December 28, 2012

Paradox of womenhood

We live in a world where we talk of equal rights and opportunities, of feminism, women empowerment, big giants being run by a single women mind and how we, the Indians 'respect' women. Yes, we just talk about it. But we live in a world where most of the times, a woman cannot take her own life decision forget about making a move for the rest of our family. We live in the society that still wants the women of the house to do household chores. We all have at least one member in our family who wants dowry even if the bride is much more 'worthy' than the groom. We have a media that everyday talks of a rape case and we all condemn it as long as a cricket match is npt on. We work in the offices where for sure few people call women the weaker sex even if she has reported more hours than fellow male colleague. We all have been taught by at least one professor who had sexual intentions. We have seen elders who say talking of sex, rape or assault is bad. We must have more than once commented on the lifestyle of at least one women. We all have one or the other way objectified women. Period.
JAAGO INDIA JAGGO !!! I am honestly not in condition to provide solutions. I am ashamed that even after such a heinious crime, we all are looking for solutions. I pity the (un) mother India. I am sorry for every women. Right when a female is conceived, she as a foeteus is at mercy of her destiny. She grows up with a fear of being molested - fear of her own. She has to think before falling in love. She has to worry for her family. She has to go through the trauma of leaving her family. She has to be fit to survive. She has to conceive a new 'male' life. She has to have those magical eggs that shall fertilize even for a incompetent male. She has to take care of everyone. She has to forget that she exists!
So, to people (both men and women who think this is all bull shit) if you cannot provide us a solution let's get back in time. You provide us security for our lives and we will allow polygamy, have pardah, go satti and all bull shit. But please give us a society where we can live, breathe, think and speak.
As, I write this, I make a note to self to be thankful to the friends who did not judge me, teachers who stood like God, bosses who treated me equal, family who did not act as any kind of hindrance to my growth and parents who never said, "Beta tu ladki hai..". Thank you!

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November 08, 2012

Being a woman


This post is dedicated to all the females out there. No I haven’t yet become a feminist or anti-male but after hearing ridiculous reasons, this post was long due.

The alarm rings and marks the start of a new day. She struggles in her fights with the neighboring noises but then finally gives up and greets herself to a good morning.
She then gets up with a smile on her face thinking of the dream she had. And the very next moment she realizes that she is late. So she again struggles, this time with time, runs out of her bed still thinking about that dream and still smiling and then after blushing a little, she forces herself into the reality. She does her daily chorus, takes a bath, and then dresses up for that special date in evening after work. She finds herself in best only after changing 3 dresses. She runs to the kitchen and hurriedly makes a cup of tea for herself and then leaves her house for work. She, like always, adorns that special smile and prays to God to let her have a nice day today!

Its 7:30 in the morning, roads are not crowded and she is walking towards the nearest bus stop, ignoring a group of guys on their bikes who are saying things she doesn’t wish to hear. She just walks faster towards the bus stop.
As she reaches the bus stop, she finds another group of guys sitting on the footpath. And the moment they saw her coming, one of them starts singing “babuji dheere chalna” and everyone of that group stares at her as if they have X-rays in their eyes. She simply tries to ignore them and jumps into the next bus that arrives even though there was no space.
She fights hard with the crowd to go towards the “ladies seat” area of the bus which, by the way, is considered to be “safer”. She stands there adjacent to an old man who cannot keep his hand to himself and hardly misses any opportunity to grope her whenever the driver applies brakes and as she rebuke him, he says, “Madam jagah nahi hai.. Ab kahan jaon? “
She now squeezes herself a bit and tries to move away from him just to find a school boy trying to press himself on her. Shrugged, she moves away from him too and just prays to get a seat to sit. And when she does, another man comes and stands besides her. He is holding the rod from one hand and holding his office bag in the other and that “other hand" is touching her again and again. She offers to hold his bag and he readily agrees keeping his “other hand” in his pocket. And now he touches her from his pocket and when she yells at him to keep away, he escapes by saying “Madam aap kyun chilla rahi ho? Maine to pocket mein haath rakha hua hai.”

She doesn't wish to get into an argument and is just relieved with the fact that her destination is just two stops away so she now gets up from her seat. Fighting herself out of the bus, she passes all the “uncles” and a group of guys hanging at the foot board of the bus, getting groped by at least 10 pairs of hands.
She jumps out of the bus, takes a deep breath and is feeling so dirty that if she could, she would have spend her entire life below a shower or somehow get her skin changed. She hates herself at that time and curses the day she was born. But then leaving those thoughts behind, she starts her day trying to remember her dream again and thinking about her date in the evening, a smile comes back on her serene face.
Walking towards her office, she is caught off guard by a guy on a bike who pinches her in a lightning speed as he zips by. By the time she gets over the shock and the pain, he has sped off and she is left feeling dirty and filthy.

She speaks to herself, “You have had enough! You need that shower. You need to rub that feeling off your skin. Now!”
But she can’t. She wonders why this discrimination. After having her day started like this, she still needs to go for her work, and can’t even discuss this with anyone or just laugh it away so as to start everything again. She sees her father, brother and several male friends around everyday and thinks that if they have a little “something wrong” in the morning, everyone who comes across them during the whole day is blasted badly. And after everything she goes through, nobody even cares what happened because she hides everything deep down inside her and sometimes might even cry alone.

And after working in the office, with same competence and dedication, she goes for her date. Talks non-stop and giggles; goes back to her house fighting again like that in the morning; reaches home and helps in the kitchen; talks and gossips on phone with her friends and then smiling as ever, she sleeps again wishing to see that same dream again and praying to God to have a “better” day tomorrow.
Good Night!

In case you are saying that she was at fault since she didn't talk about it then let me add up a little more. Even I would say the same words but when I do, most of my female friends ask me, “what should I talk about and to whom?” “Do you think its easy to discuss all this shit? or even think about it?”And if you think it’s of clothes, then this harassment happens with a girl in a “salwaar kameez” and even with a 50 year old woman in a “saree” Once a very good female friend of mine asked me, “Ever wondered why girls talk so much?” and then said, “Its because they don’t wanna think about themselves. They just want to convert all their pain and sorrows in laughs and gossips and become as normal as ever.”
After all it's all about being the woman!

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October 23, 2012

The Tale of Love




We were friends already, and enjoyed talking a lot.
Love was growing well though we were apart.
Night you asked me to be yours,
made me stay awake and dream.
Dream about a wonderful life,
a world not discovered.
Dreams came true;
I do!
Yes.


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October 18, 2012

Blogging as first love?


To me blogging is like an old affair that you can never have enough of. No matter how far you go, you got to miss it and come back, if at least for a quick moment.
The reason I cheat on my current errands and return back to blogging are:

You people - This is one place where I have without doubts made more friends than enemies and trust me, some of these friends are more than families. I would not share my personal stories to any one but to many of you.

Digital diary - Do we doubt that? Ever miss a happy or sad day in your life? Just go back and dig in the archive, and feel good.

Feel good? - If ever something upsets you, just blog. Your readers will understand you and connect to your situation, make you feel better and rest be sure, it is worth the effort.

We are Parents without the kids - I admit this may not be everyone but many of us. We are designers, coders, developers just because of our blog. We designed it, nurtured it, constantly care for it and then of course, maintain it. Don't we?
Oh yes, we are parents ;-)

Networking - You never know where life would take you. I learnt this from a personal incident in my life. As I said, I am an open-blogger yet I keep pictures and other items hidden. So when I joined a job in Mysore, a girl walks to me and asks me if I was Sachi. I said yes, and she instantly introduced herself to me with her blogger name.

Boasting about it at work - Oh yes, this IS where I have had experiences of my life. I boast it to one and all. Trust me if you have a well-maintained blog, you can shout out your creativity, hobby, talent, dedication and what not from that.

Followers - You have stalkers, followers, motivations and friends for other social networks - Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and of course other hobbies.

Parents are cool about it - Hah! Even if you said you don't care, you do. No one objects you spending time blogging. What else do we want than a happy world? You’re a celebrity after all.

Recession - Well, bloggers are never out of business. Plus, you can work from HOME (read anywhere)

Interesting other readers - You can always turn to fellow bloggers to read and what more, you can read about whatever you want. Thank you labels!

No more wasting time - Not over on the internet!

And above all, Sanity - Who would be insane with a purpose in life? :D

And and even above that is that it's FREE :)

So what's your reason?

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August 21, 2012

Days without regrets


N. b. Think about what would you change if you could have done one thing differently in life?

When I was a kid I always set my goals higher than the safe border line. As a kid above the average ones but not the class toppers; I was given a doubtful look by my teahcers, parents, friends, family. I knew I could. Every report card said "Can do better"  and know what, I never did because I did not want to. I would leave my final examination as soon as I got sure I would pass in it. I was one of the students who wopuld sleep till 9:45 a.m. for a 10 a.m. exam. Every semester I would have low attendance but in all I did good; or better than I expected. Some may say I intentionally set my expectations low; I didn't. I just had other higher priorities.
I knew when to strike and when to not worry. I always dreamed about a job I would love. I have one. I wanted a car I could ride; I got one. I wanted an apartment of my own - never knew I would not clean it. I wanted to support every wish, every need of my own, myself - now when I can, I won't. I always enjoyed cooking - never knew time would worry me and I wouldn't eat. I did better. Did I?

But then I know I have the most amazing parents, the best of friends any one could have, people to care and love for, places to go to, resume to strengthen, wishes to fulfill and dreams to look forward to. I know I have everything. And as they say,
“The saddest summary of life contains three descriptions: could have, might have, and should have.”
I guess I would not have any regrets. I expressed myself every time I wanted to, i stood by what I believed as long as I could, I preach what I know I can teach and yes, I have managed to be happy all this while. I guess I have always tried to be positive. I never looked at my phone and said, I wish it was a better one. I was always thankful of what I have. In life always remember:
- Breathe.
- Dance, Sing, Write, Read or Travel.
- Being alone at times is a bliss. Think.
- Be thankful for what you have.
Believe in something, someone - may be a God. (Remember, God is man's greatest creation)
- Don't keep false hopes, promises or wishes to yourself.
- Spend less than you can earn. Save a bit.
- Don't stop moving. work hard.
- Have a wish list. Put every wish; stupid or not; in there.
- Enjoy the life you have. What was in past won't let you live your present and will definitely affect your future.
- Love your country. Believe in your ethics. And respect anything that is not yours.
- Be honest! (at least to yourself.)

(And the list shall continue...)

Adios!

P.S. Today, I proudly say, I always waited to see this day where I could complain about my job, hate driving my car, not clean my apartment, not pamper myself even when I can, never cook or eat what I cook and still manage to keep a smile without any regrets ;)

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July 09, 2012

Building bridges and not walls


I have always believed that no matter who you are, in times of misery, you might build a wall against yourself and expect someone to come break it. But, of recently, I have started wondering that why do we build walls if we want them to be broken. For now, I wish to keep my bricks away!

Ever noticed how that ideal love story has this joy-deprived girl who has a unbreakable wall around her and how the hero rescues her from that. Remember how Beyonce sang on top of her voice, "Remember those walls I built? Baby they’re tumbling down.” So yes, it is not someone's fault if they get inspired and start believing that building walls up all around one’s self is the coolest possible thing that not only gets you lot of attention but TRUE LOVE! Hell yea! I don't know what is more desirable, love or true? We love deeply and often, as a result we hurt greatly. But that is no reason to add another brick to the wall. We need not give more weight or matter to the walls that didn't deserve it.

I have said it myself to half of the human beings alive about my indestructable wall and it is not because I needed the attention or the sympathy but I just wanted to sound more of that mystery girl or may be fragile ; which in my defense felt as experienced and glamarous.
But honestly, this is how we get introduced to misery. We put ourselves in positions that could potentially hurt us. We expect people to just leap through these high stacked bricks and show us the already lighted exit. But what fears me is that most of us find this wall comforting. By the time someone actually thinks of breaking the wall and picks the first hammer, we scare them away because we find it nice to lean on these walls and the room seems warm enough.

So all the songs, the poems, the movies, the books, the fairy tales were just a hope lit candle taking place over and over again. No girl, in her sane mind, would admit to the guy that she had walls built up inside of her, walls that never felt like crumbling. And no guy would take the time to tear down that barrier on his own.

“I never believed these walls would come tumbling down, and then I met you.”

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June 28, 2012

Who am I with you

"I love it when you smile at the very moment you see me. With every “I love you”, I understand more of us. With every “beautiful”, I fall more in love with us. A thought of you makes me smile, recalling that you chose me over so many gives me a confidence that I cannot simply put in words. If ever I am upset, all I want is you – talking, hugging, fighting – no matter what, but I want just you wrapped around me. Whenever I get mad, you understand and I adore the fact that you don’t hang up on me even if I say nothing. I will keep every memory that you shall give, would let every song you sing echo and hold memory of every dance that we will have. The times you have pampered me, the times you hold me tight and tickle me, the times you play with me, the times I am sleepy and you don’t let me go, the times you shut me up in between an argument, the times you hold my hand with a promise to never let it go - lingers in my heart. The best is when you look through me and just smile!" :-)

P.S. This post is for the one person who sweeps me of my feet and tells me in his own way that there exists no such thing as a writer block :) 

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June 17, 2012

Father's Day


Dad,
You are my first love. The man who might have missed to say how much he loves me; but never failed to show it. I am a rare-Mom-pampered-daughter; but you were the one I could always turn to when Mom said no. I love you for saying "It's okay" when I shouted; for smiling when I was mad at you; for laughing on my jokes. When someone said "Can do better", you said "Good work!".

"One father is more than a hundred schoolmasters."

You are the only one whose hugs make me strong and when I am weak, I know the shoulder to cry on. You have always been there; no matter what - close or far. And that is the reason, I walked confidently. I knew these hands would never let me fall and even if I did, they knew how to pick me up and let me go back. Well, parents indeed are the only one who will sacrifice whatever it is to make you happy again. They are the one who make your house a dream home.

"A father is someone who is proud to see you get your first car; but secretly wishes it had no keys."

You are the one who taught me how to ride a bike and how to drive a car. I could overcome my fears because I knew that you're there and you would never ever give up on me. You are the one who taught me that problems are easy if we starting looking for their solutions and stop worrying.

"A child looks up at the stars and wonders. Great fathers put a child on his shoulders and helps them to grab a star."

And Dad, I lived the darkest days because I had your safe arms. You are a role model to your kids and many others. Oh and when someone asks me about you, I am proud to say, he is my daddy, the strongest! Each word you say to me is much more than wisdom and I hope to be your little girl always.

"A father is always making his baby into a little woman. And when she is a woman he turns her back again."

I will no more waste time worrying about the small things; because as you sau, I don't want to miss out on the best things. And Dad, everything I do, I do it for you..

P.S. They say a father is the man who has his daughter's picture in his wallet where he could have had lots of money :) And yes, (saying this without any shame) you're my Any Time Money !

P.P.S. I know no matter how wrong I am; you'll take care of it all. Please please do not ever stop pampering me ! :)

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May 11, 2012

Realization

We need not be too good to be true when being just good enough works perfectly well for us ;)

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April 12, 2012

Vaisakhi and Punjab


This post is not meant to force any issues. Just simple words and simplest motivation :)


                                                                                                   This is the air which I breath first;
                                                                                  This is the soil that gave me food that I ate;


This is the water which appeased my thirst;
This is the place that gave me my heart-beat.
This is my land beloved, Motherland vivid;
This is where I get my mother-tongue legit.
This is my home, my ancestors came from;
Even an inch of it, I cannot hand,
Nor spare it to an alien for a sum;
This is my home, my heaven!


Punjab-The land where five rivers flow,
A hub of diverse culture in glow,
The soil where arduous farmers crop,
A heart of religious tolerance amongest the mop.

A state that has won laurels, both east and west,
Revolution of young generation already in vogue,
Wait for years and there will be an other score,
The progress will be more and more.

Where the elders are respected,
And the young ones are adored,
We are all bonded to each other,
With love, culture, festivals and folklore.

Raised in the land of great souls,
We are simple and naive yet in modern role.
In every nook and corner of the world,
Warmth of a punjabi is well known.

Wishing everyone prosperity this Baisakhi

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March 21, 2012

Portland Diaries


So I had a chance to visit Portland in the month of Feb. As many of you must be aware of, the city is known for its microbreweries and strip clubs ;) Sadly, I could not visit any!
It's a nice city with green areas and a downtown good enough to call it a city. Yes, I judge the city by its downtown. The people are nice and smiling. I unfortunately could not see the best weather days which is a rare thing in Portland but if you happen to visit in one of those sunny days, do try some of the street-side cafes and live music. In this city of roses, the most beautiful thing was Mount Hood. Every road I travelled, every bridge I crossed, I could see it. Not to forget, the city has a beautiful skyline. If you're a museum lover unlike me, then Portland has Museum of Contemporary Craft, Portland Art Museum and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) to offer. Pittock Mansion is a beautiful place for the home makers. One must thing is to take the Portland Underground and also the Portland Aerial Tram. If you are a fan of lush parks, Portland has few to offer - Forest Park, Jamison Square, Tanner Springs Park and Washnington Park top the list. To me visiting the Willamette River was a must. If you get to visit the city for more than just a weekend getaway, a visit to Mt. Hood is must! Some of the other nice getaway places would be Mount St. Helens, the Columbia River Gorge, Oregon Wine Country, Multnomah Falls, nearby cities like Seattle, Vancouver and Eugene.
Portland is surrounded by water all over. On the north side is Columbia River which separates this beautifully lit city from Vancouver, WA (Dear Punjabis, it's not the one in Canada) I liked how the public transport was punctual but then it is not that frequent. Also you can see a lot many walkers and bikers. Of course, the services are well connected and good priced. Not to forget, Portland is well planned in terms of addresses and locations. You can very well survive without a GPS though I would not recommend that.  Well like any other city in US, Portland has its very own Zoo too. :) I was told by the locals that the International Rose Test Gardens was a huge visiting place in June when they held the Portland Rose Festival. So if you happen to be around, visit and let me know how festive it is.
Two things that I would definitely visit Portland again for is the Reed College and Powell's City of Books. The Reed college has a nuclear reactor at display :) and well I love books. Portland is home to people of many origin. It is one of the largest cultural mix I have ever seen. So that results in best food options. For the eating and being merry places, I would recommend Doug Fir Lounge, Quan Linh, Gravy, Detour Cafe, Nicholas' Restaurant, Portland City Grill, Byways Cafe, Ristretto Roasters, Portofino Caffè Italiano, Salvador Molly's, Voodoo Doughnut, Pazzo Ristorante, Andina, McCormick and Schmick's, Huber’s, Marrakesh, Riyadh's, Baan Thai (Warning: Spicest Thai food ever had. And for the record, I am a chilli loving Indian) and did I mention that they have foods on carts too. (YUM!) Some of these places are family owned which I always adore. What else could you ask for more than a good trip, good food, great people and warm hospitality. Oh and 'Coffee People' at PDX is a must too.

Adios!

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Till death do us apart

I often wonder what it would be like to say "I do" to some one and be sure that you would be with that one till death do you apart. In this uncertain world, aren't the vows something that you have to be certain of. Something that you wish to hold on. Blessed are those who have a partner to cuddle with and talk to even when they cannot move. Love, as we humans call it, is beautiful. But it comes with a price. Well, not a literal price but yes, a few compromise, a few knock-outs, too much of understanding and a lot of patience. But then not everything is free. With this price, one gets a companion who finds you amazing no matter what. So isn't having a love like having a friend forever? If it is then why do we expect. Why do we get those butterflies with just that one person? But then that is how love is.. it ain't enough ever :) And may be that's why some of us wish to hold on till death do us apart..

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March 16, 2012

Sachin Ramesh Tendulkar = God = Respect


Sachin :-) Yes! That is the topic every where. As long as my memory goes, I remember seeing him. He has inspired me by showing that 'Dreams do come true, just believe in them.' He is not always best, fails to keep everyone happy, has lot of haters but has played his game for 22 years and has been a star. I am sorry, a super star!

To all the wannabe's, who want to be famous, will talk bad about him. But deep inside them they know, they are the fans in denial. Yes, there is no single soul who is not his fan. He is extra ordinary awesome. No matter what happens, he plays strong. May be that's why he is called God.
Nevertheless, he unites the country. If it wasn't for him, India would have not scored many centuries or won those many matches. WC would still be a dream.

And to all those who claim that he would not be less loved if he did not score his 99, *in your face*. Every one wanted him to retire because he could not score a ton. How about all the 90's he contributed to the team? No one cared. And he on all this didn't care of the critics. He palyed for the country. He was there in the team scoring a century even when his father died. "To hit a century with that frame of mind, it's unbelievable." Yes Sachin, that is why you deserve a lot more.

If you still think that today the bad game was 78(98) rather than 100(138). Well I feel sorry! Sorry for the man who made it to the top. Sorry how he put everything for his passsion. Sorry for he grew unusually in a country where passion was less aprreciated. He is one person who defines cricket and that's how we react to him. Well, sorry for us! Each and every player once in a match takes 40 balls to get 22 runs. Some batsman don't even last 40 balls.
I remember Sharjah series; those 143 of 131 against Australia and the cokes. When mattered, he did it!
And any ways, even if he wasted some balls, why didn't the rest 10 played? No one can bowl good enough to stop a team like Bangladesh hit. I am glad we lost today when Sachin scored his 100th hundred. This way at least in future, people won't say he made his 100th because it was a losing team. They would know that despite his ton, the rest of the team failed to mark a victory.

And morons, no! we don't lose every time he scores a 100. We are so dependent on him that no one plays when he plays and we manage a respectable defeat which could otherwise have been a disaster.

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March 04, 2012

Happy Birthday Chicago

And wherever in the world I may be, you keep calling me home. It's a feeling and no matter where I've been, where I'll go, you keep calling me home, Chicago. On State Street, that great street, I'd just want to say they do things they don't do on Broadway. They have the time, the time of their life. Chicago, Chicago that toddlin' town. Your open arms, your simple charms, your people; I found no other place. My kind of town, Chicago is; my kind of people too; people who, smile at you :)) 

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February 22, 2012

UnI


She dreamed of a world where she would be rightly understood, where she could find that someone she wanted. Someone who would be proud of the things she cannot do, who could curb her flaws by reminding her of her strengths, could fritter away her tears with stupid jokes and duplicate the happiness she carried on her face into her heart. Since no true wish is left unfulfilled, her dream came true! She found a company before going to bed. He loved her! She loved him too. He made her feel beautiful. She found her world complete. Her nights became short and bright, days became long and all right. They lived a lifetime every new day and he made her fall in love again and again, every hour. She loved everything about it. She wanted him! Though she knew she couldn’t have him. She could never answer if it was love or was it just that they had that beautiful bond of friendship, but all she wanted was him to stay.

To stay right there till she breath her last.
To hold her when she was seeing the last.
But she made him move away from where she still stands, all alone! She wanted him to know that he gave much more than she ever thought of. He gave her a world that made everyone jealous and her, HAPPY!

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February 17, 2012

FWDs - A Woman should have

Got this as a forward email, and loved it so much that there was no way it could have gone into my folders without being here.

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
Enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
Something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her dreams wants to see her in an hour...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
A youth she's content to leave behind...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
A past juicy enough that she's looking forward to retelling it in her old age...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
One friend who always makes her laugh... and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
A good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE...
A feeling of control over her destiny...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
How to fall in love without losing herself...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
How to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without ruining the friendship...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
When to try harder... and WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
That she can't change the length of her calves, the nature of her parents...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
That her childhood may not have been perfect...but it’s over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
What she would and wouldn't do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
How to live alone... even if she doesn't like it...
EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
Whom she can trust, whom she can't, and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
Where to go... be it to her best friend's kitchen table... or a charming inn in the woods... when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
What she can and can't accomplish in a day... a month...and a year...

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January 30, 2012

Teen Times

So young so damaged!
That's my first thought on seeing today's generation. Oh yes! I just got 24 :D But no the teens really are living a messed up life. They don't have the privileges that we had. Good or bad, I don't know but I certainly feel we were glad.
Remember how we played the real games. And oh! By the way my generation had the much talked internet and computers at home but we lived; we lived with the real games, the real friends and real time with the parents.
Little did we know of war, the terrorism and the politics. And let's not start on how we did not understand what sex, depression or rape meant.
Oh did we ever have something like cyber bullying? Nope! We had real people to fight with: mostly same aged. We could compete. The only danger was that on losing, we would be considered worth-laughing-on.
We could and we did trust blindly. We didn't knew what cynicism was and we believed in the power of innocence. Remember how puppy eyes got us everything. Oh by the way, I tried last week. They still worked ;)
I loved it then how I didn't have a phone. I loved giving my parents the worries of "Where the hell is my little girl?". yes as you can by now read I was oh wait! I am a brat.
I am glad we had all the chocolates that we could. I am thankful that little did we care about those calories and also, that we did not know of the 'zero figure'. Oh and cheers to the mani-pedis, the waxing or the hair coloring that I did not know till I was 20.
I loved it how we could test the set boundaries, question authorities and give our parents and other elders the time of their life :) I know even today the kids can, but wasn't it all just different? I like it how we get to be selfish now, while our teenage was not even close to what one can call as mean. We were good to people; and little did we know of what the bad world was.
And not to talk about how easy life was to us. Scoring 90 meant everything and today even 95 is less! For us the adolescent years were filled with emotions, changes and some responsibilities. Today it is more of stress, peer pressure and success. So kids today, I do not blame you for increased suicide rates or the crime. We shall understand that what we sow, we will reap.
My fav. part is of not having to 'earn my way through'. I never needed pocket money because this brat had an unlimited supply of 'controlled' money. Also, I cherish the fact that teenagers today are doing a lot for the society. I wish we did as much and so did a generation before. The world definitely would have been a better place for these teenagers. As they say,
"Feel the fear and do it anyway!"

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January 24, 2012

Seattle Diaries

I am no travel expert but yes I am the opportune traveller. And this post talks about my weekend trip to Seattle, WA, USA. (Phew!) So I would call an ideal journey as reaching Seattle on a Friday noon. Seattle's airport - Tacoma International is well connected unless you choose to drive. From the airport, there are transit buses to downtown. I liked the city's downtown worth staying. It is not as crowded as Chicago, LA or NYC but is equally beautiful. There are some good places to put up. I stayed at The Westin. My first suggestion would be after you reach your hotel, to relax yourself and have a good dinner at the Waterfront. There are some good options, my choice was Elliott's Oyster House. Caution: It is a bit on the expensive side and almost a NO option place for vegetarians like me but then it is those perfect fine dining, great ambience places that you want to go to. Another thing to do on waterfront is walk; it's fun! Or you can always come back and blame my sun-sign, the water sign, Cancer for this. To me, the best way to start your Saturday is with a coffee at the original Starbucks right next to the Pike Place Market followed by buying fresh flowers from the locals. There is nothing like self-pampering and Seattle offers that well. From fresh produce of fruits and vegetables (trust me the strawberries, cherries and apples are must try) to bakeries (oh! the cakes) to sea-food vendors to the most remarkable artists - all on one street at Pike Place Market. Yes, I am a coffee person. So like me if you need to have another coffee after all this shopping, check out this place called Local Color. To be honest, I was attracted by the line 'Art, Coffee & more..' - well I needed to find out what more was. It was nice - good music, nice decor and wonderful hospitality. I liked the sandwich as well as the coffee. Oh! And they had free Wi-Fi! That's bingo for me. Following this, one could either go back and relax or take a ride on one of those ferries. As one of the local pointed out, no trip goes complete without them! There are a good number of museums like Seattle Art Museum, Museum of Flight. Also, the Aquarium and the Public Library are much talked about places but I am really not into all this so I skipped my knowledge gathering part. The evening to night transition would be incomplete without a trip to Space Needle and then a feast dinner. Sunday mornings can be left for the choosy option - while I choose to laze around, one can go to numerous parks that Seattle has to offer or hey! a stress buster could be to shop around. They have good stores too. Amidst all, don't forget to take your flight back home.. because I almost did! =)

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January 05, 2012

There is a lot more about you..

There were times when I told you how I feel there is something heart-pumping about you. Tonight, I want to let you know there is a lot more about you.

There's a lot more about you,
that makes me laugh more and more.
Something about your smile,
that nothing can ever defile!    

There's a lot more in that 'I care''s,
and how we stand together to take all the dares.
Something in the comments and texts
In the way you treat me above the rest!

There's a lot more to how you act tough,
that makes me believe more and more in us.
You walk past me, my way.
That's how you make my day!

There's a lot more fun in those jokes,
funny or sarcastic - without you they're the words that choke.
I enjoy when I use words to attack,
It is sad if you won't smile back.

There's a lot more about you,
that makes me dream more and more.
Something about us,
that is meant to grow! ;-)

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January 02, 2012

New Year thought

Some things just end up becoming a must! Like a bed-time coffee is always romantic; getting drunk on New Years' eve is the forever tradition; hoping India win in an away series is so wanted and not reading about Kolaveri or about Team Anna is so impossible :-) 

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