Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Telangana - Cross & Knot game....
Monday, December 14, 2009
All Or Nothing
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Pink Or Blue.....
Monday, November 23, 2009
Have we found the "Lost Symbol" ?....
Clue --> The answers are hidden colorfully bold in the respective paragraphs.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Nothing Real about Realities.......
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Fun nd Festive
I grew up in a joint family. It was a huge house which will always be crowded. Needless to say during festivals. All my cousins(father's side) would gather. My mom nd dad would have bought dresses for us long back. I couldnt wait for the day to wear it. Shopping for diwali nd pongal itself is fun. Not once have i bought dress at karur(my native). We would either go to chennai or trichy or cbe for dress shopping. My grandpa would ask us to make a list of crackers that we need. We always would argue and fight with vignesh(my bro)while making the list. We would end up buying all the items. Never did once we finish all the crackers that we bought that year. We would always store for next diwali. My mom would wake us up early in the morning on diwali nd give us oil bath. Me nd Priya(my sis) would always ask for shampoo but my mom wouldnt let us use. she wud only give shikaka. She will tell us the story of Lord Krishna killing Narakasura while bathing us. Every year we would ask for the same story. Then its pooja time. All of us would gather nd watch our grandpa doing the pooja. Just after pooja we would run to play with crackers but our moms would not let us go until v finish our breakfast. There'll be plenty of yummy nd delicious sweets nd dishes. But we would just swallow and rush to play the crackers. Actually i have a small confession. Never did once i have a burnt a loud cracker(atom bombs, 1000 walas or hydrogen bombs). Flowerpot is the max in my list. But priya is very daring. She used to burn any kind of crackers. All of them (my bros nd sis) would take turns to burn crackers. Whenever priya gets her turn i tell a silent prayer. When i think of it now i coudnt control the smile. In the night time my dad and his brothers(my chithappa) would burn rockets. All of us will watch the fireworks from our terrace. I could never forget a diwali when priya burnt a whole bunch of crackers by mistake. We all came running horrified. We could see only smoke. My mom crying nd there she comes from the middle of the smoke. My mom went wild and dint allow her to play with crackers for sometime. However she worked her way out. If this is diwali, the celebration of pongal would start the previous night itself. My mom is the best in rangoli. She always wins the competition for rangoli in our street. We used to help her in coloring. vow those were really the best times.
The next phase is during my college and working days when i was away from home. During these festivals i spend time with my family. Priya was still at home and eagerly waiting for me to come home coz i always would get something for her whenever i come. But as uasual we start our fight the very next day(mostly bcoz of TV remote). After all what are sisters without fight. But now my mom would support me as i've come from hostel. She would cook all my favourite dishes(fish curry, chilli chicken, ...). We were no longer intrested in crackers or the narakasura story. We would start our day with pooja. Now my dad did the pooja as v dont have our grandpa any loger. Then we would all settle down in the livinng room in front of tv with all yummy sweets nd snacks my mom made for diwali. We have to constantly pull our mom from kitchen as she always finds some work. I would really feel bad when i have to go back to work or college. My mom would pack diwali sweets for me nd my friends. I couldnt forget a diwali when my dad came to pick me up from college. He was waiting in the visitor's hall. I was coming from my hostel with my laundry bag. He was actually noticing me while i was walking towards him i was wishing my friends. The entire trip he was completely teasing me for the way i was wishing my friends. He said that i got a funny accent and was immitating me. He still makes fun of me using that.
The next phase is after my wedding. That sure is one great diwali. We celebrated our first diwali(thala diwali) in karur as we were supposed to. I was really astounded by the way senthil was treated by my parents. My mom made made all of his favourite dishes. She wouldnt even let him get up from the couch. Everything comes to his place. Senthil was pulling my leg by saying that he's like a king and i'm his maid. Actually i was thinking, every *** has its own day. Its clearly his day. (just kidding). My dad would never allow us to go for a movie on Diwali coz of the crowd. But this time since senthil asked he booked tickets for us. So my long time wish was granted. Thats how i watched ATM(first day first show). However the movie was horrible(thats a different story altogether).
Hmmmmm now to present. I celebrated the past 2 diwalis in Canada. Last year in Otawa nd dis year in Toronto. Last year it was just a gettogether with friends. This year i had total fun. In the morning we prayed nd there was a small celebration in senthil's office. We watched everyone dancing nd singing. i participated in Rangoli and won too(did i mention that all the 3 teams who participated won). Then we had nice Indian lunch and watched Adhavan(movie). In the night we enjoyed the fireworks. What more could i ask for?... ofcourse my family....s i missed them a lot. All we did is share the diwali pictures....
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Country Or City....
We all have our dreams and we try to reach there. But the path that lead us there need not necessarily be hard and sacrificing. I'm not saying that we can easily reach there but we would have fun facing the challenges on our way to reach our dream. It always doesnt mean that we have to struggle to get to our dreams. As it is, there are tooo many choices for us these days. Starting from what to wear in the morning to what to cook for dinner. But i'm not talking about those stuffs. I feel it little complicated to explain. So i thought i better give an example from my life. My dream was to run my own business. But i was too scared to leave my job. I would really consider my self as fool for not knowing that i need not give up my job to start my business. We always try to think in that angle. Atleast i falied to think that there are ways by which i can have my business without leaving my work.
We are so used to make the easiest choice. Please remember that's not the only choice. It may sound funny but intrestingly it's true. We should not forget that we are responsible for the choices we make. All i'm trying to say is that in some cases we do not have to make choices. We can have both. We just have to sort out ways to have both. We miss to look at it this way. We just want to make the easy choice to make everything easy instead of making the wise choice.
Yes, our dreams come true. So we have to be wise enough in dreaming the correct ones. There's no point in feeling bad for it later. Thats why they say "Prevention is better than cure". When we really have a passion for something we woulnever stop until we get there. The passion itself would drive us. So all we have to do is dream our passionate dreams. Hmmmm how hard would that be?. I've started practising that. We do not want to hear people saying that they worked so hard to reach their goal. Instead they would say that it's been a wonderful and memorable journey that lead them to reach their goal. Get the difference huh?...This will only happen when we do what our heart desires. All we have to do is just dig up and find out what we really want. When we know it then it wouldnt be a struggle to get there. Instead it will be memorable. How would we like it if our journey to our dream was fun and memorable instead of struggle and pain. hmmm, this is definetly an easy choice. No more "No pain no gain". We wouldnt have to miss out all the fun just to acheive our goals and dreams. We can have both. Well, i can have my cake and eat it too.
It always doesnt have to be country or city. I would like to have a trendy house in city and go to the farm house in country for holidays. That surely sounds like fun. Well who can stop me, i'm a full time dreamer.
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Linguistic barrier...
Actually speaking, this is not the first time i fellt bad for not knowing HIndi. I would like to quote one more incident on this behalf. Earlier i was working in Bangalore(India). There were so many people from different states. All the comments, gossips and jokes will be made in Hindi. Though i was able to understand it i will not be able to enjoy it. i always loose the essence. I'm sure that this might have happened to many other Tamilians as well. I really dont understand what justification, the tamilnadu government has for not making Hindi as a compulsory language at schools like other states.
I'm really proud to be an Tamilian, but first I'm an Indian. What has happened to our unity in diversity. I love my language(Tamil) and i'm proud of its history too. But that should'nt in any way be a hurddle to learn a new language. After all that's also an Indian language - our National language.
Our language(Tamil), has an amzing history. There are numerous ways to protect it. Clearly this is not the right way. It is high time to make changes in this regard now. Because it does not only affect people like me but also some of the members of Parliament(MP)from tamilnadu. They are having hard time during the discussions in the parliament. Just imagine the condition of an MP in a parliament without knowing Hindi. Atleast now the government should take some stteps to incorporate Hindi at schools.
On the otherhand , we also shouldn't just wait for them to take steps. There are so many ways to learn a language. The parents should see to it that their kids know the language. You have no idea where they might end up. Moreover they know an additional language. The next genration should not face this issue. Believe me guys. It is essential. Initially i was also very much annoyed with the system in tamilnadu. But there's no point in just being annoyed. Instead of trying to pass the blame on the system or government lets see what we can do. Ther are numerous ways to learn the language, through books or internet or private tuitions. Lets find a suitable way to learn Hindi.
Feel free to comment about your views on this. If you have any incident to share in this regards, please do so. It can be serios or funny or enbarassing....
Monday, September 28, 2009
Life's a vacation....(Life abroad)
Moved to Canada(temporarily)...Just like everyone, i was also fascinated by the way people treat their life.Lotz have been discussed about how independent they are even in their 80s or how much importance they give for pet animals(cats nd dogs) or their weekend parties or the way they enjoy their summer. Just like most of the indians here, for me also friends became everything. Most of the weekends will be spent with friends. The weekends will be scheduled like movie nights, barbeques, game nights, taking trips during the long weekends, etc...We also try and find some reason for a gathering. Here, i would like to share some of my experience while traveling to some amazing places.
Niagara::
I have always dreamt about going to Niagara with my "Someone Special". Well, what to say my dream came true. I've heard people always say "Love is in the air". I could literally feel it there.It was an breath taking view. It took few moments for me to come to reality. There i was, standing in front of the lake, holding his hands and enjoying the view. The ride in the cruise(Maid of the mist) was awesome. The weather was perfect. The boat was so close to the falls, it felt like we were in the middle of the Tornado. The journey behind the falls was also amzing. In the night we had a pleasent walk and enjoyed the spectacular fireworks. It couldnt be any better.
Thousand Island:
My next trip was to Thousand island. Vow is the word that comes to my mind when i think about this trip. You could say this is where Canada and US meet. It is undoubtedly one of the most amazing place in this planet. It has a very unique combination of a the gorgeous green woods and cool water. For people who know Scuba diving or any other water sports , it is a perfect place. I enjoyed the ride in the cruise and the gorgeous scenery. I even learnt fishing here (but couldnt catch any). It is defenitely a romantic place. I was having a real nice time with my sweetheart , enjoying the spectacular view.
This place is special to me just because of the fact that it is thr first international place that i've ever visited. There are so many amazing places to visit in Ottawa but i would just like to highlight my favourites. Its the Tulip festival and the Rideau lake.I love the view of the lake especially in winter. It will be completely frozen and people skate there. In summer we can see people canoeing, boating and fishing. The tulip festival is definetly worth the wait till spring. It is the highlight of the spring season in Ottawa. The romantic view of the bright tulips is such a pleasant treat for the eyes. This is captured and utilised well by various Indian directors for their films.
Quebec:
Quebec is a lovely city. I felt as if i was in a completely different country there. Most of the people speak French. We spent our valentines day in Quebec city. What shall i say, my nubby picked the right place . Even the streets in quebec city is worth watching. There's a French touch in everything. We spent the day in the museum and whale watching and we spent the evening having romantic, candle light french dinner. Initially i was reluctant to go to the museum but believe me guys it should not be missed. It is definetly not boring as it sounds. The whale watching was great too.
Toronto:
There are plenty of great places to visit in Toronto. I just want to share my favorite places. First one is Durga temple. The temple gives a feeling as if we are in India. Whenevr i feel sad, i'll visit the temple and my heart lightens. I love the beach here. Whenever the weather is good we go to the beach. Its the best place to relax. We pack the picnic baskets with Chicken drumsticks, corns etc...we find the beach as a place to reduce stress.Then ofcourse the CN tower. The birds eye view from the CN tower is a spectacular view. How many ever times i go to CN tower, i still feel little scared to look in the glass floor there.Above i like the view from my balcony in the evening.
So, these are just a few places which i've enjoyed. There are plenty of amzing places still to be visited. Vancouver is one among them. Hopefully that would be the next destination. The intresting part is that these places have to be visited in right season. However any place is an intresting place when we are with our love ones. Isn't it?....
Friday, September 25, 2009
The way i c my life
My dad has been and still is a superhero for me. He knows the secret to make us light hearted whenever we are depressed. The best part is he has taught us how to deal with our bad days without leting us know what bad days are. Whenever i have any issues, be it work or family he has solution for everything. There's nothing that i cannot discuss with my dad.My mom is the essence of my family. We mean the world to her. Her thoughts revolve around the four of us. Oops no its five now(including my sweetheart). I doubt if i can be a great mom like her. It wouldnt be fair if i dint mention about her cooking talent. She's an amzing cook. Right from chettinad to chinese she's an expert. Now comes my sis. Apart from sharing so many things we share our birthdays too(great coincidence). We are more like friends. We are partners in crime too. At times she plays good cop and turns me in. I know that she'll be genuinely happy for me in my good times and will do anything to let me out in my bad times. I still remember her eyes filled with tears the day after my wedding.I've always told her that she'll be my first kid. Thats true she will always be.
Ta da....here comes Prince Charming. Yes every girl would definetly live in a fantasy world during a certain period. Everyone of us would have dreamt about our Prince Charming. I'm not an exception. During college days i was a small town girl. My college taught me so many things apart from the subjects. I learnt to be very careful but after making so many mistakes. Afterall its my life, i've to commit my own mistakes. There are millions of amazing experiences. I still can remember the first time going to the movie bunking class, asking permission from mom to stay in friend's place, passing chits during class, possessive fights between friends, forming gangs(sweet six), teasing frenemies, long night chats with roomies,uncountable trips and outings, combine studies before exams, etc... i wandered in the college not knowing that my prince charming was right there. I might have met him in the library or in the culturals but i didnt. Of all the three years i was there i was only dreaming about him without even knowing that he's there for me. He came into my life slowly and softly. There's so many coulda, woulda and shoulda in everyone's life. We often hear people saying "i would have been a dancer if i was not married so early" or "i could have been an engineer if i hav studied well" but we need to understand that everything happens for a reason. i do not have any regrets in life. My Prince Charming has joined me in the ride of my life and its going on smoothly. Mine is an arranged marraige. People go to casinos for the same reason the agree for arranged marraige -->hoping to hit jackpot. Well, what to say, i got lucky and hit jackpot(not in casino). We definetly have our differences. If two people have only one thought between them something is seriosly wrong. We just happen to know how to tackle the differences. To be a couple do we have to give up our single self?. Nope. Not really.
I believe i've just taken you through my life. These are some of the zha zsa zho s of my life. Just the way i like it. I hope you like it too.