AaaDee

My Loving Maggi !!

2012-02-09T15:06:00.000-08:00

Remembering

the very first day when dad brought maggi

2 minutes ad of maggi

mom's and mom-in-law's favi maggi

only dish my brother 'd cook's maggi

hostel maggi

a room-mate eating raw maggi

butter-wali maggi

masala maggi

tea with maggi

goyal store's maggi

snackbar 's maggi

utensil washing before maggi

utensil washing after maggi

money sharing for maggi

with cousins malai wali maggi

bombay maggi

bangalore maggi

sweden maggi

germany maggi

fremont maggi

people @ work talk abt a great chef who cooks maggi :)

hubby loves maggi

n now my kiddo's favorite food maggi

just a little bowl of maggi for the lunch brings back so many memories..I love you maggi :)

Happy Lohri..!

2012-01-13T14:33:00.000-08:00

Bon-fire

Mungfali & Revadi

Til & Phulle

Dhol & Dance

Bhangre & Gidde

Lohri Geets

New Mannats & Sweets for the last year's fulfilled ones

Shaguns from the elders

That one special Lohri

Loved ones, specially the Neighbors

..is all that's missed today !!

A very Happy Lohri ..!! Saaryan nu Lohri diyan boht boht vadhaiyaan..!!

Welcome..

2012-01-03T14:29:00.000-08:00

Okay, so 2011 has been the year that I will remember for the number of farewells I had to bid to friends..I really wish I don't have to do this anymore in the new year..!! Wherever all of you shifted, may life treats you the best over there because you guys truly are the best and of course deserve the best too..:)

Somewhere I read "Friends are the pillars on your porch. Sometimes they hold you up, sometimes they lean on you, and sometimes it's just enough to know that they are standing by".

It feels good to enter into a fresh year with this lucky feeling to have some such wondrous people in my life.. some who are my weakness and some who gives me the much needed strength..!! And all of you, take a bow, for always being there..!!

2012, the new year, I welcome you with all my heart. Wish you bring the good health and happiness to all in the family n friends..!!

down the memory lane..

2011-12-30T13:30:00.000-08:00

both of them and the kids

sitting in a circle

on the floor

beside the bed

in that small room

with his strong hands

he was feeding them all

that's what saw

when strolled down the memory lane..!

Lessons in Life

2011-09-12T10:29:00.000-07:00

The little boy entered home, put the school-bag aside, went straight to his mother and said "Maa, the school is to waive the fees for the kids whose families cannot afford to pay. I talked to my teacher, he said he can waive my fees. Maa, I do not need the money tomorrow."

It was at this early age, when he lost his father. He had 3 brothers and 3 sisters. The mother had to support the big family.

That winter-night, he was still studying in the dim-light when the mother came to him, she put her hand on his head, he closed the book and looked in her eyes..she looked determined.

She asked "In the class tomorrow, will the teacher ask, the kids, who want to get their fees waived, to raise their hands?" He lowered his eyes and nodded "yes". She said "I will get you the money tomorrow, you do not have to raise your hand".

Letter to M.P.

2011-08-25T13:40:00.000-07:00

Respected Sir,

I once asked my 80 years old grand-maa, "do you know how to vote" and she answered, "put your inked thumb on the sign of HAND".

That's the family I come from. Voting for Congress is in my blood. That kind of trust I have in the party and it's people. And by virtue of this, I tried my best not be an Anna supporter.

But that's different than how I feel today.

Today's stage, none of the Indians is unaware of the corruption that we face in everyday's life. It's almost cruel.

Anna Ji has shown us a hope by means of Jan Lokpal. I have studied the Jan Lokpal and based upon my understanding I completely feel it's the need of the hour.

This is a moment in our history that calls for guts, and so at this very moment, I would like to request YOU (the very person, we the people, elected from our constituency) to raise and support the Bill, once it's put in the parliament.

I read somewhere that "ONE MAN WITH COURAGE MAKES A MAJORITY." and I really wish you be the man with COURAGE who can put his foot forward and say what's the right thing for the society, the nation..doesn't matter if that suits the political agendas or not !!

Please support Jan Lokpal and help the nation be the best !!

Thank you !!

(This is my Letter to Sh. Ashok Tanwar (Member of Parliament from Sirsa, Haryana, India)

we, the people !!

2011-08-22T14:48:00.000-07:00

Mahatma Gandhi once said "First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win".

May the win be yours my country-men..!!

Visual of Mind..!

2011-08-11T14:02:00.001-07:00

with deep breaths, closed eyes and peaceful heart

when searched for self

what's seen was a Green Desert..!!

moonlight !!

2011-08-10T16:32:00.001-07:00

color of my soul must be Blue..

no wonder, i liked Sawariya too :)

Yes, It's there..!!

2011-08-09T10:35:00.000-07:00

Twilight & the Dawn

Fog in the Hills

Singing Birds

Flowing River

Sound of the Water

Fragrance of wet soil

Burning Wood

Hot Kahwa

Sheep and The Shepherd

Playing Kids

Moving Train

A Scarf in the hair

Yes, It's there

the Heaven on Earth..!!

Sea without Shore..!

2011-08-01T14:58:00.000-07:00

Inside the sea, 'll be safe

Inside the sea, 'll be relaxed

Inside the sea, 'll be self

Inside the sea, 'll be silence of thoughts

Inside the sea, 'll be the heaven

Inside the sea, want to be

Sea without shore, that's where like..!!

Enthusiasm..!!

2011-06-28T16:29:00.001-07:00

It's really something...no victories possible without it..!!

So stay high folks..!!

Thank you God..!!

2011-05-03T13:53:00.000-07:00

"Everything leaves a mark but I am so much stronger than I was before.."

Thank you God..!!

Being a Mother

2011-04-22T14:36:00.000-07:00

I met her years after. What I remembered of her was a lively little girl ..!! What I saw of her now was completely different. I asked how was life treating her? How was everyone in the family, her parents, her brother, her husband, her friends? N she replied to me she didn't know anything other than about her son. She said after her son was born, she was no more a daughter, no more a sister, no more a wife and no more a friend to anyone. She was just a mother now, she could play only this role, she felt complete this way and that's all that mattered. N I could not understand.

And I think now I know what it means and how it feels :)

I am just too proud of my little kiddo for making me feel that way. I love you my baby and I love you the most !!

Hold the breath...!!

2011-04-01T15:46:00.000-07:00

Years passed and I waited n waited for this moment to come..This truly has been a long cherished dream..Every time I saw a team winning, a nation winning, a state winning, I dreamt if we will ever win the cup, the big cup for the game we all follow so religiously, the moment is here almost here and like all of the country-people I am holding my breath too..!!

I wish pray n hope that the d-day be ours..May God bless our boys today..n May God bless each one of us with this happiness of being a winner..!!

Dear God, please put your hands on us today, we do not want anything less than a win today..please..!!

N I know somewhere you are seeing this, somewhere you are feeling the way we all are feeling..N I know your blessings are with all of us N I miss you on the big day..:)

Now, how about this..?

2011-04-01T10:40:00.001-07:00

Isn't it cool like the two boys in question :)

Time to take on Corruption..!!

2011-03-29T10:51:00.000-07:00

"Over every huge tree that we see overground, there always is a seed that had submerged itself into the darkness of the soil."

-- And the author to this beautiful line is social activist Anna Hazare who serves an ultimatum to the PM to sit on indefinite fast from April 5 to show his support to Jan Lokpal.

Wish n pray he gets successful in the cause for my beloved country-people..!!

Keep Happy

2011-03-28T11:50:00.001-07:00

There is only one person who could ever make you happy, and that person is you, so make yourself happy today n always n always..!

:) ting

~ the end..!!

2011-02-24T15:33:00.002-08:00

Agar end mein sab kuch theek na ho, to woh the end nahi hain dosto...Picture abhi baaki hai...

(If something does not end well, that's not the end, friends...the picture is still pending)..

Forever..!

2011-01-31T15:42:00.000-08:00

Sometimes being a friend means mastering the art of timing. There is a time for silence. A time to let go and allow people to hurl themselves into their own destiny. And a time to prepare to pick up the pieces when it's all over.

The friend who can be silent with us in a moment of despair or confusion, who can stay with us in an hour of grief and bereavement, who can tolerate not knowing... not healing, not curing... that is a friend who cares.

(--n the words are not mine, putting that i agree with the writer..)

Right turns only for UPS drivers..!!

2011-01-28T12:43:00.000-08:00

Recently came across this very interesting article about UPS trucks only making the right turns (or atleast 90% of the time). Read the following to know why.

"On any given day, UPS delivers 15.8 million packages and documents around the world. Their delivery fleet consists of 93,637 package cars, vans, tractors and motorcycles. Those signature brown UPS trucks are everywhere! You can’t help but notice them on the road. But here’s something you may not have noticed: UPS trucks don’t turn left. Well, ok, sometimes they have to turn left. But 90 percent of the time, they only make right turns. It's part of their operating procedures to avoid making left turns.

In 2004, after evaluating their CO2 emissions, UPS announced that its drivers would avoid making left turns. They calculated that the amount of time spent idling waiting to make a left turn would save millions of dollars in fuel costs every year. For example, in 2006 UPS trucks drove 2.5 billion miles, and with their unique package flow technology combined with their right-turn routes, they estimate saving 28,541,472 million miles, and three million gallons of fuel. Talk about improving the bottom line!"

The UPS example illustrates how innovation can revolutionize the way your business works. Taking a good hard look at your systems and thinking “out of the box” about how you can do it better is part of the process. There’s always room for improvement and who knows – maybe you’ll discover your own “right turn” innovation.

Is this where heaven is?

2010-11-02T16:53:00.000-07:00

Is this where you are..?

As simple as that..!!

2010-08-30T15:38:00.000-07:00

Live Simply so that Others may simply Live...!!

....

2010-07-19T17:10:00.001-07:00

Do not punish me by granting that which I wish or ask..!!

spice of life

2010-07-19T16:06:00.000-07:00

putting for the image is so pretty !!

iPhone 4 ride...!!

2010-06-27T11:24:00.000-07:00

It has been like a complete roller coaster ride..n we had enjoyed it a lot...! My God I never realized it will be so much of fun.

..all started when we could order one iPhone4 on 15th, the pre-order day..the apple/at&t site was damn slow.finally we succeeded to order 1..

N then we sold our two existing 3GS on craigslist..!

iPhone4 delivered and we were so excited to see this...hours spent to see its new features...its a piece of excellence...specially we liked the camera, HD video, iBooks, the fast processing, the ultra clear screen, the looks, the grouped icons, multi-tasking..well cant say true multi-tasking (one we already had that on the prev. jail broken version was better)..

n now I was just waiting for 29th when I would be able to get mine from the AT&T store...

next day he took the phone to office...i called in the first half..he dint pick up...might be busy..I called in the second half..its ringing, he did not pick...might be in a meeting..alright..

@BART, I once again called to know where's he standing...suddenly I saw him..exploring something on the phone but not picking the call......I reached to him n asked..why r u not picking the phone? n he was like..when did u call..!!

n then we came to know about its antenna problem..."u just hold the phone in your hand and the signal dies"..grrrrr....!!

Jobs now accepted the issue and asked the customers to use a band (worth 30$) that can take care of the problem..but wow who wud like to use the phone that works only when you use a cover..

now what do we do...already sold our two 3GS..contract is not yet to be renewed..so cant take another one from AT&T...we r left with no phones but 2 data plans..lovely !!

back to craigslist..called a no. of people..all the three parties we met had just bought the new iPhone4..I asked them if they are facing the antenna issue, but mind blowing, people are so crazy about Apple, they just don't want to think about the issue and even had put a tape on iPhone Antenna...so it worked for them...huh...imagine a brand new phone with a tape on..but hats off to their love for Apple :)

well, we bought two 3GS again (that too right at 12:00am at BART from two sellers)..n luckily these 2 are even newer than ours...both still have 6 months warranty..n the price we bought for is 160$ (which is our profit now) less than what we sold ours for...

he is still exploring iPhone4 which we are yet to return..n then wait starts for the next version Apple's gonna release..!!

Cute thought..

2010-01-29T11:46:00.000-08:00

If you can smile when things go wrong, you have someone in mind to blame..:)

if it ain't broke, don't fix it

2010-01-22T12:53:00.001-08:00

Just if ifs and ands were pots and pans :)

Flip a coin !!

2009-11-18T15:43:00.000-08:00

Isn't it so true?

In life when we face choices, just throw a coin. Not because it settles the question, but while the coin is in the air you will know what your heart is hoping for ..’

--Anon

we love it !

2009-10-30T11:33:00.000-07:00

first time in my driving career, he asks me to go park the car in the garage as he is not well and has to rush to home..! I do a good job...I think :)

2 days Later, I plan to make aloo parathas..I know he likes these better with cillantro..ok so lets go get the cillantro at 9:30pm..n here we go..unable to unlock/lock the car. ah..what happened..the battery is discharged...hats off to me..

we call a friend..he gets us the jumper..we charge the battery..we go to the indian store..aye..no purse...we go back to home..n keep the car engine running... he gets the purse..we go back to indian store..i sit in the car with engine still on..he buys the stuff...n now time to pay the bill..aye wherez the purse..oh in the car..he comes back to parking..gets the purse..goes back and pays the store..gets back to car..aye...i remember something else...he goes back to store...buys the other stuff...store person stares..he asks him..if you are married...no..ok...u will understand when u r...

we get back to home..n i make most relished parathas..put lot n lots of butter n two of us just eat n eat n eat..n think..ha..doing all that was worth...!!

Chetan Bhagat

2009-10-29T17:24:00.000-07:00

"Life is one of those races in nursery school where you have to run with a marble in a spoon kept in your mouth. If the marble falls, there is no point coming first. Same with life, where health and relationships are the marble. Your striving is only worth it if there is harmony in your life. Else, you may achieve the success, but this spark, this feeling of being excited and alive, will start to die.

One thing about nurturing the spark - don't take life seriously. Life is not to be taken seriously, as we are really temporary here. We are like a pre-paid card with limited validity. If we are lucky, we may last another 50 years. And 50 years is just 2,500 weekends. Do we really need to get so worked up?

It's ok, bunk a few classes, goof up a few interviews, take leave from work, fall in love.

We are people, not programmed devices..... "Don't be serious, be sincere." !

I WANT WINNERS (Mike Singletary on Vernon Davis)

2009-09-29T16:02:00.000-07:00

Mike Singletary: No, no, you don't want me to go much further. Go ahead, ask your questions.

Reporter: What happened between you and Vernon Davis?

Mike Singletary: Vernon... It was something that I told everybody at the very beginning of the week. I would not tolerate players that think it's about them when it's about the team.

And we cannot make... we cannot make decisions that cost the team. And then come off the sideline and it's non-chalant. No. You know what? This is how I believe, OK? I'm from the old school.

I believe this: I would rather play with 10 people and get penalized all the way until we've got to do something else. Rather than play with 11 when I know that right now that person is not sold out to be a part of this team. It is more about them than it is about the team.

Cannot play with them. Cannot win with them. Cannot coach with them. Can't do it. I want winners. I want people that want to win.

:)

2009-06-25T11:08:00.000-07:00

Why worry and have Wrinkles,
when you can smile and have Dimples :)

(~copied)

aye..!!

2009-06-05T13:37:00.000-07:00

“ People are made to be loved and things are made to be used. The confusion arises in the world when “people are used and things are loved”.

‘Get used to being used .. because if nobody uses you, it means that you are really useless’…!!

The Diving Bell and the Butterfly

2009-01-31T23:48:00.000-08:00

Just finished watching the movie "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly".

No doubt that it's a nice movie. The real story of Mr. Bauby who suffers a stroke and lapse into coma. After 20 days of coma, he gets mentally awake but physically paralyzed. He can only see through one eye and there is some movement in his head. A transcriber recites the letters to him until he chooses the letter with a blink of left eyelid. With the help of 200,000 blinks, he gets his book written.

The book gets published in March 1997. It receives excellent reviews, gets 150,000 copies sold in the first week, and become a number one bestseller across Europe. Ten days after the book gets published, Bauby dies of pneumonia.

The movie at times gets slow. I almost loose my patience and feel like pressing "forward", when the trancriber repeats reciting the same order of alphabets, but then I try to connect myself to the character and feel the helplessness.

n I feel depressed.

Happy Lohri !!

2009-01-12T13:31:00.000-08:00

Lohri, my favourite festival, is celebrated on the last day of the month of Pans to mark the end of winter. It is said that the forefathers formulated a sacred mantra which protected them from the cold. This mantra invoked the Sun God to send them so much heat that the winter cold would not affect them. And, in thanks-giving to the Sun God, they chanted this mantra round a fire on the last day of Pans. The Lohri fire is symbolic of the homage to the sun.

This is particularly a happy occasion for the couples who are together on Lohri first time after their marriage. Also, the tradition is to ask God for your special wishes on the parv of Lohri.

A few years back, I remember, all my neighbours prayed that I should not be with them on the next Lohri, meaning, I should get married and it actually happened :) The next Lohri my Mom served special sweets to all of them to celebrate my absence :)

I really miss all that today, the family, the friends, the neighbours, the togetherness, the sweets, the gossips, the dances around fire n everything..!!

It seems all these colourful festivals for me have just been concised to emails. I wish I could be with family today and sing with all:

Sundri Mundri Hei! Hoi!
Tera Kaun Bechara! Hoi!
Dullah Bhatti wala! Hoi!
Dullah Di Dhi viyahi !Hoi!
Sher ShaKar pai! Hoi!
Kuri de Mamme aaye! Hoi!
UnaNe ChuRi Kuti! Hoi!
Jimidari Lutti! Hoi!

Company whai company
Campa wale aayenge
Doso teer chalayenge
Ek teer mai mang laya
Chhota sipahi mainu tang laya
Wadda sipahi mainu marega
Dilli kaun sawarega
Dilli di do morniyan
Jeevan sab diyan Jodiyan !

Happy New Year !!

2008-12-31T13:16:00.000-08:00

May God make your year a happy one!

Not by shielding you from all sorrows and pain, But by strengthening you to bear it, as it comes;

Not by making your path easy, But by making you sturdy to travel any path;

Not by taking hardships from you, But by taking fear from your heart;

Not by granting you unbroken sunshine, But by keeping your face bright, even in the shadows;

Not by making your life always pleasant, But by showing you when people and their causes need
you most, and by making you anxious to be there to help.

God’s love, peace, hope and joy to you for the year ahead

Happy Birthday Girish !!

2008-12-30T21:38:00.001-08:00

I am feeling so proud to know you when you mentioned that you have dedicated your b'day to the Mumbai blasts victims and martyrs..!

Hats off to your spirit at such young age..!

Wish you a very happy birthday. May God bless you with many many birthdays to celebrate..!!

Ghajini - Review !!

2008-12-25T01:03:00.000-08:00

Just back to home after watching Aamir Khan starrer Ghajini..!! Another excellent piece of work from Aamir Khan. Also showcase the very pretty and good actor "Asin".

As I always like to see happiness, for me the best part of movie was the first flashback, when Aamir meets Asin..! Romance and comedy, both are good..

A few days back, I watched the original version of the movie in Tamil, ofcourse with English subtitles..well should not even say original to that as I guess orginal is in English which is "Memento" and I am yet to see that..

Okay so back to Tamil one, character of Sanjay is played by the handsome n superb actor Surya..!

While we were coming back after watching this version, there were arguments about who was better, Surya or Aamir..And the public around me voted for Surya..

Well, here I differ..Though I really liked Surya, there is no doubt abt Aamir's good work.

I feel when we saw Surya in Ghajini, coz it was the first time we were seeing him so may be it was easier for us to think of him as "Sanjay".. And when we see Aamir..then inspite of his briiliant effort he stays Aamir for us !!

Undoubtedly it's a nice movie, a must watch..briiliant direction and brillaint cast..!!

And a nice song "Gujarish" :)

Quotations

2008-11-21T17:05:00.000-08:00

“The winds blow strongest against those who stand tallest.”

“Pray as if everything depends upon God. Work as if everything depends upon you.”

“Don’t place your mistakes on ur head, their weight may crush U. Instead place them under your feet and use them as a platform 2 view your horizon.”

“Don’t be afraid to take a big step when required; you can’t cross a chasm in two small steps.”

“If people around you are trying to pull you down be PROUD about it ! It only means one thing.. You are above them !”

(--Quotations copied from other blog, but made enough sense to be put here)

Tricolour On Moon !!

2008-11-14T11:27:00.000-08:00

Tricolor proudly flutters on the surface of Moon. Many Many Congratulations to the India's space scientists for their spectacular achievement...!!

And of course, Congratulations to all of us, The Proud Indians..!

Chanda mama door ke "not very far now..:)"

Cheers..!!

Lalu Prasad Yadav, presenting Railway Budget..:)

2008-05-22T14:09:00.001-07:00

Rush of Life..!

2008-05-05T11:19:00.000-07:00

Main kitna hi bhuloon bhatkoon ya bharmaoon,
Hai ek kahi manzil jo mujhe bulati hai,
Kitne hi mere paon paden unche nichen, prati pal woh mere paas chali hi aati hai.
Mujhpar vidhi ka ehsaan bahut si baatoan ka,
Par main kritagya uska ispar sabse jyaada,
Nabh ole barsaye, dharti sholay ugale,
Anwarat samay ki chakki chalti jaati hai.

No matter how many times I may have lost my path,
There is but one destination that calls me,
My feet may have stepped unevenly, up or down, but the destination has always moved towards me, every moment.
I am obliged to nature on many a call,
But I am indebted to her most for this ;
Let the skies pour down in hail, let the earth explode with fire,
The unstoppable cycle of time, always keeps moving !

Another one..!!

2008-04-30T11:12:00.000-07:00

"Hum ne maana ke tagafful na karoge lekin

Khaak ho jaayenge hum tum ko khabar hone tak !!"

Tagafful=Ignore

Beautiful Lines

2008-04-27T00:41:00.000-07:00

“main chupana jaanta toh jag mujhe sadhu samajhata,
shatru mera ban gaya hai, chhal rahit vyavahar mera ”

If i knew how to hide, the World would have thought me to be a saint.
My unblemished nature has become my biggest enemy.

(Harivansh Rai Bachchan)

Coming to Peace with the Violence and Loss !

2008-04-15T18:34:00.000-07:00

Just read the head lines in TOI that Priyanka Gandhi met "Nalini", one of the assassins of her father Rajiv Gandhi.

Priyanka said "This was my way of coming to peace with the violence and loss I had experienced. I would like to say it was a purely personal visit that I undertook completely on my initiative. I would be deeply grateful if this could be respected. I don't believe in anger, hatred and violence and I refuse to allow it to overpower my life."

For Priyanka, it was an attempt to attain closure, to come to terms with the tragic loss of her beloved father.

Nalini, serving a life term for involvement in Rajiv Gandhi's assassination, told her brother, "I feel all my sins have been washed off by Priyanka's visit...I feel she has pardoned me by calling on me at the prison.... I am indebted to her all my life,"

I have always been impressed with the wonderful lady, Priyanka. And I really admire her for her own unique ways ..! I wish the media and the politicians in India would not comment on her take, for the sake of its sensitivity and emotions attached..!!

Trip to Home - India

2008-03-31T16:47:00.000-07:00

Amidst the busiest schedules for both of us, we decided to visit India, managed to book the tickets with Lufthansa and just flew after two days..after all taking a break is the best when its most needed.

During transit, got to spend a couple of hours at Munich Airport and yes I remembered the horrible night which I spent alone there at Airport during my first international trip.

And then the finest memories of the days when both of us stayed together in Munich (just after our marriage). And there we had the bestest of time together..!

In India, the time just flew by..time spent with ma, ma-pa, brothers, sisters, cousins, kids, mama ji n family, chacha ji n family, bua ji n family n ...... Was never enough..:) I could talk even more, I could eat even more, I could sleep even more, I could fight even more, I could pamper even more and I could get pampered even more :)

Visited Golden Temple in Amritsar and A dream came true.!! Yeah, he works to make all my dreams come true..:). Posting a few clicks from my fone, forgot to carry the camera.

I have a tendency to always forget about friends when I am with my family :) My friends always teased me for this, but never left me. They r just great, great friends :) luckily this time got to see them all on a friend's wedding..was glad to see that everyone was all the same, my friends' group is kinda 24 hrs. cartoon n/w channel..

Spent enough time to decide/buy some small home/land for us. But could not manage, seems time has still not come to buy a dream house. Rented houses are the best :)

One thing which impressed me (in quite a wrong way) the most during this trip was the increasing costs in India..oh I wonder how a common man manage to arrange 3 meals a day..More to my surprise, my driver told me that his monthly income was 2000 bugs.

Now back to work. Fully tired and exhausted but happy that everyone was happy there. Proud to be a part of such close knit family. My batteries are fully charged now to work for next may be 1 year.

(--deepika)

Tips for Yahoo to negotiate with Microsoft

2008-02-22T00:10:00.000-08:00

Everbody has weakness, even Microsoft, even me :)

Find more how to and instructional Others videos on 5min.com

Happy V-Day !!

2008-02-14T14:28:00.000-08:00

When mundane moments feel warmer...
And the air is filled with
a honeyed fragrance everywhere...
I hear my heart throbbing..
A strange resonance
in my whole being...
Then suddenly do I open my eyes...
And find your arms wrapped around me...
Assuring me, Protecting me...
Comforting me...

Love me the way you always do!
Happy Valentine's Day to my dear Valentine Aa..!!

By- Of Course(not) ME

Rishte..!!

2007-07-27T10:32:00.000-07:00

It is one of the usual hot summers day in the town. The old lady comes and knocks her door. She knows how hot it is outside. So, she does not want to come out of her room which is somewhat cooled by a cooler. The old lady knocks and knocks again. And she tries her best to avoid her. But when the old lady doesnt stop, she gets angry.

She goes outside and asks her "hey, what do you want, why are you knocking my door again and again."

She says "A Baby, give me something to eat."

Its the daily routine. Everyday the old lady troubles everyone in the neighborhood by knocking their doors. This way she manages to gather some food or whatever anyone gives her seeing her pityful face, her age and her torn filthy clothes.

Even She doesnt mind giving her some leftover food items but then today she is sure that there is nothing left after the lunch this noon.

She tells her "Go, Go, there is nothing left over".

The old lady doesnt listen to her and keep saying "A Baby, give me something to eat..A Baby, give me something to eat..May God bless your father..May God bless your brother..long live your father..long live your brother.."

She gets even more irritated. And with a loud irritated voice she asks her to just leave the house and not dare to knock the door again..

And here comes her dad..He asks her "Why are you being so rude to her..Dont you pity on her that she is standing out in such a hot day..Why dont you give her something to eat."

She replies.."Dad, there is nothing leftover or I wud have definitely given her something.."

He asks "Why dont you cook something for her?"

And She is like "Why should I cook for her?"

He comes near to her..put his arm around her shoulder and tells her in a even softer voice "Suppose you had your grandmother still alive, wudnt you cook for her three times a day?"

She replies "Yeah of course, for my Grand Mother..but who is this lady to me?"

He says "Assume it.."

His saying and to her its an order which she follows willingly. She asks the old lady to come inside and sit. She fondly cooks for her that day and everyday after. And it becomes a routine now.

Then in between the old lady doesnt come for a few days and on an unfortunate day his holy soul leaves.

After a few days, the old lady comes back, asks for the food, She cooks, the old lady eats and says blessings to her father. She comes next day and the routine follows. One day when she comes and after taking the food, says the blessings, another lady in the house tells the old lady what has happened when she was not coming.

The old lady goes into silence, doesnt utter a word, doesnt eat, goes back..and never come again..!

(--deepika)

What makes God laugh?

2007-07-18T10:49:00.001-07:00

They say, "if you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans". So funny and yet so true !!

Seven Wonders of the World

2007-07-09T12:23:00.000-07:00

1. Taj Mahal, India

Saikro jhopria girti hain tab ek raj mahal banta hai,
apne jeene pe chhappar bhi nahin, unke marne pe Taj Mahal banta hai !!

Din mei deep jalane se kya hota hai, raat mei dil jalane se kya hota hai,
Ae Shahjahan, Milegi na tujhe teri mumtaz wapas, Kabr per mahal banane se kya hota hai !!

(--Sahir)

Thats a shayar's perspective but the truth is The most beautiful mausoleum on Earth "The Taj Mahal" ordered to build by "Emperor Shahjahan", in memory of his wife "Queen Mumtaz Mahal", stands proud as one of the seven wonders of the world today !!

2. The Great Wall of China

The Great Wall was originally built in the Spring, Autumn, and Warring States Periods as a defensive fortification by the three states: Yan, Zhao and Qin. The Great Wall went through constant extensions and repairs in later dynasties. It began as independent walls for diff. states when it was first built, and later joined together to fend off the invasions from the Huns in the north after the unification of China. Since then, the Great Wall has served as a monument of the Chinese nation throughout history.

3. The Roman Colloseum, Italy

Wow, thats a real beautiful place to see. I have real good memories attached to this place in Rome, Italy. I went there with him as my first international trip and it rained. It was all so romantic. And if I trust what I have seen in movie Gladiator then I must say this place has witnessed very dreadful acts of humanity, the human fights till dead/win.

4. Brazil's Statue of Christ Redeemer

Statue of Christ is a large religious monument in Brazil opened in July 1931. The fact that makes me happy is that its building stone was taken from Malmo in Sweden. And I feel good to hear the name Malmo because I have been there a no. of times and feel attached to the place :)

5. Peru's Machu Picchu

The Royal Tomb, a cave-like area contains ceremonial niches and an Inca cross carved from one wall and is adjacent to the Temple of the Sun. The cross resembles a series of steps, and represents the three levels of existence in the world of the Inca.

The first step, symbolized by the snake, represents the underworld or death. The second step represents the present, human life, and is symbolized by the jaguar. The highest step represents the celestial/spiritual plane of the gods, and is symbolized by the condor.

6. Mexico's Chichen Itza pyramid

The "Chich'en Itza" is a spanish name that means "At the mouth of the well of the Itza ". The site contains many fine stone buildings in various states of preservation; the buildings were formerly used as temples, palaces, stages, markets, baths, and ballcourts.

7. Jordan's Petra

It is famous for having many stone structures carved into the rock. The long-hidden site was revealed to the Western world by a Swiss explorer in 1812. It was famously described as "a rose-red city half as old as time"

Growing together :)

2007-06-29T13:08:00.000-07:00

Sitting in sun, the old lady tries her best to feed her little granddaughter but she is not ready to eat anything.

The old lady says "chhetti khaa lai kuriye, koa aayega te teri roti lai jayega"
(--eat fast or the crow ll come and take your food).

The little girl, sees in the old lady's eyes, tries to hold The old lady's face with her small hands and tells her with a maturity in her voice "Dadi Maa, isko Koa ni kehte, isko Crow kehte hain"
(--grand ma, this is not called as Koa but Crow).

The old lady tells her, "Bete, Isko, english mei crow kehte hain aur hindi mei Koa.
(--In English it is called as Crow and In Hindi we call it Koa)

She says "English..Hindi.. Mmm..Thennnnnn..Dadi Ma, To Isko Maths mei kya kehte hain?
(--what do we call it in Maths?")

The old lady thinks for a moment and then reply "agar ek koa to, One crow, agar do koe to Two crows, aur agar teen koe to Three crows.."
(--In Maths, we call it One crow, and if there are two, we call them Two crows and if there are three, we call them Three crows..)

And together they repeat the counts:

One..Two..Threeeeeee..!!

One..Two..Threeeeeee..!!

One..Two..Threeeeeee..!!

And unknowingly, she finishes her food and I see all this smilingly:)

(--deepika)

Another beautiful morning !!

2007-06-23T13:36:00.000-07:00

I wake up with the sound of rain drops over the window panes. It doesn't happen quite often that someone can wake me up when I am sound asleep but the voice of rain drops is something which I loved since my childhood and so just cant ignore it.

I step down the bed and try to peep out of the window at the sky. It is lightening gloriously. I can hear the thundering of clouds. I carefully put the curtain off without making a sound, take my hands out and embrace the rain. And it makes me forget everything and be relaxed. I think thats what true love is all about, I love Rain and miss her a lot. I think she also misses me the same way I do and has come to meet me here crossing half the world.

The room is already filled with dim light coming from outside street lamp. Taking the pure drops in my hand, I turn to my bed. And I see him lying aside. He is in sound sleep. Still putting one arm at the left side (and thats for me). Looking so calm and happy. I start moving my fingers in his hair. My heart fills with love, happiness and completeness. Today, I remember almost each day spent with him. I remember all these days of my life for the ever increasing love he has given me and for the respect he has earned to me.

And yes just then I get reminded of his recent gift to me, a new member of the family who is lying in Patio in this rain..aahhh...Its my recently owned, supposedly hot n spicy, Chilly Plant. I almost run to my Patio and get it inside. With the water droplets on its leaves and small white flowers its looking awesome.

I dont know if it was actually enjoying the rain and is sad to be in. I see there is one small chilly trying to come out uncovering a flower. Its almost 3 days that I forgot to pay any attention to it coz of dead tiring working hours. And I think its my imagination that it is complaining to me for not showing any affection and care to it. I bring it to the wash vasin and sprinkle some water drops on it and clean every leaf with my hands and kiss it. I carefully put it back on a mat at the centre of dining table.

I make two cups of ginger tea and nicely take it to him. As I am sure I am not gonna stay awake alone now and should pay him something for screwing his sleep.

And I wish him "Good Morning" this time..:)

(--deepika)

Its Life !!

2007-06-12T12:40:00.000-07:00

He kisses my forehead to wake me up. With quite unease I open up my eyes and look into his. He is smiling and with so much of love he wishes "Good Morning !!" I dont know if I reply to him as this is the most difficult time of my daily routine and he knows it. I get up, freshen up myself and go straight to the kitchen to cook for our breakfast and lunch and he helps.

He continues saying his daily special :) You keep one eye on the watch and keep alarming me. I need to leave by 7:10. hey how come its already 7:11 oh 7:12..I am not going to look at this clock..whenever I see at it it just increases a minute..I 'll have to run..ok bye..cya..have good day..n He leaves ..

n He comes back..hey suno.. He hugs me kisses me n runs again..ok bye..have good day.. stay happy..take care of u. .n listen dont trouble anyone... he keeps saying something or else n runs n I smile n stand there seeing him !

And then I am only with myself. Like every other morning I am into deep thinking mode, do I really need to goto office today. Ok, I will, but let me first relax. I tell to myself, I am not gonna let this job become my life. Its just a small part of my life and let it be just that, I am not gonna rush for it. If today I die, I cant even complain to God that why my life was wasted only in studying and then working. God is also gonna tell me that its your fault. I made you a girl and had given you a guy who was supposed to support you forever. Its you who opted to do all this. You yourself wasted it. I am not responsible .. Oh God..God is so true..!

I relax and decide today is gonna be My day. I goto kitchen and nicely prepare one small cup of tea with ginger/cardamom. Take the newspaper in my hand and sit on the carpet. Enjoy sipping the tea with some snacks and read the paper. Then I call my mom or my didi and then talk to them at length. And they keep reminding me that it is Monday not Saturday. And I tell to myself I am gonna win over this Monday morning.

I look at the clock and shiii.. its 9:00am. I tell to her whatever you show, I am not gonna get scared; atleast not today, why do u always keep bothering me.

I board the train look at the morning snoring faces and then listen to my favis on Ipod.

Reaches office n now hands over all my control to my manager. I am at her disposal for next 8 hours.

6:30 pm I board the train back to my home, sweet home. Waiting to meet him in mid stop. After lot of communication and co-ordination finally we get to meet at just one stop b4 our home, just to spend 5 more minutes together during the day. We finally meet and then I enjoy entering home with him together.

He prepares tea and I keep talking without stop. And he comes and put his hand on my mouth with full force. And I say..mm..mm mm mm..mmmmmmmm.......means Ok, I will stop now :)

Then we goto Gym. I make fun there while doing exercise and he simply hates it. I dont know why he become so serious while working out. And I really dont like to leave humour at any place. Then fully tired, I come home and rest and he goes for swimming. Hats off to him !

I cook and he tries his best to help me and we eat together.

And then I again start, you see we have wasted the whole day...what have we done since the morning. its already 11pm. now we will sleep and tomrw again office. I dont want us to waste our lives like this. Come on we will watch some movie together or play mario or we will make some mithai or something. And he is more than willing for this. And we have fun and sleep late night or shud say early morning.

And life continues..happily !

Seems a very simple regular post. Yeah I knew it and so I thought of adding some nice quotations. I opened Google, wrote "Life Quoatations" followed some link and then the first Quote:

"Life is like an onion: You peel it off one layer at a time, and sometimes you weep. "

WHaaaaaaaaaaaat.. what non-sense.

ONION

Means Kanda ..Oh God..Is life like an Onion. I just hate Onions..I can never let my life be like an Onion :(

(--deepika)

Anne Frank's Diary

2007-06-08T12:07:00.000-07:00

Anne Frank, born on June 12, 1929 in Frankfurt, Germany is the second daughter of Otto Frank. The family is Jewish and German. The Franks have lived in Germany for centuries.

It is a carefree period for Margot and Anne. They have many friends in the neighbor-hood where they live. However, their parents are worried. Adolf Hitler, becomes the Chancellor and is responsible for the new government. Before very long, there is discrimination against Jews. Germany changes from a democracy into a dictatorship. Anne’s parents no longer feel safe and decide to leave Germany.

Franks go to the Netherlands in the summer of 1933 and set up a company in Amsterdam. The Frank Family feels free and safe, until the German Army invades the Netherlands on May 10, 1940.

(Anne with elder sister Margot)

The discrimination against the Jews begins there as well. Jews may not own their own businesses, Jewish children have to go to Jewish schools, all Jews have to wear a yellow star, and countless other restrictions. There are even rumors that the Jews will be packed off to Germany…

On June 12, 1942, Anne Frank celebrates her 13th birthday. She receives a diary as a present. It is her favorite gift. She begins writing in it immediately: “I hope I will be able to confide everything to you…and I hope you will be a great source of comfort and support.”

Margot Frank receives a call-up on July 5, 1942. The Nazis plan to send the people they have summoned to work camps in Germany.

Her parents have expected such a call-up: the secret hiding place is almost ready. Not only for their own family, but also for the Van Pels family. The Frank family immediately leaves for the hiding place. Naturally, Anne brings her diary. Much later, she will look back and write: “My happy-go-lucky, carefree school days are gone forever.”

The hiding place is located in an empty section of the building owned by Otto Frank's company. While business continues, as usual, in the front part of the building, there are people hiding in the annex out back.

(Secret Annexe)

The people in hiding are helped by Otto Frank’s four employees. They arrange the food supplies, clothing, books, and all sorts of other necessities. In addition, they keep the people in hiding up-to-date with the news from Amsterdam.

The people in hiding pass their time by reading and studying. As expected, they follow the news closely. There is a lot of tension. They often quarrel among themselves. Anne pours out her heart to her diary: “The nicest part is being able to write down all my thoughts and feelings, otherwise I'd absolutely suffocate.”

The state of affairs in the city is frequently discussed. Jews who do not turn themselves in are picked up and sent to the transit camp in Westerbork. Anne writes in her diary: We assume that most of them are being murdered. The English radio says they're being gassed. Perhaps that's the quickest way to die. I feel terrible.”

Friday, August 4, 1944, is a day like any other day. The people in hiding are quietly going about their business. Suddenly, out front, a vehicle comes to a halt. Out jumps an SS-officer and three Dutch policeman. They enter the building and go directly to the office. The people in hiding have been betrayed…

(Camp Bergen-Belsen)

The people in hiding and the two male helpers are arrested and taken for interrogation to a jail run by the Germans. Other two helpers are left behind on the Prinsengracht. They rescue Anne Frank's diary papers.

In her diary Anne Frank offers a fascinating commentary on human courage and frailty and a self-portrait of a sensitive and spirited young woman. During one of our Europe trips, we visited Amsterdam. One among the most popular places we visited there is "Anne Frank's Museum". Its the secret Annexe where Anne spent her last years. Thats where I got the motivation to read Anne's diary. After reading the diary which is really heart touching, I feel Anne's death is an individual loss.

(ref : http://www.annefrank.org)

Week Day Movies

2007-06-01T11:36:00.000-07:00

Yoh.. finally the week ends today..and I am all set to enjoy the cherished week end !! After so many cribbing sessions during the week, I suddenly start feeling so charged on Friday Evening (yes, like all of u).

Project release to UAT gave me enough time to relax. We got to see 3 movies during week days. Yes 3 movies and lots of time spent with him, that is what makes me feel that I am not just born to work with Wells Fargo.

Okay, the movies were : Shootout @ LA, Metro and Cheeni Kam

And I didnt like any of these much. But, the 3 were good enough to spice the routine of cook, eat n sleep.

Reviews:

a. Shootout @ LA

Vivek Oberoi (sorry, I dont recall his new spelling) quite good. First time I liked him was in COMPANY and now in this movie. Difficult to write this "like" word for him as I am die heart Salman fan.

Sanjay Dutt oo LA LA..I wish he soon gets as old as he seems in the movie..then he will look even better.

Amitabh, Arabaz, Sunil Shetty and the change: Ok !

And that Girl Oh God, I wish Director 'd have let Rakhi Sawant to perform a number than her.

Mika sang very good. He being from my native may bias my opinion.

OR : Ok

b. Cheeni Kam

Little Girl **** (Swini) and the old woman (Zohra Sehgal) - Excellent.

Big B - Good

Tabbu - The BEST and I really liked the dresses she wore. The patterns were quite unique. South Silk plain fabrics with Delhi kinda Laces. But of course the colors chosen were quite good. And then no need to mention that she is a brilliant actress

And finally instead of Amitabh trying it, I am not at all convinced with a frustated 65 yrs. old man marrying with 34 yrs. charming girl.

Dialog : Dont cry for the ones you love, your love will decrease. You see, if you dont cry, your heart feels heavy. And if you do, your heart feels light coz the love flows out with your tears.

OR : Ok+

c. Metro

Totallly Bundle Movie, liked one single dialog "This big metro city gives us a lot but in returns it charges us even more".

And thats it for now. Have fun.

Cheers !

Is It ??

2007-05-22T22:39:00.000-07:00

First year of Engineering..

I came from a very small town to a big city and big engineering college. Got to meet so many new people out there. New relations started prospering. Roommates, Floormates, Class friends, Hostel friends, Best friends, TT/Badminton friends, Mass bunk friends, Seniors ..

Me and my best friend, we were having best of times together.

Few of our seniors, we always look up to them as our inspiration as we used to see them doing masti all the time :) They were all so very talented. Full of enthusiasm. Full of life. They were our role models. I will say, they were the achievers. We started following their footmarks. We were all good at studies, we particiapted in each possible game/atheltics/music evenings etc., got the earliest jobs through campus interviews.

All got well settled in life. Stayed in touch for initial few years. Then somehow in between lost the touch..

After years, few days back i got the call from my college time best friend. it was good talking to her..we memorized all the good time. then she told me that she met one of our fav. seniors few days back..n I was so happy to hear that..I asked her how is he doing..N she replied

"Life Defeats Everyone"..

And then she hung up. N this line kept making circles in my mind..Is it true..?

I started raising this question to myself again n again. And yes, I didnt get a prompt reply.

But after long hrs of thinking sessions, finally my Strength and Courage spoke up n they told me.. "No Not yet.."

And I am happy about it..!!

I wish, "the hope"... may she lives long for everyone !!

(--deepika)

Yaadein..!

2007-05-18T16:17:00.000-07:00

Ye raat Ye chandni phir kahan sun ja dil ki dastan..

Chalo ek baar phir se aznabee ban jaye hum dono..

Zindagii bhar nahin bhoolegi woh barsaat ki raat..ek anzaan hasina se mulakat ki raat..

Abhi na Jao chhorr kar ke dil abhi bhara nahin..

Allah tero naam ishwar tero naam sabko sanmati de bhagwan

Choo Lene do nazuk hothon ko..kuchh aur nahin hai zaam hai yekudrat ne jo humko bhaksha hai..woh sabse hasin inaam hai ye..

Man re tu kaahe na dheer dhare?

Main Pal do pal ka shayar hoonpal do pal meri kahani hai
pal do pal meri hasti hai pal do pal meri zawani hai..

Paanv chho lene do phoolon ko inayat hogi..warna humko hi nahin..inko bhi shikayat hogi..

Yeh Duniya Agar Mil Bhi Jaye To Kya Hai

And then

Bichade sabhi baari baari...

Bichade sabhi.... baari

baari !!

Rememberance of my dad narrating me Sahir's life stories while listening to these songs takes me lonnnnnnng back..!!

"Aao ki koi Khwaab bune kal ke vaaste
Warna ye raat aaj ke sangiin daur ki
Das legi jaan-e-dil ko kuchh aise ki jaan-e-dil
taa umr phir na koi haseen Khwaab bun sake "

(SAHIR )

what else is needed in life ?

2007-05-17T20:35:00.001-07:00

sardi ka mausam
palak ke garam garam parathe
taza taza makhan
adrak ki chai..

oh from always i just loved this combination..

btw this is my first post...

hope to have good time together AaaDee..(my newly born baby blog..)