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?