An Unexpected Holiday

Since we had family in town, I decided to take some time off from work and show them around town. But they had a sudden change of plans and decided to visit some other relatives in another city for a couple of days – this was something that they had been going back and forth for a few days now – One day they wanted to go, next not – I guess when you are traveling you are bound to be a little unsure on how you want to plan out your days. Anyway, when I got home from work yesterday – they had decided to leave immediately and be back to our place by weekend, unaware that I had decided to take some time off from work. Hate to admit, but I was a little peeved by the decision. Now I seemed to have a holiday in my hands –for no reason at all – no birthdays, no anniversaries, no festivals!

Usually I am one of those people that never took a sick day(anti-jinx), and went on planned vacations usually combined with other company holidays. PTOs were saved for the big vacation - the trip to India. Planning for an India trip would start months in advance and it was not really a vacation in the American sense of the word – no relaxation, no spa days, no ‘just’ lounging days, but hectic travel between my place to in-laws place to meeting relatives and friends – not that I am complaining – just stating a fact. Its honeymoon versus a huge family picnic difference - you enjoy both, but while one is just relaxing time with the one you love, the other is cooking, packing, driving, monitoring kids and spending time with ones you love. The later involves more work on your end to plan and execute.

But back to my holiday today – I have absolutely no idea what I can do for two whole days. First stop, I decided to sleep-in, but your body is getting old and it just enjoys the routine – so I was up at 6.30 – so now what? I guess, I don’t have to push Kochunni too much – it can be a leisurely day to eat breakfast – but now he loves to eat food quickly. (anti-jinx). Now what? We (meaning myself and Hd) decided lets drop him off to daycare for a short while – just to ensure he hasn’t forgotten the routine. I wasn’t sure how he would react – would he cry, cling to me or what … No nothing – he is totally fine. I guess, now that his ettan has left the building, he probably understands that his vacation is over (so to speak). Either way, he seemed to fine when I left him.

So now what? I finally came up with a small plan – since today my little boy is not at home, why not clean up the place – it anyways looks like we lived through a tornado with all the toys, suitcases from the trip and a hundred outfits to go into laundry – why not play catch up. (Definitely not my favorite chore in the world – but better to get over with) Then tomorrow it can be a special day with the little guy … could I take him to park, to the mall, to the library – someplace where he could have fun. That’s something I need to think of – somewhat of a special yes day for the little guy.

As for me, I can check out blogs, read up old posts, do some chats with friends, apply mehendi and enjoy a movie – so hopefully the unexpected holiday can turn into a great spa day after all!

Passage of Fun

Done with tags and awards, its back to bare essentials – Updates!!! :)

Last week, my brother-in-law and family arrived, and what a fun ride it has been. They are here till next week with their little 6 year old boy. Two weekends already over and only one more remaining and I cannot think of where to start. My dear kochunni (this is going to be a hard one to get used too), my kutie-boy took to his cousin almost instantly, while his uncle and aunt were liked only at a distance (its changed now, he loves to play with his veli-amma, until I arrive on the scene). He even took to eating is own food watching his ettan do everything all by himself. I really hoped he might get potty trained watching his brother too, but no such luck yet! ;( He is on a break from daycare enjoying all the attention, love and warmth in a full house!

Shows - We now have K-Shows almost every hour. The show is nothing but my little one imitating everything that his brother does – but it’s oh so cute! He even imitates the sounds to the correct level and pitch. The elder one seems happy too with his attention at most times and gives him rides on the tricycle and plays hide-n-seek with him.

Fun trips -

What better to show first timers to US than two places that totally blows off everyone’s mind? Can you guess? Of course, Las Vegas and Disneyland!

First was a long car ride, everyone was beat by the time we arrived. But to see almost all of Europe (Venice, Paris), The Pyramids all in one place is total Paisa Vasool – Ok fine if you live in those places or have traveled there – Vegas is not authentic and its all fake – but it’s still a great experience! On the flip side, its definitely not a great experience for kids – We couldn’t stand around the gaming tables, because you have to be 21 or older to be around so I had run around with two kids for the little time that rest of the gang played! At least the kids were still too young to ask us about the peddlers flipping cards of naked girls (advertising the strip clubs) at the men – we had no explaining to do!!! :)

Next stop – Hollywood – The land of dreams was really a happening place. One walk through Hollywood Boulevard we saw Batman, Elmo, Catwoman, Superman, Pirates dressed up letting us take pictures with kids. Nephew got really exited seeing the Hulk and Transformers, while my little fella recognized Elmo from his little toy and was happy to pose with him. We made a short trip to Santa Monica beach to see the blue waters, built sand castles and thought about the warm waters of the beaches of Mumbai.

Happiest place on earth – is indeed a wonderful place. The power of imagination and sheer dedication and hard work is visible on every ride & every corner of the place. Be it one of the kids rides like the Dumbo the flying elephant or thrill rides like Indiana Jones, you know everyone will enjoy and want to come back for more. Its well organized, clean, expensive but worth every dollar spent. I do wish they had some better meal options for vegetarians, but you are sure to find healthy meal options with fresh fruits and salads. We loved every second of the fun filled rides… My little boy enjoyed Goofy the best giving him ‘high-fives’ and posing with him. Both Mickey and Minnie were Mickey to him, while their homes a delight to explore. His nephew enjoyed the Buzz Light-year rides and was scared of the ghouls that returned with us from the Haunted Mansion, and drove up to outer skies Star Wars style to get rid of them. When evening came, we watched the parade in awe – the choreography, the music brought out a cheer in everyone around. The night drew cold, but the skies were lit up with the magnificent fireworks that exploded in the happy place. Sovereigns bought - check, photos taken - check, celebrity sightings - check, all in all – one happy day!

We returned Monday night, and now are back into the full swing of office and house work. My kochuunni seems to have grown up so much in the past few months – a total chatterbox, working his way through 2-3 words at one time. Every little ‘oui’ needs to be kissed (by moi) to make it better, totally going independent with eating food, wanting to wear only particular clothes/colors, singing so many songs in tune (words are little unclear at times) that even Simon Cowell would shut up for once! I guess it’s only when we have new people around, who haven’t seen the baby that you realize how much your baby has changed into a bonny boy!

Sound of Music

MM, lifted this one from your Bedlam!

Rules of the tag: Various situations are given. You have to come up with a song (or a couple) that aptly describe those situations in YOUR life.

Opening credits: Chhoti si asha - Roja

Waking up: Suprabhatam – M.S.Subhalaxmi

Average day: Main zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya - Hum Dono

First date: Pehla Nasha - Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander

Falling in love: Zara Zara – RHTDM/ Chhukar Mere Man Ko – Yaarana

Love Scene: Baho maie chale aao - Anamika

Fight Scene: Baat Meri Suniye to Zara - Kuch Naa Kaho/
Padaakali – Yodha (best comedic fight song)

Breaking up: Tere bina zindagi se koi - Aandhi / Waqt ne kiya kya haseen sitam - Kaagaz ke Phool

Getting back together: Gham ka fasana – Manchali /Agar Tum Na Hote Title Song

Secret love: Yeh Raat Yeh Chandini - Jaal

Life’s ok: Apni to jaise taise - Laawaris

Mental Breakdown: Dil ke tukde karke - Dada (?)/

Driving: Dil Chahta Hai – Title song

Learning a lesson: Tujhse naaraz nahi zindagi – Maasoom

Deep thought - Aage Bhi Jaane Na Tu - Waqt

Flashback: Nyagayam Varede – Autograph (excellent lyrics)

Partying: Dhoom Again - Dhoom 2

Happy Dance: Tham Thakka Them Thakka – Thirumali (really excellent dance, please do check out even if you don’t understand the words – which are meaningful too)

Regretting: Achaji main haari – Kala Pani

Lullaby: Chanda Hai Tu - Aradhana

Long night alone: Sandase aate hai – Border

Death Scene: Yeh duniya agar mil bhi jaaye – Pyaasa

Closing Credits: Mai Pal to Pal ka Shaayar Hoon – Kabhi Kabhi

Now let me also say this, this is going to look totally inept in a day when another mood strikes me, but I guess thats why tags are passed on! So all you music lovers please come up with another set of great numbers to fill up our iPods!!!

I tag you all – come share the passion! (Please let me know if you do the tag so I can check it out!

Naam Kya Hai

Juliet:
"What's in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet."
~ Romeo and Juliet (II, ii, 1-2)

Maybe, but my dear husband claims “How can you call our son Kutie (on the blog) – sounds so ‘girlish’; he is going to grow up and sue you!” Well if he is anything like is dad, he probably never will … the last time honey read my blog was when I threatened to run away. But since I have seen many fellow bloggers changing their names, and trying out a new look( myself included), I said why not?

Now what do I call my dear boy? After much thought, I have decided to call my little Kutiepie – Koch-unni or the little Unni, not based of the “Kayamkulam kochunni” – The Robin hood of Kerala, just a little pet name that sounds good to me.

What say you?

Thank You!

Is it awards season? You betcha!!! Look dear readers I am awarded one, my first one at that. YAY!!!

My dear honey, its great that you made 4 years at your company and got that little gorgeous grey Nano that you wont share, I got an award that says I am N.I.C.E – so there, I win! Ha!

Thank you Aaru and AM for the lovely award. My buddy Google found the origin of the tag - thank you Bella – definitely a great idea. Since I firmly believe in passing on the good things here goes -

“This award will be awarded to those that are just nice people, good blog friends and those that inspire good feelings and inspiration! Those that care about others that are there to lend support or those that are just a positive influence in our blogging world!"

This award seems to have been floating around a while, so in trying to ensure I be fair I pass this on to - Homecooked, Dottie, Desigirl and to everyone who stops by – you are very polite and kind to take some time of your busy schedules to stop by my blog and drop a line...

Thank You!

Burning Questions

Dear God,

Am I closer to you when I am flying?

I remember my last trip to India when Kutie was still a baby – we opted to travel from Kerala to Bombay via the new economy airlines – I believe it was Air Deccan. The flight supposed to have started at 7PM did not take off until 9PM (which according to my parents was still much better than usual), and then there was a mad scrambling to get on the plane first – for there are not seat assignments. As we boarded the plane, we noticed that first row was already taken by none other than the CM of Kerala and some of his buddies and security guards. There were still some seats to his side, but most people looked for an empty row in the back to find the perfect aisle/window that they desired. We landed in Bombay and soon another mad dash occurred to get out of the plane began.

The thing that stuck in my head later was when I realized that while in air everyone was the treated equal, the CM did not get any extra privilege nor did we, the air hostess did not offer neither of us a free drink nor gave us a customary smile! While back on the ground the differences were huge. The CM was escorted out into his white ambassador car, already waiting at the runway, while we had to board the little bus and hang on the railings on one hand, while holding a six month old baby on the other.

Yes!

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Dear Indian DVD Maker,

Why do you believe that we like to watch the commercials about yourself before sitting down to watch the movie we actually bought/rented to watch?

Here’s my pet peeve.
Every time I watch an Indian movie, the DVD menu button fails miserably (unless I use the PC). It would give an error messaging saying “This feature does not function on this DVD” I am forced to watch the endless, rather boring song that details why the said DVD is of a higher quality than all its contemporaries. Then I need to watch through an array of collections that is owned by the company that I could essentially buy from India and ship at an exuberant price home.

Because customers focus business model seems to be non-existent (at least in the DVD market)!

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Dear Mr. Grey Hound,
Did you really need to explain to the 13 year old how to best play tennis at the front porch?

I was out on a stroll with my little guy in the stroller, looking at the cars and trucks that frequently passed by, stopping and enjoying the beautiful roses that have blossomed at every front porch. Up ahead was Mr. Grey Hound explaining in an Asian + English language how best to play tennis. I probably would have walked right past, but he was making all sorts of actions with his hands – a backhand, front hand with a jump, side shot with another jump, that I stared. (Impolite I know, but its just the desi DNA). I could not understand the words he said to his 10-13 year old boy sipping coke but could definitely gather the gist due to all his animated actions. The moment the poor kid realized that they are still on the street, with strangers (myself, and another couple coming in the opposite direction) walking by, he yelled “Yes, I will do it next time”, He might as well have muttered “Just shut up” under his breath, for all I know. I moved along realizing that the poor boy was probably more ashamed of the fact that yet another person knows the story how badly he 'might' have played the game.

Yes. Because as parents we are not thinking about YOUR embarrassment, until we read about it in your blog 20 years later!!