Come on over, loads to spill

Oh don't ignore me! Go on, look me in the eye! I know I've been away, but I have loads to share. So just drop everything and read up.

Many many weeks ago, I hinted at 'some news' that I had to share. Since then a lot has changed and honestly changed in a BIG way. So let's start off on what's been happening and what's going to happen. This is an abridged version, the details to each will follow as there truly is soo much I want to tell you!

Firstly, I am moving to London! I have been accepted to study at the University of Cambridge, so I will be moving bag and baggage very soon...in three weeks. This means I have a TON to do before that. Goodbye's, or rather See ya soon's coz Gbye's suck!




So I quit my job, which was one of the hardest and easiest things to do. Hardest because:

• It was a place I truly enjoyed going to work to, enjoyed the work, and enjoyed working with the people I did. Not many can claim that. They were happy for me, and that matters. I will miss them.
• I was always used to doing things, checking emails and being busy and yet I wouldn't have to do calls, or send emails or worry about how the launch date for the toys we were working on was too close, or that the product curriculum needed to have more 'shapes' than 'colors'.

Easiest because:

• I would not have emails to check, or worry about the launch date for the toys we were working on was too close, or....
• I would have time to sit in the park, meet Oquai for lunch, watch pros (who trash talk) and tourists test their chess-playing abilities, and regular backgammon players, visit museums, relax in the park overlooking my favorite Lady Liberty and the cruise ships go by......and...er...blog.

Once I was officially not working, I decided to plan my time off. I visited my family (Mumbai, India), and spent about four weeks amid dinners, hotspots, plays, traffic, multiple house visits and stays, but most of all I spent it with my growing family, especially my nephews! Remember them? Nephew 1 is a charmer (fact, not biased), with a memory you want to steal (fact, not biased), and my godson, Nephew 2 is the cutest (fact, but maybe you find your baby cuter?) and insisted on leaving me with a sore arm (fact, not exaggerating)! Gosh, I didn't know that these little things can so easily be used as weights...forget the gym, have a baby and in three months you'll have the most-toned arms around. These two little wonders are my favorites things.


Given the time I had, Sister 1 and I decided to explore a new place, somewhere neither of us has visited which for her is kinda tough...this global jetsetter! We picked Cambodia and two of us took off on this wonderful expedition. We stopped for a couple of days in Bangkok (only because it was a stopover) and I visited the chatuchak weekend market because I had missed it on my previous trip with all Sisters about 3 yrs ago.

Listen - Cambodia is AWESOME.

The Angkor temples were the main reason we made the trip, and they are absolutely glorious. I do not want to harp on this much but I hope to have separate posts on Cambodia with pics soon. It is not a place for everyone, but it's understated but omnipresent culture, happy people and history are reasons you must go.


Now, I am back in NY and have been terrible at being a blogger. I have been dying to write to you all, really, and yet I have been drowned in paperwork. Now, if I had my priorities right, I would have blogged and forgotten all about the all-important visa that will allow me to study at Cambridge, but NO, I went the other way. Silly, silly. I am now slowly getting my act together. So a thousand apologies (the Mind your Language way).

Last week generated a set of hurdles I have jumped over which would have been clearly impossible without Oquai. This week brings a new set of to-do lists that I am determined to accomplish. Trying to wrap up eight years in a place is not easy - both physically and emotionally. So, to revel in some happiness and time away from all of this, I am heading off to Alaska come Saturday for eight days (you see, I DO have my priorities right). I can't wait.

Even once I start school, I will continue to blog on Matter of Gray, it is part of me, just as you all are. I don't know what my schedule is gong to be like at Cambridge, OK I have heard, and people say it's crazy. I also hope to write for the School blog, dance at the salsa club and do everything else I learn of there, in addition to classes, meetings, case studies, networking and the likes. How?? I don't know, but I'll find a way.

So, I request you 'Please continue to be a part of this journey with me as I embark on yet another adventure, please look me up when in London, maybe we can share a cuppa tea, and please....be a bit patient with me.'

It's SO good to be back. Now, let's hear it from you!

Today I'm humming Unwritten by Natasha Beddingfield


PS: Arrghh! Ok, this post was actually written on Aug 24, but you will see I ain't lying when I said I have been meaning to write to you all for the longest time. I started a post then, and finally sat down today to finish it. Such is my determination....just not enough to copy the entire post, re-upload the pics and format them in a new post with the correct date. Not today anyways!

Chomp chomp, hello's and Gbye's

The days are flying by, I have now been home for about two weeks and what a fortnight its been. Overall wonderful, interspersed with a couple of not-so-happy moments, quite literally. There's much to pen and share with you since I'm sure you are all dying to know what is happening to SSquo and her posts, the frequency of them I mean. So here goes:


Food: Mom, Dad, Sisters and anyone I meet asks me 'what do you want to eat?'. Unfortunately, I haven't made a list, so I just go by what I can remember craving when I get into the brooding homesick moods. As always I have to dine and visit the new spots, for dinner and to chill. Now with kids in the family it seems a bit challenging, yet we make it happen, I mean its part of our lives. We have done Olive, a wonderful branch of the original location in another part of the city, Mediterranean food. I started the meal with some quirky drink which included kokum and cumin, had to try it out. It was good at the start and then got a bit too thick for me. The food was good.


BlueFrog, was one place I was meaning to go to for a while and finally did it last week. The decor is really nice, the music was not bad, it was a group of young guys playing their own work (alternative). Kudos to them though! I am happy that a place like this exists because at least here budding and established artists have a stage where people can appreciate their music. I wasnt too happy when someone asked them to play some 'Coldplay'. They are here to showcase 'their' music, so if you want Coldplay then please call Chris and tell him to come over to ya house and entertain you! They seem to have a fabulous brunch with a live band, and a tribute show to MJ on Wednesday which we are hoping to go for. That reminds me, time to make some calls and figure out details. I walked out of the place and planted a kiss on the gigantic blue frog that sits in the lobby which elicited a 'That frog ain't turning into a prince' from one of the guys. Well, you never know, maybe my prince is waiting for me back home! I told him so!


Then there was Mia cucina, which is a small Italian eatery, not too bad. One of my favs, Thaiban a small Thai place which serves a dish I like, Mee Grob (pieces of shrimp and chicken with noodles in a delish sauce). Moti Mahal which is known for its traditional Indian tandoori and butter chicken, and then China Gate, well if you can't figure out the cuisine then you might as well ...I'll let you decide the repurcussions. I am missing a few other restaurants too (Gazalee, Sunny) and many more that I will visit. Mind you, I am still able to chomp on Mama's dishes just in case you thought I was ignoring her. No way!!! Tonight I hope to visit Valhalla which is supposed to be a newish place, will come back with some feedback.


With people spread out around the world, it is rare to bump into your childhood friends, neighbors, but I did! Yesterday, someone called out to me and I realized it was an old neighbor who is now in Dubai. She walked over with a baby in one hand and a young lad walking by her! Oh my, how time flies. And then another Aunt and her grandchild, and then another Teacher who might I add looks quite young given so much time has elapsed. Hmmm.

I also decided to color my hair to add some sparkle to my face. So last week I hopped into the tried and tested place that I normally visit. Sisters were a bit upset since this is a spot where most celebrities frequent and yet they havent yet bumped into one while visiting. Turst my luck, on the two days I visited (color and then retouch since I wanted some bits toned down), I sat alongside Yuvraj Singh (the cricketer, whom I didnt recognize persay even though I did hear their conversation for an hour until some gals in the store ran up for autographs, tsk tsk Ssquo), Kunal Kapoor (actor), and Ms. Jaya Prada (an actress from yesteryears). Course, I gave a look and continued on reading about Anne Frank and her life in the Secret Annexe. That's what I like about this place, you go about your thing just like anyone else...no hoo-haa no hullabaloo - just the way it should be.


On a more somber note, my close friend lost her father in law last week, and then two days ago Sister 3 lost her best friends husband! So, within hours they flew to Goa for the funeral. It is terribly sad. I hadnt met him, but the family was close to him. I helped write a short eulegy based on the few thoughts shared with me, and even I could not bear to write it. When young people start to leave us, it gets scary. I'm hoping that people take heed (esp. Oquai) and get a complete physical asap. I urge you too, please go and get your tests done!

For now, Nephew 1 is with us having a ball of a time and is right now smearing all us liberally with tons of powder!

Next step, finalize plans for tonight and get the weekend started. Stay well you all, and hope that I stay dry (it has been raining quite a bit)!

Today I'm humming Because you loved me by Celine Dion
(this is dedicated to M who passed away. His wife wanted to dedicate this song to him, so here goes B, this is for you both.)

I am home

The Prodigal Daughter has returned. Ok, not prodigal really, but some of the elements from thay story surely hold true. for e.g. the feast of foods that were prepared in my honor much to the irritation of sisters! I am sharing though....one little piece! hee haa haa

It is wonderful to be home amongst family, friends and newborns as well, especially since it is all temporary! A full time mama, I'm not ready to be yet, but I am thoroughly taken up and mesmerized by the two little nephews, but MOST fascinated with Nephew 1's interactions with 'Baby', as he calls him. If I could only capture those moments when he takes his little hand and gently touches 'Baby' and goes to give him a tiny peck, being ever so careful while constantly saying 'Baby?' 'Baby?'. I am sure they are going to be a handful and a forceful duo!

I'm hoping to make a trip outside the country with Sister 1. We are in the process of figuring it all out and will write about once plans have been confirmed.

Until I write again, please tell me in my Comment box one major incident/update from your life within the past three weeks since it will take me some time to catch up on all your lives.

For me, well I shopped, packed, took a flight back home with a stopover in Brussels where I had an almond croissant and iced tea!

Today I'm humming Video by India Arie

Bluebells and sunshine

Well, not entirely true. No bluebells in sight, but there is sunshine!

Today is definitely a brighter day. Yesterday was blah, I argghh'ed myself into work, and while I was walking to a cab feeling the colossal drops of water hitting against my pants irrespective of how I held the umbrella, I then realized that I've been missing the monsoon for too many years. Now, a few days of rain depresses me, when earlier I was used to months of daily or almost daily downpours. Sheesh.

The next couple of weeks are going to be hectic, lots of friends visiting, lots of catching up to do and then certain things to check off my list. It is going to be fun though. Note. there is some news that I will be sharing with you all soon, but I need some time, a couple of weeks more.


So here's a quick lowdown on some of the things that transpired during my absence:


My Godson was christened last weekend, and who better to be proxy for the Godma than my mama herself.


I shopped a decent amount - glares, skirt, three tops, shoes (many, but that's coz I was looking out for the family too). OK two pairs for myself, children's clothes, etc.


Started going for a walk for about 30 mins, well I've done it about 4-5 times now which I am extremely proud of. I love walking, but haven't done the whole sneakers walk for ages. Please give me credit!

Attended my first Jewish wedding and loved it.


Ate the most mouth-watering riblets drenched in a thick smoky sauce, and falling off the bone. You want some don't ya?


Heard Nephew 1 on the phone perform for me

• 'Hellooooo' which he repeats on and on, like I can't hear him
• 'Mama', again which he repeats and changes the intonation (he's got a future in dramatics)
• 'Dha-dhee'
• 'Eye-sh'
• 'Car' and then,
• Tons of of stuff that he mutters in what I seriously think is Swahili, coz noone understands it. The guy is gifted I say!

Realized that when I am away, I do miss you all!


Today I'm humming Malhao Malhao by Linda de Suza

This is a portuguese song that we used to dance to as kids. I recently found it on YouTube and since then we have all been just so happy.

Less IS more...but I still need my space!

This whole less-is-more approach is great for some things:

• Clothes (not skimpy ones me dear, but non-gaudy ones)
• Makeup
• House decor
• Etc.

But certainly not for:

• Houses owned
• Dogs owned
• Happiness
• Gifts
• Etc.

I do however draw the line with this whole less-is-more when it comes to the size of my house.

People are choosing to live in what I call cramped houses enough to trigger my claustrophobia from a mere look at the picture. It's fascinating, and I am very very intrigued (hence the post), but I am a bit overwhelmed at the idea an direct association with such a house.

Men and women have moved into houses that are all of 84 sq feet in area and up. You heard right -- 84 square feet! I stopped reading this on my recent flight and pictured a 84 sq foot house. Go on, you do it! Can you imagine?

I know that around the world people do live in small houses, more because they cannot afford anything bigger, and I know that this tiny house/hut can be home to more than five or six people (adults and kids). But this is entirely different. As much as I all for going green (using solar panels for electricity) and saving money, I think it would be a huge challenge for me to live like that. They say,

"When you live small, you live more effectively. You have time for the people you value. It can improve your relationships and finances."

Really?

• Finances I get. Given the mortgage crisis, smaller houses cost you less, so you spend less.

• Relationships?? Well, how about the fact that I cannot stretch my feet without placing them on you. Or when we fight, and if I want space, all I can is walk two steps (or one), face the wall in a 1x1 foot space and breathe slowly while you continue to watch TV with your feet outstretched!! THAT is not improving my relationship!
  

• Have time for the people I value? Where?? Where do we sit and spend time? In the garden? What about during winter??? Or if my pal wants to speak with me alone and there's someone in my 'house'?

• And then there's the entertaining. How do I throw a birthday party? Where will we dance? If three people get sloshed and crash, where DO they crash? Do I alter my lifestyle to only interact with friends in the cyber world? Or do I throw parties at other people's houses? How can my parents visit? Where will they sleep? So many problems, phew!

• They also say that it is basically good for people who live alone. Great! There goes any human interaction.

Still, I admire people who can live like this. I do get that there is some good in it. I mean there better be, otherwise, what's the point?

• It helps you to disconnect from material things. You learn to be happy with little.
  

• You also focus on things that are important, they say. Perhaps true, but for me, the claustrophobia is all I'll be focusing on, I'm sure.
  

• The other good thing? You can take your house with you, anywhere!

So, here you go - get yourself a tiny house from the Tumbleweed Tiny House Company and tell me how it works out for ya!

This is a video you have to see to know if this is something you can do. Click here. Stay focused on the bed area, while it is soo comfy looking (I love loft-type spaces), I couldn't help but stretch my arms out for fear that I am constricted. I need my space...preferably all 8864 square feet of it.

Today I'm humming The Way I am by Ingrid Michaelson

A memory

Most people that go on a trip will at some point enter a souvenir shop and pick up a little something to take back home in order to preserve the memory. It's one look at that little thing that takes you back months, years or decades. It can trigger a story of how you accelerated a bit too much and crashed into a nearby shop sign (!), or then how the friend insisted on drinking far too much and then insisted on hugging all his 'friends' (read strangers) in sight.

Whenever I go on a vacation, I do come back with a memory - in my mind, in photographs and then a little something. I do visit souvenir shops, but I don't always pick up something from

there...it depends. I did have a few refrigerator magnets, but suddenly a move of residence rendered these magnets useless because while my refrigerator looks shiny and magnet-friendly, it does not allow any magnets to stick to it. Call it vain or a clean freak, it prefers to have no adornments on it.

Anyways, I have adorned other places in my house including my exposed-brick wall, a cabinet and then shelves or just the wall with things I have brought back from my trips. Here's a few

Florida, Key West: We had stopped by the road to catch a glimpse of one of the most breathtaking views, the long bridge on one side and the unending view of clear blue water on the other. As I walked along the limestone covered path, I found a few pieces that were just lovely, and beckoned 'take me home'. And take it home I did.

Colonial Williambsurg: A pipe that was used in the old days and can very well be used in these days too!

Puerto Rico: When the tour guide told us of the story of the coqui's (little frog's), I knew I had to take them home with me. Apparently, coqui's are abundant down there, and their loud noises have become a nuisance to the local's, so much so that they have caused a decline in real estate prices. So, efforts have been taken to reduce the number. Now, three of them adorn my house.

San Francisco: I finally got to visit Alcatraz, a place I always wanted to go. Here, I did go to the souvenir shop, its not like the island had things I could just pick up. I picked up a prison mug for the days when I have been bad and need a good reminder of trouble can get me into!

Bangkok: As our boat was speeding along the floating market, I played my tourist role perfectly and picked myself a hat. No, I did not wear it around for the rest of the trip, only for a little bit as we four sisters continued our shopping spree, and gobbled down fresh mango, which that we bought from the boat that just slipped right next to us.

For now most of the items I bring back are small, coz they suit my house, and coz my final place of stability and rest is yet to be determined. Boy, am I looking forward to that time when I can ship things across lands and have them placed in my home. So that whenever I'm looking for a quick vacation, but am still stuck there, I can just walk over in my shorts to the garden, where a spread awaits me - ceviche, some rice and beans and roast pork, with my coqui's in the corner for company.

Have you brought back a coqui? Or then is your refigerator adorned in travel glory?

Today I'm humming Pretty flowers by Vince Gill and Dolly Parton (click to listen)

Where you from?

As I was shaking my booty a few weeks ago at a party, I heard something fascinating!

The guy who was moving very smoothly said to Oquai and me 'you know, my ancestors came from Ethiopia, almost 60,000 years ago!'.

'What did you say again?'

Well, I stopped with my hot moves (questionable!) because I wanted to learn more from this genius, dancer man. He was really pleasing to speak with, not to mention intelligent and passionate about knowledge and new things. Oh and he moved well too..to Soca music!

So, here's the scoop - if you want to know where your ancestors are from, or track down the shifts in human race, then you can do so through NatGeo's Genographic Project.

Note: If you are still calling it National Geographic, you are so passe!

According to them,

DNA studies suggest that all humans today descend from a group of African ancestors who—about 60,000 years ago—began a remarkable journey.

And they are hoping to chart new knowledge about the migratory history of the human species by using sophisticated laboratory and computer analysis of DNA contributed by hundreds of thousands of people from around the world.

The Geno Project is a five year initiative started in 2005, and is based on the DNA collected from ~10,000 (and growing) indigenous and traditional people all over the world. It seems that their/our DNA contains genetic markers that have remained relatively unaltered over generations, and are therefore a better indicator of migration patterns.


If you wanna know where you come from upto 60,000 years ago, all you have to do is:

• Request a kit ($99.95), then

• Do a cheek swab yourself OR send the kit to your parents and have them do it

• Pick the test you want - There are two, the maternal line of descent or the Y chromosome test for males.

• Mail the contents back to NatGeo

• Twiddle your thumbs for the next six-eight weeks (or work, sleep, eat...you know whatever!)

• Voila, receive your results!

They state clearly that you should Be Prepared for the results. I'd even add Caution! Not for the weak of heart or those who thrive on racial superiority!

Why?

If you/your parents or anyone taking the test does not like the idea of knowing that you come from a particular place OR realize that the results alter your current beliefs, then this test is not for you!

Not many studies get by without criticism, and nor has this one. People have opposed this study because they feel that it brings focus on indigenous people, and can be used to question a person's descent. The repurcussions of this? Oh, plenty as I am sure you can imagine.

One thing I thought about was, we'd probably have to change the options on a form we fill out. I think right now we have options such as Asian, Hispanic, Pacific Islander etc. Complications huh?

So, where you from? Would you be interested in knowing more? I have been meaning to do it, now I just have to get down to doing it. I think it would be cool to know the path of life of people related to me, even if it was 60,000 years ago.

*If you like me wanted to know who constitutes the indigenous and traditional people, read their Frequently Asked Questions (click here).


Today I'm humming Poker Face by Lady Gaga


Pic Source: Creativebits.org

Catching up

....is the agenda.

On my blog. On your blog. So much to read. So many lives to pry into. Well, not so much pry coz really you are sharing it with the world, its just that you don't know if your stalker is reading it. hmmm.

Cleaning the house. I was away gallivanting this weekend, and even knowing I was away, the dust refused to cancel its visit. How rude!

With friends. I took a trip with a gal pal to Colonial Williamsburg. It was fun, although we got half, or perhaps full baked. It was so frikking hot!!! Every time I touched my face, I felt like I was touching the hot (soft) metal that the blacksmith in the 18th century was working with. Speaking of which, how DID they wear so much clothing in such heat? You should go though, its a nice experience, and you won't have to worry too much about eating options....there aren't that many!
The Cheese Shop does offer some fantastic sandwiches though, and I was quite happy about gobbling down, hmm 1. a corned beef sandwich, 2. a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and 3. a prosciutto and provolone sandwich.

Ze famille is back from globe trotting, so I've been getting snippets of stories from those faraway lands. I have gotten some gifts, the important ones are - a swimsuit, two little Bali boys (it's not what you think!). The Bali boys are little miniature statues, and finally a Mother of Pearl house thingy. 'Thingy' coz I can't remmeber what Mom said it was.

Sleep. I need to sleep. Rest and not do much at all.

On exercise-time lost over the past decade....hmmm...ok scratch that one.


Today I'm humming Mad World by Gary Jules

Little Miss Reader

As I was walking past my bookshelf, I noticed the thick green-covered book that I purchased a few months ago.  

Do you have a book that transposes you to a magical place or to a time gone by? 

I am instantly taken back to my summer vacations (the few months of break between the school year) when I would wake up early morning for a session of badminton, or then Summer Club activities.  There werent many things that could get me up, but play time sure would.   After a good session, I'd wile away the rest of the morning around the neighborhood playing, climbing walls, the usual, head home for lunch, then get a good reading session before tea time and then scoot off for another play session.   There are far too many books that were covered during those afternoons, but I picked a few that I treasure...

The Faraway Tree series by Enid Blyton: I simply adored this thick green-covered book. It made me dream of adventure and exploration.  I was all set to hike up the magical tree (backpack in tow) with Jo, Bessie and Fanny.  I LOVED each characters name.  How easy is it to remember them?  Here try a few, let's see if you can describe them - Dame Wash-a-lot, Angry Pixie, SaucePan man (one of my favorites), Silky, Watisname (he cracked me up), and MoonFace among others.    

Readers Digest:  Ah yes! Mom and Dad saved the issues for a while, so in the afternoons I'd pick ~7-10 issues and plonk myself in my room, the sun shining through the window on a warm summer day and get comfortable.  I had a method depending on my mood.   I sometimes read by type of article rather than the whole book, so for example, I'd read all of the jokes, or then all of the 'Laughter is the Best Medicine' from all 7 books, and then sneak in the main story (which usually was more serious and long).  It was perhaps here that I started getting more intrigued by things related to medicine (Robin Cook to follow). 

Mandrake the Magician and Phantom:  How can you not like them?

  

Lothar's massive strength

Mandrake's magical abilities and the super cool Xanadu

Phantom's( (The Ghost who Walks) signature Skull Mark

To gain entrance to Phantoms home you had pass through this waterfall which was just super cool!  I wanted to move there, as usual.  Yeah, I was easily taken up by things and people. 

Tell me Why! (book) and the Britannica Enclyopedia: Why you ask??  I have NO idea!!  haha.  I thoroughly enjoyed reading them.  I don't know if there is much retained in my adult

 head, but as a kid, I loved them.  I picked a certain letter to read (they were numbered, but went alphabetically), and I remember showing some sort of nepotism towards

 the books marked M-N, N-O, O-P)!  

The things I found boring I'd skip.  I wasn't reading it to retain the information (Oh god, no!).  Perhaps I'd forget it all in five minutes.  Who cared???  I was doing it because I enjoyed reading about something I did not know before, about places I hadn't visited or times I hadnt lived in, and of instruments or artifacts I would never see in these modern times.   Some sections even had pcitures, those were the funnest entries.  Thanks Dad for being a sucker and getting sucked into buying the entire collection from a suave salesman!  I don't know how they are sold these days, but rest assured there will be a set in my future house, and no, not an electronic version! 

Archie Comics:  If you didn't read this at some point in your life, then well, you are ........hmmm.....ok...I wont judge, because I only have my childhood and that of those around me to compare to.  If you haven't read one of these books though, I'd like to know your reason!   I tended to side with Betty most of the time, and loved Jughead's laziness and capacity to eat!  In the midst of our crazy world, we can learn something from this easy-going dude with a funny hat and not-so-hot admirer.  Poor gal, I hope her parents finally got her braces! (Ok, just checked, it seemed she did appear with braces later on...good for her!)

The Monster at the End of the Book: I was really small when I read this book.  I remember my sisters reading this pretty often, and I was always petrified of this book. Well, I was 'tiny', and if the word 'Monster' was not enough to scare you, then well, you were just....hmmm....abnormal!  Coz, it was a book worthy of a good scare.  The story is basically the author trying to stop you, the reader from getting to the end of the book, because, there is a Monster (if the title didnt spill that already)!   

And the list continues including Mallory Towers (loved it, I so wanted to move out of home and into a boarding school asap), Famous Five (ok), Secret Seven (ok).  I never really got into Nancy Drew as much.  I did read a few, but wasn't totally into her.   Then I jumped to a number of author phases - from Agatha Christie, Robin Cook, Jeffrery Archer and for some reason I had a penchant for medical-relate gory mystery books written by non-famous authors. 

It almost feels like I was a child who read a lot, and that's all I did.  Yet, I was considered the most outdoorsy a child could get, mom had to literally scream out to get me to come home for lunch!  A few days ago, while Oquai and I were looking at some of my childhood pics, Oquai remarked that I could have easily been passed off as a boy at that time.  Hmmm....its crazy...the THEN's and the NOW's. 

How about you?  What's your story? Did you read? What book scared you? Or then what made you dream?  And which book from your childhood do you read till today?

Today I'm humming Yesterday Once More by The Carpenters

Hello Clarice!!

The white-tshirted articulate, brilliant, caring, organized, charming, cold-hearted, healthy, neat, non-blinking, calm, insensitive, chivalrous, insane man is back!

Anthony Hopkins has officially agreed to play Dr. Hannibal Lecter once again.

I remember seeing Silence of the Lambs centuries ago, falling in love with this morbid movie and taking a strong liking to Dr. Lecter or maybe it was Anthony Hopkins. I think its a combination. I really really like Anthony Hopkins, and I really really like certain things about Dr. Lecter.

On the whole, I think I am mesmerized and fascinated with the 'idea of a character/person like Dr. Lecter' - the brilliance and sheer insanity all rolled into one amazing-looking man!

I kept track of the doc's whereabouts through each film after the Silence...he explored new lands, expanded his taste buds and along the way, even converted a little boy to cannibalism - remember the last scene in the airplane where he offers the little boy a piece of some yum brain, and ate off the head of living man! This well-mannered killer, other than when he is tearing off people's faces is a modern boogieman for sure.

A calm and charming boogieman!

How oxymoronic.

If I were a kid now, and I saw this movie, I'd have my eyes tight shut and never open them just as soon as Mom said 'Doctor'...Who cares if all she was actually doing was calling her dentist for some pain killers!

It seems like Clarice may be played by Cate Blanchett. I don't like it when movies change stars. I do happen to like all the stars individually (Jodie Foster, Julianne Moore, Cate Blanchett), but just don't want them all to be Clarice in my head. I'll deal with it though, my love of Dr. Lecter is strong, so I must overcome all the other trivial hurdles.

Trivia for you: Tell me you agree! When Anthony Hopkins found out that he was cast as Hannibal Lecter based on his performance as Dr. Frederick Treves in The Elephant Man (1980), he questioned Jonathan Demme (Director) and said "But Dr. Treves was a good man." To which Demme replied "So is Lecter, he is a good man too. Just trapped in an insane mind."


Today I'm humming Single Ladies (Put a ring on it) by Beyonce

Now, Thats hot!!

Spice adds spice to life. And Sriracha (pronounced SIR-rotch-ah) adds spice to my life and my food.

I completely adore this sauce. The signature clear bottle filled with the orangish/red stuff peeking through, and the bright green top is comforting and makes my mouth water! It has brought a smile on my face and a burn to my tongue and tummy on plenty afternoons and evenings as I squirt some on my plate and then gobble it down. It is a perfect condiment as is. Sometimes, I make a concoction of my own at the table. I pick from what's in sight and mix them up based on my gut feeling. It's yum! It's Sriracha, how can it not be? It is spicy though, so weak tummies and tongue, beware!

For someone who enjoys spice, I find it difficult to get the required level of spice in my food outside. I do enjoy non-spicy food too, but sometimes, you just need the kick. I don't know how to explain it. It's just that my body craves it. Tradition you see.

Often at a restaurant what is termed as 'spicy' is hardly worthy of a followup sip of water even! But, show me Sriracha on the table, or the little bowl with the easily identifiable rooster sauce and I light up coz I know that the place knows the true definition of spicy. I even give it a secret five stars in my head, and I create my own mental bubble with a scene of all the Sriracha club members singing merrily holding hands worshiping one thing - the bottle draped with rooster images and capped in green!

I'm just thrilled that this US-made sauce is penetrating all over the US, and possibly the world (?? - I can vouch for select countries coz I send my family back with both versions - the pasty one and the chunky one).

The reason I am posting this, is because this bottle is making news big time and is also featured in today's New York Times, article 'A Chili Sauce to Crow About'. Click to read. Go Sriracha!


Today I'm humming Bang Bang Lulu by Lloyd Terrell

Fear

Photo by Basir Seerat

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Suggested prompt by Laura Jayne at Pictures, Poetry and Prose (click to read other wonderful works)

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Use this powerful photo to inspire your writing today.




Sitting idly me

The sun in splendor warming..

Then, the chill returned




How are you inspired?

Today I'm humming The Table by The Beautiful South

Green shoes

I have a relatively decent sized shoe collection. In my defense, I need to have summer and winter shoes, and then shoes for each type of mood or look, and then many are from years prior which I just love, so they must stay! I choose to use the theory 'I have to weather summers and winters, and shoes have to be mutually exclusive for each', quite a bit. That theory is partly true, and the other reason is just that I like to have shoes that suit my every mood. Just like you do, right??

I happen to go through phases of wearing the simple but all-time favs of black and gray shoes, but then I mix it up with a splash of color. Now with summer here, its all the more reason to bring out all the colorful shoes. There will be the pinks, turquoise, reds, and then ...the green shoes. I love flat green colored shoes and I have a few of them in different shades and styles. I can easily do with a few more, so not surprisingly, I'm drawn to yet more green shoes!

I treat my shoes kinda well. In the normal world, I'm fine, but compared to Oquai, I'm definitely the shoe sadist! He is very very particular about his stuff, and rightly so, I guess! If they so much as get a slight dent, he says that it's time to give them up. What??? I see nothing but a perfect pair of shoes, I'll even think 'they look new!', but alas the mind has been made up. He gets it from his dad, I hear.

I however did not get this level of shoe-caring from my dad even though he's the epitome of details and appearance. As kids, he and mom always made sure we were well put together with shoes and socks (no slippers), and I remember before every family outing he'd ensure that our clothes had no wrinkles, and that our shoes were polished. If the maid did a bad job on the shoes, you'd see Dad, our Dad take the four pairs of shoes (Sister 1, 2, 3, and me remember?) and if they were polishable (SSQuoism), then he'd polish them himself with a keen concentration and passion making sure that every tiny spot was covered. (I can polish my shoes, but not with the same perfection that he and Oquai can.)

I'd then wear my little dress and put on these now-shiny shoes, and walk to the living room making the announcement that I was ready. Then he'd ask with a grin on his face, 'Who's looking pretty today?' - as if there were fifteen little girls in the room, and only ONE could respond!

This was actually the clue for his little girl to basically respond with 'I am!', albeit a little bit shyly'. Being the youngest, this happened pretty much every time we went out, and even though it was at a time when I was probably far from being the pretty little girly girl, it is such a wonderful memory!

Anyways, on a vaguely similar note, here's a fun way to 'read' the soles of your shoes.

Note: This is just a fun exercise, so, please don't change your style of walking just to fit in...:) We wouldnt want people tripping all over the place now would we?


1. WEAR AT THE TOES Spending money as you go, never holding on to it.

2. BEHIND THE TOES Sexy and Sensual. A Flirt.

3. INSIDE FOOT Mean, greedy people are said to wear their shoes our here first

4. OUTSIDE FOOT Extravagance, wasting of money

5. IN FRONT OF HEEL Laid back, reticent kind of person. Also a bit shy.

6. INSIDE HEEL Person who is inclined to be materialistic, but never quite achieves what they desire

7. HEEL TIP Determined, firm people who know where they are going

And finally,

If your shoes squeak it is said that you haven’t paid for them yet! Maybe you bought them on your credit card.

Today I'm humming Bittersweet Symphony by The Verve

Source: www.socyberty.com

Let's start with Bali, then jump in and out of the loop

The plan to visit Bali was made last year sometime. Dad and Sister 1 booked the dates well in advance, and made sure it worked for all of us. It would start in Bali and then move to Phuket, Phi Phi, Bangkok and then back home.

Alas, I dropped out, and Sister 2 went through the whole big tummy, flat tummy process and so they dropped out as well. As of last night, the rest of the troupe headed for the vacation - the vacation I really wanted to be a part of. Dad, Mom, Sister 1, Sister 3, Bro-in-law 3, and Nephew 1 are all soaking up the sun in the gorgeous lands. I'm going to live through that vacation vicariously...and in two weeks I'll have an update.

Meanwhile, I will continue with my life, I will have attended a fun party (done), watch some great movies (done and more to come) and I will also have my eyes checked. The weird feeling of spin spin is not fun.

***************************************************

Two weeks ago: I really wanted to catch a film at the Tribeca Film Festival. However, a want takes some sort of effort to become an event that would happen. Oquai and I made the effort. Some quick online surfing and exchange of emails proved that the movie, 'Whatever Works', the one we really wanted to see with two of our favorites, Larry David and Woody Allen was sold out. Boo hoo! I mean really Boo hoo!

After a bit more surfing we decided to watch 'In the Loop'. So, come a weekday night we make our way down to East Village for a 10:45pm show. We hoped we'd get a better timeslot, but the only options were day time screenings, and its a bit hard for two working adults to scoot in the middle of the day.

The movie is terribly funny. It is full of bad language, but cleverly inserted in an attempt to make you smile even when the subject matter is serious. It's a political satire, the story of which goes something like this.

*******Spoiler Alert!!!

A minister, Simon Foster's perhaps ambiguous and unintentional words 'war is unforeseeable' is taken in isolation, causes a complete ruckus and thus forms the basis for this hysterical and (most-likely) all-so-true world of political agendas. Simon is then used as a scapegoat in many instances thereafter by the US and UK governements as a spokesperson, albeit unwillingly and embarrassingly, in an effort to garner support for the governments decisions to invade Iraq.

This seemingly funny movie shows us what can happen and does happen behind the scenes. For e.g. they talk about this 'war committee' that exists, but nobody really knows what it is, who are members or when they meet. The criteria they use to find out which of the existing committee's is this war committee is to look for the one with the most boring name. Right enough, they find one called 'The Future Planning Committee'. And the war committee it was! Scary.

In the movie, you see how decisions are made discreetly, how things are hushed up, meeting minutes are altered, how success is achieved...even if success means a 'Yes' vote to invade Iraq. I wonder what it would be like if we knew everything that really happened. For all those hushed up meetings and cover ups, we have gone on with our lives without the slightest hint that something was wrong when really perhaps we were three steps away from stepping on what was actually a prime target area 15 minutes ago. If things weren't hushed up in the political world

Do you think we would have less people to admire as our role models?

Will we be more nervous about stepping out of the house for fear of threats?

Do you prefer it this way? Some things are best left unknown, its said. How deep into the loop do you want to be?

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I've been out of the loop for the past week. The virus paid another visit. Apparently my stern Note to Virus the last time around didn't do much good. So we kept each other company for a good part of the week. I chose to be reticent, no point encouraging it. It started to overpower me so I brought in the big guns. The doc helped me out a bit and now I'm waiting on my throat culture test results...pray it all goes well.

Even when I was stuck in bed, I had an inkling of what was to come. There are always certain people who 'think' a certain way. It's what I (and mom) call a twisted mind. Have you met people who choose to question your illness even before checking to see how you are doing? It's a mindset and a personality, a non-caring one! It's how they were programmed.

First, by questioning if the person was really sick, these people imply that

1. The person is of bad character. i.e. he/she lies

2. The person's illness is irrelevant. The illness is trivialized just because they choose it to be so.

Who are we to trivialize another persons illness even if they fall sick more than you happen to?

Moreso, instead of just wishing a person well, why do you have to taint a conversation with a remark that spills with cynicism. I just don't get it. It's sneaky and ughhhh for me.

I know that there are people who do play that game. i.e. pretend to be sick and then head for a fun day with a visiting friend. But, but, but, can you generalize? And should you generalize? If you say yes, then I am forced to think that you think that way because:

1. that's what you would do (hee haa, there I gotcha!)

2. you have seen the person lay out in the park when he/she was supposedly sick

In these instances, I tend to assess the situation and the person, and usually give a person the benefit of the doubt before jumping to conclusions.

You don't want to be in a position when you make a twisted comment about someone being away and then the person retorts with, 'Yes, I was really sick as a matter of fact, I have been suffering from cancer and so when you have been implying that I lie when I say I am really am happy to be at work, well, youre wrong, coz if you were in my shoes you'd know that it is better to be here than to be getting chemotherapy and puking all over the place!'.

I remember my English teacher in school saying 'Don't call a person evil and hate him, like him but hate the evil in him'. So I try to implement this and move on. Ok, its not really evil, but its a heartless attitude I think. It's not worth any more of my time, but it was worthy of a blogpost!

Today I'm humming Hoobaale by K'naan

I confess that I..

Prompt from Sunday Scribblings: Anything to confess?

Can go to great lengths to avoid a needle poke.

Only bake cakes from cake mixes. Where's the time otherwise? I do add outside ingredients to make them yummy and give them an SSQuo touch. As a kid, I used to love helping Mom and Sister 3, who are truly gifted bakers. My favorite part was sieving the ingredients, licking the batter, and being the first to fight for the crispy and warm edge of the cake just as it was taken out of the oven. I played a very important role!


Need some true pampering when I am unwell.


Fake-understand 38-year annuity problems. I detest them. I've created a block in my mind and I quite enjoy my enclosed space. I hope there's no bulldozer around the corner.


Enjoy the show Jon and Kate Plus 8


Slather my pastrami sandwich with mayonnaise! (I know, I know. I am getting better. Last week, I didn't do any such slathering on my sandwich and I didn't even miss it...ok, I did a bit, but I didn't cave)


Submitted a beautifully knitted red bootie and bonnet for needlework class in Grade 9. I also received an amazing grade, but .......I had nothing and I mean nothing to do with its creation (Sorry Teacher A, and Thank you Mrs. H!).



Today I'm humming The Dusty Foot Philosoper by K'naan. My favorite lines and melody:
'The dusty foot philosopher
Ripping up kilometers
Winking at you officers da dum da dum da dum
The dusty foot philosopher
Sicking up the monitor
Waking up the auditors da dum da dum da dum'