I am off!

Yes! I need a break – this republic day long weekend came just in time.

This time it is to coorg… I remember the last time I visited the place… Man! It’s been 3 years since.

Pictures when I return. Tadaaaaaa

Oscars - Here we come eventually…

10 Oscar nominations for slumdog millionaire…. Awesome or what!!!!

It does deserve it and guess what I knew it would make it that far… I cant be happier than this but unfortunately it hasn’t even been mentioned in any of the Indian award ceremonies so far… we have just made it to all the debate in all the news channels for now again discussing the basis whether this can truly be called an Indian movie or not… what crap.

Sad story as usual, how conveniently we forget to appreciate good cinema and rather brag on stupid useless Shah Rukh khan movies… senseless.

I hardly have any regards towards any of the Indian awards and I am in total agreement with Aamir khan for his behavior towards them.

But then Oscars are a class apart, they don’t think twice to appreciate good cinema… sadly we have to go that far off to get our movie respected.

One thing that really couldn’t make it to the Oscars is our very own Taare Zameen Par… I wanted it to win – I still can’t stop my tears every time I watch the movie…

But nevertheless I am satisfied with the recent nominations and I hope we bag it all…

To AR Rahman… way to go dude, you rock! This man never ceases to amaze me with his music and he is taking India to different heights altogether.

Make way ladies and gentlemen… we Indians have finally arrived.

What would you do?

1. If the husband constantly annoys you by working long hours in spite of your repeated futile efforts to remind him about his family?

2. If he runs away from small domestic responsibility though you continue to jog his memory on them each day?

3. If he keeps rambling about his work yet is engrossed in it day in and day out?

4. If he ruins your weekend by working from home (WFH) while you get bored!

5. If you still cannot get back home early and end up reaching around 9pm every day?

6. If you have to wake up early cook breakfast and lunch and get to work by 10am?

7. If you continue to put your best efforts both at work and at home and yet get unnoticed.

8. If you have a long list of to do things and they conveniently still remain to do.

9. Finally and the most important when he doesn’t let you shop?

I am not sure why the sudden outburst but I am certain it is very easy to guess where it is coming from. Looking back at my list the culprit is clearly strewn across.

*sigh* if only he realizes… Ohhh Darn him!

Who wants to be a millionaire?

That's the entire story summed up for you in the movie slumdog millionaire. With all the golden globe awards and the entire hullabaloo being thrown up I had to get my hands on this cd, and after a lot of trying I finally got to see it last weekend. What’s my take on the movie – well here it is,

Story – mind-blowing – I just love the way in which Jamal (Dev Patel) goes around unwinding how he knew the answers to all the questions in such a gruesome yet truthful way that you just stand amazed. And all for his lady love Latika (Freida Pinto). Now I have lived in India forever and never imagined such a disturbing lifestyle the slum or rather the below poverty line people have to spend each day, it's making me think and yet the movie just flings back the harshness on your face without shame.

Actors – well I guess the success of it says it all… it has some of the finest actors like Irfan khan who is of course my fav though in a very small negligible role and Anil Kapoor who is somehow like this unconventional villain, I like that I haven't seen him in that avatar. And of course the new comers Dev and Frieda and his brother Salim (I dunno his name). Mahesh Manjrekar – there isn't anything familiar with him and I choose to ignore.

Direction – literal Perfection, no wonder it is bagging all the awards. It is beautifully done and the harshness is because the story demands and revolves around it. Danny Boyle just strikes that perfect sentimental emotional twine. I was touched at the same time moved at the sheer fact of poverty.

Music – Another AR Rehman’s creation. Dint get overexcited with the music except for Latika’s theme and Jai ho. Having said that, it is no secret that AR Rehman’s Music grows over time, you might not like it the first time you hear but definitely it parasites on you till you actually start loving it. RDB, Jaane tu ya jaane na are among the few.

There has been lot of gossip and criticism going on with regards to this particular movie but then hey it is their opinion. I hear that even AB didn’t like the movie criticized Slumdog Millionaire for portraying India as a "Third World dirty underbelly developing nation". But that’s what we really are – all the glamour has overshadowed the real truth. In fact I know a lot of people Indians moved out of here to different first world countries and when they return to homeland they haven’t one single good thing to talk about it. This is Sad – this is where we got our basics no matter how it is. The westerners never say that about their country do they?

I am not critical in saying he is wrong in doing so but sure that wasn’t the director’s motive. I totally agree the movie’s concept of celebration of human spirit.

I am not a critic but I am a movie buff and in saying so I am not unenthusiastic and unobliged to give my final verdict on the movie - It is a must watch whether you are an Indian or not and if you are an Indian you’ve got to see it for it reflects the true Indian spirit – never give up! I wish and pray that this movie bags an Oscar cos it is worth the entire hullabaloo. And it is the Brit’s gift to us!!! If I may say so…

Music

To borrow a few words from Berthold Auerbach

“Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life”

And so true it is… Music just drains everything out. Some of them are so captivating that you can immediately forget everything.

Music for me from the start of my life has always been an essential element – be it Ma humming bhajans of Anup Jhalota while I would get ready to school
Or
spending all my pocket money in pick and pack dept store buying the latest albums and then bullying my sister for her pocket money
Or
now with the guitar strings killing me out as Sunil tries to master the instrument and listen to this - I sing the verses for him (ouch!) I am surprisingly more and more inclined towards it.

I was mostly westernized on the music front then, I loved the then rock bands or the romantic songs of the new boys band but never was I keen towards Indian music. That’s a change now after living with Sunil that I have become more apt towards Indian music. My personal interest has taken a rapid drift.

I am now familiar with the Indian singers and to such an extent that I can actually recognize their voice and Sunil does his bit by constantly checking that on me lol…

I am not a trained singer but then am not bad at it either. Sunil who has learned carnatic can definitely vouch for that, he is a fabulous singer btw and very apt when it comes to music. It’s his Joy :-) if i can say that. I am forcing him to take it up more seriously now. I feel if you adore something that dearly then you shouldn’t really give up.

There is so much to say but then am sure the feeling is mutual when it comes to the topic. I’ll just leave a few favorites of mine which has defiantly left an impression on me!

A sneak peek at what’s running in my Ipod these days!

Albums

Vaaranam Ayiram – Just pure melody… I have no other words to describe the music and I don’t want to waste writing on it as I have decided to dedicate a post whole and exclusively on it.
Jodha Akbar esp.Khwaja Mere Khawaja – yet another master piece from AR Rehman, he has won the award for the year 2008. I am a huge fan of Sufi music and AR Rehman is wonderful with Sufi composition. Another one that I can think of is Haji ali and of course who can forget dama dam mast kalender.

Siliunnu oru kaadal – Just simply love it – it has it all from folk (I love Tamil Folk btw) to AR Rehman’s NewYork song, simply marvelous!

Umrao Jaan – unchained melody – if I can borrow that from Todd Duncan…. It doesn’t stop captivating even after 30 years and Asha bhosle’s created history with it… she doesn’t get better than this.

Dor – A classic movie again and wonderful music, it’s inspirational that’s all there is to it.

Rock On – what Music – am surprised that we Indians can rock :-) as I said earlier I love the western touch to music and Rock on does just that – watch out for Farhan Akhtar, an entertainer, I can’t believe that he isn’t a singer by profession. He should be.

Masoom – That’s very close to my heart, I’ve been brought up with Lakadi ki katti and Do naina aur ek khahani, Huzur is kadar, tujhse naaraz nahin zindagi. I realized that it has more meaning to it as I grew up. Ghazals are always important to me; I feel it is untainted in itself, though I am sure Sunil wouldn’t agree to this – Ghazals are one thing he isn’t familiar with.

ABBA – nothing new here, whoever has heard it can vouch for me.

Pudhiya Mugham– I can only smile when I think of this – I sang netru illada maatrum the day I got married and what perfect way to start the new life :-)

KanduKonden Kandukonden - I love the movie and the songs... There is something more to it but each time I listen to this album I really feel refreshed. AR Rehman is just too good.

Solos

Ek Chalees ki last local
Meri Kahani by Atif Aslam
Apadi Podi from the movie Gilli
Graduation song friends forever – Vitamin C
Haji Ali – Fiza
Superstar by Jamelia
Alai Payuthey from Alai Payuthe
Sneghidane again from Alai payuthe
Pachai Nirame:-) I have very fond memories connected to this one.
Hero by Mariah carey
Tumse hi from Jab we Met

Looking back at my list I can clearly see that Indian music dominates my list. I guess it is a matter of choice really.

Resolutions for 2009

Every year I try to make a list of to do things and just like everyone and by practice I try to make up a list on the day one beginning of the New Year, and I usually do this mentally. Well that just stops at that after marking the requirements/ for the year I somehow misplace the paper rather the Mind loses it as we progress further into the year ;).

And just like every year this year too I have thought of a few things that I’d like to change. And this time around I am trying to be very determined to hold that thought and do not want to overlook the list (how funny, I say that every year)… that’s why I decided to blog it away so that I DON’T FORGET IT. I hope!

So here is my record of out with the old bring in the new and a little explanation as to why it makes it into the list of 2009.


1.To wake up early – early to bed early to rise makes Sapna healthy, wealthy and wise.

In the whole of my 28 years there have been just a handful of times when I’ve actually got up early, so handful that I can barely count. I have hardly seen the sun rise! And as I advance into the later wedlock years I have realized how important it is to have time on your side.

The inspiration actually comes for the dear husby who makes it a point to rise early each day. I am so jealous.

2. To save Money – a penny today makes a rupee tomorrow, a penny saved is a penny earned.
Sigh don’t we all want to do that! I think the world has become so materialistic that everything revolves around liquidity.

3. To read a lot of books - "Woe be to him that reads but one book." Herbert.
I love books any kind, make it a mystery novel or a comic or even a teen book… I love reading them all. This year I want to read a lot of it. I feel nothing else relaxes me other than a cup of fresh coffee and a nice book. I’ve decided that I’d want to read a minimum of 50 books.

4.To take up another craft hobby – My quest to learn something new never quenches. Last year it was crochet and this year I am trying to learn new different crafting techniques. There are two of craft ideas that come to my mind, pottery and wire jewelry. On pottery am yet to find the source but for the later I fished out a book from my sister’s craft library and now I seek resources to start.

5. To travel to a minimum of 10 destinations- Though I am not a travel freak but would still like to see new places. This change in me is attributed to the dear husband who craves for travel. I just thought I’ll add this entry to heep him happy.

6.To walk/exercise - Yes this is again an inspiration drawn from the husband, who am sure will be the most happiest if I try to take this up seriously. I want to wake up early and go for a nice little walk. I used to do that once I moved into my new place but then as I got used to the new cozy bed I abandoned the idea altogether. When it comes to excercise I hate to admit that I am extremely lazy. I'd run a mile when spoken on the subject.

7. Control on my expenses – Thanks to internet I managed to spend all my salary last year on a lot of things by shopping online. E-money can be dangerous you know, esp when you have access to it all through the day. you wouldnt believe how much I spent on online stores and by the time that realization struck me the damage was already done. Well better late than never.

8. To cook different recipes – This is coming from a very tired cook – I face this difficulty each day trying my best to crack my brains to eat something new and different. I am bored of the stuff I eat L… this one goes out especially to the husband. No matter how much I plead him he refuses to come up with ideas and then I am left with no other option to cook the same usual recipes time and over again. I feel like drawing up a time table every start of the week as I just know what to cook each day. Mind you the timetable never changes!

9. And finally to be more regular on the blogging front J now that’s a challenge.

So far the activities seem pretty small but mind you this list isn’t exhaustive. As I think of many more changes I’ll defiantly try and share it all.

Now I have tried my best to keep me happy as well as the husband cos here are a few things am sure he’d want to see them change in me… are you in agreement now dear?

Still Standing Tall….

No matter how fruitful your efforts turned out killing that many ppl. No matter how happy you are thinking you have succeeded. No matter how many more plans you make to spread more agony…

Oh Yes, Mr. Sadist we won and you lost, yet again...

And to all the lives lost in the event, to all the brave heros… we owe it all to you.

I am back

So here I am, after a very productive and an eventful trip (which includes loads of shopping :-)) I am back to my ever so not changing life – schedule.

I don’t want to get too much into detail regarding the trip but then I trust the pictures to do justice otherwise.

Our trip included loads of shopping (oh yes! *glee*) apart from visitng places like the siddhi Vinayak temple, Taj Mahal hotel (which now has become a tourist destination) from outside, chowpatti, linking road Colaba of course and then finally vile parle to complete my shopping spree. There could have been a little more shopping to do if not for the boys who dragged us back to the hotel. I now seek to see santacruz & Bandra. :-(

The wedding ofcourse undoubtedly went super fine considering we were in a total air conditioned atmosphere (Bombay is so damn hot) thank god I live in Bangalore otherwise I am not sure how I’d survive in such a humid stricken place. My head started to explode the day we went site seeing and shopping from all the humidity and heat. *Sigh* I started missing Bangalore the very same day… And we (Just Hubby & I) finally concluded our journey to khandala-Lonavala for the weekend. That was a bit of a relief bearing in mind it is located in a slightly elevated place (but still not comparable to Bangalore though!) it was cooler than Bombay for sure. We rested, shopped again, ate scrumptious meals (the resort food was awesome & Lip smacking!) and finally left to Mumbai airport the next day and back to home!

Enough of me talking lets see what the pictures say!!!

2 years old!

hehe I am not, but I just celebrated my wedding anniversary on 1st Dec... 2 years already! I can’t believe it and so does he.

And so to celebrate we are off to Bombay for the weekend (from Wednesday onwards), clubbing a friends wedding along the way and rejuvenate at khandala…

But that’s not the only gift; truly yours has promised a new laptop as well… whoohooo….

Pictures when I return!

26.11.2008

This is the day probably no Indian will ever forget, the impact of it still afresh like as though it is still unfolding right in front of our eyes. Innocent lives at the mercy of the terrorists – who out of punk kill with absolutely no emotion.

India’s own 9/11 attacks they call so proudly – which astounds me, is there anything to be surprised about????

Kudos to all the commandos and the army forces that we can finally sigh with relief! I am proud that we have such a force here in India. I am crying and burning inside that why such an atrocious act could really dare to take place, I mean what is the need…

I cannot withhold the tears on and off each time I view any news channel – it just goes on and on and on. It’s overwhelming just to see it happen live!

There is so much anger, desperation sitting here doing nothing an earning to be a part of it somehow to try and cease the pain that fellow Indians facing… I am sure each of us feels the same pain as though our own blood has been spilt. My hear bleeds at the very thought of it.

I am not political at all but at this point I cannot suppress my anger at the people whom we trust with our security. I read somewhere that the central intelligence did have a cue this would happen and am shocked that they let this go by, Just because none of them died in this operation… and then I cannot help thinking that why wasn’t anyone there to die… they’d know the pain of what we are going thru.

There was another speech from one of our leaders saying that such Small instances happen in big cities and I just feel sick, I mean Mr. politician why wasn’t your son or your relatives there to tell you the story of despair, these are our terrorists who do not endangered with this, who have security even when they visit a bathroom.

And now I see that all the political leaders whom we expect to mentor us going and making such atrocious speeches that shocks me! Are these men really that old??? Am sure sitting here when interrogated I will not make such silly excuses and passing the buck to no one and everyone… it’s disgusting! I am ashamed of all of them, am ashamed that I pay for their salary thru my taxes! Sorry you guys aren’t even worth that.

Mr. Politician, You need to understand that you are our servants, please don’t forget that. We can break you if we want to.

Am sick and tired of all the debates that all the channels are playing on and off, I think its time to take things in our hands… I am ready to do that. I need to make a safe home for my family and their future and I refuse to live in fear.

Jaihind.

Celebrating Sundru's Birthday!

Phew! How time flies - Just a year back we were doing this in Cochin... Wondering what the hell am I talking about? Of course I am just referring to Sunil's Birthday which was on Sept 14th.

Same day last year we were in Cochin celebrating away - the memory of it is still fresh!

This year though I couldn’t take him away on a surprise trip but somehow managed to throw a surprise party for the birthday boy at midnight. Thanks to his friends who could make it a true success by attending it.

It dint stop there - the next day lunch was at one of his fav restaurants Karavalli, yummy food - followed by visit to the families plus a lot of gifts.

And speaking about gifts! Well I’ll leave the pictures tell their story.
That's my share of gifts - a new mobile phone and a new Mahogany guitar. :-) I wish I could just share with you his reaction.... priceless!!!!

I am going to be on a long holiday starting on the 3rd of Oct till the 12th and I am so looking forward to it. It has been nearly 3 months that I haven’t taken a day off - I so deserve this badly, plus with the festivities (Navrathri & Diwali) around the corner I better use up all the rest I can.

Still here

Yup! I am still here, busy with life and lazy to blog it up.

That's the Sunil's, I dint have anything else exciting to put up here... I know I know, Life is the same boring thing. No trips in a very long time, it is just work and home and that's just about it.

I am putting up snaps from our last trip which was to Vythri, Wayanad again - but this time we stayed at another resort and not at vythri's. The resort not as great as our previous one but well, who's complaining - we had hell lot of fun with the BOYZ gang.

And Oh Wishing all of you a very Happy Ganesh Chaturti and Samvatsari (Jain Festival). May all your wishes be fulfilled.

Lil'l Sis gets a year older!

Yup that’s my sister Mamta. She is the youngest of the lot and getting older day by day… you know what that does to the older ones don’t you???!


She turned 25 on the 4th of April this year. We gate crashed on 4th morning and woke her from her beauty sleep!

It very funny how the little ones are growing up so quickly these days… I just cannot bully her anymore.

Just kidding here are some snapshots from the small cake cutting ceremony that we had.

Cutting the Cake.

With Dad

With Mum

With Sunil

Kitty Loves Chocolate!

Getting a Chocolate Therapy

I got her Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince VCD which completed her HP collection so far, But her original gift is on its way.. ;)

SPSD - Picture Perfect!

Last week on Thursday 20th March, My friends from school met up after 9 whole years. This is the gang I used to hang out with and this is the gang comprising of my best friends... but unfortunately it took us 9 years to get back together.

I guess that's a part of growing up! Priorities change.

Let me Introduce you to SPSD - Shradha is a mommy of a 6 month old cute girl by name Avni, Preetha is due next month and Divya, already a mommy of a 3 year old Adhvik is currently into 6months of pregnancy with her 2nd child.

Back in school we were called as SPSD - Shradha, Preetha, Sapna and Divya, without our knowledge. I actually came to know when people wrote about us in the scrapbook. We were always seen together, hung out together, Man Am I being nostalgic or what!

This reunion was a very funny event, All the three except me are mommy's now (Can u believe it?) It took me time to digest the conversation that we were engaged in during our lunch.... I swear I never believed that we after this many years would talk about things like maids, babies etc.

Whatever it was it was a very fruitful thing as I got to learn a lot :-), Guess what???? babies.... I feel am ready for one myself! hehe... My husband is going to freak out reading this line!!!

Order of appearance in the picture (From Left to Right) - Shradha (In red) with Avni (Her daughter), Divya (In Pink), Sapna and Preetha...

Now I gotta frame this and send it to all three of them.

Seasons Greetings!

Ya well… Yawn! It’s finally over… Diwali is flown past once again this year at a super fast pace, even before you know it – it’s gone! Swoooshhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

I wouldn’t say it wasn’t all that fun, considering the 4 long days, presumably - long weekend that most of us received as part of the revelry. But I had my moments too!!!

Firstly this is my First Diwali - Thala Deepavali in Tamil Terms – gwad! Whats that??? Well every festival in the first year of marriage (as per Tamil Tradition) is termed as Thalai and apparently this has to be celebrated in the girl’s house much contrary to the merriment as per my tradition (Girl has to spend all the festivities at her in-laws place) and I am unaware of the rest. What they do and why is it called that way… hmmm… beats me! What’s really funny was a lot of others (Tamilians of course) made such a big deal about it which really got me thinking and finally asking my husband “what’s such a big deal about this thing???” Well the answer I got was obvious! My husband doesn’t care a damn about the whole thing! As long as he dint have much to do and as long as he behaves in his normal lazy self it’s all fine with him.

So there it ends, Dinner’s and lunches at our respective family gatherings and time spent over the weekend much lazier than words can describe – Yawn!!!!! I am still basking in the glory of it :)

Happy Diwali!

Here's Wishing all of you a very Happy, Joyous and a prosperous Diwali... May the festival of lights brighten every moment of your lives.

Enjoy and be safe!

Of updates and celebrations

It’s been quite a while since I updated this corner (personal blog of mine). Well… it has been a boring month, but that’s probably not an acceptable reason for this stepmotherly treatment to my blog… I must admit that this has more to do with my crafty undertakings that kept me busy with my other blog for tatting (Sapztat).

I have been quite a regular in the other blog. Some nice stuff created by moa is put up there. Tatting was something which I started as a hobby but now am planning to put my creations up for sale.

When am back from work, all I do is sit at home and enjoy tatting or crochet (my new found craft passion these days). And anyways, I have absolutely no social life left (thanks to my hubby dear who is the laziest person on earth!!!)…

Last week was full of festivities with Navrathri & Dussehra celebrations in full swing. Saturday marked the end of festivities with Saraswathi and Ayudha pooja. It was good fun and since this was our first year in the new house, both of us did a good job at the puja ritual (This was the first time that we did a puja all by ourselves at home) and fortunately it all went off very well…:)

Being the lady of the house (arghhh how I hate to call myself that), your’s truly took up the responsibility of cooking delicious and mouth-watering dishes as part of the celebrations. Our lunch menu included Payasam, vatha kozhambu with cabbage curry and of course, curd rice (Sundru cannot do without that!!!). It was a relief to find very few left overs of the dishes prepared and surely made me happy.

Eventhough we are inching close to our one year anniversary (yeah so soon that too) I have a very strange feeling every time I think about our married life… I am still not used to spending late nights with Sundru and living with him in “our house”. I sometimes get scared that my mother is going to call me everytime I am past the deadline…

I pinch myself to make sure that this is for real and am indeed married to Sundru!!!

My New Home

I finally managed to post my New Home pictures. I wanted to do this long time back but then totally got engaged in settling down… so, finally they are here… after 6 months!!!

So what are we waiting for, Tadaa (Drum rolls)…… Here it is...

This is my beautiful house, my husband’s gift to me, well…. not in the true sense though. Initially we were supposed to move into our new house soon after we got married but unfortunately the interiors & decor took forever to finish.

Both of us wanted this to turn out to be really beautiful considering it is “OUR First one” so we kinda over shot our budget and furnished it…

We finally moved in on the 1st of May this year and believe me, living in here is better than the pictures :)…

Cochin & Alleppey 13-15 Sept '07

Latest trip – This time to Cochin and Alleppy… I think I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves. This one is my gift to Sunil (Husband), as he becomes a little more older this year on 14th Sept. Water has always been his weak point – in the sense he just loves water, whether it is the beaches of Goa or the backwaters…. I have never seen him enjoy more in any other place or location.

Here is one last time Wishing sundru a very happy birthday...I pray he has lots and lots of fun times ahead.

I just created a small slide show out of the snap shots taken from this trip… hope you enjoy it.

Blogniversary

I just cannot believe that it’s a year already since I started this blog!!! Oh boy and what a year it turned out to be!!!

Breaking away from the usual norm of keeping my life private, I started writing this blog and no regrets so far… In fact am enjoying every bit of writing and sharing all those little and big events in my life…

Well to start of with, a lot of things have happened over the past one year… I got married!!! And to the one whom I love :-)!!!

Apart from that I have been the same though (except for a few kilos more!!!), a bit more mature, some additional responsibilities (wife, daughter-in-law, sister-in-law – all rolled into one) on my head… Not too sure if am fulfilling them all… And do I feel content? A little I guess…

But there is a long way to go and am optimistic about life and yes, my blog will be the reflection of my life and how it unfolds!!!

So tune in – for there are many more episodes to follow!!!