Dec 29th 2006 - 2 days behind the New Year. The countdown has begun... Lots of mails flowing across - with wishes for the new year, lots of offers across all the malls, lights, decoration at the workplace, and what not.
I am at work now ... The work place is close to empty. Everyone has either have left for the day, or are on leave since the past week. And those who are here, am sure (I hope, atleast, cos that's the frame of mind I am in :D) are in no mood to work. I am looking at the clock tick away, ever so slowly, and am waiting for it to strike 6, so that I can bang shut my laptop (quite literally), turn off my desktop server monitor (Not shut down - because a test is running on it you see), and rush through the peak hour traffic and reach home. Reach home, yes, and what next? [Well, the next thing that I think of is some hot snack with a steaming cup of tea] currently, the thought of food is the only source of excitement for me.
Drudging along through my work load, ever so half heartedly, I can't stop wondering - why all this fuss about entering a New Year? I was one of them too, a few years back - One of them who loved the fan fare around the New year arrival, and who was very much a part of the celebrations and get togethers with friends, to welcome the new year until and beyond mid-night. And, yes, I maybe one of them this year as well. I maybe, for all you know, loving the feel of the new year dawning, and the lights and the colors and the happiness around.
But right now, at this moment, I cannot seem to understand what all the fanfare is about? Why do we all enjoy the arrival of a new year? Somehow, the beginning of this new year brings with it a feeling that time just absolutely flies. I feel as though I just finished celebrating the dawning of the year 2006, and before I could even let that feeling sink in, its time for 2007!! The years seem to be running by, and they, ofcourse, don't give us a second chance.
Talk of brooding, and I somehow manage to do that really well. Well, since the year 2007 is anyway going be here soon, so might as well enjoy the fact and receive it with all the fanfare and the excitement. And since there is a nice weekend before 2007 hits us, let me start, maybe, by making a list of all I would like to do in 2007. :)
HAPPY NEW YEAR 2007!!
This blog is all about ...
- Aparna
- Any idea/thought travelling through my mind, strong enough to make me sit and write all about it... Also food, my cooking, and any new foodie joints that is worth writing about.
Friday, December 29, 2006
Monday, September 25, 2006
Uncertainties
Another one of those days... When I am feeling like a lost puppy in the big bad world.
Life's inconsistencies and my indecisiveness are taking a toll and I need to sit and think about a lot of things and rearrange my thoughts.
But, sadly, my heart will not let me do it. I am too scared to open up my mind and let myself think, lest it makes me take some decision which my heart will not agree upon. Am I scared to face life and its various realities? I don't want to believe that, because I think I am prepared for whatever, WHATEVER damn situation I am going to face.
But then, is that true? Am I really prepared for what I might face? It's easy to console oneself that life has innumerable challenges and that we must and will take it as it comes ... On facing it actually, pop goes my so called determination and there I go, getting weak in my knees and refusing to believe that well, that's that. That's how it is and will be.
By the way, it actually feels better when thoughts come out clear on paper. Feels lighter and well, maybe now I can rearrange my thoughts afterall, and life's uncertainties are not as difficult as they seemed a few seconds back!!
Life's inconsistencies and my indecisiveness are taking a toll and I need to sit and think about a lot of things and rearrange my thoughts.
But, sadly, my heart will not let me do it. I am too scared to open up my mind and let myself think, lest it makes me take some decision which my heart will not agree upon. Am I scared to face life and its various realities? I don't want to believe that, because I think I am prepared for whatever, WHATEVER damn situation I am going to face.
But then, is that true? Am I really prepared for what I might face? It's easy to console oneself that life has innumerable challenges and that we must and will take it as it comes ... On facing it actually, pop goes my so called determination and there I go, getting weak in my knees and refusing to believe that well, that's that. That's how it is and will be.
By the way, it actually feels better when thoughts come out clear on paper. Feels lighter and well, maybe now I can rearrange my thoughts afterall, and life's uncertainties are not as difficult as they seemed a few seconds back!!
Friday, September 15, 2006
Last few months
It's time - The child has grown up. It's time for him to say good bye to his parents. It's time for him to go away - to be on his own. Away from his parents - the people because of whom he is here today and is what he is today.
The parents go through a plethora of emotions, and so does the child.
Parents - Happy to see their child grown up and able to handle things himself. Happy that they have brought him up well and have helped him reach this level. Happy that their child has achieved a lot and is ready to take on the next phase.
Sad that they will not have him around any more. Sad that they will miss his laughter, his activities around, his enthusiasm to do things... Sad that the child will not be there anymore to be pampered and cared for.
Child - Happy that he is going to face the world all by himself. Happy that he is going to be independent. Happy that he is getting his chance to explore and learn new things and can think of exploring ideas which would otherwise be difficult to do under the care of his wary parents.
Sad that he will not have the same care to help him through difficult times. Sad that he will not have his parents around to listen to his achievements. Sad that he will not experience the love and affection of his parents.
The parents go through a plethora of emotions, and so does the child.
Parents - Happy to see their child grown up and able to handle things himself. Happy that they have brought him up well and have helped him reach this level. Happy that their child has achieved a lot and is ready to take on the next phase.
Sad that they will not have him around any more. Sad that they will miss his laughter, his activities around, his enthusiasm to do things... Sad that the child will not be there anymore to be pampered and cared for.
Child - Happy that he is going to face the world all by himself. Happy that he is going to be independent. Happy that he is getting his chance to explore and learn new things and can think of exploring ideas which would otherwise be difficult to do under the care of his wary parents.
Sad that he will not have the same care to help him through difficult times. Sad that he will not have his parents around to listen to his achievements. Sad that he will not experience the love and affection of his parents.
Monday, August 21, 2006
A thoughtful little fella...
I met this little fella yesterday, who must be hardly about 10 years old - And, Oh my God! Wasn't I shaken out of my dream world!! I had a wonderful, thought provoking and a totally enjoyable conversation with him for about an hour.. and here's what he had to say -
LB - Akka, I just hate this city life. The noise and the pollution just irritates me no end. I want to go far far away from this city and live in a world of my own. My dad has some ideas of building a farmhouse. Wouldn't that be great???
I am planning to start a Wild Life Sanctuary, and do some Agriculturing also. We can have 3 dogs - two to protect the sanctuary and 1 for our protection. Also we will have a guest room, so that we can invite weary travellers to take rest there ... ofcourse we will not let them into our house, because its not right to trust anybody.
We will take all near to extinction animals, and take care of them so that they have children and their numbers grow. I am going to plant lots of trees, so that I can get the vegetables and fruits for daily use from them itself.
Me - But kutti, where will you get the money for all this? You know, I have just fallen for your idea, but it isn't that easy to start off on it.
LB - (thinks a bit and states matter of factly) - But Akka, if we start a wild life sanctuary - The Govt will fund us, will it not? So there goes the problem of funds!! Also, I have 2000 bucks in my piggy bank, and my father has saved money for me as well.
Me - (Wow!!!! What do I say here????).
LB - Akka, I won't even go to school, because all the knowledge is available in books, and I can just read them and improve and learn about the world.
Me - However, if you want to get a job later in life, you would need a degree certificate dear boy, and you would have to go to school and then college for that to happen.
LB - But why do I need a job? I can work as an officer in my own Sanctuary and help in the project to make the animals and greenery stay intact. What do you think of this akka? Can you please talk to amma and make her understand that we must do this and we must help our nation grow in the right direction? Akka, we must also control the population growth and stop breaking down trees and forest areas - we must build lots of trees and make people understand that if the trees are all cut down, we will not be able to live any more and lose all the comforts and the beautiful weather that we enjoy. People just understand all this, do they?
Me - True dear boy and its amazing that you have a great idea like this in your little head - and I would love to think that this will happen in the near future. Keep up this thought and work towards your dream. I am sure it will work out some day.
[Isn't it a wonder that a 10 year old loves the world so much and wants to do so much for it. And we, the common people, know all about the imminent dangers, but still pretend that life is just rosy, and turn a bl
LB - Akka, I just hate this city life. The noise and the pollution just irritates me no end. I want to go far far away from this city and live in a world of my own. My dad has some ideas of building a farmhouse. Wouldn't that be great???
I am planning to start a Wild Life Sanctuary, and do some Agriculturing also. We can have 3 dogs - two to protect the sanctuary and 1 for our protection. Also we will have a guest room, so that we can invite weary travellers to take rest there ... ofcourse we will not let them into our house, because its not right to trust anybody.
We will take all near to extinction animals, and take care of them so that they have children and their numbers grow. I am going to plant lots of trees, so that I can get the vegetables and fruits for daily use from them itself.
Me - But kutti, where will you get the money for all this? You know, I have just fallen for your idea, but it isn't that easy to start off on it.
LB - (thinks a bit and states matter of factly) - But Akka, if we start a wild life sanctuary - The Govt will fund us, will it not? So there goes the problem of funds!! Also, I have 2000 bucks in my piggy bank, and my father has saved money for me as well.
Me - (Wow!!!! What do I say here????).
LB - Akka, I won't even go to school, because all the knowledge is available in books, and I can just read them and improve and learn about the world.
Me - However, if you want to get a job later in life, you would need a degree certificate dear boy, and you would have to go to school and then college for that to happen.
LB - But why do I need a job? I can work as an officer in my own Sanctuary and help in the project to make the animals and greenery stay intact. What do you think of this akka? Can you please talk to amma and make her understand that we must do this and we must help our nation grow in the right direction? Akka, we must also control the population growth and stop breaking down trees and forest areas - we must build lots of trees and make people understand that if the trees are all cut down, we will not be able to live any more and lose all the comforts and the beautiful weather that we enjoy. People just understand all this, do they?
Me - True dear boy and its amazing that you have a great idea like this in your little head - and I would love to think that this will happen in the near future. Keep up this thought and work towards your dream. I am sure it will work out some day.
[Isn't it a wonder that a 10 year old loves the world so much and wants to do so much for it. And we, the common people, know all about the imminent dangers, but still pretend that life is just rosy, and turn a bl
Wednesday, July 26, 2006
Wada paav and chai ...
Just the plain thought of it makes me drool, imagine what would happen if I actually was gorging on it right now!!! Wada paav and chai is one of the most famous snack - A favourite among people in the state of Maharashtra - starting from school kids to as old as 70 year olds...
Be it for breakfast, lunch or an evening bite - Wada paav is the unconquerable leader.
College days was when I was introduced to this delicacy! Starting at a meagre Rupess 3 for a wada paav and a 2 rupees 50 paise for a cutting (this was how a half cup of tea was known as) - this was the most affordable and lip smacking eat.
What with a few pennies in hand, all of us friends had no better work than to sit at the all time favourite Gokul bhaiyya's katta and gorge on the wada paavs and a cutting each. All the while, the guys making sure that they don't miss out on any of the babes coming out of the ladies hostel, and us girls just content with each others company and enjoying the stupid jokes (:P) that the guys used to crack.
Wada paav is basically potato wada (which also has lots of coriander, ginger and garlic), stuffed in between the two folds of a buttered and toasted Paav (you could call it a burger bun), with a generous spread of ground nut chutney and onion slices. A bite of this heavenly concoction, and a sip of tea to go along ... yummmmmmmm... you need to experience it to understand what I mean here!!
Kudos to the discovery of wada paav. :). Oh how I missed it in my 3 and a half years of stay in Bangalore!! And those who haven't had a taste of this - what are you waiting for??? Get up and GO EAT ONE immediately!
Psst - An advice... I have not tasted as good a wada paav anywhere else in India. So don't take a chance and taste one outside Maharashtra!!
Tuesday, July 11, 2006
An afternoon well spent ...
There are so many little children in this world, who are not as lucky as all of us to have had a wonderful childhood. Little children who have had to sacrifice their innocent childhood in doing tasks which are not meant for them - working as rag pickers, working in Tea stalls, and whatever not. All this, in an effort to earn a little bit of money, to support their family and to be able to eat atleast one decent meal a day. At their tender ages, these children are burdened with much much more than they can handle. They end up growing too soon and miss out on the wonderful experiences of childhood. Though they might go to school, once they are back home, what are they in for??? Again the same scenes of drunken fathers, fights, smoking, ... things which are absolutely not meant for them.
So, it was a wonderful feeling on the last sunday afternoon to see these same little kids of lesser privileged parents, enjoying themselves at an art class organized by an NGO. The kids were having a good time there - which was the main aim - to let the kids be what they are - KIDS.
They were such a curious and competitive lot. Some were quietly and keenly doing the work given to them, while some were making me do it for them!! Others were busy comparing their work with that of their friends, and making sure that their own was no less. There was a lot of running about, sharing of paint brushes, spilling of the coloured waters, and at once getting a cloth to clean the mess... all these small little things teaching them the basics of life. Ofcourse there were some petty fights, and arguments between the little ones, and it took a lot of efforts on the part of the teacher and the volunteers to try and instill into them the rights and wrongs. But isn't that the challenge? To give them the freedom of their thoughts and expressions and mould them into beautiful human beings who can take care of their lives and be independent.
Well, within no time the class got over. All of them, chattering and playing, formed small groups. Some trooped to catch a train, while some started walking home. Walking along with me, they wanted to know where I stayed and how I would go home. They invited me to their houses, and I had a difficult time convincing them that I would make it some other day. Some wanted a ride in the car when they learnt that my dad was coming to pick me. Some wanted to know whether I stayed in a bungalow, or an apartment. My my... the questions were never ending. :).
It was an afternoon well spent - with children who were so enthusiastic, and so much in awe of everything around them, and who will take on the world, if only given a chance...
So, it was a wonderful feeling on the last sunday afternoon to see these same little kids of lesser privileged parents, enjoying themselves at an art class organized by an NGO. The kids were having a good time there - which was the main aim - to let the kids be what they are - KIDS.
They were such a curious and competitive lot. Some were quietly and keenly doing the work given to them, while some were making me do it for them!! Others were busy comparing their work with that of their friends, and making sure that their own was no less. There was a lot of running about, sharing of paint brushes, spilling of the coloured waters, and at once getting a cloth to clean the mess... all these small little things teaching them the basics of life. Ofcourse there were some petty fights, and arguments between the little ones, and it took a lot of efforts on the part of the teacher and the volunteers to try and instill into them the rights and wrongs. But isn't that the challenge? To give them the freedom of their thoughts and expressions and mould them into beautiful human beings who can take care of their lives and be independent.
Well, within no time the class got over. All of them, chattering and playing, formed small groups. Some trooped to catch a train, while some started walking home. Walking along with me, they wanted to know where I stayed and how I would go home. They invited me to their houses, and I had a difficult time convincing them that I would make it some other day. Some wanted a ride in the car when they learnt that my dad was coming to pick me. Some wanted to know whether I stayed in a bungalow, or an apartment. My my... the questions were never ending. :).
It was an afternoon well spent - with children who were so enthusiastic, and so much in awe of everything around them, and who will take on the world, if only given a chance...
Sunday, July 02, 2006
Dear Friend ...
| What Your Soul Really Looks Like |
 You are quite expressive and thoughtful. You see the world in a way that others are blind to. You are not a very grounded person. You prefer dreams to reality. For you, it's all about possibilities. You believe that people see you as larger than life and important. While this is true, they also think you're a bit full of yourself. Your near future is calm, relaxing, and pretty much what you want. And it's something you've been anticipating for a while now. For you, love is all about caring and comfort. You couldn't fall in love with someone you didn't trust. |
This one is for all my friends who have supported me through my entire life... For all those friends who have shared all the happenings in my life, be it the most joyous moments of my life... or even the most difficult times in my life.. I have always had them with me through the various ups and downs that I have gone through in my school and college days...
Friends are the most beautiful possessions in one's life.. I have ended up learning the most essential lessons of my life from the time spent with my friends..
And it just doesn't end there .. The same friends (and now even more), even with their busy schedules, with their daily routines of work, marriage, children, ... The same friends still make sure that they are always there to help me, lend a ear to the happenings in my life.. pull me up when I am distressed, buck me up with words of encouragement, to give me a shoulder to weep on... and to let me know that they have tons of faith in my abilities...
Through the various moments of fun, sorrows, separation, reunion, I have gained so many important lessons. Though at those moments of emotions, it had never been obvious of the influence that it would have in my life... but when I look back... I realise that they were what has made me the person I am today...
When I was made fun of by my friends, I used to be hurt. But I realised that they made fun of me so that I would stop being a baby, grow up, and learn to face the world and to stand on my own feet.
The trips that we went out together, they have helped us in getting to know each other so well, and we are all so strongly bonded now.. This has made me value the presence of any and every person/event in my life, however small it might be..
We used to go cycling together, racing against each other and against time... this has embedded within me, the quality of facing life's difficulties with a challenge and with a smile, and also to always remember to lend a helping hand to someone who is left behind...
This blog is for all of you guys and gals... This is to thank all of you for being there always.... Three cheers to all my dear friends... Here's wishing you luck in all the endeavours in your life...
Friday, June 30, 2006
With nothing to do on a weekend
Blog blog blog - Am back - But the bad news is that - I have no special news to blog about. Have finished all the work for today at office. And I am wondering what I should do next. We have TGIF celebrations at our office today. But I am in no mood to attend. I want to go on treks and meet my old college friends and just freak out this weekend .. but got no company Boohoo .. so that's that.. and here I am, cribbing about it. All friends are in the US of A. Except a few who are totally stuck with work. Which is really bad because then they are not available on weekends to freak out with. And what is a weekend for if its not utilised properly? That statement makes me cry ... Am all set to put the city on fire.. but I don't have company. This is not fair.
Monday, June 19, 2006
Random thoughts
Life's like that -
Not always sweet and rosy - sometimes I just don't seem to understand how people think, see and act, or what makes them see things the way they do.. and not the way I want them to ...
I can never seem to get people to see things from my perspective- because I myself don't have clear explanations to my way of seeing things, I just think the way I do without giving a thought as to how (or how not) feasible it might be in the long run..
So there you go.. what can be done in this case? Guess no one's really understood what I am trying to say here..
Not always sweet and rosy - sometimes I just don't seem to understand how people think, see and act, or what makes them see things the way they do.. and not the way I want them to ...
I can never seem to get people to see things from my perspective- because I myself don't have clear explanations to my way of seeing things, I just think the way I do without giving a thought as to how (or how not) feasible it might be in the long run..
So there you go.. what can be done in this case? Guess no one's really understood what I am trying to say here..
Thursday, May 04, 2006
Traffic Rules
You Are Somewhat Honest |
You do tend to tell the truth a lot But you also stretch the truth on occasion You figure a little lie isn't a big deal As long as it doesn't hurt anyone too much! |
Traffic rules - I thought they were there for us to obey them! And wow - people just impressed me totally today by breaking them so easily and causing trouble for all the others on the road - who look like fools following the rules...
As the saying goes - Rules are mean to be broken - Poeple are taking this statement very seriously and go about breaking the rules without even a hint of a prick in their conscience!
30 seconds more to go for the green signal, and the traffic is flowing from the opposite side, but Mr Car Driver honks and honks - and the Bike driver in front gets the cue - He moves breaking the signal and the Mr Car driver follows him as if it was the right thing to do - and glares at the others who are still standing, waiting for the green signal... How very nice of him, isnt it...???
AAAAAARGH... these things just totally get on my nerves... Why do the so-called learned and educated people turn Oh-so noncivilised? How will their kids learn if the elders themselves behave so ignorant... ??!?!! What is the hurry? Why doesn't a person start a little earlier than usual, so that he could be on time, just driving normally, instead of causing unnecessary troubles to all the others? One can actually enjoy a drive. Why the tension in the mind of the driver? Why not start early and enjoy the beauty of the morning instead of spoling your mood as well as that of others....?? Will people ever learn?
Thursday, April 27, 2006
Change
| Your Mexican Name Is... |
 |
Pune - Back home. Feels great to be back home... to where I belong! And having all the attention of mom and dad. Exploring the familiar Pune roads on my two-wheeler, with the wind caressing my tresses! Wasn't that a wonderful feeling!!!
This was the place where I have the most beautiful memories. I can't believe that its already time for me to write about my memories about this place! It seems just like yesterday, when my friends and me used to go to school together on bicycles, and then to different colleges, but still managed to meet each other almost everyday, and exchange our daily events....
Now, it’s just me here. All of them are at different places. In the US, in Australia, living their own lives, bringing up their kids. Of course, still in touch. Life changes so drastically, it’s never the same. The best of friends we had, suddenly seem so far off and out of reach. And more so, this fact just merges so easily with our lives. The fact that things have changed, and that it’s no longer the same, that our friends are no longer with us, these things just become a part of our life so easily... guess that’s because our lives also have changed. We have our work, our family and OUR things to think about, we are so immersed in ourselves, that it doesn’t seem to matter anymore, not all that much at least, that our friends are not with us any more...
Like someone very rightly said - Change is the only constant in life
Thursday, April 06, 2006
Why?
| Your Personality Profile |
 You are pure, moral, and adaptable. You tend to blend into your surroundings. Shy on the outside, you're outspoken to your friends. You believe that you live a virtuous life... And you tend to judge others with a harsh eye. As a result, people tend to crave your approval. |
Sometimes, life can just be so beautiful and nice to you, that you end up wondering why?!! I wonder sometimes, why is it that God is being so kind to me??? Am I really worth all the nice things that he is doing for me? What good have I done to people??
We all know and believe that God is impartial. However, I am never able to understand that why is it that some people are poor and struggle even for a small meal, while others just manage to have everything and still crib about not having enough .. (I am surely not excluding myself from the latter set of people) ..
Then how come we still say that God is impartial? So is all this manmade? All are these inequalities due to man bringing in distinctions between people? Then why cant God just set these things right, and why can't everybody in this world have their little basic necessities atleast?
But then again, where do these basic essentials end??
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