It is about 20 days that I wrote the post "Can't Buy Me Time".
In that post I concluded to include more and more activities in my daily life.
So here is what I have been doing in the last 3 weeks:
I've been doing a Sudoko puzzle almost every day.
We bought a baking oven (OTG-Oven Toaster Grill) and I tried my hand at baking.
My first attempt was a pizza, and it wasn't that bad.
Then I baked some German Weihnachtsplätzchen (Christmas Cookies) and "AngelEyes".
My little son and my sister liked them very much.
Roy and I made a Christmas crib and did some Christmas decorations for the Christmas tree and home.
I got the chance to be the "Master (Mistress) of Ceremony" for our Christmas programme in church. It was a great experience and I am happy that I was able to do it well.
So far so good ....
The last 2 weeks though were pretty stressing ... with so many Christmas programmes in church and other engagements coming up. Now I hope to get more rest.
For my future activities, I feel exercise needs to be added. And more "Me-Time"..
Well, let's see how it goes.
Sunday, December 18, 2011
Friday, December 9, 2011
Love to be the lesser one
Had gone for a christmas choir preparation with some people.
An idea came up to stage the nativity scene with our kids. Though mine is too small to participate I was listening to what was being discussed.
The very little ones would enact the angels. One of the group then said that her son and his cousin sister would act as Maria and Joseph. Rest to play the 3 Kings and shepherds. There were no counter suggestions... maybe because there were no big enough kids to play Maria and Joseph.
But it made me think. If my son had been big enough, I possibly would have wanted him to enact Joseph. Why ? Because Maria and Joseph seem to be the next big roles after baby Jesus.
And I started to think again. That thought itself is wrong.
Everyone in the nativity scene - from the shepherds to the 3 Kings, to Maria and Joseph , everyone is important. The nativity scene is not complete without anyone of them.
I guess for the little kids it doesn't matter anyways which role they play.
Only we adults think about the "main" role. This reminds me that I need to think more like a child, more self-less, in so many ways.
Now, I can be happy whichever part my son will play, in the future ...
An idea came up to stage the nativity scene with our kids. Though mine is too small to participate I was listening to what was being discussed.
The very little ones would enact the angels. One of the group then said that her son and his cousin sister would act as Maria and Joseph. Rest to play the 3 Kings and shepherds. There were no counter suggestions... maybe because there were no big enough kids to play Maria and Joseph.
But it made me think. If my son had been big enough, I possibly would have wanted him to enact Joseph. Why ? Because Maria and Joseph seem to be the next big roles after baby Jesus.
And I started to think again. That thought itself is wrong.
Everyone in the nativity scene - from the shepherds to the 3 Kings, to Maria and Joseph , everyone is important. The nativity scene is not complete without anyone of them.
I guess for the little kids it doesn't matter anyways which role they play.
Only we adults think about the "main" role. This reminds me that I need to think more like a child, more self-less, in so many ways.
Now, I can be happy whichever part my son will play, in the future ...
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Circumstancial Conflict
Yesterday I got very upset over something. Rather someone I should say.
I felt that this someone X was purposely (not) doing some things so as to hurt me.
I felt very bad. It affected me so badly I wanted to run away. I was mad.
I imagined already the worst assuming very strongly that this person may just not like me.
But then I was thinking, the last time we talked this person was very nice and friendly. I started to calm down and decided to confront the person and talk it out.
So when I got a chance to meet this person I requested for a chat. Only after talking I realized there were no such bad intentions from X.
This person genuinely liked me. I was very happy and relieved.
What bad things would have happened had I followed my initial feelings ....
I would have lost a very good friend ...
It was as if my feelings were playing with me. They were like a whirlwind storming through my mind and heart. But then calmness prevailed and I was able to think clearly again.
Sometimes circumstances play havoc in our lives which affects our thinking and the actions we take. In such times we must remember that only if we think clearly and calmly can we see the blue sky behind the clouds.
I felt that this someone X was purposely (not) doing some things so as to hurt me.
I felt very bad. It affected me so badly I wanted to run away. I was mad.
I imagined already the worst assuming very strongly that this person may just not like me.
But then I was thinking, the last time we talked this person was very nice and friendly. I started to calm down and decided to confront the person and talk it out.
So when I got a chance to meet this person I requested for a chat. Only after talking I realized there were no such bad intentions from X.
This person genuinely liked me. I was very happy and relieved.
What bad things would have happened had I followed my initial feelings ....
I would have lost a very good friend ...
It was as if my feelings were playing with me. They were like a whirlwind storming through my mind and heart. But then calmness prevailed and I was able to think clearly again.
Sometimes circumstances play havoc in our lives which affects our thinking and the actions we take. In such times we must remember that only if we think clearly and calmly can we see the blue sky behind the clouds.
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Can't buy me Time
I was thinking, every day there is so much of the common chores to do, I don't get time to do the extra fun stuff that I want to do.
And then I thought "Stop! There is no point complaining like this. Each one of us gets 24 hours each day. Make it or Break it !!"
True. I got to do more. I CAN do more. Even if it means that I will get less sleep. But maybe I can sleep and dream better then, seeing all the nice and enjoyable things that I am doing in my dreams.
This has to be it. It's now or never. For a start, writing my blog has been an activity that I try to be regular with. Fit in each day some new thing, however small or big, a new activity, some new learnings, a new song, a new movie, a new word taught to my son, a new game played with him, a new prayer, a new joke, a new puzzle solved, a new acquaintance made ... .
There are so many so little things that can be done in a day.
At the end of a week I should make a list of all things done .. and hopefully it is going to be a huge tower at the end of a year.
Great! This should keep me motivated to do the monotonous activities as well :)..
And then I thought "Stop! There is no point complaining like this. Each one of us gets 24 hours each day. Make it or Break it !!"
True. I got to do more. I CAN do more. Even if it means that I will get less sleep. But maybe I can sleep and dream better then, seeing all the nice and enjoyable things that I am doing in my dreams.
This has to be it. It's now or never. For a start, writing my blog has been an activity that I try to be regular with. Fit in each day some new thing, however small or big, a new activity, some new learnings, a new song, a new movie, a new word taught to my son, a new game played with him, a new prayer, a new joke, a new puzzle solved, a new acquaintance made ... .
There are so many so little things that can be done in a day.
At the end of a week I should make a list of all things done .. and hopefully it is going to be a huge tower at the end of a year.
Great! This should keep me motivated to do the monotonous activities as well :)..
Thursday, November 24, 2011
You and Me .. Strangers no more !?
There was a theory that between any two people on this earth there are only
"6 degrees of seperation" meaning that the average number of aquaintances seperating any two people was 6.
I am writing "WAS" because this seems to have changed now.
Thanks to Facebook and its so many users this has come down to 4.74.
Just imagine ... any famous personality like Amitabh Bachchan or Sachin Tendulkar or Roger Federer or Angelina Jolie. According to this, a friend of their friend would be the friend of one our friends ... This sounds so incredible.
It is so unimaginable to think that we are no more strangers to anyone. That we could go to any person X and introduce ourselves. "Hello, our friends are friends ! So nice to meet you !"
Still, it will make no difference to our lives, I guess. Mainly because I don't know how easy it is to make use of this theory. And why should we anyways ?
We are destined to meet some people and they will become our friends.
Others will remain far away ... like stars ... even though only 4.74 persons away.
"6 degrees of seperation" meaning that the average number of aquaintances seperating any two people was 6.
I am writing "WAS" because this seems to have changed now.
Thanks to Facebook and its so many users this has come down to 4.74.
Just imagine ... any famous personality like Amitabh Bachchan or Sachin Tendulkar or Roger Federer or Angelina Jolie. According to this, a friend of their friend would be the friend of one our friends ... This sounds so incredible.
It is so unimaginable to think that we are no more strangers to anyone. That we could go to any person X and introduce ourselves. "Hello, our friends are friends ! So nice to meet you !"
Still, it will make no difference to our lives, I guess. Mainly because I don't know how easy it is to make use of this theory. And why should we anyways ?
We are destined to meet some people and they will become our friends.
Others will remain far away ... like stars ... even though only 4.74 persons away.
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
One of Hundred
Chetan Bhagat has made it ... He's entered the list of top 100 influential people in the world. He is one of nine Indians besides our PM Manmohan Singh and Sachin Tendulkar.
If you don't know who Chetan Bhagat is.. Well, he is the author of Indian bestsellers like Five Point Someone, One Night at the Call Centre, 2 States and Three Mistakes of my Life .
What an achievement ! Usually it is politicians, sportsmen or actors who claim these spots. How powerful the written word still is for an author to make it.
Inspiration for anyone writing ...
If you don't know who Chetan Bhagat is.. Well, he is the author of Indian bestsellers like Five Point Someone, One Night at the Call Centre, 2 States and Three Mistakes of my Life .
What an achievement ! Usually it is politicians, sportsmen or actors who claim these spots. How powerful the written word still is for an author to make it.
Inspiration for anyone writing ...
Thursday, November 17, 2011
A Mother Nonetheless
I always feel that I have missed out on the "real" thing in life. That is, to give birth in labour,
I tried a lot for it. I went for Lamaze classes, went for long walks, read a lot about what to do when the time arrives, about the breathing rhythms to be practised during labour. Maybe I was too ready or maybe more and more anxious as the due date approached.
My due date was November 2. I reached the hospital on time with Roy and my parents but it seemed that Ryan did not want to come yet. We waited one day longer and then the doctors planned to induce labour, all the while monitoring Ryan's heart beat. Then suddenly things didn't seem to be OK and the doc rushed me into the operation theatre for a Caesarian section.
Quick moments, tension-filled moments where I was awake all the time due to the partial anaestetic. Finally everything was over when I heard the cries of the baby. Then they showed me in the operation theatre ... my son. I was so happy to see this crying little baby.
I always felt that experiencing labour pain while giving birth was one of the stages a woman had to go through in life. I still feel incomplete when I think about it. But God gifted me a healthy and lovely son. In the end it was a good bargain.
I tried a lot for it. I went for Lamaze classes, went for long walks, read a lot about what to do when the time arrives, about the breathing rhythms to be practised during labour. Maybe I was too ready or maybe more and more anxious as the due date approached.
My due date was November 2. I reached the hospital on time with Roy and my parents but it seemed that Ryan did not want to come yet. We waited one day longer and then the doctors planned to induce labour, all the while monitoring Ryan's heart beat. Then suddenly things didn't seem to be OK and the doc rushed me into the operation theatre for a Caesarian section.
Quick moments, tension-filled moments where I was awake all the time due to the partial anaestetic. Finally everything was over when I heard the cries of the baby. Then they showed me in the operation theatre ... my son. I was so happy to see this crying little baby.
I always felt that experiencing labour pain while giving birth was one of the stages a woman had to go through in life. I still feel incomplete when I think about it. But God gifted me a healthy and lovely son. In the end it was a good bargain.
Monday, November 14, 2011
Prayer
Prayer. - We all are very familiar with the word Prayer as it is part of our daily lives but do we ever think about the deeper meaning of Prayer ?
What is a Prayer ? It is our channel of communication with God.
Through prayer we ask God for favours, we ask God for help, we ask for forgiveness for the sins that we have committed, we also thank God for favours received in our life.
The great thing about Prayer is that we can pray any time any place. It is our toll free number to God and God is always reachable through this.
Even the person who does not pray would have at least once said in his/her life "Please let the traffic light be green, so I can reach office on time." Or "Please let India win this cricket match!" These are also prayers.
For whom do we pray? We pray for ourselves, we pray for our loved ones, we pray for our friends. Sometimes we also pray for people whom we do not know at all, strangers who are victims of an accident or illness or war.
A very few of us also pray for their enemies, praying that one day they become their friends as well.
What are the prayers that we pray ? There are many prayers in the Bible.
Perhaps the best-known prayer in the Bible is the Lord's Prayer: "Our Father Who Art in Heaven ..." (Matthew 6:9–13; Luke 11:2-4).
Prayers can be short or long.
In Mathew 6:7 and 8, Jesus tells us that if we say long prayers and useless repetitions God will not listen to us any better. He already knows our needs so no need for such things.
One of the shortest prayers would be "Lord save me". This is what Peter said in Mathew (14:30) after he walked on water. He got distracted by the wind and waves, and started to sink. He yelled “Lord Save Me!”
You can have a silent prayer also. You don't need to say anything because God is all-knowing, he knows what is in your mind.
Why do we pray?
We pray because we believe that God will listen and help us. Prayer and faith go hand in hand. If we have no faith in God, then praying is useless.
When should we pray ?
Ideally, we should pray in both good as well as bad times. Sadly, some pray only in a crisis, and others forget to offer a prayer of thanksgiving when God has helped to solve a problem or provide a blessing.
When you look inside the Bible, you can see how people pray and under what circumstances. 3 examples come to my mind:
1. Moses (Exodus 17:11)
"As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning."
Usually when we pray we fold our hands, we stand or bow down on our knees. Here Moses had to raise his hands as he was praying for his people to defeat the enemy.This was not an easy task as Moses'hands were getting weak.So Aaron and Hur helped to support his hands at that time.
2. Daniel (Daniel 6)
This is an example that Prayer must sometimes be done at dangerous and life threathening times.
Daniel was an administrator under King Darius. The other administrators were jealous of Daniel because he was not corrupt and trustworthy. They made Darius issue a decree that noone was allowed to pray to any God other than Darius.
Daniel faced real danger in praying, but kept on praying, even though it led to the lion's den. But Because Daniel had trusted God and continued praying, God protected him from the lions.
3. Parable on Prayer (Luke 18:1-8) The persistent widow & the Judge
A widow kept coming to a judge asking him to give her protection from her opponent.The judge was initially not willing to help her but the widow was persistent. Finally the judge agreed to help the widow.
This parable of the persistent widow teaches us that we should be patient, persistent, and persevering in our prayer.
In our lives, we often lose heart in praying if there are delays in answers to our requests. Jesus uses this parable to teach us that, though answers often appear to take a long time in coming, we should persevere and not grow weary in praying to God.
God hears and answers our prayers. Maybe not always at the time and in the way we want, but at the time and in the manner that's right according to God.
What is a Prayer ? It is our channel of communication with God.
Through prayer we ask God for favours, we ask God for help, we ask for forgiveness for the sins that we have committed, we also thank God for favours received in our life.
The great thing about Prayer is that we can pray any time any place. It is our toll free number to God and God is always reachable through this.
Even the person who does not pray would have at least once said in his/her life "Please let the traffic light be green, so I can reach office on time." Or "Please let India win this cricket match!" These are also prayers.
For whom do we pray? We pray for ourselves, we pray for our loved ones, we pray for our friends. Sometimes we also pray for people whom we do not know at all, strangers who are victims of an accident or illness or war.
A very few of us also pray for their enemies, praying that one day they become their friends as well.
What are the prayers that we pray ? There are many prayers in the Bible.
Perhaps the best-known prayer in the Bible is the Lord's Prayer: "Our Father Who Art in Heaven ..." (Matthew 6:9–13; Luke 11:2-4).
Prayers can be short or long.
In Mathew 6:7 and 8, Jesus tells us that if we say long prayers and useless repetitions God will not listen to us any better. He already knows our needs so no need for such things.
One of the shortest prayers would be "Lord save me". This is what Peter said in Mathew (14:30) after he walked on water. He got distracted by the wind and waves, and started to sink. He yelled “Lord Save Me!”
You can have a silent prayer also. You don't need to say anything because God is all-knowing, he knows what is in your mind.
Why do we pray?
We pray because we believe that God will listen and help us. Prayer and faith go hand in hand. If we have no faith in God, then praying is useless.
When should we pray ?
Ideally, we should pray in both good as well as bad times. Sadly, some pray only in a crisis, and others forget to offer a prayer of thanksgiving when God has helped to solve a problem or provide a blessing.
When you look inside the Bible, you can see how people pray and under what circumstances. 3 examples come to my mind:
1. Moses (Exodus 17:11)
"As long as Moses held up his hands, the Israelites were winning, but whenever he lowered his hands, the Amalekites were winning."
Usually when we pray we fold our hands, we stand or bow down on our knees. Here Moses had to raise his hands as he was praying for his people to defeat the enemy.This was not an easy task as Moses'hands were getting weak.So Aaron and Hur helped to support his hands at that time.
2. Daniel (Daniel 6)
This is an example that Prayer must sometimes be done at dangerous and life threathening times.
Daniel was an administrator under King Darius. The other administrators were jealous of Daniel because he was not corrupt and trustworthy. They made Darius issue a decree that noone was allowed to pray to any God other than Darius.
Daniel faced real danger in praying, but kept on praying, even though it led to the lion's den. But Because Daniel had trusted God and continued praying, God protected him from the lions.
3. Parable on Prayer (Luke 18:1-8) The persistent widow & the Judge
A widow kept coming to a judge asking him to give her protection from her opponent.The judge was initially not willing to help her but the widow was persistent. Finally the judge agreed to help the widow.
This parable of the persistent widow teaches us that we should be patient, persistent, and persevering in our prayer.
In our lives, we often lose heart in praying if there are delays in answers to our requests. Jesus uses this parable to teach us that, though answers often appear to take a long time in coming, we should persevere and not grow weary in praying to God.
God hears and answers our prayers. Maybe not always at the time and in the way we want, but at the time and in the manner that's right according to God.
Friday, November 11, 2011
11-11-11
No, this is not a license plate number. It's today's date: 11-11-2011.
This being a fancy as well as auspicious number for most people,a lot of hype is being made around this date. There is very little that people wouldn't aspire to do on this date.
Many couples will get married today so as to engrave their wedding date in history, if their marriage lasts, that is.
If you couldn't become part of history then atleast make your child one. That seems to be the plan for others. A lot of expecting mothers who are due with their babies around this date will give birth today, naturally or not. They believe this will give their offspring the best possible headstart.
Then there is another group of people who bet on all things possibe they believe might happen today ... Sachin getting his 10000 test runs today ... Aishwarya Rai Bachchan giving birth today .....
What a crazy world we live in ... people trying to manipulate their destiny ..
as if otherwise we cannot live happy successful lives ..
Well, this is the case happening in Apna India (Our India). Maybe the rest of the world is more cool about it ...
This being a fancy as well as auspicious number for most people,a lot of hype is being made around this date. There is very little that people wouldn't aspire to do on this date.
Many couples will get married today so as to engrave their wedding date in history, if their marriage lasts, that is.
If you couldn't become part of history then atleast make your child one. That seems to be the plan for others. A lot of expecting mothers who are due with their babies around this date will give birth today, naturally or not. They believe this will give their offspring the best possible headstart.
Then there is another group of people who bet on all things possibe they believe might happen today ... Sachin getting his 10000 test runs today ... Aishwarya Rai Bachchan giving birth today .....
What a crazy world we live in ... people trying to manipulate their destiny ..
as if otherwise we cannot live happy successful lives ..
Well, this is the case happening in Apna India (Our India). Maybe the rest of the world is more cool about it ...
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Thank not all ?
I was walking with Y and I stopped at a small shop to get something. After paying I said "Thank You". Y asked me "Why do you say "Thank you" to this guy ? He's just an ordinary fellow."
I was surprised at Y's remark. I never thought that this guy doesn't deserve me thanking him.
I don't know if it is because I was brought up and living in Germany for most of my formative years, but there certainly it was only a common thing to do, to thank even for the smallest gesture. Here in India the picture is so different. You have the very rich, the rich, the average man , the poor and the very poor. People don't offer courtesies to people below a certain strata, especially not below themselves.
I for myself, I believe that every person deserves to be treated equally irrespective of whether they are at a higher or lower level than us. We ought to appreciate everyone around us, and definitely we'll get appreciated more as well. Sometimes that is all that people want. And so whenever I catch a glimpse of pride in their eyes when they reply back with "You're welcome!" I realize it was a good thing to do.
I was surprised at Y's remark. I never thought that this guy doesn't deserve me thanking him.
I don't know if it is because I was brought up and living in Germany for most of my formative years, but there certainly it was only a common thing to do, to thank even for the smallest gesture. Here in India the picture is so different. You have the very rich, the rich, the average man , the poor and the very poor. People don't offer courtesies to people below a certain strata, especially not below themselves.
I for myself, I believe that every person deserves to be treated equally irrespective of whether they are at a higher or lower level than us. We ought to appreciate everyone around us, and definitely we'll get appreciated more as well. Sometimes that is all that people want. And so whenever I catch a glimpse of pride in their eyes when they reply back with "You're welcome!" I realize it was a good thing to do.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Journey of a One Rupee Coin
Roy was telling me one day the journey of a one rupee coin ...
Roy had gone for some small errand and on his payment he received a one rupee coin as balance. Usually he would drop the coin in a coin box once at home, but this time he forgot and it was still in his track pants pocket.
And he forgot about it ...
Soon after the next day , he rushed in the early morning to collect one of his shirts given for ironing because we had to attend a function.He didn't take his wallet since he was to collect the other shirts later.
On handing over Roy's shirt the man who had ironed his shirt asked him for a token amount since this was the first business transaction of the day. Roy told him that he had not taken his wallet with him, but when he felt in his pocket he found the one rupee coin he had put the previous night. And he handed it over happily ...
This is the journey of the coin.It was not destined to land in a box full of other coins, instead it was to become the first earnings of that man. Likewise, so many coins and notes travel through our hands daily, but we hardly notice them individually. Each has its own fate, just like we ...
Roy had gone for some small errand and on his payment he received a one rupee coin as balance. Usually he would drop the coin in a coin box once at home, but this time he forgot and it was still in his track pants pocket.
And he forgot about it ...
Soon after the next day , he rushed in the early morning to collect one of his shirts given for ironing because we had to attend a function.He didn't take his wallet since he was to collect the other shirts later.
On handing over Roy's shirt the man who had ironed his shirt asked him for a token amount since this was the first business transaction of the day. Roy told him that he had not taken his wallet with him, but when he felt in his pocket he found the one rupee coin he had put the previous night. And he handed it over happily ...
This is the journey of the coin.It was not destined to land in a box full of other coins, instead it was to become the first earnings of that man. Likewise, so many coins and notes travel through our hands daily, but we hardly notice them individually. Each has its own fate, just like we ...
Monday, September 26, 2011
Farewell Tears
Why is it that whenever we leave our loved ones that our hearts become heavy and sometimes even tears are shed ?
Sometimes it's only for a weekend but the very thought of leaving or being away from my loved ones has brought tears to my eyes ... And I become like a child again ...
And I have often wondered why it is like this ...
When I look around, I see most people having difficulty bidding adieu to their friends or family, in varying degrees, some getting serious though smiling, others cracking jokes though deep inside sad, again others getting moist eyes, and others crying loudly or silently ...
What is it that makes us behave like this ... ?
Maybe there is a slight fear that we will not see each other again ... That this was the last time and we haven't said "BYE" properly ...
Maybe we haven't said all that we wanted to tell them ...
Maybe we just love them so much that something inside us aches badly...
Maybe we miss their presence and their impact on our lives ...
Maybe we hate to see them being lonely without us ...
Whatever our reaction when we say "Bye" ... we pray deep inside that we will be given a chance and we can meet again soon ...
Sometimes it's only for a weekend but the very thought of leaving or being away from my loved ones has brought tears to my eyes ... And I become like a child again ...
And I have often wondered why it is like this ...
When I look around, I see most people having difficulty bidding adieu to their friends or family, in varying degrees, some getting serious though smiling, others cracking jokes though deep inside sad, again others getting moist eyes, and others crying loudly or silently ...
What is it that makes us behave like this ... ?
Maybe there is a slight fear that we will not see each other again ... That this was the last time and we haven't said "BYE" properly ...
Maybe we haven't said all that we wanted to tell them ...
Maybe we just love them so much that something inside us aches badly...
Maybe we miss their presence and their impact on our lives ...
Maybe we hate to see them being lonely without us ...
Whatever our reaction when we say "Bye" ... we pray deep inside that we will be given a chance and we can meet again soon ...
Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Worry only for today
There is something special in the Bible in Mathew 6:34 :
Do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
It is strange that when you look deep inside or randomly (as I did) you can find true gems of advice in the Bible. Maybe it's not strange, just what it is supposed to be.
In these times when everyone is so busy with their lives and has only time to worry .. about bills to be paid, loans to be taken, emergencies to be taken care of and dreams to be fulfilled, this advice comes in really handy.
Amongst this chaos we often don't know what to do. Knowing or rather believing that everything will be fine, that we will get solutions to our problems when the time is right is such a relief.
And we can smile more , laugh more and love more ... and the world will be a better place .
Monday, September 12, 2011
Blessing in disguise
Sometimes when people make fun of you or call you names,
it comes as a blessing in disguise ..
It causes some of us to think and take action and improve on ourselves,
not because we lack so much but so as to excel even more ...
It becomes the fuel we were looking for all this time, the fuel that drives us to change ourselves or our present situation for the better.
If Mahatma Gandhi had not faced racial discrimination in South Africa, would he ever have thought of getting us independence ? Have we ever thought about this ??
it comes as a blessing in disguise ..
It causes some of us to think and take action and improve on ourselves,
not because we lack so much but so as to excel even more ...
It becomes the fuel we were looking for all this time, the fuel that drives us to change ourselves or our present situation for the better.
If Mahatma Gandhi had not faced racial discrimination in South Africa, would he ever have thought of getting us independence ? Have we ever thought about this ??
Saturday, September 10, 2011
I was, I am, I will be
When I was small I was interested in so many things ...
In Kindergarten always busy with stage shows where we used to enact something or dance to a song. In my primary school years it wasn't much different either. My teachers would always tell my parents that I am talented. But it stopped there. As I grew up, I started to become a shy person who would only smile but not say much. I have been trying hard to crack this shell open.
Sometimes it's easy, on other occasions I try to close it harder.
After I got my first job I started to open up again, found some gems of friends and I started to learn and pursue some new hobbies.
Photography has been one of them. Its seed was planted long time ago when my father gifted me my very first camera.
I bought my very own digi-cam and since then I've been shootin and shootin .... I'm not a pro but I just like to shoot at whatever comes to my sight .... and sometimes I get very nice snaps .... especially of my son ... who is my object of shooting nowadays.
I always liked drawing ... so I picked up glass painting as another hobby. Having had a friend who did glass paintings helped me a lot to start off. It gives me such immense happiness each time I finish a "masterpiece" of my own.
I don't know how I acquired the liking for writing .. maybe because I always loved reading since my childhood ... Another dear friend told me of the blog he was writing. And I liked this idea ...
So I started out with this blog that you are reading right now ...
I like this medium of writing.. this blog enables me to be myself ...
I can share my feelings and thoughts on any topic freely without having to worry about what other people might think about it. And it's nice to know that someone out there does take the time to read it.
In the future, I feel I should take up some activities that will allow me to interact more with others.
... Maybe enact some plays, sing, laugh and dance and have fun
... just like I used to when I was a kid.
In Kindergarten always busy with stage shows where we used to enact something or dance to a song. In my primary school years it wasn't much different either. My teachers would always tell my parents that I am talented. But it stopped there. As I grew up, I started to become a shy person who would only smile but not say much. I have been trying hard to crack this shell open.
Sometimes it's easy, on other occasions I try to close it harder.
After I got my first job I started to open up again, found some gems of friends and I started to learn and pursue some new hobbies.
Photography has been one of them. Its seed was planted long time ago when my father gifted me my very first camera.
I bought my very own digi-cam and since then I've been shootin and shootin .... I'm not a pro but I just like to shoot at whatever comes to my sight .... and sometimes I get very nice snaps .... especially of my son ... who is my object of shooting nowadays.
I always liked drawing ... so I picked up glass painting as another hobby. Having had a friend who did glass paintings helped me a lot to start off. It gives me such immense happiness each time I finish a "masterpiece" of my own.
I don't know how I acquired the liking for writing .. maybe because I always loved reading since my childhood ... Another dear friend told me of the blog he was writing. And I liked this idea ...
So I started out with this blog that you are reading right now ...
I like this medium of writing.. this blog enables me to be myself ...
I can share my feelings and thoughts on any topic freely without having to worry about what other people might think about it. And it's nice to know that someone out there does take the time to read it.
In the future, I feel I should take up some activities that will allow me to interact more with others.
... Maybe enact some plays, sing, laugh and dance and have fun
... just like I used to when I was a kid.
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
You are perfect
How many people have told you that you are perfect?
In my case noone.
I am not perfect and I am well aware of it. But I also haven't come across anyone who is "perfect". I wonder if the great people like Buddha or Jesus have been perfect themselves.
Life would be such a nice experience if all people would tell you "Hey Dear, you are perfect to me!! or would atleast accept you the way you are... The truth is .. some do and some don't ....
Somewhere I read "Everything created by God is perfect, and so are you."
and then somewhere else "God is perfect. But we are not. God wants us to change."
I assume this is not really God's opinion, rather the opinions of two different people. Each statement is in stark contrast to the other, and yet anyone can choose their cup of tea...
Perfection to each and every individual has a different meaning, and that's what makes us so perfect .... or should I say imperfect ???
In my case noone.
I am not perfect and I am well aware of it. But I also haven't come across anyone who is "perfect". I wonder if the great people like Buddha or Jesus have been perfect themselves.
Life would be such a nice experience if all people would tell you "Hey Dear, you are perfect to me!! or would atleast accept you the way you are... The truth is .. some do and some don't ....
Somewhere I read "Everything created by God is perfect, and so are you."
and then somewhere else "God is perfect. But we are not. God wants us to change."
I assume this is not really God's opinion, rather the opinions of two different people. Each statement is in stark contrast to the other, and yet anyone can choose their cup of tea...
Perfection to each and every individual has a different meaning, and that's what makes us so perfect .... or should I say imperfect ???
Sunday, September 4, 2011
This one worked ...
I have been trying in vain in the past to talk to a person especially after we have an argument, to explain the way I felt in a particular situation. It never worked so far. This person was never able to understand my point of view. I tried many things and I also tried prayer .. but no success. Then I came across a prayer for people who request for better communication with others. I read it. And I tried again. I prayed that this person may be able to receive what I have to say and grasp the meaning, the feelings I have .... God really worked on this person ... It seemed as if God removed his hands from the ears of that person and now everything was clear.And this made me think ... Maybe the way I pray is not correct. Maybe I need to be more specific in what I pray for ... I need to be sincere and honest when I pray.
Hmmm... Not so easy .... It worked this time ... dunno for how long though.
Hmmm... Not so easy .... It worked this time ... dunno for how long though.
Friday, September 2, 2011
One Moment
One Moment ... so very short yet so very long at times.
So much can happen in a moment's time.
One Moment is all it takes .... to make or break a relationship
... to give a hug or give a slap ...
... to hold a hand or let loose ...
... to give a kiss or show a smile ...
... to win or lose a battle ...
We react so different one moment , and then back to normal the next moment ....
So many relationships are broken because of one unstable moment ....
and the few that have survived ... have seen so many of them ...
yet thrive on the good ones alone.
We long to live a long life, yet we miss so many precious moments in our life ...
moments which if acted upon in the right way would make it worth to live even a short life.
So much can happen in a moment's time.
One Moment is all it takes .... to make or break a relationship
... to give a hug or give a slap ...
... to hold a hand or let loose ...
... to give a kiss or show a smile ...
... to win or lose a battle ...
We react so different one moment , and then back to normal the next moment ....
So many relationships are broken because of one unstable moment ....
and the few that have survived ... have seen so many of them ...
yet thrive on the good ones alone.
We long to live a long life, yet we miss so many precious moments in our life ...
moments which if acted upon in the right way would make it worth to live even a short life.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
My Lyrics: Don't Worry Be Happy
In times of trouble or sadness, when nothing seems to work, this one song will cheer you up ...
(whistling)
Here's a little song i wrote,
you might want to sing it note for note,
don't worry, be happy
in every life we have some trouble,
when you worry you make it double
don't worry, be happy
dont worry be happy now
dont worry be happy
dont worry be happy
dont worry be happy
dont worry be happy
aint got no place to lay your head,
somebody came and took your bed,
don't worry, be happy
the landlord say your rent is late,
he may have to litagate,
dont worry (small laugh) be happy,
look at me im happy,
don't worry, be happy
i give you my phone number,
when your worried, call me,
i make you happy
don't worry, be happy
aint got no cash, aint got no style,
aint got no gal to make you smile
but don't worry, be happy
cos when you worry, your face will frown,
and that will bring everybody down,
so don't worry, be happy
don't worry, be happy now...
don't worry, be happy
don't worry, be happy
don't worry, be happy
don't worry, be happy
now there this song i wrote
i hope you you learned it note for note
like good little children
dont worry be happy
listen to what i say
in your life expect some trouble
when you worry you make it double
dont worry be happy
be happy now
dont worry, be happy
dont worry, be happy
dont worry, be happy
dont worry, be happy
dont worry
dont worry be happy
don't worry, don't worry, don't do it,
be happy,put a smile on your face,
don't bring everybody down like this
don't worry, it will soon pass whatever it is,
don't worry, be happy,
i'm not worried
(whistling)
Here's a little song i wrote,
you might want to sing it note for note,
don't worry, be happy
in every life we have some trouble,
when you worry you make it double
don't worry, be happy
dont worry be happy now
dont worry be happy
dont worry be happy
dont worry be happy
dont worry be happy
aint got no place to lay your head,
somebody came and took your bed,
don't worry, be happy
the landlord say your rent is late,
he may have to litagate,
dont worry (small laugh) be happy,
look at me im happy,
don't worry, be happy
i give you my phone number,
when your worried, call me,
i make you happy
don't worry, be happy
aint got no cash, aint got no style,
aint got no gal to make you smile
but don't worry, be happy
cos when you worry, your face will frown,
and that will bring everybody down,
so don't worry, be happy
don't worry, be happy now...
don't worry, be happy
don't worry, be happy
don't worry, be happy
don't worry, be happy
now there this song i wrote
i hope you you learned it note for note
like good little children
dont worry be happy
listen to what i say
in your life expect some trouble
when you worry you make it double
dont worry be happy
be happy now
dont worry, be happy
dont worry, be happy
dont worry, be happy
dont worry, be happy
dont worry
dont worry be happy
don't worry, don't worry, don't do it,
be happy,put a smile on your face,
don't bring everybody down like this
don't worry, it will soon pass whatever it is,
don't worry, be happy,
i'm not worried
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Salt and Light
Was reading a random chapter from the Bible.It was Mathews 5:13-16.
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14-16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Here Jesus tells us that we are like Salt and Light. Both are highly essential for our existence. Salt enhances the flavour of the food that we cook and light removes darkness so that we can see. So by us becoming like salt, we are passing on God's flavour to all that we are doing and to everyone we come across. But if we don't have God's flavour in us, then we are just useless. Similarly if we are like the light then we always walk in the right path. When others who are in darkness see this light, they too will follow.
13 “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.
14-16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.
Here Jesus tells us that we are like Salt and Light. Both are highly essential for our existence. Salt enhances the flavour of the food that we cook and light removes darkness so that we can see. So by us becoming like salt, we are passing on God's flavour to all that we are doing and to everyone we come across. But if we don't have God's flavour in us, then we are just useless. Similarly if we are like the light then we always walk in the right path. When others who are in darkness see this light, they too will follow.
Sunday, August 7, 2011
FriendHappy ShipDay !!
On another Friendship day I look back at my life , all the friends I met, starting right from Kindergarten till now. Some are still there , some came and went like a breeze of wind, some hardly in my memory, and some leaving such a long trail behind .... some friends turned foes .. other foes turned friends ...
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Busy buddy's Day
Ryan's day is always a busy filled day. The start itself is excellent. What amazes me always is that for me even if I am awake I need a few minutes to get up. Not so for my son. The moment he is awake and notices someone else awake too he jumps out of the bed and in the direction of the person. He is fully fresh. And he always starts his day HAPPY. He has a small chat with us and a great smile.
When at my parents' he is most eager to run out into the garden and play. Outside in the garden he'll run towards our dog Tiger and greet him. Ryan calls him "Tikku". Then he will either play a bit football with me or he'll settle down for some serious stuff. He'll take a bucket or some container and open the water tap to which the water hose is connected and fill the bucket until I close the tap or just keeps it running. Then he'll get pebbles and drops them into the bucket one by one. He'll wash the pebbles and repeat the process with more pebbles and stones and small coconuts. He also loves plucking the beautiful flowers that have blossomed.
Other fun activities include trying and walking in one or both of grandpa's shoes, coloring with crayons, running around with a broom and cleaning the house, removing the covers of the sofa set, climbing on the sofa set, the chairs and the staircase, playing with the tv remote or my mobile phone and throwing them away after use. Nowadays he throws a lot of tantrums as well. And lots of kisses. When you ask him for a kiss, he will not only give you a kiss but everyone else too.
Ryan loves watching the programs in Ceebeebies, his favourite being Mister Maker, GrandPa in my Pocket, I can Cook, Teletubbies, In the Night garden and Boogie BeeBies where he learns a new song and dance every time. He has become fascinated with cooking after watching the little kids cook in "I can Cook". So whenever I make chapati dough, I let him knead it in the end and when I make Schnitzel I let him sprinkle bread crumbs on top of it and cover it. He feels really happy and important like a grown up when he can do this. It's really nice to hear him say "Appachan" when he calls Grandpa. He also loves it when I read him "Elly's story" and now he can shout "Yippie" just like Elly the elephant.
Lot many more adventures waiting not only for him but also for us ...
When at my parents' he is most eager to run out into the garden and play. Outside in the garden he'll run towards our dog Tiger and greet him. Ryan calls him "Tikku". Then he will either play a bit football with me or he'll settle down for some serious stuff. He'll take a bucket or some container and open the water tap to which the water hose is connected and fill the bucket until I close the tap or just keeps it running. Then he'll get pebbles and drops them into the bucket one by one. He'll wash the pebbles and repeat the process with more pebbles and stones and small coconuts. He also loves plucking the beautiful flowers that have blossomed.
Other fun activities include trying and walking in one or both of grandpa's shoes, coloring with crayons, running around with a broom and cleaning the house, removing the covers of the sofa set, climbing on the sofa set, the chairs and the staircase, playing with the tv remote or my mobile phone and throwing them away after use. Nowadays he throws a lot of tantrums as well. And lots of kisses. When you ask him for a kiss, he will not only give you a kiss but everyone else too.
Ryan loves watching the programs in Ceebeebies, his favourite being Mister Maker, GrandPa in my Pocket, I can Cook, Teletubbies, In the Night garden and Boogie BeeBies where he learns a new song and dance every time. He has become fascinated with cooking after watching the little kids cook in "I can Cook". So whenever I make chapati dough, I let him knead it in the end and when I make Schnitzel I let him sprinkle bread crumbs on top of it and cover it. He feels really happy and important like a grown up when he can do this. It's really nice to hear him say "Appachan" when he calls Grandpa. He also loves it when I read him "Elly's story" and now he can shout "Yippie" just like Elly the elephant.
Lot many more adventures waiting not only for him but also for us ...
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Perfect Friend
You don't have to be perfect to be the perfect friend !
What a true statement, even though it consists of two contradicting points - one saying that you are not perfect and the other saying that you still can be the perfect friend.
It makes perfect sense. If I look at my best friends, none of them is perfect but irrespective of that they have been good listeners, they have shared a good laugh , they have shared even some tears with me, they have stood with me through good as well as bad times. And if I look at myself, I am not perfect either, some would maybe say I'm full of mistakes, but I have tried to be there for my friends, and I still do ...
What a true statement, even though it consists of two contradicting points - one saying that you are not perfect and the other saying that you still can be the perfect friend.
It makes perfect sense. If I look at my best friends, none of them is perfect but irrespective of that they have been good listeners, they have shared a good laugh , they have shared even some tears with me, they have stood with me through good as well as bad times. And if I look at myself, I am not perfect either, some would maybe say I'm full of mistakes, but I have tried to be there for my friends, and I still do ...
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Please listen ...
In so many instances in our life we come across people who desperately want to tell us something ... but either are we too busy or not at all interested ...
Mom, I want to tell you something .... Later, honey, I'm doing something very important.
Honey, there's this beautiful movie which I watched today. It has such wonderful meaning .... Oh honey, I had a tiring day at office.
Honey, we shouldn't have had this fight. But your action hurt me ... I felt ----- and ----- .... Oh don't talk to me. You are so wrong.
Hello. There is a mistake with this bill. .... Sorry Sir, but there is nothing we can do.
Every situation requires us to listen, every person requires us to listen , ... be it your child, your spouse, your parent, your friend, or even the stranger you meet at the help desk or the customer you are helping. If you can listen, the rewards will be huge. You are not only giving a bit of your time , but a bit of your love and care as well. In today's world , is there anyone who doesn't need that? It would improve our relationships and our lives ! In the end, what's the purpose of having lived a busy life and not having had the time to listen to your loved ones ??
Mom, I want to tell you something .... Later, honey, I'm doing something very important.
Honey, there's this beautiful movie which I watched today. It has such wonderful meaning .... Oh honey, I had a tiring day at office.
Honey, we shouldn't have had this fight. But your action hurt me ... I felt ----- and ----- .... Oh don't talk to me. You are so wrong.
Hello. There is a mistake with this bill. .... Sorry Sir, but there is nothing we can do.
Every situation requires us to listen, every person requires us to listen , ... be it your child, your spouse, your parent, your friend, or even the stranger you meet at the help desk or the customer you are helping. If you can listen, the rewards will be huge. You are not only giving a bit of your time , but a bit of your love and care as well. In today's world , is there anyone who doesn't need that? It would improve our relationships and our lives ! In the end, what's the purpose of having lived a busy life and not having had the time to listen to your loved ones ??
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Gold, Golder, Goldest
Gold is one of the few things that has been wanted by the human race since ancient times. It must have led to the rise and fall of many empires. It's not much different now. Countries stock themselves up with this precious metal in times of economic distress.
It's quite amazing to see how the price of gold is zooming up so rapidly while the stock market and mutual funds are going to a rough and slow patch again. Just consider this. The price of 1 gm gold has crossed Rs.2000 while 1 kg silver can still be bought for around Rs.50,000. Some more calculating and I find out that to buy 1 kg of gold I'd have to shell out more than 20 Lakhs. Incredible and sad at the same time. Being an Indian woman I too have the strong urge to acquire some gold ornaments , but this being the scenario I wonder how feasible it will be in the years ahead. Till now gold was within reach of even the common man as he could buy at least a small quanity. The future looks bleak. It seems as there will come a time when gold becomes too hot to handle literally speaking and only the rich can afford to wear gold ornaments forget about investing in gold coins.
Just imagine, even the Olympic Games will be able to award the winner with gold plated medals only .... Sad, very sad ...
It's quite amazing to see how the price of gold is zooming up so rapidly while the stock market and mutual funds are going to a rough and slow patch again. Just consider this. The price of 1 gm gold has crossed Rs.2000 while 1 kg silver can still be bought for around Rs.50,000. Some more calculating and I find out that to buy 1 kg of gold I'd have to shell out more than 20 Lakhs. Incredible and sad at the same time. Being an Indian woman I too have the strong urge to acquire some gold ornaments , but this being the scenario I wonder how feasible it will be in the years ahead. Till now gold was within reach of even the common man as he could buy at least a small quanity. The future looks bleak. It seems as there will come a time when gold becomes too hot to handle literally speaking and only the rich can afford to wear gold ornaments forget about investing in gold coins.
Just imagine, even the Olympic Games will be able to award the winner with gold plated medals only .... Sad, very sad ...
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
What Makes Me Happy
I was thinking about the small and big things in life that make me happy. And thinking about them made me happy again .... Here's just a few of them:
~ Eating Mango Dolly ice cream
~ Listening and humming to nice songs
~ Dancing alone or with Ryan
~ Holding Ryan in my arms
~ Hugs and kisses
~ Talking with Roy
~ Chatting with my dearest friends
~ Watching a sunrise or sunset in the quiet
~ Writing my blog
~ Ice cream
~ Listening to the twitter of birds in the morning
~ Looking at the beautiful flowers in the garden
~ Glass painting
~ Teaching Ryan
~ Yummy Pizza
~ Cooking with Roy or chatting with him in the kitchen while I cook
~ Watch a nice comedy at home
~ Watch an India cricket match
~ Surprise my loved ones
~ Spending time with my parents and Shobha
~ Eating masala dosa from Aaryaas
~ Walking barefoot on grass
~ Being with nature
~ Going for a stroll in the garden or park
~ Window shopping
~ Buying gifts for loved ones
~ Getting some nice earrings for myself
~ Just lazying around and doing nothing for a day
~ Go on short or long trips in the car with good music on
~ Lying in bed and read a nice book
~ Having a good laugh
~ Taking snaps and showing them to my loved ones
It is good to once in a while have a look at this list especially when I'm moody ...
Sunday, July 24, 2011
A wonderful Thing
Today something wonderful happened. And I still don't know if it was true or not. I have been daily reading flash cards with words to my son Ryan. He is just 1 year 8 months old, but I have seen that babies can learn at that age. In the past days he wasn't really in a mood for that. So I thought he must have lost interest in learning. Nevertheless I tried to read some words to him. Usually I show him the flash card, then read it out and then explain. I reached the word "door" and I showed Ryan the flash card. And believe it or not he pointed to the door and showed me the symbol for knock, exactly as I taught him. For a moment I was dumbstruck. I couldn't believe what I saw. Has Ryan learnt to read after all ? I have seen so many toddlers read on the internet but to see this was really special. Even if it was just coincidence, even if it is just this one word that he recognized. It doesn't matter. I feel wonderful and it gives me increased zest in teaching my son more and more ...
Friday, July 22, 2011
Syl's Philosophy on Life
I have been reading so many quotations by some of the greatest people and philosophers. High time I came with one of my own:
If I do what I love doing, life will be good and money will follow.
But if I follow money, then I cannot do what I love doing and life won't be good.
Accepting my own fault.
Last Sunday's Malayala Manorama edition had a small but interesting article under the section "Innathe Chintavishayam" ("Thought for the Day"). The topic was "Blaming and accusing others". An interesting piece of thought. It said that this is one trait seen amongst all people and societies irrespective of age, sex or religion.In the Bible it is said to have started with the first human being. And since then it has continued. It also said that only very few people can accept their own fault and openly admit it.
In road accidents,a study had shown, every driver involved would blame the other guy for the accident. None of them would accept their own fault.
In politics you always hear that the difficulties and problems the current government faces is due to the bribery, carelessness and hopeless spending of the previously ruling government. They too, don't accept their own faults.
Looking into family relations, the situation isn't much better.
The drunkard husband blames his wife for his drinking. The wife blames him for the miserable situation at home. A spoilt son careless in his studies blames his parents for his plight. There too, noone accepts their own faults. This is the situation we all are in.
A Christian philosopher once wrote "It is often our own flaws and shortcomings that prompt us to accuse others of their shortcomings. Because of our love for ourselves, we do not see the love others have for themselves. And sometimes it makes us accuse people of things they didn't do actually.
There was a woman who always complained about other people and she was looking at her neighbour's home through her window. And she exclaimed "See the dirty windows of my neighbour.She doesn't know how to keep her home clean." One day when she told the same thing to the priest, he asked her to clean the windows of her own home. She followed his advice and then exclaimed. "I cannot believe it. When I started cleaning my windows, my neighbour also started cleaning her windows." The actual truth was that the neighbour's windows were always clean. But because this cribbing woman's windows were dirty, she saw her neighbour's windows as dirty too.
Due to our complaining nature we can never see other people's good nature or achievements. Jealousy often plays a role in that. Rather than watching what other people are doing or not doing, we should look at ourselves and see what shortcomings or failures we have so that we can rectify them. To accept one's own mistake is a symbol of greatness. And to rectify that mistake is a step in the right direction. To find the goodness in other people, congratulating and exchanging words of appreciation and encouragement with them should be our goal. Then certainly our life and relationships will improve, no doubt !
In road accidents,a study had shown, every driver involved would blame the other guy for the accident. None of them would accept their own fault.
In politics you always hear that the difficulties and problems the current government faces is due to the bribery, carelessness and hopeless spending of the previously ruling government. They too, don't accept their own faults.
Looking into family relations, the situation isn't much better.
The drunkard husband blames his wife for his drinking. The wife blames him for the miserable situation at home. A spoilt son careless in his studies blames his parents for his plight. There too, noone accepts their own faults. This is the situation we all are in.
A Christian philosopher once wrote "It is often our own flaws and shortcomings that prompt us to accuse others of their shortcomings. Because of our love for ourselves, we do not see the love others have for themselves. And sometimes it makes us accuse people of things they didn't do actually.
There was a woman who always complained about other people and she was looking at her neighbour's home through her window. And she exclaimed "See the dirty windows of my neighbour.She doesn't know how to keep her home clean." One day when she told the same thing to the priest, he asked her to clean the windows of her own home. She followed his advice and then exclaimed. "I cannot believe it. When I started cleaning my windows, my neighbour also started cleaning her windows." The actual truth was that the neighbour's windows were always clean. But because this cribbing woman's windows were dirty, she saw her neighbour's windows as dirty too.
Due to our complaining nature we can never see other people's good nature or achievements. Jealousy often plays a role in that. Rather than watching what other people are doing or not doing, we should look at ourselves and see what shortcomings or failures we have so that we can rectify them. To accept one's own mistake is a symbol of greatness. And to rectify that mistake is a step in the right direction. To find the goodness in other people, congratulating and exchanging words of appreciation and encouragement with them should be our goal. Then certainly our life and relationships will improve, no doubt !
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
My Lyrics: Khaabon Ke Parinday
This is from the movie ZINDAGI NA MILEGI DOBARA. A fine tune that touches your heart and makes you hum ...
Ude, khule aasaman mein khwabon ke parindey
Ude, dil ke jahaan main khaabon ke parinday
Oho, kya pata, jaayenge kahan
Khule hain jo pal, kahe yeh nazar
Lagta hai ab hai jaage hum
Fikrein jo thi, peechhe reh gayi
Nikle unse aage hum
Hawa mein beh rahi hai zindagi
Yeh hum se keh rahi hai zindagi
Oho, ab toh, jo bhi ho so ho
Ude, khule aasaman mein khwabon ke parindey
Ude, dil ke jahaan main khwabon ke parindey
Oho, kya pata, jayenge kahaan
Kisi ne chhua toh yeh hua
Phirte hain mehake mehake hum
Khoyi hain kahin baatein nayi
Jab hain aise behake hum
Hua hai yun ke dil pighal gaye
Bas ek pal mein hum badal gaye
Oho, ab toh, jo bhi ho so ho
Roshni mili
Ab raah mein hai ik dilkashi si barsi
Har khusi mili
Ab zindagi pe hai zindagi si barsi
Ab jeena hamne seekha hai
Yaad hai kal, aaya tha woh pal
Jisme jaadoo aisa tha
Hum ho gaye jaise naye
Woh pal jaane kaisa tha
Kahe yeh dil ke jaaun dil ki tu
Jahan bhi leke jaaye aarzoo
Oho, ab toh...
Jo bhi ho so ho
Jo bhi ho so ho
Ude, jo bhi ho so ho
Ude, jo bhi ho so ho
Sunday, July 17, 2011
My Lyrics: (Everything I Do) I Do It For You
This is one of the all-time great love songs by Bryan Adams.
Look into my eyes - you will see
What you mean to me
Search your heart - search your soul
And when you find me then you'll search no more
Don't tell me it's not worth tryin' for
You can't tell me it's not worth dyin' for
You know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you
Look into your heart - you will find
There's nothin' there to hide
Take me as I am - take my life
I would give it all - I would sacrifice
Don't tell me it's not worth fightin' for
I can't help it - there's nothin' I want more
Ya know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you
There's no love - like your love
And no other - could give more love
There's nowhere - unless you're there
All the time - all the way
Oh - you can't tell me it's not worth tryin' for
I can't help it - there's nothin' I want more
I would fight for you - I'd lie for you
Walk the wire for you - ya I'd die for you
Ya know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you
Look into my eyes - you will see
What you mean to me
Search your heart - search your soul
And when you find me then you'll search no more
Don't tell me it's not worth tryin' for
You can't tell me it's not worth dyin' for
You know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you
Look into your heart - you will find
There's nothin' there to hide
Take me as I am - take my life
I would give it all - I would sacrifice
Don't tell me it's not worth fightin' for
I can't help it - there's nothin' I want more
Ya know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you
There's no love - like your love
And no other - could give more love
There's nowhere - unless you're there
All the time - all the way
Oh - you can't tell me it's not worth tryin' for
I can't help it - there's nothin' I want more
I would fight for you - I'd lie for you
Walk the wire for you - ya I'd die for you
Ya know it's true
Everything I do - I do it for you
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Magical Lullaby
There was no power again, and it was time to get lil Ryan to sleep. He was finding it difficult to fall asleep and was turning from side to side. It was then I remembered that long time ago I had recorded a lullaby song on my mobile from the internet. I took Ryan in my arms and started playing the lullaby. I walked up and down and made him lie across my shoulder. And lo, he fell asleep soon. It is very rarely that my son falls asleep in my arms. And it is a wonderful feeling to have him in my arms. Lullabies have such a magical, soothing sound. I was looking for some meditation songs myself to help me sleep better. Why look so far ? These lullabies are excellent and soothe anyone, from small to big. There is so much to learn from our babies. They are fine tuned to the basic things in life - sleep, food and love, laughter, happiness. We just need to look up to them.
Friday, July 15, 2011
Mein Kochbuch: Spaghetti Bolognese
Wanted to try this out for a long time because my little one likes pasta. It tasted really good and that's why I thought of adding the recipe here.So here goes:
Spaghetti Bolognese (4 servings)
Ingredients:
400 gm Spaghetti
500 gm minced Beef
400 gm plum tomatoes
2 teaspoons tomato puree/paste
1 onion (roughly chopped)
1 medium carrot (roughly chopped)
4 medium cloves garlic
Salt and Pepper
Pinch of Sugar
Ketchup
Olive Oil (or Sunflower oil)
A few washed and torn Basil leaves and Oregano or their powder
1 large glass Red Wine ( I did it without and it still tasted great but most recipes suggest red wine)
Preparation Time: Around 1 hour
Steps:
1.Peel and chop the carrot and onion. Mix these in a food blender for a few seconds. Chop the garlic seperatly.
2.In a pan pour 2 table spoon of Olive oil (or Sunflower oil) and add the veggie mix from Step 1.Cook and stir for 3-4 minutes in a medium flame till the veggies softens and is glassy brown.
3.If you have red wine, add a quarter glass and cook for a minute for the alcohol to evaporate so that we retain only the taste of the wine.
4.Add the mince beef to this and stir well. Add salt and pepper as per your taste. Cook for 15 minutes in a medium flame for the beef to start cooking. If the sauce is too dry at any point, add the remaining wine or just water.
5.Add the tomato puree, basil and oregano and the chopped tomatoes next. Cook all this for another 30 minutes in a low flame. Keep stirring every 3-5 minutes and add water whenever it becomes too dry.
6. In the last 10 minutes you can cook the spaghetti.
7. Just before you are done with the sauce,add 5 table spoons of Ketchup (or as you like) and a small pinch of sugar to get your right taste.
8. Garnish with grated parmesan cheese.
Once the spaghetti is done , serve it with the sauce on top of it. And buon appetito !!!
I feel I should I have tried this out much much earlier since I too am a big fan of Spaghetti Bolognese. Hope you like it.
Spaghetti Bolognese (4 servings)
Ingredients:
400 gm Spaghetti
500 gm minced Beef
400 gm plum tomatoes
2 teaspoons tomato puree/paste
1 onion (roughly chopped)
1 medium carrot (roughly chopped)
4 medium cloves garlic
Salt and Pepper
Pinch of Sugar
Ketchup
Olive Oil (or Sunflower oil)
A few washed and torn Basil leaves and Oregano or their powder
1 large glass Red Wine ( I did it without and it still tasted great but most recipes suggest red wine)
Preparation Time: Around 1 hour
Steps:
1.Peel and chop the carrot and onion. Mix these in a food blender for a few seconds. Chop the garlic seperatly.
2.In a pan pour 2 table spoon of Olive oil (or Sunflower oil) and add the veggie mix from Step 1.Cook and stir for 3-4 minutes in a medium flame till the veggies softens and is glassy brown.
3.If you have red wine, add a quarter glass and cook for a minute for the alcohol to evaporate so that we retain only the taste of the wine.
4.Add the mince beef to this and stir well. Add salt and pepper as per your taste. Cook for 15 minutes in a medium flame for the beef to start cooking. If the sauce is too dry at any point, add the remaining wine or just water.
5.Add the tomato puree, basil and oregano and the chopped tomatoes next. Cook all this for another 30 minutes in a low flame. Keep stirring every 3-5 minutes and add water whenever it becomes too dry.
6. In the last 10 minutes you can cook the spaghetti.
7. Just before you are done with the sauce,add 5 table spoons of Ketchup (or as you like) and a small pinch of sugar to get your right taste.
8. Garnish with grated parmesan cheese.
Once the spaghetti is done , serve it with the sauce on top of it. And buon appetito !!!
I feel I should I have tried this out much much earlier since I too am a big fan of Spaghetti Bolognese. Hope you like it.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Who is to blame ?
Yesterday evening Mumbai was attacked again. Another terrorist attack in 3 different places in quick succession. Around 17 people killed and more than 100 injured. I really didn't spend so much time watching this news on TV, but in today's news I was trying to catch more info on it. There were certainly more important things going on in the country because either the channels didn't talk much about it or I missed it. But I caught on something. One guy from the Opposition was trying to openly blame PC - Union home minister P Chidambaram and said that it was because of PC's irresponsibility and negligence that this untoward incident happened. And I was thinking "Another election gimmick. Yea, blame the ruling party for whatever bad is happening in India.". It is true, the home minister has to look after and ensure the security of our country and citizens. But how much can he really do? He makes decisions based on the intelligence that he receives from the officials and who ensures that he always gets it before each attack is carried out? Also,mostly he delegates his orders and how sincere are the people who are asked to do the job? Then there are the terrorists. They are certainly not scared of PC and they will try anything to beat him at his wits. So who is to be blamed? Is it not everyone of us, the citizens of this country? Why should we sit idle and hope that PC or the government does it right? We all should be alert, wherever we go, at all times. We should always keep an eye open for strange things and always observe the people around us, because if we get involved in a terrorist attack, we can give useful information later.If we are alive, that is.
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
No need to be afraid of an Omelette anymore
Yesterday I was making an omelette. I often make omelettes when at home with Roy, but now at my parents' I haven't made one so far. But still it gives me the creeps coz there's one thing I never manage to do. And that is to turn it properly without breaking it into numerous pieces.So this time when I poured the liquid onto the pan I was saying: "oh oh how many pieces now??" But luck or not, I did it perfectly. And I felt really proud. I don't know if it was the different pan I was using or not, but some things will not always scare you. Try and try till you succeed. It applies to bigger things as well.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Life is Good
Life is Good! How often do we say that to ourselves or to others? More than often don't we complain about the small things that are really not so important? And we don't see how good life is. Indeed, life is phenomenal! There are so many things to be thankful for. The beautiful sun rise, the twitter of the birds welcoming each new day with their melodious language, the newly blossomed flowers and trees heavy with their fruits.We may come across small and large stones in our path of life and we complain and moan about them. Little do we realize that if we polish those stones, we'll get beautiful diamonds.
Friday, April 29, 2011
We did it !!
At last we did it.We found our way.Our Indian Team won the Cricket World Cup 2011. A dream come true after a long 28 years.It was a Saturday and I was all set to watch the final.My spirits were a bit dampened when SriLanka's captain Kumar Sangakkara won the toss and decided to bat first.But I tried to tell myself that we would still be going to make it.SriLanka started out well,however India soon managed to take a wicket.At regular intervals Dhoni and his men were able to break into them, and they also got the prized wicket of Sangakkara when he was at 48. Sri Lanka could find solace though in Mahela Jayawardene's rollicking 103. Their scoreboard kept ticking and by the end of 50 overs, Sri Lanka had acquired a commendable score of 274 for six.This was a sure winning score and any team batting second would find it tough to beat it. Sachin and Sehwag commenced the Indian batting. Sehwag did his job as always and blasted away.Thanks to him India got a quick start and we all looked happy.Sadly, that was going to be short lived when Sehwags' wicket fell.It seemed that Sachin would have to stay the entire innings and also everyone was hoping to watch Sachin get his 100th international hundred on this occasion.Sachin displayed some brilliant shots but it was not to be as his wicket was captured by the wily haired Malinga.Sachin looked very disappointed when he left the ground, almost knowing that his dream might not come true again.Virat Kohli playing with Gautham Gambhir also got out soon.We all expected for Yuvi to come next and save our grace, but instead, the captain himself, MS Dhoni ventured out.Together, he and Gambhir, kept their nerves and played a slow but encouraging game.Gautham Gambhir managed to hold on till 97. Next came Yuvi, and he knew what to do.Dhoni physically drained out also held on.They both chipped in with ones and twos and more and more boundaries as the last overs neared.The entire nation must have sat glued to their seats to watch the outcome of this epic match.Finally, it was Dhoni who hit the winning runs with a fantastic six and Yuvi ran towards him for an embrace.What followed were moments of immense joy, tears of laughter and happiness and surely of disbelief for every member of the team.Sachin was lifted on the shoulders of his team mates, as he carried the tricolour.A very proud moment for every Indian !!! I feel very lucky to be able to have witnessed this, especially since Sachin - our greatest player - was also deserving it more than anything else.
He's already broken so many records and this is surely the cherry on his cake.
He's already broken so many records and this is surely the cherry on his cake.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Well Done Boyz !!
I was watching the Cricket World Cup semifinal and it was one of those rare occasions when an entire nation (or shall I say two?) was watching and praying for the outcome. It started out excellently. MSD (Dhoni) won the toss and decided to bat first.But the great start of Viru was shortlived and I was wondering if the magical score of 300 could be reached. Sachin was there, but he didn't seem to be his true self. Lady luck shone on him though because he survived four appeals of getting out. Then when I was thinking Sachin may get his 100th on this fateful day, I was wrong again. He got out on 85. Yuvi came soon and here I was saying "He'll do the needful like he did in the last matches." I was wrong again. He got out on the very first ball. In the last 3 matches or so whenever India was in a tight spot I would say "Oh boy, that's it. We're not gonna make it again." But saying this outwardly, inside me there was a small flame that kept flickering and saying "Don't worry. We'll make it this time." And I have seen this flame in every game that our boyz have played so far. Guys like Yuvi, Zaheer and Suresh Raina have shown a jest to win every match they play even if Sachin and Viru are not having a good day. Yuvi has shown his excellence with the bat and ball.This time too, they were able to end the batting with a "Just OK" total. Suresh Raina did a great job, staying till the end and hitting his shots to end up with 260. When Pakistan batted, it seemed they were continuing where Viru had left off, hitting boundaries one after the other.
Once the first couple of wickets was taken, the scene started to shift in our favour.
Knowing that Pakistan's strength lied in its bowling more than its batting, it was a comfort to see these wickets go. Yuvi was able to take two wickets like he did in the earlier games.This game was really showing the all-round effort of the entire team in that this time all the main bowlers had taken two wickets each. Misbah-ul-Haq, the last man standing, tried in the last overs to convert the looming loss to a near impossible victory. But a catch by Sachin sealed the final nail in Pakistan's coffin. Shahid Afridi must have felt really disappointed on his team's performance but I believe it was India's time to win and reach the final and yes, even the WorldCup ... Just like little Ryan loves to dance to "De Ghumma Ke" ... Well Done Boyz and we believe you will come home as Winners !!
Once the first couple of wickets was taken, the scene started to shift in our favour.
Knowing that Pakistan's strength lied in its bowling more than its batting, it was a comfort to see these wickets go. Yuvi was able to take two wickets like he did in the earlier games.This game was really showing the all-round effort of the entire team in that this time all the main bowlers had taken two wickets each. Misbah-ul-Haq, the last man standing, tried in the last overs to convert the looming loss to a near impossible victory. But a catch by Sachin sealed the final nail in Pakistan's coffin. Shahid Afridi must have felt really disappointed on his team's performance but I believe it was India's time to win and reach the final and yes, even the WorldCup ... Just like little Ryan loves to dance to "De Ghumma Ke" ... Well Done Boyz and we believe you will come home as Winners !!
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
A Happy Woman's Day
A glance in today's newspaper and you can read a lot about us .. I mean Women. It's the one day in every year dedicated to the weaker sex, or should I say the stronger sex ?! We no longer seem weak, to the newspapers at least. I am pausing and thinking for a moment. Have we really come out of our cocoons and turned into the beautiful butterfly? I don't think so. Maybe yes, there are more butterflies than earlier but still so many don't come out of their cocoons. I believe luck and fate still play a major role in a Woman's life. Mainly two things matter a lot in a girl's destiny :
1. The girl must have a strong will to make a difference to be more than the common girl.
2. She must be born and/or brought up under favorable circumstances.
If the girl doesn't have the wish to be different but chooses to marry, bear children, cook and wash and do all home chores without having a mind of her own who is there to stop her ?
How does she get the dream to become a successful pilot or singer or actress or badminton player or environmentalist ? She must have either got it from her family or outside influences such as Tv, books , friends etc ...
Hmmm .. It's just like a seedling .... depending on where it's fallen - on fertile soil or barren land - it's destiny lies.
Even education need not play a major role. There are girls who've done an applaudable PostGraduation course but end up as wives and mothers who have no say in the affairs of the home. That's really sad. Women should be confident to have a mind of their own , a dream of their own, without being negligent of the people who need her.
I hope that every girl gets the chance to become a beautiful butterfly in her life - loved and cherished by everyone.
1. The girl must have a strong will to make a difference to be more than the common girl.
2. She must be born and/or brought up under favorable circumstances.
If the girl doesn't have the wish to be different but chooses to marry, bear children, cook and wash and do all home chores without having a mind of her own who is there to stop her ?
How does she get the dream to become a successful pilot or singer or actress or badminton player or environmentalist ? She must have either got it from her family or outside influences such as Tv, books , friends etc ...
Hmmm .. It's just like a seedling .... depending on where it's fallen - on fertile soil or barren land - it's destiny lies.
Even education need not play a major role. There are girls who've done an applaudable PostGraduation course but end up as wives and mothers who have no say in the affairs of the home. That's really sad. Women should be confident to have a mind of their own , a dream of their own, without being negligent of the people who need her.
I hope that every girl gets the chance to become a beautiful butterfly in her life - loved and cherished by everyone.
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Silence so Golden
Sometimes silence is so golden .... when too much has been said and done .. when nothing's been achieved or so much of no use. But to be silent is rarely possible, when one is with one's family or in the workplace. But at times it is still possible, in my case, when I have a small or big tiff with my better half. In those times we don't talk much. I know we should talk it out ... but it really helps to be silent for some time and get close again in the end ... Today got the chance to do a glass painting again ..after a very long time. They say when you do things that require silence you are able to relax ... and I was thinking about it when I drew the outline of my new glass painting. I wasn't relaxed though, because it is a tedious task to get a neat outline, and the slightest relaxation could make it look clumsy. But again , it felt nice to have this silence, though interrupted now and then by my little boy. :) It felt as if a nice breeze was flowing through my head, my thoughts ...
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Mama's the Word
I had almost given up the hope to hear lil Ryan say "Mamma". That is because he simply doesn't say "Ma" or "Na". He says "Tata" and sometimes also "Pappa" but so far I have never heard him say "Mamma" except for once about a month ago, which was a very random incident and I still don't know whether I dreamed it or not. But today the unbelievable happened. I was ironing some clothes and Ryan was playing. When he got tired eventually, he came to me, and was saying "Mammamma" and I repeated it to him without realizing what he had said. And then it struck me !! I was overjoyed and I said the words again and Ryan was laughing on hearing them ... What a small moment .. but how happy it made me !
Saturday, January 22, 2011
The Little Things You Do ...
These words are from the recent Vodafone ad song:
The little things you do ... for me ... and nobody else make me feel good...
The little things you do ... for me ... making me smile and no one else could...
That's why I like to sit next to you and hear your mad stories...
I know they are not true and I like that we share a secret or two together...
The little things you do for me ... and nobody else
Such simple words but so very true .. for every relationship close to the heart.
You feel so special when someone you care about does little things for you .. and not for anyone else ... Be it just spending 5 minutes with you , ignoring any phone calls that come during that time .... or hugging you .... or just doing something "small" ...
Likewise, it hurts when this someone does so many little things for others but cannot do anything for you ...
The little things you do ... for me ... and nobody else make me feel good...
The little things you do ... for me ... making me smile and no one else could...
That's why I like to sit next to you and hear your mad stories...
I know they are not true and I like that we share a secret or two together...
The little things you do for me ... and nobody else
Such simple words but so very true .. for every relationship close to the heart.
You feel so special when someone you care about does little things for you .. and not for anyone else ... Be it just spending 5 minutes with you , ignoring any phone calls that come during that time .... or hugging you .... or just doing something "small" ...
Likewise, it hurts when this someone does so many little things for others but cannot do anything for you ...
Friday, January 21, 2011
To potty train or not
For some days now I have been contemplating whether or not to start potty training lil Ryan. Actually, I wanted to start before his first birthday, but then I read somewhere that babies are taught much later, mostly after 2 years of age. So I happily postponed it. Recently when we visited a family I saw their son exhibiting his potty trained behaviour .. he said "Appi" and ran to sit on his potty. This rang an alarm within me !! Maybe I should have started earlier, but it's not too late. I need to start soon though. Lil Ryan is 14 months old now, so this would surely help him once he joins a daycare center. I am planning to get a stand-alone potty, because this would help Ryan sit on his own. The one that we are having right now is to be put on the toilet seat, but I guess, he can use this once he's a bit bigger. One of my first tasks going to be is to take Ryan to the toilet to pee every time he wakes up after a sleep, and maybe during the day as well. Once he's accustomed to that routine we can teach him to poo then. Well, the coming days will tell how successful I am ...
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Last time for the First Time
It's the first day of the new year 2011 and I thought what better way to start the year than to post something new in my blog. The last day of last year has been a pretty hectic day in which I felt sadly drained out. And it kind of summarizes the year that was. So certainly one of the top things on my list of resolutions for this year is to be a more relaxed person. I want this year to be one of the best I've had so far. God has already blessed me and Roy with a lovely son, so I just want to add to this ... Add more and more wonderful and memorable events to the "Life of Syl". Recently, I came across the line "When was the last time you did something for the first time ??" It made me think and I felt it makes sense. In our busy lives, as we grow older we do less and less new activities. We settle down on a rusty, old platform that shrieks with its wear and tear. Instead we should always oil our gear and explore the unknown, looking for fun,laughter,maybe a few tears and adventure down the road travelled. So, go out and enjoy ... - Happy New Year, friendz !!
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