Venti

In all these years, I have never been able to adjust to portions in this country. Be it beverages, meals or even the occasional ice cream from Dairy Queen or Cold Stone Creamery. The smallest of sizes is still too much for me, even if it were a small fountain drink. And ice appears to be a dish in itself, it is piled onto glasses with great pride, like it were to be relished and cherished for eternity.

Most times the only way I go for Indian buffet lunches is when non-desi coworkers crave for some spicy Indian food! One coworker shocked the bejeezus out of me one time when we went to this Indian lunch buffet place which, in the Northern Virginia area, has one of the best spreads. Right after a humongous meal, he had a craving to stop at Dairy Queen and went on to polish off an entire order of the Blizzard! I almost fainted. I couldn't even bear to see food after the meal and a Blizzard just seemed like torture. If you don't know what a blizzard looks like, here goes.

For a long time, I got coffee mugs from India, the small daintily sized ones for beverages. The first time Amma visited me, she had a hard time gulping 'vat' sized coffee in the morning. She found my desi mugs to be a life-saver. Added to that, she couldn't get adjusted to the coffees that are found here. Neither have I for that matter. From Starbucks to Dunkin Donuts to Pete's Coffee to Kona, I have tried most of it and it still comes short of the filter kaapi Amma makes back home. Its got to be something in her hands, cos I have tried to get the very same coffee back here and tried to recreate the magic to no avail.

So while I am importing Nayak's Coffee works coffee back here for all those mornings I am home-sick, Appa has a different take on coffee altogether. Do you blame me for calling them the North and South pole? They drink a different brand of coffee between the two of them. To say that he loves Starbucks coffee would be an understatement. In so many years that I had been here, I had never had to go beyond the 'Tall' sized coffee from Starbucks, which to this day I haven't understood why they couldn't have a 'small'. The first few visits to Starbucks were pretty normal, so to speak. He got his coffee, added milk and sugar and launched into his coffee induced heaven. One time while we were at the airport, he offered to go buy himself ...some coffee! And he was back after a few minutes with what could only be described as a 'flask' filled with the strongest coffee intended to keep an individual awake for the next few months.....the venti!

'Appa, they must have made a mistake. Didn't you ask them for the smallest size?'

'Er no. This is fine.'

'No its not. Lets go and get it fixed. You shouldn't have to pay for so much coffee when all you wanted was a small size'

'Hehe, I asked for their biggest size actually!'

!!!!!!?????

Yes he had fallen for Starbucks coffee, hook line and sinker. He gets the 'venti' sized wonder without fail and relishes every sip of it. Spotting a Starbucks is akin to a comet sighting for him. And here I am, after all these years- yet to finish off the smallest sized cup of ice cream!

So while I import filter kaapi, Appa makes me export Starbucks on every trip!

If ever I were to wonder on how Starbucks could have come up with sizes they have, Venti might just have been created for the likes of Appa.

What goes with...

..a big helping of spicy bhel?

Mango ice cream, but of course!

Ooh its that time of the year again!

Remember this from last year?

Yup, I did it again. I have come to accept this wet, cold weather at this time of the year, because I believe that is what makes these blossoms the absolute wonders they are. As always, the weather forecast for the next few weeks in our region talks of rains like no tomorrow. Throughout the week, as I was plotting to head towards the Tidal Basin over the weekend for some blossom viewing, a tiny voice kept piping in with doubts on whether it was a wise idea. Another part of me kept chiming to not give in. And guess who won? :)

As I was teetering on the brink of this decision, a particular voice provided the much needed push to turn an idea into reality. And that was none other than Sujatha. 'Are you still going tomorrow?' she asked. And just like that, it was a go. We planned to meet at 7, since the rational side of us declared rain was only predicted for the afternoon. And we should have been done well before that. Seemed perfect.

I went to bed with the alarm set for 6am. I woke up a few times through the night to hear heavy rains and the window in my bedroom looked soaked. When I finally woke up at 6, the weather definitely didn't look encouraging. I pinged Suj again and thank God it was still a go. 'Its been raining all night, but its stopped now. See you at 7 she said' :). And thus I was on the road after a quick wash and layers of warm clothing and sufficient rain gear.

All along the drive, it was wet, cold and dreary. 'How am I going to walk around and take pics?', 'Perhaps there aren't any blossoms', 'Is this going to be a wasted trip?' and so on and so forth the mind was playing its usual tricks. But right as I entered Independence Avenue, I was treated to glimpses of some beautiful blossoms that showed a lot of promise.

As I parked and started walking around my favorite place in all of DC, I had checked all regrets and doubts and misgivings out of my mind. My camera was getting wet, it was drizzling quite a bit but nothing was going to stop us. We walked around the tidal basin, avoiding puddles and stopping to take pictures and to smell the fresh scent of the blossoms. An occasional soothing breeze would make us halt and soak in on this wonderful communion with nature. As always, the trail was near empty.

What? You want me to cut out the poetry and just show you the pictures? Alright :), will do. But there is one little thing I have to share with y'all. It turned out that Sujatha and I were both in red jackets. Initially Sujatha's son C (who delighted us with his august company this morning) said we looked like twins. And then just as 2 more 'red jackets' were sighted, he went 'So you guys are quadruplets now?' and so on it went. It appeared the rest of the population out for a walk in the rains had orchestrated a 'red jacket' outing. So people, if you plan on being in this area for Cherry blossoms this year, red is the color! Don't tell me I didn't warn you.

That said, lets go!

Demographic dividend

Sometime around July-August in the late 90s ,as they do every year, engineering colleges in Bangalore were churning out new graduates, fresh with hope and enthusiasm to venture out into the world of endless possibilities and boundless ambition. Campus interviews and job fairs were to be on the agenda for the next few months where classmates clustered around each other, comparing notes and debating testing methods and interviewing strategies.

If you were a fresh engineering graduate around this time, one of the much hyped tests had to have been the one at Infosys, where all of Bangalore wanted to work. Everyone had heard about the tech industry miracle called Infosys, its work ethics, the founder Narayana Murthy and his co-founders. The roadside chaatwala knew all about Sudha Murthy and how this couple began on meagre means to establish this global technological revolution which went on to be the first Indian company to be listed in Nasdaq in 1999. A few of my classmates did very well at Infosys and the rest of us were just proud of this fact. The tests in order to make it through was rumoured to be as tough as any Engineering semester exam could have been or even worse. And there were multiple rounds of tests and interviews, a grueling saga, bound to test the nerves of even a man of steel. But it was all worth it, after all, who has not heard of the Infosys campus in Bangalore. Let me quote one article from BBC which goes

"It is a self-contained city for its 20,000 workers, and contains shops, restaurants, a health club, a basketball court and even a golf course."

I happened to watch this interview with Nandan Nilekani on Jon Stewart recently. What humility and what a simpleton! Its no wonder these stalwarts were able to project India into the global limelight. We need such stellar powers to show the rest of the world what can be done with vision, perseverance and diligence. And now he says our population(1 billion plus) is an asset, NOT a liability. What a message sirjee!

A brunch time serving of tune

This weekend's brunch : Puri with Chana Masala



















And the tune for ambiance was this :



Have a good weekend folks!

From Juverna Guinness

Happy St.Patricks Day!

Your Irish Name Is: Juverna Guinness

"What butter or whiskey does not cure cannot be cured."

What's Your Irish Name?

Tippity Tap

Last weekend was a preview to warmer days. Temperatures hit 70s and it was a wonderful outdoorsy kind of weekend. For some reason, almost everyone figured it was a temporary phase. This wasn't for good, yet. What I did do, in addition to hitting the trail, was to get a jump start on my spring cleaning session.

The basement has been long neglected and sorely overdue for some major cleaning and sorting. While most of it was paperwork that needed to be sorted out and shred and discarded, there were a few long-forgotten surprise finds. One in particular sent me down the memory lane, as always , reminiscing about some of the good ole days.

It had been a few months since I had moved to Virginia. I had made a few new friends in this area. An IM window popped(this from one of the afore-mentioned newly acquired friend).

'Hey, had a q for ya"

'Sure, sup?'

'Sit tight and don't fall off the chair when you read my next line, ok?'

'Ok....'

'Would you be willing to go with me for a tap dance class?'

[See, for those that are new to my space and don't exactly know me- I have two left feet. I have ALWAYS wanted to dance, but have had no formal training. Over the years, it appears I have been rendered incapable of jiving even if I had to save my life. So my response, which came quite instantly, took me by shock.]

'Oh sure. When? And where?'

'Are you sure!!!????? I mean this is TAP DANCE. Look it up. Its in the rec center's spring class schedule. I've always wanted to try. But my spouse thinks I've lost it. So I figured I'd ask you if you'd be interested...'

'Definitely, I can go.'

'Alright! I will send you the link to register and the schedule. Its for 8 weeks. And I found a few stores that sell tap dancing shoes.'

And thus 2 weeks later, there we were. The two of us, wearing shiny new 'tap dance' shoes and neither of us remotely felt 'What am I doing!!!??'. We were excited like kids in a candy store. I bought a black pair and she a set of beige ones. 'I don't want black shoes!' she had adamantly exclaimed. And seriously, neither of us thought we weren't in this for the long haul. Of course we had NO idea when and where exactly we'd be employing this new skill of ours, but at that time all that mattered was that it all sounded cool and fancy!

Oh the joy of being young and excitable!

Img source : Here

The first day we realized our instructor was well...you know...he was 'oriented' differently. Billy also lived in spandex and indulged in 'updo' hairstyles of the 70s with his blonde hair...I think he was what is called a drag artist in his spare time. Anyway, to cut a long story short...he was an experience in itself.

But then, we were so preoccupied with the novelty of it all that it didn't matter to us how or what Billy was. We tapped and waltzed to the music, tried to keep up with the rhythm and in general we were having what is called loads of fun. And that's all that matters, doesn't it?

So if you're thinking- 'ya right, I am sure 8 weeks was all this new fangled fad lasted'- you're SO wrong!

We went through for another 3 full terms, thank you! Summer, Fall AND Winter. We even got asked to go for a Christmas tap dance party at Billy's place. But since I was scheduled to go home that holiday season, we decided to politely decline. It tickles me no end wondering what we would have done if we had accepted the invite, but that's something best left to one's imagination. Oh , AND we didn't miss a class all through winter, despite pileups and some biting cold days. Such was our dedication and commitment.

In our last class for that season, Billy told us that he and his 'spouse' had decided to move to Dallas- to warmer climes and better opportunities. There would be a new instructor, if we wished to continue our lessons, he advised.

And now, after all these years, here are the shoes. Neatly packed in its original box, fondly remembered, never used since.

But see, it is not about whether we used our newly acquired skill any time, it isn't about what skills adorn our achievement belt- it is about the good fun times we had in each other's company. Something that made us closer than ever, something common between only the two of us. That is what gets carried through the years. And once in a while, as you dust the layers off an old and forgotten box of shoes- you realize this is what makes for life experiences. Something far more precious that any thing money can buy. A pair of tap dance shoes.

My weekend was well served.

Tres

Dear blog

Many happy returns of the day; you turn 3 today. Wow, its kinda hard to believe its been so long. You were started in a very casual manner, my first post here was a review of Zahir. But look at what else I've subjected you to, in these 3 years. You're probably my best sounding board- be it a rant, be it a rave, music, books, 'we are like this only' episodes, colorful pictures that speak a thousand words...you take it all. And without a whimper. You don't protest, you don't object, you don't argue, you don't disagree, you don't criticize- you listen to EVERYthing I have to say, 24x7x365. For that, I salute you. You're also my virtual abode, where I can hang out, chill and stay over for a pajama party.

And thus here we are. You, me and all your readers. You have been a medium through which I have connected to many like-minded folks. You're like this hostess to a very happening party and I am that shy, reserved guest that usually sits pretty in some corner couch sipping diet coke!

I used to search long and hard for a good template for you. A pretty one, that made you look as good as you sounded. And you got a new wardrobe ever so often. Even though it was a painful exercise for me to do some html coding to make you look just right with all the right customizations. You used to host a 'QOTD' and then remember Kabbu?- the virtual pet I adopted from here? Yes, you've been through many many wardrobe changes. Till I found this one. I am mighty pleased with it, I have to say. It lets me change the header, personalize it to my liking and gives me the feeling of shopping for a new dress each time. We all like doing this ever so often now, don't we?

Last summer I tried to outsource you, just to try something new and cos the fact that I had run out of ideas to write about. But regardless of my various attempts to make this space interesting, you're there- rock solid, at all times. Thank you very much for that and can I say how much I look forward to growing old with you? Ever so often I grow through the archives - brings a chuckle or some eye candy or a melody long forgotten- you are a journal of sorts, after all- aren't ya?

Alright my friend, here's a toast to you - to many many more years of endless partying with you.

Happy Birthday!

With best wishes
-Altoid

A hug for life

For some weeks now, I am diving into this playlist in my ipod called 'all-time highs'...a special place to find old gems rich with meaning and soulful melody. These are songs which have stayed with me over many many years, a treasure chest which I immerse myself in, when the mood strikes.

Ok, ok..since you ask- starting this month I will post one every month with a small story and lyrics perhaps? So you can choose to agree or disagree with the choice. Okay? Alright!

This month's picks(there are two, as an introductory offer :), are a special dedication to a special person- Scarlett!






and the second one is :


And since the second one has no visuals, I post the lyrics

Zindagi Zindagi Mere Ghar Aana Aana Zindagi
Zindagi Mere Ghar Aana Aana Zindagi
Zindagi O Zindagi Mere Ghar Aana Aana
Mere Ghar Aana
Zindagi Zindagi Mere Ghar Aana Aana Zindagi

Mere Ghar Ka Seedha Sa Itna Pataa Hai
Ye Ghar Jo Hai Chaaron Taraf Se Khula Hai
Na Dastak Zaroori, Na Aavaz Dena
Mere Ghar Ka Darvaaza Koi Nahin Hai
Hain Deevaren Ghum Aur Chhat Bhi Nahin Hai
Badhi Dhoop Hai Dost
Kadhi Dhoop Hai Dost
Tere Aanchal Ka Saaya Churake Jeena Hai Jeena
Jeena Zindagi, Zindagi
O Zindagi Mere Ghar Aana
Aana Zindagi Zindagi Mere Ghar Aana

Mere Ghar Ka Seedha Sa Itna Pataa Hai
Mere Ghar Ke Aage Mohabbat Likha Hai
Na Dastak Zaroori, Na Aavaz Dena
Maein Saanson Ki Raftaar Se Jaan Lungi
Havaaon Ki Khushboo Se Pehchaan Lungi
Tera Phool Hoon Dost
Teri Bhool Hoon Dost
Tere Haathon Mein Chehra Chhupa Ke Jeena Hai Jeena
Jeena Zindagi, Zindagi
O Zindagi Mere Ghar Aana
Aana Zindagi Zindagi Mere Ghar Aana


Yenjoy and have a good weekend all!

Air time

Did I ever mention that I am big on writing to-do lists? I have, haven't I? There are plenty of gadgets that I surround myself with...and then some. While I am not a gadget freak per se, I do believe I own enough to last me a lifetime. But in all that, if I had to name one thing that is absolutely precious to me- it would have to be the unassuming kitchen clock cum radio cum CD player, purchased at Walmart for almost the price of peanuts.

See, I have always wanted a kitchen radio. There were many a Hollywood movie I have watched, growing up, where the family gathered around the breakfast nook or the dinner table with the news on air or some chart-buster pop song cooing in the background. There in started the foundations of owning one such.

Now it sits in one corner of my counter, with a pile of CDs stacked in an unkempt manner over it. It gets its usual quota of dusting every week...that would be every Saturday morning. My favorite time of the week. Its a sort of in-between. Its not exactly the start of the weekend, but its nowhere near the end of one. A comfortable time when you can live in the illusion of a weekend stretching into eternity.

Its my time to clean the kitchen, clear the refrigerator of leftovers from the past week, organize the pantry, load laundry, make a list of what needs to be picked up on my weekly trip to do groceries- Indian, American and everything else in between.

In all this, 10 am arrives sooner than later. Time for car talk on NPR! I am neither a car aficionado, nor do I ever care to be one. But car talk's funny. I love the calls people make about their car woes, the funny sounds they make to demonstrate the problems they are having, the car talk puzzler which always makes me want the next weekend to come right away so I get to know of the answer instantly! Leaves me wanting for more....but soon enough its 11am.

Time for 'Wait wait don't tell me'. This might be advertised as the weekly news quiz, being that I am not big on following current events- a riotously funny way to keep abreast of what's going on. For a long time, it has been my wish to be at one of these recordings live in Chicago. I can never tell if this will indeed come true, but for now I am glad I get to listen to it every weekend between 11-noon. Noon comes and its time to step out of the house to round up the chores. What a brilliant way to get going though, with a smile on one's lips having passed the previous 2 hrs in laughter- orchestrated with snorts and giggles and chortles and snickers.

Sunday mornings are reserved for Weekend edition with puzzle master Will Shortz and with that ends my weekend date with NPR. Time to switch to CD player mode and get on with cooking for the week.

This little gadget provides so much entertainment, its unbelievable. There are so many substitutes..from podcasts to rss subscriptions to the telly to online reading and what-not. But nothing beats the luxury of being able to turn the analog dial on this antiquated gadget to the NPR station with a consistency that is hard to come about in these times of instant gratification and action-packed schedules.

What prompted this spiel, you ask? A simple youtube clip that a friend forwarded last weekend. See for yourself..

Unexpected

Over a warm Sunday evening supper, your eyes dwell on the clock and the calendar trying to catch your attention. It reads 7pm on a Sunday(duh!). Your mind revs up launching into a self-induced spiral....its Sunday evening already, tomorrow is Monday, another full work week, the fridge isn't stocked up(as it usually is, with dishes to last a work week), there's no hope for me....and so on and so forth till one wants to curl up and sleep the week away. You try to distract your mind. Alright, lets check out whats on the telly...

..A scrolling weather alert ticker warns the area residents of a severe weather advisory for your county starting that evening till Monday afternoon. No amount of channel surfing makes the annoying ticker go away. Your mind does not register this warning, perhaps other things are in the queue to keep the mind occupied(like it being Monday the next day...).

..You raid the pantry and try to load up on some sugar. You top the sinful remnants of cheesecake with some strawberries and once done you believe you're done for the week and call it a day.

..You wake up at random times during the night, being rudely awakened either by the noises from the wind tunnel or the howling winds that sound ominous. You plug your ears and dive right back into the sheets.

..Come 7am and you behold a brilliant scene through your bedroom window. White, fluffy stuff has piled up all over and there's more falling. Its takes some time for your eyes to get used to the brightness that's reflected off of the pileup. Instinctively you login to work email and turn on the radio. There's a flurry of messages. Schools closed, options to work from home if needed, drive safe etc etc. The snow plows haven't made their rounds yet, you can tell. The trash van hasn't even ventured in the vicinity.

Streets and lanes and highways look pristine white and untouched. Obviously no one wants to disturb the quiet collection, hard work from the skies overnight.

You pull out the camera to capture the essence of what can only be called divine intervention. You needn't have launched into the mind spiral last night, after all...