Whose Tongue is it Anyway!

Getting bound with loved one, is to fill in missing spots of love...
Missing your loved one while away, tell the greatness of your love...
Missing parents, home & native language while far away tells how ignorantly you shove ..

Standing at this part of world, far away from homeland brings apprehension & a feeling of loosing something; The aura of my great land with rich heritage. I pine for sense of my land, the greatness of Karnataka, India.


I have seen that a Kannadiga, would be last one to fight in just the name of language.. Never pressured or compelled to speak just Kannada and never been objected to speak other languages. I grew in parts of Karnataka where, neighboring state people are more in number than Kannadigas. We grew with Kann-arathi( Kannada with most Marathi words). Other places there are Kannada with Telugu words, Urdu words & Konkani. Later when I moved to capital of the state i.e 'Bangalore', I could hear more of Tamil, Telugu, Hindi languages but less of Kannada. That appears kannadigas way of respecting mother India & other regional languages. I am proud to be kannadiga.

November 1st was approaching closer and this day is for Karnataka Rajyotsava. The year 2008 is great for all Kannadigas, as this year Kannada is recognized as "Classical Language" along with Sanskrit & Tamil. This means that the heritage of Kannada language dates back to 300-400 BC owning a richest literature.


I wanted to do something different on this Karnataka's Rajyotsava day. Along with my hubby , I decided to speak only Kannada at its purest way with no other language mix for the whole day. We were sure of expressing thoughts, actions & gestures in Kannada and nothing else. For our surprise we found it extremely difficult to manage. Our Kannada is become more of Kanglish (Kannada with more English). The rich Kannada is my mother tongue and I seem less informed about this!!

At this conjecture, I am not pointing my inefficiency at my parents or teachers nor Government who didn't force us to speak just Kannada during childhood. Who let us speak any language that helped to express. Language is obviously a vital tool. Not only is it a means of communicating thoughts and ideas, but it forges friendships, cultural ties.Although being away from Karnataka, reading about the greatness of kannada & rich literature it has within. I am now realizing the depth & richness of my mother tongue. The vast brewed richness of my mother tongue has awakened me to know more about its importance. Our oldest language will never see face of extinction or death for we love our language very much..
Love for mother tongue will never die..As rightly told by Gaston Bachelard. " A special kind of beauty exists which is born in language, of language, and for language."

Different Diwali... Best Diwali......

It was hot scorching & fierce summer days in Seychelles & it was time for Diwali festival celebrated all over. The festival of Noise, Crackers & Blazing light!!

One of my colleagues in office, a Seychelles native, asked me about importance of this festival. I just escaped saying that, mythologically this is the festival of triumph of The Good over Evil & we light oil lamps & burst fire crackers. For a moment, I pondered "How strange that, I knew very less of this magnificent festival?"

I was gazing my head all day to know more about Diwali myself... At the very instance, one of my Indian neighbor came home asking if I have got all pooja materials prepared for Diwali, like rangoli color to decorate the home, recipes for Diwali sweets, the sacred powder for oil bath, the do's & dont's during festival etc etc. Here again, I was thunder stuck.

I paused the very moment & tried to recollect every season of Diwali I spent back home as a child. Even my hubby agreed with my wry looks and was frank to accept that he was least aware of any pooja done in this festival!!! That was a great relief for both.... Because all we remember is only burst crackers from dawn till yawn.... All the time we had believed "Diwali" was just a festival of Crackers and nothing else.

This was not the time to call up somebody back home and ask about details of the festival. Beginning from starting date of feast, the importance of new moon, the Laxmi pooja, when to burn crackers, how many days to celebrate, what to cook etc etc..because Ego hurts!!!

Our great friend Mr Internet came to our rescue. I wonder how this internet is such a big boon, it helps in everything; from making Laddu, Dosa to information on even "How to make bombs!!". This Internet was not just enough, our other Indian friends too helped. So with apt info, we set to enjoy the gala of Lights!

Far away from India, with colleagues like a big family, enthusiastic neighbors of our apartment, we all got together to celebrate the Diwali week. First time ever, we enjoyed the festival of Light without bursting crackers or even missing them. We had guests visiting our home, sweets shared, diyas lighted, new dress worn, devotional music played, had food together, got photographed, had great laugh and the enthusiasm was immense.

Now, let anyone ask me. I'll not escape from explaining the importance of Diwali, for I have realized how wonderful this festival is and how simple it can be with loads of fun. It has for sure driven away the Evils from our minds by setting in the Good values. This festival of light lit the light of our senses for the bright & positive days ahead!!!!!
Happy Diwali!!

East or West!!! Mother is the Best!!!

A mother is born the moment her kid is born. She never existed before that, where she was just a woman. Daughters are special for any mother as she sees herself growing within this tiny starlet. She begins building dreams for her daughter the moment she is born. To care, to pamper, get an education, find a career etc. And to make her world better than hers.
Is there a difference among mothers across borders? Mothers of different ethnicity?

India is a mystical & timeless land, known for its unique culture. When it comes to mothers here, especially if you are in danger or unhappy, its believed that mother comes to rescue in the form of God. She is so protective & supportive that she will forgo her world to bring happiness in her child.

Her over protective attitude may affect the daughters especially. Mother can be suspicious about every move of her teenage daughter. Her caring nature could turn into paranoid behavior and mothers can be shadowing their pretty daughters. With no notice, she could turn out at her daughter's college or work place with an eagle's eye. She fears her innocent floret shouldn't get into bad company or end up choosing less worthy life partner.

What do we see in countries away from eastern world? The mothers here seem to be a bit different. I was talking to one of my African neighbors here in Seychelles. I asked her if she was free the following weekend and she refused right away. She said "My younger daughter is going on first date .. So I am busy with it & preparing a dress for her". This mother is indulging herself in searching a boy friend for her growing teenage daughter. She wants to see her daughter experience her first date like any other teenager. She also has an elder daughter who is unmarried and staying with boy friend.

Its in sharp contrast to see an eastern (Indian) mother spying on her daughter fearing the concept of dating and a western mother preparing her daughter for a dating treat.

There is no much difference between these two mothers where their motto is one to see smile & joy on their child's face.
The culture & traditions may differ. But sacred love of mother is splendidly maintained .

Every mother tries like this to lend a helping tool for her teenager to build an esteemed life.
So East or West.... Mom's the Best!!

The Great day... Teachers' Day

My mobile phone beeped at 12 midnight on September 5th & I wondered who on earth would remember me at this hour & more over, its neither my Birthday or anniversary. The SMS read 'Happy Teachers' Day'.... a msg sent by my sister in Bangalore, India. How could I, of all ever forget this wonderful day?

The same morning, I wished my colleagues all those from India. Call it a surprise or coincidence none remembered this "TEACHERS' DAY". This day was so wonderful day during school days.

My boarding school was unique where we celebrated all events & all feasts of India with great zeal. Similarly, on Teachers' day, all the Teachers & Principal of the school partied away from campus leaving all the responsibility to school captain who would be the acting Principal & all XII standard girls would be various teachers. Some of the acting teachers would teach really better (much better than real ones- Oops!) & some others would merry around with jokes, singing & entertaining. The acting librarian would allow us to take n number of Mills & Boons, Cosmopolitan magazine and similar ones. That was so much fun!! I waited for my turn be this acting teacher in XII std, but never wanted to be a real teacher in life.

On the 1st Teachers' day in my medical school, we were lectured by one of the Professors that soon we will all be teachers & we shall be standing on this side of podium. I was so disheartened!!! Never in my thoughts, I wanted to be working as a teacher by profession. Thought I would be a great clinician one day, sitting in my clinic treating the patients.

The meaning of the word "DOCTOR" is a "Teacher- In Skilled profession". I understood that 'Doctors are one who doctors the doctrine'. A good clinician is always a "Teacher", he who keeps teaching patients, subordinates, colleagues & junior staff.

Call it a destiny or fate, I ended up being a lecturer of a medical school tutoring & guiding fresh mind students. Today, I stand on this side of podium, driving myself best to give better doctors for tomorrow. No one is more cherished in this world than someone who lightens the burden of another. Becoming a teacher, I have realized the charm of gathering knowledge and the pleasure in its dissipation. Cheers to my teachers.. without them my world would have taken a stormy turn.

Happy Teachers' Day!!! To my great teachers includes my lovely parents too.

Air travel Bhoom!!

"I was sitting on the most comfy seats, was served best chocolates by beautiful air hostess".. then came a big voice.. I opened my eyes to see an Ogre bus conductor scowling at me. Oh No !!! Again... it was a dream. At last I got out of the stinky bus & stood there like a glower longing to travel by flight at least once because, never had I. Had heard from friends all sought of good things on flight like the great hospitality by stewards, Pretty Air Hostess, Imported chocolates, lovely toys etc etc...

My dream came true with first domestic travel within India.. I just loved it because, more obvious it was Kingfisher private flight services with plenty of "Red chillies". Then onwards my flying became a routine & I started collecting my skywards coupons abroad. I believe in a Kannada saying " Desha suthu Kosha odu" which means "Either read volumes of books or Travel the world".So I decided to Travel a lot & enjoy the diversity. Is this saying valued even today???

I do not think Nobel prize combo Al Gore & Pachouri would approve this. These days people who travel more are black listed for contributing to Global warming. Neither the air travel is comfortable any more due to increasing fall in American economy affecting the fuel prices world wide & bad to worse air travel quality. All those running aviation industries put their working brains together and came up with really weird ways for cost cutting like....

• Cut down lettuce & extra cheese in sandwich which saves few of their dollars
• Welcome drink has become a single cup of Juice, forget about wine, chocolates
• Food is served but..... single meal charges 20$
• No in-flight entertainment
  
• Movies are played but only trailers & if u wish to watch it full.. pay 6-10$
• More ridiculous is pay 2$ for their cheap head phones
• Hospitality is not the same.. There are only 2 air hostesses for some 100 passengers. Now ask for water, you will get when reached the destination.

I feel like protesting and to shout "Why should I fore go a lettuce or my favorite cheese to help them in their aviation business??"

How have these changes affected regular travelers like me? ... Don't think that I have put a full stop on my traveling aspiration.

Those who want to travel will never stop nor will sit with heavy heart.. Nobody complained but enjoyed such ideas this way

• Pack a mouthful burger from home or favorite drive way
• Come with refill soft drink after one would have tried 2 different full drinks already
• Carrying a palmtop DVD player with favorite recent movies & Bose head phones to enjoy in full thrust
• Don't bother about air hostess selling 2$ head phones
• Carry a reading book & sink in thoughts
  

MORAL OF THIS BLOG: Take it easy... Life is simple. Do not screw the happiness of one's life for selfish profits.

COWRIE Shells and DESTINY..

I cherish my childhood days and the games we played then were so traditional & wonderful. We hardly see such games and involvement in today's Gen-X children, who are oriented towards all gadgets and video games; the names of which are also difficult to name (game boy, GB advance, X-box etc etc).

I remember waiting for summer vacations, playing all day during my childhood days. Most of the playing things would be just with garden sticks, flat stones, pen, paper, marbles etc. I wonder How eco & econ friendly were they!!?


The Games we played were like lagori, langdi, Thoor chandu, police & robber, chowka-bara, (name , place, animal, thing) which are going for extinction along with the many other good old lifestyle games.

I had some high profile friends who got cowrie shells when I just used tamarind seeds to play ''Pachisi" {a ludo kind of game}. I admired at these shells several times. My love for this cowrie conchs has remained green till today.

Days passed, years just rolled & destiny got me to this paradise land which occupies only a dot on the Globe. "Seychelles" the Paradise- has kept mother nature satisfied by nil to minimal nature destruction. Call it a destiny, because toiling beach side on world's best beaches was just in my dreams. While toiling, the shells in camouflage came along kissing my feet. What attracts me is not those colorful shells broken or seeded. Its cowrie conchs which are found here in plenty & in variety. This brings flashbacks of my childhood days and my friends who never gave me one when I asked for.

I have gathered lot of cowrie shells of different sizes & varied colors. When I sit with my collection, tears roll down my cheek reminding my good old friends who are now not in touch. The new gen-X do not like to play with conchs.

My husband always tells ,"Life should go on..Do not hamper your present day thinking of something already gone".

Yes.. my husband is my new playmate who also craved for it like me..

And is this Destiny?????

Big dreams on Beijing's Bird Nest

Physical injuries are the fact of life for athletes and when injuries occur just before the competition, this shatters everybody's dream. The dreams of budding sports person, their parents, coach, fans and supporters.

One such example was with Morgan Hamm an incredibale gymnast from USA, he remained out of Olympics just for his injury. Adding to the list is Terrence Trammell, one more American favorite fast running hurdler and he pulled up with apparent hamstring injury.


These injury stories did not end affecting only Americans.. Much came when Host nation's best athletic event gold medal winner Liu Xiang left the stadium with an Achilles tendon injury in the men's 110-meter hurdles event.

It’s painful to watch an athlete in prime condition going down and withdrawing due to injury. Very few can just hope to come back 4 yrs later for another Olympics and many end their career just with hopes!!!!!

Most of these athletes would have spent all their childhood, adolescence & growing years with one great aspiration, aiming one high shining star, one dream, that is to make it to Olympics- the great sport event ever!! And what a deception for them to come out as "Did not qualify" or "Did not play" or "Did not complete" etc. All these because of this "Damn Injury- A Physical Tormentor!"


On the list of athletes dealing with injuries, we also have Michel Phelps whose body & stature has been a genetic gift & blessing. A defect in the body that ever helped an athlete.

This American golden boy stands 6'4'', his arm span 6'7'' has a rare genetic disorder called 'Marfans syndrome' affecting the connective tissues causing hyper flexibility that has undoubtedly helped in his athletic endeavors. He went on records, for most gold medals won by an individual in Olympics. He won 8 Gold medals in swimming event. His body defect promised him to be "A Dolphin in water".

The good news is that injuries heal and the sporting world goes on, and many of these athletes go on to have their finest hours after recovering from injury.
The battles that count shouldn't be the ones for gold medals. The struggles to deal are to be within yourself -- The invisible, The inevitable battles inside all of us -- That's where it's at.

Rules??? What it means???

If you think rules are crazy so do me.. Tough rules and strict laws have ruined our personalities...Rules if binding on a person with strict enforcement may affect him adversely. Contrary to this, life without rules would have been chaotic.

Its Sigmund Freud's id phenomenon that we all get thrill, a feeling of adventure or satisfaction in doing what we are not allowed to do. When we are asked not to do something, we feel a strong urge to do it. This is the basic tendency of every human. As Katherine Hepburn said " If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun".

The taste of a stolen mango from a farm is much more than we get buying one!! Then as simple as that "SIMPLY BREAK THE RULES".....!!!!!

Recently in California which is a large and trend setter state in USA came up with Rules to control road traffic accidents by banning mobile phone usage while driving. All obeyed their Terminator Governor Arnoldo Schwarzenegger. And can anyone afford to deny him??

Seeing this ban order, it makes me ponder how far rules can be made?
If there is ban on using mobile phones while driving, then what about riders who change songs on ipods & car stereo. Is there any rule to ban this?
Now, what about drivers having a subway or Mc Burger with Coke while driving? Does the rule book ban this?
What about office goers reading morning post on news papers while driving?
Pretty Blonde making up with lipstick or face talc?
Young music enthusiast trying harmonica?
So ideally the rule book, needs to mention all these and more.


Similar to this, there is a rule in school during invigilation for invigilators. The rule is, "Not to use laptop or read novels while invigilating". The rule is there to maintain strict invigilation during exams. Needless to say, very less people enjoy 1-2 hrs of constant vigilance staring at self involved, mind boggling, head scratching kids taking exams!!

If there is one such rule about laptops & novels, then there should be more like the California experience. These are...
Invigilators should not read any magazines, no study materials, no checking SMSs, no talking to fellow colleagues, no solving puzzles or sudoku, no thinking about family, no dreams about
date with Peirce Brosnon, no watching beautiful woman on the corridor, no yawning or else no dozing. Because Rules are rules and we know, the pages never end.

Rules are common in schools. The rules are not to be just laid to face their extinction before they could continue. My boarding school had strict and several rules which were followed without any rule book (inexhaustible number of rules). I was crowned many a times for breaking few silly rules. I continued protesting for unusual rules and thats history.

Why such rules ?? Which are made to break!!! Or making more new rules to stop breaking the rules. As long as rules are been made, there will be persons to break.

The discussion here is open with this comment by a quaote from People's Princess Diana "I don't go by the rule book? I lead from the heart, not the head"

The Enigmatic Hindu Temple with Pride

Indians scotch all around the world. Its not just into western or developed countries. The flow haven't left any corner of the world; Seychelles a small nation in Indian ocean is the proof.

It surprised me to see many residents here in Seychelles are from southern part of India where i belong. They would have migrated centuries or decades ago from their ancestral soil, but the culture & traditions is kingly maintained.


It becomes vivid to see a Hindu temple in the center of the town of Victoria, Mahe. The architecture and intricate design remind about the south Indian temples. The temples of south India especially follow strict temple rules.
Few highlighting rules like

• Dress conservatively with minimal skin exposure,
  
• Shoes aren't allowed inside the shrine,
  
• Smoking & Alcohol strictly prohibited,
  
• Photography prohibited,
  
• Men enter shrine with dhoti / lungi (white cloth wrapped around waist),
  
• Men to enter bare chest,
  
• Non Hindus aren't allowed and some don't allow women in reproductive age group.

At the same time there are few lowlights too like, Pay for the guards to just eye on your expensive shoes otherwise be ready to loose them. Pay for the photography / video shooting, Compulsory pay the beggars sitting outside temple, Make heavy donations to the priests etc.

My recent visit to this Vinayagar temple in the capital of Seychelles enlightened me with few ideas. The sparks in my mind aroused when many European tourists were just flocking into the beautiful authentic temple without understanding anything in there. They were seen wandering around, clicking pictures, having strange looks on face and wanted something to take away.. Captured.

How about me being a guide for the Temple??? Flaunting about the traditions, mythological stories on Hindu Gods, deciphering concepts of customs, tradition, rituals & festivals ... Ya... Typical Indian me....!!!!



Yes.. I cannot sit idle and just do studies or a bit of teaching, which is my job. Here, I can bring in changes in lowlights & make something with difference. Needless to say allow non Hindus know about Hinduism & at the same time let me make some money in this far far land.

Almighty!!! R you listening..????.. I know you are happy.
Your reign is going worldwide and together we can!!!

China... at their best.

Olympics fever is catching up.. Is the cause, for China is holding the mega event or an Asian country.. ?????

China has been in midst of loading controversies all in a row..

• In 2007, Chinese toys were banned in US market for they contained enormous toxic lead. The media hyped the issue deliberately. There was drastic reduction in US import of "Made in China" toys.
  
• Then began the ban on Chinese packed food said to have induced food poisoning. Again media did not leave the chance.
• The Olympic torch began its parade with good start from the home nation. But devastation was seen all over with Tibet issue heating up. The paint of Politics was seen splashing on clear wall of Sports!!
• Then there has been never ending issue about human rights violation, Beijing air pollution etc etc.
  

With all these & never calming calamities like the massive earthquake, China would have driven back. History unchanged.

In spite of profound pressure, Beijing is not stepping back. This happens only in China... A communist, disciplined nation & loads of man power.

Chinese people with their lovely attire, great harmony are not leaving a trace of problem for the invitees to Beijing Olympics.

I neither originate from China nor have any ancestral relation from the dragon nation, that inspired me write this. Being Indian and great patriotic of my own country, I see all the similar problems like China like population explosion, economic divide, depletion of recourses etc here in India.

My dad had told me when I was little, "Neglect all those friends who fight. Trustworthy are those who never lack back & strive for great tomorrow".

This is a lesson for all Indians. Catch up in competition with China, forget & look down on all those worthless nations fighting, sending terrorists & trying to push us down. Inculcate the attitude to compete with Chinese people, look at their markets, work force, Economic growth,
Industrial production, Athletic ability, Military & discipline among the people.

When all my friends cheered during the Indo-Pak cricket match, had nail bitting experience with Indo- Pak Hockey, cursed the neighbor nation for holding Kashmir, Challenged the Pak rangers during Kargil.....I saw something different.

I saw a sleeping giant, sleeping Dragon "The China" and I look up to it and nothing else matters!!

Jai Hindustani!!

Healthy yet tasty!!!!???

Eighty percent of women are anemic. Anemia is lowered hemoglobin, due to which the person feels lethargic, weak & exhaustion, ultimately distorting appearances, affecting work style. There is always a solution.....???? There are few things which are good in iron. Always healthy food & taste do not come together. But let me help you eat healthy with less cholesterol, less oil.. & yet Tasty... Possible???

Dates Pudding


Ingredients
1 measure dates (without seeds and chopped well)
1/2 measure sugar ( powdered preferred)
2 large eggs
2 table spoons cooking oil
1/4th measure milk
3/4th measure flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1tsp vanilla essence

Utensils
1 lt mixing bowl
Egg beater
Mixing spoon
Pressure cooker
Cooker vessel

Procedure
-In a large mixing bowl, mix dates and sugar (optional is to add some Apple or dry fruits)
-Beat eggs with oil and vanilla essence together and add to the mixing bowl
-To this add flour,baking pdr & soda
-Pour milk little by little and mix the contents in 1 direction either clockwise or anti clockwise
-Grease the cooker bowl and dust with sugar powder. Pour in the mixture.
-Put 3 volumes of water in the cooker & place the grid.
-Then keep the Cooker bowl, close the lid
-Take out the regulator (weight), Bake in high flame, Once the pressure is high, reduce to low flame for next 10 min.
-Now place the regulator (weight), again bring to high pressure. Next 40 min in low flame.
-Allow the cooker to cool naturally after this
-Take out the bowl from the cooker and separate the pudding along the ends with a knife. Transfer over to a plate. Serve it hot or cold













Dates cake

Ingredients
1 cup dates unseeded and chopped
1/2 cup oil
1/2 cup milk
1 cup flour
1tsp baking powder
Egg(2) optional
1 tsp vanilla extract

Procedure
Mix all the ingredients in a mixing vessel. Pour the contents in the greased baking heavy bottom vessel.
Preheat the oven at 190 deg.
Now place the baking bowl into the oven.
Bake it at 230 deg for 20-25 min.
Check for cake is done by putting a clean unused toothpick in the center . It comes out clean without any stickiness.
Dates cake is ready to be served.

Now go on with looks younger than your age.. And appraisal at office...Great isn't it!!!

Quick and easy dessert recipe!!

With the fast moving world.. No time to waste in kitchen, No time to dine out.. And still cannot eat same stuff everyday. Ohhh!!..want some change . Don't u worry !!!

Here are some easy and simple recipes for good desserts after lunch or dinner

Creme Caramel
Mouth watering ......Huuh!! Come with me, I will show u How to do this.

Ingredients Utensils
3 large eggs
1 cup milk
3/4th cup sugar
2 cups of water
1 tsp vanilla essence

Utensils:
Heavy bottom pan
Egg beater
Pressure cooker
Large mixing pan
Big cooker bowl
Serving plate

Procedure:
First we will make Caramel

In a heavy bottom pan take 1/2 cup of sugar and 1/4 th cup of water.
Stir in low flame till sugar dissolves.
Once sugar dissolves, bring to high flame.
Keep stirring continuously until the foam vanishes.
*And gradually there is change in color from transparency to brown.
Take out and pour the caramel in a cooker bowl & spread it to the bottom & sides by tilting the bowl.
Take care that you don't burn your fingers with hot caramel syrup

Now we will move on to make creme

Beat all eggs together to get a good mix,
To this, add remaining 1/4th cup sugar powder.
Mix to dissolve sugar
Now go on adding cold milk little by little to the mixture.
Put vanilla essence and again continue stirring.
Pour the mixture into caramelized bowl.

Now put some 1 & 1/2 cup of water into the cooker, Place the grid.
Place the bowl with cream & caramel over the grid.
Close the lid. Cook in high pressure for 5 min pressure then lower the flame. Let it cook for another 10 min.
Allow the cooker to cool by itself
Take the bowl off cooker and allow it to cool.
After 5 min, Place the whole bowl in refrigerator. Wait till it cools.
Now take out the cold bowl from the refrigerator.
Put a serving plate over the bowl and turn upside down. Shake it a bit.
Make sure the whole content is emptied on to the plate.

Serve it cold.

Hoarding- Think about it

The issue is there everywhere, in most homes and brewing. Some tolerate, some ignore, few quarrel & few others abuse. Here we are speaking of the phenomenon of "Hoarding".
Now!! Whats this new issue?? Do we know about this?

I saw the news on CNN today about the Hurricane "Dolly" & its warning in Texas and Mexican Gulf. The people there are asked to accumulate as much utilities as possible for day to day needs, like food, gas, candles, water and basic needs. This is to face the forth coming Hurricane. Is this phenomenon of accumulation a "Hoarding"??

The ants accumulate food in bulk to prepare for the chill winters ahead!! They fill the anthill with enormous stuff. Is this "Hoarding"??

Our neighbor uncle is retired, stays with wife & 2 adolescent sons. His house is a Junk yard. There is hardly any space to walk freely inside. There are all varieties of furniture, piles of newspapers, old books, decade old wall calenders, tons of used clothes, utensils, TVs, Radios and innumerable things. He finds all these things at home are useful and deny parting away or selling them.

So seeing this behavior of elders, some tolerate, some ignore, few quarrel, others few abuse.
This is the issue, I am writing about. The Phenomenon of "Hoarding in Everyone's Life"



Our parents drained all their sweats to afford for heavy teak wood furnitures, utilities & basic comforts. Having overt attachment to these belongings is natural. Family members often feel angry and resentful about a hoarder’s seemingly inexplicable behavior. They feel trapped and powerless, forced to stand by and honor a hoarder’s wish.
There is a feeling among young that hoarding is piling only junk. For Hoarders this is saving beautiful, precious & expensive stuffs. But the difference is, hoarders find beauty, utility in these stuffs where others find it to be too gaudy, useless, out of fashion and rubbish.
Its neither generation gap nor pathological disease in our parents nor an uncorrectable problem. None can debate over the issue or just develop differences with our parents. All is needed is to drive away the communication gap.

May be few things can change the phenomenon...

• Make the elders see the changing techno world
• Include them in major decision making regarding household issues
  
• Indulge them while planning to give away their old heavy furnitures
• Think about having the old stuff renovated, polished or repaired to use
• Influence them to gift away these stuff to needy like domestic help, maids, gardener, milkman etc. They will feel proud.
  
• There is always place for a good old furniture in different rooms
• Develop better relationships and gain their confidence before you act
• Perseverance & patience helps
• Remember that, Elders didn't need your help while getting the stuff. They still don't expect your authority to discard them.

This is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter
~Mark Twain about Age

Do not forget this Wheels of life.


The day you believe what your parent once said was right...
You will have a son who thinks you are wrong!!




Think about it!!!!!

Doctors?? What are they???!!!!

Happiness is a vain dream if health goes absent. Being healthy doesn't occur at doctor's office. It requires healthy lifestyle altogether. This is one illusion everybody carries,that, having a doctor in a family or in neighborhood can get away with diseases. Excuse me!!! Give me a break!!!

What more surprises me is that we have a regulatory system that blindly supports this fantasy that doctors are somehow unique among all humans.

Consider me, I grew up to enter this dream profession "DOCTOR" where my parents barely thought I would make it for, I was not a bookie like my sister nor humble like her. Excelled in this profession only to know that whole universe think doc as life saving machine who should some how save the life of their loved ones by hook or crook.

Doctors work in their patients interests, thats medical ethics. If they don't they are held with pile of offenses, thats patients' ethics.
I never realized until I entered into this profession that road to riches is long.
But the wait for Smile on a newborn baby, the new life in almost dead man is most satisfying. Ideally,there is no room for doubt that this is the noble profession. We have complete job satisfaction, there is no unemployment, no retirement and we are students all life. So all docs out there feel young. Saving life is all our only motivation. And we are worth a big applause !!!!!

Funny Bones

A brand new store has just opened in New York City that sells Husbands. When women go to choose a husband, they have to follow the instructions at the entrance:

"You may visit this store ONLY ONCE!" There are 6 floors and the value of the products increase as you ascend the flights. You may choose any item from a particular floor, or may choose to go up to the next floor, but you CANNOT go back down except to exit the building!
So, a woman goes to the Husband Store to find a husband.

On the 1st floor the sign on the door reads:

Floor 1 - These men have jobs.

The 2nd floor sign reads:

Floor 2 - These men Have Jobs and Love Kids.

The 3rd floor sign reads:

Floor 3 - These men Have Jobs, Love Kids and are extremely good looking.

"Wow," she thinks, but feels compelled to keep going.

She goes to the 4th floor and the sign reads:

Floor 4 - These men Have Jobs, Love Kids, are Drop-dead Good Looking and Help with Housework.

"Oh, mercy me!" she exclaims, "I can hardly stand it!"

Still, she goes to the 5th floor and sign reads:

Floor 5 - These men Have Jobs, Love Kids, are Drop-dead Gorgeous, help with Housework and Have A Strong Romantic Streak.

She is so tempted to stay, but she goes to the 6th floor and the sign reads:

Floor 6 - You are visitor 31,456,012 to this floor. There are no men on this floor. This floor exists solely as proof that women are impossible to please. Thank you for shopping at the Husband Store.

Now, To avoid gender bias charges, the store's owner opens a New Wives store just across the street.

The 1st floor has wives that love sex.

The 2nd floor has wives that love sex and have money..

The 3rd through 6th floors have never been visited.

Men in ishtyle

"God created Man first; He wanted to make a rough one before the perfect creation- The Woman"!!
Of all the animal species, only in Humans we call women as "Fairer Sex". This is a gratitude of both the better creation and the Lifestyle a woman follow. Man too can be better looking and can create an impression in his own limits. Its a tough thing to get common man think of fashion, trendy, what's in, whats out, and more than that "How to impress a Lady with good attire".

What more can a Man be enlightened if at all he knows "What Women Want". This is the new mantra of www (Don't read as World Wide Web) and every man can't be as gifted as Mel Gibson (I am referring to the movie "What Women want")

Now...Revealing all details may be against the ethics of womanhood. For this a man needs to earn the tips lifelong being with a woman. So what does a woman sense in a man's appearance, dress & presentation??

Here let me help you with few spices and not the entire tasty curry!!

Here are tips for Men to be in ishtyle...

• Neatly washed, trimmed, groomed hair is what's in. Look out for dandruff and oily hair which puts her off
• Dye your hair for those white weeds in thick black forest. Or else, if its all silvery white like "Anderson Cooper", just leave it
• Get a facial done every 4 months and bleach once a year. You would appreciate the glow it gives
• On a closer look, those white & black heads appear awful. Get them cleared at the Men's parlor when u visit
• Body powder, deodorant, perfume, after shave, roll on, attar etc are all not same and cannot be used alternatively or replaced one for another. Each one has its own way of creating a fragrant impact.
• The smell of sweat from your cuffs, collars, waist & underarms can be too obnoxious. Hairy men needs to bother more to get the odor right.
• Use good amount of fragrant Body powder on dry skin after bath

• Use deodorant sprays on intact skin and not on shirts, trousers or kerchiefs
• For longer effect use gel or liquid base roll on, only if you like
• Using a branded perfume from Hugo Boss, CK, Gucci, Gabbana, Allure etc are worth it. The perfume lasts longer and gives back fragrance for every penny paid for it.
• Spend no more than 50 to 60 USD for a 50ml perfume / Cologne. This could last for 4-6 months depending on the use.
• The fragrant effect from a 5-8 $ perfume just lasts from bedroom till main door way. So don't use em'
• Have knowledge about formal, semi formal, traditional, casual, party, beach wears and dress for the occasion. Look out for what colors are cool & what's soggy

• Collect good quality, textured & matching tie. Learn to wear a double knot
• For all those in tropical regions, fight against stinky feet. Have an insight of moving around with socks & shoe that smells bad. Wear clean cotton socks & change them alternate days.
• Take out the notion that "Socks are there to stink!!" and move on with "Happy Feet"

Finally, Looks, appearance, dressing skills & presentation always take a back seat and what matters most is modesty, culture, gesture and respect for women.


So guys!! Please log on to www....... You know what!?

Beauty Tips!!!! For a ravishing look .

"Beauty lies in the eye of beholder" But today's fashion world is very different. It has the capacity to pull any next door kinda looks into glamorous one with a click of your mouse..

TIPS FOR THE REFRESHING LOOK TILL THE END OF THE DAY

1. Start the day with a glass of lime water with honey

2. Jog atleast half a kilometer, end with *surya namaskar (8 times each side)

3. Have a quick shower, pamper your body with generous body lotion to last long. Use antiperspirant body sprays especially around and under arms before getting into clothing .

4. Make up of the face is important. Heavy make up while working don't go well.

• Never wear a foundation daily, To cover up the blemishes ,use concealer delicately not dabbing it. Apply on finger tips and just cover up the marks. Finish the face makeup with light compact that suites your complexion**
• Just a kohl for the eyes may look good at that moment only, To give a long lasting look, draw a thin line with liquid eyeliner underneath the lower eyelash before it dries up take a pencil kohl, smudge it along the inner line of the eye. This not only gives smoky look also lasts long, does't allow the pencil kohl to smudge
• Eye shadow should be creamy, and no heavy colors or shiny. It should be applied linearly below the eyebrows. Dont use 2 colors for the daytime, chances of getting horror look end of the day for sure.
• Lipstick is the first one to go away after morning coffee sip. Extra care for lip makeup is essential. If lips r dry; wet it before starting the makeup. With the finger tips dab the lips with thin layer of foundation creme. Draw the lips with lip liner same color as your lipstick*** Fill in the lipstick of your choice on the lips. Again dab along the lips with talc. Give a final touch of lipstick again over that
• Leave the hair open or just a high ponytail if u feel hair is fizzy. Or just a small knob to pull back the grown feather cut waves. Dont think of headgears ever
• Match the accessories well with the clothing like dont stick on to old fashioned cat's eye studs. or metal belt watch. Instead wear a dangling earrings, matching strap watches, branded hand bag and comfy shoes,again that suites the dress
• Before u step out, don't forget to wear your perfume(citric or romantic fragrance) are better preferred. For it to last long ...spray along the arterial line.. On the sides of the neck just below the jaw where u can feel carotids. Then, along the elbow and wrist.
• Check your turn out before u leave home
• Have a light breakfast, may be mini wheats with frost, a glass of milk, or cheese sandwich, cereal bars to avoid hypoglycemia
• Avoid oily and heavy lunch.
• Throughout the day drink plenty of water.
• End the day with good shower, a capsule of vitamins & codliver
  
• Have a at least 8hrs sleep for the bright next day

Now, tell me lady...Do u feel the change!!
* Surya namaskara-Its a yoga exercise which has 10 moves
**complexion-always try it on face when u r buying.If tried on hand can end up buying lighter or darker ;either gives ghosty look
***Lipstick- Go for matte kind,either natural,pink or brown

Bird Island!!! Heaven in Disguise!!!!

It is an island not birds sanctury. Located north to Mahe island. Tiny Air seychelles flight
takes stunning take off for the stunning view from above. 30 min long journey drives u crazy if the weather is not favourable. But, being first time visitor I was stuck to the window. Just gazing at nature's amazing beauty.


Soon we were welcomed by island Lodge staffs, who are only inhabitants other than we guests. This island is known for its impressive migrant birds...sooty tern, fairy tern, noddy tern and their relatives. They travel all way from Australia, come here lay eggs. Bird eggs are smaller than chicken egg contain less cholestrol and fat in comparision. So EDIBLE!! I am not Joking, we are offered hard boiled hot hot bird eggs to relish. And it's just wonderful.

Most birds confine to their colonies away from chalets for they know HUMANS R DANGEROUS! We are aliens in their paradise. Apart from birds, we find 200yrs old Esmaraldo and many other massive tortoises. The lucky prince charm is Jeremy 30 yrs old active star tortoise. We headed toward chalet only to find that we should somehow increase our stay cos, we were slowly falling in love with this eco protected island, and loving seychelious hosts
Weekend night starts with music,wine & barbique ,people across the globe join together for fun & frolic.

The chirping birds sooth the eardrum for us away from usual automobile honks.The azure water of Indian ocean cannot be resisted by normal persons.The turqiose beaches cling us for snorkelling and treasure for beautiful corals and conches.
" Bird island" conjures up the image of perfect relaxation. It has marvelous feeling with unforgettable hospitality.We will come back here again for sure as this place is simply irresistable !!!

My school days.. kick start to new life!!!!

I cherish every moment of my childhood... I remember all those days so well as if any incident happened just yesterday. I want to live in those memories all my life cos I consider I am gifted with everyday as a very special day.

My boarding school days were the best days. I was longing to be in this school where thousands of girls aspire n very few lucky around 50 get through. I have huge bunch of friends and I miss all of them.

My school , The Kittur Rani Chenamma residential school for girls is really a large 1500 acre land, between Belgaum and Dharwad cities and 5 km away from downtown Kittur (Karnataka, India). The location is so perfect midst of Jungle and all green around.

Everything was fine, until the daily routine started with waking up at 5am. If I was found squirling on bed, had to face waking leader's bash. Then get into shorts and go for jog. Its not just that, should have cold lime juice on frosty mornings. Then Run! Run!! Run!!!! Back to dormitory, clean up bedding, locker, get spotlessly clean dressed to go to school, If late or not properly done ..Again, face the punishments ..

I could't go with this long, the strictness, the horrible food, terrifying punishments..decided to end it once for all by running away from school. Along with 2 other friends jotted a plan to run far far away.

The mission was unaccomplished...We were brought back. The running away talent turned our life into great athletes. Our hidden talent waved. And from there..no turning back.
My school changed my personality to be better person altogether.

SESEL!!! The Unique island

Seychelles, a small country located down the equator somewhere above Mauritius n Madagascar.. (my bad geography restricts me to know only this much)...

I came here with my hubby (Nops!! not honeymoon:( Arun is also a doc working in this paradise). Just few glimpses of the soothing peacock feather colored water.. That wow effect was building up within,the moment we landed..I was squeezing my head against the small cabin windows,couldn't wait long to feel the white sand which is so inviting..
Tiring journey from Bangalore to here; didn't need half day sleep to freshen up.All i want is lie on one of these calm,solitaire,picturesque beaches.
The uniquety of these beaches are,they r't crowded, water here is crystal clear as if chlorine cleaned swimming pool,no commercialization like Juhu beach , solitaire..can just lie on the white sand and read a Paulo Coelho book all day long,if hungry can chunk on tasty creole food on beach side take aways.
All u need to enjoy these beaches is,carry a favorite reading material, ipod, lot of sunscreen and prepare for the sizzling hot day on any of your nearest beaches!!!