The Year Going, Going....Gone By

A time for reflection....on the months gone by....filled with joy, surprises, expectations, disappointments and loads of frustrations.... not necessarily in that order...

Realization that Parents do get old....never thought it would happen to me.....

Jan-Feb - Finally made my trip to South Africa.....beautiful country. Visited all the major cities..Durban...Johannesburg...Sun City... Pretoria...Cape Town...and tried to do all the touristic thingie. Unscheduled stopover at Ethiopia as due to flight delay missed the connecting flight. Got to see "Lucy" even though she was a duplicate.

Rest of the months passed in a blur... though my quest for a better job saw me getting a call to go to "Down Under" for an interview sometime in April....and another in June/July. The latter got me an offer too which I finally decided not to take it up.....for reasons I thought was wise then....but now...wondering if I had done right.

August...took to Bloggersphere like a fish in water. Blogging to release my thoughts....

The month of October saw me getting connected. Touching base with old friends (Facebook) and making new friends (Bloggersphere).

December.....stumbling into Iraqi Bloggers.....and getting dragged into the World of Politics....a subject which has always fascinated me.....but had been dormant all the while....

Life goes on.....Hope beckons....Next year will be a better year!

Last Journey for Benazir

We were in office..........when we heard about the blast in Pakistan...late afternoon yesterday. We scrambled to the BBC website...CNN & other sites being banned sites in the company. There were two reports....but conflicting....one said she had died and the other that she was injured and was taken to the hospital. We hoped that it was the latter report which was true.......but then...

The news, the media...and everywhere you turn around, the news of Benazir Bhutto's assassination is the hot topic. Al-Qaeda has claimed for the killing. Such a dastardly act...is this something to take credit for or be proud of? World shocked......but what would happen? What would be done to prevent such happenings? Will we be able to stop the next killing....the next blast?

Benazir returned from her exile....only to be killed in her own country. May her soul rest in peace.

New Year's Holiday

Coming to the Middle East, I was quite amused with the practice of giving holidays not on the day of the occasion when it fell but shifting it to another day thus getting a long weekend in the bargain. And this morning, there it is this bit of news in the paper saying that the "Civil Service Commission (CSC)" will issue an official statement by tomorrow when the New Year's holiday would be set.

It seems about a couple of years back, the Government had decided that any holidays that fell in the middle of the week would be shifted to the first day of the week. Thursday & Friday being the weekend, it would mean getting the Saturday off. The purpose of it was to have a longer weekend. Now, ever since the official weekend since September was changed to Friday & Saturday, a new directive was brought out to change the holidays falling in the middle of the week to Sunday. This directive is being hotly debated in the parliament again as New Year's Day, 1st of Jan falls on a Tuesday.

The majority of people are against the law of shifting the holiday to the beginning of the week. "Any feast will lose its meaning if it is celebrated a few days later. If these feasts were not important, why would we make a holiday for it, we would just consider it as a normal day. It's not only about the day off, it's also about the celebration. If we celebrate the occasion after a few days, we will forget the occasion," said Jamal, an employee in the private sector.

I too cannot find the sense of shifting the holidays to another day. To celebrate an occasion before or after?! How strange.

The office memo came in this afternoon....for now...for us...1st of Jan has been declared a holiday!

Politics on my mind

Still under the influence of Iraqi Bloggers, I continue with my musing on Politics....

Whoever said "Politics is dirty" is right in a way.......but I find it interesting....I always have.

I am fascinated with the clean & nice image one presents.......and when you go on to read or hear about some of the deeds they were to have done.........one is not too sure...but then one have/had to understand the times and the circumstances........and whether or if, it was actually necessary or called for.

Like a coin, there's always two sides of it....but in the present time can we clearly say that one is right and the other wrong or one is good the other bad? I guess now its become a choice of choosing between the two evil.

If Iraq was a living hell during Saddam, what is it like after Saddam? Has the situation improved or has it become worse?! Whose support did Saddam enjoy in the earlier years? What is it that they say about controlling the oil barrels? Who is pulling the string? Who is controlling whom?

Yes, Saddam was bad and needed to be put on trial but why was Idi Amin allowed to go scot free? Why was he not put on trial? Was he not responsible for the abuses on human rights, ethnic persecutions.... hundreds of thousands murdered in the torture chambers? Why was he not extradited from where he had relocated after fleeing his own country? Initially, who/which country helped him to get him to power in spite of knowing his past deeds?

What about Afghanistan? The country continues to reel under the after effects of the war raged as a consequence to Bush Administration's campaign of "War on Terrorism". The Taliban Government has been toppled but is it over?!

The consequence of a war is the collateral damage. Is there any way to avoid this? The destruction of innocent human lives is what saddens me most.

Still giddy with Iraq & Iraqi Bloggers

Whatever time I spent on the net yesterday, has been solely devoted to Iraq & Iraqi Bloggers.....browsing through their Profiles....getting to know more about the Bloggers...reading their Posts and comments & counter comments! It started with that article on BBC (Previous Post) and it continued till the wee hours of this morning!

And I woke up...still giddy with Iraq & Iraqi Bloggers! Late into the night I was reading about this Blogger who supports Saddam and felt things were better then....and now the Blogger was mourning and will not celebrate any festival/holidays till the country gets truly liberated. The Blogger gave all kinds of statistics .....but then there were others, commenting on the Posts on how to explain the atrocities....the rape...the murder...

Yes, how much of it is an exaggeration and how much is the truth...who can tell? Only one who has experienced....or one whose family has experienced...or one who has lived there...will be able to shed some light. No media can/could give the exact truth.....different perspective....different sources whether reliable or unreliable...different political associations....different motives....whatever....

One thing which I must say is....whatever it was about Saddam Hussein..........I personally didn't liked/agree with the ending. Was the attack on Iraq necessary? The UN Investigation was being conducted peacefully.....the call for attack did not have UN sanction.....did anyone find the "Weapons of mass destruction"? Did Saddam, President of Iraq deserve to die like how he did? I wish he had killed himself rather than be captured and be treated thus and lived up to the name he was known as, "Lion of Iraq".

This is not to be misconstrued as supporting Saddam and his actions. It is not related. I condemn all kinds of atrocities....anywhere in the world.

Iraqi Bloggers

The latest headlines....randomly selecting from the RSS feed on my browser....I came across Iraqi Bloggers and I, needlessly to say was intrigued.

The page is a round-up of some of the Iraqi Bloggers, blogging from within or from outside of their country. It's real interesting.....to know a civilian's perspective untainted by any political view and sad at the same time.........to read about the sufferings of such innocent people.....some of them brought a lump to my throat. This led me to visiting some of the sites of these Iraqi Bloggers and reading their latest Posts. Something to think about and ponder. We have enough natural calamities in the world.........why then add to the destruction? Why?

Not so long ago, when I read or heard about the city of Baghdad, it conjured up visions of a typical Middle East scenario as depicted in the Arabian Nights story books or in the movies.....those arabic music, sheesha, flying carpets, beautiful buildings with minarets and in such colors......Of course you had the wicked Vazir...but in the end you had the good triumph over the evil...
How times have changed....now you read of Baghdad burning....about the torture chambers found....the bombing and the Bomber.....When would it all end? When?

The Sea Beckons

There's something about the sea which I can't fathom. I can sit for hours by the sea and just look at the vast expanse of water. It's so soothing and I am at peace with myself.

My imaginations take me to the adventures the boats sailing by out to the sea would have....or to the adventures the boats docked at the dockyard must have had. Far far from the maddening crowd of the society that we live in today, especially true in large bustling cities and towns.....the vast ocean is so calming to the senses.

The sea fascinates me....and beckons me to come again and again...and I will....another day....

My connection with "Apoorva Dance Theater"

A sketch.....a comment.....a website......that was the chain reaction. In a matter of few hours, I travelled.....to more than 10 years back!

Flashback......
I was new to the Bangalore city. I had taken up the job offer at the branch office......to re-group my thoughts and possibly to experience a change of scenario......my life was going nowhere. The culture of sitting late in the office was not prevalent here....I had plenty of time at the end of the day. I joined "Alliance Francaise" to learn French. I always wanted to learn a foreign language and French was my favourite....and now I had the time! The after office French classes, for want of students was shifted to the morning batch. I now attended the morning classes, after which it was rush-rush to the office.

My evenings were left free and what better way than to enroll myself for some Dance Classes! There were these classes in the "Alliance" that I could join. I love dancing, even though I can't dance for nuts! I am terrible! I wanted to join, one Modern Jazz Group....unfortunately the timing didn't suit me. Then, I was introduced to this lovely girl, Tripura Kashyap and she took me under her wings, right away! I found her alone, doing her dance routine out on the terrace. She was so welcoming and when I told her that I was a non-dancer and had a regular job and so could only come after the office hours, she was most accommodating! I was now part of "Apoorva Dance Theater". The other members too were very welcoming and most understanding to my limitations and awkward movements. I really enjoyed being part of the group. We were invited to Mumbai for the "Anand Shanker Ballet Festival"..............and I was there in one of the piece/performance! Yes! I danced on stage to a Live audience on a national level!

Present....
The flashback brought nostalgia.....I wrote to my friend, Tripura. I heard from her today and guess what she said....just last week she met up with the guys who were in our Group and they were talking about me....wondering where I was and what I was doing! Is this telepathy?! I hope someday, I meet her and the guys once again....It would be so lovely!

Cloudy Sky

This was how the sky looked.....as I made my way home last evening. I thought to myself....At last! looks like the rain which had been eluding us this season....is finally here! But, was I so wrong?! No rain...not even a drizzle!

The Weatherman on our local FM Channel....has become the butt of our weather jokes. His forecast would go something like this..."Today sunny sky with scattered clouds". Groan....We all can see that! One has to just peep out! "The maximum temperature would be from 20 to 30 degree." Oh! For God's sake we expect some degree of accuracy! Talk about playing it safe! The Radio Jockey would then ask if we were expecting some rain...if not when. The Weatherman's standard reply. "Uh, we are expecting slight precipitation.... Inshallah!......the north-westerly winds might effect the climate.... Inshallah!....yaani.....blah...blah". He would rarely use the word "rain". We guess, this is just to make him sound very knowledgeable!

The year has nearly come to an end. I don't think, we would have any rain now. Inshallah! next year, we'll have the rain!

PS:- A budding Photographer in progress. If the Reviews are good, I'm going to take it up with a zeal!

Meet Cat

Meet Cat, my companion for this afternoon.......as I sat on the parapet....by the sea. Cat and I, do not belong to each other.....we are independent creatures.........but we got along. I enjoyed his unobtrusive company.... (Psst....for sure I had a male cat for company!)

We enjoyed the glorious weather and the soft sound of the lapping waves as it hit the rocks. Far away, we could see a big ship moving farther and farther away.........while a couple of speedboats were zooming from one side to the other.....

As I got up, to continue with my walk............Cat too went his way.....

My Shoe-Style Personality?!

What's my Shoe-Style Personality? That's what the quiz was about.....in one of the Beauty & Style website I was browsing, today. I was curious. The result:-

You're a pointy-toe stiletto/slingback!
The latest fashion magazines are your monthly bible. You love shoes so much that you ran out of room in your closet for shoe boxes, so the oven now doubles as a storage unit. You're always looking sophisticated and polished, even when you have jeans on, and Gwyneth Paltrow and Sarah Jessica Parker are your idols. Every seasonal trend is right up your alley, and most trends work back to things that are already in your closet. Looking great was never so easy!

Now, how uncanny this is! See my photos! Apart from the fact that I have yet to run out of space and use my oven as a storage......other things I would agree to it! Gwyneth and Sarah have a great sense of style....although I never considered them my idols! Actually, I don't have any idol as such. My personal style..........tailored classic pieces with just-the-right-trend items.

My BMI

While reading a magazine, I came across an article of "Celebrities and their BMI".......and I got down to calculating my BMI (weight in relation to height). As per the calculation, I found that I fall under the Normal Weight category....... and if I were to lose the minimum 10 pounds that I badly need to.......I would still fall under this category! Yippee!!

To calculate your BMI, here's the simple equation:-

BMI = weight (kg) ÷ height (m)2
example, if weight = 52 kg and height = 1.5 m,
then BMI would be, 52 ÷ (1.5 x 1.5)
BMI = 23.1

Classification of weight by BMI:-

Below 18 = Underweight
18.5 - 24.9 = Normal Weight
25 - 29.9 = Overweight
30 - 39.9 = Obese
40 and above = Morbidly Obese

Even though the calculations has been kind...........I know I am too healthy! The excess mass of Protoplasm from all the wrong places needs to go!

10 things that I don't need!

The year is coming to an end......here are some of the things that I simply don't need, next year!

1. That extra 10 pounds.........I must lose it somehow!
2. A dull lacklustre life...........being a Single Girl in the Middle East.
3. More advice from well wishers............on finding a man......getting married.
4. That dripping sarcasm.....from my Boss.
5. That same old job....doing the same old thing.......
6. The habit of Procrastination!
7. The lure of a "Good Bargain"............and ending up with things which I don't really need!
8. Rude Behavior/Service...........in the Airport/ Supermarket / Restaurant / on the road...
9. The racialism which is prevalent everywhere you go.....more so in the Middle East.
10. More news on worldwide atrocities.

Stand United Against Ragging

Mirandian, my Second Blog that I write.....when nostalgia drives me to re-live some of the best days of my life....the College Days....actually more of my College Hostel Days.....as a Resident of "Miranda House College". The initiation......ragging as we all know was one period where as "Freshers" we all hated it. As a Senior, I never indulged in it.........nor supported it.

Kushal found my Blog........his relentless effort in the eradication of Ragging from College is indeed very commendable. I hope I am able to contribute even if it is a wee bit....by showing this (colorful!) email that I got today from him. Tomorrow is World Human Rights Day....let us stand united against Abuse of Human Rights.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

From: Dr. Kushal Banerjee
Date: Dec 9, 2007 3:51 PM
Subject: World Human Rights Day

Dec 10 is the

WORLD HUMAN RIGHTS DAY .

On this occasion, let's stand united against Abuse of Human Rights in the name of RAGGING in educational institutions.

RAGGING !

At least 31 Ragging-deaths have been reported from India, only between 2000-2007.

In the current session, at least 7 deaths have been reported, even after the historic May 2007 orders by the Hon'ble Supreme Court came into force.

The number of the injured & the disabled is much higher.

The number of those who have been forced to undergo prolonged physical & sexual abuses are virtually countless.

Experts have proved the lameness of the excuses that Ragging makes relationship better and that it is necessary.

It's time to realize that for a healthy society, we must get rid of RAGGING completely & welcome Healthy modes of interactions between seniors and juniors.

On the occasion of the WORLD HUMAN RIGHTS DAY, let's join hands to stand united against Ragging.

Thank you very much for taking your time to read this mail.

Hope you would kindly forward this email to your friends and contacts in support of the cause.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Issued in the interest of the students and of the society by -

No Ragging Foundation ( www.no2ragging.org ),

A Non-Profit Organization Devoted to the Eradication of Ragging.

@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@@

"Coconuter"

This is to the "Coconuter" as he journeys in his search to find the "perfect coconut to fall...from the sky". To leave a life of security....comfort...good living....for self-retrospection in hopes of understanding life and finding oneself..... meaning and purpose of it............it takes a lot of courage!

Here's wishing to all the "Coconuters" of the world, the very best and hoping they find what they are looking for. Sometimes, I too wish I could run away from this concrete jungle...........

Christmas is here!

*Jingle Bells*!

I'm slowly getting pulled into the Holiday Spirit......not that I'm complaining! Wherever I surf...Blogs or Websites....the Home Pages are now decorated with various Christmas decorations. Some of them look real beautiful. Decorated Christmas trees.....twinkling lights....small & big boxes wrapped beautifully.....Santas & elves....and lots of Ha-Ha! Ho-Ho!....as I surf the net. Some sites even have popular Christmas Songs belting out!

The Card Making Mafia that I know of, have been busy churning cards by the dozen. Some are so *Sparkly*......some "let it snow" kinds....some so red-red in true Christmas colors.... Santa & his reindeers...holly & mistletoes all are there! I am just wondering where these cards would all go.......who all would be finally receiving them?!

In this techno savvy world......I know there would be a couple of Christmas forwarded messages in my mailbox.....or one of those electronic greeting cards....but, how nice it would be if one of these hand made cards came my way! I'm one of those who love hand made things.....and to know that the sender/giver has made a special effort to make it.....would give me double joy! Wishful thinking! I know....I will blame it on the season!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!

Me & My Makeup

I guess a girl can never have enough of Makeup! This is applicable to yours truly too!

Today again, I succumbed to the various goodies for hair, skin and various face & eye products! This, in spite of my telling myself that I will not buy......just look! But, as always...the look turns to smelling.....smelling to trying....and before long its in my shopping basket! And if the Sales Person has a nice smile....coaxes & extols the virtue of the product.....I end up buying more....different smell...color!

The excuse.....I don't have this particular one....this smells of lavender....and the one I have is rose...jasmine...whatever! This shade of lipstick is soooo sexy.....really brings out the color of my face! This mascara is for lengthening.....this one for volume! This is gloss....this is for shine....this for shimmer. Lotions - hand & body, moisturizing lotion, eye cream, toner, cleanser, nail cream....with coconut & almond oil or primrose with vitamin e or cocoa butter or grapefruit....

The Makeup Industry is to be blamed....for my splurge! How can they make lipsticks or nail colors in so many colors/shades?! Perfumes........lets not go there! I love perfumes! Some of my ever lasting favorites....Obsession, Poison, Opium, Jádore, Dolce Vita,......Why am I not content with having just 2 or 3 or 5? Why do I have more than 10 lipsticks or nail colors at one given time......or for that matter 8-10 perfumes! Why do I have 4 mascaras....different color eye pencils....eye liners....eye shadows??! Foundations, concealers, loose powder, pressed powder, blush on - powder, cream....

Having so many....I never seem to finish any...and after sometime, it would go straight to the trash can! I read somewhere that it was not hygienic to use makeup after sometime....after having opened or from the date of manufacturing date.

The glossies, Tv....temptations are everywhere....and with the pressure of looking good in this corporate rat race............what am I suppose to do?! Nah! Not true....I just love makeup! Makeup which looks not made-up.....if you know what I mean!

Oh! the frustrations of working for a large Organization

Oh! the frustrations one has to go through.......working for a large organization! Getting things done from another department is like getting it done from another company! The attitude is not of that all of us working for the same company!

Being in the Brand Merchandising Department we have to deal with all other Support Departments like Finance, IT, Warehouse, Logistics, etc in our daily working. One would expect, working for the same company that things would get done faster. Instead, we have to plead, cajole & argue to get things done. The general feeling we get is that of dealing with an outside company. Sometimes we feel, dealing with an outside company would be better!

These Support Departments feel that the Merchandising Department does not do anything and just sit in front of the PC, with the phone stuck in one ear! The Finance & the IT guys have an attitude of being super intelligent & doing much productive work while the Warehouse guys feel that they are the ones who are doing all the hard labor! What these Departments don't understand is that we are Jack of all trades. We have to do a little bit of everything! We are involved in the Buying, Production, Shipping, Sales, Merchandising, Warehouse Picking, Marketing, Claims, Pricing, Store IT issues, etc.

I guess, the age old saying....."The grass is greener the other side" is so true!

"Hi"

A simple "Hi"
It made my day!
Have not been feeling so nice,
These past couple of weeks.

The silence was killing.
Nothing could fill the emptiness.
Something was missing.

I now know what...
The banter between us,
I had missed so much!!!

Blog Surfing

I have been indulging in Blog Surfing today. Visited couple of Blogs of Note......to see what was noteworthy here......although through random browsing, I came across some which according to me were more interesting...and stayed to read a couple of their Posts.

From the Blogs that I read today.....one was of a Blogger who made Collages..........and they are all so beautiful! Reminded me of the Collages stuck to our walls in our rooms in the University Campus. These were made of cuttings from various Fashion Magazines. Cut and paste randomly on a large chart paper or over a newspaper! Nothing so high tech & beautiful as the one I saw here on the said Blog!

Another very interesting Blog that I read was of an Anthropologist. Makes you think....Animal Rights....Human Rights....The pictures of the Gorillas, Chimpanzees, other monkey families....so beautiful.......

Lastly, an NGO's Blog.....working to improve Health care of women & children...... betterment of general economic conditions...human rights.... Kudos to such organizations!

Me, Queen of Sheba?!

Out of the blue....she came to my mind....an ex-colleague....(she was here in my Company 2.5 years back) a friend....I wondered if I would be able to get her in her office....as I had lost her mobile number........when I lost my mobile phone at the beginning of the year.

I dialed the number of the Company she had left for...and hoped she was still working there.....her phone rang.....a male voice answered....I asked if she was there....and seconds later I heard her voice. She asked me to call on her mobile number.......we chatted for a while. It was good to talk to her. She made me laugh....with her over protective/concerned motherly/sisterly advises! The usual....I guess, all Single Girls get these in plenty....especially Single Girls of my age....where we are no longer getting younger!

She's asked me to stop acting like the Queen of Sheba! Now, I ask...from where/what/why/how in Heaven's name am I being compared to the Queen of Sheba!? She's asked me to go out...socialize....mingle....to stop being choosy... I never said I don't want to.........any of these things......but I just don't understand where & how should I be doing it here! Can anyone enlighten me?! Hence, the question of being choosy doesn't arise! She also mentioned that no Prince is going to come riding on a horse! Come on, at this time & age.......I'm not even dreaming of anyone coming on a horse......leave alone a Prince! A common man driving up on a Mercedes would be just fine with me! ;-)

The morning rush

Beep...beep....one alarm goes off at 5.30am.......I stir....stretch my hand out & just manage to shut it off....nothing to panic...I have plenty of time. Then my second alarm goes off at 6.00am......I have to get myself out of the bed..........to shut it off.......but again I crawl back.....just 5 mins...I tell myself.....which at times becomes 10 mins!

Then.....its rush rush! Rush to the bathroom......grab my clothes... depending on the time that I have, I choose my clothes......whether it needs ironing or not. Make-up.....jewellery .....at times I have to shove these in my handbag.......to be put later. Like yesterday, I forgot to wear my watch, my rings, earrings....I even forgot to shove it in my bag...in my rush to leave for work!

I tell myself....I must...I should get out of bed when the first alarm goes off....but then.....I love the early morning sleep......and then starts the morning rush........

Winter is here!

For the last couple of days, at last the sign of Winter approaching is finally showing. There's a slight nip in the air.....the wind is a bit chilly in the morning and in the evening. Yippee! I love Winter.....not that I don't love the other seasons!

I love the feel of cold on my face....love to wear shawls.....jackets, coats and feel nice & warm in it. I love to be wearing all my woolies...tights, stockings and my boots! I love to have hot-hot coffee & cocoa and having my palms warmed by the cup as I sip my drink!

I remember......Shillong....a hilly town in the eastern part.....we lived there a couple of years as I was growing up....it was cold, real cold all year long! Every room had a fireplace!

This part of the world...the Middle East...Winter is real short. So, I'm going to enjoy ever bit of it!

Earthquake rocks Delhi - Flashback....

I just got to read....Earthquake rocks Delhi & adjoining areas, early this morning...4.43 am...minor it was....4.3 magnitude and that there was yet no reports of injuries or damage.

Flashback - 26 Jan, 2001, New Delhi. I was residing in a Women's Hostel in the heart of the city. Early morning...I was still in bed....it was a holiday...National Holiday...India became a Republic on this day. I felt my bed shake....voices drifted by....running footsteps.....I was alert....could hear some girls saying that they were "going down...others were down....to come down....." I was living on the 3rd Floor. Having lived in places where Earthquakes were prone to come & go...thanks to Dad's various postings....this once in a blue moon...mild shake was not going to make me leave the comfort of my cozy bed....on a day where I did not have the pressure to get ready for work!

Being so close to India Gate, where the Republic Day Parade starts, on its way to India Gate.....I assumed the Parade Salute....start of the Parade...or something like that.....cannon/guns would have been fired....and the sound of it must have shaken the building. It never occurred to me that the tremor felt could be an earthquake. I was in fact irritated that these girls were screaming and running down the corridor.........making such a ruckus.....you know how some girls are....

It was only later in the day, we heard about the devastation the earthquake had left Gujarat, a State in the western part, bordering Pakistan. This was where the epicentre of the quake was. It measured 7.9 on the Richter scale. It was a sad day for all of us....

Just wondering....

Just wondering....

Would I have done certain things differently
if only I had known how it would end?

Would I have really studied hard
and tried for Harvard or Oxford or Cambridge?

Would I have studied music,
playing an instrument...as I can't sing for nuts?

Would I have done all the things
that I was not supposed to have done?

Sadly, the answers to all of the above
is a resounding, Yes!

Yes, I would do certain things differently
and changed the course of my life's history.

Yes, I would have studied hard, really hard
and tried to get in, in any one of these universities.
For the simple reason that it would bring me
a good job with a great starting salary!

Yes, I would have tried
learning a musical instrument,
for the simple reason that it interests me
and perhaps make a living out of my hobby!?

Yes, I would have done all the things
that I was not supposed to do,
for the simple reason that I cannot do now.
Even if I could, it no longer holds the excitement
that would have brought to me then.

If only I could, I would....

Toast to a Friend!

A friend of mine is getting married.....come 8th of Dec. Here's the electronic card that I received just last evening.........with a promise that the actual card would be in the mailbag, shortly! The wedding's in India..........


Darling Manleen !

I would love to come but............please accept my apologies & hoping you will understand.....



PS:- I just went Irish.....with this toast!

Tagged?!

The first thing that I got to read in my inbox over my morning cuppa was that I was tagged. I'm "It"! "It"? Am not very happy to be called "It"..........to tell you the truth!

The instruction is to check the Tagger's site and I have been warned/told that there is no running away from this. The rules of the game would then need to be copied to one's site followed by 7 random/weird? facts about oneself.........and then further tag 7 unsuspecting Bloggers - "You're it!"

I'm not up to this game for various reasons. This is like the many chain mails that one periodically receives in one's inbox.....forward the mail to X number of people for good luck and if you were to ignore, misfortune would befall on you.... or send to X number to get your heart's desire in 24 hours, X-10 to get your heart's desire in 7 days, etc, etc. Life would have been so much nicer...better.....for all of us....if it was so easy to get your heart's desire thus! Since it doesn't.....I find such mails a nuisance. People who are gullible as to believe such mails, I have nothing to say of them.

Coming to this Tag Game, I would not like anyone to be/feel obligated to further Tag 7 more who may or may not like to play this game. That's why, I'll take a chance........and am just walking away from it.....

The Tagger has tagged me thus - drifter and romantic. beware the wrath of this little package. she scares me.

PS:- Hmmmm...........it's interesting to know what others think of me!

Under My Skin

Seriously speaking..........either I need to have my head examined or just go away for a while.....to some exotic place and meet interesting people.....and have my day & night filled with new faces, new surroundings, new smells.....'cause the Devil's got under my skin! I have even taken to humming..........though Diana Krall sings it so well!

I've got you, under my skin.
I've got you, deep in the heart of me
So deep in my heart, you're really a part of me
And I've got you under my skin.

I've tried so, not to give in.
I've said to myself, this affair it never will go so well
But why should I try to resist, when I know so well
That I've got you under my skin.

I'd sacrifice anything come what might
For the sake of having you near
In spite of a warning voice that comes in the night
And repeats, in my ear

Don't you know you fool, you never can win
Use your mentality, wake up to reality
For each time I do, just the thought of you
Makes me stop before I begin
Because I've got you, under my skin.

PS:- I solemnly promise not to....nay.... never to write of the Devil after today................at least, for a long long time! Never say Never....... that's what they say..........so I will just say.....I will try NOT to..... write about the Devil.......this sounds better!

The Devil Wears Prada.....but I wear Zara!

Looking into my staple wardrobe.........which in my case would be for my daily office wear ...........and the only ones for which I shop regularly..... having been living in this part of the world, the Middle East with minimum of socializing (at least where I am concerned).....I can see that apart from my lingerie and a few odd pieces from here & there, all of my clothes seem to have been bought from Zara.

I find Zara offering quality clothing which is priced pretty reasonable and are of the latest international trends. Zara can afford this as they have factories/ sources all over the world and so the lead time for production is really short which means the latest trends from all over the world can be in their stores within 2-3 weeks!

ZARA BASIC - The trousers fits me real well......of course I do have to alter the length a bit....moi being petite, otherwise the fit is perfect especially on the butt! The tops too are really chic! I love the Baby-doll tops in Zara (various colors/prints/fabrics) which is a fabulous trend from the runway that works so well for all of us non-models! Baby-dolls, with their forgiving fit and romantic feel are the smart choice for the kind of summer weather this part of the world. Flirty, flowy and feminine, they are a perfect staple for work, weekend or travel.......not to mention to camouflage the unforgiving bulges acquired from rich unadulterated food and sedentary lifestyle! The Trouser-Jacket suit is also perfect for office wear! With just minor alterations....the length.......Voila! Je suis très chic!

Speaking of the Devil last night....I was reminded of The Devil who Wears Prada.......and then it struck me..........but I wear Zara!

This Devil DOES NOT Wear Prada!

I need to get it out of my head........to regain my sanity.....

Some nights back.....the Devil asked me for a dance. We were just chatting....about this & that......the music was way down low..........still it came wafting by..........then, the hauntingly beautiful music of Strauss - Blue Danube Waltz came up. He got up....stood in front of me and offered his hand..........I looked up into his eyes and the next I knew....my hand was in his.....I had left the comfort of my chair and had followed him to the middle of the room....

This Devil does not wear Prada..........but the Black Trousers and the Black Shirt that he was wearing, the other night.....was beautifully cut & tailored....it looked very classy! Beside his tall frame of 5.10 or is it 5.11....I was tiny.....my left hand on his right shoulder...my right hand in his left......I floated beautifully.....at least I felt that way! The music...the night....there was magic in the air......we both felt it...

Then the music came to an end...........and I landed with a thud...........on my bed! The last thing I remember him saying was "mucha gracias". Oh, My God! Español, otra vez!? Spanish, again!?

Flying Away

The weekend just flew......and now, the blues sets in..........just thinking..........tomorrow's going to be a long, long day. The two days of solitude.....just reading...writing....watching tv...movies on dvd...I still have not had enough!

Out of the blue, I re-collect this piece of conversation between my Boss and someone who had resigned from the Company. Boss to X, "When are you physically flying?" Now, I ask myself the same........ as mentally, I have been flying away from here........umpteen times!!

Hable Español?

blogthings.....took a random quiz......wondering what it would throw up. My fascination has always been La French......though of course....secretly, I have wished that I could speak as many languages as I possibly can! In my mailbox I just received a mail from one of the Job Recruiters....Opportunity with a well known brand....in Spain.......and now..........this! Is this a sign.........or what???????

You Should Learn Spanish

For you, learning a language is about career advancement and communication. Knowing Spanish will bring you tons of possiblities for jobs and travel. Bárbaro!

What Language Should You Learn?

"If you fail, destroy evidence that you tried!"

For sometime my friend's slogan has been, "If you fail, destroy evidence that you tried!"

My stand till now, on this has been, "It's quite debatable! For posterity..........evidence is a must to teach or show...........so that the same mistakes are not committed again! But again...........I do know where you are coming from!"

......but today, I'm in no doubt and would have to agree with what my friend says. On failing, all evidence would have to be destroyed that I tried.........failing which, I would have to move to Plan B and follow what Hitler had to say........and that is..........

"If you win you need not explain......but if you lose you should not be there to explain."

Happy Birthday, Dad!

Its Dad's birthday. I remember the times when I was home...and it was Dad's Birthday......Dad would always plan the menu for the day. He loves to eat.....not that he ever has much.....he loves a good meal. I gave a call in the morning to wish him. This time...he sounded surprised. Had he forgotten that today was his birthday? Time....age..........how I wish sometimes, I could just stop it for a while...

Here's a poem by Regina Hill which I really liked. To you, Dad.

Dad, If I Had Three Wishes
on Your Birthday...
I'd make a wish for
your health and happiness
and your dreams coming true.
I'd wish that you would be given
whatever your heart desires.
And after I was sure that
all of these wishes
were fulfilled,
I'd make one more wish for you -
the most important one of all...

I'd wish that you'd know
beyond any doubt
that I love you with all my heart,
and I'll always be here for you
no matter what.
- Poem by Regina Hill

Happy Birthday, Dad!

A Walk by the Sea...again

I went for my walk by the sea. It was a beautiful day and the weather was lovely! With the wind blowing against my face & whipping my loose hair......I walked on......enjoying my solitude walk. Only my dark Armani glasses protected my eyes against the glint of the sun.....as well as, I am assuming.....my identity!

There were quite a few people that I recognized from my Office....by the sea....enjoying the weather. Onward from the Marina Crescent...I walked....and left the crowded promenade. Soon I realized that I was being followed....not scared as it's broad daylight and I could see people in the distance....just irritated....I walked fast....and then slow. He crossed me and mumbled..."It's beautiful day." The accent was Arabic....I ignored him.....though I couldn't agree with him more....

In the distance I saw a man throwing a net out to the sea. When I reached the spot where the man was, I shouted whether he had caught anything. He showed me his bucket....there were a few fishes that he had caught. I stood for a while...he threw the net again....and voila! he caught one more fish!


I turned back for home from here. The stalker had caught up with me again....he had witnessed my conversation with the fisherman. As I passed him....he again mumbled something about feeling hungry and wanting to have fish. Loser! I said to myself............and then broke into a jog......

Breakfast at Tiffany's

The weekend has been a marathon of watching various soaps & movies on TV & DVD....in English as well as in Hindi. What stood out of course was Breakfast at Tiffany's with Audrey Hepburn. This is the story of a woman on her own making her way in the big city. It's quirky, funny, serious, sophisticated & entertaining.

We meet Holly Golightly played by Audrey Hepburn driving up in a taxi on New York's 5th Avenue in the early morning hours, dressed to the nines, sipping coffee, nibbling a danish and window shopping at Tiffany's under the opening credits. She looked gorgeous!
When Holly says,

"I don't want to own anything until I find a place where me and things go together. I'm not sure where that is, but I know what it's like. It's like Tiffany's." or "You don't have to worry. I've taken care of myself for a long time."

This could be Moi saying it!

Audrey strumming her guitar and singing on the fire escape...beautiful lyrics....I could identify with...

Moon River, wider than a mile,

I'm crossing you in style some day.
Oh, dream maker, you heart breaker,
wherever you're going I'm going your way.
Two drifters off to see the world.
There's such a lot of world to see.
We're after the same rainbow's end--
waiting 'round the bend,
my huckleberry friend,
Moon River and me.

The ending.........I always love to see a happy ending. The rain drenched Cat and the famous kiss-in-the-rain ending............didn't fail me!

Diwali

It's my weekend..........and today happens to be Diwali, the festival of lights....not that it feels in any way different from my usual day or weekend. I called my Parents. Mom was telling that my sis-in-law was preparing for the puja as well as to light up the diyas/candles in the evening. Yesterday was Laxmi Puja....Laxmi, the Goddess of wealth......don't we all need her to come & bless our homes?!

Now here in a foreign land....all alone.....as I stand on my balcony, in the growing darkness.....far away...in a couple of flats I can see the twinkling lights on the balcony which has been decorated....Hindu families....as they make a vain attempt to celebrate the festival. I can also hear a couple of crackers bursting intermittently and the sound of the rockets whizzing out in the distance.

I remember when I was back in my country......the sound of crackers, rockets & different fireworks would be all around as soon as evening approached. It would be so loud that one had to shout to be heard in the din.....and the street dogs would be howling their lungs out while our dogs would be cowering under the beds or under anything & in between, we would be consoling them saying that it was all ok. Each and every house in the neighborhood would be lighted up either with diyas or candles or with the modern decorative small light bulbs. Personally, I prefer the diyas....it's so very traditional and looks so pretty!

Days before Diwali....everywhere you go, you could feel the festivity in the air all around. Shops tempting you with all kinds of goodies....people buying new clothes, gifts.... Offices too would be enveloped with the Diwali spirit...bonuses are given out this time of the year, so there's more excitement... over and above the Diwali sweets & gift which one gets from the company. There's the traditional puja in the offices...after which the gifts are given....not much work gets done on this day............as people are busy with the puja, greeting each other, exchanging gifts...

My friend just sent me a message, "Wish you a very happy diwali." I wish I was with my friend....watching the lit sky from the balcony together......

Culture Shock - Q8

Going through my papers.....I found this crumpled copy of the "transformation" which a friend had passed on to me......when I was pretty much new to the country here. One lands in this part of the world....all innocent, brimming to start a new life here.....only to undergo.....in the days.....weeks....months....years to come....a major transformation....that would transform one to the local inhabitant.........the camel!

You arrive at the Airport...all innocent. Convinced, you could/would make a difference here!
1 week - The whole process of sorting out your papers/documents...id cards...seems to be taking for ever. Everywhere you go, it takes forever and asking when it would be done seems to be pointless as the only answer you get is "Inshallah". You're so doubtful.
2 weeks - By now you get suspicious as to whether work ever gets done here!
1 month - The whole system.....hmmmm.....you seem to be skeptical of everything.
6 weeks - By now, you're astonished that the country is even running!
2 months - By this time, you have been left a nervous wreck. Your nails have all been chewed and you have pulled out a couple of your hair from your head!
3 months - Things seem to be looking quite hopeless but you can't do much about it.
6 months - You are disappointed that things are not turning out the way you visualized.
9 months - You are in a shock! What or who in heavens name made you decide to come here?!
1 year - Frustrations sets in and you don't know what to do. Anything & everything you do or want to do takes its own time.
2 years - By now you are really disturbed. You need to be treated!
4 years - You are nearly there......becoming like a local! You are now pretty stupid!
6 years - Now that you're stupid, you are oblivious of what's going in the world! You are an idiot!
8 years - Your metamorphosis to the local inhabitant, the camel.... is nearly complete! You are totally lost!
10 years - Congratulations! You are now fully converted!
20 years - You are a full fledge camel!

I have now been here for 5 long years. Am I now stupid? Have I changed? If you can't change them, join them, it is. If I need to get something done....done on time or done quickly, I need to have "waasta" which means connection in Arabic. Yes! "waasta" is very important here! Without "waasta" it's difficult but with "waasta" things gets done quicker & is much easier! So far so good! Inshallah!

Facebook Craze

Facebook.....is this a craze thats going to last?.....only time will tell. My networking till very recently has been limited to a couple of mails or IMing once in a while....again to a couple of friends. Once in a gathering...someone asked me whether I was in orkut..........to be frank...until then I hadn't even heard about this word orkut leave alone be in it! I went home and looked it up....where else but on the net! Everyone seems to be there....all leaving messages for everyone else to see....photographs...testimonials?....whatever...so juvenile I found....not for me.

Then came a message in my mailbox.......someone had added my name as 'friend' in Facebook. For a week or so I ignored it......didn't have the time nor was I so into the net thing....but then I accepted. I could now see her photographs that she's posted there...know what she's upto, etc. For a long time it's been limited to me seeing my friend's photos and seeing her & her friends poking, gifting, throwing punches, graffiti .....and whatever games they would be playing.

Then another girl that I knew added my name....an orkut person who now took to Facebook with such an enthusiasm.........adding friends I guess was like chalking up one's Totem Pole! Then another message saying someone, with an unfamiliar name had added my name as a 'friend'. I didn't know who it was but soon discovered it was a friend that I knew...who was using a pseudonym! To touch base again, this was wonderful! Then I discovered a couple of more friends from the past...from my College days...my junior. A colleague adds me in, 'friend'....which came as a surprise....for some reason. It now hit me that I could be so easily discovered....I feel a bit apprehensive. Just yesterday, another friend who lost touch for a while, added my name to his list! I'm now elated...at being discovered! Everyone seems to be on it.........everyone seems to be doing it.

Facebook.........true to its name, people are baring it all.... there are loads of applications which you can add and take various tests...compatibility, your likes & dislikes, your knowledge on particular topics, quizzes, etc...for all to see. You could send various kinds of wall posters, videos all in the name of fun? Write on the walls for all to see.

I frankly don't have the time to take all the tests that I am invited to nor participate in any other activities which is ongoing....throw a pie, poke, hug.... Personally, I still prefer sending one on one emails. Getting connected with friends with whom we lost touched is the only best thing that has happened for me through Facebook....other than that....I have very little to do here or think very little of it!....but, to be in Facebook is like being so "Cool"?!

Red Bull Challenge

The weather was lovely....not hot at all......with cool breeze blowing. As promised....to myself and to my friend....I went for a walk down by the seaside. The seaside was crowded...really crowded. Some were there to see........and some, to be seen....down by the sea....in full war paint & high heels!!

Red Bull was having a DIY Flying Contraption Challenge....something like that. Participants were to fly off the ramp which was especially built for this....but it was more like jumping off the ramp! Splash!!

I weaved through the crowd....a friend & her brother was there with me...they followed....and in no time we were out in the front....on the shore. I rolled up my jeans....kicked off my sneakers...and waded in the water......to enjoy a clearer view! The ramp was too far...the Participants were just a speck....the cacophony coming over the mike was in a language which I have not been able to grasp...in spite of my having been here in the country for 5 long years. There was the beating of drums & some sword wielding men came on the ramp & did a war or is it a victory dance?.....whatever. The first participant was ushered onto the ramp....he in his contraption stood near the edge of the ramp...and before we knew.......splash...it was over....and he was rescued by some men in speed boats below! Some more waiting....some more dancing...and the next....and the next...and the next....


I enjoyed the sun, the sand & the sea...............more than the dud Red Bull event!

The lure of a SALE!

The mail came.....announcing a special offer.......it was for toiletries/cosmetics.

Staff Sale

upto 80% OFF

I read and trashed it immediately. I did not have any intention of even going for a dekko. I have enough cosmetics......I need to use those first....I told myself. Moreover, not a brand that I would particularly go for.

Colleagues were going for the Sale....they asked me if I was coming....I said, "Carry on....not interested...have work to finish". Whosoever went.........none came back without a carrier bag.....all filled with goodies...at such tempting prices! The day wore on.....another colleague asked if I cared to go and have a look at the Sale. I needed a break.....stretch my legs a bit.....the walk to the Training Center where the Sale was, would do me good....I told myself.

I went.....I saw..........and I bought! I bought what I saw.........but what I saw.... was very little! I am glad I practiced...."Self Restrain"!

Spoilt Rotten

A couple of days back....I overheard....one colleague saying to another......in passing......."You're spoilt rotten!"

I thought to myself..........how wonderful it must be.....to be spoilt........and that too, spoilt rotten! I wish someone would spoil me.....just once! Being the eldest of my siblings......I have always been told...."You're Big....he's Small" referring to my brother/s. Even when I was small, I was suppose to be Big. I guess I was literally a Little Woman. I don't think my Parents spoilt any one of us....but methinks my youngest brother was mollycoddled a wee bit as a baby!

I left home......to go to to College.....and make my mark in this world....and now years later as I walked back to my work desk......I couldn't help being a wee bit....tinged with sadness.... that I know no one.....who wanted to spoil me......leave alone spoil me rotten..... even if it is..... just once!

My little adventure

I was minding my own business...........when on a dark and stormy night, Her Imperial Majesty Lauren the Purple of Praze-an-Beeble made me board my camel in search of My Very Own Peculiar Aristocratic Title. The journey took me to Greater Internetshire where Lady Fortune the Absurd presented my very own eccentric British aristocratic title!

The effort at the end of it all was pretty rewarding.........as I am mighty pleased with my Title! Yes! Ceaseless I am!

My Peculiar Aristocratic Title is: Imperial Majesty Mary the Ceaseless of Old Tonbridge Wafers

The Title Bestowing Ceremony was followed by High Tea which came with a Fortune Cookie. I snapped mine open to read the ancient wisdom of the Fortune Cookie.....Oh! How true this is!

My Fortune Cookie told me: You are only young once, but you can stay immature indefinitely.

"Karwa Chauth"

Today is "Karwa Chauth"...a day when Hindu married ladies from the North part of the country, fast from dawn till she sees the moon at night. I wouldn't have known..........unless I hadn't spoken to this colleague of mine whose hands were decorated with "mehndi"..........henna for all ye non urdu/hindi speakers!

My country is so vast.....and even though the majority are Hindus...the customs & the rituals & even the Gods & Goddesses that are worshiped are so different from one region to the other....from one state to the other. Hindus believe in one God....they believe One in many and many in One......if you know what I mean!

First the meaning of "Karwa Chauth"........chauth means the fourth day after the new moon and nine days later we will have "Diwali". Now this would be another post! So let me come back to where I digressed! Karwa is a clay pot with a spout which symbolizes peace & prosperity.

The ritual begins before sunrise and ends only after seeing the moon. No food or water is taken during this time. The ladies pray for their husbands longevity, well being and prosperity. At night after the sighting of the moon, that too through a sieve.... amidst prayers & offering of water and then seeing their husbands face, the fast is broken. Thanks to the many Bollywood movies that I have seen, I do know the elaborate arrangements which they make to make sure that it's their husband's face they see and not anyone else right after they have seen the moon......even if they have to close their eyes and walk back to the house where he would be .....waiting to be worshiped!

Post Technology............if the husband is far away...fast would be broken after seeing his photograph....or after a phone call and hearing his voice! Some unmarried girls even have started keeping this fast for their boyfriends or fiancés!

For all their effort.......prayers and all....the wives are showered with lavish gifts!

"The Power Of Your Subconscious Mind"

I happened to bump into an ex-colleague.........this afternoon. She had moved on....got a new job outside the company. We caught up on where we are now and how work & life was.....in general. It was the common complaint in our box......the non-recognition of our work....the non-existent yearly increment.... If things were to change, she said that I needed to be mentally positive and to actually believe that it was going to happen. I asked her what this was all about? Which school of thought? The Art of Living? The Art of Positive Thinking?

My ex-colleague said that she was reading, "The Power Of Your Subconscious Mind" by Dr.Murphy and she truly believes in it. She asked me to try it out. We were meeting after more than a year only now when we are staying in the same locality......there has to be a reason she believes.....maybe the reason is that she needed to pass on this power of the subconscious mind to me. I promised her I would.....I have nothing to lose. I found this free ebook on the net and I plan to read it.

Dr Murphy's principle: "if you believe in something without reservation and picture it in your mind, you remove the subconscious obstacles that prevent you from achieving that end result, and your belief becomes a reality."

Man from Mars

I am just getting to know this person from Mars. Technically speaking I have known him for a while as I was introduced 5-6 years back. Different cities....but having worked for the same company......there was the inevitable office meet.

Both of us left the Company.......went our separate ways.....and then out of the blue.....he saw me......and got in touch with me. We have been writing ever since. I am just discovering his choice of books, music....views on religion and on the world as such. He's got such a wry sense of humour and I happen to love it!

There are some people whose writings makes you laugh.........he is one of them! I love to read what he has to say.... on anything and everything!

He writes - "fear me not earthlings coz i come in peace....to take urs away!"

Hmmmm.....my peace is beginning to disappear.......and I am not complaining!

Fatayer for Breakfast

Thursdays........the NEXT Brand Team...........have continued their old ritual of having Breakfast in the office. Most of the other Brands stopped when we moved into the new Office Area.

Today, I decided to join NEXT and they were very welcoming! Yes, I am not in NEXT. The menu was Arabic and we all ordered "Fatayer" which is an Arabic Pie.

Below are some of the most popular "Fatayers". Different people make it with additional other ingredients which makes it different from one restaurant to the other.

# Lahme Fatayer - This is a mince meat pie. Some make it with tomato, onions and exotic spices.

# Zaatar Fatayer - This pie is topped with zaatar spice from where it takes it's name with a dash of olive oil. (Zaatar is a mixture of spices popular in the Middle East. Traditionally it is a combination of dried thyme, toasted white sesame seeds and salt.)

# Sabanikh Fatayer - This is a spinach pie. Some would make it with lemon juice & spices while others would make it with tomato, onions, mint & olive oil.

# Jiben Fatayer - Cheese pie. This could be plain cheese pie or with a pinch of zaatar and topped with sesame seeds. Feta cheese is mostly used.

My favourite always has been the Cheese Fatayer. However, I tried a different Fatayer today which was strongly recommended by some of the NEXT Team. This was the Baida Jiben Tomatum Fatayer which was Eggs, Cheese & Tomato Fatayer! It was delicious and really filling! Needless to say, I skipped my lunch!

Baida Jiben Tomatum Fatayer

Enjoy the moment!

"Now, was the future, moments ago...the next moment will be the past in the blink of an eye...Drats!!"

The above, is what I got to read this evening when I opened my Personal Mail Box in the Cyber-World. A friend had written...... ending a "normal" email discussing the books read and their genres........with such philosophical words. My friend's thoughts tinges on Pessimism..........need to veer towards being an Optimistic!

My reply to the end - "Do not fret that NOW will soon be the PAST. Enjoy the moment!"

What's in a pea?

I just read an article on my favourite vegetable “Peas” and wanted to share the facts about this legume.......you’d be a pea-brain to miss out!

1. If it is an energy boost that we are looking then peas is the solution. They combat fatigue by providing nutrients that matabolise carbohydrates, proteins & lipids which produce energy.

2. Peas help in building strong bones by providing with vitamin K1, vitamin B6 & folic acid.

3. If you have to choose between canned or frozen, go for the frozen as they are lower in sodium and therefore healthier.

4. Being a rich source of soluble fibre, peas reduce the body’s blood cholesterol level. The folic acid also promotes cardiovascular health. It’s the heart’s best friend.

5. Despite it’s name the sweet pea plant (Flowers are simply gorgeous) are poisonous!

6. Peas are believed to have originated in the Middle East....5000 years ago!

7. Through the years, this legume has undergone quite a few of name change. Originally pisum in Latin, it became pise in Anglo Saxon and then pease in English. Thinking pease was the plural form, people started referring as pea and then the name stuck.

8. Think you know how to eat peas? Traditional etiquette says that the ‘correct’ way to eat peas is to spear a few on the pongs of your fork then scoop up more on the fork.

9. Want to shed some weight? Think peas! They contain twice as much protein as most vegetables but are less fatty than other protein rich foods. One cup of peas only contains 0.58g of fat, 116 calories & no cholesterol.

10. As a rich source of vitamin C, peas strengthen the body’s immune system & help ward off all types of cancer.

I love peas.......I am the undisputed “Matar Wali”! (Peas in hindi is “Matar” & “wali” a person). Below is a list of some of my favourite Indian dishes containing what else.........Peas & more peas! There are many different ways to cook these Indian dishes but the below is what yours truly with no inclination towards elaborate cooking and with no training still manages to rustle up to satisfy my taste buds! Its easy-peasy!

Matar Pulao (Rice with Peas) – Very easy to make with Basmati Rice and peas. All it takes is a bit of oil & some spices to bring out the aroma in the rice pot. Add the peas, sauté it with some onions, add the rice, water , put the lid and voila! Another variation in case the rice is cooked already. Just toss the cooked rice into the sautéed peas & onions!

Aloo Matar ( Potatoes & Peas) – In a wok heat some oil & stir in chopped onions, ginger garlic paste & bay leaves. When onions turn brown, mix the potatoes & peas. After a while stir in tomato puree, garam masala (Indian spices), salt to taste & chilli powder if you like it hot! Cook till done.

Matar Gobi ( Peas with cauliflower) - Heat oil & sauté onions till brown. Add ginger garlic paste, green chilli, red chilli & sauté for a while. Add chopped tomato & coriander leaves. Cool this and puree all adding some yoghurt. Put it back on the wok, add water, peas & the cauliflower and cook till done. Garnish with chopped coriander and enjoy!

Matar Mushroom – In a wok take some oil, throw in a bit of cumin seeds, add chopped onions, ginger-garlic paste, green chilli paste and sauté. Then stir in the peas. When half cooked add the chopped or sliced mushrooms, salt to taste, black pepper & a bit to lemon juice for that zing. Cover the pot for few minutes & cook till water evaporates.

Matar Paratha ( Indian Bread stuffed with peas) – Knead the dough with salt & chiili powder. Roll it to whatever shape you want it to be...usually it would be round...and place some cooked peas (Toss ginger & green chillies in a wok with little oil and add in the peas) in the middle. Bring the outer edges together as to close the filling and then roll it again flat so that the stuffing is now in between. On a pre-heated tawa (flat pan), smear a bit of butter, put the paratha and shallow fry over low heat. Turn the other side, put more butter and cook till golden brown. It’s simply divine! Eat it with yogurt (curd) or with pickle!

My favourite......OK.... one of my favourite snack that I love is....? Make a wild guess!