Deeply Dippy

Insanity!

2008-11-28T11:14:00.002+05:30

Why? This is a question that is surely plaguing the minds of each and every Indian as they follow the total mayhem that the innocent citizens of Mumbai and parts of the world have been subjected to over the past 36 hours.
Why are these terrorists so angry?
What motivates them to perform such carnage?
Why do they think their religion propels them to perform such acts in the name of their God?
Why is it that human lives are snuffed with so much calm and calculated precision?
Why is that people have to wait for a single phone call or text message from loved ones caught in the crossfire?
Why is that 20 or so mad terrorists can lay siege to a city of a more than a million people?
Why is it that our government and the various task forces are caught so unprepared?
Why is it that people recount that they saw the boats and trawlers dock and people alight only after it is so late?
Why?
Why?
Why?
And when will it all end...

And everytime you go away...

2008-03-27T16:14:00.002+05:30

You take a piece of me with you...

I don't want to come across as a lovestruck teenager. But my darling G is away for two days on an official visit to the capital. Its been a couple of hours since he left.

And I'm already missing him terribly:(

Passing Judgement!

2008-03-25T11:04:00.002+05:30

I woke up yesterday to a shocking news which made headlines across all leading dailies in Bangalore.

A 30 year old software professional smothered his 28 year old wife. And then took his own life.

Her mistake: he suspected her of having an extra-marital affair. His mistake I suppose was that he loved her too much to fathom losing her. But was it worth it at the end. For after all what he left behind were two suffering and broken families.

And the whole world has been sitting smugly passing judgement. The poor girl's social networking site has been flooded with vile remarks and mud slinging.

Not to forget the media that glorifies every episode in the common man's life, invades privacy and leaves the most sacrosanct instances open to debate and public bashing.

In my opinion everybody should just let it be. After all who are we to pass judgement. And try to decipher what happens within the four walls of each household or the human mind.

Suffice for me to say it is wrong to analyse a situation that none knows about.

May the two souls find peace and may in death they be able to sort out their differences and find solace.

A moving experience.

2008-03-20T15:03:00.003+05:30

Excuse me Madam. May God bless you!
This sentence uttered by a demure, young sales girl at Nilgiris had me in tears. There are so many ways in which God hands out his blessing. And, I do know that was God telling me that he is watching over me and my family:)
Today Arhaan turns one. At 4.04 to be precise. And my joy knows no bounds. I definitely am more excited than he is. After all today is when the mother in me too was born.
We decided to bring in Baby A's birthday with a small donation to Rakum Blind School. And that's how I encountered the sales girl while we were shopping for rations for the blind school.
And there was no better way of wishing Baby A than the 100 odd children singing 'Happy birthday'.

1!

2008-03-19T14:32:00.002+05:30

Baby A turns one tomorrow. And oh what a roller coaster ride the first year has been.
It just seems like yesterday that I walked into Jehangir Hospital, Pune with Mom, Dad, Dimple and Darling G. My maternity bag in tow. And here I am sitting today reminiscing the year gone by. That too in a jiffy!
Baby A has metamorphosised from the little bundle that he was into a little boy eagerly running around discovering his universe.
This afternoon when I went home during lunch hour he was busy pulling out the linen from the cupboard. Just to discipline him I raised my voice and he turned around, gave me the cheekiest smile imaginable and then burst into a fit of giggles. And then we both were rolling on the bed in fits of laughter.
And to imagine that a year back he was so small, tiny with flailing arms and legs. And here he is today able to express his joy to me. Not to discount his equal expression of all that annoys him.
I know what it takes to be a mother now and all I can say is that god gave me my masterpiece and I called him 'Arhaan'.

1156.

2008-02-20T15:36:00.004+05:30

1156 was the number of our studio apartment at Lakeview, Munnar.

And this is the resort we stayed at.

And this is G and me on our 2nd honeymoon.

This is the room with a view.

And its all thanks to Darling G! I had a lovely birthday and an equally romantic Valentines day. After a good two years we took a holiday where we did nothing. Which is then what holidays are supposed to be. Among the misty dales of Munnar we romanced each other interspersed with soaking in the verdant beauty that is Munnar.

It was a truly beautiful birthday gift and just one of the reasons why I love G so much:)

Airport!

2008-02-11T15:07:00.000+05:30

Neither am I a frequent flyer and neither do I wake up wondering which city I am in. But the last four days saw me spend a considerable amount of time at airports. When I travelled to Chennai on work and the other time when I went to drop Baby A to Pune. With a lot of time and nothing to do I began to notice things around me which one normally decides to give a go-by.

Harrowed mothers running behind their high-energy children while their dads sat reading the days newspaper.
Intellectual businessmen typing away busily on their laptops formulating great financial deals. Loud mouthed pot-bellied traders haggling loudy and furiously over their mobile phones.
The whites loitering around as the sea of humanity around burped, farted and belched!
Shoes sqeaking, bags rolling, the constant drone of aircraft engine, firstimers looking totally lost and equally scared.
Kohl lined, primly dressed and made-up air hostesses in red, blue and white with not a hair out of place.
Black, white and brown officious looking pilots briskly walking past.
Yawning, bored and tired security personnal as they whisked, checked and x-rayed a tide of bags and humans.
Bored looking sandwiches soggy and stale waiting to be picked up.
Newspapers and books crisp and white staring out through the glass.
Static over the intercom and announcers with strange accents trying to sound all English.

And me sitting there as all these sounds unified in one big crescendo!

Life is unique and its upto us to find appreciation in the smallest of things rather than to sit around and watch it float by.

Dog Day!

2008-01-29T11:30:00.000+05:30

I found this sign totally funny at my sister's apartment block in Pune!!

November 77% off!!

2007-11-27T12:11:00.000+05:30

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!

2007-11-22T16:16:00.000+05:30

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.

2007-11-19T11:58:00.000+05:30

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!

2007-10-23T12:24:00.000+05:30

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.

2007-10-17T15:17:00.000+05:30

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!

2007-09-25T12:35:00.000+05:30

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.

2007-09-11T17:25:00.000+05:30

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...

2007-07-18T15:05:00.000+05:30

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!!!

2007-07-13T10:33:00.000+05:30

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!!

2007-06-13T11:48:00.000+05:30

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!!!!!!!!

2007-03-06T15:08:00.000+05:30

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

2007-02-20T11:27:00.000+05:30

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...

2007-02-06T12:33:00.000+05:30

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.

2007-02-01T12:03:00.000+05:30

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.

2007-02-01T10:23:00.000+05:30

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!

2007-01-30T11:00:00.000+05:30

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...

2007-01-25T10:13:00.000+05:30

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

2007-01-23T14:33:00.000+05:30

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!

2007-01-17T13:02:00.000+05:30

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!

2007-01-12T13:08:00.001+05:30

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.

2007-01-09T11:51:00.000+05:30

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.

2007-01-08T14:52:00.000+05:30

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...

2007-01-01T12:19:00.000+05:30

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.

Purple...Purple...Everywhere...

2006-12-29T11:49:00.000+05:30

Purple.

Violet.

Fuchsia.

Lilac.

Whatever you want to call them. These beautiful flowers are blooming all over Bangalore right now.

And this picture is taken from my office window.

Beautiful isn't it.

The Year gone by.

2006-12-28T11:36:00.000+05:30

Not exactly. Still 3 more days to go. And then it'll be 2007!!

It seems like yesterday that we were bringing in 2006 at Sheesha in Pune. The memories of that wonderful night so vivid in my mind.

And here I realize that we are sitting so close to another New Years eve.

2006. A wonderful year in so many ways. And a heartbreaking one too.

1st Jan 2006. Mr. G and I started the year doing what we both love doing the most. A long long drive. Yes, we were driving back from Pune to Bangalore.

Two trips to Goa this year. Bliss at its best.

Work picks up speed. More responsibilities and more accounts. A wonderful and indeed very satisfying year at work.

Forged some good friendships. Which I know are for life.

Dad turns 60. Big time celebrations. A big achievement in our family.

I lose two very loved friends within a week of each other. Terribly missed forever.

Mr. G's cousin ties the knot. Celebrations again.

We move house and enjoy setting up our nest together.

It's a tough decision to give 'O' away. One which we will never forget.

We are overjoyed with the news that our family is expanding:)

All in all a very blessed year for Mr. G and me.

And as we prepare to welcome our little one in 2007. I realize how much these past 7 months have taught us and how much life has changed too.

And we have 2007 to look forward to.

Another blessed year awaits us.

Happy New year:)

Kellemes Karacsonyi unnepeket!!!

2006-12-21T10:16:00.000+05:30

Afrikaans: Gesëende Kersfees

Brazilian: Feliz Natal

Croatian: Sretan Bozic

Eskimo: (inupik) Jutdlime pivdluarit ukiortame pivdluaritlo!

French: Joyeux Noel

Greek: Kala Christouyenna!

Hebrew: Mo'adim Lesimkha. Chena tova

Maori: Meri Kirihimete

Thai: Sawadee Pee Mai or souksan wan Christmas

Yoruba: E ku odun, e ku iye'dun!

Merry Christmas boys and girls. As you can see the holiday bug and good cheer has bitten me. And I wanted to pass it on:)

The Dog on a tin roof.

2006-12-20T10:24:00.000+05:30

I walk to work each morning. The route I take each day is the same. And there are familiar faces also I see each day.

And then there's this dog. A wasted mongrel with the most beautiful and soulful eyes I have ever seen.

He's spotted. A white dog with huge brown spots all over. A non-existent tail which I think was chopped off by some mean-hearted person! You can't put an age to him. But I think he's an old fella.

That's because he's always plopped on the roof of a car with skin that folds over and floppy ears.

Now this car's story I would really love to know. It's an old old car. Rusted with flat tires and probably not moved in decades. Tied up with some torn plastic sheets and tarpaulin. It's more tin now than metal!

And the roof of this car is what the brown spotted dog with no-tail has made home.

And this is where he's forever plopped basking in the early morning sun.

And this is from where he stares at me with the most soulful eyes I have ever seen as I pass him each day to work.

Secret Santa.

2006-12-19T11:30:00.000+05:30

Tis the season for good cheer. And what better way to spread the cheer than from one's own work place.

So we are going to be celebrating and bring in the spirit of Christmas with lots of yummy food and wine and cake and music this Thursday right at our office.

Yes, its party time again and we are getting geared up for a bacchanal journey on Thursday night.

But this does not end here. We have started this little Secret Santa game a week earlier.

Each of us had to pick a name out of a box circulated around. Whosoever's you name got picked up became your Chris-child for a week. And each day you are supposed to do something nice for that person and on the day of the party buy a small little gift too.

Isn't that exciting??

I'm looking forward to it.

And do you know who's the obvious choice to play Santa at the party??

Lil ole me of course. I have a ready-made tummy don't I!!

Yin Yang.

2006-12-12T09:56:00.000+05:30

The Yin is different from the Yang.

The X chromosome from the Y.

That is what theory handed down the ages says.

But contrary to certain aspects of the theory there are a lot of the X and the Yang related stuff that I particularly enjoy.

When I was little I loved to play with the boys.

I never remember having a collection of dolls or doll houses or doing anything remotely 'girly'.

My growing up years were typically the awkard years. Metamorphosis was not too kind on me. I was gawky with a figure that was hidden behind baggy trousers and over sized shirts. Eyes that were hidden behind huge reading glasses which I believed gave me an intellectual look. Or was it to cover all those strange eruptions and zits on my face. Hair which I kept short almost like a military cut.

During my college years my best friends were guys. I related better with them. And all those who I had a crush on confided in me about the girls they had a crush on!

But then I'd like to believe that a realization happened. And I discovered my feminine side. I grew my hair long, got rid of my huge reading glasses and all my tomboy clothes, re-vamped my entire wardrobe and learnt to be all coy and bat my eyelids coquettishly at the drop of a hat!

But last night I realized that the X and Yin are an inherent part of my life. I sat through a fifteen minute capsule of WWE with Mr. G and enjoyed it. Those huge, burly men beating each other to pulp.

And though I grimaced, winced and yelped with each blow... I'd be lying if I say I didn't enjoy it thoroughly.

And I realized its great to be Yin and Yang rolled into one. So much nicer:)

It happens only in India!!

2006-12-06T12:15:00.001+05:30

I was walking to office this morning and noticed this sign hand painted on a wall...

Do not pass urine here.

It bought a smile to my face and I realized there are such signs all over which we see everyday.

* Horn OK please.

* No combing hair in restaurant.

Outside an undertakers shop: Drop in when you are dead!!

At railway stations: Aana free, Jaana Free. Pakde gaye to khana free!

Indian English so normal to us but funny to others.

* I'm like this only. Please don't mind it.

* You're going isn't it?

* She's here no?

* Put it off... Put it on...

* Current went, Current came!!

* Ladies Counter, Gents counter.

These are some I could offhand think of. Do add to my list.

Affirmation.

2006-12-05T15:22:00.000+05:30

I believe the sun should never set upon an argument
I believe we place our happiness in other people's hands
I believe that junk food tastes so good because it's bad for you
I believe your parents did the best job they knew how to do
I believe that beauty magazines promote low self esteem
I believe I'm loved when I'm completely by myself alone

I believe in Karma what you give is what you get returned
I believe you can't appreciate real love until you've been burned
I believe the grass is no more greener on the other side
I believe you don't know what you've got until you say goodbye

I believe you can't control or choose your sexuality
I believe that trust is more important than monogamy
I believe your most attractive features are your heart and soul
I believe that family is worth more than money or gold
I believe the struggle for financial freedom is unfair
I believe the only ones who disagree are millionaires

I believe forgiveness is the key to your unhappiness
I believe that wedded bliss negates the need to be undressed
I believe that God does not endorse TV evangelists
I believe in love surviving death into eternity

Not one of my favourite songs in terms of the musical notes. But a definite yes in terms of the lyrics. Very evocative and profoundly deep.

Karma Cola

2006-12-05T14:51:00.000+05:30

kar·ma /Spelled Pronunciation[kahr-muh]
Hinduism, Buddhism. action, seen as bringing upon oneself inevitable results, good or bad, either in this life or in a reincarnation: in Hinduism one of the means of reaching Brahman.

That in a literal sense is what karma means.

I think karma has its own interpretation for each individual. Also some believe in it and some don't know of its very existence.

I for one am a strong believer and interpret it in my own fashion.

So...

Do you watch each step?

Analyse every action?

Weigh every word?

Gauge every relationship?

Not really...

Or yes??

Retro.

2006-12-04T10:14:00.000+05:30

Finished breakfast listening and humming to Kim Wilde's 'You came'.

Anyone remember Kim Wilde... I do. She did top the charts... way back. And then poof... oblivion. Wonder where she is today.

You came is a song I associate with my last year in school. 10th grade to be precise. For me songs categorise a certain period or phase in my life. Whenever I listen to these songs I reminisce about those times.

- Ma Baker and Sunny: I guess for me BoneyM is what initiated me into listening to music. My 3rd grade and my sista and I would blast the 'tape' on our Dad's 'two in one'. Literally grew up with BoneyM.

- Clementine, Do re me, I am sixteen, Songs from 'King and I' and 'Fiddler on the roof': Singing lessons in school. 12 year olds exercising their lungs to the strains of Ms. Patel belting her music out on the antiquated piano which had seen better times.

- That's the way A-ha: The nuns used to play LP records to pep up sleepy eyes just before morning assembly. It sure did spring us all up.

- High School: Sending all my love, Sealed with a kiss, Buffalo Soldier, All from NKOTB, Shoulder to cry on, Locomotion, Donna Summers and Chaka Khan.

- Early College Days: It must have been love, Hotel California, Smells like Teen Spirit, Hole Hearted, Doors, Two Steps behind, Rock you like a Hurricane...

- Late College: The pub culture creeps in. My skirts get shorter and my ways wilder. We party all night and cram equally hard. Cotton Eye Joe, Illusion, Barbie Girl, Tribal Dance, Dr. Alban...

- Early Xebec days: First days with writehanddrive and we exchange music... Don Williams, Crush, Life...

- Working days begin and music takes a backseat as chasing artworks and massaging ego's takes precedence. Still find time for Green Day and Tull.

- But I guess the most memorable song for me is Crusin': A cold winter day. It's pouring cats and dogs. Mr. G and I are in the backseat of a Santro. The car's vipers are having a tuff time keeping up to the mini deluge. Slowly Mr. G takes my hand and as Gwyneth Paltrow and Huey Lewis sing...

Baby let's cruise, away from here
Don't be confused the way is clear
And if you want it you got it forever
This is not a one night stand
So let the music take your mind
Just release and you will find

You're gonna fly away, glad you'll go my way
I love it when we're cruisin together
Music is played for love, cruisin is made for love
Well I love it when we're cruisin together

Music is played for love, cruisin is made for love
Well I love it, I love it, I love it, I love it
Woah oh

Well I love it when we're cruisin together

And I knew I was home!

Yuletide again!!!!!!!!

2006-12-01T10:05:00.000+05:30

Its Yuletide again and that time of the year I love the most.

Its the time of the year which brings a smile to my lips, a spring to my step, a laughter at the most innocuous of things, a feeling of goodness and joy to all.

It's Christmas time!!!!

Time to bring out the mistletoe, candy sticks, rum cakes, wine and make a list of all the presents to buy!

Yay yay yay Santa is coming to town!

Things that pep me up when I got the blues...

2006-11-30T09:56:00.000+05:30

I started the day by listening to Billy Joel on my office computer... She's always a woman to me... And realized its a song I used to often listen to when down and out while in college. And somehow it always brought a smile back to my face.

So I decided to pen down some of things that pep me up when I got the blues.

So here goes...

- Looking at old pictures of myself and my sister. The crazy fashion statements we made at that point in time. And the equally weird hair-do's we sported!

- Leafing through birthday cards I have received over the years.

- My high school 'slam' book. It has tufts of hair of my friends stuck on to some of the pages!

- A good hot water shower followed by slapping on oodles of perfumed body lotion. Somehow smelling good always chases away the blues!

- A packet of greasy calorie laden chips munched down while watching old re-runs of 'Friends'.

- Calling up my sister and dumping my problems on to her and getting her all bluesy:)

- Lighting up incense cones.

And how can I not mention the bestest way to chase away the blues...

A big bear hug from my teddy Mr.G!!

And so we turn one.

2006-11-24T11:10:00.000+05:30

Time indeed flies. It still feels like yesterday but today Mr. G and I celebrate our first wedding anniversary.

And I have decided to dedicate this post to Mr. G.

For not only has he filled my life with laughter and love but he's also taught me so much.

So this is for the man who's my 'Rock of Gibraltar'!

You're Still the One.

When I first saw you, I saw love.
And the first time you touched me, I felt love.
And after all this time, you're still the one I love.

Looks like we made it.
Look how far we've come my baby.
We mighta took the long way.
We knew we'd get there someday.

They said, "I bet they'll never make it".
But just look at us holding on.
We're still together.
Still going strong.

You're still the one I run to.
The one that I belong to.
You're still the one I want for life.
You're still the one that I love.
The only one I dream of.
You're still the one I kiss good night.

I'm so glad we made it.
Look how far we've come my baby.

Food smells that make me go mmmmm....

2006-11-21T10:27:00.000+05:30

WritehandDrive... I stole the heading of your post. Is this blogger plagiarism?

I thought I would add to your long list with some of my own. And hey you gave the leeway to keep the list on. So here goes my list of food smells and some other smells that make me go mmmm...

Be warned that some of them might be an overlap to your list.

- Tea brewing with mint leaves and freshly ground pepper.

- The smell of ginger pounded in a pestle and mortar.

- Fish frying in mustard oil.

- The smell of fresh coriander sprinkled on hot spicy chicken curry.

- The smell of 'hing' sprinkled into pot of boiling sambar.

- The aroma wafting around the 'Cookie Man' outlets at malls.

- Fresh corn being buttered.

- The various aromas floating around the 'Lush' stores.

- The smell of woollens when they are taken out for the winter months.

- Aahhh the smell of kerosene and 'rubber solution'.

- And how to forget the smell of mud rising up from the earth after the first rain showers.

- Garlic pickle in brine... mmmm

- The smell of 'curry leaves' crackling in hot oil.

- Crackling jeera and chili powder in ghee poured over hot and steaming dal.

- The smell of dogs (this is for all the dog lovers) soon after a bath.

- Fresh paint and varnish.

Hmmm... can't think of any more. Mr. G look forward to you adding or rather making a list of your own.

For all those who want to check Writehand Drive's list... here's the link - http://writehanddrive.blogspot.com/

Gastronomical Sunday!

2006-11-20T15:16:00.000+05:30

The morning started with Mr. G on an expedition of his own. I strongly believe he was building up a hearty appetite for all the food to come. Full of energy and enthusiasm he cycled all the way for his classes. He reached there dragging his rubbery legs. very bravely shook a leg (and eyed the girls I'm sure for the next hour!!). And then... Mr. G I applaud you for this... "It was great show that you came back cycling' (Way to go)

The rest of Sunday was a pure gastronomical trip for Mr. G and me. What else would you expect when 6 foodaholics get together.

We had Abi and Basil chopping away furiously at some tapioca in our kitchen which they claimed they knew how to make. I figured somewhere well into the furious chopping that ...ahem They had made it once three years ago!! There was a huge pot of Kerala Fish curry and some Beef curry simmering away on the burners and (if I may say so myself considering I made those) smelling divine.

Vidya was busy in her kitchen upstairs cooking up a storm. And the delicious smells of appam batter and Vegetable stew wafted below to tantalise my nostrils.

Soon all the foodies had assembled. There was a fridge full of cold chilled beer. Which I eyed greedily!! But settled for glass after glass of chilled Guava Nectar. There was friendly banter and jokes being cracked. Beer being gurgled and Guava Nectar disappearing faster than the beer. Abi and Basil by then were keeping Vidya company and cooking up another storm in our kitchen.

Finally all the food was ready, all the beer and Guava Nectar guzzled down. The food was like a spread for the Gods. The mallu Gods that is! It was almost like Coconut grove being transported straight into our home:)

Kappa, Kerala Fish Curry, Beef Curry, More Curry, Bullet Rice, Vegetable Stew, Appams and Inzipulli! For all who know their Kerala cuisine... you sure know what a spread that is. Almost like a Mini-Sadya!!

So by 5 we all were stuffed and ready to sack. Which is precisely what Mr. G and I did till our slumber was broken and we were invited for an evening party.

So off we went for another round of food and drinks. The company was eclectic, there was good wine and booze which I again eyed greedily and then stuck to some Lemony Tang. It was a motley bunch of people comprising flight trainers, pilots, flight instructors, air-hostesses, mall managers and the like. Really enjoyed the night with good conversation, good tang(phew) and another gastronomical trip.

Steamed and fried sausages (they were the amazing crumble-in-the-mouth variety), coriander rice, chicken curry, exotic vegetables in freshly ground pepper, Prawns masala and creamy raita.

All polished up with some gooey-sinful gelato!

The night ended for us at 2 am(and on a Sunday night too). But a lovely Sunday nevertheless. Not so lovely on our poor tummies. But all the yummy food was well worth it!

So here's to more hedonism on Sunday's to come!!!

Object D'Art!

2006-11-16T12:23:00.000+05:30

Walk up the Dom Joao's lane towards Ronils and on your left is this small 'tattoo parlour'.

Run by a Kashmiri chap who insists on speaking in English and doesn't seem to understand if you try Hindi on him. He's got this Japanese lady who works out of his parlour and does some amazing body art. She doesn't speak much English except for a 'Yes' and a 'No' and 'Ooh it pains'?

But she works magic with her hands, her pins, needles and various inks and transforms simple sketches and tracings into wonderful and amazing pieces of body art.

So like each time, along we trudged to pay her a visit. Mr. G went back again and again. Till I suspected if it were the tattoo's or the lady he was interested in!

But sweet Mr. G like always gave me an option to choose the design. But not the object d' art since that was fixed, set and sealed in his mind.

Now since I knew fuming, fretting, huffing and puffing and threatening to hold my breath till I die were ploys that would not have worked I relented and picked up the design for him.

So the next evening with his mission clearly defined, out he set for his date with the Japanese lady. After an hour of seething I finally decided to pay him a visit which lasted all of 2 1/4 minutes. I hate the sight of pins and needles and decided to make myself scarce before I did something as stupid as swoon!

Hate as much as I do to admit it... well the object d' art is well...nice...Ok...Ok...It's actually very nice. And well I married one didn't I?? So I got to like it:) No love it:)

I have the picture of Mr. G's tattoo up. Do let me know what you think.

Tripping on Goa!

2006-11-15T11:44:00.000+05:30

This is going to be a detailed post on the eateries we haunted this time in Goa. And also some inane stuff I thought I should mention.

I have always binged on the food in Goa. Not because its a gourmand's delight but because just like Goa makes you thirsty for beer it also gives you hunger pangs at regular intervals.

This time since I had to curb the thirst pangs and satiate it with repeats of soups I made sure I compensated that with all the food I could get into my tummy.

- Lucky Star: Our favourite haunt though this time we didn't hang there as much as previous times. The Nepali waiters there know us by name and Mr. G loves speaking with them in Nepali and doing some serious bonding. Though I am yet to see it translate into some serious discounts for us. Lucky Star dishes out some yummy Butter Garlic Calamari and Squids which is Mr. G's staple diet whilst in Goa. Try their Manchow soup its yummy (can't beat the Kings though!). Also their Tandoori fish is nice with the yummiest salad served along with it. Evenings at Lucky Star are swell. Comfy chairs by the splashing sounds of the ocean. And Himesh Reshammiya competing with The Black Eyed Peas! The music is not worth writing about and its seems to be headed the 'party-sharty way'.

- Mambo's and Titos are best avoided. The Titos lane has lost its charm of being a beachy shacky by lane in Goa and has been transported straight into some by lane in 'the dilli'.

- Brittos is a lovely place to pig out on some scrumptious 'English Breakfast'. Greasy sausages and bacon. Stiff toast with sunny side-up eggs and a cool refreshing tall glass of Orange Juice. The latter being served in a jiffy and the former seems to take forever (almost like the cook has to catch the eggs as soon as its laid)!

- Walk down Brittos to our fave haunt this trip ' Athens'. Thanks to S and the oh-so-typical place he would frequent. The first day they killed us with some 'Fisherman from Goa' songs. Almost like an album made by them. But yes they did play some good Eagles and Don Williams after we made our displeasure clear. The cold coffee is to die for and the wood fire pizzas are outta this world. A must try is the Hot n Spicy pizza. The King Fish with Rechardo sauce is yummy by the beach at night. And not to forget the Goan fish curry and rice.

- Electric Cats. A small shack down Dom Joao's we discovered the last time round and into which we initiated our friends this time. Run by a small stocky ever-smiling Mallu chappie. So unassuming and you wouldn't believe that he owns four such restaurants in Goa. The Prawns and Calamari looked yummy enough to eat. But since I didn't want my tongue curling or me breaking into a rash I avoided those and stuck to (believe it or not) Dal and Roti. And Mr. Mallu sweetly gave me a Manchow Soup (Do I hear a not again!) on the house.

- Lousy Food and Warm Beer. A new place at Candolim run by some friends of S&S. Gavin with his sweet smile and lovely music. Zeereen with a constant cigarette dangling from her lips and her sweet chatter. Its was a lovely place. One that made you feel oh so welcome. I lived up to my oddities and had some palak paneer and rotis. Before I hear an 'Ugh!!' let me tell you that all would vouch that the palak paneer was simply delicious. I danced to some amazing retro that Gavin played a bit too loud and Savz did a crazy jig too.

- Do avoid Mike's hideout unless you fancy some hard-as-rubber Beef Chilly and runny soup.

- The best thing at La Calypso's Water-front was the mouth watering Nougat Butterscotch Cake. It was even yummier since it came complimentary for G's birthday. Its a lovely place but what makes it oh-so-sad is Himesh Reshammiya blaring out at you all the time in his nasal voice!

- The best part about Goa was sitting at the balcony at Dom Joao's bonding over endless cups of tea. Or just staring out into nothingness.

Thanks to all who joined us on this trip. It was great and the Goa hangover is yet to go!

It's a Goa state of mind...

2006-11-14T13:53:00.000+05:30

We are back. The holiday is over but for me its still a Goa state of mind.

I can never have enough of Goa though this time round we were on a longer stay.

Goa... Goa... Goa... It was such a blissful, relaxing and rejuvenating holiday. We did absolutely nothing! And the feeling of 'doing nothing' surpasses everything.

No beds to me made, no breakfast to be made, no rushing in the morning to get to work, no meetings to attend, no calls to take, no briefs to be written, no egos to be massaged, no deadlines to be met, no groceries to be bought, no dinner to be made, no instructions for the maid to be left, no household chores to worry about... no nothing to be done!

Savz, Sushim, Nealesh, Lata, Salman, Sangeeta, Mr. G and me...

Brittos, Athens, Lucky Star, OPM, Electric cats, La Calypso, Lousy Food and Warm Beer...

Fish, Mussels, Calamari, Squids, Prawns...

Beach beds, massages, tans and sunscreens...

Gossip, gossip and more gossip...

For them Breezers, Kings, Fenny, Bacardi, Wine, Gin...

For me the soups after soups!!

A lovely birthday for Mr. G with all who love him around him.

A lovely holiday for us.

Viva la Goa - esa!

2006-11-07T11:34:00.000+05:30

Yessssssss... its finally here!!

We are off to Goa tomorrow to soak up the surf, the sea and the sand. A break Mr. G and I both have been so looking forward to.

And then ofcourse Goa is our fave holiday place and oh-so romantic.

Write hand drive joins us on Thursday. My soul sista always brings a smile to my face.

So I am going to be taking a hiatus this week from blogging.

But I'm going to be back come Monday with loads of pictures and our holiday diary.

Until till then Viva la Goa-esa!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Devil Wears Prada!

2006-11-03T10:27:00.000+05:30

We finally caught this movie two nights ago on DVD.

A dishy comedy with an even dishier Simon Baker playing the role of the novelist with romantic ideas for Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway).

The movie is based on the novel by Lauren Weisberger who incidentally worked for sometime with the editor of Vogue. And some say that this book is her revenge!

A comedy with the boss-from-hell routine and a babe in the woods trying to find her footing in the world of New York publishing. Andy feels that working at Runway under Miranda Priestly will give her the experience to finally work at the New Yorker.

Meryl Streep is brilliant in her portrayal of Miranda who runs Runway like Pol Pot. I guess the movie would have sunk without her.

And the clothes in the movie are worth dying for. I loved the movie for its clothes and of course Meryl Streep.

A nice enough flick for a quiet weekday evening.

Strange Ways!

2006-11-02T12:02:00.000+05:30

There are some things which in retrospect I find so intriguing. I was reflecting back to five years.

Year 2001. Sometime in August. I am not sure of the date but yes it was a Saturday. If I knew then that, that day would be of monumental significance to me, I am sure I would have etched the date in my mind for posterity sake.

That was the day I met Mr. G for the first time.

A Hi, I am Deepti and a Hi, I am Gaurav kind of meeting.

Who would have known then that our paths would intertwine and we would be together forever.

Though from after a week of having known each other, I considered me being his and he being mine. Nothing was said or assumed. It was like karmic destiny. And things just fell into place slowly and over time.

Today when I think of that night in 2001 and to today when we are expecting our baby... I can only say... Strange ways!

Week 21!

2006-10-31T12:03:00.000+05:30

Each day brings forth a spate of mixed feelings and mixed emotions.

As the 40 week figure keeps on reducing the fear aspect keeps on increasing.

Fear of the pain.

Fear of being a good parent.

Fear of providing.

That's the flip side. But the joys far outweigh the fear!

The little flutters.

Somersaults and turns our baby is actively engaging in.

Burgeoning tummy.

Expectancy of seeing our baby again at this month's scan.

Still can't imagine that I am through the halfway mark! And in exactly 20 weeks time we will be welcoming our little one into this world.

Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.

2006-10-27T09:57:00.000+05:30

Adam Pontipee lives with his six brothers in a cabin in a remote area of the woods.

He goes to town one day and convinces a girl named Milly to marry him. They return to the cabin, where she suddenly realizes he has six brothers!

Milly tries to teach them some manners after her initial shock, but they are not entirely keen to change their ways. They are, however, anxious to get wives of their own.

After Adam reads about Roman capturing of Sabine women, he hatches a plan for his brothers - kidnap whoever they want to marry and bring them back to the cabin.

"Seven Brides for Seven Brothers" is, today, somewhat of a classic.

And that's the play Mr. G and I are going to be watching this evening at Chowdiah.

Yay yay yay:)

Metrosexual or Retrosexual??

2006-10-25T10:03:00.000+05:30

I have realised that among all the men I know I can classify them either as Metrosexuals or Retrosexuals.

Metrosexual Males:

Of the pedicures and manicures

Aftershaves, Shaving Balms, Splash On's

Conditioners, Hair Wax, Smoothing Balms

Deos, Eau de Cologne and Parfums

Body lotions and Face Creams

Robbie Williams and Jay Z

Flat Fronts, Chinos, Khakis and so on and so forth

Retrosexual Males:

Of the Old Spice and Nycil's

Brylcream and Side Partings

Nivea and Charmis

Scorpions and U2

Pleated trousers, striped shirts and so on and so forth

Mindset and Mentality of the above...

Same to Same!

Limericks.

2006-10-20T12:11:00.000+05:30

Ogden Nash is one of my favourite poets.

Though I am not a connoisseur of poems or poets for that matter.

But I used to love reading through Ogden Nash's surprising and pun-like rhymes.

I'm posting one of his funny limericks which I am sure each of you would have read at some time or the other.

The Ant
by Ogden Nash.

The ant has made himself illustrious.
Through constant industry industrious.
So what?Would you be calm and placid.
If you were full of formic acid?

2006-10-20T11:39:00.000+05:30

Wish all of you a very Happy Diwali!!

The Pied Piper.

2006-10-20T10:29:00.000+05:30

Remember Robert Browning's famous poem 'The Pied Piper of Hamlin'?

Hamelin Town's in Brunswick...
By famous Hanover city...

And who can forget the Pied Piper of Hamlin. Though he played a different music on his pipe and led away all the children of Hamlin when the mayor and council members refused to pay him a thousand guilders.

Last night a Diwali party got me thinking of the Pied Piper. The crowd comprised of serious drinkers and serious teen patti players. They were married couples, singles and couples with children.

Now all the children somehow seem to get attracted to Mr. G.

They stare at him with a wonderment in their eyes.

He makes faces, they make faces.

They smile, he smiles.

He laughs, they laugh.

What is it... What is it... I ask that draws kids to Mr. G like the Pied Piper?

The chubby cheeks I suppose.

Kids like huge bug-bears.

And isn't Mr. G the cutest bug-bear on two legs!!

So that explains the affinity between Mr. G and Lil ones. (This is purely my theory)

AND

Am I glad it is not PYT's in next-to-nothings who feel this way towards him.

And a huff and a puff!

2006-10-17T11:23:00.000+05:30

That's how I felt when I reached work this morning.

And the reason why I felt that way is because Mr. G's words just before I dozed off last night kept echoing in my ears all night.

And it was the first thing I remembered when I woke up this morning.

He said 'Deepy, its time you started exercising'!!

Well folks the only exercise I have been getting until now is the short walk to and fro from office, the never-sit-at-your-desk attitude at work, all the work around the house, chopping, cooking, cleaning etc etc etc.

So I said to myself enough is enough.

And took the longer route to work this morning.

Mr. G for your benefit it took me a good 15 minutes extra.

That means I have to leave 15 minutes early each morning.

Which means I get to see only a quarter of The Oprah Winfrey show each morning!

Which also means that since I waddle more than walk these days.

Its going to be a huff and a puff all the way!

Home Sweet Home.

2006-10-16T10:34:00.000+05:30

Yesterday Mr. G and I drove all the way to see the latest developments on our little home which is coming up in Whitefield.

This is the first time that I actually stepped into what will eventually be our home and hearth. All this while I have been seeing it as bricks and columns.

But yesterday we actually climbed up the yet to be cemented steps, all the way to the 2nd floor and stepped into the cool environs of our home.

There was a certain sense of peace and calm about the place and the postive energy I felt were also very strong. Was it because that's our home or in reality there was something warm and home like about it. A sense of ownership and belonging.

Hand in hand we walked into our home. The walls are up and little demarcations separate the kitchen from the living room, the balcony from the bedroom, the baths from the bedroom.

But I could in my minds eye see the place as it will be years from now.

Full of warmth, joy, love, sunshine and God's love:)

The Quintessential Tomato!

2006-10-13T09:54:00.000+05:30

Did you guys know that the tomato is actually a fruit and not a vegetable!

And for all you including Mr. G who like to say 'I don't like fruits in my food'... you better learn to love this fruit.

It's used in practically every preparation one can think of.

Sandwiches.

Chutneys.

Vegetables.

Rice.

Curries.

Pastas.

Soups.

Pickles.

Accompaniments.

Dips.

Did I miss out on anything...hmmm...maybe cakes...yeuck!

Why this post you ask me??

Well, I had tomato chutney with parathas for breakfast and it got me thinking.

Oops...she's pregnant!

2006-10-11T10:58:00.000+05:30

There are some at work who are now beginning to realize that hey...its not a burgeoning tummy... she's pregnant man!!

Can you believe it!!

There's one guy who asked one of the girls... Psssttt...Is she pregnant??

Girl replies...Yesss!!

Guy... How did it happen?? (Stupid!!)

Girl... well one day her husband came home and....

Then there's another guy who eyes my increasing middle and says... Too much beer lately yeah??

Me... Well, the temptation's definitely been there!

Are guys blind??

I definitely think so!

Breaking it down...

2006-10-10T11:19:00.000+05:30

Ever wondered how different people have a knack of forming their own abbreviated versions of your name!!

I do that!! There's

Gauroo for Mr. G

Savz for Savvy

Sush for Sushim

Askay for Akshay

Divs for Divya

Vids for Vidya

And here are some of my own name!

Dee

Dee Dee

Dips

Deepy

Deepoo

Deeps

Ditz

Do I like it? I guess I do.

18 weeks going!

2006-10-09T11:00:00.000+05:30

18 weeks already and this is how I am feeling:)

Excited.

Apprehensive.

Scared.

Nervous.

Dreamy.

Sleepy.

Expectant of our baby's little flutters and movements.

No longer nauseous and sick!

Hungry.

Hungry.

And even more hungry!

Bhaga Bhaga... Dauda Dauda!

2006-10-07T08:29:00.000+05:30

Most days when I have lots of work to do (not official of course) I feel like the heading of this post.

Though I am a firm believer that all personal work should be done during working hours in order to have the weekend to oneself!:)

But I have not been able to achieve that during the past two weeks.

So here I am on a Saturday morning charting out my things-to-do list.

1. Need to desperately get a haircut.

2. Need to get my eyebrows done before that's all you see on my face:)

3. Have to buy Diwali gifts to send for in-laws.

4. Pair of black sandals for myself. I have worn out the two I possess. Must be the increasing weight I guess.

5. Grocery shopping for the month. Though that will be done tomorrow with Mr. G. But hey I still got to work on the list!

6. Fix an appointment for the next Doctor's visit

7. Make plans for Saturday evening (which is a humungous task because they take many forms as the day progresses)

8. Supervise Saturday house cleaning by the maid. I have a feeling most days she just does the dishes and scoots (She comes while we are away at work!)

9. Buy a gift for for a birthday tomorrow.

10. Laundry, laundry and more laundry.

Phew...so you see why I am feeling bhaga bhaga...dauda dauda.

Of parathas and pickles!!

2006-10-06T10:04:00.000+05:30

Let me warn you guys that my favourite topic (as you will surely see over time) will be food, and food and more food!!

Ever since my adolescent years, parathas for breakfast have been a major high for me.

Think...visualise...

Hot, hot fluffy parathas, crusty layers that break away at a bite...

The yummy smell of melting ghee being used to fry it...

Hot parathas on a plate which vanish with two to three bites.

Accompaniments of an assortment of pickles...chillies, mango, and lime

Isn't that culinary bliss my friends and a foodie's delight?

Well, the reason for this post is that I had hot, hot parathas for breakfast with pickles and curd.

What a way to start a day:)

There's a fly in my tea!

2006-10-05T10:07:00.000+05:30

My early morning cuppa ritual is very sacrosanct to me. I need a piping hot cup of tea first thing in the morning and just cannot do without it. My best friend had once told me that she's never seen anyone enjoy tea as much as I do. I like to ponder, introspect and dream over that first morning cup of tea.

But this morning a very creepy and hairy visitor decided to drop by my morning cup of tea! yeuck. Yes, it was a fly. I have no idea from where it dropped by. And its so uncanny to see one that early in the morning. I always associate flies with late afternoons so somehow always believed that they were late risers. Anyways I didn't let that fly mar my first cuppa bliss. I just knocked it out and sipped away.

Yummm!