Day 154: Moments of Life

day 154: a moment you felt most satisfied in your life

Lots of moments like that. Touch wood. Thank you so much dear Lord.
But coming back to the topic, I guess a major moment of satisfaction was when I got my first job offer. 
Day Zero and am the first person to get recruited in my college. I still remember the pride and happiness on my Dad's face who was waiting anxiously for me outside the college. It was hugely satisfying to see him sharing the news with all our family and friends. 

I've always been a good student and a fairly reasonable child. (I think) But this was my first foray into the outside world and I feel that my parents were proud that I had successfully maneouvred my maiden step. 

Since then, there have been many more worthy occasions but definitely that first big leap that gave me the confidence to do more will always be the first to spring to mind.

day 111: Wishes

day 111: do you wish upon 11:11 even if it may not come true

I have no idea what this means.

But yes, I wish on the first star I see every night, on shooting stars, on my birthday cake, on fallen eyelashes. 
I touch wood, circle near and dear one's heads to shake off untoward gazes, break my knuckles in my temples to ward off evil eyes.
Superstitious. Maybe. Why take a chance? If it increases my chances of good fortune and keep away ill luck. Sure. costs nothing. And if it works, awesome. :)

Day 152: Change the World!

day 152: what is one step of action you would take to change the world

Change me! If everyone acted like they wanted everyone else to, the world would be an amazing place to be.

Think about it.

• We expect others to act charitably, kindly, pay us loads of cash for little or no  work (how awesome!), shower us with compliments, think grandly of us, but do we ever do it for others? Nope.
• We think others should stop corruption, violence. But we don't hesitate to bribe, we excuse our road rage and tantrums. Well, that's how all these problems began.
• We chastise others for clutter, for littering, for not maintaing public places and transport badly. Our duty as the aforementioned public? I don't think Cribbing is the right answer.
• We talk about others behind their back but never label ourselves as 'gossip mongers'. Oh no, we are just letting off steam.
• We think the world owes us. But have we managed to justify our existence. I think not. Unless one is a Mother Teresa or Mandela or Einstein or Gandhi. 
• We talk about humanity but when was the last time we even smiled at our housekeepers, street sweepers or even bade a good morning to the soul collecting OUR trash. 

Lots to think and lots to do. Let's change the world one person at a time. 

Day 82: Would you break the law to save a loved one?

day 82: would you break the law to save a loved one

One word. Absolutely.

Without doubt, the answer is a vehement affirmation. And I thank the Good Lord for blessing me many wonderful loving people in my life who will definitely do the same for me. Thank you God!

Day 80: Favorite childhood Memory

Day 80: one of your favorite childhood memories

Firstly, I have to thank God for a truly wonderful and blessed childhood. It was full of fun and frolic and lots of little pleasures and simple joys.

But of all those cherished memories, one stands out. And that is my habit of checking out every nook and cranny of my home after a stay away from home. Whether it was our ancestral home that we visited every summer or coming back home again after a holiday, I loved exploring our home.

Every time I came home, I would rush through the mandatory ablutions (imposed after a long trip) and glug down the glass of milky concoction before impatiently running through all the rooms. In our ancestral home, I like to see all the new plants, the solid old tamarind tree with its outstretched arms, the ancient discarded wooden boxes (full of junk but nevertheless exciting) and the wild, unattended garden. On coming home, I liked to see if any new birds had succeeded in making any nest, if my stuffed, furry friends were still waiting atop our bed, and that all my diaries/ scrapbooks were unspied upon (despite the contents being disclosed by myself :)  ).

Why does this particular memory mean so much to me? Simple. It wasn't the differences in decor or verdant growth that I sought to see, it was the reassurance that no matter how old I or the homes got, the welcoming havens would remain the same. I was always comforted by the security of knowing that these were safe cocoons that would have a embrace me in their warmth and affection no matter how naughty or annoying I was.

Isn't that a truly a memory to cherish?

Day 53: Daily Log

day 53: your day, in great detail


The day began with an empty bed and a husband up unusually early. Then it struck me - cricket. Matches at unearthly hours  rob him of his sleep. 


Since, we were to go shopping at noon for some appliances, my plan of preparing Chole was scrapped. I rustled up some  rice, dal and plantain chips to go with the katrika-pachadi I had prepared the night before. Our trip was cancelled eventually due to heavy rains and we went grocery shopping instead at our international farmers market.


My cooking duties were cut, freeing the morning hours. The better half was still glued to the laptop, keenly following every move of IPL. So, I decided. Time to covet the Bose speaker. I listened to Bollywood beats while merrily ironing our laundered mounds.


Noon came with downpours and a lazy lunch. I started on my favorite pastime, reading and warned the other half that disruptions would be severely dealt with. Since the Auto show was on, I knew I could be as impertinent as I wished.


Evening saw Hubbyji help his friend get furniture and crockery from an acquaintance's garage sale. In the meanwhile, I ran the dishwasher while studying some Java books. Hubbyji hogs them while he is about, so I wanted to savour every minute alone. :) Oh, I baked a delicious banana-walnut bread and boxed it in a handy dabba well.


A few hours later, I was seated in the aforementioned friend's place, sipping chai and masala pori. A long talkathon later, we hit the stores for a week's supplies of salads, veggies and cleaning aids. Dinner was at an Indian restaurant. The appetizers were so-so but the main course was sumptous. The naans were soft, fluffy and delicious as were the spicy malai-koftas and aromatic vegetable biryani.


Singing to the tunes of Alaipayuthey and Love Aaj Kal, we drove back home and slipped into sandman's land.

Day 34: What the Stars Forecast

Day 34: your horoscope for today and whether you think it’s accurate
My horoscope for today states : Your creativity is on a huge upswing, so give it plenty of room to soar today!


Reading into the detailed account, I view:
You know in your bones that you've got it made, so make sure you are dealing with people as equals (or minions, if you must). Your confidence shines through and instills deep trust.


I agree with the first statement though not the second. I believe in dealing with people with a positive outlook and not treat subordinates or peers as inferiors. Everything is relative and I myself am great at some stuff and horrible at others. So, cannot accept the second line. But the third is true. 2 out of 3 is a good count; so I'll rate today's prediction as reasonably on target.

Day 32: Beauty or Riches?

Day 32: whether you’d rather marry someone who’s rich but ugly, or poor but attractive


Hmph! Horrid choices indeed! I'd rather have a well-to-do and attractive guy, thank you very much and thank God, I do.


Hubs is an attractive specimen of humanity, with a reasonably good income, great social standing, charming personality, a witty repartee and a well developed sense of humour. Plus, he is a TDH engineer and a marvelous cook which puts him in intellectual and appealing bracket of males. (Which is quite an exclusive group as this disastrous cook knows.)


So, with yet another heartfelt thanks to an extremely kind God, I have to reiterate that better to wait for an attractive man of steady means than go for ugly millionaires or jobless charmers.

Day 31: Real Life

Day 31: a bit about your social life outside of tumblr


Well, well, well! I do not have a Tumblr account but do have a Google, Yahoo, Facebook, Blogger, Wordpress  and LinkedIn one. I also had an Orkut account and keep accepting strange requests from utterly forgettable acquaintances to stuff like DiggIn, FarmVille, and other blah blah. Am definitely following behind the times, I think.


But to answer the question- my social life outside my virtual existence consists of many roles. I nag an adorable hunk who works as a  technical lead while not slaving under my directions. I gossip and exercise with other newlyweds. I also act as enchanting guest at parties and events  thrown by our many friends. I am avid reader who is devouring even more books with her A-Z resolution. Read more about this on my A-Z Challenge Page. I also have taken up the 365 day challenge as yet another resolution in this new year. 


To make life more thrilling and hectic, I am learning how to cook, much to Hubby's delight (or is that dismay. I rate a 100 on the 10 point Kitchen-Dunce-o-Meter. ) I reach out to family and friends via phone, mails and Skype throughout the week as they are all scattered geographically. I am an inveterate talker in four languages, so I impose myself on various friends and family. My blogs provide necessary relief for my acquaintances.


And that in a nutshell, is my social life outside of today's virtual reality.

Day 26: Fast Forward Please

Day 26: 5 things you’re looking forward to
5 things I am looking forward to would be events I'd rather fast forward my life to. And these are:
My first wedding anniversary
The Big 3-0
Graduation Day for when I join and complete a Masters program
My own library
Being a better Housekeeper

Day 23: The Best Days of My Life

Day 23: a month/year of your life when you were happiest and why


I always maintain that the best day of my life is TODAY. I totally believe in the popular saying:
Yesterday is History,
Tomorrow is Mystery,
Today is a gift,
That's why it's called the Present!
We cannot change the past or foresee the future. But we can spend today wisely and savour it the fullest. So, best day of my life is TODAY!!


However, since my 365 day challenge states that I need to be specific, I'd say 2011 was a fabulous year. It saw very significant changes in my life, attitude and perspectives. 


I've summed up all this in a former post entitled 'the Year that Was' . You can read it by clicking here.

Day 21: Better Half

This post is about all that I wished for in my spouse:
TDH - in true Mills & Boon style- tall, dark and handsome.
Vegetarian- I really did not want to impose my food preferences on some poor guy
City bred- since I am a Mumbai brat, adjusting would be easier with other metro people
Professionally Qualified- am smart enough to prevent ego conflicts
Young- seemed ludicrous to my parents, but I was firm on the 2-4 years age gap condition. They were mollified when I stated that a rigid girl like me had more hopeful chance of marital success with an equally young 'boy' not too set in his ways!

In hindsight, it seems a tad bit high handed to have set so many constraints.
But miraculously, my parents actually found me a marvellous TDH hunk who not just fit all the above criteria but also liked Stubborn-Feminist-Me! And he is TamBram too adding to my parents' delight. I think they were surprised and relieved at this miracle.

Anyway, almost a year into wedded bliss, I must admit that Hubbyji is indeed the significantly better half. And I can't help but feel blessed that I knew my mind and got what I wanted!
How about you?

Note to self: Thank God again for such divine miracles. Pray to keep evil eyes away from Hubbyji.

Day 20: Beauty

Day 20: what you think makes someone beautiful


Beauty lies in the beholder's eyes really. But if you ask me, then personality is what makes a person truly beautiful. 


A mischievous person's twinkling eyes, a serious person's slow smile, the gestures born of animated happiness, the conspiratorial wink of a prankster- all these can be the essence of beauty. A dancer captivates by his/her sway, a talker by eyes that speak volumes. The thinker's jutting chin and the artist's paint-dabbed hands- aren't all these beautiful simply because they are genuine. An uninhibited, true expression of personality is beautiful to me and that is the element that draws me towards that person. 


So, what do you think makes someone beautiful?

Day 17: Indian Idol (Personal)

Day 17: your idol and why you look up to them


This definitely has to be my Mom. The reasons are many but I'll try to sort and list my top reasons and the favorite ones too.

1. My Mom has persistence and patience. I don't know of many eighteen year olds who get married, have squalling and stubborn twins in a year and yet manage to single-mindedly study, finish a doctorate, pursue a career as the Principal of a college and enjoy motherhood. Add in taking care of dependent relations, buying their own flat, building a home library and reading all those books, socializing with lots of friends, mentoring thousands of kids each year and you realize that she is truly one awesome lady.
2. Doing things backwards has always been Mummy's way. If marriage, career and college were not unconventional an order enough, here's something that I like to call her success mantra. We follow the alphabet as I, U, V. But for my Mom, it's always been the other way round. It is V- as in We can do it, U- for U are awesome and let me help you become more terrific and finally, I - translating to I'd like to help some more. Selflessly helping others is another reason that I look up to her in absolute admiration.
3. Her smile and optimism. No matter how hectic or grueling the day has been, she'll always sport a smile and a cheerful countenance. Despite being a khadoos* of the highest order, I have to admire this trait.
4. If there were an award for doing things with Effortless Ease, I'd hand it over to her. How does she make everything look so blessed easy?
5. I frequently focus on people's weaknesses and flaws. Simply, because I like to guard myself against it. But not so for my Mom. She always focuses on the inherent good in people and tries to instill in them the confidence to become better and follow their talents. And that is one more reason I think that my Mommy dearest id definitely the person I look up to.

*Grouch

Pfff Goes 365 Day Challenge! On defeat and Salvaging...

Hmm... there sure should not be anything more to write after that rather revealing headline.

Yup. My 365 day challenge which I began in Feb has gone bust.

For someone who is fiercely opinionated, voraciously vocal and fond of writing; this is terribly deflating. But yes, I find that I have not found the inspiration to write everyday. And definitely on the topics I had outlined.

I feel so ridiculous about this but perhaps a part of me knew. I'm no good at keeping resolutions since I suffer from the classic case of biting off more than I can chew.

But nevertheless, I shall aim for quality over quantity [sorry excuse, I know- but best I can some up with at short notice] and write only when I have something worthwhile to write.

Thankfully the Books I Read and A-Z project is coming along fine. Those are my pending posts that will soon be posted too but at least I'm on top of my reading list.

Just to feel happier and salvage a bruised ego, let me state that I've also been hitting the gym since last week and am on my way to get rid of the love handles that were starting to raise their ugly head. Love is awesome. Sure. But love handles- no way. Not when I've not even celebrated the first anniversary and his birthday looming close by. I certailnly want to look good for that.

Before I ramble further, it's time to sign off with the hope of more frequent posts. Ciao.

365 Day Challenge

I have formally decided to begin the 365 day challenge by :

• posting my views on certain topics. I will post these under 365 Day Challenge- A Post A Day
• continuing my Gratitude Journal. Category is Things That Made My Day Awesome.
• A-Z project : also continuing under separate page.

The alphabetical list of topics on which I must write each week is as below:
Advertisements ; Adjectives
Bad Habits ; Buying
College ; Categories
Define <something> ; Dictionary
English; Engineering Marvels
Family ; Friends
Games ; Girl I Am
Home; Holidays
India ; Internet
Jewelry ; Just stop <something>
Kodak Moments ; Kids and kin
Library ; Life
Movies ; Marriage
News ; Now in pictures
Opinion ; On Camera
People ; Photographs
Relationships ;
Songs ; Social Media
Teachers ; Traditions
Urban ; Understanding <something>
Valentine Week ; Voice
World Around Me ; Words
Youtube ; Yours Truly
Zodiac ; Z and more

If you notice closely, Q and X are missing. This is deliberate as I am short of 4 weeks for the challenge.

Happiness is...

Happiness need not be something big like winning a lottery; becoming Head of State or even discovering the secret to Eternal Youth; though I'd love to have that. Life has more delight when you know how to savour the simple joys in life; compound them and you get a truly blessed life.

Here is my list.
Happiness to me is ...

• A good book
• Singing off-key with the iPod
• Doubling up with laughter 
• Playing Scrabble, Sudoku 
• Competing over game scores with Hubbyji 
• Lemony salad with a dash of chilli and pepper 
• Boiled peanuts 
• Brightly coloured nail polish 
• Gazing at old photograph albums 
• Being pampered by grandparents 
• Squabbling with siblings 
• Window Shopping with friends
• Watching my First snow
• Delicious ice-cream
• Freshly baked cookies
• Sniffing a fragrant bunch of flowers
• Nice, long bath
• Big balloons
• Toothless babies smiling at me
• Making paper boats in the rain
• Dipping my toes in a lake
• Walkin along a beach
• Sunset
• Watching the sun rise
• Freshly brewed coffee
• Munching on chips
• Watching a movie with friends and a bag of popcorn
• Family gatherings
• Long phone calls with Mom
• Gossipping with gal pals
• The first Paycheck
• Cuddling up with my Panda Bear
• Watching cartoons
• Sipping hot chocolate
• Dressing up for family weddings
• Biting into delicious cakes
• Watching the clouds pass by
• Sweet smell of wet earth
• A new addition to the family

Twindom

As I mention elsewhere in this blog, am one of identical twins. Above is a picture of me and my twin at age six months.

For today, I write about the FAQs asked by anyone who comes to know about me having a twin sister. That is why I maintain that Twindom [if I may liberally use this non-existent word] is amazing and yet infuriating when you are pestered with the same inane questions over and over again.

Here's a list of the good and the bad. The retorts to the irritating ones I NEVER utter but ALWAYS THINK!

• Are you two really twins? No, you're just long overdue for that eye checkup. 

Of course, only exception is the middle aged gentleman who saw us AT the optician's while trying on his new glasses. That was the one lone incident where I was happy to myself furnish the statement "Yes, we really are Twins!" Lord, but was that man relieved.

• How do people distinguish between you two? They don't! They just guess.
• Do your parents get confused between you two? Nope. After enjoying the luxury of nighttime feeding, diaper changing, potty training, baby wailing, food tantrums, teenage trouble all in twos, I really do not think anyone would.
• How do you distinguish between yourselves? Um... Dunno? Really now, that IS the dumbest think I have ever been asked!
• Can you two telepathically connect? We went to the same school, college, worked for the same company, are now living in the same country. Plus, we both have the same phone plans - so calls are free and we hold Skype accounts. I should think we do not need to.

• Do you dress similarly? 

Plenty of times. And most people I know love to buy us stuff just so they can experience buying absolutely identical sets- going to great lengths to ensure this. Salespeople, I'm sorry for any inconveniences.

• Are all your tastes similar? We are twins not clones.
• Do you play tricks on people since you are twins? Actually, we never needed to. Most folks were confused already.
• Did you use your being one of twins to bunk classes? Do you even know how much attention you garner when you are one of twins? Do you seriously think my professors would not notice one of our missing beaming faces?
• Do you call in sick at work and ask her to go instead? And pray, who will do mine? 
• Do you fall sick when she does? We have the same genes, travel in the same circles. Is not the answer to that question logically yes?
• Does she feel what you do? 

This question I am convinced is inspired by too many movies on Twins. Bollywood and Hollywood both are to blame for this question to crop up unfailingly in most conversations.

Being one of twins does not entail twitching, dancing and doing everything at exactly the same time and in same manner as each other. We are not units manufactured on an assembly line. Stop believing  those countless dumb movies. 

Yes, we are perceptive to each other's needs and feelings, maybe more than regular sibling. We do sync easily and share a bond more intimate and warmer than plain sisters. Add our years of togetherness, of being complementary to each other and you get a wonderful relationship and a great team. 

But that is still no excuse to ask me if I will physically feel if you slap her? Honestly, how does one contain one's temper at such moronic but sincerely asked statements. I positively itch to reply, "Oh well, my hand instantly pounds you in reflex." Will that answer your query?

2011

I've really been meaning to write this post since the clock struck twelve on New Year's eve; but somehow the days have just flown by without me actually getting down to do it.

So, without further delay, here is a run down of the year that was. The list is not chronological though.

• Twin sister got married. Bidding adieu to my twin of 25 years was one excruciatingly hard thing to do.
• But I gained a wonderful brother and a marvelous extended family in the bargain.
• I got engaged. The time period between engagement and marriage is indeed rather cute.
• Got married to an amazing, considerate, perceptive, intelligent, witty, loving and handsome man. Lucky me! Touch wood!
• Travelled across the seven seas to USA to join Hubbyji.
• Celebrated Thanksgiving with sis-in-law
• Learnt how to cook ; correction, that would be 'Learning'
• Learnt how to bake my own cookies and cakes
• Celebrated Thalai Karthigai with home-made appams
• One Cuz got engaged
• Another Cuz was blessed with a baby boy
• Scored 162 each in GRE.
• A Baby Boy is born to a very good friend
• One BFF now in Ireland. What a perfect setting for that awesome gal.
• Another BFF in Brussels for accelerated MBA
• Yet another Cuz bought a flat.
• Hubbyji got promoted.
• He was also awarded for his hard work.
• He cleared his Insurance exams.
• Got back my pending Tax returns. I'm rich!!!
• Joined the Indian Trails Library in Prospect Heights. What an amazing institution! Oh, I love the place. Their tagline is so right: So many books, so little time!
• Went cruising in Michigan lake, kayaking, ziplining, tandem cycling.
  
• Went hiking in Forest Reserves of Michigan state.
• Took a ferry ride to Pictured Rocks. That was one wonderful ride.
• Ascended the John Hancock Observatory and viewed Chicago from a height of 94 floors. What a splendid view!
• Went to Rockfort temple with Huubyji. Our first outing alone after being married. And that too in a saree. I actually climbed the hill clad in a sari. Ok, so I did cling on some of the way onto Hubbyji's arm , but I'm still proud of the overall achievement.
• Learnt how to ride escalators. The credit to overcoming this fear goes entirely to Hubbyji.
• Started blogging.

Small Change

Hmm... Just finished reading Small Change by Sheila Roberts. Great book on how a bunch of girlfriends change their spend-thrift ways and eventually straighten their out of control lives. I liked the characterization and the vivid descriptions of the emotional dilemmas faced by the lead characters. But it also set me thinking about altering my own ways.

Ok. I am definitely not a spend-thrift. I like to call myself 'Economical'- which is far from stingy and definitely farther from spending foolishly. I do not skimp on education, health and food and safety. For everything else, there always sales and bargains. :)

But the department in which I fear, I am sadly lacking is Housekeeping. Oh- I'm quite all right. Not pathetic- but definitely not exemplary. But I want to be. So, my New Year Resolution is to take charge of all the Household chores [which are not many and which is why my Guilt-o-meter beeps frequently.]

I've been reading Jen's Blog 'IHeart Organising' and taking inspiration from it- am going about to do just that. Will post on my progress soon enough.

Oh, and do read both Jen's Blog and Sheila Robert's book.