It’s FRIDAY!!!

As I sit curled up in my favorite corner of my room, with lots and lots of cushions, my Teddy beside me, my trusted laptop, my fat chai cup filled to the brim with black tea, some very good and soothing music and the windows pushed open to let the Cold Friday winter breeze in, I am sending a quick silent prayer UP!

Yes, I am THANKFUL, extremely thankful to HIM, for all the small things in life that actually make LIFE so wonderful! This is what FRIDAYS do to me. This is why I love Fridays; I begin to SEE things that I otherwise don’t! Nothing or No one can get me upset, frustrate or agitate me on a Friday. Nothing can beat the peace, quiet and tranquility of Fridays! It’s something completely serene and beautiful!

And today, as I sit here sipping on my piping hot chai, I am having what I would like to call a RANDOM Phase… Some random thoughts and random lines running through my head and I am just going to pen them done in no particular order at all… Maybe once this is out of my head, I will be able to pen something that is more…uhmm… ME! :D :D (Tsk tsk… Unfortunately due to rather unexpected turn of events, I could not publish this yesterday… Oh well… Saturdays are a continuation of Fridays, no? :P  and Yeah BTW Ma thought it was STOOPID to make the amends to my room's furniture arrangement and so thereby my little cosy corner is no more! :( Ahh Well, Good things seldom last long, right?)

  

Quiet and peaceful winter evening keeps flowing uninterrupted wave after wave,

Keeps on repeating untold and unheard symphonies very softy and very slowly.

Somewhere far far away it has awakened a desire so strong and so potent,

Somewhere far far away you and I are completely lost.

We are both quiet.

We are both intoxicated.

So quiet, Oh so quiet are the winds that has been heard and spoken by our eyes.

So quiet, Oh so quiet are these winds,

Are they not?

Pleasant are the stories that the silence tells u,

The one who you have loved shall be yours, they tell me today.

I am so engrossed and absorbed but I am aware, when the moment will arise,

When slowly, softly and gently my heart shall bloom.

We are both quiet.

We are both intoxicated.

So quiet, Oh so quiet are the winds that has been heard and spoken by our eyes.

So quiet, Oh so quiet are these winds,

Are they not?

What sort of time is this? What sort of an ambiance is this?

That the evening just seems to be melting away.

Everything is so beautiful, everything is so young, that life seems to be so excited!

Shining, twinkling dreams are playing up on my eyelids.

Listen to the winds, humming whispering into our ears, songs Oh so wonderful!

We are both quiet.

We are both intoxicated.

So quiet, Oh so quiet are the winds that has been heard and spoken by our eyes.

So quiet, Oh so quiet are these winds,

Are they not?

Rhythm Correct!!!

I am a Kolaveri ADDICT!!

Yes Like Many Many Others hooked on to this brilliantly addictive song, I too am just not able to get the song out of my head or my system!!! Since Nov 19^th 12.30 in the afternoon, I have been constantly humming….

White skin-u girl-u girl-u,

girl-u heart-u black-u.

Eyes-u eyes-u meet-u meet-u, my future dark-u.

Why this Kolaveri Kolaveri Kolaveri Di,

Why this Kolaveri Kolaveri Kolaveri Di…

"Kolaveri Di", although already a rage, it seems to be on a record breaking spree. In less than a day, the song had got more than a million hits on YouTube and so far has registered 4,052,189 hits!!!! In fact I for one have bookmarked it both at home and at work and am singing it my head 24/7!! :D

It’s almost like a new anthem, a new catch phrase for everyone. The lyrics are super easy to remember, the tune catchy and these I believe are all the every reasons for its immense success. I have been trying to write about this Song all morning, but all I could do was keep singing along and dancing to it!!!

The promo of the song was released on YouTube Nov 16 and spread like a viral, thanks to its funny, nonsense Tamglish (Tamil-English). I have been going completely gaga over the foot-tapping music ever since and I don’t seem to be able get enough of this song sung by Tamil star Dhanush for his film "3", which is being directed by his wife Aishwarya, the gorgeous daughter of Tamil superstar RAJNIKANT. The song has been composed by a charming cutely 18-year-old kid, Anirudh Ravichander.

Through his voice, his demeanor, charm and boyish innocence, Dhanush succeeded in creating, establishing and strengthening a Direct Bond with both his fans and converting many like me into his FANS! Bringing smiles, laughter and rhythm instantly to the face...

Many people have even started putting up lyrics of this song as their status on the various social networking platforms. So don't get confused and shocked if you see 'Eyes-u full-aa tear-u, empty life-u, Girl-u come-u, life reverse gear-u’ as someone's status on Facebook or Twitter!!! Though I will admit, it’s easier said than done considering the number of non southies, singing and grooving to Kolaveri D!

So why is “Why this Kolaveri di?” ? 

1. It's a song fit for bathroom singers.
2. It’s simple beats make it more catchy.
3. Dhanush's simple, and easy description of heartbreak through Kolaveri Di is extremely funny and never fails to make one smile.
4. The video features Anirudh, Dhanush, Aishwarya and Shruti in the recording studio. Minus the fake sets and made-up expressions even the video of Kolaveri Di is interesting!
5. Dhanush stuck to his boy next door image and has sung the song with same innocence.

I feel that the simplicity of the song actually has worked wonders for it. 'Kolaveri...' for my non Tamizh friends, is not "murderous rage" per say as quoted widely. Though this is the literal meaning, in this context, it is an emotive response of a guy who is lost in love and is feeling the brunt of the flip side of a love. Thank you SB, for the exact translation!! :D  

In this case, it is a more of a humorous tone and not rage per say. I think the lyrics are so simple and the theme is so generic, that people across all walks of life can actually relate to the meaning.  It’s now getting used as verbiage in almost any walk of life, social, political...everywhere!! Absolutely Tremendous… Its soo endearing, it just isn’t leaving the just not leaving the lips and the mind and the system.

A frnd of mine on Facebook has brilliantly correlated Kolaveri to our new SING KING! :P

Sharad pawar....

"Why this Kolveri Kolveri Kolaveri Di...?

goingu homu...took a step u...slap came out of nowhereu.. .

ears ring u...cheeks redd u...eyes full of tears u..

i am pawar..sha rad pawar...but harvindar' s slap had power u...

cheeks hurting u.. nose bleeding u. ..finally my face is straigh tu. ..

why this kolaveri kolaveri kolaveri Sardar JI ?".. :)..

One of the biggest achievements of this song is that for once I have seen so much unity on social networking sites with regards to appreciation for a Tamizh song (whether justified or not is a different question). In the process, it has created a healthy interaction and proved yet again that music crosses barriers irrespective of language. And More over, The singer is Rajinikanth's son-in-law, doesn't that say it all? LOLOL.

~Listening to dis Song-u Song-u

My accent-u change-u change-uWhy this Kolaveri Kolaveri Kolaveri Di~~

Flop song??? Defnitely NOT!!

WINTER LOVE!

My mum is unbelievably CUTE. She comes up with the most implausible reasons to NOT have to sit in my car with me. “Take your Appa along, no??”, “I have so much work to do.” “I have sat in the car before nah, with your Appa.”. But today I somehow forced, threw a tantrum, and literally begged her and made sure she got into my car and that to with me! Anddd… She did, although she sat holding the door, stuck to edge of the seat, constantly shouting at me to 2) reduce the speed, b) to leave the damn BB alone (LOLOL) and kept silently praying to all the Gods and Goddess to somehow bring this little excursion of ours to an end!

But all of a sudden she was all excited and happy. Reason being she looked outside the window and up at the Sky… The Sky was absolutely GORGEOUS, it was in fact DELECTABLE and SCRUMPTIOUS. Ranging from hues of Black, blue, red and a pinch of Yellow, it was a breathtaking sight. As I gazed up at the lovely winter skies, I knew what I needed to write about next! WINTER!

I LOVE winter. It’s is one of my favorite seasons and I often wish it could last even longer. Before you accuse me of being crazy, hear me out. Let me give the raison d'être as to why Winter Rocks:

Reason No. 1 - I am actually not very fond of *Air Conditioning*. In fact I complete detest it and avoid using it at most times! Conditioning the AIR and making it unbelievably cold during summers seems to be one of the few standard Dubain characteristics. A chosen few people I know blast the AC in their CARS, Houses and Offices to the point wherein I start shivering and my teeth begin to rattle. Come Winter and automatically people Stop, Okay I am being too optimistic here, but they at least reduce using it and start leaving the windows Open! BLISS!

Reason No. 2 - We live in an age of speed and instant gratification and it’s something I am usually quite comfortable with and that is something I have written about on a regular basis as well, but with winter, EVERYTHING slows down. Evening relaxation starts much earlier than in summer, summer and some more summer. (Considering how Dubai only seems to have to have HEAT all the time. Does Dubai even see any Spring or autumn?) So it’s true, you have MORE time! Don’t ask me to explain the whole Science of it but I’m sure you all know it as well! :P But having said that it’s not that I use the extra time as such, but I KNOW  for a fact that if at ALL I need it, I HAVE it!! Having said that I have been sitting late at work for the past few weeks, so that’s where all my extra time and energy has been put to use (?) or should I say put to waste! :P

Reason No. 3 – Tell me one thing that is nicer than curling up on the sofa under a blanket!!! Add a Sofa/Beanbag/Lots of cushions on the floor, and blanket and then throw in DVD or two and what do you get?? HAPPINESS! Throw in a person to curl up with and now you’re talking absolute bliss!!!! LOL But I guess I will have to make do with Mr. F, my trusty teddy for the time being.

Reason No. 4 - I have this constant urge to get out, be out, relish the pressure of being out, “enjoying the weather”, walking, breathing, taking in the VIEW and the AIR… With winter, you have a VALID and ready-made excuse to do just that and Not SWEAT!

Reason No. 5 - I love wearing clothes and layering myself with it. Covering myself UP! And while I may sound like admitting to have a very low self esteem in the body image department (BID), it doesn’t change the fact that deciding what to wear in winter is FUN and those who know me know that I have no issues what so ever with the BID!! Sweaters, shawls, cardigans, coats, scarves, and gloves (I need to desperately get some!)… YAY! And on really cold days (I am hoping for some in Mid – December) I intend to dress in all black and pretend I am from Afghanistan or better still a NINJA!! YEP NINJA IT IS! Hahahahah.

Reason No. 6 – I love winter foods. Warm, Hot, spicy with oodles of flavor and spice. Steaming cups of goosebumps inducing Chai’s, crispy pakodas, delicious samosas, baked pastas, Chilly Strawberry Ice creams (SLURP!), hearty soups, winter salads and more – Its Basically LOVE served on a Plate with some more love!

Reason No. 7 - Winter is also the Perfect time to take it EASY! To give yourself a break and lay back… It’s THAT time of the year. With the daytime reduced and the overall feeling of hibernation and low energy in the air, I think we shouldn’t give ourselves a hard time with all the “HAVE TO DO’s” in our lives. That way IF and WHEN we do manage to get something done, we can feel the *afterglow* of a job well done!

Reason No. 8 - I love winter, as it IS the holiday season!!! The National Holidays, Christmas Time and the NYE! I love the overall build up and expectations of the close of the year and the beginning of a BRAND NEW YEAR!

Reason No. 9 - I love having showers. Twice… even Thrice in the day would do me good! No one can disagree that when it’s winter, its dark and cold, and a super long hot shower is absolutely DIVINE!!! Hot showers in summer are an ABSOLUTE waste! I mean who wants to sweat while taking a shower? But winters are different, it means having a shower in complete luxury, slowly turning down the cold water so as to make the water positively scalding and hot. Getting pink, soft and clean!!! :D :D

Reason No. 10 - And My favorite favorite Reason! I love winters for the long long drives with old Hindi music playing in the background and the long walks on the beach! The wind blowing in my hair, the soft smell of the seas, the quiet, the calm and the peace! Curling my toes into the wet slippery sands, looking at the rays of the beautiful red orange setting sun, and smiling to myself while sending a quick *Thank you* to HIM… Standing there silently thinking to myself that this is all for ME, just ME! Well, A girl can dream can’t she? :P

So, what do you think? WINTER is AWESOME isn’t it?? (I for one haven’t included the chapped lips, the dry skin and the other negatives in this one just so that I can think for a while this Season is ALMOST PERFECT! :D )

*Thank You, Ma for being the One to spark the idea of exploring WHY I love WINTER soo much! Love YOU! 

ARR... ARR... ARR!

In my previous *Writer's Block Breaking* blog entry, I had mentioned that the only way I could get over my brief numbness was by finding that inspiration myself. And what Can I say I seem to have found it, in my Favorite place yet again! My MUSIC!

Music is a wonderful means of connecting with the ONESELF and with the SUPREME POWER. What One cannot express through words can be easily done through music. Listening to music with closed eyes, makes us appreciate it as an expression and celebration of the Omnipotent.

Clearly my life seems to be easily adjusting and moving towards scenarios worth have Background music and while in this subconscious search I stumbled upon the soundtrack of this Hindi Film which i will be writing about today.

The Track playing in my Appa's Car was Different! Despite asking him over and over again, which movie's song that was, he refused to tell, he said GUESS! And all of us spend the rest of the 4 minutes of song thinking of all the possible possibilities. And just as the song was about to end, I said "ROCKSTAR?" and Appa Smiled and So Did I!! A Big Broad Smile!

Why? Well, It isn’t that often that you get to listen to *Fresh* Music composed by the MAN, AR Rahman. He is something ELSE! The very fact that He elects his projects very carefully and does such few movies, everyone begins to keep an eye OUT for it or rather a EAR OUT for it!

Despite the Movie being called ROCKSTAR, there is just one song that truly is a ROCK anthem! And for this I am thankful, I am not much of a rock person and I was pleasantly surprised listening to this magnificent blend of minimal ‘rock’, phenomenally evocative numbers ranging from folk, sufism, and alternating to electro-pop and some gypsy pieces as well!!! And let me add it is an absolute DELIGHT! 

There’re so many delicate nuances, turns, bends and beautiful undertones in all its 14 songs, that its just not possible to JUDGE or pass a decision in ONE go! What it does is demand attention, time and an extra effort! With no remixes or reprises to speak of, it is most definitely MY dream album. The richness of the album lies in its details, and if you play the tracks nonchalantly, without paying much of attention to it, you will MOST certainly miss out. But if you like me, will keep listening to the album over and over again, you will undoubtedly fall in LOVE and will in turn be highly rewarded!

Mohit Chauhan is BRILLANT! His voice is like silk and oozes flair without ever over exaggerating or over powering. The Beauty of his voice and the emotions is clearly seen in Aur Ho. AAR has yet again managed to bring out the haunting and traumatic beauty of *Satrangi re* from Dil se. The passion, the pain, the helplessness and the general feel of this song stays with you long long after you have heard it! It's a CLASS apart!

The Paradoxical Sheher Mein is a beauty… I am partial to this particular number partially because this was the song that got me introduced to the album. It's a song within a song and Chauhan’s voice dominates and flows in the most beautiful fashion.

The opening song, Phir Se Ud Chala… is a quintessential Rahman number with wide soundscenery, lots of textures, timber and fragile harmonies. Towards the end, it routes into the electro-pop realm effortlessly and even without us knowing.

Another one of my favorites is the quirky, almost fairytale like Hawaa Hawaa… that features gypsy music with bits of flamenco is pleasantly surprising and perhaps the best eccentric number.

Other memorable tracks include the evocative Kun Faya Kun… a peaceful and melodic qawwali number sung by Rahman, Javed Ali and Mohit Chauhan. Jo Bhi Main… takes the psychedelic route and takes you to a different world altogether!

Nadaan Parinde, has some very interesting lyrics which can be interpreted in multiple fashions and if listened to careful, will definitely tug you heart strings… Tango For Taj another gypsy track with Spanish guitar and foot tapping beats.

AAR's music is beautiful reflection of *Slow and Steady wins the race* He is absolutely in no hurry! Listen to the Album like I did, without listening to anything else and let the magic unfold and take over you! Let loose and You will LOVE it! AAR has an iron grip over all the very nuances of the soundtrack and it clearly emits its brilliancy and reestablishes his power, persona and stature in the industry!

Never Once, has AAR, ever created a song that instantly catches the attention of one and all, he creates music that grows on you, and once it does its absolutely difficult to let go! This one is definitely all set to be a CLASSIC!

“Out beyond ideas of wrongdoing and right doing, there is a field. I will meet you there.”

OFF the Grid!

Yet again I have been away from the world of blogging not because I wanted to, but like always, because I had to. Many things happened during the past couple of weeks, My sister getting selected to compete in the Miss Kerala 2011 competition (One among the 20 hottest women from Kerala :P Quite a feat, isn't it?), me taking a week's break from work to take over the reins of the house, cooking galore, My Bday!!!, midnight surprise :D, My Bestie's Bday!!!, learning the ways and means of a certain CLKP :P, Big Boss is back!!!, working from home on tedious and tiresome Projects, my sister going on to Win the coveted Miss Beautiful Eyes 2011 Title, my 80’s and 90’s themed Party, getting back to Work, Moving in a NEW office, Diwaliiii, Eid and what not!!!!

Considering all this and more, now can you actually blame me for not being able to write???

In fact it's more than a month since I watched my favorite Criminal Minds!! :O That proves it all doesn't it? No, but I did manage to catch up on three episodes back to back to back on one of the EID holidays giving myself a well deserved treat of feasting on my Double chocolate tower delight! Shemaar Moore is a League apart, isn’t it? Sigh! LOLOL :P ;)

But all that apart I have been desperate to get back to writing with vengeance, but all times I decide to do that one thing leads to another and I end up not being able to write. I have just not been able to put pen to paper or key in on my used and abused key board and whip our something new, interesting and ME! So I turned to reading, reading anything and everything in order to get a grip on myself and WRITE! It did not seem to be the IDEAL way out‚ but reading about things, anything or something in particular, say a thing you are going through is definitely something to feel a little content about. It makes you feel you are not alone‚ you’re not crazy and that you are not the only racer on the track!

It is often said that writing is never as easy as reading‚ and I agree. But it wasn’t always like that, I always seemed to have a way with words, and apparently I still do, but off late it has sort of been sidelined to just writing emails to clients and writing Conceptual Design Statements for OTHERS!

When I read something and so many things come to my mind, I am sure a lot of things come into yours as well‚ It’s like your imagination is slowly but steadily taking total control over me‚ but then when I actually hold a pen in my hand‚ I go blank‚ I feel numb‚ stuck, I feel as if I have nothing to say. I guess this is what they call the WRITER’s BLOCK.

It has happened to me numerous times, but I have never let it affect me for more than a week or two weeks maximum. I may not be a writer to the world‚ but for me I am a writer wholeheartedly. Sometimes‚ creativity takes a back seat for no apparent reason‚ and no matter how hard you try‚ you just cannot figure out what is it that’s stopping you. I guess this happens in every type of creativity‚ be it writing‚ painting, dancing or any other form of art. 

Psychoanalyst Edmund Bergler, first described the ‘writer’s block’ condition in 1947. The reasons for it were many like illness‚ depression‚ the end or beginning of a project‚ or it could simply be a lack of inspiration!! What was it for me? Illness? No, I am fit as a fiddle, touch wood! Depression! I don’t see how? Lack of inspiration! Uhmm I hope not! End or beginning of a project? LOL! No comments!

Somebody once said‚ “The problem with reality is that there is no background music.” I could not agree more to this! I for one am a person who is forever and always listening to some music or the other and it almost always happens that when I am in a particular mood, the mood is reflected in the type of Music I listen to as well. Most times its not even done intentionally, it just so happens automatically that is playing on someone’s mobile or the car next to mine at a signal! I would like to think of them as SIGNS! Signs that let us which direction to take, what to do when we don’t seem a way out of a situation. It would really be absolutely wonderful if only music were playing in our background at all the different situations that we pass through on a daily basis… It would fill in the gap often left out in conversations, in our minds and most importantly help me UNBLOCK my BLOCK! But NO, unfortunately…… There is no background music being played in reality‚ and there never will be. So the only thing left to do is to take the tough way out and overcome the writer’s block the way we like.

So‚ we will have to find that inspiration by ourselves‚ and overcome all sort of obstructions. So I think the only way to get through the writer’s block phase‚ is to just keep writing and let nothing stop you. But it’s easier said than done isn’t it? :P

IN Actuality!

I was absolutely packed for the day. Not a moment to spare. To think or even act! Lol.  All those who know me, know well that, HOW busy I should be for not being able to the above mentioned, as I have always prided myself for being able to multitask splendidly.

But a news paper article and a phone call from a Dear friend of mine changed it all. Name withheld for reasons best known to both of us. And waisa bhi Samajhdar ko ishara kafi hai! (Hints are good enough for the wise!... Lol that Be my lame attempt at creating an English idiom equivalent to the Hindi one!)

Those of you who are curious to know what the article was all about here go... Girl kills self after being dumped on Facebook! Stoopid Gal!

I am not even going to comment on her action and her state of mind at that time, because nothing I say can even remotely bring out my exact feelings at this point. Taking away a life, yours or others, is something we SHOULD NOT have any control over and sadly that isn't the case.

It's funny how I am having one of those life imitates art (in case news from elsewhere) moments! Like a very cruel twist of fate, Someone I know, is currently pursuing what I would like to call a Facebook Affair! A highly intense and stylized version at that!

So what exactly are my thoughts on these "Facebook affairs"? Uhm... Is this how you reunite with an old flame from high school or college or even random people and say just "catch up." But of course as time passes, so does the degree of closeness and possibly too close to the point of having an emotional affair or even a full blown affair using Facebook as the secret place!!!

Mind you, initially I thought these Facebook Affairs are limited to people with a no partners in life or generally single. But No! That clearly does not seem to be the case! Married or not, committed or not, single or not, none of it matters while having a Facebook Affair!

What is it about Facebook that makes it so easy for people to stoop to such levels! (I am beginning to think all of us must be sensing some amount of negative feelings towards Facebook today, well the reasons are very simple! - this morning Facebook, and Mr. Mark Zuckerburg decided to change the whole place topsy turvy without the smallest of HINTS!!! I mean what the hell! :S :S :S Why do we need to see what Our friends are doing at this EXACT moment!! Kinda creepy don't u THINK? Change is Good and Essential, But not certainly not like this right??)

These people, come to believe that affairs are thrilling mysterious, invigorating, passionate and romantic! But what they fail to understand is that they are also destructive, detrimental, excruciating, and most importantly undignified!!

Affairs inevitably HURT someone – and frequently they hurt all especially one involved including children, if there are any....

Why do tools like Facebook make it easier for such things to happen than just meeting someone face to face? Is it the power to rehearse, is it the security (or not) over the Internet? Is it that people think, others are complete fool and will agree/believe all the nonsense that you intend to feed them with? What is it?

I am completely okay with the innocent flirtations on Facebook, but the thing is that these innocent flirtations are no long innocent, slowly but steadily they are developing into something much more. It's disgusting to even think that some of these people indulging in the above mentioned affaires are married, and even people with kids! Well All I can say is Each to his Own! Pfft!!

R and R

No one needs a "Vacation" MORE than the One who just had a "Vacation"!

Mr. Elbert Hubbard

 

Stepping into the second week of work, after having a month away, there is nothing more I want, than to be excitedly standing at the very start of my vacations, and I couldn't agree more with Mr. Hubbard.

Having said that I am grateful for having a good vacation, a productive, exhaustive and at the same time relaxing vacation! Good food, scenic locales, interesting people, laughter, merry making and almost always had a smile plastered on my face. (Baring of course the occasional bout of negativity, which are necessary for us to appreciate the life we have and to be unapologetically thankful for and proud of!)

One month of pure Bliss! And now I am back to work! I have noticed that While on vacation not only do I do the obvious that is not Work, but also unconsciously shut down my mind, in terms of not being able to write! I can read, but try as I may, just not write. It's been exactly a month since I last wrote! The minute I got back, I had this itching feeling of wanting to sit down and Type it out... :) But with lots of mandatory chores like uploading vacation pictures on Facebook :P, catching up with friends, cleaning of the house, getting ready for ONAM, entertaining guests for Onam, uploading Onam pictures, a bridal shower, more pictures and the sort... I had to further make my blog wait for another post from me!

My vacation also consisted of several unprecedented things, like us flying to Bangalore for 10 days on a whim that I never thought would come true, me and my siblings learning to swim all by our own (albeit  we are still a bit raw at it!), going to Nrityagram (A long cherished dream of mine), eating pani puri on the streets with a cow and a dog for company, going for photo walks in the slums, going bowling and chipping my nails, playing snooker and looking like an absolute FOOL!

But, All said and done, Vacations are EXCELLANT for good Health! I strongly believe that vacations are good for health! Yes!

Taking regular vacations will most certainly help us live a fuller, longer (not really sure whether we want that :P), healthier and productive life. Going on vacations, sleeping, exercising, and  other leisure activities, have a very powerful healing, invigorating, protective and recuperating effect against the horrible, horrible phenomenon of STRESS.

Sitting here, awaiting for my boss to come out of a meeting and give his go ahead a design, I have decided to make good use of my time and note down a few GOOD "excuses" to take a vacation! :D Effective and productive use of 10 free minutes!

VACATION...

• Reduces STRESS (All of which seems to get accumulated on my shoulders, yet another small something I have inherited directly from my Mom). By taking ourselves out of the familiar stresses at work and home, our STRESS is greatly reduced during vacations! During a vacation, we get to unwind, relax, and put anticipated pressure and terrorization out of our minds.
• Provides an distinctive break to treat ourselves in our activities that have a soothing, restorative and stress-buffering effect, such a extensive photography in my case.
• It could be an Internal adventure. Much like my annual internal retreat at the close of the year to be alone, to solve personal problems or simply enjoy oneself. "Solitude is not a luxury; it is a periodic necessity."
• To pamper yourself! All of US work very hard, and we have all the right to treat ourselves to the fruits of our hard labor. Like my biweekly visits to the parlor to relax, splurge, live it up, to be treated well, and to feel important. 
• To have the freedom to do WHAT you want WHEN you want. The freedom to walk around our very own wishes, whims and fantasies. These are our escapist moments! At least for a while we can run away from the pressures of today's day and time and experience the small little joys of living a less synchronized existence. :) 

And...

Ahh... There comes the BOSS, and so my little trip is over for the time being! I have got to get back to work, but I am sure that everyone reading will be on a mini vacation of their own in their heads!

Let's all NOT forget to take time off for vacations!! It is... the RIGHT thing to DO now and very now and then!

Friends FOREVER!

It’s been a WEEK since I lasted posted my blog entry and it has been intentional! I fell in LOVE... yes in Love with the Number 100!! I wanted to keep seeing that number some more and so I thought I should keep it cool and wait for a bit and then post an entry! But now, after a week, I realized, my respects to the NUMBER has been paid and my thoughts need to be released and more importantly 200 sounds like an even more interesting number, better still 300.. or 400... or... LOL!! Touch wood!

SO armed with THAT motivation in hand and a tummy ache which has bound me at home, here I am in front of the computer about to key in my 101th BLOG entry!! Yay!! :D

Last Saturday while I was on my way completing a few errands of mine, My bestie Pooj, pinged me asking me to write something about US for this Facebook competition looking to find the best of best two friends in Dubai and was very keen that we participate and more importantly WIN! 

SO there I was in this long never ending queue in the Bank, and this came as a welcome exercise, I had something productive to do in that time, isn't it? Standing there completely oblivious to the people in front of me and to the people behind me, I started punching in....

Forever is a really long time! I used to wonder how people talk so casually about this theory that we cannot even fully fathom or wrap our minds around. But then sometimes, very rarely mind you, we have a *Friend*, a dear dear one and we immediately begin to sense that our souls are very closely and deeply connected. This connection, we then know is, above all time and space. We instantaneously know that wherever we are in our lives, whoever we turn into, we will always, always remain friends.

Through rivers of tears and fiery fights, sweet smiles, lots of love and horrible hate, bitter betrayal and deadly debates, I would always and forever have faith in You just as you have had for ME... Even if we do not see each other for days, months or years (God forbid) we are able to pick up right from where we left off and it will be alright!! Now I know what people mean when they say friends forever. For I have one such best friend myself!

That was fastest little note that I have written... without thinking, without blinking and without a moment of pause! I guess that is what Friendships are all about isn't it? Well for those of you who are wondering IF we won the competition, Nope we didn’t… :P But winning the competition isn't going to make any difference to our friendship (Isn’t it Pooj?) which has stood the test to time and lots of other things... Winning it merely would have probably got us some sort of a Gift! :P LOL!!! 

Then again, Gifts are temporary and Friends are FOREVER! Love YOU!