Thursday, May 27, 2010

A memorable drive


















While we were planning for a short trip to places near banglore - we decided to hit those places that were less crowded during weekends. Mysore palace had been visited by us several times before and walking it again with a toddler amidst the weekend crowd didnt seem like a good idea. We visited Sangam, Ranganthittu bird sanctuary and Shivasamudram falls. The drive was amazing amidst fields and small streams. Sarah was a good baby throughout but the day before she had a bad sneeze which had started after she inhaled her talcum powder - so she had a runny nose which was irritating her, but the homeopathic medication kept it under control. First, we visited Tipu's summer palace and a river nearby it.

Walking till the falls of Shivasamudram was bit adventurous as the steps to the base seemed to never end. Miriam and myself had rubbery legs by the time we climbed it down. However, we kept giving each other the emotional support and encouragement needed to reach down. We teased Babitha, calling her "Iron lady" as she fearlessly climbed down the steps before us. Sarah appeared to go in a long and deep thought seeing so much of water around. The water was cool and fresh. It was so sad to see how people have polluted the base of the waterfall with plastic covers, broken bottles and garbage. We could also find people selling fried pakodas and fish along with bottled water.

Eventhough the sun was shining high, Ranganthittu bird sanctuary was cool. We saw many birds resting on the banks of the river and even crocodiles who kept staring at the visitors. A monkey or two were seen loitering around. We saw some rare storks with blue beaks - this place indeed is a paradise for bird watchers.

On the banks of Sangam, we saw some puja going on. There we could find many pujari's and sadhus. I was in search of wooden spoons that costed 5-10 rs and finally, we managed to get three sets of 10 wooded spoons - all for 300 rs. I also got some post cards of Mysore and Vrindavan.

On the drive to Mysore, we passed Chanpatna and saw many shops selling wooden toys. The toys were brightly painted. Nearby Sangam too, the shops sold many wooden stuff like crocodiles, vintage jeeps, spoons, key hains and mobile phone holders shaped like cycle rickshaws.

We had packed sandwiches and also Puliogare - with regard to food, all the credit goes to Babitha - as she planned, shopped and packed the needed stuff in different bags carefully. We also had a stock of chips and aerated drinks. On the way, we stopped to have coffee at different places. While coming back, we all craved for Cappuccinos; so the Coffee Day near the outskirts of Chanpatna came as a blessing. The chocolate-drenched pastry was also gobbled down without fail.

Thursday, May 20, 2010

Those who cannot stand happiness

Many people crib about life, others, work, kids and money. Hardly do they realise that they cannot keep themselves happy. Last day while talking with my friend, we both came across a similar observation; i think this ugly trait is the most irrepairable part of people.

Some people cannot stand the happiness of others. They are basically jealous. And this jealousy is capable of avenging and ruining anything and everything that involves in building a relationship. People have a common misconception that killers, robbers, rapists the likes are the bad people bent on ruining the happiness of others. However, there are bigger villans hidden in everyone's self. See this:

  • One who cannot be happy for his/her sibling's success - there starts sibling rivalry
  • One who cannot see his/her better half being happy and content - there starts nagging
  • One who cannot see his/her son/daughter pursuing their dreams/love - there starts scolding and mental torture
  • One who cannot see his/her friend happy with her post marriage life - there broods jealousy and sarcasm and finally gossip and backbiting
  • One who cannot see his/her collegue doing well - again evil pangs of jealousy.
  • One who can never be happy with himself/herself - there starts self-pity and complaining

The fact - I have been jealous of things and people at some point of time for different reasons - this is my self-realization. However, once when I started concentrating on keeping myself happy, all these hardly mattered. Somewhere someone said right - "Be selfish."

Be selfish of your happiness first - Keep yourself happy - It works like magic - life looks beautiful and worth living. This does not mean that one should trouble others and keep himself/herself happy - Striking a right balance in keeping yourself and others happy defnitely helps in self-growth, and in turn - more happiness.

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Branded for less

Long back itself, I had stopped buying clothes from street shops. When you are earning just 3000 INR, street shops can help, but then quality suffers big time. A 100 rs top can survive only maybe one wash, if lucky 4-5 washes. Branded clothes straight from the store always were overpriced for me. I mean I would not buy a simple kurtha for 700 -1000 rs from FabIndia store just like that.

The best part of branded clothing is the quality and stitching - and to top it, the comfort in wearing. Local shops sell stuff that do not have enough sizes or the material will be cheap and biting into the skin - At least, this is what I have learnt from my shopping experience. However, branded stuff in their original pricing may not appeal you after you have worn and washed it. Say a 1800 kurtha - if it doesnt look like one, then what is the point buying it - however, you would have been happier if the kurtha came for 300 rs.

Here comes those stores that sell old stock branded clothes for 1/4 th the original price or less. For instance, you can buy an Allen Solly tunic, which originally costs 1800, for 450 Rs at such stores. I love such stores - it is like you are getting stuff giving almost the right value for money. The only problem is that you will have to search diligently with patience to get the right cloth and right size sans any damage.

In Mumbai, I found the Loot Store in Metro junction, where I picked 3 Liliput and Disney princess dresses for Sarah for just 300 rs - but of course, after a long search. But then, whenever I visit Kalyan, I do check out the stuff in Loot mart and thus far, there has not been a bad buy.

Viva store in Mota Royal Arcade, Brigade road has a great, well-arranged collection of all sorts of clothes - the prices start from 150 and above. Last day, I got two branded tunic tops for me and three colorful pants and a top for Sarah in 1200 rs. I am delighted. I think anyone who is on budget and shopping in Bangalore should check for this store.

Monday, May 17, 2010

Coffee day and Mango Shake


Sarah was all in her playful self the day myself and Miriam went for a Coffee. She was gallopping around, waving her hands to the onlookers and when the waiter got the mango shake, she was all over it and not willing to part with it. In between, she sat calm for sometime on the couch - eventhough I thought she was going to sleep, she was again back in action in few minutes. Miriam had a great time running behind her.

At ease


Myself and Sarah arrived Banglore airport on March 12. The airport is real big with connected bus stops. So instead of taking a taxi, I decided to go to my friend's plac in the Volvo AC bus. I must say that it was a good decision as already it was a hot morning and the drive was long. The city had not lost it charm - there were more bulidings and malls and also greenery and fields on the way. Sarah had an apple and a biscuit and went to sleep. Was so glad to see Babitha after long time - After some rest, evening we went out to shop groceries with Sarah.

Monday, May 10, 2010

Smart and Funny

Recently, R got Parle smart chips; Ok, the image that I got from the Internet is quite small. Most of you might have seen Aamir Khan endorsing this product on TV. What I found funny about this chip is that it looks like a woman's high-waist underwear full of holes. Everytime I see it, I feel like I am going to eat a tiny bland crispy underwear. It, however, tastes bland like the regular wheat cracker - and I would prefer the regular cracker to it.

I did not know what the manufacturer intended. Maybe it is for a fat customer who is munching this chip - implying that - "See soon your underwear will be like this - full of holes - because you wont be left with enough money to buy a good one and you will be spending more on smart chips - so what if your underwear has holes, you have become smart like Aamir Khan and so All izzz Well!"

She says

Donna: Say Babitha aunty
Sarah: Bitaaaabha
D: No, Babitha
S: Bitaaabaaaii...
D: BABITHA!
S: BITTTAAAABA!!!
D: BABITHA!
S: BITAAABA BITAAAABA BITAAABA... BITABAAAAAIII!!!!
D: Ok :)

People love Seseless Gore

Last day, I happened to see Planet Terror aired on Star Movies. It looked like an old 80s movie, but was surprised to find out that it is a 2007 realese. All bioweapons, blood, guts, bluck, pus, etc. And a female lead (Rose McGowan) who had a machine gun fitted instead of her lost leg. And she fires the gun too (I mean how????). However, the most surprising thing was the 7.9/10 stars rating given to it by the IMDB users. I found this movie horrendous and stupid, but was amazed at the fact that there is a huge league of extraordinary people who love senseless gore.

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Speedo the dudo (read dude)

Speedo is a new tiny superfast lizard who manages to sneak into my home everyday through the front door. Everyday around 11 pm, Speedo pay his short visit. The name Speedo is for his speed and hastiness as if he is on some schedule. Speedo runs into the kitchen and if i accidently happen to come across his way, he speeds in the opposite direction - unlike his peers - which i am quite happy about. Speedo's first checks out the dustbin and then runs back in say 15 mins but sometimes longer if he sees any tiny cockroaches. Last day sarah happened to see him speeding and she goes "Bow bow." So Speedo, as long as you are good, I am good. Let us be at peace.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

Bill Porter took me Door to Door

Today early morning, I came across one of the best movies on life that I have seeen thus far - Door to Door. It is the inspiring true story of a Door-to-door salesman Bill Porter, who worked for Watkins, a US company. Bill was born with Cerebral Palsy, but he never allowed it to come in his way to become the Salesman of the Year for Watkins. William H. Macey has done a wonderful job in the Lead role.

What I strongly believe is to never understimate myself and prove other's wrong by working hard. If some says that "I am good for nothing," I would try my best to prove them wrong. I once remember one of my friends telling "you believe so strongly in yourself, no matter what others think about you." Thus far, this is the best compliment that I have got in my life and it indeed keeps me believing in myself more.

The story of Bill Porter also reminded me of my father. I remember that my father felt that he was going out of pace when his department was computerised. He couldn't understand what to do exactly in a computer. When he used to visit our hometown during vacations, he used to watch hours me working on my laptop and used to ask me how do I freelance and also ask me to explain how to work on it. I remember him using the mouse and trying to click on the icons on the desktop. Once he told that he was shifted into the computer department and he told the head of the department that he cannot work in this department as he does not want to work with computers. I can understand, technology can sometimes be scary. This movie aptly depicts a person who dreads computers, refusing to get into the rat race to learn it - finally feeling out of place.

Door to Door is definitely a feel-good kind of family movie. It is a very clean movie (no sex, violence or guns and bullets) and must watch for all those who belive in hope, inspiration and hard work. There are several emotional as well as funny moments that can bring tears to your eyes and even you end up thinking about the valuable lesson that it conveys. Importantly, this movie teaches you a lot of beautiful lessons of life which you would want to practice. Do see this!

Monday, May 3, 2010

Lovable on screen, Annoyable off screen

Last week, I happened to see an interview of Jaya Bachan on the TV show "First Wives." She came across as a very annoyable and irritable person who is angry with everything. And at some point, she seemed to be annoyed by Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla's Questions that she did not miss a point to show her annoyance by crinkling her face. Can you imagine that the utterly sweet guddi on screen has now transformed into an annoyed aunty who was constantly ranting and complaining off screen? Or may be it is us who expected her to be sweet and adorable as she was on screen. It just felt like she was not happy being the wife of the legend - and moreover, she had too much to handle all these years that she was in no mood to show a sweet smiling face (rather than the present crinkled straight one) on TV. After all, married life is hard for all women, no matter from which families they come from - is this what it means?

However, when they asked , who was booked, hooked and cooked by whom, she replied "I am cooked" - that's it! - she did not want to explain much.

One great point that she mentioned is that to have a successful marriage, partners should love, understand and give space to each other.