MEINE CORNER IN THE BLOG WORLD!

With a mix of ups and downs, no year passes by perfect. However, 2009 , has particularly weighed heavier on the negative side. We just lost Appa, not even a month back, and somtimes its still hard to believe. Inspite of Appa's spirit to fight the cancer and his ability to bear with the immense pain, he could not be saved. And even now something tells me, neither did he expect the struggle to end this soon. No longer do I have much belief with doctors and their commitment, its just disappointing that there's no medical treatment for cancer yet. Very frustrating, terribly scary and forever puzzling, this disease is the worst of the lot. Appa will live in our hearts forever and as God will now guide us through life. His values are treasured and to be adopted. Seeking your blessings, Appa.

I had a day at work where I came across odd figures, you know like the ones that end in decimals of .56/.32 and so on. Maybe they dont seem odd to you , but whatever. So I am done with a day like that, back in my car with the radio playing some great numbers like http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2tMV96xULk and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DkFgam5jJGo&feature=related ; so I am singing along with them and then BAM! I notice those odd numbers on the signs...."Carpool violation Minimum $481"; "Red Light violation Minimum $363"; I mean how does DMV come up with such numbers as minimum! They must be doing a whole lot of pro rating or something...! I mean I come from Dubai, where we got round figures like 100/200/500/1,000 AED fines! Is it just California ??

These days I have been awfully tired....and even when my legs are aching like hell right now, i am wondering where does tiredness begin from....is it the limbs cos I move around / don't move around as much or the brain /thoughts that bring in the tiredness ?? like is exhaustion the decision of the mind or the body or a combination of the two or a strong link between the two that if the mind decides its tired, the signals are sent to the limbs or limbs just give up for the day, the brain tells me that i am tired and i need a break....! My analysis --I didn't walk more than usual, run/skip/do other physical activity. I had a busy day at work where in I didn't realise the time fly ! So why are my legs aching ?? I am not sure if this is just my "tired state" talking, but this is what is on my mind right now! Any points to make ?

So this time RF takes the 3rd Cincinnati Masters title, apparently, his career's 61st title ! Funnily, I think Djokovic can defeat Nadal much easily compared to Federer's strength against Nadal! Read on.... http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601079&sid=aMz6OncUXeUI

I completely missed out mentioning that I had taken up Bikram yoga classes in the past 2-3 months and that was another reason why I have been so busy...to be specific I spent close to 90 hrs in these yoga classes in 2+ months! The first few sessions were crazy tiring but eventually I did love it ! especially that feeling after having stretched every part of me! Bikram yoga is really a test of endurance in terms of patience, the concentration, determination, confidence it takes and what not ! Its a must try and if you can stick to it, its something for life. This form of yoga claims to have changed lives - both physically and psychologically. Here's the link http://www.bikramyogasanjose.com/ to the center I went to. There's also controversy regarding this form of yoga as the founder has copyrighted "Bikram Yoga" method; http://daily-yoga.org/bikram-yoga-controversy/ All I want to say is any exercise is good for me and Bikram yoga is definitely not bad at all!

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...

www.Jango.com - Internet Radio

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

The train thoughts are back and this time its noticing what American ways have influenced me; Colloquial:- - its not petrol anymore, its "gas" - not speaking as fast as i used to, there's a lot of pausing, especially in between my sentences. - usage of "like" in most places - "how much does it cost" rather than "what's the charge"? - potluck was new to me - query "how are you?" more often Customs:- - the voicemail dependence - salads for lunch time - the countless variety of break/milk and other basics aren't puzzling anymore - making appointments for every thing - paper towel usage (quite excessive) - ability to converse or make random comment with complete strangers just an observation, its all good! :-)

http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/mostadmired/2009/snapshots/11464.html This is some good news for the day, amongst all the sad, disheartening economy and finance news that I am quite exhausted listening to... ugh,wish you a good day!

Reversing the car, giggling away, girls all set to start a fun evening! Oh! don't you just love it when its just the girls! So as my spirit has just been recharged, I speed off. I notice a vehicle following us, the next few moments are spent on who that must be , comments are -- "crazy guy", "look at him stare" , "what's his problem" and so on. His car comes parallel, glares exchanged, he pulls down his window to stick out his head and shouts something! our reaction --"OMG! the guy has lost it". However, I pull down my window and then we hear him say-- "Turn on the lights!" and I go "Oops, Thanks for that" with a smile and his reply "there you go, enjoy your evening!" Group final reaction -- Silence and then bursts of laughter! :D

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!

that which follows your back all the time , a tail, so is that why they call it the re-tail? sign here, sign there to make a mark and in the end to quit, re-sign? giving to the poor is alms, re-alms is about the rich kingdoms? member of numerous places, and of the mind is re-member.... tire, tire all your life just to re-tire?! (Now you get a glimpse of random thoughts while commuting on the train and when just not in the mood to read!)

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...

did it again, I got an opportunity to perform on stage and it was fun ! Made couple of new friends and had a good time inspite of the painful practice sessions.. this time around, it was enjoyable and somehow more enthusiastic, i guess its just the group that makes the difference. plus more dedication ofcourse! The professional group rocked, they are just so flawless ! i am quite encouraged and already thinking of re-joining a higher level in the new quarter ! :-)

The title I created after watching the stock markets on 9/29! What a disastrous day at the market, all the stocks at rock bottom after the Congress failed to pass the bail out package...Gosh! Talk about confidence levels. As I do take my chances at the stocks, this downward trend of the economy is questioning my trading activity! We wait and watch until the Congress decides....Its crazy though!

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...

In a recent trip to Wisconsin to meet cousins, we made a day's trip to Chicago as well , this city was beautiful. I loved the architecture, lake front, the fresh young feeling of the downtown. We went to the Hancock observatory, Navy Pier,a ride on the Ferris wheel, visited the memorial park that has the Cloud, the Buckingham memorial fountain, lunch at Taste of Chicago,took the architectural boat tour on the chicago river and visited the Devon street. The Devon street had representation of most Asian countries, the Indian grocery there was the closest to the ones back home. they had home made pickles which was the best part! We watched the fireworks by the Navy Pier before leaving that night. Ask anything different and new in architecture, I am guessing you will find them in Chicago - not just tall, there's most shapes out there! Overall Chicago was impressive - fun, modern and vibrant!! Alternative title : Chic Chicago!

A single game of Literati felt like life itself...did it cross your mind? The letters in hand at one time felt like phases in life, sometimes you have the best and sometimes not so great and other times really tough letters to make words out of. Given this, we look for opportunities to make words with what we have, almost like trying to make the most out of each given time/phases. While making words, we wished we for other letters and some other times wishing we hadn't use some letters earlier... But the key is we are trying to double/triple our letter or word scores at each given opportunity that is adding value to every phase/time! I just had to write and share this. I am sure there many metaphors for life in your own thoughts...