower melody
"Govardhana Giridhara Govinda, Gokula ...."
The minute I stop, the itching continues.
"Old Mac Donald had a farm - eiya eiya yo!"
Maybe, I should try reading a book. Concentrate dear mind, I prod myself - I am reading, but my brain is going "Old Mac Donald had a farm - eiya eiya yo!" in the background!
Drastic measures have to be taken now. I get up, and embark on a cleaning spree. After all, if you are busy doing something, Old MacDonald can't get you - Ha!
Clean clean scrub scrub
"Old Mac Donald had a farm - eiya eiya yo!"
More vigorously - CLEAN CLEAN SCRUB SCRUB
"Old Mac Donald had a farm - eiya eiya yo!"
The house is sparkling now, and Old MacDonald still has his farm!
A nap maybe? I wake up singing "Old Mac Donald had a farm - eiya eiya yo!"
If you can't beat them, plead with them. So, I plead with my brain - "Oh please - please stop singing this damn song!"
"Old Mac Donald had a farm - eiya eiya yo!" it taunts me further.
I try to uproot this menace at the source. I had picked it up while watching a Baby Einstein DVD, singing along with my baby. Maybe, I could try another DVD - that should stop it!
YES!!!! It worked - I am no longer bothered about Mac Donald and his silly farm. I am now thinking about the sea turtle enjoying the swim in the sea.
"Ohh yeah - I am having fun swimming in the deep blue sea"
Maybe, it will be easier to stop this one from getting to me.........
"Ohh yeah - I am having fun swimming in the deep blue sea"
Friday, November 18, 2005
The Namaskaram Account
As children, my brother and I maintained a burgeoning account titled "Namaskaram Account".
There were diaries galore and every year, I would religiously carry over the latest cash flow statement over to the next year. My brother and I were joint account holders, and our names were mentioned prominently on the page.
Funds for this account were procured from the following avenues:
(a) Money obtained as blessings
The process involves falling at the feet of uncles and aunts who would gush at what a lovely thing it is to do in today's world, and dole out the cash. We would mill around for the right opportunity, and "Thud!" (another inflow into the account) Once done, I would signal my brother to do the same and dutifully stand around to collect my brother's share as well.
(b) Secratarial work for my father
My father invested in shares. He had the luxury of having a career with loads of time to spare. He even had the time to apply for new equities. The chances of getting an allotment for heavily over-subscribed shares were a little less than winning the state lottery. He had the able assistance of an able secretary in me. Every share application filed would fetch me Rs 10, while every allotment would fetch me Rs. 20. To improve cash flow, I would innocently place every application near God, and seek his blessings before posting it!
(c) Money won as Prizes
Contribution from this source was a little late in the game, when I started winning scholarships and the like, but it was money all the same.
I also remember gallantly offering money from our account, if something was denied us by virtue of its cost. Thank God there was no overdraft facility. I must have asked for goods worth 10 times the amount in the "account" over the years!
For years, it provided my brother and I with work to do, and my father got what he needed - the devils were kept busy filing out applications!
I wonder what happened to that "account". Maybe my father used it up for my wedding!!
PS: I must admire my father for the innovative method of getting work done from me!
There were diaries galore and every year, I would religiously carry over the latest cash flow statement over to the next year. My brother and I were joint account holders, and our names were mentioned prominently on the page.
Funds for this account were procured from the following avenues:
(a) Money obtained as blessings
The process involves falling at the feet of uncles and aunts who would gush at what a lovely thing it is to do in today's world, and dole out the cash. We would mill around for the right opportunity, and "Thud!" (another inflow into the account) Once done, I would signal my brother to do the same and dutifully stand around to collect my brother's share as well.
(b) Secratarial work for my father
My father invested in shares. He had the luxury of having a career with loads of time to spare. He even had the time to apply for new equities. The chances of getting an allotment for heavily over-subscribed shares were a little less than winning the state lottery. He had the able assistance of an able secretary in me. Every share application filed would fetch me Rs 10, while every allotment would fetch me Rs. 20. To improve cash flow, I would innocently place every application near God, and seek his blessings before posting it!
(c) Money won as Prizes
Contribution from this source was a little late in the game, when I started winning scholarships and the like, but it was money all the same.
I also remember gallantly offering money from our account, if something was denied us by virtue of its cost. Thank God there was no overdraft facility. I must have asked for goods worth 10 times the amount in the "account" over the years!
For years, it provided my brother and I with work to do, and my father got what he needed - the devils were kept busy filing out applications!
I wonder what happened to that "account". Maybe my father used it up for my wedding!!
PS: I must admire my father for the innovative method of getting work done from me!
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Some things never change
In the pre-digital era, the more useless pictures in our album at home were usually attributed to me. There you see my then kid brother measuring 4ft 3inches looking a grand 6 ft 4 inches, and somewhere else a touch of scenery gone all awry when taken from the moving train. From then on, I have always admired good photographers. Although, their talk of focal length, camera exposure and lens speed goes above my head, I love looking at the end result - a good picture!
I still remember the camera we had. It was a Yashica, and my father had paid a family friend to buy it for us from the Gulf. Photographs were reserved for special occasions, and the poses were standard too. The kids would be in front of our parents and there would be as many people as possible in every photograph (especially the earlier ones!) So, come any major festival, and you would find my sister and I dressed in clothes tailored from the same material and my brother, posing in front of my parents. (One of these days, I shall blog the economics behind the clothing in the same material, but for now - yes, we would be wearing the same shiny pink, or the same spotted blue!)
In all photos my father would be standing stark erect, and posing with a serious face. I have tried time and again to get him to smile in a photograph. He would smile, even grin or laugh before the flash comes on. But FLASH!!! Boom - there comes his serious face once again!
Yesterday, I was trying to get my father to pose for a photograph, and guess what? My father is standing erect with a serious face!!! The digital era may have swooped in with revolutionary changes, but I am glad some things never change.
I still remember the camera we had. It was a Yashica, and my father had paid a family friend to buy it for us from the Gulf. Photographs were reserved for special occasions, and the poses were standard too. The kids would be in front of our parents and there would be as many people as possible in every photograph (especially the earlier ones!) So, come any major festival, and you would find my sister and I dressed in clothes tailored from the same material and my brother, posing in front of my parents. (One of these days, I shall blog the economics behind the clothing in the same material, but for now - yes, we would be wearing the same shiny pink, or the same spotted blue!)
In all photos my father would be standing stark erect, and posing with a serious face. I have tried time and again to get him to smile in a photograph. He would smile, even grin or laugh before the flash comes on. But FLASH!!! Boom - there comes his serious face once again!
Yesterday, I was trying to get my father to pose for a photograph, and guess what? My father is standing erect with a serious face!!! The digital era may have swooped in with revolutionary changes, but I am glad some things never change.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Words don't speak
When I reminisce about my School and College days, one thing I remember vividly was the "Parting diary culture".
There were pink diaries, blue diaries, heart-shaped diaries, and of course those tiresome diaries with lots of questions:
Name:
Favorite Actor: **I am pretty sure my favorite actor then is not my favorite actor now**
Favourite Director:
Favorite Colour: ** What would one do with this piece of info?!**
Birth Date:
Zodiac: ** Derive from above - DUHHH! **
Interests:
These diaries are handed out with gay abandon to pen your "good-byes" in. People one shared a smile with, would thrust a diary into your hand. For most diaries, I had a standard quote on life, a word of praise and a reminder to stay in touch.
I chose not to write in my closest friends diary, because I had too many things to share, too many things to hold onto. The sentimental side of my brain cried that "Keep in touch!" meant people would not keep in touch, and hence the request to "Keep in touch"!
On one of my recent cleaning sprees, I chanced upon my own college diary. My college diary just contained the addresses and phone numbers of all my friends, with small notes to "Keep in Touch" Ironically, the people I am still in touch with, are the ones who had not asked me to keep in touch with them!
I thumbed through the diary, and I chanced upon one tattered piece of paper, that I had taped to the very last page. I still remember a close friend of mine thrusting this note in my hand as my train was chugging away from Coimbatore station. I was leaving my friends and family to take up my first job in Bangalore. I was too pre-occupied to notice the letter. I was scouring the station to see where another one of my closest friends, mentor and senior was. She had promised to come and see me off, and I was upset that she had not come. As the train chugged on, and I could no longer see my friends, I crawled my way back to my seat, still upset that she had not come. I opened the letter to see the shortest note of all time. The essence of the communique was:
I am really bad with words Saumya,so I shall try my best... Please don't be upset with me for not coming to the station to see you off. But, I cannot bear to say "Bye" to you.
Love and prayers for your continued success,
---------
And that, my friend, is powerful communication!
There were pink diaries, blue diaries, heart-shaped diaries, and of course those tiresome diaries with lots of questions:
Name:
Favorite Actor: **I am pretty sure my favorite actor then is not my favorite actor now**
Favourite Director:
Favorite Colour: ** What would one do with this piece of info?!**
Birth Date:
Zodiac: ** Derive from above - DUHHH! **
Interests:
These diaries are handed out with gay abandon to pen your "good-byes" in. People one shared a smile with, would thrust a diary into your hand. For most diaries, I had a standard quote on life, a word of praise and a reminder to stay in touch.
I chose not to write in my closest friends diary, because I had too many things to share, too many things to hold onto. The sentimental side of my brain cried that "Keep in touch!" meant people would not keep in touch, and hence the request to "Keep in touch"!
On one of my recent cleaning sprees, I chanced upon my own college diary. My college diary just contained the addresses and phone numbers of all my friends, with small notes to "Keep in Touch" Ironically, the people I am still in touch with, are the ones who had not asked me to keep in touch with them!
I thumbed through the diary, and I chanced upon one tattered piece of paper, that I had taped to the very last page. I still remember a close friend of mine thrusting this note in my hand as my train was chugging away from Coimbatore station. I was leaving my friends and family to take up my first job in Bangalore. I was too pre-occupied to notice the letter. I was scouring the station to see where another one of my closest friends, mentor and senior was. She had promised to come and see me off, and I was upset that she had not come. As the train chugged on, and I could no longer see my friends, I crawled my way back to my seat, still upset that she had not come. I opened the letter to see the shortest note of all time. The essence of the communique was:
I am really bad with words Saumya,so I shall try my best... Please don't be upset with me for not coming to the station to see you off. But, I cannot bear to say "Bye" to you.
Love and prayers for your continued success,
---------
And that, my friend, is powerful communication!
Wednesday, November 02, 2005
T-r-i-n-g T-r-i-n-g
I could tell the smugglers that their ploy was no good. Their most cherished possessions were in our hands. My spouse and I are running against time to hand in the possessions to the authorities. We can feel the chase getting hotter, and in a desperate attempt to save our lives - we run to my brother's help. He works in Google(^) The company requires all employees to stay in the office premises - each employee is given a room, and all meals are taken care of by the company. All employees are expected to report for Dinner at 8 p.m. in the dinner hall (I hope Larry Page and Sergey Brin aren't listening!)
** This is where I should include the link to the page on Google's work culture, but I shall desist **
My brother's eyes grow wide in amazement when I show him the priceless statuettes we are trying to save! (*) We decide to spend the night there.
The next morning, hubby boy and self are contemplating other avenues of escape, when we spot a trucking area in China. The terrain is beautiful - a serene river flowing a few metres below, and a mountainous region with snow-capped peaks on all sides. There is a gargantuan person fishing in the river below.The weird fisher is shooting at the fish, while standing in knee deep water. Irritated with the fact that the weirdo is shooting at the fish, my husband tries to stop him by banging him on his head. I watch on shell-shocked as the huge guy gnarls and picks my husband far above his head!
** I can hear my husband say: "Hey, I may be dumb, but I'm not THAT dumb!" **
Startled I start screaming and rush to his rescue........
TRRRIIIIIIIINGGGGGG! TRRRRIIIIIIINNNNNGGG!
Oh dear alarm clock! How much I loved your sound this morning?!
Footnote (*) : I can see why his eyes widen - the statuettes are laughing buddha statues that one gets for a dollar in China Town!
Footnote (^): No, my brother does not work at Google! And Google is supposedly one of the best employers in the world.
** This is where I should include the link to the page on Google's work culture, but I shall desist **
My brother's eyes grow wide in amazement when I show him the priceless statuettes we are trying to save! (*) We decide to spend the night there.
The next morning, hubby boy and self are contemplating other avenues of escape, when we spot a trucking area in China. The terrain is beautiful - a serene river flowing a few metres below, and a mountainous region with snow-capped peaks on all sides. There is a gargantuan person fishing in the river below.The weird fisher is shooting at the fish, while standing in knee deep water. Irritated with the fact that the weirdo is shooting at the fish, my husband tries to stop him by banging him on his head. I watch on shell-shocked as the huge guy gnarls and picks my husband far above his head!
** I can hear my husband say: "Hey, I may be dumb, but I'm not THAT dumb!" **
Startled I start screaming and rush to his rescue........
TRRRIIIIIIIINGGGGGG! TRRRRIIIIIIINNNNNGGG!
Oh dear alarm clock! How much I loved your sound this morning?!
Footnote (*) : I can see why his eyes widen - the statuettes are laughing buddha statues that one gets for a dollar in China Town!
Footnote (^): No, my brother does not work at Google! And Google is supposedly one of the best employers in the world.
Tuesday, November 01, 2005
Not so funny!
Yesterday was Halloween. I usually wait for kids dressed up to come and knock on my door, while I act surprised. Especially, the younger ones - the chicks, the tigers with squeaky voices, the batman with a timid demeanour, the superman hiding behind his mommy, the dainty princesses hanging onto their tiaras, while clutching their candy bucket tightly - Oh, I love the innocence on these children's faces.
Yesterday started out on a different note. The first bunch to knock on my doors, were dressed too eerily for anybody's good, and were not exactly top performers in the manners department. The language they used had no right to be uttered by boys their age, and merely looking at them sent shivers down my spine. I gave them candies and hushed them away. But, I could not help wonder at the point of festivities, if such is the case. I recall a similar festival in India, Holi. This festival has people smearing each others faces with colour powder and generally is a lot of fun. Recently, however, the convenience of masking one's face with colour has spawned rowdy elements to take advantage, and guess what? Not so funny anymore!
With increasing spending power, I wonder whether we are falling prey to vicious marketing ploys and giving people ideas to sharpen their darker side.
I understand the significance of Halloween, and how it all started to ward off the evil spirits in the harsh winter months. But if the warders became the evil spirits, who do we ward off?!
Yesterday started out on a different note. The first bunch to knock on my doors, were dressed too eerily for anybody's good, and were not exactly top performers in the manners department. The language they used had no right to be uttered by boys their age, and merely looking at them sent shivers down my spine. I gave them candies and hushed them away. But, I could not help wonder at the point of festivities, if such is the case. I recall a similar festival in India, Holi. This festival has people smearing each others faces with colour powder and generally is a lot of fun. Recently, however, the convenience of masking one's face with colour has spawned rowdy elements to take advantage, and guess what? Not so funny anymore!
With increasing spending power, I wonder whether we are falling prey to vicious marketing ploys and giving people ideas to sharpen their darker side.
I understand the significance of Halloween, and how it all started to ward off the evil spirits in the harsh winter months. But if the warders became the evil spirits, who do we ward off?!
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Commuter Blues or Benefits
Everyday, I spend two hours on a train commuting to and from work. I use that time effectively as follows:
!) 8.33%: Dhyana - an extremely effective form of meditation taught to me by my father who excels at not only dhyana but also at the 45.01% chunk mentioned below. This art is to be practised with eyes closed in a supine position, preferably. (I settle to do this in an upright sitting position due to the circumstances on the train!)
@) 1.66%: The delicate period between Dhyana and light sleeping
#) 45.01%: I wouldn't term it deep slumber, but my jaws plop open, my head inclines in obtuse angles, and generally draws several arcs along the way - all with eyes snapped tightly shut.
$) 16.67%: This chunk is during the evening commute. Standing while constantly observing those comfortably seated for visible signs that their destination is approaching. Once identified, I strategically position self near their seat, avoid eye-contact with others eyeing for the same seat, and make a polite move when the seat becomes empty. Just before plopping to sit, I offer the seat to others contending for the same seat. Decorum demands that they gush and let you sit.
Caution: This is a risky thing to do, and does not always pay off. Several times, I have people enthusiastically taking up my gallant offer, while I start out on Point ($) all over again.
%) 25%: Spent reading a magazine or a book, occasionally gazing out at the places we pass.
^) 3.33%: Also during evening chunk, moving towards the door that opens nearest the escalator on the station, so that I may start charging home as soon as the train doors open.
Save for points (!, @ and #), I also observe people around me. The train is quiet considering the number of people on the train. Most people indulge in the same activities mentioned above, only in varying proportions.
Yesterday, however, was different. We had in our midst around ten high school girls - all squealing and chatting excitedly. The perpetual frowners frowned at the cacaphony, the bored ones looked askance, the elderly nodded their heads at the young bloods. To me, the sheer enthusiasm in their voices was like music.
I started wondering about my own school and college days. It all seems so far away! I remember when I took up my first job in a software sweatshop in Bangalore, and boarded an eerily quiet company bus, I swore I would not be like that. That evening all freshers conducted a meeting, and decided to make our journeys more pleasant and fun. The next day, we presented our bus-driver with some music CDs, swayed to the music, swapped stories, giggled over trivia!
Somewhere along the way, our bubble burst, and we started sleeping during our long commute! When was that? I don't remember - it was no historic event. Maybe, it was the pressure of a heavy work day, or just the fact that age restrains people, but slowly I mutated into a serious looking, boring commuter myself.
!) 8.33%: Dhyana - an extremely effective form of meditation taught to me by my father who excels at not only dhyana but also at the 45.01% chunk mentioned below. This art is to be practised with eyes closed in a supine position, preferably. (I settle to do this in an upright sitting position due to the circumstances on the train!)
@) 1.66%: The delicate period between Dhyana and light sleeping
#) 45.01%: I wouldn't term it deep slumber, but my jaws plop open, my head inclines in obtuse angles, and generally draws several arcs along the way - all with eyes snapped tightly shut.
$) 16.67%: This chunk is during the evening commute. Standing while constantly observing those comfortably seated for visible signs that their destination is approaching. Once identified, I strategically position self near their seat, avoid eye-contact with others eyeing for the same seat, and make a polite move when the seat becomes empty. Just before plopping to sit, I offer the seat to others contending for the same seat. Decorum demands that they gush and let you sit.
Caution: This is a risky thing to do, and does not always pay off. Several times, I have people enthusiastically taking up my gallant offer, while I start out on Point ($) all over again.
%) 25%: Spent reading a magazine or a book, occasionally gazing out at the places we pass.
^) 3.33%: Also during evening chunk, moving towards the door that opens nearest the escalator on the station, so that I may start charging home as soon as the train doors open.
Save for points (!, @ and #), I also observe people around me. The train is quiet considering the number of people on the train. Most people indulge in the same activities mentioned above, only in varying proportions.
Yesterday, however, was different. We had in our midst around ten high school girls - all squealing and chatting excitedly. The perpetual frowners frowned at the cacaphony, the bored ones looked askance, the elderly nodded their heads at the young bloods. To me, the sheer enthusiasm in their voices was like music.
I started wondering about my own school and college days. It all seems so far away! I remember when I took up my first job in a software sweatshop in Bangalore, and boarded an eerily quiet company bus, I swore I would not be like that. That evening all freshers conducted a meeting, and decided to make our journeys more pleasant and fun. The next day, we presented our bus-driver with some music CDs, swayed to the music, swapped stories, giggled over trivia!
Somewhere along the way, our bubble burst, and we started sleeping during our long commute! When was that? I don't remember - it was no historic event. Maybe, it was the pressure of a heavy work day, or just the fact that age restrains people, but slowly I mutated into a serious looking, boring commuter myself.
Monday, October 24, 2005
Niagara Fauna Research Crew Update
We all just came back from a hectic Niagara- Buffalo trip. For all those who are wondering what there is to see at Niagara, I would like to enlighten you that the fauna there is quite abundant. In fact, the smallest member of our crew, aged 1 year, did not waste time looking at some water pouring down a cliff - instead she studied with avid interest an "Annnniiillll's" activities read Squirrel's activities. She also saw 3 pairs of Chikidoos & Chikadees playing happily without a "Miaow" to disturb. (Please refer to previous blog on "BestSeller in Bratsdom" for more on Chikidoo & Chikadee)
Peechu Update:
No trip is complete without all the details. Here is an important update of an important activity in the life of the youngest member of the Niagara Fauna Research Crew. She went Peechas in all important landmarks:
(1) Las Vegas airport during our change of flight
(2) Maid of the mist boat tour at Niagara falls
(3) BART train on the way back from Niagara. Thaatha alias Grandpa displayed an agility belying his true age, as he admirably saved co-passengers from the terrific smell. He darted out of the train, trashed the diaper, and charged back in - Bravo Thaatha!
Reports have it that the station was closed to traffic for the next 1 hour before the source was isolated!!!!
So, that summarizes our Niagara trip. We saw several squirrels and some birds at Niagara Falls. Most importantly, we forged a long-lasting relationship with the squirrel there. The "Annil" hops on a flight several times a day to play "Ring-a-ring-a-roses" before every naptime and meal time with lil Kittens.
PS: We caught Fall colours at its peak, and gulped in the scenery, though the incessant rain did not allow us to take any photographs!
Peechu Update:
No trip is complete without all the details. Here is an important update of an important activity in the life of the youngest member of the Niagara Fauna Research Crew. She went Peechas in all important landmarks:
(1) Las Vegas airport during our change of flight
(2) Maid of the mist boat tour at Niagara falls
(3) BART train on the way back from Niagara. Thaatha alias Grandpa displayed an agility belying his true age, as he admirably saved co-passengers from the terrific smell. He darted out of the train, trashed the diaper, and charged back in - Bravo Thaatha!
Reports have it that the station was closed to traffic for the next 1 hour before the source was isolated!!!!
So, that summarizes our Niagara trip. We saw several squirrels and some birds at Niagara Falls. Most importantly, we forged a long-lasting relationship with the squirrel there. The "Annil" hops on a flight several times a day to play "Ring-a-ring-a-roses" before every naptime and meal time with lil Kittens.
PS: We caught Fall colours at its peak, and gulped in the scenery, though the incessant rain did not allow us to take any photographs!
Monday, October 17, 2005
Here a cake, There a cake
We celebrated my daughter's third first year birthday party yesterday - Phew! I have to practice saying this. Just to keep the record straight, I decided to blog it that she is really only a year old! As long as she doesn't think every year ushers in 3 parties, I am fine!
Since I am known for my silly songs, I cannot pass up this opportunity of another one ...
Lil girl Keerts had a club
Eeeaa EeEaa Ooo
A Princess Cake here, and a Mickey cake there
Here a cake, there a cake,
Everywhere a birthday cake!
My sister and family decided to wish her everytime she cut a cake or celebrated her birthday - a decision taken in haste, I can tell you! The strain was beginning to show. Calendars were drawn up, and reminders posted to track the various events around the globe! Feverish phone-calls ascertaining the day was indeed her party day! The anticipation of photographs taken in some fancy outfit! Oh - the mind swaggles (if ever a word like that existed!) See.....this is where I wish I were an artist - I could draw a pencil sketch of the brain, and several exclamation marks around the head, a pair of zombie-like eyes and a dotted line to show the tottered motion of a tired brain tracking birthdays - but, you get my drift, and I shall not babble further.
Anyway, the birthday parties served as a reminder that she is growing up amidst loving family and friends.
On behalf of my little girl, I thank "The Keerthana Fan Club" members for making her parties a huge success! Thank you Thaathas, paachees, athais, athimberes, pemma, peppa, maamas, aunts, uncles, akkas, annas and paapas too!
Since I am known for my silly songs, I cannot pass up this opportunity of another one ...
Lil girl Keerts had a club
Eeeaa EeEaa Ooo
A Princess Cake here, and a Mickey cake there
Here a cake, there a cake,
Everywhere a birthday cake!
My sister and family decided to wish her everytime she cut a cake or celebrated her birthday - a decision taken in haste, I can tell you! The strain was beginning to show. Calendars were drawn up, and reminders posted to track the various events around the globe! Feverish phone-calls ascertaining the day was indeed her party day! The anticipation of photographs taken in some fancy outfit! Oh - the mind swaggles (if ever a word like that existed!) See.....this is where I wish I were an artist - I could draw a pencil sketch of the brain, and several exclamation marks around the head, a pair of zombie-like eyes and a dotted line to show the tottered motion of a tired brain tracking birthdays - but, you get my drift, and I shall not babble further.
Anyway, the birthday parties served as a reminder that she is growing up amidst loving family and friends.
On behalf of my little girl, I thank "The Keerthana Fan Club" members for making her parties a huge success! Thank you Thaathas, paachees, athais, athimberes, pemma, peppa, maamas, aunts, uncles, akkas, annas and paapas too!
Friday, October 07, 2005
Columbus Jr
If Christopher Columbus were to announce his co-discoverer today, my father would probably stand a fair chance of making the list. Let me explain.
My father loves travelling, and usually our home is cluttered with travel magazines with fantastic photographs. It was his first trip to the USA last year. We had been to Lake Tahoe and Reno during the Winter season, and were thrilled with the amazing sights that the lake and mountains had to offer in the snow season. After a lazy night gambling at the casinos, and a hot supper, we hit the comfortable beds laid out for us in the suite.
The next morning we found ourselves opening the curtains to find the whole world bathed in fresh, white snow. There had been an unexpected storm, and mounds of snow had been dumped over the countryside overnight! The beauty is unimaginable especially for my parents - we hail from the Southern State of Tamil Nadu, India, and snow is never seen in those regions even at an altitude of 8500 ft. The fresh snow managed to rekindle the children in them, and they were filled with glee!
After the initial euphoria died down, my husband and I set about managing the immediate concern at hand viz. getting back to the Bay Area. We had travelled there by road, and by the looks of it, all roads leading in and out of the Lake Tahoe were blocked. Luckily, we had driven out there in a rental car. Soon, we were busy making calls to the rental car company arranging to return our car at Reno, booking our flight tickets out of Reno (before the rest of the people thought of the option, and flights got full), arranging a drop to the airport early the next morning etc. We had even arranged to extend our stay in our current suite by a day. Thank God for cell-phones!
Throughout this flurry of activity, my father sat with a pensive look on his face, evidently in deep thought, staring out at the snow. After the last of our calls had been made, my father's voice crackled to life!
"Ahem Saumya", he said. I've heard that tone of voice before, and it generally means his gray cells have been at work, and had something to proclaim.
I listened as he unfolded what he thought we could do in this situation. He said - "We have come here in our rental car, isn't it?" I nodded, not sure where this was leading. He quipped - "In that case, why don't we request the rental company to see if they will take the car back here, and see if any flight tickets are available?"
You see why I call him Columbus Jr??? After all the arrangements had been made, he comes and proposes the exact same thing! I must grant it to him though - in an entirely new country, new lifestyle and the works, he had assessed the situation, and come up with a novel idea. If only, he had paid attention to what was going on in the room ! Dear, dear parents - the very virtue that makes them so lovable!
As I pen this blog, I can already envision my daughter's blog in a few years from now proclaiming me to be Madam Curie Jr - such is the Circle of Life!
My father loves travelling, and usually our home is cluttered with travel magazines with fantastic photographs. It was his first trip to the USA last year. We had been to Lake Tahoe and Reno during the Winter season, and were thrilled with the amazing sights that the lake and mountains had to offer in the snow season. After a lazy night gambling at the casinos, and a hot supper, we hit the comfortable beds laid out for us in the suite.
The next morning we found ourselves opening the curtains to find the whole world bathed in fresh, white snow. There had been an unexpected storm, and mounds of snow had been dumped over the countryside overnight! The beauty is unimaginable especially for my parents - we hail from the Southern State of Tamil Nadu, India, and snow is never seen in those regions even at an altitude of 8500 ft. The fresh snow managed to rekindle the children in them, and they were filled with glee!
After the initial euphoria died down, my husband and I set about managing the immediate concern at hand viz. getting back to the Bay Area. We had travelled there by road, and by the looks of it, all roads leading in and out of the Lake Tahoe were blocked. Luckily, we had driven out there in a rental car. Soon, we were busy making calls to the rental car company arranging to return our car at Reno, booking our flight tickets out of Reno (before the rest of the people thought of the option, and flights got full), arranging a drop to the airport early the next morning etc. We had even arranged to extend our stay in our current suite by a day. Thank God for cell-phones!
Throughout this flurry of activity, my father sat with a pensive look on his face, evidently in deep thought, staring out at the snow. After the last of our calls had been made, my father's voice crackled to life!
"Ahem Saumya", he said. I've heard that tone of voice before, and it generally means his gray cells have been at work, and had something to proclaim.
I listened as he unfolded what he thought we could do in this situation. He said - "We have come here in our rental car, isn't it?" I nodded, not sure where this was leading. He quipped - "In that case, why don't we request the rental company to see if they will take the car back here, and see if any flight tickets are available?"
You see why I call him Columbus Jr??? After all the arrangements had been made, he comes and proposes the exact same thing! I must grant it to him though - in an entirely new country, new lifestyle and the works, he had assessed the situation, and come up with a novel idea. If only, he had paid attention to what was going on in the room ! Dear, dear parents - the very virtue that makes them so lovable!
As I pen this blog, I can already envision my daughter's blog in a few years from now proclaiming me to be Madam Curie Jr - such is the Circle of Life!
Thursday, October 06, 2005
Best Seller in Bratsdom
Putting my one year old daughter to sleep is a challenge posed to all, regardless of age, patience levels and relationship to her. Various methods are tested, tried, refined, and the process is ever-evolving. You see the little brat learns to resist and overcome every method too!
One of my recent methods has been to unleash stories on her. Though I am heavily criticized for the story-line from time to time, I have to fight for my rights here. Most of my stories contain an intricate mix of emotions. Consider the Chikudoo, Chikkidee story for example. The story has drama, suspense, thrill, anger and remorse!
** For those who scoff at my bedtime stories, and cannot identify the underlying emotion, I am highlighting the feeling **
Chikudoo and Chikkidi were two little birds who were best friends, and they were talking to each other: "Kuvvi kuvvi" they coo-ed. *Harmoniously*
While they were cooing to each other, a cat with malicious intentions stalked them. This villainous cat shall henceforth be referred to as "Miaow", since in bratsdom that is the noise that cats make. How did the cat stalk the birdies? Ta dam ta dam ta dam ta dam ta dam ta taaa da dum - dish! *With dramatic sound effects*
Chikudoo saw the cat coming, and screamed to Chikkidee : "Fly away Chikkidee - Miaow is coming" *Thrill and action*
Chikudoo flew away, but the Miaow caught Chikidee *Suspense - what happens next? Will Miaow free Chikadee?*
Chikudoo saw that Miaow caught Chikadee, and angrily shrieked - "Miaow, I am velly angee with you, why did you catch Chikadee?" *Anger*
To which miaow retorted - "Go away Chikadoo, I am going to eat Chikadee" * What an unco-operative cat?*
Now Chikadee told miaow that she too is angry with Miaow for catching her.
Every cat can handle one tiny bird's anger, but two birdie's anger is too much even for Miaow. So, he starts crying, and says "Unh unh unh - please don't be angry with me - I'll let Chikadee go!" *Remorse*
And so, Chikadee and Chikudoo fly away happily, leaving a sad Miaow * The happy end*
There are more stories - like Mickey plays hide and seek story, Minnie Mouse learning to put "Kolam" in Trichy, and many, many more! Those willing to risk a narration of these can get in touch with me, or stand outside the door while I put my daughter to sleep the next time!
One of my recent methods has been to unleash stories on her. Though I am heavily criticized for the story-line from time to time, I have to fight for my rights here. Most of my stories contain an intricate mix of emotions. Consider the Chikudoo, Chikkidee story for example. The story has drama, suspense, thrill, anger and remorse!
** For those who scoff at my bedtime stories, and cannot identify the underlying emotion, I am highlighting the feeling **
Chikudoo and Chikkidi were two little birds who were best friends, and they were talking to each other: "Kuvvi kuvvi" they coo-ed. *Harmoniously*
While they were cooing to each other, a cat with malicious intentions stalked them. This villainous cat shall henceforth be referred to as "Miaow", since in bratsdom that is the noise that cats make. How did the cat stalk the birdies? Ta dam ta dam ta dam ta dam ta dam ta taaa da dum - dish! *With dramatic sound effects*
Chikudoo saw the cat coming, and screamed to Chikkidee : "Fly away Chikkidee - Miaow is coming" *Thrill and action*
Chikudoo flew away, but the Miaow caught Chikidee *Suspense - what happens next? Will Miaow free Chikadee?*
Chikudoo saw that Miaow caught Chikadee, and angrily shrieked - "Miaow, I am velly angee with you, why did you catch Chikadee?" *Anger*
To which miaow retorted - "Go away Chikadoo, I am going to eat Chikadee" * What an unco-operative cat?*
Now Chikadee told miaow that she too is angry with Miaow for catching her.
Every cat can handle one tiny bird's anger, but two birdie's anger is too much even for Miaow. So, he starts crying, and says "Unh unh unh - please don't be angry with me - I'll let Chikadee go!" *Remorse*
And so, Chikadee and Chikudoo fly away happily, leaving a sad Miaow * The happy end*
There are more stories - like Mickey plays hide and seek story, Minnie Mouse learning to put "Kolam" in Trichy, and many, many more! Those willing to risk a narration of these can get in touch with me, or stand outside the door while I put my daughter to sleep the next time!
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Children of Heaven
On one of our recent shopping sprees with our nephew, we landed up debating whether to buy Nike shoes or Reebok shoes for him. The arguments were strong for both brands:
Nike:
Nike:
- We were in the Nike store when the argument was taking place
- We were nearly running out of energy after a tiring day managing three kids and 4 adults ;)
- Cost-wise, we got a good deal.
Reebok:
- One of his brat friends, whose name I can't even remember, bought Reebok shoes when he came back from US after a holiday. So, it was a major standard to be measured against.
Fullstop. Period.
So, after haggling for what seemed like hours, we convinced him to buy Nike and set a standard of his own (SIGH!) Ultimately, he settled for a pair of football shoes (since, he had agreed to buying Nike, he could not agree to buying the model we suggested, could he?!) So, for the times when he might play soccer, shoes were purchased!
I could not help relating to the times we grew up in, when Nike and Reebok were names only dreamt of! My husband used to wear slippers to School - most boys did. When it comes to Athletics or running races, slippers could be extremely uncomfortable, and were prone to slipping off one's feet. So, the brazen lads would run barefeet without a second thought to gravel or the coarse mud. One problem remained to be coped with. Most children were poor - and by the time you came back from the race to claim your slippers, they were stolen! In order to solve this - he used to slip the slippers on the palm of his hands, and run as fast as his legs would carry him, and as gracefully as slippers around his palm would allow him to!
When you visualize this, it seems hilarious! But alas, such is the state of affairs in most areas of the world. No luxury to think about shoes for every occasion or comfort! In a way, the capitalist economy has dampened the thrill of getting new things for our children - I can still remember the heart soaring when we used to get new things as children!
PS: I've borrowed the title from the movie (but this seemed an apt title!)Thursday, August 25, 2005
Ducks & Fishes
Recently, my nephew and niece visited me in California. AS long promised to them, I took them to Sea World at San Diego. The day was bright, and my 2 year old neice, Shama, was excited to the core waiting for her namesake's show to commence - "Shamu - the killer whale ". The show started and I heard a piercing squeal over the hum of the crowd, followed by a dull thud on my arm! Innocence personified, it was Shama squealing excitedly
"Chitthi - anga paaru FISH!".
Rumour has it that the poor killer whale attempted to drown itself in its own pool on hearing what its namesake called it! That poor whale spends a major portion of its day consuming 180 pounds of fish, and proudly weighs 3000 pounds. To have an umbrella sized character call it a "Fish" is enough to dampen the spirits of even the most optimistic whale!
Without further damaging the whale's ego, I moved onto the Penguin area only to have her proclaim loudly to the crowd : "AAAAAIIIII DUCK!!!"
I discovered to my utter horror that in her world all species in Sea World could be classified in two:
(a) Ducks
(b) Fishes
I loved the fact that they travelled 8000 miles across the globe to see ducks and fishes! Kids - tut tut tut!
"Chitthi - anga paaru FISH!".
Rumour has it that the poor killer whale attempted to drown itself in its own pool on hearing what its namesake called it! That poor whale spends a major portion of its day consuming 180 pounds of fish, and proudly weighs 3000 pounds. To have an umbrella sized character call it a "Fish" is enough to dampen the spirits of even the most optimistic whale!
Without further damaging the whale's ego, I moved onto the Penguin area only to have her proclaim loudly to the crowd : "AAAAAIIIII DUCK!!!"
I discovered to my utter horror that in her world all species in Sea World could be classified in two:
(a) Ducks
(b) Fishes
I loved the fact that they travelled 8000 miles across the globe to see ducks and fishes! Kids - tut tut tut!
Wednesday, August 24, 2005
Tennis for the uninitiated
T'was the golden month after our wedding. I had just adjusted to a new place, new people and the works. One day, at one of our get togethers one enthusiast suggested Tennis to keep the mind and body in shape. Soon, the tennis club took shape, and there was a flurry of excitement all around. The venue was fixed, and all the necessary gear was purchased (You did not see me roll me eyes did you?!)
I was invited to witness the game, and being the new bride took it upon myself to encourage thy husband in all his endeavours. So, the day dawned bright and fresh. Being the first day, around fifteen phone calls flew back and forth. What I least expected was 15 balls flying back and forth during the game. Oops...did I say 15 balls flying back and forth? Let me amend that to 15 balls flying uni-directionally. I waited patiently for 22 minutes and 33 seconds before the first serve was returned!
So much for all the pomp and splendour!
It is fun being married, and having lots of friends, I guess.
I was invited to witness the game, and being the new bride took it upon myself to encourage thy husband in all his endeavours. So, the day dawned bright and fresh. Being the first day, around fifteen phone calls flew back and forth. What I least expected was 15 balls flying back and forth during the game. Oops...did I say 15 balls flying back and forth? Let me amend that to 15 balls flying uni-directionally. I waited patiently for 22 minutes and 33 seconds before the first serve was returned!
So much for all the pomp and splendour!
It is fun being married, and having lots of friends, I guess.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Grandpa has a sore hip!
Keerthana's Grandpa(alias Thaatha) has been complaining of hip pain. Of course, we all know that she is responsible for it in some way, we just did not know exactly how. So, we investigated the matter further......
Everyday, as part of the camaraderie to feed her, thaatha holds the important role of distracting Kunju to open her mouth. So sometimes, he brings various fruits along, and shows her apples, bananas, oranges and the like. Sometimes, it is the drum, dog, anything! Vocal support for this is provided by Grandma (alias Paati). She has a rich repertoire of songs that she unleashes - much like "Paravai Muniyamma". There are stories also - and I am pleased to inform you that there is a jobless prince who goes to the forest several times a day to kick off the race between the rabbit and the tortoise - "aaamai". Sometimes, Paati gets to enact how the tortoise went - "ippi ippi pochaam ma tortoise"
One day, when Kaju Katli was giving them an especially difficult time, Thaatha got carried away, and started enacting a dog running. At his age, it isn't easy to shake your hips around and act like a dog or a rabbit! He is now fighting with Paati that she always takes the slower animal, and he gets to do the faster one - poor Thaatha. I do feel sorry for him. Can any of you tell us what to do?
Ammilai is really becoming a brat!
PS: Ammilai, Kaju Katli, Kunju all refer to the pint-sized character in our home who can make a strict Thaatha enact a dog, and a strict school teacher Paati enact a tortoise!
Everyday, as part of the camaraderie to feed her, thaatha holds the important role of distracting Kunju to open her mouth. So sometimes, he brings various fruits along, and shows her apples, bananas, oranges and the like. Sometimes, it is the drum, dog, anything! Vocal support for this is provided by Grandma (alias Paati). She has a rich repertoire of songs that she unleashes - much like "Paravai Muniyamma". There are stories also - and I am pleased to inform you that there is a jobless prince who goes to the forest several times a day to kick off the race between the rabbit and the tortoise - "aaamai". Sometimes, Paati gets to enact how the tortoise went - "ippi ippi pochaam ma tortoise"
One day, when Kaju Katli was giving them an especially difficult time, Thaatha got carried away, and started enacting a dog running. At his age, it isn't easy to shake your hips around and act like a dog or a rabbit! He is now fighting with Paati that she always takes the slower animal, and he gets to do the faster one - poor Thaatha. I do feel sorry for him. Can any of you tell us what to do?
Ammilai is really becoming a brat!
PS: Ammilai, Kaju Katli, Kunju all refer to the pint-sized character in our home who can make a strict Thaatha enact a dog, and a strict school teacher Paati enact a tortoise!
Ever wondered....
Ever wondered what it takes to train for a marathon?
Well...my husband set out to find out. It all started one fine day when he came home wearing an informative look on his face, and started talking to me about Dean Karnases. (We had just read the book, and it had managed to seep through our thick exterior to inspire us enough to undertake physical activity again.) It's true - he had set his mind on running a marathon.
The first purchase towards that end was a book titled 'Non-runners guide to Marathon training'. So, he spent several couch-potatoed days reading the book,and digesting the contents. Finally, it was time to "move", and he went for his first run.
The next day he was complaining loudly that the contours on his feet did not match the shoe shape, and hence required a new pair of shoes (Legitimate demand, although the explanation must have come from the book, no doubt!) I made room for a wonderful pair of shoes - what I did not make room for was an expensive pair of cotton socks! Yes....cotton socks! Some sales guy, apparently, doing a remarkably good job, sold him a pair of socks called 'Running' socks. They looked ordinary to me, and often times get mistaken for regular socks. I could not for the life of me figure out why one would pay so much for a pair of socks. But, the lady of the house has to be appeased. So, after the subsequent run, all I could hear was the tremendous difference the socks made to his life! Not a squeak about the fantastic pair of shoes, but all praise for the socks!
Though, I continue to tease him about his marathon training stories, I am a proud person watching him near the 10 mile mark in so short a span. And if more cotton socks are the key to a successful marathon - then so be it!
All the best to you dear!
Well...my husband set out to find out. It all started one fine day when he came home wearing an informative look on his face, and started talking to me about Dean Karnases. (We had just read the book, and it had managed to seep through our thick exterior to inspire us enough to undertake physical activity again.) It's true - he had set his mind on running a marathon.
The first purchase towards that end was a book titled 'Non-runners guide to Marathon training'. So, he spent several couch-potatoed days reading the book,and digesting the contents. Finally, it was time to "move", and he went for his first run.
The next day he was complaining loudly that the contours on his feet did not match the shoe shape, and hence required a new pair of shoes (Legitimate demand, although the explanation must have come from the book, no doubt!) I made room for a wonderful pair of shoes - what I did not make room for was an expensive pair of cotton socks! Yes....cotton socks! Some sales guy, apparently, doing a remarkably good job, sold him a pair of socks called 'Running' socks. They looked ordinary to me, and often times get mistaken for regular socks. I could not for the life of me figure out why one would pay so much for a pair of socks. But, the lady of the house has to be appeased. So, after the subsequent run, all I could hear was the tremendous difference the socks made to his life! Not a squeak about the fantastic pair of shoes, but all praise for the socks!
Though, I continue to tease him about his marathon training stories, I am a proud person watching him near the 10 mile mark in so short a span. And if more cotton socks are the key to a successful marathon - then so be it!
All the best to you dear!
Conjuring up the image of 2 loving sisters!
Recently, my home looks like a storm hit it - and I am amazingly happy with all the chaos. I have a niece who is 2, and my daughter who is 10 months old at home right now. The reigning situation can be summarized by the following algorithm:
/* Keerthana is the 10 month old, and Shama is the 2 year old */
If (keerthana.state = 'awake' and shama.state = 'awake') then
begin
household.state = 'alert'
household.activity = 'separate brats constantly'
end
If (keerthana.state = 'asleep' and shama.state = 'awake') then
begin
household.state = 'be careful while dealing with Shama'
household.activity = 'keep shama happy - don't say no or raise your voice'
/* She is very touchy now because she has been the centre of attraction all this while, and cries loudly at the drop of a hat :) */
end
If (keerthana.state = 'awake' and shama.state = 'asleep') then
begin
household.state = 'be careful while dealing with Keerthana'
end
If (keerthana.state = 'asleep' and shama.state = 'asleep') then
begin
household.state = 'ENJOY!!!!'
end
One wonders when we can conjure up the image of 2 loving sisters playing harmoniously!
/* Keerthana is the 10 month old, and Shama is the 2 year old */
If (keerthana.state = 'awake' and shama.state = 'awake') then
begin
household.state = 'alert'
household.activity = 'separate brats constantly'
end
If (keerthana.state = 'asleep' and shama.state = 'awake') then
begin
household.state = 'be careful while dealing with Shama'
household.activity = 'keep shama happy - don't say no or raise your voice'
/* She is very touchy now because she has been the centre of attraction all this while, and cries loudly at the drop of a hat :) */
end
If (keerthana.state = 'awake' and shama.state = 'asleep') then
begin
household.state = 'be careful while dealing with Keerthana'
end
If (keerthana.state = 'asleep' and shama.state = 'asleep') then
begin
household.state = 'ENJOY!!!!'
end
One wonders when we can conjure up the image of 2 loving sisters playing harmoniously!
Friday, July 22, 2005
Friday, May 06, 2005
People Talk!
Have you been hearing people talk lately?!
That is one thing you learn, whether you want to or not, I guess!!! No matter what your career choice...be it a waitress or a billing clerk, your training is not considered replete without doses of banter. It might have all started out with the best of intentions. Never hurt anybody to be friendly to people. So, you get to a restaurant, and..........
She (waitress): Good evening! So, how are you doing today?
ME: (clears throat)
She: Good ....I am glad to hear that. The weather these days is getting a bit hot, isn't it? (I am still trying to get a word in edgeways to say that I did not really answer that I was fine, but it is drowned in the volley of things that come naturally )
She: SO, I hope you are ready for a lovely meal.
Me: Yes, thank you!(A glow of satisfaction on my face that I finally said something!)
She: Well, here is your menu. I do hope you enjoy your meal. What would you like to drink?
Me: Well.................., yes thanks
She: blah, blah, blah, blah
She: blah, blah, blah, blah
She: blah, blah, blah, blah
Me: blah
She: blah, blah, blah, blah
She: blah, blah, blah, blah
She: blah, blah, blah, blah
Me: blah
She: Well, here is your check. And now, you have a good night ok? And enjoy yourself
Me: (meekly accepting the order to have a good night) well....thanks. Good night to you too!
Ahh well.....who am I to complain. I am known for my tongue too. So, enjoy talking everybody!
That is one thing you learn, whether you want to or not, I guess!!! No matter what your career choice...be it a waitress or a billing clerk, your training is not considered replete without doses of banter. It might have all started out with the best of intentions. Never hurt anybody to be friendly to people. So, you get to a restaurant, and..........
She (waitress): Good evening! So, how are you doing today?
ME: (clears throat)
She: Good ....I am glad to hear that. The weather these days is getting a bit hot, isn't it? (I am still trying to get a word in edgeways to say that I did not really answer that I was fine, but it is drowned in the volley of things that come naturally )
She: SO, I hope you are ready for a lovely meal.
Me: Yes, thank you!(A glow of satisfaction on my face that I finally said something!)
She: Well, here is your menu. I do hope you enjoy your meal. What would you like to drink?
Me: Well.................., yes thanks
She: blah, blah, blah, blah
She: blah, blah, blah, blah
She: blah, blah, blah, blah
Me: blah
She: blah, blah, blah, blah
She: blah, blah, blah, blah
She: blah, blah, blah, blah
Me: blah
She: Well, here is your check. And now, you have a good night ok? And enjoy yourself
Me: (meekly accepting the order to have a good night) well....thanks. Good night to you too!
Ahh well.....who am I to complain. I am known for my tongue too. So, enjoy talking everybody!
Nourish 'n Cherish
Hi all,
First of all, thanks for taking time to visit our site! We shall try our best to update this blog with memorabilia, how our lives have changed as we chug along the path of life. It is amazing how your life gets enriched - we hope to capture our feelings and special moments in this site!
Take care,
Saumya, Sriks and Keerthana
First of all, thanks for taking time to visit our site! We shall try our best to update this blog with memorabilia, how our lives have changed as we chug along the path of life. It is amazing how your life gets enriched - we hope to capture our feelings and special moments in this site!
Take care,
Saumya, Sriks and Keerthana
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