Feels great to have made a difference, to have lent a helping hand and helped shape the life of a child for one year :D
I don't even care now if I get fired ! :)
Saturday 30 June 2007
Slow Dance
A newspaper cutting of a poem I have had for long. Really nice . . .
Have you ever watched kids
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask How are you?
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done !
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say,"Hi"
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.
On a merry-go-round?
Or listened to the rain
Slapping on the ground?
Ever followed a butterfly's erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?
You better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Do you run through each day
On the fly?
When you ask How are you?
Do you hear the reply?
When the day is done !
Do you lie in your bed
With the next hundred chores
Running through your head?
You'd better slow down
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
Ever told your child,
We'll do it tomorrow?
And in your haste,
Not see his sorrow?
Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die
Cause you never had time
To call and say,"Hi"
You'd better slow down.
Don't dance so fast.
Time is short.
The music won't last.
When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.
When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift....
Thrown away.
Life is not a race.
Do take it slower
Hear the music
Before the song is over.
Sunday 24 June 2007
Ze Fruitless Orchard
We have lived in this house for more than a decade and has been a witness to many ups and downs we have faced (more downs than ups). It is a great house (a thing I realised only after seeing some matchbox houses in Gurgoan). Spacious rooms, huge lounge kind hall and an exclusive parking area with a tiny lawn. Our own patch of green in this concrete jungle.
Over the years, we have tried to plant tons of things here and treat it partly as a kitchen garden. Not many rewards have we gathered. The banana tree does not grow anything bigger than green semi-bananas which are no longer than a finger. The lemon tree has also grown tall like the banana tree, but no luck yet. Maybe the soil is not the kind which supports these crops.
So far we have had luck only with the mehendi leaves (the bush is history now), curry leaves and red radishes, which everyone thought were yummy (too bad i didnt relish this salad ingredient back then). Flowers there have been aplenty, but over the years the lawn
has gone through quite a few demolitions, drain constructions by the government et al. It doesnt help that our maali is an eid-ka-chaand. It needs major sprucing up to get back to its former manicured glory.
Now that I have started earning, I think a major weight has been lifted from my parents minds. They are finally spending on things that were long overdue.
Hopefully ze lawn would also gets its due.
Over the years, we have tried to plant tons of things here and treat it partly as a kitchen garden. Not many rewards have we gathered. The banana tree does not grow anything bigger than green semi-bananas which are no longer than a finger. The lemon tree has also grown tall like the banana tree, but no luck yet. Maybe the soil is not the kind which supports these crops.
So far we have had luck only with the mehendi leaves (the bush is history now), curry leaves and red radishes, which everyone thought were yummy (too bad i didnt relish this salad ingredient back then). Flowers there have been aplenty, but over the years the lawn
has gone through quite a few demolitions, drain constructions by the government et al. It doesnt help that our maali is an eid-ka-chaand. It needs major sprucing up to get back to its former manicured glory.
Now that I have started earning, I think a major weight has been lifted from my parents minds. They are finally spending on things that were long overdue.
Hopefully ze lawn would also gets its due.
Vinta on Breezer . . .
I personally think that Vinta from TOI is a fab writer, especially on issues of men and women. This article was again an interesting sunday read, but I could not help feeling that the lady in question was a li'l high when she wrote this. I agree with most of it nonetheless. Here's the piece:
What attracts a woman to a man
Looks, sense of humour and conversational skills apart, a woman’s biggest turn-on is an idea of the effect she has on a man! BY - Vinita Dawra Nangia
WHAT attracts a woman to a man? The usual reply: ‘A sense of humour, great personality and a sensitive, caring attitude’. The unusual reply: ‘Money and power’. What you will never hear is the actual truth. A woman is generally attracted to a man who is attracted to her.
There, the cat’s out of the bag — the single biggest fear of fathers and husbands who become wary-eyed the moment a man shows signs of being attracted to a woman!
And that’s why it becomes imperative that a man, if he is to succeed in the seduction game, compliments a woman on her looks, personality, her intelligence, eyes, hands, feet… anything!
Most women are so totally in love with themselves that the one thing that appeals to them above all is a guy who not just finds them appealing, but is deeply affected by them. Most sincere men may give compliments a miss, considering them too shallow to express their true feelings, and that’s where they make their fatal mistake. Just get this right guys, a woman wants to hear it all, all the time.
And, don’t just tell her she’s beautiful or gorgeous – she knows that and has been probably told so by many before you. What most men don’t realise is that a woman’s biggest turn-on is an idea of the effect she has on you! So go with, “I am nuts about you!” or “Do you even have an idea what you are doing to me?” or “I just can’t figure out the way time flies when I’m with you!”
Just ladle it out guys, in huge heaps! Prefix this with mushy, overdone endearments (sweetheart, princess, darling, baby...) and you have a winner on your hands! No woman can resist a man who declares himself smitten by her. But do beware, once you have her hooked, she will be watching closely to see that effect doesn’t wear off ever.
A woman loves to know you are thinking of her at all times; convince her you do. Send her messages or call her at the most unexpected moments just to tell her even in the midst of all your work and engagements, part of your thoughts are with her. Never ever do anything to give her a feeling of rejection, such as cutting off her call or not getting back to her for a longish period. A woman needs to feel wanted and be your first priority. She wants to be relevant to every aspect of your life; it gives her a great kick if you pose your professional dilemmas to her and involve her in a discussion. She also expects you to do likewise for her professional and social involvements.
Having said that, let’s not assume that just ‘any’ man can get away on the strength of compliments alone. There are certain prerequisites a woman demands in a man. And no, looks is not one of them, though hygiene and grooming certainly are. A woman may be attracted to a good looking guy but she would be wary of choosing him as a partner. She realises he would be attractive to other women too, and hence there’s more likelihood of him straying. And, loyalty is high on her list of requirements.
For ages women have been attracted to healthy, strong men who could be good providers. That still holds true, though today women also look for men who can meet their emotional needs. As discussed in an earlier column in this space, that’s the contemporary man’s dilemma – that a woman requires from him two opposite attributes – hardness as well as softness!
Of course a good body is always a beacon for the ladies. Here goes her wish list in order of priority according to a recent survey – strong, athletic shape; broad shoulders and chest; tight bum; a full growth of hair; sensual mouth; understanding eyes; strong chin and nose; flat abs and a three-day stubble! In fact ,the ladies even whisper about how a big nose, large hands and feet signify a big penis! Research however pooh-poohs such conjectures. It is also said that a man who dances well is bound to be a good lover; that could have an element of truth!
They say women are attracted to bad boys. A guy who is a bit of a scoundrel has immense appeal because of the element of unpredictability and danger he brings with him. And yet, however irresistible he may be, a woman seldom chooes a bad boy for a long term relationship, if she can help it.
Women aren’t genetically programmed to be aroused by the sight of male genitals, though it works the other way round for men – hence the popularity of porn magazines for men, and why porn for women never ever really took off. Growth of facial hair is directly connected to high levels of testosterone and hence is sexually attractive to a woman – the day your testosterone flows, beard growth is faster.
A man who is successful or bent upon improving his situation in life and has plans and goals towards that end, also attracts a woman. So, in short, a man on the move with great relationship and communication skills; is caring; and one who is never short on compliments, is a sure lady-killer!
Yes, you are right – tough! But not impossible. Whoever told you seducing a woman and keeping her interested was easy?
What attracts a woman to a man
Looks, sense of humour and conversational skills apart, a woman’s biggest turn-on is an idea of the effect she has on a man! BY - Vinita Dawra Nangia
WHAT attracts a woman to a man? The usual reply: ‘A sense of humour, great personality and a sensitive, caring attitude’. The unusual reply: ‘Money and power’. What you will never hear is the actual truth. A woman is generally attracted to a man who is attracted to her.
There, the cat’s out of the bag — the single biggest fear of fathers and husbands who become wary-eyed the moment a man shows signs of being attracted to a woman!
And that’s why it becomes imperative that a man, if he is to succeed in the seduction game, compliments a woman on her looks, personality, her intelligence, eyes, hands, feet… anything!
Most women are so totally in love with themselves that the one thing that appeals to them above all is a guy who not just finds them appealing, but is deeply affected by them. Most sincere men may give compliments a miss, considering them too shallow to express their true feelings, and that’s where they make their fatal mistake. Just get this right guys, a woman wants to hear it all, all the time.
And, don’t just tell her she’s beautiful or gorgeous – she knows that and has been probably told so by many before you. What most men don’t realise is that a woman’s biggest turn-on is an idea of the effect she has on you! So go with, “I am nuts about you!” or “Do you even have an idea what you are doing to me?” or “I just can’t figure out the way time flies when I’m with you!”
Just ladle it out guys, in huge heaps! Prefix this with mushy, overdone endearments (sweetheart, princess, darling, baby...) and you have a winner on your hands! No woman can resist a man who declares himself smitten by her. But do beware, once you have her hooked, she will be watching closely to see that effect doesn’t wear off ever.
A woman loves to know you are thinking of her at all times; convince her you do. Send her messages or call her at the most unexpected moments just to tell her even in the midst of all your work and engagements, part of your thoughts are with her. Never ever do anything to give her a feeling of rejection, such as cutting off her call or not getting back to her for a longish period. A woman needs to feel wanted and be your first priority. She wants to be relevant to every aspect of your life; it gives her a great kick if you pose your professional dilemmas to her and involve her in a discussion. She also expects you to do likewise for her professional and social involvements.
Having said that, let’s not assume that just ‘any’ man can get away on the strength of compliments alone. There are certain prerequisites a woman demands in a man. And no, looks is not one of them, though hygiene and grooming certainly are. A woman may be attracted to a good looking guy but she would be wary of choosing him as a partner. She realises he would be attractive to other women too, and hence there’s more likelihood of him straying. And, loyalty is high on her list of requirements.
For ages women have been attracted to healthy, strong men who could be good providers. That still holds true, though today women also look for men who can meet their emotional needs. As discussed in an earlier column in this space, that’s the contemporary man’s dilemma – that a woman requires from him two opposite attributes – hardness as well as softness!
Of course a good body is always a beacon for the ladies. Here goes her wish list in order of priority according to a recent survey – strong, athletic shape; broad shoulders and chest; tight bum; a full growth of hair; sensual mouth; understanding eyes; strong chin and nose; flat abs and a three-day stubble! In fact ,the ladies even whisper about how a big nose, large hands and feet signify a big penis! Research however pooh-poohs such conjectures. It is also said that a man who dances well is bound to be a good lover; that could have an element of truth!
They say women are attracted to bad boys. A guy who is a bit of a scoundrel has immense appeal because of the element of unpredictability and danger he brings with him. And yet, however irresistible he may be, a woman seldom chooes a bad boy for a long term relationship, if she can help it.
Women aren’t genetically programmed to be aroused by the sight of male genitals, though it works the other way round for men – hence the popularity of porn magazines for men, and why porn for women never ever really took off. Growth of facial hair is directly connected to high levels of testosterone and hence is sexually attractive to a woman – the day your testosterone flows, beard growth is faster.
A man who is successful or bent upon improving his situation in life and has plans and goals towards that end, also attracts a woman. So, in short, a man on the move with great relationship and communication skills; is caring; and one who is never short on compliments, is a sure lady-killer!
Yes, you are right – tough! But not impossible. Whoever told you seducing a woman and keeping her interested was easy?
Thursday 14 June 2007
Humse kuch na boliye . . .
We are who we are, no use fighting our character (though one can always strive to be better) That's exactly what dis old melody says. Love this song! :D
Ham hain rahi pyar ke, hamase kuchh na boliye
Jo bhi pyar se mila, ham usi ke ho liye
Ham usi ke ho liye
Jo bhi pyar se mila, ham usi ke ho liye
Dard bhi hamen qubul, chaina bhi hamein kubool
Hamne har tarah ke phul, haar mein piro liye
Jo bhi pyar se mila ...
Dhoop thi nasiba mein, to dhoop mein liya hai dam
Chandani mili to ham, chandani mein so liye
Jo bhi pyar se mila ...
Dil pe aasara kiye, ham to bas yuhi jiye
Ek kadam pe hans liye, ek kadam pe ro liye
Jo bhi pyar se mila ...
Rah mein pade hain ham, kabase aap ki kasam
Dekhiye to kam se kam, boliye naa boliye
Jo bhi pyar se mila ...
Ham hain rahi pyar ke, hamase kuchh na boliye
Jo bhi pyar se mila, ham usi ke ho liye . . .
Wednesday 13 June 2007
Thoughts
If constructive thoughts are planted positive outcomes will be the result.
Plant the seeds of failure and failure will follow.
Anonymous
What you see and hear depends a good deal on where you are standing; it also
depends on what kind of a person you are.
C.S. Lewis
It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most
intelligent, but the one most responsive to change.
Charles Darwin
Tuesday 12 June 2007
Songs on my Mind...
I Wanna Dance with Somebody...
Clock strikes upon the hour,
And the sun begins to fade.
Still enough time to figure out,
How to chase my blues away.
I've done alright up till now.
It's the light of day that shows me how.
And when the night falls...
The loneliness calls.
Oh I wanna dance with somebody,
I wanna feel the heat with somebody.
Yeah I wanna dance with somebody,
With somebody who loves me.
Oh I wanna dance with somebody,
I wanna feel the heat with somebody.
Yeah I wanna dance with somebody,
With somebody who loves me.
I've been in love,
And lost my senses,
Spinning through the town.
Sooner or later the fever ends,
And I wind up feeling down.
I need a man who'll take a chance,
On a love that burns hot enough to last.
So when the night falls,
my lonely heart calls.
Oh I wanna dance with somebody,
I wanna feel the heat with somebody.
Yeah I wanna dance with somebody,
With somebody who loves me.
Oh I wanna dance with somebody,
I wanna feel the heat.
Yeah I wanna dance with somebody,
With somebody who loves me.
(Somebody who somebody who)somebody who loves me,
(Somebody who somebody who)to hold me in his arms.
I need a man who'll take a chance,
on a love that burns hot enough to last.
So when the night falls,
my lonely heart calls.
Oh I wanna dance with somebody,
I wanna feel the heat with somebody.
Yeah I wanna dance with somebody,
With somebody who loves me.
Oh I wanna dance with somebody,
I wanna feel the heat with somebody.
Yeah I wanna dance with somebody,
With somebody who loves me.
Yeah,
Don't you wanna dance with me baby?
Don't you wanna dance with me boy?
Don't you wanna dance with me baby?
With somebody who loves me,
don't you wanna dance
say you wanna dance
don't you wanna dance... (3)
uh-huh
with somebody who loves me
-Whitney Houston
------------------------------------------
Cruel Summer...
Hot summer streets
And the pavements are burning
I sit around
Trying to smile
But the air is so heavy and dry
Strange voices are saying
What did they say
Things I can't understand
It's too close for comfort
This heat has got right out of hand
(chorus x 2)
It's a cruel, cruel summer
Leaving me here on my own
It's a cruel, cruel summer
Now you've gone
The city is crowded
My friends are away
And I'm on my own
It's too hot to handle
So I got to get up and go
(chorus)
You're not the only one
(chorus)
(chorus)
You're not the only one
(chorus)
- Ace of Base/ Bananarama
--------------------------------------------
Thank You for the Music...
Im nothing special, in fact Im a bit of a bore
If I tell a joke, youve probably heard it before
But I have a talent, a wonderful thing
cause everyone listens when I start to sing
Im so grateful and proud
All I want is to sing it out loud
So I say
Thank you for the music, the songs Im singing
Thanks for all the joy theyre bringing
Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty
What would life be?
Without a song or a dance what are we?
So I say thank you for the music
For giving it to me
Mother says I was a dancer before I could walk
She says I began to sing long before I could talk
And Ive often wondered, how did it all start?
Who found out that nothing can capture a heart
Like a melody can?
Well, whoever it was, Im a fan
So I say
Thank you for the music, the songs Im singing
Thanks for all the joy theyre bringing
Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty
What would life be?
Without a song or a dance what are we?
So I say thank you for the music
For giving it to me
Ive been so lucky, I am the girl with golden hair
I wanna sing it out to everybody
What a joy, what a life, what a chance!
So I say
Thank you for the music, the songs Im singing
Thanks for all the joy theyre bringing
Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty
What would life be?
Without a song or a dance what are we?
So I say thank you for the music
For giving it to me
- Abba
-------------------------------------------------
Money Money Money...
Money, money, money, money, money (6)
Some people got to have it
Some people really need it
Listen to me y'all, do things
Do things, do bad things with it
You wanna do things, do things
Do things, good things with it
Talk about cash money, money
Talk about cash money
Dollar bills, yall
For the love of money
People will steal from their mother
For the love of money
People will rob their own brother
For the love of money
People can't even walk the street
Because they never know
Who in the world they're gonna beat
For that lean, mean, mean green
Almighty dollar, money
For the love of money
People will lie, Lord, they will cheat
For the love of money
People don't care who they hurt or beat
For the love of money
A woman will sell her precious body
For a small piece of paper
It carries a lot of weight
Call it lean, mean, mean green
Almighty dollar
I know money is the root of all evil
Do funny things to some people
Give me a nickel, brother can you spare a dime
Money can drive some people out of their minds
Got to have it, I really need it
How many things have I heard you say
Some people really need it
How many things have I heard you say
Got to have it, I really need it
How many things have I heard you say
Lay down, lay down, a woman will lay down
For the love of money
All for the love of money
Don't let, don't let, don't let money rule you
For the love of money
Money can change people sometimes
Don't let, don't let, don't let money fool you
Money can fool people sometimes
People, don't let money, don't let money change you
It will keep on changing, changing up your mind
- The Apprentice
Friday 8 June 2007
The Authentic Hypochondriac
Hypochondria - an excessive preoccupation with health and diseases, is more of a
state of mind or a phobia than a psychological disorder. While Hypochondriacs there
are many, not all are authentic. Here is a checklist of Authentic Hypochondriacs:
1. You are not, I repeat, NOT an authentic hypochondriac if you are not obsessed/
preoccupied with the fact that there are germs everywhere, on every surface,
including the buttons on the elevator, on the towel, on the spoon, even on packed
tissues.
2. You are not an authentic hypochondriac if you do not wash your hands at least,
at least 6 times a day with an antiseptic/ antibacterial soap.
3. If you do not fret about a centimetre of a dry patch on the skin, a little more
than usual hair on the comb, or if you forgot to drink 1.5 - 2 ltrs of water in a
day (and you actually make menatal records of water consumed).
4. Just stop reading if you do not link any weird aches and pains to life altering/
extinguishing diseases such as cancer (throat, skin, blood, lung, anything!), TB,
liver cirrhosis, tumours and what have you.
5. If you do not quickly examine plates and glasses examined at the table at
restaurants, cafeterias, water coolers, et al...
6. If you can simply not let anything keep you from reading the tiniest bit of
reasearch data/ feature/ cover story related to health issues. YOU JUST HAVE TO READ
IT!
state of mind or a phobia than a psychological disorder. While Hypochondriacs there
are many, not all are authentic. Here is a checklist of Authentic Hypochondriacs:
1. You are not, I repeat, NOT an authentic hypochondriac if you are not obsessed/
preoccupied with the fact that there are germs everywhere, on every surface,
including the buttons on the elevator, on the towel, on the spoon, even on packed
tissues.
2. You are not an authentic hypochondriac if you do not wash your hands at least,
at least 6 times a day with an antiseptic/ antibacterial soap.
3. If you do not fret about a centimetre of a dry patch on the skin, a little more
than usual hair on the comb, or if you forgot to drink 1.5 - 2 ltrs of water in a
day (and you actually make menatal records of water consumed).
4. Just stop reading if you do not link any weird aches and pains to life altering/
extinguishing diseases such as cancer (throat, skin, blood, lung, anything!), TB,
liver cirrhosis, tumours and what have you.
5. If you do not quickly examine plates and glasses examined at the table at
restaurants, cafeterias, water coolers, et al...
6. If you can simply not let anything keep you from reading the tiniest bit of
reasearch data/ feature/ cover story related to health issues. YOU JUST HAVE TO READ
IT!
Friday 1 June 2007
The Pursuit of Happyness
First I thought I would be happy if I had a xyz
But then i met someone who had it, but was not happy
Then i thought i would be happy when i got an xyz
But again, the person who had it was not happy
I was not happy till I realised that happyness neither comes from things or the lack
of it.
We constantly delay happiness thinking about what lies ahead, what is next to
achieve. But life is an ongoing process and till the time we die, there are always
going to be things to achieve, errands to run, duites to perform, things to worry about and things to pine for.
What is being happy? How does one become and stay happy? To say that "I just want to
be happy" is asking for the moon without even knowing so. What we must realise is
that there is no perfect time to be happy. Happyness is here and now.
But then i met someone who had it, but was not happy
Then i thought i would be happy when i got an xyz
But again, the person who had it was not happy
I was not happy till I realised that happyness neither comes from things or the lack
of it.
We constantly delay happiness thinking about what lies ahead, what is next to
achieve. But life is an ongoing process and till the time we die, there are always
going to be things to achieve, errands to run, duites to perform, things to worry about and things to pine for.
What is being happy? How does one become and stay happy? To say that "I just want to
be happy" is asking for the moon without even knowing so. What we must realise is
that there is no perfect time to be happy. Happyness is here and now.
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