The Mermaid Chair - Sue Monk Kidd

I was surfing through Shelfari and NY Times Bestsellers List, I came across this book. I never heard of her and was not at all aware about her style or expertise. After reading synopsis, I thought to read it.


The story is about a middle aged woman Jessie who is stay-home happy wife with psychiatrist husband and college going daughter. Her life looks perfect from far but she has started feeling lonely and suffocated lately. One fine morning she gets a call from her mother’s friend Kat to inform that her mother has cut her own finger and hence she must go and look after her. Jessie has stopped talking to her mom for few years, but she cannot say no to situation like this.

She flies to stay with her mother and realizes that her mother has done so as some sort of punishment. Her father was killed in an accident when she was a kid and her mother became very lonely after his demise. After trying several times, her mother is not willing to open up. Fighting with her own state of mind, unknowingly Jessie falls in love with monk, Brother Thomas. She is full of guilt, but she cannot backout. She is scared of losing both her husband and latest love. Brother Thomas helps her understanding her mother, Nelle’s point of view.

Jessie has always suspected that her mother’s illness has something to do with her father’s death and all her mother's friends know about it. After she cuts off her second finger, it becomes unbearable for her friends to keep that secret anymore. Her father suffered from incurable disease and decided to end his life. Nelle and all friends helped him out to carry out his suicide plan which looked like an accident. His father sits on the Mermaid Chair to poison himself. Now after these many years her mother regrets about it and as a punishment starts hurting herself.

After the truth is revealed, Jessie is relaxed enough to tackle her own problems. She decides to go back to her husband Hugh who still loves her unconditionally. Brother Thomas continues his religious journey and Jessie is once again happily married.

So many stories are interwoven – relationship between Jessie and her mother, between Jessie and her daughter Dee, Jessie and Hugh, Jessie and Brother Thomas. Author has said complicated things in very simple, but touching manner.

Best part of the story is the way author has narrated story around Egret Island – an imaginary island near the coast of South Carolina. It’s a small little island where everyone knows everyone. It’s far from even small town’s luxuries and amenities. After reading description of this island in book, it’s impossible for one not to fall in love with ocean.

Deep and profound story narrated in easy and uncomplicated fashion!

A Gentleman of Leisure – P G Wodehouse

During my college days, I asked a friend for her advice about what should I read. She happened to be well read and very much into books. She gave me a book ‘Carry on Jeeves’ by P G Wodehouse. I diligently started reading but somehow could not finish it. These days when I went to library, I thought to start reading his books.


This book revolves around Jim who bets with a friend that he can rob someone’s place. He ends up in a place whose daughter he has fallen in love with. He does not know her name or address and hence later on he has no means to find or contact her. For couple of years, he roams around everywhere and finally happens to meet her on the soil of England. Her father who still thinks of him as a robber has strong dislike for him and is very much against their union. Then series of dramatic events occur and finally things fall into place.

A typical British style smart and witty humor :)

Finding ol’ Time Fascination

Hot bread became our favorite joint in NJ especially when we crave for spicy little bites without spending much time. Vada Pav, Dabeli and Panini Sandwich became our much loved dishes. After moving to MD, we did not get a chance to have food at Hot Breads. We knew that there were couple of them in Gaithersburg – one very good and other with opposite extreme. Though we did not know which one was better.


Anyway, yesterday we went there around early afternoon. We ordered Vada Pav and Samosa Chat. I was extremely happy with Vada Pav but not so happy with Samosa Chat. Obviously rates were higher than those of NJ. Portion size was also quite small. If one is really hungry, one needs at least two dishes, which will add upto 10 plus bucks. But once in a while, it’s worth going and spending money.


Final Word, go for it when you long for spicy Indian Snacks

It has been 4 years!!

Yesterday we completed 4 years of our bond. Just cannot realize it has been long 4 years, days passed so swiftly like small beads between my fingers. I am glad that we are able to keep the same charm :). Our last anniversary we were not together so this time was bit more excited. I wanted to do something special but was exhaustive of all ideas – Cake, flowers, surprises, special gifts, romantic dinner, late night outing, long drive and what not! No stone was untouched as far as celebration is concerned.


But then I realized just spending quality time together is the most important (I know I am sounding bit of a jerk, but it’s the fact) Yesterday we talked to both families at length, went to Temple, did some shopping followed by fantastic dinner at home. Nothing Particular, but still very Special!

Smokey Mountains, TN (Nov 23-28, 2010)

The Smoky Mountains or shortly, The Smokies are the mountain range spread in North Carolina and Tennessee. It is a sub range of Appalachian Mountains. The Smoky Mountains National park is the most visited national park in USA (About 10 million visitors per year!)The best time to visit Smokies is Spring/Summer to take advantage of all activities, ranging from hiking to river rafting.

We visited Tennessee side of the park and 3-4 days are sufficient to cover everything. There are mainly 3 towns where most of the attractions are located – Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge and Sevierville, where Gatlinburg being closest to the mountains.

To thoroughly enjoy beauty of the mountains and the park, one should stay in Rental Cabins. Such cabins are available in both Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. One has to book them well in advance (at least a year ago) since there are not too many options. Second best option is to rent a condominium with furnished kitchen and 1/2/3 bedrooms. This option is quite expensive and only feasible if you are going in a group. For a small group or an individual family, there are many hotels and motels in downtown Gatlinburg.

The first and most wonderful attraction is river rafting. Kayaking and Tubing is open from March to October. It offers level 3 and 4 rapids at lower and upper region of the river.

(Day 1)

The most obvious activity is hiking and biking. There are all together 6 trails ranging from 1 to 3 miles. Each offers scenic beauty, waterfalls and of course, splendid photography points. If you are not too much into hiking, visiting one or two trails is enough. One can also drive to peak of the mountains, which offers panoramic view of the entire city. It is about an hour drive from Pigeon Forge. If driving is not your cup of tea, there is couple of more options reach the top – Air Tram and Cable Line. Both will take you to other end, you can get down there and return rides are available every 20 minute. Once you get down at other end, there is lot of activities like mini golf, ice skating, mini zoo, souvenir shops and so on.

(Day 2)

Gatlinburg offers family fun activities. It’s a typical small American Town with just one main street stretching for 3-4 miles. Driving will be a problem, so it’s better to park the car at one place and then either walk or take trolley buses. Both street parking and cheap lot parking are available. One needs almost full day to visit Haunted House, Mirror Maze, Guinness World Records Museum, Museum of Illusion, Mini Golf, Go carting, Laser Tag and Game Arcade.

(Day 3)

The most adventurous activities are for the last day – Wonderworks and Zipline Tours. Wonderworks is located in Pigeon Forge. Also known as a crooked house or upside down house, it offers adventurous activities and mind games- thrilling ride, indoor rock climbing and space walk are a few to name. It takes about 3-4 hours to cover everything. 

Our next and final destination at Smokey Mountains was Zipline tours. It’s a canopy tour via Zipline. I was the most enthusiastic about this tour but after we reached there, I got scared! I was not sure whether I would be able to finish the tour hence spending 60 bucks was also an issue. But I am glad I did not miss it. The entire tour is divided in five lapses and it takes about an hour. Flying through woods at about 40 mile/hr with some spectacular views was certainly an exhilarating experience.

We spent 4 effective days at Smokey Mountains and we did not miss a single activity/attraction. It was indeed a good break. Looking forward to another vacation

The Worst Indian Food

It seems that I am very much bored and frustrated so just to kill time I write reviews. It’s not my personal opinion, but neutral and unbiased review! I’ll write about books, movies, restaurants and any other places I visit. Let me start with a restaurant review. We went out for dinner Saturday at Minerva in Rockville, MD. I rarely crave for Restaurant Indian Food and Saturday was one among those rare incidents.
 This place was recommended by few of our friends hence was a safe take. First impression was not so good since I did not like the ambience and only couple of tables was occupied. We ordered Chhole-Bhature and Paneer Makhani-Roti. And we could not decide which dish was the worst! I had had the worst Indian Food in US. Service was too slow; it took little over half an hour for our first dish to arrive.

Everything was very oily and spicy and staff was also little rude. I guess chef/owner must be South Indian (there were quite many dosa/idli dishes in the menu) and lesson is, never try North Indian Curries in South Indian Restaurants.

t happened for the first time that we did not tip at all and I have made up my mind to never step my foot again!!

The Lucky Bamboo

This birthday we invited our friends for lunch who also happen to be our next door neighbor. It was just a simple meal and it was more like a casual get together, so I did not expect gift or anything like that. But they brought me a ‘Lucky Bamboo’ with a nice decorative pot. I did not know much about this plant, but I have seen in so many Chinese stores. I liked it, because it’s a very thoughtful gift, instead of a box of sweets or chocolates. I have kept it in my kitchen and done little reading about it out of curiosity.


Though it has got ‘Bamboo’ word in its name, it has nothing to do with actual bamboo family. It does not need direct sunlight and requires very small amount of water just to keep it moisturized. It grows in Asia and Africa. It’s considered lucky because of its association with Feng Shui Art. Number of roots also has a meaning, for example, 5 roots mean wealth and 6 roots mean health. To have this plant with 4 roots is considered a bad omen since ‘four’ in Chinese means ‘dead’!

My friend gave me the one with six roots and wished me all the luck…so let’s hope for the best

How does it feel getting old?

The other day my mom was talking about my aunt. She has become very lonely and depressed these days. Both uncle and aunt are in their 70’s and live with their only son and his family. Both of them are quite healthy and they have all amenities available. But they do not have anyone to talk to, to share their feelings or exchange their thoughts.

I guess this is the general picture of old people in India. So far I have been thinking getting old is blessings in a way, if you do not have any major health or money related problems.


Getting old means re-kindling that spark with your life partner, spending more time with him/her, which you never got after having kids

Getting old means doing things which you always wanted to but circumstances never permitted, for example, reading, watching ol’ good movies or even spending more time on religious things

Getting old means helping and advising kids and grand kids but at the same time never interfering

Getting old means becoming wiser and more matured and thus passing those values to next generation

Getting old means getting in touch with all friends and relatives, again

Getting old means remembering and cherishing old days

Getting old means becoming free and accepting others’ freedom

I know, it sounds like a fairy tale and even I am scared of surviving in the old age. Even now, loneliness scares hell out of me. But this is how ideal old age should be and I have started believing in it after seeing people here in America- worry free, independent and always happy!

Leaving NJ IV - Finally @ MD

I never wanted to this to be my first post in new year. But anyway, this is also a new beginning.

For first few days after moving to a new home, I was both tired and excited. First couple weeks went just like that, in arranging and then re-arranging everything. Then I was struck with the reality. Every small thing I started to compare with old home. Compared to NJ, it is more quiet and peaceful here. And I was desperate to hear any sound, see people around. Cold and rainy weather was icing on the cake.


To spend the day was not difficult at all, but spending time after dinner was horrible. Every night memories from old place would haunt me like anything and I would lay awake hours after hours.

Now things are getting better. I have made a friend who lives next door. We have started going to gym and learning something new. He is well acquainted with his colleagues.

When I am about to conclude this post, suddenly a thought popped up.  I have been referring to this series as 'Leaving NJ'. I could have named it as 'Going to MD' as well?? Why are we always struck with the past instead of moving ahead? Is it common human nature characteristic or is it just me ho is trying to stop the time and hold everything within?

Diwali Cards

Since 2008, I have been making Diwali Cards to send to friends and relatives. This year, it was first attempt to try water color. I could make 4 cards in 10 days

 I started with the simplest one. Ganeshji in form on AUM has been my all time favorite. I just used thick border of green and red. The colored circles did not come out as I had thought, because green background became too bright.




After I gained little confidence, I tried these flowers. Three different colored flowers:

1. The smallest one has shades of Red, Pink and White
2. Purple, Red and White
3. Yellow, Orange and White

Stems and leaves are done directly with brush in black color
It indeed looks good, but not well suited for Diwali wishes



I used Kandil colors from one design and Diya from another one. Diya and Kandil has been hit Diwali design :) I painted Lotus with shades of Pink, White and little Red as a base for Diya. I should have been more careful while choosing Green for Diya since now I believe there is something wrong with this color. After it dries out, it always leaves patches. I outlined whole Diya design with white color and then with black pen. This one has been our favorite in the bunch so will go to my parents.





Another form of Ganeshji. Putting Ganehsji on two angled square offers completely different look. I  also like the combination of Orange and (Brown + Orange). Simple, but elegant.

Leaving NJ III - Final Good Bye

Finally the day had arrived, Oct 2, 2010. I had thought, actually taking out all the stuff and loading it and then seeing empty home would be very difficult. But by that time, I was so tired and frustrated with amount of work that I was like; let me get out of here ASAP!!! Kunal had reached NJ previous night and he was feeling very low since then. He told me, he had felt like this just once in his life, when he stepped in home after I left for India. It was good that we were never alone since his friends were there to help us with moving.



I could not say proper good bye to our neighbor/super, Charlotte and her husband, Junior. They are the people whom I want to remember for the rest of my life. They were always there whenever we needed any kind of help. I have all my doubts, if they would be Indian, would they be this good to us?


It was difficult to say good bye to our FIRST HOME, since this was the place we had started building our dreams. We hugged each other and said final good bye!


P.S. – Just a small thought, I have been referring to these posts as LEAVING NJ. But I could have referred to it as MOVING TO MD as well. Why are we always stuck with the past?

Leaving NJ II - Final Decision

Before discussing with anyone or telling anyone, we had to prepare ourselves. This was really brainstorming job, since we had to inform landlord and also, make sure that we would be able to get a new place to stay within that timeline. So many if...else and financial calculations.

More important and troubling job was to inform my company, because after knowing them we were little concerned whether they would release my salary without causing any problem.We had to come up with a solid convincing story and the right time to tell them. Now today, when everything is over (Today is my last day at work) I just cannot believe, it could go such a smooth way! 

After making up our minds and thinking about these strategies, next on the page was to ask/inform parents and close friends. We also took advise from couple of them whether moving would be a right choice. Both families were happy as we would be able to stay together, you see ;)

Leaving NJ I - New Job Offer

I have been thinking to start a blog series on this subject but amidst heavy work load and packing, this never became a front-burner priority. But now it's high time, only couple of days left and before I loose that rhythm, I have to write something :)

Last one year was full of uncertainty for both of us. We were mentally ready to move to a different place or either he only would move and I would stay back here in NJ.

When his previous assignment got over at Broadridge since he denied to accept full-time, we were prepared for 2-3 months bench period. But luckily, he got confirmation from Fannie Mae in just 3-4 days. Icing on the cake was, exceptionally good salary. There was no way we could say no to this offer. 

It sounded like a long term project and also, my salary was cut down by 30%. So there was no reason we should stay separately. Both of us were excited to move to a new place and moreover, we would be able to stay together.

We had few weeks of time to make the final decision and this whole chapter turned out be a emotional torment.

I am Flattered :)

At this company, we offer training in various subjects. Most of the students have no or little experience in the relevant field. So what we do is, before they attend the main instructor's class, I brief them with basic stuff in SQL, Oracle and QTP for about 6 to 8 weeks. Most of the students are elderly people, like our parents' age. But few months ago, we had an exception. One of our 'future' student's father came to see us (who also happened to be our student back in 1999-2000) about his son. His son is a college dropout and father wanted us to train him in IT. Everything was set, I was supposed to take initial classes and finally he arrived. This was about 6-7 months ago.

My first impression was, OMG, how am I gonna tackle him? A typical "ABCD" guy, who would hardly talk or ask any questions. No interest in studies or learning anything new. I even thought he might be a drug addict!!! He would come for one class and then disappear for couple of weeks. It lasted like this about 2-3 months, from my end I finished everything, but from his end, no progress. Again, his father came and requested us to peruse teaching him. We reluctantly agreed, because all this time he did not pay to company and personally, I also did not get anything out of it. Now I had no interest or motivation, but no choice either. I started training all over again and this time, I could see some positive response.

Then, last week or so, I told him that I would no longer be available to teach him as I was moving to a different place. To my surprise, he was shocked. (Though we were talking through online meeting, I could imagine his expression). I almost remember everything he said to me "Oh really! This is very much shocking....you do not know how much grateful and thankful I am...I wish I could say this in person that I respect and appreciate you a lot...you have been very patient to me, though I gave you a very hard time..If there would be someone else, he/she would be really pissed off...thank you so much"...I mean it's no big deal, once in a while we all receive compliments like this, but this was stunning. And now it's like, he shares almost everything with me, I'm the only one who knows about his girlfriend and all that kind of stuff. He is really sincere about studies and very eager to attend the class

I felt good after this incident, sort of satisfaction you get after doing good work (without expecting any tangible return) and then being appreciated for the same :)

Loneliness at its worst - II

Well, it seems every Monday, I am going through this mental turbulent, another spell of depression and loneliness. Ideally, it should have got better with time, but obviously it has not as I am writing this. I know, I am or say we are, not the only ones falling under this category where husband and wife live separately during weekdays. Falling economy has demanded such things from lot many people and still I would say we are in far better condition than others, at least we can see each other in weekends.



They say you have to pay for your deeds – here and now. And I guess, this is the punishment I am getting for going to India and leaving him behind all alone. Sometimes, it gets too difficult. For example, today I was working from home and did not happen to talk to a soul in person. Not even simple hello or even a smile. We are here for more than 3 years and both of us are quite social and outgoing people, still we could not build that kind of relationship with any friends or relatives. Probably, this is a normal scenario for people here but we are not accustomed to it. Now, I am so desperate that I am ready to leave anything and everything behind just to be with him. It has been just a week and we will have to be like this at least for another month
:(

May God bless us with strength, courage and power…..

May God forgive me

These days my husband stays away during weekdays because of job. Obviously, I feel miserable during weekdays. Though Monday to Thursday, it is somehow manageable, but Friday it seems as if clock is stuck. Particularly after 5 o’ clock, it becomes difficult to kill 4-5 hours. This last Friday, anyway he started late, around 6 and I was just praying and hoping that he should not face any traffic problems. Luckily, he crossed all major traffic areas quite easily and within 4 hours he was 15 minutes away from home. When I called him, he said there is a little congestion on route 1. I was bit surprised since it was almost 10 and generally that area is always clear. Upon asking, he told me that some people were holding a memorial service for a lady who died in an accident at the very same spot couple of days ago.

I was so desperate to see him that just for a fraction of a second I was mad at those people. I was like, she is already dead so why to create traffic jam and put other people in trouble? And then I was feeling so guilty. It was a fatal accident and a day care assistant in her early twenties died on the spot. That must be a huge loss for her family. Because of congestion, probably I would see him in 20 minutes instead of 10, but her family and friends would never be able to see her again. She was quite young, just started her life. How could I even think like that? How could I become so ruthless? May her soul rest in peace and may almighty give strength to her loved ones to bear this loss.

I am in "foreign" country

It was Friday, the Friday with long awaiting evening, late dinner and then long night. The only thing I would ask for is peaceful sleep of 7-8 hours since Saturday is my only day off. We retired to bed around midnight and suddenly around 2 o’ clock both of us were up. Reason? The head banging music and drink party at next door. And this was not something new. If weather is good, every weekend night in summer ends up like this and our reaction? Curse them and change the place to sleep. But this time it was unbearable and I was so mad that either I would call 911 or go down and request them to keep it low. It was just an impulsive reaction though. Later I thought cool headedly, I felt scared of doing any such thing.

Here in America, even for small trivial matters people call 911. To expect freedom and get respect is your basic right. Being here for little over 3 years, I have tried embracing American traditions and culture to whatever extent possible. We always try to keep good balance between India and America. And here, WE stand for all immigrants like me. Still when time came to complain or fight against something, which is unjust, I got scared. What if they do some harm to me, especially when I am alone during weekdays? I would not have given second thought before doing so in India. In fact, I have done it quite many times in train between Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Why did I have those uncomfortable, scary feelings? Answer is, probably this is a foreign place and will always remain foreign!!

Loneliness at its worst

It’s just about 16 hours since he left but it seems like ages. Even though I had quite a busy day, so many times I felt as if clock has stopped. Now from Monday to Friday, I just have to pass the days. We both knew that this day would come and we were indeed happy for his new job, new beginning. But when time comes to actually face it, your rational and practical thinking goes in vein and we are no exception.

We both decided not to cry and let emotions overrule us. And at least, I kept that promise, somewhat, so far. To be frank, it was not as half bad as lat time. May be because weather is good and also this time if project sounds little promising, we are determined to move there.

Today whole day it was raining like anything and hence I did not go anywhere. So my loneliness was amplified. For every couple of hours, I am setting some little milestones, just make clock run faster or at least I think so! In a way, I am feeling bit relaxed since last couple of weeks was literally brainstorming sessions about our future plan. Now at least, as ball has started rolling, things will fall into place soon.

I am back to my normal routine since when he is around all I do is making fun of him and getting pampered. I hope this new beginning is a good omen for us and may be a signal to expand our family. Though only time can say what lies ahead. Wish us luck…

My First Day at Nirma

My last post was on Jul 18, almost 10 days ago! I was determined to be punctual about this writing stuff, but looks like even though I want to write ‘something’, nothing is coming to my mind. My imagination is fading away

Anyway, yesterday was my brother’s first day at college. So far, he went to the same high school and higher secondary school I went and we wanted that he went to the same college I attended. But eventually it did not materialize. First of all, I cannot imagine, he has become such a big boy (and indirectly, it reminds me of my age too). Still sometimes, I treat him like a kid but now our relationship is getting towards ‘friendship’.

I had called him early in the morning to wish him all the best and then I thought about my first day at college. It has been 10 years now and I remember the date very well. It was Nov 20, 2000. As Nirma was little far from home, both my parents had insisted to drop me, at least on the first day. Somehow I bargained to drop me only at bus stop. I hardly knew anyone then and we were just a few students from Gandhinagar. But I never had lonely kind of feelings, not even on the first day. We just had an orientation and I had thoroughly enjoyed it, without any ragging problem. I enjoyed those 4 years of B.E. except there was not much fun outside campus. I sometimes regret that I never had friends to hang out after classes, but I do hope my brother enjoys these days at fullest, including studies!!

Feels energetic, feels good

After coming back from India, I had become very lazy. Initially, for 7-10 days I was feeling very tired and getting up everyday by 6 added to my exertion. For ‘Some Reason’, I did not, could not continue yoga/aerobics, which I was doing before leaving for India for 20-25 minutes at least 4 days a week. Nice food and no particular exercise – result? I started feeling more tired, but growing vest line made me worried and here I am. I know I cannot do any exhaustive exercise, so I started going for a walk in a nearby park before coming to work for couple of days. Definitely I have to compromise my after-kunal-leaves-sleep, but it is worth doing so. It has just been two days and I can feel the difference. Hopefully it’ll keep going :)

ye hai Mumbai..ye hai Mumbai meri jaan - II

Sometimes I think why do I miss Mumbai so much? Using my logical and analytical skills, I have come up with this answer – ‘I can go to my home (parents home) anytime I want, but now I do not have any solid bond to Mumbai’. Sounds funny, huh?

Anyway, my best friend recently moved back to India for good. In addition to reading (and now writing J) we share one more common thing, we both love Mumbai. When I spoke with her couple of days back, she mentioned to me that she might consider Mumbai as her ultimate destination. And I felt sooooo good, since now I have a solid, concrete reason to visit Mumbai J. As if, my connection with Mumbai is recharging……

ye hai Mumbai..ye hai Mumbai meri jaan

No, I am not talking about this song from movie CID. Today, I want to talk about my feelings for Mumbai – a city of dreams. Today I was reading a book ‘Connect the Dots’ by Rashmi Bansal. It is a book about 20 entrepreneurs who do not have any formal education or training and still have excelled in their respective fields. The very first story was about Prem Ganpathy’s Dosa Plaza. Now with 26 franchises, his very first restaurant was Vashi’s mall ‘Center One’. The very same mall where I have been hundreds of times and even had dosa at this place. Not only I went but also took parents to this place. As soon as I finished reading this story, I was lost in memory lane.

I stayed in Mumabi for 2.5 years, from June 2004 to Oct 2006, the most wonderful phase of my life. This phase was full of responsibilities but no tension, money but no liability, demanding job but freedom. Mumbai really turned out મોહમયી નગરી - a city of dreams for me. I made friends, became independent, responsible and matured. Mumbai taught me to fight against all odds and Mumbai taught me to stay cool and balanced in difficult situations. In addition to my parents and teachers, Mumbai’ contribution is no less to make me what I am.


I have seen all extremities in these 2.5 years. After emotionally betrayed by friends and politically ditched by colleagues, I became stronger and more confident than ever. I did enjoy my life thoroughly there; I understood the meaning of enjoying life at its fullest.

Mumbai gives you lot of respect too. Mumbai itself means smartness and intelligence. Though I stayed there only for few years, sometimes I miss Mumbai life more than my own home. Memory of Mumbai always brings sorrow and sadness.

Now it has been nearly 4 years I left Mumbai, but memory is as fresh as ever. Whenever I try to recall Mumbai, I can remember tiny details so well – food, mall, local train, bus, office life, theatres, restaurants and specially Haveli. On my recent India trip, I happened to visit Mumbai for visa purpose and I had to work hard to control overwhelming emotions. I still feel that I have some connections to Mumbai.

આખુય મુમ્બઈ ક્યાન્ક હજીય મારામા ધબકે છે.......

"Creative" and "Productive"

Do not be surprised looking at the title, particularly words in quotation marks. This phrase 'creative and productive' always reminds me about good ol' days when Kunal and I were in Friendship -> Wedding transition period. He was in US and I was in India, working in Mumbai.

When he was about to come to India, I took leave for couple of weeks and went to Gandhinagar. In addition to meet him, I had to go through eye surgery and also attend some functions. As I was at mom's place, I had nothing to do..it was a real break in true sense after a long time. I had nothing to do other than eating, sleeping and roaming around here and there.

We had become very close by then and we would talk at least 3-4 times a day though he was busy with exams and last minute packing and shopping.Whenever we would talk, he would certainly ask me how did I spend my day. And looking at my lazy schedule, he would always comment on to do something 'creative' and 'productive'. It's a different story that he is even lazier than I am and thoroughly enjoys eating and sleeping :)

Today, all of a sudden I remembered about this because I spent more time in deciding template, color and fonts for both my blogs that actually writing something. What do you think, can it be considered 'creative' and 'productive'? :) :)

Is it the right time?

This 4th July long weekend, we went to Baltimore to see Kunal's cousin, especially to see their three and a half months old daughter. We just spent little more than 24 hours with them and within such a short period of time, that sweet little kid became so comfortable with both of us, especially with Kunal.

She could easily recognize Kunal, she would laugh when he was around and start screaming as soon as he moved from her. She did not cry at all when she was with him. I know, he is good with kids but this was really something.


So now I think.....it is just the right time for us :)

Where am I from?

It has been almost 4 weeks since I am back from India. But India fever is still up.Anyway...being away from your homeland, the most common question you encounter is 'where are you from?' As soon as you see any Indian, in bus, train, flight, mall, park, grocery store this would be the question in initial conversation. In first level answer, you would name the state and if opposite person is also Gujarati, it will be further categorized based on city and then area of the city.

I am also not an exception, I also have been asked this question hundreds of times. My answer has always been like this - ' I am from Gandhinagar, but my in-laws live in Ahmedabad'. In three and half years of marriage, I could never consider Ahmedabad my home. Though we have all relatives here. Starting from shopping to fun, we used to go to Ahmedabad quite often but I could never feel that attachment with this city.
Even my so-called family belong to this place. I still can somehow manage to pass daytime, but as soon as the Sun sets in I feel like going 'my home'. If I am given an option to choose Ahmedabad or America, probably I'll go for America!!! I do not and never wanted to follow that typical Indian tradition that 'after marriage your husband's home is your home'.

Most of us have heard that filmy dialog ' where do women belong to? first it's dad's house, then husband's and finally it's son's house.' But I am lucky, home in America is MY HOME where I have full freedom and liberty to do whatever I want to. And my parents home in Gandhinagar, it holds special values. It's my childhood home and I'll be completely acquainted with place and customs, no matter where I live!!

There's so much to do..

When I was going to India, I left all worries and tension behind me. I wanted to be 100% with parents and wanted to give them as much time as possible. But after coming back, why am I not able to leave behind those sentiments attached to India? After returning, initial 3-4 days were the worst of phase of depression I have ever encountered.

It has been almost 10 days and I am still not out of that mood. I have always taught myself to remain busy in order to forget stuff like this. But this all-time-hit remedy is also not working. There is so much to do. During this emotional turmoil time, I jotted down my thoughts in diary. I want to put them together on blog. But I am dragging myself just because I do not feel like typing everything in Gujarati. Then, I bought few books from Crossword. I finished one and started second one just yesterday.It has been 10 days and I still did not go to library or even mandir!! Want to start yoga again. I was learning QTP before I left, I want to complete that as well.

Still feeling lazy though.  Just talking to people and being surrounded by them make me feel better. I guess once I am into my daily routine, things will get better.

Stay Blissful...

Blog about Blog

Don't make fun of me looking at the title. Just last week, I started writing another blog about my recipes. For quite sometime, I wanted to streamline my recipes and organize them properly and what could be better option than starting another blog. As always, Kunal turned out be inspiring and encouraging about my work. At least, someone is going to read and appreciate.

Also, today I found out that I can share my blog on facebook and other social networking sites. But do not know why, I am scared of doing so. As if someone reads and finds mistake, what would they think? It's not typical of me though. Usually, the last thing I would worry about is what others would think. I do whatever makes me feel good.

So here I am with my new recipe blog

 

I am from New Jersey

I'm from New Jersey

I don't expect too much

If the world ended today

I would adjust

I would adjust

I would adjust..



Friends came over this weekend and we went to Longwood Gardens. Such a beauty it is! Lush green grounds, tons of flowers and to add to it, fountains with lights and music - you just can’t resist them. In the evening, they had John Gorka concert in open-air theatre. I am not much fond of American Music or rather I should put this way, I am almost NIL at American Music. Anyway, lack of any other activity and on friend’s insistence, we decided to attend it.


He started the concert with this song on guitar and it felt good. Looks like, I am starting to develop belongingness feelings for America. So far, it was always like, it's a different country, foreign place to me. But yesterday after listening to this song, I felt like I was representing NJ. Probably, in three years I am quite acquainted with place and customs?


But you know what? It made me little scared too. I have always imaged myself going back to India for good, spending time with parents and bringing up kids there. So does this acquaintance mean a bad omen???? God bless us..

શ્રીનાથજીચરિતકથા - I

બહુ વખતે લખવાનુ મન થયુ. અહી દ્વારકધીશના મન્દિરમા કથા શરુ થયી. થોડી જિગ્નાસા, થોડી ભક્તિ અને વધારે તો બીજી કોઇ પ્રવ્રુત્તિનો અભાવ, અમે કથામા જવાનુ નકી કર્યુ.પહેલા ક્યારેય કથા સામ્ભળી નહોતી એટલે થોદુ કુતૂહલ હતુ અને સાથે ડર પણ હતો કે મારી અધીરવ્રુત્તિ એકચિત્તે ૩-૪ કલાક બેસવા દેશે કે નહિ.
પણ ૨ દિવસ કથામા ગયા પછી એમ ચોક્કસ લાગ્યુ કે, અમારો નિર્ણય સાચો હતો. એમ નથી કે, કથામા કહેલી દરેક વાત સાથે હુ સહમત છુ, પણ ત્યા જે કૈ સામ્ભળ્યુ, એ તમને વિચારતા કરી મૂકે એ નક્કી.એટ્લુ જ નહી, કથાકાર મહારાજ્ની ઉમ્મર મત્ર ૨૨ વરસની હતી. તમારાથી આટલી નાની વયવાળુ, તમને ભગવાન, ધર્મ અને જીવન વિશે ગૂઢ વાતો કરે, એ લહાવો ચૂકવા જેવો જરાય નહી.

મહારાજે પ્રથમ દિવસે શ્રદ્ધા વિશે સરસ વાત કરી. કથાનો હેતુ ત્યારે જ સરે જ્યારે કહેવા અને સામ્ભળવા, બન્નેમા સરખી શ્રદ્ધા હોય. મહારાજે કહેલુ કે જો આમ હોય તો કથા કર્નાર પણ શ્રીનાથજી અને કથા સામ્ભળનાર પણ શ્રીનાથજી. આપણે જેને elect કરીએ તે નેતા બને, પણ ભગવાન જેને select કરે એને હૈયે જ કથામા ભાગ લેવા જેવુ સત્કર્મ વરે.

આજ સુધી મને ખબર નહોતી કે,ક્રિશ્ના અને શ્રીનાથજી મા ફરક શુ? માત્ર એટલી જ સમજ હતી કે શ્રીનાથજી એટલે ક્રિશ્નાનુ જ એક સ્વરુપ. આ કથામા ગયા પછી જ જાણ્યુ કે, શ્રીનાથજી એટલે કેવળ બીજુ સ્વરુપ જ નહિ, શ્રીનાથજી એટલે ક્રિશ્ના + રાધા. શ્રીનાથજી નો દક્ષિણ ભાગ એટલે ક્રિશ્ના અને વામ ભાગ એટલે રાધા. મને નવાઇ લાગે, આજ સુધી એવો સવાલ કેમ ના થયો કે આપણી હવેલીમા ક્યારેય રાધાજી કેમ નથી? વાસ્તવમા, રાધા અને ક્રિશ્ના નુ એક્મેક સાથેનુ તાદત્મય એટલુ ઉચુ કે શ્રીનાથજીમા તમને બન્ને સાથે, અભિન્ન રુપ મા જોવા મળે.

Will stop here now. If I can go again next week, 'll write more about it.