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!

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.

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".

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!!!

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!