2 States...

Heyi,

Damn Yaar.. I wanted ta share the review of the book first and Sowmi did it first... I have been typin this post for 2 days not finding time ta complete it.. I feel sad.. seriously.. Anyway.. I will share my opinion.

It was about my latest Book.. 2 States by Chetan Bhagat... Its about Inter-Caste sorry Inter State marriages.. A nice light read. But it did make me actually think.. Is it such a taboo to marry a guy from another community ??

This book 2 states was an autobiography. I would not call it a complete autobiography cause there was a lot of drama and fiction added to it(this I call Masala). The story revolved around a Tam Brahm(Tamil Brahmin), a namesake vegetarian girl and a Punjabi kudi boy. Both of them Big heads. IIM geeks. They meet at IIM and fall for each other and practically live together for 2 years. And while leaving decide to convince their parents. Our hero comes down to Chennai first and opens up the trap for her family, manages to trap them too !! While its the madame who finds it difficult with a most unacceptable mother and a present but non existent father. How at last the marriage happens in Chennai.. In the tam Brahm style not to forget the mickey mouse underwear seen through his translucent Dhothi.

This made me think as to if its really difficult adapting to different cultures. For example if a girl and guy from different communities marry will they be happy ? There can be 2 points to it..

1. Their love for each other might keep them going and they might sacrifice things for each other and adjust too.. brings a lot of mutual understanding and harmony.
2. They might each expect the other person to adjust, sacrifice and say u do it if u love me and finally you know where it leads you too.

I am not against any inter community marriages though., If there is a lot of understanding Wow. nothing like it !! I also had another hitch. Whose style will the marriage be conducted in? So researching i found that it can be anyway. So, y not both the ways so that there is an opportunity ta get married twice. I know ma just going into too much detail. Still..

This book i finish in just 1 and a half days. And also the book kept me really happy.. that's about the book.. Diwali was fun and i had a great time. Post Diwali was Aadhavan film.. Which i think i would have spit on the screen if not for Surya.

Apart from that work keeps me busy.. Guitar keeps me going.. and my dance performance dates keep me on the move.. But blog is where all comes together so see you soon with another post..

Cheers

Music - An Elixir !

Heyi,

Quite a number of times you woulda noticed me scribble about Music healing the soul. I am a believer of Music being one of the most powerful things in the world. Not only music, art as such.. Any art form is a skill and not jus a knowledge as one of my friends always says. Not that people cannot learn it but a person who already has the skill has an edge !!!!

So, now why did i talk bout music. thats because yet again i experienced a brainwave i had after listening to music. This time it was soul upliftment and excitement when i hear the Fatak song from Kaminey... Its a must atleast hear once to jus have that feel of jumping !! Apart from that i always feel i have this liking to my music just because it does a lot of emotional changes in me..

The best thing music does when you miss someone is that it reminds of your best moments with the.. Provided you listen to the right kinda music. It also contributes to your sudden joy. The next few songs which have made impact on me for 3 days now are the Hasili Fasiliye from Aadhavan, Bhoola thuje from Blue etc.. Though these are temporary attractions there are songs which stay with you all through life and giving you the most pleasant memories.

This also reminds me of a small speech the a top ENT gave at a medical conference.. I know you wondering what i have ta do with medical conference.. Nothin technical.. I jus dances at their inauguration ceremony. After our performnce the doctor who runs an ENT foundation said. He jus talked about how two totally different organs with opposite functions are interconnected like the ear and mouth. And then he said that there was one thing common to both the organs and that was "Vibration". And he also said that art forms like music and dance spread a lot of positive vibration. And that even differently abled people can sense vibration and that music has no limitations. Thats when i realized how important it was.. Music Soothes the Soul. OKie.. Thats for now. Am crashing for the day. before that pls to listen ta Fatak !!

Cheers

Diwali Diyas !!!

Heyi,

Am writing to jus let down all my nostalgic feelings.. Before i go ahead, i wanna wish all my readers a very very happy and safe diwali.. I write here in the eve of Diwali with a lot of satisfaction, contentment happiness at the same moment a heart full of memories and a distant nostalgia..

This is one nice set of diyas i came across and i though i would display it here...

Today, I had a great day.. Wake Up Sid with friends, West Side shopping and Ice creams hogging made my day. It was yet another typical holiday but turned out ta be such a nice day.. So apart from that its Diwali eve aptly Deepavali.. Its tradition to light lamps, visit family and friends, make and share sweets, burst crackers and wear new clothes. As usual all these things have a story behind such celebrations.. Lord Krishna Killed a demon Narakasuran and people celebrate his death as Diwali.

S0, wats the nostalgia all about. Its about my the Diwali get together at my maternal grand ma's place. That was till she was alive. My moms family is really big with her 7 brothers and so i have a lot of cousins !!! That makes a hell lot of under one roof on one evening shouting and jumping and literally hogging the sweets which our kutti mami makes. Our fights for the share of payasam, chase to keep the first rocket, and around 10 of us running at the lighting of an atom bomb.. There was a phase when i used to light the crackers in hand and throw them.. Jus to depict heroism.. Used to come back home so dirty withy hands grey, have a wash and indulge in every savory made early in the morning. I even remember having competition with my old apartment neighbor, my close friend for keeping the first cracker in the morning.. I used always win cause i used to be down at 5 to start bursting.. These memories still gimme tears when i see a diwali with jus 4 of us now.. Though my family members come for diwali, it will never be like my paatis house and all of us there together again.

Though now i am gifted to live in a nice big apartment with 72 flats and so many kids around bursting crackers.. Makes it a lively festival place.. And the spirit always keeps goin on..

For now, I don burst much crackers.. I jus wear my new clothes and burst some as par of tradition and have a nice relaxed Diwali.. go temple, see films on TV, talk ta friends, visit some family members and jus have a nice festive day..

So, yet again have a great diwali.. light a lotsa diyas and make ur home and life colorful and bright.

Cheers and Lights

Return of the Busy Bee !!!

heyi,

The busy bee is here with a quick news post about herself and a nice long interpretation of something she jus came across.. So, the busy bee refers to me. You know y we use the words busy and bee in sequence as a phrase. The female bee is always occupied, as usual as in other species where the males do nothing at all and the female goes around and does everything. Ok, lets not start an argument and debate about it.

And here comes the news.. Though its late, its latest. I ve started learning guitar. This i feel is such a romantic and sexy instrument. Makes anyone fall for it. I wanted ta learn guitar, jus because i love the sound and feel of it and started on vijayadasami. I ve gone for 2 classes now and playing exercises and a little chords. Actually ya feels nice. So thats one major thing keeping me happy.

I just came across a couple of people who said they have separated from their other halves due to various reasons and that its a waste getting married. Though i am not married yet and may be i dunno too much about the intricacies of marriage i seriously think life is incomplete without it. The reasons for a marriage not working out could be enormous, Lot of them are even just excuses. This probed me to write the post cause i even saw a movie, "He is not just that into you". I was about a lot of relationships goin haywire, One married man falls for another girl and feels like never before. And the other doesn believe in marriage at all, but can just say live together. I jus am tryin to figure out. Do these things seriously happen. I don say that a married person should have no desires but it does make a difference when you are married. Is marriage not a commitment and a promise which is meant to be kept.

There might be certain exceptions where all marriages don end up being successful and there are places where there is a lot of abuse and misuse of a marriage happening. There might also be betrayal and loss of trust between couples. But this doesn happen with everyone does it ?

Recently i had one of my friends, one of the most eligible Indian bachelors abroad getting married. As soon as he was married, he left abroad with his wife. And there she revealed that she was not ready for a marriage and that she needed time to accept him. At this juncture, i had a serious question. What did she think marriage was, jus glitz and spending? I was jus thinking how the parents of the girl woulda felt. Having invested so much time and money in a wedding how would it be when the girl shows this kinda attitude. Leave time money or any other material loss. Did that girl ever think of the guys plight. Thats where i say marriage should be understood properly. There is no place for any selfishness here. Its all about care and concern is not it ? There were these thoughts rushing in my brain. and jus wanted ta write it down.

By the by life is good, a bit hectic and tedious though. Awaiting Diwali for a break !!!

Cheers

Golu Golu Sundal !!!

Heyi,

Yet again !! I have been planning to write a post for quite a long time now. I did have various topics in mind and it became outdated. Every day i missed writing gets counted. So, today i decided to write whatever was there in my mind. I might fall asleep anytime in front of my lappy, but its ok.. I Strive to work until i collapse... !!!

SO, Whats UP !! Ungaathula Golu Vechurkela !!(Have you kept golu at your place).. Engaathula vechurkom ! Tamboolam vaangika vaango !!(We have kept a golu at my place and so pls come home !! ok ! SO, does that sound as though am taking some vague language. am talking Tamil.. These are the "IN" phrases used by everyone this season.. Dussera.. or Navarathri as we call it.

Navarathri implies Nine Nights and says. where the Goddess' Lakshmi, Durga and Saraswathi are given importance for 3 days each. During Navarathri toime. Golu or aptly "Kollu" is kept. This is the asembly of colorful dolls in odd number of steps. Nowadays golu is not just restricted to steps. It also extends to parks, thematic representations, lot of creativity. There are people who spend 2 months to just prepare for this. We have also incorporated the well acclaimed Dandiya Raas to our night nights. This tradition initially followed in north india not is wide spread.

I actually atarted writing this post when navarathri started but am able ta finish it jus now, where 6 days of navarathri has gone. Normally during every Golu time there are a series of visits which the women of the house make and also invite. It remains a festival of reunion. Not to forget the festival of sundals. Sundals are different types of Dhaal cooked in variety ways. A major event which happens during this time is a showcasing of talents. he kids are dressed up traditionally and are asked to sing songs for the Golu wherever they go. I feel its so special and sweet too !!

There are people who feel navarathri is waste of time and jus spending !! But i don feel so. It give so much happiness and self satisfaction. This is was about it. Am off ta leep but befor that i would like ta show u my house Golu.. !!!

PLus there is an extension !!!

SO See ya with the next post

Cheers

The Brand Tag !!!

Heyi,

I am a very brand conscious person.. I love having tags.. so here is my list...

These are the brands i always carry with me !!!

My Laptop - My Darling SONY VAIO
My Mobile - My all time favorite Nokia Xpress Music
My Music Player - IPod Shuffle
My Watch - Fast Track !!!
My Slipons - Metro, Marie Claire.

Sun Glasses - Polaroid !

Kurtis - Globus, Shoppers Stop

Other Brands I use -

Stationary:

Pencils: Faber Castelle

Pen: Waterman, Cello

Notepad - Matrix

Cosmetics

Shampoo: Dove/Sunsilk

Sunscreen : Garnier

Moisturiser: Nivea

Deo: Enchantuer, Adidas

Any ad on make up: Revlon, Lakme

Kajal: Lakme

Apart from this

Coffee Shop: Coffee Day

Hotel: Saravana Bhavan

Theatre: Satyam Cinemas

Car I Drive : Tata Indica

Water bottle: Gatorade, Slice.

Lunch box: Tupperware

Contact Lenses: Baush and Lomb

Lens Solution: Renu

Toothpaste: Colgate Total

Toothbursh: Pepsodent

Chocolates: Cadbury

Chips: Lays and Lays only

Pain Relievers : Volini

My brother uses - Adidas, Nike, Reebok

My dad! - Stori, Tommy Hilfiger, Provogue, Arrow

Here is my list.. It never ends !!! See you with a meaningful post

Cheers

A Long Pending Tag !!!

Heyi..

This guy has been long long pending !! I was feeling so off today and i thought i ll jus do somethin random and thats y doin this tag..

1. Grab the book nearest to you, turn on page 18 and find line 4 - " 'Thats not really Latin', he persisted(Pink Elephant)" This is from the book Drop the Pink Elephanth which i haven finished for a long time now.. Its 15 ways to say what you mean and mean what you say by BILL McFarlan.. Good One..
2. Stretch your left arm out as far as you can & catch air? - My green couch on my bed !!!
3. What is the last thing you watched on TV? - A part of Thangam serial on Sun TV
4. Without looking, guess what time it is? - 9:30
5. Now look at the clock, what is the actual time? - 9:30 (I heard the news on IBN outside !!)
6. With the exception of the computer, what can you hear? - I told you !! the IBN Newsreader
7. When did you last step outside? What were you doing? - Actually I stepped in from work jus 2 hours ago !!! Stepping out would be tiring !!
8. Before you started this Q&As, what did you look at? - Driving test on FB
9. What are you wearing? - Obviously Night Clothes !! Its sleeping time !!
10. When did you last laugh? - I seriously don remember !!
11. What is on the walls of the room you are in? - A perumal Pic, all of us cousins together pic, a wall clock and my gurujis pic !!
12. Seen anything weird lately? - Ya !! My right Knee is making noises !!
13. What do you think of this quiz? - Actually makes me feel better
14. What is the last film you saw? - "Kaminey"(Dhan Than naa)
15. If you became a multimillionaire overnight, what would you buy? - Unanswerable !!!
16. Tell me something about you that I dunno! - I am not able to actually think of any !!
17. If you could change one thing about the world, regardless of guilt or politics, what would you do? - Bring Schools or training centers in every few kms space
18. Do you like to Dance? - OH MY GOD! Thats one thing i love.. Bharathnatyam stands first.. But i do like any kinda ballroom dancing which i d learn soon !
19. Imagine your first child is a girl, what do you call her? - Ananya, Athreya, Pragya
20. Imagine your first child is a boy, what do you call him? - Prayag
21. Would you ever consider living abroad? - I WILL !!!
22. What do you want GOD to say to you when you reach the pearly gates? - Oh ! Sweetheart I was jus waiting for ur smile to brighten these skies !!!!

This tag actually lightened up my mood !! So!! I pass it on to anyone who wants ta have a nive Heart Wash as i would call It.. Thanks Sowmi !!

Cheers

Shri Gurubyo Namaha !!!

Heyi,

Shri Gurubyo Namaha !! "I salute to my teacher". This is a line which is often heard at a lot of concerts, programs.. We use it to salute ones Guru.. "Guru" means "Teacher"[for the benefit of those who do not know].

Yesterday was teachers day !! I had planned surprises for few important people in my life but couldn make it because of my health. Though, its not jus i have jus that one day ! Teachers day is jus like another Mothers Day and Fathers day and a friendship day. Its not that we remember them only that day, Jus that a day we dedicate to them..

Teachers are one of the very important people in our life. A Good Teacher is one who imparts knowledge, a great teacher is the one who Inspires.. All good teachers are not great ones though. I ve come across my fair share of teachers all through these 19 years of education and a few great teachers who have made a mark in my life. Hats off to them !! I still call them on Sept 5th.. I do wish them on their birthday !!. Apart from academics i was always into Dance and music. In places of art a guru plays a very important role. She is the one responsible for the Sishya(Student). She is an inspiration.

So comin to the point. We would never think of thanking our teachers. We might feel its their duty. But its not jus duty that they perform. Its passion. So, the list begins..

First Of all Stands Amma.. A mother is always the first teacher of the kinds.. Teaches us how to walk, speak, eat, bathe, wat not !! Hats off Mom !!!

I thank all my primary teachers.. Ms.Sunitha, Ms.Fraser, Ms. D'Monte, Ms. Ceaser, Ms. Michelle, Ms. Rathna.. They played a very important role in putting the basics on to our head and mainly improving my handwriting. It was bad [Now its good, thanks ta them] I ve got it on my knuckles with a wooden scale !!!

My unforgettable School where i learned the so much out of life.. Rosary Matric.. Remains the best teacher ever to me..

Middle School.. I was a BRAT! I sit on veranda walls, behave like a rowdy(gangster).. These ladies found it hard but atleast half accomplished in teachin me a qualities of a girl.. Ms. Anitha, Ms. Punitha, Ms. Antonet, Ms. Stella, Ms. Sheela( A GREAT teacher), Ms. Jayashri(she made me fall in love with geography), lot more..

High School.. Ms. Maria, Ms.Sudha, Ms. Mercy(Maths.. I was always a centum holder), Ms. Ramani(Unforgettable English), Ms.Meera(Right from Middle school-Sanskrit, The most patient person who put up with any nonsense i did and liked me so so much), Ms. Helen(Called us all dumbos)..

Apart from all this..My Music teacher at school Ms.Shyamala.. With her i spent half my school life in the piano room learnin so many new songs !!!

School time always had tutions.. And my tution teachers i would never forget include Diwakar, Arasu and at middle school where i never knew their name but always called them Miss..

MOP Vaishnav Graduation.. here faculty i d say din make a big impact on me but sure they improved my confidence levels and if i have so much Guts, its because of the course i did and the college i did it in !!

SSN.. My PG program MBA.. Here faculty did make a lot of difference.. I learnt a lot of professionalism from most of our faculty who walked in.. Mr Balasubramaniam(HOD), Mr. Kasturirangan, Mr. Shekar, Mr. Rajan. Apart from them.. Mr.Kannan(Gives a lot of valuable insights personal and work related), Ms.Vijaya Mani, Vani Haridasan, Mr.Mahesh Doraiswamy, and Mr.Srinivas Gumparthi..

There is a conspicuous absence? Mr.Srinivasan. I din put that up cause he still remains my teacher !!! I do learn a lot from him..

Then leaving behind academics, I should thank my dance teachers Ms.Kousalya who groomed my basics, Ms. Meenakshi who still remains one of my best teachers and a great role model for my dance.

Here is a list i made rattling my memories... Thank You so much all of you for making such a difference in my life and grooming me into what i am today !!

THANK YOU !!!!

Cheers

My 50 - A Collage

Heyi,

At last I ve reached one of the milestones.. Ya ! I ve completed 49 posts and here i am writing my 50th post.. I feel so so so excited bout it !. This morn in i was jus asking few people to suggest as to what i can write for my this special post.. and all them landed up with bizarre suggestions. Trust me, there was one who said try Swine FLU.. I am not a crazy bugger to talk about pigs in my special post. So, after facing so many difficulties in deciding i came to a conclusion that i ll write 50 different things what come to my mind these few minutes when i type this.

So, Coming to the format of this post.. There are gonna be 50 different things in this post may be grouped in different ways like.. 5 important people, 5 places, 10 gifts and so on.. All will add up to 50 at last.. This post is purely random.

To Start with...

10 Very important people who made a difference in my life..

• Amma.. Amma is my role model, a vibrant lady, lot of courage, boldness, full of life and energy, a strong person behind every important step i take in life.
• Appa.. A serene, calm and very respectable personality, is seen with regard wherever he goes, a great person for advice and suggestions, a practical and reliable man.
• Athai, Paati and few others in the family.. Pampers, but the genuine concern no one will ever have.. affection and love personified
• Prashanth.. Everyone who knows me know him too !!!
• Srini Sir.. A totally different personality i admire, a great thinker, an awesome motivator, a great friend, good mentor.. someone who is like appa..
• Sriram.. A very affectionate friend.. best person ta ask suggestions too. Took lot of efforts to convince me mentally to take MBA as a way of life rather than jus a course.. It helped !!
• Adithya.. My bro.. My friend and my enemy, protective, loving and a good critic..
• Guruji.. Sri Sri Ravishankarji.. Though i ve seen him from just a distance.. The aura he spreads and happiness and change he does to ones life is tremendous
• Sheela Miss.. My teacher at middle school for 3 years, a firm believer, a good teacher, and a great encouragement..
• Kumar Jiju(Geetha, don be offended.. it includes u too).. He is someone i see may be once in 6 months but share so much rapport.. a great a shoulder to lean on, has an answer for everythin, very practical, cool and casual..

My 5 treasured Gifts

• 2 cute teddy bears which my best friend
  
• A fast track watch - My dads gift on my 19th birthday
  
• My pink Ipod shuffle from my friend
• My mobile Phone - mom and cousin
  
• My surprise birthday

5 things I cannot Live without

• Mobile: Work and personal requires me ta have a phone all time. I feel as though my palms don exist without a Mobile phone in hand
• My Laptop: My cute red Sony Vaio is one of my treasured possessions. It has my work related stuff, movies and everything I need. I am dysfunctional without it.
• Music: My phone is an xpress music, a music player and everything i own would have music facility in it.
  
• My shalanga: Shalanga is the bells i wear on my ankle for dance. Its a possession i love and respect.
  
• My Contact Lenses: It shows me the colorful world as clearly as it is...
  

5 Cute words with a special meaning

• Love: Something i think the world cant live without
• Romance: U know what it means !!!
• Family: Without which i think i am not what i am today
• God: the Almighty !!
• Sweets: I love ta eat them too !. I personally feel that its such a cute word to use!

5 Top Places i wish to visit

• Swiss
  
• Rome
  
• Italy
• Australia
  
• Phuket
  

5 Top restaurants

• Cream Center(They ve got Lovely Malai Kulfi)
  
• Rain Forest (Good North Indian stuff)
  
• Grains Of Paradise(does not exist now) Their Koftas are unbelievable
  
• Little Italy (Paasssttaaaaaaaaaa !!!!!!!!!)
  
• Saravana Bhavan(A regular sambar dosa dine out.. SO Tasty!!)

5 groups of movies that touch my heart

• The Cinderella Story: This is one of the first romantic comedy movies i saw. I fell in love with every character of the movie, the plot, story line and Music. the music still remains in the top of my I tunes list. Enchanted, Ella Enchanted, Princess Diaries come under the category. 27 Dresses, 50 first dates, A walk to remember, Prince and Me, Just like Heaven kind of romantic comedies too
  
• Mani Ratnam Movies: I think any of Mani's movies are amazing Right from Mouna Ragam
  to his last Guru, i admire all his movies. Alaipayuthey is really close to my heart
• Kakka Kakka: A great movie with lot of emotional touch
• Telugu Movies like Bomarellu, Nuvasthavante Nenodhanthaana, etc
  
• Korean Movie like My Little Bride, Seducing Mr. Perfect, Innocent Steps...

5 things I desire to do/have

• A lovely house in a coastal area with a big portico and a sunset view
• A world trip
• Contribute to or try to Provide education to people who cant afford
  
• Have a top position in a company
• Currency in my pocket always. Never say no to anyone.
  

Finally, My 5 favorite blogs in my list

• Sowmi's
• Chriz
• Backgrounds
• Amithabh Ji
• Me!!!

I know this blog sounded more like a tag.. But its my 50th and special to me !! May be when i read it again i ll know if my opinions change or remain. It took me 3 days to compile this.. So, that's for it now... I ve just had a few expert opinions as for a few topics for my next few posts.. So i will come out with more..

Cheers

Ganapathi Bappa Moriya !!!

heyi,

Today is ganapathi's day.. Vinayaka Chathurthi.. Ganesh Chaturthi is the celebration of the birth of Lord Ganesh. . Before we start any work, We pray to Lord Ganesha.

"Ganpati Bappa Morya,Phudchya Varshi Lavkaar Ya".

At home pooja was done as usual. But it was not usual. Cause mom was not there. Mom is outta town. So, i had an opportunity to use my cooking prowess. Todays menu was Drumstick Sambar, Rasam, beans carrot for vegetable. The special was the payasam which i had tried for the first time. It came out very very well.. Good Me !! Mom would be very happy ! And my whole family ate wel !

Though everythin went properly in place. The whole house missed amma.. A festival without mom at home is so so so so silent. And she is so full of activity and we landed up so bored.. Still.. There is a full day to go !!

Today am leaving on my first official trip ta coimbatore.. Tensed and excited.. catch u soon with my next post.. Which is" POST 50 "

Cheers