Live Passion With

Never Give Up!

2011-10-23T14:51:00.000-07:00

The minute you think of giving up, think of the reason why you held on so long ~ Anonymous

Pink feet. Happy feet.

2011-10-01T13:40:00.000-07:00

~ Saloni (Seattle, WA)

The 3-DAY FOR THE CURE (Seattle, September 16-18) was one of the most exhilarating, humbling and rewarding experiences of my life. Each person I met and shared with along the way made the journey even more enjoyable, couldn't have done it without them. The energy, the tutus, the ta-tas, the boobies, the bras, the hats, the pins, the scarves, the tees, the banners, the pom-poms, the clappies, the cheering, the police, the bikes, the support, the flags, the friends, the emotions, the families, the love, the veterans, the strength, the survivors, the courage, the stalkers, the fun, the route-views, the pictures, the walkers, the injuries, the sweep-vans, the crew, the food, the pit-stops, the porta-potties, the campsite, the showers, the tents, the dancing, the stories, the mail, the ceremonies, the holding, the laughs, the tears, the pride, the people, the cause, the pink... OMG, I can go on and on and on, but I'll stop right here.

Are we really free?

2011-08-15T01:16:00.000-07:00

In Yoda's words:
“Fear is the path to the dark side.
Fear leads to anger.
Anger leads to hate.
Hate leads to suffering.”
Terrorism is a living example of it. Needs to be eradicated by killing the root cause of it! It's only then we'll be truly free.

It's been a month since the Mumbai blasts, and no real action has been taken yet. The efforts of the government and dedicated search team are way below expected. It all seems like a facade. The hype in the media lasted for a week tops, and the fervor against the terrorist activity soon fizzled out. The entire city got back to routine the next day, as if nothing had ever happened. It's amazing how everyone seems to forget such tragic events almost instantaneously, when it should be killing them. But then this is India we're talking about. Feel sad to bad mouth about my motherland, but no one seems to be going after the wrongdoers. They need to be punished, I'm talking about harsh punishment that would leave an impression on people's minds, such that noone else would dare to make the same mistake again. We are missing those great men, the leaders that showed us the path of justice, to independence. Today, our system is so corrupt, putting an end to this nonsense seems next to impossible. And we live in a democratic country, for crying out loud! It's time for common man to step up and bring a revolution.

One thing is abolishing this uncanny behavior, and other is to spread the message of harmony. A mutual feeling of trust needs to be built. Nothing can be achieved by warfare, by terrorism! What pleasure do they get by killing the innocent? A radical change needs to be brought in society. Brotherhood and love needs to be instilled in people of our own country, and neighboring ones too. We are after all humans on either sides of the border - a man who was given birth by his mother, a man who has a wife waiting for him at home, a man who is eager to play with his child at the end of the day. We forget we were once part of the same nation.

Today, on independence day, I would like to quote Abraham Lincoln: "We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory, stretching from every battle-field, and patriot grave, to every living heart and hearth-stone, all over this broad land, will yet swell the chorus of the Union, when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature."

May there be peace! May we find true independence!
Jai Hind!

Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara

2011-07-24T10:58:00.005-07:00

Tribute

2011-07-14T10:57:00.015-07:00

Certain events and hence people get etched in your memory. Out of which one-thirds are an inseparable part of your life, one-thirds you've known personally, while the rest are those whom you've never met.

I'm going to talk about one such person whom I had seen from a distance once, had seen in photographs and accidentally had a two minute phone conversation with. Few weeks passed and he left us all to live amongst the stars. After that, all I heard was stories about him and his good deeds, from his near and dear ones. That's the effect great men are suppose to have on us. They remain amidst us forever in their own special way and they're always watching out for us. I felt this strange connection with him, even though I barely knew him. Even felt unfortunate that I never got a chance to meet him. I had a lot of faith in him. Some things you don't have an explanation for, for me this was one of them. By now I know you're starting to think I'm insane, but it's about belief - take it or leave it, just like one's belief in the existence of God.

Today I've lost touch with that family, and don't get to hear about him anymore. But somewhere along the line he left an impression on my mind, on my heart. And on this special day, I want to pay respect to him in my own little way; even if it means merely remembering whatever little I know about him. I also earnestly pray to God to give his family all the strength they need! I wish them well.

Life is short

2011-07-06T15:20:00.019-07:00

An excerpt from the movie Guzarish:

"Life bahut choti hai doston, par dil se jiyo toh bahut hai. Break the rules, forgive quickly, kiss slowly, love truly, laugh uncontrollably, and never regret anything that made you smile. Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."

~ Mark Twain ~

Aspirations!

2011-06-16T21:38:00.024-07:00

~ Saloni (Arches NP, UT)

Your first step is all that it takes to reach success.
It shows your faith in your dreams.
It shows you believe in yourself.
It shows you have courage to move ahead.

Just the way you are

2011-05-31T23:45:00.007-07:00

...

When I see your face
There's not a thing that I would change
Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are

And when you smile,
The whole world stops and stares for awhile
Cause you're amazing
Just the way you are

...

~ Bruno Mars ~

Pursuit of Happiness

2011-05-21T19:11:00.024-07:00

Happiness lives for those
who've hurt and tried
For those really know
who were by their side!

Happiest don't have
the best of it all
They just know how
to make most before fall.

If you pursue happiness
it will elude
Do the best you can,
happiness will find you
for a sweet prelude...

Happiness is the absence of the striving for happiness ~Chuang Tzu

Blessing or a Curse?

2011-03-13T01:11:00.022-08:00

With the plethora of opportunities and options available to us, its confusing... is it a blessing or a curse? I wonder sometimes, life would be much simpler if the path was well defined. On the flip side, life would be boring with the monotony.

Going back to high school days, when all classes were mandatory to attend and we had to see the same class teacher everyday. That's when my friends and I were making secretive plans to bunk classes. But when we got to college, we had the freedom to go to class when we wanted. We registered for courses we wanted to study. While skipping classes wasn't fun anymore, it was exciting to attend lectures we liked.

It's all hunky-dory when we make the right choices, but wrong choices can take a toll on you. After all, you realize it's you who has made the right/ wrong decision and happiness/ disappointments are bound to follow. Quoting a beautiful example from Barry Schwartz's talk named 'Paradox of Choice' (and rightly so) - "In old days, it was so much easier to go buy a pair of jeans. The jeans you bought came in only one flavor, they would fit like crap, but after washing them a few times they'd start to fit okay. Recently I went to buy a new pair of jeans to replace my old ones and the shopkeeper asked - do you want a relaxed fit or a slim fit? zipper fly or buttons? stone wash or acid wash? straight or boot-cut? and he went on and on and on. My jaw dropped and I told him that I want the pair of jeans which are the only kind! I tried all the damn jeans for an hour and finally got the best fitting jeans I had ever had. With all these choices available I did better but I felt worse. I felt worse because, with all these choices my expectations about a pair of jeans went up. With the hundred styles available, what I got was good but it wasn't perfect." It can be disappointing with that many options available out there. There's always a probability that you could've found something better. It can be frustrating when our very expectations are not met.

May be if we weren't posed with that many alternatives, we would've been happier with whatever little we have, how much ever bad it is. But then would there be new findings? Discoveries? Inventions? Humans are designed to be unsatisfied, we always want more than what we have. Whether you agree or not, humans are demanding. And that has in the hindsight worked like a charm. That craving for more is what has lead to universal development and progress. It serves as the driving force, which keeps us going to take on new things.

Today's generation is the biggest victim of this dilemma. There is a wide spectrum of opportunites at our disposal, and we want to try our hand at each one before we rule out options. We want to make sure we find the right "fit" and find something we like and want to wear or do. Conscious choices and being cognizant of your surroundings seems like the way to go in today's world. But it may take you a while to zero down on the perfect one, or maybe you may never find the one. The trick is to be happy, but never satisfied.

These days you see more and more people build their own startups rather than working for multi-nationals. Genesis of new ideas. More people want to foster their own brain child vs. help the big banners make more money. One degree isn't enough. Students get PhDs, get involved in extra curricular activities, hone their communication skills, get certificates in sports, even train themselves to do what they can't, in order to ensure a safe spot in this rat race. Considering the circumstances in this fast-paced world, competition is inevitable. But this should by no means curb your zeal. The worthy will shine, no matter what. To establish and maintain your identity, you have to have an edge over the others (and there's nothing wrong in that). While nurturing your own baby brings personal satisfaction and a feeling of accomplishment, it also adds a lot of stress and instability. Not that this should stop us from taking on new challenges, but how much of a stretch is optimal? Like everything else in life, this also comes at a price. There are cases of depression in children at the young age of 8 or 10, which was unheard of a decade or two ago. Is it all worth it in the end? Perhaps the key lies in striking the right balance. Easier said than done...

All this just adds up, and brings me to my original point. Would you still consider this benign?

Reason, season or a lifetime???

2011-02-19T20:36:00.003-08:00

Stumbled upon this old but beautiful article...

"People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty, to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually. They may seem like a godsend and they are. They are there for the reason you need them to be. Then, without any wrongdoing on your part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life, whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime."

Every penny counts!

2011-01-13T17:30:00.005-08:00

One fine day a bunch of us friends at SUNY, University at Buffalo decided to shell out $2 a month each for charity, and that's where this all started, I kid you not! Who knew this sweet thought would take us this far...

To read more about this, visit us at iwant2donate.com

Help us make a difference in other people's lives!!! Let's spread the smiles :D

Unwritten

2010-10-16T01:26:00.005-07:00

I am unwritten, can't read my mind, I'm undefined
I'm just beginning, the pen's in my hand, ending unplanned

Staring at the blank page before you
Open up the dirty window
Let the sun illuminate the words that you could not find

Reaching for something in the distance
So close you can almost taste it
Release your inhibitions
Feel the rain on your skin
No one else can feel it for you
Only you can let it in
No one else, no one else

Can speak the words on your lips
Drench yourself in words unspoken
Live your life with arms wide open
Today is where your book begins
The rest is still unwritten

Oh, oh, oh

~ Natasha Bedingfield ~

Not Sure...

2010-09-25T20:35:00.003-07:00

Not sure which one is worse: Having the heart to or the cheek to cause hurt to a loved one?!

2010-09-10T19:11:00.002-07:00

I've been...

2010-06-25T00:13:00.014-07:00

painting this pretty picture for a while. It's colorful! I'm using water colors, makes it look real! Red, blue, green, yellow, a dash of silver. Haven't missed fuschia and my favorite turquoise as well. It's got happiness, joy, disappointment and excitement, freshness and desire! It's a perfect medley. It's got golden too, to add the glamour! ;) Maybe I'm being modest here, but it's turned out gorgeous so far, if I may say so myself. I've improvised a little. A few finishing touches here and there, before I show it off...!!!

Now in the month of July, I've started adding black. Don't shake my hand, you're doing no good. My hands are trembling these days, it's making the picture dirty and messy. I can't fix this. Doesn't look captivating anymore. Splash!!! The water spills on the painting...

One Day At A Time

2010-03-06T21:56:00.009-08:00

Our lives are made up of a million moments,
spent in a million different ways.
Some are spent searching for love, peace and harmony.
Others are spent surviving day to day.
But there is no greater moment that when we find that life,
with all its joys and sorrows, is meant to be lived one day at a time.

People lose their health to make money;
then lose their money to restore their health.
By thinking anxiously about the future,
they forget their present such that
they live neither for the present nor the future.
They live as if they will never die,
and they die as if they have never lived.

Take each day as it comes,
and live each day to the fullest.

Bubbly! :D

2009-08-28T10:47:00.001-07:00

What am I gonna say
When you make me feel this way?
I just, mmm

It starts in my toes
Makes me crinkle my nose
Wherever it goes
I always know
That you make me smile
Please stay for a while now
Just take your time
Wherever you go

I've been asleep for a while now
You tucked me in just like a child now
'Cause every time you hold me in your arms
I'm comfortable enough to feel your warmth

It starts in my soul
And I lose all control
When you kiss my nose
The feelin' shows
'Cause you make me smile
Baby just take your time now
Holdin' me tight

Wherever, wherever, where ever you go
Wherever, wherever, where ever you go

~ Colbie Caillat ~

Magical!

2009-06-28T03:07:00.015-07:00

Unconcious slip
with sugar dip!
Not ephemeral
its just surreal,
all so magical...

I can hear the birds sing, the flowers are blooming. Its all so green, the beautiful butterflies. Raindrops trickle, the rainbow flaunts, I breathe the fresh air. Your hand in mine, ah those kisses! The swankiness, the hypnotizing gaze. Our reflection on the glass window, our togetherness. This feeling of love, O' so pure, this must be a dream :-)

Yeh Chaand...

2009-03-04T22:16:00.006-08:00

यह चाँद है श्वेत, रोशन
चांदनी सदा लगे सुहानी
अमावस की रात ना टले;
पूरनमासी है ज़रूर आनी

Are You Going to Finish Strong?

2009-01-21T00:40:00.004-08:00

J. K. Rowling: The Fringe Benefits of Failure, and the Importance of Imagination

2008-06-09T01:13:00.006-07:00

Witty and influential... cant help but brood over the line of thought, vocabulary and the accent.

You can listen or read about J K Rowling's excellent commencement speech at Harvard, or as I choose to call them words of wisdom HERE

Some quotes:

Reflecting on her speech has helped me enormously in writing this one, because it turns out that I can’t remember a single word she said. This liberating discovery enables me to proceed without any fear that I might inadvertently influence you to abandon promising careers in business, law or politics for the giddy delights of becoming a gay wizard.
On this wonderful day when we are gathered together to celebrate your academic success, I have decided to talk to you about the benefits of failure. And as you stand on the threshold of what is sometimes called 'real life', I want to extol the crucial importance of imagination.
I would like to make it clear, in parenthesis, that I do not blame my parents for their point of view. There is an expiry date on blaming your parents for steering you in the wrong direction; the moment you are old enough to take the wheel, responsibility lies with you.
Given a time machine or a Time Turner, I would tell my 21-year-old self that personal happiness lies in knowing that life is not a check-list of acquisition or achievement. Your qualifications, your CV, are not your life, though you will meet many people of my age and older who confuse the two.
Failure gave me an inner security that I had never attained by passing examinations. Failure taught me things about myself that I could have learned no other way. I discovered that I had a strong will, and more discipline than I had suspected; I also found out that I had friends whose value was truly above rubies.
The friends with whom I sat on graduation day have been my friends for life. They are my children's godparents, the people to whom I've been able to turn in times of trouble, friends who have been kind enough not to sue me when I've used their names for Death Eaters.

And so beautifully she ends it by saying:
As is a tale, so is life: not how long it is, but how good it is, is what matters. I wish you all very good lives.

That we left behind

2008-03-16T03:09:00.007-07:00

With the new we forget the old. The intertwined we are within the novelties, they just mesmerize us, consume us. The value, the worth of the ancient has tarnished. They say 'Time is the best healer', albeit sometimes the important fades with time too. We more-or-less retrospect in woe, dismay and panic. Busy enjoying the niceties of the present we are so cut-off from the world, it's only when the road seems rough we look back. That's when we resort to our past, approach our old friends, inculcate some old hobbies, visit historical places, try to get hold of everything we left behind at some point. It's not advisable to whine over the past, but it sure is not worthwhile to side-track the vital. We can't move forward without letting go our past failures. However, we need to remember and keep learning from our past blunders. It's that striking balance we still need to master. We must imbibe the past into the present, to lead a better tomorrow.

With the new we forget the old.
So little did we know that, old is gold.

Na Jaane Kyun ...

2008-03-16T02:52:00.003-07:00

Na Jaane Kyun, Hota Hai Yeh Zindagi Ke Saath
Achaanak Yeh Mann, Kisike Jaane Ke Baad
Kare Phir Uski Yaad Chhoti Chhoti Si Baat
Na Jaane Kyun ...

Jo Anjaan Pal, Dhal Gaye Kal, Aaj Woh
Rang Badal Badal, Mann Ko Machal Machal
Rahen Hai Chal, Na Jaane Kyun Woh Anjaan Pal
Saje Bhi Na Mere, Naino Mein
Toote Re Hai Re Sapno Ke Mahal
Na Jaane Kyun ...

Wohi Hai Dagar, Wohi Hai Safar
Hai Nahin Saath Mere Magar Ab Mera Humsafar
Idhar Udhar Dhoonde Nazar Wohi Hai Dagar
Kahan Gayi Shaamein, Madhbhari
Woh Mere, Mere Woh Din Gaye Kidhar
Na Jaane Kyun ...

~ Lata Mangeshkar (Chhoti Si Baat) ~

Congratulations!

2007-11-02T17:34:00.001-07:00

I see the smiles
I see the love
I see the glow
Togetherness!

Have known you long
Have known you enough
Have known you two
Beautiful!

Wish you luck
Wish you brightness
Wish you peace
Heartfelt!

Randy Pausch and his 'Last Lecture'

2007-09-21T01:22:00.001-07:00

Randy Pausch - I had to write words of praise about him:
WSJ.com - A Beloved Professor Delivers The Lecture of a Lifetime

This 1 hr, 45 minutes video is captivating, inspiring, overwhelming... Try this or this link - whichever works for you, you cannot afford to miss his 'Last Lecture'.

I can go 'Ga Ga' about him, but I'll key in a few words about how I felt; not that anyone is really asking for my opinion. He beautifully exhibits how one should focus on things that really matter, aspire them and finally achieve them, however crazy they are. He was so crystal clear in his thoughts, he had all his dreams jolted down even as a child and has a proof of how he went along accomplishing each one of them. Is that all it takes to be a 'hero'? He is courageous, humorous, witty, an excellent orator, innovative, clever, motivating, interesting, graceful in such dire circumstances; truly astounding!!!

A must watch video, perfectly portrays the fact that 'One should live his dreams'. 'Enable others to achieve their dreams' is what is even more impressive. 'It doesnt matter what they say, it matters what they do', how better can you frame that? 'Do good unto others', do lemme know what your reaction was when its around 1:19-1:20 on the clock in the video, with his wife on the stage... it sent a chill down my spine! His 'larger than life' attitude, his exuberant energy, his approach towards various things, his intelligence, his niceness, his way of addressing people, his act of paying respect to the most important people in his life including the student, etc. kept me clung until the last minute. Talking about the end, don't feel shy - your eyes might just get wet towards the end of the video.

"Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted"

Rooth ke humse kahin jab chale jaoge tum

2007-08-07T03:02:00.000-07:00

Rooth ke humse kahin jab chale jaoge tum
Rooth ke humse kahin jab chale jaoge tum
Ye na socha tha kabhi itne yaad aaoge tum
Rooth ke humse kahin jab chale jaoge tum
Rooth ke humse kahin

Main to na chala tha do kadam bhi tum bin
Phir bhi mera bachpan yehi samjha har din
Chhod ke mujhe bhala ab kahan jaoge tum
Chhod ke mujhe bhala ab kahan jaoge tum
Ye na socha tha kabhi itne yaad aaoge tum
Rooth ke humse kahin jab chale jaoge tum
Rooth ke humse kahin

Baaton kabhi haathon se bhi maara hai tumhein
Sada yehi kehke hi pukaara hai tumhein
Kya kar loge mera jo bigad jaoge tum
Kya kar loge mera jo bigad jaoge tum
Ye na socha tha kabhi itne yaad aaoge tum
Rooth ke humse kahin jab chale jaoge tum
Rooth ke humse kahin

Dekho mere aansoo yehi karte hain pukaar
Aao chale aao mere bhai mere yaar
Pochne aansoo mere kya nahin aaoge tum
Pochne aansoo mere kya nahin aaoge tum
Ye na socha tha kabhi itne yaad aaoge tum
Rooth ke humse kahin jab chale jaoge tum
Rooth ke humse kahin

- Jatin (Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikandar)

Thoughts

2007-07-24T23:24:00.000-07:00

Thoughts, they pervade
they dismay you
and they persuade

Thoughts, they wander
they are constructive
or they just bother

Thoughts, they swerve
can make you regret
they also bring the verve

Thoughts, they diffuse
engross you in the wrong
yeah, they can amuse

Thoughts, they deviate
sigh at the bitter, or
remind of your closest mate

Thoughts, they fade
leaving footprints from the past
and strive to make a better today
while tomorrow seems like a glade

Some people...

2007-06-27T20:43:00.002-07:00

Some people are just there for you when you need them the most. They go out of their way to help you in every possible way. You haven't even known them for long. Guess they just know you are reaching out for them. They really care! And you haven't even bothered to stretch your arms enough, but they are always with you. Truly are some angels sent by the lord. In their presence, the world seems like a better place to live in.

On the other hand, you find some people who go out of their way to hurt others. They keep taunting, finding faults or even worse back-stabbing you. They think that making a song out of it or saying something mean in a cheerful way is gonna make you laugh. How mistaken! They just tell you what you're doing wrong and repeat it over and over again. They assume you are stupid, the evils just want to bother you. Such is the world!

Its the striking contrast of humans around you, including you... Strange! Its you and only you who makes the choice between the former and the latter (intentionally or unintentionally).

Mountains!

2007-06-12T23:45:00.000-07:00

~ Saloni (Hurricane Ridge, WA)

They stand tall, against all odds
withstand sun's heat, bear the snow
and they still fail to wither away.

Water gushes down their fragile body
clouds dilate their cover over them
and they still appear greener everyday.

They give you a top-of-the-world feel
you talk to birds, you're next to stars
and gazing at their beauty you lay.

Best wishes from the best of all :-)

2007-06-10T11:26:00.000-07:00

Sweetest heart Sal,

In all that you've accomplished
You've filled our hearts with pride
Most important of all
It's who you are inside

Our feelings for you
Comes from deep in our hearts
And we miss you so much
Whenever we're apart

It's a real blessing
To have a daughter like you
Without you in our lives
We don't know what we'd do

A very
Happy Birthday
to our sweetest joy

Loving Parents.

Buggy?

2007-05-17T00:33:00.000-07:00

Today you think about tomorrow,
Tomorrow commences, you miss yesterday.

The more you try to immaculate,
You discover new flaws.

You have twigged the issue,
Or the problem targeted you?

Every attempt to strengthen,
The more emasculated you feel.

There's that ray of hope,
Or is it just a mere mirage!

And just when you thought you lost it,
It comes back to you again.

My Best Friend

2007-04-12T00:24:00.000-07:00

I never had no one
I could count on
Ive been let down so many times
I was tired of hurtin
So tired of searchin
til you walked into my life
It was a feelin
Id never known
And for the first time
I didnt feel alone

Youre more than a lover
There could never be another
To make me feel the way you do
Oh we just get closer
I fall in love all over
Everytime I look at you
I dont know where Id be
Without you here with me
Life with you makes perfect sense
Youre my best friend
Youre my best friend, oh yeah

You stand by me
And you believe in me
Like nobody ever has
When my world goes crazy
Youre right there to save me
You make me see how much I have
And I still tremble
When we touch
And oh the look in your eyes
When we make love

Youre more than a lover
There could never be another
To make me feel the way you do
Oh we just get closer
I fall in love all over
Everytime I look at you
And I dont know where Id be
Without you here with me
Life with you makes perfect sense
Youre my best friend
Youre my best friend

Youre more than a lover
There could never be another
To make me feel the way you do
Oh we just get closer
I fall in love all over
Everytime I look at you
And I dont know where Id be
Without you here with me
Life with you makes perfect sense
Youre my best friend (my best friend)
Youre my best friend (my best friend)

~ Tim McGraw ~

Dreams do become reality

2007-03-28T22:43:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you get what you want but not what you need. But when you possess that thing you need, you deserve... it feels like you can fly, you don't need wings anymore. That feeling of accomplishment, the glorious achievements are all worth the effort you put in.

Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars. ~ Brian Littrell

Targeting the moon is remarkable in itself. And nailing it, nothing like it. It beckons an encore, but that is not always the case. Not to forget, the audacity always counts. No attempt is a failure, its always worth a try. Adherence to your goals can take you places. Lack of benchmarks may prove disgraceful, 'coz then you wouldn't have anything to show your fidelity towards.

The most important thing is to know what you are looking for. Once that search is complete, the remaining part is simple. The correct path to be tred in the direction of your aspirations will come naturally. Dreams will no longer be difficult to chase, if you realize what they are. Easier said than done, indeed!

Standing firm by your desires can make it all happen. Nothing is impossible! So, face your fears and live your dreams. Dreams do turn into reality...

Good Riddance to Bad Rubbish

2007-03-11T18:58:00.000-07:00

'Good riddance to bad rubbish' was the phrase a childhood friend would use when I would leave. He would always pull my leg. I would get mad at him all the time. However, now that I think about it, that phrase had a much deeper meaning to it.

At several junctures in life you feel this phrase holds so true. You just wanna get rid off, get free from from certain things. Once you are away from those, feels like a great relief. There was so much thrash that annoyed you, you just couldn't shrug it off. And now suddenly the day seems better, fresher and happier once you are done with it.

The brighter side of all the shit happening around you is... you build up a level of endurance. The nonsense happening all the while gives you that strength and stability of mind that, you can face much more. You are ready to bear more in future. On the flip side, you wonder why all the crap is occurring to you. Why cant life be simple?

Well, thats life I guess. You gotta deal with it! But like every cloud has a silver lining, theres always good riddance to bad rubbish.

Keep Smiling! :-)

Khushi...

2007-03-06T07:36:00.000-08:00

Meri hasi rukaaye na ruke
yeh khabar hi kuch aisi hai
tum dono ek saath honge
yeh sunke hi dil jhoom uthe

Tumhe toh kareeb se jaana
Saheli, khushi toh anokhi hai
banjar zameen par bhi fasal pake
umeed par toh duniya kaayam hai

Woh puraane din bhi the jab
aap haso toh woh bhi hase
manchala tha mann aapka tab
der hi sahi, durust toh aaye

humse zaraa bachke rahiyo
varna padenge joote aur gaali
kissi ne khoob kaha hai pyaare
saali hoti hai aadhi gharwali

Ab aage hum kya bole
muh se shabd na chalke
tum dono saath raho sadaa
rab se bas yehi duaa kare

God Put A Smile Upon Your Face

2007-01-08T12:35:00.000-08:00

Where do we go nobody knows
I’ve gotta’ say I’m on my way down
God give me style and give me grace
God put a smile upon my face

Where do we go to draw the line
I’ve gotta’ say I’ve wasted all your time, honey honey
Where do I go to fall from grace
God put a smile upon your face, yeah

Now when you work it out I’m worse than you
Yeah when you work it out I want it too
Now when you work out where to draw the line
Your guess is as good as mine

Where do we go nobody knows
Don’t ever say you’re on your way down, when
God gave you style and gave you grace
And put a smile upon your face, oh yeah

Now when you work it out I’m worse than you
Yeah when you work it out I want it too
Now when you work out where to draw the line
Your guess is as good as mine

It’s as good as mine
It’s as good as mine
It’s as good as mine
Na nana nana, Na nana nana
As good as mine
As good as mine
As good as mine
As good as mine

Where do we go nobody knows
Don’t ever say you’re on your way down, when
God gave you style and gave you grace
And put a smile upon your face

~ Coldplay

Merry Christmas

2006-12-25T07:33:00.000-08:00

May the wonderful blessings of Christmas, enlighten your world
Stay with you long after the gifts unwrapped, the tree taken down
Each time tugging at your heartstrings
And each time bringing a smile :-)

Wish U and ur family a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year...!

Kabhi kabhi lagta hai

2006-12-22T17:08:00.000-08:00

Kabhi kabhi lagta hai, mein sochu hi naa
Kabhi kabhi lagta hai, mein sunu hi naa
Kabhi kabhi lagta hai, mein bolu hi naa

Kabhi kabhi lagta hai, koi toh mujhe bhi samjhe
Kabhi kabhi lagta hai, koi toh meri bhi sune
Kabhi kabhi lagta hai, koi toh mujhe bhi bolne de

Kabhi kabhi lagta hai, kyun mujhe woh galat samjhe
Kabhi kabhi lagta hai, kyun meri baat woh na sune
Kabhi kabhi lagta hai, kyun mere baare mein woh aisa bole

Kabhi kabhi lagta hai, mazzaak mazzaak mein
Zindagi ne mera ek bhaddaa mazzak bana ke rakh diya hai...

The Art of the Start

2006-12-14T09:33:00.000-08:00

The musings of Guy Kawasaki are enlightening!

Loved it :-)
Thoroughly impressive, must listen to it.

With permission from Guy Kawasaki, we bring you a unique episode which brings a different kind of tools to your life, tools that could help you succeed in business as well as technology. Guy Kawasaki is the author of eight books including The Art of the Start, Rules for Revolutionaries, How to Drive Your Competition Crazy, Selling the Dream, and The Macintosh Way. Guy is currently the Managing Director of Garage Technology Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm and a columnist for Forbes.com. Previously, he was an Apple Fellow and Chief Evangelist at Apple Computer where he was one of the few individuals responsible for the early success of the Macintosh computer. For more information on Mr. Kawasaki, please go to his personal website (http://www.guykawasaki.com).

An Eye Opener

2006-12-10T21:02:00.000-08:00

A great individual indeed, hats off!

2006-12-09T08:52:00.000-08:00

There was a one hour interview on CNBC with Warren Buffet, the second richest man who has donated $31 billion to charity. Here are some very interesting aspects of his life:

1)He bought his first share at age 11 and he now regrets that he started too late!

2)He bought a small farm at age 14 with savings from delivering newspapers.

3)He still lives in the same small 3 bedroom house in mid-town Omaha, that he bought after he got married 50 years ago. He says that he has everything he needs in that house. His house does not have a wall or a fence.

4)He drives his own car everywhere and does not have a driver or security people around him.

5)He never travels by private jet, although he owns the world's largest private jet company.

6)His company, Berkshire Hathaway, owns 63 companies. He writes only one letter each year to the CEOs of these companies, giving them goals for the year. He never holds meetings or calls them on a regular basis.

7)He has given his CEO's only two rules:
Rule number 1: Do not lose any of your share holder's money.
Rule number 2: Do not forget rule number 1.

8)He does not socialize with the high society crowd. His past time after he gets home is to make himself some pop corn and watch television.

9)Bill Gates, the world's richest man met him for the first time only 5 years ago. Bill Gates did not think he had anything in common with Warren Buffet. So he had scheduled his meeting only for half hour. But when Gates met him, the meeting lasted for ten hours and Bill Gates became a devotee of Warren Buffet.

10)Warren Buffet does not carry a cell phone, nor has a computer on his desk.

11)His advice to young people: Stay away from credit cards and invest in yourself.

Amazing and interesting individual indeed

Read more about him here.

Sand held in your hand

2006-11-30T02:54:00.000-08:00

Sand when held loosely with an open hand, stays where it is. The moment you try to close your hand, squeeze tightly to hold on to it, sand starts trickling through your fingers. So much so that you might spill all or most of it. You may land up holding onto nothing.

Never Explain

2006-11-30T02:46:00.000-08:00

Music can...

2006-11-19T21:49:00.000-08:00

Music can make you Smile
Music can compel you to Cry
Music can make you Angry
Music can help you Pacify
Music can make you Scream
Music can introduce Silence
Music can make you Dream
Music can still be so Real
Music can bring in Melody
Music can give you Headaches
Music can make you Dance
Music can cause you to Stone
Music can put you to Sleep
Music can wake you Up
Music can make you Sing
Music can make you Shiver
Music can bother you to Think
Music can help you Forget
Music can help keep a Secret
Music can reveal the Truth
Music can hide your Pain
Music can aid you to Speak
Music can get you your Love
Music can energize you to Fight
Music can accompany a Prayer
Music can make you Abuse
Music can originate Passion
Music can induce Boredom
Music can bring Ecstacy
Music can generate an Orgasm
Music can coax you to Live
Music can play at your Deathbed

You never considered me as a friend

2006-11-16T20:22:00.000-08:00

There were days when we joked around, played around. It all seemed so good & sweet around. We had great times when together. No fear, could be myself. We talked for long, maybe bizarre. The effort to make each others birthdays so special. The meals together memorable and the long drives unforgettable. The compliment you made that day, still brings a smile. It was all green. And your support when it was all blue. Then this ugly thing creeped in, and things changed. It never looked that beautiful again. You seemed to ignore or needed me no more. Sometimes I bless this ugly creep, had it not been there I would have not known the true you. The imperception would've never permitted me to see the other side, the stealthy side. I miss your presence, but somewhere down the line I'm happy. Atleast I dont have to live up with the made up face anymore. It feels so much more comfortable with the mask ripped off. Unhappy about the revelation though, "I was just someone, You never considered me as a friend."

I'm sure you would've picturized someone when you read this. Related each incident with some occurence in your life. Nodded in agreement too.

But you know what they say? You should not let go off your friends so easily. So heres one for you:

When youre down and troubled
And you need a helping hand
And nothing, whoa nothing is going right.
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest nights.
You just call out my name,
And you know whereever I am
Ill come running, oh yeah baby
To see you again.
Winter, spring, summer, or fall,
All you have to do is call
And Ill be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.
Youve got a friend.
If the sky above you
Should turn dark and full of clouds
And that old north wind should begin to blow
Keep your head together and call my name out loud
And soon I will be knocking upon your door.
You just call out my name and you know where ever I am
Ill come running to see you again.
Winter, spring, summer or fall
All you got to do is call
And Ill be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.

Hey, aint it good to know that youve got a friend?
People can be so cold.
Theyll hurt you and desert you.
Well theyll take your soul if you let them.
Oh yeah, but dont you let them.

You just call out my name and you know wherever I am
Ill come running to see you again.
Oh babe, dont you know that,
Winter spring summer or fall,
Hey now, all youve got to do is call.
Lord, Ill be there, yes I will.
Youve got a friend.
Youve got a friend.
Aint it good to know youve got a friend.
Aint it good to know youve got a friend.
Youve got a friend.

~ James Taylor & Carole King

Grow-up!

2006-11-11T23:52:00.000-08:00

Stuck in the past, get over it fast
spasms of anxiety, dont let them last
shadows of misconception, dont cast
dont just deduce, options are vast
think about it again, just dont blast

All-hallow-eve

2006-10-31T10:35:00.000-08:00

Its my day today, the devil's day... the witch's day ;)
Come join me in being spooky ... hee haw haw!

Happy Halloween!!!
"Where there is no imagination there is no Horror. " ~Arthur Conan Doyle, Sr.

Think about this...

2006-10-26T21:07:00.000-07:00

These were the words told to me, which I'll never forget. And they are absolutely true.

In happiness, the whole world is by your side to raise a toast...
True friends are the ones who stand by you in your rough times.

Its a good food for thought. Try be there, when they need you the most! :-)

May lights triumph over darkness

2006-10-20T21:42:00.000-07:00

A friend send me wishes with the above subject, and I fell in love with it :-)

Aai aai Diwali hai aai,
Saath me kitni khushiya laayi,
Dhoom machao, mauj manao,
Dher saari mithai bhi khao,
Aap sabhi ko Diwali ki badhai

Don't Worry About Failures

2006-10-11T08:08:00.000-07:00

From Noone to the famous Someone

2006-09-29T00:03:00.000-07:00

One of the best articles I've read. To tell u the truth: The longest article I've ever read. Kept me clung to it till the last word.

A great story about a kid who had absolutely no life, and was taken under the wing of a family and is now one of the most impressive left tackles in college football.

Read the story of 'Michael Oher' Here: The Ballad of Big Mike

“It’s nice and warm in that gym,” the boy said.

“This is the first time I ever had my own bed.”

‘Miss Sue, you have to remember I’ve only been going to school for two years.”’

“You didn’t lose; you just ran out of time.”

‘I got to do it to get to the league.”

- Read or Regret -

Somethings

2006-09-15T10:17:00.000-07:00

Somethings you dont want to remember
Somethings you cant forget
The memories linger

Fix You

2006-09-13T10:38:00.000-07:00

When you try your best but you don't succeed
When you get what you want but not what you need
When you feel so tired but you can't sleep
Stuck in reverse.

And the tears come streaming down your face
When you lose something you can't replace
When you love someone but it goes to waste
Could it be worse?

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

And high up above or down below
When you're too in love to let it go
But if you never try you'll never know
Just what you're worth

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you

Tears stream, down on your face
When you lose something you cannot replace
Tears stream down on your face
And I..

Tears stream, down on your face
I promise you I will learn from my mistakes
Tears stream down on your face
And I..

Lights will guide you home
And ignite your bones
And I will try to fix you.

~ Coldplay (Fix you)

Arz kiya hai

2006-09-11T23:36:00.000-07:00

Taaro se poocho, unhonein jhilmilaana kyun chodh diya
Patto se poocho, unhonein sarsarhaana kyun chodh diya
Khuda kare Gulaab ki kaliyaan kal yeh na keh de
Ki lo, aaj-se humne bhi mahekna chodh diya

*****

Anishchaytaa zindagi ka woh ang hai
Jise chaahkar bhi hum alag nahi kar sakte
Bas rab se sirf dua kar sakte hai
Ki ek din woh khud hi asli chehra dikha de

Living Life Backwards

2006-08-31T06:14:00.000-07:00

I found this article... and found it very interesting. A little different theory about living life backwards; starting with death. Innovative isnt it?

Perspective that matters

2006-08-30T21:57:00.000-07:00

Everything in this world can be seen as you wish to. Good or Bad; Beautiful or Ugly; True or False; Simple or Complicated; Easy or Difficult; after all the Right or Wrong! You can make it happen, the way you want it to. Its not how things are; it upto you how you look at them. Being happy doesn't mean that everything is perfect. It means that you've decided to look beyond the imperfections. Sometimes you have to let go to see if there was anything worth holding on to. Think positive and be optimistic... it'll take you a long way :-)

Seeing within changes one's outer vision. Also, you must look beyond & think out of the box. Dont let petty matters bother you. If you nurture your mind, body, and spirit, your time will expand. You will gain a new perspective that will allow you to accomplish much more. At the end of the day, beauty lies in the eye of the beholder. The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.

One's destination is never aplace
but rather a new way of looking at things.
- Henry Miller

The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious,
it seems, takes longer.
- Edward R. Murrow

The ability to perceive things differently, coming up with new viewpoints, developing a new vista... that sure will bring a change in your life. To deduce, its the perspective that matters! If you really want something, if you have faith and a direction; the whole world conspires for you to get it, achieve it.

Start It

2006-08-29T13:49:00.000-07:00

Don't look at a thing; Start it.
Don't put it off a day; Start it.
Don't pretend you must think over; Start it.
Don't start half-heartedly; put everything you can.

~ Anonymous

Babies :-)

2006-08-23T19:34:00.000-07:00

They can make you smile
and sure can bring tears

They can be little angels
hope you dont see the devil-side

They can brighten your day
or ruin your night's sleep

They caress you like noone else has
also hit you with toys, like noone will

They are so cute, adorable
and also the true pranksters

They say, babies are a face of God
the innocent that they are

Their melodious voices hum
the loud cries, oh my my!

Life surrounds around them; they are enticing
A baby in the house can keep you busy all day

They are indeed cho cute... muuaaaaah!

Babies are total sweethearts :-)

Proud to be an Indian

2006-08-15T07:30:00.000-07:00

Apni aazaadi ko hum harghiz mita sakte nahin
Sar kata sakte hain lekin sar jhuka sakte nahin
Jai Hind!

"Happy Friendship Day"

2006-08-06T07:18:00.000-07:00

I have some friends,
whom I call and hold dear.
Without them being there,
I'd have nothing to hold near.

My friends will always be there for me.
I know for sure, I have nothing to fear.
I always seem to think about,
what life would be like without them here.

It's a scary thing to even imagine
not having anyone to care.
I dont know what I would do,
because friendship is precious and rare.

Cheers to the smiles, the sad
the fights, the fun we've had together.
Those memories bring a smile,
hope the friendship blossoms year after year.

Thinking about you'll...
And sending Friendship Day Greetings!!!

Maa ke haath ka khaana

2006-08-03T17:38:00.000-07:00

The thing I miss the most being away from home is 'Maa ke haath ka khaana'
(My mom is gonna kill me for this. She'll say, "khaava maate hoon yaad aavu chu... nahi toh hoon kaun" :-P {You remember me only for food... otherwise do u care} )
Love you Mumma...

{Non-gujratis may face trouble understanding the post, I'll try my best to translate it to English. Bear with me... Sorry!}

Winter Delicacies:
Undhyu {Mixed-vegetable, but a different preparation... cant describe it better. The name says it all ;)}
Ringana no Olo ane bajra na rotla {Baigan Bharta and Bajra bread}
Adadiya paak {a sweet which is specially prepared for cold weather}
Parvad nu bharelu shaak {stuffed Parvad}
Gaajar/Dudhi halwo {Carrots/Dudhi pie}
Paatra {Aloo-wadi, dont know any other word for it :-P}

Mom would say that the vegetables, green leafy vegetables & fruits grew best in winter.

Summer Authentic food:
Keri no rass {Mango pulp}
Gunda nu shaak {Gunda is another vegetable, pickle can also be made from it}
Keri no fajeto {A daal prepared with a little mango juice in it}
Dhokla ane lasan ni chutney {Dhokla with garlic sauce}

Food in summer is always centered around the king of fruits 'Mango'.

Monsoon Relish:
Garam bhajia {Vegetable Tempuras served hot}
Batata wada {Potato balls deep-fried}
Methi ni bhaji na gota {fenugreek & gram flour balls deep-fried}
Hot and sour soup/ vegetable soup
Hakka noodles

Any good food served hot on a rainy day, seems like a blessing.

{Its getting tougher, guess I'm gonna give up on the translation :-P}

Specialities, not specific to any weather:
Theplas
Veggie parathas
Daal-Kachori
Daal-dhokli
Bhendi paneer
Paneer Bhurji
Biryani
Kurma
Chole Poori
Rajma- kalidaal
Schezwan
Manchurian
Fried rice
Pizza
Pav Bhaji

Salads:
The variety of healthy veggie salads she would prepare.
Dahi boondi ;)
Raita

Appetizers/Refreshers:
Upma
Poha
Idli-dosa
Pudla {pancakes}
Dahi misal
Haandwa {Owen-baked pancake}
Khaman
Khandavi
Kachori
Ghughra {peas dumplings}

These are the ones you tend to enjoy eating the most.

Junk Food:
Bhel
Sev-puri
Dahi-vada
paani puri
Chinese bhel
Frankie

Sweets:
Rasgulla
Gulab Jamun
Gol-papdi
Churma na laadu {laddoo}
Sheera
Rasgulla
Gulaab Jaamun
Dudh-paak
Basundi
Kheer {Rice pudding}

Yumm...! Jannat ;)

Deserts:
Pudding
Custard-jelly

The list can go on and on and on... so I'll stop here.
But the list would be incomplete without my favorite... Mom-made
"Fruit Salad"... ummm , Yummy!!!
Miss all of it :-(

Gone are the days

2006-08-02T19:39:00.000-07:00

One more fwd, cant help it... it was really nice. Made me nostalgic

Gone are the days!!!
When the school reopened in June,
And we settled in our new desks and benches!

When we queued up in book depot,
And got our new books and notes!
When we wanted two Sundays and no Mondays,
Yet managed to line up daily for the morning prayers.

We learnt writing with slates and pencils, and
Progressed To fountain pens and ball pens and then Micro tips!
When we began drawing with crayons and evolved to
Color pencils and finally sketch pens!

When we started calculating
first with tables and then with
Clarke's tables and advanced to
Calculators and computers!

When we chased one another in the
corridors in Intervals, and returned to the classrooms
Drenched in sweat!

When we had lunch in classrooms, corridors,
Playgrounds, under the trees and even in cycle sheds!
When all the colors in the world,
Decorated the campus on the Second Saturdays!

When a single P.T. period in the week's Time Table,
Was awaited more eagerly than the monsoons!
When cricket was played with writing pads as bats,
And Neckties and socks rolled into balls!

When few played "kabadi" and "Kho-Kho" in scorching sun,
While others simply played "book cricket" in the confines of classroom!
Of fights but no conspiracies,
Of Competitions but seldom jealousy!

When we used to watch Live Cricket telecast,
In the opposite house in Intervals and Lunch breaks!

When few rushed at 3:45 to
"Conquer" window seats in our School bus!
While few others had "Big Fun", "peppermint",
"kulfi", " milk ice !" and "sharbat !" at 4o Clock!

Gone are the days
Of Sports Day, and the annual School Day ,
And the one-month long preparations for them.

Gone are the days
Of the stressful Quarterly,
Half Yearly and Annual Exams, And the most enjoyed holidays after them!

Gone are the days
Of tenth and twelfth standards, when
We Spent almost the whole year writing revision tests!

We learnt,

We enjoyed,

We played,

We won,

We lost,

We laughed,

We cried,

We fought,

We thought.

With so much fun in them, so many friends,
So much experience, all this and more!

Gone are the days
When we used to talk for hours with our friends!
Now we don't have time to say a 'Hi'!

Gone are the days
When we played games on the road!
Now we Code on the road with laptop!

Gone are the days
When we saw stars Shining at Night!
Now we see stars when our code doesn't Work!

Gone are the days
When we sat to chat with Friends on grounds!
Now we chat in chat rooms.....!

Gone are the days
Where we studied just to pass!
Now we study to save our job!

Gone are the days
Where we had no money in our pockets and still fun filled on our hearts!!
Now we have the atm as well as credit card but with an empty heart!!

Gone are the days
Where we shouted on the road!
Now we don't shout even at home

Gone are the days
Where we got lectures from all!
Now we give lectures to all... like the one I'm doing now....!!

Gone are the days
But not the memories, which will be
Lingering in our hearts for ever and ever and
Ever and ever and ever .....

Gone are the Days…. But still there are lot more Days to come in our Life!!

NO MATTER HOW BUSY YOU ARE ,

DONT FORGET TO

LIVE THE LIFE THAT STILL

EXISTS…

Is this for real?

2006-07-25T20:42:00.000-07:00

Charles River, Boston

When I clicked the picture, first I thought my camera lens had some dust particle at that sopt. Then took the picture of the sun from various angles. Still the black spot persisted in the center of the Sun. The spot grew bigger and bigger...

Is this just an optical illusion(effect) or is it for real? Or was it just my shitty camera, with a wasted lens :-P
And yaa, btw this is not the first time I'm taking a picture of the bright Sun with my camera!
It set me pondering...

Point System

2006-07-07T13:56:00.000-07:00

Point System has real significance in a man-woman's romantic life. Sorry guys, you gotta live with it ;)
Got this fwd and found it really hilarious, read on...

In the world of romance, one single rule applies to the men:

Make the woman happy. Do something she likes, and you get points. Do something she dislikes and points are subtracted. You don't get any points for doing something she expects. Sorry, that's the way the game is played. Here is a guide to the point system:

SIMPLE DUTIES

You make the bed (+1)
You make the bed, but forget the decorative pillow (0)
You throw the bedspread over rumpled sheets (-1)
You go out to buy her what she wants (+5) In the rain (+8) But return with Beer (-5)
You check out a suspicious noise at night (0)
You check out a suspicious noise, and it is nothing (0)
You check out a suspicious noise and it is something (+5)
You pummel it with iron rod (+10)
It's her pet (-10)

SOCIAL ENGAGEMENTS

You stay by her side the entire party (0)
You stay by her side for a while, then leave to chat with a college buddy (-2)
Named Rita (-4)
Rita is a dancer (-6)
Rita is single and is really beautiful (-80)

HER BIRTHDAY

You forget her birthday (-50000)
You take her out to dinner (0)
You take her out to dinner and it's not a sports bar (+1)
Okay, it's a sports bar (-2)
And it's all-you-can-eat night (-3)
It's a sports bar, it's all-you-can-eat night, and your face is painted the colours of your favourite team (-10)

A NIGHT OUT

You take her to a movie (+2)
You take her to a movie she likes (+4)
You take her to a movie you hate (+6)
You take her to a movie you like (-2)
It's called 'DeathCop' (-3)
You lied and said it was a foreign film about orphans (-15)

YOUR PHYSIQUE

You develop a noticeable potbelly (-15)
You develop a noticeable potbelly and exercise to get rid of it (+10)
You develop a noticeable potbelly and resort to baggy jeans and baggy Hawa iian shirts (-30)
You say, "It doesn't matter, you have one too." (-8000)

ENJOY THE 'BIG' QUESTION

She asks, "Do I look fat?" (-5) [Yes, you LOSE points no matter WHAT]
You hesitate in responding (-10)
You reply, "Where?" (-35)
Any other response (-20)

COMMUNICATION

When she wants to talk about a problem , you listen, displaying what looks like a concerned expression (0)
You listen, for over 30 minutes (+50)
You listen for more than 30 minutes without looking at the TV (+500)
She realizes this is because you have fallen asleep (-10000)

Now what chance do you have???

Pass it on to the poor fellas (Guys) for info & to the Gals for a good laugh ...

"Happy Father's Day"

2006-06-19T13:20:00.000-07:00

A little girl needs Daddy
For many, many things:
Like holding her high off the ground
Where the high spirits sing!

Like being the hypnotic music
That tells her all is right
When she awakens frantic with
The terrors of the night.

Like being the bright sun
That rises in her heart
And shows her the way home
When all else falls apart.

Like giving her a shoulder
That is her only strength
Being there by her side always
When it really meant.

Like giving her the love
That is her ocean and air,
So diving deep or soaring high
She'll always find him there.

Everybody Hurts

2006-06-19T13:14:00.000-07:00

When your day is long
And the night
The night is yours alone
When you're sure you've had enough of this life
Well hang on

Don't let yourself go
Cause everybody cries
And everybody hurts
Sometimes

Sometimes everything is wrong
Now it's time to sing along
(When your day is night alone)
Hold on, hold on
(If you feel like letting go)
Hold on
If you think you've had too much of this life
Well hang on

Cause everybody hurts
Take comfort in your friends
Everybody hurts

Don't throw your hand
Oh, no
Don't throw your hand
When you feel like you're alone
No, no, no, you're not alone

If you're on your own
In this life
The days and nights are long
When you think you've had too much
Of this life
To hang on

Well, everybody hurts
Sometimes, everybody cries
And everybody hurts
Sometimes

And everybody hurts
Sometimes

So, hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on
Hold on, hold on
(Everybody hurts
You are not alone)

Fade out

~ cover by The Corrs (Everybody Hurts)

Desire

2006-06-16T16:40:00.000-07:00

Theres nothing you can say
Nothing you can do
Theres nothing in between
You know the truth

Nothing left to face
Theres nothing left to lose
Nothing takes your place

When they say
Youre not that strong
Youre not that weak
It’s not your fault
And when you climb up to your hill
Up to your place
I hope you are well

Theres nothing left to prove
There’s nothing I wonat do
Theres nothing like the pain
I feel for you

Nothing left to hide
Nothing left to feel
I am always here

When they say
Youre not that strong
Youre not that weak
It’s not your fault
And when you climb up to your hill
Up to your place
I hope you are well

What you want
What you lost
What you had
What is gone is over

What you got
What you love
What you need
What you have is real

It’s not enough
Its not enough
Its not enough
Its not enough, I’m sorry

Its not enough
Its not enough
Its not enough
Its not enough…

When they say
Youre not that strong
Youre not that weak
It’s not your fault
And when you climb up to your hill
Up to your place
I hope you are well

Its not enough
No
Its not enough
Its not enough

~ Jeff Hardy (Desire)

Its lone, quiet and serene...

2006-06-03T18:28:00.000-07:00

The door lies closed
the rooms empty, a void

The voice of the silence,
the ticking of the clock

The noise of the fan
and the pages that fly

The melody of rain drops,
the hustling of the wind

The lamp's illuminance,
the shadow on the wall

The beats of my heart,
the avalanche of thoughts

Its lone, quiet and serene...

We do it once, we do it right! :)

2006-05-30T00:56:00.000-07:00

The planning started on March 26 2006, and finally we made it; a memorable trip on Memorial Day weekend (May 26, 2006 – May 28, 2006) to Adirondacks :-). The enchanting scenic beauty and adventures galore! Was super-excited about it, and enjoyed it to the zenith. A fun-filled & rollicking weekend indeed!... O’boy, moments to remember, moments I cant forget!

~ Saloni (Adirondacks, NY)

Minutes of the trip on the Dhamaal Blog.

The motto still remains “WE DO IT ONCE, WE DO IT RIGHT…!”

"Happy Mother's Day"

2006-05-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

"Happy Mother's Day" means more
Than have a happy day.
Within those words lie lots of things
I really never get to say.

It means I love you first of all,
Then thanks for all you do.
It means you mean a lot to me,
And that I honor you.

I'm proud of you for all you've given
I adore you more than words can say.
You are very special to me,
And remembered everyday.

But most of all, I guess it means
That I am thinking of
Your happiness on this, your day,
With pleasure and with love.

Today is the day!!!

2006-05-13T00:32:00.000-07:00

Turned around to look at the past 2 years, dint even realize they passed by. A walk down the memory lane...

The hunt for apartment and
rush for course registrations
thats where the craziness started
and it still doesnt feel shy

The struggle to wake up on the alarm
snooze it up, all the while
the queue for the bathroom
have the cereal breakfast, dont waste time

The run to the shuttle-stop
the 15 min precious sleep on the shuttle

Those night outs in Bell
the caffeine shots to keep u awake
but still the inevitable sleep in class
the lecturer never failed to induce

The burden of algos assignments
last minute project submissions
the rejoice on its completion
its not over yet, have an exam tomorrow

The lunches at Cedar or Putnams
the studying together at Northrup
special delicacies served at Custer
B'day cakes, the unplanned fun whenever

The long wait for weekends
movies, cricket and f1 races
the pot-luck dinners
or darshan at the temple

The visits to Niagara Falls
or Marina or just Baird Point
those long drives around Buffalo
or just walks in the snow

Rotating cooking turns amongst roomies
or grocery to cart every weekend
the laziness to do ur laundary
the tension to pay ur bills

Diwali and Holi GISA night celebrations
Ganpati at Winspear, the Garba fun
the infrequent parties at Chippewa
or be it bowling at Tonawanda

Resort to desimedia, limewire or bollygrounds
music from apna DC++
southpark episodes on youtube
or funny videos on google

The frolic on road-trips
treks, skiing and water-sports
the photo-sessions galore
the anecdotes unforgettable

Stayed together, shared together
laughs and tears, the success and pain
Today is the day I graduate
dunno where life will take off from here...

~ Inspired from a post on Siddharth Adelkar's blog

(Not very happy with this attempt :( But, wat the heck!
Cudnt refrain myself from posting it here today)

Atlast :)

2006-05-10T01:30:00.000-07:00

Bina ke project

Project ke bina

Nothing much to write, the above says it all ;)

But loved how these words sounded so perfect when a friend Praveer mentioned it. Alas! I'm finally done...

Filmi Ishtyle ;)

2006-05-01T22:20:00.000-07:00

There are some words which become an indispensible part of your speech. What is the prime source of such words? ... Movies :)

Parents would be surprised when I would utter "Eh item, kya kar reli hai?";) or I would land up complementing someone "Chikne aaj ekdam jhakaas lag rahela hai, bole toh chaka-chak". Would step out of the house uttering "Adieus... amigos" or saying "I'll be back." Leaving? "Let's get outta here!"

Greet a friend by "Laleti Jaan" "Oye Puttar" "Ki haal hai Kakke"? Ask me who I'am ... "...Bond. James Bond." or shrug it off by "Abbe teri toh". Bidding farewell "Hasta la vista, baby."

Flirtuous as it could get "Meine tumhe pehle kahin dekha hai" yaa fir "aapki aankhon mein kho jaate hai hum". Someone tries to go overboard "Tumhe pataa hai na ki tum bilkul paagal ho" or "Tumhari akal toh thikaane pe hai na?" or a lil abusive "Pen de takke", "kharcha paani doo kya", "Tapka dalega tereko ... khallas kar dalega". The cheesiest words "Aati kya khandaala?" Or if it really wasnt intentional but still spoken, "Kaataan laga" :-P

Thinking about something pensively & someone gives a solution, "I thought so" or if I cant brood over it further then goes "Fuh-get about it!" or something very naive but still cant grasp "Bade bade deshon mein aisi choti choti baatein hoti rehti hai" :-P A grave mistake happens and I go "Ohhh Mmmmyyyyy Gggodddd...!" If I come out successful "Perfection ko improve karna mushkil hai". ;) or shud I put it this way... "I'm the king of the world!"

Trying to be motivational "Never Say Never". Dont worry son "Victory is ours!"

And finally the words uttered incessantly, completely impossible to edit them off my speech "Jhakaas...!", "Aiylaa...!" & "Oye Teri...!"

Rest is "for me to know and you to keep guessing..."

p.s. Feel free to add more to the list

Contrast

2006-04-30T23:17:00.000-07:00

Entered the arena, eagerly waiting to get his sight. He enters, a standing ovation! His gait brought a smile, his sense of humour brought laughs. His statements funny, playfully jocular. He made facetious remarks be it with regards to current affairs, the past, facts, the show or any answers to the questions. His sermons were unpredictably witty and satirical as well as eloquent. He was rhetoric! He joked, performed various other comic, humorous acts. I laughed out loud, rolled on the floor laughing. The laughter still echoes...

She walked in, spoke loud... her lid blown off. Her words weird, incomprehendible, critisizing. Her remarks hurt, made me quiver. Was around several, still felt the void. She says, expects I would do harm, she brought a frown. The displeasure still resides in some corner of the heart. Dont wanna look back at the sad. The tears still flow...

A striking contrast of the facets of life, it seems the rose and the thorn, and sorrow and gladness are linked together. Wish the former incident always occurs and the latter never shows its face!

“There are dark shadows on the earth, but its lights are stronger in the contrast.” ~ Charles Dickens once said.

Expectation Kills

2006-04-22T23:53:00.000-07:00

This one nevaah fails to bring a crooked smile to my face... in agreement & disappointment:

"The only man who behaved sensibly was my tailor; he took my measurement anew every time he saw me, while all the rest went on with their old measurements and expected them to fit me." ~ George Bernard Shaw

There are times when you are trying to concentrate on something and trying to get things done, in the desired manner... but you fail. Can't meet your own expectations and can't manage your reaction to the disappointment. Other times when you feel you've done nothing wrong, no harm; somehow the people around you get you wrong. This happens even though your conscience is clear, pure. This seems to occur when your perception of events doesn't match theirs.

He doesnt like the way you talk, too arrogant. He thinks you are trying to hide stuff, revealing partially. She thinks you are nasty, can't stand you. Your audacity sounds rude, your jokes satirical, your knowledge unwanted, your behavior undesirable. They like pin-pointing the bad, but miss out on the good. They expect you to be perfect!

Don't expect, expectation kills. Don't judge the things/situations as you see it, only through your own eyes. Sometimes place yourself in their shoes, and you'll know why it had to be that way. Try a different perspective this time! When you're looking for a friend don't look for perfection, just look for friendship. How I wish sometimes, that they just take me as I'am. Though correcting your mistakes and helping you improve is one important thing for sure. But not always you or they maybe right, so giving benefit-of-doubt renders itself to be the best solution. A second chance, a different vista could make life better, easier and happier. What say?

"It's now expected of me that I will defy expectation, so I really generally seem to be free to write what I want." ~ Jonathan Lethem

Bridge Over Troubled Water

2006-04-20T23:14:00.000-07:00

When you're weary, feeling small
When tears are in your eyes, I will dry them all (all)
I'm on your side, oh, when times get rough
And friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you (ooh)
I'll take your part, oh, when darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down

Sail on silver girl
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
Oh, if you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind

~ Simon & Garfunkel (Bridge Over Troubled Water)

Kahin Door Jab Din

2006-04-20T22:59:00.000-07:00

~ Saloni (River Side, Tonawanda)

Kahin Door Jab Din Dhal Jaye
Sanjh Ki Dulhan Badan Churaye
Chupke Se Aaye
Mere Khayaalon Ke Aangan Mein
Koi Sapnon Ke Deep Jalaaye

Kabhi Yun Hi Jab Hui Bojhal Saansen
Bhar Aai Baithe Baithe Jab Yun Hi Aankhen
Kabhi Machal Ke Pyar Se Chal Ke
Chhuye Koi Mujhe Par Nazar Na Aaye
Kahin Door...

Kahin To Yeh Dil Kabhi Mil Nahin Paate
Kahin Pe Nikal Aaye Janmon Ke Naate
Thami Thi Uljhan Bairi Apna Man
Apna Hi Hoke Sahe Dard Paraaye
Kahin Door...

Dil Jaane Mere Saare Bhed Ye Gahare
Ho Gaye Kaise Mere Sapane Sunahare
Ye Mere Sapane Yahi To Hain Apane
Mujhase Juda Na Honge Inake Ye Saaye
Kahin Door...

~ Mukesh (Anand)

Ain't No Mountain High Enough

2006-04-18T09:38:00.000-07:00

Ohhh
Ain't no mountain high
Ain't no valley low
Ain't no river wide enough, baby

If you need me, call me
No matter where you are
No matter how far
Just call out my name
I'll be there in a hurry
You don't have to worry

'Cause baby,
There ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you

Remember the day I set you free
I told you
You could always count on me darlin'
And from that day on I made a vow
I'll be there when you want me
Some way, soooooome how

'Cause baby,
There ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep me from getting to you

No wind (no wind) , no rain (no rain)

{Ohhhh..ooh ooh ooh}

My love is alive
Way down in my heart
Although we are miles apart
If you ever need a helping hand
I'll be there on the double
Just as fast as I can

Don't you know that
Ain't no mountain high enough
Ain't no valley low enough
Ain't no river wide enough
To keep me from you

To keep me from gettin' to you babe..

~ Marvin Gaye (Stepmom)

Aanewala Pal Jaanewala Hai

2006-04-18T09:30:00.000-07:00

Hmmmm Mmmm Aha Ha Ha Hey Hey Hey
Hmmmm Hmmmm

Aanewala Pal Jaanewala Hai (2)
Ho Sake To Iss Mein Zindagi Bitaado
Pal Jo Yeh Jaanewala Hai Ho Ho

Aanewala Pal Jaanewala Hai
Ho Sake To Iss Mein Zindagi Bitaado
Pal Jo Yeh Jaanewala Hai

Ek Baar Yoon Mili Maasoom Si Kali (2)
Ho Khilte Hue Kahaan Pushpaash Mein Chali
Dekha To Yahin Hai Dhundha To Nahin Hai
Pal Jo Yeh Jaanewala Hai Ho Ho

Aanewala Pal Jaanewala Hai
Ho Sake To Iss Mein Zindagi Bitaado
Pal Jo Yeh Jaanewala Hai

Ek Baar Waqt Se Lamha Gira Kahin (2)
Wahaan Dastan Mili Lamha Kahin Nahin
Thoda Sa Hasaake Thoda Sa Rulaake
Pal Ye Bhi Jaanewala Hai Ho Ho

Aanewala Pal Jaanewala Hai
Ho Sake To Iss Mein Zindagi Bitaado
Pal Jo Yeh Jaanewala Hai Ho Ho
Aanewala Pal Jaanewala Hai (2)

~ Kishore Kumar (Golmaal)

La vida no es sencilla

2006-04-14T22:48:00.000-07:00

Its happened again
is myself to reprimand?
The more I run away,
entrapped in the game.
Been there, done that
still it doesnt fail to scare;
A while, thot it was all good
and here it is back again.
Difficult to prevent,
easier to predict...
every move does matter,
its this dilemma, ambiguous.
I say I'am immune, strong
but I guess I'am not!
Ask HIM for strength to face
what they call, the fact of my life.
Today I lose one more,
wish tomorrow I can dare...

I crave for mental exaltation

2006-04-09T20:26:00.000-07:00

My mind rebels at stagnation.
Give me problems, give me work,
give me the most abstruse cryptogram,
or the most intricate analysis,
and I am in my own proper atmosphere.
But I abhor the dull routine of existence.
I crave for mental exaltation.
~ Arthur Conan Doyle

Erase and Rewind

2006-04-06T23:12:00.000-07:00

I wonder why?

Your old telephone number, the nameplate of the car you saw everyday - though not yours, the name of your puppy love - though you cant recollect the face, the address of the girl/guy you once hit upon - though you never visited her/his place, the name & habbits of the professor you condemned always, the lyrics of any movie song, the date you first met your love/enemy, the nastiest fight you've had, ... are all so difficult to forget. How much ever you try, you cant seem to erase few things off your memory; they may be trivias. Noone taught you those, noone asked you to memorize those nor was it a part of any study lesson. These seem inevitable, cant seem to get rid off them; these just become an indispensable part of your gray matter. Makes me wonder; still doesnt fail to bewilder me!

As a kid I used to hate poetries, yes I'm saying that ;) However, till today I remember every word of this poem which was on the last page of my Hindi textbook in the 5th grade. Can still sing it with the tune :-P

Ae matru bhoomi teri
jay ho sadaa vijay ho,
tere prashast nabh mein
sukh surya ka uday ho.

Nij prem ki kiran se
manko jagaa de mere,
peeche na pair daalu
chahe maha pralay ho.

Tujhko prasanna dekhu
bas laalsa yehi hai,
fir godd mein hi teri
mera shareer lay ho.

I love this poem... when I narrate those words, makes me feel proud, a proud Indian! Thats what I love about it. It shall be in my mind, my heart forever.

With all the jazz and crowd.

2006-04-04T23:17:00.000-07:00

It had the mood, the moves
And the music played loud.
High, the party was all set,
With all the jazz and crowd.

He passed by her amidst all,
His hand slid across her body.
Unintentional, made them exchange a look
No lewd, but it was gaudy.

She gestured him with a finger
Dint realize, he went with the sway.
Gave her a hand, pulled her close
Dunno if it was meant to be this way!

Soon they got real intimate
He kissed her forehead, her lips
Fiddled with her bra-strap
His hands coaxed her body, her hips.

Now maybe she's just being normal,
Or she's just in a mindless daze.
It might've felt like a naive little mouse,
Finding its way through a complicated maze.

Stress Release?

2006-04-03T13:33:00.000-07:00

I'm burdened with work
I need to file my taxes
My car just met with an accident
My dear one is in the hospital
This peer-pressure is getting out of control
My boss is pissing me off by his satirical remarks
I had a fight with my girl-friend
Do I even have a friend?
Can't seem to do anything right... Dammit!

Who in this world is not bogged down by worries, woes, pressure, competition, failure, solitude, frustration or as we call it all as STRESS! Is smoking the only solution to all these?

I'm asking you... Are you even listening? Well, I shouldn't even be questioning you. You should interrogate yourself...! Don't quit because the world is watching, quit for yourself. Else you'll soon feel like a dead man.

"He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything." ~ Arabian Proverb. Take care, else you'll lose everything...

Its green again :)

2006-04-01T12:09:00.000-08:00

~ Saloni (Baird Point, Buffalo)

His rays find a way out, after long
the ice does melt, water gushes down
it all smells afresh and fragrant
the white cover off, grasses green around

Rain-drops trickle, its sweet sound
the flower petals damp, wet with dew
I breathe the fresh air, its reviving
it feels like a dream that's come true

Here you are, heard my yearn
you did make me wait a while
but the pleasure you bring along
induces me to forget my complain; smile

You sing the song of rejuvenation
the gentle breeze takes away the woes
my sweater unbuttoned, me without mittens
today's the day when revitalization sows

I was dying to... And now I'm dying

2006-03-29T18:45:00.000-08:00

Live Life King Size...
Life is like an ice-cream, lick it before it melts! :)

"Live as if to die tomorrow. Learn as if to live forever" ~ Gandhiji
"Dream as if u'll live forever. Live as if u'll die today." ~ James Dean

I like how different yet similar the words of these great men are!

The known to the unknown

2006-03-24T23:16:00.000-08:00

One beautiful afternoon, saw a stranger across a crowded room. He asked me, "Can I please join you if noone else is coming". "Sure you can, no problem", I said. Thats where it all started... and here I was talking about the known to the unknown; unfamiliar. We introduced our languages, their origin; our history, its legends; the epics, their peculiarities; the knowledge, our expertise; the cultures, its uniqueness; the differences, yet similarities. Its strange we had loads to talk, though we were meeting each other for the first time.

“A stranger is just a friend I haven't met yet.” ~ Will Rogers. This sounds so true now. Some days back he was someone who was neither a friend nor an acquaintance. Its today I share a smile, a look, a short talk and not to forget a 'Wassup!' without fail. He is Angel.

Its the Irony of Life... a stranger can make your day, life beautiful. He can become an indespensable part of the years to come on. While the one who has been with you all along, may seem to be no longer by your side. Its sometimes strange, you find comfort in a stranger!

you are a stranger so

What do I care?

Vanished today...

"Call no man a foe, but never love a stranger." ~ Stella Benson; still cant fathom...

muskura do mere liye...

2006-03-22T23:43:00.001-08:00

Dono taraf hai aag lagi hui, na sambhale yeh dil
tum bhi ho gumsum, tanhaayee hai yahaan bhi...
khwaaish hai itni, tumhe baahon mein bhar loo
meelo duur ho tum, kaash paas hote aap zaraa...
na bhool payi tumhe ek pal, ek lamha meri jaan
pukaar lo, daudi chali aaoongi chod saara jahaan...
aapki uss hasi ko betaabi se dhundhti hai nazren
binti hai aapse, ab toh muskura do mere liye...

Its a new day

2006-03-22T09:42:00.000-08:00

- Saloni (Navy Pier, Chicago)

Its a new day, that has just begun
Here it is, still going strong
Life is back to the same old fun
Heres where I truly belong

Suddenly the world is all brand new
Alive, after thoughts deep
Its the wishes of a chosen few
Helps me dream, peacefully sleep

Holi Hai :))

2006-03-19T23:16:00.000-08:00

Holi ne bhar diye zindagi mein anek rang
Laayi dher saari khushiyan apne sang
Aur saath mein chadhaali thodi bhang
Thi har dil mein umang hi umang...
Chaaro taraf yaaron ke pyaar bhari tarang

He walks besides me...

2006-03-15T21:33:00.000-08:00

Hes the only one that walks besides me
How much ever I try to avoid him

To start the day, he starts getting close
With him around I feel safe, protected

The try to take him in my arms
Some shy, some sustain, some fail

The day passed by, he got closer
Now I was scared, its getting crazy

I cant play safe, cant get away
I know it wont last too long

We held each other, until sun to west
Now distance did increase, grew longer

He stands there, a dark handsome man
He gazing at me, me starring at him

I turn around, feels like someones watching
No its just my apprehension

I can make him do things my way
And I swear to god, he wont deny

The more I try to get away from him
Theres not a day he doesnt follow

Silly of me to think that way
How can I forget, afterall hes mine

(This time I tried my hand at free verse)

Remembering You

2006-03-14T17:00:00.000-08:00

I found You in the most unlikely way
But really it was You who found me
And I found myself in the gifts that You gave
You gave me so much and I

I wish You could stay
but I'll, I'll wait for the day

And I watch as the cold winter melts into spring
And I'll be remembering You
Oh and I'll smell the flowers and hear the birds sing
and I'll be remembering You, I'll be remembering You

From the first moment when I heard Your name
Something in my heart came alive
You showed me love and no words could explain
A love with the power to
Open the door
To a world I was made for

And I watch as the cold winter melts into spring
And I'll be remembering You
Oh and I'll smell the flowers and hear the birds sing
and I'll be remembering You, I'll be remembering You

The dark night, the hard fight
The long climb up the hill knowing the cost
The brave death, the last breathe
The silence whispering all hope was lost
The thunder, the wonder
A power that brings the dead back to life

I wish You could stay
But I'll wait for the day
And though You've gone away
You come back and

And I watch as the cold winter melts into spring
And I'll be remembering You
Oh and I'll smell the flowers and hear the birds sing
and I'll be remembering You, I'll be remembering You

And I'll watch as the sun fills a sky that was dark
And I'll be remembering You
And I'll think of the way that You fill up my heart
And I'll be remembering You

I'll be remembering You
I'll be remembering You
I'll be remembering You

I'll be remembering You

~ Steven Curtis Chapman (Chronicles of Narnia)

Yeh hai meri kahani

2006-03-14T16:56:00.000-08:00

yeh hai meri kahani
khamosh zindagani
sannata keh raha hai
kyun zulm seh raha hai

ek dastaan purani
tanhayi ki zubani
her zakham khil raha hai
kuch mujh se keh raha hai

chubtay kantay yadoon ke daaman say chunta hoon
girti deewaron ke aanchal mai zinda hoon

bass yeh meri kahani
benishaan nishaani
ek darr beh raha hai
kuch mujh se keh raha hai

chubtay kaanten yadoon ke daaman se chunta hoon
girti deewaron ke aanchal mein zinda hoon

bajay pyaar ki shabnum mere gulistaan mein
baraste rehte hain har simt maut ke saye
siyahiyon se ulajh padti hain meri aankheinkoi nahi ..
koi bhi nahi jo batlaye
kitni der ujalon ki raah dekhe
koi nahi hai koi bhi nahi
na pass na durr
yeh pyaar hai
dil ki dharkan
apni chahat ka jo ellan kiye jaati hai
zindagi hai jo jiye jaati hai
khoon k ghoont peay jaati hai
khwaab aankhon se siye jaati hai

ab na koi paas hai
phir bhi ehsaas hai
yahiaon mai uljhi padi
jeene ki ek aas hai
yadoon ka jungle yeh dil
kaanton se jal thal yeh dil

chubtay kaanten yadoon ke daaman se chunta hoon
girti deewaron ke aanchal mein zinda hoon

~ Strings (Zinda)

The Tooth Fairy, The Christmas Stocking

2006-03-12T00:51:00.000-08:00

Was reading a book the other day, and came across 'The Tooth Fairy, The Christmas Stocking'. Remembered my childhood days :)

The Tooth Fairy:
The Tooth Fairy is a common childhood myth. When your first tooth falls out, put it under your pillow in the night. During the night, the Tooth Fairy will visit you, take the tooth and leave back a gift for you. In the morning, the Tooth Fairy had indeed been, and left back a compass-box I had asked my parents for some days back. I was ecstatic to see a gift under my pillow that morning, couldnt stop smiling :)

The Christmas Stocking:

As we all know, Santa Claus visits all the kids' homes and leaves back gifts in the stockings on christmas eve. Santa Claus, the beloved of Christmas symbols and traditions! One day I asked my parents "Is the Santa Claus story true?" They answered, "Why dont you try it, darling?" Decided to try it the same christmas eve, the inquisitive that I was, I'am ;) When I woke up checked the stocking to see if Santa Claus had come. To my surprise, he came and left back a small amount of hard cash in my stocking :) My joy knew no bounds!

It was only after years that I discovered, it was in fact my parents, and not a supernatural entity, that removed the tooth and left the gift in it's place... left money in my stocking. Thanks Mom-Dad, it was really special :)

Those Blues

2006-03-09T12:00:00.000-08:00

Again it is that feeling of hollow
Sees me smile, turns around
leaving me alone, on what ground
my heart sinking, days to follow.

Again I feel the need to sigh
Sees me lost, doesnt pay heed
hug me close, I feel the need
wish for wings, I could fly high.

Again they show their back to me
See me away, still no care
sulk I go, this feeling cant bear
O'lord! I wanna break free.

Again it feels those moments burrow
They nice to me, or just illusive
the fun together, dint long live
I search for a brighter tomorrow.

Again I ask this to me
Is it those old blues
or just different hues?
a voice from within, "Dont know why it be"

Again and again and again...

Beauty

2006-03-07T22:29:00.000-08:00

~ Saloni (Rhode Island)

I lay there gazing into the air
the fervor around was indeed rare

The breeze sang his melody
colors enchant, in rhapsody

She met him, like n'ver before
together beautiful, I adore

The sound of her splashes, they anlage
she exhibits her beauty, says I'll manage

He shows off the hot hues
she gets the hint, appreciates the blues

Attracted both, decide to unite
oneness disappeared in the night

I continue to ogle the embracing beauty
O'lord! its the magic of the gaiety

The bond of Matrimony

2006-03-04T23:25:00.001-08:00

The bonds of matrimony are like any other bonds - they mature slowly.

Last month on 10th Feb my parents completed 25years of marriage. Was pulling their leg, how can two unlike people like you two bear each other for about 30 years now? I've seen them smile, seen them frown, seen them bicker, seen them love, seen them be parents, seen them be friends! Marriage is an alliance entered into by my dad who can't sleep with the fan on, and my mom who can't sleep without the fan on... its funny! It's so great to find that one special person you want to annoy for the rest of your life. But I guess it more-or-less worked this way for them: I got gaps; you got gaps; we fill each other's gaps.

Getting married and staying married are two different things. Its said marriage is a sacred institution with its pros and cons; You have to be in it to believe it. Newlyweds become oldyweds, and oldyweds are the reasons that families work.

This wasnt shocking enough, that last sunday I was speaking to my maternal grandparents (Naana-Naani) . It was the holy day of maha-shivratri... and also their marriage anniversary... hold your breath... their 57th marriage anniversary. When my Naana mentioned this, I was speechless for 10 secs. Didnt know how to react, but to be awe-struck :-) All I could say is I'am very happy for you...! May God Bless the union; may you two stay together forever. It really made me wonder, made me ponder. Hats Off to them! Hurrah!

More marriages might survive if the partners realized that sometimes the better comes after the worse. What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility.

A wedding anniversary is the celebration of love, trust, partnership, tolerance and tenacity. The order varies for any given year. ~Paul Sweeney

Hum Paanch in '06 March

2006-03-04T01:02:00.000-08:00

Kuch dino ki toh baat hai yaaron
na hum tumhe jaante the, na tum hume
na jaane kis ghadi mein hua yeh milaap
mil baithe hum yaar bade pyaar se

Rehta tha meri saheli ke saath
humne dekhe hai uske nakshe kadam
hai bada pyaara sa dost
uski hasi bhoola dete hai gum

Mila karte the hum kahin
Unhone hume seekhaaya chalaana
shukraguzaar hai hum unke
daat deta hai unki awaaz ko rozaana

Khoob nibhaaya inhone dostaana
Inse toh thi humari ek-do mulaaqat
inka dard hai dil mein qaid
logon ko hasaaye, hai yeh itefaaq

Badi sundar gudiya si hai yeh raani
rahi hai inki duniya choti, suhaani
nahi dekha hai inhone zamaana
fir bhi lagti hai yeh hume sabse pyaari

Khuda kare sabko mile aise dost
dil bhar aaye, itna karte hai pyaar
hum haathon ki ongli hai paanch
dua hai rab se, kabhi naa aaye daraar

May it be

2006-03-03T10:34:00.000-08:00

May it be an evening star
Shines down upon you
May it be when darkness falls
Your heart will be true
you walk a lonely road
Oh! How far you are from home

Mornie utúlië (darkness has come)
Believe and you will find your way
Mornie alantië (darkness has fallen)
A promise lives within you now

May it be the shadow's call
Will fly away
May it be you journey on
To light the day
When the night is overcome
You may rise to find the sun

Mornie utúlië (darkness has come)
Believe and you will find your way
Mornie alantië (darkness has fallen)
A promise lives within you now

A promise lives within you now

~ Enya (The Lord of the Rings)