tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59016578604997532024-03-19T01:52:40.630-07:00It's on my mind...Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18016125244022531247noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5901657860499753.post-27961717230824704822013-02-16T09:40:00.002-08:002019-10-18T18:59:24.845-07:00Trying to make sense<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
In troubled times, the human mind seeks reason to deal with all the nonsense. We desperately try to unscramble events to find logic.<br />
<br />
My grandfather has been in the hospital for two months. Most of which has been spent in the I.C.U. He has been terminally sick for 3 years now.<br />
<br />
I remember him as a giant of a man. Not so much because he was over 6 feet tall, but mostly because of his personality. In my eyes, he stood for all that is just and fair. His actions, thoughts, and words always reflected a thoughtful, sharp mind. Never one to raise his voice or use harsh words, he was the one we all depended on for strength, courage and wisdom.<br />
<br />
I imagined that when ever the time came for him to meet his maker, it would be dignified, painless and peaceful. But life has proved it to be otherwise. He has been struggling in the I.C.U for a big chunk of the last two months. Reduced to not even a shadow of the man I knew him to be.<br />
<br />
Every one is shocked at the senseless void and pain he has been existing in. All are wondering how could a man like him, who sacrificed everything for his family, be destined for such a painful end. There seems no sense in all of this. And yesterday, unable to find meaning, I assured myself that it was the price his soul had to pay in order to achieve moksha. And somehow, it all makes me feel a bit more at peace.<br />
<br />
Such is the human mind :(<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18016125244022531247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5901657860499753.post-82773623500779060392012-12-21T13:27:00.003-08:002012-12-21T13:30:09.366-08:00Crime in the Capital :(<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">Open your eyes and wake up India</span><br />
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Open your ears and hear the cries.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Let the anguish freely course through your vein</span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">as you watch gentle decency being slowly slain.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Find the courage to finally face,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">human actions so terribly base.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Open your eyes and wake up India</span><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Open your ears and hear the cries.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">And when you do,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">I hope that you are flushed with red so dangerously deep, </span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">you extinguish every flicker of forgiveness that might silently leap.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">I hope that your every fiber burns indignant with humiliation,</span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">that you no more refuse to stand for such abomination.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.727272033691406px;">
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Open your eyes and wake up India</span><br />
<div>
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;">Open your ears and hear the cries.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: #b6d7a8;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18016125244022531247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5901657860499753.post-13692706098844734422012-08-05T13:32:00.002-07:002012-08-05T13:34:58.133-07:00Book Corner<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b><i>A</i></b> is now a toddler full of love for books. Here are some that she can't get enough off:<br />
<br />
1) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/I-Love-You-Stinky-Face/dp/0439634695/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344197655&sr=8-1&keywords=i+love+you+stinky+face+board+book">I love you Stinky Face</a> : This book is illustrated by Cyd Moore, whose work we really enjoy. And the story is wonderful, too.<br />
<br />
2) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Ella-Sarah-Dressed-Margaret-Chodos-Irvine/dp/0152164138/ref=la_B001IQWIF0_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1344197779&sr=1-1">Ella Sarah Gets Dressed</a> & <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Best-Friends-Margaret-Chodos-Irvine/dp/0152056947/ref=la_B001IQWIF0_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1344197911&sr=1-2">Best Best Friends</a> : These two books tell a well-written story, and both of them have female protagonists. <b><i>A</i></b> seems to identify with the girls in the story and hence enjoys hearing about them again and again.<br />
<br />
3) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Oh-No-George-Chris-Haughton/dp/0763655465/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344197975&sr=1-1&keywords=oh+no+george+haughton">Oh no, George</a>: This is a fun read about a naughty dog who tries his level best to stay out of trouble. Perfect for a pre-afternoon nap.<br />
<br />
4) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/You-Give-Mouse-Cookie-Give/dp/0060245867">If you give a mouse a cookie</a>: An awesome collection of stories; funny and fun.<br />
<br />
5) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Monkey-Me-Emily-Gravett/dp/1416954570/ref=la_B001JS1FQA_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1344198249&sr=1-3">Monkey and Me</a>: We have spent many evenings enjoying this book.<br />
<br />
6) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Higher-Leslie-Patricelli/dp/0763632414/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344198502&sr=1-1&keywords=higher+and+higher">Higher and higher</a>: Another book with a female protagonist. <b><i>A</i></b> has been reading this book since last year and it's still going strong.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18016125244022531247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5901657860499753.post-66653896960477177312012-06-07T19:40:00.001-07:002012-06-07T19:42:24.375-07:00New Road, Old Memories<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU69vrtXpobrXno7QZJnB76VMna1qRT4uTDdoXItR6hatqYUUjr-gVfS7mmLJP9EL_h3aRmx-OCAWeoMDz5NNVvtWgEELV8BUPPPWnX3unBjiag-ZTRuuNyZ-zBVQDdyUv8nWOUisJWC4/s1600-h/nai+sarak.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5252123047637104018" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU69vrtXpobrXno7QZJnB76VMna1qRT4uTDdoXItR6hatqYUUjr-gVfS7mmLJP9EL_h3aRmx-OCAWeoMDz5NNVvtWgEELV8BUPPPWnX3unBjiag-ZTRuuNyZ-zBVQDdyUv8nWOUisJWC4/s320/nai+sarak.jpg" style="cursor: pointer; float: right; margin: 0px 0px 10px 10px;" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Bicycles carelessly careening down narrow </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">gallis</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">, small cars bullying their way thru the already over flowing streets, and then pedestrians, human or otherwise, snuggling in what ever space left.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Forehead strained with a frown, dripping with sweat and skin aching to get rid of humidity stuck like velcro. Back itching with rash and olfactory senses enticed and offended.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">Destination, Nai Sarak, is nothing but a vague memory from my childhood. Flashes of my chubby legs trying to skip over the trash, </span></span><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">nallis</span></span></i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"> and muddy puddles, trying to hold on to my grandfather's strong fingers, running to keep up with him. And of course, the smell.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">It still wafts in the air. Try catching and catagorizing it. The humid air drenched in the pungent oil, sizziling with batter. The stench of the stagnant water, holding still with it all that lived once. Cloth bags holding onto colorful spices that tingle your nose with every hint of a breeze. Trash piling high against gnarled walls.</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #333333;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande';">This ancient city, holding her head high, adorned by the blushing red Jama Masjid and its tall white minarets. The booming bursting world of commerce enconsed within her.</span></span></span></div>
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</div>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18016125244022531247noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5901657860499753.post-39696824960002534052012-02-29T08:37:00.002-08:002019-10-18T19:04:46.119-07:00My soul city<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
What, you ask, is the real reason<br />
to love Boston in every season?<br />
<br />
I have seen a few, but not all <br />
and many a skylines have had a close call.<br />
It is not trusty ignorance who urges my blush,<br />
nor unchanging habit who causes the rush.<br />
<br />
Nay, dear reader, it is much much more<br />
the sights and the sounds that touch my core.<br />
<br />
You think to your self you will escape the trap<br />
And, I promise, a year will turn you to sap.<br />
<br />
Let's start with snow piled high on the ground,<br />
like crushed diamonds sprinkled all around.<br />
Bare trees all decked up just for you,<br />
like a million little stars blinking on cue.<br />
<br />
Soon tiny spring will slowly saunter in<br />
while we patiently wait on needles and pin<br />
Generously it will carry with it<br />
abundance of tulips if weather permits.<br />
<br />
And then the real pearl the oyster unfolds<br />
as sunshine sprinkles over the crafty cold.<br />
The gardens are lush and brimming with laughter<br />
so many squirrels and ducks to run after.<br />
<br />
And I promise you another thing<br />
something spectacular <br />
that will make your heart sing.<br />
<br />
Cross the bridge on any day<br />
and silently watch <br />
your worries drift away.<br />
<br />
Every traveler who has been over<br />
has turned their head<br />
to a stunning sight forever.<br />
<br />
It isn't just Charles that holds your attention,<br />
The chic Boston buildings too need a mention<br />
And with them, the arty campus of MIT<br />
is as much part of the beauty you see.<br />
<br />
The arrogance of Charles is deserved<br />
as it plays it role with such reserve.<br />
On one bank lie the Hancock & the Pru<br />
while the other boasts of MIT crew.<br />
<br />
So dear reader, I am well aware<br />
about Boston you may not really care.<br />
You think to your self you will escape the trap<br />
And, I promise, a year will turn you to sap.</div>
Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18016125244022531247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5901657860499753.post-31980172391629211242012-01-20T12:25:00.000-08:002012-01-20T12:27:34.652-08:00There ain't no princess hereI have recently started thinking that perhaps, just perhaps, we are fighting a loosing battle. <br />
<br />
We, G & I, have always maintained a gender neutral environment at home. Which means, that neither of us uses the gender card to either get out of responsibilities or to assert our rights. We both are opinionated and yet never chauvinistic about it. <br />
<br />
And this extends to little <i>A</i>, too. We haven't gone the route these <a href="http://www.parentcentral.ca/parent/babiespregnancy/babies/article/995112--parents-keep-child-s-gender-secret">parents</a> have, but rather strived to make it happen in simpler ways. Such as our expectations from her, her books and her toys. <br />
<br />
For those who have read my previous posts, know how much 'pink' bothered me. So, now imagine our discomfort when the darn princess shows up every where. And I mean everywhere. <br />
<br />
Try shopping for a 2-yr old and you will be surprised by all the products that come in the princess theme. Right from the gauzy pink dresses to plates and spoons, from bibs to sticker books, and from story books to toys. It is exhausting sieving and sifting for non-princessy items. <br />
<br />
If that wasn't enough, her daycare provider has a bag full of princess gear for 'dress-up.' And then there are strangers who think it perfectly normal to playfully let <i>A</i> know that she is "pretty as a princess."<br />
<br />
So, for parents like us, where do we draw a line and, most importantly, how?Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18016125244022531247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5901657860499753.post-73331324668828711172012-01-04T08:36:00.000-08:002012-01-27T10:25:48.940-08:00To being happy and appreciative!Keeping up the tradition from last year and the year before, started 2012 with no resolutions. <br />
So, looking forward to a pressure and guilt free year :)<br />
<br />
All I hope is that I focus on all that is well in my life, find some time to write and appreciate all things beautiful. For now that seems enough.<br />
<br />
Talking about all things beautiful, here are a few goodies I recently stumbled upon and they made me happy. <br />
<br />
<br />
1) What better way to teach kids gardening than in this fabulous play house. Check it out <a href="http://www.modern-playhouse.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=&products_id=198">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxogxrS-iwWmgyGV7aOtzz7B5gQl8FfHG0IQ2anxH-cXHKzcQYkr9oQaIyi5qFryK6WY0kPdkZpUMt0FbqQ2DalfvcnqYlspCH6cJ7_eCsFXW6wlkKBLxH8vpe62xxCZYVXz5LHYET2ws/s1600/palyhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="266" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxogxrS-iwWmgyGV7aOtzz7B5gQl8FfHG0IQ2anxH-cXHKzcQYkr9oQaIyi5qFryK6WY0kPdkZpUMt0FbqQ2DalfvcnqYlspCH6cJ7_eCsFXW6wlkKBLxH8vpe62xxCZYVXz5LHYET2ws/s320/palyhouse.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
2) Stumbled upon this sweet world of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/LoxlyHollow?ref=top_trail">Loxly Hollow</a> on Etsy and boy, am I drooling!<br />
<br />
This one just seems perfect for <i>A<b></b></i>'s bath time fun!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXjZ9ETn-y7AsQ7sRT7tbMbIJMGPShf_evubokzPsko-HcfB9cKzhkLs7yMy0AQgh-NLd1Ivv00UC30YdZyuNZhYv-TMt6k1uRUCe16AO3kDdUMHtRk3b7uGlwPtdRxiWGHsHNmQgfUI/s1600/bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="308" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXXjZ9ETn-y7AsQ7sRT7tbMbIJMGPShf_evubokzPsko-HcfB9cKzhkLs7yMy0AQgh-NLd1Ivv00UC30YdZyuNZhYv-TMt6k1uRUCe16AO3kDdUMHtRk3b7uGlwPtdRxiWGHsHNmQgfUI/s320/bath.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<br />
3) Serious love for this beauty! Would love to own this unique piece of art. <br />
Saw this on Annie Howden's blog<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/annieteacher/6070275833/in/photostream/">Oh Honestly! </a>.<br />
It has my mind racing and am filled with a number of ideas that I could pull off. It seems so doable and lovely that I might just give it a shot some day soon. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
4) Another thing of joy for me in the past couple of days has been this random image that <b>G<i></i></b> sent. I have looked at it a hundred times at least and every time it makes me smile. It reminds me so much of little <i>A<b></b></i>. <br />
Enjoy!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPlsnbgfxbWA-il0ZpE__jUOFl0Vw3OEGWH7XkKm682sQaHqwsHLu6IkIrRSBZktbgwiEmnHWqZ1yyd5ZJBmaT54w4VSTYiutZhIoaumBO9ongDju7kgJARy6PD35a1MFybpbTwQ2qZ8/s1600/babylionhug.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVPlsnbgfxbWA-il0ZpE__jUOFl0Vw3OEGWH7XkKm682sQaHqwsHLu6IkIrRSBZktbgwiEmnHWqZ1yyd5ZJBmaT54w4VSTYiutZhIoaumBO9ongDju7kgJARy6PD35a1MFybpbTwQ2qZ8/s320/babylionhug.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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Anything you have seen or read that made you happy and smile?Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18016125244022531247noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5901657860499753.post-86172316560731829682011-08-19T08:05:00.000-07:002011-08-19T08:05:20.550-07:00Iron Chef at homeAfter picking up G from the T, we made a quick stop at the grocery store to pick up wonton wrappers and avacado. Standing at the produce aisle, G challenged me to an Iron Chef showdown with wonton wrappers being the chosen ingredient.<br />
<br />
And in 5 minutes we had our competitive gear on!! We shopped for the ingredients we needed to complete our tasks and we rushed home. The kitchen turned into a battlefield; G & I elbowing each other and trying to complete our tasks with A jostling for our attention.<br />
<br />
It took us not more than 30 minutes to get our respective dishes on the table. <br />
G made delicious ginger chicken momos and I made a mango avacado salad with chili shrimp served on crispy wontons.<br />
<br />
After ages we had such a blast in the kitchen and on the dining table. Wish we had taken a moment to snap a few pics of the masterpieces we had concocted. Hopefully, there will be another time soon. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18016125244022531247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5901657860499753.post-5210857881911931092011-08-15T09:46:00.000-07:002011-08-15T09:47:49.596-07:00A home for books<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">As most condo-parents, we have been struggling with storage for a while. Trying to get from point A to point B in our condo usually involves some tripping and skipping over our and <b><i>A</i></b>s stuff. While most of the stuff we consider fine to trip and skip over, <i><b>A</b></i>s books not so much. <br />
<br />
We tried putting <b><i>A</i></b>s books in our bookshelf, and in a few book bins, but neither worked for us. And nor have we invested in a separate bookcase due to lack of space. <br />
<br />
To find a suitable home for her precious books, we spent this weekend brainstorming. We were looking for a storage solution that was:<br />
<br />
1) easily accessible for <b><i>A</i></b>: she should be able to reach and easily pull-out the books of her choice.<br />
2) suitable for both her room and the kitchen.<br />
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As we researched a bit, we stumbled upon this wonderful blog, <a href="http://domesticsimplicity.com/2010/12/30/quick-easy-childrens-book-storage/"target="_blank">Domesticsimplicity.com</a>.<br />
In her blog, Lillian used IKEA spice racks [$3.99 each :)] as book shelves. These were just what we were looking for!<br />
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A not-so-quick trip to IKEA and we were all set. Not only did we score these functional racks for <b><i>A</i></b>s books, we also got her this <a href="http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/50021076"target="_blank">easel</a>. And this is how we set up the area in front of the kitchen.<br />
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So far we have put up only 2 racks and each of these racks hold around 10 medium sized books. As for the easel, since it has a white board that <b><i>A</i></b> won't be using anytime soon, G folded it and turned it upside down. And secured it to the wall.<br />
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Now <b><i>A</i></b>s books have the perfect home with a perfect location :)<br />
Have you ever come across a nifty idea and used it in your home?<br />
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</div>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18016125244022531247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5901657860499753.post-23706055210374628252011-08-10T11:21:00.000-07:002011-08-15T10:56:36.035-07:00Book Corner<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Trying to organize <i>A<b></b></i>s books & toys requires a skill set of its own :)<br />
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And as I was trying to get all her stuff fit into the toy chest, I realized there have been some toys n books that she and I have just loved to tatters. So, here is a list of books that we couldn't live without:<br />
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1) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mirror-Baby-Einstein-Julie-Aigner-Clark/dp/0439973279/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1312999803&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Mirror Me (Baby Einstein)</a>: G & I picked up this book on our first trip to Babies'r'us :) when <b>A<i></i></b> was not even born. We, and by we I mean the three of us, have loved this book since her early days.<br />
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2) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Touch-Feel-Quack/dp/B0051BNSUC/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1313000146&sr=1-1" target="_blank">Quack, Quack</a>: As <b>A<i></i></b> grew and started getting more interactive, she couldn't get enough of this one. And once in a while, she still opens it up.<br />
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3) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Daddy-Hugs-Classic-Board-Book/dp/1416941207/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1313000314&sr=1-5" target="_blank">Daddy Hugs</a> & <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Counting-Kisses-Kiss-Read-Book/dp/068985658X/ref=sr_1_16?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1313000371&sr=1-16" target="_blank">Counting Kisses</a> (Karen Katz) : These two are <b>A<i></i></b>s most favs right now. G & <b>A<i></i></b> read these every night before bedtime. And every night they make her giggle n smile.<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4) <span class="Apple-style-span";"><a href="http://www.toysrus.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2957533" target="_blank">Old Macdonald A Hand-Puppet Board Book</a>: This is a board book with a hand puppet, and what could be better for a 6 month old. We have used this book extensively while traveling n it worked wonders every time.</span></span><br />
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These are a few for now. Do you have a fav childhood book you still enjoy?</div>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18016125244022531247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5901657860499753.post-6669454154800441322011-08-07T11:02:00.000-07:002011-08-10T19:27:48.433-07:00Not so pretty PINK!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Being a mommie of a daughter has always been a dream. I knew way back when i was quite young that I was going to have a daughter. Don't ask me how or why.<br />
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Since A was born I have had the most wonderful journey of my life. It has been incredible and scary all at once. Incredible because of so many reasons. And scary because I really, really, from the bottom of my heart, want her to grow up to be a healthy, confident and strong woman. And you might think that it wouldn't be that hard to raise her to be such.<br />
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But as I look around myself, I see such negative 'pinkified' consumerism that I am appalled. The princess culture has left me a bit apprehensive, to say the least.<br />
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And what better way to equip myself than start reading up. I started with <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cinderella-Ate-Daughter-Dispatches-Girlie-Girl/dp/0061711527/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312998938&sr=8-1"target="_blank">Cinderella ate my daughter</a> by Peggy Orenstein. First, I realize there are many other moms out there who think like me, and it feels good to belong :). Also, that G & I have an up-hill task of making judicious choices in trying to keep the balance between letting A be who she is and helping her better understand the excesses of the princess culture.<br />
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As I was reading the book I realized that it was not the color or the princess that bothered me, it was the relentless marketing, and the adult themes thrust on young minds that have left me uncomfortable.<br />
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To help better understand how media is affecting the way young girls are growing up, I was recommended this book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Packaging-Girlhood-Rescuing-Daughters-Marketers/dp/0312370059/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1312999144&sr=1-1"target="_blank">Packaging Girlhood</a> by Lamb & Brown. I have heard wonderful things about it, so hoping I get to read this one soon. </div>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18016125244022531247noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5901657860499753.post-17323867581934284112011-06-09T17:13:00.000-07:002011-08-10T19:28:24.601-07:00Fieri curry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">Flipping through channels, I stumbled upon '<u><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/guys-big-bite/a-passage-to-india/index.html"target="_blank">Passage to India</a></u>.' Nah, not the Foster masterpiece; an episode on Food Network. And who would have guessed it..... it's Guy Fieri talking curry!!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAX5-KNqCoov5khj2VdvT7-OeUSiBB8Zt-5xBAdZ-Yond3XDaFKG6bgpB4Gq-BYrqAxIn9IVY-vGXg8vQG7wnyIZe7cIAsQPg0dKhmiIARXrab5sevphdlajcet6XXxlK5W5D348yKUQ/s1600/Spices.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkAX5-KNqCoov5khj2VdvT7-OeUSiBB8Zt-5xBAdZ-Yond3XDaFKG6bgpB4Gq-BYrqAxIn9IVY-vGXg8vQG7wnyIZe7cIAsQPg0dKhmiIARXrab5sevphdlajcet6XXxlK5W5D348yKUQ/s1600/Spices.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I have seen many Food Network stars take on Indian cooking, but Guy jumping the bandwagon took me by surprise. I guess, he is just so 'American' that it was weird seeing him talk about turmeric and garam masalas. Almost to the point that I didn't really trust the food he was cooking. Throughout the show it seemed like he was still new to the cuisine and hence not too comfy with it.<br />
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His cooking got me thinking about how India has permeated lives in this part of the continent and how our food and culture has nudged people to take a closer look at us. And by culture, I don't just mean bindis, namastes and caste-system.<br />
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Unlike earlier, I feel our country is understood a bit more; and not just as a land of wild beasts and "naked skinny people." Our work ethic, expertise and our eccentricities have over time won over the hesitations and colorful stereotypes. More often than not, I meet non-Indians who speak intelligently about our economics, politics and of course our much-beloved bollywood.<br />
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</div><div>But I digress. </div><div>My take on changing face of India - reserved for another blog :)</div><div><br />
</div><div>As you can see, watching Fieri getting his curry on had thrown my neurons in an over drive. It led to this blog and a long discussion with G. But then isn't this what good shows are all about. </div></div>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18016125244022531247noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5901657860499753.post-22278680265936709702011-06-08T14:09:00.000-07:002012-01-20T12:29:22.096-08:00I want, not need.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">I have been wanting a few things of late. And wanting them pretty bad.<br />
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So, here is my list:<br />
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1) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0152005722/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=desmom-20&linkCode=as2&camp=217153&creative=399349&creativeASIN=0152005722"target="_blank">Possum Magic</a>: a book by Mem Fox. I have heard so much about it that I keep wishing <i>A</i> would grow up fast so I could read this to her. I want to buy the whole collection once she is ready. Right now it would probably meet the fate of other thin paper-paged ones.<br />
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2) <a href="http://www.harryanddavid.com/gifts/store/item____shop-gifts-by-type_dessert-bakery-gifts_752"target="_blank">Hawaiian Pineapple Macadamia Nut Cake by Harry & David</a>: I swear I could finish this cake by the time you blink. I swear, I kid you not!<br />
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3) Rhapsody Beds by <a href="http://www.cedarworks.com/"target="_blank">Cedar Works</a>: They just magically seem the perfect place to read <a href="http://www.enidblytonsociety.co.uk/faraway-tree.php"target="_blank">this</a>.<br />
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4) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Jogger-Switchback-Trailer-Hybrid/dp/B000PGWQMY/ref=sr_1_1?s=baby-products&ie=UTF8&qid=1307566030&sr=1-1"target="_blank">Bicycle Trailer</a>: Every time I see families commuting like this, I just love it! It's environment-friendly and pretty neat!<br />
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5) Haiku Teaware: Don't ask what I would do with it. I just like it so much, especially this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58693176/alice-in-wonderland-haiku-teacup-1"target="_blank">one</a>.<br />
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And what is it that you want, but may not need ;)<br />
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</div>Shttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18016125244022531247noreply@blogger.com3Boston, MA, USA42.3584308 -71.059773242.2719608 -71.28060219999999 42.4449008 -70.8389442tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5901657860499753.post-6620946916558024172011-06-07T14:32:00.000-07:002011-06-07T14:32:40.420-07:00<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">So, here is a blog that works as a file for all that is on my mind. Lists, both to-do and not-to, opinions and random thoughts.<div><br />
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