MEINE CORNER IN THE BLOG WORLD!

Sometimes I am amazed. How does India and the people that live there tend to be so left behind...rather seem to be okay with things that aren't okay? I was in India during the Chennai floods that crippled the city , post the December 1 2015 rains. I was lucky to get a rescue boat and leave the apartment complex in Velachery the next day. I moved to Alwarpet as I had family there, apparently a posh area of the city where some shops were open and there wasn't crazy floods as Velachery. I was already planning on how to exit the city in a couple of days as per my itinerary, however I had to find a transportation as airports and train stations were shut down. I understand for most people leaving the city is not an option. The day after on the 3rd of December the rains stopped and we finally got the much needed sunshine which dried up the rain overtime. There was finally a cab that we could take to exit the city that day. Yes, I was lucky in spite of the situation and the whole in...

To begin with I was thinking I shouldn't celebrate this birthday much and all the coming ones. I think it was age was bothering me, though I didn't feel my age at all! But what the heck, I went ahead and did things I've been wanting to do on the day of!  So we headed to Cal Academy of Science in San Francisco ( http://calacademy.org/ ). I've been dying to visit it and finally we made the trip. It was just amazing to spot so many different butterflies, birds, snakes, spiders and fishes! The moon jellies are always like wow-stuff and I had no idea that there are leafy sea dragons! The coral reefs were so pretty and the school of fishes both small and big all entertaining! Their planetarium show was pretty good and they had a global warming section. Overall, worth the trip.  We had Japanese tea at Japanese tea garden right opposite the Academy. This place isn't worth the visit price, but the cherry blossoms were just so awesome. The sight is so lovely. For dinner...

At some or most points, we may be looking for inspirations or ideas to better our lives and thoughts. While I need motivation to pick up my book and study, I managed to watch these movies on DVD in the recent past. I listed the exceptionally good ones and I’m not bothered by how they did in the box office, because the content or the message was truly worth. You probably have seen all or most of them, let me know your thoughts.   Invictus : Nelson Mandela bringing South Africa together, he gives people a reason to overlook color/race through rugby. This true story is all about one man’s idea as to how to stitch a torn nation that segregate strongly by color/race. He wants to create the sense of humanity and love for his country. He strongly believes in the nation’s rugby team to win the world championship and they do so. While they portray Mandela’s intelligence, they also show his humility and respect for every single individual he works with. Extraordinary Measures: I did n...

Earlier today I had a chance to read one of the articles by Chetan Bhagat on TOI. It was Mayawati's appearance in public wearing a  garland made of money that was the main focus on his article besides the outrageous spending by some of the rich.I cannot agree more with Mr.Bhagat about how disgusting such an appearance is and how it could be a wrong message for the coming generation. Then it just struck me that people flashing their wealth in public is similar to somebody making a presentation using a hot pink font (or any fluorescent color for that matter). that flashy color is bound to hurt our eyes, shock us in the beginning but can't really do much about it! And while this goes on, the presenter enjoys teasing us just becau se they occupy the podium, even if its only for a temporary period. This is my idea of pleasure that probably the flashy rich get in public - loving the attention, irrespective if they are loved or hated. Note: I say "flashy rich" and ...

From the dull, dark evening to bright, fun evening - this is my biggest reason to love Daylight savings. Even if its 6pm, it feels like there's a lot more that could be achieved before dinner time. Dogs playing catch with their owners, kids running around , some getting their bicycle lessons and mothers strolling with their babies in the pram. Ofcourse some couples making use of the pretty day. I must admit, after walking down the park that was deserted for months together, today was such a treat for the eyes!! Not sure if the cold, wet days are over, but I am eager to welcome the sunny days ahead with longer day time, more energy and pack the jackets/sweaters back in the cases! Welcome Spring!!

I used the picture because its really how I feel at this moment. The minute it struck 12 and we are to welcome the new year, my mind quickly had a snapshot of what 2009 was all about. We will miss wishing some this year and wish some new ones. Once I was over that emotional ride, I did make up my mind for a few good things to do in Year 2010. -To complete my Exams successfully -To meet family, especially my little niece -Make 1 relaxing holiday atleast -Drink more water each day -Exercise/Dance/Yoga through the year -Probably even learn a new language Here's wishing you all a joyous and healthy new year!

Dec 11th, 2009 is marked for life. The date will be special from here on with the arrival of a sweet little one in our family, my niece. I am thrilled to bits and been excited ever since I heard the news. I am yet to see the new bundle of joy and can't wait for an opportunity to see her! I have now been promoted to an Aunt in the family! Its amazing how these moments fill us up with high spirits, joy and hope!  I am wishing the new angel the very best and a wonderful parenthood to my sis & bro. May God Bless!

Its been such a long time since I've made it up to here and truly missed typing away all the thoughts and recaps of events! May It was a busy month with shopping and prep to a much awaited trip home ! I also got invited to a Bachelorette bash (my first ever) and it was loaded with craziness and fun! made new friends and what an experience ! LOL! ;-) June Probably will be the best month of the year! I visited family after 2 long years and being at home and those familiar places are just so refreshing and welcome ! Finally got to see the Chennai beaches, was lucky to re-visit family temples and got to take dh to DXB! We made it to the desert safari, Qds, new malls & resort and the took some patel shots during the trip ! Dad's 60th birthday function and celebrations went well and it was painful to come back here. It was also our 2nd wedding anniversary the same day! (I know, 2 years just flew by). Also, we got bumped upto first class on our flight from SFO and that just add...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m9RHnaQGLGg

Why do we care so much for lifeless stuff such as cars, laptops or other gadgets? We feel so bad when we even a scratch on it or say when it just fell off our hands...even so that we take that extra step to protect it ! you must have just got a cover for that delicate cell phone of yours or the best of the leather bags for that laptop or did you get the best of paint coating for your car, the top class wheels or whatever to protect it?? Why isn't such care or measures taken for our health similarly? People easily take pride in having gone over the limit with booze/smoke/whatever for that matter..ever wondered how much it damages your body? So you make those appointments to get your car serviced regulary or atleast a precautionary check. have you done the same for your health? didn't you want to take that precautionary test for yourself and save yourself from more damage? these lifeless objects are easily replaced or let go of after a short period, now we can't do that for o...

Today was the big day, the Inaugural function of Barack Obama, 44 th President of USA. America creates a history with its first ever African-American President. While watching him take the oath and his inaugural speech , it was exciting and hopeful. No matter what the doubts are in his abilities or rather results during his 4-year term, I just cannot imagine any other candidate who would have turned President with such inspiring words and a drive to re-make and re-build the country. I won't be pessimistic right now inspite of the weakening economy, I will give the new President his chance to work towards fulfilling his promises and hopefully find economy back in shape not too far from now!

You are asked to recycle paper, carboard and now the latest is compostable items. While the most basic is paper, I wonder how they allow unnecessary use while we are recycling. On regular weekdays as I check my mailbox, beside 1 or max 2 expected correspondence, the rest is pamphlets/posters of some promotion at famous stores...the result, the second I see it , I dump it. And along with me like-minded residents...so why even print and waste so much paper in the first place? At work too, my desk is just filled with paper and as I clear them, they get pretty easily replaced by newer piles. Thanks to the business scams in the past, the proof on paper has just added on. Though i still read the paper books, the other day I was explained about e-book reader, which could store lots of e-books and easy to access as needed. Might just help cut down paper use! Ofcourse, you are gonna receive info about the same on pamphlets, receive coupons too (in paper) Hmm...

Ever wondered how when that long, winding tunnel comes to end, how things change for you? quickly, at a speed unimaginable! That's where I am right now.. The day I awaited finally dawned and with God's grace things are falling into place.. So all this while I as stuck at home - frustrated with the situation n the helplessness of it.I can imagine how sad some of my posts were when some days were horribly hard! When I was finally approved to work, I got an offer that was good enough to begin with, temporary though, glad that I am occupied..that's all I wanted and guess what....on my 1st day at work, I am first asked to help an older guy who is so much fun and might have a spirit even higher than me-inspite of his disability and senior age he continues to work and is filled with bountiful talk! then sometime later non other than the latest olympics champ makes a visit ! Hard to believe? Well, same here! More than anything else, I value this work opportunity and I am really tou...

I attended a Planetarium show recently and completely loved it.The ever-expanding universe, our huge reliance on the Sun, the discovery of planets,more stars like the Sun, galaxies - the search for vaguness continues... The show made me realise how long its actually been since I gazed at the night sky. Now I am trying to and even make patterns and wondering if I have seen 1 star more often than the other?! The whole sight makes me glad, I believe its the power of nature that captures the heart... I was told we feel attached to stars due to the cosmic energy we share. Ages back the concept of astrology came up and even today in some traditions we are identified with a star as soon as we are born! According to zodiac signs we are connected to planets that rule our life. We may or maynot believe in horoscopes, but whats magical is we are trying to make a connection with the celestial bodies. Somehow the whole attempt is appealing! You ought to watch the clear night sky, the feeling is bey...

I recently learnt from a friend that a planned port in Dhamra (Orissa), will bring about ecological imbalance by killing a very rare species of turtle as it ruins their breeding place forever!!! I believe in what Greenpeace is fighting for, if you share the belief, please support them at this link. Thank you!

So besides the calendar year, is the birth anniversary....hence as I add on to my age tomorrow, here's an attempt to recollect how the past year has gone. -Loads of shopping -Fun with Bangalore and Dubai friends -The WEDDING itself : laughs and tears -Landed in USA -Boredom overwhelms on weekdays -San Francisco visit -17 mile drive -Joined aerobics -Lake Tahoe visit : first ever parasailing,jet skiing -Trip to Las Vegas -Visited Santa Barbara and Solvang -Finally completed my case study -Joined ICC as a volunteer -A California Driver License earned -Trip to Los Angeles and San Diego -New year party at a club ,first ever -Yet another assignment completed -Joined dance classes -Hubby's business trip -A small time course taken up -A new dance class And in the meanwhile -Home sickness -Earned some good friends -Painful paper problems -Potluck dinners -Mixed thoughts about this place -Learnt some decent cooking -Few physical issues -Grasping the local laws -Relocation : its thrill a...

Recently I realised how big a mistake it was to go by a professional and the vibes of the theme, ....the result, an embarrassment. The debate was presented in a lame manner. You know we shouldn't really care which party in the debate you support, as long as you have firm points and facts attached to it. So being on a dependant status, already sucks, especially if you are nurtured to become independent. To add salt to this injury, you have people querying when you would settle with a job , to which i want to say -" I don't make the rules ", but of course I can't, cos I don't want to be rude! Yea, so here you are present a debate as to why can't the spouse work and instead of conveying the spouses as a smart, intelligent individuals- whining weaklings was put across. so if the woman had a car , she wouldn't be stuck at home ( how lame)....but how can a 1 income household possibly maintain 2 cars? Even education is expensive these days, so how much ca...

As weird as it sounds, its true....definitely,the ads will support my thought....i was reading an article the other day on India Currents, where in an overweight lady had rightly pointed out that food is just too accessible these days.... for example ,stores that have nothing related to food, would still have an area for snacks or drinks! A continuity to that thought-provoking article, I noticed how you have to eat or drink more, just to keep away from food! Drink power stuff, don't diet just eat low calorie meals, low calorie sweets, low calorie dips, 0 transfat or baked chips, easy packed food, eat to reduce cholosterol or diabetes and what not! Is all this really helping or just adding on to how much we eat. I miss the simple eating habits...eat well on the breaks and rest your tummy....i feel like we are giving into unwanted eating habits and no wonder we are falling sick more n more! we better learn to fast in between and give our system a break.... Imagine, eating so much, th...

It is a story of how the harsh world crushes the heart of little ones - little ones who have the ability to think bigger than their school books, little ones who stop to stare at nature, little ones slower than their peers because they enjoy the tiniest things- little ones that are misunderstood! So how many of us can really think out of the box? How many of us can use our mind to create? how many of us bother to build our own worlds of imagination from the most boring letters n numbers? World encourages stereotype people- so if you top in school or college you are held is high regard but if you can't get to think out of norms, rules that is okay....you read and read what others have written seldom thinking of writing something new. Here we have the protagonist , a 9 year old boy,Ishaan - filled with joy - joy collected from nature! Ishaan is extremely intelligent I would say more than even his elders at times, cos his imagination is extraordinary. While his brother just works ha...

Being the last day of the year I couldn't resisiting putting up the last post for 2007. The beginning of reviw for this year would be the biggest event of my life - My wedding to cutie. Prior to wedding I had lots of fun with S&V, I had a shopping trip, there was a lot of excitement, I winded up from work in May, completed assignments before travel....June was the big month, July was relocation month and new beginning....we had lots of fun trips - Tahoe, Reno, Vegas, Santa Barbara and also the last one was LA n San Diego. I have made new friends, getting used to the life here, the driving I somehow managed to pass the test, wrote a TOEFL, read many novels,went for a dandia first time ever,got the chance to invite guests home and took up a volunteer job too. In short, quite an eventful year, but the new year would be challenging in terms of getting a job and better grip completely the life here.. Wishing all a Happy 2008 - hope it brings success, joy and peace! :-) Keep smiling ...