Thursday, July 28, 2005
Thursday Tidbits
While rains have caused serious havoc in my Indian home town, the heat index in the US has topped the records. Seems like the mercury is mocking the nation as it soars higher by day. The city feels like an open sauna room. The moment you step out into the open during daytime, the scorching heat sizzles your skin and the humidity wrings out your energy. We all like the sun, but this heat is just too much!
Gyms are monotonous after a while. Joining some boot camp would be a good option. Never tried these, but clearing hurdles, climbing a series of walls, pulling along a rope ladder sounds like fun. Anybody experienced such activities?
Urban rooftops and windowsills are good spots for planting. You don’t have to leave home to go grocery shopping, just reach out the window. An interesting sight I saw walking past a residential area of this crowded city was that people instead of using pots to grow their greens, have instead grown their garden in coffee cans, buckets, even old drawers. Think its a good way of utilizing junk.
My Immortal by
Evanescene is the most beautiful songs I have heard. It says a lot in its own ways. Is there any such song which gives you similar feeling?
That's pretty much how random I could think today. Will end this post with a lovely quote.
Happy are those who see beauty in modest spots, where others see nothing. ~ Camille Pissarro (1830-1903)Everybody there, have a great weekend and please be safe.
Posted by Dewdrop ::
1:03 PM ::
24 Scribbles!
Scribble your mind!
---------------------------------------
Tuesday, July 26, 2005
Blue skies & Green grass
Share with me the blue skies and green grass from your side of the planet.
Posted by Dewdrop ::
4:36 PM ::
19 Scribbles!
Scribble your mind!
---------------------------------------
Wednesday, July 20, 2005
Coffee Talk
In the 80s cappuccinos and espressos dominated the world of coffee. By the 90s, flavored mochas became the du jour in joes- hazelnut, French vanilla, Irish crème, etc. Now coffee shops have unleashed the latest java makeover herbs. Starbucks’ latest drink is the Green Tea Frappacino, which technically has no coffee at all but takes its cue from the stores’ famous java drinks. I love this blend of green tea leaves, crème, crushed ice and melon syrup. One exotic drink that explains my summertime oomph :)
The herbal addictives claim that the herb infused coffees relieve mental and physical fatigue, promotes circulation and stimulates energy. Ok, you may call it a subsequent dose of my yogic lessons :)
After experimenting numorous herbal teas, I’ve been sipping copious counts of herbal coffee for last couple days. Flavors of Catapult Coffee are incredibly refreshing without having a taste I can get sick of. My favorite is a rich blend of coffee and herbs with a dash of cinnamon or hazelnut. All a bunch of java jive.
So, tell me folks, What’s your take, tea or coffee? Are you addicted to these beverages in any form? What’s your kind of tea/coffee flavor?
Posted by Dewdrop ::
10:40 PM ::
23 Scribbles!
Scribble your mind!
---------------------------------------
Tuesday, July 19, 2005
Sweet pleasures
(in no particular order)
Waking up and realizing I still have a few hours left to sleep. No alarms, no naggings.
Lazing on the couch with soft cushions, pillows, bolsters and my favorite books.
A cozy home, a satisfactory job, a decent bank account, and perhaps a retirement plan.
Surfing TV channels to find my most entertaining shows.
Gorging chocolates, guzzling cold drinks, gobbling snacks, biting freshly baked bread.
Hand written letters on beautiful colored stationary.
Old yellowed photographs, because we are nothing but made of memories.
Books, book shelves, old books with familiar words.
Music and movie collections, the ones you can hear/watch over and over.
Keeping the computer on, writing mails, blogging, chatting and surfing.
Long, leisurely baths, soft towels, scented candles, no door banging.
Reading newspapers and actually reading not browsing.
Soaking up the invigorating smell of wet mud after it has stopped raining.
Long drives, endless roads, gusty winds, blasting music.
A gift from a child; either a sloppery kiss, a bunch of wilting flowers, a hand made card or a toothless grin.
Running through sprinklers on a hot sticky day.
Sitting by the bonfire with your friends and hearing spooky stories.
Neat embroideries, hand pottery, vivid paintings that entice you deeply.
Day dreaming and whiling away time in a coffee shop.
Rainy days, chilly nights, setting sun, starry sky, sunshine peeking through the clouds.
Cool caressing breeze, pristine waters, palm trees, wind that rustle the leaves.
A few good friends, who you can speak to without being judged.
Serendipitously finding a twenty dollar bill in the pocket of your winter jacket.
Feeling needed, longing for someone special, being missed.
Appreciation, affection, a gaze, a smile, a warmth to toast across a tableful of tumult.
Relationships that you can take for granted. People who don't leave you and whom you don't leave, no matter what.
The happiness, peace and security of a love that does not change with change and time, that shines as much in age as in youth.
Posted by Dewdrop ::
11:14 AM ::
24 Scribbles!
Scribble your mind!
---------------------------------------
Friday, July 15, 2005
Words to the wise
Life is not simple as you would like it to be. Its basically a jigsaw puzzle with good pieces and bad. Looking within, you realize you have been the cause of many unresolved issues. Ignore those irregular pieces and pick out the golden pieces to run your life by. Stick to your guns and face the storm and the matters will get resolved. Consolidate your position before you fall into deeper trouble.
Change is a process of growth. Resisting growth is a very natural thing for stubborn people. The lingering thought usually is that the grass could be greener on the other side, and you need to get there. Change may make you a new person with new dreams and a more innovative way of looking at life. And then nothing can stop you from reaching the top. Be in tune with yourself.
Expectations others have in you, causes constant pressure in your personal or professional life. You tend to become awe and sometimes the envy of many. Manage a balance and stay on top of things.
Opportunities come in variety of ways. Choosing the best can tap your potentials. Excited by challenges you want to move ahead with confidence. Ignore the tough competition and the rivals who may be up to unfair scheming. Smile and sail to the shore of success.
Decision making for fickle minded people is quite tricky. Manipulating the situation may seem to be a good option but one has to tread carefully and rethink their options. Making incorrect choices can take you upto the wrong path. Experience brings learning. Give yourself the necessary adjustment/learning time and let things fall into place on its own.
Wishes are what we humans are made of. There are so many wishes and so little time. You wish you had a magic wand to fulfill each of your desires. But hey, you don’t need a wand. The future is yours to take. Remember nobody and nothing can bring you authentic happiness other than yourself.
Faith is not just a feeling. Its being certain that the big picture is beautiful. Life starts and ends with faith. Once you put faith in yourself, you can conquer the world.
Start your days with a smile, wish others well and watch the future world unfold itself for your best.
Posted by Dewdrop ::
1:40 PM ::
17 Scribbles!
Scribble your mind!
---------------------------------------
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Thumbs up for Yoga
Yoga, a traditional practice has become a hottest trend these days. People assert it has drastically helped them develop a healthy balance of mind and body. I never knew its importance until I experienced it. I attended a 5 session Hatha Yoga workshop woo hoo! Thanks to my uni's worklife department. What a wonderful experience it was. I learnt some of the best techniques of streching, relaxing, meditating de-stressing, breathing, concentrating and even some intriguing sanskrit names. :) The instructor was a member of Manhattan based yoga institute. She taught us some great yoga postures (asanas) and breathing practices that can make one alert and relaxed.
I'll share with you some scoop from my class
A Yogic Pose
A reversed corpse pose called advasana particularly helps tame the minds of restless seekers.
Lie on your stomach. Rest your forehead on floor. Place a cushion at your chest to ease breathing. Strech both your hands in front, touching in a namaste gesture. Rest it in a relaxed fashion, as long as its comfortable.
Trust me, this is extremely relaxing and de-stressing. It corrects postural defects, relieves spinal problems such as stiff neck and lower backache.
A Yogic Recipe
A spicy concoction to soothe the chest and alert the mind.
Ginger Chutney
Ingredients
2 red chillies
2 tbsp chopped ginger
2 tbsp grated coconut
1 marble sized ball of tamrind
1 tsp mustard seeds
1 tsp black gram dal
a pinch of jaggery
oil
salt
Prepareation
Fry the chillies, dal, ginger in a little oil. Grind with cocunut, jaggery, tamrind and salt. Before serving, temper with musturd seeds.
How it works
Ginger relieves chest congestion. Like chllie and musturd it warms the body. It also helps in weight loss. Black gram dal is known to imapct moods and is also an aphrodisiac. Jaggery does not leach minerals from the body like refined sugar. Cocunut, in limited quantities fights bad cholestrol.
Yoga is like music. The rhythm of the body, the melody of the mind, and the harmony of the soul create the symphony of life
~BKS Iyengar, world's foremost yoga teacher
Truly quoted. Yoga is a powerful practice, and you can integrate it into your daily life to optimize your physical and mental well-being. Try a pose or two, if you get a chance, I bet it will rejuvenate your senses.
Posted by Dewdrop ::
3:52 PM ::
52 Scribbles!
Scribble your mind!
---------------------------------------
Tuesday, July 12, 2005
Musical musing
There is something about songs from the past that capture your imagination for no particular reason, and continue to stick with you, years later. At frequent intervals, some song in particular catches my fancy & doesn't let go. Yours, too, I guess but do you actually memorize the entire song, word by word? If you do, that's a bit rare and join the bandwagon :-)
Here are 2 songs that has grabbed me even though I haven't heard them in a while.
Bin Tere Sanam from the not so popular movie Yaara Dildaara For some reason, the opening lines of this song are stuck in my head.
Bin tere sanam mar mitenge hum, aa meri zindagi
Aana hi padaa sajna, zaalim hai dil ki lagi
Tere hi dam se hogi dil ki muraad puri
Tere bagair jaanam hai zindagi adhuri
Ae mere haseen, ab na jaa kahin, aa meri zindagi
Aana hi padaa sajna, zaalim hai dil ki lagi
Another song thats been with me for quite some days now is You Only Live Twice by Coldplay. One of my favorite bands and I simply love the lyrics and sentiments this song exudes.
You only live twice or so it seems,
One life for yourself and one for your dreams.
You drift through the years and life seems tame,
Till one dream appears and love is its name.
And love is a stranger who'll beckon you on,
Don't think of the danger or the stranger is gone.
This dream is for you, so pay the price.
Make one dream come true, you only live twice.
And love is a stranger who'll beckon you on,
Don't think of the danger or the stranger is gone.
This dream is for you, so pay the price.
Make one dream come true, you only live twice.
So, tell me what song(s) have you been grabbed by off late, and what do you like about it/them?
Posted by Dewdrop ::
11:45 PM ::
14 Scribbles!
Scribble your mind!
---------------------------------------
Friday, July 08, 2005
Yesterday was painful
London terror news are everywhere. BBC reports the current death toll is 37, with 700 injured. NYC was on full alert yesterday when the news of deadly attacks in London rattled the world. Thousands of military personnel flooded the city subways, busses, trains, tunnels, bridges and waterways by the time people started their morning commute.
What is the world coming to? All you see in news is civil wars, holy wars, terror attacks, climatic problems, poverty, economic slumps, and so much trouble in the Middle East. I think we really don't deserve to rule the planet at all. I don't know who to hate more, the terrorists or the administrations who've failed to keep their people safe.
After 911, last year’s Madrid train blasts, and now the London bombings, I just cant imagine the trauma of getting up on a normal day and trudging off to work, only to experience something so deadly. Come on, these were innocent people going about their daily life. It could be any of us. I just don't get it! I feel so horrible, am going to stop thinking too far ahead. The new Yorkers are concerned that this type of attack might be replicated in their city but the Governor reassures the people that there is the best security in the world to protect them. Oh well! I believe whats going to happen is going to happen, we cant stop or alter our daily schedules.
My friend, Kaps made a related thought provoking post/rant, if you care to read.
God bless and may all you out there be safe.
Posted by Dewdrop ::
2:39 PM ::
13 Scribbles!
Scribble your mind!
---------------------------------------
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Five of hearts
5 Things You May Not Know About My Time In School/College Are....
- I was the naughtiest kid all through my school life.
- I wore two pigtails and commuted in a school bus until std 8th
- In std 9, I won several academic awards including top girl. (keep reading, hehe)
- I failed math abysmally in first and second year of college yet...
- What I graduated in college and what I do for a living are two different areas altogether
5 Things You May Not Know About The Job (Jobs) I Have (Or Have Had) Are...
- I had my first job when I was 18. I was a tutor to a 8 year old boy. (not fun!!)
- I worked few weekends while in college hosting trade fairs and exhibitions
- My first job after graduation was at a company in Mumbai which made stainless steel house wares. I maintained their books of accounts manually (sigh)
- My first job in the US was at a financial institute in NY where I mostly fixed Y2k bugs
- My current job is the sixth one in my career.
5 Things You May Not Know About My Online Life Are...
- I usually take online and web based courses instead of classroom lectures
- I am addicted to playing crosswords online
- I spend far too much time messing around online when I have other things I should be doing
- I learned faceless people at the other end of your computer have a heart and feelings too
- My first ever nickname was reshmi kebab
5 Things You May Not Know About Where I Live Are...
- The climate is moderate, the bus system is great and the people are fabulous.
- The cost of living and real estate here is the highest in the northeast USA I think
- People here worship sun, especially in the winter.
- The garden state is blessed with 127 miles of white sand beaches
- The turnpike and GSP traffic during rush hours are awful
5 Things You May Not Know About My Core Personality Are...
- I can be stubborn as hell
- I am a mystery in myself
- I am very sensitive about people I love and care
- I like to be alone, but I don't like loneliness
- I am forever trying to find the balance and forever failing
5 Things You May Not Know About My Life At Home Are...
- I stay physically more active at home than at work
- I cook on the weekends
- I enjoy planting flowers and vegetables in my backyard
- I say my prayers everyday
- In my spare, Im usually found in my study where I spend quiet moments of contemplation devouring my favorite books.
5 Things You May Not Know That I Desperately Want Are...
- My family to be happy.
- To buy a new house of my dream
- To win the lotto so I can become a philanthropist.:)
- All new 2006 Eclipse
- To gain some pounds :)
5 Things That You May Not Know About What I Do In A Typical Day Are...
- Wake up between 6:00 and 6.30 a.m.
- Step outside to get fresh air three or four times a day
- While away the hours daydreaming and lazing.
- Watch TV at breakfast and after dinner.
- Call home twice or thrice a day
5 Things You May Not Know That Are Really Important To Me Are...
- My family friends and loved ones (but you knew that already)
- Staying fit and healthy
- Trying hard to keep my cynicism at bay.
- Finding beauty and humor in simpler things of life
- Being thankful for each day I have been given and looking forward to the next
Posted by Dewdrop ::
12:21 PM ::
26 Scribbles!
Scribble your mind!
---------------------------------------
Friday, July 01, 2005
Celebrating freedom
As the Fourth of July weekend is nearing, folks in the US are probably thinking of what beaches to visit; where to getaway; who to invite for the barbecue party; where to get the best of holiday discount shopping; or where to watch the extravagant parades and fireworks show.
Independence day to some means a celebration of freedom which was won after a great struggle, irrespective of your country of origin. To some it means a a mere holiday. To movie theatres and restaurants it means more business.
What does Independace day mean to me? Since I was brought up in India, perhaps I feel more virtuous about 15 Aug than the 4th of July. But in any case, my instant reaction is really nothing. It doesn’t mean much to me, except for a long awaited holiday. On a deeper thought, tough my impulses might not react dramatically to Independance day, it does hold an unspoken significance in my mind. It's easy for us to say that we don't feel anything, we got freedom by default, that our generation was 'born free'. I am grateful to all those who made sacrifices to gain independence for the nation. While there are many people around the world still struggling for freedom and peace, I am one of the lucky free and peaceful soul and shall always be thankful for that.
So while you're enjoying your holiday, take a moment to think about exactly what you are celebrating this Independence day.
Have a swell weekend and a great Fourth!
I transitioned from pink to tan :)
Posted by Dewdrop ::
10:37 AM ::
13 Scribbles!
Scribble your mind!
---------------------------------------
