WHAT'S IN THE BOX? A SMALL SLICE OF HEAVEN!

Or a book. Or two. Um, maybe three. Or more. And a similar amount of movies.

The day just can't get more perfect, the day an Amazon.com delivery comes in!

ONE WEEK DOWN. ALREADY.

Who'd've thunk it?! Before we knew it, 2013 was upon us, and even sooner than that, we're one week into the new year. Whoa there, over enthusiastic twenty-thirteen!

Reminds me of when I was in school (no, nothing about those 'good old days' is coming up, so you can stop reaching out for that mouse already) - Moral Science class called for a list, one that was importantly full of New Year's Resolutions. In capitals, and heavily underscored too. I'd never know what to fill in, and invariably wind up every year with a very sketchy compilation, to be embellished after - casually, of course - taking a peek at the neighbour's laundry list. And maybe the person thankfully seated behind me. Or even two rows ahead. Anything, really, to plump up a list that would vaguely be along the lines of:

- I will clean up my cupboard without Mum reminding me to.

- I will do my homework every evening before I go out to play.

Guilt (from the aforementioned plumped-up lists) would then make me add:

- I will help Mum set/ clear away the table at dinner (which the sister and I did already, just that it made for good copy. Also added a halo or two.)

- I will dust the furniture.

- I will not fight with my friends.

Gawd. You'll realise that making resolutions was never my forte. Let's not even get into discussing actually sticking them out. That does not make polite conversation. Believe me.

Growing up (and with Moral Science class behind me), the easiest thing to do was to politely ha-ha them so-what-will-be-your-resolution-this-year-then questions away, something I continue to do even today.

It's a far better deal to pitch in with the good stuff as and when you see the need for it, isn't it, instead of a stuffy old resolution that you are (possibly forced to) keep, with no real result at the end of the day. 

That said, wish you a very happy 2013 (seeing that clearly the world didn't end), and have a wonderful year ahead. Cheers!

INDEPENDENCE DAY? WHAT DID YOU DO?

So there were these posts floating around on social networking sites on I-Day, which of course got reposted/ retweeted/ shared faster than you could say 'independence'. The brouhaha was super quick to spread, and how. In a matter of minutes, that's almost all I could see for a bit. What was this all about? About how, we as a nation, are more obsessed with the release of a new movie, over the celebration of independence day. Yes, a new movie did hit the screens the same day, and yes, it did open to packed houses. But aren't we quick to jump to conclusions?

C'mon, it's not as if the entire nation got up as one and threw themselves at multiplex doors. Kids did go to school, celebrate I-Day as they do every year. While offices and other commercial establishments were obviously shut for a part of the day, the day prior saw celebrations take place. Tricolours were everywhere. On I-Day, housing complexes hoisted the national flag; versions of the national anthem and songs with patriotic fervour rent the air. In fact, it's just a couple days a year - inde and republic - that most people even hum along to patriotic songs. So yes, celebrations were visible. None of these are forced on you; people do them out of choice.

The same social networking sites, by the end of the day and the next, were flooded with pictures of I-Day celebrations that people obviously did enjoy.

So what's the big deal if a faction of the populace went and saw a movie too?

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Wish you a warm and wonderful 2012, y'all!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DAD!

Here's to many, many, many, many more!

We love you!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

DIWALI IS HERE

Happy Diwali, y'all!

OFF ON VACATION!

Yes, it's Diwali. Yes, it is festive. Yes, I am finally done with preparations. Of course, as usual, I'm sure I could've done more. In any case, too late now - it's a little past midnight, and here I am, channel surfing (a fruitless exercise, but being the eternal optimist,...) and blogging. And quickly sending/ replying to work mails, because...

... I am off on vacation. Hurrah! Yay! Yippee!

Nothing fancy, just the annual visit to the in-laws, but it's not reason to complain at all. Of course, will put up loads of pics while there *snort* when I'm back. Will blog regularly too. Okay, occasionally.

So what did I do to prep, anyway? Here's the list:

• Cleaned house
• Washed curtains/ changed bedlinen (which we do otherwise too, but it's almost mandatory at Diwali)
• Put up the fairy lights and the kandeel, or paper lantern. (More on that later, remind me)
• Piously lit diyas and placed outside the door (Again, more later)
• Made chocolates. You think? Well, unfortunately this is the one thing that I didn't get down to doing. Sad. So bought these small pouches, bought chocolates, bought diyas and made up packages to give the neighbours. (You'll notice the malls love people like me - note the overuse of the word 'bought'.)
• Bought gifts and wrapped them (LOVE that!), ready to give away with loads of warm Diwali wishes

That's more or less it.

So while I'm away (and possibly too lazy to blog), have a wonderful and safe Diwali, y'all out there!

SHOPPING LISTS

Because it's soon going to be Diwali. (More here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diwali)

Things to buy for:

• The family
• Friends
• House help
• Some acquaintances

(Given that there are just five days to go, yes, I am running late. Very late. All that I have done is the list, so far. *panic*)

P.S.: Will also be doing some crafts (senility second childhood just for fun) this weekend, so stay tuned for pictures!

*claps hands in glee* Oooh, what fun!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MUM!

First, the cake.

(Pineapple and cream, yum!)

 And then, the present.

(A hamper, with Mum's favourite products from The Body Shop, some chocolate, foam-and-chenille-stem flowers, gauzy silver net and silver and gold ribbon to pretty up the basket. Think I succeeded. Or at least, Mum assures me I did. That's mums for you!)

ONE BIRTHDAY, PLEASE!

That's what I want. I love feeling special. I love the cake. I love them presents (heh heh!).

Oooh, I love birthdays! Can I have one already?

FUN DAY AT WORK

... Involves:
- Music over the speakers
- Colleagues visiting from another branch office to celebrate with us
- Snack box lunch for everyone (and that too one involving apple pie and croissants, yum yum)
- Festive atmosphere (flower garlands et al!)

So I had one of those yesterday. :)

See?
(Ignore the bad photography - the lighting was poor too lazy to click better.)

HE'S BACK!

That adorable elephant-headed God is here again!

Hello, Ganpati. Or Ganesha, if you prefer that. Or maybe just hello, Gamps.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, INDIA!

You're 64 today!

You have so much to be happy about, so much to celebrate, so much to be thankful for, so much to look forward to.

It's great being with you - cheers!

HOLIDAY!

Or rather, celebrations.

So the significant other and I celebrated six years together last month. Not bad, given that see-saws and relationships are virtually synonimous, don't you think! Six years of marriage, six years of 'in sickness and in health' (which we did go through on the anniversary itself, seeing that we were both nursing the most goddawful colds!), six years of just being together. Okay, for those married/ in committed relationships for longer, I can imagine that six years is baby food, but do humour me here. :)

Holiday? Always good!
A surprise anniversary gift? Even better!

So the husband planned an (extended) weekend to Sri Lanka!

Here's a picture of beautiful Sri Lanka:

THE BEST BIRTHDAY PRESENT EVER

With love from the significant other. Couldn't've asked for more.

POP THE CHAMPAGNE!

It's that time of the year again, ladies and gentlemen, when we pop the bubbly to celebrate another year of togetherness... a.k.a. marriage in some circles.
Decided to take stock of the last year, suggested we make it a fun 'you and me together' exercise. Disdainful looks from the significant other put those plans to rest...
... Still planning, wondering how to spend the day... A pleasant surprise holiday by way of elections in the city is only adding to the happiness!

Watch this space!

HMPH!

And that is the husband's idea of decorating my birthday cake this year. *rolling eyes in head* Really, now!

NOTCH UP ANOTHER YEAR...

We're a year older today!

Happier? Yes!

Content? Yes!

Regrets? No!

Guess we're doing good! Happy anniversary to my significant other!

TOGETHERNESS

May 10, 2008

Happy Anniversary... Here's to many more years of togetherness!

We love you, Mum and Dad!