The Chaat Flavour!!!!!

It suddenly occurred to me when I turned to my older emails this morning, that it’s been more than two months since I got back from my last vacation (from Kasol, Himachal). Over the past few weeks, I have been busy enjoying my days with my family, friends and meeting work deadlines. As I sit back today, with a glass of juice in hand, it suddenly dawned on me that I have had quite eventful and experimental vacations with relation to food. And why not, I would have had it no other way.

For a food enthusiast like me, the cuisine of a region is as much to look forward to on a trip as the popular tourist attraction. So much so, that on many short trip, I have been known to cross out a few stops on my sightseeing itinerary only to accommodate a much important trip to the local restaurant or a village visit for food and new experiences.

Of the many things that were on my must-eat list during my trip, the few that undoubtedly sought my utmost attention were those that can be found at almost every nook and corner of the city. Ask anyone who has ever walked the streets of Indian metros, be it Delhi, Mumbai or Bangalore, and they will attest to the fact that no evening stroll is complete without making a stop at one of the many hawker stalls on the streets. Stall after stall and Street after street you’re greeted by pleasant smiling faces and tempting colors on the plates that urge you to come and give it a try.

Topped with spicy and tangy chutneys, yogurt and tons of other fixings, each plate creates a whole new experience in the mouth. Chaats are one of those purely addictive foods that I simply refuse to live without! Living outside the comfort of your home teaches you to adapt in ways you wouldn’t have imagined. And I am no different. Although I do miss the flavors of my favourite eateries in Lucknow but I don’t step back from trying those in different cities with their unique flavors. This is one delicacy which remains similar in look and feel but tastes different in different parts of the countries… like in Kolkata, Patna, Bhopal, Rajasthan, Himachal, Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore. 

One should give it a try at various places to understand the tastes of the people of that region and trust me you will not regret!!!! 

Ooops, ok my mouth is watery now, going to grab a golgappa aka puchka aka pani puri… :o)

Six Funny Life Lessons

Hey Frens...

This is not my original post, am sharing with you an interesting email which I recieved today about 6 very funny and true life lessons to be learned. Jokes apart, the insight gained is valuable to everyone and I somehow don’t think you’ll regret reading them.  

Lesson 1:

A man is getting into the shower just as his wife is finishing up her shower when the doorbell rings. The wife quickly wraps herself in a towel and runs downstairs. When she opens the door, there stands Bob, the next door neighbor. Before she says a word, Bob says, “I’ll give you $800 to drop that towel.” After thinking for a moment, the woman drops her towel and stands naked in front of Bob.

After a few seconds, Bob hands her $800 dollars and leaves. The woman wraps back up in the towel and goes back upstairs. When she gets to the bathroom, her husband asks,…

“Who was that?” “It was Bob the next door neighbor,” she replies. “Great!” the husband says, “Did he say anything about the $800 he owes me?”

Moral of the story:
If you share critical information pertaining to credit and risk with your shareholders in time, you may be in a position to prevent avoidable exposure.

Lesson 2:

A sales rep, an administration clerk, and the manager are walking to lunch when they find an antique oil lamp. They rub it and a Genie comes out. The Genie says, “I’ll give each of you just one wish” “Me first! Me first!” says the admin. clerk. “I want to be in the Bahamas, driving a speedboat, without a care in the world.” Poof! She’s gone. “Me next! Me next!” says the sales rep. “I want to be in Hawaii,relaxing on the beach with my personal masseuse, an endless supply of Pina Coladas and the love of my life.” Poof! He’s gone. “OK, you’re up,” the Genie says to the manager. The manager says, “I want those two back in the office after lunch.”

Moral of the story: Always let your boss have the first say.

Lesson 3:

A priest offered a lift to a Nun. She got in and crossed her legs, forcing her gown to reveal a leg. The priest nearly had an accident. After controlling the car, he stealthily slid his hand up her leg. The nun said,”Father, remember Psalm 129?” The priest removed his hand. But,changing gears, he let his hand slide up her leg again. The nun once again said, “Father, remember Psalm 129?” The priest apologized “Sorry sister but the flesh is weak.” Arriving at the convent, the nun went on her way. On his arrival at the church, the priest rushed to look up Psalm 129. It said, “Go forth and seek, further up, you will find glory.”

Moral of the story: If you are not well informed in your job, you might miss a great opportunity.

Lesson 4:

A crow was sitting on a tree, doing nothing all day. A rabbit asked him,”Can I also sit like you and do nothing all day long?” The crow answered: “Sure, why not.” So, the rabbit sat on the ground below the crow, and rested.

A fox jumped on the rabbit and ate it.

Moral of the story: To be sitting and doing nothing, you must be sitting very high up.

Lesson 5:

A turkey was chatting with a bull “I would love to be able to get to the top of that tree,” sighed the turkey, but I haven’t got the energy.” “Well, why don’t you nibble on my droppings?” replied the bull. “They’re packed with nutrients.” The turkey pecked at a lump of dung and found that it gave him enough strength to reach the lowest branch of the tree. The next day, after eating some more dung, he reached the second branch. Finally after a fourth night, there he was proudly perched at the top of the tree. Soon he was spotted by a farmer, who shot the turkey out of the tree.

Moral of the story: Bullshit might get you to the top, but it wont keep you there.

Lesson 6:

A little bird was flying south for the winter. It was so cold the bird froze and fell to the ground into a large field. While he was lying there, a cow came by and dropped some dung on him. As the frozen bird lay there in the pile of cow dung, he began to realize how warm he was. The dung was actually thawing him out! He lay there all warm and happy, and soon began to sing for joy. A passing cat heard the bird singing and came to investigate. Following the sound, the cat discovered the bird under the pile of cow dung, and promptly dug him out and ate him.

Moral of the story:
1. Not everyone who shits on you is your enemy
2. Not everyone who gets you out of shit is your friend
3. And when you’re in deep shit, it’s best to keep your mouth shut!

BRILLIANT WAYS GIRLS TURN GUYS DOWN!!!

HE: I'm a photographer I've been looking for a face like yours!

SHE: I'm a plastic surgeon. I've been looking for a face like
yours!!


HE: May I have the pleasure of this dance?

SHE: No, I'd like to have some pleasure too!!!


HE: How did you get to be so beautiful?

SHE: I must have been given your share!!!


HE: Will you come out with me this Saturday?

SHE: Sorry! I'm having a headache this weekend!!!


HE: Go on, don't be shy. Ask me out!

SHE: Okay, get out!!!


HE: I think I could make you very happy

SHE: Why? Are you leaving?


HE: What would you say if I asked u to marry me?

SHE: Nothing. I can't talk and laugh at the same time!!!


HE: Can I have your name?

SHE: Why, don't you already have one?


HE: Shall we go and see a film?

SHE: I've already seen it!!!


HE: Do you think it was fate that brought us together?

SHE: Nah, it was plain bad luck!!!


HE: Where have you been all my life?

SHE: Hiding from you.


HE: Haven't I seen you someplace before?

SHE: Yes, thats why I don't go there anymore.


HE: Is this seat empty?

SHE: Yes, and this one will be if you sit down .

                                                                - author unknown (but probably a woman ;-) 

The Girl Factor !!!!

New feminism is about being gorgeous in skin and daring in attitude. There’s a need to tone-down the glamour part in oneself to look original, natural and comfortably confident.

Today be it any advertisement or various parties, the glamour factor are always and only girls. What’s the individualism they show other than being the glamour faces. I strongly believe and want girls to realise their real potential and not totally depend on the guys around for every teenie meenies of their lives. They have to respect and believe in themselves to make others believe in them.

I am bold n independent enough to be myself and not pretend. I won’t say I am a feminist.. (I don’t actually like the word.. sounds so stubborn noh!!!! :o) but yes I don’t like stupid differentiation for being a girl (though ofcourse, I love being a girl for him, I like reading chick lits and watching crazy movies… guess that’s the choice difference and not the question on one’s potential). I also don’t want the situation of defending a label ("feminist") that has always been common sense and represented a hope for equality across (if not an end to) all binaries, gendered or otherwise.

I have gained a lot from my mom’s thoughts and the boldness she had in herself, the charm that resided in her, that made everyone love her even after the revolutionary changes she adopted. She has always been my idol and every thought she told me is like a clear written paper in my mind. Through the wrongs and rights in life, I have learnt being a girl is not easy, it’s a need to be even more bold and intelligent, to realise the beauty inside and be confident in whatever they do and wherever they go. Then only they can make a stand and be respected for what they are!!!

(Friends must be wondering what’s wrong with me, why suddenly I am sounding like a preacher, but for all the gals I know, I would say adjust and sacrifice for the people you love but never loose yourself !! )

PS: Everyone loved you initially, for what you are and not what you will be!

NO CHOCOLATES PLEEEAASSEE !!!!

I dislike chocolates.

Yes...... you heard it right the first time – I dislike chocolates.

I really cannot blame you if you have that ‘O’ expression on your face. That’s usually the reaction which I have encountered from almost all people to whom ‘the great revelation’ was thrust on. My suggestion: Close your mouth unless a fly/mosquito (or an elephant for all I care) decides to take a (possible one-way) trip in that direction.  By the way, this feeling is developed only a few years back when I realised I was eating chocolate only coz I had it..n not coz I liked it.

The world does not start and end with chocolate......and it’s a statement.  

The person who seems to have benefited the most from this ‘malady’ are my flatmates / friends and brother – I used to pass all the chocolates received due to various birthdays, treats etc to my fridge and then they vanish from their . No matter how super delicious the chocolate would appear (errr.....I used keep it in my bag and forget all about it), it would eventually find its way to any friend’s stomach.

“WHAT? You do not like chocolate?”
Well... I do not. Period.

“How can you not like that dark sinful creamy creation?”
It’s good enough that you like it. You can indulge in that type of sin.

“You cannot be a lady if you do not like chocolate.”
Oh get a life man, there is lot more for me to eat than thinking about these non tempting things, eh? What about momos… and biryanis or even kulfi ????

“Are you sure you do not want to taste this chocolate ice-cream/cake/dessert?”
NOT again…Starting my countdown to ten - 1..2..3..4..5..

Few a times I have been the target  of jokes from my chocolate loving friends. Peer-pressure of a different kind......you bet!

Once in my office, a guy approached me (with those flirty steps) with a bar of chocolate, thinking I might get flattered with the thought and talk to him someday … without realizing that each day the brown bar was passed to a girl beside me who later popularized me as the girl who doesn’t like chocolates J and now people started gifting me jams and Indian sweets on my birthdays J lol…

WOW I wud love to have momos or even kalakand & rasgullas as gift instead of old traditional chocolates to flatter me.. hehee. :D Comeon think creative people !!!! and grow up from the only chocolate presents, not all girls like it !!!!

61 things that make you feel AWESOME !!!

1.  Being loud at inappropriate times

2.    Smelling the rain and drinking hot coffee at the same time

3.  Kishiewishie

4.    Feeling your stomach hurt after laughing too much

5.      Waiting for that someone special

6.    That feeling of being in a movie

7.    Everything about the beach

8.    Hearing the right song at the right time

9.    Hugs when you really need them

10.   Knowing that someone understands without having to tell them J

11. ANY good music and a terrace.

12. Freaking out innocent passersby on the road

13. Lying on the beach at night staring at the stars

14. Road trips with friends

15. Realizing your crush likes you

16. Being a bitch

17. Dancing in the rain

18. Swinging really high on swings and singing tunelessly

19. Feeling loved

20. Making people laugh

21. Being part of a winning team

22. New clothes!!

23. Being happy-high

24. Going into random stores, trying on stuff, taking pictures and then leaving J

25. Laughing for no reason at all

26. Big Bear Hugs!! J

27. Stupid flavours in Icecreams or Simple Kulfi

28. Seeing someone you love after a long time

29. Hearing a song you love after a long time

30.               Going crazy!

31. Making eye contact with a cute stranger

32. Laughing and crying at the same time

33. Wish you were here

34. Long walks with friends

35. Blowing BIG bubbles

36.               Wearing prettiful clothes

37. Taking a nice bath just before going to sleep

38.               Bunking classes

39. Mushy parts of a movie/sitcom/book

40. In car with friends on highway with loud music

41. Knowing something no one else does

42. Being the *best*

43. People remembering you as ‘that girl who won that competition’

44. People you don’t know recognizing you

45. Having long late night phone conversations J

46. Having a lot of cash

47. Presents!

48. People calling at midnight to wish you a happy birthday

49. Surprise birthday parties – planning one or having one!

50. Knowing you did the right thing

51. Being tripped on and laughing at yourself with everyone else

52. Having a shoulder to lean on when you’re crying at a movie

53. Going to school again, seeing all your friends and special places in school…the nostalgia

54. Doing something nice for someone you love

55. Being in your happy special world

56. Being wicked

57. Reading a really good book

58. Cuddling up in a quilt with a good book, coffee and good music when it’s cold and rainy outside

59. Pani puri

60. Compliments J & Secrets!

61.  Dancing like no one’s watching

Raining Thoughts & Feelings !!!!

Tip Tap Pit Pat… I know everyone is with me when I say that there is something about rains which adds smile to everyone’s face.

These million drops enhances good mood in some way. While the rain is pouring through my office window, my mind goes back to my old school days. Rains always gave me a reason to wake up with an excitement of rainy day at school and samosas from that shop near our school. The sound of the rain drops gives me immense joy and reminds me of the power of these tiny drops!

Rains in childhood was all about the indoor sport of counting drops or catching hold of them or football or cycling (when we always used to choose the longest way back home) or our terrace dancing. WOW what an unexplainable feeling ‘Rainy Day info’ by the school guard used to give us.

Rains for me is always a sign of togetherness…. Let me prove this equation to you ---

I always loved our government flat, having 2 bedrooms, a living room, a verandah cum dining, a kitchen and a washroom (may be this love is coz I have beautiful memories of my mom linked to it).But the idea of small houses have always appealed to me; the reason probably was the sense of security it gave me. This is the reason I never had problems living in any size of rooms when I shifted to Delhi :-) since, there are limited rooms; there is no extra room for pretence and ego. One cannot keep themselves in isolation for long. Big Houses save spaces for privacy, isolation, independent thought process, habit of staying alone and enough space for the blossoming of egos and needs. My small house always gave me a sense of unity and strength! Similarly, Million drops of rain drenching many of us unite us in some way. It synchronises our thought process, towards happiness and love.

Thus Rains = Togetherness + Happiness + Fun!

Hence Proved :-)

Another feeling …..As soon as you think rain or a droplet touches you, you cannot escape your romantic side being unleashed.It’s the very essence of rain that can make you fall in love with it. Whether it’s the smell of the first rain that seduces you to pour out your heart’s hidden desires for your loved one or makes you take that pen to paper to express unsaid feelings in a poem or unleash your passion on the canvas with colors reflecting the vivid moods the rains get you into.

It can make you sit at home having hot bhajjias or just simply snuggling up with your love; it can also make you want to go out and get completely drenched and do a lil Chhai Chhapa Chhai!!! Rains can get you in the right mood for catching up on the special moments of life. You wont realise but sometimes it does wonders for you. The weather is so cold and nice, and in this phase you can feel the right spark, since you can notice who is the first person, striking your mind!

The birds, the thunders, the pit -pat, somewhere create a unique music which triggers those rain-songs which have been written and picturised endless times. So when it rains, somehow those flash in front our eyes. Also, in this rat race to earn a better living, people somewhere have been missing their childhood days when they would run around freely in the rains without any of the daily tensions of work they have now. The rains provide them that platform wherein they can bring out the child in them without having to give any justifications to anyone. I so love the rains !!!

Everything around you looks dreamy. The freshly-washed earth and the glistening green leaves make you want to breeze through life. There’s something about the monsoons that makes you want to break the routine monotony and pull back, spend time with loved ones. Enjoy simple pleasures of life such as watch a movie at home, go out for a drive; or even plain sit on your window sipping tea, having a chat and enjoy the drizzling sound through the wind.

That’s the magic of rains that definitely triggers your mind to get thinking, being creative and being romantic!

Light my life

Light my life

Is it true that you are with me

it'll take a lifetime to sink in

Can you explain, who are you

and why are you here so close

I can feel it and see it too

its so warm and cozy with you

living and dying everyday

a dream so lovely & beautiful

Dont I see it, you are here

carrying a flame in the heart

to burn and light my life

vanquishing all pain & sorrow

no anxiety about the future

its this very moment I live

there is no parting of ways

the flame burns for ever

Dont judge the book by its cover!

I don’t consider myself the most fashion-obsessed person. I browse trends and styles from time to time, but I don’t feel obliged to follow them. Fashion is only fun when I’m not stressing out every second about what I should wear. And I’m not a “fashion snob” either – I think people should chose comfort over current craze, and be left alone with what makes them happy.

Having said that, I think what we chose to wear makes a big difference, whether we realize it or not. When people look at the way I’m dressed, it’s a window into who I am. The styles, materials and colors I have on speak volumes to the people I meet. What I usually try to say with my outfit is, “I’m easygoing, but elegant and professional.” And I really think people see that in me.

What I wear also opens up doors of possibilities. On days when I wake up and get dressed – when I put on something I genuinely like and feel good in – my mood immediately changes. I feel energized and productive, and the people around me notice it, too. On days when I lounge around in my pajamas, I feel lazy. And sometimes, that’s ok; but only sometimes.

One of the biggest things in terms of fashion for me is the choice of colors. I used to be a cautious person, wearing blues and grays and other toned-down shades. But with the change in recent styles, I was inspired to branch out. I love bright colors now, and I feel confident and happy whenever I wear them.

Being conscious of what I wear and how I present myself to people is important to me. That saying, “Don’t judge a book by its cover” We say it because we DO judge books (and people) by their covers (clothes). It’s worthwhile to remember that there is more beyond the surface. But paying attention to what I wear is my way of saying, What’s beyond the surface is worth it, too?