I am proud to be an Indian!

...Snatches of conversations in Paris... S and I stroll across the open-air market in Odeon and as we are window-shopping, we found a shop that sold ties. Its an interesting package in a cute box that opens up to hold, a tie, cuff-links and a silk scarf or cloth or whatever people wear on their formal suits. S goes to office in formal suits and he often needs lots of ties ( not that I need any excuse to shop!). So we pick one among them...when the owner, a slightly old man...very excitedly...

Old Guy: Are you Indians? ( with a big smile on his face!)

Me: Yes! ( S conveniently leaves the talking to me, as always) ;-)

Old Guy (skeptically) : You are from the real India, not London?

Me: Yes !! ( amused)

He grabs my hand and very excitedly, shows me all the stoles.

He tells me all this is from your country, very beautiful, eh?

Me: I know! :-)

Old Guy: India is such a vast and beautiful country....He says 'Namaste' and folds his hands and bows!!

I am very pleased and we thank him. *******************************************************************************************
I am ravenously hungry as I have not had lunch so I stop by to have Crêpes, on the way back home from my French class. I spent a long time figuring out how to get there and all the tension to reach on time!! Its a really old lady who is making them and I feel sad as her hands shiver as she spreads the batter.( S and I often disagree with this, I feel sad that old people have to work at this age, instead of having a relaxed life while he thinks its good that they are independant and active!)

Crepe Lady: ( in French) So which country are you from?

Me: ( hearing the only word 'country', I get what she asks...) I am from India!

Crepe Lady (very excited and a big smile on her face!): Big country, lots of people....you speak 30 languages?

Me: I smile and say that there are about 26 states in India and each state speaks a different language! Oui! ( Yes!)

Crepe Lady: (speaks in broken English now)...You are very beautiful...all Indians are very beautiful!

Me: Merci Madame...

Crepe Lady: They are very intelligent too! Indians..very intelligent!

Me( amused): smiles...

Crepe Lady: You know Sonia Gandhi, she is from my Italy! Indian man married her...very intelligent!!!

Me: !!!!!!! ( now I know why she thinks we are intelligent)...LOL!

Jokes apart, I was very pleasantly surprised to know that she knows so much about India and is generally aware about other countries as well. I felt very proud. It feels good to hear such things about our country! :-)

Spring is here!

Tulips...

Tulips...

and Tulips....

From Jardin Du Luxembourg ( Luxembourg Gardens) on a relaxed Sunday evening!

Jewel-Art!

I miss...

...the pleasure of meeting people...face-to-face conversations...Yup, that is the only thing I miss now that I work from home here. I have always been interested in watching people, how they behave, how they react to something! Of course, in the process, I tend to get affected as well. I can rarely be detached about something; I find it very difficult to hold my tongue! I always need to say something...I miss that! I have become pretty quiet except for snatches of conversations with few friends I have here, who don't speak English too well, only language i can communicate in, at least as of now! Hopefully, the French classes that start soon help me learn the language well and to make friends too.

I have always worked since graduation. So i feel strongly about doing something all the time. Even when I quit my job in Bangalore to move to Pune, I started learning glass paintings and went on to sell a few pieces..within a month! I think its very important to be yourself, do something on your own. ANYTHING, but you MUST do something! Now that I am in Paris, I can't look for opportunities immedietly coz I need the Carte De Sejour ( residence permit) to look for work or to start working. Expats don't get work easily as employers prefer to employ the natives and fair enough, me thinks! So I am freelancing and sourcing writing/editing projects since the Internet started working. I have done some freelance work on and off even before when I had a regular job, that helps me a lot now! I used to write so that I don't lose touch and it has helped and how!

I am also learning how difficult it can be, to run a business ( I mean, to do your own thing!). I have always thought its a dream come true to be your own boss, so to speak! In a short while, I have interacted with really different clients with absolutely different needs. Some of them don't clearly explain or elaborate their requirements upfront. So I work hard on it and finally I get really frustrated when it goes kaput. On the other hand, there are good ones too who know clearly what they want. It takes 'all kinds' to make up this world. So I am learning too; to never give up, to be patient, to listen and not to take myself too seriously.

The best part of working from home is that I get to listen to some awesome music in the background, I have been hooked on to Advaitha ( Click to listen to their music!)and take a break to chat with my friends online or play a game on Facebook! I am at ease, take long leisurely baths, relax while being able to do something constructive. I can even speak to my parents everyday on Skype! ...and ask for a third-person perspective from friends on my writing, if it needs to be reviewed...What would I do without the Internet? I wonder...

The music, interesting conversations, the work that flows in, on and off...am learning to enjoy this phase too! I start French Lessons for 3 hours/3 days next week!!! I am looking forward to it...

LOL!

He who asks is a fool for five minutes, but he who does not ask remains a fool forever!

A visit to IKEA*!

.... makes an interesting center-piece in the living room!










....colorful and aromatic candles to soothe your senses!

more organized wardrobe ( Part I)...

...organized bathroom! ( where you can find it when you want to!)

A cute kitchen table with colorful Masalas!

* IKEA is a swedish home decor store that has a chain across the world! They sell modern furniture and trinkets...mostly decor and interiors :-) They are pioneers in home decor stuff but sadly do not retail in India YET! For me, it was like visiting Heaven!!

Have you ever...

Have you ever felt really happy and upbeat; and in the next hour or so felt really sad?

Have you ever felt your heart will just burst with all the love you feel for him/her?

Have you often wondered how beautiful Nature is?

Have you ever wondered how complex people can be?

Have you ever been able to understand why there is so much conflict or violence in this world?

Have you learnt lessons from something that happened in your life?

Have you ever accepted that you do have a Big Ego?

Have you realized the true value of good friends?

Have you ever felt this sudden urge to be able to see/touch someone you love?

Have you loved unconditionally?

Have you ever thought about your last breath on Earth?

Have you ever considered yourself beautiful?

I have...

Stained Glass...

...Notre Dame De Paris! Exquisite, isn't it??

One of my quirks!

It is already a month since we moved here! Time just flew by, am still waiting for my furniture and all my precious photoframes and knick-knacks to arrive. Till they do, I feel like I am living in someone else's home! Well, I am sort of,...but don't you think these little things that you can relate to, cozy up your home? Like the odd cushion with the special cover you had to argue about buying or the photo collage that reminds you of fun times or a lovely holiday or that lamp shade you insisted on buying!

Note: My current home in Paris, which I shall modify soon with my stuff, will update that pic once I am done and of course, my stuff arrives!

It breaks my heart to accept the fact that some one else is living in my own home. Yes, we found a tenant for our home and my amazing friend took care of everything for me. I know you got to be practical and all that blah, but it is a home ( Click on this link to read the earlier post) we built with a lot of love, effort and utmost detail. But like S says, even if someone else lives there, it is still OUR home! Well, that is indeed some consolation! :-)

I strongly believe that your home reflects your personality; just like how well groomed a person is, reflects an individual's personality. I am not referring to good looks ( that would be a plus, yes, I am vain! Murder me?) here; I mean clean nails, feet, well-groomed hair, that sorta thing. In fact, when I first met S, that was the first thing I noticed. He has absolutely beautiful pink feet and he is very well-groomed ALWAYS!

I personally feel, it speaks volumes about a person ( Please note I speak only for myself and it happens to be MY blog, heard of freedom of speech?!). Just like how a few quirks about someone is endearing, the little things around the house seem to complete YOUR home! I have even named a few of my knick-knacks as if they were real and we often refer to them with their names! Come on, they have been with us for years, you are bound to care about them!

When I think about something, I visualize it in graphic detail. So I visualize my home with all the trimmings; even that slight rip somewhere in the corner of the sofa! Yup, Go Figure! So I can't wait for my stuff to COMPLETE my home! :-) Do any of you have any such attachments to a particular thing?

A moment of epiphany!

Continuing this , I have often come across people who make a generalized statement like 'Oh, Women always gossip' or for that matter ' Men are such chauvinists'. It gets my goat when you judge someone based on their gender or which part of the country they are from! I strongly believe that an individual is an individual. PERIOD. Irrespective of whether you are a male or a female, your personality, beliefs and attributes are strongly influenced by your upbringing and the surroundings you have grown up...

You don't have to be a woman to gossip or a man to be chauvinistic! A few years back, it would have been really easy to provoke me with such gender-specific statements. I would get into a huge argument with the said person. Over time, I have realized that there is no point. Is there anyone who likes to be proved wrong, including me? No! So I have become mature enough to understand there is no point trying to convince someone otherwise and choose to keep quiet. Saves a lot of trouble for both of us, right? However, if I know the other person well enough, I will try to have a healthy discussion, at least get to know why s/he feels that way.

Having said that, I have also understood that it is important to listen, not hear someone when they speak. Often, I am so excited about what I want to say that I never LISTEN. I have to change this trait of mine!

For a long time, I also thought that its so boring to be quiet and found quiet people boring! I am a woman of words; in fact too many words. I have realized it would take a lot of effort to restrain yourself from expressing yourself in a fight or heated discussion with someone. Often, When S and I argue, I have learnt to control myself and keep quiet. Its extremely difficult for me, but I do coz I might say something in a fit of anger and regret it for the rest of my life. So I remain silent. It helps A LOT!

When you are calm and take some time to think; it puts a lot of things into perspective. I know my basic nature will not change. But when you stay quiet, you feel calm and serene inside after some time. Another lesson learnt; its not easy to be quiet AND sometimes its good to remain silent :-)

I have a confession to make! I am not too conscious about what others think of me; I mean I don't bog myself down about what people will say or think! That does not mean I don't care at all...I do care about people I love; rather people who mean a lot to me. The buck stops there. I don't want to spend the rest of my life trying to please EVERYONE. It is just not possible. In fact, I have had some people tell me the most vicious things with a ' I say this with no malice' and I can't help but laugh! :D So there is just no point. Such people just don't matter. PERIOD.

I ALWAYS dream, when I am sleeping. Even if I sleep on the way somewhere for like 15 minutes, I dream! Its so wierd...sometimes the most obscure person features in my dream! Nowadays, if I have a bad dream, I try to think about pleasant things. I realize that I want to control my dreams as well...but it does not work...after some time, it goes back to the bad dream!! I have tried praying too but it does not help. Any suggestions here?

Picture this!

On my kitchen window....

...I have some fresh coriander, want some??!! :-)

Standing tall !!

Today, I went to the bank to open an account for myself, along with S. On my way back, I saw these amazing purple-fuschia ( Its a double color) colored shoes...they looked so awesome, my resolve not to shop is all gone! :P ( Its ok, I can go hungry for a few days!!)

I don't really need heels coz I am pretty tall, I am close to 5-8' , a fact that I am really proud of!! However, as you can see, I have large (ugly broad) feet, I have problems finding good shoes that look feminine more than anything else! So, if I find any shop that has my size, its a moment of bliss! REALLY!!

Amma often tells me its good you wear flats and heels damage your spine and posture and all that blah! All said and done, heels add elegance to your personality and I have always longed to wear them. S is much taller than I am...so I can afford to wear them. I guess, once in a while, its ok!! Thank GOD for that! :) Coz, these add quite a few inches! My brother often makes fun of girls that they walk on stools!! :P

Now, I want to be impartial and fair! So I bought another pair of shoes...not now, long back...coz it was a good deal, they had my size and they are flats!! I am sooooo thrilled, ya, anything new makes me go bonkers!! :P Sharing my newest acquisitions!!

Other than the time difference..

Apart from the time difference of about 4.5 hrs between Paris and India ( back home for me!)...I found many other interesting differences....

People are nattily dressed even to the market

Many people have these toy-like dogs that they bring along everywhere. These dogs do not bark or do anything....you can see them even in shopping malls, little balls of fur...really cute!

You can NEVER see anyone carry their babies or toddlers in their arms. They are ALWAYS in a pram and oh, how can i forget? with a nipple stuffed into their mouth.

You can NEVER see bi-lingual boards on the road or shops or for ingredients. Everybody speaks only FRENCH. Oui?

Most fathers spend a lot of time with their kids and seem to genuinely enjoy their time with their children. Its endearing.

Mostly, it looks like people thrive on cheese and chocolates. Even digestive biscuits have a chocolate coating!

The Internet/TV/Phone takes a minimum of just 2 weeks to be installed!! You have to pay a fortune if you want a technician to come home for installing it! Yeah, you heard me right!

Every street corner has a 'coiffeur' ( Hair styling salon) or two and there is a mandatory cafe at every two blocks filled with people enjoying some wine and maybe cigarettes. No, this is not on a weekend, this is on every single day!!

You can see people jogging on the road at any time of the day. Even if its bizarrely cold, you can see people in shorts. I often wonder how they manage to bear the cold? I have even seen people jogging on the road when we were coming back home from dinner, say about 10.30?

Everybody is thin and fit. ( I guess the jogging is the secret!) EVERYBODY!
Incidentally, I have recently discovered the joy of good music and going on long walks. I feel AWESOME! :) I don't have to fear running into someone, coz I don't know anybody! :P

Edited to add more:

There is 'Pomme' ( Pomme refers to apple) in everything...Pomme de pain, Pomme yaourt, Pomme verte savon..like lime is a flavor used extensively in India, Pomme or Green apple is a flavor used in everything from bath foams to yogurt!

S's naturally curly hair has become straight and my straight hair is now poker straight! :D

Ms.Congeniality!

I am moving on! Yup, I am…instead of brooding about missing my friends and the tiny social circle I had back home in India, I decided to extend my hand…and viola! I have two friends now! S’s colleague’s wife Teresa, a Spanish lady, a lovely person and a mother of three…she came home and we got talking…she introduced me to another girl who is apparently on the same street as mine… she was shopping in the ‘Wednesday’ and ‘Sunday’ Market that happens right below my apartment and she popped in too…and we all hit it off instantly…J I felt so happy that there were other people I could talk to…

Tomorrow, Cristina and I will meet up in the nearby station and we are off to Teresa’s! Not bad, eh? I feel great!

P.S – Teresa got me some lovely flowers and it looked gorgeous and that's the picture! These are posts I had drafted long back when I had no internet!

My appy Birthday was awesome!

I am 29! Yes, I am loving it! This birthday was one my best ever...S came home with a bunch of flowers hiding behind his back, which he cleverly hid ( yeah, right!!)...made dinner for me even before my birthday began!

I was a little upset that I would be alone at home on my birthday and wanted to scream its my birthday!! :) ( Yeah, I am like that, I love my birthday and feel like a princess!). So I expected S to go to work and I thought we would celebrate in the evening, coz its a weekday. Surprise of surprises, S took the whole day off...served breakfast for me. (We had to get a medical test for the social security. So we got that done) ...and just roamed all around Paris...did some shopping...came home, S made lunch for us!! ....Went out again and did some more shopping....went to the Eiffel Tower and had the awesomest view of Paris!! S got me this awesome red coat for my birthday gift that I have been drooling over, as we pass by the store everyday!! :D ( among many other things, which we can discuss later!)

S wanted us to have dinner at the Eiffel, there is a cool place right on the tower. But he found out that they don't serve any vegetarian food. Anyway, it was a good thing...coz we just took the Metro and went to the Notre Dame area and found an amazing restaurant and we had dinner with candlelights and good conversation!

We then found this really interesting lane and washed off dinner with warm crepes filled with Nutella and walnuts! :D It was such a pleasant feeling...really cold weather...the warm crepes....I had a warm fuzzy feeling as we ended the fabulous day!

My parents / inlaws /family sent me an e-mail and e-card, I was pleasantly shocked!!! I did call them and speak to them anyway. I got a lot of wishes from all my friends, thanks to orkut and facebook! :) Thank you all for making me feel so special on my birthday! S, as always, you made me feel out-of-the world!

I celebrated my Birthday in Paris!!!... and the entire day was romantic!! Like my dear friend N says, what more do I want? Dear God, I thank you for this fabulous life and for all the love I recieve...look out for your child. I know you will and you do :)

Edited to add: I just noticed that this is my 201st Post!!! :) Double Century is not bad at all, eh?

I have been productive, I told you so!

A simple yet easy transformation!

My bedroom in Paris! and yes, people who know me personally? I agree, I am incorrigible!! :D

A Grand Entry into Paris!

We arrived in Paris; the trip was uneventful…well, mostly. There was a slight problem about the baggage which was solved by an extra bag that we had to buy at the airport! We made a slight miscalculation in the distribution of the stuff!

It was my first time in a business class and I have to say there is nothing to write home about, except for a lot of leg space and the bed-like seat. I don’t understand what all the fuss is about! REALLY. Since it was an early morning flight, most of us slept for the majority of the time. So I didn’t really feel like it took a long time to come here! :) Incorrigible that I am, the minute I woke up, I watched F.R.I.E.N.D.S again! For that matter, so did S!

I felt like royalty as we arrived at the Paris Airport to take a cab to go to our new home. Listen to this, it was a Mercedes!!! :D I was thrilled to say the least, and S could not stop grinning ear to ear, the little boy in him smiling for a long time :) I felt really happy for both of us. :)

We both prayed silently to God for the smooth flight and everything going well without any hiccups. I couldn’t believe I was in Paris!!!! It was bloody cold and I think I need some time to get used to the weather; I tend to have headaches which I hope I can get rid of, over time! (The only downside, I hope!)

Strawberries and flowers!

We are all packed and the house is almost empty except for the bed and a few clothes! :-) We have had some tense moments, running errands and trying to get things done. Despite the empty home, I have a good feeling that its OUR home! We will come back to it in sometime, anyway, right? right!

I am excited about Paris and have mentally made plans of what am gonna do there! To start with, there is a nursery right below our apartment there which has some really beautiful flowers. So you know where some of the plants will land up? Our balcony, of course! Where else? All my chimes will tinkle and make pleasant sounds when the wind blows...I remember I did a post on strawberries in my garden when we set up home in Pune...it brings back beautiful memories...that sense of a new life, new people, new beginnings...gives me a sense of deja vu...Life comes a full circle, doesn't it?

Will put up pictures of the garden as and when it appears in Paris! :-)

Happy Birthday, my darling S!

My Dear S,

Wish you a very happy Birthday !!!.

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!

We moved into our home, exactly the same time, last year and celebrated your birthday here with both the parents, do you remember?

Its exactly one year since then, and mostly God has blessed us with lots of good things and happiness throughout...We both thank you God! :) As you embark on a new journey in a new country and a new role that excites you, I know you are excited and you are looking forward to this wonderful new challenge in your career. I wish and pray you get all the success you deserve and you are an achiever! I am very proud of everything you are...

Did I tell you that you are the best thing that ever happened to me? Let me say that again, you are the bestest thing that ever happened to me...

Wishing you many many happy returns of the day, Munchkin! Continue to be the suave gentleman that you are!

Love and Hugs,
J

P.S - He needs all your good wishes. Say a silent prayer for my S, pretty please?

When I go to Paris...

• I can wear boots and not look silly!
  
• I am going to learn French, well i don't really have a choice!
  
• I can get a French Manicure, the real thing!
• I can allot more time towards acheiving my fitness goals as I won't need to rush to work, atleast in the intial couple of months!
• I will keep wondering what is the time difference, and can I call up India now?
• I can( will be) be the maid, the cook, the cleaner and the hostess too! :D
• I will celebrate my Birthday in Paris!
• I will enjoy being sort of anonymous ( not that am a celebrity or anything...but I don't know how to explain better...)

Will add some more or modify this, depending on how we progress...

I swear...by the sun and the moon and the stars!!

A chime that hangs on the window near my bedroom window! Its really cute, I love it! Will accompany me to Paris, among other things!!:-)

How cool is that?

My new home in Paris is going to have a view of....



















Awesome, eh?

25 random things about me!

My friend Sudha, has tagged me on Facebook to do this tag. The rules of the tag are:

Once you've been tagged, you are supposed to write a note with 25 random things, facts, habits, or goals about you. At the end, choose 25 people to be tagged. You have to tag the person who tagged you. If I tagged you, it's because I want to know more about you.

1. I am never lost for words and make friends very easily.I tend to give the impression that I am close to everyone but in reality I have very few close friends.
2. I am a narcissist who loves to look at herself!
   
3. I love tall, suave and intelligent men.
4. I believe that S is the best thing that ever happened to me. He perfectly complements the 'hyper' me.
   
5. I am a classically trained singer and can sing reasonably well.
6. A highly emotional person, am very expressive about my feelings for everyone.
   
7. WYSWIG ( What you see is what you get).
8. I am an open book; very transparent and easy to read, even to a stranger!
9. Lots of people assume that I am arrogant and over-confident looking at my personality. I would like to think I am confident, definitely not arrogant. So i tend to make an extra effort to appear friendly.
   
10. I envy people who are naturally slim, who don't really need to make an effort to look that way!
    
11. I am very enthusiastic and get really excited about even little things in life and believe that's what makes every day and moment interesting.
12. I strongly believe its important that you love and respect yourself before you expect others to show love/respect for you. So I do LOVE myself :P .
13. Music is a quintessential part of my life and I believe is highly theraupatic.
14. I am a very bad judge of character; I hope to get better over the years.
15. I have understood that I have a blessed life unlike so many other unfortunate people and am thankful for the life i have...Indeed, I am contented.
16. I love the smell of babies; their innocence.
17. I enjoy every phase in my life; be it school or college or now that I am working. I never feel that I want to go back to a phase in the past.
18. You can always find a permanent grin on my face and sometimes, my mouth hurts from all the talking!
    
19. I am a people's person. I love to meet new people and many of my friends come to me for advice. I am everyone's agony aunt! ( I am glad to help in anyway i can!)
20. I am very good with interiors and home decor. I hope to run my own business someday!
21. I don't really worry too much about what others may think if I do or say something. I just say it or do it as long as I am not hurting someone.
22. I love the beaches and can never have enough of it. I love travelling as long as it does not entail hairpin bends and winding roads to the Mountains. ( S, can you read that?)
23. I may forget but I do NOT forgive!
24. I am short-tempered and am very much aware of it. So when I am angry I just keep quiet lest I say something hurting I may regret later.
    
25. I cry very easily; even if I see someone crying...I end up crying without finding out why! I just can't see people sad. So I am good entertainment for people in movies!!
    

Thanks, Sudha! This was indeed interesting and got me thinking. Anyone interested in doing this tag, please take it up. Do let me know when you do it, I would love to read it! :-)

Its all in the mind...

Happiness is a state of mind. Really. Don't you think so? I think it is possible to be happy all the time. I can't believe it that I am saying this...coz i used to think its just that its the right thing to say...but I realize its true!

I am reading this book 'The Secret' as I have been recommended several times by different people and it says 'Our mind picks up frequencies and tunes into that thought, depending on the signal it gets'...and it makes sense too. Sometimes, my past haunts me and I am gripped by fear or uncertainity. It often happens that when you don't want to think about something, that is the first thought that comes up even while you are feeling happy about something. I strongly feel you must make a conscious effort to think positive and focus on the happy things in life, and certainly, you will attract the right things in your life.

For example, the move to Paris...I am definitely excited and happy about moving there, being exotic and romantic locale and all, but I was a lil upset about leaving my job AGAIN and to leave my friends AGAIN and of course, my folks, who I can't visit as often as I would want to...But Amma gave me a different perspective. Look at it this way, you are not tied down by the monotony of living in the same city for years...and you get to see new people, new places and new experiences...for a few years everytime! Who is so blessed like that? And on the flip side, I have made some amazing friends in every city or place I have lived in.

This year, with great difficulty, I must say, I have also detached myself from negative people in my life. I want to stay clear of such people, even at the risk of sounding rude or appearing arrogant. I am aware that optimism or focus on positivity does not happen overnight; but I have made a beginning...sometime back and I must say, it works wonders!

My first job ( Part II)

...continued from here...

Due to the high fever, I could not go for the interview as scheduled earlier. I could not call and inform either, as I didn't have their contact numbers, except for the address. After 2 days or so, the HR guy I met in the event, calls me up to ask why I didn't come for the interview!! When i told him that i was not keeping well, he set up another interview on a different date and made polite enquiries about my health. My Dad was even more suspicious about the job offer coz who calls up and asks why you couldn't come for the interview? He found it really wierd and over the top!

Anyway, somehow, I finally did go for the interview and met my future boss ( who is the best manager I have had, till date!) . As usual, I spoke nineteen to the dozen and fearlessly answered every question unabashedly ( He would often comment how outspoken and fearless i was!). He asks me 'what is the least salary I would join at?'. Without a moment to think, I answer some ridiculously low amount as I simply had no clue. What I quoted was so ridiculous, that he increased my salary himself and I was appointed with immediete effect.

After I joined the company, it was their appraisal time and everybody got hikes! I also got a hike coz my boss's boss felt that the little kid ( me!) would feel left out and they thought I was a promising employee!! Thus, started my career with a bang, loads of fun and frolic, lots of outings, made good friends and I felt like I was on a picnic...the most fun workplace i have ever been...

A piece of art from Rome, in our Home!

A painting of the Palatino Hill by a local artist, framed! You like?

Recycling differently...

1. Take an empty bottle ( In this case, S's empty Brut Aftershave)
2. Remove all the stickers on it so that the bottle can be clean.
3. Get some magic beans ( colored mustard-like seeds that you get for 10 bucks anywhere on the road).
4. Empty the 'magic beans' into the bottle and pour some water.
5. In some times, the 'magic beans' sprout into big jelly-like beans and make the bottle colorful.
6. Viola! You have an interesting bottle on display.
7. I added a satin ribbon to it for some frills! :-)

You Like?

My first job (Part I)

....reminds me of a fun time and great memories! The Year? 2000. Yes, I started working immedietely after graduation. It just started as a whim, I used to go for aerobics classes and another girl who used to come there, asked me if I would be interested in Event Management? With a few friends, I begged my Dad to let me go! It was for a freelance event manager and she paid a hefty sum for just 4 days of wearing a saree, few smiles and to learn the bare minimum of the product. So i represented this Generator company while trying to hold on to my saree!! THAT was my unofficial first job! :-)

Then, my official permanent job came calling, right there and how! A private software training division of a group of companies had another stall there. My future best friend paid me a visit at the stall acting as a prospective customer! ( My future manager had sent her, as he was 'impressed' by my personality and wanted her to check out my communication skills!) Obviously, I had no clue and I sincerely explained about the product to her. Later, in the evening, at the end of the event, she came along with their HR executive and they wanted me to come for a personal interview for the position of ' Counselor'. I was pretty excited about it, all the more coz i didn't even have to apply for a job!

My Dad burst my bubble by saying he won't send me for any interview for a job where someone chose to pick me by just 'looking' at me. Yes, my parents are very protective about me. I go everywhere with 'escorts'. My brother finally convinced him to let me go citing reasons that I need exposure...

On the day of the interview, I was running high fever...and my parents asked me to stay put at home, interview can go to hell !!!....to be continued...

We were there!

A beautiful view of the valleys, again in Goa! I bet you want to sit on the armchair and relax, eh?

My Ganchu!

I took this picture in a Nature Resort that we stayed in Goa. A Cute Ganesha ( Hindu God) has been carved on a log of wood and was placed in our cottage. I simply loved it...if i could have 'borrowed' it, I would have...difficult coz its too big! So i had to console myself with the picture! :D

P.S - I am just kidding about the 'borrowing' part, of course i would'nt!!

Masakalli...Matakalli...

Listening to Music is theraupatic as I have mentioned before several times. It makes me dream of a better and happy surroundings, a perfect world with no sadness...all things bright and beautiful... Thanks to my walkman phone, gifted to me by S, I can listen to music anytime...and it transports me to a different world, my own world where I feel upbeat and happy..'Masakalli..Matakalli' gives me that feeling right now ( You can downloads songs from http://www.songs.pk/ in MP3 format)! Another tamil song 'Taxi Taxi' makes my foot tap and want to dance! People will wonder what's wrong with me if I do that in the middle of the office! :) Anyway, everyone knows I am listening to music if I am quiet for a long time at work, coz that is the only thing that can shut me up!

I can't wait to see 'Dilli 6' movie, promises to be interesting... and A.R.Rahman's music is amazing, everyone knows that! I hope i can watch the movie before we have to move...

Paris, here we come!

We are both moving to Paris, France for a couple of years.

The Good...
Wonderful opportunity for my darling S and his career growth, which he rightfully deserves.
A new country, new people and hopefully some new friends!
We can both travel around the world, which is what we (y)earn for!
New experiences, new people and fresh beginnings.
A refreshing break from the monotony of a comfortable home, city that has grown on us and that we love and my job stint! ( which is the usual trend!)
I can take my parents on a Europe trip! ( Amma would enjoy it the most!)
I will learn a new language - French! I doubt it, if i can get away without it.

The Bad...
I have to quit my job that I really like. ( Its not too bad, who knows I might find something better or I can always freelance).
Miss my parents for sure, can't rush to them whenever i want! ( Of course, its a different thing that even when I am here, I can't make an impromptu trip for various reasons)
Miss my friends. ( Online interactions / phone conversations are not the same as personal interactions!)
I will terribly miss interacting and meeting people, fun and gossip at work, for sure!

The ugly...
We have to leave our cozy home that we have built with loads of love and dreams, that is the MOST heart-wrenching for me...
I will feel lonely. On the flip side, lots of people have promised to visit me.
I will miss all the festivities here in India, especially Diwali, Janmashtami and Ganesh Chathurthi, which I love. ( Ya, I can celebrate it there, but its not the same! Maybe, I can come home at that time)

I dream of...

having my own business..being my own boss...doing what I enjoy the most? What would that be? I don't have to think really hard. I would like to have my own interior designs venture. Even if i say so myself, I am pretty good at it though I don't have a formal education in Interiors! I am sure I can learn the technical aspects as well, if required, meaning I can acquire a degree...I would love to have a boutique too, except i would never sell any clothes! I am sure I would want all of them for myself...am greedy! :D

I recently went for a workshop and learnt that reading and revisiting your dreams helps you move towards realizing it. So this is my first baby step, writing (typing) it down on this blog. I am a strong believer of following your dreams, doing what you are passionate about...rather than sticking to conventional done-to-death career options. Reason why I took up writing as a career option despite having a finance qualification. It worked. Of course, I could do that coz I had someone to support me. What about people who need to work for financial necessities? I guess they don't have a choice! Anyway, I really enjoy what I do and am doing reasonably well. Another area that I am obsessed about is home decor and interiors. To start with, I am thinking of posting picture on this blog...my own little ideas that will enhance our homes or good housekeeping ideas. ( I already do it a little bit...)

I subscribe to 'Good Housekeeping' and something I see there or read sparks off new ideas. Mind you, nothing in my house is too expensive. I look for the right deals and things that will match my decor and my aesthetics suitably. Good Living is not about having expensive things or decor, it is about having a pleasant haven you come back to everyday, something that makes you feel comfortable, happy and upbeat.

The best part of my life, I would have to say, would be to have a leisurely breakfast, having a light conversation with S, sitting on the swing along with S eating corn or to just sit along with him listening to the water flowing from the fountain...I am totally at peace!

The colors change with the season...

P.S - I am a big cushion-maniac! I welcome cushion covers with open hands! :P

Glass-loot from Murano, Venice!

Our very own Gondola!

Facades - Murano, Venice!

You can see masks, masks and masks everywhere in Venice! I had no choice but to buy it! :)

It is certainly worth the effort!

I AM one of those people who likes to dress well to make myself feel good and all that blah! But I also like it when someone notices it or compliments it, be it a new hairstyle, clothes or anything...especially when S does!

I have to say that I am a lucky wife ( I know I am blessed in lots of ways too!) that way coz S ALWAYS notices anything new I wear...( No, I don't force him to...he is naturally observant!).

Infact, he has a great sense of color and fashion and gives the right suggestions when we shop or when we are getting ready to go out. He always compliments me if I wear something new and looks good on me. I am secretly thrilled when he does though outwardly I appear nonchalant! :D

When I get lots of compliments at work from everyone, I can't wait to get home and tell him like a kid from school who returns home to tell everything that happened excitedly to her/his Mom!

My Motto of the Year is...

A friend told me that he follows this philosophy deeply. I would like to follow the same throughout the year....when I heard it, I simply loved it...On a positive note I begin this year...
I am going to be... "Positively Aggressive at being Aggressively Positive".

You could try as well, I hear it works wonders! :-)

Happy new year!

I wish for everyone!

Peace. Prosperity. Love. Happiness. Success. New Beginnings. New Dreams...

Wish you a very happy happy happy new year.

The year that was...2008!

was pretty good...God has always been kind to me...after all, when you go through the lows, you appreciate the highs much more, don't you?

New lovely OWN home. Check.
Good job I love going to, everyday. Check. ( Actually on most days)
Most days, happy and cheerful. Check.
Awesome Holiday to Italy. Check.
Found some amazing friends for keeps. Check.
Peace and Contentment. Check.


I am looking forward to a wonderful new year ahead, with lots of happiness, good memories, fun and loads of love! I hope and pray some of our dreams bear fruit this year! :-)

In 2009, I would love to see myself and everyone around me fitter and healthier!
In 2009, I take a resolution to be more practical and street smart!
In 2009, I take a resoultion to let go of my past and omit the bad memories!
In 2009, I promise to take each day as it comes and enjoy every single moment I have!
In 2009, I promise to share my love and happiness with everyone and try to bring joy to everyone!
In 2009, I promise to be thankful for what I have, which is in abundance compared to many other less fortunate people!

Thank you God, for loving your child, I love you too :-)
Thank you God, for S, for my parents and brother and for all the lovely people in my life.

People-watching and missing Amma!

People-watching is one of my favorite pastimes. On the train from Pisa to Florence, I did just that, with the music on, I could not help looking at the young couple so much in love and smitten with each other, the old yet smart couple completely engrossed in their conversation oblivious to anyone in the train compartment or the lady with a strong personality, who simply attracted my attention like a magnet.

...While I did that, the 'Maa' track from 'Taare Zameen Par' brought back memories of my beloved Amma. I was thinking how much she loves travelling and would have loved to see the beautiful countryside and meeting new people. I got really emotional and I guess, I was sub consciously thinking about how much I miss her....tears automatically rolled down my eyes. S, who was standing outside, listening to his music, came running worriedly asking what the matter is... When I told him, I miss my Amma, he smiled and said you are incorrigible. But I will definitely take her on a Europe trip in the future.


No matter how happy I am, I will always miss her and Appa. Appa is not a big fan of travelling, so am sure he would not enjoy this, anyway! Emotions catch up with you, when you are totally off guard or not expecting it, don't they?

Purple is the color of Italy!

It really is.....You can see the purple color everywhere....be it jackets, boots, accessories.....infact, they have special dedicated sections of purple colored clothes, accessories and awesome boots....

....When in Rome, be a Roman, Right? So, I bought myself a sweater jacket there in Purple!!! he he he...actually, I was feeling really cold and I didn't carry enough warm clothes, so I had to buy it and I really do like the color. :-) Everywhere in Italy, its purple, like its their national color or something!

The Journey was interesting!

We didn't choose to fly with Finn air for the best experience or anything, except that it was the best travel deal. Well, I guess you learn from your mistakes. To start with, the losers just gave us non-vegetarian food and didn't bother to even ask what our preference would be. So I speak to the steward and request him for a vegetarian meal. He tells me ' I know it sounds ridiculous, but we have run out of vegetarian meals' !!! So S and I went hungry with no food except for some dry bread and fruits on a 10 hour flight! He didn't even have the gall to apologise, just some dumb excuse and very nonchalant about it.

Anyway, I didn't want to dampen my holiday spirit and was generally enjoying myself listening to some music on my phone when the guy next to us is sobbing quietly. I ask S to ask him if somethings wrong? S in his usual caustic self asks me to mind my own business, and just ignores the guy. How can I feel happy about my holiday while someone is crying next to me? I wait for some time and hesitate, finally can't take it anymore and I ask him if something is wrong? He immediately says he's fine and smiles. :-) I know something is bothering him and wish I could help and yet can't. So, Stranger-on-the-flight-to-Helsinki-next-to-us, I hope you find peace with whatever that is bothering you. Maybe, he was missing someone or a loved one died, I will never know!

After the long and arduous journey, when we arrived in Rome, it was bloody cold...

Bella Italia!

....The trip was fantastic, hectic and an awesome experience. Very cold. Loads of WALKING. Beautiful Architecture.Beautiful and friendly people. Lovely Music. Books. Watching People. Good memories.

I will continue to share my thoughts through a series of posts or as I recollect my memories about the trip, pictures and how can I forget the little shopping I did? :-)

I always feel that travel to a different city or country exposes you to a different lifestyle and different people, that is completely different from your own 'comfort zone' - be it food, clothes, weather, people or their way of life...and I am glad I am blessed with an opportunity to explore the different facets of this world, other than my own little world. Well, at first glance, a few observations about Italy and most importantly, its people.

1. I felt thirsty ALL the time and I would drink gallons of water. Water is really sweet and I would really look forward to drink water. I didnt notice any of the Italians drink water though. Water is water, how can anything else replace it? They drink something called 'water with gas' which tastes like soda.
2. The women are very well-dressed and wear elaborate eye makeup and all kinds of glamourous boots. The Italian men are very tall and good-looking, which is a known fact, I guess.
3. I felt very sad to see lots of lonely old couples or single senior citizens everywhere. Most of them live all alone, shivering in the cold, senile and longing for company.
4. Most of them don't speak English. But you can manage to communicate with some rudimentary words and signs!
5. I was surprised to see there is hardly any vegetable in Italian cuisine. As it is, we had a hard time finding vegetarian food, even if we did it was the same tomato-cheese pizza or pasta. After some time, the lack of spice gets to you, even though I am quite fond of cheese and pastas, it gets boring over time.
   
6. As it gets dark pretty early, I felt like people are very disciplined and retire pretty early. At home, it feels very lively and people are always active throughout the day and even late at night. Around 6.30 - 7, most shops are closed and the streets are empty and you don't see too much activity.

Leaving you with a sneak peak of my little trinkets from Italy!

I am on a break!

S and I saw 'Dostana' yesterday night and it was a much-needed distraction from all the tension and sad turn of events in the Mumbai terror attacks. Those images haunt me and I keep going back to what their families must be going through. I send a silent prayer for all them to cope with their loss, its very difficult, easier said than done....but life has to go on for them. Me too. The Mumbai Siege reiterates the fact that we should live each day as it comes and enjoy every single day doing things you have always wanted to, like there is no tomorrow...literally!
I leave for Italy tomorrow night and my flight is from Mumbai-Delhi-Helsinki-Rome. I can't help but fervently hope that we return home safely. Of course, finally it is DESTINY. But I have to admit that there is a morbid fear of 'what-if', must admit! What has become of my beloved country? We will come through this, this too shall pass. I know that!

Anyway, I am hoping to have a lovely holiday and explore the lovely country Italy is! :) I hope I am missed a teeny weeny bit when I am away!! I will be away for 2 weeks, on vacation, the much awaited trip to Italy with my S! I am back on the 18th of December. I shall be back with stories and pictures to share with you guys. See you all on the other side of my break! :) Keep smiling!!!

Horror Stories!

I am very scared of watching of ghost movies, not the gory ones where the characters wear make up or masks. The movies that have the most unpredictable things happening especially the background music. On Friday night, S and I were watching ‘1920’ and halfway through the movie, S wanted to go read a book in the bed. I pleaded with him to sit with me and watch! (Now, I am very scared but I want to see the entire movie too. Yup, I am weird!).

Then we got into this conversation about whether ghosts exist and stuff like that. S said he didn't believe in it. I said I do believe there are spirits, how else can you explain this feeling that someone touched you or you get up in the middle of the night when you are sure you heard something?

I remember when I was a kid, I went to Delhi for a vacation and my cousin narrated a ghost story so well that I didn’t sleep for many days. I also watched ‘The Alien’ along with my brother in my neighbour’s place and came back home with horrified images in my mind. For atleast a week, I would get up in the middle of the night and cry that my stomach is swollen and an alien is going to burst open! My poor Mom had to go to work the next day and she too had sleepless nights, thanks to yours truly! She would scold me that if you are so scared, why do you watch all this crap??!!!

I am incorrigible that way. I still watch them even now fully knowing i'll have sleepless nights. Especially if S is away and I am home alone, I can’t wait for the day to dawn! I will count from 1 – 3, and run to the bedroom from the lounge. If I am thirsty and I would feel like drinking water, I won’t go to the kitchen for water. I will simply sleep thirsty!!

I don't know why I do that but I recollect the scary images from the movie, and then utter shlokas to calm myself or to sleep. :D I have to watch ‘normal stuff’ before I go to sleep.

Wish me luck coz S is gonna be away travelling and I really hope there is no horror movie on T.V! Anyone has similar stories to share? :)

Its a GOOD sign!

A few days back, Amma told me that she has been reading 'Sai Charitham' for good things to happen to both her children, me and my brother. She called me at work and asked me to go to a Shirdi SaiBaba temple, if possible, and that too on a Thursday and it was that same day. She felt she had an intuition and good feelings about it and insisted I should go right in the evening.

Though, I was real tired after a long day at work, I decided to go to the temple atleast for Amma's sake. I parked my bike as it was a super busy road and walked up to the temple. I went in, prayed and did my namaskaarams and when I looked into his eyes, I could see a kind face with really warm eyes and I felt as if he was saying to me 'Don't worry, you are my child. I will take care of you'. I felt really good and felt a sense of calm...I honestly felt nice going to the temple. I was quiet for a long time, at peace with myself, which is really rare with me!!

Today, an elderly couple whom I have never met before, but stay in our apartment complex, came home to invite us for the Sthapna of Sai Baba. They gave us the most beautiful invitation I have ever seen, ornate with embroidery and I was so excited to see the exact picture of Sai Baba on the cover, that I saw in the temple!!! I am overwhelmed with joy and feel its a good sign from HIM.
I don't think its just a coincidence.Thank you God, for being so kind to me and for everything you have blessed me with!! :) I called Amma to tell her this and she was overjoyed to say the least!! :-) KEEP THE FAITH.

Let go!

Every one comes into your life for a reason (Courtesy Brian A. "Drew" Chalker). Some of them stay for a reason, a season and a lifetime. We all often learn and unlearn a few things from each other. Though, I often proudly declare that I don't care what others think about me or perceive of me, I was wrong. I do care! But I have realized that my concern is misplaced. Respect is very important in every relationship, be it a friend, your partner or your sibling. PERIOD.

Most of us spend a lot of time wondering what others will think of us or trying to please someone who is not totally worth the effort. Life is short and is filled with numerous possibilities. Make the most of it, hang on to your loved ones and experience joy. Believe in HIM, he will take care of everything. Have faith, Be good...he does. He knows when it is the right time and everything will fall into place.

In fact, I remember Preeti writing a post on 'Radiators and Drains'. She explains how some people come into your life and radiate positive thoughts and how some Drains do everything they can, to make you feel miserable, sad or unworthy. Stay clear of such associations. Move on. My mom often tells me 'Nobody is worth suffering'. I have come across many people who do not let you feel happy and harass you emotionally. This is all I feel right now - “Treat others as you want them to treat you because what goes around comes around”.

S often tells me 'You cannot get hurt until you want to get hurt yourself '. I am hurt today coz I want to get hurt probably. I have learnt a lesson, the hard way round. Right now, I have decided to let go. LET GO. I am in a happy place now and noone can take it away from me, by God's grace. I am good. Infact, GREAT!!! :-)

Lighter moments...

...For some reason I remembered this and I need to put this up here!! When I was staying in my rented flat, a dear friend and neighbour S ( she reads this blog too) would come over for a chat with her daughter. One of those days, she went down to her place to run some errand while her 3-4 yr old daughter A stayed with me. I was wearing a colorful beaded bracelet and she wanted it. As we played with each other, she pulled the bracelet with all her might and it came off and all the beads were strewn over the floor. She looked at me for a long time and then came up to me and said ' Mein tere pav padthi hun, mujhse galthi ho gayee...mujhe maaf kar do! ' ( I fall on your feet, I made a mistake, please forgive me) with a very sad face and cuteness-personified. I forgot all about my lovely bracelet and had a hearty laugh....and said 'of course, its ok!! You don't worry baby...'

Kids!! Influence of TV!! I don't think I can ever forget that episode...I relate it to people all the time!!! Kids are sooo cute sometimes that you can't stay mad for too long :-)

People need love even when they don't deserve it

....I have always believed that LOVE is what makes us all happy and I posted the Poll on the blog to reiterate my belief. The Poll results confirmed that and how! Everyone voted only LOVE as their source of happiness as compared to Money or success.

One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: That word is LOVE!