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! :-)

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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!!!