Memoirs

Aparna Sarovar

2011-10-09T06:21:00.000-07:00

Coorg Trip

2011-09-13T07:32:00.000-07:00

Golden temple - Banglore

Nisragadama Cauvery

Gazers...

2011-09-13T07:28:00.000-07:00

Its been a while..

Galibore Fishing camp..

www.junglelodges.com

Tree in front of my home

2010-03-01T03:11:00.001-08:00

Enlightened

2010-02-17T18:50:00.000-08:00

DH's ##th Birthday @ Bandipur National Park

2009-06-23T17:38:00.000-07:00

DH (Dear Husband) & Chotu share the month of Bday. This trip was an eye candy for them.

Chotu's Question of the week?

2009-06-23T17:26:00.001-07:00

My nails are growing so fast! why can't I see them grow?

Stressed? .... ;)

2009-03-29T23:12:00.000-07:00

Second Holi in India

2009-03-15T20:59:00.001-07:00

Chotus 6th Bday - McDonalds, City Center HYD

2008-07-06T17:43:00.001-07:00

The Boss of the house

2008-07-06T16:22:00.000-07:00

“I am the boss of the house and I have my wife’s permission to say so..” was the slogan in our house at Two Town Police station for long which my Grandfather never appreciated. He did not get the joke.

Recently while trying to convince Prasu to get a dog home Chotu gets into an argument with his dad..

Chotu: Nanna, can we get a dog?

Nanna: No Kanna I am allergic to dogs..

Chotu: Nanna! You are not the boss of the house you know.

Nanna: How do you know?

Chotu: because you did not win the ring contest.

Nanna: Which ring contest?

Chotu: You know the one in your marriage..

Nanna: Marriage…

Chotu: Yeah! Mommy won the ring contest twice so she gets to be the boss…

Nanna: < has no clue .. where this is coming from>

One day while watching a Telugu movie saw this ring contest in a wedding setting (where they throw a ring in a pot and let the bride & groom find it) and kids asked what are they doing? I did not feel like explaining how these small games are part of the Hindu weddings to get the bride & groom get to know each other and get intimate who were strangers a day before marriage. So, I explained they throw the ring into the pot three times and whoever wins will be the boss of the house.

Chotu: Mom, who won in your contest?

Mom!: Ofcourse! Me kanna I won two times .

This happened two months ago and Chotu mixed these two things and questioned Nanna of getting a dog home.

First Holi

2008-03-22T22:13:00.000-07:00

Spring...

2008-03-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

...not in Hyderabad, just on my canvas.

One among ?.....

2008-01-23T07:40:00.000-08:00

When I see Americans, my face lights up in a smile and they pass by without noticing. Being so long in a foreign land unknowingly you grow into the culture. I am used to the greats and smiles in the hallways, walkways, malls, restaurants etc., I miss that culture here. Unconsciously, when I see Americans at work, strangely I feel like I am one among them. I only realize when they just pass by and not even notice me, because I am one among here. I am slowly realizing I look Indian and feel more like American inside. Probably it will take time to settle down the mixed feelings.

Taree Zameen Par

2007-12-25T10:06:00.000-08:00

Fantastic movie! Vin, Chotu and myself rushed to this movie Sunday morning show after breakfast. I was in tears couple of times in the movie. Vin wanted to know in which scenes I was crying. I could not remember but the whole movie was taken so sensitively that I enjoyed every minute of it. I realized how much we influence our kids even though the movie emphasizes dyslexic kids. I think we (current education) put a barrier to kids’ free thinking. The movie depicted so well how kids day dream and how the routine education curbs this kind of imaginative thinking. Hats off to Aamir Khan for such a wonderful movie and sensitive direction. Vin wants to watch it again, I might get him a DVD once released with English subtitle and he might cry too, if he really understood the dialogues.

Up Close and Sonu

2007-12-22T19:44:00.000-08:00

Last week we were at Sonu Nigam’s concert. Man! That guy has awesome voice. He has nice sense of humor that kept the audience engaging throughout. It must take lot of hard work and energy to put up that kind of show. My friend and I had to get through the dancing crowds to get close as 10 feet to believe it was real live show while DH and my friend’s husband were comfortable in their seats forty feet away. I lost my voice cheering and shouting. It was awesome experiance!

Why are they black?

2007-12-11T16:21:00.000-08:00

Was Chotu’s question!

There is an Urdu University close to my parents place. We saw groups of black dresses suddenly and Chotu was surprised.

Chotu: Are those black people? Why are they dressed in black?
Me: They are Muslim ladies who are covered in “Bhurkhas”
Chotu: Oh! Why do they need “Bhurkhas”?
Me: They cannot show their face to outside people other than their family.
Chotu: Why? Because they are black!
Me: No, these women are one of the most beautiful women in the world.
Chotu: Why can’t other people see them then?
Me: That is their Custom / Religion
Chotu: What does that mean?
Me: (((I give up, uff this kid never stops))) That is their belief, that is how they need to do it.

Questions died down once we were past the “Bhurkhas”.

RTI itch

2007-12-08T13:58:00.000-08:00

Return to India has been with us since last three to four years. Finally we did it. DH (dear hubby) and I have accepted jobs in Hyderabad, India, moved our stuff and bought one way tickets to Hyderabad. We are here now in Hyderabad, India. It is still not hitting me. Of course I landed yesterday. For me the decision was easy, I just had to say yes to an email to land where I am now. For DH it was a major decision, so he had to talk to tons of people to get different points of view. Vin (my oldest) was very sad to leave his friends back in Redmond and his life that he started in Washington and move to a different continent. Chotu, apart from repeating what Vin said he had no real issues. He is a real Bindas (Take it easy kind). My sissy was sad to see me go but my brother was happy; he is planning to return back in two years. My parents are excited. My mom is excited and is ready to give me advise and take control. My MIL was against our move, but she realized that it did not affect our decision. She thinks we will not be able to adjust here. Climate wise this is the best season to move. For now we have personnel taking care of us (stay, transportation, diet). Every five minutes you will hear “Saar, Madam” to boost your egos. Whatever is ahead of us, I don’t care, all I know is I am having a ball alreadyJ. Chotus quest about Burkhas (veil) is coming up next.

HP Trip – Day 5

2007-11-29T23:20:00.000-08:00

We reached Delhi early morning and took an Auto to NJ’s place. It was Sravana Sukravaram, so Sai and NJ did pooja very diligently. I was never into poojas since my child hood, was forced into such rituals by mom and after marriage, DH never encouraged/discouraged such things so lost touch with rituals. Felt very good to see someone believe in them sincerely. We had nice homemade cooked lunch and went on a Lajpath Nagar shopping spree. There is a small bangle shop about 10X12 sqft store called JhunJhunwala chudiya or something similar that carried awesome bangles. We hysterically bought stuff that we had to borrow bags from NJ and stuff it in. My OCD kicked in when we were stuck in Delhi Friday evening traffic and we have an hour to reach airport on time. Finally we reached airport on time (lil earlier than needed) and reached Hyderabad and home around midnight. Thanks to Vissu who gave us ride. We showed off our videos and pictures to everyone (whoever asked and the ones who never bothered to ask).

HP Trip – Day 4

2007-11-29T22:51:00.001-08:00

Kalatop and Kajjar wildlife sanctuary was our main foucs for the day. As I have signs of OCD, I was nervous that our car might breakdown somewhere in the jungle and we will not be able to catch our train back to Delhi. That did not happen but Sai and Kemo were rehearsing that in the midst jungle some bad boys will come and hijack me and how the journalists will interview Kemo and Sai. They had a big kick out of the day dream story and all this conversation was in Hindi. The driver was listening to this entire story and at the end of their imagination, I said in Telugu “if the driver is already on that mission what would you guys really do?” K was so worried, his face went pale and I couldn’t stop laughing. Back to the Kalatop – it was a scenic route and only one vehicle can travel at a time in that path. I was totally lost in transition. We have seen pahadi ladkis (excuse my hinglish) who are so beautiful just as shown in Shammi Kapoor’s filmis. These girls are in the middle of nowhere in the hills cutting grass for their goats and herding cows- such a simple yet complex life. After the sightseeing we headed back to Chakkibank to catch our train back to Rajdhani. We are three hours early than the scheduled time credit goes to my OCD. We had to go and talk to the station master to get the waiting room unlocked and started our rummy game. We had dinner that we got to-go from the famous “Sharma Dhaba” in Dalhousie after boarding the train. We are ready to go home after a fun exhausting four day trip.

HP Trip – Day 3

2007-10-11T21:11:00.000-07:00

We engaged a taxi for the whole day. The driver’s name is Manoj, must be in his teens. Very enthusiastic about his job and very very respectful. I think it comes with the culture. We headed to Dharamsala and Mcleodgunj –the headquarters of His Holiness Dalia Lama ji. The travel was awesome- narrow roads from one hill to another, from one town to another. On the way we saw many Bhuddist monks. The scene was just as it was shown in “Discovery Channel” – Beautiful colors, warm weather, Blue Mountains a sense of peace within and out. Maybe I am just romanticizing a bit, but we could feel it. We stopped at the famous Dal Lake only to be disappointed to find a pond. We visited the Buddhist temple. Unlike other temples, this temple was different. There were no people rushing you from behind to move on, choclates; biscuits; tea; bread being offered as prasad to the deity and disciples arguing with their teachers (part of Buddhism). We ate delicious lunch in the temple premises restaurant. Saw Richard Gear's photo with the owner of the restaurant. Spinned all the prayer wheels. On our way back we did more shopping. I stopped at a flute place to buy a flute for DH. The owner played the flutes to show me the various sizes and bases. I bought a wide base sound flute made out of bamboo from Nepal to DH. The flute shop owner is from Nepal (one of my ToVisit place), mentioned that he would return back to Nepal during winter and comeback in the summer with more goods. His family would make the flutes and his friend who visited India for the first time is the artist who etched Sri Krishna on the flute. Both gentlemen are pretty accomplished artists with humble nature. I could not withstand or come to terms with the simplicity. I could not hide my pretense. It silently bothered me of all the money, materials and food we waste and not worthy of. On our way back we stopped at an old church. Since we covered pretty much everything, we decided to move on to Dalhousie that evening. Manoj arranged for another Taxi that can drive us to Dalhousie. Before we left to Dalhousie we toured the norling Institute and their students working on varous arts. Shyam was our chauffer for the evening. It was very dangerous route, 8 –feet ghat road with road slides along the way. Reached Dalhousie at 10:00PM and Shyam had to head back to Dharamsala. We prayed for his safety. Finished our dinner and slept like a log.

HP Trip – Day 2

2007-10-07T21:08:00.000-07:00

We arrived at Chakki Bank next day morning around 7:00 AM. Took a taxi to Norling Guest house, Dharamsala. It took us around three hours, we crossed Punjab boarder and entered Himachal. I have enjoyed the taxi driver’s Punjabi accent along the drive asking him questions. It was pouring heavily all the way to the guest house. It was beautiful place that KM and Sai found out on the internet. Amidst bamboo gardens a small Tibetan style settlement. We got refreshed and I took a long nap. Sai and KM took a quick walk around the guest house and were pretty excited. They both woke me up and I was still groggy from my jet lag but couldn’t help listen to their excited tit bits. Around 5:00 PM finished my lunch and headed for sightseeing. Since not much light is left, we thought we will cover Tapovan Ashram at Sidhberi. It is the headquarters of Chinmya Mission. We three have been Chinmya Yuva Kendra members in college days and there was an occasion to visit Sidhberi at that time. Unfortunately my parents did not feel comfortable to send me to Sidhberi in Himalayas at that time. It is in our destiny, so it was there right in front of our eyes serene, beautiful, pleasant location that was described to us 16 years ago. After visiting ashram, we went to Ram Mandir that is in the premises and returned to our guest house.

HP Trip – Day 1

2007-09-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

We flew from HYD-Delhi. This is Sai’s first ever flight and she said “it is just like a big bus” and it was. Air travel has become so common in India; I remember reading somewhere that India and China will have worst air traffic in the coming years. NJ’s family picked us up and her DH (dear husband) drove us around Gurugaon and finally to their home. SV, NJ’s husband did his masters at the same time we were in our B.Arch, so we were talking about old times, meanwhile Deepu – NJ’s son got really bored. We had Pizza, played cards (KM card playing crash course begun) and head off to Sarojini Nagar Market. After living in U.S. for long, personal space is something I take it for granted or feels it is my birth right. I only realize it is a myth when I enter markets like Sarojini nagar. I avoid many shopping centers and temples for the same reasons. We did have lot of fun other than my people phobia. From there we drove to India Gate and I was surprised to see so many people. I have always seen India Gate in movies with no people except the filmi folks jogging etc. Relying on Airborne, I did have the yummy roadside 'bhel'. NJ’s family drove us off to a metro station. Delhi metros are no less to Europe metros. It was amazing to see how fast you can get to from point A to point B without traffic. Finally we landed at Old Delhi station and boarded our much awaiting train “Jammu Mail” that will take us to Pathankot (Chakkibank). The weather in Delhi was very humid and sticky, I was so glad to get into the moving train. Due to jet lag and the entire shopping gala, I dozed off very early, whereas Sai and KM kept chatting for long hours.

Anticipation…

2007-09-11T20:21:00.001-07:00

Lot of planning and scheduling went into our HP (Himachal Pradesh) trip. I called up Sai one day and asked her if she would be interested in 3-4 day trip to some where we have never been. Sai and I have been to most of the south and northern India during our Architectural tours in college. She suggested “Dharamsala” over the phone and my mind got fixated on it. Did all the research on how to get there and what to see around. Meanwhile we asked NJ, Chakri and KM if they would be interested in joining us. NJ had visitors, KM agreed and Chakri had to drop out in the last minute. I booked flight tickets (very cheap if you book ahead) from HYD- Delhi and train tickets from Delhi- Chakki Bank (Pathankot). I did this booking with the help of my brother and his friend. We cannot use international credit cards anymore for booking online tickets. I am impressed with the online services how I booked all my tickets from here (U.S.). Sai and KM are in charge of lodging. Sai, KM and I are very excited about the trip; we told everyone that we could possibly tell. Sneak preview of HP trip... details coming up.

Chalo Bharath….

2007-09-11T05:09:00.000-07:00

Packed my bags just a day before the Independence Day and was waiting impatiently for my Sis to arrive to give me a ride to the airport. Early morning Aug 15th while I was getting Chotu ready for daycare -
Mom: Chotu, pay attention to me, you are getting late, I will be late...
Chotu: I wish you could miss your flight...
Mom: What! Why do you say that?
Chotu: So you don’t have to go to India.
After all that planning, now the lil guy throws a curse on me and my sister has not yet left her house when I called she was still “leaving right now” and hung up on me as usual. For some reason I believed in “Bal Vaak Brham Vaak” some corner of my heart, so took the wheel from my Sis and landed two hours early at the airport. Took out the entire extra luggage and handed it to her and checked in very early just to prove Chotu wrong. Off to a three week vacation away from everything (work, kids, DH and everything…). Everyone was envious of the idea. Of course had to answer zillion times to everyone how I could leave DH alone with the kids and go on vacation.

IBL Program

2007-08-12T22:20:00.000-07:00

Since summer is full of Sports, Science, Arts, and Jedi camps for Vin. I came up with up a super idea for Vin. Vin has been asking for another video game console Nintendo DS Lite. We all love incentives. I came up with an ‘Incentive Based Learning’ Program (IBL). I asked him if he can learn Telugu in this Summer, he can get Nintendo DS by end of August. The test is - he should be able to read 1st grade Telugu book and write three or four letter words without seeing any book. I asked my Dad to mail me a Telugu book last month and we received the book four weeks ago. Guess what? - Vin can write and read 1st Grade book. Phew! What motivation and inspiration these Video games are on kids. If we can channel those appropriately, they can be to our advantage. Of course no matter how many games and consoles we have in our house, the limit is two hours over the weekend. Chotu does not like this or any of my rules, but he has to live with themJ

Fact or Fiction

2007-07-13T19:05:00.000-07:00

In this world of action figures Bob the builder, Sponge bob, Power Rangers, Spider man etc., chotu had an interesting question the other night while I was putting him in bed.

Chotu: Mommy, Is Bill Gates real?

Mom: Yes, Kanna- he is.

Chotu: Is he rich? (source- his bro)

Mom: Yes. He is the richest man on earth.

Chotu: How much money does he have?

Mom: I don’t know but lots.

Chotu: Oh! Where does he have all his money? All over his house?

Mom: Nope. All is not in the form of money. He owns Microsoft, Xbox and many other things like buildings etc.

Chotu: Does he own you?

Mom: Hahaha! Nope.

Mom: He also gives out lot of his money to the poor people.

Chotu: Oh!

Mom: Ok, now no more questions , go to bed.

Challenge me

2007-07-09T23:03:00.000-07:00

Chotu always likes to solve a puzzle or two before going to bed.

Chotu: ok give me a hard one

Nanna: What looks like a donut but not sweet?

Chotu: huh! Bagel. That is so easy, I want another one.

Mom: Come let me ask you one while I put you in bed.

Chotu: Ok!

Mom: What is the fastest animal in the world?

Chotu: Jaguar! This is so easy. You need to ask me challenging ones.

Mom: Oh! I don’t know what is challenging for you and what is easy. Why don’t you ask me?

Chotu: Sure. Ummm . It looks a snake and on trees- what is it?

Mom: Python .

Chotu: No- it looks like a snake, not a snake. It starts with a ‘V’.

Mom: Viper, Venomous snake …

Chotu: No Mom! It is a vine. See! This is how you need to challenge me.

Mom: :-

Big Brother

2007-07-09T22:50:00.000-07:00

Vin: So what’s going in school?

Chotu: ‘A’ has been chasing us and bothering us?

Vin: Did you tell your teacher?

Chotu: – No

Vin: Then?

Chotu: She tells on us and the teacher gives us time out.

Vin: Oh! Chotu- this is what you guys should do. Kick her and run.

Chotu: Yeah! But teachers don’t believe us.

Mom: Vin! What are you teaching? That is not nice.

Chotu: But Mommm! ‘A’ is always bothering us and getting us in trouble.

Mom: You should always tell the teacher, you should never hit anyone.

What's Next?

2007-07-01T20:30:00.000-07:00

Finally the fat lady sang! It is really a great experience walking the aisle. Many popped the question –“what’s next?”. Shrugged off – I quit school. There is so much to do outside of school, and need to focus on Vin and Chotu.

Upcoming posts- Vin giving advise to Chotu on how to handle gals at school.

Haunting Flavors

2007-03-12T19:35:00.001-07:00

Talking Rain

Bigelow Green Tea

Zone Perfect Protein Bar

Victor Cafe's Panini Sandwich

Starbukc's Carmel Machiato

Vanilla Ice cream with freshly cut strawberry pieces

Chotu’s 2 Cents

2007-03-04T23:34:00.000-08:00

DH usual routine on the computer browsing local news papers of desh .

Chotu: Dad why are they colors everywhere?
Dad: In India there is a festival where everyone plays with colors…
They have lots fun, you can paint each other faces…
……..goes on explaining without giving a chance to chotu to respond.

Chotu: After patiently listening to his eloquent dad said “ Oh! You mean Holi”?
Dad: With a smile on his face appreciating his knowledge and embarrassed for underestimating.

At the lunch table:

Chotu: Oh! Fish sticks! I can’t eat fish, because we need to kill fish to make fish sticks.
Dad: Please eat this time; you don’t have to eat next time.
Chotu: Why can’t we eat meat balls? No fish anymore, so we don’t have to kill fish.
Mom: Where do meat balls come from?
Chotu: You know! From animals or somethin.

Growing Pains

2007-01-23T10:37:00.000-08:00

Chotu’s list of complaints (with a frowny look) to his dad yesterday at the dinner table

1) Why do we have so many rules in this house?
2) Why do we have to eat dinner everyday?
3) How come we have to go to bed everyday early?
4) Why do we have to listen to you everyday?
5) This is no fun!
6) I want to have fun everyday.
7) Why can’t we watch TV for long time?
8) Why can’t we play X-box?

Painting Blues

2007-01-16T20:08:00.000-08:00

Due to snowy weather we are stuck at home since last Wednesday. We have tried our best to keep us active. All of us did at least one painting each, which was updated in their respective blogs. Hopefully we will go back to our normal lives this week. We had a nice warm Christmas in CA with Friends and Family of course with Mickey, who would miss him. We are paying back for having warm Christmas:(

Candle light day and nights

2006-12-17T11:51:00.000-08:00

The greater Puget Sound area lost power due to a severe storm for the past few days, which includes us. We were freezing, practically camping conditions. We had running hot water and cooking gas range with no power. Awesome combination for family get together. We did not have telephone, cell phone, no schools, and no work. Just get dressed like penguins with double layers, socks, sweaters and gather around the candle. We never prepare for emergencies like this unless we are in one. We do have flash lights, candles and match boxes- all in a secure place that even we could not find. We need to push up the garage door instead of switching the button, and drove to the nearest grocery store. It was a scary scene, most of the pine trees uprooted across the streets and branches all over the place. Finally got to QFC, the store was running on generators. Most of the gas stations were closed; the few that were opened had hundreds of cars in lines. There was no bread loaf left or the non-scented candles. We quickly picked what we could and back to home. We did manage to find a 9v battery and a radio to listen to what’s going on around. We don’t realize how much we depend on electricity. We spent a day and two nights with candles while we heard stories from my MIL and my MOM. We thank all those who put their lives on line to get our normal life back.

Hola!

2006-12-06T23:16:00.000-08:00

Trying to kill sometime and peeked into all my blog links and felt like I owe one post. It’s high time to dust this place and cleanup for the holiday season. The boys are growing up with Seattle showers. I am hooked onto Zee TV soaps. I am punctual and very attentive, would not get distracted or diverted from 9:00PM to 10:30 PM watching all the family drama. After that I have to switch to Bollywood channel or Teja for fresh dose of Hindi/Telugu movie. I have spent last three years in pursuing my second masters, where I spent my whole nights doing home works. I was deprived of my entertainment time, so getting the most of it now:) Vin and Chotu are editing the Christmas wish lists everyday, guessing if Santa would really give them Nintendo DS this year, because Vin thinks he was average mean (not the math mean) this year. Moved by his introspection Mom decided to get him the latest and hottest Xbox 360. I can use this as my emotional weapon for another couple of months:)

Getting to know me

2006-10-16T22:32:00.000-07:00

Souj send me this a while ago. I am behind on blogging so thought you might enjoy. Also updated Vins and Chotus blogs too:)(don't miss out on his third painting- I think that is our retirement source;)

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:30 am

2. Diamonds or pearls? Of Course Diamonds

3. What was the last film you saw in the cinema? Departed – Must Watch

4. What is you favorite TV show? Friends

5. What did you have for breakfast this morning? Protein bar (addicted to it)

6. What is your middle name? Ratna

7. What is your favorite cuisine? Thai

8. What food do you dislike? Chinese

9. What is your favorite chip flavor? Jalapeno

10.What is your favorite CD/song at the moment?

11. Favorite sandwich? Sub-Factory SW

12. What personal characteristic do you admire? Enthusiasm

13. What would you not be caught dead out of the house
without... on? Deodorant

14.If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation,
where would you go? Tibet

15. When you look back on your life, what nano-moment brought you the
most joy?
Carrying Vin in my arms the first time

16. Coke or Pepsi ? Coke

17. Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Night owl

18. What is your shoe size? 8 Wide

19. What would you do for a living if you knew that
not only would you not fail, but you would also become
a phenomenal success?
Management

20. Which of your friend's dreams do you wish would come true for
them?
Souj’s and Raja’s

21. If you could change one thing about the world we live in what
would it be?
Poverty – leading cause to many problems

22. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with family or
friends?
We will be moving into our new home in two weeks

23. What did you want to be when you were little?
Judge, Lawyer, Doctor, CA, …..

24. Most likely to send this back? Whoever is interested

25. Least likely to send this back? To Souj again

Back to School

2006-09-11T22:22:00.000-07:00

It is a pleasure to drive Vin and Chotu to school and listen to them talk about things.

Chotu seldom speaks, he is usually lost in his thoughts. In spite of my enquiries he would look out the window into his own world. Sometimes it is my luck.
On one of those lucky days while I was driving to his school last week through a very hilly area covered with pine trees. We could hardly see the sunlight.

Chotu: Mom, drive carefully, you missed the speed limint.

Mom: Yeah kanna I will. (Wow, it is so beautiful to drive at this hour and watch the smog still at the tip of the pine trees as if the veil is being lifted)

Chotu:What is that sound?

Mom: It is the blinker kanna, we need to go left to your school.

Chotu: Oh! What happenes if we go right?

Mom: Nothing, we will miss your school.

Chotu:Oh! Can we do that? Mom plsss

Mom:I will get late to work kanna, some other day ok?

Chotu: No Mom lets go today, it is ok to miss school.

Mom: I promise I will take you that way some other day.

Chotu: huh! Okkkk.

He love the goats in his school and his class work alot. His school is at the foot hill in a valley. The class rooms are small hut shaped buildings that gives you a feeling of you are nothing in this huge lanscape. The first day I saw his school, I thought this is perfect for him. His friends now are Keshav, Neel, etc.

Vin is not yet familiar with these names and was surprised and asked him "are you sure those are real names"? Yessss! Those are my friends names.

Dear Virgos

2006-08-31T23:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday!

Don't call me names now. I happen to know of so many birthdays this month (this sun sign), worth a post by itself. More than 50% of my readers and my friends happen to be Virgos. You will see. Whats so special about them? I am one of them:) Here is the list:

Vin, Bhavani, Bhavani Atta, Chitru and her hubby, Swathy, Kiran, Buchi mavayya, Uma S, SKU, M, Sunil, Sivani, Vivek and many more (including myself). Please let me know if I forgot to add your name in the list.

Wondering, which sign, rest of the 50% comprise? Mostly Sagittarians, Leo, Aquarius and the list goes... Virgos do flock together.

Face the music

2006-08-29T07:06:00.000-07:00

Finally I set the date to take kids for Music lessons. We have a wonderful music teacher who teaches keyboard along with Hindi and Marati songs. She lives in the same building as we do (how cool is that?) for those of you who chauffeur your kids around will know about it.

First Day:

Vin: It is awesome we are here:) (with his big eyes and ears smiling away)

Me: (Finally I am able to do this)

Chotu: I am hungry, will she have anything to eat (He just finished his dinner)

Me: No Chotu! We will not eat anything here, we are just here for music lessons.

Door bell rings! Greetings, Introductions etc.,

Chotu: ummm something smells what is that smell?

Teacher: Grandma is cooking something. OK Lets begin.

Chotu: Why are they so many buttons on this.

Teacher: I will tell you everything one by one.

Me: Teacher already warned me , that Chotu have to wait until he is five. Me very proudly said, lets give it a try, because he always hums 24X7. Teacher must have seen tons of parents like me, she glady agreed to give it a try.

Me: Decided in the first five minutes, Chotu will not attend any music lessons until he can sit and listen to someone for five minutes.

Ok the lesson continues...

Teacher: Chotu, you are not listening, which hand do you want to use, make up your mind

Chotu: Left, ....umm no no Right....um Left.

Vin put up with this for thirty minutes with lot of patience.

Finally Chotu decided, to go home, I jumped out of the sofa, took leave from the teacher and asked Vin to come home after his class.

Social Science

2006-08-27T15:47:00.000-07:00

What is this ? I heard this on the TV the other day and was shocked. I am just speechless. Our social system has no experience of two breadwinners, so now they blame it on the career women? "After all, your typical career girl is well-educated, ambitious, informed and engaged" since when this is bad?

"Women's work hours consistently increase divorce, whereas increases in men's work hours often have no statistical effect." and the BS goes on and final conclusion is to stay single. Please read for yourself if you don't believe the new meaning of marriage in this piece of junk.

Saturday morning, Chotu snuggles into my bed and asks me a serious question.

Chotu: Mom, Why are grals (girls) brats?

Mom: (sleepy head) With a slight smile, Are they kanna?

Chotu: Yes! Mom. They are very boring of me. (He meant I am bored of them)

Mom: (Chotu is getting enough summer training from Vin)

Mom: I am a gral. Am I a brat too?

Chotu: Nope, but you a mommy.

Mom: (he he he He does not know the truth)

Khabi Alvida Nah Kehna...

2006-08-18T10:22:00.000-07:00

Nice to be back after a while. I miss blogging (boring you all). So many things to write, so will just blurt not in any chronological order. So, we are officially in Redmond, WA now. That means, more Indian Restaurants, Desi Movies (my fav) and lots of desis (hate to use this word). It feels like HYD. Last Saturday went to this boring, forever never ending movie. I waited all long (last two months) for this movie for its hot caste and in the intermission, felt like the movie has to run for another 1.5 hours bored me to death. Any ways, if you have not seen it, sorry to spill the beans.

Vin and Chotu are excited about the move and with all the pine trees in Seattle. They think we moved into a Jungle/Forest. It is very green and heavy terrain in few areas contrasting scenery to the Tri-cities flat occasional greenery. Yet to make new friends, for now Ammumma (my mom) is their best friend who takes them to the garage for playing, and plays caroms with them.

We have a Dosa party in our house today evening and a baby shower for my sister this weekend. So, you can see why Moi is very busy. The schools begin on Sept 5th, so (@Kumari) still time for back to school stuff. I am up to date with Zee soaps and whose who on Zee. My semester ends today and hoping not to take classes in the near future.

Short Break

2006-07-01T22:45:00.000-07:00

With so much going on in my life, my blog does not get my attention. I have to take a short break from blogging. With the new job, moving, my mom visiting etc., so many verbs in my life at this point. I should be back in September or Late August when things settle. Until then you all take care and have a wonderful summer. A quick quotes from my kids.

Vin: " All along, I have been this, with out knowing the meaning of the word - 'curious'"

Chotu:"Daddy! How come I see everyone except myself?"

Last Day

2006-06-09T16:46:00.000-07:00

Today is the last day of school for Vin. The three month summer vacation starts from Monday (June 12th). He is very emotional about it and he is almost into tears that he will miss his work, friends and teacher. I thought he took on me, but looks like not in this case. I always waited for summer vacation and did not miss my school much. We went to my moms village and played with all the cousins, swam in the river, scared of the ghost stories etc., I need to work hard in the summer to keep him entertained /occupied /challenged.

Today is my last day too in this job where I served for ~ seven years. I was little emotional too (I guess Virgo's get emotional - Linda Goodmanism). I am also more excited about my new job :)

Choice of words

2006-06-06T15:30:00.000-07:00

I got a puzzle book for Vin from the $ store. They give you a list of words and filled out crossword puzzle and we need to identify the word from the puzzle.

Vin: Mom, this is too hard for me.
Mom: No, you did not even look at it.

Vin: I love these, but this is volume 10. why didn't you buy me volume one?
Mom:Volume one is for babies, this is for you. (Did not tell him that, I grabbed the first book I saw in a hurry)

Vin: I got one already.
Mom: Yay! Cool.

Vin: Grrr!This is impossible!
Mom: Nothing is impossible (very confident)

Vin: No! Talking to god is impossible.
Mom: No! Sometimes that is possible

Vin: OK! Moving Mount Fuji is not possible.
Mom: :-|

While driving in the car to a friends house:

Vin: Chotu, when you grow up will you marry a girl and move out ? or will you stay with me?
Chotu: Marry a girl.

Vin: What!!
Chotu: Yeah! I'll marry girl.

Vin: I will give you lots of candy.
Chotu: Oh! I'll stay with you.

Vin: That's my brother :)

The World is Flat

2006-05-29T20:47:00.000-07:00

This has nothing to do with Tom Friedman's book, if still interested go on. My world is starting to get flatter. My dad recently relocated to Kenya for a short assignment and my mom will join him soon. Now we have a place in Africa to visit. How cool is that? After I heard about his acceptance, googled for info about the country and freaked out by its crime rate. I sent an email about my concerns to a friend who is from the same continent but a different country. I did not know whatI was thinking at that time. It is like asking me how is Beijing, if I lived in India. Any ways, my friend was so nice in giving me enough information to keep me calm even though she has never visited the country except for flight transition.

Now that he is there, we will get first hand information to report (just like - our correspondent from Kenya ..). While my brother is concerned more about mosquitoes and malarias, me and Vin are already planning African safaris :) I am dreaming that chotu and vin are playing with the cubs in my mom's backyard. I spoke to my dad yesterday after figuring out how to call him on his cell number that was given to me prefixed by bunch of zeros. Thanks to google for info about calling his cell with out zeros, although I might be shifting my loyalties to MSN from now on that deserves a separate post by itself.

I started this post before the long weekend, and we had our friends Souj and Raja visit us from CA for the long weekend. Guess what they got us? "The world is Flat" :) Maybe I can write about the real book later once I get a chance to read it. It was exciting to talk to them about the future. Raja travels globally on account of his job and is a licensed pilot. After getting a quick cliff's notes on 'how to get a flying license' from him, my next goal in life after my graduation in August is to take flying lessons. Learning to fly is one of my undergrad dreams.

Updates

2006-05-24T11:59:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long break, appreciate the patience of my regular readers who has peeked in at least once to get the updates - mostly my friends and my extended family get updates about us from my blog (information age).

Busy or I should say pretending to be busy as usual. Spring adds things to your to do lists. Since my last post regarding fuel efficiency ...we started car pooling and squished into one car, leaving the van at home. It is working out great - many advantages and not one disadvantage till now. Save money (first one that attracts many), being a part of fuel efficiency and cleaner environment effort, lots of family time:)

DH and Chotu had their birthdays. Chotu had a blast birthday party at BounceArena. This is the first kids party, where the parents also had fun literally. Even the supervisors were surprised seeing parents jump on the bouncers. Stay tuned for more updates..

Shopping for a new car?

2006-05-02T21:37:00.000-07:00

This post is in response to Vivek's comment in the below post. I did not know which Hybrid to buy until Vivek questioned (I am in no hurry or NSF). So I googled for "Hybrid Cars and Fuel Efficiency" wallah I found my answers to many questions regarding hybrid cars at this site .

This site is wonderful, if you would give it a second thought about global warning, energy crisis etc., etc., before you purchase your new vehicle.

I compared our current two vehicles and future one that I would buy and the results are here. The first in the row is my future car and the next two are our current means of transportation. Our vehicles use twice as much fuel , for double the amount and emit twice or thrice the amount of greenhouse gas depending on the vehicle.

You do your math now! After the math, we at least for now are planning to leave the van at home and drive in the car, that might cut our house hold fuel consumption to half or less than half.

Energy

2006-04-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

We (all four of us) were watching the CNN's Energy crisis show on Earth day. Other than food channel, we do not have much choice to watch TV, with everyone in the room. This energy crisis show got our undivided attention (including Chotu). Cars stalling on highways with no gas, gas price going up to $8 a gallon, energy wars, alternate solutions etc., We as a family took a decision to buy a Hybrid as our next car (when on of our current car dies). The next day Vin wakes up and says he had a dream.

Vin: Mom! I had this dream.
M: What is it kanna?
Vin: I was a teenager and was driving a car and went to the gas station to fill up my car.
Vin: They had a sign board saying "No GAS!" comeback in 24 days.
M: um.
Vin: When I went back on the 24th day they still did not have any GAS.
M: Oh! what did you do?
Vin: I bought a new Hybrid car!
M: Oh :)

(this will be his reality whe he is a teenager)

After little awareness about world energy resources over the weekend we went back to work on Monday in two cars (btw we both work in the same building). We give many reasons for not car pooling (flexible schedules, errands etc.,). Any ways from CNN's show I learned Brazil is almost an energy independent country.

New Wine in Old Bottle!

2006-04-25T05:44:00.000-07:00

I am on a short trip to Seattle. The flight from Pasco to Seattle as expected is not full. After the routine enthusiastic safety announcements, the air hostess severed beverages. More often, than occasionally, they serve wine on this flight. We have tons of vineries in and around our area. Halfway through the aisle of serving, AH (Air Hostess ) got a call on her line and she spoke for few minutes. I am sure everyone had their own thoughts about this gesture. The usual protocol on this 40 minutes flight is, you board, buckle, safety announcements, beverages, garbage collection and un-buckle. After serving couple of more seats, she announces we have a brithday girl in row #e, please sing a happy birthday song. I am sure the birthday girl was as embarassed as us, as we sang. This is also very usual in such small flights. The more unusual interesting part is yet to come. Finally she comes to my seat:

AH: Would you like something to drink?
Moi: Sure. Some wine please.
AH: (one minute stare and) Can I see your ID?
Moi: Whatt?
AH: I need to see your ID.
Moi: (my internal conversations are more like 'Timon' in Lion King series. Excuse me! She serves it to every bald, fat, old, long necked, gray haired, round bellied species on the flight and now she wants to see my ID. This is not an another 'Random my ### check' is it?)
Moi: Was trying to reach the hand luggage cabin.
AH: Hands me my bag.
Moi: I pull out my driver's license and flash it before her like some official and embarrassingly, "I am too old you know".
AH: That's ok.
Moi: But! you made my day, Thank you with a one mile smile from cheek to cheek.
AH: Laughs!

All yesterday I was on cloud #9 and am slowly descending to reality. But she did slash off 15+ years of me. That felt good, thanks to my kids who keep me on my toes and in shape, thanks to DH (Dear Husband) for his healthy recipes and thanks to my gym. Does this effect have on men? Not the wine effect- the under estimation of age. Or is it just a Women's privilege?

OT-VCT

2006-04-23T00:17:00.000-07:00

One of Those Violin Class Trips..

Vin: Are any of your relatives from 'Gang'?
Mom: What?
Vin: You know 'Gang'.
Mom: You mean 'Gang'.
Vin: umhu
Mom: Where did you hear that word?
Vin: From Mrs. T.
Mom: Whats the context?, I mean what sentence did she use?
Vin: She was readin Jackie Robinson's Biography.
Mom: (felt stupid but had to ask) Who is Jackie Robinson?
Vin: Baseball player,...
Mom: Ok what about him and 'Gang'.
Vin: Oh! Mrs T said, being in a 'Gang' makes life pretty bad.
Mom: Oh! there are different meaning of 'Gang' like many things.
Mom: One is a group of people (friends) are called 'Gang' and the other one is the one you mentioned.
Vin: Oh! like many words that have two meaning one bag and good.
Mom: Yeah. To answer your question, NO- no one in my family is part of a 'Gang'.
Vin: Oh. Which kind of people join the 'Gang'?
Mom: Kids who are not good at school and who don't have parents etc.,
Vin: How are they born, if they don't have parents?
Mom: Sometimes, parents leave and also when they don't have money, they might join the bad company.
Vin: Oh.

Mom:(This kid is scaring the shit out of me)

During my spring break , I visited my Uncle in Seattle, who has two grown up boys. He consoled me "it is better to be aware of such things than being ignorant. He will be exposed no matter how hard you try. Just keep the communication open, it will always help".

Choti Moo Badi Baath

2006-04-19T13:44:00.000-07:00

Chotu: (Blowing the birthday horn loud) booooo..
Mom: Chotu , Pls use indoor voice.
Chotu:Sees a glass of water and blows the horn in there making bubbles.
Mom: (The control freak in me) Chotu, pls don't spill water kanna.
Chotu: Keeps blowing bubbles with his horn.
Mom: (gives up, it will take me 5 seconds to clean up the mess)
Chotu: Mom, do you want to try it?
Mom: Without a second thought tries hard into the water and feels good about it.
Chotu: Smiles with a sparkle in his eyes and says "See you spilled the water and made a mess".
Mom: :-|
Mom: Ok guys cleaning time, please get the paper towel and clean it up.
Chotu: Mom, that's your mess pls clean it up.
Mom: :-|

My World View

2006-04-18T10:07:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Vivek for this post. Was running out of ideas and this helped.

You scored as Idealist. Idealism centers around the belief that we are moving towards something greater. An odd mix of evolutionist and spiritualist, you see the divine within ourselves, waiting to emerge over time. Many religious traditions express how the divine spirit lost its identity, thus creating our world of turmoil, but in time it will find itself and all things will again become one.

Idealist

88%

Cultural Creative

75%

Materialist

75%

Existentialist

63%

Postmodernist

50%

Modernist

38%

Romanticist

25%

Fundamentalist

25%

What is Your World View? (updated)
created with QuizFarm.com

Motivation

2006-04-09T16:01:00.000-07:00

What motivates one?

Vin is motivated and is on the writing spree. He loves to collect bionicles. DH promised him to give him a $1.50 for every good piece of art /literature that he puts it out to spend on new bionicles.

Chotu is not so motivated even after seeing his paintings on the interneth. What drives him is his passion for painting and the quality time he spends with his dad.

Money no longer motivates me to do anything. The challenge in a task motivates me.

Feel free to jot your motivation secrets.

Spring Break

2006-04-04T00:19:00.000-07:00

Posting from headquarters Olympia (WA). Taking a semi-vacation at my sissy's place with my two boys. Updated Vin's and Chotu's blogs. Boys are having too much fun with the playstation while the gals (myself and sister) are having ya ya sisterhood time.

Inside Man

2006-03-25T08:53:00.000-08:00

After a Mongolian (my fav) lunch, we went to the 'Inside Man' first show on the first day. Felt like those college days, if you know what I mean. We settled down in the last but one row and watched all the previews and sighed to each other, this one is good and this is just a 'nah' nod for the upcoming flicks.

The feature presentation 'Inside Man' started with its production banners and guess what's the background song is ?
Give up?

jinke sar ho ishq ki chhaanv
paanv ke neeche jannat hogi

Was taken back with a pleasant surprise and eager to watch what comes next. Then it all started with 'chal chhaiyaan chhaiyaan chhaiyaan chhaiyaan, chal chhaiyaan chhaiyaan
chhaiyaan chhaiyaan' the titles started rolling 'Denzel Washington', 'Jodie Foster' , 'Clive Owen' etc.,

While I was enjoying the beat and watching the titles, DH got restless, he leaned over and whispered, "Are you sure we are in the right movie?" I nodded with a big smile from one ear to the other and said, "Relax, it is just the title song". I can still see the doubtful look on DH's face, because the lyrics continued even after the titles stopped. DH is not much of hero, heroin running around bushes singing songs type. While 'sar ishq ki chhaanv chal chhaiyaan chhaiyaan' was going, DH must be thinking/ expecting Denzel coming out from a bush in his red suit and dancing with Jodie. That will be one Hollywood comedy hit, if it came into reality.

As far as the movie goes, it was Ok, lil slow and not much action role to Denzel. Jodie was cute, and not much romance added to the theme. If you are looking for adult language, you get tons of it.

Interpreter

2006-03-24T07:48:00.000-08:00

When I have no deadlines, submissions, parties to cook for, timely Motrin doses to give, I occasionally read my future hoping to see something in there to look forward too.

Astro this Week:

The emphasis moves from partnerships to deeper matters of soul and soul-mate relationships. Joint financial affairs may also be on your agenda of issues to discuss or reflect upon.

(eyes rolling, I am thinking what does the first sentence mean to me, cause I do understand the second statement, this is the Tax month and we still need to file)

The Sun moves into Aries on Monday, and this is going to give you a chance to make a fresh start, and to birth new ideas that have been in your thoughts. However, if you are going to sign new contracts that could be worth a lot of money, it may best to wait until Mercury turns direct - wait until Sunday. This is going to mean that delays will be removed and you will find that progress is swift and smooth.

(New start! Darn! I thought I will start my new exercise schedule. Well I think I will have to wait until Sunday. Hopefully from then on it will be swift like the astrologer said.)

Jupiter is currently retrograde in your communication zone, so don't worry if advertising campaigns or mailings seem to be slow in bringing results. The seeds have been planted, even if you get the results some months down the line.

(Of course I have been asking DH to file taxes from last month, maybe he will make a mistake during the 11th hour and we will get our letter from the IRS in few months)

Saturday brings a need to be both practical and something of a visionary. Perhaps you would do well to take your intuition seriously and listen to those gut feelings. But be prepared to take a look at some far-out ideas that could make waves. Gather opinions from other sources as well.

(Kids are home, so have to be practical. Of course I have to listen to their guts too. Sunday I will write it in my blog and get opinions about how smart I dealt with Vin and his questions on one of those Violin class trips)

Damn! How do the Astrologers know about me so much?

Good Morning America

2006-03-22T13:54:00.000-08:00

Vin and Chotu are busy watching Clifford. DH is busy in the kitchen. Mommy is feeding Chotu, eggy without yolk.

Vin: Daad Wherz my chocolate milk?
DH: I thought no chocolate milk for you today.
Vin: Huh! Dad, givve me my chocolate milk.
DH: Didn't mommy says no milk today? (DH loves kids tantrums in the morning)
Vin: Dad! we should send you somewhere else..
Chotu: Yahu...
Mom: Send him where ? Like Madagascar?
Vin: Yeah!
Chotu: (Jumping) Yay!
Mom: (Relieved ;)

We recently saw that movie and can't wait to ship off Daddy :)

Why do my cheese keep moving?

2006-03-19T11:15:00.000-08:00

This is a spoof to "Who moved my cheese?" or just a frustrated Friday evening experience.

Our cheese keeps moving, everyday, every month, every year. We want a better smelling, color, quality cheese and keeps pushing ourselves in pursuit of it. We are not content, maybe we are designed not to be content with what we have. Someone superior is watching this whole rat race from up above and gets a kick out of moving all our cheese one inch a day.

We are at a age where the M mouse and the D mouse are always in a hunt for "the cheese", no matter how much cheese is in store, we are always running after it. I hope somebody, some day writes a book about, 'stop running for cheese' and it is O. K. to run out of cheese.

What could be worse than, the D mouse is afraid of the situation where he cannot go on a hunt for the cheese, because of a family situation? The D mouse expects the M mouse to have all the answers and solutions. Wow! that must be one super mouse he got there.

The M mouse is ambitious and at the same time responsible and is expected to tackle the situations giving the D mouse his space for the ultimate cheese hunt. I despise the cheese hunt quality in M and wish can stop it, in spite of writing it in a blog.

The cute lil baby mice coughing their guts out with their lil elbows covering the mouth, so that the hunter mice doesn't get sick. The baby mice not exposed to the cheese hunt scenario would just want to cuddle up with the warm M and D mice forever. Thank god to the authors who have not yet written about- 'Success cheese hunt for six'.

What a cheesy experience that would be! Let get more cheese :)

You would know..

2006-03-14T20:38:00.000-08:00

answers to many of these questions, if you are a second grader

Q: How would you make a witch scratchy?
A: By taking away the 'w'

Q: What did the boy Octopus ask the girl Octopus?
A: Can I hold your hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand, hand.

Q: Why did the boy take a ruler along to the bed?
A: To see how long he slept.

Q: What do you call a snail on a boat?
A: A Snailor. Get it!

Q: Why did the chicken cross the road?
A: To get some eggsersize.

and many more of course.

While you were busy...

2006-03-13T21:28:00.000-08:00

As my quarter ends, I needed to wrap up some data analysis and write up some reports. Like you care. Yah, everything is warming up on this side of pacific. Vin has more questions than ever, I don't know what he asks in the school, he got a "continuously curious orca" award twice. Last week, when we were working on his science fair project:

vin: Mom! what is gay?
Mom: **I wish I did not know, but looked straight into his eyes and said**- 'HAPPY'
vin: **With an unsatisfying look**- Is there another meaning to it?
mom: Like...?
vin: the teenage gay..
mom: I am not sure about it..

I should get a most "shocking questions listener award" grrr.

On the lighter side..when putting chotu in bed

chotu: momy, can you thell me a dragon bosther story?
mom: **happy he is not asking about Ramayana anymore** Yeah, once there was a big red dragon booster..
chotu: why is it red? and why is it not blue?
mom: Because he ate lot of apples.
chotu: oh!
mom: he was walking in the jungle and ..
chotu: was it dark?
mom: yea...h and there was nobody **whispering**
chotu: say it loudly momy **angry**
mom: Ok, and he was looking for food.
chotu: whath does he eath?
mom: apples, broccoli, beans, chicken , these are all good for health
chotu: oh! if I eath those will I be like Bheema?
mom: **oh man!**. Yeah, ok listen the dragon goes home and gets into his bed and sleeps.
chotu: Oh! goodnite momy, I love you.
mom: I love you kanna, sleep tight.

Time Slice

2006-02-27T22:39:00.000-08:00

At the breakfast table

Vin:Do you want to get married?
Chotu: No.
Vin:No, I meant when you grow up.
Chotu: I am not growing up Vin!

After a fight

Vin:I hate him, I am never talking to him.
Chotu:Same here, I don't care about you too.
Vin:Why does everybody choose him over me?
Chotu: I am nottt playing with you anymore.

Late Evening

Chotu:Can Vin sleep in my room plsss?
Vin:Mom! Can I sleep in his room?
Chotu: plsss, plsss..
Vin: I love him so much.
Vin: As a matter of fact, I hate him some times, but I love him.
Chotu: Ya! me too.

Substitute

2006-02-23T20:39:00.000-08:00

Remember the ban on Ramayana for Chotu. Ramayana is substituted by painting lessons from DH. First Chotu wanted to paint only Thataki and Soorpanaka. Eventually this blog is turning out to be a family blog of painters. Chotu has his own blog now called Chotus Canvas. As opposed to Vin's paintings, Chotus work will be more guided by DH(because he still listens unlike his bro). And yes, I did change the look-n-feel of my blog like everyone.

Dream Busters

2006-02-19T17:20:00.000-08:00

Who else?
Vin and Chotu jumping on my bed playing power rangers..
Dishoom dishoom Power ranger SPD dyano thunder..
I gott the bad guys..yahh..

Is going on in the back ground while I was in the middle of a suspense thriller dream today morning. I was late for an International flight and am driving a lorry through buildings etc., and there comes my dream buster.

chotu: Mom! wake up it is morning.
Mom: pch! (It is only 9:00AM) ok.

chotu gets under the comforter( blanket) and puts his cold feet and hands on me.

Mom: chotu! please don't put your cold hands on me.
chotu: Ok. (he keeps doing it)

Mom: chotu, I asked you not to keep your cold feet on me.
chotu: But, I am warm.

Mom: No! you are cold.
chotu: I said, I am a "wormm".

Mom: (plans to continue my dream are busted)

Blooper

2006-02-15T17:39:00.000-08:00

Vin: What is that book? Lemme see
Mom: No! This is my work.

Vin: What is it about?
Mom: This is my Lab note book.

Vin: What do you have in there?
Mom: When I do experiments, I record everything about it.

Vin: It is same as what we do in class. Like our Science Journal.
Mom: Yes.

Vin: Why do you do second grade stuff?
Mom: :-

My Valentine

2006-02-15T15:32:00.000-08:00

Papa Talk

2006-02-09T21:29:00.000-08:00

Vin: Nanna, what does having a crush means?
Nanna: It is similar to liking someone.

Vin: So I have a crush on Ash.
Nanna: Umm, no you just like her.

Vin:Can I have a crush on guy, if I like him?
Nanna: No.

Vin: (points his index finger and explains to him) There isss a boy marriage.
Nanna: (Hates to agree) Ohh.

Nanna: You are not allowed to have crush at the age of six.
Vin: How old should I be, to have a crush?

Nanna:21
Vin: Oh man! I cannot have crush until I am 21...

Side Note:
Turtles Can Fly: Was the movie, I watched yesterday. Awesome! beautifully directed and portrayed. Simply superb, yada yada....

Winds swept low

2006-02-03T19:24:00.000-08:00

On this side of the Pacific North West, we have severe winds blowing at this time of the season. Tumble weeds rolling along and the fine dust in your nostrils is a some kind of experience. On NPR (National Public Radio) yesterday, the hostess mentioned , none of us need our hair styled. The wind does its job. The moment I would step out of my car, the well groomed hair ( I would like to think so) would stand up against the gravity. Not that any people notice the so well groomed hair, but it is an uneasy feeling - do not know which part of your bald or grey is showing. Skirts, Hats, and hair do s are bad at this time. Updates on the home front, DH and Chotu are back and showing off their cranky side of the jet lag.

Are we there yet?

2006-01-28T18:31:00.000-08:00

What the heck, we will be late for the meeting by only two hours - is the attitude of the people living here. I love it. But, I don't think I can do it. The last ten years of my lifestyle has tuned me to do something always (if possible productive) . It will take me another ten years to un-do it.

Can we take along?

2006-01-24T21:02:00.000-08:00

Mom: Ok, lets go..
Chotu: No!
Vin: She's so cute..
Chotu:Ya, mom can we take her home?
Mom: Ok, common lets go..
Chotu:No! Mom , you go. Bye

One of those violin class trips..

2006-01-22T18:52:00.000-08:00

Vin: What is O2?
Me: Oxygen
Vin: What is H2?
Me: Hydrogen.
Vin: We all know H2O, is there O2H2?
Me: Yeah. There is OH too, it is called alcohol.
Vin: Awww. Is this the smoking alcohol?
Me: Yeah, that is the bad Alcohol.
Vin: Do people in India drink alcohol?
Me: Yess.
Vin: Is alcohol bad for body?
Me: Once in a while, after 18, it is not that bad.
Vin: OH! so I will have alcohol after 18 once in 5 Years.
Me: Oh!
Vin: Well my friend "X" drinks wine.
Me: There are some festive occasion in Churches, that sometimes the Father of the church gives wine.
Vin: I am an American, I can go to Church and get some wine.
Me: Yeah, You are an American born to Hindu parents. So you are Hindu.
Vin: I guess, I have to wait until I am 18.
Me: (Oh! my god..)
Vin: I will get married to Ash and then come back to America.
Me: When you grow up and when it is time and when you both like each other , then you can get married.
Vin: I like Ash now.
Me: If you like someone, it doesn't mean you marry them. Any ways long ways to think about it.
Vin: Yeah...
Me: (Thank god it is only 15 minute drive to Violin class, otherwise I would not know how to answer his questions)

Once in India, my mom made "Bobbatlu" (sweet chapatis), Vin loved those.While I was putting him in bed, he asked me:
Vin: Mom! we need to ask ammamma (Grandma) this recipe. I need to learn how to make "bobbatlu and make it for my family.
Vin: You know, once I get married and have kids and all. They are awesome. I need to learn.
Me: Giggles. Ok Kanna. We will ask ammamma tomorrow for the recipe.

It is cute to hear such stories, but it concerns me of his planning. I don't even plan for tomorrow.

Vennetlo Godari Andam.. (The beauty of river Godavari in Moonlight)

2006-01-17T05:59:00.000-08:00

The fertile delta between the River Godavari branches is most depicted in Telugu movies as lush green villages. My friend Sai and her husband are from around here. So, we put in a request to Sai and Vissu (Sai's DH) for a short trip. Itwas worth every second spend there. We (we four, my MIL, Sai and Vissu) rented a Qualis (10 seater) one Saturday early morning (3:00AM) and hit the road towards the great konaseema. It is also refereed as East and West Godavari. It was a 8 hour drive with beautiful sceneries. We spoke, ate, sang, stopped for bath room breaks for Vin and Chotu along the way. We finally reached Sai's Uncle's place.
We were received very very cordially, (it is one of the characteristics of konasemma-hospitatliy, is given high importance). We visited Sai's grand fathers house - a small thatched (with coconut leaves) mud house, with a huge backyard (10-15 acres if you must know) of agricultural lands. The old couple manage the whole thing. We got Vissu to climb up a ladder and get us some sweet coconuts and briefly looked at Cabbage, drum sticks and few other vegetable gardens. After the refreshments (fresh coconut water and pulp) we headed to visit the villages along the river banks. We stopped in a village called Kapileswaram where there is a "Veda Patasala" that DH heard about earlier. This school is run by a rich Zamindaar (Land Lord) for girls to learn "Hari Katha". It is a four year degree for students with good music and Abhinay skills after high school. The students reside in the premises and learn music, dance etc., from very famous visiting faculty along with the resident gurus. The girls sang 3 songs for us. It was simply melodious and divine.
We were asked to look at Zamindaar's residence and we had to leave in a hurry because we promised the kids a boat ride on the Godavari and it was getting dark. Finally we managed to reach the "revu" and boarded the boat that is rowed by a single man (our hero). That was a scary moment for a while, we all could not move, because the boat would loose its balance even if we moved slightly. Chotu was getting restless. It almost got dark and we could see the real beauty of river Godavari in the Moon light. It was the most beautiful evening I would never forget.

The best of the two worlds

2006-01-16T04:35:00.000-08:00

World A:
You get best filtered coffee.
Dosa/Idli/Upma for breakfast.
Very short days.
People, people, people everywhere.
Honks, dust, smoke, traffic jams.
Colorful outfits, different languages.
Head and feet are always on the ground.
Smiles, tears, pain, spiritual, anger, relations etc.,
Small day-to-day life hurdles.
Diversified economic sections.

World B:
Very quite mornings.
Bagle/10 grain cereal/Protein bar for breakfast.
Long uneventful day.
Hardly see anyone.
Plain ride, foggy mornings, fresh air, and smiley faces.
Optimistic, ambitious, goals oriented.
The same feeling of no feeling everyday.
Not so diversified economic sections.
Dreams come true.

I love my worlds.

Back to home from home!

2006-01-15T08:14:00.000-08:00

Had a wonderful trip! Had tons of fun. I don't know where to begin, so will just write as it comes to my memory (no chronological order). The first thing I did, after I landed (of course after refreshing) in India, I surprised my friend (Sai) by going straight to her work. It took her one day to recover from it. I spent most of the time on this trip in Interior Designing of a single bed-room apartment. I don't like to call it Interior Decoration for some reason. For most of you who don't know my background, I am an Architect by training and never practiced officially other than few design suggestions to friends and relatives.
We have a single bed-room apartment close to my MIL's place (Mother-In-Law) that is by all means must have been designed by the contractor himself or a Civil Engineer or by a compromised Architect. The bed room has no ventilation except for a small opening into the shaft. They were cement shelves in each room and the floor was marble got a Wow! effect in the family. The half dying Architect in me shouted aloud, Help Me! (quite dramatic ha). Any ways so walked to Sai's (practicing Architect) office and said and I need some renovation done to my apartment. She was like, "OK - What do you want to do with it". I need to cover those shelves and do something with the bed-room lighting. It took two days for us to meet with their Interior Designer. I told him what I exactly wanted done to the apartment. He didn't expect a very decisive client who is an Architect by training at first, later we understood each other very well. I designed the whole thing, Sai implemented it in Auto-CAD and the ID (Interior Designer) suggested the labor and materials. You need to have lot of patience and money management skills to get work done. You need to be there 24 X 7 while the work is going on, otherwise things turn out to be just the opposite of what you want :) Ma'am this looks great! Moi, No! I want it like this was the quote of the month. Meanwhile DH (Dear Husband) was getting fits with my construction/renovation budget. It looks great already what are you doing to it? Huh! Please wait until it is done- me on the other end, miles away trying to convince him of my Architectural abilities. It is a three-week story, I will post some tidbits later meanwhile enjoy the pictures. At the end the single-bed/single-bath turned out to be a cute double-bed/double-bath apartment. I was happy to have completed it with utmost satisfaction and so was everyone including DH.

Ban on the Ramayana

2005-12-06T11:23:00.000-08:00

Yes, we banned Ramayana in our house after we received a concern from Chotu's school.
The concern was, he is not concentrating on the work and is always lost in his own world. While I am discussing this issue with Chotu's teacher, Chotu runs to me and asks:

chotu: Mom! Can I fly like Hanuman?

*Tada* it struck me now, why he cannot think anything else other than Ramayana characters.
He has taken it too seriously, and trying to relive it everyday. We thought it was cute to hear him say Sanskrit slokas and few telugu words in his sweet accent. Now it bothers me. I need to erase/dilute his Ramayana episodes from his neurons. His teacher said, "3 year old's brain is like a sponge it will take whatever you pour into it". I need to squeeze out Ramayana and pour some real life / practical stuff into it. I wish there was one straight manual to raise kids.

Is Christmas Really here?

2005-12-03T21:38:00.000-08:00

The snow is here, school delays are here, Christmas lights in the yards are out with deer, elves, Santa and many more figurines. The City hall parking lot trees are lit, shops are filled with Christmas decorations and seasonal gift items in colors, salvation army bells are here. Starbucks Christmas special (mint coffee ) is here, snow balls fights at the school bus stop are here. Kids Christmas projects are home, bright red Poinsettias are here. Candy canes are here, trinkets in different forms and shapes are here. Have a wonderful holiday season.

Phasing

2005-12-01T09:30:00.000-08:00

Blog writing must be a phase to me or just don't have enough to write or just don't have time to write.
Updates:
Vin is busy catching up with his older class mates mostly on the terminology. Yes, "S" words are included. Parenting is the toughest job.
Chotu is growing to be boundaries less, fear less and mostly being a brat of the house. DH complains that Chotu's only qualification is "he is just cute" and chotu is taking advantage of that.
Vin and I are taking a long vacation trip to India starting next week( how wonderful is that?). Chotu and DH will join us in few weeks. I need to slog like a slave before I get my freedom to fly :).

Che Che Kule

2005-11-16T09:47:00.000-08:00

Myself and Vin drove to Olympia to my sisters place for the Veterans day long weekend and had tons of fun. On our way back we stopped at a famous Photographer's (and writer) place to meet with her family. I got to see the original prints :) - some of you might have seen them on her blog. The cute girl described and portrayed in her blog is even cute in real life. She and Vin got to bake cookies which were awesome. We had to leave (all good things need to come to an end) and while driving back home , I asked Vin:
Did you know they were speaking Afrikan language?
Vin: No! I thought they were speaking Indian.
Vin: Ok, I learned this cool song from Africa, do you want to learn Mom?
Mom: Yes! (do I have a choice)
Vin: Ok, repeat each line after me.
Che che kule
Che che kule

Che che kofitsa
Che che kofitsa

Kofitsa Langa
Kofitsa Langa

Elachi Langa
Elachi Langa

Hu Amande , Hu Amande, Hu Amande Heyy!
Hu Amande , Hu Amande, Hu Amande Heyy!

Mom: Cool Kanna , where did you learn this?
Vin: Music Class, I will teach you the dance once we go home..
Che che kule... off we drove back home after a wonderful weekend.

Bings

2005-11-09T15:53:00.000-08:00

I gave Vin his own blog wings which means I don't get credit for his art and writings anymore :(

Vin's Art

2005-11-07T13:25:00.000-08:00

Bed Time Humor

2005-11-03T10:46:00.000-08:00

After the "Shy little Kitten" , "Good Morning Mickey Mouse" and "Little Ducky" books Chotu has to hear the Ramayana (which we all know by now)before he goes to bed.

Mom: What does Soorpanaka ask Rama?
Chotu: Will you please marry me?

Mom: Yeah.
Chotu: Mom!

Mom: Yes kanna.
Chotu:Will you marry me?

Mom: With a smile on her face - No Kanna, I already married Nanna (dad).
Chotu: Disappointed! Mom! Will you marry me?

Mom: Chotu, I cannot marry you.
Chotu: Mom! Please Marry me.

Mom: Chotu, you are so small and I am tooo old for you..
Chotu: Pulls his two hands straight out of the blanket and stretches out and says Look mom I am big.

Mom: Could not stop laughing:)) and said Yes kanna.

(We don't take 'No' for an answer in our family)

Net Savings

2005-10-31T10:42:00.000-08:00

My Savings account (not much) + my blogs worth :). Thanks to Vivek for sharing with this tool.

My blog is worth $3,387.24.
How much is your blog worth?

Growing Pains - Vin's short writing - unedited

2005-10-25T14:27:00.000-07:00

Dear everyone I know that you like to run away from other kids when you are scared. But let me tell you how to use your brain in the olden days. then we will learn how to use the part of the brain in these days. Ok is that ok with you? good beacuse we have a lot work to do. the organ inside your head controls your body and allows you to think and have feelings, just if i could play a trumpet, and a tuba and a french horn and a trombone and a cornet, even toching a flower that would be great, even toching a chinese dragon bowl would be great to . your brain makes you do stuf like actifities and lots of other stuff, like playing baseball, soccer, basketball, te-ball and that's how you use your brain in these day's actually I forgot to do how they use your brain in the olden days, but it's ok ok. now lets review what happens here in our days.

Less Intelli-Gent

2005-10-13T21:54:00.000-07:00

In one of the festive gathering recently, one of my good friend out of the bloom said "I am glad this is all ladies get together, we don't have to speak intelligently". I was taken back for a moment and thought of contradicting her, but smiled it away. What's this notion about when men get together - they converse intelligently. This is not the first time I am hearing this, I have heard flavors of it from a range of age groups.

Are stock market, work politics, football, political opinions signs of intelligence? as opposed to kids school issues, in-law troubles, low carb high protein recipes. My grand mother knows all this intelligent shi*, because she reads the news paper from top left hand corner of the first page to the right hand bottom corner of the last page. I think all this hype is trained into your blood/genes from generations - if you are guy you cannot talk or think about family issues, recipes, kids hws, shopping list etc.,

I bet y'all can tell I am in a feministic mood today :))

Roop.. Pratiroop..

2005-10-11T23:15:00.000-07:00

Caller1: Hello Mrs Saripalli
Moi: Can I take a message?
C1: No Thank you. Will call later.

C2: Hi Ritna
Moi: No, she is not home, can I take a message?
C2: Are you allowed to take household decisions?
Moi: No. I am the baby sitter (wat, I am baby feader, cleaner, everything)
C2: Ok, Thank you

C3:Hello Mrs S.. We are from .... and We are doing so.... this is a survey...
Moi: Sorry, no englisss
C3: Oh thank you

C4: Hi Ratka
Moi: Sorry, she is not home can I take...
C4: Hangs up on me

C5: Hi Ratna (If some one pronounce correctly)
Moi: Yes, this is she.
C5: This is a survey etc....blah....
Moi: (shoot, it is a telemarketer, huh why did I say yes, this is me) How long will this take?
C5: 10 minutes
Moi: Sorry, this is a very bad time.
C5: Hangs up cussing probably.

C6: Mrs Saripalli
Moi: Can I take a message?
C6: Yes. This is Mrs. T , Vin's teacher......
Moi: Oh, Mrs T. Sorry, I thought it was a telemarketing call.
C6: Oh is it you?.....

I worked for about a week in a friends telemarketing firm in Austin while searching for a real job. I could not take it very long. People hanging up on my face or verbally abusive tone of voices etc. It was a very depressing job. From then on I never hang up on telemarketers or be rude to them- Just politely avoid the call. Sometimes it is very inconvenient to take such calls during weekends while we are busy with kids.

Gandhi At Gandhi Jayanti

2005-10-04T00:22:00.000-07:00

We had a pleasure of hearing American Gandhi last weekend at Gandhi Jayanti celebrations. Mr Meyer dressed up like Gandhi came down to Tri-cites for this ocassion. He was the show stealer of the evening. He started of his interactive speech with quite a response from the audience (all the kids from the front row).

Gandhi (Mr Meyer): When I was your age .....

Kid A: I am four years old now, and this is my friend he is four too..

Gandhi: Oh I see, yeah I was about your age..My mom took a vow not to eat until she saw the sunrise ...Cont..

Gandhi: I made vows not to drink alcohol ..(interrupted by a kid)

Kid B: what is Alcohol?

Gandhi: It is like beer..You should talk to your parents after you go home..(gigles) (Continuing) ... I made a vow to be faithful to my wife and also to be a vegetarian

Aish (Vin's friend): Were you faithful to your wife? (is the question misunderstood by the audience and Gandhi)

Gandhi: Yes. I was faithful to my wife and continued...

Later when he said, today is my birthday, kids spontaneously sang Happy Birthday to you....

Aish's mom clarified later in the evening at Round table Pizza, she asked were you faithful in not eating meat? But audience (the whole crowd enjoyed the misread lines) misinterpreted.

The joke of the evening was, one person (non-Indian) thought Mr. Gandhi came from India for celebrations.

Mental Protein

2005-09-30T22:15:00.000-07:00

An unknown anxious uneasy feeling has been haunting me since weeks. The more ambitious one becomes, the queasy feeling proportionately increases. Does anyone know how to put an end to wanting more? It is not like I am forced to do many things, on the contrary I enjoy doing more things. It is like the cascade effect of Glucose production in your body, the more carbs you eat the more you want to eat. So you eat protein to prolong your eating frequency. Is there any mental protein, that is available to stop your ambitious hunger? Must be time for caffeine, just blabbing away nonsense or the "FlightPlan" seen in the evening.

Naive naivety

2005-09-21T23:28:00.000-07:00

While driving to gym..

Vin:Mom can you tell about naive? We talked about it today at school.

Vin: What does naive mean?

Mom: ummm some one who is just learning things and don't know about many things..

Vin: uhh oh.

Mom: After we go home we can check the meaning in the dictionary.

Vin: We all are naive.

Mom: I used to be naive but not any more.

Vin: Do you know how god makes kids?

Mom: yeah ( with confidence)

Vin: Do you know how sun was formed?

Mom: ummm ya.. (not that confident look any more)

Vin: aha see, you don't know some things

Mom: True- I don't know many things yet, but I know many things now than before.

Vin: We all are naive mom.

Short Story Tag

2005-09-21T01:22:00.000-07:00

Tagged by M for a short story under 55 words:

While watching the rain drops slide down the green grass, a cute kitten under the lilacs got my attention. Prasu is immersed in his book. Prasu..Prasu ..Um..come look at the cute kitten..um. Pch! dragged him to the window, to our dismay, the kitten disappeared with the rain.

I am tagging:
Vivek, Rahul, Ideasmith, Soujanaya and Sarath

Sivani beats me ;)

2005-09-19T22:17:00.000-07:00

Look at her map boohuhu..

Thanks to this

Bad data day

2005-09-19T00:53:00.000-07:00

After scripting /scribbling in perl finally slept at 5:00 AM. Woke up with Chotu's :
Power rangers SPD dyno-thunder bishoom bishoom - a thud on my head at 8:30AM. Chootuuu, mommy is sleeping, pls don't disturb - psh pshhh my laser is making you awake mommy.Huh- I can't beat it, not because I don't have power ranger suit or the laser, but he will not give up until I wake up. Chotu, what did you have for your breakfast - - dooosaaa. DH (Nanna) already fed the boys and himself. Sunday, my turn to cook, yeah weird to many folks, we have cooking turns in our house like in graduate school days. Finished up with some work while kids are immersed in 'sponge bob sq pants. Now and then Chotu comes to me and says 'Helo Patrick' and I give a blank look. Chotu says "say Helo Sponge Bob". We (Chotu) have out grown, Barney, bob the builder, toy story and now into "Sponge bob..." I can't stand him (the sq pants). DH invited Ash - Vin's friend over for a play date. Three of them started playing in the yard and I sneaked into my closet with a pillow and got an hours worth of uninterrupted nap. Hour is a lot for those of you who gets more than six hours - you are lucky. Finally Chotu found me, that is his hide out and revealed it to the gang and I had to join the party.

2nd grade Name Math

2005-09-15T21:59:00.000-07:00

This was Vin's home work (mostly I worked) for Wednesday. Alphabets are assigned 1-26 numbers beginning with A and ending with Z for e.g., A= 1, B = 2 ......Z = 26. Now add your name with these numbers assigned to your name. Phew piece of cake ey! Ok, how long does it take you to figure out a name with exact 75 ? If interested post a name that adds up to 75 and also post how long it took you. I will post my answer and time later :)

No cheating : no using software, calculators or PDA's or any other gadgets.. just a pencil and a paper and a clock .

A Walk in the Clouds

2005-09-13T22:10:00.000-07:00

Errr! Actually drive through the clouds through Mt Ranier was our last weekend's adventure. We planned for camping at Little Naches River with Vin's friend's family. We ended up going there early expecting them to be there. They did not show up. There is no sign of life within 5 miles radius, so decided to go to Tacoma (basically chickened out) via scenic route. It was amazing drive.

President's Call

2005-09-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

My friend Krishna Mohan called from India today morning. After my call ended:
Vin: Mom! Did the President of India call you?
Moi: My eye brows raised and asked - Noooo Why?
Vin: I thought you said Mohan, so I thought Mr. Manmohan Singh called you.
Moi: (Can't stop ROFLing , but thought What would I talk to him, if he really called)
This reminds me of a similar incident with my DH (Dear Husband) in his college days.
He visited his friends house once (who happens to be of African American Origin). When the friend introduced her Grandfather. My DH said, you look like Mr. Martin Luther King. The witty Grandfather, took the compliment and said, thank you and you look like Mr. Gandi (Gandhi).

5 Minute Bedtime Ramayana

2005-09-09T09:52:00.000-07:00

Chotu is watching Barney and refuses to go to bed.

Mom: Let me tell you about Viswamitra
Chotu: (Is on his feet) OK..

Mom: One day Viswamitra was doing a fire pooja in the jungle..
Chotu: um.
Mom: What is fire pooja called?
C: Yagnam
M: Good, then some monsters came and started bothering him..
C: um.. Who is it momy?
M: Maaricha and Subahu
C: and Tataki
M: Yaaaaa and then he went to Ayodhya
C: oh!
M: Who is the king of Ayodhya? (It needs to be interactive .. you know)
C: umm ... Dusharada!
M: Yeah! (With a lot of surprise) How did you know (and a lil encouragement)
C: I remember you dady, mama telling me
M: Ok, how many kids and wives does Dusharada have?
C: 4 and 3
M: What are their names (here's the cutest part- the way he pronounces)
C: Rama, Laksmana, Barrata and Shatunaya
M: Good job, you are awesome did you know that?
C: um. ya
M: Viswamitra asked Dushrada to send Rama to protect him and the pooja
C: um.,
M: Dusharada said, oh.. how can I send my poor babies to the forest?
C: oh.
M: What did Viswamitra say?
C: (anger in the voice) Send Rama right now... Or else
M: Then they go to the jungle and Rama gives time out to Tataki, Maaricha and Subhahu
C: What happened to them?
M: They learned a lesson from Rama
C: Oh!
M: Ok now sleep
C: Nooo Tell me about Soorpanaka
M: Yeah, Rama goes to Mythila and Marries Sita and they go to Jungle (he must be thinking- she is fast forwarding)
C: Lakshamana too
M: ya and then Soorpanaka comes and asks Rama to marry her
C: um.
M: What does he say?
C: Sorry! I cannot marry you.
M: Go ask LakshamanaM: And then Lakshmana says no go away
C: and he cuts her nose off
M: ya.. then she runs home
C: She cries - anna Ravana...
M: Ok now you need to sleep.

Bedtime Humor

2005-09-06T21:36:00.000-07:00

After putting Chotu (my 3 year old) in bed, just ckecked to see if Vin (my 6 year old) is asleep.

Vin: Mom! is that you? I thought you were a Ghost.
Mom: Yes Kanna, its me, Mommy - worst than a Ghost!
Vin: Heheeee Goodnite Momy

Anonymity

2005-09-05T23:09:00.000-07:00

Has it own price to pay, I am unable to write a single line without the names and incidents. It's like a huge writer's block, but a challenging one. Writing for writing sake is boring. Anyways, completed half of "Catcher in the Rye by J Salinger".
Memoir from the past (~15 years ago).
I stopped a city bus at 'Fourth Town Police Station'
I walked to a constable and said, "there is a guy sitting in a ladies seat who refused to vacate".
Poor guy disappeared and nobody dared to sit in that seat until I fought my way through the rush.
With the same arrogance, another day walked to couple of guys in a city bus and said, this is ladies seat, can you please move?
One of the guys, pointed to the lines above the seat that reads "Please do not sit in seats that are assigned to Ladies" and said, this is not a ladies seat, it is just an information.
I got down the bus and took the next one out of embarrassment.
Sometimes our arrogance overtakes our common sense.

Sky

2005-09-03T19:13:00.000-07:00

A little hand let go off of me and joined the crowd of its own. GoodMorning! Come in - The Teacher led by his hand and took him around the class room. Everything is new and every one is new. Who is this? asked the little voice. This is Sky, pointing to a cute little blue bird in a cage in the center of the class room, the teacher paused. He is blue as a sky. While some are busy with counting beads, some are busy washing dishes, some are writing and few familiar small heads looked up and smiled a hello. The teacher introduced the new kid to some older kids and led him to a small desk and a chair. I walked away thinking he is in better hands.

2005-09-02T10:21:00.000-07:00

Chickened out..

Too much personal info on the web, so removed all my previous posts

Young India

2005-04-05T22:37:00.000-07:00

This is an informal interview with Vivek Kumar whose ratings have risen in the last few weeks with his famous UPSC interview post on his blog and the featured article in The Week by Jon Stock.

Q: How do you feel about this whole blog/The Week fame?
A: It feels good to see one's name in a magazine of good repute. Thehits on my blog have increased too. But apart from that, I know that Idid next to nothing to deserve this short-lived fame. So, it feelsgood, but I'm not over the moon, if that is what you mean.

Q: Could you please give a brief introduction to yourself? (Schooling,college, university, places you lived etc...)
A: I've lived in too many places to name them all. My father was inthe Rajasthan Police Service, so we moved wherever he was posted (allover Rajasthan). He died (on duty) in 1992 when I was 11. After that,my mother and I moved to Pilani and stayed there for 4 years (Classes9 to 12). Then, I went to do my B.Tech. in Chemical Engineering fromIIT Bombay, so Mumbai was my home for 4 years. After that, I've beenmoving around Jaipur and Delhi for a while. I went to Mussoorie for afew months in training. And now, I'm based in New Delhi.

Q: Why did you not follow the brain drain trend? Reasons
A: Reasons.. firstly, no love for lots of money. Secondly, not muchlove for Chemical Engineering. Thirdly, lots of love for India and itsfuture.

Q: Can you briefly describe you work for our readers? (If it issensitive, we can eliminate the details, but most of the people don'tknow what you exactly do)
A: The job of an IFS officer is to further India's foreign policy. Weare the people who implement the foreign policy. Our broad guidelineis to safeguard our national interests. As you can see from thedescription, our goals are often intangible and "success" in diplomacyis a very loose term. Broadly, the work can be divided in 3 parts -Political, Commercial and Cultural. Within this brief, we get a lot ofspace to do things the way we want.

Q: ~50% of the population in India is below 20's. What does this meanto India's future?
A: It means that India has (and will continue to have) a large workingpopulation. Combined with the fact that population in this age groupis decreasing in the developed world, it should be a good opportunityfor India in terms of growth.

Q: You are at a stage where many people dream of; what are your dreams?
A: I've come to a stage where I wanted to be. But obviously, this isnot all. This is more like a beginning. Right now, I'm just looking,listening and learning. There are too many dreams that I have and theyare all tangled right now. I haven't set myself any goals for the nearfuture. Right now, I am content to sit back and learn for a while.

Q: What do you think about India Shinning etc..? How do you see Indiain the next 10 years; 20 years; 30 years?
A: I don't know. There are things I would want India to achieve in10/20/30 years, but I have no idea if we'll get there.

Q: Philosophy! Not many youngsters of your age are into Philosophy. What are your views on life and spirituality?
A: My father named me after Swami Vivekananda. The basement in my homeis full of books on all religions and philosophies (Eastern/Western).There is a lot of material on Swami Vivekananda, of course. When I wasa kid, my summer vacations were spent almost entirely in thatbasement. I was crazy about the written word. So, I managed to readmost of those books before I turned a teenager. I think that is whatgave me a philosophical outlook. One of my friends thinks that Ishould become a spiritual guru :) My views on life and spirituality..it's difficult to say. I do have a lot of views, but being a sciencestudent for most part of my life, I am always in a state of doubtabout metaphysical matters. So, I really don't know.

Q: Who is/are your role model?
A: Lots of them. Firstly, my father, for his honesty and bravery.Arundhati Ghose for being a great diplomat. Tendulkar for being levelheaded. Kapil Dev for being a fighter. Douglas Adams for his sense ofhumour. Kiran Bedi, for taking the unknown path. And lots more.

Q: Any words of advice for people who look up to you?
A: I don't really believe in words of advice. I'm sure smart people(all those who are reading these words) can figure out things bythemselves :)Vivek, excellent! Thank you for taking time to answer these questions. All the best in your future endeavors