Whenever I watch Star One, there is an advertisement that really amuses me and I would like to share my thoughts with those who visit my blog
The ad is of Westside. I am sure all of you who love to shop (especially women) would have heard of Westside.
The ad begins with
A sweet looking girl browsing through clothes, looking quite sad. The sales assistant asks her if she needs any help. She says no thank you and moves on. The sales assistant decides to increase the volume of the music playing in the background to cheer her mood.
The beats start and so does her head movement. She has finally got into the mood and starts trying out different types of clothes. Each time she comes out of the trial room and dances with different styled clothes.
Finally all the sales staff start clapping. The girl turns around and sees the team watching her.
This is WESTSIDE ad.
My Comments
No customers at Westside, I presume. All the sales staff were watching the girl getting into the trial room, trying out an outfit and dancing.
OR
Perhaps they all decided to take a break at the same time for some live entertainment and make the Managers do the sales work for a change.
OR
Westside has way too many staff and hence there are about 10-15 of them who have ample amount of time to watch their customers every move.
My Suggestion
Please visit Westside and let me know if this is still happening (post the ad).
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Thought for the Week
The Love of Money is the root of all evil
The Lack of Money is the root of all evil
- Rich Dad Poor Dad (Robert T. Kiyosaki)
The Lack of Money is the root of all evil
- Rich Dad Poor Dad (Robert T. Kiyosaki)
Sunday, December 03, 2006
Thought for the Week
If God answers your prayers
He is increasing your faith
If he delays,
He is increasing your patience
If He does not answer
He knows you can handle it.
HAVE A GOD FEARING WEEK AHEAD!!!
He is increasing your faith
If he delays,
He is increasing your patience
If He does not answer
He knows you can handle it.
HAVE A GOD FEARING WEEK AHEAD!!!
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Statue's Head Cut OFF???????
On Thursdy 30th November, I reached till my office building very peacefully. When I was waiting for the lift, I came to know that there would be some trouble, as the previous night someone had cut the head of Dr.Ambedkar's statue.
Right enough, when we reached office, we came to know that there was a bandh at Thane and police had to start using tear guns in certain regions and places in Mumbai.
If Dr. Ambedkar was alive, would he have liked his people to use rioutous means or peaceful means to solve a problem? Why does one cut the head of a statue in the 1st place? It is to create a problem. What did the Dalits do? They burnt trains, buses, took away lives? Were these people in anyway responsible for cutting the head off the statue? No, right? Then why did the public and the transport have to suffer?
Every year on Ambedkar Jayanti, the Dalits get free food at Shivaji Park, free travel by bus, train. Who gives them this freedom? Its only the Government
On Thursday these same people who get everything free for 3 full days, created a turmoil over a statue.
The Government should stop this yearly 3 day freedom. Make them pay for their trips, for their food and in this way recover the losses incurred.
This is my opinion. If you feel the same, kindly add your comment.
Right enough, when we reached office, we came to know that there was a bandh at Thane and police had to start using tear guns in certain regions and places in Mumbai.
If Dr. Ambedkar was alive, would he have liked his people to use rioutous means or peaceful means to solve a problem? Why does one cut the head of a statue in the 1st place? It is to create a problem. What did the Dalits do? They burnt trains, buses, took away lives? Were these people in anyway responsible for cutting the head off the statue? No, right? Then why did the public and the transport have to suffer?
Every year on Ambedkar Jayanti, the Dalits get free food at Shivaji Park, free travel by bus, train. Who gives them this freedom? Its only the Government
On Thursday these same people who get everything free for 3 full days, created a turmoil over a statue.
The Government should stop this yearly 3 day freedom. Make them pay for their trips, for their food and in this way recover the losses incurred.
This is my opinion. If you feel the same, kindly add your comment.
World AIDs Day
December 1st was celebrated as World AIDs Day.
How many are aware that India is the 2nd largest carrier of AIDs in the World?
What are we doing to stop the country from becoming No 1?
Honestly! Nothing.
On December 1st, at Churchgate station, there were exhibitions and speeches held by WHO. This is all I saw done on my trip back and forth to office. But these people standing by were obviously not going to pay heed to a one day message.
We need to start having sex education right from the 9th standard in all schools including the Municipal schools. There needs to be continous sex education awareness programmes on the DD channels, as these are the most watched channels all over India. Programmes on AIR and FM on sex education as radio has the largest outreach.
The Programmes have not to be boring where as soon as the person is aware there is a sex education awareness, he/she changes the channel.
Most importantly we need to educate the sex workers and the eunuchs, so that when a male customer comes to them, they can have safe sex.
Condoms need to be made available freely. With the increase in all commodities and groceries, the common man is not going to pay for condoms. This leads to a rise in AIDs.
We at Sunday Joy Club have taken the topic on relatioships for Std VIII. We are dealing with all sorts of relationships and the biggest topic of the year we have to cover is LUST. This will be done in detail by the Director of SJC, Fr. Nigel.
We find that young girls in high school are getting pregnant and Fr. has taken it upon him that we should start giving sex education at our religion classes.
SAY NO TO AIDS. It will take away your life and the one you have sex with.
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Dan Brown – The Da Vinci Code
Many people had read the book 1st and then watched the movie. I, on the other hand, watched the movie 1st, which I did not understand at all. But now, I have finally read the book and whilst reading, the entire movie was visualised. I felt, I did the right thing.
Dan Brown's book is a work of fiction. The book gets more and more intriguing with each page. I am a very slow reader. I tend to feel sleepy after reading 1-2 pages. But nevertheless I have finally finished reading the book after almost 2 months.
The entire book is based on a one night event from the death of the curator ie Jacques Sauniere in Paris to finding the answer to all the mazes in London. The Grand daughter to the priory – Sofya and the historian Langdon who later on take the help of a knight – Sir Leigh Teabing all together try to solve the puzzles put forth by the Grand Master of the Priory – Jacques Sauniere.
The Heiros Gamos (sacred marriage) ritual is performed by the Priory of Sion every year in Mid March. Its all about the feminine and the amount of respect she truly deserves. Agreed women are still not given the right importance and respect, and I am very sure the women of today will not allow themselves to be part of such rituals either.
Dan Brown also mentions the names of the grand masters from the 11th century onwards and the final grandmaster was Jacques Sauniere. (Was he existent? Never heard of him till I read the book.)
As per my understanding the Da Vinci is so called, as it focuses mostly on the paintings done by Leonardo Da Vinci. The symmetries in his paintings ie The Vitruvian Man, The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa to other great works of his. It so seems to me that Dan Brown has discovered some findings over the course of the years and what better way to reveal it than through a novel that stated anti Christ elements. This was the only way to make his novel a best seller.
The lines on page 369-370 read as: “Every faith in the world is based on fabrication. That is the definition of faith-acceptance of that which we imagine to be true, that which we cannot prove. Every religion describes God through metaphor, allegory, and exaggeration, from the early Egyptians through modern Sunday School. Metaphors are a way to help our minds process the unprocessible. The problems arise when we begin to believe literally in our own metaphors.
Religious allegory has become a part of the fabric of reality. And living in that reality helps millions of people cope and be better people."
When I decided to write a post on da vinci, daniel (not Dan Brown) made a statement saying so you agree with Dan Brown. I said I don't, but I would like to provide my views.
My statement is clear, not Dan Brown not anyone can change our faith. But yes, it is true, all that is in the Bible or in any other religious book may not be the whole truth. It keeps getting changed with there being add ons / deletions due to translations, discoveries, etc. It is our belief / our faith that counts at the end of the day and this is what helps us to grow as better individuals.
With regard to Mary Magdalene being present at the Last Supper, ha ha.. Leonardo da Vinci in Brown's book itself was alive in the 15th Century. Nor Jesus nor Mary were living then. The Last Supper is a drawing of the artist's imagination. Stop staring at the Last Supper in your house. It is not the real Last Supper image. The Last Supper happened in secret. Christ did not have time to pose for an artist before his death.
Faith has been built in us over the years, through our family, the Church, the Sunday School and our community. Any movie that comes out with the idea to change our faith, should be viewed with an open mind. If we are poor in faith, then ANYTHING will influence us.
Just like flowers and leaves will fall during the winter, but new buds will arrive in summer, in the same way many anti Christ elements will come out over the course of the years. We too will fall in life at some point of time, but we will get new life and thus renew our faith once again. Many will target Christianity as we are very strong in our faith, and believe me, we are definitely not in a minority. This is seen from the amount of people that attended the funeral of Pope John Paul II, Lady Diana and Mother Theresa.
As stated in the Da Vinci code, the Church tried to kill the members of the Priory of Sion as it had some secret information which would shake the Christian faith. Also mentioned is the Opus Dei and their work to be more public. Finally the Church was proven innocent. They were not involved in any way.
The secret is finally revealed in the Da Vinci? Is it existent? Has anyone checked its presence? None have, so obviously the book is a fake.
Till then, KEEP THE FAITH!!
Dan Brown's book is a work of fiction. The book gets more and more intriguing with each page. I am a very slow reader. I tend to feel sleepy after reading 1-2 pages. But nevertheless I have finally finished reading the book after almost 2 months.
The entire book is based on a one night event from the death of the curator ie Jacques Sauniere in Paris to finding the answer to all the mazes in London. The Grand daughter to the priory – Sofya and the historian Langdon who later on take the help of a knight – Sir Leigh Teabing all together try to solve the puzzles put forth by the Grand Master of the Priory – Jacques Sauniere.
The Heiros Gamos (sacred marriage) ritual is performed by the Priory of Sion every year in Mid March. Its all about the feminine and the amount of respect she truly deserves. Agreed women are still not given the right importance and respect, and I am very sure the women of today will not allow themselves to be part of such rituals either.
Dan Brown also mentions the names of the grand masters from the 11th century onwards and the final grandmaster was Jacques Sauniere. (Was he existent? Never heard of him till I read the book.)
As per my understanding the Da Vinci is so called, as it focuses mostly on the paintings done by Leonardo Da Vinci. The symmetries in his paintings ie The Vitruvian Man, The Last Supper and the Mona Lisa to other great works of his. It so seems to me that Dan Brown has discovered some findings over the course of the years and what better way to reveal it than through a novel that stated anti Christ elements. This was the only way to make his novel a best seller.
The lines on page 369-370 read as: “Every faith in the world is based on fabrication. That is the definition of faith-acceptance of that which we imagine to be true, that which we cannot prove. Every religion describes God through metaphor, allegory, and exaggeration, from the early Egyptians through modern Sunday School. Metaphors are a way to help our minds process the unprocessible. The problems arise when we begin to believe literally in our own metaphors.
Religious allegory has become a part of the fabric of reality. And living in that reality helps millions of people cope and be better people."
When I decided to write a post on da vinci, daniel (not Dan Brown) made a statement saying so you agree with Dan Brown. I said I don't, but I would like to provide my views.
My statement is clear, not Dan Brown not anyone can change our faith. But yes, it is true, all that is in the Bible or in any other religious book may not be the whole truth. It keeps getting changed with there being add ons / deletions due to translations, discoveries, etc. It is our belief / our faith that counts at the end of the day and this is what helps us to grow as better individuals.
With regard to Mary Magdalene being present at the Last Supper, ha ha.. Leonardo da Vinci in Brown's book itself was alive in the 15th Century. Nor Jesus nor Mary were living then. The Last Supper is a drawing of the artist's imagination. Stop staring at the Last Supper in your house. It is not the real Last Supper image. The Last Supper happened in secret. Christ did not have time to pose for an artist before his death.
Faith has been built in us over the years, through our family, the Church, the Sunday School and our community. Any movie that comes out with the idea to change our faith, should be viewed with an open mind. If we are poor in faith, then ANYTHING will influence us.
Just like flowers and leaves will fall during the winter, but new buds will arrive in summer, in the same way many anti Christ elements will come out over the course of the years. We too will fall in life at some point of time, but we will get new life and thus renew our faith once again. Many will target Christianity as we are very strong in our faith, and believe me, we are definitely not in a minority. This is seen from the amount of people that attended the funeral of Pope John Paul II, Lady Diana and Mother Theresa.
As stated in the Da Vinci code, the Church tried to kill the members of the Priory of Sion as it had some secret information which would shake the Christian faith. Also mentioned is the Opus Dei and their work to be more public. Finally the Church was proven innocent. They were not involved in any way.
The secret is finally revealed in the Da Vinci? Is it existent? Has anyone checked its presence? None have, so obviously the book is a fake.
Till then, KEEP THE FAITH!!
Creative Workshop of SJC
S - Sunday
J - Joy
C - Club
We no longer call it Sunday School as we are trying our best to use methods not used at school and make it more creative and fun for the kids at the club.
Hence the Director felt a need to enhance our creativity by holding a workshop.
On 12th November, we as usual had our class 1st. We then met in the Nihar School Hall. Nihar School is the school for children with slow learning processes.
We started off with a bang. Each class has 2 catechists. In this round the 2 co-catechists had to exchange shoes with one another and walk in their shoes. This was basically trying to explain if we are able to co-operate and be comfortable with one another or totally uneasy. A few of the male catechists had to walk with 4" heels and the ladies with gents shoes. After this round, we started with a prayer to be more understanding towards our co-catechist to enhance productivity.
The 1st round was started by Fr. Nigel. In this round, the catechists were divided into groups of 6 and were further sub divided into groups of 2. Here the catechists were to show of their creativity by telling the other catechists a story about themselves that was most peculiar / strange. In my group, my story was the best and hence the catechists to whom I had told my story had to go onto the stage and speak out. She had to make it even more interesting and tell a story like she would to the kids. From each of the groups of 6, a catechist had to come out and tell the best story. All of these were video shot and then Fr told us the areas where we were making mistakes and how to improvise in terms of dramatic enhancement, not using ghost words, etc.
Round 2 was even more innovative. The group of 6 were to draw a chart making it most colourful and explain the journey to faith. In each group the most naughtiest catechist was given a black / purple crayon. They were not allowed to speak but they had to be a part of the group and put in their contribution. Each of the catechist with the black crayon put in a huge part to the poster. And all of it in black. This only goes to show that that naughtiest in the class have the most to contribute.
In Round 3 the catechists were placed as per their standards to decide on what the syllabus for the 2nd term should be and to plan out the Annual Day.
We ended the workshop by 3:30 pm, after a lot of creativity and ideas on teaching being imparted into us.
Thank you Fr. Nigel. From the 3 years at Sunday School, this was a totally different experience.
Kya Hoga Nimmo ka?
Have you heard of this serial? Well! If you have not, then you will hear about it now.
Any Guesses who has directed this serial?
By?
By?
Its a K Serial, for Pete's sake. Its none other than Ektaa Kapoor.
Anyways, this is the only serial I actually watch apart from Nach Baliye these past few weeks.
This serial started about more than a year ago. Before the serial could begin, there were the usual round of promos that were on air. I hated the promos and used to switch channels the moment I knew it was pertaining to Nimmo.
But then dad, mom and me decided to watch the serial from day 1 as the write ups were looking good too.
Nimmo is a funny girl, and accident prone too. Does she sound familiar? She loved life and her family even more. Rings a bell?
Anyways although daniel keeps telling me that Nimmo and I have a lot in commoon, I would like to tell you about this serial that I watch faithfully.
Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka is very different from the rest of the K serials. It is aired on Star One for half an hour starting at 10 pm. Its from Mon - Thurs and the full recap is shown on Sat morn
Nimmo is the eldest of 3 girls and she is very very close to her dad. They have a great understanding and respect towards each other. Nimmo always messes up wherever she goes, this even includes her interviews. Hence it was always difficult for her to get a job.
This is the life of a middle class joint family. The house is shared by the dad and his brother's family.
Due to a rich family household politics, they are forced to leave their house and start living in the slums. Her dad suffers a massive heart attack at the same time. Being all girls, Nimmo takes it upon herself to help out the family in their difficult times. She does not have success with her interviews as yet. She comes across an ad in the paper where she sees a marriage proposal for a year. She decides to go ahead with the ad as she is desperate for money.
After signing the bond, she comes to know that the bond is prepared by the very same rich family's son, Kunal. She hates him and his family but now has no choice but to enter into marriage. In the meantime, Kunal out of his good nature gets back the house for them. The only 2 people who know about this bond is Kunal's man servant and Nimmo's Kaanta masi.
Obviously the marriage happens but Kunal's family does not accept Nimmo and try to do everything to break the marriage. But Kunal's dadaji is the main household authority and he is very very fond of Nimmo and her family.
Anyways like all K serials, there has to be a twist somewhere. Kunal meets the girl he was madly in love with at some point of time when he was out on his honeymoon. His grandma and aunts keep scheming to bring the two of them together and destroying Kunal's marriage. (Rich family people have so much time on their hands in comparison to middle class or poor families.)
Then one day the aunty succeeds. She brings forward Kunal's marriage bond and sends it by courier to both Kunal and Nimmo's house. By this time though Kunal and Nimmo have fallen in love with one another. But Nimmo decides to leave the house and go to Delhi, so that Kunal can get married to the girl he truly loved.
Nimmo returns after a year as she is through with trying to hide from her loved one. Kunal's marriage has also completed a year. Like in all Ektaa's serials, time passes really fast.
Kunal realises when he bumps into Nimmo again that he had never ever stopped loving her at all. But now he is married to someone else. Will Nimmo and Kunal come back together again. Will the Sehgal and Maturya family re-unite?
This is a fun serial with a lot of drama too. Star One is the channel meant for the youth. I am sure you will enjoy this serial as much as my mom and I do.
Start watching Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka?
Any Guesses who has directed this serial?
By?
By?
Its a K Serial, for Pete's sake. Its none other than Ektaa Kapoor.
Anyways, this is the only serial I actually watch apart from Nach Baliye these past few weeks.
This serial started about more than a year ago. Before the serial could begin, there were the usual round of promos that were on air. I hated the promos and used to switch channels the moment I knew it was pertaining to Nimmo.
But then dad, mom and me decided to watch the serial from day 1 as the write ups were looking good too.
Nimmo is a funny girl, and accident prone too. Does she sound familiar? She loved life and her family even more. Rings a bell?
Anyways although daniel keeps telling me that Nimmo and I have a lot in commoon, I would like to tell you about this serial that I watch faithfully.
Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka is very different from the rest of the K serials. It is aired on Star One for half an hour starting at 10 pm. Its from Mon - Thurs and the full recap is shown on Sat morn
Nimmo is the eldest of 3 girls and she is very very close to her dad. They have a great understanding and respect towards each other. Nimmo always messes up wherever she goes, this even includes her interviews. Hence it was always difficult for her to get a job.
This is the life of a middle class joint family. The house is shared by the dad and his brother's family.
Due to a rich family household politics, they are forced to leave their house and start living in the slums. Her dad suffers a massive heart attack at the same time. Being all girls, Nimmo takes it upon herself to help out the family in their difficult times. She does not have success with her interviews as yet. She comes across an ad in the paper where she sees a marriage proposal for a year. She decides to go ahead with the ad as she is desperate for money.
After signing the bond, she comes to know that the bond is prepared by the very same rich family's son, Kunal. She hates him and his family but now has no choice but to enter into marriage. In the meantime, Kunal out of his good nature gets back the house for them. The only 2 people who know about this bond is Kunal's man servant and Nimmo's Kaanta masi.
Obviously the marriage happens but Kunal's family does not accept Nimmo and try to do everything to break the marriage. But Kunal's dadaji is the main household authority and he is very very fond of Nimmo and her family.
Anyways like all K serials, there has to be a twist somewhere. Kunal meets the girl he was madly in love with at some point of time when he was out on his honeymoon. His grandma and aunts keep scheming to bring the two of them together and destroying Kunal's marriage. (Rich family people have so much time on their hands in comparison to middle class or poor families.)
Then one day the aunty succeeds. She brings forward Kunal's marriage bond and sends it by courier to both Kunal and Nimmo's house. By this time though Kunal and Nimmo have fallen in love with one another. But Nimmo decides to leave the house and go to Delhi, so that Kunal can get married to the girl he truly loved.
Nimmo returns after a year as she is through with trying to hide from her loved one. Kunal's marriage has also completed a year. Like in all Ektaa's serials, time passes really fast.
Kunal realises when he bumps into Nimmo again that he had never ever stopped loving her at all. But now he is married to someone else. Will Nimmo and Kunal come back together again. Will the Sehgal and Maturya family re-unite?
This is a fun serial with a lot of drama too. Star One is the channel meant for the youth. I am sure you will enjoy this serial as much as my mom and I do.
Start watching Kya Hoga Nimmo Ka?
Saturday, November 04, 2006
BENGALOORU
Are you wondering what is Bengalooru? Take a look at the image below and then you will guess right.
I know most of you are waiting to hear about my trip and have also asked me to update my blog. Now you will get posts from me regularly as I am back in town.
I left for Bangalore (will stick with Bangalore, as I am still not used to Bengalooru) on 19th Oct. My dear colleague Harish came in the morning around 7 am to pick my luggage and he took it with him till Parel. I left for work in the morn as usual. Hired a car which picked me from Nariman Point. On the way went to Parel to collect my luggage. Reached around 5:15 pm. Finished with my baggage checking and check in. Then there was a problem. In Mumbai airports all bags are opened, contents taken out and checked. I had with me a handbag and a sports bag which consisted of all my shampoos, conditioner and other essentials, and of course my sweater and jacket as its normally cold in Bangalore. In my sports bag was a sealed almond oil bottle, which the cops created a problem over. Anyways after a lot of debate they allowed me to take the bottle but confiscated my scissors.
My flight left half an hour late at 7 pm, but still reached by 8:10 pm. As usual Dan was busy with work and sent his friend to meet me at the airport. Yeah! a friend I had briefly met in June. So obviously the 2 of us were searching for one another at the airport. Then finally a place was decided on, to meet. But there were too many people out there as well. I decided to be bold and approached a young lad with a lady by his side and by golly, I was right. It was him and he surprised me by bringing his newly married wife along.
Then he put the 2 of us in a hired car and came along on his byke. Neither his wife nor I knew the place. Finally I gave it a shot, as this is the regular place I live in and voila, we reached.
Dan came about half an hour late. In the meantime, I got ready and then we immediately went out for dinner. This was the beginning of my stay in B'lore.
During the course of the 10 days, we went the the disc (Amoeba) at Leela's, trekking to Nandi Hills, did a lot of shopping, watched 2 movies - Lage Raho Munna Bhai (INOX) and Ant Bully (PVR), the video game and bowling alley (Amoeba). Oh! I had a great bowling experience. I played so poorly this time. Every time it was my turn, the ball would go to the side. Bad Aim!! So I stopped playing and Dan and his friend took over my game. Went twice to the Museum as there was so much to see. There is a huge dinosaur in the museum and he brings his face right in front of you and stares. Its really cool. Dan and I were like 2 kids in the museum, eager to check out each and every item.
This time did not get a chance to visit any of the parks/gardens and was deeply disappointed that I was unable to make time to be amidst the greenery. The best part was the rains at this time of the year. It made it so cozy for dan and me, not to forget really brrr, I mean cold.
We tried out all sorts of food from Mughlai to Kerala food, Chinese to Italian and Thai. It explains the amount of weight I have gained. I also had a good amount of home food cooked by Dan's mom and not to forget the best Rose Cookies I have ever had, prepared by the Big Man, Daniel himself
Met with all of his friends, and of course his family.
Finally, all good things come to an end and soon it was time to leave. I like Bangalore airport better. There was no such opening of bags and checking. Had a great flight. When we were to reach Mumbai, we did not get a clearance for landing and kept hovering over the Arabian sea for about 10 minutes. We did land eventually but in the international airport due to some maintenance problem. From the international airport the plane went via road to the Domestic airport.
I am back in Mumbai now, missing Dan terribly with each passing day. Back to the hot, brown, polluted life of Mumbai.
I know most of you are waiting to hear about my trip and have also asked me to update my blog. Now you will get posts from me regularly as I am back in town.
I left for Bangalore (will stick with Bangalore, as I am still not used to Bengalooru) on 19th Oct. My dear colleague Harish came in the morning around 7 am to pick my luggage and he took it with him till Parel. I left for work in the morn as usual. Hired a car which picked me from Nariman Point. On the way went to Parel to collect my luggage. Reached around 5:15 pm. Finished with my baggage checking and check in. Then there was a problem. In Mumbai airports all bags are opened, contents taken out and checked. I had with me a handbag and a sports bag which consisted of all my shampoos, conditioner and other essentials, and of course my sweater and jacket as its normally cold in Bangalore. In my sports bag was a sealed almond oil bottle, which the cops created a problem over. Anyways after a lot of debate they allowed me to take the bottle but confiscated my scissors.
My flight left half an hour late at 7 pm, but still reached by 8:10 pm. As usual Dan was busy with work and sent his friend to meet me at the airport. Yeah! a friend I had briefly met in June. So obviously the 2 of us were searching for one another at the airport. Then finally a place was decided on, to meet. But there were too many people out there as well. I decided to be bold and approached a young lad with a lady by his side and by golly, I was right. It was him and he surprised me by bringing his newly married wife along.
Then he put the 2 of us in a hired car and came along on his byke. Neither his wife nor I knew the place. Finally I gave it a shot, as this is the regular place I live in and voila, we reached.
Dan came about half an hour late. In the meantime, I got ready and then we immediately went out for dinner. This was the beginning of my stay in B'lore.
During the course of the 10 days, we went the the disc (Amoeba) at Leela's, trekking to Nandi Hills, did a lot of shopping, watched 2 movies - Lage Raho Munna Bhai (INOX) and Ant Bully (PVR), the video game and bowling alley (Amoeba). Oh! I had a great bowling experience. I played so poorly this time. Every time it was my turn, the ball would go to the side. Bad Aim!! So I stopped playing and Dan and his friend took over my game. Went twice to the Museum as there was so much to see. There is a huge dinosaur in the museum and he brings his face right in front of you and stares. Its really cool. Dan and I were like 2 kids in the museum, eager to check out each and every item.
This time did not get a chance to visit any of the parks/gardens and was deeply disappointed that I was unable to make time to be amidst the greenery. The best part was the rains at this time of the year. It made it so cozy for dan and me, not to forget really brrr, I mean cold.
We tried out all sorts of food from Mughlai to Kerala food, Chinese to Italian and Thai. It explains the amount of weight I have gained. I also had a good amount of home food cooked by Dan's mom and not to forget the best Rose Cookies I have ever had, prepared by the Big Man, Daniel himself
Met with all of his friends, and of course his family.
Finally, all good things come to an end and soon it was time to leave. I like Bangalore airport better. There was no such opening of bags and checking. Had a great flight. When we were to reach Mumbai, we did not get a clearance for landing and kept hovering over the Arabian sea for about 10 minutes. We did land eventually but in the international airport due to some maintenance problem. From the international airport the plane went via road to the Domestic airport.
I am back in Mumbai now, missing Dan terribly with each passing day. Back to the hot, brown, polluted life of Mumbai.
Friday, November 03, 2006
My Diet Plan
I am back after a nice long, fattening holiday and now its time to get back on track, literally.
Before I do so, I would like to share with you my diet plan. You could try it out too. It has been recommended by Mehernaaz, a dietician.
7:30 am : Breakfast
a) Eggs + 2 Toasts + Milk
b) Porridge + Milk
c) Chappatis + Eggs(Half Boiled/Full Boiled) + Milk
d) Cheese + Toasts + Milk
10:30 am : Mid Morning Snack (Fruit eg. Papaya/Watermelon)
1 - 1:30 pm : Lunch
Non-Veg + Rice/Chappatis + Salad(Egg/Chicken)/Sprouts
5:30 pm : Evening Snack
a) Sandwich + Milk
b) Sandwich + Fruit
(or snacks like bhel, etc)
8 - 8:30 pm : Dinner (Lightest Meal)
Non-Veg + Veg/Salad/Sprouts + Dal
No Rice / Chappati
Dal to be had on an approximate 4 times a week
For those who can't eat plain course, a slice of brown bread or a chappati could be had along with the meal.
PS:
- Fruits of different kind to be had. Bananas about 3 times a week.
- Drink a lot of water approx 3.5-4 litres of water a day.
- Before every meal, drink at least 2 glasses of water 15 minutes before.
- It is adviced to go for a 10 minute walk post your dinner.
- During work hours, make it a point to walk about, every 10-15 minutes.
- Must sleep latest by 11:30 pm, so that the body gets enough rest. The body metabolism process starts from 11 pm and ends by 2 am
- Chappatis should be dry / Maybe a drop of oil could be used for frying.
- Avoid High starch items.
- Eat slowly. Chew your food well. Ensure that it is in liquidified form before swallowing.
*Avoid
- Fried/Oily Food (In case of fry, try grill)
- Processed and Packaged Foods (Maybe once or twice in a month)
- Soft Drinks or Energy Drinks (Eg. Red Bull)
- Excessive Tea / Coffee (Max 2 cups a day. Substitute with Herbal/Chinese/Jasmine Tea)
This is a Non-Veg Diet, as I am not a thorough Veggie.
As you know, diet is not enough to make one reduce. A small amount of exercise is needed too.
I have to walk briskly in the park on the grass for about half an hour for the 1st two weeks and then increase it to 45 minutes. Please bear in mind, you have to use the right sport shoes. Carry a bottle of water and Drink lots of water while walking.
Yes (and this is not advice from Meher), MEDITATION and PRAYER helps one to have a peaceful and fit life.
Another advice is eat out once in a while. I would suggest at least once in a week. There is nothing wrong with it. My mom told me she was more of a coconut fish cury and rice eater and now she has developed taste, but has been adviced only boiled food. Remember we eat to live and not the other way around.
For those of you who would like to know the different high starch / moderate starch or low starch food items, do send me a mail. I will email the diet chart to you.
So! Tomorrow I literally start with my walk on the track. Wanna join me???
Before I do so, I would like to share with you my diet plan. You could try it out too. It has been recommended by Mehernaaz, a dietician.
7:30 am : Breakfast
a) Eggs + 2 Toasts + Milk
b) Porridge + Milk
c) Chappatis + Eggs(Half Boiled/Full Boiled) + Milk
d) Cheese + Toasts + Milk
10:30 am : Mid Morning Snack (Fruit eg. Papaya/Watermelon)
1 - 1:30 pm : Lunch
Non-Veg + Rice/Chappatis + Salad(Egg/Chicken)/Sprouts
5:30 pm : Evening Snack
a) Sandwich + Milk
b) Sandwich + Fruit
(or snacks like bhel, etc)
8 - 8:30 pm : Dinner (Lightest Meal)
Non-Veg + Veg/Salad/Sprouts + Dal
No Rice / Chappati
Dal to be had on an approximate 4 times a week
For those who can't eat plain course, a slice of brown bread or a chappati could be had along with the meal.
PS:
- Fruits of different kind to be had. Bananas about 3 times a week.
- Drink a lot of water approx 3.5-4 litres of water a day.
- Before every meal, drink at least 2 glasses of water 15 minutes before.
- It is adviced to go for a 10 minute walk post your dinner.
- During work hours, make it a point to walk about, every 10-15 minutes.
- Must sleep latest by 11:30 pm, so that the body gets enough rest. The body metabolism process starts from 11 pm and ends by 2 am
- Chappatis should be dry / Maybe a drop of oil could be used for frying.
- Avoid High starch items.
- Eat slowly. Chew your food well. Ensure that it is in liquidified form before swallowing.
*Avoid
- Fried/Oily Food (In case of fry, try grill)
- Processed and Packaged Foods (Maybe once or twice in a month)
- Soft Drinks or Energy Drinks (Eg. Red Bull)
- Excessive Tea / Coffee (Max 2 cups a day. Substitute with Herbal/Chinese/Jasmine Tea)
This is a Non-Veg Diet, as I am not a thorough Veggie.
As you know, diet is not enough to make one reduce. A small amount of exercise is needed too.
I have to walk briskly in the park on the grass for about half an hour for the 1st two weeks and then increase it to 45 minutes. Please bear in mind, you have to use the right sport shoes. Carry a bottle of water and Drink lots of water while walking.
Yes (and this is not advice from Meher), MEDITATION and PRAYER helps one to have a peaceful and fit life.
Another advice is eat out once in a while. I would suggest at least once in a week. There is nothing wrong with it. My mom told me she was more of a coconut fish cury and rice eater and now she has developed taste, but has been adviced only boiled food. Remember we eat to live and not the other way around.
For those of you who would like to know the different high starch / moderate starch or low starch food items, do send me a mail. I will email the diet chart to you.
So! Tomorrow I literally start with my walk on the track. Wanna join me???
Thursday, November 02, 2006
Are you Confident???
This morning as I was walking to office and listening to FM as usual, I got a bit of advice and thought that I should share the same on my blog.
Are you confident?
How do you come across at an interview, to the interviewer?
This topic is basically speaking about confidence with an interview as an example. I would like to mention this on my blog, as I know that 70% of you, reading my blog, go for interviews every month.
When you sit for an interview, you should sit straight. Shoulders back, chest a bit out, balance your back properly on the seat and keep your legs firmly on the ground. Do not fidget or slump yourself.
This advice is not only for an interview, but for formal meetings as well. Sitting in this posture will help you to feel confident and more sure of yourself.
So Now,
Are you Confident?.
Do let me know how your interview goes.
Some more advice I would like to give you
- Prepare yourself thoroughly before you go for an interview. Posture is important, but its not the only relevant factor. Today all companies have their history on the web. Go through the web, get an idea on the company history.
- More importantly, prepare yourself for all kinds of questions, the interviewer could ask on yourself. I would suggest the best way to gain confidence is by looking in the mirror and talking about yourself. After all, what is an interview? Its nothing, but selling yourself for what you feel is your current rate in the market.
Here's wishing you All the very Best! Good Luck!
Are you confident?
How do you come across at an interview, to the interviewer?
This topic is basically speaking about confidence with an interview as an example. I would like to mention this on my blog, as I know that 70% of you, reading my blog, go for interviews every month.
When you sit for an interview, you should sit straight. Shoulders back, chest a bit out, balance your back properly on the seat and keep your legs firmly on the ground. Do not fidget or slump yourself.
This advice is not only for an interview, but for formal meetings as well. Sitting in this posture will help you to feel confident and more sure of yourself.
So Now,
Are you Confident?.
Do let me know how your interview goes.
Some more advice I would like to give you
- Prepare yourself thoroughly before you go for an interview. Posture is important, but its not the only relevant factor. Today all companies have their history on the web. Go through the web, get an idea on the company history.
- More importantly, prepare yourself for all kinds of questions, the interviewer could ask on yourself. I would suggest the best way to gain confidence is by looking in the mirror and talking about yourself. After all, what is an interview? Its nothing, but selling yourself for what you feel is your current rate in the market.
Here's wishing you All the very Best! Good Luck!
Sunday, October 08, 2006
The FIVE Points
As I sat in church today and listened to the homily at mass, I was anxious to make a note of the Five Points put forward by Father. Being conscious of what people might think, I did not write the points in Church. Then the 1st thing I did on my return from Sunday School was call people I knew, so that I could impart to you the 5 points, since I could not recollect all.
The homily was based on the Sacrament of "Marriage"
In retrospect, it is very important that if a priest is giving a meaningful homily, one should make note, so that you will not only imply this in your day to day life, but also pass on the message to those who need it.
5 Points indicating your marriage is not working:
a) No Laughter
When we are in love, we laugh together and feel happy. But when things go wrong, even a joke the spouse says, seems silly or irritating.
b) Problem Solving
Angry or upset with your spouse. Instead of dealing on the topic directly with the spouse, the problem is discussed with a close friend, sometimes even the family members. Family members / friends should not put pressure on either couple, but should inform them to deal with the situation with the spouse 1st.
c) Criticism
One should not criticise. For Eg: if there is less salt in the food cooked by the wife, the husband should not shout at her, but inform her very gently that there is something lacking in the food and it might be salt.
d) No Respect
Couples should not insult / embarass one another in public. This is the beginning of many arguments to follow, as one's ego is hurt.
e) Appearance
As the love decreases, the spouse decides not to impress their loved one anymore. Eg: they will pick the 1st ironed outfit to wear, not giving importance to look
5 Points to strengthen your marriage
a) Quality Time
Couples should spend quality time with one another. Do things together, or communal work together. Eg: Zonal Animators
b) Equal Resposibility
In today's society, both husband and wife are working. It is very important that both should shoulder the household chores.
c) Communication
Both husband and wife should make it a point to talk with one another, to inform how their day passed by. This will help them to understand one another better.
d) Complimenting
The husband should never fail to compliment his wife, if she has dressed well. The wife should never fail to compliment her husband, if he is looking good.
e) Prayer
The last, but the most important, is Prayer. A couple must keep Christ as the centre of their relationship. Christ said: Where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, there I am, in their midst.
Is your marriage on the verge of disaster? Would you like to strengthen it?
TRY THE ABOVE 5 POINTS
God Bless!
The homily was based on the Sacrament of "Marriage"
In retrospect, it is very important that if a priest is giving a meaningful homily, one should make note, so that you will not only imply this in your day to day life, but also pass on the message to those who need it.
5 Points indicating your marriage is not working:
a) No Laughter
When we are in love, we laugh together and feel happy. But when things go wrong, even a joke the spouse says, seems silly or irritating.
b) Problem Solving
Angry or upset with your spouse. Instead of dealing on the topic directly with the spouse, the problem is discussed with a close friend, sometimes even the family members. Family members / friends should not put pressure on either couple, but should inform them to deal with the situation with the spouse 1st.
c) Criticism
One should not criticise. For Eg: if there is less salt in the food cooked by the wife, the husband should not shout at her, but inform her very gently that there is something lacking in the food and it might be salt.
d) No Respect
Couples should not insult / embarass one another in public. This is the beginning of many arguments to follow, as one's ego is hurt.
e) Appearance
As the love decreases, the spouse decides not to impress their loved one anymore. Eg: they will pick the 1st ironed outfit to wear, not giving importance to look
5 Points to strengthen your marriage
a) Quality Time
Couples should spend quality time with one another. Do things together, or communal work together. Eg: Zonal Animators
b) Equal Resposibility
In today's society, both husband and wife are working. It is very important that both should shoulder the household chores.
c) Communication
Both husband and wife should make it a point to talk with one another, to inform how their day passed by. This will help them to understand one another better.
d) Complimenting
The husband should never fail to compliment his wife, if she has dressed well. The wife should never fail to compliment her husband, if he is looking good.
e) Prayer
The last, but the most important, is Prayer. A couple must keep Christ as the centre of their relationship. Christ said: Where 2 or 3 are gathered in my name, there I am, in their midst.
Is your marriage on the verge of disaster? Would you like to strengthen it?
TRY THE ABOVE 5 POINTS
God Bless!
Beryl Anniversary
Dearest Dad and Mom
Sorry to put this post so late. Would like to wish you a Belated Happy Anniversary for the 5th.
Had checked on the internet. After 30 yrs, all Anniversaries are not named. They have names for every 5 yrs ie 30,35,40,45,etc
So this particular anniversary does not have any traditional materials/symbols (flowers/gemstones) associated with it. Hence it has the theme of Beryl, which simply means, it could be anything.
Mom, wish you a Belated Happy Birthday for the same day. I was a bit upset that you were not able to celebrate your birthday like dad in Dubai and I knew you would be missing the rest of the family members.
So I sat in the corner and I prayed to Our Lord to make yours and dad's day equally happy. I must say, The Lord goes out of his way to answer his children's prayers. Soon after my prayer, the no of phone calls that started coming through, compensated for not many guest dropping by.
When it was time to cut the cake, Aunty's arrival was God sent too.
All in all, I know that if the Lord is the centre of your lives, you can never be unhappy and with this thought in mind, I wish you and dad a great year ahead and may Beryl soon turn into Gold, where I personally feel that L stands for the Love between you and God.
Sorry to put this post so late. Would like to wish you a Belated Happy Anniversary for the 5th.
Had checked on the internet. After 30 yrs, all Anniversaries are not named. They have names for every 5 yrs ie 30,35,40,45,etc
So this particular anniversary does not have any traditional materials/symbols (flowers/gemstones) associated with it. Hence it has the theme of Beryl, which simply means, it could be anything.
Mom, wish you a Belated Happy Birthday for the same day. I was a bit upset that you were not able to celebrate your birthday like dad in Dubai and I knew you would be missing the rest of the family members.
So I sat in the corner and I prayed to Our Lord to make yours and dad's day equally happy. I must say, The Lord goes out of his way to answer his children's prayers. Soon after my prayer, the no of phone calls that started coming through, compensated for not many guest dropping by.
When it was time to cut the cake, Aunty's arrival was God sent too.
All in all, I know that if the Lord is the centre of your lives, you can never be unhappy and with this thought in mind, I wish you and dad a great year ahead and may Beryl soon turn into Gold, where I personally feel that L stands for the Love between you and God.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Pre Marital Session
A lot of events happened on the same day ie Sunday 1st October 2006
Thanksgiving / Family Day
Senior Citizen's Day / World Elders Day
And the best was the preparation for marriage session by The Family Cell.
This session was again organised by the Church. I come from an amazingly proactive church where "ur" ie "I Am" is truly understood.
A friend of mine from the youth group and myself decided at the end moment that we should just go out and have some fun. To get some insight into selecting the right partner. The Pre Marriage Session is the 1st of its kind held in Our Lady of Lourdes Church. In spite of which, we had unmarried youth from the age group of 22 and above and believe me, there were about 90 of us. A huge group, I would say.
We started off with an introductory game, a game played as a couple. A list was provided and we had to find any one person belonging to that particular category ex: someone working in an HR dept, a birthday in Sept, etc. Anil and I got the 1st prize.
The session then started with what are the fears that one goes through when they think of marriage, dating period, courtship period, what we should look for and discuss with the person we would like to marry, etc, etc.
The last game for the day was the brand building game where we were divided into groups of seven. We had to promote a brand, keeping Christ as the centre. Reason: God should be the centre of all relationships.
The grand finale was the Goan Masala. This was the actual time that we got to dance and make friends, though it was for just 10 minutes, due to shortage of time.
I am sure with the tremendous response that the Church got for the 1st Pre Marriage session, the Family Cell will organise much more in future and help bring the people of Orlem closer together, who knows, maybe as couples.
Thanksgiving / Family Day
Senior Citizen's Day / World Elders Day
And the best was the preparation for marriage session by The Family Cell.
This session was again organised by the Church. I come from an amazingly proactive church where "ur" ie "I Am" is truly understood.
A friend of mine from the youth group and myself decided at the end moment that we should just go out and have some fun. To get some insight into selecting the right partner. The Pre Marriage Session is the 1st of its kind held in Our Lady of Lourdes Church. In spite of which, we had unmarried youth from the age group of 22 and above and believe me, there were about 90 of us. A huge group, I would say.
We started off with an introductory game, a game played as a couple. A list was provided and we had to find any one person belonging to that particular category ex: someone working in an HR dept, a birthday in Sept, etc. Anil and I got the 1st prize.
The session then started with what are the fears that one goes through when they think of marriage, dating period, courtship period, what we should look for and discuss with the person we would like to marry, etc, etc.
The last game for the day was the brand building game where we were divided into groups of seven. We had to promote a brand, keeping Christ as the centre. Reason: God should be the centre of all relationships.
The grand finale was the Goan Masala. This was the actual time that we got to dance and make friends, though it was for just 10 minutes, due to shortage of time.
I am sure with the tremendous response that the Church got for the 1st Pre Marriage session, the Family Cell will organise much more in future and help bring the people of Orlem closer together, who knows, maybe as couples.
Thanksgiving Day
For the first time in the History of Mumbai, Thanksgiving Day was celebrated across all parishes on Sunday, 1st October.
I looked for the origin of Thanksgiving day on the net.
It dates back to celebrations started in the New World ie America, right from 1621, where it was a three day celebration involving thanking the local indians (red indians) for teaching the New English their survival skills.
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln appointed a National day of thanksgiving designating the Fourth Thursday of each November as the holiday.
In Mumbai, we have only our family to thank for making us the persons that we are today. A beautiful example given by my Parish Priest: The Pope was gifted a ring. He goes to his mother, shows her the ring and tells her I have been honoured. The mother looks at the wedding ring on her finger, and says, Son, if it was not for this ring, you would not have been bestowed with a ring.
In India Thanksgiving day is more a day of celebrating having a happy family
F - Father
A - And
M - Mother,
I - I
L - Love
Y - You
Sr. Citizen's day
On this day, the church also made all Senior Citizens realise their importance to Society. Dignity Foundation along with Suraksha Bandan celebrated World Elders Day. All youngsters took red ribbons made especially for our elders and the same was tied on their hand.
My Parents are Sr. Citizens too. My father was pretty excited about tying the ribbon and could not wait for me to tie the same for him. My mom on the other hand is a bit shy and she did not want the whole of Orlem to know that she is a Sr. citizen (after all, she is a woman...)
When I was informed of thanksgiving day in Church, I was excited. I thought of turkey. No, not the country Turkey. The bird... U, Idiot.
The turkey tradition was really pushed by Benjamin Franklin, who wanted to make it the United States national symbol because it is a quick runner, wary, with sharp eyesight, and exhibited a regal stance, at least to Franklin
The best part of Thanksgiving / Family day was the seriousness with which we celebrated it. We did everything as a family, including cleaning the house and COOKING!!!
I looked for the origin of Thanksgiving day on the net.
It dates back to celebrations started in the New World ie America, right from 1621, where it was a three day celebration involving thanking the local indians (red indians) for teaching the New English their survival skills.
In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln appointed a National day of thanksgiving designating the Fourth Thursday of each November as the holiday.
In Mumbai, we have only our family to thank for making us the persons that we are today. A beautiful example given by my Parish Priest: The Pope was gifted a ring. He goes to his mother, shows her the ring and tells her I have been honoured. The mother looks at the wedding ring on her finger, and says, Son, if it was not for this ring, you would not have been bestowed with a ring.
In India Thanksgiving day is more a day of celebrating having a happy family
F - Father
A - And
M - Mother,
I - I
L - Love
Y - You
Sr. Citizen's day
On this day, the church also made all Senior Citizens realise their importance to Society. Dignity Foundation along with Suraksha Bandan celebrated World Elders Day. All youngsters took red ribbons made especially for our elders and the same was tied on their hand.
My Parents are Sr. Citizens too. My father was pretty excited about tying the ribbon and could not wait for me to tie the same for him. My mom on the other hand is a bit shy and she did not want the whole of Orlem to know that she is a Sr. citizen (after all, she is a woman...)
When I was informed of thanksgiving day in Church, I was excited. I thought of turkey. No, not the country Turkey. The bird... U, Idiot.
The turkey tradition was really pushed by Benjamin Franklin, who wanted to make it the United States national symbol because it is a quick runner, wary, with sharp eyesight, and exhibited a regal stance, at least to Franklin
The best part of Thanksgiving / Family day was the seriousness with which we celebrated it. We did everything as a family, including cleaning the house and COOKING!!!
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Happy Birthday
Today is my very very very close friend's birthday. I will not use the word best friend, as my fiance will get jealous. He already considers Reema to be my boyfriend.
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dearest Reema
Happy Birthday to you
Dearest Reema,
I want to thank you on this special day for being my very close friend, for being present for me through my good times and bad, for spending hours with me on shopping, for the walks home from the station, for listening to my never ending chatter/complaints, and yes for being the most frequent in checking and replying to my blog.
U R not just a friend, U R a treasure.
I pray that our friendship lasts forever.
Have a wonderful birthday and an amazing year ahead.
By the way, you owe me a huge birthday treat for typing such a good post on you.
God Bless!
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dearest Reema
Happy Birthday to you
Dearest Reema,
I want to thank you on this special day for being my very close friend, for being present for me through my good times and bad, for spending hours with me on shopping, for the walks home from the station, for listening to my never ending chatter/complaints, and yes for being the most frequent in checking and replying to my blog.
U R not just a friend, U R a treasure.
I pray that our friendship lasts forever.
Have a wonderful birthday and an amazing year ahead.
By the way, you owe me a huge birthday treat for typing such a good post on you.
God Bless!
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Another Weekend (So SOON)
Today I am reminded of a song from the 80s
Hooray Hooray
Its a Holly Holly Day..
(I pronounce holiday, the way it was sung by Boney M)
Actually, I am quite looking forward to this weekend - some time out to just chill, chill, just chill. Last weekend had gone for the HR Day Away in other words, my dept conference.
The HR team - a group of about 9 persons (along with spouse/friend & kid) had gone off to Matheran for 2 nights 3 days. Our Conference lasted for 2 days and those who wanted to take off soon after, could do so. We started off on Saturday morning and 9 of them returned back on Sunday evening. That left 8 of us.
One of the best sessions that we had during the conference was the feedback session, wherein, we as individuals could learn more about ourselves. How? Here goes.
Every person attending the conference gets 2 chits and writes one good and one bad quality about the person sitting on the hot seat. In this way, we will not only improve ourselves but get better at the already positive points too, and yes all put their viewpoints anonymously.
Matheran
Matheran, a hill station where Mathe in Marathi means "Forehead" and Ran means "Forest", this obviously means we were in the middle of the forest. Matheran is a beautiful place surrounded by trees/plants and filled with red mud.
The weather was amazing in Matheran. Heavy rains coupled with fog made visibility only about a few feet. Nevertheless post our conference on Sunday, 4 of us went shopping with torches. Purchased a lot of stuff (Matheran's chikki, chocolate fudge, pure unbranded honey, etc) and in the latter part of the evening, we all partied together.
And now for our adventure on Monday. Yes, of course, we were not in office as we were busy HORSE RIDING. Attached is a snap of 4 of the horses that some of us sat on. The 1st grey horse from the right is the one that is used for the races... And yes as 3 of the horseshoes' fell off (not due to my weight, you can be sure of that) while I was riding him through the viewpoints, On our return from the hotel to the entrance of Matheran, I got to ride this beauty. And I loved every moment riding alone. Cool, huh?
We started off around 9:45 am. Visited viewpoints, but could not get a view of the valley below, due to the thick fog. Visited the race course too. Though we were wearing windsheaters/raincoats, were soaking wet. We were enjoying riding the horses, hence even though we were shivering due to the cold and the cold rainwater, nothing seemed to matter, except us and the horses.
In Mumbai, nah... Can never see such amazing greenery, fog, or for that matter such healthy horses.
All in all, we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly and were so unhappy to return to the Mad world of Mumbai.
Hooray Hooray
Its a Holly Holly Day..
(I pronounce holiday, the way it was sung by Boney M)
Actually, I am quite looking forward to this weekend - some time out to just chill, chill, just chill. Last weekend had gone for the HR Day Away in other words, my dept conference.
The HR team - a group of about 9 persons (along with spouse/friend & kid) had gone off to Matheran for 2 nights 3 days. Our Conference lasted for 2 days and those who wanted to take off soon after, could do so. We started off on Saturday morning and 9 of them returned back on Sunday evening. That left 8 of us.
One of the best sessions that we had during the conference was the feedback session, wherein, we as individuals could learn more about ourselves. How? Here goes.
Every person attending the conference gets 2 chits and writes one good and one bad quality about the person sitting on the hot seat. In this way, we will not only improve ourselves but get better at the already positive points too, and yes all put their viewpoints anonymously.
Matheran
Matheran, a hill station where Mathe in Marathi means "Forehead" and Ran means "Forest", this obviously means we were in the middle of the forest. Matheran is a beautiful place surrounded by trees/plants and filled with red mud.
The weather was amazing in Matheran. Heavy rains coupled with fog made visibility only about a few feet. Nevertheless post our conference on Sunday, 4 of us went shopping with torches. Purchased a lot of stuff (Matheran's chikki, chocolate fudge, pure unbranded honey, etc) and in the latter part of the evening, we all partied together.
And now for our adventure on Monday. Yes, of course, we were not in office as we were busy HORSE RIDING. Attached is a snap of 4 of the horses that some of us sat on. The 1st grey horse from the right is the one that is used for the races... And yes as 3 of the horseshoes' fell off (not due to my weight, you can be sure of that) while I was riding him through the viewpoints, On our return from the hotel to the entrance of Matheran, I got to ride this beauty. And I loved every moment riding alone. Cool, huh?
We started off around 9:45 am. Visited viewpoints, but could not get a view of the valley below, due to the thick fog. Visited the race course too. Though we were wearing windsheaters/raincoats, were soaking wet. We were enjoying riding the horses, hence even though we were shivering due to the cold and the cold rainwater, nothing seemed to matter, except us and the horses.
In Mumbai, nah... Can never see such amazing greenery, fog, or for that matter such healthy horses.
All in all, we enjoyed ourselves thoroughly and were so unhappy to return to the Mad world of Mumbai.
Tuesday, September 19, 2006
Jhalak Dhikla Ja V/S Nach Baliye
Where's the Party tonight?
Its in my House
Where's the Party tonight?
On my TV Screen
Gone are the days when Boogie Woogie held the only dance contests. While Javed, Naved and Ravi still capture the hearts of all ages with their hand co-ordination and BOOG, the 2 dance competitions being held on StarOne and Sony respectively have tried to get the attention of the masses by holding an audience poll and yes, by using well known personalities and choreographers.
Tears on the 1st drop out ie Pooja Bedi to Varun forgetting his dance steps mid-act, it all seems so fake. Like the saying goes, There is no biz like show biz. Anything to get the masses to watch the channel.
Is it not true, that the audience poll does not really count. The channels get to find out how many people are watching their programmes and the network services are making the profit. Did not last year prove that Sachin and his wife who were not really good except for 3-4 rounds, won finally.
Were they continously selected by the audience?
There is another programme on Sony called Indian Idol, where an Idol stands for a good looking person and who can sing. I am sure what Sony intends is that in later years all our children / youth should look good and be able to sing. For those who dont have either, there is no place for them in Society.
Audience today have become dummies due to constant watching of the idiot box. I am no exception as I have put up a post "on channels".
Its in my House
Where's the Party tonight?
On my TV Screen
Gone are the days when Boogie Woogie held the only dance contests. While Javed, Naved and Ravi still capture the hearts of all ages with their hand co-ordination and BOOG, the 2 dance competitions being held on StarOne and Sony respectively have tried to get the attention of the masses by holding an audience poll and yes, by using well known personalities and choreographers.
Tears on the 1st drop out ie Pooja Bedi to Varun forgetting his dance steps mid-act, it all seems so fake. Like the saying goes, There is no biz like show biz. Anything to get the masses to watch the channel.
Is it not true, that the audience poll does not really count. The channels get to find out how many people are watching their programmes and the network services are making the profit. Did not last year prove that Sachin and his wife who were not really good except for 3-4 rounds, won finally.
Were they continously selected by the audience?
There is another programme on Sony called Indian Idol, where an Idol stands for a good looking person and who can sing. I am sure what Sony intends is that in later years all our children / youth should look good and be able to sing. For those who dont have either, there is no place for them in Society.
Audience today have become dummies due to constant watching of the idiot box. I am no exception as I have put up a post "on channels".
Monday, September 11, 2006
today is 9/11
I have been thinking of this date since the past 4 days. This is the day the Twin Towers came crumbling down 5 years back.
The day 9/11 is remembered by the world as the day that terror struck the US - The World's Most Powerful Country. I can't seem to associate this particular day even with my close friend's birthday.
For all those who do read this particular post, please do maintain A MINUTE'S SILENCE before you continue reading. This silence is not only for the people who lost their lives, but it is also a mark of protest against terrorism.
I personally believe that The Almighty exists in each and every one of us. MEANING? He (God/Bhagwan/Allah) speaks to us through what is known as an inner voice. He helps us to realise what we are doing, is right/wrong.
If you listen to your inner voice and do what is right, trust me, there will be no more violence in this beautiful world of ours and the world will be a happier place to live in.
SAY NO TO VIOLENCE!!! SAY NO TO TERROR ACTS!!!
The day 9/11 is remembered by the world as the day that terror struck the US - The World's Most Powerful Country. I can't seem to associate this particular day even with my close friend's birthday.
For all those who do read this particular post, please do maintain A MINUTE'S SILENCE before you continue reading. This silence is not only for the people who lost their lives, but it is also a mark of protest against terrorism.
I personally believe that The Almighty exists in each and every one of us. MEANING? He (God/Bhagwan/Allah) speaks to us through what is known as an inner voice. He helps us to realise what we are doing, is right/wrong.
If you listen to your inner voice and do what is right, trust me, there will be no more violence in this beautiful world of ours and the world will be a happier place to live in.
SAY NO TO VIOLENCE!!! SAY NO TO TERROR ACTS!!!
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Visarjan
I am not opposed to Idol Worship. It is being followed right from the days of the Bible. But I am definitely not ok with Visarjans.
In Villages for immersion, the Ganesh is made of mud. It easily gels with the water and becomes a part of it. But in cities like Mumbai, the idols are made of Plaster of Paris. This substance does not dissolve easily.
The worst affected during the Visarajan is the marine life. All plants / fishes in water have a short life due to these immersions.
I feel that though its a custom being followed year after year, Visarjans should be stopped totally. I am not saying this because I am a non-vegetarian. I am stating this because I value our natural life and want it to stay on for years on end. I love Mumbai. I dont want the city that is surrounded by water, to lose its aquatic charm.
Visarjans lead to noise / air / water pollution. We see devotees only wanting to have a good time. Its not a religious event anymore. Its become a status symbol. Those who are a part of the Visarjan throw colour on any passer by. Their huge trucks / vehicles cause traffic jams. The men drink and have a gala time. Is this what idol worship is all about?
LETS TRY TO STOP THESE ACTS, before it totally kills our aquatic world, and influences our children on wrong methods of idol worship.
Thursday, September 07, 2006
Crocodile Hunter
To the Man who made me like Reptiles
Dear Steve
It was a pleasure watching you on Animal Planet trying to make friends with the World's most hated and feared reptiles. I looked forward to seeing your shows. I also made a mental note of how I should deal with snakes, if I ever came across one.
Your enthusiasm and lively talk will be much missed. None of the shows on Animal Planet can ever sum up to the Crocodile Hunter shows.
God Bless!
Friday, August 25, 2006
I am online to spread the word called LOVE
Jesus said "Love one another as I have loved you"...
Is there anyone that you dislike at this particular moment, because of some fight or misunderstanding?
Take the phone and call them.Tell them how much you love them and miss them...
For You might not get a chance again..
Tuesday, August 08, 2006
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