400

400th post, this.

And what do I have to say? Nothing much, really!

Its a significant number nonetheless. That I really had dough enough to make that many posts, in all these years, is definitely noteworthy. So then how do I mark this post? With balloons and some sparkly? With pictures? With a song?

Yes! Song it will be. Because Hans Christian Andersen says 'Where words fail, music speaks.'. Its not surprising I am at a loss for words, right now.

So here's another one of my all-time faves.

Fuperb

Ever since the music of 'Kaminey' (lyrics by Gulzar, stalwart singers such as Mohit Chauhan, Rekha/Vishal Bharadwaj, Sikhwinder Singh and Sunidhi) I have been waiting to watch the movie but with some trepidation. Having read this review on rediff(and I haven't seen such a good review from Rediff in a long while), I was suitably convinced. We booked our tickets for a Saturday morning showing.

And what a ride it was.

I loved the pace of the movie, I loved the twists and turns, the innuendo, the characterization, the dialogues- just every piece of it that kept me on the hook listening, watching, waiting for the next scene and what develops. For that, I absolutely loved the movie. The storyline by itself might have been a very old and over-beaten one, but the delivery of it far outclasses anything else in the genre. Shahid has proved worth his mettle, Vishal Bharadwaj(as has been mentioned in many a review) proves to be India's Tarantino with just the right desi twist and PC is so in tune with her character that its hard to imagine its the same model that was cast in Fashion.

For a peek into the artsy directorial mind of Vishal Bharadwaj, go here.

The Etihad connection

For those that don't know what Etihad is all about, here is where to look.

Have I told you about how I've been in the 'loop' about the cargo shipments of the afore-mentioned company? I have been cc'ed on emails about shipments, tracking, status updates and the like. There is a long list of recipients and then there is me. I have tried to respond many times to this distribution pointing out the error, to no avail. I continue to get emails that make absolutely no sense to me. Ever heard of 'When life gives you a rainy day...find a puddle to splash in'? Hence I decided to slip into a comfortable mute spectator, reading every email I get.

I also found out Etihad means 'united' and this is an Abu Dhabi based airline company. Oh well, one can never tell- perhaps at some time I might just be flying this airline.

For now, I have made my peace about the situation. I'll update this post at some point of time with a sample.

You got any experiences of mistaken identities you want to share?

All time high-Aug 2009

Sigh. I am miserably late for this month's all-time high. Its summer's fault, that much I can tell with certainty. Summer brings heat, thunderstorms, house guests, trails, road trips and much much more.

Rambling-stop. Music-start :).

An easy one, a chirpy fun one from the movie 'baaton baaton mein'

An evening of explosion

The hare and the tortoise(retold)

Lets set the stage now, shall we? Well for starters, we're not exactly talking about a hare here, its a rabbit. And the tortoise happens to be me. But the title still applies, because...well.. its my story and I get to say so!

While I was at the trail recently, over the weekend, I started off with a light jog just to get the juices flowing. It was rather early in the am...that time of dawn when the sun has just declared it a new day. All beings, big and small, awaken to accept the declaration...cardinals, sparrows, bluebirds, deer, plants, trees, shrubs...one and all. With my ipod on, I almost felt like the skies were singing, the sun was shining and the quiet of the dawn hours was soothing.

A few minutes later a little rabbit bounded out of the bushes. It waited till I was closer to where it stood and then frisked along in a dash a few yards ahead and over to the other side of the path. It again waited for me to catch up. Once I got closer, it made a dash this time over to the right side, again a few yards ahead and turned around expectantly. This went on for about 7-8 times with this little chit zigzagging across the path. I could almost see a smirk on its face and a tinge of mischief in its eyes. It was a game and I was roped in for good.

This went on till we reached an intersection with some heavy foot traffic. Off the rabbit went into the bushes again, looking back at me bidding a rabbit-y goodbye.

Nothing like a good game to make a run fun. And while we're on the topic of walks, trails, runs, hares, tortoises and I guess life as a whole...here's a fun quote I 'ran' into recently.


'A line is a dot that went for a walk' ~ Paul Klee(whoever he is/was, he sure had a sense of humor)

How do you test the range of a cordless phone?

...you take it out for a spin in your car, of course!

Erm, serendipitous discovery, I must say!

I was talking to my mom one morning and trying to get ready to head to work. So I figured I could talk to her enroute, I mean- we live in a cordless, wireless world now, don't we?.

So I slip on my sandals, pick up the car keys, laptop bag, lunch bag, hand bag(sigh, ALL the bags), cell phone and get into the car, pull out of the driveway and make the first turn to exit out of the subdivision. All along I am having a conversation. When I reach the next stop sign, suddenly I realise that the phone had died. Hm! The calling card couldn't have been drained, so why could it be?

A few seconds later I realize I'd been on the cordless phone. And boy! I was impressed. The signal strength was significantly long-range.

QED.

Lights, Sound....Action!

...as we begin the first few days of the onset of the month of Shravan, we here in Virginia are being treated to some entertaining shows that have arrived in the form of thunderstorms.

After a busy work day- filled with presentations, meetings and a random brownbag tech discussion thrown in here and there- summer months are busy at work. Once that is done, I have my date evenings with Jessica, my spin class instructor. She keeps me straight, she keeps me sane and she is the only person that can make me do what I should. When that's done with, its time to move on to chores.

Have all the bills been paid? Are there any stray renewals that need to be done? So many little things that all add up to one giant headache! Then its dinner time. With the dishes cleared away, one gets a chance to indulge in front of the idiot box, the sun room sofa seems like lying in the lap of luxury.

A few minutes into mindless entertainment and the DISH receiver goes into 'Downloading software...' mode. There's brilliant sound and light effects from the outside and before long a thunderstorm has decided to be the master entertainer.

I drag my feet to turn off the lights and get ready to hit snooze. There's more of the magnificent lightning effects that illuminate the trees and the houses around. Thunder chimes in with background music to make a complete package for an orchestra. Watching this live show sure is a good way to drift into the land of nod, me thinks.

This incomplete state

...Huh?

There are these states of incompleteness. Let me explain...you know..like an unfinished/unsent email(sitting in the drafts folder) or unread email pileup in the inbox or unopened postal mail or unfinished posts/drafts sitting in the blog...ya those items that haven't completed their destined cycle.

Those bother me. Whenever Seren visits me and logs into my laptop/PC with her credentials, I get a peek into her inbox. And instinctively I feel like cleaning it up for her. When I see a popup that says Inbox(1029) the obsessive-compulsive personality in me kicks into overdrive. When I have to login to Amma's email account, I clean it up for her- without fail.

And thus there are two drafts in blogger right now...not ONE..TWO of them. I decided I'd write a post on that and include these incomplete posts. At least this way, I have provided them a channel to complete their cycle. Very rarely do I start something and lose my train of thought. To me, a post languishing in drafts, it means I haven't given it my full. And that would cause me many sleepless nights(sigh!). So for what they were worth, here they go.

Statutory disclaimer : Please don't be asking me where I was headed with either one of them. Actually the first one is pretty obvious, the second...hmmm I really can't tell. I suppose I was recording a dialogue between the mind and the body. Surreal, huh?

1. Titled 'Guess who's coming to dinner?'
Some time ago, after reading some online reviews, I decided to sign up for Plinky. You know, for those times when you're at a loss for topics to write about. I signed up for a weekly digest of prompts to be delivered to my inbox which I promptly delete right after- because I usually already have fodder to write about and/or I am just not in the mood to write to begin with.

But these have been prompt(pun intended) and have been at it without complaint.

Just this morning I received a batch right at that crossroad where I was beginning to wonder about what to write. This one caught my eye and I figured I'd give it a shot.

If you could invite any three people in history to a dinner party, who would you pick?

Hmmm, here's my guest list then.

Daphne Du Maurier , the author and playwright. She intrigues me, she must had an interesting life and/or a very fertile imagination. Either way, she'll have tales to tell at the dinner table.

2. Titled 'In the calm of dawn'
5:30am : My body alarm went off and I was up. I am one of those that can't be in bed if the senses are fully awake. Its like an on-off switch, no idling in neutral. Usually within the next 15 mins or so, I am out in the trail for a good jog/walk and then back home to get ready to head to work. But this am, before the body could get to its schedule, the mind had decided to play a game(the coffee must've played tricks).

Mind - 'Do you really need to get out there this morning? Why can't today be a slack day? You know, just lounge in the sofa and finish the book?'

Body - 'Hmmmm'(its a 'thing' of few words, apparently)

Mind - 'Its alright dude, seriously. How does it matter if you didn't follow the schedule for one day?'

Body - 'Yes, there's gym class in the evening regardless'

Mind - 'Exactly!

Earth laughs in flowers

...says Ralph Waldo Emerson. Flowers, those that provide a dash of color, a burst of joy.

Flowers....if one were to ask me what is always included in my weekly grocery list(apart from the mundane milk and bread)...it would have to be the choicest bunch of seasonal flowers.

Growing up, I've always imagined being at a workplace with a flower on my desk. Something I'd change everyday. While that hasn't happened, I know that I will always have a fresh bunch of flowers to perk up my home. That much is assured.

The flowers are seasonal...from tulips to daisies to mums to lilies and carnations- my weekly trips to the grocery store accentuated by the last stop I make at the blooms section. Its the one thing that is different each week, its not definite or predictable. It could be a different color, a different species...either way they provide light up the place with the varied hues and perfumes.

Have you tried peonies? They smell lovely on the dining table. This week, in what seems like ages, I managed to find gladioli. These have a special fondness for me because they are available in plenty back home. The flower lady in Gandhi Bazar would always pick the freshest batch of gladioli for me(in a different color every time) and I'd pair it with something else...like a pack of daisies and make a bouquet of my own. Yes, gladioli and I go way back!

'When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other.' says a Chinese proverb. Ya, go do just that. See how much a difference it makes.

Have a colorful weekend y'all!

Nutty treats for the weekend

Its been a while since I've posted about food, its even been a while since I baked. A friend of mine used to say baking was therapeutic. The measuring and the mixing and patting into baking trays- shaped as cookies or loaves or muffins all adds up to a combination of art and science and the aroma that pervades a home once the goods are done is unmatched. Last night I made a batch of pecan squares and chocolate-almond biscotti. The pecan ones went by fast, the poles didn't take to biscotti that much.



Happy weekend y'all!

Fatak

On repeat mode for over 48 hours now.....

All time high-July 2009

This month I bring to you one of my all-time faves(yes, it is an all-time high, no less)- this masterpiece by Gulzar, sung by Manna Dey from the movie 'Anubhav' directed by Basu Bhattacharya, produced by Basu Chatterjee. A heady combination which makes for an all-time high.

I specially like the second paragraph, chockful of meaning. The tune, the voice, the lyrics- love love love it all.



Phir kahi koyi phool khila, chaahat na kaho usko
Phir kahi koyi deep jala, manzil na kaho usko
Phir kahi koyi phool khila...

Mann ka samundar pyaasa hua, kyu kisi se maange duwa
Lahero ka laga jo mela, toofaan na kaho usko
Phir kahi koyi phool khila...

Dekhe sab woh sapne, khud hi sajaaye jo hamne
Dil unse behel jaaye to, raahat na kaho usko
Phir kahi koyi phool khila...

Positive affirmation

This morning, as I set my laptop to boot and walked away to get fill my water bottle, water the plants and start a new work day, I came back to realize that my laptop had decided to revolt. It refused to boot and spewed some error about something missing and hence being rendered unable to login and/or connect to the network.

With my limited PC skills, I tried to remedy the situation- not very successfully though. After about an hour of wrestling I decided to admit defeat and called the HelpDesk. I left a message describing my problem and requested express service since I was incapacitated. Some 3 hours later I got a call from them asking for more information about the problem at hand. Another hour later, as I was walking to the break room to grab a late lunch, I noticed a petite woman walking the aisle with a piece of paper in hand. As my eyes followed her, I observed she was headed towards my cube. I walked up to her and pretty soon realized she was going to be my savior.

I provided her with my login details so that she could be well on her way, offered her my chair and walked off for a long lunch. When I got back, I found a yellow sticky...from Faith. That was the person that had been my savior and had fixed my main mode of income-generation. She had left her contact information and a smiley face caricature as her signature.

Faith, what a positive-affirmation kind of name to have. Innit?

And on that topic, I noticed there was this new thing on facebook - a group that people could join to aid the cause of having a 'dislike' option. Like you know- 'Comment', 'Like' and now possibly 'Dislike'. I don't get it. Why specifically call out something negative. If you don't like something, you stay away from using the 'like' button. Period. Why do you need to express the 'dislike'? Whatever.

I read somewhere that 'Positive anything is better than negative nothing'. Enough said!

Collaboration through technology

(Headnote : NP=North Pole, SP=South Pole)

NP : SP, can you check my mail today please?

SP : Will do, I'll check when I go down to play jigsaw puzzles on the comp. Btw, Alt- can you help me link the puzzle to my blog?

Me : Sure, next time I go down to pay bills!

NP : X, Y or Z should've emailed me by now. Its been 10 days since I've been away, the association must have some work lined up for me.

SP : Hrmph, you need a break. They will survive.

Some hours later...overheard...

SP : So there is an email from Y asking you to fwd an email to Mr. A. What is A's id?

NP : blah blah blah (dot) blah blah @ yahoo.com. But hang on, let me check my diary(black?).

SP (tapping her fingers and waiting impatiently while she attempts another jigsaw puzzle) : Alt- How do I turn these pieces?

Alt (with more impatience, she is her mother's daughter after all) : You can't. These pieces will fit as is. (and walks away)

NP : Here, this is the email address.

SP types it in and hits send and goes back to the puzzle.

A few seconds later...

SP : That has bounced!

NP : Bounced? What does that mean?

SP (Exasperated) : It means the email id is wrong. Are you sure this is right?

NP (scratching bald head) : Yes, this is what I have. See, maybe its gmail, not yahoo.

SP (After trying multiple combos of email ids and web-mail providers, gives up) : Nah, none of them work. So what to do now?

NP (looking quite lost) : Sigh. There is one way.

Both look at each other and in chorus- "Lets take a printout of this email and post it to A. What say?"

Sigh.

To the land of lilies

Last evening found us at Meadowlark Botanical Gardens, the very same place that I went to for cherry blossoms in 2007.

Summer in these gardens seems to be the season for exotic lilies. We found them in every shade and size possible. The gardens themselves are so expansive and scenic that probably a whole day or more would be needed to casually stroll around and take in every nook and corner of this green wonder nestled in the midst of a bustling concrete suburb.


























There are sparkling ponds, bridges, a gazebo, ducks, squirrels, benches(my favorite-for a restful break and to take in the sights) planted at strategic and cozy points all over.

And then there are birds chirping all around, green lawns, children on summer break, parents resting under trees with a picnic basket and a book- just the idyllic setting for a perfect weekend picnic. The air was pure, the breeze was just about right, the evening was serene and the temperature outside was what can only be termed oh-so-perfect.

If you're in this area, don't forget to check this place out, specially if you are looking for a scenic evening stroll, or if you are looking for picnic options.

Footnote : The second pic is my favorite. This is my second time where I've captured two people sitting and enjoying the scenery. The first time was this(scroll down to the 7th pic). You like?

A pot of color

Hand-painted tea-pot, a gift from my parents

Overheard

North Pole : They have all been overworked. Just out of the IPL matches, we couldn't expect anything more.

South Pole : You know, he's always been that way. What can anyone do?

North Pole : Sehwag should've been in the team. It would have made a difference.

South Pole : Shall we call them today? Let's not delay.

North Pole : And you know, its the World Cup. The Cricket Board should've planned the teams better.

Me(Emerging out of the kitchen where I was scrubbing the countertops) : Erm, what exactly are you two talking about?

North Pole : I am talking about India losing in the T20 World Cup series, she is talking about XYZ(insert some relative's name here- who is related to X's aunt, Y's niece and so on and so forth).

Me : Sigh, I give up!

There's a Fifi in the house!

Er...if you didn't know what a Fifi is, shame on you! That's the name of Veronica's maid(of the Betty, Veronica and Archies fame, yo!)

Right after I leave for work in the mornings and by the time I get back home in the evening, my bed is made- like you know how the housekeeping services in a hotel room make them? Yah, that way!

See I usually dump clothes in the closet till the weekend, when I sort them out- wash bin, dryclean bin etc. These days I don't see any clothes lying around in the closet. Everything goes on a hanger. If you don't hear from me for a few weeks, just assume I landed up in one too.

My dresser is straightened out, no more earrings scattered all over it, no more lotions, perfumes and sundry items strewn around. I almost feel guilty using them now, I know that will be work for Fifi.

Yeh numbers ka maamla hai

So did I mention my folks(as in North and South pole) are here? I didn't? Well, there you go, now you know.

Hence its time to talk about house numbers and the commotion it seems to have created.

This is a recurring theme at every trip. North and South Pole rehearse this a few times, as to what to tell the immigration officer when he asks how long they're here for. Then of course, North Pole went off on a tangent and said exactly what he was instructed not to. So there began the first of the many complications.

Prior to that, each of them had filled out their disembarkation card. Unfortunately South Pole(the teacher that she is) forgot to supervise the one that North Pole filled out(you know, for spelling mistakes and such!). 2.5 hrs later they emerge out into the arrival hall where I was waiting for a very nail-biting, hair-pulling too-long a time.

All is good so far, they looked exhausted; we loaded the luggage into the car and headed home. As I pulled into the driveway, South Pole had a light-bulb moment. 'Oh' she goes, "your house number is 25676' and she proceeds to glare at North Pole "You had it down as 25576 in your disembarkation card, mine was right".

"Mbmmph" goes North Pole, jetlagged, exhausted and quite incapable of defending himself. I hurriedly unlocked the doors and proceeded to make some hot filter kaapi and deftly changed the topic, so I thought.

Its been a week since, and South Pole makes it a point to answer every soliciting call that comes with caller ids such as 'US Homeland Security' or the police(insert any other official agency) and makes it a point to be polite and nice. Why? The immigration dept would be calling to ask why they had the wrong house number in one of their disembarkation cards, right?

Right.