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

~

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

~

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'

She moved out

And we can't be happier.

Sister 1 is now in her own place. Why is that special? I mean so many people move everyday.

This is an important milestone because back home, children (irrespective of the age) stay at home. That's how it is. OK, its not like we lived with 30+ people in one house type deal. Gosh, I wouldn't be able to handle that, even though as a kid I would day dream about the option. You know, all my cousins to play with? Many families live with their sisters, brothers, and their children. It's called a joint family. None for us. We were always a nuclear family, and I know both of them have their pros and cons. We always had our own space, and I think this also helped facilitate a close relationship now. We weren't in each others faces or lives.

There are kids who do leave the house:

1. To another state to pursue a career
2. Once they are married

But, it's not common for someone to move out of her parent's home and continue to live in the same city as her parents just coz she wants to.

Oh! I'm so proud. So proud. Did I say she is also single and a hot shot professional dealing with the likes of commodity traders around the world, and even a lead role in implementing a project through the Bill Gates Foundation?

A move like this is not common practice and definitely will raise a few eyebrows. The good thing is we wont have too many of those hairy things twitching. There will be a few of the..

'I wonder why?'
'Her own house? Alone?'
'Is something wrong?'
'Perhaps its a fight! Are they talking?'

I'm proud to say that we are pretty liberal in our thinking. My mom and dad are probably the coolest parents to have (ok, a bit biased, and yes, there are some exceptions, but they'll get handled in time). We were a bit concerned about Dad, but he was happy for her. He knew that 'this society' would raise questions, but he was ready to answer.

So two weeks ago Sister 1 moved into her new one bedroom fancy apartment. She is all about splashing her style all over the place, and boy does she have it all planned! From the French-country type upholstery (her words!) in blue, and then a dash of orange bolsters and cushions for the effect. The plates she picked from Prague will adorn the entrance area. The little holy water marble piece from Barcelona will be on the other side. She has framed the stuff she has gathered from all her travels around the world, and this woman has traveled a fair amount. Most importantly, it's her domain and I can't wait to plonk myself on that blue couch and hug an orange pillow!


An Aunt visited my parents house last weekend, and during the conversation, Mom happened to say 'Oh, yes, that's at Sister 1's house'.

Aunt/Uncle thought bubble: Sister 1's house???? What's that supposed to mean?

And yet, seeing the calmness and absence of discomfort within the SSQUO family, they continued the conversation. I'm sure it came as a surprise, but they are pretty forward too. Imagine then, people who are more traditional? Times are changing and people realize that. Where you sleep is not what determines how much you love your family.

I've seen newly weds - the husband is trying hard to please both mom and wife, and is sometimes made to feel like living alone is making the statement 'I hate you mom and dad! That's Crap! ' (This definitely warrants a curse, because it's plain ridiculous). I have had one too many arguments with some people who have to go by what is 'expected'. I think you can go with the flow and still be respectful, but it's one life. And I don't think you should have to live it the way others want you to even if it is soo soo wrong for you. If it's truly your choice and you like it, then do it. But don't do it if you are unhappy.

I can talk to my family about these things, and I know many can't. And yet, I say, there are things I have had to fight for as well, and I did. Don't we all as kids?? Don't we all rebel at some time? If you think its worthy enough, and if you are reasonably smart, then fight you must. And if you're out of line, you'll get a yelling from mom and Sisters (I've had that too!)! And that's the way it should be, they look out for you, but let you blossom.

So this change means that when I go back to visit, I have not one, two, or even three, but FOUR houses to grace my presence with. I'll still use our parents house as my base. Now, I only have to figure out how I can buy that extravagant speedboat, coz I ain't ready to sit tight in the car waiting for the traffic to move to transport me from one happy couch to another.


Today I'm humming Grace Kelly by Mika


Pic Source: www.hiddeninfrance.com.

Sunday Scribblings: Follow and much more

PROMPT:
I find this whole concept of following very intriguing. Sunday Scribblings, for example, can be followed in Blogger, in Bloglines and Google Reader to name just a few. Who do you follow? How do you decide what to follow? Do you follow anything else? People, pets, television shows, careers, really slow drivers, toddlers, family lines, rules, regulations, paths, routes, celebrities, all need to be followed in one way or another. Tell us your take on 'follow.'

I do follow many blogs. I am a 'Reader' in the sense that I have the blogs on my Reading list and I also read the blogs from the people in my 'club', which is perfect! So, it's two sets of people.

There are some blogs I have to visit regularly and I wait for their posts (you lazy ones, please post more often!), and then there are some that I can visit every few days or sometimes a week, or more.

I decide to follow a blog if it triggers an emotion when I am first on their page, and then if that emotion is sustained. There may be some posts that I may not relate to, but that's fine, I'm sure its mutual. I'll still go back.

I guess I like good writing skills, common interests, uncommon interests, posts that makes me smile, weirdo's ...there are so many reasons. I think the two words 'a connection' is what I look for in whatever shape or form.

How about you?

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On the topic of blogs and new features, it's interesting to see how Blogger has slowly but surely added such wonderful features. A few months ago, I was thinking about one of my blogs that I don't update as regularly as I do this one, and I wanted Blogger to provide an option where it allows the reader to be on a hiatus without feeling too guilty about it. You know, when you log onto a url and the last post was made 8 months ago??

Well, a few weeks after I thought about it, Blogger did something great. It added a Hide It icon.

I have another request, but I'm not so sure I should send it in because the way things have been moving along, telepathy seems to be working. So, I'm just going to 'Think' about it, and I expect in a few weeks the change to materialize.

What I would like is a Print option. For e.g. if I want to take with me posts from this new found blog on my vacation to Tristan De Cunha (the remotest island) where I will spend a week, I want to be able to print the posts. I'm a bit demanding so the print options should include:

- Print posts 'From Date - To Date'
- Print posts by labeled categories
- Print all posts (if I am spending a month in Tristan De Cunha)
- Print posts that include the word 'crazy' (or any other word you like)

Am I missing any? Do you think this option will be helpful to you at all?

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And finally,

- Please wash your hands multiple times (ok this is for now, and forever, its just good personal hygiene)

- If you have flu-like symptoms, please stay home, or better still go the doc and get yourself checked out.

That little swine (poor sick baby!) is creating havoc. If you want to get a quick snapshot on all thing swine flu, click here.


Today I'm humming Upside Down by Jack Johnson


Pic Sources:
http://www.artassociationinroxbury.org/images/printer.gif, www.msnbc.com, thebsreport.com