How do we spend our weekends?

...doing this!

We made a few additions to our home, like the shoe rack and the T.V. without thinking about whether it will fit into our rack! So we had to rearrange the entire living room, which took a lot of effort! But the result was....worth it!














After some time, the rearranging was so much fun and it created a lot of space as opposed to the big stand right in the middle of the living room, which is now in the corner! ( My landlady was right from the beginning, it does take a lot of space, the way we had kept it!)

Next, we tackled the lobby....and with our new shoe rack ( which had to be fully assembled manually by S!), it looks more put-together and I like the fact that its a closed one! We also included a seat so that you can sit down and put on your shoes/boots. ( I will let you in on a secret, I needed more space in the living room to move around when I exercise!)...so I convinced S that the one-seater has more utility in the lobby area! ;-)

As I wondered where to put the extra mirror which we used to shield all the wires, S came up with this brilliant idea! I love it and over time I have also realized that adding mirrors in strategic places creates an illusion of space. Do remember this, when you rearrange or do up your place! :-)

The old T.V. used to be here....so I used up this space to place the Buddha and Ananya here. I have not named Buddha coz he has already got one! Well, I have this wierd habit of naming all my knick-knacks! So Ananya also changes her jewellery often to match the decor! ;-)

Public display of affection!

In the Facebook and e-mail age of birthday wishes, it is very rare to get 'physical' cards....so I am enjoying the attention while I can! There is no greater joy than reading a 'physical mail' or a card or even a lil note on a post-it! Don't you agree?

I have all the birthday or anniversary cards stashed away and once in a while, take it all out and have a look. It makes me very happy. So I thought, why not cheer myself up every once in a while, I glance at this white cupboard that seems kind of bare? I am liking it coz I smile at every glance! :)

Making all the right choices!

How can I go anywhere and not bring something for our home? I got a bunch of yellow, blue and purple-colored tulips from Amsterdam to match the blue-themed decor at home which began with the blue carpet and all the Van Gogh paintings at home...

I just googled about the significance of each color and to my pleasant surprise, I made all the right choices. Yellow tulips symbolize happiness in one's life while purple tulips stand for royalty (yeah, sounds about right!). Blue signifies tranquility and peace.

Maintenant, there is not only beauty, there is happiness, tranquility and peace and how can i forget?...AND a touch of royalty!!! Sounds fancy, eh?

Epiphany!

I am a girl's girl who likes shopping, Chick-lit movies, books while S is a guy's guy who likes video games, Formula One and gadgets. But there are a few things we have in common and if there is something we both definitely enjoy - C'est FRIENDS!

If you know me personally, you would know that I am an ardent fan of F.R.I.E.N.D.S, like many other similar-minded people I know! I have the entire series of DVDs at home ( courtesy S!)....and it never fails to cheer me up every single time! I guess its so easy to relate to each of the characters that makes it so enjoyable, be it their frustrations or misgivings about succeeding in Life, Men or having children or simply having fun together at each other's expense...I have often yearned to have a group like that, with whom you can just be yourself and also have fun together...when you don't always need to be on guard!

I don't think that its not entirely impossible either! I guess, we are always competing with each other to succeed in your career or you have a new relationship or you are in a different city or country or it could be just about anything that keeps you away from your close friends....and slowly, though you keep in touch on and off on occasion...you drift apart! There are times when I meet someone for the first time and connect on so many levels or there is instant laughter that reminds me of the same bond I shared with a good friend some time back...which did'nt really continue forever, sadly!

Having said that, I can proudly say that I have a few people in my life with whom I can just share whatever I feel. I don't have to do a once-over before saying anything! ( I am sorry if people who don't follow FRIENDS can't relate to this...) but...there is an episode where Rachel and Pheobe share that how they are jealous about Monica's awesome relationship with Chandler on a scale of 80-20! They keep wondering if they will ever have someone like that in their life. I just loved it that the raw human emotion - jealousy, was portrayed so well....I could understand where they came from! Let's face it, we all feel jealous or envious at some point of time in life, including me! Its more of a fear if I will ever have that than jealousy or probably just insecurity.....I think! Its reassuring that I have a few friends (...and all these people know who I mean!) including Amma, to whom I can frankly say it out loud that I felt a negative emotion that time....and just vent! That's it...that chapter is over...sorta thing! ....

I am so glad that S and I are the best of friends! It really helps that I have a best friend for life, who will forever be with me and vice versa! I know it sounds cliche, but its true! Just the other day, on the Metro, I saw this really handsome guy, maybe 6-5"? ( I have a thing for tall men!) and after some time, he came and sat next to me and gave me a smile as I got down in my stop! I did a little jig in my mind! I came home and related this to S, while we both made dinner....and I did'nt even think twice what he would think or feel...coz I know he knows me! We feel very secure about each other and its absolutely fine to openly discuss and tease each other too!

Then it struck me, I may not have friends in the same format as is on the FRIENDS show, but the essence remains the same! Essentially, I have a few great friends who are non-judgemental, loving and always waiting and ready to pull a leg anytime! Of course, friends within the family is a BLESSING not many people have, now don't get jealous! ;-)

Commute on the Metro...

...It takes a little more than half-hour to reach place of work....and its an experience in itself every single day!

Initially, I found it really wierd that people ( especially Paris) are really morose, hardly ever smile and are generally grumpy.Now, I guess I have got used to it and find different ways to amuse myself, like looking at interesting shoes the women wear, hairstyles, fashionable (sometimes look ridiculous to me!) earrings, piercings....I can watch people like forever and not get bored. Of course, on most days good music and books give me company on the train. Anyway, one such day on the Metro filled with morose people, there was this beautiful baby with the most beautiful blue-grey eyes, laughing and gurgling away....the people in the train are so quiet and self-absorbed that her gurgles could be heard clearly.I could see a tiny smile creep in....I got down with a smile!

In the Concorde, Opera and few other Metro stations, IKEA has come up with an innovative idea! In front of all big posters of IKEA, there are colorful couches installed and people just plop down in comfort, to the extent that they even miss the trains deliberately. I am tempted too but am always rushing to work at the last minute, so I can't stop like that. The couches bring a smile on my face too!

( Image courtesy: http://adoholik.com)

A few days back, a blind person entered the train with this beautiful furry dog (guide-dog) just like Kaspar! The way he sat down with such an air of majesty and looked at me with his gorgeous eyes, my eyes welled up in tears. I surprised myself coz I grew up with a morbid fear of dogs and Kaspar has changed my attitude towards dogs. I look at them with the same affection with which I look at babies. Cats still creep me out and I miss Kaspar big time! I never thought I would feel this way...

Amsterdam, you were gorgeous!

As you already know, I celebrated my 30th birthday and the weekend in Amsterdam! Contrary to what I have often heard about Amsterdam being more popular for its kinky sex shops and red light districts, I saw a more beautiful and amazing side of the city! Its like a dream to walk through the city, with its smiling and friendly people ( most important factor always!), beautiful canals, boat cruises,an absolutely wide variety of different towers I have ever seen....I could just go on! I felt I could'nt get enough of this city and actually wanted to go back another time, which is a first!

The weather was pretty chilly and windy so after a long day of wandering, the houseboat was a haven of warmth and comfort to unwind and relax every evening! I was pleasantly surprised to talk to the owner (Jan), who had travelled extensively all over India! I felt nice to be welcomed to flowers and cake ( courtesy S's preparations) and some good wine and a card from the owner! ( Though he speaks in English, the card was in Dutch)...a very sweet gesture, coz I am practically a stranger to him.

Amsterdam was full of surprises coz I do love to visit Museums but not for hours together! They had a unique concept for a Museum of Bags and Purses!!! I was definitely intrigued and told S that I was really excited about going there. The place did'nt disappoint one bit, every woman's dream come true! They have bags dating from the 15th and 16th century till date. It was really interesting to learn the history of Bags since the days of yore and how it has evolved over the years! ( you are not allowed to click pictures, so I just got the entrance to the Museum!). I definitely recommend it as a MUST visit when you go to Amsterdam!

Another MUST-visit was the gorgeous Diamond Museum, a woman's delight. I could'nt have enough of all the gorgeous glitter and sparkling diamonds everywhere. I was pleasantly surprised to hear that diamonds were first found only in India and also that 60 percent of tulips are found in the Himalayan regions in India! Ironically, Amsterdam is world renowned for tulips and diamonds and I have never seen Tulips anywhere in India - strange that! I swelled with pride when the 'History of Diamonds' began with this pride-inducing fact! My country is indeed blessed with so many wonderful things, pity we don't market it as well as the Western world. (Some beautiful tiaras and crowns to drool over!). Everwhere in the Museum walls, there were captions that read " Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown" - so true!

I must add, a trip to Amsterdam was definitely a gorgeous way to turn 30! Thank you S!! I will always remember this birthday. Bring it on, I am gonna have so much fun in my 30's than the 20's, if this trip is any indication of what is in store for me...

Trente - 12 March 2010!

MY BIRTHDAY IS A BIG DEAL FOR ME. I imagine that I am royalty on that day and feel extremely special and get all excited. This year, I am all excited but the enthusiasm is a tad less. According to my own stupid definition "Anyone who is 30 or in the 30's is officially uncle/aunty". I didn't think too much about the fact that I would get older and 'qualify' in a couple of years or so! So if you are reasonably smart, you will understand that I'm 30 this year! Officially, I am no longer amongst the '20-something's. Sigh!

Normally, I don't bother a lot about how old I am or get upset if someone wants to know how old I am! ( Wierd that I have answered that question numerous times, here in Paris!). But this year, I think I am a little sad that I have turned 30! Bloody hell, I often wonder how my mom would feel, she has a 30-year old daughter!!! Enough of the ranting now, I guess. For sure, my energy, enthusiasm or zest for life will not change one bit! I am still going to have a lot of fun, right? Right!

So if I think about what has changed, I would like to think they are mostly good changes; For example, I think I have a better dress sense and a general idea of what suits me better! On a different note, when S and I were looking at pictures on the laptop; he commented "Look, how many different hair styles you have had over the years? " That sent a silent thrill through me, I felt wild! :D

I have colored my hair twice and got another piercing in my ear, something that I'd wanted to do for many years but couldn't because my parents strictly refused. I know it probably sounds silly to you but for me it was kind of liberating to experiment with my looks without having to worry about what my parents will say or feel. In fact, even now, if I'm going home, I make sure not to color or cut my hair! Silly me!

I have an excessive amount of clothes/bags/shoes/jewellery (more than I like to admit!) ...and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for you to hear that! That's it - you will never ever hear me say that again!! :D. Sometimes, I can't even remember when I bought something and I feel terrible for being so greedy, but that thought vanishes within seconds of walking across any shopping area or even in the vicinity of where I can lay my eyes on something, even from a distance!!

I have travelled to so many beautiful countries and am hoping the journey continues, with my dear S, of course! I have a proper fitness routine and am much fitter and stronger than I used to be.Most importantly, I may be older but am definitely more mature and wiser! I would like to think I have toned down my emotional side a little bit. I don't believe in altering my entire personality, for sure! I am not there yet, but I think I am a better person than I used to be...I have an awesome partner, family and a close group of friends who are much loved and love me more!

I don't believe in going back in time like a lot of people often want to or often say 'those were the days...golden days' and all that! I enjoy every phase and I am very happy where I am. I strongly believe it is is important to enjoy every phase as-is! So if I am 30 now, enjoy being 30 to the fullest replete with all the excitement and vigor! To a large extent, I am very happy where I am. I did'nt even dream of the life I live now. I have a wonderful life and I earnestly thank God for it. Of course, like everyone else, I have a few regrets but they are events that I had no control over.

In retrospect, I think God meant for it to happen for my own good coz he made sure I got here. I believe in him and have faith in him. I am sure he will make my wish come true when its the right time. He knows what is best for me. (sounds cryptic, i know - but this is more of a self-note!)

Last year, I spent my birthday in Paris (wooooohoooo!) AND the entire evening at the Eiffel Tower! Tres Tres romantique! This year, S has rented an awesome houseboat ( check the awesome place here - http://www.luckypiper.com/eng/indexned.htm) for us and we are spending the entire weekend after in Amsterdam! It was supposed to be a surprise for me, except now that I have started working, he had to tell me so that I could inform people at work!! I hope Amsterdam makes me forget I am 30! I am sorry I can't stop whining! I will definitely post pictures of the magical Amsterdam here and here!

P.S - Turning 30 is not so bad at all!!! Coz I got DIAMONDS!!!! My darling S sure knows how to cheer me up ;-)

Emotional Makeover in Progress - Part II?

Further to this , I would like to think I am evolving as a person. I have begun to stop making spot-judgements about people. I have learnt over time that they are not like what they seem to be. If I met someone and assumed that they were rude and arrogant coz they did'nt smile much or talk much; I have always been proved wrong. They have become good friends who helped me out with kindness and smiled a lot more indeed; except they needed to know I can be trusted or warm up to me. I guess it took me some time to understand that people are cautious and take their time to know you or trust you completely. Unlike me - I trust every single person very quickly and Ouch! My blind trust has hurt me so many times that I can't even count. Lesson learnt. Be cautious and take your time to trust anyone. Do not make spot-judgements. PERIOD.

I have also learnt another important lesson. It takes a lot of dignity to remain silent and though it may seem ludicrous to be silent at that point, believe you me, there is indeed dignity in silence. As they say " Barking dogs seldom bite". For someone like me, who thinks its very important to express or say what you feel and to remain silent is blasphemy??!! BUT, sometimes, its better to remain silent than waste your time, effort and feelings retaliating! Tough - but its got to be done! Life's beautiful but people are'nt easy, you know? I don't mean to sound sexist or anything and I say this purely from personal experience that its easier to talk to men. It's not so stressful and you don't always have to be extra careful about what you say and how it can be interpreted. I do have a few awesome girlfriends; except it took me a few wrong people ( read friends) to get to them! You have to meet a few wrong men before you can appreciate "the right one" is true of friendships too!

Someone once told me that the best way to deal with any conflict within you or to control anger or disappointment is to look at yourself as a spectator and simply experience and accept any emotion you feel; be it anger, disappointment, joy or happiness. I remember flashing my trademark 'what-else-can-i-do smile and thinking to myself "Yeah right! That's easier said than done!"

In retrospect, as I type this post, I realize that's what I am doing. I am analyzing the changes in me over a period of time as if i would analyse a third person! It is also about acceptance and adjustments. I guess I am learning to be "street-smart"!

P.S - Do hop on to my photoblog, which is something my brother and I are working on jointly! Something we can both connect....your feedback is very much appreciated!

True to the title, random updates!

1. The most important update is that I have recently taken up a job and its a really interesting one at that. I have a strong feeling that I am going to get a lot of exposure as well as learn a lot! Of course, I am also very glad that its part-time coz I can continue to do the things I like to do and travel too!

2. I have begun to actually like my exercising routine. I try to make it interesting coz I alternate between yoga, body specifics, Jane Fonda's aerobics, Pilates and Bollywood fitness dancing ( yes, you read it right!)...I like the fact that I can just jump around without feeling conscious at home, with abandon! Its liberating! :-) I have different DVDs of all these and I work out at home everyday except weekends. Of course, the biggest motivation are the results - I can fit into clothes I hoped I could fit into someday!

3. I was watching Rajiv Gandhi's interview with Simi Garewal on Youtube and it made me really sad. Tears sprung in my eyes. I deeply and fervently wish he was alive and more than anything else, his family had got the opportunity to spend more time with him. What a charismatic, handsome and strong personality! He is THE man for me, who was a proud Indian!

4. I have begun to maintain a calender and schedule like my English friends here and I have to admit, if not for anything else, it makes me feel really important and it also made me realize that we have slowly begun to have a social life outside of just 'us'. :-)

5. I am loving the 'calm' within me and the happy thoughts I have! I am proud of myself coz I don't brood about the past anymore or think of anything that makes me feel low. Little things remind me that there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel; like the plants I had given up on have suddenly started sprouting up now or even the 'daily horoscope' seem to match with the current updates in life. It may be a co-incidence too; but I take it as a sign!

6. I have started to learn to knit and its really exciting to create something all by yourself!

7. I am also learning Photoshop on the web and am contemplating starting a photo-blog ( what do you think?). I love photography and am a self-proclaimed photo-maniac. I love looking at photos; even of people I don't even know - they are such a great way to remember good times, smiles, friends, travels, happiness, beauty, nostalgia,memories.....enough said!

The most romantic song!

I think this is one of the most romantic songs ever made; their expressions say it all! I simply love this song, the video as well.



I don't have much to say today and sometimes, I believe you don't always have to say something, you know?!

I like the comfortable silence. Do you?

Happy Birthday Purushaa!

My dear S,

Its your birthday and I am very very excited about it. I can't wait to see your kutty paiyan ( lil boy) excitement when I give you the gift - the well-deserved gift! Of course, its like digging my own grave; but its totally worth it. I can't wait to see the surprise and glee on your face!

In fact, I have lil surprises lined for you...and I have been preparing for it all day....so I can't wait for your birthday to begin ( his birthday is tomorrow)!


You are my rock; my pillar of strength. I am sooo proud of you in every sense; be it your career accomplishments or when Amma (Mom) can't stop telling me how wonderful and loving you are to me or when someone compliments us on what a wonderful couple we make! (touchwood!). You mean the world to me and I guess the whole world knows that by now!

There are so many things I could say right here that evidently show what a wonderful man I am married to? But, I would like some things to remain just that - Personal! :) But you know how I feel, right? Right.

I wholeheartedly pray and hope God blesses you with everything you want, give you only happiness and love in your entire life, excellent health, success in anything and everything you do! May all your dreams come true :) I hope you live your life the way you want, happily....live life KING SIZE! I hope the kutty paiyan in you always remains that way - confident, excited and happy! :-)

'Grow old with me. The best is yet to be...'

Love,
Me!

P.S - Please say a silent prayer for my S....and bless him? Pretty Please? He needs all your good wishes.

P.P.S - I got him a Sony Playstation; I know I am a really brave woman! Things I do for love...

One thing at a time!

I suddenly realized that I am pretty hard on myself. Be it health, home, love,friends or a career, I want it all to happen all at once! Of course, like everyone else, I want to excel in everything....but I guess I also need to understand that everything takes time. Yes, it needs concentrated efforts but it takes time.

So I am just taking a deep breath, long deep breaths slowly and it dawns on me that all that I desired is slowly happening. I have been so busy concentrating on the things I want that I did not notice that it did happen! In fact, I also realized that I am always doing something for people to approve or validate all the time, that I don't enjoy the experience myself. I just move on from one thing to another without living it. I recently read somewhere that

"A purpose is having a clear sense of what God has called you to be..Your purpose is not defined by what others think about you."

Most importantly, empower yourself by having good friends who encourage you, cheer you on and with whom a phone conversation can be an instant 'pick me up'! Of course, its very important that you are that good friend too! It has made a huge difference to my personality, having good friends, I mean. I (hope) I have learnt to select my friends carefully and in a lot of ways, I feel I am developing some good qualities from them; they help me become a better person. I am thankful to God for all the wonderful people he brings into my life. I strongly believe that every person you meet in life, comes into your life for a reason - to teach you lessons, to love, to inspire, to share, even to teach you 'how-not-to-be'! Savour these experiences, they go deeper than you think...learn to be a better and confident person! :-) That's what I am doing...

Change is the only constant, at home!

As always, the first thing when it comes to change....is the curtains!!! :)

I love sheer curtains ( if you look closely, you can see the Eiffel Tower through the curtain too!)....I love the way it brings light into the house....subtly!

I flicked this ornate holder from my MIL, its really useful and pretty when guests visit...and they can hang their winter coats...

Finally, I convinced S to nail this bell for me....the picture does not do justice to how 'cute' it is....we bought this in Greece! In fact, we rushed to the shop before our flight and grabbed this!

We bought this painting of the Palatino Hills with a view of the Colosseum too, in Italy. We managed to finally frame it in Pune and brought it along to Paris....and it holds a prime spot above our dining table ( which we hardly use, unless we have guests!)

Face your fear!

When I hear this often on T.V or in books or from someone, I always feel that they sort of bully you into doing something you are scared of. But if you are afraid of something and avoid it, unfortunately it does not go away, you know? So what do you do? FACE IT! I know its easier said than done. But if you think about it, its all in the mind like many other things in life. I realize you just need to deal with it. For all you know, it may not be so bad and you could be worrying about it unnecessarily. Its common sense, isn't it?

Where is all this enlightenment coming from? As part of a training program at work, I participated in a 'Personality Development' workshop and the gentleman who trained us mentioned that the first step towards doing anything is to write it down. So this is my first step towards facing my fear! Voila! :-).

I worry incessantly and I hate that about me. I was not always like this, but recently I worry too much and fear unnecessarily. I want to let go of fear. I will let go fear! I can let go fear! I am going to keep telling myself that and one day....whoooshh...its gone!

I will let go of my fear. NOW. TODAY. PERIOD.

I wake up with a smile!

As I lay safely cocooned, with dreams in my eyes...
Feeling protected and full of warmth
In the mystic labyrinth of reality and fantasy
My future looks bright and beautiful....
streaks of hope streams in through the sunlight.

I wake up with a smile that resonates with glee
I muse ponder and ruminate
reflecting on what may happen or what can happen...
transforming into what will happen with fortitude
what brings about the change, you wonder?
I wake up to reality with a thud; not struck by a jolting lightning
I wake up to faith, love and strength of mind...
I wake up with a smile on my face...thinking life is beautiful!

Some new props at home!

A Dreamcatcher, reminiscent of our trip to Greece; the beautiful beaches and the ships that sail away!

S and I, have a huge collection of fridge magnets from all the places we travel to! The fridge is not big enough for them and its one of our most prized possessions. ( The pic has only a part of the fridge!) I am planning to get a black metal plank framed and put all the lil cuties on it. Future project. It is such a lovely reminder of all the places we went, and often, we discuss one of them as we chat and cook in the kitchen. Very good topic for conversation, you know?
















I got this cute lil magnet in Milos which has a small 'Post-it' stuck on it. It struck me that I can use it to do this! S can just look at the fridge and not bug me about what's for lunch ;-).

I picked up these pebbles when we went to NICE and as I wondered what to do with them, I broke one of my glass flowers we got from Venice ( I know, clumsy me!)....but, the flower remained intact. So I threw a pinecone, some beads and voila! I have an interesting, earthy platter of everything in the entrance lobby!!! :-) Like it?

Pleasing Pinecones? Anybody?

The big fat Greek Holiday!

I love new beginnings...the new year is not just another day for me. It brings new hopes and dreams for me. From small beginnings come great things and I firmly believe in it. We spent the end of 2008 exploring the Bella Italy, and what an exciting ride 2009 was! Maintenant (now), we spent the end of 2009 in another beautiful country - Greece! I am really excited about 2010. I am positive that its going to be a fun ride this year too! :-)

Exploring a new country and that too, Greece and to spend New Year's eve in a lovely country was a double bonanza for us. For me, the best part of travelling is about observing the people, their characteristics, the culture and of course, the beauty of nature and the finer aspects of every region.

1. The islands of Greece have breathtakingly beautiful beaches which was expected...but I didn't expect to see the islands nestled between lovely mountains and the beautiful blue waters everywhere. Expecting to see dry lands, I was pleasantly surprised to see a lot of greenery as well.

2. The Greeks are very well known for their prominent features globally and are indeed blessed with sharp features, especially noses and most of them have very attractive facial features. I had a great time simply watching people ;-)( What??!! Nothing is wrong with appreciating beauty, right?)

3. As opposed to the rest of Europe or France, the Greek women dress pretty conservatively; mostly wearing tights or leggings and a long sweater top mostly. I did see a huge variety of boots too which was really fun! I didn't see too many funky 'punk' hairstyles or piercings.

4. As we roamed around the city, I also noticed that the Greeks are not only hospitable and friendly,they are also family-oriented people and have large happy families. Beautiful little kids play with their parents/grandparents and enjoy themselves in the park or squares.

5. Though some parts of Athens are quite dirty except for the touristy areas; the Metro stations are impeccably clean and maintained beautifully. Every station looks gorgeous and is very interesting with old excavations retained, interesting pictures, huge clocks, beautiful paintings. Its a landmark in itself!







6. As we were holidaying during the festive season, we had the pleasure of sharing their cinnamon sweets sprinkled with walnuts, crackers dunked in honey in almost every cafe, restaurant and bakery. It was quite interesting to taste the local cuisine.

S could not get enough of the Greek coffee either! I tried it, but i think its an acquired taste.









7. The best part of our trip was our stay at Milos, one of the islands in Greece. Everywhere we saw these marketing captions towards promoting Milos - "Milos is for lovers". I could'nt agree more, Milos is definitely for those who love nature; as its blessed with loads of natural beauty and you can just never have enough of the calm serene views. S and I had a long walk along the sea-side and I think that sight will remain etched in my memory forever. It was GORGEOUS and CALMING, all at the same time!!

It was a long 8-hr ferry ride, 4-hr bus ride and tiresome ferry trips that made me nauseous. But it was really worth every inch when we reached the captivating islands of the lovely GREECE!

Sunkissed, relaxed, together...

Soaking our feet in the beautiful beach - Milos, Greece!

Edited to add: S describes the natural beauty in his prolific words in 'Nowhere road'. Go read it!

The year that was...2009!

The year 2009 began on a pleasant note as we just got back from a fantastic holiday in Italy and we learnt that we would soon be living in Paris! By God's grace, the year was phenomenal with major changes; interesting learnings on the way and a subtle maturity in me! :P

The move to Paris was a major decision indeed. It meant uprooting ourselves from familiar surroundings and our own lovely home. But it was a fantastic opportunity for S and an exciting option to live in the most romantic and exotic city in the world!

Initially, the new surroudings, new home, the people and their language seemed daunting. We have slowly settled down into our Parisian home, made some great friends and we feel at 'home' now! Yet, there is a lot of scope for improvement in French! :-)

When I was skeptical about moving to a new country as it meant moving from familiar surroundings, friends and family and most importantly, quitting my job (mine), my mom said something that really convinced me. Lots of people crave for change as the routine seems mundane and boring. So when you get a chance to explore, travel and move ahead; you must grab the chance! Why do you want to stick to the routine? That convinced me totally! 2009 is also my first year without a regular job. I have been freelancing on and off as we travel very often whenever we can. It has taken a lot of time to get used to the fact that I don't get a salary at the end of every month. When I had a regular job, I longed for a break and now when I am taking a break, I want a regular job! Such is LIFE :-)

I do make sincere efforts to find a relevant job here. But its difficult to find any job here if you don't speak French, the key being fluent french. I thought it would be really easy to find a job here. After the initial disappointment, I found some really interesting freelance work and worked on varied writing projects. It is like running my own business and there are dry periods too! I have learnt to be tough and direct with freelancing! That's a first! :-)

One day ( yes, I make up my mind in an instant and that's it - I have!), I just made up my mind to enjoy my break and do things I didn't find time to do earlier and I am loving the person I am now! On most days, I am happy and cheerful from all the wonderful music I listen to. I have renewed my reading habit and read a lot of books (thanks to the American Library). I exercise regularly, alternating between Yoga, Pilates and floor exercises which has really improved my overall health and stamina. I dabble in glass painting and gardening when I feel like it. I go out with friends and explore Paris as much as I can. Of course, there is a lot of household chores to do as I don't have any domestic help here which is therapeutic(sometimes!). So there is always so much to do and my days are happy and full. Is'nt that what matters?

Thanks to the internet and Skype, I have not missed my folks or friends at all. I speak to my parents almost everyday just like I did in India. :-) What would I do without the internet? I am known to be really cranky and upset if the connection goes off here for some reason! I have made some really good friends here and I am so glad I have close friends in every city and country now!

Saving the best for the last! The best part of this year has been all the travelling. We have been to 6 countries in this year alone! We have always made an effort to travel as much as we can even when we were in India. Now that we are in a more convenient location in terms of distance; we would like to travel all over Europe.

Someone has aptly said that one’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. You learn and unlearn so many things in life; as you explore different places, cultures, people, cuisines, nature. It is a beautiful experience that needs to be felt; not described. I am in love with travel. PERIOD. I am aware that you also need twice the money. We try and save a little amount every month before we plan a trip. That way it does not pinch too much all too suddenly.

So we have saved enough to spend Christmas and New Year's in GREECE!!!!!! We will spend about 10 days in different islands and I am sooooo looking forward to it. Its a double bonanza that after we get back, in another 2 weeks, we are off to INDIA!!!! Here's wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a fantatic new year. I send a little prayer to God to bless us all with loads of love, happiness and prosperity in 2010 and thank him for the lovely and happening year that was... See you guys next year!

Colorful entrance!

Its cold and the winter has come with a bang! ...and I am always in need of scarves and stoles as I rush out somewhere! I hit upon this idea to hang all the colorful ones on the door. Its not only accessible now, its also very colorful , cheerful and pretty!


Its so much easier to make a choice too! :-)

In good humour...

Thank you Blogadda, for picking this entry! I am thrilled....



I wrote this for a client...but it was not published...so I thought I'll put it up here...

What women hate!

A few ground rules:

1. All these habits apply to all men.
2. There are exceptions to this rule.
3. The views expressed here are purely my opinion. Any similarity to the Indian male species, dead or alive, is purely intentional.

Male Chauvinism

I know that ‘The right attitude is the secret to success’. But looks like you guys heard only the word ‘attitude’ coz that’s all you have! Your ‘selective hearing’ causes delusions of self and life in general, don’t you think? So maybe you should start listening and try to understand the meaning of ‘equality’?

Eye-to-Eye

When we converse with you, why is it that you can never meet the eye? Your roving eyes wander all over, undressing us in your mind. It makes me wonder, are we actually wearing any clothes? We would really appreciate simple eye contact, you know? Stick to the eyes!

Sexist Comments

Comments like “Women gossip so much” or “A woman’s job is to cook and clean” are not very becoming of you. You have the basic common sense to read and understand instruction manuals for electronic installations or at work; surely cooking should be a piece of cake! After all, a recipe is a set of instructions that can be followed pretty easily. It’s common sense, no? I am NOT cleaning up after you. PERIOD!

Split Personality

Normally you’re tired, and weekends are to laze around and relax. But if its cricket season, or there’s an F1 race, you set the alarm, wake up early, and the entire weekend is planned around the match/race timings. Suddenly, you are extremely energetic, punctual and charged up. How do you do that? Who is the ‘real’ you?

We always see a light at the end of the tunnel. Yeah, and we love you too…

P.S - This is written in jest...no hard feelings please!

Edited to add: This post has been chosen as one of the top posts for this week's 'Tangy Tuesday Picks'

Spirituality and I.

As I do yoga or Pilates I listen to this among many other powerful verses, it fills me with an energy or calms me when I am feeling low in a way words can't explain. You have to feel it. The entire home reverberates with a positive energy. I have embraced GOD through Music and it has brought a balance to my life and given me mental strength. I don't believe there is a specific way to reach GOD. If it works for you, its good enough. Noone needs to approve it. You know it and that's all matters.

On an aside, for a long time, I would pray to GOD in different languages thinking if I am in North India, for example or if I go to a Church, I would pray in Hindi or in English respectively :-). I know, silly me!

Cheering up dull corners...

With so many cute christmas decorations springing up everywhere....I could'nt help myself!! They look damn cute and definitely cheer up the bathrooms and the rest rooms!! :D

I used the sugar dispenser used in restaurants to store the room freshner as it adds color to an otherwise bland room like the rest rooms!!!

The Travel Extravaganza!

As I just got back from a trip to NICE and Monte Carlo (Monaco) in South of France, I can't explain how lucky and blessed I feel....for the opportunity to see such lovely places in the world. S and I were pleasantly surprised to note that we have visited at least 7 countries in 2009 alone!












Coming back to the trip, NICE is a small town but absolutely beautiful with the gorgeous pebble beach right in the center of the town. Obviously, it feels like the entire population lives in and around the coast perennially coz there is so much activity and people around.

I was surprised to note that a lot of people speak English there and so it was so much easier to communicate and shop!
You get some lovely homemade soaps in all fragrances like lavendar, apricot, orange, vanilla and the fragrances are mesmerizing. I picked up a few to gift my friends and family.

They also have cute diffusers that can be hanged in bathrooms in the shape of sun, moon....the 'home decor maniac' in me refused to budge without picking a few! :-)






After 2 days of slowly exploring NICE,we decided to go to Monte Carlo in Monaco which is a 20-minute train ride from there. I must add that it is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever seen in my life. Apparently, it is a city flooded with celebrities and millionaires ( well, its a tax-free state!), you cannot see a single beggar on the road or anyone loitering around doing nothing. People are all rich, classy and sophisticated. Everywhere you see royalty, glamour and class, be it the casino or the shopping areas filled with designer labels. I was asking S where would the common people shop for anything? He was like there are no common people here, I guess!!! ;-)

(This is a picture of the Casino Entrance)

We lost some money in the casino; after we won the first I became greedy and ended up losing the entire money!!! :-) Anyway, it was a one-time experience and I think we should stick to hard work rather than luck
( sour grapes!!)
















The street lamps are decorated with chandeliers on every road! What more can I say?

Sunflowers and Sunshine!

...Exploring different markets!

I live in a central area in Paris ( as I have often shown off the wonderful view of the Eiffel Tower!)....there is a very interesting market that occurs every Wednesday and Sunday of the week. So I buy fresh vegetables, fruits, bread, household items, flowers, you-name-it and they-have-it kind of market. Of course, we often end up buying a lot of stuff that we don't even need! Like we buy a lot of clothes and luckily for me, they even have shoes my size (which is a rarity, coz I have large feet and a large heart! ;-) ).... This time, they had hosted an 'Antiques Market' and I found it really interesting. I was sternly told not to click pictures after some time, so I could not take too many! But here are a few to give you an idea....

















Very interesting furniture and unique pieces....very expensive! ( I stuck to window-shopping!)

I shook the camera....but it is a table designed to look like a ship, it looked really interesting...

African figurines and masks....I have noticed these faces in many homes including mine! It has gained a lot of popularity in recent times.

Of course, art pieces and paintings were there in every alternate stalls and is a very important aspect of Paris. I enjoyed my first 'Antiques' experience and noticed a large crowd of old women near a jewellery stall. The old women are not only very well-dressed here; they also wear lot of jewellery; especially large-stoned rings that tend to cover your entire hand!

I have also seen a lot of flea markets here where people sell their old articles, family heirlooms and sometimes, I have even seen worn-out shoes being sold! Crystalwear is most prominent in these markets. I am not a big fan of second-hand stuff :-) Interestingly, a friend of mine took me a second-hand store where clothes are sold at very low prices and are often clothes discarded by others. I was amazed to see an entire area filled with these shops coz for Indians ( I doubt if such a concept exists back home in India) it is an entirely alien concept. I am surprised that the proud French and Brits are open to shopping here! I am NOT!