On & Off...

Wow! It's been a while since my last post, hasn't it? Here's my excuse - I've been trying to get some work done & it's taken longer than expected, especially with these frequent visits to our native.

The fact that the number of posts have reduced over the months, bites me everytime I visit my own blog (...and I do that regularly - visit. Don't ask me why...).

Anyway, more sad news - Sheru's not keeping well *sigh*. Food poisoning, apparently. It hurts to see him so low. Been nursing him for 2 days now. Please pray he feels better.

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Food for thought - 2

'Every time you hurt someone, you take away a part of their innocence.'

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Born to be a star?

Here's Cleopatra Stratan with her famous number - Ghiţă. Yenjoy!



Thanks Pooja

The coat is inside out,
There is no sun above
Nothing is going good
Since I think of Ghita.
But Ghita's not in town
I've asked for him around
It seems to me he's gone
He's gone abroad

Hard, I find it very hard
Want, I don’t know what I want
I know, that you like me too
Ghita what is up with you?
You, come or either go
You, tell me yes or no
Ghita, please don’t hassle me
Tell me, what your life will be?

Ghita,
Tonight I'm waiting at the wicket
Me at the station I bought a ticket
Come to,
But don't come as you did before
As usually with empty hands...
Who else
Will wait and sing for you as I do
Entire evening just getting there
Ghita,
Show me a girl who's fond of you
That loves you more as much as I do...

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Who do you think will win this one?

...Lord Ram & Lord Hanuman or the priest?

(Link on a friend's chat ID)

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Why villages matter

2 days since we returned from our native & I find it hard to believe I miss the place so much. Ofcourse, grand-dads & grand-moms always hold a special place in everybody's heart, but I miss the place. Driving back, I wondered how many people were fortunate enough to get a glimpse of such stark difference. Suddenly, pub-hopping felt boring, unattractive even!

At 7am this place looked beautiful

From milk-men delivering milk in packets to milking cows, buffaloes & goats yourself, from microwave ovens to chulhas, from feather stuffed pillows & foam mattresses to open air char-payis...

Villages definitely provide a taste of whole-some life!

After failed attempts, a passer-by helped us pick this one up

Cricket enthusiasts

Abandoned homes

100 year old stairway

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End of festive season

And what an end it's been, *phew*! Gifts are common during this time of the year. By far this year ended with the best of gifts -



Mom's not into chocolates; dad loves them equally but eats sparingly; bro's been busy with his exams. So all that you see up there, was for me ALONE!

MUHAHAHAHA...

Hope you guys had a fun time as well.

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When words fail you

Here's a prayer request from PrayWay -

"I lost my baby when I was 9 weeks PG this year. The baby was due last week on my birthday. Please pray for me. I cant talk to my family about the pain.

'''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''''
My Angel

I know not why God took you. Your due date was on my birthday. You should be here now. One week old or so. I want to hold you and hug you. I want to see your shining little face. My heart aches for you. I so want to have you here with me. I love you little one.

One I will never hold, hug or kiss. I miss you so. I see others with their new little angels in the stores. I look close and I can almost see you in their place. I know you are safe and happy in heaven. I know you are taken care of and loved. I just wish you could have stayed here with me for a while.....to hold and to love.

Love always,
Your Mom, now and forever a mother of five."

Please spare a moment & pray if you will.

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10 years & counting

14th November 1997 - A friend & me started from my place on my kinetic to a tutorial class. We didn't make it to that class & following ones for a whole month. She broke her collar-bone, had horrible bruises on her back and legs, while I tore my lip & fractured my wrist. I still remember our final biology practicals - Rat Dissection - she used her right hand while I, my left (and we worked on one rat together!)

Not sure where she is today. I pray she's happy, healthy & safe someplace!

To her - "Cheers! Happy Anniversary!"

P.S: Happy Children's day, y'all!

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Arrrrgh...

Pointed out by a friend

THREE year old! WHY?

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5 Simple Pleasures

Smini came up with this & here's my list -

1. Kodak moments with kids, pups, cubs & chicks ((November 12th, 2007) Update: ...& kittens - Thanks Samba)
2. The Countryside
3. Combination of coffee/beer & hot pakoras on a chill day
4. Long Drives
5. Soulful music

Care to list yours?

P.S: Pliss to be reading this post on LongBlackVeil's blog! I think it's H.I.L.A.R.I.O.U.S.!

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Sheru's 60th

His 60th day on this planet

And boy(!!), does he look BIG! Both Munnu and he are such a treat to watch!

As sleepy weather continues to haunt Bangalore, my mother wonders how active they will remain in days to come. All we see them do lately, is cuddle up together & sleep the whole day away. Postmen, courier guys, salesmen, don't matter anymore. They choose to partly open one eye, throw a heavy glance at the intruder, a second at us walking out & slump back as if to say 'You know what needs doing; give them a bark from us, will ya...'!!

My brother blames me. According to his theory, dogs pick up characteristics from the one they spend maximum time with. Well, I'm glad I get to sleep.

Adorable aren't they?!!

He simply loves the bean-bag

(Novenber 6th, 2007) Update:
Sheru's little black sis has been adopted (finally)! I wasn't around to check on the person/people who have taken her in. But I pray they are a responsible bunch & help her grow into a good, strong dog someday :).

Cheers!

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Some Recommendations

Getting back to work has been difficult. I've managed to catch up on some movies through this time. Here are some I'd recommend (and to those who have an open-mind & heart only) -

1. The Mighty - A story with a heart, I'd say
2. The Shadow Dancer a.k.a Shadows in the Sun- There's more to life than working in the U. S of A, you know
3. Annie Hall - The person who recommended this would want to take credit for introducing me to such humor. So here goes - "Thank You! If you ever come across this page, please know, I'm grateful."

Shall keep updating this list. Share yours, if you'd like to.

(November 5th 2007) Update:

1. Before Sunrise & Before Sunset - Don't analyze. If you've got the patience, do watch these.

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Hanging in there

Work's been sloppy. Trying to get back to the rut. Will need another week before I'm through with the current project. Here's the day's horoscope -

Sometimes it's better to swallow your words than to upset others with your true feelings. Now, however, you may be at the end of your rope and have nowhere else to go. Although you might feel as if you have been forced to share your thoughts, it's best not to harbor any resentments or your disclosure won't have the impact you desire. It's time to let go of the past and react in the present moment. - by Rick Levine

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Someone exactly like you

Ive been searching a long time
For someone exactly like you
Ive been travelling all around the world
Waiting for you to come through.
Someone like you makes it
All worth while
Someone like you keeps
Me satisfied. someone exactly
Like you.

Ive been travellin a hard road
Lookin for someone exactly like you
Ive been carryin my heavy load
Waiting for the light to come
Shining through.
Someone like you makes it
All worth while
Someone like you keeps
Me satisfied. someone exactly
Like you.

Ive been doin some soul searching
To find out where youre at
Ive been up and down the highway
In all kinds of foreign lands
Someone like you... etc.

Ive been all around the world
Marching to the beat of a different
Drum.
But just lately I have
Realised
The best is yet to come.
Someone like you...

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Scintillations ofcourse!

I'm walking Munnu like every other morning and I think I heard someone call my name (and in the right way, amazingly!). So I turn around and see a rickshaw halt some distance away. For a moment I wonder... and the very next, a long-lost friend (well, not exactly lost!) is standing 8 feet away from me.

He: (skeptically) "Remember me?"

Me: (faking skepticism) "Kind of... I think."

He: (confused) "Um... Er..."

Me: (grinning) "I'm surprised you're still alive, you know!!"

(The rest doesn't matter!)

We haven't met each other in 5 long years (and he's been living one street behind us for the last 2 years!). Even the sight of him brings back memories of 'the gang'. It wasn't much of a gang I guess, but we spent our college years together. And Lord knows those years are crazy! Crazy enough to make you miss them terribly!

He's getting married in December & I can't tell you how happy I am for him. Life does bring joy in sparks! Here's to you & yours, Nidheen - God Bless!

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Would you risk it?

I've heard stories about people throwing away all that they've built over years, to realize a dream they've nutured alongside. It always has been inspiring. And I'm sure a day will come when I shall follow this 'formula'.

Today though, is not my day. But a dear friend's. I'm not sure she blogs or even cares too. I think she's not quite the kind of person who'd sit around telling us tales about her life or write her opinion on a web-page. She's more 'spoken' types. I haven't known her long. Hardly a year. But her enthusiasm is infectious! She's a hyper, but the zeal she carries around is beyond anyone's I've known so far! And yes, I like her (coming from a woman for another woman, you've got to appreciate that!).

A Master's graduate. An Electrical Engineer. A Project Associate at IISc. Today - a proud owner of a Salon!! Gone are the days of recollecting mathematical formulas, days of toiling over algorithms & research papers, typing status-reports for your boss, late-nights in front of the computer trying to make an image look brighter or better or more human-like! Hers is a dazzling start to a dream!!

Here's to you Sruti... Lord bless you in abundance!

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An early morning conversation...

For those of you who do not understand Marathi, I'm sorry! Maybe Deepti will be kind enough to translate this for all of you. To me, this sounds hilarious in marathi!

...

Aai: (on an on-going conversation) "Aye gadhey! Mi visrun jaatey na!"

Me: "Hmm..."

(after a short pause)

Baba: (with a curious look) "Tu 'gadhi' ka zhali?!"

Me: (shrugging shoulders) "Me 'gadhi' chya rupaatach janma ghetla!"

Baba: "Hmm... 'gadhya' ni tula janma dilyavar tu 'gadhich' honnar kini?!"

...

P.S: Baba would never call Aai that! So you know who he was referring to!

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Where did all humanity go?

Ever since we've adopted Sheru, people around our place make frequent visits to play with him, feed him & spend some quality time with him. It's such fun to see them enjoy themselves unbridled! Pets truly bring out a beautiful side in us, don't they?

But, there's a lot of negative energy as well. For instance, the little black one still hasn't found a home. And that hurts me SO much! She comes in to play with Sheru when she feels like it and is otherwise following her mother around.

A few days ago, a couple (returning from work) drove down on their bike, picked the little one and drove away with her. Obviously, I was thrilled! And I thanked the Almighty for giving her a home, finally. On informing my mom, I was in for a shock!


Apparently, this couple had taken her along with them once before. So I told myself, they probably wanted the little one to spend some more time with mommy and left her back here. Once she was 40-45 days old, they'd probably come back for her. Which they did! Sheru & his sisters are 40 days old today!

Come next morning and my dad tells me, he just saw the couple drive down on their bike & leave the little one back with her mom! They were off to work supposedly. So why did they take the little one this time? Some quality playtime after work maybe?! And what (?), the little one replaced a stuff-toy from a store?!

The previous night, Sheru's mom was wailing & searching up-and-down our street looking for her little one! Ofcourse, if someone responsible had taken her pup away to give her a loving home, I would have assured myself & her that this was for the best! But what kind of humane behaviour is this?! You keep her away from her pup for one night only so you have a fun evening?! ARRGGHHH...

Grow up! And not physically or mentally, but humanely! This isn't YOUR home, this isn't YOUR planet, this isn't YOUR world... ALONE!! We are ALL part of this system! Grow up and learn to take responsibility for other species as well!

It's things like these that make me wish we had never evolved as a species; that we should have been wiped out by all those larger, stronger, mighter beings millions of years ago! We don't deserve this life; not if we can't value another! So what if it is just a DOG's life?!

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PostSecret

Blogger advertised it, I'd like to, too! The blog is truly exceptional & the idea of the book extra-ordinary! Hopefully Crossword will have one soon!

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Now I know 'why?'!

I remember my father telling me wonderful stories about courage, dignity, ethics, etc. as a child. And he always insisted I watch this. Frankly, I enjoyed every episode of this series and to-date, highly respect this genius!

Today, Deepti points out this article.

What you make of it, is upto you. Me?! I'm no feminist, but I do agree on -

"If telling a lie three times can be persuasive, imagine the power of something old and sacred that has been told again and again for twenty-five centuries or more."

Kudos to the author! May he -

"...come back to earth, and this time, please take a female form so that you can take a fresh new look at a few of your shlokas from a different perspective..."

On a more personal note, I believe a LARGE number of men are still threatened by the success of their wives, girlfriends, daughter-in-laws & daughters; leading to immense insecurities, ofcourse!

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Food for thought - 1

Pointed out by a friend at PrayWay -

"The paradox of our time in history is that we have taller buildings but shorter tempers, wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints. We spend more, but have less, we buy more, but enjoy less. We have bigger houses and smaller families, more conveniences, but less time. We have more degrees but less sense, more knowledge, but less judgment, more experts, yet more problems, more medicine, but less wellness.

We drink too much, smoke too much, spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too little, watch TV too much and pray too seldom."


"We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values. We talk too much, love too seldom, and hate too often.

We've learned how to make a living, but not a life. We've added years to life not life to years. We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet a new neighbor. We conquered outer space but not inner space. We've done larger things, but not better things.

We've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul. We've conquered the atom, but not our prejudice. We write more, but learn less. We plan more, but accomplish less. We've learned to rush, but not to wait. We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but we communicate less and less.

These are the times of fast foods and slow digestion, big men and small character, steep profits and shallow relationships. These are the days of two incomes but more divorce, fancier houses, but broken homes. These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill. It is a time when there is much in the showroom window and nothing in the stockroom. A time when technology can bring this letter to you, and a time when you can choose either to share this insight, or to just hit delete...

Remember, spend some time with your loved ones, because they are not going to be around forever.

Remember, say a kind word to someone who looks up to you in awe, because that little person soon will grow up and leave your side.

Remember, to give a warm hug to the one next to you, because that is the only treasure you can give with your heart and it doesn't cost a cent.

Remember, to say, "I love you" to your partner and your loved ones, but most of all mean it. A kiss and an embrace will mend hurt when it comes from deep inside of you.

Remember to hold hands and cherish the moment for someday that person will not be there again.

Give time to love, give time to speak! And give time to share the precious thoughts in your mind.

AND ALWAYS REMEMBER:
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

If you don't send this to at least 8 people....Who cares?"

By GEORGE CARLIN, Comedian

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At the breakfast table...

Topic: Incense Sticks!

Baba: (matter of factly) "It has 30 sticks."

Aai: "Huh?"

Baba: "Well, it says it's a 30-day pack."

Aai: "It doesn't last us a month!!"

Baba: "Hmm."

Aai: "We use 5 sticks a day!"

Me: "Why so?"

Aai: "Well, Baba lights 1, I light 2 in the morning and 2 in the evening! So we barely manage 20 days with this pack."

Baba: (throwing a mischevious smile at me) "I thought you broke 1 stick and used it as 2!"

Aai: "That was before you guys argued over me being stingy! (Hmpf!)"

Me: "So we use up 1 pack in less than 10 days?!"

Baba: (matter of factly again) "Precisely."

Me: "Geez! The amount of child labor we promote!"

(moment's pause)

Baba: (sounding heavy) "Yes, beta!"

Aai: "Now you know why I split 1 stick into 2?!"

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This & That

Yesterday was a really long day and yet I couldn't squeeze in time to get this post up. Here are 2 news articles that make you both sad and angry.

Case 1: Wife on sale to save husband in Punjab

Note the number of people willing to help?! It's heart-warming! I couldn't spot any comment that provided her details. If anyone does have information on how to reach her, please do update us all!

Case 2: Bus driver hits woman with iron rod in Delhi

Before I say anything, let me make it clear I'm not taking stands here and I might be wrong. Please correct me if so.

It was an act of violence no doubt! The driver should be disciplined for his act. But does anyone know what really angered him to the extent that he walked up to his van, pulled out an iron rod and hit a woman?! To hold your anger for that length of time! Something must have triggered him, something must have hurt him, no? I was wondering, could it be remotely possible that he was verbally abused? True, he was rash, he was wrong and he needs to realize his mistake. But haven't you come acorss situations where people are pushed far enough to lose control over their actions? Again, I'm not supporting him, but doesn't this episode make one look beyond this particular incident itself?

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Cheap Thrills?

So he's back. And yes, they might not agree on everything the other says. But this is ridiculous! (Please check video!)

First he said, "I may not ever see him again, I don't know. We'll worry about that when the time comes". That does not, I repeat does not give you the liberty to assume he will never!

Second, if a reporter asks you a question, you can either say, "No comments" or give him a straight answer. I believe he chose to give you a straight answer! How can you possibly call that 'Verbal Bashing'?!!

Ghosh! For once, can you NOT mince words and give us the raw deal? Maybe we'll try and figure out for ourselves if we really want to assume things!


(October 5th 2007) Update:

Completely out of context ofcourse, but I found this snap in one of my folders -

From a stack of Tirupati snaps!

What better day than 2nd of October, to think of him posing as a Statue of the Mahatama, for his daily living!

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It's Official!

(drum roll) Presenting, Your Royal Highness Sher Bahadur Singh (..er..) Bonde. Sheru for short! Mom's suggestion, Dad's pick and naming ain't my forte. I'm borrowing names for my kids too from people who've long stopped walking beside.

For those of you thinking about Munnu, Sheru's whole heartedly given him the spot of his surrogate mother ..er.. father. Well, cut the little fella some slack will ya?! He's just-ye-littal-confused-I-say.

Like the other day when I took him over to his mother's and she had an unexpected guest (a cow), he sat rigid between the guest's fours and wondered when his mother, all of 2"2', had shot up to 4"4' and how he was going to make it up there!!

So yes, Munnu faces such yem-ba-raa-zing moments as well, but takes it in his stride! For now, the two make quite a team!

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Back to 'Street-side-games'

Over the last 2 days, I've been trying desperately to sit in front of my system and get some work done. I'm not unwell or busy meeting people or even reading my long-awaiting novel; I'm running in-and-out of our home trying to keep 'P' with-mom and then without. Who 'P'? The little white pup who recently increased the member count in our family. So here's how these last 2 days have been -

It started at 2:30am, Monday morning. Yes, 2:30 AM! Somewhere in neverland a tiny sound of someone weeping. And then it got louder. And louder! Followed by the dodgy feeling of leaving neverland and the stubborn registration of my actual surrounding! That was no weeping, that was wailing.

P had fallen into an opening of a drain (Tch! Those drains, they always cross your path, don't they?) It took us 15 minutes to get him out. All that while his mother kept nudging at my dad's leg as if to say, "I tried! Please help!" Such a sight it was to see her lick P all over once he was out!

Three hours of erratic sleep and P's wailing again. From then to now, I've been trying to get him to his mum to feed him and bring him back home so he gets used to Munnu, us and his new home.

All that running up-and-down the street brought back memories of 'Hide-n-Seek', 'Gilli-danda', 'Lagory' & 'Phugadi'! Remember the pigtails and pinafores? What fun!

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A bridge across forever

What the bridge symbolizes we conveniently overlook and get caught up in such and such meaningless arguments! If Lord Ram were to walk this land today, I wonder how many tongues he'd ask to be chopped off? Or would he at all?

At times like these, would you agree the following SO needs to happen? I do!

(October 4th 2007) Update:

I just recieved this in my email. Another among Sudi's priceless inputs!

A BRIDGE TOO FAR

Lord Rama surveyed the Ram Setu and said "Hanuman, how diligently and strenuously you and your vanara sena had built this bridge several centuries back. It is remarkable that it has withstood the ravages of the climatic and geographical changes over centuries. It is indeed an amazing feat especially considering the fact that a bridge at Hyderabad built by Gammon using latest technology collapsed the other day even before they could stick the posters on its pillars."

Hanuman with all humility spoke "Jai Sri Ram, it is all because of your grace. We just scribbled your name on the bricks and threw them in the sea and they held. No steel from TISCO or cement from Ambuja or ACC was ever used. But Lord, why rake up the old issue now."

Ram spoke "Well, Hanuman some people down there want to demolish the bridge and construct a canal. The contract involves lot of money and lot of money will be made. They will make money on demolition and make more money on construction."

Hanuman humbly bowed down and said "Why not we go down and present our case"

Ram said "Times have changed since we were down there. They will ask us to submit age proof and we don't have either a birth certificate or school leaving certificate. We traveled mainly on foot and sometimes in bullock carts and so we don't have a driving license either. As far as the address proof is concerned the fact that I was born at Ayodhya is itself under litigation for over half a century, If I go in a traditional attire with bow and arrow, the ordinary folks may recognize me but Arjun Singh may take me to be some tribal and, at the most, offer a seat at IIT under the reserved category. Also, a God cannot walk in dressed in a three-piece suit and announce his arrival. It would make even the devotees suspicious. So it is dilemma so to say."

Hanuman: "I can vouch for you by saying that I personally built the bridge."

Ram: "My dear, Anjani putra, it will not work. They will ask you to produce the lay-out plan, the project details, including financial outlay and how the project cost was met and the completion certificate. Nothing is accepted without documentary evidence in India. You may cough but unless a doctor certifies it, you have no cough. A pensioner may present himself personally but the authorities do not take it as proof. He has to produce a life-certificate to prove that he is alive. It is that complicated."

Hanuman: "Lord, I can't understand these historians. Over the years you have given darshan once every hundred years to saints like Surdas, Tulsidas, Saint Thyagaraja, Jayadeva, Bhadrachala Ramdas and even Sant Tukaram and still they disbelieve your existence and say Ramayana is a myth.The only option, I see, is to re-enact Ramayana on earth and set the government records straight once for all."

Lord smiled "It isn't that easy today. Ravan is apprehensive that he may look like a saint in front of Karunanidhi. I also spoke to his mama Mareecha, who appeared as a golden deer to tempt Sita maiyya when I was in the forest and he said that he won't take a chance of stepping on earth as long as Salman Khan is around."

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Please share your home

Before I get into my everyday posts, I'd like to make a sincere request to all those who might chance upon this site and are willing to share their homes with a stray dog. If not, please spread word among your friends who might be interested in caring for a little one.

A fortnight ago, a dog on our street gave birth to 3 wonderful pups. Today, I was able to play with them for a while and used this opportunity to take a few snaps.

All three with Mommy

Female 1

Female 2

Male 1 (If mom and munnu agree, might keep this one)

Last week my brother managed to click a few, while keeping a safe distance. This was when they were only a week old -

Please find it in your heart to help these little ones. You can also find more strays for adoption here.

(September 24th 2007) Update:
Mom & Dad SO love this little one. We've decided to keep him and are waiting for someone to welcome the other 2 into their homes. We haven't named him as yet, so suggestions are welcome.

(September 29th 2007) Update:
The little brown female has just found herself a home!! Hopefully it's a warm and cozy place and I must say, lucky people :)!

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More 'Sudi-Gyaan'

Why should I feel bad?!...

I lost one who never loved me. She lost the one who really loved and cared for her.

Thanks Sudi!

Never cry for any one who makes you cry

There was this guy, who was in love with a girl. She wasn't the most beautiful and gorgeous, but to him, she was everything. He used to dream about her, dream about spending the rest of his life with her. His friends once said to him, "Why do you dream so much about her, when you don't even know if she loves you? Tell her how you feel and get to know if she likes you or not."

He proposed; she rejected. His friends thought he would take to alcohol or drugs and ruin his life. To their surprise, he was not depressed. When they asked him about it he replied, "Why should I feel bad? I lost one who never loved me & she lost the one who really loved and cared for her."

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When pictures speak...

Another among Anita's beautiful photography. The words mean as much. Hope you don't mind my posting it here Anita. Thanks for sharing.

“I have spread my dreams under your feet;
Tread softly because you tread on my dreams”

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Yay...'Read More!' works

For a REALLY long time (even with blogs that have been deleted for good) I've been trying to get this hack to work. Thanks to Ramani, this is a wish come true!

A teeny-weeny bug - Older posts still seem to have the 'Read More!' link for all posts. He still needs to figure that one out.

What the heck, he got so far! Three cheers, I say!

(September 20th 2007) Update:

Every old post that doesn't need a 'Read More!' Link will now have a photo uploaded within the link. I'll try and fill them with snaps I take myself :).

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What is it you are looking for?

Here's something Sudi had to share -

"Life never leaves you empty. It always replaces everything you lost.
If it asks you to put something down, it’s 'coz it wants you to pick up something greater."

A beautiful thought.

October 1st 2007:

From mom's precious garden

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WOW!!

I just can't stop saying Wow!

Luck to Nathan & Nicole!

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Unadulterated gimmick

Having read John Grogan's 'Marley & Me' and reminiscing everything about our lab - 'Buddy', I've been keenly observing our mutt - 'Munnu' (Yes, very INDIAN!) Loads of differences, few similarities too, but the one thing that most amazes me about any dog - Labs, German Shepherds, Mutts or Pomeranians - is their sincerity towards sharing quality time with you.

Munnu enjoys his rest time during the day (And that's saying the least!). No matter who knocks the gate or calls out to you, he keeps his eyes firmly shut during daytime. It's like he's saying - "I work night shifts only, woman. You've got your eyes and ears to yourself during daylight; might as well put them to use." So we don't see him barking at strangers at our doorstep if -

1. We aren't at home to see him do that (obviously!)
2. We are at home and it's not beyond 6pm

That's his schedule and he's stringent about it - 6pm to 9am.

Except, if for some reason, you decide to bask yourself in the sun say, you'd find him promptly following stead. Like today, I was taking a break from my laptop and sat 3 feet from where he usually slumps. I was only thinking to myself, 'Should I disturb him?', when he most-reluctantly got onto his fours and practically 'sleep-walked' to where I was sitting.

If you ignore Munnu when he's by your side, he reminds you of his presence by harmlessly pawing at you. However, in his state of forced insomnia, he did what he could do best, put all his weight on me and go 'Grrrrr...' - which really means, 'Are you blind lady?! I need some petting here, so get busy!'

But the part one should notice is, HE got up from his uncontrollable sleep state just to come sit next to me! What would you call that? 'Unscathed' affection maybe?

(September 20th 2007) Update:

Munnu during broad daylight

P.S: That's a garden swing my folks purchased at an exhibition for Rs. 8000/-. We got to enjoy it for a week before Munnu claimed it to be his. (See the small opening he made for his tail!)

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Not my business

Let's start with a 2-line history tour - We are were a land of villages, towns, kingdoms and provinces. It's been 60* years since these have been replaced by cities on our maps, 20* since the IT revolution changed the economic standards in most of these cities (atleast for the middle and upper classes) and 5* since every fourth* man in the IT industry knows what life is like outside this country of ours.

Having said that, let's consider what we've managed to learn from our travels - Young politicians? Only over the last year. Equal importance to all forms of education (and not just engineering & medicine)? Yeah, a little maybe. Reduced inflation? Nope. More importance to the backbone of our country? (What's that you ask!?! - Agriculture you dummie!!) Nope. Reduced corruption levels on all fronts? No, No. And the most basic necessities of them all - Cleanliness? A DEFINITE No!

Hard to believe, if every fourth* man in the IT industry really does know what living outside this country is like, he most deifnitely knows their cleanliness standards! Why then, don't we follow any around here?! Will having an extra brown bag in our car for trash make us look stupid? Would keeping the wrappers of a toffee our children just ate, in our jacket pocket, ruin our prestige? Would politely asking a person to clean up after him, make us look like aliens? Would teaching our children to walk those ten extra steps to dump trash into a bin and follow the same, make us less dignified?

Yes, the govt. needs to put up more bins. Yes, they need to employ more workers to clean streets and roads. Yes, there has to be a more scheduled garbage pick-up system. Yes to all that! But how long can they keep increasing these strengths, how long can they keep cleaning up after you, how long can they keep adding to the already existing bins, if all of us just want to complain and only do our bit in adding to the mess around?

Every single day a new generation is born. Every single day this new generation learns from us. Every single day they follow what we imbibe in them. Is it not our mistake then, that we are not able to teach them even the basic idea of 'Community Cleanliness'? Isn't it our fault that we are teaching them ways to handle cleanliness around us with a stern "That's not my business" attitude?!

Agreed. All things don't change overnight. So let's start today by making our little bit count. Let's make our surroundings a cleaner, healthier place. And let's not forget the key word - OUR, not his or hers or theirs, but ours. Afterall, every drop in the ocean counts!

(*A guesstimate.)

(September 12th) Update: Front page news in ToI -

http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JQkcvMjAwNy8wOS8xMiNBcjAwMTAz&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom

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Apologies

For a good 2 days I've been patting my back for having come up with the name 'Guts, Grace & Gusto'. Today I wanted to make sure it came up on google. So I typed-in my query and guess what?!... The name's already registered by this group! (Scroll down to the bottom of the page)

So I'm thinking - 'Every time I come up with a good idea, someone's already nailed it! And what I almost discard as bad ones, always end up doing the trick!' Do I want to be penalized for a blog-header?! Ofcourse not! So barely 3 days old, we decide to gracefully move on to a different version - that is to say, from Guts to Grit. Same G's. Well... almost same!

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Fasting

Here's Wikipedia's explanation for the word - "... act of willingly abstaining from some or all food, drink, or both ...". Do you see the hard part in this act?! "Willingly"(?)!!

I'll be honest, I've never liked the idea of fasting. No disrespect to all those who believe in this act. It's just something I find absurd. If I were asked to give away my share of food, drink, or both to a person who hasn't been able to feed himself for various reasons, I would gladly do so without a blink of an eye. But to abstain oneself for no good reason at all, just doesn't ring with me. If one is asked to do so by a physician say for health reasons, I'd accept that for a valid reason, if they were doing so to voluntarily watch their otherwise uncontrollable weight, that might make sense too. But to starve yourself in the name of prayer, just so your heart's desire is fulfilled... ?!! I find that more like torture to the Lord Himself! Like - "You gave me this body and I won't feed it until You give me what I need" - What?!!

In His place, I might have thought to myself, "Ha!... the hilarious things I find myself doing for them nincompoops!" But then again, that's just me!

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'Yem-ba-raa-zing' moments

Four months ago, I started out as an Independent Consultant. Whoa! To date, I keep thinking - 'I really did something different, didn't I?!' Good different, Bad different, I don't know. Might take a while before I can be positive on that. So obviously, 4 months ago, I wanted to be sure I'm not putting all eggs in one basket. Which means, I was still looking out for other jobs.

I hate interviews. Not 'coz they drill you with all those 'Is-she-the-next-stupid-being-we-need-to-train' questions, but 'coz I manage to appear dumb (read D. U. M. B) in almost all my answers. Doing 3 somersaults would probably make me look wiser! (Didn't I mention earlier?! I love exaggerrating!) So the moment I step into any office for an interview, the nervousness is bound to spill.

This occasion being no different. It was a weekend and they were conducting interviews by the truckloads. So the place is HUGE, the company even BIGGER and the number of people around was STAGGERING! In a humble corner of this magnificent hall, I filled out my form and waited my turn for being toasted. After about an hour or so, I heard someone call out, 'Prun-gee-aal'. Like someone just lit a fire below my seat, I shot-up and raced through the room and was guided into a channel of connected 'stalls'. I was asked to make myself comfortable in one of the two chairs that barely fit into this tiny 'opening-of-a-stall' along with an enormous table, while my escort fetched the person who'd swell controlling his laughter after listening to my prolific monologue!

After the initial exchange of formalities, he started with his set of 'so-she-really-thinks-she'll-last-here-eh-?' questions. Almost towards the end of his list, when he no longer wanted to hold his 'hee-haw' behind hands clasping his mouth, he said, "It eez really yem-ba-raa-zing to see such tyaa-lent go waste, you know. It eez actually yem-ba-raa-zing to know the present state of a-ver (our) ye-ducation sees-tem. How they can paa-si-baly be such ye (a) yem-ba-raaz-ment to themselves, I do not know?". With eyes popping out and my mouth half open, I could only manage, "Yes sir, it is quite em-baa-rassing.", following which his expression suddenly stiffened and with a, "Uh?!... umm... Yes... yes, yes, yem-ba-raa-zing", shooed me out of the pigeonhole!

On my way back home, the only thought I distinctly remember is, "Poof, that went off well! Right?!"

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Aroma & Stench

I've always found myself attracted to the 'aroma' the ink from a ball-point pen leaves behind. Infact, when I'm trying to concentrate on a conversation over a phone and I have a pen at my disposal, I can be found making weird shapes over paper - definitely scratching & scribbling. Only recently did I discover that half the reason for that is the smell from the ink! Weird huh?! Well, I've only started writing this blog. Wait till you see more 'weirdo' action.

Speaking of aromas ofcourse, last Saturday we were at this place for dinner. All five of us were starved and so the smell of all the wonderful dishes around us was definitely not helping! And then this family walks in. All smells, seasonings, spiciness suddenly lost out to an overpowering scent! My mom speaks first, "Do you smell that? Wonder why they'd mop the floors with lysol now?!"

What can I say?! Lysol smells good when it's on your floor; if it replaces your perfume(?)..., God be with thy neighbour!!

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Cheers to a fresh start!!

First - Yay!! This one's got title heads!

Second - Post frequency... unknown

Third - Let's Rock & Roll!! ...

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