One Life to Live...

May the new year brings new rays of hope....

2012-01-23T19:39:00.005+05:30

I know I'm a little late in conveying my best wishes for the new year...but, it's never too late. So here's wishing a very happy and prosperous New Year. My wish for you is that may you get what your heart desires....

Hoping the new year is turning out to be as expected. It's too early to gauge that but, I'm sure we all must have got the feelers now that we are already into the third week of January. Boy, time is really flying...

So, how did you celebrate the dawn of the New Year? Well, I was in my favorite city, Dubai. I couldn't have asked for more. Attended a small private terrace party and witnessed the magnanimous firework of Burj Khalifa. I never go out on the new year's eve...but, this time I made an exception...I still prefer to remain indoor any day and write my journal like I do every year...Some moments are to be cherished and so this will be...

I changed my BlackBerry device to 9900 which has a 5 MP Camera and I went clicking and guess what? I've managed to capture the sun...Yes, I finally looked into its eyes...

Something God-like about these pictures....Isn't it?

Clicked from my sister's balcony. This is BurJuman residency. Love the way the rays seep across

Clicked this one on my way to the airport outside BurJuman Mall...I was sad, but this sun did cheer me up :)
Last but not the least...This is my favorite one...Clicked at Safaa Park. Love the distortion....

May the new year brings new rays of hope just like the above sun in our lives...

My sweet serendipitous moment...

2011-11-22T13:34:00.003+05:30

Just when you are down and out with the feeling of being unloved and unwanted, the universe has had the last laugh and bingo I encounter a sweet serendipitous moment...

I've been down with viral and after being holed up home alone for almost a week, I ventured out to the market. Stopped to pay for the bread and when I pulled out the note, I smiled. A smile so big that reached my ears. This fifty rupees note which I got from the chemist had "I love you" written on it. So yes, someone somewhere loves you. ( could have got away with this filmy dialogue)

I'm gonna keep this priceless note...

Meet Rocky...

2011-11-21T22:08:00.003+05:30

After we shifted to our new apartment, my ginger cat, Gutti mysteriously disappeared. Cats hate to leave their place even when their masters leave and therefore they are not liked by many. Are called sly and unfaithful creatures.

Wherever we go, cats follow. We love feeding stray cats. Rocky is a stray cat. He comes home for food and remains indoor throughout the day, mostly stretched out, and ventures out in the night doing his business.

Meet Rocky. He's a cute tabby...

Dance baby dance...

2011-10-19T20:19:00.005+05:30

I am born with two left feet. I've never danced till date. Yes, that's true. People tried to make me dance and they gave up, but I didn't give in. I love music and I'll tap my feet on my favorite number. That's it. One song that I actually feel like grooving upon listening is "suraj ki baahon mein ab hai yeh zindagi" from the movie Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. I hear this number on loop. What more? It has two of my cutie pies Farhan n Hrithik. Absolutely love the way these two groove.. Enjoy the song..

Anger

2011-10-03T19:40:00.005+05:30

Got this interesting forward worth sharing:

Pic courtesy

Got this interesting forward worth sharing:

On his first day in office, as President Abraham Lincoln entered to give his inaugural address speech, one man stood up. He was a rich aristocrat. He said, “Mr. Lincoln, You should not forget that your father used to make shoes for my family.” And the whole senate laughed. They thought they had made a fool of Lincoln.

But certain people are made of a totally different mettle.

Lincoln looked at the man directly in the eye and said, “Sir, I know that my father used to make shoes for your family, and there will be many others here, because he made shoes the way nobody else can. He was a creator. His shoes were not just shoes; he poured his whole soul into them.

I want to ask you, have you got any complaint? Because I know how to make shoes myself. If you have any complaint I can make you another pair of shoes.

But as far as I know, nobody has ever complained about my father’s shoes. He was a genius, a great creator and i am proud of my father”.

The whole senate was struck dumb. They could not understand what kind of man Abraham Lincoln was.

He was proud because his father did his job so well that not even a single complaint had ever been heard.

Moral of the story/learning's

No one can hurt us without our consent.

It is not what happens to us that hurts us. It is our response that hurts us.

Have a tight control on your response.

Please remember.

Control your anger 24/7/365. Anger directly affects on our judgment, logical & lateral thinking.

You want to be successful? Keep a bag of ice cubes on your head and in your head, sugar in mouth and on tongue too and keep toes on wheels.

You want to be happy all along? Just make an attempt everyday to keep 4 people happy around you and then experience the miracle.

Say "cheese" the Polaroid way...

2011-09-18T14:13:00.006+05:30

I love Instant Polaroid prints. Do you love them too?

I have for a long time been on a look-out for the instant Polaroid camera. Well, I'm not too happy with their PoGo version, for want of the classic one. I did manage to find one on E-bay, but still was confused. In the meanwhile, I got lucky and downloaded the software that converts your typical image to the Polaroid print. The software is in the shape of a camera, makes the same eject sound, and you can see the picture developing. See it for yourself. Download the Polardoid (not Polaroid) here and change your favorite pictures to the instant ones.

Here, are few of my pictures I changed to the Polaroid prints:

The world's tallest structure - Burj Khaleefa

The magnificent Eiffel Tower

Red Fort, Delhi

India Gate, Delhi

Qutub Minar, Delhi

The Great Sphinx, Cairo

And the beautiful Pyramids, Cairo

Lovely. Aren't they? And what more, you can print them too......

An evening at the Gateway of India.

2011-05-11T19:07:00.004+05:30

After ages we had an evening out at the Gateway of India. Wanted to take the kids (niece and nephew) for a boat ride. Here are few of the images I captured.

I love this picture. It is so postcard perfect.

Old wing of the Taj Mahal Hotel.

What a beauty. The old and the new wing of the Taj Mahal Hotel beautifully captured.

The kids were pretty excited. And they enjoyed the boat ride.

And no, this is neither Italy or Paris. This is Darshan Mahal and it does resemble like the little cafes of Paris.

Now this sugarcane juice is slightly expensive, but I can guarantee that this is the best in Mumbai. Varanasi Juice Centre. Rs. 20/- for this tall glass. Clean, hygiene and yes, a little bit of ginger is added to enhance the taste.

And this was an evening worth remembering.

Rules for Living A Happy and Rewarding Life

2011-04-21T09:42:00.006+05:30

Received this wonderful e-mail from a dear friend. It has simple rules for living. Since my blog is titled - One Life to live, it was worth mentioning here...

Rules for Living A Happy and Rewarding Life

Over-tip a waitress.
Drive inexpensive cars, but own the best house you can afford.
The large print giveth and the small print taketh away.
If in a fight, hit first and hit hard.
Never buy a house without a fireplace.
Once in your life own a convertible.
Buy vegetables from truck farmers who advertise with hand lettered signs.
Vote.
Never mention being on a diet.
Whistle.
Never forget your anniversary.
Eat prunes.
Slow dance.
Forget the Joneses.
Choose your life’s mate carefully.
Tell your kids often how terrific they are and that you trust them.
Put a lot of marshmallows in your hot chocolate.
Remember people’s names.
Leave the toilet seat in the down position.
Turn off the television at dinner time.
Let people know what you stand for and what you won’t stand for.
Resist the temptation to put a cute message on your voice mail.
Don’t scrimp in order to leave money to your children.
Give people a second chance, but not a third.
Learn to recognize the inconsequential, then ignore it.
Be your wife’s best friend.
Be romantic.
Park at the back of the lot at shopping centers.
Take your dog to obedience school. You’ll both learn a lot.
Never go grocery shopping when you are hungry.
Don’t major in minor things.
Wave at children on school buses.
Never tell anyone they look tired or depressed.
Never pay for work before it’s completed.
Watch the movie It’s a Wonderful Life every Christmas.
Be modest. A lot was accomplished before you were born.
Never be afraid to try to reduce your level of ignorance.
Lie on your back and look at the stars.
Remember that overnight success takes about 15 years.
Change furnace filters every three months.
Keep overhead low.
Don’t expect life to be fair.
Never go to bed with dirty dishes in the sink.
Never eat the last cookie.
Reread your favourite book.
Don’t think a higher price always means higher quality.
Don’t let anyone talk you out of a great idea.
Don’t flush urinals with your hands - use your elbows.
Acquire things the old fashioned way. Save for them and pay cash.
Work hard to create in your children a good self image. It’s the most important thing you can do for them.
Forget committees. World changing ideas always come from one person working alone.
Turn off the tap when brushing your teeth.
Start meetings on time regardless of whose missing.
Get your priorities straight. No one ever said on their death bed, “Gee, if only I’d spent more time at work”.
Read to your children.
Tape record your parent’s laughter.
Don’t under-tip the waiter just because the food is bad. He didn’t cook it.
Enjoy real maple syrup.
Be a leader. Remember the lead sled dog is the only one with a decent view.
Take a kid to the zoo.
Learn a card trick.
Go down swinging.
Cherish your children for what they are, not for what you’d like them to be.
Steer clear of restaurants that rotate.
Never buy a beige car.
Don’t be called out on strikes.
Become someone’s hero.
Call your mother.
If you like something that is very expensive, wait two weeks, then go back. If you still like it, buy it.
Turn your cell phone off for a few days.
Don’t forget that the world is run by “B” students. And last but not the least -
Never deprive someone of hope; it may be all they have!

Happy New Year....

2011-01-01T15:16:00.005+05:30

(Image courtesy - personal collection)

Received this lovely sms from a friend:

As we open the yearbook of 2011, the pages are blank whether odd or even. Let us fill them with our words and deeds, of good ideas and opportunities seized; and potential realized 24x7.

Wishing you and your families good health, happiness, prosperity and peace of mind in 2011.

I want to be a butterfly....

2010-12-31T10:31:00.010+05:30

I simply love this picture. It has been captured as a still frame from a video of the complex that I was staying in during my recent trip to Nigeria. Love the sharpness of the butterfly and the blurred leaves. Everything is so perfect in this picture.

So, today we bid adieu to 2010. The year has been a balanced one so far. Traveled, worked hard, had some ups and downs, but fairly it has been a great year...Alhamdollilah...

I want 2011 to be a great year for all of us...in terms of everything that one wishes for...and there are some things that we have to work for...I want to be a butterfly and while googling what butterfly symbolizes, I couldn't agree less for my choice...

The closest answers that I was looking for, I found them at wiki.answers.com Yes, I want to be a butterfly....

Butterflies symbolize change.

First of all the butterfly symbolizes new life from and old one. Seeing that the color black is a strong yet subtle color, the black butterfly symbolizes the new strong but subtle life after a period of transformation.

In some cultures the butterfly is also considered to bring luck.

By a well established convention in literature and art, butterflies (usually) symbolize transitoriness, as they don't live long.

The butterfly exists in four distinct forms. Some consider that so do we: The fertilized egg is planted in our mother's womb. From our day of birth we are like the caterpillar which can only eat and creep along. At death we are like the dormant pupa in its chrysalis. After that, our consciousness emerges from the cast off body, and some see in this the emergence of the butterfly. Therefore, the butterfly is symbolic of rebirth after death.

There is a Native American legend that says, " If you have a secret wish, capture a butterfly and whisper your wish to it. Since butterflies cannot speak, your secret is ever safe in their keeping. Release the butterfly, and it will carry your wish to the Great Spirit, who alone knows the thoughts of butterflies. By setting the butterfly free, you are helping to restore the balance of nature, and your wish will surely be granted."

The butterfly is a reminder to make changes when the opportunity arises. Change and transformation are inevitable for us all, but it does not have to be traumatic. Butterfly symbolism is also closely tied to the idea of spirits and souls. It has been used in many religions and cultures. In the western world, the symbol of the butterfly stands for freedom, fun and joyous times. It is also symbolises a state of naturalness and purity.

Wishing everyone a great 2011. Go out and make things happen...

Relationships

2010-12-25T09:03:00.000+05:30

Image courtesy - myhdwallpaper

At times you have these random thoughts coming to your mind...Once such thought came on relationships.

Some relationships have no names, but they do exist.

You cannot define them, yet they complete you.

And yes, for once, this is my original thought.

Success

2010-12-23T10:25:00.000+05:30

image courtesy: mscareergirl

While reading chicken soup for the woman's soul, in one of the stories, I came across something interesting on success. It goes like this:

All success begins with spreading your W.I.N.G.S

Believing in your WORTH

Trusting your INSIGHT

NURTURING yourself

Having a GOAL

Devising a personal STRATEGY

And then, even impossible dreams become real.

Worth sharing!

Happy Diwali

2010-10-13T09:36:00.000+05:30

Happy Diwali to every one....

I saw this ready made stencils for drawing rangoli at one of the exhibitions I visited. Though nothing beats the traditional method of drawing rangoli by hand, for the not so experienced hands, this comes handy.

The man at the exhibition made different types of rangoli so fast that we all stood in awe...Watch it out for yourself...

A perfect ramzaan....

2010-09-15T22:33:00.001+05:30

(image courtesy -Wikipedia)

Belated Eid Mubarak to all....

Belated, yes. Ramzaan came and went away in a jiffy...this time way too soon...isn't it??

I am not happy with myself. I didn't practice Ramzaan diligently this year...managed to keep all the fasts, but, was not steadfast in prayers and reading Quran. Thanks to the hectic work schedule, you are left with very little stamina the in the evenings or even during the days to do anything...missed Isha prayers on many occasion.

Some years down the line, I'd like to have a perfect Ramzaan comprising the following:

1) Praying 5 times in the day.

2) Starting the day with Tahajjud prayers and sealing it with Taravi.

3) Reading Quran daily.

4) Practicing itekaaf (minimum 3 days atleast).

5) Praying on all the big nights.

6) Learning of new surahs.

7) Doing small deeds of kindness and

8) Giving accurate zakaat

May Allah guide all of us to the right path...Ameen

The perfect couple...

2010-07-09T10:08:00.000+05:30

When you are single...you have advices pouring in from everywhere......some married friends feel that it's high time, I should settle down and some feel that I am happy being single...why are so many marriages falling apart?? Do perfect couples exist?

I simply love this quote from Desperate housewives....

Mary Alice: "Have you met the perfect couple? The two soul mates whose love never dies? The two lovers whose relationship is never threatened. The husband and wife who trust each other completely. If you haven't met the perfect couple, let me introduce you. They stand atop a layer of butter cream frosting. The secret of their success? Well, for starters, they don't have to look at each other."

Jaipur photoblog

2010-07-04T09:08:00.000+05:30

This March I had the opportunity to be in my favourite pink city - Jaipur, on a sourcing trip. I love Jaipur. A city so rich in Indian arts and crafts...right from textiles to artifacts, it has everything to offer you....

My boss wanted to visit this particular temple....this was our first destination directly from the airport....While my boss and the vendor went in for the darshan...I stood out guarding their shoes....

You have to have to have this lassi served in earthen glass...calling it divine would still be an understatement. I don't remember the shop name, but, it is very close to the famous Amrapali store...this was fit enough to be my breakfast, which I obviously skipped....

Like the stillness of these lanes...beautiful bungalows lined up only added to the beauty....

Shiny sequins stacked up beautifully at a vendor's unit....they add so much of glamour to a garment...

Patch work wall hanging...colourful and vibrant...with mirror work...

Fabrics all piled up neatly...what a sight.....

Women at work...working on embellishments and some cutting off the threads thus giving a neat finish to a garment.

Gold work elephant...intricately carved....indeed a marvel

Delicately carved wooden boxes

The supplier's bungalow cum office...well managed....

Beautiful flowers captured outside the unit of one of the vendors in Mansarovar Industrial Area...Pretty aren't they?

I simply love this picture of Hawa Mahal...clicked from my blackberry when the car just stopped for a fraction of a second..looks like a postcard :)

Last, but, not the least...when in Jaipur....do have a meal at this LMB restaurant...worth every penny....food cooked in real ghee...and the thali is to die for...

Since the trip was short, comprising 2 days only, didn't have a chance to go to Choki Dhani.... This definitely gives me a reason to visit my favourite city....JAIPUR

Quote Unquote

2010-06-22T21:39:00.000+05:30

I have a penchant for reading different types of quotes....I end up scribbling them here and there losing track of their record...

At first, I thought of making a new blog where I could just click,copy and paste meaningful, motivational and inspirational quotes, but, I don't blog often...when maintaining one is a task, imagine handling two of them...na na...not feasible.

Now the idea is to put the quotes I love in the current blog under a new label..."Unoriginal Thoughts"...thoughts that are not my own but, do leave a deep impact on my my life...

Here's the first one from the book/movie - The Kite Runner. This is when a young Amir tells his Abba the mullah (Islamic scholars) say that drinking is a sin. Amir's dad retorts back -

There is only one sin, only one. And that is theft. Every other sin is a variation of theft... When you kill a man, you steal a life. You steal his wife's right to a husband, rob his children of a father. When you tell a lie, you steal someone's right to the truth. When you cheat, you steal the right to fairness. - The Kite Runner

Absolutely love this one....

Paris Rains

2010-06-20T20:20:00.000+05:30

Finally my first video on the blog....

I've been to Paris recently. The weather was awesome. It got wonderful....the day it rained. Tried capturing it on my camcorder...

Will let the video do the talking...And yes, don't miss the Eiffel Tower in the end....

And I will be back....

2010-06-01T16:40:00.000+05:30

I know I know...have totally disappeared from blogosphere... Had some very interesting topics to write about, but, the laziness got the better of me and as usual I kept on procrastinating...

Well, no major changes at my end apart from some travelling...both domestic and international... Yes! I got lucky - went to Paris in May and the experience has been totally awesome... More on that later...hey, promise, will surely do a photo blogpost on Paris, because more than words, pictures will do the talking...And a special post on Moulin Rouge....The trip was a paisa vasool (worth every penny) after watching the show...

And some more promises to myself...and I better start acting on them :)

Well said Mr. Gibran!

2010-02-27T21:18:00.001+05:30

I am a firm believer of the adage – “Love the job you do and you will never have to work a single day in your life” I am a living example of this quote. Currently my work is quite stressful, but, I am still loving it.

What I just came across the quote of Mr. Gibran that completely blew my lid off, of course in a positive manner…

Kahlil Gibran

Work is love made visible. And if you can't work with love but only with distaste, it is better that you should leave your work and sit at the gate of the temple and take alms of the people who work with joy.

This quote hits you directly on your face…I like the bluntness of it….Well said Mr. Gibran.

A good deed at the begining of the New Year....

2010-01-01T11:17:00.001+05:30

Lets Live Together's 2010 Calendars for Sale.

Rs 200/- each

HELP US SAVE many more homeless puppies...Lets make the streets of bangalore "Puppy free" where every homeless puppy could find a good home. Guys u could buy these calendars in bulk for ur company, friends and family.Would be... great if u could help us sell these calendars at ur apartments, work place, community colony's, colleges, ur Vet's Clinic, or a pet store close to ur house, any cafe's and stores u can think of..PLEASE HELP, WE NEED U!!

The calendar is full oF puppies from the street who have been adopted and now living a happy life away from the street through Lets Live Together.You could spread the message of adoption by passing these calendars on to ur near and dear ones.YoU COULD CHANGE LIVES!!!

YOU Could mail us at letslivetogether.in@gmail.com or cal 9986413916 for the calendars.

Thank you.

Bow Bow.

Content by Lets Live Together.

For all animal lovers in Mumbai, We will deliver the calendar on COD (Cash on Delivery) at absolutely free of cost. Anyone interested can mail me the details on sophie.ali@gmail.com. This scheme is applicable till the 5th of Jan. So what are you waiting for, bring a small sunshine in the lives of many stray puppies - And trust me the models on this calendar are far better looking than the ones featured on Kingfisher calendar. Sophia

Happy New Year 2010

2009-12-31T20:29:00.000+05:30

Wishing everyone a very Happy & Prosperous New Year 2010.

Well, to be honest, I'm not good at writing poems, but, I wanted to wish everyone through one. Chanced upon this poem which really conveys my feelings.

New Year’s Reality Check

Another year, another chance
To start our lives anew;
This time we’ll leap old barriers
To have a real breakthrough.

We’ll take one little step
And then we’ll take one more,
Our unlimited potential
We’ll totally explore.

We’ll show off all our talents
Everyone will be inspired;
(Whew! While I’m writing this,
I’m getting very tired.)

We’ll give up all bad habits;

We’ll read and learn a lot,
All our goals will be accomplished,
Sigh...or maybe not.

Oh well, Happy New Year anyway!

By Joanna Fuchs

Have a rocking 2010 everyone :)

Modern Women

2009-12-26T17:25:00.000+05:30

This made me laugh...

All women will surely have a last laugh....and men...come on enjoy it!

Random pictures of Bangalore Trip.

2009-12-24T19:13:00.000+05:30

Traveled to Bangalore recently. Was in the city for 4 days on official work. On earlier account, have been to Bangalore twice for only a day's visit.

I like the city most for its climate and quaint bungalows that have their own charms. Well, its been a hell hectic trip, did manage to capture few pics on my BB. Sharing it....

Had dinner at this beautiful Italian Restaurant that had an awesome ambiance and delicious food..Had grilled fish here :)

Whoa, the store is finally set. I love this T-lite holder section. Picked up the first one on the first shelf in pair for our weekend home

There are no sky scrappers in Bangalore and just about anywhere a beautiful bungalow will pop out. Love the fully white washed look :)

I guess this is an artifacts store. Love the bright red stairs going up. Adds so much of colour

Failed to understand this piece of art in the hotel room. Anybody?

Love the pink bungalow amidst natural coloured surroundings.

This is my favorite pic. If ever I am lucky enough to own a duplex, it will sure shot have this kind of a staircase leading up. This picture is from an old dilapidated store.

On the brink of a new year. I hope to travel and explore more. Also time for making new year resolutions so what if we don't stick to them for long, let's atleast have fun making them.

A juvenile piece of journalism..

2009-12-19T12:29:00.002+05:30

While on the way, to the Bangalore airport, I happened to see Bangalore Times in the car. It is sad to see glossy articles about the bollywood couples by the reputed Times of India.

Do we love what Katrina Kaif does? With whom will she finally settle down? Are Salman and Katrina on with their relationship? Is there a relationship brewing up between her and Ranbir Kapoor or Akhshay Kumar? God, I do not know who reads such facts that the paper publishes a crappy piece of writing such as this.

Mumbai Mirror again by Times group also featured an article on the front page about the health of Katrina Kaif. How was she hospitalized and that her blood platelets kept on dropping? All this because she exerted herself by attending some wedding party back to back of some business entrepreneur who happens to be a close friend of Salman Khan.

Why is filling up of space in newspapers, a major concern? I think there is an area that can be covered, but also masala and gossip sells...

Being Alive!

2009-12-04T21:20:00.000+05:30

I was living my life just for the sake of being alive.

Then, you came along.

And I now live my life just because I want to be alive.

Charles Schultz Philosophy

2009-11-25T22:28:00.001+05:30

Charles Schultz Philosophy

The following is the philosophy of Charles Schultz, the creator of the 'Peanuts' comic strip. You don't have to actually answer the questions. Just read the e-mail straight through, and you'll get the point.

1. Name the five wealthiest people in the world.

2. Name the last five Heisman trophy winners.

3. Name the last five winners of the Miss America.

4. Name ten people who have won the Nobel or Pulitzer Prize.

5. Name the last half dozen Academy Award winners for best actor and actress.

6. Name the last decade's worth of World Series winners.

How did you do?

The point is, none of us remember the headliners of yesterday. These are no second-rate achievers. They are the best in their fields. But the applause dies. Awards tarnish. Achievements are forgotten. Accolades and certificates are buried with their owners .

Here's another quiz.

See how you do on this one:

1. List a few teachers who aided your journey through school.

2. Name three friends who have helped you through a difficult time.

3. Name five people who have taught you something worthwhile.

4. Think of a few people who have made you feel appreciated and special.

5. Think of five people you enjoy spending time with .

Easier?

The lesson:

The people who make a difference in your life are not the ones with the most

credentials, the most money, or the most awards. They are the ones that care.

Pass this on to those people whom u like and love and have made a difference in your life.

'Don't worry about the world coming to an end today.

It's already tomorrow in Australia.

A few pages from my journal...

2009-11-08T19:56:00.002+05:30

Most of us keep our secrets recorded in the journal. The journal is our best friend with whom we share our happiness, anger, anguish and also ask questions we don't have the courage to ask the Universe.

Like most of us, even I have maintained a couple of journals. And the fea r of someone finding it always made me keep my journal in lock and key. Thanks to the online journal - www.my-diary.org/ where I record things that I need to keep to me :)

At times, when I came across some interesting quotes and paragraphs, they found a way into my journal. These are some of the pages from my handwritten journal :)

The technology is quite a bane at times. I miss writing in my journal...the hand-written notes. Maybe, I should start writing again :)

Bad Luck!!

2009-11-05T22:20:00.000+05:30

Ha, finally my first international trip happened!!!! More on that later.

I was told to take a prepaid taxi back home. After getting all the necessary clearance, I headed straight to the prepaid taxi counter at the Mumbai International Airport.

"Mumbai Central" I informed to the man at the counter. "Rs. 280" pat came the reply. I gave a 500 Rs. note and a change of Rs. 80. The shrewd man behind the counter returned me the balance 300Rs. Shrewd I call him is because in between the two 100 Rs. note was neatly placed the torn note of Rs. 100 stapled thrice. You can say that it was my mistake for not having checked the notes, but, I surely didn't expect this from a prepaid counter at the International Airport.

Have learned the hard way to check the notes when tendered change :) Well, this note is still sitting in my wallet. Will have it exchanged at the bank. Will I get a new 100 Rs. note or will they deduct some amount and give me the balance? Or wait, should I just preserve it as a token of my first international trip blunder? hhmmnn.....

Walking down the memory lane....

2009-09-23T22:11:00.000+05:30

I wrote this post as a guest post, but, somehow never got to send this entry. Will publish it on my blog.

Well, this is my very first attempt at guest blogging. I have a blog, but postings are seldom.

So when I came across the theme for guest blogging at a fellow blogger’s post, I couldn’t resist from writing, as the theme was quite enticing. The theme is “Memories”. Thanks Cookiemonster http://www.biscuitinthebasket.com/ for choosing this wonderful theme.

Will begin with the lines from the famous song – Memories by Elvis Presley:

Memories, pressed between the pages of my mind

Memories, sweetened through the ages just like wine,

Memories, memories, sweet memories….

Here, Elvis is only talking about sweet memories, but, I am sure we have all different kinds of memories stored in our brains – sweet, pleasant, the not so good ones, bitter and etc…With so many thoughts entering our brains ever milli second, what makes some to remain there forever etched making it a memory to remember? Of-course the emotions attached with it….

I have few memories from my growing up years which I will mention through this post J

The year 1985. I think was the longest year. I think the world stopped in 1985. It never ended. It went on an on for no apparent reason. Look what is happening now? The years have been breezing fast enough as though itjust like every passing month…

My dad worked in Gulf all through his career. And his visits to India were very special. I remember mom cleaning up the entire house and keeping his clothes ready. We three sisters would be scared. Not that he was a strict dad, but like most of us who are scared of our parents (of course today’s kids don’t respect their parents leave aside being scared of them) for no reason. I remember vividly one of his trips where he surprised all of us by dropping in unaware. If he dropped in late night, we would not sleep and ransack his entire luggage for the goodies…especially chocolates and the favorite being Quality Street which has some amazing assortment of chocolates. My favorite of course was the one with the coconut stuffing…Ah! The taste still lingers in my mouth..

When my Dad came down to India for good, he got so many chocolates that we emptied our entire fridge and stocked it with the chocolates. Galaxies, Mars, Snickers, huge Cadbury bars, hersheys. We miss you dad…Wish you were with us today.

All through our growing up years, we three sisters dressed alike for any special occasion, be it EID or a wedding. Similar dresses with same accessories. We still have pictures and laugh our hearts out whenever we walk down the memory lane seeing those pictures.

My mom’s discipline. Since, dad was abroad most of the time; the responsibility of raising three girls was tough. But, she did it was élan. She told us not to throw chocolate wrappers around for people who could not afford would feel less privileged. For telling us not to enter neighbors house while they ate or slept. Avoid visiting people in the afternoon as people took a little nap after a hectic morning. Are kids bothered about all this today? I seriously doubt.

As kids we three sisters played house-house and we had the most amazing collection of “girl toys” which we shared equally and played happily. My niece is 7 and all she wants to do is spin a top, play rackets, everything but girl stuff…

The year Masoom movie was released and mom took us all to watch it. See how long we had to wait to watch a movie in a theatre?

Visit to the zoo followed by eating in an Udipi restaurant every month when dad sent us money. That was a ritual we followed for many years.

May 20, 1997. My first day at work, rather first day of my career. I remember vividly what I wore to work that day and all the events of that eventful day. How come I don’t remember any more of my first days?

The year 1997, when I bought my first two wheelers – Sunny Zip (yeah yeah I know people called it an electronic cycle) with my hard earned money on installments. The earning was frugal, but, I had the determination. Today, I am earning good, but, still don’t have the guts to invest in a car.

And of course falling in love……for the first time, but sad enough it was never meant to be.

My list of good memories is over-whelming and it often surpasses the bad memories, but we always learn from experience….

When dad was rendered jobless for almost 4 years and it was difficult to make our ends meet. I gave tuitions when I was studying. Eating in charity in school. Mom taking made to order sewing jobs and stitching round the clock so that we could afford our schooling. It would be criminal to judge this as a bad memory because we only grew stronger from this life-time experience.

Year 2002: Lost my dad. Had a harrowing time during his sickness. The same year broke-up too. Love life was indeed very short lived.

And recently when a group of us were laid off due to recession. I thought it only happened to others and was in denial for sometime. But, I believed in myself and have bounced back to work again.

So here is the list of few memories which is etched into my mind and will stay with me as long as I live…with many more to come and hopefully good ones, but, such is life, you never know what is stored in your destiny, so be ready to grace the not so wonderful ones and take that as a learning experience.

Why do we read Quran, even though we can't understand?

2009-08-21T20:26:00.000+05:30

Ramzaan Mubarak to everyone. May Allah's light shine on you all in this holy month and throughout the year.We all know that Quran was revealed in this holy month and the importance of reading it in this holy month.

I am often asked by my non-muslim friends that Quran is written in arabic and so whether I understand it or not. I have a Quran with English transalation, which I do read occassionally. But, during Ramzaan in order to complete it, I read it through.

Here's a beautiful story I will share about why do we read Quran, even though we can't understand it.

An old American Muslim lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson. Each morning Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading his Qur'an.

His grandson wanted to be just like him and tried to imitate him in every way he could.

One day the grandson asked, "Grandpa, I try to read the Qur'an just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Qur'an do?"

The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and replied, "Take this coal basket down to the river and bring me back a basket of water."

The boy did as he was told, but all the water leaked out before he got back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, "You'll have to move a little faster next time," and sent
him back to the river with the basket to try again.

This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home.

Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was impossible to carry water in a basket, and he went to get a bucket instead.

The old man said, "I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You're just not trying hard enough," and he went out the door to watch the boy try again.

At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got back to the house.

The boy again dipped the basket into river and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty.

Out of breath, he said, "See Grandpa, it's useless!"

"So you think it is useless?" The old man said, "Look at the basket."

The boy looked at the basket and for the first time realized that the basket was different. It had been transformed from a dirty old coal basket and was now clean, inside and out.

"Son, that's what happens when you read the Qur'an. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, you will be changed, inside and out. That is the work of Allah in our lives."

The best way to learn is to share what you have learned and practice it in your life.

The Trouble Tree

2009-08-13T21:58:00.000+05:30

Got this interesting forward from one of my friends....thought of sharing it with everyone. A story so apt in today's life.

I hired a plumber to help me restore an old farmhouse, and after he had just finished a rough first day on the job: a flat tire made him lose an hour of work, his electric drill quit and his ancient one ton truck refusedto start.

While I drove him home, he sat in stony silence. On arriving, he invited me in to meet his family. As we walked toward the front door, he paused briefly at a small tree, touching the tips of the branches with both hands.

When opening the door he underwent an amazing transformation.. His face was wreathed in smiles and he hugged his two small children and gave his wife a kiss.

Afterward he walked me to the car. We passed the tree and my curiosity got the better of me. I asked him about what I had seen him do earlier.

'Oh, that's my trouble tree,' he replied 'I know I can't help having troubles on the job, but one thing's for sure, those troubles don't belong in the house with my wife and the children.. So I just hang them up on the tree every night when I come home and ask God to take care of them. Then in the morning I pick them up again.' 'Funny thing is,' he smiled,' when I come out in the morning to pick 'em up, there aren't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before.'

We all need a Tree!

Life Isn't about waiting for

The storm to pass,

It's about learning to dance

In the rain!

Your inner being will not join you in a negative thought.

Postcards for Women

2009-07-27T14:25:00.000+05:30

Being loved!

2009-07-24T18:21:00.000+05:30

I always feel this pressure of being a strong and independent icon of womanhood, and without making it look my whole life is revolving around some guy. But loving someone, and being loved means so much to me. We always make fun of it and stuff. But isn't everything we do in life a way to be loved a little more? - from the movie - Before Sunrise (It holds very true for me)

We all need a shark...

2009-07-24T18:07:00.000+05:30

Got this interesting forward from a colleague...thought of sharing it with everyone...

The Japanese have always loved fresh fish. But the water close to Japan has not held many fish for decades. So to feed the Japanese population, fishing boats got bigger and went farther than ever. The farther the fishermen went, the longer it took to bring the fish. If the return trip took more time, the fish were not fresh. To solve this problem, fish companies installed freezers on their boats. They would catch the fish and freeze them at sea. Freezers allowed the boats to go farther and stay longer.

However, the Japanese could taste the difference between fresh and frozen fish. And they did not like the taste of frozen fish. The frozen fish brought a lower price. So, fishing companies installed fish tanks. They would catch the fish and stuff them in the tanks, fin to fin. After a little thrashing around, they were tired, dull, and lost their fresh-fish taste. The fishing industry faced an impending crisis! But today, they get fresh-tasting fish to Japan. How did they manage? To keep the fish tasting fresh, the Japanese fishing companies still put the fish in the tanks but with a small shark.The fish are challenged and hence are constantly on the move. The challenge they face keeps them alive and fresh!

Have you realized that some of us are also living in a pond but most of the time tired and dull? Basically in our lives, sharks are new challenges to keep us active. If you are steadily conquering challenges, you are happy. Your challenges keep you energized. Don't create success and revel in it in a state of inertia. You have the resources, skills and abilities to make a difference.

Put a shark in your tank and see how far you can really go!

Baby dumped on railway tracks...

2009-07-20T09:35:00.000+05:30

NEW BORN FOUND ABANDONED AT MULUND STATION

A newborn boy, who was found abandoned on the railway tracks at Mulund station on Sunday, died on it way to the hospital.

Around 10:20 am, commuters saw some movement inside a plastic bag lying on the tracks and alerted the Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel posted at the station.

The RPF handed it over to the stationmaster who in turn alerted the Government Railway Police posted at the station.

“We took the baby to Savarkar municipal hospital in Mulund (East), where it was declared brought dead,” said G. J. Walvi, sub-inspector, of Kurla railway station.

Well, that’s not all…

3 babies dumped in Parel in a month…

COPS say parents hope someone will take them to hospitals located in the area

Read this disgusting piece of news in today’s morning newspaper.

I fail to understand how someone can carry out such a heinous act. Imagine the baby in a plastic bag lunging out for air. I almost cried visualizing the baby…No, I am not a mother yet, but I have a year old nephew who is the apple of our eyes and I’ve seen him grow up from being a tiny baby to taking his first step…. The happiness his new tactics give us.

No, I am not forming opinion about the person doing such a crime… May whatever the reason be…maybe the child was illegitimate, maybe the parents were extremely poor and since you were determined to carry out the heinous act…the least you could have done was left it somewhere in a society or outside some temple or a mosque or a garden where somebody could have dropped the baby in an orphanage. But, the poor baby died and I am glad…..and I am sure those guileless people will now sigh a relief…they’ve accomplished their royal feat…

While on the one hand the rules of adoption in this country is so strict, dumping the baby iis like a piece of cake…dump it as and when you like and wherever you may please….I also read somewhere that childless couple have to wait inordinately for adoption. Even Sushmita Sen had a tough time with legal proceedings etc, but it just takes a fraction of a second to dump the baby…how ridiculous.

I also think hard at times why sometimes a couple are childless…they would pamper the baby if conceived late, or the adopted child would mean a world to them but, why does God Almighty blesses people with a child who would dump them on the railway tracks…I fail to understand God and his ways…

Crossroads..where my life crossed...

2009-07-15T10:30:00.001+05:30

Yesterday’s drive from Breach Candy to Andheri had the hoardings screaming – Now open, Sobo Central and the address read “Crossroads” and suddenly nostalgia filled me…

Yes, Crossroads, the first ever mall in India of international standards…Crossroads that saw a lot a controversies and gained a lot of media attention as well…I remember going to Crossroads few days after it opened in September 1999 little realizing that I would work for this place in the coming months…I finally joined Crossroads in June 2000.

It was the best experience of my career…spending 8+ long years there…It had a different energy…young work-force and the best working environment. Crossroads was owned by Piramals and even the retail venture – Piramyd Retail Limited was owned by them.

(The mall management office on the fourth floor)

Working for this company, we’ve changed office to five different locations. But, the best one of-course was the Mall Management Office on 4^th floor of Crossroads. I was in HR at that time. And I loved it…Was the store HR incharge, which meant moving in the mall as and when I liked…if we ever felt like having an ice-cream, Macdonalds to the rescue…Annual sale, be the first to grab good stuff…feeling low, a walk in the mall and bingo it would lift up your spirits..

Crossroads had become a bollywood land..not a single day went without brushing shoulders with some actors, director etc…Hmmnn…who all did I see? Karan Johar, Sohail Khan, Esha Deol, Hema Malini, Akhsay Khanna, Gayatri Joshi (Swades Actress)..Nafisa Joseph with Sameer Soni (Lovely couple)..and many more..yes, my heartthrob – Rahul Bose…I remember I was standing at the reception and saw him on the escalator and how excited I was…

The Atrium in the mall was the most happening place…it saw events like Devdas promotion, launch of MTV cards…Raymonds had the longest suit displayed in the atrium that made to the Guinness book of world records and the tallest Santa too made his way into the atrium…and also in the movie – one to ka four in which a whole song is shot in the crossroads arrow bridge..

Crossroads also made way in Mumbai darshan…and then the most unfortunate thing happened. It was sold to the Future group…. And now Sobo Central has opened its door to people..

Had the best time of my career in this place which I miss dearly….

My life through my lense...

2009-07-03T15:35:00.000+05:30

And I am back to blogging......after an inordinate delay!!!

Was quite annoyed with few of the comments left on my last blog (Where has all the chivalry gone).. some even crossed their limit drawing references to my star sign and the work I do..yes, it did get a little ugly and I finally deleted those comments...they didn't deserve to be on my blog...

I have been thinking hard on what to write....I am not one of those to whom ideas come easily...while I would love to write a post everyday, but, the task on hand seems difficult...

So just general musings...

**I finally managed a new layout for my blog….and hey its not that bad…its kinda kiddish, but don’t we all have a kid inside us waiting to explore…

** Finally, I have my driving license…and my two wheelers license too…now I can freely zip zap zoom the town…not that I didn’t…I did ride all these years without one…at times being a woman pays…So I have a Pan card, an election card, a driving license…that makes me a responsible citizen of India…

** Its finally raining in Mumbai, but still not the soul drenching rains...it rains on and off, but the weather is quite beautiful and maybe this monsoon, I am lucky to be at home enjoying the occasional downpour..

**I’ve enjoyed the mad rush at work…..I’ve handled 3 store openings all alone, but now I’m also enjoying the slow paced life…loving every moment….doing freelancing assignment that I always wanted to do….but, I would also love to go back to corporate world…really….I don’t know…

**Its been 5 months since I filed for my passport…today I submitted the last document asked – my dad’s death certificate…I hope that finally seals the requirement and I get my passport soon…..Gosh, this was the toughest task…

** The Bandra-Worli sealink is now open...haven't ventured on it yet...are two wheelers allowed on it??? Would love to cover that stretch on my activa....with rains giving me a company...The link being name Rajiv Gandhi drew a lot of flak...and the height being getting an sms from Shiv Sena - The NCP Congress has insulted Swatantra Veer freedom fighters by naming it Rajiv Gandhi Setu...Thank God, Bal Thakery is alive...or else there would been riots in Mumbai to name the Sea Link after him...

**Watched the Kite Runner on HBO and loved the movie...I am generally not in favour of books being made into movies...you can't justify the emotions in just 2 hours...but, I loved the Kite Runner...it did capture all the essence of the book beautifully and this particular dialogue left me stumped

** I don’t know what I will be doing five years from now…But, I have already chalked out my retirement plan…Launch “Sofeez” my clothing line and do something for the animals…

Found this beautiful poem on net….and I find it very apt for me….

"Three passions have governed my life:

The longings for love, the search for knowledge,

And unbearable pity for the suffering of [humankind].

Love brings ecstasy and relieves loneliness.

In the union of love I have seen

In a mystic miniature the prefiguring vision

Of the heavens that saints and poets have imagined.

With equal passion I have sought knowledge.

I have wished to understand the hearts of [people].

I have wished to know why the stars shine.

Love and knowledge led upwards to the heavens,

But always pity brought me back to earth;

Cries of pain reverberated in my heart

Of children in famine, of victims tortured

And of old people left helpless.

I long to alleviate the evil, but I cannot,

And I too suffer.

This has been my life; I found it worth living."

Where has all the chivalry gone????

2009-06-07T14:42:00.000+05:30

What’s with men these days??? Where has all their chivalry gone?? Are they weaker than the women??

I work at Andheri. And travel to my work place to and fro from the station by BEST bus. Well, God bless the BEST for demarcating the ladies seat or they would have to travel standing…. It’s a good 45 minutes drive thanks to the Metro work that keep the traffic congested thus moving at a snail pace.

Last evening I was occupying a “ladies only” seat and listening to music….Most of the so called young men were also seated. Behind me was an old man standing resting his head on his hand…he just could not balance himself. I got up and offered my seat to that old young man…he was reluctant saying that it’s a ladies seat and that someone will ask him to get off the seat. I told him to just sit down without bothering as I will look into the matter if anything of that sort happens.

I thought my action would bring shame on some men sitting, but none of them cared enough to offer me a seat…this place has become so cold…no body cares for anyone…all it matters for a person today is “I”, “Me” and “Myself”

It may sound funny, but, me and my sister on boarding a bus at times have said out aloud…hey! Hey get side, let these weak men enter the bus…ladies can wait…(this is when they see a bus coming and will try to enter the bus in herds as though doomsday has just arrived…..)

Don't eat without permission...

2009-05-29T16:19:00.000+05:30

Well guys not another post on Gutti or the poor kitty who will never be normal again or any of our four legged friends. Enough of it….This post is not in any particular order or thought. Just random thoughts.

After 4 months of being jobless (thanks to recession), I will be getting back at work from Monday. When the whole world has settled for something less, thanks to Allah, that’s not the case with me…I will in the same line of work – fashion retailing. This will be a more challenging job as I will be over-all in charge of the business….A little lesser salary though, but better than nothing and sitting idle at home. So, here I’m all charged up with new responsibilities. Thanks to the five ball story, I remained sane and grounded in these four months…WORK IS A RUBBER BALL…IT WILL ALWAYS BOUNCE BACK IN YOUR LIFE.

Four months have passed in a jiffy….and while I was at home did most of the chores. One of the activities being going to the market. We feed the building stray cats and so either mom or I have to go to the market. One of the things I notice in the market that completely annoys me that people while standing to purchase something women just pick up something from the shop without the shopkeeper’s permission and start eating. At a grocery store, women will ask the rate of the rice / wheat and pop in few grains (am sure at this point most of you will feel that there is nothing wrong with this). What the hell? Is that how you decide how good the quality is? And we all know….definitely no.

In our market, there is one guy who prepares fresh banana chips and we do buy from him often and often I see these women standing and popping chips from the tray without asking him…and it’s not or two…nonstop till their packet is being done. Again what the hell?? Similar scene at a fruit seller. With grapes…here I fully understand that you want to check whether they are sweet or sour….but, then again how many of us take permission from the fruit seller…Every single piece on the cart belongs to him…Well, I will not blame others, even I was a culprit long time ago till I heard this story from the times of Prophet (S.A.W.S), may peace be upon him….but, that was only restricted to popping in grains at a grocery store…never graduated beyond that.

The story goes like this….There was once a very pious old lady who prayed all five times and did not err and lived a very simple life. This lady then died a natural death. Considering she was a fine lady, one would have assumed she would have entered paradise, but this was not the case and when people got to know about it, they were all very worried. Then they got to know that this lady to use as a toothpick used to pull out a straw from the neighbor’s hut without informing him…well, this was her only crime. Even if it was only a piece of straw it belonged to that man and she did not take his permission. That’s how Islam focuses even on the minute details.

And then I vowed never to repeat my act again….and when I see these women, I get so very annoyed….Pls. don’t take anything that does not belong to you without the necessary permission.

Some more on Gutti....

2009-05-24T16:07:00.000+05:30

This is Gutti my cat, in fact, the only male in my life who is ignoring me big time. Seen here in this picture with his goodies. My sister's brother-in-law got married this week and she was practically staying with us with her kids and Gutti has a strong jealous streak in him. He hates if we give attention to anyone else. He's been absconding and comes home only past midnight disturbing my sleep. Poor chap has got a wound on his neck...I hope it heals soon....

And who says human beings and animals can't live in perfect harmony?

2009-05-23T20:43:00.000+05:30

And who says human beings and animals can't live in perfect harmony?

Nature teaches beasts to know their friends.

William Shakespeare

With an endless assortment of children and animals living under one roof, there was always some absurd crisis that gave comic relief to my problems.

Sally Jessy Raphael

One week of hell...and finally bliss...

2009-05-13T16:30:00.000+05:30

It's been long since my last post.....Last whole week has been quite eventful, courtesy the cat who was run over by a vehicle...My sister whom I fondly call didi called up specially from the office asking me to write a new post saying it's been long since I wrote a new post...

Well, nothing worthwhile has happened worth writing about so I will give an update of my last week which was quite crazy...

7th May, Thursday - As usual I was going to the market at around 11:00 a.m. As I got down I saw the cat from my building whom I feed writhing in pain on the ground floor...he kept on purring and his hind part was completely messed up....I immediately went home, asked my mom to go the market, while I put him in a basket and left for SPCA....On reaching SPCA I was told that the cat ward was full and as angry I was, I left that place with tears in my eyes....I contacted AIWA (centre for neutralizing cats) and asked them if they could keep the cat.....A person called Thakur was quite helpful and he kept the cat and told me that the doctor will come in the evening and will inspect this cat too.... After a hard day at SPCA and AIWA I left home...

8th May, Friday, - I was called up in the morning by AIWA and told that an X-Ray needs to be taken of the cat for which I will have to take him to SPCA....Now there are two roads leading to AIWA, one is completely dug up and the other is heavily patrolled as it is adjacent to Arthur road jail where our dear Kasab is put (need to use that adjective for the kind of treatment given to him)...With the cat in the basket I walked for 8 mins to the main road in the scorching sun...Since I was doing a good deed, God was being kind to me and I managed to find a cab immediately (these days it's easy to find a home in Mumbai, but difficult to rent a cab).... I was already in a grumpy mood, but the ride back from SPCA to AIWA was a good one...I got a good cab driver who said that he has around 8 cats at him home and we was quite a jovial person, thanking Allah for everything in his life...His mantra was simple...fight till the end...till you can...I was so much at ease talking with him...and we shared quite a few things about life....that left me so much light that day....Getting back to AIWA was another revelation of sort....The person in charge of the centre is selflessly working for animals at the cost of sacrificing his family life....he has sent this kids back to the village since he can't afford their education and is staying at AIWA for last 8 months....Every night he feeds the stray dogs and cats at Worli sea-face and sleeps past mid-night....I was also happy see children in school uniform (some school from Marine Lines) at WSD/AIWA. It was a field trip from School to see the plight of street animals at a shelter. I was very impressed....I've always felt school should take children to animal shelter and educate them.

9th May, Saturday - The day begins on not a very good note....I get a call from AIWA saying that the X-Ray report is quite bad, nothing can be done about it...the best was to put the cat to sleep which I did not agree....I had to do something....I frantically started calling up all the animal centre hoping somebody would do something about the poor cat....I called up IDA and was told that they will send an ambulance by 2:00 p.m....at around 2:00 p.m....when I called up IDA, I was told that they have a lot of calls from Gorgeoan and will not be able to send the ambulance today, asked them if they could do anything on a Sunday, they informed me that they don't operate the ambulance service on Sunday...I called up SPCA again checking if they had a free cage in the cats ward...and I was given a negative reply...I asked the person at the AIWA to keep the cat till I could figure out something...No ways I could give permission to put the cat to sleep...

10th May, Sunday - I went with the X-Ray to SPCA to get a second opinion...though the news was not good, it was not worst either...I met two surgeons who hinted that the cat might survive, provided one leg is amputated...It was any day better than putting the cat to sleep....On the way to the medical ward, I almost fainted...there was this police dog who was profusely bleeding through his nose...there was blood all around....The poor dog to save humans go around sniffing RDX, in the end injuring their internal organs.....I almost cried at the plight of the dog, but, what do we humans do....call them a nuisance at the end of the day....

11th May, Monday - I could not take the cat to the SPCA as I had some very urgent work....but, I kept thinking about his condition all day...

12th May, Tuesday - I carried boiled fish for him which he devoured....I then carried him in the basked to the SPCA. Again I was told that there are no cages in the cat ward. I begged the female handling administration....she told me that I will have to wait inordinately till someone discharges a cat and if I'm lucky, I might be able to get him admitted....Well, the God was really on my side and within some time, the ward boy agreed to get him admitted....He was then administered some medicine and the doctor informed me that we will have to keep a tab on his progress....I did pray to God that whatever is better for him, please do it in his favour...

13th May, Wednesday - Had loads of work pending so did not go to visit him.

14th May, Thursday - Managed to squeeze a short visit to the SPCA today and bingo the cat felt much better and the doctor too was happy with the improvement...though the poor creature cannot stand on his four feet he was quite active...Am feeling so much better now...Hope the cat recovers soon....Therein lies a major task to find a place for him after he recovers, but I trust in the almighty, he has been all through with me in this task and he will also help me further....

"A cat's eyes are windows enabling us to see into another world." - Irish Legend

2009-05-07T21:39:00.000+05:30

It’s 9:00 p.m and I’m drop dead tired, but am stilled compelled to write this post today.

I always wanted to vent out my frustration against SPCA (Society for Prevention and Cruelty against Animal), but never got a platform. Thanks to blogging, I can now do this with ease.

I’m an animal lover and I’m quite emotional about them. Haven’t done a lot for them like few of the people I’m privileged to know, but in my own right, I’ve never shied away from helping an animal in distress. At times, I have also sneaked out of office to rescue a cat or a dog.

While few animal lovers will go out of their way to help a distressed animal in need, the real task is taking them to SPCA. I’ve been going to SPCA since 97, ever since I had my first pet kitten. That’s when I first got introduced to the world of SPCA.

Well SPCA is a kingdom in itself. Once you enter SPCA, it’s like you’ve entered a mini forest. Lots of Greenery and huge space. But, unfortunately today when I took an extremely sick cat, they made me run from pillar to post only to tell me that all the cages are full and there is no space and if I really wanted, I had to take someone’s permission. I mean I don’t understand, how talking to someone will get me a cage for a sick stray cat. There is a dark female (sorry for being rude here), am atleast apologizing for my rudeness, but this dark lady oozes with rudeness with every word she speaks without being apologetic. I can still take it if she is doing her job free of cost for the love of animal, but, no, in spite of being paid, she talks as though she is doing a favour on us and mind you, we are paying the hospital.

Today while going to the market, I saw this cat, whom I feed lying helplessly on the stair-case of my building. His hind was dirty and he could not support himself on his feet. I assumed this must be the case of fracture. I immediately put him in a basket and took him on my two-wheelers. I ride a Honda Activa. Half of the Mumbai is dug for God knows why and the Road to SPCA has Arthur Road, where Kasab has been kept and that road has been blocked with heavy security.

Somehow, I managed to reach SPCA riding in scorching sun. As usual I was made to go from one office to another only to be told there is no place in the cat ward. I had tears in my eyes. Oh! By the way they will not touch the animal no matter how ever serious the animal is unless you don’t make the payment. Such behavior only deters me from helping animals, but, I know I will have to go to SPCA again as I don’t have a choice.

God knew the trouble I went through to help a mute animal and so I managed to get the cat admitted in AIWA where they only sterilize and spay cats. I hope the cat recovers soon.

I hope SPCA changes the way they function…..it will only make life easier for people like me.

The Bucket List.....

2009-05-04T10:32:00.000+05:30

Watched "The Bucket List" over the weekend.....Dasvidaniyan has been inspired by this movie...

The synopsis is directly picked from Imdb.com.

Blue-collar mechanic Carter Chambers (Freeman) and billionaire hospital magnate Edward Cole (Nicholson) meet for the first time in the hospital after both have been diagnosed with cancer. They become friends as they undergo their respective treatments. Carter is a gifted amateur historian and family man who had wanted to become a history professor, but in his youth had been "broke, black, and with a baby on the way" and thus never rose above his job at the McCreath body shop. Edward is a four-times-divorced healthcare tycoon and cultured loner who enjoys nothing more than tormenting his personal valet/servant, Matthew (Hayes), whom he calls Thomas. He makes Matthew serve Carter as well as him and orders his employee and doctor (Morrow) to familiarize himself with Carter's health.

Carter begins writing a "bucket list," or things to do before he "kicks the bucket." After hearing he has less than a year, Carter wads it up and tosses it on the floor. Edward finds it the next morning. He urges Carter to do everything on the list (suggesting he add things like skydiving) and offers to finance the trip. Carter agrees, despite the protests of his wife, Virginia (Todd).

The pair begins an around-the-world vacation, embarking on race car driving, skydiving, climbing the Pyramids, and going on a lion safari in Africa. They discuss a rare coffee and its unusual taste. They also confide about faith and family, revealing that Carter has long been feeling less in love with his wife and that Edward is deeply hurt by his estrangement with his only daughter, who disowned him after he sent some people to "take care of" her abusive husband (hinting at physical assault, but ruling out murder).

In Hong Kong, Edward hires a prostitute (Rowena King) for Carter, who has never had sex with any woman but his wife. Carter declines and asks to return home, and reciprocates by trying to reunite Edward with his daughter. Edward angrily storms off. Carter returns home to his wife, children, and grandchildren.

The family reunion is short-lived. In the preparation for a romantic interlude, Carter suffers a seizure and is rushed to the hospital. The cancer has spread to his brain. Edward, who is now in remission, visits him and they share a few moments, where Carter reveals to great amusement the disgusting origin of the "world's most rare coffee" (Kopi Luwak), over which Edward obsesses and Carter has refused to drink. Carter crosses off "laugh till I cry" from his bucket list and insists Edward finish the list without him. Carter goes into surgery but the procedure is unsuccessful. He dies on the operating table.

Edward delivers a eulogy at the funeral, explaining that he and Carter had been complete strangers, but the last three months of Carter's life were the best three months of his (Edward's). He crosses off "help a complete stranger for a common good" from the list. We see Edward finally attempt to reconcile with his daughter. She not only accepts him back into her life but also introduces him to the granddaughter he never knew. After greeting the little girl with a kiss on the cheek, Edward crosses "kiss the most beautiful girl in the world" off the list.

In the epilogue, it is revealed that Edward lived until the age of 81, and his ashes are brought to the top of the Himalayas. It turns out to be Matthew who does this, and as he places Edward's ashes alongside a can containing Carter's, he crosses off the last item on the Bucket List ("witness something truly majestic") and places it beside them.

I enjoyed the movie and both Nicholson and Freeman have done total justice to their respective roles....and it did really leave an impact on me....made me think...why do we wait till the end to kick the bucket??? why not when we are in the best of health?? why not make a list and work hard towards achieving it....why only when we have few days left?

We all take life for granted.....and don't utilize the time to its best.....I have made a mental note of the things I'd like to do before I depart, but, after seeing the movie, I will write it down...to begin with I might not have a lot of things on the list, but slowly will start filling it up even with the simplist things I would love to do....

Procrastination is my biggest enemy....I know I have the potential for doing a lot of things, but the comfort zone always beats me....but, now is the time.....to start dreaming and start doing things....

What's wrong with me....

2009-04-28T13:39:00.001+05:30

Guys, earlier whenever I picked up a book...I devoured it till the end...am a very selective reader...can't read anything and everything I can lay my hands on...I like light reading...

I read the first few pages of Da Vinci Code for atleast 6-7 times before finally getting engrossed into it completely and then just could not keep that book aside....My sister on the other hand a complete bibliophile reads anything and everything under the sun and oh! by the way she tells me first hand whether the book is my type or not...you know what I mean here....

These days something is seriously wrong with me...before completing one book, I begin to read another one...started with "If only I could see you now" by Cecilia Ahern...found it too mushy and kiddish.....and by the way haven't finished it yet...started reading "The Gift"another one by Cecilia Ahern bought by my sister....Then picked up the "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" by Mohsin Ahmed...quite liked this one though....had only finsihed few chapters...picked up "Humor" by Ruskin Bond......

I indeed want to finish reading all of them...and I will...pretty soon...had read about poeple reading two books at a time and I wounder how on earth could somebody do that...what about me?...four books....na....not acceptable at all.....

Will finish off with Ruskin Bond, followed by Mohsin Ahmed and lastly Cecilia Ahern!

I will vote on 30th April..

2009-04-27T18:54:00.000+05:30

Yes, as repsonsible citizen I will cast my vote on 30th April....the great peagant of Indian Politics is here, the 15th Lok Sabha Election...

Americans wanted change...and the change was Barack Obama and I shudder to think of L.K. Advani or Narendra Mody as the Prime Minister of India....well if this ever happens, we will need to change our national Anthem to God Bless India...or let them forever be "PM in Waiting"

The only male in my life....

2009-04-23T20:09:00.000+05:30

On EID day

Right now the centre of attention is my 11 months old nephew Imaad Ali...it's fun to see a baby growing up in front of you....His antics are worth mentioning..

..tell him "immu gussa deekha de (show your anger) and he will tighten up all his muscles...he's really adorable....

I'm a rockstar

Friday Dressing...

Just don't want him to grow up...he is our life.....

Personilizing my workstation....

2009-04-20T14:55:00.000+05:30

(office humor)

We spend more time at work than at home...and when you spend so much time in office, your workstation becomes an extention of your personality.....I loved doing up my office area...Personalizing your office area gives you so much of warmth and comfort....In my career spanning 10+ years, I've just changed job thrice...Unfortunately don't have pictures of my first workstation, here's a peek of the balance 2...Changed office 5 times in my second innings...

(That's Wasim Akram's Picture on the glass...I still like him)

(We all love Friends..so apparent from my board)

Quite fundoo, isn't it...love dressing up my workstation... Waiting to get back to work...to dress up another workstation.....

The Vagina Monologues....

2009-04-10T17:33:00.000+05:30

When I first heard the name of this play - Vagina Monologues when it was first introduced...I wondered to myself what kind of a name a play can have??? Until I started reading about the popularity of this play....I wanted to watch this play and I was fortunate enough to be a part of the audience watching the 200th show of this famous play....

A Poor-Box productions presentation, Vagina Monologues is a path breaking play directed by the extremely well-known and critically acclaimed Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal, who has the unique distinction of being India’s first stand up artist and has since performed to rave reviews in India and abroad, in plays, tv, radio and films. The play is based upon the hugely successful Obie-Award winning play, The Vagina Monologues, by Eve Ensler and has since been translated into 22 languages and has been running in theatres all over the world.

To make this 200th play special there were prominent film personalities like Imran Khan, Farhan Akhtar and Zoya Akhtar who read out a beautiful peom-"where girls are mean to be burnt and boys are all that matter" and it was unbelievable to see Imran Khan right in the centre of the all women entourage all through the play and read excerpts of women/men tourtouring....

Would like to specially mention the name of Jayati Bhatia who was the only cast present in all the 200 plays...commendable and no wonder the lines came to her without any effort....

Must watch for all men and women....

My love for stationery items....

2009-04-08T12:05:00.000+05:30

Back after a hiatus......reason being busy with my exhibition and have been unwell for sometime now...well one blog is still in draft....will publish that too following this...it's about Vagina Monologue - the play that I enjoyed immensely...more on that later....

Well I've been depressed....and I know the reason too, so thought of uplifting my mood and what better than writing about stationery items...I love them...have a fetish for collecting pens, writing pads, notebooks, colour pencils etc (hmmnn...this etc can be just about anything) ...Now, I have a carton full of these items....in my office too...I was known for having any kind of stationery and people would halt at my workstation if they needed any....I have pencils in all shapes and size, pens of all the colours (my particular favourite being the magenta colour), I love hande made paper stationery items too...Oh and I have colour pencils and sketch pens too.....

The more is just only better....the oldest item in my stationery collection is the clutch pencil and it holds a special place in all the items for the simple fact that I used it when I was in school which is like 15 years ago and it still exists....Even when I go to Crosswords, I will first check out the stationery section and buying something is a must.....stationery lovers will agree.....

In pens, I don't fancy Mont blanc, cross, William Pens types....I guess they have more to do with the status quo...though I have a cross...I like cheap, fancy looking pens and pencils....

And if you really don't know what to gift a person....be safe and gift a stationery item, not only it is classic, it's not biased too...like what will person think if you gift him/her perfume..so the task at hand is really simple...Gift Stationery...

The dollar shop at Phoenix has shut down and guess what?? Stationery Shop - Staples has opened up....My sister gave me this good news...she know I'm a stationery fanatic...Will visit that soon to get lost in my own world...

Right after writing this blog...I'm going to open my treasure of stationery items and uplift my mood...this is what I call - simple pleasures of life....

Missing Goa

2009-03-20T19:48:00.000+05:30

The clean beaches of Goa......

If there is ever a heaven on earth contest......then surely Goa will be a very strong contender in the race.......I've got nostalgic about my Goa trip as my very good friend has gone there and I could not tag along due to some committments....For people who've been to Goa will completely share my feelings.....you can go on and on raving about it and still not satiate your liking for this place...

For a long time, I had only heard stories Goa....and always dreamt of going to this beautiful place with the love of my life as people call it a lovers paradise and was hell bent on not breaking this rule, and had flatly refused my sister everytime she ventured to this place with her friends...but the rate at which I was going single...I could have never visited this place in my lifetime...so not being an obdurate any further...I finally gave in when my sister and her friend chalked out an itinerary to Goa....... apart from the trip being the most memorable trip of my life it proved my notion wrong....this place is best enjoyed with friends....

The water is so crsytal clear....you can be on the beach whole day and not get enough of it......

Well first thing we did was kept going from one shack to another hunting for pancakes filled with jaggery and coconut and devoured it till the last bite...

Well this Goa sunset....Awesome isn't it???

Seafood....my weakness.....it's difficult to pick up any one restaurant and say that the food is better than the other one...No...food critic will have a tough time here.....

Miss you Goa and I will be there soon....pretty much.....

So if you are delaying your trip to Goa, just go......Go Goa...and for all you know that will be the best time of your life....

Snapshot of Kalaghoda Festival 2009

2009-03-18T10:53:00.000+05:30

Snapshot of Kalaghoda festival 2009...this festival is a visual delight for all art lovers...Not to be missed.....

Cats on my blog....

2009-03-17T11:02:00.000+05:30

I am proving that I'm a feline fanatic....you can see cats all over my blog....can't help it....12+ years of bonding with the felines....am more biased towards them...

This picture is of my persian cat sona who gave us unconditional love for 8 years and died in my arms on the way to the hospital....Miss you girl...you've been a part of our lives for 8 years...Miss you loads....

i'l be glad if u read this, thank u!

2009-03-16T09:41:00.000+05:30

time to do something for our four legged friends.....

"Hi, I'm Achala, a graduate from Karnataka Chitrakala Parishat, an animal activist for the last 8 yrs. It started with animal welfare but over the years, I have learnt that only way to really make that difference is to 'BE' that difference, and I truly believe and stand by it.

I have done a project on the life of street animals. An amazing experience by itself. The photos are my work and the people in my project are animal angels who have made a difference in lives of the homeless, helpless animals.I'm hoping to reach out to a lot more people and spread my message of peace.
You are welcome to have a look at http://letslivetogether.wordpress.com -blog I manage, to create awareness.
If you wish to be a part of my little effort for the ones who can't speak, do contact me and we can take it from there I also design and sell the following , the proceeds of which are used towards the street animals welfare completely.
- Calendars : (size 8" * 10"inches) - Rs 300- Mugs - Rs 130- Greeting cards - Rs 20 ( Birthday, New year, Thank you, Miss you)
Ways you could help us: Get us permission to put up stalls at your work place, at corporate companies, colleges, public gatherings (malls, theaters, coffee shops, birthday parties,social events, etc). If you place an order in bulk for the cards , we could even put in your company name or logo saying "best wishes from......"[order to be given prior to print..printing time would be needed] . Buy as an individual for your friends and family.. Sponsor us for print,materials, banners, posters - however it might be possible for you.
Needless to say, I'll be honored if you (and people you know - do spread the word ) will buy it and help save lives.
Every product you buy, the money is going to make a great deal of difference to the beings it help.Plz check the atachments.
Join in "lets speak up animals"! Thanks & regards,
Achala B. Pani
Please do forward this mail.
Achala.Pani [09986413916]
www.letslivetogether.wordpress.com

Few of my favourite quotes on being single....

2009-03-14T11:07:00.000+05:30

Well when you are single and romantically challenged, you come across certain characters with whom you really feel connected....I'm sure a lot of single people will agree...you want to see the movies, read books, watch serials (like sex and the city, Ally Mcbeal) and want to connect with them...but, there's some common thread in the books, movies, serials...they all happen to find their soul mates....

I've loved Ally Mcbeal teleseries...though did not follow it through the end...Ally is successfull as a career woman, but not so lucky when it comes to love...

Here are few quotes on "being single" from Ally Mcbeal and I simply love them:

Forgive me because I have spent my whole life crafting this little list of how it’s supposed to go when I meet somebody and as I’ve gotten older I’ve become more willing to make compromises. There’s only one real prerequisite left on the list for the man in my life… I have to love him.

You know I just got this piano, sometimes I sing this song it’s called goodnight my someone…and it’s about…well, basically it’s a love song about someone you never met but you know is out there. And I dunno we make so few promises to ourselves as we grow up and one of them is that on our wedding day we walk down the aisle with someone we love. Somebody who does make your heart bounce, I guess. And there are some promises that I think we have to keep.

Loneliness is the feeling that there might never be anybody ever again.

The greatest insanity now is that people still think that the right love will come along. But people often find out that the right one slipped away, never did the right one ever come along.

Check him out — even if he’s a Maybe; even if you know he’s not really The One, but you feel he has a chance of being The One. Coz the right ones — even those who have the remotest possibility of being The One — they don’t come by too often, if they ever do come at all.

There are some people who meet that somebody that they can never stop loving, no matter how hard they try. I wouldn’t expect you to understand that, or even believe it, but trust me, there are some loves that don’t go away. And maybe that makes them crazy, but we should all be lucky enough to end up with somebody who has a little of that insanity. Someone who never lets go. Someone who cherishes you forever.

I think I need to believe that it works. Love. Couplehood. Partnerships. The idea that when people come together they stay together. I have to take that with me to bed every night, even if I’m going to bed alone. That’s a McBealism.

Whoever said that theres plenty of fish in the sea was lying. Sometimes there’s only one fish. Trust me.

The real fraud is the mindset that has been ingrained in us since childhood: that people get the person of their dreams. Most don’t.

You've got mail...my all time favourite movie

2009-03-13T20:32:00.000+05:30

This undoutedly tops the chart of my favourite list of movies.....not that I don't have other strong contenders, but nothing comes closer to this one...reason being not a single scene/dialogue needs to be fast forwarded for the next favourite scene...I'm sure a lot of people will agree with this...

One of the best performances by Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan...it is really difficult to point out one particular favourite scene, but after scratching my head for umpteen times...i've finally figured out my favourite scene...it this particular one....

JOE: Sometimes I wonder...

KATHLEEN: What?

They stop walking, they look at each other.

JOE: If I hadn't been Foxbooks and you hadn’t been The Shop Around the Corner and we’d just met --

KATHLEEN: Don't.

JOE: I would have asked for your phone number and I wouldn't have been able to wait 24 hours before calling and asking,

"How about coffee, drinks, dinner, a movie, for as long as we both shall live?"

KATHLEEN: (almost a swoon) Joe...

JOE: And then we would never have been at war.

KATHLEEN: No.

JOE: The only fight we'd ever have is what video to rent on Saturday night.

KATHLEEN: Who fights about that?

JOE: Some people. Not us.

KATHLEEN: We would never.

Introduction to Gutti

2009-03-13T19:55:00.000+05:30

It would be totally unfair to blog and not have a label of my pet cat...gutti...yes....my friends know that I'm a feline fanatic...felines became a part of my life since 97 when one small kitten came wandering to our doorstep and did not leave...the most unfortunate thing was that he was with us for only 7 months and died in front of my eyes....ever since cats have formed a major part of my and my family's life....I had a persian cat called Sona for 9 years...more about her in other blog as this one is for the only male in my life heh heh...gutti....

Gutti became a part of our life on 1st April 2006 when he was few days old and was wandering aimlessly and few boys were troubling him pelting stones on him and then I got him home and he's been with us since then....

He's a pleasure to be with....after a hard day's work I just need to give him a nose kissy and hug him and all my tiredness disappears into thin air....

Well it's Gutti's 3rd Birthday in few days....I wish if someone made cakes for cats (with fish/chicken).....but I will surely treat him with his favourite whiskas wet food...that will surely be his birthday treat.....

The best caramel popcorn in town......

2008-12-28T14:17:00.002+05:30

Someone said: "Of course, life is bizarre, the more bizarre it gets, the more interesting it is. The only way to approach it is to make yourself some popcorn and enjoy the show."

And, if it is caramel popcorn life gets sweet isn't it? I love caramel popcorn and I never deny my desire of having it at either a multiplex or a mall.

Well, once you have become a connoisseur of popcorn you will see just how much the right amount of caramel makes so much of a difference.

This Christmas, I went to Regal to watch "YES MAN" and the moment I entered the auditorium the aroma of freshly made caramel popcorn wafted in the air and then I bought myself caramel popcorn and to my surprise this was the best caramel popcorn I had in my whole life. It had just the right amount of caramel, was crispy and fresh.

I am waiting anxiously to catch up another movie in Regal so that I can eat on my favourite snack.

This is what happiness is all about. It is about finding the right caramel popcorn in town.

Beautiful Moon...

2008-12-24T14:23:00.000+05:30

Today, as usual got up for my morning namaaz at 5:30 a.m........As a normal routine, first thing I do is peep out of the window....I see a lot of action happening in the opposite building...Just as I'm about to turn to perform ablution, I see this most beautiful crescent moon....Felt so calm and serene, felt completely at peace with my self...Tried to capture it on my mobile, but failed ...and I continued enjoying its beauty for a long time till the azaan was called out...and then the rest of the course follows as usual.....

A Thousand Splendid Suns.....

2008-12-22T17:47:00.001+05:30

One could not count the moons that shimmer on her roofs,

Or the thousand splendid suns that hid behind her wall. - Babi’s Farewell ode to Kabul (Babi - Laila's father).

A thousand splendid sun is a beautiful heart-wrenching story by Khaled Hosseini, his earlier work being "The Kite Runner" which is also a beautiful story.

Have not read a book as marvelous as this. Initially I took time to read, but as the story progressed, I started enjoying the book; it was difficult to put it aside till I finished the entire book. Once I finished reading, I was sad that the story was over. Though, this book does not have a tragic ending, ends on a happy note. Carefully chosen characters connect well. It has been a couple of days since I've finished reading this delightful book, but, I'm still reeling from the aftermath of a superb well said story.

Open space - Smitten by kittens

2008-04-17T20:50:00.000+05:30

Rats! The cat's going to have kittens. That might mean a crisis, said the vet. There can't be cats all over the place She was under my bed licking three fluffy, healthy kittens. She was like a human mother in her ele- ment, delighted to have her own off- spring. Tears ran down my cheeks - the true meaning of Easter as the symbol of rebirth was right there before me
Naomi Canton

Y OUR CAT could well be pregnant," my vet said. "I better get her sterilised quickly then," I replied "Make an appointment in the week." "But what if she is pregnant?
"I will abort the kittens."
That jarred with my Catholic sensibilities. Also deep down I was excited she might be pregnant. Her siblings had died after she was born and I was keen for her to have a family .
"Why do we have to get them sterilised?" I asked.
"We want to control the cat population in India and there is no demand for non-pedigree cats," he said.
I stared at my six-months-old black and white cat, admittedly once a worm-ridden stray born in a box next to the dustbin, but now a shiny furry animal living with me. She even appeared in a Bollywood movie and could be in the next Whiskas Ad.
Why do Indians prefer pedigree cats, I wondered? She is beautiful and her offspring will be too, I thought.
I spoke to a liberal Indian friend and told him that every vet and NGO worker wanted me to get my cat and every cat sterilised. I told him I wanted her to get pregnant, but felt like I was committing a crime.
He said Mumbai was not overrun with cats. Further, he would not be that happy if an alien from outer space came down and sterilised him, and it was up to me what I did.
That made me feel better I was concerned she was lone ly and she had started to adopt human characteristics like sleeping stretched out rather than curled up and also sleeping at night rather than during the day I thought . she needed cat companions.
Soon after adopting her I had sent an email out to many animal NGOs with ‘kitten wanted' in the subject matter.
Within minutes I was flood ed with emails and phone calls from people across Mumbai with kittens they wanted to get rid of. One lady said she was about to step on a train and would be at my house within two hours with a male kitten.
I didn't go ahead with any of the offers as my vet warned me she may not get along with a random stray; he was right - cats are very territorial.
Before I got round to arranging the operation, a bulge appeared. I did nothing and then two months later on Easter Saturday she went into contractions.
When I got home that night I tiptoed up to my door, nervous she might be dead or that she may have stillborn kittens. When I got inside, she was under my bed licking three fluffy healthy kittens. She was like a human moth , er in her element, delighted to have her own offspring. Tears ran down my cheeks – the true meaning of Easter as the symbol of rebirth was right there before me.
I don't know whether I did the right thing. I do know that I am going to have to triple the amount I spend on the cat. Like any new mum, she sometimes gets bored and exhausted of nursing her babies, and leaves them and wants me to stroke her. But at the same time she is also often in Heaven playing with them and I gain immense pleasure watching her. Cats hardly take up any space in a flat and I am happy to keep them.
I rang the vet today "Err, my cat gave birth last week,"
. I said nervously .
"Congratulations!" I was taken aback. "All healthy?"
"Err yes. But now I want to get the whole lot sterilised," I said.

FOR THE LOVE OF ANIMALS

2008-03-05T13:58:00.001+05:30

DOG WORSHIP
35-year-old orphan splurges all that he earns by looking after belongings of temple devotees and washing vehicles on food, medicines for strays
ANAND HOLLA
Outside the Shri Shaneshwar temple at Dongri is a 35-year-old man who earns a living by looking after the belongings of devotees and washing vehicles parked in the area. Babu has been doing this for the past 25 years. But that is not the reason why you are reading about him here. It’s because Babu spends almost all his earnings on feeding 15-20 stray dogs. Temple priest Jigar Maharaj says Babu even buys medicines if the dogs fall ill. Temple caretaker Mamoobhai Rawal says, “He wouldn’t mind if you abuse or beat him, but not the dogs.” WHO IS BABU? Babu’s parents apparently abandoned him at Pune railway station when he was around five. He doesn’t know anything about them, his name or community. For a couple of years, he was in the juvenile home at Dongri, which is close to the Shri Shaneshwar temple. He began frequenting the temple and, soon, the priests allowed him to stay on the footsteps and take care of the belongings of devotees. Somewhere along the way, he developed a friendship with the stray dogs in the area. He began feeding and taking care of them. BABU’S ROUTINE An early riser, he is a regular at the 6 am aarti. After that, he buys six packets of milk for the dogs. By then, a dozen dogs would have gathered outside the temple for their breakfast. Babu washes 15-20 vehicles in the area before sitting at the temple’s doorstep to serve devotees. In-between, he runs errands for local shop-keepers. He earns about Rs 5,000 per month. EVERYTHING FOR DOGS Maharaj says, “He works hard but never buys anything for himself, not even a good meal or a new set of clothes. All the money goes into buying the best quality milk, eggs, biscuits, ladoos and, at times, meat for the dogs.” For himself, Babu settles for snacks at rundown hotels or queues up outside a dargah along with beggars. “He may go without food at times, but feeds the dogs without fail,” says Maharaj. HIS HOBBIES Other than the dogs, Babu’s only interest is Hindi films of the 80s and 90s. He is a regular at Novelty, Naaz, Apsara or Alankar, which are among the few theatres that screen such movies, and watches three-four films every week. “I like Sunny Deol and Mithun Chakravarthy,” he says but is less forthcoming about his fondness for dogs. “I love dogs and that’s why I feel I should care for them. Dogs return your love and are very loyal.”

HOW NANI BECAME 'LUCKY'

2008-03-05T13:48:00.000+05:30

To all readers of my blog, today (05-03-08) I chanced upon an article in Mumbai Mirror on how a kitten was rescued from a well.......It surely did make me think about Human Beings.....Most of the time we are so callous that we ignore a dying man on the road or to the length we go in rescuing animals...........

HOW NANI BECAME 'LUCKY'
Animal lovers rescue a kitten from a 30-ft deep well 16 days after it fell into it; to keep her alive, people from the locality used to soak bread in milk, put it in a bucket and lower the bucket into the well.

Nani, a three-month-old kitten, was rescued by fire brigade officials and animal lovers in Kalyan, 16 days after it fell and got trapped inside a 30-feet deep dry well. The residents ensured that the kitten survived and then looked for help from professional animal rescuers. Nani had been living with the family of Suryakant Mistry, a resident of Kalyan’s Agra Road since her birth. On February 18 Nani did not return home after her evening stroll. Mistry said, “She is familiar with the area and there was no chance that she could go missing. While we were looking for her, a mewing sound attracted us to a well nearby. We saw she had slipped inside.” On February 19, fire brigade officers were called. Though they entered the well, they could not rescue Nani. Pramod Waghchaware, a fireman said, “The kitten got scared and hid inside another hole down there. She even attacked me when I tried to reach for her.” For the next few days, the residents kept looking for professional help. Meanwhile, Shilpa Harkare, a resident of the same building, ensured that the kitten survived. “I used to soak bread in milk, put it in a bucket and lower it into the well. Then we found the contact number of Plants and Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), who came to our rescue.” On Tuesday, Nilesh Bhanage, head of PAWS, decided to go down the well with a grasper. “It is an imported tool that can easily grasp even pythons. I went down alone with some food and tried to grasp her. Initially she resisted and slipped inside a hole, but finally I managed to catch her,” said Bhanage. Firemen Babloo Vyapari, Anil Thakur and Vasant Mudaliar supported Bhanage during the rescue mission. Mistry said, “We cannot express our joy in words. We will now rename Nani as Lucky. She is the luckiest animal surviving.”

Live Alone and Like it......

2008-01-19T19:49:00.000+05:30

"Yes, life is a journey. One that is much better traveled with a companion by our side. Of course, that companion can be just about anyone. A neighbor on the other side of the street or the man on the other side of the bed. The companion can be a mother with good intentions or a child who's up to no good. Still, despite our best intentions, some of us will lose our companions along the way. And then the journey becomes unbearable. You see, human beings are designed for many things, but loneliness isn't one of them." - Mary Alice (Desperate Housewives)

Life

2007-08-14T10:53:00.001+05:30

For a long time, it had seemed that life was about to being - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be got through first, some unfinished business, some time to be served, some debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawn on me that these obstacles were my life. - Anonymous.