Tomorrow has come, Today

Of age old wisdom

2010-04-17T15:52:00.000-07:00

H sent me these flowers from 3000 miles away. (The flowers were picked closer to home, it's tulip season!)

If my heart was always filled with fondness, could I do away with the absence?

Flowers that make me smile and frown all at once.

Resolute Resolutions?

2010-01-26T11:54:00.000-08:00

I just realized that 2009 has gone by (no, I’m not slow, let me finish!) and my blog posts can quickly be viewed to reveal 2009’s resolutions! Maybe “write more” should have been at the top. Oh well, a good start to 2010’s resolutions no doubt.

I think I’ve done mighty well in 2009. Let’s recap shall we? Ok, you don’t really care but since this is my space (yeah, facebook is too impersonal) I get to harp on anything I like, so without further ado lets return to my favorites …

Community Involvement improved big time. I dabbled in mentoring, child advocacy, the senior citizen community (and no, not just by turning 30!) My fortitude has been tested and I’ve undergone strength conditioning of a whole new kind.

Who knew the psyche needed “working out” as well?

Rendering recycling in a new way came really easy. I joined the “Green Team” at work and became the go-to person for all things rubbish. Ok, I better rearticulate that! Not-so-singlehandedly, we setup a composting program at work. Our contribution to landfills decreased by 70%!

On the other hand, the dubious smells in the kitchen increased by 50%. Oh well, nothing like a smelly kitchen to suppress the appetite. Diet goals? Check!

Artsy antics fell into my lap this year. The highlight was a 2-in-1 deal when I helped edit a Tom Sawyer play. And culture you ask? The people and food of Egypt made a lasting impression on my mind and palate.

Reliving my upbringing was never better. Let’s put aside the fact that the picket fence fell over the leading actor’s foot! Or that the heat at Giza made me think that the Sphinx was actually moving away from us …

Vigor was never a question to be answered this year. It was more of a beckoning force as summer came prematurely and stayed late. Backpacking the forests in the Cascades or the valleys of Hawai’i- my gluteus maximus’ have never recovered quite so fast.

The winter proved tricky at first. But ‘hand made’ snow slides called for shoveling. Not to mention a hyper dog that might just have a secret fantasy of being a road runner to the Wiley coyotes of the North West!

And there you go. I think the secret to attainable resolutions is knowing yourself in the present. I didn’t try to change my ways in 2009, yet I’ve rediscovered facets of myself. It simplifies and complicates things all at once.

It’s simple because it helps me appreciate the little things and complex for I recognize there is so much more to existence than just ‘doing’ (and not living).

Happy New (ok, belated) Year!

H(e)a(r)ting Winter

2009-10-02T09:56:00.000-07:00

I’ve been harping on about seasons for a while now. This may be attributed to the simple fact that we’ve had a good long summer here in the North West. Almost 5 months of it! The downside of this being- temperatures have zoomed to the nether regions so quick, shocking people and trees alike. It’s a very windy fall- the leaves barely had the chance to change color before they dropped unceremoniously down to the gutters. There is no nonsense as in autumns past where leaves of varied hues partake in a flirtatious dance with gravity.

And so it goes …

Winter beckons. Nature resists for as long as she can with occasional sun bursts that are deceptive to our senses. We *think* we don’t need the wooly scarves and soft fleece! A couple steps outside and our raw noses beg to be doused in the warmth of a steaming cup of tea. It is a done deal. We accept the inevitable- can ice and rain be far behind? (Sometime it is but one, the frozen equivalent of a downpour- the hailstone.)

But we have some time yet before we need to dust off those warm winter coats and luxurious sweaters. Take a damp rag to the suede boots- forgotten in the rush to welcome spring. Umm, love those boots- maybe this year I’ll get one in a richer color and a jewel toned coat to go with it!

Speaking of rich, it’s time to stock up on drinking chocolate- the kind that leaves dregs of liqueur laced cacao bits at the bottom of the cup. Ooh and time to clean up the fireplace for those evenings where you are coiled up with an adoring dog at your foot and a book taking all the attention.

Some of us can’t hate winter with all our heart.

Seasons on a roll

2009-06-17T13:08:00.000-07:00

A hibernating existence through the frenzied events of winter
Memories of friends linger through the fog of the psyche
Festivals make for joyous revelry- always alike but never quite consistent.

The holiday season beckons with flaming zeal
For the pursuit of gifts so perfect, a singular exploit
At the crack of dawn or into the wee hours of the night- bows glitter and bindings crinkle.

A flurry of snowfall is exhilarating at first- slippery sidewalks get old very soon
The lacks of shielding gloves lead to frost bitten fingers,
While throwing snowballs at animated puppy-like dog.

Blossoms bloom like their end is near
Putting on a show that’s captured in media
Spring has sprung- in a manner of speaking

Flower disintegrate before one’s eyes
The oohs and aahs breathe their last amid vanishing wildflowers
A trek in the mountains become all about the foliage (and calorific value!)

A look forward towards summer gets the heart pumping
Wishes for warmth get tetchy when the mercury soars
As reflection creeps in on this cyclical progression

The ‘surprises’ winter could bring are around the bend

Currently broadending my mind: Eat, Pray and Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.

2009-03-13T15:54:00.000-07:00

The answer to, "Why arent you blogging much these days?"

Get Started!

2009-01-05T12:04:00.000-08:00

This year I resolve to GET more! Not in a way of being greedy but ...

Get-
Involved in my community- both at work and life.
Do not confuse work with life!

Get-
People to start recycling right!
Most restuarant food cartons cannot be tossed in the 'green' bin people!

Get-
In touch with my lost loves
I'm not that big on people for this one. Think art and cultures

Get-
Fit(ter)
I can brag. I've lost and kept it off! Err maybe this should read; keep diabetes at bay?

We did it!

2008-11-06T11:28:00.001-08:00

For the people who cheered when I placed a blue bumper sticker
For those who told me to direct my energies elsewhere (as they've decided to vote for Obama already!)
For the woman who asked me whether her daughter would be home for Christmas (from the war)
For all of them who believed in a time for change

Thank you. I'm humbled by the power of the people.

There's always a flip side:

For the people who jeered at me for supporting a black candidate
For those who told me not to waste their time and slammed the phone on my face
For the man who asked me whether Obama was a terrorist and a muslim
For all of them who believed in segregation and war

Here's your answer.

And by people, I mean me!

2008-10-09T16:25:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I think people deserve their therapists …

Overheard at my physiotherapist yesterday, “These exercises aren’t as challenging anymore.” Therapist goes, “Oh we wouldn’t want that! Lets up it a notch."

Days later and someone asks me in a very concerned voice, “Did you get in an accident or something? You’re walking really funny!”

Oh! Hardi har harr!

This Week on your TV ...

2008-09-24T13:18:00.000-07:00

It's National Stay-At-Home week! I found this so funny but the "green" aspects of it shed a whole new light to it!

What are you watching? I think its time to give The Colbert Report another try!

PS: I obviously ignored the energy thats being used to power my TV, DVR, Cable, Sound system ... not to mention the lights and microwave usage (for those TV dinners!)

All aboard?

2008-09-22T12:56:00.000-07:00

All you new age types who are eager for 'change' ... go here and sign-up for an account. Then register to canvass and speak to the voters themselves. You cant vote! But you CAN encourage those who have that privilege ... to use it, wisely!

It will sure help Obama better than ranting amongst your family and friends about things you all already know! Help those who dont, to make the decision! I have, and it feels liberating to do something rather than sit back and watch as the "Palin-McCain" party change their slogans every second!

Oh and you dont have to be a citizen, a resident or even a visitor in America to do this! There are teenage kids in the UK who are making trans-atlantic phone calls to help out!

PS: You're bound to face questions like, "Does the Obama family drive hybrids?" or just plain rude people but every once-in-a-while you realise you've just swayed a voter!

The best things in life are free ...

2008-08-21T14:04:00.000-07:00

And the second best are really expensive!- Coco Chanel.

Someone sent me this link the other day ...

All the years of practice I’ve had and its finally been used as research! Hmmph! I think I deserve a little something for my “field work”!

Currently broadening my mind- Blindness- Jose Saramago (Apparently this is being made into a movie in 2008 as well ...)

No goal(s)

2008-07-08T15:54:00.000-07:00

While everyone around me seems in a mighty rush to chart out their goals, I thought to do a complete 180 and list out some things I know I can probably never do. After all, what you don’t want most likely says a lot about you as well!

Note I say probably since I don’t want to be called on it if I do get around to a few on this list

- Get rid of my TV
- (Stop) watching re-runs of Frasier (and occasionally other sitcoms I grew up on)
- Get over chocolate (they make good quality sugar free chocolates for diabetics, don’t they?)
- Go around the world in 72 days (I’m no protégé of Jules Verne aka Nellie Bly!)
- Go back to school
- Learn to speak a second language
- Actually listen when my Mom is droning on for hours on the phone. (ONE hour I can take …)
- (Stop) laughing at every joke that comes my way (sometimes more than once!)
- Give pessimism a chance

I think some of these might even count as “counter-goals”, wouldn’t you say? What are yours?

Currently broadening my mind- Carry Me Down- Maria Joan Hyland

Of Olympic Proportions

2008-07-01T12:39:00.000-07:00

The Olympic Peninsula.

I whisked H away there for his birthday this year. A ride on a ferry weaving through the islands in the peninsula, with the Olympic Mountains in the distance and a night at a old castle- romance kindled indeed!

And of course the foodie in me sniffed out a place that made the *best ice-cream I’ve tasted. Ever! It was an old-fashioned parlor that we visited 4 times in 24 hours! The owner and his wife took an interest in us as well since he'd grown up on a hill-station in India. He came upto me and said, "Aap hindi baat karte ho?" And the delay it took my brain to translate that to english confused him to no end! (That along with my befuddled brain taking in the perfect Hindi coming from the Scottish looking stranger!) It was delightful hearing the stories he told of his childhood trysts.

Once I was there, I couldn’t believe I hadn’t been there yet. Lovely people, good food and lots to see. Most of the towns along the coast are small and simple. Tourists to the North West don’t make it there as much as they should but that’s a good thing I guess. (The locals need a get-a-way too!)

2 Idyllic days later, I resolved to enjoy more of the places near my home. The fact that it’s chic (reducing carbon foot print and all) these days made it all the more enticing. (Not to mention the monies that could be potentially saved!)

Well I guess the resolution will have to wait a while ... H in the meanwhile has already planned out vacations for us this year to Mexico and Hawaii and is deciding between Nova Scotia & Whistler for the ski season!

* Do try the maple walnut or the date fig ice cream if you ever go. And try both the sundaes and the ice cream sodas .... heaven in a glass dish!

Currently broadening my mind- The Almost Noon- Alice Seabold

Hows this for controversial!

2008-06-23T11:53:00.000-07:00

A friend just said to me the other day, "H is the fussy-est eater I've ever met!". And then (Maybe to proove her wrong) H has grilled chicken, mango-crusted-tilapia and shrimp cocktail- all on the same plate! The veggie burgers and grilled paneer tikkas were literally left on the sidelines!

*Sigh*

Switch scenes to our kitchen, its dinner time ...

H: "Can you put the broccoli in at the very end so the little green bits dont touch the rest of my fajitas"
Me: "OK!"

I'm just glad we have a microwave. I can cook my kale, broccoli and zucchini seperately and still enjoy them!

Chocolate Lovers Unite!

2008-06-04T13:13:00.000-07:00

This is the ultimate chocolate pudding ... I cant say more, the recipie speaks for itself! Savor the chocolaty goodness. One ramekin of this potent stuff is *more than* enough for 2! (And coming from a chocoholic like me, thats saying something!)

10 ounces bittersweet chocolate (I actually use Valhrona, Schraffen Berger 95% or more! It makes a bitter rich chocolate pudding)
5 large egg yolks
5 tablespoons sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
3/4 cup half-and-half
1 tablespoon vanilla (increase this a little if you're using the 95% chocolate)
1//2 teaspoon instant espresso powder mixed with 1 tablespoon water, or 1 tablespoon strong brewed coffee
Whipped cream and cocoa powder or chocolate shavings for garnish

1. Place chocolate in medium heat-proof bowl; set fine-mesh strainer over bowl and set aside.

2. Whisk yolks, sugar and salt in medium bowl until combined; whisk in heavy cream and half-and-half. Transfer mixture to a medium saucepan.

3. Cook mixture over medium-low heat, stirring constantly and scraping bottom of pot with wooden spoon, until thickened and silky and custard registers 175 to 180 degrees on an instant-read thermometer, 8 to 12 minutes. Do not let custard overcook or simmer.

4. Immediately pour custard through strainer over chocolate. Let mixture stand to melt chocolate, about 5 minutes. Whisk gently until smooth, then whisk in vanilla and espresso. Divide mixture evenly among 8 (5-ounce) ramekins. Gently tap ramekins against counter to remove air bubbles.

5. Cool to room temperature, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate until chilled, at least 4 hours or up to 72 hours.

6. Before serving, let stand at room temperature 20 to 30 minutes.

7. Serve topped with a dollop of whipped cream whipped to soft peaks with a little sugar and vanilla and garnish with a dusting of cocoa powder or chocolate shavings

Seeing the colored world through lenses!

2008-06-02T14:35:00.000-07:00

I’ve often wondered about those people that see their lives through a camera lens. Granted these days the lenses are getting smaller or bigger depending on which path you choose to take along that commercial road of camera accessories. But why do they take the effort to do that? Like most quirks, does it all boil down to family?

Do we take pictures only to show family and friends what our lives have been like? Or is it more to capture those moments, to preserve the youth, the memories that engulf the person while they were taking the picture? And are those memories at all tarred by the sheer pressure of getting the scene exposed just right, checking and re-checking to see if the portrait has been captured as envisioned?

I was at a street fair this weekend and spent a lot of time admiring the fresh food, flowers and fruit. Everything looked just a little more appetizing and colorful. Even on a cloudy day! Ofcourse the photographers with their telescoping lenses weren’t far behind … literally!

I fell into a similar rut during my first trip to India (that I remember anyways!). I had my first camera with me at all times. Most of the pictures that were eventually developed happened to be not-so-still life- cows, goats and my own puppy- Tiger.

I’ve lost trace of all those pictures except for a few of Tiger. He’s not around anymore. Am I glad I took those pictures? Yes.

What's that again?!

2008-05-22T14:13:00.000-07:00

I’ve always thought it was crass to laugh or poke fun of the way someone talks and puts their ideas across. Working in a cross cultural environment provides enough scenarios to put that ideal of mine to a test!

“Where can I find girls?” (Granted, this wasn’t a question asked in my presence, but nevertheless it made the rounds of the office no doubt!)

“Can I use your garage to do oil change for my car?” (I’ve yet to figure out what a graceful response to this would have been!)

“You’re fat!”, “What! How can you say that?”, “Ok, jump onto the countertop and prove your agility” (I just consider myself lucky to have witnessed this conversation, it was hilarious!)

“What is burrito?” (Believe me this is strange coming from a Chinese person who’s lived all his life in Vancouver BC!)

“Is that a flying plate?” (Think extreme Frisbee!)

“I am destroyed” (I think this was word for word Slovak translation for “I’m tired”)

“I would very much like to sleep with you” (I think this takes the cake! The person meant he would like to take me up on my offer of staying at my place for a couple of days.)

My work place wouldn’t be half as entertaining if it weren’t for these guys! Thanks globalization!

Never trust HIM

2008-05-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

Well, the weatherman let me down ...

"You told me it would be warm this week, is THIS what you meant!"

PS: I'm ignoring the forecast for tomorrow and the day after. You can see why though, look at the weather my family is enjoying! Even London! Sigh, well your weekend looks rainy ... if you trust the weatherman!

Die Another Day

2008-05-12T15:43:00.000-07:00

New job. Cool workspaces. Earthquakes!!!

Third day at my new job and I’m at my desk, trying to configure something while looking like I know what I’m doing. (I didn’t put down “multitasking” under skills in my resume for nothing you know!)

All of a sudden the ground beneath my feet rumbles a little and my thought process kicks my imagination into overdrive. Puget Sound … Seattle area … earthquake prone … maybe even Tsunami … alert coworkers! Oh God, where’s the stairwell?! Haaaaaaaaaalllp!!!

Seeing none of the others around me even rise from their desks quickly got me back to reality.

“Steven, did you feel that just now?”
“Feel what?”
“The tremor” (*How do I look sheepish and intelligent at the same time?*)
“The WHAT? Did you just think we were having an earthquake?!”
“Err … No…”
“Hahahaaaaaaaa, it gets people every time!”
“Ah! Really, now I feel much better. You won’t believe the kind of scenarios I conjured up in my mind”
“Well don’t get too cozy. We ARE after all almost on the water and on a fault line”

*Dooooom!* and to think this was voted one of the best places to work at because of its location

Post Script

2008-05-09T16:22:00.000-07:00

Sometime there is nothing better than saying it like it is:-

Friday, Finally.

Growing (Up) Pains!

2008-05-06T13:45:00.001-07:00

I had a near out of body experience today as I overheard myself giving this advice to a teenage boy …

“Don’t choose a class for the sake of coming off as hip. That kind of guise is neither sustainable nor is it fulfilling. If dancing is what you’re passionate about, tie up your shoelaces!”

Sigh, it had to happen someday …

I think I’m growing up. And it hurts. (Does this mean I can’t read Enid Blytons anymore?)

My handbag said the funniest thing the other day …

2008-05-05T16:25:00.000-07:00

Personality- it’s the buzz word these days. Everyone is in a quest to showcase theirs or acquire someone else’s. It’s no wonder I see an ad that goes, “Packed with Personality!” And this is an ad for a handbag! Who’d have guessed that handbags needed a personality?

I can’t say I’ve heard it all, I trust in people to bring out even more idiosyncratic ways to cater to consumers. Have we really given a lease on ‘life’ to inanimate objects by saying they have a persona?

I guess a population explosion has yet another drawback to its name. Genesis got it right with, *"Too many people ... There's not enough love to go around." The only logical way to go about doing anything these days is to standout and make it unique. After all, no one really has the time to get to know anyone. So why not make a statement with the cell-phone skin? Or chic socks!

I hear the term “cookie-cutter” being used so often these days and regrettably it isn’t remotely connected to a recipe for shortbread! I don’t say I like everything to look alike or only buy mass produced stuff but at the same time I wouldn’t turn my nose up at something just because it’s from Ikea!

So when you have to choose between a condescending and a complementary observation, choose the latter people! Think what it will say about your personality.

Congeniality- definitely a unique trait!

* Awesome video by Genesis

I'm in love (and always will be)

2008-05-02T09:50:00.000-07:00

With books.

My long friendship with books came to a screeching halt when I moved in with H. It was not something we could do together. Unless you count me reciting what I just read to him! That was redundancy I couldn’t handle. So I performed the cardinal sin- ignored a cherished and nurtured past for my present man.

Soon I was tempted to sneak one into my busy days. I would often find myself sitting on the toilet long after the deed was done. Marking the page with (washed) fingers, I would then relegate my ‘comrade’ to the top of the cistern. More times than I like to admit, H would call up the stairs to check on me- see if I hadn’t fainted on the bathroom floor.

This affair continued for a couple of years, although I went through much fewer books than I would’ve liked. Until now.

An hour commute to and from work each day has given me a new lease on my literary life. It’s no longer a messy 15 minute tryst in the loo. The moment I step onto the bus (and until I step out, at the right stop!) I am transported into a world concocted by the combined imagination of my current flame and mine.

So from now on, (until I move jobs!) I’ll add a postscript to my musings that express my new found camaraderie.

Presently broadening my mind is Camilla Gibbs in “Mouthing the words” – an amusing, (sometimes disconcerting) rendering of childhood – its (lack-of) innocence and vivid imagination resulting from a troubled family.

Settle Down Honey!

2008-05-01T11:49:00.000-07:00

Settling down- I bet this means a whole different scenario to every person.

- Getting a job… that pays!
- Moving out of parents place… and then back in after getting renter’s-shock!
- Being in a long-term relationship… that lasts longer than the milk in your fridge.
- Seeing the world… through your own eyes and not the ones of your friends and family (or the travel channel!)
- Being in a committed long-term relationship… and not in the mental asylum kinds!
- Owning a home… and another… and another (peer pressure isn’t only for teens!)
- Raising a child… and not screwing them up!
- Rejoicing when said child turns 18 (refer to scenario 2 for how this particular goal maybe farther away than you think!)
- Coming home from work to know you don’t have to set the alarm clock… ever again. (Think retirement not death!)

And several more.

But today I talk of my parents’ idea of settling down. This would be rather mundane if only they knew the following details:-

- Where

- When

- How

- WHERE

Yes, thank you MS Office, I know I got “where” in there twice but it’s my redundant way of assigning weight to the important aspect. F stand for Father, I’ll let you guess what M stands for …

M: “So, where do you think we should settle down?”

F: “You know I can live ANYwhere, you should choose”

M: “Why not <insert city-where-dad’s-relatives-reside here>?”

F: “Ok, let me rephrase, anywhere but THERE!”

M: “This is tough”

Hah! No kidding! Sis and I’ve been spectators to similar conversations for more than a decade!

Fast forward a couple of years and age does its thing. My parents (read M) realize what they (she) want and it isn’t much …Family (and the feuds that go along with it!).

M now says that she wants to go back to where her sisters and Mom live. She’s said it sporadically now and then, but we never took her seriously. After all, the longest period they “got along” for is about 10 days at a time. And that worked splendidly since it was exactly the number of days we spent in India every couple of years!

I remember M singing “Home on the range” pretty often and while it’s not a place where “the buffalos roam”. It is a village where …

The sky is still as black as after the big-bang and the stars actually twinkle.

The horizon isn’t specked with dust that wants to conquer every pore in your being.

The only ‘noise’ you hear is the gushing water in the canal or the rooster that has no sense of time.

The smells that tickle your nostrils might be ripe fruit or blossoming jasmine and rose.

All this without the absurd real estate prices of an overcrowded, under resourced city. I guess some decisions turn out to be pretty simple after all …

Run or be run-over!

2008-04-30T16:15:00.000-07:00

I think people take the saying, “An idle mind is a devil’s workshop” too literally! What else would explain the fact that just about all my close friends are training for marathons across the world right now?

Well on the bright side, it does prove that none of them are Satan worshippers, for sure!

I guess I can be good and cheer them on (give to the many causes that they run for) or I can jump out from the sidelines, stick a leg out and trip them while they whiz past! Ok, I’m not mean-spirited, but it was a rather comic thought!

Jokes aside, I am distinctively proud of one friend who’s aiming to run the Chicago marathon this summer. Infosin that’s you!

Now back to the gags!

It’s my belief that it takes a large amount of discipline to train for a marathon. That is if you want to do it right. Someone I knew ran a marathon on the eve of his 25^th birthday without prior conditioning just because he’d put that on his ‘to-do before I turn 25 list”! Admirable? Foolhardy, I’d say. But hey, look who’s talking! Anyone who knows me can attest to the fact that I’m impulsive.

The run-club at work was signing up new recruits. I excused myself with the (almost) congenital bad-lower-back defense. *sigh* It’s no lie. I can speed walk for miles, bike as well. But running- takes the worst toll.

Darn lucky I don’t like to run I say! Now where do I sign up for the bike-club?

Love in the time of #308!

2008-04-28T16:28:00.001-07:00

Here’s just one more reason to start taking the bus … No, no this isnt a post-earth-day post!

A Wrong, Right Reason?

2008-04-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

Overheard in the bus: - “Oh he’s just doing that to get noticed! Talk about doing the right thing for the wrong reasons!”

(This wasn’t a particularly intriguing conversation but I was clutching at straws here. My book was getting boring and it was a dull rainy day out.)

A bit more eavesdropping and I pieced things together. Apparently the subject of slander wasn’t getting a rave review for being a do-gooder. But it definitely got me thinking …

So what if there is a selfish* reason behind doing something nice? Who cares! Isn’t doing the right thing what’s important anyway? Or is it more complicated now? And I say talk about it all you like- maybe someone else will be motivated to do something nice as well! And how bad can that be? Think of it like a free ad-campaign! But don’t start equating efforts, that’s what makes a good effort go awry.

*Some people say that every action has a selfish motivation behind it. I don’t think I fully subscribe to that idea. It can be just about giving back …

Feeding my passion

2008-04-23T13:25:00.000-07:00

I’m often asked where my passion lies. Having just been through several technical interviews for a new job, I didn’t think this is the time to admit that food is one of the many! After all, who wants an employee who’s at the snack bar from 9 to 5.

From when I can remember, I’ve been helping out and very soon cooking on my own. As early as 4 years old I think. The smells, the textures and did I mention the smells! They are as important to me as eating. In fact, I’ve noticed that when I spend a considerable amount of time cooking- I end up eating lesser. (Hmm idea for a diet book in the offing …) And I always have my entree on the plate untouched for a (much) longer time than H would. (I added the ‘much’ since he inhales his meals! The reason being; his sister always ate more than her fair share.)

When I try different cuisines, I’m always fascinated by the unseen melding of cultures. If you’ve ever tried Cuban ‘dirty’ rice AND you hail from South India, you know what I mean! The obvious relations between other cuisines are equally interesting. Not having had a staunch interest in History, I get to learn things the other way around! For e.g.; Ah, the flavors in this are really Arabic, was this country ever under an Islamic reign? And so it goes …

I’ve met a lot of people who are pretty picky about the “authenticity” of a cuisine. Many Seattle-lites tend to boycott restaurants that create “Americanized” dishes. But isn’t this just another gastronomic marriage? And it could beget another *Tikka Masala …

*Tikka Masala wasnt really Indian ...

Don't Shoot the Passer-by!

2008-04-18T14:21:00.001-07:00

I've often found walking downtown to be a great source of entertainment. It can suit practically any mood that I'm in.

Comedy? How about the man who's just bent over to tie his shoelaces but realizes he's worn loafers today. (He maybe drunk at three in the afternoon, but hey, I'm not here to judge!)

Romance? Watching those in love stroll hand-in-hand oblivious to the curses and stares they receive from those around, willing them to move just a little bit faster... until someone "accidently" puts forth an expletive out loud. (Hmm maybe I categorized this wrong)

Anyway, you get my drift. So here I was walking along the waterfront when I hear a "whoosh" and before I can react, a lens comes flying at my already crooked nose. (Yes! Its ever so slightly turned to one side) Tears in my eyes, I hoped that my nose was back in shape, after all the pain I suffered! But I guess I was hit on the wrong side of my nose, since I don’t see a change. (Hmm it DOES look a little MORE off, H says)

What’s with all the amateur photographers these days? Have those humongous lenses become suddenly cheaper? Is it the "green" thing to do this year?

Having been an avid photographer myself when in high-school, I know why it’s a much-loved hobby. Plus its so much easier these days to display your 'collection'. However I do miss the minutes spent in the dark (red) room, swishing through developing fluid, waiting for the picture to show up- like magic!

But I digress. All I'm saying is ... all you Riis wannabe's out there, please mind your lenses. And your camera straps. Not to mention your tripods!

I'll get to the voyeurism later ...

(Not) Really!

2008-03-27T15:41:00.000-07:00

She: "It must be so easy being you."
Me: "How so?"
She: "You wouldnt know an insult even if it WASNT veiled in a compliment"
Me: "What?!"
She: "Seeeee?"

Did she just call me a ignorant pushover?!!!

So why do that anyway? Hiding an insult in a compliment is like filling a cream puff with curdled cream! Why eat through all that near-tasteless pastry if all you get at the end is a stomach ache?

Freud suggested insecurity as the 3rd layer. (The first 2 being the compliment and the insult!) I am not a freudian when it comes to human nature. I find myself more inclined to Skinner's more progressionist views. The latter assumes that human nature is all about the influence.

Eitherways the people around us are in for it! If it isnt our insecurities that cause us to sound-off, we're going to be under-the-influence (of alcohol, people?). And when was the last time you heard of anyone being a good influence?

Held together by a (not-so-thin) string

2008-03-26T11:03:00.001-07:00

Last weekend we spent quite a bit of time at the ER. Blood, guts but no glory ...

You cant expect a lot of sympathy if you were using the wrong tool. And proclaiming that you dont need the lidocaine for a few measly stiches cant be followed with a meek request to the nurse for even more of the drug!

I think the Doc waited extra to let some of the drug to wear off. I guess she wanted H to put his money (pain) where his mouth (screaming) was!

When asked whether he wants the thin string (that wouldnt scar as much) or the strongest (that would), H says, "The thicker the better. Scars look cool!". Now he only needs to come up with a better story of HOW he got that scar!

But really, maybe it isnt such a good idea to practise handi-ness at home! Check this out. *Shudder*

Weekend on OVERdrive!

2008-03-23T18:27:00.001-07:00

I look forward to weekends with as much enthusiasm as a puppy seeing his owner grabbing the leash ...

Weekends give me time to unwind, to do things at a (much) slower pace. 5 days a week I'm on fast-forward, (sometimes even rewind, when I've forgotten something!) so when Saturday morning dawns I switch to slow-mo. Well, to be honest its been a while since I've seen a Saturday morning. From the right end of the day anyway!

All this is fine and dandy until H steps into my life ... He's on a drastically different schedule when it comes to holidays and weekends! Think jack-rabbit on prozac!

Our time away from home on holiday or a vacation usually fits into one of these categories:-

- Family time
- Culture Shock (this is where we shock the locals somewhere with our antics!)
- Adventure Sport (trust me, rock climbing without any gear on a whim isnt as fun as it sounds!)
- Beach surfing (more like a lot of swimming, slipping off of surf boards)

I get what H means by 'making-the-most-of-our-time' at a nice place ... but waking up at 7am? To go for a jog on the beach??? Are you crazyyyyyy? (So what if I never saw a sunrise at the best beach on the planet! Sunsets are as beautiful, right!!??)

I hope I havent led anyone to believe I'm a lazy person, no way! I am branded as the "energizer bunny" when I go way ahead of my group during a hike up a mountain. It was pretty treacherous and I got an earful, actually 2 ears-full of admonishments from H and others when they caught up with me. (They thought I had fallen off a cliff or a freak-show/cougar had got to me or something! Yeah! Like THAT ever happens in the wild!) Well, in my defense, I was just curious to see what was around the next bend, and then some ...

But even the energizer bunny needs a few lazy days. To recharge, rejuvenate and relax. So give me my lazy mornings. Let it be ... Let it be ... (Definitely, words of wisdom!)

Aâam Sâîîd

2008-01-22T22:23:00.001-08:00

Well, maybe this is just a part of growing old(er) ...

Have you ever felt that ...
There's been so much happening & you cant organize your thoughts?
When you stop to try and remember what you did last evening- you cant?
Your schedules are so packed, theres no time to ponder?

Where did 2007 go?

(How can I decide what I feel about it, when I dont even remember what I did?)

PS: Aâam Sâîîd is Happy New Year, in Arabic.

Patent Pending

2007-12-10T11:41:00.000-08:00

Putting together that perfect holiday outfit for the office party is quite a daunting task. Its a strange milleu, so you cant dress too sassy but you dont want to come off as a fuddy duddy either! Hmm... I was all about to give up a just get a vinyl sheet and wrap a red bow around my waist. (The patent look is in right?)

A trip to the mall got me a lot of commiserating looks from shoppers and shop assistants alike. "Office party?", "Oh THIS would be fabulous!", she would say about a probably-not-sold-one-in-weeks outfit! I'm no hill-billy when it comes to fashion. I get my usual fix of trendy trinkets from friends, my sister and the occasional mag while waiting for something, somewhere.

So I continue my trudge through the shops, stopping at all the wrong stores. (I dont need another pair of sneakers! I pray for guidance to the dress-shoes ...) And I finally find a pair of shoes I think I maybe able to (not) fall for (while standing in party on 3 inches for 3 hours!). BUT I'm being helped by rude shop-girl who doesnt looks like she's happy getting me 3 different sizes for each shoe I want to try on. Hmmph! Why work in customer-service, if you cant at the very least FAKE a smile?

Knowing myself and my short attention span, I try to get done with this chore today- or its back to the vinyl and bow idea for my dress. (Dont think H would like to 'present' me that way at his party! haha) Rest easy everyone, I did find a few things I liked. (Including patent shoes, a purse and a belt! Hmm... the vinyl idea may not be too far fetched now.)

Halleulujah, Happy Hannukah and to all a goodnight! :-)

Its Scrabble time!

2007-12-05T12:31:00.000-08:00

Another weekday evening in the Rationale household ...

One of those rare Seattle winter days, when you're caught inside. Hah! The rain doesnt stop us from getting out and about, but temperatures in the teens will!

Playing scrabble with H and I'm loving it. I love playing scrabble, it combines 2 things I really like:- 1. Words 2. Play. Yes, I know I can be very simplistic sometimes. :-D

H has just played his turn and is all smug that he used his "S" to pluralise a word I'd made and is now counting up his points (double-word score to boot!). I notice that the word he made isnt a word- "DOWNS"...

Me: Hey! Wait a minute, thats not a word!
H: Ofcourse it is.
Me: I made "DOWN" which is you know like down-pillow, down-feathers ...
H: Yeah, if DOWN is the bird the feathers come from...Then 2 such birds would be 2 downS. Get it?
Me: ROFL

And no, I didnt let him rack up those points for being "cute".

My Movie Man(ia)

2007-11-21T10:49:00.000-08:00

When it came to schools, I was all about ready to live and let live, that is until I created a facebook account!

High school..... Seems like yesterday I was begging my Mom not to go with her chosen form of punishment- NOT to send me to school that day! Yeah, I loved going to my school THAT much! It was so much of fun, the activities, the funny teachers and the siiiigh boyzzzzz.

For some inane reason, I never admitted my crushes to even my 'best' friends. Sure I was a part of a group call PSMS (yeah just one s long of PMS!) I listened to the 3 of em gushing about Jason and how cute his haircut was... or Deepak and how he looked at P this morning. Oh and the endless teasing of M with Saj, which we still do today. S used to blush when ever Tarun passed by her.

But me? I always said I didnt have a crush on anyone.... ever. I wonder if they really believed me? Well I guess they might have, as they seemed pretty awestruck that a gal could be immune to a guy's cuteness. (There's a different term for that these days, but we wont go there!)

Then there was the 'number'. "How many guys have asked you out?"-number. I think I averaged about 1 a year until the 12th grade. Not too bad, but only I didnt admit to this either to my friends! They knew about some of these guys since well, a guy drooling over a gal during gym period was very obvious. And then came the incessant teasing, the 'oh shes blushing' (which was probably the effect of 100F heat in the middle-eastern summers!)

This brings me to K. He was the kind of guy you'd call a 'loser'. In all the bad books of the teachers, always late to class, wrinkled shirt not tucked in, messy hair ... you get the picture. Oh and he used a lot of then termed 'bad' words. And as far as I remember, no girl was really 'into' him. He wasnt one of the 'cool' boys.

So when K casually asked me out one day, I shuddered and quickly looked around to see if anyone had noticed. No one had and by the time I'd turned back to K, he'd already moved onto the next gal with a shrug, anticipating my reply no doubt.

I would have been embarassed to bring this up at all, if I didnt find out recently (this is where facebook comes into the picture) that K is now a star in Bollywood!

Graduating high school was fun- the parties, the farewells. By the end of it, I was so eager to get on with college, I catapulted my way out of a 'relationship'. (Oh, what were they thinking? That'd we'd get married after high-school? This isnt Beverly 90201 you know!)

Ah college in Madras, not too bad I'd say. The music, the movies, the food... good times!

Racing home one day on my scooter (had to get home before aunt did), I cut across a back-alley and found myself in the middle of a street cricket game. The guys playing glared at me, challenging me to try to get through their pitch. Well, I did. (Getting on bad books of aunt equals doing my laundry myself)

The next day, I was home alone and sitting on the balcony, when this guy, V starts yelling at me. I told him I no understand Tamil and he says something like, "Well, why are you in Madras then?". One retort led to another and the last thing I remember him saying is, "I can teach you Tamil, lets go out to coffee". Thats when I went inside laughing and shaking my head.

A year or so later my cousin tells me about this new star in Tollywood who's from his school and is a huuuge deal right now. And he's excited since this star lives right around the corner from aunt's place...

Maybe I should start taking more of an interest in Bollywood and Tollywood.

Me, M(a)y(a) and Thomas

2007-11-20T10:53:00.000-08:00

Every Thanksgiving for 6 years now, (a few of) my thoughts find its way to Maya ...

I was lucky to go to college and find friends who I shared more in common with than an addiction to chocolate and good food around the city. :-) (Yeah, I wasnt the 'girly-college-gal') Being plopped into a new country wasnt as mind boggling as you'd think- I realised I was really malleable when it came to new cultures... and that brings me to Thomas.

St Thomas to be exact. One of the first Christians to have set foot in India. But I'm no historian, so if you want more of the good Saint- read it here... or see it here.

After a few semesters of clubbing, watching friends get high on dope and well numerous other entertaining facets of hostel life, we got bored. (Its probably A.D.D, someone once told me...!) We'd been to the St Thomas Mount before, actually we happened to stumble upon the place one day while talking to a group of cute army-men. (If you read the wiki entry, the Church was right next to an army camp)

November is one of the best months to do any walking or hiking around Madras, its the only time when you wont break out into a sweat while putting your shoes on! Anyways... before A.D.D hits again let me get back on track.

The Church maintained a small orphanage where we used to visit. It felt surreal- playing with these kids, watching them live out their childhood happily. All the while thinking of what the nuns just told you, about the horrors most of them went through, so early- before they were brought to the doorstep of the mount. I dont think I'll ever forgot the first time I saw Maya. She was the happiest kid on the playground. Never jostled or shoved for a turn at the swings. Content to watch the other kids playing. I was curious, I beckoned to her and she ran to me almost instantly. She was dressed in white and for some reason that way she looked at me was intimidating.

I asked her, "Whats your favorite color?", thinking that would stump her! Hah! "White, because its so clean", she said.

Over the next coupla weeks I found out more about Maya. She was 3 days old when left at the orphanage, her mom was too poor to take care of her. They hadnt heard from her family since. She was now almost 4 years old- a happy, loving child... with a hole in her heart.

Months later, some 10's of thousands of rupees donated, a surgery was performed at the St Thomas hospital. The Church was at a constant vigil, lit by candles that never seemed to die out. It was heatwarming to say the least when we were finally allowed to see Maya. This time she beckoned and we went to her side, she smiled- her wide engaging smile. But I didnt expect anything less- her heart was now whole again.

A few months later I Maya bid goodbye to the orphanage. It was easier than I expected. She was adopted by a family who worked for the hostel I stayed at. I knew she was going to a better place and hopefully, a better life. Maya thrived in an place filled with a sense of sad finality or hopeful dreams, I guess because she choose the latter.

Over my final year at college, I got to see Maya pretty often. Running the hallways of our hostel, clutching a variety of sweets. We got to spend good times with her, keeping her engaged while her Mom finished up her work. I never really bade her goodbye when I left, and I dont regret that. It would have been pretty hard... on me. After all, how much do we remember of our lives when we're 4? And anyways, Maya never liked seeing someone cry.

Maya, where-ever you are now, I hope you're doing measureably better than that November in 2000. And I think... I have so much to be Thankful for. Here's to the start of a happy holiday season!

Judement day, al(l)-ready?

2007-11-19T20:01:00.000-08:00

There's so much of judgement in the air these days, its no wonder there hasnt been a study that tells you to live a certain distance from the judging-broadcast 'stations'. I guess that would be equal to living like a hermit? (I think I see this lifestyle in my future... More on this later)

Take Sam for instance. She's a do-gooder, quick to please, not a mean bone in her body. But there's only so far she will go for herself. Why? She has friends and family who judge her.

When did people become so judgemental? I bet its the dishwashers, washing machines and the frozen dinners of the world that delivered the time- that was meant to be put to better use. Veggies are pre-washed, as notions are pre-concieved. Laundry is automated, rather like courtesies. There are cycles for the dishes- light, heavy, tough-scrub quite synonmous to preset cycles we're expected to follow- marriage, kids and vacations.

Now forget Sam... lets think about Angie; shes a genuine person, down-to-earth- is that why she has many opinions about how the world should be? I guess thats ok, but why does she speak about them as the only way to go?

"Peer pressure", is what I hear when I ask, "Why this now?" Peer pressure? In your adult-life? And here I thought, there were some advantages to being old(er). Naive (old) me. :-)

"You cant be non-judgemental", Rohan tries to tell me. "Its part of the human psyche."

Oh how I wish thats not true! Do we all really have a judicial part in our brain? Certain opinions that become etched in its recesses, unyielding? Werent we built to evolve, adapt to change.

Well I guess we've definitely proved Darwin wrong then!

Let there be light.

2007-11-13T12:33:00.000-08:00

Living in a country where the lights never seem to go completely out even during a blackout puts things in a whole different picture frame ...

I was bringing some tea-lites to life on the front porch a few days ago and had to stop to think whether I should turn off the porch light itself, to bring 'out' the tiny flickering flames of the candles. Is this just another tradition I'm going to cast aside as 'silly' and 'doesnt make sense' now that we have electricity to do the same thing? Wouldnt the Goddess who we are inviting (enticing) into our homes, find her way just the same no matter how the path was lite up?

I guess I've already strayed off the traditional path by not using the clay lamps and oil... but the convinience of a $2.99 bag of 100 tea-lites from Ikea is hard to beat! Though I did make Gulab Jamuns for the first time. (there were many online recipes that gave me useful tips like ricotta instead of khoya) Sigh... I did make cupcakes as a back-up though. Diwali wouldnt be the same without an excuse to cook up a lot of sweet stuff!

And no guesses for which turned out better and made it out of the home to friends' appreciative taste buds. Happy Diwali everyone! c) c) c) c) c)

Bambi, Re-mastered.

2007-10-10T13:34:00.000-07:00

The house we were hunting after took us to this place nestled within miles of trails, a water-shed preserve and of course suburban living at its best- manicured open spaces, gleaming play-sets and the like.

After showing us around their pride and joy, (which they ready to part with for a 200% profit), the sellers took us around to the backyard. Oh look! There’s a rabbit nibbling at the grass right there. I round the corner and am face-to-face with a deer! Ok, well probably face-to-horn. That was a deal-breaker right there and as we drove out of that community I said to myself, “Never again”

Couple of years later, I’m relating this incident at work when an all-American gal starts giggling. “I can’t believe you’re afraid of a deer in your backyard. It’s almost surreal” “I would have wrestled it to the ground and had venison for dinner”, says another. Yes, that last one was rather disturbing, but we won’t go there.

So now I’m known at work as “the girl who’s afraid of bambi”. My efforts to portray the deer in question as a lean, mean, horned kicking-machine are shrouded by the laughter that ensues.

A little less conversation

2007-10-02T11:48:00.001-07:00

Nice to dabble in cultures mellow
Interesting conversation is sure to follow.

But even the madding crowd can’t help at times
You hear the same issues, it almost rhymes.

And so you follow on this beaten down path
One time too many, you do the math!

Gadgets, Sports, Clothes and shoes
Style for style, spend money as you choose.

Apartment living, parties by the pool
Meeting new people, life is pretty cool.

Engaging proposal lined by a ring
Too expensive? There’s no such thing!

Countdown to marriage, the day looms ahead
All sobered up for the d-day, vows in your head.

Moving in with someone, the merging of things
No more space for the memoirs of your flings!

Living in small spaces, always bumping into me
Buying a home, in debt for eternity.

Culinary feats to celebrate Anniversaries and Raises
Friends in a circle, few new faces.

The banks no good, no interest for your money
Where else to put it? Remodel that home, honey!

Traveling stories, unasked questions and fame
Glory hogs vs. Silent listeners- all in the game.

So many people- so little time
To talk about life and all that is ‘mine’.

Easy it is, to be swept under this rug
In the end you’re left either envious or smug.

A little perspective, please!

2007-09-27T10:02:00.000-07:00

Overheard over the bushes, while having lunch on a nice day out ...

Friend- So have you talked to him about it yet?
Friend of a friend- Well, I brought it up…
Friend- And?
Friend of a friend- He was non-committal about it
Friend- What do you mean? You should have asked him point blank.
Friend of a friend- I did
Friend- What did he have to say?
Friend of a friend- He said he wasn’t in denial
Friend- Well he is. He’s in denial. Guys just don’t care about that kind of stuff
Friend of a friend- What more can I do?
Friend- Did you ask him if he ever?
Friend of a friend- Yeah
Friend- And?
Friend of a friend- He said he was confused for a little while but then decided not to
Friend- It could be that he made the wrong choice, if you know what I mean
Friend of a friend- You think!
Friend- Hey don’t go off on me lady
Friend of a friend- *sigh* Sorry. Its just that …
Friend- Just what?
Friend of a friend- Well, why do I always get stuck with the wrong kind of guy?
Friend- Ha-ha well you have the right kind of guy some would say.
Friend of a friend- Yeah, but why cant I find the right kind of STRAIGHT guy!
Friend- Well thanks heavens you’re NOT the lady MARRIED to the guy… I wonder if she knows …
Me: &%^&$^&$#!$$#!!!!!!!! (Silently, of course!)

Puts things in perspective huh?!

Share the comfort (food)

2007-09-18T12:15:00.000-07:00

We had the post-lovely-weekend blues last evening and needed some comfort food. It was a chilly Seattle evening so I decided to make soup, tomato soup.

Usually the only soups I like are wonton style clear soups but that was hardly going to satisfy us so I decided to try to replicate the tomato bisque we’d had just days ago.

It turned out so hearty and comforting that I thought I should share the recipe. So here it is->

Ingredients:

1 medium onion
1 medium carrot
1 clove of elephant garlic
1 spring onion
10 basil leaves
2 cups tomatoes (peeled, canned kind)
2 cups vegetable broth
½ cup cream

Paprika
Salt
Pepper
2 tbs wheat flour
1 bay leaf
2 tsps rosemary/thyme/herbs de provence (any one)

Chop the onion, and sauté in some olive oil or butter
Chop the carrots and garlic, add to the onions and sauté
Add the bayleaf and herbs
Whisk the flour into the broth and pour into the onion/veggie mixture
Let it boil and remove the bay leaf
Add the tomatoes and heat through
Puree the entire mixture (if you like it a little chunky, use a hand blender!)
Add the cream and heat if needed.

Season with salt, pepper and chopped basil leaves. Garnish with spring onions.

(The soup tastes awesome with garlic bread- mash a clove of garlic into some softened butter and spread on bread, broil in the oven for 3 mins)

You got me!

2007-09-17T13:32:00.000-07:00

Maybe I’m naïve and that’s why Hubby finds it so easy to pull a fast one on me …

He said we’re going camping this weekend along the Columbia River gorge. Conveniently I hurt my knee the night before so he ends up having to pack! No, he didn’t have anything to do with the injured knee and yes, its not often he packs for a trip!

So we’re off at noon on Friday, to “beat the traffic”, he says. I hesitate to tell him I’m re-thinking the whole camping/hiking trip (think bad-knee). So we drive to Portland and I’ve been in and out of my current book until I notice we’re driving by a Spa that looks real cool by the way! I point this out to him. *Sigh* I knew we should have taken the GPS I think. Its almost 5 in the evening and we aren’t at our campsite yet?

He says we should ask for directions but then grins and says THIS is the campsite. I ask where the River is. The hotel is right on it he says. I can’t believe it, I’ve been had! Again. J (And he'd packed camping stuff as well so I wouldnt have a clue!)

Two blissful days later, I’m rejuvenated. Portland is a lovely city we discover. People, Food and Scenic beauty- it had it all, in abundance. The best Tuscan tomato soup we’ve ever tasted (beyond Tuscany I’m sure) and the most decadent Chocolate Mousse ever. If you ever visit don’t forget a trip down Pearl District to Moonstruck Café.

And the weather was … well, it’s the North West in fall, if you like the crisp air along with “cloudy-sunshine”, this is the place for you! The Saturday market was a lot of fun. As was Powell’s Book store. Four blocks and 3 stories of books?! Now there’s a Saturday spent well! Ofcourse I don’t buy too many. I still need to convince him that a buying a bookshelf for our home is not a bad idea!

Now I’m back at work and re-living the whole weekend. *Sigh* It was wonderful. Thanks Hubby. Happy Anniversary to you too.

What's a (bored) girl to do?

2007-08-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

At work. And SO bored... that I ...

Inhaled seven twix-minis from the candy bowl in a span of an hour
Spoke to a colleague about the dandelion flower

Browsed through my blog until I reached the first post
Went to the kitchen and burnt a piece of toast

Walked to the water cooler and back using a different route
Tried to program my IP phone and instead turned it on mute

Stared at my monitor until my eyes played tricks
Sorted out the sunflower seeds from my packet of trail-mix

Checked email, And not mine alone!
Dawdled with the settings on my cell phone

Rubbed hand cream on my hands ... and elbows... and toes
Used lysol wipes to clean my desk and blow my nose!

Projected my vacation days until the end of next year
Watched a recording of Stephen Hawkings until it was clear

Squirreled away bags of peanuts to take home for hubby
All these snacks are making me a little too tubby!

Planned a vacation in Italy- in my mind
It brought me back to the present and *sigh* the same 'ol grind

These escapades are true and I'm sure you concur
There'll be no promotion for me in the near future!

(I'm comfortably numb now. Someone drive me home!)

Fireworks in August?

2007-08-12T21:59:00.000-07:00

So looks like its been a slow summer for a lot of my friends with nothing remotely interesting happening in their lives. I can only rudely conclude this as they have taken to asking me about my mil's visit every other time I talk to them! You'd think they'd back-off after the 2nd "We're having a great time, actually!"

The 'actually' stems from many of my friends talking about their experiences with their families. The stories range from funny to downright "What were they thinking!!!". Luckily this didnt increase my trepidation. It's been like anyother few weeks of my life.

Well, almost.

But really (actually... ?), its been an interesting few weeks. "Social Studies" at school taught me that "Man is a social animal". Not so animal as much as social I would hope!

I think many of these people expect it to be a family circus at home. (Me thinks that speaks volumes of what they think about me!) Well folks, there'll be no tearing at each others throats!

Not just yet.

It Rhyme-d ... but for what Reason?

2007-08-10T10:59:00.000-07:00

I dont remember ever listening to music until I was about 9 or 10. Unless you count nursery rhymes or the many songs my mom would sing while in the kitchen in a foreign language.

Not that she was tone deaf or anything, it was quite the opposite, she has a really good voice, but the songs were actually in a foreign language- Malay to be specific. She grew up in that part of the world and to this day when she and her sisters get together, they start off in that language and we're left trying to decipher the juicy bits of gossip. But I digress.

Many of those nursery rhymes did not make any sense. Whats with "The 50 green bottles standing on the wall"?! I cant count how many mind numbing minutes have gone by singing that song on field trips from school.

And didnt we have a censor board back then? There's violence in many of the rhymes we grew up with; take "Humpty Dumpty" for example- Isnt it sad that "All the kings horses and men" couldnt put our little egg-head back together again?

Oh and I still remember wondering why a mother would put her baby "on a (windy) tree top". Was she lazy to rock the cradle herself? (Courtesy: Rock 'a 'bye baby) Oooh the horror of picturing the baby falling from the tree! And we didnt even have to imagine it! There it was in techi-color for us to see on video ... *sigh* it was a "disturbed" childhood, as Hubby likes to put it.

But learning and watching all these rhymes prepared me for childhood I must say. "Tom & Jerry" had a whole lotta more violence and I'm glad they didnt rate it "R"! And good didnt always triumph over evil either ... hmm ...

I did learn however that the bump caused by dropping a mallet on someones head could not be hammered back in. Err ... dont ask me how! Might get someone all riled up and bring back painful memories.

And what happened to those nice cartoons anyways. Now its all powder-puffy girls and rug-rats! Though I still like TMNT. Hmm I need to get on UTube and search for these cartoons-> Looney Tunes, Bionic Six, Transformers (Didnt you just loveeee the movie!?), Spiderman and Friends, The Pink Panther, Underdog, Laurel and Hardy, Abbot and Costello ...

Remember the never-ending violent behavior of "the 3 stooges"? I bet in cartoon world, they must be at a "behavioral disorder" clinic in kansas now!

Curb your enthusiasm

2007-07-30T14:26:00.000-07:00

"No friends, No enemies", my Dad used to say. And I'd scoff at how he could be so un-trusting sometimes ...

Now, I must admit, being too friendly and chatty with people has its downsides, especially when they're people who are going to be in your life forever. I dont mean the people you choose- close friends, life-partner, co-workers to hang out with ... most are expendable. (Well, maybe except life-partner) But I mean, the people you "inherit"- life-partner's closest friends, closest friend's life partners and.... *drum roll*.... the in-laws.

Heres the conundrum- would you rather be labelled as a person who "doesnt talk to me much" or the "i cant believe she said that" ? I'm sure both have their pros and cons like everything and everyone in this world but I sure know which one is easier for me. :-D

Not that I only take the easier paths in life. (I married out of caste, age, state and culture didnt I?) If I ever have kids in my life, I think I'll encourage them to marry someone from another country (or maybe it'll be planet by then!) Err Sis, I wont encourage DD, I promise!

Getting back to the topic at hand, hubby is pleased with my take on things. Cant ask for more I guess. I think I opt for the less-stressful paths if they dont matter in the bigger scheme of things.

I would never have thought I'd be this easy-going... but then again life throws surprises at ya. If its dark chocolate, taste it; you never know ... you actually might end up loving it! (And if its good for you, its a plus!)

Harry Tales

2007-07-26T10:33:00.000-07:00

Well, I'm done with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows! Finally, I can now rest easy ... Read on, cos I'm not going to spoil it for ya.

I'll give it this... it was action packed. It was all I could do to read slowly so not to miss who stunned whom, and what curse hit who. There were times when even my imagination needed a re-cap to fully experience the sheer havoc that is Harry's life. Reading 200+ pages a day for 3 days was easy since I've taken to the "boy-who-lived" whos now come of age and is a man. My man however, had me narrate the story to him each night before bed. This wasnt easy since there are so many little references to the other books, I skipped bits and pieces so as to not shorten my sleep time!

But eventually, I felt guilty, why shouldnt he know the excitement I got from reading the story, the way it folds out...? He was particularly saddened by one of his favorite creature's death in the plot. Oh well... thats a wizards life!

I live vicariously through Harry Potter ... since my world has none of the flying-on-broomstick excitement. Theres no way to 'disapparate' out of a room when you feel like it. Cant cast the 'muffliato' spell when someones evesdropping... I can go on and on.

So now what? On to the next book... I'm considering The Pied Piper by Ridley Pearson.
On the Harry Potter front, I can only wait to watch the next movie now... and spoil it for all around me while I go, "Oh that wasnt how it went in the book!" Hmm I can be pretty sanctimonious I guess ...

And.... Everything in its place!

2007-07-20T15:55:00.000-07:00

I thought it was about time I sorted through the boxes in the closet and unpacked everything. This was a thought I had about 2 years ago when I moved in... NOW, its time to sort through all the unpacked stuff and organise em!

It was surprisingly easy to adjust with Hubby whos in no means a control freak when it comes to orderliness. Heck, he's so out of control that I suddenly realise why we get along so well!

Categorizing has never come easy to me. I shy away from placing ANYthing into invisible divides. (Well, in this case, drawer dividers and folders in a filing cabinet...) I hold onto diversity in my life, so why place such stringent rules on materialism? I mean, isnt dividing my stuff into piles quite like placing people into stereotypes? Hmm maybe I need to re-think this whole idealist re-org weekend and spend it by getting to know the new hippie-couple across the street!

Anyhoo, once I had no more excuses with which to convince myself I started the actual sorting. Mounds of clothes, books and what I can only label as "knick-knacks"... and I stumble across old journals, photos and quite a few fashion mishaps. What was I thinking!?

5 hours later, it feels good to be organised! I never knew how it felt to actually know where something was before I wanted it, didnt realise that "If first you dont find, search and then search AGAIN!" didnt have to be my motto. I guess my Mom was onto something when she would yell at us to "arrange our rooms". Ofcourse until now, clean-up just meant moving the pile of things labelled "stuff" from one closet to another- that was used less often!

Now I just need to decide what to do with all this extra time... Maybe nows the time to tackle the mess on my desk at work?

And the icing on the cake?- Seeing Hubby put his shoes away, on HIS side of the shoe rack, and to hear him say, "Ah, it feels so strange (er... good?) to be SO organised." Hmm this MUST be love... or marital bliss at the very least!

Is it strange that we're getting far far away this weekend; camping out in the drizzling rain even... just to get away from home? I think we're yet to figure out a place for ourselves ... in our now 'organised-life' *siiigh*

Psst, we still have a place in our hearts where "stuff" resides... Its a dark place in our garage called the attic. Other than a box labelled "holiday decorations",theres a whole lotta "stuff" around it. There's a place for everything?

Variety is the spice of my work-life

2007-04-18T13:06:00.000-07:00

One of those days at work when I wonder why I just didnt stay home, as I have nothing to do at work! Well, why waste a day-off when I can laze around in front of the TV at work as well! (Though here, I need to atleast pretend that I'm doing something useful) I guess typing this out looks like I'm working! :D

Well I certainly work with an interesting bunch of people. (None of who know about my blog and I plan to keep it that way!) There a guy from Turkey, an Afro-Am gal, a Swedish gal, a Candian born Chinese guy, an Aussie-wannabe, an Irish-Am turned jew(!) and ofcourse an Indian guy. (We have to be the one that breaks the ranks!) In diversity comes variety- the lunches we go out for, the water-cooler topics and ofcourse the culture-shocking conversations are just some of the reasons that get me to work on a Monday morning.

Just talking to these people make me realise what diversity is all about. In India, we boast a multi-religion/cultured society. But to be truly multi-cultural there needs to be interaction and positive vibes between them all! Personally, I feel we're lacking in them, categorizing people by state, religion and even caste! ("Salah Madrasi", "Patel trips" and "Arrogant Delhi-ites" are some of the common terms I hear ...)

And to think I've heard these very terms only after I set foot on American soil. Hows that for irony?

It makes the world go round ...

2007-04-11T10:09:00.000-07:00

You can find it all around you. When did cynicism become such a staple in our lives? Everybody is quick to judge. Infact even if I take a few minutes, I dont think I could come up with a single person I know who isnt on a judgemental high-horse! Take Simon Cowell- the ultimate in judging who doesnt know a thing about singing, he said so himself! Well his only excuse is- thats his job!

What about the rest of us? I try, hard, not to judge people by their lifestyle choices, after all whatever works, works right? Wrong! Each and every one of us have this perfect-idealistic idea about life and how it should be lead. Who says I cant have that extra brownie from the breakfast tray at work? If I choose to live in the suburbs in a condo, does that imply I dont visit the city often? If I'm a tourist in a new place, why isnt it 'cool' to do touristy things?

Heck, I judge people too! Its become more of a moral fight with my alter-ego these days- I'll pretend I dont hear it, while it does its thing.

I can only infer that the 'simple-life' is not in style anymore. I get a 'ho-hum' if I say, " I stayed home this weekend, just relaxed." Maybe I should try, "I actually bungee-jumped off a bridge only to realise I'd forgotten to strap myself to the cord but then I remembered I could swim so I dived into the water narrowly missing a passing cruise ship!"

How droll! Oh and did I mention, I feel cynical today?

Promise me rain (and snow?) next year too!

2007-04-09T13:15:00.000-07:00

We've had an amazing winter- a few snow storms that caused life to come to a stand-still (Think un-official day off from work!) and now we're heading into summer, skipping spring all together. Thanks to global-warming, I can now snigger and feel all smug inside, thinking about the people in Texas, Oklahoma and Ohio being snowed upon in April! (Hmmph and they tell me, "I hear it rains a whole lot and is gloomy in Seattle")

Seattle-ites take their sun very seriously. What else could explain the rush of people out on the trails and in the parks at 7pm on a Thursday? Not a mean feat considering I see almost as many out on the same trails jogging with a flourescent vest and and a water repellant hoodie on the aforesaid 'gloomy' days.

I dont think I've ever experienced the sun so pleasant on my skin. Its more like a warm touch as opposed to the scorching blaze of the middle-east and south-india that feels like you're walking into an open furnace. Maybe such a summer needs the rain...

I'd take the drizzle of Seattle anyday, if I'm promised the summers that follow... (Global Warming aside I'm sure!)

Drunken Association

2007-03-21T13:26:00.000-07:00

And I always thought that the reason behind Kerala's sad state of affairs was communism. Granted, I know squat about politics on ANY side of the globe but then again, its people like me in office that probably cause the comic situations we face today.

Ok, maybe its not that funny but if you dont laugh, you will cry. Alight, already! I'm not at my profound best today but you'll be in tickle as well after you read through this link ....

Kerala Liquor Consumers' Welfare Association

I think we've just witnessed the birth of the latest political party- 'Drunken Dudes'? And yes, I'm embarassed that people from my hometown, Bahrain want to set up a "Chapter of the Association" there. What would the membership policy sound like I wonder....

Hazy Lazy Days

2007-03-21T13:21:00.000-07:00

A weekend without much ado or tdo = bliss. Sure the laundry's piling up, as are the layers of dust on the dining table. (Hubby's idea to replace it with a pool table is looking very bright now!)

But I dont really care, after-all how often do I get to stay home doing absolutely NOTHING? It was great I tell you! (A Social life is SO over-rated!) At the fag end of a rather hectic Monday, I just have to relive my weekend and thank the cosmic karmic forces that brought this upon me... through this post.

Friday night was good. Went to a friends place for a dinner party. T'was supposed to be a pot-luck but hostess gushed and proclaimed that she wants to cook-for-us! (Be her Guinea pigs ie;) I was all for it! (Err.. did I mention that I brought up the "We should meet up for dinner this Friday" bit!) Like all Friday nights, we wound up around 2 in the am, after a few good games of pool.

Saturday morning, well afternoon, woken up by the phone ringing. "Hi Sheeba, its Mummy, were you asleep?" Looking at the time, I manage, "Nooo, its almost 2pm, I'm err... washing up after lunch!" "Oh! So late..." Sheesh...!!!#$^% Next time I need to script my psuedo-life a little better.

After a hour or so more on the phone, I manage to actually 'wake-up' and now what? Its Springtime in Seattle, so I decide to go out for a walk. The trail takes me to the mall, and no thats not a metaphor, there is actually a trail from my home to the mall! :D

I love the first few months of the year. There are always awesome "deals" to be found. (Thats my rationale behind the shopping bags anyway!)

Back home, a hot bath, a good movie and some comfort food (read home-made chocolate brownies and frozen yogurt) and its time for bed again. Zzzzzzzz

Sunday comes and goes, it was all a haze. (I wonder what was in those brownies!) I decided I need to buy some shades to darken our too-bright living room a bit. Even the gloom of a Seattle winter doesnt help! Hubby doesnt understand why I'd want to block any of that wonderful natural light, people here buy "light-filtering" shades, hence my problem!

But for those rare weekends, all I need is unrestricted access of the couch and block out that pesky light which just destroys my lethargy. Now is that too much to ask?

A Little Litter

2007-03-15T14:24:00.000-07:00

And they call me lazy!!!...

Granted all I do is sit at home but I do spend a lot of time cleaning, up after myself. Munching whenever I feel hungry. Keeping myself fit and nimble. I even deodorize the house for them! But theres a limit to how much one can do, I cant reach the furballs or dustbunnies from every corner of the house!

Whats their fascination with food I ask you? She comes home each evening, turns on the tv or the loud cacophony that hurt my ears! Then its onto bits of paper she fishes out of the kitchen drawers and starts chopping up vegetable into huuge chunks. Ugh, not dainty at all!

And then He gets in, they talk- a lot! They dance, play, eat, watch-tv and talk some more. I may get a few glances thrown my way and if I'm lucky, not totally ignored. But then they're out of the house again. I dont know where they go but they stagger back in a few hours, dragging their feet ... all the time talking of how GOOD they feel?!

And whats with the *daily ritual of pouring water all over themselves?I've heard they did similar things to my race in ancient Egypt. *Shudder*

They want to hug me goodnight, but I'm not in the mood. I almost snap at them, clench my fists so tight my nails dig in... let them know who's running this show...

They would say, "Yeah a cat has it all!". Do they know, we have nine lives as well?

*Bath- In case you arent familiar with the term! :D

The new (lazier) me!

2007-03-06T11:38:00.000-08:00

I used to be the kind of person who needs to...

- Be in bed by 11 on a weeknight
- Have some 'me' time when I get back from work (This includes watching reruns of Frasier, Scrubs or the X Files!)
- Get to work the latest being an hour after I am out of bed (On a work day ofcourse!)
- Have my laundry on hangers as-soon-as its out of the dryer
- Have several bites of chocolate and desert every night

And now?

- I'm in bed, whenever I feel tired, that could be 11pm or 2am! (Yes! On a weekday no less!)
- 'Me' time is usually when I go shopping for presents for Hubby, alone!
- I'm at work, when I get there. (Not too profound, I know! But its a fact!) Somedays I'm half-way dressed before I decide I'm working-from-home today..
- When did the 'touch-up' cycle on the dryer ever hurt clothes?! Hurray for techonology! (Thanks Whirlpool!)

So I guess I'm "chilled-out" now. I'm sure Hubby will agree theres more scope from where that came from! (Starting with my strange need to have the kitchen tidy at the end of the day...)

Oh and I didnt really miss the last point... chocolate and desert arent going anywhere. A girl needs to have her priorities right, right?

Takeout is Out!

2007-02-16T13:20:00.000-08:00

I remember jotting down recipies for deserts while I was a little kid. Well, mostly it was sis who used to jot them down AND make them... I'd be the guinea pig who ate it all. Quite willingly I assure you. (Maybe everything except the 'cottage cheese balls' she made, which to this day I think was the reason behind my dislike for cottage cheese!) :) Though I dont think I appreciated anything more than the ice-cream she made from scratch when we couldnt get any in the store at my Granma's village! Thats when my love-affair with vanilla began ... so alls well that ends well!

So now working in the field of IPTV... (If another person asks me what exactly IPTV means, I'm going to have a subscription of "What era of the stone-age are you living in" digest sent to them!) I have access to a few digital channels on my HD tv at work. Nothing too interesting I tell you! (I bet they save all the good channels for the marketing guys!) While in engineering we have more important things to do and hence management decides that the only channels we test with would be....

- History
- TNT (Does ANYbody actually watch 'Charmed' reruns?!)
- CNN
- Espn (Yeah.. Paintball and Poker are NOT sports!)
And... (here comes the drumroll).... The Food Network!

Now this is a channel I can be content with. And not only that, we've gone through the whole week without takeout and fresh healthy dinner each night instead! (I kid you not, Mom and Mom-in-law!) And the best part? Hubby ate all the broccoli florets from my stir-fry!

I cant ask for more... *siiiigh* (Well, maybe the power to make De Laurentis' Chocolate Tiramisu recipie into reality ....)

Thought of the day, Gone tomorrow?

2007-01-09T12:18:00.000-08:00

Was reading some of my old posts today (as some people dont seem to write anymore on their blogs, hmmph!) when I asked myself, "Do I still agree with all my thoughts penned down before?"

I ask myself this as I feel humans by nature are never a constant. You cant take your emotions for granted, and neither your thoughts. If thats the case why even bother to write them down. I mean imagine arguing with yourself a few months down the line!

Ok, I think I am going around in circles already but isnt it an amazing thought? How we change, adapt even to our own selves? (Why, just the other day I used to think skinny pants look horrible!) hehe Alright, so that was a rather trivial example, but nevertheless it points out yet another aspect of me that has changed, considerably- I was never into fashion and its myriad fads...

Maybe as we experience more of what life has to offer (often attributed to growing older) we tend to be more cautious, more sensitive to those around us... That could explain why I loose valuable minerals through my tearducts when I leave my family behind after a holiday these days.

Some things wont change though... curling up with an Enid Blyton book and some form of chocolate, watching looney-tunes' reruns, listening to Madonna and Henry Mancini in the same hour, playing hide-and-go-seek with anyone who will, trying to resist the urge to climb a tree when it looks easy-enuf- still working on this one ... :)

Resolving my Resolutions

2007-01-02T10:30:00.000-08:00

When you think New Years, you think resolutions. That is until you think "no-more-unattainable-goals! ". Which is why it came as a surprise when someone asked me, "What are your resolutions this year?". I hadnt even thought of a single one yet! Err... maybe "Do wait to procrastinate in 2007" might be a good one to start with!

The truth was I was too busy thinking about the resolutions I had kept in 2006. For as long as I can remember I havent had this good a year sticking to my guns. That said, let me list them out!

- Get married... with the least stress possible
- Avoid shouting-matches... with the in-laws (They are not my Mom)
- Loose 15 pounds (Number tailored to actual weight lost :D )
- Keep shopping for clothes at a minimum (Moved to shoes instead!)
- Think positive when things dont go my way

And the rest I dont remember ... Note to self: Add "Start taking memory pills in 2007"

So I think I'm off to a good start in 2007. Lets see what I can come up with...

- Dont take hubby for granted
- (Continued resolve to) Aviod shouting-matches with the in-laws (Should get more points for this in 2008 as summer-visit around the corner, err... assuming that I keep this one!)
- Do strenght training while keeping weight constant
- Get rid of old clothes (No matter what the sentiments attached to them!)

And some "new" ones would be...

- Drive within speed limits (Hah! Wont hubby be thrilled with this one!)
- Take daily dose of Omega 3-6-9 (And try to get hubby to take it atleast half those times... I need to place a bottle at his desk at work and then remind him about it daily... so you see the challenge here!)
- Mission Organisation (Start with the mysterious closet in the bedroom that contains everything from receipts to sea-shells!)

I guess thats enough for now. I'll check back on this list mid-2007 to re-phrase these!

Whose window is it anyway?

2006-11-03T13:09:00.000-08:00

I work from home ever so often. This means I take time off from my colleagues and do a bit of documentation or programming. But once in a while I find that I just cannot concentrate...

Sitting in a comfortable chair, the radio tuned between Jazz and Classic Rock, I find that work is the last thing on my mind. Too guilty to go out for a shopping spree or maybe even a 3 hour lunch, I stay semi-attached to my laptop replying to work emails and surfing the web!

Today the weather is very "seattle-like". Its not so much raining as it is mist-ing. The drops of water are almost microscopic as they fall down on the evergreen leaves of trees. The bushes once laden with blackberries are now bare of the delicious fruit. (Or maybe its because the rabbits have stocked up for winter!) Fall is almost over, and the "filler trees" have lost their leaves. I can now see the Cascade range from my window. Snow lies atop its delicate peaks once again. Winter is not far away for us on the lower altitudes ...

My friend's puppy who we are 'dog-sitting' is curled up at my feet. She looks up at me and tries to jump onto my lap. I sneak a look around to make sure Hubby is infact at work and then let her plop hereself on my lap while I stroke her glossy coat, hmmph! I bet that comes in use on a chilly day like this! A little bitter dark chocolate and Bono belting out "With or Without You", I am at peace. Contented. The doorbell is ignored. (If its someone important, they know the keycode to get in!)

Sometimes, I need days like this just to reconnect with the simpler side of ..... myself ...

Heroes of Our Time

2006-09-29T12:07:00.000-07:00

I'm not talking about the real kind of heroes that we hear about daily in the news; “2 year old saves doll from raging fire” or even “Man risks life to save cat” No, I'm talking about the sudden wave of super-heroes making their way into our homes via the media ... (Think- travel through fiber optic cables!)

What I like about these 'powers' is that they actually explain the how's and whys as opposed to the 'miracles' that occur now and then in the REAL world! (Hows that for being self-absorbed?!) Doesn't it make sense?- A few gazillion decades or so down the line, wont we as humans evolve ('cos the process is THAT slow!)? I'd settle for less body hair for a start! :-D

Another theory is that of cellular regeneration. Now this 'big word' is the root cause of the 'abilities' that the heroes of these myriad shows pocess. Some of which I'd not mind having... the ability to 'teleport' (another fancy word for 'travel-in-the-blink-of-an-eye') oneself to anyplace.

I think back to when I was growing up, the one power I would have loved to have was to be invisible. (I'd rather not have you guess as to why!) I loved cartoons and the “Bionic 6” was my favorite. It was about this family of 6 (duh!) who were ...well... bionic (double-duh!) Err, I guess it was a simpler time when the name gave away everything unlike now when we have movies like “Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind” (What the heck does that tell the to-be-viewer!?)

These stories stretch my imagination. (Some people may say its already stretched to the point it cannot swing back to normalcy, but thats not the point!) Now, if I could choose, I'd settle for the power to just have myself in 2 places at once; one of me at work and another whiling her time away, lost in a world of imagination ... flying high with the other heroes of her day. Not necessarily saving people or averting crime, after all since its in my imagination, heroes have the right to their days off too!

Where'd you go? I miss you so ...

2006-09-27T18:14:00.000-07:00

Its been a few months since I flew back from Anchorage and friends have asked me why I havent taken the time to write about it?

For the first few weeks I felt that I wasnt back home yet... it was almost like the home-sick feeling I got when I was first left on the hostel courtyard watching my Mom and Aunt walk away on the first dayof college.(That feeling was fleeting as I met them in a few hours, since my Aunt lived a few miles away!) But Seattle did not feel like my home anymore, it felt like I'd left my REAL home behind in Alaska.

I'm not even going to TRY to describe the landscape of the state.Whatever you have heard, read, seen in documentaries, book and pictures can not do it justice. When you climb upto and onto a glacier ice field, time does stand still. (Or maybe that was my watch battery running out...! Eitherways, it was deathly quiet until I decided that I would wear my sandals instead of hiking boots (since it looked sunny) and jump across 2 ft deep pools of melting glacial water! Going into the cavernous ice caves and whispering so as "not-to" cause the razor sharp icicles to pin us down took some effort on my part... the ice blue color is still vivid in my mind (and my digital camera memory stick)

I loved the idea of the 22+ daylight hours Alaska enjoys. The boundless energy it gave me compared to the no-effect-on-sleep it had on hubby! I was more restless than usual in the evenings. Hubby had to force me to relax by the fires we built, after scavenging for firewood along the Teklanika river. (He literally had to drag me bythe waist once when I caught sight of a campers stack of firewood!)Sweet corn never tasted so sweet until it was blackened by soot from the fire and spiced with cayenne from the pepper spray we'd bought to ward of bears! (Testing it caused my eyes to sting for hours... We'd forgotten to factor in the fact about wind-direction!)

And I thought I lived a simple life! The family in Joy, Alaska have a whole new definition for the word 'simple'. They moved to Alaska inthe 50's when they thought their children were troubled by 'normal' lifestyles. They couldn't have picked a better place.... You could get lost searching for trouble here! We spent some time with them on our way to the North Pole, they told me I looked like their adopted-Indian daughter. (I wondered if they could really pick out their kids from acrowd since they'd adopted 45 of them in a span of 30 years!)

That trip was a learning experience! Though hubby was visibly shocked to see the lack of 'the white stuff' at the North Pole, it thrilled us beyond measure when we felt the solid ice below the 6 inches of top-soil we were standing on. (Little wonder it was so spongy to walk on!) The Transatlantic Pipeline brought a whole new wave of people to Alaska and it was built with the outmost care so as not to disturb the delicate ecosystem of the place. I think they did a good job! At times it is difficult to spot the pipline from a mile or so away, as it blends into the brush and vivid fireweed of the tundra.

"Beary good bears!", is what I expected the Punjabi couple in our group to say when they ooh-ed and aah-ed over the mother bear and her 3 cubs. Boy! Did we waste a whole lotta time reading up on 'What to do if a bear ...?" They seemed almost unaware that humans existed!(Though I bet this was just after a feast of those huge salmon in theYukon river followed by luscious berry's for desert! Produce is abundant in every sense of the word here!) Oh and picture of the bears here isnt mine. (I was staring too intently at em to take a picture!)

My constant, "I hope we spot some bears" was soon replaced by, "Ok, so what else is new" afterthe 15th bear sighting in 3 days! Add Dall Sheep (not Daal), Moose(Yes, they ARE dangerous and huge!), Numerous kinds of animal which I can only define as "Deer", Artic Squirrels (not white please, if you thought along the lines I did!), humongous crows (I think they were called Ravens), Wolves and oh, did I mention bears, it was a veritable safari trip hiking in Denali.

Oh and we were'nt fortunate to see Denali in all its splendor, though we could see what the hype was about. (I refuse to refer to it as Mt McKinley, turns out this McKinley dude went ahead and named it after himself for no apparent reason! He hadn't even scaled it once!)

So what made me write all this now? I figured I'd better do it before I forget the details that made the trip so memorable. Like how it was hubby's chore to first figure out how to and then empty the 'waste' at the hookup stations for the RV each time! I ought not to talk bad about good ol' Winne (yeah, a not-so-original nickname for a Winnebago!) since she afforded us the luxury of choosing our picnic and rest stops with ease- On the banks of the Kenai River one day, the Alaskan Range the next and waking up to the sounds of the seagulls gliding along the waters of Portage bay.

I don't know whether to feel happy that there is still such a place,with its amazing landscape, rich culture and simple people so untouched, or sad that theres so few like it left ... If you haven't been to Alaska yet, I envy the journey that you have yet to seek ...

Lights, Camera, Action!

2006-09-22T11:48:00.000-07:00

The Theater- The Glitz, The Glamor and The People... And I'm not even talking about the actual show yet!

Back stage

So after weeks of making Hubby realise that The Theater doesnt always correspond to the Opera (I think this stems from the singers in his home), we manage to get tickets to the hot, Bombay Dreams.

Scene 1- Take 1 (Far away look with laptop on my lap)

Day before the show. I go online to print out tickets and happen to notice they have a 'suggested' dress code. 'Perferably no jeans' they say! I see Red Flags and sirens going off in my head.

Will this be the deal breaker for Hubby? ...........

Scene 2- Take 22 (Number of shirts and pants Hubby changed in and out of while in cavernous closet)

Hubby lost weight recently (a LOT of weight) No dress shirt (he has so few of em!) fits properly and no formal pant in sight! And considerig that his closet goes deeper than mine thats a mean feat.

Scene 3- Give or take a few stores (Looking sheepish in Seattle...)

At the Express. We cant deicde on a shirt. The black one with silver threads or the grey shiny one??? Thats when hubby points to the "Mens Section" and tell me what we are really here for.

Scene 4- Take 1 (Halleilujah, break out the wine, we've ALMOST found IT!)

At Macy's. Men's Section for sure this time! (Is that the latest skinny jeans I see in thaaat corner?) Hmmph, "How about this pastel purpley-pink shirt?" "What? Why? Its hip, its cool! And NO, its called METROsexual now!"

(A dozen takes later we both ooh and ahh over the SAME shirt, so its packed and taken to go immediately!)

Scene 5- Take 3 (Outfits I changed in and out of)

All ready and I say "Letsss goooo" and I see hubby in sweats and curry stained tshirt. He says he's wearing that to the theater. Oh-o what did I do to make him mad now? :(

Turns out he was only joking and was making a pesto-bagel sandwich for himself (Correction to script- PESTO stained tshirt! Yes, I AM a perfectionist sometimes...)

Scene 6- Take 1 (And its PERFECT)

The production was all and more than I'd imagined! The colors, the dancing, the voices and this time I'm talking about the cast.

Ofcourse the people were all gussied up too, but then again... we dont care for appearances MUCH do we? :-D

Scene 7- Take 1-to-go (And its a wrap! Well an Eclair more like...)

Went for dessert after the show. The best ones in town and boy was it yummy! Can feel seams of skirt bulging but that a topic for another day, another post...

Excuse, Sil Vous Plait

2006-08-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

A colleague just told me that he thought Indians think fast and are bright because all of us speak at the very least 3 languages. Something about the brain tying up the analytical part with linguistics.

By the way, this colleague was a part time juggler turned software engineer for Microsoft before he joined the IJF (International Jugglers Federation) and then quit to settle as a amatuer juggler (who attends juggling conferences with more gusto than the J2EE conferences in San Diego!)

Oh and to dispel any doubts, he is a software engineer at our firm now. I did not want to tell him that I spoke just the one language. But wait! Does that imply I'm a dodo?

And so it goes ...

2006-08-02T13:35:00.000-07:00

Time flies. I am way into being married for more than just the "few" months I say I am, when asked "How long?" Our First Anniversary beckons over the horizon ... (Start prepping Hubby!)

For the most part, its a breeze to live with him but *sometimes* I long for the simpler days where every-day-decisions were so easy to make. The days when I come home and the dinner menu is decided (or picked up) without a thought!

You'd think it would be easier for two people who loved to cook? (not to mention eat) Think again!

NOW most days, it goes something like this:-

Me: What shall we have for dinner tonite?
H: Anything is fine.
Me: You decide
H: No you decide, anything is ok with me.
Me: Anything is ok with me too. (Hah! Ask my Mom or sister about this and they will tell you just HOW adjustable I really am!)
H: Anything except pasta is fine with me. So you decide.
Me: :-D Was just thinking of pasta!

Well ...you get the general idea... so this is how it usually ends...

H: Ok how about Tamarind rice? (He KNOWS I dont like this dish, so thats the ONE suggestion he comes up with!)
Me: Alrite, lets try something new then. *Reaching over and getting laptop, typing www.google.com*

Err that was for recipies mind you, not online ordering!

Playing hard ball = Hard to play ball?

2006-07-22T03:26:00.000-07:00

And just when I thought it was safe to put my hand down ...

Hubby and I team up with another couple to ease our tennis rackets, dusted from its winter hibernation to our first game of the summer! Now being the natural athlete (!!!) that I am, I decide to spare the guys the embarassment of losing to a gal and watch from the sidelines for a bit (Sizing up who wipes the court with the other, so I can(not) play with him!)

As I stood there, I delved into nostalgia, of how I used to play batmington all through school ...

Phys Ed was a time to gossip, catch up on the latest fashion trends, Mariah Carrey lyrics and ofcourse a time to catch up with ones 'crush'. But not your truly. I used to single out some of the other 'abnormal' gals and we used to play. One on one matches with wrist numbing, shoulder swinging action! It wasnt unusual to see me play 2 hours back to back without even a water break.

That was until the wrist injury. The doctor said there was nothing he could do about it, normal wear and tear he said. Somehow I couldnt bring myself to giving up on the game entirely, but I backed out of the team and the afternoon practice sessions. I tried taking up Ping-Pong but it did not provide an outlet for my energies I guess, so that didnt stick.

Hubby loves to play. Tennis, Racquet Ball, Volley Ball, Pool, Frisbee you name it! And his being 1000 inches tall helps! (Yeah even in FRISBEE!) With my weak wrist in a brace, I now try to strengthen it by hitting the tennis ball against a practise wall while he plays a feverish game with a friend. (He plays with me after, all the while telling me that I will beat him anyday now)

Oh and did I mention I also tore a ligament on that same wrist during college?!

Just you wait Hubby, coming soon to a (tennis) court near you ... I'll be back in full form and (wrist) function!

Cloud # 9

2006-07-19T18:15:00.000-07:00

The first thing this title brings to mind is ...

Like any young 16 year old, I was a fan of Bryan Adams. "18 till I die" was a song that went on and on in my head even when the tape recorder stopped. Who does not know the "Summer of '69" and tried their hand at the drums and the guitar while they were at it!

But the Clouds have a more profound meaning for me ... Well, I was 10 I think, in secondary school, when I got a new box of Crayola Crayons. On it there was this activity; to scribble with a couple of crayons on a piece of paper and then let your imagination take hold. It also related this to the effect clouds have in the sky ...

Today, I got home early from work. (Effect of working too hard for the past 2 days!!!) As I sat on the couch and looked out at the wide canvas of blue sky with just enough clouds a myriad of shapes began to form in my mind's eye. There was a dragon chasing a yellow canary, (Dont ask me how I knew it was yellow!) I remember doing this with a close friend in school. We used to lie back on the grass and squint through the rays of the sun, put our minds together to make up stories in which the fleeting shapes would make sense. But soon they were gone, to make way for more clouds. (It was so much like a slide-show with our imagination as the director)

And dont even get me started on the stars. In this post (The Belle of the Village), I admitted to one of my silly notions and ... thats all I have to say about that!

And we wonder ...

2006-07-17T13:47:00.000-07:00

Why does India seem to be progressing at a snails pace? (Someone put this question to me recently)

Corruption from the bottom up maybe one reason. This could be another?

*I'm embarassed*

It's Super-Baby!

2006-07-12T20:23:00.000-07:00

I had started on a post all about my niece a year or so ago, somehow never got to completing it. I just read it today and chuckled quite a bit. However, I am not going to share it here as I havent yet articulated how I would describe most of her mannerisms! (I think thats going in one of my "personal" journals!)

She turns 3 today and I dont know a cuter baby! (Now my sis would add a "You dont know many babies do you?") As soon as she heard our voices on the phone she grabs it to say, "Thank you Aunty and Uncle"! (I dont think I even knew what that meant when I was 3!)

Just cant describe it, she has this charm about her (probably gets it from her Mom). I think she will make friends rather easily... if she wants to! My Hubby and his sister fell in love with her immediately. So, it wasnt only me! My theory of being biased to my sister's kid was dispelled. (Though I'm pretty certain thats one of my reasons)

She's also super smart. What with having brainy parents (ahem, and aunt) and all! (Ok, just so you know sis, I am not angling for your share of the family heirlooms!)

My SIL is planning on a trip to Europe with a hop over London in a few months. She's been pulling on a few nerves by reminding me that she will be the first to see my neice... again. (After all, little kids' memory's only extend so far ... a time period) Hmmph! Sometimes I wish we did not live as far apart as we do, sis! :-(

Some of the silliest things that I remember can be attributed to my niece. Her enthusiastic greeting of, "Hello Bug", with her eyes shining and 3 tooth grin or "Boingy boingy boingy Bing", from her Dora story book, being on the top of that list!

She lives on the east end of the Atlantic Ocean, I'm in the Pacific North West! I think it's precious how she thinks she can get to her Aunt's place in 2 hours. But then again, whats that in the sky? Its a bird! A plane! ...

Err.. Sis, dont translate my fantasies to her, she might get ideas! I've been watching way too many Superman Returns trailers.

Dedicated to you, Bobbee the Coot. Have a Lovely-Happy-Birthday. We miss you and your Mummy and Daddy a whole lot! :-)

A New Beginning ... or Something Like It

2006-07-12T12:49:00.000-07:00

A stubborn streak prevented me from moving my blog from its original location

Why do I care?

I thought that it being MY blog, my personal space, I could write anything I choose too. Thats remained true for the most part of it. But these days I tend to think twice about what I am writing about, since I know that certain people are reading it, waiting for me to goof up and talk about something which I otherwise wouldnt ever mention to them in person!

Where did I go?

So here goes, Rationale is moving far north, a few million bytes away in cyber-space to Google's own blogspot. (I've always admired Google anyway, why hadnt I thought of this before!) And if you've got a memo in your mail regarding my move, well good-for-you! You are among the 'chosen-ones' who get to read my ramblings about anything under the sun

When did this happen?

Well all of you probably think that this happened overnight. But no! I did try to move once before. Began posting snippets someplace else, where I wasnt subject to scrutiny by cousins, in-laws and some friends which made me wonder why I had told them about my blog in the first place! But somehow "Rationale" always seemed to get more attention from me. I might try and repost some of those thoughts here ...

What happens now?

Hopefully, I can remain in virtual anonymity, to others and a well kept secret to those who matter. :-) Thanks for all your support.