"Whopeeeeeee.. Snow...."

The morning light seeped in through the curtains of our hotel room, forcing us out of deep slumber. The spectacle from the windows was mesmerizing. Everything outside was burried in a soft white blanket. A blanket of snow. Yes. And it was pure bliss. I could feel my face glowing out of happiness and excitement at this enchanting view. 


Our car was covered in the snow too. It was the day we were driving to the great Grand Canyons. With such a pleasant start to the day, we were all excited and got ready to start off. The drive from the hotel to the Canyons was supposedly short (less than 7 miles). But as soon as we hit the road, it started to snow. And in a little time we were hit by a snow storm. And oh my god, it was a beautiful sight. It was compared to nothing i had seen in my whole life. Charming, delightful and more than i could express with words. Even though it was snowing heavily, we stopped at a number of places to take snaps and play in the snow. Ohhh, it was so soft and cold and misty. Well, it was freezing cold. But above all it was a memorable experience. I am sure it wouldnt sound so much fun for those who experience snow every day or  atleast over a major period of an year. But for people like me, hailing from South India and who have just heard/read/watched snow in books/TV, it is spectacular. So was watching the Grand Canyons.


Another one of nature's beauties. Thank you nature, for creating such beautiful things that makes every man gape in awe. 

Best friend :)

Sometimes, i wonder about the conditions with which we certify a person as our best friend. Generally the words, loyalty, love and understanding are associated with friendship. The rapid changing phases of our life introduce us to a number of people. Some of them just walk past, whereas some others touch our lives. Its like the Shakespearean quote:  "All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players: they have their exits and their entrances; and one man in his time plays many parts, his acts being seven ages". One of those many parts being the act of becoming a good friend. Not always is the friend a person. For once your pal could be canine. Yes, a dog. :) 


I have never owned a dog. In fact, I was pretty scared of them. Especially, when they bark. But sometimes things change in our life, surprising even ourselves. My hubby plays an important role in this change. His love towards dogs encouraged me to give a try on being friends with them and coming out of my closed loop. I started off by visiting the neighbourhood dog park with him. And oh dear! That was some revelation. The love and friendliness that they poured on us was really touching. They loved to be pet and attended to just like kids do. They would run around us and wait to be pet, all the time. Once they see their master they run off to them. Ofcourse, they will always have that special affection towards their master. It was purely love and loyalty. All they wanted was a loving pat. Its like how my hubby says, give them love and they will love you all their life. Having a dog is top on my wishlist now. Of course, every man-friend of ours is always there for us, but this guy is truly special. 

PS: Marley & Me is one beautiful movie showcasing the love between a man and his dog who has been his best friend for long.

Lost & Found - The Subways of New York!

A trip to the city that never sleeps! This was something i was looking forward to. New York - the city of fashion, architecture, skyscrapers, numerous cuisine, bustling crowd, hustling streets, yellow cabs and unending subways. Phew!! For me, this city was like the "new toy to a little kid". I got to learn a lot of interesting things like the fact that New York is a combination of 5 boroughs- Manhattan, Brooklyn, Bronx, Staten Island and Queens. Untill then i thought it was all about Manhattan!!!

With just four days and a handful of places to visit, we had to prioritize our sightseeing trips. On the last day of the trip, we decided to visit the St. Patricks Cathedral. With its beautiful architechture and artistic design, St. Patricks Cathedral is more than just a church. We were a group of six. We took a subway to reach the 51st street.  I was among the last ones to get out of the train. As i was about to get out, the automatic doors started closing and i was stuck inside the train while the rest of them were out. Gosh!!!! That was something!!. It was like one tight slap! I acted brave and stood near the door with a look on my face that said " Hey people! Is something wrong??? ". While deep inside, i was on the verge of fainting!!!! I jumped out as soon as the train stopped at the next station. There was hardly anybody around there. It was  scary to be stuck in an unknown subway station with just a few dollars and a passport! I had a feeling that people were eying me! The bravery in me seemed to be leaking out. So i started walking ( ideally running ) towards the exit and stood like a pole near the exit gate.

I guess there was problem written all over my face that made a very nice lady stop by me and ask if i had some problem. She told me not to worry and relax as i gave her little info about how i got stuck here. She offered me a candy and insisted that i have it. Ahaaaaa!! Now the CID in me awoke and that made me suspicious about her intentions. I told her i would have the candy later and asked if i coud use her phone. She readily agreed and handed over her mobile. I called my hubby and left him a message about my whereabouts. It was then that i had a little relief and felt good that the nice lady was with me. I thanked her and told her to carry on. She then gave me few dimes and asked me to use the pay phone in case it takes more time. And she gave me a big hug and told me that everything will be fine and left. To tell the truth, i felt a little sad when she left. Though she was a stranger, at that point of time she was like a great friend for me. As i waited for a few more mins i heard my hubbys voice a little further up the stairs. It was like breath of fresh air. And so, i was reunited with him and the rest of the family. Yippeeee!! :D

His end of the story - My hubby waited for the next train towards the same direction and got down at the next station ( hoping i would do the same, which i had :D ) and got to the exit. But then i had got out through the other exit of the same station. And in NY, the two exits of a station are at the two ends of one whole street (which is almost a mile away). He asked people around if they saw me and when he could not find me, ran to the other exit on a hunch. And tadaaaa.. there i was. Brave little girl (ahem ahem).. hehehe.. Though it sounds simple now, i am more than greatful to God for helping us out.

Bow bow - Dog Park

From the time i was a lil' girl, one thing that i feared most ( among a 100 others! ) was "dogs". Though that does not mean that i hated them. I was scared! I liked them from a distance. hi hi hi. Whenever we (me and mum,daddy) used to pay visits to any of our friends place, the first thing that i used to ask my parents was, "Do they have a dog???" And if the answer was positive, i would not get out of the car till i was made sure that i am at a very safe distance from the dog( preferably, the backyard )! Well, there has been an instance when i entered a house forgetting to make the doggy enquiry before entering the gate. And that was an alarming day i say! I get in, exchange pleasantries and sit on the couch. A little later i feel something very soft and fluffy by my toes. I bend casually to check out what it is. And the next thing that everyone hears simultaneously is a loud shriek and a bark! I guess the word "scare" applied to both me and the lil' dog. Ahem! It was a lil' dachshund. I was on the couch and was trying to reach the showcase on the wall to stay out of his reach! And Mr. Dachshund had the time of his life and was barking his head off! So to say, everybody excluding both of us (me and the doggy) had a amicable moment!

Bottom line, me and dogs never teamed up! 

Currently, the place i stay is surrounded by a number of beautiful parks, inspiring us to take strolls once in a while. And to my huge surprise, there are parks dedicated for dogs too, "Dog Parks". Ahaa! My hubby likes dogs and had been telling me about his fun visits with his friends (dog lovers) to the "dog parks". I got to hear from him about how well trained and well mannered the dogs are here. This was truly an encouragement for the chicken in me. So last day, my hubby took me to there. And i have to admit, it was a lovely sight to watch. The owners treated their dogs just like kids. Taking care that they don't wander away or play for long in the water. There was a lady who spoke to us about her worries over her dogs limping, just the way we hear our parents worrying about us. It was heartfelt love that ran between them. 

Though deep inside i was scared to touch the dogs, i could not stop from doing so. As we walked in the park, many dogs came to us - licking, smelling and waiting to be caressed. The chicken in me had to bow to their love. Nobody can show their backs to such loving beings, just as no one can turn their faces towards little kids. Its like how i heard from my husband - you give them your heart and they will give you theirs. 

Inception = Amazing

Another amazing piece of art from Christopher Nolan. One tip that i would give my friends is that the movie would be best to watch once you read the plot before going for the movie. That would be make more sense and will be very exiting. You would never know how the 2 hours fly. The idea of manupulating a dream within a dream is just overwhelming. The idea behind the movie is just mind blowing. Christopher Nolan has captured his idea exactly into the movie. I would say the actors have done their part well but it is the script and the concept that makes the movie a sucess. The climax was absolutely incredible! Capturing the 3 levels of the dream and synchronizing the time between reality and the dream time was amazing. Well, i can say this is absolutely going to be a Oscar beauty. Hail Christopher Nolan!

Cuisine Count!! Burp!!

Indian (Of course)
Mediterranean
Arabian
French
Thai
Mexican
Italian
Singaporean

An year Younger ;)

Oh my... Another year is about to go!! 
Its JUNE!!!!!!!!  ( my bday [:P] )


reminds me of so many happy moments from all these years.. feel like a taking a quick walk down the memory lane... 
all those lil' bday parties mum,daddy organize.. those lil' cute gifts i look forward to get from them.. from friends.. and those squeals of happiness and excitement on seeing the gifts.. i still remember the first barbie doll i got  and of course, the person, who knew that it was the right thing to give me.. :D  


it was a routine.. a routine that never tired me.. waiting for the day.. and it was always a holiday that day.. my classes always began only by June end.. so i never really had the chance to distribute chocolates back at school... something i craved to do then.. ( aha.. you think il leave that.. naah.. i was very adamant, took the sweets to the class, the first day school reopens.. hihihiihi and keep explaining everyone the fact too.. that my bday was last week.. and chatter on) listening to mum,daddy making arrangements to invite our friends that evening.. hanging all the color papers and balloons.. geee... the smell of my favorite delicacies swimming around the house.. and my unsuccessful investigations in and around the house to see where mum and daddy have hidden my gifts.. finally the hour arrives.. guests flowing in.. ahem.. to be more accurate.. gifts flowing in { am i being rude?  :O -- not that i mean to :( } .. and then the galaa.. singing, playing around, running helter-skelter, breaking a few glasses, pouring a lil water around... ending up with a stern look from mommy!!!  hihihi .. mommy wont say a word of course!! its my BIRTHDAY!!! :D 


mmmm... what lies beneath all this is, those beautiful moments... moments spent with family and friends.. moments i could now write about.. moments i cherish even till this day... moments gifted by God Himself.. Thank you God.. :)

Mr. Controversy ------- > Shashi Tharoor!!!

Just into the world of politics and bingo, Shashi Tharoor is in the midst of all the controversies going his way. Bad or good, he is in news all the time. And gosh! aint he getting all the popularity!!!  [:P]


Starting off with the controversy about him staying in luxury hotels for all of his official visits, when he has the authority and eligibilty to use the government guest houses. The news insiders say that he was not happy with the facilities in the govt. guest houses.. Ahaa!! Finally, our man had enough and called it quits, telling that all of the expenses have been paid from his personal account and not the govt. Gotcha!!! Then came the new controversy, where the hell did he get so much money from!!! Ooopsss.. 


In the wake of all these talks came up the next controversy , the " Cattle Class " controversy. Here, our man was charged of mocking the economy class (flight) as the cattle class. Now where has the democracy gone to?? Cant people tell what they feel?  Gosh!!!!


Then the most recent highlight in the news industry!! Sunanda Pushkar and Shashi Tharoor!!! Now whos this new face? Well, a beautiful kashmiri lady, supposedly to be Shashi Tharoor's girl friend and ofcourse a major stake holder in the new IPL team from kerala. The latest controversy fueled up by Lalit Modi (IPL Commisoner) accusing Shashi Tharoor of showing interst in the IPL team from Kerala because of his sweet heart holding a major stake in the team. Now now.. What has that got to do with a new team launch!!! Sounds like a bollywood movie!! aint it!!


PS: Ofcourse there are many more lil' controversies adorned by our man. Like the one on Gandhi Jayanthi, where in Tharoor commented that people ought to go out and work on that day and show respect to the Father of our Nation rather than sit at home. And Boom!! I have only written on the most popular ones.. Many more to come!!

The Bhutto Legacy : Unplugged!!!

Recently at the mumbai launch of her book - Songs of Blood and Sword, Fatima Butto (daughter of Murtaza Bhutto and niece of former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto), clad in a brown sari and looking her elegant best, spoke of the harsh realities she encountered in her life. The Bhutto legacy is always in news. Though Fatima is said to have not been in good terms with her aunt, Benazir Bhutto, she has told that there have been many sweet memories too associated with her aunt in her childhood days.

Likewise, Fatima suspects Asif Ali Zardari to be behind the killing of her father, Murtaza Bhutto. It is said that the news of her fathers demise was first brough to her by the Pakistani Premier very cruelly.

Her latest book - Songs of Blood and Sword is set around the story of the Pakistan's influential Bhutto family that has gone through a lot of violence and death. This book could not be published in Pakistan, but in India.

aKeLa DiL

आप हम में  बसगए इतने
कि ना सोचा इतनी याद सताएगी !
पर अब पता चला इस पागल दिल को
कि दूरी, याद को बना देती है रंजीदा !

हमारे आगे थी पूरी दुनिया
हमारे आगे थी पूरी दुनिया,
पर इन आँखों में तोह सिर्फ आपकी तस्वीर छापी थी !

मुस्कुरा रहे थे हम सबसे
पर घुट रहा था यह बेचारा दिल !
बस आपकी याद में,
हाँ, आपकी याद में !

pyaaraa pyaar :)

एय ज़ालिम .. क्या आपको खबर है, की हम कितना प्यार करते हैं आपसे..
न कभी सोचा है किसी के बारे में इतना ..
न कभी ख्वाबों में सताया है किस ने इतना ..
हमने तो आपको दे दी अपनी ज़िन्दगी ..
न सोचा की आप हमें चाहतें भी है या नहीं ..
आखिर प्यार देने में जो ख़ुशी मिलती है , वो प्यार पाने में कहाँ ..
प्यार तोह प्यार है ..
जिन्को नसीब हो, मशहल्लाह वो खुशनसीब हैं ..

yeh dil itna paagal hai!

इस दिल को ज़रा कोई समझाए..
इस दिल को ज़रा कोई समझाए की यह प्यार बड़ी बेरहम है..
न सिर्फ देती है यह ख़ुशी, मगर देती है यह आंसू भी..

कम्बक्त दिल भी इतना नासमझ है की दर्द को भी दस्तक देता है ख़ुशी से..
और आंसू को बना लेता है हमसफ़र..

प्यार करनेवालों से पुचो, की यह दर्द है या पागलपन..
बेशक हसेगी दुनिया, अगर गम को दे प्यार का नाम...

tHoSe nOsTaLgIc ads..

some things just stay with you and catch your heart unnoticed.. and among tat come some of the old nostalgic ads.. years back, DD was the sole channel we would glue on to. Just as the songs of yester years touch us deep and are unforgettable, so are the ads of those times..

some of the adds that are still fresh in my mind :D
The Dhara Ad - the lil boy in the ad has his own cute way of telling, "Jalebeeeeeee"..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FTuudwy0o8w&feature=related

The Cadburys Dairy Milk Ad - the words of the jingle still stay fresh "Kuch khaas hai hum sabhi mein"
The ad picturizes different people, their emotions with an element of fun and a touch of love.. superb!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktqXf5wZewU&NR=1

The white revolution ad - Doodh dooh dooh dooh
A very funny ad..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZjFH6yZ8LIA&feature=related

cool na? :)

oUt Of SiGhT, oUt Of MiNd??

memory is something which supposedly reduces with time, with age.. It is same with our thoughts on people.. When they are in the spotlight, they are remebered.. whereas once they are out of focus.. they are out of our minds..

one such person who came into my mind was our ex-defence minister and a strong politician, George Fernandes.. Last day, i got to read an article which mentioned about his deteriorating health condition..

Born to a catholic family at mangalore and later escaping the church, where he was to be a priest, to bombay (now mumbai)- he went on to become the founder member and one of the most powerful leader of the JD(U)..

But now.. a leader so popular, is no more remebered.. It was said that he is in major treatment for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases.. The eyes, which were once so vibrant and radiant are now in a jinx.. unable to remember the past, unable to recognize anyone, untouched, immovable..

It is not just he who has lost his memory, but a larger crowd in our country too, who have forgotten him.. this is life i guess..

bUhByEee.. "eMmA".....

It was 7 in the morning.. unlike the usual hustle at airports, the trivandrum airport- especially the domestic - was hardly busy.. there were just few people at the departure zone.. in fact i could almost count the people there..
* daddy, mummy, my bro, prabhechi (sis n law), appu(my dearest cutie pie - 3 month ol' nephew vignesh), prabechi's achan and amma
* 2 ladies at the coffee stall - busily discussing abt something in the newspaper
* 3 of the kingfisher staff - guys in red uniform - all ready to carry your baggage
* a kingfisher "chick" - ahem "Air hostess" - adorning a mini skirt and shirt-red again - sitting cross legged and looking a lil more than bored
* 2 security staff - yawning and stealing glances at the "chick" ;)
* and last but ofcourse not the least,a handsome hunk.. ;) with his wife :( (newly wed northy couples - obviously on there way back from a honeymoon at kerala.. ha!!!)

ofcourse.. there were a few more other ppl moving about but they dint play around the departure zone for long as the rest of them did..

the regular coaching session on "safety in the flight" was full on by both the set of elders.. 4 mouths were giving classes restlessly and 1.25 ears were listening to them.. 0.75% of my bro's was stuck to the outer world (me too joined in).. my adorable prabechi was all ears to them.. the kutty appos was half in sleep.. like his dad.. hihihi..

as time started slipping.. the chatter reduced.. the laughter eased.. there was moist in everyone's eyes jst like the fog around us..

emotions took over.. the chill wind complimented the agony.. all of a sudden it struck.. the fact that our lil one, " appu ", would be miles away in a lil time..
that gurgly laugh, the innocent smile, the naughty whimper, the cranky nights, the lullabies and the night outs would be only instances to be remembered from now on..

tears were uncontrolable.. the ladies in the lot were all in action.. the men were merry and hugging and kissing there gudbyes to the lil fellow..

as i pecked the sweet soft cheeck of appu.. he gave out a burpy laughter.. it felt as if he was telling me - ' ey "emma" .. next time i see you.. i need to see a smiling face , stop sulking "emma" '

and with this.. he was off.. to alight the flight.. off with his mum & dad.. leaving behind trillion memories for his grandparents and "emma".... :)

LoVe Is NeVeR oLd....

Sunday evening.. a slight rain, swoosh hoosh wind and a cozy comfy climate..
perfect for a hot crunchy dosa and coffee at one of the veggy eatouts..
somthing like "Arul Jothi"

So out we went.. me, mum, daddy, 'pappa' aunty and krishnan kutty(KK)uncle..

the eatout was bustling with the usual weekend rush..
on one side the bearers were busy taking orders..
and on the other, the diners were busy munching up the delicacies..

at last, we managed seats at the far end of the restaurant..
We settled at our seats..
another family was seated at the table adjacent to ours..
a father, mother, 2 kids and their grandfather..

the grandfather- a man in his late 60's, void of teeth - but full of smiles, gray hair, white dhoti & white shirt and a walking stick clutched in his hands, looked around him with a great deal of happiness and contentment..
with wavering movements, he got up from the seat to move towards the wash basin.. passing our table, he paused to take a look at us..
and with the most beautiful toothless smile ever seen, he exchanged pleasantries with KK uncle and introduced himself very proudly as the grandfather of the 2 kids sitting at his table.. the family smiled back at us, feeling a little embarrassed at the elderly man's converse.. then with the same smiling face and wavery balance, he moved on to the wash basin..

this gesture touched KK uncle's heart a lot (ours too, undoubtedly)..
his eyes were moist.. he turned to the grandfather's family sitting across our table and said " Nowadays it is such that nobody even bothers to say a hello even if they know each other. Either people are busy with their lives or they just don't want to "waste" their time in socializing.. people like him ( motioning towards the grandpa ) are the ones who teach us such lessons.. And not only that, nowadays the trend is such that the children do not take their aged parents out for dinner or shopping, fearing to confront any situation like this which might seem embarrassing to them.. I really appreciate your gesture and love towards your father. God bless you.. "

Grandpa's family was very happy to receive such a wonderful compliment and thanked KK uncle..

Our parents love us unconditonally... young or old.. it is always there.. same should be with us.. na?

I LoVe YoU

" chai chai" " kaapi kaapi"
a sea of people filled the railway station..
all around was full of chaos and hurry..
all sorts of people filled the place..
some waving good byes
some waiting expectantly for their loved ones..
a few others travelling all by themselves..

they rushed towards the train at the first platform...
"its A1, .. " he said..
" careful with the bags son.. you walk on.. am right behind u " she tells

after walking a little more, they reached A1, his allotted boogie.
the son waited for his mother to reach..
as he waited, he noticed her graying hair..
her slow but the ever eager footsteps..
her wrinkled but loving face..
her unclear but kind moist eyes..
his heart felt heavy..
how much he loved her..
suddenly aware of the brimming tears, he looked away..

she reached by him and stood near watching him pay the porter ..
her son..
how much she loved him..

and now it was time for him to leave..
it was time.. to seperate..
her heart skipped a beat..
she felt it striking fast..

he caught her eyes..
her ever vibrant eyes, were filled with tears..
with a heavy heart, he hugged her..
and whispered into her ears" i love you amma " ..

the horn blew out aloud..
the train was all set to move..
he felt it hard to move away from her..

"take care son" with this, she pushes him towards the train, motioning him to get in..

with heavy footsteps he gets into the train..
and within seconds, the train starts moving..
she walks with the moving train, trying to catch his gaze..
tears fall off his eyes..

the train moved faster, and now she was very far for him to catch even a glimpse..
she watched the train go out of the station..

now it would be just her..

she wonders " this is life .. this is life "

tImE pAsS

music soothes minds and the heart.. and so to calm this poor soul.. here i am..
performing this crime of singing.....
Hold your breath friends.. coz the after the next few mins.. u will need som1 to hold you from an attack.. hihi :)

http://www.muziboo.com/gopikanambiar/music/munpe-va

sAnds of tImE....

lost in a sea of dreams..
those moist eyes beheld hurt..
they saw no love..

her tender hands shivered
she yearned for care
for the forsaken love
for his warmth..

alas! the sands of time took him away..
to a world so far..
that she knew not where..

"Oh my love.. come back..
without you, life is an empty shack.."

she wept for him..
at his grave..

quietness unfolded deep into the sky..
clouds clanged to grumble..
the raindrops jumped to sprinkle..
and mother nature showered love as rain..

dAnCe Pe cHaNcE ....

Come September and then there is chaos all around @ the work place ...

N number of mails flood the inbox.. yelling and calling out for pratice sessions, lack of people, props, costume and whoaa!! wat not!! titled.. " JALSA" ..

Yea.. "JALSA" .. the intra office dance competetion..

With it starts the prying and snooping too :D .. to know wat the other teams are upto.. wat songs they are mixing.. wat theme are they using.. their props.. and in the midst of all this.. all forget their own teams.. hihi..

mon through friday -- > work work work.. wit a topping of dance to it.. :))

Finally al wait for the D Day... this year its on the 24th... and guess wat.. me too in it.. :D

yippeeee.. the "RAPIDO" -- Tats ma team... guess vll rock... ;)