Diary of a 'Learning' Kid!!!!

Don't get scared looking at the title. I have decided to learn something new everyday. It can be anything, something related to sports, fashion, lifestyle, IT, programming, English, vocabulary, TV show, music, movies, books - anything. And I have decided to note down everything here. Though I am nowhere near kid (I am at age to have my on kid :) ) it was more apt for this kind of post. Kids always have questions almost about everything and they can absorb the answers without any bias. They have no shame asking even trivial questions and they generally very well remember the answers. So wish me luck in my learning journey

Apr 18, 2011

NBA Playoffs

During weekend all I heard and watched was NBA (National Basketball Association) playoffs. It is best of 7 elimination around among 16 teams where each conference (Eastern and Western) has 8 teams. Eastern conference has 3 divisions called Atlantic, Central and Southeast. Western Conference has also 3 divisions namely Northwest, Pacific and Southwest. Each division has 5 teams totaling to 30 teams.

• When NBA season starts each team plays 82 games. Half of these games are home games and rest half are away games
• Each team plays 4 games against rest of 4 teams in same divisions, 3 or 4 games against teams from different divisions but same conference and 2 games against teams from other conference
• Out of 30 teams 16 teams make to playoffs with each conference comprising of 8 teams
• These 8 teams are top 8 teams in respective divisions where first 3 teams are always division champions irrespective of their standings compared to other teams. This is followed to make sure that division champions remain in top 3 positions. Rest 5 teams next best teams from entire conference
• In playoffs, each team plays 7 games against it opponent and best of 7 formula is followed to proceed to the next round
• This order is fixed, teams 1-8, 2-7, 3-6, 4-5 play against each other in each conferences
• So in next round which called playoffs semi finals 4 teams from each conference participate. This is also best of 7 round where winner of 1-8 plays against winner of 4-5 and winner of 2-7 plays against winner of 3-6
• Next stage is conference finals where each conference has 2 teams (respective winner from semis) totaling to 4 teams. This is also best of 7 round
• Last stage is called NBA finals, which is again best of 7 round. Winner from each conference participates for NBA title. NBA finals are generally played in the month of June

Apr 19, 2011

Persuasion Profiling

I knew a bit about taste profiling. For example, Amazon shows the list of books you might like and Netflix is picking and rating movies for you. Persuasion Profiling is a step ahead meaning it can actually read what you are thinking.

It's an emerging technology and if it works as intended, it would be a giant leap in marketing and ad world. When people surf online they come across tons of ads, but most of them remain unclicked. This profiling technique will help boosting the click rate and hence eventually selling rate as well. It gathers data from online resources like social networking sites and forums and uses such data to analyze and determine person's behavioral characteristics like their life style, spending habit etc.

Recently I read an article about it in Wired magazine and thought to find more about the same. But there are a very few website offering further explanation to it.

April 20, 2011

Helicopter Shot

In cricket media discussions about who invented helicopter shot is quite hot these days. Discussion is about the inventor of this shot - Sachin or Dhoni? I know a bit about cricket but never even heard of this kind of shot. Then I watched video of this type of shot played by both cricketers and also searched online.

I could not find much but what I understand is, batsman's leg movement is very low and just using power of arm and shoulder (like propeller) he sends ball to boundary. Sachin used to play this kind of shots for mid-on 4's while Dhoni plays for straight 6's.

April 24, 2011

Opera

So far the only thing I knew about Opera was that it's a performance given by singers and musicians which is a combination of text and music.

History of Opera takes us back in 16th century. the very first Opera was performed in Italy in 1597 and soon spread to other European countries like France, England and Germany. Today the most renowned figure from 18th century Opera is Mozart, who became famous for his Comedy Operas. In 19th century works of Rossini, Donizetti and Bellini became famous and they are still used today.

April 25, 2011

RAP sheet

These days I watch too much TV and I have come across this word hundreds of times.

It stands for Records of Arrest and Prosecution, which are criminal records of a person. RAP sheet is generally used by potential employers, lenders etc. to verify the trustworthiness. They are also used for travel/visa, immigration, adoption purposes. Whether to include all offenses or only prosecutions depend on the country and jurisdiction.

In USA various law enforcement agencies compile and update such records on local, state and federal levels. Centralized repository is maintained at federal level, such database is referred to as NCIC (National Crime Information Center). Information stored under this database is made available to private sectors in a rare scenario. To obtain information for a living person, his/her consent is required. In addition to centralized copy, local and state level agencies might have their own separate copy.

Apr 29, 2011

Aircraft Carrier

A warship that is used for launching and landing of an aircraft acting as seagoing airbase. Thus naval does not have to be dependent on local base. US and Japan started using them in the beginning of 20th century. Though they were widely used during World War II. Such carriers are mainly classified based on their roles,

Anti Submarine War - To find and kill submarines

Helicopter Carrier

Light aircraft carrier

Amphibious assault ship

Seaplane carrier

Balloon carrier

Apr 30, 2011

Fighter Aircrafts

A military aircraft directly involved in air-to-air combat with other aircraft

Currently F-22 developed by US ($143 million) is considered the best fighter aircraft (5th generation) due to its stealth avionics. Which means it has been built using stealth technology to make it invisible for detection technologies like radar, infrared and sonar.

US is believed to have the best air force in the world. Though US and Israel are on technically equal terms, Israel is behind considering over all size and power.

India is ranked 6th with 1600+ aircrafts including MIG (Baaz) and Mirage (Vajra).

May 01, 2011

Types of colors used in Painting

• Acrylic
• Water Color
• Pastel
• Oil

May 02, 2011

Char Dham

These are pilgrimages places located in India for Hindus. These 4 places are Badrinath, Jagganathpuri, Dwarka and Rameshvar located in the North, East, West and South parts of India. These are the main 4 Jyotirilings among total 12 of them.

Another shorter circuit is also called Char Dham located in the Himalayas, in Uttarakhand state of India. They are Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamnotri. I find beauty and spirituality of the Himalayas more appealing than the religion reason. They are located at the average altitude of 12000 to 14000 ft. This Yatra starts with Yamnotri, the origin of Yamuna river and also the toughest among 4 them. It continues to Gangotri (Oriogin of the Ganga river), Kedarnath and Badrinath (in this order). Both Kedarnath and Badrinath have been built around 9th century by Adi Shankaracharya. Gangotri and Yamontri represent Shakti, Kedarntah represents Shiv and Badrinath represent Vaishav.

May 03, 2011

Whale

These days I am reading the American Classic by Herman Melville, Moby Dick. It's about sailor and the ship and it captain who are on the voyage for whale hunting.

They are the largest marines mammals and found almost round the world. They vary in size and largest one (Blue Whale)reported was more than 100 ft long.

May 04, 2011

US Navy SEALs

US Navy SEALs captured and killed the most wanted terrorism face, Osama Bin Laden. This is a Special Operations Force that stands for SEa, Air and Land. The name derived from the team's ability to work on the land, in air and in water. The fact that distinguish them from other military teams is their ability to operate under the water.

SEALs were introduced during second world war and then they were deployed in Iraq, Vietnam and Afghanistan.

Without exception, it consists of male members ( :( ) and they are either from US Navy or US Coast Guard Teams. It has the toughest training program that drop out rate is about 80%

May 05, 2011

Murals

It's a piece of artwork painted or directly applied on wall, ceiling or any large permanent surface. Generally such artwork is in harmony with rest of the decor and furniture.

History of murals go way back around 3150 BC. The oldest murals are considered the ones found in Egyptian Tombs. In modern times, it's similar to Mexican Art called 'Muralista'. The most common style of murals is Fresco where water soluble colors are used to create the painting.

Fresco has come from Italian word which means 'Fresh'. Walls and ceilings are painted when plaster is still fresh and wet.

The oldest Frescos in India are found in caves of Ajanta. They were created in 6th century depicting stories of Lord Buddha's earlier life.

May 08, 2011

Sorority

Sorority (for women) and fraternity (for men) are both social organizations for undergraduate students. In USA, generally they are available in colleges and universities. Many of such organizations identify themselves using Greek letters hence they are also known as Greek Letter Organizations.

Originally they started by and for the Greeks in 18th century but these days they are quite common in USA and other parts of the world. Getting involved in such group is a tough recruitment process. There may be more than one group in once college and you can decide which group you want to join based on interests and current members. It's also an expensive and time consuming activity. So usually only upper class students would prefer joining them. Being member of any such national level group is considered 'elite'.

May 09, 2011

Gothic

Lately I came across a few Gothic Mystery books And did not have crystal clear idea about this term.

Gothic means related to Goth people or their language. They were traditionally thought to have originated in northern Europe and moved south towards the borders of the Roman Empire in the 2nd century. Eventually they occupied territories in modern Germany, Spain and Italy.

Another meaning of Gothic is something that belongs to middle age or medieval times. Era from 5th to 15th century is considered middle age. It's an age between classic and modern times.

The word also means Gothic architecture. It's a type of architecture became popular in Northern France (and then rest of the world) during high and late medieval period (12th to 16th century). Such style of architecture is classified by steep roofs, pointed arches, proportionally large windows and great heights. It is architecture of churches and cathedrals. Some old palaces, castles, halls and universities are also found in Europe built based on this style.


May 10, 2011
Topiary Garden
It's a type of aristocratic garden where mostly evergreen perennial plants/trees/shrubs are developed and then clipped to clearly define geometric and fanciful shapes. They are example of living sculpture. The word Topiary derived from Latin word Topiarius which means ornamental landscape gardener.

These kinds of gardens became popular in England around 16th century. Japan and China have also been practicing this kind of art for a long time though their purpose is to protect them from wind and sever weather conditions. They are called Bonsai and Penjing, respectively. Topiary gardens were introduced in America in 1962 at Disney World. One such garden is right here in Maryland called Ladew Garden in Monkton. (Which I did not know till now)

Also, here is the list of best gardens in US.
http://www.popularmechanics.com/home/improvement/lawn-garden/10-great-gardens-to-visit-in-the-us


May 11, 2011
LUDs

It stands for Local Usage Details. It's a reports showing details about incoming and outgoing calls for a particular phone number. In USA, they are made available to police by court order and generally same restrictions apply as that of tapping of the phone.

What's the right time to have a baby?

We have been married for over 4 years and as you can understand, pressure for having a baby has become unbearable. I was just thinking what’s the right time to have a baby? Though, I do fail to understand how can others decide for you? Even if they are your parents? I know they are my best well-wisher and their advice is based on their experience and wisdom, but ultimately I have to carry, give birth and raise a kid. For that, I need to be prepared – physically, mentally and financially!


When others give pressure to you, the crucial fact they overlook is along with pressure they also give tension! If you had planned to wait for more than couple of years after marriage, they would make you feel panic and guilty, as if you took some disastrous decision and now you cannot reverse it. I do understand certain things should be done in right time; otherwise it might cause a problem. But at the same time, it should not become a mission and everyone else is so curious about your personal life.

In my case, I hope, phase should not come that I am trying for a kid just because of pressure and age! I am making out not because of love or lust, just because I need a baby!

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!

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!

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.

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…

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..

We never touch people so lightly that we do not leave a trace!

I heard this on Oprah's show. Not like I am a big fan of her and listen to her very carefully but this one did touch me and could not resist myself to express my feelings about it

Life is a journey and not a destination – we meet so many people during this odyssey and we leave our trace, our impression on them.
Who am I?
I am lying between two ends of birth and death.
I am a soul – a feeling that touches you.
I am and I am not - Mirage
I am everywhere – a precious gift of God and one of many human beings.
I am God’s messenger – I have emotions that stroke you
I am sensation and sensitivity – waves of feelings
A short-term existence with certain responsibilities
An ultimate truth like the sun and the moon and the stars
My core’s voice like waves of ocean

How cannot I touch you?

સુખની આખી અનુક્રમણિકા
અંદર દુ:ખના પ્રકરણ
તમે જિંદગી વાંચી છે ?
વાંચો તો પડશે સમજણ

કવિ મુકેશ જોશી ની આ રચના આજે ટહૂકો પર સાં્ભળી.
ખૂબ જ સરસ ગીત પરન્તુ હુ ગીત ન વિચારો સાથે સં્પૂર્ણ સહમત નથી
જીન્દગી ે વાન્ચવાનુ નહી પણ જીવવાનુ નામ છે. જીન્દગી ના વીતી ગયેલા પાના ફરી વાન્ચવાને બદ્લે ાત્યાર ની ક્ષણ ને માણો ેમ મારુ માનવુ છે. હા, પસાર થયી ગયેલા સમય મા થી બોધ જરૂર લો, પન ે સમય ને બાન્ધી ન રાખો. જૂની વાતો ને ચગળવાને બદ્લે ાગલ વધો. તમે સમય ને પકડવાનો પ્ર્યત્ન કરશો તો સમય તમને બાન્ધી રાખશે, ેના કરતા ેને વહી જવા દો ને ે તમને પન મુક્ત કરી દેશે.મુઠી મા પકડેલી પળ માત્ર તક્લીફ સિવાય કાઇ નહી આપે.

આ ગીત મા મને બીજો પણ એક અર્થ દેખાયો. ઉપર થી સુખ ની અનુક્રમણિકા હોય અને અન્દર થી દુખ ના પ્રકરણ હોય. ઉપર પહેલી નજરે સુખી લાગતો માણસ અન્દર થી તકલીફ મા હોય એમ બની જ શકે. એટલે પોતાની વ્યથા ની કોઇ ની સાથે સરખામણી ન કરો. સુખ અને દુખ બન્ને જીન્દગીના અવિભાજ્ય અવયવો છે એટલે એમને સ્વીકારી, એમની સાથે જ જીવો. દરેક ને પોતાના હિસ્સા નુ સુખ અને દુખ મળતુ હોય છે એતલે બીજા સુખી અને પોતે દુખી એમ માની ને અન્યાય ના કરો

In short, life is too short and beautiful, don't ruin it!

Finally...I did it

Just a small matter but big achievement for me
For past couple of months I was thinking to brush-up my programming skills and instead of just reading books, I thought to download and practice ASP.Net. I know ASP.Net but never had any formal education as far as this technology is concerned. Hence wanted to start from scratch like architecture, installation, configuration etc.

I tried few times but somehow got stuck with some kind of error. Yesterday I read all the steps carefully and could troubleshoot all the problems with IIS. Obviously, I took help from Internet and just followed the guideline but still it is a big thing for me. Finally my efforts and tenecity paid off

I consider this as a positive omen. I did not do programming in nearly 3 years. I lost hope of again going back to programming. Now I am in touch with few companies for job and sponsership purpose where sound programming knowledge is must, especially ASP.Net. So may be something better is awaiting for me.

Not only feeling of accomplishment, but also some way to keep myself occupied. At this phase, I see so much of uncertainity in life. Nothing I can predict or foresee. I am having lot of inner chattering these days which mostly results into frustration. My expectations go high and feeling of dissatisfaction starts settling in. Deep sorrow sournds me which I have to make sure not to reveal to anybody. I can see that tension is taking toll on my health as well.

Atleast now I will be busy after going home in some way.... :)

It's festival time!

Tomorrow is Janmashtami. Krishna has been always my favorite God. Best resembling to human being :) "Great blend of bhakti, chaturya, shaurya and prem! kadach nav ras mana badha j ras Krishna ma jova malshe."

Till the time I was in India, Janmashtami was nothing more than a holiday in school, visit to temple and 'farali' food! After coming to US, any festival means making my bond to India stronger, cherishing those childhood days, giving tribute to mom by following all her rituals and also preparing to pass along the same to the next generation!


Every year around each festival, I do some research to find more about it and today was no exception. I am all set for tomorrow's early morning pooja. Krishna pooja followed by bhog and prasad, recitation of Krishna's 108 names and listening to bhajans. This time I am going to make special sweets home and already found link to one among the best collections for bhajans. 'll go to mandir and try to attend krishna-janm ceremony.

What I hate is to plan get-togethers, eat delicious snacks and play card just in the name of Janmashtami. For any religion, any God your feelings should be pure and sacred. If you cannot follo that's fine but at least don't try to hide something in the name of God.

I think, day-by-day I am improving myself; I am getting more honest and feeling closer to Almighty. That's why, in spite of stress and tension we are currently going through, I am simply excited about tomorrow and even more thrilled to tell about all of this to mom.

Don't we look great together? :)

I love food..

Well, I've always been food-lover, thanks to my mom. She has always been fantastic rather perfect cook. She taught me not only to cook, but also cook and serve enthusiastically! Learning is a continuous process and cooking is no exception. The day I felt convinced about my cooking, I felt very proud and independent as well.

After getting married I have always felt that cooking is equally important though you are a career woman and having food together is even more important. Just appreciation about your food makes you full..earlier dad and now husband, both of them always have been great food-lover! Dad has always eaten whole-heartedly, approvingly whatever has been served. Husband is one-step ahead, never has started eating without thanking me although I have served ready-made food!

Cooking makes me happy and hungry but admiration about my food makes me happier and full. It's great satisfaction to cook and serve to your beloved one. Way to man's heart is through his stomach has proved 100% true for me. I already have my cookbook ready..planning to put on blog soon :)

I am Blessed...

I have been delaying writing about this post since valentine's day hence today I was determined not to start working before I write this! Kinda punishment teacher gives to her lazy student:)

Anyway, today I want to share my feelings for somebody I care a lot for, yes you guessed it right, my betterhalf! Before getting married, I always thought marriage as a social arrangement where two completely unknown persons are forced to stay, get acquainted and then finally love and care for each other. This gamble sometimes goes through and sometimes it still remains as a gap between these 2 persons which can never be bridged! My this belief started getting thinner after getting married and now it is completely vanished and the credit goes to other half..

He has accepted me the way I am, he admires and respects the way I lead my life, the way I make decisions about both of us, the way I think. In our Indian culture generally X-X chromosomes are supposed to compromise, but in my case it went little differently. I am not saying that it has been perfect for me or I did not have to compromise at all, but the way we handled it and the way my husband helped me tackle the situation, I do not regret, what I have missed out. He has always been calm and cool towards my anger and frustration, always sympathetic and concerned and willing to understand and analyze the situation from my point of view.

The result is, I have started believing in marriage with all my reverence and faith. It is not arrangement but luck and blessings which not many of us can have. I want to do my best to make him happy and always want to see him as winner.

Changing relationships...

Hey
What a good start of day! Clear sky and sunny day, on top of it healthy breakfast and yoga too..:)
Hence could not resist myself from writing this blog about my yesterday evening

It has been more than 2.5 year knowing my husband and his (our) family, but as just two of us have settled down in US, it has become difficult to be in touch with our 'huge' family other than immediate family members and his siblings. Friends often visit to our home, but in such cases, I do not have to be formal.

And yesterday I got a call about visit of few of our relatives from my in-laws side. Staying 10 hours outside home for job and then cooking for 5 of us on weekday sounded little scary to me initially. But my aunt convinced me to have dinner outside at Indian restaurant, I was hesitant because they come once in-a-while, so I decided to prepare nice snacks (Sort of an appetizer before main course at restaurant) and sweet dist too. But I guess it was their destiny to have food prepared by me and around 7:00 PM I came to know that we are not going out and I will be cooking only!!

She assured me repetitively not to worry and she would help me out once she is in. And trust me, she kept her word. She also had a long day (After job she was directly coming to my place), but she helped me in whatever manner she could starting from cooking to cleaning. I did not expect this from elderly aunt and that too somebody from in-laws side.

Guests visit you now and then is common in India, but not in US. (This is common scenario at my both homes).I was really grateful to her as she made my job easier.When I thanked her, she told me in US all are equal and more like friends. So never think about getting into such formalities. How wonderful!

I really doubt, whether my mother-in-law or even my own mom would have given me same sort of freedom or flexibility. People back in India always talk about poor relationships and selfish nature of people here in US. For those only, I want to say, when they talk bad, they should not forget to mention good side as well.
I have seen here relationships are changing the form and not the value!! And such values depend on your own moral and thinking, and not the place!!

Cultural difference........?

Got scared looking at such a heavy subject? Do not worry, I will be writing a review of a movie I have recently watched..'Failure to Launch'..A commedy series about 35 years old man still living with parents and hence unable to keep any girlfriend!
When, I read story on DVD cover, I simply wondered if this is the subject worth making a movie. A delicate matter, how much one should be independent and at the same time attached to parents? I really liked the direction, because if such subject matter would have been selected in India to make a movie, story would be something like this..A guy who wants to lead an independent life, but out of fear and social custom, he cannot live his parents, hell lotta emotions:)
Here, I do not mean to insult Indian culture or offend parent-child relationship.
What I have understood and my parents have taught to me is, becoming independent, staying apart, if you can still respect your parents, miss them and remember them for the rest of your life, you can win the war between independence and emotional attachment. Happy to have parents like these, giving me enough of freedom and explaining values of our culture.
It is more important to make your kid independent, explain him value of self-esteem than making him weak using emotional weapons!!!
Lov ya lot mom n dad.......