Popcorn and Coke!

*Sigh*
A nice relaxing weekend - that got me going to the cinemas two days in a row to see the two most popular flicks on this Festive season.

First I saw "King Kong". The LOTR Director, Peter Jackson, really did it this time. Having only heard of King Kong movies but never read or seen any of the previous movies, I was quite excited when I heard positive reviews for it. Some reviewers even went all the way - saying that King Kong will eventually out do Titanic!
*ahem - I don't know about that...!*

With the highly acclaimed success of LOTR Trilogy behind him, Peter Jackson had gigantic expectaions to live up to. And I believe that he has definately done much good to his name and his reputation with King Kong. The animation, the sets, the costumes, the scenaries - the whole works was just too good. Clearly seemed like the work of someone who had paid much time and effort and paid attention to the smallest of details.

The 'beauty and the beast' theme underpinning the love/understanding between Ann, beautifully played by Naomi Watts, and Kong - really tugged at my heart.

I know...I know... I admit at being a sucker for romantic movies and a big cry-baby when it comes to emotional scenes. I mean... I can find myself crying for any thing from the scene where children are taken away from parents due to various circumstances all the way to loneliness and helplessness of lovers apart etc etc.
And I did have a tear in my eye - when I saw this movie.

I laughed at the silly antics of Naomi, I squirmed at the abundance of creatures and insects on Skull Island, I awwwwed at the peaceful scenes between the Kong and Naomi, I cried when Kong was captured and treated barbarously, I was fuming when Kong was being shot at by humans when the creature had been forced by humans to come to the city in the first place!

I said to myself, "How cruel can man be!"

All in all.... the story got me involved in more ways than one and I thoroughly enjoyed the whole experience! :D

"Two Thumbs up!" for Peter Jackson

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

Then the next day I carried my bucket of popcorn and a large tumbler of coke and went and saw the Chronicles of Narnia - The Lion, the witch and the wardrobe.

I must admit that like many.... I was absorbed in by the animation and the special effects and the mystery that "What/Who is Narnia?"

Seeing a huge crowd of parents and children aged around 6 to 14 - 'He' said, "Should we go and swap the tickets? This is a little kids movie, lets get out of here!" But then.... we were there and so were the popcorns and we continued munching, waiting for the doors to open.

Having never really read this children's classic - I was in for a surprise. Oh! Well may be not...

Disney definately spent loads of money on the movie and worked hard to make their latest creation stand tall amongst the Harry Potter and LOTR kind of special effects abundant movies. And I reckon they did a fairly good job.

The acting by the kids in the cast Peter, Susan, Edmond and Lucy was specially commendable. Lucy, the youngest girl had beautiful expressions throughout the movie. The other three did an equally good job - but then being elder n all... one would have exprected more from them.

The talking animals were kinda funny but well done too. Aslan, the Lion King did especially well. Every hair in the fur looked real and very convincing indeed.

But like all kids stories - no matter how desperate and sorry the circumstances may be - everything always gets fixed and happy endings always come around the corner. And so was the case with Narnia.

Seeing the trailers so many times also sort of gave the story away - because some characters and scenes whose clips were shown in the trailers - and while watching the movie I knew what was about to happen or not happen.

I walked out of the theatre saying - I knew that was going to happen! :)

But it was good entertainment I guess. You can see it once.......

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

The title Chronicles of Narnia reminded me of another movie that I saw quite a while ago - but I liked alot. That movie was the Chronicles of Riddick - the sequel of the sci-fi thriller Pitch Black with Vin Diesel.

If you are a sci-fi buff who understands and appreciates the vision of sci-fi movies/stories then if you get a chance then do watch Riddick if you havent already!


Thats all for this year folks!!!
:D

Have a fantastic NYE and see you all bright and fresh in 2006!!

Be Happy - Be Safe!

Sending my warmest wishes to all my blog-mates and readers this Festive Weekend.

May the good Lord keep you happy and safe in his kind care and may you enjoy every moment with your loved ones and family (if not in person then in your thoughts!)

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Dear Naanaji,

A devoted son,
A freedom fighter,
A supportive brother,
A wonderful husband,
A great father,
A strong businessman,
A sweet uncle,
An inspiring father-in-law,
A strict but (secretly soft-hearted and loving) grand father,
and much much more.




Dear Naanaji,

I have always known you to be 'the best'. As a kid I always looked up to you - literally and metaphorically becuase you always said and did what was right. Your hearty laugh and your boisterous snores always got me smiling! :)

Naani never liked when you disturbed her in 'her' kitchen - playing with pots and pans pretending to always know more than her when it came to cooking. The almost a foot and a half difference in height between you and her was made up for with all the love that you both had for each other...in the 60+ years of married life.

Mummy always loved her 'Babu' and I was for such a long time scared of you - till one day when playing you saw me roll myself into a tiny ball - so small that you could not believe! And you asked all the cousins if they could do the same. But when they could not - you smiled and declared that I was the most flexible little kid you had ever seen!
Years after that - on every summer vacation when I saw you I'd remember that evening and try to turn into the little ball again. :)

Oh Naanaji, I will miss you so much! Miss your presence, our funny conversations, the fun times during the summer vacations when all of us kids slept in your large room and we would giggle in the middle of the night when we'd hear your loud snores.

Naanji, I love you! I will look for you among the stars every night. We will look after Naani the very best way we know how. Please stay with her and us for ever.........

Your grand daughter,
Nupur



After struggling with cancer for many months, Naanji made his way to the heavens - days short of his eldest grandson's first death anniversary.

We always knew him to be a very strong-hearted man, but that blow was probably too strong for even someone as brave and strong a man like him!

God Bless.

Social...butter....fly!

Of all the things that we do in life.... 'socialising' is something that takes considerable effort for some while it comes naturally to others. Makes me think sometimes... is it in the chromosomes? Or ...?? Why is one person very out going and sociable while the next is not?

Like....
Do you remember that girl in class who would just never shut up? She was always invited to every kids birthday party and every social outing at school.
Do you remember that guy in college who was everywhere? In canteen, in the labs, in the local pub, in the discos.
Do you remember that work mate who is present at every social outing from work? He organises most of the events and still finishes the report on time!
Or how about that girl friend of yours who has a crazy career and a very demanding husband, but still she organises the tea-party at her place first saturday of every month?!

Wonder how they do it? Why they do it? Are you ever jealous and wish it was you?
***************************************

I am aiming to be 55kg by the time I step on board the plane that's bound to India. And looking at this at the moment.... well.... I'm just a measly 5 kgs off the mark!

Don't you smirk!

Even though same girls at work have already been commenting that I have trimmed down from the chubby cheek girl - to a bony faced chick. But I dont know...... every time I look at myself in the mirror I still see FAT! :(

Good bye Butter (and your fatty mates!)
***********************************

43 Days and counting!

I wish I had wings.... really....
because I just cant wait to fly home!

And I know what 'some' particular mates out there are thinking - :P

*sigh*
Tick! Tock! Tick! Tock!

Who said time flies?! *grrrrrrr!!*

The odds are......

....what are the odds of watching 3 relatively new movies in a week and not enjoying a single one of them?

All you antagonists will say - "Looking at the kind if crap that churning out of the mill.... *sigh*"

But tell me really.... where does one go on a weekend -
--> One who does not drink
--> One who does not have $$ to go on long drives
--> One who does not have $$ to eat out as often.
--> One who does not have $$.....

Wait a sec.

That one - is me and do I mean to imply that I go to see movies because I dont have enough moolahs for anything else?
NO - Thats not what I mean......

I mean.. its unfair to be cornered this way - to want to go see a movie becuase you want to forget about your worldly troubles and just go off to another place - but instead you get....!@#$!#$!#@$!!!!!!

I guess its too late to say that I'm in a ranty mood this arvo!! *Grrrrrrrrr!*

Anyways - to save my fingers and your eyes -
Read -->

Please don't bother watching
Maine Gandhi to nahi mara
The Brothers Grimm
Kyunki.....

<-- Thank You!

....unless you are really really desperate and have nothing better to do!

*I wonder what I'm going to do with the DVDs of the two Hindi ones among these........ *sigh in double asterix!* !!*

Some one please give me names of a couple of "DECENTLY GOOD" movies that are forthcoming - becuase really... this state of affairs is causing me much grief! :(

Try to say good bye.....

"Sarah, I just completed my test! I think I'll get a High Distinction!!"
"Insha Allah!"

********

"I have an interview for my work experience year - lets see....."
"Insha Allah... you'll ace!"

********

"I got it! :)"
"Mubaarak ho!"

********

"I'm absolutely starving....."
"Come home, I'll make you some veg. biryani!"

*******

Thats my Sarah!
My best girl friend in Australia. I met almost 2 years after I came here. By that time, I had convinced myself that I was doomed to a company of boys becuase there were hardly any Desi girls doing IT. I was the only girl in the class..... and that was a boon and a curse at the same time.

Very troubled times those....
Then Sarah came from India and she's the sister of one of the guy's I knew at uni. We clicked instantly! And even though we weren't in the same uni or doing the same course... there was so much else that we did together!

*sigh* before this turns into one of those very very senti posts......
Sarah left for India yesterday. And I want to wish her well. I think her decision is very wise indeed.

There comes a point in life when you just want to "Stop" and take a breath. Because there is no point in going on and on just for the heck of it. And I see so many helpless unhappy people around me - who do just that. Every day that passes, they find themselves sinking deeper and deeper into the quicksands of life...... never able to escape..... never able to live the life that they want to live..... until its too late and there's just no looking back. The mortgage, the bills, the family, the job, the responsibilities just take over. They run your life and you cant do - no nuthing about it!

Even though she's studied in a field that's highly saught after. Then she even did her MBA. But it just wasn't what she expected. Thats why one day she made up her mind that life is just not the way she wants it to be and she's making her own way.

First I couldn't understand. Why would she leave a perfectly decent life.... an okay job and go out into the unknown! Why?!

We used to talk for hours over the phone or late into the night if either of us were bunking at the others place. So many times I'd give her advise about her problems and she'd give me for mine. And one thing I particularly remember saying to her often, "Sarah, you're right in the middle of it all. And its possible that you aren't seeing things the way I - as an outsider to your issue - see it! Sometimes you just have to move back.... as if walk up to a high hill and then look down at the whole situation from that high vantage point from where you can see it all and not miss anything."

Now, I understand that she's doing just that.

Because finding out exactly what you want is something that many of us never find. And its probably easier to cross things out of your list one at a time instead of just going on and on and on without knowing where you're headed......

*sigh*
I said it soooo many times in the last days together.....
"Sarah, jahaan rehna khush rehna......" (Sarah, be happy where ever you are....)
And she smiled.

I'll see her again.....soon.
And I wish that after her break... she may still decide to come back down under. *I know I'm selfish!*
That she may find her true love.... and he may keep her really happy.... and that they may find great career opportunities in Oz *yes, because I'm here naa...!*.
That she may see all, listen all and then tell herself that her life is actually in Australia... with her friends! *yes I'm saying it again and again and I'll keep saying it - so that if my one wish for the day is about to come true - let it be this one!!*

But if you find your life elsewhere..... I'll support you and send you my best wishes and hope for the very best for you always! I am and will always remain your friend and I will understand..........

Sarah - I love you and I'll miss you..... till we meet again!

Do you even know me?

Where has our time for nurturing friendships gone?

Welcome to the Spring(4 Southern Hemis.)/Winter(4 Northern Hemis.) 2005 edition of Getting to know your Blogmates.

What you are supposed to do is copy this entire post and paste it onto a new post that you'll publish on your blog. Change all the answers so they apply to you, and drop a comment on the post of the person who tagged you. The theory is that you will learn a lot of little things about your blogmates, if you did not know them already.

1. What time did you get up this morning? 0745
2. Diamonds or pearls? (If ur a guy - what can u afford for 'her'!) Diamonds
3. What was the last film you saw at the cinema? Flight Plan
4. What is your favourite TV show? The Amazing Race/Survivor
5. What did you have for breakfast? One slice of toasted rye bread with butter
6. What is your middle name? :( none!
7. What is your favourite cuisine? Italian - vegetarian thanks!
8. What foods do you dislike? Things with 'too' much of strong stuff... that just turns me off!
9. What is your favourite crisp? --?! Are we talking about potato chips? I like Smiths - Sour cream and Onions.
10. What is your favourite CD at the moment? Chilled in the Sun (love Chilled out music anytime!)
11. What kind of car do you drive? Holden Vectra
12. Favourite sandwich? Wholemeal with one slice of tomato and cheese toasted and other slice with fresh guacamole.
13. What characteristic do you despise? Arrogance for no apparent reason.
14. Favourite items of clothing? Colorful Indian kurtas - all sorts!
15. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation, where would you? How about around the world?! ;)
16. What colour is your bathroom? White & Beige
17. Favourite brand of clothing? *phhrrr* I dont think I really have one!
18. Where would you retire to? A nice cosy house on the hills or near the sea.
19. Favourite time of the day? Evenings...
20.What was you most memorable Birthday you ever had? 22nd and 23rd!
21. Where were you born? (I cant remember the name!) Hospital, Kanpur, India
22. Favourite sport to watch? Figure skating and Gymnastics OR Cricket if India is playing!
23. Who do you least expect to send this back to you? *hmmmmmm.....*
24. Person you expect to send it back first? No idea.... its anyone's game!
25. What fabric detergent do you use? Spree - Why pay more! :P
26. Coke or Pepsi? In the days when I did drink it day/night - Coke
27. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Night
28. What is your shoe size? 8.5
29. Do you have any pets? No! :(
30. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with your family &
friends? I have just been offered a job in my dream company!! :D And I start next year when I return from my trip to India!!
31. What did you want to be when you were little? Doctor! *its a pity that I grew up to be one of those silly billies who hate the sight of blood!!*
32. What were you doing today? Fixing IT issues...
33. Name a movie you've seen recently that you're sure many have not and its worth watching. 21 gram and Crash (saw it last night!)

OK -- 33 easy peasy ones!
And I send it out to Aarathi, AmitL, Anubha, Anumita, Ashish, Ashtrix, ClickedElk, Colors, Cynic, DJ, Divya, Fundoo, Ganga, Gaurav, Hagrid, ITNL, Inci-vinci, Kaush, Khushee, LDude, Manu, Melody, Navjot, Neelima, Neetie, Pallavi, Prasad, Preeti, Puneet, Red, Ricky, Saba, Sanaja, Sherriff, Shub, Stone, Surinder, Tony, Vaibhav, Vicky!

*PHEW* is that all...? Ummm.. I think so... and any more who drop by the blog and dont find yourselves on the list above -- please feel free to take the tag and drop me a comment once your post is up! :)

(This post is from an email forward I got from a girl-friend at work and I thought "Oh! I love to get answers for these from my blog-mates! so just tweaked a few questions here and there ;)

CIAO!

Oh! I see it......

......a light at the end of the tunnel!!!
*or is it my mind, playing games with me again.*


Apologies people for the sudden fits of appearence and dissappearence.

The offline life - that has been over-shadowing everything for the past few weeks is finally looking towards an optimistic outcome.

I hope to return soon.... with some good news! :D

Till then - you keep talking coz I am all ears..........

For someone like me....

...who has never seen a real scorpio in her life *and No, the preserved ones in the biology lab don't count!* and who will probably will shriek at the top of her voice if she saw one....

- I reckon, I'm a pretty good "SCORPIO"! =)

Don't know if you guys believe in astrology and horoscopes etc....and I guess I am not sure if I believe entirely in the whole phenomenon - but Linda Goodman is one lady whose two books I've read, and I reckon - she has hit the nail, on the head.
If I may quote it from a review in amazon.com this particular guy said when he read his own description and I felt *exactly* the same way *word for word!*,

"..it reads like it was written by me, my mother, the CIA, the FBI and all my friends!.."
&
"..I first found that rather scary, but now I find it comforting. It means I'm simply being me, the person as I am supposed to be."

And well.... you may say that no one is has the right to tell you what you're 'supposed' to be, but I feel that though is a lot in our own personality that we can affect or change but then there is more that we just cant. And knowing "that" - what you cant change and what it is and how you can deal with it..... is an absolutely invaluable tool to have.

And since reading her book, "Sun signs", I have grown this strange habbit of descretely asking people their birthdays only to find out later that its so true what Linda said about it. I havent read that book in years...but still remember the bits fro it vividly.

I dont care about the scientific explanations.... becuase as William Shakespeare said,

"There are more things in heaven and earth......
than are dreamt of in your philosophy!"

Anyways... all I want to say is - I do believe that the day I was born had a lot to do with the person I am and am turning out to be.... and I basically, I'm just proud to be me! And proud to have come this far in life and achieved so much in such a short span of life, to have found some amazing friends in these years including the blog-world and its all just overwhelming .....

And even though they say - "Never ask a woman's age and a man's wage" - I'll tell you, its my 23rd birthday today!! :D Hopefully, it'll be a bit more exciting than last year!

Shall see you all on the other side of my Birthday!! :)
Adios Amigos!

feels like.......

..... I have a long long way to go.......and I'm just sooooooo tired!



*come on Nupur..... one more.... you can do it...... come on...............*

ZZZZZZZzzzzzzzzz

*Zzzzzzzzz!!!*
waaa.... oh! ur here.

Well.... I had a 'fun'tastic time this morning till 3am attending the Bloggeratti VBM. BRAVO Anubha for the huge success. :D
..........zzzzzzzZZZZZZZZZZZZ!

Oh.... sorry for dozing off like that - just cant keep my eyes open any longer, but before I drop unconcious into deep slumber, my {BIG HUG} and hearty congratulations to all Bloggeratti Winners! Well done... and truly well deserved. And all those.....*poor souls* nomineees *like me!* my {BIGGER HUG} to you as we were all just as much a winner as the winners themselves! :P
*OH! Ouch... that hurt! No more sandals n shoes plz!*

And last but not the least - my BESTEST of the BESTEST wishes to Anubha *yes the one responsible for my miserable state this morning!* - on her adventures outside Blogsville! May she miss us sooooo much that she may have to return back! :P

But seriously gurl - LOVE UR WORK! :D
BE HAPPY... where ever you are.....!!!!

Cheers to all......
*THUMP! crashed on the floor!*

Blog....blah blah blah....!!!

OK.... officially this is it.

One colossal year for this blog,
One dwarf year for the whole of Blogsville!!!

Many milestones have been achieved and left behind, as the journey still continues.

The blog that was opened, originally due to desperation - to comment on a friend's blog. And then...... curiousity took over me and "When even I don't know..." got its first post - "I have no idea..."

Time teaches you the survival skill - "Bloghopping"!
And in your journeys you come across some excellent blogs, some nifty published apps, some cool templates and so much more......And then these tips and tricks are shared between strangers - but they are strangers, only till you write the first comment/tag and then as soon as they reply - Viola!~ You have found a new mate!!

And you join forces to conquer yet unseen, undetected, undiscovered, unobserved, unpercieved territory (yes I plundered dictionary.com for those words! *hehehhe* ) of the "Land of Blogdom"!!

And my partners in crime.....
my mates in this battalion are -

AmitL - The first mate, I found in the middle-east.
Enjoying, these days everyday, the Ramadan Feast.
His categorised posts - so sizzling yet simplistic,
The endjokes - hilarious, and thoughts of the day - realistic!

Anubha - The lady called A-N-Zee.
Some even know her as Honey 'Busy' Bee! :P
She's into organisation..... events n all......
Her creation 'Bloggeratti' - much loved by all.

Anumita - Ma'lady, she's here and she's not.
Some times I doubt that ma' blog she's forgot.
But then you come to know of her secret escapades.....
The naughty dealings with her hubby and goss' with her maid! ;)

Ashish - Mate, what shall I say.....
Many a times, I've seen him away.
His Blog-reviews making waves to lands a far,
But dude, where've you gone? I'm looking for my car! :P

Ashtrix - This mate, I eavesdropped from a long while,
I saw his awards that crossed Filmfare, by a mile.
I lost him and I found him all b'coz of his 'Easy Prey'.
"Pray, dear friend, where did you dissappear away?!"

Colors - My girlfriend, my 'bichdi hui behen' in Blogsville,
This gal, my friend, is not ur ordinary run of the mill.
She hails from the land, high up in the Himalayas,
And is so caring and thoughful - beyond all her years.

Cynic - This lady's template was the first of its kind,
At the time when I saw it - it was imprinted on my mind.
She's funny and she's silly and she's crazy in her ways!
And her recent matrimonial dealings will crack u up anyday.

Deepak - DJ, the intellectual, the academic, the rational one,
He's works of fiction are one of the best under the sun!
His reviews, his interpretations written with such poise,
And to top it all off - DJ enjoy's debates and Lata didi's voice!

Divya - She's a darling who loves quizes online,
This girlfriend from southern lands - is truly divine.
If life's a dance - this lady knows how to at'tune',
For the good sport that you are gurl, hats off to u!

Fundoo - OK - I don't even know where to begin.
This hilairous, comical, boffo guy - is my 'blog-kin'.
He works in lands where they give "bhejitediyaan phood" :D
We've had some pretty funny times on blogger and on orkut!

Ganga - One of the most genuine guys I know,
He's absolutely down to earth, that his posts clearly show.
Amazing - the research into each post that he writes,
Tallest female, human fruit and many more such delights.

Gaurav - How many times he has made me J in these months,
and its due to his travelogues of lands where he's had fun!
Some very intuitive posts he's written in the past,
And his insightful research of social topics - sure is a blast!

Hagrid - The Hoogie-woogie bear that we know,
He's recently gone past the Atlantic where soon it will snow.
His funny and thoughtful comments, very genuinely real,
Lets pray his Mrs. get to him soon, to cook him a hearty meal!

ITNL - I met this mate, at a VBM oneday,
His funny posts and his pun will get him in trouble someday! ;)
The thoughts that he expresses are a pleasure to read,
He smiles and he smiles and he smiles - in times of need!

Invincible - The 'dude' who was up all night,
And all because he found the Indi VBM a delight.
Some really funny and intuitive posts he's written.
To tell us about himself and the life he's living.

Kapil - The mate that got me into blogging ages ago,
My real friend in life whose many secrets I know! ;)
He's genuine, he's sweet, he's great fun to be around...
And I wish him much luck and happiness to be found.

Kaush - The lady who'll one day fix my teeth,
She's jovial and bubbly and very thoughtful underneath.
One of the creators of the idea - V.B.M.
Don't talk to her in English - if you are an Indian! ;)

Khushee - My girl friend from 'the land down under'.
She used to post everyday with tits bits of daily banter.
These days she's been busy with new job and new car.
One day u'll visit all those places in the postcards of lands afar.

Lean Dude - This Mr. is as moody as they come....
He knows how to enjoy life and have loads of fun.
'Absolut'ly crazy and hilarious when he's in the mood,
I dunno about lean n mean but I enjoy this dude's attitude!

Manuscrypt - The man of many many words,
For months his stories have haunted all souls of blog-world.
Every time I read his work, I think to myself - 'Wow!
How did he think of that!' - wish I could somehow.

Meen - She's been away from her homeblog a bit,
As she's busy with hot Spices plus Miso and Sushi.
I used to enjoy the little pictures on her space,
and now with the new recipes - they'll make u race!

Neelima - So colorful this girl friend writes away,
and the pictures and the songs - such a beautiful display.
She's the teacher that kids love to have at school.
A funny little lady with many stories in her pool.

Nikhil - another one, thats gone with the wind.
This guy loves jamming and making new friends.
It was fun knowing him and reading his comments.
I wish him luck and happiness - till we meet again.

Pallavi - Ma'lady, whose templates are awesome,
she changes them like seasons and fresh new blossoms.
Recently she became the author by the brook,
Multi-skilled, multi-talented, the 'bike' road she took!

Prasad - The quiet-achiever, I say.
So many heart-felt posts he's written to this day.
He hails from Kerela, how I wish I'd see.
Hidden behind 'Dennis' - a cool guy definately.

Puneet - Another blog mate, met during my rounds,
some really cool and fun stuff this guy has found.
Now he's added to the list of bloggers - overseas,
And here's wishing him luck and may life be a breeze.

Red - We love to call her lovingly, 'Red ji',
A light-hearted and cheerful gal - nice to know thee.
She can find much logic even in the simplest of ads.
C'mon gurl lets play - no rewind or fast forward - so relax.

Ricky - The Blog Prince - the Birthday Post King!
And much much more...... all day I could sing.
'The' most thoughtful person I found in the Blog-world.
Stay the same dear friend - unshaken, unwavering and unfurled!

Saba - She loves to share her two cents.
Cooking meating point that she shares with her friends.
The second master mind behind the Bloggerati awards,
Hope to hear from her soon, her personal posts n all.

Sanaja - My dear friend in the U S of Ayyy,
I havent heard from her in a while - but hope she's okay.
Loves dancing and camping - no spare time she'll waste.
And hilarious stories she tells of - cut, copy n paste!

Sherriff - The funny guy who writes with a flair,
At times thought-provoking, at others with witty air.
His anecdote with the misses are hilarious n cute,
Mate, did I say, your opinions I don't refute?!

Shub - The smiling writer, I've read for so long,
Her blogger tips and tricks got many bloggers to throng.
Now in Singapore, she misses all things home,
My best wishes for you gurl - enjoy life as it comes.

Sir Rocks - Come n gone, gone n come this guy,
When he's in the mood, he's witty and he's sly! ;)
His descriptions, his ideas, his thoughts are so jolly,
I hope he'd write more about life and its follies.

Stone - Not the stone he likes to be called,
his wit clearly shines thru his comments n all.
These days he's missing - gone somewhere walking?
I'd hardly call him - the bad man talking.

Surinder - Mr. Garfield or Mr.Marriage guy?
He posts multiple posts a day - all in a fly.
Many of them funny and many words of wisdom,
I enjoy the witty humor, in his own, when he writes some.

Vicky - What's up Doc?! I'd like to say,
We share things 43 things n places to go away.
So bright and interesting his comments always,
In the blog world I know I found another mate!

*PHEW!!!*
:D

I know this is not all.... as my list of blogmates grows everyday.

So please excuse me if your name is not written above.... as the above list was plucked from my Blogroll - which hasn't updated in a month or two.

--------------------------------------

And before I finish -

"The Seasons BEST wishes for you and your families.
May this coming year bring with it
much prosperity and happiness........"

As a kid who was scared of fire-crackers *to an extent*... Diwali was always a time of the year when the house was beautifully lit with diyas and candles. It is a tradition, *if I remember correctly* to light diyas in each and every darkest dingiest corner where you would'nt usually think of lighting them. I used to follow Mummy as she's go around the garden and in the back yard.... spreading the light.

I have always loved the glimmer of the little lights, that brighten up such places. And that is how I still celebrate diwali... with little tealight candles around my tiny apartment! :)

So.... hoping that this year we may all find light - in the darkest corners of our life!

God Bless!

Please Take Care!

I know that my Blog-niversary post is due - but while I scrabble for time to actually finish it.....

All you people in India - PLEASE take care.
I hope that none of you or you friends/family were harmed in the Delhi bombings this weekend. Its imperative that you guys take caution anywhere you go in crowded/public places.

My prayers for those that died.....
Its so sad.... their family's Diwali has ended even before it began.

Understatement!

"I have my hands full" - will be an understatement.

This week has been so crazy, and I am just glad that its finally over. At any other point in time... it wouldn't have mattered. I would have not posted anything for a few days and no one would have even noticed - But I had to proclaim my great Blog-niversary and vow a "one post a day week" and then get myself caught up and........................ *Blah blah blah blah*!!

Lets just FORGET IT!
-----------------------------------


Okay, festive season is well and truly upon us and you may like it or not but that means - Loads and Loads of Sugary sweets and Fatty feasts! And nothing wrong with enjoying the festive season to the fullest - but - what that will do to the waist...... we all know!

I had been thinking about this for weeks and well, I have books and quite a few of them if I may say so, about healthy lifestyles and good diets and Detox plans etc. etc..... but I never really applied any of it to 'myself'. :) I used to just give my expert advise to all my girlfriend's here and they would go, "Wow! You're right... I should do that!" "Excellent idea. I'll try that." etc.

And it was not until my back injury, that I really realised what I was doing to myself. I was in a job where I sat on my bum the whole day and then I'd go home and stuff my face with anything and everything. And excercise?! - No way!!

When my Physio asked me at our first meeting, "What sort of exercise do you do?"
I was silent for a few seconds and then I blurted - "None"
She just smiled and said, "Hmmm.. well... We're going to have to fix that - won't we?" :)
And I was like, "Hmmm..wokay!"

That was 6 weeks ago.

And today I am proud to tell you that I had my final visit to the physio this morning and she says, "You're cured!" and I feel it too!!

The credit of it all goes to:
* the swimming lessons - that my physio pushed me to join (and was something that I had wanted to do for so long)
* the cool swim gear - that my girl friends help me find.
* the evening jogs - with 'him' or my bro.
* the new wrist-weights - that I simply wrap around my wrists and tone my arms while I jog!
* the new hi power juicer - that 'he' got for me! (it motivates me to drink lots of fresh fruit and vegetable juice everyday) :)

*sigh* I feel a whole lot better.......

It has really been amazing - this transformation, and I want to continue this spell.


So I have decided to document this 'lifestyle journey' in a new blog called, "Peace-Calm-Harmony" . Here on this blog, I shall keep track of my weekly progress with my diet and exercise routine. I'll keep a record of my 'healthy' recipes from time to time and *hopefully* nice pics of my 'healthy' self as I go along!

A glimpse of that new space is here for you -->


All you ladies, who would like to join me in this journey are most welcome to drop by from time to time. :)


Tomorrow *Thank God! finally!* is the D-DAY. The day that I have so shamelessly been raving about for sooo long! I am not going to make any more promises about my post or my surprises etc etc.........

Like someone said -

"The course of life is unpredictable,

no one wrote their autobiography in advance."

And neither can I.

So.... Sayonara!
See you....when I see you. :)

Thats it!

I'm BEAT!
I'm just sooooo tired....
Every muscle in the body aches.....

(:|

*this unfortuantely is my Blog-niversary Celebration post for today!*
Somethings are just totally out of one's control... and "this" fatigued - drowsy day is one of them.

I promise to be back tomorrow with *hopefully* a double surprise.

Loveyall,
Nupur

Mate.....

...that I found!

*As the Blog-niversary Celebrations continue!*


:)
One year ago, I was going about my business.... oblivious of a parallel universe.

*A universe where you met a new friend 24hours a day and seven days a week.
*A universe where you can pour out deepest feelings and not be scorned at.
*A universe where friends are found and kept for a lifetime.

So to day I send, MY BEST wishes for my very very dear Blogmate on his birthday today.

RICKY!! Many many happy returns of the day, mate.

YOU ROCK!! :D

Ricky...... I didnt even know who he was.
Ricky...... poured in his comments to every post.
Ricky...... he made my weather-chic into a weather-bloke.
Ricky...... he found humor even in my quirkiest of posts.

Ricky...... I thought he was my age.
Ricky...... I heard him on VBM one day.
Ricky...... sang the 'Lakshya' song.
Ricky...... he had the solutions for every problem.

Ricky...... showed his luggage for his weekend trip.
Ricky...... he told the secret of 'Lord of the rings'.
Ricky...... he was "Sania" fan from day one.
Ricky...... he was always fun!

Ricky...... why do I write as if its past tense?
Ricky...... you're thinking I make no sense.
Ricky...... mate, it started as a flashback.
Ricky...... now I'm coming back on track. ;)

Ricky...... mate, I'm honored to know you.
Ricky...... the one of the most thoughful people I know.
Ricky...... mate, did I say, "You Rock"?!
Ricky...... this one is for you alone! :)

All the best for everything in life!
Take is easy...... and I pray that your 'her' is found on shaadi.com ....soon! ;) LOL!!

CHEERS!!!

EFIL - Life the other way round! ;)

Post II - in Blog-niversary Celebrations :)

----------------------------------------

When you think of all the important turns your life has made, when you think about all the milestones you have crossed in your journey, when you envision all the scenes of happy days and sad that have passed you by..... you are either thinking too much - or are probably at the verge of old age! :P

Because living life to the fullest, is all about looking forward - to the unexpected and not worrying about things till you really have to! Ofcourse the little devil misanthropist inside me wont ever let me take anything lightly - till I prepare myself - conjure a backup plan, a Plan B for that unforseen worst case scenario. And tho' some might find this trait of mine a little annoying, I know I will have much success with it in my career! *I have inside information that people get top $$ for planning for times when $hit hits the fans!!!!*

Ahem.... no we are not doing any of that here today tho' *Sorry!* :)

Hence, the discussion today is about not what we should do in life - but rather what can we do "without". What I think I want - out - of my life and what you think you want out.... *of your life..not mine! ;)*

1. I reckon, I can do without - keeping stuff in my heart!
Symptoms => Sleepless nights - Crying alone when no one is watching. :(

2. I can also do without - Guilty feelings when eating things with lotsa bad FAT.
Symptoms => *white angel in the head going - "Hey! What is wrong with you?! Put it down! I say put it down!!"* and I go, 'munch! munch!!' :[

3. I can definately do without - Procrastination. *oh man!!*
Symptoms => Job to be done ASAP - me making note in my calender for a reminder tomorrow! :P

4. I can surely do without - SitComs *Godness how much % of my life has already gone by in front of the Idiot-box! grrrr!!!*
Symptoms => I have to make dinner - I see 'Coming Up Next = Survivor' - 2 hours later - I have to make dinner!! *Oopsie daisies! :P*

5. 6. 7. 8. 9......... And many many more.......
The list is endless and the whole week will pass by while I whine n grumble.

So...
Let it be told to all ye blogmates of mine, I, Nupur, solemnly swear to not do what I'm not supposed to do and not grumble and complain that I did what I wasn't supposed to do.

And I know for sure - that you also do what you are not supposed to do - *hehehe* - so whats there to hide?! Tell me.... I wanna know.
:)

UPDATE - Halo comments playing up BIG time!
Pliss to be using Blogger comment today. :[

A week of celebrations....

Is it some sort of divine intervention..... that the festive weekend has fallen at the same time as this blog-niversary! :)

So while everyone is busy shopping and cleaning up - I thought I'd take this time out to entertain you online. And hence, the coming six days will be - 'One post each day' week with different ideas, different styles of posts each day till the finale on Sat, 29th Sept - the D Day!
I realise that with the amount of talent thats around me...it's a huge task -but I shall try my best. And you... yes "you" - please don't be mean *and please don't "Booo" me!* :P

But before I begin - I have a huge concern that I'd like to bring forth here on my blog.

I am being neglect by my blog mates! :(
And I have proof!! 2 VBM's that have been announced recently have not taken into consideration the times here in Oz.

Sunday Evening IST= Very very Late Sunday night AUST.
=> I can not attend them!

So please... all future VBM organisers, be kind and consider bloggers like me too. My suggestion, please organise VBM on Sunday morning IST, so its only Sunday afternoon in AUST and Saturday night in Europe and Americas.

*phew* OK... now that thats out of my system, my first post for this week --

---------------------------------------
Quotes - old ones that I quoted before. *now lets see of they can make new waves!*

"Teach me to care and not to care....
in this brief transit where dreams cross.... "

- By Anonymous

"It's a sure sign of summer if the chair gets up when you do."

- Walter Winchell

"If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable,

you disconnect yourself from what you truly want,

and all that is left is a compromise. "

- Robert Fritz

"Keeping your body healthy is an expression of gratitude to the whole cosmos

- the trees, the clouds, everything."

- Thich Nhat Hanh

"Pain (any pain--emotional, physical, mental) has a message. The information it has about our life can be remarkably specific, but it usually falls into one of two categories: "We would be more alive if we did more of this," and, "Life would be more lovely if we did less of that." Once we get the pain's message, and follow its advice, the pain goes away."

- Peter McWilliams

-----------------------------------

Quotes - ...and new!

And I have found some silly and serious quotes on birth, age and death - for this blog has seen me born fresh in my happy days, age in my tired days and die in my shitty days....

"Somewhere on this globe, every ten seconds, there is a woman giving birth to a child.

She must be found and stopped."

- Sam Levenson

"When I was born I was so surprised, I didn't talk for a year and a half!"

- Gracie Allen

"The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly and lie about your age."

- Lucille Ball

"A man should not leave this earth with unfinished business.

He should live each day as if it were a pre-flight check.

He should ask each morning, 'Am I prepared to lift-off?' "

- Diane Frolov and Andrew Schnieder

"Never knock on Death's door: ring the bell and run away!

Death really hates that!"

- Matt Frewer

Tally ho!!
:D

Home and Away......

".......
pata nahi crazy kyun wilayt layi,
Punjab ich saariyaan kuwaariyaan.
Phool koi wilayt wala lay gaya,
hor chunta mai reh gaya kiyaariyaan......"

Firstly apologies if my Punjabi written above is not correct, but thats what I was able to make of a punjabi folk song that I heard a while ago. The rough translation by yours truly is written below for those who arent familiar with the language.

* dont know why crazy for foreign lands,
are all these maidens of Punjab.
The flower's been plucked by the man from foreign lands,
and I am left, picking at the flower bed....*

And I quote this song here today because this idea is whats been running thru my head - off and on......for a while now.

India, the developed nation full of educated females and (ahem!) decent boys... but you still come across a female every once in a while who just cant wait to get married to a guy from foreign lands and get away!! And I dont think this is the case with 'Punjabi' females alone...as stated by the song above - and although I am trying my best not to use the lyrics out of context, the idea still rings true for a lot of young adults in my homeland.

I'm not sure what irks me more -
* A Bollywood star flaunting a US of A flag shirt...
* A shaadi.com advert with prefered partner to hail from US of A or Inglaand or Canedda!
* A desi mom in India talking to her 3 year old in English and not feeding the kid his porridge till he says 'Yes, Mommy!' ..

I wonder......
-- Why dosen't the 'Bollywood' star wear the Indian flag shirt with just as much enthusiasm ? - *on a day when India is not playing a cricket match!*
-- Why the first preference of a possible mate from foreign? And will the girl compromise with a uneducated or useless foreign boy instead of an educated and self-sufficiant guy from next door?
-- What is going on here? Does 'Yes, Mommy!' make the kid more lovable or let the pompous 'Mommy' have another thing to brag about to her kitty friends?!

..................
I do not understand........

I admit that I wanted to study overseas since I was 14... it was the most exciting idea my teen head could comprehend! And I was proud of myself when I finally accomplished that dream three years later. But when I came here and met other Indians from my homeland, I realised that some had very different and some even totally wierd perceptions and views about India. And because intentionally or unintentionally I fall in the same category as them - I fear of being categorised as the 'females who cant get enough of foreign land!'

I am not practising what I preach.....
I am going to turn into them - even if I'm not like them just yet....

Is this the beginning of an identity crisis for me?! Are any of you out there in foreign lands facing a similar dilemma? Are you the people of my homeland thinking - what the hell is she complaining about? .......??

New Chapter....

...for the petals of my life!


Thank you so much to all you dear blogmates - This month I will complete my first year in Blogsville! And what an exciting year it has been.

* I discovered blogging.
* I discovered new templates.
* I discovered free web services.

* I found a pool of new friends.
* I found my writing skills.
* I found the best past time.

* I was amazed at what people can write.
* I was amazed to see the most beautiful web-spaces ever.
* I was amazed when I saw the literary genius of you people!

There is still a fortnight to go for my Blog-niversary, so I thought that I will take this time to reflect on this past year.....what it has been for me and what I have written, ranted and gossiped about.

But - please to be not thinking that *FLASH BACK* has begun, so time to be going to make that dinner or to wash those dishes or to clean that garage - for new petals will soon appear as new blossoms bloom. :D

Could not have done this without you!
*muaaaahhhh!* *blushing!*
:)

New Beginnings......

Life both offline and online is taking a turn, going around the bend, about to reveal something unkown and unexpected...! And someone who loves to be surprised (good ones ofcourse~!) - I am just enjoying the 'joy ride'!!

Just to name a few things that are going on-

Online-> I pay attention to my cooking blog again!
Offline-> I begin to learn Japanese (read+write).

Online-> I start a new Blog Event: If thoughts could cook....
Offline-> I shop for my swimming gear as I prepare for my first swimming lesson ever!

Online-> I have found a very beautiful new template for moi blog...the unveiling in a week's time.
Offline-> I prepare for my trip back home in Feb06.

Online-> I'm getting involved in e-debates!
Offline-> I'm planning to update my resume and go for a tour around handing them out....

Its wierd..... how things stay motionless for so long and then suddenly the heavy creaky machinery called 'life', starts to give way and turn and then things just start rolling one after the other....

I'm having a gala time - to say the least.
Just hang on guys... for the fun has only begun! :)

Here n there.....

While I try and take the reins of my life back into my hands, here's something to keep you occupied. :)

Found this on Puneet's blog.
My Cyborg name - and somebody please explain....becuase I just cant understand it! Ultimate Repair?!! LOL!



And then more from Divya's.
Do you guys believe in this stuff?! I mean... it does make sense at times........


The Goddess of Magic and Peace. You are a born
star. Always supportive and influential, you
the centre of attention and you are
exceptionally friendly. You are a classic
beauty.


Which gorgeous goddess are you? For girls! (breath taking pics!)
brought to you by Quizilla


Dominant Personality: Understanding

Good Traits: You gravitate towards people,
and are a shoulder to lean on. You give advice
at any given time.

Bad Traits: You aren't close with any one
person. You immerse yourself in other people's
problems and forget your own.

People see you as: Friendly, secretive, and
popular. People envy you, and may try and use
you as a tool

You're most like: Grace. You both have
positive relationships with people. Neither of
you have close friends, but unlike graceful
people, you try to help people out and aren't
as arrogant.

You need more: Solitude. You hardly get the
chance to breathe when you take on the world's
problems. You can't take other's
responsibilities or put them before your own.
Be selfish once in a while and discover who you
really are.


What's your dominant trait? (10 unique results)
brought to you by Quizilla


Take care guys.......
I shall be back!! :)

wanted to say.....

I wanted to say..... its alright.
I wanted to say..... its all good.
I wanted to say..... things put me down.
But I'm up and running, as I should.

When the mind is saying.... thats it.
When the mind is saying.... its enough.
When the mind is saying.... hang on now.
I'm saying - I've just started up.

Its wierd ..... this blank within.
Its wierd ..... this hollow deep.
Its wierd ..... how life is in a maze.
And I stop myself from falling asleep.

Just when things..... are picking up their pace.
Just when things..... make no sense at all.
Just when things..... are taking a crazy turn.
I feel as if I'm about to take a fall.

I want to say.... I'm here.
I want to say.... hang on.
I want to say.... don't worry mate.
And thanks for cheering me on! :)

BTW...
I'm simmering away!

Little treats.....

Absolutely flood out day?

"Warm scones....with jam and cream!"
mmmmmmmmmmmmm................
(what about you?!) ;)

BTW - I'm Cooking again... and some more...

ENJOY the weekend!

Hands Full....!!

Hang on guys.....
I have my hands full with so much happening in the offline life. :[

So, in the meantime - would you like trick or treat?! :D

• Bollywood Dilemma
• Hero - You have to be quick!
• An Observation
• And it struck me..
• Getting a grip.
• How will a girl live.....?!
• The other side
• For hungry souls
• Come to think of it
• For feelings, thoughts and all those things..
• Long...lost...love?!
• No news is good news...really?!
• Raising..HELL!

No prizes for guesing that these posts above are my eccentric entries for the Bloggerati! And have been nomiated for the peotry category.
*why! I am honored...!! Robert Frost - here I cumm!!*

:D
En-zoy!!

Peace One Day!

As we all enjoy the fictional 'masterpieces' of our fellow blogmates, I would like to bring to your notice something that I found out yesterday - while watching a documentary on SBS.


Today is United Nations "International Day of Peace" - a day of global ceasefire and non-violence.

Or so... was the dream of the creater of this day - Geremy Gilley.

In a very moving documentary last night, I saw how this man travelled to the world's most devasted cities whose citizens are to this day, doomed to live in constant fear. These people are surrounded by violence, fearing everyday whether it'll be the next bomb or the next bullet or the next shooting or the next massacre - that'll finally end their miserable lives.

There are so many places in the world where UN volunteers cannot go and provide aid because these places are just too violent and dangerous.

After Geremy's efforts of years of visiting Ministers, and Ambassaders and Seminars and Nobel Peace Laureates - finally in 2001 in the UN General Assembly, the day was approved.

So this day was made - so that this one day - all countries will unite and observe a ceasefire, so that the people in need can be helped. But, thats still not the reality yet.
There is no cease fire yet!

But it has to start somewhere. Before we can have 365 days of Non-violence, we can atleast begin with ONE day of peace.

Lets all observe a minute of silence - for all the people who will be killed 'today'.

Peace One Day 2005.

You tell....I tell.... we all tell....

:D
Wow! We all have so many hidden fiction writers amongst us bloggers!

This weekend past - saw the rise of many bloggers to the challenge of 55 Fiction Stories. And what an interesting read it has been.


Currently the challengers tally looks like so -

Arathi -- Her 55
Ashish -- His 55 *NEW*
Ashtrix -- His 55
Colors -- Her 55
Cynic -- Her 55.
DJ -- His 55.
Divya -- Her 55. and more!
Invincible -- His 65!
I Take No Logic -- His 55. *NEW*
Kaush -- Her 55 and more! *NEW*
Manuscrypts -- His 55 <-- great stuff! Pinks -- Her 55
Prasad -- His 55. *NEW*
Ricky -- His 55
Seema -- Her 55
Vicky -- His 55 *NEW*
Wise Donkey -- Her 55

....and counting!!

And here's my second attempt at 55.
------------------------
Angel?!

"She is inviting me home!"

red devil - 'Yess! Go for it. You're wife wont know.'
..........

"Hey! Where's the other one?"

red devil - 'Who cares. Listen to me. Go with her tonight! :D'
..........

Up in heaven -
white angel - 'God! I hate traffic. I'm late for work again!!'

THE END
-----------------------------

And this one - not a 55er - but a short story nontheless I got in a forward this morning.

A college class was told that they have to write a story in as few words as possible. The instructions were:
The story has to contain the following three things-
1. Religion.
2. Sexuality
3. Mystery

Below is the only A+ story in the entire class.

"Good God, I'm pregnant; I wonder who did it."

:)
Any more takers??

Ig-jactly!!

* How does it matter that I am in Melbourne?
* So what if I have seen all the places that they show in the movie? Its going to be good fun.
* Arrey, I have heard it from A. She reckons its great!
* Lets go see it naa.... I dont want to wait for it to show up on DVD.
* Pleeeeeeeeeeaase!!

Finally I went to see "Salaam Namaste".

Warning - Possible plot-spoiler ahead! My apologies. :)

*Phew*
A 'big' critic of Bollywood movies that I am (with reviews of some latest movies and older ones like this, this, and this. ) But this movie... I walked into the theatre with a biased mind..I'll have to admit. Melbournian, that I am.... I'll have to say that I was really excited to see what part of Melbourne they had captured for the Indian audience!

My two cents!
=> Ofcourse they have captured all the scenic locations of Melbourne + surrounding places in the state (Victoria) like the Great Ocean Road. But its strange to see the actors driving in the middle of city traffic and seconds later driving on roads that are hours away from the city. And also some scenes with honking horns when there's hardly any traffic. That - I can say dosent happen here...because honking here is equal to swearing at someone.
But hey! Who's complaining.?

=> They did show the guy's character as pretty selfish n shallow - it seemed... but later as the girl explained - he had been honest abt it all. And I reckon it was not wrong at all.
Being so far away from home and family backup - financial situations can be messy at times and stress in such situations can bring out the worst. And the yelling and fighting and making each other's life hell - having gone thru my share of housemates here -- It was totally correct. Even I have had to yell like that *a couple of times!* :[

=> And I had heard that Javed Jaffrey's role was annoying. But surprisingly - I really enjoyed it. The whole theatre full of Desis at the 9pm screening - all at his "ig-jactly" brought roars of laughter every time!! :D The good thing was that it was short n sweet. Just long enough....

=> When the movie began - I was like - 'What the hey! Cant I escape from the AB khaandaan?!' In almost every movie that I have seen recently - either I have seen AB, or his son or AB's voice over and here - AB's son's voice over!!
But later when he finally showed as the wierd gynac - the serious second half of the movie was again provided with a comic relief. And the theatre was once again roaring with laughter all thanks to his idiotic antics. This one was again... just a few minutes of sillyness - not stretched to the limits that might start to bore n annoy. I laughed a LOT!!

==================================

To cut the long story short - I care to disagree with all those who didnt like the movie. Who thought that the guy was shown as a jerk. Or the girl had been ridiculous in her expectations. Who said the comedy was annoying......

I wont say that I know everything there is to know about - young adults thousands of kms away from home and family. But I can vouch for one thing - all that they showed in the movie is very much possible!

Yes.... falling in love can be the most amazing thing ever. And yes later its does tend to lose its initial 'magic' and thats something each and every one has to deal with.
How each of us deal with this loss of magic is entirely individual.... some take it as an inspiration to start the magic all over again, while others leave it and move on.

Living alone without family can be very liberating and will bring great sense of independence. But it is extremely stressful. At such a time - having understanding friends can be the difference between blissful and miserable existence. And stress has a strange effect on even the closest of relationships.

.....ok. I'll stop my lesson of 'gyaan' right here!!
:)

Movie Concept - ****
Songs - *****
Acting - ***1/2

Overall - ****

Go and watch the movie. Go and see my Melbourne.

(Haanji - YRFilms, where is my cheque?!) ;)

In the mood....

....for B-o-l-l-y-w-o-o-d!

This weekend that went past was "Bollywood-movies-one-after-the-other" weekend!! And it all started with the one hour drive to and fro trip to 'Bharat Traders', one of the bigger Indian Stores here in Melbourne....you know stores where you get everything from Margo Soap 'Neem wala saabun' to Zandu Pacharisht 'Saatth saal ke boodhe ya...' - from Indian Maggi Masala to MTR Sambhar Masala, from Dabur Amla Kesh Tel to Multaani Mitti .... all sorts of namkeens, sweets, utensils, music CDs, DVDs (original and camera prints) and 20kg sacks of Lal Quila Basmati and Annapurna Atta, bottles of Thumsup, Limca and Maaza....blah blah blah....

And believe it or not... even the messy price tags, smelly refrigirators, dark aisles and overflowing shelves do not deter the feeling of nostalgia. *things I have to do...places I have to go these days to get one 'sniff' of homeland!*

Anyways back to the matter at hand and how my plans of being the 'Spring-is-here-Jogging-Queen' were turned to 'Rainy-days-Couch-Potato'!! :[
After weeks of waiting and haggling we got the original DVD for Parineeta (I had promised myself not to watch it on camera print with crappy picture and sound!)

So the series began -

*Maine pyaar kyun kiya - I saw it during the week actually and then again on the weekend. First time round, I just found it irritatingly annoying. I was like, 'Maine movie kyun dekhi!' Then... I found my sense if humor in the 2nd screening. And I enjoyed it.

*Dus - I was fooled! :( I did not like the movie at all.... actually this one I walked off in the middle of the movie, to make lunch, as I could not stand it at all.

* Virudhh - I liked it.... the movie concept, direction and AB's acting especially was really good. No songs! *that was a refreshing change* And as I have seen the effects of corrupt Police and Lawyers on my family first-hand I could relate to the movie in more ways than one.

*Parineeta - This one was quite good. I tried not to get too technical with the dates and the fashion and the technology etc.... so I just enjoyed it thoroughly! A girl friend of mine here had told me that she was reminded of me and 'him' when she saw this movie. I wont say that I agree entirely...but there was a striking resemblance. I even asked him after the movie was over, "Did this movie remind you of us?". He smiled and nodded 'Yes'. And I left it at that..........

*...Yahan - This movie was unexpected. I hadn't heard of it and got it just becuase it was there at the shop. And to my surprise it was a great movie...the songs were excellent - humable and different from your usual style. And I liked Jimmy Shergil's acting. I think he has great potential, and I have liked him in most of the movies that he has done! *what a Bollywood crush - finally!! blushing! :)*
The final twist of the movie was well... kind of 'oh yeah - I knew it!' ...but still, it was a good change. And I'd like to recommend it to those who havent seen it or even heard of it *like me*!!

---Blast from the Past---
*Paheli - I saw this movie quite a while ago.... and had thought about writing about it. I heard from my Indian girlfriends that the movie wasnt a huge hit. That I thought was a bit wierd because I liked Paheli a lot! This was one movie that I just took in as if I was watching a 'fairytale adaptaion'. I didnt go into the slicing and dicing of the whole ghost-makes-female-pregnant thing. Just enjoyed the beautiful colours, the great acting and character buildup... Ofcourse there were some of those 'yeah right!' scenes in there - but the thing that sort of clung to me was the 'love' bit.
May be I saw it in one of my lovey-dovey moods...but I just found the scenes like 'ghost's first contact with family love' (dheere jalna song) and 'floating rose petals' too cute and romantic to be scorned at!!
I dont know..... I just liked it! *and no! I'm not a SRK fan. Don't like him much at all...as I'm just over him and his emotional scenes and his bad crying!*

---------------

And only if 'he' would have agreed to take me to see 'Salaam Namaste' at the theatres (like he does time and time again when I want to see an Indian movie!), I wouldn't have insisted to watching all these movies - the whole two days! :P

But I guess.... I was finally able to catchup with Bollywood and see some movies that I had been looking forward to seeing for a long time! *Next weekend - I'll buy the tickets for Salaam Namaste in advance so 'he' cant say "No!"* :D

Catching up....

on books & life!


Its been a long long time since I read my last Sidney Sheldon...probably around four years. And last week I got my hands on his somewhat new book, "Are you afraid of the dark?". God knows what it is but I have almost thrown the book away in frustration atleast 4 times. I mean.... the characters, the dialogues, the scenes are so predictable that I get the impression that I'm reading the script of a Bollywood movie! :

I still have like 50 pages to go.... and I've come this far only because I have nothing better to do on my way back n forth from work. Train rides can be extremely boring!

Not happy Jan at all....... I reckon I have just outgrown him, in my taste for fiction!
No more Sidney Sheldon for me.

---------------------------------------------

On another front, after hearing about 43things.com for months, I finely thought I should do something about it. I mean there are loads of things I want to do in life....and I never stop complaining how years are just passing me by and I still havent done so many of them.
So.. a coupla days ago I visited 43things.com and jotted down my first 5 things. On my way I also jotted down my first 5 places at 43places.com!!

They always teach in your "Reach your Goals" type of classes/seminars how writing down your goals in life gets you one step closer to actually achieving them. So I am putting this theory to the test.

You are most welcome to join me on the journey.... to laugh at me or pat on my back about my goals...by commenting on the new segment on the sidebar here - My 43 things....

I forgot the title!!!

Okay... I have been thinking all morning about this post. And now even though I remember what the content of the post will be I have forgotten what title I had in mind for it!! It was a very quirky title that had struck me on the train to work and now I just can't remember it. Grrrrr......

Anyways!!
I wanted to write about "Influence". And no, I am not thinking about the very deep, life changing influences...but simple things that people do, or want to do when they see others do them!

One could even say, we are all copy-cats! Or that little kid in the park who sees another kid with a new toy and runs to his mother and says, "I want 'thaaat'!!" And then the virtuous mother, patiently replies, "Honey, its that kid's toy. You have your own, so play with yours."

And we grow up - or do we? Hardly!
We still dream of our neighbour's clothes. Neighbour's car. Neighbour's career. Neighbour's life...or even the neighbour's wife!! :P And becuase we have grown in 'size' and in our 'mind' - we usually don't have someone with the authority to tell us to sit still and be happy with what we have.

But then - that is ambition..no?! The drive to achieve more!
But surely there was a difference between Sunil Shetty and Akshay Khanna...no? In the movie Dhadkan I mean. Sunil, who wanted all that Akshay had (including his wife literally!) while Akshay seemed to have it all effortlessly~!

*Where did that come from? I have no idea.*
No I didn't see the movie on the weekend... it just sprang out of the blue. Anyways you get my drift.

All I 'm saying is - we all are trying so hard to achieve something that has been instilled into our minds as the 'benchmark'. The 'ideal beauty', the 'ideal career' or the 'ideal life'~!

There are some who just have it... by birth or by luck or by chance. and then there are others working day and night to get it - get it all.

And I wonder, who is happier? the 'influenced' or the 'influencer'...?! Mey be both - may be neither. But they go on ...... striving to reach that point of excellence. For what good would life be without an aim to pursue....

You tell me today, which force is more prominent for you??