I am in a mood to write today. Sometime back, I had written about the harsh and corrupt behaviour of auto rickshaw drivers in Bangalore. You can find the post here.
Well, you know there are lots of good people around. I encountered one such person today morning. The rickshaw driver was polite in asking for an extra 10 Rs(unlike the usual harsh bashing "10 Rs extra kodi madam") as he had to go further 2 kms before finding someone who would hire the rickshaw. I told him that I would give only Rs 5 and as I alighted from the rickshaw and gave him the money, he was so happy.
He gushed with a broad grin "Thank you madam. Have a nice day!"
Wooohhooo, did I hear that right? There were so many days when my mood was down due to their behaviour. But today was different. Hmm....happy happy.
Friday, April 17, 2009
My Most Embarrassing Moments
How many times have you thought "I wish I could just vanish into thin air".
Those mortifying moments when you want to bury your head deep underground like an ostrich.
Embarrassing moments stand out in our memories, don't they? I have been through sticky moments many a time. But there are few of them which stands out etched deep
This happened when I was in school in class 5. The event was Annual School day and I participated in a dance show. Being a dance show, I was all decked up with Lehenga, jewelery and pancakes on my face. Soon after the cultural programs was the prize distribution ceremony. I was to pick up 2 prizes. The names were called out, as my name was announced, I ran near the stage and climbed on the stairs to get near the gentleman who was giving away the prizes. There were around 5-6 important people all seated on the stage. As I walked, I stepped on my Lehenga and tripped and fell flat on the stage. Next what I heard were roars of laughter, cat calls. I got up, did not dare to see anyone, flicked my prize and ran away.
I did not go up to collect my second prize when my name was called.
One more incident also incidentally involves Lehenga. I started working pretty early, when I was around 17 years. Worked as a teaching staff at a computer training institute. Being a private institute, the students were from all ages - 15 to 50. I worked part-time and one evening, my mom insisted that I wear a particular outfit. Her justification was that I was ignoring the dress for quite sometime and I must wear it that day. Any explanation that I was going for my work and that I was a teaching staff worked out. As it was, I was the youngest staff and the students found it absurd to be learning from someone as young as me. I faced lots of ridicule and rejections as their ego did not let them take instructions from a girl who looked like a 5th grader. My mom would not listen, she was stubborn. And guess what? The outfit was the Pattu pavadai and blouse. As it was silk, the cloth was elaborate with golden border and patterns and the colours rich. The picture below is what a Pattu pavadai is.
I wore it to work and I dared not get out of the staff room. Entire staff was glaring at me as if I were a little girl and they even wondered for a moment if they had by mistake hired an under-age! Few students who could get a sneak peek were amused as well. It was so humiliating.
One more incident that left me red-faced was during my college days. We went back to college once the college re-opened for the fifth semester. That was third year of engineering. I and my friend were sitting during a break; outside the class room where the next lecture was going to be held. A young, tall, handsome guy passed by us. We checked him out, commented loud so that he can hear us, laughed away and forgot about it. We thought he might be a 1st year freshmen. After the break, we got into our classroom for the next lecture - File Systems. Here walks in the young, tall, handsome guy. He looked at both of us and we just wanted to sneak under the chairs and vanish! I must add that he was really a good lecturer and was soon liked by all the students.
There are few events which happen most days in your life. I get sort of panicky when I get into malls and the restrooms there have designer taps. They turn all sides but don't release water. I am not sure if there's something wrong with me that I cant understand the elite and complicated design. Turning them all sides, no water. Think the thing does not work and move onto next wash sink and the same happens there. Someone else watching me struggle comes to my rescue. The first thing I did when I checked into a hotel in CA was to check the taps. I panicked that there were no water supply and called the maintenance. I was like "Oh my! They say things in USA is so perfect and the first thing I encounter is a room with no water facility!". The guy came over and checked that everything was fine. I dread to imagine what he would have thought about me. Maybe what a country idiot!
Another classic awkward moment for me was when I used to go shopping with my mom. Ladies are known to bargain. But the way my mom does, and the war of words exchanged with the salesmen, I don't want to be part of the embarrassment anymore and later I chose to stand far away from her so that I would be the first to run out just in case.....
Another disconcerted moment happened recently. We friends from the swimming class decided to lunch together. I and my friend realized that we did not have enough cash with us. I told her not to worry as I carried my debit and credit card and that we can find a ATM and withdraw some money. Unfortunately my debit card was faulting and the card was not being recognized by any ATMs. I thought it was fine as I could use my credit card to withdraw some money. But alas!, I have never used my credit cards to withdraw money anytime earlier and so did not bother to know the PIN number. I somehow consoled my friend saying that we can use the card to pay the bill. At the end of the lunch, each one paid their amount and my friend and me were like....eeeks...it was so abashed. I caught myself and informed that I would pay for me and my friend with the card and so we pass the money and the card for the payment. Remaining amount to be debited from my card. But another friend passed on her card and she paid ours too and later I transferred the money to her account. I should learn to have some hard cash with me henceforth.
There are lots more, but I need to get into damage control mode. Enough of self-humiliation. So what was the most embarrassing moment for you folks?
Those mortifying moments when you want to bury your head deep underground like an ostrich.
Embarrassing moments stand out in our memories, don't they? I have been through sticky moments many a time. But there are few of them which stands out etched deep
This happened when I was in school in class 5. The event was Annual School day and I participated in a dance show. Being a dance show, I was all decked up with Lehenga, jewelery and pancakes on my face. Soon after the cultural programs was the prize distribution ceremony. I was to pick up 2 prizes. The names were called out, as my name was announced, I ran near the stage and climbed on the stairs to get near the gentleman who was giving away the prizes. There were around 5-6 important people all seated on the stage. As I walked, I stepped on my Lehenga and tripped and fell flat on the stage. Next what I heard were roars of laughter, cat calls. I got up, did not dare to see anyone, flicked my prize and ran away.
I did not go up to collect my second prize when my name was called.
One more incident also incidentally involves Lehenga. I started working pretty early, when I was around 17 years. Worked as a teaching staff at a computer training institute. Being a private institute, the students were from all ages - 15 to 50. I worked part-time and one evening, my mom insisted that I wear a particular outfit. Her justification was that I was ignoring the dress for quite sometime and I must wear it that day. Any explanation that I was going for my work and that I was a teaching staff worked out. As it was, I was the youngest staff and the students found it absurd to be learning from someone as young as me. I faced lots of ridicule and rejections as their ego did not let them take instructions from a girl who looked like a 5th grader. My mom would not listen, she was stubborn. And guess what? The outfit was the Pattu pavadai and blouse. As it was silk, the cloth was elaborate with golden border and patterns and the colours rich. The picture below is what a Pattu pavadai is.
I wore it to work and I dared not get out of the staff room. Entire staff was glaring at me as if I were a little girl and they even wondered for a moment if they had by mistake hired an under-age! Few students who could get a sneak peek were amused as well. It was so humiliating.
One more incident that left me red-faced was during my college days. We went back to college once the college re-opened for the fifth semester. That was third year of engineering. I and my friend were sitting during a break; outside the class room where the next lecture was going to be held. A young, tall, handsome guy passed by us. We checked him out, commented loud so that he can hear us, laughed away and forgot about it. We thought he might be a 1st year freshmen. After the break, we got into our classroom for the next lecture - File Systems. Here walks in the young, tall, handsome guy. He looked at both of us and we just wanted to sneak under the chairs and vanish! I must add that he was really a good lecturer and was soon liked by all the students.
There are few events which happen most days in your life. I get sort of panicky when I get into malls and the restrooms there have designer taps. They turn all sides but don't release water. I am not sure if there's something wrong with me that I cant understand the elite and complicated design. Turning them all sides, no water. Think the thing does not work and move onto next wash sink and the same happens there. Someone else watching me struggle comes to my rescue. The first thing I did when I checked into a hotel in CA was to check the taps. I panicked that there were no water supply and called the maintenance. I was like "Oh my! They say things in USA is so perfect and the first thing I encounter is a room with no water facility!". The guy came over and checked that everything was fine. I dread to imagine what he would have thought about me. Maybe what a country idiot!
Another classic awkward moment for me was when I used to go shopping with my mom. Ladies are known to bargain. But the way my mom does, and the war of words exchanged with the salesmen, I don't want to be part of the embarrassment anymore and later I chose to stand far away from her so that I would be the first to run out just in case.....
Another disconcerted moment happened recently. We friends from the swimming class decided to lunch together. I and my friend realized that we did not have enough cash with us. I told her not to worry as I carried my debit and credit card and that we can find a ATM and withdraw some money. Unfortunately my debit card was faulting and the card was not being recognized by any ATMs. I thought it was fine as I could use my credit card to withdraw some money. But alas!, I have never used my credit cards to withdraw money anytime earlier and so did not bother to know the PIN number. I somehow consoled my friend saying that we can use the card to pay the bill. At the end of the lunch, each one paid their amount and my friend and me were like....eeeks...it was so abashed. I caught myself and informed that I would pay for me and my friend with the card and so we pass the money and the card for the payment. Remaining amount to be debited from my card. But another friend passed on her card and she paid ours too and later I transferred the money to her account. I should learn to have some hard cash with me henceforth.
There are lots more, but I need to get into damage control mode. Enough of self-humiliation. So what was the most embarrassing moment for you folks?
Thursday, April 16, 2009
On a lighter note
Few funny stuffs I received as forwards. I thought why not share them if its going to tickle some funny bones. And please note that there's nothing personal and no offense.
A SHORT STORY
Ramya was about to leave office after finishing her work. She got a call from her husband Karthik,
RAMYA: "Hello, yes Karthi".
KARTHIK: "Ramya, can you open my gmail and get a print out of the mail from that US consultant I forgot to take it in my office"
RAMYA: "Yes, I can, I need your password"
KARTHIK: "jeni22091980"
RAMYA: "Ok fine"
She takes the print out and logs out. Some thought struck her mind now.
JENI happens to be his college mate. Hmmm...
She decides not to discuss this with Karthik. She simply opens her mail box and changes the password from "mohan143" to "karthikramya" and leaves for home!
MORAL OF THE STORY: Change your password! NOW!
********************************************************************************
Japanese Prime Minister's English skills
This is a true story from the Japanese Embassy in US!!!
A few years ago, Japanese Prime Minister Mori was given some basic English conversation training before he visits Washington and meets President Bill Clinton...
The instructor told Mori, the Japanese Prime minister, when you shake hand with President Clinton, please say 'how are you'
Then Mr. Clinton should say, 'I am fine, and you...????'
Now, you should say 'me too'. Afterwards the translators, will do the work for you.'
It looks quite simple, but the truth is...
When Mori met Clinton , he mistakenly said
'WHO are you?' (instead of 'HOW are you'?'. )
Mr. Clinton was a bit shocked but still managed to react with humor:
'Well, I'm Hillary's husband, ha-ha...'
Then Mori replied
'Me too, ha-ha..haaaa...'.
Then there was a long silence in the meeting room
********************************************************************************
Tears
A woman awakes during the night to find that her husband was not in bed.
She goes downstairs to look for him.
She finds him sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee in front of him.
He appears to be in deep thought, just staring at the wall.
She watches as he wipes a tear from his eye and takes a sip of his coffee.
"What's the matter, dear?" she whispers as she steps into the room.
"Why are you down here at this time of night?"
The husband looks up from his coffee,
"Do you remember 20 years ago when we were dating, and you were only 18?" he asks solemnly.
"Yes I do" she replies.
The husband pauses; the words were not coming easily.
"Do you remember when your father caught us in the garden?"
"Yes! I remember" said the wife, lowering herself into a chair beside him.
The husband continued.
"Do you remember when he showed the shotgun in my face and said,
'Either you marry my daughter, or I'll send you to jail for 20 years?"
"I remember that too" she replied softly. He wiped another tear from his cheek and said,
"I would have been released today!"
*******************************************************************************
QUOTES
1. Long back, a person who sacrificed his sleep, forgot his family, forgot his food, forgot laughter were called
"Saints"
But now they are called..
"IT professionals"
2. An interesting line written at the back of a Biker's T Shirt:
" If you are able to see this, Please tell me that my girlfriend has fallen off"
3. Most Relationships fail not because of the absence of love..
Love is always present..
Its just that,
One loves too much, and
The other loves too many,
4.Employee: Boss, Now i have got married..! Please increase my salary..!
BOSS: Factory is not responsible for accidents occurring outside the company..!
5. Philosophy of life
At the beginning of married life, every gal treats her husband as GOD,
Later on somehow the alphabets got reversed..!
6. What is a Fear?
Fear is the Deep, Wrenching feeling in your stomach
When pages of your book still smell new
and
Just few hours left for your exams..!
7. Someone has rightly said, "A fool can ask More questions that a wise man cannot answer"
No Wonder why so many of us speechless when lecturers ask question..!
8. Girl: Do you have Cards with sentimental Love quotes?
Shopkeeper: Oh sure...! How about this card, it says "To the only boy I ever loved.!"
Girl: Thats good, Give me 12 of them..!
9. After reading the form filled by an applicant.. The employer said: " WE do have an opening for you..!
Applicant: What is it?
Interviewer: Its called the "door..!"
*******************************************************************************
A man checked into a hotel. There was a computer in his room, so he decided to send an e-mail to his wife. However, he accidentally typed wrong e-mail address, and without realizing his error, he sent the e-mail.
Meanwhile..... somewhere, a widow had just returned home from her husband's funeral. The widow decided to check her e-mail, expecting messages from relatives and friends. After reading the first message, she fainted. The widow's son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and saw the computer screen which read:
To: My Loving Wife
Subject: I've Reached Safely
Date: 21 st July, 2004
I know you're surprised to hear from me. They have computers here now, and we are allowed to send e-mails to our loved ones. I've just reached safely and have been checked in. I see that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then! Hope your journey is as uneventful as mine was .........
*******************************************************************************
A man was sick and tired of going to work every day while his wife stayed home.
He wanted her to see what he went through so he prayed:
'Dear Lord:
I go to work every day and put in 8 hours while my wife merely stays at home.
I want her to know what I go through.
So, please allow her body to switch with mine for a day.
Amen!'
God, in his infinite wisdom, granted the man's wish.
The next morning, sure enough, the man awoke as a woman.
He arose, cooked breakfast for his mate, Awakened the kids, Set out their school clothes, Fed them breakfast,
Packed their lunches, Drove them to school, Came home and picked up the dry cleaning,
Took it to the cleaners And stopped at the bank to make a deposit, Went grocery shopping, Then drove home to put away the groceries,
Paid the bills and balanced the check book.
He cleaned the cat's litter box and bathed the dog. Then, it was already 01P.M.
And he hurried to make the beds, Do the laundry, vacuum, Dust, And sweep and mop the kitchen floor.
Ran to the school to pick up the kids and got into an argument with them on the way home.
Set out milk and cookies and got the kids organized to do their homework.
Then, set up the ironing board and watched TV while he did the ironing.
At 4:30 he began peeling potatoes and washing vegetables for salad, breaded the pork chops and snapped fresh beans for supper.
After supper, He cleaned the kitchen, Ran the dishwasher, Folded laundry, Bathed the kids, And put them to bed.
At 09 P.M .
He was exhausted and, though his daily chores weren't finished, he went to bed where he was expected to make love, which he managed to get through without complaint.
The next morning, he awoke and immediately knelt by the bed and said: -
'Lord, I don't know what I was thinking.
I was so wrong to envy my wife's being able to stay home all day.
Please, oh! Oh! Please, let us trade back.
Amen!'
The Lord, in his infinite wisdom, replied:
'My son, I feel you have learned your lesson and I will be happy to change things back to the way they were.
You'll just have to wait nine months, though.
You got pregnant last night.'
A SHORT STORY
Ramya was about to leave office after finishing her work. She got a call from her husband Karthik,
RAMYA: "Hello, yes Karthi".
KARTHIK: "Ramya, can you open my gmail and get a print out of the mail from that US consultant I forgot to take it in my office"
RAMYA: "Yes, I can, I need your password"
KARTHIK: "jeni22091980"
RAMYA: "Ok fine"
She takes the print out and logs out. Some thought struck her mind now.
JENI happens to be his college mate. Hmmm...
She decides not to discuss this with Karthik. She simply opens her mail box and changes the password from "mohan143" to "karthikramya" and leaves for home!
MORAL OF THE STORY: Change your password! NOW!
********************************************************************************
Japanese Prime Minister's English skills
This is a true story from the Japanese Embassy in US!!!
A few years ago, Japanese Prime Minister Mori was given some basic English conversation training before he visits Washington and meets President Bill Clinton...
The instructor told Mori, the Japanese Prime minister, when you shake hand with President Clinton, please say 'how are you'
Then Mr. Clinton should say, 'I am fine, and you...????'
Now, you should say 'me too'. Afterwards the translators, will do the work for you.'
It looks quite simple, but the truth is...
When Mori met Clinton , he mistakenly said
'WHO are you?' (instead of 'HOW are you'?'. )
Mr. Clinton was a bit shocked but still managed to react with humor:
'Well, I'm Hillary's husband, ha-ha...'
Then Mori replied
'Me too, ha-ha..haaaa...'.
Then there was a long silence in the meeting room
********************************************************************************
Tears
A woman awakes during the night to find that her husband was not in bed.
She goes downstairs to look for him.
She finds him sitting at the kitchen table with a cup of coffee in front of him.
He appears to be in deep thought, just staring at the wall.
She watches as he wipes a tear from his eye and takes a sip of his coffee.
"What's the matter, dear?" she whispers as she steps into the room.
"Why are you down here at this time of night?"
The husband looks up from his coffee,
"Do you remember 20 years ago when we were dating, and you were only 18?" he asks solemnly.
"Yes I do" she replies.
The husband pauses; the words were not coming easily.
"Do you remember when your father caught us in the garden?"
"Yes! I remember" said the wife, lowering herself into a chair beside him.
The husband continued.
"Do you remember when he showed the shotgun in my face and said,
'Either you marry my daughter, or I'll send you to jail for 20 years?"
"I remember that too" she replied softly. He wiped another tear from his cheek and said,
"I would have been released today!"
*******************************************************************************
QUOTES
1. Long back, a person who sacrificed his sleep, forgot his family, forgot his food, forgot laughter were called
"Saints"
But now they are called..
"IT professionals"
2. An interesting line written at the back of a Biker's T Shirt:
" If you are able to see this, Please tell me that my girlfriend has fallen off"
3. Most Relationships fail not because of the absence of love..
Love is always present..
Its just that,
One loves too much, and
The other loves too many,
4.Employee: Boss, Now i have got married..! Please increase my salary..!
BOSS: Factory is not responsible for accidents occurring outside the company..!
5. Philosophy of life
At the beginning of married life, every gal treats her husband as GOD,
Later on somehow the alphabets got reversed..!
6. What is a Fear?
Fear is the Deep, Wrenching feeling in your stomach
When pages of your book still smell new
and
Just few hours left for your exams..!
7. Someone has rightly said, "A fool can ask More questions that a wise man cannot answer"
No Wonder why so many of us speechless when lecturers ask question..!
8. Girl: Do you have Cards with sentimental Love quotes?
Shopkeeper: Oh sure...! How about this card, it says "To the only boy I ever loved.!"
Girl: Thats good, Give me 12 of them..!
9. After reading the form filled by an applicant.. The employer said: " WE do have an opening for you..!
Applicant: What is it?
Interviewer: Its called the "door..!"
*******************************************************************************
A man checked into a hotel. There was a computer in his room, so he decided to send an e-mail to his wife. However, he accidentally typed wrong e-mail address, and without realizing his error, he sent the e-mail.
Meanwhile..... somewhere, a widow had just returned home from her husband's funeral. The widow decided to check her e-mail, expecting messages from relatives and friends. After reading the first message, she fainted. The widow's son rushed into the room, found his mother on the floor, and saw the computer screen which read:
To: My Loving Wife
Subject: I've Reached Safely
Date: 21 st July, 2004
I know you're surprised to hear from me. They have computers here now, and we are allowed to send e-mails to our loved ones. I've just reached safely and have been checked in. I see that everything has been prepared for your arrival tomorrow. Looking forward to seeing you then! Hope your journey is as uneventful as mine was .........
*******************************************************************************
A man was sick and tired of going to work every day while his wife stayed home.
He wanted her to see what he went through so he prayed:
'Dear Lord:
I go to work every day and put in 8 hours while my wife merely stays at home.
I want her to know what I go through.
So, please allow her body to switch with mine for a day.
Amen!'
God, in his infinite wisdom, granted the man's wish.
The next morning, sure enough, the man awoke as a woman.
He arose, cooked breakfast for his mate, Awakened the kids, Set out their school clothes, Fed them breakfast,
Packed their lunches, Drove them to school, Came home and picked up the dry cleaning,
Took it to the cleaners And stopped at the bank to make a deposit, Went grocery shopping, Then drove home to put away the groceries,
Paid the bills and balanced the check book.
He cleaned the cat's litter box and bathed the dog. Then, it was already 01P.M.
And he hurried to make the beds, Do the laundry, vacuum, Dust, And sweep and mop the kitchen floor.
Ran to the school to pick up the kids and got into an argument with them on the way home.
Set out milk and cookies and got the kids organized to do their homework.
Then, set up the ironing board and watched TV while he did the ironing.
At 4:30 he began peeling potatoes and washing vegetables for salad, breaded the pork chops and snapped fresh beans for supper.
After supper, He cleaned the kitchen, Ran the dishwasher, Folded laundry, Bathed the kids, And put them to bed.
At 09 P.M .
He was exhausted and, though his daily chores weren't finished, he went to bed where he was expected to make love, which he managed to get through without complaint.
The next morning, he awoke and immediately knelt by the bed and said: -
'Lord, I don't know what I was thinking.
I was so wrong to envy my wife's being able to stay home all day.
Please, oh! Oh! Please, let us trade back.
Amen!'
The Lord, in his infinite wisdom, replied:
'My son, I feel you have learned your lesson and I will be happy to change things back to the way they were.
You'll just have to wait nine months, though.
You got pregnant last night.'
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
White Blanket all around!!!
Few pictures from my trip to Lake Tahoe, California a year ago. I have no appropriate phrases to describe how I felt when I saw real snow for the first time in my life. Seen snow covered mountains and roads in movies, eyes wide awake gasping if such beauty ever existed!
The best phrase from my limited dictionary is HEAVENLY BLISS. I know I am not giving it due credit but I am really short of words.
These pictures I am sure would make your day too!
Very first sight of snow. Snow capped hills all around. I could not get enough of them and could not believe what I was witnessing.
A Pine tree with snow covered leaves. I got reminded of Christmas in India and the cotton spread over Christmas trees to create a false impression of snow
Miles and miles around, it was only a white blanket
I just loved this sparing spread of snow on the rocks
Got reminded of a picture on a Christmas Greeting card?
Lake Tahoe. The water was pristine, clear blue. We sneaked into a private property to get the lake all to ourselves. Sshhhhh! But it was worth the risk! The place was calm, is this what they call the moment of ultimate joy and serenity
This picture is not mine. I took the liberty of posting this snapped by a friend of mine He snapped this while on his way to Grand Canyon. The first impression as I saw this picture was "Is this for real?" It was something out of a fantasy land. I got reminded of the movie Polar Express.
The best phrase from my limited dictionary is HEAVENLY BLISS. I know I am not giving it due credit but I am really short of words.
These pictures I am sure would make your day too!
Very first sight of snow. Snow capped hills all around. I could not get enough of them and could not believe what I was witnessing.
A Pine tree with snow covered leaves. I got reminded of Christmas in India and the cotton spread over Christmas trees to create a false impression of snow
Miles and miles around, it was only a white blanket
I just loved this sparing spread of snow on the rocks
Got reminded of a picture on a Christmas Greeting card?
People skiing
Lake Tahoe. The water was pristine, clear blue. We sneaked into a private property to get the lake all to ourselves. Sshhhhh! But it was worth the risk! The place was calm, is this what they call the moment of ultimate joy and serenity
This picture is not mine. I took the liberty of posting this snapped by a friend of mine He snapped this while on his way to Grand Canyon. The first impression as I saw this picture was "Is this for real?" It was something out of a fantasy land. I got reminded of the movie Polar Express.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Make someone smile
The week is going to be a long one, hectic and tiring.
With these thoughts, I entered the wash room to groom myself before I got into my cube to face a daunting tasks ahead. I was early and the janitor had not yet done with her wash room maintenance. I did not care to acknowledge her presence, my mind full of tasks in hand for the week. As I did with my wash and grooming, I picked up my laptop, hand bag and a carry bag and headed towards the door. I was about to struggle with the door handle to open it when she opened the door for me. I acknowledged her gesture and smiled at her while saying "Thank you".
Guess this was unexpected of me. This simple gesture brought a 100 watt smile on her face and she gushed "OK Madam". What amount of happiness this brought to her!!! I walked away feeling a sense of joy to have made someone happy.
Then realized, how many of my "I am sorry" outwits the number of "Thank you" each day and was ashamed of it.
With these thoughts, I entered the wash room to groom myself before I got into my cube to face a daunting tasks ahead. I was early and the janitor had not yet done with her wash room maintenance. I did not care to acknowledge her presence, my mind full of tasks in hand for the week. As I did with my wash and grooming, I picked up my laptop, hand bag and a carry bag and headed towards the door. I was about to struggle with the door handle to open it when she opened the door for me. I acknowledged her gesture and smiled at her while saying "Thank you".
Guess this was unexpected of me. This simple gesture brought a 100 watt smile on her face and she gushed "OK Madam". What amount of happiness this brought to her!!! I walked away feeling a sense of joy to have made someone happy.
Then realized, how many of my "I am sorry" outwits the number of "Thank you" each day and was ashamed of it.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
80s Jingles revisited
WARNING : Read this only if you are absolutely free and have the strength for all the nonsensical blabbering.
I and Gautam talked as usual online yesterday. Suddenly, he recalled we were discussing about Lambretta a couple of days back. Thus began our recital of old Jingles....the 80s ones - complete with music and BGMs.
The Bajaj Scooter where the tune of the song is patriotic
me: :) so whats with the scooter
I recalled the Pepsi ad
me: yeah yeah
gautam: hmmm
His logic of whether it was a TRING or a TING made me sigh!
me: ayyyyoooooooooooooooooo
gautam: ye kya hua
me: do you remember this one
Gautam suddenly recalled the Mile Sur Mera Tumhara that would be aired on DD. It still is aired and I tune on to Doordarshan only to watch this.
gautam: nimma dvaniye namma dhvaniya... seridanthe namma dhvaniya... :-)
Gautam went on to "type" the music along with that song; while visualizing the scenes.
gautam: dil/man ka dariya behke sagar me mile...
I had to ask him what the "toiiin...toiin...s were.
me: whts that toiin toiin?
I told him that I would blog this conversation
me: :)
Oh yeah, we went back to our 80s advertisements. This time it was Nirma Beauty soap
me: hey do you remember?
Next it was Vicco Turmeric
gautam: vicco turmeric
me: (chorus) Vicco Turmeric Ayurvedic Cream!
(female) Tvacha ki raksha karey, antiseptic cream
Roop ko sanvarey, nikharey har dam!
Haldi aur chandan ka anokha sangam!
(chorus) Vicco Turmeric Ayurvedic Cream,
Vicco Turmeric Ayurvedic Cream!
We moved to Lifebuoy :-)
gautam:
We recalled how in those days we used to wait for the sunday 5 PM movie, sit in front of the TV and watch all these advertisements.
gautam: is karyakram ke prayojak the
Hmmm...We were recalling many more advertisements...But Gautam had to hit the bed and I had other works. But we promised to continue this madness later.
I and Gautam talked as usual online yesterday. Suddenly, he recalled we were discussing about Lambretta a couple of days back. Thus began our recital of old Jingles....the 80s ones - complete with music and BGMs.
The Bajaj Scooter where the tune of the song is patriotic
me: :) so whats with the scooter
i still recall the
"nayi bharath ki nayi tasveer...hamaara bajaj"
gautam: hamaara bajaj... hamara bajaj...
me: :)
gautam: the two echos that follow
:-)
I recalled the Pepsi ad
me: yeah yeah
the other one.......pepsi
yehi hai right choice baby...aaahaaa
And then Gautam relieved the Nirma washing powder ad. This was really hilarious as I had to feel the music as he logically explained itgautam: hmmm
washing powder nirma. washing powder nirma. doodh ki safedi... nirma se aai... rangeen kapde bhi khil khil jaaye... sabki pasand nirma... washing powder nirma... (and waiting for the finishing touch from you)
in caps please
if you may
me: NIRMA!
gautam: ha ha ha ha
me: AND THE TRRRIIINGGG
gautam: thank you
me: sound later
gautam: i think it was a ting
without the R
me: oh yeah..
gautam: not sure
it might be a tring also
me: hmmmm
gautam: multiple keyboard keys na tring. single key na ting...
:-p
His logic of whether it was a TRING or a TING made me sigh!
me: ayyyyoooooooooooooooooo
raaama
To which, he tagged a song....gautam: ye kya hua
tum aise hame satane lage
Which rang a bell to me. I have heard these lines somewhere me: i am awe struck by your logical sense
which is this one?
gautam: what?
hay rama ye kya hua
me: this is the song
cha
gautam: rangeela
me: rangeela
gautam: ha ha ha
Again back to our advertisements. I recalled Zandu balm ad where a mom hits the bed with back pain and the daughter rubs a pain balmme: do you remember this one
gautam: hmm lets see
me: "zandu balm zandu balm peeda haari balm ....sardi sardard peeda ko kshan mein door kare..."
remaining lines from you
gautam: jhandu baaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaalm. jhandu baam.
note the missing l
me: very good.....100/100
oh what missed?
gautam: intricacy for you
and if i may...
me: please
gautam: i think it is pal me door kare
me: oh is it?
gautam: not sure
me: hmmm maybe
gautam: ha ha ha ha
what a discussion!
Gautam suddenly recalled the Mile Sur Mera Tumhara that would be aired on DD. It still is aired and I tune on to Doordarshan only to watch this.
gautam: nimma dvaniye namma dhvaniya... seridanthe namma dhvaniya... :-)
me: wow..i love that song
do you have it with you?
gautam: nope...
me: ende swaramum ningalude swaramum otru sendhu nammude swaramaai
gautam: kare sur jo tari maro bane aapno soor niharo
maja tumja jhud ka taara, madhur swarnajda barasthi taara
me: :)
sur ki nadiya har disha se behke saagar mein mile
baadlo ko roop leke barse halke halke
gautam: badala kaa roo oo oo p leke
no no
you are missing it
ilukanum pa(You need to drag the words)
me: oh...sari sari...
gautam: and see
it ia baadal
ya
me: hmmmm
gautam: but badala ka roo oo oo p leke
barasane hole hole
wow!
Gautam went on to "type" the music along with that song; while visualizing the scenes.
gautam: dil/man ka dariya behke sagar me mile...
badala ka roo oo p laake...
barsane hole hole
that lady with ghunghat
super!
toiiiin toiiiin toiiin toiiiin toin
toiiiin toiiiin toiiin toiiiin toin
toiiiin toiiiin toiiin toiiiin
toiiiin toiiiin... toiiin toiiiin...
toiiiin toiiiin... toiiin toiiiin...
here it comes
nimma dhvaniye namma dhvaniya
ha ha ha
ne swaramu na swaramu sangamamai
mana swaranga avatarinchi
gautam: isaidaal nam
iruvarum suravum namakkahum
I had to ask him what the "toiiin...toiin...s were.
me: whts that toiin toiin?
oh music hmmm
gautam: ha ha
me: :)
gautam: note two iis and one i in specific places
and imagine the music
till you feel it
:-)
me: hmmmmm
:-))
gautam: and note the ....s also
in the right places and think accordingly
me: s?? where
wait
gautam: ... dot dot dot
me: haan haan
gautam: when the music fades
I told him that I would blog this conversation
me: :)
wait i will blog this
two mad folks speaking music
gautam: no damage please... ha ha ha
people will think i am mad
i would not expect everyone to understand what i am saying
ha ha ha ha
me: people will think we are mad
thats ok...
gautam: but to be a co star in an episode of your series would be an honour.
:-p
me: ada ada ada.......
gautam: yenna yedo seigirai
Oh yeah, we went back to our 80s advertisements. This time it was Nirma Beauty soap
me: hey do you remember?
soundarya saabun nirma?
gautam: hmmm
me: woh khili khili
gautam: sir seher seher woh janejahan tum chali kahan?
i am absolutely not sure
i wonder why i put that seher'
ha ha ha ha ha ha
me: soundarya saabun nirma
Next it was Vicco Turmeric
gautam: vicco turmeric
me: ok here's one more...
gautam: nayi cosmetic
vicco turmeric ayurvedi cream
after this i am not sureme: (chorus) Vicco Turmeric Ayurvedic Cream!
(female) Tvacha ki raksha karey, antiseptic cream
Roop ko sanvarey, nikharey har dam!
Haldi aur chandan ka anokha sangam!
(chorus) Vicco Turmeric Ayurvedic Cream,
Vicco Turmeric Ayurvedic Cream!
:-)
gautam: ha ha ha ha
super!!!
me: hehehehe
gautam: hmm
We moved to Lifebuoy :-)
gautam:
zindagi ki raksha karta hai lifebuoy
lifebuoy he jahan
me: thandrust hain wahan
gautam: tandurusti hei wahan
me: LIFEBuoooooooooyyyyyyyyyyyyy
gautam: ha ha ha ha
We recalled how in those days we used to wait for the sunday 5 PM movie, sit in front of the TV and watch all these advertisements.
gautam: is karyakram ke prayojak the
one huge list
that goes on for 5 minutes
phew!!!
10 mins movie
10 mins ads
wow!
how did we even survive that?
ha ha ha ha
me: i really waited each weekend for that
5 o clock movie
gautam: ha ha ha
ya ya
i know!
me: but im in front of TV at 4
watching all ads
Hmmm...We were recalling many more advertisements...But Gautam had to hit the bed and I had other works. But we promised to continue this madness later.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Whats in a Lady's bag?
A Lady's Bag is a plethora of information. Its a book. When I say this, you might wonder or shudder with shock and displeasure. Why I am saying this is because you can learn a lot about the woman by knowing the contents in her bag. If there are loads of personal grooming accessories, she is a lady who wants to look attractive and presentable at most times. If you find a music player, she is sure a music buff and hearing to music relaxes her. If you find a knitting kit, she sure loves her hobby. The bag can also talk loads about her character, orderly or cluttered, confused or calm.
I did read somewhere sometime back that exploring a person's purse/bag can reveal the true identity and a prospective candidate for employment could be judged thus.
And that's why this book is secretive and off-limits for most people. A privileged few do get to glance a couple of pages. But I thought I would reveal the secret.
Sincere apologies to all the ladies who have maintained the secrecy all this while.
You see, I couldn't help it. Last week, a couple of women laughed at the contents of my bag. Yes you read that right. Ladies laughed at the contents and not once but on two occasions on the same day. After the swimming session, someone asked for a moisturiser and I offered it. Later, someone else asked for a pain balm and I offered it. Now tell me, is that a crime!!!
At lunch, a friend exclaimed that I had "You name it and she has it" stuff and wondered what else was in my bag. And to make matters funny, my friend blabbered out naively thus
"Yeah she has lots of necessary things in her bag. You know the other day; I was having loose motion and she readily had a tablet for that"
Uggghhhh! It was a wrong time - we were having lunch!. Anyways, I managed to cover the gaffe by saying that I carried general medicines along with me.
So coming to whats in a lady's bag. Let me bullet out what ALL I carry. By the way I have a small but nice collection of bags - totes, slings, large ones...
What have I got in my bag? Its a long saga...Don't fret or fume!
# Purse/Wallet - My purse is a mini clutch. It has very very little money(I am poor!), a couple of plastic cards - debit which is a waste as most of the time there's very less money in my account and credit - all swiped away to glory till I reach the limit. A couple of photos of mine - stamp size and passport size. Just in case you see. Also my ID, PAN card(the unique account number for tax purposes in India for the uninitiated folks), my business cards, a couple of old receipts which I clean and throw away regularly.
# Music player. Its an Apple iPod Nano 1 GB which I bought on my first trip to US. Its 3 years old now. Its my companion when I commute; loaded with my favourite songs. 1 GB is very small capacity though!
# A scarf - Cant manage my loose hair, so a scarf helps
# A couple of chargers - PDA charger, ipod charger
# A pen - sometimes 2 pens - a black and a blue
# A neatly folded carry bag - In case I might have to carry extra stuff unplanned; I don't want to roam around hunting for one.
# chewing gum or few candies
# A comb
# Sun block - New addition after I began swimming
# Moisturiser
# Face wash
# Face cream
# Lip gloss
# Bindi
# A hair band - just in case
# Tissues/Wet Tissues
# Sprain spray
# Pain balm
'# Paracetamol
# Antacid
# Eye Drops - Very much required for the nature of job most of us are in
# Loperamide - anti diarrhea
# House key, office key, security device for Internet banking
# An adhesive - I have had nasty experiences of my delicate footwear giving me hard times.
# Food coupons
# Loose coins
# PDA
# Work ID
# A Sun glass
# Hair clips and Safety pins - For the worse
# A pen drive
# A Deo/Perfume
# A towelette
# My Sony W55 Cyber-shot Digital Camera
# Bus tickets and old receipts which I trash regularly.
The following don't occupy permanent place in my bag
# Camera's USB connector
# Cheque book - usually in the beginning of the month to clear away financial commitments.
# Lip stick - very rare as I don't use it
# If my bag is a tote, then a book. I read a lot.
# Umbrella if its a rainy season
I have successfully avoided carrying food - stuffs like fruits, a couple of biscuits and such.
And no, don't expect me to share a photo of my bag and its contents. Its cluttered to the core and I despise to flaunt it.
Hmmm secrets unleashed. Most women carry these things. They are basic necessities. We women prepare ourselves! Oh I sense someone thinking it as a paranoia?
What say? Is it planning or is it paranoia?
I did read somewhere sometime back that exploring a person's purse/bag can reveal the true identity and a prospective candidate for employment could be judged thus.
And that's why this book is secretive and off-limits for most people. A privileged few do get to glance a couple of pages. But I thought I would reveal the secret.
Sincere apologies to all the ladies who have maintained the secrecy all this while.
You see, I couldn't help it. Last week, a couple of women laughed at the contents of my bag. Yes you read that right. Ladies laughed at the contents and not once but on two occasions on the same day. After the swimming session, someone asked for a moisturiser and I offered it. Later, someone else asked for a pain balm and I offered it. Now tell me, is that a crime!!!
At lunch, a friend exclaimed that I had "You name it and she has it" stuff and wondered what else was in my bag. And to make matters funny, my friend blabbered out naively thus
"Yeah she has lots of necessary things in her bag. You know the other day; I was having loose motion and she readily had a tablet for that"
Uggghhhh! It was a wrong time - we were having lunch!. Anyways, I managed to cover the gaffe by saying that I carried general medicines along with me.
So coming to whats in a lady's bag. Let me bullet out what ALL I carry. By the way I have a small but nice collection of bags - totes, slings, large ones...
What have I got in my bag? Its a long saga...Don't fret or fume!
# Purse/Wallet - My purse is a mini clutch. It has very very little money(I am poor!), a couple of plastic cards - debit which is a waste as most of the time there's very less money in my account and credit - all swiped away to glory till I reach the limit. A couple of photos of mine - stamp size and passport size. Just in case you see. Also my ID, PAN card(the unique account number for tax purposes in India for the uninitiated folks), my business cards, a couple of old receipts which I clean and throw away regularly.
# Music player. Its an Apple iPod Nano 1 GB which I bought on my first trip to US. Its 3 years old now. Its my companion when I commute; loaded with my favourite songs. 1 GB is very small capacity though!
# A scarf - Cant manage my loose hair, so a scarf helps
# A couple of chargers - PDA charger, ipod charger
# A pen - sometimes 2 pens - a black and a blue
# A neatly folded carry bag - In case I might have to carry extra stuff unplanned; I don't want to roam around hunting for one.
# chewing gum or few candies
# A comb
# Sun block - New addition after I began swimming
# Moisturiser
# Face wash
# Face cream
# Lip gloss
# Bindi
# A hair band - just in case
# Tissues/Wet Tissues
# Sprain spray
# Pain balm
'# Paracetamol
# Antacid
# Eye Drops - Very much required for the nature of job most of us are in
# Loperamide - anti diarrhea
# House key, office key, security device for Internet banking
# An adhesive - I have had nasty experiences of my delicate footwear giving me hard times.
# Food coupons
# Loose coins
# PDA
# Work ID
# A Sun glass
# Hair clips and Safety pins - For the worse
# A pen drive
# A Deo/Perfume
# A towelette
# My Sony W55 Cyber-shot Digital Camera
# Bus tickets and old receipts which I trash regularly.
The following don't occupy permanent place in my bag
# Camera's USB connector
# Cheque book - usually in the beginning of the month to clear away financial commitments.
# Lip stick - very rare as I don't use it
# If my bag is a tote, then a book. I read a lot.
# Umbrella if its a rainy season
I have successfully avoided carrying food - stuffs like fruits, a couple of biscuits and such.
And no, don't expect me to share a photo of my bag and its contents. Its cluttered to the core and I despise to flaunt it.
Hmmm secrets unleashed. Most women carry these things. They are basic necessities. We women prepare ourselves! Oh I sense someone thinking it as a paranoia?
What say? Is it planning or is it paranoia?
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