November 77% off!!

Not that I need it.

But I got a mail from ernestine@viagra.com. And that too on my official mail id!

It said ' Buy viagra for as low as 1.43$'.

Hrrrmmmpphh!

Exasperating!

Hi Aunty. How are you!

Aunty where is Arhaan today?

Aunty what time will you be coming down for a walk??

Aunty check out my new bicycle.

Aunty Sachin is not talking to me.

Aunty, Aunty, Aunty.....

I seem to have gone a notch up in my standing. Its fine for the 4 year olds.

But for a college going guy to call me aunty!

Exasperating!!

(I have cried myself hoarse asking him not to call me aunty. So have decided to call him uncle from now on!!)

Chill Pill.

Yes, that's exactly what Bangalore (or is it Bengaluru) seems to have swallowed off late. We wake up to to chilly mornings and equally wintry evenings. I am not complaining because I am absolutely loving it. This cold wave.

It brings back memories of childhood. Which were spent in a sleepy old town called Jamshedpur. The winters were quite severe in Jsr. Compounded by the fact that I was in school and winters or summers we still had to wear the same uniform. Tunics! Which were teamed with a sweater for the cold cold winters. As I grew up the skirts got a bit shorter... c'mon it was a fashion statement those days. So I had to bear the winters happily for the sake of fashion! Winter evenings were even more fun when my mom would make piping hot peppery mutton soup for my sister and me. I can almost smell and taste it even today. My sister and me would then snuggle into our humongous 'rajai' and talk late into the night. Oh how I loved winters then.

And its this same feeling I get these days in Bangalore with this unexpected cold wave. Except that I hate getting up early in the mornings!

I'm hoping the cold lasts a bit longer and I can enjoy the feeling of wearing my woolens and drinking warm cups of tea.

I'm totally loving it.

Flashback!

The best sleep I get is early in the morning. Completely dreamless, fitful and soul satisfying sleep. I never wake up thinking of a dream or anything else for that matter. This morning Baby A woke up at 6.30am. He was promptly given his formula milk and lulled back to sleep. I snuggled him into the crook of my arm and decided to catch 40 winks myself.



I woke up at 7.10 am thinking about two of my old old friends. Geeta and Deidre aka as Pinky. Very vivid was their thought and faces in my mind. It was almost like we had a tete a tete in my dreams.



Geeta while in school was the brightest in our class. Perhaps the entire school. She was good in her studies, in debating, elocution's and extempores and even sports. A shining example for all our parents to point out and say ' You should be like her!'. Geeta and I though not the closest of friends were definitely good friends. I can never forget her trademark fringe. She had it all the way from Grade 1 to 10!! And try as much I wanted I could never get my curls to fall straight as her fringe. We used to cycle together for tuition classes and chat all the way to and back. Music, boys and general class gossip.



Pinky on the other hand was one of my best friends from Grade 7 to 10. We had some fabulous times together. I remember Christmas of '88 was spent with her and her family in Jamadoba. Incidentally our families used to pray at the same Church and were good friends as well. She and I had some great times together.



So I was really melancholic when I woke up this morning thinking of not one but both of them. Did I meet them in my dreams? Did we relive some of the old times from when we were young and fancy free? Did we laugh together as we did all those growing up years?



I'm not sure...



I don't know...



A cruel twist of fate...



You see Pinky and Geeta have not been there for 17 long years.



Gone forever.

Tummy tales.

Breathe in. It still shows.

Breathe Out. It shows even more!!

Side Profile. It shows.

Frontal View. It shows.

Lie on my back. It shows.

Everybody says... give it a year babes. It will surely disappear. But why not now??

G says work it away.

I say work it away... HOW??

All the tummy crunches I am able to manage these days is to pick up A from here and place him there. Pick him up from there and place him here.

Arrrggghhhh. Seems like tummy tales are here to stay!

6 months and rocking!

The Old Life: Sleep at 11pm. Wake up after a fitful nights sleep and snuggle deeper into the covers for those extra 5 minutes of blissful sleep.

The New Life: Sleep at 11pm. Wake up at 12.30am and 1.34am and 3.38am and 4.24am and 6.08am and finally at 7.22am.



The Old Life: Worm my way through books bought and borrowed.

The New Life: Began a book 1st week of September. And I'm only 45 pages through a 324pg book.



The Old Life: Darling G gets back home to a kiss a hug and a big smile.

The New Life: G please can you throw these soiled pj's into the washer.




The Old Life: Weekend agenda. A facial. A manicure. A pedicure. Straighten my hair. Pluck my eyebrows.

The New life: It's been a month since I've been able to get myself into a salon to get my eyebrows done.




The Old Life: I would have watched the T20 finals yesterday ball to ball glued to my chair.

The New Life: I did watch the match though in bits and parts.




The Old Life: Weekends typically would mean getting together, planning menu's, shopping for books, clothes and essentials. Lazing in the front of the telly watching foodie shows on Travel & Living.

The New Life: Weekends go in the wink of an eye. So does Mon, Tues, Wed......




The Old Life: So what's so different. The same routine. The same agenda over the weekend. The same work.....

The New Life: Squeals, Giggles, Laughter, Rolling and Bumping. And waking up each morning to see that million watt smile.


And I look at Darling G and we smile and we know life's complete.

Paintings in mind.

Long strips of clear sand beaches.

An aquamarine sea. Choppy at times and calm at others.

A harmattan thatched roof of a little shack.

Cane chairs with ripped upholstery and ketchup stains , sinking into the sand.

A rickety table with a red checked tablecloth.

Chipped white porcelain plates with greasy fried fish.

Sand in my hair, my mouth, my feet.

Bottle after bottle of cold cold beer.

No meetings, no deadlines, no artworks to chase, no strategies to make, no rushing to work, no rushing back home, no cooking.

I'd give my left arm to be off to a nice beach place for a holiday.

But suffice to say... its just.... paintings in my mind.

The Golden Girls...

For those who witnessed the entry of Cable TV in our country would surely be able to relate to the heading of this post. 'The Golden Girls' was one of my favourite shows in those early years of cable TV.

The show centred around four senior women who live as a family. Their witty repartees, dry sarcasm, love lives, charity work held us with rapt attention week after week. Here were four women who were distinctively different from each other. But the one binding factor was the love each shared for the other.

These four women remind me of the 'four of us'. That's my sis D and me and AC and RC who are also sisters. The four of us are so distinctively different from each other but yes the love and affection we have for one other is all surpassing.

AC: Who thinks family should not talk sex. It embarrasses her beyond anything. She still likes to believe that the stork literally delivered her to her parents doorstep. 'Family is asexual' is her favourite line. AC suffers from a serious disease called OCD. If she finds a speck of dirt in her house you will surely find frenzied spring cleaning happening for the next fortnight! The dishes are done even before the cooking is over, plates are cleared even before dinner is over, her plants are her babies, she talks to them, dusts them and shields them from sun, wind and rain! The bed is always made and one wonders if she ever sleeps on them for fear of the covers getting rumpled. Pillows are never dented so one wonders if she ever uses them. Her cupboard is always clean and tidy, her CD's always labelled and stacked. Her books have her name always written on page 55 (an idea I stole from her). She loves stiff upper lipped Brit humour and turns her nose down on slapstick comedy. She's all la-de-dah when the situation demands and can be crowned the high-priestess of abuses too. She is not a clothes horse. And has few demands in life. But she would dig a hole and bury herself if she didn't have a good phone and a to-die-for music system. She is loved by many and hated by none! I have known her for over 15 years now and we may not speak often but when we are together it just feels natural and like the good old times.

Good old D: When is she laughs its always loud and full hearted. Never artificial like how she says I laugh. If she loves you she'd die for you but if she hates you she would wish that you die! Loves to cook: not your plain Jane cooking but cooking like a sous chef. She loves her clothes and has a sense of style that we all look up to. And how much ever we love to deny it one that we ape. I love to go shopping with her: she thinks it for the company but I have to admit its for her sense of style. Her anger we fear and her love we crave for. She is the best advisor and agony aunt amongst us. All of us turn to her for advise. We hate her over-analytical self but love her for her honesty. She's probably the most enthusiastic among the lot. And sometimes its her energy that keep us all going.

RC: The sexiest doc I have ever met. Most of her patients I am sure feign illness just to visit her! Technology confuses her just as much as 'medicine' enthralls her. She loves her space and her time. Yet like all of us she wants to be emotionally anchored too. Probably the most dedicated to her job amongst us all. She loves drama in her life and hates it when things are going fine. Her most admirable quality is that she accepts her drawbacks without even batting an eyelid. She herself is most of the time the butt of all her jokes. Her dimpled smile can melt hearts. She is a volatile mix of Madhubala'ish beauty and 'Basanti'ish' lingo!

Then of course there is me. But I'll leave the stuff about me out of this.

The four of us had a lovely time the gone weekend. Over some alcohol, great retro music, some Italian food and a bond that can even put 'The Golden Girls' to shame.

I love you guys and you all keep me going!

Rainy Days!!!

Overcast Skies.

Droopy trees.

Piddly rain through out the day.

Nip in the air.

Constant yawns around.

Mugs of hot coffee being passed around.

The smell of corn-on-the-cob.

A city weighed down by a cumulative 'lazy' feel.

Oh how I love the rains. And how I hate to be at work this time of the year.

What I wouldn't give to be home.

Lazing around.

Tucked under a blanket with a good book.

Music from old Hindi movies.

And listening to my little boy as he gurgles, coos and kicks around.

And Mr. G as he potters around.

What a perfect 'useful' day it would be!

I'm Back!!

After a long hiatus of over 3 1/2 months.

It sure feels good to start blogging once again. And hopefully I should be able to blog more frequently now. Our bundle of joy Arhaan is now 2 1/2 months old. And I'm putting up his picture for all to see.

I'll be back people with more juice soon.

It's tipping over!!!!!!!!

That's the weighing scale tipping over these days as soon as I step on it.

And to imagine that they told me that there will be a cessation to the weight gain in the last two weeks. Unfortunately it does not seem to hold good for me and my graph seems to be on an increased upswing.

So all I can do is roll my eyes in their sockets, look with some embarrassment at my practitioner and silently cross my fingers and say a silent prayer.

Then run home and step onto my parents weighing scale just to prove a point. But seems like the whole world and its mother are conspiring against me.

Mr. G... Do you think you can do a Shallow Hal??

The Best Gift

It's been over six years that Mr. G and I have known each other and been together. Weve been through numerous birthdays, anniversaries and V'days.

Each time we've given each other sometimes little and thoughtful gifts... and at others expensive gifts too.

But none can match up to the posting that Mr. G put up on his blog this V'day.

I never knew Mr.G that you could be so evocative and eloquent about your feelings. And I always knew that behind that tough exterior lurks the heart of a big softy.

I love you my darling. Nothing can ever change that. In fact each day I love you more than the previous one.

You make me complete.

A most humbling experience...

I understand now Mom and Dad...

- The nights you picked me up and carried me tenderly all around the house while I burned with a fever or a toothache.

- The times you tucked me into bed and were there when I screamed during a particular nightmare.

- The reasons why you stressed on me being a good and disciplined child.

- Why you made me brush my teeth well, rinse out my mouth when I uttered something bad and comb my hair a 100 times.

- Why you made me stand in the corner, confined me to a room, took away my chocolates / books and toys when I did something bad.

- Why you appreciated me when I did something good and chided me when I did something bad.

- Why you didn't bend to my every whim and fancy and demand.

- And all the birthdays and festivals when you bought me gifts and sacrificed some of your own.

- Why you sent me to the best schools and persisted that education is all important.

- Why you didn't like some of my friends and loved the others.

- Why you insisted I arrive early but never be late.

- Why you taught me all my good-morning's and good evening's.

- Why you sent me to Sunday School and pray every night.

- Why you insisted that I love my neighbour and forgive my enemy.

- Why I concentrate on my education and not boys.

- Why I give love rather than go ardently finding it.

- Why you still stood by me and supported me even though I went from one screw-up into other.

- And why your love has only grown and never diminished over the years.

I love you Mom and Dad. And as I prepare to be a parent myself... I just hope that I can do half as good a job as you have done.

The year I was born (Keep guessing!)

Richard Nixon is president of the US State of Karnataka is formed. A total ban on oil exports to the US for six months is imposed by Arab nations after the outbreak of an Arab-Israeli war President Richard Nixon announces that a peace accord has been reached in Vietnam Sachin Tendulkar, Rahul Dravid, John Abraham, Tori Spelling, Carson Daly, Monica Lewinsky, and Kate Beckinsale are born India and Pakistan sign POW accord Miami Dolphins win Superbowl VII The Exorcist and American Graffiti are top grossing films Elvis Presley's Aloha From Hawaii television special is seen around the world by more than 1 billion viewers KISS performs their first concert, at the Coventry Club in Queens "The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" by Roberta Flack wins a Grammy for song of the year. The Internet and Transmission Control Protocols were in its initial stage of development. On the lighter side, jumbo eyelashes and bright lipstick were popular along with polyester.

A puppy on a rope.

There is something about a pup and its soulful eyes that tugs at my heartstrings.

On my walk to work these days, I see a little pup on a long leash. Just that the long leash around its fragile neck is a threadbare rope. But the pup does have a once-upon-a-time red belt to salvage its pride.

The proud owners of this mangy little pup have all their belongings and worldly possessions piled onto a push-cart. The pup sleeps on a little hammock like arrangement at the bottom of the push cart. The early morning rays of the sun warming its furry little body. What a sweet sight to behold.

But today, the little pup was tied to the huge tree on the road watching the morning rush roll by. I whispered some sweet nothing babble to it as I walked past.

The little pup wagged its tail vigorously and its little body did a little jig. So much happiness bestowed on a stranger walking past. And that too not the canine variety.

How I wish we all could be like that. To be able to show love to all our fellow human beings. But this wish is far stretched from reality.

In a world dominated by much violence, hatred and jealously. There's a surely a lesson to be learned from pups and dogs!

Lunches and Dinners!

Is it just me or do most people behave like this too.

When we make a plan to call friends over for lunch or dinner, I am in the habit of meticulously planning out the dishes on the menu.

Making a list of the ingredients I need to stock up on and all things I would possibly require. This list is checked and re-checked and the menu re-vamped again and again.

On the said day, my entire time is spent in the kitchen cooking up a storm. By the time our guests are to arrive I am pooped and ready to plop.

But there is no greater feeling than seeing people smack their lips and lick their fingers in appreciation. And I know its a job well done.

We have a big lunch planned this Sunday... and yes my list has already seen a zillion improvisations:)

Would give anything for...

A head to toe aromatic body massage.

Swedish foot massage and pedicure.

Just a day in my jeans and spaghetti's.

Slipping into my stilettos.

Being able to bleach my face.

Being able to differentiate between my calves and ankles.

Dressing up for a night about town.

Dancing like there is no tomorrow.

Sitting behind the wheel of our car and going for a long spin.

A strenuous workout.

A brisk walk.

A good night's snooze.

Zzzzzzzzzzzz

I am a walking zombie these days.

Its the sleepless nights I tell myself.

It is entirely true.

I am an owl at night.

But then owls catch their sleep during the day.

But I can't.

So I walk through the day.

In a haze.

The mind does not tick.

The feet drag.

The body is listless.

The yawns are plenty.

Wish I could curl up.

And go....

ZZZZZzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

Big Bother!

It's on the news. It's in the papers.

Apparently Shilpa Shetty seems to be the butt of racist remarks on Big Brother, Channel 4, UK.

I been wondering how to react. After all its a game show. Also I've not heard the remarks. Even though they did show snippets from the programme on one of the news channels. But the drone of the reporters voice overrode all the audio bits.

But it does make me angry. For I believe whether black or brown or white or yellow... We are all God's children and born equals.

But in our country where skin whitening creams sell more than anywhere else in the world. Where a fairer child is given more privileges over a darker one. Where being fair means getting a bride or a groom easily. Where being dark skinned means being ridiculed and rejected...

Is it such a bother over Big Brother??

Baby Boom!

I know 9 couples, all good friends of mine who are expecting babies in the next six months. 3 out of the nine have already had the stork drop their wonderful bundle of joy.

Shalini, Ajay and now Ananyaa...

Sangeeta, Salman and now Anya...

Mahima, Bhanu and to be named baby...

Then there are to go...

Vani and Mani

Me and Mr. G

Preeya and Vikram

Purnima and Mac

Prachee and Mehul

Vidya and Murli

When the stork comes calling... it really does!!

Trigger Happy.

Mr. G's wish list comprises an 'SLR camera'.

And he's always clicking pictures of me which are indeed very beautiful.

Is it a hint or IS IT a hint???

The Beach.

No we have not decided or done another beach vacation.

The heading of this post is the same as a local watering hole that we visited over the weekend.

Three women and Mr. G in the midst of it. It was one of our friends birthday and what better way to welcome it than over some great food, greater music and some exotic sounding cocktails. The latter which obviously I abstained from. Gladly or not is a matter of debate:)

So it was a pure gastronomic evening with some great food to tantalise our palates with. Even though we have favoured this particular night spot often this was the first time that we tasted and appreciated the wonderful spread that they conjured up.

A very relaxing evening with some great conversation over mojitos, maitai's and soups (for moi!)

The scrumptious starters comprised some awesome Lebanese fish fingers with the yummiest dip I have ever tasted. Mutton chilly fry Goan style.

For the main course I ordered Penne Al-pesto and also sunk my teeth into some Lamb Piccata, Mixed Grill, Spaghetti Bolognaise and Marinara.

But the highlight of the evening was the mouth watering chocolate cake that we devoured and the ROSÉ which the others enjoyed.

Bon Appetit people!

And 'tis another year...

Hey boys and girls. A very Happy New Year to all.

We had a wonderful time together last night. As with each New Year I welcomed it with a huge hug and kiss from my darling Mr. G.

The venue was the rooftop of a friend's friend's house.

There was food and more food and drinks doing the rounds.

We saw some amazing fireworks at twelve all around Bangalore.

I danced till my feet hurt so much that I had to do a reality check and talk myself into sitting down.

It was wonderful to be around friends and more wonderful as each year to bring it in with Mr. G.

Happy 2007 everybody.