Here we come

A little take on the nursery rhyme ...

---

Here we come 'round the block,
'round the block,'round the block
So early in the morning.

Here we come to see the snow
To see the snow, To see the snow
So early in the morning

Here we come, so let it snow
Let it snow, let it snow
So early in the morning.

Here we come all bundled up
All bundled up, all bundled up
So early in the morning.

Here we come 'round the block,
'round the block,'round the block
So early in the morning.

---

Any guesses where we are off to tomorrow?
Clue: Its a very 'cool' place, with a lake covering two US states.
Update on Tuesday!

Happy Valentine's Day

Love is in the air
For today is Valentine’s Day.
Red and pink be today’s colors
My dear Valentine, Be mine forever!




{graphic courtesy coolholidaygraphics.com}
Ok that’s cheesy enough, even my tummy turns (yes I know I wrote it) Brrr … how bad can you get … whatever! It’s a Hallmark holiday, what do you expect?

Now, next mission, maybe I will get honey to read this one post.

But with the cheesy poem, I know its gonna backfire for he will never come back for more! The law of diminishing returns! *sigh*

To everyone else, May you find your true love and may you live happily ever-after! Happy Valentine's Day!

What was I thinking?

Ok maybe I should delete the last post ... I am sure now the limited viewer ship I have would go down even more ... Who admits to reading these things? Right!

No I am not turning into a cheesy romantic! I blame my faux pas to Valentine's Day activities everywhere! *Sigh*

Am I losing it?

I am not perfect.

As a teenager, I have read the silly Mills & Boon book. If you ask me how many, I don’t know, but I know one summer I read one everyday! So there! I knew most of the plots by the end of it all and often even just reading the back cover I could predict (pretty accurately) how the story would go – yes not just the fact that girl wins boy, but how it actually will go … Common that’s not smart, yes I know.

Let me see – how many plots can I think of
1. Poor, innocent girl meets wealthy handsome guy, they spend a night. Girl realizes her mistake (huh?) and runs away. They meet maybe several years or months later, boy is angry and girl is pissed. They don’t know why but the chemistry is still there and finally after multiple run-ins, misconceptions later they hook up. The end.
2. Handsome guy, dead wife, has a baby – hires a nanny. Enter the girl, loves the job, loves the guy – can’t think anything can happen. Of course they do. The end
3. Boy meets girl (or vise versa). They hook up. Something happens, they part. Girl gets pregnant, does not tell boy (or maybe cannot for some ‘big’ reason). They meet. Boy still has the hots for the girl. Girl is not sure what he wants. Boy figures out he is the dad, upset now wants to marry and do the right thing. Girl disagrees, she wants love not pity. Blah Blah they figure out in the end (of course) they truly love. The end
4. Smart workaholic lady, meets her rival in a guy who either is in the same profession or has just bought become her boss. They quarrel. They love each other. Oh brother!
5. Girl traveling to some foreign location. Meets the guy, thinks he is a beggar. Goes on road trips, falls in love. Realization that the guy is the prince of the country. Oh my! In comes the lady vixen, of course the lady is no match (or so she thinks). Finally girl realizes that the guy loves her and the vixen is his step cousin (or something else)! Aha!

Another 5 more, just twist the boy/girl around.

I don’t know when I got over it (finally, maybe) and moved on. I read the great works of literature – Shakespeare, Jane Austen, Alice Walker, and the fictions in between – the Grishams, the Sheldons, the Pattersons.

But yesterday when we went to the library I saw three M & B’s. and I took it! OH DEAR!! Am I losing it? Of course, I haven’t read it yet … but now I am feeling guilty.

What should I do?
a) Read them and pretend I did not & sell it back to the library,
b) I hide them in the closet for a rainy day,
c) Or should I just leave it in plain sight for who actually cares what I read – they are probably better (or worse) than reading the tabloids!

What do you say?

Another question will it even thrill me anymore? Probably not ... the last time (years ago) when I read it, it was hiding it from Amma, not really knowing the world and its ways, probably not knowing any better. Maybe now just for that sake alone - reminisce - I should read one .. what do you think?

A walk down Memory lane

Timepass tagged me on this one – seemed easy enough but now I have realized that I probably need to write a lot more to take this detour. Anyway, here goes

"Post 5 links to 5 of your previously written posts. The posts have to relate to the 5 key words given : family, friend, yourself, your love, anything you like. Tag 5 other friends to do this meme. Try to tag at least 2 new acquaintances (if not, your current blog buddies will do) so that you get to know them each a little bit better."

Family – A poem for Amma & some best wishes for my dad on his birthday

Friend – Not really about a friend, but some things that brought back a lot of memories from my childhood days

Yourself – This is the one that I think has been the most emotional and painful to document

Your love – Hmm, I haven’t written much about my dashing, handsome, knight … have I?. Though he is mentioned on many of my posts, you would think I should have our love story posted at some point. Ok note to myself, but for now here’s one that I wrote on his birthday and on father’s day

Anything you like - My first official Mother’s day


And now to tag my “virtual buddies”
Edappal In hopes that this gets you out of hibernation!
Swati - who is just settling in after a big trip. Here's something more 'to do'! :)
Hiba’s mom - here's a virtual scrapbook for you!
Preethi – A new visitor - how about I tag you? Sorry, if I am not playing nice! But I would to love to know more about you.

Update on daycare

According to the daycare Kutie’s day one without family went well. He cried for only 5 mins and then was happy to play with other kids – and joined in on the circle time and peek-a-boo games. When my parents when to pick him up after a couple of hours he looked cheerful.

Lets hope the sunny days are here to last!

BTW, I have been corrected by the daycare to refer to them as 'teachers' rather than 'aunty'. Will this daycare give exams and homework as well? Sigh.

I acquiesced

Almost everyone I talk to suggest that we just leave Kutie alone and let him cry and he will learn to stay on alone. So today, without much heart we have left him at daycare (no grandma to help him around), with my parents going to pick him up later today. I know, I know, my brain tells me this is most likely the best way. I still say most likely – only because, no one seems to have tried out any other method than letting kids go at first. Colleagues have stayed on for 5-10 mins and no more, some have tried half days but that’s about it. I am not saying my method will be any better but ….

She never quite leaves her children at home, even when she doesn't take them along. ~Margaret Culkin Banning

Grown don't mean nothing to a mother. A child is a child. They get bigger, older, but grown? What's that suppose to mean? In my heart it don't mean a thing.
~Toni Morrison, Beloved, 1987

Anyways, today he will be alone at daycare. My parents would probably pick him up in a couple of hours, and if all goes well, we could just increase the time over the next two weeks, is the plan.

Thanks little Aryan, for your lovely flowers, it certainly made our day. I will show it to little Kutie in the evening.

I would like to pass it on to my parents, who I am sure are already missing the little guy, being away from them for a couple of hours. With just a few weeks remaining of their trip, I understand how sad they are to leave the little guy. I will be missing my confidante, my support (I know you will be only a phone-call away, but it was just great to have you with us) and Kutie – I am just not sure how he will react. He has grown so attached to his Ammamma – asking her to give him food every time, calling Muthu over to play with him – it will definitely take some time to adjust. He has learned much from them in ways of learning to talk, to pray, and has enjoyed the special attention only grandparents could shower on their grandkids.

I would pass it to my dear son, hope you grow big and strong. I wish you will enjoy your time away from us at the daycare, at school, and always know - we love & adore you.

And last but not the least, I pass it on to my dear honey ... in hopes that I get real ones on the 14th! * hint, hint * :)

I pass the wonderful roses along to -
Cee Kay: I am sure we all need a dozen roses and blessings always. So here's one for you - in hopes that everything works out for you always. It been great to know you through your blog ... hope we keep in touch always.

Hiba's mom: Best wishes always and forever. Sorry I haven't stopped by recently, but things have been busy at our house. (hope this makes up for it) :)

Sad little me

Kutie started daycare today (with my parents going back to India in 2 weeks) we decided to ease him in. The whole weekend, knowing that the little guy will have troubles up ahead, made me sad and disappointed. I wished and prayed for a miracle – maybe the president would change the rule and let grandparents stay for years rather than the six months if you have the visa, maybe the company I work at would pull a new policy for mommies to work at times that suit them and not the regular 8 hours, maybe I could win a million dollars and not have to pay tax on it either.

Since none of the possibilities came true over the weekend, I moved my prayers to hope and wish that the daycare will be a smooth ride for Kutie, hopefully he will make friends easily and adjust quickly.

With all our prayers, honey dropped him off and as expected he cried straight for ½ hour. I had asked my mom to stay back, just so that it might help him, but smart as he is, he was pretty sure on what was happening. He kept calling for his dad and after a while “poova” (let’s go) to his grandma. When I spoke to the day care ‘aunty’ she was of the opinion that I should just leave the little guy alone from tomorrow and that he would adjust quicker. I beg to differ; wouldn’t it scare the hell out of the little guy? Wouldn’t it feel like his parents just ditched him off?

Apart from this, was this other email at work that I need to attend a seminar for a week in Vegas – this means not only me being away from my little one that I will need to deal with myself, but also the fact that the two guys will be left alone to deal with themselves. With no family near, I cannot turn to anyone for help for the 4 days I will be away. The seminar is months away, and hopefully Kutie will adjust to day care by then and honey can drop him off for a couple of hours and work from home … but these are all “what if” situations that scare the heck out of me!

There goes my heart

I know not how to breathe
I know not the fear that grips
The darkness gathers
Could you bring it back …there goes my heart
I hear the thuds (loud and clear)
A step ahead, a step further
I know not how to reach, for
now forever my heart lives outside.

Things I would rather spell ...

Now that Kutie has learnt so much, and understands so much, we need to spell the words rather than say it out loud. You ask why? ‘Coz he understands! Duh!

M-i-l-k – No I cannot say “paal” or milk in front of him (or even when he is in other room) he knows it. At times, when I get up from the sofa to warm up the milk, he stops from whatever else he might be into and runs into the kitchen, running, crying desolately that someone would think, we don’t feed him a thing! The milk cup might still be in the microwave, and the seconds are counting down, & you can see him running in circles crying “Paalu, Paalu”, and finally when the microwave buzzes, he holds his arms up so we can hold him and he can see better. Again, he has no patience to give me the time, to pour the milk out into his cup, put some sugar and to close the lid. It’s like “Don’t you know mom, I wanted it 5 minutes ago?"

B-i-s-c-u-i-t – “Can I eat this thing all day? See, Amma I can hold it, break it, eat it, dirty my hands and mouth; its fun Amma … Can you just give it to me, NOW” Sorry Kutie, this is a treat, not the snack that you can eat anytime you are hungry. Can I give you something else … instead of biscuit …….. (Wailing) naaaaaaaaaaaaah! Nah! Nah! Shoot. Now I can’t even go to the shelf where we keep it, for every time I open it, he thinks it’s to take out the b-i-s-c-u-i-t!!!

Other things, that you need to be careful to say to Kutie – Truck – otherwise you better show him one real quick (picture or real), don't tell him you are going to the bathroom (unless you want a 18 month onlooker), wear a Saree and he will continually say "Tummy" - meaning he can see your tummy!

Another thing, tell him you are leaving for work and leave immediately otherwise he will tell you "Bye" and show you to the door as well! :(

A to Z about me!

Tagged by Swati

A - Available? – hmm … maybe ..
B - Best Friend – L, R and a few other good friends
C - Cake or pie – Neither – I prefer “khaara” to “meetha” unless its chocolates! ;)
D - Drink of choice – H20, lemonade
E - Essential thing used everyday - phone, laptop, my bag, car .. too many things to count... I am the Material Girl, please don't judge me!
F - Favorite Color – Brown, Black, Blue
G - Gummi bears or worms – neither, thanks
H - Hometown – technically Kerala, but Bombay for its closer to my heart (my childhood through teen life)
I - Indulgence - ice cream!
J - January or February – neither
K - Kids and names – one (for now), Kutie
L - Life is incomplete without – my family
M - Marriage Date – Sept 3
N - Number of siblings - none
O - Oranges or apples - Apples
P - Phobias or fears – Earthquake after my last experience
Q - Quote - A few here.
R - Reason to smile – my son
S - Season – Summer to play out, Rain if I could stay home, Spring for the flowers and Winter to cuddle up … so all of them.
T - Tag three people – Anyone who stops by and wants to play … (please let me know if you do it, though)
U - Unknown fact about me – hmm, lets just say its best to leave it unknown.
V - Vegetable you don't like – Karela
W - Worst habit – according to mom, I talk too loud! :(
X - X-rays you have had - Chest
Y - Your favorite food – Anything mom makes, especially tomato dal, jackfruit uperi, YUMMY!
Z - Zodiac - Scorpio

60 at 5?

If at 18 months Kutie has 18 motor vehicles - does that mean by 5 years he will have 60 of these? Honey I hope your company goes IPO soon! :)

Superstition or caution?

Superstition by nature means things that do not hold true, but the possibility of “what if it were true” bothers us so much that we would rather give-in to superstition than fight it. Last week when I mentioned about cricket, it led me to think about all the “stupid” ideas that I have either come to believe or follow just because it’s easier.

The evil-eye
The concept - that people have “the evil-eye”, and when they see your baby or child their “eye” could make your baby sick (in some way).

Seems ridiculous. First – why would your friends and family wish against you? Second – A lot of my friends have kids of their own – who are beautiful, intelligent (like my own), so why have the evil eye, plus he is too small for any other kids to feel competitive in anything! But ...

About 6 months ago, we went to a baby shower, met with friends we haven’t met in a while. People went ga-ga at Kutie who had just turned 6-7 months and was crawling everywhere. They were very impressed with his achievements. The next day he had a runny nose that lasted a week. Ok so someone from the group had a slight fever … maybe?!
What about the time, right after our Hawaii trip, we shared photos of little Kutie; everyone exclaimed how grown-up he looked, how cute etc. The next day, poor baby, kept running into things, falling everywhere. Coincidence … maybe?!
My colleague, who just got back from a trip today, told me a nightmare experience of her son being in the hospital, for he could not poop (he is better now). Of course, it could just be the different diet, time zone that caused indigestion but her parents are insisting it’s because of all the attention the baby got. Now she is Mexican and it looks like, like us they believe in the evil eye. (Though they have a different practice to “remove the evil eye” – put an egg under the baby’s bed)

Now even though my head urges me against entertaining such a ridiculous idea, my heart – my mother’s heart - will not agree, and I have to ask Amma to do a “remove the evil eye” routine.

Now there are a few that has been drummed into my head that its second nature for me – like not to cut nails after dusk (go to the spa instead), or not to call a person who is about to leave & almost out of the door (use cell phone instead, albeit few minutes later) or not to visit the temple during the 'inauspicious' days.

Many of these probably have no effects either on the follower or the non-follower, but are you willing to take that chance?

Cricket Fever ... where did it go?

There was a time, just a few years back, I loved watching cricket. Keeping scorecards and tallies were part of the normal routine in life. If nothing else, I would watch our neighborhood boys playing from my balcony(patio).

There would be at least 3 to 4 teams playing on the field. The older boys taking the maximum space of the field, the younger boys on a smaller pitch and the little ones on the colony road – my building was at the end of the street so the traffic was very low and from my vantage point atop the fourth floor, the view was fantastic. Of course, we never admitted to the boys that we watched them play, but I am sure they knew that we did. Ah! The tricks they would do to impress us – running around if they caught a ball, yelling at team-mates if someone missed the wicket or did not make that crucial run.

The field being very near the railway tracks, one good hit and the ball would go flying across to the tracks. Then there would be a debate on who should get the ball, often the batsman had to do it (since he threw it). This was great fun to watch too. For I often would have seen exactly where the ball landed. The poor batsman would climb up the wall that created the division between the track and the field and start to carefully look for the ball in-between all the trash that would be piled up on the tracks. (Of course we all new which tracks had trains coming and even roughly the in-between gap between each trains arrivals so no-one ever got hurt.)

Anyway, getting back to the point of cricket, it was a great times. I remember times (summer vacations) when we girls tried our hands on it. We would get the younger boys rounded up and play against them. We would either boss them up by saying that we have never played the game so needed more leniencies or never admit a catch, a six or anything in-between. Looking back, I think we enjoyed the arguments better than playing itself.

And then there were the real shows – the Indian cricket team play-offs. Discussions would flow on how well they or they did not perform. If it was the world cup or some crucial game no one would be out playing that evening. After the game, there would be discussions on how the team played or not.

Then there were the superstitions – one of the girls claimed that if she watched, the Indian team is sure to lose. She said it often enough that I started to believe it myself … (ah such stupid trivial stuff)

When I moved to US, it was this excitement that I missed. I tried to keep track of the games through the internet. But reading about a game is very different than watching it, living it. Slowly over the years, I kept little to minimum track of the every day plays. I still loved the game, but somehow the former glory disappeared.

A month ago, we moved from Comcast cable to DIRECTV cable and now have 24 hour access to the cricket from all over the world. And can you believe it; I barely tuned in. What have the last 7 years turned me into? Is it the game (I hope not), is it me (I hope not either)?

This also brings up another point – what will my son like a few years from now. If its one of the American sports, could I sit with him and follow it? I probably will need a crash course in understanding all the rules & players for game so I will at least be able to make a decent conversations. The trails of parenthood continues ...

Happy U

18 cool things that Kutie says apart from calling all us

1. Iyye-ya-po (if you say Swami-yee)
2. Chulbuli (A You-Tube favorite for lunch and dinner time)
3. L –ka – di (for the song from maasoom – lakadi ki kati)
4. Trrr-ruck (truck)
5. Kaar (car)
6. Buus (bus)
7. Pooo-nnaa (Poona – if you ask him where his paternal grandma is)
8. Poo-aa (lets go)
   
9. Vee-nam (I want)
10. Ye-nee-Que (get-up)
11. Pa-aal (milk)
12. Pa-tuu-ma (for panjara or sugar)
13. Maa-mu (food – lunch/dinner)
14. Bee-s-kat (biscuit – cookies)
15. Han-ga-roo (hanger – some one tell me why he likes to add the ऊ ending!)
16. Ellow (yellow – the only color in the world)
17. Goo-noo-tt (good nite)
18. (H)appy U (his version of Happy Birthday to You)

To be or not to be, that is the question

The blog-o-sphere is a growing large by the minute. You can visit corners of the world in a manner of minutes - I have been the ‘silent’ Blogger for quite a while – lurking at other wonderful blogs, making very few comments where acknowledge my presence and even maintaining a level of anonymity on my own blog.

Honey often suggested that he would let all our friends and family know about my blog; but I made him swear he will never do that! Not that, our friends would find anything here that they probably already did not know about us, but I loved the level of anonymity through the online medium. My argument in favor was when you visit a new city, a new town you do not give out your bio every person you meet – though you might suggest to your friends how wonderful the place was and even recommend that they too see its wonders.

When I started to visit other blogs, I often landed on great blogs with humor, culture, fiction and with visitors & commenter’s reaching a 20-30 or more per article. Often reading the comments I would realize that people have made “virtual” friends who visit each other blogs often. This made me wish for the same thing. I have started to wonder would it be so bad to let my family/friends know that I write – I don’t think my writing is all that bad (though I agree it may not be the best either). But apprehension creeps in.

So to my limited viewer-ship I pose the question - which is better?

• To let others aware that you visited them today (leave a comment, email)
• To know about visitors to your site
• To keep up with the anonymity
• Or compromise on both ends a little?

Almost a boy

18 months or 1.5 years or 788 923.149 minutes. Any way I look at it - its time that has flown by the seconds!! Kutie will be turning 18 months next week and I am overwhelmed with emotion and excitement.

This is of course probably one of the wonderful times with little Kutie - on the threshold of becoming a boy but still a baby ... responding to us with his little antics, his own language (for example - calling Muthashan - muthu, or using "t" sounds for words starting with "s"). Throwing such cute temper tantrums (stopping his feet and running in a circle) that it makes you laugh out loud. Shaking his butt on hit Tamil songs. Wanting to read his "booka" right when I would pick up a book to read. Only saying "bye" when someone is on the phone, and then wanting to talk after to you hang up! Wanting to play rather than change the wet diaper. Insisting on watching Hindi cartoons on You Tube to eat lunch or dinner.

I am sure there will be many more things that Kutie will accomplish in the next years, that these little antics would most likely be seen as small things. But hopefully he will treasure these small glimpses into his past that will forever reside in my memory!

Duped by whom?

Interesting read based on my previous post! So was I duped by some random cheat or the big bad company?

Hit the Wall at Walmart

One of the best practices here in US is the policy of ‘gift card’. No, I am not talking about offering gift card for birthdays, and other functions, but the practice of stores giving out store gift cards when you return an item.

In theory this gives the customer the option of not only returning the item that they purchased or were given but also to buy something else instead. Now, the store is also pretty happy with the situation as I am sure more often than not, customers will forget about the gift card, misplace them and essentially they got money for an item that never left their store shelves.

I am sure that many ‘wise’ customers are aware of this and take precautions like keeping the receipt and the gift cards at a safe place and remember to make purchase quickly. But what happens when the store did not authorize your card correctly!!!

Here’s the story!

We bought a watch from Wal-Mart right before thanksgiving, along with some other stuff. After a few days, we realized that my mom (for whom the gift was) had a similar one and we decided to return this item. Being a lazy a**, that I am, I sent my dear honey on the errand.

At the store, of course (even with the receipt) they drilled him and entrusted a gift card as they (according to the salesperson) could not refund directly to the credit card as the purchaser (moi) was not present.

My honey came back with the gift card. Diligent that I was, I safely put the card into my purse. This Monday I finally got around to the shop to buy a few items. I double-checked that I had the gift card to ensure that I use it up.

After shopping (and I would add, for more items than the amount on the gift card) I reached the counter. Now the shocker! The sales person tries the card a couple of times and she get the message “Card not authorized”. Mind you, it does not say “no balance amount” or something to that effect. Not wanting to hold up the line, I purchase the items and move to the customer service section to ask them what the issue might be.

I explain what happened at the counter, and like clockwork, the salesperson tries the card one more time and gets the same message – Card not authorized. She asks me if I have the receipt of the receipt (the receipt that they give when the store gave me the gift card as refund) Ok now I am getting frustrated! Of course, I don’t have that. Sorry she cannot help me and informs me that she will call the manager.

After a few minutes, the manager arrives. Any guesses what she does after she heard about the issue – try the card – get the same message and ask me about the gift card receipt. I explain that I would not think about keeping the receipt after I have been provided a gift card by the store no less. She informs me that I will need to call the store manager the next day, and she will try to look me up with the help of ‘store web cams’ and provide me the refund!

Being pissed off helped me not to laugh at this outrageous comment! Can you imagine, a store manager on a call from customer going through various web cam pictures to figure out what item was returned and its price. How do you confirm the person on the phone is one and same? Have a web cam chat?

So long story short, the money on the card is lost plus the additional money (and time) lost in trying to get something else for the gift card amount. You would really think, I should return the new items that I purchased and try this all over again!!! Maybe this time follow the wise-geek advice to “ask the cashier to check the number on the card against the bar code … make sure the correct amount is on the card you purchased.” But then again when a VP of the company is caught up in gift card fraud, it makes you wonder will safety tips work?

Little droplets from heaven

Dark and desolate, the day begins
The mighty thunder not far behind
A plate of cookies by our side
We jump in bed,
hiding under covers
We take a peak
A bird is out, all wet
Maybe we can dance out in the rain!

The blue bird

A little boy, I see
Out by the fields, he plays
alone

A little woman, I see
Reading a book, she sees
the worlds she will never know

A little bird, I see
Fluttering around, dripping
blood

The boy runs, stops
at sight. She walks
away, a bird captive in her hands.

Happy 2008 Everyone!

Merry Christmas To All

Boo!

I ordered a Sesame Street Giggle Medical Kit from Amazon last weekend along with a few other items. This particular item was sitting “To be shipped” status for the past 5 days. I finally emailed them today AM about it and the response:

Updated Delivery Estimate: February 29, 2008 - March 3, 2008. Please approve this delay by Jan, 18.

WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?

This is totally depressing! This means now I have to drive to the mall, park someplace far, walk in the cold, look for the toys, stand in line and drive back!!




(Picture courtesy of Microsoft office clip art)

Online "Window Shopping" Anyone?

Amazon.com is a great website – I love it! Great products, at good prices. Having bought tons of things from it, it’s become one of my first stores for online shopping. Now here’s the issue – I never, that is until last week, gone on a shopping spree at Amazon. Unfortunately, I have realized with this Christmas shopping spree Amazon is not built for window shopping!!!

Here’s why (I hope someone from Amazon reads this!):

I am looking to buy something for Kutie – I don’t want to spend too much, but might consider buying a couple of items (more boxes under the tree) for him. I go to the toy department at Amazon. The big banner says “Deals” – Ok that’s good, it caught my eye and I go for it! Now here’s the problem. Sorting by age does not work! (Ok go ahead try it, I know you want to. Try Age 2 – 4 and you get a bunch of items that for “Recommended for 4 – 6 years”). I guess the engineer did not do a good job at filters. Of course its age 4 thats throwing it off, but come on I am sure there is some complex algorithm to fix it!

Another quibble, is the limited amount of pages that gets displayed, I cannot jump around! Maybe these are the effects of using Google for everything, but wish Amazon did the same. Only 3 pages displayed the first time, and then if you hit next its not 4, 5 & 6 but just 4!

Sorting by price may or may not work (I think I have figured out that it’s because of the category that you fall into). But when it works, it displays some crabby doll for $1 (this might be just me, but what do you do when genders dictate that I get cars for boys!); and when you want to move some pages ahead, you can’t – because it doesn’t display it!! Also, could you please tell me how many pages are there in all? I want to know ahead of time, if I need to go through 10 pages or 20 before I get to the last item!

Arrgh!

Of course, the argument against all of the above needed features is to give customers less options. But when filters are not working, and no end is in sight I would prefer to be given the choice of choices. Thank You!

Happy Birthday, Dad!

As the post title suggest, its dad’s birthday. It sort of had slipped out of my mind until yesterday when I happened to check the date. I wondered how I could make it special for the man that I adored, the handsome guy who taught me how to ride the bike and play badminton. He was always jovial and had a mischievous smile about himself (tha I now see in Kutie). Now retired, he keeps telling me that he seems to have a lot of time, but to me he is busier than ever. Traveling all across Bangalore in his little scooter – the new found freedom seems to have done wonders! The twinkle in his eye as he dashes across the busy streets is just of pure joy of being able to do things his own way!

Kutie seems to enjoy his company now as well. And in true grandfather mode, ‘Muthu’ is always in defense of the little guy. Often to my dismay, he would burst out laughing to his little antics that most likely would be one of the ‘wrong’ things that he might be doing. But I guess its grandfather’s prerogative.

But back to making the day special for my dad, I got him one book (since he is into reading), waited from Kutie to wake up to get him to give him the present. I was thinking of going out someplace, but with no car (another story, another time) we were restricted to our walks. But it was a great day and we did have a good walk. Overall it was a great day, and since it was weekend, it was nice relaxing Saturday. And I am happy to report with another holiday tomorrow it can be an extended celebration for the big guy!

Happy Birthday Dad/Muthu. Hope it’s was a great day!

The joys of holidays

- Elbowing into a parking spot
- Shopping
- Busy malls
- Long lines
- Crying babies on Santa’s lap (see what I mean here)
- Gift lists
- Not finding them
- Re-writing lists
Ah! The never-ending process!

Here's to 2007!

Few weeks remaining in 2007, so what do I do …. Make a list! What else did you expect?

1. 1 year olds – I really (if I had the money) would pay the money for a time machine today. I never thought I would want to go back in time for anything but to see Kutie all over again, would be wonderful. Its with full nostalgia and pride that I tell people that Kutie is big boy now.
2. Buying a home – Ok I have owned a lot of things – books, clothes, appliances, but a house tops all of them.
3. Having parents at home – The joy of having the morning cup of tea ready!
4. Being a mom – Yes I applied and I love the job so far, even for all its downsides.
5. Blank – now we all know why I am so bad at lists! Arrr

New Job Opening

{If anyone thinking of applying for the job and to all parents & grandparents, in appreciation for everything they do on a daily basis.}

POSITION :
Mom, Mommy, Mama, Ma
Dad, Daddy, Dada, Pa, Pop

JOB DESCRIPTION :
... Long term team players needed for challenging
permanent work in an often chaotic environment.

... Candidates must possess excellent communication
and organizational skills and be willing to work
variable hours, which will include evenings and weekends
and frequent 24 hour shifts on call.

... Some overnight travel required, including trips to
primitive camping sites on rainy weekends and endless sports tournaments in far away cities!

Travel expenses not reimbursed.

Extensive courier duties also required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

... The rest of your life.
... Must be willing to be hated, at least temporarily, until someone needs $5.
... Must be willing to bite tongue repeatedly.
... Also, must possess the physical stamina of a pack mule
and be able to go from zero to 60 mph in three seconds flat in case, this time, the screams from the backyard are not someone just crying wolf.
... Must be willing to face stimulating technical challenges, such as small gadget repair, mysteriously sluggish toilets and stuck zippers.
... Must screen phone calls, maintain calendars and
coordinate production of multiple homework projects.
... Must have ability to plan and organize social gatherings
for clients of all ages and mental outlooks.
... Must be willing to be indispensable one minute, an embarrassment the next.
... Must handle assembly and product safety testing of a half million cheap, plastic toys and battery operated devices.
... Must always hope for the best but be prepared for the worst.
... Must assume final complete accountability for the quality of the end product.
... Responsibilities also include floor maintenance and
janitorial work throughout the facility.

POSSIBILITY FOR ADVANCEMENT & PROMOTION :

None.

Your job is to remain in the same position for years without complaining, constantly retraining and updating your skills, so that those in your charge can ultimately surpass you.

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE :

None required, unfortunately.

On-the-job training offered on a continually exhausting basis.

WAGES AND COMPENSATION:

... Get this! You pay them while offering frequent raises and bonuses.

... A balloon payment is due when they turn 18 because of the assumption that college will help them become financially independent.

... When you die, you give them whatever is left.

The oddest thing about this reverse-salary scheme is that you actually enjoy it and wish you could only do more.

BENEFITS:

While no health or dental insurance, no pension,
no tuition reimbursement, no paid holidays and
no stock options are offered; this job supplies limitless opportunities for personal growth, unconditional love and free hugs and kisses for life if you play your cards right.


FOOTNOTE:
THERE IS NO RETIREMENT -- EVER!!!

I loved this FWD email that I received today, wish I had read it in 2006 :)

A recuring dream?

Me: (to a boy who is ready to hit the bed) Let’s go Kutie, its time for bed. Lets change your diaper, brush your teeth and get to bed.
Boy: (stamping little feet) AAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Me: We can play with the cars tomorrow, now its time for bed
Boy: (inching further away, car still in one hand) AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA
Me: Come on, let’s go.
(Few minutes pass by and we go through the same conversation again)
(Finally picking the squirming baby)
Boy: Wailing loud
Me: (trying to distract) Look at the clock, its late. See the Tweety bird, its going to fly away, if you don’t stop to cry.
Boy: (trying hard to get away) Wailing louder
Me: Almost done. There we go!

I pick up the little one, and move towards the bathroom.
Me: Let’s brush our teeth. How do we do it?
Boy:(doing the brushing action, with one hand) eeeeeeeee – eeeeeeeee
Me: Here we go, brush, paste lets do it
Boy: (looking horrified) Nooooooooooooooooooo
Me: Let’s do it together
Boy: (moving the head too fast) Crying

10 minutes later, boy still crying, but teeth clean!

Me: Ok all done, stop crying dear one. We are done
Boy: (not too sure yet) sobbing
Me: Shall we go to bed?
Boy: (Nodding yes)
Me: Shall we say ‘Good night to everyone’?
Boy: (nodding)
Me: Here’s Muthu
Boy: Gunut
Granpa: (laughing) Goodnight, little one
Boy: Ammammama ….
Grandma: Yes dear
Boy: Gunut
Grandma: Goodnight dear, sleep well
Boy: Attta
Me: Honey, he is calling you.
Boy: Atta
Honey: Ah, yes
Boy: Gunut
Honey: Good nite
Me: Shall we go?
Boy: (nodding)

Entering bedroom
Boy: Phan
Me: Ok lets switch on the fan
Boy: (smiling, jumping on the bed!)

Can you guess, whose recurring dream reality this is?

Bring out the cheer! Bring out the good-will!
Santa is coming to town!


Graphic courtesy www.coolholidaygraphics.com

A time traveller

Years ago, I had met one my dad's friends who had just retired then. When my dad asked him about how he spends his time now, he chuckled and said that he is having a time of his life! He is now able to spend hours on end with his grandson - playing, napping, eating and seeing things through innocent little eyes. He mentioned that he was unable to do the same with his own two sons, since he was often busy at work. I remember this incident now, every time I am at work, away from my little one.

Time is such a intricate part of life and its best seen through the eyes of your parents and children. Parents can tell you stories of what even you might have forgotten from your past, of bygone years, of ways to do things that are today unheard of… Today I see it though my son. Each day, he is doing something new – saying a new word or even trying to say it, because it wasn’t there yesterday and he will soon grow out it!

In another 25 years, it might be my son writing up a blogs about his mother – her ‘old’ ways that now interfere with the his ‘new’ thinking! Ah! the pains of growing up ...

Mahalo!

What a wonderful time we had. Kutie was scared of the ocean at first, but after two days he settled into it as if he had know it for ages. He played in the white beaches - running & walking. Since it was a great weather he walked around everywhere and enjoyed not being couped up inside the house.

Honey and Dad, went para-sailing and snorkeling - enjoying every minute of a fun-filled adventure. I completely forgot about work, home and everything in between in the few days of glorious sunshine.

Look at this beautiful sunset and beaches and wouldn't you thank the wonderful God for giving us an opportunity to see His wonderful creations! Mahalo!

Sunset on the beach



























Aerial view of the beach

The S word

10 Words that describe our wonderful Hawaii trip!

Sun
Sand
Summer
Shopping
Sand castle
Shore
Shells
Snorkel
Sea
Scenic

Hawaii - Here we come!

ALOHA!!!
Sun, Sands, Summer

Can't wait for the Thanksgiving holidays to hit the sunny beaches of Hawaii. I am sure it will be greatest fun for all of us. Now I only need to figure out which stores might still have a few summer dresses ...

Merci beaucoup!

Mille fois merci!

To my dear mom, who read my last post and let me know that even if I probably get just a few readers, she loves my work and helps her to be connected to me, even when we are miles apart!

LOVE YOU LOTS, MUM - YOU ARE THE BEST!

Scrapbook of Memories

Each day passes into the night
Dreams are forgotten at daylight.
A lifetime of thoughts goes unwritten,
Flights of fancy never fulfilled.

Scribbling thoughts into paper
Making them stay awhile
Strokes that now color them
Often going by unnoticed!

Why write, if no one reads it?
Why write, if no one ever finds it?
Pieces in black and white,
Can they just be a scrapbook of memories?

Growing Wiser?

Growing wiser or not! Don’t care – as long as I get flowers, chocolates, perfumes for my birthday. HA!


Thank you my dear friends and family for letting me know that I am loved each day!
Thank you!

Vineyards

Pictures from our trip

Breathtaking view of the vineyards

Up close & Personal look at the what makes a great wine!

'Tis the season

Until a few years back, winter weekends were kind of fun times – sleep-in, take it slow, watch movies cuddled up under a million blankets. Back in India and even when I moved to Dallas, winters were a welcome change from the long summer days of heat and sweat.

California winters are lot darker and bit too dreary. It often rains during the winter months making it worse. I generally don’t prefer to drive and during times like this, it puts a full-stop to any enjoyment.

With the time change, it’s official that shorter days and longer nights are here for the next few months. I feel especially sad for my little boy, whose little list of outdoor fun is down to zero. No more walks in parks, or rides on the swings. I checked lots of websites in trying to figure out some activities for the little guy, but most activities are for toddlers 2 years up. One bright spot on the horizon is the library. Twice a week I can take him there to read a few books, attend a story-time session and just meet up kids his age. One of my co-workers suggested going to the mall which seems like a good idea as well.

The one other ray of sunshine are all the festivals that are round the corner – Diwali, Thanksgiving holidays, Christmas, New Years. With a few holiday weekends round the corner, I am exited to be able to get more time to spend with family and friends and have a good time! (of course how this will impact my Lakshya is another story!)

Trrruck, Caar, Buus

Have you taken a road trip with a 15-month old? It’s bound to be eventful, I can bet that much! Today we decided to drive up to the wineries and with not that much planning ahead; we piled the car with toys and some snacks. I was dreading the loud cries that we might be subjected to from Kutie, being in the car - all cooped up in the car-seat.

What a surprise then that Kutie enjoyed the ride. He loved watching the trucks, cars and buses drive by and shouted at every one of them.

“Trruck!” “Big trruck!” “Uncle!”, “Buus”, “Caar” – was what you have heard all the way!

In-between he would do a roll-call by calling each of us out – ‘Amma (moi), Aatha (for achan-dad), Moothu (for muthashan- grandpa), Ammamma (grandma). We all had to answer & confirm that we are present. Wonder if he was a teacher in past life?

Once we got to Napa, he enjoyed the cable car ride and running around the grounds. We had beautiful warm weather and with the color-change on the leaves the place was picturesque.

On our way back, we had to stop at Mac Donald’s to get milk for Kutie – and they charged us $2 for the milk, another $2 for a cup. So note to self: Pack extra milk and variety of snacks – for you never know if your trip would turn out to be longer than expected and you cannot predict toddler behaviors!

The journey overall was enjoyable and we got home 2 wine bottles to enjoy!

The Lion Roars

It was great fun Halloween (except for the after-shocks that we got in the afternoon at work). Kutie was happy to wear his little costume and carry around the 'large pumpkin' basket and go to the neighbors. Of course, when we got there he would rather be picked up and ‘be safe’ in our arms. But as a first real Halloween for him, it was great fun for us to watch this little lion run around wagging his tail and blowing kisses to everyone.

Trick 'r Treat

(graphic courtesy of coolholidaygraphics.com)

Shivers from the dark

The day started just as usual, the skies were a bit gloomy, perhaps in anticipation? Since our office was throwing a Spooktacular Halloween event, I decided to work from home so that I could take Kutie for the event. By afternoon, the skies cleared and we made our way to office. Kutie dressed up as a lion (I had to fool Kutie to make him think that it was a hooded jacket), looked so cute and happy. At first he was a bit scared to see so many people, but within minutes he settled down. Bunch of colleagues had brought their kids and with all the shows put up, it was a fun time!

We got home and then after a quick walk to the park and back, we settled into the nightly activities of setting up for dinner. As mom was feeding the baby, I decided to catch some TV shows that I have missed over the past weeks (thanks ReplayTV). Dad was in the other room reading news on the internet, and honey just came home and joined me in the living room.

Right then, the earth shook! Yes literally!!!

With a look of utter disbelief I turned to my husband – his face held the same expression. A second later, he said – “It’s an earthquake!” I jumped out of the sofa and ran to the family room and screamed “Get the baby out of the highchair”. A second later, dad was asking should we get out of the house. Standing with Kutie in my arms, I was urging everyone to get underneath the doorway (that was the only thing that I could remember from my survival studies). The moment passed – all was calm.

Neighbors started pouring out confirming our fears, that it was indeed a severe quake though most of us were well. We went back in and tried calling our friends. Of course, lines were jammed for a while.

The news came on 10-15 minutes later about a 5.6 magnitude shake whose epicenter was about 8 -9 miles from our house. A chill ran down our spine!

Throughout our late night dinner, the discussion centered on what we did and did not do. I did not want Kutie running far from me and kept him close, within my arms reach until bedtime.

Having a real life scare right before Halloween is kind of weird and surreal. It was my first quake experience and boy was it a scare! Of course I am happy that everyone was ok and there were no major mishaps, but hope to God I don’t go through one again this lifetime!

Thank You! Lord!

Happy Navratri

This Sunday marks the beginning of the 9 day festival of Navratri (9-nights) - celebrating through 9 nights and 10 days - Goddess Durga. Its a celebration of good triumphing over evil.

We celebrate with nine nights of Garba (traditional Gujarathi dance) and prayers. Its a great time of vibrant colors and songs.

Since Kutie got one of the traditional outfits from our cousin's mom, I wanted to try it on. We went to the temple on Sunday - of course honey was complaining that the shirt looks more like a dress! But believe me he looked so cute and handsome! I just loved it.

Back in Action

All moved in, the unwanted pile of boxes have moved into the garage and we sort of know where everything went. So what do I do next, go back on to school for my project management classes. I am hoping to get everything done by May of next year, so I take the weekend classes which sucks badly as now time with family is reduced to one Sunday!

I am in middle of the lunch break at this class, no distractions as everyone is out of the classroom (and having done with lunch myself) I can peacefully sit and write. But the blank white sheet stares at me as not one cohesive thought comes to mind to write about.

So many events have taken place – Kutie got his first haircut – a complete shave! Two reasons – First he never seemed to have hair and one suggestion was a complete shave to let new hair grow in its place – a fresh start so to speak. Its also part of the tradition to give babies a full shave in the first years of life. We were unsure of how to do this as we are not familiar with any salons doing a full shave for babies, so we decided to take a stab at it ourselves. I held Kutie in my arms and my honey sat with the razors. We heard a few cries of protest but overall Kutie was a trooper and now he looks so different from his usual self now that we see his complete round, bare head!

Kutie is growing up to be a wonderful talkative mischievous one year old. It is so wonderful to see the inquisitive curious brain at work. I thank Lord Guruvayoorappan again each time he smiles, laughs and runs into my arms!

Round Three: Lets the games begin

Its been ages since I posted about my lakshya or g and no prizes to the correct guess – I have been avoiding it. No & I did get my desired weight and my son is almost 15 months, and I am miles away from my goal. So many things pushed me off – house hunting, school, work … Fine they are excuses but they are real.

So why am I writing about it again? My hall-of-shame – should be deleted from my blog!!! If I had the guts, I think I would do it. Or maybe the day I hit rock bottom … Since that hasn’t happened and there is a silver lining I am writing about it again!

Our office opened a new gym and with a colleague joining forces with me, it been fairly easy to hit the gym for at least for about 30 mins each day. So new ground rules:

• Hit the office gym 5 days at lunch hour for a full hour
• Hit the stairs
• Avoid the sweets
• Check back more often

Lets hope I am older, wiser and will be able to keep it up. Jinx me not!

Witches, Ghosts, & Scary Stuff!

Halloween is almost here! Candy & Dress-up what more would a kid want?



Today when I pass by the local Target or Home Depot store, I show the little scary monster, witches & skeletons to Kutie and he just looks at it and smiles. He thinks of them as just things that seem to lit up and make noise. (the only thing that he seemed scared about was when the monster made a loud 'arrrrrrrrrrr' sound). I guess fear is a learned behavior to most extent.

Now that we have moved (& settled) into our new house, I am hoping that our neighbors are into Halloween, so that I can do some decorations, get an outfit for Kutie to go trick-or-treating! If nothing, I guess since Kutie can walk now I will be able to take him to my office for a some quick Halloween treats and fun! Now, if only I can decide what Kutie should be - a wizard, a ninja, a lion, a superhero or .... Lets go shopping!

(graphic courtesy of coolholidaygraphics.com)

Pile of boxes

I am sure everyone has been through the pains of moving and settling into a new house, felt the distress of not finding that right cup for your morning tea, or having to browse through a pile of clothes the next morning to get to work! I think the worst part is cleaning out the old apartment and making sure you move the last remaining pile of boxes!

Through all this Kutie is showing signs of discomfort as well! Poor guy, he seems so lost. He was without his favourite toys for two whole days before we were able to open it for him, he is most likely missing his friends from the apartment too.

But one blessing was that he started to walk last week (on Grandparents Day, no less) and since then he got at least a week's head start before we moved into the house with complete hardwood floors. I can't imagine the pain of walking on fours on hardwood floors! Of course, Kutie seems to enjoy walking and making loud noise on the floors. Once his cars were out in the open, he seemed to have more fun in driving it, now that it moves faster and makes even more noise (even without the music turned on).

But the pile of boxes still remains! I am hoping that we get done with most of them by this weekend - otherwise I am sure the pile of boxes will just be transfered into the garage where its likely to sit for another century!

Lord Ganesha

I just find it amazing how many things tie humans together - and for the most part we miss them out completely!At least within my limited capacity of knowledge ( and I know I am not a scholar on anything) I notice so many irrefutable things.

Today is Ganesh Chatruthi and for many Indians marks the beginning of a lot of festivals and celebrations in the coming months. During my childhood days, our neighborhood would put up a pandal and have the celebrations in a grand scale for 5 days. Each night the kids would put up shows (dances, songs, magic tricks) and it would turn into an informal competition - especially our group and another building group. It would be a a matter of great honor to ensure that we get the majority of praise the end of our program. Today as I turn around and look at my childhood self, I want to tell her to stop being so aggressive and have more fun instead. I am sure the next generation is going through the same thing - though the groups have changed - and new affiliations have formed.

Listen to a baby's babble, see them walk, see them trying to get our attention - all of them - blue eyed or brown, blonde or brunette - they all do the same thing!

I hope Lord Ganesha - the remover of obstacles - brings us the knowledge and understanding and brings everyone closer together!

Painting, Cleaning and Moving ...

House-warming is done, & we got some painters to paint the house. But our major work of packing and moving still remains.

Last couple of weeks were spent in ensuring that painters do a decent job and shopping around for new appliances. My parents arrived the day after labor day and its been a great blessing. Kutie adjusted pretty quickly to them and is growing very fond of them. He is pretty good with new people, especially loves kids and the attention from grown-ups.

This weekend is the big move. I am sure it will take us weeks before we find a place for each of our stuff and settle into life in the neighborhood. But the actual moving and cleaning out the old apartment- is so much of work that it almost bores me.

Wish I could just blink my eyes and transport everything to its place in the new house!

Our little dream home ...

A good home must be made, not bought.
Joyce Maynard, "Domestic Affairs"

My home is not a place, it is people.
Lois McMaster Bujold, "Barrayar", 1991 US science fiction author

And my favorite --
Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home.
John Howard Payne (1791 - 1852)

Grihapraveshnam

A big event for home-owners, its the ritual to boil milk, basically lit the fire in the kitchen for the first time ever. It is considered auspicious to spill milk as its a sign of prosperity and well-being.

We decided to conduct our house-warming ceremony on the first day of Onam which is a great day and the Muhurtam was set for 6 AM to 6.20 AM early morning on August 26th. We invited some close friends over for the simple event and breakfast afterwards.

We woke up early that day, took a bath and headed over to our new house. We were running a bit late, & got to our house only by 6.10 or so. My honey and I entered the house and I let the diya and placed some flowers at the altar of Lord Guruvayoorappan.

Then we rushed to the kitchen, to lit the stove and heat the milk. We had a new vessel especially bought for the ceremony and we waited anxiously to see the boiling of milk. As if on cue, our friends arrived in time to see the spilling of milk. Since it is considered "prasadam" we decided to make some payasam out of the same milk for everyone.

My mother-in law and her friend started to make idly and tea for everyone. I played the grand hostess and walked everyone around our new house. Kutie was at his best behaviour (even though he woke up very early) playing with everyone and running around the large empty house. He seemed to enjoy the hardwood floors and crawled around with so much noise that we were afraid that he will get hurt!

We came back to our apartment for lunch and to get some rest. As it is customary to sleep in the new house on the day of grihapraveshnam we went back home. Next day being Monday, we had to get up early and rush back to our apartment to get ready for work.

All in all, the event was a great! It was interesting to wake up in our house and move around. I find myself dreaming of what it will be like to have actually move in here ... which would not happen until 2nd week of September.

Dream Home

Yes, we are finally done with our house hunt! We got our dream home(today we got the keys). A nice little cozy house where we are going to build our home!

What a roller-coaster ride it was!

During the last 6 months, weekends were spent in checking out open houses, looking at real-estate websites and running all around the Bay area. Sometimes irritated with our agent, at times tired of checking out bad houses, its been one big journey. Offers fell through and there was a point when I thought this was not going to happen for us! But now all that is in the past!

This is my first official house and I have mixed feelings about it. I am elated at owing a property, thrilled at the prospect of decorating it, scared out of my mind knowing how much I owe the bank! I guess, mixed feelings are part of anything new....

"I may be small, but I am the BOSS"

Yes! Thats what I hear from my little one year old! Well no! He can say only a couple of words, most are still unintelligible, but I can tell by his behavior that's what he is thinking!

Take away his favourite toy or be a second late in getting his food ready, he will crawl away from you, turn around and cry out loud. And then suddenly the tears flow, his eyes look so disappointed, that you give in!

I know, I know, you are going to tell me who is the adult, but common on - you look into the eyes of a cute one year old and tell them No ... and see if they understand! Think about it ... poor baby, they seem to understand most of what we say to them, they are learning to walk, to explore. Unfortunately they are not the best communicators yet. Even now, the only tool they have are cries, yells and tears! Wouldn't you do the same thing if you were in their shoes - say in a foreign land, and no understanding of their speech!

Babies (and adults in a foreign land) learn to communicate as best as they can. They tell you (my son points to objects, makes various sounds to show us his displeasure or needs) but we often understand it a bit late! And for my son, that delay is unacceptable! I am sure he will learn patience (hopefully) and until then he gets to be the boss! (Sort of!)

Picture Time

Here are some pictures from our trip to Lake Oroville

The Ride over the Dam

View of the Lake

The Marina

Trip to Lake Orville

Kutie's birthday was a great day. He was at his best behavior (like always) and everyone had fun. The event went by without much hiccups (we could not get the music system to play, and we forgot all about ice cream with cake, though guests got a second round of desert). The day ended with a peaceful yawn from Kutie.

Since all his cousins were here, the house feels full with all the noise - the kids are always on Playstation, we are trying to catch up with all the gossip our sisters and inlaws and Kutie trying to squeeze in more attention with his cute antics! It was a great reunion.

We decided to treat ourselves and we made a trip to Lake Orville. It was a nice 3 hour drive, without any major events. We got to the hotel, checked in and went out for a drive along to see the dam and the part of the lake. Monday we had planned to be in water all day long with our sea-doo and water boats. Since the kids were underage, we took turns in taking them in the water for a full four hours. Blasting off at 6000 miles, riding the waves was truly fun for everyone. We did get a little sun burnt, but all in good fun.

After a picnic lunch and a little swim near the shores we got back to land tired and happy. We got back and after some time off, the elders went to sleep while we took the kids out to the river beach. The kids P and S had some fun time on the beaches. S was driving his new toy - a remote controlled car and even Kutie was awestruck with the toy. The day was finally over!

Next day we drove back home, and some of the guests started to leave and I realized that the party is finally dwindling down. I am not sure how Kutie will be next week, with everyone gone! Wonder if he will become fussy or get back into his old groove!

Either way, it was a great time ... summer with family and loved ones is one of the best gifts everyone should get. I only hope we can do this more often as Kutie grows up so that he will always have wonderful memories when he grows up.

Happy Birthday!

Happy First Birthday, my dear handsome son!

What a bright sunny day it is,
Glorious for you are with us.
We love you, dear son,
We wish you the very best.

Twelve months have flown by
You smiled, you cried
You laughed, you babbled
You crawled and you blew us a kiss,

Your grandparents are proud of you
And happy as can be!
They think you are a miracle,
Waiting to unfold!

Know that we will always be with you
Helping you every step of the way
We wish we can take away all your tears
And grant you all our best wishes.

We wish you all the happiness
We wish you lots of special friends
May you grow up strong,
May you have all that you wish for!

We think you are just perfect
You are our dreams, personified.
Our very own bundle of joy!
Happy First Birthday, my dearest one!

Almost there!

T minus 1

The guests have arrived, and Kutie has already taken a likening to his big cousin. Follows him around like a little puppy! We are almost ready for the big event.

Just hoping, wishing, praying for a nice, blissful event!

Oh my ears and whiskers, how late it's getting!

T-minus 3

My oh my! Oh my! I feel like the rabbit from Alice's world trying to find all the things that needs to get done soon. Cake, decorations, party list, outfits ... oh dear!!

The guests are pouring in - yesterday evening my aunt-in law and her husband came with their grandson. She is a very nice lady, really sweet. I am exited for Kutie to be meeting so many family members - we think it will be great exposure for him.

My work week has been very hectic - had to be on a call till 12 AM last night - hopefully this busy schedule will end soon and tonight I will get done with cake order and decorations and I will feel much better.

The Seven-Year Itch

Does it exist? Or is it like the Friday the 13th scare (of course this Friday is a 13th, so we will see)

Well, we are in our 7th year of marriage, and I think this is all a big hoax!! If it did, my parents missed their quite a few of their chances. Yes I agree marriages do fail, but if your love is strong it can go through anything. Of course its not easy...

Marriage means being a team, being together, being each others cheerleader! It also means being each other's critic, being each other friend (and friends do have arguments) and being each others advocate. There might be days when one is down, or needs that extra hug! While on other days one wants their own space. One thing to remember is that the person you love had a different lifestyle, a different upbringing (you might like bullseye, he might like an egg white omelet) but you love him/her for their differences. There is definitely a learning curve in understanding this complicated being that you love - its not easy, but its possible!

These are a few other wonderful thoughts that I have come to love ~

Happy marriages begin when we marry the ones we love, and they blossom when we love the ones we marry. ~ Tom Mullen

There is only one happiness in life, to love and be loved. ~ George Sand

It is only possible to live happily ever after on a day to day basis. ~Margaret Bonnano

I don't have any major advice, because I think we still have miles to go - but I do hope that we both live happily ever after and grow old together!

Good luck to all couples!

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Really close!!!

T minus 5

Really really close to the big day and now I am getting paranoid. Have I forgotten to invite someone, that I needed to? Have I done everything right? Still need to run to Diddums party store and get the supplies, Still need to reserve the cake? HELP!!!

Another crab in the family!

T minus 6

YUP! We have another crab in the family !!! Honey is also a cancerian, just like Kutie. (In fact he had hopes that Kutie, might be born on his birthday.)

And today, is my honey's nakshathira birthday. It was not that big an event; but we got him a Sudoko puzzle which he greatly enjoys and made a little feast in his honor. The weekend was quite busy with last minute shopping and some house cleaning before guests arrive.

Looks like the week ahead is going to very busy with guests, party organization, school exams (Yup I back to school on the Project Management courses) and of course work!!! Wish us luck!


HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
To A Wonderful Husband and a Great DAD!

Shopping

T minus 7

Only a week left for Kutie's big day ... so much left to do - goodies bag, candles, decorations needed to be bought for the party. Of course, we are still looking for a house as well. It was a busy day today.

A lot of things got accomplished - I am happy. Hopefully something will happen on the house hunt as well

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7/7/7 -- NICE DATE? Wonder if marriages, births are on an increase?

A Star Birthday

T-minus 8

Like many cultures, we follow the lunar calender for all the big events - birthdays, weddings. For birthdays, we follow nakshathira birthday or the star birthday - the star that you were born under. This generally means that you get two birthdays! One is your 'star' birthday and one the actual birthday (date of birth). The star birthday is a bit complicated because it is based on the lunar cycle and the patterns of solar system. There is no constant date of your star birthday. One year it might be a week before, next year it might days later. Either way, as a kid you get to enjoy two days of fun - and believe me thats all that matters!

Today is Kutie's Star Birthday - and it actually falls on the day he was supposed to arrive - I don't know if I should look for any *hidden* meanings - but its a nice coincidence.

Since its a big day I took PTO from work and decided to have a fun time with the little guy before all the guests start to arrive next week. I wanted to make it special family event. I was hoping to either go to the zoo if the weather was not too hot or go hang out in the pool - apart from the daily birthday oriented festivities of food, going to the temple, new clothes and of course presents!

Going out unfortunately did not materialize, but I still had a great time with Kutie. Kutie got up around 7 & after giving him a quick bath, he said his prayers (Such a cute thing - he will fold his hands and just babble something out) We opened the Lego Dump Truck that we got for him. Of course he still doesn't understand playing with the blocks, but he was quite happy with the dump truck and was pushing it everywhere around the house. I prepared a small sadya(feast), with the usual Malayalam dishes and of course payasam.

Since I had promised myself not to be sitting at the computer today, I played with him all day long. Only break was when he took his afternoon nap and I watched some TV.

It was a great relaxing on a hot summer day.

HAPPY STAR BIRTHDAY, My Dearest Son

Cars or Fireworks

T-minus 9

Do boys learn from the womb their expected gender roles?

I ask this because, we went to see the fireworks for the Fourth of July celebrations yesterday evening and even though Kutie looked at them he seemed to be more interested in the cars that drove by the street next to the big parking lot (where we camped up). Every time we would point to the new, colorful firework that blasted into the sky he would stare it for a second and then almost immediately turn his head to look at the car that zoomed past.

It was a weird scene - everyone looking at the wonderful mirage of colors in the sky and Kutie looking at the Fords, Toyotas, and Hondas!

The Countdown Begins

July 4th, 2007 - Happy Independence Day!!!

Its T-minus 10 & counting to Kutie's birthday!!!

Yes can anyone believe it? Last year on this day I was HUGE!!! Two days away from my due date. Nothing was happening - no contractions, no pain - we were only wondering when the little guy will show up! Daily visits to the Ultrasound became a routine and for me I was just plain hot and tired all the time.

This year, its a completely different story. The little guy is ready to kick butt! He is crawling, babbling and the biggest difference - The little guy is the center of attention!!!! (but eh! he still seem to prefer me over everyone else - so thats good)